The Minnesota Dairy Research and Promotion Council is seeking candidates to run for board positions in 11 districts. Those interested in running for a seat on the board should contact their local nominating chairs by Sept. 20.

Elected board members represent dairy farmers in their respective districts and make decisions regarding the expenditure of dairy check-off funds. Candidates should be active dairy farmers who are well-informed members of their community and interested in check-off promotion programs.

To run for the board in Winona, nominations can be called in to District 21 nominating chair Gerard Brogan at 507-932-3026. Nominations for Wabasha in District 17 can be called in to nominating chair Nate Arendt at 507-273-8411.

After the nomination deadline, a list of the candidates will be available from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Mail requests should be sent to Promotion Councils, 625 N. Robert St., St. Paul, MN 55155-2538. Election ballots will be mailed in late December.

Contact Ruth White by calling 651-201-6494 or 800-967-2474 with any questions.
Jana M. Snyder, 35, of Mondovi, pleaded no contest and was found guilty of two counts of resisting a police officer  causing bodily injury, and one count of possessing methamphetamine. Circuit Judge James Duvall scheduled a sentencing hearing for Nov. 30. Three charges of possession with intent to deliver narcotics, amphetamines and other drugs, two counts of bail jumping, and one count of possessing drug paraphernalia were read into the court record and dismissed.

Jordan M. Papenfuss, 31, of Blair, pleaded guilty to felony possession of narcotics and operating a motor vehicle while license suspended. A charge of second offense possession of THC was dismissed. He was sentenced to a year of probation, 21 days in jail, and payment of fine and assessed court costs totaling $718.50. Sixteen days of jail time was stayed on condition of complying with probation conditions that included counseling assessment.

Skymarie A. Johnson, 22, of Blair, pleaded no contest to a felony charge of possessing narcotics and entered a one-year deferred prosecution or sentencing agreement. Johnson pleaded guilty to possession of THC, amended from a misdemeanor to county ordinance forfeiture offense. She was fined $181.50. A charge of possessing a controlled substance was dismissed.

Robert M. Salewsky, 43, of Marinette, arraignment hearing Nov. 2 on felony charges accusing him of bail jumping and seventh offense operating while intoxicated. Salewsky also is accused of possessing drug paraphernalia and operating while license revoked. A Mondovi police officer arrested Salewsky on April 29.

Steven A. Rongholt, 44, of Mondovi, pleaded guilty to third offense operating while intoxicated. He was sentenced to 65 days in jail and fined $1,744. His drivers license was revoked for 24 months. A charge of disorderly conduct involving domestic abuse was dismissed.

Frank J. Bertollini, 35, of Juneau, jury trial scheduled Feb. 23 on a misdemeanor traffic charge accusing him of third offense operating while intoxicated, and one count of bail jumping. A final pre-trial hearing was set for Jan. 31.

Lindsey J. Brackin, 32, of Elgin, Minn., jury trial scheduled Dec. 7 on charges accusing her of second degree reckless endangerment of safety and neglecting a child. A final pre-trial hearing was set for Nov. 3.

Mark E. Schuh, 33, Eau Claire, case status hearing Oct. 4 on a misdemeanor traffic charge accusing him of third offense operating while intoxicated. Schuh pleaded not guilty in July.

Lucas A. Ronnenberg, 21, of Fountain City, case status hearing Sept. 20 on a misdemeanor charge accusing him of possessing THC. Ronnenberg entered a plea of not guilty in May.
What I want to hear from these candidates is what is their plan to fix the problems in our country? Dr. Oz went shopping and told us how much 
A grand gift will make its way to the Al. Ringling Theatre this week.

Baraboo pianist and teacher Nick Kelly is donating his 1921 Adam Schaaf grand piano to the theater, where itll be kept on the stage and used in performances. Itll be transported from his studio to the theater Thursday.

This will be a real benefit for our community partners as well as to the performers we present, said Stephanie Miller-Lamb, executive director of the Al. Ringling Theatre Friends. Nicks piano is a true gem. It has a lovely sound, a warm, mellow tone and its been lovingly cared for over its nearly 100 years, so its a beautiful instrument to see as well as to hear.

ART Friends previously rented pianos when a guest artist or community group needed one.

This donation not only provides the theater with a great piano, it also give us a gift of time, Miller-Lamb said. Nicks gift helps us bridge the gap, offering quality keyboard options to our partners and a cost savings to the theater.

Kelly has taught piano from his home studio for 25 years, and is looking to downsize. He first offered the piano to local schools, but they couldnt find a home for it. Kelly then turned to the theater, a venue whose grandeur helped convince him to move to Baraboo.

Here we have this beautiful theater, and there is not a nice piano on the stage, he said.

He bought the piano in 1967 in his hometown of Des Plaines, Illinois. He was working in Chicago as a graphic designer and art director, and made room for it in his one-bedroom city apartment.

It was like love at first sight, Kelly said.

The instrument was a hit at gatherings of Kellys musical theater friends, and made the move to Baraboo when business dried up in Chicago. We would just have a great time with that piano, he said.

Students primarily use an upright Yamaha when learning at Kellys studio, but they get to tickle the grand pianos ivories on occasion. Local piano tuner Jim Allen has been a saving grace in keeping the instrument operational over the years, Kelly said.

The gift benefits all involved. Kelly doesnt have to move the piano, and gets to see it used in a beloved venue. The theater gets a free piano suited to public performances and private parties.

This piano will do very well by the theater until we have the funds available to purchase a concert grand piano, something we do intend to do in the future, Miller-Lamb said.

With high-end new grand pianos going for tens of thousands of dollars, a free concert grand was an appealing gift.

It cant get better than that, Kelly said. Rather than being a loss, its a win.

Kelly wont be saying goodbye Thursday. Hell perform on the piano this holiday season in conjunction with the theater showing Its a Wonderful Life.

I found a home for it, Kelly said. Its my way of giving back. Its my legacy.
JUNEAU  A Dodge County Court deemed a 32-year-old Beaver Dam man, who is accused of molesting two children, incompetent to proceed to trial at this time.

Roberto Rodriguez-Rodriguez is charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child under age 12. He could be sentenced to 120 years in prison if found guilty of both charges.

Rodriguez-Rodriguez appeared before Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Martin De Vries on Tuesday. Rodriguez-Rodriguez was seen by a doctor and neither the defense or prosecution questioned the physicians report. De Vries found Rodriguez-Rodriguez incompetent to proceed, but likely to become competent within 12 months.

Rodriguez-Rodriguez was sent to a mental health facility for 12 months.

According to the criminal complaint, two girls, 6 and 8, went to his apartment July 5 to see his cat. The father of one of the girls contacted police the next day to report the assault. The two girls were crying when police arrived. The girls told police that when they went to the apartment that Rodriguez-Rodriguez took the two to his bedroom and sexually assaulted them.

As the police officer was telling the parents of the girls that he needed to contact a detective to interview the girls because of their ages, a relative of Rodriguez-Rodriguez entered the apartment.

According to the complaint, she told officers that Rodriguez-Rodriguez denied the assaults when she asked him about them. However, when she told him that she was going to get the girls parents, he left on foot and threatened to kill himself, according to the complaint.

The detective met the girls at the Aurora Medical Center in Hartford, where they were undergoing sexual assault exams. The girls told the detective that after Rodriguez-Rodriguez assaulted them, he showed them a movie that they described as being disgusting. The girls said he assaulted them after watching the movie as well.

Rodriguez-Rodriguez was taken to Beaver Dam Police Department by a woman who told police that Rodriguez-Rodriguez had wanted to go to Mexico to avoid punishment. The woman told police that she had told him that he would be brought back to the U.S. as a fugitive if he didnt surrender to police.
Edith Windsor, the plaintiff in the 2013 United States Supreme Court case that struck down a federal law defining marriage as between a man and a woman, has died at 88, according to her lawyer.

Windsor's death was first reported by The New York Times.

As the lead plaintiff in the legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013, Windsor was a hero to supporters of LGBT rights, who credited the SCOTUS ruling in her case as being the first step to an eventual ruling two years later that cleared the way for same-sex marriage nationwide.

Anthony Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said that with Windsor's death, "we lost one of this country's great civil rights pioneers."

"The wheels of progress turn forward because of people like Edie, who are willing to stand up in the face of injustice," Romero said in a statement. "One simply cannot write the history of the gay rights movement without reserving immense credit and gratitude for Edie Windsor."

Former President Bill Clinton, who had signed DOMA into law, also tweeted about Windsor's death.

"In standing up for herself, Edie also stood up for millions of Americans and their rights. May she rest in peace," Clinton tweeted.

Former President Barack Obama also offered his condolences, and said he had a conversation with her a few days ago, in which he told her "one more time what a difference she made to this country we love."

"Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor -- and few made as big a difference to America," Obama said.

Same-sex marriage was legalized by the Supreme Court while Obama was in office.

Windsor, who was from New York, often said that she fought her battle in memory of her wife Thea Clara Spyer, who died in 2009. Windsor and Spyer married in 2007 after some 40 years together as a couple.

When Spyer died, she left her estate to Windsor, who then sought to claim federal estate tax exemptions that exist for surviving spouses. Windsor was barred from obtaining the exemption under DOMA, which defined "marriage" as excluding same-sex couples.

Windsor sought a refund of over $300,000 dollars but was denied by the IRS. Her lawyers argued that DOMA violated equal protection.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, joining the liberals, wrote the 5-4 opinion striking down the law that he said placed "same-sex couples in an unstable position of being in a second-tier marriage." Kennedy said that the law "demeans" same-sex couples "whose moral and sexual choices the Constitution protects."

"Under DOMA, same-sex married couples have their lives burdened, by reason of government decree, in visible and public ways," Kennedy wrote.

Windsor was survived by her wife, Judith Kasen-Windsor.

"I lost my beloved spouse Edie, and the world lost a tiny but tough as nails fighter for freedom, justice and equality. Edie was the light of my life. She will always be the light for the LGBTQ community which she loved so much and which loved her right back," Kasen-Windsor said in a statement.

In a statement from Windsor's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, Kaplan said representing Windsor "was and will always be the greatest honor of my life."

"She will go down in the history books as a true American hero. With Edie's passing, I lost not only a treasured client, but a member of my family. I know that Edie's memory will always be a blessing to Rachel, myself, and Jacob. I also know that her memory will be a blessing not only to every LGBT person on this planet, but to all who believe in the concept of b'tzelem elohim, or equal dignity for all," she said.

GLAAD, an LGBT media monitoring organization, also remembered Windsor on Twitter, saying: "Edie Windsor was a hero and her contributions to the fight for equality and acceptance will be remembered forever."
Calling for a return to a more independent state Department of Natural Resources, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tony Evers said he would return the power to appoint the DNR secretary to the Natural Resources Board.

The board appointed DNR secretaries from the 1920s until the law changed in 1995 to make the position a political appointment by the governor.

Evers, the state schools superintendent, said the DNR has failed to safeguard air and waterways from pollution under Gov. Scott Walkers administration.

Only an independent DNR secretary can restore the DNRs mission of serving the needs of all Wisconsin citizens, not just the big corporations, Evers said in a statement.

Walkers campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In 1995, then-Gov. Tommy Thompson used the state budget to give himself the power to appoint the DNR secretary and place that person in his cabinet. District administrators in the agency were also added to the list of gubernatorial appointees.

The political connection of the DNR has not gone unopposed. In several legislative sessions in the 2000s, former Assemblyman Spencer Black, D-Madison, sponsored bills to return appointment power to the Natural Resources Board, but even Democrats rejected the proposal.

Decisions about our outdoors should be based on science, not politics, Black said in a statement with Evers. As we are learning the hard way, once our water or land is polluted, repairing the damage is difficult and expensive at best and often just impossible.

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Executive Director George Meyer was the DNR secretary when the law changed to make the position a gubernatorial appointment. He said letting the Natural Resources Board appoint the secretary gives that person a bit of a buffer against political agendas.

It gives the DNR secretary the ability to make tough decisions about environmental protection without political influence, Meyer said.

Even if the Natural Resources Board regained appointment authority, Meyer said, the secretarys position would still be affected by politics since the board members are appointed by the governor.

Under Walkers administration, the DNR has reduced the number of pollution violations it sends for court action and the number of wildlife citations it issues and received warnings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that the air and water quality protections are inadequate.

Supporters of gubernatorial appointment for the DNR say that letting the governor choose the head of the agency creates more environmental accountability for the governor.
Using high tech to tell the story of ancient man

Origin Centre's new Virtual Reality experience uses state of the art communications technology to tell the story of what makes us human.

The history of where we come from and what makes us human will come alive like never before when the Origins Centre, located at Wits University, launches its new Virtual Reality production at the Tshimologong Precinct on 14 September, and at the Origins Centre on 25th September, (a public holiday).

The production, which brings together cutting-edge digital technology with stories of ancient stone age technologies of our 2,6-million-year history, tells a complete story of our development into society, by using the same visual materials that are used by scientists in the research process.

This is the first time that VR has been used in Origins Centre at Wits, and the first production of the archaeology and palaeontology stories that are told in the Museum, using photographs, text panels, casts of human ancestral skulls and real stone tools, says Steven Sack, Director of the Origins Centre.

The production, which was made possible through a collaboration between Sack and Professor Barry Dwolatzky, Director of Tshimologong, has been facilitated by the Rock Art Research Institute, the Evolutionary Sciences Institute and the South African Rock Art Digital Archive, that are all located at Wits University. The National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences has supported two young researchers, Dr Tammy Hodgkiss and Lara Mallen, to lead the content development.

The VR experience immerses viewers in a journey through time, from the African early hominin fossil skulls, significant changes in ancient tool use, and the innovations of the Middle Stone Age, to the captivating spirit world of southern African San rock art. You will follow in the footsteps of the researchers who are solving the mysteries of Africas rich past, says Dr Tammy Hodgskiss of the Evolutionary Studies Institute, and an expert in this field of research.

The Origins VR production will be used to update the material currently on display at the Origins Centre and will assist in bringing younger voices and women researchers into the story of what we know about rock art and the early modern human ways of living.

Tshimologong is Wits Universitys exciting new digital innovation precinct in Juta Street, Braamfontein. The VR production was developed by Alt-Reality, one of the start-up companies we are incubating. It will be launched as part of the annual Fakugesi Festival we host in Tshimologong, says Dwolatzky, who has personally funded part of the production.

The production involved a collaboration between VR production house AltReality and archaeologists Tammy Hodgskiss (Evolutionary Studies Institute, Wits) and Lara Mallen (Origins Centre). The music score has been created by Jill Richards, with indigenous instruments performed by Mpho Molikeng.

Barry Dwolatzky (Director of Tshimologong) and Steven Sack (Director of Origins Centre) have had lengthy discussions about how to connect the work of Tshimologong with that of the Origins Centre and Dwolatzky has donated some of the funding himself to enable this production. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) also contributed through a programme at the Origins Centre that they have funded, which looks for ways to diversify narratives.

The VR installation will make part of a permanent display at the Origins Centre. It will launch at the Origins Centre on 25th September 2017.

Details

Fakugesi launch

Date: 14 September 2016

Time: 12h30

Venue: Tshimologong Digital Innovation Hub, Braamfontein

Origins launch

Date: 25 September 2017

Time: 10:00  16:HOO

Venue: Origins Centre, Wits University
Osbey to deliver poem honoring first African-American resident students

Coming to campus Brenda Marie Osbey is an author of poetry and prose nonfiction in English and French. Her 1997 book, All Saints: New and Selected Poems, received the American Book Award. She'll appear at Tucker Theater Thursday, 5 p.m., as part of the Patrick Hayes Writers Series. Photo by Harold Baquet, New Orleans

The honorees The poem Brenda Marie Osbey has been commissioned to write is to recognize (From left) Karen Ely 71, Janet Brown Strafer 71 and Lynn Briley 71, William & Mary's first African-American resident students. Photo by Skip Rowland 83 Photo - of - Hide Caption

Acclaimed poet and author Brenda Marie Osbey will recite a specially commissioned poem to continue the 50th anniversary commemoration of the first three African-American residential students at William & Mary.

More than 200 people attended the opening reception for the year-long commemoration, held at Swem Library on Aug. 31, to honor Lynn Briley '71, Janet Brown Strafer '71 and Karen Ely '71, who moved into Jefferson Hall in 1967.

Osbeys poem will be offered on Sept. 14, 5 p.m., at the universitys Tucker Theater. Her appearance is part of the annual Patrick Hayes Writers Series and is free and open to the public. Limited free parking is available on Richmond Road, with another option being the public garage off North Henry Street.

Among her many awards, Osbey won the 2014 Langston Hughes Award for her book History and Other Poems, a study of the TransAtlantic Slave Trade in verse.

William & Marys 50th anniversary committee commissioned the commemorative poem, an exercise with which Osbey is most familiar. She said that English Professor Hermine Pinson and other members of the committee have provided her with considerable background information, including interviews given by Briley, Ely and Strafer.

Ive been commissioned for a few poems, and on two different occasions for commemorative events in Virginia, she said. My work overall is research-based  poetry, prose, libretti, other forms  and so perhaps its a natural association to make.

For the most part, for much of any given work, Im grappling with some kind of history. Everything that I write begins with research  on the period, place, times, geography, historical figures  depending on whats available, and also on whats missing, whats absent from the picture.

Osbey called the progressive desegregation of W&M the historical moment Ive been charged to address.

Ive been grappling with the mythologies that inform that historical moment, she added. And because history is lived by people, its never only a question of what happened, but also of what integration/desegregation was, what it meant and what it means now in this context a half-century later.

With a poem more so than other genres, it's language that drives it, carries it. And so much of ones energy as poet is devoted to finding the language to serve as that vehicle.

Her resume attests to her success in that area.

A native of New Orleans, Osbey was named in 2005 the first peer-selected Poet Laureate of Louisiana. During her two-year tenure, she toured the United States presenting weekly poetry readings, lectures and symposia advocating the rebuilding of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region of the U.S. in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Osbeys books include her collected poems, All Souls: Essential Poems, published in 2015; History and Other Poems, published in 2013; All Saints: New and Selected Poems, published in 1997 and which received the 1998 American Book Award; Desperate Circumstance, Dangerous Woman, published in 1991; and In These Houses, published in 1988.

Her poems have been published in numerous journals, anthologies and collections, including Callaloo; Obsidian; Essence; Southern Review; Early Ripening: American Women's Poetry Now; The Made Thing: An Anthology of Contemporary Southern Poetry, Southern Literary Journal and The American Poetry Review.

Osbey has been a resident fellow of the MacDowell Colony, the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, the Kentucky Foundation for Women, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, the Millay Colony, the Camargo Foundation, Maison Dora Maar, and the Bunting Institute of Radcliffe College, Harvard University.

She has received fellowships and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. From 2011 through 2015, she was distinguished visiting professor of Africana studies at Brown University.
1. Yes. The ordinance goes against state law and is not in the best interest of the cities.

2. Yes. At the very least, it should be amended to give police officers some discretion.

3. No. Voters approved the ordinance by large majorities; the councils cant ignore that fact.

4. No. The petition process has to be given a chance to work. Leave the ordinance alone.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say how the cities should move forward regarding the ordinance.

Vote

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TVO appeals Areva state aid decision

13 September 2017

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Finnish utility Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) announced today it has filed an appeal against the European Commission's approval for the French government to inject 4.5 billion ($5.4 billion) into Areva. TVO claims the plan does not provide sufficient guarantees that the Olkiluoto 3 EPR project will be completed.

France notified the European Commission in April last year of the planned restructuring of Areva, which is 86.5% state-owned, in a bid to restore the group's competitiveness. The plan sees Areva divesting its nuclear reactor business, focusing its activities instead on its nuclear fuel cycle business. The government is injecting 4.5 billion of public capital to help the company bear the costs of the restructuring, which is expected to be completed in 2019.

In January, the commission approved the restructuring plan, ruling that the French government's capital injection into Areva does not breach European Union state aid rules. It also approved a loan of 3.3 billion from the French state to Areva, which would bridge Areva's liquidity needs until the capital injection can take place.

French utility EDF agreed in July 2015 to take a stake of between 51% and 75% in Areva's reactor unit in a government-backed plan to revitalise France's nuclear power industry. The reactor operations to be sold have been transferred to a subsidiary wholly owned by Areva NP, referred to as 'New NP'. Contracts for the Olkiluoto 3 (OL3) EPR project in Finland and for resources required to complete that project, and some contracts relating to components forged in the Le Creusot plant, are not included in the sale. Those contracts will remain within Areva NP.

TVO - the customer for which Areva is constructing Olkiluoto 3 - has now filed an appeal with the General Court of the European Union against the European Commission's approval of the plan.

TVO said it is reliant on Areva to complete construction of the new plant. It said, "TVO is not opposed in principle to the intervention by the French State in favour of the Areva Group, provided that TVO's needs for OL3 EPR are fully taken into account, which is currently not the case."

The Finnish utility claims the restructuring and recapitalisation plan for Areva "does not provide sufficient guarantees to TVO that the necessary financial, technical and human resources are to be made available for the OL3 EPR project". "TVO also thinks the plan "does not ensure that Areva is able to meet all current and future liabilities during the last phases of project completion and until the end of the guarantee period".

The Areva-Siemens consortium began construction of Olkiluoto 3 in 2005 under a turnkey contract signed with TVO in late 2003. Completion of the 1600 MWe reactor was originally scheduled for 2009, but the project has suffered various delays and setbacks.

According to the latest schedule provided by the Areva-Siemens consortium in September 2014, regular electricity production in the unit will commence at the end of 2018. Cold functional tests of the reactor's primary circuit - an important step in plant commissioning - began in June, with hot functional tests scheduled for later this year.

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by World Nuclear News

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China, Cambodia agree to nuclear energy cooperation

13 September 2017

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Cambodia has signed a memorandum of understanding with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The agreement calls for cooperation on human resources development.

The signing of the MOU (Image: CNNC)

The agreement was signed yesterday by CNNC chief accountant Li Jize and Tekreth Samrach, Cambodia's secretary of state of the Office of the Council of Ministers and vice chairman of the Cambodian Commission on Sustainable Development. It was signed during the 14th China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, being held in Nanning, the capital of China's Guangxi province.

The signing was witnessed by Cambodia's minister of commerce and other government officials, CNNC said.

"This is another important initiative of China National Nuclear Corporation in implementing the 'One Belt, One Road' strategy and strengthening cooperation with ASEAN countries in international production capacity, laying a solid foundation for follow-up cooperation between the two countries," CNNC said.

One Belt, One Road is China's project to link trade in about 60 Asian and European countries along a new Silk Road.

CNNC noted that Cambodia's current power supply cannot meet its basic electricity needs, while sectors including medicine, agriculture and industry require a "comprehensive upgrade". It said Cambodia has great market potential for nuclear power and nuclear technology applications.

On 14 August, CNNC vice president Wang Jinfeng met with Tin Ponlok, secretary general of Cambodia's National Council for Sustainable Development, to consult on the draft MOU. Cambodia's Ministry of Environment said these discussions focused on human resources in nuclear power for industrial development and environmental protection.

In late August, CNNC president Qian Zhimin visited Cambodia and met Say Chhum, president of the Senate of Cambodia. Qian noted that CNNC will support Cambodia in applying nuclear technologies in industry, agriculture and medical science, thus developing its economy and improving the welfare of the population. Cambodia can start training workers, promoting new energy exploitation and infrastructure construction, and increasing its capabilities in scientific research and industrial manufacturing, he said. This will help the country achieve its long-term goal of the peaceful use of nuclear energy, he added.

In November 2015, Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Cambodia, focused on a possible research reactor, but with consideration of nuclear power. A further cooperation agreement was signed in March 2016, and in May Rosatom and the National Council for Sustainable Development signed memoranda to establish a nuclear energy information centre in Cambodia and set up a joint working group on the peaceful uses of atomic energy.

In mid-2016, Cambodia's Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy held discussions with CNNC on building a nuclear power plant and establishing the regulatory and legal infrastructure for that, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

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WIPP marks TRU shipment milestone

13 September 2017

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The US Department of Energy's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) has received over 50 shipments of transuranic (TRU) waste since shipments resumed in April.

Operations technicians at DOE's Idaho site load a 4855-pound TRU waste package into a shipping container (Image: DOE Office of Environmental Management)



The New Mexico facility reopened in January, nearly three years after activities were halted following a waste drum rupture in an underground storage panel, and an unrelated underground truck fire. Shipments of TRU wastes resumed on 7 April, with the 50th shipment arriving in late August, the DOE Office of Environmental Management said yesterday. Six further shipments have since been received.

Since April, WIPP has received waste from DOE sites at Idaho, Savannah River, Oak Ridge and Los Alamos, and is currently receiving three to four shipments per week. These include 38 shipments from Idaho, nine shipments from Savannah River, and the first processed and packaged waste to leave Oak Ridge's Transuranic Waste Processing Center for permanent disposal since 2012.

Wastes from Los Alamos had previously been stored at Waste Control Specialists' Texas facility while WIPP was out of action, and other wastes had been stored at on-site facilities.

Jay Mullis, acting manager of the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management, said resumption of shipments had been an important priority due to the large inventory of wastes in on-site storage. "These shipments will remove risk from our site and help fulfil our commitments," he said.

WIPP, located about 26 miles (42 km) from Carlsbad in south-east New Mexico, was constructed in the 1980s and has received over 11,900 shipments of TRU wastes since it began operations in 1999. The waste is emplaced in 2,150 feet (655 metres) underground in rooms mined from a 2000-foot-thick salt bed. It is the USA's only repository for the disposal of TRU wastes from the country's military program. The wastes consist of clothing, tools, rags, residues, debris, soil and other items contaminated with small amounts of plutonium and other man-made radioactive elements.



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Questions raised over funding and impact on towns indoor markets during debate on councils plans to run arts hub

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Sep 13th, 2017

Wrexhams new multi-million pound arts and market development will be operated by Wrexham Council for at least three years.

Plans to continue on with the management of the development at the former Peoples Market rather than hand over to an external trust, were backed unanimously by Executive Board members yesterday in a split agenda item, the second part being the unveiling of the official name for the centre.

Annual reviews of performance of the site will now be delivered to the Executive Board during the next three years.

Last week Wrexham.com reported that plans to hand over the management of the towns new arts and market hub to a trust had been temporarily scrapped by Wrexham Council.

Previously it had been stressed that trust ownership and management for the OW Peoples Market was the best way forward for the development  opening up additional finance opportunities that the local authority could not access.

However the u-turn from handing the facility over to a trust from 2018 was partly put down to complexities regarding State Aid and procurement legislation, which may not have resulted in the local operation that had been envisaged by Wrexham Council.

Speaking at yesterdays Executive Board, Lead Member for communities, partnerships public protection and community safety Cllr Hugh Jones, said keeping the hub in-house would allow the council to see the project through from its conception.

He continued: If you look at the report, bullet point 2.4 refers to a previous decision where as a council we were looking at an externalised model for the delivery of the new hub and the council instructed us to go back and look at options.

A significant element was to have a local element and trust model. As you can see from the report, it outlines the process in order to reach the conclusion today.

For procurement reasons it has not been possible to deliver the local trust that members had an aspiration to do.

Cllr Jones added: I believe this is a significant part of the journey weve been on for last four years, a well constructed report, I think the recommendation before us provides a period of stability, flexibility and opportunity for what I believe to be one of the most exciting developments in Wrexham in years.

As with previous items debated by councillors at yesterdays meeting, the main questions on Wrexham Councils change to the direction of travel with the hub were asked by Cllr Dana Davies and Cllr Carrie Harper.

Kicking off the debate Cllr Davies, who had previously raised concerns about the timing of establishing a trust, said: I had a feeling we would be back here after the conversation in July 2016 Executive Board meeting where we were looking at models of trust. My concern then was how could we get a trust on board at a late stage in the process when the council had already developed a business model and ran with that.

Looking at the report Im concerned now as the council are going to be managing the business model for three year time period with a view to still externalise the responsibility for the arts hub, it doesnt say in the report what those financial implications are going to be.

Considering there is a cash limited budget for the arts is just shy of 137,000 and the business model talked about a 10 year deficit of between 80k and 200k depending on the 120k continual revenue funding from the Arts Council; I think the position we are in, and were all talking in early stages of the councils budget, so we know roughly what position could be, Im disappointed there is not more detail around the finances within report.

She added: Its the same business plan, just going to continue with this period of three years in house, it does come across during that period it could be an open cheque book. So when the report comes in I would like to see more information about financial implications.

Cllr Jones pointed out that there would be no open chequebook and that the councils contribution to the project would reduce over the years.

He said: No where in the Fourth Street model is reference made to 200,000, which I think was the figure you quoted. The biggest deficit is year 1 which is 188,000, which then drops in year two to 126,000 and as Fourth Street business model has referred to and was accepted by us all in 2016, year three refers to a stablished figure of 78,000.

As you rightly pointed out we are pointing out there is a 137,000 contribution towards our arts activity in Wrexham. Therefore rather than being an open chequebook, which I think were the words used, if you look at the business plan we are actually by year three beginning to reduce the councils contribution to the arts, so we are generating savings on current expenditure.

Cllr Davies also queried what procedures had been put in place for any potential changes to the yearly funding from the Arts Council Wales.

In the Fourth Street business plan produced for the hub back in 2015, it listed that an assumed that a 120,000 a year for the next decade will be funded by the Arts Council Wales.

Commenting on the funding, Cllr Jones added: In terms of Arts Council certainty, we are in constant engagement with them about funding and funding commitment.

The Arts Council were party to the Fourth Street plan and have taken that on board and have raised no concerns or issues. We have every expectation they will continue to support it.

There were also calls for clarity on how the councils management of the new hub would impact on the General and Butchers Markets, and if the local authority would in effect operating two sets of markets in competition with each other.

Although there was not a clear yes or no answer, the meeting was told that the arts hub site would be under one management. It was also noted that the market element will not work in isolation and the council will be working in partnership with the markets.

Cllr Carrie Harper pointed out that it was late in the day to be looking for appropriate governance, adding: Even with small projects, youd expect them earlier on.

Looking at the report I was wondering why we didnt have a company limited guarantee as recommended by the consultants? There would be financial implications as the council cant claim business rates or VAT that outside places can.

Do we know what the implications are and is there a figure?

However Cllr Jones reiterated that the project was not changing from its current governance and that the business plan for the hub will remain the same.

He said: It is not changing governance, from its conception it was in house. It has been managed in house and continues to be managed in house. In 2016 we brought forward a recommendation which reflected the desire of the council to look at trust model.

Overall the business plan is the same, the management of the project will continue to be successfully managed whilst we consider additional options bringing in a local board to support the council.

Yesterdays meeting also saw the announcement of the name of the new hub, which will now be known as Ty Pawb. The name was voted for by the public and after an X Factor style deadlock moment, the name was unveiled by the Simon Cowell-esque Cllr Hugh Jones.
Wrexham indie coffee shop recognition via insiders guide inclusion

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Sep 13th, 2017

A Wrexham coffee shop has been featured alongside amongst the best in north Wales and the north of England in a new independent coffee guide.

King Street Coffee, located in the towns bus station, is the only coffee shop Wrexham to be included in the latest North and North Wales Independent Coffee Guide. Its joined only by Providero in Llandudno as the only coffee shops in the region to feature.

Now in its third year, the insiders guide brings together 180 top quality coffee shops and roasters in north Wales and the north of England, all of which have been hand picked by the regions leading coffee experts.

The invite criteria is strict: commitment to a high quality coffee experience, use of UK roasted speciality beans, two brew methods or two coffees available at any time and independent ownership.

Operated by brothers Phil and Andy Gallanders, King Street Coffee hit the ground running when it launched in April 2016.

Based in the Wrexham bus station, the compact shop was transformed into a modern coffee shop which quickly became a firm favourite for those visiting the town. Over the past 12 months the company has continued to grow, with King Street Coffee often supplying drinks to local events  including to the media room at the recent two elections!

Speaking about King Street Coffee making the guide, Phil said he hopes it shows a genuine alternative to the chain coffee shops in the town.

It has always been a long term goal of ours to be in the guide, said Phil.

Weve used the previous years lots when looking out for quality coffee shops to visit when we are out and about so to be included in the guide at our first attempt is a really proud moment for us.

We hope this shows that there is a genuine alternative to the vast number of chain coffee shops in Wrexham.

He added: This is the first year that more than one coffee shop from North Wales has been featured and the official name of the guide has been changed to include North Wales. We think that this is testament to the growing food and tourism sector in the county.

Their entry in the guide features pictures from Destination Manager Joe Bickerton, who praised the Gallanders brothers for what they have achieved in the past year.

He said: It was brilliant to see some of my pictures published in the new Northern Independent Coffee Guide. Why? Because I know a couple of great guys who have put their heart and soul into a fab coffee shop.

Their entry in the guide tops off the end of a busy few months for the brothers, who have recently launched their second shop, Bank Street Coffee, on you guessed it  Bank Street!

Although a similar offering to King Street Coffee, the new space allows the chance to host events, with several planned throughout the winter.

Two are already confirmed, with details below!

 Wednesday 20th Sept  Bookylicious Book Club 18:30 (Free to attend)

 Friday 29th Sept  Isabella Crowther EP Launch 19:30 (Tickets are 5 and available at Bank

Street Coffee)

Please visit Bank Street Coffee for more information on both events.

The guide will be available to buy in both King Street Coffee Company and Bank Street Coffee from Monday 18th September or is available to order now, here.
In a front-page lead article over a two-column headline a few weeks ago, the New York Times informed its readers that its own detailed analysis had shown that Black and Hispanic students are more underrepresented at the nations top colleges and universities than they were 35 years ago, despite decades of affirmative action efforts.

What the Times presents as the somewhat unexpected result of longstanding social policy was illustrated by an unusually detailed full-page series of graphs for 100 institutions of higher education, broken down into five categories: The Ivy League, Flagship Public Universities, Other Top Universities, Top Liberal Arts Colleges, and the massive University of California system.

The graphs use percentages of white, Asian, Hispanic and black students at each of these schools, compared to their numbers in the college-age population, to depict the degree of overrepresentation or underrepresentation for each group.

Overall, the survey shows that white and Asian students are more overrepresented than ever, and blacks and Hispanics more underrepresented today than in 1980. Hispanic students made up 13 percent of the freshman class among these 100 schools, for instance, compared to 22 percent of the population. In 1980, with a far smaller Hispanic population, the gap was only 3 points.

Black freshmen were 5 percent of the enrollment in 1980 and 12 percent of the population. Thirty-five years later, the gap has grown to nearly 10 points: the percentage of African-Americans is 15 percent, but the college freshman enrollment is only 6 percent.

The rationale for affirmative action, which has its origins in policies initiated by the Nixon administration more than 45 years ago, was that it would level the playing field and enable broad layers of black and Hispanic youth to enter colleges and universities for the first time.

The failure of affirmative action to meet these promises is not accidental, nor was it unforeseencertainly not by socialists, who understood the real purpose of this program.

It is obvious that without providing tens of millions of good-paying jobs, without vastly improved educational opportunities for all youth from pre-kindergarten through high school, and without the provision of free universal health care and child care, there can be no serious expectation that the latest generation of black and Hispanic working class youth will fare any better than its predecessors in obtaining and in making use of a quality higher education.

The decades of affirmative action have coincided with the decades of social counterrevolution, of the shredding of the social safety net that increased under the presidency of Ronald Reagan and that has continued since then, under Democrats and Republicans. The political and corporate establishment demagogically used the suffering of minority workers and youth to promulgate programs that were never designed to help them in the first place.

This does not mean that some aims of affirmative action have not been achieved. They havebut they are for the most part unstated ones.

A small slice of the African-American population, largely from the middle class, has been selected and integrated into the ruling elite, including the corporate and political establishment. These are the men and women who have been elected to high office, who occupy a few more of the top rungs of the corporate ladder, and who are helping to set the agenda in higher education and other spheres of social life. They in turn are presented as role models and representatives for a small but significant upper middle class constituency, in that way serving as a new base of support for the capitalist system.

The image of progressivism and diversity is also used to burnish the image of American capitalism as it competes against its rivals internationally. The small layer that has benefited from affirmative action is utilized to showcase the supposed virtues of the market and the endless possibilities for success under the profit system.

At the same time, however, a political division of labor involved in affirmative action has also become ever clearer with the passing years. The program was first backed by Nixon, who saw no contradiction between affirmative action and his own racist views. For about a decade the programs were largely bipartisan policy, accepted by both major capitalist parties. This began to change, especially in the 1980s. While the Democrats became the programs biggest boosters, the Republicans discovered that Nixons Southern strategy could be expanded throughout the country by utilizing resentment caused by racial preferences.

The two big business parties developed a reactionary and cynical means of magnifying and promoting racial division. Affirmative action was attacked from the right, and challenged up to the US Supreme Court. It continues today, as college administrators are for the most part allowed to take race into account in admissions policies, as long as they do not employ quotas.

Affirmative action was never the demand of the working class. It was the brainchild of the political establishment, of a faction of the ruling class, with the approval of sections of the middle class civil rights leadership. And it has been used for decades to encourage resentment among white workers and youth, among students passed over for college admission, all the while ignoring the conditions and needs of the vast majority of the youthblack, Hispanic and white.

The challenges that black and Hispanic youth face are essentially no different than those facing millions of white working class families. The purpose of the Times study, even as it acknowledges part of the truth about affirmative action, is to cover this up so as to continue the effort to divide the working class on racial grounds.

The New York Times put its reporters and researchers to work for many hours, if not weeks, to document the racial breakdown of the student body all over the country. No one appears to have been assigned to analyze the class reality underlying the percentages, however. No one looked at the plight for the vast numbers of white working class youth for whom college has become increasingly unaffordable, and who are likewise underrepresented as compared to the upper middle class families, of all races. The category of whiteness, by combining the poor, the unemployed, the underemployed and the victims of deindustrialization and wage-cutting, together with the wealthy, is being used to obscure the reality of class relations.

Sixteen years ago, the World Socialist Web Site, in a statement on Affirmative action and the right to education: a socialist response, contrasted the demands of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, for greater social equality, with affirmative action, part of the politics produced by [the capitalist] system, which is based on splitting working people along racial, ethnic religious and other lines to cover up the fundamental class divisions of society.

For as long as it has been used, the WSWS explained, affirmative action measures have benefited primarily a small section of middle and upper class minorities.  Affirmative action not only fails to overcome the problem of racism, its discriminatory character inevitably exacerbates racial divisions and pits white and minority workers and youth against each other in the struggle for a completely inadequate number of jobs and educational opportunities.

In 2001, the average tuition at a public university was $3,500. Today it is $9,650 for state residents, and more than $24,000 for those out of state. For private schools, average tuition in 2001 was more than $15,000. The latest figure is $33,480, not including $10,000-$15,000 in room and board and other expenses. More than ever before, affirmative action has become a means of integrating a very small section of the upper middle class and grooming it for future roles presiding over increasing inequality and repression.

Growing sections of the working class, including African-American and Hispanic families, are coming to recognize that affirmative action is worth no more than any other promise made by any capitalist politician. This recognition must be translated into a complete break with the Democratic Party.

In opposition to the promise of a step up for a select few by trampling on the hopes and futures of the vast majority, the working class must fight for a socialist program of free quality higher education for all. This is part of the struggle to defend and extend the basic rights of the working class and eliminate the social inequality that is the product of the profit system. This fight is taken up only by the Socialist Equality Party.
Former Trump chief strategist Steven Bannon further described his strategy to build an extra-parliamentary extreme-right-wing movement during an interview on the CBS program 60 Minutes with Charlie Rose.

The Republican establishment is trying to nullify the 2016 election, Bannon began, noting that Republican Senate and House leaders Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan do not want Trumps populist economic nationalist agenda to be implemented. Bannon said he was absolutely going to go to war with the Republican Party leadership. The former White House chief strategist continued his cautious criticism of Trump, noting that his decision to embrace the establishment after his inauguration was the Trump administrations original sin.

Bannon threatened to spur a civil war in the Republican Party by running primary candidates against incumbents, attacking what Bannon called the Republican Partys amnesty positions on immigration. He called for the deportation of 800,000 children brought to the US by their immigrant parents who were given temporary lawful presence under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and said mass deportation of immigrant workers is about the sovereignty of a nation.

Bannon harkened back to the emergence of American nativist politics: Look at the 19th century. What built Americas called the American system, he said, referring to Henry Clays program of high tariffs and increased infrastructure spending. He called for a system of protection of our manufacturing, financial system that lends to manufacturers, OK, and the control of our borders. Economic nationalism is what this country was built on.

Bannon proposed matching political reaction at home with bellicose maneuvers against China, who he accused of stealing our technology and cutting out the beating heart of American innovation.

He praised Trump because he singled out China as the biggest problem we have on the world stage, adding that China is at economic war with us. Bannon called for the implementation of sanctions against Chinese banks, corporations and capital marketsmoves which would likely bring the US into a military conflict with the nuclear-armed power.

Rose was most aggressive in response to Bannons claim that theres nothing to the Russia investigation. Rose engaged in a long exchange with Bannon and asked: Why does the president find it so hard to criticize Russia?

During the interview, Bannon postured as a friend of the working class and demagogically denounced the pearl-clutching mainstream media which he said represent the upper east side of New York and the Hamptons. His fraudulent demagogy is aimed at hiding a fascistic program, which is actually backed by powerful sections of the American capitalist class.

Bannon is no ally of the workers of any race or nationality. The former Goldman Sachs speculator is the editor-in-chief of Breitbart News, a website funded with millions of dollars from the Wall Street billionaire Robert Mercer to advance the interests of the most right-wing elements of corporate America.

His political program of mass deportation and militarism has more to do with Adolf Hitler than with Henry Clay, let alone two of the other figures Bannon mentioned in his speech, Alexander Hamilton and Abraham Lincoln. He also cited James K. Polk and Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt as models of economic nationalism.

Bannons admiration for Nazism was again on display during the 60 Minutes interview when he applauded Trumps defense of the Charlottesville white supremacists as very fine people during the August 15 press conference following the ultra-right riot in the Virginia college town. After the Charlottesville situation, thats what I told General Kelly, I was the only guy that came out and tried to defend him, Bannon told Rose. I was the only guy that said, Hes talking about something, take it up to a higher level.

Rose responded by noting meekly that many people suggest Trump should have denounced Nazis and white supremacists. Rose told Bannon, you dont appreciate the diversity, you dont appreciate the respect for civil rights.

Bannon responded: I was raised in a desegregated neighborhood that was predominantly black  I dont need to be lectured by a bunch of limousine liberals. Earlier in the interview, Bannon claimed that his right-wing nationalist movement includes every race, every religion, every sexual preference. As long as youre a citizen of our country.

Rose left these comments unchallenged and did not take Bannon up when the latter said he believed Nazis are awful just minutes after defending Trumps praise of them. Judging by the fawning character of Roses interview, one would think the interviewer was dealing with a major political figure who has mass support. In fact, Bannon is one of the most hated figures in American politics, with just 10 percent of people stating they opposed his dismissal from the White House in August.

The media has responded to the interview with booming headlines: Steve Bannons not done, Breitbarts Bannon declares war on the GOP, Bannon seizes the spotlight as he mounts campaign against GOP establishment, How Steve Bannon is preparing for war, etc. While calling Bannons fascist sympathies controversial, the purpose and effect of these articles is to elevate Bannon and facilitate the growth of the extreme right-wing movement that Trump and Bannon hope to build.

Bannons ability to posture as a defender of the working class is made possible primarily by the pro-corporate program of the Democratic Party. Bannon himself acknowledged as much when he told Rose that the financial crisis discredited the Democrats: There were guys in [the Obama] administration who understood you had to go and hold those guys on Wall Street accountable. And they blinked.

He explained that Trumps election was made possible by the Democratic Partys emphasis on identity politics. Referring to the Clinton campaigns emphasis on racial and gender identity, Bannon said, We got her. If thats where shes going to go, we got her ... She has reconfirmed to me she has no earthly idea what she is doing, she has no earthly idea where this country is  she walked into a trap  Shes talking about identity politics when the elites in this country have had an economic hate crimeyou want to talk about hate crimean economic hate crime on the working class people of this country.

To defeat Bannon and his Nazi-loving billionaire backers, workers and youth must break the far-rights primary sources of strength: the monopoly of the Democratic Party, trade unions, and pseudo-left over left-wing politics and the pernicious perspective of dividing the population along the lines of race, gender and sexual orientation, rather than class.
The Socialist Equality Party (Sozialistische GleichheitsparteiSGP), German section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, held an election meeting in the district of Berlin-Schoneberg, where its candidate is Christoph Vandreier. The deputy chairman of the SGP, Vandreier shared the platform with Julie Hyland, assistant national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party in Britain.

Vandreier outlined the necessity for socialist revolution as the only means to oppose the revival of German militarism and the danger of a nuclear world war, which the SGP has made central to its campaign in the upcoming general election.

Reviewing the discussions taking place in the political think tanks and military journals about a war against North Korea and China, Vandreier said, What we explained at the beginning of our election campaign becomes very real now: 70 years after the end of the Second World War the capitalist crisis is again leading to fascism and war.

Once again in Germany, nationalism and militarism are on the rise, Vandreier said: All the parties are preparing an enormous rearmament. They want Germany to dominate Europe in order to be able to play the role of a world power again. And everybody knows where that led to.

Vandreier described how the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Left Party support a military build-up but want the German bourgeoisie to organise this independently of the US.

These parties are the most aggressive representatives of German imperialism, Vandreier said. That becomes also clear in their attacks on democratic rights and their support for the extreme right and the relativisation of the Nazi crimes.

That we, the Socialists, are the only political force today expressing the huge popular opposition to war is itself an expression of the depth of the capitalist crisis.

It was this that is behind the attack made by the major bourgeois press on the German section of the International Committee, he said, and why Google is censoring the WSWS in close collaboration with the German government. The reason for that is, that we are representing the socialist tradition and we stand in the tradition of the Russian Revolution, Vandreier said.

Hyland began her own remarks by citing a selection of headlines in the major English-language press, expressing their concern at the rise of social inequality in Germany and that workers had turned away from the SDP because of its leading role in imposing draconian welfare cuts.

The British media were not concerned about the conditions of German workers, but at the impact of growing class tensions for bourgeois stability across Europe, she explained, especially under conditions in which they were supporting French President's Emmanuel Macrons labour reforms, aimed at stripping workers of any legal protections. They anticipate major class battles, she said, which they fear could spread across national borders.

This should be consciously kept in mind when reading reports of tensions in the talks between the European Union and the UK over Brexit. No matter how bitter their national rivalries, which are indeed great and are growing, they all know they are sitting on a social and political powder keg. One that becomes ever more explosive as they press ahead with a common agenda of class war at home and military war abroad.

It was 14 months since the referendum on Britain's membership of the EU returned a narrow majority in favour of Leave. Subsequent events had underscored the significance of the SEPs call for an active boycott of the referendum, she said.

As we explained, working people were being offered the choice between death by hanging or poison, she explained. The Remain camp consisted of all the main bourgeois parties and the City of London, backed by NATO generals and the leaders of the American and European governments. It was based on support for the EU that has been the main instrument for imposing drastic austerity across the continent, especially against Greece, and building a Fortress Europe that daily leaves migrants to drown in the Mediterranean.

The Leave camp represented the interests of leading hedge funds and other oligarchs such as Rupert Murdoch, who used xenophobic anti-migrant rhetoric and exploited widespread social disaffection to push their Britain First campaign based on the superexploitation of the working class.

The most critical element of the SEPs campaign had been to oppose the purveyors of left nationalism, such as the Socialist Workers Party and the Socialist Party who aligned themselves with a Leave vote on the basis that a sovereign British capitalist state was the basis for progressive, anti-austerity policies.

Hyland drew particular attention to the role played by former Labour MP George Galloway. He openly solidarised himself with the right-wing UK Independence Party, describing then UKIP leader Nigel Farage as his ally in a single cause and called for Left, Right to march together to victory in the referendum.

Hyland noted that Farage had addressed a rally of the xenophobic, extreme right Alliance for Germany (AfD) in Berlin just the day before the SGP meeting, alongside AfD deputy leaderBeatrix von Storchgranddaughter of Hitlers finance minister.

Galloways support for UKIP did not merely muddy the class line, it obliterated it, Hyland said. He stood beside Farage and claimed that the dividing lines between right and left, and between the working class and the ruling class, counted for little when compared to their shared interests in defending British sovereignty.

This confirmed the ICFIs appraisal of the pseudo-left as bourgeois tendencies, hostile to socialism and the working class. It was their role that enabled the right-wing to dominate opposition to the EU.

Writing on Galloways appearance with Farage, the SEP had explained that the first responsibility of a socialist is to oppose the mixing of class banners. Our standpoint was to define the position that a politically conscious, independent working-class movement must take. One that rejected both the British capitalist nation state and the European capitalist market. One that begun from the interests of the international working class and helped to develop its unity.

This was critical because the referendum in Britain was only the most advanced expression to date of collapse of all the institutions put in place at the end of the Second World War, under the impact of the global capitalist crisis.

The fundamental contradiction at the heart of this crisisbetween the integrated character of the global economy and the division of the world into antagonistic nation states based on private ownership of the means of productioncannot be solved peacefully under capitalism. It can only be done from below, by the working class in the struggle for the United Socialist States of Europe, as an integral part of the fight for world socialism.

The SEP has oriented itself to the explosive social discontent among masses of workers and youth in Britain and across Europe, she explained. That anger was building, especially after the terrible fire on June 14 at the Grenfell Tower block in West London.

Such is the indifference and contempt of the political establishment for working people that an official death toll has still not been established, Hyland said. At least 80 were killed and hundreds more injured and displaced as a consequence of the fire.

The fire was not an accident, but a crime, she continued: People burned to death solely because they are poor and working class in a society in which the only people that matter are the super-rich. So much for Galloways paean to national unity.

The building had been clad in flammable material to cut costs, she explained. Underneath this a layer of thermal insulation had been added which, when it burns, gives off vast quantities of hydrogen cyanide. In addition, other cost-cutting measures meant that dozens of gas pipes were left exposed, there was no sprinkler system, no central fire alarm system and just one stairwell.

Grenfell residents who had complained and warned that a catastrophic loss of life was being prepared were not only ignored but threatened with legal action by those responsible for the building.

Many of those who died, did so because they were told to stay put. But this advice only applies where there is no danger of contagion. As the fire spread rapidly, those inside made desperate phone calls for help. But little help was available, she said describing the cuts in Londons fire services made by then Mayor Boris Johnson.

To this day, hundreds of survivors are living in hotels or temporary accommodation. At least 20 of these have tried to commit suicide since the blaze because of their trauma and the lack of support. Thousands of people across the country face similar danger as the same dangerous materials have been used on hundreds of tower blocks, on schools and hospitals.

This was social murder, just as Frederick Engels had described it more than 150 years before in his famous work, The Condition of the Working Class in England. But no one had been arrested or even cautioned. Instead the very people whose social and political decisions are responsible for the Grenfell fire are to hold a so-called public inquiry which, like every other before itfrom the Iraq war to the Hillsborough tragedywill be a cover-up, she warned.

Similar tragedies to Grenfell are replicated in every country throughout the world, Hyland explained, citing a number of examples, including the enormous devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma over the last week on Houston, Florida and the Caribbean islands. In the US, the ruling elite proved incapable of organising even the most elementary evacuation plans. Meanwhile, billions are squandered on wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, and in the building, development and expansion of weapons of mass destruction whichas we can see now in the threats made by the US against North Koreathreaten a nuclear war and the annihilation of the planet.

Hyland outlined the response of Jeremy Corbyn to the Brexit referendum and the Grenfell Tower fire. He had junked his previous opposition to the EU to campaign for a Remain vote in the referendum, she said, and Labour was now in favour of a post-Brexit agreement that will keep the UKs membership of the Single European Market and Customs Union for an indefinite period, while restricting immigration.

On Grenfell, Corbyn supports the government-convened inquiry, lending political legitimacy to the cover-up. It is Labour councils themselves that are responsible for the biggest acts of social cleansing, evicting people from their homes and selling the land off to property developers. Labour-run councils are implementing Tory austerity cuts.

This makes clear that under Corbyns leadership, Labour will do the bidding of the ruling elite just as surely as Blair did before him.

We have seen this before, in Greece, where the Syriza government came to power in 2015. Within days it had junked its opposition to austerity and, alliance with the right-wing Independent Greeks, it has imposed cuts even greater than the Conservative-led coalition it replaced, and is enforcing anti-migrant measures on behalf of the EU.

Hyland concluded, We live in dangerous times ... But the same global crisis that drives these developments is also creating the conditions for socialist revolution. We know this because we have the experience of the October 1917 revolution, whose centenary we mark this year.

In the period immediately ahead the force that will emerge as the alternative to the collapse of bourgeois politics is the international working class, she said. What is needed above all is for workers and youth to have their own strategya socialist strategybased not on the map of imperialist nation-state geopolitics and intrigue but on the map of the international class struggle. This is the strategy which the SGP alone brings into this election. It is the only realistic strategy to end social inequality, militarism and war.

A lively discussion followed the report, with questions on Brexit, the future of UK relations with the US and the EU and the attitude of the German and British bourgeoisie to the danger of world war.
The so-called Great Repeal Bill, incorporating European Union (EU) legislation into British law, passed its second reading in parliament early Tuesday morning, with a government majority of 36.

Now known as the EU Withdrawal Bill, it is the first step in legally removing the UK from the EUscheduled for March 2019following the Leave vote in last years referendum. It provides for sweeping Henry VIII clauses, massively extending executive powers, which the government claims are necessary to provide for a smooth and orderly Brexit.

No Tories voted against the bill, but seven Labour MPs defied the party whip to vote with the government, including Frank Field, Ronnie Campbell, Kate Hoey and Dennis Skinner. Caroline Flint abstained.

Labours amendment, criticising  handing sweeping powers to Government Ministers allowing them to bypass Parliament on key decisions, was defeated by 318 votes to 296. A vote on the timetable for parliamentary scrutiny of the bill at committee stage also passed by 318 votes to 301.

The debate was steamrollered through parliament, with only Thursday and Monday set aside for MPs to speak. Just eight days have been allocated for line by line scrutiny at committee stage, for a bill described as the largest legislative venture undertaken in British history, concerning some 12,000 EU regulations.

Labour is seeking to join forces with Tory MPs critical of the measures, together with the Scottish National Party, Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru, to submit sensible amendments. On Tuesday, MPs tabled 136 amendments, mainly aimed at prolonging British membership of the EU customs union and single market, and for MPs to vote on a final Brexit deal.

No credibility can be given to such parliamentary manoeuvres. Henry VIII powers date back to the 1539 Statute of Proclamations, which enabled the King to rule by decree. Under the bill, hundreds of items of legislationincluding concerning workers rightscan be amended by ministerial order.

The report by the House of Lords Select Committee on the Constitution described the executive powers conferred by the Bill as unprecedented and extraordinary, raising fundamental constitutional questions about the separation of powers between Parliament and Government.

The bill contains multiple powers investing the executive with the ability to make any provision that could be made by an Act of Parliament. In this way, it weaves a tapestry of delegated powers that are breath-taking in terms of both their scope and potency, and that raise fundamental concerns from a rule of law perspective. The capacity of the Bill to undermine legal certainty is considerable, the committee stated.

In 2008, David Davies resigned from the Tory shadow cabinet in protest at the Labour governments assault on democratic rights, and subsequently joined forces with then leading Labour left, Tony Benn, to support the civil liberties organisation, Big Brother Watch. As the governments Brexit Secretary, in charge of negotiating exit terms with the EU, he now denounces opposition to the bill as an attempt to thwart the democratic process.

The support for executive powers was made explicit in the debate by Tory MP Edward Leigh, who joked that Henry VIII was a bastard, but he was my kind of bastard. The government hopes to secure a majority on all standing committees concerning the bill, despite leading a minority government that was only secured through a 1 billion deal with Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party.

This power-grab must be seen in the context of the authoritarian turn underway across Europe. In France, President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to buttress emergency laws as he attempts to push through labour reforms overturning workers legal protections.

In Germany, all the main parties are advocating a massive expansion of the police and intelligence agencies. The German bourgeoisie was central to Googles decision to change its search algorithms so as to censor the World Socialist Web Site and silence opposition to the revival of German militarism. Last month, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere ordered the shutdown of the left-wing website linksunten.indymedia.org, one of the two German subsidiaries of the global media site Indymedia.

In Britain, ministers had made no secret of their desire to use Brexit to carry out a bonfire of workers rights. In addition, the government is trying to use the UKs extensive military-intelligence apparatus as a bargaining chip with the EU to extract favourable terms for Brexit. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said that the UKs commitment to European security is undiminished after Brexit, citing Britains role in NATO-led provocations against Russia.

This agenda of austerity, militarism and war, which is deeply unpopular and cannot be carried through democratically, is the real impulse for the resort to executive powers.

Labour has made no effort to mobilise popular opposition to these plans, despite the influx of new members under Jeremy Corbyn. This is because its own amendments to the bill are motivated less by concern for civil liberties than its attempts to limit executive powers in determining the terms of Brexit and any transitional arrangements put in place.

While officially accepting that Britain will leave the EU, Labour is committed to maintaining access to the single market and customs union for an undefined transitional period. But leading Labourites have made clear they want to overturn the leave vote.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair heads this campaign, arguing that Brexit will do irreparable damage to the interests of British imperialism and the City of London. He has called for a second referendum and is proposing draconian anti-immigration policies are adopted to facilitate this. Blairs former policy adviser Lord Adonis, said Labour would end up backing another referendum, which he described as a first referendum on the exit terms.

This has the support of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), whose annual conference began this week. Speaking on Monday, TUC General Secretary Frances OGrady claimed that continued membership of the EU single market was the best way to protect workers interests. Her speech came after the TUC General Council issued a statement in favour of remaining in the single market.

Labours own amendment to the bill included the commitment to  full tariff-free access to the European single market.  It was signed by Corbyn, along with deputy leader Tom Watson, Labours Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer and Stephen Kinnock. The latter were instrumental in the attempts to remove Corbyn as leader, citing his lack of enthusiasm for the Remain campaign in last years referendum he was meant to be leading as a primary factor.

Corbyn had dropped his long-standing opposition to the EU on becoming Labour leader, but he voted with Prime Minister Theresa May after the leave vote to begin negotiations on Britains withdrawal from the single market and customs union. He now states that the UK should keep EU membership for as short as possible but as long as necessary.

Quizzed by the BBC on his response to Blairs anti-immigration proposals, Corbyn refused to take a position, saying only that he had listened to Blairs interview with interest. Corbyn has already committed Labour to limiting freedom of movement within the EU, arguing that this is needed to ensure proper regulation of the labour market.
Twenty-seven large wildfires are currently active throughout Washington and Oregon. Roughly 700,000 acres are in flames, stretching nearly 600 miles from the Diamond Creek Fire in the Okanagon National Forest adjacent to the Canadian border, south to the Miller Complex Fire on the California border.

According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, of the 27 large fires (defined as 100-plus acres of woodland or 300-plus acres of grassland), 16 are uncontained. Another 8 smaller fires are active in the region as well.

An extended dry spelldue to a strong high-pressure ridge, which saw minimal precipitation in a normally wetter June to Augusthad primed the vast Northwest forests for multiple incidents of wildfires. On September 4 and 5, a combination of low humidity, high temperatures and winds gusting to 55 mph intensified many fires, which then expanded rapidly.

One of the two biggest fires is the Diamond Creek Fire in northern Washington, with 105,750 acres burning and which grew by 250 acres overnight while expanding into Canada. Three structures have been lost and $12.4 million spent so far fighting that fire. In southwestern Oregon, the Chetco Bar Fire, covering 182,284 acres, has caused 30 lost structures and has been 5 percent contained by more than 1,500 firefighters, with $42.6 million expended since July 12.

Across the entire western states of California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, over 80 large wildfires are burning 1.4 million acres. Nearly 28,000 firefighters and support personnel are involved in suppressing these fires. This is a huge increase since last month, nearly double the amount of large fires in August. From Monday to Tuesday, the large wildfires grew an additional 12,581 acres.

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), based in Boise, Idaho, has raised the National Preparedness Level to 5, the highest level. According to the NIFC, this indicates a high level of wildfire activity and a high level of commitment of wildfire suppression assets (i.e., firefighters, aircraft and engines) to wildfires. Weather and fuel conditions are predicted to continue to be conducive to wildfire ignitions and spread in most of the western US through September and in parts of the Northern Rockies and California through October.

The situation has become so dire that the NIFC on September 5 requested 200 active-duty military personnel from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington to assist with firefighting efforts. After three days of training, all 200 were to be deployed September 10 to fight the 30,000-acre fire in the Umpqual National Forest, 50 miles east of Roseburg, Oregon.

The Eagle Creek Fire, located 40 miles east of Oregons largest city, Portland, began September 2 and then rapidly expanded from 3,200 acres to a current 35,600. So far, the fire is 11 percent contained, slightly changed from late last week, with 1,000 firefighters battling to protect thousands of homes and structures. Approximately 2,000 people have been evacuated, while four homes have been destroyed.

Ash from these fires drifted to the Pacific Coast in some places and blanketed both Seattle and Portland. Meanwhile smoke-filtered sunlight was transformed into a murky orange. Residents, particularly those with health problems, were warned by the National Weather Service to avoid outdoor activity and to stay indoors with the air conditioning on, advice that the considerable homeless populations of both cities would have found difficult to follow. In Spokane, the Air Quality Index reached hazardous, the worst of six levels.

Governors of both states, Democrats Jay Inslee of Washington and Kate Brown of Oregon, declared states of emergency, allowing the use of the National Guard to join the firefighting efforts. States of emergency due to large wildfires had been announced previously in Montana, Arizona, Nevada and California.

Washington and Oregon had been approved in April and August, respectively, for federal disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency due to the winters extensive damage by storms, floods, landslides and mudslides.

In Oregon, responding to the initial containment of the Eagle Creek Fire, Coast Guard officials Sunday reopened the Columbia River, a major economic artery for the movement of marine traffic. Meanwhile, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) continued its closure of a 54-mile length of Interstate 84, shut down September 4, from Troutdale east to Hood River. Officials anticipate another week until the highway will be allowed to reopen, as workers remove thousands of burned trees and falling rock debris.

The Eagle Creek Fire is alleged to have been started by a 15-year-old boy tossing fireworks from a bridge down a cliff.

The Union of Concerned Scientists has warned that climate change will affect the western United States with higher average annual temperatures than for the planet as a whole. The numbers of large wildfires (which they define as over 1,000 acres) has almost doubled since the 1980s, from 140 then to 250 in the 2000-2012 period. In addition, the fire season has grown from five months then to seven months today.

As in every major disaster since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the response of the various levels of government has ranged from minimal to outright indifference. Oregons official state web site encourages donations of money to fund voluntary organizations to assist victims of the fires. The federal governments budget proposal under President Trump has called for a $350 million cut in funding from the US Forest Services wildfire fighting and prevention programs. Additionally, a 23 percent cut in federal funding for volunteer fire departments nationally has been proposed.

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Wildfires rage in northwestern United States

[14 August 2017]
The death toll from Hurricane Irma on the United States mainland rose to 10 on Tuesday with six people killed in Florida, three in Georgia and one in South Carolina.

At least 38 have been killed in the Caribbean with catastrophic damage in the British and US Virgin Islands, Barbuda, Turks and Caicos and St. Martin/St. Maarten, the island territory split between France and the Netherlands. The UN is airlifting food and emergency supplies to the decimated islands.

Approximately 15 million people across Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina remained without on power Tuesday according to an estimate released by the Department of Homeland Security. Due to power outages, the Atlanta Public Schools canceled classes for 55,000 students again for Wednesday.

Utility providers expect that power will not be completely restored in eastern and southern Florida until the end of Sunday and not until September 22 on the western Gulf Coast, which bore the brunt of Irmas winds. Millions will be left exposed to high humidity and heat as temperatures approached 90F (32C) Tuesday and are expected to remain in the high 80s for the rest of the week.

While significant damage and flooding has been reported across the entire state the storm brought the worst damage to the Florida Keys off the southern coast of the state. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that one quarter of the homes on the island chain were destroyed and another 65 percent suffered significant damage.

Summerland, Cudjoe and Big Pine Keys east of Key West suffered the worst damage as Irma hit the area as a category 4 hurricane Sunday with sustained winds of 155mph. The hurricane produced a massive storm surge and knocked down trees and power lines.

Officials from Monroe County, which covers the Keys, warned those who had evacuated from areas south of Islamorada that they would be unable to return to their homes for several more days. South of Islamorada cell service has been mostly knocked out meaning those who stayed behind have been unable to communicate with friends and family.

Monroe County Emergency Management Director Martin Senterfitt described the situation on the islands Sunday night as a humanitarian crisis. It is estimated that as many as 10,000 of the Keys 80,000 residents remained behind during the storm.

The Upper Florida Keys, Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada were reopened to residents Tuesday morning as the Florida Department of Transportation continued inspections on a final few bridges connecting the lower keys to Key West.

Aerial photographs showed many homes in Lower Keys with their roofs torn off and that a significant number of cheaply constructed mobile and trailer homes were completely ruined, thrown from their weak foundations or blown apart by the wind.

There are an estimated 54,000 mobile homes in the state of Florida, often the most affordable housing option for low-income workers, retirees and vacationers. However, these homes provide little protection and are most susceptible to the catastrophic damage from hurricanes and tornadoes, which frequently hit Florida.

The Keys water and sewage system, which is fed from the Biscayne Aquifer, was knocked off line by the storm and is still not functioning properly. It could take weeks to restore regular water service to all of the islands. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority reported on its Facebook page Tuesday that much of the damage of the water system occurred when trees uprooted by the wind and storm surge pulled water lines out of the ground.

The situation was even worse for the islands electrical infrastructure with at least 200 power line poles downed or damaged, which now need to be restored. Monroe County Commissioner Heather Carruthers told MSNBC it would take as long as a month to restore full power to the Lower Keys.

The Pentagon reported on Tuesday it would be necessary to evacuate those who remained on the islands if essential services were not restored quickly. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been moved into position to assist with evacuations and deliver food and water to survivors.

Meanwhile in the states far northeast, the port of Jacksonville, which processes more than 1 million containers and 630,000 automobiles each year, was set to reopen today after being closed since Saturday. The city of Jacksonville experienced some the worst flooding in its history as storm surge flooded the Saint Johns River.

The port of Tampa Bay reopened Tuesday afternoon allowing 10 tanker ships to deliver nearly 10 million gallons of gasoline desperately needed to power generators and vehicles. Port Everglades near Fort Lauderdale reopened to cruise ships on Tuesday, with three ships arriving carrying a total of 12,000 passengers.
On Monday, striking auto mechanics in the Chicago area decisively rejected the last, best and final offer from the New Car Dealer Committee (NCDC), a business coalition of 130 dealerships, that was brought back for a vote by the Automobile Mechanics Local 701, an affiliate of the International Association of Machinists (IAM).

Over 2,000 mechanics have been on strike since August 1 fighting for decent wages, benefits and work schedules. Despite facing the cutoff of health insurance and other economic hardships, exacerbated by the miserly strike benefits paid out by the IAM, the mechanics courageously voted 701-543 to defeat the concession demands of the car dealers. The strikers also defied the campaign of intimidation by local politicians and police who have been escorting scabs through their picket lines.

This is the third time workers voted down the NCDCs demands, which include increased employee health care payments and continuing the abusive practice of unpaid work time. A technician could work up to 45 hours a week but only be paid 34 hours due to time and pay limits for particular repairs set by the original equipment manufacturers.

While Local 701 claimed its bargaining committee did not back the deal, the IAM nevertheless brought it up for a vote, hoping financial pressures on the strikers and their families would be sufficient enough to break the will of the rank and file. Far from strengthening these embattled workers, the IAM and other area unions have left the mechanics fight to this battle alone, while encouraging a sickly dependence on a federal mediator and Democratic politicians like US Senator Dick Durbin and Illinois State Senator Tom Cullerton.

In recent weeks, the IAM has sought to break the unity of striking workers by signing separate contracts with individual dealers and shutting down picket lines one by one. In any case, Local 701s supposed counter-proposal differs in no substantial way from managements final offer.

The mechanics vote is an expression of growing resistance and radicalization among the broadest sections of the working class, who find it impossible to live with falling wages and ever higher health care and living costs. Although Chicagos Democratic Party political establishment and the media regularly portray the citys western suburbs as politically conservative, the worsening social crisis in DuPage County is shifting workers and young people to the left. Nearly 14 percent of the countys children are food insecure after the growth of joblessness and low-paying jobs following the 2008 financial crash.

Announcing the rejection of the vote on the unions web site, Local 701 officials write that the membership will remain on strike. The local union and IAM, however, offer no strategy for workers to win. On the contrary, the union intends to resume its behind-the-scenes maneuvers with management and the federal mediator. This makes it clear the union, no less than the bosses, are looking to wear down workers and soften them up for another sellout deal, which will at most contain only cosmetic changes.

Rank-and-file mechanics cannot leave their fate in the hands of this disloyal crowd.

The IAM has repeatedly isolated and defeated workers struggles from the 2012 strike by Caterpillar workers in Joliet, Illinois to the repeated betrayals of Boeing workers in Washington. The same is true for every other union, including the Chicago Teachers Union and the Amalgamated Transit Union, which long ago abandoned any defense of workers and were transformed into direct tools of the corporations and the government.

There is an enormous gap between the interests of auto mechanics and the business executives who run the unions and prosper from their collusion with the bosses. While workers have sacrificed everything to wage this nearly seven-week-old strike,

IAM International President Robert Martinez pocketed $342,377 in 2015 and the unions 11 general vice presidents took home an average $280,000 in salaries, according to the US Labor Department.

On the local level, Local 701 directing business representative Samuel Cicinelli took in $170,183 in 2015, and assistant directing business representative Armando Arreola got $140,879. This does not include whatever fees and business opportunities the Local 701 executives get from serving as trustees on the Union and Industry Welfare and Pension Funds and apprenticeship programs.

In rejecting the blackmail of management and the union, mechanics are saying enough is enough. But mechanics cannot wage this fight alone. The Socialist Equality Party encourages mechanics to set up rank-and-file strike committees to draw up their own demands, including a 40-hour workweek and good pay and benefits.

These committees should reach out to workers throughout the metropolitan areateachers, firefighters, transit workers, Amazon and other warehouse and transport workersto wage a coordinated counter-offensive against the relentless attack on workers jobs and living standards.

A struggle to mobilize the full strength of the working class must be combined with a new political strategy to oppose the entire corporate-controlled political establishmentfrom the right-wing billionaire in the White House and his government of oligarchs, generals and fascists to the Democratic Party and the pawns of Wall Street like Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Attaining the resources necessary to guarantee the social rights of the working class, including the right to a good paying and secure job, will require a direct assault on the ill-gotten wealth of the corporate and financial aristocracy, and a radical redistribution of societys riches to meet the needs of working people whose labor produces the wealth.

The SEP urges striking mechanics to contact our party to discuss this strategy and build the leadership to take forward their critical struggle.
The US and its NATO allies have launched a series of war games in advance of a major military exercise by Russia and Belarus scheduled to begin later this week.

The dueling war games are unfolding under conditions in which relations between Washington and Moscow are more tense than at any time since the height of the Cold War. They follow the imposition of unilateral US sanctions against Russia, a round of tit-for-tat expulsions of Russian and American diplomats initiated by Washington and an unrelenting propaganda campaign alleging Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election.

On Monday, military forces from the US and a number of other NATO countries joined the Ukrainian army for military exercises dubbed Rapid Trident, involving 2,500 troops. The war games, which are taking place in the western Ukrainian city of Yavoriv, are to continue until September 23.

Washington has steadily increased its support to the right-wing nationalist regime brought to power by a US-backed and fascist-spearheaded coup in February 2014. Last month, US Defense Secretary James Mad Dog Mattis traveled to Kiev, where he signaled his support for providing the country with lethal weapons.

The US and NATO have invoked Moscows annexation of Crimea, which came in response to a referendum expressing overwhelming support for the militarily strategic territorys return to Russia, and the revolt by pro-Russian separatists in the Donbas region as manifestations of Russian aggression, justifying the US-led military buildup in the region.

This has included NATOs deployment last May of four multinational battlegroups, consisting of over 1,000 combat troops each, in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, led by the UK, Canada, Germany and the US respectively. This has been accompanied by the organization of a 40,000-troop rapid reaction force and a steady military buildup in the Black Sea region.

The US recently sent seven more advanced fighter planes to Lithuania to beef up its military presence during the Russian military exercise, along with an additional 600 American airborne troops. For the first time since 2014, the Pentagon has taken command of NATOs air operations in the Baltics.

Meanwhile, NATO initiated another military exercise, Steadfast Pyramid in Latvia on Sunday, involving 40 senior commanders from NATO member states along with Finland and Sweden. NATO issued an opaque description of the exercise, which continues until September 15, declaring that it was focused on further developing the abilities of commanders and senior staff to plan and conduct operations through the application of operational art in decision making. A second stage of the war games, known as Steadfast Pinnacle, is to last from September 17 through September 22.

In addition to these US-NATO actions, American and French troops are participating, along with units from Finland, Denmark, Norway, Lithuania and Estonia, in the largest Swedish military exercises to be held in 20 years. The maneuver, which began on Monday and runs through September 20, represents another show of force directed against Moscow. In an unmistakable sign of the sharp tensions roiling the region, Sweden has substantially increased its military budget, re-instituted conscription and is debating joining NATO, an action that would break the countrys century-long tradition of neutrality.

The US-NATO military buildup in both Ukraine and the Baltic republicsas well as the war games in Swedenis clearly aimed, in the first instance, at countering the Zapad 2017 joint exercise being staged by Russia and Belarus, which is set to begin on Thursday and continue through September 20.

Moscow has said that only 12,700 troops will participate in the military exercise, but Western officials, echoing allegations by the right-wing nationalist regimes in Ukraine and the Baltics, have issued hysterical and unfounded statements predicting that some 100,000 will be involved, casting the maneuvers as a potential preparation for invasion.

Typical was the reaction of Britains Defense Minister Michael Fallon, who told the BBC: This is the biggest exercise I think for four years, over 100,000 Russian and Belorussian troops now on NATOs border. This is designed to provoke us, its designed to test our defenses, and thats why we have to be strong.

Such claims turn reality on its head. For the past quarter century, since the Moscow Stalinist bureaucracys dissolution of the Soviet Union, the US and NATO have steadily advanced on Russias borders, seeking to militarily encircle the country, while orchestrating regime change operations aimed at installing pro-Western governments in various former Soviet republics. Its ultimate aim is the dismemberment of the Russian Federation and its transformation into a semi-colony.

While there is nothing progressive about Moscows flexing of its military muscles, the fact is that Russias major troop mobilizations are taking place on its own territory, while under the banner of NATO, the Pentagon has deployed warplanes and paratroopers on Russias borders.

The dueling war games in Eastern Europe constitute a serious warning. After 16 years of uninterruptedand unsuccessfulwars in the Middle East and Afghanistan, US imperialism is increasingly shifting its focus toward preparation for military confrontation with its major geo-strategic rivals, in particular Russia and China, threatening humanity with a nuclear third world war.

The potential fuses to ignite such a powder keg stretch from Syria to North Korea, the South China Sea and Ukraine and the Baltics.

The simultaneous war games themselves hold the potential of inadvertently triggering a military confrontation.

With two major exercises at the same time, there is always a risk for incidents, a former Swedish army officer and Russian military expert, Joergen Elfving, told Swedens SR International radio. The Baltic Sea area will be filled with military activity more than usual for a very long time.
Even as the horrific destruction caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma is still being tallied, the US political establishment is moving rapidly to its main order of business: A massive handout for the corporate and financial elite.

On Tuesday, the official death toll from Hurricane Irma rose to 12 in Florida, in addition to the 37 killed in the Caribbean by Irma and at least 71 killed in Texas by Hurricane Harvey. As of Tuesday, two-thirds of Florida, or some seven million homes, were without power, and many will not see power restored for weeksone product of the neglect of social infrastructure spanning decades.

In the Florida Keys, which was hit with the full force of a Category 4 Hurricane, 25 percent of homes are completely destroyed and another 65 percent severely damaged. Florida cities from Miami to Jacksonville have experienced record flooding. The majority of workers in both Florida and Texas do not have flood insurance and will have to try to rebuild on meager government assistance, mainly in the form of loans.

AccuWeather predicts that the combined cost of the two storms could rise to $290 billion, or 1.5 percent of the total value of goods produced and services provided in the United States in an entire year. The hurricanes will have a significant impact on the US economy, wiping out all anticipated economic growth between August and the end of the year.

Amidst this destruction, however, the US stock markets are on the riseincreasing significantly on both Monday and Tuesday. The reason is evident: the ruling elite is licking its collective chops at the prospect of a major cut in corporate and individual taxes for the wealthy.

Over the weekend, even as Irma was making landfall in Florida, Trump seized the moment to press for dramatic tax cuts and tax reform. With whats happened with the hurricane, he said, Im gonna ask for a speed-up. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the former Goldman Sachs banker and hedge fund manager (net worth $300 million), said on Tuesday that the White House is super focused on tax cuts, and that the administration is considering backdating these cuts to January 1 to provide a big boon for the economythat is, for Wall Street.

The response in the political establishment has been generally enthusiastic. Last night, Trump hosted a dinner with Democratic and Republican Senators to discuss tax reform. The Democrats in attendance included Senators Joe Donnelly (Indiana), Joe Manchin (West Virginia), and Heidi Heitkamp (North Dakota). The latter accompanied Trump on Air Force One last week, as he flew to North Dakota to deliver a speech calling for tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy.

The media, which has presented the criminally incompetent response to the hurricanes as a model of good governance, is following along. The New York Times, the media voice of the Democratic Party establishment, devoted its entire editorial section on Tuesday to one editorial missive, Want to Make a Deal, Mr. Trump?

The Times cited the agreement between Democrats and the Trump administration last week on a derisory federal relief bill for Hurricane Harvey tied to a three-month extension on the federal debt ceiling and government funding. While a broader agreement may not be forthcoming, the editors wrote, Its tempting to imagine what Mr. Trump might achieve if he could see beyond momentary, tactical wins.

The most significant of the Times proposals is on tax reform. The editorial calls for a modest trim to corporate taxes, a gloss over the demandrepeatedly made in White House budget proposals under Obamato slash corporate taxes by nearly one third, from the present rate of 35 to 25 percent.

Like the Trump administration, the Times couches this proposal in the standard rhetoric of aiding the middle class. However, the principal aim is the same: a major transfer of wealth to the ruling elite.

The willingness of the Democrats to forge a deal with Trump is not new. Their first response to Trumps election was to work with the administration (a pledge repeated by everyone from Hillary Clinton to Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren). It was Obama who proclaimed the election an intramural scrimmage in which all participants were on the same team.

In the nearly eight months since Trumps inauguration, Democrats criticisms have focused not on the reactionary policies of Trump and his cabinet of billionaires, but on foreign policy. Following Trumps praise of neo-Nazis involved in the Charlottesville rampage, Democrats hailed the restructuring of the administration to place it more firmly under the control of the generals that dominate itabove all, the new chief of staff, retired general John Kelly. Indeed, notably absent in the Times proposition to Trump is any reference to foreign policy, even as the world teeters ever-closer to a catastrophic nuclear war.

Divisions within the ruling class remain. However, if there is one thing that the political establishment can agree on, it is that the cost of the hurricanesand of the broader economic and social crisis in the United States of which it is a partwill not be paid for by those responsible: the corporate and financial elite. The decades-long plundering of the working class must continue, and the massive stock bubble must be inflated with new cash.

Beyond the immediate financial considerations motivating moves by the Democrats to prop up the Trump administration is a more strategic consideration. Their concern has always been that popular hostility to Trump could spark social upheavals, in which the working class would advance its own program. Hence the promotion of a series of diversionary issues, from the anti-Russia campaign to the insistence that the United States is riven by racial animosity.

Even before the floodwaters have receded, the ruling class is demanding that workers pay for the series of disasters created by capitalism. The working class, for its part, must respond with equal intransigence and determination. It must call for a massive redistribution of the wealth of the super-rich to make whole all working people ruined by the floods. The major corporations and banks must be turned into public utilities, and the economy reorganized on the basis of rational and scientific planning, to provide for safe housing, the development of infrastructure, and advanced flood control to make sure that such disasters never happen again.

The response of the political establishment to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma confirm the analysis made by the WSWS in June, that the fight of the working class against Trump and all he represents will raise ever more urgently the necessity of political mass movement, independent of and opposed to both the Republicans and the Democrats, against the capitalist system and its state. The building of a leadership to guide this movement, the Socialist Equality Party, is the basic political task.
TIFTON, GA (WALB) - State officials are concerned Georgia will be facing a statewide shortage in gas.

The concern comes from evacuees leaving the state to head back home.

Gas stations were packed in Tifton off of I-75 as cars lined up to fill their vehicles and extra containers.

Some Florida residents who are heading back said they have been stopping every chance they could because they're worried they won't have the chance once they get stuck in traffic heading back into Florida.

In Tifton, cars were lined up to the street Tuesday afternoon and people were even filling up extra gas containers.

A warning for residents of Georgia and evacuees in Florida, traveling south will be tough, especially with concerns of gas shortages.

Residents tell us every time they stopped they filled up.

As Florida residents head back down south to view the damage left behind by Irma, many of them are filling up their gas tanks every chance they get.

Katherine Heckler of Florida said, "we want to make sure that our gas tank is filled at all times."

But as traffic heads south.. so do the chances of finding gas.

Many of the gas stations along the route back to Florida are most likely not working any longer after Irma.

Florida evacuee Allie Wyatt says that's why she's filling up now.

"Just gone ahead and topped off even if I didn't need it because i didn't want to get stranded," said Wyatt.

Residents say they are going into this trip with high hopes, after hearing about the heavy traffic and fuel situation.

"We're not sure when we get closer to home whether we'll be able to get gas over there," said Heckler.

Some evacuees are even bringing extra fuel containers.

Spencer Bass of St. Pete, FL tells me he had to make the stop, bringing 18 gallons of gas with him.

"I'm certainly concerned about it or I wouldn't be stopping," said Bass.

"I've been through 5 hurricanes before so I always try to prep for it and I figured everything you see about gas so I went out and I actually have 3 more at home," said Bass.

Bass said that he has never evacuated from Florida for a hurricane before, but didn't want to chance this one.

In a press conference Tuesday, officials say the state has placed 20 service patrol operators along I-75 from South Atlanta metro to Florida.

That's to help if you run out of fuel.

But they will only be able to give you enough fuel to get you to the next gas station.

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal also encourages Georgia residents to limit travel on I-75 if they can because it is expected to have high traffic volume.

Copyright 2017 WALB. All rights reserved.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Leon County Sheriff's Office hosted a send off for a group of deputies ready to help rebuild after devastation from Hurricane Irma.

This mobile command unit as well as a disaster relief trailer will be heading down to Fort Meyers with three Leon County deputies to assist in Hurricane Irma relief.

One of the deputies heading to South Florida said each recovery trip brings about different needs to be met by the community.

"Each one of them are unique in their own way only because the citizens that are in this particular area are different and they're going to need other things the others didn't necessarily have a need for," said Damon Sullivan, a Leon County deputy. "So we'll just go down there and do the best we can to provide whatever they need.

The deputies are scheduled for a week but will remain longer if need be. This is the first deployment for the mobile command unit since its upgrade earlier this year.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Now that Irma has made her way through Florida the tasks of rebuilding and cleaning up are underway.

Cleaning up, assessing the damages, and helping those affected the most is top priority for Leon County officials.

The Leroy Collins Library in Tallahassee has opened a comfort center offering up support. Staff members are providing snacks, air conditioning, public computer access, and place to charge your tablet or phone.

WTXL spoke with one woman who has been helping residents as they come to the facility for aid.
LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. (WTXL) - Lowndes County Schools will remain closed Thursday with plans to reopen Friday.

In consideration of approximately 8,000 residents still without power and water in their homes, LCS will remain closed Thursday, September 14.

With the anticipation of power restoration, schools will reopen on Friday, September 15, unless otherwise notified.

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.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A Tallahassee man is being sought on a trafficking in cocaine charge after police found 99 grams of crack cocaine at a home he shared with a woman arrested on the same first-degree felony.

Terry Leon Butler, 33, lived at a Tallahassee duplex with Shantavia Tanae Solomon, 31, a Tallahassee Police Department investigator said in a probable cause document.

Police said in a probable cause affidavit that an investigation revealed that illicit drugs were being sold out of the Tallahassee house where Butler and Solomon lived.

She turned herself in on several drug-related warrants on Sept. 6, 2017. Later that day Solomon, represented by an attorney, at her request was released on a $10,000 bond.

She had a pre-scheduled, non-refundable work trip that she had paid about $4,000 toward that was to begin Sept. 7, according to a motion to set bond document. The prosecutor did not object to her bond request.

In the couple's kitchen, police said, they found in a drawer such items used to make crack cocaine as a scale, a razor blade with residue, a heavy glass container and a wire stirrer.

Building their case, police said in the court document that Butler and Solomon had control over the house just prior to police searching it and no one entered the house between the time that Butler left and the search warrant was served.

Police said credit cards and bank cards were found in Butler's name in the same location as the cocaine.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Tallahassee Police Department says the man shot early Wednesday morning died of his injuries.

Andrew Glover III was shot at 1935 West Tennessee St. at approximately 2:40 a.m., police said.

Officers and emergency personnel provided medical attention to Glover, who was taken to a local hospital.

Investigators with TPD's Violent Crimes Unit are interviewing witnesses and processing the scene.

People with information about the case are asked to call the investigators at (850) 891-4200 or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at (850) 574-TIPS.

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Milchan has many close friends: Friendship overrides distance. He told me years ago, in a phone call from Los Angeles, that he was a close friend of late President Shimon Peres and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Barak plotted against Peres. Milchan tried to bring them closer together. Thats what close friends do.

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is a close friend too. If Im not mistaken, so was the late Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. In the past 20 or even 30 years, there hasnt been a single prime minister in Israel who wasnt his close friend.

Netanyahu and Milchan. In the past 20 or even 30 years, there hasnt been a single prime minister in Israel who wasnt Milchans close friend (Photo: Getty Images)

In Netanyahus case, the friendship was close enough to make the gift supply legal, but distant enough so as not to create a conflict of interest in decisions made by Netanyahu that had a direct link to Milchans money and civil status. A close friendship is sometimes like the bellows of an accordion: When you want to, you expand it; and when you want to, you compress it.

Milchan isnt famous for his generosity, absolutely not. Hes famous for his personal charm. Hes a great charmer. In my opinion, thats one of the enigmatic components in the Netanyahu investigation puzzle: Milchan isnt the kind of billionaire who showers his acquaintances with expensive gifts. Its not in his nature; its not the way he behaves. The gifts had to be requested. Who requested them, when did they request them, what did they request? These are some of the key questions, and Milchans answers could have made the investigators happy.

Theres something deceiving in the flood of headlines accompanying the investigations. In the submarine affair, we know that there was corruption and we know the name of the person at the center of the affair: Miki Ganor . Since signing a states witness agreement, he has been framing the people he says he corrupted. Before declaringnot for the first timethat this is the biggest corruption affair in the states historywe should wait and see not only who he will inform on, but also who will be indicted and who will be convicted by the court.
Israeli Naval Academy graduation ceremonies are always moving, but one held last week in Haifa drew particular attention, with a father and son duo boarding the INS Tarshish together, the former being propped up by the latter.

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First Lieutenant Omer Koren boarded the ship he will soon serve aboard along with his father, Eli, who himself served on the ship 25 years ago during one of its previous incarnations.

Omer (L) and Eli Koren aboard the INS Tarshish (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

For the past several years, Eli has been suffering from a debilitating illness, whose symptoms include paralysis. This made it exceedingly difficult for the proud father to board the ship, and so he was assisted by his sonset to carry on the family legacyin the task.

Eli Koren served as a class officer aboard the ship when it was docked in Ashdod. "A fewl years ago, my aorta tore, and then during the operation trying to fix it blood clots got to my brain," he said. "I woke up paralyzed. I had to undergo a long rehabilitation process at Tel Hashomer (Medical Centered), former Major-General Doron Almog's Aleh Negev and the Recanati Rehabilitation Center in Tel Aviv. I have a very serious head injury necessitating tons of patience in overcoming the difficulties it places in my way, and today I'm mostly impaired in coordination and walking. We were extremely moved to board the Tarshish together."

The Koren family resides in a moshav near Ashkelon. Eli encouraged Omer, his two other sons and his daughter to take up nautical activities, including surfing, water sports, yacht sailing and sailing the family boat, on Lake Kinneret.

Omer helps his father board the Tarshish (:  ")

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Eli was able to perform reserve duty at the navy's command center until the age of 44, and he later performed team building exercises for the corps.

When Omer was 15, however, everything changed. The illness suddenly broke out, but Eli did his best to avoid it weighing on his son.

"It influenced me a lot, but I didn't think it was that big of a deal," admitted Omer, adding that overall, "I think I've been handling it pretty well.

"In hindsight, I actually think it empowered me, it stopped me from getting lost during my teens. It helped me rise up when my hero father suddenly wasn't around. He was the breadwinner and the one who did all of the repairs around the house, and suddenly everyone was looking to me. I started preparing food and taking care of my younger siblings."

Eli Koren (L) aboard the Tarshish in his younger days (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

During his adolescent years, Omer decided to attend an army preparatory program. He then applied to the Israeli Naval Academy but did not make the cut. Despite this setback, he wouldn't give up, applying again and this time giving it his all. This time, he was accepted to the prestigious training program, and just like his father before him, Omer graduated from it with distinction.

"During every second of the course I kept thinking of my dad and everything he has to go through, dwarfing my own hardships. His struggles entailed getting up in the morning and not being able to move his hand. That's real hardship," said Omer. "My family did a very good job at putting a wall between me and everything that happened at home, and involving me as little as possible. It helped me not lose focus through this very demanding course."

For Omer, the highlight of his training came when he was finally able to board the INS Tarshish together with his father. "I thought it would be mundane, but wow, it was amazing. I never imagined graduating from the Naval Academy," Omer concluded after they boarded. "And to serve on the very same ship my dad served on to boot. I was filled with pride at following in his footsteps."

Eli added his son's participation in the course helped his morale in tackling his condition. "I helped him only with my bond with the sea, and not my connections in the navy. It helped me that he chose where he really wanted to be," he said.
Three dissenting academics were barred from participating in a two-day conference dealing with academic boycotts of Israel held in Dublin's Trinity College this week.

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The conference, titled "Freedom of speech and higher education: the case of the academic boycott of Israel," features lectures on such topics as "Neoliberalism, the colonial university, and Palestinian liberation," "Perspectives on academic boycott of Israel in Poland" and others.

The conference's organizers, some of them prominent figures in the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, all support the academic boycotting of Israel and its institutions.

BDS demonstration against Israel (Photo: citizenside.com)

One of the conference's keynote speakers is Dr. Steven Salaita, who has had harsh words for Israel in the past, going so far as to tweet "The Israeli flag is a horrifying symbol of aggression and oppression", "I wish all West Bank settlers would disappear" and "If you're defending Israel right now, you're an awful human being." Following these remarks, Salaita was dismissed from his University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign position.

News of the conference recently reached Israel's Association of University Heads, and they called on researchers to send in lecture abstracts to the conference, requesting to speak there and counter the claim of those supporting a boycott of Israel.

Two Israeli researchers and a senior researcher from the United Kingdom, who has written about the academic boycott in the past, heeded the call and sent in their abstracts to the organizers. They were all summarily rejected without any explanation, said the Association of University Heads.

Chairman of the Association of University Heads and President of Tel Aviv University Prof. Joseph Klafter

In response to the conference and the rejection of the proposed speakers, chairman of the Association of University Heads and the President of Tel Aviv University Prof. Joseph Klafter sent a strongly-worded letter to the president of Trinity College, demanding his college clarify the rules and principles of a worthy academic institution.

"Conferences are an integral and inseparable part of academic life and are the space where different, sometimes even polarized, opinions may be expressed. They are a time for an exchange of ideas brought on by meaningful discussions leading to a better understanding of the issues in question," wrote Klafter.

"If only the conference organizers followed regular protocol allowing expressing both sides of the issue, this event would have been a welcome addition to public discourse. Unfortunately, in this instance a great wrong was committed against the academic community and freedom of speech at the university you head. We expect Trinity College to see fit to reclarify the rules and principles conference organizers should adhere to, and ensure no discrimination takes place and a wide range of opinions are allowed to be expressed in order to continue being a proper society maintaining a free public discourse," the missive concluded.

Pro-Palestinian protest at the Irish university causing a talk by the Israeli ambassador to be canceled

"It's important for us at the Association of University Heads to contact university heads and members of academia in the world (and ask them) to join those combating academic boycotts and preventing any activities whose sole purpose is to promote (such a boycott)," Prof. Klafter told Ynet. "Research, the pursuit of knowledge and its creation are a way of widening horizons and breaking barriers, and not exclusion and putting up barriers."

"It's completely obvious there is a systematic attempt to remove anyone objecting to the academic boycott of Israel from the conference. Most of its speakers are staunch supporters of BDS," said Prof. Michael Yudkin, a senior fellow at Oxford University whose abstract was rejected by the conference.

"Moreover, the abstracts and articles submitted to the conference and protesting the academic boycott were summarily rejected. This is nothing more than a political assembly in the pretext of an academic conference. It's within our power to expose this conference as the clear attempt at subverting opinion and academic openness, so in the future universities are not fooled by BDS supporters' tactics," Yudkin added.

The pro-Palestinian rally at Trinity College

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"We came to the realization the conference organizers were unwilling to confront positions going against their outlook on the legitimacy of an academic boycott and are not willing to allow the expression of differing opinions and the showing of academic openness," said Prof. Zvi Ziegler, head of the inter-university forum to counter academic boycotts against Israelcreated by the Association of University Heads.

"A conference where such cherry-picking takes place, preventing discussions between researchers of varied positions, isn't worthy of being called an academic conference. Our guiding principle in combating the boycotta struggle involving important international organizationsis that researchers must not be discriminated against on the basis of religion, race, gender, nationality, ethnicity or political stance," Ziegler said.

About six months ago, a talk by Israel's ambassador to Ireland at the very same college was canceled after students blocked the entrance to the hall where it was supposed to take place and sang anti-Israeli songs.
Inspectors from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) have confiscated luxury snake and crocodile-skin kippot from a high-end Old City boutique in Jerusalem on the suspicion they were imported illegally and without the requisite permits.

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Israeli law, prescribed by international treaties, forbids importing and trading items made of wild animals without their origins first being tested and approved by the INPA.

Alligator and snake-skin kippot were confiscated from the store (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

A new Judaica store in the Old City's Jewish Quarter began selling these items for thousands of shekels, and prepared to import more kippot made from the hides of exotic animals.

The inspector who arrived at the store discovered that the items in question, including both kippot and mezuzahs, were imported to Israel without a permit.

According to the inspector, the importer could have been granted the required permit upon request, but his failure to comply with the regulations led to the confiscation of all the items.

There are numerous animal habitats in the world dedicated to harvesting the animals' hides or other body parts. These habitats are intended to serve as a substitute for hunting the animals in the wild, and only in cases where the local government has approved the animal products are legitimately sourced can they be imported to Israel.

"Our products are designs sent to us by an American firm. When we start regulated importing, it will naturally be coordinated with the proper authorities," said Eli Mordechai, the owner of the store.
Israeli banks are contributing to the proliferation of West Bank settlements by providing loans and mortgages for construction there, violating their human rights obligations, Human Rights Watch said in a report Wednesday.

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The report said Israeli law does not require banks to provide such services to the settlements, and urged them to distance themselves from such activities. It also urged the banks' shareholders to "ensure their business relationships do not contribute to or benefit from" human rights violations.

Human Rights Watch says the banks have helped the expansion of the West Bank settlements, which are now home to some 400,000 Israelis.

Construction in Kiryat Arba (Photo: AFP)

Sari Bashi, the group's Israel and Palestine advocacy director, said the banks should abide by the UN guiding principles on business and human rights, a set of non-binding guidelines meant to address and remedy abuses committed in business activity, or else face action by shareholders.

"There are many, many steps banks can and should take to at the very least reduce their involvement in settlements, if not stop it entirely," she said. "If they choose not to take steps, institutional investors who care about their own human rights activity should take action."

Israel captured the West Bank, along with the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel has since annexed east Jerusalem in a move that is not recognized internationally, and it withdrew from Gaza in 2005.

Most of the international community considers settlements illegal and an obstacle to creating a Palestinian state. Israel disputes this, saying the fate of the settlements must be resolved through negotiations with the Palestinians.

Israel's banks lend money to homebuyers, settlement councils or to companies carrying out construction in the West Bank. Most also have branches in settlements.

Construction in Ma'ale Adumim (Photo: Reuters)

Israeli law requires banks to accept settlers as customers, meaning they cannot refuse to open accounts for them. But a legal analysis by Human Rights Watch of Israeli banking laws concluded that banks are not obligated to provide financial backing for construction in the West Bank.

While an anti-discrimination law prohibits refusal of service based on place of residence, the report said banks could cite other reasons for declining to provide loans, such as the construction's implications for Palestinians' human rights. The law also allows companies to decline to serve certain areas so long as they provide advance notice to customers.

"It is Human Rights Watch's assessment that banks can, under domestic law, avoid providing many services that support settlements and settlement activity, and that doing so is necessary to fulfill their human rights responsibilities," the report said.

The relevant laws have yet to be challenged in court, meaning the report offers only one interpretation of how they may be read.

But the group presents a warning to Israel's banking sector: Operating in the settlements risks inviting divestment from ethically-minded shareholders. Bashi cited a 2016 move by the pension fund for the United Methodist Church that blocked five Israeli banks from its investment portfolio, saying they profit from rights abuses.

The Association of Banks in Israel, an umbrella group, declined to comment on the report's claims. Spokespeople for Israel's major banks either declined comment or referred queries to the banking association. Israel's central bank had no immediate comment.

Human Rights Watch said the five largest banks in Israel did not respond to questions about whether they adhere to the UN guiding principles. Four of the country's biggest banks are members of the UN Global Compact, a group of companies that calls on its members to "make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses."

Eugene Kontorovich, an international law expert at the Kohelet Policy Forum, a conservative think tank, disputed the report's claim.

He said private companies are not obliged under international law to restrict where they work even if others believe the settlements are illegal. He said companies are not necessarily violating human rights if they conduct business in an area where violations are said to occur.

"Granting a mortgage is not a human rights violation," he said.

Settlements have grown rapidly over the decades, providing a lucrative market for bank loans and mortgages, and an incentive for the banks to continue to offer funding.

Human Rights Watch has previously issued a report claiming businesses operating in the settlements contribute to Israel's violation of human rights and has called on them to cease their activities there.
Ultra-Orthodox MK Yigal Guetta of the Shas Party announced his resignation from the Knesset on Wednesday amid criticism leveled against him for attending his gay nephew's wedding.

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In a recent radio interview, the 51-year-old lawmaker disclosed that he had a gay nephew who invited him to his wedding. Guetta said he attended out of respect for his sister, with whom he said he had a close relationship despite their ideological differences.

The disclosure caused outrage in the ultra-Orthodox community and led to calls from rabbis for the lawmaker to step down.

MK Yigal Guetta (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

In light of the criticism, Guetta clarified he disagreed with the nature of the wedding. "I specifically said during the event itself that this was something that is strictly prohibited in the Torah. It's an abomination, something completely terrible. But there was the matter of my sister," he explained.

Guetta said he was not told to resign from the Knesset, "but they told me it was wrong. There was a discussion about it. I understand this sensitivity. Not everyone can understand Yigal Guetta. I wasn't scolded."

Suzie Ben-Zvi, Guetta's sister, was shocked and angered by the reasons for her brother's decision. "I'm very angry. It's disgusting the 'other' is not accepted here, it's audacity on the part of the state," she told Ynet.

"We're decent people who accept the other. It's not nice at all what they've done," Ben-Zvi added, saying she did not know of her brother's decision in advance.

She went on to say Guetta was not even at the wedding ceremony itself. "He came to show his respect to me because I am his sister. He didn't tell us at first he was coming, and we were surprised he did. We were very surprised and showed him respect. I'm his sister, his own blood, he came to show me the respect I deserve."

In his letter to Shas leader Aryeh Deri, Guetta thanked Deri for the trust put in him and promised to continue working for the Shas movement and for Deri personally.

MK Guetta is considered a rising star in Shas due to his blunt way of speech, which earned him the nickname "the Haredi Oren Hazan."

He was a member of the Bnei Brak city council when Deri promoted him, placing him on the party's national Knesset list.

He was expected to continue advancing in the party thanks to his standing in the movement and close ties with Deri.

Deri spoke to Guetta after the latter submitted his resignation, assuring him he still has a role to play in Shas.

Zionist Union MK Merav Michaeli called on Guetta to rescind his resignation and on Deri not to accept it.

Yesh Atid leader MK Yair Lapid said, "Guetta is an excellent MK and a friend. It's sad that in Israel of 2017, an MK has to resign for attending a wedding of two people who love each other."

Yesh Atid MK Yael German said the resignation was "unfortunate and shameful. Once again we are witnessing MKs making decisions not based on their own conscience, but on political pressure. Guetta participated in a personal family event and chose to honor the highest of Jewish values, such as 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' This was an opportunity for his political and ideological partners to provide us with a lesson of the greatness of unconditional love, instead of unjustified hatred, an opportunity they missed, and he has to pay the shameful price."
The window of opportunity allowing Israel to become part of an Arab-Sunni axis against the Iranian expansionist threatfirst in Syria and later the entire Middle Eastis rapidly closing.

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Russias diplomatic and military achievements in shoring up the Assad regime, as well as Iran's expansion towards abandoned Islamic State strongholds in Syria, have led the Arab-Sunni world to rethink its relations with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Public reports reveal, for example, Jordanian efforts to reach understandings with Assad's regime, including reopening the main crossings between Jordan and Syria for trade purposes, in addition to renewing the flow of intelligence between the two countries. This is just one example of the major failure of Israel and the US-led Western coalition in Syria.

Yahya Sanwar, Hamas leader in Gaza (Photo: AP)

Even more concerning, though, is that non-state entities intent on Israel's destruction have been working to join the Shiite axis. A recent example was presented by Shin Bet Director Nadav Argaman, who informed the Security Cabinet this week that Hamas was strengthening its ties with Iran and Hezbollah, a move with potentially far-reaching security implications.

The truth is that while relations between Hamass military wing on the one hand and Hezbollah and Iran on the other have had their fair share of ups and downs, they have nevertheless persevered.

Now, in light of Irans achievements in Syria, Hamas leadership in Gaza wishes to join the so-called new leading forces in the Middle East, and consequently has publicly declared its support for Assad and the new regional order created by the Russians and Iranians in Syria.

Hamass leader in Gaza, Yahya Sanwar, stated earlier this month his organization's ties with Iran were not only back on track after years of difficulties, but were, in fact, more than excellent. Iran, he added, is the organization's military wings most important supporter today.

And sure enough, according to foreign reports, Iran has been transfering some $70 million a year to Hamass military wing in Gaza, while offering it logistic and technical aid. Members of Hamass military wing travel to Iran and other countries, where they receive military training from Iranian instructors. In light of Sanwar's recent comments, these relations are only growing stronger.

The ties between Hamas, the Iranians and Hezbollah arent natural, as the Gazan publicwhose members belong to the Sunni denomination in Islamremains hostile towards Iran, due to Iran's targeting of Sunnis in Iraq. The US policy's failure to produce results in Syria, however, coupled with the decreasing appreciation for the West, are forcing the regions countries, as well as non-state actors such as Hamas, to fall into the Islamic republics arms, or at the very least try to broach dialogue with the Iranians.

The budding relationship between Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah is being overseen by Saleh al-Arouri, the head of Hamas operations in Lebanon. Arouri, perceived to be the guiding hand behind Hamas terror attacks in the West Bank, is close to Khaled Mashal, the organizations former political bureau chief, and the two serve as opposition to Hamas leadership in Gaza, led by Sanwar.

The rift between the two factions within Hamas is reflected in a conference currently taking place in Cairo, attended by more than 20 Hamas leadership members. While Sanwar is pushing towards leaning on Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, Arouri and his supporters are making a play towards joining the alliance between Turkey, Qatar and Iran. If Hamas crawls back into Irans arms, it will invriably be at Egypt's expense and will be seen as a victory for the Mashal-led opposition. Arouri, by the way, wishes to become the deputy of Ismail Haniyeh, who serves as Hamas's political arm chief.

Israel never had the requisite tools, primarily diplomatic ones, to try and influence events unfolding in Syria. Having no other choice, it relied on the American-led coalition, which let it down. Now, five years later, as Iran is entrenching itself in Syria with the tacit approval of the Arab-Sunni coalition, the situation must be amended.

It really is a shame. Israel had a good chance of reaching understandings with a number of Sunni countries on the future of the Middle East and its role in the region, including an acceptable solution to the Palestinian issue with the Sunni world's leaders, but something went awry. Someone waited too long, played with the Saudis, played with the Jordanians, and was convinced the miracle of the Syrian civil war would last. But in the end, Assad wasnt toppled, the Iranians and Hezbollah have grown stronger, and Israel has notched up yet another diplomatic failure.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday he has no intention of resigning despite mounting pressure over a string of corruption investigations , promising instead to lead his Likud party to a "big" victory in the 2019 general elections.

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I dont intend to go to (early) elections, I intend to continue this term until its conclusion and lead the Likud to a big victory in the 2019 elections, the prime minister said during a press conference in Argentina, where he is visiting as part of a 10-day trip to Latin America

The comments came in response to rumors circulating in Israel that Netanyahu was gearing up to announce his resignation.

Netanyahu with President Mauricio Macri (Photo: Avi Ohayon/GPO)

Its nonsense, Netanyahu succinctly dismissed the rumors. The support for me in the Likud party is so powerful. You have to come and see. Not only to the meetings. Come with me to the streets and see it. I dont remember support like this since 1996, not for me or for my wife. I see tremendous power. There is no other word to describe this.

The remarks were made after the prime minister and his wife Sara participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the San Martin Palace in Buenos Aires in memory of Argentinian national hero General Jose de San Martin.

Speaking about the 1992 attack against the Israeli Embassy and the 1994 attack against a Jewish community building in the Argentine capital Netanyahu said Iran was responsible.

We know without a doubt that Iran and Hezbollah were backing and in fact initiated these attacks, and can say Iran's terror has not stopped since then. They have a terror machine that encompasses the entire world, with their sidekick Hezbollah.

They are operating terrorist cells in many continents, including in Latin America, and the need to fight terrorism, whether from Iran of from ISIS, has now become a concern for all countries.

Photo: Avi Ohayon/GPO

Also on Tuesday, Netanyahu held discussions with Argentinas President Mauricio Macri and with Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes, who flew to Buenos Aires especially to meet with the Israeli premier.

"I think you're a great friend, and I think that there is a lot of potential in the cooperation we have for the betterment of both our peoples and to help to the extent Israel can offer its experience in technology, agriculture, water, securityall the matters we've discussed and will discuss, Netanyahu told President Cartes.

"We are working very good, though I think that there is much more to do. Relations are like a muscle, you have to practice and work every day. But you have to know we like you very much," Cartes responded.
A textbook for eight grade students showing Israel's flag on a map of the Middle East has raised ire in Egypt.

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Historian Bassam el-Shammaa told Egyptian newspaper Al-Youm al-Saba'a he contacted the independent publisher of the textbook "Our Arab homeland... geographic trends and Islamic culture," which is unaffiliated with the Education Ministry in the country, after noticing an Israeli flag appears on the map instead of the Palestinian one.

The publisher admitted to el-Shammaa this was an error that would be rectified in future copies of the book.

El-Shammaa suggested to the publisher to issue a message to libraries and schools to remove the map from the books in order to "avoid this serious error," but the publisher "believed this solution was hard to execute."

In light of the extensive press coverage the textbook received, the Egyptian Education Ministry announced it was launching an urgent investigation into the matter.

Ridaa Hijari, the head of the general education department, said steps would be taken against the publisher if the investigation found the textbook did not receive a license from the Education Ministry.

"When I learned about the issue, I turned to the office of the adviser for sociological studies and asked for a copy of the book so I could see it," Hijari said. "Then we'll see who supervised it, who checked the book... We will also issue an instruction to pull the book from stores and bar its distribution."

A senior Egyptian Education Ministry official told the newspaper Al-Masry al-Youm the ministry has already ordered to immediately remove the page featuring the controversial map from the textbook until the investigation is concluded.
The Jerusalem Municipality recently canceled a panel discussion dealing with the advancement of womens status in society due to objections raised to the participation of a human rights activist who previously served as a spokeswoman in the left-wing human rights group BTselem

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The event, entitled Women influence decision making? was scheduled to take place on Tuesday evening to mark the inauguration of the citys deputy mayor Hagit Moshe to her new position as chair of the Committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality.

Among those invited were officials from the Justice Ministry, Director-General of the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center Dr. Osnat Levtzion-Korach and attorney Nisreen Alyan, the former BTselem spokeswoman who now works at the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI).

Just before the meeting was supposed to commence, the municipality announced that the event was canceled due health-related reasons.

However it transpired that the actual reason stemmed from opposition voiced by Moshe to Alyans participation

Moshe, a member of the Jerusalem Success group headed by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, said that no present or former BTselem activist would be welcomed to such committee meetings on her watch.

We didn't check as we should have the spokespersons at the event. When it turned out that there was a representative of BTselem I decided to cancel her participation, Moshe explained.

Nisreeen Alyan

BTselem is an unworthy organization in my eyes. As long as it depends on me I will not allow its representatives to be granted a stage. Anyone who is unconcerned with IDF soldiers and slanders them cannot be given a platform on a municipal committee, she added.

Moshe also emphasized that her opinion remained unchanged despite the fact that Alyan now works with the ACRI.

"What difference does it make? In the past, she hurt Israeli soldiers, and in my eyes she's persona non grata. We will hold another meeting on another day with other spokeswomen."

Alyan said she lamented Moshes decision, insisting that her involvement in human rights groups should have no bearing on the decision to proceed with or cancel the meeting.

I worked in a human rights group in Israel to promote the rights of civil society in a democratic framework and there is nothing wrong with that. Its regrettable that a political opinion dictates the agenda for the committee advancing womens status, Alyan said.

Its another example of a witch-hunt against civil society organizations. Unfortunately it has become a common phenomenon.

The municipality released its own statement avoiding addressing the reasons behind the cancelation. The municipality will set another day for the meeting. With regards to setting the agenda, this is the responsibility of the committee chair.

The ACRI also released its own statement, decrying the fact that Alyan is to be struck from the list of participants when the panel does convene.

Echoing Alyans comments that it was a witch-hunt, the statement went on to blast the decision as a continuation of the process of delegitimization of anyone who doesnt close ranks with the regime.

It went on to cite Alyans credentials, arguing that she is an asset to any panel dedicated to the advancement of human rights and equality.

Attorney Nisreen Alyan is an expert on human rights in east Jerusalem and among the prominent human rights activists. Every respectable panel is enriched by her knowledge, the statement read.

BTselem has become the subject of scrutiny and censure by the Israeli government which considers its activities to be subversive and harmful to the IDF.

Last April, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to meet with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel after the latter went ahead with a planned meeting with BTselem and other left-wing organizations.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah reportedly declared a decisive victory to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war, with all but "scattered battles" remaining.

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This marks the first public statement purporting the conflict to be over, prior to any such comments by Russian, Iranian or even Syrian military or political figures.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah declared victory in the Syrian conflict

Nasrallah made the comments in a closed-door meeting with his inner circle, which was taken aback by the Hezbollah chief presenting them with his "summation of the war in Syria," reported Beirut Hezbollah-affiliated daily Al-Akhbar.

The secretary-general recounted the moves his organization has made since the start of the uprising against Assad's regime, revealing he left for Tehran for a meeting with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as soon as the conflict began.

According to Nasrallah, at the time everyone were shocked at the ferocity of the resistance to Assad's regime and the demonstrations against it, to the point that they were certainas was then Minster of Defense Ehud Barakthe regime would be toppled within two or three months.

"I told them, we're not going to fight (forces opposing Assad's regimeed) in Damascus, but that we were going to divvy up tasks related to different sectors within Syria and in Lebanon as well, to also defend Syria from inside (Lebanon)," Nasrallah recapped.

"I knew the rebels' scheme would fail and insisted Assad would eventually win and stay in power, and I was right," he bragged.

Nasrallah maintained that Israel , the American government and "hostile forces" are nevertheless continuing to encourage and reinforce the enemies of the Syrian regime, but that "it will not do them any good, since the war already has been decided."
The Navy is drilling fighting off Hezbollah naval commandos mounting a surprise attack on Israel as part of a large-scale amphibious training exercise taking place in the north this week.

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Among other scenarios, the Israeli sailors faced a swarm of jet skis and small motorboats carrying Hezbollah fighters, divers and suicide bombers.

The drills are designed to prepare the navy for the most extreme scenarios in any future opening of a military campaign launched by Hezbollah's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.

Israel's naval drills (:  '')

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Soldiers from the regular security units of the navy in the north simulated facing Hezbollah commandos to bolster their preparedness for surprise attacks using small vessels, jet skis and speedboats heading for the Israeli coast or attacking Israeli vessels.

Another scenario being considered is the use of jet skies traversing the waters within a matter of minutes without any prior intelligence warning as a diversion from a major assault on Israels shores in other areas.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

Israels sailors and commandos are also preparing for the event that such an attack may be accompanied by a heavy salvo of mortar shells fired by Hezbollah towards the Israeli coast, with each wearhead containing between 100-200 kilograms of explosives.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

The training exercises also included the use of an armada to stave off assaults from the sea along with the employment of unique recently-upgraded combat techniques to thwart the threat.

The navy and the IDFs ground forces also trained to face Hezbollahs special unit cellsmany of which are currently fighting in Syria and gaining experienceinfiltrating Israeli communities near the Lebanese border with the sole aim of kidnapping Israeli civilians.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

This is absolutely a scenario that could open the next war in the north, a naval officer who participated in the drills told Ynet.

We want this kind of scenario to end at sea, even though we may have to take the fight against the threat to the shores, he added, before explaining why the IDFs familiarity with the area gave it the strategic edge.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

The soldiers who acted as the enemy in the exercise also serve in the area, they know our weak spots so this was an advantage for the training forces.

In the Northern Corps exercise, the largest in the IDF since 1998, tens of thousands of people participated from the army, including reservists.
Four Israeli men and one Israeli woman were rescued Wednesday, twenty-four hours after being stranded in the snow-topped western Mongolian mountains.

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Rescue operation (:    "")

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Rescue operation

The tourists, all in their twenties, alterted the authorities that they had lost their way in the mountain massif in Tavan Bogd by activating a Magnus International Search & Rescue location device, prompting a local rescue team to propel a helicopter into the skies and find the missing Israelis.

The hikers were eventually found after the helicopter had circled 1,500km of the mountainous region for ten hours, forcing it to refuel twice along the way.
CAIRO  Egyptian prosecutors on Wednesday ordered the detention of a lawyer who assisted the family of an Italian graduate student killed under suspicious circumstances during a police crackdown in Cairo, accusing him of disseminating fake news.

Ibrahim Metwally, an advocate for victims of enforced disappearances, was arrested at Cairo International Airport three days ago while traveling to Geneva to speak at a United Nations meeting on the topic. He himself was considered disappeared until now, since he was initially held incommunicado, without access to lawyers or family.

Metwally had provided legal services to the family of Giulio Regeni, a researcher on labor unions who disappeared on Jan. 25, 2016 in Cairo and was later found tortured to death, causing a diplomatic row and uproar in Italy.
Moscow  Russian authorities evacuated people from dozens of buildings in Moscow on Wednesday after a flurry of anonymous phone calls asserting the locations had been mined, RIA news agency reported.

Three of Moscow's main train stations were being checked on Wednesday, along with the city's famous GUM department store near Red Square, and more than 20 other buildings, the news agency said.

GUM said on its website it was temporarily closed "for technical reasons."

Russia has this week experienced a wave of hoax bomb threats.
ANKARA  Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will hold talks in Ankara on Thursday with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, an ally of Doha in its dispute with Gulf Arab neighbours.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic and trade links with Qatar three months ago, suspending air and shipping routes with the world's biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas.

They say Qatar supports regional foe Iran and Islamists. Qatar denies the charges and says the economic boycott aims at neutering an independent foreign policy it says promotes peaceful regional reform and fighting terrorism.
In a suspected case of an anti-Semitic hate crime, unknown individuals were caught on camera throwing Molotov cocktails at a building owned by the Jewish Community Federation in the capital of Russia. There were no reported injuries, but the building's facade has been damaged.

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Security footage from the scene of the crime shows one of the perpetrators nearing the building, lighting the petrol soaked bottle on fire and then throwing it.

Footage from the incident

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A still from the security video

Jewish Federation's Foreign Relations Manager Boris Gorin later told Russian news agency RIA that the remains of two Molotov cocktails were found in the building.
Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai confronted Minister of Transportation Yisrael Katz Wednesday morning over the latter's inability to solve the gridlock on the upcoming light rail's operation on Shabbat and demanded Katz endeavor to change the law regulating it.

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The two met at a ceremony showcasing a model train car for the city's light rail project.

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz debate operating the light rail on Shabbat (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

Katz spoke about public transportation on Shabbat just last Saturday, saying he's attempting to promote shared taxis as public transportation solution in Tel Aviv on Shabbat.

"As to the light rail," Katz remarked, "that will be decided when it's ready. Reforming the operation of shared taxis on Shabbat will both improve public transport, and it will gain (publiced) support. The Haredi public won't cross any lines protesting shared taxis. When every person will have the option of using this service on weekends the public transportation problem will be solved."

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"The train has to act like a Shabbat elevator," Huldai told Katz. "We must have public transportation that operates on Shabbat."

"You're the mayor," retorted Katz. "It's up to you to make the rules. Make a decision and we'll try to find a solution."

The pair posed in front of the model train car (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

"Why isn't there a solution already?" wondered Huldai aloud.

"I'm working to allow the operating of shared taxis on Shabbat," Katz replied. "I'm on the cusp of reaching an agreement."

"I asked for overall public transportation," Huldai clarified, "not cabs. They aren't enough."

"The professional ranks in the ministry and I allow public transportation where it's needed," Katz summed up. "At the end of the day, we have to obey the law."

"Then change the law," Huldai exclaimed.

Katz agreed that seeking public transportation on Shabbat in Tel Aviv is reasonable, and said he is doing everything in his power to allow a reform to shared taxis on weekends, thus avoiding controversy. "Trains are merely auxiliary transportation," he said, "Their numbers and frequency are different than those of taxis."

The model car is slightly shorter than the finished version (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

After taking the stage to speak, Huldai repeated his assertion that investing vast sums of money in a light rail project without finding a way to operate them seven days a week, as is the custom in other countries, is impossible.

Katz explained that a technological solution is also being sought for operating public transportation on Shabbat. "Maybe a Shabbat clock," he offered. "There are various entities working on a solution. I don't have a problem with being responsible for it, I have the authority, and the prime minister gave me the responsibility. I'll promote the train and we'll all end up riding it together."

The model train car that arrived in Israel is part of the light rail's planning and manufacturing process, and was exhibited in Tel Aviv Wednesday.

NTA, the company carrying out the light rail project in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, explained it's customary in projects of this scale for the manufacturer to present a model after some preliminary design work in order for it to be examined and critiqued before the actual train cars are made.

Among the parameters debated are seat comfort, the cars' design and safety features.

The train carplaced on Rothschild Boulevard near Habima Squareis built like the genuine article, though at 23 meters instead of 34, it is not as long.
Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman proclaimed Wednesday that "Anyone over the age of 18 must enlist," only one day after the High Court of Justice struck down an amendment regulating yeshiva draft exemptions.

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Speaking at an event marking for the Jewish New Year, Lieberman stressed that "We're not waging war on the Haredi parties or the High Court." Rather, he said that "We're trying to take a common sense approach to the problem."

The High Court decreed on Tuesday that the most recent amendment to the Conscription Lawproviding army draft exemptions to a large number of yeshiva studentsbe canceled within a year.

Minister of Defense Lieberman spoke about the High Court's ruling Wednesday (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

The HCJ's ruling stated that a previous Knesset decision that sought to provide many 18-year-old Haredim with a pass on the mandatory IDF draft, was "disproportionate" and "harmed equality" within Israeli society.

We are compelled to return the matter back to the Knesset, concluded Supreme Court Chief Justice Miriam Naor. At this stage, and after years of trial and error, it is clear that it is no longer enough to make do with non-binding and non-enforceable arrangements whose outcome is unknown."

In an apparent comparison to the backlash staged by US citizens to the Vietnam War, Lieberman stated that "In the United States, thousands demonstrate(ded) outside of the White House, not understanding why American soldiers have to die in the jungles of southeast Asia."

Despite such criticisms against soldiers' deaths in battle, Lieberman stated that he believes that "people who are tightly-knit and filled with motivation eventually win the day.

Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Speaking of the HCJ's Tuesday decision, Lieberman posited that "the guiding parameter for us is definitely national strength."

"We're definitely talking about service for everyone," Lieberman made plain. "Service for everyone, not more first-class and second-class (distinctions). Every young person reaching the age of 18 has to either enlist or perform national service. It cannot be any other way."

Lieberman then clarified that his statements pertain to members of all faithsJews, Christians and Muslims. "I don't understand why a Haredi man can't serve in the army. And if he doesn't want to, then (he may go into) national service. There are enough challenges in any field," the minister added.

Israel's political arena has been all aflutter in the 24 hours since the majority decisioneight of the nine judges in favorreached by the expanded panel discussing the petition.

MKs from the Haredi parties held an emergency conference Wednesday following the decision. "Those who wish to study the Torah will do so without interruptions. No one will remove us from the world of the Torah," said MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism.

MKs Meir Porush (United Torah Judaism) and Ofer Shelah (Yesh Atid) both weighed in on the issue (Photo: Avi Moalem, Yaron Brener)

"What do you want, the High Court to rule over everything we do in this country? It's inconceivable that people who no one has elected think they hold the absolute truth," Porush said. "How could 15 people take over the reins of power? As for the equality the High Court is so concerned about, there are a million Arab citizens here. Does the High Court also wish to discuss their service?"

Porush also commented on the Haredi parties' next move. "We'll do everything," he promised. "The court wants legislation? It'll get legislation. We still have a year left, during which we'll do everything in our power to make sure anyone who want to study the Torah will be able to do so. We have spiritual protection, which isn't subject to the High Court of Justice."

Representing the other side of the issue, MK Ofer Shelah of Yesh Atidwho served the petition protesting the amendment in the first placewelcomed the decision.

"It was clear to me from day one that the bad amendment the government nevertheless passed won't stand the High Court's test," he said. "It goes against previous rulings and, moreover, it's unjust and does nothing for Haredi conscription."

"At the end of the day Benjamin Netanyahu has to decide whether he intends to govern Israel or let the Haredi parties do it," challenged Shelah. "Does he intend to lead Israel to shared values, or throw that all away and return from the High Court time and again by the skin of his teeth. The entire current coalitionsave for the Haredi partiesvoted for (the originaled.) law in the Knesset and all they have to do is get back to that. If they don't, all of those valuesboth of the IDF and Israeli economyare of no interest to them at all."
TEHRAN  Iranian state TV says President Hassan Rouhani will attend this year's UN General Assembly meeting in New York and address the assembly on Sept. 20.

His upcoming visit to the UN headquarters, reported Wednesday, comes as the future of Iran's landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers is in doubt.

President Donald Trump's administration has been debating for months whether to scuttle the nuclear deal, as Trump threatened to do as a candidate. The Trump administration has called for UN inspections of Iranian military installations, a demand rejected by Tehran, and has also ramped up sanctions linked to Iran's ballistic missile program.

Rouhani says the US is not complying with the agreement, but insists his government remains committed to it.
The Israel Tax Authority is investigating a senior lawyer close to the Netanyahu family, this according to a Channel 2 News report. The lawyer is suspected of evading taxes by transferring funds into bank accounts in Romania allegedly under his name, which he did not report to the Tax Authority.

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The Tax Authority is currently in the process of increasing its cooperation with other tax authorities around the world, regarding the transfer of information. As of 2018, such information transfers have been agreed to be carried out automatically.

Photo: Shutterstock

Over the past year, the Israel Tax Authority received information on more than 65,000 Israelis who manage accounts in American financial institutions. The information was transferred to Israel through the US Tax Authority, according to new legislation that requires the Israeli Tax Authority to pass on information to the Americans and vice versa.
The Western Australian Labor governments first state budget proved positive for property investment as there were no direct increases to property costs for state residents.

There has been no major changes directly [affecting] domestic buyers which is important for the rebounding industry, said Damian Collins, managing director of Momentum Wealth.

Lobbying from key property industry bodies, such as the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) and Master Builders WA, was taken into consideration by the McGowan government, as they recognise the recovering state of the market. Hence, the government decided to leave land tax, stamp duty exemptions, and first-home owner grants unmodified.

Nevertheless, the property industry wasnt totally excused from the governments search for revenue, with a 4% foreign owner duty surcharge introduced on purchases of residential property by foreign individuals and entities from January 1, 2019. The surcharge aims to increase state revenues by $48m by 2020-21.

While there could be a slight impact from this, foreign investment only represents a small proportion of the WA property market. Instead, the billions of dollars worth of key transport infrastructure spending will put the property market in a strong position to continue its steady recovery, Collins said.

He was encouraged to see such positive estimates for the economy, which supports his view that the residential property market is on its way to recovery.

We are already seeing increased competition in the market for good property, and confidence in the market is increasing, Collins added.

The budget estimates also included an increase in Gross State Product (GSP) at 3%. Employment growth is forecasted to surge by 1.5%, and the State Final Demand is projected to continue to contract in 2017-18, but then increase by 1% in the following year.

Transport infrastructure will be revamped

Road and rail infrastructure has been a major focus of the budget, with billions of dollars allocated to increase the networks, including 20 key road projects totalling $2.7bn. The expansion is aimed at removing congestion, improving road safety, and creating jobs.

The budget announcement also included the identification of the first stage of funding for Labors highly publicised Metronet Plan, with a total of $1.34bn set aside to cover the next four years of the project.

Property owners will also welcome the investment in infrastructure, in particular public transport infrastructure, as it adds to the amenity of the nearby residential areas and is a strong driver for property price growth as well, Collins said.

Related Stories:

WA Investors Could Be Hit With New Levy
News

Washington, DC - The U.S National Ice Center (USNIC) in coordination with the Office of Naval Research, Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy, the Danish Joint Arctic Command, Environmental and Climate Change Canada and University of Washington deployed buoys into the Arctic Ocean during a joint mission.

The joint mission was conducted to collect weather and oceanographic data to enhance forecasting and environmental models thereby reducing operational risk for assets in the Arctic.



"Polar lows are like hurricanes of the north and the data collected from these buoys will help us with numerical weather prediction, which will help to keep our and our partner forces safe," said Cmdr. Ruth Lane, commanding officer, U.S. National Ice Center. "For example, when Hurricane Irma was approaching the Caribbean Islands. Once the hurricane was within the range of NOAA's Hurricane Hunter aircraft they flew out and dropped buoys through the hurricane. The surge of observations returned improved the track and intensity models. Forecast accuracy improves tremendously from the surge of local observations. Our goal with these Arctic buoys is a similar return on investment."



The ice-hardened buoys, known as Air Expendable Ice Beacons (AXIB), were deployed from a Royal Danish Airforce C-130 aircraft deploying out of Thule Air Base in Greenland.



"Pilots supporting the Danish Joint Arctic Command were conducting training flights in the high Arctic, so we were able to leverage these flights to deploy the buoys for the first time out of a Danish aircraft and only the second time over the North Pole," said Lt. Emily Motz, U.S. National Ice Center, coordinator for the Arctic Buoy Program. "The buoys will provide data for 3-5 years providing operational and scientific community's access to the in-situ observations available to all forecasters and researchers through the International Arctic Buoy Program (IABP)."



USNIC, in partnership with University of Washington, is responsible for management and coordination of the U.S Interagency Arctic Buoy Program (USIABP) and represents other U.S agencies including International Arctic Research Center, NASA, the National Science Foundation, Naval Oceanographic Office and Office of Naval Research. The IABP is a conglomeration of global participants that maintain a network of drifting buoys in the Arctic Ocean. The buoy effort also provides important data to the Office of Naval Research Seasonal Ice Zone Reconnaissance Surveys (SIZRS) program, which is the core of their Arctic and Global Prediction Program.



"Unique opportunities like this are a result of relationships built under the International Cooperative Engagement Program for Polar Research," said Ninette Sadusky, senior science policy advisor, Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy. "ICE-PPR is a multi-national effort led by the Office of the Senior National Representative within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N94). It's important that we continue to foster partnerships and ongoing missions like the buoy program continue to thrive."
Latest News

Washington, DC - We are deeply saddened by the passing of Nancy Dupree, who was a pillar of the American community in Afghanistan for decades. Her work to preserve the history and culture of Afghanistan began when she first arrived in Kabul in 1962.

Until her last days, Ms. Dupree remained supportive of young Afghan students and scholars who wished to focus their studies on Afghanistans heritage. She was an author, a scholar, and a tireless friend of Afghanistan who built bridges between the Afghan people and the people of the United States. We will always be indebted to her.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - Arizona FFA Greenhand Conference, to be held at Arizona Western College Friday, September 15 - This power-packed day is designed to kick off a Freshman FFA members career.

This conference covers everything from possible agriculture careers, to Supervised Agricultural Experience opportunities and conferences and leadership positions to get involved with. Students who attend this event are more likely to stay involved with FFA all four years of high school. There will be freshman from Antelope, Yuma, Cibola, Gila Ridge, Parker, San Luis, and Yuma Catholic High Schools.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - Yesterday, at about 3:20 p.m., a nine year old female was walking home from her bus stop in the area of 29th Street and 29th Drive when an older male yelled at her using profane language. The comment made by the older male was, Im going to get you minus the profanity.

The male subject was described as an older white male with short gray hair and a long gray and black beard. The victim said the male was in an older white car and left the area shortly after.

There was no physical contact by the suspect with the victim and no injuries reported. The victim did not know the suspect. This case is under investigation at this time.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about these incidents to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.
Lagos: A three-day dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed in southeast Nigeria due to mounting tensions between pro-Biafra supporters and the military.

The curfew, which will run from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am, was announced by the Abia state governor late on Tuesday, who told residents to remain at home and avoid any form of confrontation with the security forces or military.

It will be in force until Friday.

Recent days have seen clashes between supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which wants independence for the dominant Igbo ethnic group, and the military.

On Sunday, IPOB claimed five of its members were killed but the army described the claims as "fictitious" and "far from the truth".

IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has been charged with treasonable felony and is currently on bail pending the resumption of his trial in the capital, Abuja, next month.

Tensions have risen since he was freed from custody in April, with the government accusing him of breaching his bail conditions.

Abia governor Okezie Ikpeazu suggested the presence of soldiers, who began operations against kidnapping and violent crime across southern Nigeria this week, may be at the root of tensions.

He attributed Sunday`s clashes to the start of the crackdown on crime, which is codenamed "Python Dance II".On Wednesday, IPOB said troops had taken over Kanu`s home in Abia state capital, Umuahia, and that four of his supporters had been killed as they tried to stop them.

The group`s welfare office, Ikechukwu Ugwoha, told AFP "around 50 to 60" others were missing.

Another separatist group, the Movement for Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), called for the military to withdraw.

"What is happening in the southeast is totally uncalled for," group leader Madu Uchenna told AFP.

"The deployment of troops is not the solution. The military show of force is over-heating the polity.

"MASSOB and IPOB are peaceful agitators expressing their rights to self-determination."

Uchenna accused the government of "turning the southeast into a war zone" and said they should allow the courts to determine Kanu`s fate.

A previous unilateral declaration of an independent republic of Biafra in 1967 led to a brutal 30-month civil war that left more than one million dead, most of them Igbos.
New Delhi: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday on a two-day visit to India during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and both will lay the foundation stone of the ambitious Rs 1.08 lakh crore ($17 billion) Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project.

Here are the Live updates:-

- Cultural performances being held as PM Modi and Shinzo Abe's road show to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad continues.

- PM Modi and Japanese PM road show to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad http://facebook.com/ANINEWS.IN/

- Japanese PM Shinzo Abe accorded ceremonial reception at Ahmedabad Airport.

- Japanese PM Shinzo Abe arrives in Ahmedabad.

- PM Modi has reached the Ahmedabad airport to welcome his Japanese counterpart.

-Dancers from across India will perform on 28 small stages set up along the Sabarmati river-front after PM Modi, Abe arrive there.

-Early completion of Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train a game changer: Piyush Goyal

The early completion of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train set to be a game changer for our economic & social growth.https://t.co/xXJ3NBYWKP pic.twitter.com/eZC7kV4o2M  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) September 13, 2017

-Visuals from Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad, to be visited by PM Modi and Abe.

Visuals from Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad, to be visited by PM Modi & Japan PM; they will also hold a roadshow to Sabarmati Ashram. pic.twitter.com/UZpv0ohzFy  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

-PM Modi's favourite dish "Handvo" will be served to his Japanese counterpart Abe in the dinner tonight, according to reports.

-Agashiye terrace restaurant is known for its splendid view and Gujarati cuisine.

-PM Modi, Abe and his wife Akie will have dinner tonight at Ahmedabad's famous Agashiye terrace restaurant.

-Sujan Chinoy, the Indian ambassador to Japan, posts a beautiful picture of Ahmedabad as the city awakes to rising sun to welcome Shinzo Abe

#Ahmedabad awakes to rising sun to welcome H.E. PM Shinzo Abe of Japan, Land of Rising Sun!Visit will usher in new dawn in #IndiaJapan ties! pic.twitter.com/AGaqBwr9lu  Sujan Chinoy (@SujanChinoy) September 13, 2017

-Here are some more pics of Ahmedabad which has been decked up ahead of PM Modi-Shinzo Abe visit.

Ahmedabad decked up ahead of PM Modi & Japan PM Shinzo Abe's visit starting today,will hold a roadshow to Sabarmati Ashram (Last night pix) pic.twitter.com/1njyTNQc2C  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

-Ahmedabad city has been fully decked up to accord a rousing welcome to the visiting Japanese PM.

Ahmedabad and India are ready to welcome PM @AbeShinzo. pic.twitter.com/rToW2K8JEw  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

-I look forward to welcoming PM Shinzo Abe. I will be hosting him in Gujarat in our fourth annual summit together, PM Modi had tweeted on Tuesday.

I look forward to welcoming PM @AbeShinzo. I will be hosting him in Gujarat in our fourth annual summit together. https://t.co/1gaiLCsem9  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

-Fifteen agreements will be signed for investments in Gujarat during the visit of the Japanese prime minister, he said.

-The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

-The two leaders will attend a public function to mark the commencement of work of Indias first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, on September 14.

-The two leaders will deliver statements to the media. An India Japan Business Plenary is scheduled the same day.

-This will be the fourth Annual Summit between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe.

-Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe will hold the 12th India-Japan Annual Summit, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on the 14th of September.

-Modi will then head to Raj Bhavan while Japanese PM will stay at Hotel Hayat.

-PM Modi will also have a close-door meeting with Japanese PM at the House of Mangaldas.

-Japanese PM will be given an overview of the heritage of the city in prime minister Modi's home state.

-Prime Minister Modi will host dinner for Abe at Agashiye restaurant in the House of MG, a well-known heritage hotel in Ahmedabad.

-They will visit Sabarmati Ashram and iconic 16th century Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in the eastern part of the city famous for its intricate stone lattice work.

-She will be visiting a number of places including an NGO -- Blind People's Association.

-Abe's spouse Akie Abe will accompany him and also have a busy schedule.

-The visit will begin afternoon with an 8-km road show where Abe will be accorded a grand welcome.

-PM Modi will arrive at Ahmedabad airport at 3:30 today.
Washington: US President Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American Raj Shah to a key position in his communications team, the White House says.

Trump also appointed his confidant Hope Hicks as his Communications Director, officials say. Hicks previously served as Assistant to the President and Interim Communications Director.

"Raj Shah will serve as Deputy Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary," the White House said in a statement.

Shah formerly served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Communications Director.

Mercedes Schlapp, a Fox News contributor and columnist for The Washington Times, will serve as Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications.

Trump also appointed Steven Cheung as Director of Strategic Response.

He previously served as Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Communications Director.

Shah, 32, was one of the few handful of Trump's aides who landed in the White House within hours of him being sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on January 20.

In April he was identified as one of the three West Wing Power Player in the White House along with Hope Hicks and Eli Miller.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Shah's parents migrated to the US in 1980s. His parents are from Gujarat.

His father, an engineer by profession, moved to Mumbai at a young age while his mother hails from Bhujpur in Kutch.

Shah was Director of Opposition Research in the Republican National Committee before moving to the White House.
Washington: The United Nations have appealed to the entire international community to keep the political differences aside and support the ongoing humanitarian efforts to help Rohingya Muslim refugees.

"We have made very clear our concern at the ongoing tragedy of the Rohingyas, people who have been forced to leave their homes. The reports we're getting, the pictures all of us are seeing are heart-breaking to say the least," Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson to the UN Secretary-General told reporters at his daily noon conference at the UN headquarters in New York.

"I think the entire international community should support the ongoing humanitarian efforts, regardless of politics. These are people in need. These are very vulnerable people who have crossed the border, who've, as we said, are hungry and are malnourished and deserve to be helped," he said.

The spokesperson was responding to a question on role of regional players in helping Rohingya refugees.

"Are you disappointed that major regional players, including in India, in particular, have actually sort of made their stand about this Rohingya crisis very clear and actually not come out and supported when their support could have been quite crucial?" he was asked.

United Nation's humanitarian wing, he said, have done emergency planning for about 300,000 Rohingya refugees.

"That number has now definitely crossed that line. We are urgently appealing for more funds," he said.

"Whether it's UNHCR, WFP and other agencies, (we) are trying to get as much aid into the country as quickly as possible. Obviously, from what we've read out, we haven't been able to reach all the people that we need to.

"The added challenge is that a lot of people are crossing the border, going to makeshift settlements, or otherwise living outside more organised structures, which could make it easier for us to reach them," he said.

Dujarric said the government of Bangladesh has asked the UN to help establish a new camp to house the newly arrived refugees.

A flight chartered by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) carrying emergency aid such as shelter materials, sleeping mats and other supplies for Rohingya refugees has landed in Bangladesh.

The cargo has been loaded onto trucks which will bring the supplies to the refugee camps at Cox's Bazar.

A second flight, donated by the United Arab Emirates, has also landed in Bangladesh, carrying some 2,000 family tents.

The supplies in both flights will help 25,000 refugees, and further flights are planned so that 120,000?people can be reached in total.

For its part, WFP is concerned about the health of women and children who are arriving in Bangladesh hungry and malnourished.

WFP has been providing food to some 70,000 people as they arrive in Cox's Bazar and to nearly 60,000 people living in camps and makeshift settlements in the region, he said.

Across the border in Myanmar, UN continue to be concerned about reports of violence, fires and displacement of tens of thousands of people in Rathedaung township in Rakhine State.

"Most aid activities on the part of UN agencies and international non-governmental organisations across northern Rakhine remain either suspended or severely interrupted, although some assistance is being delivered by the government and through the Red Cross," he said.

"The UN and its partners continue to offer support to the government to meet the needs of all affected communities and are liaising with authorities to resume humanitarian operations as soon as possible," the UN Spokesperson said.
United Nations: UN chief Antonio Guterres called Wednesday on Myanmar to halt its military campaign against Rohingyas in Rakhine state, acknowledging that the Muslim minority was facing ethnic cleansing.

"I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military activities and violence and uphold the rule of law," he said in a press conference.

After describing reports of security forces attacking civilians as "completely unacceptable," Guterres was asked if he agreed that the Rohingya population was being ethnically cleansed.

"When one third of the Rohingya population has got to flee the country, can you find a better word to describe it?" he replied.
Bengaluru: Journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh and noted Kannada scholar MM Kalburgi were possibly killed with the same weapon, a 7.65 mm country-made pistol, preliminary findings of the Forensic Sciences Laboratory have suggested.

"Given our wherewithal, we could establish an 80% similarity in the weapon used in the two crimes," the ToI quoted a source having access to the preliminary report as saying on Wednesday.

Renowned Kannada scholar MM Kalburgi was gunned down by unknown assailants in August 2015 at his Dharwad residence.

Forensic investigation into the Kalburgi murder case had established that the pistol used to kill the Kannada scholar was the same that was used to gun down communist leader Govind Pansare in Maharashtra, a few months earlier.

Meanwhile, the preliminary report is likely to be submitted to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) today which is probing the Gauri Lankesh murder case.

About 80 people from different parts of Bengaluru and other districts, including Maoist-affected areas, have been questioned by the SIT in connection with the case so far.

The SIT is believed to be looking for an unidentified person who had visited Lankesh's house thrice the day she was murdered on September 5.

The suspect wearing a black helmet, was captured by the two CCTV cameras facing the road - Gauri's house has two other cameras - first at 3.27 pm.

He was seen wearing a white formal shirt with long sleeves and riding a motorcycle, in the footage.

The footage showed the man arriving from the right side of the road, and making a U-turn about 10 feet from the gate.

On his third visit, the suspect had a black sling bag in which he possibly carried the murder weapon, according to the investigators.

The 55-year-old editor of Kannada weekly tabloid by her name "Gauri Lankesh Patrike" was gunned down by unidentified men outside her home in the city suburb on September 5.
New Delhi: A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) disposed off senior Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav's application staking claim over party symbol, the rebel party leader said ''it is a struggle and fight'' which he would win.

The rebel JD(U) leader said this while addressing a press conference on the issue today.

"It is kind of struggle and fight. We are ready to face this. I did not speak today because I am just listening everyone right now. I will hold a press conference at 12 noon on Wednesday. I will put forward my future plan in the press conference," he said.

The ECI had on Tuesday disposed off Sharad Yadav's application staking claim over party symbol, saying it was not supported with relevant documents.

Last month, Sharad Yadav had submitted a memorandum to the commission, staking claim over the party.

The JD(U), headed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, also approached the ECI to file a counter plea against a petition submitted by Sharad Yadav.

The JD(U) also submitted that Sharad Yadav had voluntarily left the party and had involved in anti-party activities.

The delegation, who filed the counter plea, consisted of R.C.P. Singh, Sanjay Jha, Lallan Singh and KC Tyagi.

With ANI inputs
Mumbai: Though it has been nearly 16 years since its release, "Dil Chahta Hai" is still one of the most loved coming-of-age dramas in Bollywood, but director Farhan Akhtar is currently in no mood to take the story of the buddy trio forward.

"Dil Chahta Hai" starred Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna in the lead roles as three friends who share a deep bond, but have different approaches towards love and life.

The film, which was the directorial debut of Farhan, won a National Award and attained a cult status, with its characters of Akash, Sameer and Sid resonating with the urban audience.

Though two years back there were reports about a sequel being planned, Farhan has denied any such development at the moment.

"I have not really considered taking the film forward. I feel there was a certain energy, mood and a time in my life when 'Dil Chahta Hai' happened and that's why I wrote it," Farhan told PTI when asked if he ever thought of making a sequel.

"Now if I think of (a sequel), I will be forcing the issue. It is going to go from 'what I wanted to say' to now 'something more should be added'. What was great about it when it happened was there was no design."

Farhan- who has directed three feature films since "Dil Chahta Hai"- says to take the film forward, he would have to come up with a template, which would go with the organic feel of the movie.

The actor says "Dil Chahta Hai" is a character driven film, unlike his other directorial ventures - "Don" and "Don 2".

"The minute we start thinking seriously that I have to do a sequel to it, then design comes into play. That is something I want to avoid. If ever suddenly the moment of eureka happens then may be, who knows. But nothing as of now," he said.

The 43-year-old actor-filmmaker, however, says "Don" can be taken ahead with a third part.

"The story of 'Don' allows you to take the film forward. It is plot-driven. But a film like 'Dil Chahta Hai' is so much about the feel, the characters, the vibe of how people are."

When asked, if he has plans for the third instalment of "Don", Farhan says, "I am not ready with 'Don 3'. That's too far off."

The actor is currently awaiting the release of his latest film "Lucknow Central", scheduled to release this Friday.
Located in the southern end of Malaysia, the state of Johor isn't on many people's minds when planning a southeast Asian trip. But with a good list of destinations and just a small strait separating it from the more popular Singapore, this is a place worth adding to your bucket list.

With AirAsia planning to start flights from Kolkata to Johor Bahru from November 2017, we thought we'd take a look at the southern city in Malaysia and why you need to visit it. The state of Johor, lying right at the southern tip of Malaysia, is closely connected to Singapore, which lies right at the other end of the Straits of Johor. And its capital city, Johor Bahru, lies right by the strait, although the neighbor on the other side grabs most of the spotlight.

Singapore is probably on everyone's bucket list, but cross the Johor-Singapore Causeway and you'll find a city with plenty of cultural attractions worth exploring. Johor Bahru will soon be well-connected by flights, with AirAsia flying from Kolkata to the city five times a week for as low as INR 3699 starting November 28. AirAsia also runs a cross-border bus service, so you can explore Singapore in a single trip. If you plan on visiting the city, do not forget to visit these five places.

Legoland Malaysia

Notably the first international theme park in the country, Legoland Malaysia lies in the new township of Iskandar Puteri within the city. It's just about five years old, and if you haven't already guessed by the name, Lego is the central theme here. Spread across 76 acres, there are around 40 interactive rides to explore, which is more than enough to keep you and your family excited for the entire day.

Danga Bay

Located near the scenic JohorSingapore Causeway, Danga Bay is a mixed-purpose residential and commercial complex, and it is home to a massive recreational park. With plenty of rides and a well-laid out and clean setup, Danga Bay is a good place to head to with your family. And if you do visit this place, do check out the boutique stores located here and take some time off to relax and unwind by the scenic waterfront. (Soon, AirAsia flights will fly from Kolkata to Johor Bahru  5 times a week at Rs 3699/only (incl taxes) & the first flight scheduled on 28 Nov 2017.)

Pasar Malam





And if you plan on staying at the city for a night or more, spend one exploring the Pasar Malam or Night Market. There are a few of these night markets across the city, but the one at Taman Century is pretty popular for its food stalls selling the best of Malaysia's delicious street foods. Other night markets sell handicrafts and other products, all open to some mouth-watering bargains if you are up for it.

Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple

India may have millions of Hindu temples, but you won't find one in the country quite like the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple in Johor Bahru. Supposedly the only glass temple in the world, the temple is embellished with around 300,000 pieces of glass of various colors, shining under the illumination of crystal chandeliers and nearly blinding you at first. It started off as a humble little shelter in 1922, while the shimmering, shining establishment you see today was built in 2009. (With AirAsia flights from Kolkata to Johor Bahru 5 times a week at Rs 3699/only (incl taxes), this is an extremely tempting holiday deal! First flight scheduled on 28 Nov 2017)

Tanjung Piai National Park

Located around 90 km south from the city center, the Tanjung Piai National Park is a great place to escape from the bustle of the city. With dense mangroves and the wildlife that it supports and feeds, the park is teeming with life that you can hear all around you, with the ocean waves ever present in the background. Here, you can see macaques, midskippers, wild birds and so much more, and walk along as you learn more about the complex ecosystem held in this small corner of the city.

So if you want to get off the beaten path and visit a part of Southeast Asia many don't know, head to Johor Bahru before catching the AirAsia cross-border bus service that connects the two countries. Couple that with the relatively low-cost flight tickets from AirAsia, and you can have a trip to Malaysia and Singapore for really cheap.

(AirAsia flights will fly from Kolkata to Johor Bahru  5 times a week at Rs 3699/only (incl taxes) & the first flight scheduled on 28 Nov 2017)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has paved the way for trial against the Reliance Industries Ltd in a three- decade old case relating to alleged evasion of excise duty.

The apex court set aside the October 2015 order of the Gujarat High Court by which it had discharged the company saying that since one of the provisions of Central Excise Rules, 1944, was omitted in 1994 without prescribing any saving clause, the proceedings cannot continue.

A bench comprising Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and U U Lalit said "the charge against the respondent (Reliance Industries Ltd) is of evasion of duty. The ingredient of the offence is the evasion".

"The omission of a procedural rule for availing the credit cannot in any manner affect the said charge. The prosecution cannot be deprived of the opportunity to prove evasion which by itself is an offence."

The bench said that there was no justification for the high court to quash the charge merely on the ground that a rule have been omitted.

The apex court, while setting aside the high court order, restored the order of the trial court which had in March 2013 framed charges against the company for alleged offences under provisions of the Central Excises and Salt Act, 1944 read with provisions of Central Excise Rules.

A complaint was filed against the company on August 4, 1987, by the then Superintendent of Central Excise department in Ahmedabad alleging evasion of excise duty.

Following the complaint, the trial court had summoned the company. Later, a provision of the Central Excise Rule was omitted by the government by a notification on May 20, 1994.

Thereafter, the company sought discharge in the case but its application was rejected by the trial court which framed charges against it.

The company had challenged the order before the high court which allowed its plea and set aside the trial court order.
Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Wednesday visited Sidi Saiyyed Ki Jaali, a 16th century mosque in the old city of Ahmedabad, soon after the latter`s arrival here on a two-day visit.

Modi received Abe and his wife Akie Abe at the mosque which is famous for its latticework windows, and took them on a tour of the complex.

PM Modi, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe & his wife Akie Abe at 'Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali, the famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/Rx8Y14R9YD  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

Here's we take a brief look at the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, that has one of the finest architecture of the world and a must-visit place.

- Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is arguably one of the most popular mosques in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.

- It was built in 1573, by in the retinue of Sultan Ahemad Shah Bilal Jhajar Khan, general in the army of the last Sultan Shams-ud-Din Muzaffar Shah III of the Gujarat Sultanate.

- It was built in the last year of the existence of Sultanate of Gujarat.

- The mosque is built with yellow sandstone in an Indo-Islamic architecture style and is famous for its beautifully carved and chiseled ten stone latticework windows, known as 'jalis'.

- The rear wall is filled with square stone pierced panels in geometrical designs.

- The elaborate lattice work in the mosque is also the reason why the Indo-Islamic piece of art work is often referred to as the Sidi Saiyyed Ni Jali.

- During the British era, the mosque served the purpose of a government office.

- At present, it is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Gurgaon: The gruesome murder of seven-year-old Pradyuman at Ryan International School has left several unsolved questions before his parents and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Gurgaon Police.

Pradyuman was found dead with his throat slit in the washroom of Ryan International school in Bhondsi area on Sohna Road near here on September 8.

The fact-finding committee has found has detected several lapses in the school, including no police verification of bus drivers, conductors and other staff, and broken boundary wall.

SIT sources told PTI that the investigating team suspects involvement of a third person, who may have escaped from one of the windows of the toilet which has broken window and is located on the ground floor.

According to Pradyuman's father Varun Thakur, he had dropped his son and daughter at the Ryan International School at 7:55 am. Thakur claimed he received a call from the school management at 8.10 am informing him about his son being found bleeding inside the washroom.

Saurabh Raghav, a driver of the school bus in which accused Ashok Kumar worked as conductor, entered the school at the same time where Kumar was helping to de-board the students and helped him to park the bus outside at the parking lot, which often takes five minutes.

The crime took place within 10 minutes, between 8 am and 8.10 am. It would take Pradyuman at least 2-3 minutes to reach the main building straight away covering around 400 meters from the gate, while Kumar would spend at least 5-7 minutes in the bus before heading there, the source said.

Such circumstances, the source added, indicate that the boy entered the toilet first and the possibility of Kumar already being there was less.

Since Pradyuman's school bag was found inside the toilet, it indicates that he went there straight from the gate and was attacked by someone who used those windows as escape route, the source said.

The post-mortem report of seven-year-old Pradyuman has ruled out sexual assault even as the parent of another schoolchild claimed the crime scene was tampered with even though he had cautioned otherwise.

Bus driver Saurabh Raghav has said the knife used in the killing was not kept in the bus tool box, as claimed by accused conductor Ashok Kumar, adding that police pressurised him also to admit to being an accomplice in the crime.

Varun Thakur said there were "too many loopholes" in the police theory and the school management's stand on the murder.

Pradyuman's father has moved the Supreme Court for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the case.
Gurugram: Ryan International Group's northern zone head Francis Thomas was on Wednesday sent to three days police custody while the school's human resource head Jeyus Thomas to five days judicial custody by a Sohna court in connection with the murder of a seven-year-old student.

The Gurgaon Police had arrested Francis and Jeyus, under relevant sections of the IPC and Juvenile Justice Act, following the gruesome murder of Pradhuman on Friday last.

The schoolboy's body was found in a washroom with the throat slit.

Francis was sent to police custody till September 16 while Jeyus to judicial custody till September 18 by the court, an SIT officer said.

Earlier in the day, five days after the gruesome murder, SIT teams searched the school premises for clues to the crime while a CBSE panel also inspected it to examine loopholes in the security arrangements.

The Gurgaon Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the crime also took samples of fingerprints and shoes at the crime scene, including the toilet, a day after recreating the sequence of events there.

The SIT clicked photos and shot videos of the suspected places to examine the nature of the crime again.

On the other hand, the Bombay High Court today adjourned, till Thursday morning, the hearing in the anticipatory bail plea filed by Ryan International School trustees in a case involving the murder of a Class 2 student at their Gurugram branch.

The adjournment follows an intervention application -- filed by the father of the Class II student, seeking dismissal of the anticipatory transit bail plea filed by the school trustees.

Varun Chandra Thakur intervened through his lawyers Sushil K. Tekriwal and Mamta Tekriwal in the hearing of the bail plea of the three school trustees -- Augustine F. Pinto, Grace Pinto and Ryan Pinto.

Apprehending their arrest, the trustees of the St. Xaviers Education Trust, which manages the Ryan International Schools across India, filed the plea on Monday.

At the hearing this afternoon, the Pintos' lawyer Nitin Pradhan argued they had not been served the notices by the lawyers of Thakur who sought to become an intervenor in the matter today.

Thakur's lawyers countered by arguing that they had served the notices, but the Pintos' lawyers refused to accept them.

After the brief hearing, Justice A. S. Gadkari adjourned the bail plea matter till Thursday morning, said lawyer Manoj Dhall, who is representing another another intervenor, the Parents Group for Students Welfare (PGSW).

Besides the victim's father, and PGSW, another intervenor is lawyer Gunratan Sadavarte representing the Ambedkar Students Association which had actively raised the Rohith Vemula suicide case almost two years ago.

The Pintos' plea for anticipatory transit bail to move an appropriate judicial authority in Haryana came up for hearing on Tuesday when the court posted it for Wednesday.
New Delhi: Staging a massive comeback after five long years, National Students Union of India candidates won two positions in Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections 2017 on Wednesday. NSUI candidates Rocky Tuseed won the post of president, while Kunal Sehrawat won Vice President post. ABVP's Mahamedhaa Nagar bagged the secretary post. Recounting is on for joint secretary post. The election commission is yet to declare the results formally.

Meanwhile, news agency ANI tweeted, "#DUSUelection2017: NSUI wins President and Vice President posts, ABVP wins Secretary and Joint Secretary posts."

In the early rounds of counting, ABVP took a lead in all four posts. However, by afternoon, the tables turned and NSUI was back in the contest. By the eleventh round of counting, NSUI started securing a comfortable lead. There were a total of 16 rounds of counting.

Interestingly, None of the above or NOTA option received a good share of votes, surprising many.

Delhi University polls were held on September 12 with nearly 43% varsity students voting. Counting of votes began around 8:30 am on Wednesday in the Community Hall, Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.

NSUI supporters celebrating their win on campus, shouting "Aayi, Aayi NSUI" (NSUI coming).

The last five DUSU elections were dominated by ABVP.

Earlier this year, NSUI won the student council elections of Rajasthan and Punjab Universities.

NSUI is the student wing of the Indian National Congress while ABVP is affiliated to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
New Delhi: The Home Ministry has directed as many as 1,222 NGOs across the country to validate the bank accounts in which they receive foreign contribution.

The failure to do so will invite punitive action.

Sri Ramakrishna Math, Ramakrishna Mission, Indore Cancer Foundation Charitable Trust, Coimbatore Christian Charitable Trust, Delhi School Of Social Work Society, Hindu Anath Ashram and Madani Darut Tarbiyat are among those in the list.

A few others NGOs named are Rehmat E Alam Hospital Trust Anantanag, Rotary Club of Mumbai Midwest, JK Trust, Bombay, Goonj, Madina Education and Charitable Society, Nagaland Bible College, Indian Institute for Nature and Environment Study.

In a circular, the ministry has said that all NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) should receive foreign donations in a single designated bank account.

However, it is seen that a number of such organisations have not validated their foreign contribution designated accounts, causing problems for the banks to comply with the FCRA provisions that they (banks) report to the central government within 48 hours of such receipt or utilisation of foreign contribution, the circular read.

These associations are required to validate their foreign designated accounts and also the utilisation accounts immediately and send the details, including the bank branch, code, account number, IFSC etc through FC 6 form which is available on fcraonline.nic.in, the circular said.

"Non-compliance may lead to penal actions as per FCRA 2010," it said, as per PTI.

On December 27, 2016, the FCRA licences of around 20,000 NGOs had been cancelled by the government after they were found to be allegedly violating various provisions of the FCRA, thus barring them from receiving foreign funds.

As per FCRA, if an NGO is put under prior permission category, it is barred to receive foreign funding from abroad without taking permission from the Home Ministry.

(With PTI inputs)
Islamabad: The Punjab Government in Pakistan had said that releasing Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed from house arrest will lead to unrest.

According to Dawn, the Punjab Home Ministry, in a written reply submitted before the Lahore High Court (LHC) during the hearing of an appeal for the release of JuD chief, had said that releasing Hafiz Saeed would likely create a situation of unrest in the province.

However, during the hearing, Saeed's counsel AK Khokhar had argued that Saeed's detention was illegal and baseless, thus the LHC should rule in favour of the defendant and discard the order of keeping JuD leader under house arrest.

"The defendant was put under house arrest after the US threatened to cut Pakistan's aid; it was done without any cases being registered against him," Khokhar argued.

Upon this, the judges pointed out that the defendant's lawyer had made no mention of the US's alleged pressure in the case. They added that the defendant's application is based on a news clipping.

The Home Ministry, on the other hand, said that the JuD chief was put under house arrest under the anti-terrorism laws to keep him from collecting funds  which is a violation of various resolutions of the United Nations.

After listening to the arguments from both sides, the court asked Khokhar to present more arguments in the next hearing, while adjourning the case until Sept 15.

Saeed has been accused by the United States and India of masterminding the 2008 attacks on the Indian financial capital Mumbai that killed 166 people.

He, however, has repeatedly denied involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. In 2012, the United States announced a bounty of $10-million on Hafiz Saeed for his alleged role in the attack in which six American citizens were also killed.
New Delhi: With increased instances of security lapses in educational institutions Women and Child Development minister Maneka Gandhi and Human Resource and Development minister Prakash Javadekar will hold a high-level meeting on Wednesday over protocol on safety measures.

Representatives from National Commission of Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), National Council Of Educational Research And Training (NCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan along with be a part of the meeting.

The two ministries, along with inputs from various bodies, will develop a set of guidelines and protocols for schools to ensure that children are "protected from any kind of abuse or physical and mental harm.

Gandhi has reportedly discussed the matter with Javadekar over phone and recommended that women be employed as support staff, including bus drivers and conductors.

She also stressed on the need to have strict norms for employing non-teaching staff, according to the official.

On September 8, a seven-year-old Class 2 student was found dead inside the washroom of Ryan International School in Gurugram. The student, Pradyuma Thakur, was found in a pool of blood with his throat and ears slashed.
New Delhi: Politicians will soon have to disclose the income of their wives thanks to a proposal being studied by the Law Ministry.

According to India Today, the Law Ministry has approached the Election Commission in this regard according to which the candidates will soon have to declare not only their source of income but of their spouses also while filing nominations to contest polls.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has made a submission in this regard before the Supreme Court during a hearing in a case relating to MPs and MLAs amassing huge amount of wealth while holding office.

The CBDT also confirmed that talks with the Election Commission, which has agreed to its proposal in-principle, are in final stages.

"This is for a healthier democracy... to usher in more transparency. We have had two rounds of discussions with the EC. The government has amended the Conduct of Election Rules to include a fresh column in the affidavit relating to the source of income of self and spouse", Attorney General KK Venugopal had told a bench headed by justice J Chelameswar.

The EC had approached the Law Ministry in this regard last year.

Prior to that, a candidate was required to disclose details of assets and liabilities for self, spouse and three dependents in Form 26 while filing nomination paper but not the source of income.

The bench also asked the government to consider legislating on setting up of new fast-rack courts to expedite criminal case trials against parliamentarians and legislators.

The apex court bench, which was given the names of seven Lok Sabha MPs and 98 MLAs across the country by the CBDT whose assets had seen a substantial hike in between two elections, also said it had perused the names of these politicians and will examine the issue.
Ahmedabad: In the backdrop of China's growing assertiveness in the region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe are likely to deliberate extensively on bolstering defence and security ties during the annual summit in Gandhinagar on Thursday.

The annual Indo-Japan summit is taking place amid escalating tension in the region following the nuclear test by North Korea and China's combative posturing in the resource- rich South China Sea.

There may be specific discussions on the long-pending Indian proposal to buy the US-2 amphibious aircraft from Japan and joint development of military equipment to further deepen the defence ties in sync with strategic partnership between the two countries, official sources said, as per PTI.

The two PMs may also explore ways to further deepen ties between the navies of the two countries to check China's heightened activities in the Indian Ocean.

Ahead of Abe's visit here, the India-Japan annual defence ministerial dialogue had taken place in Tokyo during which co-production of military equipment, dual use technologies and New Delhi's proposal to buy the US-2 ShinMaywa aircraft were discussed.

Last year, China had reacted angrily to reports that Japan plans to sell weapons to India at cheaper prices, saying that such a move was disgraceful.

There are indications that the joint statement by the two countries after Modi-Abe talks will have certain components relating to defence cooperation.

At the defence dialogue, the two sides had also agreed to commence technical discussions for research collaboration in the areas of Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Robotics.

PM Modi and Abe are expected to deliberate on cooperation in the nuclear energy sector as well.

A landmark civil nuclear deal between the two countries providing for collaboration between their industries in the field had come into force in July.

The nuclear cooperation agreement was signed last November during PM Modi's visit to Tokyo.

The deal allows Japan to export nuclear technology to India, making it the first non-NPT signatory to have such a deal with Tokyo.

PM Modi accords warm welcome to Abe:

Meanwhile, Abe on Wednesday began a two-day visit to India in Ahmedabad with a warm hug from PM Modi.



Later, the two leaders took an eight-kilometre journey in an open jeep from the Ahmedabad airport to the Sabarmati Ashram where they along with Japan's First Lady Akie Abe paid floral tributes to a portrait and a bust of Mahatma Gandhi.



All along the route, people lining up both sides of the road cheered and waved at the dignitaries. Abe, who landed in a suit, changed into a white churidar-kurta topped with a bright blue sleeveless jacket, IANS reported.

His wife wore a maroon printed kurta with straight pants.



After spending some time there, Shinzo Abe and Akie went to the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in the heart of Ahmedabad, guided by PM Modi.



The 16th-century mosque is known the world over for its window filigree work synonymous with Ahmedabad.

The Abes ended the day with a dinner at a heritage hotel.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: India is expected to seal the deal to buy the US-2 amphibious aircraft from Japan during Shinzo Abe visit.

India will buy 12 US-2 ShinMaywa aircrafts in flyway condition and another 18 will be jointly manufactured in India.

Notably, last year, China had reacted angrily to reports that Japan plans to sell weapons to India at cheaper prices, saying that such a move is disgraceful.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera on September 5 held wide-ranging talks, as part of the India-Japan annual defence ministerial dialogue in Tokyo during which issues relating to the US-2 amphibious aircraft also figured.

Features of US-2 amphibious aircraft

- An amphibian aircraft is one that can land on either land or water.

- Excellent Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities enable the US-2 to take off and land in much shorter distances - both on land and on water.

- Land on rough seas with wave height of 3m. Saving lives under harsh conditions.

- High-powered .engines / propellers using the latest designs.

- The US-2 requires only one-fourth of the distance that commercial airliners require for takeoff and landing. An additional advantage is that, as an amphibian aircraft, the US-2 does not require runway construction.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday on a two-day visit to India during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and both will lay the foundation stone of the ambitious Rs 1.08 lakh crore ($17 billion) Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project.

This will be the fourth annual summit between Modi and Abe, where they are expected to review the progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

(With inputs from www.shinmaywa.co.jp)
New Delhi: Pakistans interior minister Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said that India is trying to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Pakistan's statement comes ahead of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case which resumes on Wednesday.

Speaking to a Pakistani Daily, the minister said that Jadhavs case is a proof of Indias intentions to sabotage the CPEC through terrorism

He further added Pakistan will continue to pursue Jadhav's case at ICJ.

Nobody can reverse it [the Economic Corridor], it will succeed at any cost, he was quoted as saying.

Jadhav, 47, arrested in March 2016 by Pakistan, was sentenced to death by the country's military court on charges of spying and subversive activities. India, however, says that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran, where he was running a business after retiring from the Navy.

India challenged the verdict by Pakistan court in the UN top court, which on May 18 asked Pakistan to not execute Jadhav before they decide the case.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders expressed hope for early release of the former Indian naval officer

"India will make every effort to see that Jadhav is released from Pakistan`s illegal detention. He has been sentenced to death by the court of Pakistan without even a hearing and without providing an opportunity to him to put forth his point of view. However, the Indian effort to secure his freedom has delayed the judicial process in Pakistan, and I am sure in the coming hearing the Indian government will succeed in bringing back Jadhav to India," said BJP leader S Prakash.

BJP leader Rahul Sinha also expressed hope for justice in the matter."The court will take its decision. We should not comment on it. The matter is in the court and we hope that we will get justice," he said.

With Agency inputs
The Hague: A four-member team on Wednesday handed over India's memorial, consisting of written submission in Kulbhushan Jadhav case to the registrar office at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at Hague.

The four-member team consists of India's Ambassador to the Netherlands Venu Rajamony and first secretary legal officer Kajal Bhatt, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) joint secretary Legal and Treaties division Dr VD Sharma and Joint Secretary PAI division Dr Deepak Mittal.

India's written response was submitted to registrar Philippe Couvreur of the ICJ. The contents of the submission will not be made public.

Pakistan will submit counter memorial on or before December 13, 2017.

In response to a query on submission of memorial to ICJ in Jadhav case, the official spokesperson of MEA said, "India has submitted its Memorial (written pleadings) to the International Court of Justice in the Jadhav case involving egregious violation of Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 by Pakistan. This is in furtherance of our application filed before the Court on May 8, 2017," ANI reported.

On May 18, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had stayed the execution of former Indian Navy officer.

The UN's highest judicial body had also asked Pakistan to take "all measures" to ensure that Jadhav, sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged espionage, was not executed till the court had delivered its final verdict on the issue.

India had welcomed the court's unanimous decision on Jadhav, 46, while Islamabad had said it had informed the ICJ that it did not accept the court's jurisdiction in matters related to national security.

ICJ president Ronny Abraham, a 63-year-old French academic and practitioner in public international law, had asked Pakistan to keep the court informed "of all measures taken" in the implementation of the order, as per PTI.

The 15-member bench had backed India's contention that there had been a violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations as New Delhi's requests for consular access to its national had been denied.

The court had also noted that India and Pakistan were signatories to the Vienna Convention since 1977.

Pakistan claims its security forces arrested Jadhav on March 03, 2016 from Balochistan province after he reportedly entered from Iran.

On March 29, 2016, they issued a confessional video of Jadhav. On the same day, India rejected the charges and sought consular access to Jadhav.

Pakistan ruled out extradition of Jadhav and on April 10, 2017, Pakistan military's media wing Inter- Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement saying Army Chief had approved he execution of Jadhav after a military court found him guilty of 'involvement in espionage and sabotage activities' against the country.

India had moved the ICJ against the death penalty handed down to Jadhav on May 08, 2017.

(With PTI inputs)
Lucknow: BSP supremo Mayawati has urged the Centre to adopt a humanitarian approach towards thousands of Rohingya families seeking asylum in India.

The government, she said, should also hold talks with governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh to resolve the problems of Rohingya Muslims.

In a statement issued today, Mayawati said, "In the bordering state of Myanmar, owing to unrest, lakhs of Rohingya Muslims have taken refuge in Bangladesh, and in some states of India. Since the approach of the Modi government is not clear, there is a situation of dilemma."

"The Government of India must adopt a humane view as has been the tradition of India. The government should also hold talks with governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh to resolve the problems of Rohingya Muslims so that their exodus from their country is stopped," the former chief minister said.

Some 40,000 Rohingyas have settled in India, and 16,000 of them have received refugee documentation, the UN estimates.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju had on September 5 said that Rohingyas were illegal immigrants and stood to be deported.
New Delhi: Seven-year-old Pradyuman was found dead with his throat slit in the washroom of Ryan International school in Bhondsi area on Sohna Road near Gurgaon on September 8.

Here are the latest updates:

- Entire teaching staff of Ryan International School called inside school premises for interrogation: Media report

- Bombay High Court adjourns hearing till Thursday in the anticipatory bail plea filed by Ryan International School trustees over Class II student's murder at their Gurugram branch.

- Ryan International Group's northern zone head Francis Thomas sent to police remand till September 16. HR head sent to judicial custody till Sept 18.

- Transit anticipatory bail applications of AF Pinto, Grace Pinto and Ryan Pinto adjourned till Thursday.

- Ryan International Group's northern zone head Francis Thomas & branch (Bhondsi) coordinator produced in Sohna court.

- Harpal, working as a gardener at Ryan International School, tells Zee Media that Pradyuman was lying on the corridor and not inside the toilet as it was being claimed.

Harpal claims he saw the Class II student in a pool of blood when some students alerted him. The gardener further claims that a teacher named Anju was the first one to be alerted by the students.

The gardener also says that bus conductor Ashok, who is in judicial custody, was not present inside the washroom, and he entered the crime scene from an entrance near the water cooler.

When asked to comment on Ashok's first reaction after seeing the child lying on the corridor, Harpal says the accused was calm and composed with no blood stain on his clothes.

- The father of the seven-year-old boy murdered at the Ryan International School in Gurgaon filed an application on Wednesday in the Bombay High Court seeking dismissal of the pre-arrest bail pleas of the trustees of Ryan International Group.

- Forensic Science Laboratory members reach Ryan International School.

- Transit anticipatory bail applications of AF Pinto, Grace Pinto and Ryan Pinto to be heard at 3 PM in Bombay High Court.

- SC agrees to hear on Monday plea of Francis Thomas, a Ryan Group official, alleging that bar has restrained lawyers from representing accused.

- Tulsi alleges that the bar bodies at Sohna and Gurgaon in Haryana have asked their member lawyers not to represent any person or accused in the brutal murder of seven-year-old Pradyuman.

- KTS Tulsi, representing the school management requested SC to transfer case out of Haryana to Delhi's Saket Court.

- Ryan International School official moves Supreme Court seeking transfer of boy murder case outside local court at Sohna, Haryana.

- DNA samples of accused bus conductor sent to Karnal lab for testing.

- SIT sources told PTI that the investigating team suspects involvement of a third person, who may have escaped from one of the windows of the toilet which has broken window and is located on the ground floor.

Maneka Gandhi and Javadekar will hold a meet with officials of the ministries of Women and Child Development and Human Resource Development as well as representative of the National Commission of Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), CBSE, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan.

The ministries are expected to develop a set of guidelines and protocols for schools to ensure that children are "protected from any kind of abuse or physical and mental harm.

HC to hear Ryan trustees' bail plea

Bombay High Court will resume its hearing on an anticipatory transit bail application filed by the trustees of Ryan International Schools in the case of the death of Pradyuman in their Gurugram branch. The HC on Tuesday granted interim protection from arrest to Ryan International Group's founding chairman and manging director till Wednesday.

'Gurgaon schoolboy not sexually assaulted'

The post-mortem report of seven-year-old kid has ruled out sexual assault. The doctor who conducted the post-mortem on Tuesday had confirmned that Pradyuman died of excessive bleeding.

Dr Deepak Mathur, who conducted the post mortem, also said there were two cuts on the boy's body and a nerve was slashed due to which he could not cry for help when he was attacked.

"The second point that came out in the report is that the child died due to excessive bleeding. There was no sexual assault on the minor and no semen marks were found on his school dress," he said.

Fact-finding committee report

The fact-finding committee, constituted by the Gurgaon district administration has detected lapses on the part of the school such as broken window, ill-equipped fire extinguishers, common toilets, no police verification of conductors and drivers and other ground staff, broken boundary wall and low quality CCTV without having wide-angle facilities, students' toilets without guard.

Haryana Police questions Ryan staffers in Mumbai

A two-member team of the Haryana Police on Tuesday questioned a few staffers at Ryan International School's Kandivali headquarters in Mumbai in the wake of the murder of a seven-year-old boy in its Gurugram branch.

However, none of St Xavier's Educational Trust members -- including Augustine F Pinto, his wife Grace Pinto and their son Ryan Pinto -- were available at the school.

Haryana Police recorded statements of two students in connection with the murder of their schoolmate.

"The SIT recorded statements of two students who went to change their Taekwondo dress inside the toilet at the time of the crime. The team is also questioning the suspended school principal Neerja Batra and two other female teachers," a senior police officer said.

Schoolbus conductor in judicial custody

Varun Thakur, father of Pradyuman, said there were "too many loopholes" in the police theory and the school management's stand on the murder.

"That is why we have moved the Supreme Court for a CBI inquiry," Thakur said.

The apex court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Centre, the CBI and the Haryana government on a plea by Thakur.

Schoolbus conductor Ashok Kumar, who allegedly tried to sexually assault the class II student in a toilet and slit his throat with a knife when he resisted last Friday last, was sent to judicial custody till September 17.

As police are working to crack the case, Subhash Garg, a businessman, claimed the conductor carried the injured boy to a car to be shifted to a hospital on the orders of two teachers.

Garg said he had gone to deposit his son's fees on Friday and was standing at the main reception in the school when he heard some commotion.

Garg said he rushed along with others to the crime spot after hearing the screams of the staff and students. He said accused bus conductor Ashok Kumar, 42, carried the child to a vehicle to be shifted to a private hospital.

"There was blood in the toilet and nearby corridor. Blood stains were also visible on walls of the toilet and the corridor," Garg said.

"Two private security guards were deployed near the corridor. I asked the school staff not to clean the blood till police arrived there, but the school sweeper wiped clean the corridor nevertheless," he claimed.

"The accused also washed his blood-stained clothes, ignoring my warning not to do so," Garg added.

School bus driver claims Kumar being made a scapegoat

The school bus' driver Saurabh Raghav claimed Kumar was made a scapegoat by the school teachers.

Raghav said the knife used in the killing was not kept in the bus tool box, as claimed by accused conductor Ashok Kumar, adding that police pressurised him also to admit to being an accomplice in the crime.
New Delhi: Ashok Kumar, the bus conductor and prime accused in the murder of seven-year-old Pradyuman Thakur at Ryan International School  Gurugram, took a potency test on Tuesday. The police aim to file murder chargesheet by September 16.

The Bombay High Court also gave interim protection to owners of Ryan International School Augustine Pinto (73), and his wife Grace Pinto (62) till today.

The police sent Kumar to judicial custody till September 18 on Tuesday.

Pradyuman's post-mortem report stated that the victim was not subjected to any sexual assault by the accused. It, however, confirmed that one of the victim's nerves was slit by a knife during the attack, due to which he couldn't shout.

Meanwhile, both the victim's and accused family claimed that there is a bigger conspiracy behind the murder.

Two Ryan Class II students claimed to witness the accused conductor 'masturbating' in the toilet, where the student was found dead with throats and ears slit.
Mumbai: Veteran actor Dilip Kumar finally has the keys to his disputed Pali Hill property in Bandra here. The veteran actor and his wife Saira Banu retrieved ownership of the property which was under the possession of real estate firm Prajita Developers Pvt Ltd.

The keys were handed over to Banu on Tuesday in presence of Mumbai police, reports suggest.

A visibly overwhelmed Banu posed with the key in her hand for photographs.

The couple also took to Twitter to share their happiness.

They wrote: Message from Saira Banu "Sahab and I took possession of the property which has been his residence for decades. Hon'ble Supreme Court...1/ (sic).

2/ "restored the possession to us. Sahab is overjoyed. Sharing some photos. Thank you friends n fans innumerable who have prayed for us (sic).



Message from Saira Banu "Sahab and I took possession of the property which has been his residence for decades. Hon'ble Supreme Court...1/  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) 12 September 2017

2/ "restored the possession to us. Sahab is overjoyed. Sharing some photos. Thank you friends n fans innumerable who have prayed for us" pic.twitter.com/mPkuVPNd3N  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) 12 September 2017

Bohot dino baad Saab ke chehre pe itni khushi. -FF (reposting as previous post did not show up in some timelines. Pls share on WhatsApp) pic.twitter.com/22otT5UwpQ 12 September 2017

On August 30, Kumar breathed a major sigh of relief as the Supreme Court ruling regarding the old realty case came in his favour.

It is being said that the 94-year-old actor was aksed to pay Rs 20 crore to Prajita Developers Pvt Ltd so that the possession of his 2,412 square yards property in Bandra could be restored.

Kumar has been in touch with his fans via Twitter. He had been admitted to the Lilavati Hospital to treat kidney problem and was discharged within a week.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday ruled out government intervention to disrupt the daily revision in petrol and diesel prices despite Rs 7.3 per litre spike in rates since July, saying the reform will continue.

He however remained non-committal on cutting taxes to soften the blow of relentless rise in prices since July 3, the government need to finance huge infrastructure and social projects has to be balanced with consumer needs.

Terming the criticism of spike in rates as unfair, he said the drop in prices for over a fortnight after the daily price revision was introduced on June 16 has been ignored and only "temporary" phenomenon of rising trend is being highlighted.

India relies on imports to meet 80 per cent of its needs and so domestic fuel rates have been aligned to movement of equivalent product prices in the international market since April 2002.

Previously the rates were changed every fortnight but since June 16 they are revised daily, Pradhan said, adding that the daily revision immediately passes on the benefit of any reduction in international oil prices to consumers and avoids sharp spikes by spreading them in small doses.

"The government has no business to interfere in day to day operations of oil companies. If at all, efficiency is only areas government will interfere to improve operational efficiency of oil companies," he after meeting heads of state- run firms.

He was replying to questions from reporters if the government plans to stall the daily price revision in view of the spike in rates.

Pradhan said the global prices have risen due to factors like hurricane in the US and there already are indications of "softening in the rates".

"As a result of these hurricanes, 13 per cent of US refinery capacity was shutdown," he said.

Asked if the government will cut excise duty to soften the blow, he said: "That is a call the finance ministry has to take but one thing is very clear - we have to balance the developmental needs with consumer aspirations."

"We have to fund massive highways and road development plans, railway modernisation and expansion, rural sanitation, drinking water, primary healthcare and education. Allocations on all these heads has gone up significantly. Where do we get resources for these," he said.

The government had between November 2014 and January 2016 raised excise duty on petrol and diesel on nine occasions to take away gains arising from plummeting international oil prices. In all, duty on petrol was hiked by Rs 11.77 per litre and that on diesel by 13.47 a litre.

The duty hike resulted in government's excise mop-up more than doubling to Rs 242,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.

The windfall from the excise duty hikes helped the government bridge its budgetary deficit.

He said 42 per cent of excise collections are transferred to state government for infrastructure and welfare programmes. Also, many state governments have drastically increased VAT.

"It is high time GST Council should consider bringing the petroleum products in the ambit of GST," he said.

While petrol prices have increased by Rs 7.32 to reach Rs 70.38 a litre in Delhi, the highest since August 2014, diesel rates have risen by Rs 5.36 to Rs 58.72.

Pradhan said it is the prices now are not the highest. "The all time high retail selling price at Delhi of petrol was Rs 76.06 per litre on September 14, 2013," he said.

The daily price revision, he said, is in the interest of consumers.

State-owned oil companies in June dumped the 15-year old practice of revising rates on 1st and 16th of every month and instead adopted a dynamic daily price revision to instantly reflect changes in cost. Rates during the first fortnight dropped but have been on the rise since July 3.

"Daily revision in prices is good. When we started daily revisions on June 16, rates dropped in the first fortnight. Thereafter it has increased mainly because of rise in global oil prices," he said.

Daily revision, he said, results in any drop in international oil rates being passed on to consumers immediately rather than having to wait for 15 days. In the reverse scenario when international oil rates rise, pump prices are hiked by few paise per day.

The rate changes are being done on a transparent basis and city-wise prices are available through SMS, he said, adding that the daily price change model best reflects the happenings in the market.




Chennai: Actress Tamannaah Bhatia on Wednesday said she considers it her good fortune to be working with ace lensman PC Sreeram, known for his work in films such as "Ok Kanmani" and "Shamitabh", for an upcoming yet-untitled Telugu film.



In reply to Sreeram's tweet where he said working with her has been a delight, Tamannaah wrote: "I still can't forget my first Tamil ad film I shot with you sir. It's my good fortune to shoot with you for this film."



The film, also starring Kalyanram, is being directed by Jayendra, who returns to direction after six years.



This project marks Sreeram's return to Telugu filmdom after five years. His last outing in the language was Nithiin-starrer "Ishq".



Sreeram's upcoming project is Akshay Kumar-starrer "Padman", which marks his fifth collaboration with R. Balki.
Baikonur, Kazakhstan: Two US astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut docked at the International Space Station for a five month mission on Wednesday following a night-time launch from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.



Russia's Roscosmos space agency said that the Soyuz MS-06 spacecraft "successfully docked" at the ISS at 0255 GMT in a statement on its website.



The Soyuz rocket carrying Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos, NASA first-time flyer Mark Vande Hei and his veteran colleague Joe Acaba launched as scheduled from Baikonur at 3:17 am (2117 GMT).



The trio will now join Paolo Nespoli of Italy, Sergey Riazanski of Russia and Randy Bresnik of the US aboard the orbital lab.



The launch marked the first time two US astronauts have blasted off together on a mission to the ISS from Russia's Baikonur since June 2010.



The American space agency stopped its own manned launches to the ISS in 2011 but recently moved to increase its crew complement aboard the ISS as the Russians cut theirs in a cost-saving measure announced last year.



Acaba, 50, has spent nearly 138 days in space over two missions, while Vande Hei, 50, served with the US army in Iraq before training as an astronaut.



Misurkin, 39, who is beginning his second mission aboard the ISS, also has a military background.



Speaking at the pre-launch news conference on Monday, Acaba, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, said he would be taking some "musica Latina" on board to lift his crewmates' spirits.



"I can guarantee my crewmates they will not fall asleep during that music and if you want to dance at about 3 am tuned into our Soyuz capsule I think you'll enjoy it," he told journalists.



The launch has been overshadowed by deadly storms that have battered the Caribbean and the southern half of the United States.



External cameras on the ISS captured footage of hurricane Irma last week brewing over the Atlantic as it prepared to wreak deadly havoc.



NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston said earlier this month it suffered "significant" damage during Hurricane Harvey, although Mission Control remained operational.

Vande Hei struck a sombre note in a pre-launch tweet on Monday.

"L-2 days. Sunrise over Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Praying for the people of Florida as well as the continued recovery of the Texas Gulf Coast," he said.

Space is one of the few areas of international cooperation between Russia and the US that has not been wrecked by tensions over the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

The ISS orbits the Earth at a height of about 250 miles (400 kilometres), circling the planet every 90 minutes at a speed of about 17,500 miles (28,000 kilometres) per hour.
Coimbatore: The members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and opposition parties including the Congress, Viduthalai Siruthai Katchi, CPI and CPM on Wednesday carried out a protest here against the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET).

The protest was part of a series of DMK-led anti-NEET protests held across Tamil Nadu, reported The Hindu.

The protest was headed by DMK's Rajya Sabha MP MK Kanimozhi and TNCC president Subburaman Thirunavukkarasar. "Our leaders and political parties have always fought for social justice. We have achieved what others could not," Kanimozhi told The Hindu.

The protests had intensified across Tamil Nadu demanding justice for Anitha, a medical aspirant, who committed suicide after failing to get admission to a medical college.

Law students across the state staged a demonstration over the death of the Dalit medical aspirant and a petitioner in the Supreme Court against NEET.

The protests had also spread across Puducherry, with students of several educational institutions coming out against NEET-based selection of students to medical colleges.

Anitha, daughter of a poor Dalit daily-wage labourer, who scored well in her Class 12 exams, dreamt of becoming a doctor. However, her plans toppled after she NEET was enforced by Centre and the Supreme Court. She had impleaded herself as one of the respondents in a Supreme Court case challenging NEET.
New Delhi: After enticing all of us with her splendid vacation in Spain, Kriti Sanon is currently giving us travel goals by holidaying in Oman, a country in the Middle East.

Kriti looks beautiful in her pictures, as always but what caught our attention is the exotic food, location and attire in her Instagram posts.

In a particular pic, only her eyes are visible as she covers the rest of her face with a beautiful white scarf. Whereas in others we see her chilling by the not-so-conventional pool.

From her Instagram post, it is evident that Kriti is staying in the famous Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel which is inspired by fortresses and has a royal appeal to it.

Here are her Instgram posts:

A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon) on Sep 11, 2017 at 4:35am PDT

A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon) on Sep 11, 2017 at 9:38am PDT

A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon) on Sep 12, 2017 at 9:54am PDT

A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon) on Sep 12, 2017 at 9:46pm PDT

A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon) on Sep 12, 2017 at 10:10pm PDT

A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon) on Sep 12, 2017 at 10:35pm PDT

Now ain't this much better than staying indoors and using mobile phones?
Lucknow: President Ram Nath Kovind will arrive here on Thursday on a two-day visit, his first since ascending to the highest constitutional office in the country.



He will also visit his home town during the visit. Elaborate arrangements are being made in the state capital to receive the President and security has also been beefed up.



The President will arrive in a special Indian Air Force plane at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport here around 3 p.m. on Thursday where he will be received by Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and some Ministers.



He will be driven straight to Raj Bhawan where he would briefly rest and then go to the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan where the state government has organised a public felicitation event for the President, who hails from Kanpur rural.



More than 1,500 people have been invited for the function, an official said.



Breaking protocol, Kovind will drive to the 5, Kalidas Marg residence of Adityanath at night for dinner.



He will meet dignitaries and other people from the political spectrum on Friday before leaving for Kanpur in the afternoon in a chopper. The President will return later in the evening to Lucknow and then fly back to New Delhi.



The last time Kovind was in town was on June 25 as the National Democratic Alliance presidential nominee.
Kolkata: As part of its initiative to facilitate dialogues between different communities and foster amity, the Russian Centre of Culture in Kolkata is organising an all-faith meets here.

Vice-Consul and Head of the Cultural Department, Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Kolkata, Yuri V Dubovoy told PTI, "We believe holding dialogue between different religious groups is very important to know each other's points."

The Russian Centre of Culture called the first such all-faith meeting here at Gorky Sadan yesterday.

Asked why the Russian Centre of Culture was holding such meets, Dubovoy said,"Russia is a multi-religious, multicultural society like India. We have some regions in our country where Buddhists, Muslims are the majority. In this way, we share many things common with India."

The Russian Centre of Culture will hold similar meetings in future, the Vice-consul said.
Nay Pyi Taw: Myanmar`s de facto leader and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi will not attend the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York as criticism of her handling of the Rohingya crisis grows.

A spokesman for the Presidential office said on Wednesday she had called off her trip for two reasons. "One is the current situation in Rakhine State. We have terrorist attacks and also there are many works on public safety and humanitarian works," spokesman Zaw Htay said in a statement.

"And the second reason is we have received reports that there are possibilities of terrorist attacks in our country."

Suu Kyi had been expected to participate in discussions at the General Assembly session, which will run from September 19 to 25, BBC reported.

More than 370,000 minority Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh to escape violence since August 25, according to the United Nations, an average of almost 20,000 a day.

A clearance operation by Myanmar`s military targeting the Rohingya intensified after 12 security officers were killed by militants in coordinated attacks on border posts.

UN human rights chief Zeid Ra`ad Al Hussein on Monday said that the actions of Myanmar`s armed forces had been a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing", which was denounced by the Myanmar government.

Suu Kyi has been repeatedly criticised over her response to the crisis, particularly given her previous work as a defender of human rights which won her the Nobel Peace Prize.

Former US Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights Tom Malinowski said he was "very sad" about Suu Kyi`s response to the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, CNN reported.

Fellow Nobel laureates, including the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Malala Yousafzai, had called on Suu Kyi to stop the violence.

Myanmar`s envoy to the UN had blamed Rohingya insurgents for the violence in Rakhine state and said that his country would never tolerate such atrocities.

Bangladesh`s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on Myanmar to take the Rohingya refugees back. "My personal message is very clear that they should consider this situation with humanity because these people, the children, the women, they are suffering," she told the BBC on Tuesday.

"These people belong to Myanmar, for 100 years or more they have stayed there. How can they deny they are not their citizens?" she asked.
Buenos Aires: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that the nuclear deal between world powers and Iran should be amended or cancelled.

Speaking in Buenos Aires alongside Argentine President Mauricio Macri, Netanyahu said he wanted to correct the impression in recent media reports that Israel`s position on the 2015 deal had softened.

"So let me take this opportunity and clarify. Our position is straightforward. This is a bad deal -- either fix it or cancel it. This is Israel`s position."

Netanyahu has repeatedly taken aim at Iran since arriving in Argentina on Monday as the first sitting Israeli prime minister to visit Latin America.

He accused Tehran of operating "a terror machine that encompasses the entire world, operating terror cells in many continents, including Latin America."

"In the case of Iran, it`s not only merely terror, it`s also the quest for nuclear weapons that concerns us and should concern the entire international community."

In a veiled reference to the US and world powers` preoccupation with North Korea, he said: "We understand the danger of a rogue nation having atomic bombs."

Macri, who hosted Netanyahu at his Casa Rosada presidential palace, said the visit was "an important step" to improve commercial relations between their two countries.

As the Israeli government seeks partners and alliances, dozens of left-wing activists waving Palestinian flags protested Netanyahu`s presence in Buenos Aires late Tuesday over his "bellicose and repressive policies" against the Palestinians.Referring affectionately to Macri as "Mauricio, my friend," the Israeli leader said his visit marked the dawn of a new era -- "and not accidentally did we begin it here with you."

Netanyahu, who is accompanied by a 30-member delegation of Israeli business leaders, said Israel was an "innovation nation" eager to share opportunities with Argentina in agriculture, water, IT, cyber security and health.

The two presidents signed a series of agreements on social insurance, streamlining customs arrangements and police cooperation.

Macri also presented Netanyahu with some 140,000 historical documents and photographs from before and after World War II in digital form.

The documents will enable a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and crimes against humanity, Israel said.

On Monday, Netanyahu participated in a ceremony to remember victims of bomb attacks at the Israeli embassy in 1992, and at a Jewish community center in 1994.

The embassy attack killed 29 and injured 220, while the community center blast left 85 dead and 300 injured.

But some relatives of victims of the 1994 bombing refused an invitation to the event on Monday.

"Netanyahu did not come to commemorate the attack, but to increase business," said Diana Malamud, who heads a group called Active Memory.

"In these 23 years (since the bombing) Israel has been an observer, like any other country," and did not honestly help "search for the truth" behind the attack, she said.

During his stay in Buenos Aires, the Israeli premier was also to meet Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes, who traveled expressly to the Argentine capital for the meeting.

Following the two-day visit, Netanyahu will visit Colombia and Mexico before heading to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

AFP
Kabul: The residents of the Qarabagh district of the Kabul city in Afghanistan on Tuesday staged a protest demonstration against the United States forces for distributing a blasphemous leaflet in Parwan, Kapisa and Kohdaman districts.

The protestors have called for the prosecution of those who are involved in distributing the propaganda material that insulted Islam, the Tolo News agency reported.

The protestors, who were waving Afghan flags, blocked the Kabul-north highway for three hours and chanted the slogan 'death to America'.

"We are prepared to sacrifice our lives for the sake of our religion," said one protestor Hekmatullah Haqmal.

"It is better for the US to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible.The US has killed thousands of our brothers since it started the war in Afghanistan 16 years ago," said another protester Saifurrahman Habibi.

"The US has repeatedly insulted our religious values. We can never pardon such blasphemous acts," said protestor Ghulam Jailani.

The protestors have also issued an eight item declaration.

"If the government does not abide by its legal responsibility regarding the issue, the Muslim nation of Afghanistan and its people will do anything they want to secure their religious values. The people of Qarabagh reiterate calls for coalition forces to stop patrolling in Qarabagh in order to prevent civilian casualties," part of the declaration read.

However, the US military in Afghanistan has already apologised for the incident.

The leaflets, which sparked a furore among the people, contained an image of a dog along with Islamic verses - containing the Taliban flag.

Earlier, the insurgent group, Taliban, had claimed the responsibility for the explosion that took place near the Bagram airfield, saying it was retaliation for the US distributing propaganda material that insulted Islam.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. New, promising stage is beginning in the Armenian-Georgian ties, MP Shirak Torosyan  member of the parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs, chairman of Javakhk compatriotic union, told Armenpress, commenting on the recent developments of mutual partnership between Armenia and Georgia.

This is related with the existence of common bilateral interests in the region: I think these common interests will push the sides forward to each other. Regardless of differences in foreign political stances, new development dynamics is expected in the Armenian-Georgian relations, he said.

According to him, recently in particular increase of level of dialogue has been noticed, the circle of discussed issues became more realistic.

It is my assessment that previously the Armenian-Georgian relations were more formal, and there was no real development dynamics which was also linked with the significant role of the Turkish-Azerbaijani factor, he said, adding that currently there are more thorough contacts, discussions which enable to form a pragmatic agenda.

Commenting on the Georgian Vice Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidzes recent visit to Armenia, Shirak Torosyan said it can be considered as a significant step in inter-state relations, despite that there has not been any shortage of high-level mutual visits between Armenia and Georgia.

The lawmaker said Armenia and Georgia continue discussing the issue of transit transportations, as well as searching an alternative route to Lars.

There are also common interests in a sense that Armenia is an EAEU member, and Georgia has close ties with the EU, and both countries can use their stance and place in these powerful structures within the frames of mutual interests. There is also a cooperation prospect in tourism field in terms of exchange of experience, and Armenia expressed a wish to implement it. The Georgian side as well shows interest towards Armenias information achievements, Shirak Torosyan said.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. The total worth of the S-400 missile system supply deal between Russia and Turkey is more than 2 billion dollars, Komersant newspaper reported citing an anonymous source in the military.

The newspaper said Turkey will receive 4 divisions of S-400 missile systems. This is the largest deal ever to be signed between Russia and Turkey, as well as between Russia and a NATO state.

According to Komersant, there are still a few issues to be clarified in the deal, namely the fact that Turkey intends to manufacture the missile systems in its territory, a move which is opposed by Russian security agencies, in terms of transferring military technology to a NATO state.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. An unknown man has attacked the Bank of Georgia branch on Tsereteli Avenue in Tbilisi. The assailant committed suicide as the robbery failed, local media said citing authorities.

Police arrived at the scene within 1 and a half minute after the alarm was signaled. When the assailant was ordered to surrender, he killed himself, police said.

Only a few hours earlier, another bank robbery happened on the very same street. The bank robber was able to flee the scene. It is unknown if the two incidents are related.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. The pavilion, created by the Development Foundation of Armenia (DFA), has been named the best during the WorldFood Moscow 2017 International Exhibition, held from September 11-14 in Moscow. 16 Armenian companies represent the Armenian food industry in the Moscow expo with the support of the Development Foundation of Armenia, the DFA told Armenpress.

The organizers of WorldFood Moscow 2017 awarded the prize to the event manager of the Marketing Department of DFA Lusine Balayan during the tasting session arranged for international buyers and distributors at the Armenian pavilion. The selection was jointly made by the expert committee and visitors of the Exhibition.

I see this as a good marketing result achieved by our team, and consequently expect more fruitful negotiations and larger export contracts from the companies attending the Exhibition, noted the CEO of the Development Foundation of Armenia Armen Avak Avakian, who is currently in Moscow with the Armenian producers. The Armenian companies returned from the previous Exhibition with 12 export contracts with value of 570 million AMD.

The Minister of Agriculture of Armenia Ignati Arakelyan and the Ambassador of Armenia to the Russian Federation Vardan Toghanyan have also visited the Armenian pavilion. The Development Foundation of Armenia supports the local companies within the scope of the Export Promotion Strategy of the Armenian Government.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Turkey is moving away from the European Union by trying to pull up all the drawbridges, but Europe keeps its doors open for the Turkish people and all those who want to cooperate with the EU based on common values, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in his annual address at the European Parliament on September 13, TASS reports.

For some considerable time, Turkey has been moving away from the European Union in leaps and bounds, Juncker said.

He also criticized the Turkish authorities persecutions against journalists calling on to immediately release the European reporters from prison. I appeal to the Turkish authorities: Release our journalists. Stop insulting our leaders by calling them fascists and Nazis, he said.

Juncker said Europe is a continent of mature democracy. Those who knowingly offend it pull up all drawbridges. Sometimes I have the impression that there are those in Turkey who want to pull up all the drawbridges and later blame the EU for the failure of accession talks, the European Commission President said.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. On September 13, Ed Gresser, the Assistant United States Trade Representative for Trade Policy and Economics, led a discussion with Armenian officials and business leaders on how to boost Armenia's exports to the United States, the US Embassy told ARMENPRESS.

By utilizing the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, Armenian companies can take advantage of preferential duty-free access to the U.S market.

At a conference hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, U.S. trade representatives discussed export opportunities with the Armenian business community. This is the second conference in Armenia focused on GSP, building on a 2016 discussion on the subject facilitated by GSP Director Aimee Larsen.

These GSP meetings are an outcome of the U.S. governments commitments under the U.S.-Armenia Council on Trade and Investment. In his remarks, U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills underscored that the goal of the U.S. delegation is to demonstrate real results for U.S.-Armenia trade relations by raising awareness in the Armenian business community about the benefits of GSP. We hear from many Armenian businesses leaders that they dont know about GSP and dont know enough about who is qualified and how it works. The delegation is here with us today to share information on how Armenia can unlock its export potential to the United States by fully utilizing GSP, Ambassador Mills noted.

Established by the Trade Act of 1974, GSP is a U.S. trade program designed to promote economic growth in the developing world. GSP provides preferential duty-free entry for up to 3,451 products from 129 designated beneficiary countries and territories, including Armenia. As a beneficiary country, the majority of U.S. imports from Armenia entered the United States under the GSP program from 2012-2016. Current Armenian exports to the United States through GSP are valued at $25 million.

Products range from aluminum foil (accounting for 75% of GSP imports) and precious metal jewelry to fermented beverages and cherry jam.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian-American Chamber of Commerce and the US Embassy in Armenia have gathered the business community representatives to more thoroughly present the opportunities to export the Armenian products to US via the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), reports Armenpress.

During the conference Ara Hovsepyan  Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia (AmCham) delivered opening remarks stating that the organization has always assisted the Armenian business community to use this system.

This system contributes to economic growth by ensuring the entry of goods from 129 countries to the United States through the privileged regime. Armenia is among these countries, more than 500 types of Armenian products can enter to the US via this regime without customs payments. The Armenian companies use this system, but on how it was successful I cannot say, however, there are positive trends. The US wants to increase the cooperation to a more serious level and boost the economic ties. On behalf of us I can state that everything is being done to present all these opportunities to the Armenian businessmen, Hovsepyan said.

US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills said Ed Gresser, the Assistant United States Trade Representative for Trade Policy and Economics has arrived in Armenia to hold discussions with Armenian businessmen and officials, present the systems opportunities in a more thorough way, as well as to contribute to expanding the export potential from Armenia to US.

For me, as an Ambassador, number one priority is the deepening of Armenian-American business and trade ties in Armenia, and for that reason todays meeting is very important. There has been progress in Armenia on many occasions, but this program is really important for the Armenian business community, it can contribute to increasing the trade turnover volume between our countries. 60% of Armenias exports enters to the US via GSP program. Among those goods are jewelry products, jam and others, the Ambassador said.

This is the second conference in Armenia on GSP trade regime related issues. Established by the Trade Act of 1974, GSP is a U.S. trade program designed to promote economic growth in the developing world. GSP provides preferential duty-free entry for up to 3,451 products from 129 designated beneficiary countries and territories, including Armenia. As a beneficiary country, the majority of U.S. imports from Armenia entered the United States under the GSP program from 2012-2016. Current Armenian exports to the United States through GSP are valued at $25 million.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. The first ship carrying thermal coal has arrived September 13 to Odessas Yuzhni port.

At 02:15, September 13, Ocean Ambitious docked in Yuzhni port. The ship carries 62 thousand tons of thermal coal from the US which is intended for energy production, local authorities said.

Port authorities said another 4 ships are planned to arrive, with a total load of 295 thousand tons.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Vardan Harutyunyan, chairman of the state revenue committee of Armenia, held a meeting on September 13 with Hossein Samiei, head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission in Armenia.

The state revenue service told ARMENPRESS the sides discussed the results of the tax-budgetary performance. Harutyunyan reassured that the committee will ensure the 1 trillion 135 billion drams in tax revenues approved in the budget, and stressed the impact of the committees work on the GDP growth, namely the results of the anti-shadow (black market) activities.

Harutyunyan mentiond that increase in tax revenues happened in conditions of reduced inspections, nearly 48%, and repayment of 22 billion drams in overpayments in the first semester.

Speaking about factors which contributed to the increase in tax revenues, Vardan Harutyunyan mentioned structural changes within the system and the implementation of the monitoring center.

The IMF Armenia representative congratulated Vardan Harutyunyan for the achievements and wished successes in future programs, and expressed willingness to continue cooperation.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. No obstacles exist in signing the Armenia-EU cooperation agreement, according to political analyst Alexander Iskandaryan.

Iskandaryan added that the signing is highly probable.

As of this moment, I dont see any serious obstacles in the signing of the Armenia-EU cooperation agreement. There is an agreement with the EU, from the Armenian side too, it seems everything is normal. Two months are left for November, but no political obstacles exist, and I think the possibility of signing it is very high, he said.

According to him, the domestic significance for signing the agreement is very important, and it is accepted as an extremely important sign.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. H.E. Tigran Seyranyan, the Armenian Ambassador to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, briefed President Sargsyan on the economic cooperation and bilateral relations agenda with the Czech Republic and Slovakia, development of partnership in various sectors, as well as existing issues and obstacles. The briefing was part of the consultations aimed at expanding the economic component in Armenias foreign relations, the Presidents Office said.

The Ambassador also presented proposals regarding the possibilities of enhancing Armenias commercial relations with the abovementioned countries and solving existing issues.

Stressing that next year will mark the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties with the Czech Republic and Slovakia, President Serzh Sargsyan attached importance that this anniversary be celebrated with true achievements.

I am glad that the Armenian-Czech relations are active in the recent period, which is very visible especially in terms of high level mutual visits, which convey positive signals to all sectors of cooperation. And it is also very important that the agreements which were reached during those visits have been implemented or a part of them are in process.

The Czech Republic has a developed economy. I find this country to be an important partner for Armenia. The Czech Republic can have great contribution in the economic progress of our country. I believe both we and our citizens see the boost in tourism, and here the Czech tourists also have their contribution, the number of whom is although not big, nevertheless it has grown by 20% against the previous year. This also relates to the relations with Slovakia. I think both Czech Republic and Slovakia are important partners in the development of tourism, therefore works must be boosted in this sector. I am aware of the meetings held, I know about the results of the Armenian-Czech intergovernmental commissions work, specific programs, but, Mr. Seyranyan, I would like you to speak about our tasks, and of course, about issues, if those exist, the solution of which will truly lead to economic activeness, the President said.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government intends to improve the countrys ranking in the World Banks Doing Business report by 12 points. Armenia is ranked 38th among 190 countries.

In the governments yearly report, legislative regulations aimed at improving the business environment include the reduction of gas tariff for greenhouse businesses and reprocessing companies. Facilitated procedures of VAT return have been defined: 4 days for up to 20 million VAT amount.

Procedures are being specified to raise efficiency of rough diamond imports from Russia.

SME Investments provided 2,3 billion drams in loans in privileged conditions to 63 businesses in the reporting period.

144 IT startups are benefiting from the tax privilege.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Armed Forces today are in a state of combat readiness and are able to fulfill their military tasks, defense minister Vigen Sargsyan said during the Q&A session in the Parliament in response to the question of Yelk faction head Nikol Pashinyan, reports Armenpress.

In line with regular military exercises, drills and ongoing checks, the quality of supplied fuel-lubricant materials and armament equipment are under special attention, he said.

The minister assured that today Armenias military-industrial complex is on the rise. Unlike many years of practice, we no longer work through prepayment principle with research institutions and demand from them concrete result until the first payments or the opening of program financing. During the recent military-industrial exhibition in Russia Armenias complex was quite well presented, our pavilion received The Best Pavilion honorary award.
YEREVAN, 13 SEPTEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 13 September, USD exchange rate down by 0.09 drams to 478.26 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.56 drams to 572.62 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.05 drams to 8.27 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.36 drams to 634.56 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 122.26 drams to 20396.81 drams. Silver price down by 1.59 drams to 272.93 drams. Platinum price down by 202.77 drams to 15084.26 drams.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia will pay great attention to the implementation of economic projects in Gyumri, as well as in other communities, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan said during the Q&A session in the Parliament in response to the question of Vardan Ghukasyan from Tsarukyan bloc. We do not think that it is by tax privileges that we should develop Gyumri. Particularly, when we have special toolkits applied during imports, that is the payment of VAT and customs duties can be postponed, ARMENPRESS reports Karapetyan saying.

The Prime Minister added that the Development Foundation of Armenia has been tasked to set to Gyumris development. Premier Karapetyan agreed with the remark of the MP that Gyumri has great potential for tourism development. For that goal we have initiated the Kumayri project, which brings a new corporal culture with it. I believe that we do not fully utilize Gyumris touristic attractiveness, but there will be a complex project soon. You know that we have activated the works of Gyumri airport. Two airlines already cooperate with that airport, while the number of the flights will be increased starting from October, the PM said.

Karen Karapetyan also informed that the airlines operating in Gyumri airport have been tasked to enlarge the geography of the flights.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian has commented on the letter of Alexander Lapshin, who was jailed in Azerbaijan and later pardoned by president Aliyev, addressed to the Azerbaijani president. By what means the Azerbaijani authorities manage to extort such letters will be better known for the political prisoners in that country and those who are abroad to avoid persecutions, ARMENPRESS reports FM Nalbandian said during the Q&A session in the Parliament in response to the question of Vahe Enfiajyan from Tsarukyan bloc.

The Minister also referred to the concerns that after the incident with Lapshin bloggers will no longer visit Artsakh for security reasons and the number of tourists will be declined. We had just the opposite situation. Immediately after the arrest of Lapshin bloggers from nearly 10 countries visited Artsakh and the number of tourists has significantly risen. I can inform you that a new group of bloggers will visit Artsakh tomorrow to participate in wine festival. Three of them plan to prepare footages presenting the touristic attractiveness of Artsakh, Edward Nalbandian stated.

After being pardoned by the Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev, blogger Alexander Lapshin addressed a letter to him apologizing for the publications made by him in the past.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan assesses the discussions over Armenias non-participation in NATO exercises in Georgia as ridiculous, ARMENPRESS reports Defense Minister Sargsyan said during the Q&A session in the Parliament in response to the question of Napoleon Azizyan from Tsarukyan bloc.

Every year we participate in hundreds and dont participate in thousands of events, like all other countries that are member to or cooperate with those institutions. The Armenian side had initially no decision to participate in the military exercises in Georgia and we had informed our partners about our decision not to participate since that exercise was not directly linked with our agenda, the Minister said.

He added that just a few weeks ago Armenia was the only regional country that participated in another NATO exercise in Georgia which was in line with the agenda of the Armenian side. After that consultations and preparatory conferences for the exercises took place periodically and we received another invitation to participate. Our officers participated in the discussions and August 29 was the deadline for confirming the participation. Days before the deadline we officially informed that no, we are not going to participate in that exercises. This is normal working relations and there is nothing extraordinary, Vigen Sargsyan concluded.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Bradley Busetto, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, received the international experts team who have arrived to Armenia to assess the situation related to chemical hazards located at the Nairit plant in Yerevan, where a fire occurred on August 28, 2017, ARMENPRESS was informed from the UN Department of Public Information of the Yerevan Office. The visit is facilitated by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) through its partnership unit with the UN Environment Programme (UN Environment). The team of three international experts is deployed as a response to the appeal from the Government of Armenia, namely from the Minister of Emergency Situations, requesting support from the UN to assess the emergency matter.

The experts arrived in Armenia on Sunday 10 September and already met with Davit Tonoyan, Minister of Emergency Situations, and other ministry officials. They also met with the Nairit plant management and visited the factory site to assess the affected storages and understand how chemicals remaining on the grounds of the plant are managed.

The team discussed the mission objectives and plan of action with the UN Resident Coordinator, and shared their impressions of the situation on the ground. Mr. Busetto expressed gratitude for the prompt deployment of the team and confirmed UNCT support to the team throughout their mission in Armenia.

The team is mobilized through the UN Environment / OCHA Joint Unit (JEU), based in OCHA Geneva, which oversees the activation of international response mechanisms and subsequent deployments in case of environmental and/or industrial emergencies. The humanitarian donor community responded immediately to the appeal for technical support. Specifically, the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism was activated, deploying one Swedish and one French chemicals expert. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) additionally provided one chemicals expert from Switzerland for this assessment.

Over the next two weeks the mission will assess the risk associated with hazardous chemical substances in Nairit plant and will develop recommendations for the Government of Armenia on prevention and mitigation measures.

On August 28, a fire broke out on the territory of Yerevan Nairit chemical plant. The quantity and nature of the chemical substances burning allowed the fire to be rapidly localized by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, however, it took time before it was fully extinguished. The air monitoring service of the MES carried out regular air contamination monitoring on the site and in Yerevan, reporting that the level of the air contamination did not exceed hazardous limits.
By Alison Banney, finder.com.au

Superannuation is a notoriously confusing industry. With over 200 funds to choose from, each with varying investment options, strategies, fees and returns, it can be hard to know which is the right choice for you. Does it even matter which fund youre with? The answer: it matters a lot.

Superannuation is now a $2.3 trillion industry, and this figure is growing every day. Your super will likely be one of your largest assets when you retire. However, not all super funds are created equal. Two people who earn the same income throughout their lives can end up with balances that are hundreds of thousands of dollars different from one another by retirement.

Also read: Liar loans  The big, fat lie behind $500 billion of Aussie mortgages

When comparing retail and industry funds, some key factors to consider are the funds ownership and membership structures, its investment options, its fees and its performance.

Ownership and members

This is the most obvious difference between retail and industry funds. Most retail funds are owned and run by banks, insurance companies or investment companies. Profits are paid to shareholders and board members, and also to financial advisers who have helped sell the product to consumers. Retail funds make up over half of all the super funds offered and are usually available for anyone to join.



Industry funds, as the name suggests, are owned by industry associations and members. For example HOST Plus, the industry fund for the hospitality and retail sector, was founded by the Australian Hotels Association. These not-for-profit funds are run solely to benefit members and dont pay dividends to shareholders. While many are now open for anyone to join, there are far fewer industry funds in the market than retail funds, and some are restricted to employees in a particular industry.

Investment options

Retail funds are often larger and have more investment options available for customers than industry funds. So if youre a keen investor who wants plenty of choice, you might be more suited to joining a retail fund.

Story continues

Also read: The huge cost of Australias record economic growth

Both retail and industry funds offer a MySuper product to consumers, which is a default no-frills super option available to people who dont want to or are unable to choose their own investment strategy. If youre looking for a set-and-forget option youll find plenty of these in both retail and industry funds in the form of a MySuper product.

More and more funds, both retail and industry, are introducing sustainable investment options for customers who wish to invest in companies with an ethical, environmental or sustainability focus. Make sure you check what industries your superannuation is supporting to ensure they align with your values. You could be investing in tobacco or ammunition manufacturing without even knowing it.





Costs and performance

Historically, industry funds have won out on both the performance and the cost front. Research from SuperRatings in March 2017 revealed that industry funds (the balanced option) had outperformed bank-owned retail funds by more than 2% over the past decade. And as their fees are only in place to run the fund and not to provide profits to shareholders, industry funds are typically cheaper than retail funds.

Also read: The dark side of Australias record economic growth

However, many retail funds now offer a lower-cost investment option to stay competitive. And while its important to check out how the fund has performed over the past few years, you shouldnt base your decision on this alone. Performance is never guaranteed, so it may be best to choose a fund with low fees as this is a factor you can control.

Regardless of whether youre with a retail or an industry super fund, dont keep your head in the sand. Its important that you understand where your money is being invested, where the profits go and what fees and charges youre paying. If youre not happy with what you find after doing some digging, switch funds. Your future self will thank you for it.
LOS ANGELESAs it recently did with Texas, Grooby Network has announced the creation of a charity appeal to raise money for Hurricane Irma relief efforts in the form of their one-off site, FloridaTgirls.com. Grooby staff worked overtime to create the standalone site in record time as a means to raise money for hurricane relief for Florida and the surrounding areas.

We weren't expecting to have to do another one of these so fast, but our staff has really gone above and beyond, spending their own time over the weekend to get this appeal site up, said Steven Grooby. One of our photographers and our main video editor both live in Florida, and we've featured hundreds of models from the state over the year. Considering the scale of the issues and what has been going on in some of the islands, we're extending the campaign for hurricane relief to the whole region.

FloridaTGirls.com features 50 scenes of Florida-based performers who appear across Groobys vast menu of sites. For a one-time fee, customers will receive unlimited access to and downloads from the site, with the added bonus that 100 percent of what they pay will be donated to GlobalGiving.

Grooby also recently created TGirlTexas.com to raise money for the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Texas. 100 percent of the income from that site will be donated directly to Global Giving as well.
Belgian-based ready-to-fill pastry manufacturer Pidy is launching a new challenge aimed at catering and hospitality students within the UK.

Pidys Revamp the vol-au-vent student challenge invites students to redesign the retro vol-au-vent using at least one of three specified products from the company, with the aim of creating a show-stopping final dish suitable for a hotel menu.



The company said it hoped this would encourage aspiring chefs and caterers to be as creative as possible when developing their entrees.



Initial menu concepts will be judged on paper by a panel, which will choose the eight best entries. The creators of these will then be invited to attend a Grand Final Cook-Off, taking place at The Claire Clark Pastry Academy at Milton Keynes College on Thursday, 7 December. This will give students the opportunity to present their culinary skills in front of industry professionals, including top international pastry chef and previous judge on BBCs Bake-Off Creme de la Creme Claire Clark.



The winner will be awarded the Vol-au-vent Trophy, along with a lunchtime meal for two at Belmond Le Manoir aux QuatSaisons and 200-worth of catering vouchers.



Pidy UK general manager Robert Whittle said: Were excited for this opportunity to engage with students who have a real passion for food and want to succeed within the industry. Its our aim to inspire and encourage the students to really push themselves to the limits, developing a fantastic dish they can be proud of.



Family firm Pidy specialises in dry puff pastry and shortcrust foncage dough, choux pastry and sponge cakes. In July the company launched a Mini Canape Cone range for the foodservice market.
Margate-based Speciality Breads has bolstered its brioche range with an edition initially targeted at the Christmas season.

The companys new Sliced Brioche Loaf is described as buttery, soft, sweet and light as a feather. The loaf is made with free-range eggs, butter and 100% British Red Tractor-certified flour.



The 430g loaf is offered in cases of 5 with a price of around 3.50 per loaf.



Speciality Breads managing director Simon Cannell said: When it comes to taste quality, visual appeal and choice, were confident our Brioche offering really cant be beaten. This latest line fills a gap in our range and with sliced brioche now being used across the menu and throughout the day in pubs,cafes, restaurants and hotels, we expect it to be a big performer in the lead-up to Christmas.



The company has said that the loaf is also being targeted at the breakfast/brunch opportunity, with national accounts development chef Neil Smith saying: The Sliced Brioche Loaf is an incredibly versatile and bang on-trend product. Its delicious when toasted and topped with classic savoury brunch items, but also mouth-wateringly good when finished with flambeed banana, toasted nuts and honey. Because its pre-sliced, chefs can control portion size, waste and help put an end to wonky bread!



In March Speciality Breads secured its first export deal with Malta supply chain Shoprite Malta.
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.
Pope: If Trump Is 'A Good Pro-Lifer,' He Should Support Illegal ImmigrantsOn Monday, Pope Francis gave a press conference at which he ripped into President Trump's decision to curb President Obama's executive amnesty, essentially stating that pro-lifers could not be strong on the border. Francis explained,That wasn't Francis' only polemical moment of the day: he also stated that those who denied the connection between Hurricanes Irma and Harvey and global warming should rethink their position.he stated.What does any of this have to do with gospel? Not much. To alienate pro-lifers who wish to protect the borders of the United States only serves to demean the pro-life message; to preach about global warming while ignoring the plight of the poverty-stricken who will suffer without a cheap supply of energy is controversial, to say the least.This shouldn't be totally surprising. Pope Francis has had a long association with leftist religious theology, of course. As I wrote in February 2016:As The New York Times reported last May, Pope Francis now regularly hosts Father Guitterez, a founder of liberation theology; they state, "Francis has brought other Latin American priests into favor and often uses language about the poor that has echoes of liberation theology." All of this would appall Pope John Paul II, who said, "This conception of Christ as a political figure, a revolutionary, as the subversive of Nazareth does not tally with the church's catechism." Pope Benedict XVI said liberation theology was a "singular heresy" and "fundamental threat" to the Catholic Church.Conservative religious leaders are constantly singled out by the press for speaking out on issues ranging from abortion to same-sex marriage. But when Pope Francis mouths leftist talking points, they repeat it ad nauseum. Pope Francis surely knows that, which is why he should utilize the opportunity presented by his popularity to push religious-based doctrine the left isn't so fond of.
Czech Television has suppressed a hard-hitting TV documentary about Andrej Babis

13. 9. 2017

cas cteni 3 minuty

Update, 16th October, 2017: The film is now not available for viewing anywhere. Serious efforts have been evidently made to make it impossible for Czech voters to see the film before the general election which will take place on 20th and 21st October, which Andrej Babis is expected to win.



The film is now not available for viewing anywhere. Serious efforts have been evidently made to make it impossible for Czech voters to see the film before the general election which will take place on 20th and 21st October, which Andrej Babis is expected to win. Selsky rozum - Zluty baron - Pravda o Andreji Babisovi from Vidlak on Vimeo. In cooperation with Jakub Patocka and other journalists from Denik Referendum, the documentarists Vit Janecek and Zuzana Piussi have made Selsky rozum (Peasant Common Sense) , a hard-hitting TV documentary about the Czech oligarch Andrej Babis, who is poised to win the general election in the Czech Republic in October 2017. Czech Television now refuses to broadcast the film and tries to prevent any of its public screenings. In cooperation with Jakub Patocka and other journalists from Denik Referendum, the documentarists Vit Janecek and Zuzana Piussi have made

The film which has been in the making for the past three years, meticulously records the environmental destruction of the Czech agriculture and the Czech countryside by what it sees as absolutely brutal business practices which are used by Agrofert, Andrej Babis's giant agricultural and food processing business concern.





According to the film which is very well researched, Babis's primary method of working is lying and asset stripping. He places smaller firms in a position of total dependence. Once they do not have any other customers but Babis's firm, Babis brings them to the verge of bankrupcy by denying them fair payments for their products and services. Once these firms are economically on the ropes, Babis buys them for a minimal price and then asset strips them.



This is what results in a systematic destruction of farming homesteads in the Czech countryside which have been lovingly built up by Czech farmers for generations.



Babis has also succeeded in manipulating the system in such a way that his Agrofert concern has become a prime recipient of large EU agricultural subsidies. While in countries such as Poland or Austria, EU agricultural subsidies are available only for small farms, in the Czech Republic, they benefit large agricultural conglomerates and make them incredibly powerful.



Babis's businesses encourage fertiliser-intensive farming in the Czech countryside, which benefits Babis's fertiliser factories. As a result, most Czech farmers now grow only rape using heavy fertiliser practices.



Babis imports inferior cuts of meat from countries such as Poland and Denmark, which are normally used only for the making of food tins for cats and dogs and uses this meat to manufacture his processed meat products. He exclusively employs workers from East European countries such as Romania and Ukraine whom he pays about 3 US dollars per hour, without paying their national and health insurance, alleges the film.



Since Babis and his ANO movement have entered politics he has introduced his "mafioso practices" into Czech political life. Since Babis fully controls the Czech Finance Ministry he is able to use the state bureaucracy to weaken his business competitors. Recently, officials of the Czech state enviromental protection office have been sacked, allegedly so that they cannot start proceedings against Babis's environmentally unacceptable practice.



The 73-minute documentary, coproduced by the film makers and Czech public service television was completed in May 2017, but Czech Television is now refusing to broadcast it. In response to Czech Television's reluctance to air it, the film makers have been trying to organise a series of public screenings of the film, mostly in cooperation with the Czech Green Party. Czech Television has acted against this, pointing out that since it owns the production, no one is allowed to screen it publicly.



The film is nevertheless available for downloading (it is in Czech only) on the uloz.to website here:



https://uloz.to/!XUrR1YKmdW49/selsky-rozum-dokument-fullhd-kvalita-o-podnikani-andreje-babise-avi



Sources in Czech:

A review of the film published in Britske listy

A statement made by the two film makers A review of the film published in Britske listy HERE A statement made by the two film makers HERE

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Allergan has disclosed that it transferred title to six of its contested eye drug patents to the St Regis Mohawk band in upstate New York, in a bid to use the band's sovereign immunity to prevent generic pharma companies from dragging the company into court to show that its patents are invalid.



The company paid the band $13.75m upfront and promised a $15m annual royalty if the patents remain intact.

If the tactic works (and that's a big if), native bands across the USA could find themselves being invited to launder the dirty money earned by pharma companies who use invalid patents to gouge Americans for medicine. What's more, the inevitable lawsuits will find fact-patterns that erode the bands' sovereign immunity, creating a set of precedential carve-outs that will weaken the legal position of every treaty band in the US.





Allergan CEO Brent Saunders addressed a Wells Fargo healthcare conference last weekend, urging his fellow pharma execs to end their dirty tricks, lest they serve as fodder for a popular uprising in support of the Democrats' single payer proposal.

The St Regis Mohawks say they're also holding a patent for an unnamed technology company, suggesting that there's a Shrkelic future for the band.



Lawyers for Allergan and the tribe expect that the concept of "sovereign immunity," which bars lawsuits against certain types of government entities, will protect patents owned by St. Regis from any IPR proceeding. In fact, university patents have already been found to be immune to IPR under the concept of sovereign immunity. That will give Allergan a major edge as it clashes with generic drug companies who are trying to knock out the patent so they can produce a cheaper generic version. "The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and its counsel approached Allergan with a sophisticated opportunity to strengthen the defense of our RESTASIS intellectual property in the upcoming inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board," Allergan Chief Legal Officer Bob Bailey said in a statement. Given the potential power of the move, there's little doubt that tech companies, or the "patent trolls" that harangue them, will be next in line. In fact, at least one technology patent-holder has already done so. A lawyer for the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe told The New York Times that even before the Allergan deal, the tribe agreed to hold patents for a "technology company," which he declined to name.



Drug company hands patents off to Native American tribe to avoid challenge

[Joe Mullin/Ars Technica]
The Electronic Frontier Foundation and American Civil Liberties just filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of 11 travellers whose devices were searched at the US border; they assert that warrantless device searches violate the constitutional restriction on searches without probable cause.



The Trump administration's CBP has significantly ramped up border device searches, and is on track to conduct three times more searches in 2017 than the CBP performed in 2016.

The plaintiffs include Sidd Bikkannavar, a US-born NASA JPL scientist who was detained by CBP and coerced into divulging authentication information for his devices, putting classified data at risk.

The plaintiffs include a military veteran, journalists, students, an artist, a NASA engineer, and a business owner. Several are Muslims or people of color. All were reentering the country from business or personal travel when border officers searched their devices. None were subsequently accused of any wrongdoing. Officers also confiscated and kept the devices of several plaintiffs for weeks or monthsDHS has held one plaintiff's device since January. EFF, ACLU, and the ACLU of Massachusetts are representing the 11 travelers. "People now store their whole lives, including extremely sensitive personal and business matters, on their phones, tablets, and laptops, and it's reasonable for them to carry these with them when they travel. It's high time that the courts require the government to stop treating the border as a place where they can end-run the Constitution," said EFF Staff Attorney Sophia Cope.

EFF, ACLU Sue Over Warrantless Phone, Laptop Searches at U.S. Border [EFF]
The Philippines is ruled by an admitted murderer, President Rodrigo Duterte (previously), whose death squads have operated with impunity since he took office last year (Trump loves him).



The Philippines House of Representatives shares the Duterte regime's contempt for due process and human rights; after a "heated debate," the House appropriated 1,000 pesos (USD19.53) for the country's national Commission on Human Rights' annual budget.

The House did not publish a roll of legislators who opposed the vote, but Rappler has produced an independent vote tally, using "an initial count by House plenary staff, and video footage from the voting itself."

The budget now goes to the Senate, who can revise the figure.



The CHR has been the focus of criticism, particularly from President Rodrigo Duterte, following its statements against the ongoing war on drugs. The Commission has repeatedly expressed concern over deaths linked to the drug war, specifically those which they claim were unjustified. It is still reviewing cases of police kills and homicides with alleged links to the drug trade.

House budget debates: CHR gets only P1,000 for 2018

[Bea Cupin/Rappler]

(via Reddit)
Civil asset forfeiture allows police departments to confiscate and keep property they claim results from criminal activity, without having to prove that any criminal activity took place  this turned into a national scourge, until cops were stealing more from Americans than burglars, until the Obama administration shut down the DoJ's enabling program in 2015.

But Trump vowed to reinstate asset forfeiture, saying he saw "no reason" for any limits on forfeiture. In July, Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinstated the program, over howls of protest from the Republicans' own libertarian wing.

As those Republicans (and others) have found themselves more and more disgusted with Trump (though, shit, it's only now that they're figuring out that Trump is neither good for liberty, nor conservative values?), they're now in open rebellion.

On Tuesday, a Republican-led, bipartisan Congressional coalition voted in an amendment to the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act which prohibits Jeff Sessions' DoJ from spending money on legalized police theft.



Amash, the prime mover of the amendment, spoke forcefully in favor of the Obama-era rules on the House floor and the need to bring them back. "Unfortunately these restrictions were revoked in June of this year. My amendment would restore them by prohibiting the use of funds to do adoptive forfeitures that were banned under the 2015 rules," he explained. Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer reached across the aisle to voice support for Amash's effort "Civil asset forfeiture without limits presents one of the strongest threats to our civil, property, and Constitutional rights," he said on the flood. "It creates a perverse incentive to seek profits over justice." The amendment passed with a voice vote, meaning it had overwhelming support.

IN SURPRISE VOTE, HOUSE PASSES AMENDMENT TO RESTRICT ASSET FORFEITURE

[Zaid Jilani/The Intercept]

(Image: Trump's Hair)
Zerodium is a cyber-arms dealer that produces hacking tools for governments by buying up newly discovered defects in widely used systems, weaponizing them and then selling them to be used against criminals, activists, journalists and other targets of state surveillance.



In 2015, the company offered $1m in bounties for Iphone breaks. Now, it's offering $1m more for attacks against the Tor network, widely used to enhance privacy and anonymity online.



On Wednesday, Zerodium, a US-based company that buys exploits from researchers and sells them exclusively to government customers, announced the new bounty. The highest bounty is $250,000 for an exploit that allows the attacker to hack a target who's using the Tor Browser with high security settings on Linux Tails and Windows, giving the attacker the highest kind of privileges on the target's computer. Other bounties range between $75,000 (for exploits that only work for either Windows or Tails, and work only with Javascript allowed, for example, making them easier to develop) and $200,000.



Startup That Sells Zero-Days to Governments Is Offering $1 Million For Tor Hacks

[Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai/Motherboard]
If like me, you havent accepted the end of summer and would like to carry a sunny note through fall, there are several means to achieve it. For instance, scents can help but so can flavors. One of the reasons I love cooking is that it allows me to blend two of my passionsand savor the results. This fall, cooking is even more exciting because 2017 has been a year with many excellent cookbook releases. I had difficulty picking just a couple, so I decided to show you my favorite 15 books, from which Ive cooked already and which I recommend wholeheartedly. They will satisfy your hunger as well as your wanderlust.

Europe

Veneto: Recipes from an Italian Country Kitchen by Valeria Necchio

Venice is on the well-trodden tourist trail, but its food and that of its region isnt. This is a shame, because Venetian dishes blend a full spectrum of flavors and ingredients like polenta, pine nuts, rosemary, raisins, shellfish, white wine, and saffron. Veneto is Valeria Necchios debut cookbook, and its exquisite. I dont mean the photographs and styling, beautiful though they are. The recipes are the only thing Im interested in. For a taste of real Venetian cooking, I suggest trying fried marinated pumpkin with onion, pine nuts and raisins, prawn and Prosecco risotto, stir-fried beans with basil and garlic, and ricotta pudding cake.

Sabor: Flavours from a Spanish Kitchen by Nieves Barragan Mohacho

Nieves Barragan Mohacho, the chef at the famed Barrafina restaurant in London, showcases the kind of Spanish and Basque recipes that I could eat every daygrilled vegetables, fish in herbal sauces, rice with seafood and sausages with caramelized onions. Some recipes are complicated in so far as they require ingredients that might be hard to obtain outside a big city, but her flavor pairings are inspiring. Also, if you love organ meats, the book contains plenty of delicious ways to cook these overlooked cuts. Must try: whole brill (any flatfish will do) with garlic sauce, pork belly with mojo verde, potato, ham and tarragon salad. Do try mojo verde on grilled pork chops or chicken. Its addictive.

Dalmatia: Recipes from Croatias Mediterranean Coast by Ino Kuvacic

Croatia is a small country with big history and more borders with other nations than one can contemplate. (If youre curious, they include Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina and a maritime border with Italy.) All of this diversity means a culinary tradition with many different influences, from Slavic to Germanic, from Italian to Turkish. Dalmatia is a great introduction, especially since none of the recipes are difficult, even for a novice cook. Try fish baked with tomato and beans, potato stew with Swiss chard, Dalmatian mushrooms with port. For dessert, Im torn between Croatian apple cake and rozata, a custard pudding similar to flan. Ino Kuvacic makes it with maraschino liqueur, but to stay true to the rose-inspired name, I use rose liqueur or rose water.

Oklava: Recipes from a Turkish-Cypriot Kitchen by Selin Kiazim

The food of Cyprus is all about island cooking; its simply what is grown on the land, writes Selin Kiazim in the introduction to her recipes. Cyprus is home to Greek and Turkish communities, and Kiazim, whose roots are in Cyprus, focuses on the food of her childhood. She explained that Turkish-Cypriot cooking has bright flavors, with numerous Mediterranean influences, and her recipes showcase it well. I recommend trying chili-garlic glazed chicken, fried fish with pickled apricots, and semolina cake perfumed with rose and lemon.

Mexico

Mexican Ice Cream: Beloved Recipes and Stories by Fany Gerson

Who could resist quince sorbet or coffee-cajeta ice cream with Mexican chocolate? What about chocolate-chilli ice cream that leaves a pleasant burn even as it cools the palate? The recipes in this collection range from simple, like watermelon sorbet spiked with serrano chillis, to decadent like mole ice cream that includes more than a dozen ingredients. Be sure to try walnut ice cream with pomegranate and hibiscus-cherry compote. Both are delicious and a breeze to make.

Middle East

Syria: Recipes from Home by Itab Azzam and Dina Mousawi

When it comes to nuance, sophistication and diversity, few cuisines can compare to Syrian. The prolonged war has claimed many victims, not least of which has been the cultural heritage, so its heartening to see books focusing on Syrian cooking in the fall lineup. This particular volume is a general overview that gives a good introduction to classical dishes like Kibbeh Labaniyeh (Kibben in Yogurt Sauce), Kebab al Karaz (Cherry Kebab, which is really a stew of lamb meatballs and sour cherries), and Sfouf (Semolina Cake). I enjoyed so many recipes from this book that I dont know where to start lest I list the whole glossary. Do try Aisha Khanoum, Lady Aisha, a charmingly named white bean and lamb stew, fish in tahini, roasted cauliflower wrap, and aniseed biscuits.

The Aleppo Cookbook: Celebrating the Legendary Cuisine of Syria by Marlene Matar

If I said that few cuisines can compare to Syrian when it comes to nuance, sophistication and diversity, then few towns in Syria have a grander culinary heritage than Aleppo. This book is a gem, and if I had to pair down my pile to only one, the Aleppo Cookbook would be it. I love that it covers all types of Aleppian cooking, from simple day-to-day meals to feast preparations, that it explains how to combine ingredients to achieve the distinctive flavors that makes this citys food so renowned, and finally, that it guides with a gentle and assuring voice. For an Aleppian menu, I would make red lentil and lemon soup, grilled kebabs with eggplant, olive salad with pomegranate molasses, parsley omelets, and saffron rice pudding. Matars version of the classical Cherry Kebab is also excellent. Then, I would include Sit Geleila, which means Respected Lady, a salad of pickled turnips, onions and cumin dressed with olive oil.

Indian Subcontinent

Chai, Chaat & Chutney : A Street Journey Through India by Chetna Makan

Chai, Chaat & Chutney is a fun, vibrant collection of Indian street food favorites. Chetna Makan includes recipes for falooda milk shake from Mumbai, lemon rice from Chennai, egg curry from Kolkata, and even dabeli, a type of vegetarian sandwich, from Gujarat. Clear instructions and plenty of inspiring ideas.

Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn by Chitra Agrawal

The most common Indian style of cooking in restaurants is Northern, with its pulaos, tandoori chicken, gulab jamun and the rest. However, the south of India has its own distinctive cuisine inflected with the heat of chilies, the smokiness of mustard seeds, and the brightness of curry leaves. This is the focus of Vibrant India. I liked Karnataka coconut curry with carrots and cauliflower, steamed semolina cakes and yellow lentils with tomato and ginger. Agrawals recipes are adapted to modern, healthier eating, so keep this in mind if youre looking for a book on traditional South Indian fare (for that Id recommend Dakshin by Chandra Padmanabhan). However, I liked her approach and light touch. Shredded carrot and lentil salad (pictured on the cover) is a must-try.

The Food & Cooking of Pakistan: Traditional Dishes from the Home Kitchen by Shehzad Husain

When I reviewed Sumayya Husains Summers Under the Tamarind Tree, I expressed a wish for more Pakistani cookbooks. This fall I found not only one, but two. As an introduction to regional food, The Food & Cooking of Pakistan by Shehzad Husain is my ideal cookbook. First, it includes plenty of photographs not just of artfully plated food but also of the preparation process. Second, it explains ingredients, techniques and menus. Third, the recipes are excellent. Ive made okra with tomatoes, slow-cooked lamb stew, and Lahori fried fish at least three times over the summer. I also loved her lamb chops spiced with ginger, garlic and garam masala, tandoori shrimp, and chicken with chickpeas.

Mountain Berries & Desert Spice: Sweet Inspiration from the Hunza Valley to the Arabian Sea by Sumayya Husain

This year, the author of Summers Under the Tamarind Tree, has published a book celebrating sweets from Pakistan (with a few forays into Afghani and Iranian pastry shops). The recipes include classics like semolina halva and jalebis as well as modern interpretations like apple cardamom pudding and pomegranate jelly. My recommendation is Kashmiri phirin, a silky pudding made with ground rice and flavored with saffron and cardamom. Buckwheat porridge with cardamom and stewed apricots, a modern adaptation inspired by traditional flavors, makes a delectable autumnal breakfast.

Sri Lanka The Cookbook by Prakash K Sivanatham and Niranjala M Ellawala

Here is another cuisine from the Indian subcontinent that could benefit from more exposure. Flavored with coconut, pandan and dried fish, Sri Lankan food tastes vivid and bright, but there is also a dark, smoky undercurrent to many dishes that I find irresistible. For instance, try koli kari, chicken curry on page 197. Dal and spinach curry, pork curry, and chicken biryani were my other favorites. Dont miss morr, a spiced yogurt drink accented with lime juice, onion and green chilli.

Southeast Asia

The Pho Cookbook by Andrea Nguyen

Ive never thought of making pho at home until I moved to Brussels. For all of the culinary discoveries the Belgian capital has to offer, good Vietnamese food is not one of them. Cooking through Andrea Nguyens book, however, I realized that making pho is possible at home and that its immensely satisfying. Besides the traditional beef version, Nguyen includes several variations, classical and modern. I made Classical Chicken Pho a few times as well as Seafood Pho. Also recommended is Nguyens Into the Vietnamese Kitchen.

Burma Superstar: Addictive Recipes from the Crossroads of Southeast Asia by Desmond Tan and Kate Leahy

From my short time in Myanmar, its food remains the highlight. The dishes had the heartiness I associate with Indian cooking (thick stews and curries) but the flavors were bright, fresh and like nothing Id tried previously. This book allowed me to recreate some of them by cooking egg and okra curry, pork and pumpkin stew, tomato shrimp relish with raw vegetables, spicy eggplant and green mango salad.

Bangkok: Recipes and Stories from the Heart of Thailand by Leela Punyaratabandhu

This is not a cookbook to reach for when you have to cook a meal after a busy day. (For that, Id recommend Leela Punyaratabandhus other book, Simple Thai Food). Instead, Bangkok allows you to recreate the traditional flavors of Thai cooking in all of their dizzying complexity. I save it for weekends, when I can spend a few hours making rice in jasmine-scented water with accompaniments, braised spareribs in salted soybean sauce, or grilled sweet sticky rice with banana filling. Yes, the recipes are complicated and require a certain level of confidence in the kitchen, but Leela Punyaratabandhu is a great teacher, and the results are worth the effort.

If youve counted my pile, you must have noticed that I omitted the top three books. Its a deliberate oversight, because I already prepared an article with reviews and a menu idea for a Georgian feast. Please stay tuned.

What are your favorite cookbooks? What are you cooking these days?

Photography by Bois de Jasmin
The new iPhone X and the Apple Watch Series 3 are seen here. (Apple)

Apple CEO Tim Cook called the new iPhone X the companys biggest leap forward since the original iPhone, and if youre a Canadian consumer who wants to be a part of that jump and get your hands on the hotly anticipated device, heres what you need to know.

Where you can get it

Consumers will be able to order iPhone X from Apples website or it will be sold by most major mobile carriers in Canada, according to iMore, including:

Rogers

Bell

Telus

Videotron

Virgin Mobile

Koodo

MTS

SaskTel

There is one major omission: it remains unclear if Freedom Mobile will carry the new devices.

The mobile provider has never sold brand new iPhones in the past.

However, the potentially good news for customers is that the iPhone X is compatible with Band 66 LTE, which Freedom Mobile relies on almost exclusively, according to Mobile Syrup.

Were committed to working with new and existing technology partners to provide our Freedom Mobile customers with the products and services theyre looking for, Chethan Lakshman, vice-president of external affairs at Freedom Mobile, said in a statement emailed to Yahoo Canada Finance.

How long do I have to wait?

The iPhone X will be available for pre-order on Oct. 27 and will be released on Nov. 3.

Whats the hit to your wallet?

Pretty hefty. With a price tag of $1,319 for the 64GB model and $1,529 for the 256GB configuration, the iPhone X will be most expensive iPhone to date.

This steep price will also exceed that of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, which will go on sale Friday for $1,299. Samsungs flagship device, the Galaxy S8, was also available at a significantly lower price point ($1,035) upon its release earlier this year.

And many Canadians seem disappointed by the new iPhones high-end price.

Me when I hear American friends complaining #iPhoneX is $999 me while in Canada is $1562 (with taxes). @VenyaGeskin1 @tailosivetech pic.twitter.com/FWHtVA9Hpb  dario (@dylgomez) September 13, 2017

#AppleEvent youll need a mortgage to get #iphoneX in Canada, 64gb will set you back $1319! This is getting to be ridiculous.  Alex K (@Mr_thursday1) September 12, 2017

#iPhoneX minimum price in Canada is $1319. With tax is $1500. Thats one year of fulltime tuition. Jesus. #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/kg3IyTuDaa  Dr. Taha (@DrTahhaa) September 12, 2017





Apple Watch 3

Meanwhile, the new Apple Watch Series 3, which has cellular access, will start at $519. The version without LTE starts at $429.

Story continues

However, it may be harder to come by than the new iPhone. According to the Financial Post, the cellular model will only be carried by Bell and Telus.

Sarah Schmidt, the media relations director for Rogers Communications, told Yahoo Canada Finance in an email that the company and Fido, which is owned by Rogers, are focusing on the release of the new iPhone models, but customers could see the Apple Watch added to its lineup down the road.

Rogers and Fido are not currently carrying the Apple Watch, she said.

We will look at launching the cellular Apple Watch next year as we build system functionality to support this technology based on open standards.

Editors Note: An earlier version of this story said Fido will be carrying the iPhone X. Fido will not be carrying the device, and has been removed from the list.
By Tom Perry and Katya Golubkova BEIRUT/MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah has declared victory in the Syrian war while Russia said government forces had driven militants from much of the country where President Bashar al-Assad's rule seemed in danger two years ago. The comments from two Syrian government allies mark the most confident assessments yet of Assad's position in the war, though significant parts of the country remain outside the government's control. Russia's assertion that the army had won back 85 percent of Syria was dismissed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. It said the government held 48 percent of Syria. On Tuesday, Russia's defense minister met with Assad in Damascus to discuss joint military efforts and the fight against Islamic State. The government's most recent advances have recovered swathes of territory in eastern Syria from Islamic State, which is being targeted in the same region by U.S.-backed Kurdish and Arab militias. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, whose group has sent thousands of fighters to Syria, dismissed the fighting left to be done in Syria as "scattered battles". "We have won in the war (in Syria)," he said in comments reported by the Lebanese newspaper al-Akhbar. Referring to Assad's opponents, Nasrallah said "the path of the other project has failed and wants to negotiate for some gains". The comments, made at a religious gathering, were confirmed to Reuters by a source familiar with the speech. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict, which has fractured Syria into a patchwork of areas and generated a refugee crisis of historic proportions, forcing millions of people into neighboring states and Europe. Military backing from Iran and Russia has proven critical to Assad in the war with insurgents including rebels who have been backed by Gulf Arab states, Turkey and the United States, which has decided to end a program of covert support to rebels. Rebel groups were making steady advances against Assad as recently as 2015, when the deployment of the Russian air force to Syria turned the tide in his favor. Over the past year, Assad has crushed numerous pockets of rebel-held territory in the cities of Aleppo, Homs and Damascus, brokering local deals by which thousands of his opponents have been moved to remaining rebel-held enclaves of the country. Ceasefire deals brokered by Russia, Turkey, Iran and the United States in remaining rebel-held areas of western Syria have freed up manpower on the government side, helping its advance east into the oil-rich province of Deir al-Zor. AIR STRIKES Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu visited Assad on Tuesday on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, the ministry said. The meeting focused on plans to recapture Deir al-Zor city and to "strengthen efforts to combat terrorism in all Syrian territory until its utter annihilation," Assad's office said. Shoigu and Assad discussed the de-escalation deals in parts of Syria that have "sped up the victories of the Syrian army and its allies in fighting terrorism in other areas", it said. Government forces last week reached Deir al-Zor city, the provincial capital on the Euphrates River, breaking an Islamic State siege of a government-held pocket and a nearby air base. "To date, 85 percent of Syria's territory has been cleared of the militants of illegal armed groups," the RIA news agency cited Alexander Lapin, chief of staff of the Russian military contingent in Syria, as saying. Lapin made no reference to a swathe of territory held in northern Syria by an alliance of U.S.-backed militias - the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which is led by the Kurdish YPG and is not at war with Assad. The Observatory said SDF-held territory amounts to 23 percent of Syria. Lapin said Islamic State fighters are still in control of around 27,000 square km of Syria's territory. "The liberation of (Deir al-Zor) city is proceeding," Lapin said. "Syrian troops are finalizing the defeat of the ISIL group blocking the northern and southern districts of Deir al-Zor," he said. He said the assault was being led by General Suheil al-Hassan, a Syrian officer who has risen to prominence in the war. Referring to the Russian figure of 85 percent, a Western diplomat said: "Other numbers tell a darker story: over 400,000 killed; half the population displaced; millions of refugees." "The harder question for Russia to answer is whether any of its vaunted 85 percent is stable. The Assad state is a thin veneer stretched over a patchwork of fiefdoms." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said air strikes likely to have been carried out by Russian warplanes killed 69 people since Sunday near the Euphrates River in Deir al-Zor. The Russian Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on Tuesday's report by the Britain-based monitoring group. The Observatory, which identified the victims as civilians, said the air strikes had hit encampments on the western bank of the river and vessels crossing to the eastern side. Syrian state television separately reported the army was conducting artillery and machine gun attacks on rafts carrying Islamic State militants to the eastern side of the river from their last positions in Deir al-Zor city. "ONLY ESCAPE ROUTE" "Their only escape route out of the city is through rafts on the river, and god willing, we will target them in the water before they get away," a commander said in a televised interview. Aside from the territory held by the SDF and Islamic State, rebels still control a corner of the northwest, a corner of the southwest, an area near Damascus, and an area north of the city of Homs. Syrian government attacks in the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta region near Damascus suggest Assad may yet try to recapture the remaining rebel-held areas of the west, including enclaves at the borders with Turkey, Jordan and Israel. A major general in the Syrian Republican Guard interviewed by a state-run TV station from Deir al-Zor on Monday warned Syrians who had "run away or escaped from Syria to any other country" not to return. Major General Issam Zahreddine, head of the 104 Brigade which was under IS-siege for three years in Deir al-Zor, later issued a clarification on his Facebook page, saying his warning had been directed only at people who had taken up arms. (Additional reporting by Sarah Dadouch and Laila Bassam in Beirut, Dmitry Solovyov and Jack Stubbs in Moscow; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Alison Williams)
At the 2017 IPCPR Trade Show, Mel Shah and Bombay Tobak showcased a 5 x 54 box-pressed Robusto size to its Gaaja Natural line. The Gaaja was a new brand by Bombay Tobak that was released in 2016. Bombay Tobak is best known for its MBombay line of cigars. Gaaja would become Bombay Tobaks first box-pressed cigar. The blend itself is quite unique as it is highlighted by the use of Paraguayan tobacco. Today we take a closer look at the Gaaja Robusto. Since I was introduced to the Gaaja line last year, Ive not only found this to be a unique blend, but one that is quite enjoyable. The Robusto is no exception as it lives up to the high standards set by this blend.

As for the name Gaaja, it traces back to the Sanskrit name Gaja (pronounced guy) which means elephant. Gaaja was a project that Shah worked on for four years  and one where he took a slow and patient process to develop the cigars in the brand, thus the connection with the elephant.

Without further ado, lets take a closer look at the Gaaja Robusto and see what the cigar brings to the table.

Blend Profile

Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Ddesflorado, Variety Hybrid Mejorado 2004

Binder: Ecuador HVA Seca Mejorada

Filler:

Seco: Peru Hybrid Habano

Viso: Ecuador Criollo 98, Paraguay Hybrid Habano 2000, Dominican Criollo 98.

Ligero: Dominican HVA Mejorado

The hybrid wrapper is a combination of a Connecticut Seed crossed with Cameroon grown in Ecuador using the Desflorado technique. This is a technique that involves removing the tobacco flower resulting in nutrients being passing to the leaves; which in turn results in more flavor. There were three vintages of the wrapper produced. Vintages from 2002 and 2003 were considered until finally the 2004 vintage was chosen.

The Paraguayan viso is definitely something different. For the most part, Paraguayan tobacco is used in cigarettes. The flavor imparts of an herbal note with less spice.

In terms of the Peruvian tobacco, that is a staple across the whole MBombay portfolio as it also is found in the other five lines.

Vitolas Available

There are three sizes in the Gaaja Natural line. The Robusto is packaged in 14-count cedar boxes.

Robusto: 5 x 54

Toro: 6 x 54

Torpedo: 6 1/2 x 54

Appearance

The Gaaja Robusto follows suit with its Toro and Torpedo siblings delivering an exquisite wrapper. The Ecuadorian wrapper is smooth with a light brown color to it. Depending on how the light hits the wrapper, it might give off a slide reddish hue. I didnt find much in the way of oil on the surface of this wrapper. There were a couple of thin visible veins and any wrapper seams are on the thin side. The box-press is firm with no soft spots.

The band was designed by Shahs wife (who designed the other MBombay bands). With the Gaaja band, it is a departure from the Indian mosaic style band found on the other five MBombay lines. The band features colors to represent the four elements: Red (Fire), Gold (Earth), Green/Blue (Water), Dark Blue Swirls (Wind). The left and right side of the band is gold with blue trim. On the left side of the band is the text Bombay Tobak in red cursive font. The right side has the text GAAJA: in red print font.

Preparation for the Cigar Experience

As I normally do, I went with a straight cut to remove the cap of the Gaaja Robusto. After the cap was removed, it was time for the pre-light draw ritual. The dry draw delivered a mix of classic wood, cedar, and natural tobacco. While all of the Gaaja Natural cigars have delivered a very nice pre-light draw, I found the Robusto size delivered the best one. At this point, I was ready to light the Gaaja Robusto and see what the smoking experience would have in store.

Flavor Profile

The Gaaja Robusto started with notes of natural tobacco as well as some of the blends signature notes  namely cedar and herbal notes. Early on the cedar notes became primary while the natural tobacco and herbal notes settled in the background. Meanwhile, on the retro-hale, there was a nice combination of cedar and black pepper.

During the first third, the natural tobacco remained the primary note. As the Gaaja Robusto moved through this stage of the cigar experience, the natural tobacco developed a lemon-like sweetness to it. Simultaneously some cream notes developed and floated between the forefront and background. In the more distant background were the herbal and cedar notes.

As the Gaaja Robusto moved into the second third, the cream and herbal notes increased in intensity and by the midway point, they moved into the forefront as the primary flavors. While the cedar, natural tobacco and lemon sweetness were now secondary flavors, there were times these notes still crept into the forefront.

The final third of the Gaaja Robusto saw the blends signature notes  the cedar and herbal combination, as the primary flavors. There still were notes of natural tobacco, cream, and lemon that kept things interesting. This is the way the Gaaja Robusto came to a close. The resulting nub was soft to the touch but cool in temperature.

Burn and Draw

For the most part, the burn line and the burn path remained straight on the Gaaja Robusto. The cigar required a few touch-ups along the way, but this didnt prove to be a high maintenance burn. The resulting ash had a salt and pepper color. The ash wasnt overly firm, but it was far from loose. The burn rate and burn temperature maintained ideal levels.

The draw performed quite well. This was a draw that was not too loose, nor too tight. This made the Gaaja Robusto a low maintenance cigar to derive flavor from.

Strength and Body

The Gaaja Robusto delivered a medium strength, medium-bodied smoke from start to finish. I found there to be a slight increase in intensity in both attributes throughout the smoking experience. In the end I found the Gaaja Robusto closed out the way it started  medium strength and medium-bodied. I also found that both the strength and body balanced each other out with neither one overshadowing the other.

When I smoked the Gaaja Torpedo earlier this year, I found it had a slight amount of more strength and body than the Gaaja Toro. In terms of the Gaaja Robusto, I found it more in line with the Gaaja Toro.

Final Thoughts

The Gaaja line has been getting some very high scores on Cigar Coop  and with good reason. This is simply an outstanding blend that has never failed to disappoint. While the Robusto size shares a lot in common with the Torpedo and Toro size of the Gaaja, this size will deliver its own story. I have never smoked a purito of Paraguayan tobacco, so its hard for me to single out the characteristics. What I can say is that this is quite a unique blend, and one that is quite good.

As I said with the other sizes of the Gaaja, the Gaaja Robusto is a cigar that you want to smoke uninterrupted to get the most out of it. Its a cigar I recommend to either a novice or experienced cigar enthusiast. As for myself, its one I would smoke again and one that is worthy of fighting Chuck Norris for.

Summary

Key Flavors: Herbal, Cedar, Lemon, Cream, Pepper

Burn: Excellent

Draw: Excellent

Complexity: Medium

Strength: Medium

Body: Medium

Finish: Good

Rating

Assessment: 4.5-Fight Chuck Norris for Them

Score: 94

References

News: Bombay Tobak to Launch Gaaja Robusto at 2017 IPCPR

Price: $12.50

Source: Bombay Tobak

Brand Reference: Bombay Tobak

Photo Credits: Cigar Coop
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Three twentysomethings huddle over a desk in a small room in Tucupita, a low-slung city of about 90,000 people that spills across the Orinoco river delta region in northeastern Venezuela. Far from the tear gas and street conflicts roiling cities including Caracas and Valencia, these journalists are focused on reporting the latest story from the delta, hoping to publish before the power goes out.

Losing power is a regular occurrence for the staff of Tane Tanae, a news site serving Delta Amacuro, a vast rural state in one of Venezuelas poorest regions. The websites name means thats how it went in the language of the Warao, the largest indigenous community in a region that relies heavily on state aid.

Sometimes the electricity cuts out because of flooding, storms or the unreliable connections common to rural areas. On other occasions, supporters of local political figures who are unhappy at the outlets critical reporting disconnect the cables, Alba Perdomo, a journalist and member of Venezuelan press freedom organization Institute for Press and Society (IPYS), told CPJ in a phone interview earlier this year.

Journalists in Venezuela regularly face harassment, intimidation, detention, and censorship, CPJ has found. Yet the dangers are greater for journalists from indigenous communities, or those working for small community media outlets who seldom have access to the basic protections available to those affiliated with major publications.

Instead, they make do with the resources available to themoutdated technology, unreliable phone service, word-of-mouthto report on land conflicts, trafficking, and extraction industries. Its a beat that provides endless opportunities for reporting, but also constant threats of violence.

Journalists from Tane Tanae, pictured. The news site faces harassment and threats over its critical coverage. (Amador Medina)

Tane Tanaes coverage of issues such as healthcare, corruption, and contraband smuggling has led to clashes with local officials, who its reporters say view Tane Tanae as part of the political opposition.

The sites co-founder and editor Amador Medina told CPJ that in April, regional officials told him that the site appeared on a list of digital media outlets that might be blocked by authoritiesan increasingly common practice in Venezuelas polarized digital landscape.

CONATEL, the state telecommunications regulator, did not immediately respond to CPJs emailed request for comment.

[Tane Tanae is] the only critical media outlet left, said Perdomo. This makes some people uncomfortable and causes problems, especially when it has to do with corruption.

Perdomo cited an incident in 2016, when two men on a motorcycle yelled death threats against Medina after Tane Tanae published an article alleging that an official was connected to a construction project on indigenous lands. Separately, Medina told CPJ that a Tane Tanae journalist received a phone call in June from an unidentified person who instructed the journalist not to publish anything about criminal groups operating in Delta Amacuro. [Editors note: The journalists name has been withheld for security reasons.]

All of the journalists with whom CPJ spoke described a tense relationship between Tane Tanae and the governor of Delta Amacuro, Lizeta Hernandez, who has publicly accused reporters from Tane Tanae and the Fe y Alegria radio station of inciting violence. Medina said that he believes their reporting upset the governors supporters, and views the threats against him and the outlet as attempts to silence a critical voice.

Hernandezs office did not respond to CPJs emailed request for comment.

Tane Tanaes confrontational relationship with local power brokers means many political figures choose not to buy advertising, Perdomo said. Many news outlets in Delta Amacuro receive most of their advertising revenue from government-sponsored advertisements and political campaigns. Perdomo said that some business owners make a point of buying advertisements to support the site, but a lack of government support has affected Tane Tanaes bottom line.

To get around these challenges, including what Perdomo described to CPJ as electric censorship, the staff rely on the kindness of neighbors who provide supportfrom using word of mouth to share news articles with those who cant access the internet, to passing an ethernet cable or an extension cord through the newsroom window during power cuts.

In a region with low connectivity, a history of marginalization and high illiteracy rates, an online news portal might seem ineffective at best. Yet the reporters of Tane Tanae, and the non-indigenous journalists who support them, say it is a necessary step toward greater representation and awareness for indigenous communities like the Warao.

Before Tane Tanae, the online version of El Periodico del Delta was the capitals only digital news source. Within this restricted media landscape, a locally-led and -oriented news outlet quickly became a vital alternative source of information. As a media outlet, were breaking this stigma [toward our community], said Medina.

Eldrys Valenzuela, a reporter for El Periodico del Delta, the states only major print newspaper, said, The Warao tend to be very closed off, so its surprising that its these same Warao people who go out to their communities and report on these difficult topics.

Perdomo, who has spent more than 14 years working with IPYS, coordinated the original training session for staff at Fe y Alegria in early 2015 that helped inspire a group of Warao youth to create Tane Tanae.

Two of us from this group decided we wanted to create a website to show what we had learned, said Medina, a 27-year-old, who began working at Fe y Alegria when he was 18. So we created Tane Tanae, maintaining this philosophy of prioritizing our community.

With the support of Fe y Alegria general manager Francisco Perez, the seven-person team set up an office in a small room in the station. The space has five desks, a few computers and no televisionhardly luxurious, but enough to get the job done.

Were not professionals, but we know that no other outlet is doing what were doing, uncovering the reality both for the indigenous community and the general population, said Medina. In Venezuela, there are very few media outlets that have indigenous journalists. Its very difficult to understand indigenous communities, so if we ourselves dont take responsibility for it, nobody will do it.

In the past year, Tane Tanae has reported on issues including maternal health care, rising HIV/AIDS rates, inadequate housing and displacement across the state. Tane Tanae are the only ones who talk about some of these things, said Perdomo. Thats why theyre so necessary. They show another side of our Venezuelan reality.

Medina said that he sees Tane Tanae as a potential model for other indigenous journalists. In spite of the threats, we want to continue being an example, to keep going with this media outlet that was born out of the Warao community, he said. There are so many indigenous populations that need this kind of access to information. We want people to be informed about their own situation, and we want to continue changing part of the story of the community here.
On September 10, 1977, 40 years ago this week, France conducted its last execution.





Four years later capital punishment was abolished, thus ending the reign of the guillotine.





The man who was executed was Tunisian immigrant, Hamida Djandoubi . He was found guilty of torturing and killing a woman in Marseilles, France.





He reportedly lit her on fire, then strangled her and left her body in the countryside.





Djandoubi was believed to have been a depressed man who had lost part of his leg in an accident.





The case generated a great deal of attention throughout France. But despite Djandoubi's confession, the jury determined that there were no extenuating circumstances and he would go to the guillotine.





Over the centuries, there were many versions of execution, but the most infamous was the French guillotine.





The first person to have his head chopped off was highwayman Nicolas Jacques Pelletier in 1792.





The execution was considered to be a success and the guillotine was continued to be used on political prisoners, the highest profile being King Louis XVI on January 21, 1793.





During the "Reign of Terror" from 1793 to 1794 the guillotine was taking heads sometimes at a rate of 300 a day.





The last public execution by guillotine was in 1939.









Robert Badinter and the abolition of the death penalty in France





Badinter's struggle against the death penalty began after Roger Bontems' execution, on 28 November 1972.



Along with Claude Buffet, Bontems had taken a prison guard and a nurse hostage during the 1971 revolt in Clairvaux Prison. While the police were storming the building, Buffet slit the hostages' throats.



Badinter was the lawyer for Bontems, and although it was established during the trial that Buffet alone was the murderer, the jury sentenced both men to death.



Applying the death penalty to the person who had not committed the killing outraged Badinter to the point that he dedicated himself to the abolition of the death penalty.



In 1981, Francois Mitterrand was elected president, and Badinter became the Minister of Justice.



Among his first actions was a bill to the French Parliament that abolished the death penalty for all crimes, which the Parliament voted after heated debate on 30 September 1981.



During his mandate, he also passed several laws, such as:

Abolition of the "juridictions d'exception" ("special courts"), like the Cour de Surete de l'Etat ("State Security Court") and the military courts in time of peace.

Consolidation of private freedoms (such as the lowering of the age of consent for homosexual sex to make it the same as for heterosexual sex)

Improvements to the Rights of Victims (any convicted person can make an appeal before the European Commission for Human Rights and the European Court for Human Rights)

Development of non-custodial sentences (such as community service for minor offences). He remained a minister until 18 February 1986. Djandoubi was the last execution , earning himself a place in history.In 1965, along with Jean-Denis Bredin, Robert Badinter founded the law firm Badinter, Bredin et partenaires (now known as Bredin Prat), where he practised until 1981.Badinter's struggle against the death penalty began after Roger Bontems' execution, on 28 November 1972.Along with Claude Buffet, Bontems had taken a prison guard and a nurse hostage during the 1971 revolt in Clairvaux Prison. While the police were storming the building, Buffet slit the hostages' throats.Badinter was the lawyer for Bontems, and although it was established during the trial that Buffet alone was the murderer, the jury sentenced both men to death.Applying the death penalty to the person who had not committed the killing outraged Badinter to the point that he dedicated himself to the abolition of the death penalty.In 1981, Francois Mitterrand was elected president, and Badinter became the Minister of Justice.Among his first actions was a bill to the French Parliament that abolished the death penalty for all crimes, which the Parliament voted after heated debate on 30 September 1981.During his mandate, he also passed several laws, such as:





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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde

EuroNews, Wikipedia, Sept. 11, 2017
LUCASVILLE, Ohio  An Ohio man was executed Wednesday morning for killing two people in back-to-back robberies in 1992.





Death row prisoner Gary Otte, 45, was put to death at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville with a lethal combination of three drugs.





The prison system announced the time of death as 10:54 a.m. A prison spokeswoman said he didn't sleep overnight, spending his last hours visiting with his parents and calling friends and family.





In his final statement, Otte professed his love for his family and said: "God is good all the time." He said: "I'm sorry," then sighed deeply. He sang a religious song, with words such as "I want to know you Lord" and "I want to serve you Lord." He stopped singing at 10:39.





Otte then spoke his last words, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they're doing. Amen."





His stomach rose and fell several times between 10:41 and 10:42. Two guards did a consciousness check at 10:42. Otte's stomach continued to rise and fall a couple more minutes, then appeared to go still.





Otte was sentenced to die for the Feb. 12, 1992, killing of Robert Wasikowski and the killing the next day of Sharon Kostura. Both slayings took place in Parma, in suburban Cleveland. The state planned to put the 45-year-old Otte to death at 10 a.m. at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville with a lethal combination of three drugs.





About two hours before his scheduled execution, the Ohio Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal contending he shouldn't be put to death because of his age at the time of the crime. Otte was 20 when he killed Wasikowski and Kostura.





State Justice William O'Neill dissented on the Ohio Supreme Court decision. The U.S. Supreme Court had already denied Otte's attempt to delay execution.





JoEllen Smith, a state prisons department spokeswoman, said Otte didn't sleep overnight, spending his time visiting with his parents and talking to friends and family on the phone. She said he showered early Wednesday, and shortly before 7 a.m. was praying with his parents.





Smith said checks of his arms Tuesday indicated his veins were capable of accepting the IV used in lethal injection.





Otte arrived at the prison on Tuesday. His last meal included a mushroom and Swiss cheese hamburger, a quart of Heath Bar ice cream and a slice of banana cream pie.





The execution was the second in Ohio this year, following the use of lethal injection in July on a man convicted of raping and killing his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter in Akron in 1993. That was the first execution in Ohio in more than three years, a delay caused by difficulties finding drugs to use in capital punishment.





Otte unsuccessfully challenged the use of the first drug in Ohio's lethal-injection procedure, a sedative called midazolam, which was involved in problematic executions in Arizona and Oklahoma.





Midazolam also has been used in executions without discernible problems, including the execution of Ronald Phillips in Ohio in July.





Otte's attorneys said midazolam may not render prisoners so deeply unconscious that they avoid suffering serious pain when the last two drugs are administered.





The state argued there was no evidence that Phillips wasn't properly anesthetized during his execution.





In Otte's criminal case, authorities said he asked to go inside Wasikowski's apartment to use the phone and then shot the 61-year-old and stole about $400. The next day, authorities say, Otte forced his way into the apartment of the 45-year-old Kostura in the same building, shot her and stole $45 and her car keys.





The Ohio Parole Board unanimously rejected a request by Otte in February, citing the heinous nature of the killings. Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, also denied Otte clemency.





Otte's attorneys had argued a life sentence without parole was an appropriate alternative, saying Otte has matured and made efforts to better himself in prison.





Otte's drug addiction, intoxication and depression led to the slayings, and Otte had poor legal assistance at trial, his public defenders said in documents filed with the parole board.





The Cuyahoga County prosecutor said Otte still wouldn't take full responsibility and tried to blame others, including the victims.





The killings weren't spur-of-the-moment decisions by Otte, who lingered in the victims' apartments to rob them and even turned the TV up to block out Kostura's pleas for help, county prosecutor Michael O'Malley said in a Jan. 30 filing with the parole board.



The state has scheduled another 2 dozen executions between now and 2020.



Otte becomes the 55th condemned inmate to be put to death in Ohio since the state resumed capital punishment in 1999.



Otte becomes the 18th condemned inmate to be put to death this year in the USA and the 1460th overall since the nation resumed executions on January 17, 1977.

Gary Otte dies as Ohio executes second death row inmate this year

LUCASVILLE, Ohio -- The state of Ohio executed Gary Otte on Wednesday morning, more than 25 years after he robbed and murdered two people at a Parma apartment complex.





Otte, 45, of Terre Haute, Indiana died at 10:54 a.m. by lethal injection in the state's "death house" at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville. There appeared to be no complications with the execution, which took about 15 minutes to complete.





Prison officials strapped the heavyset, balding and goateed Otte to a gurney, with his head in full view of the families of his victims. Otte's stomach moved up and down for a few minutes as the execution team began its series of three injections.





He stopped moving at about 10:44 a.m.





He laid still for another eight minutes before a member of the execution team walked in and checked his heartbeat. The coroner then entered the chamber and pronounced him dead two minutes later.





Otte was convicted in 1992 and sentenced to death for robbing and killing Robert Wasikowski, 61, and Sharon Kostura, 45, at a Parma apartment complex in February of that year.





The victims' family members sat in the viewing area to watch as Otte took his final breaths. Otte's witnesses were his attorneys, spiritual advisers and a nurse.





The reactions of the victims' family members, which included Wasikowski's daughter and brother and Kostura's sister, brother-in-law and niece, were mostly muted. Wasikowski's daughter shook throughout most of the execution and appeared concerned as she was led to her seat that Otte could see her in his final moments.





As a last statement, Otte gave a thumbs up to his witnesses and said, "I'd like to profess my love for my family," who visited him at the prison on Tuesday and Wednesday but did not witness his execution.





He then said "I'm sorry" to the victims' families.





Otte then sang three verses of the gospel song "The Greatest Thing" and closed with a Bible verse: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing. Amen."





Wasikowski and Kostura's family members did not make a statement following the execution.





Otte spent Tuesday evening visiting with his loved ones and his attorneys, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction spokeswoman JoEllen Smith said. He did not sleep and spent the night on the phone, talking with friends. His mood was described as emotional, but he was also in good spirits, Smith said.





He was served his last meal of burgers, fried food, ice cream and donuts on Tuesday evening, after visits by his parents and his attorneys. Around midnight, prison guards removed his cheese sticks, string cheese and ice cream, which were all part of his requested special meal, Smith said.





On Wednesday morning, he again visited with his parents and prayed, Smith said, giving them a hug through prison bars one last time. He met with his spiritual advisers, again with his attorneys and talked with a friend on the phone. He also sang.





Otte took a shower before his execution but did not eat the breakfast served to him.





Like many inmates before him, Otte and his supporters tried their hardest to halt his execution. He waged a series of legal challenges to Ohio's methods of execution and death penalty statute. All were denied, with the latest ruling coming by the Ohio Supreme Court less than two hours before his death.





The Ohio Parole Board and Gov. John Kasich rejected Otte's arguments that his life should be spared because he was repeatedly bullied as a child. That bullying led to drug and alcohol use and depression, which led him to commit his crimes, his lawyers argued.





The parole board said in February that Otte had a good upbringing with a loving family.





Meanwhile, opponents of the death penalty implored Gov. John Kasich and the state in the days and hours leading up to Otte's execution to intervene and call it off.





An attorney for Otte later said his stomach movements and the appearance of tears by his eyes during the execution showed that Otte was in pain after being injected with a sedative. The attorney is part of a team challenging the state's use of the sedative, called midazolam, saying it doesn't render a patient sufficiently unconscious as to not feel severe pain.





Otte was the 55th person the state has executed since it restarted the death penalty in 1999.





Otte, in a letter to Splinter News, blamed the actions that led to his imprisonment and fate on a crack cocaine addiction.





"I took personal responsibility for my life and became accountable for my future actions," Otte wrote in his letter. "I've become a new person through this life giving application. The fears I once operated from have vanished through my reliance on God for all my support.





"I am no longer defined by my past failures, but by God's love."





Otte is the second death row inmate the state has executed this year. Akron child killer Ronald Phillips died by lethal injection in July. Phillips' execution came after the state stopped putting inmates to death for more than two-and-a-half years, after the execution team had problems as inmate Dennis McGuire died in January 2014.





Attorney for executed Parma murderer says she believes inmate suffered pain during lethal injection

An attorney for Gary Otte, a man put to death Wednesday for killing 2 people in Parma in 1992, said she saw signs that her client experienced pain as the execution team injected him with a sedative, the 1st of 3-drug combination.





Carol Wright, the supervising attorney for the Columbus Federal Public Defender's Office's capital unit, watched Otte's execution from the viewing area of the state's death house. The execution was carried out Wednesday morning at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, and Otte was pronounced dead at 10:54 a.m.





Wright said Otte's movements and actions as he received midazolam, a sedative, indicated to her that Otte felt "pain or sensations" as he was about to die.





Her statements on what she saw mirror legal arguments she and her team have made that say midazolam does not render inmates deeply unconscious, and its use in executions could lead the state to violate an inmate's constitutional right.





Otte's stomach raised and lowered several times after the execution team began the injections. That stopped after several minutes, presumably when the execution team gave him a paralytic drug. Then the execution team gave Otte a drug that stopped his heart.





Wright said the stomach movements were abnormal and evidence that Otte was struggling to get air. She also said Otte was crying.





She said she saw these reactions and got out of her seat to call Dayton federal magistrate Judge Michael Merz, who presides over litigation brought by death row inmates challenging the state's use of the 3-drug combination in executions.





That caused another problem, Wright said.





"They would not allow me to leave the room until several minutes passed," Wright said of the staff in the death house, adding that protocol says she should be allowed to leave immediately.





A staff member eventually let Wright out, and she called the prison's waiting room so one of her colleagues could reach Merz on the phone.





"It was my hope to alert the court to what I believed was a constitutional violation," she said.





That took several more minutes, and by the time Merz was on the line, it appeared the execution team had already given Otte the 2nd injection. She told Merz that the stomach movements stopped and she did not see any more tears, and Merz declined to intervene.





Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction spokeswoman JoEllen Smith said department staff handled Wright's request to leave the room appropriately. Smith said in an email that "we followed proper security protocol, and once her identity and intention was verified she was given permission to exit the room."





The whole process led Wright to believe that the state's execution team was ill-prepared and made mistakes.





The state disagreed.





"The execution was carried out in compliance with the execution policy and without complication," Smith said.





Otte, 45, of Terre Haute, Indiana, was executed for robbing and murdering Robert Wasikowski, 61, and Sharon Kostura, 45, in February 1992. He's the second Ohio inmate executed this year.





Merz declared Ohio's latest execution protocol unconstitutional in January, but a federal appeals court overturned his ruling.





The state used this protocol after it had problems during the execution of death-row inmate Dennis McGuire in January 2014. McGuire was executed with a previously unused drug combination.

Death penalty protesters spread message in Warren

"It isn't the worst of the worst who gets put to death. It is usually the poorest of the poorest."





As they held up signs on Courthouse Square condemning state-sponsored executions, a group of women and men grew silent and bowed their heads at 10 a.m. Wednesday.





At that moment, Gary Otte, 45, was being put to death at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville for the 1992 killings of Robert Wasikowski and Sharon Kostura outside of Cleveland.





"We aren't out here because we have any sympathy for his actions. We strongly condemn what he did," said Pat Rogan, organizer of the 8-person protest. "We understand the severity of his actions and believe the state has a right to punish him."





However, there is a difference between revenge and justice, Rogan said.





Most of the participants were there because their religious beliefs drive them to support a natural life cycle, from birth to natural death, including Catholics, Quakers and Universal Unitarians, Rogan said.





On top of their religious beliefs, she said the group believes the system that puts people to death can be unfair.





"It isn't the worst of the worst who gets put to death. It is usually the poorest of the poorest. You are more likely to get the death penalty for killing a white person, not for killing a person of color. It's just not a fair system," Rogan said.





A life sentence makes more sense financially, ethically and avoids the possibility of handing down the ultimate sentence in an imperfect system, Rogan said.





Alice and Staughton Lynd of Niles are Quakers and attorneys and have been focused on the death penalty issue for years.





"I have been appalled by the death penalty since I first learned of it," Staughton Lynd said. "I couldn't believe it existed, it is a terrible thing."





The Lynds have studied several death row cases, including the 1993 Lucasville riot that led to death sentences for five people authorities said were responsible for 10 deaths during the 10-day riot.





Staughton Lynd said he has often found shoddy evidence at the center of prosecutors' cases and found they relied on the testimony of people whose stories did not match medical examination findings.





Alice Lynd said eyewitness testimony can be faulty, and state-sponsored executions should not be dependent on the reliability of someone's memory. Defendants may refuse to take plea bargains because they are truly innocent and find themselves at the mercy of a jury, Lynd said.





But juries are often biased toward the prosecution, figuring the state wouldn't go through the expense of a trial if it weren't sure, Alice Lynd said.





And, "The definition of aggravated murder is intent to cause death with prior planning. That's exactly what execution is," Alice Lynd said. "Think of that, a man sitting there counting down the minutes to his death."





Rogan said she has visited the "death house" on the day of an execution.





"It is surreal. The corrections officers are so friendly and accommodating - asking him if there is anything he needs, anything he wants. It is unnerving. The officers are just doing their jobs, and they are great people I have a lot of respect for. But it isn't fair to the corrections officers, to force them to participate in a murder," Rogan said.

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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde

The Associated Press, Sept. 13, 2017 cleveland.com , Eric Heisig, Sept. 13, 2017: cleveland.com, September 14, 2017: tribtoday.com, Sept. 14, 2017
A Sarawakian and a Filipina, who were initially charged with drug trafficking, were sentenced by the High Court here on a lesser charge of drug possession.





Stage technician Andy Lim Shau Seng, 32, was jailed 15 years and ordered to be caned 10 times after he pleaded guilty to an amended charge of having 664.9gm of syabu at 4.30pm on Aug 29, 2016 in front of Kedai Fook Yuen in Gaya Street, here.





Filipina businesswoman Rubiah Lahani Abdul Rahman, 34, was handed 5 years' jail on an alternative charge of having 56.43gm of syabu at 4.10pm on May 17, 2016 at the KFC outlet in Karamunsing Complex, here.





Earlier Monday, Lim was brought before Judge Datuk Nurchaya Arshad for ruling on the main charge against him for trafficking the drugs, which carries the death penalty under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act.





However, the court amended the charge to possession under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 39A(2) of the same Act, which carries imprisonment for life or not less than 5 year, if convicted.





Counsel Kitson Fong, representing Lim, applied for a lenient sentence on the grounds that it was Lim's 1st offence and that his guilty plea had saved time and expenses.





Fong also asked the court to give Lim a chance to turn over, saying his arrest caused him to evaluate his life and that he felt remorse.





However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Gan Peng Kun said drug offences were a major problem for the nation and demanded a deterrent sentence.





He added that by pleading guilty was not entitled to a lesser punishment and proposed a jail term of between 15 years and 20 years, and whipping accordingly.





Meanwhile, Rubiah had, on Aug 29, admitted to an alternative charge offered by the prosecution following a representation from her counsel.





She was initially scheduled to stand trial the said day on the original charge of trafficking the drugs.





Counsel Hairul V. Othman, representing Rubiah, in her mitigation, told the court that Rubiah, who is married to a local and has 3 children, has been staying in the State for 20 years.





Hairul submitted, among others, that at the time of the arrest there were another man and woman who actually played a bigger role in the case, which set her up to be the scapegoat notwithstanding that she also knew what she was into.





Rubiah was at fault considering that she could make some money working with the said 2 persons, who were also arrested at the same time with her and were only detained under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985, said Hairul.





By pleading guilty proved that Rubiah had repented and being responsible of her own act even if she did not do it alone, said Hairul, who applied for the sentence be just and fair in a form of reasonable minimum period of imprisonment.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde

Daily Express, Sept. 12, 2017
On August 23, Angolans went to the polls to elect a new parliament, and to determine who would replace President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, [Zhose Eduardo Dosh Santosh] who has governed the country for the past 38 years. It was Angolas fourth such election since independence from Portugal in 1975.

In 1979, Jose Eduardo Dos Santos [Zhose Eduardo Dosh Santosh] succeeded the countrys first President, Agostinho Neto. This year, President Dos Santos declined to stand for another election. Instead, Angolan Defense Minister Joao Lourenco topped the party list for the ruling MPLA party. The MPLA won the election with 61 percent of the vote, giving them a majority of seats in parliament and making Joao Lourenco the next President. Five opposition parties split the remaining 39 percent of the vote.

The United States congratulates the people of Angola for exercising their democratic right to vote in the August 23 historic national elections. We look forward to working with President-elect Joao Lourenco and the new Parliament of the Republic of Angola to further strengthen our bilateral relationship, said State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in a written statement.

The United States stands by the people of Angola in their efforts to build strong, democratic, and inclusive institutions that are dedicated to ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for all Angolans.

Anncr: That was an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government. If you have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A, Washington, D-C, 20237, U-S-A. You may also comment -- and view all our current editorials -- at the V-O-A Editorials home page: www-dot-voanews-dot-com-slash-editorials.
The United States remains committed to revitalizing NATO so it can meet todays security needs while maintaining the fundamental principle of Article 5  that an attack on one is an attack on all, said the U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison.

A renaissance of NATO offers the best hope to unite the United States and its Western Allies against threats including Russian aggression in Europe, including Georgia and Ukraine, Russian malign influence activities, international terrorism, nuclear and missile capacities of rogue nations, and efforts to wipe out religious and individual freedoms around the globe.

NATO is the most successful alliance in world history, said Ambassador Hutchison.It was founded on the conviction that by joining together, the democracies of Europe and North America could best deter and counter Communist expansion.

The collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s led to a brief era of good feelings as security concerns appeared less important and many nations reduced their defense investments.

But those days are long gone, said Ambassador Hutchison.New security challenges have appeared in the form of Russias military aggression in Ukraine and Georgia.Terrorism has dramatically grown as a worldwide threat, including in Europe, as the recent attack in Spain demonstrated.

As an essential part of this revitalization, NATO Allies must meet the defense-spending pledge made at the 2014 Summit in Wales  namely, 2 percent of gross domestic product, of which 20 percent is spent on major equipment and modernization.This is necessary, said Ambassador Hutchison, because their own security and our collective security require it.

Under NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenbergs leadership, Allies agreed to outline concrete plans for reaching this two percent military spending goal.In June, Allies individually agreed to take on, for the first time, the full set of military capability targets assigned to them by NATO.

The United States remains committed to the collective defense mission of NATO. President Trump has proposed spending nearly $4.8 billion on the European Deterrence Initiative, an effort to shore up security in NATOs eastern edge, as a demonstration of the United States will to defend its Allies. As Ambassador Hutchinson stressed, twenty-nine Western democracies are far more effective at ensuring our security than one country acting alone.
The informal independence ballot of 2014. Pere Duran

Catalonias regional government is moving forward with its planned independence referendum despite legal moves by Spanish authorities to halt what Madrid insists is an illegal poll. Law-enforcement agencies have been instructed to seize all material that could help organize the vote, making it unclear how the secessionist coalition that governs the northeastern region will deal with the logistics of October 1.

We have more than 6,000 ballot boxes already. I do not see how the state can stop it, said regional premier Carles Puigdemont in an interview with the Financial Times on August 25.

There are no provisions for appealing the outcome of the vote in court

What the leader of the Junts pel Si coalition did not clarify is how he acquired them or where he is keeping them. The ballot boxes are a key element in the battle between Madrid and Barcelona, since there can be no referendum without them, without ballots, or without polling stations.

While nobody knows what the ballot boxes look like, it is possible to deduce what they do not look like. The referendum regulations approved by the Catalan government on September 7 have omitted a clause applied to all previous official voting procedures in Catalonia, establishing that the boxes have to be transparent as a guarantee against fraud.

The informal independence ballot held on November 9, 2014 used cardboard boxes made by prison inmates. This time, Puigdemont has promised his partners in CUP  the tiny anti-capitalist party whose support is pivotal to the secessionist agenda  that proper acrylic glass boxes would be used on October 1.

A contract for 8,000 boxes was put out to tender, but there were no bidders

But this turned out to be difficult: a contract for 8,000 boxes was put out to tender, but there were no bidders.

There are other differences from the way past votes have been organized. The rules for October 1 do not include voting booths to allow people to make their choice in secret. Instead, the text indicates that a space will be reserved for this purpose. This is no small issue in a referendum that has divided Catalan society and where pro-independence campaigners have dominated the debate.

There are several other issues that could be challenged in the courts, were it not for the fact that the entire Catalan referendum law has already been placed on hold by Spains Constitutional Court following a complaint by the central government.

One of these issues is the way the electoral register has been drawn up, using data from March 30 instead of from two months before the scheduled voting day, as is usually the norm. Another is the fact that regional officials, not local ones, will be in charge of putting together the staff at each polling place. Above all, no provisions are made for appealing the outcome of the vote in court.

English version by Susana Urra.
Every Saturday, a van parks at a spot in Bilbao that is popular with youths who are out for a night of partying. The vehicle is here to provide guidance about the risks of drug consumption . It is a mobile personal information stand sponsored by the Basque city to minimize the damage caused by drug use.

Drug users in Bilbao have been issued with plastic cards to chop their cocaine or speed.

But controversy has broken out over the material that staffers are handing out to drug users, particularly a credit card-sized piece of plastic with the following advice: Pica bien tu raya (chop up your line nice and fine), and Rula solo con tu rulo (dont share the straw you use for snorting drugs).

The material was handed out throughout the local fiestas held there in August, and is also distributed on weekends.

Its completely nonsensical to hand out something that looks like a consumption kit

Luis Eguiluz, PP spokesman in Bilbao

The campaign, which began in May, has been widely commented on via social media. The biggest critics feel that its festive tone could have the opposite effect and encourage drug use. The Popular Party (PP) conservatives have asked Mayor Juan Maria Aburto, of the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), to pull the campaign immediately.

Flooded with protests, the health department has decided to stop handing out the material.

The plastic card was being given to users of cocaine and speed (amphetamine). The message, printed in Spanish and Basque, added the following warning: If its not properly chopped, you could damage your nasal passages.

Local staff were also handing out a brochure recommending that users not share the banknote or other object used to snort drugs in order to reduce damage and prevent the spread of respiratory diseases and hepatitis.

Yolanda Diez, the Socialist councilor in charge of the health department, says the goal of the campaign was to minimize damage.

Our goal is not to encourage drug use, but if people are going to use drugs, it should at least be done safely

Yolanda Diez, Bilbao health chief

Our goal is not to encourage drug use, but if people are going to do drugs, it should at least be done safely, she said.

The slogans were created by a group called Energy Control, which provides advice to the staff manning the information van.

The PP spokesman in Bilbao, Luis Eguiluz, said he did not question the good intentions behind the campaign, but said that the format is not adequate.

Its completely nonsensical to hand out something that looks like a consumption kit with such a frivolous, almost festive slogan on it, he said.

The city will stop handing out the material to drug users, although the information stand will still be available on Saturdays in popular recreational areas.

English version by Susana Urra.
Spanish producers of black olives are currently finalizing documentation that the United States has requested from them, as part of an investigation into unfair competition that was opened in July by the administration of Donald Trump . The sector must send detailed information on all its companies and the subsidies they receive before September 28. They are 150-page questionnaires, an enormously complex, and laborious job, complains the general secretary of the Spanish Association of Exporters and Industrialists of Table Olives (Asemesa), Antonio de Mora.

Olive harvesting on a farm in Seville. JULIAN ROJAS

Following complaints filed by two Californian companies, the US Department of Commerce opened an investigation on the grounds that Spanish producers may be benefiting from unfair aid that allows them to sell below market price. The companies reject such accusations. Following the investigation, the Department of Commerce warned in July that tariffs would be imposed if these companies were found to be in violation of the rules. As detailed by De Mora, the US will issue a preliminary ruling on November 20 regarding the information sent on subsidies and on January 17 on an anti-dumping questionnaire. The final conclusions are expected next July.

Our main objective is to show that the US accusations are unfounded Antonio de Mora, representative for the sector

De Mora says that the documentation required by United States is an absolutely thorough check, an audit of subsidies, costs, prices and the organizations themselves. [...] Our main objective is to show that the US accusations are unfounded, the subsidies are endorsed by the World Trade Organization. The sector does not receive any specific aid for olives or olive oil, it receives the same as any other product, meaning they are questioning the entire European system of subsidies, De Mora argues.

It should be made clear that the aid is not free nor done as a favor, they are subsidies that are awarded through tenders, which many other companies opt for, and must meet series of criteria and conditions for the investment, adds a source for the Andalusian regional agriculture department. The documentation on the aid, De Mora points out, is being completed in conjunction with the Spanish government and the European Union. A lot of the information must be supplied by them, he explains.

Last year, Spanish producers exported 32m kilos of olives to the US , with a value of 70m

They must also send a complete in-depth analysis of each company by the September deadline. In the anti-dumping questionnaire, each company must provide all the information regarding its costs, its productivity, its prices, its distribution..., explains De Mora, who argues that the Spanish sector is a good competitor because its companies are efficient, modern, world leaders, and do not exist as the result of any help.

Their prices are a consequence of their high efficiency. We are going to demonstrate that the difficulties the Californian companies are facing are not because of the imports, he adds. Spanish producers exported 32 million kilograms of this type of olive to the US last year, with a value of 70 million and accounting for 36% of the total sold abroad, according to Asemesa data. In Spain, there are about 20 companies that grow this variety, although only 10 firms are responsible for 98% of the supply.

English version by Debora Almeida.
A researcher at a Portuguese university has alerted the authorities to a previously unknown company that has no employees, but boasts social capital of 29 billion  that makes it twice as big as energy giant GALP, and equivalent to 15% of Portugals entire gross domestic product, supposedly making it the countrys biggest business.

Yupido could soon be in the hands of the law.

The academic, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was looking into productivity in Portugal when he came across Yupido, which carried out an 11,000% capital increase at the beginning of 2016. What he failed to ascertain is just what exactly Yupido does.

The company was founded two years ago and has offices in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, but they are unreachable by phone. Its website describes Yupidos mission rather vaguely as giving our clients the infrastructure and support necessary to operate with lower costs and greater efficiency.

The companys partners and founders are registered as Claudia Sofia Pereira, who has a 69% stake, and Torcato Caridade da Silva, with 30%. A man named Filipe Besugo has a 1% stake.

Yupido has now attracted the attention of the authorities, and is under investigation by the public prosecutor

Yupidos website says the company has an executive committee of 10 people, presided over by a CEO and a sales director, although for the moment, no sales have been recorded. Yupido is apparently looking to hire people who are cheerful and motivated to create services that will be used by thousands of people around the world.

Yupido has now attracted the attention of the authorities, and is under investigation by the public prosecutor, the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), and the Board of Official Auditors. The latter is investigating Antonio Alves da Silva, the auditor who signed both reports granting Yupido a billionaire evaluation based on a capital increase in kind, which is not carried out through cash, but by incorporating liabilities in equity, intangible assets, receivables or goodwill and which is remunerated by issuance of new shares.

Alves da Silva told Portuguese daily Observador that Yupidos partners showed him a television set during the audit and that he was impressed by what he saw. Accepting that he knows nothing about technology, he added that the founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, came to mind at the presentation.

English version by Nick Lyne.
The mayors of L'Hospitalet and Barcelona with Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont. Marta Perez (EFE)

Mayors across Catalonia are feeling the pressure from the public as they decide whether or not to help organize an illegal independence referendum on October 1. While some are facing arrest, others have received threats.

Every mayor in Catalonia who has offered to help hold the vote on the regions future on October 1 has now been placed under investigation and will be summoned to appear before state prosecutors to provide statements.

Ive been told to leave Terrassa, that Im never going to wake up again

Jordi Ballart, mayor of Terrassa

Judicial police officers will be sent to all municipalities that answered affirmatively to a letter sent by regional premier Carles Puigdemont asking for assistance with the logistics of the vote. If any mayors refuse to show up, arrest warrants will be issued and the regional police force instructed to take the offenders into custody with the shortest possible delay.

Barcelona and six other cities with more than 100,000 residents, representing over a third of the entire population of Catalonia, have declined to lend municipal premises to the cause, arguing that the Spanish Constitution prohibits it. But another 654 localities, mostly small in size, have agreed to participate in a referendum that the Spanish courts have already deemed illegal.

Instructions issued by a legal group on what to do in the event of an arrest over the referendum.

Given the sheer number of participating towns, prosecutors will first target those with the largest populations.

A group called the Association of Pro-Independence Municipalities has published a list of towns whose mayors have signed a decree officially supplying polling premises for the October 1 vote. These mayors are being warned that helping to organize the referendum could entail charges of disobedience, which carries a fine; unlawful decision-making by a public official, which could get them barred from office; and embezzlement of public funds, which is punishable with up to eight years in prison.

The CUP's Without Fear campaign.

But CUP, a small far-left party whose parliamentary support is pivotal to Puigdemonts Junts pel Si coalition, has already announced that its mayors will disobey orders to appear before prosecutors. The anti-capitalist, anti-EU group is telling other political parties to stand up against legal action whose only purpose is to strike fear into the population and into elected officials.

Meanwhile, a Catalan association of legal experts called Drets (Rights) says it has around 100 volunteer lawyers willing to defend anyone who is brought before the law for helping organize the referendum.

Drets has also published a set of instructions for citizens who are summoned by the police to provide statements as witnesses, as the targets of an investigation or after being arrested. Further guidance is extended to companies that could be the victim of police searches. Last week, the Civil Guard searched a newspaper office in Constanti (Tarragona) suspected of having printed referendum ballots.

Bad Catalan

Terrassa mayor Jordi Ballast (second from right). Cristobal Castro

While collaborating mayors are facing legal pressure, those who refuse to take part in the referendum are dealing with social harassment from secessionists.

Ive been told that Im a sold-out politician, a coward, a wimp and a traitor... that Im Socialist shit... Ive been told to leave Terrassa, that Im never going to wake up again, that Im a bad Catalan, an imbecile, unworthy of my post, a piece of shit and a fucking fag, revealed Jordi Ballart, the Socialist mayor of Terrassa, via a post on Facebook.

The pressure is such that one mayor walked up to Puigdemont on Monday, at an event to observe the Diada or Catalan National Day, and told him to leave the mayors alone.

What I said is what a lot of people think, said Nuria Marin, the mayor of LHospitalet. Im not in that situation, but a lot of my colleagues are going through a tough time. Targeting mayors does not help solve anything, it just adds fuel to the fire.

Last Friday, Puigdemont encouraged citizens to confront mayors who refuse to help hold the referendum.

English version by Susana Urra.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

Trend:

Assistant to the Azerbaijani President for Work with Law Enforcement Bodies and Military Issues Fuad Alasgarov responded to questions on the pardoning of blogger Alexander Lapshin and release of head of Turan News Agency Mehman Aliyev from prison.

- Dear Mr Alasgarov, the pardoning of Alexander Lapshin and Mehman Aliyevs release from prison are among the most discussed issues in recent days. How would you comment on these decisions?

- President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev constantly reaffirms his commitment to the ideas and principles of humanity in his work. I would like to note that on February 10, 2017, the president signed an order to humanize penal policy and expand the application of alternative penal measures and non-custodial procedural measures of restraint. The aim of this order is to reduce the number of custodial sentences and to correct individuals without their isolation from society.

On the other hand, numerous pardon and amnesty acts are integral elements of this humane policy. As you know, five amnesty acts have been adopted since 2003, applying to 54,000 people. At the same time, the Azerbaijani president has signed 31 pardon orders that applied to more than 3,800 individuals. Among those who have been released from jails are journalists and bloggers who were imprisoned for various offenses. The issues relating to pardoning are the focus of the head of state`s attention. Under the presidents instructions, the Pardon Commission is considering appeals of convicts on a regular basis. This is a dynamic process.

The pardoning of Alexander Lapshin should be regarded as another step taken for humane purposes. Two legal procedures regarding Lapshin were considered in parallel. One was his pardoning, and the other his extradition to his country of origin  Israel. Taking into account Lapshins admitting  both during his trial and in his appeals addressed to the Azerbaijani president  that he regrets committing the crime, his statement that he recognizes Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity, as well as his marital status, especially the fact that he has a toddler, Ilham Aliyev deemed Lapshins pardoning possible and signed a corresponding order.

- Is the issue of Lapshins extradition to Israel still on the agenda?

- I would like to clarify something. After the order, there have been reports in some media outlets saying that Alexander Lapshin will be extradited or given to another country. But certain legal definitions have been misinterpreted.

As Alexander Lapshin was pardoned his extradition to another country becomes irrelevant at this point. Under international conventions, the aim of extradition of a person charged with committing a crime is to send him to another country to serve his sentence in a country of his citizenship. After the Azerbaijani presidents pardon order Alexander Lapshin was freed from the unserved term of his sentence and he is free to choose where to go.

According to information we have, Lapshin wishes to go to the country of his citizenship  Israel. He is healthy, he does not have any health problems and may travel to Israel whenever he wishes.

- What can you say about Mehman Aliyevs release from prison?

- Mehman Aliyev personally appealed to the head of state requesting the replacement of his arrest status. Guided by the humane principles, Ilham Aliyev immediately reacted to his appeal and recommended considering the possibility of changing Mehman Aliyevs arrest status. I would like to stress that the head of states appeal to prosecution and judicial authorities was in the form of recommendation.

Indeed, recent decisions on Mehman Aliyevs release and release of the persons, who were imprisoned for incidents in Azerbaijans Naradaran settlement, on parole are a clear manifestation of the realization of the ideas and principles set forth in the Azerbaijani president`s order dated February 10, 2017. By the way, statistical analysis conducted after the signing of the order shows that the number of persons imprisoned during investigation has decreased by 30 percent.

I have to note that the execution of the instructions set forth in the order continues.

The president of Azerbaijan has already submitted proposals on amendments to the Criminal Code to the Azerbaijani Parliament. Work on amendments to Criminal Procedure Code and Code of Execution of Punishments is nearing its completion. Amendments to all the three codes will come into force at the same time.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

Trend:

Vietnam is considering Azerbaijans offer to use its transport and logistics capabilities to enter the European market, Tran Tuan Anh, Vietnamese minister of industry and trade, co-chairman of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, said at a meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, who is in Vietnam on an official visit.

The parties discussed prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the spheres of economy, trade, energy, education, as well as export of products of Azerbaijani companies manufacturing oil equipment to the Vietnamese market.

The Azerbaijani foreign minister briefed his Vietnamese counterpart on the implementation of major regional projects on the initiative and with the participation of Azerbaijan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

Trend:

Shinzo Abe, prime minister of Japan, has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

I extend my sincere congratulations to you on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Azerbaijan, the Japanese prime minister said in his letter.

Our countries built very close relations after Azerbaijan restored its independence. Having made great strides in the years of independence, Azerbaijan is a country, which ensured stable development in the South Caucasus region and which is an important partner of Japan.

Mutually beneficial cooperation that is rooted in the relations between our countries developed even more rapidly thanks to President Heydar Aliyevs visit to Japan in 1998 and Your Excellencys visit in 2006, the Japanese prime minister noted. I am very happy with the intensification of intergovernmental dialogue, visits of high-level officials and exchange between parliaments, local self-governing bodies and other large-scale exchanges in recent years.

Our cooperation is constantly developing not only in the field of energy, but also in other areas of economy with an active involvement of Japanese companies, the letter said. The 9th session of the Japanese-Azerbaijani Economic Committee was held in Baku this February, and as far as I know, featured negotiations on continuation of cooperation in the non-oil sector as Azerbaijan attaches importance to its diversification.

Moreover, our two countries embarked on initial discussions on an investment agreement this June, said the letter. Our cooperation in the field of economy is continuously developing based on the Joint Declaration that was announced during Your Excellencys visit to Japan. I am confident that our cooperation has great potential to develop even further in a number of areas.

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations, I express my confidence that Azerbaijani-Japanese ties will continue to deepen and develop in a variety of areas, the Japanese prime minister added. Excellency, I wish you the best of health and success in your activities and the people of Azerbaijan prosperity.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

Trend:

The Israeli citizen Alexander Lapshin, who was pardoned by the decree of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, dated September 11, 2017, has sent a letter of gratitude to the head of state.

Alexander Lapshin recalls that he was sentenced to three years of imprisonment by the Baku Court of Grave Crimes on July 20, 2017.

I have heard today that you signed a decree to pardon me. I am very grateful to you for this. Probably, I have never been looking forward to any event in my life.

Saying he sincerely regrets what he did, Alexander Lapshin notes that when he went to Nagorno-Karabakh he did not have any reliable information about what happened in the region and around it.

Now I have irrefutable facts that Karabakh is and will continue to be an ancient Azerbaijani land.

He expresses his hope that the Karabakh problem will be settled by taking into account the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Lapshin in his letter once again underlines his regret for his irresponsible actions and expresses his gratitude to the Azerbaijani president for his humanity.

Let me extend my best wishes to you, your family, and the whole people of Azerbaijan for long life, the best of health, much more prosperity, and for the soonest liberation of your occupied territories, Alexander Lapshin concludes his letter.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

Trend:

American entrepreneur Shervin Pishevar has delivered a lecture titled Impact of modern technologies on global business environment at ADA University.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva and Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the event.

Shervin Pishevar gave recommendations on how to find successful business ideas.

Pishevar also responded to students questions.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

Trend:

The United States notes positively the September 11 release from pre-trial detention of the Turan News Agency editor-in-chief Mehman Aliyev, said a Department of State message issued September 13.

On Sept. 11, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev instructed the appropriate authorities to consider the request by Director of Turan Information Agency Mehman Aliyev to replace his imprisonment with house arrest.

Azerbaijans Ministry of Taxes has earlier said that based on the results of an inspection carried out in Turan Information Agency to identify tax risks and cases of tax evasion, it was established that Mehman Aliyev had been evading payment of taxes to the state budget.

A criminal case was initiated against Mehman Aliyev under articles 192.2.2 (illegal entrepreneurship), 213.1 (evasion from taxes or compulsory social insurance contributions) and 308.1 (abuse of power) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

By Ilhama Isabalayeva  Trend:

Foreigners in Baku will be able to use certain services free of charge or on preferential terms by purchasing special single tourist electronic cards, Kenan Guluzade, press secretary of Azerbaijans National Bureau for Tourism Promotion, told Trend Sept. 13.

He said that it is planned to prepare two types of the single tourist electonic cards - for 30 days and one year (with possibility for extension).

Foreign citizens will be able to add funds to the card balance, for using them for payment when visiting museums, other cultural sites, as well as when using excursion buses and public transport in Baku, he noted.

The single tourist electronic cards will also offer opportunity to benefit from discounts in some stores, he said, adding that all this is currently at the stage of consideration and the number of services that are more interesting for tourists will be expanded.

He added that the single tourist electronic cards will be available for purchase at travel agencies, a number of points of sale in Baku, as well as online.

Guluzade said the use of these cards will be convenient for tourists, and their use will also bring profit to the national bureau. He went on to add that similar cards are used in many developed countries.

He said that the project on the preparation of the single tourist cards is being discussed with the relevant government and business structures.

We hope that soon it will be presented to the public, Guluzade said.

We will try to make the cards price affordable for everyone, he said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

The issues of military-technical cooperation between Baku and Islamabad will be discussed during the upcoming visit of Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force Sohail Aman to Azerbaijan, the Pakistani Embassy in Baku told Trend.

Amans visit is scheduled for Sept. 19-22.

During the visit, the sides will mull the development of cooperation between the two countries in the field of military aviation and air defense.

Currently, the program of the visit is being coordinated.

Azerbaijan and Pakistan will continue amplifying bilateral cooperation in the defense sphere and organization of military exercises, Pakistani envoy to Azerbaijan Saeed Khan Mohmand has earlier said at a press conference in Baku.

Azerbaijan purchased 10 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft from Pakistan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

A bilateral meeting between entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan and the Astrakhan region of Russia will be held in Baku September 19-20, 2017, the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) said in a message Sept. 13.

According to the message, the Russian companies products will be demonstrated as part of the meeting.

According to the Southern Customs Administration of the Federal Customs Service of Russia, the trade turnover between the Astrakhan region and Azerbaijan amounted to $12.1 million in January-July 2017, $9.36 million of that amount account for the supply of Azerbaijani products to the Astrakhan region. Almost 23 percent of the total turnover of the Astrakhan region account for Azerbaijan.

Moreover, entrepreneurs are currently building a plant producing electric motors, greenhouses in the Astrakhan region. Azerbaijani business center will be built in the Astrakhan region soon.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

Trend:

Vietnam may join the North-South transport corridor, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a message Sept. 13.

According to the message, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, who is on an official visit to Vietnam, and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh discussed the prospects for further cooperation in the transport sector.

Cooperation between the two countries in the transport and logistics sector will open a new stage in relations, the Vietnamese foreign minister said.

Vietnam is interested in increasing export to Europe, the Azerbaijani foreign minister said, adding that Vietnams joining the North-South transport corridor will greatly reduce the transport route from Vietnam to Europe.

Meanwhile, Mammadyarov stressed favorable opportunities available for the development of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, as well as the importance of holding business forums.

In his turn, the Vietnamese foreign minister also expressed his country's interest in cooperation in such areas as energy, agriculture and trade.
On 12 and 13 September 2017, PwC together with Microsoft hosted a workshop on Blockchain technologies for the Ministry of Taxes of the Azerbaijan Republic. PwC Global Tax Administration Consulting team and Microsoft experts provided the most recent trends in tax compliance, digitalization of the economy and its impact on the tax system and tax administrations. The experts also gave a practical insight in building an effective tax administration system with new technology solutions. In particular, the workshop focused on the potential of Blockchain to deliver real-time, reliable information to a wide group of people, and create a system where both taxpayers and tax administrations have equal confidence in the veracity of data. The program of the workshop featured interactive sessions by leading experts of PwC and Microsoft and attended by over thirty tax officers.

Driving technological transformation is one of PwCs strategic priorities in Azerbaijan as well as globally. Increasingly, government and business administrations understand the value of leveraging technology to drive greater efficiency, improve processes and manage risks. As PwC, we are committed to use the best of our knowledge and experience and to support Azerbaijan in the digitalization process.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Azerbaijans export mission will arrive in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for holding talks with UAE businessmen in early October, the Azerbaijani embassy in the UAE told Trend Sept. 13.

A big exhibition of Azerbaijani products is planned to be organized as part of the visit of the export mission to promote the Made in Azerbaijan brand in the UAE, the embassy said.

Moreover, an event is planned to be held in the UAE October 17 to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the UAE, the embassy said. High-ranking officials of the two countries are expected to attend.

The entrepreneurs in Azerbaijans export mission, specialize in production of agricultural products, mineral water, fruit juices, sugar and confectionery products, honey, hazelnuts and other industrial products.

Azerbaijan has already sent export missions to Qatar (in February) and Kazakhstan (in April), as well as to Germany, Afghanistan and Pakistan since early 2017.

Azerbaijan has already organized the export missions to China, Dubai, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar, Germany and Kazakhstan as part of a mechanism of promoting the "Made in Azerbaijan" brand launched in November 2016.

According to the signed agreements, during the first export missions, Azerbaijan began to export red wine to China and food products to the UAE, which are new markets for the country.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the UAE amounted to almost $70 million in 2016, $11.6 million of that amount accounted for the export from Azerbaijan.

The trade turnover between the countries amounted to $24.4 million in January-August 2017.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has no plans to resume lending to Azerbaijan in near future as the Azerbaijani government has not requested this from IMF, said Jihad Azour, director of the IMF Middle East and Central Asia Department.

As you know, we have two instruments to support countries  loans and technical assistance. Azerbaijan has not requested a loan from us. As for technical assistance, we provided it to the Ministry of Finance to prepare fiscal regulations and reduce the budget deficit, Azour said at a press conference in Baku Sept. 13.

We also provide technical assistance to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan in several areas, in particular in management of monetary policy.

The IMF office was opened in Baku in 1992. In 1995-2005, IMF allocated loans worth $577.3 million to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan fully repaid the loans.

There has been no need for Azerbaijan to apply to the IMF for financial resources since 2005. Therefore, since 2006, the IMF and Azerbaijan have cooperated within framework of consultations and technical assistance in main areas of macroeconomic policy.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission will visit Azerbaijan in the first half of December, Jihad Azour, director of the IMF Middle East and Central Asia Department, told a press conference in Baku Sept. 13.

He noted that the missions goal will be to discuss forecasts on Azerbaijans 2018 state budget and the results of implementation of economic reforms in the country. Also, Article IV consultations are expected to be held with the Azerbaijani government.

Forecasts for the state budget and macroeconomic indicators of Azerbaijan, as well as the results of the implemented reforms, will be discussed. This will help us know the results of the measures taken by the government, and can influence our forecasts for Azerbaijan.

The IMF office was opened in Baku in 1992. In 1995-2005, the Fund allocated loans worth $577.3 million to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan fully repaid the loans.

There has been no need for Azerbaijan to apply to the IMF for financial resources since 2005. Therefore, since 2006, the IMF and Azerbaijan have cooperated within the framework of consultations and technical assistance missions in main areas of macroeconomic policy.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Anglo Asian Mining PLC (AAM) has started the extraction of gold and silver at the Ugur field in Azerbaijans Gadabay District, the company said Sept. 13.

From Sept. 1 to Sept. 10, AAMs average daily gold output was 212 ounces, which exceeds the average daily output in the previous eight months by more than two times.

The average daily output is expected to continue growing when full-scale production commences.

The first drilling work at the Ugur field started in September 2016. According to preliminary estimations, its gold reserves amount to 199,000 ounces. The Ugur field also has nearly 1.05 million ounces of silver.

Ugur was discovered in 2016.

Anglo Asian Mining PLC is a gold, copper and silver producer with a broad portfolio of production and exploration assets in Azerbaijan.

AAM produced 23,218 ounces of gold, 1,322 tons of copper, and 85,087 ounces of silver in 1H17.

The company plans to produce 64,000 ounces of gold in 2017.

Based on a production sharing agreement signed with Azerbaijani government in August 1997, Anglo Asian Mining PLC has the right to develop six fields in southwest of Azerbaijan  Gadabay, Ordubad, Gosha Bulag, Gizil Bulag, Vejnali and Soyutlu.

The gold produced at the fields is sent to Switzerland for purification. The ingots are then delivered to Azerbaijan and stored in the government's account.
Details added (first version posted at 16:46)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has no plans to resume lending to Azerbaijan in near future as the Azerbaijani government has not requested this from IMF, said Jihad Azour, director of the IMF Middle East and Central Asia Department.

As you know, we have two instruments to support countries  loans and technical assistance. Azerbaijan has not requested a loan from us. As for technical assistance, we provided it to the Ministry of Finance to prepare fiscal regulations and reduce the budget deficit, Azour said at a press conference in Baku Sept. 13.

We also provide technical assistance to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan in several areas, in particular in management of monetary policy.

The IMF office was opened in Baku in 1992. In 1995-2005, IMF allocated loans worth $577.3 million to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan fully repaid the loans.

There has been no need for Azerbaijan to apply to the IMF for financial resources since 2005. Therefore, since 2006, the IMF and Azerbaijan have cooperated within framework of consultations and technical assistance in main areas of macroeconomic policy.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 11

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR started delivering methanol to Kazakhstan through the Caspian Sea, Elnur Baghirov, deputy director general at SOCAR Methanol (operator of the Baku methanol plant) said in an interview with Trend.

He noted that SOCAR Marketing and Operations Department is engaged in the sales of methanol.

"As you know, SOCAR uses the most efficient routes for selling methanol. The main volumes are delivered through the Georgian port of Kulevi to the Mediterranean, Turkey and Western Europe," Baghirov said.

"The shipment is carried out not only from Kulevi. The supply of methanol has recently started from the Baku port through the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan as well as to other international markets."

Production at Azerbaijans methanol plant, the only plant of this kind in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, started in January 2014. Currently, 95 percent of its products are exported.

The plants maximum annual capacity is 700,000 tons. The plant cost was estimated at 810 million manats.

SOCAR acquired the plant from the Aqrarkredit non-bank credit organization. The plant cost was estimated at 810 million manats.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.13

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

In the context of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project, Axpo Holding AG, headquartered in Switzerland, fully counts on gas from Azerbaijan, a source in the company told Trend.

A source in the Axpo company, which holds 5 percent share in TAP project, envisaging delivery of Azerbaijani gas to Europe, noted that the company has long-term gas contracts with Shah Deniz Consortium for sizeable volumes to contribute to its gas portfolio.

TAP is an integrated project of the Shah Deniz Consortiums (SDC) natural gas supply chain. In the context of the TAP project, Axpo fully counts on gas from Azerbaijan. First gas delivery from Shah Deniz in Azerbaijan to Georgia and Turkey via Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) is scheduled for late 2018. Gas deliveries via TAP to Europe (Greece/Albania/Italy and further on) are expected in 2020, said the source.

The pipeline represents an important means of portfolio diversification and reduces Axpos dependency on the current, very low wholesale prices for electricity, added the source.

The source noted that Axpo will use the natural gas to supply the European markets.

The Shah Deniz consortium announced on September 19, 2013 that 25-year sales agreements have been concluded for just over 10 billion cubic meters a year of gas to be produced from the Shah Deniz field in Azerbaijan as a result of the development of Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz project.

The contracts on the purchase of Azerbaijani gas from the second phase of Shah Deniz field development (Shah Deniz-2 project) were signed with Shell, Bulgar gas, Gas Natural Fenosa, EON, Gaz de France, Hera, Enel, Axpo, DEPA.

The Shah Deniz Stage 2 project is set to bring gas directly from Azerbaijan to Europe for the first time, opening up the Southern Gas Corridor.

In total 16 billion cubic meters a year of Shah Deniz Stage 2 gas will be delivered through more than 3500 kilometers of pipelines through Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania and under the Adriatic Sea to Italy.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey.



At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.



As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline.

TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union. The project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries.

TAPs shareholding is comprised of BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).

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Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Sept. 13

By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend:

The 22nd International Conference "Oil & Gas Turkmenistan - OGT 2017" will be held in Ashgabat on November 2-3, 2017, the Turkmen Oil state concern said in a message Sept. 13.

According to the message, the summit will be organized by the Turkmen Oil state concern and co-organized by UKs Summit Trade Events Ltd.

Turkmenistan ranks second in natural gas reserves in the CIS after Russia. At present, gas is supplied to Iran and China.

The annual production of natural gas is planned to be brought up to 250 billion cubic meters, while annual production of oil  up to 110 million tons till 2030 in accordance with the Program for the Development of the Turkmen Oil and Gas Industry.

The large-scale work on oil and gas exploration, production, transportation and providing the domestic market with oil products will continue.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.13

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Brent spot prices are expected to average $51.07 per barrel in 2017 and $51.58 per barrel in 2018, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in its September Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO).

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices are forecast to average $48.83 per barrel in 2017 and $49.58 per barrel in 2018.

Crude oil benchmark Brent front-month futures prices increased by $2.71 per barrel (b) from August 1, settling at $54.49/b on September 7. The WTI crude oil price declined 7 cents/b during the same period, settling at $49.09/b. August Brent and WTI monthly average spot prices were $3.28/b and $1.41/b higher, respectively, than the July average spot prices, said the report.

EIA analysts point out that despite lower WTI prices because of lower refinery demand for crude oil and transportation constraints, Brent prices were supported by global supply reductions.

 Libyas crude oil production declined by an estimated 150,000 b/d from July to August because of oil field closures. August oil production in Norway and the United Kingdom, the two main countries for North Sea oil production, fell by a combined 50,000 b/d from the July level, which led to the lowest amount of Brent crude oil scheduled for loading for the month of August since 2014, said the report.

In addition, crude oil exports from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) declined by an estimated 1.3 million b/d from July to August, added the analysts.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.13

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

ICGB AD, the company engaged in the implementation of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) project will launch several tender procedures by the end of the year, said the message on the companys website.

IGB is a gas pipeline, which will allow Bulgaria to receive Azerbaijani gas, in particular, the gas produced from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz 2 gas and condensate field. IGB is expected to be connected to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) via which gas from the Shah Deniz field will be delivered to the European markets.



The initial capacity of IGB will be 3 billion cubic meters of gas. The projects cost is estimated at around 240 million euros.

Five companies, 4 of which are entirely new for the Bulgarian market, have booked capacity in the IGB pipeline. On March 10, 2017 the Agreements signed (ARCAs) were submitted to both regulators - EWRC (Bulgaria) and RAE (Greece), said the message.

Decision by the Regulatory Authorities on the exemption procedure is expected by the end of October 2017 and the final opinion of the EU is expected by January 2018, based on which the gas transportation agreements will be signed with shippers that have booked capacity in the gas pipeline, according to the company.

The realization of the IGB project is secured by sovereign guarantee in the amount of 110 million euros, provided in the Annual State Budget Act, which gives potential for assuring of loan financing under preferable conditions. ICGB is in negotiation process with international financial institutions for determining of the conditions but the final decision shall be dependent on the final decision of the ESIF (European Structural and Investment Funds) grant, said the message.

As for permitting procedures, the application for construction permit on Bulgarian territory is submitted to the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works on September 1, 2017 and the construction permit is expected to be issued in the first half of September 2017, said ICGB AD.

The company is in the process of preparation of the respective procedures for assigning the main contracts which are necessary for the start of the construction - selection of owner's engineer for the project; line pipe supplies; assigning of the detailed engineering, procurement and construction (EPC contract); archaeological research and selection of the construction supervision company.

In July 2017, the ICGB Board of Directors approved an updated schedule which foresees most of the tenders to be notified till the end of 2017. The procedures will be announced pursuant to the procedure and provisions of the Public Procurement Act and will be publicly accessible to all stakeholders.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.11

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

To date, Azerbaijans SOCAR Trading has delivered liquefied natural gas (LNG) totaling circa 8,000,000 MMBtu to Malta as part of the LNG to Power facility project, Catherine Halpin, Commercial Director at ElectroGas Malta Ltd., told Trend.

The ElectroGas Malta LNG to Power facility is now fully operational. Each of the main components of our project  205MW Power Station, Regasification Plant and Marine Infrastructure for berthing of a floating storage unit (FSU) - were commissioned in sequence, with the first delivery of LNG to our FSU, the Armada LNG Mediterrana, in January 2017, added Halpin.

"We then tested our onshore regasification facilities in parallel with open cycle gas turbine testing, and then finally the combined cycle power plant testing which was completed in August this year," she added.

Halpin pointed out that the FSU has storage capacity of 125,000m3 LNG which is ample for the project needs.

"To date, we have accepted six deliveries of LNG at the terminal totaling circa 8,000,000 MMBtu LNG delivered. With the power plant now fully online and the gas off-taker now taking full volumes, we expect ongoing deliveries as per our agreed schedule with our supplier SOCAR Trading S.A.," she added.

Halpin noted that ElectroGas Malta and its shareholders are extremely proud to have brought the construction to a close and look forward to working with it client Enemalta to provide them with clean, safe, reliable electricity and gas supply for the next eighteen years.

ElectroGas Malta Consortium, where SOCAR is represented with a 20-percent share by its marketing arm SOCAR Trading, was established to implement the combined cycle gas fired power plant project in Malta.



Other shareholders are German Siemens Project Ventures GmbH and GEM Holdings Ltd, which is a joint venture of Maltese companies. SOCAR Trading is represented in the project as a supplier of LNG (8-10 batches per year), a floating liquid natural gas storage unit and equipment for its processing. The first LNG batch was supplied to Malta in January 2017.

The plants construction costs 175 million euros.

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Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 13

By Demir Azizov Trend:

The government of Uzbekistan has decided to send humanitarian aid for Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry has urged the authorities of Myanmar to take measures to end violence against the Muslim minority in the country.

Uzbekistan is concerned about the situation in Myanmar, especially the violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority in the country, the statement said.

Based on the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the UN Charter, as well as the purposes and tasks of the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Uzbekistan condemns any manifestations of violence and stands for the unswerving provision of every human being with all rights and freedoms regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, according to the statement.

The Uzbek Foreign Ministry also urged the Myanmar authorities to resolve problems exclusively by peaceful means.

Violence erupted in Myanmars Rakhine state on Aug. 25 when the countrys security forces launched an operation against the Rohingya Muslim community. It triggered a fresh influx of refugees towards neighboring Bangladesh, though the country sealed off its border to refugees.

Media reports said Myanmar security forces used disproportionate force, displacing thousands of Rohingya villagers and destroying their homes with mortars and machine guns.

The region has seen simmering tension between its Buddhist and Muslim populations since communal violence broke out in 2012.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 13

By Demir Azizov Trend:

An exhibition of Kazakh goods will be held in Uzexpocenter National Exhibition Center in Tashkent, Uzbekistan September 15-17, the Uzbek State Committee for Investments told Trend Sept. 13.

The exhibition will feature cars, military equipment, metallurgical, pharmaceutical products produced in Kazakhstan.

The Uzbek-Kazakh business forum will be also held September 15-17.

Kazakhstan is one of the important partners of Uzbekistan in trade and economy.

Uzbekistan exports natural gas, vehicles, mineral fertilizers, fruits and vegetables, construction materials and other goods to Kazakhstan. Uzbekistan imports oil, metals, flour from Kazakhstan.

As of 2016, bilateral trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan increased by nine percent, up to $2 billion.
Tehran, Iran, September 10

By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:

Iranian carpet manufacturers are moving along the global market, complying with customer demands in a competition where new features are added to the carpets every day, an official with one of the countrys well-known carpet manufacturing groups told Trend September 10.

Regarding industrially woven carpet, where countries compete with each other, what is important is to add new features such as higher density, anti-bacterial characteristics, or fire resistance, Ali Golshani, public relations director at Farrahi Carpet, said.

"As for the hand-woven carpet, Iran is the leading producer in terms of quality. But when it comes to industrial carpets, there are the state-of-the-art weaving machines which every company can buy. So the competition shifts toward the new features that you add as well as services that you offer."

He went on to note that as Iranian industrial carpet manufacturers are equipped with the newest machines, the services are the only thing to beat foreign rivals in the domestic market.

"Foreign rivals cannot compete where we offer after-sale services, two-year guarantees, free shipment, etc."

Irans carpet market was once threatened by a new wave of industrially woven products pouring into the country from Turkey and China.

But thanks to the government efforts to prevent imports, Golshani said, situations grew better for domestic manufacturers.

Golshani added that as situations are favorable, his respective company has managed to employ some 800 workers and export products to various countries beginning from the US and ending with Europe and Central Asia.

Iran's capital city hosted the worlds biggest and most prestigious handmade carpet exhibition Aug. 23-29.

Following the going into effect of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) [on January 16, 2016], Iran resumed carpet exports to the US. During 2010-2016, Iran failed to directly export any carpet to the US due to Western sanctions. This was while in 2009, the US was the target of over 16 percent, more than $80 million worth, of Irans carpet exports. After the implementation of the JCPOA, Iran exported its first carpet collection to the US from Germany.

In 2016, Irans overseas sales of carpet amounted to $365 million, of which $95 million were sold to the US.

The world-renowned Persian carpet, which is widely believed to have been around for more than 2,500 years, is deeply rooted in the Iranian national identity.

Nearly two decades ago, Iran had a record high export of nearly $690 million worth of hand-woven carpets (then 17.5% of total non-oil exports). But over the past decade, the value of such exports has slumped, for various reasons, according sanctions and foreign competitors.
Tehran, Iran, Sept. 13

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

Azerbaijan is going to import fatty liver medicine from Iran, according to the Iranian manufacturer of the drug.

The marketing phase of the job has been carried out in Azerbaijan and the product has been welcomed there. Only registering the order in Azerbaijan remains, Hossein Gorji, manager for branding at Tabiat Zendeh Laboratories, told Trend Sept. 13.

Fatty liver is a reversible condition wherein large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate in liver cells via the process of steatosis.

Tabiat Zendeh Laboratories is a producer of organic, herbal drugs based in central Iranian province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad.

According to Gorji, the Iranian company is also exporting saffron concentrate to Switzerland, hair growth products to Malaysia, and kidney stone drops to Iraq.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, Azerbaijans trade turnover with Iran in January-July 2017 amounted to $148.9 million, of which $139.1 million accounted for import of Iranian products.
Tehran, Iran, September 12

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

Investment in Iran became positive in winter and spring of 2017 and during spring investment growth reached 7.1 percent (first quarter of the current fiscal year, since March 21), according to the government spokesman Mohammad Baqer Nobakht.

He said the government last fiscal year handed out 179 trillion rials (over $5 billion as each USD around 32,000 rials) to small and mid-sized companies.

The Iran Statistics Center recently put the first quarter of years economic growth rate at 5.6 percent (including oil), and 7 percent (excluding oil).

After Irans nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with six world powers (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom), many outside businesses are enthusiastic to enter the Iranian market.

Meanwhile, to boost Irans collapsed economy, the countrys moderate forcesa coalition of progressive politicians, intellectuals and pragmatic conservatives headed by President Hassan Rouhani, who advocates reintegrating Iran into the global marketare encouraging foreign partners and businessmen to invest in Iran.

Irans parliament passed a five-year economic development plan in January that includes a sharp rise in foreign investment, though Tehran may not achieve that while U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is in office, as he continues to pose serious challenges to how Iran takes advantage of the nuclear deal.

The plan lets the government arrange up to an average of $30 billion of foreign financing each year, in addition to $15 billion of annual direct foreign investment in Iran, and up to $20 billion of foreign investment conducted with local partners.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:

Iran Khodro and Azermash are planning to launch the first Iranian-Azerbaijani joint venture for producing cars in near future, a senior official with the leading Iranian car producer told Trend.

About 85 percent of the construction of the joint ventures production line in the Neftchala industrial park has been completed and it will probably come into stream by the end of year, Sabina Nobari, director of America, Asia, Europe and CIS at Iran Khodro, said.

She added that a group of Iranian engineers are currently in the Neftchala industrial park to provide technical advice to Azerbaijani counterparts as the facilities there need to meet Iran Khodros standards.

The nominal capacity of the production line stands at 10,000 units per year and it is expected to produce about 5,000 cars in the first year after the inauguration of the first phase.

Nobari said the joint venture will produce Dena, Runna, Soren and Samand in the first phase.

Speaking on the sidelines of a fair in Baku on Wednesday, she said the company has exhibited several new products, including Tondar and i207 to Azerbaijani customers during the exhibition, aiming to pave the way for production of these cars in future in Azerbaijan.

The new products are expected to be produced after the inauguration of the second and third phases of the joint venture in the Neftchala industrial park.

It appears that Iran Khodro plans to grab a larger share from the car market of the CIS through cooperation with Azerbaijan.

The company officials last year told Trend that Iran Khodro had exported 26,500 cars to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) over the past 10 years.

Some 30 percent of the output of the joint venture is projected to be exported to the former Soviet Union republics, Nobari said.

Speaking about the companys marketing strategy in Azerbaijan, the official said that after-sales services as well as inexpensive prices of the products would encourage the customers to purchase the cars manufactured by the joint venture.

Last year, Iran Khodro and Azeurocar, a subsidiary of Azermash, agreed to create the joint automobile plant in the Neftchala industrial park. The total cost of the project was estimated at $15 million.

Azermash founder Emin Akhundov told Trend that his company owns 75 percent of the joint venture and the rest belongs to the Iranian counterpart.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 13

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has recently said that it is possible to use the format of "Iran-Six powers" nuclear talks to resolve the issue with North Korea.

Iran and "six" international mediators reached historic agreement on the settlement of long-standing problem of the Iranian nuclear program in July 2015.

Long-lasting negotiations have resulted in the adoption of JCPOA, the compliance with which will completely lift the economic and financial sanctions imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council, the US and the EU.

However, by saying that Iran can serve as a model for nuclear talks between the West and North Korea, Merkel is too optimistic. Her statement doesn't consider several important points that make any hopes for negotiations with Pyongyang pointless.

Firstly, commenting on the prospects of Merkel's proposal, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the Iranian ballistic missile program has not demonstrated and does not demonstrate any results as opposed to North Koreas one, RIA Novosti agency reported.

Secondly, unlike Iran, North Korea does not want to negotiate with the West.

A nuclear deal between the West and Iran can be called a success of incumbent Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who did everything for the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to approve the nuclear deal.

Indeed, during Rouhanis presidency, Iran turned from an outcast into a country of great interest to many Western and world powers and with which it is possible to do business.

However, the situation with Pyongyang is different. North Korea has nothing but military power. North Koreas nuclear program is the only thing that can save the country's political system from outside interference. North Korea is ready to remain an outcast for the sake of strengthening its regime.

Tehran has always strived to get out of isolation, while Pyongyang is doing its best to keep itself isolated. That's why it is simply impossible to talk about a nuclear agreement between the West and North Korea.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.13

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The new regulation on gas supply security of Europe and the progress of the Southern Gas Corridor show that the EU is moving forward as far as its energy policies are concerned, Francis Perrin, energy expert, chairman of Energy Strategies and Policies (France) told Trend.

He pointed out that a key dimension of the Energy Union is greater diversification. Diversification is a global concept which includes diversification of supplying countries, supplying companies, routes, transport modes (gas transported by pipelines and liquefied natural gas) and energies (natural gas, renewable energies, nuclear energy, etc.), added the expert.

The future opening of the Southern Gas Corridor with gas coming soon (2020) from the Shah Deniz field off Azerbaijan will be a very good achievement in this respect as it will be the first direct gas link between the Caspian Sea region and the European Union. This project is clearly in line with the goals of the Energy Union, said Perrin.

Cyril Widdershoven, a Middle East geopolitical specialist and energy analyst, a partner at Dutch risk consultancy VEROCY and SVP MEA-Risk, told Trend that Europe's current approach towards enhancing solidarity internally should be supported by a European foreign energy policy, to increase and enhance supply options (also invest abroad).

Southern Gas Corridor is one option that has been taken in, he added.

The European Parliament has endorsed new gas security supply rules in Europe. The new rules will put solidarity first when it comes to dealing with disruptions to gas supply,

Perrin noted that the approval by the European Parliament of the new gas supply security regulation is an important step forward for the European Union as it is a key part of a more comprehensive and very ambitious project called the Energy Union and presented at the beginning of 2015 by the European Commission.

This new regulation will impose a principle of solidarity with a EU member country if its gas supplies are threatened. Solidarity is totally logical within the European Union but what should be obvious is not always obvious given the sometimes conflicting interests of various nation states. It is thus necessary to organize this solidarity and the new regulation represents a legal basis to do that, he added.

Perrin pointed out that what is also very important in this gas supply regulation is that households and the main social services will be protected from gas supply disruptions and that neighbouring countries will be involved in this solidarity towards the affected country.

Widdershoven for his part, noted that the new regulations that have been voted in and agreed upon will strengthen the EU's collective security of energy supply approach.

If put into action and followed by all, the effects will be visible, depending on the possible threats encountered. If however Russia (or a Russian related entity) would take a full boycot of gas deliveries to the EU, the act will be put under severe stress. Firstly because a total blockade of gas supplies by Russia would a too large volume loss to be addressed without getting into transportation difficulties in the European gas grid. Secondly, these volumes can only be mitigated partly, as there is not enough volumes in storage within the whole of the EU, said the expert.

Widdershoven believes that main countries that are going to feel the effects, even after a full implementation of the new regulation, will be former Eastern European countries.

Their current gas storage capacity is not yet at the needed levels and infrastructure to these regions is still in need of expansion (capacity). Thirdly, it all depends again in how far a real solidarity will be available between all member states in time of need. Looking at the current internal situation and immense existing differences between European countries with regards to European issues, energy security issues, solidarity and a one-Europe approach, he added.

Solidarity is easy when all is clear and nothing is under stress, real solidarity is still question, and allegiances will change, the expert believes.

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Over 20 civilians in the Syrian cities of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor were killed by airstrikes by the US-led coalition, Sputnik reported, citing Syrian Sana news agency.

According to the media outlet, at least 11 people, mostly women and children, died as a result of the strikes in a settlement near Raqqa, while 11 others belonging to one family were killed in a village north of Deir ez-Zor.

The airstrikes have reportedly caused damage to nearby houses and infrastructure.

The coalition's aerial operation in Syria has repeatedly resulted in casualties among civilians, according to Joint Task Force's statements and reports by local media and international watchdogs. The coalition admitted that its strikes against Daesh in Syria and Iraq had left at least 624 civilians dead since the start of the anti-terrorist campaign, according to the latest update. However, several NGOs suggested that the actual death toll as a result of the strikes could be higher.
More than 1,800 terrorists were killed by security forces over the last nine months, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement released Tuesday, Anadolu reported.

A total of 562 military operations, including land and air operations backed by drones and manned scout aircraft, were carried out at home and abroad from Jan. 1 to Sept. 10, 2017, according to a General Staff statement.

A total of 159 people were martyred during the operations, including 127 soldiers, 19 public servants, and 13 civilians, the statement said.

During the operations, 62 people were also injured, including 40 civilians and 22 public servants, it added.

Turkish forces also destroyed a total of 887 shelters used by PKK terrorists.

More than 1,000 mines, 1,943 weapons, and over 630,000 pieces of ammunition were seized in the operations.

The military also stressed that the security operations did not harm any civilians.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization also by the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015.

Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of some 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians, including a number of women and children.
The total number of animals in Turkey reached 59.7 million heads this June, a 6.8 percent rise since the beginning of 2017, according to official animal production statistics released on Tuesday, Anadolu reported.

The number of bovine animals, including cattle and buffalo, reached 14.8 million heads in June, up 4.2 percent in the first six months, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) said.

The central Anatolian province of Konya, Turkey's biggest by area, has the largest number of cattle with 0.8 million heads, followed by the eastern province of Erzurum (0.7 million heads), and the Aegean province of Izmir with 0.6 million heads.

The total number of ovine animals rose 7.8 percent over the same period, reaching 44.6 million heads, including 33.6 million sheep and 11 million goats.

Van, a province in eastern Anatolia, had the top number of sheep (2.7 million heads), while the Mediterranean province of Antalya had the highest number of goats, with 0.8 million.

TurkStat also said that there were 0.3 million heads of donkey, horses, mules, camels, and pigs in Turkey as of June.

Meanwhile, the number of poultry animals -- chickens, turkeys, ducks, and goose -- rose to nearly 351 million heads, up 5.2 percent hike from the end of 2016.

Approximately 231 million heads of broiler hen and 115 million heads of laying hens were counted under chickens, which constitutes 98.6 percent of all poultry animals in Turkey.

TurkStat releases animal production statistics twice a year. The data are collected through province and district directorates of Turkey's Food, Agriculture and Livestock Ministry.

In the first six months of this year, Turkey's live animal exports stood at $16.2 million, while the country imported $548 million worth of live animals, according to TurkStat.

Last year Turkey imported around $600 million worth of live animals and exported nearly $30 million.

The share of the sub-group "agriculture, forestry and fishing" in the country's semi-annual gross domestic product was 3.5 percent, with around 49 billion Turkish liras (some $13.5 billion).

In 2016, all economic activities for agriculture, forestry, and fishing, which also include raising livestock, had a 6.2 percent share in the nation's economy, totaling nearly 161.3 billion Turkish liras (around $53.4 billion).
Gujarat: On Wednesday, Ahmedabad will give a grand welcome to the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will arrive here on a two-day visit to Gujarat.

Ahead of the Modi and Abe visit the city is being prepared, Sabarmati riverfront, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque has been decorated. Abe will do 8km long cultural road show from Ahmedabad airport to Sabarmati Ashram with Modi.

As per the municipal corporation commissioner Mukesh Kumar, The roadshow is scheduled to be held between 4 pm to 5 pm in which Indian states will display their cultural heritage through traditional dance performances like Bhangra, Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Garba, etc. Students will perform yoga and there will be musical and other cultural programs as well as part of the cultural roadshow.

He further said, "they will have dinner at Agashiye restaurant in the House of MG, a well-known heritage hotel in the walled city area of Ahmedabad."

This is for the first time in the country when our Prime Minister along with the Prime Minister of another country is doing a joint roadshow, according to Gujarat BJP unit president Jitubhai Vaghani.

As it is said that Abes visit to Gujarat will boost up the bilateral relationship between Japan and India and he will also lay the foundation stone for India's first bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

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amazon seattle biosphere dome

Amazon opened a bid for North American cities to host a new $5 billion campus, and nearly 50 cities have expressed interest.

Amazon claims its second headquarters would create 50,000 jobs in the to-be-determined city.

Some residents worry that the Amazon headquarters would spur the same problems Seattle has experienced: increased traffic, soaring gentrification, and prolonged construction.

Nearly 50 North American cities are vying to become the home of Amazon's second headquarters  its first outside Seattle. The company said on Thursday that it plans to invest $5 billion in the construction of the new campus, dubbed HQ2, where it hopes to eventually staff 50,000 Amazon employees.

CEO Jeff Bezos said it will be equal in size to Amazon's current headquarters in the Seattle area, where the company grew from a small set-up in Bezos' garage into a global e-commerce giant. Cities in the running include Philadelphia, Denver, Chicago, San Jose, and Toronto.

Many city leaders are optimistic about the thousands of jobs and massive tax cuts Amazon claims HQ2 would create. But some residents worry that it will also spur the same problems Seattle has seen since Amazon arrived in the late 1990s: increased traffic, soaring housing prices, and prolonged construction.

In The Oregonian, a Portland resident questioned how the city would cope with the population growth HQ2 would bring. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Will Bunch worries about higher rents that could price out "young artists and dreamers ... crushing any and all cultural diversity and vibrancy."

James Thomson, an ex-head of Amazon Services (the division that recruits sellers to the company's marketplaces), told the Toronto Star Sunday that inviting an Amazon HQ is "a trade-off against schools, infrastructure, [and] health care. Can Toronto support 50,000 high-net earners who all want nice homes, nice restaurants, easy commutes? Amazon is NOT a fan of unions or regulation."

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Amazon being in Philly would be a disaster for the city's most vulnerable citizens and supercharge gentrification  Robert Bahn (@SenorWoberto) September 11, 2017

Some thoughts to ponder: Traffic is a mess in Seattle, thanks in part to Amazon in the center of the city #SiliconValley #AmazonHQ2  tonya (@TonyaMosley) September 8, 2017

definitely not in SF. no more gentrification!! https://t.co/RK3x9bkMuU  Ed Lawrence Hagape (@EHagape) September 7, 2017

Quality snark with a point. City that wins Amazon HQ2 gets, duh, jobs. And inequality, gentrification, etc. Happy bidding. https://t.co/BO3cubmr3U  Ethan Tabor (@EthanTabor1) September 11, 2017

I live on the Westside and I know gentrification is coming. Amazon deals speed up the process when #Denver COULD be helping its people first  Bree Davies (@CocoDavies) September 10, 2017

Amazon is the largest property taxpayer and private employer in Seattle. In the last seven years, the area has added 99,000 new jobs, with 30% of them are in tech, contributing to a construction boom. Since then, Amazon has experienced an influx of high-skilled, majority-white tech workers.

According to the Washington Technology Industry Association, there are now 250,000 people working in tech jobs in Washington, a number that's growing at about 10% annually. Nearly 90% of those jobs are in King County, Seattle, the home of Amazon's campus. Seattle is also now the second-highest-paying city in tech, with an average salary of $99,400, according to the tech recruiting company Dice Holdings.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, the growth has made Seattle's housing less affordable for some longtime residents, who have accused Amazon of perpetuating income inequality in the city.

seattle

From 2005 to 2015, Seattle's median rent went from $1,008 to $1,286, an increase nearly three times the national median. Recent data shows Seattle's median home price hit $730,000 in mid-2017, up nearly 17% from a year ago.

As Bloomberg notes, the expansion of the tech industry (most notably Amazon) has also clogged roadways in the city. Seattle drivers spent an average of 55 hours in traffic in 2016, placing it among the top 10 worst US cities for congestion, according to the most recent analysis by Inrix. In June, King County Metro even added more buses to accommodate Amazon's summer interns.

In The Seattle Times, columnist Danny Westneat warned Amazon's next, "Other North American City" of all these issues:

"If theres one thing we know in Seattle, its boom and bust. Weve gone from billboards urging the last one leaving to turn out the lights to now, our first million-dollar neighborhood. Both the rush, and the relapse, of the fast buck are in our civic DNA," he wrote. "So heads up, Other North American City: Amazon is about to detonate a prosperity bomb in your town."

Amazon has recently tried to temper this image. In May, it announced efforts to house 200 local homeless people in one of its new Seattle buildings. Two months earlier, Bezos gave $35 million to Seattles Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, in addition to earlier gifts of $30 million. And in 2016, Amazon donated $10 million toward a new University of Washington computer science and engineering building.

It's not yet clear where Amazon will make its new home. The company plans to announce a decision in 2018, and start construction by 2019. Ideally, the company said the city would have at least 1 million people, an international airport, and a "stable and business-friendly environment."

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API estimates

Investing.com - U.S. crude oil stocks rose by 6.18 million barrels at the end of last week, the American Petroleum Institute said on Tuesday, more than the 2.5 million gain expected.

It was the second straight build after Hurricane Harvey shut production in some Gulf of Mexico fields and refineries in Texas as some domestic producers also trimmed output to avoid a larger glut at storage. The oil storage hub at Cushing, Oklahoma, saw a build of 1.32 million barrels.

However, gasoline supplies dropped 7.90 million barrels and distillates fell by 1.81 million barrels as key refineries in Houston and Corpus Christi were offline. The Energy Information Administration will release official data on Wednesday.

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- By James Li





Apple Inc. (AAPL) celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its first iPhone with several new products, including the next generation of iPhones, the Apple Watch Series 3 and new advancements for Apple TV.

The next generation of iPhones and iOS

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the next generation of iPhones, including the iPhone 8, the iPhone 8S and the iPhone X. While the first two include wireless charging, the iPhone X represents "the biggest leap for the iPhone" according to Senior Vice President Phillip Schiller. Schiller highlighted several new features of the device at the keynote event, including a super retina display, a new way to reach the home screen and the next step in facial recognition. Known as FaceID, the new 3-D facial recognition sensor adapts to your face over time, decreasing the probability a random person can unlock your iPhone with their face.





Apple also announced a Sept. 19 launch date of iOS 11, which "sets a new standard for the world's most advanced operating system" according to the company's website. The Cupertino, California-based consumer electronics company detailed the "redesigned experience" with new features, including a faster way to reach Apple Messages and a more powerful Siri, the iPhone's personal assistant. Senior Vice President Craig Federighi discussed the animoji, an animated version of the emoji, during the product launch.

Other new product launches

Cook also introduced several new products, including the Apple Watch Series 3 and the 4K high-definition-range imaging feature on Apple TV. The CEO highlighted two major achievements for the Apple Watch, including a 97% customer satisfaction rate. According to Cook, the Apple Watch is now the top-selling watch in the world.

The Apple Watch, according to Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, facilitates a healthy lifestyle in several ways, including monitoring heart rates and tracking fitness with a new app called the "Gym Kit." These new features, along with a built-in cellular feature, would further tailor to customers as implied by the customer-satisfaction video played during the product launch.

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Conclusions

Apple remains a profitable company with operating margins and returns on equity outperforming over 97% of global competitors.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-A)(BRK-B) CEO Warren Buffett (Trades, Portfolio) mentioned his "love for Apple" in a CNBC video on his 87th birthday. We have a thread dedicated to Apple on our GuruFocus Forum.

Disclosure: The author has no positions in the stocks mentioned.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.






The Apple TV 4K's announcement was pretty much everything we expected -- after all, it was only a matter of time before Apple moved on from 1080p video with a more powerful set-top box. But there were a few big surprises in tow: Apple says it will upgrade 1080p films that you've purchased with 4K/HDR versions at no extra cost. And, moving forward, it won't be charging a premium for 4K movies, either. Together, these announcements are a big deal. With the new Apple TV, iTunes shoppers will instantly have a library of 4K films. For most consumers, that'll be a huge upgrade from owning no 4K movies at all. You'll get a sharper picture, thanks to those additional pixels, but an even bigger benefit is HDR support with newer films, which adds more-realistic lighting. The lower cost will also push more people toward buying 4K releases than they would otherwise. Up until now, you'd have to pay between $25 and $30 to get a 4K film on Vudu. But they'd end up between $15 and $20 on the Apple TV 4K. That sensible pricing will make a huge difference; 4K is already a tough sell for consumers -- even for those who own newer televisions. The big issue with the new format is that 1080p video already looks pretty good. It's tough to tell the difference with 4K unless you're sitting very close to a large TV screen. It's not anywhere near the night-and-day difference we saw with the jump to HD from DVD. Another plus: Apple will hopefully nudge competitors like Vudu to reduce their prices and offer free 4K upgrades as well. So even if you're not an Apple fan, you'll likely benefit. With streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Video offering 4K content at a low monthly cost, only serious cinephiles will seek out 4K digital releases. And even then, many will likely hold out for 4K Blu-rays. But who knows how long that physical format will stick around -- it already seems dead in the water. A digital movie library might not feel as substantial as having a wall full of disc cases, but it's where the industry is headed. It's nice to see that Apple is treating its existing customers well by offering free 4K upgrades. Of course, Apple's grand 4K pricing plan will require Hollywood's cooperation. It's reportedly been battling with studios, who would prefer to keep 4K releases at a premium. But this is the same company who fought with record labels over digital-music prices in the early days of iTunes and the iPod. And it's not as if movie studios have much of a choice, with digital sales already outpacing discs. If anyone can push Hollywood to accept more reasonable prices, it's Apple. Follow all the latest news from Apple's iPhone event here!
Bitcoin may be all the rage, but at JPMorgan Chase & Co. , it comes with a high risk: Employees caught trading in the popular cryptocurrency forfeit their jobs.

"We'll fire them in a second, for two reasons: It's against our rules, and they're stupid, and both are dangerous," CEO Jamie Dimon said Tuesday, Sept. 12, at a Barclays conference in New York -- the first of two forums where he detailed flaws with cryptocurrencies. "Honestly, I'm just shocked that anyone can't see it for what it is."

Only about a decade old and trading at about $3,900, Bitcoin is created when networked computers record and validate transactions in a secure shared ledger known as blockchain, which is accessible around the world. Trading in the cryptocurrency and its rivals by banks and exchanges in China was banned last week, with regulators citing disruption "to the economic and financial order."

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, meanwhile, is currently evaluating whether to allow trading in a Bitcoin trust that authorities initially rejected.

"You can't have a business where people can invent a currency out of thin air and think that people who are buying it are really smart," Dimon said. "It won't end well."

Right now, governments -- which have, since ancient times, created currencies that they can control and monitor -- look at cryptocurrencies as a novelty.

But "wait until someone gets hurt, or someone uses it for illicit purposes, -- and they're using it for some illicit purposes right now -- they'll shut it down," Dimon said at the Delivering Alpha conference later in the day. Payment in Bitcoin, for instance, is frequently demanded by hackers before they'll restore access to a computer system they have broken into and shut down.

Another challenge facing cryptocurrencies, Dimon said, is "what you just saw in China. Governments like to control their money supply. The first thing a nation does when it forms itself, literally the first, is forming currency."

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Such challenges are taking a toll. Bitcoin has lost 25% of its value in U.S. dollars in September, according to Coindesk -- after a four-fold expansion over the prior 11 months.

While cryptocurrencies may retain value in rogue nations like North Korea or on black markets as payment for illegal activities, Dimon doesn't expect the surge in developed economies to last.

It's a situation similar to the speculation in tulip prices in the Netherlands during the 17th century, he said. One of the early bubbles studied by economists, it's getting heightened attention now because of its exploration in Paramount's "Tulip Fever," which opened in U.S. movie theaters this month.

When the run-up in tulip prices -- which became so frantic that some of the Dutch bought options using their homes as collateral -- collapsed in 1637, many investors were ruined, according to the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands.

Cryptocurrencies are "worse than tulip bulbs," Dimon said. "It's just not a real thing. Eventually, it will be the emperor with no clothes.'"

Updated from 3:57 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

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A customer of an Australian bank walks away after withdrawing money from an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) located next to a Bitcoin ATM at a shopping mall in central Sydney, Australia, October 1, 2015. Picture taken October 1, 2015. REUTERS/David Gray

By Jemima Kelly

LONDON (Reuters) - Bitcoin slid by more than 10 percent on Wednesday, as investors sold the cryptocurrency after a warning by JPMorgan (JPM.N) Chief Executive Jamie Dimon that it "is a fraud" and will eventually "blow up".

Bitcoin, the original and still the biggest cryptocurrency, has been on a tear in recent months, hitting a record high just below $5,000 at the start of September after a more than fivefold increase in price since the start of the year.

But bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have been falling since early last week, when China banned the issuance of new digital coins for fundraising purposes - a phenomenon known as initial coin offerings, or ICOs.

ICOs have fueled a rapid ascent in the value of all cryptocurrencies, from about $17 billion at the start of the year - with bitcoin making up around 90 percent of that - to a record high close to $180 billion at the beginning of September, of which bitcoin represented less than half.

Following the ICO ban, the market was further spooked by reports early this week that Chinese authorities were planning to forbid any trading of cryptocurrencies and by a warning on ICOs from Britain's financial watchdog, raising fears of a wider crackdown.

Dimon's warning triggered a further 11 percent collapse in the price of bitcoin, which had already lost around 15 percent of its value in 10 days.

"He joins a long line of market commentators that have been critical of bitcoin and it potentially being in a bubble, so his comments could have been the tipping point," said James Butterfill, head of research and investment strategy at ETF Securities in London.

The cryptocurrency tumbled to as low as $3,720.01 on the Bitstamp exchange (BTC=BTSP) before recovering to trade around $3,810 by 1524 GMT, still down 8.7 percent on the day.

Most other digital currencies were down also, with bitcoin's main rival ether - often called Ethereum, the name given to the project behind the currency - down 10 percent on the day, according to Coinmarketcap, an industry website.

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Dimon told an investor conference in New York that if any of his traders were found trading bitcoin he would "fire them in a second", and that bitcoin was "worse than tulips bulbs," referring to a famous market bubble from the 1600s.

"This is not the first time that Jamie Dimon has spoken against the currency - the last time he had a similar go on the currency was in November 2015," said ThinkMarkets analyst Naeem Aslam. "Since then, the currency has had a remarkable run."

"Most importantly, given that the CEO does not think that shorting this trade would yield a more favorable outcome shows that the cryptocurrency has a lot more room to run."

(This version of the story was refiled to fix garbled third paragraph)

(Reporting by Jemima Kelly, editing by Larry King)
The Boeing Company logo is projected on a wall at the "What's Next?" conference in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., October 4, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young (Reuters)

By Rachit Vats and Tim Hepher

(Reuters) - Boeing Co <BA.N> will raise production of 787 Dreamliner jets to 14 a month in 2019, Chief Executive Dennis Muilenberg said on Wednesday, reviving plans previously on hold due to a wobble in demand for wide-body jets.

Boeing shares rose as much as 1.20 percent.

The increase in output from 12 a month comes as Boeing also voiced confidence that production rates for its older 777 have stopped falling and signals its faith in rebounding wide-body demand.

"Based on existing backlog, we're confirming now that we are going to build 14-a-month production rate in 2019," Muilenberg told a Morgan Stanley conference.

"We expect to add 100 airplanes to the 787 (accounting) block. That will factor in to the financials and is accretive to our margins."

Boeing earlier struck a preliminary deal to sell eight 787s to Malaysia Airlines..

Muilenberg said Boeing had also just grabbed an order for six 777 aircraft, whose output has been slowing as Boeing prepares to introduce an upgraded model from 2020.

The order, to be announced on Thursday, increases Boeing's confidence about filling remaining production slots during the transition to the new 777X, he said.

"So I think the production plan we laid in place for the 777 represents the floor and we still have some work to do to fill in the remaining skyline, but were closing in on it rapidly."

Asked about future developments, Muilenberg suggested a decision on whether to launch a new "middle of the market" jet could come within the next year.

"It's going to driven on closing the business case, so it's not an imminent decision," he said.

"But if you think about an airplane that would have to enter service in the 2024-2025 timeframe, we'll be getting into the front end of that decision process over the next year or so."

As Boeing expands its reach into services, the proposed mid-market airplane, which industry sources say would carry some 220 to 260 people, will be designed from the outset to support higher-margin aftermarket services.

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Muilenberg said Boeing could bring more activities in-house after setting up an Avionics business. That too is meant to support future services revenues, rather than just parts manufacturing.

"There's a handful of these vertical areas that we want to invest in. We don't need to be vertical everywhere...but where we need some targeted vertical capability, we're going to invest to build that out," Muilenberg said.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher in Paris and Rachit Vats in Bengaluru; Editing by Leigh Thomas and Sriraj Kalluvila)
FILE PHOTO - U.S. President Donald Trump speaks about tax reform during a visit to Loren Cook Company in Springfield, Missouri, U.S., August 30, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Tuesday said the Justice Department "should certainly look at" prosecuting James Comey, the former FBI director, whom she accused of leaking "privileged information" and giving "false testimony" to Congress.

"His actions were improper and likely could have been illegal," Sanders said when asked whether President Donald Trump stood by his decision to fire Comey.

"Comey leaked memos to The New York Times," Sanders said. (Comey gave a friend memos he had compiled to record his private interactions with Trump; the friend relayed their contents to a reporter.)

A reporter at Tuesday's press briefing then followed up and asked whether the president would "encourage the DOJ to prosecute Comey" over the leaked notes and the "potential false testimony."

"That's not the president's role," Sanders replied. "That's the job of the Department of Justice and something they should certainly look at."

"I think if there's ever a moment where we feel someone has broken the law, particularly if they're the head of the FBI, I think that's something that certainly should be looked at," Sanders added.

Asked for comment, a White House official told Business Insider that Sanders was simply referring questions about the legality of Comey's actions to the DOJ and that "we don't know" whether the information in the memo Comey gave to his friend was classified (the friend, Daniel Richman, has insisted it wasn't).

Sanders "wasn't drawing a conclusion," the official said. "She was talking about the president's decision to end Comey's employment with the FBI ... the legality is something for others to sort out."

The official said Sanders' references to "false testimony" had to do with some remarks about Hillary Clinton's emails he had to correct later. But the person demurred when asked whether the White House thought Comey lied about his specific interactions with the president.

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sarah huckabee sanders

Sanders' accusations prompted backlash from legal experts and former Justice Department officials.

Matthew Miller, who served as a DOJ spokesman under President Barack Obama, called Sanders' remarks an "absolutely inappropriate thing for her to say" and a "total politicization of law enforcement" by the White House.

"Comey's memos weren't classified, so no law violated in leaking them," Miller added on Twitter. "Sanders is suggesting DOJ pursue political retaliation, plain & simple."

Ben Wittes, a friend of Comey who is the editor-in-chief of Lawfare, a blog dedicated to national security issues, told Business Insider on Tuesday that "Jim Comey would not have mishandled classified information."

"In a battle between Comey and the president over any matter of credibility, I would think the question answers itself as to which one I believe," Wittes said. "And I can't imagine that Jim is spending any time worried about any investigation of his conduct, whereas I think the president is clearly very concerned about investigations of his conduct."

FBI special counsel Robert Mueller is examining whether Trump obstructed justice in firing Comey, who was leading the investigation into the Trump campaign's contacts with Russian officials.

Trump's legal team reportedly attacked Comey's credibility in a memo sent to Mueller's team pushing back on the obstruction accusations  attacks that Sanders seems to be carrying over into the White House briefing room.

"The fact that @SHSanders45 keeps misstating the law isn't funny," a former federal prosecutor, Renato Mariotti, tweeted. "It's part of a calculated attack on a man with a career in law enforcement."

Comey told the Senate Intelligence Committee that he had been irked by Trump's frequent overtures, ranging from phone calls to dinners to hugs. He told Wittes, who wrote about the encounters earlier this year, that he felt the need to shield the Russia investigation from White House pressure.

robert mueller

Trump has denied acting inappropriately, leading to suggestions from the White House that Comey lied under oath during his congressional testimony.

But Wittes, who emphasized that he was speaking only for himself and not on Comey's behalf, insisted "everything Jim told me at the time is consistent with the way he described it subsequently in his testimony."

"Being the president of the United States is not a license to slander people," Wittes added. "It is the stuff of banana republics ... beyond that, people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at brick houses. Trump lies serially. Jim has surely made some mistakes in his life, but he is a thoroughly decent and honorable person."

It is not the first time the White House has sought to project a degree of control over the DOJ. Trump has publicly attacked Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia investigation, and Anthony Scaramucci, during his brief time as White House communications director, suggested to a reporter that he had asked the FBI to investigate his West Wing rivals.

Trump's attacks on DOJ officials have extended to Twitter, where he has repeatedly questioned the credibility of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, and Mueller.

"President Trump's actions appear aimed at destroying the fundamental independence of the Justice Department," Sally Yates, whom Trump fired as acting attorney general in January, wrote in The New York Times in July.

She added: "All the while, he's ripping the blindfold off Lady Justice and attempting to turn the department into a sword to seek vengeance against his perceived enemies and a shield to protect himself and his allies."

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HALIFAX, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Canada's Trade Minister flagged "troublesome" permit delays for Eldorado Gold Corp in a letter to the Greek Minister of Mines and Energy earlier this year, Francois-Philippe Champagne told Reuters on Wednesday.

After meeting with the company at the Toronto mining conference in March, Champagne wrote to say that Canadian companies expect to be treated fairly and Eldorado has done "everything it can in order to comply with local laws and regulations."

Vancouver-based Eldorado threatened on Monday to suspend investment at three Greek projects, demanding permits and clarifications on an upcoming arbitration process.

"We do that all the time when we see that Canadian companies operating abroad are not treated fairly in light of the rights and the regulations in that country and I will remake that case to my counterpart over the phone," Champagne said.

"We want to ensure a good trading relationship. Canada is a G7 country and when Canada speaks people listen." (Reporting by David Ljunggren in Halifax, writing by Susan Taylor in Toronto; Editing by Matt Scuffham)
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Casio Sweepstakes: Enter beginning September 13, 2017, at 12:01 a.m. (ET) through November 13, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. (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. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM AND ENTERED YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION. Prizes & Approximate Retail Value: One (1) winner will receive a Casio CGP-700 Compact Grand Piano (ARV: $799.99). Total value of all prize awarded: $799.90. Any difference between the stated ARV and the actual value of the prize will not be awarded in any form.

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.

6. INTERNET/MOBILE: Sponsor is not responsible for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind, or inaccurate transmissions of or failure to receive entry information by Sponsor or presenter on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet, at any Web site, or via the mobile phone or any combination thereof. If for any reason the Internet or mobile phone portion of the program is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes which corrupt of affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes. Sponsor reserves the right to select winners from eligible entries received as of the termination date. Sponsor further reserves the right to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process. Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes if it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception or other unfair playing practices or intending to abuse, threaten or harass other entrants. Caution: Any attempt by a participant to deliberately damage any Web site or undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such participant to the fullest extent of the law.

7. DISPUTES/CHOICE OF LAW: Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that: (1) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by state or federal courts situated in New York, NY, (2) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, but in no event attorneys' fees; and (3) no punitive, incidental, special, consequential or other damages, including without limitation lost profits may be awarded (collectively, "Special Damages"), and (4) entrant hereby waives all rights to claim Special Damages and all rights to have such damages multiplied or increased. New York State law, without reference to New York's choice of law rules, governs the Sweepstakes and all aspects related thereto.

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

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Centene Corporation CNC has signed a definitive agreement with Fidelis Care of New York. Per the agreement, the company would take over all Fidelis Cares assets for $3.75 billion.

Why Fidelis Care?

Fidelis Care is a perfect fit for Centene given the formers diversified leadership in government programs. Moreover, the company boasts a history of profitable operations and a healthy balance sheet. With a statewide network of approximately 70,000 providers, the company offers high quality health insurance coverage at lower costs to children and adults. The companys offerings include Medicaid, Qualified Health Plans, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan as well as Medicare Advantage, a much sought-after market in which Centene intends to expand.

This buyout would enable Centene to acquire national leadership in government sponsored healthcare in New York and also make it the second largest managed care state by membership across the United States.

In addition, inclusion of New York under area of operation would provide Centene the leadership position in the four largest managed care states of the United States by membership, namely, California, Florida, New York and Texas.

Will the Deal Drive Synergy?

Centene expects to generate 2018 pro-forma total revenues of more than $60 billion by the end of 2017 with this buyout. The company also expects the acquisition to positively impact its GAAP earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share in the first two years after the completion of the transaction. It also anticipates to achieve $25 million of pre-tax net synergies in the first year post acquisition and $100 million run-rate synergies beginning the second year. Synergies are expected to come from areas driven by lower medical costs through the use of Centene's systems and medical management programs.

Inorganic Expansion Drives Growth

This deal is in line with Centenes efforts to deploy capital in numerous acquisitions and mergers aimed at expanding the companys markets and increasing the government business. The acquisition of Health Net in 2016 has been significantly accretive to the companys bottom line and top line. The acquisition of Fidelis Care is also likely to impact the companys underwriting results favorably. These efforts have always been appreciated by shareholders. Year to date, its shares have gained 61%, outperforming the industrys rally of 28%.

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Centene also looks forward to bring its suite of specialty services, TruCare case management platform, and intelligence data & analytics tools and award winning clinical programs to New York to further strengthen its presence and improve operating results.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Centene presently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Investors interested in this space can consider stocks like Aetna, Inc AET, Wellcare Health Plans, Inc. WCG and Amedisys Inc AMED. All the three stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Aetnas earnings surpassed expectations in each of the last four quarters with an average beat of nearly 19%.

Wellcare Health delivered positive surprises in each of the last four quarters with an average beat of 47.4%.

Amedisys delivered positive surprises in three of the last four quarters with an average beat of 7.2%.

More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!

It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.

Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020.

Click here for the 6 trades >>



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



Aetna Inc. (AET) : Free Stock Analysis Report



WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (WCG) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Centene Corporation (CNC) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Amedisys Inc (AMED) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Upstream player ConocoPhillips COP has fully recovered from the after effects of tropical storm Harvey and production from its Eagle Ford field has been restored to previous level of about 130 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBOED).



Earlier the company had forecasted production for third quarter and full-year 2017 in the range of 1,170-1,210 MBOED and 1,340-1,370 MBOED, respectively. These projections, which exclude Libya and reflect expected impacts from the San Juan, Barnett and Panhandle dispositions, remain unaltered.



About Harvey and its Impact



Touted to be the most powerful hurricane that has hit Texas in five decades, Harvey dropped 50 inches of rain, setting a state record.



Tropical Storm Harvey has caused large-scale flooding along the U.S. Gulf coast, crippling Houston and its port. This has resulted in the shutdown of numerous refineries and the scene is unlikely to change in the next few weeks or even months. Notably, Texas is home to 5.6 million barrels of refining capacity per day while Louisiana has 3.3 million barrels. In addition to catastrophic flooding, the Category 4 storm ravaged properties and caused widespread damage to various industries.



About the Company



ConocoPhillips is a major global exploration and production (E&P) company with operations and activities in 21 countries that include the United States, Canada, the U.K., Norway, China, Australia, offshore Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Libya, Nigeria, Algeria, Russia and Qatar. The company is involved in exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas worldwide.



Price Movement



The companys share price has declined 2% compared with the industrys decline of 7.2% over the past six months.







Zacks Rank & Key Picks



Currently, ConocoPhillips carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A few better-ranked players in the energy sector include TransCanada Corporation TRP, Transmontaigne Partners LP TLP and Range Resources Corporation RRC. All these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Headquartered in Calgary, Canada, TransCanada is a midstream energy firm in North America. The company delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 4.06% over the last four quarters.



Transmontaigne, headquartered in Denver, CO, involves in transporting and storing refined petroleum products. The firm delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 6.60% over the last four quarters.



Based in Fort Worth, TX, Range Resources is an independent oil and gas company, engaged in the exploration, development and acquisition of U.S. oil and gas resources. The companys 2017 earnings are estimated to grow 1587.17%.



More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!



It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.



Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020.



Click here for the 6 trades >>



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



TransMontaigne Partners L.P. (TLP) : Free Stock Analysis Report



TransCanada Corporation (TRP) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Range Resources Corporation (RRC) : Free Stock Analysis Report



ConocoPhillips (COP) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
- By Alberto Abaterusso





The costs to restore Texas to what it was before Hurricane Harvey and to recover from all the damage caused by the violent tropical cyclone are estimated at $180 billion. And the amount is bound to increase with the passage of time.





Unfortunately, we also must add casualties and damage to properties and infrastructure caused by Hurricane Irma in Florida, leaving half of the population without electricity.

From the consequences of these storms there are industries that will have negative impacts and industries that will benefit. Read here.

Among the industries that are sure to benefit from these storms is the basic materials industry, especially those companies that produce and sell copper. Why?

With the need to rebuild houses, businesses and infrastructures the demand for wiring and plumbing made of copper will surge as these two components are essential to heating, appliance and cooling systems as well as telecommunication networks, which are used daily by people in their homes and businesses not to mention the vast number of vehicles that have been destroyed by the storms since copper is used to produce a lot of spare parts.

Here is a list of companies that produce and sell the red metal and that are traded on the U.S. stock market.

Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. (TRQ).

Nevsun Resources Ltd. (NSU).

Hudbay Minerals Inc. (HBM).

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX).

Southern Copper Corp. (SCCO).







Turquoise Hill Resources is a mining company for the production and sale of copper, silver, gold and molybdenum. The primary resource for revenue and income for the company is represented by the sale of the red metal that is mostly produced at Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine, which is located in the southern part of Mongolia.

The Canadian mining company is trading at $3.19 per share and about 60 cents below the 52-week high of $3.80 (the 52-week low is $2.44). The company has a market capitalization of $6.43 billion, a price-book (P/B) ratio of 0.67, a price-earnings (P/E) ratio of 57.11, a price-sales (P/S) ratio of 6.80 and an EV-EBITDA ratio of 22.04. One analyst has assigned a target price of $4 per share.

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Turquoise Hill Resources has $1.38 billion in cash on hand and securities or 69 cents per share as of the most recent quarter. The total debt-equity ratio is 52.28 versus an industry average of 113.26. Total debt amounts to $4.15 billion.

GuruFocus gives Turquoise Hill Resources a financial strength rating of 5 out of 10 and a profitability and growth rating of 5 out of 10.

Nevsun Resources is a Canadian mining company that holds operations in Africa. The company is also engaged in acquisition of mineral properties, exploration activities and development of mineral projects. The company mainly produces copper and zinc thanks to the open pit mining operations it runs at its high-grade copper and zinc Bisha mine in Eritrea. The company is also advancing the Timok project in Serbia. Here Nevsun Resources is laying the foundations for a prolific gold and copper high ore grade deposit.

As of the most recent quarter the company has an estimated $171.37 million in cash on hand and securities and without any long-term financial obligations, analysts believe Nevsun has plenty of financial capabilities to bring the Timok project to operation. This means that the company will add a sizable amount of high ore grade reserves to the company's total amount. That's why a target price of $3.06 per share has been assigned to Nevsun, which is a 38% upside in the current market value of this stock.

Nevsun Resources is trading at $2.22 per share, which is only a few cents above its 52-week low of $1.96. The 52-week high is $3.52 per share. The market capitalization is $655.69 million, the P/B ratio is 0.67, and the P/S ratio is 3.03. The EV-EBITDA ratio is -23.99.

GuruFocus gives Nevsun Resources a financial strength rating of 7 out of 10 and a profitability and growth rating of 4 out of 10.

Hudbay Minerals is a Canadian mining company engaged in the discovery of mineral resources, the production of copper concentrates. The company's American assets include four metallic mines, where the company produces copper, gold, silver and zinc from copper concentrate, and a facility where the miner produces zinc. The company also holds a copper project in Arizona.

Most of the company's production comes from the Canadian assets, which are located in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The company is trading at $7.8 per share with a market capitalization of $1.87 billion. The P/B ratio is 0.94, the P/S ratio is 1.40, and the EV-EBITDA ratio is 5.89. The 52-week low and high range is $3.57 to $9.35. The analysts' average target price is $9.61, which is a mean of a $9-to-$10.64 range and is a 23.2% upside from the current share price.

GuruFocus gives Hudbay Minerals a financial strength rating of 4 out of 10 and a profitability and growth rating of 7 out of 10.

Freeport-McMoRan is a U.S. mining company with producing assets in the U.S., South America - Chile and Peru - and Indonesia. The company's portfolio of assets also includes exploration activities for copper concentrate, cathode and rod but also for molybdenum, gold, silver and other base metals. Freeport-McMoRan is also engaged in the exploration for oil and gas resources.

As of the end of fiscal 2016, the U.S. mineral mining and exploration company has an estimated 86.8 billion pounds in proven and probable copper reserves. The company also holds about 26.1 million ounces of proven and probable gold reserves and therefore positions itself at the same level of Canadian mining companies such as Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM) and Eldorado Gold Corp. (EGO), who make the production and the sale of the yellow metal their primary income source. The U.S. mining and explorer company also holds proven and probable reserves of molybdenum for 2.95 billion pounds and of oil and natural gas for a total of 18 million barrels of oil equivalent. The latter reserves are on a proven basis.

Freeport-McMoRan is trading at $14.30 per share with a market capitalization of $20.7 billion. The P/B ratio is 3.09, the P/S ratio is 1.33, and the EV-EBITDA ratio is 8.09. The 52-week low and high ranges between $9.24 and $17.06 per share.

The average target price is $15.35 per share, and the recommendation rating is 2.9 out of 5.

GuruFocus gives Freeport-McMoRan a financial strength rating of 4 out of 10 and a profitability and growth rating of 5 out of 10.

Southern Copper is a U.S. mining company engaged in the production of copper and molybdenum concentrates, in smelting and refining operations to produce blister, anode copper from concentrates and copper cathodes. The company also produces sulfuric acid and refined precious metals such as gold and silver. The company's portfolio of assets also includes the mining and the processing of basic metals such as lead and zinc, plus several hectares in concessions in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador and Chile. Southern Copper's mines and facilities are in South America, Peru and Mexico.

Southern Copper is trading at $40 per share with a market capitalization of $30.92 billion. The 52-week low and high range is between $25.01 per share and $42 per share. The P/B ratio is 4.88, the P/S ratio is 5.23, and the EV-EBITDA ratio is 14.01.

The average target price is $36.73, and the recommendation rating is 3.4 out of 5.

GuruFocus gives Southern Copper a financial strength rating of 5 out of 10 and a profitability and growth rating of 6 out of 10.

Disclosure: I have no position in any stock mentioned in this article.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.






Princeton was named the best college in the US by US News and World Report.

Headed to college in 2018? U.S. News and World Report just released its annual ranking of the best colleges in the nation.

Topping the list for the 5th year in a row is Princeton University, a private Ivy League institution in Princeton, N.J. In addition to notable alumni like Michelle Obama, the school is known for its Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Princeton, however, is also known for having a big price tag. Tuition and fees cost $47,140 per year, while room and board will set you back another $15,610. This means that students will pay $62,750 a year, that comes out to a total of $251,000 for a four-year degree. But dont let that scare you away from chasing your Ivy League dreams. Despite its high cost, Princeton also ranked as the school with the best value. Nearly 60% of its full-time students receive some kind of need-based financial assistance, and the average scholarship or grant award per student is $47,497.

Harvard University, a university that almost needs no introduction, ranked No. 2. Located in Cambridge, Mass., Harvard has top-ranked business and medical schools and counts eight U.S. presidents as alumni, including John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Of course, going to this highly selective university will cost you more than Princeton. Tuition and fees cost $48,949, add another $16,660 for room and board.

The good news is, like Princeton, Harvard offers a healthy dose of financial aid. About 55% of its students receive assistance, and after all is said and done, the average student is left with just $16,702 in debt after their first year.

To round out the podium, the University of Chicago ($54,825) and Yale University ($51,400) tied for third place.

Most expensive/least expensive schools

Just because Princeton and Harvard are considered the best, doesnt make them the most expensive. The priciest school for the 2017-18 school year are both in New York state: Columbia University (ranked No. 5 on the overall U.S. News best schools list), which charges $57,208 in tuition and fees and Vassar College (No. 12) took the second spot costing $55,210 per year. Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, Calif. (also No. 12) took the bronze with an annual tuition of $54,886.

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On the flipside, the report also looked at the most affordable schools in the U.S. With tuition costing just $5,460 a year, Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah was named the least expensive. Arkansas Baptist College took the second spot costing just $8,760, and Tougaloo College in Mississippi took the third spot, costing $10,600.

It should be noted that unranked schools, which did not meet certain criteria required by U.S. News to be numerically ranked, were not considered.

For a complete list of the most and least expensive universities, visit U.S. World and News Report.

Brittany is a reporter at Yahoo Finance.

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Hedge fund king Ray Dalio said Tuesday it would be "terrible" if Gary Cohn would leave the White House, a move that could upset markets. Speculation about Cohn's future has been rampant since he apparently has fallen out of favor with President Donald Trump . Cohn, the former chief operating officer at Goldman Sachs, is Trump's top economic advisor but recently criticized the president for his reaction to the racial violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. Thought only a short time ago to be in line for the chair position at the Federal Reserve, there's increasing speculation that Cohn may be leaving the administration soon. "In terms of my reaction, I would say if he was to leave it would be terrible," Dalio said at the " Delivering Alpha " conference presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. "It would also represent a challenge for the administration," he added. "It also becomes representative to what it would be like to be in the administration. It would be difficult to get quality [people] in the administration. ... I think it would be terrible if Gary left." Cohn is currently helping usher Trump's tax reform plan through Congress. Earlier in the day, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he and Cohn continue to work together with the hopes that a tax package can get done by the end of the year.However, various reports indicate that Trump has frozen out Cohn. The New York Times on Monday reported that Trump does not make eye contact with Cohn when they are in a room together, a favorite tactic of the president to show displeasure. The rift comes at what Dalio said is a critical time for the country. He compared the current economy to the situation in 1937 , just as the U.S. was about to enter the second leg of the Great Depression. The rise in populism is a common thread, Dalio said. While he had expressed hope for Trump, Dalio lately has been more critical. Dalio has a book soon to be released called "Principles: Life & Work," which will lay out hundreds of ideas on which he has lived his life and operated in business. Dalio runs the largest hedge fund in the world, famous for the management philosophy of "radical transparency." Dalio said Cohn is skilled in what the hedge fund titan called "thoughtful disagreements," which he said forms the cornerstone for the way his Bridgewater Associates is run. "The power of great collective decision-making is so much greater than the power of any individual decision-making," he said. Hedge fund king Ray Dalio said Tuesday it would be "terrible" if Gary Cohn would leave the White House, a move that could upset markets. Speculation about Cohn's future has been rampant since he apparently has fallen out of favor with President Donald Trump . Cohn, the former chief operating officer at Goldman Sachs, is Trump's top economic advisor but recently criticized the president for his reaction to the racial violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. Thought only a short time ago to be in line for the chair position at the Federal Reserve, there's increasing speculation that Cohn may be leaving the administration soon. "In terms of my reaction, I would say if he was to leave it would be terrible," Dalio said at the " Delivering Alpha " conference presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. "It would also represent a challenge for the administration," he added. "It also becomes representative to what it would be like to be in the administration. It would be difficult to get quality [people] in the administration. ... I think it would be terrible if Gary left." Cohn is currently helping usher Trump's tax reform plan through Congress. Earlier in the day, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he and Cohn continue to work together with the hopes that a tax package can get done by the end of the year. However, various reports indicate that Trump has frozen out Cohn. The New York Times on Monday reported that Trump does not make eye contact with Cohn when they are in a room together, a favorite tactic of the president to show displeasure. The rift comes at what Dalio said is a critical time for the country. He compared the current economy to the situation in 1937 , just as the U.S. was about to enter the second leg of the Great Depression. The rise in populism is a common thread, Dalio said. While he had expressed hope for Trump, Dalio lately has been more critical. Dalio has a book soon to be released called "Principles: Life & Work," which will lay out hundreds of ideas on which he has lived his life and operated in business. Dalio runs the largest hedge fund in the world, famous for the management philosophy of "radical transparency." Dalio said Cohn is skilled in what the hedge fund titan called "thoughtful disagreements," which he said forms the cornerstone for the way his Bridgewater Associates is run. "The power of great collective decision-making is so much greater than the power of any individual decision-making," he said.



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After an impressive 32-percent gain in the past year, MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM)s lucky streak may be coming to an end. On Monday, Deutsche Bank downgraded MGM shares from Buy to Hold, and analyst Carlo Santarelli said he expects MGM stock to be range-bound for the time being.

According to Santarelli, the current Las Vegas Strip market cycle is showing signs of maturation, and many of the potential bullish catalysts for the company are already reflected in the current share price.

While MGM has clear positives, including a strengthening FCF profile, further potential asset monetization catalysts, and a new Cotai opening, we believe LV Strip fundamentals are exhibiting late cycle tendencies and we anticipate a continued slowing of Strip EBITDA growth, which we believe will likely pressure trading multiples, Santarelli wrote (see his track record here).

Santarelli listed four challenged MGM faces in Las Vegas in coming years:

Despite the downgrade, Santarelli acknowledged there are plenty of things for MGM investors to like about the stock. MGM has the potential to make additional strategic asset transactions with MGM Growth Properties LLC (NYSE: MGP), and it is opening up a new Macau megaresort on the Cotai Strip before the end of the year.

While risk/reward is balanced at the stocks current price, Santarelli says MGM remains a favorable play compared to most other consumer discretionary stocks.

Deutsche Bank maintains a $36 price target for MGM.

Related Link: Vegas Strip Revenue Slumps In July

Latest Ratings for MGM

Sep 2017 Deutsche Bank Downgrades Buy Hold Aug 2017 UBS Downgrades Buy Neutral Dec 2016 Aegis Capital Initiates Coverage On Buy

View More Analyst Ratings for MGM

View the Latest Analyst Ratings

See more from Benzinga

 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
On Sep 8, we issued an updated research report on key low-cost airline, JetBlue Airways Corporation JBLU.

The stock has performed disappointingly so far this year. The stock lost 16.6% while its industry gained 7.8% on a year-to-date basis.

Why the Slide?

JetBlue has been hurt by multiple headwinds leading to the above underperformance. High costs are expected to negatively impact the bottom line in the third quarter. Also, while releasing its second-quarter results in July this year, the company stated that unit costs, excluding fuel, are expected to grow in the band of 1.5% to 3.5% for the same period.

Adding to its woes, the carrier recently provided a bearish view on operating revenue per available seat miles (RASM) for the third quarter. JetBlue now expects RASM in the band of -1% to +1% (on a year-over-year basis). The earlier projection had called for the metric between -0.5% and + 2.5%. The company attributed the reduction in the guidance to the prevalent competitive pricing environment. JetBlue also trimmed its capacity growth projection to the range of 6% to 7% range from 6.5% to 7.5%, projected earlier.

Moreover, Irma is likely to hit JetBlue hard because it has significant exposure to Florida with two hubs in the state, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. The company also has a hub in Puerto Rico.

Notably, JetBlue is not the only one to slash its unit revenue forecast. Fellow-carriers like Southwest Airlines LUV and United Continental Holdings UAL have trimmed their respective current-quarter unit revenue forecasts.

Certainly Not a Broker Favorite

Given the challenges faced by the company, it is natural that the stock is not a brokers favorite right now. The stock has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-quarter earnings being revised 3.2% downward over the last 30 days. Also, for full-year 2017, the Zacks Consensus Estimate moved down 1.5% in the same time period.

Given the wealth of information at the disposal of brokers, it is in the best interests of investors to be guided by broker advice and the direction of their estimate revisions. The direction of estimate revisions serves as an important pointer when it comes to the price of a stock.

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Some Positives Remain

JetBlue's efforts to expand its popular premium service (Mint), however, raise optimism in the stock. The carrier intends to operate 70 Mint flights by Dec 31, 2017. In fact, it aims to offer the service for approximately one out of 14. We are also impressed by the company's efforts to modernize its fleet.

Efforts to reduce debt levels are also encouraging. Furthermore, the carrier's deal with Goldman Sachs for implementing an accelerated share buyback program is another positive.

Due to the positives, we believe dumping the stock now will be foolhardy despite its recent struggles.

Additionally, the Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) carried by the stock is a confirmation that investors should currently hold on to the stock as it is expected to perform in line with the broader market over the next one to three months.

Stock to Consider

Investors interested in the airline space may consider SkyWest Inc. SKYW sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

SkyWest witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings being revised 1.9% upward over the last 60 days.

More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!

It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.

Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020.



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Southwest Airlines Company (LUV) : Free Stock Analysis Report



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United Continental Holdings, Inc. (UAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report



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FRANKFURT, Germany  A fixation on electric cars risks damaging Europe's auto supplies industry and handing jobs to China, the region's car parts manufacturers warned at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Suppliers, which say they provide around 5 million European jobs, want carmakers and politicians to look at other ways of cutting vehicle emissions, too, such as more efficient combustion engines and synthetic fuels.

Roberto Vavassori, president of European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) warned a headlong rush to electric cars would hand business to China, which along with South Korea and Japan dominate battery production for such vehicles.

"We need to provide a sensible transition period that doesn't give unwanted gifts to our Chinese friends," he said, estimating European automakers were paying 4,000-7,000 euros ($5,000-8,000) to China for batteries for every electric car produced in Europe.

Following Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal and big improvements in battery technology, many European carmakers are investing heavily in electric vehicles.

They are being encouraged by several governments, with Britain and France both recently announcing plans to eventually phase out combustion engines to try to cut pollution.

Daimler and Volkswagen both announced plans on the eve of the Frankfurt show to accelerate their shift to electric cars. On Wednesday the EU car industry lobby offered to further cut CO2 emissions, albeit over a lengthy period and dependent on uptake of electric cars.

The manufacturers also, however, pointed to huge disruptions for both themselves and the supply chain.

Daimler, for example, said it was seeking billions in savings to help fund the transition, while VW said it would tender for partners to provide battery cells and related technology worth more than 50 billion euros.

"EUROPE AT RISK"

With European investment in battery technology lagging far behind China, many EU suppliers want the car industry to keep its options open  even those also embracing electric vehicles.

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"The problem is the one-dimensional nature of the debate," said Volkmar Denner, chief executive of Germany's Robert Bosch GmbH, the world's biggest auto supplier.

He said Bosch was optimizing the combustion engine and also exploring synthetic fuels, which would have the advantage of being able to use existing filling stations and engines.

"This is a faster way of limiting global warming," he said. "We are doing this alongside electric vehicles."

The stakes are high, with the auto industry as a whole providing around 12.6 million jobs in the European Union, or about 5.7 percent of the total.

Germany, home to some of the biggest industry players, has sounded much less enthusiastic about ditching the combustion engine. Chancellor Angela Merkel, campaigning ahead of Sept. 24 elections, has said she is "no friend of bans" and the car industry will need support in its transformation.

Trade unions are pressing hard for jobs to be protected, from suppliers to manufacturers.

"Self-contained value chains are a central pillar of our industrial model and play a big role in the success of the German economy," Joerg Hofmann, president of the IG Metall union, told steel and car industry members on Wednesday.

CLEPA's Vavassori said Europe was lagging behind in the production of sensors and microchips, as well as batteries, and there was a risk in relying on Chinese supplies given geopolitical instability.

"We need production in Europe for vehicles of future, or we put all Europe at risk," he said.

Reporting by Emma Thomasson and Georgina Prodhan



Related Video:
A maintenance worker looks out over the turbines of the Burbo Bank off shore wind farm in the mouth of the River Mersey in Liverpool (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Energy from offshore wind farms will be cheaper than nuclear power and gas for the first time, bringing economic growth to the UK on an industrial scale.

Figures from the latest government auction for the contracts  which guarantee a set price for power from renewable technologies  reveal that the cost of subsidies for offshore wind projects have fallen by 50% since 2015.

MORE: Profit margins among Big 6 energy firms running at record levels, says Ofgem

Three offshore wind farms were among 11 schemes to have successfully bid in the latest auction for government subsidies, and will provide enough electricity for 3.6 million homes. Prices will be as low as 57.50 per megawatt hour for offshore wind energy projects delivered in 2022/2023.

Technological developments such as bigger turbines and competition between UK suppliers have helped contribute to the falling prices.

Energy and industry minister Richard Harrington said that the offshore wind sector will boost investment to the UK economy by 17.5bn up to 2021, creating thousands of new jobs in British businesses.

MORE: How to profit from rip-off Britain after Brexit

This government will continue to seize these opportunities as the world moves towards a low carbon future, and will set out ambitious proposals in the upcoming Clean Growth Plan, he said.

Industry body RenewableUKs chief executive Hugh McNeal said the record-breaking cost reductions were unprecedented for large energy infrastructure, and onshore and offshore wind were now cheaper than both new nuclear and gas.

MORE: Car scrappage schemes: how do the offers compare?

Todays results are further proof that innovation in the offshore wind industry will bring economic growth for the UK on an industrial scale, he said.

But Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said one technology alone could not solve the UKs power challenge, and the full range of low-carbon energy would be needed to power UK homes and businesses.
Equifax's headquarters in Atlanta.

Equifax' ever-growing list of legal problems resulting from a July data breach that exposed over 143 million people's sensitive personal information now has a new entry: a chatbot.

Chatbot company DoNotPay released a set of chatbots that can help consumers sue Equifax for negligence. Users provide their name and address to the bot and it feeds the information into a state-designated form users can then print and file directly with the court.

DoNotPay's Equifax bots were first available specifically to residents of California and New York, and on Sept. 12, DoNotPay founder Joshua Browder launched bots to file small claims against Equifax in all 50 states. The California and New York bots alone have already generated over 5,000 small claims alleging negligence.

Browder was among the consumers hit by the breach, which prompted him to look for a way to bring technology to bear on the issue. After consulting with a few attorneys, Browder settled on the small-claims approach, which should not preclude consumers from participating in larger class action litigation.

The best part about it is that lawyers often aren't allowed in small claim lawsuits, like in California, Browder told Legaltech News. The tool, Browder said, makes it easy for pro se litigants to handle these issues on their own.

California, Michigan and Nebraska all require consumers to defend themselves in small claims court. While other states permit attorney representation for small claims, potential awards may not be enough to cover attorney fees.

Small claims awards are capped in all 50 states, but range from $2,500 in Rhode Island and Kentucky all the way up to $25,000 in Tennessee. (Georgia, where Equifax is headquartered, has a small-claims cap of $15,000, except in eviction cases.)

Ken Canfield, an attorney with Doffermyre Shields Canfield & Knowles, flagged both pros and cons to the chatbot's potential. Canfield concluded that small-claims court may not be the best way for consumers to seek damages from the breach, as consumers are likely to face an uphill battle in proving harm.

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It's a nice idea. It has the potential to put some pressure on Equifax that isn't there otherwise, but in terms of being a viable remedy for consumers, it's not probably particularly useful, Canfield said.

That pressure largely depends on how many people file small claims against Equifax with or without the tool. If DoNotPay succeeds in creating a massive number of small claims around this issue, it could force Equifax to hire attorneys in essentially every state to defend against them, which could be far costlier than handling a class action claim.

The existence of this remedy may get the Equifaxes of the world to see the benefits of class actions, Canfield noted. To date, there are at least 23 different class action lawsuits filed against Equifax in the wake of July's data breach.

So far, Equifax hasn't shown much interest in embracing class action lawsuits. Earlier this year the company worked with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld to push for amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) that would effectively limit class action damages.

Browder said that the attorneys he's consulted with say that bot's small-claims strategy should allow users to pursue class action remedies even if they file a negligence claim for maximum damages with the bot.

Seton Hall University Law School professor David Opderbeck said that this strategy's success may be contingent on the way the class is ultimately defined. Filing a small claim against Equifax may, according to Opderbeck, actually preclude consumers from either the class or its ultimate settlement.

It sounds like what you'd be doing ultimately potentially is opting out of the class, Opderbeck noted, adding that while consumers may want to do that for various reasons, they probably shouldn't do so at the urging of a chatbot.

DoNotPay's broader strategy of applying small claims court pressure on Equifax also raised red flags for Scheef & Stone attorney Sean Tuma, who pointed to the lack of success that even practiced attorneys have in proving harm in cybersecurity claims. Especially given that data breach and cybersecurity remains a fairly new body of law, the potential bombardment of small-claims courts around the country with Equifax-related claims could backfire on consumer protections in this space altogether.

I don't think that's going to help the development and refinement of this body of law, Tuma said.

Data breach settlements are a new area for DoNotPay, which has primarily handled access-to-justice issues since its founding last year. Browder said the outpouring of interest in the Equifax bot may open doors to more targeted consumer protection work. I might take on more of this corporate takedown stuff, Browder said.

To date, Browder has not heard from Equifax about the bots. Not yet, Browder said, but they're about to get 5,000 lawsuits.
man upset in a crowd sports fan

The Equifax data breach was serious.

Equifax, one of the three credit reporting agencies in the US, announced that it was compromised between mid-May and July, potentially exposing Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and other personal information for up to 143 million Americans.

The company hasn't handled it well so far. People are pissed, and they have a right to be. On top of everything, Equifax's chief financial officer and two other senior executives cashed in on almost $2 million of Equifax stock once they learned about the hack, reported Business Insider's Mohammed Hadi and Bryan Logan. The US Justice Department recently opened an investigation into whether insider trading occurred, although an Equifax spokesperson told Business Insider the executives "had no knowledge" of the data breach before selling shares.

Current news aside, the reality is that security breaches are here to stay, whether we like it or not. It's safer to assume  and to act as though  your personal information is already out there, than to count on companies to protect your data.

There are upsides, however, to moving our money online. As a financial planner in New York City, being able to access client accounts during meetings is incredibly helpful. Mobile check deposits are a game changer, at least until checks are no longer a thing. We can buy clothes and groceries and anything we want without ever standing in line at the cash register.

It's convenient and easy, except when it isn't. Like now.

Here's the thing though. Like the data breach at Target, and Home Depot, and many others you probably never knew about, this too will pass. Over the course of my career, I've seen some really bad financial situations. I know how stressful it can be, but I also know how possible it is to fix things  one step at a time. If something goes wrong with your money, it can be resolved much more easily than rebuilding after a hurricane, for example.

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Even when we take all kinds of steps to protect ourselves online, our best laid plans can still result in financial foibles  whether as a result of our own error or a giant financial company's. I've had my credit card number stolen not once, but twice. Once at a bar and another time at a gas station. It was frustrating, but it didn't ruin my life.

The only thing we can do is try to protect our data as best we can, and respond quickly if something does happen. You'll be okay, I promise.

But, if you're still freaking out, here are some steps you can take to protect your data online.

1. Find out if you've even been compromised.

You can find out at Equifax's website. Here's how to do it.

2. Use secure passwords on all of your accounts, including your online shopping accounts.

This is like eating your vegetables: You know you should do it, but it's not fun and you'd rather not. I get it. But any data security expert will tell you secure passwords are a necessity. Every site you use should have a different password, and it shouldn't be easy to guess.

Keeping track of a random string of 15 letters and numbers is basically impossible, so I use LastPass to generate and save all my online passwords. Hopefully they don't get hacked, but at least it's better than storing all my login info on the notepad app on my iPhone.

3. Understand how to freeze your credit, but don't do it quite yet.

If securing your passwords seems like too big a lift, then freezing your credit or even setting up a fraud alert to protect against the chance of identity theft will definitely give you a headache.

In theory, this sounds like a good idea and something that should be easy to do, but think about the last time your flight was canceled due to bad weather and everyone was trying to get rebooked at the same time. It's an administrative nightmare, and stressing out about it doesn't do you much good.

Setting up a fraud alert only requires calling one of the credit agencies, but you're going to have make copies of and mail in many important documents to put it in place.

Freezing your credit means dealing with customer service agents at all three credit bureaus  Equifax, TransUnion and Experian  and keeping track of a unique pin number that you're going to need anytime you want to open a new account or move to a new apartment. Make sure you fully understand how it works (the Federal Trade Commission has a nice breakdown) before you start the process.

One caveat: If your identity has actually been compromised  as in, someone tried to open a fraudulent account in your name  then this is an important step to take.

4. Monitor your money regularly  even if you haven't been compromised.

I use Mint.com to quickly check all of my financial accounts every morning, just like I check email and Instagram. This came in handy both times my credit card was stolen. I was able to identify the pending charges before they even cleared my account, and American Express overnighted me a new card immediately. It was a little annoying, but not that big of a deal. I know people who have experienced far more serious identity theft, and managed to resolve the issue by identifying it and acting quickly.

If you have been compromised, this becomes even more essential. You can monitor your credit for free with a service like CreditKarma by selecting to be notified when a new account is opened under "Communications and Monitoring" in the profile settings.

Equifax is also offering free credit monitoring. The credit-reporting agency initially sparked outrage for requiring those who opted in to its TrustedID Premier credit monitoring service to agree to a class-action waiver preventing them from joining future lawsuits. Equifax has since clarified that the waiver will not apply to the recent hack.

5. Optimize your money management and credit usage.

A breach like this is a good reminder to check your credit score, pull your credit report, and review the way you're currently managing your money. There may be things you can do to improve your credit score, fix any errors on your credit report, and optimize your current collection of credit cards.

Considering data breaches are more or less our new normal, the only thing we can really do is the one thing we should be doing anyway: Stay on top of your money, and fix any issues as soon as you can. No one is going to be more interested in your financial situation than you are. Not even a hacker.

NOW WATCH: A hacker reveals the most secure thing you can do to your passwords





More From Business Insider


Credit cards, a chain and an open padlock is seen in front of displayed Equifax logo in this illustration taken September 8, 2017. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illutration

Equifax will make changes following a massive data breach in July that could have impacted about 143 million U.S. consumers, the company's CEO said Tuesday.

We are devoting extraordinary resources to make sure this kind of incident doesnt happen again. We will make changes and continue to strengthen our defenses against cybercrimes. We will make sure every consumer who wants protection has a full package of services, Smith wrote in an opinion piece in USA Today.

The company said the unauthorized entry occurred mid-May through July 2017, as criminals exploited U.S. website application vulnerability to access files ranging from social security numbers, birth dates, addresses and drivers license numbers.

Hackers also accessed the credit card numbers of about 209,000 consumers in the U.S. and other documents with personal information for about 182,000 people in the U.S. Equifax said it discovered the breach on July 29, 2017, but it did not publically disclose the information until Sept. 7, 2017.

Understandably, many people are questioning why it took six weeks to report the incident to the public, Smith wrote, adding that, At the time, we thought the intrusion was limited.

The company also said it found that hackers gained unauthorized access to limited personal information for certain residents in the United Kingdom and Canada. Equifax said its investigation has not found any evidence of illegal activity on its core consumer or commercial credit reporting databases.

It will take us a long time to assess the impact of the Equifax data breach on 143 million Americans. Businesses, consumers, and government watchdogs will have to be even more vigilant about identifying fraud, possibly making it harder for Americans to get access to credit, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said in his opening statement at a Banking Committee hearing on Fintech on Tuesday.

As a result of the breach, the company has set up a website for consumers that will help them identify if their information was affected. It will also send notices directly in the mail to consumers that have had credit card numbers or dispute documents with personal identifying information compromised, according to Equifax.

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Due to the size of the beach, lawmakers have begun to weigh in on the issue.

Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Small Business Committee, sent a letter to the acting chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Monday, requesting the agency provide a strategy for mitigating potential impacts on small businesses effected by the Equifax data breach.

In the letter, Chabot also asked the FTC to answer questions regarding the hacking incidents impact on the small business community in the U.S., setting a deadline no later than Sept. 25.

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buy apple iphone upgrade program

On Tuesday, Apple announced the iPhone X (pronounced "ten"). Available for preorder on October 27, it will begin shipping on November 3.

The iPhone X carries a $999 price tag, which means many people will opt to spread the cost out by paying for it monthly.

Like many wireless carriers, Apple has its own version of an installment plan: the iPhone upgrade program. Although it sounds like something reserved for tech enthusiasts who enjoy having the latest and greatest gadget, it might just be the smartest way to buy the iPhone X.

Apple's iPhone upgrade program is a 24-month installment loan with 0% interest. It includes AppleCare and breaks down the cost of both the phone and the insurance plan into 24 equal payments. Sales tax is due up front, no matter how you buy it.

After at least six months and 12 payments, you can trade in your phone and upgrade to a newer model. But you don't have to. Once you make all 24 payments, the phone is yours to keep.

Buying a new phone has changed significantly since the death of the two-year wireless contract. Carriers no longer offer discounted phones in exchange for your loyalty to their service. It was an odd way to make a purchase, if you think about it. We don't buy our laptops from our internet providers, or our cars from the gas station.

But old habits die hard: 75% of iPhone owners still buy their phones from their wireless carrier, according to data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners. Buying from Apple may require changing the way you're used to buying your phone  but it isn't difficult.

Here's how Apple's iPhone upgrade program works:

1. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.

To qualify for any installment plan, you will have to have good credit. You will also need to be at least 18 years old, so bring your ID with you to the store. A credit card is required to make payments  debit cards will not work.

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The full terms and conditions are written in plain English on Apple's website, and they're worth reading before buying your next iPhone. If you're considering an installment plan through your wireless carrier, make sure to read the related terms and conditions as well.

2. Buy a new iPhone online or at the Apple Store  but make sure you enroll in the upgrade program.

When you select the style and size you want, whether you're shopping online or in-store, you will have a lot of payment options:

 Pay the full price up front.

 Buy it through Apple's upgrade program.

 Buy it through your wireless carrier's installment plan.

 Apply for a Barclaycard Visa with Apple Rewards, which offers "up to 24 months of special financing."

The Barclaycard Visa is not the 24-month payment plan you're after. You'll need to specifically enroll in Apple's iPhone upgrade program to get all the benefits that come with it. If it's too confusing to complete online, head to an Apple Store for help.

3. Choose 'Apple iPhone upgrade program' when asked how you would like to pay.

If you selected your wireless provider during checkout, you'll also have the option to pay for the phone using your carrier's installment plan. The price will be about $5 cheaper a month because it doesn't automatically include AppleCare.

But there are two main reasons to pay a few extra dollars to buy directly from Apple's upgrade program:

1. You will get an unlocked phone that will work on any carrier, giving you the freedom to easily switch at will. Activation will be easy because your new iPhone will come preloaded with a SIM card for your current carrier, even though it is an unlocked phone. As someone who has tried bringing a locked phone from one network to another, I can assure you it is a nightmare, and the phone will not work as well, if at all. Unlocked phones are also better if you travel internationally or plan to resell it in the future.

2. You will get AppleCare, the best tech support for your iPhone. Cellphone insurance plans and extended-warranty programs are typically a waste of money (and a headache if you ever have to use them). AppleCare is easy to use and reasonably affordable, which I experienced firsthand after I dropped a brand-new iPhone from 30 feet above the ground. Not a pretty picture, but the replacement was easy and only $99 thanks to AppleCare.

4. Provide your phone account details to Apple so you'll be able to activate the phone on your current network.

All you should need is your phone number, your billing ZIP code, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If your wireless account has a password, you might have to call your provider to find out what it is. If you run into any trouble with this part of the process, I'd recommend getting help at the Apple Store  they've done this a million times and can help guide you through the process.

5. Make sure your payment is processed every month.

Automatic monthly payments will be set up on the credit card you use for your first payment, but it's important to make sure it processes each month as it should. Check your credit card statement to make sure you see the charge. If you miss a payment, you could incur other costs and fees.

You can change the credit card at any point by creating an account through the installment loan provider, Citizens One. You'll need your loan number, which should be emailed to you by Citizens One once you've purchased your new iPhone.

6. Next time a new iPhone is announced, decide whether you want to upgrade or continue paying off your current phone.

After 24 payments, you'll own an unlocked iPhone that you can hold onto for as long as you want or resell however you'd like. But after making 12 payments, you'll also have the option to trade in your current phone for the next model. At that point, you'll enter into a new upgrade-program agreement with Apple, and the process will begin again until you decide to stop upgrading and pay off the installment loan.

I used Apple's upgrade program to buy the iPhone 6S Plus in 2015 and upgraded to the 7 Plus in 2016. The upgrade process was seamless, partly because I sync my contacts and pictures through Google and my music through Amazon, but also because I scheduled an appointment to make the exchange at the Apple Store. I walked out with a new phone that functioned exactly like my old phone.

The upgrade program may not the cheapest way to buy an iPhone, but it's also not expensive as it seems.

Over the past year, I paid $498.96 for my 128 GB iPhone 7 Plus (including AppleCare Plus, but not including tax). That's only half of the cost of the phone in full: $998 ($869 for the phone plus $129 for AppleCare). And in a few weeks, I'll get a brand-new one without the hassle of selling this one or feeling obligated to hold onto it until it dies. I'm paying about $14 to $16 extra a month for that convenience, but it's worth it to me.

It won't be worth it to everyone, I realize. You might prefer to buy through your carrier if it offers some sort of trade-in discount that is too good to pass up. And if you're truly budget-conscious, you'll be better off buying an older model and holding onto it for as long as you can.

But if you're intrigued by the concept of more or less renting your phone  especially since it's a depreciating object  you might find that Apple's upgrade program makes sense for you financially as well.

NOW WATCH: Watch Apple unveil the iPhone X





More From Business Insider


In this Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, John Pepper of Miami waits to purchase plywood at Home Depot to cover his french doors in preparation for Hurricane Irma.

Florida is providing police escorts for Home Depot (NYSE:HD) trucks that are carrying water, generators and other supplies, as the Sunshine State begins the recovery process after Hurricane Irma.

The nations largest home-improvement retailer was set to receive a police escort Tuesday for more than 80 trucks packed with supplies and headed to Florida from Atlanta, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi told the FOX Business Network. The shipments come as Home Depot reopens more stores in hard-hit areas around South Florida. Atlanta-based Home Depot said Tuesday most stores impacted by Irma are back in business.

A Home Depot spokesperson confirmed that trucks will receive police escorts through Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol has also escorted fuel trucks to quickly restock gas stations before and after the storm hit.

In an interview on Varney & Co., Bondi said new shipments to Home Depot stores will help the state prevent price gougers from taking advantage of Irma victims in need of generators and fresh water. Home Depots cases of water are priced at $2.97 each, according to Bondi.

Lowes (NYSE:LOW) has reopened all of its stores impacted by Irma, though some locations adjusted their hours Tuesday. The retailer is expediting shipments of storm-related supplies from regional distribution centers, two of which are located in Kissimmee, Florida, and Valdosta, Georgia. Emergency management agencies and the Florida Department of Transportation are helping Lowes move supplies needed for recovery, a company spokesperson said. Lowes trucks havent experienced any issues traveling to their destinations.

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Welcome back after a surprisingly calm weekend. The fact that the weekend was uneventful is the main reason why we do have a risk on mode on the market right now. Uneventful in case of the North Korea but also Irma caused fewer damages than expected which perceived positively by traders. World stocks are at  Continue reading Good Three Trading Setups on Tuesday  DAX30, EUR/GBP and USD/PLN

Welcome back after a surprisingly calm weekend. The fact that the weekend was uneventful is the main reason why we do have a risk on mode on the market right now. Uneventful in case of the North Korea but also Irma caused fewer damages than expected which perceived positively by traders.

World stocks are at all time highs and German DAX is also heading higher. It looks like the correction has ended and after breaking the 12300 points we are back in the bullish mode again.

EURGBP used the better CPI data from the UK to go lower but bullish troubles started here much earlier, on Friday when the price confirmed the false breakout pattern. That usually is a warm invitation for a strong drop.

USDPLN after year long downswing finally found a good place to start a bullish correction. That is 3,51 and has a potential to start a new bullish wave.

This article is written by Tomasz Wisniewski, a senior analyst at Alpari Research & Analysis

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

More From FXEMPIRE:
Today at its new headquarters in California, Apple revealed the new iPhone X. Apple's annual events are surrounded by weeks and months of hype and speculation, drawing massive audiences with live feeds and a sizable media presence on location. Apple controls every aspect of the event, from timing and location to attendance. Contrast that to the Frankfurt Motor Show, where dozens of press conferences confined to exact time periods are spread across a huge space. It's a cutthroat event, with everyone vying for a slice of the public's eye. Auto shows are dying and soon car reveals are going to look more and more like the event we saw today in Cupertino.



Manufacturers are all competing against each other for a small bit of both media and public attention. Frankfurt had one real day of press conferences, with dozens of new and exciting products. Still, how is something like the new Honda Urban EV supposed to compete against something like the new Mercedes-AMG Project One? One big car can overshadow an entire show. Think back to Detroit 2015. Does anyone remember anything outside the Ford GT? We also saw the Chevy Bolt concept and the all-new Toyota Tacoma at that show.



Apple can hold its events any time it wishes. It's not tied to some show like CES or the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. All eyes, ears and keyboards are focused straight on Apple. People will be talking about the new iPhone X for weeks both online and in person. Writers and bloggers will be on hand today to get first impressions. By dinner tonight, dozens of sites will have a lead story on their homepages dedicated to what they know about the new iPhone. No single automaker at Frankfurt will get the same sort of coverage.



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We're already beginning to see this shift in the automotive industry, with brands hosting special events on their own terms. In June, I flew all the way to South Korea with a group of journalists from around the globe to see the Hyundai Kona. The day after the press conference I was behind the wheel of a car and came home from the trip with a review. More recently, we flew to Japan to drive the Nissan Leaf before its public debut. The full reveal on September 5 was broadcast from Japan online and we dedicated a live show to it. Just last week, Porsche flew hundreds of journalists in from all over the world to unveil the 2019 Cayenne, putting on a show with dancers, a small orchestra and a degree of showmanship not possible on a show floor (see above).



Hosting these reveals outside of the auto shows gives automakers tons of freedom. They aren't tied down to one location where they pay huge amounts to rent for a small section of show floor, building out a temporary space that may stay up for no more than two weeks. They can host their events anywhere as big or as small as they like. The stage, quite literally, is all theirs. Broadcasting the reveal online is also simple and could bring in thousands of viewers that would otherwise only see photos or read stories.



The biggest loss will be to the public that goes to auto shows to see the latest and greatest from all of the automakers. There's not really any other situation where everyone brings out their guns like that. That's still hugely important for both car enthusiasts and car shoppers alike, and the main reason auto shows have lasted as long as they have in their current form. Still, times are changing and the auto show as we know it is changing, too.



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Honda will offer an electrified version of all of its new models launched in Europe from now on, the company announced at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo revealed the news on stage at Honda's conference event at the auto show, and noted that while Honda wants to have electrified vehicle options account for two-thirds of all its new cars sales by 2030, it's targeting 2025 for that same split in Europe because of stronger interest in that region.

Honda offering hybrid and fully electric cars on all new models going forward and Europe should help in terms of providing consumer choice. The Honda CR-V Hybrid, a prototype for which was introduced at the show, will be Honda's first hybrid SUV on sale in Europe starting in 2018. Honda intends to add even more EV options throughout its lineup to come, including the Urban EV concept it also debuted at Frankfurt.

As part of its electric strategy it's also introducing a new energy transfer system called the power Manager Concept that can reverse the flow of energy from a vehicle battery to the home to reduce dependence on the grid, and even sell power back to energy companies when it makes sense to do so. These will begin being installed in France first, during a pilot in the western part of the country with a target completion date of 2020.

Many automakers are going all-in on electrification plans, with announcements regarding target dates for when all vehicles in their lineup will have electric options. Honda hasn't revealed a global target date for that yet, but this European announcement indicates it's already planning in that direction.
Theres a lot to be excited about on Wall Street as Apple unveils its next generation iPhone Tuesday.

Apples stock has soared some 53% over the past year largely thanks to investors betting that the 10th anniversary iPhone will become a winner. And with Tuesdays expected iPhone unveiling, comes titters of Apple potentially becoming the worlds very first $1 trillion company. For comparison, that would make Apple worth about 5% of the U.S.s gross domestic production in 2016, or in another measurement, over four Walmarts.

But even as Wall Street serenades the company with high expectations for iPhone sales in the holiday season, they arent so euphoric as to say the worlds largest company by market capitalization could hit that 13-digit figure any time soon.

In fact, even while Wall Street analysts say $815 billion Apple could become the worlds first trillion-dollar company with help from the new iPhone, with RBC analyst Amit Daryanani predicting the threshold-break in the next 12 to 18 months, the majority of Wall Street isnt willing to put their foot down on that prediction just yet.

To hit $1 trillion, Apples stock needs to hit $194. But according to some 52 analysts polled by Bloomberg as of Monday, analyst consensus has placed $175.46 as the 12-month price target on the stock. The 12-month price target can usually be described the price at which analysts predict an investor will have achieved optimum gains, and should thereby exit their position.

Based that target price, Wall Street expects Apple to reach a market capitalization of about $906 billion over the next 12 months. Certainly a new high for any company, but also not as exciting as $1 trillion.

While its possible analysts are simply waiting to increase their stock targets after theyve seen the event Tuesday, its also highly likely that theyve already priced in the iPhone 8. Apple product launches have long been plagued by leaks, priming investors on what to expect. With no surprises or even hyped up expectations leading up to an event, shares of Apple have fallen more often than they have risen on the day of each iPhone launch.

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Thats not to say investors should expect Apple to hit $908 billion in market cap over the next 12 months. Analyst estimates also arent exactly a perfect way of predicting a stocks returns, as a 2012 paper from researchers at Boston College, Temple University, and Florida International University has shown. They found that between 2000 and 2009, the stock prices hit or beat the 12-month price targets about 64% of the time. Meanwhile, the implied returns from those 12-month price targets overshot actual returns from the same period by an average of 15%.

In sum, our sample analysts do exhibit some persistent abilities in forecasting stock prices, but these abilities are economically weak, those researchers concluded.

While pinpointing Apples valuation on a yet-to-be released iPhone might not be easy, larger themes troubling and backing the company are more apparent. Sales in China for Apple have been falling, with the company now commanding a sixth of the nations smartphone market. At one point, Apple had relied on China to show the companys growth. But the rumored $1,000 price tag on the new iPhone has reportedly put some consumers in the Asian nation off. Meanwhile, as the global smartphone market grows saturated, Apple has not remained a sitting duck. The company has been pushing to expand its services business, a segment that includes iTunes song purchases, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. That segment has been particularly strong in recent quarters, with revenue accounting for 16% of Apples revenue in the fiscal third quarter of 2017, up from $14% a year ago.

So as to when and if Apple hits $1 trillion, there is no short cut. Investors really will just have to wait and see.
* Iran and Syria signed new deals, worth millions of euros

* They had signed telecom and mining contracts in January

* Experts say Tehran is reaping benefits of supporting Assad

By Bozorgmehr Sharafedin and Ellen Francis

LONDON/BEIRUT, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Iran signed deals with Damascus on Tuesday to repair Syria's power grid, state media said, a potentially lucrative move for Tehran that points to a deepening economic role after years of fighting in the Syrian conflict.

Shunned by Western powers, the Syrian government is looking to friendly states such as Iran, Russia and China to play a major role in rebuilding the country, as the war heads towards its seventh year.

Since at least 2012, Iran has provided critical military support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, helping it regain control of swathes of the country. Iran experts say Tehran is now looking to reap a financial dividend.

In January, Irans government and entities close to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) signed major telecommunications and mining deals with Damascus.

On Tuesday, Iran and Syria signed a memorandum of understanding during a visit by Syria's electricity minister to Tehran, including building a power plant the coastal province Latakia with a capacity of 540 megawatts, Syrian state news agency SANA said.

The agreement involves restoring the main control centre for Syria's electricity grid in the capital Damascus, it said.

The new electricity deals could be worth millions of euros, Iranian state media said on Tuesday.

The agreement also includes rehabilitating a 90-megawatt power station in Deir al-Zor province, where the Syrian army and allied forces have made swift advances against Islamic State in recent days.

With Russian air power and Iran-backed militias, the government has driven rebels from Syria's main urban centres in western Syria and marched eastwards against Islamic State.

"The Syrian government ... is working relentlessly to restore the power system," SANA cited Syrian Electricity Minister Mohammad Zuhair Kharboutli as saying. "Iranian companies will have a role in rebuilding Syria."

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Two contracts were also signed, including for Iran to supply power to Aleppo city, which the Syrian military and its allies fully regained last year in a major blow to rebels, SANA said.

"We will stand by the Syrian people to rebuild this country ... We will bring light to houses of the Syrian people," Sattar Mahmoudi, Iran's caretaker energy minister, was quoted as saying on the ministry's website.

The deals will be worth hundreds of millions of euros if finalised, and Tehran is also keen to expand its cooperation to construct water and sewerage facilities in Syria, he said.

More than 1,000 soldiers deployed by the Revolutionary Guards to Syria have died on the front lines of the multi-sided conflict in recent years.

"Iran's Revolutionary Guards saved the Assad regime from collapsing at a heavy price for Damascus for now they own Syria," Emanuele Ottolenghi, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told Reuters.

"I expect these to be the first in a wave of tenders won by IRGC companies, which will have the best reconstruction projects to Iran," he added.

Iranian firms are already involved in a series of electricity generation projects in Syria. Iran aims to export electricity and create the biggest power network in the Islamic world by hooking up Iran's national grid with those of Iraq and Lebanon.

Iran said in August that it has exported $58 million worth of goods to Syria in the first four months of this year, marking a 100 percent increase compared with the same period a year ago. (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in London and Ellen Francis in Beirut; Editing by Alison Williams)
The CEO of , Jamie Dimon, just might be bitcoins biggest hater. On Tuesday, Dimon was at it again, unleashing a tirade about what he sees as the flaws of the digital currency.

Its worse than tulip bulbs. It wont end well. Someone is going to get killed, Dimon said in remarks at a Barclays banking conference reported by CNBC.

Oh, and that wasnt all. Dimon also reportedly proclaimed bitcoin to be a fraud and that it will blow up. He also noted this:

Jamie Dimon: Bitcoin makes sense if you live in Venezuela or North Korea, or if you are a drug dealer or murderer.  Aaron Back (@AaronBack) September 12, 2017

The remarks arent exactly encouraging for bitcoin believers but will come as no surprise to those familiar with Dimon, who has been a digital currency bear for years. In 2015, for instance, Dimon told the Fortune Global Summit a government crackdown was imminent and that bitcoin didnt have a hope of replacing traditional currency.

In response to his outburst on Tuesday, some bitcoin boosters were quick to shoot back at Dimon and the banking industry:

My memory is failing, was it Bitcoin or was it JP Morgan that was bailed out by the government? https://t.co/DHqFzr5UJN  Erik Voorhees (@ErikVoorhees) September 12, 2017

Notably, though, Dimons pessimism doesnt extend to blockchain, which is the revolutionary software technology that undergirds bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Indeed, his company J.P. Morgan is the process of building a blockchain atop the software that runs Ethereum--which is bitcoins main rival.

The price of bitcoin has fallen since Dimons comments, though its not clear if the fall was triggered by Dimon or other factors.

Overall, its been a rough week for bitcoin as a reported crackdown by the Chinese government on cryptocurrency exchanges has seen the price tumble well off the $5,000 high it hit early this month. As of 3 p.m. ET, bitcoin was trading around $4,100, according to Coindesk.

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Finally, whatever Dimon thinks of governments attitudes towards bitcoin, at least one government is very interested in obtaining it--alas, the country is North Korea. Reports from security company FireEye say cyber criminals directed by Pyongyang are behind a series of robberies of South Korean exchanges.

This is part of Fortune's new initiative, The Ledger, a trusted news source at the intersection of tech and finance. For more on The Ledger, click here.

See original article on Fortune.com

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Here's some good news for lieutenants of JPMorgan Chase (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon: they could be the chosen one. Dimon, 61, said the next chief executive of the bank will come from within its own executive ranks. "The successor for JPMorgan is inside JPMorgan," he said Tuesday in New York at the Delivering Alpha conference presented by presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. Followers of his career and of the bank have long wondered who the next CEO would be, given a steady exodus of top managers over the years who could have been contenders but were either too close in age to Dimon or didn't have the right timing. JPMorgan's executive diaspora includes Jes Staley, 60, now the CEO of Barclays (London Stock Exchange: BARC-GB), Bill Winters, turning 56 this month, now at Standard Chartered, and Charlie Scharf, 51, recently named CEO of Bank of New York Mellon (BK). In June, Matt Zames, 46, quit as chief operating officer, arguably Dimon's right-hand person, to pursue running a company. Top executives still at the company include CFO Marianne Lake, asset management chief Mary Callahan Erdoes, and investment and corporate bank chief Daniel Pinto. The board has several candidates among the executive ranks who could take his job today, Dimon said. The appointed time may not come for another five years, though, Dimon said. That is the "running joke" for the amount of time he plans to stay at the helm of the bank, where he first became CEO in 2006 after its 2004 merger with Bank One, the Chicago bank he also once ran. "I'm not going to go run another company," he said, but "I would get bored too quickly" leaving now.

WATCH: Dimon says he wants to stay for another five years



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Famed short seller Jim Chanos said Tuesday he was short on the grocery industry even before Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) 's $13.7 billion deal for Whole Foods (Mexico Stock Exchange: WFM) . In an appearance on CNBC's " Halftime Report ," Chanos said two German companies were already in the process of disrupting the industry before Jeff Bezos ' Amazon showed up: "Aldi and Lidl." "(They) should scare investors much more than Amazon," the founder and managing partner of Kynikos Associates said on " Halftime Report " at the 2017 Delivering Alpha conference, presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. "They are just disrupting the model for the East Coast and South on," Chanos added.The grocery wars in the U.S. have heated up. Lidl, one of the world's largest retailers, in mid-June opened its first 10 U.S. grocery stores in Virginia and the Carolinas. Aldi, which tracks closely with Lidl, has recently said it plans to invest about $5 billion globally in its growth over the next five years. Chanos said the grocery industry is a business with "razor-thin margins" and declining returns on capital. Amazon's deal with Whole Foods didn't help that any, he said."For an industry with tiny, tiny margins and then having Amazon show up with Whole Foods just was sort of the last straw," he said. CNBC's Lauren Thomas contributed to this report.Disclaimer Famed short seller Jim Chanos said Tuesday he was short on the grocery industry even before Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) 's $13.7 billion deal for Whole Foods (Mexico Stock Exchange: WFM) . In an appearance on CNBC's " Halftime Report ," Chanos said two German companies were already in the process of disrupting the industry before Jeff Bezos ' Amazon showed up: "Aldi and Lidl." "(They) should scare investors much more than Amazon," the founder and managing partner of Kynikos Associates said on " Halftime Report " at the 2017 Delivering Alpha conference, presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. "They are just disrupting the model for the East Coast and South on," Chanos added. The grocery wars in the U.S. have heated up. Lidl, one of the world's largest retailers, in mid-June opened its first 10 U.S. grocery stores in Virginia and the Carolinas. Aldi, which tracks closely with Lidl, has recently said it plans to invest about $5 billion globally in its growth over the next five years. Chanos said the grocery industry is a business with "razor-thin margins" and declining returns on capital. Amazon's deal with Whole Foods didn't help that any, he said. "For an industry with tiny, tiny margins and then having Amazon show up with Whole Foods just was sort of the last straw," he said.  CNBC's Lauren Thomas contributed to this report. Disclaimer



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The European Union is in its strongest position in a decade, but it must act quickly to capitalize on this and avoid past shortcomings, the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has said. Delivering his keynote State of the European Union address Wednesday, Juncker outlined a number of measures the union must implement in order to build a "stronger, more democratic Europe" by 2025.EU to appoint a Minister of Finance and EconomyChief among them was the appointment of an overarching European Minister of Economy and Finance to promote structural reforms and step in should any member states be hit by a recession or major crisis.The new minister would assume the responsibility for all EU financial instruments available in such instances, building on the groundwork laid by the European Commission's Structural Reform Support Service since 2015.He or she would also be the chairman of the Eurogroup  the collective term for all Eurozone finance ministers  and report directly to the European Parliament."I am not calling for a new position just for the sake of it. I am calling for efficiency," Juncker noted. "The Commissioner for economic and financial affairs  ideally also a Vice-President  should assume the role of Economy and Finance Minister. He or she should also preside the Eurogroup."No separate Eurozone budget or parliamentThe announcement comes as part of a wider economic reform agenda, which promoters, Juncker among them, say will help the Eurozone mitigate the risks of suffering another regional downturn like that caused by the financial crisis ten years ago.This includes integrating the EU's current European Stabilisation Mechanism (ESM), the Eurozone's bailout fund, into a wider European Monetary Fund (EMF).Juncker said further details of the EMF would be outlined by the Commission in December. However, he dismissed the idea, proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, of launching a separate budget and parliament exclusively for Eurozone members, i.e. those member states that share the euro."We do not need parallel structures. We do not need a budget for the Euro area but a strong Euro area budget line within the EU budget," Juncker said."I am also not fond of the idea of having a separate euro area parliament. The Parliament of the euro area is the European Parliament," he added.Furthering European integrationThe rejection is an attempt by Juncker to prevent divisions among the Eurozone's 19 member states and the wider group of 27 EU members once Britain leaves the bloc in March 2019.Juncker applauded the EU-27 for their continued commitment to the union, and said this had been reflected in the region's improved economic performance.EU economic growth has surpassed that of the U.S. for the past two years, reaching 2.2 percent within the Eurozone and 2 percent across the wider EU, Juncker noted. Unemployment has also hit a nine-year-low.He also said the union would do more to further integrate Eastern European and newer members, bringing Romania, Bulgaria and, eventually, Croatia, into the Schengen area  an agreement which abolishes passport control among member states."The wind is back in Europe's sails," Juncker said. "We now have a window of opportunity but it will not stay open forever. Let us make the most of the momentum, catch the wind in our sails."Driving ahead with global trade dealsTo embrace this opportunity, Juncker said the EU must drive ahead with its many prospective trade partnerships."Partners across the globe are lining up at our door to conclude trade agreements with us," Juncker commented, noting that Australia and New Zealand would be at the front of the queue."Today, we are proposing to open trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. I would like these trade agreements to be completed by the end of our mandate.This would mean setting in place a deal by 2019, when Juncker's first term ends. The President has already stated that he will not seek a second term.He also proposed striking a political deal on trade with Mexico and South American countries by the end of the year. EU officials are currently in talks to update a 17-year-old free trade accord with Mexico and create its first accord with Mercosur, the collective group comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. This comes as the U.K. is eager to strike its own free trade deals post- Brexit . However, EU rules mean that it can't sign deals until it has left the bloc. Juncker said that such new EU deals would be crucial to further job creation within the bloc, but added that they must be built on reciprocity."Europe is open to trade but there must be reciprocity. We have to get as much back as we put in," he said.Turkey suspended from EU accession talksAmid talk of further global cohesion, however, Juncker said that the EU would not consider allowing Turkey to join for the "foreseeable future."Referencing Turkey's controversial move to expand President Tayyip Erdogan's powers, Juncker said the state had undermined citizens' fundamental democratic rights."In Europe, law has muscle, it's not muscle that lays down the law," he said."Our union is not a state but it's still governed by the rule of law," he continued. "And that rules out membership for Turkey for the foreseeable future." Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook . The European Union is in its strongest position in a decade, but it must act quickly to capitalize on this and avoid past shortcomings, the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has said. Delivering his keynote State of the European Union address Wednesday, Juncker outlined a number of measures the union must implement in order to build a "stronger, more democratic Europe" by 2025. EU to appoint a Minister of Finance and Economy Chief among them was the appointment of an overarching European Minister of Economy and Finance to promote structural reforms and step in should any member states be hit by a recession or major crisis. The new minister would assume the responsibility for all EU financial instruments available in such instances, building on the groundwork laid by the European Commission's Structural Reform Support Service since 2015. He or she would also be the chairman of the Eurogroup  the collective term for all Eurozone finance ministers  and report directly to the European Parliament. "I am not calling for a new position just for the sake of it. I am calling for efficiency," Juncker noted. "The Commissioner for economic and financial affairs  ideally also a Vice-President  should assume the role of Economy and Finance Minister. He or she should also preside the Eurogroup." No separate Eurozone budget or parliament The announcement comes as part of a wider economic reform agenda, which promoters, Juncker among them, say will help the Eurozone mitigate the risks of suffering another regional downturn like that caused by the financial crisis ten years ago. This includes integrating the EU's current European Stabilisation Mechanism (ESM), the Eurozone's bailout fund, into a wider European Monetary Fund (EMF). Juncker said further details of the EMF would be outlined by the Commission in December. However, he dismissed the idea, proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, of launching a separate budget and parliament exclusively for Eurozone members, i.e. those member states that share the euro. "We do not need parallel structures. We do not need a budget for the Euro area but a strong Euro area budget line within the EU budget," Juncker said. "I am also not fond of the idea of having a separate euro area parliament. The Parliament of the euro area is the European Parliament," he added. Furthering European integration The rejection is an attempt by Juncker to prevent divisions among the Eurozone's 19 member states and the wider group of 27 EU members once Britain leaves the bloc in March 2019. Juncker applauded the EU-27 for their continued commitment to the union, and said this had been reflected in the region's improved economic performance. EU economic growth has surpassed that of the U.S. for the past two years, reaching 2.2 percent within the Eurozone and 2 percent across the wider EU, Juncker noted. Unemployment has also hit a nine-year-low. He also said the union would do more to further integrate Eastern European and newer members, bringing Romania, Bulgaria and, eventually, Croatia, into the Schengen area  an agreement which abolishes passport control among member states. "The wind is back in Europe's sails," Juncker said. "We now have a window of opportunity but it will not stay open forever. Let us make the most of the momentum, catch the wind in our sails." Driving ahead with global trade deals To embrace this opportunity, Juncker said the EU must drive ahead with its many prospective trade partnerships. "Partners across the globe are lining up at our door to conclude trade agreements with us," Juncker commented, noting that Australia and New Zealand would be at the front of the queue. "Today, we are proposing to open trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. I would like these trade agreements to be completed by the end of our mandate. This would mean setting in place a deal by 2019, when Juncker's first term ends. The President has already stated that he will not seek a second term. He also proposed striking a political deal on trade with Mexico and South American countries by the end of the year. EU officials are currently in talks to update a 17-year-old free trade accord with Mexico and create its first accord with Mercosur, the collective group comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. This comes as the U.K. is eager to strike its own free trade deals post- Brexit . However, EU rules mean that it can't sign deals until it has left the bloc. Juncker said that such new EU deals would be crucial to further job creation within the bloc, but added that they must be built on reciprocity. "Europe is open to trade but there must be reciprocity. We have to get as much back as we put in," he said. Turkey suspended from EU accession talks Amid talk of further global cohesion, however, Juncker said that the EU would not consider allowing Turkey to join for the "foreseeable future." Referencing Turkey's controversial move to expand President Tayyip Erdogan's powers, Juncker said the state had undermined citizens' fundamental democratic rights. "In Europe, law has muscle, it's not muscle that lays down the law," he said. "Our union is not a state but it's still governed by the rule of law," he continued. "And that rules out membership for Turkey for the foreseeable future." Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook .



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FILE PHOTO: Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Blankfein speaks at the Clinton Global Initiative 2014 (CGI) in New York, September 24, 2014. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo

Welcome to Finance Insider, Business Insider's summary of the top stories of the past 24 hours. Sign up here to get the best of Business Insider delivered direct to your inbox.

Goldman Sachs has a plan.

The US investment bank, which has been under pressure over its misfiring bond trading business, on Tuesday set out a strategy to generate an additional $1 billion plus in fixed income, currencies and commodities revenues. The plan, presented by Harvey Schwartz, president and co-chief operating officer, at the Barclays Financial Services Conference, also identified a further $4 billion in revenue opportunities in other business areas across the group. Here's what you need to know:

Schwartz also said "it's still a pretty challenging environment" in fixed income. That means that Wall Street is facing a gloomy reality.

The Delivering Alpha conference is taking place today. Here are the headlines:

In other finance news, BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, is reshuffling some of its top execs. Mike Cagney is stepping down as the CEO of SoFi. And Hong Kong is becoming too expensive for bankers.

Apple is expected to unveil three new iPhone models  including the dramatically redesigned iPhone X  today at its first event inside the new spaceship campus. Here's what you need to know:

Story continues

Lastly, Business Insider's Ben Zhang flew on Honda's new $4.9 million private jet, and he said it's an absolute game-changer.

NOW WATCH: A massive Hamptons estate that once belonged to the Ford family is on the market for a potentially record-breaking $175 million





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Russia's huge military exercise along its western border this week has increased nervousness among neighboring countries as well as straining relations with NATO. The "Zapad 2017" military exercise, running from the 14 th until the 20 th September, is held every four years and will on this occasion include activities on the borders of Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus. The main purpose of Zapad, which literally means west, is to simulate defense and counter-attack in case of war with NATO member countries.Security expert Otilia Dhand at Teneo Intelligence told CNBC Wednesday that while similar exercises have happened regularly since 1999, tension is enhanced this time because of recent history."Since the last Zapad exercises in 2013, Russia has annexed Crimea and fomented unrest in eastern Ukraine, where the conflict is ongoing."The Baltic members of NATO are therefore especially concerned over the possibility that these exercises may involve incursions into their territorial waters and airspace, as well as provide cover for building up Russian forces at bases close to their borders," she said.Since 2014, and the fall of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, Russian-backed soldiers have taken control of strategic positions within the Ukrainian territory of Crimea.Dhand said that this week's exercises could allow Moscow to funnel more equipment to separatist factions installed in eastern Ukraine.She added the planned military build-up could also allow Russia to leave behind more forces and hardware at bases in Belarus and the satellite region of Kaliningrad.NATO has said it has no plans to respond to the maneuvers but has expressed concern that Russia's offer to allow three experts to attend some of the exercises falls well short of agreed international obligations."Briefings on the exercise scenario and progress; opportunities to talk to individual soldiers; and overflights over the exercise. This is something that is part of the Vienna document, an agreement regulating transparency and predictability relating to military exercises," said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a speech made in Estonia on September 6.'Economical with the truth'Officially, the exercise involves just under 13,000 troops but Igor Sutyagin, senior research fellow of Russian Studies at the Royal United Services Institute, said in a note Tuesday that this number will be easily surpassed."Top of the concerns is the number of troops participating in the exercise."To avoid foreign monitoring, Russia and Belarus announced that just 12,700 troops will be participating in the exercise, below the Vienna Document threshold (of 13,000)," Sutyagin explained.And the RUSI analyst said while Lithuania and Ukraine have put the estimated figure at around 140,000 troops, the true number may well sit around the middle."A forensic analysis of the data available about these exercises offers conclusive evidence that Russia is being economical with the truth."This analysis suggests the number of troops participating in the exercises will be closer to 65 to 70,000," the security expert added.Sutyagin arrived at this figure by identifying regiments openly participating in Zagad as well as noting a Russian Ministry of Defense request for 4,162 train carriages to transport troops and military hardware to and from Belarus."This represents a massive increase on the 2015 and 2016 transport requirement, which were 125 and 50 carriages respectively, a rise in requirements which one can only assume as necessary to fulfilling the day-to-day needs of the Russian forces permanently deployed to Belarus," he said.The Russian Ministry of Defense has posted details of the exercise on its website and described the Zapad 2017 anti-terror exercise as purely defensive."The exercise stipulates that some extremist groups have penetrated to the territories of the Republic of Belarus and the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation in order to carry out terrorist attacks and destabilize the Union State of Russia and Belarus."The official statement added that in addition to the claimed 12,700 troops, around 70 aircraft, 10 warships, and 250 tanks will take part in the Zapad exercise. Russia's huge military exercise along its western border this week has increased nervousness among neighboring countries as well as straining relations with NATO. The "Zapad 2017" military exercise, running from the 14 th until the 20 th September, is held every four years and will on this occasion include activities on the borders of Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus. The main purpose of Zapad, which literally means west, is to simulate defense and counter-attack in case of war with NATO member countries. Security expert Otilia Dhand at Teneo Intelligence told CNBC Wednesday that while similar exercises have happened regularly since 1999, tension is enhanced this time because of recent history. "Since the last Zapad exercises in 2013, Russia has annexed Crimea and fomented unrest in eastern Ukraine, where the conflict is ongoing. "The Baltic members of NATO are therefore especially concerned over the possibility that these exercises may involve incursions into their territorial waters and airspace, as well as provide cover for building up Russian forces at bases close to their borders," she said. Since 2014, and the fall of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, Russian-backed soldiers have taken control of strategic positions within the Ukrainian territory of Crimea. Dhand said that this week's exercises could allow Moscow to funnel more equipment to separatist factions installed in eastern Ukraine. She added the planned military build-up could also allow Russia to leave behind more forces and hardware at bases in Belarus and the satellite region of Kaliningrad. NATO has said it has no plans to respond to the maneuvers but has expressed concern that Russia's offer to allow three experts to attend some of the exercises falls well short of agreed international obligations. "Briefings on the exercise scenario and progress; opportunities to talk to individual soldiers; and overflights over the exercise. This is something that is part of the Vienna document, an agreement regulating transparency and predictability relating to military exercises," said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a speech made in Estonia on September 6. 'Economical with the truth' Officially, the exercise involves just under 13,000 troops but Igor Sutyagin, senior research fellow of Russian Studies at the Royal United Services Institute, said in a note Tuesday that this number will be easily surpassed. "Top of the concerns is the number of troops participating in the exercise. "To avoid foreign monitoring, Russia and Belarus announced that just 12,700 troops will be participating in the exercise, below the Vienna Document threshold (of 13,000)," Sutyagin explained. And the RUSI analyst said while Lithuania and Ukraine have put the estimated figure at around 140,000 troops, the true number may well sit around the middle. "A forensic analysis of the data available about these exercises offers conclusive evidence that Russia is being economical with the truth. "This analysis suggests the number of troops participating in the exercises will be closer to 65 to 70,000," the security expert added. Sutyagin arrived at this figure by identifying regiments openly participating in Zagad as well as noting a Russian Ministry of Defense request for 4,162 train carriages to transport troops and military hardware to and from Belarus. "This represents a massive increase on the 2015 and 2016 transport requirement, which were 125 and 50 carriages respectively, a rise in requirements which one can only assume as necessary to fulfilling the day-to-day needs of the Russian forces permanently deployed to Belarus," he said. The Russian Ministry of Defense has posted details of the exercise on its website and described the Zapad 2017 anti-terror exercise as purely defensive. "The exercise stipulates that some extremist groups have penetrated to the territories of the Republic of Belarus and the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation in order to carry out terrorist attacks and destabilize the Union State of Russia and Belarus." The official statement added that in addition to the claimed 12,700 troops, around 70 aircraft, 10 warships, and 250 tanks will take part in the Zapad exercise.



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Relatives and friends accompany to the cemetery the remains of a victim of Thursday night's 8.2-magnitude quake in Juchitan, Oaxaca, Mexico, on September 10.

Mexico isn't going to help Texas after all.

The country that initially promised to help victims of Hurricane Harvey north of the border now says "conditions of both countries have changed," referring to Hurricane Katia, which made landfall on Mexico's Gulf coast on Saturday, and a powerful earthquake that killed 95 people in southern Mexico last week.

Mexico asserted that it wasn't messing with Texas, but merely that the Lone Star State's relief needs have "fortunately" diminished, said Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations Luis Videgaray Caso, in a statement Monday.

The country said it would focus solely on helping "families and communities affected" in Mexico, and has not requested international assistance to deal with the twin crises.

Mexico initially offered Texas personnel, technical equipment, supplies and cooperation after Harvey hit in late August. The offer came despite a tweet from President Trump, days earlier, that Mexico would reimburse America for his proposed border wall.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson accepted the offer at the end of August without commenting on the border wall or negotiations. "It was very generous of Mexico to offer their help at a very, very challenging time for our citizens back in Texas," he said.

The State Department has not yet commented on Mexico rescinding that aid.

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Mexican troops served 170,000 meals, distributed more than 184,000 tons of supplies and conducted more than 500 medical consultations, reported The Washington Post.

As of Monday, the United States had not offered aid to Mexico with its natural disaster recoveries, and the Trump administration expressed no clear plans to extend aid to Mexico.

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Nordstrom shares opened 5 percent higher Wednesday after CNBC reported a Nordstrom family group was closing in on a deal with a private equity firm to help take the department store private. Nordstrom family members were close to choosing Leonard Green & Partners to help fund a buyout of the eponymous department store, people familiar with the matter said Tuesday. Leonard Green would provide Nordstrom family members with roughly $1 billion in equity to help fund the deal, the sources said. The family group, which owns 31.2 percent of the 116-year-old retailer, said in June it was looking to take Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN) private. It has since been looking for a private equity partner to help support the deal and also held talks with KKR and Apollo . A deal between Nordstrom and Leonard Green has not been finalized, and other parties could make a move to disrupt the talks. It's also still possible talks could fall apart. The family group is already talking to banks about raising $7 billion to $8 billion in debt to finance the deal and is hoping to submit a formal bid in the next couple of weeks, the sources said. Nordstrom has appointed an independent special committee to evaluate the offer . Nordstrom has a market capitalization of roughly $7.7 billion. Leonard Green has worked with Nordstrom before. The Los Angeles-based private equity firm has a stake in the British fast-fashion line Topshop, which has a partnership with the Seattle-based department store. KKR and Apollo declined to comment. Nordstrom and Leonard Green didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.The Nordstrom family is hoping that as a private company, Nordstrom will be able to make investments that help it adapt to the changing retail landscape without worrying about short-term shareholder reaction. On Monday, Nordstrom announced it will roll out stores without merchandise , similar to concepts offered by e-retailers such as Bonobos and Warby Parker. Its stock slid as much as 5.4 percent to $43.59 on the news. Other long-term initiatives for Nordstrom include investing in e-commerce, closing underperforming stores and investing in top locations, and expanding its successful discount shopping chain, Nordstrom Rack, according to a source familiar with the situation. Still, a leveraged buyout of a department store is challenging in 2017. Several private equity backed-retailers have buckled under the weight of large debt loads that have hampered their ability to invest in e-commerce and adapt to the rapidly changing retail industry. Private equity-backed Payless ShoeSource and Gymboree filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, while Neiman Marcus is currently working with restructuring advisors. Still, with the Nordstrom family likely to maintain control over the department store's operations, the potential deal to go private follows a different template than many of its peers. Nordstrom has long been viewed as the jewel of the department store industry, with an affordable high-end price point that puts it between midtier Macy's (NYSE: M) and exclusive Neiman Marcus. The company was quick to spot shoppers shifting to off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshall's and put its efforts behind Nordstrom Rack, its own take on the category. Its investment into e-commerce helped it buck the industry trend last quarter of same-store sales declines.Still, like all of its peers, it has seen its stock fall this year as investors question whether department stores can compete as shopping habits change.Analysts were quick to point out that Nordstrom's unique track record and significant family ownership are likely to keep any potential deal to go private the exception rather than the rule. "The structural challenges for the traditional department stores are abundantly clear today," wrote Gordon Haskett analyst Chuck Grom. "We don't foresee anything similar transpiring at Macy's (NYSE: M) , Kohls (NYSE: KSS) , and/or JCPenney (NYSE: JCP) , particularly since family ownership is virtually nonexistent. Nordstrom operates 356 stores, including 121 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Of those, 221 are Nordstrom Rack stores. Its Seattle flagship location, modeled after famous European department stores, has restaurants, bars and pop-up shops. Nordstrom is also working on a flagship location at 217 West 57th St., near Manhattan's Central Park. Nordstrom shares opened 5 percent higher Wednesday after CNBC reported a Nordstrom family group was closing in on a deal with a private equity firm to help take the department store private. Nordstrom family members were close to choosing Leonard Green & Partners to help fund a buyout of the eponymous department store, people familiar with the matter said Tuesday. Leonard Green would provide Nordstrom family members with roughly $1 billion in equity to help fund the deal, the sources said. The family group, which owns 31.2 percent of the 116-year-old retailer, said in June it was looking to take Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN) private. It has since been looking for a private equity partner to help support the deal and also held talks with KKR and Apollo . A deal between Nordstrom and Leonard Green has not been finalized, and other parties could make a move to disrupt the talks. It's also still possible talks could fall apart. The family group is already talking to banks about raising $7 billion to $8 billion in debt to finance the deal and is hoping to submit a formal bid in the next couple of weeks, the sources said. Nordstrom has appointed an independent special committee to evaluate the offer . Nordstrom has a market capitalization of roughly $7.7 billion. Leonard Green has worked with Nordstrom before. The Los Angeles-based private equity firm has a stake in the British fast-fashion line Topshop, which has a partnership with the Seattle-based department store. KKR and Apollo declined to comment. Nordstrom and Leonard Green didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The Nordstrom family is hoping that as a private company, Nordstrom will be able to make investments that help it adapt to the changing retail landscape without worrying about short-term shareholder reaction. On Monday, Nordstrom announced it will roll out stores without merchandise , similar to concepts offered by e-retailers such as Bonobos and Warby Parker. Its stock slid as much as 5.4 percent to $43.59 on the news. Other long-term initiatives for Nordstrom include investing in e-commerce, closing underperforming stores and investing in top locations, and expanding its successful discount shopping chain, Nordstrom Rack, according to a source familiar with the situation. Still, a leveraged buyout of a department store is challenging in 2017. Several private equity backed-retailers have buckled under the weight of large debt loads that have hampered their ability to invest in e-commerce and adapt to the rapidly changing retail industry. Private equity-backed Payless ShoeSource and Gymboree filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, while Neiman Marcus is currently working with restructuring advisors. Still, with the Nordstrom family likely to maintain control over the department store's operations, the potential deal to go private follows a different template than many of its peers. Nordstrom has long been viewed as the jewel of the department store industry, with an affordable high-end price point that puts it between midtier Macy's (NYSE: M) and exclusive Neiman Marcus. The company was quick to spot shoppers shifting to off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshall's and put its efforts behind Nordstrom Rack, its own take on the category. Its investment into e-commerce helped it buck the industry trend last quarter of same-store sales declines. Still, like all of its peers, it has seen its stock fall this year as investors question whether department stores can compete as shopping habits change. Analysts were quick to point out that Nordstrom's unique track record and significant family ownership are likely to keep any potential deal to go private the exception rather than the rule. "The structural challenges for the traditional department stores are abundantly clear today," wrote Gordon Haskett analyst Chuck Grom. "We don't foresee anything similar transpiring at Macy's (NYSE: M) , Kohls (NYSE: KSS) , and/or JCPenney (NYSE: JCP) , particularly since family ownership is virtually nonexistent. Nordstrom operates 356 stores, including 121 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Of those, 221 are Nordstrom Rack stores. Its Seattle flagship location, modeled after famous European department stores, has restaurants, bars and pop-up shops. Nordstrom is also working on a flagship location at 217 West 57th St., near Manhattan's Central Park.



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North Korea is trying to steal bitcoin and other virtual currencies to avoid sanctions and fund Kim Jong Un's regime, according to a report. The report, published Monday by cybersecurity firm FireEye (FEYE), found that North Korean hackers had targeted at least three South Korean cryptocurrency exchanges with the suspected aim of stealing the digital tokens. According to FireEye, hackers used spear phishing  a fraudulent method of sending emails to make them look like they were sent by someone you know  and dispersed malware to obtain virtual cash illicitly. Hackers affiliated with the North Korea have previously been accused of using cyberattacks to target banks. FireEye logged suspicious activity affecting the exchanges over several months. In April, four wallets on the Seoul-based cryptocurrency exchange Yapizon were compromised, but could not be clearly linked to North Korean involvement. Later in May, the firm monitored a spear phishing attack that successfully compromised an exchange.

Governments of all kinds grapple with cryptocurrency Bitcoin has surged in price and popularity this year, and reached an all-time high of $5,103 earlier this month. But the asset is highly volatile. Its value dipped more than $1,000 within three days following China's decision to ban initial coin offerings (ICOs), which allow start-ups to raise funds by selling new digital currencies. The Chinese government took a notably harsher stance on Monday, after it was widely reported local bitcoin exchanges would be shut down by authorities. This saw the price hit a low of $4,108 on Monday. On Tuesday, bitcoin recovered somewhat, and was trading at $4,342 at 1 p.m. London time, up 3.66 percent. "As bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have increased in value in the last year, nation states are beginning to take notice," Luke McNamara, senior cyberthreat intelligence analyst at FireEye, wrote in the report. Several governments have shown increasing interest in virtual currencies as they move out of the periphery and into the mainstream. The U.S. government, for instance, has signaled that securities law could apply to ICOs . Meanwhile, Estonia has said it wants to launch its own cryptocurrency , called "estcoin," via a state-backed ICO.

Australia has also proposed legislation that would bring digital currency exchange providers under the authority of its government financial intelligence agency, in an effort to clamp down on money laundering and other illicit activities. "Consequently, it should be no surprise that cryptocurrencies, as an emerging asset class, are becoming a target of interest by a regime that operates in many ways like a criminal enterprise," McNamara said. "While at present North Korea is somewhat distinctive in both their willingness to engage in financial crime and their possession of cyber espionage capabilities, the uniqueness of this combination will likely not last long-term as rising cyber powers may see similar potential. Cyber criminals may no longer be the only nefarious actors in this space." Dodging sanctions The U.N. Security Council this week approved a resolution to step up sanctions against North Korea. The country has faced increasing international trade pressure following its decision to conduct a missile test over Japan earlier this month and its detonation of what it claimed as a hydrogen bomb in an underground test. According to the FireEye report, sanctions "could be driving" North Korea's interest in cryptocurrencies. FireEye said the country could be attempting to obtain hard cash in exchange for stolen virtual coins in order to fund the regime. The value of bitcoin (Exchange:BTC=-USS) alone has climbed by 350 percent this year. The U.N.'s sanctions resolution was subsequently rejected by North Korea. WATCH: Skeptic admits bitcoin could be a legit currency



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By Swati Pandey and Paulina Duran

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's corporate regulator took aim at the nation's four major banks, saying the powerful institutions "with a lot of hubris" aren't used to being taken on by regulators who have stepped up scrutiny of the scandal-hit sector.

Australia's highly profitable banks have been hit by a series of scandals including allegations of benchmark rate-rigging and, in the case of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, alleged money-laundering breaches.

"When I became chairman I decided we need to build a war chest to take on big cases...I am not scared of anybody," Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) Chairman Greg Medcraft said at a Reuters Newsmaker event in Sydney, as he prepares to step down in November.

One of the emerging problems in the sector is loan fraud in the mortgage market, Medcraft said.

But it has been out-of-cycle mortgage rate changes that have generated the biggest public and political outcry, as home-owners struggle to meet high repayments with modest wages growth.

The banking sector should start repairing its reputation by offering variable mortgages at a set level above the cash rate rather than exposing customers to irregular pricing changes, he said.

"I would think the biggest thing the banks could do to win the trust of Australians would be to at least offer the option of a variable rate mortgage priced over something like the cash rate."

Australian regulators have been pushing banks to tighten mortgage lending standards on worries a debt-fuelled bubble and bust in the country's property market could destabilise the financial system and hurt the broader economy.

Medcraft censured the banks for increasing home loan rates for existing customers while offering discounts to entice new borrowers.

Representatives of Australia's four biggest retail banks were not immediately available to comment on Tuesday. The head of the Australian banking lobby Anna Bligh said offering such a product would "add considerable risk into the banking system" due to the volatility of banks' cost of funding.

Story continues

Medcraft said improving the culture and conduct of the biggest banks was one of his "unfinished businesses" as he prepares to step down in November.

END TO PRIVATE DIGITAL CURRENCIES?

Medcraft was not surprised that China had started to clamp down on private cryptocurrencies, which included last week's move to ban so-called "initial coin offerings", or the practice of creating and selling digital currencies or tokens to investors in order to finance start-up projects.

He said that while it wasn't the job of the Australian regulator to ban private digital currencies, he added it was becoming problematic.

"It's classic non-cash economy in digital form," he said. "If you don't cut it off quickly, it will flower."

"Having something that is issued by the state is going to be something more likely in the future than essentially a cryptocurrency."

Bitcoins are not regulated in Australia as a financial product. The government recently proposed new laws to bring in bitcoin providers under the regulatory fold for the first time ever.

U.S. MARKET PUSH

Australia would make a renewed push to integrate its capital markets with the United States, Medcraft said, opening up the country's A$2.3 trillion ($1.85 trillion) retirement savings to American companies while giving Australians access to the deepest capital market in the world.

"What Canada has is what we want...which is mutual recognition," he told the conference, adding he would raise the issue the next time he met the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chair.

Australia and the United States signed a cooperation agreement to mutually recognise each other's laws for raising capital in 2008, but little has come from it.

Local media has speculated that Medcraft will be heading to Paris when he finishes up at ASIC in November, likely as a special adviser to the OECD secretary general.

The former investment banker lived in Paris for three years in the late 1980s when he worked for Societe Generale.

"It would be a very interesting area wouldn't it," Medcraft told Reuters, without elaborating.

($1 = 1.2427 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Swati Pandey and Paulina Duran in SYDNEY. Additional reporting by Tom Westbrook. Writing by Jonathan Barrett.; Editing by Shri Navaratnam and Jacqueline Wong)
U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil settled higher on Tuesday. The catalyst behind the strength was a report showing OPEC oil production fell for the first time since March. Helping to limit gains was a stronger U.S. Dollar which could have an impact on demand.

November WTI crude oil settled at $48.75, up $0.13 or +0.27% and December Brent crude oil finished the session at $54.03, up $0.34 or +0.63%.

Daily November West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil

According to a monthly report, OPECs oil output fell in August for the first time since March as several key exporters in the cartel throttled back production.

The report showed the cartel pumped 32.76 million barrels a day last month, according to independent sources that monitor OPECs production. This was a 79,100 barrel-a-day drop from July.

Earlier in the week, prices received support as Saudi Arabia held discussions about extending the deal to curb production, reduce supply and stabilize prices beyond the March deadline.

Daily December Brent Crude

Forecast

WTI and Brent crude oil futures are trading lower early Wednesday following the release of mixed inventories data from the American Petroleum Institute (API).

According from the American Petroleum Institute, crude oil inventories increased 6.181 million barrels in the United States during the week-ending September 8. Analysts were looking for a build of 10.1 million barrels.

Gasoline inventories fell more than anticipated by 7.896 million barrels for the week-ending September 8, against an expected draw of 4.0 million barrels.

The inventories data was skewed as many refineries in the Gulf Coast remain offline and demand in Florida wanes in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

The data seems to have been enough to put a temporary cap on Tuesdays rally that was fueled by reports of lower production from OPEC in August.

Some bearish investors are saying the OPEC data was not a true assessment of production because the numbers were lowered by unrest in Libya which contributed the countrys 112,300-barrel decline in Augusts production.

Story continues

Todays U.S. Energy Information Administrations weekly inventories report is expected to show a 4.1 million barrel build. I think investors are going to give this estimate some room on either side because the data from the Gulf region affected by Hurricane Harvey is still skewed.

The market is trading inside a major retracement zone on the daily chart. November WTI crude oil is expected to have a bullish tone on a sustained move over $48.91 and a bearish tone on a sustained move under $48.38.

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

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FILE PHOTO: Employees close a valve of a pipe at a PetroChina refinery in Lanzhou, Gansu province January 7, 2011. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

By Julia Simon

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Tuesday after OPEC forecast higher demand in 2018 and Russia and Venezuela confirmed their commitment to a production-cutting deal to reduce the global crude glut.

In its monthly report, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries also said the two hurricanes that hit the United States in recent weeks would have a "negligible" impact on demand.

About 6.1 million customers were without power following Hurricane Irma, down from a peak over 7.4 million late Monday, according to local utilities.

The market was assessing Irma's effect on demand, even as refinery restarts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey boosted expectations for crude oil consumption.

The largest refinery in the United States, in Port Arthur Texas, was running at reduced rates, sources told Reuters.

Brent crude (LCOc1) settled up 43 cents or 0.8 percent to $54.27 per barrel. Its session low was $53.42.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) (CLc1) was up 16 cents or 0.3 percent to $48.23 a barrel. It hit a session low of $47.73.

U.S. crude stockpiles rose nearly twice expected levels last week as refineries cut output following Hurricane Harvey, while gasoline and distillate inventories drew, industry group the American Petroleum Institute said after the market settled.

After the API report, U.S. gasoline futures rose (RBc1), surpassing their session high.

Crude inventories rose by 6.2 million barrels in the week to Sept. 8 to 468.8 million, compared with analysts' expectations for an increase of 3.2 million barrels.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports Wednesday. [EIA/S]

This week's numbers might be incomplete indicators of the longer-term supply and demand outlook, said Mark Watkins, regional investment manager at U.S. Bank.

"Over the next two to three weeks, the EIA inventory numbers will be rather sloppy because you have production disrupted, refineries going offline and online," he said. He added that OPEC figures are a better signal. "Thats why you have to look out further."

Story continues

Output by OPEC's 14 member countries fell in August by 79,000 barrels per day (bpd) from July to 32.76 million bpd.

Should OPEC keep pumping at August's rate, the market would see a small supply deficit next year, versus a 450,000-bpd surplus implied by last month's report.

OPEC said inventories were falling and noted a rising premium of Brent crude for immediate delivery over that for later supplies.

Russian and Venezuelan energy ministers met in Moscow and confirmed their commitment to the output cut deal.

The U.S. EIA said it expects U.S. crude oil production in 2018 to rise by more than previously expected.

(Additional reporting by Libby George and Fanny Potkin in London, and Jane Chung in Seoul; Editing by Marguerita Choy, Greg Mahlich and Chris Reese)
By Julia Simon NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Tuesday after OPEC forecast higher demand in 2018 and Russia and Venezuela confirmed their commitment to a production-cutting deal to reduce the global crude glut. In its monthly report, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries also said the two hurricanes that hit the United States in recent weeks would have a "negligible" impact on demand. About 6.1 million customers were without power following Hurricane Irma, down from a peak over 7.4 million late Monday, according to local utilities. The market was assessing Irma's effect on demand, even as refinery restarts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey boosted expectations for crude oil consumption. The largest refinery in the United States, in Port Arthur Texas, was running at reduced rates, sources told Reuters. Brent crude settled up 43 cents or 0.8 percent to $54.27 per barrel. Its session low was $53.42. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 16 cents or 0.3 percent to $48.23 a barrel. It hit a session low of $47.73. U.S. crude stockpiles rose nearly twice expected levels last week as refineries cut output following Hurricane Harvey, while gasoline and distillate inventories drew, industry group the American Petroleum Institute said after the market settled. After the API report, U.S. gasoline futures rose , surpassing their session high. Crude inventories rose by 6.2 million barrels in the week to Sept. 8 to 468.8 million, compared with analysts' expectations for an increase of 3.2 million barrels. The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports Wednesday. [EIA/S] This week's numbers might be incomplete indicators of the longer-term supply and demand outlook, said Mark Watkins, regional investment manager at U.S. Bank. "Over the next two to three weeks, the EIA inventory numbers will be rather sloppy because you have production disrupted, refineries going offline and online," he said. He added that OPEC figures are a better signal. "Thats why you have to look out further." Output by OPEC's 14 member countries fell in August by 79,000 barrels per day (bpd) from July to 32.76 million bpd. Should OPEC keep pumping at August's rate, the market would see a small supply deficit next year, versus a 450,000-bpd surplus implied by last month's report. OPEC said inventories were falling and noted a rising premium of Brent crude for immediate delivery over that for later supplies. Russian and Venezuelan energy ministers met in Moscow and confirmed their commitment to the output cut deal. The U.S. EIA said it expects U.S. crude oil production in 2018 to rise by more than previously expected. (Additional reporting by Libby George and Fanny Potkin in London, and Jane Chung in Seoul; Editing by Marguerita Choy, Greg Mahlich and Chris Reese)
A woman in Nashville has been charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a homeless man. Authorities say the man was critically wounded after he asked her to move her Porsche.



Police say Katie Quackenbush, 26, shot Gerald Melton, 54, late last month near Nashville's Music Row. They say he was trying to sleep on the sidewalk at 3 a.m. but was disturbed by exhaust fumes and loud music coming from a Porsche SUV. When he asked the driver to move the car, the exchange became heated.



Detectives say that after Melton returned to where he was sleeping, Quackenbush got out of the Porsche with a gun to continue the argument. He suffered two gunshot wounds to the abdomen, and he told police she then got back into the Porsche and drove away.



Quackenbush's father, Jesse Quackenbush, an attorney, released a statement saying his daughter acted in self-defense and had intended both rounds as warning shots. He said Melton had been on his feet, not sleeping, prior to the argument, and had threatened his daughter and another young woman she was with.



She fired the shots and then left, the father told the Tennessean newspaper, because Melton continued to approach the women.



"She did say she closed her eyes when she shot both times," he said, "but they were warnings, and she thought she pointed away from him."



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Investors should be worried that Gary Cohn, the head of the National Economic Council under President Trump, might leave his position, the CEO of one of the worlds largest hedge fund said Tuesday.

If he was to leave, it would be terrible, Ray Dalio, the head of Bridgewater Associates, said during an interview CNBC and Institutional Investors Delivering Alpha Conference. Dalio, who recently warned that social divisions in the U.S. are threatening the economy, said Cohns departure would undermine the Trump Administrations ability to enact economic reforms. I think it would be bad for the market, he said.

Cohn, according to accounts by multiple news outlets, was deeply upset by Trumps response to racial violence last month in Charlottesville, Va., and considered resigning as a result. He later took the extraordinary step of criticizing Trump publicly. As a patriotic American, I am reluctant to leave my post as director of the National Economic Council because I feel a duty to fulfill my commitment to work on behalf of the American people, Cohn told the Financial Times last month. But I also feel compelled to voice my distress over the events of the last two weeks.

Dalio said that if Cohn leaves it would signal to others that the Trump Administration is a difficult place to work  making it harder to find a replacement.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Rhode Island said on Wednesday that it had joined a group of states probing the Equifax data breach, as the credit company's shares fell another 14 percent amid growing pressure to explain its handling of the hack. Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen said last week that he was working with colleagues in Pennsylvania and Illinois to open a formal probe of the hack, which Equifax discovered in July but did not disclose until September. It was not immediately known how many states were in the group looking at the hack, which has spawned multiple calls for federal investigations and pushed the company's share price down 30 percent on heavy volume. Equifax shares slid for a fourth day, falling another 14 percent to break below $100 for the first time since February 2016. Amid disclosures of data breaches at a broad array of companies and government agencies in recent years, the Equifax hack stands out. Cyber security experts said it was among the largest hacks ever recorded and was particularly troubling due to the richness of the information exposed: names, birthdays, addresses and Social Security and drivers license numbers. "Since the Equifax breach was announced late last week, we have received countless calls and emails from consumers who are rightfully angry and frustrated over the lack of information and clarity from the company on how this happened, protections that are being offered, and what rights consumers may have against the company," said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin in a statement. In Washington, Representative Greg Walden, Republican chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Republican Representative Bob Latta, announced that they had been briefed by Equifax on the breach. They also said that the company's chief executive, Richard Smith, had agreed to testify on Oct. 3. "We look forward to hearing directly from Mr. Smith on this unprecedented breach that has raised serious questions about the security of consumers' personal information," the lawmakers said in an email statement. Equifax did not respond to telephone calls or emails seeking comment. Stock trader Ken Polcari, director of the NYSE floor division at ONeil Securities in New York, said the shares are sinking because of Equifax's poor handling of a terrible breach. "Its a disaster. This breach has put almost every adult American in jeopardy. I dont think (the share drop) is over by any stretch. This is just going to get uglier and uglier for them," he said. (Reporting by Diane Bartz. Additional reporting by Lewis Krauskopf and Chuck Mikolajczak in New York; Editing by Chris Sanders and Cynthia Osterman)
FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg, Russia, July 30, 2017. REUTERS/Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool/File Photo

The FBI is investigating whether Russia's state-owned Sputnik News is a propaganda arm of the Kremlin and therefore operating in the United States in violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, Yahoo News reported Sunday.

Sputnik's former White House correspondent, Andrew Feinberg, confirmed to Business Insider on Monday that the bureau interviewed him on September 1 about his brief but eye-opening time at Sputnik, which he outlined in Politico late last month.

"As if my life wasn't insane enough already," Feinberg said in an email when asked about the news.

The FBI is now in possession of thousands of internal Sputnik emails and documents that Feinberg downloaded before he left the company and handed over earlier this month, according to Yahoo.

Feinberg used Twitter in May to announce that he'd left Sputnik and "would love to tell you why."

Sputnik and Russia's other state-owned news outlet, Russia Today, share an editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan. The US intelligence community has pointed to outlets like Russia Today as being part of a disinformation campaign on behalf of the Kremlin to hurt Hillary Clinton's chances of winning last year's US election.

Sputnik US's editor-in-chief, Mindia Gavasheli, told Yahoo that "any assertion that we are not a news organization is simply false," adding that "this is the first time I'm hearing about" the FBI investigation.

But Sputnik's slant is no secret. As the Atlantic Council has written, the presidential decree that founded Sputnik's parent company described the outlet's purpose as "reporting the state policy of the Russian Federation, and public life in the Russian Federation, abroad."

Asha Rangappa, a former FBI counterintelligence agent, noted that the FBI "stays away from REAL journalists."

"If the FBI is willing to directly confront 'journalists,' it means that they don't think that independent news is what they are up to," Rangappa said. "It suggests to me that they believe  and are potentially willing to show a court  that these 'journalists' are actually foreign agents and are taking direction pretty directly from a foreign power (in this case, the Kremlin)."

Story continues

'There is a pattern of these interests aligning'

Feinberg told Business Insider earlier this year that it wasn't long before Sputnik asked him to write things that either lacked appropriate context or had a decidedly pro-Russian slant that he argued distorted reality.

Feinberg said his editors pushed him to characterize Russia's annexation of Crimea as the product of a "referendum" rather than an invasion. (An article from April 27, titled "Brussels to Keep Denying Crimean Self-Determination Until Trump Says Otherwise," refers to the referendum several times, as do previous articles.)

"That referendum took place at gunpoint and tank-point," Feinberg said, referring to the fact that the vote  which the European Union and US condemned as illegal, and which most Crimeans boycotted entirely  took place after pro-Russian forces had taken control of the peninsula.

"If I had tried to add any of that context, it wouldn't have gotten past the first edit," Feinberg said.

He said his managers, most of whom "were on the young side, in their 20s or 30s," scolded him after he asked former White House press secretary Sean Spicer earlier this year why the US was not sending weapons to Ukraine, he said, to help the army fend off pro-Russian separatists in the country's east. (He ended up filing the story, anyway, and it was published.)

At one point, Feinberg said he was tasked with asking Spicer a question that framed Syrian President Bashar Assad's chemical-weapons attack as a so-called false-flag attack staged by Assad's opponents. (Russian President Vladimir Putin, an Assad ally, subsequently repeated that claim.)

Feinberg said that he couldn't be sure how much instruction his higher-ups were getting directly from the Kremlin and that it wasn't obvious whether they supported President Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton.

"No one there really ever talked about Trump in glowing terms," Feinberg said. "Most of the Americans there just want to do journalism."

The final straw, Feinberg said, was when his managers told him to ask Spicer about Seth Rich, a Democratic National Committee staffer whose killing has spawned conspiracy theories on the far right. The police say he was the victim of a botched robbery, and the investigation is ongoing.

Fox News published a story advancing an alternative theory in May that was subsequently retracted and is now the subject of a lawsuit filed by Rod Wheeler, a detective hired by Rich's family to investigate his death.

Wheeler alleged that he was misquoted in the Fox story and that the White House, including Trump, had knowledge of the story before it was published. The lawsuit claims that a wealthy Trump supporter worked in concert with a Fox News reporter to push the story. Fox News has called the claims contained in the lawsuit "erroneous."

"It's disturbing but not surprising that the White House apparently was very eager to push the same unfounded story as the Russian state-owned news outfit that I worked for," Feinberg said.

"I'm not going to spout any wild conspiracy theories, but there is a pattern of these interests aligning," he said.

Feinberg says he refused to ask Spicer about Rich and was subsequently fired without explanation. Sputnik told Business Insider that the problem was not its editorial policy but Feinberg's work ethic.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to Mr. Feinberg for passion he demonstrated at the beginning of his career at Sputnik," the organization told Business Insider.

"Unfortunately, as high as it was this passion did not convert into the same level of professional journalism and the amount of exclusive stories that our clients and readers are looking for."

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Sept 12 (Reuters) - Offshore drilling services provider Seadrill Ltd said on Tuesday it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and entered into a restructuring agreement with bank lenders, bondholders and a consortium of investors.

The company said in a statement the agreement delivered $1.06 billion of new capital, comprising $860 million of secured notes and $200 million of equity, and addressed Seadrill's liabilities, including funded debt and other obligations.

Seadrill said it had over $1 billion in cash at the time of the court filing in the Southern District of Texas and it did not require any debtor-in-possession financing.

As part of the Chapter 11 filing, the company sought "first day" motions that, when granted, would enable day-to-day operations to continue as usual. Seadrill said it had ring-fenced its non-consolidated affiliates including Seadrill Partners Llc, Seamex Ltd, Archer Ltd and their respective subsidiaries from the company's restructuring. These non-consolidated affiliates did not file Chapter 11 cases.

Houlihan Lokey Inc served as Seadrill's financial advisor while Alvarez & Marsal served as its restructuring advisor. (Reporting by Uday Sampath in Bengaluru; Editing by; Andrew Hay)
The Senate on Wednesday turned back an attempt to repeal the current authority for U.S. military force in the 16-year-old Afghanistan war and the fight in Iraq. Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul , an anti-war crusader, had offered an amendment to the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to repeal war authority granted in 2001 and 2002. He argued Wednesday that the current war authorizations are outdated and that Congress needed to "grab power back" from the executive branch, which he said has been using the war authorizations for "unauthorized, unconstitutional and undeclared war." Paul had threatened to essentially slow down the legislative process for passing the fiscal 2018 NDAA unless there was a floor debate on the war authorizations. The NDAA sets forth the Pentagon's budget and major programs for the next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1. But by a 61-36 vote, the Senate voted to table the Paul amendment  in effect killing  the attempt to repeal the war authorizations. Overall, there are more than 300 amendments proposed for the Senate's NDAA. The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) completed its markup of the NDAA in June. Debate on other amendments to the annual national defense bill will continue this week on the Senate floor but also may run into next week. The NDAA proposes a total defense spend of nearly $700 billion. Democrat Sen. Jack Reed, ranking member of SASC, rose to speak against the Paul amendment. He said voting for it would have had "practical and almost immediate consequences" to U.S. service members in the field, allies as well as emboldened adversaries. Similarly, Republican Sen. John McCain , the SASC chairman, argued against the Paul amendment and said it wasn't necessary to rush the issue to the floor. "Haven't we had enough of bringing things to the floor without hearings, without amendments, without debate," McCain said. "I'm confident that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues would agree to approve the use of military force against the vicious, brutal enemy we face in ISIS and associated forces." McCain also argued that repealing the 2001 and 2002 war authorizations without simultaneously passing a new one "would be premature, would be irresponsible and it would threaten U.S. national security." The AUMF, or Authorization for Use of Military Force, was first used in 2001 by President George W. Bush when the U.S. deployed forces to Afghanistan. If the Paul amendment had prevailed, though, it could have forced President Donald Trump to wind down ongoing military operations against the Taliban and terrorist groups in Afghanistan, as well as the fight against ISIS in Iraq , Syria and other countries. That said, there would have been a six-month window for Congress to consider new war authorizations. "After 16 years, it's difficult to determine the purpose in Afghanistan," Paul said during the debate. The Kentucky senator went on to say the U.S. also is involved in wars in at least six other places, including Yemen but as of yet there's been no vote in Congress to authorize it. He also cited the U.S. military involvement in wars in Somalia and Libya . "These wars are costing trillions of dollars," Paul said. "I think it's time to start thinking about the problems we have here at home. It's time to think about the $20 trillion debt we've got." Also, Paul said "a $150 billion tab" for hurricane damage in Texas is another domestic priority rather than spending money on the undeclared wars abroad.

WATCH: Sen. Warner says Congress needs bipartisanship to get big things done



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Records are being set monthly in the space industry , and private companies are the ones leading the surge. While companies like United Launch Alliance and SpaceX may get the glory, thanks to the enduring sex appeal of thundering rocket launches, spaceports are quietly driving the industry forward, acting as its critical backbone."The standard that the industry is looking for is different than ever before," Craig Campbell, CEO of Alaska Aerospace, told CNBC. "The commercial industry is nothing like the government industry when it comes to money."Ten spaceports are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration. George Nield, leader of the FAA's Commercial Space Transportation, said "another half-dozen locations are knocking on the door."Nield noted there is no generally accepted definition of what a spaceport is, saying "they're not all the same and are often very different kinds of operations."For Campbell's Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island, Alaska, the focus is on small, vertical launches, such as with Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle. Rocket Lab has contracted to soon launch the Electron vehicle to orbit from Campbell's facility."We are ideally located to launch into polar orbit and have an unobstructed range for launching," Campbell said.Vehicle operators want three things, said Campbell: "Low cost, launch on time, and with no interference with other customers."Dale Nash, CEO and executive director of Virginia Space, said he hopes his facility becomes "as busy as Cape Canaveral in Florida.""Right now my capacity is not limited by me. It's limited by the launch vehicle providers," Nash said.The state invested more than $100 million to help build one of the two launchpads at Virginia Space, and there's a third flat pad for smaller launches, as well as a runway for unmanned aerial vehicles.The Alaska and Virginia facilities rely on FAA-regulated airspace. Nash noted that competing air traffic requires the FAA clear a window. The enduring conflict between aircraft and spacecraft is one Nield is working to resolve. He said the FAA is targeting this integration, but "the reality will be an evolution.""We have established a strategic initiative to integrate, safely, the commercial space operations into national airspace," Nield told CNBC.The restricted airspace edgeSome spaceports use adjacent restricted, remote airspace as a competitive advantage, such as Mojave Air and Space Port in California and Spaceport America in New Mexico."We located the spaceport on this big chunk of land below the Department of Defense's restricted airspace" at White Sands missile range, Spaceport America CEO Dan Hicks said. "Our airspace is always owned by the department, and there are only two places in the country like that: over the White House and over White Sands."Mojave piggybacks off the airspace of nearby Edwards Air Force Base. Like Hicks, Mojave CEO Karina Drees stressed the advantage, saying it is a "freedom to test and operate.""Mojave can accommodate essentially any aircraft with our long runway, and we have several rocket sites for test programs," Drees said.Hicks added that Spaceport America's location adds to its capabilities, saying it has the potential to grow reliably "for customers who want quick access to space.""We could launch anywhere from every day to even a couple a day," Hicks said, adding the location means its only limit is "scheduling issues with White Sands."Slim operating marginsA satellite launch considered simple by the industry can cost upward of $60 million but spaceports see little profit per launch. Instead, Nash sees a spaceport's benefit as a driver for local economies, providing value in the same way a major airport does today. Drees concurred, saying "the money really is in the vehicle operators.""Mojave's operations revenue is about $4 million, and we expect to grow over the next three years by another $1 million per year," Drees said.She works with four customers at Mojave  Stratolaunch, The Spaceship Company, Virgin Galactic and Masten Space. A typical lease fee at Mojave is around $50,000 per month, but it varies depending on the square footage a company requires.Drees said the first launch of Virgin Galactic's Spaceship One craft made "attracting other customers automatic." With low-cost launchers being built for $5 million or less, such as Vector Space's Vector-R , Alaska Aerospace must offer services on a lean budget, Campbell said. "If Rocket Lab says their total mission budget is $4.95 million, they can't spend $2 million to launch," Campbell said, before noting his spaceport charges "somewhere in the vicinity of $200,000 to $500,000 to achieve full launch costs."Both SpaceX and Virgin Galactic pay monthly rents for access at Spaceport America, and SpaceX built "a nice launchpad" for testing back in 2012, Hicks said.Next steps for government regulationSpaceports have five-year operator licenses from the FAA, which interacts with the facilities frequently, including an annual safety inspection. The bulk of licenses go to launch operators, which Nield says come in "different flavors.""SpaceX has several different kinds of licenses, and some allow them to launch the same rocket with the same general payload on the same trajectory an indefinite number of times," Nield said.Executives of these spaceports were overwhelmingly positive in their appraisal of the FAA's regulatory work thus far, but some advocated for more funding and personnel at Nield's branch."The FAA has been a really good partner for the industry," Drees said. "Yet the FAA is very understaffed."Campbell agreed, saying the FAA has "an open mind to vehicle operators showing and launching new concepts," while still accounting for risk well."No matter who the rocket company is, the FAA wants to protect people and protect property," Campbell said.Even those who use Department of Defense airspace, like Spaceport America, believe the FAA is guiding the industry in the right direction. Hicks said he doesn't "want the FAA to think that we and Department of Defense are trying to slide something by them. Instead, he wants to make sure there's as much intergovernmental cooperation as possible.Nield said he expects the influx of private investment is a boon to the industry, and wants the FAA to help that growth continue."Government usually costs a little bit more and takes a little bit longer to do these things," Nield added. Records are being set monthly in the space industry , and private companies are the ones leading the surge. While companies like United Launch Alliance and SpaceX may get the glory, thanks to the enduring sex appeal of thundering rocket launches, spaceports are quietly driving the industry forward, acting as its critical backbone. "The standard that the industry is looking for is different than ever before," Craig Campbell, CEO of Alaska Aerospace, told CNBC. "The commercial industry is nothing like the government industry when it comes to money." Ten spaceports are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration. George Nield, leader of the FAA's Commercial Space Transportation, said "another half-dozen locations are knocking on the door." Nield noted there is no generally accepted definition of what a spaceport is, saying "they're not all the same and are often very different kinds of operations." For Campbell's Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island, Alaska, the focus is on small, vertical launches, such as with Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle. Rocket Lab has contracted to soon launch the Electron vehicle to orbit from Campbell's facility. "We are ideally located to launch into polar orbit and have an unobstructed range for launching," Campbell said. Vehicle operators want three things, said Campbell: "Low cost, launch on time, and with no interference with other customers." Dale Nash, CEO and executive director of Virginia Space, said he hopes his facility becomes "as busy as Cape Canaveral in Florida." "Right now my capacity is not limited by me. It's limited by the launch vehicle providers," Nash said. The state invested more than $100 million to help build one of the two launchpads at Virginia Space, and there's a third flat pad for smaller launches, as well as a runway for unmanned aerial vehicles. The Alaska and Virginia facilities rely on FAA-regulated airspace. Nash noted that competing air traffic requires the FAA clear a window. The enduring conflict between aircraft and spacecraft is one Nield is working to resolve. He said the FAA is targeting this integration, but "the reality will be an evolution." "We have established a strategic initiative to integrate, safely, the commercial space operations into national airspace," Nield told CNBC. The restricted airspace edge Some spaceports use adjacent restricted, remote airspace as a competitive advantage, such as Mojave Air and Space Port in California and Spaceport America in New Mexico. "We located the spaceport on this big chunk of land below the Department of Defense's restricted airspace" at White Sands missile range, Spaceport America CEO Dan Hicks said. "Our airspace is always owned by the department, and there are only two places in the country like that: over the White House and over White Sands." Mojave piggybacks off the airspace of nearby Edwards Air Force Base. Like Hicks, Mojave CEO Karina Drees stressed the advantage, saying it is a "freedom to test and operate." "Mojave can accommodate essentially any aircraft with our long runway, and we have several rocket sites for test programs," Drees said. Hicks added that Spaceport America's location adds to its capabilities, saying it has the potential to grow reliably "for customers who want quick access to space." "We could launch anywhere from every day to even a couple a day," Hicks said, adding the location means its only limit is "scheduling issues with White Sands." Slim operating margins A satellite launch considered simple by the industry can cost upward of $60 million but spaceports see little profit per launch. Instead, Nash sees a spaceport's benefit as a driver for local economies, providing value in the same way a major airport does today. Drees concurred, saying "the money really is in the vehicle operators." "Mojave's operations revenue is about $4 million, and we expect to grow over the next three years by another $1 million per year," Drees said. She works with four customers at Mojave  Stratolaunch, The Spaceship Company, Virgin Galactic and Masten Space. A typical lease fee at Mojave is around $50,000 per month, but it varies depending on the square footage a company requires. Drees said the first launch of Virgin Galactic's Spaceship One craft made "attracting other customers automatic." With low-cost launchers being built for $5 million or less, such as Vector Space's Vector-R , Alaska Aerospace must offer services on a lean budget, Campbell said. "If Rocket Lab says their total mission budget is $4.95 million, they can't spend $2 million to launch," Campbell said, before noting his spaceport charges "somewhere in the vicinity of $200,000 to $500,000 to achieve full launch costs." Both SpaceX and Virgin Galactic pay monthly rents for access at Spaceport America, and SpaceX built "a nice launchpad" for testing back in 2012, Hicks said. Next steps for government regulation Spaceports have five-year operator licenses from the FAA, which interacts with the facilities frequently, including an annual safety inspection. The bulk of licenses go to launch operators, which Nield says come in "different flavors." "SpaceX has several different kinds of licenses, and some allow them to launch the same rocket with the same general payload on the same trajectory an indefinite number of times," Nield said. Executives of these spaceports were overwhelmingly positive in their appraisal of the FAA's regulatory work thus far, but some advocated for more funding and personnel at Nield's branch. "The FAA has been a really good partner for the industry," Drees said. "Yet the FAA is very understaffed." Campbell agreed, saying the FAA has "an open mind to vehicle operators showing and launching new concepts," while still accounting for risk well. "No matter who the rocket company is, the FAA wants to protect people and protect property," Campbell said. Even those who use Department of Defense airspace, like Spaceport America, believe the FAA is guiding the industry in the right direction. Hicks said he doesn't "want the FAA to think that we and Department of Defense are trying to slide something by them. Instead, he wants to make sure there's as much intergovernmental cooperation as possible. Nield said he expects the influx of private investment is a boon to the industry, and wants the FAA to help that growth continue. "Government usually costs a little bit more and takes a little bit longer to do these things," Nield added.



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From Popular Mechanics

For Floridians fleeing Hurricane Irma who happened to own Teslas, the car company had some unusual news: Their cars could suddenly drive further. The automaker has remotely unlocked the full battery pack capacity of Model S/X 60/60D vehicles, giving them the power of 75 kWh battery packs.

As with any new car purchase, Tesla owners are presented with a series of options when they buy. Among these are the distances their batteries will take them. These are arbitrary distances put in place so Tesla can create price tiers on its cars despite the identical hardware inside. Offered at a lowered price, 60 and 60D vehicles give drivers a range of just above 200 miles on a charge, a full 75kWh offers around 230-240 miles.

Tesla controls these battery ranges with a touch of the button through software. 60 and 60D drivers normally have to pay between $4,500 and $9,000 for what Hurricane Irma has given them for free.

As the Washington Post points out, this is a radical new approach to car ownership. Traditionally, buying a car means you buy everything the car is capable of, as well as the freedom to customize the car to your own liking if you so choose. There's no souping up a Tesla 60 on your own, no engine to fix up. You take what the company gives you. It's a new paradigm of ownership that complicates the relationship between car and driver by putting the company squarely and perpetually in between.

The 60 and the 60D are only minor points of contention in this philosophical battle over car ownership: They've been discontinued as the California-based company found that most clients simply preferred to buy their car's full capabilities. While the owners in Florida undoubtedly appreciated Tesla's actions in a nightmarish situation, this sort of on-the-spot customization will surely only become more commonplace in the years to come, with all the philosophical questions it entails.

Source: The Verge

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Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:TEVA) shares were already skyrocketing in a nice 12% comeback on Friday after the troubled Israeli biotech firm posted a successful Phase 3 HALO trial read-out for its migraine drug fremanezumab- a win the firm desperately needed after former CEO Erez Vigodman bowed out, with $30 billion in debt left behind him. With a firm whose debt shackles tower at double the present-day value of the actual company and news of 7,000 layoffs across the globe ominously waiting to close out the year, this clinical win was encouraging indeed.

The "good news" just piles on, as today, investors are sending shares racing almost 17% on back of the news Kare Schultz, the CEO of Danish-based pharma firm Lundbeck is tasked to move to company headquarters in Petah Tikva, Israel to guide the troubled firm back to its former glory.

Cantor analyst Louise Chen had just said in his last cautiously optimistic research note that "It's not if, it's when we should be buying TEVA shares," advising investors not to "throw away the key yet" on this biotech player. Even before the announcement, Chen had believed a "new CEO could unlock value for Tesla shares." Now, the analyst sings the praises of Tesla's Board of Director's leadership move to appoint Schultz as the new and permanent President and CEO, "because it is the first step in improving visibility for the company's path forward," anticipating Schultz will also assist the firm in hiring a new CFO.

"Mr. Schultz's nearly 30 year healthcare career includes serving as President and CEO of H. Lundbeck [] since 2015 and before that as COO of Novo Nordisk [] Interestingly, these are both brand pharma companies so we wonder what his plans are for Teva's brand business going forward, and how he will turn around Teva's generics business," highlights Chen, noting that it matters how the new leader "navigates through" generics headwinds, Copaxone rivalry in the generics market, as well as looming debt load with rocky cash flow waters ahead. Yet, the analyst anticipates under Schultz's command, Tesla now has "more visibility" as it attempts a much-needed turnaround.

The reason Chen expects Schultz is just the right CEO for the difficult job? "We think Mr. Schultz's experience leading financial and restructuring initiatives at global pharmaceutical and healthcare companies could help unlock value for TEVA shares," explains the analyst, who notes that in Schultz's time at his former Danish firm, the company likewise "faced the loss of key patents" to see the CEO put in place "an effective turnaround strategy by lowering operating costs and targeting new product launches."

Ultimately, the analyst commends the Israeli biotech firm's worldwide pursuit to find new leadership as one finalized with important "success," and reiterates a Neutral rating on TEVA stock with a price target of $17, which implies a 2% downside from where the shares last closed. (To watch Chen's track record, click here)

The rest of the Street surveys the troubled biotech firm from the sidelines as it attempts to implement a comeback, considering TipRanks analytics demonstrate TEVA as a Hold. Out of 15 analysts polled by TipRanks in the last 3 months, 12 remain sidelined on Teva stock while 3 are bearish. With a return potential of nearly 75%, the stock's consensus target price stands at $27.06.

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The chaos caused by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey didnt escape Apple CEO Tim Cook, even during Apples big iPhone event on Tuesday.

Before unveiling the latest versions of Apples smartphonesApple iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone XCook took time to address how the two recent hurricanes have devastated the southeastern portions of the U.S. like Texas and Florida as well as the many Caribbean islands.

Our hearts go out to all of the people whose lives have been disrupted by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, Cook said. Youre in our thoughts, we send you our strength, you are in our prayers.

Get Data Sheet, Fortunes technology newsletter.

He said Apple is working closely with hurricane relief efforts like the American Red Cross and the Hand in Hand organization for a telethon on Tuesday that will raise money for those impacted by the storms. Last Friday, Apple said it would donate $5 million to the Hand in Hand relief effort.

Cook encouraged attendees to watch the Hand in Hand telethon, which will air across several TV networks like ABC, CBS, and HBO, and feature performances and appearances by celebrities and musicians like Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Billy Crystal, and Drake.

Cook also said the company is making it really simple for the entire Apple community to donate via iTunes and the app store. People who visit the iTunes store or the app store can click on a button that will let them donate to the Red Cross.

However you choose to give, I hope that you open your heart to this important effort, Cook said.

Last week, Dell Technologies founder and CEO Michael Dell said he would give $36 million to a hurricane relief fund via The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
FILE PHOTO: Toshiba's used-memory chips are seen at an electronics shop in Tokyo November 9, 2010. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo

Tokyo (Reuters) - Japan's embattled Toshiba Corp is still in discussions with various parties over the $18 billion sale of its memory chip business just a day before its latest, self-imposed deadline, people involved in the talks told Reuters on Tuesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Nikkan Kogyo business daily reported without citing sources that Toshiba has agreed to sell the business to a consortium led by U.S. chipmaking partner Western Digital Corp (WDC.O) for about 2 trillion yen ($18.3 billion).

The newspaper said Toshiba will announce the agreement on Wednesday and sign after a board meeting on Sept. 20.

Toshiba is desperate to sell the unit to cover billions of dollars in liabilities at U.S. nuclear unit Westinghouse. The board wants the sale, beset by legal wrangling and revised bids, to be decided by Wednesday when it meets, separate people involved in the talks previously told Reuters.

The people on Tuesday declined to be identified because the talks were confidential.

A Toshiba spokesman said no decision has been made, and that the company will not comment on details of the bidding process.

The state-backed Innovation Network of Japan, which is part of the Western Digital-led consortium, held its investment committee meeting on Tuesday without making any decision.

Yoshimitsu Kobayashi, an external Toshiba director, said at a press conference on Tuesday at the Keizai Doyukai group of corporate executives, that though the deadline is important, it is also important that negotiations head in a good direction.

As well as the Western Digital-backed consortium, which also includes KKR & Co LP (KKR.N), Toshiba has said it is considering a bid led by Bain Capital LP and SK Hynix Inc , and one by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd (Foxconn) (2317.TW).

Western Digital has offered to drop out of bidding and take a stronger position its joint venture with Toshiba instead, but still wants a stake in the chip business in the future, people familiar with the matter previously told Reuters.

The people also said Toshiba objected to the possibility of Western Digital eventually seeking control of the chip business, and so has sought a limit on any future stake.

(Reporting by Aishwarya Venugopal in BENGALURU, Taiga Uranaka, Ritsuko Ando and Makiko Yamazaki in TOKYO; Editing by Edwina Gibbs and Christopher Cushing)
FILE PHOTO: A logo of Toshiba Corp is seen on a printed circuit board in this photo illustration taken in Tokyo July 31, 2012. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao/Illustration/File Photo

By Makiko Yamazaki

TOKYO (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp said on Wednesday it has agreed to focus on selling its prized chips unit to a group led by Bain Capital and South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix , although it is not ruling out a deal with other bidders.

The announcement came after sources told Reuters on Tuesday that Toshiba was now favoring the Bain group after failing to bridge disagreements with rival suitor Western Digital Corp (WDC.O).

Wednesday marks the third time the embattled Japanese conglomerate has failed to meet a target date to sell the $18 billion business - the world's second-biggest producer of NAND memory chips.

Without an agreement soon, it will be difficult for Toshiba to gain by the end of the financial year in March, regulatory approval and hence the funds it needs to cover billions in liabilities at it U.S. nuclear unit.

Toshiba said in a statement it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Bain to accelerate discussions, and hoped to reach agreement in late September. But it added that the memorandum was not legally binding and did not prevent it from negotiating with other parties.

A representative for Bain was not immediately available for comment, while SK Hynix declined to comment.

Western Digital, which jointly invests in Toshiba's key NAND memory plant but which has been at loggerheads with the Japanese firm for much of the auction - said it was disappointed as well as surprised at the development given its legal position.

"We remain confident in our ability to protect our JV interests and consent rights," the California-based firm said in a statement.

Sources have said that discussions with Western Digital faltered as Toshiba, fearing its partner was angling to eventually take over the chip business, sought to limit the U.S. firm's future stake in the unit.

The Bain group's latest offer is worth 2.4 trillion yen ($22 billion), including a 200 billion yen investment in infrastructure, they said, declining to be identified as the talks were private.

Story continues

The group had been chosen preferred bidder in June. But those talks lapsed as Japan government investors who had been part of that consortium told Toshiba they were reluctant to close a deal in the face of legal challenges posed by Western Digital.

The current offer by Bain and Hynix is designed to get around the legal risks by inviting the state-backed investors - the Innovation Network Corp of Japan and the Development Bank of Japan - to invest in the business only after any arbitration with Western Digital is settled.

But it remains uncertain whether Toshiba will be able to complete the transaction by the end-March as Western Digital is likely to seek a court injunction on the sale. A California court has ordered Toshiba to give the U.S. firm two weeks' notice before a deal is closed.

SK Hynix's participation could also prolong antitrust reviews, industry watchers said. The South Korean chipmaker plans to limit its role to financing, but it's unclear if it hopes to gain a stake in the future.

If Toshiba does fail to secure sufficient financing by end-March, it is likely to report negative net worth, or liabilities exceeding assets, for a second year running - a scenario that could result in a delisting from the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Shares of Toshiba ended flat, while SK Hynix shares rose 1.3 percent.

(Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Additional reporting by Junko Fujita in Tokyo, and Hyunjoo Jin and Joyce Lee in Seoul; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
The Travelers Companies, Inc. TRV recently announced pre-tax catastrophe loss estimates stemming from Hurricane Harvey that hit Texas on Aug 25, 2017. The company projects pre-tax catastrophe loss between $375 million and $750 million or $245 million and $490 million after-tax.



Travelers being a property and casualty insurer will not escape the disaster caused by these catastrophe events since its underwriting results have severely taken a beating. The company has been witnessing high level of catastrophe losses for a considerable period of time. Notably, the last quarter marked the maximum catastrophe losses since 2011. However, this statistic might change once the damages from both the storms are estimated.



In the year-ago quarter too, Travelers experienced catastrophe losses resulting from hail storms in the Western region of the United States and floods in the Southeast region of the United States. Catastrophe losses of $89 million weighed on underwriting gains that slumped 46% and combined ratio deteriorating 330 basis points year over year.



On a positive note, shares of Travelers have gained 2.3% in yesterdays trading session, the first trading day after Hurricane Irma struck Florida over the weekend. Satisfactory news is that the narrower-than-expected damage caused by Irma has likely helped Travelers from not losing in the session.



The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the third quarter is currently pegged at $1.77 per share, translating to a year-over-year plunge of 26.1%. We expect the estimates to move downward as analysts incorporate the impact of the catastrophe loss.



Concurrently, this Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) property and casualty insurer has also announced to halt its share repurchase program in the wake of the catastrophe activities as part of capital management strategy during a considerable catastrophic environment. Nonetheless, the company had already spent $328 million to buy back 2.6 million shares for the quarter. The company has about $4.9 billion remaining under its existing share repurchase authorization.



Shares of Travelers have nudged up 0.1% year to date, underperforming the industrys increase of 8.1%. Estimates for 2017 have moved down 1.7% while the same for 2018 have remained unchanged in the last seven days. Catastrophes affecting underwriting results and uncertainty over next rate hike will possibly be a drag on share price.

Story continues

Recently, Assurant Inc. AIZ has estimated between $134 million and $140 million pre-tax of reportable catastrophe losses from Hurricane Harvey and expects that gross losses from Hurricane Irma will exceed its retention of $125 million pre-tax.



Stocks to Consider



Some better-ranked stocks from the insurance industry are Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. AFH, and Markel Corporation MKL, both flaunting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Atlas Financial Holdings engages in underwriting commercial automobile insurance policies in the United States. The companys average four-quarter surprise is 57.94%



Markel Corporation markets and underwrites specialty insurance products in the United States and internationally. The companys average four-quarter surprise is 21.06%



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Zacks Investment Research
There had been speculation that the president might use legislation giving legal status to so-called Dreamers as leverage to ensure construction on a border wall

A woman hangs a banner at the wall between Mexico and the US during a protest against the possibility of deportation of Dreamers. Photograph: Guillermo Arias/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump will not demand that funding for his border wall with Mexico be linked to legislation giving legal status to so-called Dreamers, a top White House aide said on Tuesday.

Marc Short, director of legislative affairs, told reporters at a Christian Science Monitor event: The president is committed to sticking by his commitment that a physical structure [on the US-Mexico border] is needed to protect the American people.

But, he added, referring to the Deferred Status for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) program cancelled by Trump last week: Whether that is part of a Daca package or another, Im not going to prejudge which package.

There had been speculation that Trump would use Democrats wish to see Daca reinstated as leverage to ensure construction on a border wall, his signature campaign promise which remains far from becoming reality. Democrats have long insisted they would not vote for any government funding bill that includes funding for the controversial border barrier.

Daca, which the administration cancelled this month, was the result of an executive order by Barack Obama that protected roughly 800,000 undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children from deportation. It is now set to expire in early March.

Short also ducked a question on whether Trump would support a bill granting Daca recipients a path to citizenship. I am not going to state on that, he said.

Trump has long campaigned against amnesty and path to legal status for those who illegally immigrated to the US.

Short also said that the White House did not believe additional congressional action was needed to justify military action in the Middle East and Central Asia. The president believes current authorization for use of force is sufficient right now and is not intending to change it, he said. US deployment of military forces in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria remains tied to congressional authorization of use of military force first passed in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11.

He also said that he disagreed with the former White House aide Steve Bannons statement that congressional Republican leadership was trying to undermine Trumps agenda. I disagree with Steve, said Short.
US President Donald Trump, pictured on September 7, 2017, opposed the acquisition of Oregon-based Lattice Semiconductor Corporation by Chinese state-owned firm Canyon Bridge Fund (AFP Photo/Brendan Smialowski) (AFP/File)

Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump on Wednesday blocked attempts by a Chinese state-owned firm to acquire an American semiconductor manufacturer on national security concerns, drawing a rebuke from Beijing.

The acquisition of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation, a publicly-traded Oregon company, by Chinese-owned Canyon Bridge Fund could endanger the US government's use of sensitive products the company produces, the Treasury Department said in a statement.

The Trump administration has adopted an aggressive stance towards China on trade and national security matters, launching wide-ranging investigations into the national security ramifications of Beijing's trade in aluminum and steel.

Trump has the authority to block foreign investments he deems national security threats through the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States, an interagency committee.

In the case of Lattice, CFIUS and the president decided "the transaction poses a risk to the national security of the United States that cannot be resolved through mitigation," the Treasury said in a statement.

The decision prohibited Canyon Bridge, its partner Yitai Capital and Yitai's parent, the China Venture Capital Fund Corp (CVCF), from purchasing the US firm, which serves the consumer, communications and industrial markets.

The Treasury said the deal posed a national security risk due to Beijing's support for the transaction, the potential transfer of intellectual property to the foreign investors, and the importance of the semiconductor supply to the US government, including Lattice's products.

China's Ministry of Commerce expressed "concern" over the decision Thursday.

Spokesman Gao Feng told reporters at a regular press briefing that while each country has a right to probe investments in "sensitive fields", the power should not be used as "an instrument for implementing protectionism."

China "hopes relevant countries can treat Chinese companies' overseas acquisitions objectively and impartially, give fair treatment to such normal business practices, and create a reasonable and transparent business environment to avoid impacting investors' confidence," he said, according to a transcript of the remarks on the ministry's website.

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Lattice manufactures programmable logic devices, which are semiconductors that can be programmed to provide functions similar to chips, the statement said.

Trump personally intervened in the process after the companies appealed to him directly to overrule the CFIUS ruling, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, had also intervened to prevent a similar deal involving semiconductors on security concerns last year.

Chinese government-backed Grand Chip Investment scrapped plans to buy German semiconductor equipment maker Aixtron in December after Washington rejected the inclusion of Aixtron's US unit over fears it could put sensitive technology with potential military applications in Chinese hands.

"It is important to note that the US government has been particularly concerned with foreign investment, particularly Chinese investment, into the US semiconductor industry for years," said Lawrence Ward, a partner at the international law firm Dorsey & Whitney in global business focusing on US national security law.

"It is likely premature to think that the Trump administration is taking a hawkish approach to Chinese investment across all industry sectors but, of course, only time will tell," Ward said.
By Dustin Volz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Wednesday told U.S. government agencies to remove Kaspersky Lab products from their networks, saying it was concerned the Moscow-based cyber security firm was vulnerable to Kremlin influence and that using its anti-virus software could jeopardize national security. The decision represents a sharp response to what U.S. intelligence agencies have described as a national security threat posed by Russia in cyberspace, following an election year marred by allegations that Moscow weaponized the internet in an attempt to influence its outcome. In a statement, Kaspersky Lab rejected the allegations, as it has done repeatedly in recent months, and said its critics were misinterpreting Russian data-sharing laws that only applied to communications services. "No credible evidence has been presented publicly by anyone or any organization as the accusations are based on false allegations and inaccurate assumptions," the company said. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive to federal agencies ordering them to identify Kaspersky products on their information systems within 30 days and begin to discontinue their use within 90 days. In a statement accompanying its directive, DHS said it was "concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies, and requirements under Russian law that allow Russian intelligence agencies to request or compel assistance from Kaspersky and to intercept communications transiting Russian networks." It continued: "The risk that the Russian government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates U.S. national security." The department said it would provide Kaspersky with the opportunity to submit a written response to address the allegations. The agency said other entities claiming commercial interests affected by the directive could also submit information Kaspersky Lab has repeatedly denied that it has ties to any government and said it would not help a government with cyber espionage. However, the company has not been able to shake off the allegations. Last week, Best Buy Co , the No.1 U.S. electronics retailer, said it was pulling Kaspersky Labs cyber security products from its shelves and website. 'TOUGH DECISION' Rob Joyce, the White House cyber security coordinator, said Wednesday at the Billington CyberSecurity Summit that the Trump administration made a "risk-based decision" to order Kaspersky Lab's products removed from federal agencies. Asked by Reuters whether there was a smoking gun showing Kaspersky Lab had provided intelligence to the Russian government, Joyce replied: "As we evaluated the technology, we decided it was a risk we couldnt accept. Some cyber security experts have warned that blacklisting Kaspersky Lab could prompt a retaliation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Joyce said those concerns were a factor but that a "tough decision" ultimately had to be made to protect government systems. The direct financial impact of the decision will likely be minimal for Kaspersky Lab, one of the world's leading anti-virus software companies, which was founded in 1997 and now counts over 400 million global customers. Federal contracting databases reviewed by Reuters show only a few hundred thousand dollars in purchases from Kaspersky, and an employee told Reuters in July the companys federal government revenue was miniscule." But Kaspersky also sells to federal contractors and third-party software companies that incorporate its technology in their products, so its technology may be more widely used in government than it appears from the contracting databases, U.S. officials say. The decision by the Trump administration came as the U.S. Senate was planning to vote as soon as this week on a defense policy spending bill that includes language that would ban Kaspersky Lab products from being used by U.S. government agencies. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who had led efforts in Congress to crack down on Kaspersky Lab, applauded the Trump administration's announcement. "The strong ties between Kaspersky Lab and the Kremlin are alarming and well-documented," Shaheen said, adding that she expected Congress to act soon to reinforce the decision by passing legislation. Also on Wednesday, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote to DHS asking whether the agency used Kaspersky products in relation to any critical infrastructure, such as election equipment, banks or energy suppliers, and if it knew whether any voting systems used the company's software. Eugene Kaspersky, the company's co-founder and chief executive, attended a KGB school, and the company has acknowledged doing work for the Russian intelligence agency known as the FSB. But he has adamantly denied charges his company conducts espionage on behalf of the Russian government. (Reporting by Dustin Volz and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Cynthia Osterman)
The startling fall in the price of wind energy continues.

The U.K. announced the results of its first round of competitive tenders in two years for new energy projects Monday, and showed that the amount of government subsidy needed to build new capacity has halved since 2015. The results mean that both onshore and offshore wind are cheaper than gas and nuclear, according to the industry association U.K. Renewable. That could have huge implications in a country where  as in the U.S.  the existing fleet of nuclear power stations needs replacing, and the government is unable to build new coal and gas-fired plants because of Climate Change policy constraints.

The winners of Mondays auctions  Danish-based DONG Energy and EDPR, the renewables arm of Portugals largest utility  agreed a guaranteed price of only 57.50 pounds ($75.33) a megawatt-hour for their output, which is slated to come onstream no later than 2023. Thats down from a comparable price of over 114 pounds at the last such auction and represents the price that the operators believe is necessary to recoup their investment over their projects lifetime.

Read: Britain Approves $24 Billion Hinkley Point Nuclear Plant

But the figure that most are comparing it to is the eye-watering 92.50 pounds per MWh that the last U.K. government promised a French-Chinese consortium to build what would be the first new nuclear power plant in the U.K. for over 30 years. Not only is the strike price for the Hinkley Point C nuke over 60% higher, it also runs for longer: 35 years as opposed to 15 for the Hornsea 2 and Moray projects.

The collapse in wind energy prices is due to a number of factors: the business is now more mature, so suppliers have gotten better at making specialized equipment like cables and platforms; banks are more familiar with the concept, and so are more willing to finance such projects; but the biggest single reason is scale. Whereas the first generation of offshore wind turbines stood no taller than Big Bens 96 meters, current turbines stand up to 276 meters high and have a rotor diameter of up to 180 meters, generating up to 8 megawatts each. And, in the crowded U.K., only offshore sites can offer the kind of large sites readily available in Texas and elsewhere across the U.S. Midwest. Hornsea 2, some 60 miles off the coast of north-east England, has a nameplate capacity of 1,386 MW, capable of powering over 1.44 million homes.

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Read: For Sale: 2 Unused Nuclear Reactors in South Carolina

Of course, the catch is still that actual output will almost always be well short of that 1,386 MW, in contrast to a nuclear power station which, once turned on, will run almost constantly at high load factors for decades. And to compare apples with apples, it should be noted that Hinkley Point, which will satisfy 7% of the U.K.s power needs if and when it gets built, is the first reactor of a new design class: subsequent similar projects ought to be much cheaper.

One technology cant deliver the U.K.s future energy needs alone, Tom Greatrex, head of the British Nuclear Industry Association, said a blog post. With two thirds of the U.K.s centrally available capacity due to retire by 2030, including all but one of the current nuclear fleet, the U.K. will need the full range of low-carbon technologies to replace ageing infrastructure and provide the reliable, secure supply of power we need.

Read: The U.K. Will Go Without Coal Power for 1st Day Since the 19th Century

The U.K.s National Grid, which operates the high-voltage system, estimates that the country may need over 33% more generating capacity by 2050, as electric vehicles replace those with traditional engines. The government recently said it would ban the sale of new combustion engine-powered cars by 2040.

But Hinkley Points record to date is far from inspiring: its creators, Electricite de France, originally boasted that it would be online by the end of 2017. However, that date has now been pushed back to 2025. And while EDF and its Chinese partners said they could make an acceptable return on a price of 92.50 pounds/MWh, they have since had to raise their cost estimates up by 1.5 billion pounds to 19.6 billion pounds in July (its chief financial officer Thomas Piquemal had resigned last year, afraid that the project could bankrupt the state-controlled giant). And it is hard to pass Hinkley Point off as a unique case: cost overruns at Westinghouse have already driven its parent Toshiba into insolvency, and the two South Carolina utilities building new reactors according to its designs pulled the plug on the proposed V.C. Summer plant at the end of July.
FILE PHOTO: Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) speaks at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., to unveil a compromise proposal on gun control measures, June 21, 2016. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas

By Pete Schroeder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Thirty-six U.S. senators on Tuesday called on federal authorities to investigate the sale of nearly $2 million in shares of credit bureau Equifax Inc (EFX.N) by company executives after a massive data breach, and one compared their actions to insider trading.

The lawmakers signed a letter asking the U.S. Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to look into about $1.8 million in stock sales by three executives between July 29 - the day Equifax said it learned that its systems were hacked in mid-May - and when they made it public last week.

"If that happened, somebody needs to go to jail," Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, said at a credit union industry conference in Washington. "It's a problem when people can act with impunity with no consequences. How is that not insider trading?"

Cyber security experts believe the breach is one of the largest data hacks ever disclosed.

On Wall Street on Tuesday, Equifax closed 2.5 percent higher at $115.96, slightly reversing a 21 percent slide since the hack was reported.

In an opinion piece in USA Today, Equifax Chief Executive Officer Richard Smith apologized for the breach and vowed the company "will make changes."

He said more than 15 million people have visited the firm's support website and 11.5 million are enrolling in credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

The company at first thought the intrusion was limited, Smith said. Equifax hired a cybersecurity firm and spent "thousands of hours" investigating before informing the public six weeks after the breach was discovered, he said.

"We are devoting extraordinary resources to make sure this kind of incident doesnt happen again," Smith said.

Smith did not address the stock sale issue.

In their letter, the lawmakers, led by Jack Reed, a Democrat, and John Kennedy, a Republican, requested "a thorough examination of any unusual trading, including any atypical options trading, for violations of insider trading law."

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"We request that you spare no effort in your investigations and in enforcing the law to the fullest extent," the lawmakers said.

'BRAZEN FAILURE'

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has already said it was investigating the Equifax hack. A spokesman for SEC Chairman Jay Clayton declined to comment.

Acting FTC head Maureen Ohlhausen declined to say if that agency was investigating the breach. "We're trying to get a handle on the scope of all of this. We're certainly taking this very seriously," she told reporters at an antitrust conference.

The agency has historically probed big breaches but only sued companies that had been sloppy in protecting consumer data.

The breach also prompted expressions of concern from U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, while the Massachusetts attorney general said her state planned to sue.

Hackers pilfered names, birthdays and addresses, as well as Social Security and drivers license numbers - a treasure trove for identity thieves. Data of up to 143 million people may have been exposed.

Following revelations of the stock sales by Chief Financial Officer John Gamble and two other people, Equifax said in a statement last week that the executives were not aware that an intrusion had occurred when they sold their shares.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said she intended to sue Equifax with allegations of failing to maintain appropriate safeguards to protect customers' data, including that of nearly three million Massachusetts residents.

"In all of our years investigating data breaches, this may be the most brazen failure to protect consumer data we have ever seen," Healey said in a statement.

Equifax had initially appeared to offer credit monitoring to breach victims only if they forfeited their right to file a lawsuit. New York Attorney General A.G. Schneiderman said Tuesday that Equifax removed that language from its website.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on Tuesday called the Equifax breach "quite unfortunate" and insisted that his top priority is to make sure financial data is safe.

"I am concerned about the global financial system and keeping it safe," he said at the CNBC Institutional Investor Delivering Alpha Conference in New York.

Equifax did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

(Reporting by Pete Schroeder; aditional reporting by Diane Bartz and Sarah N. Lynch; editing by Dan Grebler and Grant McCool)
By Andreas Cremer and Jan Schwartz FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Volkswagen wants German and European industry to come together to help create a regional supplier of electric car batteries to provide competition to Asian manufacturers, the head of its core autos division told Reuters. Europe's largest carmaker and German rival Daimler became the latest manufacturers this week to announce plans to speed up their shift to zero-emissions motoring. Volkswagen (VW) now aims to have 80 electric models by 2025, and says it will need four times the capacity of U.S. electric carmaker Tesla's "gigafactory" to supply their batteries. While European companies assemble battery packs for electric cars, the region has no significant player in battery cells - the essential building blocks for the batteries that are currently mostly manufactured in Asia. "It would be desirable for the German and European industry to play a stronger role here," VW brand Chief Executive Herbert Diess said. He declined to be more specific, but engineering and technology firms are likely to be most interested in the sector. His comments came after Europe's auto suppliers association warned a fixation on electric cars risked damaging its industry because of Asia's dominance in battery technology. Assembly of electric car content including battery cells will become one of the major growth areas in the coming decades, Diess said in an interview at the Frankfurt auto show. He left open whether VW, which buys its battery cells from South Korea's LG Chem <051910.KS> and Samsung <005930.KS>, would join a potential European consortium. "For the initial phase, I still feel in good hands with the Korean suppliers, but I would appreciate if competition were to grow and a European consortium would emerge," Diess said. VW's namesake brand, its largest division by sales, will spend 6 billion euros ($7.2 billion) through 2022 on its electric car program which will be based on the new MEB platform underpinning over 20 purely battery-powered models. Growing investment in electric cars will not undermine profitability as the brand is pursuing cost savings and cutting jobs as agreed with unions last year. As a result, the VW brand is sticking to targets for an operating margin of at least 4 percent by 2020 and 6 percent by 2025, compared with 1.8 percent last year, Diess said. "With this we generate just about enough cash to shoulder the investments, but have actually very little leeway," he said. "We cannot afford to make many mistakes." (Editing by Christoph Steitz and Mark Potter)
FILE PHOTO: A street sign for Wall Street is seen outside the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in Manhattan, New York City, U.S. December 28, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

By Olivia Oran

(Reuters) - Executives from JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N), Bank of America Corp (BAC.N) and Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N) warned on Tuesday that trading conditions during the third quarter were likely to be poor for their banks.

Revenue from trading of stocks and bonds continues to suffer from decreased market activity and volatility, the executives said, speaking at a conference in New York sponsored by Barclays Plc.

Bank of America sees revenue from trading stocks and bonds likely to decline around 15 percent in the third quarter compared with the year-ago period, its chief financial officer, Paul Donofrio, said.

JPMorgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon gave an even more downbeat forecast for his bank, predicting a 20 percent drop in trading revenue. Dimon said he may stop giving trading guidance because investors were too focused on short-term results.

Goldman President Harvey Schwartz said conditions for fixed-income trading have not improved much since the beginning of the year, but he declined to be specific.

"The market environment in the third quarter feels like thefirst and second quarter," Schwartz said. For fixed income, currency and commodities, he said, "it's still a pretty challenging environment."

In the second quarter, Goldman reported a 40 percent drop inbond trading revenue and the weakest commodities results in its history as a public company.

The company is taking steps to grow its fixed income trading business, including courting a greater number of asset managers and banks to trade with the firm and expanding its footprint with corporate clients.

Other banks also expect a trading slump during the third quarter.

Citigroup Inc (C.N) may see revenue in stock and bond trading drop as much as 15 percent during the period, CFO John Gerspach said on Monday.

(Reporting by Olivia Oran in New York; Additional reporting by David Henry and Dan Freed; Editing by Leslie Adler)
President Donald Trump waves as he walks across the South Lawn to board Marine One at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, for a short trip to Andrews Air Force Base, Md. and then onto Yuma, Ariz. to visit the U.S. border with Mexico and attend a rally in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

WASHINGTON  White House Director of Legislative Affairs Marc Short told reporters Tuesday that President Trump will not necessarily insist on having border wall funding in a bill to protect young unauthorized immigrants.

Early last week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end of the Obama-era DACA program, which throws the fate of nearly 800,000 young unauthorized immigrants without criminal records into question. They lose their ability to work legally and become eligible for deportation in March on a rolling basis.

But the president said he wants to treat the group with heart and encouraged Congress to devise a legislative fix for them without detailing what that bill would look like. Democrats and many Republicans have said they would like to offer a path to legalization for the unauthorized immigrants, who were brought to the country as children.

Short said the president is committed to funding a physical structure on the U.S.-Mexico border but that it does not necessarily have to be in the same bill that protects the young unauthorized immigrants.

Trump campaigned relentlessly on building a beautiful wall that would span the entire southern border and would be paid for by Mexico. Since taking office hes attempted to get Congress to fund it instead, but has so far been unsuccessful.

Shorts comments match with what House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi told reporters last week, after she met with the president in person to strike a three-month deal to raise the debt ceiling that angered some Republican lawmakers.

The president both yesterday in the meeting and today made it very clear he wants Congress to act, to get this done, Pelosi told reporters then.

Pelosi added that Trump wants border security measures attached to any bill focused on the immigrants, but that it does not include a wall. She said she believed he would sign the DREAM Act, which gives the group a path to citizenship.

Short said the president is sticking by his commitment to build a wall but that he hasnt decided whether thats part of the DACA package or another package. Trump has also endorsed a bill called the RAISE Act that would slash legal immigration rates by nearly half and re-jigger employment-based green cards to be more focused on high-skilled workers. Short said making the immigration system more merit based was another priority for the president.

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We do think its important to secure our border, [beef up] interior enforcement and we do think we should be moving to a merit-based immigration system, Short told reporters at the breakfast organized by the Christian Science Monitor.

Short also declined to say whether Trump would support a path to citizenship for the young immigrants as part of the DACA package, or preferred legalization without a potential citizenship offer for them.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
Yelp is accusing Google, its longtime rival in local search, of scraping photographs of local businesses from Yelp and other sites for use in Google search results, violating promises that Google made in 2012 as part of a settlement to end a Federal Trade Commission investigation.

In a letter to FTC Chair Maureen Ohlhausen, Yelp urges the agency to take action and remedy these violations. The author of the letter, Yelps vice president of global public policy Luther Lowe, says the FTC should reopen its investigation of Googles business practices.

As part of the 2012 agreement, operators of other websites can opt out of having content such as photos or user-generated reviews scraped by Google for its own services, such as Shopping or Google+ Local. Yelp opted out and says that Google agreed to stop scraping Yelp content even before the formal agreement, in response to a cease-and-desist request to Google in July 2011.

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EU Accuses Google of Antitrust Violations Over Android

Google, European authorities allege, simply has too much power to keep potential rivals out of the mobile market.

Yelp suspected Google had resumed scraping after the owner of a North Carolina gym told Yelp that an image from a Yelp listing for another gym was showing up as its Google business listing. Yelp set up a test to see if Google was pulling images from its servers. Yelp says it found Google pulled almost 386,000 images from Yelp in an hour, and then used some of the photos in business listings in Google Maps. Yelp says it searched Google for 150 of those businesses and found that a Yelp photo was a lead image in Googles Local OneBoxwhich shows a businesss location, phone number, and reviewsin 111 cases.

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Google says it did not intend to use Yelps images in the local search box and expects to remedy the situation in a couple of days. For many years, weve been in regular contact with Yelp about product changes and how they appear in search results. This is the first time weve heard of Yelps complaint that images from their site may be appearing in the way they claim. If theyd have raised this concern with us, we would have immediately taken steps to look at the issue and update these resultsas were doing now, the company said in a statement.

Yelp argues that Googles actions were more than a bug. The scale of this image content scraping suggests this is not an unintended glitch, but a systematic contravention of Googles commitments to the FTC, Yelp said in the letter to the FTC.

Yelps letter arrived late Sunday, the day before Google appealed a 2.4 billion fine from the European Union for favoring its own products in search results. Yelp also sent the letter to the EUs competition chief, as well as four members of Congress, and every state attorney general. The letter was earlier reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The FTCs investigation, which lasted nearly two years, found that Google did not violate US antitrust statutes, an outcome that helped Google maintain its dominance in search. At the time, some FTC staff members argued that Google should face sanctions for arranging its online search results to draw traffic to its own services, the subject of the recent EU ruling.

Googles promise to let third-party sites opt out of scraping was a five-year commitment that is scheduled to expire a couple days after Christmas. As part of the agreement, Google said that material violations of its commitments would be actionable by the FTC under Section 5 of the FTC Act, which governs unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
Ahmad seems like any other teenager in the Afghan capital, Kabul. He goes to school, hangs out with friends, and lives at home with his parents.

But the 18-year-old is hiding a dangerous secret that could get him imprisoned or killed: He is homosexual.

Homosexuality is a taboo topic in Afghanistan, a socially and religiously conservative country. Many consider homosexuality un-Islamic and immoral, and gay men can be imprisoned by the state or killed by their family members in so-called honor killings.

"Homosexuality is seen as a disease in Afghanistan," Ahmad, who does not reveal his real name because he fears for his safety, tells RFE/RL. "It is seen as a sin in Islam, and many people think homosexuals should be executed."

It is this fear that has prevented Ahmad from revealing his sexuality to his parents and friends. His family of seven expects him to marry a woman and follow traditional social norms.

"I realized I was gay when I was around 15 years old," Ahmad says in a phone interview. "All my friends were talking about girls, but I realized I was not interested in girls. Slowly I began to realize that I was only attracted to men. It was scary because I felt like an alien and I couldn't even talk to anyone about it."

The gay community in Afghanistan lives in secret and its members often lead double lives -- heterosexuals in public and homosexuals in private.

No official punishment has been meted out for homosexuality since 2001, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

But Afghan law is vague on homosexuality, which is not outlawed but may be punished on a local level by unofficial Shari'a courts or mishandled as any of a number of distinctly different crimes. Extramarital sex is punishable by five to 15 years in prison under Afghan law. But under Shari'a law, the punishment for sex outside marriage can be death.

In a report issued in February, HRW said gay men "risk arrest, prosecution, and violence from their families, the larger community, and the government."

"Afghan law provides no protection against discrimination or harassment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity," the report added.

'Can't Live Like This'

But that has not eliminated the fear of punishment for coming out.

"If my family found out [I'm gay], I would be kicked out from home and disowned," Ahmad says. "That's the best-case scenario. The worst case would be my family would kill me so they can restore their honor and get rid of the shame that I brought them."

Ahmad says gay men meet each other in shopping centers, parks, and gyms. They also meet in private in underground cafes, apartments, and in cars during the night.

Ahmad is a practicing Muslim, but he says his sexuality has made him question his religion. "I know that homosexuality is against Islam, but I'm always asking myself, 'Why would God make me and others like this?'" he says.

Ahmad says he wants out of Afghanistan and has plans to seek asylum in the United States. "I can't live like this," he says. "I'm in constant fear and I cannot be myself without endangering myself."

Despite the overwhelming public stance against it, homosexuality exists in Afghan society -- and in some forms it is even widespread. The ancient practice of "bacha bazi" -- literally, dancing boys -- is common among wealthy and powerful men who exploit underage boys as sexual partners. The victims are often orphans or boys from poor families as young as 10.

The crime for "pederasty" -- sexual activity involving a man and a boy -- is punishable with "lengthy imprisonment" under Afghanistan's Penal Code, but it frequently goes unenforced.

Yet young boys are sometimes dressed as girls and made to perform. The boys are often sexually abused and raped. The practice of bacha bazi has reportedly spread since the fall of the Taliban, who declared it un-Islamic.

'Huge Cost'

Nemat Sadat, an Afghan-American gay-rights campaigner living in Washington, is working to change attitudes toward homosexuality in Afghanistan.

Sadat was born in Afghanistan but raised in the United States. He returned to Kabul in 2012 to work at the American University of Afghanistan (AUA).

A year later, Sadat became the first Afghan gay man to publicly come out. But he lost his job at the AUA and was pressured by the authorities to leave the country, he said.

"I was forced to resign from my post as professor of political science and was threatened to be put on trial and given a life sentence in prison or the death penalty if I remained in Afghanistan," he says.

"It came at a huge cost, as most of my friends and relatives blocked me out of their lives, claiming that I brought them and the entire community of Afghan and Muslims dishonor by revealing my sexuality," Sadat says, adding that he no longer has contacts with his family.

'Fake Life'

Razaq, a 21-year-old from the western Afghan city of Farah, is another gay man living in constant fear.

"My friends and family don't know I'm gay," he says by phone. "I live a normal life, but I have also a secret life that I have to hide from everyone I know. If people find out that I'm gay, it would be a disaster."

Razaq is at an age when many men marry in Afghanistan, and he says he has no choice but to adhere to the social norm.

"I'm 21 and soon I will have to marry a woman," he says. "There's no other option. Almost every gay man I know is married. If you're 30 years old and you're not married, people will start to think something is wrong with you. So we live a lie, a fake life, because we have to."

Razaq has had several sexual relationships with other men. He says he met them in secret locations in the city -- underground guest houses and cafes.

Razaq says gay men are wary of police, who he says frequently demand money or sexual favors if they come across a gay man. "We have to do it -- otherwise they threaten to tell our families," he says.

"Many pretend it [homosexuality] doesn't exist in Afghanistan," he says. "But everyone knows there are gays in Afghanistan, like everywhere else in the world."
TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DeepLearni.ng, a Toronto-based company that designs, builds and deploys applied AI systems for enterprises, announced today $9 million in Series A funding from mutual funds managed by Fidelity Investments Canada (Fidelity), a leading investment management firm. In a blog post today, DeepLearni.ngs co-founders detailed how the investment could impact the companys future.



Founded in winter 2016, DeepLearni.ng views this investment as a critical step in its multi-year plan to become the leader in transforming businesses with AI. The timing of the funding also coincides with the companys plan to scale development of their machine learning platform Frontiers, DeepLearni.ngs comprehensive machine learning platform built for rapid AI deployment in enterprises. A portion of the funding will also go towards expanding the companys footprint internationally, in both financial services and other strategic industries.

DeepLearni.ng will immediately begin growing their team, which is currently at 23 people. Headquartered in Toronto, home to The Vector Institute and Geoff Hintons pioneering lab at the University of Toronto, the company has a distinct advantage to attract and retain the worlds top talent.

DeepLearni.ng will continue its mission to help enterprises grow their AI capabilities by building sustainable solutions with measurable business impact.

About DeepLearni.ng

DeepLearni.ng elevates enterprises by building and deploying applied AI systems. The company provides enterprise teams with the knowledge and tools needed to optimize the AIs potential for business. DeepLearni.ng was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Toronto. Learn more about how DeepLearni.ng works at www.deeplearni.ng.
- Senator Dino Melaye has been spotted rocking a camouflage outfit

- The Nigerian politician is obviously living large and enjoying

Senator Dino Melaye has been spotted rocking a camouflage outfit. The Nigerian politician took to his Instagram page to share the adorable photos of him rocking the outfit and looking incredibly hot in it.

The Nigerian senator who is known to be classy when it comes to stepping out in dope outfits dazzled many Nigerians with his recent pictures.

Melaye who describes himself as a democratic evangelist and senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) is the founder and executive secretary of the anti-corruption network. Senator Dino Melaye is also actively involved in fighting for human rights.

Senator Dino Melaye looking good in camouflage. Source: Instagram, Dino Melaye.

READ ALSO: For refusing to visit a guy at home on first date, lady gets the insult of her life (photos)

Check out more pictures of the Nigerian senator below:

1. Agile

Source: Instagram, Dino Melaye.

2. The boss

Source: Instagram, Dino Melaye.

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3. Peace

Source: Instagram, Dino Melaye.

Would you rock an outfit like this in Nigeria?

Watch the Legit.ng TV video below to see what TBoss has to say about her relationship with Senator Dino Melaye:

Source: Legit.ng
A married corp member identified as Patience Bula has been allegedly assaulted by a man who claimed to be a movie producer.

The corp member who is currently serving at a radio station in Makurdi was invited to show up at a movie rehearsal to be picked for a role.

At the rehearsal, the lady was introduced to one Adams Marvin who is the manager in charge of shooting the movie.

According to Facebook user Ukan Kurugh, Marvin called Bula to pay him a visit because some of the actors had to be cut from the movie due to production cost.

Corp member nearly gets killed in a bid to get movie role Photo Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Man narrates how his bank account was emptied when scammers stole his smartphone

On getting there, Marvin allegedly convinced her to follow him into a room where he claimed the others were.

Kurugh explained that Marvin allegedly took up a stick and started to strangle the lady with it but she forced herself away from him.

The Facebook user noted that the man started to beat her on the chest with the stick when he could not strangle her with it. She fainted and woke up in a pool of blood.

After Bula woke up she received help from sympathizers when she crawled out of the room.

According to Kurugh, the man who was surprised to see her alive after he showed up claimed to the people around that they are dating and she became that while they were making loving.

The youths within the area dragged the culprit to the police station where he was locked up.

Read full story below:

"The painful experience of this beautiful new wife must be told. She was caught in between the claws of death, perhaps for ritual purposes or for something else, one should wonder. I have urged the world over and those who believe in the cause of justice to show up at the Police A Division Wadata-Makurdi this morning by 9am for the perseverance on the cause of right. I would tell those who would care to read.

Mrs. Patience Bula who is a graduate of Mass Communication and a corp member currently serving at Radio Benue Makurdi was invited by a friend Precious also fellow corper after their CDS to show up at a movie rehearsal she was taking part in and to perhaps also pick a simple role. A thing she succumbed to after some persuasion. There she was introduced to one Adams Marvin who was the one managing the shooting of the movie and was subsequently attached a simple role and handed the scripts.

Subsequently, she was asked to bring the script as it contained some roles of other artists, a thing she did voluntarily at the Eunice Resort Centre, venue of the rehearsal where she had been offered the role.

On Sunday, 10th September, 2017 the said Marvins called Patience that, there was need to cut down participating actors in the movie to save cost, hence the production team was short of finance. He therefore urged Patience to meet him at Hope Clinic, Wadata, where other actors and actresses were waiting to be shortlisted. On getting at the clinic, Patience saw no one and Marvins appeared minutes later to tell her that, all the people were gathered in a house down the street opposite the hospital. Not convinced enough thou, she decided to make the walk down into a compound and then into a supposed room where there was no one.

He urged her to sit and then told her that, there was a scramble for roles and so she should pray that she would not be thrown out. In the process, he also sat on same bed and bent backwards as if in a bid to pick something and next she experienced was a stick held at either ends across her neck in front in a bid to strangle her. She started struggling and screaming for help which didn't come. It became a scramble that lasted minutes. She was determined not to die like a chicken and struggled until the stick was loosed. Rather, he used the stick to hit her chest and wipe her back until she became unconscious hence she had become weak. Only to wake minutes later with fumes on her mouth in a pool of blood alone in the room. She crawled to the door step where a boy came over to help her to lie on the corridor.

The scene attracted sympathizers and some of the compound neighbour's who had earlier failed to turn up, perhaps fearing the nature of the maverick Marvin in question. It was in the midst of all this that Marvin showed up, perhaps believing she must have been dead. Surprised to see her awake, he started claiming it she was her girlfriend who came and in the process of love-making started convulsing. It was so unbelievable and a youth leader who showed up helped recover her phone from the said room that had by now been switched off though initially fully charged. All this had taken place about 2:30pm and Patience husband was later reached who showed up and almost shed tears for what his wife had went through.

The youth within the area dragged the culprit to the police station where he is under lock and key. Patience was first taken to a clinic that asked for consultation of N17,000 and so they left for FMC Makurdi where doctors where on strike and so she was taken to the FMC Apir, where she underwent series of tests and some are yet to be done. On a visit to the police station yesterday, husband to Patience, Mike Bula lamented that, the police at the station were treating the recidivist, who already has a plethora of cases against him was all smiles and claiming that he knows his way. There was no sign of remorse as he is reputed to have a smooth rapport with the policemen in the said A division station, Wadata, Makurdi.

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Fellow Nigerians, humanitarian, activists, feminist, gender activists, groups and organizations please let's ensure justice for this sister of ours against this monster-killer.

We must stand up against evil with a voice.

Let us all show up this morning by 9am at A Division Police Station, Wadata-Market, Makurdi to protest and seek the immediate transfer of the case to police headquarters where fairness will be guaranteed. Let lawyers and human rights and gender activists do the needful. We must make the world a better place."

Watch the Legit.ng TV video below to see what Nigerians said after being asked if some free N30m will change their lifestyle:

Source: Legit.ng
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The two journalists, who have been detained without formal charges since August, include arrested Sasan Aghaei, 34, deputy editor of the reformist paper Etemad, and Yaghma Fashkhami, a journalist for the Didban Iran website.

Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said: Irans judiciary and intelligence agencies have a longstanding pattern of prosecuting journalists on dubious national security charges. The latest journalists to be arrested have not been accused of doing anything beyond exercising their right to free speech, and should be freed immediately. Irans various intelligence agencies seem to agree on at least one thing: their repressive approach towards journalists and press freedom

Both journalists have previously received harassment from the Regime based on their free speech activities.

Aghaei, who has been arrested four times since 2009, has been held in solitary confinement in the notorious Evin prison in Tehran. Human Rights Watch said that this sort of indefinite solitary confinement is inhumane and could amount to torture.

A source close to his family said that Iranian authorities are pressing him to admit to connections with the Amad News website, a media outlet which opposes the Regime.

Human Rights Watch said: Iranian authorities frequently detain and prosecute journalists on vaguely defined national security charges while granting limited or no access to legal defence during the investigative phase of their detention. Irans criminal procedure law, which went into force in 2014, sought to expand legal access to detainees.

owever, article 48 of the approved amendments require people accused of certain offences, including political charges, to choose their counsel from a pool of lawyers approved by the head of Irans judiciary. The list is not available to the public, and attorneys and families of detainees charged with national security crimes frequently report that detainees have been denied access to a lawyer at the pretrial investigation stage.

This is not even the first case of the Iranian Regime suppressing freedom of the press in 2017.

On August 31, Azam Eghtesad, the mother of reformist journalist Ehsan Mazandarani, who has been held in Evin prison since March, told the Center for Human Rights in Iran that her sons health had greatly deteriorated.

Mazandarani had originally been released in February after serving a year in jail on bogus charges of assembly and collusion against national security and propaganda against the state, but then claimed it was a mistake to release him and sent him back to prison.

On August 29, journalists Hengameh Shahidi and Zeinab Karmianian, were released after five months in jail without charges.
All of this, while the US decides what its policy towards Iran will be.

Many in the US and around the world are calling for a tougher approach, as opposed to the failed appeasement strategy that has reigned for nearly 40 years. They want to see the Iranian Regime punished for their nuclear transgressions (which violate the 2015 agreement), their human rights abuses, their destabilisation of the Middle East, and their support for terrorism.

Indeed, in the past nine months, the US has already launched more sanctions against Iran and are considering labelling Iran as noncompliant with the nuclear come October.

While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has no proof that Iran has violated the nuclear deal, one could argue that they have also not been allowed full access to Iranian sites. If a full inspection is not complete, how can Iran be declared compliant?

Honestly, Irans compliance with the flawed deal isnt even that important because it doesnt do much to address the other problems that Iran poses. In fact, the US could even break the deal themselves in order to force a better deal.

However, this would need to be followed up with a robust policy that tackled the Iranian Regimes belligerence and kept them away from nuclear weapons. In itself, this poses many questions, like what the policies should be, what the costs would be, and what the chances for long-term success would be.

Tackling both of these threats from Iran at the same time will be difficult but it is doable; the US is certainly strong enough to achieve this, they just need to really commit,

The US might face opposition from the Russians, who are allied with Iran in Syria, and would almost certainly become the target of Iran and its terrorist proxies in the Middle East but the US military is unmatched across the world.

Donald Trump wanted peace in the Middle East and the only way he will get it is by tackling the Iranian Regime.
Mohammad Khazrai Shaneivar, Arezoo Hashemnejad Alalmdari, and Parisa Mohamadi were charged in Cleveland federal court earlier this week for exporting products to safe countries like the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, where they would they be forwarded to Iran.

They were charged with conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and smuggling, back in June but the indictment was not unsealed until last week when Mohamadi, 52, was arrested in the US.

The trade embargo against Iran was passed in 1995 by Bill Clinton in response to policies and actions from the Iranian Regime, regarding terrorist activity and attempts at creating a nuclear weapons programme, which constituted a threat to US national security.

As a result, exports from the US to Iran are banned except in very rare circumstances, when the US government grants permission.

The Department of Homeland Security said that the defendants did not have permission to export these goods.

The defendants also used the Canadian company IC Link Industries, which is operated by Shaneivar, to export the goods to an affiliate business in Iran, as Shaneivar and Alamdari live in Canada.

According to the indictment, Shaneivar would receive orders for US industrial goods from Alamdari and others on behalf of customers in Iran.

IC Link would then send requests to a person, named only as M.S in the docket, who lives in Ohio and operates two businesses that obtain US goods for resale in other countries. If the price was acceptable, M.S would then ship the items, which would end up in Iran.

Occasionally, M.S would be told to undervalue the goods, repackage them, or remove serial numbers to avoid raising suspicion with the US Government about what was being shipped out of the country.

The goods were to be used in industries like oil, gas, energy and petroleum among others. One customer was Kala Naft, the procurement arm of the National Iranian Oil Company, according to the indictment.

Mohamadi, who also goes by Parisa Javidi, also has a criminal complaint filed against her in January for her involvement in over 70 potential or completed transactions worth more than $3 million between 2010 and 2012.

Mohamadi, who has addresses all over the world, has pleaded not guilty but remains in the custody of the US Marshals Service.
At the 148th regular ministerial session of the Arab League Council in Cairo, Khalid Al Jarallah, Kuwaits Deputy Foreign Minister, said: Despite Kuwaits efforts to open up communication channels for dialogue between Arabian Gulf countries and neighbouring Iran with a view to enhancing regional security and stability, the Islamic Republic continues to interfere in domestic Arab affairs.

He continued: The countries in the region still suffer from these interferences, the latest of which took place in my country in what is known as Al Abdali case which impacted Kuwaits efforts to revive dialogue between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries and Iran.

The Al Abdali case refers to a terrorist cell, busted by Kuwaits Interior Ministry in 2015, whose members are reportedly being sheltered by the Iranian Regime.

In June, 14 of the terrorists reportedly fled to Iran using small boats to reach a larger Iranian boat which was waiting in International Waters. Kuwait has since released photos in an attempt to locate them.

When the terrorist cell was raided, Kuwaiti officials discovered a large store of weapons, ammunitions, and explosives hidden underground at a farm in Abdali, including 24 hand grenades, 65 guns, 56 RPGs and 144kg of bomb-making material.

In September 2015, Kuwaits prosecution service tried the 26 defendants, including one Iranian in absentia, for both the illegal possession of weapons, ammunition and explosives and spying for the Iranian Regime and their terrorist proxy Hezbollah.

In January, sentences were announced that ranged from death for the Iranian and a Kuwaiti defendant, a life sentence for one defendant, and prison terms ranging from five to 15 years.

In his speech Al Jarallah also called for the Iranian Regime to accept international arbitration to settle its dispute with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the three UAE islands that are currently occupied by Iranian forces

He argued that the UN special envoy to Syria must be supported in their mission for a compromise deal, which would lay the groundwork for political change in Syria. The Iranian Regime, on the other hand, supports the Assad dictatorship and would not support political change there.

He also called for a conference on the rebuilding of Iraqi cities affected by the war against Daesh, but it is worth noting that the Iranian Regime is looking to capitalise on Iraqs destruction and put down roots there, so they would not support a rebuilding effort.
Nations are expressing support for new United Nations restrictions placed on North Korea in reaction to its sixth nuclear test.

The U.N. Security Council voted 15-0 to approve new sanctions. The Council hopes the measures will force North Korea to observe existing U.N. resolutions. South Koreas presidential office said the vote showed that the U.N. was sending a united message.

The only way for it (North Korea) to get out of diplomatic isolation and economic pressure is the come back to the dialogue table, said Park Soo-hyun, a presidential spokesman.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also welcomed the new sanctions. He said it was important to use pressure to change North Koreas weapons development policy.

The United States Ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, praised the vote. She said the world would not accept a nuclear-armed North Korea. Haley said the world would act if North Korea failed to disarm itself.

Sanctions target resources, trade

U.N. Security Council resolution 2375 aims to punish North Korea for its September 3 nuclear test. The test was recorded as a 6.3-magnitude earthquake. North Korea says the test was of a hydrogen bomb, a weapon far more powerful than those tested earlier.

In reaction, the Security Council agreed to target North Koreas trade and fuel imports.

The resolution calls for cutting North Koreas oil imports by one-third. Haley called oil the life blood of the nations effort to develop a nuclear weapon.

North Korean imports of other fuels, including gas, are to drop by more than one half.

The resolution also targets sources of income.

It bans sales of textiles, meaning cloth or clothing, by North Korea. Haley said this ban would cost North Korea nearly $800 million a year.

The resolution seeks to bar new work permits for North Korean workers employed in other countries. North Korea has long been accused of using money paid to its overseas workers to support its weapons programs.

In addition, the Security Council called for freezing the assets of three powerful groups linked to the government.

China and Russia oppose stronger measures

The United States had sought stronger measures against North Korea. At first, the U.S. called for a complete oil embargo and a freeze on the assets of leader Kim Jong Un. It also sought to permit military force, if necessary, to stop ships supplying banned goods.

However, China and Russia pushed for the compromise version that the U.N. Security Council approved. Both China and Russia are permanent Security Council members and hold veto power on resolutions.

Both countries say that discussions are the only way to solve the North Korean issue.

On Tuesday, Chinas official Xinhua news agency called for talks. It described the dispute as a situation where nuclear and missile tests trigger tougher sanctions and tougher sanctions invite further tests.

China and Russia also have urged the United States to suspend its joint military training with South Korea in exchange for a North Korean nuclear freeze.

However, supporters of the Trump administrations policy of maximum pressure on North Korea say the most recent sanctions are not enough.

Grant Newsham is a researcher with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo. He says if these U.N. restrictions do not work, the U.S. could punish Chinese banks that do business with North Korea.

On Tuesday, reports say some of Chinas major state-owned banks have stopped providing financial services to North Koreans. That could be a sign of increased enforcement of existing sanctions.

But critics of North Korea sanctions say that approach will not cause the country to disarm.

Im Mario Ritter.

Margaret Basheer and Brian Padden reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

sanction n. measure put in place to cause a country to obey international law, usually by limiting or banning trade

isolation n. apart alone

dialogue n. talks and discussion between two or more parties

asset n. something of value

maximum adj. the most

trigger n. something that causes an action or process to begin
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We've all seen cute videos of kittens who think their reflection in the mirror is another cat. But one of my cats truly understands the mirror. He sits on my dresser looking in the mirror which gives him a view of the doorway, so he can see if his sibling is coming to annoy him. I know he's watching, because if I walk in, he turns to look at me. Sitting on the dresser gives him more time & space to prepare for any sneak attack.
As healthcare providers see more patients with opioid abuse and dependence, they face a difficult challenge: What's the best way to manage acute pain without contributing to the patient's opioid use disorder (OUD)? A review and recommendations for acute pain treatment in patients with OUD is presented in in the September/October Journal of Trauma Nursing, official publication of the Society of Trauma Nurses.

Coleen Dever, MSN, AGCNS-BC, CEN, TRCN, of Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, Del., advocates a "holistic, multimodal" approach to acute pain treatment in patients who are dependent on opioids. She believes that educationfor healthcare providers as well as patientsis a key step in providing effective pain control in patients who have OUD or risk factors for opioid dependence.

Recommendations for Pain Treatment in Patients with Opioid Dependence or Addiction

The United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic, with unprecedented rates of overdose, abuse, and addiction to prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin. "Pain and addiction often occur together," Coleen Dever writes. However, the nature of the association remains unclear: pain may lead to opioid use then addiction, or substance abuse may lead to pain syndromes. Adequate treatment of acute pain may play an essential role in preventing both chronic pain and opioid dependence.

Many patients with opioid dependence have chronic pain, which leads to changes in the physiological and emotional aspects of pain. Abnormal pain responses may develop both in patients with chronic pain (central sensitization) and opioid use (opioid-induced hyperalgesia).

Treating new acute pain in patients with OUD after traumatic injury poses special challenges. "Treatment for acute pain in the opioid-dependent patient is multifactorial, although there are no set guidelines to follow," Coleen Dever writes.

She outlines practical recommendations for acute pain management for patients with or at risk of OUD. Education can help nurses become more aware of attitudes and behaviorsincluding negative stereotypes about drug usersthat may influence pain management and patients' experience of pain. Various screening tools have been developed to assess risk factors for developing OUD in individual patients.

The treatment plan for acute pain management must account for the patient's medical and psychological history, physical status, emotional stage, previous pain experience, and injury-related factors. Psychological tools for pain management include caring and respectful behaviors by healthcare practitioner. Measures such as relaxation/imagery techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce the need for pain medications.

Treatment should consider the range of multimodal medication options. Alternatives include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and certain types of antidepressant and anticonvulsant medications. Some patients with chronic pain may need to continue their long-acting pain medications while receiving additional medications to control acute pain.

"Whenever initiating opioid therapy, it is important to start at the lowest dose then titrate [adjust] appropriately, taking into consideration that pain is the experience of the patient and needs to be managed until effective pain control is obtained," Coleen Dever writes. "This does not mean elimination of pain entirely, but allowing pain to be manageable."

She emphasizes the need to assess possible risk of OUD before the patient is sent home, with continued monitoring of pain relief and medication use afterward. She adds, "There is great need for future research regarding safe prescribing of opioids at time of discharge from the acute care setting."

More information: Coleen Dever. Treating Acute Pain in the Opiate-Dependent Patient, Journal of Trauma Nursing (2017). Coleen Dever. Treating Acute Pain in the Opiate-Dependent Patient,(2017). DOI: 10.1097/JTN.0000000000000309
Credit: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Publishers

New research has shown that the success of transplanting stem cells into the brain to regenerate tissue damaged by stroke may depend on the maturity of the neuronal precursor cells used for transplantation. A study demonstrating the significant impact of human neuronal precursor cell maturity on cell survival after transplantation into stroke-injured rate brains is published in Tissue Engineering, Part A.

Coauthors Samantha Payne, Priya Anandakumaran, Cindi Morshead, and Molly Shoichet, University of Toronto and Balazs Varga and Andras Nagy, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada, evaluated the survival of three subpopulations of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPC)-derived neuronal precursor cells: early-, mid-, and late-differentiated cells. Significantly more early- and mid-differentiated neuronal stem cells were present in the rat brains one week after transplantation compared to late-differentiated cells. Furthermore, the mid-differentiated cells were the most likely to mature and become neurons, according to the results reported in the article entitled "In Vitro Maturation of Human iPSC-Derived Neuroepithelial Cells Influences Transplant Survival in the Stroke-Injured Rat Brain."

"Temporality as a variable in tissue engineering has rarely been explored. This is an excellent addition to our understanding of cell behavior in a therapeutic circumstance," says Tissue Engineering Co-Editor-in-Chief Peter C. Johnson, MD, Principal, MedSurgPI, LLC and President and CEO, Scintellix, LLC, Raleigh, NC.

More information: Samantha L. Payne et al, In Vitro Maturation of Human iPSC-Derived Neuroepithelial Cells Influences Transplant Survival in the Stroke-Injured Rat Brain, Tissue Engineering Part A (2017). Samantha L. Payne et al, In Vitro Maturation of Human iPSC-Derived Neuroepithelial Cells Influences Transplant Survival in the Stroke-Injured Rat Brain,(2017). DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0515
Physical aggression among people with dementia is not unusual. A study from Lund University in Sweden showed that one-third of patients with the diagnosis Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia were physically aggressive towards healthcare staff, other patients, relatives, animals and complete strangers. This manifestation of disease must be both understood and addressed in the right way.

"The prevalences are not surprising, but we noted a difference between the two groups in terms of when in the course of the disease aggressive behaviour manifested and how serious the violence was", says psychiatry resident Madeleine Liljegren, doctoral student at Lund University and lead author of the study.

The study is based on a review of brain examinations and patient journals of 281 deceased people who between the years 1967 and 2013 were diagnosed with Alzheimer's or frontotemporal dementia. The researchers have followed the entire duration of the disease for this group, from the patients' first contact with a physician to follow up after death.

"The individuals with frontotemporal dementia displayed physically aggressive behaviour earlier in their disease than people with Alzheimer's. The difference may be due to the fact that the diseases arise in different parts of the brain. For those with frontotemporal dementia, the damage begins in the frontal parts of the brain, which is where among other things our capacity for empathy, impulse control, personality and judgement reside. Alzheimer's is accentuated further back in the brain where our memory is located as well as our ability to orientate ourselves in time and space", says Maria Landqvist Waldo, co-author of the study and one of the supervisors of the project.

The number of patients who displayed physical aggression was greater among those diagnosed with Alzheimer's. However, individuals with frontotemporal dementia were physically aggressive more often  and the violence exhibited by the people suffering from frontotemporal dementia could also be more serious, and this was particularly evident towards complete strangers.

Twenty-one per cent of the physically aggressive patients with frontotemporal dementia were physically aggressive towards strangers, compared with two per cent of the physically aggressive Alzheimer patients.

"There was an unexpectedly large difference between the groups, even though people with frontotemporal dementia generally are younger when they start showing symtoms of the disease than those with Alzheimer's disease. There is also a longer delay between the first symptoms and an established diagnosis, which means they are out and about in the community longer without access to the right help and support", says Madeleine Liljegren, who continues:

"A person with frontotemporal dementia can use physical aggression without any provocation, whereas a person with Alzheimer's generally does this if another person approaches them too fast, for example in a nursing care situation. If you notice socially deviant or criminal behaviour in a person who has previously acted normally, you should be attentive and help the person get examined by a physician, as it could be the first sign of dementia."

More information: Madeleine Liljegren et al. Physical aggression among patients with dementia, neuropathologically confirmed post-mortem, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (2017). Madeleine Liljegren et al. Physical aggression among patients with dementia, neuropathologically confirmed post-mortem,(2017). DOI: 10.1002/gps.4777
Less than 5% of welfare recipients have a substance abuse problem. Credit: shutterstock.com

The government's announcement in the May 2017 budget of a trial of random drug testing of 5,000 Youth Allowance and Newstart recipients has been almost universally criticised. While the prime minister claimed the program is "based on love", the CEO of Jobs Australia has warned it will be so demeaning as to drive young people to sex work. And the government shows no sign of being overwhelmed by the reportedly "overwhelming" medical evidence that its policy will not work.

There is a certain amount of hyperbole on both sides of this issue, which is skewing the evidence. This makes it difficult to interpret, largely due to the lack of clarity on what the aims of this program are. Is it to help struggling addicts, reduce the number of drug users, or save money by reducing welfare payments?

Most of the evidence drawn on by critics of the trial comes from places that have implemented such programs. While it has been considered in the UK and Canada, variations on testing welfare recipients for drug use have only previously appeared in the US and New Zealand. So, have they worked? And is there a convincing link between welfare recipients and drug use at all?

Drug use and welfare

The most recent estimates from the US found about one in five people receiving welfare had used illicit drugs in the previous year. That makes drug use up to 50% more common in welfare households than the general population.

The impact this drug use has on their lives varies widely, however. Less than 5% of welfare recipients met the diagnostic criteria for having a substance abuse problem, which would make them eligible for withdrawal treatment.

Closer to home, a New Zealand government survey found 32% of welfare recipients reported using illicit drugs, in comparison to 18% of the general population. The clandestine nature of drug use, and the reliance on self-reporting in these statistics, make prevalence estimates imperfect. Nevertheless, drug use has been treated as a key driver of welfare dependency in the US, where testing has been implemented intermittently since the turn of the century.

Drug testing in Florida

As numbers of such programs grew in the US, one study directly analysed the difference in employment and earnings between welfare recipients who were and were not using drugs in Florida. The study reviewed 6,642 applications as part of drug testing for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. This involves the federal government providing financial assistance to pregnant women and families with one or more dependants.

The authors found a small but insignificant difference between groups, which is a difficult result on which to base conclusions. This study also didn't collect information about the extent of problematic drug use as opposed to recreational use. And it had limited ability to control for related social and demographic factors.

The confounding effect of these other factors is often alluded to as implied evidence against drug-testing programs. For instance, some studies have argued depression, physical health problems and limited education are the most common barriers to improving the conditions of drug-using welfare recipients. Yet this is not a clear argument against targeting drugs, as there is also evidence cannabis and methamphetamine use can exacerbate depression and other health conditions.

Too costly an exercise?

The other argument against the proposed trial, as put forward by the Australian Greens, is that it's an ineffective use of money as detection rates of drug users will be minimal. Indeed, in New Zealand, $1 million was spent on a similar scheme, which detected 22 positive results in a sample of 8,001.

Data have also been released for detection rates in a similar program in Arizona, Missouri, Utah and Tennessee over an 18-month period in 2013-14. With a total of just under 200,000 tests at a collective cost of over US$1 million, these states disqualified 14, 780, 29 and 24 people from receiving benefits, respectively.

The Australian government won't disclose the cost of its current proposal, as it is commercial in confidence. Yet A$10 million has been set aside to support welfare recipients who test positive, presumably to enter treatment or rehabilitation. In the current system, however, less than half of all people seeking drug treatment are able to get access to it. And the most recent reviews of compulsory drug treatment have reiterated it does not improve treatment outcomes.

This A$10 million alone would seem to offset any savings made from withdrawing payments following the very low numbers of positive tests that can be expected. The government has not provided any estimate of potential savings under this policy, so we don't know if this trial will save money.

What about drug-related harms?

No assessment has been made thus far of how drug-related harms  such as emergency department presentations, mental health conditions, or interpersonal violence  changed in response to testing programs. But that doesn't mean we don't have reason to think such programs had no effect.

There is evidence, for example, that prohibition limits drug use. Some studies have found when addicts do enter rehabilitation, they can be motivated by the desire to avoid risk of punishment and frequent interactions with police. This would imply additional hurdles that increase the potential cost of using drugs can effectively reduce levels of use.

Some critics argue this program will penalise people with advanced levels of dependence. But to base policy on this is to ignore the evidence that addicts can and do exercise control over their drug use in response to external factors. The point at which many addicts enter treatment is usually "rock bottom", when the external motivating factors become sufficient to overpower the persistent desire to use. It's not clear how removing these factors will encourage addicts to enter treatment.

What's the ultimate goal?

With regards to the public health argument, the evidence exists but is unsettled and complex. This controversy is not resolved by marginalising the broader picture of relevant research. In terms of the economic argument, there is no reason to expect the costs of this program will be outweighed by the welfare payments that may be cancelled.

It can be said, as some of the architects of this program do say, that the very purpose of this trial is to collect the evidence everyone is clamouring for. The government has committed to ongoing reviews of the program and its outcomes. But this will only be useful if they answer the deeper question of what it is they're looking for.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
The life cycle of Leishmania parasites in flies and humans. If passes through promastigote and amastigote phases as it spreads. Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / press and educational handout

Parasites that ulcerate the skin, can disfigure the face, and may fatally mutilate its victim's internal organs are creeping closer to the southern edges of the United States.

No vaccine is available against Leishmania yet, but researchers have now come closer to changing that. A new experimental vaccine, made with a proprietary biological particle developed at the Georgia Institute of Technology, has immunized laboratory mice that were genetically altered to mimic the human immune system.

The vaccine exploits a weakness in Leishmania's tricky chemical camouflage, which normally hides it from the victim's disease-fighting cells, to trigger a forceful immune response against the parasite, according to a new study.

Second-deadliest parasite

Leishmania are the second-deadliest parasites in the world, topped only by malaria, according to the World Health Organization. There are some 30 strains of Leishmania.

They are transmitted mainly through the bite of a phlebotomine sand fly, which feeds on blood, and global warming is expanding the insect's potential habitat northward from Latin America. The outbreak regions closest to the United States of leishmaniasis, the disease caused by the parasite, have come within roughly 300 miles of the border.

Some species of phlebotomine sand fly transmit Leishmania parasites. Credit: Parasitology department of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in collaboration with Georgia Tech.

As with many diseases, many people who contract Leishmania, the parasite, may develop leishmaniasis, the disease, with varying symptoms, or perhaps even show outward signs of the disease. But when it breaks out, one form can cause large skin boils, and some infections severely eat away at the nose and lips, even removing parts of them.

If another form of the parasite gets into the bloodstream, it can damage the liver and spleen in a deadly form of the disease called visceral leishmaniasis, also known as black fever.

"If you don't treat it, within 20 to 40 days visceral leishmaniasis very often kills the victim," said Alexandre Marques, a professor in the parasitology department of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil, and one of the lead researchers on the new experimental vaccine. Conventional treatment, though mostly effective, can leave behind small numbers of the parasite, which can lead the patient to relapse or act as a carrier, in a similar manner as malaria.

A vaccine could be better at halting or averting outbreaks.

Long-awaited vaccine

Leishmania, which are single-cell organisms about the size of large bacteria, have been a scourge in about 90 countries in South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and southern Europe. For decades, researchers have worked to find a vaccine against them and similar parasites without success.

A typical boil caused by leishmaniasis. These can spread across the body if left untreated. A form of the disease called mucosal leishmaniasis can viciously infect tissues in the lips and nose, even partially removing them. Credit: Parasitology department of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in collaboration with Georgia Tech

"In comparison to viruses and bacteria, these are much more complex organisms and more difficult to crack," said M. G. Finn, who also led work on the new vaccine. Finn is a professor in Georgia Tech's School of Biological Sciences and in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, which he also chairs.

The new vaccine leverages intimate knowledge that Marques's team has gained living and working on the edge of leishmaniasis outbreak regions. "Alex's (Marques's) students collect the sand flies, then they extract the parasites in the lab and do complex mass spectrometry and other tests to study their molecular makeup in impressive detail," Finn said.

The team has uncovered minute details on the outer surface of Leishmania that make it vulnerable to a human immune reaction. The potential new vaccine, invented at Georgia Tech, employs a fake virus as bait to attract major immune system forces to these weaknesses to attack them.

The fake virus, or virus-like particle, is not infectious, and the body destroys it after use. Finn's lab has developed many variations of such particles in recent years, and other products containing it have already been through phase II human clinical trials.

Marques and Finn published the results of their vaccination development and testing on September 13, 2017, in the journal ACS Central Science. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development.
Involvement of the retina can take several forms. Wide-angle fundus image (RetCam) of the left eye of a child with congenital Zika syndrome showing large chorioretinal scar in the macular region. Credit: Journal of AAPOS

Although one of the most serious consequences of the Zika virus (ZIKV) in infants is microcephaly, there is a broad collection of anomalies now known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Some of the most serious are ophthalmologic, including macular scarring, retinal defects, low visual acuity, strabismus, and nystagmus. Two papers published in the Journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) evaluated visual function among infants with suspected and confirmed CZS. Both studies found that while about 40% of patients had ocular abnormalities, 100% of children tested had visual impairment. Thus, cortical visual impairment might be the most common cause of blindness among children with CZS.

In a study conducted in Brazil, 70 infants with microcephaly were examined at CAVIVER, a nongovernmental organization clinic and referral center dedicated to visually disabled children in Fortaleza. A team of ophthalmologists, neurologists, geneticists, and pediatricians, led by Marcia B. Tartarella, MD, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, evaluated the infants from January to May 2016. Twenty-five had ophthalmologic changes: 18 with intraocular abnormalities, including macular chorioretinal atrophy, mottled retinal pigment epithelium, and optic nerve pallor; seven with strabismus or nystagmus without intraocular abnormalities. Eleven infants who could be tested for visual acuity, were all below normal range. Investigators noted that although they could not obtain specific serological tests that would confirm ZIKV infection in these patients, all were screened for other infectious conditions that could cause microcephaly.

According to Dr. Tartarella, "All systemic and ocular characteristics of CZS do not necessarily occur in the same patient. The ophthalmic features with unique anatomical characteristics may help to identify CZS in patients born without microcephaly."

Another study, which included 32 infants born in Pernambuco, Brazil from May to December 2015 with confirmed ZIKV infection, found visual impairment in all patients. Fourteen patients exhibited retinal and/or optic nerve damage and had neuroimaging or neurological abnormalities detected at birth. Twenty-six mothers reported symptoms or signs compatible with ZIKV infection during their pregnancies, 13 during the first trimester, 9 during the second, and 3 in the third. Twenty-six infants were born full-term while six were pre-term.

However, according to lead investigator Liana O. Ventura, MD, PhD, of the Altino Ventura Foundation (FAV), and the Department of Ophthalmology, HOPE Eye Hospital, Recife, Brazil, such retinal involvement is not always present. "Surprisingly, the present study revealed that, regardless of fundus involvement, all infants presented with visual impairment, suggesting that the visual impairment is most likely related to the extensive damage to the central nervous system. These findings reinforce our supposition that brain damage is the main etiology for visual impairment in CZS."

In an accompanying editorial, Sonja A. Rasmussen, MD, MS, and co-authors suggest that as our knowledge of the effects of Zika virus infection evolves, we can learn from the experience with rubella infection during pregnancy. Beginning with an astute observation in 1941 by ophthalmologist Norman Gregg, followed by descriptions of a wide array of manifestations, the full effects of congenital rubella infection became understood.

Dr. Rasmussen explains, "Limited data are available regarding the rate of ophthalmologic findings in infants born to women with ZIKV infection during pregnancy. As most studies have only carefully examined infants with presumed or confirmed congenital ZIKV infection who have microcephaly, more studies are needed to understand ocular findings in those infants with congenital ZIKV infection without microcephaly. In addition, it is unknown how often infants born without recognizable abnormalities of ZIKV infection will later develop problems (e.g., cognitive impairment, hearing loss, ocular findings), as has been seen with other congenital infections, for example, rubella."

More information: Islane Vercosa et al, The visual system in infants with microcephaly related to presumed congenital Zika syndrome, Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (2017). Journal information: Journal of AAPOS Islane Vercosa et al, The visual system in infants with microcephaly related to presumed congenital Zika syndrome,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2017.05.024
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Mothers who experience an infection severe enough to require hospitalization during pregnancy are at higher risk of having a child with autism. Two new studies from MIT and the University of Massachusetts Medical School shed more light on this phenomenon and identify possible approaches to preventing it.

In research on mice, the researchers found that the composition of bacterial populations in the mother's digestive tract can influence whether maternal infection leads to autistic-like behaviors in offspring. They also discovered the specific brain changes that produce these behaviors.

"We identified a very discrete brain region that seems to be modulating all the behaviors associated with this particular model of neurodevelopmental disorder," says Gloria Choi, the Samuel A. Goldblith Career Development Assistant Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and a member of MIT's McGovern Institute for Brain Research.

If further validated in human studies, the findings could offer a possible way to reduce the risk of autism, which would involve blocking the function of certain strains of bacteria found in the maternal gut, the researchers say.

Choi and Jun Huh, formerly an assistant professor at UMass Medical School who is now a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, are the senior authors of both papers, which appear in Nature on Sept. 13. MIT postdoc Yeong Shin Yim is the first author of one paper, and UMass Medical School visiting scholars Sangdoo Kim and Hyunju Kim are the lead authors of the other.

Reversing symptoms

A 2010 study that included all children born in Denmark between 1980 and 2005 found that severe viral infections during the first trimester of pregnancy translated to a threefold risk for autism, and serious bacterial infections during the second trimester were linked with a 1.42-fold increase in risk. These infections included influenza, viral gastroenteritis, and severe urinary tract infections.

Similar effects have been described in mouse models of maternal inflammation, and in a 2016 Science paper, Choi and Huh found that a type of immune cells known as Th17 cells, and their effector molecule, called IL-17, are responsible for this effect in mice. IL-17 then interacts with receptors found on brain cells in the developing fetus, leading to irregularities that the researchers call "patches" in certain parts of the cortex.

In one of the new papers, the researchers set out to learn more about these patches and to determine if they were responsible for the behavioral abnormalities seen in those mice, which include repetitive behavior and impaired sociability.

The researchers found that the patches are most common in a part of the brain known as S1DZ. Part of the somatosensory cortex, this region is believed to be responsible for proprioception, or sensing where the body is in space. In these patches, populations of cells called interneurons, which express a protein called parvalbumin, are reduced. Interneurons are responsible for controlling the balance of excitation and inhibition in the brain, and the researchers found that the changes they found in the cortical patches were associated with overexcitement in S1DZ.

When the researchers restored normal levels of brain activity in this area, they were able to reverse the behavioral abnormalities. They were also able to induce the behaviors in otherwise normal mice by overstimulating neurons in S1DZ.

The researchers also discovered that S1DZ sends messages to two other brain regions: the temporal association area of the cortex and the striatum. When the researchers inhibited the neurons connected to the temporal association area, they were able to reverse the sociability deficits. When they inhibited the neurons connected to the striatum, they were able to halt the repetitive behaviors.

Microbial factors

In the second Nature paper, the researchers delved into some of the additional factors that influence whether or not a severe infection leads to autism. Not all mothers who experience severe infection end up having child with autism, and similarly not all the mice in the maternal inflammation model develop behavioral abnormalities.

"This suggests that inflammation during pregnancy is just one of the factors. It needs to work with additional factors to lead all the way to that outcome," Choi says.

A key clue was that when immune systems in some of the pregnant mice were stimulated, they began producing IL-17 within a day. "Normally it takes three to five days, because IL-17 is produced by specialized immune cells and they require time to differentiate," Huh says. "We thought that perhaps this cytokine is being produced not from differentiating immune cells, but rather from pre-existing immune cells."

Previous studies in mice and humans have found populations of Th17 cells in the intestines of healthy individuals. These cells, which help to protect the host from harmful microbes, are thought to be produced after exposure to particular types of harmless bacteria that associate with the epithelium.

The researchers found that only the offspring of mice with one specific type of harmless bacteria, known as segmented filamentous bacteria, had behavioral abnormalities and cortical patches. When the researchers killed those bacteria with antibiotics, the mice produced normal offspring.

"This data strongly suggests that perhaps certain mothers who happen to carry these types of Th17 cell-inducing bacteria in their gut may be susceptible to this inflammation-induced condition," Huh says.

Humans can also carry strains of gut bacteria known to drive production of Th17 cells, and the researchers plan to investigate whether the presence of these bacteria is associated with autism.

More information: Maternal gut bacteria promote neurodevelopmental abnormalities in mouse offspring, Nature (2017). Maternal gut bacteria promote neurodevelopmental abnormalities in mouse offspring,(2017). nature.com/articles/doi:10.1038/nature23910 Reversing behavioural abnormalities in mice exposed to maternal inflammation, Nature (2017). nature.com/articles/doi:10.1038/nature23909 Journal information: Science , Nature
(HealthDay)Recurrent ear infections are the bane of many childrenand the parents who have to deal with their care.

Now, research suggests that naturally occurring, "helpful" bacterial colonies in the earcalled "microbiomes" by scientistsmay help decide a person's vulnerability to these infections.

"The children and adults with normal middle ears differed significantly in terms of middle ear microbiomes," concluded a team of Japanese researchers led by Dr. Shujiro Minami of the National Institute of Sensory Organs in Tokyo.

One expert in the United States said the study is an important first step in learning more about ear infections.

"What this study tells us is that we have lots of bacteria living in our middle ears, regardless of whether or not we have chronic ear infections," said Dr. Sophia Jan, chief of pediatrics at Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y. "The study suggests that some kinds of bacteria don't seem to cause us problems when present in our middle ear."

However, "we still have a lot to learn before we can apply this research to the treatment or prevention of chronic ear infections," she added. "We don't know if the bacteria found in 'healthy' ears can be problematic, for example, if present in higher quantities."

Ear infections "are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor," according to the U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. These bacterial infectionscalled otitis mediatypically start in the middle ear, and 5 out of 6 kids will develop at least one ear infection by the time they turn 3.

In the new study, Minami and colleagues wanted to see what role the ear's microbiome might play in these outbreaks. To do so, they took swab samples of the middle ears of 155 children and adults who were having ear surgery due to recurrent ear infections (88 cases) or some other condition.

Among patients with a history of ear infections, the researchers found significant differences in the makeup of microbial communities for people with active ("wet") or inactive ("dry") inflammation.

In fact, people whose ear infection was dormant "had similar middle ear microbiomes as the normal [no ear infection] middle ears group," the researchers said.

On the other hand, the researchers found that people with an active ear infection had bacterial communities that differed widely from those of people not suffering such outbreaks.

The bottom line, Minami's team said, is that "the human middle ear is inhabited by more diverse microbial communities than was previously thought. Alteration of the middle ear microbiome may contribute to the [cause] of chronic otitis media with active inflammation."

Dr. David Hiltzik is an otolaryngologist at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City. Reading over the study findings, he said that "as physicians, we continue to learn how the microbiomes in our bodies affect us."

But Hiltzik stressed that this work is in its infancy, and only further research will reveal "how these findings can assist us going forward in the treatment of ear infections."

For her part, Jan agreed that the study raises many new questions.

"Are specific bacteria causing wet, dry, or active inflammation? Or are different people genetically predisposed to be 'wet' with chronic ear infections, which then allows certain kinds of bacteria to grow in the middle ear?" she said. "Unfortunately, we still have a lot to learn."

The findings were presented earlier this week at the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery annual meeting, in Chicago. Findings presented at medical meetings are typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information: Sophia Jan, M.D., director, general pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, N.Y.; David Hiltzik, M.D., otolaryngologist and director, head and neck surgery, Staten Island University Hospital, New York City; presentation, Sept 10, 2017, annual meeting, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Chicago. Sophia Jan, M.D., director, general pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, N.Y.; David Hiltzik, M.D., otolaryngologist and director, head and neck surgery, Staten Island University Hospital, New York City; presentation, Sept 10, 2017, annual meeting, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Chicago. There's much more on ear infections at the U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
In the current study, the scientists investigated the impact of musical exposure on the subjective evaluations of opposite-sex faces. Credit: Dena Flows,flickr.com, http://bit.ly/2w7Cfz2, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Women rate photographs of male faces as more attractive and are more likely to date the men pictured when they have previously heard music. Moreover, highly arousing music led to the largest effect on sexual attraction. A team of psychologists led by Manuela Marin (University of Innsbruck) and Helmut Leder (University of Vienna) explains the significance of this finding in relation to the origins of music in their latest publication in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.

Music is a worldwide phenomenon and part of every culture, but the origin of music remains a longstanding puzzle. Why do people invest so much energy, time and money in music? Various theories have been proposed, some of which emphasize the biological and social aspects of music. For instance, Charles Darwin said, within the framework of his theory of evolution that music has developed through sexual selection. The motor and cognitive abilities necessary for making music serve as an indicator for good genes and thus increase the reproductive success. This is similar to the singing of birds in the mating season. "There are currently few empirical findings that support Darwin's theory on the origin of music. We wanted to use a new experimental paradigm to investigate the role of music in choosing a mating partner," says Manuela Marin, the leader of the study and former associate of the Institute for Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods at the University of Vienna.

In the current study, Marin and her colleagues investigated the impact of musical exposure on the subjective evaluations of opposite-sex faces. "Facial attractiveness is one of the most important physical characteristics that can influence the choice of a partner. We wanted to find out how music can alter the perception of this feature," says Helmut Leder from the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Vienna. Since music, especially before the advent of modern technology, has always been experienced in the here and now, and mostly in a social context, it is plausible to assume that music could positively influence the visual perception of faces. "There is some evidence in the psychological literature that so-called arousal transfer effects can occur if two stimuli are processed consecutively. The processing of the first stimulus produces internal arousal, i.e. increased physiological activity, which is then attributed to the second stimulus. This mostly unconscious mechanism can then influence our actions, in this case, the choice of a partner," explains Manuela Marin.

In their experiment, the scientists presented heterosexual participants with instrumental musical excerpts that varied in their emotional content, followed by a photograph of a face from the opposite sex with a neutral facial expression. The face was assessed in terms of its attractiveness on a scale. In addition, participants were asked to rate whether they would date the person pictured. In the control condition only faces without music were presented. There were three groups of participants: women in the fertile phase of their cycle, women in the nonfertile phase of their cycle, and men. These groups were similar in their musical preferences and musical training, as well as in their mood before the experiment and in their relationship status. The results showed that female participants rated the male faces as more attractive and were more willing to date the men pictured when previously exposed to music. The fertility cycle did not have a large influence on the ratings. Overall, highly stimulating and complex music led to the greatest effect compared to the control condition. This effect was not present among male participants.

These results are promising and open up new possibilities to investigate the role of music in partner selection in connection with aspects of physical attractiveness. "Our goal is to replicate these results in a larger sample and to modify some aspects of the experiment. For example, we would like to clarify whether musical abilities and creativity can compensate partially for deficiencies in terms of physical appearance and fitness," says Bruno Gingras from the Institute of Psychology at the University of Innsbruck. Helmut Leder adds: "Our results also recall the well-known Capilano Suspension Bridge experiment of Dutton and Aaron from the early 1970s. In that case, male participants crossed either a suspension bridge or a sturdy bridge and were then interviewed by an attractive female confederate who gave them her phone number. Participants who walked over the suspension bridge were much more likely to contact her later. We are planning similar experiments with music in a social context."

These results could have broad implications: "There is an increasing number of empirical findings showing that music has the power to influence human behavior with regard to partner selection. But how can Darwin's theory be reconciled with other biological and social theories on the genesis of music? Music can promote social cohesion, and it also plays a role in the mother-child relationship. Until we understand these connections, there will be a long way to go," concluded Manuela Marin.

More information: Manuela M. Marin et al. Misattribution of musical arousal increases sexual attraction towards opposite-sex faces in females, PLOS ONE (2017). Journal information: PLoS ONE Manuela M. Marin et al. Misattribution of musical arousal increases sexual attraction towards opposite-sex faces in females,(2017). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183531
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Feeling the pain of failure leads to more effort to correct your mistake than simply thinking about what went wrong, according to a new study.

Researchers found that people who just thought about a failure tended to make excuses for why they were unsuccessful and didn't try harder when faced with a similar situation. In contrast, people who focused on their emotions following a failure put forth more effort when they tried again.

"All the advice tells you not to dwell on your mistakes, to not feel bad," said Selin Malkoc, co-author of the study and professor of marketing at The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business.

"But we found the opposite. When faced with a failure, it is better to focus on one's emotionswhen people concentrate on how bad they feel and how they don't want to experience these feelings again, they are more likely to try harder the next time."

While thinking about how to improve from past mistakes might helpthis study didn't examine thatthe researchers found that people who reflect on a failure do not tend to focus on ways to avoid a similar mistake.

When asked to think about their mistakes, most people focus on protecting their ego, Malkoc said. They think about how the failure wasn't their fault, or how it wasn't that big of a deal, anyway.

"If your thoughts are all about how to distance yourself from the failure, you're not going to learn from your mistakes," she said.

Malkoc conducted the study with Noelle Nelson of the University of Kansas and Baba Shiv of Stanford University. Their results appear online in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making.

The researchers conducted several studies. In one, 98 college students were asked to price search online for a blender with specific characteristics, and with the possibility of winning a cash prize if they found the lowest price.

Before they found out if they won, half the participants were told to focus on their emotional response to winning or losing, while the other half were instructed to focus on their thoughts about how they did. They were told they would write about their response afterward.

The price search task was rigged, though, and all participants found out that the lowest price was $3.27 less than what they found.

After writing about their failure, the students had a chance to redeem themselves.

The researchers wanted to find out if the effort put forth by participants in a new task would be related to whether they focused on their thoughts or emotions involving the previous failure. The researchers believed that a task similar to their failed job - in this case a search for the lowest price - would trigger participants into recalling their unsuccessful attempt, while an unrelated job would not.

So the participants were given another task. Half were asked to search for a gift book for a friend that was the best fit for their limited college-student budget. In other words, they were looking for the lowest price, as they were instructed in the first task.

The other half of the participants were given a non-similar task, which was to search for a book that would be the best choice as a gift for their friend.

The results showed emotional responses to failure motivated participants much more than cognitive ones when they were faced with a similar task.

Emotionally motivated participants spent nearly 25 percent more time searching for a low-priced book than did participants who had only thought aboutrather than dwelled on the pain of - their earlier failure.

There was no significant difference in effort made by participants when the second task wasn't like the first (when they were searching for the best gift, rather than the cheapest).

"When the participants focused on how bad they felt about failing the first time, they tried harder than others when they had another similar opportunity," Malkoc said.

"But the situation has to be similar enough to trigger the pain of the initial failure."

One reason why an emotional response to failure may be more effective than a cognitive one is the nature of people's thoughts about their mistakes.

When the researchers analyzed what participants who thought about their failure wrote about, they found significantly more self-protective thoughts ("This wasn't my fault," "I could not have found it even if I tried") than they did self-improvement thoughts ("I know how I can do better next time").

Unfortunately, that may be the default mode for most people, at least in many everyday situations.

In another similar study, the researchers didn't tell some participants how to respond to their failures. They found that these people tended to produce cognitive responses rather than emotional ones, and those cognitive responses were the kinds that protected themselves rather than focused on self-improvement.

Malkoc said that in most real-life situations, people probably have both cognitive and emotional responses to their failures. But the important thing to remember is not to avoid the emotional pain of failing, but to use that pain to fuel improvement.

"Emotional responses to failure can hurt. They make you feel bad. That's why people often choose to think self-protective thoughts after they make mistakes," she said.

"But if you focus on how bad you feel, you're going to work harder to find a solution and make sure you don't make the same mistake again."

More information: Noelle Nelson et al. Emotions Know Best: The Advantage of Emotional versus Cognitive Responses to Failure, Journal of Behavioral Decision Making (2017). Noelle Nelson et al. Emotions Know Best: The Advantage of Emotional versus Cognitive Responses to Failure,(2017). DOI: 10.1002/bdm.2042
The city of Rome on Wednesday announced it would carry out a fast-track anti-mosquito campaign after a string of suspected cases of the insect-borne chikungunya virus were detected in the region.

The move was criticised as too late by the national minister of health, who added it was likely that blood donations in Rome may have to be halted to help stop transmission of the disease.

In a statement, city hall said disinfection and other anti-mosquito measures would be carried out "in all urban areas where clinical cases (of chikungunya) have been notified by the local health authorities," known by the initials of ASL.

Chikungunya, first identified in Tanzania in 1952, is a painful joint disease transmitted by two species of mosquito.

It causes high fever, nausea, headaches and extreme fatigue, but is generally non-fatal and most patients recover. Its name comes from Swahili for "that which bends up," for it leaves victims stooped.

The viral disease is endemic in Africa and south Asia and has been moving westwards, where it now occurs in Latin America, and north, towards Europe, where the authorities are striving to prevent it from become established.

Seventeen cases of the disease have been recorded in recent days in Italy's Latium region that incudes Rome, including six in the capital itself, according to the regional service for infectious disease surveillance (Seresmi).

Most of the cases have been people who live, or have stayed, in the Anzio district 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Rome, a cluster which strengthens suspicions that the source was local.

Italian Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin said that Wednesday's announcement by city hall was too late.

"Too much time has elapsed since the ASL asked for intervention," Lorenzin said. The ASL filed the request on September 7.

Lorenzin also said a decision on halting blood donations in Rome was "very likely."

The two species that can carry chikungunya are the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Both are able to carry dengue fever as well as the yellow fever virus.

Ten years ago, more than 200 cases of chikungunya were found in the northeastern Italian region of Emilia Romagna. The initial source is believed to be a man who had arrived in the area from Kerala, India, where the infection took place.

 2017 AFP
Fig.1. Tissue clearing of various human tissues with CUBIC. (Upper) Gross and microscopic images of human lung and lymph nodes cleared by CUBIC. After gross image acquisition at the indicated time points, lung and lymph node tissues were washed with PBS, followed by paraffin embedding, sectioning, and H&E staining. These images show that lung and lymph node tissues were significantly cleared and that CUBIC clearing caused only negligible, if any, degeneration of the tissues. (Lower) Tissue blocks from formaldehyde-fixed normal human lung and lymph node were cut in half. One half was kept in PBS (Not embedded) whereas another half was first embedded into a paraffin block, was recovered by deparaffinization (Paraffin-embedded), and then was subjected to tissue clearing by CUBIC. The gross appearance of the resulting samples was not distinguishable and had an equivalent transparency. Credit: Nojima S. et al. Scientific Reports

RIKEN Quantitative Biology Center and Osaka University researchers show CUBIC, a tissue clearing and 3-D imaging technique, makes human organs transparent to improve pathology diagnosis

To some, the idea of invisibility leads to mischief, seeing things without being seen. To the pathologist, the idea of invisibility leads to simplicity, seeing the disease in its fullest. In a new study published in Scientific Reports, Japanese researchers report, CUBIC, a technique including a tissue processing that makes human organs transparent, provides better assessment of lesions for pathological diagnosis.

"Traditionally, pathological diagnosis is made by taking 2-D sections of a specimen resected from patients. It is effective, but we cannot exclude the possibility that important findings away from the cut surface are overlooked," explains Osaka University Professor Eiichi Morii, who co-corresponding-authored the study.

Contemporary methods are based on staining techniques from the 19th Century. Patient specimens are cut into thin sections that are stained and analyzed individually under a microscope. However, this method has limitations in its relatively narrow range of observation area and in its two-dimensionality. CUBIC (Clear, Unobstructed Brain/Body Imaging Cocktails and Computational Analysis) was first reported by RIKEN Group Director Hiroki R. Ueda, who is the corresponding author of this study, and his colleagues three years ago. CUBIC has been used to observe whole organs mainly from experimental animals. In the new study, Ueda and his colleagues demonstrated that CUBIC can be used to observe organs from humans and that it surpasses current methods for pathological diagnosis/study.

Fig.2. 3D imaging of pathological specimens with CUBIC. (Left) The reconstructed 3D image of a normal human lung tissue stained with green-fluorescent nucleic acid stain SYTO 16 and Alexa Fluor 647-conjugated anti--SMA (smooth muscle actin) antibody, showing the network of vasculature in the pulmonary alveolar interstitium. The image was obtained by confocal fluorescence microscopy. (Middle) The reconstructed 3D image of a lung tissue derived from an amyloidosis patient. The tissue was stained with SYTO 16 and Congo Red, showing the amyloid deposition in artery wall in lung. The image was obtained by confocal fluorescence microscopy. (Right) The reconstructed 3D image of SYTO 16-stained half-cut human mesenteric lymph node. The image was obtained by light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. Credit: Nojima S. et al. Scientific Reports

The study shows CUBIC applicability to the 3-D imaging of patient lung and lymph node tissues, clearly delineating normal and abnormal regions (Figure 1, Figure 2). After routine observation, many patient samples are stored at hospitals as paraffin-embedded tissue blocks. Additionally, the study shows that the combination of appropriate deparaffinization and CUBIC enabled 3-D imaging of these older specimens.

"These results mean that we can use not only newly fixed samples but also paraffin-embedded tissues stored in the pathological archives of hospitals," said Osaka University Assistant Professor Satoshi Nojima, who first-authored the study.

The scientists also examined the practical diagnostic potential of CUBIC. They showed that CUBIC was much more capable of detecting metastatic carcinomas in lymph node specimens compared to standard pathology techniques (Figure 3).

Fig.3. Screening of metastatic carcinoma nodules in lymph nodes with CUBIC. (Upper) Schematic diagram of the metastasis screening protocol. (Middle) The representative images of reconstructed 3D model, H&E staining, or Cytokeratin immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of the lymph node contained small carcinoma nodules which were only identified by CUBIC screening but were not detected by routine diagnosis method. (Lower) The results of screening are summarized in the table. Four lymph nodes out of 74 were newly diagnosed as positive for metastasis only by the CUBIC-based screening, making the sensitivity of the conventional diagnosis method 85.2% (23/27) with four false negative, i.e. 14.8% (4/27) improvement in sensitivity with CUBIC. Credit: Nojima S. et al. Scientific Reports

"This is outstanding result to demonstrate the usefulness of CUBIC on practical clinical examination," Nojima said.

These findings show the potential of CUBIC for retrospective and prospective clinicopathological diagnosis.

"Our wish is to improve CUBIC so that it leads to the establishment of a novel field of medical science based on 3-D histopathology." Ueda said.

More information: Satoshi Nojima et al. CUBIC pathology: three-dimensional imaging for pathological diagnosis, Scientific Reports (2017). Journal information: Scientific Reports Satoshi Nojima et al. CUBIC pathology: three-dimensional imaging for pathological diagnosis,(2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09117-0
ARCHIVED - Bloodless Toro de la Vega but bullfights and bullruns increase in number across Spain



ARCHIVED ARTICLE

The number of bull-related fiestas in Spain is rising rather than falling!

This Tuesday marked the second holding of the new version of the controversial annual Toro de la Vega event in Tordesillas, during which it is now forbidden to throw lances at the bull involved or to inflict any kind of physical cruelty on the animal, but despite the reform of the centuries-old celebration there were still protests at the small town in the province of Valladolid.

On this occasion, the protests came from a group of people demanding that the death of the bull in public be restored to the schedule of the Toro de la Vega: as things stand at present, it is humanely killed in a slaughterhouse after it has made its progress into the town from the meadows outside.

During the run on Tuesday eight people are reported to have been injured including one, a 37-year-old from Malaga, who was gored, while a second individual aged 65 required hospital treatment for an injury to his right shoulder. However, the real news is that the event passed off peacefully, without the angry scenes which occurred while the Toro de la Vega was still held in its old format until 2015.

This included the throwing of spears at the bull as it made its way towards Tordesillas, with the person who killed it being awarded the honour of parading through the streets with the animals testicles on the point of his spear. However, last year the animal rights activists scored a significant triumph when after years of controversy it was finally ruled illegal in the old format by the regional government of Castilla y Leon.

It often seems in general terms that the tide of public opinion is turning against bullfighting and bull-related events, but in fact the number of fiestas which in some way involve the taunting and in some cases the death of these animals is actually growing. Last year, according to the Ministry of Culture, there were as many as 17,073 bull-related fiesta events in Spain, 690 more than in 2015 and 2,800 more than in 2011, the first year in which comparable data were compiled.

In the course of those five years, the number of bulls involved has actually risen by almost 20 per cent, and although the Pacma animal rights party is satisfied with the outcome of their protests in Tordesillas they are aware that this is just one battle won, and that their war against the maltreatment of animals continues. And even in Tordesillas, the end result is the same for the bull despite the barbarity of the old traditions having been eliminated: he loses his life so that human beings can have some fun.

The situation regarding bull-related fiestas varies significantly from region to region in Spain. By far the largest share is taken by the Comunidad Valenciana with 8,900, over half of the total, with the next most frequent offenders being Castilla y Leon (1,900), Navarra, Castilla-La Mancha and Aragon (each over 1,000). In Madrid there are around 800 events each year, in Andalucia and La Rioja 390, while in Catalunya the total hovers around 50.

So, while various Town Halls in the region of Valencia have held referenda which have resulted in the cancellation of bull-related fiestas, such as those of Tavernes, Sueca, Godella, Xirivella, Xabia and Poble Nou de Benitatxell, it seems that in fact the general trend is going in the other direction, and more of these festivities are being held!

Leading the defence of bullfighting and other events is the current PP government, which has followed the example set by the Region of Murcia and declared bullfighting an Item of Cultural Interest, according it protected status. At the same time, the PP has opposed a law which was passed in July in the Balearics banning any events which involve physical harm to bulls or their deaths, resulting in the legislation in the islands being placed on hold rather than being enforced.

However, whatever the eventual outcome in the Balearics, the overall situation in Spain will not be greatly affected. Last year there were only two bull runs in the islands, and even if they are no longer held that will still leave another 17,071 for the Pacma activists to campaign against.

Image: EFE (fully copyrighted)

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Dara Khosrowshahi, the new chief executive officer at Uber Technologies Inc., laid out an initial set of plans during a staff meeting Tuesday to get the troubled ride-hailing company back on course. He said his top priority was hiring a chief financial officer who can help the company balance its need to control spending with continued growth, said two people who listened to the presentation.

Khosrowshahi is also seeking a replacement for Ubers longtime legal head though the topic didnt come up at the meeting, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters. Hours later, Chief Legal Officer Salle Yoo sent an email to employees, saying she would step down after helping Khosrowshahi find her successor.

Yoo has been in charge of Ubers legal efforts for about five years. Although she was mostly successful in helping the company navigate tricky regulatory quandaries, the San Francisco company now faces a legal nightmare. The issues include federal probes into potential foreign bribes and the use of software to thwart law enforcement stings, as well as lawsuits alleging mistreatment of drivers, mishandling of a rape victims medical records in India, trade-secrets theft and illicit efforts to sniff out information from competitors.

The announcement of Yoos departure was precipitated by a report Tuesday in technology website The Information, she said in the email obtained by Bloomberg. Yoo suggested she would take time off before going to work on a new venture. Please know that I am enormously proud of the work that we have accomplished together, she wrote.

Yoos exit wasnt a surprise to insiders, who have grown concerned as Ubers legal woes pile up. Joseph Spiegler, the global head of compliance who was tasked with ensuring Uber follows the law, also resigned recently. But Yoos position is a particularly vital role Khosrowshahi needs to fill, among many others. Executive turnover has been extensive this year, with the losses of the companys president, two board members, and the heads of business, engineering, finance, policy, product and self-driving cars.

Khosrowshahi, the former Expedia Inc. CEO who took over Uber last week, told employees Tuesday hes not convinced the company needs a chief operating officer, said a person who attended the meeting. His predecessor, Travis Kalanick, had said he needed to find someone for that role to provide leadership help. Khosrowshahi, 48, reaffirmed that he wanted the board to bring on an independent chairman.

While financial discipline is a big objective for the new CEO, he said he doesnt want it to come at the expense of market share. Thats easier said than done. Uber lost $645 million in the second quarter, even as its main U.S. competitor Lyft Inc. managed to add customers. Khosrowshahi said the path to regaining market share would be by improving the companys reputation.
Online scams may sound like old news to tech-savvy South Africans, but criminals continue to exploit people who come online  often resulting in large financial losses.

Artists Against 419s Derek Smythe told MyBroadband that people are falling victim to scams daily  including phishing attacks.

Smythe said certain scams are also highly sophisticated, fooling experts in certain cases, and that Cameroonian scams and other bespoke South African evolved scams are proving to be a threat.

Cameroonian scammers have been selling pets, trailers, cars, containers, even hay from last year, he said.

Make no mistake, these guys are experts. They are master forgers, never supply real details, and are quick to abuse systems.

Smythe said Cameroonian scams are diverse, and many of them either target South Africans or emanate from the country. These include:

Pet scams

Vehicle scams

Certificate, visa, passport, drivers licence scams

Loan scams

Job scams

SSD solution for cleaning black money

Commodity scams

Adoption scams

Countries of origin

Another scam proving popular in 2017 is the romance scam, which is ill understood, said Smythe.

Online dating scams made headlines in South Africa recently when men in Pretoria were robbed after meeting up with women from dating websites.

Police said criminals use women to pose as prostitutes or as people looking for lovers on dating sites. Victims are then asked to meet at a certain location, where they are robbed.

Locally, also at the top of the list is the tender scam  evolved from the mining supplies scam.

Business email compromise is also a big problem. In reality, this is just an evolution of generic consumer-facing scams  much neglected and ill understood, now evolved to a business level, he said.

Other scams which are growing include cryptocurrency scams, with the main points of origin appearing to be West Africa and the Philippines.

Smythe said many African countries  such as Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Kenya, and South Africa  play host to perpetrators of online scams, including the infamous 419 scam.

Report scams

Smythe said those affected by or who suspect a scam must report the matter to the South African Cyber Security Hub.

If anybody has become a victim of one of these scams, do not delete text messages, call logs, or emails. This is the exact evidence needed, he said.

Report it to your nearest SAPS police station immediately. Once you have done this, report it to the Cyber Security Hub, including your case number, then also to IC3.

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Several dozen activists detained at protest rally in Baku: They chant slogans 'Freedom!', 'Resign!'

Princess Haya seeks asylum in Wales

Pashinyan: Iran is concerned about the presence of other actors in our region, which are not in the territory of Armenia

Pashinyan: Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan listened to presented proposals

Volvo reveals its flagship EX90 electric crossover

Pashinyan: Yerevan supports Russia's proposals for Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement

Pashinyan: Russia cannot withdraw from Karabakh unless it creates additional guarantees for peacekeeping mission

Pashinyan: We will do everything to Armenia-Azerbaijan sign peace treaty by end of year

Russia bans entry of Biden's family and White House press secretary

Pashinyan: We believe there should be a dialogue between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh

Pashinyan says positions voiced by some member countries of CSTO are unacceptable

19 countries that use euro currency will slide into recession over winter

Pashinyan to Baku: If 1991 border is mutually recognized, what are your troops doing near Jermuk?

Pashinyan: If the Karabakh issue is solved, why is Azerbaijani Armed Forces shooting at Karabakh residents?

Pashinyan: Russia should say whether their version of peace settlement is still circulating?
will Britney Spears be invited to sing?

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Can't find Taylor Swift on the list. Shocker!

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She'll tweet about how proud of everyone she is!

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people on this website make absolutely everything about taylor swift it's both hilarious and embarrassing at this point  mind you she donated 1.5 million to harvey relief but I know that doesn't matter

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Wasn't it posted here too? She donated it in her mother's name.

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she'll make a donation soon to get that good PR dont worry

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joseph kahn will tweet 4 her

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These things make me feel warm and fuzzy, I'm looking forward to it.

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I'm only watching because we have a post tbh

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Edited at 2017-09-12 11:52 pm (UTC) i hate to post kanye but of course every hurricane telethon makes me think of this

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Came to the comments looking for this, was not disappointed

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did he lie though? iconic. i want this kanye back

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I miss the old Kanye

The socially woke Kanye

Called Bush a joke Kanye

He used his vote Kanye

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Mikes face still kills me

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Im glad the ASPCA is benefitting from this too

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that's a lot of ppl

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damn how they gonna fit all those ppl in one hour with commercials?

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most of them are taking calls, so you'll see wide shots of at least 50 a-listers manning the phones at once

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I am streaming it at work!

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they need to help people in the USVI it's a mess down there

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Yeah I hope there's some effort for the islands.

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yeah the only fundraising i've heard focusing on the USVI is from tim duncan and kenny chesney.

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One of my colleagues works in St. Thomas and was there during the hurricane. He lost the doors, windows and part of the roof to his home. He shared pictures and the damage there is absolutely devastating.

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[To donate]



Tim Duncan has started one!





(Go Spurs Go! ) [Article] https://www.theplayerstribune.com/tim-duncan-hurricane-irma-us-virgin-islands/ [To donate] https://www.youcaring.com/21usvirginislandrelieffund-942738 Tim Duncan has started one!(Go Spurs Go! )

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hi stevie

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I love this song!

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I've been watching. I haven't seen tonight's episode, but I haven't found it too biased. It definitely hasn't made me question if he's innocent or not (he isn't). If there was no Amber Frey, the prosecution would've had a much harder time getting a conviction.

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The reason his case blew up so big was because it was a slow news day. This would have been a local coverage case if not for that and his attitude during the trial showed just how much a fucking psychopath he really is.



There have always been rumors that he is slowly going crazy in solitary confinement and has been talking to himself.



I dont feel bad for his ass at all.

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You don't feel bad for someone who clearly has a mental disability?

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Lol I'm guessing thats you in your pic, says a lot about your response.



Edited at 2017-09-13 04:19 am (UTC)

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Mental Disability or not I dont feel sorry for someone who murdered a pregnant woman and tried to get away with it.



Yiou trying to use that as an excuse for his actions really says a lot about you as a person.

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hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ok

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My mind is still blown listening to that phone call he made to Amber Frey while at the vigil for his missing wife and unborn baby. Like. The fuck??

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I think it was also because she was 8 months pregnant and it was on Christmas Eve, at least that's why I find it particularly intriguing. it takes one heartless son of a bitch to murder a pregnant woman.

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There have always been rumors that he is slowly going crazy in solitary confinement and has been talking to himself.



I hear solitary confinement really messes with people mentally.

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he's apparently living the high-life in prison, 5 hours of socializing a day, buying fat-free milk, whey protein bars, rooftop basketball court, etc. etc.



more here: he's not in solitary confinement.he's apparently living the high-life in prison, 5 hours of socializing a day, buying fat-free milk, whey protein bars, rooftop basketball court, etc. etc.more here: http://www.oxygen.com/blogs/scott-peterson-then-now

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I'm telling you - the first episode of this, I literally screamed "Ben Affleck", I cannot wait until Lindsay Shookus must visit him on set when he reprises his role as Nick Dunne/Scott Peterson.

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There's going to be a sequel?

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obviously gone girl is inspired by this case. It's like beyond obvious.

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It doesn't help that Scott looked a lot like Ben too

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She partially based him on Scott right?

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lol isn't this why he was cast in gone girl? ben is def scott peterson's doppelganger.

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i remember reading the book and shouting in my head BEN AFFLECK

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im only on ep 4 but this whole thing is clearly what inspired gone girl lmaooo

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I watched the first couple of eps, but it was too one sided for me. Amber Frey taking all those phone calls from him while working with the cops and him pretending to be in Europe was enough for me to be convinced of his guilt.



20/20 is doing a piece on the case again next week, but I feel like it's a reach for the True Crime thing that is happening now.



Edited at 2017-09-13 04:16 am (UTC)

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I thought CA converted all of their death sentences to life in prison?

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They reinstated it in 1977 and last year actually voted to speed it up. Between those dates there were a lot of shakeups and changes to things that stopped executions from going through but it's been on the table since 1977.

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proposition 62 (which would have converted death sentences to life in prison) was rejected last year

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I'm still so upset by this.

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I WISH.



unfortunately it lost on the ballot last year :( im deeply opposed to the death penalty, 2016 elections sucked.

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he did it. END OF. bye

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Those TV interviews he did made it so obvious he did it - my family didn't believe those crocodile tears one bit.

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Damn, I didn't even know about this.

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i forgot they were doing this. i don't really know what else can be said, and i'm not really interested in that smarmy little shit's version of things.

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I've been watching. I love true crime so it was right up my alley and A&E usually puts out good stuff. It seemed like the episodes took turn highlighting the views of those who believed he was guilty and those who believed he was innocent. I still believe he did it, just too many supsicious elements (why are you dyeing your hair and trying to skip town with a bunch of money bruh?) but it was interesting to see the role the media played in how the trial played out. I was still a kid when it all happened.

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I just found out about this case. Watched something about it on ID a few hours ago. Craziest shit I've seen in a while. True crime related: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Terrance_Williams_and_Felipe_Santos I just found out about this case. Watched something about it on ID a few hours ago. Craziest shit I've seen in a while.

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This case breaks my heart so much - I did some digging and it seems like the deputy has pretty much harassed and traumatized other men of color in the area, but these two were the only ones who are known to be missing.

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Wow, the episode I watched didn't mention that, but I'm not surprised. I bet he'd been doing it for a while. No way those two are his only victims.

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oh man, i saw a "disappeared" episode about this. It's so frustrating when it's clear who's responsible but nothing is done :/

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Ummm it's pretty obvious who killed the men by reading that article. How sick.

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Holy fuck, this is enraging. Nothing was done about these moc who I'm assuming were murdered by that cop



And apparently he moved to another town and changed his name and identity

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ugh this shit makes me so sad

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This case makes me fucking furious any time I think about it. White men really can do whatever they want.

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Scott was/is so hot. I would have loved it if Gone Girl was a straight up biopic and not what it is, one of the worst films ever made.

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Why do you feel Gone Girl is one of the worst films ever made?

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The total implausibility of the script makes it an absolute joke. Besides that, it was predictable and boring.

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THATS your question in reply to that comment?

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lol all you seem to do is come into movie posts and insist that much-loved, critically-acclaimed films are terrible It's getting old

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Someone on /r/UnresolvedMysteries brought this case up the other day like, "Idk, the trial didn't present a solid case of innocent vs. guilty" like no son, this dude is straight up guilty. He fuckin did it. I'll probably watch this. Really sad case.

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Lmao he talked about losing his wife and wanting to sell her car weeks before she was murdered like???? How does that not scream premeditated???

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The fact that he told Amber that his wife was dead before she was even missing was a clear indication he killed her. And then he kept talking to amber and flirting while his wife was "missing"? Please, even a cheating man would be worried about his wife and unborn baby (unless he killed them and had nothing to worry about)

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this was one of the most obvious guilty verdicts in terms of national attention EVER. obviously guilty like holy shit.

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i just want to know HOW he did it

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I haven't watched it, but I could tell it was a bit biased from the clip. Is it like that the whole time? Lol

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absolutely pathetic carbage decision.... yeah, it was the age.. sure..

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Pero like, didn't she lie embellish/sensationalize all parts of her upbringing?

To me, it's like she was caught in her lies and then got pissed that all these news outlets started calling her out on her shit.



Now, idk if the news outlets did it maliciously, but whatisthetruth.gif

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If they were lies....she would have lost.

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I don't think that was the lawsuit though. It wasn't because she lied per se, it was because these news outlets published all these stories about her with "intent to ruin her career."



I know from one article I was reading about the case, it was reported that she was 29 and she failed to correct them - she was actually like 35 at the time or something.

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So wait, is she actually 43 years old or not?



Edited at 2017-09-13 04:12 pm (UTC)

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No, I think she is actually 37 right now. Her fake age that she was using would put her at about 31.

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lmao go rebel!

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I know little about the case but aren't defamation lawsuits like really tough to win?

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In the US, but it depends on the country.

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Yes in the US and it's also not super easy to determine damages but yeah I also know little about this particular case

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They're much easier to win in Australia because the person bringing the claim doesn't have to prove that the defamatory material was false or that the publisher acted with actual malice. She wouldn't have won in the US.

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Ahhh ok. Thank you. :)

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As the other commenter noted they're probably easier to win in Australia, but wins still aren't super common.



Also a lot of people would probably settle beforehand. Rebel offered to settle with these guys before trial for 200,000, and they didn't accept. Pretty disastrous for them - the fact that they got such a big judgement against them shows they were pretty badly in the wrong. It's the biggest defamation judgment ever ordered in Australia (thought that would mainly be due to Rebel's global reach.)



Edited at 2017-09-14 12:14 am (UTC)

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She's so one note - is there anything she's done where she's not played the same character?

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Bachelorette

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it's not exactly easy for plus size actresses to find jobs that aren't in comedy (specifically the funny fat friend) so...

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that's cool, she's still a liar tho

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Someone isn't going to win that much money if they didn't have square evidence of the defamation and the damages, i.e. the loss of roles. And if any of what was said was true, it wouldn't be defamation.*





*assuming the Australian judicial system mirrors the US one in any way, which I suspect it does.

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He'd have to prove Kesha was lying.

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good. what happened to her was fucked up. actresses get a pass from me when it comes to fudging their age. anyone with a brain understands why it's necessary so they can keep working in an industry that hates women over 25.

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The truth counts as defamation? I wonder which part was wrong.

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In Australian law truth is a defense to defamation.

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it's nice she's dontating the winnings tbh

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Idc about her age I just wanna know if she was lying about all her siblings names.

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No and no.

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What boggles my mind is that there's literally thousands of writers who you can give the job who haven't sexually assaulted someone so like..... why. why.

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Right? It's totally your prerogative to try to help your sexual assaulter friend rehabilitate or whatever but why would you fuck with your business like this?

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Because they're all circlejerking buddies.

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Makes me think they have secret shit on eachother.

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Men are a goddamned disease and they all need to be disposed of.



What utter bullshit.

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Let us achieve parthenogenesis in our lifetime! The aphids can show us the way!



And then invent some male sex robots for when you're in the mood for that.

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i totally forgot about that mess

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This fucking asshole, of course he gets a second chance. And a third one, and a fouth one...

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men were truly a mistake

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Idg why there are SO many of his film twitter friends going so hard for him. Is the film fest karaoke that fun? This is such a bad hill to die on, and Tim league handeled this in the worst/shadiest way possible. I totally believe that he was writing uncredited shit for Drafthouse essentially since he stepped down from BMD.

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which ones are defending him? my feed has been completely silent on this. again. (like i would have never known this happened if i didnt see this thr tweet.)



Edited at 2017-09-13 04:47 pm (UTC)

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It's been mostly subtweets from his female friends about having compassion for someone who's trying to change (Amy Nicholson, Jen Yamato and Britt Hayes for example). These are all women I like and respect a lot and tbh I know would be reacting in the exact opposite manner if it weren't him so it's very strange. With the exception of one guy none of his male friends have publicly commented which is probably for the best.

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They probably go so hard for him because they're as awful as him, have done as many terrible things and/or think the women who exposed him are lying bitches.



Edited at 2017-09-13 04:51 pm (UTC)

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Causee they're all friends and talk drunkenly on IRC and shit and think that they matter.

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"don't people deserve a second chance???????"

nah.

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pic.twitter.com/UxP5uOy83h  BATMAN (@Batmancanseeyou) September 13, 2017





so apparently league asked another woman to keep quiet



trash so apparently league asked another woman to keep quiettrash

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I do think people should get second chances.

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He sexually harassed multiple women, clearly a pattern of behaviour that required premeditation each time.



So... no.

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maybe after years & years of proving they aren't trash anymore



& if he truly was recycled trash, he wouldn't even have accepted that job back so quickly but hauled ass to a therapist to deal with his issues

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mte ding ding ding

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That's disappointing

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I thought he was working for....Polygon?

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Are you thinking of Nick Robinson?

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Probably; There's just so many scumbag white guys getting all the help in the world.

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tim league's pathetic facebook plea about 2nd chances vs. devin faraci sexualizing a 15 year old 2 weeks ago pic.twitter.com/DPEDh8aacR  ~ a l e x ~ (@broadgood) September 12, 2017



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but is this really him? i went to his account and he has nothing posted (unless he deleted or uses a different username).

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ppl in that thread say he posted the link to his letterboxd on FB some time ago (he may have deleted stuff tho, idk idk)

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i knew the middle-aged creeps in the horror community would objectify the shit out of her lmfao i am going to draw some fucking BLOOD

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It shouldn't be a surprise that the people that helped to keep this whole thing secret for years are trying to let him work there still. It's disgusting and they should all get fired.

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but sometimes a part of holding people responsible for their actions is saying "no, you can't come back to this job," especially when it comes to sexual harassment and assault. at some point a person forfeits their right to come back into the fold after they've done harm because the safety of others is more important than one person's quest for self-improvement



Edited at 2017-09-13 05:14 pm (UTC)

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After opening a new Miller Lite Oasis area at this years Summerfest and announcing that a new amphitheater would be constructed, Summerfest officials today announced the details of a new North Gate area that will better link the festival grounds to Milwaukees new Lakefront Gateway and Downtown.

According to a statement released today by Milwaukee World Festivals, Inc., the Historic Third Ward Architectural Review Board unanimously approved plans for the new entry, along with a new Community Plaza, adjacent to Urban Park just north of the Henry Maier Festival Park, where Summerfest and the other lakefront ethnic festivals are held each summer.

Work on the project  which was designed by Eppstein Uhen Architects  will begin on Sept. 18. A number of existing structures must be razed before work can begin on the new buildings.

"We are thrilled to continue to be a part of the exciting developments taking place on Milwaukees lakefront. This new entry way to Henry Maier Festival Park will enhance the festival experience for our fans as well thousands in our community who visit the lakefront" said Don Smiley, president and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

"We certainly feel these improvements are additive to the Lakefront Gateway Project. We want to thank American Family Insurance for making this new development possible as we continue to reinvest in the future of the festival, the lakefront and the facility," he added.

Here are some highlights of the project, from todays press release:

New entrance gate & turnstile entry area

The entry gate will feature digital displays, lighting and a public address system

Additional turnstile lines

Unique signature design

New box office

First Aid Station

Community Plaza

A public space available to all community members visiting lakefront attractions

Accessible benches and seating areas

Interactive play structures themed around music and musical instruments

Bike Parking

Eco-friendly landscaping and interactive lighting effects

The project is sponsored by American Family Insurance, which also signed on as the festivals amphitheater sponsor this year. CG Schmidt is the construction manager for the project, which also draws on the structural expertise of Pierce Engineering.

"American Familys partnership with Milwaukee World Festival brings together two organizations with proud histories of focusing on our customers," said Rob Quesnel, American Family Insurance vice president of marketing.

"Were pleased to have the opportunity to support the new North Entry Gate and Plaza project, and provide an enhanced experience for the 1.3 million visitors, not only from Wisconsin but from all across the country, who attend the many popular events at Henry Maier Festival Park."

The project website is summerfest.com/milwaukee-world-festival-to-construct-new-north-entry-gate-and-plaza.
This image shows the atomic composition of an iron-platinum nanoparticle, split into separate parts that show the position of individual atoms. Credit: Colin Ophus and Florian Niekiel/Berkeley Lab

Mapping the internal atomic structure of small particles just got easier thanks to a new computer algorithm and graphical user interface (GUI) developed by scientists at and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and University of California, Los Angeles.

The advancement brings a new tool to the field of electron tomography that the researchers hope will expand the usefulness of the techniques they use to assemble detailed 3-D images of objects by scanning them with a beam of electrons. Tomography allows researchers to look inside a material and study its internal structure, like with X-rays and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging scans) in medical science. Atomic electron tomography (AET) has become increasingly important for precisely characterizing a wide range of materials at the single-atom level.

"Unlike biological structures, in materials science every nanoparticle's structure is unique  like a snowflake  at the atomic scale," said Peter Ercius, staff scientist at the National Center for Electron Microscopy, a facility at Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry. "With the 3-D coordinates, you can start learning about the precise atomic structure and how that structure gives a material its properties." The Molecular Foundry is a nanoscale scientific research center that is open to visiting scientists from around the nation and world.

A newly developed graphical user interface makes it easier for researchers to take advantage of computer algorithms designed for atomic electron tomography. Credit: Berkeley Lab

To map a structure in 3-D, scientists image the particle in 2-D from multiple angles and then rely on sophisticated computer algorithms to convert the series of 2-D projections into a 3-D reconstruction of the particle. The research team previously reported on mapping the 3-D coordinates of more than 3,000 atoms in a tungsten needle to a precision of 19 trillionths of a meter (19 picometers), and 23,000 atoms in a platinum-iron nanoparticle, along with distinguishing between different elements within that same particle.

The researchers' new computer algorithm is parallelized, meaning that its individual tasks can be split and run simultaneously on separate computer processors. The separate outcomes are then combined to produce the final result. This capability greatly increases the image-processing speed.

They also hope to increase the accessibility of their technique by making the code open source, and having a GUI that is easy to use. "The user interface will provide a way to set up the calculations and analyze the results while showing all of the options available, so users can optimize their image reconstructions," Ercius said. "Every nanostructure is unique and requires input from the user to get the best results."
University of British Columbia researchers conducted playback experiments by hanging wireless speakers in the trees and broadcasting songs from related subspecies. Credit: University of British Columbia

Two birds that look the same, but have songs so different they can't recognize each other, should be considered distinct species, suggests new University of British Columbia (UBC) research.

"Songs are important for birds and who they choose to mate with," said Benjamin Freeman, a Banting postdoctoral fellow in the department of zoology at UBC. "Birds evolve different songs and we wanted to find out which populations are so different in song that they should be considered different species."

Among the 72 related populations of Central and South American birds the researchers tested, they found evidence for 21 new species.

Organisms that mate and create an offspring that can go on to reproduce are considered to be part of the same species but there are a number of naturally occurring barriers, like geographic location or behaviour, that can prevent similar organisms from mingling. In the study, UBC and Cornell University biologists examined how different populations of birds respond to each other's songs.

In the tropical forests of Central and South America where the vegetation is dense, birds rely heavily on song to claim their territory and let other birds know where they are. For this experiment, the researchers conducted playback experiments by hanging wireless speakers in the trees and broadcasting songs from related subspecies and then observing how the birds responded.

Cinnamon Becards (pictured) look different and have somewhat different songs from Chestnut-crowned Becards, but do respond to their song. Credit: Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren.

If the birds continued on with their natural behaviour and ignored the speaker and sound, it indicated that they distinguished the songs. They did not feel like another bird was encroaching on their territory and trying to mate with their partner. If the bird got angry and started to try and kick the "intruder" out, it indicated they recognized the song.

Historically, scientists have identified new species by finding birds that look different enough or occupy different geographic locations.

"It's interesting that with one study in one year, we came up with good evidence that there are 21 new species that authorities should recognize," said Freeman. "We know so much about birds but this demonstrates that we still have a lot to learn."

This research is part of a larger pursuit to learn about the evolution of bird songs and why birds develop different songs.

"As a birdwatcher in tropical forests, you have no choice but to get interested in songs," said Freeman. "As you walk through the forest, you hear 25 birds for every one you see. As a biologist, I wanted to know - is it important that the birds sing differently and is it a little important or a lot important?"

Freeman and his colleagues will submit these findings to a committee of ornithologists who are responsible for naming and recognizing bird species of South America.

More information: This study was published in The Auk: www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.1642/AUK-17-63.1
The majority of the US public is in favour of a tax on fossil fuels, provided the money goes into clean energy and infrastructure, according to a new study.

The Yale University study surveyed Americans' willingness to pay a carbon tax, and their preferences on how any revenue should be spent. The results were published today in the journal Environmental Research Letters.

Lead researcher Professor Matthew J Kotchen said: "The idea of a carbon tax is not new, and indeed has been advocated by some senior conservative leaders in the US, with a dividend being rebated to American households.

"What we aimed to find out, however, was whether there was support among the American public for a carbon tax to address climate change. Specifically, we also wanted to discover how much they were willing to pay, and how they would prefer the revenue from the tax to be used."

The researchers carried out a nationally-representative survey of 1,226 American adults, aged 18 and over. The survey introduced the idea of a carbon tax to combat climate change, and then asked respondents how they would like to see the revenue used if such a tax were implemented. Respondents were given 10 different expenditure categories and asked to indicate whether they would support or oppose each one.

Professor Kotchen said: "We found the greatest level of support - nearly 80 per cent - was for the revenue to be used in the development of clean energy, and for improvements to US infrastructure like roads and bridges.

"With the average American household willing to pay a mean amount of around $177 a year in carbon tax on their energy bills, this equates to around $22 billion that could be spent on investments in clean energy and infrastructure, among other sectors as well.

"Interestingly, our analysis indicates strong public support - more than 70 per cent - for using some portion of the carbon-tax revenue to compensate coal miners whose jobs may be affected by a reduction in the use of fossil fuels. By our calculations - based on the number of workers carrying out coal extraction - there would be enough revenue from this tax to compensate all coal miners with nearly US$146,000 upon passage of the tax."

The research found that the 'willingness to pay' of Americans was actually less than the proposed carbon tax price described in the influential "The Conservative Case for Carbon Dividends" report from the Climate Leadership Council's report in Feb 2017.

But Professor Kotchen said: "It's worth keeping in mind that their proposal is for a wider-ranging carbon tax on all goods and services, with dividends paid back to households from the revenues raised, so a direct comparison is more difficult.

"Our study asked specifically about a tax on energy bills, and the responses we received showed a minority of support for any form of dividend to be paid out. We believe that, with current interest about a carbon tax as a 'Republican climate jailbreak strategy', our findings may have significant policy implications."

More information: 'Public Willingness to Pay for a U.S. Carbon Tax and Preferences for Spending the Revenue' 2017 Environ. Res. Lett. 12 094012 DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/aa822a Journal information: Environmental Research Letters
Credit: CSIRO

This Friday evening (15 September) at about 9:54pm AEST, CSIRO's team at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex will capture the final signals from NASA's Cassini spacecraft as it plunges into Saturn's atmosphere at over 111,000 kph.

Cassini has spent the past 20 years in space, including 13 years studying Saturn and its moons, and is now running out of fuel.

NASA will use Cassini's last fuel reserves to place the spacecraft on a direct course into Saturn's atmosphere where it will burn up and disintegrate like a meteor.

The end of the mission is designed to protect Saturn's moons Titan and Enceladus, which have the potential to support life.

As Cassini descends, it will capture images and data from Saturn, its atmosphere and probe the inner workings of the planet.

Back here on Earth, those last whispers of data will be captured in 'real-time' by the giant antenna 'ears' of the CSIRO-operated Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC).

The station is one of NASA's three tracking stations around the world that provide vital two-way radio contact with spacecraft like Cassini.

CSIRO's Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said CSIRO had a long and successful history in space.

"CSIRO has over 50 years of collaboration with NASA, and designing, building and operating major research facilities like CDSCC and ASKAP, and transitioning space technologies to many SMEs," Dr Marshall said.

"Now, our team in Canberra will play a crucial role monitoring Cassini's final hours  its 'Grand Finale'."

The Canberra station has been with Cassini through every step of its journey of discovery, from when it first opened its 'eyes' to the Universe after launching in 1997 to receiving the signal confirming that Cassini had arrived safely in orbit at Saturn in 2004.

Along its way, Cassini (and its Titan-bound companion, the atmospheric entry probe Huygens) captured hundreds of thousands of images and taught us more about Saturn, its rings and many moons.

It gave us the first complete view of Saturn's north polar region, revealed giant hurricanes at both of the planet's poles, and showed that the largest moon, Titan, is an Earth-like world with rain, rivers, lakes and seas.

Director of CDSCC Dr Ed Kruzins said it was hard to imagine how far the signals from Cassini had travelled. "Cassini's final weak radio signals will have travelled 1.5 billion km at the speed of light to reach Canberra." Dr Kruzins said.

"The world will be watching and waiting for that bittersweet moment when NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) mission control announces 'loss of signal', and we'll know that Cassini's final call home has been made."

Dr Marshall said Australia's contributions to global space exploration were inspirational.

"Space has the power to transcend generations and inspire endless opportunities," he said.

"We study the stars because they tell us where we came from, and inspire us to imagine just how far we might go.

"Just as I was inspired as a kid by watching Apollo 11 land on the Moon, today's school kids have the opportunity to witness the spectacular finale of Cassini zooming through Saturn's rings.

"The next generation of children will see a brighter tomorrow through the technology we're imagining  and building  today."

More information: For more information on CSIRO's role supporting the Cassini mission visit www.csiro.au/cassini

Provided by CSIRO
The chocolate industry is indirectly driving massive and illegal deforestation in Ivory Coast, fuelling a catastrophic decline in wildlife, a green group said Wednesday.

"In several national parks and other protected areas, 90 percent or more of the land mass has been converted to cocoa," the group Mighty Earth said in its investigation.

"Less than four percent of Ivory Coast remains densely forested," it said. "The chocolate companies' laissez-faire approach to sourcing has driven extensive deforestation in Ghana as well."

Habitat loss has been disastrous for protected species, ranging from chimpanzees and leopards to pygmy hippos and elephants, it said.

The animals are forced into ever-smaller areas, making it easier for them to be tracked down and slaughtered by poachers.

In Ivory Coast, the world's biggest cocoa producer, accounting for 40 percent of world output, "deforestation has pushed chimpanzees into just a few small pockets, and reduced the country's elephant population from several hundred thousand to about 200-400," the report said.

It said major chocolate brands were indirectly involved in a "shocking" trade, in which growers produced cocoa in national parks, who sold it to middle men, who then sold it on to a handful of firms that control roughly half of the world's market.

From there, it was sold to big chocolate companies.

"According to our analysis, 291,254 acres (117,900 hectares) of protected areas were cleared between 2001 and 2014," Mighty Earth said.

Over the same period, Ghana, another big West African producer, lost 7,000 square kilometers (2,700 square miles) of forest, or about 10 percent of its entire tree cover.

Around a quarter of that deforestation in Ghana was connected to the chocolate industry, the report charged.

Traders Cargill, Olam and Barry Callebaut, which are named in the report, say on their websites that they are aware of the problem of deforestation in the cocoa sector, and have set up to programmes for deforestation-free supply chains.

Leading chocolate and cocoa companies, under an initiative launched by Britain's Prince Charles, have promised to come up with a "framework of action" to end deforestation in the industry.

Their project is due to be unveiled for the world climate conference in Bonn in November. Deforestation is not only destroys habitat, but is also a major contribution to global warming.

The world demand for chocolate stands at around three million tonnes annually, a figure that rises between two and five percent each year, in a market worth around $100 billion (84 billion), according to the report.

Most of it is is manufactured and consumed in Europe and North America.

 2017 AFP
Credit: Flinders University

Scientists from around the world are hoping to return a lost species of giant tortoise to one of the world-famous Galapagos islands.

The discovery of DNA links or 'high ancestry' to extinct Floreana species of giant tortoise means the mega-herbivore could one day be returned to the island for repatriation via a captive-breeding program  perhaps within the next five years.

Professor Luciano Beheregaray, Head of the Molecular Ecology Group at Flinders University, says the conservation effort will be a major milestone in jump-starting the recovery of the Foreana Island's exotic ecosystem which critically depends on the mega herbivore.

The exciting discovery, outlined in Scientific Reports today, describes how the discovery was made after an international expedition to a remote volcano on Isabela Island in the Galapagos found many giant tortoises with high ancestry from the extinct Floreana Island tortoise (Chelonoidis elephantopus).

Giant tortoises were transported by helicopter and then ship from the volcano's slopes to the Galapagos National Park Breeding Center on the central island of Santa Cruz.

DNA analyses used by the experts from the US, Belgium, Ecuador, Greece, Italy and Australia, then assigned the ancestry of the relocated tortoises using reference databases containing data from all extant and extinct species of Galapagos giant tortoises.

The 23 relocated tortoises found to have high ancestry to the extinct Floreana species are now being used in a genetically-informed captive breeding program that aims to repatriate this species to Floreana Island.

"Our discovery and the captive breeding program raises the possibility that the extinct Floreana species could be revived," says ARC Future Fellow Professor Beheregaray, from Flinders University's College of Science and Engineering (Biological Sciences).

Charles Darwin wrote about the harvesting of the species of tortoise found only on Floreana Island, which was exterminated within 15 years of his visit to the Galapagos in 1835.

Tortoises were removed from Floreana more than two centuries ago by mariners looking for food.

However, in 2008 the researchers found tortoises with the distinctive saddleback shells on Isabela, an island where native species have dome-shaped shells (see photo).

Several DNA-based analyses were then used to show that these animals were descendants of the Floreana species.

The latest study's coordinator Gisella Caccone, from Yale University, says it was ironical that the haphazard translocations by mariners killing tortoises for food some 200 years ago has now created the unique opportunity to revive this lost species today.

As a result of that discovery, the Galapagos National Park, together with the Galapagos Conservancy, carried out an ambitious, logistically complex, and strenuous expedition in late 2015 to find and relocate genetic relatives of the extinct species of tortoise and to launch a breeding program aimed at restoring them to their native island.

"That expedition was a success," says Professor Beheregaray.

The geneticists are now working together with the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Conservancy to implement a monitored breeding program with the animals relocated from Isabela Island.

This program will strive to preserve in future generations the diversity of the breeders and to maximise the Floreana species' genomic representation in their offspring.

The current plan is to release young tortoises on the island within five years.

More information: Joshua M. Miller et al. Identification of Genetically Important Individuals of the Rediscovered Floreana Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis elephantopus) Provide Founders for Species Restoration Program, Scientific Reports (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11516-2 Journal information: Scientific Reports
A new map of the thickness of Mars' crust shows less variation between thicker regions (red) and thinner regions (blue), compared to earlier mapping. This view is centered on Valles Marineris, with the Tharsis Montes near the terminator to its west. The map is based on modeling of the Red Planet's gravity field by scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The team found that globally Mars' crust is less dense, on average, than previously thought, which implies smaller variations in crustal thickness. Credit: NASA/Goddard/UMBC/MIT/E. Mazarico

NASA scientists have found evidence that Mars' crust is not as dense as previously thought, a clue that could help researchers better understand the Red Planet's interior structure and evolution.

A lower density likely means that at least part of Mars' crust is relatively porous. At this point, however, the team cannot rule out the possibility of a different mineral composition or perhaps a thinner crust.

"The crust is the end-result of everything that happened during a planet's history, so a lower density could have important implications about Mars' formation and evolution," said Sander Goossens of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Goossens is the lead author of a Geophysical Research Letters paper describing the work.

The researchers mapped the density of the Martian crust, estimating the average density is 2,582 kilograms per meter cubed (about 161 pounds per cubic foot). That's comparable to the average density of the lunar crust. Typically, Mars' crust has been considered at least as dense as Earth's oceanic crust, which is about 2,900 kilograms per meter cubed (about 181 pounds per cubic foot).

The new value is derived from Mars' gravity field, a global model that can be extracted from satellite tracking data using sophisticated mathematical tools. The gravity field for Earth is extremely detailed, because the data sets have very high resolution. Recent studies of the Moon by NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory, or GRAIL, mission also yielded a precise gravity map.

The data sets for Mars don't have as much resolution, so it's more difficult to pin down the density of the crust from current gravity maps. As a result, previous estimates relied more heavily on studies of the composition of Mars' soil and rocks.

"As this story comes together, we're coming to the conclusion that it's not enough just to know the composition of the rocks," said Goddard planetary geologist Greg Neumann, a co-author on the paper. "We also need to know how the rocks have been reworked over time."

Goossens and colleagues started with the same data used for an existing gravity model but put a new twist on it by coming up with a different constraint and applying it to obtain the new solution. A constraint compensates for the fact that even the best data sets can't capture every last detail. Instead of taking the standard approach, known to those in the field as the Kaula constraint, the team created a constraint that considers the accurate measurements of Mars' elevation changes, or topography.

"With this approach, we were able to squeeze out more information about the gravity field from the existing data sets," said Goddard geophysicist Terence Sabaka, the second author on the paper.

Before taking on Mars, the researchers tested their approach by applying it to the gravity field that was in use before the GRAIL mission. The resulting estimate for the density of the moon's crust essentially matched the GRAIL result of 2,550 kilograms per meter cubed (about 159 pounds per cubic foot).

From the new model, the team generated global maps of the crust's density and thickness. These maps show the kinds of variations the researchers expect, such as denser crust beneath Mars' giant volcanoes.

The researchers note that NASA's InSight missionshort for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transportis expected to provide the kinds of measurements that could confirm their finding. This Discovery Program mission, scheduled for launch in 2018, will place a geophysical lander on Mars to study its deep interior.
Credit: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team

Idaho has been battling severe wildfires all summer long. Inciweb, the website that tracks fires across the United States, has 23 active fires listed for the state at present. The largest of these fires is the Payette Wilderness fire which is 87,496 acres in size. This active fire site is actually an amalgam of 19 smaller fires (these are not included in the total of 23 wildfires as these are listed under the purview of one fire). The largest of the Payette Wilderness group of fires is the Highline Fire which is 83,630 acres. All of the wildfires in this group are being managed under a natural resource benefit strategy, that is allowing the fire to run its course, with a Point Protection strategy being used as necessary to protect values at risk. The majority of fires in this group were started by lightning strikes.

The smallest fire listed is a 10 acre fire called the Boulder Fire that was reported on September 4, 2017 in the Boise National Forest. This fire was started by a lightning strike.

The overarching problem with wildfires this year has been the weather. Hot, dry conditions descended upon the western states and the weather's grip has not released. Lightning strikes hit dry grasses and undergrowth and wildfires erupt. Without higher relative humidity, and cooler conditions, these fires are able to spread quickly.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the northernmost area of Idaho and parts of Montana. According to the NWS: "Breezy westerly winds and low humidity will combine to create Red Flag conditions this afternoon and evening. Winds and humidities will be slow to improve, thus critical fire conditions are expected well into the evening. Winds will be from the west-southwest 15 to 25 mph, gusting to 35 mph mainly for midslopes and ridgetops. Relative humidity will be 10 to 20 percent."

This image was taken by the Suomi NPP satellite's Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument on September 11, 2017. The Suomi NPP satellite is a joint mission between NASA and NOAA.

Provided by NASA
A powerful image can evoke a strong emotional response. But can it also influence and change an individual's political opinion? Not on its own, according to communication scientist Tom Powell, who will be obtaining his PhD from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) on 21 September. Instead, as Powell's research shows, news images can trigger acts of compassion but text can have a greater influence in shaping political views.

Whether it's through traditional or social media, print or television, most of us are exposed to powerful news images on a daily basis. Many of these arouse an emotional response and are believed to directly or indirectly frame how we view contemporary issues. Recent prominent examples include the dramatic images of refugees trying to cross the Mediterranean or the horrors of the Syrian civil war. The graphic nature of such images often lead media commentators to suggest that they are an effective medium for shaping political perceptions.

Worth a thousand words?

For his dissertation, Powell decided to investigate if and to what extent images in print and digital news influence the way people think about politics. He did this through several experiments in which news viewers were exposed to high-impact stories on emotive topics such as the European refugee crisis and military intervention in foreign conflicts. Participants were shown various combinations of image and text in both article and video format and later asked to indicate their opinions and behaviours towards these topics.

What he discovered was that images are particularly good at evoking emotions  sympathy for refugees, for example  and, in turn, triggering behaviours such as donating money or signing a petition. However, images do not appear to change opinions in the longer-term. Instead, says Powell, his experiments show that text is better at changing opinions, probably because it requires more engagement on the part of the reader, and in turn, gets them involved in the issue. "We also discovered that viewing news about, say, the refugee crisis in a news article encouraged people to help refugees more than seeing it in video format. Again, our findings suggest that, in general, when people read the news they become more involved in it than if they watch it."

Words and images both matter

Powell's findings are surprising, as they go against the common view that images alone can sway political decision-making. "I wanted to gain a multimodal understanding of how images and text work together in shaping or changing political opinions," says Powell. Such a multimodal approach has long been lacking, with previous research tending to focus either on words or images on their own. This one-sided focus has in helped reinforce the idea that emotional images are decisive in shaping public opinion. Powell: "My research shows that "powerful" images can draw people into the news, but citizens will not be completely won over by them  it is how images combine with words, and with the prior knowledge of the audience, that matters."

More information: T.E. Powell: Multimodal News Framing Effects. Supervisors: Professor Claes de Vreese and Professor Hajo Boomgaarden. Co-supervisor: Dr Knut De Swert.
Neutron diffraction at the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering has clarified the absence of magnetic order and classified the superconductivity of a new next-generation of superconductors in a paper published in Europhysics Letters.

The iron-based nitride, ThFeAsN, which contains Th 2 N 2 and FeAs 2 layers, has been of considerable interest because unconventional superconductivity occurring at a temperature of 30 K. This material was of particular interest as the superconductivity was seen to arise without oxygen doping.

A large group of predominantly Chinese researchers, led by Prof Huiqian Luo from the Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics gathered diffraction measurements on the high intensity diffractometer WOMBAT, assisted by instrument scientists Dr Helen Maynard-Casely and Dr Guochu Deng based at the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering. This enabled them to determine the crystal structure of the compound over a large temperature range.

In similar types of materials, the onset of a superconducting state is thought to be associated with magnetic ordering within the crystal structure. Earlier measurements had shown no magnetic ordering in the ThFeAsN material, and hence this neutron study was an opportunity to confirm this and search for other structural insights into the material's properties.

The lack of magnetic order was confirmed because no difference was found between the data sets at 6 K and 40 K. All of the observed reflections could be could be identified as having arisen from the atomic structure from 6K up to 300K  no magnetic reflections were identified.

Diffraction patterns over the temperature range from 300 K to 6 K also indicated there was no structural phase transition from tetragonal to orthorhombic in the crystal lattice.

The investigators reported that the lattice parameters continuously increased with temperature due to thermal expansion and a weak distortion in the tetrahedron possibly took place at 160 K. Details from the structure point to this distortion coming from the FeAs 2 layers.

The close relationship between local structure of the FeAs4 tetrahedron and the superconducting temperature, suggested TheFeAsN is in a nearly optimised superconducting state.

This is different to many other discovered superconducting materials, which require tweaks in their chemistry to produce the highest critical temperature.

The authors also surmised that the close distance of Fe-As would favour electron hopping, reducing electron correlations and orbital order, thereby providing a reasonable explanation for the absence of magnetic order, structural transition and resistivity anomaly.

Carrier density measurements indicated that ThFeAsN could already be doped by electrons, which are probably introduced by the N deficiency or O occupancy or the reduced valence of nitrogen. The self-doping effect could be responsible for the superconductivity and suppression of magnetic order.

More information: Huican Mao et al. Neutron powder diffraction study on the iron-based nitride superconductor ThFeAsN, EPL (Europhysics Letters) (2017). DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/117/57005 Journal information: Europhysics Letters (EPL)
Credit: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers

The terrorist who killed 12 people and injured dozens more in the 2016 Berlin Christmas Market attack was removed from the country's surveillance list a month earlier, but he presented five specific warning behaviors prior to the attack according to later analysis. How a better awareness of these warning signs and an understanding of the perpetrator's history of radicalization might help improve future risk and threat assessment is the focus of the article "'Jihad Against the Enemies of Allah': The Berlin Christmas Market Attack from a Threat Assessment Perspective," published in Violence and Gender.

Authors Nils Bockler and Jens Hoffmann, Institute Psychology and Threat Management, Darmstadt, Germany, and J. Reid Meloy, University of California, La Jolla, present a case study of 24-year-old Anis A., the terrorist responsible for the Berlin attack, noting that German security authorities had a lot of information on him leading up to the attack. In the article, they trace terrorist development in Germany, examine the role of the Internet and the strategy of leaderless resistance, and discuss patterns of radicalization against the background of Islamist ideology and, specifically, ISIS-related radicalization.

"These authors are some of the finest experts in their fields and their dissection of this terrorist act in Berlin will not only be informative, but will also serve as a blueprint to study other cases and to develop models to even prevent these types of cases in the future." says Editor-in-Chief Mary Ellen O'Toole, PhD, Forensic Behavioral Consultant and Senior FBI Profiler/Supervisory Special Agent (ret.) and currently, Director of the Forensic Sciences Program, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.

More information: Nils Bockler et al, "Jihad Against the Enemies of Allah": The Berlin Christmas Market Attack from a Threat Assessment Perspective, Violence and Gender (2017). DOI: 10.1089/vio.2017.0040 Journal information: Violence and Gender
Nano-sized carrier systems have medical application in improving pharmacologic properties of bioactive agents. For many therapeutic approaches, it is important that the carrier system can stably incorporate the cargo during circulation without inducing aggregation, while cargo should ideally only be released after successful cellular uptake. These requirements have thus far only been met by chemistry approaches with nanoparticles that are difficult to characterize. Consequently, clinical translation of these systems has been very difficult to achieve.

Chemists from Mainz and collaborators have demonstrated that reactive polypept(o)ides constitute ideal building blocks to control morphology and function of carrier systems in a simple but precise manner. Polypept(o)ides (polysarcosine-block-polypeptide copolymers) have emerged as interesting hybrid materials for drug carrier systems since they combine protein resistance and high water solubilty of polysarcosine with the stimuli responsiveness, intrinsic multifunctionality, and secondary structure formation of polypeptides.

In this cooperative work, the researchers showed for the first time that the formation of -sheets by the synthetic polypeptide segment can be exploited to deliberately manipulate the morphology of polymeric micelles (Klinker K et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 56 (32), 9608-9613 & Angew. Chem. 2017, 129 (32), 97379742), which enables the synthesis of either spherical or worm-like micelles from the same block copolymer. By employing reactive groups in the polypeptide segment of the block copolymer, micelles can be core cross-linked by dithiols, resulting in bio-reversible disulfide bonds. Due to a difference in redox potential, disulfides are considered stable extracellularly, while they are rapidly reduced to free dithiols intracellularly, which leads to a disintegration of the carrier system and release of the cargo.

"In this way, a variety of nanocarriers with different functions becomes readily accessible from one single block copolymer and a very selective post-polymerization step. This modular approach to nanoparticles with different function and morphology addresses important questions with good comparability, such as the influence of size and shape on in vivo circulation times, biodistribution, tumor accumulation, cell uptake and therapeutic response since the same starting material is used," says Matthias Barz.

First in vivo experiments have already demonstrated that these core stabilized micellar nanocarriers exhibit stable circulation behavior, thus indicating that interactions with serum components or blood vessels are absent. Only by ensuring that no unspecific interactions occur within the complex biological setting, cellular uptake in desired specific cell populations seems feasible. The therapeutic potential of the described nanoparticle platform will be further investigated with regards to immunotherapy of malignant melanoma within the SFB 1066.

More information: Kristina Klinker et al. Secondary-Structure-Driven Self-Assembly of Reactive Polypept(o)ides: Controlling Size, Shape, and Function of Core Cross-Linked Nanostructures, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2017). DOI: 10.1002/anie.201702624 Journal information: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
The best fathers combined masculine traits with the belief they should be nurturing. Credit: CC0 Public Domain

(Phys.org)An international team of researchers has conducted an extensive study of male fertility and aging and has found evidence of older fathers producing less fertile offspring than younger fathers. In their paper published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group describes their study of the reproductive success of children from males of different ages from several time periods, and what they found.

Some prior evidence has suggested that as men grow older, they tend to have children that produce fewer offspring than average. In this new effort, the researchers sought to find if that might be true by studying birth records from people in Canada, Germany and Sweden. Officials in those countries have computerized the health, birth and death records of people going back several generations. For their study, the team looked at three populations living during the years 1670 to 1850 and another group of people born in Sweden after 1932. The entire study included over 1.4 million people.

To keep the focus on males and aging, the researchers ruled out the mothers' ages, modern pollutants possibly impacting fertility, and other factors. They report that their study showed that the children of older fathers from all of the groups tended to produce fewer offspring than did those from younger fathers.

Learning more about the impact of older people having children has become important as the average age of parents in the developed world has crept upward. Focusing on the father is important, the researchers note, because offspring get most new genetic mutations from their male parent; these increase as fathers age.

The researchers suggest that one reason for the reduction in offspring fertility could be mutations occurring in the father's sperm as he ages, which could somehow impact the ability of their children to have children themselves. Another possibility is that older fathers may have less involvement with their offspring (known as diminishing paternal investment) or give birth to children with other health or mental problems. Some recent studies, for example, have shown that that children born to older fathers are more likely to develop schizophrenia.

More information: Ruben C. Arslan et al. Older fathers' children have lower evolutionary fitness across four centuries and in four populations, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1562 Abstract

Higher paternal age at offspring conception increases de novo genetic mutations. Based on evolutionary genetic theory we predicted older fathers' children, all else equal, would be less likely to survive and reproduce, i.e. have lower fitness. In sibling control studies, we find support for negative paternal age effects on offspring survival and reproductive success across four large populations with an aggregate N > 1.4 million. Three populations were pre-industrial (16701850) Western populations and showed negative paternal age effects on infant survival and offspring reproductive success. In twentieth-century Sweden, we found minuscule paternal age effects on survival, but found negative effects on reproductive success. Effects survived tests for key competing explanations, including maternal age and parental loss, but effects varied widely over different plausible model specifications and some competing explanations such as diminishing paternal investment and epigenetic mutations could not be tested. We can use our findings to aid in predicting the effect increasingly older parents in today's society will have on their children's survival and reproductive success. To the extent that we succeeded in isolating a mutation-driven effect of paternal age, our results can be understood to show that de novo mutations reduce offspring fitness across populations and time periods. Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B

 2017 Phys.org
Credit: Carnegie Mellon University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

In December 2015, Russian hackers allegedly pummeled Ukraine's power grid, disrupting the flow of electricity for nearly a quarter-million Ukrainians. Then, in December 2016, roughly a year after the first attack, the hackers struck again. But this time, they targeted an electric transmission station in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. Each cyberattack lasted no more than six hours, but security experts were still alarmed: hackers had just demonstrated their ability to infiltrate the grid and drastically alter the flow of society.

Americans began to worry. If hackers could target Ukraine, then what would stop them from targeting other countries in western Europe or even the United States? Lengthy attacks on the power grid, or even simple power grid failures, would mean a lack of electricity, hot water, gas for transportation, electronic communication devices, and functional heating systems, among other things.

Fortunately, Carnegie Mellon University Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor, Larry Pileggi, and his graduate students have developed a simulation approach  based on integrated circuit techniques  that could potentially help experts model and simulate the power grid more reliably, thereby protecting it from possible cybersecurity threats in the future.

As an electrical and computer engineering professor, Pileggi has ample experience working with semiconductors, integrated circuits, and circuit simulation methods. But it wasn't until recently that he started researching topics related to the power field.

"For most of my career, I mainly focused on integrated circuits," says Pileggi. "Then, I had a summer intern who was looking for a project, so I decided to consider understanding why the methods used to simulate and model integrated circuits were seemingly very different from the methods used to simulate and model the electric power grid."

Pileggi and his colleagues discovered that the methods used to model integrated circuits were, in fact, different from the methods used to model the power grid, so they found a way to simulate the grid by using techniques derived from the integrated circuit community. Unlike other simulation approaches, which model the electric grid in terms of power flow and voltage, Pileggi's approach is founded on the equivalent circuit modeling framework, a framework that focuses on calculating power from the flow of current and voltage.

"It's a small distinction, but it's an important one," says Pileggi. "In the past, researchers have modeled the power grid by representing the flow of power directly and then analyzing the voltage from the flow of power. We were able come up with an approach that enables us to simulate the electric power grid in terms of currents and voltages."

But how is it possible to simulate a system comprised of thousands or millions of elements and still have it converge to the right solution? Pileggi says the answer lies within the integrated circuit community.

Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Larry Pileggi discusses his work with integrated circuits and efforts to make them both smaller and more powerful over time. Credit: Carnegie Mellon University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

"Because of the research dollars that have been poured into the integrated circuit field for the past several decades, we're able to simulate the chips that are in all of our electronic gadgets in a very reliable way that provides the correct solution," he says. "Power systems haven't benefited from such robustness or ease of simulation, so what we did was come up with circuit simulation techniques for the power-system framework that are analogous to the simulation techniques that we use for integrated circuits. Now, we can simulate the grid and be assured that we get the right answer."

To get the right answer, Pileggi says that researchers must have the means to simulate and model the power grid so that they can track the flow of power. This will help them ensure that the grid continues to operate reliably and securely. Such capabilities are also critical to optimize the flow of electric power in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.

"The electric power grid is structured so that we generate power based on what we're going to consume," says Pileggi. "When we wake up in the morning, the utilities have already decided how much power they're going to need for the day and where they're going to get it fromwhether it's a nuclear plant in Massachusetts or a wind farm in Kansas. It's really important that utilities can simulate and model the grid so that they can do that kind of planning."

The power grid is one of the most critical infrastructures in the United States, constantly transmitting and distributing power to millions of people across the nation. Modeling and simulation techniques help ensure the efficiency of our power grid because they help us understand the flow of power and how different disruptions (like a tree crushing a power line) might affect the overall functionality of the grid.

Pileggi and his colleagues believe that their simulation method could help protect the grid from potentially crippling disruptions like cybersecurity threats, while also enabling more renewable energy to be brought into the grid. Pileggi's research team is currently funded by a DARPA program called Rapid Attack Detection, Isolation and Characterization Systems (RADICS), a program that encourages researchers to design technologies capable of detecting and responding to attacks on critical infrastructure  such as the power grid  within the United States.

"There's always concern about hackers bringing down the grid," says Pileggi. "With funding from the RADICS program, we have the opportunity to develop better modeling and simulation techniques. Better modeling will help us to better represent the grid, which will allow us to better protect against security breaches like cyberattacks."

With the grid protected from cyberattacks, Americans can rest easy knowing that the power will continue to flow properly, transmitting electricity to homes and businesses, providing families with hot water, and supplying consumers with gas for transportation.

Pileggi's research, which was documented in a research paper titled, "Improving Power Flow Robustness via Circuit Simulation Methods," recently received the Prize Paper Award in the Best Conference Papers Session on Power System Planning, Operation, and Electricity Markets at the 2017 IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting. The paper was written by Pileggi and his students, Amritanshu Pandey and Marko Jereminov, along with his colleague Gabriela Hug.
Silicon carbide power devices, like the one shown here, are more efficient than their silicon counterparts. Credit: NC State University

Researchers from North Carolina State University are rolling out a new manufacturing process and chip design for silicon carbide (SiC) power devices, which can be used to more efficiently regulate power in technologies that use electronics. The process - called PRESiCE - was developed with support from the PowerAmerica Institute funded by the Department of Energy to make it easier for companies to enter the SiC marketplace and develop new products.

"PRESiCE will allow more companies to get into the SiC market, because they won't have to initially develop their own design and manufacturing process for power devices - an expensive, time-consuming engineering effort," says Jay Baliga, Distinguished University Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NC State and lead author of a paper on PRESiCE that will be presented later this month. "The companies can instead use the PRESiCE technology to develop their own products. That's good for the companies, good for consumers, and good for U.S. manufacturing."

Power devices consist of a diode and transistor, and are used to regulate the flow of power in electrical devices. For decades, electronics have used silicon-based power devices. In recent years, however, some companies have begun using SiC power devices, which have two key advantages.

First, SiC power devices are more efficient, because SiC transistors lose less power. Conventional silicon transistors lose 10 percent of their energy to waste heat. SiC transistors lose only 7 percent. This is not only more efficient, but means that product designers need to do less to address cooling for the devices.

Second, SiC devices can also switch at a higher frequency. That means electronics incorporating SiC devices can have smaller capacitors and inductors - allowing designers to create smaller, lighter electronic products.

But there's a problem.

Up to this point, companies that have developed manufacturing processes for creating SiC power devices have kept their processes proprietary - making it difficult for other companies to get into the field. This has limited the participation of other companies and kept the cost of SiC devices high.

Jay Baliga, who developed the PRESiCE process. Credit: North Carolina State University

The NC State researchers developed PRESiCE to address this bottleneck, with the goal of lowering the barrier of entry to the field for companies and increasing innovation.

The PRESiCE team worked with a Texas-based foundry called X-Fab to implement the manufacturing process and have now qualified it - showing that it has the high yield and tight statistical distribution of electrical properties for SiC power devices necessary to make them attractive to industry.

"If more companies get involved in manufacturing SiC power devices, it will increase the volume of production at the foundry, significantly driving down costs," Baliga says.

Right now, SiC devices cost about five times more than silicon power devices.

"Our goal is to get it down to 1.5 times the cost of silicon devices," Baliga says. "Hopefully that will begin the 'virtuous cycle': lower cost will lead to higher use; higher use leads to greater production volume; greater production volume further reduces cost, and so on. And consumers are getting a better, more energy-efficient product."

The researchers have already licensed the PRESiCE process and chip design to one company, and are in talks with several others.

"I conceived the development of wide bandgap semiconductor (SiC) power devices in 1979 and have been promoting the technology for more than three decades," Baliga says. "Now, I feel privileged to have created PRESiCE as the nation's technology for manufacturing SiC power devices to generate high-paying jobs in the U.S. We're optimistic that our technology can expedite the commercialization of SiC devices and contribute to a competitive manufacturing sector here in the U.S.," Baliga says.

The paper, "PRESiCE: PRocess Engineered for manufacturing SiC Electronic-devices," will be presented at the International Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials, being held Sept. 17-22 in Washington, D.C. The paper is co-authored by W. Sung, now at State University of New York Polytechnic Institute; K. Han and J. Harmon, who are Ph.D. students at NC State; and A. Tucker and S. Syed, who are undergraduates at NC State.

More information: "PRESiCETM: PRocess Engineered for manufacturing SiC Electronic-devices" Presented: September 17-22, International Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials, Washington, D.C.
A picture taken on October 17, 2016 shows an employee typing on a computer keyboard at the headquarters of Internet security giant Kaspersky in Moscow.

The US government banned the use of Kaspersky security software in federal offices Wednesday, saying the Russian company has risky ties to Russian intelligence that threaten US national security.

Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke ordered all government offices to remove and replace any of the company's popular anti-hacker software in use within 90 days.

"The department is concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies," Duke said in a statement.

She also expressed concern that Russian intelligence agencies can by law request or compel assistance from Kaspersky, including in intercepting communications transiting Russian networks.

"The risk that the Russian government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates US national security," Duke said.

The move comes amid heightened strains between Russia and the US over Moscow's alleged interference in last year's US presidential election.

Kaspersky was already finding the government shut to its business, according to US companies it competes with.

Earlier this year six top intelligence and security officials told a Congressional hearing that they would not use Kaspersky software.

In July the government's General Services Administration issued an advisory against using it.

Last week Senator Jeanne Shaheen said she would attach to a crucial defense department appropriations bill a law banning government use of Kaspersky products.

Based in Moscow, Kaspersky has been selling its popular and highly regarded software around the world for two decade and does 85 percent of its business outside of Russia, including with multiple governments, according to the company.

It has repeatedly denied having anything more than business ties to the Kremlin.

"Kaspersky Lab doesn't have inappropriate ties with any government, which is why no credible evidence has been presented publicly by anyone or any organization to back up the false allegations made against the company," the company told AFP in an email.

"The only conclusion seems to be that Kaspersky Lab, a private company, is caught in the middle of a geopolitical fight, and it's being treated unfairly even though the company has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyberespionage or offensive cyber efforts."

Company founder and chief executive Eugene Kaspersky said he has repeatedly offered to present the company's source code to US officials for an audit, but has not been given the opportunity to do so.

 2017 AFP
From left, Stephanie Drumheller-Horton, faculty member in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences; Thomas Adams of the Witte Museum; and Christopher Noto of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside with the skull elements of the new fossil crocodilian Deltasuchus motherali. Credit: Stephanie Drumheller-Horton

Around 95 million years ago, a giant relative of modern crocodiles ruled the coastlines and waterways of what would one day become north central Texas.

A team including the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Stephanie Drumheller-Horton has identified this species, Deltasuchus motherali. They have found that adults grew up to 20 feet long and, based on the bite marks discovered on the fossilized bones of prey animals, ate whatever they wanted in their environment, from from turtles to dinosaurs.

The team found the bones in a place one normally doesn't think to look for ancient fossilsin the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

The findings were recently published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

Drumheller-Horton collaborated with Thomas Adams, curator of paleontology and geology at the Witte Museum in San Antonio, Texas, and Chris Noto of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

The site that produced the new species was discovered in Arlington, Texas, in 2003 by amateur fossil hunters Art Sahlstein, Bill Walker, and Phil Kirchoff.

Dubbed the Arlington Archosaur Site, the area is undergoing rapid residential development, and paleontologists have been working with local volunteers and fossil enthusiasts to excavate the site over the past decade.

"We simply don't have that many North American fossils from the middle of the Cretaceous, the last period of the age of dinosaurs, and the eastern half of the continent is particularly poorly understood," Drumheller-Horton said. "Fossils from the Arlington Archosaur Site are helping fill in this gap, and Deltasuchus is only the first of several new species to be reported from the locality."

Deltasuchus motherali is named for one of the site volunteers, Austin Motheral, who first uncovered the fossils of this particular crocodile with a small tractor when he was just 15 years old.

Work on the site is supported by a grant from the National Geographic Society, which is funding continued excavations and study of this unique fossil area. Fossils from the site, including the Deltasuchus motherali bones, are part of the collections of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas.

Deltasuchus is the first of what may prove to be several new species described from this fossil site. The area preserves a complete ancient ecosystem ranging from 95 million to 100 million years old, and its fossils are important in advancing the understanding of ancient North American land and freshwater ecosystems.

While most of Texas was covered by a shallow sea at the time, the Dallas-Fort Worth area was part of a large peninsula that jutted out from the northeast. The peninsula was a lush environment of river deltas and swamps that teemed with wildlife, including dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, mammals, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and plants.
Top view and side view of the compact spectrometer for the smartphone science camera, comprised of an image sensor chip with a linear variable filter attached over the surface. Credit: Micro and Nanotechnology Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The latest versions of most smartphones contain at least two and sometimes three built-in cameras. Researchers at the University of Illinois would like to sell mobile device manufactures on the idea of adding yet another image sensor as a built-in capability for health diagnostic, environmental monitoring, and general-purpose color sensing applications.

Three years ago, the National Science Foundation provided a pair of University of Illinois professors with a grant to develop technology called "Lab-in-a-Smartphone." Over that time, the research teams of Brian Cunningham, Donald Biggar Willett Professor of Engineering, and John Dallesasse, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, have published papers detailing potential ways the mobile devices could provide health diagnostic tests and other measurements normally performed in a laboratory setting.

Their latest efforts demonstrate that mobile devices incorporating their sensor can provide accurate measurements of optical absorption spectra of colored liquids or the optically scattered spectra of solid objects. In other words, a mobile device incorporating the lab-in-a-smartphone "science camera" could accurately read liquid-based or paper-based medical tests in which the end result is a material that changes from one color to another in the presence of a specific analyte.

The team successfully demonstrated a very compact inexpensive system that performs optical spectroscopy in a form factor that can fit inside the body of a phone. It uses inexpensive components and the same kind of LEDs being used for flash illumination in phones. By adding a special component attached on top of a conventional smartphone image sensor, they were able to measure the light absorption of liquids, and the scattering spectrum of solids.

"We have had several projects where we looked to use the sensing capabilities of smartphones and mobile devices for point-of-use biomedical tests or tests that could be performed away from the laboratory," Cunningham explained. "But in all the projects that we've worked on so far, there has been a cradle or some instrument that the phone has to be in contact with to perform the measurement."

However, their latest paper, "Integrated spectroscopic analysis system with low vertical height for measuring liquid or solid assays" published in Sensors and Actuators B details how a smartphone could directly be placed over a cartridge containing the liquid to measure the specific color of the liquid. The results could then be directly sent electronically to a physician, who could make a diagnosis and suggest a remedy without a patient needing to see that physician in person.

"To make it work, smartphone manufacturers would add a camera for science purposes," Cunningham said. "The pixels of the additional image sensor would have a linear variable filter glued on top of it that transforms the camera into a spectrometer. Since the component would be an integral part of the phone, the information generated by it can be seamlessly integrated with other information about the patient, and the test being performed, while interacting with a cloud-based smart service system that provides immediate actionable feedback."

To prove the concept, they accurately measured the liquids of a fetal fibronectin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a protein whose concentration is used to help determine the likelihood a pregnant woman would give birth prematurely. Kenny Long, an MD/PhD student in bioengineering, whose research has focused on clinical application of medical technologies, led that effort.

Other students/postdocs involved with the project include ECE graduate students John Carlson, Saoud Al-Mulla, Benjamin Kesler, and Patrick Su. Visiting scientist Yuhang Wan from Beihang University in China was the first-author of the paper, and visiting scientist Wang Peng from Huazhong University in China contributed to the effort.

"Without our approach, it is possible to roughly measure the color of an object using the red, green and blue pixel intensities in a smartphone image," Cunningham said. "However, you get more rich information when you measure the whole spectrum and can extend the detected wavelengths into the infrared."

More specifically, this technology uses illumination from a bank of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which is gathered into a cylindrical plastic rod. The rod collimates the light and sends it to a test point in front of the camera. The system allows only one wavelength to pass through to the camera at a time, but the selected wavelength is linearly variable across the width of the camera. The component used in the system, called a Linear Variable Filter (LVF), looks like a ~2x8 mm2 thin piece of glass that is glued on top of the camera's pixels, so it performs wavelength separation without using vertical space, like conventional spectrometers do.

"We developed an LVF spectrometer by simply gluing the filter component over the pixels of a conventional image sensor," said Cunningham. "It is a wavelength transmission filter that is graded from the left side to the right side, to allow blue light through on the left and red light through on the right, and every other wavelength in between. If you shine one wavelength through the entire filter, light will only pass through to the image sensor at one location. When many wavelengths pass through at one time, the image sensor's pixel intensities represent a spectrum of the light"

The technology has specific impact on developing countries or rural areas, where getting to a doctor's office is can be challenging. The same methodology demonstrated in the paper can be applied to quantitatively detecting biomarkers for nutrition, cardiac health, sepsis, cancer, pregnancy, infectious disease, drugs of abuse, hormones, and many others.

Cunningham has had several conversations with smartphone manufacturers on his discoveries over the past few years and understands that to convince them to add yet another camera to a phone, there must be compelling consumer applications. To that end, their publication shows that the component can measure the spectrum of light scattered off solid surfaces, to observe subtle differences, using colored paper and pH test strips as representative examples.

"In addition to measuring health diagnostic tests, the sensor could measure all sorts of fun things too," Cunningham said. "For instance, it could be used to measure the color of everyday objects, such as your shirt or for matching the color of the sky to the paint color in your living room. It would be very useful for graphic artists, photographers, architects, and citizen scientists."

Fundamentally, though, he is hoping to take advantage of a landscape where phone companies are already thinking about using their devices for mobile health.

"I think mobile health is going to mean medical diagnostic tests for nutrition or wellness, a service that the major smartphone companies can help provide," Cunningham said. "They are looking for ways that healthcare can fold in with their capabilities. We're hoping to find companies that are interested in differentiating their phone from others by having this capability."

More information: Yuhang Wan et al, Integrated spectroscopic analysis system with low vertical height for measuring liquid or solid assays, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2017.08.126
Study contradicts the view that worker bees are forcibly castrated by the queen among the 600-odd species of stingless bees widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Credit: Tulio Nunes / University of Sao Paulo

Scientists have studied the organization and function of social insect colonies since Charles Darwin (1809-1882) investigated beehives near his home in Kent with the help of his five children. Since then, prompted by the theory of evolution, researchers have scrutinized every conceivable aspect of the life of bees. Decades ago, scientists discovered that in the nests of many species of European honeybees (genus Apis) in which healthy young queens regularly lay eggs, the queen uses chemical compounds called pheromones to inhibit worker reproduction.

As a result, the workers have to care for the queen's offspring instead of their own. If the queen is old, falls sick or dies, causing cessation of this pheromone secretion, specialized workers rear new drones that will fertilize the eggs destined to become future queens.

"An important part of studying social insects is understanding how they resolve conflicts inside the colony, especially reproductive conflicts of interest. In some bee species, workers can produce drones, but this adaptation may create a conflict between the queen and the workers over who rears the drones," said biologist Tulio Marcos Nunes. Nunes is first author of a paper published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution describing a study that explored whether this adaptation is also found among the 600-odd species of stingless bees (tribe Meliponini) widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

"The conflict is due to the differential genetic relationship between the offspring of the queen and the workers. From the evolutionary standpoint, it's more worthwhile for workers to produce their own offspring [to which they are 50 percent genetically related] than raise the queen's offspring [with which they share only 25 percent of their DNA]," Nunes said.

Nunes's supervisor, Norberto Peporine Lopes, heads the Center for Research on Natural & Synthetic Products and is the principal investigator for the ptoject "Distribution and metabolism of natural and synthetic xenobiotics", supported by The Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).

Peporine Lopes explained that the purpose of the study was to see whether the behavior observedworkers not laying eggs in the presence of a queenis positive for workers in genetic terms.

"If this behavior is negative for workersif they achieve a greater genetic return by laying eggs and are chemically prevented from doing sothen we're talking about a castration pheromone," he said. European honeybees clearly exhibit chemical castration. In this study, the researchers wanted to find out whether, in the case of stingless bees, queen pheromones chemically sterilize workers or merely signal the queen's presence.

They worked with 23 stingless bee species, a few of which were present in FCFRP-USP's stingless bee apiary (a "meliponiary"). Nunes collected others in the wild from sites in Brazil and Australia.

Stingless bee colonies are usually found in the trunks of living trees or hollow tree trunks on the forest floor. He had to open the tree trunks, locate the colonies and transfer them to boxes for transportation. "They don't have stingers, but they defend themselves by biting, depositing resin, and, in some species, expelling highly concentrated formic acid," he said.

The 23 species studied were divided into three categories: those with sterile workers that never lay eggs (four species), those with workers that always lay eggs even if a queen is present (14 species), and those with workers that lay eggs only if the colony is queenless (three species). In the latter species, workers respond to the queen's presence by inactivating their ovaries.

The study was conducted on two fronts. First, the researchers set out to understand how workers' reproductive behavior evolved in the presence or absence of a queen. Then they sought to find out which chemical compounds signaled the queen's presence to workers. The reproductive behavior of workers in 21 species was known from the scientific literature. New investigations of two species, Lestrimelitta limao and Plebeia minima, determined the frequency of worker ovary activation in three colonies of each species, with and without queens.

The behavior of fertile workers in the presence of a queen was observed every day for three months. The queen was then removed and observation continued for another three months. "When we removed the queen, the workers started to lay," Nunes said.

Chemical castration

The researchers also analyzed the cuticular hydrocarbons produced by the queenpheromones used for chemical signaling to workersand identified 128 different chemical compounds.

"Cuticular hydrocarbons are pheromones or chemical signalers. They are non-volatile waxes and don't disperse in air. We succeeded in mapping the locations of these substances in the queen's body. They are mainly found in the head. Hence our conclusion that chemical signaling between the queen and fertile workers can only occur via physical contact," Peporine Lopes said.

In three speciesFriesella schrottkyi, Leurotrigona muelleri, and Plebeia luciifertile workers began laying eggs when the queen was removed. "The conclusion was that workers of these species were not chemically castrated by the queen," Peporine Lopes said. "The chemical signals emitted by the queen inhibit worker oviposition."

According to Nunes, they next mapped the reproductive behavior of workers during the evolution of the species concerned in order to analyze the ancestral traits of stingless bees in this respect. "We inferred from this analysis that modulation of worker sterility in response to queen pheromone [signaling the queen's presence] evolved independently at least three times in the lineages leading to F. schrottkyi, L. muelleri and P. lucii," he said.

"In my opinion, what's important about this study is that it establishes a counterpoint to the traditional view of forced worker castration by the queen," Peporine Lopes said. "That's why we were able to publish it in a Nature research journal."

Provided by FAPESP
Researchers use methods like assessing responses to mock resumes submitted for jobs as a way to measure racial bias because people are often uncomfortable discussing the topic. Credit: Jessica Wolf/UCLA

What's in a name? A lot, social scientists think, especially if that name suggests a person's racial identity, which often, it can.

During the last decade researchers have increasingly banked on the idea that a name can be a powerful signal of a person's race. Several hundred studies from social scientists and psychologists, have used "black-sounding" versus "white-sounding" names to uncover varying levels of discrimination via blind "correspondence audit" experiments. The studies have examined how often employers respond to black versus white job applicants based on the name on the resume, or how a perception of race from a name can affect the response rates for people who are hunting for a home, attempting to acquire health care or emailing politicians.

A study published in the journal Sociological Science by UCLA sociology professor S. Michael Gaddis suggests that the aforementioned body of evidence often operates under a misguided assumption that all black-sounding names will send the same racial signal, when most often a black-sounding name also carries a cue to the person's social status.

Past studies using names as a racial signal have either failed to describe the method of selecting names or have shown relatively arbitrary methods of choosing black-sounding versus white-sounding names, Gaddis said. It's important to examine the methods of choosing names to signify racial discrimination, because it's hard for researchers to study race and gender discrimination using surveys, he said.

"When you ask people about racial inequality, almost everyone says they would never discriminate, there is virtually no variation," he said. "Even if people are prone to discriminate based on race, either consciously or not, they are very wary to talk about these issues openly even with researchers. We call it social desirability bias."

Gaddis' study also suggests that researchers who use names to signify race have a lot of power to potentially skew results via name selection. His goal is to inspire fellow researchers studying inequality to be more rigorous about how names are selected for the increasingly popular and cost-effective correspondence audit. These studies rely on how people respond to resumes or email correspondence, rather than sending a racially diverse group of individuals into the world to apply for jobs or homes or health services.

For his study Gaddis first looked at names he found in nearly 20 years of birth records from New York state. With this he could examine names commonly given by black or white mothers and the average levels of education of those mothers.

He also was able to acquire the raw data from more than a dozen previous research projects dating back to the original and most-frequently cited related study in 2004 from economists Marianne Bertrand and Sendhil Mullainathan. Their research showed labor market discrimination against resumes with black-sounding names.

Gaddis included names from this 2004 study and others that followed it, combined with the birth record data. Then he compiled a list of 80 white-sounding and 80 black-sounding names to test.

Using these names, he conducted a survey experiment through Amazon's Mechanical Turk, a crowdsourcing microtask marketplace. He asked respondents which race they would assign to each name on the list. He asked the question several waysusing first name only; by combining a black first name with a predominantly black last name (based on U.S. Census data); combining a white first name with a white last name; and by mixing white and black first names with white and black last names.

Gaddis found a difference in responses to names that black women from different socioeconomic backgrounds gave their children, which suggests there is another factor at play when an observer perceives a black-sounding name.

For example, in his study, the name most-commonly and correctly judged as a black-sounding name was "DaShawn." This name was also most-commonly given by black mothers with a high school degree or less. Names most-commonly given by black mothers with a college education, such as "Jalen," were much less likely to be associated as a black-sounding name.

So these names do not always convey race in the ways that researchers have previously assumed, Gaddis said. "Only commonly given black names from lower social status origins are a strong signal of a person's race. We are sending signals of both social class and race when we use names like Lakisha and Jamal."

In discrimination studies, researchers wield a lot of power by choosing names to signal race and may uncover less discrimination than actually exists. For example, a 2015 study led by University of Missouri professor of public affairs Rajeev Darolia that compared just four names, two white sounding (one male, one female) and two black sounding (one male, one female), showed no discrimination among employers and was widely cited by the media, often touted as positive racial progress.

But, Gaddis points out the first names those researchers chose to identify as black were "Chloe" and "Ryan." For the racial signal they relied entirely on the last names of "Washington" and "Jefferson." According to U.S. census data, a majority of people in the nation who have these last names are black.

The researchers tried to avoid signaling social class along with race and specifically chose to use generic first names with black last names, Gaddis said.

"I understand what they were trying to do, but I'm not sure we should make a strong conclusion that racial discrimination was not prevalent based on those two names," he said.

A popular black name from Gaddis' study, based on birth records was "Bria," but it was one that confounded survey respondents to correctly identify racially, Gaddis noted.

"If you were to set up a study comparing Bria versus Alison, which is commonly and correctly identified as a white name, you may not find discrimination, not because it doesn't exist, but because Bria isn't a strong enough signal of blackness," he said.

It's good to take a step back and think critically about these methods, Gaddis said.

"We shouldn't pretend we are infallible," said Gaddis, who is currently working on a book about the method and will present his research at an upcoming conference in Amsterdam. "It's nice to understand where we might be wrong or show bias. Research won't improve unless we examine our methods. I conducted this study to make research on discrimination more methodologically sound in the future."

More information: S. Gaddis. How Black Are Lakisha and Jamal? Racial Perceptions from Names Used in Correspondence Audit Studies, Sociological Science (2017). DOI: 10.15195/v4.a19 Rajeev Darolia et al. Race and gender effects on employer interest in job applicants: new evidence from a resume field experiment, Applied Economics Letters (2015). DOI: 10.1080/13504851.2015.1114571 Journal information: Sociological Science
Credit: Wits University

Is tech killing indigenous African languages? Prof. Leketi Makalela, head of Languages, Literacies and Literatures in the Wits School of Education talks back.

Discussions on the status of African languages portray a dim view. For centuries, African languages have been under threat as one conqueror after another has imposed their preferred language on various nations on the continent. Subsequently, African languages have low status in our institutions and continue to be marginalised in all spheres of power, including government quarters.

In South Africa, English continues as the lingua franca, despite government policies that protect and promote vernacular languages.

There have been warnings about the death of these languages. However, indigenous languages are far from extinct says Professor Leketi Makalela, Head of Languages, Literacies and Literatures in the Wits School of Education.

"Where government has failed, technology is bringing hope to the people," says Makalela. "African languages were probably going to die, were it not for technology, social media and popular culture. Technology is going to take African languages forward and these languages are going to evolve to fit into the digital age and any future world shift."

Ironically, this change is one of the major criticisms levelled against technology, and especially social media, where variations of spelling abound, and where the platforms are also implicated for contributing to the decline in literacy and writing standards.

"People are concerned about change and this has been an ongoing major debate in human language development. The great divide is about whether the change results in decay or progress. A conservative will say it is decay because there is nostalgia for the past and everything is being disorganised by modernity. This has to do with aging as well  the older you are, the more you want to keep things the same," says Makalela, who is also the editor-in-chief of the Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies Journal and Chairperson of Umalusi Council's Qualifications Standards Committee.

To put things into perspective, Makalela says the primary question that needs to be asked in such debates is: "What is the purpose of language?"

"We need to question what language is and why we have language as human beings before we look at the structure (syntax and spelling). People obsess about the aesthetics of the language and yet language is here for meaning-making. The 'net speak' and contraction of words are a natural evolution of language and a reflection of the time. The structure of language keeps changing because people are changing."

One of the significant, laudable changes brought about by social media is that they break down linguistic barriers. Makalela believes we should celebrate that communication technology is contributing to the decolonisation of languages.

"The Balkanisation of African states in 1884 in Berlin was attached to the languages. The Bantustan policy of apartheid architect H.F. Verwoerd was based on supposed linguistic differences," says Makalela. "African languages were separated intentionally, not because they were or are different, but because the strategy was to divide and conquer. Technology has now made it easy for linguistic groups to realise how similar they are than they were previously told."

Communities such as #BlackTwitter, mother-tongue appreciation groups on Facebook and blogs where young creatives share works in their languages and culture are defying institutions and moving languages into the 21st Century. Local television programmes are also playing their part in promoting multilingualism with many creative works moving between three and more languages, recreating and reinforcing the South African linguistic reality.

"We cannot talk about economic development and social cohesion without taking into account the issues of language because languages are central to social cohesion. You can't expect a Zulu and a Tswana person to socially cohere if there is no crossover of language," he adds. "One of the barriers that must be removed to drive this growth is for linguistic groups to be open to the influence of non-mother tongue speakers," explains Makalela.

"There seems to be a sacredness and unwillingness to allow others to learn African languages, which often makes it closed to outsiders. If we really want our languages to flourish, we have to open the doors to non-mother tongue speakers so that there is nothing like KZN isiZulu vs Gauteng isiZulu (which is seen as weak isiZulu). In fact, it's a time to redefine what we call standards.

English became a dominant language because it opened its doors to non-mother tongue users. The type of English used today is heavily multi-lingual with 80% of the words in the language not original English. In addition, 80% of users are not traditional mother tongue speakers. English thrives and lives on donations from other languages."

Another area where Makalela would like to see transformation is the use of technology in the classroom to promote multilingualism. "While technology is often seen as eroding African values, accelerating moral degeneration and the loss of ubuntu, practice is suggesting that it is having an opposite effect on languages. Let us focus on creating shared meaning and understanding through opening up our languages and using technology to contribute towards fostering social cohesion in our diverse society."
Charities may withdraw from worthwhile activities because laws designed to stop terrorism are often too vague, experts have warned.

Many countries have introduced new counterterrorism legislation or reformed existing laws since September 11, 2001 due to concerns that charities might be particularly vulnerable to abuse by terrorists.

But laws could lead to organisations committing offences without realising because they are not clear enough.

An analysis of counterterrorism legislation and its long-term evolution in the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Ireland has found that these laws might motivate charities to change the ways they operate. Legal changes were made because of concerns that terrorist organisations may pose as charities to have a legitimate front for their activities, for example, to collect donations, for which they get tax relief, and to channel funding abroad. Funding from humanitarian groups could also be given to terrorist supporters abroad without these organisations being aware that their support has been exploited.

The research was carried out by Nicole Bolleyer, from the University of Exeter, and Anika Gauja, from the University of Sydney. They found legislative constraints on charities were broadest in the US. Canada, Australia and the UK take a middle position, while Ireland and New Zealand impose relatively fewer legislative constraints on their charitable organisations.

Problematically, the description of what constitutes terrorist activities tends to be vague. Consequently, what is meant by support for terrorism could be interpreted in different ways, which creates uncertainty in charities' everyday operations. Furthermore, in Australia, the UK, Canada and USA charities are monitored to assure they comply with counterterrorism legislation. In the US Anti-Terrorism Certification requires charities to vet staff and other organisations they work with in order to get government financial support.

Legislation in many of the countries is insufficiently clear about what constitutes membership of, and association with, terrorist organisations. As a consequence, in the US and Canada charities might commit an offence without knowing. The UK and Australia require charities to act 'without negligence'. Hence, legislation puts a burden of proof on charities to demonstrate to make reasonable efforts to know who they are dealing with. Only New Zealand and Ireland have sustained knowledge requirements and thus a relatively clear-cut threshold for when charities and their members are in danger of committing criminal offences.

Professor Bolleyer said: "It is understandable that lawmakers may want to place obligations on organisations to encourage vigilance and stop carelessness. But our analysis suggests that the day to day activities of charities risk being affected by vagueness in the law. This might generate unintended consequences and discourage worthwhile charitable activities."

"A counterbalance could be provided by more explicitly excluding legitimate and legal activities from broad concepts and provisions such as 'facilitating terrorist activity'. This is found in New Zealand and Ireland and would enable charities to more easily assess when they operate on legal grounds and when not."

Combating Terrorism by Constraining Charities? Charity and Counterterrorism Legislation Before and After 9/11 is published in the journal Public Administration.

More information: Nicole Bolleyer et al, Combating terrorism by constraining charities? Charity and counter-terrorism legislation before and after 9/11, Public Administration (2017). DOI: 10.1111/padm.12322
An artist's impression showing the exoplanet WASP-19b, in which atmosphere astronomers detected titanium oxide for the first time. In large enough quantities, titanium oxide can prevent heat from entering or escaping an atmosphere, leading to a thermal inversion -- the temperature is higher in the upper atmosphere and lower further down, the opposite of the normal situation. Credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser

A team of astronomers led by Elyar Sedaghati, an ESO fellow and recent graduate of TU Berlin, has examined the atmosphere of the exoplanet [WASP-19b] in greater detail than ever before. This remarkable planet has about the same mass as Jupiter, but is so close to its parent star that it completes an orbit in just 19 hours and its atmosphere is estimated to have a temperature of about 2000 degrees Celsius.

As WASP-19b passes in front of its parent star, some of the starlight passes through the planet's atmosphere and leaves subtle fingerprints in the light that eventually reaches Earth. By using the FORS2 instrument on the Very Large Telescope the team was able to carefully analyse this light and deduce that the atmosphere contained small amounts of titanium oxide, water and traces of sodium, alongside a strongly scattering global haze.

"Detecting such molecules is, however, no simple feat," explains Elyar Sedaghati, who spent 2 years as ESO student to work on this project. "Not only do we need data of exceptional quality, but we also need to perform a sophisticated analysis. We used an algorithm that explores many millions of spectra spanning a wide range of chemical compositions, temperatures, and cloud or haze properties in order to draw our conclusions."

Titanium oxide is rarely seen on Earth. It is known to exist in the atmospheres of cool stars. In the atmospheres of hot planets like WASP-19b, it acts as a heat absorber. If present in large enough quantities, these molecules prevent heat from entering or escaping through the atmosphere, leading to a thermal inversionthe temperature is higher in the upper atmosphere and lower further down, the opposite of the normal situation. Ozone plays a similar role in Earth's atmosphere, where it causes inversion in the stratosphere.

"The presence of titanium oxide in the atmosphere of WASP-19b can have substantial effects on the atmospheric temperature structure and circulation." explains Ryan MacDonald, another team member and an astronomer at Cambridge University, United Kingdom. "To be able to examine exoplanets at this level of detail is promising and very exciting." adds Nikku Madhusudhan from Cambridge University who oversaw the theoretical interpretation of the observations.

The astronomers collected observations of WASP-19b over a period of more than one year. By measuring the relative variations in the planet's radius at different wavelengths of light that passed through the exoplanet's atmosphere and comparing the observations to atmospheric models, they could extrapolate different properties, such as the chemical content, of the exoplanet's atmosphere.

This new information about the presence of metal oxides like titanium oxide and other substances will allow much better modeling of exoplanet atmospheres. Looking to the future, once astronomers are able to observe atmospheres of possibly habitable planets, the improved models will give them a much better idea of how to interpret those observations.

"This important discovery is the outcome of a refurbishment of the FORS2 instrument that was done exactly for this purpose," adds team member Henri Boffin, from ESO, who led the refurbishment project. "Since then, FORS2 has become the best instrument to perform this kind of study from the ground."

This research was presented in the paper entitled "Detection of titanium oxide in the atmosphere of a hot Jupiter" by Elyar Sedaghati et. al. to appear in Nature.

More information: Detection of titanium oxide in the atmosphere of a hot Jupiter, Nature (2017). nature.com/articles/doi:10.1038/nature23651 Journal information: Nature

Provided by ESO
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SevenRooms, a technology platform used by hospitality operators in 100+ cities around the world, started working with Jumeirah Group in 2016 in a pilot program. The expansion of the technology across the remaining restaurants, lounges and bars will enable Jumeirah Group to service and understand guests at their F&B outlets on a more personalized and sophisticated level. What was once siloed guest F&B data will now be shared across properties to streamline service and improve day-to-day operations across the board, offering unified guest profiles containing detailed guest history and order data through the point of sale integration.

Operationally, the SevenRooms platform will connect systems and teams across the organization while freeing up employees valuable time to focus on what matters most: the guest experience.

Expanding our partnership with Jumeirah Group, a world-class luxury hotel operator, is an exciting milestone for SevenRooms. Jumeirah Groups focus on enabling a truly differentiated guest experience through technology completely aligned with our companys ethos from day one, and we knew this would be a beneficial partnership for both our companies, said Joel Montaniel, CEO & Co-Founder of SevenRooms.

At Jumeirah Group, knowing our customers and providing them with memorable experiences is at the core of our business. Every decision we make supports delivering to that objective so we are thrilled to not only find a technology platform that gives us the ability to provide our customers personalized service, but to be working with a company, SevenRooms, that shares in this philosophy, said Alejandro Helbling, VP of Group Services, Jumeirah Group.

For more information, or to learn more about the SevenRooms platform, please visit: www.sevenrooms.com or reach out at access@sevenrooms.com.

About SevenRooms:

SevenRooms is a platform for hospitality operators to acquire, engage and understand their guests. Founded in 2011 in New York, the reservation, seating and guest management software offers operators the ability to drive reservations across multiple marketing channels, personalize guest experience online and offline, re-engage guests to drive repeat visits and move business forward through actionable insights. We are currently present in 100+ cities worldwide serving premier dining, hotel and nightlife clients including: Jumeirah Group, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Standard Hotels, LDV Hospitality, Live Nation, TAO Group, Zuma, Bagatelle, Altamarea Group, B&B Hospitality Group, NoHo Hospitality Group, Chase Hospitality Group, Mercer Street Hospitality, China Grill Management, MMG, The h.wood Group and Corbin & King. www.sevenrooms.com

About Jumeirah Group:

Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of hotels and resorts including the flagship Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts manages properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Kuwait in the Middle East; Frankfurt, Istanbul, London and Mallorca (Spain) in Europe; the Maldives and Shanghai in Asia. Jumeirah Group also runs the luxury serviced residences brand Jumeirah Living with properties in London and Dubai; the new lifestyle hotel brand Venu; the wellness brand Talise; Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai; Wild Wadi Waterpark; The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management; Jumeirah Sirius, its global loyalty programme; and isme by Jumeirah an app based rewards programme in the UAE. Future openings include luxury hotels in China, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Oman and the UAE.www.jumeirah.com.

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After Jan Manders tucked in her 2 -year-old daughter, Michelle, for what would be the last time, she spent several hours in the living room teaching her friend Teri Mueller to sew.

Jan met Teri a couple of months before Michelle disappeared from her familys Watertown home on Oct. 13, 1981.

Both women had applied for jobs as nurses aides at a nearby nursing home, and they had to take a test before they could be hired.

Teri, who suffered from a metabolic disorder that resulted in brain damage and from schizophrenia that sometimes caused hallucinations, couldnt read well and asked Jan for help. Jan didnt want to risk her own chances by cheating, so she said no.

Before they left, Jan had a job offer. Teri did not.

Feeling sorry for Teri, Jan invited her for coffee on the way out.

As they got to know each other, Jan told Teri about Michelle and about her other two children: Christopher, 6, and Jennifer, 4.

Teri, her thoughts and sentences running together, talked about her husband, Joe, whom shed married at the courthouse over her parents objections.

Courtesy Teri Mueller Teri Mueller still carries this photo of herself and her ex-husband, Joe, in her wallet.

Joe worked odd jobs and had spent time in prison for burglary. Teris parents worried he would take advantage of her naivete. Teri didnt think so.

He mingled with everybody, she recently recalled. My friends, my  my family. He wanted to be a big part of my family, get together and stuff. There's a time when we got stuff from my dad, like money and stuff. He's always there. My mom was like don't give him any money. Don't give him any money. I won't. I won't. I won't.

Teri loved children, but she and Joe never had any of their own.

After Teri started spending time with Jan's kids, she asked for pictures of Michelle, Jennifer and Christopher, and carried them in her wallet.

Although Teri couldnt quite fulfill Jans craving for adult conversation, she was guileless and sweet.

Instead of staying cooped up while her husband, Mike, traveled for his job, Jan sometimes took her children to the apartment complex where Teri and Joe were staying with a relative. It was near a park with a pond, and the kids loved to feed the ducks.

Within a few weeks of their first meeting, Jan had helped Teri get a job at a different nursing home. When Teri expressed interest in learning to sew, Jan offered to teach her.

Teri had her first lesson in the hours before Michelle vanished.

Mike was in Appleton on a job.

Joe dropped off Teri at Jan's place around 7 p.m. and was supposed to come back for her at 10. When he still wasnt there by 10:30, Teri decided to spend the night. Jan brought her some blankets for the couch, checked on her sleeping children, and went to bed.

When Jan woke up the next morning, the living room was empty. She found a note from Teri, saying Joe had picked her up at 12:15 a.m.

Michelle usually made her way to the kitchen for breakfast on her own, but that morning, she didn't.

Jan went to wake her, but found Michelles bed empty. It looked slept in but not messy, the covers smoothed.

Jan sent Christopher down the street to school, trying to shield him from the panic welling up inside her.

Jennifer, who wouldnt start kindergarten for another year, looked on in confusion as Jan tore open the closets, sending sheets, coats and shoes flying. Pants and shirts hit the floor as the frantic mother yanked out dresser drawers and dumped them upside down.

Floorboards creaked as she shoved beds away from the walls, crouching to peer beneath them.

At one point Jan ran, shouting, out the back door.

Wheres Michelle? Wheres Michelle? Wheres Michelle?

She called Teri at work, hysterical.

My baby is gone! Wheres my baby?

I dont know, Teri answered, perplexed. I dont have her.

Two-and-a-half weeks after Michelle disappeared, investigators had only a single clue: Jans purse, found about a block away with its contents strewn on the ground.

Then, just before Halloween, Watertown Police Chief Richard Reynolds called a news conference to announce a new lead.

We have a statement from a 22-year-old female friend in the home that evening that she let Michelle out that evening, he announced.

Do you have any idea why? a TV reporter asked.

No, Reynolds said. I have no idea other than the fact that she maybe became annoyed because she had not been picked up at this time and handed the girl the purse and just opened the door for her.

The reporters were baffled. Why would a woman give a toddler her mothers purse? Why would she let her out of the house in the dark? In her pajamas? And in the rain? Would a little girl even want to go outside under those conditions?

And if thats really what happened, why did this woman take so long to come forward?

Reynolds answer to all those questions was the same: I don't know.

Reynolds didnt tell the reporters Teri Muellers name, nor did he tell them about her history of delusions.

He didnt tell them that in one version of her story, Teri said she felt someone push her from behind as she opened the door, but when she looked around, no one was there.

In an interview earlier this year, Reynolds said he never spoke with Teri personally, and doesnt recall being told she had an intellectual disability.

To Orval Quamme, then a Watertown detective, Teris limitations were apparent the first time he met her. As a result, he allowed her husband to stay in the room one of the times he questioned her  something he didnt normally do.

Like most police officers, he usually talked to each witness or suspect separately to keep them from influencing each other and to tell if their stories matched.

Quamme also took Teris disabilities into account when evaluating her statements, he said, accepting those that fit with other things the police thought were true and dismissing those that didnt.

Thats why he believed Teri when she said she opened the door, Quamme recalled.

Teri told him she had trouble turning the dead bolt on her way out, Quamme said in a recent interview. He suspects she simply left it unlocked as she rushed to meet her husband. He doesnt think she purposefully opened the door so Michelle could leave, as Reynolds told reporters at the time.

But the retired detective isnt certain.

You know, its a million scenarios you could dream up and it wouldnt take much imagination, he said. I mean, theres just all kinds of things that could have occurred, and nothing  from my point of view, could say, This is what happened.

Despite her limited mental functioning and conflicting descriptions of that night, Teri's statement about opening the door marked a turning point in the investigation.

Before she gave that account, the authorities were nearly certain Michelle had been kidnapped. Some worried the crime could be connected to several other unsolved disappearances and deaths in Jefferson County over the previous seven years.

After Teri said she opened the door, investigators pivoted toward the theory that Michelle must have wandered away, fallen into the Rock River and drowned.

Many of the records in the case, including Quammes reports, have been destroyed. None of the remaining 200 pages obtained by the Journal Sentinel  nor any of the available media reports from the time  reflect any skepticism about Teris story on the part of law enforcement.

To the contrary, a state justice department report says this: Primarily due to Teri Muellers statement, the FBI withdrew most of their investigative resources from this investigation.

They did so before Michelle's body was found, deciding they had no jurisdiction, Quamme said.

The Search for Michelle During the 22 days 2  year-old Michelle Manders was missing, investigators combed Watertown for her and for clues. A purse belonging to Jan Manders disappearted the night vanished. The purse was later found on the ground within a block of the Manders residence.

As for the shadow man Michelles 4-year-old sister said she saw in their bedroom in the middle of the night, the authorities didnt think it was much of a clue, Quamme said.

The man couldn't have been Mike Manders, as Michelle's sister, Jennifer, thought in the fog of sleep. The children's father was out of town that night.

The police thought the man was Teri's husband, Joe.

Jennifer must have been confused, they believed. She probably saw him earlier in the evening, when he dropped off Teri.

Not in the middle of the night.

Today, Jennifer isn't sure if the man was Joe or someone else, but she is adamant that someone came into the darkened bedroom as she and her sister slept. Her most vivid memory is waking up to a man turning on the light.

"I dont buy the whole wandering away story," she said recently. It just doesnt make sense to me, just because I remember what I remember.

Teri didnt talk to the media back then.

During a recent interview, her responses to questions about what happened that night were garbled.

He was going out of town, Mike. He was going out of town. And Jan Manders called me, wanted me to be with her while he was gone. Came over. Told Joe I was going to Michelle Manders. Aargh. Jan Manders. I stayed for a while. She wanted me to spend the  I spent the, I didnt feel right spending the night cause I didnt know her that well, you know?

Teri also gave conflicting answers about whether she opened the door for Michelle.

I do remember I let her out, I know that, Teri said.

In response to another question, she contradicted herself: I think I left the baby  Im not too sure. I do not know. I dont know.  Jan Manders' husband was out of town.  Put Michelle and everybody else to bed and stuff. She mustve woke up in the middle of the night.

Next Wednesday: A private investigator takes the case.
Britain and Sweden on Wednesday urged the UN Security Council to call for an end to Myanmar's military campaign in Rakhine state that has forced nearly 380,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee. The top UN body was set to meet behind closed doors at around 1600 GMT to discuss the crisis but diplomats said they expected China and Russia to resist calls for a tough response. "We need to see an end to the violence. We need to see immediate and widespread access to humanitarian aid and relief for the people of Burma and the people of Rakhine," British Deputy UN Ambassador Jonathan Allen told reporters. Swedish Ambassador Olof Skoog said he hoped for a "unified outcome" and "clear messages about what needs to happen now". That message should be that "the military campaign that we have seen is stopped and that there is full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law," said Skoog. Britain and Sweden requested the meeting, held two weeks after another closed session that did not yield any formal statement from the council on the crisis. Human rights groups have called on the Security Council to step up the pressure on Myanmar authorities and make clear the world is watching. But the Swedish ambassador played down calls for a public meeting, saying: "I don't think the Rohingya people care whether our meetings are closed or open." Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi earlier announced that she will deliver an address next Wednesday on national reconciliation and peace after rights groups and fellow Nobel laureates criticized her for failing to speak out. Rohingya refugees have told chilling accounts of soldiers firing on civilians and razing entire villages in the north of Rakhine state with the help of Buddhist mobs. The army denies the allegations. The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have long-lasting roots in the country. Britain and Sweden are calling on Suu Kyi to implement the recommendations of a report by former UN chief Kofi Annan that called on Myanmar to grant citizenship rights to the Rohingya.
By Prak Chan Thul PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodia's main opposition party was blocked from holding a memorial ceremony on Wednesday for victims of a 1997 grenade attack on a political rally, with tension running high after the arrest of its leader last week. The U.S. embassy urged its citizens to exercise caution after Prime Minister Hun Sen's government accused the United States of conspiring with opposition leader Kem Sokha, who has been charged with treason. Potentially further fanning anti-American sentiment, the embassy announced it had stopped issuing visas for some Cambodian foreign ministry officials. Kem Sokha's Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) had planned to hold a ceremony at a memorial in the capital, Phnom Penh, to mark an attack in which at least 16 people were killed at a rally on March 30, 1997 organised by former opposition leader Sam Rainsy. Similar memorials have been permitted in previous years around the Pchum Ben festival, when Cambodians pay respects to deceased ancestors. "We tried to hold the ceremony at the memorial and we were stopped," Mu Sochua, one of the CNRP's deputy presidents, told Reuters. "We don't want to confront the authorities but we want to show that these are signs of intimidation," she said, adding that the ceremony was then moved to a nearby pagoda. Phnom Penh's city hall spokesman Met Measpheakdey said the pagoda was the right place for the ceremony and the party's request to do it at the monument had been denied. Opponents of Hun Sen accuse him of arresting Kem Sokha and cracking down on independent media and other critics ahead of a general election next year in which he could face the toughest electoral challenge of more than 30 years in power. The United States and Western countries have called for Kem Sokha's release, drawing further anti-American rhetoric from the government. The U.S. embassy said it had no specific warnings of security issues but urged U.S. citizens to show caution. The embassy announced it had stopped issuing visas to some senior foreign ministry officials in a separate dispute over Cambodia's refusal to continue accepting Cambodian citizens the United States wants to deport China, Cambodia's biggest donor and investor by far, has stood by Hun Sen's government. "Chinese friends are like a strong back that continues to help Cambodia in every circumstance so that no foreign country can break it up," Hun Sen said on his Facebook page on Wednesday after returning from a trip to China. (Editing by Ralph Boulton)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that the nuclear deal between world powers and Iran should be amended or canceled. Speaking in Buenos Aires alongside Argentine President Mauricio Macri, Netanyahu said he wanted to correct the impression in recent media reports that Israel's position on the 2015 deal had softened. "So let me take this opportunity and clarify. Our position is straightforward. This is a bad deal -- either fix it or cancel it. This is Israel's position." Netanyahu has repeatedly taken aim at Iran since arriving in Argentina on Monday as the first sitting Israeli prime minister to visit Latin America. He accused Tehran of operating "a terror machine that encompasses the entire world, operating terror cells in many continents, including Latin America." "In the case of Iran, it's not only merely terror, it's also the quest for nuclear weapons that concerns us and should concern the entire international community." In a veiled reference to the US and world powers' preoccupation with North Korea, he said: "We understand the danger of a rogue nation having atomic bombs." Macri, who hosted Netanyahu at his Casa Rosada presidential palace, said the visit was "an important step" to improve commercial relations between their two countries. As the Israeli government seeks partners and alliances, dozens of left-wing activists waving Palestinian flags protested Netanyahu's presence in Buenos Aires late Tuesday over his "bellicose and repressive policies" against the Palestinians. - Business delegation - Referring affectionately to Macri as "Mauricio, my friend," the Israeli leader said his visit marked the dawn of a new era -- "and not accidentally did we begin it here with you." Netanyahu, who is accompanied by a 30-member delegation of Israeli business leaders, said Israel was an "innovation nation" eager to share opportunities with Argentina in agriculture, water, IT, cyber security and health. The two presidents signed a series of agreements on social insurance, streamlining customs arrangements and police cooperation. Macri also presented Netanyahu with some 140,000 historical documents and photographs from before and after World War II in digital form. The documents will enable a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and crimes against humanity, Israel said. On Monday, Netanyahu participated in a ceremony to remember victims of bomb attacks at the Israeli embassy in 1992, and at a Jewish community center in 1994. The embassy attack killed 29 and injured 220, while the community center blast left 85 dead and 300 injured. But some relatives of victims of the 1994 bombing refused an invitation to the event on Monday. "Netanyahu did not come to commemorate the attack, but to increase business," said Diana Malamud, who heads a group called Active Memory. "In these 23 years (since the bombing) Israel has been an observer, like any other country," and did not honestly help "search for the truth" behind the attack, she said. During his stay in Buenos Aires, the Israeli premier was also to meet Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes, who traveled expressly to the Argentine capital for the meeting. Following the two-day visit, Netanyahu will visit Colombia and Mexico before heading to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
The cholera epidemic tearing through Yemen, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the war-ravaged country, could impact 850,000 people by the end of the year, the Red Cross warned Wednesday. The outbreak "has reached colossal proportions," said Robert Mardini, the International Committee of the Red Cross's Near and Middle East director. The collapse of Yemen's infrastructure after more than two years of war between the Saudi-backed government and Shiite rebels who control the capital Sanaa has allowed the country's cholera epidemic to swell to the largest in the world. The speed at which cholera is spreading in Yemen has slowed some in recent months, but the deadly waterborne disease is far from contained. "In July we said we feared it would reach 600,000 cases by the end of the year. Now we have reached 647,000 suspected cases already," Mardini told AFP. "We are now projecting in the worst-case scenario to reach 850,000 by the end of the year," he said, stressing that "it is not under control. It is not contained." The World Health Organization said earlier this week that 2,065 people had so far perished from the disease. "The pace was slowing down a bit, but over the past week it went up again," Mardini said, pointing out that there are still around 4,700 suspected cases being registered in the country every day. The numbers are all the more tragic in light of the fact that cholera is usually an easily preventable disease. "It is the worst health crisis for a preventable disease in modern times," Mardini told a conference on the sidelines of the UN Human Rights Council. WHO has warned that the disease has spread rapidly due to deteriorating hygiene and sanitation conditions, with millions of people cut off from clean water across the country. Less than half of health facilities in the country are functioning, many health workers have not received salaries for nearly a year, and less than 30 percent of the medicines needed in Yemen are reaching the country, Mardini said. More than 8,400 people, including civilians and combattants, are believed to have died in Yemen's civil war, according to UN estimates.
By Matthew Tostevin (Reuters) - A former Vietnamese official who Germany says was kidnapped in Berlin to face charges in Hanoi over financial losses at a state construction firm had been cleared of wrongdoing by the previous government, according to documents seen by Reuters. The decision to re-open the case and aggressively pursue prosecution shows the tougher stance taken by the ruling Communist Party since Vietnam's security establishment emerged stronger from a power struggle last year in which ex-Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung lost out. The party says it wants to tackle corruption but some critics have accused Vietnam's rulers of embarking on a witch-hunt following the launch of investigations implicating increasingly senior figures. The internal crackdown drew global attention last month when Germany accused Hanoi of kidnapping Trinh Xuan Thanh, a former official with state oil firm PetroVietnam. He was accused of financial mismanagement that caused losses of $150 million at PetroVietnam Construction (PVC) during the time he served as chairman from 2009 to 2013. But according to a letter dated May 18, 2015 from then trade minister Vu Huy Hoang to then Prime Minister Dung, the official had stated his responsibility but the government had not "found negative signs" relating to his actions. "Therefore, authorised agencies and units agreed not to take disciplinary action over Thanh," it said, noting that he had moved to a role at the trade ministry, where he had worked hard to try to resolve the problems at PetroVietnam Construction. "Corrective work and post-inspection handling of PVC were done effectively and in accordance with the prime minister's requirements," the letter said. Responding to questions about the letter and whether there would be further prosecutions over the case, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said the party and state were resolute in dealing with corruption or lawbreaking by any organisation or individual. "Based on the results of the investigation, the functional agencies shall strictly handle those who violate the law in accordance with the provisions of Vietnamese law," she told Reuters. Reuters was unable to contact Thanh, former trade minister Hoang or former prime minister Dung either directly or through government offices. SPRAWLING STATE FIRM Thanh ran PetroVietnam Construction, a subsidiary of a sprawling state enterprise that is also involved in everything from oil and gas to power generation, ship building and insurance. After his return to Vietnam, Thanh was shown on state television saying that he had decided to surrender himself in order to face justice. The government has not said how he returned home. Thanh was a relatively junior figure among those who are under investigation in relation to PetroVietnam's dealings as well as in the banking sector. The most senior political casualty so far is Dinh La Thang, a former PetroVietnam chairman who was sacked from his role in the politburo. A vice-minister who had been responsible for appointing Thanh has also been sacked. Hoang has also been symbolically stripped of his title of former trade minister for violating state and party rules. Investigations continue into PetroVietnam and the trade ministry which oversaw it as well as into the central bank. There are widespread expectations that more members of Dung's administration will be prosecuted. Dung lost out last year in the battle to secure the post of Communist Party General Secretary, Vietnam's most powerful position. The post remained in the hands of Nguyen Phu Trong, whose modest public profile contrasts with the conspicuous wealth that some members of Dung's administration displayed. "Fighting and preventing corruption, waste and negativity are no longer handled slowly and case by case. It has become a movement," Trong said in July. According to a survey by Transparency International conducted between July 2015 and January 2017, Vietnam had become the most bribery prone country in Asia after India and a majority of Vietnamese believed corruption had worsened. (Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
By Arshad Mohammed and Yeganeh Torbati WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Wednesday will stop issuing certain kinds of visas to some citizens of Cambodia, Eritrea, Guinea and Sierra Leone because the nations are not taking back their citizens the United States wants to deport. The new policies, laid out in State Department cables reviewed by Reuters on Tuesday and described in a department news briefing, are the latest example of U.S. President Donald Trump's effort to crack down on immigrants who are in the United States illegally. The cables, sent by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to consular officials around the world, said the four countries were "denying or unreasonably delaying" the return of their citizens, and that visa restrictions would be lifted in a country if it accepted its deportees. "The Secretary determines the categories of applicants subject to the visa restrictions, and the categories differ slightly country by country," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in the news briefing on Tuesday. The visa sanctions vary in severity, with Eritrea facing the harshest ones. Any Eritreans who apply in their own country for most U.S. business or tourist visas will be rejected, according to one of the cables. ( In Guinea, the United States will no longer issue a range of tourist, business and student visas to government officials and their immediate family members who apply from inside the country, another cable said. "We are all surprised by the American authorities' decision but the foreign minister is at this moment working so that the situation returns to normal," Guinea government spokesman Damantang Albert Camara told Reuters. "It must be understood that Guinea has never wanted to prevent the repatriation of its nationals who are in conflict with American law." In Cambodia, the sanction is tailored. Only Foreign Ministry employees at or above the rank of director general, and their families, who apply inside the country will be barred from getting some visas for personal travel, a third cable said. For Sierra Leone, only Foreign Ministry and immigration officials will be denied tourist and business visas at the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, according to a fourth cable. "American citizens have been harmed because foreign governments refuse to take back their citizens," Thomas Homan, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said in a Department of Homeland Security statement. SOME EXCEPTIONS In each case, there are exceptions for citizens of the four nations who apply for visas from outside their countries, as well as exceptions on humanitarian grounds or for travel "deemed in the interest of the United States." The new rules, which go into effect on Wednesday, do not affect visas that already have been granted. Visa sanctions are allowed by U.S. immigration law to punish countries that refuse to accept their citizens back from the United States. In practice, the United States has rarely taken that step - just twice in the past decade and a half, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesman. The most recent instance was in October 2016 when the Obama administration stopped issuing visas to Gambian government officials and their families because the government was not taking back U.S. deportees from Gambia. Three of the four countries included in the current visa restrictions - Cambodia, Guinea, and Eritrea - were on a July list of nations deemed "recalcitrant" by U.S. immigration authorities. It was unclear immediately why Sierra Leone was included in Tuesday's action even though it was not on the "recalcitrant" list in July. ICE has had to release roughly 2,137 Guineans and 831 Sierra Leone nationals, many with "serious criminal convictions," the DHS statement said. In addition, around 700 Eritreans and more than 1,900 Cambodians are living in the United States who have been ordered removed, DHS said. DHS officials say in some cases, the agency has had no choice but to release convicted criminals who served prison time but could not be returned to their home country because it refused to take them back. The Trump administration has made it a priority to pressure reluctant countries to take back their citizens. As of July, the 12 nations deemed "recalcitrant" were China, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Iran, Cambodia, Burma, Morocco, Hong Kong, South Sudan, Guinea and Eritrea. According to 2016 congressional testimony by Michele Bond, former assistant secretary of state for consular affairs, Cuba was the "most recalcitrant country on repatriation of its nationals," although she did not give numbers. Other countries then at the top of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) list of recalcitrant countries were China, Somalia and India, Bond said at the time. None of those countries are facing visa sanctions. (Reporting By Arshad Mohammed and Yeganeh Torbati; Additional reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Saliou Samb in Conakry, Guinea; Editing by Bill Trott and Richard Chang)
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Tuesday his government was prepared to meet the opposition for talks, offering a glimpse of a breakthrough in a political standoff marked by months of deadly protests. Maduro made the surprise announcement in a televised cabinet meeting in Caracas. He told his ministers he would accept to undertake talks brokered by Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina and ex-Spanish premier Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. "Zapatero and President Medina know very well that I have been a promoter of this dialogue and I accept this new day of dialogue," Maduro said. Maduro appointed influential Caracas politician Jorge Rodriguez as his representative at the talks, and said he would leave for the Dominican Republic "in the next few hours." The opposition announced in turn that it would hold an exploratory meeting on Wednesday with the Dominican president. However, it insisted it did not mean it was the beginning of formal talks with the government. "The time for symbolic gestures is over," the opposition coalition Democratic Unity Roundtable said. "To enter into serious negotiation, we demand immediate actions that demonstrate a real willingness to resolve the national problems and not to win time," it said. Oil-rich Venezuela is facing a growing economic crisis that has caused shortages of food and medicine as it faces the prospect of default to its Russian and Chinese creditors Maduro had to weather falling oil prices and a wave of opposition protests that left 125 people dead between April and July. - Latest attempt - Medina and Zapatero will hope their efforts to find a solution in Venezuela are more fruitful than those of the Vatican and the Union of South American Nations who brokered the last meeting between the two sides in October last year. Those talks broke up a month later with the opposition accusing the government of failing to adhere to earlier agreements to free political prisoners and prepare elections. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his "full support" for the initiative, stressing that the Venezuelan crisis requires a "political solution based on dialogue." International powers accuse Maduro of dismantling democracy by taking over state institutions in order to resist opposition pressure for him to quit, amid an economic crisis that has caused shortages of food and medicine. They accused him of a blatant power grab in July after the formation of a Constituent Assembly packed with his allies which superseded the opposition-dominated national assembly. The opposition had refused to participate in the election of members of the Constituent Assembly, but decided to contest regional polls set for October. Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian raised the possibility of a resumption of talks in the Dominican Republic. In a statement published after his meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, Le Drian welcomed what he called "good news," expressing hope the move would "result very quickly in concrete gestures on the ground." French President Emmanuel Macron said last week that he considered Maduro to be "a dictator."
Polish Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz will travel to Paris on Wednesday for talks with his French counterpart Florence Parly, against a backdrop of strained relations between the two countries. The visit followed an invitation from the French defence minister, the Polish ministry said late Tuesday, adding that the two would discuss cooperation and other matters. French and Polish officials have been trading barbs over President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to overhaul a controversial EU rule on sending workers abroad. Poland fiercely opposes any change to the so-called Posted Workers Directive, since it would make it harder for thousands of Poles to work elsewhere in the EU. Last week, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo accused Macron of "trying to introduce protectionism," dismissing claims from wealthier European countries that the measure creates unfair competition on labour markets. Poland is also facing the ire of the European Union over concerns about the country's planned judicial reforms, which the EU says pose a "systemic threat" to the rule of law.
Romanian authorities said Wednesday they had rescued more than 150 migrants in the Black Sea, the fifth such incident since August amid rising fears that a new migrant route to Europe is opening up. Authorities said 153 people including 53 children and 51 women, many from Iraq, had been on board the vessel when conditions turned choppy off Romania's eastern coast in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. "The sea had been very agitated, with waves of up three metres (9.8 feet). These people were in a very dangerous situation and risked either drowning or seeing their boat sink," Cristian Cicu, a spokesman for the Constanta coastguard, told AFP. AFP journalists in the Romanian port of Midia witnessed the arrival of the migrants who were then sent for medical examinations before being handed over to the immigration authorities. EU member Romania is not part of the bloc's passport-free Schengen zone and until now has largely avoided the kind of influx of refugees and migrants seen elsewhere on the continent over the last few years. But Bucharest fears that the Black Sea could become an alternative route for migrants seeking a new life in Europe as the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean becomes increasingly difficult, not least since Libya has sought to restrict charities carrying out rescue missions off its shores. Until last month, only a handful of migrants had been seized in the Black Sea since the migrant crisis erupted in the summer of 2015. But there has been a noticeable rise over the past weeks, with some 570 intercepted between August and September.
By Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - China signalled on Wednesday it was willing to back an international inquiry into atrocities in Yemen, as demanded by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, but Saudi Arabia and the United States said they did not support the idea. For three years running U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein has asked the 47 countries in the U.N. Human Rights Council to set up an independent investigation into Yemen's war, which has killed at least 10,000, destroyed the economy, led to a cholera epidemic and pushed millions to the brink of famine. Despite his pleas, they have twice supported a Saudi plan to let Yemen investigate by itself. On Wednesday, the Netherlands and Canada unveiled a draft resolution to establish an international commission of inquiry (COI) to ensure that "perpetrators of violations and abuses, including those that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, are held accountable". The three-page text was supported by many countries when diplomats met to discuss amendments. "We agree with the actions, including the COI, to promote the political solving of the Yemen crisis," a Chinese delegate told the meeting, which was boycotted by the Arab group of countries supporting a rival Saudi-led resolution. Britain and the United States said they wanted to see consensus around a single resolution. "We do have concerns that a full international independent Commission of Inquiry is not likely to get us there, U.S. diplomat Michele Roulbet told the meeting. Saudi Arabia, which leads an international coalition battling the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen, said the time was not right for an international inquiry. Although Zeid has said Yemen is not up to the job of investigating its own war, Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil said Yemen's national commission was in a better position to investigate for the time being. "We have no objection to the inquiry itself, we just have a discussion about the timing, whether this is the right time to establish an international commission, with the difficulties on the ground," Alwasil told reporters. Georgette Gagnon, head of field operations at the U.N. human rights office, said Yemen's own human rights commission was "established by, is funded by and reports to a party to the conflict" and said it was way past time for an effective probe. "Not having an international inquiry would be a green light to the parties to the conflict," said Radhya Al-Mutwakel, co-director of Yemen's Mwatana Organization for Human Rights. Zeid said on Monday there had been only "minimal" efforts at holding people to account in what the United Nations has branded the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The Saudi envoy said the international community should focus its efforts on gaining access for humanitarian personnel. The Saudi-led coalition has also has set up a team to investigate civilian casualties. On Tuesday it said it had found a series of deadly air strikes had been largely justified. (Reporting by Tom Miles, editing by Stephanie Nebehay and Janet Lawrence)
Photo of Tan Cheng Bock/Yahoo News Singapore

Halimah Yacob will assume the most controversial presidency in the history of Singapore, former presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock said on Wednesday (13 September).

Extending his congratulations to the President-elect, Tan said in a post on his Facebook page that people feel muzzled and angry that there was a walkover for this years presidential election (PE), which is reserved for Malay candidates.

Explaining the reason for their anger, Tan said, Because when you take away our right to vote, you take away our political voice. You tell us that our choice does not matter.

Tan, who had previously stated his intention to contest in this years presidential election, lost his appeal case against a High Court ruling on his constitutional challenge to the timing of the reserved PE. Halimah will be sworn in as Singapores eighth president at the Istana on Thursday.

The former Ayer Rajah Member of Parliament pointed out that when the Presidential Commission recommended scrapping presidential elections and reverting to an appointed presidency, a government white paper rejected the idea. The reason for the rejection was that it was important to give the presidency a popular and direct mandate, Tan pointed out.

In the 2011 PE, Tan said he stood for elections because he did not want a walkover. In fact, I recall that in 1993, the Governments preferred candidate was Ong Teng Cheong. Everyone knew he would win. But Dr Goh Keng Swee still went out of his way to persuade Mr Chua Kim Yeow to stand for elections. Why? To prevent a walkover and give citizens the dignity of expressing their choice, Tan added.

As for this years PE, Tan said independent candidates Salleh Marican and Farid Khan valiantly stepped up to contest but they were deemed ineligible to run in the election by the Presidential Elections Committee, thus resulting in a disappointing walkover.

Tan said the PE has been a quiet affair but there is now a deafening silence awakening the nation. We did not get a chance to speak with our vote this round, but the time will come. And when it does, it will be thunderous. Of this I am sure, he concluded.

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On Tuesday, the labor department came out with its latest figures on job openings in the U.S. At the end of July, there were a record 6.17 million open positions, up from 5.97 million at the end of July 2016. It is ironic that this measure of employers inability to fill posts came out exactly a week after Attorney General Jeff Sessions used the alleged scarcity of jobs to justify rescinding the protection afforded to the 800,000 Dreamersundocumented immigrants who arrived here as small children, who the government has allowed to remain and work here. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy was bad, he said, because it also denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same jobs to go to illegal aliens.

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Sessions betrayed not only a cruel, zero-sum view of the economy but a shocking misunderstanding of the current job market. Today, in the 99th month of the current expansion, at a time when the unemployment rate is 4.4 percent and the economy has added payroll jobs for 83 straight months, there are a bunch of reasons why you might be unemployed. DACA is almost certainly not one of them.

Its possible that a worker overseas took your job because your company decided your position could be done more cheaply somewhere elsesay, in Mexico or China.

Its possible that a robot or a string of code operating in the U.S. took your job, as is happening at some warehouses and fast-food restaurants.

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Its possible that norms, laws, and regulations stand in the way of you getting a job. For example, most companies ask prospective applicants whether they have been convicted of crimesand many have formal or informal policies of not offering positions to ex-cons. In addition, per the Council of State Governments, The American Bar Association has documented 27,254 state occupational licensing restrictions nationwide for people with a criminal record. For a host of reasons, many companies ask prospective employees to take drug tests. Due to the continuing opioid crisis, a rising number of people are effectively excluded from the labor force. The CEO of a manufacturer in Ohio in July told Nelson Schwartz of the New York Times that a quarter of applicants fail drug testsand hence are ineligible to be hired.

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Its possible that you are what might be called geographically unemployedi.e., you live in a place where there arent many opportunities (like Rome, Georgia, where the unemployment rate is 6.3 percent) but dont have the means, ability, or desire to move to a place where jobs are more plentiful (like Fort Collins, Colorado, where the unemployment rate is 2.1 percent).

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Its possible you might not have the skills or training to find a job. To hear industry tell it, America is suffering from shortages in a range of disciplines that require specialized training or education. Theres a shortage of nurses, qualified insurance inspectors, truck drivers, and teachers, for example.

Its possible that you might be unemployed because employers lack the ability or desire to employ youthat is to say, theyre unwilling to offer wages, conditions, or working hours that make it sufficiently attractive or compelling enough for you to accept an offer.

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Each of the phenomena Ive described is real. Each contributes to the problem of unemployment and underemployment in the U.S. Do immigrants (documented and undocumented), new labor force entrants, college graduates, mothers returning to work, old people unretiring, people leaving the military and entering civilian life compete for you to get a specific job? For sure. Is it possible that you are not working at a particular position today because someonepossibly a Dreamerwas hired for a particular position instead of you? Yes.

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But their presence alone isnt denying you a job. The 800,000 Dreamers are a tiny drop in the overall labor bucket in the United States. Every large company that has hired Dreamers has dozens, if not hundreds, of openings it is trying to fill. It is mathematically and physically impossible for the 800,000 Dreamers to displace a large number of American workers at a time when unemployment is 4.3 percent and companies are seeking to fill 6.2 million jobs.

So if Dreamers arent stealing jobs, Sessions must have some other reason to want them gone from this country. What ever could it be?
Business opportunities can come from unlikely places. In the case of Bubbakoos Burritos, the founders met while working at another restaurant chain before they got the idea to team up and start their very own business.

You can read more about the business, how it got started and how it has grown below in this weeks Small Business Spotlight.

What the Business Does

Offers unique burrito options.

Paul Altero, co-founder of Bubbakoos Burritos, told Small Business Trends, Bubbakoos Burritos offers the usual fast-casual burrito fare such as burritos, bowls, tacos, salad, nachos and quesadillas, but with 16 different protein options  including fried chicken, barbecue pork, Buffalo shrimp and grilled steak, as well as some more unusual flavors such as ghost pepper chicken and sriracha pork. Vegetarian options include a bean-cheese-guacamole combo and batter-fried jalapenos. Bubbakoos also features co-founders Altero and Bill Harts own invention: cheese-smothered, panko-crusted fried rice balls called The Chiwawa.

Business Niche

A menu with variety.

Altero says, Bubbakoos offers a unique menu, with items such as the crispy buffalo chicken, Hibachi steak, and The Chiwawa (cheese-smothered, panko-crusted fried rice balls), and the menu has over 100 burrito combinations available for the customer to customize and create.

How the Business Got Started

After working together at another restaurant chain.

Founders Altero and Hart met while working for the Johnny Rockets chain of restaurants. When the company reorganized, they decided to start their own business. It took some time, with Hart even sleeping on Alteros couch at the beginning. Then they opened up the first Bubbakoos Burritos in Point Pleasant, New Jersey in 2008 with a home equity loan on Alteros house and some credit cards.

Biggest Win

The success of the first store.

Altero explains, We opened doing about $300,000 and within a year we were on the way to $1 million. That helped perpetuate growth for future stores. People loved the product. We executed well. And it meant everything for the business. The funds helped grow more stores.

Biggest Risk

Starting the business on a shoestring budget.

Altero says, We could have lost everything. Luckily, we didnt.

How Theyd Spend an Extra $100,000

Building stores.

Altero explains, Especially restaurants easy to convert as the build ends up around $100,000.

Favorite Quote

What gets measured gets done.Stephen Covey

* * * * *

Find out more about the Small Biz Spotlight program
The UN General Assembly president has several important tasks.

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The Slovak Foreign Affairs Minister, Miroslav Lajcak, officially assumed the post of the 72nd UN General Assembly president on September 12.

The General Assembly president is the person who takes the helm of the body for one year, Lajcak told the TASR newswire. Its the top post in the UN network in terms of protocol.

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He, among other things, sets the theme of the General Assembly, which in Lajcaks case is 'Focusing on People  Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet.

The UN General Assembly president also opens the sessions and leads them. Some 170 documents that need to be discussed are adopted in a year. Lajcak views the UN General Assembly as the most representative body on the planet, as it is the only one to which 193 member states with equal votes belong.

The UN is already working continuously today, Lajcak said, as quoted by TASR. Ive inherited over 100 events. Ill try to put my own accents and priorities on them, but my job, naturally, is to move the work forward.

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The General Assembly president also represents member states in regular communication with the UN secretary-general and the chair of the Economic and Social Council. He also represents them in external relations, by participating in international events.

The most visible peak, a top-level general discussion, will start in exactly a week, on September 19, and it will be attended by up to 100 heads of state, as well as prime ministers and foreign affairs ministers, Lajcak said, as quoted by TASR.

Lajcak was elected to the post by representatives of the UN-member states on May 31, 2017. This is the first time that a Slovak representative has held such a senior post in the UN.

During his absence, his duties will be taken over by the State Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ivan Korcok. The important financial, personal and political decisions, however, will still be made by Lajcak, the SITA newswire reported.
Works were temporarily halted due to dispute over the permission process

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Reconstruction of the tram track on Spitalska Street in Bratislavas Old Town borough will last longer than originally planned. This is because of a dispute between the Bratislava Self-governing Region (BSK) and the Transport Ministry over the permission proceedings. At the request of the ministry the works were interrupted on September 11, the TASR newswire reported.

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Vladimir Dulla, expert in construction law and councillor for the Bratislava borough of Karlova Ves, estimates that the break in the work will last at least eight to nine weeks. Originally, they should have been completed in late October.

The city public transport company, Dopravny Podnik Bratislava (DPB) indicated that it will act very flexibly in the case of postponements.

When there are mistakes, they must be removed, said Alexander Sako of the DPB management. I cannot imagine halting this construction before the winter.

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Adriana Volfova, DPB spokesperson, said that the company is dealing intensively with this case and holding negotiations.

Whats the problem

The ministry claims that the reconstruction was not permitted in line with the law and that serious flaws occurred during the process. One of them is that the first-stage construction office did not include the appellants  owners of the neighbouring plot, among the participants of the proceedings, did not send them letters related to the project and did not deal with them as with the participants.

This mistake pertains to citizens of one house on Spitalska Street, who are complaining about the placement of the new tram stop. It should be built following the so-called Vienna-type, i.e. located directly in the street. It should be a bit elevated and distinguished by a red colour from the rest of the street. When there is no tram standing on it, cars may drive through it. Such a stop already exists in Bratislava  the Blumentalska stop.

But as the new stop is proposed to stand in front of the entrance to the courtyard of the house, this would mean that cars parking in its courtyard would have to go directly via the planned stop when leaving it, the Sme daily wrote.

In may happen that the tram-stop should be moved and built in a different place.

BSK disagrees with the objections of the ministry and claims that it held strictly to the law during all the related proceedings. It is now analysing the decision on which basis the construction permission was cancelled and the works halted.

Now the first-stage body has to re-negotiate the whole construction project with all involved and issue a new permit.

The project

The reconstruction of the tram track on Spitalska Street in Bratislavas Old Town borough started on August 1, affecting the public transport routes as well as car traffic. The works were expected to last three months, until October 29. The price tag of the project is 2.5 million without VAT.
Incidents against Muslims on the rise, the daily reports.

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Thousands of wealthy Arabs choose the spa town of Piestany (Trnava Region) as a vacation destination every year. The towns central pedestrian strip has turned into an unlikely panorama of Muslim women in traditional dress and men smoking hookahs outside kebab shops.

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This has never been a problem for the town, until recently. This is mostly the result of the populism that has swept central Europe, fuelled by a backlash against the refugee crisis, now affecting even this pampered cocoon of transnationalism that depends utterly on well-heeled visitors from abroad, the New York Times daily reported.

Incident against Muslims

The hint of menace has unnerved and surprised regular visitors, according to the daily that addressed one of them, Hassan al Mekhyal. He has been bringing his Kuwaiti family for years to Piestany, where summer nights feel deliciously cool compared with the furnace back home.

We like it here because of the peace and the quiet, al Mekhyal told the New York Times, as his wife nodded in agreement, her eyes peering from a narrow slit in her face-covering niqab.

They described an incident at the local retail chain Tesco, where his wife was harassed by a young man, calling her names and telling her to go back home.

The daily also refers to the experiences of other visitors who have noticed the change.

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There had never been an ugly incident involving his Muslim customers, Ilknur Perda told the New York Times, as he gently sliced off juicy chunks of shwarma at his shop, Istanbul Doner-Kebab, on the towns main strip.

But then one day last year, a local 22-year-old walked up and began berating the Muslims at the outdoor cafe tables.

He was being very hateful, Perda, who moved to Slovakia from Turkey, told the daily. He got into a fight with one of the customers. Later that night, the guy came back and smashed all my windows.

The incident was striking enough to make national news in Slovakia.

The next morning, all my Slovak and Czech customers called me, Perda said, as quoted by New York Times. A march was organised to support him. One local man planted a tree of tolerance just outside the kebab shop.

The local authorities confirm the change in the atmosphere.

People are feeling more and more emboldened, Eva Bereczova, the spokesperson of Piestany, told New York Times. They are unashamed to say things in public that they would have been ashamed to say before. And its probably going to get worse.

Support of extremists on the rise

The daily also mentions that Slovakia regularly ranks near the bottom in a European Union polling of discriminatory attitudes toward foreigners and other ethnic groups. Moreover, the far-right Peoples Party  Our Slovakia (LSNS) of Marian Kotleba, has two MPs originating from Piestany. Right wing support is growing, according to the New York Times.

They come to City Council meetings in their green shirts sometimes, Bereczova told the daily. Then they wanted to hold a meeting at our local cultural centre, but we put a stop to that.

She is frequently surprised by the hidden support for the right wing.

I went to the swimming pool with a friend and we met some other people, Bereczova added. Only after awhile, when politics came up, did I realise I was the only one who hadnt voted for Kotleba. They insulted me for being naive.

Mohamad Safwan Hasna, chairman of the Islamic Foundation of Slovakia, said many Slovak politicians were eagerly fanning anti-Muslim flames.

The only thing they want is to win an election, he told the New York Times. So people are getting bolder. They got a signal from the politicians that its O.K.

He also pointed to a virtual campaign against Muslims that occurred on Facebook. The extremists are taking pictures of Muslims they see on the streets. Then they post them online as proof that the government has been lying about how many Muslims are in the country. Some of the pictures are badly doctored. The comments are frequently hateful, the daily reported.

Muslims are mostly visitors

Currently, only about 5,000 people in Slovakia claim to be Muslims. One of the few places where their presence is felt is Piestany, as the New York Times wrote. The vast majority of them are visitors.

More than half of the 619,262 overnight stays last year in Piestany were by visitors from other countries, tourism officials said.

The Piestany Spa, which operates the towns health facilities, broke down by nationality the guests who had stayed at its resorts last year.

Out of the 42,756 overnight stays, nearly 12,500 involved residents of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. There were 1,674 more visitors from other Asian countries, which spa officials said were nearly all other parts of the Muslim world. Another large group, accounting for 6,858 nights, came from Israel, the New York Times reported.
The new education minister is Martina Lubyova of the Academy of Sciences. Some of her friends were surprised by her connection to SNS.

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She is well-educated, interested in the problems of the marginalised Roma communities; but not much is known about her in the regional education network.

The choice of the coalition SNS party: having Martina Lubyova of the Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) for education minister, surprised even some of her current colleagues.

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It was a surprise, I wouldnt have thought of it, said the head of SAV Pavol Sajgalik. He argues by saying Lubyova has only recently been elected to the Academys Board. Her leaving for the ministerial position means that her seat on the Board will remain vacant.

The education sector belongs among those most troubled in the long term, where ministers keep changing almost every single year. It thus requires not just

professionally apt leadership but also determination and power to push through reform solutions. Lubyova is well cut out for that, according to the SAV head.

She is a very determined lady who applies the wording of the laws and the rights in everyday life. She was among the first to pressure for the merging of SAV institutes. She has a pro-reform zeal, Sajgalik says about her.

In the past, she led the Prognostic Institute of SAV, and less than two years ago she initiated its merger with other institutes into the Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, in which she has been a deputy president.

She was the driving force behind it  she thinks with an eye toward the future, Sajgalik describes.

She can be better than her predecessors

Lubyova has stayed out of politics until now. As a researcher, she mainly focuses on migration, the labour market and lifelong education.

She studied in Bratislava, Prague and New York, worked for ten years in the International Labour Organization as a specialist for the development of employment for Asia, eastern Europe and central Asia. She is the daughter of the famous physicist and former head of SAV, Stefan Luby.

SNS sought a replacement for the recalled minister Peter Plavcan, who ended his position due to the strange allocation of EU-funds for science and research for more than three weeks. Party chairman Andrej Danko announced on September 11 that Lubyova would be the new minister.

It is important that SNS finally found the person to lead the ministry, political analyst Pavol Babos opined. By the time Lubyova was leading the SAV Prognostic Institute, Babos was also working there as a researcher.

It is also good that the ministry will be headed by a person acquainted with the problems of the education sector, he adds. Her long-time foreign experience is, according to him, a pre-requisite for her being a better minister than her predecessors.

The currently independent opposition MP Miroslav Beblavy has not been surprised by SNS Danko trying to use Lubyova as a kind of shield, or a shop window. Im surprised, though, by her wish to use SNS as a shield, or a shop window, he explained. Beblavy has known her for almost 20 years and considers her an experienced academician who has managerial experience.

Sme failed to get a comment from Lubyova. She did not answer a text message and later her phone was switched off.

She did not deal with regional schools

While Lubyova is considered a successful researcher in the academic sphere, her name is unknown in the regional school system.

Im hearing her name for the first time, commented teacher Juraj Hips of the Comenius Institute, who informally trains teachers.

The regional education system is the biggest problem in the sector, according to him. The new minister should be a top manager and expert in this field. Hips added that he is sceptical after SNSs previous picks concerning education ministers.

It is not Lubyovas fault that she accepted the offer from SNS, Jarmila Lajcakova of the Centre for Research of Ethnicity and Culture. She knows Lubyovas work. Since the SNS reputation is the way it is, it takes a certain courage. But if all clever people react with a no we would get nowhere, she opines.

Lajcakova considers the new education minister to be a well-informed, professionally skilled and educated woman with experience abroad. I dont know her managerial skills but she has credibility in professional circles, she says. According to her, Lubyova also deals with marginalised social groups and is well aware of the fact that developing their education and skills is one of the conditions for the country to function well.

But Sajgalik is not aware of Lubyovas professional activities in the regional school system. I dont even know at what age levels her children are, when we touch on the regional school system, the SAV head notes.

However, he points to her legal education, based on which she was elected to chair of the law commission tasked with preparing the great amendment to the law on SAV.
A series of events held between September and November will focus on data, global control and monitoring.

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Billions of contents and data of various types, which are available for people across the globe, are generated every day. With every like on the social networks and updated pictures we leave a strong data track.

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How our personal data are used and what will happen with the information in the long term are the questions the Goethe Institute in Bratislava will try to answer during a series of events entitled Data:Democracy that will take place between September 15 and December 6.

Exhibition points to supervision and censorship

The inspiration for the project was an exhibition entitled Global Control and Censorship. It will also come to Slovakia, with the opening taking place in the New Synagogue in Zilina on October 13.

It is based on the collaboration with a network of scientists, journalists, activists, and artists in some 20 countries around the world. The exhibition was prepared with the help of organisations like the German PEN Centre, the Chaos Computer Club, Reporters Without Borders, and the platforms netzpolitik.org, digitalcourage.de and WikiLeaks.

The aim of the exhibition is to broaden the public discussion about methods of supervision and censorship, not only because of the increasing number of cases in the media, but also because the investigation of these practices is accompanied with numerous obstacles, reads the Goethe Institutes press release.

Among the exhibited works is also the installation of Swiss artist Marc Lee, entitled Me, which points to how the secret services and corporations can locate the users of the Instagram application.

The installation entitled Filter Bubble, by KASTEL in cooperation with ZKM Karlsruhe, shows how location, searching and the profile of users determine what internet users will see.

The exhibition will come to Zilina from Tallinn, Estonia.

Discussions, workshops and more

Apart from the exhibition, the Goethe Institute is preparing a series of other events. The programme of the Data:Democracy project starts in Bratislava on September 15 during the open doors day at the Goethe Institute and the Good Market on Panenska Street.

There will be a lecture about what is happening with our personal data, what our rights are and what we should be prepared for. There will also be an opening of the site-specific installation entitled Are you content? by the JaOnMi CreatureS grouping. It wants to show that we are the creators of the content, and that from the creators the content is generated. The installation is an analogy for our double life as it takes place both in the physical and virtual world, the Goethe Institute informed.

The official beginning of the project will take place on September 21 at the Institute. There will be a discussion about data and their use. Guests at the events will be lawyer Tomas Mico, expert in privacy protection and co-founder of the Sukromie.Digital project, and Dirk Engling from the Chaos Computer Club. The discussion will be hosted by artist, author and cultural activist Dusan Barok.

In cooperation with Progressbar Hackerspace, the Goethe Institute is preparing three Crypto:Party events that will be held in September-November. Cryptoparty is a global, decentralised movement whose aim is to inform people about privacy in the digital environment. People will learn more about how to protect themselves in virtual space, what methods to use for encrypted communication and how to remain anonymous on the internet. The guests at the events will be experts in internet safety, including Tomas Zatko of Citadelo and Pavol Luptak of Nethemba.

Part of the project is also a section at the festival of documentary films One World in selected cinemas in Bratislava and Kosice. They will screen films like In Google We Trust and The Human Face of Big Data.

Non-profit organisations and small companies will be able to attend a workshop focusing on meeting the legal requirements to process personal data (October 2), while the wider public will have a chance to attend a workshop on how to protect themselves from internet threats (October 9).

Stefan Wehrmeyer from Germany will be a guest at the discussion prepared in cooperation with the ethics watchdog Fair-Play Alliance, entitled When numbers talk: how data can help democracy, scheduled for October 25.

Moreover, author of the bestseller Why Do We Elect Madmen Roman Maria Koidl will attend the Central European Forum held between November 18 and 20.
After one candidate was turned down because of poor knowledge of French and another one got a negative opinion from the EUs consultative committee, a third candidate for the European Union General Court, EUGC, is sought.

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Slovakia will look for a new candidate to fill the position of additional judge at the EUGC, the TASR newswire wrote on September 13.

The government acknowledged Radoslav Prochazkas decision to retract his consent to his bid on the same day. The Cabinet also recommended that the Slovak Judicial Council should propose a new candidate.

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The Cabinet approved Prochazkas candidacy for judge in September 2016. However, the EUs consultative committee later issued a negative stance on his candidacy, and subsequently, Prochazka gave up his bid in July. The former leader of the Siet party is already Slovakias second rejected candidate for the role after Maria Patakyova was not accepted due to her inadequate command of the French language.

Justice Minister Lucia Zitnanska said that she is confident of Slovakias ability to avoid a scenario of three rejected candidates. I firmly believe, and its in the interests of Slovakia and our reputation, to avoid shame and to put forward a solid candidate who can be accepted, she said. Most importantly, we need to look for respectable candidates so that the Judicial Council has somebody to choose from, the minister said, adding that she has a few names in mind, but she would not disclose any more details.
By Prak Chan Thul PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodia's main opposition party was blocked from holding a memorial ceremony on Wednesday for victims of a 1997 grenade attack on a political rally, with tension running high after the arrest of its leader. Kem Sokha, leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was arrested on Sept. 3 and accused of plotting treason against the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen with the help of the United States. The party had planned to hold a gathering and Buddhist ceremony at a memorial in the capital, Phnom Penh, to mark an attack in which at least 16 people were killed at a rally on March 30, 1997 organised by former opposition leader Sam Rainsy. Similar memorials have been permitted in previous years around the Pchum Ben festival, when Cambodians pay respects to deceased ancestors. "We tried to hold the ceremony at the memorial and we were stopped," Mu Sochua, one of the CNRP's deputy presidents, told Reuters. "We don't want to confront the authorities but we want to show that these are signs of intimidation," she said, adding that the ceremony was then moved to a nearby pagoda. Phnom Penh's city hall spokesman Met Measpheakdey said the pagoda was the right place for the ceremony and the party's request to do it at the monument had been denied. "Forces were deployed to keep security and prevent them from doing the ceremony there," Met Measpheakdey said. Opponents of Hun Sen accuse him of arresting Kem Sokha and cracking down on independent media and other critics ahead of a general election next year in which he could face the toughest electoral challenge of more than 30 years in power. The United States and Western countries have called for Kem Sokha's release, but China has stood by Hun Sen's government. China is by far the biggest investor in Cambodia and the biggest donor of bilateral aid. "Chinese friends are like a strong back that continues to help Cambodia in every circumstance so that no foreign country can break it up," Hun Sen said on his Facebook page on Wednesday after returning from a trip to China. (Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
SWNS

<p>An incredible back garden boozer made entirely from recycled materials has been crowned Britain's best Pub Shed of the Year.</p><p>John Simmons, 50, spent more than a year and constructing the amazing DIY man-cave in his garden in Portsmouth, Hants.</p><p>It features its own dart board, wooden decor, countryside-pub style seating, a roof covered in fairy lights and even its own outdoor beer garden and decking area.</p><p>He built the miniature pub - called The Dog & Ball - from as much reclaimed material he could find from salvage yards and a Facebook page for pub shed enthusiasts.</p><p>John sourced, cut, sanded and fixed every timber and tting himself  as well all 4,500 screws.</p><p>The dad-of-three beat off more than a thousand entries to be named the owner of Britain's best Pub Shed 2022.</p><p>He celebrated the win in his garden pub last night (12/11) with friends  and said he was thrilled to be crowned the winner.</p><p>John started building the boozer last year and said he wanted a 'haven at home' he could enjoy that was cheaper than the pub.</p><p>Avid DIY-er John, a safety management consultant, said the pub cost four figures to build but would have been much more expensive had he not used reclaimed materials.</p><p>Wife Anita, 49, put the finishing touching to the Dog & Ball - named after their Labradoodle Bertie, aged seven  and the pair enjoyed celebrating with kids Libby, 23, Jacob, 19, and Evie, 12.</p><p>John said: It has all been rather overwhelming, but I am chuffed to bits.</p><p>We had 18 friends over last night to celebrate the final and it was fantastic to find out I won - I was really thrilled.</p><p>I started building it last year and wanted to have it completed this summer for my 50th birthday.</p><p>Sourcing the reclaimed material took the biggest chunk of time.</p><p>I am an avid DIY-er and love a project.</p><p>Lots of people had been doing this sort of thing over lockdown so I took inspiration from that, and I wanted a haven at home that was cheaper than the pub.</p><p>Its somewhere I can go and enjoy being with my friends and family, which was really the whole purpose.</p><p>It cost about four figures, which is much cheaper than it would have been had I done a proper build and had to go to shops for the materials.</p><p>John, who was in the Royal Navy for 22 years, said his favourite part of the pub is the oak beams which make up the main structure.</p><p>The three-metre-long bits of wood remarkably came from an old dock yard building John used to work in.</p><p>He said: My favourite part is the main oak beams.</p><p>They are from an old dock yard building that I used to work in years ago before it was demolished.</p><p>These three-metre-long beams that form the main structure of the pub had sat in a yard for 20 years and then I managed to buy them.</p><p>It is a remarkable story.</p><p>All my family and friends have been so supportive of the project, and it has been great having everyone round to enjoy it.</p><p>My wife Anita put all the finishing touches to the pub to make it look as amazing as it does.</p><p>I took the name from my Labradoodle Bertie who just loves to play with his ball, I really wanted him to be part of it all.</p><p>The Dog & Ball beat off two other finalists, a mini countryside-style pub called The Tiger, in Somerset, and The Stagger Inn, in Manchester - a nightclub-themed bar</p><p>They were whittled down from more than a thousand entries - many of which were built during lockdown.</p><p>John said: "Doing it all from salvage was of course a challenge  thank goodness for FB marketplace, advice from the fantastic members of the GSPN UK Facebook page and a very understanding wife who I dragged around local reclaim yards sifting through old timbers.</p><p>"With the exception of the main roof joists, every other part of the build is made from reclaim, re-used or recycled timber and materials.</p><p>"Each piece has a different story, from the bar ironmongery that belonged to my late father-in-law from his days as an RAF engineer, to the main oak upright timbers.</p><p>It is believed more than two million back garden pubs are now in operation in Britain after their popularity exploded during the coronavirus pandemic.</p><p>They have continued to grow amid a cost of living crisis after the average price of a pint rose to 4 across the UK and 5 in London.</p><p>As a result, Two Fat Blokes bar signs, Pub Shed Radio and the Facebook group Garden Shed Pubs & Nightclubs began running the national competition.</p><p>The winner was announced live on Pub Shed Radio on Saturday (12/11).</p><p>Ashley Turner, the owner of Two Fat Blokes Bar Signs, said: "The quality of bars and diversity of the entries has been phenomenal.</p><p>"We ran the competition to showcase the amazing community of pub sheds in the UK.</p><p>"The community has exploded during the pandemic and now with the cost of a pint heading north of 6 the trend looks set to continue.</p><p>"The Dog & Ball is a perfect example of an amazing pub shed and deserved to win with his amazing hand-built pub.</p><p>Tommy Funka, who runs, Pub Shed Radio added: Pub Shed of the year has been a great way for the pub shed community to come together and celebrate the growing army of back garden boozers".</p><p>Pub Shed Radio's DJ Mupps said: "It was brilliant to knock on the door of the winners bar live on Pub Shed Radio.</p><p>"John & Anita were totally gobsmacked to find out they had won. We then went live from the bar broadcasting with a real party atmosphere."</p><p>Nick St John, the owner of Facebook group Garden Shed Pubs and Nightclubs, added: "Being involved Pub Shed of the year has been the culmination of our ethos to promote and help people build their own back garden pubs.</p><p>"With over 280,000 members our group has really got on board with the competition.</p><p>"Judging the entries was so difficult  The Dog & Ball is a great example of a proper pub shed."</p>
The European Commission on Tuesday gave Poland one month to address concerns over its proposed reform of its judicial system. The Commission started legal proceedings against the nationalist government in Warsaw back in July this year. The reforms are the idea of the ruling nationalist Law and Justice Party (PiS). Critics say the overhaul is an attempt by the government to take control of the justice system in Poland and that the reforms would undermine the courts. If the changes come into force all Supreme Court judges could be removed and replaced. The Commission says Warsaw has so far failed to address concerns and has now warned that the case could escalate and go to the EU Court of Justice if that doesnt happen over the next 30 days. There has been widespread protest in Poland over the proposed changes. The latest demonstration took place in front of parliament in Warsaw on Tuesday. Polands government has rejected Brussels objections as blackmail and unjustified criticism.
By Arshad Mohammed and Yeganeh Torbati WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Wednesday will stop issuing certain kinds of visas to some citizens of Cambodia, Eritrea, Guinea and Sierra Leone because the nations are not taking back their citizens the United States wants to deport. The new policies, laid out in State Department cables reviewed by Reuters on Tuesday and described in a department news briefing, are the latest example of U.S. President Donald Trump's effort to crack down on immigrants who are in the United States illegally. The cables, sent by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to consular officials around the world, said the four countries were "denying or unreasonably delaying" the return of their citizens, and that visa restrictions would be lifted in a country if it accepted its deportees. "The Secretary determines the categories of applicants subject to the visa restrictions, and the categories differ slightly country by country," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in the news briefing on Tuesday. The visa sanctions vary in severity, with Eritrea facing the harshest ones. Any Eritreans who apply in their own country for most U.S. business or tourist visas will be rejected, according to one of the cables. (http://bit.ly/2jnTWo8) In Guinea, the United States will no longer issue a range of tourist, business and student visas to government officials and their immediate family members who apply from inside the country, another cable said. (http://bit.ly/2y5zMSS) "We are all surprised by the American authorities' decision but the foreign minister is at this moment working so that the situation returns to normal," Guinea government spokesman Damantang Albert Camara told Reuters. "It must be understood that Guinea has never wanted to prevent the repatriation of its nationals who are in conflict with American law." In Cambodia, the sanction is tailored. Only Foreign Ministry employees at or above the rank of director general, and their families, who apply inside the country will be barred from getting some visas for personal travel, a third cable said. (http://bit.ly/2y5AEHh) For Sierra Leone, only Foreign Ministry and immigration officials will be denied tourist and business visas at the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, according to a fourth cable. (http://bit.ly/2wptf3v) "American citizens have been harmed because foreign governments refuse to take back their citizens," Thomas Homan, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said in a Department of Homeland Security statement. SOME EXCEPTIONS In each case, there are exceptions for citizens of the four nations who apply for visas from outside their countries, as well as exceptions on humanitarian grounds or for travel "deemed in the interest of the United States." The new rules, which go into effect on Wednesday, do not affect visas that already have been granted. Visa sanctions are allowed by U.S. immigration law to punish countries that refuse to accept their citizens back from the United States. In practice, the United States has rarely taken that step - just twice in the past decade and a half, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesman. The most recent instance was in October 2016 when the Obama administration stopped issuing visas to Gambian government officials and their families because the government was not taking back U.S. deportees from Gambia. Three of the four countries included in the current visa restrictions - Cambodia, Guinea, and Eritrea - were on a July list of nations deemed "recalcitrant" by U.S. immigration authorities. It was unclear immediately why Sierra Leone was included in Tuesday's action even though it was not on the "recalcitrant" list in July. ICE has had to release roughly 2,137 Guineans and 831 Sierra Leone nationals, many with "serious criminal convictions," the DHS statement said. In addition, around 700 Eritreans and more than 1,900 Cambodians are living in the United States who have been ordered removed, DHS said. DHS officials say in some cases, the agency has had no choice but to release convicted criminals who served prison time but could not be returned to their home country because it refused to take them back. The Trump administration has made it a priority to pressure reluctant countries to take back their citizens. As of July, the 12 nations deemed "recalcitrant" were China, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Iran, Cambodia, Burma, Morocco, Hong Kong, South Sudan, Guinea and Eritrea. According to 2016 congressional testimony by Michele Bond, former assistant secretary of state for consular affairs, Cuba was the "most recalcitrant country on repatriation of its nationals," although she did not give numbers. Other countries then at the top of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) list of recalcitrant countries were China, Somalia and India, Bond said at the time. None of those countries are facing visa sanctions. (Reporting By Arshad Mohammed and Yeganeh Torbati; Additional reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Saliou Samb in Conakry, Guinea; Editing by Bill Trott and Richard Chang)
LONDON (Reuters) - British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in London on Thursday to discuss issues including Hurricane Irma, North Korea and Libya, his office said. Johnson, who this week visited the British territories of Anguilla and the British Virgin islands to see the devastation caused by Irma, will discuss the international response with Tillerson and French Political Director Nicolas de Riviere. "Ive seen firsthand the devastation Hurricane Irma has caused people in the Caribbean. Close coordination with our allies is vital for both the short-term and long-term recovery efforts," Johnson said in a statement ahead of the meeting. The three will also discuss the situation in North Korea, which carried out its sixth and largest nuclear test earlier this month. The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to boost sanctions on North Korea on Monday, but U.S. President Donald Trump has said they were a small step and nothing compared to what would have to happen to deal with the country's nuclear program. Johnson will also host a meeting on Libya, attended by Tillerson and other international representatives including Italian Foreign Minister Angelion Alfano, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and U.N. Libya envoy Ghassan Salame. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; Editing by Toby Chopra)
PARIS (Reuters) - Venezuela's government and opposition will hold a round of talks in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, France's foreign minister said on Tuesday, warning Caracas that it risked EU sanctions if it failed to engage in negotiations. Venezuela has been convulsed by demonstrations against leftist President Nicolas Maduro, accused by critics of knocking the oil-rich country into its worst-ever economic crisis and bringing it to the brink of dictatorship. "I was happy to learn that dialogue with the opposition would restart tomorrow in the Dominican Republic," Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement after meeting his Venezuelan counterpart, Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, in Paris. Opposition leaders in Venezuela, however, said they had no knowledge of any talks starting this week. "To be honest, I have no information on that," Enrique Marquez, head of opposition party A New Time, told Reuters. "I have no idea why the French foreign minister said that. We are very surprised," added Tomas Guanipa, opposition legislator and secretary general of the Justice First party, at a news conference. "There's no type of conversation planned." Le Drian said Wednesday's meeting would be under the auspices of Dominican President Danilo Medina and former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his full support for the talks. "The Secretary-General encourages the Venezuelan political actors to seize this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to address the country's challenges through mediation and peaceful means," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Maduro routinely calls for dialogue with the opposition, but his adversaries see dialogue as a stalling mechanism that burnishes the government's image without producing concrete results. A dialogue process brokered by Zapatero and backed by the Vatican in 2016 did little to advance opposition demands, which include release of political prisoners and respect for the opposition-run congress. Many Maduro critics believe opposition leaders were duped in that dialogue process, and have grown suspicious of Zapatero as an intermediary. "This (dialogue) is good news and I hope that it will rapidly lead to concrete steps on the ground," Le Drian said. Like fellow-EU member Spain a few days earlier, Le Drian also warned Arreaza that if the situation continued there would be consequences. "I told him that France was deeply worried by the political, economic and humanitarian situation in Venezuela," he said. "I reminded him of the risk of European sanctions and the need to rapidly see evidence from Venezuela that it is ready to relaunch negotiations with the opposition and engage in a sincere and credible process." (Reporting by John Irish in Paris and Diego Ore and Brian Ellsworth in Caracas; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols at the United Nations; Writing by Brian Love and Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Leigh Thomas and Sandra Maler)
By Boureima Balima NIAMEY (Reuters) - Mali and Niger, two of the West African nations worst affected by jihadist violence, appealed on Wednesday for international funding for a regional force they have set up to counter Islamist insurgencies. Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Niger's Mahamadou Issoufou said the force assembled by the G5 Sahel bloc -- Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad -- was crucial to fighting a threat that went well beyong their borders. "We bring this combat against terrorism not only to protect our own people and countries but for the whole world," Issoufou told a news conference in Niger's capital Niamey. "For terrorism knows no border. It will go to Europe, it will go to the United States," he said. "The world has to be mobilised." The idea of the G5 force was first dreamed up in 2015, but only in July last year did the countries set it up. It is expected to comprise around 5,000 troops. French President Emmanuel Macron has said he expects it to be operational by the autumn. Islamist groups, some with links to al Qaeda, seized Mali's desert north in 2012. French-led forces scattered them the following year but they still attack peacekeepers, soldiers and civilian targets in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. Issoufou said a multinational force in the Lake Chad region, including soldiers from Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, had had some success against Islamist Boko Haram militants, but that this was financed by Africa's biggest economy, Nigeria, whereas no country in the G5 had sufficient resources. "It is important that the international community takes note of this and gets together to give us resources to ensure our mission can be accomplished," he said. Analysts see the G5 force as the basis of an eventual exit strategy for around 4,000 French troops deployed to the region on counter-insurgency missions, mostly in Mali. "We have only limited means, but if we mutualise our power, our sovereign elements will have more force, more vitality than we imagine," Malian President Keita said. Issoufou said the force would be divided into three deployments across the Sahel region: an eastern one consisting of Chadian and Nigerien forces, a central one with forces from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, and a Western one with troops from Mali and Mauritania. (Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - The Red Cross has halted operations across a third of South Sudan after gunmen shot dead a staff member, in what the U.N. said on Wednesday was the biggest such suspension during the country's four-year civil war. Kennedy Laki Emmanuel, a driver for the Red Cross, died on Sept. 8 when gunmen fired on a 10-vehicle convoy delivering aid in South Sudan's restive Western Equatoria state. In response, the International Committee of the Red Cross shut down activities across Equatoria, a region roughly the size of Britain that borders Congo and Uganda and has seen some of the heaviest fighting over the last year. The suspension affected more than 22,000 people about to get aid deliveries from the Red Cross. That included more than 5,000 farmers due to receive seeds in an area teetering on the edge of famine. "The ICRC will not resume anything until we have a clear picture of exactly what happened and until we receive the necessary security guarantees," spokeswoman Mari Mortvedt told Reuters. "The security of the ICRC staff is top priority." The U.N.'s Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs told Reuters that no aid group had shut down its operations over such a large area since South Sudan's civil war began in 2013. The conflict began after President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, fired his deputy Riek Machar, an ethnic Nuer. The U.N. says ethnic cleansing has taken place and warned of genocide, amid reports of murder, rape, and torture of civilians. More than two million South Sudanese have now fled the country, creating Africa's biggest refugee crisis since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and more than half of those remaining need food aid. The country's original population was 12 million. At least 85 aid workers have been killed, according to the U.N., including 18 this year, making it the deadliest country for aid workers in the world. That number included a staff member for aid group World Vision aid group, killed in the Western Equatoria town of Yambio on September 3. (Editing by Larry King)
By Robin Emmott and Andrius Sytas TALLINN/VILNIUS (Reuters) - From planes, radars and ships in the Baltics, NATO officials say they are watching Russia's biggest war games since 2013 with "calm and confidence", but many are unnerved about what they see as Moscow testing its ability to wage war against the West. NATO believes the exercises, officially starting on Thursday in Belarus, the Baltic Sea, western Russia and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, are already underway. It says they are larger than Moscow has publicised, numbering some 100,000 troops, and involve firing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. Codenamed Zapad or "West", NATO officials say the drills will simulate a conflict with the U.S.-led alliance intended to show Russia's ability to mass large numbers of troops at very short notice in the event of a conflict. "NATO remains calm and vigilant," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said last week during a visit to an Estonian army base where British troops have been stationed since March. But Lithuania's Defence Minister Raimundas Karoblis was less sanguine, voicing widely-felt fears that the drills risk triggering an accidental conflict or could allow Moscow to leave troops in neighbouring Belarus. "We can't be totally calm. There is a large foreign army massed next to Lithuanian territory," he told Reuters. Some Western officials including the head of the U.S. Army in Europe, Gen. Ben Hodges, have raised concerns that Russia might use the drills as a "Trojan horse" to make incursions into Poland and Russian-speaking regions in the Baltics. The Kremlin firmly rejects any such plans. Russia says some 13,000 troops from Russia and Belarus will be involved in the Sept. 14-20 drills, below an international threshold that requires large numbers of outside observers. NATO will send three experts to so-called 'visitor days' during the exercises, but a NATO official said these were no substitute for meeting internationally-agreed norms at such exercises that include talking to soldiers and briefings. Moscow says it is the West that threatens stability in eastern Europe because the U.S.-led NATO alliance has put a 4,000-strong multinational force in the Baltics and Poland. Wrong-footed by Moscow in the recent past, with Russia's seizure of Crimea in 2014 and its intervention in Syria's war in 2015, NATO is distrustful of the Kremlin's public message. In Crimea, Moscow proved a master of "hybrid warfare", with its mix of cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns and use of Russian and local forces without insignia. One senior European security official said Zapad would merge manoeuvres across Russia's four western military districts in a "complex, multi-dimensional aggressive, anti-NATO exercise". "It is all smoke and mirrors," the official said, adding that the Soviet-era Zapad exercises that were revived in 1999 had included simulated nuclear strikes on Europe. NATO officials say they have been watching Russia's preparations for months, including the use of hundreds of rail cars to carry tanks and other heavy equipment into Belarus. As a precaution, the U.S. Army has moved 600 paratroopers to the Baltics during Zapad and has taken over guardianship of the airspace of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, which lack capable air forces and air defence systems. NATO'S NEXT MOVE? Russia's military show of force raises some uncomfortable questions for the alliance because NATO cannot yet mass large numbers of troops quickly, despite the United States' military might, NATO officials and diplomats said. NATO, a 29-nation defence pact created in 1949 to deter the Soviet threat, has already begun its biggest modernisation since the Cold War, sending four battalions to the Baltics and Poland, setting up an agile, high-readiness spearhead force, and developing its cyberspace defences. But NATO has deliberately taken a slowly-slowly approach to its military build-up to avoid being sucked into a new arms race, even as Russia has stationed anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles in Kaliningrad, the Black Sea and Syria. "The last thing we want is a military escalation with Russia," said one senior NATO official involved in military planning, referring to Zapad. In the event of any potential Russian incursion into the Baltics or Poland, NATO's new multinational forces would quickly need large reinforcements. But a 40,000-strong force agreed in 2015 is still being developed, officials say. Lithuania's Karoblis said he hoped to see progress by the next summit of NATO leaders in July 2018. Baltic politicians want more discretion given to NATO to fight any aggressor in the event of an attack, without waiting for the go-ahead from allied governments. During Zapad, NATO is taking a low-key approach by running few exercises, including an annual sniper exercise in Lithuania. Only non-NATO member Sweden is holding a large-scale drill. NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe James Everard told Reuters there was no need to mirror Zapad. "It's not a competition," he said during a visit to NATO forces in Latvia. (Additional reporting by Gederts Gelzis in Latvia; Editing by Gareth Jones)
This summer, University of North Georgia (UNG) assistant professor Dr. William Balco stood on the Sicilian ground occupied by inhabitants during the Iron Age and relished learning new elements about their civilization.

But it wasn't the best part of his archaeological trip to Alcamo, Sicily.

"My favorite part is watching the students as they discover things," Balco said.

The anthropology coordinator took nine UNG students to Monte Bonifato, a forested mountain in northwestern Sicily. The students spent four weeks searching for artifacts from multiple ancient cultures who populated the area during the past 3,000 years.

Jennifer Hill, a UNG senior pursuing a degree in history with an anthropology minor, said she knew Greeks and Romans occupied Sicily but was unaware of others.

"I didn't know there was an Arab culture and I didn't know Normans lived there," she said. "I asked the teacher's assistant if there was anybody here with red hair, since I am a redhead. And he said 'Actually on the other side of the island there are lots of redheads, because the Normans settled there.' That was really shocking to me. "

The trip also cemented Hill's future.

"This trip has solidified that archaeology is definitely what I would love to do as my full career or at least as a hobby," she said. "I don't know what my future holds. It is wide open, but archaeology will play a part."

Amanda Ward, who plans to graduate in December with a history degree, was excited by the whole adventure.

"It was the first time I'd been out on any kind of archaeological site or dig," she said. "Everything was new to me."

Ward applied to participate in the Sicilian Archaeological Field School, which is a partnership among UNG, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the archaeological section of the Superintendency of Trapani, an Italian Provincial Office directed by Dr. Rosella Giglio. The field school teaches students about field and lab methods, such as how to find sites, how to identify cultural materials, and how to process artifacts to study them.

Ward said she became fully immersed in searching for pottery on the Sicilian trip.

"The first piece of pottery that you find is the most exciting," she said.

Isabella Martino, a senior chemistry and art major from Cumming, said she learned more than she expected.

Students may not realize the things you gain, the 21-year-old said. You not only gain course credit and priceless experience, but you learn more about yourself, how to adapt in an environment and culture different from your own, and ultimately to be more grateful for all that you have.

But students are not the only ones reaping the rewards. Balco, who has traveled to different archaeological sites in Italy, said he has increased his understanding of the Sicilian population from the Iron Age. He explained he can find answers to the questions of how they organized their cities, how they used the landscape in different ways, what they produced and manufactured, and how their society transformed over time.

"You start putting the pieces of the puzzle together," Balco said. "You start seeing the bigger picture, and then you have to put it on hold for a year."

That is why archaeology is a patient discipline.

"You have to wait another year to answer the questions you thought of at the end of the previous season," Balco said.

Therefore, he will return to Sicily with another group of students to continue the research during the summer of 2018.
Fred Lee, University Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of University Distinguished Professor Emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the university community since 1977, Lee pioneered the development of the power electronics curriculum and its research program, and both are recognized among the best in the world.

Lee was the founder and director of the Virginia Power Electronics Center, a technology development center for the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology from 1987 to 1997, and was responsible for promoting technology transfer and commercialization of the centers intellectual properties.

In addition, Lee was the founder and director of the Center for Power Electronics Systems, a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center, the only such research center in Virginia. He initiated and led the development of new integrated power electronics modules to facilitate systems integration and automated manufacturing for power electronics, in a manner similar to integrated circuits for microelectronics.

Between 1998 and 2008, the Center for Power Electronics Systems secured more than $80 million in research funding from the National Science Foundation and industry. It consisted of five universities and a consortium of 96 industry partners. To date, the center helped 329 graduate students to earn a degree (153 Ph.D.s and 176 masters degrees); had more than 3,100 technical papers, theses, and dissertations published; filed 286 invention disclosures; and was awarded 103 patents.

In addition, Lee founded one of the largest university/industry affiliates programs in the U.S. and developed an innovative process for moving technology and intellectual property out of academic laboratories and into the marketplace. The program attracted numerous industry sponsored research projects and earned an annual gift support in excess of $2.5 million, which provided 35 graduate fellowships and supports the programs world-class research facilities. To date, more than 215 companies worldwide have benefited from this program.

Lee is an international authority in high-frequency power conversion design, modeling, and control. His pioneering works in soft-switching techniques have revolutionized and formed the core technologies of modern power electronics equipment and systems. Lees novel multiphase voltage regulator modules are used to power every microprocessor (CPU, GPU) and memory device used in smart phones, PCs and servers, and mobile devices.

Throughout his career, Lee published more than 290 journal papers, 710 peer-reviewed conference papers, and 82 U.S. patents, with an additional 22 patent applications pending. In the classroom, Lee has been a major advisor of 93 masters degree and 84 Ph.D. students.

Lee is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, an academician of the Taiwans Academia Sinica, and a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He is one of the founding members of the board of directors of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine, and an inaugural member of the Virginia Tech Entrepreneur Hall of Fame

In addition, he was awarded IEEE Fellow, IEEE William E Newell Power Electronics Award, IEEE Medal in Power Engineering, and the prestigious Ernst-Blickle Award, which only two U.S. residents ahve received. Three of his former students were elected as academic members: Dushan Boroyevich and Milan Jovanovic were elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, and Bo Cho of the Seoul National University was elected to the Korea Academy of Engineering.

Lee received his bachelor's degree from the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan and his master's degree and Ph.D. from Duke University.

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Weatherford International plc, an oilfield service company, provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere. It offers artificial lift systems, including reciprocating rod, progressing cavity pumping, gas, hydraulic, plunger, and hybrid lift systems, as well as related automation and control systems; pressure pumping and reservoir stimulation services, such as acidizing, fracturing and fluid systems, cementing, and coiled-tubing intervention; and drill stem test tools, and surface well testing and multiphase flow measurement services. The company also provides safety, downhole reservoir monitoring, flow control, and multistage fracturing systems, as well as sand-control technologies, and production and isolation packers; liner hangers to suspend a casing string in high-temperature and high-pressure wells; cementing products, including plugs, float and stage equipment, and torque-and-drag reduction technology for zonal isolation; and pre-job planning and installation services. In addition, it offers directional drilling services, and logging and measurement services while drilling; services related to rotary-steerable systems, high-temperature and high-pressure sensors, drilling reamers, and circulation subs; managed pressure drilling, conventional mud-logging, drilling instrumentation, gas analysis, wellsite consultancy, and open hole and cased-hole logging services; reservoir solutions and software products; and intervention and remediation services. Further, the company provides equipment and drilling tools; tubular handling, management, and connection services; equipment rental services; and onshore contract drilling and related services through a fleet of land drilling and workover rigs. Weatherford International plc was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland.
Cenovus Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas in Canada, the United States, and the Asia Pacific region. The company operates through Oil Sands, Conventional, Offshore, Canadian Manufacturing, U.S. Manufacturing, and Retail segments. The Oil Sands segment develops and produces bitumen and heavy oil in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan. This segments Foster Creek, Christina Lake, Sunrise, and Tucker oil sands projects, as well as Lloydminster thermal and conventional heavy oil assets The Conventional segment holds assets primarily located in Elmworth-Wapiti, Kaybob-Edson, Clearwater, and Rainbow Lake operating in Alberta and British Columbia, as well as interests in various natural gas processing facilities. The offshore segment engages in the exploration and development activities. The Canadian Manufacturing segment includes the owned and operated Lloydminster upgrading and asphalt refining complex, which upgrades heavy oil and bitumen into synthetic crude oil, diesel fuel, asphalt, and other ancillary products, as well as owns and operates the Bruderheim crude-by-rail terminal and two ethanol plants. The U.S. Manufacturing segment comprises the refining of crude oil to produce diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, asphalt, and other products. The Retail segment consists of marketing of its own and third-party refined petroleum products through retail, commercial, and bulk petroleum outlets, as well as wholesale channels. Cenovus Energy Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. owns and leases freight railroads. It operates through three segments: North American Operations, Australian Operations, and U.K./European Operations. The company transports various commodities, including agricultural products, autos and auto parts, chemicals and plastics, coal and coke, food and kindred products, lumber and forest products, metallic ores, metals, minerals and stone, petroleum products, pulp and paper, waste, and other commodities. It owns or leases 122 freight railroads, including 105 short line railroads and 2 regional freight railroads located in the United States, 8 short line railroads located in Canada, 3 railroads located in Australia, 1 railroad located in the United Kingdom, 1 railroad in Poland and Germany, and 2 railroads in the Netherlands with a total of approximately 16,200 miles of track. The company also operates 6,200 additional miles of track that is owned or leased by others. In addition, it operates deep sea maritime containers and provides bulk haulage, including coal, aggregates, cement, and infrastructure services. Further, the company provides rail service at approximately 40 ports; rail-ferry service in North America, Australia, and Europe; and contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Darien, Connecticut.
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electric utility, banking, and renewable/sustainable infrastructure investment businesses in the state of Hawaii. It operates in three segments: Electric Utility, Bank, and Other. The Electric Utility segment engages in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Its renewable energy sources and potential sources include wind, solar, photovoltaic, geothermal, wave, hydroelectric, municipal waste, and other biofuels. This segment serves suburban communities, resorts, the United States armed forces installations, and agricultural operations. The Bank segment operates a community bank that offers banking and other financial services to consumers and businesses, including savings and checking accounts; and loans comprising residential and commercial real estate, residential mortgage, construction and development, multifamily residential and commercial real estate, consumer, and commercial loans. This segment operates 42 branches, including 29 branches in Oahu, 6 branches in Maui, 4 branches in Hawaii, 2 branches in Kauai, and 1 branch in Molokai. The Other segment invests in non-regulated renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure in the State of Hawaii. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. was incorporated in 1891 and is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii.
ATLANTA (AP)  A Georgia congressman is recovering from a car accident that occurred as he was returning to Washington after monitoring the impact of Hurricane Irma in his home state.

Rep. Barry Loudermilk's office says the Republican lawmaker and his wife, Desiree, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released from a Tennessee hospital after the two-car incident early Tuesday morning in Knoxville.

The statement says the Loudermilks' vehicle was rear-ended on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and overturn multiple times before coming to a stop. The congressman was driving.

The couple is returning to Georgia for additional medical care.

Loudermilk represents Georgia's 11th congressional district, which includes many Atlanta suburbs and exurbs northwest of the city.

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SANTA FE  The New Mexico agency that provides legal representation for indigent defendants is seeking a 12.5 percent budget increase  or roughly $6 million  in the coming year to hire about 40 additional attorneys and pay more to contract lawyers in rural parts of the state.

Ben Baur, the states chief public defender, said the request would not fulfill all the agencys needs, but would be a start. He also said its not just more money the agency is seeking.

My mantra is give us more money or give us fewer cases, Baur told reporters after a Tuesday hearing of the legislative Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee at the state Capitol.

The Public Defender Department has sought increased funding in recent years to alleviate attorney caseloads that are twice the national standards, Baur said.

Although the agency has received modest funding hikes, it has not been able to keep up with a stream of criminal cases, especially in largely rural areas, and has filed court documents in two New Mexico counties  Lincoln and Lea  arguing it is too underfunded to take on cases.

Thats despite a constitutional requirement that representation be provided to all eligible defendants.

In Lincoln County, attorneys with the Public Defender Department, also called the Law Offices of the Public Defender, are each currently handling at least 175 cases, and possibly more than 200, Baur said.

The state Supreme Court has declined to intervene in the matter, but some lawmakers suggested during Tuesdays hearing that the state is approaching a crisis point when it comes to funding the agency.

At a certain point, were against the constitutional cliff, said Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe.

However, state dollars are expected to be stretched thin in the coming budget year, with just $25 million in projected available new money, according to revenue estimates released last month.

With state dollars scarce, Baur said, the cash-strapped Public Defender Department favors changing state law to de-emphasize how the state handles certain nonviolent offenses  including littering and driving on a suspended license. A bill aiming to do that was vetoed earlier this year by Gov. Susana Martinez.

Some legislators also suggested that prosecutors, public defenders and judges come together for a summit on funding challenges and other legal issues.

The budget for the coming fiscal year will be set by lawmakers during the 30-day legislative session that starts in January.
SANTA FE  Century Bank is suing the Santa Fe Railyard Community Corp.  the nonprofit that manages the 50-acre city-owned Railyard district  alleging that a new apartment development is preventing it from leasing commercial space at the nearby Artyard condominiums or selling the property altogether.

The bank, which also leases space from the Railyard corporation, is claiming breach of lease and interference with economic advantage, among others charges in the state court suit filed Monday.

In 2013, Century Bank foreclosed on Artyard Limited Partnership, owners of the Artyard condos commercial units on the first floor. The bank now owns seven of nine residential units and eight commercial units, which accounts for about 85 percent of the leasable space of the two-story building. A new lease was signed with the Santa Fe Railyard Community Corp. (SFRCC), with Artyard Condominium Master Association, Inc. as the agent for the bank.

Meanwhile, in early 2015 the SFRCC approved the development of a larger 58-unit, three-story apartment building right next door to the condominiums, called Railyard Flats, over the objections of the bank.

Century Bank has been actively trying to lease Artyard space, or sell the property, since May 2013 without success, according to the lawsuit.

SFRCC promoted and approved the Apartment Development over repeated objections by Plaintiffs and with knowledge that the development was hindering Plaintiffs ability to enter into commercial leases at the Artyard Property, and Centurys ability to sell the Artyard Property, the complaint states.

The lawsuit says a physical therapy office and a furniture showroom had signed letters of intent to lease space at Artyard but withdrew after notice of Railyard Flats project was published in January 2016. The bank and the association allege that they will not be able to earn market value, or will realize less, because Railyard Flats was allowed to be built.

Richard Czoski, executive director of SFRCC, could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.
The Justice Department has decided not to bring civil rights charges against the officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray, whose 2015 death in police custody sparked riots and widespread anger in Baltimore, authorities said Tuesday.

In a news release, the Justice Department said its investigation had found insufficient evidence to support charges in the case, and pointed to the high bar prosecutors would have had to meet to prove federal charges.

It is not enough to show that the officer made a mistake, acted negligently, acted by accident, or even exercised bad judgment, the Justice Department said. Although Grays death is undeniably tragic, the evidence in this case is insufficient to meet these substantial evidentiary requirements.

The decision likely forecloses any chance that the officers involved in Grays high-profile death will face criminal consequences, though the news is not particularly surprising. After a mistrial and three acquittals, Baltimores top prosecutor had announced she was ending local authorities effort to prosecute the officers, because winning a conviction had proven too difficult.

An attorney for Grays family declined to comment. The development was first reported by The Baltimore Sun.

Gray, 25, was arrested in west Baltimore the morning of April 12, 2015, then placed in the back of a police van with his hands cuffed behind his back and his legs shackled. As he was being transported, he suffered a severe neck injury and lost consciousness. He died in the hospital about a week later.

The death sparked violent protests in Baltimore, and Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosby ultimately charged six officers involved in handling Gray with various state crimes. Meanwhile, the Justice Department launched its own criminal, civil rights investigation into Grays death, as well as a broader probe of possible systemic violations in the Baltimore Police Department.

Michael Davey, who represents Lt. Brian Rice, the highest-ranking officer involved in Grays arrest, said Were very pleased that the Department of Justice has come to the conclusion they did. He said he only wished the local prosecutor had reached the same determination prior to any of the criminal charges being placed.

Rice, along with Officers Caesar Goodson Jr., William Porter, Edward Nero, Garrett Miller and Sgt. Alicia White, were charged with various offenses in Grays death, including manslaughter, assault and reckless endangerment. Goodson, who drove the van, was the sole officer charged with murder.

Mosby on July 27, 2016 dropped criminal charges against White, Miller and Porter. Three other officers  Goodson, Rice and Nero  were found not guilty after separate trials. Porter had gone to trial once, but the proceeding ended in a mistrial.

The Justice Department said it had conducted a comprehensive, independent investigation of the events, reviewing surveillance footage, witness interviews, medical reports and other materials. Prosecutors, the Justice Department said, considered several different legal violations, including theories of false arrest, excessive force, and deliberate indifference to the risk of serious harm to Gray.

The investigation included an assessment of whether Gray should have been arrested in the first place, whether Goodson gave Gray a rough ride and an analysis of officers failure to seatbelt Gray, among many other things.

Even where prosecutors may have found some fault  Goodson, for example, made a wide right turn and crossed a double yellow line, and Gray was not buckled in per department policy  they could not substantiate criminal wrongdoing, the Justice Department said. The department said evidence overwhelmingly contradicted reports from some civilian witnesses that Gray was either tased or beaten by the officers.

The officers could still face professional repercussions. Davey, the attorney who represents Rice, said that internal disciplinary hearings are scheduled to begin for five of the six officers in October. Porter is not facing any internal charges. The hearings are public.

The Baltimore department, too, is still broadly working to implement reforms. The Justice Department during the Obama administration had found that the Baltimore police officers used excessive force and disproportionately stopped African-Americans, and ultimately reached an agreement with the city to institute reforms.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, though, has taken a markedly different stance on police reform than his predecessors, and he has been particularly critical of broad, court-enforceable agreements to mandate police departments undergo change. His Justice Department tried to delay the reform agreement in Baltimore, though a judge ultimately approved it over federal authorities objection.

Sessions seems to be more amenable to charging individual officers with wrongdoing, though  like his predecessors  he has found that doing so is not easy under federal law. The Justice Department announced in May that it would not bring charges against the police officers involved in the death of Alton Sterling, whose fatal shooting in Baton Rouge last summer was captured on a video that rocketed around social media.

More recently, the Justice Department closed without charges its investigation into the death of 19-year-old Michael Moore, who was fatally shot by an officer in Alabama in 2016.

The Justice Department is still probing the high-profile death of Eric Garner, who died in 2014 after he was taken to the ground by New York City police officers. His death was also caught on video, sparking national outrage and helping coin the rallying cry, I cant breathe.
After a prosecutor argued that a critical witness in the case against Davon Lymon is struggling with homelessness and heroin addiction, a District Court judge agreed Tuesday to allow a sworn deposition to take place in order to preserve her version of events.

Savannah Garcia was riding on the back of Lymons motorcycle on the October 2015 night when, prosecutors said, he fatally shot Albuquerque police officer Daniel Webster. In a previous federal firearms trial, she testified that Lymon shot Webster in the neck as the officer attempted to handcuff him during a traffic stop.

In a motion seeking the deposition, prosecutor Nicholas Gilbert said Garcia, an indisputably essential witness, is avoiding testifying and has flouted a court order.

An agent for the Attorney Generals Office, which is prosecuting the murder case, said Tuesday that he arrived at Garcias home earlier in the day planning to take her to the court hearing, but she didnt answer. He said he later saw Garcia hop into another car and leave the home.

Gilbert said in a motion that agents reported Garcia is living in squalor, had track marks on both arms and appeared to weigh less than 100 pounds.

Justice requires, for all parties, that we secure this witness testimony and memorialize it, Gilbert said in court. If the worst happensand we are unable to locate her, shes gone, or even worse than that, she succumbs to her addiction, justice requires that.

Lymons attorney, Heather LeBlanc said the deposition was unnecessary because the state was able to keep tabs on Garcia, and had been able to find her just hours before the hearing. She said Garcias drug use and apparent weight loss doesnt mean that she wouldnt show up to testify.

Second Judicial District Judge Briana Zamora agreed to issue a warrant that will allow officers to take Garcia into custody for up to five days, during which time a deposition can take place. Zamora pointed out that she was not yet rendering an opinion as to whether the sworn testimony would be admissible at Lymons trial, which is set for March 2018.

According to Bureau of Prisons online records, Lymon who is charged with first-degree murder and lesser crimes is currently housed in a high-security federal prison in Colorado. He did not attend Tuesdays hearing.
The University of New Mexicos governing board heard the same sentiment over and over from the schools faculty Tuesday: Please stop what youre doing and listen to us.

More than a dozen faculty members spoke at the Board of Regents meeting, asking the seven-member panel to postpone UNMs search for a new president and instead retain interim President Chaouki Abdallah through spring 2019, a year longer than his present contract.

They lamented UNMs history of revolving-door leadership, relating a joke that UNM stands for Under New Management. One professor said she has worked under five presidents in 11 years at the university.

Many expressed concern about the health of the institution, especially with a forthcoming accreditation visit.

I think we risk losing our accreditation if we do not retain Dr. Abdallah and demonstrate there is some stability in administrative leadership at this university, said Dr. Lee Brown, a professor of internal medicine. Otherwise, I think we are in dire jeopardy.

Faculty said Abdallahs success as provost and his institutional knowledge and inclusive leadership style make him the right person to shepherd UNM through a period of budgetary tumult and low faculty morale.

Its the same case Faculty Senate President Pamela Pyle made at last months Board of Regents meeting but which elicited little response from the board. The Faculty Senate has since passed a formal resolution and asked regents to acknowledge it with an official vote.

The regents did not include it on Tuesdays agenda, but Regent President Rob Doughty said, We do want to listen, and that regents may call a special meeting to address the resolution.

In addition to touting Abdallahs credentials, many faculty alluded to a widening chasm between the regents and the faculty. Marieken Shaner from the biology department noted that the Faculty Senates proposal had so far prompted limited feedback.

That would suggest to me that there is a system that is not functioning, she said. There is something that is not working; the faculty feel so strongly that they say this is a real problem we want to see some kind of solution to this, and there is no dialogue between the faculty and the regents.

Pyle pitched the resolution as a potential watershed moment for UNM.

We all  you all and we all  have the opportunity right now to model the very best in shared governance and it will be apparent by how we go forth from today, from this moment on, she said.

Let this be a turning point in our collective relationship and leadership of the university. We could join forces and leave behind the them-us mentality that currently exists and work together, listening to each other for the benefit of our university community, Pyle said to a round of applause from the audience.

In a written statement after Tuesdays meeting, Doughty said The issue of shared governance has been thematic at UNM for a number of years among the faculty. Improvement on this front is critical to the health of our university and it is my hope that we can all come to a place of mutual understanding and respect for our roles and responsibilities.

Regents launched the presidential search nearly a year ago, and its expected to conclude this fall.

Abdallah has said he does not want the permanent job but is willing to stay through 2019.
WASHINGTON  A top aide to President Donald Trump signaled on Tuesday that the White House may back off its calls to pair funding for new border wall construction with a bill to provide legal protections to hundreds of thousands of immigrants known as dreamers, signaling that the emotionally-charged issue may prove easier to resolve than initially thought.

Trump last month sparked a six-month countdown to the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that currently provides legal protections to about 690,000 people, saying that it is up to lawmakers to come up with a solution. The decision has been widely criticized by members of both parties and the issue has quickly become a top-of-mind concern across Washington.

Marc Short, the White House legislative affairs director, told a breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor on Tuesday that Trump believes that a physical barrier is important between the United States and Mexico. But he said that the administration does not want to bind ourselves into a construct that makes reaching a conclusion on DACA impossible.

Shorts comments came as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., signaled that House Democrats are quickly coalescing around legislation that would grant legal protections to DACA recipients and set them on a years-long course to apply for U.S. citizenship. The Dream Act is co-sponsored by Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate, including Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., and Mike Coffman, R-Colo., and Sens. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.

Pelosi said Tuesday that House Democrats are gathering support for a petition to force House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to hold a vote on that legislation as early as the first weeks of October. For such a strategy to succeed, Pelosi would have to obtain signatures from every Democrat in the House and at least 24 Republicans.

Pelosi said Tuesday that Democrats should act quickly to take advantage of a moment when there appears to be widespread public support for extending legal protections for those covered under DACA.

Public opinion is very hot, Pelosi said in an interview. We have to strike while the iron is hot.

Several recent polls have shows that a majority of voters support extending legal protections to DACA recipients in the wake of Trumps decision to roll back the program. A recent NBC News/SurveyMonkey poll found that 64 percent of respondents support DACA, including 85 percent of Democrats, 41 percent of Republicans and 66 percent of independents. Less than one-third  30 percent  of all respondents said they oppose DACA.

But the issue of border wall funding is still likely to emerge as a difficult sticking point in spending negotiations later this year. Congress voted last week to extend current spending levels through Dec. 8, leaving lawmakers three months to work out a long-term spending agreement. Short hinted Tuesday that Trump may demand border funding as a part of those negotiations.

The president is committed to sticking by his commitment that a physical structure is what is needed to help protect the American people. Whether or not that is specifically part of a DACA package or a different legislative package, I am not going to prejudge. But he is committed to making sure that the wall is built, Short added.

In recent days, Trump has also privately approached Schumer to discuss trading protections for DACA recipients  widely referred to as dreamers  in exchange for funding for new border wall funding, according to a person familiar with their exchange who wasnt authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Congressional Democrats have said they will not discuss any deal involving new money for new border wall construction, but are open to discussing broader border security measures. In a 2013 bipartisan immigration reform bill, Schumer and dozens of other Democrats supported billions of dollars in new funding to hire U.S. Border Patrol agents and to deploy drones and other technology to scan and protect the southern border  proposals that are still considered viable today, aides have said.

But Schumer, Pelosi and other Democrats have called construction of more border wall immoral and a misguided use of federal dollars, especially at a time when the federal government needs to spend hundreds of billions of dollars in relief aid to rebuild parts of Florida, Texas and Louisiana after recent major hurricanes.

Trump promised during a White House meeting last week that he would sign the Dream Act if it passes Congress, Pelosi said. Democrats have generally been skeptical of trusting Trumps word on policy matters but Pelosi said she is certain he will follow through on the pledge once it is clear that Congress has the votes to pass something.

We have to have the votes to pass the bill, Pelosi said. Votes are the currency of the realm.
WASHINGTON  Three Democratic senators joined President Donald Trump for a White House dinner Tuesday aimed at winning their support for an as-yet unreleased tax overhaul bill that would be written by Republican leaders.

Trumps guests  Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Donnelly of Indiana  are the only three Democratic senators who havent signed on to a list of conditions for supporting any tax legislation: that it not add to the federal deficit, that it not increase the burden on the middle class and that it go through the regular order process in Congress.

In reaching out to them, Trump is amplifying a White House strategy that seems squarely aimed at Democrats. It calls for the president to rally support for tax legislation by visiting states he won in 2016 where a Democratic senator is up for re-election next year. But with many details of the legislation still unclear, the strategys effectiveness remains to be seen.

Manchin, who faces re-election in a state Trump won by 42 points, said any plan must not add to the national debt.

We had a productive conversation about areas of agreement as well as areas where we will have to find compromise, Manchin said in a statement after the dinner. I will continue to fight for a simpler tax code that lowers rates for West Virginians and incentivizes Main Street businesses to invest and grow in America, but we must do this without adding to our staggering debt.

Donnelly said he was pleased that Trump supports measures that would address the outsourcing of American jobs. Donnelly introduced legislation in January that would support U.S. companies that hire American workers and penalize those that outsource jobs offshore. I am hopeful we can work together to encourage domestic investments that benefit American workers, he said.

Vice President Mike Pence plans three visits to his home state of Indiana, where he will pitch the need for a tax revamp, according to a White House aide. Those trips, along with the Tuesday dinner, are part of efforts to pressure Donnelly to support a tax overhaul, the aide said.

Heitkamp, after Trump took her with him on a trip to North Dakota last week to pitch the tax overhaul  released a statement saying the devil is in the details of any reform plan and we need to know what those details are.

Tonight we had a good discussion and I reinforced that any tax reform bill must support working families and family farmers so they arent burdened with debt and it must stand up for retirees who want to live their remaining years with dignity while also simplifying the tax code and lowering compliance burdens, she said in a statement Tuesday night.

Other invited dinner guests included Orrin Hatch of Utah, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 3 ranking Republican, and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.

Republican leaders in Congress would like to have Democratic support for their eventual tax proposal, but they arent banking on it, nor are they shaping their plans for the purpose of winning Democratic support, according to GOP leadership aides. Rejecting Democratic calls, they still intend to proceed on a fast-track basis under reconciliation, which allows them to avoid the 60-vote threshold in the Senate if the bill meets certain conditions.

Trump administration officials have nonetheless said theyd prefer to seek bipartisan support for a tax bill.

Even before the three Democrats sat down with Trump, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer held a conference call with reporters Tuesday afternoon that was designed to re-emphasize his partys conditions for tax legislation.

Now, we Democrats want to actually achieve tax reform in this country, but we can do so in a way that doesnt sacrifice our principles or sell out working and middle class families to accomplish it, Schumer said.

Although members of Trumps administration have been meeting with congressional leaders through the summer  and most recently on Tuesday afternoon  details of their planned legislation have yet to emerge. Its unclear where they intend to set the corporate tax rate, how they intend to arrange tax brackets for individuals and which tax breaks theyd propose to eliminate to pay for rate cuts.

While Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn have suggested that high earning individuals might not see any effective tax cut from the bill, some proposals  including eliminating the estate tax and the alternative minimum tax  drew Schumers condemnation as boons for the rich ahead of Tuesday nights meeting.

Now unfortunately, the drips and drabs weve heard of the Republican plan so far reveal a tax plan designed to benefit the ultra-rich while leaving the middle class in this country out to dry, Schumer said.

He said that eliminating the estate tax, which applies only to estates worth more than $5.49 million for individuals and $10.98 million for married couples, would be a break for the wealthy elites in this country the President promised to stand up to.

Also on Tuesday, a pair of administration officials signaled the presidents goal of cutting the corporate income-tax rate to 15 percent  down from 35 percent  may be open to compromise. Mnuchin and Marc Short, White House legislative affairs director, both said Trump is still committed to a 15 percent rate, but they acknowledged the potential for compromise.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said last week that the goal for the corporate rate is to be at or below the industrial world average, which is in the mid-20s range.



(Sahil Kapur Laura Litvan and Shannon Pettypiece contributed to this report)



2017 Bloomberg News

Visit Bloomberg News at www.bloomberg.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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PHOTO (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194):TRUMP-DEMOCRATS

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WASHINGTON  Top House leaders plan to huddle Wednesday to begin discussing legislation that would provide protections to nearly 700,000 dreamers at risk of losing their legal status in six months if Congress fails to act.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., plan to meet with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and the leaders of the congressional Asian, Black and Hispanic caucuses to discuss potential debate of the Dream Act, a bill that would grant legal protections to the roughly 690,000 people currently enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the Obama-era executive action that protects undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children.

The speaker has said he wants Congress to address DACA as the president has called for, but he has not endorsed any one measure and has said border security will need to be a part of the solution, Ryans spokeswoman, AshLee Strong, said in an email confirming the meeting.

The meeting, also confirmed by several other aides in both parties, is a signal that congressional leaders are indeed trying to build support for a broader plan that would pair some kind of legislation to deal with dreamers  the common term for DACA recipients  with a plan to expand security along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The meeting will come a day after President Donald Trumps top legislative affairs aide signaled that the White House may back off its calls to pair funding for border wall construction with a dreamers relief bill, signaling that the emotionally charged issue may prove easier to resolve than initially thought.

Pelosi and her lieutenants had requested a meeting with Ryan shortly after Trump decided to end the DACA program in March of next year unless Congress can resolve the issue.

She told reporters Tuesday that House Democrats are quickly coalescing around legislation that would grant legal protections to DACA recipients and set them on a years-long course to apply for U.S. citizenship.

The Dream Act is co-sponsored by Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate, including Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., and Mike Coffman, R-Colo., and Sens. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y..

Other legislation, including the Bridge Act, which is sponsored primarily by Coffman, Flake and Graham, enjoys broader Democratic support and also would lay the groundwork for most DACA recipients to earn legal residency.

But Coffman said Tuesday that the Bridge Act is only a last resort if a broad deal to couple legal protections for dreamers with border security enhancements falls apart.

Wouldnt it make sense to go for a permanent solution this time? And so, I think thats the preferred route as a permanent solution. The Bridge Act would be viable only if that fails, Coffman said during an event hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
WASHINGTON  In an animated, campaign-style rally, Sen. Bernie Sanders unwrapped his plan to remake the nations convoluted health care system into federally run health insurance Wednesday  a costly proposal embraced by liberal activists hoping to steer the Democratic Party in upcoming elections.

The Vermont independents plan would hand government a dominant role in insuring Americans, a crucial step, he said, in guaranteeing health care for all. Census Bureau data this week showed the proportion of people lacking policies falling to 8.8 percent last year under Obamacare, the lowest level ever recorded, but he called it an international disgrace that not all Americans have coverage.

Though Sanders plan is going nowhere in the current GOP-controlled Congress, he drew a big crowd to a packed and electrified Senate hearing room.

Hours earlier, Republican senators unveiled their own last-ditch, long-shot plan to scuttle President Barack Obamas 2010 statute and practically begged the White House to help.

Pick up the phone and ask governors to support the repeal effort, said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., aiming his remarks at President Donald Trump. Tell them this matters to you, that you werent kidding about repealing and replacing Obamacare, that you actually meant it.

Shortly afterward, Trump issued a statement saying I sincerely hope the effort by Graham and three other GOP senators will succeed.

The waning desire of GOP lawmakers to revive their failed effort to scrap Obamas law contrasted with growing, though wary, Democratic support for Sanders bill. It has attracted 16 co-sponsors, one-third of all Senate Democrats, though most are from safely Democratic states.

Today we begin the long and difficult struggle to end the international disgrace of the United States, our great nation, being the only major country on Earth not to guarantee health care to all, Sanders declared.

Though his bill has no chance in the current Congress, the issue is enthusiastically backed by large segments of a Democratic Party hoping to capture House control in the 2018 elections. Sanders caucuses with Democrats and unexpectedly gave Hillary Clinton a tough run for the partys presidential nomination last year.

The room where Sanders spoke held more than 200 people, including members of unions and progressive groups. Many waved posters and chanted Medicare for all, the name he has given his 96-page bill, which would gradually expand the health insurance program for the elderly to cover all Americans.

Nine other senators attended and most also spoke, including at least four potential 2020 presidential aspirants who almost seemed to be auditioning. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., called the health care battle a fight for our nation to live up to our ideals.

Cries for universal coverage and government-provided, single-payer health care have simmered among Democrats for decades.

The notion was submerged as Obama enacted his overhaul, which boosted federal spending and set coverage requirements but left much of the existing private system in place. About 156 million people get policies at work, about half of all those insured, with most of the rest getting coverage through Medicare or Medicaid or by buying individual plans.

But support among Democrats for Sanders bill and similar measures by other Democrats, plus polling showing growing public backing, suggests the push for a single-payer system will be a major theme inside the party.

We will defend it at every turn, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., another possible presidential hopeful, told the crowd about Obamas law. But we will go further. Potential candidates Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Kamala Harris of California also attended the event.

Sanders provided no details about the price tag of his measure or how it would be financed. Aides have said it would likely rely largely on income-adjusted premiums people would pay the government, ranging from zero for the poorest Americans to high levies on the rich and corporations.

People would no longer owe monthly premiums and other out-of-pocket costs like copayments, and companies would not have to offer coverage to workers. Sanders says most people and employers would save money.

The version he introduced during his 2016 presidential run was supposed to cost an enormous $1.4 trillion annually.

His plan would surpass Obamas law in covering a long list of services, including dental, vision, hospital, doctors and mental health costs. Copayments would be allowed for prescription drugs.

Many Democrats from politically competitive states have shied away from Sanders plan, aware that Republicans are ready to cast it as a huge tax hike and government-run health care.

The president as well as the majority of the country knows that the single-payer system that the Democrats are proposing is a horrible idea, said White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders. I cant think of anything worse than having government being more involved in your health care instead of less involved.

Meanwhile, Graham and three other GOP senators released details of their proposal to erase many of the subsidies and coverage requirements of Obamas law and instead give block grants to states to help individuals pay for coverage.

If you believe repealing and replacing Obamacare is a good idea, this is your best and only chance to make it happen because everything else has failed, Graham said.

Republicans lost the votes of three of their 52 senators in July on legislation aimed at Obamacare repeal. A special budget procedure thats allowed them to approve the legislation with just 51 votes, instead of the usual 60, expires Sept. 30.

With Democrats all opposed, that gives Republicans barely two weeks to succeed.

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AP reporter Kevin Freking contributed to this report.
Albuquerque police officers found a man who was dead inside a vacant apartment near Zuni and Rhode Island early Wednesday morning and are investigating his death as suspicious, according to a spokesman.

Officer Tanner Tixier said officers were called around 12:30 a.m. to deal with a man who was inside a vacant apartment on the 8000 block of Zuni SE.

When they arrived they discovered the man was dead.

Due to suspicious circumstances on scene, this incident was made a full violent crimes call out, Tixier said.

He did not say what was suspicious about the death or if the man had obvious injuries. The Office of the Medical Investigator will figure out how the man died, Tixier said.

He hasnt been identified.

Tixier didnt say if there are any suspects in the case.
LAS CRUCES  The Domenici Public Policy Conference marked its 10th year by celebrating former Sen. Pete Domenicis legacy and mourning the death Wednesday of New Mexicos longest-serving senator.

We lost a great American. We lost a great New Mexican. We lost a great friend, said Garrey Carruthers, New Mexico State University chancellor, during opening ceremonies for the conference.

There was a gasp from some of those in attendance after Carruthers announced Domenici had died a few hours before the conference was set to begin. He then led the crowd in observing a moment of silence.

NMSU student association President Kevin Prieto read a letter from the former senator who said he was sorry he could not attend this year. You know if I was there in person, Id be asking questions, he wrote.

Domenici recently canceled his appearance because he was recovering from surgery. He had been present at all the previous public policy conferences hosted by the Domenici Institute at NMSU, which is also home to his archives.

Former Sen. Richard Lugar gave Wednesdays keynote address at Domenicis invitation. He said the two were close friends and frequent collaborators. They served in the U.S. Senate 32 of their 36 years together.

Sen. Domenici was a dynamic and trusted leader who was known for his experience and deep expertise on an array of subjects, Lugar said.

In his policy address, the former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee also outlined concerns that the Trump administration is downsizing the U.S. role in the world by withdrawing from trade agreements and questioning strategic security partnerships, including NATO.

Since World War II, the most essential factor in preventing conflict is U.S. leadership, Lugar said. He was critical of the U.S. pulling out of the Paris accord on climate change and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and threatening to leave the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Former U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke, in his address, warned against starting a trade war with China because that country would simply retaliate and impose tariffs on all those American-made goods that go to China.

When asked by University of New Mexico student panelist Tucker Berry about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea, Locke said the U.S. should consider a new strategy rather than rely on China pressuring Pyongyang.

What do we have to lose by sitting down and talking to North Korea now? Locke asked.

Domenici was involved in selecting the topics for the annual conference, including this years focus on foreign policy. On the first day of the conference, just hours after his death, his legacy as elder statesman loomed large.

I dont think we understood, even living through it, until we started the conference and the archive here at New Mexico State University how big it really is, said Sharon Jones, retired chief of staff for the NMSU chancellor.

Jones and her husband worked on Domenicis campaign for governor and the Senate. And he often stayed in their home when he attended the conference.

The conference concludes today with a focus on equity in education and preparing the future workforce.
ROCKFORD, Wash.  A student who opened fire in a hallway at a Washington state high school killed a classmate who confronted him Wednesday and wounded three others before being stopped by a custodian, authorities said.

The suspect, who a classmate described as being obsessed with previous school shootings, was taken into custody. The wounded victims were seriously injured but expected to survive, officials said.

The shooter brought two weapons to Freeman High School in Rockford, south of Spokane, but the first one he tried to fire jammed, Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich told reporters.

He went to his next weapon, Knezovich said. A student walked up to him, engaged him, and that student was shot. That student did not survive.

The sheriff said the shooter fired more rounds down the hallway, striking the other students, before a school custodian approached the shooter and ordered him to surrender, Knezovich said.

Knezovich called it a courageous act that prevented further bloodshed.

The sheriff said a deputy who works as a school resource officer arrived shortly thereafter and took the shooter into custody.

Elisa Vigil, a 14-year-old freshman, told The Associated Press that she saw one male student shot in the head who janitors covered with a cloth and another female student wounded in the back.

Michael Harper, a 15-year-old sophomore, said the suspect had brought notes in the beginning of the school year, saying he was going to do something stupid and might get killed or jailed. Some students alerted counselors, the teen told AP, but it wasnt clear what school officials did in response.

A call to the school was not immediately returned.

Harper said the shooter had many friends and was not bullied, calling him nice and funny and weird and a huge fan of the TV show Breaking Bad. He also said the suspect was obsessed with other school shootings.

Students say the shooter was armed with a pistol and rifle and had carried a duffel bag to school. After shots were fired, students went running and screaming down the hallways, Harper said.

Authorities didnt release the suspects identity or a possible motive. The victims also were not named.

Luis Prito, an assistant football coach at Freeman High, called the shooting devastating. A vigil took place Wednesday evening at a nearby church.

This is a real close-knit community, he said.

A two-lane road into the town of about 500 people near the Idaho border was clogged as worried parents sped to the school. Some people abandoned their cars on the street to make it to their children.

Cheryl Moser said her son, a freshman, called her from a classroom after hearing shots fired.

He called me and said, Mom, there are gunshots. He sounded so scared. Ive never heard him like that, Moser told The Spokesman-Review newspaper. You never think about something happening like this at a small school.

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Childrens Hospital received three pediatric patients, spokeswoman Nicole Stewart said. They were in stable condition and surrounded by family, she said.

Stephanie Lutje told AP she was relieved to hear her son was safe after his high school near Freeman High was put on lockdown. She commended the school district for its communication.

Its been amazing, within probably 15-20 minutes of hearing about it, Id already received a phone call, Id already received a text message saying that their school is OK, she said.

She still worried for others she knew, including a co-worker who had yet to hear from her son, a sophomore at Freeman.

My stomachs in knots right now, she said.

Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement that all Washingtonians are thinking of the victims and their families, and are grateful for the service of school staff and first responders working to keep our students safe.

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Associated Press writers Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, and Alina Hartounian in Phoenix contributed to this story.

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A previous version of this story spelled the sheriffs name inaccurately in two references. The story has been corrected.
Get paid to watch ads? Sounds easy, right? Well, thats the concept behind Albuquerque-based startup AdWallet.

Its a simple idea, and one that Google apparently thinks has potential.

AdWallet has been selected to join the Google Ads Advantage Program, an invitation-only program designed to help brands accelerate their growth and reach. Every quarter, Google invites 10 companies to join the program, and one or two of them are startups, according to Adam Greenhood, CEO of AdWallet.

As soon as I created my AdWallet account, it was easy to see the potential for mass appeal on this platform, Fizz Ahmed, a digital consultant for Google, said in a news release. AdWallets value proposition is clear and simple.

Greenhood began the company earlier this year and rolled out the product in August.

The company pays customers 50 cents each time they view a commercial online. Customers can download the AdWallet app or go directly to the website, where they sign up for an account, answer a few questions and are then sent commercials to view each day. At the end of the commercial, the customers answer a question proving that they watched.

They are offered an extra 25 cents for sharing the ad on social media and are given the opportunity to receive discounts and coupons from the advertiser.

AdWallet received its first call from Google three days after it launched, according to Greenhood. After a monthlong approval process, Google notified Greenhood that AdWallet was welcome to use the Advantage Program, with access to Google resources and strategists for a 90-day period beginning at a time of Greenhoods choosing. Greenhood elected to begin next week.

We figured that we should use (the program) now because whatever works in Albuquerque, we have those tools in place to roll out nationally, Greenhood said.

After the 90-day period, AdWallet will still have access to Google strategists, but Greenhood said that for those 90-days, AdWallet will have Googles full attention.

Google will provide Greenhood with its full range of marketing tools, including customized learning content, planning tools and resources that are usually reserved for Googles top clients. AdWallet will also be provided with a team of Google strategists who will work closely with the startup to maximize brand reach.

AdWallet is undergoing BETA testing in Albuquerque and has had more than 7,000 active daily users in its first month, according to the release.

Users can sign up for free and download the app here. Advertisers can get set up on AdWallet online by uploading their ads to the site, selecting their target demographic and specifying how much they want to pay.
UTEC, a global survey company in subsea services group Acteon, has appointed long-term employees, Cory Goodyear, Mick Elmslie and Jonathan Watt as Business Unit Directors across its Americas and Europe and Africa business units.

The announcement follows the completion of a strategic review which also sees the UTEC corporate headquarters move from Houston to within the Acteon building in Aberdeen.

Stuart Cameron, UTEC Chief Executive Officer, said: Providing experienced employees with the opportunity to move into new positions has allowed us to add strength and depth to the organisation which will help drive UTEC into new technological and geographical areas.

Cory, who previously headed up the Europe and Africa business unit will move to Houston to take over the role of Business Unit Director of Americas, as Dave Ross, who has led the Houston office for the past decade retires from the business. Cory has worked for UTEC for 10 years, and is familiar with operations in Houston, having previously held the role as General Manager.

Mick Elmslie and Jonathan Watt have been appointed to jointly lead operations in Europe and Africa as joint Business Unit Directors.

Mick has been with UTEC for seven years, working in projects, operations and later as business development lead in UTECs Australian office. Earlier this year Mick moved to Aberdeen where he has spent the last six months as projects director for the Europe and Africa region.

Jonathan joined UTECs global team in December 2016 in the role of Global Commercial Manager having worked within the Acteon Group for the previous two years.

Stuart, said UTEC continues to be one of the largest global surveying businesses with the addition of more than 30 people to our onshore and offshore organisation this year. Together with the new leadership team I look forward to building on UTECs global presence whilst remaining focused on providing our clients with a quality service.
Nokia Tune Mashup began on 21 June 2017, which also happened to be World Music Day, with an intrigue post. It was followed by the whacky brand videos.

Since the iconic tune, enjoys such phenomenal brand equity, HMD Global decided to make it relevant to gen-millennial and announce Nokias much-awaited comeback in the smartphone market, by giving users a chance to unite and recreate the Nokia tune.

From musical instruments to stationery which one can find on their table, anything was allowed. Once the instruments were decided, all they had to do was record an entry and post in on Facebook using #NokiaTuneMashup and tag Nokias Facebook page. The best versions would then stand a chance to be a part of the Ultimate NokiaTune Mash-up, produced by Ehsaan & Loy.

Along the course of the campaign, the brand received entries from musicians such as Shirley Setia, Darshan Raval, DJ Chetas and Aditi Singh Sharma. Even the Olympic medalist P V Sindhu gave it a go! A video by Ehsaan and Loy encouraged users to send in their entries. (Attached are their pictures for your reference.)

A few of these shortlisted entries have already made their way to the teaser released by Ehsaan and Loy. With just a little longer left for the release of the Ultimate Nokia Tune Mashup the excitement is running high at the brands end.
Oriflame India, the leading Swedish direct selling beauty brand, has always been committed towards sustainability. To create more awareness around the brands strong legacy and ambition for the future, it has roped in National Award-winning actress Kalki Koechlin as Oriflames brand ambassador to launch the much-awaited campaign, A Beautiful Change. Through the campaign, the brand aims to emphasize on the idea that everyone can make a beautiful change in this world the way Oriflame is doing; by creating opportunities for people along with manufacturing responsible products that do not harm the environment.

For the past 50 years, Oriflame has been a quintessential beauty brand with its foundations in sustainable innovations and creations. From creating opportunities for people to improve their lives to giving back to local communities and nature, it has established its position as an environment-friendly and sustainable company. Much of the brands vital philosophies are reflected via its many social and environmental policies. Oriflame aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2020. It has collaborated with the RFA to source 100% of its paper and packaging requirements from credible certified sources by 2020. Oriflame is also the first cosmetics company purchasing GreenPalm credits for 100% palm oil usage. All these initiatives push the brand closer to its goal of sustainability in bringing about a beautiful change in the world.

Further, having established a global community comprising employees, customers, and consultants, it has many truly inspiring and heart-warming stories of progress, passion, and success. Oriflame provides an opportunity to people, especially women, and empowers them to fulfill their dreams. With its core beliefs of empowerment and sustainability, Kalki Koechlin is the perfect choice for Oriflame to take its message further.

Commenting on the sidelines, Mr. Sergei Kanashin, SVP and Head of South Asia & MD India at Oriflame said, Being one of the fastest growing cosmetic companies in the world, we believe that beauty is beyond looks but its the way one acts. While our products bring beauty and wellbeing into the lives of consumers, they are also manufactured in a way that they dont harm nature and the environment. We welcome Kalki in the Oriflame family and we look forward to a fruitful association with her.
McCann Worldgroup walked away with 7 metals at Clio Awards 2017. The agencys tally included three Gold and two Silver and two Bronze metals.

The campaign, titled Immunity Charm done for Afghanistan Ministry of Public Health, won 3 Golds in the Direct, Innovation and Product Design categories. The same campaign also secured a Silver in the Events/ Experiential category.

The campaign, titled World for All done for client World for All Pet Adoption received a Silver in the Print Technique (Art Direction) category. The same campaign also won two Bronze metals  one in the Print Technique (Art Direction) category and another Bronze in the Out of Home category.

Commenting on the wins, Prasoon Joshi, CEO and CCO of McCann Worldgroup India, Chairman of McCann Asia Pacific, said, Winning at a festival like Clio is always special for McCann India. I am proud of the entire team who contributed to the award winning work.

The Clio Awards recognises innovation and creative excellence in advertising, design and communication, as judged by an international panel of advertising professionals, with Time magazine describing the event as the worlds most recognisable international advertising awards.
TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Techcode Venture Development Co., Ltd. ("Techcode") attended the Israel session of the upcoming 2017 China Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum on September 6. The company will be a key participant at the forum's main session in Shanghai, and in other sessions in Beijing and other cities across China, and special sessions outside the country where it will be a showcase for innovation among Chinese firms in their overseas initiatives.

Techcode plans to hold four special sessions, in succession, in Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Helsinki, and the German state of Brandenburg. As part of the second overseas session, Techcode Israel joined hands with the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the municipal government of Tel Aviv to host the Tel Aviv Entrepreneurial Competition Winners Meeting. Zheng Xiaoxing, general manager of Techcode Israel, gave a presentation on Techcode's global innovation network and the fast growing innovation ecosystem in China to the 20 corporate winners of the competition and other industry leaders.

Techcode Israel also hosted the Israel heat of the "Clash of the Titans" Global Entrepreneurship Competition in association with Alibaba Cloud, organized lectures on artificial intelligence with Amdocs, and attended Cities Summit in Tel Aviv. By hosting and attending the series of events, Techcode drew much attention across several sectors. News of the event had spread far and wide, with the Deputy Mayor of Marseilles and the director of Carrefour Innovation Center in France leading delegations that attended Techcode Israel.

Techcode plans to hold additional sessions in several Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu and Guangzhou, from 15 to 21 September, where they will showcase further innovations in technology.

Learn more about Techcode at http://www.techcode.com/html/english/

Founded in 2014, Techcode Venture Development Co., Ltd. focuses on the operation and management of incubators and the dynamic growth of sci-tech startups. Over the past three years, the company has established physical incubators in Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Berlin, Helsinki, and built platforms that use online to leverage offline activities (O2O platforms) by bringing together considerable resources from industry, academe, the public sector, finance and research. The company has explored a path to forming innovation clusters through the establishment and cultivation of industry incubators and by boosting research and development via a focus on innovation at a regional level.
Samsung has announced that Bixby Voice will roll out in India within the next few weeks. While the South Korean company has already started deploying the voice-powered component of its personal assistant last month in over 200 countries around the world, it took quite some time for the firm to roll out the service in the said country since it had to train the assistant to understand the English language spoken in Indian accents. A similar scenario l resulted in the delay of Bixby Voices launch in the United States and other English-speaking countries. Samsung hopes that the voice assistant should now properly understand the instructions spoken by users coming from different places of India. Aside from dealing with the different accents of the English language, Samsung has also previously stated it will expand the capabilities of its personal assistant to other languages.

Bixby was developed by Samsung to compete with the likes of Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa. It originally launched with the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus, but it is now being included in tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) and newer handsets like the Galaxy Note 8. The assistant can be activated by saying Hi, Bixby and it will start listening for the users commands, although Samsung recommends that users state their instructions around 15 to 20 centimeters away from the handset. Some of the commands that Bixby is capable of performing include taking selfies, organizing photos, and providing the latest social media updates. Bixby is also capable of understanding quick commands, which can be set by the user in place of complicated, multi-step requests. The manufacturer is also working hard to integrate the assistant with other third-party applications, which should improve the functionality of Bixby.

Aside from activating the assistant through voice, there are also other ways to activate Bixby. Those include pressing the dedicated hardware button found at the left-hand side of the firms latest flagship devices. When providing instructions, the user also has the choice to either type the commands or tap on the suggested commands provided by the assistant. These options can be useful in occasions that voice commands may not work, like when recording media, making calls, or when the smartphone is either in ultra power saver mode or in emergency mode.
Industry giant, Google, will be ending its first click free program which allowed the search engine users to access articles on subscription-based news websites without having to purchase a subscription. The announcement came this Tuesday from the News Corp CEO, Robert Thompson, a long time critic of Googles practices towards publishers, who has been discussing the possibility of shutting down the first click free program with Sundar Pichai, Googles CEO, since July this year. Once the existing program shuts down, Google will give publishers a choice of offering search engine visitors a free sample article and they wont be penalized in search rankings if they decline to do so.

So far, the so called first click free program was designed to let search visitors read an article or two on a news site that requires subscription, thus evading the paywall. Google claimed its practice would help the publishers grow their subscription count, but quickly came under fire when some of the websites claimed that not only it hasnt helped with their growth, but also hurt their rankings on search results if they decided to opt-out of program. The websites not participating in the program werent scanned fully by Googles bots. Instead of search engine indexing the full articles, it would scan only the parts of articles available to users without paid subscription, which directly influenced the ranking of the websites on the platform. News sites like The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and New York Times are dependent of their subscriber base and have been strong opponents to Googles policies. The Wall Street Journal, for example, saw the traffic drop of 38% just last month compared to previous year once it opted-out of first click program and its stories being demoted in search results. Googles new program will therefore index the whole website even if the publisher doesnt allow the visitors to read anything for free, but other tools are also planned like providing more data about users whod be more likely to purchase a subscription so the publishers could more easily target the audience.

The battle of publishers against Google seems to be nearing its end, yet the company still hasnt officially confirmed the policy change or announced when exactly will it shut down the first click free program. There are still many negotiations to be done, but the publishers are already cheering for these changes as news business has been moving away from print ads, through digital advertising, to websites having subscriptions to keep their sustainability.
New features have been added to the Google Translate app that cater to the speakers of regional languages in India. The Indian arm of the search giant announced that its translation service will now support offline translation for seven regional Indian languages  Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. To take advantage of this feature, users can open the Google Translate app, tap its main drop-down menu, and download the specific software package for any regional language. The feature is likely to be important for users who either live or often travel to locations with a slow and spotty internet connection, Google believes. In addition, speakers of the aforementioned languages and people who converse in Malayalam may now use voice input for translation queries within the mobile app, the Alphabet-owned company confirmed.

Aside from voice input, Google has also announced that its Word Lens feature will now support eight regional Indian languages  Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Originally launched in 2015, Word Lens merges augmented reality, optical character recognition, and machine learning technologies to identify words and characters in real life using a phones camera and translate them in real time. In the sample images provided by Google India, the app is shown translating a Stop sign to the supported regional languages without requiring users to capture a photograph beforehand.

Google India markets its latest set of Google Translate features not only to the speakers of the regional languages in the country but also to tourists who may need to speak to locals on their trips to the subcontinent. All of those functionalities are already available in Hindi, the official language of India, and have been for quite some time already. The Mountain View, California-based company is also promising that similar efforts will be made to support other languages and dialects in the future, though it has yet to provide more details on the matter. Google Translate has slowly but steadily been expanding its support to an increasing number of languages and regional dialects in recent years and Alphabets subsidiary seemingly remains adamant to maintain this momentum going forward.
A new vulnerability has been discovered that could infect devices running the Android operating system with either a malware or a ransomware through a simple Bluetooth connection. The security issue, dubbed as Blueborne, is discovered by the researchers at Armis Labs. They found out that the Blueborne vulnerability could be used to send and install potentially damaging software without the need to pair the handset with an infected device. The malware transfer could occur as long as the Bluetooth is turned on on both devices, even if the smartphones are not in discoverable mode. In addition, the infected handsets, without the knowledge of the owner, has the capacity to spread the same malware to other smartphones or computers wherever the owner goes. Since the Bluetooth process has high privileges in the Android OS, a malware transmitted through this vulnerability has the ability to take over the handset, retrieve personal information, or lock users out of their devices. Aside from Android, this security flaw is also present in devices running Windows, Linux, and iOS, making personal computers and server systems potentially at risk.

Utilizing a unit of the Google Pixel, the researchers also provided a demo of how the security loophole works with the Android operating system. Within a short period of time after starting the attack, the group was able to take control of the handset, use a remote mouse to open the camera app and take a picture using the front-facing camera. Afterwards, the researchers were able to retrieve the image from the smartphone and view it on a separate computer. This demo is an example of how the software flaw could be used for cyber espionage and data theft, not only through taking images but also by retrieving sensitive information like location data and private messages. The researchers also pointed out that the devices infected through the Blueborne attack vector may be controlled as a part of a massive botnet, similar to the Mirai botnet.

Armis Labs has contacted several concerned parties regarding the security flaw it has discovered. Eight related zero-day vulnerabilities, four of which were categorized as critical, were reported by the researchers to companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Samsung. Google has already fixed the Blueborne vulnerability with the September 2017 Android security patch released for devices running Android 7.0 Nougat and Android 6.0 Marshmallow. On the other hand, Samsung has yet to respond to Armis Labs regarding the actions it has made to secure their devices from this loophole.
Samsung has moved to advance its 5G wireless network push with the recent commencement of lab and field tests that use the South Korean tech giants pre-commercial 28GHz (mmWave) system and devices at several sites in the United States in collaboration with Charter Communications. Part of the field trials also involve 4G LTE wireless network testing in support of Charter Communications Mobile Virtual Network Operator wireless strategy that is set for official launch next year. Craig Cowden, Senior Vice President for Wireless Technology at Charter Communications, said the trials offer insights into how the companys high speed network can enable 5G services and added that the 4G small cell technology tests support the Stamford, Connecticut-based telecommunications firms wireless push. Samsung and Charter Communications are carrying out the 4G network trials at 3.5GHz (CBRS) and both companies are in the process of assessing its mobile use cases using Samsungs 4G LTE small cell technology.

According to Mark Louison, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Networks at Samsung Electronics America, the partnership comes in conjunction with Charter Communications effort to assess its next-generation 5G and 4G wireless network technologies, adding that these initiatives are meant to pave the way for business models and customer applications that would leverage the full use of 4G LTE and 5G wireless networks in the future. The 5G and 4G trials kicked off in the summer and the team expects to complete the tests by the end of the year. Samsung says the long-term goal is to connect devices worldwide while providing rich connectivity experiences with low latency gigabit speeds. More to the point, Samsung hopes for its 5G and 4G LTE technologies to usher in a new era of mobile application development and Internet of Things, having been receiving patents that involve 5G standards. Additionally, the Seoul-based company is also showcasing a bevy of new 5G technologies at the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC) Americas 2017 held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

The 5G trials with Charter Communications are just the latest step in Samsungs initiatives to deepen its stake in the next-generation wireless network. Last week, Samsung successfully completed a 5G data transmission technology trial that used Millimeter Wave spectrum in partnership with Japanese telecom company KDDI.
Business review service Yelp on Monday sent a letter to the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in which it accuses Google of violating the terms of its 2012 antitrust settlement with the agency. Five years ago, the Alphabet-owned company agreed to allow websites to opt out of its data collection program which essentially scraps various information including images from the World Wide Web and displays it in ones search results, with that move officially marking the end of the FTCs probe into the companys supposedly monopolistic behavior.

Yelp is now claiming that Google is violating the terms of that settlement, as detailed in its Monday letter addressed to the FTC Acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen which leaked online a day after it was sent to the federal agency. The San Francisco, California-based company claims that it identified 385,888 images of various businesses taken and posted by its users within Googles localized Internet search results, adding how that alarming amount of evidence was uncovered in only an hour, suggesting that the extent of Googles violations is significantly larger than that. Yelp previously argued that Googles image-scrapping efforts are anti-competitive in nature and an abuse of the companys dominant position in the Internet search market, and the FTC essentially agreed with that notion, mandating the Mountain View, California-based tech giant to cease such activities in the future.

Five years later, Yelp noticed that Google once again started displaying some of its images in its search results, with the transgression supposedly being initially uncovered at some point in August. The latest turn of events marks another potentially major issue for the firm on the antitrust front, with its shopping comparison service recently becoming a subject of an unprecedented fine in Europe and its Android and AdWords units also being under investigation for anti-competitive transgressions on the Old Continent. Allegations that Google is potentially abusing the leading position of its Search service havent been particularly prevalent in the companys home country until recently, though its now facing such charges from numerous directions, with even its former partner and co-founder of Opera Software accusing it of monopolistic behavior.
Construction specialist David Starkoff has joined global firm Squires Patton Boggs in Sydney as of counsel in the international dispute team.Starkoff was formerly with Corrs Chambers Westgarth in the city having been with the firm since the start of his legal career, originally in Brisbane. He was appointed special counsel in 2015.At Squires, he will work alongside partners Cris Cureton, Brendan Reilly and Avendra Singh.As well as construction, infrastructure and projects disputes, Starkoffs experience includes commercial litigation, government enforcement litigation and competition and regulatory advice in the electricity sector.CMS has entered into an exclusive partnership agreement with Saudi Arabian law firm Feras Al Shawaf.The two firms will operate a referral network and also seek opportunities to work together.The partnership expands the Middle East coverage of CMS which also includes Algeria, Iran, Morocco, Oman, Turkey and the UAE, with associated offices in Iraq and Lebanon.The head of the Shanghai office of international firm Dorsey has been given a prestigious honour.Peter Corne has received the Magnolia Silver Award from the citys municipal government for his contributions to the citys development. It has been bestowed only 1,059 foreigners since it was inaugurated by the city in 1989.Corne is only one of a few lawyers to receive the honour and is mainly in recognition of his work to develop the dispute resolution capabilities of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone.The robot lawyer mainly known for defeating parking tickets has been given a new role in the wake of the Equifax data breach.DoNotPay, the AI chatbot-based system created by British entrepreneur Joshua Browder, is available in all 50 US states and estimates that his invention has defeated 375,000 parking tickets in two years.It does not actually defend clients but helps them to complete documents which can then be printed and filed.The addition of the potential to help 143 million who have been affected by the data breach at the credit bureau is unlikely to impact on several class action lawsuits that have already been filed.
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Queenslands community legal centres have stepped up efforts to self-generate funds in light of budget constraints, a new report revealed.According to the latest census of the National Association of Community Legal, 19% of the states community legal centres were receiving funding from philanthropic sources, while 31% were fundraising or receiving sponsorship to provide services.The battle for funding which took place last year showed us we had to make increased efforts to attract funds through events, donation drives and partnerships with philanthropic organisations, said James Farrell, director of Queensland Community Legal Centres. The census results also showed that each year, Queenslands community legal centres turned away over 55,000 people. Vulnerable Queenslanders are missing out on the legal help they needed and holding sausage sizzles isnt ever going to address this unmet need.The rise in sourcing of funds has led three of 28 centres to employ specialist fundraising staff and two to recruit volunteer fundraising staff.Queensland Community Legal Centres also spent an extraordinary number of hours to raise funds. The 28 centres surveyed spend 453 hours every week on unrelated legal activities, which includes grant applications and fundraising, the census found.Farrell said skimping on funding at the onset may be costing the government more.Ideally we would like the government to deliver on the Productivity Commission recommendation of an additional $200m, he said. When people are unable to access legal help, they end up costing taxpayers more as they tried to navigate the legal system alone or have problems that escalate, eventually needing more help from other government services. The amount of time Queensland centres are spending on funding-related activities means they have less time available to provide legal assistance to clients.
Everythings fine at Ropes & Gray, the firms leaders would like everyone to know. Thats despite the firm losing 18 partners so far this year.In an interview with Bloomberg Law, managing partner David Chapin and London managing partner Mike Goetz said that the firms is not in trouble.There have been  which is unusual for us  recent departures from Ropes & Gray that should be put in context with respect to overall growth of the firm over the past 10 years, Chapin said. [The firm] is larger than it was eight years ago. AmLaw peer firms have barely grown at all. We have been the net beneficiary of partner movement by hiring over 120 lateral partners over that time period. Our number of partners is up about 11% [over the eight years].He said that AmLaw peers had their partnerships grow about 1% over the same period. Ropes & Gray has also grown its lawyer ranks by more than 55% in that period, while AmLaw peers have grown less than 4%.Many who have left  we havent necessarily prevented them from moving, to say it as politely as I can. Some we wish have stayed. We remain fully committed to our strategy in London and elsewhere and from my perspective it is kind of business as usual, Chapin said.Goetz said that the departures in London are part of a natural phase for firms in this market.We were the 99th U.S. firm to open in London eight years ago. And Ive been in London myself for eighteen years and a couple previous firms before this, Goetz said. It was fairly common for firms to open offices and have significant turnover. We bucked that trend significantly before these losses. Weve been here for eight years, and as you mature, you start to have these kinds of turnover.Goetz said that the firm hasnt changed its strategy at all, which it is comfortable with. In fact, the firm is seeing more work, Chapin said.Through August  our total lawyer hours are up quite substantially in the range of eight to 10 percent at a time when overall partner headcount is down five percent year on year, Chapin said. The real story for Ropes & Gray is that it is a very strong financial performance year. We have taken some strategic moves. The spin-out of the IP rights management practice has been in the works for the better part of the year. We agreed that they could provide better service to clients in a separate, more lean operation rather than carrying the overhead of a big law firm. That process has gone really smoothly. We continue to work with them for mutual clients.In January, Geoffrey Chan, who headed the firms Asia private investment funds group, left for Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.In April, the firm lost five partners to two different firms. In Hong Kong, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher lured managing partner Paul Boltz, corporate partner Brian Schwarzwalde, corporate partner Michael Nicklin, and private equity partner Scott Jalowayski. In London, White & Case hired structured finance partner Chris McGarry.In May, London restructuring partner James Douglas moved to Linklaters In June, three firms hired partners from Ropes & Gray. King & Spalding hired London finance partners Mark Wesseldine and Fergus Wheeler. Kirkland & Ellis hired private equity partner Jason Serlenga in Boston. Goodwin Procter scored Boston real estate investments and transactions co-head Marc Lazar.Fast forward two months and Kirkland & Ellis raided the Ropes & Gray ranks in five cities. It hired Chicago managing partner and global anti-corruption and international risks co-chair Asheesh Goel, New York securities and futures enforcement co-head Zachary Brez, Chicago government enforcement partner Kim Nemirow, London government enforcement partner Marcus Thompson, Hong Kong government enforcement partner Cori Lable, and London investment funds partner Anand Damodaran.This month, Dechert hired London investment partner Monica Gogna.
kW

Adaptive Cruise Control

A lot of time has passed since the current Land Cruiser Prado s introduction in 2009, and a facelift later, the mid-size off-road vehicle ushers in a second refresh at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The resemblance with the full-size Land Cruiser is uncanny, and updates abound both inside and out.First of all, the front fascia is distinguished by broad vertical slit-shaped cooling openings for the grille. Flanked by redesigned headlights with the main beams positioned inboard to avoid damage during off-road driving, the Land Cruiser Prado is also gifted with mildly different front and rear bumpers.The segment leader in more than 10 European markets, the Prado features better materials and superior fit & finish for the dashboard, instrument cluster, and switchgear. The flush surface of the air conditioning control panel is only one of the highlights, as is the 8.0-inch Toyota Touch 2 infotainment. Ventilated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles are also go.Body-on-frame by nature, the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is offered with a generous array of four- and six-cylinder engines. The big seller comes in the guise of the 2.8-liter D4D turbo diesel with 177 PS (130) on tap, and the list is furthered by the 2.7-liter VVT-i (161 PS or 120 kW) and 4.0-liter VVT-i (249 PS or 183 kW). The oil-burning motor is the one to go for if torque is what you want, developing 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) between 1,600 - 2,400 rpm.60 millimeters longer than the 2017 model year, the updated Prado comes with enhanced driver-assist features thanks to the augmentation of Toyota Safety Sense . The suite relies on a camera and millimeter-wave radar for Pre-Collision System with a Pedestrian Detection and
The CEO of Naples Jet Center at Naples Airport in Florida told AVweb he and everyone else involved in the cleanup after Hurricane Irma are writing a new playbook. None of us have ever been through anything like this before, Matt Hagans told AVweb after meeting with airport and FAA officials at the airport on Tuesday. He said it could be 10 days before power is restored at one of Floridas busiest business airports and in the meantime, the whole community is dealing with devastation it likely never envisioned. The level of damage to infrastructure is incredible, he said. There are millions of trees down. Hagans, whose official title is CEO of Eagle Creek Aviation Services, the company that owns the FBO, said his business was damaged but will recover.

Hangar doors at the FBO were damaged or ripped off in winds that hit 142 MPH as the eye of Irma passed directly over the popular resort town on the west coast of southern Florida. All the aircraft had been evacuated and there was no staff on site when the hurricane hit and Hagans said hes grateful there were no injuries. We are obviously disappointed that our hangar was damaged, but we are fully aware that the damage could have been much, much worse  and were particularly grateful that our employees heeded the warnings and evacuated the area before the storm hit, he said. The runways at the airport were cleared to allow National Guard operations but the airport has been NOTAMd closed.
Landing in the trees is hardly ever a first choice, but it worked out for one pilot on Monday morning. Around 11:30 a.m. local time, a pilot flying a rental Cessna 172 from Robertson Airport crashed into a tree in the parking lot of an industrial equipment company adjacent to the airport. Security camera footage of the Carling Technologies parking lot shows the 1981 Skyhawk appearing to enter a spin, when it collides with a tree. As the top of the tree snaps, the aircraft is spun around and strikes the ground mostly upright.

The pilot, 79-year old Manfred Forst, was reportedly taken to the hospital, but released after evaluation with no significant injuries. I was very fortunate I got out of it without any real injuries, Forst told his local NBC affiliate. Im just so thankful. Initial reports suggest a small fuel leak, possibly from a fuel sump, may have led to a loss of engine power.
House Democratic leaders copied Special Counsel Robert Mueller on a letter yesterday stating that former national security advisor Michael Flynn appeared to break the law, per CNN. They argue that he failed to disclose a trip to the Middle East to broker a business deal with Saudi Arabia and a Russian government agency in June 2015.

The letter was drafted by Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), the top Democrat on the oversight committee, and Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House foreign affairs committee.

It was sent to Flynn's former business partners and requested documents relating to his trip.

Why it matters: Flynn is already under intense scrutiny by Mueller for his ties to Russia, his calls to the Russian ambassador during Trump's transition period, and the undisclosed work he did for Turkey last year.

Flashback: In June, Cummings and Engel, who have been investigating Flynn's security clearance, sent a letter to three U.S. companies where Flynn previously worked requesting documents about his time in Saudi Arabia and Russia. The lawmakers claimed that Flynn had failed to report his foreign travels and contacts in a 2016 application to renew his security clearance.

In response, officials from the companies provided Cummings and Engel with statements confirming Flynn traveled to the Middle East in June 2015 to work on a $100 billion joint U.S.-Russian venture to develop nuclear facilities. The deal was to be financed by Saudi Arabia.

Details of the controversial deal: The deal Flynn was involved in proposed that American consulting firms team up with the Saudi government and a Russian government-run nuclear energy agency, Rosatom, to build 16 nuclear energy plants in Saudi Arabia. "Saudi Arabia would then sell that energy to eight other Sunni Arab countries, including Egypt and Jordan," according to CNN. Those countries would also buy military arms from Russia as part of the deal, per the American companies' letters provided to Democrats.

As CNN points out, the weapons sales would have likely been facilitated by Russian state-run arms exporter Rosoboron, which was sanctioned by the Treasury Department in September 2015 for violating U.S. laws that bar arms sales to Iran, Syria and North Korea.
Michael Flynn Jr. (left) at the alt-right "Rally for Peace" outside the White House on June 25. Michael Flynn Jr. / Twitter

Michael Flynn Jr., the son of President Trump's ousted national security advisor, is now a focus of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, per a report from NBC News.
Bitcoin logos are displayed at the Inside Bitcoins conference and trade show in New York in 2014. (Mark Lennihan/AP)

Bitcoin mining has become very big business  one that Chinese entrepreneurs have built a vast infrastructure to exploit. The New York Times reports on the bitcoin mining boom in rural China, where firms have set up vast server farms to help maintain the bitcoin blockchain by solving cryptographic problems in return for payment in bitcoins.

Bitmain China is one firm cashing in, operating a bitcoin farm on the outskirts of the Gobi Desert near the Mongolian border that mints $318,000 worth of bitcoin each day.

Why it matters: Bitmain's success illustrates one half of China's love-hate relationship with Bitcoin. Regulators are cracking down on potentially dangerous speculation in the currency and worry that it will aid in the evasion of strict rules on moving money in and out of China. But government officials still want to allow profitable mining of the currency and cultivate expertise in a technology that will be important for the future digital economy.
Texas Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa looks at maps on display prior to a Senate Redistricting committee hearing in Austin, Texas in 2013. Photo: Eric Gay / AP

Last night, the Supreme Court voted 5-4 along partisan lines, blocking a lower court's August ruling that the drawing of two congressional districts in Texas was unconstitutional and discriminatory toward Hispanic voters. As is usual in these kinds of cases, there was no explanation for the decision, according to Politico.

Why it matters: Texas does not have to start redistricting, which means current maps are likely to be used in 2018 elections.
House Ways and Means Committee chairman Kevin Brady outlined a step-by-step process to House Republicans this morning for moving ahead on tax reform.

The goal: For the House and Senate to get a budget resolution done by mid-October, followed by the introduction of a detailed tax reform plan that he'd steer through his committee and then push through the House this fall, according to a person in the room.

Reality check: Republicans still have one big problem. The House and Senate have to reach an agreement on a budget resolution  which would set the broad outlines for tax reform  before they can work on a detailed tax reform bill. Yet conservatives like House Freedom Caucus chairman Mark Meadows aren't ready to commit to voting for a budget resolution unless they know the tax reform details first. If Republicans can't satisfy them, there's no guarantee they'll get past Step 1.

Yes, but: Brady says the Big Six" tax reform negotiators hope to release a consensus tax reform framework the last week of September  so that could give a better sense of whether the conservatives will get what they need. (The Big Six" are Brady, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Finance Committee chairman Orrin Hatch, Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House economic adviser Gary Cohn.)

The sequence, per the Brady briefing:
A senior U.S. official encouraged Armenian businesspeople to take greater advantage of Armenias mostly tariff-free access to the U.S. market during a visit to Yerevan on Wednesday.

Assistant Trade Representative Ed Gresser advised them on the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) at a meeting organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia (AmCham) and the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan.

Armenia is among 129 countries and territories included in the GSP program, which fully or partly exempts many goods manufactured by them from U.S import duties. Despite these trade preferences, Armenian exports to the United States have been quite modest to date.

According to official statistics, Armenian companies exported only about $39 million worth of goods -- mostly aluminum foil, jewelry items and some foodstuffs -- to the U.S. last year. Those exported jumped by 62 percent year on year, to almost $35 million, in the first seven months of 2017.Sixty percent of them were covered by the GSP.

Gresser said that the preferential trade regime gives Armenian exporters a significant competitive edge in the United States. No country in the European Union is eligible for GSP, he said. Russia is not in the GSP system, China is not in the GSP system, Iran is not in the GSP system.

So when buyers are choosing between Armenia products and those of some neighboring countries or those of some very large exporters, the savings GSP offers can be a pretty compelling argument for buying the Armenian product, argued the U.S. official.

Armenia is already the worlds fourth largest exporter of cherry jam to the U.S., he said.

One of my top priorities as ambassador for the last two years has been to improve economic ties and trade between Armenia and the United States, Richard Mills, the U.S. ambassador in Yerevan, told reporters after the AmCham meeting. Thats why I am very happy to be welcoming to Yerevan this week two senior members from the United States Trade Representatives office.

These two visitors are here to talk about the potential for expanding Armenias business communitys use of the Generalized System of Preferences that the United States has in place, he said.

The U.E. Embassy and the Armenian Ministry of Economy already organized a seminar in March 2016 for Armenian manufacturing firms interested in capitalizing on the GSP. Another senior official from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) was on hand to present business opportunities stemming from the trade scheme and legal procedures for qualifying for it.

Gresser met on Tuesday with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and Deputy Economy Minister Garegin Melkonian. Official Armenian sources said the talks focused not only on GSP-related issues but also broader commercial ties between the two nations. In particular, the two sides discussed preparations for a second session of the U.S.-Armenia Trade and Investment Council.

The council was set up in line with the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) signed by U.S. and Armenian officials in Washington in May 2015. It is tasked with addressing obstacles to bilateral trade.
13 September 2017 11:35 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Armenian governments program on optimization of schools has already become a headache for both schoolchildren and authorities.

Parents in the Kotayk village of Pyunik continue to keep their children from attending school, to protest a government decision that will close the school in two months and have the pupils attend classes in the neighboring village of Artavaz.

Pyunik residents say that closing the village school means closing the village.

Residents have appealed to Armenias president, prime minister and the education minister, asking them to void the controversial decision.

They questioned the governments finding that education quality levels would jump if the 44 pupils at the Pyunik school were to attend classes at the neighboring Artavaz school with 70 pupils.

Residents are fearful that the closing of the school will result in people leaving Pyunik. They also point out that children will have to travel three kilometers to the school in Artavaz, often on foot, due to the lack of reliable transportation. They say the road would be difficult during the harsh winters.

As the calls by the parents have fallen on deaf ears, they were forced to come to Yerevan to be heard of.

The children held banners saying Do not spare money for education!", "The village should have its school" and "Please reconsider the decision."

On the initiative of our Governor, it was decided to merge the two schools. The Governor did not deign to come to us to learn what's going on, mother of one of the students told Hetq.am. The vice-governor advised the parents to appeal to higher authorities.

In Yerevan, a state official tried to comfort the demonstrators saying that the decision on optimization was postponed for six months.

However, Armenians know that the authorities often give empty promises in order to calm the population. What is more, the official said that the decision was just postponed. Thus, the merging of the schools will still be implemented in half a year.

The confrontation of Armenian population and the government over the merge of schools is related to one of the main social problems of todays Armenia  immigration. Thousands of Armenians leaving the country take their children with themselves, and as a result, the countrys schools get empty.

The data of the National Statistical Service show that about 35,000 schoolchildren left Armenia over the past six years. As a result, many classes and sometimes schools are getting closed in the country.

The National Center of Educational Technologies under Armenias Education and Science Ministry reports that as many as 6,562 students left the country in 2015-2016, and this figure reached 7,117 in this academic.

Education Expert Serob Khachatryan, criticizing the program, said that the schools optimization should be observed in the context of President Serzh Sargsyans statement that there is a goal to increase the number of population of Armenia by 2040.

If the population will be up to 4 million, why to close the schools? Khachatryan said.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2017 17:58 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Yerevan has once again proved its reluctance to engage in serious talks to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as Armenian armed forces in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan launched large-scale exercises there this morning.

The exercises, involving heavy artillery and armored vehicles, take place on the territory called Bagbanlar in the occupied territories of Agdam region. The sounds of fire from heavy artillery are heard in the villages of Agdam, as well as in Agjabadi and Barda regions, APA reported.

Baku has repeatedly stated that existence of Armenian armed forces in Azerbaijans occupied territories itself prevents the settlement of the conflict and serves to intensifying the aggravation in the region and occurrence of incidents.

The military exercises are illustrative as to the real intentions of Armenia and its unwillingness to settle the conflict through negotiations. This is also a clear manifestation of continued illegal use of force by Armenia against Azerbaijan.

Failure of the international community to properly react to such blatant and repeated violations by Armenia is a serious blow to the peace process.

Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims to Azerbaijan. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions.

The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal from the occupied lands of Azerbaijan, but they have not been enforced to this day. Peace talks mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. within the OSCE Minsk Group have also produced no results so far.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
13 September 2017 19:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Mark Suzman

A key agenda item at this years annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, under way this week, will be to assess global progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UNs consensus roadmap for solving the worlds biggest challenges by 2030.

I was part of the UN team that helped create the Millennium Development Goals, which preceded the SDGs. By the time the MDGs concluded in 2015, they had fueled some of the fastest and most extensive gains in global health and development the world has ever seen. The MDGs paved the way for the SDGs, and I have been encouraged by the commitment the global community has shown to sustaining the post-2015 development agenda.

But it has also become clear to me and others that without a more deliberate, data-driven focus on the needs of women and girls in particular, progress toward a wide range of objectives will suffer. If we fail to achieve universal gender equality, we will fall short of many other goals, from ending poverty to ensuring good health.

One of my personal frustrations with the MDGs was that gender equality was more a matter of rhetoric than of action. Despite their promise of empowerment, the MDGs didnt adequately target many of the biggest challenges that women and girls face, such as gender-based violence and economic discrimination. These gaps have persisted, because in the 1990s, when the MDGs were being formulated, most people, including me, did not adequately understand the scale or complexity of the problem.

We must avoid a similar fate with the SDGs. Achieving gender equality is more than a once-in-a-generation opportunity; it is also the best way to make progress on nearly all of the SDGs, and to build a world where everyone can thrive. As Bill and Melinda Gates will discuss at a gathering of world leaders next week in New York, and show in a new report, collective action is needed to address the various dimensions of gender inequality and drive progress.

One of the biggest impediments is a dearth of good data on issues that disproportionately affect women and girls, such as land rights, access to education, family planning, or health care. Data are essential to understanding what is working and how to track progress. Yet up-to-date data exist for only a small fraction of the indicators that were developed to assess progress on the 17 SDGs  including the more than 40 that directly relate to gender equality. Of the 14 indicators of progress associated with the primary gender equity goal, SDG 5, most countries are measuring just three.

To help fill these critical gaps, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has created a three-year, $80 million initiative to generate more reliable data that can improve the design and targeting of programs and policy interventions. As part of that effort, the foundation recently launched a $10 million partnership with UN Women to help countries improve the quality of the gender-specific data they collect. The foundation is also supporting Equal Measures 2030, an initiative to empower advocates and civil-society groups with easy-to-use evidence to assess progress toward targets and keep the SDGs for women and girls on track.

These and other efforts will provide gender-equality advocates and decision-makers with better information about the nature and scale of the social and economic barriers holding women and girls back, and help identify who is falling through the cracks.

We know from existing evidence that empowering women and girls can accelerate progress. For example, when girls attend secondary school (SDG 4), they are up to six times less likely to be married as a child. And higher literacy rates among adolescent girls are associated with lower adolescent birth rates and improved health (SDG 3). Likewise, women are much more likely than men to invest surplus income in ways that improve the lives of their children.

The benefits of gender equity are also apparent when women have access to basic financial services, like credit and savings accounts, which enable them to start businesses and save money for family essentials.

Closing the gender gap in agriculture, meanwhile, could have an even more profound impact on families and productivity in the developing world. Today, for example, women make up nearly half of the agricultural workforce in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, they typically work smaller, less productive plots of land than men, and often lack access to the best seeds, fertilizer, credit, and training opportunities. Studies show that giving women more decision-making power over productive assets has the potential to increase farm yields by more than 20%, which is essential to end poverty in all its forms everywhere by 2030 (SDG 1).

When we remove the barriers confronting the most vulnerable in society, the effects are transformational. But to do that, donors, development partners, governments, and the private sector must invest in more and better data that are sorted by age and sex. Doing so will allow programs to be tailored to the needs of women and girls everywhere.

Our challenge  and opportunity  is to overcome the deeply entrenched barriers that impede progress for women and girls. The SDGs are a huge step in that direction. But goals without actionable strategies are just good intentions. The SDGs provide the roadmap to ending poverty and creating a better, healthier, more secure world for everyone. Ensuring that we have quality data is the best way to ensure that no one gets lost along the way.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: Data-Driven Gender Equality

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13 September 2017 12:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

A bilateral meeting between entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan and the Astrakhan region of Russia will be held in Baku on September 19-20, 2017, the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) reported.

The Russian companies products will be demonstrated as part of the meeting.

The data of the Southern Customs Administration of the Federal Customs Service of Russia shows that the trade turnover between the Astrakhan region and Azerbaijan amounted to $12.1 million in January-July 2017, $9.36 million of that amount account for the supply of Azerbaijani products to the Astrakhan region. Almost 23 percent of the total turnover of the Astrakhan region account for Azerbaijan.

Moreover, entrepreneurs are currently building a plant producing electric motors, greenhouses in the Astrakhan region.

Azerbaijani business center will be built in the Astrakhan region soon. The Center will promote Azerbaijani products in the Russian market. The interested Russian companies will have opportunity of concluding long-term contracts with specific suppliers from Azerbaijan. Thus, the construction of the center will contribute to the effective development of trade and economic relations between business entities of both countries.

Azerbaijan is one of the main economic partners of Russia among the CIS countries. The trade turnover between two countries amounted to almost $2 billion in 2016. Interregional cooperation plays an important role in the development of Russian-Azerbaijani trade and economic relations and the increase in trade turnover.

At present, enterprises of 71 regions of the Russian Federation cooperate directly with Azerbaijan. Fifteen regions of Russia have relevant agreements with Azerbaijan on trade and economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.

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13 September 2017 13:21 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijani entrepreneurs, attending Worldfood Moscow 2017, have signed a number of deals on export of various food products to Russia.

Following the signing of a deal by the national company "Azerstar" with two Russian companies on hazelnut export, Azerbaijani entrepreneurs inked 11 more contracts.

The national hazelnut production company Khanel also signed two agreements on the export of 120 tons of hazelnuts in total to the Russian market.

Russian companies participating in Worldfood Moscow and visitors to the exhibition also showed interest in Azerbaijani confectionery products.

The Azerbaijani company Shirin signed major agreements within the framework of the exhibition. Russian company World of Sweets intends to purchase 200 tons of confectionery products and the company also agreed on deliveries of 30 tons confectionery products each to Vladivostok, Tyumen, Krasnoyarsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Irkutsk and Tambov regions, as well as to the Ural region of Russia.

Within the framework of the exhibition, the national company "min qida snaye" and the Russian distributor agreed on supply of sugar vanilla and baking powder to Russia.

The CIS countries especially Russia, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Belarus are the traditional export markets for Azerbaijani goods, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, fruit, vegetables, nuts, tea, conserve, cotton, oil, sugar, salt and etc. In a bid to expand the export map, the country seeks to broaden the range of products sold under the Made in Azerbaijan brand through the high-quality products that have so far been used only in domestic market.

The countries of Western Europe, Far East, including Japan and China, African states and Gulf countries are the target markets, according to the Azerbaijani Economy Ministry. The country has been sending trade missions to various countries since November 2016 to increase its exports. Missions have already been organized to China, UAE, and Germany, Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, was defined as next destination, where Azerbaijani entrepreneurs will present 'Made in Azerbaijan' brand on October 1-4, according to the Economy Ministry.

Azerbaijan is keen to penetrate widely in the international commodity markets with its products branded Made in Azerbaijan.

Last year, the authorities of Azerbaijan have launched large-scale reforms and adopted a roadmap program that prioritizes 12 sectors with strategic goals set before the economy to create a new development model basing on short-term (until 2020), medium-term (until 2025) and long-term measures (post 2025). The key insight of the economic reforms that allows to achieve the sustainable development and pervade the budgets, are exports.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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13 September 2017 15:47 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

Monitoring and evaluation of the Strategic Road Maps for key sectors of the national economy will be presented every six months.

Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communications made the remarks during a press conference on evaluation of the results of implementing the Strategic Road Maps.

He said that 6 percent of the measures envisaged by the Strategic Road Map for the production of consumer goods at the level of small and medium enterprises have been implemented and 42 percent have already begun.

Further he stressed that non-oil exports in Azerbaijan amounted to $855 million in 7 months of this year, which is 20 per cent more than in 2016, adding that the country exported goods to 133 countries in 7 months.

The top five countries importing non-oil products of Azerbaijan are Russia, Turkey, Georgia, Switzerland and Turkmenistan.

The Executive Director also mentioned that there was developed a project to prolong the suspense of the inspection of entrepreneurs' activities.

The inspection of entrepreneurs' activities in Azerbaijan has been suspended for the period of two years from November 1, 2015. The exceptions from the law include check-ups which are held by State Commission to Combat Corruption under Prosecutor Generals Office, as well as cases which endanger health or life, pose hazards to the state security or economic interests.

Gasimli went on to say that 88 percent of the measures envisaged by the Strategic Road Map for housing construction at affordable prices have either been implemented or begun.

Saying that the Strategic Road Map for the development of the specialized tourism industry continues successfully, the Executive Director noted that the number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan in the first six months of this year increased by 24 percent.

Creation of the Azerbaijan Tourism Council, establishment of the National Bureau of Tourism Promotion, reduction in the duration of visa issuance from 3 days to 3 hours, as well as organization of the Baku Shopping Festival contributed to the development of tourism in the country as a whole in the framework of Strategic Road Maps.

The implementation of the Strategic Road Map for the development of vocational education and training equals to 59 percent. The average number of occupations in the field of vocational training has been increased from 123 to 154.

The Strategic Road Map for the development of telecommunications and information technologies has been implemented by 44 percent.

Gasimli emphasized that measures for the development of heavy industry and engineering has been implemented by 70 percent, further adding that some works in the Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park, Dashkasanfilizaflashma JSC and Azeraluminium JSC were conducted.

President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree in late 2016 endorsing Strategic Road Maps for the National Economy and Main Economic Sectors, which outlined the short-, medium- and long-term goals for the development of the economy and eleven key sectors.

The document comprises consolidated measures aimed at minimization of negative impacts of the global economic slowdown. It will allow to create a new development model basing on short-term (until 2020), medium-term (until 2025) and long-term measures (post 2025) to be implemented in different spheres of economy.

The strategic road maps up to 2025 and beyond cover almost all sectors of the economy, including, development of the oil and gas industry, the manufacture and processing of agricultural products, the manufacture of small and medium entrepreneurship-level consumer goods, development of heavy industry and machinery, tourism, logistics and trade, vocational education and training, financial services, communication and information technologies and utilities.

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13 September 2017 17:21 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

First cars of Azerbaijan-Iran joint car plant are planned to be manufactured starting from 2018.

Azerbaijani Deputy Economy Minister Sahil Babayev said that the construction of the car factory in Neftchala will soon be over: "We have set a date for the start of production of cars next year with our Iranian partners."

Groundbreaking ceremony for the joint plant located at the territory of Neftchala Industrial district was held in mid 2016. The project is implemented by Azerbaijani company AzEurocCar and Iranian manufacturer Khodro.

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.

Earlier, AzEuroCars representative noted that the price of new cars will be 10,000-12,000 manats ($5,800-7,000), adding that the cars produced at the plant will meet Euro 5 standard.

Production of some spare parts is planned in local factories. The plant intends to cooperate with the Sumgayit Industrial Park and SOCARs new plant.

Some 20 percent of the vehicles will be exported to CIS and Central Asian countries.

Sahil Babayev further added that cooperation with pharmaceutical companies that are building their plants in the country will continue. Next year, the P-Farm plant will be put into operation, and the plant of the Iranian pharmaceutical company will be put into operation in 2019.

In late 2015, the government announced that Azerbaijan will create its own enterprises that will manufacture medicines to cease dependence on imports. Today, the local market of medicines is heavily dependent on imports.

To this end, the Pirallahi Industrial Park is established by the order of President Ilham Aliyev On Establishment of Pirallahi Industrial Park dated September 14, 2016.

Currently, 3 pharmaceutical plants are being constructed in the Pirallahi Industrial Park.

The first plant is a joint venture with a group of companies R-Pharm (Russian Federation), Vita-A LLC (Azerbaijan) and Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC). The foundation of the Hayat Farm was laid in November 2016.

The joint pharmaceutical plant between Iranian company Tamin Pharmaceutical Investment Company (TPIC) and Azerbaijans Azersun Holding, Caspian Pharmed became the second resident of the plant. The foundation of the plant was held in January 2017.

The Azerbaijani company Diamed Co, founded in April 2017, is the third resident of Azerbaijans Pirallahi Industrial Park.

The plant, covering an area of one hectare, will produce 55-58 million syringes annually, based on advanced European, Japanese and Korean technologies.

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13 September 2017 16:58 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has no plans to resume lending to Azerbaijan in near future as the Azerbaijani government has not requested this from the IMF.

Jihad Azour, director of the IMF Middle East and Central Asia Department made the remarks at a press conference in Baku on September 13.

The IMF forecasts growth of Azerbaijan's economy by 2 percent in 2018, said Jihad Azour. This forecast is preliminary and may be adjusted by the end of 2017, according to Azour.

An IMF mission will visit Azerbaijan in the first half of December, he added.

He noted that the missions goal will be to discuss forecasts on Azerbaijans 2018 state budget and the results of implementation of economic reforms in the country.

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13 September 2017 18:22 (UTC+04:00)

Barama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center of Azercell Telecom LLC has launched a new startup competition with the support of PASHA Bank and Azerbaijan Technological University.

Ganja Big Idea Competition, the first competition organized in Ganja, provides an opportunity for students studying in the regions to develop their business ideas and win valuable prizes. The interested students may get registered via https://goo.gl/forms/gULN8W3glCtEFj5F2internet link starting from September, 11 to October, 10. The applications will be reviewed by the panel of judges. The best 10 applicants will be qualified as the finalists and all applicants will be notified about the results via Barama website and email on October, 12. In the final round scheduled for October 16, the qualifying teams will present their ideas to the panel. Thus, the teams will have to present their ideas with the business plan within 10 minutes. The winners will receive the following prizes:

1st place gift coupon in the amount of AZN 500

2nd place  gift coupon in the amount of AZN 300

3rd place  gift coupon in the amount of AZN 200

In addition, Barama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center offers incubation and other services to successful projects of the competition. Ganja Big Idea Competition is aimed to discover innovative ideas in IT field, including mobile applications, Internet, software, games, robots, information technologies and consumer electronics, health, agriculture, IoT, non-oil sector and chemistry.

Barama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center invites the young startups to join Ganja Big Idea Competition and realize their dreams and start their own business.

So, Give us your idea, and we give you our support!".

For more information, please contact [email protected]



The leader of the mobile communication industry of Azerbaijan and the biggest investor in the non-oil sector Azercell Telecom LLC was founded in 1996. With 48% share of Azerbaijans mobile market Azercells network covers 80% of the territory and 99,8% of population of the country. Currently, 4,5 million subscribers choose Azercell services. Azercell has pioneered an important number of innovations in Azerbaijan, including GSM technology, advance payment system, 24/7 Customer Care, online customer services, GPRS/EDGE, M2M, MobilBank, one-stop- shop service offices Azercell Express, mobile e-service ASAN signature, etc. Azercell deployed first 4G  LTE services in Azerbaijan in 2012. According to the results of mobile network quality surveys of Global Wireless Solutions company and international systems specialized in wireless coverage mapping such as Opensignal and Testmy.net, Azercells network demonstrated the best results among the mobile operators of Azerbaijan.

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13 September 2017 10:03 (UTC+04:00)

Baku Expo Center will host the 10th Anniversary International Exhibition for Heating, Ventilation, Air- Conditioning, Water Supply, Sanitary, Environmental Technology, Swimming Pool and Renewable Energies, Aquatherm Baku 2017 from October 18 to 21.



Over the years the exhibition has proved to be a perfect venue for HVAC industry experts to come together for the establishment of new partnerships, the signing of mutually advantageous contracts and the promotion of business in the Caspian and Caucasian markets, and thousands of industry stakeholders take part in this exhibition annually (last year the number of visits was 8085 visitors, industry professionals accounted for 93 percent, 67 percent - participants established new business contacts).

This year the exhibition will bring together companies from Azerbaijan, China, France, Iran, Italy, Kuwait, Turkey, and other countries. At the moment, the list of exhibitors includes such companies as: Euroclima, Yusiko, BestTechniK, Azertexnolayn, Alarko Carrier Sanayi ve Ticaret, Egeplast Ege Plastik, Turan Makin, Termo ISI, Polimart, Ultratek, Sumgait Technologies Park, Kaskad  Hidro, Yetsan Pazarlama Isi Sistemleri and others. This years exhibition welcomes a number of new participating companies, in addition to its regular exhibitors; among the newcomers are Sabkond (Azerbaijan), Termoklimat (Azerbaijan), AquaLink (Azerbaijan), New Cond (Azerbaijan), Crocus Trading (Azerbaijan), Frisquet (France), Daboo Sanat (Iran), Rubinetteria Paffoni (Italy), Coolex (Kuwait) and others.

Participating companies of Aquaterm Baku 2017 will feature ventilation and sewage systems, fire hydrants, valves, heating systems, pipes, fittings, radiators, boilers and pumps, as well as pumping stations, water heaters and others. The exhibition will showcase a wide range of domestic and industrial air conditioners from various manufacturers. This years new products include IT technologies for remote climate control in premises. Among the exhibiting brands there are well-established trademarks such as AUX, Arcelik, Alarko, Ecostar, Immergas, Mitsubishi, Sime and so on.

Aquatherm Baku 2017 will be accompanied by a comprehensive business program. For the first time within the framework of the exhibition, the organizers will arrange B2B meetings between exhibitors and local distributors. These meetings will also be attended by representatives from the companies involved in social urban housing projects.

The exhibition will be held with the official support of National Confederation of The Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan Republic (AEC) and Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO).

The organizers of the event are Iteca Caspian and ITE Group and its partners - EUF (Turkey), Caspian Event Management FZ LLC (UAE), ITE China (China), actively attracting international companies to participate in the Azerbaijan exhibitions. More detailed information about Aquatherm Baku 2017 is available on the official website of the exhibition www.aquatherm.az.

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13 September 2017 10:45 (UTC+04:00)

"RecExpo II" - Azerbaijan International Real Estate and Investment Exhibition, co-organized by the State Committee on Property Issues, "Elan Expo" and "Atlm Fuarclk" companies, will be held at Baku Expo Center on November 23-25.

A large number of property, construction and investment companies from Azerbaijan and foreign countries, are expected to attend the exhibition, Azertac reported.

The exhibition is also of pivotal importance in terms of demonstrating the current investment climate in the real estate market to foreign investors, as well as involving the investors in the privatization process carried out in the country.

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13 September 2017 15:21 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Even though two decades have passed since the occupation of Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions by Armenian militaries, the conflict still remains unresolved. Efforts by the OSCE mediators to solve the conflict are often met with resistance by Yerevan.

Periodically, the Armenian militaries intensify frontline provocations to undermine the peace negotiations and maintain the status quo in the occupied Azerbaijani lands.

MP Musa Gasimli, commenting on the Armenian provocations, said that the attempts of the Armenian side to escalate the tension at the frontline have always existed, but lately they have intensified even more.

This has a logical explanation, he told Day.Az, further saying: The Armenian leadership is not ready for negotiations with Azerbaijan, which is scheduled for the end of the year, so Yerevan will make every attempt to wriggle out of them.

On the other hand, the MP added, the Armenian leadership does not disdain to fire at civilians living in the frontline regions, and intensified its illegal actions. All this is done in order to sow panic among the civilian Azerbaijani population, with the expectation that people will leave their homes.

Baku has repeatedly stated that the presence of the Armenian Armed Forces in the occupied territories is a major obstacle to the settlement of the conflict and threat to the regional stability.

Despite the fact that the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions demanding the Armenian troops to withdraw from Azerbaijan's occupied territories, they were ignored and have not been implemented by Yerevan yet. Although the OSCE Minsk Group, as well as other international institutions has repeatedly made statements on the conflict resolution, all of them stayed on paper without implementation.

Gasimli went on to say that now a relative intensification can be seen in the activities of mediators of the OSCE Minsk Group, especially by the American and Russian sides, which, of course, is not in the interests of Armenia.

Yerevan understands that the initiative of holding substantive talks is put forward by Azerbaijan, so the question would be decided in accordance with the norms and principles of international law on the basis of restoring the territorial integrity of the country, which does not suit Armenia, he said.

Gasimli noted that a meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenia presidents is planned to be held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. I think this is the last opportunity for Armenia, which it could use reasonably, showing finally a political will to solve the long-term problem peacefully.

The MP added that Yerevan must realize that otherwise it will face the threat of a military solution to the conflict. International law is on Azerbaijan's side, and I think that Yerevan should also keep in mind this important fact.

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 that regrettably have yielded no tangible results.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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13 September 2017 13:57 (UTC+04:00)

Baku hosted talks between the chairman of the State Committee on Refugees and IDPs, chairman of the Republican Commission for International Humanitarian Assistance, Ali Hasanov, and the head of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees delegation for Azerbaijan, Furio de Angelisi, on September 12.

Hasanov and the head of UN delegation discussed subjects over the participation of the Azerbaijani delegation at the UNs 64th session of the Executive Committee for the High Commissioner for Refugees to be held on October 2-6 and issues related to the current visit, Azertac reported.

Noting the great historical importance of the decree of the Azerbaijani President on Jojug Marjanli and the return of the IDPs to their homelands, Furio de Angelis praised the willingness of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees office to assist in some works related with their return to their homelands, as well as in assisting of joint monitoring of the IDPs from Jojug Marjanli.

Hasanov noted that as a result of successful policy of the President of Azerbaijan, the relations between the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and Azerbaijani government are rapidly developing.

He voiced hope this development tendency will continue even after the return of the IDPs to their birthplaces.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees remains one of the key organizations of pivotal importance to Azerbaijan and since its first days of activity it continues to assist Azerbaijani government in developing various programs on problems of IDPs and refugees, he added.

It would be expedient to implement rehabilitation and other technical programs to restore workplaces for residents of Jojug Marjanli, he added.

Hailing the positive tendency of the delegation of UN High Commissioner for Refugees for Azerbaijan, the sides discussed several issues of cooperation.

Jojug Marjanli village was fully liberated from the Armenian occupation in April 2016, when Azerbaijani Armed Forces prevented an Armenian provocation on the contact line. To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani army launched counter attacks and as a result, the Azerbaijani troops retook hills around the village of Talish, as well as Seysulan settlement, and also took over Leletepe hill located in the direction of Fizuli region.

In late January 2017, President Ilham Aliyev ordered to restore Jojug Marjanli. Under the order, 4 million manats ($2.35 million) were allocated for the construction of 50 private houses, a school building and relevant infrastructure at the first stage.

Moreover, President signed an order on additional measures to construct the road leading to the village and allocated 4.3 million manats ($2.53 million) from the state budget for the construction of a 9-km long highway.

On June 15, President signed a decree that envisages the beginning of the next phase of construction and restoration work and work on improvement and creation in Jojug Marjanli

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13 September 2017 10:18 (UTC+04:00)

After the President`s pardon order Blogger Alexander Lapshin was freed from the unserved term of his sentence and he is free to choose where to go

Assistant to the President for Work with Law Enforcement Bodies and Military Issues Fuad Alasgarov responded to Azertac's questions on the pardoning of Alexander Lapshin and release of Mehman Aliyev from prison.

Question: Mr Alasgarov, the pardoning of Alexander Lapshin and head of Turan News Agency Mehman Aliyevs release from prison are one of the most discussed issues in recent days. How would you comment on these decisions?

Answer: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev constantly reaffirms his commitment to the ideas and principles of humanity in his work.

I would like to note that on 10 February 2017, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed an Order to humanize penal policy and expand the application of alternative penal measures and non-custodial procedural measures of restraint. The aim of this order is to reduce the number of custodial sentences and to correct individuals without their isolation from society.

On the other hand, numerous pardon and amnesty acts are integral elements of this humane policy. As you know, five amnesty acts have been adopted since 2003, applying to 54,000 people. At the same time, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijani has signed 31 pardon orders that applied to more than 3,800 individuals. Among those who have been released from jails are journalists and bloggers who were imprisoned for various offenses. The issues relating to pardoning are the focus of the head of state`s attention. Under the Presidents instructions, the Pardon Commission is considering appeals of convicts on a regular basis. This is a dynamic process.

The pardoning of Alexander Lapshin should be regarded as another step taken for humane purposes. Two legal procedures regarding Lapshin were considered in parallel. One was his pardoning, and the other his extradition to his country of origin  Israel. Taking into account Lapshin`s admitting  both during his trial and in his appeals addressed to the Azerbaijani President  that he regrets committing the crime, his statement that he recognizes Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity, as well as his marital status, especially the fact that he has a toddler, Mr President deemed Lapshin`s pardoning possible and signed a corresponding Order.

Q.: Is the issue of Lapshin`s extradition to Israel still on the agenda?

A.: I would like to clarify something relating to your question. After the order, there have been reports in some media outlets saying that Alexander Lapshin will be extradited or given to another country. But certain legal definitions have been confused here.

As Alexander Lapshin was pardoned his extradition to another country becomes irrelevant at this point. Under international conventions, the aim of extradition of a person charged with committing a crime is to send him to another country to serve his sentence in a country of his citizenship. After the President`s pardon Order Alexander Lapshin was freed from the unserved term of his sentence and he is free to choose where to go.

According to information we have, Lapshin wishes to go to the country of his citizenship  Israel. He is healthy, he does not have any health problems and may travel to Israel whenever he wishes.

Q.: What can you say about Mehman Aliyevs release from prison?

A.: Mehman Aliyev personally appealed to the head of state requesting the replacement of his arrest status. Guided by the humane principles, Mr President immediately reacted to his appeal and recommended considering the possibility of changing Mehman Aliyevs arrest status. I would like to stress that the head of states appeal to prosecution and judicial authorities was not in the form of instruction, but it was in the form of recommendation.

Indeed, recent decisions on Mehman Aliyevs release and release of the persons, who were imprisoned for incidents in Naradaran, on parole are a clear manifestation of the realization of the ideas and principles set forth in Mr President`s Order dated 10 February 2017. By the way, statistical analysis conducted after the signing of the Order shows that the number of persons imprisoned during investigation has decreased 30 per cent.

I have to note that the execution of the instructions set forth in the Order continues.

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has already submitted proposals on amendments to the Criminal Code to the Milli Majlis. Work on amendments to Criminal Procedure Code and Code of Execution of Punishments is nearing its completion. Amendments to all the three codes will come into force at the same time.

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13 September 2017 10:31 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Azerbaijan is the new hope of World and the recent efforts for the aid to Rohingyas and its stand in recent Organisation of Islamic Countries make a positive image of Baku in Muslim World.

President Ilham Aliyev is one of the most dynamic leader of the recent time. Mufti Ashfaq Hussain Quadri, Founder President of All India Tanzeem Ulama e Islam (AITUI) said in a statement here. AITUI is an apex body of Indian Sufi clerics and considered as a largest body strengthening 1 million members both clerics and the followers. AITUI is going to agitate at Delhis busiest Jantar Mantar against Myanmar genocide of Rohingya Muslims this Friday ie September 15 with Indias largest Muslim Students Organisation (MSO). Both the organisation will thank Azerbaijan for its prompt enormous help to homeless Rohingyas.

Armenia, which has occupied 20 percent of the Azerbaijani territories and has committed genocide against the civilians in the Azerbaijani city of Khojaly, cannot be a reliable partner and a friend of the Islamic world and its individual representatives. Mufti said. We subscribe the entire statement of Azerbaijan great leader Ilham Aliyev in the opening ceremony of the First Summit on Science and Technology of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Astana, Kazakhstan, that Armenia is continuously doing the fascism. We know that under orders of the Armenian leadership, all our mosques in occupied Azerbaijani lands have been destroyed. The photos of the destroyed mosques of Shusha, Aghdam and the countrys other cities are documentary evidence of Armenian vandalism. Ilham Aliyev is the man of word and we hope that supporting Azerbaijan is supporting Islam, supporting humanism. Mufti Ashfaq added.

AITUI has complete eye on the Armenian atrocity against general Azeri people. AITUI pledge to the statement of President Ilham Aliyev that Armenia has reached its peak to Islamophobia. I repeat and find true the entire statement of President Ilham Aliyev that Armenia is trying very hard to expand its ties with various Muslim countries. One should not believe Armenias hypocritical and deceitful words. Armenia, which has destroyed our sacred mosques in Azerbaijan, cannot be a friend of Muslim countries, Mufti Ashfaq Hussain Quadri said.

AITUI earlier supported Azerbaijan and its leadership in its huge gathering at New Delhis Talkatora Stadium general conference on February, 2016 and at Jaipur, Rajasthan on March, 2016. Both the conferences was attended by more than 25,000 people. AITUI top leadership wants to expand knowledge on how Azerbaijan is supporting Islamic World and how the one of the most dynamic leader of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has given great progress to the country. We are making aware a large portion of Indian population about the atrocity of Armenia. Indian general people do not know about the cruelty of Armenia and we find it is our duty to inform Indian populace about the hate and crime of Armenians. Mufti stated. AITUI has long stand to supporting Azerbaijan since its independence and the great contribution of former President Heydar Aliyev in the progress of the region.

Our stand to support Azerbaijan is to firm fraternity among all like minded forces. We consider Armenia as a cruel state and we support Azerbaijan against Armenia. Shujaat Quadri, General Secretary of Muslim Students Organisation of India stated.

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13 September 2017 11:45 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with the Industry and Trade Minister of Vietnam, Co-Chair of the Azerbaijan-Vietnam Intergovernmental Commission Tran Tuan Anh, within the framework of his official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Azertac reported.

The sides stressed that the relations between Azerbaijan and Vietnam base on deep roots, since the visit of the first President of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh to Azerbaijan in 1959 and the visit of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to Vietnam as the First Deputy Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers in 1983 laid foundation for these close ties.

The two emphasized that cooperation between the two countries is at high level, while the visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Vietnam on May 18-19, 2014, and the visit of outgoing President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Cyanh Tan Shang, on May 13-15, 2015, was important stimulus for the development of bilateral relations.

Mammadyarov further informed the Vietnamese minister about the North-South and East-West corridors, with the initiative and direct participation of Azerbaijan in the development of the transport sector and the growing capacities of the Baku Port and favorable opportunities for the North-South transport corridor to export Vietnam's products to the European market.

Emphasizing that Vietnam's exports to the EU market are growing, Minister Tran Tuan Anh stressed the importance of expanding transport and logistics capabilities in this regard and said that this attractive proposal of the Azerbaijani side would be considered.

The sides also discussed issues of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Vietnam in economic, trade, energy, education spheres, as well as stressed opportunities for exporting products of relevant Azerbaijani oil-producing companies to the Vietnamese market. It was emphasized that appropriate work will be carried out within the framework of the Joint Commission in this direction.

Member of Milli Majlis Rauf Aliyev attended the meeting.

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13 September 2017 13:04 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Bella Lapshina, mother of blogger Alexander Lapshin, who was pardoned by President Ilham Aliyev, arrived in Baku on September 12 night, bloggers lawyer Eduard Chernin told Trend on September 13.

Chernin said that Lapshin and his mother will leave for Israel soon.

"First they will go to Turkey today or tomorrow and from there to Israel, the lawyer specified.

Alexander Lapshin illegally visited the occupied Azerbaijani lands in April 2011, thus disrespecting Azerbaijans territorial integrity, and also crossed Azerbaijans border once again by visiting the country in October 2012 using a different passport. The blogger also called for the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh in his blog posts.

Lapshin was extradited from Belarus to Baku on February 7 and sentenced for three years later in July.

However, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an order on September 11 to pardon the blogger and exempt him from serving the remaining part of his sentence.

Azerbaijan has long ago notified the world community that unauthorized visits to Nagorno-Karabakh and other regions of the country occupied by Armenian armed forces are illegal, and any individual paying such visits will be included into Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's "black list".

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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13 September 2017 17:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

To regulate operations of unmanned flying devices like drones, which are increasingly posing challenge to regulators and personnel manning airspace, the State Civil Aviation Administration of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan Airlines have developed guidelines for civil use of such machines.

The "Rules for the use of civilian unmanned aerial vehicles" were presented to public on September 13. This guideline features requirements for the use of civil unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as standards and conditions for safety and operation.

The guideline was drafted in accordance with Articles 7.1. and 44.4. of Azerbaijans law On Aviation, Rules for the Use of the Airspace of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Rules for the Flight of the Republic of Azerbaijan, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, and the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention ), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) document No. 328 AN / 190 of 2011 "Unmanned Aircraft Management Systems".

The project was submitted by the Administration to Azerbaijans Cabinet of Ministers on September 8, 2015. Taking into account the comments and proposals received from relevant state structures of Azerbaijan (10 structures in total) and that can be adopted, this project passed the stage of coordination and was submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers, the report says.

The Cabinet of Ministers gave an instruction that these rules will be approved by the State Administration of Civil Aviation (resolution No. 17/17 / 3404-26 / 18/22, December 9, 2016).

Now, the project is available for consideration and possible comments and proposals from state structures of Azerbaijan and other legal entities, as well as individuals (this project is placed on the official website of the State Civil Aviation Administration in the section "Draft legal acts").

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13 September 2017 16:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Church in Ganja, Azerbaijan, has celebrated its 130th anniversary.

A solemn event on this day was attended by Deputy Head of Ganja City Executive Power Rafig Shafiyev, Russian ambassador to BakuVladimir Dorokhin, Baku and Azerbaijan archbishop Alexander as well as local residents and members of the Christian community, Azertac reported.

Shafiyev, welcoming the guests, said that Azerbaijan has historically been home to representatives of different religions and cultures, who lived in peace in the country.

He highlighted the government`s attention to tolerance and multiculturalism.

Ambassador Dorokhin, in turn, expressed his confidence that the newly-renovated church will be home to those who want to perform their religious rituals.

Archbishop Alexander also hailed attention to the Christian community in Azerbaijan.

The Alexander Nevsky Church was built in Ganja in 1887. The church was constructed in the Byzantine style with the use of brick called plinfa. It is one of the oldest existing Orthodox churches in Azerbaijan and was included in the National Register of Historical Monuments.

There are strong ties between the Muslim and Orthodox communities of Azerbaijan, where equal conditions for all peoples and religions are created. The Baku Eparchy of the Orthodox Church has been established back in the 20th century, while recent opening of Orthodox Religious and Cultural Center of Baku and Azerbaijan Eparchy is an example of continuous friendly relations also in the religious terms.

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13 September 2017 17:09 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan, having made great strides in the years of independence, is a country, which ensured stable development in the South Caucasus region and which is an important partner of Japan, said Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan.

Abe made the remark in a letter sent to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Azerbaijan.

The PM noted that the two countries built very close relations after Azerbaijan restored its independence.

Mutually beneficial cooperation that is rooted in the relations between our countries developed even more rapidly thanks to President Heydar Aliyevs visit to Japan in 1998 and Your Excellencys visit in 2006. I am very happy with the intensification of intergovernmental dialogue, visits of high-level officials and exchange between parliaments, local self-governing bodies and other large-scale exchanges in recent years, Abe noted in the letter.

The bilateral cooperation is constantly developing not only in the field of energy, but also in other areas of economy with an active involvement of Japanese companies, according to the PM.

He reminded that the 9th session of the Japanese-Azerbaijani Economic Committee was held in Baku this February, and featured negotiations on continuation of cooperation in non-oil sector as Azerbaijan attaches importance to its diversification.

Moreover, our two countries embarked on initial discussions on an investment agreement this June. Our cooperation in the field of economy is continuously developing based on the Joint Declaration that was announced during Your Excellencys visit to Japan, he said, voicing confident that the cooperation has great potential to develop even further in a number of areas.

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations, I express my confidence that Azerbaijani-Japanese ties will continue to deepen and develop in a variety of areas, Abe said.

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Japan were established in 1992. A number of important projects are being implemented in Azerbaijan through the financial support of Japan.

Japan was one of the first countries to support Azerbaijan's forward-looking oil strategy. Today two major Japanese companies Itochu and Impex are involved in the Contract of the Century. Leaders of Japanese business, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Marubeni, and Sojits are involved in energy and infrastructure projects in the country.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Japan amounted to $22.08 million in January-March of 2017, according to the Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee.

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13 September 2017 17:27 (UTC+04:00)

King of Morocco Mohammed VI has said he attaches great importance to his country`s relationship with Azerbaijan as he congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the 25th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Azerbaijan and Morocco celebrate the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, it gives me great pleasure to send Your Excellency my warmest congratulations and my best wishes for good health and happiness. I also wish your people further progress and prosperity under your enlightened leadership, Mohammed VI said in his message, Azertac reported.

I should like to take this opportunity to say how much I value the special brotherly relations rooted in cooperation between our two nations. I am also deeply satisfied with our consultation and concerted action on all matters of common concern, bilaterally and within regional and international organizations, particularly the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

In this regard, I commend Your Excellencys initiative to make 2017 the Year of Islamic Solidarity, thereby illustrating your firm commitment to promoting the values of openness, tolerance and solidarity advocated by the pristine Islamic faith, he said.

As we mark this diplomatic milestone, I should like Your Excellency to know how keen I am to continue working with you to strengthen our cooperation in all fields in order to serve our interests, safeguard our territorial integrity and contribute to promoting closer ties and mutual assistance within the Muslim Ummah, Mohammed VI added.

Morocco recognized independence of Azerbaijan on December 30, 1991. Diplomatic relations between two countries has been established on August 25, 1992.

The embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan was opened in Rabat in 2006, the embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco was opened in Baku in 2009. Both countries have a fruitful cooperation on different spheres, including political, economic, humanitarian, and tourism.

The governments of the two countries note the favorable conditions for the development of cooperation in the economic sphere, in particular in such areas as agriculture, tourism, alternative and renewable energy.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Morocco amounted to about $1.74 million in January-June 2017, which is $566.510 or 48.2 percent more than the indicator of the same period of 2016.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Morocco Nasser Bourita plans to visit Azerbaijan in late November.

During the visit, the minister will hold talks with Azerbaijani officials on the prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres.

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13 September 2017 18:02 (UTC+04:00)

The conference titled 25 years of Vietnam-Azerbaijan relations: achievements and future prospects has been held in Hanoi.

Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son attended the conference, Azertac reported.

Addressing the event, FM Mammadyarov said that September 23 will mark the 25th Anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Vietnam.

It makes me proud to call our relations historical as the collaboration and friendship between our Nations started long before restoration of Azerbaijans independence. National leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and President Ho Chi Minh are founders of these strong relations. The visit of the first President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh to Azerbaijan in 1959, and the visit of the National leader and founder of the modern Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev to Vietnam in 1983 laid the foundation of friendly relations between our two people, he said.

The Minister reminded that during his visit in 1959 President Ho Chi Minh asked Azerbaijan to help Vietnam in setting up oil production, provide education and create training opportunities for potential Vietnamese specialists. Azerbaijan responded to this appeal by sending thousands of Azerbaijani specialists to Vietnam where they participated in the reconstruction and development of post-war Vietnam. Thousands Vietnamese students were admitted to different schools and Universities in Azerbaijan.

Those days symbolized beginning of warm, sincerely and friendly relations between our nations that later on strengthened and were transformed into friendly and partnership cooperation in many areas. Thus, the historical linkage between our countries as well as essential role played by Vietnam in South-East Asia, made Vietnam a very important partner for Azerbaijan, he said.

Stressing that the establishment of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Hanoi in 2013 was a clear indication of intention to develop bilateral relations with Vietnam, he said that Azerbaijan strongly hopes that Vietnam will consider opening its Embassy in Baku.

The establishment of the Embassy of Vietnam in Baku will play important role from the point of view of the fast development of cooperation across the whole spectrum of relations, he noted.

Mammadyarov further said: It is with great pleasure I would like to acknowledge that relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have been expanding and deepening in recent years with more dynamism in mutually beneficial way. It should be especially underlined the importance of mutual visits of the Presidents of the two countries, including the state visit of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Vietnam on 18-19 May 2014, as well as official visit H.E. Mr. Truong Tang Sang, former President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Azerbaijan on 13-15 of May 2015. Undoubtedly, these visits gave a strong impetus to the accelerated development of the mutually beneficial cooperation and identified areas for future expansion of these relations in various fields. Mutual contacts established within the framework of these visits, as well as various events in Baku and Hanoi, including meeting of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev with the Vietnamese students who graduated from different Azerbaijani Universities, as well as business forums enabled our leaders and the business communities of both countries get to know each other even closer.

In addition, it should be mentioned that close cooperation between the ruling parties of our two states, the New Azerbaijan Party and the Communist Party of Vietnam, had a great importance in advancing our relations. In April 2013, Memorandum of Cooperation between two parties was signed. The exchange of visits that were carried by the representatives of the parties each year is obvious manifestation of the active ongoing cooperation between the ruling parties and the importance given by them to the rapid development of mutual relations. There is no doubt that this cooperation is an additional contribution to the development of mutually beneficial relations between two countries.

Active inter-parliamentary cooperation between our countries also contribute to further strengthening of bilateral relations. In 2013, direct inter-parliamentary links between Parliaments of two countries and our parliamentarians were set when Friendship groups in the Parliaments of both countries were established. Surely, these Friendship groups play an important role in the expansion of inter-parliamentary relations.

It should be especially noted that there is a full mutual understanding on political issues among our countries, and thus political relations are at a high level. Mutually beneficial cooperation is being expanded in this direction. Unfortunately, the level of cooperation in the economic sphere does not meet the big potential of our countries. In this regard, both parties have the intention to activate the economic cooperation. It should be underlined the creation of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. Establishment of Commission is an important step aimed at the development of bilateral relations and of course its first successful meeting in January 16, 2017 opened new opportunities for further enhancing bilateral cooperation.

At the same time relations in humanitarian fields are being developed. In this regard the establishment in Hanoi of Azerbaijan-Vietnam Friendship Association, as well as Center for Azerbaijani Culture and History Studies plays an important role in cultural exchange and people-to-people contacts. Underlining the importance of the developing of relations in humanitarian sphere I would like to emphasize the importance of the forthcoming II Friendship Forum in Vung Tau (September 21-23, 2017). The fact that Friendship Forum was established by the initiative of H. E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan is a clear indication of importance which pays the leadership of Azerbaijan to developing cooperation with Vietnamese partners in humanitarian sphere.

I would like to take this opportunity to announce that for the services rendered to the development of friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, by the decree of the President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev dated September 11, 2017 Mrs. Nguyen Vu Ha Le, Director General of Department for External Affairs of the Office of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Mr. Nghiem Vu Khai, Chairman of Vietnam  Azerbaijan Friendship Association, Member of National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have been awarded with a medal of Taraggi (\"Progress Medal\"). Congratulations Mrs. Nguyen Vu Ha Le and Mr. Nghiem Vu Khai, thank you for hard work on bringing our nations closer.

The Foreign Minister noted: Since the restoration of independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan has achieved numerous successes in different fields such as energy and industry, information technologies, agriculture, healthcare, education, culture etc. Huge energy, transport and infrastructure projects have been implemented. As a result of successful foreign and domestic policy pursued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Republic of Azerbaijan has become a leader state of the South Caucasus region.

The major problem that Azerbaijan has been facing since the independence is ongoing occupation of 20% of its territories by the neighboring Armenia. As a result of this occupation more than one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced persons.

Unfortunately, no substantive progress has been achieved in the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. Armenia continues illegal occupation of the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan, in the most brutal violation of international law, UN Charter and United Nations Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884 adopted in 1993 which condemn Armenia for the occupation of Azerbaijani territories and demand immediate withdrawal from the occupied Azerbaijani territories. Armenia\'s engagement in the conflict settlement process is nothing but imitation. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan continues its efforts for the peaceful resolution of the conflict on the basis of the principles of the international law, such as territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders and believes that authoritative international organisations, such as the UN, OSCE, European Union, Council of Europe, OIC as well as the whole international community, will enhance their efforts towards restraining the aggressor and finding fair settlement of the conflict.

The Republic of Azerbaijan is confident that the consistent measures taken at the national level, as well as the existing international legal framework, will serve to bring to justice those responsible for the grave crimes committed in the course of Armenias aggression against Azerbaijan.

The Republic of Azerbaijan urges the international community to condemn Armenia for blatant violation of international law and insists on the implementation of the afore mentioned UN Security Council resolutions. The conflict can only be resolved on the basis of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders. The Republic of Azerbaijan will spare no effort towards achieving the political settlement of the conflict and ensuring peace and justice in the region.

Despite on existing conflict and more than 1 million refugees and internally displaced persons Azerbaijan keeping going forward, developing the economy, building new infrastructure, strengthening its army, increasing its role in international affairs.

I am very pleased to notice that friendly relationship between the two countries have been constantly consolidating, developing and offering numerous opportunities to expand cooperation within the framework of the international organizations, including United Nations and Non-Aligned Movement. As it is known in accordance with the Final Document of the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement held in the Island of Margarita, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on 13 - 18 September 2016, XVIII Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Movement will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2019. Thus with 2019 XVIII Summit, Azerbaijan will bring back Non-Aligned Movement to Europe after 30 years since Belgrade Summit of 1989, the Azerbaijani Minister added.

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14 September 2017 00:19 (UTC+04:00)

American entrepreneur Shervin Pishevar has delivered a lecture titled Impact of modern technologies on global business environment at ADA University.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva and Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the event.

Shervin Pishevar gave recommendations on how to find successful business ideas.

Pishevar also responded to students questions.

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13 September 2017 10:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has recently received Kuwaits Amiri Diwan Affairs Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary state news service reported.

Stressing that Kuwait attaches great importance to the issues of strengthening traditional ties with Turkmenistan and intensifying fruitful bilateral relations, Sheikh extended an invitation for the Turkmen president to pay an official visit to Kuwait at any convenient time.

President Berdimuhamedov thanked for the invitation.

The Turkmen president stressed that the comprehensive expansion of cooperation with the countries of the Middle East, based on mutually beneficial partnership and friendship traditions, is one of the most important priorities of the countrys foreign policy.

Stressing the huge potential that can be used for the mutually beneficial and fruitful cooperation, the sides discussed the prospects for economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

It was noted that in particular, Turkmenistan and Kuwait have the biggest hydrocarbon reserves in the world, which is an important factor of mutual interest in cooperation in the development and export of energy resources to the international markets.

The sides also voiced an intention to expand the cooperation in science, education, culture, tourism and sports.

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13 September 2017 10:36 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Iran has proposed to draw up a new arrangement for the 2015 nuclear deal also known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in case the US unilaterally leaves the accord.

The JCPOA is not an agreement between Iran and the US  one side of the JCPOA is Iran the other side is the six countries including the US. We already have ties with the five other countries. If the US walks away from the JCPOA, we will need to have a new arrangement, Iranian government spokesman, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, told IRNA.

He further called on the European signatories of the deal as well as China to expand cooperation with Iran.

US Prsident Trump's administration, so far, has declared Iran compliant of the nuclear deal, twice, but the president has threatened with the declaration of Irans non-compliancy, for the next review in October.

Yukiya Amano, chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), re-confirmed on Monday that Iran is honoring its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal.

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13 September 2017 16:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Turkeys decision to purchase Russias S-400 air missile defense system caused great concern among Ankaras western partners.

The S-400 is Russia's next-generation air defense system, carrying three different types of missiles capable of destroying aerial targets at a short-to-extremely-long range. The weapon is capable of tracking and destroying all existing aerial targets, including ballistics and cruise missiles.

The United States is displeased with Ankaras decision to buy Russian S-400 missile systems, Pentagon spokesman Johnny Michael said on September 12 while commenting on reports that Turkey has already paid Russia a deposit for the S-400.

"We brought to the attention of Turkish officials that we are concerned about the potential acquisition of the S-400. We are conducting an open dialogue [with Turkey] on this issue and stress the importance of maintaining interoperability within NATO in the implementation of major military procurement programs, TASS reported quoting Michael.

Russias Presidential Aide on military cooperation Vladimir Kozhin earlier confirmed that Russia and Turkey have signed a contract for the supply of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.

Under the $2.5 billion agreement Ankara would receive two batteries of the antiaircraft missile from Moscow within the coming year and then produce two more batteries in Turkey

The deal raised eyebrows among Ankaras fellow NATO members as they are supposed to only buy compatible weapons systems from other members.

Michael recalled that Turkey is NATOs key ally and the U.S. and Turkey maintain a high level of relations relating to military procurement.

"Turkey is a key NATO Ally, and we are committed to our strong defense partnership," he went on to say. "The United States and Turkey have a robust and significant defense-trade and military-sales relationship. Turkey continues to pursue anti-missile systems from NATO Allies, including the U.S., for its broader, long-term missile defense needs."

He added that the best way to protect Turkey from various threats in its region remains the NATO-compatible missile defense system.

Turkey has the second-largest military force in NATO, after the U.S., but ties among the NATO allies have worsened last July after a failed coup attempt. Relations further deteriorated following an April referendum which expanded the powers of the president.

Ankara also objects to some NATO members military support for Syrian Kurdish rebels, who are linked to PKK terrorists.

Earlier, German Foreign Ministry stated that Germany froze arms supplies to Turkey.

Germany has put all big arms exports requests from Turkey on hold, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said, amid the bitter dispute with Ankara. Ankara said the decision weakens Turkeys fight against terrorism.

Later, Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Germany would only restrict some arms sales to Turkey, softening the earlier announcement of a freeze on major arms sales, Reuters reported.

She told broadcaster NDR that Germany would decide on arms sales requests from Turkey on a case-by-case basis, noting that Berlin cooperated with Ankara on security matters.

Ankara has already reacted positively to Merkels comments, as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that his country found the German chancellors stance more suitable

The minister went on to say that Germanys decision to put arms deals with Turkey on hold would only make Turkey stronger and help it develop its defense industry. Such approaches would only lead to strengthening our national defense industry, he told the Turkish media, adding that his country is already actively developing its military-industrial complex.

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13 September 2017 14:38 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Turkey's European dream is fading amid rising tensions between Ankara and several European capitals.

Head of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has recently excluded the possibility of Turkey's membership in the EU in the foreseeable future. He also urged the Turkish authorities to stop calling the Europeans fascists and Nazis, RIA Novosti reported.

"In the future, more than 27 member countries will join the EU. The main priority in negotiations with all candidate countries is the rule of law, justice and fundamental values. This excludes Turkey's membership in the foreseeable future," Junker said, addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Turkeys ties with the EU have worsened last July after a failed coup attempt. Relations further deteriorated following an April referendum which expanded the powers of the president.

Turkey's relations with Austria, which insists on ending the negotiations on the country's accession to the organization, and with Germany, which announced the revision of the economic policy towards Ankara, credit and investment programs due to the arrest of Germans in Turkey, became especially acute.

Germany's political parties, especially the current coalition partners to Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats Union (CDU) and the Social Democrats (SPD) led by Martin Schulz and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, have promised to increase the pressure on Turkey.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is running for re-election, promised earlier to raise the possibility of suspending or ending Turkeys EU membership talks in discussions with her counterparts, at a summit in Brussels next month.

Nevertheless, last week, several EU member states including Finland, UK and Lithuania have opposed Germanys decision to suspend Turkeys EU membership talks.

Turkeys accession negotiations started in 2005, but until Turkey agrees to apply the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Association Agreement to Cyprus, eight negotiation chapters will not be opened and no chapter will be provisionally closed. The talks have reached a deadlock in 2007 as Turkey was not ready to change its position on Cyprus while German and French governments also opposed the countrys full EU membership.

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13 September 2017 17:15 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Kazakhstan and Russia keen to jointly work in the sphere of digitalization.

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev stated that Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus need a joint commission for digitalization, Kazinform news agency reported.



Addressing the republican meeting on digitalization in Astana, he suggested three founding members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) creating the joint digitalization commission and developing program.

Within the framework of the commission Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus can share hands-on experience and help each other in terms of digitalization, according to the president.

Russias Communications Minister Nikolai Nikiforov also suggested Kazakhstan to intensify joint work in the field of digitalization. First of all, this concerns research and development.

"In other words, we need to jointly work to develop key technologies, through which digitalization of our economies takes place. It can be technologies for working with large data, distributed registry technologies, which are often called blockade, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, robotics and sensors. It is important to join efforts to make these technologies together so that the digitalization of Kazakh and Russian economies does not simply turn into the use of certain foreign decisions, he said on the sidelines of the meeting.

Nikiforov noted that digitalization is an economy based on data and knowledge, that is, people.

Therefore, we will have to invest a lot in human capital. It is necessary to change the system of school and university education. In this issue, Kazakhstan shows a strong political will, he said.

As for problems with digitalization, the main thing is the issue of infrastructure, according to the minister.

"Our countries are large in territory. We have many settlements with not so many people living there. This requires serious infrastructure costs even for ensuring a normal modern communication," he added.

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13 September 2017 16:20 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Buta Airways, the first low-cost airline of Azerbaijan, is eager to expand geography of its flights to European contingent.

Director of Buta Airways Jamil Manizade said that the company is in talks to expand the map of flights.

Buta Airways launched its flights starting from September 2017. Now, the low-cost airline flies to Moscow, Kiev, Tbilisi, Kazan, Mineralnye Vody, Tehran and Antalya. Starting from October 29, Buta Airways will start flights from Baku to Istanbul and St. Petersburg.

Manizade, addressing a press conference on the launch of the flights to Kiev, said Buta Airways is committed to develop tourism in Azerbaijan through increasing the number of flights abroad.

He emphasized that the number of flights will depend on the flow of passengers.

He added the carrier might fly to other Ukrainian cities in future.

Currently, flights to Kiev are carried out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and according to Manizade in the coming months flights will also be carried out on Fridays. The increase in flights will subsequently depend on passenger traffic.

The first Azerbaijani low-cost air company mainly uses Embraer planes. Being a low-cost airline, Buta Airways offers additional services such as carriage of baggage, hand luggage, hot onboard meals, as well as seat selection in the airplane on the flights on a paid basis.

The airline provides sandwiches and water free of charge on all flights, hot meals can be pre-ordered during the purchase of the ticket for 7.90 euro. A variety of drinks and cold appetizers are available on board the aircraft.

Carriage of hand luggage of unlimited weight, with the sum of three dimensions not exceeding 110 cm will cost 25 euros. Carriage of baggage weighing up to 23 kg (inclusive), with the sum of three dimensions not exceeding 158 cm will cost 25 euros. When purchasing baggage on the website or at sales offices in advance it will cost 20 euros.

As additional options Buta Airways flights provide comfortable seats in the aircraft cabin. Seats with extra legroom in the first row and emergency exit will cost 25 euros, priority seats at the front of the cabin - 15 euros. Check-in will be available online on the website and self-service check-in kiosks free of charge. Check-in at the counters at the airport will cost 3 euros.

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The laboratory, established at a cost of Rs. 8 crore is the only one in India for conducting basic and fundamental research in Homeopathy for viral diseases like influenza, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chickunguniya and swine flu

Indias first State of art virology laboratory at Dr. Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy in Kolkata was inaugurated by Shripad Yesso Naik , Union Minister of State for AYUSH.

He said, This laboratory has been established to develop new drugs and technologies in Homoeopathy to combat emerging challenges of viral diseases.

In this context the Minister expressed his satisfaction of recognising this laboratory by the Calcutta University to undertake research work of the PhD students in Homoeopathy.

The laboratory, established at a cost of Rs. 8 crore is the only one in India for conducting basic and fundamental research in Homoeopathy for viral diseases like influenza, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chickunguniya and swine flu. New drugs and technologies would also be developed here to combat emerging challenges of viral diseases.

Dr. V.K. Gupta, Chairman Scientific Advisory Committee, CCRH, New Delhi, Prof. Ajoy Kumar Roy, Director, IIEST, Shibpur, Dr. Rathin Chakravarty, Member, Scientific Advisory Committee, CCRH, New Delhi, Dr. Raj K. Manchanda, Director General, CCRH, New Delhi among eminent scientists were also present on the occasion.

The AYUSH Minister also appreciated efforts of the National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH), Kolkata which is imparting higher education and training in homoeopathy under the Ministry of AYUSH and urged that both the institutes could forge an active collaboration on practical training to the students and research scholars in virus research, both in laboratory and in the field jointly.

He expressed happiness over Councils initiatives of establishing a Centre of Excellence in Fundamental Research in Homoeopathy at IIEST, Howrah to undertake fundamental research studies in homoeopathy with an interdisciplinary approach.

This institute has undertaken several clinical research studies like autism, psoriasis, vitiligo, breast cancer, hypertension, migraine etc along with proving of new drugs in homoeopathy with their clinical validations. About 400 patients are being treated daily through OPD services and AYUSH outreach services being provided in villages too.
Nude Model & Photographer Caught For Nudity Pictures Being Taken At An Egyptian Temple Pulse oi-Syeda Farah

Nudity is considered to be an art, but this is hardly understood by many, as most of the times, the nude artists run into trouble for being nude and showcasing nudity.

A similar incident happened when a Belgian-based model Marisa Papen and her photographer were jailed for clicking nude pictures in Egyptian temples.

You May Also Like To Read: This 'Cam-Girl' Makes Quick Bucks By Entertaining Men!

The model described herself as being a 'free-spirited and wild-hearted expressionist'; and this was a piece of art they were creating when they were caught by the security guards.

Check out on what happened...

The Model And Photographer Were All Set To Explore Both, the Belgian model Marisa Papen and the Australian photographer Jesse Walker, travelled together to North Africa for a shoot at some of the most famous landmarks of ancient Egypt. They were all set to explore the place... Image Source: Instagram They Bribed People Around Apparently, the duo had bribed young men who were patrolling temples in Giza, but they ran out of luck when they both were imprisoned for creating 'porn' when four security guards spotted Papen posing naked. Image Source: Instagram They Were Mistaken For Creating Pornographic Content The guards assumed that the couple were creating pornographic content, as the model was nude and posing. They had to delete their pictures before they handed over the camera to the guards who found it to be empty. They Were Jailed For A Night They were jailed for a night and apparently, they had to change their statement, as clicking nude pictures in temples would get them into real trouble, and hence they lied to have shot in a nude dress, which was mistaken to be just nothing! Image Source: Instagram They Were Released Once the pair was out of the country, they retrieved the images that they had apparently clicked in those Egyptian temples. They were lucky enough, as everything was retrieved and Marisa Papen and Jesse Walker were able to share them with the world! What are your thoughts on the same? Do let us know in the comment section below. Image Source: Instagram

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 18:39 [IST]
There's nothing I love more than getting out and about to Australia's small businesses to hear their ideas and feedback.

Across hundreds of communities in the past year or so, I have been lucky enough to see some of the best of small business in this country.

Michael McCormack says RUOK? Day is important for small business. Credit:Paul Jeffers

And often I am asked what I think is the secret to small business success.

As small business' champion in Canberra I am happy to talk up our many measures to help this vital sector succeed, but in reality the answer starts with you.
The territory government says the almost $850,000 being spent promoting the Ginninderry housing development was "necessary and important", given the large scale of the land release.

The Canberra Times yesterday reported the government had approved the campaign advertising spending in February this year, months before the first stage of the development had been approved.

Riverview Projects director David Maxwell at The Link, where signage was funded by the government advertising campaign. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

The government has since confirmed the cost of the $849,638 would be shared 60:40 between the government and its joint venture partner Riverview Developments.

Part of the proposed development sits on land the now-defunct Land Development Agency bought from the Corkhill family in December last year, one of several rural LDA purchases the ACT Auditor-General is investigating.
Australia should learn from the havoc wreaked on the United States by Hurricane Irma and other weather events to better plan city growth, a University of Canberra expert has told federal Parliament.

Chair of Urban and Regional Planning, Barbara Norman, said a national plan for growth of cities and towns was needed to prevent housing and commercial development in areas of Australia that will be impacted by weather events and natural disasters.

Professor Barbara Norman

Addressing the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities, Professor Norman said national coordination was needed, especially as climate change brings greater risks to urban populations and the environment.

"What we don't have is a national perspective on how we are to manage future growth and decline," she said.
Simon Broadbent moved recently. But not too far.

He's been sleeping rough for two years, mostly on the city streets.

"Me and the tobacconist up there weren't getting along," said the 33-year-old, pointing northwards up Elizabeth Street.

It wasn't hard to get crisis accommodation in Melbourne, Mr Broadbent said. But a few nights in a hotel room or a shelter wouldn't fix his burning need for a permanent home.
A third Melbourne council has voted to dump Australia Day out of respect for Indigenous people months after councillors rejected a motion to move citizenship ceremonies from January 26.

Moreland City Council, at a meeting on Wednesday night, voted to drop any reference to Australia Day on January 26.

The vote follows two other controversial decisions by Yarra and Darebin councils to move their citizenship ceremonies away from Australia Day.

Councillor Samantha Ratnam said Moreland would now join forces with Yarra and Darebin council to lobby the federal government to switch Australia Day nationally from January 26, a date that marks the arrival of the First Fleet from England.
The bureaucratic to-and-fro about whether a third petrol station should be built in the heart of Dunsborough looks set to continue with the state government considering whether to appeal the latest decision.

Puma Energy was twice denied planning approval to build the Dunn Bay Road development by the Great Southern Joint Development Assessment Panel, with hundreds of residents protesting against the petrol station in favour of keeping the town square pedestrian friendly.

Protestors rally against a proposed 24-hour Puma petrol station in Dunsborough. Credit:Timothy M Campbell

However applicants DCSC took their fight to the State Administrative Tribunal and in August had the refusal overturned after re-branding the petrol station a 24-hour "convenience store" with five or six petrol pumps.

Member for the South West region Colin Tincknell told Parliament earlier this month he believed the SAT decision was "based on black and white legal definitions" and "did not properly take into account the wishes of the local community".
"Since healthy skin is a barrier to infection, the Galactic Cap may help reduce the likelihood of [certain] STIs and HIV if a man doesn't have a sore or abrasion on his penis. "Additionally, the Galactic Cap traps semen which can transmit the HIV virus. That and the increased use of condoms may bode well for the reduction of these diseases." In Western Australia 11,831 cases of chlamydia were reported in 2016. Cases of gonorrhoea jumped from 2308 in 2015 to 3370 last year, and notifications were up 49 percent, according to the WA Department of Health. It is fair to say most men consider the old latex condom as an inconvenience, at best.

But Mr Powell said the confidential customer reviews of his prototyped product are far from negative. "Here are some of their remarks: 'Holy s--t, these things are amazing,'; 'Charles Powell, you, sir, are a genius,'; 'It was Epic. I'm ordering another 10', 'Easy to apply!'", he said. The Galactic Cap is made from two-ply polyurethane which is more or less in the shape a butterfly Band-Aid with adhesive on one side. Its design leaves the rim of the head and shaft partially exposed, and has a small hole in the bottom layer of plastic which aligns with the third eye. Semen is contained in a reservoir between the sheets of polyurethane.

Curtin University student Len Rowell has trialled the product "many times". "The only reason I got onto it was because my girlfriend at the time decided to get off the pill and I was like: 'I hate condoms," he said. In exasperation Mr Rowell googled "different types of condoms" and found the Galactic Cap. "The first time we were a little bit worried and she didn't trust it," he said. "Both of us were like 'we don't know how much this can take', but over the next month we realised it lasts just like a normal one does.

"Fifty percent of the head feels everything. It's pretty phenomenal." However, Mr Rowell said some might be reluctant to get behind or in front of the Galactic Cap while it was still an obscure product, and that it was a better fit for monogamous couples. The Galactic Cap has not yet been approved by the US or Australian regulator. Credit:Charles Powell It is hard to beat the anecdotal evidence, and yet this baby-blocker remains uncertified by the US Food and Drug Administration or Australian authorities. "It doesn't protect against diseases like crabs and herpes, which are skin on skin contact, but in the same sense neither does a conventional condom," Mr Rowell said.

"The only safe thing is abstinence, but that is not really an answer. "I know stats and figures around sexual health and it is a really important thing for this country and our demographic to be having safe sex, and anyway they can do that is good." Mr Rowell has put his money where his mouth is, investing $5,000 in the company behind the Galactic Cap. Rebecca Smith, a spokesperson with WA Sexual Health Quarters, said it supported research into new safe and effective contraceptive option, but said to apply caution until the product was approved. "We also encourage people to be aware of 'novelty' condoms that haven't always been subjected to rigorous testing against approved standards. Always buy from trusted well-known brands," she said.

The Galactic Cap is yet to be put through clinical trials, but an online crowd-fundraising campaign has already raised $US100,000 towards its research and development. World Association of Sexual Health President Rosemary Coates said the Galactic Cap could perhaps be the future of condoms. "The product would have to undergo rigorous testing under usual conditions for similar products," she said. Professor Coates said the prototype might also leave users exposed to STIs. "Traditional condoms present a barrier between the skin on the shaft of the penis and the vaginal walls. The Galactic Cap leaves the shaft and the vaginal walls unprotected," she said.

Mr Powell said his product had received support from the University of California, Long Beach, and that he had plans to penetrate the Australian market once it received the appropriate approvals. "Along with Germany and England we get a great many sales from Australia already," he said. Once the Galactic Cap has been given the CE Mark approval  the European equivalent to US's FDA approval  Mr Powell will start selling a lot more down under. Sales of this new-generation condom totalled $US25,000 in 2016, which is not earth shattering, according to Mr Powell. "But this was achieved with a very high price of $US25 per condom and absolutely no advertising," he said.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's campaign against union lawlessness has suffered an embarrassing setback after the head of the government's controversial building industry watchdog resigned after admitting to breaching workplace laws.

Labor is now setting its sights on Employment Minister Michaelia Cash, arguing she should have stood down Australian Building and Construction Commission boss Nigel Hadgkiss sooner. But Senator Cash says while she was made aware of the allegations against Mr Hadgkiss almost a year ago they were unproven and he only admitted to wrongdoing this week.

Mr Hadgkiss came under immediate pressure to resign from his $426,000-a-year job after conceding on Tuesday to recklessly misrepresenting union rights to employers while he headed up a Fair Work office over a period of two years.

He breached section 503 of the Fair Work Act by publishing website material that misrepresented the rights of union officials during entry to premises to meet workers. He failed to correct the material despite concerns being raised by his staff.
Australia will not meet its Paris emissions reduction targets if the Turnbull government includes coal-fired power in any watered down climate and energy policy, environment groups and the Greens are warning.

Power companies have also restated their concerns about policy uncertainty after Fairfax Media revealed the government was working on a major redesign of the Clean Energy Target proposed by Chief Scientist Alan Finkel, arguing further change would cause additional uncertainty and delay new investment.

A revised scheme would allow high-efficiency, low-emission coal-fired power plants to receive partial certificates, or credits, under a clean energy scheme.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce would not say on Wednesday what level the government would set for the emissions baseline in the revised target but confirmed "it will keep base load coal-fired power going".
Straight people have trashed the institution of marriage, and gays and lesbians have been subjected to "hateful and hurtful" things by Christians, a Canberra audience heard on Wednesday.

The speaker was not a same-sex marriage advocate but Lyle Shelton, the face of the "no" campaign and managing director of the Australian Christian Lobby.

Mr Shelton, outlining his case for the status quo at the National Press Club, began by apologising for Christians' treatment of gay men during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

"People who represented Christian organisations said some very hateful and hurtful things," he said, and conceded there was vitriol "on both sides" of the contemporary debate over same-sex marriage.
The state's highest court has thrown out an appeal brought by jailed former NSW Labor minister Eddie Obeid against his conviction and sentence for criminal misconduct.

The 73-year-old was jailed in December for a maximum of five years for lobbying a senior bureaucrat about his family's secret business interests at Circular Quay.

Now-jailed Eddie Obeid, shown here outside the NSW Supreme Court last December. Credit:Daniel Munoz

On Wednesday, a five-judge bench of the Court of Criminal Appeal - headed by Chief Justice Tom Bathurst - rejected his appeal.

Asked if his father would seek leave to appeal in the High Court, Moses Obeid said outside court: "We'll see what happens."
Duplicating the M1 could cost $2.4 billion, according to a costing released by Labor.

On Tuesday, Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls launched a petition for a second M1 but he would not commit to building it if the Liberal National Party won government.

The LNP has launched a petition calling on the government to duplicate the M1.

The first stage of the second M1 would be along an already preserved corridor extending 36.5 kilometres between Stapylton-Jacobs Well Road at Stapylton and Nerang-Broadbeach Road at Nerang, at a cost of $500 million, Mr Nicholls said.

But the Department of Transport and Main Roads estimated the overall cost of the project between Stapylton and Nerang to be at least $2.4 billion, including the cost of land.
Seoul: The last time South Korea is known to have plotted to assassinate the North Korean leadership, nothing went as planned.

In the late 1960s, after North Korean commandos tried to ransack the presidential palace in Seoul, South Korea secretly trained misfits plucked from prison or off the streets to sneak into North Korea and slit the throat of its leader, Kim Il-sung. When the mission was aborted, the men mutinied.

South Korea once plotted to assassinate Kim Il-sung, whose picture adorns a flag at an annual North Korean meeting to mark his birthday. Credit:AP

They killed their trainers and fought their way into Seoul before blowing themselves up, an episode the government concealed for decades.

Now, as Kim's grandson, Kim Jong-un, accelerates his nuclear missile program, South Korea is again targeting the North's leadership. A day after North Korea conducted its sixth - and by far most powerful - nuclear test this month, South Korean Defence Minister Song Young-moo told lawmakers in Seoul that a special forces brigade defence officials described as a "decapitation unit" would be established by the end of the year.
An image posted to a Pentagon media site and tweeted by Scottish journalist Ian Keddie, shows the USS Jimmy Carter, a Seawolf-class nuclear-powered submarine, returning to her home port in Washington on Tuesday flying the American flag alongside the unmistakable pirate skull and crossed bones, known as the Jolly Roger.

The 137-metre-long boat is one of three in its class and is specially modified to conduct some of America's most covert underwater operations. That fact alone - as Keddie points out - makes the appearance of the black and white flag significant.

The USS Jimmy Carter. Credit:Wikicommons

The Jolly Roger's presence on the conning tower of submarines goes back to 1914, at the beginning of World War I, when a British submarine, HMS E-9, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Max Horton sunk the German Battle Cruiser Hela, according to Richard Compton-Hall in his book Submarines at War 1939-45. Upon his return to port, Horton struck up the iconic pirate flag, signalling he had successfully sunk an enemy warship.
European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker urged EU governments on Wednesday to use economic recovery and Brexit as springboards towards a closer union, built on an expanded euro zone and a pivotal role in world trade.

In his annual State of the European Union speech, Juncker sketched out a vision of a post-2019 EU where some 30 countries would be using the euro, with an EU finance minister running key budgets to help states in trouble.

Tax and welfare standards would converge and Europe, not the United States, would be the hub of a free-trading world.

The EU chief executive stressed his wish to heal divisions between eastern and western states. He sees that as vital to countering a drive, including by founding powers France and Germany, to set up new structures within the bloc that would exclude some poorer, ex-communist members in the east.

"The wind is back in Europe's sails," Junker told the European Parliament, citing economic growth and the easing of a succession of crises -- Greek debt, refugee inflows, the rise of euroscepticism reflected in Brexit - that seemed to threaten the EU's survival.

"Now we have a window of opportunity, but it will not stay open for ever," he said, emphasizing a need to move on from and even profit from the British vote to leave the bloc in 2019.

"We will keep moving on because Brexit isn't everything, it is not the future of Europe," he said in a speech that Brexit supporters said showed they were right to take Britain out of a bloc set on creating more powerful, central institutions.

In a carefully balanced, hour-long discourse in Strasbourg, he called on nationalist eastern leaders -- though not by name -- to stop defying EU courts over civil rights, and on westerners to drop attempts to keep out cheaper eastern workers or palm off inferior food products in poorer national markets.

But his core proposal for countering what is known as a "multispeed Europe" by encouraging all states to join the euro and other EU structures faces resistance in both non-euro zone countries and potentially in Paris and Berlin, where the newly elected President Emmanuel Macron and about to be re-elected Chancellor Angela Merkel are readying their own plans.

Macron plans to present his ideas for reforming the 19-nation euro zone on Sept. 26, two days after the German election, a French diplomatic source said. EU officials hope leaders may discuss the issues at a dinner on Sept. 28 before a summit in Estonia.

"If we want the euro to unite rather than divide our continent, then it should be more than the currency of a select group of countries," Juncker said. "The euro is meant to be the single currency of the European Union as a whole."

He noted that only long-standing EU members Britain and Denmark have a legal right not to adopt the euro. EU officials say that with Britain leaving, and the eight remaining non-euro states accounting for only 15 percent of EU GDP, Juncker sees it as natural for EU and euro zone policy to operate in unison.

For that reason, he rejected proposals, led by France, for a special euro zone budget, finance minister and parliament. These functions, he said, should be filled instead by a vice president of the Commission, chairing the Eurogroup of 19 euro zone finance ministers and managing a euro zone budget that would be part of the budget for the whole EU, overseen by Parliament.

While Denmark in fact pegs its crown closely to the euro, a drive to push the likes of Poland and Sweden into the euro would be a hard sell in those countries, while Germany, France and others have been skeptical about letting poorer states join yet.

Juncker proposed EU funding and technical help to encourage non-euro members to get themselves into a position to join.

For Juncker, officials say, the departure of Britain, for all the difficulties it brings, means goodbye to the major power that has continually sought opt-outs from new integration projects, and offers an opportunity to end the habit for good. "Everyone should be in everything," one senior official said.

Eurosceptics responded critically to the Commission president's speech.

Ryszard Legutko, an EU lawmaker from Poland's right-wing ruling party, warned against responding to problems with "the same old 'more Europe, more Europe'" arguments. "That is not the answer," he said. "We need to get the EUs house in order before there can even be a discussion on centralizing even further."

Nigel Farage of the UK Independence Party said: "All I can say is, thank God were leaving."

Farage's allies cheered when Juncker finally mentioned Brexit near the end of his speech and said the British would come to regret their "tragic" referendum decision to leave.

Looking ahead to March 30, 2019, the day when Britain will be out of the EU, Juncker said he had proposed that Romania, which will then hold its rotating presidency, should host a summit in the formerly German-speaking Transylvanian city of Sibiu. There leaders should set out plans for a more united Union, two months before voters elect a new European Parliament. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
It was announced today that a Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation initiative, Taking Care of Business, will bring up to 30 State bodies together to offer advice to small businesses.

An Tanaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald has called on existing small business owners and people thinking of starting a new one to register their interest for the Taking Care of Business event on Wednesday November 8th at the Printworks Conference Centre in Dublin Castle.

Taking Care of Business aims to build on the success of previous events in recent years, which have been attended by more than 2000 people from across the country.

The State offices and agencies represented will provide information across a wide range of areas, including:

 Tax, employment and Health & Safety obligations;

 Legal requirements for setting up and running a business;

 Requirements in areas such as food and environmental safety;

 Advice on government procurement and intellectual property; and

 Assistance and supports from enterprise agencies.



A number of representative bodies from industry are also supporting the event and will be available to talk to attendees on the day. The half-day event is specifically targeted at people thinking of starting a business as well as small business owners and managers. In the context of Brexit, it is also an opportunity for businesses to seek advice from a range of experts on how to diversify and expand into new markets.

Speaking today, An Tanaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald said, "This event provides a fantastic opportunity for small business owners, entrepreneurs and those who want to start up businesses to get advice from a wide variety of agencies, on topics as diverse as health and safety and access to finance, for instance. We all want, and need, small businesses to succeed and this event is part of our efforts to explain, simply and clearly, government regulation, and how best to deal with it."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
It was announced today that future tech experts at Waterford Institute of Technologys world-renowned Telecommunications, Software and Systems Group (TSSG) are leading the way in a ground-breaking, industry-focused EU-funded project to plot and plan the future of wireless technology way beyond 5G.



TERAPOD sees academics and industry leaders from Ireland, the UK, Spain and Germany not just investigate but also test and demonstrate the feasibility of an ultra-high bandwidth wireless access networks operating in the Terahertz (THz) band that is 1,000 faster than todays optimum speeds. The band is seen as the new frontier for wireless communication and the key to satisfying the increasing demand for higher speed wireless communication.



Dr Alan Davy and his TSSG team developed the concept for the project and hand-picked experts from across Europe to join the multi-disciplinary, multinational team. Today they meet for the first time at TSSG with industry partner, Dell EMC, and start delivering the mammoth 3 year, 3 million plus TERAPOD programme.



TSSG are project co-ordinators and leading the EU-backed initiative and partnering with Dell EMC means they can test their findings in both the TSSGs own and Dell EMCs extensive data centre networks, Dr. Davy said.

Theyre the only Irish college involved in the project and their hand-selected partners from industry and academia include the University of Glasgow and University College London, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and Bay Phonics in the UK. German partners include TU Braunschweig, Vivid Components and ACST. The sole Spanish partner is VLC Photonics and the team also includes Inesc Tec from Portugal.



Commenting on the project, Dr. Davy said, "This is a massively prestigious project for TSSG to lead and it opens up a whole new horizon for us as a leading research hub and for Ireland as a whole. Our role in TSSG extends beyond coordination and into THz communication protocols at the physical and data link layer along with novel Software Defined Network (SDN) management strategies The European Commission funded 6 projects to look beyond 5G and this flagship initiative is unrivalled."

He added, "The project will focus on concept deployment demonstration within a data centre. It will bring THz communication a leap closer to industry uptake through leveraging recent advances in THz components, coupled with higher layer communication protocol specification. It will have global impact and were honoured and privileged to be playing our part."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
An official employment notification has been released by the Assam Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd., Guwahati, calling out for eligible candidates to apply for the post of Probationary Officer and Assistant Cashier.

Vacancy Availability

Number of posts: 20

Name of the posts: Probationary Officer and Assistant Cashier

Eligibility

Educational requirement

Probationary Officer

Candidates must have done Post Graduation in Management degree.

Assitant Cashier

Candidates must have done Graduation in any stream.

Age limit

The candidate must be minimum 21 years and can have a maximum of 26 years

Salary Details

PO

Rs. 25,000/-

AC

Rs. 15,000/-

Location

Guwahati

Selection process

Candidates will have to give:

Written test

Personal interview

Application Fees

Candidates are required to pay Rs. 300/- through Demand Draft or Pay order in favour of " The Assam Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd." payable at Guwahati.

How to apply for Assam Co-operative bank PO and AC posts?

Interested candidates must send their applications along with attested copies of relevant documents and certificates to the Managing Director The Assam Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd. H.O., Panbazar, H.B. Road, Guwahati-781001, Kamrup (M),Assam in a sealed envelop superscribed with "Post applied for (Name of the Post)"

Deadline

The last date to apply for the post is 28th September 2017.

United Bank of India Recruitment: Apply for Various Posts Now!
Did You Know These Surprising Animals Served in the U.S. Military?

Most people know dogs serve in the U.S. military. But did you know other animals lend a hand (or paw)? These are the most surprising animals who have served in law enforcement and the military. Do you know which animal is better at sniffing out bombs than dogs (page 9)?

1. Cats

A sailor holds the ships feline mascot, Minnie. | Fox Photos/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy How they help: pest control

Cats have lived on navy vessels to prevent vermin for years. Theyve also served in the military in other ways. To eavesdrop on the Soviet Embassy in Washington, D.C., researchers planned to use felines implanted with microphones and radio transmitters in a CIA operation called Acoustic Kitty. They finally scrapped it as not practical to train spy cats.

The U.S. Navy used the next animal for its intelligence and underwater sonar abilities.

2. Dolphins

Hefi , a bottlenose dolphin, is evaluated aboard the USS Gunston Hall. | Brien Aho/U.S. Navy/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy How they help: find underwater mines and flag enemy swimmers

In 2016, the Russian government wanted to buy five combat dolphins. But Slate noted, A dolphin army wasnt the Russians idea. It was ours. In the 60s, military researchers realized dolphins were highly trainable, with sonar and diving skills. This led to the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Training Program, which had over 150 dolphins at its peak in 1995.

The following little insect was prepared to help in search-and-rescue missions using its wings.

3. Beetles

Beetles were implanted with electrodes to control their movements. | Yuri Kadobnov/AFP/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army

U.S. Army How they help: surveillance and search-and-rescue missions

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency funded studies where electrodes and radio receivers were fixed on beetles. The technology could wirelessly control the insects via their wing muscles. The species used (the giant flower beetle) can carry heavy loads like the camera and heat sensor needed for search-and-rescue missions.

Can you guess the next military animal, a hooved helper who can withstand war zones other mammals cannot?

4. Mules

A U.S. Marine pack mule participates in a parade. | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Marines, Special Forces, and the Army

U.S. Marines, Special Forces, and the Army How they help: carry heavy loads of supplies

In the 40s, the Army wanted to teach mules to skydive, which didnt end well. But this animal still helps. Soldiers carry up to 100 pounds of supplies in war zones like Afghanistan. Progress toward robots that can navigate war zones has been slow. So ground-combat units in the Marines and Special Forces adopted Afghan mules, and the Army followed suit.

The next animal is an underwater predator the military hoped would help detect things that dont belong in the water.

5. Sharks

Theyre able to detect things that shouldnt be in the water. | Mustafa Ozer/AFP/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy How they help: find chemicals underwater and spy on others

Sharks can track chemical plumes, so the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency implanted electrodes into the animals brains to learn how they sense plumes. They even developed an implant that manages their brain signals to control movements and turn the sharks into spies.

Do you known which feathery friend helped deliver military messages where radio transmitters could not?

6. Pigeons

A military captain holds a carrier pigeon equipped with a message capsule in 1945. | Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army

U.S. Army How they help: communication to and from remote areas

Militaries around the world have long used pigeons. Carrier pigeons carried messages in situations where people couldnt transmit radio signals. Some pigeons even won medals for their service, like a pigeon named Cher Ami, who saved the lives of many U.S. soldiers during World War I. In fact, the U.S. didnt end its pigeon program until 1957.

Do you know which military animal swims to keep the U.S. safe?

7. Sea lions

Zak, a 375-pound California sea lion does the Shallow Water Intruder Detection System. | Bob Houlihan/U.S. Navy/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy How they help: identify intruders in restricted underwater areas and find and retrieve lost equipment

Sea lions dont have sonar abilities, but they do have excellent eyesight. They excel at finding mines, and some can even clamp down on a divers leg and reel them in. With a $28 million annual training budget, the Navy had 90 dolphins and 50 California sea lions in 2015.

The following little animal is a nuisance to homeowners but a lifesaver to the U.S. Army.

8. Rats

They were trained to detect landmines. | AFP/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army

U.S. Army How they help: detect bombs and landmines

Called the Rugged Automated Training System or RATS, the Army funds research on a low-cost system for training rats to detect anything from explosives to humans buried in earthquake rubble. Dogs are hard to transport and expensive to train. Rats, however, require less travel space.

Do you know which giant animal is better than military dogs at sniffing out bombs?

9. Elephants

Many countries have used elephants in warfare and as mascots. | Lakruwan Wanniarachchi/AFP/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army

U.S. Army How they help: identifying explosives by scent

Elephants engaged in battle in Asia for thousands of years. But the U.S. uses elephants, too. Researchers not only trained elephants to find explosives, but they also found that elephants remember training longer than dogs. (The pachyderms have a keener sense of smell than canines, too.) It may not be true that an elephant never forgets. But as far as locating TNT, theyre pretty sharp.

The following military animal is also better at detecting bombs than canines. (Its actually an insect.)

10. Bees

Bees are crucial to the environment and helpful to the military. | Natalie Behring/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army

U.S. Army How they help: detect traces of explosives

Honeybees sniff out bits of pollen. But they can also detect chemical parts of dynamite, C-4, and liquid bombs. So, DARPA trained bees to swarm the residue left by bombs. They even fitted the insects with radio transmitters so they could find the bees  and bombs  wherever they were.

Can you guess the armys most practical hooved helper? Hint: It can carry more weight than donkeys and endure harsher conditions than horses.

11. Donkeys

A U.S. soldier greets a donkey in Afghanistan. | Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army

U.S. Army How they help: carry supplies

From ancient Rome to America, militaries have used donkeys to haul heavy loads, carry injured men, and boost the morale of service members. Mules are the preferred equine; they can carry heavier loads than donkeys and withstand harsher conditions than horses. However, militaries still work with donkeys, because theyre easier to obtain in combat zones.

The following winged insect intrudes on U.S. homes but can also visit hazardous areas to detect bombs.

12. Moths

The military considered moths for use on undercover missions. | Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army

U.S. Army How they help: fly undercover missions

Researchers manipulated moths metabolism to dictate when and how long the moths flapped their wings. They also used electrical stimulation to control the moths flight direction. The insects used in the study  a species of tobacco hornworm moth with a large wingspan  could eventually find explosives or buried land mines.

Can you guess which human-like creature the military had to stop using after upsetting animal-welfare activists?

13. Monkeys

The military injected monkeys to simulate nerve gas attacks. | iStock.com/KCHANDE

Who they help: U.S. Army

U.S. Army How they helped: nerve gas attack simulations

The Army used monkeys in chemical warfare training. Researchers were injecting monkeys with a nerve-blocking drug to simulate a nerve gas attack and train medical personnel. Finally, the Army switched to trained actors, computer programs, and simulators instead.

Can you guess which clawed underwater comrade inspired the U.S. Navy to detect bombs?

14. Lobsters

Real lobsters were just the inspiration. | Wikimedia Commons/U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Who they help: U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy How they help: inspire research for bomb sensors

Researchers take cues from nature to advance technology, especially robotics. In fact, Navy researchers created the Robolobster, which moves like the real thing. They used electronic nervous systems and sensors to look for mines and bombs along the ocean floor. The lobsters design makes it ideal for navigating the rough surf zone.

The following feathered friend has a weak respiratory system, so it can sound the alarm on chemical attacks.

15. Chickens

Soldiers care for chickens on base. | Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army

U.S. Army How they help: warn of impending chemical attacks

The military first used chickens to detect chemical attacks during the Gulf War, calling the project Operation Kuwaiti Field Chicken or KFC. The U.S. Military also had chickens in Kuwait, says ABC. Army Sgt. Rodney Brown was a tank mechanic/chicken caretaker there. His three chickens were far less costly than high-tech detectors.

Next: This military mammal is making a comeback.

16. Horses

Soldiers take care of their military horses. | Jack Taylor/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army and Marine Corps

U.S. Army and Marine Corps How they help: ceremonial purposes and in combat

Mounted police officers famously ride horses trained to stay calm and focused in chaotic situations. But the U.S. military still uses horses too.

Special Operations soldiers rode horses into battle against the Taliban during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan. And the U.S. Marine Corps revived the horsemanship skills that were once crucial for the armed forces. Special Forces soldiers once again learn to care for horses, load packs, and calculate routes. Some instructors even considered training soldiers to shoot from a moving horse.W

With an innate ability to recognize human faces, the following team of highly-intelligent animal spies hoped to find Osama bin Laden.



17. Crows

Crows are extremely intelligent animals. | Jacques Demarthon/AFP/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army

U.S. Army How they help: recognize missing soldiers and opposition

The U.S. military once worked with researchers to assess crows ability to identify human faces. The birds learned to recognize and harass people who wore specific rubber masks. Although it didnt work out, the military had hoped to create spy crows who could find missing soldiers as well as wanted terrorist Osama bin Laden.

Do you konw which sure-footed farm animal provides the U.S. Navy with a surprising necessity at sea.

18. Goats

A goat watches Staff Sgt. Terry Lucas trim the hooves of another goat. | David McNew/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy How they help: provide fresh dairy

The U.S. Naval Academy famously had a goat mascot. Its surprising until you delve into the history of seafaring goats. When crews needed fresh dairy on board, they chose goats instead of cows due to their small size and sure footing. Goats also eat anything, unlike cows, and they can swim.

Military researchers wanted to use the following nocturnal creatures to blow up cities during World War II.

19. Bats

A giant bomb full of bats sounds like a nightmare. | Ian Waldie/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army

U.S. Army How they helped: inspire bomb research

WWII researchers had a crazy plan to deploy a bomb full of bats (each carrying a tiny bomb) to Japanese cities. The bats would fly into the city and roost. Then, the bombs would detonate and destroy the city. The army called the project Project X-Ray. Despite testing, they never deployed the bat bomb .

The next Army animal may provide the ultimate military/animal bond.

20. Dogs

Justin Coletti of the U.S. Armys Afghanistan K-9 combat team rests with Dasty, a Belgian Malinois, after a long air assault mission. | Romeo Gacad/AFP/Getty Images

Who they help: U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, and police forces

U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, and police forces How they help: detect bombs, track enemies, and raise morale among troops

Sure, you probably arent surprised to read that dogs serve in the U.S. military and law enforcement. But you may be surprised by all the things canines can do.

Dogs have served alongside U.S. soldiers during every major conflict, but werent officially recognized until World War II. They can detect bombs, weapons, and drugs. Plus, they can track enemies. They provide troops not only with company, but with peace of mind. Various branches of the military use the German shepherd, the Belgian Malinois, and other breeds.

Next: The history of military animals

From test animals to valued comrades

A US soldier (R) and a Polish soldier handle a military dog inside the cabin of a UH-60 Black Hawk medevac helicopter. | Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images

The history of war animals is pretty rough. Its clear the U.S. military tested all kinds of high-powered weapons on mammals like dogs, cats, monkeys, goats, and pigs. In the 80s, PETA put a stop to these procedures, and military training and research is better regulated now.

Now the U.S. Military prioritizes training and caring for their animals like they would any human soldier. Currently, about 1,600 military war dogs are in the field or helping recuperating veterans and about 700 veterinarians represent the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps around the world. These doctors maintain the health of military service animals and manage the health of animals who will eventually become food for the troops.

Next: The 3 bravest war animals include this hoofed hero.

1. Reckless, the Korean War horse

Reckless the War Horse demonstrated bravery and strength in battle. | YouTube

Bought by a lieutenant from the Seoul Race Track, Reckless served with the U.S. Marine Corps in the Korean War. The small mare was allowed to roam through Marines tents, and she often swiped soldiers scrambled eggs, beer, Coke, and other food. Her main duty was going to and from ammo delivery sites; Reckless once made 51 solo trips under fire during a single battle. She also evacuated wounded soldiers, remaining calm during intense battles.

The hoofed hero received two promotions, a UN Service Medal, a Korean Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, and two Purple Hearts. Reckless joined 99 other Americans on Life magazines list of all-time heroes.

Next: This little canine became a military sergeant thanks to his courage.

2. Sergeant Stubby, the World War I dog

Sergeant Stubby learned valuable skills to help save his WWI comrades. | YouTube

When a stray dog entered the 102nd Infantrys training area, his ability to boost morale gave him a pass even though canines werent allowed with this regiment. The WWI soldiers taught Stubby, named for his little tail, all their drills, calls, and how to salute. When the regiment deployed, they smuggled Stubby onto their France-bound ship. The pup was allowed to stay after he was discovered, and he even joined his comrades on the front line for 17 battles.

Stubbys battle skills included identifying wounded soldiers, warning about gas strikes, and attacking German soldiers. He received the title of Sergeant, joined the American Legion as a lifetime member, and received the gold hero dogs medal.

Next: This avian hero was shot but kept flying.

3. Cher Ami, the WWI carrier pigeon

Cher Ami served American soldiers in World War I. | Youtube

This little pigeon gained international fame when he was shot but kept flying, getting his crucial message to the recipients, which aided in the rescue of 194 soldiers during a fight known as the Lost Battalion. Named Cher Ami, or dear friend in French, the bird survived and received the French Croix de Guerre for his service. You can honor him at the Smithsonian, where his body is on display.

Additional reporting by Ali Harrison.

Read more: Proven Ways Pets Improve Your Life, According to Science
There are many people in Hollywood who have a long sheet of arrests. But not all of them have to do with driving under the influence and other careless offenses. There have been celebrities who decided to use their platform for good. They decided to join protesters to speak out for what they believe to be right, and even got arrested in the process. Most of the time the celebrities get to walk away with a fine. But there are those who also did jail time for protesting. Here are 10 celebrities who were arrested while protesting.

1. George Clooney

The Oscar winner joined a protest at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, D.C. back in 2012. The protesters were trying to address the violence against civilians in the area. He along with other protesters were then arrested. The crowd was peaceful as they were arrested and taken away. They were reportedly chanting al-Bashir to the ICC as this was happening. Clooney was charged with disorderly crossing of a police line and paid a $100 fine.

We are here really to ask two very simple questions, he said according to CNN. The first question is something immediate  and immediately, we need humanitarian aid to be allowed into the Sudan before it becomes the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. The second thing is for the government in Khartoum to stop randomly killing its own innocent men, women, and children. Stop raping them and stop starving them. Thats all we ask.



2. Shailene Woodley

The Divergent actress joined protesters who are against putting an oil pipeline in North Dakota that will cross four states. Part of this is due to it being bad for the environment, but also American Indians say that the land is sacred. Police ended up arresting her along with 27 people on October 10 for criminal trespassing and engaging in a riot, according to BBC.

3. Woody Harrelson

Back in 1997, the actor joined an anti-logging protest on the Golden Gate Bridge. The goal was to save 60,000 acres of redwood trees in Humboldt County from loggers. The protest actually held up traffic so he along with other protesters were arrested and charged with trespassing, according to the San Francisco Gate. Ill take all the heat thats thrown in my direction, Harrelson said at his arraignment. What we did was right.

Later at a press conference, the actor talked more deeply about the issue. People lose sight of the real issue  Who fights for the trees? I spend a lot of my time in Los Angeles, where you cant breathe the air or swim in the water. Were fighting that. Were fighting for sustainable industry that does not destroy the environment.



4. Susan Sarandon

The Rocky Horror Picture Show actress joined protesters who were responding to a police shooting of an unarmed African immigrant named Amadou Diallo in 1999. They all went to New York police headquarters. She along with 219 people who were involved in the protest were arrested.

If were not here today, she said according to People Magazine, then were saying that what happened is acceptable and normal, and I think that does a disservice to the other police. I think its time we focus on this issue, and racial profiling is not acceptable. I dont think we want to be made safe at the expense of our civil liberties.

5. Mos Def

The rapper decided to do an impromptu performance at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards outside Radio City Music Hall. He was going to perform Katrina Clap in order to protest the Bush administration for their slow response to Hurricane Katrina victims, according to MTV. However, the performance was unauthorized and therefore shut down by police. The rapper was arrested for disorderly conduct.

6. Cynthia Nixon

The Sex and the City actress is very passionate about her kids education. So much so, that she joined a choreographed protest to get better funding for public schools, according to People Magazine. She ended up getting arrested outside of City Hall in 2002.

I feel good. I feel its the right thing to do, she said according to Newsday. The protesters blocked the entrance of City Hall while singing We Shall Not Be Moved. This whole thing was sparked by Mayor Bloomberg cutting the Board of Educations budget by $350 million.

7. Martin Sheen

The West Wing actor along with three other protesters splashed what looked like blood on the front of a federal building to speak out against U.S. policies in El Salvador in 1990, according to the Los Angeles Times. He also was part of a demonstration in 1986 to speak out against nuclear weapons in outer space. The protesters blocked the McGraw-Hill Building and Sheen was arrested.

And it was my first arrest for a noble cause, the actor recalled to Democracy Now, and it was the happiest day of my life, and Ill never forget. It was so disarming.



8. Daryl Hannah

The Kill Bill: Vol. 1 actress has been a very active protester. She protested against the Keystone XL Pipeline on the streets, but also talked about the issue on news outlets. She was arrested multiple times doing this and even radio host, Sean Hannity ended up promising her to give her bail money, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The actress also was arrested for standing in front of heavy equipment in order to halt construction in Texas.

9. Steve-O

The Jackass star is usually seen doing crazy stunts, but one of his most recent ones was for a good cause. He climbed a crane and shot off fireworks in Hollywood to protest Sea World in 2015, according to the Los Angeles Times. He was sentenced to jail for 30 days for a false emergency, trespassing, using unregistered fireworks, storing fireworks without a permit, and possession of fireworks without a permit. He went on to post an announcement on Instagram.

10. James Cromwell

The Green Mile actor was arrested along with six other protesters at a power plant construction site, according to Gothamist. The protesters sat in front of the entrance of the site and chanted power to the people! The protestors were also connected to each other through metal interlocking devices around their necks. They are against the plant because they claim the CPV plant is bad for the environment, can cause cancer and asthma, and is lowering property values.

Follow Nicole Weaver on Twitter @nikkibernice.

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Cardinal Mueller admits 'shame' for Church child abuse but denies responsibility for German choir school scandal

Former Vatican doctrinal chief Cardinal Muller has denied accusations that he must face 'full responsibility' for the abuse scandal in a German choir school revealed this week.

His comments came after it was revealed that more than 500 boys in a Church choir school were abused over a period of six decades.

A report found that at least 547 at the Regensburger Domspatzen ('Cathedral Sparrows') boys choir in Bavaria faced physical or sexual abuse in conditions likened to 'prison, hell and a concentration camp' between 1945 and 1992.

The lawyer leading the investigation into the abuse, Ulrich Weber, said that a 'culture of silence' had enabled the abuse to stay hidden, and accused Mueller of mishandling the abuse cases.

Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Mueller, former bishop of Regensburg (2002 to 2012) and ex-prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith told the Italian daily Il Corriere della Sera that he felt 'shame for what has happened in the Church', according to The Tablet.

However, he added that 'everything that was possible and necessary was done'. He said that the abuse had taken place five decades before his 'mandate as bishop' began and insisted that he 'never defended' the choir school, and had set up his own investigation into it while bishop.

In response, the German government's abuse commissioner, Johannes-Wilhelm Rorig, said on July 20 that Mueller had again 'missed the chance' to respond with due compassion to the choir abuse scandal, and called for more 'appreciation and recognition' on Mueller's part.

Mueller responded that he saw no need to apologise since he himself had initiated the investigation that began in 2010.

Mueller was replaced as the Vatican's doctrinal chief at the beginning of this month. Reports suggested conservative Mueller had been at odds with a reforming Pope Francis for many years, particualrly on the issue of clerical sex abuse, though he denied claims of such intense division.
Christian teenager killed by classmates in Pakistan: New details and name of alleged ringleader emerge

New details about the brutal killing of a Christian teenager who was beaten to death by his classmates in Pakistan, and the name of the alleged killer, have been reported by World Watch Monitor (WWM).

Sharoon Masih, 17, was battered by fellow pupils in a classroom in the Vehari District in Punjab, Pakistan, just days into his first term as the lone Christian student at a new school, as Christian Today reported last week.

There have been mixed reports about whether the boy was killed after drinking from the same glass as a Muslim pupil, bumping into his foot or smashing his mobile phone screen. But WWM named Raza Ahmed as the fellow pupil who is alleged to have killed Sharoon and shed fresh light on some of the details surrounding the killing.

Police Deputy Superintendent Javed Tahir Majeed told WWM that Sharoon's mother told his team that Raza had stopped Masih from drinking water on the first day. 'We are investigating this,' he said. 'Here, even Shia and Sunni do not drink from the same glass, so it's possible that Ahmed had this in mind. If it's proved, the team will report it.'

Majeed, one of three senior police investigating Sharoon's murder, told WWM: 'Sharoon's classmate, Sabir Ali, from his village, Chak 461, told us that Sharoon was sitting at the back of the classroom. When he got up to walk through the benches, Raza sprawled his legs out to block his way, telling him he could not go out. When Sharoon tried to get past Raza's legs, Raza started to beat him up. Sabir tried to intervene but Raza beat him up as well.

'Raza denied to us that he physically touched Sharoon but the entire class testified that he kept beating Sharoon even when he fell on the ground, and kept kicking him till he was unconscious. Raza is tall and well built. He has a reputation for fighting even outside the school.'

Sharoon's parents had saved up to send their son to MC Model Boys Government High School Burewala, the charity said.

From the day he started, on August 25, Sharoon was subjected to abuse from Muslim boys for being a Christian.

His mother, Razia Bibi, warned Sharoon not to mix with the other boys after one told him: 'You're a Christian [so] don't dare sit with us if you want to live,' according to British Pakistani Christians.

Bibi told the charity: 'My son was a kind-hearted, hard-working and affable boy. He has always been loved by teachers and pupils alike and shared great sorrow that he was being targeted by students at his new school because of his faith. Sharoon and I cried every night as he described the daily torture he was subjected to.

'He only shared details about the violence he was facing. He did not want to upset his father because he had such a caring heart for others.

'The evil boys that hated my child are now refusing to reveal who else was involved in his murder. Nevertheless one day God will have his judgement.'

Bibi has accused the police of not conducting a proper investigation into her son's death.

Wilson Chowdhry, the chair of the British Pakistani Christian Association, which is raising money to hire a solicitor to 'circumnavigate police inertia' told the 'i' newspaper that the killing 'serves only to remind us that hatred towards religious minorities is bred into the majority population at a young age, through cultural norms and a biased national curriculum'.

In April, a Pakistani university student was beaten to death and his corpse dragged around campus by a mob of his fellow students, after an unconfirmed allegation that he had committed blasphemy.

The 2017 World Watch List of the 50 countries in which it is most difficult to be a Christian by the Christian charity Open Doors places Pakistan at number four.
Farewell to the Cardinal who helped make Catholicism part of the British mainstream

Nearly 50 bishops, 250 priests, 35 deacons and hundreds of laity along with Archbishops from Anglican, Coptic and Orthodox Churches gathered in a two-hour Requiem Mass to say farewell to the much-loved former Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor.

The Mass was at once a thanksgiving for the death and resurrection of Christ and for the gift of life, as well as a commendation of the soul of the Cardinal to the mercy of God. It was also designed to give comfort to the mourners. Music was important to the Cardinal, a gifted pianist, throughout his life and the Mass included part of Faure's Requiem as well as traditional plainsong sung by the Westminster Cathedral Choir.

The celebrant was the current Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols. This was unprecedented, as Cardinal Cormac was the first Archbishop of Westminster to retire, and not to die in office.

The Mass followed the reception of his body into the cathedral, and a vigil. The service was a powerful manifestation of the Cardinal's wishes for a 'good death'.

Archbishop of Cardiff George Stack described in his homily a recent 'Pause for Thought' the Cardinal delivered on Radio 2 on this topic.

As he spoke, he already knew he had cancer.

The Cardinal said: 'Firstly, I believe in the value and dignity of every human person  that means you. And secondly, I believe that everyone is loveable in the eyes of God. In spite of all our weaknesses and failures, God loves us. So death must be of one piece with life. With the help of God, I hope I will be able to face it, not with fear but with hope and confidence as being in the hands of God.'

Archbishop Stack also described the Cardinal's characteristic 'twinkle in the eye'  as well as his tendency to rush from one thing to the next.

As one bishop said, added Stack, 'he was probably texting the angels to get a move on'.

Although he was talented enough for a career in medicine like his father, a Reading GP, or in classical music or even rugby like his brother, from an early age he was convinced he should be a priest, like his two other brothers.

He himself chose the reading from St John's gospel at the Requiem Mass.

Stack said: 'His gift for friendship and his capacity for putting people at their ease, together with his insightful mind and depth of faith, were a wonderful combination of gifts.

'He generously put them at the service of God and the Church and society at large. They enabled him to reach out in meaningful and constructive ways to other Churches.'

The Cardinal was buried in Westminster Cathedral, in a lead-lined coffin, beneath the tenth Station of the Cross, where Jesus is depicted stripped of his garments.

Stack said: 'Our faith and devotion teach us that the seamless robe of his revelation of divine love, the integrity and compassion of Jesus, is torn away. The Jesus who stands before us naked and unashamed calls us to pay more attention to who we are rather than what we have so cunningly conspired to be.

'Cormac knew well what it was like to have judgments questioned, decisions criticised, mistakes analysed. That "stripping away" could easily have made him angry and cynical, causing him to retreat from the public arena. Yet he acknowledged his mistakes. He made no excuses. He said the most difficult words of all. "I'm sorry". He learned a huge lesson and proceeded to establish the most robust safeguarding mechanism possible, a model for other institutions. Humility and action were part of the robe that he wore.'

Afterwards, Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Catholic, told Christian Today he was a 'wonderful and holy man' who was 'incredibly generous with his time' but absolutely straight on the teaching of the Church. 'He was wonderful with people. He liked talking to them. He was a Cardinal and Prince of the Church but didn't have any airs and graces.'

He added: 'I think he's had an important legacy following on from Cardinal Hume, in making Catholicism acceptable in the United Kingdom, turning it from being a minority religion that was thought of as being a little unusual to being part of the British mainstream.'

Among the 2,000 mourners present were the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, former Bishop of London Richard Chartres, Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthdox Church and Archbishop Gregorios of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Other notable guests included Mary McAleese, former President of the Republic of Ireland, the UK Ambassador to the Holy See Sally Axworthy, Adrian O'Neill, Irish Ambassador to UK and Francis Campbell, former UK Ambassador to the Holy See and now Vice Chancellor of St Mary's University in Twickenham.

Condolences were received from Pope Francis, the Chief Rabbi Dr Ephraim Mirvis and others.
How Saudi Arabia's religion textbooks promote hate against non-Muslims

Saudi Arabia's school religious studies curriculum contains 'hateful and incendiary language toward religions' and labels Jews and Christians 'unbelievers' with whom Muslims should not associate, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

A comprehensive review by the charity of religion books produced by the Education Ministry for the 2016-17 school year found that some content that first provoked widespread controversy for violent and intolerant teachings in the aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001, remains today, despite promises by Saudi officials to eliminate the intolerant language.

'As early as first grade, students in Saudi schools are being taught hatred toward all those perceived to be of a different faith or school of thought,' said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW. 'The lessons in hate are reinforced with each following year.'

This research was part of a broader investigation into the use of hate speech and incitement to violence by Saudi officials and religious clerics for a forthcoming HRW report. The curriculum that was reviewed, entitled al-tawhid, or 'Monotheism,' consisted of 45 textbooks and student workbooks for the primary, middle, and secondary education levels.

The US Department of State first designated Saudi Arabia a 'country of particular concern' under the International Religious Freedom Act for severe violations in 2004, and has continued to do so every year since.

HRW pointed out that while the designation should trigger penalties  including economic sanctions, arms embargoes, and travel and visa restrictions  the US government has had a waiver on penalties in place since 2006, allowing ongoing cooperation between the two countries.

In February 2017, Saudi's education minister admitted that a 'broader curriculum overhaul' was still necessary, but did not offer a timeframe for when this overhaul should be completed.

Saudi Arabia does not allow public worship by adherents of any religion other than Islam, and HRW said: 'Its public school religious textbooks are but one aspect of an entire system of discrimination that promotes intolerance toward those perceived as "other."'

The charity said that the country 'should address the hostile rhetoric that nonconforming Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, and non-Muslim expatriate workers face in Saudi Arabia'.

The curriculum text states that people use shrines as a place to commit acts of illicit innovations or polytheism, including: 'praying at them, reading at them, sacrificing to them and those [interred] in them, seeking help from them, or making vows by them...'.
India's children should be able to pursue their dreams

When Shanmugam Anitha hanged herself in her home early this September, she had already accomplished theimpossible.

The 17-year-old had recently obtained a near perfect score (1,176 out of 1,200) in her state board exams and was the only student in her district to get a perfect score in physics and maths.

She was a remarkable student, whose academic excellence distinguished her above millions  perhaps even tens of millions  of students across India. But it was her story of overcoming incredible adversity that impacted me the most.

Anitha was the sole daughter of a Dalit day labourer from an inconspicuous village in Tamil Nadu, India. She grew up without a mother, and was raised by her grandmother in a cramped shack of a house shared with half-a-dozen other family members. The house lacked a working toilet and, for that matter, most of the basic essentials. Her four brothers struggled with finding stable employment, and her father's meagre wages were spread thin to put food on the table. School was the one thing Anitha loved, and she gladly walked barefoot to attend class.

Still, facing poverty wasn't Anitha's only problem. She also had to deal with the fact that she had been born a Dalit or 'untouchable'.

In India, caste and poverty often come hand-in-hand. In the case of Dalits, the nearly 300 million Indians in the lowest rung of the caste system, this has been the story for centuries. Even 70 years after India's independence and the framing of individual rights in the constitution, Dalits are often still considered and treated as second-class citizens. Dalit women are especially vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation.

In a nation where the young promise of democracy and freedom is still taking its early steps, being a Dalit sometimes means having constitutionally protected rights that have not yet taken root within everyday social life. It means knowing you're equal, yet living in a place where you're constantly treated like you're not.

Anitha knew all of this, yet she wouldn't let it stop her from pursuing her childhood dream. She'd wanted to become a doctor since she was a little girl. Now, after graduating high school and getting one of the top scores in her state, it felt within reach.

Her dream came crashing down on Tuesday, 22 August. That day, the Supreme Court allowed the central government's case for the implementation of NEET in Tamil Nadu. The NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test) was put forth by the central government with the intention of standardising admissions to medical school. This would've been a fine idea, if school curriculums across India were actually standardised. The NEET disproportionally favours students who've been trained in mostly private and expensive schools which follow the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) system.

Anitha's home state of Tamil Nadu, along several other states, objected the implementation of NEET. They argued that their students were not prepared for taking the examination. The schools did not offer tutoring for NEET, and most students couldn't afford to hire private tutors. Several students, including Anitha, signed a petition asking the Supreme Court to exempt Tamil Nadu from from the test requirement in their medical school applications. In a video, Anitha said, 'I want to work for the society as a doctor ... My dear friends, could you please help me for studying medicine?'

Anitha committed suicide on Friday, 1 September  10 days after the Supreme Court's decision.

Despite her exceptional performance in the school system she had been trained in, Anitha could not perform well in the NEET examination. She scored 86 out of 700.

India's disparate and inequitable education system dashed the dreams of Anitha and of thousands of other bright minds in Tamil Nadu. As it stands, NEET acts more as a filter to sift out students who don't have the means to afford private English education or tutoring to prepare for the examination. It perpetuates discrimination and hurts the poor and marginalized most.

The fact that Anitha resolved to commit suicide is tragic, yet it shouldn't come completely as a surprise. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people in India, including the highly educated. Every hour, one Indian student commits suicide.

There's a vacuum of hope in India, stealing our children from us. And unless we do something about it, we'll miss the invaluable contribution they offer our society.

I lead a movement of English medium schools for poor and marginalised students called the Good Shepherd Schools. We've started more than 100 schools across India, through which nearly 26,000 children receive access to a high quality English education that would otherwise be outside of their reach. It's truly a dream factory: one of our students, a girl, is finishing her PhD, and several others are studying to become doctors.

Our goal is to one day have 1,000 self-sustainable yet not commercially-driven schools like these. We want to help reform India's education system, raising the quality of education for everyone, not just the privileged.

Anitha taught us that neither poverty, circumstance nor one's birth should determine a person's potential. Now it's our responsibility to make sure every Indian child has the opportunity to pursue her dream.

Most Rev. Dr. Joseph D'Souza is the moderating bishop of the Good Shepherd Church and Associated Ministries of India. He also serves as the president of the All India Christian Council. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades for his work as a human rights activist. He is also the founder and international president of the Dalit Freedom Network. He can be reached at: moderator@gsoim.org.
Nearly one-third of Brits still hold antisemitic ideas, study claims

Nearly a third of the population of Britain still holds antisemitic ideas about Jewish people, according to a report issued today.

A small proportion of British adults can be categorised as 'hard-core' antisemites  about two per cent  yet antisemitic ideas can be found at varying degrees of intensity across 30 per cent of British society, the study says.

While this categorically does not mean that 30 per cent of the British population is antisemitic, it does demonstrate the 'outer boundary' of the extent to which antisemitic ideas are present in British society, it adds, and: 'As such, it goes some way towards explaining why British Jews appear to be so concerned about antisemitism, as the likelihood of them encountering an antisemitic idea is much higher than that suggested by simple measures of antisemitic individuals.'

The research draws a distinction between 'counting antisemites' and 'measuring antisemitism'.

This study takes an in-depth look at attitudes towards Jews and Israel among the population of Great Britain, both across society as a whole and in key subgroups within the population, notably the far-left, the far-right, Christians and Muslims.

It introduces the concept of the 'elastic view' of antisemitism, arguing that as antisemitism is an attitude, it exists at different scales and levels of intensity.

The study by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research consists of an analysis of more than 5,400 'observations'.

It found that one per cent of British society believes actual violence against Jews is 'often' justified. A further three per cent believe that it is 'sometimes' justified. This compares also with a figure of 7.5 per cent who believe violence against Muslims is both 'often' or 'sometimes' justified.

Against immigrants in general it is seven per cent, the same level as against banks or big business. Twelve per cent of the British population have 'hard-core' negative feelings towards Israel.

Levels of antisemitism and anti-Israel attitudes among Christians are in line with levels found in the population of Great Britain in general  neither higher nor lower.

The report states: 'The Christian theological idea that Jews are cursed in some way because they do not believe in Christ is still in circulation among a small minority of Christians, but its current role in feeding antisemitic feelings and thoughts is unclear and probably minimal.'

By contrast, levels of both antisemitism and anti-Israelism are consistently higher among the Muslim population of Great Britain than among the population in general.

The presence of antisemitic and anti-Israel attitudes is two to four times higher among Muslims compared to the general population.

Non-religious Muslims are the least likely group among all Muslims to hold antisemitic or anti-Israel attitudes, and come closest to the levels found in the general population, although they still remain above average.

Yet most Muslims  60 per cent  religious or not, agree with the statement: 'A British Jew is just as British as any other person.' Most either disagree with, or are neutral on, every one of the antisemitic statements presented to them.

Dr Jonathan Boyd, director of the IJPR, told the BBC: 'Our intention here was not to make any broad generalisations about the Muslim population and their attitudes towards Jews.

'There does seem to be some relationship between levels of religiosity in the Muslim population and antisemitism.'
PMQs with Christian Today: Female Genital Mutilation and violence in Nigeria

Jeremy Corbyn came to Prime Minister's Questions hot off the train from addressing the TUC conference.

But the public sector pay rise did not appear to be on his agenda immediately as his six questions focused more broadly on the cost of living, asking questions ranging from benefits for disabled people and in work poverty to student fees.

The weekly sparring event is the last before the Commons breaks for three weeks of party conferences, starting with the Liberal Democrats' on Saturday.

One Conservative MP remarked to David Cameron last week about the lack of humour and passion at PMQs since his departure.

'It's all too serious, where is the fun?' he said according to the Times' Red Box.

But one rare moment of passion came when Theresa May spoke of female genital mutilation.

'This is abhorrent,' she said. 'We cannot tolerate this.

'We do need to do more to ensure that young girls are not subject to this horrific procedure.'

The SNP MP for Aberdeen North, Kirsty Blackman, raised the conflicts in Nigeria, which affect many Christians.

Just last week Islamic Fulani herdsman murdered 20 Christians, 19 of them from the same Baptist church and one from a Methodist church in the village of Ancha in Plateau State.

The Prime Minister's response focused on support for Nigeria's economy but did not mention the ongoing killings of Christians.
Priests face criminal charges for not reporting abuse, even if heard in confession

Australian priests who fail to report suspected abuse, even if they hear about it from within the confession box, could face criminal charges.

In a marked challenge to canon law, Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has recommended all states make it an offence to fail to report child sex abuse in an institutional setting, AP reports.

Considered highly confidential within the Church, priests are currently forbidden from disclosing anything they hear in confession. If imposed, the commission's recommendation would force them to choose between church or state law.

'The right to practise one's religious beliefs must accommodate civil society's obligation to provide for the safety of all and, in particular, children's safety from sexual abuse,' a report released on Monday read.

'Institutions directed to caring for and providing services for children, including religious institutions, must provide an environment where children are safe from sexual abuse. Reporting information relevant to child sexual abuse to the police is critical to ensuring the safety of children.'

Justifying it's conclusion, the commission said it understood the role and importance of confession for the Catholic Church but said it had heard of cases where abusers had confessed their activities to clergy only to re-offend and seek forgiveness again.

Laws across Australia and indeed the rest of the world vary with some states considering information gleaned in religious confession to be privileged and so exempt from reporting requirements.

But if imposed the new reporting mandate would punish anyone who knew, suspected or even should have suspected an adult linked to their institution was abusing a child, and did not report it to the police.

Outside Australia courts around the world have grappled with whether religious confession should be privileged.

For example in the US state of Louisiana, the Supreme Court ruled that priests did not have to tell authorities after hearing evidence of child abuse during confession.

However in Ireland the legal requirement to report knowledge of crimes against children makes no exemption for priests.

In the UK a spokeswoman for the Catholic Church in England and Wales told Christian Today priests strongly encourage the confessor to report crimes to the police but said the 'seal of confession is absolute' and so no matter the concern, priests would never report the contents of any confession.
Theologians seek Protestant unity through 'Reforming Catholic Confession'

More than 500 pastors and theologians have signed a 'Reforming Catholic Confession' designed to mark the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation on October 31, 2017.

Produced by a drafting committee composed almost entirely of US-based scholars, the Confession aims to highlight 'the Reformers's original vision for Catholic unity under canonical authority'. It says critics of the Reformation often 'fixate' on Protestant divisions. However, it says that 'despite our genuine differences, there is a significant and substantial doctrinal consensus that unites us as "mere Protestants".'

Its sub-heading is: 'What we, Protestants of diverse churches and theological traditions, say together'.

The Confession includes sections on the Trinity, Scripture, the atoning work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church and baptism and the Lord's Supper.

A section entitled 'explanation' stresses the Reformers' original intentions and defends Protestantism from the charge of being inherently divisive. It says: 'While we regret the divisions that have followed in its wake, we acknowledge the need for the sixteenth-century Reformation, even as we recognize the hopeful possibilities of the present twenty-first century moment.' The Confession continues: 'We therefore aim to celebrate the catholic impulse that lies at the heart of the earlier Reformation even as we hope and pray for ever greater displays of our substantial unity in years to come.'

The 'explanation' acknowledges Protestant divisions and says the Reformers 'sometimes succumbed to the ever-present temptations of pride, prejudice, and impatience'. However, it denies divisions were the 'inevitable consequences' of the Reformation.

It says that rather than attempting to replace denominational credal formulations, 'our statement aims at displaying an interdenominational unity in the essentials of the faith and agreement that the Word of God alone has final jurisdiction'. It urges further conversations and dialogue seeking to 'achieve greater unity'.

Timothy George, dean of Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama, who co-chaired the Confession's steering committee, said that a significant motivating factor of the Confession's participants is to call the Church to spiritual renewal.

He told the Christian Post: 'It's a call for the Church to be the Church in a world that is very much pushing against the things of God in so many different ways, and to believe that God will sustain in the midst of the storms that are all about us.'

George said: 'I don't think we can be faithful Christians in the tradition of the Reformation unless we take seriously Jesus' words and his prayer [in John 17] that his disciples would be one so that the world might believe.'

He said the Confession was 'a call to recognise that there is a brokenness about us and within us, which we have to pray that God, the Holy Spirit, will heal and mend in our midst. But we don't think that relaxing into our divisions and accepting the status quo as divinely ordained is the way forward.'
'Utterly outrageous': Belgian Catholic care group denounced by Church over euthanasia plans

A furious row has broken out within the Catholic Church over the Belgian Brothers of Charity, who are refusing to comply with a Vatican order to stop providing euthanasia for the people it cares for.

The UK-based Catholic priest Alexander Lucie-Smith has described the behaviour of the Brothers as 'utterly outrageous,' and pointed out the crucial fact that the order is lay-run.

In a statement released in Flemish, French and English, the organisation said it 'continues to stand by its vision statement on euthanasia for mental suffering in a non-terminal situation' and goes on to make the incendiary claim that it 'is still consistent with the doctrine of the Catholic Church. We emphatically believe so.'

'This claim is utterly outrageous,' wrote Lucie-Smith in a blog for the Catholic Herald. 'The Catholic Church teaches and has always taught that one cannot secure a perceived good through doing an intrinsically evil act. The killing of an innocent human being is an intrinsically evil act. It can never be justified.

'Equally outrageous is the claim that the Brothers of Charity know more about moral theology than does the Vatican. Let us remember that here the Vatican is not just a bunch of people in Rome, but the mouthpiece for the bi-millennial Christian tradition. The Brothers are not just disagreeing with the Vatican and telling them that they know better: they are saying the same to St Augustine, St Thomas Aquinas and every Catholic theologian of the past you have ever heard of.'

The 'Broeders van Liefde' board had been given until the end of August to comply with the Vatican order, which was seen and approved by Pope Francis, according to the Catholic News Agency (CNA).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in paragraph 2277, states that: 'Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.'

The group runs 15 psychiatric hospitals with 5,000 patients, and the board controlling these institutions announced in the spring that they would permit euthanasia in their facilities.

The board argued in its statement that its position 'always takes into account the shifts and evolutions within society', while also considering 'recognition of the exceptional, proportional view of ethics, deontological view and ideologization, and choice of conscience'.

This view is not shared by the general superior of the order, Brother Rene Stockman, who approached the Vatican for help when the board announced that it would start permitting euthanasia.

Indeed, the key to explaining why this row has broken out may lie in its apparently more secular leadership.

The order's website states: 'Altogether, there are 30,000 people who receive care or education through the Brothers of Charity, who have 12,000 employees and staff members in Belgium.'

Lucie-Smith points out that the 'Belgian operation is presumably under the nominal authority of the religious order, but the lay people who run it...are refusing to take their orders from the religious Brothers.'

He continues: 'So the story here, and it is important to stress this, is not a religious order administering euthanasia, which would be shocking, but the only marginally less shocking phenomenon of a Catholic-in-name organisation, founded by a religious order, doing so. What we see here is what sometimes happens in other types of institutions: a Catholic foundation, placed under lay control, gradually losing its Catholic ethos.'

The priest goes on to express his hope 'that the Vatican will act swiftly to break the link between the order and the organisation that uses its name and that it will forbid the organisation to use the word Catholic in any of its literature.

'However, none of that will be easy. There is also the chance that the Church authorities will try to sack the lay leadership of the organisation, and re-Catholicise it, by imposing a new management team.

'Whatever happens, it is going to be messy, and lawyers, both canon lawyers and civil ones, are bound to get involved. It will be a protracted business, sadly. But it has to be confronted. There is too much at stake. Mr van Rompuy and his associates have thrown down the gauntlet to Rome; Rome will have to respond further.'

Other Catholics agree it will indeed be 'messy'.

Professor Kurt Martens, a Belgian Catholic who teaches canon law at the Catholic University of America, told CNA last month that 'the Brothers who are members of the board face dismissal from their institute  thus will no longer be brothers and members of the institute  and the health care institutions would forfeit their right to call themselves Catholic'.

Time will tell how the Vatican responds. But the longer it takes to act, the more toxic this row will surely become.
Why was Jesus called 'Rabbi'?

Jesus' names and titles in the Bible range from 'Prince of Peace' to 'Immanuel' but to those who knew him best he was simply 'Rabbi'.

In the gospels the disciples repeatedly refer to Jesus as 'Rabbi', which is an Aramaic word meaning 'teacher' or 'master'.

To understand why Jesus was called this we must first remember that Jesus was a Jew. 'Christianity', of course, did not exist until after Jesus' death and for those watching Jesus travelling, preaching and teaching, he was much like their Rabbis who taught the scriptures each week in synagogues.

One teaching technique common among Rabbis which appears in the gospels is the question and answer. Someone asks the Rabbi a question, he then answers and expands it to make a point. This can be seen when Jesus is asked, 'Is it lawful for a devout Jew to pay taxes to the Roman authorities?' (Matthew 22:15-22), 'What must I do to inherit eternal life?' (Mark 10:17-22) and 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' (Matthew 18:1-6).

But the gospels also emphasise Jesus' difference from normal Rabbis.

Matthew 7:28-29 reads: 'Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.'

When announcing his ministry Jesus also declares himself different from other Rabbis. In Luke 4 Jesus unrolls the scroll and reads Isaiah 61: 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.'

But instead of expanding on the passage and teaching on it, as Rabbi typically would, Jesus sat down and said: 'Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing' (Luke 4:20).

And ultimately by the end of the gospels, when the disciples realise who Jesus really is, they declare him to be much more than their Rabbi.

Matthew 16:15-16 reads: 'Jesus said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."'

And Thomas, when seeing the marks in Jesus' hands, feet and side and realising it was the resurrected Christ famously said: 'My Lord and my God.'

Jesus was a Rabbi, or teacher, to the disciples and remains that today. But he is also so much more.
A nationwide shortage of teachers threatens quality education, according to the education establishment and its advocates in the media. But as with the population bomb, Y2K, and the devils of Loudon, the reality of the supposed crisis is quite different from its representation. A look at the data puts the situation into perspective.

The shortage claim has been around for some time. The National Education Association warned in 1921 that there was an appalling lack of trained teachers throughout the country. At the time, we had a student-to-teacher ratio of 33 to 1; we have more than halved the ratio in less than 100 years. The late Cato Institute scholar Andrew Coulson gave us a more up-to-date perspective in 2015, explaining that since 1970 the number of teachers has grown six times faster than the number of students. Enrollment grew about 8 percent from 1970 to 2010, but the teaching workforce grew 50 percent.

A new report from the U.S. Department of Education states that our teaching force is still growing proportionate to the student population. In fact, we now have over 3.8 million public school teachers in the U.S., an increase of 13 percent in the last four years. During that same time period, student enrollment rose just 2 percent. Mike Antonucci , director of the Education Intelligence Agency, adds that, between 2008 and 2016, student enrollment was flat but the teaching force expanded from 3.4 million to more than 3.8 million, a rise of 12.4 percent. University of Pennsylvania education professor Richard Ingersoll avers that not only is there no shortage of teachers, there is actually a glut. Ingersoll, who has long studied teacher-staffing trends, says the growth in the teaching force, which goes well beyond student growth, is financially a ticking time bomb. He adds that the main budget item in any school district is teachers salaries. This just cant be sustainable.

And its not only the teaching force thats ballooning: the number of other school personnel has been expanding at an alarming pace as well. Researcher and economics professor Benjamin Scafidi found that, between 1950 and 2015, the number of teachers increased about 2.5 times as fast as the uptick in students. But even more outrageous is the fact that other education employeesadministrators, aides, counselors, social workers rose more than seven times the increase in students. Despite all this new staff, student academic achievement has stagnatedor even declinedover the past several decades.

The myth that America suffers a scarcity of teachers is promulgated by the teachers unions and their supporters in the education establishment. On the California Teachers Association website, we read that California will need an additional 100,000 teachers over the next decade. But this statistic simply means that CTA expects about a 2.8 percent yearly attrition rate, and will need to hire 10,000 teachers per annum over a ten-year period to maintain current staffing levelsmore of an actuarial projection than an alarming call for action. (The union adds that California must hire even more teachers to reduce class size so teachers can devote more time to each student. The claim that small class size benefits all studentsanother union promulgated mythmeans more teachers, which translates to more dues money for the union.) In reality, California is following the national trend in overstaffing. According to the Legislative Analysts Office, California had 332,640 teachers in 2010. By 2015, there were 352,000. But the student population has been virtually flat, moving from 6.22 million in 2010 to 6.23 million in 2016.

True, legitimate general shortages exist in some school districts, while other districts may lack teachers in certain areas of expertise, like science and technology. Workers in these fields can earn higher salaries in the private sector; one solution would be to pay experts in these subjects more than other teachers as a way to lure them into teaching. Unfortunately, thats not possible: throughout much of the country, and certainly in California, salaries are rigorously defined by a teacher union-orchestrated step-and-column pay regimen, which allows no room for flexibility in teacher salaries.

Whats necessary is to break up the unaccountable Big Government-Big Union education duopoly. More school choice, from privatization to charter schools, could go a long way toward solving the teacher glut. The government-education complex will always try to squeeze more money from the taxpayers, irrespective of student enrollment. Its greed has nothing to do with teacher shortages, small class sizes, educational equity, or any other rationale it can come up with: paramount to the interest of the educational bureaucracy is more jobs for administrators, and more dues money for the unions, which they use to buy and hold sway over school boards and legislators. While there is a surfeit of teachers and administrative staff, clarity and transparency regarding the reality of union control of the schools are scarce indeed.

Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
AN OFFICIAL WITH THE CENTERS FOR Disease Control and Prevention has instructed employees not to speak directly with members of the press, Axios Sam Baker reported yesterday. Several health journalists quickly condemned the CDC move, calling it really disturbing and a gag order, among other critiques:

The CDC is a public health institution, not a political one. Come on. https://t.co/MwAq2lnXWW  Drew Armstrong (@ArmstrongDrew) September 12, 2017

Axios published text from a late August email by a CDC public affairs officer that directs staff to route any correspondence with journalistseverything from formal interview requests to the most basic of data requeststhrough the communication office at its Atlanta headquarters:

The messagesent by public affairs officer Jeffrey Lancashire and dated Aug. 31instructs all CDC employees not to speak to reporters, even for a simple data-related question Lancashire did not respond to requests for comment about the policy. But Id love to know what harm was being done by CDC employees answering the most basic of data requests.

David Nather, Axios managing editor, received notice of the communications change from a concerned CDC employee. It does seem like a break from past practices at CDC, Nather tells CJR. Were usually coming to them for routine data requestsnot comment on administration policies.

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Baker reported on the email in his morning Axios Vitals newsletter. He tells CJR that the CDCs new communication instructionseven for a simple data-related question, he notedstood out.

This is the last line of communication you want to close, Baker tells CJR. Just for the sake of accuracy of a story, it seems like a good time for them to be available.

This is genuinely disturbing. The idea that someone at CDC headquarters needs to sign off on responses to basic data requests shows a level of media control beyond which I have ever seen. Whats next?

Last week, CJR reported on the information blockade confronted by health-care journalists seeking information from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Several journalists spoke with CJR about their frustrations obtaining information or substantive responses from health agencies under the Trump administration. A statement to CJR from HHS said that the department averages between 6,000 and 7,000 interviews annually.

HHS aims to respond in a timely manner to reporter inquiries, that statement reads. We do make policy experts available to the media and we contact reporters as often as necessary to provide additional context and to seek connections if information reported is inaccurate.

Following Bakers story for Axios, ProPublica senior reporter Charles Ornstein tweeted, It really is hard to see any legitimate justification for this. Ornstein amplified his outrage in an email to CJR.

This is genuinely disturbing, writes Ornstein. The idea that someone at CDC headquarters needs to sign off on responses to basic data requests shows a level of media control beyond which I have ever seen. Whats next?

Ornstein isnt alone in his concern. A number of health journalists weighed in after Bakers report. Heres Jason Ukman, managing editor at STAT News:

One of the CDCs most important functions is public communication, so its hard to see how this furthers that goal. https://t.co/SaXkESSDxs  Jason Ukman (@JasonUkman) September 12, 2017

And the Boston Globes Felice Freyer:

CDC is employed by taxpayers. Why shouldnt its work be readily shared with them? https://t.co/t4Ji1aRiR4  Felice J. Freyer (@felicejfreyer) September 12, 2017

Beth Joyner Waldron, a health policy analyst who has also given talks on behalf of the CDC and CMS, tells CJR that having access to experts at CDC is essential for both writing and fact-checking. Restricted access raises the possibility of important stories not being published, or being published without fully verified data, says Waldron. Either is a problem for the public whose health the CDC is supposed to help protect.

If a CDC employee is making a public presentation and a reporter wants to double-check a figure, does this mean the employee cant provide a factual answer?

Freyer, the Boston Globe reporter, also chairs the Association of Health Care Journalists Right To Know Committee. While having to go through a press office is nothing new, says Freyer, the edict described in Axios, if true, makes the requirement especially stringent. She also notes that the new CDC rule doesnt conform to existing HHS policy, which calls for employees to coordinate with the press office whenever releasing information that has the potential to generate media or public interest. And she shares Waldrons verification concerns.

If a CDC employee is making a public presentation and a reporter wants to double-check a figure, says Freyer, does this mean the employee cant provide a factual answer?

Faced with what seems like an expanding information blockade, health reporters should push back where and when they cana step Baker took in his newsletter.

If you work at the CDC and have any insight, wrote Baker, go ahead and communicate directly with me. After all, thats what enabled Axios to break the news in the first place.

CJRs health care reporting is sponsored in part by a grant from the Commonwealth Fund.

RELATED: WashPo reporter gets Trump administration statement on health care. You can probably guess what happened an hour later.

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Trudy Lieberman is a longtime contributing editor to the Columbia Journalism Review. She is the lead writer for CJR's Covering the Health Care Fight. She also blogs for Health News Review and the Center for Health Journalism. Follow her on Twitter @Trudy_Lieberman.
The heat is on for Facebook. After The Washington Post reported that the platform accepted advertising buys from an agency tied to a Kremlin-backed company seeking to influence American voters during the 2016 US presidential campaign, calls for transparency from the social media giant have reached a fever pitch.

Facebooks refusal to make public the ads, or to explain who they targeted, has fueled calls for government oversight and congressional hearings. Virginia Senator Mark Warner said yesterday that the Senate Intelligence Committee, of which he is vice chairman, would discuss the potential for public hearings into Facebooks role in the political process.

In the wake of this weeks news, BuzzFeed Editor in Chief Ben Smith writes that there has been a palpable, and perhaps permanent, turn against the tech industry. Concerns with the dominance of tech titans like Facebook go beyond grumblings from publishers and complaints from users about an unknowable algorithm. Companies including Google, Amazon, Apple, andperhaps most prominentlyFacebook, are increasingly portrayed as sinister new centers of unaccountable power, a transformation likely to have major consequences for the industry and for American politics, Smith writes.

ICYMI: A comprehensive timeline of developments at Facebook

For those who have been following Facebooks role in public discourse and media disruption, these concerns are nothing new. In the pages of CJR, Emily Bell has written forcefully and persuasively about the dangers posed by social media, which hasnt just swallowed journalism, it has swallowed everything. It has swallowed political campaigns, banking systems, personal histories, the leisure industry, retail, even government and security.

The nearly 80 percent of Americans who use Facebook deserve to know if and how theyre being influenced. Publishers deserve a better understanding of how their content reaches consumers on the platform. And we should all desire greater transparency from a company that possesses unprecedented control over the flow of information in the world.

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Below, more on Facebook in the spotlight.

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Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon.
Journalists were out in full force as Hurricane Irma reached Florida this weekend. Quite literally. In Naples, NBCs Kerry Sanders kneeled on the ground to avoid being knocked over by the storms fierce winds. The Weather Channels Mike Seidel stood in the flooded streets of Miami, while his colleague, photojournalist Chris Erikson, slipped and fell during a live shot amid worsening conditions. On CNN, intense horizontal rains pummelled John Berman and Bill Weir on camera, and Chris Cuomo endured 130 mph winds in the eye of the storm. So many others put themselves in similar situations.

As Irma barrelled through Florida, the debate over this type of TV storm reporting intensified, as Sopan Deb wrote in The New York Times. On social media, journalists and non-journalists alike expressed their concerns for the safety of those out in the stormnot just the reporters and anchors, but the producers, videographers, the whole crew. NPRs David Folkenflik tweeted: I know Dan Rather pioneered this televised hurricane insanity but TV reporters shouldnt linger outside simply to show power of storms. The New York Timess national editor Marc Lacey wrote: My msg to @nytimes reporters in Florida: do not risk your lives by standing out in the middle of the storm like some of your TV colleagues.

Non-journalists questioned the decision-making process behind putting reporters out in the storm. One viewer tweeted: Why does media think they must be outside for us to see how bad it is? Others lamented that the footage wasnt worth it, or that it was setting a dangerous precedent for viewers. From their viewpoint, theres a disconnect between what journalists are saying and what they are doing, telling viewers its unsafe to go outside when they themselves areoutside.

Theres power in extensive hurricane coverage. Dan Rather proved that when he became one of the first, if not the first, to do it in 1961 with Hurricane Carla. But as Deb writes in the Times, the news value of these dangerous stand-ups is increasingly being questioned, particularly with the rise of social media. Sure, its gripping to watch. Plus, strong visuals may persuade residents to take the threat more seriously. But does that mean the reporter needs to be in the thick of it? After watching the Weather Channels Mike Bettes almost get blown away, the answer might increasingly be no. More on this weekends Irma coverage below.

Storm stars: USA Today reports that Hurricane Irma attracts TV news, weather stars to Florida coast

USA Today reports that Hurricane Irma attracts TV news, weather stars to Florida coast Expanding video coverage: The Washington Posts aggressive video journalism paid off during its hurricane coverage, says Poynter.

The Washington Posts aggressive video journalism paid off during its hurricane coverage, says Poynter. Taking shelter: For CNN, Oliver Darcy writes about the Miami Heralds dual role as newsroom and shelter during Hurricane Irma.

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Meg Dalton is a freelance journalist and audio producer based in Connecticut. She's reported and edited for CJR, PBS NewsHour, Energy News Network, Architectural Digest, MediaShift, Hearst Connecticut newspapers, and more. Follow her on Twitter: @megdalts. Find her on Twitter @megdalts.
Those affected by Hurricane Irma are now permitted to tap their 401(k) plans if they need cash. The Internal Revenue Service, which often offers varying forms of tax relief in the wake of disasters, is allowing storm victims to take loans against their 401(k) accounts or make hardship withdrawals. Although the federal government usually makes low-interest loans and grants available to disaster victims, applicants can often wait for months to receive the money, which does little to address immediate cash needs. While taking money from your retirement savings is typically a no-no, "if you're someone whose world just got turned upside down financially and otherwise, you're playing by different rules," said Kathryn Hauer, a certified financial planner with Wilson David Investment Advisors in Aiken, South Carolina.

Cars make their away through a flooded street the morning after Hurricane Irma swept through the area on September 11, 2017 in Bonita Springs, Florida. Getty Images

The IRS said the relief applies to 401(k) plan participants if they or family members have been affected by the flooding and destruction left by the storm. This means that even if you live outside a disaster area, you can tap your own 401(k) to assist family members in the affected area. The normal 10 percent early withdrawal penalty for those under age 59 (with a few exceptions) will still apply and you'll owe income taxes on the money as well. (Some congressional lawmakers are exploring the idea of eliminating that penalty.)

If you're someone whose world just got turned upside down financially and otherwise, you're playing by different rules. Kathryn Hauer certified financial planner
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Apple announced a $999 iPhone on Tuesday, a move many said pushed the limits of how much someone would pay for a phone compared to where else that money could be spent. The iPhone X ("ten") is way more expensive than the last new flagship phone from Apple: The iPhone 7 started at $649 when it was released. The X is a big change from previous phones, with a bright screen that stretches across the entire face and some high-powered internals. Apple is also offering the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, which are relatively minor updates. They're expensive as well, starting at $699 and $799. But Apple is actually being more forgiving to your wallet than you think. While slapping a premium price tag on these new phones, the tech giant also decided to save its cheapest phone on Tuesday, the iPhone SE, which now starts at $349. The two pricing extremes leave a huge $650 list price spectrum for iPhones.

Why Apple saved its cheapest iPhone

At $399, the iPhone SE already had the lowest starting price of any new Apple phone when it was released last year. According to displays at Apple's release event and on the company's website, it will remain on the market starting at $349. Prior to Tuesday's launch event, Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi predicted that Apple would keep the iPhone SE and iPhone 6 in circulation  that would have been the highest number of iPhone models that Apple has ever sold at the same time.

iPhone SE during an Apple special event at the Apple headquarters on March 21, 2016 in Cupertino, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
Today, Bridgewater Associates is the biggest hedge fund in the world, managing nearly $160 billion. But it didn't start out that way. Ray Dalio, who founded the company in his two-bedroom New York apartment in 1975, had to learn how to be successful.

And often that meant figuring things out the hard way, as he details in his book, "Principles: Life & Work," out Sept. 19.

"These principles  not me  have been the basis of whatever success I've had," says Dalio at the Delivering Alpha conference, presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. Dalio is worth about $17 billion, according to Forbes.

One of his most valuable pieces of gained wisdom was perfecting what he calls "radical transparency." "[I] learned the approach through painful mistakes ... and that brought the success," he says.

This particular schooling started in 1993, when three of Dalio's top confidants told him he was being too honest  and actually hurting the company. They sent Dalio a memo with tough criticism, according to CNBC's "Squawk Box" co-host and New York Times writer, Andrew Ross Sorkin, who interviewed Dalio at Delivering Alpha.

It reads, in part: "Ray sometimes says or does things to employees which makes them feel incompetent, unnecessary, humiliated, overwhelmed, belittled, pressed or otherwise bad. If he doesn't manage people well, growth will be stunted and we will all be affected."

That feedback stuck with Dalio.

"I was told that my process of being totally, radically truthful was hurting people's morale," he says. "Basically what they said to me is that whole total straightforwardness was causing people to be demoralized."

To resolve the situation, Dalio began to meet individually with his employees to reach a mutual agreement about how they would treat one another.

"How am I going to be with you? How should you be with me?," Dalio says he would ask. "In other words, should I tell you what I really think? Can you be free to tell me what you really think? Or should I not do that?"

He wanted to create a culture where employees could have "thoughtful disagreement," and exchange controversial ideas without creating problems.

His "radical transparency" is still not without controversy. Last year, The New York Times reported an employee's complaint that the company is like a "cauldron of fear and intimidation."

But, Dalio applies the "radical transparency" theory to his own behaviors as well. In a presentation at TED2017, Dalio shared a harshly critical email that an employee sent him after a meeting.

Here's the email from Jim Haskel:

"Ray - you deserve a "D-" for your performance today in the meeting ... you did not prepare at all because there is no way you could have and been that disorganized. In the future, I/we would ask you to take some time and prepare and maybe even I should come up and start talking to you to get you warmed up or something but we can't let this happen again. If you in any way think my view is wrong, please ask the others or we can talk about it."

Rather than being offended, Dalio says the email exemplified the idea that he wanted his employees to speak up.

"In order to be successful, we have to have independent thinkers  so independent that they'll bet against the consensus," he says at Delivering Alpha. And to do that, "You have to put your honest thoughts on the table." Then, the best ideas rise to the top.

It may not always be easy or perfect, but Dalio says the technique works for Bridgewater: "We beat the biggest institutions in the world because of an idea meritocracy."

Don't miss: Why hedge fund titan Ray Dalio says you shouldn't pull punches when you criticize your boss

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Washington will release the results of an investigation into alleged Chinese intellectual property theft before a SinoU.S. summit in Beijing so both sides can reset bilateral trade with "a whole series of negotiations", former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon told the South China Morning Post.

In Hong Kong for an investors forum, Bannon said on Tuesday that China and the United States had "a lot of issues over trade that need to be worked out" but conflict between them could be avoided.

"I believe we can avoid a trade war, which is detrimental to both countries. We have to somehow reach an agreement," he said.

More from the South China Morning Post:

Steve Bannon unloads on China ahead of Hong Kong speech, declaring Beijing 'the biggest problem' for Trump

Bannon may be gone, but tensions between the US and China will linger

Hundreds of thousands may be evacuated as typhoon heads for China

Bannon said trade would be at the top of US President Donald Trump's agenda when he met his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in November.

He said a stable trade relationship could help the two countries manage their differences over "other potential conflict points such as North Korea and the South China Sea".

The 63-year-old appeared less belligerent on Tuesday  just before arriving in Hong Kong he accused China of being at "economic war" with the US.

But he did charge China with using forced technology transfers to undermine US competitiveness.

"[Our trade relationship] is basically that we ship raw material to China and they send back high-value manufacturing goods to our market. That happens because they appropriate our technology," he said.
The financial system is a target terrorists would like to disrupt with a cyberattack, so companies need to do the best they can to protect themselves, CME Group Chairman and CEO Terry Duffy told CNBC on Tuesday.

In fact, cybersecurity is one of his big concerns and CME spends a "tremendous amount of revenue" on it, he said.

"You can spend until you're blue in the face and still not protect everything. So you have to do the best job you possibly can," Duffy said in an interview with "Closing Bell."

His comments followed those of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who said on Tuesday that cybersecurity is a "big focus" for him.

"I'm concerned about the global financial system and keeping it protected," Mnuchin said at the Delivering Alpha conference, presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor.

Duffy said businesses need to remain vigilant and dedicate resources to protect themselves and their customers.

"It's incumbent upon all of us to make sure that we allocate the resources to defend our systems no different than governments have to allocate resources to NATO and others to protect our countries," he said.

Just last week, credit reporting firm Equifax said that a data breach could potentially affect 143 million consumers in the United States.

 CNBC's Michael Sheetz and Todd Haselton contributed to this report.
WHEN: Today, Tuesday, September 12th

WHERE: CNBC's "Power Lunch"

Following is the unofficial transcript of a CNBC EXCLUSIVE interview with James G. Coulter, TPG Founding Partner, live from the CNBC Institutional Investor Delivering Alpha conference in New York City on Tuesday, September 12th.

Following is a link to the video of the interview on CNBC.com: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2017/09/12/tpg-capitals-james-coulter-buyout-is-just-a-tool-im-an-investor.html.

Mandatory credit: CNBC Institutional Investor Delivering Alpha conference.

DAVID FABER: Jim Coulter, thank you for being with us. You know, funny, speaking of memory, I've been covering mergers and acquisitions for a very long time. And when I think of TPG, I typically end up going back to the early ops and to the period of the big buyouts, which you had very few. And think of the firm from that perspective. Big public buyouts. And so in doing work for this and speaking to you about our interview today, it was interesting for me to say wait a second, TPG owns Uber, Airbnb, EAA, Vice, Spotify. What are you guys doing and why did you make that, let's call it, use a word that you use a lot out there on the West Coast, pivot?

JAMES COULTER: It actually wasn't a pivot at all. We started our career testing for family. One of the interesting things when you invest for family is, you have one pool of capital, and there's no labels. You just go and find returns. And I was surprised in 1992 when we moved the institutional markets, suddenly you had to have a label because each of the investors had a bucket. And if you didn't fit in that bucket, forget starting out.

So I've been on a 25-year -- this is our 25th anniversary -- I've been on a 25-year journey to go back to where I was in 1987 so that we could look across asset types and across products to find opportunities.

And so we started in big buyouts because in the age of data, basically, that was an interesting place to be. But I think we're in a very different age now. And we were lucky enough to set up the firm in San Francisco at a particular moment. And we have some strong views as to what you have to be doing at this point.

DAVID FABER: Why is the expertise at TPG able to be transferred, though, from doing a large public equity buyout to buying a noncontrolled position in Uber?

JAMES COULTER: When I started out, doing a buyout was something pretty mystical. I have a 20-year-old son. He's a sophomore in college. He could design a capital structure for a buyout today. The product has become demystified. So at the end of the day, while I'm called sometimes a buyout person, I'm just an investor. A buyout is a tool. And you find that once tools are used often, they lose their value. So what doesn't lose value is insight, information, and difference. And what we've been trying to drive is a company that is not tool-dependent. So we're set up more by sector, expressing that across growth, across buyouts, across real estate, as opposed to across tools, which I believe is a funny way to -- to organize the market.

DAVID FABER: All right. Well, I want to talk about your specific investments. Now, you just said in a public market buyouts have lost -- have they lost value to those points you're making?

JAMES COULTER: No. I think it ebbs and flows. So if you look at TPG's investment pace in the buyout market, we were probably investing at three times the rate we are today back in 2009 and '10. There was a moment in time where it was a value market. You leaned in, you bought good companies, you put leverage on them, and you played what would be an improvement in the businesses and an improvement in the multiples. And that double dip, better business performance, better multiple performance, has driven a lot of buyout performance.

Today we're late in the cycle. I don't know when the cycle is over. You have other people who will comment on the macro. But I have to drive looking out four years. And at the extent of my headlights, I have to assume a recession within that time frame. So what do you do at this moment? What I don't think you do is buy a levered beta. What I think you do is try to find alpha and try to find growth. And that question, where do you find alpha and where do you find growth today, is what's really driving us.

DAVID FABER: All right. Well, a lot of the people in this room are trying to do that. We're also trying to do that at this conference, hence the name. But they tend to focus on the public markets. You seem to be focused on the private markets as the place to find that alpha.

JAMES COULTER: Yeah, I think there's a possibility, and I'll be a bit provocative here, that we're going into a period of time that will be known as the era of the private markets. And so I'm not a public market person, but I'm an observer of industries. Those of you in the public market, take this as an amateur from the side. But if you described a product that its participants, customers, were down 40%, if you were described a product where people who would normally be buying the product are not buying the product and where the product itself is becoming undifferentiated because people want to buy it on an algorithm, you'd be describing the public market.

A number of public companies are down 42% from the high of 7500 down to 42. And in the last cycle of innovation, maybe craziness in the tech market, there were 80 billion of venture capital went into 6,000 companies. And then in a pretty short period of time, 1,100 of them went public for $253 billion. Think about that. This cycle, there's been 250 billion that's gone into venture capital in 42,000 companies. I would expect a massive IPO boom. But what's happened, there's only been 319 IP0 s at $80 billion in value. So the exact opposite. The companies are opting to stay private longer.

Obviously that will work itself out over time.

DAVID FABER: Well, what does that mean actually, it will work itself out over time? Are you sure it will?

JAMES COULTER: No, there's always going to be a pendulum that will swing back. But might happen, I don't know, the public market people could potentially give you better insight, but there are two things happening that I think are key.

First of all, more companies are being bought by the banks. So if you think of a company like Instagram, right? That might have been a great IPO, but rather than go to the public market, it derivatively went to the public market in a way that the beta players could play it. I would love to be trading Instagram, but instead you have to trade Facebook to participate in that.

So I think more and more what you'll see is just given how difficult it is to go public, look what Snap is going through, that basically people will opt to sell into the big public players.

The second thing is people will just stay private as long as they can. And because there's a robust market in place of people like us, when we used to sell our investments, we predominantly sold them into the public market. Now we actually sell them into the private market.

I don't know how this all works out, but I would, just as a corollary, point my finger at the real estate market. And, you know, we, in the corporate market, have always assumed that the public market was the end state. The real estate market, you have a relatively small number of reefs and then you have a bunch of private market assets that trade in a private market. So I do think there's a moment in time where finding alpha in the public market has gotten more difficult as the market has consolidated and moved to passive at the margin.

Not to say it can't be done. It's just more difficult. You can see that in hedge funds, where the seals of alpha, basically people are voting away from the seals. And so a lot of that alpha pressure is going into the private market.

And on the other side, if you think about the private markets -- this is a staggering statistic someone gave me the other day -- 95% of private market investors say that private equity has met or exceeded their expectations.

I mean, I can't get 95% of anybody to do anything. But that realization, for better or worse, is going to drive more capital and more searching for alpha into the private market. So what we're trying to do at TPG is just set up a vehicle to do that.

DAVID FABER: Well, let's talk about a couple of the investments, then. And I'm curious as to what the conversation, if there is any, with your LP s is like. When you make an investment, noncontrolled position, you get a board seat, make a large investment at already a very conceivably high valuation, certainly in our dollar terms -- I don't know where you guys came in specifically. What do -- what is the expectation there?

JAMES COULTER: First of all, we did a ton of work on it. Right? So the time we invested in Uber, it was about a 3 billion post-money, and it was largely only in San Francisco. And what we had were a very strong set of unit economics and a very strong understanding of that market as users. And we could almost see what it would be like to open other stores.

DAVID FABER: So to put that into perspective, that was only four years ago, wasn't it?

JAMES COULTER: Yeah. Uber basically works in reverse dog years. You know, basically what would happen in seven years happens in one at Uber in all things.

DAVID FABER: Okay. But explain to me. You were explaining the thinking in terms of why at that point.

JAMES COULTER: It was a huge market. Listen, all of you know the Uber story. So it was a huge market to disrupt. One of the things we found is the disruption seldom comes from the incumbents. The taxi companies weren't going to figure this out. And unlike Cisco, or even Google in the early days, Uber was a disruption you could absolutely understand very quickly. So, it was a question of could it scale, could it scale quickly. And as soon as you decided yes, it was actually a pretty easy investment to make.

DAVID FABER: Why not sell it now? I would assume, given where you got in, those are numbers that anybody would be happy with.

JAMES COULTER: First of all, it's not clear there's not farther to go. But secondly, here's one of the issues of a private market, which is the sale is not yet available to all players. There's some, as you know, shadow market sales going on. But I think we're happy with our position in the company. It's been an interesting ride. But generally, we're going to --

DAVID FABER: Tell me about your expectations then for the future of this company. I mean, clearly there's been a lot of, I think it's fair to say, pummel. If not even more so on the board level and at the company lately. You have a new CEO. You still have a founder who's on the board who conceivably will get a couple of more board seats if possible. He's being sued by another board member. It doesn't necessarily sound like a recipe for --

JAMES COULTER: Great for the media, though.

[LAUGHTER]

JAMES COULTER: I had someone do a search for the number of media mentions of "Uber," and in June it was eight times the number of "Kim Kardashian."

[LAUGHTER]

JAMES COULTER: So I have to admit, it was an intention in my career to be involved with something eight times Kim Kardashian. But just to give you a scale of it, if you added Walmart and GE together in terms of media mentions, Uber was 30% bigger. So my goal today is not to increase that number and to let Kim get back on top.

[LAUGHTER]

JAMES COULTER: But I do think there have been -- I do think there have been a few lessons for us. First of all, we had a very different role in this company because we were -- we typically control companies or have influence. This was a rare company where we were on the board but someone else controlled it.

Secondly, it is going to happen. If you're going to invest in this area, be ready for reverse dog years. Things are going to happen quickly at places like Spotify and Uber, and you have to go at that pace.

And it turned out all things went quickly. And the last point is culture and governance matter, you know. In a world where we focus on words like "pam" and other things, culture and governance matter. When the hurricane blows in at your foundation -- so over the past month, I'm actually proud of the role we've played at TPG because while we have an excellent set of people at Uber, the board has not dealt with this type of issue before.

Bringing in a new CEO is something we do at TPG often. Repositioning companies is something we do often. That's a skill that isn't as resident in the Valley as it is within private equity. So my partner David Trujillo and TPG I think have played an important role, generally staying very much out of the press.

DAVID FABER: Well, despite what has been the tumult at the board level and the lack of management, the company itself has been performing well, hasn't it? I think so.

JAMES COULTER: Well, I would assume you judge it by similar metrics that we all do.

DAVID FABER: Why do you think so?

JAMES COULTER: I'm not going to go there. Because, as you know, there's transactions in the marketplace on this company. But I think I would ask all of you, has your life changed because of Uber and its competitors? And that change, you feel in your own life, it's played out around the world. And you don't see that very often.

DAVID FABER: At the risk of staying on this topic too long but --

JAMES COULTER: Well past that risk.

[LAUGHTER]

DAVID FABER: Good. So we've gotten that out of the way. We'll just keep going. I will make it a final question. When you think about the long term, as you have to as a significant investor, and the rise of autonomy, do you wonder about whether that ultimately is a real threat to a company that doesn't own the underlying fleet?

JAMES COULTER: Yeah. So there's a term that as an investor I'm spending a lot of time on now. It's called punctuated equilibrium. I don't know if any of you are naturalists, but turns out that Darwin's theory is no longer viewed as exactly correct. Change doesn't happen gradually over long periods of time. Life kind of goes along. There's a moment of each mutation. All hell breaks loose. Then it goes back into a steadiness.

So Detroit, they started the car industry. It sorts itself into three cars. It sticks there for 50 years. And then all of a sudden, in the past few years, we have Tesla, we have Uber, we have autonomous vehicles all coming in a massive moment of mutation for a very large industry. All I know is that we will find a new equilibrium, and Uber has to figure out its role in that equilibrium. But sorting it out at this moment is going to be more than interesting; it's going to be where fortunes are made and lost.

DAVID FABER: Well, let's move on to some of the other names in the portfolio, Vice, for example, in our world, to a certain extent. Again, you come in there with a significant investment, I believe at a valuation of around $5.5 billion. I'm relying on the press for this so it may not be completely accurate. Why is that something that you believe is a worthwhile investment, given, many would say, certainly, the valuation is exceedingly high when compared to other public groups.

JAMES COULTER: So, first of all, this concept of disruption is driving everything we're doing. So if you think about industries that are going through this moment of punctuated equilibrium, one of the markets is the media business. And if you break the media business up, and the record business, which was the first business to hit it -- I mean, we used to buy albums. Remember that? And today, in a very short period of time, we've sorted ourselves out to streaming and Spotify.

In the movie business, suddenly Netflix. I mean, Netflix used to send you stuff at home, right? And now it's basically the conduit for OTP. So I'm fascinated by your business, which is the media business as it relates to nonfiction media. And if you ask a hundred people how they get their media today, you will get 150 answers. So there's this new moment of -- and Vice is one of those platforms, one of the newest platforms that have emerged and are in the middle of reshaping the media platform.

Now, what will it be? I think when Facebook bought Instagram for a billion dollars, people thought they were nuts, right? And if it stayed what it was, that would have been one thing. If it continued to evolve, I think that was a great buy. And let's see what happens with Vice over time.

DAVID FABER: When you think about making investments like Uber and Vice, I believe, which are noncontrolled, how does that differ from more typical, DAA, which you own majority of, and/or others? I mean, does it figure into your thinking about the ultimate return that you're going to get?

JAMES COULTER: Yes. Usually you're trading out some control for some structure. And when you see prices related to deals in the private market, you should always know that until you see the structure, you don't have the full story. So when you have a structure as a form of controlling your returns, and within certain bands, a different form of control is actually to control the company. I am most comfortable with that type of control.

But to my earlier point -- and this is where you have to be careful of labels -- you're investing in ideas.

A buyout is a tool. A structured minority growth investment is a tool. We want to be able to use different tools, but it's the idea that's important.

DAVID FABER: All right. So what are the larger ideas at play here when we talk about an Uber or an Airbnb or Vice or --

JAMES COULTER: Okay. Let's, kind of a quick speed dating, hit a couple of ideas. Whenever -- if you want to play content, for most of history, buyout firms have played distribution. We bought cable TV; we bought TV stations; we bought networks. Today, with over-the-top, there's a massive shift. The pipes are breaking. The water is finding its own level. And content is taking a bigger piece of the pie. So the question is how do you invest in content? I can't tell you that Bad Robot, you know, is going to be a great content producer.

It's hard for me to do that. But one of the things that I found when I got to know CAA is they essentially are 8 to 10% of the content market. They own pieces of all this -- so they're a diversified investment on the expansion of the content market. That was issue one. And CAA and WME, these are two -- there's a very few special players that have that tendency.

The second thing, and this was -- I would put it out for all of you investors to think about, it's been my experience, is that when markets get more complicated, middlemen become more valuable. And so if you think about the rise of the value of the investment banks, when the financial markets deregulated, the rise of the advertising companies, the rise of the commodity players. So, CAA is in the middle of this market that is more complex, so their ability to create value goes up with that complexity.

We've been very happy with our investment in CAA, but it's also been an extraordinary window into what's happening in that marketplace that has spawned other investments. And one of them, for example, would be Cirque du Soliel. One of the things we noticed within the portfolio of CAA is that live events are growing. Look, we're here today, right? Comic-Con has 130,000 people that go to it. So the question of -- everyone thought that you were going to live in your digital world and just kind of, you know, move into the basement. And in fact, what's happened is people live in their digital world and then find ways to connect at conferences like this.

But we began to look very strongly -- and, by the way, if you go back, there was a discontinuity about eight years ago where the relationship of what people spent on things and experiences suddenly gapped. And everyone thought it was millennials, but it's actually across the age group.

DAVID FABER: What accounts for that?

JAMES COULTER: I would say three things. And so maybe we always wanted to buy experiences. Maybe experiences were just hard to buy. So you'd go feel a sweater. But if you wanted to buy -- wanted to go to a restaurant in Barcelona, you got a Frommer's Guide, some old guy that told you where to go. And you weren't very sure about that so you didn't want to spend your money on it. Today if you want to go to a restaurant in Barcelona, you can go on TripAdvisor and get a hundred relevant reviewers, pictures of yesterday's food. You can buy with more confidence. That's issue one.

Issue two is, it always amazes me, anyplace you go -- I don't know how you don't have this happen here. There's people, like, streaming. Right? They hold their phones up. And I always thought that was crazy until I saw some research that says experiences are more valuable if you can share them. So the very fact that people can share experiences are actually increasing the relative value of experience.

And the last thing, and I saw this with my kids, is when we were growing up, we used to wear things with logos because we were branding ourselves. I'm the guy with a crocodile on my shirt. Right? That said something about me. This generation brands itself by having an experience and showing it to all their friends over their streaming. So suddenly, the brand dollars that used to go to things are in some ways going through experiences. So another experience company. We're investors in Viking Cruises. Which does river cruises up and down Europe. And it has a new cruise company. Julian was just saying how he likes cruise. Our cruise company has no water slides, no casinos, no kids.

[LAUGHTER]

JAMES COULTER: Because what we offer is a professorial, small-port experience, and it's flying off the shelves.

DAVID FABER: On this theme, of course, of experiences, it seems to potentially come at the expense of buying stuff. You have some experience in retail. You took J. Crew private twice. First time was great; second time perhaps not the charm there. But what lessons have you learned in terms of retail through the lens of J. Crew and others, especially given what you're talking about.

JAMES COULTER: Well, I think I've learned that you have to look for that moment of punctuated equilibrium. So I would argue that we've entered a moment of punctuated equilibrium in retail. And we sold a number of our retail positions, Neiman Marcus, Petco, we'd seen that coming, and others we didn't sell we're repositioning for that new world.

What does that moment look like? A number of things hit all at once. Everyone knows the Amazon phenomenon, but the real Amazon phenomena is that -- as it relates to J. Crew is that people go to a mall one less time, right? That has huge impact on the people kind of walking by a J. Crew store and buying.

So your marketing and channel changes.

The second thing is the same time the e-commerce wave hit -- by the way, we're over 50% e-commerce now at J. Crew -- we basically have a brand-new model coming in, which is called fast fashion. So, fast fashion, ZARA, and H&M are the equivalent of Southwest Airlines for retail. Suddenly an entirely new business model comes in with a different supply chain, different economic model, and just like at Continental Airlines, we had to adapt our business strategy for the reality of Southwest, J. Crew and the entire retail industry has to adapt its strategy for that moment of reduction in brand engagement, e-commerce, and ZARA.

DAVID FABER: That's a lot to ask of people who have typically been used to selling out of a big-box store, isn't it? Are the management teams in place to actually deal with that new reality?

JAMES COULTER: Yes, or you continue to evolve them and make sure. So you bring in more digital talent, etc.

So to give you an example of how you can do that. So Cirque du Soleil, when we got there, it's Cirque du Soleil is as large as Broadway in terms of tickets sold. You don't see it in one place so you don't realize how large it is. But it had a ticketing system that was out of the '50 s , you know. It's the same paper-based ticketing system. And we have a millennial base that buys last-minute. So what did we do? We brought our experts in pricing and digital in, we created a new mobile ticketing app, and we moved cash flow in Vegas alone by $30 million in a quarter, right? Because we just brought in a new technology to evolve it to the new world.

So part of our goal is to not be -- to embrace change. Never easy, as someone once told me. No one but a 2-year-old in a dirty diaper really likes change.

[LAUGHTER]

JAMES COULTER: You know, people don't embrace change. But when change is happening, our job is to embrace it and help our companies prosper.

DAVID FABER: Do you think retail is going to be able to succeed through this --

JAMES COULTER: Yes, retail isn't going away, right? Retail is shifting. Airlines, everyone thought it was the death of the airline business when Southwest showed up. And it was a change in airlines, but -- so as you know, we are on a space basis over retail. But what we're asking is -- I think this is a huge opportunity -- what are all these malls going to become? We own a company called Lifetime Fitness, which is a large box, kind of new-age fitness company. So we're engaging with the mall owners to fill in Crate & Barrels or whatever, you know, they're moving out at the moment, and we're getting the real estate essentially for free.

I mean, this is, you know, whenever a door closes, a window opens. This is a huge opportunity. So our goal is to recognize the disruption, prepare our companies for it, and then look for the opportunities that are clearly coming.

And one of my weird ones is fear. One of the things that -- again, you look for disruption. A few years ago I noticed a chart that the U.S. public believes very strongly that crime is going up, even though the stats say that crime has been going down. And so why is that?

It turns out that in the media world we live in, when you're constantly bombarded, we are wired with something called the amygdala, which basically lights up for something that scares you. So as you're looking at the media landscape, you notice all the things that could go wrong.

So it turns out there's been a massive growth in physical security things. We own Gavin de Becker and Associates. We just opened a new terminal in Los Angeles that essentially allows people for a fee to go in, clear security themselves, essentially have a private airline experience, and then the car just takes you onto the public plane. And it creates a safer feel to travel.

And obviously the number one fear of Americans is having their credit card information stolen, even though you probably have no real risk for that. And so we are large investors in cybersecurity; bought Mc Afee, we have a number of smaller investments.

So again, our goal is to find things that are changing in society and express them.

Your earlier point, yes, we're a buyout person, but yes, we're a growth person, and yes, we're a turnaround person. You know, at the end of the day we want to be an investor.

DAVID FABER: Right. I want to get back to, in our final moments here, this larger issue that you raised about public versus private market, rise in capital, index funds, but also this idea that so many of these companies can stay private longer.

Uber, though, eventually is going to go public. Airbnb -- I mean, these, of course, are the largest of the large -- they will go public. You mentioned you can't -- I mean, if you wanted to sell your stake it would be difficult because of a lack of liquidity. Aren't they eventually going to end up on the public market, as will so many others?

JAMES COULTER: Yeah, I think one of the risks of looking at any complex market is to use labels or focus on a few companies. So just like calling me a buyout person is probably a risk, focusing on the entire nature of the public market on what a few leaders will do is probably a risk.

So I suspect for the large players there will be a path to the public market that will make sense. You know, there will be. There have been 319 IPO s , but there haven't been 1100.

DAVID FABER: No, there haven't.

JAMES COULTER: But you'll have more companies opt, either stay private longer or to sell into the public players.

DAVID FABER: And interestingly, I'm curious to your thoughts, a lot of their great growth is taking place during the phase they're private regardless. The public market is not able to really participate as much as it might have previously, in the public market space of these companies.

JAMES COULTER: After the original excitement -- so think about Amazon, right? I admit along the way I asked some questions. Bezos got it totally right. Think about the grief he took in a long-range, you know, growth, sacrificing near-term profit for long-term success. I mean, he got beat up for years, right? So if you're -- in these good business models, which scale at a different rate, it will make sense to sacrifice near-term profitability for long-term market position. And the public market is an uncomfortable place to do that, so they will try to stay in the more comfortable place where they can with investors.

I mean, Uber has never had a problem finding investors -- never had a problem finding investor. But think about all those quarters Jim Cramer where, you know, Bezos got beat up because he didn't provide something that now we go he's a genius.

I do think that for certain types of companies, delaying going private for longer than last cycle will make sense.

DAVID FABER: And finally, what about your company? You're a cofounder with David Bonderman, 25 years, as you said. What do you see as the future?

You know, it occurs to me that VisionFund -- I mean, speaking about a hundred billion dollar fund run by Masa, which may compete with you on some of these investments, also bought Fortress. I mean, that was one of their earliest. Would they ever consider buying a TPG, and would you ever consider, as you think about succession, selling?

JAMES COULTER: You know, I think the cobblers children have no shoes. So we often look at other industries and talk about disruptions. One of the biggest disruptions I see in industries is in the investment industry, and particularly in alternative. So there's coinvestment; there's new entrants; there's new products; there's new investors. So we're going to see a fair amount of change in our business. And we're going to keep doing what we've always done, which is focus on the ideas, capitalize in the right way. We'll make our mistakes along the way.

But if you stay focused on the ideas, it works and it will continue to work. And the ideas now are alpha - don't get pulled into the beta data game. And disruption. And that's where we're spending a lot of our time.

DAVID FABER: Well, Jim, we appreciate you spending a little bit of your time with us. Thank you, Jim Coulter.

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Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is eager to complete tax reform this year, and while CNBC's Jim Cramer fully understands its benefits, he's not convinced it will happen.

"Look, I say this as a huge believer in both tax reform and President [Donald] Trump's economic team," the "Mad Money" host said.

Lower corporate taxes would push companies to repatriate their assets back to the United States, which they have been resisting because of high, noncompetitive U.S. tax rates. Domestic companies could then use that money to hire more people and expand business, thus growing the U.S. economy.

"However, as much as I love tax reform, I'm a realist," Cramer said. "Earlier this year, at the time of the inauguration, I could not have been more excited about the president's economic agenda. But not anymore. I know better now."

Mnuchin acknowledged at CNBC and the Institutional Investor's Delivering Alpha conference on Tuesday that Congress got sidetracked on health care reform.

Congress' disagreement over the border-adjustment tax, which would place a value-added tax on imported goods in order to fund the tax cuts, also stymied tax reform talks.

"Then this morning the Treasury secretary said he wants to change the taxation of pass-throughs, a type of business that could benefit from tax reform. The administration also wants to eliminate deductions for state and local income tax in order to pay for the plan," Cramer said. "Ugh. Here we go again."

Don't get Cramer wrong; he wants tax reform completed. But keeping it simple is the best way to get it done, and that's not what the "Mad Money" host sees congressional Republicans doing.

"Any kind of comprehensive reform, whether we're talking health care or immigration or taxes, always takes forever, always ends up being unpopular [and] usually ends up failing," he said. "But if you want something done, just do it. Give the middle class a tax cut. Give companies a tax holiday on the repatriation of overseas assets, and then watch the economy bloom."

Cramer suggested policymakers do the same thing with infrastructure and offer U.S. citizens savings bonds to fund repairs of crumbling roads, bridges and tunnels.

"We'll buy them. We'll do it because we're patriotic and we're practical," he said.

But if Congress is going to let lawmakers and interest groups and all the powers that be complicate what should be simple policy measures, Cramer said they should just forget about it.

"There was a time when I used to ask each executive who came on the show what they would do with the money they'll get from a lower corporate tax rate," Cramer said. "I don't even bother doing that any more. You know why? Because I don't want to waste your time. You've got other things to do. Doing it this way, going about it the way the White House is doing it right now, pretty much insures failure. The best is the enemy of the good. Memo to the GOP: stop trying to make tax reform perfect. Just get something passed. Let's get this done."
As the host of CNBC's "Mad Money," Jim Cramer always tries to find positive trends that can help you make money even in the most dismal situations.

And while there's no way to make light of the tragedy that came out of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, some sectors actually did benefit from the destruction in the South, Cramer said.

"There are some industries that truly make out like bandits when the Gulf Coast gets hit with a really bad hurricane. I've already talked about how the half million wrecked cars from Harvey could lead to a resurgence in the auto industry [and] how the insurance industry might be able to raise your rates without paying out as much in claims because so few people have flood insurance on their homes," Cramer said. "The biggest winner, though? Probably the oil refiners."

The refining business depends on margins, which are defined by something called the "crack spread." The crack spread is the difference between what refiners pay for crude and what they make from selling the end product, usually gasoline or heating oil.

When a refinery is taken offline but the price of oil stays the same, the price of gas rises, and as a result, refining companies' profits rise, too.

"That means when a hurricane like Harvey floods the coast of Texas and Louisiana, where so many refineries are located, a lot of capacity gets shut down, and that ends up being a huge boon for refiners who can take advantage of it," Cramer said.

In fact, the VanEck Vectors Oil Refiners ETF is up over 10 percent since it bottomed in June, meaning refinery stocks are indeed getting a boost due to the Harvey-induced shutdowns.

The "Mad Money" host came to this conclusion with the help of technician Bob Lang, the founder of ExplosiveOptions.net and one-third of the team behind TheStreet.com's Trifecta Stocks newsletter.

Lang turned to the daily chart of Andeavor , an oil refiner formerly known as Tesoro Petroleum. Since Andeavor bottomed in April, it made a series of higher highs and higher lows, a promising sign.

Moreover, its Chaikin Money Flow Oscillator, which measures how many people are buying and selling the stock, has been incredibly strong and even held steady when the stock sold off, which tells Lang that deep-pocketed investors are buying the stock hand over fist.

Andeavor may have pulled back in August, but has since surged back in a flag pattern, which is when shares run up rapidly, consolidate for a while, then rally again. Lang thinks Andeavor's stock can even hit $110 a share in the not-too-distant future.

"My favorite thing about Andeavor, though, is that none of its refineries were in Harvey's path," Cramer said. "They're benefiting from the shutdowns along the Gulf Coast more than anybody else, because in addition to a bigger crack spread, Andeavor also gets to take some market share from its competitors until they get their refineries up and running again."

Valero , on the other hand, did shut down five of its Texas refineries, but the company's locations across the rest of the country became much more profitable thanks to the surging crack spread.

In Valero's daily stock chart, the moving average convergence divergence indicator, which predicts changes in a stock's trajectory before they occur, made a bullish crossover at the end of August, suggesting to Lang that the $70 stock could run up to $77 or even $80 a share.

Finally, Lang turned to HollyFrontier , a Midwestern refiner with shares up 40 percent since June. It rekindled its August rally last week and broke out above $33 this Tuesday, and with institutional investors trading the stock in high volumes, Lang thinks it could be headed to $40.

"Here's the bottom line: the charts, as interpreted by Bob Lang, suggest that the big refiners  Andeavor, Valero and HollyFrontier  have more room to run, and I can tell you the fundamentals agree," Cramer said.
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Cryptocurrencies have exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks to innovation in blockchain, the distributed ledger technology underpinning those virtual tokens such as bitcoin. That has led to a red-hot fundraising trend where start-ups are pulling in millions of dollars in capital by issuing virtual coins to investors in exchange for money. As a result, there is renewed interest from regulators in Singapore, the United States, Japan and China to have oversight in the cryptocurrency space and curb the potential of widespread money laundering and fraud. But some worry that too many rules could potentially deter firms from innovating on the blockchain. On Wednesday, Japanese media reported that the country is set to introduce regulatory oversight on cryptocurrency exchanges in October. The challenges that authorities need to figure out include settling on accounting rules for virtual currencies and deciding how to handle initial coin offerings (ICOs), according to the Nikkei business daily. Earlier this month, Chinese authorities said ICOs, which have become a primary means of fundraising for projects that are built on blockchain technology, are now illegal in the country. Chinese regulators called ICOs unauthorized illegal fundraising activity and recent reports indicated they have clamped down on local bitcoin exchanges. Bitcoin is the most commonly used cryptocurrency. "The only way you can really stop bitcoin in China completely is if you shut down the internet. So the regulators are really focused on the points where bitcoin hits fiat currency," Zennon Kapron, founder and director at consultancy firm Kapronasia, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Wednesday.

Denarium Bitcoins. Adam Jeffery | CNBC

"The current regulation that's being talked about is banning bitcoin exchanges, which would cut out a lot of the trade flows we're seeing in China right now and the exchanges around bitcoin," Kapron added. "So we'll likely see them focused around those activities where there is an entity or person or some kind of connection to the traditional financial system that they can control." On Tuesday, reports said a senior official at China's central bank defended the move to ban ICOs but also said the move should not stop firms from studying blockchain technology further. The way ICOs work is fairly straightforward: Companies create and issue digital tokens that can be used to pay for goods and services on their platform or stashed away as an investment. They put out whitepapers describing the platform, software or product they're trying to build, and then people buy those tokens using widely-accepted cryptocurrencies (like bitcoin and ethereum) or fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar. Start-ups have raised more than a billion dollars this year in coin sales and in recent months. In China, ICOs have raised at least 2.62 billion yuan (about $400 million), Reuters reported, citing local media. All of that is done with minimal regulatory oversight. Moreover, digital currencies are pseudonymous, decentralized and encrypted, making it harder to track each of the transactions made, and the individuals behind them. Theoretically, anyone with an internet connection and a digital wallet can be part of a coin sale event. That, many worry, leaves plenty of room for people to launder money or finance terrorism activities and engage in other fraudulent behaviors  especially in countries where corruption is rampant. In August, Singapore's financial regulatory body and central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), said in a missive that ICOs are "vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing risks due to the anonymous nature of the transactions, and the ease with which large sums of monies may be raise in a short period of time." The MAS also clarified that it will regulate the sale of digital tokens in the city-state if they constitute products regulated under Singapore's securities and futures regulation. In turn, some groups behind digital tokens have taken pains to emphasize that their cryptocurrencies are not "securities," but rather act more like rewards program points (like airline miles). As in the case of Singapore, securities are oftentimes more stringently regulated than other kinds of assets. Meanwhile, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) provides guidelines on its website for investors to consider before participating in token sales. Some of the key points the SEC asks potential buyers to consider are ways to identify fraudulent investment schemes. Previously, the SEC released an investigative report in which it said companies that planned to use distributed ledger or blockchain-enabled ways to raise capital must take appropriate steps to comply with the U.S. federal securities laws.

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

Regulatory oversight for ICOs will see net benefits, multiple sources have told CNBC before. Most agreed that having proper rules in place can protect investors in the same manner they are safeguarded in the securities market. Having the proper regulation in place is particularly important as this form of fundraising is expected to gain more traction, especially among retail investors. Smith + Crown data showed that in the first half of 2017, there were more token sales than there were in all of 2016, with fundraising amounts increasing month to month since March. Token Data, another website that tracks upcoming token sales, listed dozens of ICOs in the coming months. While regulation can sometimes be expensive for companies, it could also bring in benefits. Currently, token sales are restricted mostly to retail investors who are not bogged down by the compliance rules faced by institutional investors. A regulated ICO market, with proper checks in place, could draw in professional investors, Syed Musheer Ahmed, a senior financial technology consultant and a member of the board at the FinTech Association of Hong Kong, told CNBC previously. If the industry opens up to professional investors, who have more capital to invest, companies can raise more money, he said. On the flip side, the argument goes that heavy-handed regulation of digital currencies could stifle innovation in blockchain as companies may need to set aside a larger portion of their budget for regulatory compliance. It would also reduce or remove layers of privacy which is one of the central tenets of cryptocurrencies. "(Many see that) fiat currency is corrupted by the heavy-handed intervention of central governments and banks. Cryptocurrencies are anonymous (to a certain extent) and decentralized, meaning decisions affecting the currency are not centrally dictated," Justin Hall, principal at early-stage venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures, previously told CNBC. "In fiat, trust is enforced by a third-party."

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Royal Caribbean is using its ships and supplies to provide relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the company's chief executive said Tuesday.

CEO Richard Fain told CNBC's Closing Bell that the cruise operator will return to a "normal schedule" by this weekend, but, in the meantime, it is focused on helping islands ravaged by the storm.

"We actually ended up so may extra supplies that we were delivering them to some of the islands that were badly hurt," Fain said.

The Miami-based company had ships available due to cancelled cruises, allowing them to mobilize the vessels for evacuations of people on hurricane-ravaged islands in the Caribbean region such as St. Thomas and St. Martin.

"We've told the local islands that we would help them, and so yesterday [Monday] we picked up some people in St. Martin to bring them to a safer place," he said. "Today [Tuesday] we're picking up a few thousand people in St. Thomas and St. Martin."

Fain described the people getting the help as "pretty much tourists who had gone to those islands and had no way to get home. So we're using our ships to transport them."

According to Fain, the company's evacuation assistance for stranded tourists on the islands will wind down by this weekend, when Royal Caribbean plans to resume a "normal schedule."

"Unfortunately, we're prepared for these sorts of things," he said.

As of Tuesday, Royal Caribbean had two cruise ships out with the company's modified schedule and two more set for departure Wednesday.

Fain said the company cancelled cruises in the affected region early when Hurricane Irma was approaching but added there were still had cases where people stayed longer on ships, including employees who needed a place to shelter from Irma.

"We wanted to give them a safe place to stay during the storm," he said.

According to the CEO, the company's cruise ships could have stayed out "two weeks easily" given that there was plenty of food and supplies on board. The company donated the surplus to some of the affected Caribbean islands, Fain added.

"We stock up quite heavily," he said. "We want to make sure that there's more than enough even in a normal cruise, just in case."
At a White House press conference last year, then Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) chairwoman Jenny Yang stated that, "Pay discrimination goes undetected because of a lack of accurate information about what people are paid." To address this issue, the Obama administration instructed employers to report information about employees pay, gender, race and ethnicity. But last month, the White House suspended this initiative indefinitely. Trump supporters celebrated the decision, saying that it eliminates an undue burden placed on employers. Workers rights groups, on the other hand, said that the Trump administration had "surrendered to corporate special interests" and the National Women's Law Center said, "Make no mistake  it's an all-out attack on equal pay." We took a look at what compliance with the Obama initiative would have asked of employers.

President Obama signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009. Saul Loeb | Getty Images

What was the original EEOC requirement?

Employers with at least 100 employees and government contractors with 50 employees have been required to fill out the EEO-1 since 1966. The EEOC has always required employers to report information about the gender and race of their employees. Later, the form evolved to include the type of work employees were doing.

What was the EEOC's 2016 action on pay data collection?

On September 29, 2016, the Obama administration announced an initiative that required companies with more than 100 employees, and federal contractors with more than 50, to categorize their employees by gender, race, type of work, and place them into one of 12 wage bands. This means that a company with 120 employees would break down its workforce by gender, race, ethnicity and role and then indicate what wage bracket they were in. If a company has 50 white male workers who do similar work and make a similar amount, then they would group them together. "Collecting this pay data would help fill a critical void we need to ensure American workers receive fair pay for their work," said Yang. By making adjustments to the EEO-1 form  which employers were already required to complete annually  the White House hoped to "encourage and facilitate greater voluntary compliance by employers with existing federal pay laws," as well as help the government investigate "employers that are unlawfully shortchanging workers based on their gender, race or ethnicity." A White House Fact Sheet from January of 2016 indicates that the first time that employers would have been required to submit this data was September 30, 2017.



Why did the Trump administration suspend this action?

On August 29th, Neomi Rao, Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, sent a memo to Victoria Lipnic, Acting Chair of the EEOC, saying that changes made to the data collection process by the Obama administration would be reversed. Rao wrote that the Office of Management and Budget "is concerned that some aspects of the revised collection of information lack practical utility, are unnecessarily burdensome and do not adequately address privacy and confidentiality issues." In a statement shared with CNBC Make It, Lipnic said, "the burden on business and the utility of the information being collected were not properly taken into account. Whatever actions the EEOC takes next will do so."

Would the revised EEO-1 form have helped fight wage discrimination?

A major concern for Rao is that this new data would not be useful in fighting wage discrimination. Ivanka Trump concurred, telling the Wall Street Journal, "The proposed policy would not yield the intended results." Since the Trump administration suspended the initiative before the information could be collected, it's difficult to know what results, intended or otherwise, the data might have indicated. It was originally hoped the data would have made it easier to determine whether companies were complying with compensation laws. The government has on multiple occasions found companies guilty of shortchanging non-white and female employees. In fact, the Department of Labor is currently embroiled in a heated legal battle after alleging that Google was responsible for "extreme" gender pay discrimination. The data from the Obama-era EEO-1 form would have made investigations like these easier for the Department of Labor, and data could also have been used as supporting evidence for employers who are, in fact, compensating workers fairly.

Was the revised EEO-1 form challenging to complete?

Reuters correspondent Daniel Wiessner notes that the number of fields on the EEO-1 form would have multiplied significantly under the pay data initiative. "Currently, employers must report about 130 different categories of wage data to the EEOC each year. Under the new rule, they would have been required to report more than 3,300 categories," he writes.

Excerpt from the EEO-1 form with pay data

Excerpt from the EEO-1 form without pay data Indeed, the Obama-era EEO-1 form was three pages long, up from two. However, the number of fields doesn't give a clear indication of how long the form would have taken to complete. It was also possible for employers to submit the new EEO-1 electronically. "I think we can safely assume all affected employers have access to electronic payroll records and an employee or contractor with specialized knowledge of how to manipulate those records," Gary Burtless, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute, told CNBC Make It. Since most large employers already have this information on hand, "It should not be very burdensome to produce the requested information." He says it would be tough to guess precisely how long the process would have taken employers, "either in dollar terms or as a percentage of human resource management costs."

Were there privacy concerns?

The revised EEO-1 form did not require salary information about individual employees. True, if a company had only one female employee, it is possible that the information provided could be easily associated with a specific person. But given that only companies with over 100 employees were required to complete the form, this seems unlikely. Some have expressed concerns about the security of the electronic data submission system, particularly as corporate concerns around cyber security have increased in recent years in the wake of large-scale attacks from international hackers and data thefts like the one that recently occurred at Equifax. But the Trump administration's record on issues of cyber security thusfar is spotty. Recently, several members of the president's cyber security council resigned, stating that he "has given insufficient attention to the growing threats to the cyber security of the critical systems upon which all Americans depend."

Were there costs associated with the updated form?
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., waves to people shouting his name on the East Front of the Capitol on August 2, 2017.

Eleven of 48 Senate Democrats have now decided to co-sponsor Sen. Bernie Sanders's single-payer health care bill  just two years after Sanders could find zero co-sponsors for his legislation.

The bulk of the Senate Democratic caucus has not yet come around to Sanders's Medicare-for-all bill, which is scheduled for release on Wednesday.

The majority of those backing Sanders's Medicare-for-all bill tend to hail from blue states or are rumored 2020 presidential candidates. Still, as Vox's Dylan Matthews has written, the endorsements are illustrative of a stunning shift among Democrats to embrace single-payer legislation  which was once circumscribed to the party's far-left fringe.

More from Vox:

Republicans on single-payer: this is about Democrats "thinking about running for president"

Democrats are increasingly endorsing single-payer health care. Hillary Clinton is not.

Hurricane Irma: where you can donate to help with disaster relief and recovery

In late August, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) became the first Senate Democrat to back Sanders's bill. She was quickly followed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), as well as Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Brian Schatz (D-HI).

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), who is up for reelection in 2018, became the first senator from a state won by Donald Trump in the general election to back the bill on Tuesday. (Though Wisconsin is a traditionally blue state that frequently elects Democrats.)

But several Senate Democrats have also said that they will not co-sponsor the legislation, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has not formally stated a position on the bill.
Before beginning the Apple event at the company's brand new Apple Park campus on Tuesday, CEO Tim Cook took a moment to discuss Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey, which his company has given over $10 million to for relief efforts in recent weeks. "Our hearts go out to all of the people whose lives have been disrupted by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey," Cook said. "You're in our thoughts, we send you our strength, you are in our prayers." Cook encouraged the audience to watch NGO network "Hand in Hand's" televised hurricane relief benefit taking place on Tuesday night. Apple has already donated $5 million to Hand in Hand to help Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma victims.

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during an event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg

Additionally, Apple donated $5 million to the American Red Cross, including $3 million from the company and ongoing contributions from employees and Apple customers donating through iTunes and the App Store, according to CNN Money. This isn't the first time Cook and the company have aided others. Since 2013, he has been auctioning off lunch dates to support the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights group. To date, the auctions have raised $1.82 million. While this list isn't exhaustive, here are seven other causes Cook has donated to in the past.

$2 million in response to Charlottesville

Last month, Cook joined the list of Silicon Valley CEOs who openly condemned the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. In a note to employees, he denounced President Donald Trump's lukewarm response to the controversial demonstration. "I disagree with the president and others who believe that there is a moral equivalence between white supremacists and Nazis, and those who oppose them by standing up for human rights," Cook writes. "Equating the two runs counter to our ideals as Americans." Cook says that "hate is a cancer and, left unchecked, it destroys everything in its path." As a way to step up to "help organizations who work to rid our country of hate," Apple will be making a $2 million contribution against hate: $1 million to the Southern Poverty Law Center and another million to the Anti-Defamation League. Additionally, Apple will match two-for-one its employees' donations to the above organizations as well as other human rights groups from now through Sept. 30.

$2.5 million for Hurricane Sandy relief

Just over a year after taking over as Apple CEO, Cook donated $2.5 million to the American Red Cross as a way to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath, Venture Beat reports. The company reportedly raised millions of dollars more in donations through an iTunes-based campaign. Tech Crunch reports that Cook shared an update on the campaign over email, stating "Apple employees and customers the world over have raised millions of dollars toward the relief effort so far," but adding that "[Apple] can always do more."

$130 million to AIDS-fighting organization (RED)

Over the past 10 years, Apple has contributed $130 million to (RED), about a quarter of the money it has raised to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Africa since the organization's inception.

"We put our weight behind lots of things in the civil rights area," Cook tells USA Today, about Apple's relationship with (RED). "Similarly, I think it's key that people think about what they stand for and help their communities. We always say that we want to leave the world better than we found it. So, we try to thoughtfully decide how we can do that."

Undisclosed amount to equal rights

In 2014, Cook became the first CEO of a Fortune 500 company to come out as gay. In doing so, he promoted equal rights for all. "If hearing that the CEO of Apple is gay can help someone struggling to come to terms with who he or she is, or bring comfort to anyone who feels alone, or inspire people to insist on their equality," he wrote in a Bloomberg essay, "then it's worth the trade-off with my own privacy." That same year, he donated an undisclosed amount to the Human Rights Campaign's Project One America, a program to advance equality for LGBT Americans in Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama, the latter being Cook's home state.

$50 million to hospitals

In 2012, Cook said Apple donated $50 million to Stanford hospital, with half the donation going toward a new main building and the other half for a new children's hospital, the Verge reports.

$100 million to advance diversity in tech

In 2015, along with dozens of tech companies, Apple participated in former President Barack Obama's "ConnectED Initiative." As part of the effort to provide technology for disadvantaged U.S. schools, Apple provided $100 million in iPads, MacBooks and other products, as well as professional development tools.

"I think technology has to be a key part," Cook tells ABC's Good Morning America in 2015. I wouldn't be where I am today without a good public education." "Inclusion in diversity inspires innovation," Cook says. He adds his three tips for the children now receiving the technology is to "explore, discover, create."

Eventually, his entire fortune will go to charity
Sen. Bernie Sanders unveiled his single-payer health-care proposal, "Medicare for All," on Wednesday, to a packed room of supporters on Capitol Hill.

The bill already has 16 Democratic co-sponsors, a number that would have been unimaginable just a year ago. The independent senator from Vermont also released a white paper on how the government might finance such a health-care system, which included an income-based tax increase, an expansion of the estate tax, and a new tax on incomes of the 0.1 percent of Americans.

"Today, we begin the long and difficult struggle to end the international disgrace" of U.S. health-care costs, Sanders said, emphasizing that Americans pay more in health-care costs than any other developed nation, nearly 18 percent of U.S. GDP. "The American people want to know what we're going to do to fix a dysfunctional health-care system."

Under a Medicare for All plan, "depending on your income, your taxes may go up," Sander said, "but this will be more than offset" by overall household savings on health-care costs, premiums and copays.

The senator also stressed that a government-managed plan would simplify the financial affairs of both individuals and small- and medium-sized companies. "You will no longer be writing checks to private insurance companies," he said.

"And today we tell the business community that we understand you want to focus on your core mission, not spending countless hours wondering how you're going to cover your employees' health insurance."

Sanders was joined at the podium by a number of high-profile Democrats said to be eyeing potential presidential campaigns in 2020. Among them were Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.

There was also a distinctly campaign-like vibe at the hourlong rollout, with supporters cheering and holding signs. Sanders contributed to the energy, telling the crowd that the launch was the start of a national grass-roots campaign. "Our job now is to take this legislation to every state in the country and hear what the people have to say."

Theatrics aside, Sanders' bill would create a national health insurance program managed by the federal government and modeled on the current Medicare program. Private insurance would still exist to cover elective medical procedures, but would otherwise be phased out as the Medicare for All program was introduced and expanded over a four-year period.

Even before it was launched, Sanders' plan received swift and bitter criticism from Republicans, including White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, whose daily briefing overlapped with the senator's event.

Huckabee Sanders called single-payer health-care systems a "horrible" idea, and said, "I can't think of anything worse than having government more involved in your health care."

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, unveiling his own health-care plan earlier in the day, declared, "Bernie, this ends your dream of a single-payer health-care system in America."

But polls show that support for single-payer health care is growing in the U.S. According to a recent poll by Kaiser Health News, 53 percent of adults, and one-third of respondents who identified as Republicans, support a single-payer government health-care system.

As long as Republicans control Congress and the White House, Sanders' bill has no chance of becoming law. Nonetheless, it serves as an important benchmark of where the Democratic Party, and Democratic voters, stand going into the 2018 midterm elections and the 2020 presidential contest.
North Korea appears to be funding itself with bitcoin, according to a recent report. Recorded Future, an intelligence research firm backed by Google Venture and In-Q-Tel (a venture capital firm funded by the CIA), reported that North Korea began "mining" bitcoin on May 17 and could be using the digital currency to generate income for the regime.



The United Nations Security Council on Monday unanimously approved new sanctions against North Korea, the harshest yet  capping North Korea's oil imports, banning textile exports, ending additional overseas labor contracts. Bitcoin "mining" could become a viable income source for this further-isolated nation that's craving nuclear weapons.

"We weren't able to determine the volumes, like how many bitcoin they can generate per certain time period. We could just see activity," said Priscilla Moriuchi, the director of strategic threat development at Recorded Future.

"First [hypothesis] is that the activity is sponsored by the state, as a way to generate funds for the regime," said Moriuchi. "The second hypothesis is that it's an individual user, among this small sliver of leaders and their families who have access to the internet."

"Mining" is a process of earning bitcoins. Miners use high-performance computers to solve complex mathematical problems and verify bitcoin transactions online. In return they are rewarded with bitcoins.

But who would be capable of pulling off such activity in the autocratic country? After all, most North Koreans have no access to the internet. Only a small minority of users  university students, scientists and select government officials  have access to Kwangmyong, a domestic intranet "that offers email and websites but is totally shut off from the rest of the world," according to a Slate article.

"Only the most senior leaders and ruling elite are granted access to worldwide internet directly," Moriuchi wrote in her report. North Korean elites access internet primarily through three IP ranges, one of which is assigned by China Netcom.

Bitcoin one-year price chart

Source: Coindesk

Bitcoin has more than tripled in value this year to $3,800, and North Korea's neighbor and biggest trading partner, China, is also a major player in the bitcoin world. More than half the newly mined bitcoins come from mining pools in China.

Chinese companies such as Bitmain and Canaan also dominate the bitcoin-mining hardware games. Their ASIC miners  computer cards that mine bitcoin 50 times faster than traditional video graphics cards  have become the go-to mining tools for large-scale mining operations.

Jonathan Mohan, a blockchain consultant and the founder of Bitcoin NYC meetup, said, "It wouldn't surprise me if, perhaps, hypothetically, North Korea were to have pre-existing business relationships in China that wouldn't mind purchasing bitcoin from them, and then just disseminating it to the Chinese market as you would with any other bitcoin."

The Chinese general administration of customs did not respond to CNBC requests for comment.

In 2014, the U.S. Treasury Department addressed concerns about how digital currencies can be used by countries looking to evade sanctions: "If a sanctioned entity could use virtual currencies to transact anonymously, our sanctions would have a weaker bite."

A year before that, Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) asked digital currencies exchanges  platforms for buying, selling and storing digital currencies  to register with FinCEN, and "report suspicious transactions to adequately guard against money laundering and terrorist financing abuse." Many digital currencies exchanges have since registered, including Coinbase, one of the major exchanges.

Coinbase does not operate in North Korea or other sanctioned countries and would not comment to CNBC on any North Korean bitcoin activity.

Any North Korean activity in bitcoin is likely a tiny fraction of global trade activity. The total trade volume of bitcoin was nearly $2 billion, according to CryptoCurrency Market Capitalizations. Also, Recorded Future's report is based on a limited dataset from April 1 to July 6, provided by its intelligence partner, Team Cymru (a nonprofit Internet security research group).

"It's possible they [North Korea] have been "mining" bitcoin for a while, but they stopped for a period of time. ... or maybe they are using infrastructure and computers in other places," said Moriuchi. "We happen to have the view to this one snapshot for this one period of time."
fell below $4,000 on Wednesday with negative comments from a major business leader about the cryptocurrency and the threat of a regulatory crackdown, unnerving investors.

The digital currency dropped as low as $3,766.36 on Wednesday and traded down 8.7 percent at $3,792.43 as of 11:03 a.m. in New York, according to data from industry website CoinDesk.

The move lower came a day after JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon called the cryptocurrency a "fraud," adding that "Someone is going to get killed."

"It's worse than tulip bulbs. It won't end well. Someone is going to get killed," Dimon said at a banking industry conference organized by Barclays. "Currencies have legal support. It will blow up."
Four more big businesses have joined the RE100, a global initiative comprising some of the world's biggest companies, all committed to 100 percent renewable power.

The Kellogg Company , The Estee Lauder Companies , DBS Bank Ltd and Cliff Bar & Company were the latest to join the collective, The Climate Group announced on Wednesday. The Climate Group, along with not-for-profit charity CDP, is behind the initiative.

"By joining our campaigns, corporates like The Estee Lauder Companies, Kellogg, DBS Bank and Clif Bar are demonstrating the highest level of commitment to climate action," Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group, said in a statement. Clarkson went on to add that renewable power made business sense and that corporate leadership was key to delivering on the Paris Agreement.

The Climate Group said that beauty business The Estee Lauder Companies had committed to sourcing all of its global electricity consumption from "renewable energy technologies" by the year 2020.

For its part, Kellogg's goal is to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity by the year 2050, and it wants to slash its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent.

"As one of the first ten companies to have approved science-based greenhouse gas emissions targets in 2015, we've already invested in energy efficiency and low carbon technologies," Diane Holdorf, the Kellogg Company's chief sustainability officer, said in a statement.

"Going 100 percent renewable is the obvious next step; lowering business risk, generating financial savings, and helping other companies make the switch as well," Holdorf added.

Other members of the RE100 include Ikea, Facebook and Mars.
A small group attends a vigil and march at the New England Holocaust Memorial to denounce hate groups before a controversial rally tomorrow on August 18, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts.

The U.S. Congress passed a resolution late on Tuesday calling on President Donald Trump to condemn hate groups after Trump was criticized for his response to the violence at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a month ago.

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously adopted the resolution, U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, said in a statement. The Senate approved the measure on Monday.

"Tonight, the House of Representatives spoke in one unified voice to unequivocally condemn the shameful and hate-filled acts of violence carried out by the KKK (Ku Klux Klan), white nationalists, white supremacists and neo-Nazis in Charlottesville," Connolly said.

The joint resolution, passed with the support of both Republicans and Democrats, will go to Trump for his signature.

Representatives for the White House did not respond immediately to an email seeking comment.

The Congressional resolution calls on Trump to condemn hate groups and what it describes as the growing prevalence of extremists who support anti-Semitism, xenophobia and white supremacy.

It also urges Attorney General Jeff Sessions to investigate acts of violence and intimidation by white nationalists, neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan and similar groups.

Trump alienated fellow Republicans, corporate leaders and U.S. allies and rattled markets last month with comments about the violence in Charlottesville, where white nationalists and neo-Nazis clashed with anti-racism activists on Aug. 12.

One woman, Heather Heyer, was killed and several people were wounded when a suspected white nationalist crashed his car into anti-racist demonstrators.

The Congressional resolution calls Heyer's death a "domestic terrorist attack." James Alex Fields, a 20-year-old Ohio man, who authorities say drove into Heyer and other protesters, has been charged with second-degree murder and other criminal counts.

On Aug. 12, Trump denounced hatred and violence "on many sides," a comment that drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum for not condemning white nationalists.

White nationalists had gathered in Charlottesville to protest against the planned removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee, who led the pro-slavery Confederacy's army during the U.S. Civil War. Trump defended Confederate monuments last month.

At a rally in Phoenix on Aug. 22, Trump accused television networks of ignoring his calls for unity in the aftermath of the violence in Charlottesville.

"I didn't say I love you because you're black, or I love you because you're white," Trump said at the rally. "I love all the people of our country."

The resolution also acknowledged the deaths of two Virginia State Police officers whose helicopter crashed as they patrolled the Charlottesville protest.
Drew University Source: Drew University

When it comes to college, rising costs are a seemingly unstoppable force. However, some schools are bucking the trend, slashing tuition in hopes of attracting more students and families struggling with the weight of a college tab. Most recently, Drew University, a New Jersey-based private college, announced it is lowering the price of its tuition by 20 percent, to $38,668 for 2018-2019 from $48,336 for 2017-2018. "We have to have our finger on the pulse of how students are making choices," Drew President MaryAnn Baenninger said. "A lot of families will search based on published price, and if they are looking for private liberal arts colleges under $40,000, we don't show up." In addition, even though college enrollment is on the rise, competition among schools for the top students is fierce. Schools like Drew are making a bet that the reduced costs will attract more student applicants, raising the overall bar for the school. "Our goal now is to increase applications and accept students at the same rate," Baenninger said.

Our goal now is to increase applications and accept students at the same rate. MaryAnn Baenninger President of Drew University

"I suspect that other schools are going to sit up and take notice and likely follow what's going to happen at Drew," said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review's editor-in-chief and graduate of the Drew University Class of 1993, as well as a member of the university's Board of Trustees. With the tuition decrease  which comes out to about $10,000 less  Drew is narrowing the gap between the sticker price and what many families actually pay. (That's the difference between the full tuition price and any need-based and merit aid that a student receives.) Most students pay less than a college's sticker price thanks to financial aid. Your net price is a college's tuition and fees minus grants, scholarships and education tax benefits, according to the College Board. At Drew, nearly three-quarters of the student population already get an average of $30,000 in need-based aid. Even as college costs soar, families in general are paying less out of pocket than in the past and relying on loans, scholarships and grants more than ever. During the 2016-17 academic year, the typical family reported receiving $8,390 in scholarships and grants  enough to cover 35 percent of their college costs, an increase from the previous school year, according to a recent Sallie Mae report "How America Pays for College 2017." The second-highest proportion comes from income and savings followed by borrowed money, which covered 27 percent of college expenses in 2016-17.

However, for those already subsidized, a tuition decrease doesn't mean much. It will largely benefit those middle class families that wouldn't have qualified for considerable aid, if any at all, and were struggling with the sticker price of college. All in, families with students in four-year private colleges spent about $45,370 in 2016-17; at four-year public colleges, it was about $20,090, according to the College Board. For many, that's just too much for private school. "Even prior to the free college movement, families were migrating to public colleges because it was a better value," said Drew's Baenninger. "You can't be the institution that's left."

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Equifax is one of the three major credit reporting companies that gather the data lenders use to judge potential borrowers' creditworthiness. The lawsuit will claim the company didn't maintain the appropriate safeguards to protect the data, violating state consumer protection and data privacy laws.

The state had already begun an investigation on Friday, the day after Equifax disclosed the breach, which it discovered internally on July 29. Massachusetts estimated that the personal information of 3 million residents was exposed.

"This may be the most brazen failure to protect consumer data we have ever seen," Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement Wednesday.

Equifax sank deeper into a controversy over its handling of a data breach that could affect 143 million people, with its shares plunging almost 15 percent on Wednesday after Massachusetts announced plans to file a lawsuit.

Equifax trading information and the company logo are displayed on a screen where the stock is traded on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York.

New York state is investigating the breach, and a number of states including Illinois, Pennsylvania and Connecticut have joined together to investigate. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said Monday that some 5.4 million residents there had personal information compromised.

Eric Schneiderman, New York's attorney general, warned people to be vigilant about hacking and other online and email attacks. The breach, exposing names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and driver's license numbers involves 8 million residents, he said. "Hackers are resourceful criminals who are constantly looking to exploit any vulnerabilities," he said.

The breach's effect will likely reach to banks, credit card issuers and other financial companies, which have had to contend with large-scale data compromises with increasing frequency.

"We don't have proper cyber law, we need to have a way to go after the bad guys," JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said Tuesday at the conference in New York presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor.

Given the growing connectedness of the world, through everything from electric grids to the internet to smart home technology and driverless cars, cybersecurity is "a big deal," Dimon said.

Separately, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said at the Delivering Alpha conference that "we are working with all of the intelligence agencies on cyberissues to keep Americans safe."

Massachusetts would be the first state to sue, but nearly two dozen class-action lawsuits have been filed against Equifax, and members of the Senate and Congress have demanded information about the nature of the breach and how it was handled within the company.

Three executives sold $1.8 million of company stock just days after the breach was discovered, though a company spokeswoman has said the executives weren't aware of the problems at the time.

Equifax has struggled to contain the damage from the breach and the reaction to the disclosure, which has erased one-quarter of its market value over the last few days.

Responding to confusion and complaints about terms that forced disputes into arbitration rather than allowing lawsuits, Equifax said no one waives their legal rights to sue by signing up for free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

And it said credit monitoring customers won't be automatically enrolled or charged at the end of a free one-year trial. It also said it won't charge for credit report freezes and would refund those who were already charged for that product.



Correction: Equifax shares plunged on Wednesday. An earlier version misstated the day.
In a key six-thousand-word speech, the European Union mentioned the United Kingdom once and avoided the word Brexit.

The strategy of the European Commission  Europe's leading Brexit negotiator  has been clear since the U.K. voted to leave the bloc: building a team that only deals with Brexit, redirecting all Brexit-related issues to it, and talking about all the other policies that it's trying to push forward.

Proof of this came on Wednesday in a speech delivered by the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, where he dubbed Brexit as "a sad and tragic moment." But the EU cannot draft its future without thinking about Brexit.

"On 29 March 2019, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. This will be a very sad and tragic moment. We will always regret it. But we have to respect the will of the British people," Juncker told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

"On 30 March 2019, we will be a Union of 27. I suggest that we prepare for this moment well, amongst the 27 and within the EU institutions," he said.

For an hour, Juncker asked the 27 European countries to integrate further on all fronts before the U.K. leaves in 2019. This includes having the same rules for banks across the euro zone, all countries agreed to put an end to border controls, and where standards for products in the single market are fair across the region.
Small businesses usually have, at best, a minor impact on their hometown. They employ a few people, they pay taxes, and they certainly add a convenience factor, but as individual entities, they're rarely big revenue drivers. Fonta Flora Brewery in Morganton, North Carolina, is one of the exceptions. Founded four years ago, the beer maker has just three full-time employees but has built such a strong reputation in the beer world that Morganton (located about an hour east of Asheville) has become a destination for beer tourists, bringing thousands of visitors to the town of 17,000 people each year. While its locally sourced funky and Saison beers have become hot commodities in the $23.5 billion craft beer market, Fonta Flora's way of running its business isn't much different than many of the companies CNBC surveyed in the CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey. It's among the 61 percent with an employee count of just one to four people (though it does have 10 part-timers who assist). It's among the 55 percent that have a website, though it's fairly rudimentary. And the owners will be the first to admit that they were slow to fully take advantage of social media marketing.

Seeing is believing

"Initially, our social media presence was pretty weak," says David Bennett, co-owner of Fonta Flora. "We really started all of our platforms  as far as Twitter or Instagram  after we'd been in business for about 12 months." More from CNBC/Survey Monkey Small Business Survey:

Sexy hashtags, intimate glimpses: Ways to grow your business on Instagram A secret many small-business owners share with Mark Zuckerberg This 60-year-old founder took her business from zero to $500 million is 6 years Since focusing on Instagram as a tool, though, the company has learned the importance of telling a story  and using it as a way to showcase their corporate culture. "What we do is so visual, whether it be photos of us harvesting raw ingredients or something else," says Bennett. "Sharing the process with our customers really helps our brand identity. We're not some nameless, faceless, industrial park. We're not buying 20 tons of grain from who knows where. ... When you're seeing someone hand-zesting oranges, for instance, those things really convey what we are as a brand and as a company."

What we do is so visual, whether it be photos of us harvesting raw ingredients or something else. Sharing the process with our customers really helps our brand identity. David Bennett co-owner of Fonta Flora Brewery

It wasn't social media that set Fonta Flora on its path to success, though. It was beer festivals. With offerings like Beets, Rhymes and Life (a beet saison) and Rind (a mixed culture Gose with watermelon and rhubarb), Fonta Flora has always offered something different. That uniqueness is enhanced by the company's insistence on sourcing as many of its ingredients locally as possible. So when it began pouring at beer festivals, beer enthusiasts took note  and began talking the brews up to their friends. That word of mouth kicked into overdrive in 2014, when the brewery won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival, Mecca for beer nerds.

People serve beer with oysters at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. Helen H. Richardson | The Denver Post | Getty Images

"If you want to create a unique product, the best way to do it is with unique ingredients," says Bennett. "If you're using the same malt and water sources and yeast strains that are abundant, you're starting into the same platform, but when you reverse the trend and use your own ingredients, you're not going to find that anywhere else. ... That creates a unique product that resonates with our customer base."

Keeping up with demand

The downside of that is, supply simply can't keep up with demand. Much like San Francisco's The Rare Barrel, another microbrewer who has built a national reputation, Fonta Flora doesn't distribute much outside of its own walls  and even then, it's hit or miss if people will be able to leave with a bottle of their favorite, something that can be frustrating to people who have driven hundreds of miles. To remedy that, the brewer is building a new production facility on eight acres of a historic farm site that will quadruple its capacity (and add 10 more full-time employees to its payroll). Much of that acreage will be used as farmland to grow the produce the brewer uses in its beers, but local farmers will see benefits as well.
For two former Google employees, the launch of their new app may not have gone exactly as planned.

Paul McDonald and Ashwath Rajan released an app called Bodega on Wednesday, which seeks to disrupt convenience shopping, reports Fast Company. Almost immediately, city dwellers rose up in defense of small neighborhood stores both on social media and in the real world.

McDonald responded to the heated reaction with a blog post on Medium.

"The name Bodega sparked a wave of criticism on social media far beyond what we ever imagined," he writes. "Despite our best intentions and our admiration for traditional bodegas, we clearly hit a nerve this morning. And we apologize to anyone we've offended."

McDonald defended the business, too. He argued that it set out not to eliminate traditional bodegas but to supplement them.

"Challenging the urban corner store is not and has never been our goal," he writes. "Corner stores have been fixtures of their neighborhoods for generations. They stock thousands of items, far more than we could ever fit on a few shelves."

Here is what the company does, according to Fast Company: Bodega sets up "pantry boxes filled with non-perishable items you might pick up at a convenience store. An app will allow you to unlock the box and cameras powered with computer vision will register what you've picked up, automatically charging your credit card." The company plans to put them in offices, apartments, gyms, and college campuses according to its website.

There are currently 30 live Bodega locations in the San Francisco area. TechCrunch reports that Bodega has raised $2.5 million in financing.

The company is facing some serious criticism. For example, Frank Garcia, chairman of the National Association of Latino State Chambers of Commerce, says just using the name "Bodega" is offensive.

"The 'bodega' name is a very important name in the Puerto Rican and Hispanic community," Garcia tells CNBC Make It. "It has always been a house for immigrants to buy in. With all of the anti-immigrant issues, I think using the name 'Bodega' is an issue."

When first asked by Fast Company, McDonald said he wasn't worried about the name.

"We did surveys in the Latin American community to understand if they felt the name was a misappropriation of that term or had negative connotations, and 97 percent said 'no,'" he tells the publication. "It's a simple name and I think it works."

And then there's the Twittersphere. The word "bodega" is trending thanks to the app, and people  many of whom see local bodegas as part of their communities  are not happy.

Fast Company notes that the company's cat-shaped logo is a reference to the "bodega cat" meme.

Others pointed out that the idea is not exactly innovative.

One of the founders told TechCrunch that, until now, "there's really only been two options: you can go to the store, or you can order something online. What we're trying to do is introduce a third option, a new way of buying things. Shrink the store, bring the best parts in a smaller form factor and bring it to where you are."

This article has been updated.

Don't miss: How this ex-Google employee got Mark Cuban to bankroll her A.I. start-up

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"Governments can be very fickle," Gore, who narrowly lost his bid to become U.S. president in 2001, said at the Milken Institute's Women Leaders' Summit in Singapore on Wednesday. "But once there is a big shift in the investment marketplace, then that generates a momentum that's really unstoppable."

Former Vice President Al Gore pointed to investors, instead of governments, as a linchpin in leading progress on fighting climate change.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris agreement, an international accord aimed at reducing the impact of climate change, despite the objections of many large corporations.

But Gore said the role of investors has become more important as climate change worsens. He pointed to recent extreme weather events, including Hurricanes Harvey and Irma as well as devastating flooding in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.

"This community [of investors] can avoid an avoidable risk and seize the greatest opportunities in the history of business and commerce by looking clearly at the new reality we face and deploying assets accordingly," Gore said.

He highlighted the "really significant" cost reductions for climate-saving technologies, such as solar, wind, batteries and electric vehicles, and noted that the fastest-growing profession is windmill technician.

The rise in global sea levels has accelerated since the 1990s amid increasing temperatures, with a thaw of Greenland's ice sheet pouring ever more water into the oceans, a team of international scientists reported in July.

In the U.S., the cost of climate change is expected to be steep. A Science study estimates that every one degree Celsius increase in global mean temperature will cost the U.S. 1.2 percent of its economic growth. Separately, a recent assessment by Lloyds estimated that flooding ranked high among the top five risks to global economic growth, and could cost upwards of $430 billion.

But Gore added that technological advances were providing solutions to slow climate change, noting that was one of the reasons for the recent release of his new documentary, "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power," the follow-up to his 2006 Oscar-winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth."

Gore noted, however, that lobbying interests could intervene.

"The legacy power of fossil fuel companies in many countries is such that they still have the ability to slow down this transition," he said.

"But investors who can adopt a clearer view of where we're going in the future have the opportunity and, I would argue, the obligation to their asset owners and their clients to really advocate for a clear-eyed view of where we should be going instead of surrendering to the narrow interests that some of these lobbying communities are pursuing."

CNBC's Matt Zdun and Lucy Handley contributed to this report.
Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission. Getty Images

The European Union is in its strongest position in a decade, but it must act quickly to capitalize on this and avoid past shortcomings, the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has said. Delivering his keynote State of the European Union address Wednesday, Juncker outlined a number of measures the union must implement in order to build a "stronger, more democratic Europe" by 2025.

EU to appoint a Minister of Finance and Economy

Chief among them was the appointment of an overarching European Minister of Economy and Finance to promote structural reforms and step in should any member states be hit by a recession or major crisis. The new minister would assume the responsibility for all EU financial instruments available in such instances, building on the groundwork laid by the European Commission's Structural Reform Support Service since 2015.

I am not calling for a new position just for the sake of it. Jean-Claude Juncker President, European Commission

He or she would also be the chairman of the Eurogroup  the collective term for all Eurozone finance ministers  and report directly to the European Parliament. "I am not calling for a new position just for the sake of it. I am calling for efficiency," Juncker noted. "The Commissioner for economic and financial affairs  ideally also a Vice-President  should assume the role of Economy and Finance Minister. He or she should also preside the Eurogroup."

No separate Eurozone budget or parliament

The announcement comes as part of a wider economic reform agenda, which promoters, Juncker among them, say will help the Eurozone mitigate the risks of suffering another regional downturn like that caused by the financial crisis ten years ago. This includes integrating the EU's current European Stabilisation Mechanism (ESM), the Eurozone's bailout fund, into a wider European Monetary Fund (EMF).

Gerard Cerles | AFP | Getty Images

Juncker said further details of the EMF would be outlined by the Commission in December. However, he dismissed the idea, proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, of launching a separate budget and parliament exclusively for Eurozone members, i.e. those member states that share the euro. "We do not need parallel structures. We do not need a budget for the Euro area but a strong Euro area budget line within the EU budget," Juncker said. "I am also not fond of the idea of having a separate euro area parliament. The Parliament of the euro area is the European Parliament," he added.

Furthering European integration

The rejection is an attempt by Juncker to prevent divisions among the Eurozone's 19 member states and the wider group of 27 EU members once Britain leaves the bloc in March 2019. Juncker applauded the EU-27 for their continued commitment to the union, and said this had been reflected in the region's improved economic performance.

The wind is back in Europe's sails. Jean-Claude Juncker President, European Commission

EU economic growth has surpassed that of the U.S. for the past two years, reaching 2.2 percent within the Eurozone and 2 percent across the wider EU, Juncker noted. Unemployment has also hit a nine-year-low. He also said the union would do more to further integrate Eastern European and newer members, bringing Romania, Bulgaria and, eventually, Croatia, into the Schengen area  an agreement which abolishes passport control among member states. "The wind is back in Europe's sails," Juncker said. "We now have a window of opportunity but it will not stay open forever. Let us make the most of the momentum, catch the wind in our sails."

Driving ahead with global trade deals

To embrace this opportunity, Juncker said the EU must drive ahead with its many prospective trade partnerships. "Partners across the globe are lining up at our door to conclude trade agreements with us," Juncker commented, noting that Australia and New Zealand would be at the front of the queue. "Today, we are proposing to open trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. I would like these trade agreements to be completed by the end of our mandate.

The Australian Flag is seen on June 25, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. Darrian Traynor | Stringer | Getty Images

This would mean setting in place a deal by 2019, when Juncker's first term ends. The President has already stated that he will not seek a second term. He also proposed striking a political deal on trade with Mexico and South American countries by the end of the year. EU officials are currently in talks to update a 17-year-old free trade accord with Mexico and create its first accord with Mercosur, the collective group comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. This comes as the U.K. is eager to strike its own free trade deals post-Brexit. However, EU rules mean that it can't sign deals until it has left the bloc. Juncker said that such new EU deals would be crucial to further job creation within the bloc, but added that they must be built on reciprocity. "Europe is open to trade but there must be reciprocity. We have to get as much back as we put in," he said.

Turkey suspended from EU accession talks

Amid talk of further global cohesion, however, Juncker said that the EU would not consider allowing Turkey to join for the "foreseeable future." Referencing Turkey's controversial move to expand President Tayyip Erdogan's powers, Juncker said the state had undermined citizens' fundamental democratic rights.

OZAN KOSE | AFP | Getty Images
Once you got over the initial horror of Equifax 's colossal data breach last week, the most surprising thing about the news was how unsurprising it really was.

While massive by any measure  the 143 million affected U.S. consumers represents nearly half the U.S. population  the Equifax breach, which included names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and (in some cases) driver's license and credit-card numbers, doesn't even rank among the three largest in recent years. Americans, unfortunately, are getting used to data breaches that involve populations equivalent to entire countries or even entire continents.

Homeland Security Advisor Tom Bossert and Palo Alto Networks CEO Mark McLaughlin headline the Cambridge Cyber Summit on Oct.4 in Boston. Click here for more information and tickets.

Equifax, though, seems to have made its own situation worse, spawning headlines such as "Equifax breach response turns dumpster fire." And that's where the most salient lesson for modern companies lies: Equifax learned the hard way that, in a data breach, there are always two potential scandals: the breach itself, and then the company's response.

The Equifax event offers pointers on both.

In a statement that was sure to be closely parsed, Equifax acknowledged the sheer scale of the breach and that the company had first discovered the breach on July 29, more than a month before going public. The company's stock is down 20 percent since the announcement.

It was hard to miss the irony, as many news reports pointed out, that the breach happened at a firm whose core business includes safeguarding sensitive personal information and selling credit monitoring services to customers whose data are exposed. That critical narrative was likely unavoidableeven as we still don't know exactly how the breach occurred, so it's hard to assess just how sophisticated the attack against Equifax wasbut the reality is that, in today's threat environment, no business should consider itself immune from being hacked. That's why it's so important to have a well-considered response plan; and why companies in the future will learn from what Equifax did wrong.

The way this story played out in the first 48 hours offers important cautionary advice.

Lesson #1: The importance of speed. These types of major incidents require companies to sprint to a public response. Equifax is taking criticism for waiting six weeks to go public about the breach. It is too soon to know what considerations led to the delay. There are often sound reasons to get greater clarity about the incident, stop the intrusion, and mitigate the threat before going publicand six weeks may not actually be that long for an incident of this scale. But delaying notifications longer than necessary may expose customers to further harm and run afoul of a patchwork of breach notification laws across the U.S. and internationally. Waiting too long may also create additional risks and give rise to unanticipated headaches on new fronts. Consider the scrutiny being given to shares sold by Equifax executives in the time period after the date on which the breach was detected.

Lesson #2: The response should not add to the challenges. Equifax did a lot of things right in the wake of the incident, including offering credit monitoring services to every American and opening a dedicated call center to address concerns. But the company's initial offer to provide credit monitoring services drew immediate criticism from regulators and on social media because the process for signing up appeared to include a waiver on participation in a class action suit and consent to binding arbitration of any disputes related to the breach. (The company subsequently posted an FAQ that sought to reassure consumers that the language at issue would not be used to "limit [their] options" related to the breach.) The company also raised eyebrows because of security concerns regarding the site it created for consumers to learn if their information was affected. While too soon to assess the merits of these criticisms, it seems clear that the company was not expecting to have to issue a public defense of these actions and was caught flat-footed at the worst possible time.

Equifax did a lot of things right in the wake of the incident, including offering credit monitoring services to every American and opening a dedicated call center to address concerns. But the company's initial offer to provide credit monitoring services drew immediate criticism from regulators and on social media because the process for signing up appeared to include a waiver on participation in a class action suit and consent to binding arbitration of any disputes related to the breach. (The company subsequently posted an FAQ that sought to reassure consumers that the language at issue would not be used to "limit [their] options" related to the breach.) The company also raised eyebrows because of security concerns regarding the site it created for consumers to learn if their information was affected. While too soon to assess the merits of these criticisms, it seems clear that the company was not expecting to have to issue a public defense of these actions and was caught flat-footed at the worst possible time. Lesson #3: We need more secure identities online. There's also a lesson in the Equifax breach for our entire modern society: We need a better way to prove who we are online. Too often, the information exposed in the Equifax breach is all that is needed to unlock an account or to reset a password. We need to put an end to the days of relying on a limited universe of personal information to authenticate customer accounts. That information is simply not secure. In the near term, this will mean greater use of two-factor authentication (which is already offered by many major companies) so that even someone in possession of your personal information can't compromise your accounts without also gaining access to your phone or email account. But with sophisticated attackers already developing workarounds for two-factor authentication, we need to start shifting toward contextual approaches that validate access based on factors too diverse and subtle to be mimicked.

Lesson #4: Cybersecurity is a necessary investment. The Equifax breach showsagainhow central cybersecurity needs to be to any company that transacts business online. Nearly every week brings us another example of a company that has seen its core functionality undermined by a cyber attack; either a directed attack, which is apparently what happened to Equifax, or a scattershot incident, like the ransomware and malware that shut down parts of the operations of Maersk, the global shipping giant, for weeks and cost it upwards of $200 million. When it comes to cybersecurity, prevention is importantbut so is resilience.

How can companies put themselves in position to move faster but also better? And how can they make sure that they take account of the latest developments in the field? It starts with developing a plan that is clear-eyed about weaknesses and vulnerabilities and informed by lessons learned from past incidents. From there, companies should test their plan regularly with the executives who will have to implement it and make it work. This preparation cannot be limited to taking the paper plan off the shelf and reading it over once year in a dimly lit conference room. Preparation must incorporate real-world exercises at which communications, legal, IT, and senior management executives are faced with the same kind of wrenching decisions and partial information that would be present in a real crisis and struggle with how to respond. And because government can help in these types of incidents, the preparation should also involve advance outreach to regulators and law enforcement who may be involved in an actual event. Companies should know who to call immediately if they suffer a breach, both inside and outside.

This may all sound like obvious advice, but a recent survey my firm conducted found that over 90 percent of companies do not consider themselves well prepared for a crisis, and even those that have a plan either lack key components or do not test those plans frequently enough to know whether they would actually work. Most businesses still don't invest in security at the level they should, given the risks they face. Even after years of increasingly high-profileand even destructiveattacks on companies and governments across the world, too many organizations don't have a good plan for what happens if they become the target.

It should be clear by now  if it wasn't already  that there is no moat wide enough or wall high enough to prevent these incidents from happening. To acknowledge that, however, is not to say that there is nothing companies can do to mitigate the risk. Boards across the country saying "There but for the grace of God" should start asking questions now.

If they wait until the crisis hits, they won't like the answer.

Commentary by John P. Carlin and David Newman. Carlin was the assistant attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice's National Security Division (NSD) and served as chief of staff and senior counsel to former FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, where he helped lead the FBI's evolution to meet growing and changing national security threats, including cyber threats. He currently chairs Morrison & Foerster's global risk and crisis management group and co-chairs its national security group. He is also the chair of the Aspen Institute's Cybersecurity & Technology Program and a CNBC contributor.

Newman is a former special assistant to the president, associate White House counsel, and director on the National Security Council staff. He is currently counsel at Morrison & Foerster LLP, where he represents clients in a wide variety of national security and global risk and crisis management issues.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
Hillary Clinton opened up on Wednesday about President Donald Trump's firing of James Comey, saying she would have won the election had it not been for the former FBI director's letter about his investigation of her private email account.

"Absent that, I believe the evidence shows I would have won," Clinton told NBC's "TODAY" in her first live television interview since losing the 2016 presidential election.

Trump fired Comey after receiving a memo from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein that blamed the FBI director for mishandling the investigation of Clinton's email.

Comey's firing came as he was investigating Trump's possible role in suspected Russian tampering with the election.

"He was fired for the wrong reason," Clinton said, while talking about her most recent book, which she calls a "behind-the-scenes look" at running for president.

She added it "made her sick" to hear Comey telling Congress he became "mildly nauseous" to know his Oct. 28 letter could have made a material impact on the Nov. 8 election.

"He should have been disciplined for the way he behaved on the e-mail investigation," Clinton said, adding it was "not for me to say" whether Comey should have been fired.

"The deputy attorney general, backed by the attorney general of this administration, laid out in excruciating detail all of the protocols and rules that [Comey] broke," Clinton said.

Clinton said the timing of the letter meant that there was no room to recover ahead of the election. Comey issued a statement two days before the election reaffirming his decision announced in July that there was no reason to recommend charges against her.

In her new book, "What Happened," she also claims harm was done by the press, saying the media made "an absurd circus out of the campaign."

"Our press  has to take some hard look at how it covered what was the first reality TV candidate," Clinton said.
We live in a world of information overload. With so much easily accessible information at our fingertips, it can be difficult to sort genuinely useful information from flat-out bad advice.

In the realm of money and investing, this problem becomes magnified. In the financial arena, the stakes are high  for both investors and those trying to sell products. There is so much "advice" out there, and a great deal of it is conflicting information.

So when people learn I'm a financial advisor, they can hardly wait to work this question into the conversation: "What is the real secret to investing?" Given the information-saturated world we live in, they are desperate for a few succinct, practical and easy tips that they can use to build wealth in a smarter way. So using a "less is more" framework backed by science, I've narrowed down my core investment philosophy, knowledge and experience into 10 simple rules for how to invest and build wealth.

Rule 1: Give up trying to find bargain stocks.

I know it's fun to look for bargains. But consider this: In 2015 around 99 million trades took place daily, with a dollar volume of around $447 billion. That's per day, folks. What these numbers tell us is that buyers and sellers are continually setting the market prices for stocks, and we can rely on these prices to be fair enough.

The chances that you will find a bargain stock  which thousands of professional analysts with powerful resources at their fingertips have simply overlooked  are exceedingly small. Go for a bike ride instead.

Rule 2: Give up trying to find outperforming mutual funds.

I can say this with authority, given my four years of researching funds at Morningstar: Very few mutual funds outperform their passive benchmarks over time. Yes, some may crush their benchmarks in any one particular year. But it's the long term that matters, and few funds cross that high hurdle.

Here are the daunting odds: According to data from Dimensional Fund Advisors, over a 15-year time horizon, only 43 percent of the active equity mutual funds studied were able to survive.

More from Active/Passive:

Indexing still on top, but active management plays role

Why traditional investment strategies don't work

I am a lazy, cheap investor. Here's why.

Beyond that, only 17 percent were able to beat their benchmark over that time period. You see a similar story on the active fixed income side: Forty-three percent survived, only 7 percent outperformed.

A better approach: Use mutual funds that aren't trying to actively pick stocks to beat the market, such as index funds from Vanguard and Dimensional Fund Advisors.

Rule 3: Don't be a performance chaser.

The Securities & Exchange Commission really nailed it when it required all mutual funds to prominently display: "Past performance is not predictive of future results." Just because a fund was successful in the past doesn't guarantee a lucrative return in the future. It's that simple.

Of course, this doesn't stop mutual funds from displaying their past results. Just ignore them. Curious to know what really predicts future outperformance? Fees.

Morningstar has done heaps of research that confirms over and over: The best predictor of long-term success is low fees. That's why investors have been flocking to low-fee mutual funds.

Rule 4: Embrace the benefits the market provides.

Many investors get caught up in the idea they can "beat the market." It's human nature to want to beat the odds. As one grad school finance professor said to me: "Despite all the evidence to the contrary, most investors still try to beat the market. I don't understand it.  Maybe it's because it feels un-American to settle for 'average' market returns, even though average market returns have been quite stellar over time."

You're busy as hell. Don't spend valuable time and energy trying to conquer and outsmart the market. Let the market work for you.
Lawrence K. Ho | Getty Images

The opioid epidemic shows the US can be really bad at drug regulation

I should be clear: I am talking about the legalization of harder drugs, so none of this applies to marijuana legalization. While there are real concerns with pot addiction and people doing stupid things on weed, my perspective is that it's such a relatively harmless drug, according to the best scientific evidence, that the government can afford to screw it up. Especially since the alternative is a prohibition regime that leads to hundreds of thousands of needless arrests in the US each year and fosters violence as traffickers fight over turf or settle other beefs related to the drug trade. But with the harder drugs, there's a lot of room to mess up  as the opioid epidemic demonstrates. I'm not the first person to make this connection. For RealClearPolicy, Robert VerBruggen wrote that the opioid epidemic has forced him to confront some of his libertarian views on legalization. While he "was never so naive as to think there would be noincrease in drug use or abuse if drugs were legal," he ultimately figured the cost-benefit analysis would land in favor of legalization and against prohibition. "But," he added, "it sure looks like loosening control of a drug made all hell break loose, and that's not what I would have predicted, say, ten years ago." I asked Ethan Nadelmann, the retired executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, about this. As someone who has spent a career thinking about this issue, he acknowledged that the opioid epidemic "should give you pause" in terms of backing full free-market legalization. Nadelmann suggested this is a failure in the US in particular. In a recent meeting with some Swiss officials, he brought up concerns similar to mine, and the officials remarked that the US's failures in the opioid epidemic shouldn't hinder legalization efforts in Europe. After all, across the Atlantic, opioids have been more strictly regulated and an overdose crisis has so far been averted. But the US did fail. Horribly. There are many things that could have been done to stop the opioid epidemic in its tracks: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could have blocked or restricted the use of opioids  to better account for the risks of addiction and overdose, as well as the lack of scientific evidence that opioids are even effective for chronic pain. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) could have limited the supply of opioids and taken stronger legal action against companies that carelessly let their drugs proliferate to unscrupulous prescribers, instead of focusing on bit players, like pill mills that popped up across the country. Yet the government didn't do much of anything for years. Kathleen Frydl, a drug policy historian, summarized some of the FDA's failures: From the misguided approval and branding of OxyContin, on the basis of information the FDA knew to be faulty, to the puzzling approval of the similar single-entity, extended-release opioids of Opana in 2006 and Zohydro in 2013, the FDA operates on the belief that opioids are beneficial in managing chronic pain, although there is to date no persuasive evidence of their effectiveness, and only mounting proof of their morbid risk. Also damning is the fact that most of the criminal and civil prosecution of drug companies for "misbranding" their opioid products as less addictive has come at the hands of U.S. Attorneys and whistleblowers, even though the law that defines the violation, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, falls well within the purview of the FDA. Aggressive in opioid approvals, the FDA has been lethargic in responding to the consequences. The DEA, meanwhile, has the power to set production quotas for some opioids, like hydrocodone and oxycodone, produced for sales. It could have used this power, as it did during past drug crises, to limit the supply of these dangerous drugs. But Frydl pointed me to data that showed that the agency has since at least 1999 let the quota for opioids rise and rise and rise  effectively relinquishing a tool it could have used to limit the rapid growth of opioid use. Here, for instance, is the quota for oxycodone going back to 1999, which trended up even after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011 declared the opioid crisis an "epidemic": Much of this is the result of aggressive lobbying from pharmaceutical companies. Over the past decade, opioid producers and suppliers have spent more than $880 million at the federal and state level lobbying lawmakers to stop new regulations on their drugs, while calling on policymakers to actually loosen access to painkillers. That's eight times as much as the gun lobby spent on its causes, according to Mother Jones. And it often worked: In Maine, for example, drugmakers successfully pushed for a bill that required insurers to cover opioid painkillers that are supposedly harder to abuse. In fact, the DEA admits that pharmaceutical companies played a key role in its decision making in its own statements. Here is the agency in 1999 after an unnamed company asked for a formal hearing about the quotas: "In addition, one company requested a hearing to address the aggregate production quota for oxycodone (for sale) or hydromorphone if the aggregate production quotas were not increased sufficiently. The DA [sic], based on the date [sic] provided, has increased the aggregate production quotas for both oxycodone (for sale) and hydromorphone and has determined that a hearing is not necessary." The company didn't even have hold a formal hearing to get what it wanted from the DEA. All of this should make it clear: Regulation failed. The reality, though, is this is a pattern that's now popped up again and again in the US: America allows a dangerous, addictive drug, big companies excessively market it, and use and deaths spiral out of control. This may be a uniquely American problem  perhaps due to the country's affinity for unfettered capitalism  but it's something that's happened multiple times before: with opioids, as well as alcohol and tobacco.

The opioid epidemic isn't the first time the US has blundered drug regulation

Consider cigarettes. Sure, smoking rates have come down by nearly three-fourths in the past five decades, in large part thanks to government efforts like higher taxes on cigarettes and stricter enforcement of smoking age laws. But despite these efforts, tobacco still kills an astonishing 480,000 people each year by some estimates and 540,000 by others. It would take roughly 30 years of murders, at the 2015 rate, to kill this many Americans. That government regulators allowed the tobacco epidemic to get this bad before they finally took strong action from the 1960s to '90s speaks to just how badly the US can botch drug regulation. Then there's alcohol. By the latest estimate, alcohol is linked to about 88,000 deaths and millions of hospitalizations each year. If anything, this seems to be getting worse: As opioid overdose deaths have risen, so too have alcohol-related deaths. And while experts have all sorts of ideas (including something as simple as raising alcohol taxes) to combat alcohol misuse and death, lawmakers and regulators have failed to do much of anything  in large part because alcohol companies aggressively lobby them not to, blocking anything from higher taxes to nutrition labels. These drugs are dangerous and kill people, but Americans and policymakers have become largely desensitized to the deaths  seldom speaking to these hundreds or tens of thousands of deaths as a crisis or epidemic. So these issues, particularly with alcohol, blend into the background, letting the industry get away with its excesses as lawmakers get a pass for inaction. It's hard to imagine a society in which we've legalized heroin or cocaine and let a big industry flourish around those drugs, creating a similar scenario as alcohol or tobacco for harder substances. But 20 or 30 years ago, it was hard to imagine a society in which we've legalized marijuana and let a big industry flourish. Yet that's exactly what legal pot is leading to, with the marijuana industry getting a bigger role in writing the laws and regulations that dictate how legal pot will work. This just seems to be how legalization works in America. I disagree with Kevin Sabet, a co-founder of the anti-legalization Smart Approaches to Marijuana, on many drug policy issues. But in an interview a couple years back, he told me something that's stuck in my mind as I have looked at the government's failure to regulate tobacco, alcohol, and opioids: If we were a country with a history of being able to promote moderation in our consumer use of products, or promote responsible corporate advertising or no advertising, or if we had a history of being able to take taxes gained from a vice and redirect them into some positive areas, I might be less concerned about what I see happening in this country. But I think we have a horrible history of dealing with these kinds of things. Looking at the evidence, it's impossible to really argue against that.

None of this means drug policy reform is a bad idea
Tim Cook, CEO, holds an iPad Pro after his keynote address to Apple's annual world wide developer conference (WWDC) in San Jose, California, U.S. June 5, 2017.

Apple quietly increased the price of the 256GB and 512GB versions of its 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro tablets.

The price change was first spotted by the blog MacRumors.

Prior to Tuesday's Apple rollout, consumers could purchase the 256GB and 512GB 10.9-inch iPad Pro for $749 and $949, respectively. Those models now cost $799 and $999, respectively. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro saw its 256GB and 512GB models increase by $50 to $949 and $1,149, respectively, with the latter nearing the price of a MacBook.

The price of the 64GB version of both iPads remains unchanged.

Apple told CNBC the increase is due to suppliers' price increases for NAND memory chips, which provide storage in iPads.
The issue of Muslim marginalization in Myanmar has captivated the attention of Islamic State-inspired extremists, sparking fears the country could become fertile ground for transnational terror groups. For years, Buddhist-majority Myanmar has clashed with the Rohingya  an ethnic minority that is predominately Muslim. The conflict has recently escalated, with increased reports of violent attacks on Rohingya villages in the state of Rakhine by security forces and Buddhist civilians, leading to a daily average of 35,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh over the last week, according to United Nations figures.

Rohingya Muslims, escaping from ongoing military operations in Myanmar's Rakhine state, flee to Bangladesh by boat on September 12, 2017. Zakir Hossain Chowdhury / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images

Last month, insurgents from the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army launched coordinated attacks on 30 government targets in Rakhine, resulting in a military crackdown. But international critics say Yangon's response has been too heavy-handed, with the UN Human Rights Commission recently calling the state's treatment of Rohingya a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing." The crisis could destabilize Myanmar's status as one of Asia's hottest frontier markets. During the first four months of the 2017-2018 fiscal year, the country attracted more than $3 billion in foreign direct investment, while the World Bank expects economic growth to average 7.1 percent per year. On top of existing troubles, there may be new problems brewing: As the situation worsens, the plight of the Rohingya may be exploited by terror networks across Southeast Asia and beyond. "The repression visited upon the Rohingya by a powerful government largely consisting of leaders from another religion present a potential, transnational flash-point for jihadi-Salafi organizations," analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies said in a recent note, referring to an ultraconservative sect of Islam. "With parallels to the ethno-religio-nationalist insurgencies of southern Thailand and the southern Philippines, there is legitimate concern that the violence will attract outside forces," the analysts continued.

Image courtesy of the Council on Foreign Relations Foreign fighters have previously flocked to Southeast Asia's domestic struggles. In May this year, a battle between terror group Abu Sayyaf and Philippine armed forces attracted more than 80 foreign fighters, the analysts pointed out. Moreover, ISIS-affiliated soldiers are seeking new missions beyond Syria and Iraq, so opportunities to defend Muslims are inevitably appealing, they added. In 2014, Rakhine was declared a key region for jihad by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Living in an environment of systemic discrimination, Rohingya Muslims are also targets for religious radicalization. Yangon regards the group, which is nearly one million strong, as illegal migrants and denies them citizenship in addition to restricting marriage, family planning, employment, education and movement. "The conditions in Rakhine are ripe for the influence of extremist stimuli, including the infiltration of Islamic State ideology, which may worsen the situation in Myanmar," researchers at Singapore-based Nanyang Technological University said in a report. It's an ideal situation for ISIS and affiliates to collaborate with regional groups, they added. De-facto leader, Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi, is now under a barrage of international criticism for her failure to end alleged military crimes against the Rohingya.

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In her post-election tell-all "What Happened," Hillary Rodham Clinton shares an anecdote about writing to NASA as a uniquely determined young teenager.

But the story doesn't go as you might expect. Unlike today's inspiring tales of kids writing to NASA and receiving encouragement, the future Secretary of State's experience was far more grim.

"I don't know what it's like for other women, but growing up, I didn't think that much about my gender except when it was front and center," she writes.

"Like in 8th grade, when I wrote to NASA to say that I dreamt of becoming an astronaut," she continues, "and someone there wrote back: Sorry, little girl, we don't accept women into the space program."

Clinton wrote the letter sometime around 1960. It wasn't until 1978 that the first female astronaut candidates were admitted into the program.

A NASA representative told CNBC Make It that the letter was "a reflection of the early 1960's culture when astronauts were required to be military test pilots. We believe NASA today embraces the race and gender diversity that reflects America and its values."
Nordstrom shares opened 5 percent higher Wednesday after CNBC reported a Nordstrom family group was closing in on a deal with a private equity firm to help take the department store private.

Nordstrom family members were close to choosing Leonard Green & Partners to help fund a buyout of the eponymous department store, people familiar with the matter said Tuesday.



Leonard Green would provide Nordstrom family members with roughly $1 billion in equity to help fund the deal, the sources said.

The family group, which owns 31.2 percent of the 116-year-old retailer, said in June it was looking to take Nordstrom private. It has since been looking for a private equity partner to help support the deal and also held talks with KKR and Apollo.

A deal between Nordstrom and Leonard Green has not been finalized, and other parties could make a move to disrupt the talks. It's also still possible talks could fall apart.



The family group is already talking to banks about raising $7 billion to $8 billion in debt to finance the deal and is hoping to submit a formal bid in the next couple of weeks, the sources said. Nordstrom has appointed an independent special committee to evaluate the offer.

Nordstrom has a market capitalization of roughly $7.7 billion.



Leonard Green has worked with Nordstrom before. The Los Angeles-based private equity firm has a stake in the British fast-fashion line Topshop, which has a partnership with the Seattle-based department store.

KKR and Apollo declined to comment. Nordstrom and Leonard Green didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Nordstrom family is hoping that as a private company, Nordstrom will be able to make investments that help it adapt to the changing retail landscape without worrying about short-term shareholder reaction.

On Monday, Nordstrom announced it will roll out stores without merchandise, similar to concepts offered by e-retailers such as Bonobos and Warby Parker. Its stock slid as much as 5.4 percent to $43.59 on the news.



Other long-term initiatives for Nordstrom include investing in e-commerce, closing underperforming stores and investing in top locations, and expanding its successful discount shopping chain, Nordstrom Rack, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Still, a leveraged buyout of a department store is challenging in 2017. Several private equity backed-retailers have buckled under the weight of large debt loads that have hampered their ability to invest in e-commerce and adapt to the rapidly changing retail industry. Private equity-backed Payless ShoeSource and Gymboree filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, while Neiman Marcus is currently working with restructuring advisors.

Still, with the Nordstrom family likely to maintain control over the department store's operations, the potential deal to go private follows a different template than many of its peers.



Nordstrom has long been viewed as the jewel of the department store industry, with an affordable high-end price point that puts it between midtier Macy's and exclusive Neiman Marcus.

The company was quick to spot shoppers shifting to off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshall's and put its efforts behind Nordstrom Rack, its own take on the category. Its investment into e-commerce helped it buck the industry trend last quarter of same-store sales declines.

Still, like all of its peers, it has seen its stock fall this year as investors question whether department stores can compete as shopping habits change.

Analysts were quick to point out that Nordstrom's unique track record and significant family ownership are likely to keep any potential deal to go private the exception rather than the rule.

"The structural challenges for the traditional department stores are abundantly clear today," wrote Gordon Haskett analyst Chuck Grom. "We don't foresee anything similar transpiring at Macy's , Kohls , and/or JCPenney , particularly since family ownership is virtually nonexistent.

Nordstrom operates 356 stores, including 121 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Of those, 221 are Nordstrom Rack stores.



Its Seattle flagship location, modeled after famous European department stores, has restaurants, bars and pop-up shops. Nordstrom is also working on a flagship location at 217 West 57th St., near Manhattan's Central Park.
Growing up in Oklahoma, Brandon D. Anderson didn't have any ambition to become a tech entrepreneur.

"I was a queer, black and homeless teen. I didn't even have the mental space to dream." He struggled, but at least he was with his "soul mate," another homeless teen whose name Anderson wouldn't share at the request of the man's family.

Anderson enlisted in the Army around 2003, keeping his love life a secret as required by army policy at the time. Then in 2007, he suddenly came out to his front-line supervisor.

He had to, he said, if he wanted to see his partner again. The man was hospitalized and lay dying after a traffic stop in Oklahoma City turned tragic.

"The police said they thought he had stolen a car. He had not," Anderson soberly recalls. "He was in the hospital for some time. They beat him first. They killed him."

The experience inspired Anderson to become a dedicated community organizer, helping other military veterans dismissed from the Army for their sexuality seek honorable discharges, and later organizing discussions around police brutality.

Now, with funding from Silicon Valley accelerator FastForward and an initiative called My Brother's Keeper started by President Obama, Anderson is taking a tech approach to the problem.

He's built a chatbot, Raheem.ai, that gives the public a way to grade police interactions as easily as they would rate and review a product on Amazon.

"Police departments crunch huge amounts of data today," he told CNBC, "but we still don't know how often law enforcement officers have hurt, killed, or for that matter saved and comforted people in the line of duty."

The lack of transparency contributes to a widening rift between police and the communities they promise to protect, he said. This is expecially true in communities of color. For instance, independent studies by the Guardian have found that police in the U.S. killed black people at twice the rate of white people in both 2016 and 2015.

People access Raheem.ai through Facebook Messenger on smartphones, or the company's own website. The chatbot asks users to answer simple questions about a police interaction, covering everything from basic details about where and when it took place, to more qualitative aspects, such as whether the officer made you feel "heard" or "disrespected." The bot asks users to select from a checklist of options but allows room for some details to be submitted through written answers.
A sign from a Hungry Howies restaurant sits on the ground in front of the drive through window after high winds caused by Hurricane Irma impacted the area on September 11, 2017 in Fort Meade, Florida.

First it's the flood waters, the lack of power, and spoiled food. Then, it really gets bad for restaurant owners coping with the aftermath of a powerful storm.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that about 40 percent of small businesses will never reopen after a disaster.

Houston restaurant owner Brian Fasthoff told CNBC that there are four or five restaurants in the downtown area that he expects will never open again after major flooding and property damage.

While Fasthoff's restaurant, Batanga's, was safe from flood waters, which pooled just a block from his location, the storm caused the Latin American restaurant to lose power for three to four days and forced Fasthoff to shutter for a week.

Fasthoff told CNBC the restaurant lost revenue during the time it was closed and had to toss the food in its refrigerators and freezers that had spoiled when it didn't have power. Not to mention, he still had to pay rent and provide paychecks to his salaried employees.

Business interruption insurance should help Fasthoff recoup some of these losses, but two weeks after he put in his claim, he has yet to hear back from his insurance company.

"It's scary," he said. "They are about to get really busy with the other hurricanes. And we need help as soon as they can, because restaurants don't run on big margins to begin with."

Batanga's has since reopened, but Fasthoff said business has been slow.

"Right now it's about getting people back out," he said. "To get people to trust that it is safe and dry. It's been quite a challenge."

Luring diners back in has been a challenge for other restaurant operators in the area, as well. Tracy Vaught, co-owner of four restaurants in Houston, told CNBC that sales at her two fine- dining establishments have been weak since the storm. However, sales at her two more moderately priced full-service restaurants have been a bit stronger.

Vaught's restaurants saw minimal damage, with only one location sustaining a roof leak. Her restaurants were closed for two to three days, she said, but her team is used to losing a few days each year due to inclement weather or restaurant renovation.

Thomas Nguyen, brand boss at Peli Peli Restaurant Group, said most of the company's restaurants closed for a week. Its fast casual chain Peli Peli Kitchen opened later than the other three fine-dining locations because its kitchen was being used to provide more than 20,000 meals for the Red Cross.

"The most difficult part for the restaurant industry in Houston is the decrease in general business over the next few months at least," he told CNBC via email.

Nguyen said Houston restaurants have already been experiencing a recession due to lower oil prices, which hurt incomes in the region, and the devastation of Harvey will only make that worse. He expects that diners will be grappling with massive home repair costs and will be forced to cut back on going out to eat.

Restaurants are often looked at as a sign of stability in a community, Bill Strout, president of Intrepid Direct Insurance, a restaurant franchise business insurance agency, told CNBC.

"For a restaurant to get back up and open and support the community by having a place to go and eat is important," he said. "And some delivery might be needed as well because some people might not be able to get out of their homes or their cars might be unusable."

In most cases, it takes a business about 14 days to recover from a natural disaster, according to Scott Teel, senior director of communications for Agility Recovery Solutions. However, for those with extensive property damage, it could take months or even years to recover from these storms.

"Your recovery is dependent on what happened prior to the incident," he said.

Teel suggests that restaurant owners do an initial risk assessment to determine the most likely threats to their establishment. Those risks can be mitigated by carefully choosing insurance plans that cover those specific risks, stockpiling resources well in advance of any storms and training staff on proper disaster protocol.

He said many entrepreneurs are unprepared to deal with damages.

Nine out of 10 of the business owners who contact Teel's organization after an incident looking to obtain a generator don't know what size or type of machine they need to power their location, he said.

It's also important to ensure that you understand how to use the equipment, as unsafe practices could shut your business down even if the storm doesn't. Every year, people die from carbon monoxide poisoning after running their gas-powered generators inside their homes or businesses.

Power outages can also prevent shops from being able to process credit card transactions. During times of disaster, cash-only businesses are not practical for consumers.

Teel said restaurants should look to businesses such as Waffle House, which transitions to a different menu and gas-powered cooking when it loses power.

Above all, Strout said that restaurateurs should "work with an insurance provider that is an expert in your industry."
Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (L) talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (not seen) during a meeting at the Great Halll of the People on May 16, 2017 in Beijing, China.

Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has canceled a trip to the upcoming United Nations (UN) General Assembly amid intense and far-reaching condemnation for her handling of the Rohingya crisis.

Almost 400,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled to neighboring Bangladesh since the outbreak of violence last month, according to the UN.

A spokesperson for Myanmar's presidential office explained the country's national leader had cancelled her trip to the UN General Assembly for two reasons.

"One is the current situation in Rakhine State. We have terrorist attacks and also there are many works on public safety and humanitarian works," Zaw Htay said.

"And the second reason is we have received reports that there are possibilities of terrorist attacks in our country," she added.

Suu Kyi, a former winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, had been expected to participate in discussions at the UN General Assembly in New York, which runs from Tuesday 19 September to Monday 25 September.
Russia's huge military exercise along its western border this week has increased nervousness among neighboring countries as well as straining relations with NATO.

The "Zapad 2017" military exercise, running from the 14th until the 20th September, is held every four years and will on this occasion include activities on the borders of Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus.

The main purpose of Zapad, which literally means west, is to simulate defense and counter-attack in case of war with NATO member countries.

Security expert Otilia Dhand at Teneo Intelligence told CNBC Wednesday that while similar exercises have happened regularly since 1999, tension is enhanced this time because of recent history.

"Since the last Zapad exercises in 2013, Russia has annexed Crimea and fomented unrest in eastern Ukraine, where the conflict is ongoing.

"The Baltic members of NATO are therefore especially concerned over the possibility that these exercises may involve incursions into their territorial waters and airspace, as well as provide cover for building up Russian forces at bases close to their borders," she said.

Since 2014, and the fall of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, Russian-backed soldiers have taken control of strategic positions within the Ukrainian territory of Crimea.

Dhand said that this week's exercises could allow Moscow to funnel more equipment to separatist factions installed in eastern Ukraine.
Alice Barber gets emotional as she surveys the damage caused by Hurricane Irma to her trailer home in Immokalee, Fla., on Sept. 11, 2017.

Hurricane Irma left a devastating path of destruction across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and much of the Caribbean. Some residents who fled are slowly returning to find their homes and neighborhoods destroyed.

Recovery is only getting started. Millions remain without power, and major flooding persists in many areas. The tourism industry, which sustains much of the Caribbean economy, was shattered; some residents and tourists are still evacuating the hardest-hit areas.

The true economic impact of this hurricane is yet to be tallied, but it will certainly be one of the costliest in recent history. The following are just some of the harrowing scenes residents now face.

Photo caption above: Alice Barber gets emotional as she surveys the damage caused by Hurricane Irma to her trailer home in Immokalee, Florida.

With images from Getty Images, Reuters and AP.
A US Marine of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade runs to safety moments after an IED blast in Garmsir district of Helmand Province in Afghanistan on July 13, 2009.

The Senate on Wednesday turned back an attempt to repeal the current authority for U.S. military force in the 16-year-old Afghanistan war and the fight in Iraq.

Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, an anti-war crusader, had offered an amendment to the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to repeal war authority granted in 2001 and 2002. He argued Wednesday that the current war authorizations are outdated and that Congress needed to "grab power back" from the executive branch, which he said has been using the war authorizations for "unauthorized, unconstitutional and undeclared war."

Paul had threatened to essentially slow down the legislative process for passing the fiscal 2018 NDAA unless there was a floor debate on the war authorizations. The NDAA sets forth the Pentagon's budget and major programs for the next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1.

But by a 61-36 vote, the Senate voted to table the Paul amendment  in effect killing  the attempt to repeal the war authorizations.

Overall, there are more than 300 amendments proposed for the Senate's NDAA. The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) completed its markup of the NDAA in June.

Debate on other amendments to the annual national defense bill will continue this week on the Senate floor but also may run into next week. The NDAA proposes a total defense spend of nearly $700 billion.

Democrat Sen. Jack Reed, ranking member of SASC, rose to speak against the Paul amendment. He said voting for it would have had "practical and almost immediate consequences" to U.S. service members in the field, allies as well as emboldened adversaries.

Similarly, Republican Sen. John McCain, the SASC chairman, argued against the Paul amendment and said it wasn't necessary to rush the issue to the floor.

"Haven't we had enough of bringing things to the floor without hearings, without amendments, without debate," McCain said. "I'm confident that an overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues would agree to approve the use of military force against the vicious, brutal enemy we face in ISIS and associated forces."

McCain also argued that repealing the 2001 and 2002 war authorizations without simultaneously passing a new one "would be premature, would be irresponsible and it would threaten U.S. national security."

The AUMF, or Authorization for Use of Military Force, was first used in 2001 by President George W. Bush when the U.S. deployed forces to Afghanistan.

If the Paul amendment had prevailed, though, it could have forced President Donald Trump to wind down ongoing military operations against the Taliban and terrorist groups in Afghanistan, as well as the fight against ISIS in Iraq, Syria and other countries. That said, there would have been a six-month window for Congress to consider new war authorizations.

"After 16 years, it's difficult to determine the purpose in Afghanistan," Paul said during the debate.

The Kentucky senator went on to say the U.S. also is involved in wars in at least six other places, including Yemen but as of yet there's been no vote in Congress to authorize it. He also cited the U.S. military involvement in wars in Somalia and Libya.

"These wars are costing trillions of dollars," Paul said. "I think it's time to start thinking about the problems we have here at home. It's time to think about the $20 trillion debt we've got."

Also, Paul said "a $150 billion tab" for hurricane damage in Texas is another domestic priority rather than spending money on the undeclared wars abroad.
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Former pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli and attorney Benjamin Brafman depart the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, August 3, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Getty Images

But Bachner added that because Clinton is a former presidential candidate  in addition to being the wife of former President Bill Clinton  and because the Secret Service investigated Shkreli's Facebook post, Judge Kiyo Matsumoto "has to have a hearing and send a message to Shkreli." "I don't think it's deserving of a bail revocation," Bachner said. "I think she's going to give him a big yelling at." Bachner said that for Shkreli's bail to be revoked as he awaits sentencing on securities fraud charges, prosecutors would have to prove to Matsumoto that he presents a danger to the public. In their bid to jail Shkreli, prosecutors have said Shkreli is "a danger to the community." But Bachner said that will be difficult for prosecutors to prove. He said he believed Shkreli's lawyers have a good argument to make that the hair bounty was just "some awkward political humor" and not meant as a serious threat. "I don't think it meets the standard of dangerousness," Bachner said. The other lawyer, Gerald Lefcourt, agreed with Bachner that the "real issues" for a bail revocation hearing are: "Is he going to flee, and is he going to hurt somebody?"

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Lefcourt said there was little, if any, evidence, that Shkreli would flee. The lawyer also said he did not believe there was strong evidence that Shkreli represents a danger to Clinton or others. "He probably should be out on bail pending appeal," Lefcourt said. But the lawyer added that Shkreli on Wednesday may well find himself in jail despite that argument. "I think the judge is probably at wit's end with respect to ... his conduct," Lefcourt said. Earlier in Shkreli's trial this summer, Matsumoto imposed a virtual gag order on Shkreli, barring him from publicly discussing the case in and around the courthouse. That order came after Shkreli ambled into a room full of reporters during a break in his trial, and made a series of scathing comments about the people prosecuting him, calling them "the junior varsity." And last week, after prosecutors said they wanted his bail revoked because of the Clinton hair bounty, Shkreli wrote on Facebook: ''F--- the government. I will never kiss their ring or snitch. Come at me with your hardest because I haven't seen anything impressive yet.'' It's comments like that, and a slew of other online provocations that Shkreli has committed since being arrested on federal charges in December 2015, that make Lefcourt think there is a good chance that Matsumoto will revoke his bond. Shkreli was convicted in August of defrauding multiple investors in two hedge funds he previously ran. Asked if he had ever seen a defendant in a criminal case who had been convicted make such a public spectacle of himself as Shkreli has done since early August, Lefcourt said, "No." "He is just incapable of controlling himself," Lefcourt said. Normally, the lawyer said, convicts "are terrified, they're very compliant" and keep a low profile as they await sentencing. Lefcourt also said that Shkreli didn't do himself any favors by posting the bounty offer for Clinton's hair after getting convicted. "Clearly, you have less of a right to be out [on bail] pending appeal," Lefcourt said. The lawyer said that if Shkreli's bail is revoked Wednesday he could end up spending a year or more in jail before his planned appeal of the conviction is resolved. That amount of time could more than equal to what Shkreli might end up receiving as a prison sentence if he loses his appeal.

WATCH: Former Shkreli worker says he's 'mentally unstable'
Matsumoto said she didn't find anything funny about either Shkreli's posts about Clinton, or his online boasts during his trial in July that he would get to "f---" a female journalist with whom he has feuded since January, as well as a female political pundit, once his trial ended.

"It is clearly beyond any reasonable doubt that Mr. Shkreli is a danger to the community. He's not special, by any stretch of the imagination," Kasulis said.

"He is reckless. He knows exactly what he is doing. He needs to go in," Kasulis said to a packed courtroom that included Shkreli's father.

Federal prosecutor Jacquelyn Kasulis, who appeared to be seething about the disgraced pharmaceutical executive's posts about Clinton and other women, said Wednesday, "I think this escalating pattern of violence against women is incredibly disturbing."

"It's not going to happen again," Brafman vowed about his client, who has a long history of baiting adversaries online. "I'm asking you ... to give him a chance to be more appropriate."

And it came a day after Shkreli, 34, apologized for posting a $5,000 bounty last week to any of his 70,000 Facebook followers who grabbed some of Clinton's hair, saying he used "poor judgment" with "my awkward attempt at humor."

Judge Kiyo Matsumoto's ruling came at a hearing in Brooklyn federal court where Shkreli's high-powered lawyer Benjamin Brafman pleaded with her for nearly an hour not to toss him in jail despite what the attorney said was a "stupid" Facebook post.

An angry federal judge revoked the $5 million bond of convicted fraudster Martin Shkreli on Wednesday and ordered him jailed after ruling the notorious "pharma bro" was a danger to the public because of his offer on Facebook of cash for samples of Hillary Clinton's hair.

"He is soliciting an assault on another person for $5,000," Matsumoto said. The judge noted that no one knew whether any of Shkreli's followers would take him up on that bizarre offer, either in a legitimate desire for the cash or in a bid to gain Shkreli's approval.

She noted that even when Shkreli tried to portray the offer as satire in a subsequent Facebook post, he wrote that he would pay the bounty only if the hair included a follicle.

"The fact that he continues to remain unaware ... of the inappropriateness of his actions or words demonstrates to me he may be an ongoing danger or risk to the community," Matsumoto said.

The judge also noted that once defendants are convicted in federal court, as Shkreli was in August, there is a legal presumption that their bail will be revoked.

"I''m going to remand Mr. Shkreli," Mastumoto said.

A somber-looking Shkreli, wearing a purple dress shirt and a shaggy mop of hair, was taken into custody by two deputy U.S. Marshals just after 6 p.m. ET as his grim-faced legal team stood by.

"We are obviously disappointed," Brafman said outside the court to reporters. "We believe the court arrived at the wrong decision but she's the judge and right now we will have to live with this decision."

"It's unfortunate. It was unfortunately avoidable, but the judge has ruled and she's the judge," the lawyer said.

Shkreli will be held in a federal jail, the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, until his sentencing on securities fraud charges on January 16, which Matsumoto scheduled Wednesday.

Shkreli's Facebook post last week about Clinton sparked an inquiry from the U.S. Secret Service, who also in response beefed up their protective measures for the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee amid her ongoing book tour.

Prosecutors then asked Matsumoto to jail Shkreli, saying in a court filing that "his recent public conduct demonstrates that he cannot meet his post-trial burden to show, by clear and convincing evidence, that he does not pose a danger to the community."

Prosecutors pointed out that Shkreli's latest stunt came just weeks after being convicted of three securities fraud-related counts in Brooklyn federal court.

Brafman, at Wednesday's hearing, used a slew of arguments to dissuade Matsumoto from revoking Shkreli's bond, as she appeared inclined to do almost from the moment that she took the bench.

"I'm not making excuses for Mr. Shkreli," Brafman said. "We had a long, painful discussion about this episode."

"I'm angry at him too," the lawyer said.

Brafman said Shkreli never intended for his post to be taken seriously, noting that Shkreli had also written about using the hair to "clone" Clinton, and that he was dismayed to find out that people might believe otherwise.

"Stupid doesn't make you violent," Brafman said.

Brafman suggested however that Shkreli  a purported supporter of President Donald Trump with a long-standing animus to Clinton  was merely engaging in the sort of scathing political hyperbole that has become increasingly common in America. Brafman said that kind of speech, no matter how offensive, is constitutionally protected.

The lawyer also argued that Shkreli had been lashing out on social media in response to being demonized by the public in the past two years after raising the price of an anti-parasite drug by 5,000 percent in 2015.

Brafman offered to have Shkreli make a full-throated disavowal of this Clinton bounty online on Wednesday, to be willingly banned from all social media by the judge, and to generally behave appropriately from now on until he is sentenced.

He kept arguing his points for nearly 20 minutes after Matsumoto first said she would revoke Shkreli's bond, in an increasingly desperate effort to get the judge to change her mind.

In a letter to Matsumoto on Tuesday, Shkreli had written, "I wanted to personally apologize to this Court and my lawyers for the aggravation that my recent postings have caused."

"I understand now that some may have read my comments about Mrs. Clinton as threatening, when that was never my intention when making those comments," Shkreli wrote.

"I used poor judgment but never intended to cause alarm or promote any act of violence whatsoever," he wrote, adding that he had quickly amended his post to make clear he had just been joking.

Shkreli's lawyer Brafman, in his own letter to Matsumoto on Tuesday, had written, "While we do not condone Mr. Shkreli's comment, his constitutionally protected political hyperbole does not rise to the level of making a 'danger to the community' when he is not and has never been considered to be a danger."

Brafman said that Shkreli should not be jailed because he "never intended any harm or violence."

The lawyer disputed prosecutors' contention that comments Shkreli made online about Clinton and a journalist, Lauren Duca, constituted an escalating pattern of threats.

Brafman suggested that Shkreli was engaging in "political hyperbole" or "satire" in his comments about both women.

Brafman cited the fact that comedian Kathy Griffin was not prosecuted after she posted online a photograph of herself holding what appeared to be the bloody, severed head of Trump.

"Another example of political hyperbole is when President Donald Trump, as a candidate, caused a controversy last year by implying that 'Second Amendment people' could prevent former Secretary Clinton from abolishing their right to bear arms."

Michael Bachner, a leading New York criminal defense lawyer, earlier Wednesday told CNBC he did not believe Shkreli should have his bail revoked.

"If he had made the comments about another author who wasn't Clinton, I don't think there would be a bail revocation hearing going on here," said Bachner.

Another top New York lawyer, Gerald Lefcourt, earlier said that while Shkreli probably should be allowed to remain free on bail, "I think the judge is probably at wit's end with respect to... his conduct."

Matsumoto, during Shkreli's trial this summer, imposed a virtual gag order on him that barred him from talking about the case in public around the courthouse after he gave an impromptu press conference to reporters and called prosecutors in the case the "junior varsity."

Asked if he had ever seen a defendant in a criminal case who had been convicted make such a public spectacle of himself as Shkreli has done since early August, Lefcourt said, "No."

"He is just incapable of controlling himself," Lefcourt said.

CORRECTION: This story was updated to reflect the correct spelling of Martin Shkreli's name.
White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner departs following his appearance before a closed session of the Senate Intelligence Committee as part of their probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. July 24, 2017.

Earlier this summer, a small group of lawyers for President Donald Trump felt Jared Kushner should leave the administration.

They were that worried Trump's son-in-law and top adviser could pose legal problems for the president as investigations into the Trump campaign's possible collusion with Russia during the 2016 election grow, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The lawyers had reason for concern: Kushner met with multiple Russians during the election, including in December separately with then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and Sergey Gorkov, a banker with direct ties to Vladimir Putin. Kushner also attended the now-infamous June 9, 2016, meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer, Natalia Veselnitskaya, who promised damaging information about Hillary Clinton.

More from Vox:

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Democrats are increasingly endorsing single-payer health care. Hillary Clinton is not.

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Kushner admitted to these meetings in a July 24 statement but denies he colluded with Russians to help Trump win the election. "I did not collude, nor know of anyone else in the campaign who colluded, with any foreign government, Kushner said. "I had no improper contacts."

Not all of Trump's lawyers thought removing Kushner was a good idea, though. "I didn't agree with that view at all. I thought it was absurd," John Dowd, Trump's lead lawyer for the Russia probe as of July, told the Wall Street Journal.

Trump's former top Russia investigation lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, denies that such discussions ever took place. "I never discussed with other lawyers for the president that Jared Kushner should step down from his position at the White House, I never recommended to the president that Mr. Kushner should step down from that position and I am not aware that any other lawyers for the President made any such recommendation either," Kasowitz said in a statement.

But it appears Trump knew about the recommendation. According to the Journal, some of the lawyers met with the president in June to discuss Kushner's departure. After the meeting, White House press staffers even drafted a statement to explain why Kushner stepped down. Trump ultimately rejected the proposal, evidently because the lawyers didn't convince him that Kushner did anything to merit his firing.

This news is striking because of how important Kushner is to the administration. Not only does he have the familial ties, but he's also in charge of a sprawling portfolio that includes changing the way the federal government works to forging peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Kushner has led discussions with other foreign governments as well, most notably China. An administration source told Politico in February that Kushner acted as a "shadow secretary of state."

But that Kushner's job was in jeopardy  even for a little while  shows no one in Trumpworld is safe from the Russia probes.
"That act of God just came in the form of two massive hurricanes that have seemed to snap most of Washington's warring parties out of their mutually destructive trench warfare."

For just about all of this year so far, the D.C. dysfunction has been so bad that it seemed like only an act of God could turn things around.

That act of God just came in the form of two massive hurricanes that have seemed to snap most of Washington's warring parties out of their mutually destructive trench warfare.

President Trump got the ball rolling by making a debt ceiling deal with Democratic congressional leaders to make sure any efforts to aid the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma would not be held up on Capitol Hill. The deal was seen by some critics as the White House betraying the GOP congressional leaders, but House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reluctantly went along as they likely saw the extreme political peril of even appearing to stand in the way of disaster aid.

And that brings us to tax reform.

Even as Hurricane Harvey had already flooded much of Houston and Hurricane Irma was taking aim at Florida, one Democrat was starting to make another breach in icy Washington wall. That Democrat is Senator Heidi Heitkamp, who joined President Trump last week on his trip to her state of North Dakota to push for tax reform. Heitkamp is one of a handful of Senate Democrats in states that voted for Trump last year who are up for re-election. And senators like her are a natural place for the White House to start.

President Trump continued down that road by inviting Democratic Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Joe Donnelly of Indiana to a bipartisan White House dinner on tax reform Tuesday night that Republican Senators John Thune, Orrin Hatch, and Pat Toomey also attended. These are the first signs of actual progress in the quest to get something passed without the GOP being forced to resort to reconciliation or eliminating the filibuster rule.

There may be even more signs of deal making returning to D.C. Though Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted President Trump's proposal to repeal estate taxes in a letter signed by every Democrat senator except for Donnelly, Heitkamp and Manchin, by focusing on just one aspect of the reform plan it could also mean the Democrats are actually starting the counteroffer process.

Perhaps they'll go for other parts of the plan if the White House scraps the estate tax part. It's not the stuff of a Nobel Peace Prize, but it's also a far cry from shouts of "Not my president!"

For now, what President Trump seems to be offering Democrats is a legitimate seat at the tax reform crafting table. That's significant since the White House and the GOP leadership could theoretically go it alone if they can get their post-Obamacare repeal failure act together.

News that Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi will be attending another bipartisan dinner at the White House Wednesday night to discuss immigration, Obamacare, and other issues possibly including tax reform may be even more promising. That's because Democrats could be showing signs of realizing that just bashing Trump won't do them much good as they try to win back those who voted for him in 2016.

Couple these moves with the proposal crafted by Senator Bernie Sanders Wednesday calling for single-payer health care or "Medicare for all," and we're starting to see signs of a Democratic Party that realizes it must prove it is interested in governing again.

Before the hurricanes and the Heitkamp news, you could count me among those who doubted tax reform of any kind was going to happen. But now that President Trump may not have to rely solely on the meager deal making efforts of Republican leaders like McConnell, the odds have improved.

It appears that President Trump truly wants to give the Democrats some kind of seat at the governing table when it comes to tax reform, and based on his statements last week on DACA, he seems to feel the same about his signature issue of immigration as well.

This is a bipartisan gift President Trump is handing the Democrats at a time when leaders of his own Republican Party are flailing. And this time, it's a gift that the Democrats just might be smart enough to take.

Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday urged Congress not to make the same tax cut mistakes of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.

"What we want to be on guard here for [is] what happened in 2001 and 2003 when taxes were cut by $2.3 trillion," Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal said on CNBC's "Squawk Box."

While the Bush tax cuts were advertised as a boon for everybody, Neal argued the top brackets "did very, very well" and middle- and lower-income Americans only saw "minuscule results."

Regarding Reagan's tax reductions, Neal said those 1980s cuts left the U.S. with huge deficits.

Supporters of the Reagan tax cuts point to the stronger economic growth that followed after years of stagnation during the previous administration.

President Donald Trump and Republican leaders on Capitol Hill believe that Bush- and Reagan-type tax relief would give the current economy a boost.

In a separate interview Wednesday on "Squawk Box," the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee said every American will benefit from Trump's tax cuts.

The U.S. also will provide "the lowest rates for our businesses in modern history," GOP Texas Rep. Kevin Brady said.

"We want to accelerate the growth because our economy really demands it," said Brady. "We want to create that permanency and certainty for businesses, especially those making long-term decisions and for those we hope will start bringing back some of their investments and jobs and research from overseas."

Trump, who's been attempting lately to win bipartisan support for tax reform, urged Congress on Wednesday to "move fast."

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On Tuesday, at the CNBC-Institutional Investor Delivering Alpha conference, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the Trump administration is considering backdating tax reform to boost the economy. He also insisted a tax reform plan will get passed this year, despite the fact that Congress has not yet agreed on a proposal.

Republican Sen. Jeff Flake said he agrees with Mnuchin, telling "Squawk Box" on Wednesday that he believes Congress and the Trump administration can pass tax reform by the end of the year.

"Republicans need to deliver on something. I'm glad to see the president pushing hard for it and I think he's doing it the right way, approaching some of the Democrats as well, who are likely to be with us," the Arizona senator said.

But Flake, who has been critical of Trump in the past, said he doesn't think the president can get the corporate tax rate for businesses as low as 15 percent, however.

"You simply can't go that far without affecting the debt in a negative way," said Flake, who Trump has blasted in recent tweets over a number of issues.

Watch: Rep. Kevin Brady: We will have the lowest rates in modern history
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Records are being set monthly in the space industry, and private companies are the ones leading the surge. While companies like United Launch Alliance and SpaceX may get the glory, thanks to the enduring sex appeal of thundering rocket launches, spaceports are quietly driving the industry forward, acting as its critical backbone. "The standard that the industry is looking for is different than ever before," Craig Campbell, CEO of Alaska Aerospace, told CNBC. "The commercial industry is nothing like the government industry when it comes to money." Ten spaceports are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration. George Nield, leader of the FAA's Commercial Space Transportation, said "another half-dozen locations are knocking on the door."

Nield noted there is no generally accepted definition of what a spaceport is, saying "they're not all the same and are often very different kinds of operations." For Campbell's Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island, Alaska, the focus is on small, vertical launches, such as with Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle. Rocket Lab has contracted to soon launch the Electron vehicle to orbit from Campbell's facility. "We are ideally located to launch into polar orbit and have an unobstructed range for launching," Campbell said. Vehicle operators want three things, said Campbell: "Low cost, launch on time, and with no interference with other customers."

The integration and processing facility at the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak Island, Alaska. BRPH | Alaska Aerospace

Dale Nash, CEO and executive director of Virginia Space, said he hopes his facility becomes "as busy as Cape Canaveral in Florida." "Right now my capacity is not limited by me. It's limited by the launch vehicle providers," Nash said. The state invested more than $100 million to help build one of the two launchpads at Virginia Space, and there's a third flat pad for smaller launches, as well as a runway for unmanned aerial vehicles. The Alaska and Virginia facilities rely on FAA-regulated airspace. Nash noted that competing air traffic requires the FAA clear a window. The enduring conflict between aircraft and spacecraft is one Nield is working to resolve. He said the FAA is targeting this integration, but "the reality will be an evolution." "We have established a strategic initiative to integrate, safely, the commercial space operations into national airspace," Nield told CNBC. The restricted airspace edge Some spaceports use adjacent restricted, remote airspace as a competitive advantage, such as Mojave Air and Space Port in California and Spaceport America in New Mexico. "We located the spaceport on this big chunk of land below the Department of Defense's restricted airspace" at White Sands missile range, Spaceport America CEO Dan Hicks said. "Our airspace is always owned by the department, and there are only two places in the country like that: over the White House and over White Sands."

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo and mothership WhiteKnightTwo stand before their new home, VG Gateway to Space at Spaceport America. Mark Greenberg | Virgin Galactic

Mojave piggybacks off the airspace of nearby Edwards Air Force Base. Like Hicks, Mojave CEO Karina Drees stressed the advantage, saying it is a "freedom to test and operate." "Mojave can accommodate essentially any aircraft with our long runway, and we have several rocket sites for test programs," Drees said. Hicks added that Spaceport America's location adds to its capabilities, saying it has the potential to grow reliably "for customers who want quick access to space." "We could launch anywhere from every day to even a couple a day," Hicks said, adding the location means its only limit is "scheduling issues with White Sands." Slim operating margins A satellite launch considered simple by the industry can cost upward of $60 million but spaceports see little profit per launch. Instead, Nash sees a spaceport's benefit as a driver for local economies, providing value in the same way a major airport does today. Drees concurred, saying "the money really is in the vehicle operators." "Mojave's operations revenue is about $4 million, and we expect to grow over the next three years by another $1 million per year," Drees said.

The Mojave Air and Space Port located in the Mojave desert of California. Mojave Air and Space Port

She works with four customers at Mojave  Stratolaunch, The Spaceship Company, Virgin Galactic and Masten Space. A typical lease fee at Mojave is around $50,000 per month, but it varies depending on the square footage a company requires. Drees said the first launch of Virgin Galactic's Spaceship One craft made "attracting other customers automatic." With low-cost launchers being built for $5 million or less, such as Vector Space's Vector-R, Alaska Aerospace must offer services on a lean budget, Campbell said. "If Rocket Lab says their total mission budget is $4.95 million, they can't spend $2 million to launch," Campbell said, before noting his spaceport charges "somewhere in the vicinity of $200,000 to $500,000 to achieve full launch costs." Both SpaceX and Virgin Galactic pay monthly rents for access at Spaceport America, and SpaceX built "a nice launchpad" for testing back in 2012, Hicks said. Next steps for government regulation Spaceports have five-year operator licenses from the FAA, which interacts with the facilities frequently, including an annual safety inspection. The bulk of licenses go to launch operators, which Nield says come in "different flavors." "SpaceX has several different kinds of licenses, and some allow them to launch the same rocket with the same general payload on the same trajectory an indefinite number of times," Nield said.

A launchpad at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Patrick Hendrickson | Virginia Space
Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in a century, tore its away across the U.S. Virgin Islands as a Category 5 storm on Sept. 6, mixing together a deadly combination of winds and rising water.

Government officials and local residents alike are reporting the damage as catastrophic, and saying it will be months before the islands are able to recover.

"The infrastructure is destroyed," Dr. Libby Flowers, who is treating patients at her clinic on St. Thomas, told CNBC. "The roads are impassable, the power grid is completely gone, and there is a lot of looting and robbing."

Flowers, who has lived and worked on the island for eight years as an emergency room doctor, said her family went through Hurricane Hugo in 1987.

"Irma was by far the worst," Flowers said.

@NASA tweet.

Organizations from the U.S. military to cruise lines are rallying support, evacuating those who need shelter and sending in teams to clean up debris.

General Deborah Howell, leader of the Virgin Islands National Guard, told NPR on Monday "the structures are just not there."

"It's just rubble in most of the areas  it almost looks like a bomb had exploded in the area," Howell said, before adding that rebuilding the islands will start "from scratch."

With dozens of excursions canceled, cruise line companies are using ships in the area to evacuate those stranded on the islands and provide aid.

"'Majesty of the Seas' was in St. Thomas on Tuesday to pick up evacuees and drop them off in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Wednesday, where it will also pick up supplies," Royal Caribbean Cruises told CNBC.

Likewise, Norwegian Cruise Line's "Norwegian Sky" went to St. Thomas to bring supplies and is now heading to Miami, according to the company.

Carnival Cruise Lines is leading "several efforts to provide relief," a representative told CNBC, "with 11 of its ships making 36 deliveries throughout the region."

"A wide variety of items, including food, water, clothing, toiletries and medical supplies, are scheduled to be delivered over the next several weeks," Carnival Cruise Line said.

St. Thomas resident Chrystie Payne is now in Puerto Rico after escaping on Monday. She and several friends and family are spearheading an effort to get medical supplies and other relief to the island as quickly as possible, saying "it's incomparable to anything that's ever happened."

"The island was 80 percent destroyed, and the lieutenant governor is reporting 40,000 people are homeless," Payne told CNBC. St. Thomas has a population of around 52,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Tina Comissiong, acting CEO of Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas, told CNBC her hospital "has been catastrophically damaged due to the storm."

"We successfully evacuated patients and airlifted those in critical condition to St. Croix and partners in Puerto Rico," Comissiong said.

While Florida weathered Irma better than expected, Starwood Capital's Barry Sternlicht, who has property in the Caribbean, said on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Wednesday the Caribbean has "been ripped apart."

"There is no food, and the government is saying they won't have electricity until December," Sternlicht said.

Sternlicht is part of a private group sending "a planeload of people" to the islands, saying "we have to help people rebuild."

"It's almost like a steel brush scraped through the islands and just took everything with it," Sternlicht said.

Stacey Plaskett, the representative to Congress for the U.S. Virgin Islands, established a fund on Friday to provide for the critical needs and the cost of aid. Island officials announced a partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday to hire workers to temporary jobs.

"We need construction workers, electricians, plumbers, health care personnel, and more security," Flowers said.

Payne is leading an effort to raise $50,000 on crowdfunding website YouCaring, called "St. Thomas Irma Relief." The fund raised $9,962 as of Wednesday afternoon.

At least 24 people were killed by Irma in the Caribbean, Reuters reported Sunday.
Hedge fund legend Julian Robertson wants young folks considering a career in finance to think long and hard before they jump in.

Not everyone is cut out for the business, and it may not be the best field right now, according to the founder of Tiger Management.

During an appearance Tuesday at the Delivering Alpha conference, Robertson, 85, reminisced about being a young man himself, just out of the Navy and looking to find the direction in life that best suited his talents.

"When I got out of the Navy ... all those hotshots, the guys that were really smart and attractive and all that, guess where they were going? They were going into advertising," he recalled. "That was the hot thing then."

Robertson left the Navy in 1957. So his recollection of the time period conjures up images of "Mad Men," the fictional AMC series set at an ad agency in the 1960s.

Flash forward, and the scene now is more like "Wall Street," where a herd of aspiring Bud Foxes looks to strike it rich in finance.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued an order blocking a group that includes a Chinese venture capital firm from purchasing Lattice Semiconductor Corp. , citing national security concerns.

Such a decision is rare, and Trump's move marks only the fourth time in the past 27 years that a president has blocked a deal like this. In the case of Portland, Oregon-based Lattice, the buyer would have been Canyon Bridge Capital Partners, which is backed by China Venture Capital Fund Corporation Limited, which the White House said is "owned by Chinese state-owned entities."

American presidents are empowered to stop the sale of domestic companies to foreign buyers if there is a potential threat to national security  either because of what the U.S. company does, or due to the nature of the would-be buyer.

In a statement, the White House said, in this case, "the national-security risk posed by the transaction relates to, among other things, the potential transfer of intellectual property to the foreign acquirer, the Chinese government's role in supporting this transaction, the importance of semiconductor supply chain integrity to the United States Government, and the use of Lattice products by the United States Government."

Lattice's stock fell about 1 percent in after-hours trading on news of the blocked sale.

The decision, first reported by Bloomberg, came as the Trump administration is in the process of reviewing a number of potential sales of U.S. firms to Chinese buyers. The core reviewing body for such sales is the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which makes recommendations to the president.

In a statement, Canyon Bridge said it was "disappointed in Trump's decision to "forgo what we believe to be an excellent deal for Lattice's shareholders and its employees by expanding the opportunity to keep jobs in America."

CNBC's Jim Forkin contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed rich Americans "will not be gaining at all" from the tax reform plan that Republicans hope to pass this year.

"I think the wealthy will be pretty much where they are. ... If they have to go higher, they'll go higher, frankly," the president said during an afternoon meeting with bipartisan members of Congress amid a recent string of outreach to Democrats.

GOP congressional leaders are working to draft tax legislation and aim to introduce it in the coming weeks. Overhauling the American tax system was a key goal of the Republican government when Trump won the White House and the GOP held both chambers of Congress last year.
President Donald Trump weighed in on  but did not explicitly endorse  a last-ditch Obamacare repeal plan unveiled by multiple Republican senators on Wednesday.

The president, who had recently appeared to shift his focus to tax reform after the Senate failed to pass various forms of a health-care overhaul this summer, said he applauded the senators "for continuing to work toward a solution."

"As I have continued to say, inaction is not an option, and I sincerely hope that Senators Graham and Cassidy have found a way to address the Obamacare crisis," Trump said in a statement.

Trump's comments about the plan appear less forceful than those he made earlier in the year when he repeatedly urged senators to repeal President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement, a top campaign promise.

Four GOP senators, led by Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, introduced the long-shot plan earlier on Wednesday. It aims to get rid of subsidies and mandates under the Affordable Care Act, and instead give block grants to states to help to make coverage affordable.

Republican Senate leaders appear to have little interest in pushing forward with the health-care plan. The GOP faces a Sept. 30 deadline to use budget reconciliation for fiscal year 2017 and will lose its ability to pass a health-care bill with only the 52 Republican senators at that time.

Graham cast the plan as the last, best hope to roll back Obamacare. He also described it as the only thing standing between the United States and a single-payer health care, which independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and various Democrats will put their weight behind Wednesday.
President Donald Trump is seated for a a lunch with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (L) and House Speaker Paul Ryan.

President Donald Trump urged Congress on Wednesday to act quickly on his tax reform plan, which has yet to be fully revealed.

In a tweet, Trump said the approval process for "the biggest Tax Cut & Tax Reform package in the history of our country will soon begin. Move fast Congress!"

TWEET: The approval process for the biggest Tax Cut & Tax Reform package in the history of our country will soon begin. Move fast Congress!

Trump said in a later tweet that tax cuts and reform are "needed more than ever before."

TWEET: With Irma and Harvey devastation, Tax Cuts and Tax Reform is needed more than ever before. Go Congress, go!

Tax reform is key to Trump's economic agenda, but the administration has faced several hurdles trying to move it forward, including intraparty fighting.

Expectations of tax reform have also helped lift the U.S. stock market since Trump's election. The S&P 500 has added more than $2 trillion in market value since Nov. 8.

After the first tweet Wednesday, Trump said in a White House statement that a bipartisan meeting with senators regarding tax reform was "highly productive, and will spur constructive discussion moving forward."

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday that a tax overhaul can be finished this year. At the CNBC-Institutional Investor Delivering Alpha conference, he also said the administration is considering backdating tax reform to the start of this year to boost the economy.
President Donald Trump will have dinner with Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday night, his latest meeting with Democrats as he ramps up engagement with the other side of the aisle.

Trump invited the two top Democrats lawmakers to dinner at the White House, a personal familiar with the situation told CNBC. The meal is also expected to include White House chief of staff John Kelly, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney.

Asked Wednesday why House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will not attend the dinner, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, "you've got the leader of the Republican Party sitting at the table."

The dinner comes as Trump has increased his engagement with Democratic lawmakers. Last week, he struck a deal with Schumer and Pelosi to tie hurricane aid funding to a three-month extension in the debt ceiling and a government funding measure, over the objections of Republicans.

The lawmakers plan to discuss fall legislative deadlines, the person familiar with the situation said. Schumer and Pelosi will push for protections for the roughly 800,000 young people protected from deportation under an Obama-era program that Trump ended last week with a six-month delay. They will also seek action to stabilize Obamacare insurance markets.

The White House later confirmed that the meal will take place at 7 p.m., ET. Reports later in the day also indicated that White House chief economic advisor Gary Cohn would attend the dinner.

Trump also recently tweeted a message of reassurance to the so-called dreamers, allegedly at Pelosi's request, and has sought to win over moderate Democrats to the Republican tax reform plan.

Trump will also meet Wednesday with members of the House "Problem Solving Caucus," a bipartisan group of moderates, at 2:45 p.m., ET.

 CNBC's Eamon Javers contributed to this report
watch now

Jim Chanos' Kynikos Associates is betting against a number of U.S. shale oil and gas stocks, saying Wall Street analysis of the sector is deeply flawed. Investors are taking for granted accounting methods that mask problems with the fundamental business model in the U.S. shale patch, Chanos warned during a speech Tuesday at CNBC's and Institutional Investor's Delivering Alpha conference. Their focus on certain metrics is causing them to overlook hidden threats that will leave drillers with skimpier returns than investors are anticipating, he said. "In our view, people have been looking at this industry through the rose-colored glasses of Wall Street. And this is the inherent problem with the North American shale business," he said. Chanos is not the first to sound the alarm about accounting and business practices in the sector. Analysts have long warned about drillers' persistent and unfulfilled promises to generate positive cash flow, especially as oil prices remain at less than half of their 2014 peak.

The way to think about it is that unlike other businesses, your assets literally get burned up Jim Chanos Kynikos Associates founder and president

But Chanos' remarks add an influential voice to the chorus of skeptics. Chanos, who foresaw the spectacular downfall of disgraced energy titan Enron, is renowned for scrutinizing accounting methods and spotting trouble on the horizon.



He has now set his sights on the U.S. shale oil and gas industry, which uses expensive drilling methods to extract oil and gas from rock formations. Frackers typically rely much more on debt than big, integrated oil companies like Exxon Mobil . Chanos focused on Continental Resources during his presentation, but said Kynikos is not singling out the shale oil drilling pioneer. Kynikos has taken a short position against a number of frackers in addition to Continental Resources , he said. Notably, it has not bet against those in the Permian basin in Texas and New Mexico, where producers can plumb oil at relatively low costs. Chanos looked at about three dozen drillers and found that their capital spending would eat up almost all of their earnings, minus certain expenses, this year. That leaves them with little cash to service their debt. "See the problem?" he asked the crowd. "It's a big one." Drillers have reduced the amount of capital they need to produce the same amount of oil, but not enough to make many of them profitable, he said. Chanos believes that capital spending is essentially a variable that creates a vicious cycle in the oil patch.

David A. Grogan | CNBC
President Donald Trump's top economic advisor, Gary Cohn is still "heavily involved" in tax reform, the White House's budget director, Mick Mulvaney, told CNBC on Wednesday.

In fact he's working it "every single day," Mulvaney said in an interview that aired on "Power Lunch."

There has been speculation about Cohn's future since he reportedly fell out of favor with Trump. Cohn, director of the White House Economic Council and former chief operating officer at Goldman Sachs, publicly criticized the president for his reaction to the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said both Cohn and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are leading the administration's push for tax reform.

"Gary may be a little bit more behind the scenes, Steven Mnuchin out in front of the camera a little more," Mulvaney said. "This is still very much a team effort on taxes."

When asked if Cohn may be out of the loop at all, Mulvaney replied, "I know that he's not."

On Tuesday, hedge fund king Ray Dalio said it would be "terrible" if Cohn departed the administration, a move that would upset markets.

 CNBC's Jeff Cox contributed to this report.
A Justice Department spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request to comment on whether the department feels Comey should be prosecuted or if the White House has recommended he should be.

"The Department of Justice has to look into any allegations of ... whether or not something's illegal or not. That's not up to me to decide," Sanders told reporters. "What I've said and what I'm talking about are facts. James Comey  leaking of information, questionable statements under oath, politicizing an investigation. Those are real reasons for why he was fired, and the president's decision was 100 percent right."

While she contended that the president has been fully vindicated in his decision to fire Comey in May, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders stopped short of recommending that the Justice Department prosecute the former FBI chief.

For the second straight day, The White House on Wednesday strongly suggested that former FBI Director James Comey broke the law when he shared information from memos about his conversations with President Donald Trump .

Trump terminated Comey in May as the FBI investigated Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election and whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin. The White House said Trump made the decision because of the Justice Department's criticism of how Comey handled the Clinton email investigation, but Trump personally contradicted the explanation.

At least one of the reasons Sanders listed for why Comey got fired  his admission that he shared information from the memos  came after Trump had already fired him.

On Wednesday, Sanders suggested that Comey broke federal law when he shared the explosive contents of memos he wrote about one-on-one interactions with Trump. Comey admitted under oath to releasing the contents of some memos to a friend, but said he made sure to write those memos in a way that they would not be marked as classified. Comey has said he did nothing wrong by sharing the information.

Sanders accused Comey of "leaking FBI memos."

"The memos that Comey leaked were created on an FBI computer while he was the director. He claims they were private property but they clearly followed the protocol of an official FBI document," Sanders said. "Leaking FBI memos on a sensitive case, regardless of classification, violates federal laws, including the Privacy Act, standard FBI employment agreement and nondisclosure agreement all personnel must sign. I think that's pretty clean and clear that that would be a violation."

The question of whether Comey broke the law is much less clear than Sanders made it seem, said Jeffrey Cramer, a former assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and a managing director at Berkeley Research Group.

"Telling others what the president said is not 'leaking information' unless it was classified in some fashion," Cramer wrote in an email. "The White House uses 'leaking of information' as a throw-away line but it has a legal definition and Jim Comey did not violate the law based upon telling others what the president said to him."

Cramer added that using an FBI computer to write the memos does not necessarily mean that Comey violated the bureau's rules.
The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form
With Apple's magical and revolutionary new iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X devices now official, the world is about to get its first full look at iOS 11  the most advanced, beautiful, and amazing software release to emerge out of Cupertino since, erm, the last one.

And you know what that means, right? Whenever we see a major new mobile OS release, we see a flurry of feverishly crafted arguments working to answer the eternally burning question: Which is better  Apple's iOS or Google's Android operating system? Who wins this round of the mobile OS battle? Who, gosh darn it, is the best?

I'm here to give you the honest-to-goodness truth  the genuine answer to what's become a silly and sensationalized subject of discussion. Are you ready? Hang onto your knickers, gang, and prepare to let out your most dramatic how-dare-you gasp:

At this point, neither operating system is inherently "better." Neither company categorically "wins" in a "competition" between Apple's iOS 11 and Google's Android 8.0 Oreo effort. Neither mobile software option is universally "the best"  and in the real world, on a practical level, virtually no one thinks about the platforms in such binarily bellicose terms.

Now, I'm not gonna lie: I've written my share of "iOS vs. Android" stories in the past. But most of those were penned six or seven years ago, when the mobile tech landscape was radically different from what we know today. Back then, the contrasts between using an iPhone and using an Android device were immense. The two operating systems were racing to define their identities and draw in new users  the countless citizens who hadn't yet committed to any particular platform and were still blank slates waiting to be won over  and they were miles apart in both form and function.

Back then, believe it or not, Android was the underdog  the barely-hitting-double-digits blip on the mobile market-share radar. Most pundits were still treating Google's mobile effort like a flash in the pan, a small-scale game that could never touch the rapidly rising Holy Grail of Apple. At the same time, each new Android release felt like a roaring war cry, a collection of possibilities so powerful you'd have to be crazy to ignore it and focus only on the button-upped, turtlenecked Apple alternative.

Today? Suffice it to say, things are just a teensy bit different. Six or seven years is an eternity in the mobile tech world. iOS and Android are no longer scrappy preteens duking it out in the virtual schoolyard. They're (mostly) mature adults, confident in their own positions and okay with aping each other's strengths (sometimes for better and sometimes  well, not so much). Think about it: When was the last time you heard about an iOS launch without hearing the requisite "But Android had it first!" remark  or vice-versa?

Here's the dirty little secret, though: In 2017, most people aren't picking an iPhone or an Android device based on any feature or interface improvement introduced in the latest OS update. Most people don't think: "Hey! Android has better picture-in-picture support as of its Oreo release, not to mention a pretty nifty native system for snoozing notifications. Golly jeepers, I think I'll ditch my iPhone and go get an Android telephone apparatus!"

Nope: Nowadays, most people tend to think more about the ecosystem surrounding their device  the apps, accessories, interfaces, and services they've invested in and grown accustomed to using. Sure, folks occasionally make the leap from iPhone to Android or Android to iPhone, but it seems safe to say such migrations rarely happen because one platform or the other charged ahead and "won the battle" with some random update.

Much like the Mac vs. Windows argument before it, the question of iOS vs. Android has mostly evolved into a matter of personal preference. Each platform is perfectly capable of keeping you connected and productive throughout the day, and each platform has its own fair share of advantages and drawbacks compared to the other. It ultimately comes down to what type of experience, ecosystem, and hardware selection you prefer and/or are used to  and anyone who tells you otherwise is being less sincere than, well, a Tim Cook pie chart.

Let's take it one step further: When it comes specifically to iOS 11 vs. Android 8.0, there's only one true winner: us, the grinning goofuses carrying around products from both mobile tech platforms. Why? Because no matter what else you want to say about the realm of mobile technology, it's competition that forces companies to keep pushing their own products forward. It's competition that keeps corporate giants from resting on their laurels and avoiding costly advancements. It's competition that makes Google and Apple play a perpetual game of catch-up with each other and work to find new ways to stay one step ahead.

At the end of the day, that's what this battle is really all about  and believe you me, that's far more meaningful than any contrived contest created solely to spark comment wars and validate people's preferences.

Sign up for JR's new weekly newsletter to get this column along with bonus tips, personal recommendations, and other exclusive extras delivered to your inbox.

[Android Intelligence videos at Computerworld]
A few days ago, I raised 23 questions I thought Apple might give us some answers to during its special event. Heres what the company told us.

Steve Jobs

Apple hosted its iPhone unveiling in the all-new underground Steve Jobs Theater situated at Apple Park. Apple CEO Tim Cook delivered a heartfelt and extremely touching tribute to his old boss. Steve was a genius, and one of the ways he showed that was his uncanny ability to unlock the talents of everyone he worked with, he said.

iPhone Home button and Touch ID

Apple has eliminated the Home button on the iPhone X, but not on iPhone 8. We now know that Apple has introduced face recognition that does indeed work in darkness and takes milliseconds to recognize a face. We also know that (in theory at least), FaceID is more secure than Touch ID  so long as your identical twin doesnt get to your iPhone. We also learned that you cant fool Face ID with a mask.

Bunny ears on the iPhone?

Apple did indeed introduce bunny ears in the iPhone X, in which the time and status bar are both situated on opposite ears of the device's OLED screen. Its not the only change  you get to Control Center by swiping down at the right of the iPhone X display, and you switch between apps by swiping up.

Wireless charging?

Apples new iPhones all support Qi wireless charging but do not support the full room Energous charging system (yet). All the products (iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X) support this, but you need to buy an accessory from another manufacturer. Apple promises its own solution (called AirPower) in 2018, but it is trying to improve Qi so it can charge multiple devices (such as iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods) at the same time. That will take time.

What about iPhone battery life?

We dont yet know what shape the battery happens to be inside the iPhone X, but we do know Apple promised us two hours of additional battery life inside the much-refined future of smartphones. (Yours beginning at $999. In November.)

[ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ]

Smart connections?

Apple didnt bow to the inevitable by introducing Smart Connector tech inside iPhones. At least not yet.

OLED display

The iPhone X has a 5.8-inch OLED display  but Apple has done some insanely great things that mean its OLED is way better than anybody else can offer, said Phil Schiller, Apples senior vice president of worldwide marketing. He calls it Super Retin." It has a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels, for a 458ppi pixel density.

More iPhone memory?

One rumor that didnt come true  Apple does not (yet) offer a 512GB storage maximum in iPhone. Instead, you have to choose between 64GB and 256GB of storage in iPhone X and iPhone 8. iCloud still insists on providing a paltry 5GB of storage for these giant smartphones.

How fast is the iPhone X?

As predicted, the new A11 chip does indeed trash every other mobile chip from any manufacturer. Its a 6-core chip the company calls the A11 Bionic  it has two high-performance and four high-efficiency cores. Apple says this is the most powerful chip ever to appear in a smartphone. This is actually true.

What about the camera in the new iPhones?

Apple made numerous improvements for iPhoneographers. Some highlights include a new Portrait Lighting feature that lets you easily create atmospheric and beautiful images. Pixel processing improves image sharpness and optical image stabilization. And it has much better color.

These improvements extend to video  even the iPhone 8 lets you shoot in 4K at 60fps, with the image processor dividing what it sees into 2 million tiny tiles, which built-in machine intelligence optimizes info about to improve the final picture. These cameras build on Apples reputation in this space.

Will iPhone cost $1,000?

The 64GB iPhone X price starts at $999. The 256GB model costs $1,149. The iPhone 8 range is slightly cheaper, starting from $799 (iPhone 8 Plus) or $699 (iPhone 8).

When will the new iPhones ship?

The new iPhone 8 range ships in September. The iPhone X, on the other hand, ships in November after being made available for pre-order on Oct. 27.

Will people buy these phones?

We still dont know the answer to that. We do know that some analysts think one in three iPhone users will upgrade to a new device by this time next year.

Apple Watch Series 3

Apples new Watch will include an LTE connection, but introduction is being limited because the carriers need to agree to support the device. Apple says the Apple Watch Series 3 GPS + Cellular will be available in the U.K., Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Puerto Rico, Switzerland and the U.S. on Sept. 22, with other countries following next year. Pre-orders start on Sept. 15. The bad news? Apple didnt say it, but the carriers are likely to charge you extra to connect your watch, says The Street.

Apple Pencil for iPhone?

There is no Apple Pencil support for iPhone.

Apple TV, Music and more

Apple TV 4K has lots to recommend it. It uses the same chip as youll find inside an iPad Pro, it runs 4K content, Dolby Vision and HDR10, and Apple will even upgrade your existing HD movies to 4K, so long as you purchased them through iTunes. And the prices are competitive. Its available Sept. 22 starting at $179.

4K movie services

Apple promises support for 4K movies. The rollout of some new enhancements is limited by the territorial protectionism and licensing used by the media companies.

VR glasses?

Apple did not launch the VR/AR glasses it has been developing for years.

What about health apps?

Apple made numerous announcements around health. Among others, these included a huge heart health study with Stanford Unversity, a new feature in which Apple Watch will warn you if it detects irregular heart rhythms, and the capacity to identify height as well as distance of travel.

Et tu, ARKit?

Apple showed us a few ARKit developments, but chose to focus on gaming  even though it also admitted it is developing AR presentations for use in the Apple Park Visitor Center it expects to open next year.

What about Android?

Yeah, what about it?

What about iPhone SE?

I asked: Will Apple really wait until 2018 to launch the iPhone SE2?

Answer: Looks like it will.

One more thing

Apple reprised its famed one more thing slogan when it launched iPhone X.

Google+? If you use social media and happen to be a Google+ user, why not join AppleHolic's Kool Aid Corner community and join the conversation as we pursue the spirit of the New Model Apple?

Got a story? Drop me a line via Twitter. I'd like it if you chose to follow me there so I can let you know when fresh items are published here first on Computerworld.
September brings a relatively large patch profile for Microsoft with 76 reported vulnerabilities, three public disclosures (thank you, Google) and unfortunately one zero day exploit. You used to be worried about browsers and Flash, now we have a publicly exploited vulnerability for augmented reality (AR) with a fix for Microsofts HoloLens headset.

For this September Patch Tuesday, Microsoft is only shipping security updates with patches to the following product groups:

Browsers (IE and Edge)

Windows Platforms (Desktop and Server)

Microsoft Office (including Web Apps), Skype for Business and Exchange Server

Adobe Flash Players

The .NET Development Framework

In addition to the critical updates for .NET, Windows and Adobe Flash Player this month, Microsoft has published a short list of known issues found at these knowledge base articles (4038792, 4038793, 4011050 ). We have rated the updates to Windows, Microsoft Edge and .NET (unusually) and Adobe Player (as usual) as Patch Now updates from Microsoft.

Browsers

For this September update from Microsoft we see a number of critical updates to IE and Edge which include:

Updates to Internet Explorer 11s navigation bar with search box.

Addressed issue in Internet Explorer where undo is broken if character conversion is canceled using IME.

Addressed issue in Internet Explorer where graphics render incorrectly.

Addressed issue in Internet Explorer where the Delete key functioned improperly.

Re-release of MS16-087- Security update for Windows print spooler components.

Security updates to Microsoft Graphics Component, Windows kernel-mode drivers, Windows shell, Microsoft Uniscribe, Microsoft Windows PDF Library, Windows TPM, Windows Hyper-V, Windows kernel, Windows DHCP Server and Internet Explorer.

Most notable is the re-release of MS16-087 relating to print restrictions that may lead to a remote code execution scenario. If you are unable to deploy this patch in a timely manner, you may want to review Microsoft's instructions on mitigating this security vulnerability found here. As this patch release for Edge includes a fix for a publicly disclosed vulnerability in the Edge Browser, add this update to your Patch Now update plan.

[ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ]

Windows platforms (desktop and server)

There is a long list of bug fixes in the latest build of Windows 10 (Build 15063.608) which can be found here. This months Windows 10 updates do not include any functionality changes or feature enhancements. However, there are a number of issues addressed with this latest release. For a full list of bug fixes and reported issues look here. After examining the changes in this latest Windows 10 build, there are a few core changes that may cause a number of compatibility issues with Microsoft Remote Access Server (RAS) legacy connections. IBM Rational Composer has been highlighted in our Patch Impact Assessment. Applications that depend on this legacy protocol may have connection issues. This problem will also affect Microsoft Edge users.

This months Windows update includes fixes for three publicly disclosed vulnerabilities with the following details:

CVE-2017-8746 describes a security bypass vulnerability in Device Guard which could lead to an code injection scenario in PowerShell.

CVE-2017-9417 relates to a remote code execution scenario in the Broadcom chipset in the Microsoft hololens augmented reality headset.

CVE-2017-8723 is a vulnerability that affects both Windows 10 and Edge and has been reported as publicly exploited, potentially leading to a security bypass scenario in Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft Office

Microsoft has attempted to resolve up to 17 vulnerabilities, with three rated as critical, one rated as a defense in depth advisory and the remaining issues rated as important. The three critical vulnerabilities are described as:

CVE-2017-8676: an information disclosure vulnerability in how Office files handle GDI+ requests.

CVE-2017-8682: a remote code execution vulnerability in the Win32k graphics driver.

CVE-2017-8696: a remote code execution vulnerability in how Office handles graphics files and websites.

In addition to these critical and important updates, Microsoft has published a security advisory for how Outlook handles foreign (Brazilian) fonts which can be found here ADV170015. Add these updates to your standard patch deployment effort.

Adobe Flash Player

Adobe attempts to resolve two (CVE-2017-1128, CVE-2017-11282) critical memory corruption vulnerabilities in Adobe Flash Player that if left un-patched could lead to a remote code execution scenario. Both of these severe vulnerabilities were reported by Google Project Zero and affect all Windows platforms and as well as all Google Chrome platforms. This is a high priority update for IE and Edge (as usual) and mid-level priority for Google Chrome. As usual, this is a Patch Now update from Microsoft.

The .NET Development Platform

Two important and one critical vulnerability in all supported versions of the Microsoft .NET development framework. The critical vulnerability (CVE-2017-8658) deals with a memory handling vulnerability in the Chakra Core scripting system. Interestingly, Microsoft has actually published the changes (and corresponding change logs) on Github which can be found here. These changes to the .NET framework are relatively minor after the major update to .NET with the June release 4.7. With a publicly exploited vulnerability to patch, this .NET update should be considered a Patch Now update from Microsoft.
The iPhone X replaces the Home button and Touch ID with gesture controls and Face ID, sophisticated facial recognition software that learns to recognize your face and lets you use your device only after it has confirmed it is you. It is a new technology  heres what we know about it so far:

The hype machine

This is how Apples chief marketer, Phil Schiller put it: "With the iPhone X, your iPhone is locked until you look at it and it recognizes you. Nothing has ever been more simple, natural, and effortless. This is the future of how we'll unlock our smartphones and protect our sensitive information."

How Face ID works

Short version: Face ID works by using the selfie camera in the iPhone X. Apple calls this its TrueDepth camera system  its not just a camera, it consists of ambient light and proximity sensors, an infrared and a 7MP cameras, a flood illuminator and a dot projector.

When you set Face ID up (see below) the technology gets to know your face by creating a 3D image using over 30,000 dots positions cast on your face. There are 80 generally recognized nodal points on a face, so Apples tech is sophisticated.

Once Face ID is set up on your iPhone X, the device will automatically recognize you when you hold it up to your face, and open the iPhone. The system will not work if you do not stare directly at it or if you close your eyes. The process takes minimal time.

What is the process behind Face ID?

When you look at your iPhone X, Face ID implements the following steps:

The flood illuminator detects your face. The infrared camera captures an image of your face. The dot projector casts 30,000 infrared dots on your face to create a model of it. The data from the infrared camera and dot projector is sent to the A11 chip for processing. The A11 chip compares this information with what it knows about you. The chip also carries a whole bunch of AI information to help accurate identification.

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What AI information is used in Face ID?

Apple has analyzed over a billion images for data about faces. This data was used to train what Apple calls a neural network, information that is compared to the model the iPhone has created of you face.

Can you explain TrueDepth?

TrueDepth captures an image of your face and then builds on top of that image using the dot positions cast by the Dot Projector module. It captures more information about your face each time it is used, which means its "map" of your face improves  and changes  with you. It builds a 3D depth-sensitive picture of your face, which makes it highly accurate.

Does this mean Apple has a map of my face?

The biometric data created by the Face ID system is never shared with Apple. It is stored in the Secure Enclave inside the A11 Bionic chip. That means the information is also not shared between devices, so youll have to train each system as and when you need it. Apple does not receive a map of your face.

What is User attention?

As I mentioned, you need to stare directly at the Face ID camera in order to successfully unlock your iPhone X. Thats why it does not work if you close your eyes or look away. Apple calls this "user attention."

What if I change my face?

The system is sufficiently smart that it will still work if your appearance changes. Get a haircut, put on some glasses or wear a hat, and it will still recognize you.

Can I fool Face ID with a photo?

Face ID is not like the facial recognition system Samsung uses in its Note 8, which can be fooled using a photo. Face ID is not so easily fooled because it captures a 3D map of your face, and it uses machine intelligence to ensure accuracy during verification. Thats why you cant fool Face ID with a photo.

Can I fool Face ID with a mask like Arya Stark?

Apple claims its tests showed that you cannot fool Face ID by wearing a mask of a persons face, no matter how sophisticated that mask happened to be. We dont know if Arya Stark will agree  security experts are quite sceptical. It is only a matter of time before enough external data will be combined to side-step this control, warned Kevin Cody.

Does Face ID work in the dark?

Among other things, Apple uses an infrared camera and a flood illuminator in Face ID. The first technology reads the dot pattern, while the flood illuminator enables the system to work  even in the dark.

Does Face ID work if Im asleep?

The Face ID system requires eye contact to function (user attention). That means it will not work if you are unconscious or asleep.

Can multiple people share the iPhone X?

If you use Touch ID you can create a fingerprint for a friend or family member you trust who you are happy to let use your iPhone. You cant do this with Face ID, which can track only one person. I guess you could give other people your passcode, but I wouldnt recommend it.

How secure is the Face ID system?

Apple claims that while Touch ID had a 1:50,000 chance of being unlocked by another persons fingerprint, Face ID has just a 1:1,000,000 chance of being so unlocked.

Apple warns that someone who shares a close genetic relationship with you will be more likely able to fool Face ID  bad news if you have an evil twin.

It is worth noting that researchers were able to use Facebook photos to create 3D virtual models of a persons face, which they then used to fool five different face recognition applications.

Face ID was not one of these, but security experts have been and remain quite concerned that face recognition systems if cracked may open the door to authoritarianism or identity theft.

What about law enforcement?

While criminals can still force people to hand over their passcode, use a Touch ID sensor, or stare at an iPhone, whats the situation regarding law enforcement?

The U.S. State Department already has a facial recognition database of 117 million American citizens, so can the police force you to look at and thus open your iPhone without a warrant?

You can refuse to stare directly at the device, or keep your eyes closed when you do stare at it, but ACLU legal director Matthew Segal says the legal situation isnt yet clear.

ACLU also warns systems like these may be a step toward wider surveillance. It is also important to note that different nations may have different rules around the tech. Meanwhile, theres Reddit.

Is there an emergency way to switch Face ID off?

Press the Sleep/Wake button five times in rapid succession, and youll enter the Emergency SOS screen. Tap the Cancel button and Face ID will be disabled, and you will need to manually enter your passcode to begin using your iPhone. This should let you disable Face ID discreetly in some situations and can be seen as Face IDs "emergency brake."

Do I have to use Face ID?

You dont need to use Face ID. You can choose to require a passcode to open your iPhone, like we did in the olden days before Touch ID. I imagine most enterprise deployments will demand employees use alphanumeric passcodes, which may cause a problem if their security policy precludes use of face recognition on the iPhone.

What about passcodes on the iPhone X?

Once you get your hands on an iPhone X, you must create a passcode before you can enable Face ID. Apple is very clear that systems such as Touch ID or Face ID are there for convenience  the passcode you use on your devices is always higher up the security food chain. Touch ID and Face ID may make your devices easier to use, but you still need to use a passcode to enable either system.

How do I set up Face ID?

When setting up Face ID, you will be asked to move your head around in various positions to help your iPhone build its first database. A white screen with a Mac OS-inspired smiling face will appear when the task is done. You can use Face ID to unlock your iPhone, for Safari Autofill, at the iTunes and App Store, and for making a payment via Apple Pay. You can disable some or all of those features if you like.

Where did Face ID come from?

Some of the technologies used in Face ID were developed by 3D scanning firm PrimeSense, an Israeli company Apple purchased in 2013. It is likely Face ID also uses tech purchased when Apple acquired Emotient in 2016 and RealFace in February 2017.

How else is Face ID being used?

Apple couldnt resist making some use of the face scanning technology it has created. The company told us that Snapchat is already developing some fun filters that use these systems to create face masks that sync with your facial movement.

Apple has created Animojis which work in a similar way, only in this case, the way you move your face is used to give life-like animation to cute Animojis.

Apple has also published guidelines developers can use to integrate authentication from Face ID in apps. Dashlane is already working to support Face ID in its password manager app.

What next for Face ID?

Apple hasnt told us what it plans to do, but I imagine we will see the company introduce Face ID APIs so developers can use more of the information put together by the system in their own apps at some point in future.

In the long term, there are other potential deployments  banks in Macau are beginning to use face recognition at ATMs, and Mexico has used a face recognition system to prevent voter fraud.

Will governments one day recognize Face ID as an approved imaging system suitable for use in passports? If this happens, then youll be able to travel across borders carrying nothing but an iPhone.

What does Edward Snowden say about Face ID?

Edward Snowden may be a divisive character, but we know your right to privacy is one of the things he cares about. In a Tweet, he praised the security and emergency brake Apple has built inside Face ID, but voiced concern that the technology may impact privacy.

#FaceID

Good: Design looks surprisingly robust, already has a panic disable.

Bad: Normalizes facial scanning, a tech certain to be abused.  Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 12, 2017

What do you think?

Im ever so interested in what you think. Will you use Face ID? What do you like about it, and what do you dislike? Ive put together a poll here.

Further reading

The Apple website and this excellent Multiplex article are worth a read.

Google+? If you use social media and happen to be a Google+ user, why not join AppleHolic's Kool Aid Corner community and join the conversation as we pursue the spirit of the New Model Apple?

Got a story? Drop me a line via Twitter. I'd like it if you chose to follow me there so I can let you know when fresh items are published here first on Computerworld.
Slack is introducing shared channels to make it easier for employees at separate companies to collaborate using its messaging software.

The service, announced at the Slack Frontiers event that kicked off in San Francisco on Tuesday, is available as an open beta release to Slack Standard and Plus subscribers.

About two-thirds of existing customers use guest accounts in some capacity to work with individuals or other teams, said Slack product manager Sean Rose. Shared channels make that process much smoother and much closer to how you work with your own company, using channels in your own organization.

Slack has supported guest accounts since 2014  a feature Microsoft added to its competing Teams software just this week. But while it had been possible for separate organizations to communicate via Slack, workarounds were often required, Rose said, such as using a mix of guest accounts and email

With shared channels, users can now connect with teams in separate organizations, creating a chatroom that is accessible across both workspaces instead of adding individuals to a team on a one-off basis. Shared channels operate like any other channel, allowing members on each side to post messages, upload files and send direct messages. The shared channel can be public or private, though the latter option will not be available at the launch of the beta version.

The feature has been evaluated by Slack internally for about a year, with 45 customers piloting the service since the start of the summer. The company said that there is no firm date yet for general availability.

Shared channels are certainly going to be of interest to large organizations, said Alan Lepofsky, vice president and principal analyst at Constellation Research, though he notes that the service is not currently available to Slack Enterprise Grid customers. (That will follow at a later date, Slack said.)

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Shared Channels is also a 1-to-1 share, meaning Company A and Company B can work together, Lepofsky said. This is not for large-scale open communities, which is served via Guest Access accounts.

IDC Research Director Wayne Kurtzman said the introduction of shared channels addresses a growing need in the Slack community. Collaboration within the company is so effective they want to see the same efficiencies when companies work together, said Kurtzman.

Shared channels is different than having guest users, where someone with an e-mail address other than your company can join, he said. Shared Channels enable a full spectrum of collaboration by sharing not only conversations, but the apps, workflows and bots that enable faster and more complete results, from a single dashboard.

Kurtzman expects inter-company collaboration to become a standard feature in the collaboration market, primarily to extend the success in collaboration beyond the walls of a company.

Even so, Gartner Research Director Larry Cannell said that shared channels dont necessarily solve a new problem for users, they just do it in a new and interesting way.

Companies could always use Slack Teams to collaborate with people in other companies as guest users, he said. So one way to look at this is that shared channels save the expense of creating a separate Slack team.

With any new collaborative capability such as this, there will be some creative and perhaps unanticipated use cases that they meet. Well have to see what emerges over time.

Slack said that shared channel users will also be able to access third-party apps as normal.

In a related announcement, Dropbox said in a blog post Tuesday that its Dropbox Paper for Slack integration will be available for Slack shared channel users.

Any apps built by our developer ecosystem will work inside of shared channels, said Rose. We are also looking forward to seeing what developers will build to handle this type of cross-company work specifically.

Slack also added support for new languages  a nod to its growing international popularity. According to the company, 55% of its nine million active users are outside the U.S.

Non-English speakers will now be able to change settings to support French, German and Spanish. Slack said Japanese will be the next language added later this year.

Admins can set language for entire teams, or individuals can change their own language settings within the application themselves.

The company also provided an update on user figures: Slack now counts more than 50,000 paid teams and two million paid users and said 43% of Fortune 100 firms are now using its collaboration tools.
James Palmer is the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

As we prepare to leave the European Union, one of the key issues facing this country is the way in which we go about delivering improvements to our strategic transport infrastructure. The status quo isnt good enough and if were to compete on the world stage we need to challenge the current unsatisfactory and slow delivery process.

Personally, as a former council leader and now as Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, nothing frustrates me more than the constant delays and lengthy timescales involved in delivering key pieces of transport infrastructure that everyone agrees are essential. I appreciate that the situation is not unique to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and that up and down the country there are similar tales of plans to deliver key transport projects which are tangled up in a web of bureaucracy and inertia and which breeds mounting frustration from the public. Its for this reason that we need nothing short of a revolution in the way in which we go about delivering improvements to transport infrastructure.

I would argue that now, more than ever, its important to address this issue and to break the cycle of negative thinking that so often leads to regions of the UK being starved of the transport infrastructure they need. Our impending exit from the European Union heightens the need to equip ourselves for the challenges ahead and provide the framework within which we can be nimble and dynamic on the world stage. At the same time, the housing crisis in our country demands that we act. For if we are to deliver housing on the scale we need we must upgrade the infrastructure first.

However, as it stands, with the current low expectations associated with the ability of public bodies to deliver transport infrastructure, I have concerns about the ability of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to meet the challenge unless were prepared to do things differently.

Take the example of the proposals for Cambridge South railway station. Rarely, if ever has there been such a cut and dry case for a new railway station. The proposed site is at the heart of the biomedical campus, with much of the land owned by Astra Zeneca. The businesses based on the campus, such as Astra Zeneca, are international in their reach and are at the cutting edge of the life sciences sector. Astra Zeneca alone employs over 2,000 people on the campus and that number is scheduled to increase tenfold once its new research facility opens. With the roads around the campus being already congested, the need for a new train station is urgent and in time will become acute.

Astra Zeneca who own the site of the proposed station are keen to do everything they can to move the project forward. However, according to Network Rail, its likely that the station wont open for another five years, that is, in 2022. The main reason for the very lengthy timescale is the incredibly complex and cumbersome Governance for Railway Investment Process (GRIP) that Network Rail must follow before the station opens. Last month I attended a meeting at the US Embassy to push for increased trade links between Silicon Valley and Cambridge and I had some difficulty in explaining the reasoning for the long timescales associated with the project.

Another example of the extraordinary timescales involved with delivering rail infrastructure is in Soham where there are plans, not to build a new station, but simply to reopen an existing station. These plans have already languished in one Network Rail GRIP stage for eighteen months costing over 1 million.

Unfortunately, such inertia isnt confined to rail. The A47 is a crucial road linking East Anglia to the A1 and the rest of the country. Though in parts a dual carriageway, the section of the road between Wisbech and Peterborough is a pinch point undermining the productivity of the regions economy. Last month Highways England announced their proposed improvements to the A47. One of which is an enlargement to a key roundabout near Wisbech which is unlikely to be completed before summer 2021. The planning inspectorate proposes to spend over a year assessing this small project.So clearly, there is a huge need to do things differently and to question the current process.

As the new Mayor, I hope that the new Combined Authorities will play a key role in addressing these challenges. A Combined Authority commissioned study into dualling the section of the A47 between Peterborough and Wisbech has already begun and is scheduled to report to me by next spring. I am also exploring the possibility of using land value caps to part fund significant pieces of infrastructure.

The National Infrastructure Commission also has a key role to play and, as Chair, Lord Adonis has brought much urgency to his brief. East-West rail is one of the Commissions top priorities and its worth noting that much of the new line will actually be built by the East West Rail Alliance, a consortium which is separate from Network Rail.

A key issue that needs to be considered more often is organisations other than Network Rail leading on the relevant studies and managing the GRIP process when it comes to delivering rail projects. Network Rail does not have exclusivity when it comes to managing the process and, if relevant councils or combined authorities believe that they can move things along more quickly, they should be prepared to take the lead. This is something that Im keen we explore here in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

There are many ways in which greater urgency and efficiency can be injected into the delivery of transport infrastructure projects to cut the timescales. Not all of which rely upon changes promoted by the centre. There is significant scope for local leaders, councils, combined authorities, and businesses to ask more questions, demand more, and intervene where necessary. Delivery of local infrastructure projects should be planned in terms of months, not years. Planning authorities cannot be allowed to luxuriate in planning processes lasting for years and years while local people suffer congestion, inconvenience ,and frustration.
This is the Speakers Lecture delivered by Francis Maude on the subject of The Future of the Civil Service.

Im going to start with two quotes. One is from a leading civil servant; the other from a politician. First:

Our system of a permanent politically impartial Civil Service is one of the jewels in Britains crown.

Second:

On one occasion he believed he had negotiated a compromise between civil servants from two departments concerning a programme related to both, only to have one tell him that his Minister had rejected the arrangement. It never was the Minister, he said, but the bloody civil servant winding him up. It was so annoying you lost the will to live at some points in this process.

Which was which? The first was me shortly before becoming Minister for the Cabinet Office in 2010 with responsibility for the Civil Service. The second was Sir Bob, now Lord, Kerslake, shortly after stepping down as Head of the Civil Service in 2014.

I start in this way to make clear that I had no predisposition to be critical of the Civil Service. Based on my experience as a Minister in the eighties and early nineties my expectations were high. And the disillusionment was steep and distressing.

I stress that I became disillusioned with the Service, not with civil servants. Any critique of this type will inevitably be traduced as an assault on decent public servants who supposedly cant answer back. It is not an attack on civil servants. It remains my view that we have some of the very best civil servants in the world, both in Whitehall and on the operational side. But the Civil Service as an institution is deeply flawed, and in urgent need of radical reform. And it is civil servants themselves, especially the younger ones, who are most frustrated by the Service and its culture and practices.

A quick word about what this is not. I do not believe that the Civil Service has become politicised nor do I wish it to become so. I never knew or wanted to know the political preferences of civil servants. When I discerned a resistance to reducing the size and reach of the state I was generally confident that this was for reasons of self-interest rather than ideology. And by the same token nothing that I propose here is, nor anything I sought to change in office was, about politicisation, although that was often alleged. The accusation of politicisation is a terrific defence against any attempt by politicians to create a genuinely high-performing civil service that will actually deliver what a democratically accountable government, of any stripe, decides to do. Civil servants must be impartial in the sense of being equally able and willing to serve a government of a different colour. But that is emphatically not the same as being neutral or independent, as is sometimes claimed.

Diagnosis

Complacency

The Civil Service suffers from institutional complacency. As the new Minister responsible for the Civil Service, every draft speech or article presented to me started: The British Civil Service is the best in the world. Yet the complaints by Ministers in all parties about the lack of institutional capability, inefficiency and failed implementation were legion. When we queried the evidential basis for this assertion, it turned out that the only relevant assessment was a World Bank ranking for government effectiveness, in which the UK ranked number 16. I remember a conversation where it was proposed that rather than seek to improve our performance against these criteria, we should create a different index which might better recognise those qualities in which the British Civil Service was thought to excel. So I was amused to see this summer a new index assembled by the Blavatnik School at Oxford, in association with the IFG, and (it coyly states in the fine print) supported by the UK Civil Service. The criteria are clearly selected to favour Westminster-type politically impartial systems  operational efficiency and effectiveness barely get a look in  and Singapore, which has a truly impressive bureaucracy, doesnt even feature. Yet even in this index we come last among the Westminster-type systems, behind Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Is this just me? Oliver Letwin, no enemy of civil servants, indeed married to one, recently bemoaned the quality of the work produced by policy civil servants outside the centre. He made the point that the cream tends to float to the centre of government, to No10, HMT and the Cabinet Office. This has often led PMs and Chancellors to discount their colleagues complaints about the quality of the service. Because the civil servants who surround them are among the best, deficiencies elsewhere are discounted as the fault of inadequate Ministers.

It is significant that the longer Prime Ministers remain in office, the more jaundiced their view becomes. Tony Blair recently reflected on this:

If you had a crisis, there is nothing better than that British systemBut when it came to how do you do health service reform or education reform, or the early battles I had in reforming asylum and immigration policy, I found it frankly just unresponsive.

Are government failures always the fault of the of civil servants? Of course not. We all know there are myriad examples of failures caused by Ministers ignoring good advice. Ill say more later about the relationship between Ministers and civil servants, and perhaps as important the relationship between policy and operational civil servants.

But I and others have observed that all too often the first reaction of senior civil servants when something wrong is discovered is either to cover it up or to find a scapegoat, often someone who is not a career civil servant and who is considered dispensable. There seems to be an absolute determination to avoid any evidence that the permanent Civil Service is capable of failure.

Another indicator is that if a Minister decides that a Civil Service leader is not equipped for his or her task, this has to be dressed up as a breakdown in the relationship, with the unspoken suggestion that this is at least as much the fault of the Minister as of the civil servant. It can never be admitted that the mandarin was inadequate in any way.

When I suggested that there might be room for improvement, the distinguished former Civil Service Head, Lord Butler, accused me of a failure of leadership. Actually the leadership failure is to pretend that all is well when no one, even civil servants themselves, really believes that.

The Gifted Amateur Cult

Fifty years after the Fulton report lambasted the cult of the gifted amateur, there is still some way to go. While developing our Civil Service Reform Plan, a very senior permanent secretary blithely stated to me that the age of the generalist has passed. I didnt contest this, as it seemed probably true. But it isnt true nor should it be.

Most organisations have and value generalists. In the Civil Service the generalist is someone skilled at marshalling and analysing evidence, mobilising expertise, and developing solutions. But a generalist is not the same as a gifted amateur. To be effective they need a serious investment in their skills. The doctrine we dont have generalists any more has the malign effect that all civil servants feel that they are meant to be specialists or experts, and therefore feel prohibited from saying that they dont know how to do something. Hence the tendency for officials to persist in trying to execute tasks for which they have inadequate skills or expertise, and feeling unable to be honest about it.

So what training should generalist administrative civil servants have? I was surprised to discover how the Fast Stream graduate entry operated. Bright graduates thought they were joining the Civil Service; and were then surprised to find that they joined a specific ministry where training took a definite second-place to the job to which they were assigned. My modest reform to make the Fast Stream programme look and feel more like a typical two year graduate training programme met with surprising resistance, with four permanent secretaries, including at the Treasury, showing up to tell me that it was completely impossible. Apparently, if the Civil Service trained its graduate entry the way high-performing private sector entities do, the government would fall apart. If I insisted, as I did, that Fast Stream trainees did four six months postings in different parts of government, then they would be unable to do any useful work. The low importance attached to hard-edged skills was brought home to me when a graduate trainee said how surprised a colleague had been that she had opted to take a course in using spreadsheets. The surprise for me was that it was not a basic requirement for every graduate trainee to be able not only to use spreadsheets, but to do basic financial modelling. The Civil Service College in Singapore runs courses in letter drafting, speed reading and touch typing  basic skills in the digital age, and a big contributor to improved productivity. Repeated requests that the UK Civil Service should require the same met with blank incomprehension and inaction.

The second eye-opener was when I proposed that senior civil servants headed for very big responsibilities should be put through top management courses, typically three months, at top business schools. High performing organisations routinely do this; and I have seen people come out transformed into a bigger, more confident and capable leaders. So I proposed first that the ten permanent secretaries should go through these courses before the 2015 election. The first objection was that this would be very expensive and that the Daily Mail would make a fuss. My response was to say: Bring it on. If the Mail really want to object to us spending 60,000 on someone managing a budget of tens of billions, Id love to have the argument.

We eventually agreed to do this some 18 months before the election. I was told repeatedly that it was underway. And yet by the election, instead of ten doing three months at Harvard, Stanford and Insead, one had had done one week at IMD in Lausanne. Not quite what we had in mind. I struggled to understand why there was so much resistance to a plan that seemed obviously beneficial and sensible, but also showed a willingness to make a serious investment in our people. I concluded that the unconscious explanation is an anxiety about senior civil servants being put into an environment where they are sharing experiences and learning from their peers in the private sector. This would be to allow too much daylight into the mystique with which the world of the mandarin is surrounded. The cost of this protectiveness is clear; and Ive always been reluctant to blame heads of departments for operational failures when theyve been given woefully inadequate preparation for the huge responsibilities they are asked to assume.

I think the same explanation holds for the well-documented reluctance to welcome and make the most of recruits from other sectors. The Baxendale Report into external hires showed how little interest the Civil Service has had in learning from those who come in from other organisations; that they became, as one of them put it, at best country members of the club. There was little sense that the organisation adapted to the incomers or learned from them; all the adaptation was expected from those coming in. Too often the incomers get spat out. Yes, sometimes this tissue rejection is the fault of the external recruit. But too often it is the system at fault. As one distinguished business leader who came into government said to one of his successors:

You will find that mandarins operate behind a wall. Eventually you will find a door. But it only opens from the inside.

Mandarins come out on top

Part of maintaining the mandarin mystique is that they pretty much always get the top jobs. Policy nearly always trumps operational and technical skills for the leadership roles. It feels like a class divide: there are the white-collar policy mandarins, and the blue-collar technicians who do operations, finance, procurement, IT and digital, project management, HR, and so on. All the attempts to create genuine parity of esteem have failed. This has to change in the future. Many government failures could have been prevented if operational and technical teams had the same access to Ministers as do policy officials. But there is far too much tendency to keep them at arms-length and below the salt, as the passive takers of policy ordained from on high which they are expected unquestioningly to implement. On the notorious Universal Credit programme, policy was developed in Whitehall; implementation was in Sheffield; and IT development in Warrington. Not surprising that hundreds of millions were written off in wasted costs, whereas implementers brought into the policy development process early could have pushed back on policy changes that inevitably complicated the project. It was interesting that the PAC Report into UC stated that the problems came to the attention of the Department as a result of a review commissioned by the Secretary of State. In other words it was the minister calling the attention of officials to the implementation car crash, which is not the way round it is meant to be.

Culture

As in most bureaucracies, the culture is hostile to innovation. While pursuing Civil Service reform, I was often asked: when will this end? The answer of course is never. Reform and improvement is always a work in progress. There is no steady-state management any more in progressive organisations. While the words encourage innovation the behaviour and incentives do the reverse. Jonathan Powell, himself a civil servant before becoming Tony Blairs chief of staff, summed it up well:

The system is stacked against civil servants who might want to get things done. There is very little upside gain for an official who succeeds in resolving a problem and a huge downside risk for permitting something to go wrong.

The best organisations learn more from the things that are tried that dont work than from those that do. I introduced what I wasnt quite brave enough to call the Francis Maude award for failure: to recognise a team that tried something new that didnt work, stopped doing it, and ensured that the organisation learned from it. There were 80 nominations; 79 for projects that had not failed, thus simultaneously missing and illustrating my point. The Singapore Civil Service consider this willingness to innovate as so important that they elevate it to an obligation. On the wall of the Civil Service College is this quotation:

What we want is for all officers to see it as part of their job to question the assumptions and past ways of doing things and suggest ways to improve and innovate.

Surely nobody could argue with that proposition. Yet it is the inverse of the behaviours that are rewarded and encouraged in our system. Government is today one of the few remaining environments in which disruption is a dirty word. There is an bias to inertia. It needs to be replaced by a bias to action. One aspect of this is that too often process trumps outcome, a failing identified by many of the external hires interviewed for the Baxendale Report.

And this is part of a broader problem. Behaviours, especially among the most senior, are frequently at odds with stated policies. We commissioned independent evidence-based reviews into the treatment of women, BAME, LGBT and people with disabilities, so that the Civil Service Diversity Plan would be hard-edged and practical rather than the tokenistic and generic draft I saw first. They all concluded that while the Civil Service had model progressive policies, the reality too often was profoundly different. In the Women in Whitehall report, one woman said: I was told that the reason I wasnt being interviewed [for a promotion] was that I would have outperformed the man whose turn it was. It remains the case that too often promotions are made on the basis of personal patronage and time-serving rather than on merit and talent. And while on diversity, there is I believe less personality and intellectual diversity than I recall from before. There seems a premium on blandness. High-performing organisations relish having a decent quotient of the quirky, difficult and maverick, and know how to manage and use them. One of the very best officials I worked with was told that the only question mark over his suitability to be a permanent secretary was that he was too colourful.

Honesty and integrity are two of the Civil Services statutory values. Yet it is surprising how often Ministers are told things that are simply not true. On two specific occasions I was told that the cost of implementing a change, in each case to civil servants own employment terms and conditions, was literally 100 times what turned out to be the actual cost. Quite often I would be told that the law precluded a particular course. More often than not it was not to be the case. Civil servants should speak truth onto power. But it must be the truth. No sane Minister wants to embark on a course without the best and most candid advice on all its implications. But it must be advice based on true facts and the best evidence there is. Oliver Letwin summed this up:

On probing the causes of the unclear, jargon-ridden and ill-evidenced papers that too frequently came my way, I often found that the problem was not just a stylistic inelegance but rather an inability to think clearly about whether a proposition being put forward actually corresponded with the facts sometimes  indeed, distressingly often  officials had put together a view or recommendation without knowing the essential facts.

And when, after receiving candid and well-evidenced advice, Ministers make a decision, it is the duty of officials to execute it. Again, surprisingly often, this simply doesnt happen. On one occasion I asked a cross-departmental group of officials why a Cabinet Committees very clear decision had simply been ignored. The answer? We didnt think it was a very strong mandate. What? What on earth do you need? A Papal Bull?

I thought this was just part of the unwritten sub-culture until discovering what we came to know as the document of shame. This set out the criteria for selecting potential permanent secretaries, and was drawn up by consultants at the behest of the then leadership of the Civil Service in I think 2009. It included such precious jewels as

knowing when to serve the political agenda and manage Ministers expectations versus leading their Department

Balances Ministersimmediate needs or priorities with the long-term aims of the Department, being shrewd about what needs to be sacrificed

Tolerates high levels of ambiguity and uncertainty and at times irrational political demands.

I had always assumed that sentiments of this nature were simply passed from one leather armchair in the Athenaeum to another. But that a willingness to ignore the decisions of democratically accountable Ministers was regarded as such an essential quality in a permanent secretary that it needed to be recorded in writing was astonishing.

The Future

So what is needed for the future?

Culture

First is a change in culture. This is both the most important and the most difficult. You change an organisations culture not by trying to change the culture but by changing peoples behaviours. The Civil Service of the future must have a culture with these qualities:

Honesty about itself  especially about its own performance

Truthfulness and accuracy in its advice to Ministers

A genuine openness to learning and influence from outside, including external hires

A genuine commitment to training and hard skills

There are proper experts in organisational change who will have views on what is needed to achieve all this. All I would say is that it has to start at the top of the organisation. There is no substitute for leadership by example.

Innovation and Up or out

I referred earlier to the innovation-hostile culture, and the bias to inertia. One of the reasons for this is that bureaucracies, unlike most high-performing organisations, and indeed most militaries, have no up or out expectation. This sounds brutal but shouldnt be. There comes a point in any demanding work environment where some people on a career path have reached a point from which they will not rise any further. It doesnt mean they all should all be pushed out; every organisation needs continuity, experience and an institutional memory. But if you have too many people who have exhausted their ability to progress AND their ability to make a positive contribution, they tend to justify their continued presence in the organisation by questioning, delaying, or obstructing action. They become part of the bias to inertia. Theres an old saying: for every one person trying to make something happen there are four trying to stop it. When I recounted this to some Israeli civil servants, they said: Only four?

So a lean effective organisation with a bias to action will guard against this. That doesnt mean rejecting large numbers as worthless. It means supporting, financially and otherwise, those who have run out of road to help them find the next thing they can do. As I say, this is a very normal practice in high-performing organisations. The British Civil Service must embrace it. At the same time, it must rid itself of the tendency to solve the problem of underperforming officials by promoting them or moving them sideways, a practice known in America as turkey farming.

Parity of Esteem

Second is the need to value operational, commercial, financial and technical skills as highly as administrative skills. I think there is a simple solution to this. Every line department should have a twin leadership: a policy leader and an operational leader. In the half or so of departments that have heavy operational responsibilities the permanent secretary would always be the operational leader; and in the other half it would be the policy leader. At the top of the Civil Service there would always be a full-time Civil Service Chief Executive, which we introduced in 2014, and a Cabinet Secretary. The Chief Executive would be the leader for the whole Service for its operational, financial, commercial and technical functions (which of course comprise the overwhelming majority of civil servants); and the Cabinet Secretary would continue to be the leader of the mandarin stream. The all-important role of Head of the Civil Service would alternate between the Cabinet Secretary and the Chief Executive. Without something like this, which would be revolutionary in Whitehall terms, I see no prospect of parity of esteem ever happening. And without parity of esteem there is no prospect that the technical experts, whose advice on the implementation of policy is essential, will ever be in a position to make their advice count before, as it is so often the case, it is too late. When it comes to appointing permanent secretaries, the pattern today is that the Head of the Service and other mandarins have excessive influence, leading inevitably to appointments being made in the image of the incumbent mandarin cadre. We really struggled to deliver what every Prime Minister has wanted, which is to be offered a choice of candidates for permanent secretary roles. This was eventually and grudgingly agreed by a Civil Service Commission led then, as now, by a former permanent secretary.

Functional Leadership

Third, the Civil Service needs strong functional leadership at the centre of government. This sounds boring and technocratic but it is really important. Let me explain what I mean. A number of functions are common across the whole of government. Every department claims that what it does is completely unique and distinctive, and of course much is genuinely unique. But most of their requirements for property, IT and digital, procurement, HR, finance and project management are common to the whole of government. And even when they are not, you still need one place where theres a critical mass of technical expertise. Between 2010 and 2015 we led from the Cabinet office an efficiency and reform programme that saved the taxpayer 19 billion in 2014-5 compared with the 2009-2010 baseline, which with previous years ssavings added up to a cumulative 50 billion. In addition to downsizing the Civil Service by over 20%, we renegotiated contracts with the governments biggest suppliers, reformed procurement to open government contracts to smaller UK-based suppliers, improved dramatically the success rate of the governments major projects, exited numerous properties and upgraded much of the rest, and Britain went from being a country which was a byword for expensive government IT car crashes to last year being ranked by the UN top in the world for digital government.

None of this could have been achieved without strong leaders of these functions at the centre of government, themselves technical experts, with strong Ministerial support, backed by spend and other controls to prevent departments from doing the wrong things. On property the wrong thing might be taking a lease that looked right for that department but left another with costly unfilled space. Functional leadership coupled with spend controls would enable the space to be used optimally with the best result for the taxpayer. On procurement the wrong thing was every department buying its own commodity consumables. We found that some departments were paying seven times as much for their printer cartridges as others. The wrong thing was every department dealing with the major suppliers to government separately so that each one was taken for a ride separately. The wrong thing was every department running its own website, or more usually multiple websites, expensively, inconsistently and impenetrably. The award-winning and world-leading gov.uk, replacing well over 1000 websites, would not have been possible without the strong functional leadership model. The wrong thing was every part of government marking its own homework on the management of major projects, so that they were all said to be doing splendidly despite two thirds running well over budget and timetable. Establishing the Major Projects Authority to provide consistent oversight, assurance and support nearly halved the failure rate. The wrong thing was every department and agency having its own internal audit function that was internal to itself rather than a single service giving the Treasury genuine insight into how departments were spending taxpayers money. The wrong thing was  and is  every departmental finance director being accountable only to the permanent secretary, with no serious line of accountability to the centre. This has left the quality and reliability of basic management information pitifully inadequate, with an inevitable lack of accountability for departments. Senior business leaders we brought into government as non-executives on departmental boards were shocked by the poor quality and impenetrability of government financial and management data.

To the extent that we could we created strong functional leadership. It wasnt perfect. And we were heavily resisted by the Treasury which in the main with the exception of Danny Alexander was at best uninterested in and sometimes actively hostile to our entire programme of efficiency savings. We couldnt even persuade them of the need for a powerful financial management function led by a senior CFO figure, although the Conservative Party had committed to this before the election. We should have been more insistent on building new functions, albeit using many of the existing people, rather than trying to adapt the existing organisations. In a makeshift way we made it work. But we couldnt make it permanent, and of course many of the departmental barons hated it. Not Ministers, interestingly, most of whom were perfectly happy with what we were doing, and wanted to concentrate on what was genuinely the core business of their departments. But for much of the mandarinate this was an assault on their autonomy and empires. And what we know about empires is that they fight back.

And boy, are they fighting back! The mantra tends to be: we definitely want to continue with the reforms. But theyre now embedded in the departments, and its definitely now safe to relax the central controls. When you hear those words you know that what they really mean is that the reforms are embedded six feet under, and that the departments are cheerfully going back to their old ways. So GDS, which became a model for other governments to follow, including in the USA and Australia, is becoming side-lined and underpowered. The powerful and revolutionary idea of government as a platform is dead. The financial management function, for which the Treasury briefly and reluctantly created a dedicated full-time leader, has now reverted to being led from a big spending department by the departmental finance director  and excellent though he is, it means functional leadership in that arena is dead. Imperceptibly, inch by inch, with a control dropped here or not enforced there, the old silos and departmental baronies are re-emerging, with nothing to restrain the old unreconstructed behaviours from taking hold once more. There will be a substantial cost to the taxpayer in wasted spending, and to the citizen in service improvement foregone. I have no doubt that a future Civil Service, like all big complex organisations, needs a vigorous model of stronger, not weaker, central functional leadership.

Are there other things needed? Yes but probably beyond the scope of this lecture. British Ministers offices are woefully under-powered compared with those in Australia, Canada or New Zealand. Thats not only the fault of the Civil Service; Prime Ministers tend to be strangely negative about empowering their colleagues. David Cameron did support our modest move in this direction, overcoming strong resistance from the leadership of the Civil Service when we proposed permitting EMOs, or Extended Ministerial Offices. This model went as far as was possible within current statutory constraints, but was only a pale reflection of what Ministers in other Westminster systems enjoy. And in any event this tiny modest advance has now been reversed. The empire struck back.

One final reflection. I took no part in the Brexit referendum debate, thinking both sides cases wildly exaggerated, and for me the arguments were quite finely balanced. I thought then that a vote to leave meant some certain short-term downside, with longer term upside opportunity. I still think that. But if we are to realise those upside opportunities, then as a country we need to maximise our competitive advantages. One of those can be and must be a Civil Service that is genuinely the best in the world. One that is lean, proactive, innovative, that makes the most of the amazing people with a passion for public service who join it, with a bias to action and a relentlessly truthful and open culture. What I propose here are a few modest steps in that direction.
May calls Northern Irish leaders to try to get devolution going again

The Belfast Telegraph reports that the Prime Minister has called both Arlene Foster, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, and Michelle ONeill, her Sinn Fein counterpart, to stress the importance of restoring the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Stormont and the other devolved institutions have been inoperative since the late Martin McGuinness withdrew the Republicans from Ulsters power-sharing Executive, bringing it down.

James Brokenshire has thus far had little luck getting the two largest Northern Irish parties talking. Reluctance to introduce direct rule has left the Northern Irish Secretary with little leverage, and as a result his deadlines have passed without consequence.

However, Londons attitude may now be toughening up a little. Not only has the Government firmly ruled out any form of joint authority with Dublin in the event that devolution cant be restored, but Brokenshire has raised the prospect that MLAs who arent sitting may cease to be paid.

Scottish Conservatives offer to mediate between Edinburgh and London

According to the Scotsman, Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Tories are trying to broker a deal for more powers in order to try to break a deadlock between the British and Scottish governments over Brexit.

Nationalist politicians have argued that Brexit is being used to effect a power grab against the devolved legislatures, and are pushing hard for as many EU-level powers as possible, if not all of them, to be passed straight down to Edinburgh and Cardiff.

For its part, the Government maintains that it will pass substantial powers to the Scottish and Welsh governments, but reserves the right to hold powers in London where a UK-wide framework makes more sense.

Jackson Carlaw, the deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and Adam Tomkins, their constitutional specialist, will now meet bilaterally with SNP ministers John Swinney and Mike Russell to see if they can find common ground.

as Jones prepares bid to block Withdrawal Bill

Carwyn Jones, the First Minister of Wales, is to join Nicola Sturgeon in a bid to frustrate the EU Withdrawal Bill, Wales Online reports.

He will recommend to members of the Welsh Assembly that they reject the Bill when it comes before them for consent.

Although neither Cardiff Bay nor Holyrood has an actual veto on the legislation, May has apparently said she does not want to force it into law without the consent of the Welsh Assembly and Scottish Parliament.

If the Government refuses to pay off the first ministers they will both almost certainly try to use the resultant row to bid for yet more powers or, in Sturgeons case, independence. However, it seems unlikely that voters who havent been outraged by being dragged out of the EU are likely to get terribly worked up over constitutional technicalities.

First loyalist terror group applies to be legalised

The Red Hand Commando (RHC), a Northern Irish pro-UK paramilitary group, has applied to the Government to be deproscribed, according to the News Letter.

During the Troubles the RHC killed 12 civilians, as well as one of its own members. Their bid has very little public support in the province save from the Progressive Unionist Party, which has links to them.

Jim Allister, the leader of the hard-line Traditional Unionist Voice party, suggested that if the group really feels true and abject remorse to all the innocent victims of the conflict then it should disband altogether.
MSC Cruises is planning a significant capacity change for the 2018-2019 season in Brazil, including the new MSC Seaview, which will homeport in Santos.

The 154,000-ton ship will replace the smaller Preziosa and will also interport in Salvador.

A second MSC ship will also be in the market, as the Magnifica will homeport in Santos.

In Rio, the plan is for the MSC Fantasia to replace the smaller 1,900-passenger MSC Sinfonia.

We are evaluating all the possibilities. There can still be changes, but the idea to boost capacity," Adrian Ursilli, MSCs general director in Brazil.

MSC is building up Rio as a fly-cruise port for Brazilian guests, recently announcing air-sea package deals from various Brazilian cities.

A fourth ship, the MSC Orchestra, will also be in the market, sailing from Buenos Aires.

In the last 15 years, weve seen a huge spike in the cruise sector that peaked with 20 ships here in the 2011-2012 season. We knew, however, that this was going to change at some time, as the necessary measures were never taken by the government, Ursilli told Cruise Industry News.

But he now believes the market dip is done and resurgence is in order.

We are trying to create a more sustainable environment that would allow the cruise sector to grown again and MSC has all the interest in investing even more in the country, Ursilli added.
Construction work began today on the Costa Smeralda, including her steel-cutting ceremony held at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland.

The new Costa Cruises ship will be the brands first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the worlds first cruise ship to be broadly marketed to consumers from multiple countries throughout Europe, the Italian cruise line said.

The Costa Smeralda, which will enter service in October 2019, will exceed 180,000 gross tons and offer more than 2,600 passenger cabins, the company said.

A second ship, sister to Costa Smeralda, will be delivered by Meyer Turku in 2021.

These ships will strengthen the leadership position for the Costa Group, which is already the market leader in all the major continental Europe markets, said Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group and Carnival Asia. The multibillion dollar contract with Meyer, which also includes two new LNG-powered ships to be built for our German brand, AIDA Cruises, reflects our strategy of constantly innovating our vacation offerings and providing our guests with an unmatched cruise experience.

The two new Costa Cruises ships are a true global innovation and set new standards for the entire sector, added Neil Palomba, president of Costa Cruises. They will be among the first cruise ships powered by LNG, spurring the development of this green technology, especially in the Mediterranean area, and they will be the worlds first LNG-powered ships that will be marketed to consumers from multiple countries, including Italy, France, Spain, Germany and Switzerland. The new ships will also offer unique services and present a state-of-the-art interior design, serving as the perfect expression of our Italy's Finest concept, which is a distinguishing feature of the Costa Cruises brand around the world for providing guests with a truly immersive Italian experience.

In the last two years, we have had a very intense design collaboration with our customer and the outcome is a really fresh and new design fused with the latest of technology. We are happy to bring our experience with building LNG powered passenger ships to bear. Today is a very special moment in shipbuilding, when all the ideas, creativity, technology and signature design that is going into Costas new ships, are finally starting to become reality," stated Jan Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku.

The Costa Smeralda will be offering cruises in Western Mediterranean, sales open early 2018.
The Celebrity Equinox landed crucial supplies in Antigua during a call on Sept. 12.

The 2009-built ship was able to assist the location, which neighbors Barbuda, which was hit hard by Hurricane Irma.

"Our @CelebrityCruise Equinox in #Antigua brings 1st assistance to #Barbuda #HurricaneIrma victims makes us so proud. #Caringforeachother," wrote President and CEO of Celebrity, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, in a post on Twitter.

It is one of many examples of recent aid runs by the cruise industry. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line also announced today it would open the Grand Celebration for free hot meals for first responders as well as modestly-priced accommodations.
I started my day as normal. Within a few hours, I received a call that the neighborhood near me was getting flood water. I had to go see for myself and it was devastating.

My son came by with his boat and we headed out to go help others. When I returned home, I found that water was in my own neighborhood. We started lifting furniture and putting things up high. Water had already started entering my home within minutes. Shutting my front door to leave was the biggest impact I have ever experienced.

As I left my house, tears began to flow. I had just helped save people in our boat and gave them comfort. Now, I was experiencing it first-hand. This was the beginning of my worst nightmare.

Questions ran through my head..How do I rebuild? Where do I stay? Who will help me? Millions of other questions. Yes, I was one of the lucky ones who had flood insurance two months prior to the flood, but it took quite some time to get the funds.

Within days of the flood, I received a text from our CEO that the National Credit Union Foundation and Louisiana Credit Union Foundation CUAid/disaster relief was offering assistance to credit union employees impacted by the flood.
The Senate is working toward bipartisan regulatory relief for credit unions, a few senators told hundreds of industry representatives at NAFCUs Congressional Caucus on Tuesday.

Credit union representatives heard directly from Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Senate Banking Committee members Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., and Mike Rounds, R-S.D.

Speaking on issues ranging from the regulatory burden caused by the Dodd-Frank Act to the need to hold retailers accountable for data security breaches that occur on their end, senators reaffirmed for Caucus attendees the importance of credit unions in the financial services industry.
ALLETE, Inc. operates as an energy company. The company operates through Regulated Operations, ALLETE Clean Energy, and Corporate and Other segments. It generates electricity from coal-fired, biomass co-fired / natural gas, hydroelectric, wind, and solar. The company provides regulated utility electric services in northwestern Wisconsin to approximately 15,000 electric customers, 13,000 natural gas customers, and 10,000 water customers, as well as regulated utility electric services in northeastern Minnesota to approximately 145,000 retail customers and 15 non-affiliated municipal customers. It also owns and maintains electric transmission assets in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. In addition, the company focuses on developing, acquiring, and operating clean and renewable energy projects; and owns and operates approximately 1,000 megawatts of wind energy generation facility. Further, it is involved in the coal mining operations in North Dakota; and real estate investment activities in Florida. The company owns and operates 158 substations with a total capacity of 10,066 megavolt amperes. It serves taconite mining, paper, pulp and secondary wood products, pipeline, and other industries. The company was formerly known as Minnesota Power, Inc. and changed its name to ALLETE, Inc. in May 2001. ALLETE, Inc. was incorporated in 1906 and is headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota.
EPAM Systems, Inc. provides digital platform engineering and software development services worldwide. The company offers engineering services, including requirements analysis and platform selection, customization, cross-platform migration, implementation, and integration; infrastructure management services, such as software development, testing, and maintenance with private, public, and mobile infrastructures for application, database, network, server, storage, and systems operations management, as well as monitoring, incident notification, and resolution services; and maintenance and support services. It also provides operation solutions comprising integrated engineering practices and smart automation; and optimization solutions that include software application testing, test management, automation, and consulting services to enable customers enhance their existing software testing and quality assurance practices, as well as other testing services that identify threats and close loopholes to protect its customers' business systems from information loss. In addition, the company offers business, experience, technology, data, and technical advisory consulting services; and digital and service design solutions, which comprise strategy, design, creative, and program management services, as well as physical product development, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality. It serves the financial services, travel and consumer, software and hi-tech, business information and media, life sciences and healthcare, and other industries. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Images | gov.kz

An expert meeting was held at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Serbia to discuss the upcoming early presidential elections, as well as the progress and dynamics of systemic political reforms carried out by the President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan Madi Atamkulov informed the audience about the complex transformations in the country in recent years as part of a consistent political modernization, as well as the results of legislative work for practical implementation of the republican referendum on amendments and additions to the Constitution, the Kazakh MFAs press service informs.

Invited experts expressed interest in the nature of the constitutional reform and initiatives supported by the people of Kazakhstan in June this year.

One of the leading Serbian political scientists, Head of the Center for Eurasian Studies at the Belgrade Institute of International Politics and Economics Dusan Prorokovic noted the experience of President of Kazakhstan Kassym Jomart Tokayev and his vision of the ongoing reforms combining generally accepted western rules of democracy and regional specifics. In his opinion, it is important to reach consensus when making key decisions for society.

Political scientist Dragan Bisenic drew attention to the unique experience of the state model of Kazakhstan and the dynamics of political processes. According to his estimates, the potential of the young independent republic, which has become an influential regional player, is already arousing increased interest from all the world powers. He expressed hope that the decisions taken by the country's leadership regarding political and economic reforms will achieve their goals.

In turn, the Vice-president of the Royal Academy of Innovative Sciences of Serbia Velibor Stevic expressed his support for the reforms implemented in Kazakhstan, including strengthening the powers of the Parliament and the establishment of the Constitutional Court. "There is no doubt that the new political course will allow Kazakhstan to reach a new level of development," the Serbian expert noted.
The watchdog agency for the federal Department of Veterans Affairs says staff at the Tomah VA Medical Center failed to report a dentist who used improperly sterilized equipment for more than nine months and found surprise inspections could have alerted hospital leaders sooner.

The findings are contained in a report released Thursday by Office of Inspector General on its investigation into the lapse in hygiene, which could have exposed hundreds of veterans to bloodborne infections, including HIV and hepatitis.

In November, the Tomah VA asked nearly 600 patients to get screenings after learning of the violations. Spokesman Matthew Gowan said as of Thursday more than 90 percent of those patients had been tested with no confirmed infections.

The VA has flagged electronic records of the remaining patients to alert their physicians to follow up on their next visit, according to the IG report, which determined facility leaders took appropriate actions once alerted to the problem.

The dentist, identified as Thomas Schiller in an internal VA report submitted to Congress, was suspended and resigned in December.

The investigation  conducted at the request of Wisconsins two senators and Reps. Ron Kind of La Crosse and Tim Walz of Minnesota  recommends unannounced inspections of the dental clinic, training for staff on when and how to report issues relating to patient safety and consultation with VA leadership on any action to take against staff who failed to report the use of unsterilized instruments.

Tomah VA Director Victoria Brahm said the clinic has followed through on all the IGs recommendations.

I think the findings were fair, Brahm said. Weve done everything that weve been asked to do.

Both the internal and IG reports makes clear that Schiller knowingly violated VA policy but the internal report also points to problems with a hostile work environment, which was also cited as a factor in the over-prescription of painkillers revealed in 2015.

According to the internal VA report, Schiller used his own bits  known as burs  and other personal supplies over the objections of his assistant. Schiller said he was aware that he was only allowed to use VA equipment but admitted using personal equipment and cleaning it in accordance with private sector protocols.

The assistant said she reported the policy violation in December 2015 to the lead hygienist, who reportedly told her not to worry about it and that he would get caught sooner or later.

Schiller wasnt caught until Oct. 19  more than a year after he was hired  when a substitute hygienist witnessed him use a personal bur and reported it to another dentist.

According to the internal review, Schiller used unsterilized burs on approximately 112 of the 592 patients he treated during his year with the VA and used other personal supplies on about 243 of those patients.

According to the OIG report, the lead hygienist said she instructed Schillers hygienist to report the violations to Dr. Frank Marcantonio, the chief of dental services and Schillers supervisor. The lead hygienist, who has since retired, told investigators she didnt report it because she had not personally witnessed a violation.

Staff members also said Schiller had poor hand-washing habits, didnt always follow cleaning protocols and slept during clinical hours, although the OIG said they did not report the behavior.

The hygienist said she was afraid to turn Schiller in, according to the report, which also cited a hostile work environment as a potential cause of his diversion from known protocol.

Brahm said an unannounced visit by the Joint Commission, an independent organization which accredits all U.S. hospitals, found no evidence to support hostile workplace allegations.

One thing we do not ever tolerate is bullying, Brahm said.

Marcantonio has since left the VA, and neither he nor Schiller cooperated with the OIG investigation, although Schiller submitted a letter. He also made allegations about the cleaning process used in the dental lab, which were referred to the OIGs hotline.

According to the VAs internal report, Schillers clinical privileges were revoked and he was reported to regulators in Texas, where he was licensed in 1996, and to the National Practitioner Data Bank, a federal clearinghouse designed to prevent health professionals from moving to another state without disclosing malpractice payments or other red flags.

The Texas State Licensing Board lists no disciplinary actions against Schiller.

The Tomah medical center was at the center of an 18-month Congressional investigation that culminated with a top VA official acknowledging a clear and inexcusable lack of leadership was to blame for the deaths of at least two veterans.

That investigation began after 2015 media reports detailed high levels of opioid prescription and a pervasive culture of intimidation and retaliation against employees who spoke out. Two top officials from Tomah  Director Mario DeSanctis and Chief of Staff Dr. David Houlihan  were removed in the wake of that report, and Houlihan later surrendered his medical license.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican who chairs the Senate committee with VA oversight, issued a statement Thursday saying he is glad the dentist no longer works for the VA.

His actions were more than disturbing and provoked my request for the VA inspector general to conduct an investigation, Johnson said. I will continue my oversight to ensure that the finest among us receive the quality care that they deserve.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who has come under fire from Republicans for her response to reports of opioid abuse, issued a statement Thursday saying shes extremely troubled that Schiller was able to avoid questioning by resigning. Baldwin, a Democrat, said she is drafting legislation to give the OIG the power to subpoena testimony from former VA employees.

A resignation or a retirement shouldnt prevent a bad actor from being held accountable, Baldwin said.
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KG, Accenture Holdings (Iberia) S.L., Accenture Holdings B.V., Accenture Holdings France SASU, Accenture Hungary Holdings Kft, Accenture Inc, Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions Kft, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions SA, Accenture Insurance Services B.V., Accenture Insurance Services LLC, Accenture International B.V., Accenture International LLC, Accenture International Limited, Accenture Japan Ltd, Accenture Korea B.V., Accenture LLC, Accenture LLP, Accenture Lanka (Private) Ltd, Accenture Limited, Accenture Lithuania UAB, Accenture Ltd, Accenture Ltda, Accenture Maghreb S.a.r.l., Accenture Managed Services SRL, Accenture Management GmbH, Accenture Marketing Services LLC, Accenture Marketing Services Limited, Accenture Middle East B.V., Accenture Minority I B.V., Accenture Mozambique Limitada, Accenture Mzansi Pty Ltd, Accenture NV/SA, Accenture NZ Limited, Accenture Nova Scotia Unlimited Liability Co., Accenture OOO, Accenture Operations GmbH, Accenture Operations S.p. z o.o., Accenture Operations Services Private Limited, Accenture Operations Services Sdn Bhd, Accenture Outsourcing S.r.l., Accenture Outsourcing Services S.A., Accenture Oy, Accenture Panama Inc, Accenture Participations B.V., Accenture Participations II Limited, Accenture Peru SRL, Accenture Post Trade Processing SASU, Accenture Post-Trade Processing Limited, Accenture Process (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Pte Ltd, Accenture Puerto Rico LLC, Accenture Qiyun Technology (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd, Accenture S.C., Accenture S.L., Accenture S.R.L., Accenture S.p. z o.o., Accenture S.p.A., Accenture SASU, Accenture SG Services Pte Ltd, Accenture SRL, Accenture Saudi Arabia Limited, Accenture Sdn Bhd, Accenture Service Center SRL, Accenture Services (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Services AB, Accenture Services AG, Accenture Services AS, Accenture Services GmbH, Accenture Services Morocco SA, Accenture Services Oy, Accenture Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Services S.p. z o.o., Accenture Services SRL, Accenture Services and Technology S.r.l., Accenture Services s.r.o., Accenture Single Member S.A. Organization Information Technology & Business Development, Accenture Solutions Co. Ltd, Accenture Solutions Private Limited, Accenture Solutions Pte Ltd, Accenture Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Solutions S.p. z o.o, Accenture Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture State Healthcare Services LLC, Accenture Sub II Inc, Accenture Sub III Inc, Accenture Sub LLC, Accenture Systems Integration Limited, Accenture Sarl, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Accenture Technology Solutions (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (HK) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas S.A., Accenture Technology Solutions GmbH, Accenture Technology Solutions Oy, Accenture Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions S.A. de C.V., Accenture Technology Solutions S.r.l., Accenture Technology Solutions SASU, Accenture Technology Solutions SRL, Accenture Technology Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture Technology Solutions Slovakia s.r.o., Accenture Technology Ventures B.V., Accenture Technology Ventures SPRL, Accenture Tecnologia Consultoria y Outsourcing S.A., Accenture Uruguay SRL, Accenture Vietnam Co. Limited, Accenture Zambia Limited, Accenture do Brasil Ltda, Accenture plc, Accenture s.r.o., Acceria, Acquity Group, Adaptly LLC, Adaptly UK Limited, AddVal Technology, Adqptly, Advantium Inc., Advoco, Agilex Technologies Inc., Alfa Consulting, Allen International, AlphaBeta Advisors, Altevie Technologies S.r.l., Altima, Altima (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Altima Asia Ltd, Altitude, Altitude LLC, Altius Consulting Limited, Altius Data Solutions Private Limited, Analytics 8 LP, Analytics 8 Pty Ltd, Analytics8, Aorui Advertising (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Apis, Apis Group Pty Ltd, Appaloosa Technology SASU, AppsPro, AppsPro, Arca, Arca Ingenieros y Consultoria S.L., Arca Telecom S.L., Ariba - BPO, Arismore, Artio People (Payroll) Pty Ltd, Artio People Pty Ltd, Aspiro Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Automation Partners Pty Ltd, Avanade (Guangzhou) Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd., Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, Avanade Australia Pty Ltd, Avanade Belgium SPRL, Avanade Canada Inc, Avanade Consulting Poland S.p. z o.o., Avanade Denmark A/S, Avanade Deutschland GmbH, Avanade Europe Holdings Limited, Avanade Europe Services Limited, Avanade Finland Oy, Avanade France SASU, Avanade Holdings LLC, Avanade Hong Kong Ltd, Avanade Inc, Avanade International Corporation, Avanade Ireland Limited, Avanade Italy S.r.l., Avanade Japan KK, Avanade Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avanade Middle East Limited, Avanade Netherlands B.V., Avanade Norway AS, Avanade Poland S.p. z o.o., Avanade Schweiz GmbH, Avanade South Africa Pty Ltd, Avanade Spain S.L., Avanade Sweden AB, Avanade UK Limited, Avanade do Brasil Ltda , Avanade Osterreich GmbH, Avenai, Avieco, Axia Ltd., BABCN LLC, BCS Consulting, BCT Solutions, BCT Solutions Pty Ltd, BENEXT, BPO Servicos Administrativos Ltda, BRIDGE Energy Group, BRIDGEi2i, Beacon Consulting Group Inc., Beijing Genesis Interactive Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing Zhidao Future Consulting Co. Ltd, Benext, Berico Technologies LLC, Bionic, Bionic Solution LLC, Blue Horseshoe, Boomerang Pharmaceutical Communications, Bow & Arrow, Bow & Arrow Limited, Brand Learning, Brand Learning Group Limited, Brightstep AB, Byte Prophecy, Byte Prophecy Private Limited, CAS, CRMWaypoint, CS Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd, CS Technology (UK) Limited, CS Technology Group LLC, CS Technology LLC, CadenceQuest Inc., Callisto Integration Europe B.V., Callisto Integration Europe Limited, Callisto Integration LLC, Callisto Integration Ltd, Capgemini - North American health practice, Capital Consultancy Services Inc, Certus Solutions Consulting Services Limited, Certus Solutions Ltd, ChangeTrack Research Pty Ltd., Chaotic Moon Studios, Chengdu Mensa Advertising Co. Ltd., Cimation, Cirrus Connect Australia Pty Ltd, Cirrus Connect Limited, Cirruseo, Clarity Insights, ClearEdge Partners, Clearhead, Clearhead Group LLC, ClientHouse GmbH, Cloud Sherpas, Cloud Sherpas (GA) LLC, Cloud Sherpas Japan G.K., Cloud Sherpas New Zealand Limited, Cloudeasier SAS, Cloudpoint Limited, Cloudsherpas Inc, Cloudworks, Cloudworks Consulting Services Inc, Cloudworks Technology LLC, Computer Research and Telecommunications LLC, Concrete Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda, Concrete Solutions, Concrete Solutions Ltda, Context Information Security, Context Information Security LLC, Context Information Security Limited, CoreCompete LLC, CoreCompete Limited, CoreCompete Private Limited, Corliant Inc., Creative Drive LLC, Creative Drive US LLC, CreativeDrive, CreativeDrive Digital Content Services (Shenzhen) Co Ltd., CreativeDrive EMEA Limited, CreativeDrive Singapore Pte Ltd, CreativeDrive UK Group Limited, Cutting Edge Solutions Limited, Cygni AB, Cygni Norrsken AB, Cygni Stockholm AB, Cygni Syd AB, Cygni Vast AB, Cygni Ost AB, Cygni Ostersund AB, DAZ Systems Inc, DAZ Systems LLC, DAZSI Systems (India) Pvt. Limited, DI Futures Corporation, Data Essential SARL, Davies Consulting, DayNine Consulting, DayNine Consulting (New Zealand) Limited, DayNine Consulting LLC, Declarative Holdings LLC, Decora Marketplace LLC, Decorado Marketplace Ltda-EPP, Defense Point Security, Deja vu Security, Design Strategy and Research de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Designaffairs LLC, Digiplug S.A.S., Digital Results Group LLC, Double Digit Limitada, Double Digit Pty SA, Droga5, Droga5 LLC, Droga5 Studios LLC, Droga5 UK Limited, Duck Creek Technologies, ESR Labs, ESR Labs AG, EdenOne Solutions Limited, Edenhouse ERP Holdings Limited, Edenhouse Solutions Limited, Enaxis Consulting, Enaxis Consulting LP, End to End Analytics LLC, End-to-End Analytics, Endorphin Medici (M) Sdn Bhd, Energuia Web S.A., Energy Management Brokers Limited, EnergyQuote JHA, Enimbos, Enimbos Global Services S.L., Enkitec, Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions LLC, Enterprise System Partners, Enterprise System Partners B.V., Enterprise System Partners Bilisim Danismanlik Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Enterprise System Partners Global Corporation, Enterprise System Partners Limited, Enthusian Pty Ltd, Entropia, Entropia (M) Sdn Bhd, Entropia Holdings Pte Ltd, Entropia Intercraft Sdn Bhd, Epylon, Ergo, Espedia S.r.l., Ethica Consulting Group, Ethica Consulting S.p.A., Evopro Group, Exactside Limited, Experity, Exton Consulting, Exton Consulting Spain Strategy&Management S.L., Exton Germany GmbH, Exton International SAS, Exton Italia S.r.l., Exton SAS, FGM LLC, Fairway Technologies Inc, Farah BidCo Limited, Farah MidCo Limited, Farah Topco Limited, Filmproduction ApS, First Annapolis Consulting Inc., First Annapolis Consulting LLC, Fjord, Focus Group Europe, Formicary, Founders Intelligence, Fruendo S.r.l., FusionX, Future State Consulting LLC, FutureMove (Beijing) Automotive Technology Co. Ltd., FutureMove Automotive, FutureMove Automotive Co. Ltd., GRA Supply Chain Pty Ltd, Gagel Group S de R.L. de C.V., Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda, Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Genfour, George Group Consulting L.P., Gestalt LLC, Gevity, Gren utvikling AS, H.B. Maynard and Co. Inc., HRC Retail Advisory, Hagberg Consulting Group, Hahntel Ltda, Halo Partners LLC, Hamilton Holding Company S.A, Hangzhou Aiyunzhe Technology Co. Ltd., Happen, Happen GP Limited, Happen Limited, Headspring, Hjaltelin Stahl, Hjaltelin Stahl A/S, Hjaltelin Stahl K/S, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting Malaysia Sdn Bhd, IBB Consulting, ICM.S S.r.l., IMJ Corp, IMJ Corporation, INSITUM, IQSP Consulting LLC, IT One Company Limited, ITBS Servicios Bancarios de Tecnologia de la Informacion SL, Icon Integration, Icon Integration (NZ) Limited, Icon Integration Pty Ltd, Imagine Broadband (USA) Limited, Imagine Broadband USA LLC, Imaginea Inc, Imaginea Technologies LLC, Industrie IT (Hong Kong) Ltd, Industrie IT (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Industrie IT Group Pty Ltd, Industrie IT Pty Ltd, Industrie&Co, Infinity Works Consulting Limited, Infinity Works Holdings Limited, Infinity Works Management Limited, Infinity Works Midco Limited, Informatica de Euskadi S.L., Innotec International EAD, Innotec International S.p. z.o.o., Innotec Marketing GmbH, Innotec Marketing International Ireland Limited, Innotec- Marketing Spain S.L, Insitum Consultoria Argentina SRL, Insitum Consultoria S.A. de C.V., International Biometric Group LLC, International Biometric Group UK Limited, Intrepid, Intrepid Futureworks Sdn Bhd, Intrigo Systems Inc, Intrigo Systems India Pvt. Limited, Intrigo Systems LLC, Inventor Technology Ltd, InvestTech, Investtech Systems Consulting LLC, ItSafer Continuity Services S.L., JKD Consulting LLC, Javelin Group, K Comms Group Limited, KSC Studio LLC, Kaper Communications Limited, Karma Communications Debtco Limited, Karma Communications Group Limited, Karma Communications Holdings Limited, Karmarama, Karmarama Comms Limited, Karmarama Limited, King James Group, Knowledge Rules Inc., Knowledgent, Knowledgent Group LLC, Kogentix, Kogentix LLC, Kogentix Limited, Kogentix Singapore Pte Ltd, Kogentix Technologies Private Limited, Kolle Rebbe, Kolle Rebbe GmbH, Kream Comms Limited, Kunstmaan, Kurt Salmon, Kurt Salmon Canada LTD, Kurt Salmon US LLC, LEXTA, LINKBYNET, LINKBYNET Indian Ocean (L.I.O) Ltd, LabAnswer, Lexta GmbH, Lexta UK Limited, Lien par le reseau Inc, Lien par le reseau infrastructures Inc, Lin Bo (Shanghai) Network Technology Co. Ltd., Link By Net SAS, Link By Net SRL, Link By Net Vietnam Company Limited, Linkbynet East Asia Ltd, Linkbynet Singapore Pte Ltd., Loud & Clear Creative Pty Ltd, Lumenup S.A., MAXIM Systems Inc., MCG US Holdings LLC, Mackevision CG Technology and Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mackevision Japan Co. Ltd., Mackevision Korea Ltd, Mackevision LLC, Mackevision Medien Design, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Mackevision Singapore Pte Ltd, Mackevision UK Limited, Maglan, Maglan Information Defense Technologies Research Ltd, Maihiro, Matter, Maud Corp Pty Ltd, Maxamine International, Measuretek LLC, Media Audits Ltd., Media Hive, Mediasenz Pty Ltd., Meredith Specialty LLC, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing LLC, Meridian Informed Purchasing Ltd., Mindtribe, Mistral Wind Operations  Servicos Empresariais Unipessoal Lda., MobGen, Mortgage Cadence LLC, Mortgage Cadence an Accenture Company, Most Champion Ltd, Mudano, Mudano Limited, Myrtle Consulting Group LLC, N3, N3 (Dalian) Business Consulting Co. Ltd., N3 Brazil Consultoria em Marketing Ltda, N3 Germany GmbH, N3 LLC, N3 North America LLC, N3 Results Australia Pty Ltd, N3 Results Ireland Limited, N3 Results Japan G.K., N3 Results Limited, N3 Results Malaysia Sdn Bhd, N3 Results Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., N3 Results S.A.S., N3 Results Singapore Pte Ltd, N3 Results Unipessoal Lda, NYTEC, Nanjing Demeng Advertising Co. Ltd., Nashco Consulting, NaviSys Inc., Nell'Armonia Israel Ltd, Nell'Armonia SAS, Nell'Participation SAS, NellArmonia, Neo Metrics Analytics S.L., Neo Metrics Chile S.A., New Content, New Content Editora e Produtora Ltda, New Energy Group, News Imaging LLC, NewsPage, NewsPage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, NewsPage Pte Ltd, Northstream, Novetta Holdings LLC, Novetta LLC, Novetta Solutions LLC, Novetta Topco LLC, OCTO Technology, OPS Rules Management Consultants, Octagon Research Solutions Inc., Octo Technology Pty Ltd, Octo Technology SA, Odgaard ApS, Olikka, Olikka Pty Ltd, Olympus Systems Corporation, Openmind, Openmind S.r..l., Openminded, Openminded SAS, Operaciones Accenture S.A. de C.V., OpusLine, Orbium, Orbium AG, Orbium Consulting Limited, Orbium Inc., Orbium Ltd, Orbium Pte Ltd, Orbium Pty Ltd, Origin Digital, PCO Innovation, PLM Systems S.r.l, PRION GmbH, PT Accenture, PT Asta Catur Indra, PT Kogentix Teknologi Indonesia, PacificLink Group, Paja Finanssipalvelut Oy, Parker Fitzgerald Inc, Parker Fitzgerald International Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Limited, Parker Fitzgerald PTY Ltd, Parker Fitzgerald Services Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Solutions Limited, Pecaso Ltd., Pegasus Production A/S, Pegasus Production K/S, Phase One Consulting Group, Pillar Technology, Pollux, Pollux Automation Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pollux Canada Inc, Pollux S.A.S., Pollux USA LLC, Pragsis Bidoop, Pragsis Bidoop UK Limited, Pramati Technologies Europe Limited, Pramati Technologies Private Limited, Presence of IT Workforce Management North America LLC, PrimeQ, PrimeQ Australia Pty Ltd, PrimeQ Ltd, PrimeQ NZ Pty Limited, Procurian Inc., Prof. Homburg GmbH, Proquire LLC, PureApps Ltd., Qi Jie Beijing Information Technologies Co. Ltd., RBCP Fund 1-A Vapor Blocker LLC, RBCP Platform Vapor Blocker I LLC, REPL Consulting LLC, REPL Consulting Limited, REPL Digital Limited, REPL Group K.K., REPL Group Pty Ltd, REPL Group Worldwide Limited, REPL Pte Ltd, REPL Software Limited, REPL Technology Limited, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Root LLC, Rothco, Rothco Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SALT Solutions GmbH, SEC Servizi, SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Salt Solutions, Sandbox Studio LLC, Sapling Bidco Limited, Sapling Midco Limited, Sapling Topco Limited, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Search Technologies BPO Inc, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Securiview SAS, Sentelis, Sentor Managed Secuirty Services AB, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Seven Seas Business Ventures LLC, Shackleton, Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton S.L.U., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., SigInt Technologies LLC, Silveo, Silveo Consulting India Private Limited, Simian Pty Ltd, SinnerSchrader, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader Praha s.r.o., Sirvart S.A., Sistemes Consulting S.L., Skylink SAS, Soltians Limited, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Somers Ventures Ireland Limited, Somers Ventures LLC, Spacelink SAS, Storm Digital, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Synership LLC, Systor AG, T.A. Cook, TXF LLC, Tambourine, TargetST8, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Ltd, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Tquila, Trivadis, Trivadis AG, Trivadis Austria GmbH, Trivadis Denmark AS, Trivadis Germany GmbH, Trivadis Holding AG, Trivadis Partner AG, Trivadis Services AG, Trivadis Services SRL, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Vector Acquisition Company LLC, Vector Topco LLC, Verax Solutions, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd, Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd, Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Wabion GmbH, WaveStrike LLC, White Cliffs Consulting LLC, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wise Partners SAS, Wolox, Wolox Colombia S.A.S, Wolox LLC, Wolox Mexico S.R.L de C.V., Wolox S.A., Wolox SpA, Workforce Insight, Workforce Insight LLC, Yesler, Yesler LLC, Yesler Limited, Yesler Singapore Pte Ltd, Zag, Zag Australia Pty Ltd, Zag Limited, Zag USA LLC, Zebra Worldwide Australia Pty Ltd, Zebra Worldwide Group Limited, Zebra Worldwide Media Pty Ltd, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines Inc, Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc, Zestgroup, Zielpuls, Zielpuls (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zielpuls GmbH, avVenta, designaffairs, designaffairs Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., designaffairs GmbH, designaffairs group China Co. Ltd., dgroup, i4C Analytics, iDefense, solid-serVision.com GmbH, and umlaut.

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Synchrony Financial, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a consumer financial services company in the United States. It provides credit products, such as credit cards, commercial credit products, and consumer installment loans. The company also offers private label credit cards, dual cards, co-brand and general purpose credit cards, short- and long-term installment loans, and consumer banking products; and deposit products, including certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts, money market accounts, and savings accounts to retail and commercial customers, as well as accepts deposits through third-party securities brokerage firms. In addition, it provides debt cancellation products to its credit card customers through online, mobile, and direct mail; healthcare payments and financing solutions under the CareCredit, Pets Best, and Walgreens brands; payments and financing solutions in the apparel, specialty retail, outdoor, music, and luxury industries; and point-of-sale consumer financing for audiology products and dental services. The company offers its credit products through programs established with a group of national and regional retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations, and healthcare service providers; and deposit products through various channels, such as digital and print. It serves digital, health and wellness, retail, home, auto, powersports, jewelry, pets, and other industries. Synchrony Financial was founded in 1932 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.
Aviva plc provides various insurance, retirement, investment, and savings products in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and internationally. The company offers life insurance, long-term health and accident insurance, savings, pension, and annuity products, as well as pension fund business and lifetime mortgage products. It also provides insurance cover to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses for risks associated with motor vehicles and medical expenses, as well as property and liability, such as employers' and professional indemnity liabilities. In addition, the company provides investment management services for institutional pension fund mandates; and manages various retail investment products, including investment funds, unit trusts, open-ended investment companies, and individual savings accounts for third-party financial institutions, pension funds, public sector organizations, investment professionals, and private investors. It markets its products through a network of insurance brokers, as well as MyAviva platform. The company was formerly known as CGNU plc and changed its name to Aviva plc in July 2002. Aviva plc was founded in 1696 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
Nonscientists will get the chance to pick the brain of a local scientist Saturday as La Crosse becomes the latest community to debut a science cafe.

Despite the name, the La Crosse Science Cafe isnt a place. Its a monthly meet-up group to let scientists share their research and nonscientists learn something new.

The first speaker will be Joan Bunbury, an associate professor in University of Wisconsin-La Crosses geography and earth science department.

Ill talk about the climate and land cover changes that have impacted the region, Bunbury said.

Specifically, shell talk about Wisconsin lakes and how they have changed due to climate change and land changes.

We rely on water. Its obviously a vital source of human life, but also we use it. Wisconsin uses it for recreation, Bunbury said. Its important that we understand how these are impacted in an effort to potentially reduce the impact that we have on our lakes.

Particularly in Wisconsin, the landscape is changing as areas are developed and redeveloped, and other areas are restored to their previous state.

The more we learn, the more we understand about trying to restore native habitats, Bunbury said.

UW-L professor Nadia Carmosini, along with her fellow chemistry department professors Basu Bhattacharyya and Ben Haenni, started the La Crosse Science Cafe after organizing the La Crosse Area March for Science April 22.

After Madison and Milwaukee, it was the third largest in the state, Carmosini said.

After the strong showing, Carmosini and her fellow science-minded folks looked for ways to build on that momentum. Science cafes were one of the ways suggested by the national March for Science website.

They are basically intended to give the public the opportunity to listen to a scientist talk about a topic of interest and have people ask questions, Carmosini said.

We decided to give it a shot, she added.

After researching some other events held in breweries, such as Nerd Night in Madison and the Ashland, Wis., Science Cafe, they decided to go a different route.

Coffee houses are very common too, and we thought that JavaVino was a really nice venue about it, she said.

With the relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity for visitors to order dinner, coffee or a glass of wine, it was a good fit. Next came finding a speaker.

We want to try to have speakers who we feel will be able to give a presentation that the public can relate to, Carmosini said.

The group started by reaching out on the La Crosse March for Science Facebook page.

Just a huge variety of topics came up. We have such a great resource here with professors from UW-L and Viterbo (University), and even Winona State (University) isnt far, Carmosini said.

After climate change came up a few times, Carmosini suggested Bunbury, who had previously presented her research to Carmosinis class. Bunbury was honored.

Im looking forward to be able to tell people my story, my research story and what I do here at UW-L and the kind of research endeavors that Im undertaking, Bunbury said.

Not only is it important for people to know as they work to protect the environment, it also increases awareness of what research is done locally.

Visit the La Crosse Science Cafe Facebook page for more information.
ESCO Technologies Inc. produces and supplies engineered products and systems for industrial and commercial markets worldwide. It operates through Aerospace & Defense, Utility Solutions Group, and RF Shielding and Test segments. The Aerospace & Defense segment designs and manufactures filtration products, including hydraulic filter elements and fluid control devices used in commercial aerospace applications; filter mechanisms used in micro-propulsion devices for satellites; and custom designed filters for manned aircraft and submarines. It also designs, develops, and manufactures elastomeric-based signature reduction solutions for U.S. naval vessels; and mission-critical bushings, pins, sleeves, and precision-tolerance machined components for landing gear, rotor heads, engine mounts, flight controls, and actuation systems for the aerospace and defense industries. The Utility Solutions Group segment provides diagnostic testing solutions that enable electric power grid operators to assess the integrity of high-voltage power delivery equipment; and decision support tools for the renewable energy industry, primarily wind and solar. The RF Shielding and Test segment designs and manufactures RF test and secure communication facilities, acoustic test enclosures, RF and magnetically shielded rooms, RF measurement systems, and broadcast and recording studios; and RF absorptive materials and filters, active compensation systems, antennas, antenna masts, turntables, electric and magnetic probes, RF test cells, proprietary measurement software, and other test accessories to perform various tests. It also provides services, such as calibration for antennas and field probes, chamber certification, field surveys, customer training, and various product tests. The company distributes its products through a network of distributors, sales representatives, direct sales teams, and in-house sales personnel. The company was incorporated in 1990 and is based in St. Louis, Missouri.
Trex Company, Inc. manufactures and distributes decking, railing, and outdoor living products and accessories for residential and commercial markets in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Trex Residential and Trex Commercial. It offers decking products under the names Trex Transcend, Trex Select, and Trex Enhance for protection against fading, staining, mold, and scratching; Trex Hideaway, a hidden fastening system; and Trex DeckLighting, a LED dimmable deck lighting for use on posts, floors, and steps. The company also provides Trex Transcend Railing products that are used in Trex decking products and other decking materials; Trex Select Railing products for a simple clean finished look; Trex Enhance Railing system; and Trex Signature aluminum railing for a contemporary look. In addition, it offers Trex Seclusions, a fencing product that includes structural posts, bottom and top rails, pickets, and decorative post caps. In addition, it designs, engineers, and markets architectural and aluminum railing systems, and staging equipment and accessories for the commercial market, as well as sports stadiums and performing arts venues. Further, the company acts as a licensor in various licensing agreements with third parties to manufacture and sell products under the Trex name, including Trex Outdoor Furniture; Trex RainEscape, an above joist deck drainage system; Trex Pergola, a cellular PVC product; Trex Latticeworks outdoor lattice boards; Trex Cornhole boards; Diablo Trex Blade, a saw blade for wood-alternative composite decking; Trex SpiralStairs and structural steel posts; and Trex Outdoor Kitchens, Cabinetry, and Storage products. It sells its products through wholesale distributors, retail lumber dealers, and Home Depot and Lowe's stores, as well as through its direct sales staff, independent sales representatives, and bidding on projects. Trex Company, Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Winchester, Virginia.
Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on London Offices and Retail around the UK. We own or manage a portfolio valued at 13.7bn (British Land share: 10.3bn) as at 30 September 2020 making us one of Europe's largest listed real estate investment companies. Our strategy is to provide places which meet the needs of our customers and respond to changing lifestyles - Places People Prefer. We do this by creating great environments both inside and outside our buildings and use our scale and placemaking skills to enhance and enliven them. This expands their appeal to a broader range of occupiers, creating enduring demand and driving sustainable, long term performance. Our Offices portfolio comprises three office-led campuses in central London as well as high quality standalone buildings and accounts for 65% of our portfolio. Our Retail portfolio is focused on retail parks and shopping centres, and accounts for 31% of our portfolio. Increasingly our focus is on providing a mix of uses and this is most evident at Canada Water, our 53 acre redevelopment opportunity where we have plans to create a new neighbourhood for London. Sustainability is embedded throughout our business. Our places, which are designed to meet high sustainability standards, become part of local communities, provide opportunities for skills development and employment and promote wellbeing. In April 2016 British Land received the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development, the UK's highest accolade for business success for economic, social and environmental achievements over a period of five years.
Carter's, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, sources, and markets branded childrenswear under the Carter's, OshKosh, Skip Hop, Child of Mine, Just One You, Simple Joys, Carter's My First Love, little planet, and other brands in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International. Its Carter's products include babies and young children products, such as bodysuits, pants, dresses, knit sets, blankets, layette essentials, bibs, booties, sleep and play products, rompers, and jumpers; and OshKosh brand products comprise playclothes, such as denim apparel products with multiple wash treatments and coordinating garments, overalls, woven bottoms, knit tops, and bodysuits. The company also provides products for playtime, travel, mealtime, bathtime, and homegear, as well as kid's bags and diaper bags under the Skip Hop brand. In addition, it offers bedding, cribs, diaper bags, footwear, gift sets, hair accessories, jewelry, outerwear, paper goods, socks, shoes, swimwear, and toys. The company operates 18,800 wholesale locations, including department stores, national chain stores, and specialty stores. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 980 retail stores. The company also sells its products through its eCommerce websites, such as carters.com, oshkoshbgosh.com, oshkosh.com, and skiphop.com, as well as other international wholesale accounts and licensees. Carter's, Inc. was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
The following companies are subsidiares of Caterpillar: Advanced Tri-Gen Power Systems LLC, Anchor Coupling Inc., Asia Power Systems (Tianjin) Ltd., AsiaTrak (Tianjin) Ltd., Banco Caterpillar S.A., Berg Propulsion International Pte Ltd., Bucyrus, Bucyrus Australia Surface Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Holdings Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Limited, Bucyrus International (Chile) Limitada, Bucyrus International (Peru) S.A., Bucyrus Mining Australia Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Mining China LLC, Bucyrus UK Limited, Cat Rental Kyushu LLC, Caterpillar (Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar (China) Financial Leasing Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Machinery Components Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (HK) Limited, Caterpillar (Huainan) Machinery Service Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Langfang) Mining Equipment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Luxembourg) Investment Co. S.a r.l., Caterpillar (NI) Limited, Caterpillar (Newberry) LLC, Caterpillar (Qingzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Logistics Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar (U.K.) Limited, Caterpillar (Wujiang) Ltd., Caterpillar (Xuzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Zhengzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar Acquisition Holding Corp., Caterpillar Americas C.V., Caterpillar Americas Co., Caterpillar Americas Funding Inc., Caterpillar Americas Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Asia Limited, Caterpillar Asia Pacific L.P., Caterpillar Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Asset Intelligence LLC, Caterpillar Belgium S.A., Caterpillar Brasil Comercio de Maquinas e Pecas Ltda., Caterpillar Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Brazil LLC, Caterpillar Castings Kiel GmbH, Caterpillar Centro de Formacion S.L., Caterpillar China Limited, Caterpillar Commercial Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Commercial LLC, Caterpillar Commercial Northern Europe Limited, Caterpillar Commercial S.A., Caterpillar Commercial S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Commercial Services S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Communications LLC, Caterpillar Corporativo Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Cote DIvoire, Caterpillar Credito S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., Caterpillar DC Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Digital Services & Solutions SARL, Caterpillar Distribution International LLC, Caterpillar Distribution Services Europe B.V.B.A., Caterpillar East Real Estate Holding Ltd., Caterpillar Emissions Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH, Caterpillar Energy Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions S.A., Caterpillar Energy System Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Engine Systems Inc., Caterpillar Equipos Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Eurasia LLC, Caterpillar FS (QFC) LLC, Caterpillar Finance France S.A., Caterpillar Finance Kabushiki Kaisha, Caterpillar Financial Acquisition Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Aftermarket Solutions Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Australia Leasing Pty Limited, Caterpillar Financial Australia Limited, Caterpillar Financial Commercial Account Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Corporacion Financiera S.A. E.F.C., Caterpillar Financial Dealer Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Funding Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Caterpillar Financial Leasing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial New Zealand Limited, Caterpillar Financial Nordic Services AB, Caterpillar Financial Nova Scotia Corporation, Caterpillar Financial OOO, Caterpillar Financial Receivables Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Renting S.A., Caterpillar Financial SARL, Caterpillar Financial Services (Dubai) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services (Ireland) plc, Caterpillar Financial Services (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Argentina S.A., Caterpillar Financial Services Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Financial Services CR s.r.o., Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Services GmbH, Caterpillar Financial Services India Private Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Leasing ULC, Caterpillar Financial Services Limited Les Services Financiers Caterpillar Limitee, Caterpillar Financial Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Caterpillar Financial Services Netherlands B.V., Caterpillar Financial Services Norway AS, Caterpillar Financial Services Philippines Inc., Caterpillar Financial Services Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Limited, Caterpillar Financial UK Acquisition Funding Partners, Caterpillar Financial Ukraine LLC, Caterpillar Fluid Systems S.r.l., Caterpillar Fomento Comercial Ltda., Caterpillar Forest Products Inc., Caterpillar France S.A.S., Caterpillar GB L.L.C., Caterpillar Global Investments S.a r.l., Caterpillar Global Mining America LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Equipamentos De Mineracao do Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Expanded Products Pty Ltd, Caterpillar Global Mining Germany Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining HMS GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong AFC Manufacturing Holding Co. Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Global Mining SARL, Caterpillar Global Mining U.S. Parts LLC, Caterpillar Global Services LLC, Caterpillar Group Services S.A., Caterpillar Holding (France) S.A.S., Caterpillar Holding Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Holdings Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Hungary Components Manufacturing Ltd., Caterpillar Hydraulics Italia S.r.l., Caterpillar IPX LLC, Caterpillar IRB LLC, Caterpillar Impact Products Limited, Caterpillar India Private Limited, Caterpillar Industrial Inc., Caterpillar Industrias Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Industries (Pty) Ltd, Caterpillar Insurance Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Insurance Company, Caterpillar Insurance Holdings Inc., Caterpillar Insurance Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Finance Designated Activity Company, Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg I S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg II S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Product SARL, Caterpillar International Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Services del Peru S.A., Caterpillar Investment Limited, Caterpillar Investment One SARL, Caterpillar Investment Two SARL, Caterpillar Investments, Caterpillar Japan LLC, Caterpillar Latin America Services S.R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Panama S. de R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Servicios de Chile Limitada, Caterpillar Latin America Support Services S. DE R.L., Caterpillar Leasing (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar Leasing Chile S.A., Caterpillar Leasing GmbH (Leipzig), Caterpillar Leasing Operativo Limitada, Caterpillar Life Insurance Company, Caterpillar Logistics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Logistics (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Logistics Inc., Caterpillar Logistics ML Services France S.A.S., Caterpillar Logistics Services China Limited, Caterpillar Luxembourg Group S.ar.l., Caterpillar Luxembourg LLC, Caterpillar Luxembourg S.a r.l., Caterpillar Machinery Nantong Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asset Intelligence, Caterpillar Marine Power UK Limited, Caterpillar Marine Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Maroc SARL, Caterpillar Materiels Routiers SAS, Caterpillar Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Mexico S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Mining Canada ULC, Caterpillar Mining Chile Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Motoren (Guangdong) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG, Caterpillar Motoren Henstedt-Ulzburg GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Rostock GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Verwaltungs-GmbH, Caterpillar Netherlands Holding B.V., Caterpillar North America C.V., Caterpillar Operator Training Ltd., Caterpillar Overseas Credit Corporation SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Investment Holding SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Limited, Caterpillar Overseas SARL, Caterpillar Panama Services S.A., Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Caterpillar Paving Products Xuzhou Ltd., Caterpillar Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Power Generation Systems (Bangladesh) Limited, Caterpillar Power Generation Systems L.L.C., Caterpillar Power Systems Inc., Caterpillar Power Ventures International Ltd., Caterpillar Precision Seals Korea, Caterpillar Prodotti Stradali S.r.l., Caterpillar Product Services Corporation, Caterpillar Propulsion AB, Caterpillar Propulsion International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Italy S.R.L., Caterpillar Propulsion Namibia (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar Propulsion Production AB, Caterpillar Propulsion Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Singapore Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar R&D Center (China) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe LLC, Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe Servicios S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Drivetrain LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Renting France S.A.S., Caterpillar Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar SARL, Caterpillar Services Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Servizi Italia Srl, Caterpillar Shrewsbury Limited, Caterpillar Skinningrove Limited, Caterpillar Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd., Caterpillar Special Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Switchgear Americas LLC, Caterpillar Switchgear Holding Inc., Caterpillar Tianjin Ltd., Caterpillar Torreon S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Tosno L.L.C., Caterpillar Transmissions France S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Tunneling Canada Holdings Ltd., Caterpillar Tunnelling Canada Corporation, Caterpillar Tunnelling Europe Limited, Caterpillar UK Employee Trust Limited, Caterpillar UK Engines Company Limited, Caterpillar UK Group Limited, Caterpillar UK Holdings Limited, Caterpillar Undercarriage (Xuzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Used Equipment Services Inc., Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc., Caterpillar Work Tools B.V., Caterpillar Work Tools Inc., Caterpillar World Trading Corporation, Caterpillar Xuzhou, Caterpillar of Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar of Canada Corporation, Caterpillar of Delaware Inc., Centre de Distribution de Wallonie SPRL, CleanAir Systems, Downer Freight Rail, ECM Railway Evolution Romania s.r.l., ECM S.p.A., EDC European Excavator Design Center GmbH, EMC Holding Corp., EMD International Holdings Inc., ERA Information & Entertainment (BVI) Limited, ERA Mining Machinery Limited, Electro-Motive Diesel Limited, Electro-Motive Locomotive Technologies LLC, Electro-Motive Technical Consulting Co. (Beijing) Ltd., Energy Services International Limited, Equipos de Acuna S.A. de C.V., Eurenov S.A.S., F. G. Wilson (Proprietary) Limited, F. Perkins Limited, FG Wilson (Engineering) Limited, GB Holdco (China) Inc., GFCM Comercial Mexico S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., GFCM Servicios S.A. de C.V., Gremada Industries - Assets, Hong Kong Siwei Holdings Limited, Inmobiliaria Conek S.A. de C.V., JCS Co., Kemper Valve & Fittings Corp., Leo Inc., Locomotive Demand Power Pty Ltd., Locomotoras Progress Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Lovat, M2M Data Corporation, MGE Equipamentos & Servicos Ferroviarios, MWM, MWM Austria GmbH, MWM Benelux B.V., MWM Energy Australia Pty Ltd, MWM France S.A.S, MWM Real Estate GmbH, MaK Americas Inc., MaK Americas Inc. (Canada), Magnum Power Products LLC, Marble, Maschinenbau Kiel GmbH, Mec-Track S.r.l., Metalmark Financial Services Limited, Motoren Steffens GmbH, Nippon Caterpillar LLC, P. T. Solar Services Indonesia, PT Caterpillar Finance Indonesia, PT. Bucyrus Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia Batam, PT. Caterpillar Remanufacturing Indonesia, Perkins Engines, Perkins Engines (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, Perkins Engines Group Limited, Perkins Engines Inc., Perkins Group Limited, Perkins Holdings Limited LLC, Perkins India Private Limited, Perkins International Inc., Perkins Japan LLC, Perkins Limited, Perkins Machinery (Changshu) Co. Ltd., Perkins Motores do Brasil Ltda., Perkins Power Systems Technology (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines LLC, Perkins Small Engines Limited, Perkins Technology Inc., Progress Metal Reclamation Company, Progress Rail Arabia Limited Company, Progress Rail Australia Pty Ltd, Progress Rail Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Equipamentos e Servicos Ferroviarios do Brasil Ltda., Progress Rail Equipment Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Holdings Inc., Progress Rail Innovations Private Limited, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems GmbH, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems S.r.l., Progress Rail International Corp., Progress Rail Leasing Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Progress Rail Locomotivas (do Brasil) Ltda., Progress Rail Locomotive Canada Co., Progress Rail Locomotive Chile SpA, Progress Rail Locomotive Inc., Progress Rail Maintenance de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Progress Rail Manufacturing Corporation, Progress Rail Raceland Corporation, Progress Rail Rocklin Corporation, Progress Rail SA Proprietary Limited, Progress Rail Services Corporation, Progress Rail Services Holdings Corp., Progress Rail Services LLC, Progress Rail Services UK Limited, Progress Rail Switching Services LLC, Progress Rail Transcanada Corporation, Progress Rail Welding Corporation, Progress Rail Wildwood LLC, Progress Rail de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pyroban Group, Pyroban Group, Pyrrha Investments B.V., Pyrrha Investments Limited, S&L Railroad LLC, SCM Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., SPL Software Alliance LLC, Sabre Engines, Servicios de Turbinas Solar S. de R.L. de C.V., Shandong SEM Machinery Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines (Beijing) Trading Services Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines (Thailand) Ltd., Solar Turbines CIS Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Canada Ltd./Ltee., Solar Turbines Central Asia Limited Liability Partnership, Solar Turbines EAME s.r.o., Solar Turbines Egypt Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Europe S.A., Solar Turbines India Private Limited, Solar Turbines International Company, Solar Turbines Italy S.R.L., Solar Turbines Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Solar Turbines Middle East Limited, Solar Turbines New Zealand Limited, Solar Turbines Saudi Arabia Limited, Solar Turbines Services Company, Solar Turbines Services Nigeria Limited, Solar Turbines Services of Argentina S.R.L., Solar Turbines Switzerland Sagl, Solar Turbines Trinidad & Tobago Limited, Solar Turbines West-Africa SARL, Tangshan DBT Machinery Co. Ltd., Tecnologia Modificada S.A. de C.V., Towmotor Corporation, Traction & Mining Motor Repairs Pty Ltd, Turbinas Solar S.A. de C.V., Turbinas Solar de Colombia S.A., Turbinas Solar de Venezuela C.A., Turbo Tecnologia de Reparaciones S.A. de C.V., Turbomach, Turbomach Endustriyel Gaz Turbinleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited, Turbomach France SARL, Turbomach GmbH, Turbomach Netherlands B.V., Turbomach Pakistan (Private) Limited, Turbomach S.A. Unipersonal, Turbomach Sp. Z o.o., Turner Powertrain Systems Limited, UK Hose Assembly Limited, Underground Imaging Technologies Inc, United Industries LLC, VALA Inc., Vasky Energy Ltd., Wealdstone Engineering, Weir - Oil & Gas Division, West Virginia Auto Shredding Inc., Western Gear Machinery LLC, Wetland Sustainability Fund I LLC, Williams Technologies, Yard Club, Zhengzhou Siwei Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Sales Co. Ltd., and okyo Rental Ltd..

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Great Rivers United Way will set its 2017-18 campaign target in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime, donors can aim at campaign Chairman Mike Klauke to make him cough up $5,000.

GRUW is tapping into a crowdfunding resource for the first time, with a goal of $5,000 during the fundraisers inaugural week, for which the clock began ticking during the annual kick-off breakfast Tuesday morning. Klauke has promised to match the tally, to which contributors can donate to by texting the keyword WEWIN to 30306. They then will get a link to the donation site.

Also at the breakfast, GRUW development director Majel Hein announced  with the help of Pacesetter companies representatives who walked into the ballroom of Cargill holding supersize checks in amounts they raised  that the campaign stood at $974,670.15.

That included $79,873.35 from the community thus far and $6,493.92 from Kyle Langs nearly 3,000 mile coast-to-coast run. Lang, a cross-country runner at West Salem High School who now attends Princeton University in New Jersey, donated that much to the Onalaska-based United Way from proceeds that also helped two other nonprofit organizations.

In addition to reporting the monetary amounts from donors, United Way also is providing stats on the number of lives that member agencies impact from the various amounts. Thus, the $79,873.35 that residents of the six-county area United Way covers  La Crosse, Buffalo, Houston, Minn., Monroe, Trempealeau and Vernon  have donated so far will affect 5,717 people under that formula, Hein said.

Overall, the $974,670.15 announced at the breakfast is expected to affect 75,486 lives among the 28 partner agencies that receive funding for 76 programs, she said.

United Way Executive Director Mary Kay Wolf also unveiled a campaign video that highlights the lives of several people whose lives United Way agencies have turned around over the years. The video is available on YouTube.

Weve had a blast meeting people at the agencies, said Klauke, owner of Klauke Investments and Financial Services in Onalaska.

The GRUW board will reveal its total campaign goal in about two weeks, and Klauke suggested that it will be at least $2.085 million, the target shot for  and achieved  last year.

The top pacesetter company is Logistics Health Inc., with a check of $242,761.20 from its employees and a corporate contribution, with the potential to affect 17,377 lives.

The campaign also is dangling a couple of other carrots to woo donors, besides the chance to make a dent in Klaukes wallet with donations this week.

Every $52 donation the equivalent of $1 a week  will earn an entry into two sweepstakes drawings, with the prizes being:

For the first drawing, on Nov. 3  four Minnesota Timberwolves tickets plus a $150 Visa gift card, a $500 Festival Foods gift card or two Wisconsin Badger hockey tickets, plus a $150 gas card.

The second drawing, on Dec. 8  two season passes to the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra plus a $150 Visa gift card, a year of Organic Valley products valued at $520, a 55-inch LG smart TV or $300 cash.

A donation of $52 or more also automatically gets a donor a free Give and Live United Coupon Book featuring coupons from nearly 50 Coulee Region businesses, attractions and services.
Methode Electronics, Inc. designs, engineers, and produces mechatronic products worldwide. It operates through four segments: Automotive, Industrial, Interface, and Medical. The Automotive segment supplies electronic and electro-mechanical devices, and related products to automobile original equipment manufacturers directly or through their tiered suppliers. Its products include integrated center consoles, hidden switches, ergonomic switches, transmission lead-frames, and LED-based lighting and sensors, which incorporate magneto-elastic sensing and other technologies that monitor the operation or status of a component or system. The Industrial segment manufactures lighting solutions; industrial safety radio remote controls; braided flexible cables; current-carrying laminated busbars and devices; custom power-product assemblies, such as PowerRail solution; high-current low-voltage flexible power cabling systems; and powder-coated busbars that are used in various markets and applications comprising aerospace, cloud computing, commercial vehicles, industrial, military, power conversion, and transportation. The Interface segment provides various copper-based transceivers and related accessories for the cloud computing hardware equipment and telecommunications broadband equipment markets; user interface solutions for the appliance, commercial food service, and point-of-sale equipment markets; and fluid-level sensors for the marine/recreational vehicle and sump pump markets. The Medical segment offers Dabir Surfaces, a surface support technology aimed at pressure injury prevention for use by patients who are immobilized or otherwise at risk for pressure injuries, including patients undergoing long-duration surgical procedures. Methode Electronics, Inc. was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
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.
Corning Incorporated engages in display technologies, optical communications, environmental technologies, specialty materials, and life sciences businesses worldwide. The company's Display Technologies segment offers glass substrates for liquid crystal displays and organic light-emitting diodes used in televisions, notebook computers, desktop monitors, tablets, and handheld devices. Its Optical Communications segment provides optical fibers and cables; and hardware and equipment products, including cable assemblies, fiber optic hardware and connectors, optical components and couplers, closures, network interface devices, and other accessories. This segment also offers its products to businesses, governments, and individuals. Its Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide material formulations for glass, glass ceramics, crystals, precision metrology instruments, software; as well as ultra-thin and ultra-flat glass wafers, substrates, tinted sunglasses, and radiation shielding products. This segment serves various industries, including mobile consumer electronics, semiconductor equipment optics and consumables; aerospace and defense optics; radiation shielding products, sunglasses, and telecommunications components. The company's Environmental Technologies segment offers ceramic substrates and filter products for emissions control in mobile, gasoline, and diesel applications. The company's Life Sciences segment offers laboratory products comprising consumables, such as plastic vessels, liquid handling plastics, specialty surfaces, cell culture media, and serum, as well as general labware and equipment under the Corning, Falcon, Pyrex, and Axygen brands. The company was formerly known as Corning Glass Works and changed its name to Corning Incorporated in April 1989. Corning Incorporated was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Corning, New York.
Duck Creek Technologies, Inc. provides software-as-a-service core systems to the property and casualty insurance industry in the United States and internationally. The company provides Duck Creek Policy, a solution that enables insurers to develop and launch new insurance products and manage various aspects of policy administration ranging from product definition to quoting, binding, and servicing; Duck Creek Billing that provides payment and invoicing capabilities, such as billing and collections, commission processing, disbursement management, and general ledger capabilities for insurance lines and bill types; and Duck Creek Claims that supports entire claims lifecycle from first notice of loss through investigation, payments, negotiations, reporting, and closure. It also offers Duck Creek Rating that allows carriers to develop new rates and models and deliver quotes in real-time based on the complex rating algorithms; Duck Creek Insights, an insurance analytics solution that allows carriers to gather and analyze data from internal and external sources and facilitate analysis and reporting on a single system; Duck Creek Digital Engagement that offer digital interactions between property and casualty insurers and their agents, brokers, and policyholders; and Duck Creek Distribution Management that automates sales channel activities for agents and brokers, including producer onboarding, compliance, and compensation management. In addition, the company provides Duck Creek Reinsurance Management that automates financial and administrative functions; and Duck Creek Industry Content that provides pre-built content, including base business rules, product designs, rating algorithms, data capture screens, and workflows for insurance lines of business, such as commercial auto, inland marine, and workers compensation. It has a partnership with Shift Technologies, Inc. to implement AI fraud detection. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
The states changing climate and vegetation will be the topic at the inaugural meeting of the La Crosse Science Cafe.

Joan Bunbury, an associate professor of geography and earth science at UW-La Crosse, will speak about Impacts of Climate and Land Cover Change on Wisconsin Lakes at 6 p.m. Saturday at Java Vino, 2311 State Road. Bunburys research interests include understanding how freshwater environments have responded to natural and human activities.

The Science Cafe provides an opportunity to engage with a scientist to explore the latest news in science and technology. Its the brainchild of three UWL Chemistry & Biochemistry Department faculty members: Nadia Carmosini, Basu Battacharyya and Ben Haenni.

The La Crosse Science Cafe is sponsored by the American Chemical Society, UW-L Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, and Java Vino. More details are available at facebook.com/LaCrosseScienceCafe.
Graco Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets systems and equipment used to move, measure, control, dispense, and spray fluid and powder materials worldwide. The company's Industrial segment offers proportioning systems to spray polyurethane foam and polyurea coatings; equipment that pumps, meters, mixes and dispenses sealant, adhesive, and composite materials; and gel-coat equipment, chop and wet-out systems, resin transfer molding systems and applicators, and precision dispensing solutions. It also provides liquid finishing equipment; paint circulating and supply pumps; paint circulating advanced control systems; plural component coating proportioners; spare parts and accessories; and powder finishing products to coat powder finishing on metals under the Gema and SAT brands. The company's Process segment offers pumps to move and dispense chemicals, water, wastewater, petroleum, food, lubricants, and other fluids; pressure valves used in the oil and natural gas industry, other industrial processes, and research facilities; and chemical injection pumping solutions for injection of chemicals into producing oil wells and pipelines. It also supplies pumps, hose reels, meters, valves, and accessories for fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships, auto parts stores, truck builders, and heavy equipment service centers; and systems, components, and accessories for the automatic lubrication of bearings, gears, and generators in industrial and commercial equipment, compressors, turbines, and on- and off-road vehicles. The company's Contractor segment offers sprayers to apply paint to walls and other structures; and viscous coatings to roofs, as well as markings on roads, parking lots, athletic fields, and floors. It sells its products through distributors, original equipment manufacturers, and home center channels; and directly to end-users. The company was incorporated in 1926 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases. The company's marketed products also comprise Synagis for respiratory syncytial virus; Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent for Influenza; Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR for schizophrenia bipolar disease; Nexium, and Losec/Prilosec for gastroenterology; and Vaxzevria and Evusheld for covid-19. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. It has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule medicines for obesity; Neurimmune AG to develop and commercialize NI006; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop eplontersen, a liver-targeted antisense therapy in Phase III development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; Proteros Biostructures GmbH to jointly discover novel small molecules for the treatment of hematological cancers; Sierra Oncology, Inc. to develop and commercialize AZD5153. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., E2M Production B.V.., E2M Technologies B.V.., E2M Technologies Inc.., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO Holding AG, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, Exhibit 21, FEG Investments L.L.C., Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Filtertek SAS, GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech Taicang Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Belgium B.V., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart International Singapore Pte. Ltd., Hobart Japan K.K., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components Chongqing Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components Langfang Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium B.V., ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS UK Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW China Investment Company Limited, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Construction Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Services Manila Inc., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Contamination Control Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Deutschland GmbH, ITW Diagraph GmbH, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW EU Holdings Ltd., ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.L., ITW European Finance Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Thailand Ltd., ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France Luxembourg S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW Materials Technology Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Ningbo Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology China Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion Shenzhen Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Illinois Tool Works Chile Limitada, Illinois Tool Works ITW Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, Instron Shanghai Ltd., Instron Thailand Limited, International Leasing Company LLC, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., Itw Spraytec, KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems Canada Inc., Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MTS 2 LLC., MTS 3 LLC., MTS China Holdings LLC, MTS Europe Holdings LLC, MTS Holdings France S.a.r.l., MTS Japan Ltd.., MTS Korea Inc.., MTS Systems China Co. Ltd., MTS Systems Corporation, MTS Systems Danmark ApS., MTS Systems Europe B.V., MTS Systems Finance C.V.., MTS Systems Germany GmbH, MTS Systems Holding B.V.., MTS Systems Hong Kong Incorporated, MTS Systems Limited, MTS Systems Norden Aktiebolag, MTS Systems S.r.l, MTS Systems., MTS Systems.., MTS Sytems Do Brazil, MTS Testing Solutions India Private Limited., MTS Testing Systems Canada Ltd., Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited Enping, Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners Shanghai Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., R&D Engineering A/S., R&D Prague s.r.o., R&D Steel ApS., R&D Test Systems A/S., R&D Tools and Structures A/S., RDGDK Engineering Private Limited, Ramset Fasteners Hong Kong Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco Japan Inc., Simco Nederland B.V., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes B.V., Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Hong Kong Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Shanghai Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stokvis Tapes Taiwan Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Tianjin Co. Ltd., Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Subsidiaries, Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek China Limited, Teknek Japan Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Kunshan Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta Global Limited, Vesta Guangzhou Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil South Africa Pty Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, and Zip-Pak International B.V..

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The following companies are subsidiares of InterContinental Hotels Group: 2250 Blake Street Hotel LLC, 24th Street Operator Sub LLC, 36th Street IHG Sub LLC, 426 Main Ave LLC, 46 Nevins Street Associates LLC, Allegro Management LLC, Alpha Kimball Hotel LLC, American Commonwealth Assurance Co. Ltd., Asia Pacific Holdings Limited, BHMC Canada Inc., BHR Holdings B.V., BHR Luxembourg SARL, BHR Pacific Holdings Inc., BHTC Canada Inc., BOC Barclay Sub LLC, Barclay Operating Corp., Bristol Oakbrook Tenant Company, Cafe Biarritz, Cambridge Lodging LLC, Capital Lodging LLC, Compania Inter-Continental De Hoteles El Salvador SA, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam (Management) B.V., Crowne Plaza LLC, Cumberland Akers Hotel LLC, Dunwoody Operations Inc., EVEN Real Estate Holding LLC, Edinburgh IC Limited, General Innkeeping Acceptance Corporation, Guangzhou SC Hotels Services Ltd., H.I. (Ireland) Limited, H.I. Soaltee Management Company Ltd, HC International Holdings Inc., HH France Holdings SAS, HH Hotels (EMEA) B.V., HH Hotels (Romania) SRL, HI Sugarloaf LLC, HIM (Aruba) NV, Hale International Ltd., Hoft Properties LLC, Holiday Hospitality Franchising LLC, Holiday Inn Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Holiday Inns (China) Ltd, Holiday Inns (Chongqing) Inc., Holiday Inns (Courtalin) Holdings SAS, Holiday Inns (Courtalin) SAS, Holiday Inns (England) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Germany) LLC, Holiday Inns (Guangzhou) Inc., Holiday Inns (Jamaica) Inc., Holiday Inns (Malaysia) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Middle East) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Philippines) Inc., Holiday Inns (Saudi Arabia) Inc., Holiday Inns (South East Asia) Inc., Holiday Inns (Thailand) Ltd., Holiday Inns (UK) Inc., Holiday Inns Crowne Plaza (Hong Kong) Inc., Holiday Inns Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, Holiday Inns Inc., Holiday Inns Investment (Nepal) Ltd., Holiday Inns of America (UK) Ltd., Holiday Inns of Belgium N.V., Holiday Pacific Equity Corporation, Holiday Pacific LLC, Holiday Pacific Partners LP, Hotel Inter-Continental London Limited, Hotel InterContinental London (Holdings) Limited, Hoteles Y Turismo HIH SRL, IC Hotelbetriebsfuhrungs GmbH, IC Hotels Management (Portugal) Unipessoal Lda, IC International Hotels Limited Liability Company, IHC (Thailand) Limited, IHC Buckhead LLC, IHC Edinburgh (Holdings), IHC Hopkins (Holdings) Corp., IHC Hotel Limited, IHC Inter-Continental (Holdings) Corp., IHC London (Holdings), IHC M-H (Holdings) Corp., IHC May Fair (Holdings) Limited, IHC May Fair Hotel Limited, IHC Overseas (U.K.) Limited, IHC UK (Holdings) Limited, IHC United States (Holdings) Corp., IHC Willard (Holdings) Corp., IHG (Australasia) Limited, IHG (Marseille) SAS, IHG (Thailand) Limited, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC, IHG ANA Hotels Holdings Co. Ltd., IHG Bangkok Ltd, IHG Brasil Administracao de Hoteis e Servicos Ltda, IHG Commission Services SRL, IHG Community Development LLC, IHG Cyprus Limited, IHG ECS (Barbados) SRL, IHG Franchising Brasil Ltda, IHG Franchising DR Corporation, IHG Franchising LLC, IHG Hotels (New Zealand) Limited, IHG Hotels Limited, IHG Hotels Management (Australia) Pty Limited, IHG Hotels Nigeria Limited, IHG Hotels South Africa (Pty) Ltd, IHG International Partnership, IHG Istanbul Otel Yonetim Limited Sirketi, IHG Japan (Management) LLC, IHG Japan (Osaka) LLC, IHG Management (Maryland) LLC, IHG Management (Netherlands) B.V., IHG Management MD Barclay Sub LLC, IHG Management SL d.o.o, IHG Management d.o.o. Beograd, IHG Orchard Street Member LLC, IHG PS Nominees Limited, IHG Systems Pty Ltd, IHG Szalloda Budapest Szolgaltato Kft., IHG de Argentina SA, IND East Village SD Holdings LLC, Inter-Continental D.C. Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Investment Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Partner Corp., Inter-Continental Hospitality Corporation, Inter-Continental Hoteleira Limitada, Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Owning Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation, Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation de Venezuela C.A., Inter-Continental Hotels of San Francisco Inc., Inter-Continental IOHC (Mauritius) Limited, Inter-Continental Management (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental (Branston) 1 Limited, InterContinental (PB) 1, InterContinental (PB) 2, InterContinental (PB) 3 Limited, InterContinental Berlin Service Company GmbH, InterContinental Brasil Administracao de Hoteis Ltda, InterContinental Gestion Hotelera S.L., InterContinental Hotel Berlin GmbH, InterContinental Hotel Dusseldorf GmbH (Germany), InterContinental Hotels (Puerto Rico) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Canada) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Espana) SA, InterContinental Hotels Group (Greater China) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (India) Pvt. Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Japan) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (New Zealand) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Shanghai) Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Customer Services Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Healthcare Trustee Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group Operating Corp., InterContinental Hotels Group Resources Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group Services Company, InterContinental Hotels Group do Brasil Limitada, InterContinental Hotels Italia S.r.L., InterContinental Hotels Limited, InterContinental Hotels Management GmbH, InterContinental Hotels Nevada Corporation, InterContinental Management AM LLC, InterContinental Management Bulgaria EOOD, InterContinental Management France SAS, InterContinental Management Poland sp. z.o.o, InterContinental Overseas Holding Corporation, Intercontinental Hotels Corporation Limited, KG Benefits LLC, KG Gift Card Inc., KG Liability LLC, KG Technology LLC, KHP Washington Operator LLC, KHRG 11th Avenue Hotel LLC, KHRG 851 LLC, KHRG Aertson LLC, KHRG Alexandria LLC, KHRG Alexis LLC, KHRG Allegro LLC, KHRG Argyle LLC, KHRG Austin Beverage Company LLC, KHRG Baltimore LLC, KHRG Born LLC, KHRG Boston Hotel LLC, KHRG Canary LLC, KHRG Cayman Employer Ltd., KHRG Cayman LLC, KHRG DC 1731 LLC, KHRG DC 2505 LLC, KHRG Donovan LLC, KHRG Employer LLC, KHRG Goleta LLC, KHRG Gray LLC, KHRG Gray U2 LLC, KHRG Hillcrest LLC, KHRG Huntington Beach LLC, KHRG King Street LLC, KHRG La Peer LLC, KHRG Miami Beach LLC, KHRG Muse LLC, KHRG NPC LLC, KHRG Onyx LLC, KHRG Palladian LLC, KHRG Palomar Phoenix LLC, KHRG Philly Monaco LLC, KHRG Pittsburgh LLC, KHRG Reynolds LLC, KHRG Riverplace LLC, KHRG SFD LLC, KHRG Sacramento LLC, KHRG Savannah LLC, KHRG Schofield LLC, KHRG Sedona LLC, KHRG State Street LLC, KHRG Sutter LLC, KHRG Sutter Union LLC, KHRG Taconic LLC, KHRG Tariff LLC, KHRG Texas Hospitality LLC, KHRG Texas Operations LLC, KHRG Tryon LLC, KHRG VZ Austin LLC, KHRG Vero Beach LLC, KHRG Vintage Park LLC, KHRG WPB LLC, KHRG Wabash LLC, KHRG Westwood LLC, KHRG Wilshire LLC, KHRG Zamora LLC, Kimpton Hollywood Licenses LLC, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group LLC, Kimpton Phoenix Licenses Holdings LLC, Kimpton Sedona Licenses LLC, Louisiana Acquisitions Corp., MH Lodging LLC, Mercer Fairview Holdings LLC, PML Services LLC, PT SC Hotels & Resorts Indonesia, Pollstrong Limited, Powell Pine Inc., Priscilla Holiday of Texas Inc., RM Lodging LLC, Regent Hotels and Resorts, Resort Services International (Cayo Largo) L.P., SBS Maryland Beverage Company LLC, SC Cellars Limited, SC Hotels International Services Inc., SC Leisure Group Limited, SC NAS 2 Limited, SC Quest Limited, SC Reservations (Philippines) Inc., SCH Insurance Company, SCIH Branston 3, SF MH Acquisition LLC, SPHC Group Pty Ltd., SPHC Management Ltd., Semiramis for training of Hotel Personnel and Hotel Management SAE, Six Continents Corporate Services, Six Continents Holdings Limited, Six Continents Hotels Inc., Six Continents Hotels International Limited, Six Continents Hotels de Colombia SA, Six Continents International Holdings B.V., Six Continents Investments Limited, Six Continents Limited, Six Continents Overseas Holdings Limited, Six Continents Restaurants Limited, SixCo North America Inc., Solamar Lodging LLC, Southern Pacific Hotel Corporation (BVI) Ltd., Southern Pacific Hotels Properties Limited, Universal de Hoteles SA, White Shield Insurance Company Limited, and World Trade Centre Montreal Hotel Corporation.

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Intrepid Potash, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the extraction and production of the potash in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Potash, Trio, and Oilfield Solutions. The Potash segment offers muriate of potash or potassium chloride for use as a fertilizer input in the agricultural market; as a component in drilling and fracturing fluids for oil and gas wells, as well as an input to other industrial processes in the industrial market; and as a nutrient supplement in the animal feed market. The Trio segment provides Trio, a specialty fertilizer that delivers potassium, sulfate, and magnesium in a single particle. The Oilfield Solutions segment sells water for use in the oil and gas services industry; and offers potassium chloride real-time mixing services on location for hydraulic fracturing operations and trucking services. The company also offers salt for use in animal feeds, industrial applications, pool salts, and treatment of roads and walkways for ice melting or to manage road conditions; magnesium chloride for use in the deicing and dedusting of roads; brines for well development and completion activities in the oil and gas industry; and metal recovery salt, a combination of potash and salt to enhance the recovery of aluminum in the aluminum recycling processing facilities. Intrepid Potash, Inc. was founded in 2000 and is based in Denver, Colorado.
Juniper Networks, Inc. designs, develops, and sells network products and services worldwide. The company offers routing products, such as ACX series universal access routers to deploy high-bandwidth services; MX series Ethernet routers that function as a universal edge platform; PTX series packet transport routers; wide-area network SDN controllers; and session smart routers. It also provides switching products, including EX series Ethernet switches to address the access, aggregation, and core layer switching requirements of micro branch, branch office, and campus environments; QFX series of core, spine, and top-of-rack data center switches; and juniper access points, which provide Wi-Fi access and performance. In addition, the company offers security products comprising SRX series services gateways for the data center; Branch SRX family provides an integrated and next-generation firewall; virtual firewall that delivers various features of physical firewalls; and advanced malware protection, a cloud-based service and Juniper ATP. Further, it offers Junos OS, a network operating system; Contrail networking, which provides an open-source and standards-based platform for SDN; Mist AI-driven Wired, Wireless, and WAN assurance solutions to set and measure key metrics; Mist AI-driven Marvis Virtual Network Assistant, which identifies the root cause of issues; Juniper Paragon Automation, a modular portfolio of cloud-native software applications; and Juniper Apstra to automate the network lifecycle in a single system. Additionally, the company provides software-as-a-service, technical support, maintenance, and professional services, as well as education and training programs. It sells its products through direct sales, distributors, value-added resellers, and original equipment manufacturers to end-users in the cloud, service provider, and enterprise markets. The company was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
Installed Building Products, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the installation of insulation, waterproofing, fire-stopping, fireproofing, garage doors, rain gutters, window blinds, shower doors, closet shelving and mirrors, and other products in the continental United States. The company offers a range of insulation materials, such as fiberglass and cellulose, and spray foam insulation materials. It is also involved in the installation of insulation and sealant materials in various areas of a structure, which includes basement and crawl space, building envelope, attic, and acoustical applications. In addition, the company installs a range of caulk and sealant products that control air infiltration in residential and commercial buildings; and waterproofing options, including sheet and hot applied waterproofing membranes, as well as deck coating, bentonite, and air and vapor systems. It serves homebuilders, multi-family and commercial construction firms, individual homeowners, and repair and remodeling contractors through a network of approximately 210 branch locations. The company was formerly known as CCIB Holdco, Inc. Installed Building Products, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is based in Columbus, Ohio.
Koppers Holdings Inc. provides treated wood products, wood preservation chemicals, and carbon compounds in the United States, Australasia, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Railroad and Utility Products and Services (RUPS), Performance Chemicals (PC), and Carbon Materials and Chemicals (CMC). The RUPS segment procures and treats crossties, switch ties, and various types of lumber used for railroad bridges and crossings. It also provides rail joint bars to join rails together for railroads; transmission and distribution poles for electric and telephone utilities; and pilings. This segment also provides railroad services, such as engineering, design, repair, and inspection services for railroad bridges. The PC segment develops, manufactures, and markets copper-based wood preservatives, including micronized copper azole, micronized pigments, alkaline copper quaternary, amine copper azole, and chromated copper arsenate for decking, fencing, utility poles, construction lumber and timbers, and various agricultural uses; and supplies fire-retardant chemicals for pressure treatment of wood primarily in commercial construction. The CMC segment manufactures creosote for the treatment of wood or as a feedstock in the production of carbon black; carbon pitch, a raw material used in the production of aluminum and steel; naphthalene for use as a feedstock in the production of phthalic anhydride and as a surfactant in the production of concrete; phthalic anhydride for the production of plasticizers, polyester resins, and alkyd paints; and carbon black feedstock for use in the production of carbon black. The company serves the railroad, specialty chemical, utility, residential lumber, agriculture, aluminum, steel, rubber, and construction industries. Koppers Holdings Inc. was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
BlackRock, Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. It also provides global risk management and advisory services. The firm manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. It also launches and manages open-end and closed-end mutual funds, offshore funds, unit trusts, and alternative investment vehicles including structured funds. The firm launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and real estate mutual funds. It also launches equity, fixed income, balanced, currency, commodity, and multi-asset exchange traded funds. The firm also launches and manages hedge funds. It invests in the public equity, fixed income, real estate, currency, commodity, and alternative markets across the globe. The firm primarily invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, SMID-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap companies. It also invests in dividend-paying equity securities. The firm invests in investment grade municipal securities, government securities including securities issued or guaranteed by a government or a government agency or instrumentality, corporate bonds, and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. It employs fundamental and quantitative analysis with a focus on bottom-up and top-down approach to make its investments. The firm employs liquidity, asset allocation, balanced, real estate, and alternative strategies to make its investments. In real estate sector, it seeks to invest in Poland and Germany. The firm benchmarks the performance of its portfolios against various S&P, Russell, Barclays, MSCI, Citigroup, and Merrill Lynch indices. BlackRock, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in New York City with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; London, United Kingdom; Gurgaon, India; Hong Kong; Greenwich, Connecticut; Princeton, New Jersey; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Taipei, Taiwan; Singapore; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia; Toronto, Canada; Wilmington, Delaware; and San Francisco, California.
Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, including auto financing, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses. This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its advice centers, RBC insurance stores, and mobile advisors; digital, mobile, and social platforms; independent brokers; and travel partners. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset servicing, custody, payments, and treasury services to financial and other investors; and fund and investment administration, shareholder, private capital, performance measurement and compliance monitoring, distribution, transaction banking, cash and liquidity management, foreign exchange, and global securities finance services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, advisory services, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
Teradyne, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and supports automatic test equipment worldwide. The company operates through Semiconductor Test, System Test, Industrial Automation, and Wireless Test segments. The Semiconductor Test segment offers products and services for wafer level and device package testing in automotive, industrial, communications, consumer, smartphones, cloud computer and electronic game, and other applications. This segment also provides FLEX test platform systems; J750 test system to address the volume semiconductor devices; Magnum platform that tests memory devices, such as flash memory and DRAM; and ETS platform for semiconductor manufacturers, and assembly and test subcontractors in the analog/mixed signal markets. It serves integrated device manufacturers that integrate the fabrication of silicon wafers into their business; fabless companies that outsource the manufacturing of silicon wafers; foundries; and semiconductor assembly and test providers. The System Test segment offers defense/aerospace test instrumentation and systems; storage test systems; and circuit-board test and inspection systems. The Industrial Automation segment provides collaborative robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, and advanced robotic control software for manufacturing, logistics, and light industrial customers. The Wireless Test segment provides test solutions for use in the development and manufacture of wireless devices and modules, smartphones, tablets, notebooks, laptops, peripherals, and Internet-of-Things devices under the LitePoint brand name. This segment also offers IQxel products for Wi-Fi and other standards; IQxstream solution for testing GSM, EDGE, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA, WCDMA, HSPA+, LTE, and 5G technologies; IQcell, a multi-device cellular signaling test solution; IQgig test solution; and turnkey test software for wireless chipsets. Teradyne, Inc. was incorporated in 1960 and is headquartered in North Reading, Massachusetts.
TrueBlue, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides specialized workforce solutions in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It operates through three segments: PeopleReady, PeopleManagement, and PeopleScout. The PeopleReady segment offers contingent staffing solutions for blue-collar, on-demand, and skilled labor in construction, manufacturing and logistics, warehousing and distribution, waste and recycling, energy, retail, hospitality, and general labor industries. The PeopleManagement segment provides contingent labor and outsourced industrial workforce solutions. This segment also offers on-site management and recruitment for the contingent industrial workforce of manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution facilities; and recruitment and management of contingent and dedicated commercial drivers to the transportation and distribution industries under the Staff Management, SIMOS Insourcing Solutions, and Centerline Drivers brands. The PeopleScout segment offers permanent employee recruitment process outsourcing services; and manages clients' contingent labor programs comprising vendor selection, performance management, compliance monitoring, and risk management. The company was formerly known as Labor Ready, Inc. and changed its name to TrueBlue, Inc. in December 2007. TrueBlue, Inc. was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington.
White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides insurance and other financial services in the United States. The company operates through five segments: HG Global/BAM, Ark, NSM, Kudu, and Other Operations. The HG Global/BAM segment provides insurance on municipal bonds issued to finance public purposes, such as schools, utilities, and transportation facilities, as well as reinsurance protection services. The Ark segment writes a portfolio of reinsurance and insurance, including property, marine and energy, accident and health, casualty, and specialty products. The NSM segment operates as a managing general agent and program administrator for specialty property and casualty insurance to various sectors comprising specialty transportation, real estate, social services, and pet. The Kudu segment provides capital solutions to boutique asset and wealth managers for generational ownership transfers, management buyouts, acquisitions and growth finances, and legacy partner liquidity, as well as strategic assistance to investees. The Other Operations segment offers insurance solutions to travel industry through broker channel and on a direct-to-consumer basis; and manages separate accounts and pooled investment vehicles for insurance-linked securities sectors, including catastrophe bonds, collateralized reinsurance investments, and industry loss warranties of third-party clients. White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. was incorporated in 1980 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Zoetis Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes animal health medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic products in the United States and internationally. It commercializes products primarily across species, including livestock, such as cattle, swine, poultry, fish, and sheep; and companion animals comprising dogs, cats, and horses. The company also offers vaccines, which are biological preparations to prevent diseases of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts or induce a specific immune response; anti-infectives that prevent, kill, or slow the growth of bacteria, fungi, or protozoa; and parasiticides that prevent or eliminate external and internal parasites, which include fleas, ticks, and worms. It also provides other pharmaceutical products that comprise pain and sedation, antiemetic, reproductive, and oncology products; dermatology products for itch associated with allergic conditions and atopic dermatitis; and medicated feed additives, which offer medicines to livestock. In addition, the company provides portable blood and urine analysis testing, including point-of-care diagnostic products, instruments and reagents, rapid immunoassay tests, reference laboratory kits and services, and blood glucose monitors; and other non-pharmaceutical products, including nutritionals and agribusiness services, as well as products and services in areas, such as biodevices, genetics tests, and precision animal health. It markets its products to veterinarians, livestock producers, and retail outlets, as well as third-party veterinary distributors through its sales representatives, and technical and veterinary operations specialists. The company was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey.
Divers discovered a massive piece of the Space Shuttle Challenger at the bottom of the ocean, the first Gen Z member of Congress has been elec
Liquid biopsy company ANGLE announced that it has signed an option agreement with Queen Mary University of London on Wednesday, for an exclusive worldwide licence over the use of its megakaryocyte intellectual property.

The AIM-traded firm said in June that QMUL had published research in Clinical Cancer Research using ANGLE's Parsortix system, showing that the number of megakaryocyte cells in the blood of prostate cancer patients correlated closely with increased patient survival.

It was the first time the presence of those cells in patient blood had been shown to be connected to cancer prognosis, ANGLE claimed.

Investigation of megakaryocytes in patient blood opens up the potential for a whole new area for cancer diagnostics and, at present, ANGLE's patented Parsortix system is the only system that has demonstrated the capability of harvesting megakaryocytes, the companys board said in its statement.

QMUL had filed two patent applications in relation to the findings, which were being prosecuted worldwide.

ANGLE said it signed a two-year option to an exclusive worldwide licence to the patents covering any medical therapeutic, diagnostic, or prophylactic application, and agreeing to cover the costs of prosecution.

Through the deal, ANGLE now had intellectual property protection over the upstream cell capture technology - its existing Parsortix IP - and the downstream megakaryocyte analysis technology - via the option agreement.

Megakaryocyte analysis may provide medical insight in multiple cancer types, the board added, and Barts Cancer Institute - which is part of QMUL - is investigating other cancer types to substantiate that.

ANGLE said the Parsortix system had been shown to be capable of harvesting for analysis not only mesenchymal CTCs, which are linked to a poor outcome, but also megakaryocytes, which are linked to a favourable patient outcome.

Combining those two factors could provide new insights into patient condition.

This deal further strengthens ANGLE's intellectual property position in the fast-emerging liquid biopsy market, said ANGLe founder and chief executive Andrew Newland.

Use of the Parsortix system is driving new discoveries by key opinion leaders and customers and ANGLE is the obvious partner to drive their commercialisation so we expect to see other similar developments over time continually strengthening the Company's position in the market.

Michele Hill-Perkins, head of technology transfer biopharma at QMUL Barts Queen Mary Innovation, said her team believed the patents on the role of megakaryocytes in patient blood as a favourable prognostic biomarker had the potential to open up new avenues of research in the fight against cancer.

We are delighted to have signed this deal with ANGLE to progress their commercialisation for the benefit of patients.
The AIM listed Anglo Asian Mining has begun production at its latest mine in Western Azerbaijan.

The gold, copper and silver producer said on Wednesday that its Ugur open pit mine was already making a significant contribution to production.

Average daily gold production in the form of gold dore for the first 10 days of September was 212 ounces, more than double the average daily production for the previous eight months.

This average daily production was expected to increase further as Ugur moved into full production.

Chief executive Reza Vaziri described the news as a "significant achievement" and highlighted the importance of the Ugur deposit to the company's future production.

"Progressing from discovery to production in a year is a significant achievement and underlines Anglo Asian's confidence that the Ugur deposit will be an important contributor to the company's future production".
Chariot Oil & Gas , the Atlantic focused oil and gas explorer, trumpeted its continued strong balance sheet at the half-year stage as its looked forward to positive production developments offshore Morocco.

The AIM listed company saw its bank balance remain healthy at $21.7m cash at 30 June 2017, though down from $29m a year earlier and $25m six months earlier.

Net cash outflow of $1.3m was lower than the $2m in the equivalent prior period due to a focus on costs and efficiencies.

A loss of $53m was reported after Chariot relinquished the Southern Blocks offshore Namibia and took a $51.3m non-cash impairment against previously capitalised costs compared to $5.2 million in 2016 due to the relinquishment of the C-19 licence in Mauritania for no financial consideration.

In terms of operational development, the company said it anticipated first 'spud' drilling of the Rabat Deep offshore exploration prospect in the first quarter of 2018 after agreeing a farm-out to Eni during the period.

Having farmed out operatorship and 40% equity to Eni in return for a drilling carry and the recovery of back costs across the larger Rabat Deep permit, the Italian oil giant has secured the Saipem 12000 ultra-deepwater drilling rig to probe the JP-1 prospect, which has an audited gross mean prospective resource of 768m barrels (mmbbls).

Chariot was also awarded the Kenitra Offshore Exploration permit in Morocco, and carried out 2D and 3D seismic campaigns to mature this new asset where the company sees the 'LKP' prospects that extend from Mohammedia into this area and the Kenitra-A lead, all of which have the potential to be significantly de-risked by the drilling of the RD-1 well.

The LKP-1a prospect under the Mohammedia Permits "is drill-ready", with preparation for drilling underway, while preparation for drilling in the second half of 2018 is underway at Namibia's central blocks with the process to agree an additional partner "ongoing".

In the face of the low oil price environment, chief executive Larry Bottomley stressed the company was focusing on remaining strategically disciplined.

"As a result of rigorous and continued focus on risk management and capital discipline, Chariot has been able to use a strong cash position and clear strategic objectives to continue to invest in the portfolio despite the prevailing 'lower for longer' oil price business environment".

After securing Eni as drilling partner Rabat in January, he added: "With the RD-1 well now carried and due to spud in the latter part of Q1 2018, our near-term focus will be to secure partners on additional priority prospects in Namibia and Morocco."

As Chariot begins preparations for drilling in Namibia and Morocco, Bottomley has hired experienced drilling manager David Brecknock to manage the process in-house.

Brecknock has 20 years of international experience gained with Enterprise, Shell, BG, Devon, Perenco and Ophir.
AIM-listed firm UK Oil and Gas Investments (UKOG) announced on Wednesday that the Planning Committee of West Sussex County Council had unanimously approved a one-year extension to the group's existing planning permission at its wholly owned PEDL234 licence outside Crawley.

The extension, set to expire in September 2018, would allow UKOG to complete its full 14-week extended flow test programme on its BB-1 and BB-1z exploration wells as originally permitted and planned.

As a result of multiple positive indications of mobile light oil found throughout the target reservoir, UKOG believes its PEDL234 licence could flow at a stable aggregate rate similar to the KL4 and KL3 units in the same zone of 1,635 barrels of oil equivalents per day.

Stephen Sanderson, UKOG's executive chairman said, "West Sussex's unanimous approval of the extension is further recognition of the company's operational competence, sound environmental practices and positive engagement with all stakeholders."

As of 0845 BST, shares had dipped 1.59% to 8.32p.
Landore announced on Wednesday that its wholly owned subsidiary, Landore Resources Canada , had entered into a debt settlement agreement with Lamaune Iron .

The AIM-traded firm said that, pursuant to the debt settlement agreement, Lamaune had agreed - conditional on its own shareholder approval - to issue to Landore Canada 576,192,087 common shares in the capital of Lamaune, in full satisfaction of the loan receivable from Lamaune.

Following the issue of the shares, Landore Canada will hold 90.2% of the issued shares of Lamaune.

In June 2011, Landore demerged certain of its mining claims and assets relating to the Lamaune iron ore and gold deposits by means of a distribution in specie of the entire issued share capital of Lamaune to the then current shareholders of Landore and the transfer of the Lamaune Assets to Lamaune from Landore Canada, the Landore board said in its statement.

Prior to effecting the original transaction, Lamaune - which had been formed specifically for purposes of the original transaction - was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Landore.

It said the purchase price for the transfer of the Lamaune Assets to Lamaune was CAD 6.2m, which was satisfied by the issuance of a promissory note by Lamaune and secured by a loan agreement and security agreement between Lamaune and Landore Canada.

In connection with the original transaction, Landore also agreed to make a loan facility available to Lamaune for working capital requirements.

The debt settlement agreement is subject to the receipt of approval by shareholders of Lamaune at a special meeting of Lamaune to be held on 11 October, for which a circular is expected to be posted to Lamaune shareholders on 14 September, the Landore board said in its statement.

A further announcement will be made following this meeting.
The future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy is in question. During the presidential campaign, candidate Donald Trump promised to dismantle the program if he were elected but, last week, he was equivocal.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions advised the Department of Homeland Security that it should rescind DACA, an action that would put in jeopardy the 800,000 beneficiaries of the program (the Dreamers), which shields from deportation undocumented residents who were brought into this country as children.

In a subsequent tweet, President Trump urged Congress to legalize DACA within six months and, preferably, as part of a larger immigration overhaul.

A couple of days later, Trump tweeted reassurance to the Dreamers: For all of those (DACA) that are concerned about your status during the 6 month period, you have nothing to worry about  No action!

I suspect, however, that its a rare Dreamer who will rest easy based on the tweets of our mercurial president. The chances of Congress producing comprehensive immigration reform within six months seem slim. And the Trump who today claims to love the Dreamers may tomorrow crave a boost from his base, which generally supports swift deportation of everyone whose presence in our country is not duly documented.

The fact that many of the Dreamers have lived most of their lives with this sort of precarious uncertainty surely doesnt make it any easier. Many have few or no memories of the country in which they were born. Many arent conversant in Spanish or any language other than English, the primary language of the land that is their only home.

They have grown up with the nagging knowledge that a minor traffic violation could lead to deportation, either for themselves or a close relative. President Barack Obamas DACA program provided a two-year reprieve from the anxiety. Now thats gone.

Of course, the Dreamers presence in our country is a violation of the law, and DACAs most outspoken opponents often rely on a powerful talking point: We are a nation of laws.

But this assertion has a pious undertone. Others have pointed out the irony of Trump shifting positions on DACA shortly after pardoning Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a convicted lawbreaker. In fact, in one of the worlds most incarcerated countries, we often drop the legal hammer hard on the least powerful while rewarding the rich and connected with impunity.

Thus President Ford pardoned President Nixon. Thus General Petraeus got a mild hand slap for divulging secret information.

Thus our prisons are filled with brown- and black-skinned Americans who were prosecuted for marijuana possession, while celebrities such as Bill Maher, Willie Nelson and Woody Harrelson publicly make pot-smoking a part of their brand.

So, lets not be overly sanctimonious about rigid adherence to the law. The Dreamers parents brought them into this country in violation of the law but in complete accord with the long-standing tacit understanding that when cheap labor flows north from Mexico and money flows south, everyone benefits. And often, in the service of this understanding, the law just looked the other way.

The law is what we make it and what we make of it. We are not slaves to the law, and the law can be wrong.

The presidents position on DACA is uncertain, but Congress course should be clear: It should act to remove the threat of deportation from the Dreamers and provide for a path to legal status.

By most accounts, the Dreamers are honest, responsible people who are working hard to improve themselves and our nation.

Most are deeply devoted to the only home they have ever known.

They are here through no fault of their own. If the law supposes them to be something else, then I paraphrase Charles Dickens Mr. Bumble, who said, The law is an ass. Congress has the power and the support of the American people to change the law. It should do so, and quickly.
Life sciences business OptiBiotix Health said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bened Biomedical of Taiwan on Wednesday.

The AIM-traded firm said the MoU would set the framework for a strategic partnership to explore licensing and sales opportunities and the potential of combining relevant assets over the next 12 months.

It said Bened Biomedical was founded in 2015 as a spin-off from National Yang-Ming University by Professor Tsai, Ying-Chieh.

Bened is a leading probiotic research and marketing company, developing microbiome-based products for neuropsychological, allergic, immunological, metabolic and aging-related disorders.

In the past two years, its flagship psychobiotic PS128 products - which reportedly help improve mental and emotional health - had been sold through both online and offline channels in more than 10 countries, generating revenues in the excess of $2m.

OptiBiotix said the MoU provided a 12-month period to explore opportunities relating to its own cholesterol and blood pressure reducing LPLDL strain and Bened's PS128, a psychobiotic that had shown encouraging results in reducing anxiety and depression in animal studies.

We are pleased to announce this strategic partnership with Bened Biomedical and see a strong rationale for both companies to work together based on a complementary understanding of the science in different application areas of the microbiome, said OptiBiotix chief executive officer Stephen O'Hara.

We are excited by recent advances in psychobiotics which have the potential to address a range of mental and emotional health issues such as anxiety, depression, autism and Parkinson's.

We strongly believe Bened's scientific and commercial capabilities in psychobiotics creates potential for OptiBiotix to bring new products to new markets and extend both our product offering and global reach in the microbiome field to bring better science and better health to all.

Frankie Cheng, chief executive officer of Bened Biomedical, said that OptiBiotix operated in a very exciting and progressive area that had the potential to bring real health benefits.

It has exciting products with strong science and clinical studies which we believe can be commercialised successfully through our distribution capability, Cheng added.

We see mutual benefit in OptiBiotix's commercial advances in Europe and US as a way to bring our PS128 product to a wider audience.
Cancer-focused biotech Scancell Holdings reported a larger full year loss as it made progress with the development of its SCIB1 vaccine for the treatment of melanoma.

The AIM-listed company spent 2.8m on clinical development versus 2m a year earlier, with admin costs up to 1.8m from 1m.

Pre-tax losses grew to 4.5m from 3m, though a larger tax credit meant the loss for year of 3.5m for 2017 was up from 2.6m in 2016.

There was 2.7m cash in the bank at the end of April but since then the company has raised 4.7m to begin clinical development of its lead Modi-1 product from the Moditop platform and to continue to support the ImmunoBody platform pipeline.

Perhaps the main development during the year was strong survival data for patients with Stage III/IV malignant melanoma treaded under the SCIB1 Phase 1/2 clinical trial, with 18 out of 20 patients still alive, which is well beyond established norms.

Seven of 16 resected patients have survived for five years since starting treatment, though six have seen a recurrence of the disease, of whom two have died.

The Nottingham-based company plans to make an investigational new drug application to the Food & Drug Administration for a SCIB1 checkpoint inhibitor combination study to be carried out in the US.

The IND is expected to be submitted in early 2018 after a delay due to the FDA requesting Ichor, from which Scancell has licensed electroporation technology, to provide data on its second generation device.

Further down the pipeline, John Chiplin said "substantial progress" had been made on Modi-1 in stimulating potent cancer killing T cells at up to 100-fold lower doses than could be achieved previously.

"The company is currently undertaking process development work on the manufacture of Modi-1 conjugated to the adjuvant with the aim of filing a Clinical Trial Application in the UK for the planned Phase 1/2 clinical trial in 2018."

Chiplin also said there had been "substantial interest" in the SCIB2 vaccine product for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

"We have already announced a collaboration partnership with the Addario Foundation and we are actively negotiating with other interested parties on development and commercial partnership opportunities."

Shares in Scancell were down 4% to 13.33p by 0900 BST on Wednesday.
US tech giant Apple released the latest version of its flagship iPhone device on Tuesday - the iPhone X .

Pronounced as the iPhone ten, the new smartphone will feature a facial recognition system and has done away with the home button in favour of an all-screen offering.

The new phone will also feature wireless charging for the first time, with the option of charging the device through a new 'mat' system.

With the 64 gigabyte version costing UK consumers 999 and a 256 gigabyte version as much as 1,149, it is the companys most expensive iPhone to date and will cost more than some of the lower-range MacBook laptops made by Apple.

Reaction to the release of the iPhone X as well as the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus has been mixed, with some experts describing the former as revolutionary, while some say there are few new features to get fans excited.

LEAP FORWARD

Apple CEO Tim Cook described the smartphone as 'the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone'.

Analysts were unconvinced however that the company's move further into the upper range of smartphones would send its share price higher in the short-term.

"We expect Apples stock to be range bound and not exhibit much upward mobility in the very near term," Barclays said.

While the company's shares had enjoyed a meteoric rise on Wall Street in 2017, Barclays added that "there is no untapped segment offering high growth, high profits for IPX to unlock."

Other updates were announced at the event held in Apples California headquarters, including its new Apple Watch, which will allow users to make calls without having to be connected to an iPhone.

The company's share price ended lower on Tuesday after initial optimism was offset by delays to the release date of the iPhone X, which will not reach consumers until 3 November.

Stock in Apple ended the Tuesday session 0.40% lower to $160.50, albeit just off its 52-week highs of $164.94.
Bell Pottinger officially fell into administration on Tuesday following a racially charged public relations campaign in South Africa, marking an ignominious end to one of the most high-profile PR firms in the UK.

The public relations outfit was put on the auction block the week before but was unable to find a buyer, after news of its actions led to an exodus of clients.

Among those who cut ties with the company in the wake of the scandal were Waitrose, Richemont, Investec, HSBC, TalkTalk and Clydesdale Bank.

Such was the public outcry that on 5 September its second biggest shareholder, Chime, which was owned by US firm Providence and Sir Martin Sorrell's WPP, handed back its 27% stake for free - in a radical move to distance itself from the embattled agency.

That followed the UK's PR trade body's decision the day before to expel Bell Pottinger from its ranks, despite chief James Henderson's previous decision to stand down from his post.

Adding to the company's financial woes, following that chain of events Pottinger's Middle East and Asian units announced plans to separate from the UK parent company.

Left unable to secure new clients, the firm was forced to hoist the surrender flag.

The scandal had unfolded after South Africa's main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, lodged a formal complaint with the Public Relations and Communications Association alleging Bell Pottinger was being paid 100,000 a month by its client Oakbay Capital, the holding company of the wealthy Gupta family, to run a social media and PR campaign in the country with the aim of stirring up anger against what was dubbed as "white monopoly capital" and "economic apartheid".

By some accounts, the Gupta's aim was to distract from claims which had been levelled against themselves for their alleged close links to South African president Jacob Zuma.

The London-based parent firm was thought to be roughly 5m into the red when it went under  in part related to payouts to former management, including its co-founder Tim Bell who left last summer  with likely no prospect of recouping those amounts.
Jamie Dimon, the chief executive of JPMorgan said yesterday that his future successor was already working at the bank.

Speaking at the CNBC/Institutional Investor Delivering Alpha Conference in New York, the 61 year old said that the next chief executive officer would come from within the bank's executive ranks, and that they were already working at the lender.

The top remaining executives at the investment bank following multiple high-level departures over the past few years included CFO Marianne Lake, asset management chief Mary Callahan Erdoes, and investment and corporate bank chief Daniel Pinto.

Although there were several candidates among the top ranks who could succeed him immediately if needed, the appointed time may not come for another five years, Dimon said.
European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has said the day Britain leaves the EU will be 'sad and tragic' but the bloc will move on regardless.

Delivering his state of the union speech in front of MEPs in Strasbourg, Juncker also backed the idea of creating a new European economic and finance minister position as part of a new reform package for the bloc.

The tone of Wednesday's address marked a sharp reversal from the previous year's, when Juncker described how the EU was 'not in a good state' following the UK vote to leave and the rise of populism.

"March 29th 2019. That will be the date when the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. This will be a very sad and tragic moment in our history  we will always regret this, and I think that you will regret it soon, if I might say," Juncker said.

"Nonetheless we have to respect the will of the British people, but we will have to make progress, we will move on."

The Commission president gave a passionate defence of the European project, despite acknowledging the problems it had faced over the last twelve months.

TWO CHOICES

"We only had two choices, either come together around the positive European agenda or each retreat into our own corner," he said.

"Faced with this choice I argued for unity," he added, "I proposed a positive agenda to create a Europe that protects, a Europe that empowers, a Europe that defends."

The former Luxembourg prime minister backed a series of reforms which included a new drive for applicable states to join the common currency, as well as an expansion of the Schengen zone.

He also risked causing consternation among UK trade representatives after he called on the EU to seek out trade deals with Australia and New Zealand ahead of Brexit.

Juncker said he would like to see deals in place with the Commonwealth states by 2019, just at the point when the UK would be free to negotiate its own trade agreements.
Eurozone industrial production rose a little in July following a drop the month before as a jump in the production of capital and consumer goods offset a decline in energy, according to data released by Eurostat on Wednesday.

Industrial production was up 0.1%, in line with estimates and compared to a 0.6% decline in June.

The production of capital goods rose by 0.8%, durable consumer goods by 0.7% and intermediate goods by 0.5%. Meanwhile, production of non-durable consumer goods fell by 0.4% and energy by 1.2%.

Compared with July 2016, industrial production in the eurozone was up 3.2%, missing expectations for a 3.4% gain.

The production of durable consumer goods rose by 5.7%, intermediate goods by 4.8%, capital goods by 4.3% and energy by 1.2%, while production of non-durable consumer goods fell by 0.5%.

In the EU-28 group of nations, industrial production was down by 0.3% on the month and up 3.1% on the year.

Pantheon Macroeconomics said: "Stronger production in France and Italy offset small declines in Spain and Germany. Base effects are challenging for the quarter-on-quarter rate in Q3, but survey data suggest that year-over-year growth is accelerating, and we are confident that manufacturing will support GDP growth in Q3."
Theresa Mays government faces months of strife over public sector pay after a decision to lift the 1% annual cap on increases was met with derision from Labour and renewed threats of strikes by trade unions. Following months of pressure over the issue, Downing Street simultaneously announced above 1% pay rises for police and prison officers in the last of the 2017-18 deals, and a wider commitment to flexibility for all public sector workers from next year. - Guardian

The UKs high street banks are an accident waiting to happen and could struggle in another financial crisis, according to an academic report published on Wednesday to mark the 10th anniversary of the run on Northern Rock. The report criticises the annual health checks  stress tests  that have been conducted by the Bank of England since the crisis and concludes that the methodology used by Threadneedle Street is flawed and the tests not gruelling enough. - Guardian

The number of consumers switching to a new energy supplier soared in the wake of a price increase from British Gas, creating the markets biggest ever year on year surge last month. Fresh figures from Energy UK have revealed that nearly half a million customers switched their energy supplier in August, a 30pc jump from the number who switched in the same month last year. - Telegraph

MPs have supported controversial changes to parliamentary committees amid warnings the governments proposals were a fresh power grab after the election. A motion allowing the Tories to have a majority on crucial legislative committees that drive the Commons agenda was approved by 320 votes to 301, majority 19. - Guardian

British bookshops pay 11 times the rate of corporation tax paid by Amazon, according to a report that has prompted outrage from booksellers. Bookshops across the UK pay an estimated 12 million in corporation tax each year, the report says. This equates to 91p for every 100 of turnover, a rate more than 11 times the 8p of corporation tax paid by Amazon for more than 100 of turnover. - The Times

Jean-Claude Juncker will today use a flagship speech to snub Britain and insist that, despite Brexit, the European Union will move towards greater integration. The Telegraph can reveal that Mr Junckers top aide Martin Selmayr told a behind-closed door meeting of EU diplomats that European Union countries that wish to remain at the core of the European project after Brexit will have to join the euro. - Telegraph

UK apple growers are in the grip of a 20% shortfall in the supply of seasonal labour, pushing them towards a cliff edge as Brexit nears, the industry has warned. At the start of the annual British apple harvesting season with more than 20 indigenous varieties going on sale in supermarkets, the main trade body for both apples and pears says worries about future labour availability are at the top of its lobbying agenda. - Guardian

Uncertainty over Brexit could jeopardise future investment in the UK by Toyota, a senior executive at the carmaker warned. Executive vice president Didier Leroy said there had been a shift in the governments position and the lack of clarity could leave a big question mark over the Japanese car giants future spending in the UK. - Guardian

Robots will be running large swathes of government before long as artificial intelligence is deployed to help the state do more with less, the chancellor has said. Philip Hammond told a House of Lords committee that the government was looking into AI and expected swift progress. - The Times

Britain can retain its place as a world-leading science and technology hub after Brexit, Bill Gates has said, provided the country continues to attract talent and invest in research and development. The Microsoft founder, whose philanthropic organisation has $1 billion (750m) invested in British research institutions, warned before the referendum that a vote to leave the European Union could jeopardise the UKs booming science community. - Telegraph

The owner of Comparethemarket has pushed the float of the group back into 2018, insisting that if markets turn "frankly we'll sit and wait" until even later. The boss of BGL Group, which runs the price comparison website made famous by its Russian meerkat adverts as well as a number of other insurers, said earlier this year that he was eyeing a listing in the second half of 2017 with sources in recent months saying they expected a float as soon as this autumn. - Telegraph

Green energy projects run by cities and local authorities around the UK stand to receive millions of pounds of government support, providing another fillip for renewable power just a day after the subsidised price of windfarms hit a record low. The Guardian understands that ministers this autumn will offer more than 3m to help local leaders build low carbon initiatives, such as installing solar panels on social housing. - Guardian

The age of no retirement could be around the corner as almost one in four people in Britain plan to keep working beyond the age of 70, new research claims. Soaring living costs, a desire to stave off loneliness and the hope of staying mentally active are among the reasons people want to work well into their golden years, according to a survey of 3,327 UK adults aged over 50. - Telegraph
WASHINGTON  House Speaker Paul Ryan promised Obamacare repeal, funding for the wall and tax reform, all by the end of August. For the GOP, it is now September, both literally and metaphorically.

In the spring of their hopes, Republican leaders placed a bet  which seemed reasonable at the time  that they could contain President Trump and pass legislation despite him. This required looking away from the uglier aspects of Trumps appeal  his Twitter transgressions, his appallingly frenzied rallies, his rule by ridicule. All this was worth swallowing because Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would pass their conservative agenda.

The wager was large and lost. The attempt to revive a health care alternative in the Senate seems halfhearted and doomed by the same ideological dynamics that killed the legislation the first time. Republican enthusiasm for the Mexican border wall is limited by the fact that it is among the most wasteful, impractical and useless ideas ever spouted by an American president. And ambitious tax reform has been tabled in favor of a few tax cuts that are likely to reaffirm public impressions that the P in GOP stands for plutocracy.

In the process, Republican leaders have been made to look hapless and pathetic, not least because Trump has taken to taunting them. A president incapable of legislative leadership mocks the ineffectiveness of Republican legislators, publicly humiliates them on the debt limit deal, then revels in the (very temporary) friendship of Chuck and Nancy  Democratic leaders Schumer and Pelosi.

Those Republicans who believe that Trump is being cynical, disloyal or politically calculating continue to misunderstand the man. The president has no discernible political philosophy or strong policy views to betray. His leadership consists mainly of instincts, reflexes and prejudices, which often have nothing to do with self-interest. He has a genius for fame, which usually involves attention-attracting unpredictability and transgressiveness. Trump reads events moment by moment, making him a cork on the waves of cable coverage. Any choice he makes is correct by definition, because he has made it. And any person  on his staff or on Capitol Hill  who does not precisely mimic his political gyrations is disloyal and should be punished.

Most public officials have never worked with anyone like this before. Among other things, it means that any vocal conviction politician  any leader, such as Sen. John McCain, who regularly heeds the whisper of duty and conscience  will be Trumps enemy. With a little patience.

What have Republican leaders who bet the other way  on accommodation  lost in the process?

The wager has been a disaster in the realm of policy. During legislative debates on issues such as health care, Trump has been erratic, unfocused, impatient and frighteningly ignorant. His White House policy staff  some of whom are responsible and talented  try to work with Capitol Hill, but always under the threat that their efforts will be destroyed by a tweet. Congressional Republicans see the White House as a basket case, dont think that any administration official speaks authoritatively for the president and increasingly fear entering the midterm elections entirely naked of accomplishment.

The wager has been a disaster in the realm of politics. The president takes it as an accomplishment to secure the support of about 35 percent of the public. This leaves Republicans in the worst of political worlds, where the intensity of Trumps base is increased by words and policies that alienate the majority  making Trump a powerful force within the party and a scary, galvanizing figure beyond it. The damage is broad, profound and generational. A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll recorded 26 percent approval for the president among those aged 18 to 34.

The wager has been a moral disaster. News accounts following Trumps betrayal of Republican leaders on the debt limit reported them to be livid. What does it tell us about Republican politicians that they were livid about a three-month debt limit extension but not so much about misogyny, nativism and flirtation with racism? Or maybe they were, but still thought the wager might work. Such lack of wisdom and proportion is an indictment as well.

All Republican efforts  at least in the traditional wing of the party  must now be bent toward one, difficult end: Establishing a GOP identity apart from Trump. And that will require Republican leaders to cease being complicit in their own humiliation and irrelevance.
Hurricane Irma will prove to be one of the most catastrophic natural events to occur in our country, and watching news coverage provided me the opportunity to recall my high school days in St. Petersburg, Florida.

As a graduate of Northeast High School, a school primarily attended by middle- to low-income students, it occurs to me that this disaster provides a wonderful teaching tool for La Crosse students.

Students in Florida will be in need of replacement clothing in the near future. Our kids will soon be packing or giving away their summer clothing, which could be collected and donated to these students in need.

A clothing drive would teach our children many practical, social and perhaps spiritual lessons that they are likely to remember and repeat for a lifetime. My hope is that a staff member of each of our schools could organize such a drive, to benefit the students of La Crosse and St. Petersburg respectively.

Mary Beyer, La Crosse
In 1918 Russell Rezin began a cranberry marsh in Warrens.

Ninety-nine years and five generations later, the marsh is still going strong in the hands of his descendants.

The Russell Rezin and Son Cranberry Marsh is now run by his daughter-in-law, Judy Rezin; his granddaughters Shelly Schultz and Lisa Hart and their husbands Scott Schultz and Bruce Hart; and his great-grandson Cory Hart and his wife Lisa.

Its a family affair, Shelly Schultz said.

Theres something about the life that pulls you in, Shelly Schultz said.

Its all Ive ever known, and my dad always told the story that hed take a job farther away, but he has always come back, she said. Theres a draw here. It gets in your blood, and its hard to do anything else or go anywhere else. Youre kind of spoiled here.

Shelly Schultz said her and husband Scotts two children, Rusty and Amber, are not involved with the marsh but have expressed interest in coming back in the future.

Our kids are off doing other things, but they talk about coming back, she said. Thats their plan; theyll end up here, too. Whether that pans out or not, I dont know.

Scott Schultz said he and his wife did something similar.

We were both off the farm for (awhile), he said. We didnt come here until our mid 20s or later 20s. We worked other places ... we lived away from home for a while, saw what the real world was like.

The Schultzs have been involved on the 230-acre marsh for 31 years. Its a way of life, Scott Schultz said, not just a job.

You live it, he said. When we walk, we walk out on the marsh, and you look at things and you see how things are progressing or you see things you can do to make things better. We spend a lot of time here, but its a good life.

Shelly Schultz agrees.

We enjoy being here, she said.

There are struggles, Scott Schultz said, but its worth it.

One of the struggles of owning a cranberry marsh is the weather, Shelly Schultz said.

Were at the mercy of Mother Nature every year, she said. Every time it clouds up you think, Is this the one that could wipe us out? So its not easy.

No years are the same, Scott Schultz said. Each stage of cranberry development depends on the weather, especially during the bloom stage in spring.

When the spring comes, the earlier the spring the earlier our crops will start to grow and the earlier they grow, the earlier you have to start watching them, he said. Theyre really tender in the springtime, so weve got to make sure we dont freeze them. We dont want the wind to burn them.

There are many variables, and the weather can make or break a crop, Shelly Schultz said.

To get everything to hit perfect, you might as well go to Vegas, she said.

Scott Schultz agrees.

Typically it would be nice if all the ice would all leave our ponds the middle of April and things will start growing the first week in May, get our bees in the first week in June and ship the bees out right after the Fourth of July, he said. But in the realm of things, thats when it should all happen and very seldom does it ever.

Another struggle of running a marsh is the market, Scott Schultz said.

Its growing, but its shrinking, he said. People dont drink juice like they used to. Now its the big sugar kick. The juice market is declining, but the sweetened dried cranberries, that is really jumping, so theyre really selling more and more of those. So the thing now is they want cranberries that make better sweetened-dried cranberries.

The market is expanding, Scott Schultz said.

Theyre selling more cranberries now than they ever have, so thats a good thing, he said. Domestically, then overseas, theyre selling a lot of them. Theyre getting people across the ocean to like cranberries.

Exports to China, India and Mexico are a big push now for the cranberry market, Shelly Schultz said.

Education is key to expansion overseas, she said.

In China, they told us they didnt even have a word for cranberry, she said. So to try to introduce that and educate people about something they dont even have a word for is something unique. Thats kind of where we are as were trying to introduce the cranberry to China, to India, where cranberries are so beneficial for urinary tract infections and gut problems ... Its just educating people on it and getting them to try it. Baby steps.

Cranberries are also selling well in Central Europe, Great Britain, Australia, Japan and Korea. More cranberries are being sold, but the acreage growing isnt increasing, Scott Schultz said. Growers are just learning how to grow them a little better and are planting better varieties.

Wisconsin grows over 61 percent of all cranberries grown in the United States ... and thats only on 21,000 acres, he said.

Growing conditions have been perfect for Wisconsin in the last few years, Shelly Schultz said. Last year Wisconsin growers produced six million barrels, and this years crop is expected to be slightly below that.

Scott Schultz believes the marsh can keep up with the market and keep the legacy going.

I hope its here for another 100 years, but you never know, he said. Hopefully the family will carry it on ... I think they will one way, shape or form.

Shelly Schultz agrees.

As long as were around, it will stay in the family, but the industry, thats anybodys guess, she said. Theres been ebbs and flows for years; its like any other agricultural business. I think well ride this out, and well get through it. I think were here to stay.
A few months ago, Billy Joel fans filled Lambeau Field to hear the piano man play a nearly three-hour long concert. Among the hits Joel played was Allentown, a somber tune that details the hopelessness felt by many in the 1970s and 1980s when globalization caused manufacturers in Midwestern states to close their doors, board up their windows and move overseas. Many in Central and Western Wisconsin felt the sting of that shift, and some are still feeling the effects decades later  but the situation is starting to change. This week I voted for the Foxconn legislative package that will help bring thousands of family supporting manufacturing jobs back to Wisconsin where they belong.

The Foxconn package is the largest deal of its kind in Wisconsin history. For that reason, I took my time, asked questions, and studied its details. Foxconn, a company that manufactures high-tech electronics, plans to invest $10 billion in Wisconsin in the next six years, building a manufacturing facility that will equal the size of Junction City once its completed. They will have the capacity to hire up to 13,000 workers, with an average salary of $53,875 plus benefits. That means the companys payroll will be $700 million per year. Of course, its going to take a lot of construction workers to build a plant that size  10,000, to be exact. This deal has the capacity to directly impact 23,000 families  and indirectly benefit thousands more.

Thats because this deals impact isnt limited to southeastern Wisconsin. Its good for us in central and western Wisconsin too. I talked to leaders in the construction industry, the workforce development community and the UW System. They all see this deal bringing increased opportunity to people in our region. A technology manufacturing company like Foxconn needs other businesses to supply components  estimates indicate they would need 150 different suppliers. The direct impact on businesses across the state contracting with Foxconn could be as high as $1.4 billion per year.

Of course, no deal is entirely one-sided. Wisconsin is offering Foxconn a package of tax credits that will total between $200-$250 million per year over the next 15 years. But this is no blank check. These incentives are tied to Foxconn reaching actual goals for job creation and capital investment in the state. Additionally, there are claw back provisions in the bill that would require Foxconn to pay back tax credits if they cant fulfill their promises. This deal isnt a gamble. Weve worked to protect taxpayers at every step of this process.

This has the potential to be a watershed moment for our state. After decades of seeing American manufacturers move overseas, the time and economic conditions are right for us to bring jobs back to our shores. Foxconn chose to make a multi-billion dollar investment in Wisconsin instead of in Michigan, Indiana or any of the other states who sought to attract them. Its our time now. Wisconsin won because we seized this opportunity  and that means new opportunities for thousands of middle-class families across the state.

Republican Patrick Testin, Stevens Point, represents the 24th state Senate District.
White House chief economic advisor Gary Cohn will host a discussion on climate change ahead of the United Nations General Assembly meeting, according to reports.

The breakfast meeting, scheduled the day before the UNGA kickoff in New York on Tuesday, will convene environment ministers and senior climate officials from the worlds largest economies.

A White House official said the meeting was intended to help the Trump administration find a way to fulfill the presidents pledge to reduce emissions without harming the American economy, according to the New York Times. News of the meeting comes a day after White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders indicated Trump had not changed his mind on climate change in the wake of the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

As reported by the New York Times:

It is too early to say what may come out of the meeting, but it shows that the U.S. is keen to engage with key countries, said one diplomat who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak for his government. If the U.S. expresses its clear intent on addressing climate change issues at the meeting, that would be a positive sign.

For a deeper dive:

New York Times, Reuters, Politico, The Hill

For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News.
New Yorks highest court dealt

ExxonMobil a major blow Tuesday when it declined to hear the oil giants appeal to block New York Attorney General Eric Schneidermans subpoena seeking audit documents in an ongoing fraud investigation of what Exxon Knew about the link between fossil fuels and climate change.

The Court of Appeals refused to hear Exxons assertion that the documents were protected under accountant-client confidentiality under state law in Texas, where the company is headquartered.

The order affirms that state officials can demand Exxons auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), to immediately turn over the subpoenaed documents.

A memo from the Attorney Generals office states:

The New York Court of Appeals denied Exxons request for further review of its claim that an accountant-privilege under Texas law allowed Exxon to withhold documents responsive to a subpoena issued to Exxons independent auditor, PwC. The Court of Appeals also dismissed as moot Exxons motion for a stay pending appeal. Exxons legal claims had been rejected twice previously by lower state courts.

The court did not include an explanation of its decision.

The finding affirms a Manhattan courts ruling last year that: New York does not recognize an accountant-client privilege, and controlling authority holds that: The law of the place where the evidence in question will be introduced at trial or the location of the discovery proceeding is applied when deciding privilege issues,' as Judge Barry Ostrager wrote.

Exxon has not yet released a comment.

Todays Court of Appeals order affirms that Exxon and its outside auditor have an obligation to produce all the documents that our office rightfully subpoenaed, Schneiderman said in a statement.

As weve said from the start, Exxon had no legal basis to interfere with PwCs production, he added. Our fraud investigation continues to move full speed ahead, despite Exxons continued strategy of delay.

According to InsideClimate News, Schneidermans subpoena seeks PwC records from 2010 to the present related to risks to Exxons profits from regulations limiting the emission of greenhouse gases, policies discouraging the use or development of fossil fuels; and the potential effects of climate change on the price of oil, gas, and other hydrocarbons.

The legal development comes shortly after Harvard released a breakthrough study of Exxons internal and external communications on climate change, including scientific research, internal company memos and paid editorial features in the New York Times.

As Climate Nexus noted from the study: The analysis showed a quantifiable discrepancy between internal and external communications, with 81 percent of external advertisements casting doubt on the link between human activity and climate change despite 80 percent of internal communications acknowledging climate science.

The courts decision was cheered environmental advocates including Climate Hawks Vote president RL Miller, who said, Exxon knew, and now the world will know.
By Jack Pratt

For decades, a weak law left Americans at risk from toxic chemicals in everyday products such as cleaners and fabrics. As a result, chemicals tied to infertility, learning disabilities and even cancer found their way into all our homes, schools and workplaces.

A turn-around looked likely in 2016 when Congress passed a strong, bipartisan law to overhaul the Toxic Substances Control Act to better protect our health. The agency charged with carrying out the new law hit the ground running and was making good progress.

That is, until a new president was elected and new leadership took over the reins at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Trump administration first installed a top official from the main chemical industry lobbying group to oversee changes to rules that will determine how chemicals are reviewed for safety. The changes she made could undermine efforts to protect us from harmful chemicals for many years to come, according to Politico.

The push to return America to its toxic past may now accelerate with Trumps subsequent nomination of Michael Dourson to run the EPAs entire chemical safety program.

Dourson has made a career as a hired gun for the chemical industry, helping clients play down concerns over toxic chemicals with known and potentially severe health effects.

Defended tobacco and Teflon

If confirmed to the top job at the EPAs Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Dourson will be regulating his old industry friends. Its a pattern we keep seeing with Trumps administration as the president and his appointees turn the federal governments mission to protect public health on its head.

Doursons paid work for industry goes back several decades and includes work he did for the tobacco industry in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Also on his resume is his work involving the Teflon chemical PFOA, which continues to affect drinking water in places such as West Virginia, Ohio, New York and Vermont. And he worked for the manufacturer of the controversial pesticide chlorpyrifos, which Dourson defended and the Trump EPA decided not to ban despite expert calls to do so.

Dourson: Toxic toys? Kids should wash hands

Among other things, Doursons company used industry money to develop and run a now-defunct website, kidschemicalsafety.org, with copy penned by staff from chemical industry consulting firms who sought to put chemical hazards into context.

The website told parents, for example, that even water can be toxic at high exposure levels, but few people would want to ban water.

It also played down concerns about chemicals in products such as toys, shifting the burden to parents by suggesting they make sure to read labels, keep toys out of their childrens mouths, and make sure kids wash their hands after playing.

His defense: Jesus hung out with shady people, too

Of course, none of Doursons work will come as a shock to anyone who has followed industry tactics closely. Whether professional climate deniers or big tobacco, manufacturing doubt is a well-known dark art.

The problem here is that if the Senate votes to confirm him, Dourson will speak from a government office.

Running the toxics office at the EPA is unlikely to change Doursons outlook. After all, this is the man who defended his work for tobacco to downplay concerns about second-hand smoke by saying Jesus hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors.

That logic may help Dourson sleep at night, but it wont provide much solace to those of us who were hoping the new law would do a better job protecting us from toxic chemicals.

Jack Pratt is the chemicals campaign director at Environmental Defense Fund.
By Rina Diane

On a windy late afternoon, dozens of people have lined up in front of a 20-foot-long repurposed shipping container situated on a church parking lot. Inside, volunteers are unloading food items from custom-built shopping carts and stacking them onto rows of shelves. There are hearty rice meals and healthy salads, thick sandwiches, pies and other savory and sweet items. This is just another busy day for The Free Store.

The Free Store is a nonprofit organization that redistributes surplus food from local businesses in New Zealands capital city, Wellington, to those in need. It was inspired by a two-week art project in 2010 where artist Kim Paton filled a shop with surplus food items from bakeries and supermarkets. Anyone visiting the shop could take what they wanted free of charge.

I heard that some of the food in the shop was from cafes, said Benjamin Johnson, 28, co-founder and director of The Free Store. It was food left over at the end of the day that was still in a good state. Imagine if theres more food from cafes and restaurants in the city that is good to eat but is just being thrown away. We could do something about that.

Food waste is a costly issue. Each year, Kiwis throw away 872 million New Zealand dollars ($625 million) worth of foodthats over 120,000 tons of food per year. However, this is only a fraction of the 1.3 billion tons of food wasted annually around the world. Its also a small percentage compared to the 88 million tons of food wasted in Europe or the 66.5 million tons of food wasted in the U.S. Yet there are families going hungry all around the country. According to UNICEF, 28 percent of New Zealand childrenabout 295,000live in poverty.

We saw the potential in an untapped food supply. You had food that was perfectly good to eat, and then you had people that were hungry. We could facilitate a connection between the two, Johnson said. Taking the art project as inspiration, Johnson and a group of friends decided in November 2010 to transform The Free Store model into a long-term sustainable community initiative.

People lining up for food at The Free Store. Benjamin Johnson

The Free Store currently has 65 suppliers around the city centercafes, restaurants, bakeries and catering companies donating food they are unable to sell by the end of the day. The local Neo Cafe & Eatery has been donating scones, muffins and other unsold baked items to the store for more than three years. Before partnering with The Free Store, the cafe either gave its leftover food to staff members or threw it in the trash.

Its good to see our food utilized in a way that benefits people, said store manager Luke Crawford.

Johnson said that they are redistributing an estimated 800 to 1,500 food items each weeknight, averaging about 250,000 food items a year. He estimates thats worth a retail value of $1.45 million New Zealand dollars ($1.04 million U.S.).

These food items are handed out from 6 to 7 p.m. every weeknight to around 100 people from diverse backgrounds, including the homeless, unemployed, those with long-term health issues, immigrant and refugee families, students, and those who were recently released from prison.

The Free Stores volunteers collect food items from cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and catering companies using these custom-built shopping carts. Benjamin Johnson

There are no conditions on who can come to The Free Store, Johnson explained. There are no criteria. Anybody can come for whatever reason and take whatever they want.

More than a solution just to curb waste, The Free Store has grown into a community food source.

Before volunteering for The Free Store, 53-year-old Vincent Tito was lining up for food. I was in debt. I was not eating properly, and my body was getting weak, he said. He regained strength through the greens and meat he got from The Free Store. But he didnt want to keep receivinghe also wanted to give. He volunteered to make coffee for customers waiting for the store to open and has been The Free Stores coffee manager for more than two years.

The Free Store has now spread to other regions within New Zealand. There are four stores across the countryall set in motion by the local communities themselves, adapting The Free Store model in their own ways. Operations rely on grants from foundations and trusts, donations, and volunteers. They also conduct fundraising events each year.

A Free Store volunteer stacking food items on shelves. Benjamin Johnson

But the effort to reduce food wasteby redistributing surplus food is fast becoming a global movement. Similar initiatives are in place around the world: Food from the Heart in Singapore collects and redistributes unsold bread from bakeries; FoodBlessed in Lebanon turns unwanted food from supermarkets, farms, and food retailers into free meals; and in the U.S., Copia has created a mobile app to schedule pickups of surplus food, which is then delivered to local nonprofits.

Johnson believes that The Free Store concept can be replicated around the world. All you need is a space to operate from, surplus food, people who need the food and will come and take it, volunteers, and a committed group of people who can actually do it, he said. There has to be local ownership. In every area where theres a Free Store, there needs to be a deeply rooted community of people.

What started as an art project has become a community lifeline.

Reposted with permission from our media associate YES! Magazine.
By Kelly Martin

In the past few weeks, the Beyond Dirty Fuels campaign and our partners have helped secure game-changing victories in our work to stop fracked gas pipelines. There are more than 10,000 miles and nearly 100 large, multi-state fracked gas pipelines proposed in the U.S. right now. If these pipelines are constructed, fracking will increase, and our communities and waterways will be irreparably harmed, and climate-disrupting methane pollution will increase at a time when we urgently need to act to stop the worst impacts of climate change. And if the utilities and pipeline companies have their way, consumers will end up footing the bill despite more fracked gas pipelines being unnecessary and unjustified. The good news is that these pipelines are being fought by communities, lawyers, climate activists and many othersand were winning. State agencies are responding to overwhelming public pressure and starting to get involved to protect waterways from the impacts of pipelines. The attempt to lock us into another generation of relying on fossil fuels is being met with resistance at every turn.

In the past few weeks, weve had great news on multiple fights against fracked gas pipelines, including:

Sabal Trail Pipeline

On Aug. 22, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions (FERC) attempts to downplay the massive climate impacts of the Southeast Market Pipelines Project, including the 515-mile Sabal Trail pipeline that runs through Alabama and Georgia to feed gas plants in Florida. FERC is charged with evaluating whether or not a gas pipeline is needed and is required to ensure a thorough environmental review is done before they decide whether the pipeline should be built at all. In this case, argued by Sierra Club attorney Elly Benson, the court ruled that FERC could not ignore downstream impacts of the fracked gas pipeline, meaning greenhouse gas emissions from burning the fracked gas in plants at the end of the pipeline must be accounted for in FERCs environmental review. Because FERCs environmental review ignored these climate impacts, the court struck down FERCs approval of the pipeline. We are already seeing the ripple effects of this victory and expect this decision to have long-ranging impacts as other proposed pipelines must be reviewed for their climate impacts.

You can read more about the Sabal Trail court decision in this blog.

Constitution Pipeline

Even though FERC is the lead federal regulator of pipelines, states also have robust regulatory powers. For example, they can protect their waterways during the construction of a pipeline. Under section 401 of the Clean Water Act, pipeline companies need each state to certify that state water quality standards will not be violated before construction can start. In the case of the Constitution pipeline in New York, the company failed to provide the information requested by the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (NY DEC) as it evaluated the water impacts. Consequently, NY DEC denied the certificationwhich effectively stopped the pipeline from being constructed. Constitution then took New York to court.

In mid-August, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Constitution Pipeline Companys case against NY DEC, upholding the states authority to exercise oversight over water quality permits for major projects. The decision describes in detail DECs repeated requests for site-specific information about stream crossings, and the pipeline companys failure to provide it.

The ruling on Constitution reinforced that regardless of how much money corporate polluters may spend on influence and attorneys, they can never speak louder than the people who want to protect their homes, their communities, and their clean water from dirty and dangerous projects. Affirming the States right to reject pipeline projects will have long-lasting impacts and could bolster efforts by other states to defend their water quality standards against pipeline companies.

Valley Lateral

In another big decision out of New York, NY DEC recently denied a necessary permit to the Valley Lateral project, a fracked gas pipeline slated to go to a new power plant owned by Competitive Power Ventures in Orange County, NY. DEC cited our recent win in the Sabal Trail case, where the court decided thatFERC did not sufficiently consider the climate impacts of these pipelines before approving them. DEC concluded FERCs environmental review of the Valley Lateral project had similar flaws and was therefore incomplete, prohibiting construction of the project. Its exciting to see our victory on Sabal Trail already being used to block another fracked gas pipeline!

This denial is particularly important because the Lateral would feed into the Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) power plant that would be fueled by fracked gas from Pennsylvania and emit 7 million tons of carbon-dioxide-equivalent pollution annually. The utility was banking on the approval of the Lateral, and started to construct the plant at its own risk before securing the necessary permits. New Yorks denial of one of those permits signals to utilities and pipeline companies the problems and risks with following CPVs rushed approach.

Mountain Valley

Late last week, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) announced its intention to reconsider its previously issued water quality certificate for the Mountain Valley Pipeline. DEPs decision was the result of a legal challenge by the Appalachian Mountain Advocates, representing the Sierra Club and our partners in asserting that WV DEP did not adequately review the potential for the pipeline to harm streams, and came before the state had to defend its issuance of the 401 water quality certification in federal court. The Mountain Valley Pipeline would run about 300 miles from Northwestern West Virginia to Southern Virginia and has faced legal battles that include a coalition of landowners challenging the use of eminent domain. This could mean a significant delay for the MVP while the state goes back to the drawing board to evaluate the water quality impacts, and is another exciting development for advocates defending our water and climate from the impacts of fracked gas pipelines.

All of these significant, precedent-setting steps toward victory in the past few weeks spell trouble for the pipelines. No longer will these projects be seen as foregone conclusions as soon as theyre proposed. Now, the people are being given back the platform they deserve to stand on as we work to protect our communities from the pipeline companies rush to make profits at the expense of our air, water, health and climate.

FERC will have its first meeting in months on Sept. 20. Thus far, the agency has served as nothing more than a rubber stamp for gas projects, and we expect that it will try to rush forward approvals for fracked gas pipelines. But we arent going away. Burning more fracked gas spells game over for our planet, which is why the Sierra Club and communities across the country continue to band together to push back and build a powerful movement to challenge dirty fuel infrastructure. Will you join us?

Kelly Martin is the deputy director of the Sierra Clubs Our Wild America campaign.
The worlds biggest automaker is shifting away from traditional gas guzzlers.

Volkswagen, which has been rebounding from its emissions-cheating scandal, plans to offer an electric version across the groups 300 models by 2030. The company is also rolling out 80 new electric cars under its multiple brands by 2025.

Customers want clean vehicles. People want to have clean air, and we want to make our contribution here, Volkswagen chief Matthias Mueller told the BBC.

According to Reuters, the German company is investing more than 20 billion euros ($24 billion) in zero-emission vehicles to challenge industry disrupter, Tesla.

Volkswagen has made a push towards earth-friendlier vehicles ever since its 2015 dieselgate scandal, in which the company admitted that 11 million of its diesel vehicles worldwide were secretly equipped with software used to cheat on emissions tests.

But Mueller also told the BBC that the company cannot entirely ditch traditional combustion engines because the infrastructure for electric vehicles is not in place.

There will be a coexistence between internal combustion engines and electric drive systems for a certain periodI cant tell you how long that will be, he said.

VWs announcement comes as an increasing number of countries plan to ban new diesel and gasoline cars. This week, news emerged that China, the worlds biggest vehicle market, is considering a ban on the production and sale of fossil fuel cars. Earlier this month, Scotland announced plans to end the sale of new gas and diesel-powered cars by 2032 and fast-track the development of a country-wide charging network for electric vehicles. Norway is banning the sale of new gasoline- and diesel-powered cars in 2025. Germany plans to ban the internal combustion engine by 2030. India intends to be a 100 percent electric vehicle nation by 2030. France has also set a date of 2040.
Ahmedabad: Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who arrived in India on a two-day tour, made roadshows in an open jeep in Ahmedabad. His wife has also come to India with Abe. The special thing was that during the road show, Abe and his wife appeared in Indian dress. Abe appeared in Modis jacket during this time, his wife Salwar kurta appeared in the same place. Zealously, the Japanese PMs wife was seen capturing moments in the camera during this time.

Prior to this, the Japanese PM Abes PM Modi greeted him with a warm welcome on the Ahmedabad Airport. PM Modi and Shinzo Abe reached the Sabarmati Ashram from the airport while doing eight-kilometer roadshows. Stages have been organized on 28 places in all the way, where artists from different states are doing colorful programs.

The most important ones are that yesterday ie PM Modi and Shinzo Abe are laying the foundation of the bullet train project. After the agreement with Japan, the work was going on for the last three years and now it will be its foundation stone tomorrow.
BEER-SHEVA, ISRAEL...September 13, 2017 - Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have developed miniaturized hyperspectral technology as an add-on for a standard camera that will generate superior quality images and video faster and at a lower cost than currently available commercial devices.

Hyperspectral cameras process and analyze information at different light wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum, capturing extremely high quality spatial and resolution images beyond what the unaided human eye can see. The technology is used in a wide range of industries including homeland security surveillance, medical imaging, petroleum, mining, aerospace, and agriculture.

The BGU device, developed by four BGU researchers, can repurpose a standard camera for a plethora of applications, including micro-detection of cancer cells or measuring contaminants in water, with close to 100 percent precision. At only a few tens of microns wide, thinner than a human hair, the device is easy to produce, using commonly available materials such as liquid crystal.

The global hyperspectral imaging systems market is projected to reach $12.71 billion by 2021, according to a Markets and Markets Report published in January. Netta Cohen, chief executive officer of BGN Technologies, the technology company of BGU, says "the hyperspectral marketplace has increased significantly in the last five years. This new invention, with a commercial partner, will help lower the cost of hyperspectral cameras and make it far more accessible to professional photographers. It will also help expand the use of hyperspectral imaging technology in the electronic test and measurement (T&M) instrument market."

Prof. Adrian Stern, head of the BGU Electro-Optical Engineering Unit, says, "The technology uses our software based on 'compressive sampling,' which minimizes collection of redundant data during image capture, making the camera at least 10 times faster and creates spectral images of a markedly superior quality." . Compressive sampling captures signals and images from much fewer samples or measurements than the traditional Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem on which cameras and sensing devices have been based for 100 years.

"Instead of using a large and heavy prism inside the camera, we developed a very small, tunable filter and sensor that are activated by electrical current," says Prof. Dan Blumberg, BGU vice president and dean for research and development, who is also part of the research team. "Every time the current changes, a photo is taken."

The development team also includes Prof. Stanley Rotman of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Dr. Yitzhak August, a former Ph.D. student in the Electro-Optical Engineering Unit.

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About BGN Technologies

BGN Technologies is the technology company of Ben-Gurion University, Israel. BGN Technologies brings technological innovations from the lab to the market and fosters research collaborations and entrepreneurship among researchers and students. To date, BGN Technologies has established over 100 startup companies in the fields of Biotech, Hi-tech and Cleantech and initiated leading technology hubs, incubators and accelerators. During the past decade, BGN Technologies focused on creating long-term partnerships with multinationals such as Deutsche Telekom, Dell-EMC, Lockheed Martin and PayPal, securing value and growth for Ben-Gurion University and the Negev region.

About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more.

AABGU, which is headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.aabgu.org.
Birds often choose their mates based on song, making it a key factor in separating species. However, analyzing spectrograms can only tell us so much--the characteristics that birds hone in on when identifying potential mates may not be the same ones scientists notice in audio recordings. A new study from The Auk: Ornithological Advances uses field experiments to "ask the birds themselves" and uncovers as many as 21 previously unrecognized species.

Benjamin Freeman of the University of British Columbia and Graham Montgomery of Cornell University compared these two methods--analysis in the lab and experiments in the field--for 72 pairs of related but geographically separated bird populations in Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador. In addition to analyzing more than a thousand song recordings for seven variables, they used playback experiments to test birds' real-world reactions to recordings of their relatives, observing whether or not they approached the speaker. Their results show that when the divergence between the characteristics of the recordings is high, birds consistently fail to recognize recordings of their relatives in the field, but when divergence is low, birds' discrimination is much less consistent. In other words, analyzing recordings can't accurately predict how birds will act when presented with songs just slightly different from their own.

Many pairs that failed to recognize each other are currently categorized as members of the same species, suggesting that current taxonomy does not reflect actual bird behavior when it comes to song. Freeman and Montgomery propose that 21 such pairs should be recognized as separate species based on song discrimination and that playback experiments should be the standard for assessing whether song divergence between populations is a barrier to interbreeding. "It is abundantly clear to anyone familiar with the amazing diversity of Neotropical birds that there are many cases where populations that sing very different songs are classified as the same species," says Freeman. "These populations look the same--they have similar plumage and are similar in size and shape--but assuming that populations that sing differently tend not to interbreed, this means that species-level diversity in the Neotropics is underestimated."

"Playback experiments between geographically isolated taxa provide key data on how populations might perceive each other in terms of 'same' or 'different' if they were in actual contact," according to Louisiana State University's J.V. Remsen, an expert on Neotropical birds who was not involved in the research. "Hopefully, this pioneering study will catalyze a wave of similar studies around the globe as a way to approach the always-thorny problem of species limits in these birds."

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"Using song playback experiments to measure species recognition between geographically isolated populations: A comparison with acoustic trait analyses" is available at http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.1642/AUK-17-63.1.

About the journal: The Auk: Ornithological Advances is a peer-reviewed, international journal of ornithology that began in 1884 as the official publication of the American Ornithologists' Union, which merged with the Cooper Ornithological Society in 2016 to become the American Ornithological Society. In 2009, The Auk was honored as one of the 100 most influential journals of biology and medicine over the past 100 years.
Transgender persons with diabetes treated with hormones for gender confirmation have several modifiable factors that contribute to diabetes severity and complications --including elevated levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) and high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol, suggests a small study being presented at this year's European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal (11-15 September).

This study draws attention to this vulnerable group who need more specialist support and evidence-based programmes to improve diabetes care.

Transgender individuals have a gender identity that is different from their sex assigned at birth. Recent estimates from state and federal data suggest that around 0.6% of the adult population in the USA (1.4 million adults) identify as transgender. Close to half (40%) of the adult population of the USA is expected to develop type 2 diabetes at some point during their lifetime, and about 1.25 million Americans are currently living with type 1 diabetes.

People with diabetes are known to have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), osteoporosis, and depression. An important part of diabetes management is reducing other CVD risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Although gender affirming hormone treatment is known to have effects on lipid profiles, blood pressure, weight, and blood glucose, the hormones' effect on diabetes risk or disease course is unclear. Furthermore, the management of diabetes in transgender patients has not been specifically studied.

In this small study, Dr Patricia Kapsner and colleagues from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA analysed data from all 300 transgender patients attending their multidisciplinary gender health clinic. They describe the characteristics of the nine individuals with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, and the specialist support that was needed to improve the quality of their care.

The researchers found that their patients with diabetes on hormones for gender confirmation had increased modifiable risks associated with diabetes. Triglycerides tended to be high in transgender women, most likely due to diabetes and use of oestrogens. LDL cholesterol was higher and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or 'good' cholesterol was lower in obese patients with T2D. They also found that diabetes patients had low levels of vitamin D which needed treatment to prevent osteoporosis. Transgender women with T2D also tended to be obese, requiring intensive weight loss management. The research team note that the dysphoria and high level of psychosocial issues (e.g., current or past substance abuse) added to the difficulties of managing diabetes and comorbidities.

The researchers point out that even with support from their multidisciplinary team (including endocrinologists, psychiatrists, diabetes educators, nutritionists, nurses, and social services), recommended targets for patients with diabetes are not always achieved.

The authors conclude: "For both transgender men and women, it is critical to reduce risk factors for diabetes in order to prevent cardiovascular disease and other complications. We hope that our research will help boost transgender health and diabetes services to provide effective support and medication to those who need it most."

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Hope to see you at our Vernon County Fair booth this week! The Vernon County Historical Societys booth is located inside the expo building. Stop by to pick up brochures (including the new Viroqua walking tours), look through sample pages of our forthcoming country schools book and purchase raffle tickets. And of course, play our Vernon County history quiz to win a piece of candy.

How hard is the history quiz? you are asking. Well, we have questions for all ages. Questions for adults include this one: Who was the Civil War soldier from De Soto who captured a confederate flag at Gettysburg  (a) Francis Wallar, (b) Jeremiah Rusk or (c) Cyrus Butt? The answer is (a) Francis Wallar. Jeremiah Rusk and Cyrus Butt both served in the Civil War, but neither was from De Soto and neither captured a rebel flag.

We also have questions for teenagers, such as naming three rivers found in Vernon County. The answers include Bad Axe, Kickapoo, Mississippi, Baraboo and Pine. And we have questions for children: The Horse and Colt Show is held in which village in Vernon County? Viola. We give hints, and somehow everyone ends up with a prize.

The date for this months genealogy class has been moved to Thursday, Sept. 28. The class will start at 10 a.m. in the museums conference room. Guest teacher Liv Marit Haakenstad will present a program about Norwegian genealogy. She is a genealogist, historian and author from Hamar, Norway, who will be visiting the U.S. for a few weeks. New students are welcome to attend the class. More details next week.

The museum is now on its autumn hours. During September and October, the museum will be open Monday through Friday, noon-4 p.m.
The era of fully fledged quantum computers threatens to destroy internet security as we know it. Researchers are in a race against time to prepare new cryptographic techniques before the arrival of quantum computers, as cryptographers Tanja Lange (Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands) and Daniel J. Bernstein (University of Illinois at Chicago, USA) describe today in the journal Nature. In their publication they analyze the options available for this so-called post-quantum cryptography.

The expectation is that quantum computers will be built some time after 2025. Such computers make use of quantum-mechanical properties and can therefore solve some particular problems much faster than our current computers. This will be useful for calculating models for weather forecasts or developing new medicine. However, these operations also affect protection of data using RSA and ECC. With today's technologies these systems will not be broken in a hundred years but a quantum computer will break these within days if not hours.

Sensitive data in the open

Without protection a lot of sensitive information will be out in the open, even data from years back. "An attacker can record our secure communication today and break it with a quantum computer years later. All of today's secrets will be lost," warns Tanja Lange, professor of Cryptology at Eindhoven University of Technology. This concerns private data, bank and health records, but also state secrets. Lange saw the importance of alternative systems already back in 2006 and is busy with creating awareness and developing new systems. "Fairly recently we're seeing an uptake of post-quantum cryptography in the security agencies, e.g., the NSA, and companies start demanding solutions."

Research consortium

Lange leads the research consortium PQCRYPTO consisting of eleven universities and companies. PQCRYPTO started in 2015 with 3.9 million euro funding from the European Commission to develop new cryptographic techniques. "This might seem like a lot of money, but is a factor of 100 less than what goes into building quantum computers." says Lange. She cautions that it is important to strengthen research in cryptography. "Bringing cryptographic techniques to the end user takes often another 15 to 20 years, after development and standardization."

Shor's algorithm

In their Nature publication Lange and Bernstein explain that a certain quantum algorithm, namely Shor's algorithm, breaks all cryptographic techniques that are currently used to establish secure connections on the Internet. Candidates for post-quantum cryptography can roughly be categorized into two types: they are either very well understood and confidence-inspiring but require a lot of bandwidth or they are more convenient to use but provide more questionable security.

Nature

The publication appears in an issue of Nature with special attention to topics related to quantum computers: from different candidates of elementary building blocks of quantum computers till, e.g., the development of new algorithms. The journal invited Lange to write the article on post-quantum cryptography.

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It all started out with an observation that ETH scientists made about two years ago with a special fluorescent protein isolated from corals: Dendra 2, which fluoresces green. Light can be used to change its molecular structure so that it switches its colour to red. The researchers had discovered a new way for this colour switch: first, it is briefly excited with a pulse of blue laser light and then illuminated immediately with near-infrared light. Applications for this two-phase colour switch include fluorescence microscopy, which makes it possible to see a three-dimensional, precisely defined point (e.g. a single cell) in the tissue of an organism (see here).

An international team of researchers led by Periklis Pantazis, a professor in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) at ETH Zurich in Basel, has now explained this two-phase colour switch mechanism. The scientists refer to this as "primed conversion". The new knowledge is allowing the researchers to modify other light-sensitive proteins so that they can also be excited in two phases.

Within milliseconds

The researchers from ETH Zurich, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and the Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, closely examined the proteins activated with blue light and succeeded in showing that these proteins enter an excited state lasting several milliseconds. "That's relatively long," explains Pantazis. "Other fluorescence phenomena are much shorter."

The scientists were also able to show that this state is a case of a phenomenon known from quantum chemistry - a "triplet state". After about five milliseconds, the fluorescent protein Dendra 2 returns to its ground state. Primed conversion happens only if the second phase - the illumination with near-infrared light - occurs within the triplet time window.

Modified amino acid sequences

The duration of the triplet state depends greatly on the stability of the fluorescent protein. This, in turn, depends on the exact sequence of protein building blocks (amino acids), which is why the scientists modified the Dendra 2 amino acid sequence in several spots. They then did the same with another fluorescent protein, Eos. Until now, this protein could not be excited in two phases. It is documented in the scientific literature that these locations are essential for the triplet state.

The scientists measured the duration of the triplet state with all of the new proteins. This state was extended significantly in several of the proteins tested. The scientists were also able to modify the Eos protein so that it too could be activated in two phases. They succeeded in doing this with another six proteins that had never been activated in two phases before. "The modified proteins weren't just made switchable in two phases for the first time; they're also more stable and therefore fluoresce more intensely," says Manuel Mohr, a doctoral student in Pantazis's group and lead author of the study.

Possible with any microscope

The scientists made the original discovery with a laser not conventionally available, using light in the near-infrared range. Today, however, the scientists have demonstrated that the effect can also be achieved using the same conventional red lasers found in every fluorescence microscope. In other words, primed conversion is possible with any fluorescence microscope.

Primed conversion can be used in microscopy in order to mark a narrowly defined point in a tissue sample. The scientists do this by aiming a blue and red laser beam into the tissue so that the beams cross at a single point. Primed conversion occurs only at this intersection. "Because neither blue nor red laser light have a toxic effect, the method is ideal for living organisms," says Pantazis. Applications with other microscopy techniques may also be possible, including super-resolution microscopy, which has been around for several years now.

Brain mapping and gene sequencing

"We now know how to modify photoconvertible proteins to make them switch in two phases," says Pantazis. The researchers have patented this discovery. The ETH scientists are working together with protein experts to modify other fluorescent proteins used in microscopy in the same way.

The researchers recently modified proteins so that they can be split off from a gene-activating messenger in a way that allows them to be light-activated with two colours. For example, they could illuminate tissue with a blue and red beam intersecting at a single point, making it possible to activate specific genes in a single cell of the tissue. Proteins that detect calcium can be modified in this way as well and could potentially be used for 3D brain mapping.

Biologists can ultimately use the new technique for other functional analyses in 3D: ETH Zurich has already issued several licences for the patent, including to a start-up that plans to develop a DNA sequencing technique using a 3D matrix.

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Reference

Mohr MA, Kobitski AY, Sabater LR, Nienhaus K, Obara CJ, Lippincott-Schwartz J, Nienhaus GU, Pantazis P: Rational Engineering of Photoconvertible Fluorescent Proteins for Dual-Color Fluorescence Nanoscopy Enabled by a Triplet-State Mechanism of Primed Conversion. Angewandte Chemie, 11 July 2017, doi: 10.1002/ange.201706121 [http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ange.201706121]
A new testing regime for severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) syndrome aims to make diagnosis faster so that more infants can receive life-saving treatment in time

Babies born with Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) syndrome are defenceless against bacterial and viral infections that would be virtually harmless to most healthy people. If untreated, SCID is often fatal within a baby's first year of life.

Research led by the University of Hong Kong has resulted in a new testing regime that could speed up the diagnosis of SCID, allowing more infants to receive life-saving treatment within a critical timeframe.

For the best chance of survival, infants with SCID should be treated as soon after birth as possible, and preferably within three-and-a-half months. However, poor recognition of SCID by front-line doctors is leading to delays in diagnosis, later treatments and poorer outcomes.

The authors of a recent study, published in open-access journal Frontiers in Immunology, have developed a "checklist" of potential SCID markers: a family history of early infant death, persistent candidiasis (often presenting as persistent thrush), Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) infections, and low absolute lymphocyte counts. "Flagging" an infant showing any one of these four factors would allow potential SCID patients to be fast-tracked for further tests and treatment.

Many countries - including much of Asia and the UK - do not test for SCID in their newborn health-screening programmes, with front-line doctors often left to diagnose the fatal condition. By using this checklist, the authors believe that identification, and hence treatment, of SCID patients will be possible much sooner.

Without a working immune system, newborns with SCID are highly vulnerable, and many will repeatedly visit doctors with serious and recurring infections before being diagnosed.

"The recognition of SCID by doctors is poor in Asia, resulting in delayed diagnoses that jeopoardize the chance of treatment success," explains lead author Professor Yu Lung Lau, who focused his research on Asian and North African patients. "We wanted to see if we could identify any clinical features that would help doctors to diagnose SCID earlier."

The study of 147 patients looked at how long it took for doctors to diagnose SCID, relative to the age the babies were first brought to their doctors, and what symptoms they had.

They found that it took an average of two months for babies to be diagnosed, and that the average age at diagnosis was four months old - beyond the critical age for treatment (which is usually stem cell transplants or gene therapy) to begin.

As the researchers examined the data, four SCID "markers" emerged. Taken in isolation, none helped reduce the time taken for a diagnosis. However, 94% of the patients studied showed at least one of the four factors.

"Family history of early infant death due to infection was useful to aid earlier diagnosis, but it was not due to doctors realizing the importance of the family history, but rather due to the family taking the child to see the doctors earlier," says Lau. "This demonstrates the failure of our medical training and systems in using family history to aid earlier SCID diagnosis."

Candidiasis emerged as one of the most common infections. Unfortunately, as thrush is relatively common in all infants, its presence actually slowed down the time to diagnosis.

Complications from the BCG vaccination also appeared frequently, and over 88% of the patients in the study had a very low absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC).

"Our main recommendation is to perform lymphocyte subsets for any infant with one or more of the following clinical features: family history, persistent candidiasis, BCG infections and ALC less than 3x10^9/L", explains Lau. "This would confirm the diagnosis of SCID, if present".

For the time being, newborn screening remains out of reach in much of Asia, so education of front-line doctors and parents is key.

"Our recommendations may help earlier diagnosis of SCID, and need to be communicated to doctors as well as to ordinary citizens, who can then urge the doctors along our recommendation," concludes Lau.

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Researchers from North Carolina State University are rolling out a new manufacturing process and chip design for silicon carbide (SiC) power devices, which can be used to more efficiently regulate power in technologies that use electronics. The process - called PRESiCE - was developed with support from the PowerAmerica Institute funded by the Department of Energy to make it easier for companies to enter the SiC marketplace and develop new products.

"PRESiCE will allow more companies to get into the SiC market, because they won't have to initially develop their own design and manufacturing process for power devices - an expensive, time-consuming engineering effort," says Jay Baliga, Distinguished University Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NC State and lead author of a paper on PRESiCE that will be presented later this month. "The companies can instead use the PRESiCE technology to develop their own products. That's good for the companies, good for consumers, and good for U.S. manufacturing."

Power devices consist of a diode and transistor, and are used to regulate the flow of power in electrical devices. For decades, electronics have used silicon-based power devices. In recent years, however, some companies have begun using SiC power devices, which have two key advantages.

First, SiC power devices are more efficient, because SiC transistors lose less power. Conventional silicon transistors lose 10 percent of their energy to waste heat. SiC transistors lose only 7 percent. This is not only more efficient, but means that product designers need to do less to address cooling for the devices.

Second, SiC devices can also switch at a higher frequency. That means electronics incorporating SiC devices can have smaller capacitors and inductors - allowing designers to create smaller, lighter electronic products.

But there's a problem.

Up to this point, companies that have developed manufacturing processes for creating SiC power devices have kept their processes proprietary - making it difficult for other companies to get into the field. This has limited the participation of other companies and kept the cost of SiC devices high.

The NC State researchers developed PRESiCE to address this bottleneck, with the goal of lowering the barrier of entry to the field for companies and increasing innovation.

The PRESiCE team worked with a Texas-based foundry called X-Fab to implement the manufacturing process and have now qualified it - showing that it has the high yield and tight statistical distribution of electrical properties for SiC power devices necessary to make them attractive to industry.

"If more companies get involved in manufacturing SiC power devices, it will increase the volume of production at the foundry, significantly driving down costs," Baliga says.

Right now, SiC devices cost about five times more than silicon power devices.

"Our goal is to get it down to 1.5 times the cost of silicon devices," Baliga says. "Hopefully that will begin the 'virtuous cycle': lower cost will lead to higher use; higher use leads to greater production volume; greater production volume further reduces cost, and so on. And consumers are getting a better, more energy-efficient product."

The researchers have already licensed the PRESiCE process and chip design to one company, and are in talks with several others.

"I conceived the development of wide bandgap semiconductor (SiC) power devices in 1979 and have been promoting the technology for more than three decades," Baliga says. "Now, I feel privileged to have created PRESiCE as the nation's technology for manufacturing SiC power devices to generate high-paying jobs in the U.S. We're optimistic that our technology can expedite the commercialization of SiC devices and contribute to a competitive manufacturing sector here in the U.S.," Baliga says.

The paper, "PRESiCE: PRocess Engineered for manufacturing SiC Electronic-devices," will be presented at the International Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials, being held Sept. 17-22 in Washington, D.C. The paper is co-authored by W. Sung, now at State University of New York Polytechnic Institute; K. Han and J. Harmon, who are Ph.D. students at NC State; and A. Tucker and S. Syed, who are undergraduates at NC State.

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The work was supported by PowerAmerica, the Department of Energy-funded manufacturing innovation institute that focuses on boosting manufacturing of wide bandgap semiconductor-based power electronics.
WASHINGTON, D.C September 12, 2017 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced more than $8.6 million in available funding to assist low-income individuals and communities in developing local and self-reliant food systems. This funding is available through NIFA's Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

"This program is important because it reaches beyond short-term food relief," said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. "It integrates economic, social, and environmental impacts to form comprehensive solutions to problems across all food system levels."

The primary goals of the Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program are to meet the food needs of low-income individuals, increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their food needs, promote comprehensive responses to local food access, farm, and nutrition issues, and meet specific state, local or neighborhood food and agricultural needs. Grants aim to bring together stakeholders from the distinct parts of the food system and foster understanding of national food security trends and how they might improve local food systems.

All grants require a dollar-for-dollar match in resources. They are intended to support the development of projects with a one-time installment of federal assistance to establish and carry out self-sustaining, multipurpose community food projects. Community Food Projects can be funded up to $400,000 over the course of 48 months. Planning Projects may be funded up to $35,000 for the total project period, which is one year.

Eligible applicants include public food program service providers, tribal organizations, and private nonprofit entities, including gleaners. The following requirements must be met:

1. Have experience in the area of community food work, job training and business development activities for food-related activities in low-income communities, or efforts to reduce food insecurity in the community; 2. Demonstrate competency to implement a project, provide fiscal accountability, collect data, and prepare reports and other necessary documentation; 3. Demonstrate a willingness to share information with researchers, evaluators, practitioners, and other interested parties, including a plan for dissemination of results; 4. Collaborate with one or more local partner organizations to achieve at least one hunger-free community's goal.

The deadline for applications is Monday, December 4, 2017. See the request for applications for details.

Since 1996, Community Food Projects have awarded approximately $ $101 million to organizations nationally. Previously-funded projects include Mississippi's Choctaw Fresh Produce (CFP), a series of 5 farms that built 15 unheated, greenhouse-like structures called high tunnels which protect crops and extend the growing season by aiding the production of thousands of pounds of chemical-free fruits and vegetables. These fruits and vegetables are distributed to tribal members at a low seasonal cost and at a central location through a unique, community-supported agriculture program. With this grant, CFP helped increase healthy food access and overcome geographic and economic barriers facing the community.

Another project, DC Central Kitchen, a community kitchen in the District of Columbia, develops and operates social ventures targeting the cycle of hunger and poverty. They do this, in part, by preparing adults with high barriers to employment for culinary careers, creating living wage jobs for their graduates, and feeding the District. In 2016, 89 percent of their students with high barriers to employment graduated from the Culinary Job Training program with an 88 percent job placement rate. Additionally, their Community Meals team prepared 1.8 million meals for 82 nonprofits and social service agencies across the District.

NIFA's mission is to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. NIFA's investments in transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture. To learn more about NIFA's impact on agricultural sciences, visit http://www.nifa.usda.gov/Impacts, sign up for updates, and follow us on Twitter @USDA_NIFA, #NIFAImpacts.

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Businesses spent $356 billion on research and development (R&D) performed in the United States in 2015, a 4.4 percent increase over the $341 billion spent in 2014.

Of the total R&D expenditures in 2015, companies spent $22 billion (6 percent) on basic research, $56 billion (16 percent) on applied research, and $278 billion (78 percent) on development. The spending shares did not change from 2014. Those data points come from the Business R&D and Innovation Survey (BRDIS), developed and cosponsored by the National Science Foundation's (NSF) National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Funding from companies' own sources was $297 billion in 2015, a 5 percent increase from the $283 billion spent in 2014. Funding from other sources was $59 billion in 2015 and $58 billion in 2014.

In 2015, companies in manufacturing industries performed 66 percent of domestic R&D. Most of the funding (83 percent) was from the companies' own funds. Companies in nonmanufacturing industries performed 34 percent of total domestic R&D, 84 percent of which was paid from the companies' own funds.

The U.S. federal government was the chief source of external funding for R&D across all industries, accounting for $27 billion of the $59 billion from external sources. Most of this funding came from the Department of Defense ($18 billion). Next among external funders were foreign companies ($16 billion).

Ninety-one percent of the federal government funding went toward aerospace products and parts.

U.S. companies that performed or funded R&D reported domestic net sales of $9 trillion in 2015. For all industries, the R&D intensity -- defined as the ratio of a company's R&D expenditures to domestic sales -- was 3.9 percent.

R&D intensity in micro-, small-, and medium-sized companies (5 to 249 domestic employees) was 5.8 percent. The R&D intensity of large companies (250 to 24,999 domestic employees) was 4.1 percent. The R&D intensity of the largest companies (25,000 or more domestic employees) was 3.4 percent.

Businesses that performed or funded R&D employed 18.9 million people in the United States in 2015. About 1.5 million (8 percent) of these employees performed R&D.

Business R&D is concentrated in a relatively small number of states. Businesses in California accounted for 32 percent of the $297 billion of domestic R&D paid for by companies in 2015. Massachusetts and Washington each accounted for 6 percent.

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For more information, see the report.
Delta: A place where sediment carried downstream by a river enters the sea, forming a fan of sand or mud.

Although deltas make up just 1 percent of the world's land, they're home to more than half a billion people -- and to fertile ecosystems such as mangroves and marshes. Deltas also serve as economic hotspots. They support much of the world's fisheries and forest products, and are major food production areas for many nations.

Scientists have found that deltas are disappearing at an increasing rate, however, affecting humans and other species, according to scientist Kimberly Rogers of the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Rogers is one of nine recipients of grants made in 2017 by the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems (CNH) program, which supports research that examines the complex interactions between human and natural systems. Total funding for 2017 CNH grants is $13 million.

Rogers will study socioecological system dynamics related to livelihoods, human migration and landscape evolution in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta, which drains land in such locations as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal. The results will help researchers and policymakers understand deltas worldwide, including the Mississippi Delta in the U.S.

CNH is co-funded by NSF's directorates for Geosciences (GEO); Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE); and Biological Sciences (BIO). The program, part of NSF's Environmental Research and Education (ERE) portfolio, has issued awards since 2001.

"People are part of our planet," said Richard Yuretich, CNH program director for GEO. "The CNH program explores our relationship with the world around us so we can live comfortably and minimize the adverse consequences of our actions."

CNH considers humans and the environment as one interconnected system. This year's grantees will look at ways in which people deal with environmental processes in a range of settings, including coasts, woodlands and cities.

"The complex interplay between our activities and the natural environment has major impacts on human well-being and on environmental quality," said Tom Baerwald, CNH program director for SBE. "A deeper understanding of these dynamics is critical to improving human welfare and preserving natural systems."

The 2017 CNH research subjects include: feedback among coral reef fishing practices, livelihood strategies, and the shifting dominance of corals and algae; dynamics of interactions among humans, bats and pathogens; water supplies, land use and disadvantaged communities; links between short-lived local pollutants and long-lived global greenhouse gases; and traditional livelihoods and ecosystem dynamics in Utah's pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Liz Blood, CNH program director for BIO, summed it up: "These awards demonstrate the importance of understanding the connectedness of nature and society in studying the effects of environmental change and socioeconomic stress. The results are critically important to all of us."

2017 NSF CNH Awards

Jennifer Burney, University of California-San Diego: The Coupled Climate and Institutional Dynamics of Short-Lived Local Pollutants and Long-Lived Global Greenhouse Gases

Brian Codding, University of Utah: Dynamic Impacts of Environmental Change and Biomass Harvesting on Woodland Ecosystems and Traditional Livelihoods

Helen Dahlke, University of California-Davis: The Dynamics of Water Supplies, Land Use, and Disadvantaged Communities

Sally Holbrook, University of California-Santa Barbara: Multiscale Dynamics of Coral Reef Fisheries: Feedbacks Between Fishing Practices, Livelihood Strategies, and Shifting Dominance of Coral and Algae

Dylan McNamara, University of North Carolina-Wilmington: Climate Change Adaptation in a Coupled Geomorphic-Economic Coastal System

Raina Plowright, Montana State University: Dynamics of Zoonotic Systems: Human-Bat-Pathogen Interactions

Sarah Reed, Wildlife Conservation Society: Experimental Investigation of the Dynamic Human-Environmental Interactions Resulting from Protected Area Visitation

Kimberly Rogers, University of Colorado-Boulder: Socioecological System Dynamics Related to Livelihood, Human Migration, and Landscape Evolution

Christopher Solomon, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies: Social-Ecological Dynamics of Recreational Fishery Landscapes

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US researchers leverage international partnerships to extend the frontiers of science, engineering and education

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is pleased to announce 14 new Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE) awards, totaling more than $66 million over the next five years.

The awards will fund 14 lead U.S. institutions and U.S. partner institutions for collaborative projects involving international partners in 24 countries: Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

"By linking together researchers from around the world, PIRE allows us to leverage U.S. dollars and improve scientific outcomes," said Rebecca Keiser, head of NSF's Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE), which manages PIRE. "These rich partnerships tackle some of today's most pressing research questions, from new materials to marine sciences."

NSF has a long history of fostering and supporting international relationships to address critical science and engineering (S&E) questions. Since its inception in 2005, the PIRE program has accelerated scientific discovery and enhanced the U.S. science and technology workforce by leveraging investments from foreign governments that also provide funding to these collaborative projects.

PIRE supports fundamental, international research and education in physical, living, human and engineered systems. As the focal point for international collaboration across NSF, OISE, which funds the U.S. portion of the international collaboration, catalyzes global S&E activities and builds effective partnership throughout the international S&E research and education community.

The new PIRE awards are briefly described below:

Hybrid Materials for Quantum Science and Engineering (HYBRID): Sergey Frolov, University of Pittsburgh. Partner country: France.

This project will study the effect of crystal growth and fabrication of quantum devices based on newly synthesized materials aided by theoretical and computational studies.

Bio-inspired Materials and Systems: LaShanda Korley, Case Western Reserve University. Partner country: Switzerland.

The project will use biomimetic materials to design adaptive and/or tough materials, implantable materials, excitable fibers and gels, and dynamic and functional fibers for soft robotic applications.

Science of Design for Societal-Scale Cyber-Physical Systems: Janos Sztipanovits, Vanderbilt University. Partner country: Germany.

This project seeks to develop a new Science of Design for societal-scale Cyber- Physical Systems such as traffic networks, electric grids, or networks of autonomous systems (e.g. self-driving cars, unmanned air vehicles) where control is dynamically shifted between humans and machines.

Investigation of Multi-scale, Multi-phase Phenomena in Complex Fluids for the Energy Industries: Masahiro Kawaji, CUNY City College. Partner countries: France, Germany and Norway.

This project will investigate multiscale phenomena in complex, multiphase fluids vital to energy technologies, such as the production and processing of oil and gas, energy conversion and storage, refrigeration and heating and cooling.

High Temperature Ceramic Fibers: Polymer-Based Manufacturing, Nanostructure, and Performance: Gurpreet Singh, Kansas State University. Partner countries: France, Germany Italy, and Japan.

This project will advance the materials science of certain polymer-derived ceramic fibers to reduce costs and improve performance for high temperature applications, particularly jet aircraft turbines.

Centennial Genetic and Species Transformations in the Epicenter of Marine Biodiversity: Kent Carpenter, Old Dominion University Research Foundation. Partner country: Philippines.

This project will compare the genetic diversity of fish collected in the Philippines during the 1907-1909 expedition of the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries ship Albatross with the same location's present population to examine the loss of genetic diversity.

Advancing global strategies and understanding on the origin of ciguatera fish poisoning in tropical oceans: Alison Robertson, University of South Alabama. Partner countries: Australia, Canada, China, Cuba, Malaysia, Norway, Philippines and United Kingdom.

The project will investigate the threat to coral reef ecosystems by ciguatera fish poisoning, the most common nonbacterial seafood illness. This project will extend understanding of the environmental conditions affecting the production of ciguatoxins, and determine the fate of the toxins through the food web across geographical regions.

International partnership for cirrus studies: Elizabeth Moyer, University of Chicago. Partner countries: France, Germany and Switzerland.

This project will study one of the coldest and least understood parts of the atmosphere, the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). New satellite measurements suggest the TTL ice crystal layer is denser than previously thought, resulting in a stronger effect on the Earth's radiation level.

Climate Research Education in the Americas using tree-ring and cave sediment examples: Mathias Vuille, University at Albany-State University of New York. Partner countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Peru.

This project will investigate the nature of extreme events over the Americas during the last one thousand years by merging data from the two largest tree ring and cave sediment (stalagmite) archives in South America with new, unpublished records. This research will enhance scientists' understanding of the underlying causes of past climate perturbations.

Black Hole Astrophysics in the Era of Distributed Resources and Expertise: Dimitrios Psaltis, University of Arizona. Partner countries: Germany, Mexico and Taiwan.

This project will fund activities in detector development, mounting coordinated observations, fast data transfer and cloud computing for the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), an Earth-sized array of telescopes. The EHT seeks to capture the first images of astrophysical black holes and test Einstein's theory of general relativity in extreme conditions.

Advanced Germanium Detectors and Technologies for Underground Physics: Dongming Mei, University of South Dakota. Partner countries: Canada, China, Germany and Taiwan.

This project will develop germanium material platforms used for large scale dark matter and neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments. The nature of dark matter and the key properties of neutrinos are two of the most important questions in fundamental physics.

Computationally-Based Imaging of Structure in Materials (CuBISM): Kenneth Shull, Northwestern University. Partner countries: France, Italy and Netherlands.

This project will develop computational and experimental tools to understand property degradation over long periods of time by examining historic art objects.

Confronting Energy Poverty: Building an Interdisciplinary Evidence Base, Network, and Capacity for Transformative Change: Pamela Jagger, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Partner countries: Malawai, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

This project will test the impact of energy poverty mitigation interventions on air quality, land use and human welfare. Results will help address the resulting negative impacts on environmental sustainability and human health.

PIRE-Sustainable Communities & Gold Supply Chains: Integrating Responsible Engineering & Local Knowledge to Design, Implement & Evaluate Sustainable Artisanal Mining in Latin America: Juan Lucena, Colorado School of Mines. Partner countries: Colombia and Peru.

This project will study sustainability of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). ASGM causes large-scale deforestation, air and water contamination, and chronic human diseases from the mercury used to process the ore.

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Scientists aboard a Royal Danish Air Force C-130 scanned the Arctic Ocean for "leads"--fractures in sea ice cover that expose open water. After spotting one particularly accessible lead, the pilots opened the cargo bay door of their aircraft. As frigid wind whipped about, crew members tossed out a red-and-yellow buoy, which splashed into the open sea with precise accuracy.

In an example of international cooperation and scientific collaboration, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) last week participated in a joint mission to deploy three specialized buoys with sensors into the Arctic Ocean, in the vicinity of the North Pole.

Last week's mission stemmed from the International Cooperative Engagement Program for Polar Research (ICE-PPR). This partnership between the United States, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden is part of ONR's answer to the challenge of the U.S. Navy Arctic Roadmap 2014-2030 -- which directs the service to "expand cooperative partnerships with Arctic nations and Arctic states, and international, interagency, and private sector stakeholders that enhance Arctic security."

"The ability to understand and predict ocean and weather conditions in the harsh Arctic region is essential to safe operations for the U.S. Navy," said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. David J. Hahn. "Strong international scientific partnerships, through programs like the ICE-PPR, help all of the nations involved leverage knowledge and resources in this challenging operational environment."

During the deployment, the ice-resistant buoys -- known as Air-Deployable Expendable Ice Beacon (AXIB) buoys -- were dropped from a Royal Danish Air Force C-130 aircraft operating out of Thule Air Force Base in Greenland.

Made of specially reinforced material, the buoys can withstand the Arctic's frigid environment and survive in open water or being embedded in ice. They will spend the next three to five years providing data about Arctic air pressure and temperature, winds, upper-ocean temperature, ice temperatures, and movement of ice. The accumulated data will be used to develop more accurate computer models and forecasts for ice, ocean and weather conditions.

"This exercise was a very productive partnership in which ONR provided the logistical support, the Royal Danish Air Force provided the aircraft, and Environment and Climate Change Canada provided the buoys," said Lt. Cmdr. John Woods, an officer in ONR's Naval Reserve Component, who participated in the deployment. "It was a true international team effort, and a great success."

The mission was part of the International Arctic Buoy Program (IABP), and involved ONR, the U.S. National Ice Center, the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the University of Washington. The IABP is composed of member groups that place and maintain drifting buoys throughout the Arctic -- and offer meteorological and oceanographic data for scientific research.

Because of its shield of sea ice, the Arctic historically has had limited naval strategic relevance beyond submarine operations. But this frozen cover is diminishing due to a steady reduction in summer sea ice -- with the resultant opening of previously inaccessible waterways for extended periods of time each year. This has presented new commercial shipping lanes, and increased oil and natural gas exploration, fishing, and tourism.

The ice melt also may create new requirements for the Navy's surface fleet, which is where the AXIB data comes in. Improving forecasting models will help the Navy plan for future operations in this remote region, and inform the design and outfitting of surface vessels it will need to operate safely and effectively.

"Many of the ICE-PPR member nations have extensive experience operating in the Polar Regions," said Dr. Chris Bassler, deputy director for the U.S. Navy Senior National Representative, an office responsible for coordinating collaborative research and development projects and interoperability requirements with other nations. "Partnering with these nations gives the U.S. Navy an excellent opportunity for high-velocity learning by leveraging their experience in cold-weather environments."

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ONR's Seasonal Ice Zone Reconnaissance Surveys (SIZRS) program, part of its Arctic and Global Prediction Program, will benefit from the data collected by the AXIB buoys. ONR's sponsored Arctic research supports the Navy's Task Force Ocean initiative, which seeks to strengthen national capabilities in ocean sensing and modeling technology in support of national security.
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Feeling the pain of failure leads to more effort to correct your mistake than simply thinking about what went wrong, according to a new study.

Researchers found that people who just thought about a failure tended to make excuses for why they were unsuccessful and didn't try harder when faced with a similar situation. In contrast, people who focused on their emotions following a failure put forth more effort when they tried again.

"All the advice tells you not to dwell on your mistakes, to not feel bad," said Selin Malkoc, co-author of the study and professor of marketing at The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business.

"But we found the opposite. When faced with a failure, it is better to focus on one's emotions -- when people concentrate on how bad they feel and how they don't want to experience these feelings again, they are more likely to try harder the next time."

While thinking about how to improve from past mistakes might help -- this study didn't examine that -- the researchers found that people who reflect on a failure do not tend to focus on ways to avoid a similar mistake.

When asked to think about their mistakes, most people focus on protecting their ego, Malkoc said. They think about how the failure wasn't their fault, or how it wasn't that big of a deal, anyway.

"If your thoughts are all about how to distance yourself from the failure, you're not going to learn from your mistakes," she said.

Malkoc conducted the study with Noelle Nelson of the University of Kansas and Baba Shiv of Stanford University. Their results appear online in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making.

The researchers conducted several studies. In one, 98 college students were asked to price search online for a blender with specific characteristics, and with the possibility of winning a cash prize if they found the lowest price.

Before they found out if they won, half the participants were told to focus on their emotional response to winning or losing, while the other half were instructed to focus on their thoughts about how they did. They were told they would write about their response afterward.

The price search task was rigged, though, and all participants found out that the lowest price was $3.27 less than what they found.

After writing about their failure, the students had a chance to redeem themselves.

The researchers wanted to find out if the effort put forth by participants in a new task would be related to whether they focused on their thoughts or emotions involving the previous failure. The researchers believed that a task similar to their failed job - in this case a search for the lowest price - would trigger participants into recalling their unsuccessful attempt, while an unrelated job would not.

So the participants were given another task. Half were asked to search for a gift book for a friend that was the best fit for their limited college-student budget. In other words, they were looking for the lowest price, as they were instructed in the first task.

The other half of the participants were given a non-similar task, which was to search for a book that would be the best choice as a gift for their friend.

The results showed emotional responses to failure motivated participants much more than cognitive ones when they were faced with a similar task.

Emotionally motivated participants spent nearly 25 percent more time searching for a low-priced book than did participants who had only thought about -- rather than dwelled on the pain of - their earlier failure.

There was no significant difference in effort made by participants when the second task wasn't like the first (when they were searching for the best gift, rather than the cheapest).

"When the participants focused on how bad they felt about failing the first time, they tried harder than others when they had another similar opportunity," Malkoc said.

"But the situation has to be similar enough to trigger the pain of the initial failure."

One reason why an emotional response to failure may be more effective than a cognitive one is the nature of people's thoughts about their mistakes.

When the researchers analyzed what participants who thought about their failure wrote about, they found significantly more self-protective thoughts ("This wasn't my fault," "I could not have found it even if I tried") than they did self-improvement thoughts ("I know how I can do better next time").

Unfortunately, that may be the default mode for most people, at least in many everyday situations.

In another similar study, the researchers didn't tell some participants how to respond to their failures. They found that these people tended to produce cognitive responses rather than emotional ones, and those cognitive responses were the kinds that protected themselves rather than focused on self-improvement.

Malkoc said that in most real-life situations, people probably have both cognitive and emotional responses to their failures. But the important thing to remember is not to avoid the emotional pain of failing, but to use that pain to fuel improvement.

"Emotional responses to failure can hurt. They make you feel bad. That's why people often choose to think self-protective thoughts after they make mistakes," she said.

"But if you focus on how bad you feel, you're going to work harder to find a solution and make sure you don't make the same mistake again."

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Contact: Selin Malkoc, Malkoc@fisher.osu.edu
Lions belong to the world's most charismatic megafauna. However, lion numbers and range have declined alarmingly over the last two decades.

"To turn the tide, international cooperation is crucial," says a team of lawyers, conservation biologists and social scientists.

In their recently published review article in the journal Nature Conservation, they assess the current and potential future role of international treaties regarding lion conservation.

To conduct this study, international wildlife lawyers Arie Trouwborst and Melissa Lewis from Tilburg Law School in the Netherlands teamed up with lion experts David Macdonald, Amy Dickman and other scientists from the University of Oxford's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) - the research group that made Cecil the lion famous.

Their analysis clearly shows the importance of various global and regional treaties for lion conservation.

For instance, dozens of important lion areas have received international protection under treaties like the World Heritage Convention and the Ramsar Wetlands Convention, whereas trade in lion bones and hunting trophies is regulated through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

"There is still much room for improvement in the way the international commitments of lion range states are applied on the ground," the review notes.

However, the authors conclude that it is worthwhile to invest in such improvements, and stress the importance of strategies involving the local people who live alongside lions. The review offers many concrete recommendations for optimising the contributions of the various treaties to lion conservation.

A particularly important recommendation is to formally list lions under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS). A proposal to list lions is on the agenda of the next intergovernmental summit of the parties to the CMS in October this year.

As lead author Arie Trouwborst explains:

"Listing the lion would raise the profile of this iconic species, and would moreover enable the CMS to provide a framework for coordinating and assisting conservation efforts in the 25 countries where lions still occur in the wild."

According to David Macdonald, Director of WildCRU:

"Biology is necessary, but not sufficient, to inform and deliver wildlife conservation. Our approach at the WildCRU in Oxford is holistic - this new partnership with international lawyers is a symbol of our determination to embrace knowledge from every discipline, leaving no stone unturned in our quest to conserve these iconic animals."

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Original source:

Trouwborst A, Lewis M, Burnham D, Dickman A, Hinks A, Hodgetts T, Macdonald E, Macdonald D (2017) International law and lions (Panthera leo): understanding and improving the contribution of wildlife treaties to the conservation and sustainable use of an iconic carnivore. Nature Conservation 21: 83-128. https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.21.13690

Contacts:

Arie Trouwborst, Tilburg Law School

Email: a.trouwborst@tilburguniversity.edu

David Macdonald, WildCRU

Email: david.macdonald@zoo.ox.ac.uk
Specialists of the Institute of Physics, Nanotechnology and Telecommunications of SPbPU signed two contracts for the development and adaptation of technologies for the manufacturing of Chinese electronics

Specialists of the Institute of Physics, Nanotechnology and Telecommunications of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) signed two contracts for the development and adaptation of technologies for the manufacturing of Chinese electronics.

Researchers started the fulfillment of contracts at the beginning of August 2017.

Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, a participant of academic excellence Project 5-100 is actively working with Chinese partners due to its representative office in Shanghai.

The first contract is aimed at the adaption of "Smart Foil" technology at the enterprises of 'HengE (Shanghai) Medical Technology' Co, Ltd., which produces medical equipment. The "SmartFoil" is a technology developed by the researchers of Polytech for ultrafast cold soldering. The "SmartFoil" consists of nanosized layers, which are applied to the surface of a sensor system. Then the reaction starts with the heat release. During the reaction, the foil heats up to 1,300 degrees Celsius with enormous speed and melts, attaching the sensor to the surface. The temperature is high enough to mount the sensor, but not enough to damage it. The advantage of the method is that it enables to fasten the elements that can't be soldered the usual way. This technology has already been successfully implemented by several Russian enterprises, optimizing the manufacturing process and increasing the number of products.

Negotiations with Chinese partners began in January 2017. The analysis of economic feasibility of this technology for Chinese enterprises was conducted. As a result, a multi-stage agreement was signed, thus the Russian development will be adapted to the production line of the Chinese enterprise. The first stage of the of the contacts will be completed within three months, the whole project is expected to be implemented during a year.

Olga Kvashenkina, Deputy Director of the Institute of Physics, Nanotechnologies and Telecommunications SPbPU, notes "Our technology is universal in its basis. But with the transition to a new production with the specificity of the produced equipment, the "SmartFoil" technology can be modified to perform the tasks required for the particular enterprise. This is a serious scientific, technological and innovative work."

The second contract is signed with the company Shanghai MiaoSheng Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd and is aimed at developing of ultra-sensitive thin-film sensors based on multilayer nanostructures. This company produces electronic installations, where accurate pressure measurement is very important. Researchers of Polytechnic University produced a prototype of the nanostructured ultra-thin pressure sensor (strain gage). It is an element that reacts to the slightest change in external pressure. This development exceeds the similar sensors available in the market in many aspects, but at the same time, it is much cheaper.

Head of the laboratory Self-organizing high-temperature nanostructures" of Institute of Physics, Nanotechnologies and Telecommunications SPbPU Pavel Gabdullin and his scientific group have been developing the sensor structures of high sensitivity parameters for more than 10 years. Scientists created a prototype, which will be modified, and implemented in industry. After a series of tests, the administration of the Chinese company decided that the developed prototype could replace the currently used industrial pressure sensors.

"The speed of the sensor's response (the response time) of the existing samples on the market is about 0.5 seconds. Our development works several dozen times faster, its response time is 0.01 seconds. At the same time, the cost of our sensor, created for the industrial manufacturing is approximately two lower than the analogs available at the market, "says Pavel Gabdullin.

"We intend to continue developing the strategic partnership for strengthening Russian-Chinese projects to introduce and develop new technologies in the field of energy, electronics, and biomedicine," added Olga Kvashenkina.

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The accelerating expansion of the Universe may not be real, but could just be an apparent effect, according to new research published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The new study--by a group at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand--finds the fit of Type Ia supernovae to a model universe with no dark energy to be very slightly better than the fit to the standard dark energy model.

Dark energy is usually assumed to form roughly 70% of the present material content of the Universe. However, this mysterious quantity is essentially a place-holder for unknown physics.

Current models of the Universe require this dark energy term to explain the observed acceleration in the rate at which the Universe is expanding. Scientists base this conclusion on measurements of the distances to supernova explosions in distant galaxies, which appear to be farther away than they should be if the Universe's expansion were not accelerating.

However, just how statistically significant this signature of cosmic acceleration is has been hotly debated in the past year. The previous debate pitted the standard Lambda Cold Dark Matter (CDM) cosmology against an empty universe whose expansion neither accelerates nor decelerates. Both of these models though assume a simplified 100 year old cosmic expansion law--Friedmann's equation.

Friedmann's equation assumes an expansion identical to that of a featureless soup, with no complicating structure. However, the present Universe actually contains a complex cosmic web of galaxy clusters in sheets and filaments that surround and thread vast empty voids.

Prof David Wiltshire, who led the study from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, said, "The past debate missed an essential point; if dark energy does not exist then a likely alternative is that the average expansion law does not follow Friedmann's equation."

Rather than comparing the standard CDM cosmological model with an empty universe, the new study compares the fit of supernova data in CDM to a different model, called the 'timescape cosmology'. This has no dark energy. Instead, clocks carried by observers in galaxies differ from the clock that best describes average expansion once the lumpiness of structure in the Universe becomes significant. Whether or not one infers accelerating expansion then depends crucially on the clock used.

The timescape cosmology was found to give a slightly better fit to the largest supernova data catalogue than the CDM cosmology. Unfortunately the statistical evidence is not yet strong enough to rule definitively in favour of one model or the other, but future missions such as the European Space Agency's Euclid satellite will have the power to distinguish between the standard cosmology and other models, and help scientists to decide whether dark energy is real or not.

Deciding that not only requires more data, but also better understanding properties of supernovae which currently limit the precision with which they can be used to measure distances. On that score, the new study shows significant unexpected effects which are missed if only one expansion law is applied. Consequently, even as a toy model the timescape cosmology provides a powerful tool to test our current understanding, and casts new light on our most profound cosmic questions.

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A new RAND Corporation report paints a bleak picture of economic life under the Islamic State. RAND estimates that the Islamic State contributed to a 23 percent reduction in the GDP of cities under its control, based on novel applications of satellite-derived data.

Over the course of its peak territorial control and decline through mid-2016, the economy of the Islamic State showed clear signs of decay across multiple sectors, including in local markets, electricity, and agriculture. However, the group devoted significant resources to governing its capitals in Raqqa and Mosul. RAND estimates suggest that these cities fared better than most early in the conflict.

The report offers a comprehensive assessment of the ability of the Islamic State to govern the territory and population under its control in Iraq and Syria. The report focuses on the effects of Islamic State control on local economies, because the group is reliant upon local taxation for a significant portion of its revenue and has publicly linked the appeal of its so-called caliphate to perceptions of prosperity.

"The Islamic State's inability to sustain a large-scale prosperous proto-state represents an institutional failure by the group to capitalize on a vast territory, historically weak governments, potentially sympathetic local populations, and a massive financial war chest," said Eric Robinson, lead author on the report and a research programmer and analyst at RAND, a nonpartisan research organization.

The group had some success supporting the economies of Raqqa and Mosul early in the conflict, which were to be the heart of the caliphate that the Islamic State hoped to construct. Yet it proved unwilling or unable to support economies in less secure or contested parts of its territory.

While the lack of effective governance in these areas was partly to blame, the report finds that the most consistent factor driving economic decline was the Islamic State's inability to defend its territory from military opposition.

"Our analysis suggests that it is too simplistic to blame stagnant economic conditions solely on the quality of the Islamic State's governance. The U.S. and coalition military campaign against the group has been integral to their failure to build prosperous local economies and develop a sustainable caliphate," said Daniel Egel, an author of the report and economist at RAND.

The report offers an innovative, data-driven approach to solve the problems of measuring economic activity inside areas controlled by the Islamic State. Where traditional data are unavailable to diagnose conditions on the ground from within Islamic State-held cities, the researchers look down upon these cities from space. Using applications of commercial satellite imagery and remote sensing data, the researchers developed clear, quantitative indicators of economic activity within the Islamic State, providing insights into agricultural production, market activity, commercial vehicle traffic, industrial activity, building stock and labor supply.

Furthermore, by documenting the Islamic State's economic impact throughout Iraq and Syria, this analysis offers critical insights into the stabilization needs of areas liberated from the group.

The researchers also developed an interactive website to help readers visualize economic life as seen from space inside Iraq and Syria.

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Other authors of the report, "When the Islamic State Comes to Town: The Economic Impact of Islamic State Governance in Iraq and Syria," are Patrick Johnston, Sean Mann, Alexander D. Rothenberg and David Stebbins.

Funding for this research was made possible by the independent research and development provisions of RAND's contracts for the operation of its U.S. Department of Defense federally funded research and development centers.

The research was conducted within the Intelligence Policy Center of the RAND National Security Research Division (NSRD). NSRD conducts research and analysis on defense and national security topics for the U.S. and allied defense, foreign policy, homeland security, and intelligence communities and foundations and other nongovernmental organizations that support defense and national security analysis.
"Controlling systems--like the navigation system in a car--by voice is very convenient. However, one must ask the question of how best to design voice controls. Especially when we are handling two tasks simultaneously, cognitive control plays a decisive role," says Vera Demberg, professor of computer science and computational linguistics at Saarland University. Among scientists, "cognitive control" denotes the ability of a person to adapt information processing and behavior from moment to moment to the respective situation.

"For driving, we therefore have to investigate what the different tasks are, and how voice control needs to be designed so as not to increase the risk of accidents, even for older drivers," explains Vera Demberg. Within the framework of the Collaborative Research Centre SFB 1102 "Information Density and Linguistic Encoding," the computer scientist, together with Jutta Kray, a psychology professor at Saarland University, as well as Katja Hauser, studied how seniors react to complicated language commands while driving. "Machine language is not quite the same as human language. Formulations and syntactic structures that are easy for the system can be difficult for humans," says Demberg.

To test this, the researchers worked with sentences that seemed familiar at first, but then took a surprising turn. The participants were given these as well as simple statements, played through speakers, and then had to signal with a yes or no response whether the sentence was linguistically correct and made sense. At the same time, they had to drive along a street in a driving simulator. Here they were shown two vertical, colored bars, one of which was controlled by the computer. The task was to control the second bar using the steering wheel, such that the distance between the two remained as small as possible.

The test group consisted of 36 seniors, half of whom were female, with an average age of 72. The control group consisted of 34 people with an average age of 23. In a scientific article the authors conclude: "While the younger participants showed stable behavior with both simple and more complex statements, seniors directed their full attention to resolving the linguistic inconsistencies and neglected the control of the vehicle." This effect was particularly clear for seniors with low cognitive control. At the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the scientists are now looking for industry partners to make use of these results in the corresponding systems, so as to avoid complicated formulations in voice-controlled systems. Vera Demberg also points out that these findings are not only important for driving. "We also need to take them into account when developing systems that are meant to help seniors with household tasks," explains the Saarland University professor.

They will be presenting their results at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main from the 14th to the 24th of September (at the Saarland stand, Hall 4.0, Stand A26).

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Background: Saarland Informatics Campus

The core of the Saarland Informatics Campus is the computer science faculty at Saarland University. In the immediate vicinity seven additional, world-renowned research institutes also conduct research on the campus. Along with the two Max Planck Institutes for Informatics and Software Systems, these are the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), the Center for Bioinformatics, the Intel Visual Computing Institute, the Center for IT-Security, Privacy and Accountability (CISPA) and the Cluster of Excellence "Multimodal Computing and Interaction."

Further information:

Age differences in language comprehension during driving: Recovery from prediction errors is more effortful for older adults

Katja Hauser, Vera Demberg, Jutta Kray

In Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (CogSci), London, 2017.

https://mindmodeling.org/cogsci2017/papers/0411/index.html

Press photos: http://www.uni-saarland.de/pressefotos

Questions can be directed to:

Vera Demberg

Computer Science and Computational Linguistics

Saarland Informatics Campus

Phone: +49 (0)681 302 70024

E-mail: vera@coli.uni-saarland.de

Editor:

Gordon Bolduan

Kompetenzzentrum Informatik Saarland

Saarland Informatics Campus

Phone: +49 681 302-70741

E-mail: bolduan@mmci.uni-saarland.de

Notice for radio journalists: You can conduct telephone interviews in studio quality with Saarland University scientists, over radio codec (IP connection with direct dealing or over ARD-Starpoint 106813020001). Please direct interview requests to the press office (0681/302-3610).
(New York, NY - Sept. 12, 2017) -Mount Sinai researchers have identified unique structural, biological and chemical insights in the way different opioid drugs activate the receptors and specific signaling pathways responsible for the drug's beneficial and adverse effects, according to a study to be published in Nature's Scientific Reports. To read the study click here.

Opioid overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. The findings of this study may provide a blueprint for designing improved painkillers.

"These new insights will provide a roadmap to develop a new class of drugs that are non-addictive and less harmful for patients," said Marta Filizola, PhD, Professor of Pharmacological Science and Professor of Neuroscience, Dean of The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and lead investigator of the study. "These insights may help us engineer new painkillers with reduced side effects, particularly respiratory depression. An alternative, non-addictive medication for chronic pain will help us combat the ongoing national crisis of addiction to opioid drugs and the devastating overdose epidemic deriving from it."

There have been many attempts to develop better opioid drugs but this has been largely unsuccessful due to incomplete understanding of the molecular signatures underlying the analgesic effects as opposed to the unwanted side effects. Potent opioid drugs that are often tied to fatal overdoses (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil) work by binding to opioid receptors in the nervous system. These drugs also provoke dopamine release, which causes euphoria leading to addiction and inhibits nerve cells in a region of the brain that regulates breathing, which can lead to respiratory depression and accidental death by overdose.

The therapeutic effect of opioid drugs is mainly attributed to mu-opioid receptor (MOR) activation leading to G protein signaling, meaning that the drug binds to the MOR receptor and causes a change in its molecular structure, which then activates a protein called the G protein. However, the drug's side effects have mostly been linked to a different process known as -arrestin signaling, which plays a role in the regulation of these receptors. To shed light on this, the researchers carried out molecular dynamics simulations in mouse models of MOR bound to a classical opioid drug (morphine) or a potent G protein-biased agonist (TRV-130) that is currently being evaluated in human clinical trials for its potent analgesic effect with less respiratory depression and constipation than morphine.

The results of rigorous machine learning analyses of these simulations revealed unique structural, dynamic, and kinetic insights that have a direct utilization in the design of improved therapeutics targeting MOR.

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In addition to postdoctoral researchers Abhijeet Kapoor, PhD, and Assistant Professor Davide Provasi, PhD, in the Filizola lab, researchers from Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain, contributed to this National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded study. The findings will inform other studies conducted at the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai (AIMS) led by Yasmin Hurd, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry and Ward-Coleman Chair of Translational Neuroscience at Mount Sinai and the Friedman Brain Institute led by Eric Nestler, MD, PhD, Professor of Neuroscience and Dean for Academic and Scientific Affairs at Mount Sinai.

About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest integrated delivery system encompassing seven hospital campuses, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. Mount Sinai's vision is to produce the safest care, the highest quality, the highest satisfaction, the best access and the best value of any health system in the nation. The System includes approximately 7,100 primary and specialty care physicians; 10 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 140 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the highest in the nation in National Institutes of Health funding per investigator. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 18 on U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of top U.S. hospitals; it is one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Nephrology, and Neurology/Neurosurgery, and in the top 50 in four other specialties in the 2017-2018 "Best Hospitals" issue. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital also is ranked in six out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked 12th nationally for Ophthalmology and 50th for Ear, Nose, and Throat, while Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai West are ranked regionally. For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org/, or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Two birds that look the same, but have songs so different they can't recognize each other, should be considered distinct species, suggests new University of British Columbia (UBC) research.

"Songs are important for birds and who they choose to mate with," said Benjamin Freeman, a Banting postdoctoral fellow in the department of zoology at UBC. "Birds evolve different songs and we wanted to find out which populations are so different in song that they should be considered different species."

Among the 72 related populations of Central and South American birds the researchers tested, they found evidence for 21 new species.

Organisms that mate and create an offspring that can go on to reproduce are considered to be part of the same species but there are a number of naturally occurring barriers, like geographic location or behaviour, that can prevent similar organisms from mingling. In the study, UBC and Cornell University biologists examined how different populations of birds respond to each other's songs.

In the tropical forests of Central and South America where the vegetation is dense, birds rely heavily on song to claim their territory and let other birds know where they are. For this experiment, the researchers conducted playback experiments by hanging wireless speakers in the trees and broadcasting songs from related subspecies and then observing how the birds responded.

If the birds continued on with their natural behaviour and ignored the speaker and sound, it indicated that they distinguished the songs. They did not feel like another bird was encroaching on their territory and trying to mate with their partner. If the bird got angry and started to try and kick the "intruder" out, it indicated they recognized the song.

Historically, scientists have identified new species by finding birds that look different enough or occupy different geographic locations.

"It's interesting that with one study in one year, we came up with good evidence that there are 21 new species that authorities should recognize," said Freeman. "We know so much about birds but this demonstrates that we still have a lot to learn."

This research is part of a larger pursuit to learn about the evolution of bird songs and why birds develop different songs.

"As a birdwatcher in tropical forests, you have no choice but to get interested in songs," said Freeman. "As you walk through the forest, you hear 25 birds for every one you see. As a biologist, I wanted to know - is it important that the birds sing differently and is it a little important or a lot important?"

Freeman and his colleagues will submit these findings to a committee of ornithologists who are responsible for naming and recognizing bird species of South America.

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This study was published in The Auk: http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.1642/AUK-17-63.1

Bird song samples and images

Cinnamon Becard and Chestnut-crowned Becard

Research findings: These two populations look different and have somewhat different songs but birds west of the Andes (Cinnamon Becard) respond to song from the Amazon Basin (Chestnut-crowned Becard).

Cinnamon Becard - Central America, western Colombia and western Ecuador

Photo: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/46001051

Song: https://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/184776

Chestnut-crowned Becard - Amazon

Photo: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/40353171

Song: https://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/62573

Golden-bellied Warbler

These two populations look similar but sing differently. The birds in western Ecuador ignore song from eastern Peru. They should be classified as distinct species.

Population A from western Ecuador (Pacific slope)

Photo: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/56593091

Song: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/31431731

Population B from eastern Peru (Amazon basin)

Photo: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/35480631

Song: https://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/147345
CU Anschutz research finds sotagliflozin may be first to improve glucose control without weight gain or increase in severe hypoglycemia

A University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus study finds sotagliflozin helps control glucose and reduces the need for insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Principal results were published today in the New England Journal of Medicine of a global Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with type 1 diabetes treated with sotagliflozin. Sotagliflozin is an investigational new oral drug for patients with type 1 diabetes that has shown promise in improving glucose control without any increase in severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis compared to insulin alone.

Among 1,402 trial participants given the drug, sotagliflozin showed clinically meaningful and statistically significant effects on glucose control. Concentrations of hemoglobin A1C, a measure of plasma glucose, were improved. Patients experienced a lower rate of confirmed severe hypoglycemia than observed in patients on placebo and also had weight loss.

According to lead investigator Satish Garg, MD, professor of medicine and pediatrics at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, no oral medication has ever been approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes and sotagliflozin has the potential to become the first new treatment innovation in nearly a century since insulin.

Most patients do not achieve optimal glycemic control with insulin alone. A1C concentrations, hypertension and reduction in body weight are critical issues which significantly impact people living with type 1 diabetes.

"If approved by the FDA, sotagliflozin may be the first oral drug that helps patients with type 1 diabetes in improving their glucose control without any weight gain or increase and severe hypoglycemia," Garg said. "If long-term use continues to show similar metabolic improvements in patients with type 1 diabetes, it is likely that the long-term complications of diabetes would be significantly reduced."

Sotagliflozin would be used in conjunction with insulin. Trial participants taking the drug as an oral pill alongside traditional insulin treatments experienced significant improvements in glucose control, a drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and weight loss.

Sotagliflozin is a unique dual inhibitor that works by inhibiting two sodium-glucose transporters: SGLT1 and SGLT2. Each modulates glucose levels. SGLT1 regulates the uptake of glucose in the gut while SGLT2 regulates the re-uptake of glucose in the kidney, according to the authors.

"Sotagliflozin added to insulin therapy can potentially help patients with type 1 diabetes improve their glucose control and hopefully manage the disease with fewer complications," Garg said. "This would not be a replacement for insulin; it is an adjunctive therapy. However, because it works in the gut and the kidneys, it doesn't require insulin to have an effect."

The inTandem3 study was a double-blind, placebo controlled and randomized Phase 3 trial including adults with type 1 diabetes at 133 sites worldwide. In conjunction with this publication, the data were announced today at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the European Association Study for Diabetes in Lisbon, Portugal.

The 24-week trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of sotagliflozin at 400mg per day in randomized patients treated with any insulin regimen - pumps or injections. Eligible patients included men and nonpregnant women aged 18 and older, and they were required to self-monitor blood glucose.

The study met its primary endpoint with statistical significance, demonstrating the superiority of sotagliflozin 400 mg compared to placebo in the proportion of patients with A1C less than seven percent at week 24, no episode of severe hypoglycemia and no episode of diabetic ketoacidosis after randomization.

The outcome on every secondary endpoint favored sotagliflozin over placebo, achieving statistical significance for all four secondary endpoints, including change from baseline in A1C, body weight, systolic blood pressure in patients with baseline SBP less than or equal to 130 mm Hg and bolus insulin dose. Sotagliflozin significantly reduced A1C compared to placebo after 24 weeks of treatment.

"As is known with sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, patients experienced more episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis in the trial," Garg said.

Diarrhea and genital mycotic infection also affected participants more than placebo, but less than one percent discontinued the study due to these effects.

"Sotagliflozin may reduce the bad effects of insulin and the dose patients need," Garg said. "Patients in our study had lower weights, no severe hypoglycemia and better blood pressure."

Garg is a faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus and is editor in-chief of Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics Journal.

Garg and his colleagues are working to publish more results on other inTendem1 and 2 phase 3 clinical trials in type 1 diabetes, including data on continuous glucose monitoring in future publications.

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The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is the only comprehensive academic health sciences center in Colorado, the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region and one of the newest education, research and patient care facilities in the world. Home to 21,000 employees, more than 4,000 degree-seeking students and two nationally recognized hospitals that handle 1.7 million patient visits each year, CU Anschutz trains the health sciences workforce of the future and fuels the economy. CU Anschutz features schools of medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine and public health, a college of nursing and a graduate school. All interconnected, these organizations collaboratively improve the quality of patient care they deliver, research they conduct, and health professionals they train.
Charities may withdraw from worthwhile activities because laws designed to stop terrorism are often too vague, experts have warned.

Many countries have introduced new counterterrorism legislation or reformed existing laws since September 11, 2001 due to concerns that charities might be particularly vulnerable to abuse by terrorists.

But laws could lead to organisations committing offences without realising because they are not clear enough.

An analysis of counterterrorism legislation and its long-term evolution in the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Ireland has found that these laws might motivate charities to change the ways they operate. Legal changes were made because of concerns that terrorist organisations may pose as charities to have a legitimate front for their activities, for example, to collect donations, for which they get tax relief, and to channel funding abroad. Funding from humanitarian groups could also be given to terrorist supporters abroad without these organisations being aware that their support has been exploited.

The research was carried out by Nicole Bolleyer, from the University of Exeter, and Anika Gauja, from the University of Sydney. They found legislative constraints on charities were broadest in the US. Canada, Australia and the UK take a middle position, while Ireland and New Zealand impose relatively fewer legislative constraints on their charitable organisations.

Problematically, the description of what constitutes terrorist activities tends to be vague. Consequently, what is meant by support for terrorism could be interpreted in different ways, which creates uncertainty in charities' everyday operations. Furthermore, in Australia, the UK, Canada and USA charities are monitored to assure they comply with counterterrorism legislation. In the US Anti-Terrorism Certification requires charities to vet staff and other organisations they work with in order to get government financial support.

Legislation in many of the countries is insufficiently clear about what constitutes membership of, and association with, terrorist organisations. As a consequence, in the US and Canada charities might commit an offence without knowing. The UK and Australia require charities to act 'without negligence'. Hence, legislation puts a burden of proof on charities to demonstrate to make reasonable efforts to know who they are dealing with. Only New Zealand and Ireland have sustained knowledge requirements and thus a relatively clear-cut threshold for when charities and their members are in danger of committing criminal offences.

Professor Bolleyer said: "It is understandable that lawmakers may want to place obligations on organisations to encourage vigilance and stop carelessness. But our analysis suggests that the day to day activities of charities risk being affected by vagueness in the law. This might generate unintended consequences and discourage worthwhile charitable activities."

"A counterbalance could be provided by more explicitly excluding legitimate and legal activities from broad concepts and provisions such as 'facilitating terrorist activity'. This is found in New Zealand and Ireland and would enable charities to more easily assess when they operate on legal grounds and when not."

Combating Terrorism by Constraining Charities? Charity and Counterterrorism Legislation Before and After 9/11 is published in the journal Public Administration.

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Journalists can help their readers form accurate views by "adjudicating" between opposing political claims in their articles, a new study shows.

Refereeing political disputes by clearly highlighting which facts are accurate can help to give the public a more coherent version of current events. This "assertive" reporting could help to reduce misperceptions among the public as they attend to coverage of political disputes in the media.

An experiment run by Dr Benjamin Lyons from the University of Exeter shows that journalists can do more to signal to readers which information should be treated most seriously because it is true. This research shows this does not lead to readers treating the journalist as biased for favouring one version of events, the research shows.

Fact-checking organisations have become influential in recent years with people keen to check the accuracy of what they are told by public figures, and some news outlets have their own fact-checking sections. But people can use these services selectively, and they might not have access to fact checking for every news story they encounter. By adjudicating disputes within standard news stories, journalists can reach readers in a natural setting, and could reduce chances that misperceptions take hold and later require debunking.

Dr Lyons' study showed that journalists can provide one-sided evidence - information from experts supporting a particular view - that has a bigger impact over people's factual beliefs than their partisan or ideological attachments.

Dr Lyons said: "American journalists are often criticised for the passive way they report disputes in politics. He said-she said stories are common because they are easier to produce and the norm of objectivity often pushes journalists toward false balance. Previous research has found some readers dislike formats that are not strictly neutral. At the same time, though, critics call for more forceful weight-of-evidence reporting.

"I wanted to test scenarios in which journalists could successfully influence readers' beliefs even if their conclusions favoured the opposing political party. The danger is that adjudication may backfire - reinforcing people's belief in the claims forwarded by their party, even if they are told they are wrong.

"The study found readers believed the journalist over their party, and one-sided adjudication did not increase perceived bias. Readers also reported greater satisfaction of their informational needs. But of course there are some issues in the news where it will be more difficult to adjudicate. I think the more specific the issue, location or event in question, the more influential adjudication would be. Journalists may find targeting narrow claims a fruitful approach to inject a small amount of factual understanding into even contentious debates."

A total of 523 American participants were recruited through Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform to take part in the study. People were asked to read an article that covered a dispute between state legislators over the economic cost-benefit of a proposed nuclear power project. This issue was chosen because most Americans hold weak opinions about nuclear power, and sizeable proportions of both major parties support its use. In the article, opponents of the project claimed the project carried a high risk of default and would hurt taxpayers, while proponents voiced counter-claims. The political party supporting or opposing the proposal was altered during the experiment. Half of the participants saw a section that vetted these claims, using quotes from expert sources to support one side or the other in the dispute.

Dr Lyons said: "This study should give journalists encouragement as they think about how to present facts in the current climate. It adds to growing body of work that shows fact checking can be successful, particularly when targeting claims less central to individuals' identity. This suggests they can take a more assertive approach to adjudicating the facts."

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The study "When Readers Believe Journalists: Effects of Adjudication in Varied Dispute Contexts" is published in the International Journal of Public Opinion Research.
Human populations have always been exposed to ionizing radiation, and more so in modern life due to its use in medicine, industry and the armed forces. Whilst the risks to human health from medium and high-level radiation are relatively well-understood, the risks at lower levels are less clear. Mixed messages about the safety of low doses of radiation from different sources have created confusion for the public and for policy makers.

In a new study, published today in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, a team of experts from the Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford have compiled the evidence on health risks from low-level ionizing radiation, adding a new nuance to the debate. The restatement is intended to better inform policy decisions and show where crucial gaps in knowledge lie. It clarifies the scientific evidence available from a variety of sources, and ranks them as to how much they enjoy consensus support from the scientific community. The paper concludes that the overall risk to human health from low-level radiation exposure is small, particularly when compared with general risks from modern society, such as obesity, smoking and air pollution.

Professor Angela McLean, lead author and Co-Director at the Oxford Martin Programme on Collective Responsibility for Infectious Disease, said: 'We know a great deal about the health risks from radiation thanks to exceptionally careful studies of groups of people exposed to different levels from nuclear bombs or accidents, medical exposure of patients, naturally occurring sources (such as radon), and workers in the nuclear industry and medicine. From these studies it is clear that moderate and high doses of radiation increase the risk of developing some types of cancer.'

The team illustrate the size of this increase in risk by using the following example. 100 individuals were each briefly exposed to 100 mSv (millisievert is the measure of radiation dose), then, on average over a lifetime, one of them would be expected to develop a radiation-induced cancer, whereas 42 of them would be expected to develop cancer from other causes. To put 100 mSv in context, the low dose from a CT scan of the whole spine is 10 mSv, while the average dose from natural background radiation in the UK is 2.3 mSv each year.

To build on the insights gained from this study, further research will be conducted to better understand the genetic healthcare implications of radiation exposure and the biological basis of the damage from radiation to DNA and cells.

Professor McLean said; 'Despite the depth of our knowledge, there are still many unknowns. Even the best designed epidemiological study finds it hard to distinguish between no extra risk and a small additional risk at low levels of exposure and we have to make some important assumptions here, particularly for the purposes of radiation protection. For example, no human study has conclusively shown an increase in hereditary disease in the children of irradiated parents, but radiation protection calculations assume some risk is present because of evidence from large animal experiments.

'There is also a great deal of work being undertaken to investigate the biological basis of the damage from radiation to DNA and cells, but it is still not clear precisely the steps by which a dose of radiation might lead to cancer, sometimes decades later'.

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

The full paper, "A restatement of the natural science evidence base concerning the health effects of low-level ionizing radiation" can be downloaded at http://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/policy/restatements/.

Professor Angela Mclean is All Souls Senior Research Fellow in Theoretical Life Sciences and Professor of Mathematical Biology at Oxford University. She is also Co-Director at the Oxford Martin Programme on Collective Responsibility for Infectious Disease.

Oxford Martin Restatements

Oxford Martin Restatements review the natural science evidence base underlying areas of current policy concern and controversy. Written in policy neutral terms and designed to be read by an informed but not technically specialist audience, restatements are produced by a writing team reflecting the breadth of opinion on the topic in the science community and involve wide consultation with interested stakeholders. The final version of the restatement is peer-reviewed prior to publication.

The Oxford Martin School

The Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford is a world-leading centre of pioneering research that addresses global challenges. It invests in research that cuts across disciplines to tackle a wide range of issues such as climate change, disease and inequality. The School supports novel, high risk and multidisciplinary projects that may not fit within conventional funding channels, because breaking boundaries can produce results that could dramatically improve the wellbeing of this and future generations. Underpinning all our research is the need to translate academic excellence into impact - from innovations in science, medicine and technology, through to providing expert advice and policy recommendations.

For interviews and further information, please contact: Lanisha Butterfield, Media Relations Manager, University of Oxford, at 01865 280531 or lanisha.butterfield@admin.ox.ac.uk
PHILADELPHIA-- A chemically modified version of the common blood thinner heparin may be the first promising method of preventing the harmful cascade of destruction to brain tissue that commonly follows traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to new research findings. Though there is currently no drug therapy to prevent the repercussions that can occur in the days and weeks after TBI, researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania showed that mice treated with a modified version of heparin with very low coagulant activity (known as 2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin, ODSH or CX-01) had less brain swelling and inflammation, and less evidence of brain damage, compared to mice that received saline. Results of the study will be presented in Baltimore this week at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), which accounts for more than 2.5 million emergency room visits every year in the United States, often triggers inflammation and other harmful processes in the brain, causing further damage and cognitive deterioration long after the initial injury. Ordinary heparin has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to protect various organs after injury, but its blood-thinning effect makes it problematic for use in injured brains, where a bleed could be fatal. ODSH has only a small fraction of heparin's anticoagulant effect, and thus seemed a good bet as a safer alternative. Prior studies in animal models of heart attack, stroke, and pneumonia have found evidence that ODSH has a heparin-like anti-inflammatory effect, without the risk of hemorrhages.

"When I first presented a heparin-TBI study, experts in treating these injuries laughed, and said 'that'll be the day, when we give heparin to TBI patients'," said study senior author Jose M. Pascual, MD, PhD, an associate professor of surgery at Penn Medicine. "But, there's an exciting possibility here that the molecule ODSH retains heparin's benefits in reducing swelling and inflammation but without the anticoagulant activity that could cause bleeding."

In the study, Pascual and colleagues treated mice for 48 hours after experimental TBI with ODSH or, as a control, ordinary saline. Immediately following the two days of treatment, the animals that had received ODSH showed less evidence of white blood cell infiltration into the brain via cerebral vessels, less evidence of cerebral vessel leakage, less brain swelling, and less evidence of brain damage on a standard neurological test, compared to the control mice.

In a cognitive test called the Morris Water Maze, 17 days after their TBI, the ODSH-treated animals also performed markedly better than the controls, doing on average almost as well as mice who had not experienced a TBI.

"We saw no evidence of bleeding," Pascual said.

Pascual and colleagues at Penn Medicine are now hoping to set up a clinical trial of ODSH to test its effectiveness in people with TBI.

Heparin has been in clinical use since the 1930s as an anticoagulant. But it is a natural molecule--a carbohydrate secreted by white blood cells called mast cells and basophils--and has multiple biological effects, including a reduction of inflammation after injury. In a study published last year, Pascual and colleagues found evidence that ordinary heparin protects mice from the inflammation, swelling and cognitive deficits caused by experimental TBI.

The company that produces ODSH, Cantex Pharmaceuticals Inc, is currently testing ODSH in patients with blood cancers, specifically, acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

"The company already has safety data on ODSH from those trials in cancer patients, so we're hoping that for TBI we can go straight to a phase II study of the drug's effectiveness and optimal dose," Pascual said.

###

Co-authors of the study were Katsuhiro Nagata, Yujin Suto, John Cognetti, Kevin D. Browne, Victoria E. Johnson, Lewis Kaplan, and Douglas H. Smith, all of Penn Medicine; Kenichiro Kumasaka of Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center; and Joshua Marks of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $6.7 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $392 million awarded in the 2016 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2016, Penn Medicine provided $393 million to benefit our community.
Around 95 million years ago, a giant relative of modern crocodiles ruled the coastlines and waterways of what would one day become north central Texas.

A team including the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Stephanie Drumheller-Horton has identified this species, Deltasuchus motherali. They have found that adults grew up to 20 feet long and, based on the bite marks discovered on the fossilized bones of prey animals, ate whatever they wanted in their environment, from from turtles to dinosaurs.

The team found the bones in a place one normally doesn't think to look for ancient fossils--in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

The findings were recently published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

Drumheller-Horton collaborated with Thomas Adams, curator of paleontology and geology at the Witte Museum in San Antonio, Texas, and Chris Noto of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

The site that produced the new species was discovered in Arlington, Texas, in 2003 by amateur fossil hunters Art Sahlstein, Bill Walker, and Phil Kirchoff.

Dubbed the Arlington Archosaur Site, the area is undergoing rapid residential development, and paleontologists have been working with local volunteers and fossil enthusiasts to excavate the site over the past decade.

"We simply don't have that many North American fossils from the middle of the Cretaceous, the last period of the age of dinosaurs, and the eastern half of the continent is particularly poorly understood," Drumheller-Horton said. "Fossils from the Arlington Archosaur Site are helping fill in this gap, and Deltasuchus is only the first of several new species to be reported from the locality."

Deltasuchus motherali is named for one of the site volunteers, Austin Motheral, who first uncovered the fossils of this particular crocodile with a small tractor when he was just 15 years old.

Work on the site is supported by a grant from the National Geographic Society, which is funding continued excavations and study of this unique fossil area. Fossils from the site, including the Deltasuchus motherali bones, are part of the collections of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas.

Deltasuchus is the first of what may prove to be several new species described from this fossil site. The area preserves a complete ancient ecosystem ranging from 95 million to 100 million years old, and its fossils are important in advancing the understanding of ancient North American land and freshwater ecosystems.

While most of Texas was covered by a shallow sea at the time, the Dallas-Fort Worth area was part of a large peninsula that jutted out from the northeast. The peninsula was a lush environment of river deltas and swamps that teemed with wildlife, including dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, mammals, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and plants.

###
Wednesday, September 13, 2017

(NewsUSA) - By 2050, the world population will reach almost 10 billion people, at least 66 percent of whom will live in urban areas.

Water-scarcity issues are rampant and will only increase, and the ability to feed humanity is a vital issue that must be tackled now.

Thankfully, technological innovations are giving hope to addressing this catastrophic problem.

Texas-based Mouser Electronics created a program this year called Shaping Smarter Cities that features engineering marvels throughout the world that are helping solve humanity's most pressing problems.

The company makes electronic components that engineers of any level can purchase online to make the projects of their dreams.

In this video, (http://bit.ly/2grhOWD) their celebrity spokesperson, Grant Imahara, visits Tokyo, Japan, where more people live than in the entire state of Illinois -- too many mouths to feed for traditional farming to take on alone. The city presents an ideal testing ground for vertical/urban farming.

Mouser shows how a vertical farming facility can efficiently provide fresh food for the densely populated city.

The food produced there yields 50-100 times more per square meter than traditional farming. And the indoor setting allows for almost complete control of weather conditions and temperature. Even the water gets recycled to reduce the drain on resources. The end result? Up to 99 percent in water savings.

This video is one of many in Mouser's Empowering Innovation Together initiative.

Since its creation last year, incredible engineering feats have been spearheaded through their electronic components partners -- with projects ranging from bringing superhero technology to life to 3D printing a semi-autonomous car with drone technology.

The focus of this year's program is about solving tough problems that impact humanity as a whole.

To watch more awe-inspiring videos, visit http://www.mouser.com/empowering-innovation

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EAST CANTON, Ohio  Members of the Stark County Farm Bureau and Stark Soil and Water Conservation District met for a joint annual meeting at Varian Orchards, East Canton, Sept. 12.

Top honors

Otto and Frieda Schmuki received the 2017 Stark County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award . The Schmukis own 500 acres and 160 milking cows in Brewster, Ohio.

Otto and Frieda, both natives of Switzerland, met on a boat as they were traveling from the U.S. to Canada on expired visas.

The rest is history, they say, as they made their American dream a reality in Stark County. They raised their four children on the farm: Mike, Keith, Kenny and Sandra.

Their oldest, Mike, and his wife, Patsy, have taken over the operations of the farm, and continue Ottos conservation efforts. Each year, since the farm was purchased in 1965, the family has worked to improve the land. They have also kept up with technology improvements, tearing down and rebuilding the dairy barn when Mike decided to come back to the farm.

Stark SWCD also presented the Cooperator of the Year award to the Campbell Brothers Farm. Randy Campbell and his mother, Jane, accepted the award. Additional brothers, Rodney and Rick, help in the operation.

The Campbell brothers farm 2,700 acres using precision agriculture. They have led the way in conservation efforts and technology, being some of the first in the area to being no-till farming in the early 80s.

It (conservation efforts) saves labor, saves the soil and helps us make more money, said Randy.

Elections

Scott Briggs and Jim Halter were elected to the Stark County SWCD board of supervisors for a three-year term.

The Farm Bureau elected new county trustees; District I, Charlie Ellington; District II, John Brainerd and Dennis Smith; at large, Cindy Petitti, Ben Klick and Tera Wentling.

The members also voted on five delegates to represent the county at the 2018 Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting: Terry Klick, Ann Wolfe, Joe Bryan, Jennifer Bryan and Becky Vincent.

Burkett

Ohio Farm Bureau President Frank Burkett III addressed the crowd, praising their advocacy efforts around CAUV, sharing that the new reforms will save Stark County landowners 28 percent.

He emphasized the work being done informing landowners of their rights as they relate to the oil and gas industry. Now that the pipelines are coming through, Farm Bureau is ready to be your advocate and make sure the land is properly restored, Burkett said.

Scholarships

Stark County Farm Bureau also announced its 2017 scholarship recipients, Douglas Hutnick, Alexis Sommer, Sarah Weisent, Katherine Wolfe and Robert Wolfe.

The current county Farm Bureau Present Tera Wentling passed the gavel to new President Bill Brown, as the joint meeting concluded.
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A farmer has taken to social media to express her horror when she found out that 178 of his pigs were stolen either last night or this morning.

178 finished pigs were stolen between 6pm last night (12 September) and 7am this morning (13 September) from Frodsham, Cheshire.

Jess Warburton took to social media to say that the site was subject to a professional raid.

She said bolt cutters were used to gain access to the shed and loading bay and what is thought to be an articulated lorry (possibly cattle/sheep truck) used to take the pigs.

She said on a Facebook post: "The thieves knew exactly what they were looking for and took the biggest pigs from the batch.

"The police are involved and have been on site but clearly the urgency now is trying to identify where the pigs have gone so that we may be able to catch those responsible.

"On that basis, please can you share this information as far and wide as you are able and if you hear about or are offered any pigs for sale in unusual circumstances please do let us know ASAP."

If you have any information regarding this crime please dial 101
Adam Henson, one of Britains best-known farmers, has called for the introduction of a GCSE in agriculture.

The presenter of BBC's Countryfile told The Times: You can get a GCSE in religious studies and business, so why not in agriculture?

Henson said he hoped to do for farms what Rick Stein has done for fish, and make farming a permanent subject on the school curriculum.

Recent figures by UCAS even shows agriculture at degree level is starting to gain popularity. Higher education courses in the agriculture, horticulture and animal care sector rose by 117 per cent.

On social media, the public seemed to be in favour of the introduction of a farming GCSE.

Twitter user Alison Minery wrote: "Why have they stopped The Environmental and Land Based GCSE?! It seemed a good basis, for working in conservation, countryside, & farming!"

Glyn Lucas said: "Farming GCSE suggested by @AdamHenson this is fantastic idea."

Welshracer wrote: "I think GCSE idea is a good one - I think kids would rather learn about Farming than about RE."

Indeed, the majority of Brits believe the public need to learn more about the origins of their food, new research has revealed.

Cash injection

Agriculture in the educational system has always seen its ups and downs.

Recently, the Scottish government announced a cash injection of 390,000 to educate school pupils about careers in farming, food and drink.

Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn said he wanted to make sure that the labour market is in a position to support projected growth and supply the next generation of professionals for the industry.

An important educational conference held earlier this year said that the future of agriculture and food production lies with young people, and that 'school farms' are important in building up passion.

The conference explored the role of rearing farm livestock in schools, and the value of land-based education, including the areas of agriculture, business, technology, food security, and the environment.

Young people are interested in where their food comes from, and the food supply chain - so the need to promote career opportunities in food and agriculture is vital, the conference heard.

National Farmers' Union has also got onboard with educating young people on farming matters. The union launched a new education roadshow - the Discovery Barn - to enthuse children to learn about agriculture and where their food comes from.

But in July, a school said it will close its on-site farm where pupils have been learning about farming and animals for nearly twenty years.

The reasoning behind the move is because pupils are not taking agricultural subjects enough.
The farming industry urged MPs to get behind Back British Farming Day as an opportunity to demonstrate to the public the importance of farming.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has welcomed commitments from Defra Secretary of State Michael Gove to publicly support the British farming sector today (13 September).

The special day is a rallying call to encourage MPs to use their position in Westminster to support British farming, particularly in forthcoming Brexit negotiations.

During an interview for the NFU, Michael Gove said the Cabinet has an "enthusiasm" and "desire" to back British farming which is extended across Government.

He confirmed he will be wearing a special Back British Farming Day pin badge which have been sent to all MPs ahead of the event and wants his fellow politicians to do the same.

The pin badges are made from British wheat and wool to represent the horn and corn elements of British farming.

Mr Gove also said that Government should support farmers to become "more efficient, more productive and more competitive".

And during Brexit, Mr Gove said he wants Government to "support farmers more than ever", not just to export to new markets but also to ensure that domestics and European markets continue to benefit from high quality British produce.

'Critical'

NFU President Meurig Raymond said it is a "critical" time for the farming sector as Brexit negotiations get underway.

We welcome the Secretary of States commitments ahead of Back British Farming Day. This support will be critical for the farming sector as Brexit negotiations get underway.

Its vital the Secretary of State stays true to these commitments and encourages the wider Cabinet to champion British farming and ensures agriculture is a central part of the political conversation during Brexit negotiations. We must ensure farming in this country has a thriving future outside of the EU.

Back British Farming Day provides us with the perfect opportunity to engage with MPs across the political parties to ensure that any decisions taken in Parliament reflect the strategic importance of British food and farming to our nation.

With an industry worth 109 billion and employing 3.8 million people, the Brexit negotiations will be seen as a crucial time to back this growing industry.

However, the Prime Minister did not wear the specially-made badge during today's Prime Ministers Questions, who also occasionally stumbled over her words when speaking about the day and farming in general.
A plan to "stabilise and improve" the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payment process has been unveiled by Scotland's Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

CAP Plan for Stabilisation will tackle the major causes of poor customer service, error and payment delay.

It comes as news that the amount of money Scottish farmers owe to banks has reached a record high, with the figure increasing up to 5% over the past year.

The figures come after problems with an IT system, which caused lengthy delays to the delivery of CAP payments in Scotland.

It is hoped the new plan will provide a clear payment schedule for schemes to help farmers plan ahead.

The plan will also see the launch of a loan scheme for eligible 2017 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) customers.

Announcing the plan during a statement to Parliament, Mr Ewing said: We are absolutely committed to ensuring that CAP entitlements are paid promptly and in full, and I am clear that we have not achieved that aim in recent times.

So in order to deliver payments in full and on a more certain timetable, I am committing to tackling the major causes of poor customer service and experience. This plan, will target specific and sustainable improvements in our approach, business and IT processes, and importantly puts our customers first.

The plan will produce a leaner service that better helps customers to understand what to expect and when, when applying for future funding, enabling them to plan ahead.

However, Scottish Conservative rural affairs secretary Peter Chapman said the SNP's management of CAP payments has been "catastrophic".

The SNPs catastrophic management of CAP payments starved the rural community of hundreds of millions of pounds. Only now are we beginning to see the financial impact of that on businesses right across the country, Mr Chapman said.

The SNP must address these figures urgently and set out what it intends to do to help this vital sector recover. If it fails, the whole country will pay the price.
The UK now meets international requirements to declare freedom from avian influenza, as the chief vet urges continued vigilance.

The Government's Chief Vet has today announced the UK has met international requirements to declare itself free from Avian Influenza (AI) H5N8, but reiterated calls for all poultry keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease, as there is a "real and constant" threat.

The disease continues to circulate in Europe and as winter approaches the risk of migratory wild birds infecting domestic poultry will rise.

The UK was previously declared free of avian flu in April 2016 but the disease returned in December that year  so the government is not complacent.

Declaring the UK free from AI means trade discussions on UK poultry and poultry products can restart with existing and potential new trading partners.

However, bird flu was recently found in a mute swan in August. This prompted the British Veterinary Poultry Association to urge egg producers to be ready to protect themselves from the threat of avian influenza ""all year round".

Between December 2016 and June 2017, 13 cases of AI were confirmed in kept poultry in the UK.

In all cases, the Animal and Plant Health Agency put movement restrictions in place to limit the spread of disease and carried out investigations into the source and possible spread of infection.

The government also introduced UK-wide measures to protect poultry from infection from wild birds, including a requirement to temporarily house birds and a ban on bird gatherings.

'Important milestone'

Today, Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens urged keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease as winter approaches and reiterated the need for good biosecurity at all times.

He said: "Declaring the UK free from avian flu is an important milestone that will help our efforts to re-open export markets.

"The past nine months have been very challenging for all those who keep poultry, and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts in helping us contain the disease to a handful of premises.

"However, I urge all keepers to be vigilant  there is a constant risk of avian flu from wild birds and this is likely to increase as winter approaches, temperatures fall, and migratory birds arrive in the UK.

"All poultry keepers should take steps to reduce the risk to their birds, such as cleaning footwear, feeding birds indoors, and minimising contact with wild birds. Building these simple actions into routines now can help prepare for any future outbreaks."

H5N8 avian flu was confirmed at commercial premises in Suffolk, Lancashire and Lincolnshire, and in backyard flocks in Northumberland, Lancashire, Norfolk, North Yorkshire and Carmarthenshire. The same strain of the virus was also found in wild birds in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The government continues to carry out surveillance in poultry and wild birds and publishes regular disease updates.
A national vaccination awareness campaign has been launched to encourage farmers to consider vaccinating calves against calf pneumonia.

The campaign, by animal health company Merial, follows the results of a national cattle survey, which shows that calf pneumonia remains prevalent on farm, and less than 25% of farmers are using calf vaccination as a preventative measure.

Calf pneumonia is a cause of major economic loss for the cattle industry, affecting an estimated 1.9 million animals and costs the UK cattle industry around 60 million.

At farm level the losses are also significant, with costs in the region of 43 per dairy calf and 82 per suckler calf.

A UK-wide cattle survey carried out in July and August 2017 investigated calf pneumonia control practices on UK beef and dairy farms. It found that 98% of cattle farms surveyed had at least one case of calf pneumonia in the past year.

In small herds of 100 cows or fewer, 90% of farmers reported between 1 and 10 cases of calf pneumonia in the past year. In medium-sized herds of between 101 and 250 cows, 82% of farmers reported between 1 and 20 cases.

'Serious issue'

Sioned Timothy, Ruminant Technical Manager for Merial Animal Health, said calf pneumonia continues to be a "serious issue" for the cattle industry.

In recent years farmers have taken great strides in improving housing and calf husbandry to reduce disease outbreaks, but incidence remains high.

While 38% of farmers surveyed said cases of calf pneumonia had decreased over the past three years, 41% said the number had stayed the same and 21% said they had seen an increase in cases. This suggests that farmers need to re-evaluate the steps they are taking to combat the disease.

While the cost of calf pneumonia is well documented, the survey responses also highlighted its non-financial impact, particularly on staff time and stress.

The top six biggest impacts reported by farmers through the survey were: increased costs from vet treatment and medicines (66%), loss of income through less productive calves (63%), loss of income from dead/culled calves (49%), increased time to finishing/bulling (29%), staff stress (35%), and increased staff time and costs (32%).

Calf husbandry

Calf husbandry plays an important role in preventing calf pneumonia and farmers indicated they implement a range of measures on farm.

The survey found that 87% give colostrum within four hours of birth, 85% house calves in similar age groups, 69% have focussed on optimising housing conditions and ventilation, and 47% use calf jackets during cold weather.

However, less than a quarter of respondents (24%) use calf vaccination and only 8% use dam vaccination as a method to prevent disease.

Where farmers are vaccinating calves against calf pneumonia, they report improved health, reduced medicine and vet costs and improved growth in some cases.

Responding to a question about observed differences in calves vaccinated against calf pneumonia compared to unvaccinated animals, 67% of farmers reported reduced incidences of disease, 55% found calves had improved health and wellbeing, 53% had observed a reduction in the use of antibiotics and 31% required fewer visits from their vet.

Over a quarter of respondents to this question (26%) observed higher or faster weight gain in calves to one year old.

Vaccination

When asked why farmers were choosing not to vaccinate against calf pneumonia, 31% of farmers said they werent sure of the benefits while 25% felt the upfront cost of vaccination is too expensive.

When it comes to measures planned to prevent calf pneumonia this winter, only 17% of respondents said they plan to vaccinate calves within two weeks of birth, and only 9% plan to vaccinate calves up to one year old.

The low numbers of farmers taking up calf vaccination concerns Ms Timothy. She says: As an industry we must take steps to reduce antibiotic use.

Calf pneumonia is a multi-factorial disease, caused by a complex interaction between viruses and bacteria, management practices and the environment.

Good control strategies should address the wide range of risk factors that contribute to disease, and implementing an appropriate vaccination programme as part of this will further enhance the resilience of calves to infection.

Awareness campaign

Merial has launched a vaccination awareness campaign to educate farmers, share experiences, and increase the number of calves vaccinated against calf pneumonia, to improve the health of the national calf herd.

The awareness campaign is supported by Merials CalfMatters and social media channels, where farmers have shared their experiences of the impact of calf pneumonia and how vaccination has improved the health and profitability of their animals.

The vaccination awareness campaign aims to improve animal health and protect the productivity and profitability of British beef and dairy farms.

We urge farmers to speak to their vet at the earliest opportunity to discuss the most appropriate option for their farm, before the winter housing period, concludes Ms Timothy.
Summary

Company Announcement Date: September 10, 2017 FDA Publish Date: September 12, 2017 Product Type: Medical Devices Reason for Announcement: Recall Reason Description A component may be susceptible to being blocked by fluid Company Name: Medtronic Brand Name: Brand Name(s) Medtronic Product Description: Product Description Infusion sets

Company Announcement

Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) announced today that it has started to inform patients worldwide of a voluntary recall of specific lots of infusion sets used with all models of Medtronic insulin pumps. The recall is related to a certain discontinued component in these infusion sets and does not include insulin pumps or glucose sensors. The company determined, through recent field reports from patients and root cause analysis, that a component, the vent membrane, in the recalled infusion sets may be susceptible to being blocked by fluid during the process of priming/fill-tubing. This situation can lead to potential over-delivery of insulin shortly after an infusion set change, which may cause hypoglycemia. Currently manufactured infusion sets, available to patients since April 2017, include a design update of this component which the company believes reduces the risk of insulin over-delivery after an infusion set change. The company will work with patients to ensure recalled infusion sets with the discontinued component are returned and replaced with new infusion sets containing the updated component at no cost. Medtronic has contacted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with other regulatory bodies around the world, to share information related to this issue. Medtronic will continue working directly with government and regulatory authorities on this global voluntary recall. "Our priority is to work with our patients to mitigate risk to patient safety. While we have shipped a significant number of the new and enhanced sets since April, we are committed to replacing recalled infusion sets for all patients," said Francine Kaufman, M.D., chief medical officer of the Diabetes Group at Medtronic. "Our Medtronic Diabetes team will work as quickly as possible to complete all exchanges to the new and enhanced set and fully support our customers throughout this process."

Customer Instructions

Medtronic recommends that customers use only infusion sets made with the new and enhanced component, the membrane, starting with their next set change. Medtronic would like to remind customers that it is very important to carefully follow the Key Steps document included with the recall notification letter regarding the priming/fill-tubing process - especially if a person only has recalled infusion sets.



Customers in the United States (U.S.) can determine if they have recalled infusion sets by visiting https://checklots.medtronicdiabetes.com.



See a copy of the U.S. recall notification letter here: www.medtronicdiabetes.com/notice7



See priming/fill-tubing instructions here: www.medtronicdiabetes.com/priming



See more information on infusion sets here: www.medtronicdiabetes.com/infusion-sets



Customers outside the U.S. will receive instructions specific to their country. In Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA region), customers can determine if they have recalled infusion sets by visiting www.mmc.medtronic-diabetes.com/look.

Patients can always consult the advice of their healthcare professional regarding their medical treatment. If a customer in the U.S. has experienced an issue with the use of a Medtronic infusion set, please report it to the 24-hour helpline at +1-800-204-7616. Customers can also report adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:



Online at: http://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch/howtoreport/default.htm

Report by telephone: +1-800-FDA-1088

Fax report: +1-800-FDA-0178



Investor Information

The voluntary recall of infusion sets is not expected to impact Diabetes Group revenue growth in the second quarter or the full fiscal year. The majority of the cost is expected to be incurred in the second quarter, and will depend on a variety of factors, including the amount of unused sets that patients ultimately return, which is difficult to predict. At this point, the cost is not expected to impact earnings per share (EPS) guidance in the second quarter or full fiscal year.



About the Diabetes Group at Medtronic (www.medtronicdiabetes.com)

Medtronic is working together with the global community to change the way people manage diabetes. The company aims to transform diabetes care by expanding access, integrating care and improving outcomes, so people living with diabetes can enjoy greater freedom and better health.

About Medtronic

Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 84,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in approximately 160 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
How Gorgeous Does PeeCee Look Here..

"With everything that's happening in the world around us, it's important to look forward with hope and love.... that's what I've brought with me to #Jordan along with the resolve to help us understand these amazing survivors and how we can all do our part to help them. Keep u posted," PeeCee captioned the picture.

Simply Stunning

"Let's take this trip together... let's open our eyes and our hearts to the #ChildrenUprooted in the Syrian Refugee crisis. This will be our #MissionForChildren. Let's show them that the world cares and help them find a way forward.. come along with me.. I'll update as much as I can and in as much detail as I can," wrote Priyanka, while sharing this picture.

All Love..

Priyanka Chopra shares a picture with a group of kids, who moved from Syria to Jordan five years ago.

Aww!

How happy do these kids look, while posing for a picture with Priyanka Chopra.

PeeCee At TIFF

Before leaving for Jordan, Priyanka had attended Toronto International Film Festival and see how hot this lady is looking here.

Fab Is The Word For This Lady!

"Ran into these two at #TIFF...cool or creepy, still deciding. #JamesBond #PahunaPressDay #TIFF17," the Mary Kom actress captioned the picture.

Sweet, We Say!

Priyanka had posted this picture, before leaving for Toronto.
Bigg Boss Kannada is ready to be back, with a bang! Yes, the reality show has successfully completed 4 seasons and will be back with its fifth season very shortly. For the same, Kichcha Sudeep has been busy off-late, shooting for BBK Season 5 promo.

Yes, Kichcha Sudeep will again return as the host for the show for the fifth consecutive time. He was last seen shooting for the promo video for the fifth season. Now that the promo shoot is over, we have a few pictures from the sets.

Bigg Boss Kannada Season 5 has piqued the interest of many as general public will get to participate in the show as well, along with the celebrities. To match the different concept of this year, the promo video too has been shot very differently with an off-beat concept.

We have got a few stills from the making of the promo for BBK Season 5. If you're interested enough, please go ahead and read the complete article.
In the real world, we realize that not even tragedy can get in the way of "the show," At times, it felt like a forced working situation. This sequel felt incomplete and joyless. It's understandable. Read moreFight the Power: New 'Black Panther' an exercise in grief for filmmakers and audience
After Xiaomi and Motorola, HTC to launch a new Android One version of U11 Life News oi -Samden Sherpa HTC U11 Life Android One model, as usual, will come with stock Android on board.

We don't know exactly what is happening in terms of Google's Android One program, but a lot of major smartphone brands are now gearing up to launch Android One smartphones in the near future.

Recently we saw a new series smartphone launch from Xiomi and the company did introduce the Mi A1 which is an Android One smartphone. Following that we also reported that Lenovo sub-brand Motorola was also planning to introduce its first Android One smartphone (modified X4) in the United States. And now we're hearing about another major company HTC that is also heading in the same direction.

Well, Twitter user LlabTooFeR has tipped that HTC is aiming to launch an Android One version of its unreleased HTC U11 Life smartphone (also known as Ocean Life). And it is said that the smartphone will feature similar designs and specs, but the Android One model, as usual, will come with stock Android on board. Moreover, the post notes that inbuilt HTC apps will not come pre-installed on the Android One variant. Interestingly, the smartphone will run on Android Oreo with Sense 9.0 A1 UI on top.

HTC Ocean_Life will be released under Android One program. It will lose most of the HTC apps and run stock Android O with Sense 9.0_A1.  LlabTooFeR (@LlabTooFeR) September 13, 2017

Popular tipster Evan Blass has also posted an image of the smartphone and it pretty much looks like the standard HTC U11 Life. The two phones will most probably feature the same design language and the only big difference could be the software that runs inside.

Talking more about the phone, HTC U11 Life is expected to be launched later this year as a mid-range smartphone. The smartphone is suggested to come with a 5.2-inch full HD (1080p) display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, 16-megapixel cameras both at the front and rear, IP67 certification, Bluetooth 5.0, 2600mAh battery and the company's unique Edge Sense and USonic technology.

In any case, it is quite surprising what smartphone manufacturers are up to these days. All we can say is that the brands want to make sure that they have a product in almost every smartphone category that is out there.

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Samsung plans to take 70% market share in the premium segment: Reports News oi -Priyanka The company is also offering double Data offer on Jio, under which they can get up to 448 GB of extra 4G data over 8 months, as well as complimentary Jio Prime Membership.

The South Korean tech giant Samsung is now planning to take 70 percent market share this Diwali from its the premium segment, ET reported.

"We have a 68 percent market share in the premium segment as of July as per GfK which we will take up. Existing Samsung users can see the value of their phone on the app for exchange and upgrade," ET quoted Asim Warsi, Senior Vice President, Mobile Business, Samsung India.

He further said that "We're sure that our revenue in 2017 will be a healthy double digit and the Note 8 will be the next big winner."

Meanwhile, the company has launched the new smartphone Galaxy Note 8 at Rs 67,900 and will be available in India starting September 21, 2017, in Midnight Black and Maple Gold colors.

The device will be available for pre-booking from September 12, 2017, across selected retail stores and also online exclusively on Samsung Shop and Amazon.in.

The company is also offering double Data offer on Jio, under which they can get up to 448 GB of extra 4G data over 8 months, as well as complimentary Jio Prime Membership.

In another special launch offer, consumers who purchase their Galaxy Note8 using an HDFC Credit Card will get a cashback of Rs 4,000.

The new smartphone comes with 6.3-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED display with a screen resolution of 2960 x 1440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18.5:9 aspect ratio. The internal storage can be expanded up to 256GB using a microSD card and 3300mAh battery powers will give up to 20 hours of talk time, the company claims.

The rear camera on Galaxy Note8 comes with two 12MP lenses-wide angle and telephoto-and both are equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for sharper photos and videos-an industry first features and it is also equipped with an industry-leading 8MP Smart Auto Focus front-facing camera for sharp selfies and video chats.

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Sony smartphone visits GFXBench with 21MP rear camera, Android Oreo News oi -Chandrika The memory aspect of the device is taken care of by 4GB RAM along with 64GB of internal storage.

If you thought Sony is done launching smartphones for this year, you are wrong. A new handset carrying the model name Sony H4233 has recently visited the GFXBench database. So apparently the Japanese company has a new smartphone for us in store.

Judging from the specifications, the device is likely to be a large-screened smartphone carrying mid-range internals. As per the GFXBench listing, the Sony H4233 will come with a 6-inch display with a screen resolution of 19201080 pixels. Under the hood, it is equipped with an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor running at 2.2GHz and coupled with an Adreno 508 graphics chip.

The memory aspect of the device is taken care of by 4GB RAM along with 64GB of internal storage. It is not mentioned whether the storage space can be further expanded or not.

On the optics front, the handset features a 21MP rear-facing primary snapper as well as a 15MP selfie camera. Both the cameras are said to support 4K video recording, which is usual for Sony smartphones.

Moving forward, the Sony H4233 is shown running Android 8.0 Oreo right out of the box, just like the newly launched Sony Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact.

Well, this is pretty much everything that has been revealed by the GFXBench listing. The possible release date and pricing of the smartphone is not known. That being said, we expect more information regarding the Sony H4233 to surface in the coming days.

There is another possibility though. Sony was speculated to announce the Xperia X1 smartphone at the IFA 2017. However, the company launched Xperia XZ1, Xperia XZ1 Compact, and Xperia XA1 Plus. So the Sony H4233 could be the same device as Xperia X1. However, this is just our assumption, with no solid evidence to back it up.

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Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq Against ISIS Terrorists

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 12, 2017  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 41 strikes consisting of 50 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 38 strikes consisting of 42 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, seven strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed two vehicles, a tactical vehicle, a vehicle-borne bomb and a fighting position.

-- Near Raqqa, 31 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 24 fighting positions, 17 vehicles, three logistics nodes, an ISIS headquarters, an improvised explosive device and a command-and-control node.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of eight engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Beiji, a strike destroyed four ISIS tunnel entrances.

-- Near Huwayjah, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a command-and-control node and four tunnels.

-- Near Rawah, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two ISIS-held buildings.

Previous Strikes

Additionally, 15 strikes consisting of 21 engagements were conducted in Syria and Iraq on Sept. 10 that closed within the last 24 hours.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit.

-- Near Raqqa, Syria, 11 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed 14 vehicles, three fighting positions, a logistics node and an anti-air artillery system; and suppressed a fighting position.

-- Near Huwayjah, Iraq, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two vehicles and an ISIS headquarters.

-- Near Rawah, Iraq, a strike destroyed three ISIS-held buildings.

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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Vanguard Battalion demonstrates airborne capabilities in Africa and Europe

By 1st Lt. Kelly C. Washington September 12, 2017

BIZERTE, Tunisia -- "Six minutes!" The C-130J Super Hercules' walls echo the roar from the Tunisian jumpmasters.

"Get ready!" The paratroopers all direct their attention to the American jumpmasters to the rear. "First pass personnel stand up!" The multinational Soldiers raise from the benches with mixed feelings of alarm, enthusiasm and perseverance. "Hook up!" The click of the universal static line snap hook raises the adrenaline in each paratrooper.

Airborne is the everyday lifestyle for Soldiers of the 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company. Twelve confident 16th Special Troops Battalion paratroopers demonstrated the Army's commitment to Europe and Africa -- in Romania and Tunisia -- with unmatched precision while supporting airborne operations.

Building trust between multinational paratroopers is just one of the many ways the 16th Special Troops Battalion enables the alliance and strengthens partnerships. 1st Sgt. Robert Nicholson of 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company led a small rigger team in Bizerte, Tunisia to support "African Lion," a joint airborne operation, Aug. 25, 2017.

Building joint and multinational airborne readiness through training is vital for successfully and safely completing real world missions that no nation can complete alone.

"This was my first time conducting safety duties since Jumpmaster School," said Sgt. Joshua Zalsman, a recent graduate from Jumpmaster School and one of the jumpmasters for the "African Lion" operation. "The Tunisians and the U.S. embassy were really helpful with the airborne operation."

Zalsman and Staff Sgt. Basilio Lashley, 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company Air Operations Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, conducted jumpmaster responsibilities for 37 Tunisian and 16 American paratroopers.

"The collaboration between the two armies was outstanding in the aircraft, on the drop zone, and in the hanger," said Lashley.

The Tunisian mission, "African Lion," enabled 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company an opportunity to train junior leaders and maintain airborne proficiency within the company.

Spc. Jeran Ferguson, a 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company Personnel Parachute Rigger, performed rigger checks and safekeeping for the parachutes.

"Everything ran smoothly and the equipment was properly packed," Ferguson said. "I'm humbled to be a part of a mission so big."

"African Lion" exhibited the ability of the 16th Special Troops Battalion to expeditiously support airborne operations in conjunction with the U.S. State Department, allies, partners, and other service branches.

Supporting a Mediterranean partner displays the operational and sustainment reach of U.S. Army Europe, which even extends into northern Africa.

Nearly 2,200 miles away, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Tony Owens, 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company Air Drop Systems Technician, led five riggers in Bucharest, Romania providing drop zone safety and jumpmaster support until Sept. 7, 2017.

In Romania, Owens managed jumpmaster responsibilities and synchronization with the 37th Air Wing to perform several airborne operations in Atlantic Resolve-South (AR-South). Staff Sgt. Dustin Colwell, Personnel Parachute Shop Foreman, was the highest ranking leader in the aircraft, guaranteeing safety and proper procedures were followed.

"The mission provided a unique opportunity for U.S. military personnel to interact and train with our NATO counterparts," Colwell said.

Owens' team successfully supported over 220 Romanian paratroopers. The mission also provided an opportunity to train 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company's jumpmasters in multifaceted circumstances. The team transitioned to night mass tactical airborne operations with the Romanian paratroopers.

Members of the 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company believe performing jumpmaster duties in AR-South demonstrates to both the allies and partners that 16th Special Troops Battalion can and will support comprehensive sustainment operations across thousands of miles by means of aerial delivery.

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Arsenal digs into its history finding "shovel ready" program to enhance Soldier readiness, lethality

By John B. Snyder, Watervliet Arsenal September 12, 2017

WATERVLIET ARSENAL, N.Y. -- Solid proof that the Army has "shovel-ready" programs that can quickly enhance Soldier readiness and lethality can be found at a 204-year-old Army-owned arsenal in upstate New York.

For more than 200 years, the Watervliet Arsenal's workforce has prided itself on its ability to rapidly design, develop, and field the latest weapon technologies in support of the nation's troops. To many, this might imply that the Arsenal is always looking forward for new capability. But they may be wrong.

Due to the Arsenal's depth of personal machining experience and extensive collection of historical weapons records, sometimes the Arsenal's planners look backward or in today's example, back at least 25 years in an effort to enhance the future lethality and survivability of U.S. troops.

Today, Arsenal production planners and general foremen are working hard to start a prototype production line for what the Army now calls the Mobile Protected Firepower, or MPF, gun system. The key, or let's say the lethal part of this system is the 105mm cannon with complete breech mechanism.

And that is where the Arsenal comes in.

In 1992, the Arsenal was visited by a Navy team that was searching to identify the best practices in the defense manufacturing industry. One of the highlights and a best practice identified in the Navy's report is the XM35 cannon or what today is known as the 105mm gun for the MPF.

The Army and Arsenal goals for the XM35 gun in the 1990s were to improve on the M68 gun's performance on a proposed Armored Gun System by reducing the weight and recoil impulse; improve front gun installation for easier maintenance; and to accommodate an autoloading system that was then under development. Additionally, all modifications must ensure that accuracy was not degraded and that all then current 105mm ammunition could be used.

The M68 gun system was used on the Army's M60 tanks and an updated version can be found today on the Stryker's Mobile Gun System.

But according to a 1993 Army War College paper titled ,"The Armored Gun System -- An Acquisition Streamlining Model for the Army?," by then Lt. Col. James Wank, the concept for a new armored gun system with the XM35 tube actually dates back to the 1970s.

According to Wank, the Armored Gun System, or AGS, can trace its roots to the development of a Mission Needs Statement in 1981 for a Mobile Protected Gun System or MPGS. After years of disenchantment with the Army's 105mm Sheridan Gun System in Vietnam, the MPGS was believed to be the right system to replace the Sheridan for infantry and airborne roles. The Sheridan was the only rapidly deployable, air-droppable armored combat vehicle in the Army inventory.

Wank added that the Sheridan's performance during the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989 was dubious at best, which created the energy to quickly field the AGS. Due to this urgent need to put the AGS into Soldiers' hands, the Army Acquisition Executive approved the acquisition strategy proposed by the program manager that would have an initial fielding of the system in 1997.

Nevertheless, the Pentagon's leadership killed the AGS program in 1996 and redirected the funding for other priorities. In that same year, the Army retired the Sheridan system. And so, what was once one of the Army's and the Arsenal's Best Practices was moved off of the Arsenal's production line and into historical files.

The ending of the MPGS and the AGS systems may be due to the consequences of the "tyranny of time." In essence, the longer a proposed future weapon system languishes between the points for a request for proposal to source selection to low-rate production, the more challenges -- such as other funding priorities and loss of political pressure -- have time to build that may eventually overcome the program.

Fast forward to today, and one would find that Arsenal's manufacturing leaders well understand that the essence of time is not a friend when it comes to new weapons development and therefore, are exerting significant energy to rapidly support the proposed MPF gun system.

"With the exception of the development of the Bunker Buster Bomb in 1991, there has been no other new weapon system since Vietnam that we have moved toward prototype development as fast as we are planning for the Mobile Protected Firepower gun system," said John Zayhowski, the Arsenal's chief of manufacturing. "Not only do we know the MPF system is an Army priority today, we also know from our history that time is not on our side."

Zayhowski said that to move the MPF program quickly to prototype development, he tapped into the experiences of well-tenured machinists who are still active on the production floors, as well as to Arsenal retirees who once worked on the AGS program in the 1980s and 1990s.

Ryan Scrum, who is the Arsenal's general foreman for tube production, said that what has been a big help in shaving time off of a proposed prototype production schedule is that the 105mm tube is nearly identical to the tube the Arsenal machined for the AGS program in the 1990s.

"We pulled the technical data package for the 1990-era AGS program and gathered a team of machining experts here to determine the degree of difficulty in developing the MPF gun," Scrum said. "What we discovered is that we currently have in production 105mm tubes for the Stryker gun system that are very similar to the proposed MPF gun tube. And so, we already have the processes and the procedures fairly proven out before we begin prototype development."

In addition to the development of the 105mm tube, there is significant work required in the manufacturing of the breech mechanism that is made up of such parts as the breech block and breech ring. The Arsenal's part of the MPF gun system involves 165 unique parts, said Scott Huber, the Arsenal's general foreman for minor and major components.

"What most people may not know that in every gun system there are hundreds of parts that must meet tight machining tolerances that are measured in the hundredths and thousandths of an inch," Huber said. "But where we (the Arsenal) have a significant advantage in the quick production of a MPF prototype is that we have extensive experience on our production floors machining similar parts, such as breech rings and blocks, for other weapons programs."

Another advantage the Arsenal has in the rapid design and production of a prototype for the MPF gun system is that it has retained many of the special tools and fixtures required for this gun system, Huber said. Not only will having these special tool on hand save money, it will also shave time off of prototype development.

"One of the great advantages of the Army coming to our Army-owned and operated manufacturing center is that we retain all of the technical data and special tooling for every production line and prototype program that we have had since the Korean War," Huber said. "We have learned that sometimes our future is tied to our past."

The Arsenal leadership believe they will have the first prototype ready for testing within the next 18 months.

The Watervliet Arsenal is an Army-owned-and-operated manufacturing facility and is the oldest, continuously active arsenal in the United States having begun operations during the War of 1812. The arsenal is a subordinate command to TACOM Life Cycle Management Command and the Army Materiel Command.

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Government of Canada - F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft with Support

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 17-49

WASHINGTON, Sep. 12, 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Canada of ten (10) F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, with F414-GE-400 engines; eight (8) F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, with F414-GE-400 engines; eight (8) F414-GE-400 engine spares; twenty (20) AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars; twenty (20) M61A2 20MM gun systems; twenty-eight (28) AN/ALR-67(V)3 Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Receiving Sets; fifteen (15) AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods; twenty (20) Multifunctional Information Distribution SystemsJoint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS); thirty (30) Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS); twenty-eight (28) AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Countermeasures Systems; one hundred thirty (130) LAU-127E/A and or F/A Guided Missile Launchers; twenty-two (22) AN/AYK-29 Distributed Targeting System (DTS); twenty-two (22) AN/AYK-29 Distributed Targeting Processor (DTP); one hundred (100) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles; thirty (30) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); eight (8) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II Special Air Training Missiles (NATM); twenty (20) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II Tactical Guidance Units; sixteen (16) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II CATM Guidance Units. Also included in this sale are AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVG); AN/ALE-47 Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Systems; AN/ARC-210 Communication System; AN/APX-111 Combined Interrogator Transponder; AN/ALE-55 Towed Decoys; Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); AN/PYQ-10C Simple Key Loader (SKL); Data Transfer Unit (DTU); Accurate Navigation (ANAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Navigation; KIV-78 Duel Channel Encryptor, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF); CADS/PADS; Instrument Landing System (ILS); Aircraft Armament Equipment (AAE); High Speed Video Network (HSVN) Digital Video Recorder (HDVR); Launchers (LAU-115D/A, LAU-116B/A, LAU-118A); flight test services; site survey; aircraft ferry; auxiliary fuel tanks; aircraft spares; containers; storage and preservation; transportation; aircrew and maintenance training; training aids and equipment, devices and spares and repair parts; weapon system support and test equipment; technical data Engineering Change Proposals; technical publications and documentation; software; avionics software support; software development/integration; system integration and testing; U.S. Government and contractor engineering technical and logistics support; Repair of Repairable (RoR); repair and return warranties; other technical assistance and support equipment; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total case value is $5.23 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on September 11, 2017.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, a key democratic partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability. The acquisition of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft, associated weapons and capability will allow for greater interoperability with U.S. forces, providing benefits for training and possible future coalition operations in support of shared regional security objectives.

The proposed sale of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft will improve Canada's capability to meet current and future warfare threats and provide greater security for its critical infrastructure. Canada will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support does not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be: Boeing Company, St. Louis, MO; Northrop Grumman, Los Angeles, CA; Raytheon, El Segundo, CA; General Electric, Lynn, MA; and Raytheon Missile Systems Company, Tucson, AZ. The Government of Canada has advised that it will negotiate offset agreements with key U.S. contractors.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of contractor representatives to Canada on and intermittent basis over the life of the case to support delivery of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft and weapons and to provide supply support management, inventory control and equipment familiarization.

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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Lebanon lodges airspace violation complaint with UN against Israel

Iran Press TV

Tue Sep 12, 2017 3:14PM

Lebanon has lodged a complaint with the United Nations after Israeli fighter jets penetrated Lebanese airspace and flew low over parts of the country over the weekend in flagrant violation of a UN Security Council resolution.

Lebanese Ambassador to the UN Nawaf Salam, in two separate letters sent to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and rotating President of the Security Council Tekeda Alemu, said the Israeli aircraft crossed into Lebanese airspace over the southern city of Sidon, located 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of the capital, Beirut, on Sunday, causing sonic booms.

"Israeli violations constitute a blatant violation of the Lebanese sovereignty, and a new breach of international law, the UN Charter and all its relevant resolutions," the letters pointed out.

They denounced the latest Israeli airspace violation as "a premeditated intimidation of the citizens of the region, which further destabilizes the international peace and security."

The letters also called on the UN Security Council to condemn the violation in strongest terms, and compel Israel to stop its infringement of Lebanon's sovereignty by land, sea and air and to implement all its obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which brokered a ceasefire in the war of aggression Israel launched against Lebanon in 2006, calls on Tel Aviv to respect Beirut's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On Saturday, Lebanon's Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil said the Arab country would complain to the Security Council against Israel over an airstrike conducted from the Lebanese airspace on a military facility in the western Syrian province of Hama.

The Syrian army said in a statement on September 7 that Israeli warplanes had fired a number of missiles at 2:42 a.m. local time (0042 GMT) from the Lebanese airspace against one of its military positions near the town of Masyaf, located approximately 40 kilometers west of the provincial capital city of Hama.

Syria's official news agency, SANA, later reported that the air raid had killed two people at the site and caused material damage.

Israel violates Lebanon's airspace on an almost daily basis, claiming the flights serve surveillance purposes.

In 2009, Lebanon filed a complaint with the United Nations, presenting over 7,000 documents pertaining to Israeli violations of Lebanese territory.

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Coalition Forces Air-strikes, their Objectives Highly Focused, Team Assessing Accidents, in Yemen, Spokesman Says

Saudi Press Agency

Tuesday 1438/12/21 - 2017/09/12

Riyadh, Dhul-Hijjah 21, 1438 H., September 12, 2017, SPA -- Spokesman for the Joint Accidents Assessment Team, in Yemen, Legal Advisor Mansour bin Ahmed Al-Mansour confirmed that the Arab Coalition Forces for the Restoration of Legitimacy, in Yemen, have always been consistent in their air attacks with international humanitarian law.

Speaking at a news conference held today at King Salman airbase in Riyadh, he said that coalition forces had retreated from targeting a site because of the presence of civilians there, indicating that the Houthi militia had taken over a group of civilian buildings, which made targeting legitimate.

It nevertheless took into account that its strikes were accurate and sound, so as to spare civilians and properties any consequences of its strikes.

Al-Mansour said: "The Joint Accident Assessment Team reviewed the report of Amnesty International on 11/25/2015, including the exposure of the Shaina Educational Complex for Girls in Al-Hadidiya, Hodeida Province, to an aerial bombardment on April 8, 2015, with two individuals were where the Joint Team verified the incident.

The actions taken by the Allied Air Force in dealing with military targets (civilian objects) were used for military purposes in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law and customary rules.

Al-Mansour pointed to the report of the Human Rights Watch, dated November 2015, which included the coalition forces on 30 August 2015 launched an air strike which destroyed the water filling plant in the province of Hajjah, killing 14 workers and wounding 11 others were about to finish their night shift.

He explained that after the incident was verified by the Joint Accident Assessment Team, it was found that, based on intelligence information, a nearby air support mission was carried out in Hajjah governorate, where mobile antipersonnel was parked close to the factory.

Because of the weather conditions of the presence of some clouds in the target area, deviated the bomb which led to its falling on the factory, causing the destruction and the occurrence of some deaths and injuries, he said.

The Panel found that the coalition forces had targeted a legitimate military target (ground-based antipersonnel) and for reasons beyond the will (compulsive), the bomb went off course and landed on the factory unintentionally, explaining that civil protection had fallen from the factory after being used as a military site, he stated.

The spokesman said that the joint accident assessment team reviewed the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Yemen presented, at the 30th session of the Human Rights Council on 7/9/2015 that the coalition forces targeted Al Yamani Dairy and Beverage Factory directly in four raids Air strike on 31/3/2015, killing at least 20 people and injuring 59 others.

The Panel verified the incident and after the joint team had been informed of all the documents, including the procedures and rules of engagement, the air mission and the evidence assessment, the Panel found that, at 11:30 pm on 31 March 2015, intelligence agency carried out an air mission in the city of Hodeida by shelling the building of a command and control center under the control of the ousted forces of Saleh, using two bombs.

The military target was 200 meters away from the factory, this is a safe distance to avoid hitting nearby civilian objects, between the military building and the mosque.

He stated that the team had received credible information that the armed Houthi militia had threatened one of the commercial groups in order to secure large intrusions and that if they refused, we would bomb the factory, similar to what was done with the Yemeni Dairy and Beverage Factory.

The Joint Accident Assessment Team did not establish that the Allied Air Force bombed the Yamani dairy and beverage factory and that its procedures in dealing with the military objective (Command and Control Center) were correct in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law and rules Customary, the statement concluded.

Al-Mansour said, "Regarding the report issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 4/8/2016 entitled "Situation of Human Rights in Yemen" concerning the Coalition Forces' air raid and bombing of (Dar Al-Nour Center for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Blind) in the district of Safia in the city of Sana'a on 5/1/2016, resulting in the injury of three civilians.

He added, "The Joint Accident Assessment Team verified the incident, and after the joint team had seen all the documents, including the procedures and rules of engagement, the air mission inventory table and the evidence assessment, the Joint Team found that intelligence had been received that the Houthi armed militia had seized Dar al-Nour for the care and rehabilitation of the blind in the city of Sana'a, after the evacuation of its inhabitants and taking it as the headquarters of their forces in support of the war effort, and thus lost legal protection, becoming a legitimate military target whose targeting achieves military advantage. Consequently, the coalition forces on Tuesday, 24 Rabai'a Alawal 1437 AH corresponding to 5/1/2016 H, bombed the headquarters using a an accurate guided bomb.

In light of this, the Joint Accident Assessment Team has established the integrity of the procedures followed by the Coalition Forces in accordance with international humanitarian law and its customary rules.

In relation to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, dated 4 August 2016 entitled "Situation of Human Rights in Yemen", which included the coalition air force's bombing of a judge's house in al-Nahda neighborhood on the outskirts of Sanaa on 24 January 2016 which resulted in the killing of the judge and seven members of his family, and the destruction of eight neighboring houses.

The Joint Accident Assessment Team verified the incident and, after reviewing all the documents including the procedures and rules of engagement, the air mission inventory table and the evidence assessment, the team found that based on intelligence that there was a Huthi leadership gathering at the house of a Houthi leader, and thus it lost legal protection and became a military objective of a high value and achieves military advantage. Consequently, on the evening of Sunday 14 Rabai'a Althani 1437 H. corresponding to 24/1/2016 G., the coalition forces bombed the assembly area at the front of the building with high precision.

The Joint Accident Assessment Team found that the houses adjacent to the targeted building were not damaged and that the damage in the target building did not exceed 30%.

In light of this, the Joint Accident Assessment Team has established the integrity of the procedures followed by the Coalition Forces in accordance with international humanitarian law and its customary rules.

The Spokesman for the Accident Assessment Team in Yemen said that, with regard to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, dated 4 August 2016 entitled "The Situation of Human Rights in Yemen", which included the exposure of Al-Zahra University in Sana'a to an air strike which was launched by the coalition forces on 16/7/2015, resulting in the death of one child, the wounding of five civilians and structural damage to the university buildings and (11) nearby houses, and the University of Saba near the site suffered structural damage partially.

He added that the joint team investigated the occurrence of the incident and after reviewing all the documents, including the procedures and rules of engagement, the air mission inventory table and the assessment of the evidence, the team found that based on intelligence that Houthi armed militia used a building as a storage facility for arms and ammunition, a building under construction at which work stopped since the year (2011) and thus legal protection did not cover it, as it became a legitimate military target whose targeting achieves a military advantage. Consequently, the coalition forces on Thursday, 29 Ramadan 1436 H corresponding to (16/7/2015) targeted this storage facility, but because of a purely technical error, a bomb fell on a facility (Saba University) Building (3), which led to being damaged, in addition to some of the houses opposite to the wall of the facility.

The Joint Accident Assessment Team, after checking and referencing aerial photographs, intelligence and some other sources, found that there was no university called Al-Zahra University in Sana'a. There is a mosque called Al-Zahraa, which close to the University of Sheba, and was not damaged.

In light of this, the Joint Accident Assessment Team has established the integrity of the procedures used by the Coalition Forces to target the arms and ammunition store in accordance with international humanitarian law and customary rules. The Joint Team believes that Coalition Forces should provide appropriate humanitarian assistance for unintentional error caused by a technical defect in aircraft systems.

Al-Mansour said, "Regarding the report issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 4/8/2016 entitled "Situation of Human Rights in Yemen", which included the bombing by the coalition forces of Al-Hayat Medical Center in Saqeen Directorate in Saadah province on 15/1/2016, which led to the destruction of it completely without the fall of any victims. Medecins Sans Frontieres made it clear that it informed the parties to the conflict about the location of the medical center.

He added that Joint Accident Assessment Team verified the incident and, after reviewing all the documents, including the procedures and rules of engagement, the air mission inventory table and the evidence assessment, the Joint Team found that, based on intelligence information that the Houthi armed militia had seized a building in Saqeen Directorate in Saadah province, which was previously used as a building of the Al-Hayat Medical Center, before being converted into a military barracks. Consequently, it lost legal protection. It became a legitimate military target whose targeting achieves a military advantage. On Friday, (5 Rabi 'al-Akhir 1437 AH, corresponding to 15/1/2016) the coalition air force targeted the building as a military barracks.

The Joint Accident Assessment Team found that the damage to the building did not exceed 30%.

In light of this, the Joint Accident Assessment Team has established the accuracy and integrity of the procedures followed by the Coalition Forces in accordance with international humanitarian law and its customary rules.

Al-Mansour said, "Regarding the report issued by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on 4/8/2016 entitled "Situation of Human Rights in Yemen", which stated that on 8/8/2016, Alqadisiah School in the directorate of Hais in the Hodaidah Governorate was exposed to a direct air strike which caused structural damage, and it was not clear for the commission that there were any military targets in the vicinity of the school.

The Joint Accident Assessment Team verified the incident, and after the joint team had seen all the documents, including the procedures and rules of engagement, the air mission inventory table and the evidence assessment, the joint team found that intelligence had been received about the presence of armed Houthi groupings in three locations preparing to launch an attack on the province of Taez and the situation requires their bombings immediately. On the morning of Friday at 7:00 on 22 Shawwal 1436 AH (7/8/15 G.), the Coalition Air Forces bombed a building previously used as a school under the name of Alqadisiah School before it was taken over by the armed militia Houthi that transformed it to a headquarters for them, and which represents a legitimate military objective that has lost legal protection (civilian objects) for its effective contribution to support the war effort and whose destruction achieves a military advantage.

The Joint Accident Assessment Team also notes that, after viewing the aerial photographs, it was found that the damage to the building did not exceed 40%.

In light of this, the Joint Accident Assessment Team has established the integrity of the procedures followed by the Coalition Air Force in conformity with international humanitarian law and its customary rules.

Al-Mansour said, "Regarding the report issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 4/8/2016 entitled "Situation of Human Rights in Yemen", which included the bombing of the Teachers' Syndicate Office on 18/8/15 in the city of Amran in the governorate of Amran, killing 21 civilians and injuring 28.

The Joint Accident Assessment Team verified the incident, and after the joint team had seen all the documents, including the procedures and rules of engagement, the air mission inventory table and the evidence assessment, the joint team found that on 18 August 2015, intelligence had been received by the coalition forces on the presence of Houthi leaders in a building in the city of Amran. On Tuesday, 3 Thu Alqia'dah 1436 H. corresponding to 18/8/2015 G., the coalition forces bombed the building, which later turned out to be used in the past as Teachers' Syndicate Office and thus lost legal protection and became a legitimate military target whose targeting achieves a military advantage because it was exploited for military purposes by armed Houthi leaders.

In light of this, the Joint Accident Assessment Team has established the integrity of the procedures followed by the Coalition Forces in accordance with international humanitarian law and its customary rules.

Al-Mansour said, "Regarding the report issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 4 August 2016, entitled "Situation of Human Rights in Yemen", which stated that the Coalition Air Force bombed a house in a residential neighborhood in Makiras district on 1/9/2015, causing the deaths of (11) civilians.

The Joint Accident Assessment Team verified the incident, and after the joint team had seen all the documents, including the procedures and rules of engagement, the air mission inventory table and the evidence assessment, the Joint Team found that on the same claimed day, the CAF carried out four air support missions for the forces of the legitimate government. Four targets in the vicinity of the Directorate of Mkiras were bombed and they all were legitimate military targets, noting that all the targets bombed by the coalition air forces on that date were outside the urban scope of the Directorate of Mkiras, and the nearest target of the coalition air force was away from the city of Mkiras by a distance of (2) kilometers, a safe distance to avoid damage to civilian objects.

In light of this, the Joint Accident Assessment Team found that coalition forces did not bomb any residential neighborhoods in the Mkiras Directorate and that the procedures followed by the Coalition Forces were consistent with international humanitarian law and customary rules.

Al-Mansour said, "As regards the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights issued on 4 August 2016 entitled" Situation of Human Rights in Yemen ", which stated that on 22 September 2015, coalition forces' air raids caused the deaths of 19 civilians and the injuries of another 15 in the Sabain neighborhood of Sana'a. According to eyewitnesses interviewed by UNHCR, two air raids hit two houses adjacent to the house of an officer of a brigade rank of the brigade 310. The attack caused partial damage to 27 nearby houses.

He added, "The Joint Accident Assessment Team verified the incident, and after the joint team had seen all the documents, including the procedures and rules of engagement, the air mission inventory table and the evidence assessment, the Joint Team found that based on intelligence information about a building in Sabain neighborhood of Sana'a, it was the headquarters of one of the Houthi leaders who planned for rocket attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which represents a legitimate military target, whose destruction is a military advantage. Consequently, On Tuesday, 9/12/1436 H. corresponding to 22/9/2015 G, the coalition air force targeted the building in question and due to a technical fault of the systems of the plane, the bomb deviated from the target and landed by mistake on a home. Another house adjacent to it was also affected. They were 85 meters away from the target to be bombed, resulting in material damage.

In light of this, the Joint Accident Assessment Team verified the soundness of the coalition forces' procedures in targeting the aforementioned headquarters in accordance with international humanitarian law and customary rules and that what happened was the result of a technical defect of the aircraft systems. The Joint Team believes that the Coalition Forces should provide appropriate humanitarian assistance for the unintended error.

--SPA

00:18 LOCAL TIME 21:18 GMT

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UN envoy stresses urgency of adequate, predictable resources for AU Mission in Somalia

12 September 2017  A senior United Nations official today called for greater support for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and warned that lack of funding could endanger hard-won progress in the country.

"We have continued to hear passionate appeals from the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council and the AU Commission that the issue of predictable, flexible and adequate funding for AMISOM needs to be addressed urgently," said Haile Menkerios, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the AU, briefing the Security Council on the cooperation between the Organization and regional entities, including the AU.

"It would be tragic, not least for the long-suffering Somali people, if the gains and sacrifices of the last decade were reversed because the international community was unable to provide adequate and predictable funding for [the Mission]," he warned.

The senior UN official also noted the continued commitment of the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council to consider financial burden-sharing for AU Peace Support Operations authorized by the Security Council.

Further in his briefing, Mr. Menkerios, also the head of the UN Office to the AU (UNAOU), highlighted the continuous engagement at different levels between the UN Secretariat and the AU Commission, and that UN envoys work with and complement the efforts of AU Special Envoys in a number of critical situations across the continent.

He also spoke on collaborative engagements between the UN and the AU, and the Security Council's recognition that its deliberations and decisions on peace and security issues in Africa can be enriched by briefings by senior AU officials, alongside their UN counterparts.

"As many Council members stated during the deliberations, there is a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding which Special Representatives of the AU, as well as those of its Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms, could place at the disposal of this Council," he said, adding: "The UN Secretariat stands ready to work with the AU Commission [] in this regard."

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Trump Praises Malaysia's Purchase of Boeing Jets, Fight Against Terrorism

By Steve Herman September 12, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump is hosting Malaysia's scandal-tainted Prime Minister Najib Razak and praising his country's investment in the United States and the fight against terrorism.

Trump said Tuesday he and Najib "were working on very large trade deals," including $10 billion to $20 billion worth of Boeing commercial aircraft, as well as General Electric jet engines.

The deal, within five years, "will be worth beyond $10 billion," confirmed Najib, saying the aircraft would go to state carrier Malaysia Airlines.

"We are committed to 25 planes of the 737 Max-10, plus eight 787 Dreamliners and there is a strong probability, not possibility" of the purchase of an additional 25 737 Max-10 jets, Najib told Trump.

"We will also try to convince Air Asia to purchase GE engines," added the Malaysian prime minister.

A major pension fund with $7 billion already invested in the United States will also invest "three to four additional billion dollars to support your infrastructure and redevelopment in the United States," added Najib.

The prime minister also said his country remains committed to fighting terrorist groups, such as Islamic State and al-Qaida. Najib said the groups are the "enemy" of both the United States and Malaysia, adding "we will do our part to make sure our part of the world is safe."

Najib stressed the key for the United States "to win the hearts and minds of the Muslim world" is to support "moderate and progressive Muslim regimes and governments around the world," such as Malaysia's "because that is the true face of Islam, that is the authentic face of Islam."

Najib "has been very, very strong on terrorism in Malaysia and a great supporter from that standpoint, so that's a very important thing from the United States," Trump said.

Corruption investigation

Najib's visit comes as some of his family members and associates are under scrutiny by the U.S. Justice Department, which is investigating corruption and money laundering of funds from the 1MDB state development company.

Najib, before his White House visit, was upset with U.S. media reports accusing his country of sliding into dictatorship. Najib fired back in a blog post contending the opposition's ability to criticize him was proof of democracy and free speech in the Muslim-majority federation.

Najib said, however, that critics "falsely running down Malaysia's vibrant democracy and spreading smears and falsehoods about this government in foreign newspapers just for political gain is another matter."

Freedom House describes Malaysia's media as "partly free," while Reporters Without Border notes "several proposed amendments would reinforce the already draconian Official Secrets Act and Communications and Multimedia Act, but the Sedition Act continues to be the biggest threat to journalists."

'Downplaying democracy'

Analysts say they are not surprised Trump hosted Najib.

"It's unfortunate but consistent with Trump's policy of downplaying democracy and human rights as an aspect of U.S. policy," says Joshua Kurlantzick, senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council for Foreign Relations.

There is a pragmatic reason for the Trump administration to host Najib, according to Kurlantzick, who tells VOA "we do need Malaysia's cooperation on certain issues, on the South China Sea and terrorism."

The U.S. Justice Department in June moved to seize more than a half a billion dollars in assets related to the 1MDB case, including a Picasso given to actor Leonardo DiCaprio, the screen rights to two Hollywood movies and a $27 million diamond necklace belong to Najib's wife, Rosmah Mansor.

In all, according to Justice Department investigators, more than $3.5 billion from the 1MDB fund is alleged to have been diverted, including $731 million into Najib's bank accounts.

The prime minister has repeatedly insisted he has done nothing wrong.

Najib, in 2015, fired the country's attorney general and replaced him with a new one who quickly cleared the prime minister of any wrongdoing in the 1MDB probe.

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US Envoy Criticizes Cambodia Over 'Absurd' Plot Claims

By VOA News September 12, 2017

The U.S. ambassador to Cambodia on Tuesday described as "baseless" claims from the country's leader that the United States was involved in an attempt to overthrow the government.

The accusation comes after Cambodian authorities arrested leading opposition politician Kem Sokha September 3 and charged him with treason in connection with an alleged plot to work with the U.S. to depose Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The government in Phnom Penh said the charges against Kem Sokha, of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, or CNRP, were based on comments he made in 2013, in which he claims to have received help from the U.S. to build a pro-democracy movement.

Ambassador William Heidt said in a statement that stories about U.S. plots involving Kem Sokha "have completely, and intentionally, mischaracterized what the United States is doing in Cambodia."

"Honestly, the whole thing is just absurd," he said in his statement. Heidt also called for the immediate release of Kem Sokha, adding that his arrest threatened Cambodia's fragile democracy.

The CNRP has said it will contest next year's election, despite Kem Sokha's arrest and threats from Hun Sen to dissolve the opposition party if it intervenes on Kem Sokha's behalf. At a news conference Tuesday, Son Chhay, a senior CNRP member, pledged that the party would challenge the ruling Cambodian People's Party, or CPP in 2018.

Kem Sokha's arrest was carried out amid a massive government crackdown against independent news outlets and human rights groups. Last Monday, The Cambodia Daily, one of the last independent newspapers in the country, was closed after it received a large, overdue tax bill its publishers claim is bogus.

Observers say the crackdown is an apparent attempt by Hun Sen to shut down dissenting voices ahead of next year's election with the aim of extending his three-decade-old grip on power.

Hun Sen's government was nearly toppled in the last national election in 2013, and support is growing for the opposition, especially among younger Cambodians.

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Kenya's President Opens Parliament Amid Opposition Boycott

By Jill Craig September 12, 2017

There is more drama on the Kenyan election front, as incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta opened parliament to an audience of ruling party members only.

"I would like to make it abundantly clear that the government will not tolerate anyone intent on disrupting our hard-won peace and stability. Under no circumstances must Kenyans ever allow our free, competitive process to become a threat to the peace and security of our nation," Kenyatta said.

Opposition lawmakers boycotted the proceedings, questioning Kenyatta's mandate following a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the results of the August 8 presidential election.

The court said that election, won by Kenyatta, was tainted due to "irregularities and illegalities" in the transmission of vote counts.

After the ruling, Kenyatta referred to the court justices as "crooks." But the president struck a different tone Tuesday, as he called for the three arms of government to respect the will of the people.

"It must be understood that marked ballots represent more than technology, more than the computer systems, or even where the papers were printed. The mark is the choice. The mark is the choice of sovereign people; their choice is secret and must never again be frustrated or ignored," said Kenyatta.

A few kilometers away from parliament, in the Nairobi slum of Kibera, opposition leader Raila Odinga maintained his position that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission must be fixed.

"We are saying that we are not ready to go for an election, with the IEBC as currently constituted. We have given conditions under which we will participate in these elections. And we are saying that unless those conditions are fulfilled, there will be no elections on the 17th of October next month," Odinga said.

On Monday, a member of parliament and a former senator were arrested on hate speech allegations. MP Moses Kuria allegedly encouraged a "manhunt" of opposition supporters, while Senator Johnson Muthama is accused of giving a defamatory speech aimed at Kenyatta.

The ruling Jubilee party and the opposition NASA coalition met separately Tuesday with the electoral commission. The opposition said it was given a document without sufficient time for review, while the ruling party said it was happy to move into the next elections with the current configuration of the IEBC.

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Oregon National Guard supports firefighting efforts for Chetco Bar Fire

By Sgt. Tyler Meister September 11, 2017

BROOKINGS, Ore. -- A sky full of ash looms overhead while Oregon Army and Air National Guard members work around the clock to help contain the threats of wildfires across the state. As of September 8, 2017, nearly 600 Oregon Guardsmen have volunteered to join the fight against the wildfires, working alongside local, state and federal agencies to battle one of the worst fire seasons in Oregon's history.

The largest of these fires, which was started by lightning strikes back in July, continues to burn Southern Oregon in the rural areas around the town of Brookings. With a total of 177,301 acres burned so far, relief crews work nonstop to contain the threat and prevent it from spreading and endangering local populations and structures.

"Everyday on the way out to the fire lines we pass through the town of Brookings and the locals are always waving at us with smiles on their faces," said Spc. Isaiah Wunische, of Estacada, Oregon, a human resource specialist with 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "They constantly give praises and their support has rallied our troops here and helped keep morale extremely high."

Wunische said that most of the other Oregon National Guard personnel working alongside him were also called on to state active duty orders for 21 days. The first five days were spent at the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) academy in Salem, Oregon, receiving their certifications to go out on the fire lines and fight the fires.

"I was more than willing to come help out my state when they needed it the most and the training we received at the DPSST was great at preparing us to help our fellow Oregonians in need," said Wunische.

Ensuring our Soldiers and Airmen can remain on the fire lines has been the responsibility of medics like Sgt. K-Cee Sperry, of Molalla, Oregon, a combat medic with C Company, 141st Brigade Support Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Sperry and her team have been able to triage minor medical ailments for their fellow Guardsmen at the Chetco Bar Fire, such as blisters and rolled ankles.

"This is my second time supporting the wildfire season and it has been a fantastic experience," said Sperry. "We have been resourcing with the civilian medical teams out here to ensure that all personnel and supply needs are met and the Soldiers can get back out on the fire lines ASAP to continue doing their job."

Sperry felt that challenges and experiences like this is why she and many others joined the National Guard. She said that being able to support fellow Oregonians and troops in order to give back to the community has been the most rewarding aspect of this experience.

Soldiers and Airmen from all corners of Oregon have been volunteering to help out with this year's fire season and the team at the Chetco Bar Fire has been under the leadership of the military liaison Maj. Christopher Markesino, commander of C Company, 141st Brigade Support Battalion.

A total of 240 Army and Air Guardsmen from 14 different units and squadrons have come together at the Chetco Bar Fire. Markesino said they have been able to seamlessly mesh together and do an outstanding job at working together to support the fire relief.

"The National Guard's presence here has focused on supporting the incident commander and firefighters of the city of Brookings with putting out the fire and traffic assistance points," said Markesino.

Markesino has worked side-by-side with many civil authorities in the incident command post and he said the experience has been extremely educational and fulfilling because they are very professional and supportive of the National Guard's mission there.

"I feel that we [the National Guard] are best suited to help in these types of disasters because this is our home and we will fight harder for our home than anyone else will," Markesino said. "We would not be able to do this without the support and understanding we receive from our employers and families."

Every year Oregon wildfires demand a lot from local, state and federal agencies that are in place to handle these types of disasters, but not every fire season requires a large call-up of National Guard firefighters.

One veteran of the Oregon fire season, Adrian Torres, who works for the Oregon Department of Forestry as a wild lands fires specialist, said he has enjoyed being able to reminisce on his eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps while working with the National Guard troops during the fire seasons.

"The National Guard supporters who are here to help us have greatly relieved the work load, all while maintaining a super positive atmosphere," said Torres. "The biggest challenge for the National Guard helpers is the stamina involved in fighting a wild fire, but it has been refreshing to see just how motivated and eager these Guardsmen have been."

More and more teams will be continuously rotating to and from the Chetco Bar Fire as the blaze continues to burn.

Markesino said that fortunately the Oregon fire season is nearing its end and Oregonians can rest easy knowing that Guardsmen are on the scene.

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Nellis AFB to support Hurricane Irma rescue operations

By Master Sgt. Heidi West, 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs / Published September 12, 2017

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- In mid-afternoon Sept. 8, 2017, the 66th Rescue Squadron and 823rd Maintenance Squadron assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, received a call from U.S. Northern Command to ready teams to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency search and rescue efforts in the Florida Keys following the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

Nellis AFB personnel loaded a C-5M Super Galaxy cargo aircraft assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB, California, with three HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two personnel recovery task forces, 54 support personnel and approximately 60 short tons of supplies and departed the base Sept. 11.

"One life is worth saving," said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Borresen, 23rd Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector. "If we have the funds available, the people available to do it, why not?"

Borresen is familiar with the preparation needed to perform a rescue mission. He was also a crew member for Operation Tomodachi, a search and rescue mission to help the victims of the tsunami that struck Japan in 2013. He is confident Nellis AFB will be just as effective in the Florida Keys.

"Everybody we have going right now is the best of the best," said Borresen, who is responsible for inspecting the maintenance on the aircraft. "We should not have a problem having these aircraft perform for us. We provide safe aircraft for operators who can, in turn, go out and save lives."

As it takes a village to raise a child, it takes several units to get the aircraft in the task force on their way to Florida. Training was put to the test as the 823rd MXS fought forces out of their control  as the clock ticked, nature roared from above.

Dodging a Las Vegas lightning storm, the unit pulled helicopters into the hangar, prepped and restaged them on the flight line before loading them onto the C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft, said Senior Airman Makayla Best, 823rd MXS assistant dedicated crew chief.

While the 823rd MXS prepared the aircraft, Senior Airman Kayleigh Jones, Detachment 1, 563rd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, prepared equipment for the four-man HH-60 aircrews, to include pilots and special missions aviators, who would be performing day and night rescue missions.

For Jones, this was more than just an Air Force mission.

"I have a lot of friends down in Florida, a lot of family down in Florida still, so I'm glad to be part of this team," she said. "'These things we do so that others may live.'"

Finally, recovery teams prepared to work with local authorities and other military branches to maximize rescue efforts.

"Once we get wheels on the ground, it's going to be our priority to coordinate with those guys as they will be our eyes and ears on the ground," said Capt. Keoki Kimzin, 55th Rescue Squadron combat rescue pilot at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, and leading one of the four-man teams assisting with civilian evacuations and possible medical treatment. "They will allow us to integrate with them to do our job more efficiently as they are the experts in the area."

In less than 18 hours of the call, the C-5 was packed and ready to take flight.

"We always say, 'Practice like you play,'" said Best. "It's rough because it's somebody's worst day when they need us, but it's what we're here for  it's what we live for."

This is the second call Nellis AFB has received to support USNORTHCOM's mission to assist lead federal relief agencies in helping those affected by recent hurricanes, in an effort to minimize suffering while continuing its mission of defending the homeland.

Thirty-one Nellis AFB members assigned to the 99th Air Base Wing, 58th Rescue Squadron and the 23rd Wing were requested to assist with Hurricane Harvey response efforts in Texas. These members were tasked with providing humanitarian relief as well as command and control to military forces assisting FEMA, state and local authorities with the relief efforts. Nellis AFB stands ready to provide additional support, should it be requested.

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Wisconsin National Guard among latest units to supplement Irma aid

By Vaughn Larson, Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs September 12, 2017

MADISON, Wis. -- As the nation marked the 16th anniversary of the terror attacks in New York City, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, more than 2,500 Wisconsin National Guard troops began loading up into military trucks or aircraft -- en route to Florida to assist the ongoing Hurricane Irma relief efforts.

Wisconsin National Guard troops will continue leaving for Florida through Thursday. They will remain in the region as long as they are needed.

Across the National Guard, more than 15,500 Citizen-Soldiers from at least seven states are in place supporting relief efforts of Hurricane Irma throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina along with the territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands. Another 4,500 Guard members are in transit.

The National Guard has been credited with evacuating more than 1,000 U.S. citizens from the Dutch Caribbean islands of St. Maarten Sept. 9-10, by the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Airlift Wing, New York Air Guard's 106th Rescue Wing and the Puerto Rico Air Guard's 156th Airlift Wing.

"Among the first of those who responded to the attacks in New York City were members of the National Guard," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, Wisconsin's adjutant general. "Since that day, the National Guard has shown day after day that it is ready and capable of meeting our nation's needs at home and abroad. Today, as we help our fellow citizens in Florida recover from a natural disaster, is no different."

The Wisconsin National Guard's 32nd "Red Arrow" Infantry Brigade Combat Team had been identified as one of the units nationwide available to assist in the Hurricane Harvey recovery effort in Texas. The Red Arrow brigade was redirected as Hurricane Irma approached Florida.

Joining the 32nd Brigade on state active duty in helping Florida are the 157th Manoeuver Enhancement Brigade's 1157th Transportation Company, and the 64th Troop Command's 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, along with other Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard elements.

The Wisconsin National Guard is traveling approximately 1,400 miles to render assistance thanks to the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation's state-to-state mutual aid system. Florida Gov. Rick Scott used EMAC to ask Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker for Wisconsin National Guard assistance. Walker, in turn, issued Executive Order 254 last Friday, which authorized Dunbar to call Wisconsin National Guard troops to state active duty to assist Florida.

"Assisting civil authorities and first responders is one of the National Guard's core missions," Dunbar continued. "This is what we train for, and regular domestic operations exercises help prepare our troops to respond when needed."

Sgt. 1st Class William Kocken, a readiness noncommissioned officer and platoon sergeant from Company A, 1st Battalion, 127th Infantry, agreed.

"We're excited about it," he said. "It's what many of us sign up to do -- help others. It's what we like doing, it's part of serving the country -- being able to step up and help those in need. Morale is remarkably high."

Command Sgt. Maj. Rafael Conde, the Wisconsin Army National Guard's senior enlisted advisor, said the troops he spoke with are ready to go.

"They want to do this mission," Conde said. "Very few times do they actually get to do this kind of mission at this kind of scale."

"We have a lot of skilled people here who have a lot of knowledge -- we're doing our best to maximize that," said Master Sgt. Kitrina Vargas, an air cargo specialist with the 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee. Vargas was at Volk Field Monday helping approximately 600 Soldiers load gear onto aircraft bound for Florida. "We're going to make this mission happen."

"We are ready to roll down to Irma," said Staff Sgt. Justin Sonnentag of Evansville, Wisconsin, a member of Company D, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, located in Madison, Wisconsin, as his unit prepared to convoy to Florida Monday morning.

Spc. Andurina Sickinger, of Battery C, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, said she was excited to help.

"This is what I signed up for," she said. "I really want to help people there. I feel for everyone, that they've lost a lot of things. I want to do what I can to help."

Conde noted that many administrative members put in many hours over the weekend to coordinate everything required to send Wisconsin National Guard troops to Florida on short notice.

"It's a massive, massive move," Conde said. "I couldn't be prouder of the Soldiers and the Airmen that are accomplishing their mission right now."

Amid Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma and multiple firefighting missions nearly 31,000 Guard members are deployed across the United States and its territories.

(Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Barnett of the 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kansas Army National Guard contributed to this article.)

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USNS William McLean; Delivering in Support of Hurricane Irma Relief Efforts

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170912-11

Release Date: 9/12/2017 10:43:00 AM

By Bill Mesta, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- ATLANTIC OCEAN (September 12, 2017)- Military Sealift Command's dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) has commenced logistic support operations in the vicinity of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.

USNS William McLean was directed to move to the region to support federal, state and local authorities' ongoing relief efforts to alleviate the destruction caused by the storm as it moved through the Caribbean islands.

"Our main mission is ensuring the other U.S. Navy ships supporting the efforts are able to do their job," said Joshua Tamasovich, USNS William McLean's chief mate. "Once Hurricane Irma moved out of the region, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps moved assets in to provide relief efforts. USNS William McLean will be delivering fuel, stores and other associated supplies to the U.S. Navy ships taking part in the relief effort."

As of September 11, USNS William McLean pumped 620,000 gallons of diesel fuel, 40,000 gallons of jet fuel and delivered 40 pallets of supplies to U.S. Navy units providing relief support, according to Tamasovich.

"The support that the USNS William McLean is providing to the U.S. Navy relief effort, and the U.S. Marines attached to those ships is keeping those ships and personnel on scene so relief efforts can take place," added Tamasovich.

USNS William McLean is crewed by approximately 100 civil service mariners who provide all of the ship's services to include cargo handling, navigation and propulsion.

"The crew of McLean is going to be doing what we are really good at; we are ready to deliver food, cargo and fuel to supply the U.S. Navy ships who are going to be directly supporting the disaster relief efforts, as well as any regional crisis support, as required," said Tamasovich.

"The good thing about this ship is we bring a lot of support options with us," said Tamasovich. "This ship has a freeze and chill hold so we can make ice if required. We are capable of delivering humanitarian supplies if requested and do have the capability to berth personnel if needed."

Hurricane Irma hit Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with high wind and rain causing extensive flooding and damage across the region. Federal, State and local agencies are in the lead for this response effort.

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Is US Losing a Key Part of the War on Terror?

By Jeff Seldin September 12, 2017

Sixteen years after the United States launched its war on terror, there are nagging concerns that aspects of the war have not gone well. And when it comes to the battle of ideas, some experts and officials fear the U.S. may be losing.

"There is an element to killing the jihadists, so they can't kill us," said Congressman Michael McCaul, the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee. "We have been able to stop and prevent a lot of [terror] plots from happening in the United States."

"But there's also an element that drone strikes alone can't win a war of ideology," McCaul added.

Current and former U.S. officials say the failure to counter narratives that help fuel groups like al-Qaida and Islamic State is not due to a lack of effort. But so far, they admit, the results have not been good.

"I'm alarmed at the spreading of the ideology," White House homeland security adviser Tom Bossert said last week at a security summit in Washington.

"We've got upwards of 17 or 18 nation states that might be failed, or viewed as close to failing, and they have a strong presence of either ISIS or al-Qaida or other groups," he said. "That is a troubling development."

Initially, U.S. officials placed much of their hope on a military victory against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, reasoning that once the terror group's self-declared caliphate crumbled, so would the group's appeal.

However, Islamic State's ongoing losses on the battlefield have failed to dampen the appeal of its jihadist ideology.

"We're putting a stake in the heart of ISIS, who is the main perpetrator of all this," Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told an audience this past July. "But it's like putting a stake in an octopus, with all the tentacles moving out to different places."

Other U.S. efforts to directly counter IS messaging and other jihadist ideology quickly faltered. Some early State Department initiatives, like the "Think Again, Turn Away" Twitter feed, even were ridiculed for lacking meaningful engagement.

Since then, U.S. efforts have been focused on empowering partner organizations to help beat back the IS narrative.

Progress has been slow, but some former officials say President Donald Trump needs to give these efforts more time.

"It seems to me there's actually been a stepping back, in particular from some of the structures that were built specifically to deal with the ideological dimension," said Joshua Geltzer, a former senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council.

Geltzer and other former officials have voiced concerns about the Trump administration's plans to cut funding for such programs, after freezing grants to partner organizations.

Even with more time, though, some current and former officials say there may be limits to what the U.S. can do.

"Truly altering the environment that gives rise to the terrorist threat we face, that's a much more formidable task," Nicholas Rasmussen, director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, said earlier this year. "More resources are required, more time is required, and more patience is required."

So, too, there are signs that the U.S. is struggling with defining what it wants to do and what it hopes to accomplish.

"We have a very militarized view of what this battle is," said Jasmine El-Gamal, who was a translator and cultural adviser for the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division in the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"When we say 'countering violent extremism' it's really counterterrorism. It's really that we use bombs, we use drones, we use armies," said El-Gamal, now senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

"There seems to be some conceptual confusion in the U.S. government about what 'countering violent extremism' programs are attempting to do," according to a report released Monday by New America's International Security program.

"Counter-radicalization - turning many millions of Muslims around the world away from radical ideas - seems both a nebulous mission and one that may not be achievable," the report stated.

Some experts also say U.S. allies in the Middle East could be doing much more to help counter extremists' ideology.

"Most Arab states are not interested in uprooting the tree, but just taking the poisonous fruits when convenient," said New America Fellow Nadia Oweidat.

"As long as there are blasphemy laws, you don't even dream about countering terrorism, because the very people who can take on these ideas from within - who know the Quran by heart, people who went to school all their lives in the Middle East - are people who would be blasted as blasphemous," she said.

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Latvia Only NATO State to Send Extra Inspection to Zapad-2017 Drills

Sputnik News

19:14 12.09.2017

The Latvian defense minister said Tuesday that Latvia would be the only NATO state to send an additional inspection mission to observe the joint Russia-Belarus Zapad-2017 drills.

RIGA (Sputnik)  Latvia will become the only NATO member state to send out an additional inspection mission to observe the joint Russia-Belarus Zapad-2017 drills, Latvian Defense Minister Raimonds Bergmanis said Tuesday.

Russia-Belarus joint military drills, dubbed Zapad-2017 ("West-2017"), are scheduled for September 14-20. The exercise will bring together about 12,700 servicemen and hundreds of units of military hardware and equipment. According to prior statements, Latvia intended to send three observers to the drills.

"The Belarusian side has agreed to Latvia's request to send an additional inspection to observe these drills," Bergmanis said, as quoted by the ministry's press service.

Gen. James Everard, the NATO deputy supreme allied commander Europe, who is currently on a visit to Latvia, stressed that NATO was watching Zapad-2017 very closely to be ready to respond to any potential danger. However, Everard noted that NATO did not see "an immediate military threat" in these drills. According to the UK general, the alliance believes that Russia is using Zapad-2017 as a political message and a way to test new equipment and hardware.

Latvian experts will officially attend the drills as observers along with representatives of Lithuania, Ukraine, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Norway and numerous international organizations, including NATO.

The plans to hold drills prompted concern from a number of states, including Latvia. Russian and Belarusian officials have repeatedly said that Zapad-2017 drills do not pose any threat to other states and are exclusively defensive in nature.

 Sputnik

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China, Australia hold joint military training in Kunming

People's Daily Online

(China Military Online) 13:11, September 12, 2017

KUNMING, Sept. 11 (ChinaMil) -- Chinese and Australian ground forces started their bilateral joint training named "Exercise Panda-Kangaroo 2017" on September 10 at a training ground of the PLA Southern Theater Command in Kunming, capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

This is the first joint training held in China by Chinese and Australian armies. The two ground forces have conducted such joint training in 2015 and 2016 in Australia.

This joint training, focusing on mountain comprehensive skills, aims to practice and improve the ground forces' comprehensive skills in mountainous areas.

China and Australia each sent 10 personnel to participate in the training. The Chinese participants are selected from the army of the PLA Southern Theater Command.

During the over ten-day activity, participants from both sides will undergo such wild survival training items as marching, overcoming natural obstacles, making and using floating equipment, camping and picnicking in complex and unfamiliar mountainous area.

It is said that the joint training between the Chinese and Australian armies is a pragmatic measure to enhance the military training cooperation and promote the steady development of the relations between the two armed forces.

The Exercise Panda-Kangaroo training is also an important platform for enhancing the mutual understanding and trust and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Besides, cultural exchanges and other friendly activities will also be held during the training.

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China calls for calm over Korean Peninsula crisis

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:07, September 12, 2017

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Liu Jieyi, on Monday called for calm over the crisis on the Korean Peninsula after the UN Security Council adopted new sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over its latest nuclear test.

"At present, the situation on the Korean Peninsula remains complex and grave. All relevant parties must be cool-headed and avoid rhetoric or action that might aggravate tension," Liu told the council after the vote.

Monday's resolution imposed further sanctions on the DPRK over the country's nuclear test on Sept. 3, particularly targeting its oil supplies and textile exports.

The Chinese envoy condemned the DPRK's nuclear test, and said China is committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the maintenance of peace and stability there and a peaceful settlement of the issue through dialogue.

He urged the DPRK to heed the aspirations and will of the international community, abide by relevant Security Council resolutions, refrain from any more missile launches or nuclear tests, and return to the track of denuclearization.

He noted that Monday's resolution also reiterated the maintenance of peace and security of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia and the peaceful settlement of the issue, the resumption of the six-party talks and the importance of de-escalation of tension on the Korean Peninsula.

He called for the comprehensive implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.

"The nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula must be resolved peacefully, integrated measures must be taken to balance the legitimate concerns of all parties," said Liu.

He said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China and the idea of step-by-step approach proposed by Russia formed a roadmap for the settlement of the issue.

The roadmap is realistic and feasible, he said, asking the relevant parties for due consideration and positive responses.

The idea of dual-track approach involves parallel efforts to move forward both denuclearization and the establishment of a peaceful mechanism on the peninsula, the initiative of suspension-for-suspension calls for the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the United States and South Korea to suspend their large-scale war games.

Liu expressed the hope that the United States would incorporate into its DPRK policy its promises of not seeking a regime change in Pyongyang, not seeking the collapse of the DPRK government, not seeking acceleration of reunification of the Korean Peninsula and not sending its military north of the 38 Parallel.

The deployment of military forces on the Korean Peninsula runs counter to the goal of denuclearization and to regional peace and stability. The deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile shield severely jeopardizes the strategic interests of regional countries, including those of China, said Liu. China strongly urges the relevant parties to stop deployment of the system and dismantle relevant equipment, he said.

Parties concerned should resume dialogue and negotiations in order to push for the denuclearization of the peninsula. The Security Council should take up its historic responsibility on the issue, said the Chinese envoy.

China will continue to push for dialogue and consultations, and together with various parties, to play a constructive role in realizing the goal of denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, he said.

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China supports UN Security Council resolution on DPRK

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 14:38, September 12, 2017

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China supports the UN Security Council in taking necessary measures regarding the DPRK's nuclear test, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Tuesday morning.

The UN Security Council Monday unanimously adopted a resolution to impose fresh sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over its nuclear test on Sept. 3 for violation of previous Security Council resolutions.

Geng said the resolution reflected the unanimous stance of Security Council members in safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, advancing denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and upholding international non-proliferation.

He said the resolution called for a peaceful settlement through diplomatic and political means, supported the resumption of six-party talks and stressed measures to de-escalate tension on the peninsula.

"The Chinese side hopes that this resolution will be implemented comprehensively and completely," the spokesperson said.

As a neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China has been closely following the development of the situation there, Geng said.

He said that China's unswerving stance was for denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, maintaining peace and stability there and resolving problems through dialogue and consultation.

The related parties should bear their responsibilities, take practical measures to ease tension and resume dialogue and negotiation in order to solve the Korean Peninsula issue, Geng said.

He called on the DPRK to abide by the resolutions of the UN Security Council and stop the development of nuclear missiles, and urged the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to avoid any actions that may further complicate the situation.

The "dual-track approach" and the "suspension for suspension" initiative proposed by China, Geng said, are practical methods to solve the Korean Peninsula issue.

"We called on the relevant parties to work with China to push for dialogue and negotiation and make joint efforts to realize peace and stability on the Peninsula," he said.

Geng said China firmly opposes the deployment of the U.S. anti-missile Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in ROK, which will severely harm the strategic security of China and other countries in the region, and damage the trust and cooperation among related parties on the Korean Peninsula issue.

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N Korea rejects UN bans, warns US of 'great pain'

Iran Press TV

Tue Sep 12, 2017 8:47AM

North Korea has denounced a United Nations Security Council vote approving a Washington-drafted resolution for more anti-Pyongyang sanctions, warning that the US will soon face the "greatest pain" it has ever experienced.

Han Tae-song, the ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the United Nations, made the comments on Tuesday at the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.

"The Washington regime fired up for political, economic, and military confrontation," said the diplomat, accusing Washington of being "obsessed with the wild game of reversing the DPRK's development of nuclear force which has already reached the completion phase."

He categorically rejected "the latest illegal and unlawful UN Security Council resolution."

The North is "ready to use a form of ultimate means," Han said without elaborating. "The forthcoming measures by DPRK will make the US suffer the greatest pain it ever experienced in its history."

On Monday, the 15-nation UN body unanimously approved the US-drafted resolution to step up the bans against Pyongyang more than a week after the North's sixth and biggest nuclear test.

Ahead of the Security Council vote, Pyongyang had warned the United States that it would pay a "due price" for spearheading efforts on the sanctions, stressing once again that its nuclear program was part of its "legitimate self-defensive measures."

Following the vote, South Korea and Japan expressed satisfaction with the United Nations Security Council's vote.

South Korean and Japanese officials said their countries were ready to exert even more pressure on the North if it refuses to stop its nuclear and missile programs.

Park Su-hyun, a spokesman for the South Korean president, held a news briefing on Tuesday and said Pyongyang needs to realize that a reckless challenge against international peace will bring about even stronger international sanctions against it.

It is significant that China and Russia agree on the need for stronger restrictive measures than previous ones, said the spokesman, adding that Seoul respects the consensus reached by the international community on the North Korea issue.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also said on Tuesday that he highly appreciates "a remarkably tough sanctions resolution." He added that "it is important to put an unprecedented level of pressure on North Korea to make it change its policies."

The resolution adopted Monday was a watered-down version of an initial US-proposed text. The original draft was reportedly revised in order to win the support of China and Russia.

Among the significant targets on the anti-Pyongyang sanctions list is the North's textile exports, its second largest after coal and other minerals.

Ahead of the Security Council vote, Pyongyang had warned the United States that it would pay a "due price" for spearheading efforts on the sanctions, stressing once again that its nuclear program was part of the North's "legitimate self-defensive measures."

North Korea has been under intense international pressure since the September 3 nuclear test, during which it detonated what was said to be an advanced hydrogen bomb. The bomb was about three times more powerful than America's atomic bomb that destroyed Japan's Hiroshima in 1945.

In related news, Peru's government declared North Korea's ambassador persona non grata and gave him five days to leave the country on Monday.

The Foreign Ministry said it decided to expel Ambassador Kim Hak-chol because of Pyongyang's repeated flaunting of resolutions by the UN Security Council against its nuclear program.

Meanwhile, a South Korean news agency says Egypt's defense minister has in a visit to Seoul announced that his country has cut military ties with North Korea.

Yonhap quoted the South Korean Defense Ministry as saying that Egypt's Defense Minister Sedki Sobhi said Cairo had "already severed all military ties with North Korea."

The decisions follow a similar rebuke by Mexico recently.

In another development, China's Big Four state-owned banks have stopped providing financial services to new North Korean clients, according to branch staff.

So far, punitive measures against North Korea have failed to stop the country's nuclear and missile programs.

Pyongyang says it needs its advanced military program as a deterrent in the face of hostile policies by the United States and its regional allies, including South Korea and Japan.

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UN Security Council Toughens Sanctions On North Korea

RFE/RL September 12, 2017

The United Nations Security Council has voted to tighten sanctions on North Korea over the country's sixth and most powerful nuclear test, imposing a ban on the country's textile exports and setting a limit on imports of crude oil.

It was the ninth sanctions resolution unanimously adopted by the 15-member council since 2006 over North Korea's ballistic-missile and nuclear programs.

North Korea on September 12 rejected the UN resolution and said the United States would soon face the "greatest pain" it had ever experienced.

Pyongyang's ambassador, Han Tae Song, addressing the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, said the United States was "fired up for political, economic, and military confrontation" and was "obsessed with the wild game of reversing" North Korea's "development of a nuclear force which has already reached the completion phase."

To win the support of Russia and China, which had been reluctant to impose new sanctions, UN diplomats told news agencies that the United States watered down its previous proposal for a full oil embargo, eliminated a proposed asset freeze on leader Kim Jong Un, and included language calling for a "peaceful, diplomatic, and political" resolution of the standoff on the Korean Peninsula.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said the new measures would deprive Pyongyang of at least $800 million in annual export revenues, primarily from banning its textile exports, and when combined with previous sanctions, would cut off about 90 percent of North Korea's earnings from exports.

"We don't take pleasure in further strengthening sanctions today. We are not looking for war," Haley said after the council's vote on September 11. "The North Korean regime has not yet passed the point of no return."

"If it agrees to stop its nuclear program, it can reclaim its future... If North Korea continues its dangerous path, we will continue with further pressure," she said.

Haley credited a "strong relationship" between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping for the unexpectedly swift success of negotiations in the last week to draft a resolution that won unanimous support from the council.

EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini on September 12 said the international community "has done the right thing...strengthening the pressure on North Korea, while calling at the same time for a peaceful solution to the crisis through a meaningful, credible political dialogue."

"We now will implement the new UN sanctions, as we have always done before," she told a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. "We will work to make sure that all our international partners do the same to ensure the maximum level of efficiency for the economic measures."

Russian, Chinese Reservations

Both China had Russia had expressed reservations about imposing further sanctions, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying last week that he doubted they would prompt Pyongyang to back off its nuclear program.

Russia's UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, said on September 11 that Moscow supports the new sanctions because "leaving nuclear tests without a firm reaction would be wrong."

He once again urged the United States and its allies to consider a Russian-Chinese proposal that would start with the United States and South Korea suspending their regular military exercises in exchange for Pyongyang suspending its nuclear and ballistic missile tests. Haley and other U.S. officials have repeatedly dismissed the plan.

"We think it's a big mistake to underestimate this Russia-China initiative," Nebenzya said. "It remains on the table at the Security Council and we will insist on it being considered."

"We're convinced that diverting the gathering menace from the Korean Peninsula could be done not through further and further sanctions, but by political means," he said.

China's UN ambassador, Liu Jieyi, called for a resumption of negotiations "sooner rather than later." He called on North Korea to "take seriously" the will of the international community to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile development.

Hitting Exports

China would bear much of the responsibility for enforcing the new sanctions as it is the destination of most of North Korea's textile exports and it provides most of Pyongyang's crude oil, according to official statistics.

The resolution would particularly hit North Korea's textile exports, which are second only to coal and other minerals in generating earnings, bringing in a total of $752 million last year, according to the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.

While not imposing a flat-out ban on oil exports to Pyongyang, as originally proposed by the United States, the UN Council's resolution imposes a cap on crude exports at current levels of about 4 million barrels a year, and puts a cap of 2 million barrels a year on refined petroleum products.

The resolution also bars countries from issuing new work permits to North Korean laborers sent abroad -- a measure that would phase out the guest worker over time as existing work permits expire, the U.S. mission at the UN said. Most of the guest workers have been employed in China and Russia.

"This resolution also puts an end to the regime making money from the 93,000 North Korean citizens it sends overseas to work and heavily taxes. This ban will eventually starve the regime of an additional $500 million or more in annual revenues," Haley said.

.

In a push for a diplomatic solution to the crisis, the resolution says dialogue is needed to "ensure lasting stability in northeast Asia" and "to resolve the situation through peaceful, diplomatic, and political means."

The new measures in response to Pyongyang's September 3 nuclear test come about one month after the UN Council banned exports of coal, lead, and seafood in response to North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Before the measures were approved, Pyongyang warned the United States on September 11 that it would "pay a price" for spearheading the UN sanctions effort.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/un-security-council- approves-more-tough-sanctions-north-korea -russia-china-reluctant/28730313.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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US Treasury Targeting Individuals Allegedly Helping North Korean Government

Sputnik News

20:49 12.09.2017(updated 20:50 12.09.2017)

In light of new UN sanctions on North Korea in response to the country's so far most powerful nuclear test, the US Treasury is working on targeting and exposing individuals who allegedly act as "financial facilitators" for Pyongyang.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The US Department of Treasury is focusing on targeting individuals aiding the North Korean government, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Marshall Billingslea said in a congressional hearing on Tuesday.

"We believe that the next most important thing to do here is to bear a specific target and expose individuals who are the financial facilitators for the North Korean regime, who set up these elaborate shell company structures which are then used to get the bank accounts to launder the money," Billingslea said.

The statement comes as the UN Security Council adopted a US-proposed resolution to tighten sanctions on North Korea on Monday. It introduces a ban on the country's textile exports and a cap on crude oil imports, while also forbids imports of all condensates and natural gas liquids.

Monday's sanctions came in response to Pyongyang's sixth nuclear test, carried out on September 3, with North Korea claiming it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted on an intercontinental ballistic missile. A week before that, Pyongyang launched a missile, which flew over Japan's territory.

 Sputnik

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Trump Calls New Sanctions on DPRK 'Nothing Compared to What Will Have to Happen'

Sputnik News

20:39 12.09.2017(updated 21:42 12.09.2017)

Donald Trump has commented on the UN Security Council resolution imposing more sanctions on Pyongyang as a response to North Korea's latest nuclear test.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the recent UN Security Council sanctions on North Korea are a small step among measures that need to be undertaken to denuclearize the country, according to a White House press pool report released on Tuesday.

"We think it's just another very small step  not a big deal," Trump said as quoted by the pool report. "Those sanctions are nothing compared to ultimately what will have to happen."

Trump noted that he discussed with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson whether the sanctions would have an effect on North Korea's nuclear program, and president praised the unanimous UN Security Council vote to impose more sanctions on the country, the report said.

On Monday, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted new sanctions against Pyongyang as a response to North Korea's most powerful nuclear test conducted on September 3. The UN resolution bans Pyongyang from exporting textiles while capping how much crude oil and refined petroleum products can be imported. Natural gas condensates and liquids are also included among the items North Korea is restricted from importing in excess of UN guidelines.

When commenting on the adoption of new sanctions, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said the "strong relationship" between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping played a major factor in passing the resolution.

The North Korean ambassador to Russia slammed the new sanctions, saying that the US aims "to strangle" Pyongyang by imposing new restrictions in response to the country's "self-defense."

 Sputnik

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US Uses N Korean 'Self-Defense' as Pretext to 'Fully Strangle' Country - Envoy

Sputnik News

16:48 12.09.2017(updated 19:39 12.09.2017)

The North Korean envoy to Moscow has commented on the newly adopted UN resolution imposing more sanctions on North Korea.

The North Korean ambassador to Russia, Kim Hyun Joon, accused the United States of using Pyongyang's "self-defense measures" as a pretext to worsen the situation in the country.

"The US, instead of accepting the reality and making the right choice, is trying to use our justifyable self-defense measures as a means to completely strangle our country," the ambassador said at a news conference in Moscow.

The diplomat also said that by initiating new sanctions against North Korea, Washington wants to relieve itself of responsibility as the main culprit of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

"Today, the situation on the Korean peninsula is approaching the brink of war because of the hysterical US hype aimed at strangling N. Korea," the diplomat said at a gala reception on the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

He also said that Pyongyang is using the development of nuclear weapons for self-defense purposes and for protection against "hostile actions" by Washington.

The North Korean diplomat slammed the latest UN Security Council's resolution, claiming that it allegedly "grossly" violates the DPRK's sovereignty and "openly challenges" Pyongyang.

"US-drafted sanctions resolution forcibly imposed on the UN Security Council, which turned into an instrument of the United States, is illegal. Therefore, we completely reject and strongly condemn this resolution," the ambassador said at a news conference.

North Korea won't change it's stance despite new sanctions, the envoy said.

"We have been living under US sanctions for decades," the diplomat said. "If the United States expects that we will [] change our position, it is a huge illusion."

At the same time, the diplomat stressed that since the US challenged North Korea "in all areas," Pyongyang "is ready to resolutely respond to this," including "the most recent means."

At the same time, the diplomat reaffirmed that, despite restrictions on the part of the international community, Pyongyang will continue to strengthen its defense capabilities in the future.

The ambassador warned that Pyongyang would respond to US sanctions "with countermeasures by the North Korean design."

"The US will bear all the responsibility for possible deadly consequences," he stressed.

The statement comes a day after the UN Security Council unanimously adopted new sanctions against Pyongyang as a response to North Korea's most powerful nuclear test conducted on September 3. The UN resolution bans Pyongyang from exporting textiles while capping how much crude oil and refined petroleum products can be imported. Natural gas condensates and liquids are also included among the items North Korea is restricted from importing in excess of UN guidelines.

 Sputnik

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N. Korea Slams New UN Sanctions, Warns US of 'Greatest Pain'

By Margaret Besheer, Brian Padden September 12, 2017

North Korea strongly criticized Tuesday the U.N. Security Council's decision to impose tough new sanctions against the East Asian nation, and warned the United States would experience the "greatest pain" for playing a leading role in the effort.

"My delegation condemns in the strongest terms and categorically rejects the latest illegal and unlawful U.N. Security Council resolution," said North Korean Ambassador Han Tae Song at a U.N.-sponsored disarmament conference in Geneva.

North Korea, Han said without elaborating, is poised to "use a form of ultimate means." North Korea had warned before the latest sanctions were imposed that the U.S. would pay "due price" if it pushed for stronger sanctions.

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House Tuesday the new sanctions are "just another very small step" and "nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen" regarding North Korea.

Aside from North Korea, reaction in Asia to the latest round of international sanctions has been positive, but many are still skeptical they will have any significant impact.

The new round of economic sanctions against North Korea were in response to its September 3 nuclear test of a possible hydrogen bomb.

"Today we are saying that the world will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea," U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley told the council Monday evening. "And today the Security Council is saying that if the North Korean regime does not halt its nuclear program, we will act to stop it ourselves."

If fully implemented, the new sanctions would significantly reduce North Korean access to international currency and fuel needed for its banned ballistic missile and nuclear programs by:

- cutting a third of North Korea's oil imports, which Haley called the "life blood" of its efforts to build and deliver a nuclear weapon;

- reducing by more than half, the country's gas, diesel and heavy fuel oil imports, while completely banning the import of natural gas and other oil substitutes;

- banning North Korea's textile exports  currently its second most lucrative industry -- which Haley said would cost Pyongyang almost $800 million a year;

- prohibiting any country from authorizing new work permits for North Korean workers, another key source of hard currency for the Pyongyang regime.

The previous round of U.N. sanctions imposed on North Korea in August banned the country's $3 billion coal, iron, lead and seafood export industries.

Haley said the purpose of the increasing sanctions is to convince the Kim government to end its threatening nuclear missile development program in exchange for sanctions relief, economic aid and security guarantees.

"We are not looking for war," she said. "The North Korean regime has not yet passed the point of no return. If it agrees to stop its nuclear program, it can reclaim its future. If it proves it can live in peace, the world will live in peace with it."

Asian react

South Korea's presidential office said on Tuesday the new U.N. sanctions send a united message that the international community will never accept a North Korea as a nuclear state.

"The only way for it to get out of diplomatic isolation and economic pressure is to come back to the dialogue table for complete, irreversible and verifiable nuclear dismantlement," said presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also welcomed the resolution and said Tokyo would continue to work closely with the international community to change Pyongyang's policies.

"It's important to change North Korea's policy through pressure that is stronger than they've ever seen," said Abe.

The United States had sought much stronger sanctions, including a complete oil embargo, an asset freeze on leader Kim Jong Un, and authorization to use military force if necessary to interdict ships suspected of smuggling banned items.

But China and Russia, which both hold veto power in Security Council, would only agree to the compromise version enacted, and both expressed their determination to see a return to dialogue to resolve the issue.

China's official Xinhua news agency on Tuesday urged the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to proactively engage in diplomatic outreach "in order to end an 'endless loop' on the Korean peninsula where "nuclear and missile tests trigger tougher sanctions and tougher sanctions invite further tests."

Beijing and Moscow have urged the United States to suspend its joint military exercises with South Korea in exchange for a North Korea nuclear freeze, but the U.S. representative to the U.N. dismissed the proposal as insulting.

Washington and its allies say these legitimate defensive measures are not comparable to the North's threatening nuclear program that has been banned and sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council.

Mixed reviews

Many advocates for the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" strategy to coerce the leadership in Pyongyang to give up its nuclear program say this latest round of sanctions is still not strong enough.

"It's really not comprehensive enough, or serious enough, really cutting enough to cause the North Koreans any huge problems, as I see it. But it does allow the Trump administration to say that at least it tried," said regional security analyst Grant Newsham with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo.

If this U.N. resolution fails to deter the Kim government, Newsham said, the United States would be justified to pursue secondary sanctions against Chinese banks and entities that do business with North Korea.

However on Tuesday some of China's major state-owned banks reportedly stopped providing financial services to new North Korean clients, in what could be a sign of increased sanctions enforcement to prevent any U.S. retaliation.

Critics of a sanctions only approach say North Korea will not unilaterally disarm, no matter the amount of pressure applied, and that significant incentives and compromises must be offered to peacefully resolve the nuclear stand-off.

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US Lawmakers Ask 'What's Next?' After Latest UN North Korea Sanctions

By Katherine Gypson September 12, 2017

Congressional lawmakers applauded the latest round of U.N. sanctions against North Korea, but said any resolution to the crisis stemming from Pyongyang's accelerated nuclear program would have to go through China.

House Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce, a Republican from California, said Tuesday the "the Achilles heel" of North Korea's nuclear program is its ability to obtain the hard currency needed to purchase technology from foreign sources.

"Unfortunately years have been wasted as sanctions have been weak, allowing North Korea to access financial resources and build its nuclear and missile programs. Any sanction that crimps North Korea's access to technology is urgently needed," Royce said during a hearing on Congress' next steps addressing the North Korean threat.

Reduced funding

If implemented, the latest U.N. Security Council sanctions adopted Monday would significantly reduce North Korean access to international currency and fuel needed for its banned ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

"Our strategy is to ramp up the sanctions regime and that's exactly what we've been doing," testified Susan Thornton, Assistant Secretary of State for Asian Affairs. "We've had unanimous U.N. Security Council resolutions in two months, that's unprecedented."

But lawmakers said new sanctions could only be effective if fully implemented and with additional efforts targeting the flow of hard currency from China and used by North Korea to purchase foreign technology for its weapons program.

"We need to dramatically ramp up the number of North Korea related designations. These designations do not require Beijing's cooperation. We can designate Chinese banks and companies unilaterally, giving them a choice between doing business with North Korea or the United States," Royce said in his opening remarks.

Magnitsky Act?

Action modeled along the lines of the Magnitsky Act sanctions against Russian individuals could be an additional option, suggested one House Republican closely involved in human rights issues. The Magnitsky act is a U.S. law imposing sanctions on Russian officials the United States holds responsible for the 2009 death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.

"We know that China subsidizes North Korea's bad behavior," said Rep. Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey. "It enables torture of asylum seekers by repatriating those who escaped to China in direct contravention of the Refugee Convention and provides Kim Jong-Un a needed currency by employing thousands of trafficked workers."

Smith noted the U.N. Commission on Inquiry on North Korea had recommended sanctions against those individuals.

Sherman skeptical

Democrats on the House panel emphasized the need to develop diplomatic options to provide North Korea with incentives for good behavior.

"This administration has said that North Korea is its top foreign policy priority, but between the President's dangerous and irresponsible communication on the matter and inexplicable reluctance to get personnel in place: he is undercutting his own peaceful pressure strategy," said ranking House Foreign Affairs Committee member Eliot Engel, a Democrat from New York.

Another top committee Democrat was skeptical about the impact of the latest sanctions, noting the domestic political considerations of dealing with North Korea.

"For 20 years, administrations have been coming here and telling me that we don't have to make any concessions to North Korea," said Rep. Brad Sherman, a Democrat from California. "While we haven't made America safer, we've met the political objectives here in the United States. We don't threaten China even in the little bit with country sanctions because that would be politically difficult for the United States to do."

North Korea has conducted 16 missile tests in 2017, including two intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests and a Sept. 3 nuclear test of a possible hydrogen bomb.

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US-Made M777 Howitzer Malfunctions During Field Trials in India

Sputnik News

16:45 12.09.2017

An investigation has been launched to ascertain the reason behind the malfunction. Firing trials have been stopped until investigation report is submitted.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  India's newly acquired US made 4.2-ton howitzer gun M777 malfunctioned during field firing trial in Pokhran range.

Army sources said that the accident took place on September 2 when the US manufactured gun was firing Indian ammunition. "During the firing on 02 Sep 17, the projectile which was fifth of the series; exited the barrel in multiple pieces, causing the accident," an army official said on Tuesday. Army source has confirmed no casualties were caused by the mishap.

The first two of 145 contracted M777 was delivered to India in May this year. They were the first new howitzers India received in over two decades.

The Indian Army did not confirm the reason for the barrel bursts.

"A joint investigating team is on the site. The barrel of the gun has been damaged, the extent of which is being assessed by Joint Investigation Team. Further firing for the compilation of firing table of the howitzer has been stopped with immediate effect and will recommence only after the analysis of the Joint Investigation Team," a source said.

India and the US had started the discussion on the purchase of 145 M777 in 2010 and after rigorous negotiations; the deal was finalized in November last year. Under the contract, 25 guns will be inducted into Indian Army directly and the rest 120 guns will be assembled at BAE Systems AIT facility in Maharashtra in partnership with Indian company Mahindra Group. All the M777 under the contract will be delivered to India by 2021.

M777 guns will be part of Mountain Strike Corps- 90000 armed Special Forces meant to guard approximately 3700-kilometer border with China. These specially trained forces will be raised by 2021. Panagarh will be the base station for mountain strike corps where India has positioned its six C-130J to improve the mobility of armed forces on the border with China. M777 can easily be transported by US-made C-130J and C-17 heavy lift military aircraft. The primary aim will be to quickly deploy the guns in India's mountainous terrain.

 Sputnik

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India's New Defense Minister Rolls out Strategy to Hasten Key Defense Deals

Sputnik News

12:19 12.09.2017(updated 13:00 12.09.2017)

The co-production of fifth generation fighter aircraft with Russia, the purchase of 120 single-engine fighter jets and finalization of foreign partners for local production of six nuclear submarines comprise the major deals awaiting final approval.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  As Indian armed forces are hard pressed by dwindling ammunition and weapons stocks, the country's new defense minister has rolled out a set of stringent policies to hasten key defense purchases.

The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC)  India's apex decision making a body for defense purchases  will meet every two weeks to clear projects that are in the pipeline.

"Special emphasis was laid by the Minister on the need to step up the pace of acquisition proposals. Towards ensuring time bound and speedy disposal, it has been decided to hold DAC meetings on a fortnightly basis," a defense ministry statement read.

The defense minister has also started holding daily meetings with the three service chiefs. Indian armed forces are currently challenged by shortage of armored vehicles, fighter jets, warships and ammunition. However, the procurement of advanced weapons systems is also a key agenda in the modernization drive of the country's armed forces. As funds available within the defense ministry are very limited as per the annual procurement plan submitted by the three services, Nirmala Sitharaman needs valuable inputs from the service chiefs prioritizing the requirement.

"Daily morning meetings with the three service chiefs and a separate daily meeting with the Defense Secretary have been formatted as a new practice for quick decision making," defense ministry said in a statement.

The most significant procurement projects that are to be disposed off during Sitharaman's tenure include the selection of close to 120 single-engine fighter jet worth $18 billion and dual-engine fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.

Purchase of naval fighter jets for aircraft carriers has also been set into motion as four foreign companies from Russia, France, America and Sweden have already responded to requests for information issued by the Indian Navy. Sitharaman will have to use her acumen to choose fighter jets worth $12 billion and mine counter measure vessels worth $5 billion for the Indian Navy.

During her short tenure, she will have to give the final stamp of approval for six air-independent propulsion enabled submarines under Project P75I. RFI for the deal worth more than $12 billion was sought from six foreign shipyards, including Rubin Design Bureau of Russia, Naval Group of France, Navantia of Spain, Saab of Sweden, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan and ThyssenKrupp of Germany in July this year.

Apart from a fresh purchase plan, Sitharaman would have to decide upon other pending deals such as the procurement of S-400 anti-aircraft missile defense systems and the co-production of fifth generation fighter aircraft with Russia.

 Sputnik

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Indian Army Chief Does About Face: China, Pakistan No Longer Threats

Sputnik News

11:13 12.09.2017(updated 11:23 12.09.2017)

Experts say General Rawat's remarks were nonetheless significantly relevant given the frequency of intrusions by Chinese and Pakistani forces.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  In a clear departure from his earlier stance, Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said that neither China nor Pakistan poses an imminent threat to India.

"Neither of the countries (China or Pakistan) is a threat," Rawat said on the sidelines of an event in Uttarakhand.

This statement came only a few days after the Indian Army Chief had kicked up a controversy by saying that India was preparing for a two-front war as it recognized the imminent threats posed by its northern and western adversaries (China and Pakistan).

The Indian Army Chief's complete about face on his earlier statement was preceded by sharp criticism by the Chinese media which accused General Rawat of igniting hostile atmosphere between New Delhi and Beijing.

"Admittedly, Rawat has such a big mouth that he could ignite a hostile atmosphere between Beijing and New Delhi. He not only turns a blind eye to international rules but also made us see the arrogance that most likely prevails in the Indian Army. He advocated a two-front war in such a high-profile manner, but where does the Indian Army's confidence come from?" an editorial in China's state run Global Times read.

Experts said the Indian Army Chief could have gone back on his words considering the recent mutual understanding between India and China to avert military clashes but that does not dilute the significance of his earlier statement.

"Gen. Rawat's latest view that China, Pakistan is not a threat is likely due to a change in the situation at the India-China border after the Doklam standoff ended. He may have mellowed down his assessment, but his earlier view of threats emanating against India on both China and Pakistan border remains relevant, given the number of intrusion incidents in various sectors of India China border reported since 2013. On Pakistan, this year alone has seen a substantial increase in ceasefire violations. We cannot afford to reduce vigilance on both borders as well as ignore the fact that China and Pakistan are close allies," Dr. Amit Singh, Assistant Professor of Political Science, at the University of Delhi, told Sputnik.

The Indian Army Chief had earlier strongly noted that the "flexing of muscles" had begun and that China was "slicing salami, taking over territory in a very gradual manner, and testing our limits of threshold" which India needed to be wary about."

The remark was viewed as controversial as it came less than a week after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the margins of the Xiamen Brics Summit 2017 and resolved to avert military clashes and standoffs at the border.

 Sputnik

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India Sticks to Plan of Leasing Third Russian Nuclear Submarine

Sputnik News

10:18 12.09.2017(updated 13:25 12.09.2017)

India is pushing for a plan to station its shipbuilding team at a Russian shipyard to witness the complex refitting and modernization process of nuclear attack submarines.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  India has decided to go ahead with its plan to lease a third nuclear attack submarine from Russia. Sources said a Project 971 SSN submarine has been picked out from among many options and that the boat would undergo massive repairs and modernization at a Russian shipyard before being handed over to India.

The refit will be carried out at the Russian shipyard in Severodvinsk and the refitted boat will be named 'INS Chakra-III.' The entire process will be completed over an estimated six-year time frame.

"Acquiring another nuclear attack submarine (SSN) from Russia in not only prudent but also exigent for India's national security. An SSN is required to influence events in distant areas of the country's maritime interest, where conventional surface and integral aviation cannot operate due to whatever reason," Captain Gurpreet S Khurana (Indian Navy), Executive Director, National Maritime Foundation, told Sputnik.

India is also awaiting the delivery of a second Project 971 (Akula-class) SNN which it had leased from Russia a year ago. The Indian Navy (IN) currently operates two SNNs; the oldest of which is the INS Chakra, formerly the Russian Navy's K-152 Nerpa, commissioned into the navy in April 2012. India's second SSN, INS Arihant, is an locally-built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine commissioned in August 2016.

At present, negotiations are underway to accommodate India's desire to send a delegation of shipbuilders to the Severodvinsk yard to witness and assist in the refitting and modernization of the third SSN India intends to lease. The hands on experience would be of significant help to Indian shipbuilders who are being tasked with the responsibility of constructing at least six nuclear-powered submarines, locally at an estimated cost of over $12 billion.

 Sputnik

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Senior official: Any access to military sites rejected

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Sep 12, IRNA -- No foreigner is permitted to visit Iran's military centres since they are regarded as forbidden, security locations, an advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader reiterated on Tuesday.

'Former agreemens with the Agency (IAEA) by no means envision access to military sites; had it been otherwise, we would not have reached any agreement,' Ali-Akbar Velayati said, referring to the Ukiya Amano's Monday claims that the Agency can access Iran's military sites in Iran, if necessary, and it makes no difference whether they are military or non-military.

'The claim of such a right is fabricated by Mr. Amano,' he said, arguing that 'if he was independent, and his decisions were based fully on independence, he would have pressed inspecting nuclear centers of the Zionist regime because nuclear arms in the occupied lands set as the biggest danger to the entire Middle East region.'

When it comes to the issue, Amano pretends to be ignorant and has no response, said Velayati, reiterating, 'Mr. Amano, his officers and no other foreigner are entitled to visit our military centers because the centers are considered among forbidden zones and taken as fully secret security zone for any foreigne and foreigners' affiliates.' Velayati made the remark after meeting with French former Foreign Minister.

The US President Donald Trump has attempted to press the UN nuclear watchdog to seek access to Iran's military sites.

The nuclear deal with Iran,'made no distinction between military and non-military sites, the US ambassador to UN Nikkie Haley has said, referring to the nuclear agreement signed by Iran and the world major powers in 2015.

'There are also numerous undeclared sites that have not been inspected. That is a problem," She has claimed.

Iranian officials, including Velayati, has repeatedly said that it would reject any such demand.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Velayati said despite lapse of six years from crisis in the region and proxy wars, as well as support of certain regional and Western states for terrorism and the Takfiri nd extremist movements, 'We are witnessing victories of the independent and legal governments of Syria, Lebanon and Iraq in the campaign.'

The governments today are stronger and more stable than the past, he said, adding that the Western countries should adopt independent policies that are proportionate to realities of the region.

Sovereignty and integrity of the countries in the region is very important, and despite attempts by some states to divide other countries, such plots would not be realized, Velayati said.

'Maintaining integrity of the independent countries of the region is the most important policy of Iran in the region and we will resist policies of the oppressors,' he added.

9156**1420

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Iran to 'shock' enemies with hybrid warfare: Senior IRGC Comdr

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Sep 12, IRNA -- Iran will 'shock' its enemies with its new innovations and 'hybrid' power at any possible future war, said Commander of the Khatam Al-Anbia headquarters General Gholam-Ali Rashid on Tuesday.

In order to defeat enemies, Iran's armed forces should promote their combat power and defense strength and also restore the country's deterrent power, the commander stressed.

Rashid, who serves as the commander of the Khatam-al Anbia Headquarters, made the remarks while touring Khatam-al Anbia Air Defense Base in southeast of the Iranian capital.

The commander added that one of the major missions of the Khatam-al Anbia Air Defense Base is to defend Iran's air space constantly and in an effective way using full capacities of the country's air defense in the framework of a unified network which operates based on a ground-based air defense system.

9417**1394

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Iran will never allow foreigners to inspect military sites: Velayati

Iran Press TV

Tue Sep 12, 2017 1:27PM

A senior Iranian official has vehemently rejected foreign demands for inspection of Iran's military sites under the pretext of implementing the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and the P5+1 group of countries.

Ali Akbar Velayati, senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on international affairs, made the remarks while speaking to reporters on Tuesday in response to earlier comments by Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano.

Addressing reporters following the IAEA Board of Governors' Monday meeting in Vienna, Amano said the agency did not distinguish between civilian or military sites in its inspections and would ask for access when necessary.

Velayati said previous agreements between Iran and the IAEA did not include any permission to visit Iran's military sites, adding that Tehran would have never signed any agreement with the UN nuclear agency in case of such a request.

"Mr. Amano, his agents and no other foreigners have the right to inspect our military sites, because these sites are among off-limit sites for any foreigner and those affiliated with them," he added.

The senior Iranian official further emphasized that the IAEA chief's claim about the agency's right to inspect Iran's military sites was "his own fabrication," adding that if Amano could make independent decisions, he would exert pressure on the Israeli regime in order to open its nuclear sites to inspection.

"The existence of nuclear weapons in the occupied territories is the biggest threat to the entire Middle East region," Velayati pointed out.

The IAEA also on Monday once again confirmed that Iran had lived up to its commitments under the 2015 landmark nuclear agreement signed with the P5+1 group of countries, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"The nuclear-related commitments undertaken by Iran under the JCPOA are being implemented," Amano said in his introductory statement to the Board of Governors.

He emphasized that the UN nuclear agency would continue to verify the non-diversion of nuclear material declared by Iran under its Safeguards Agreement, adding, "Evaluations regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran remain ongoing."

Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council  the United States, France, Britain, Russia and China  plus Germany signed the nuclear agreement on July 14, 2015 and started implementing it on January 16, 2016.

Under the JCPOA, Iran undertook to put limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related sanctions imposed against Tehran.

The latest IAEA report came at a time that the US, which is a party to the agreement, seems to be laying out a case for abandoning it.

Speaking at a news conference in New York on August 25, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called on the IAEA to request access to Iranian military sites, in what is regarded as an attempt by the US to undermine the multilateral nuclear deal.

Iran has dismissed the request as an attempt to derail the nuclear agreement.

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Analysts: Success of Pakistan's New Counterterrorism Policy Hinges on Implementation

By Noor Zahid, Muhammad Ishtiaq September 11, 2017

Counterterrorism authorities in Pakistan are planning to introduce a new policy to curb extremism in the country. But analysts say only a thorough and effective implementation of the strategy would help the country rid itself of the carnage.

Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), which monitors and proposes counter-extremism strategies, has devised a new policy, called National Counter Extremism Policy (NCEP), to curb extremism and militancy by introducing social and education reforms and facilitating good governance.

"NCEP is a set of programs in the six fields with an objective to build strong bond between state and citizenry, empowerment and inclusion of youth and marginalized elements, reforming educational streams including religious education and instilling an environment of openness and co-existence," NACTA chief officer, Ihsan Ghani said in a statement.

Religious schools to blame?

Once approved by the federal government, the policy would be shared with the provinces for implementation, a NACTA official told VOA.

The NACTA chief said the new policy would also propose reforms in the education sector, including the widespread Madrassa system and "instilling an environment of openness and co-existence."

Thousands of unregistered Madrassas, or religious schools, across the country have led to an increase in militancy in the country, experts say.

Attracting youth into ideology

The analysts say militant groups have been successfully attracting educated youths into their ranks.

A recent report in the Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn showed out of 500 militants currently held in Sindh province's jails, 64 hold a master's degree and 70 have a bachelor's.

Analyst say the new policy comes as Pakistan has come under increasing criticism from U.S. officials and some international organizations over its inability to curb homegrown militancy and extremism in the county.

"Pakistan recently has come under tremendous pressure, particularly on the presence of militant groups in Pakistan posing a threat to regional security," Pakistan-based defense analyst Saad Mohammad Khan, a retired military leader, told VOA. "The BRICS statement has created widespread concerns in Pakistan."

Last week, leaders of BRICS, an economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, expressed concerns over Pakistan-based militant groups and cited them as a problem for regional security.

Announcing his Afghan policy, U.S. President Donald Trump last month said Pakistan must stop harboring militant groups that use Pakistani soil to plan and launch attacks against Afghan and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Experts say Pakistan's previous counter-extremism strategies have been less successful in curbing extremism in the country.

"Pakistan came out with a National Action Plan soon after the Peshawar school attack that seemed very impressive on paper. But today, several years later, the progress has been limited," said Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst at the Windrow Wilson Center in Washington.

Effective implementation

Analysts believe that the success of the new counter-extremism policy hinges on an effective implementation of the strategy.

"We have heard about many impressive initiatives from Pakistan in recent years that aim to expunge extremism on societal levels. This is all well and good, but the question lies in implementation and enforcement," Kugelman said. "Will authorities indeed carry out these plans, and will progress be monitored?"

"The state makes policies but they do not get implemented and that's the real challenge," Khan said. "Do we have the courage, commitment and vision to implement the policies we make?"

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Pakistani PM Offers Joint Patrols With Afghanistan

By Ayesha Tanzeem September 11, 2017

Pakistan's prime minister has offered "joint patrols" and "joint posts" with Afghanistan as a means of bi-lateral verification of action taken against terrorist groups or their sanctuaries.

"Whatever it takes to fight terrorism ... Pakistan is totally open to that," Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said while briefing foreign journalists Tuesday in Islamabad.

The details of the bi-lateral verification methods could be worked out at the operational level, he said. But Abbasi insisted Afghanistan in turn needed to do more to fight terrorism against Pakistan.

"If you want statistics, there is much more happening across the border from Afghanistan than anything that happens from Pakistan into Afghanistan."

Previously, Pakistan and Afghanistan had agreed on coordinated, complementary operations on their respective sides of border. Pakistan has repeatedly faced criticism that it is sheltering militants who planned or carried out attacks inside Afghanistan.

In his policy speech on Afghanistan last month, President Donald Trump came down hard on Islamabad. "We can no longer be silent about Pakistan's safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond," he said.

Trump also berated Pakistan for taking billions of dollars of U.S. aid while "housing the same terrorists we are fighting."

But Abbasi says the United States has not demanded any specific actions from Pakistan since that speech. "We have not received a list of mechanisms," he said, adding his country would continue to cooperate against terrorism as it has done in the past.

He also said Pakistan's 70-year relationship with the United States should not be defined by Afghanistan alone.

The United States is holding back $255 million in military assistance to Pakistan until it cracks down on militant groups that attack Afghanistan. U.S. officials have also hinted at the possibility of targeted sanctions against some Pakistani officials with ties to extremist groups.

But, with Beijing investing upwards of $50 billion in Pakistan as part of its One Belt One Road project, U.S. aid has lost the sway it once held.

Pakistan has responded to the threats of cutting off financial aid by saying it does not want U.S. aid, but rather acknowledgement of its efforts against extremism during the past few years.

"If you go to Miramshah, you'll see what we've done there, the casualties that the army has taken, the sanctuaries they've destroyed," Abbasi said.

Pakistan also claims to have lost more than $120 billion in terms of infrastructure damage and loss of investment since it joined the U.S. led war on terror.

The country has launched several military operations to clear out militant hideouts from the northern tribal areas near Afghanistan's border. But U.S. and Afghanistan claim the actions have been more focused on Pakistani Taliban, militants that have challenged the Pakistani state. They charge that the groups focused on attacking Afghanistan or India have been largely left alone.

Pakistan denies those claims. "The ills of Afghanistan do not emanate from Pakistan," said the prime minister.

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Russia, US Agree on the Need to Comply With New START Treaty - Moscow

Sputnik News

19:44 12.09.2017

Russian and US diplomats discussed the New START treaty aiming to decrease the number of deployed nuclear warheads, which is set to expire in 2021.

HELSINKI (Sputnik)  Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Tuesday that Moscow and Washington agreed that it is necessary to comply with the commitments under the New START Treaty (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty).

"There is a general understanding that there should not and cannot be any deviations from the agreement's requirements, and all efforts necessary to guarantee the achievement of this goal will be undertaken. In the course of contacts in Helsinki we were able to ascertain that the US side approaches this task in a very serious and responsible way," Ryabkov told reporters after meeting with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon.

Ryabkov also said that Moscow and Washington had begun expert consultations on the future of the START treaty.

"Yes, we have begun such consultations, it is one of the elements of the agenda," he said.

The New START Treaty between Russia and the United States entered into force on February 5, 2011. Both sides agreed under the treaty to decrease the number of deployed nuclear warheads of 1,550 and the number of deployed missiles and bombers to 700. The agreement is set to expire in 2021 and stipulates that the parties may agree to extend the treaty for a period of no more than five years.

 Sputnik

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Russia's Shoigu Meets Assad In Damascus To Discuss Syria War

RFE/RL September 12, 2017

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, as Russia-backed government troops press their assault against the extremist group Islamic State (IS) in the country's east.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on September 12 that Shoigu and Assad discussed military cooperation between Moscow and Damascus as well as the countries' joint efforts to defeat IS in Syria, according to Russian news agencies.

The meeting focused on plans to recapture the eastern city Deir al-Zour from IS militants and to "strengthen efforts to combat terrorism in all Syrian territory until its utter annihilation," Assad's office said.

Russia, along with Iran, has backed Assad in Syria's six-year-old civil war against Syrian rebels and the fight against IS militants.

Syrian government forces and allied Shi'ite militiamen last week reached the provincial capital of Deir al-Zour Province, an oil-rich area bordering Iraq, breaking an IS siege of a government-held pocket.

However, IS still holds half of Deir al-Zour city and large swaths of the province, as well as parts of Raqqa Province to the northwest where a U.S.-backed offensive by Kurdish and Arab fighters is being fought.

Russia's RIA Novosti news agency quoted Aleksandr Lapin, chief of staff of the Russian military contingent in Syria, as saying on September 12 that "the liberation of [Deir al-Zor] city is proceeding."

Lapin also said that the Syrian Army won back 85 percent of the country, but the assertion was dismissed by the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which said the government held 48 percent of Syrian territory.

The observatory also said that suspected Russian air strikes have killed 69 civilians and injured dozens of others in the past three days in the province of Deir al-Zour.

It said the strikes hit civilian encampments at a river crossing on the western bank of the Euphrates as well as ferries in the river itself.

Reuters news agency reported that the Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Syrian authorities say IS fighters are using Euphrates River crossings to flee the city of Deir al-Zour as troops press their assault against the militants.

The observatory has also reported civilian deaths caused by U.S.-led coalition warplanes, including 12 members of a single family in a village on the eastern bank of the Euphrates on September 12.

With reporting by Reuters, dpa, AFP, and Interfax

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/syria-deir-al-zour-russia -accused-killing-civilians/28731713.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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Iran Signs Deals To Repair Syria's Power Grid, Infrastructure

RFE/RL September 12, 2017

Iran has signed a series of deals and memorandums of understanding with Damascus to repair Syria's electrical-power infrastructure, state media report, giving the Islamic republic a potential foothold in war-torn Syria's eventual rebuilding process.

Syrian state-run SANA news agency reported that the deals were inked on September 12 during a visit by Syrian Electricity Minister Zuhair Kharboutli to Tehran.

They include restoring the main control center for the electricity grid in the capital, Damascus, and helping to restore full power to the northern city of Aleppo.

The accords could lead to Iran playing a major role in rebuilding the country's infrastructure, Kharboutli said during the signing ceremony.

Iran, along with Russia, has backed President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's six-year-old civil war against U.S.- and Turkish-backed rebels and in the fight against the extremist group Islamic State (IS).

Thousands of troops from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps have fought alongside Syrian government troops and suffered heavy casualties in the war against rebels and IS militants.

Damascus is also likely to turn to Russian and Chinese firms to help rebuild the country's infrastructure, although the future of Assad's government is not assured, with Western powers pushing for his eventual removal.

Kharboutli, the Syrian electricity minister, said the two countries signed a deal in which Iranian company Mabna will sell five gas-fired power plants to the heavily damaged city of Aleppo for about 130 million euros ($155 million).

In addition, Kharboutli signed memorandums of understanding with Iran's acting energy minister, Sattar Mahmoudi, that would provide for Iranian participation in the restoration of electricity plants in the coastal province of Latakia, Deir al-Zour, and Homs, and the construction of several wind and solar plants.

Mahmoudi, on the Energy Ministry website, said, "We will stand by the Syrian people to rebuild this country.... We will bring light to houses of the Syrian people.

Iran has made inroads in other areas of Syria's economy, signing agreements to operate a new cell-phone system and gaining concessions on farming land, oil and gas, and phosphate mining.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and Mehr

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/syria-iran-sign-deal -repair-infrastructure/28731919.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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Daesh Resorts to Suicide Attack Tactics in Syria's Raqqa - SDF

Sputnik News

17:05 12.09.2017(updated 21:23 12.09.2017)

An SDF spokesman told Sputnik that Daesh used suicide attackers in Syria's Raqqa.

MERSIN (Turkey) (Sputnik)  Daesh used suicide attackers after being surrounded by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Syrian city of Raqqa, SDF spokesman Mustafa Balli told Sputnik on Tuesday.

"To date, we have managed to regain 15 neighborhoods [of Raqqa, out of 22] Now clashes continue in 6 areas Terrorists, pressed by our soldiers, have moved to the tactic of using female suicide attackers who organize terrorist attacks in the city. But it will not help them; Daesh militants are gradually being surrounded. Their days are numbered," Balli said.

"Fighting continues in the city center, in areas where government buildings are, and in Saat and Delle squares, where Daesh terrorists conducted demonstrative executions of civilians," Balli specified.

Raqqa has been under Daesh control since 2013. In June, the SDF, supported by an international coalition led by the United States, started an operation aimed at liberating the city. Raqqa's Old City was freed from Daesh earlier this month.

 Sputnik

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Syrian Army Begins Offensive on Daesh Positions in Deir Ez-Zor

Sputnik News

14:26 12.09.2017(updated 21:29 12.09.2017)

The Syrian armed forces launched an offensive against the remaining Daesh positions in Deir Ez-Zor, who responded with mortar fire and suicide attackers.

DEIR EZ-ZOR (Syria), (Sputnik)  Syrian army units launched an offensive on the part of the city of Deir ez-Zor controlled by militants of the Daesh terrorist group (banned in numerous countries), a RIA Novosti correspondent reported from the scene Tuesday.

Terrorists, for their part, are delivering mortar fire and attempted to attack detachments of the Syrian army with three mined vehicles with suicide attackers at the wheel, the correspondent said.

Last week marked the lifting of the three-year Daesh siege of the city of Deir ez-Zor and the liberation of a local airfield, which had kept more than 1,000 Syrian troops locked in since January. However, the fighting to fully liberate the area is still underway.

The successful Deir ez-Zor operation was the biggest breakthrough against Daesh since the terrorist group first launched an offensive in the province. The terrorists had been blockading Deir ez-Zor since 2014, with food and other supplies only being airlifted into the city. The group also took control over a large swath of the province of Deir ez-Zor and cut off roads to government-held districts.

Syria's Deir ez-Zor province was the largest hotbed of the most combat-ready units of the Daesh terrorist organization (banned in Russia). Terrorists of the so-called caliphate's initial goal was to take over the northern province of Syria and its administrative center.

Deir ez-Zor was not a random choice. There are large oil and gas deposits in the province, as well as a significant number of state-owned factories. Now, Deir ez-Zor is attracting the remaining terrorist forces from all over Syria, mainly from Daesh's self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa.

 Sputnik

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Syrian Army Completing Operation to Defeat Daesh in Deir ez-Zor - Russian MoD

Sputnik News

12:26 12.09.2017(updated 13:09 12.09.2017)

The operation to fully liberate Deir ez-Zor is still underway with the Syrian army fighting Daesh terrorists in the southern part of the city, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

HMEIMIM (Sputnik)  The Syrian government troops are completing the operation to defeat Daesh terrorist group (ISIS, banned in Russia) in Deir ez-Zor, Lt. Gen. Alexander Lapin, chief of staff of the Russian Armed Forces group in Syria, told reporters Tuesday.

"Currently, the operation to liberate the city continues. The Syrian troops are fighting a Daesh unit that blocked the northern and southern quarters of Deir ez-Zor," Lapin said.

Over 450 Daesh terrorists, 5 tanks and 42 pickup trucks with large-caliber machine guns had been destroyed in the operation to liberate Deir ez-Zor, he said.

The Russian military also told about the delivery of 10 tonnes of food, medical supplies and basic necessities to the city.

Last week marked the lifting of the three-year Daesh siege of the city of Deir ez-Zor and the liberation of a local airfield, which had kept more than 1,000 Syrian troops locked in since January. However, the fighting to fully liberate the area is still underway.

The successful Deir ez-Zor operation was the biggest breakthrough against Daesh since the terrorist group first launched an offensive in the province. The terrorists had been blockading Deir ez-Zor since 2014, with food and other supplies only being airlifted into the city. The group also took control over a large swath of the province of Deir ez-Zor and cut off roads to government-held districts.

 Sputnik

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About 15% of Syrian Territory Remains to be Liberated From Terrorists

Sputnik News

12:19 12.09.2017(updated 15:58 12.09.2017)

About 15 percent of the Syrian territory remains to be liberated from terrorists, according to the Russian Armed Forces Group in the country.

Some 15 percent of the Syrian territory is yet to be liberated to completely destroy terrorists in the country, Lt. Gen. Alexander Lapin, chief of staff of the Russian Armed Forces group in Syria, told reporters Tuesday.

"At present, 85 percent of the Syrian territory has been liberated from the militants of illegal armed formations. About 27 square kilometers [10,424 square miles] of Syrian territory remains to be liberated until the complete annihilation of the Daesh terrorists group [ISIS/ISIL/IS outlawed in Russia]," Lapin said.

He added that the operation to destroy Daesh and the Nusra Front (a terrorist group outlawed in Russia) in Syria would continue "until their complete and guaranteed elimination."

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 Daesh and Jabhat Fatah al Sham [former al-Nusra Front], both of which are outlawed in Russia.

 Sputnik

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Russian Jets Destroy 180 Daesh Infrastructure Facilities Near Akerbat

Sputnik News

11:48 12.09.2017(updated 21:23 12.09.2017)

The Russian Aerospace Forces made 50 sorties and destroyed 180 Daesh infrastructure facilities in the area of Akerbat, Syria.

KHMEIMIM (Syria), (Sputnik)  Russia's Aerospace Forces have destroyed about 180 terrorist infrastructure facilities near Akerbat in Syria over the past 24 hours, Lt. Gen. Alexander Lapin, chief of staff of the Russian Armed Forces group in Syria, told reporters Tuesday.

"Only yesterday, in the interests of the Syrian army's offensive in the area of Akerbat, Russian Aerospace Forces jets made over 50 sorties, resulting in the destruction of about 180 facilities of militants Fortifications, underground shelters, command posts, separate detachments of terrorists, artillery positions, ammunition and fuel depots," Lapin said.

He said that in the central part of Syria, government troops liberated a strategically important transport junction  the town of Akerbat, which had been turned into a powerful fortified area by the militants.

"At present, the remaining ways of ammunition and material supplies have been blocked for terrorists. The group of units of the Syrian army continues the operation to clear the terrain from gangs of ISIL [Daesh, terrorist group banned in Russia] in the areas to the west and north of Akerbat. Despite heavy losses, the gangs continue to offer serious resistance," Lapin said.

He said persistent battles during the last week resulted in the liberation of eight more settlements, which made it possible to "dismember" a group of militants near Akerbat and defeat it in parts.

 Sputnik

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Turkey says paid deposit in S-400 deal with Russia

Iran Press TV

Tue Sep 12, 2017 10:2AM

Turkey says it has paid a deposit as part of an agreement with Russia for the purchase of an air defense system.

"Our friends have already signed [an agreement on] S-400s. A deposit has also been paid, as far as I know," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was cited by Turkey's Hurriyet Daily News as saying.

"The process will continue through a transfer of a credit from Russia to us. Both Mr. Putin and myself, we are determined on this issue," he added, referring to the Russian president.

Bloomberg first reported the deal in July, but there came no official confirmation from either Turkey or Russia. Bloomberg said back then that the agreement would see Russia send two S-400 systems to Turkey by the end of 2018, and then help the country domestically produce two more. It put the deal's value at an estimated $2.5 billion.

S-400 is an advanced Russian missile system. It is designed to detect, track, and destroy planes, drones, or missiles as far as 402 kilometers away. It has previously been sold only to China and India.

Before gravitating towards Russia, the Turkish military walked out of a $3.4 billion contract for a similar Chinese system.

The withdrawal, reports said, took place under pressure from the United States, which dominates the Western military alliance of NATO, of which Turkey is a member.

Neither the S-400 nor its Chinese equivalent, FD200, is compatible with other NATO military systems, meaning that they are not bound by NATO's instructions that prevent Turkey from using such weapons.

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Turkey Signs Deal To Buy Antiaircraft Missiles From Russia

RFE/RL September 12, 2017

Turkey has signed a deal with Russia to buy S-400 antiaircraft missile systems in its first major weapons purchase from Moscow.

Turkish newspapers on September 12 quoted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying that Ankara already paid the deposit on the deal, estimated to be worth up to $2.5 billion.

Speaking to journalists aboard his presidential plane returning from a trip to Kazakhstan, Erdogan also said that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin were "determined on this issue."

Moscow confirmed the accord, with Vladimir Kozhin, a military adviser to Putin, saying that "the contract has been signed and is being prepared for implementation."

Kozhin also said that "all the decisions made for the contract strictly comply" with Russia's strategic interests.

The accord, Ankara's most significant weapons purchase from a non-NATO supplier, has raised concerns in the West over technical compatibility with NATO equipment.

An unidentified NATO official was quoted as saying that the alliance did receive information on the purchase of the Russian-made missile system by Turkey.

The official also said that it was "up to allies to decide what military equipment they buy," adding, "What matters for NATO is that the equipment allies acquire is able to operate together."

"No NATO ally currently operates the S-400," the official added.

Joseph Dunford, the U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in July that the purchase of the S-400 air-defense system from Russia "would be a concern" for Washington.

The Pentagon has also sounded the alarm, saying that "generally it's a good idea" for NATO allies to buy interoperable equipment.

But Erdogan insisted on September 12 that Turkey was free to make military acquisitions based on its defense needs.

"We make the decisions about our own independence ourselves," he said. "We are obliged to take safety and security measures in order to defend our country."

Russia says the S-400 surface-to-air missile system has a range of 400 kilometers and can shoot down up to 80 targets simultaneously.

It deployed the system at its air base near Latakia in western Syria in December 2015 after a Turkish fighter jet shot down a Russian warplane on the Turkish-Syrian border in late 2015, causing a diplomatic rift between Moscow and Ankara.

But Turkey has been establishing closer links with Russia after its recent souring of ties with the United States over a number of issues, including U.S. support of Syrian Kurdish fighters that Ankara considers terrorists.

Meanwhile, Russia's relations with the United States and NATO have been in crisis over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in March 2014, its backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine, and other issues.

With reporting by AFP, dpa, and TASS

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/turkey-russia-s-400- missile-system/28731021.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russia, Turkey S-400 Deal Underway: Ankara Paid Deposit for Russian Systems

Sputnik News

08:10 12.09.2017(updated 13:43 12.09.2017)

The Turkish president confirmed the agreement of Russian S-400 air defense systems' delivery to Turkey had been signed and the deposit had been paid.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara had already put down a deposit on Russian S-400 air defense missile systems.

"Our friends have already signed [an agreement on] S-400s. A deposit has also been paid, as far as I know. The process will continue through a transfer of a credit from Russia to us. Both Mr. [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and myself, we are determined on this issue," Erdogan said, as quoted by the Hurriyet Daily News.

The S-400 is Russia's next-generation air defense system. It carries three different types of missiles capable of destroying aerial targets at short-to-extremely-long ranges.

In August Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport's Director General Alexander Mikheev told Sputnik that the contract for the delivery of an S-400 system to Turkey was close to being signed.

Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik said on July 18 that the negotiations on the air defense system's delivery had reached their the final stage.

 Sputnik

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Ukraine launches joint war games with US, NATO forces ahead of Russia drills

Iran Press TV

Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:32AM

Ukraine is holding joint war games with the US and a number of NATO member countries in the western city of Yavoriv near the Polish border as neighboring Russia gets set for its own drills in the Balkans.

The annual Rapid Trident military maneuvers commenced on Monday, involving an "unprecedented" number of 2,500 troops from 15 NATO members and are due to continue until September 23, the Ukrainian military announced in a statement.

"Today, your support is very important for us. The experience of our colleagues is extremely valuable for the Ukrainian army," said Ukrainian co-director of the war games, Colonel Sergei Litvinov.

The military exercise was launched just days ahead of major Russian maneuvers with Belarus, code named Zapad 2017, which are scheduled to take place between September 14 and 20 around the Baltic Sea, western Russia, Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

Moscow says the military drills will involve nearly 12,700 troops, but NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg as well as leaders of some members of the Western military alliance have claimed as many as 100,000 troops could take part in Zapad exercises.

Stoltenberg expressed concern on Friday over what he described as Russia's looming failure to live up to its international obligations to allow observers for its military drills with Belarus.

Moscow has also been wary of the US-led alliance's persisting military buildup near its border -- where NATO has deployed nearly 4,000 troops, consisting of four battle groups, to Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland in recent years -- viewing it as a threat to its national security.

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UN Peacekeepers' Deployment in Donbass May Prevent Kiev's Provocations - DPR

Sputnik News

19:23 12.09.2017

The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic commented on the plan on the deployment of UN peacekeepers in Donbass proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and supported by Kiev.

DONETSK (Sputnik)  The deployment of UN peacekeepers in Donbass can be regarded as a measure to prevent provocations by Ukrainian security forces, the acting foreign minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), Natalya Nikonorova, told Sputnik on Tuesday.

"If the conditions and the possible places of presence in the territory of Donbass are coordinated with us, the deployment of UN troops as a protective force accompanying OSCE [Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe] inspectors can be considered an additional measure for preventing provocations and [for preventing] the Ukrainian armed forces' and volunteer battalions' sabotage of the implementation of the Minsk agreements," Nikonorova said.

According to the DPR's acting foreign minister, Russia's readiness to complement the functions of the mission proposed in the Russian draft of the UN Security Council resolution shows a desire to ensure the safety of OSCE monitors.

"The OSCE SMM [Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine] representatives are really going to need extra protection when inspecting weapons storage sites after the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops. At the moment, the situation with illegal paramilitary formations on Ukrainian territory is becoming more dangerous, the forces of radical battalions, in fact, do not obey the Ukrainian army and, therefore, pose a serious threat to members of the monitoring mission," Nikonorova stressed.

The statement comes following a statement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, saying that he supports the idea of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine in order to ensure the security of the OSCE observer mission in Donbass. His Ukrainian counterpart, Petro Poroshenko, expressed readiness to discuss the deployment of such a mission in the region, albeit without Russia's participation, with the UN Security Council. He also stressed that Kiev would not coordinate the parameters for UN peacekeepers' work in Donbass with local militias. Kiev and Moscow prepared separate draft resolutions for the UN Security Council on peacekeepers in the Donbass region.

 Sputnik

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Ongoing tensions pose continued dangers for civilians in eastern Ukraine, notes UN report

12 September 2017  Last month saw a decrease in the number of civilian casualties due to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, according to a new report issued today by the United Nations human rights office, which added that the sudden flaring and easing of tensions continues to make daily life dangerous for civilians living close to the so-called "contact line."

A press release issued by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) noted that the "harvest ceasefire," which began at the end of June, may have contributed to the decrease in civilian casualties in August.

"However, the ceasefire never fully took hold, with hostilities suddenly flaring and then easing," it added, noting that this unpredictability made daily life particularly dangerous for civilians living close to the contact line on both sides.

From 16 May to 15 August 2017, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine recorded 26 conflict-related civilian deaths and 135 injuries. At least 2,803 civilians have been killed, and between 7,000 and 9,000 civilians injured during the conflict overall.

OHCHR is concerned that there is no mechanism for victims to seek reparation and compensation, especially for those who have been injured and the families of people who have been killed. The report also highlights the need to develop a mechanism for compensation or restitution for property destroyed or damaged due to the conflict.

Calling on all parties to immediately adhere to the ceasefire, the report describes incidents of shelling which damaged residential neighbourhoods, schools, hospitals, and water and power facilities. It also raises concerns about unlawful detentions, continued killings and enforced disappearances in the conflict zone.

Among other things, the report also contains new allegations of the use of torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence, to extract confessions from conflict-related detainees on both sides of the contact line.

The report also points to a new development, namely business people being detained by law enforcement in government-controlled territory on charges of financing terrorism after they paid "taxes" in territory controlled by armed groups.

More than 1.7 million people have been displaced in Ukraine since the start of the conflict four years ago. During a visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, in June, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all sides to fully respect the ceasefire and underscored the world body's support to the country and its people.

In addition to today's report, OHCHR will later this month issue a report on the human rights situation in Crimea, as mandated by the General Assembly.

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Haiti - Politics : Towards the socio-professional integration of young Haitians





Pierre Josue Agenor Cadet, Minister of National Education and Vocational Training, held a working session with the National Commission for Innovation and Socio-Professional Insertion of Youth (CNIIJ), created by presidential decree last July 21 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21658-haiti-politics-presidential-order-for-the-socio-professional-integration-of-young-people.html



The Commission's action plan and the actions and activities to be carried out with the Ministry were at the center of the discussions at this meeting.



Minister Cadet expressed his determination to accompany the Commission in its mission to the young people of the country, convinced that young people have enormous potential to develop and to and that it is the duty of the State and Ministry.



For Ricot Pierre Louis, the Coordinator of the Commission it is necessary to land the President's vision, taking into account the National Youth Policy.



Citizenship, sports, entrepreneurship, heritage and environment, literary, artistic and engineering competitions are among the actions targeted by the Commission.



Several other sessions are scheduled with the Ministry for the implementation of the planned activities.



Among the members of the Commission present were, among others, Dr Samuel Prophete, Guyserge Pompilus and Jean Marie Altema.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels, is presenting the 2017 Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award to Duane and Kelly Roberts, owners of The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (1876) in Riverside, California. This prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at the 2017 Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony & Gala on September 28, 2017, at The Omni Homestead Resort (1766) in Hot Springs, Virginia. This award is presented to individuals who are dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of legendary historic hotels over many years.Since 1992, Duane and Kelly Roberts have contributed significantly to the preservation, restoration, recognition and celebration of The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California. Their dedication of time and resources continues to enhance this historic hotel which was previously designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Since their purchase of this legendary historic hotel in 1992, they have re-invested all operational profits back into the hotel to continue its legacy. Twenty-five years ago, the Roberts created and funded the acclaimed Festival of Lights annual holiday event where visitors can enjoy more than five million dazzling holiday lights and animated characters. This event shares the beauty and history of The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Building on the success of the Festival of Lights, the Roberts created a new festival, Festa dell Amore, to celebrate romance for the entire month of February in Riverside. The Roberts are active leaders and role models in Southern California. Each year, they have generously donated money and their time to various charities and organizations. A partial list includes Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital Foundation, Fox Riverside Theater Foundation, Fox Performing Arts Center, Mission Inn Foundation, and the Mary S. Roberts Foundation that supports many charitable causes ranging from helping children with special needs, the homeless and hungry, and animal assistance.
Skift Global Forum is the largest creative business gathering in the global travel industry. Over the last three years it has become what media, speakers, and attendees have called the "TED of travel." It is the first conference focused on top marketers, strategists, and technologists in travel  the people creating and defining the future of travel. Skift carefully curates topics and speakers in order to inspire the professionals in travel about the business and creative potential of world's largest industry. Our Global Forum events  first in New York City and now in London  help top travel professionals understand the changing trends in travel across sectors, geographies, and the functional silos in travel industry. To get an understanding of what you will get out of the Skift Global Forum and why you should attend, check out: Skift Global Forum: This Is Not A Freakin' Trade Conference.

For more information please contact Skift Global Forum

+(1) 212.564.5830
The HTNG Insight Summit is where members meet to discuss current issues, learn about cutting-edge research findings, acquire practical tools to carry forward and benefit from unparalleled networking opportunities. This is an event you dont want to miss!

For more information please contact Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG)
MediaConcepts, experienced provider of integrated digital solutions for the hospitality industry, was recognised for their outstanding achievement in the design and development of the Meritus Hotels & Resorts website which was recently conferred an Outstanding Website Award by WebAwards 2017.

The WebAwards by the Web Marketing Association is recognised as the world's premier industry-based website award programme. Now in its 21st year, it is the longest running annual website award competition dedicated to setting the standard of excellence for all website development across 96 industries. Websites go head-to-head with other sites in their industry categories, and are judged on seven criteria including design, ease of use, copywriting, interactivity, innovation, use of technology, and content.

Launched earlier this year, the revamped Meritus website was designed by MediaConcepts to offer users a greatly enhanced navigation and booking experience. New features include personalised recommendations based on users' location and browsing behaviour, user-generated images to add a layer of authenticity to the site, and integration with online communities to enable greater engagement with fans and followers of the brand.

"We wanted a new brand website that, beyond driving conversions and optimising our online presence, allows us to connect and resonate effectively with our customers," said Janice Azupardo, Regional Vice President for Branding and Communications at Meritus Hotels & Resorts. "We partnered with MediaConcepts on this project as they understand the hospitality industry and are able to offer valuable recommendations and technical expertise to achieve our objectives. Winning a WebAward for Outstanding Website is a welcome affirmation of our choice of partner."

"Travellers are demanding more from brand websites these days, and seeing irrelevant content is one of the biggest annoyances for them," said John Bowen, Founder and CEO of MediaConcepts. "Based on their browsing behaviour, you can learn what appeals to them, and make relevant recommendations that drive them towards a direct booking. We are excited that Meritus has chosen us to be their partner and look forward to continuing to enhance their digital guest experience."

The fully customised website was built on Jasmine WebSuite, MediaConcepts' digital platform developed specifically for the hospitality industry. The flexible web-based platform includes a content management system that allows Meritus to easily and securely manage content for the multi-language website. Through integration with the central reservations system, MediaConcepts also enabled real-time display of room rates on the Meritus website.

MediaConcepts is an innovative thought leader, creating personalised hotel guest experiences through the use of internet and mobile technology.

MediaConcepts provides digital solutions that help hospitality clients drive direct revenue and build loyalty. This includes: design and development of brand websites with flexible yet sophisticated booking and personalisation functionality; a robust suite of web-based applications with integration capabilities; and a customisable mobile app that enhances the stay experience and improves operational efficiency. MediaConcepts provides ongoing support and services far beyond the initial website or application deployment. Our customers can rely on a long-term partnership to drive their digital business.

Hospitality groups and independent hotels around the world have trusted MediaConcepts" expertise and solutions since its inception in 2002.

Priscilla Goh

Marketing Director

+65 6224 3994

View source
Horwath HTL in Asia Pacific has teamed up with STR to produce our quarterly Asia Pacific Hotel Market Update. The spotlight of our Q2 2017 issue is on Hanoi's Hotel Market. Vietnam has become one of the world's great development success stories. Political and economic reforms launched in 1986 transformed Vietnam from an inward-looking country to one of the fastest growing emerging economies in SEA.

The tourism industry has made considerable progresses over the past decades, thanks to the 'Vietnam  Timeless Charm' campaign, the entrance of international hotel operators, improved air connectivity, visa exemption policy and growing infrastructure investments.

About Horwath HTL

Horwath HTL is focused one hundred percent on hospitality, tourism, and leisure consulting. Our services cover every aspect of hotel real estate, tourism, and leisure development. Our clients choose Horwath HTL because we have earned a reputation for impartial advice that will often mean the difference between failure and success. Each project we help is different, so we utilize the experience we have gained throughout our 100-year history. Being a global firm with 52 offices in 40 countries, we have successfully carried out over 30,000 assignments for both public and private clients. As part of the Crowe Global network, a top 10 accounting, and financial services network, Horwath HTL is the number one choice for companies and financial institutions looking to invest and develop in the industry.

For more information, please visit www.horwathhtl.com.
DURHAM, NC  PureHD is excited to announce its most recent deployment of DISH's EVOLVE at Unscripted Durham in North Carolina. This is the first location for the new lifestyle brand by Dream and the second EVOLVE install for the Dream Hotel Group. The Unscripted brand is Dream's newest lifestyle brand and hospitality concept, designed to attract progressive and creative travelers. The 74-room hotel features a rooftop deck and pool along with three street-level restaurants for hotel guests and public alike.

EVOLVEis a 4K-capable "set-back" box that integrates streaming apps and live linear programming into one customizable solution. An Android TVTM-based platform, EVOLVE gives guests access to thousands of Android TV applications from the Google Play Store, including music, movies and games. The set-back box also features Chromecast built-in, giving guests the ability to cast content from apps like YouTube, Hulu and HBO without the use of a residential grade Chromecast and its inherent security challenges.

"We chose to go with PureHD's interactive product because we wanted to be on the cutting edge of in-room technology," said Christian Cooper, Vice President of Information Technology. "Delivering guest content via mobile devices to the hotel guest room television is essential. We need to bring the residential experience to the guest rooms, and we need to do that seamlessly. We are excited to be working with PureHD, and we know this product will leverage our hotel brand and set us apart from other hotels in the market."

"PureHD is pleased to be providing Unscripted Durham hotel with DISH's EVOLVE," stated Thomas Pullen, President of PureHD. "Dream Hotel Group has been a pleasure to work with and we think the Unscripted Hotel is an ideal environment for the EVOLVE product. The speed of the interface, along with the power of Google search built into the solution, is the next step in in-room technology, and we are sure that this product will provide guests with an optimal television experience."

Other EVOLVE features include the following:

Advanced Program Guide  With an interactive program guide featuring genre filters and 23 hours of future programming data, EVOLVE improves the way guests discover, navigate and watch live TV in their hotel rooms.

 With an interactive program guide featuring genre filters and 23 hours of future programming data, EVOLVE improves the way guests discover, navigate and watch live TV in their hotel rooms. Channel Preview  When in the program guide, hover over any title to view a pop-up window that displays live video from the channel. This allows guests to view exactly what's on before selecting.

 When in the program guide, hover over any title to view a pop-up window that displays live video from the channel. This allows guests to view exactly what's on before selecting. Configuration Tool  Customize EVOLVE's UI with branding, welcome channels and pre-loaded apps.

 Customize EVOLVE's UI with branding, welcome channels and pre-loaded apps. PMS Integration  Provide guests with personalized messages on the home screen and automatically clear their personal information from EVOLVE as they check out.

 Provide guests with personalized messages on the home screen and automatically clear their personal information from EVOLVE as they check out. Bluetooth LE with Audio Support  Watch TV with Bluetooth headsets to eliminate disruptions when multiple people are staying in the same room.

 Watch TV with Bluetooth headsets to eliminate disruptions when multiple people are staying in the same room. 4K Capability  EVOLVE will continue providing guests with a premium television viewing experience as hotels deliver more 4K offerings.

Android TV, Google Play, Chromecast built-in, and YouTube are trademarks of Google Inc.

About PureHD

Headquartered in Sudbury, Massachusetts with offices in Sioux Falls, SD, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, PureHD is the leading provider of 100% digital, 100% high-definition television and interactive television solutions to the hospitality marketplace in the United States and Canada. PureHD provides superior quality and service in its HD television programming to the hospitality and commercial market. Through 24/7 support and remote monitoring, PureHD has optimized HD system uptimes and minimized on-going maintenance costs. PureHD is one of the fastest growing DISH national high-definition television integrators with a strong presence in nearly all 50 states and Canada. For more information, please call (978) 261-3222 or email us from our website at www.purehd.com.
Hotel Market Update on Taiwan

With increasing strained relations between Beijing and Taipei, Taiwan has been reducing its dependency on mainland China by improving its tourism relationships with other countries. Though the number of Mainland Chinese visitors fell dramatically, the number of visitor arrivals to Taiwan decreased only modestly in the second quarter of 2017 to 2.6 million. Visa exemptions to Southeast Asian visitors, improved air connectivity, and promotions around the country's tourist spots have expanded the scope and diversity of Taiwan's tourism economy. Overall, arrivals from all the major feeder markets except mainland China experienced growth.

Overall Visitor Arrivals

Mainland China continues to be the largest feeder market to Taiwan with 23.4% of the market share; however, the number of Chinese visitors has dwindled by 37.9% to 605,000 this quarter from 974,000 in the same quarter last year. This registers by far the lowest number of Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan since 2012. Since the Democratic Progressive Party's Tsai Ing-Wen took office as President in May 2016, the tension in cross-strait relations has increased. As such, mainland Chinese visitation and expenditure levels in Taiwan were severely affected.



Taiwan Hotel Market Update | By Christy Tung & Daniel Voellm Photo by HVS

To offset the steep fall in mainland Chinese visitors, Taiwan pushed for better relationships with other feeder markets, especially Southeast Asian countries. Excluding mainland Chinese visitors, overall visitor arrivals to Taiwan recorded a strong 21.0% YoY growth in visitor arrivals in the second quarter of 2017 given the relaxed visa policies for ASEAN member states. Starting from September 1st 2016, passport holders from ASEAN member states (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam) and India can benefit from a 30-day visa-free stay in Taiwan if they have previously obtained visas from any of a number of designated countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States in the past decade. The results of this initiative are now being realized through the remarkable growth seen from these countries in this quarter. Specifically, Vietnam recorded an impressive YoY surge of 119.2% to about 100,000 visitors, compared to last year with only 46,000 visitors. Malaysia, which accounts for a 4.9% of market share, registered a 21.0% YoY increase to 128,000 travellers; while its neighbour, Singapore, which accounts for a 4.0% market share, recorded a 7.3% YoY increase to 102,000 visitors. The Philippines and Thailand also encountered impressive surges of 94.5% and 72.8%, leading to 85,000 and 79,000 visitors, respectively. Notably, these visitors also include a share of workers for Taiwan's many factories.

In the second quarter of 2017, Taiwan received about 467,000 visitor arrivals from Hong Kong and Macau, a 23.2% YoY increase from same period last year, making them the second largest source of foreign visitors with 18.1% market share. Taiwan has always been one of the top choices for Hong Kong travellers, due to its location and affordable airfare options. Similarly, accessibility to Taiwan for Macau residents has greatly improved with initiatives such as streamlining the permit and visa application processes, as well as opening new flights with budget airline options by Tiger Air and Far Eastern Air Transport.

Apart from targeting Southeast Asian countries and the two Special Administrative Regions of China, the county's tourism industry also reached out to other countries, as a way to mitigate the shortfall from mainland Chinese visitors. Japan recorded a 2.4% YoY growth to 415,000 travellers, while Korea recorded a growth of more than 25.2% to 236,000 visitors. The growth from Korean visitors had been facilitated by the increasing presence of Taiwanese tourist sites in Korean television shows and films, as well as the improved air connectivity with more direct and budget flight options. Finally, the fifth largest source of international visitors, the United States, registered a 11.0% YoY increase to 149,000 visitors, accounting for 5.8% of market share. These trends show a successful rebalancing of the Taiwanese tourism economy to other source markets, supported by favorable government policies.

Taiwan Hotel Market Performance

In the second quarter of 2017, the overall Taiwan hotel market experienced a negative YoY growth in RevPAR. The compound annual RevPAR growth rate from 2014 to 2017 of Taipei hotels was -4.6%, Kaohsiung hotels -2.9%, and Taichung hotels -0.7%.

Taiwan Hotel Market Update | By Christy Tung & Daniel Voellm Photo by HVS

The Taipei hotel market registered 71.1% occupancy, a 2.3 percentage point increase from last year. Average rate decreased to NT$4,361, while RevPAR attained NT$3,102, a 1.2% YoY decline. Thus, the rebalancing of the tourism economy did come at the cost of average rates among Taipei hotels, partially offset by higher occupancy levels.

Taiwan Hotel Market Update | By Christy Tung & Daniel Voellm Photo by HVS

The Kaohsiung hotel market registered 61.1% occupancy, an 8.5 percentage point YoY decline. Meanwhile average rate dropped to NT$2,297, and RevPAR registered NT$1,405, a drastic 14.4% YoY decline. Kaohsiung in the past had benefitted from mainland Chinese tour groups that travelled around the island. Visitors from growth feeder markets tend to stay in Taipei only or take shorter excursions.

Taiwan Hotel Market Update | By Christy Tung & Daniel Voellm Photo by HVS

The Taichung hotel market registered 65.3% occupancy, a 1.8 percentage point YoY decline. Average rate slightly increased to NT$2,427, while RevPAR registered NT$1,585, a 1.3% YoY decline. Taichung, due to its business activity, was less exposed to the change in visitor arrivals, however, did register a modest correction.

Overall for the first half of 2017, the slow growth of visitor arrivals to Taiwan and the weakening hotel performance can be mostly contributed to the drastic decline of Chinese travellers. Moving forward, the trend of a decrease in Chinese tour groups is expected to continue until the end of 2017. The increase in visitation from other, regional source markets will help to partially offset this trend. In the long-term, Taiwan needs more innovation in its tourism resources to be a strong contender in capturing higher-rated FIT demand.

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I have been fortunate in my career to benefit from a number of remarkable mentors. My first professional job was in a financial services organization working for Dwight Prade. It was Dwight who bestowed upon me the title "Customer Relationship Manager." This was long before the era of CRM systems. Because switching providers in our industry was relatively easy, Dwight emphasized the importance of keeping and growing the value of customers. He was the first to expose me to the fundamental concepts and measures of customer satisfaction, customer lifetime value, customer loyalty and advocacy, share of wallet and product adoption rate. Dwight was adamant about customer service quality and experience, long before these were the buzzwords of today. He understood the power of customer referrals. A primary value he expected all of his team to follow was that every problem or request from a customer was worthy of our attention and resolution.

A few companies later I joined the Motorola Semiconductor business. Gary Daniels was a mentor to me through most of my 14-year tenure. I know I've shared various Gary Daniels' stories with many of you, including the one about phone messages. Some of you may remember the days before voicemail. Gary could not tolerate a ringing phone. If someone wasn't at their desk and you heard a ringing phone you were expected to answer it. In those days, we had notepads for taking phone messages. Being in Sales and Marketing, it was common to find a hefty pile of phone message slips waiting for you. Gary's rule was "return all phone messages by the end of the business day." Gary used to say, "it is a small world, today the person who is a supplier may be your customer tomorrow, the customer today may be your boss tomorrow." He was very reluctant to install voicemail. He did so with the conditions that your phone could never go to voicemail if you were at your desk, and that the rule of returning calls by the end of the business day still applied. How many of us violate this "rule" today and are lax about returning phone calls?

Both Dwight and Gary were what may be deemed today as fanatics about customer service quality and experience. Both believed that you only have one chance to make a first impression and that every touch was a moment of truth. Both believed that customer retention was critical to long-term success. Recent customer retention research conducted by Ascarza, Neslin, Netzer, Anderson, Fader, Gupta, Hardie, Lemmens, Libai, Neal, Provost, and Schrift revealed that "85% of customers report that companies could do more to retain them. While a majority of top executives report that customer retention is a priority within their organization, 49% admit to being unhappy with their ability to support their retention goals."

This study examined whether companies should use RISK (determined by scoring models that rank customers based on their likelihood to defect) or LIFT (whom the impact of the intervention is highest, regardless of their intrinsic propensity to churn) to determine which customers to target in order to reduce churn and improve retention. They found that Lift is more effective.

Here's the rub: churn might be less of an issue and customer experience might be better if companies were fanatical about service quality. A key example is just being able to reach a person or have a problem quickly resolved. With the advent of automated voice response many companies have forgotten the power of the human touch. In some companies, I never reach a real person unless I select the sales or billing option. More and more companies are encouraging you to use their website for support rather than talking with a person. My long-time associate Richard Hatheway lamented over several poor customer service experiences in his recent LinkedIn article, Customer Service Isn't.

It seems the more we focus and complicate a process, the worse it becomes. And I fear this is playing out in regards to customer experience. Gary and Dwight instinctively knew what Valerie Zeithaml, A. Parasuraman and Leonard Berry learned in their research on what customers use when evaluating service quality. They shared the results in their book, "Delivering Quality Service, " first published in 1990. Zeithaml, Parasuraman and Berry identified five dimensions valued by customers from what they referred to as their SERVQUAL research:

TANGIBLES: Appearance of physical facilities, equipment, personnel, and communication materials RELIABILITY: Ability to perform the promised service dependably and accurately RESPONSIVENESS: Willingness to help customers and provide prompt service ASSURANCE: Knowledge and courtesy of employees and their ability to convey trust and confidence EMPATHY: Caring, individualized attention the firm provides its customers

The SERVQUAL research showed the dimensions' importance to each other by asking customers to assign 100 points across all five dimensions. The two most important dimensions are reliability and responsiveness accounting for over 50% of how customers evaluate service quality.

BE FANATICAL ABOUT SERVICE QUALITY (AND WHY IT MATTERS) | By Laura Patterson Photo by visionedge marketing

As organizations increase the use of artificial intelligence (computer systems performing tasks that normally require human intelligence), machine learning (giving machines access to data and let them learn for themselves) and/or self-service to support customer service, we should remember that while computers and machines can work 24/7 and don't require time off or benefits, one of Gary's adages still rings true: "people do business with people." The time when companies who have quality people providing quality experiences will have a competitive advantage may not be far off.

Summary

While it is worthwhile to map the customer experience, conduct voice of customer research, and establish customer advisory boards, it is important to master the basics of customer service. Reliability, responsiveness and empathy will go a long way toward keeping and growing the value of your customers.

Are you ready to have an organization full of service fanatics? We can help you get there. Contact us to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation conversation.

Laura Patterson

Vision Edge Marketing

visionedge marketing

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SITUATION

GDPR, what is it, and is it important to the Hospitality Sector?

The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) is a major overhaul of the EU data protection law. It comes into force on May 25th, 2018. It requires any business (including hospitality industry businesses) that handles personal data of a EU citizen to have adequate measures in place.

What is meant by "adequate measures"?

By "adequate measures" they mean data should be properly protected, and any theft or misuse of this data cannot occur. The EU citizen (the guest) also has specific rights on the data that you are holding about him. (see below)

Does GDPR only apply within the European Union?

No, it applies to data stored on EU citizens, wherever they are staying around the world. This impacts the entire hospitality sector, worldwide.

What if I am not compliant?

If a EU citizen files a complaint, the hotel may face some hefty fines. The maximum fine is set to 20 million Euros, or 4% of the annual global turnover (whichever is the greater).

HOW TO PREPARE in 13 STEPS

There are several steps that the hotel can take to properly prepare for GDPR. Some of them may already be in place. They are listed below.

1) Create awareness in the hotel.

Buy-in of the hotel management team is also essential. There may be changes in procedures or systems, so all managers should be aware of GDPR, fully understand it, and be able to understand the impact on their department.

2) Create a "data-register"

You should be documenting which information you are holding, where it is stored, where it comes from, whom you are sharing it with, and if the guest has given his consent to you collecting all this data. This "data-register" will map all your data streams.

All processing steps should be recorded, and this may require the compilation or review of existing policies and procedures.

3) Communicate to your guests about your new privacy rules

Make sure you ask the guest for his agreement on giving you all required data, and document that agreement. This could be easily done on the registration card, or when checking-in on line. Adapt your legal statements and customer agreements to the new legislation. You will need to disclose for which purpose(s) you intend to collect data, and how long you will be keeping it.

4) Guests rights

The European guest has several rights, and you need to ensure he can exercise his rights, which include:

The right of access to his data

The right to rectification

The right to erase

The right to restrict processing

The right to transfer his data to another party

The right to object

The right not to be included in automated marketing initiatives or profiling

Many of those rights may already be in existence today.

5) Guest access requests

You will need to be ready to handle a guest request coming in about his rights. You are not allowed to charge for this service, and you have a maximum of 1 month to provide an answer. If you refuse a request, you must inform the guests about your reasons, and provide any details about the Privacy Commission and the name and contact details of your DPO (Data Protection Officer, more on this below), so that the guest understands how to file a complaint.

6) Lawful basis for processing guest data

While the hotel is collecting data, it can only do so if there is a lawful reason. You need to review and ensure all questions you are asking (on registration cards, online forms etc) are absolutely required for you to process the guest. As an example, the departure date of a guest is a required piece of data. However, asking for the guest's birthday may be more difficult to justify.

7) Guest consent

It is important to review how you are obtaining, and recording the guest consent. He may be arriving via a travel agent, via a telephone reservation, or it may be a walk-in. All these cases need to be considered.

At all times, there must be a clear "opt-in" given by the guests. There cannot be any pre-ticked boxes where the guest agrees to give his data; opting in is never by default. Also consider how you will handle the case of a guest who withdraws his consent.

8) Children

There's an additional consideration for children under 16. Authorisaton to process a minor's data should be obtained from their parents or responsible adult. The hotel needs to prepare for this scenario.

9) Data breaches or theft

The hotel should be ready to detect, and remedy any data theft concerning personal data. The data register should be able to provide insight into which pieces of data are concerned.

Any incident should be reported within 72hrs to the Privacy Commission, for all cases where there is a risk that guest data may have been compromised.

By extension, this implies your network and storage systems should be up-to-date with the latest intrusion detection programs and should have successfully passed penetration testing.

10) Data protection by design, and Data Protection Impact assessments

For any new systems or major changes, it would be wise to keep the "Data protection by Design" in mind. Indeed, when discussing requirements for a new tool or procedure, you can already include the data protection principles, right from the design stage.

An Impact Assessment is required when major new technology is introduced, or significant upgrades are taking place on systems which contain personal data.

11) The Data Protection Officer

Within your hotel or company someone should be tasked to become the Data Protection Officer (DPO). Make sure this is someone who knows and understands the importance of personal data processing. This can very well be an additional task for an existing employee or manager.

It is mandatory to appoint a DPO when you are handling large volumes of personal data records, such as medical or criminal records. In a hotel, large amounts of credit card details are processed, so it is eminently sensible to have a DPO in place.

The DPO should always understand and be aware of all data flows in the hotel, and he should ensure that he has an updated data register at all times, in case any queries arise.

The name of the DPO should be mentioned on all privacy statements on any media. When filing a complaint, the guest will reference the DPO by name.

12) International and Group Hotels

If you are an independent hotel, this point does not apply.

For hotels with multiple properties, or in multiple EU countries, it is important to align the procedures, and to identify who is taking the lead (presumably the country or regional office) for the coordinated GDPR efforts. If you are present in multiple EU countries, it is required to identify a "main establishment", and also the country lead supervisory authority.

13) Existing Contracts

It is likely that for the processing of your data you are assisted by third parties or subcontractors. Make sure you are aware of who they are, and what your current contractual obligations are. It would also be an excellent opportunity to review these contracts to include any GDPR related aspects and ensuring the contractor is aware of his obligations under GDPR and that services or systems help you meet your GDR requirements.

MORE FAQ'S

Who is overseeing the introduction of these new regulations?

Every country has one central organisation to oversee the introduction of the new regulation. For Belgium this is the "Privacy Commission" (https://www.privacycommission.be). Any queries or complaints from guests will be addressed to them.

Who is responsible?

Ultimately it is you, the hotelier who is responsible. So, if any of the above points fail, and a guest files a complaint with the country authority, it will be addressed to you, and you will have to justify your actions to the Privacy Commission.

What if I need assistance?

Quality Hotel services can help you in several ways:

Compile a comprehensive awareness campaign, tailored to your property

Set up a "data-register" for you, or provide you with a workable template

Making sure the necessary "consent" statements are included on all printed and electronic media where you collect guest data

Recommend processes on how to obtain consent from guests, and children

Ensuring your network and data storage devices are 100% safe and protected

Design an "Impact Assessment Analysis" template document

Compiling the job description and procedure manual for a DPO

Compiling your "Data" supplier list, and reviewing/suggesting contractual amendments

Kris Troukens

Quality Hotel Services

+32 473 95 00 24

Quality Hotel Services
Prominently situated in the center of Yale's Arts Campus, a half block from Yale Center for British Arts and The Yale University Art Gallery, the hotel is easily accessible to campus and downtown New Haven's numerous bars, restaurants and boutiques.

AJ Capital Partners announced today that it has acquired the Hotel Duncan in New Haven, Connecticut. In spring 2018, the hotel will close for a comprehensive renovation and reopen in early 2019 as Graduate New Haven. Following the renovation, the five-story hotel will offer 72 rooms, a game room, lobby coffee shop and subterranean restaurant. Located on Chapel Street adjacent to Yale University's campus, Graduate New Haven will be the ideal location for University visitors and those traveling to New Haven for its unique history and diverse businesses.

Prominently situated in the center of Yale's Arts Campus, a half block from Yale Center for British Arts and The Yale University Art Gallery, the hotel is easily accessible to campus and downtown New Haven's numerous bars, restaurants and boutiques. The hotel is also a short walk to Yale New Haven Hospital, one of the country's most elite teaching hospitals.

Created for travelers who seek memory-making journeys, Graduate Hotels are part of a well-curated, thoughtfully crafted collection of hotels that reside in the most dynamic, university-anchored cities across the country. Every property celebrates and commemorates the optimistic energy of its community, while offering an extended retreat to places that often played host to the best days of our lives. Locations include Ann Arbor, Mi.; Athens, Ga.; Berkeley, Ca.; Charlottesville, Va.; Lincoln, Ne.; Madison, Wi.; Oxford, Ms.; Richmond, Va and Tempe, Az., as well as Bloomington, In.; Iowa City, Ia.; Minneapolis, Mn.; Seattle, Wa.; and New York City's Roosevelt Island as part of the Cornell Tech campus are slated to open in 2018 and 2019.

"We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of the Hotel Duncan," says Tim Franzen, President of Graduate Hotels. "Built in 1894, the hotel has been a prominent fixture in the New Haven community. We look forward to celebrating some of the hotel's treasured history, restoring and reintroducing the community to parts of the hotel that have been lost over time, and bringing Graduate Hotels to New Haven. We are truly honored to be stewards of this precious gem for many, many years to come."

The hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation, which will touch all guestrooms, common areas, and the hotel lobby, as well as preserving the hotel's manually operated elevator  the oldest in the state. In addition, Graduate Hotels will introduce a lobby coffee shop, as well as a sophisticated game room and lounge in the hotel's former ballroom.
Four Seasons veteran leader Ahmed Khalaf has made the move from one Mediterranean city to another as he brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new role as General Manager of the all-new Four SeasonsHotel Tunis.

Most recently General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, Khalaf began his Four Seasonscareer in his hometown of Cairo, first at one of the brand's two hotels in the city, then crossing the Nile to the other. Before returning to Egypt in 2013, he was also part of the senior leadership team at Four Seasons Hotel Doha.

"Ahmed's unwavering commitment to the highest standards of service and his breadth of experience across the region made him the ideal candidate to open our first hotel in Tunisia, and expand our growing portfolio across North Africa," says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa.

In preparing for the Hotel's opening later this year, Khalaf is deeply involved in hiring some 300 Tunisian and international staff who will bring world-renowned Four Seasons hospitality to local guests, while offering travellers an unparalleled luxury experience.

"Everything we achieve, we achieve through our people," he says, adding that, "Tunisians are very optimistic about the future, and Four Seasons is proud to be an integral part of a new era of growth and prosperity in the country."

Noting the Hotel's proximity to a diverse array of ancient and modern cultural attractions as well as key business and commercial areas, he adds, "The city has such rich culture and beauty that are inspiring us to create the best possible experience for every person who will walk through our doors, whether staying or dining with us, or hosting events at Four Seasons Hotel Tunis."
Derin Falana has been hard at work over the course of the past few years releasing some incredible singles and proving himself as a solid songwriter that can put together a cohesive body of work. Through his honest lyrics and smooth flow, the rapper has been making waves through Canada and beyond. As he continuously puts out quality music, he comes through today with Let Me Talk My Shit.

Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Derin Falana addresses many things that have been on his mind lately. Over some smooth, funky production by his long time collaborator, Jahmal Gittens, the two create an incredible song thatll have you kept in a zone. Often times, humility comes with silence and while Falana does come across as a humble person, on this song he acknowledges what he deserves. Its a solid single thatll hopefully catch on as much as his previous single did. As an up-and-coming talent, hes been proving his versatility as not only as an emcee but as an artist. Hes shown on different occasions that hes has multiple flows, the ability to sing and on top of that, hes also a dancer.

Throughout this year, Falana has been consistent in his releases. It seems at least once a month, we receive some new goodies from the Canadian rapper. It was just last year that we received his mixtape Live From The Rocky Mountains. The rapper has been steadily releasing new music since and it doesnt seem like itll be stopping anytime soon.

After the release of his song Break Out last month, hes garnered some well deserved attention. It was featured on some major playlists on both Apple Music and Spotify as well. It seems like Derin Falana may be the next rising star out of Canada and at the rate hes going at right now, its difficult to deny that.



Quotable Lyrics

Im in my bag like them school lunches

Stayin out of trouble, trying not to fuel grudges

I know a couple individuals been salty ever since

But I guess its cause Im poppin, Im convinced




Although Janet Jackson divorced her husband, London-based Qatari businessman Wissim Al Mana, the ugly details of their marriage continue to surface. Now, her brother and former Jackson 5 member Randy Jackson is speaking out about how she was verbally abused by Al Mana and was made to feel like a prisoner in her own home.

The older Jackson sibling, 55, spoke to People magazine about the extremely turbulent time that not only Janet, but the entire Jackson family has gone through as a result of her separation from her ex-husband. Enough is enough, he proclaimed. Theres a lot of pain. Janets been through a lot with her divorce. Ive been through a lot, we all have. Janet Jackson, 51, acknowledged the couples split in April, after she gave birth to their child in January. She told fans back then that shed be resuming her previously halted State of the World tour, which is currently ongoing and will be hitting many cities in the United States between now and mid-December. You can take a closer look and those tour dates here.

As per Peoples info, Janet and Al Mana have been locked in a vicious custody battle since the springtime, with details yet to be finalized as of this writing. According to more details offered up by her brother Randy, the scenario became quite dire towards the end of their relationship. It was quite an abusive situation, Randy said. It came on later in the relationship, verbal abuse and being [made to feel like] a prisoner in her own home. No pregnant woman needs to go through being called a bitch everyday. There were things like that. Thats what she went through. Even though the abuse wasnt physical, Randy said he felt compelled to aid his sister earlier this year.

I told her, Youve got to move in with me or Im going to go over there and theres going to be hell. She was really pissed off. I told her, I dont care anymore. Im tired of it. Its too much,  he added. For Al Manas part, his attorney said that his client was not going to dignify these particular and deeply hurtful allegations with a response.

Janet Jackson
Kendall and Kylie Jenner have been taking multiple Ls over the course of 2017. Earlier this year, the two sisters faced extreme backlash for unauthorized use of photos of Tupac and Biggie, among other famous icons. While it seemed like that issue was resolved, it turns out that another one of Tupacs photographers is suing Kendall Jenner for using a photo of Biggie, Pac and Redman for a t-shirt.

In a report from TMZ, famous photographer Al Pereira has filed a lawsuit against Kendall Jenner, Inc. Hes saying that Jenner had no right to use his picture on a shirt without consulting him prior. The t-shirts have since been removed online since the controversy first erupted, however, that isnt enough for the individuals who were affected by the Jenners poor judgement in the first place.

Back in July, her and her sister Kylie faced some extreme backlash for their use of famous icons images for their vintage clothing line. While the shirts were being sold for $125, they ended up having to be removed from their website after the estates of the musicians and artists took a stand against it. Among the backlash, 2Pacs photographer, Michael Miller filed a lawsuit against the sisters as well as the estate of The Doors. Miller stated that he didnt want any of his work to be associated with the Jenner sisters, especially after Kendall was receiving backlash for her Pepsi commercial around the same time.

Biggie Smalls estate also threatened to pursue legal action if they didnt take down the t-shirts which also led to Voletta Wallace, Biggies mother, to respond to it on Instagram. In the post she said The disrespect of these girls to not even reach out to me or anyone connected to the estate baffles me. I have no idea why they feel they can exploit the deaths of 2pac and my Son Christopher to sell a t-shirt. This is disrespectful , disgusting, and exploitation at its worst!!!

This news lands at a poor timing. Tupacs death anniversary lands on September 13th and this news is the second piece of news to surface this week pertaining to someone stealing Pacs likeness. Earlier, it was reported that a late Canadian poet had plagiarized 2Pacs poetry for one of his own books.
Yesterday, September 12th, wouldve marked Paul Walkers 44th birthday.

The legendary actor, who passed away on November 30th, 2013 after a single-car accident in Valencia, California, was remembered on his birthday by family and friends, including his daughter Meadow and Vin Diesel, both of whom took to instagram to share heartfelt messages.

Walkers daughter, Meadow, shared a throwback photo of herself dancing with her Dad, and challenged her 1.4 million instagram followers to share a video or photo of a random act of kindness.

The caption read,

In honor of my dads birthday today, were challenging you to DO GOOD! Share a video or photo of your random act of kindness and nominate 4 people to join the challenge! Be sure to tag the foundation as well as hashtag #PWFdogoodchallenge, so we can check out all of your posts!

Paul Walkers The Fast and the Furious co-star, Vin Diesel, also shared a heartfelt message on IG in honor of the late actors birthday. He posted a photo of his daughter with Uncle Pablo and a caption that read,

Happy birthday Pablo You have and are still changing the world. Your love lives through all whom have had the great fortune to know you. Meadow graduated this summer made us all so proud. She is even building a foundation in your name to help the world. Would you believe Cody is in Houston continuing the work you were so passionate about Remeber when we were in Haiti and you asked me what the name should be and now @reachoutww is realizing the dream. All the angels miss you I miss you.

Check out the posts below.

Paul Walker
We first introduced you to 21 Savages blood cousin Young Nudy last August when he released his breakout mixtape Slime Ball, featuring contributions from Tip, Metro Boomin & Pierre Bourne to name a few. Since then, Young Nudy has been busy building a nice steady buzz for himself in the streets of ATL after hitting the road with his cousin and dropping the sequel to Slime Ball back in February, but now following up his record with Hoodrich Pablo Juan this Summer called Do It, Nudy is ready to share a whole new project for the fans.

After weeks of promotion, Nudy decides to keep his word and come through today (9/13) to release his new mixtape Nudy Land. Laced with 13 tracks in total, the follow up to this years Slime Ball 2 features guest appearances from fellow ATLiens Offset and Lil Yachty, the latter of which appears on the outro cut No Clue. Meanwhile, production is handled by the likes of Pierre Bourne, Richie Souf and more. So you already know this is going to feature some menacing production & will have the streets on lock for weeks to come.

Available on iTunes, fans can now stream the anticipated project in its entirety via Apple Music. Take a listen and let us know record youre feeling the most? (If you needed any added reason to hit play, how bout a co-sign from 21 Savage & Pierre Bourne to entice you)

Tracklist:

1. Judge Scott Convicted

2. Fatsane

3. 4L Gang Shit

4. From Back Den to Loaded Baked Potato

5. Bermuda

6. Barbecue

7. Cancer Stick Feat. Offset

8. Nutsack

9. Money Makin Mitch

10. Hell Shell

11. Ferris Wheel

12. Pussy

13. No Clue Feat. Lil Yachty
New Delhi, Sep 13 (IBNS): Aadhar will stand test of constitutionality; below 20 per cent of accounts are below zero under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley while addressing the United Nation's Conclave on Financial Inclusion, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In his keynote address, the minister said that the schemes at the Central and state level ensure money goes directly into bank account.

"Its only in 2014, when we launched the PMJDY, in a mission mode throughout the country with the help of banks," he said. "It is an area where PSBs performed better than others. Number of accounts opened for disadvantaged sections have been significantly large."

At the completion of two years since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, said to be one of the largest financial inclusion programmes in the world, the United Nations in India decided to bring together the leaders and senior level stakeholders from the government, the banking sector, microfinance institutions, innovators, technology providers, CSOs, intergovernmental organisations, and the UN, for a day-long conclave to discuss the scheme's merits and implementation.



Image: MIB
New Delhi, Sept 13 (IBNS): Vodafone India, one of Indiaas leading telecommunications service providers, on Wednesday unveiled the first-time-ever, worry free, unlimited International Roaming proposition for travelers to Europe with its international roaming pack, Vodafone i-RoamFREE.

Whether it is a business trip, or a leisure holiday, international travelers can now easily activate a pack and use their number overseas from UK and other popular travel destinations of Europe like Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Malta, & Albania

Apart from Europe, travelers can also use unlimited calling and Data in USA, UAE, Singapore & Malaysia with the same pack taking the total tally of Unlimited Countries to 18.The pack is available at multiple affordable price points ranging from Rs 5000 for 28 days (which is effectively Rs 180 per day) to Rs. 500 for every 24 Hours usage.

Prepaid and postpaid consumers can activate the pack through My Vodafone App or on the website www.vodafone.in/ir

Avneesh Khosla, Associate Director  Consumer Business, Vodafone India, said, We launched our flagship unlimited international roaming proposition for USA, Singapore and UAE in April, and are now very excited to extend it to these additional destinations. Europe, USA, UAE, Singapore & Malaysia comprise more than 50% of our total roamers and international traffic. With calls and data becoming completely free in these countries, we are eliminating the hassle of carrying local SIM cards or looking out for public WiFi during overseas travel. Customers can freely upload photos & videos, look up places on maps, check emails and stay connected back home using their Vodafone number without worrying about high international roaming bills They can remain confidently connected on their existing Vodafone number when they travel, and be assured the best of voice and data services.

Apart from offering unlimited usage in 18 countries, the same pack also allows consumers to use their phones freely across 42 other countries. Vodafone has recently added new countries like Japan, Qatar, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Egypt and more to this pack. In all these countries, subscribers can receive incoming calls for free, make any call for Re. 1/min and browse data at Re. 1/MB only.
New Delhi, Sept 13 (IBNS): Apex industry body ASSOCHAM has written to the government, seeking a slew of tax reliefs, including exemption from tax on any hair cut taken by the banks in the form of a waiver of interest accrued, for the debt -ridden companies which are sought to be revived under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) .

Where any outstanding liability, inclusive of any accrued interest is waived in accordance with the approved Resolution Plan, such waiver / write-back should not be subject to tax under both normal and Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the ASSOCHAM said in its letters to the Secretaries in the Department of Financial Services, Corporate Affairs Ministry and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).



The chamber has also sought exemption from Section 50CA of the Income Act for the companies which are being revived under the IBC.

This Section provides that the computation of capital gains would be done on the basis of fair value of the shares of the company even if these are transferred under the IBC package below the fair value.



Likewise, no minimum alternate tax (MAT) was payable by a sick industrial company on its book profits from the year in which it became sick in accordance with the provisions of Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985.  It is recommended that similar reliefs should be extended to the Corporate Debtor whereby its book profits, after the approved Resolution Plan is effected.



The ASSOCHAM has also sought exemption from the GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) for all the parties in the revival plan if it has been approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).



The resolution plans approved after factoring in these reliefs/concessions will result in quick revival of assets, freeing up liquidity for banks for further lending, increased economic activity, job creation, increased contribution to the exchequer and will have multiplier effect on the associated economy, the chamber said in its letter to different wings of the government.



Besides, the re-rating of assets post approved Resolution Plan will improve balance sheets of the banks thereby lowering capital infusion requirement from the Government. Further, a quick and timely resolution to the stressed assets with positive outcome implemented in a transparent manner will improve Indias Doing Business ranking thereby ensuring participation from global players and resultant capital inflows, ASSOCHAM Secretary General D S Rawat said.
Mumbai, Sept 13 (IBNS): Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) to nurture, enhance and sustain mutually beneficial economic ties.

IACC, the apex bi-lateral Chamber synergizing India-US Economic Engagement, signed the MoU with the MDA ahead of the IACCs flagship annual convention being held in Mumbai on Sept 18-19.

N V Srinivasan, National President, IACC, signed the MoU with Glenn McCullough, Jr.  Executive Director, MDA.

Those present on the occasion included Governor Phil Bryant  State of Mississippi, Andrew Gipson  State Representative, Mississippi House of Representatives and Lalit Kanodia, immediate past President, IACC.

IACC and MDA will encourage and facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation between the responsible and appropriate bodies, organizations and enterprises in the fields of business, trade and economic relations," said N V Srinivasan, National President, IACC, after signing the MoU.

Both IACC and MDA will serve as representatives of the other in their respective market and membership areas.

Both the bodies will assist each other in organising business delegations and facilitate business interest, facilitate export and import of goods and services to and from Mississippi and India and encourage collaborative efforts that enhance business development objectives.

The MoU stipulates that both IACC and MDA will encourage, promote and facilitate investments in India and the State of Mississippi. The organisations will help each other in participation in trade fairs, conferences in the respective areas of operation.




Kolkata, Sep 13 (IBNS): Bollywood veteran actress Hema Malini, who visited Kolkata recently, said India does not have a proper infrastructure for performing arts.

Malini, who is also a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, made the comment while she was speaking about Synergy, an Indo-Occidental symbiosis, which will showcase a dancing fest on September 15 in the city.

The actress had also asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the problem of poor infrastructure and requested him to take some measures to solve it, she revealed.

The event Synergy, which will be organised by Calcutta Club, is ready to witness an amalgamation of Indian and Georgian dances.

Synergy will witness Georgian dance Sukhisvili, returning to India after 55 years.

Along with Sukhisvili, Indian dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak and Pung Cholam, will be presented in the event.

Malini's organisation, Jaya Smriti, which she had founded in the memory of her late mother, Jaya Chakravarti, will take part in the event.

The one and a half hours event will showcase Georgian dance for an hour and the rest will be covered by Indian form of dances. There is also a section where the Georgian and Indian dance forms will be fused.

Speaking about Synergy, Malini said: "Synergy is a beautiful amalgamation of two cultures through dance and it bonds a friendship between the two countries also. I have been doing Jaya Smriti for several years in loving memory of my mother Jaya Chakravarti. She was a great promoter of dance. Last few years we have given platform to young performers."

The age limit for performing in the fest has been kept at 25 years, as the actress believes, "from 10-12 years old till the time they are 25, absolutely in a perfect condition as their health is so good..they are able to dance with full energy to the perfection..after that the energy level goes down..".

Malini described how she had came across the Georgian dancers and the idea of bringing them to the country did struck her mind. "I just went to Georgia for a women's conference where I went to the national Georgian ballad and there I saw boys and girls were rehearsing in the studio and I was shocked to see their energy, passion. First thing I thought that I must bring them in Bombay or my institute and I must send my students there for a workshop and they should learn this form of dance."

"Then the thought came why not call them for a performance because the group was huge. Around 100 people dance together on the stage. Then I asked them whether they were interested to come to India," she added.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to be present at the event on September 15 as actress Malini has personally requested her to grace the occasion.

Shouvik Dasgupta, founder of Indo Occidental Symbiosis, said: "Indo Occidental Symbiosis is one of the custodians of traditional and classical music and dance forms in India. It has been our continuous, tireless effort to bring to the people the rich cultural heritage of the country and celebrate it on the world stage."

Apart from Kolkata, Synergy will be hosted in three other cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai.



(Reporting by Souvik Ghosh, images by Avishek Mitra)
The Supreme Court on September 1, 2017, dismissed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) moved by the Meghalaya Government for the cancellation of bail granted to Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) founder 'chairman' Pakchara R. Sangma akaChampion Sangma. The Apex Court rejected the plea arguing that, since Sangma was already in jail under other charges, the plea was infructuous.

The Court of the District and Sessions Judge in Shillong had granted Pakchara Sangma conditional bail on February 22, 2017, on the surety of INR 100,000, in one of the cases in which he had been charged. Further, on May 5, 2017, the Meghalaya High Court had upheld the decision, rejecting the Meghalaya Government's plea for cancellation of bail.

The GNLA 'chairman' was booked under the Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act (MPDA) by the District Administrations of East and West Garo Hills after his reported arrest on July 30, 2012, from the Umkrem-Pyrdiwah axis area by the Special Cell of Meghalaya Police, along the India-Bangladesh border in the East Khasi Hills District.

Though no one has replaced Sangma as 'chairman' since his arrest, the outfit has since been led by its 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D. Shira. Shira, who was earlier with Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC), broke away after the ANVC entered into negotiations with the Government and, along with Sangma, formed GNLA in 2009. Sangma had joined the Meghalaya Police in 2004, but reportedly deserted the Force in 2009 to join the insurgency.

According to partial data compiled by the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), since its formation GNLA has been involved in at least 184 fatalities (74 civilians, 28 Security Force (SF) personnel, and 82 GNLA cadres, data till September 10, 2017). In the current year, thus far, the outfit has been involved in at least seven incidents of killing resulting in seven fatalities (two civilians, and five GNLA cadres). In the most recent incidents, on August 2, 2017, suspected GNLA militants killed a farmer, identified as Olget R. Marak (53), at Oripur in the Dambuk Aga area of South Garo Hills District. Overall insurgency-related fatalities in the Meghalaya stand at eight (two civilians and six militants) in the current year.

In the corresponding period of 2016, GNLA was involved in at least 10 incidents of killing leading to 10 fatalities (three civilians and seven GNLA cadres). Overall insurgency-related fatalities in the state stood at 20 (eight civilians, one SF trooper, and 11 militants) in the corresponding period of that year. Group identities of the assailants of the lone trooper and the remaining five civilians could not be ascertained.

The menace of GNLA violence, though it persists, has seen significant decline. In particular, the Garo Hills region - consisting of East Garo Hills District, West Garo Hills District, North Garo Hills District, South Garo Hills District and South West Garo Hills District - where the GNLA has been more active and has been the epicenter of insurgency in Meghalaya, is now experiencing relative peace.

In 2017, out of eight fatalities (two civilians and six militants) recorded in the Meghalaya; at least five (two civilians and three militants) were reported from the Garo Hills region, accounting for 71.4 per cent of total fatalities. GNLA was confirmed to be involved in seven (two civilians and five militants) out of these eight fatalities.

In the corresponding period of 2016, out of 20 fatalities (eight civilians, one trooper, and 11 militants) recorded in the state; at least 12 (two civilians, one trooper, and nine militants) were reported from the Garo Hills region, accounting for 60 per cent of total fatalities. GNLA was confirmed to be involved in seven (two civilians and five militants) out of these 12 fatalities.

Indeed, the reign of terror unleashed by the GNLA has been brought under significant control by SFs. The major reason for this dramatic improvement in the security situation has been the sustained multi-phase counter insurgency (CI) campaign codenamed Operation Hill Storm (OHS) launched by SFs on July 11, 2014, and which is still continuing. The fourth and latest phase, OHS-4, was launched on September 22, 2016, to flush out the last remaining leaders and cadres of GNLA in the five Garo Hills Districts and adjoining West Khasi Hills Districts. Six militants (five GNLA cadres and the 'chairman' of the disbanded United Achik Liberation Army) were killed in 2017. Also, during this period, four GNLA militants were arrested and 15 GNLA militants surrendered. At least 10 GNLA militants were killed, 37 were arrested and 94 surrendered through 2016. Under sustained pressure, the entire 'northern command' of GNLA consisting 13 militants surrendered on May 5, 2016. These operations have drastically affected GNLA, with an estimated strength of just 30 cadres remaining.

Top security officials confirm that GNLA's influence is fast disintegrating. Chief Security Advisor to the State Government, former Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Mehta, asserted on August 2, 2017, that GNLA was 'well past its prime' and it was just a matter of time before it is 'totally obliterated': "We are getting to sort out the GNLA very soon. I think the Police are giving final touches to their plan to sort these militants."

Indeed, the vast improvement of the security situation in the State, particular in dealing with GNLA, has principally been due to SF successes. There is, however, little room for complacency as the GNLA commander-in-chief' Sohan Shira remains at large. Shira had fled to Bangladesh due to SF pressure, following an encounter at Rongsu in South Garo Hills on June 27, 2017, during which his personal 'bodyguard', Lukseng Ch Marak, was killed. He has reportedly returned to the Garo Hills.

Meghalaya is augmenting its capacities to deal with militant formations by raising and deploying Special Forces of the Meghalaya Police. The second batch of the Meghalaya Police's Special Multi-Task Force (SMTF) better known as Special Force-10 (SF-10) commando force was inducted on August 4, 2017. SF-10 is a leading force in the counter insurgency operations in the State and its first batch of 223 commandos and 115 rangers entered the service on October 6, 2016.

Sustained CI operations against GNLA have considerably weakened the militant group though its elusive 'commander-in-chief', who remains at large and continues to regroup his cadres, remains an issue of concern. Some 90-kilometres of the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya are yet to be fenced, and gaps in border management need to be plugged in order to deny the rebels an easy escape into neighbouring Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the gains of recent years have been dramatic and there appears to be a sense of commitment to consolidating operations and operational capabilities among the State political and SF leaderships.
Ahmedabad, Sep 13 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Wednesday, as the latter will be on a two-day visit to the country.

A series of performances, showcasing cultural diversity of India, will greet Japanese PM Abe as he will step outside Ahmedabad airport.

On Wednesday, the Prime Ministers of the two countries are scheduled to visit Sabarmati Ashram, established by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali, a famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad and Dandi Kutir, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Mahatma Mandir.

On Thursday, PM Modi and his counterpart Abe will hold the 12th India-Japan Annual Summit, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

This will be the fourth Annual Summit between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe. The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

The two leaders will attend a public function to mark the commencement of work of Indias first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, on the second day of Abe's visit to the country.

The train is expected to significantly reduce the travel time between the two cities.

Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet trainis among the fastest in the world.

Image: Twitter handle of Narendra Modi.
Mumbai, Sep 13 (IBNS): Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has not only offended the political class with his remark on "dynasty" while addressing the students of University of California, Berkeley, but also actor Rishi Kapoor, who is coming from a family that has major contributions in the Indian cinema though four generations.

Kapoor, who is always outspoken on social media, took on the Congress vice president this time for his comment on dynasty prevalence in the country.

Kapoor posted several angry tweets hours ago, and the first one reads: "Rahul Gandhi.In the 106 years of Indian cinema of India, Kapoor's contribution is 90 years. And each generation is chosen by public on merit."

Rahul Gandhi.In the 106 years of Indian cinema of India, Kapoor's contribution is 90 years. And each generation is chosen by public on merit  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

"By God's grace we are in 4 generations.Prithviraj Kapoor.Raj Kapoor.Randhir Kapoor.Ranbir Kapoor-Males.Besides all others. You see otherwise," the actor said in the second tweet.

By God's grace we are in 4 generations.Prithviraj Kapoor.Raj Kapoor.Randhir Kapoor.Ranbir Kapoor-Males.Besides all others. You see otherwise  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

The third tweet was the harshest of them all as he directly attacked Gandhi for bullshitting people. He said: "So don't bullshit people on "Dynasty" You have to earn people's respect and love through hard work not zabardasti and gundagardi."

So don't bullshit people on "Dynasty" You have to earn people's respect and love through hard work not zabardasti and gundagardi.  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

Gandhi, who is presently in the US for couple of weeks, said there are several instances of the dynasty problems in the country so he can't alone be held responsible for it.

Though the Congress vice president asserted the merit is the only parameter to judge a person, took the name of Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mulayam Singh Yadav's son Akhilesh Yadav, former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi's son M. K. Stalin and also Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan's son Abhishek Bachchan to highlight the prevalence of dynasty prevalence in the country.

Taking a jibe at Gandhi's comment on dynasty politics, Union Information and Broadcasting minister, Smriti Irani on Tuesday, termed Gandhi as a failed dynastic political party's leader who spoke out in the US.

In a brief media interaction, Irani said: "A failed dynastic political party's leader spoke out."

Upholding several instances that are devoid of dynasty problems in the country, Irani said: "Our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) was born in a poor family, President (Ram Nath Kovind) comes from a marginalised community (Dalit) and Vice President (Venkaiah Naidu) was a farmer's son."

Reacting to the US visit of Rahul Gandhi, the I&B minister said: "He (Rahul Gandhi) went to the international forum (the US) to express his political distress after getting rejected in India (elections in India)."

"He forgot that the votes are from India" she added.

Gandhi, in the US, spoke over a range of issues that concerns India and in some cases criticised the incumbent Modi government.

The Congress VP highlighted how the country is going through a phase of intolerance. "Violence and hatred distract people from the task it hand. Liberal journalist being shot, people being lynched because they are Dalits, Muslims killed in suspicion of eating beef. This is new in India and damages India very badly."

Gandhi did not miss a chance to dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) government, particularly regarding the economic measures which had been taken since last year.

The recent Reserve Bank of India's report that states 99% of people's money returned to the bank after demonetisation and the recent dip in the GDP below six percent, prompted the Congress VP to criticise the government in the economic sector.

"The government's economic policies, the demonetisation and a hastily applied GST, has caused tremendous damage. Millions of small businesses were simply wiped out as a result of demonetisation. Farmers and manual labourers who use cash were hit extremely hard, agriculture in deep distress and farmers' suicide skyrocketed across the country," Gandhi said.

"Demonetisation, a completely self inflicted wound caused approximately 2% loss in India's GDP," he asserted.

Gandhi, when asked about whether he is ready take charge as the PM candidate, said: "I am absolutely ready but the way our party (Congress) works, we have an organisational election process that decides that and that process is currently ongoing. So we have an internal system where we elect certain delegates to make that decision."

"So for me to say that the decision is mine wouldn't be fair. That is the decision the Congress party has to make and the process is currently going on right now," the Congress vice president added.
Kolkata, Sep 13 (IBNS): At least three people were killed and several others injured after a public bus crashed into a truck at Ramganj in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district, on Wednesday early morning, reports said.

According to reports, a Balurghat to Siliguri bound privately-run bus suddenly lost its control and hit a truck from behind on NH 31 at around 5:30 am.



At least 25 persons were injured in the mishap. They were rushed to Islampur Sub-Divisional Hospital where three of them were declared brought dead.

A local police official said that seven persons were shifted to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital as their conditions deteriorated.

"Two of the deceased have been identified as bus driver Biman Mahanta and a passenger Nitya Barman. Identity of the third person is yet to be established," a senior official of North Dinajpur district police told IBNS.

Police, however, have seized both the bus and truck. Driver of the truck is absconding.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)
London/New Delhi, Sep 13 (IBNS) : British authorities have frozen properties belonging to fugitive Indian underworld don Dawood Ibrahim worth $6.7 billion, media reports said.

The Indian national, who is the second richest criminal after Pablo Escobar, is said to own a hotel in Warwickshire, apart from other residential properties across the Midlands that are estimated to be worth $6.7 billion (Rs 43,550 crore), reports Birmingham Mail.

Reacting to the report, Union Minister V K Singh told reporters in Kerala, "We will not talk about Dawood at all. Certain things are happening. We can't let the cat be let out of the bag," media reports quoted him as saying.

Dawood, the prime accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts in which 260 people were killed, reportedly runs his crime empire from Pakistan's Karachi. He appears on the latest UK Treasury department's Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets, updated last month.

He is listed as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council's ISIS and al-Qaida Sanctions Committee.

The action against Dawood comes nearly two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2015 UK tour when he reportedly handed over a dossier concerning the underworld gangster to his then British counterpart David Cameron.

According to Forbes, Dawood Ibrahim is one of the richest gangsters of all time.

In 2015, Forbes estimated Dawood Ibrahim's net asset at US$ 6.7 billion.

Dawood Ibrahim has his business interests in more than a dozen countries spread over Europe, Africa and South Asia. He has assets worth US $450 million in the UK alone.
Chandigarh, Sep 13 (IBNS) : The Haryana Police has arrested the head of the IT cell of Dera Sacha Sauda for deleting crucial CCTV footage which could serve as evidence, media reports said.

The arrest was made on Tuesday.

According to reports, computers in the sect's headquarters were tampered with and hard disks removed or altered before police searched the premises.

The Sirsa police seized 60 such hard disks on the information provided by Vineet Kumar, the deras IT head.

During interrogation, he spilled the beans, confessing that the dera authorities had changed several hard disks before the search operation. A bag containing 60 such disks was found on the basis of inputs provided by him, The Tribune quoted a police officer as saying.

The police also arrested the driver of the Lexus SUV car belonging to the dera that was torched near Phoolkan village on August 28, the day dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for rape.

Two secret tunnels and an illegal factory to make explosives were unearthed on the premises of the Dera headquarters at Sirsa.
Ahmedabad, Sep 13 (IBNS): Amid a tumultuous welcome, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday on a two-day visit to the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him at the airport.

Immediately after his arrival, Abe was given a guard of honour

A series of performances, showcasing cultural diversity of India, greeted the Japanese PM as he stepped outside the Ahmedabad airport.

The Prime Ministers of the two countries are scheduled to visit Sabarmati Ashram, established by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali, a famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad and Dandi Kutir, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Mahatma Mandir.

On Thursday, PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart will hold the 12th India-Japan Annual Summit, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

This will be the fourth Annual Summit between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe. The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

The two leaders will attend a public function to mark the commencement of work of Indias first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, on the second day of Abe's visit to the country.

The train is expected to significantly reduce the travel time between the two cities.

Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet trainis among the fastest in the world.
Kolkata, Sept 13 (IBNS): Protesting several issues, at least 18 Left parties on Wednesday held a march to city police headquarters at Lalbazar in Kolkata.

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) MLA Sujan Chakraborty said, "We have called for the rally today to protest against several actions of the TMC-ruled government in the state and against the communal activities of BJP in West Bengal as well."

"As the Kolkata Police booked our activists, who took part in CPI-M's rally to Nabanna on May 22, and charged them under several fake cases, we are holding this rally to city police headquarters and will submit deputation to the police commissioner," Chakraborty added.

Following the rally, a Left delegation met Joint Commissioner (Hq) Rajiv Kumar and handed over a memorandum to him.

Left leaders, however, said that their movement on these demands will be strengthened in future.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha, Images by Subhodeep Sardar)
Guwahati, Sept 13 (IBNS): Security forces apprehended an arms dealer in Nagalandas Dimapur on Wednesday.

Assam Rifles PRO Lt Col Amitabh Sharma said that based on specific information regarding presence of an arms dealer, 32 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North), along with police representatives, launched an operation in general area Signal Basti, Dimapur and apprehended the arms dealer.

The apprehended person was identified as Puloka Achumi and security personnel recovered a Made in Germany point 32 mm pistol with magazine, 480 SP capsules in possession from him.

Later the person along with the recovered items was handed over to Urban Police Station, Dimapur for further investigation.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
In the morning of September 2, 2017, two terrorists carried out an attack targeting Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader, Khwaja Izharul Hassan, killing two persons, including one of his guards and a child in the vicinity, and injuring another two in the Buffer Zone area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Khwaja Hassan, who is also the leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly, survived the assassination attempt unhurt. According to details the assailants clad in Police uniforms and riding on a motorcycle opened fire on Hassan when he was leaving a mosque after offering Eid-ul-Adha [Islamic festival of sacrifice] prayers. Ansar-ul-Shariah Pakistan (ASP) in a Tweet on September 3 claiming responsibility for the attack, alleged that Khawaja Hassan was a "pro-American MQM leader".

Meanwhile, Police and Pakistan Rangers Sindh raided various houses in the Kaneez Fatima Society of the Gulzar-i-Hijri area of Malir Town, Karachi, on September 4, following information about the presence of the attackers involved in the assassination attempt. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and Security Force (SF) personnel, one Policeman and a terrorist, identified as Hassan Israr, were killed. The other terrorist, Abdul Karim Sarosh Siddiqui, present at the encounter site, managed to escape. The slain Hassan Israr worked as a lab technician in the Dawood University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Karachi. He belonged to an educated family and his father, Ahsan Israr, is a lecturer at an educational institute. According to Rao Anwar, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Malir Town (Karachi District), the fleeing terrorist, Siddiqui, was the mastermind of attack: "He is central commander of banned militant organisation Ansar-ul-Shariah and close associate of killed terrorist, Hassan." Siddique was a student of Applied Physics at the University of Karachi in 2011.

On September 4, 2017, Police took Sarosh Siddiqui's father, Sajjad Siddiqui, a retired professor of the University of Karachi, into their custody. On Sajjad's revelations, Police also arrested ASP Karachi chapter's 'spokesperson' and another dozen ASP cadres during various raids in Gulzar-e-Hijri, Defence Housing Authority, Super Highway, and Sachal areas of Karachi, on the same day.

Further, on September 5, SFs arrested ASP 'chief', Dr. Abdullah Hashmi aka Shehryar (28), in an intelligence-based operation conducted at Kaniz Fatima Society in the Gulzar-i-Hijri area of Malir Town in Karachi. Dr, Hashmi is an information technology (IT) expert and was employed in the Computer Department of the Nadirshaw Eduljee Dinshaw University of Engineering and Technology (NEDUET), Karachi. He received a Master's degree in Applied Physics from the University of Karachi.

During the interrogation Dr. Hashmi told investigators ASP had been formed in 2015 and made several attempts to link up with global terror outfit al Qaeda after establishing contacts with one of its operatives in Karachi, Abdullah Baloch, on an unspecified date. However, the group was advised to generate funds and operate by themselves.

Dr. Hashmi also disclosed that he had been residing in Karachi till 2012 but left for Afghanistan following a raid at his residence. He admitted receiving weapons training in the Shorawak area of Helmand Province, Afghanistan and that his group comprised of 10 to 12 people, mostly students from University of Karachi, DUET, and NEDUET. He confessed his group was targeting Police personnel to 'receive recognition' and prove its mettle. Commenting on the slain assailant who attacked MQM-P leader Khwaja Hassan, Shehryar stated that Hassan had also been trained in Afghanistan.

According to partial data compiled by the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) ASP has been found involved in at least five terror attacks, resulting in nine deaths (seven SF personnel and two civilians) and three persons injured (two civilians and one SF) since its formation 2015. SFs have neutralized 10 ASP terrorists. The name of this outfit first emerged publicly on April 5, 2017, when it claimed responsibility for the targeted killing of Army Colonel (Retd) Tahir Zia Nagi at the Baloch Colony, Karachi.

The involvement of young educated youths from the mainstream-education system in terrorism is not a new phenomenon in Karachi and is not limited to ASP. There have been several such instances in the past. Saad Aziz, affiliated to Islamic State (IS), who was involved in the Safoora Goth bus massacre in Karachi, was a student of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi. Aziz was arrested on May 20, 2015, from the SITE area of Karachi and was tried by a military court; he is now on death row for his involvement in Bus massacre on May 13, 2015, in which 47 Ismaili Shias were killed and another 13 were injured. He was also convicted on the charge of murder of the prominent Pakistani women's rights activist Sabeen Mahmud on April 24, 2015. Two others who were arrested along with Aziz on May 20, 2015, were Mohammad Azfar Ishrat aka Maajid and Haafiz Nasir aka Yasir. Ishrat is an engineer who had passed out from the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology and had expertise in bomb-making. He was involved in terrorist activities since 2011. Haafiz Nasir, who completed Master of Arts (MA) in Islamic Studies from University of Karachi, had been involved in terrorist activities since 2013.

Similarly, Noreen Leghari (19), a second-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) student of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) in Jamshoro District of Sindh, was implicated for her ties with the IS. Leghari was arrested on April 14, 2017, during a raid on an IS hideout in the Punjab Housing Society in the Factory Area of Lahore, in which one militant, Ali Tariq (32), was killed while four soldiers, including two officers, were wounded in the exchange of gunfire. The IS terrorists were planning an attack on the Christian religious festival of Easter on April 16. Leghari claimed on May 8, 2017, that she was being held captive by Ali Tariq to be used as suicide bomber. During a confessional interview on Channel 92 News, she said,

When I was told that I was to be used as a suicide bomber, I objected and told them I was only interested in migration [to Syria]. But I was told . You must do it. Just chant 'Allah o Akbar' (God is Great) and explode your suicide vest. When the army raided our house, I was rescued.

Noreen Leghari is the daughter of Dr. Abdul Jabbar Leghari, Professor at the Dr. M.A. Kazi Institute of Chemistry in Jamshoro. Noreen Leghari had reportedly run away from Hyderabad (Sindh) to Lahore on February 10, 2017, hoping to join IS in Syria. She came to Lahore to meet Ali Tariq, a resident of Baidian Road, Lahore, whom she had contacted through social media. On reaching Lahore they got married and started living in rented a house in the Punjab Society.

Alarmed over the growing involvement of university students' in terrorist activities in Karachi, the Sindh Police's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) summoned the Vice-Chancellors of 11 universities in Karachi on July 9, 2017, in a bid to counter extremism and terrorism. CTD Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Raja Omar Khattab, however, clarified, "Basically, we have not summoned the vice-chancellors, but invited them to join us so we can brief them on serious matters."

Later, on July 12, 2017, CTD organised a seminar titled 'Growing radicalisation in educational institutions' at the Central Police Office in Karachi which was attended by Vice Chancellors and other officials of around 40 varsities, both private and public. Speaking at the seminar, CTD chief Additional Inspector General (IG) Dr. Sanaullah Abbasi noted,

Radicalisation [is] growing at academic institutes with the CTD assessing that the next generation of militants [is] more likely to have university education rather than a madrassa background. The recent cases of Noreen Leghari and Saad Aziz gave credence to this theory.

CTD Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Operations, Munir Ahmed Shaikh further pointed out, "Small pockets of radicalisation [are] emerging in academic institutes. There [is] a thin line between preaching and radicalisation."

CTD's SSP (Intelligence) Omar Shahid Hamid added that the Department had assessed that youth who had been radicalised at academic institutions were "sophisticated and trained" and warned, "Radicalisation is growing and we fear that the militants are more likely to emerge from secular academic institutes."

During the July 12 seminar, leading academicians had called for a coordinated and strong policy to check the extremism that they believed was not limited to conventional madrasas (seminaries) but could now be found in reputed public and private educational institutions, negating the 'myth' that radicalisation was a product of poverty and illiteracy. Questions were raised about the efficacy of intelligence agencies in curbing radicalisation despite their presence on campuses. Dr. Roshan Rashidi Acting Vice Chancellor of of DUET questioned the role of 10-12 intelligence agencies' personnel operating at each Varsity, if they could not detect extremism and terrorism there. Mohammad Salih, Director of the People's Medical University in Nawabshah District, argued that agencies' personnel were 'interfering' in their administration and financial affairs, but were not fulfilling their role in preventing militancy on campus.

The State apparatus has long been aware of growing radicalisation among the youth in educational institutions as well as of militant outfits luring educated students to join them. The recent incidents, however, demonstrate the Government's comprehensive failure to curb the growing menace.
New York, Sept 13(Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres condemned the terrorist attack that took place on Monday on a police convoy near el-Arish in northern Sinai in Egypt.

The attack reportedly killed at least 18 policemen and injured 3 others.

The Secretary-General hopes those responsible for this act will be quickly brought to justice, his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement.

He conveys his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Egypt. He also wishes a swift recovery to the injured.

UN Photo/Manuel Elias (file)

Source: www.justearthnews.com
From the Archive A Struggle for Authority

Buddhist monks gather at Yangons Shwedagon Pagoda before they take to streets in September in 2007. / Khin Maung Win

This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Saffron Revolution, a series of mass protests led by Buddhist monks against Myanmars military government. In this interview from November 2007, anthropologist Gustaaf Houtman explains how the ruling generals claim to legitimacy is based on false documents.

Independence hero Gen Aung San saw the Sangha as having a key role in guiding the nation. The current struggle between the Sangha and the military is a fight the junta is likely to lose.

You say the military rulers have no legitimate title to govern Myanmarwhy?

Every government, to rule effectively, needs a minimum of goodwill and cooperation from the population it aspires to rule. The various military regimes of Myanmar over the last half a century have squandered any goodwill they earned by persisting in attempting to legitimize themselvesnot by means of electionsbut by sheer force and by projecting the desire of the people framed within a hollow account of the role of the army as central to Myanmars history.

The army is caught up in a network of lies of their own making. They tolerate no dissent and have silenced intellectual life. Instead of holding them to account, it is disappointing to see how inaccuracies are being perpetuated as history, sometimes even by reputable, well-meaning academics.

Why is Aung San so important to Myanmar people?

Aung San is a hero-martyr widely revered in Myanmar as particularly astute and effective in wrestling national independence from the British and from the Japanese. The nation celebrates episodes in his life through national holidays and his image used to be on every banknote. Even today, six decades after his assassination, we see Aung Sans image carried by protestors. Because his personality is of such mythical proportions, the army turned him into a myth of their own in order to justify military rule.

In your book Mental Culture you say Aung Sans legacy was manipulated by the army and challenged by his daughter, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Yes, I argued that Aung Sans popular legacy was a unifying factor for successive political parties and governments right from immediately before national independence in 1948 until 1990, when the rumor spread that Aung Sans image on a new banknote had been doctored to look like Aung San Suu Kyis. Because his personality is of such mythical proportions, the army turned him into a myth of their own in order to justify military rule.

Once Aung San Suu Kyi challenged the military over their interpretation of her father, however, the search was on for a substitute unifying symbol, preferably impersonal and so easier to control.

The army replaced Aung San with a hastily cobbled together idea of national culture: we have seen a large-scale program of Myanmafication, including an invented state-sponsored idea of Myanmar culture (yes, in the singular) under the post-88 military regimes.

Aung Sans image on the banknotes was substituted with impersonal objects: notes brought into circulation after 1990 have Aung San replaced by the chinthe, the mythical lion guardian at the foot of pagodas, which is also used as the symbol of the dreaded Union Solidarity Association (USDA) and army units. Anyone who does not support the army wholeheartedly risks molestation by the USDA.

To justify this state of affairs, falsification of history has taken place on a grand scale. Whole populations are being displaced and Pagan and other historical sites have now been irretrievably destroyed.

In a chapter entitled Aung Sans Way: The Blue Print and the Japanese Occupation of Burma you say his popular image was subverted by the military to serve its own interest. What is your evidence for this?

The army that is in control of Myanmar today traces itself back to Aung Sans first visit to Japan between January and February 1940, where the army was founded. This period is of considerable historical significance.

After Aung San found himself stranded in Taiwan in search of support from the Chinese for help in the struggle for national independence, he was then smuggled into Japan unofficially by a renegade intelligence-led faction under Col Suzuki without support from the Japanese Imperial army.

Since secrecy was of the essence at the time, There are not many formal historical documents left regarding the founding of the Myanmar army. One document, however, has been widely proclaimed as Aung Sans from that period, namely The Blue Print for a Free Burma. This is claimed not just by the regime, but even by some academics recently. It is usually referred to as an example of how Aung San Suu Kyi could only have misjudged her fathers politics: namely, where it is asserted that Myanmar needs to set aside parliament in favor of authoritarian one-party rule. This document clearly subverts Aung San Suu Kyis claims to follow up on the true political intentions of her father that she claims the army has misrepresented.

However, this document is falsely attributed to Aung San. It was not composed by Aung San at all, but by this intelligence-led faction for the purpose of gaining support from the Imperial Japanese army.

The Blue Print first came to be attributed to Aung San under the machinations of Dr Maung Maung, who was behind its first publication in 1957 in the Yangon-based Guardian (of which he was a founding editor) long after the Japanese occupation was over, and long after Aung San had been assassinated.

Its publication took place at a time when the army was developing a program of psychological warfare operations to influence and gain control over public opinion.

Aung San, however, had asserted a firm denial of ever writing down his own plan while in Japan, saying instead that Col Suzuki dictated a plan, which he then asked Aung San to write down in his own handwriting. Aung San said he never knew what happened to the document.

It is a tragedy that a military regime so proud of indigenous heritage should proclaim to be inspired by documents written by the WWII foreign occupiers of Myanmar that Aung San had worked so hard to eject.

So you are saying the militarys rule since 1962 has been illegitimate?

Well, this is just one instance of deliberate falsification of a critically important episode in the biography of Aung San, and of a critically important moment in national history, both of which have been rewritten to favor military rule. What the army cites in its favor turns out to be a document that prepares for a Japanese invasion of Myanmar.

That such blatant lies are permitted to carry through from propaganda into scholarship and then into the historical record are a matter of concern: how many more such falsifications are there? As I have pointed out, the army has persisted with the Blue Print even after its first publication in 1957 and with a substantively different variant published in the armys official record in Myanmar in 1998, which eliminated, among other things, centrality of the Japanese to Myanmar affairs and condemnation of the monarchy.

Scholars must dig much deeper and assess what the army has presented as history. This is difficult because the regime limits access to scholars favorably disposed towards them. It is disturbing that even reputable intellectuals uncritically circulate lies such as these because it undermines the calls for democratic reform in and effectively legitimates the regime.

If Aung San was not in favor of authoritarian rule, what did he support?

Aung San did not envisage the army at the center of the political order. The army has falsely used Aung San to legitimate themselves in history politically. As I have argued elsewhere, Aung San originally aimed for socialism, but after the Japanese occupation he called for democracy first.

You are on record that the monastic order is the only Myanmar institution that remains independent from, and to a certain extent ungovernable by, the military regime. Why should this be so?

The Buddhist liberation rhetoric that underlay the anti-colonial struggle back in the first half of the 20th century resurfaces during crises. Monks continue to have an influence on the regime, if only because soldiers wives seek merit and protection for their husbands. Also, once the 1990 elections were over, the regime stalled in handing over power to the NLD, to which monks responded by offering to host the first democratic parliament since 1962 in one of their monasteries.

Today, after eliminating so heavy-handedly all civil opposition, only monks remain with any sense of organizational independenceresulting in direct conflict. I am not sure how many monks are among those who have been quietly cremated by the regime recently, but The idea that the country can ever be governed or developed by an army so cruel and so out of touch with the people suggest to me that their position is becoming untenable.

But surely, secular politicians, such as Aung San, never approved of Buddhism as a political instrument?

Approving of Buddhism as a political instrument is one thing: understanding by means of Buddhist concepts how disorder arises and order may be established, and what kind of political intervention might be necessary, are another.

To proclaim that Buddhism here serves as a political instrument would be to grossly oversimplify what has been going on. In raising fuel prices to unaffordable levels, the regime has made it impossible for the laity to support Buddhist monastic practice and so has politicized Buddhism.

In his essay on Various Kinds of Politics, Aung San describes how politics was invented by human beings so as to contain deterioration in the social order caused by the arising of mental defilements and selfish behavior.

Here elimination of mental defilements by Buddhist practice is simply another way of resolving disorder. Indeed such practice is characterized as prior to politics: so the presence of successfully practicing monks are broadly seen as ensuring necessary conditions for people to respond to political measures. The first king was elected by the people for his good morality, concentration and understanding (indeed he was characterized as a Buddha-to-be), so that he could intervene wisely in any disorder that arises from our conditioned lives in loka or samsara (i.e. by helping contain the worst excesses produced by our mental imperfections that lock us into the cycle of rebirth).

Aung San looked at these notions and ended up defining politics as dealing specifically with loka and samsara, as is commonly done by Myanmar speakers and political leaders generally (See, for example, the Myanmar biography of Ne Win).

Aung San condemned selfishness in politics (in particular the magical variety of loki pyinya that top army echelons seek today) and was well aware of the critical role of the monastic order in stabilizing society. This is why Aung San called for monks to preach unity and dispense metta as the highest form of politics.

This is indeed what the monks did on this occasion, namely to go out onto the streets reciting the Metta Sutta, sending loving-kindness to everyone, including soldiers. The Buddha recommended reciting the Metta Sutta en masse for situations in which peaceful Buddhist practice is threatened. So what the monks did was not a political protest, but simply a quiet and peaceful assertion of their right to return to the normalcy of their Buddhist practice without interference for the benefit of everyone.

Aung San said that monks work for the benefit of both this mundane existence (loki) and the supramundane (lokuttara), which makes nonsense of the regimes recent threat against monks interfering in the lokaaffairs of ordinary laity: since their practice is now threatened, they have a perfect right, indeed a duty, to go onto the streets en masse reciting the Metta Sutta.

You often refer to loka. How does this relate to politics?

Yes, it takes a narrative shift to understand why the realm of politics should be conceived of in the Myanmar vernacular in terms of loka and samsara. Loka refers to conditioned existence in either a particular or a general sense.

The regime has been attempting to legitimate itself within, and demonstrate its control over loka largely by means of force, magic, numerology and the pretence of possessing some superior supernatural agency, which were all condemned by Aung San.

After 1988, the regime sought to play itself up as Buddhist and embarked on reconstructing pagodas all over the country, but particularly in Paganan army in defence of a holy land. However, any merit they have built up restoring pagodas has now been undone by the arrest, torture and, seemingly, the killing of monks, which constitute an enormous sin in Myanmar society.

You say the current junta has inadvertently politicized the monks by assuming it has a monopoly over loka?

Aung San Suu Kyis politics is often characterized as Buddhist, which is generally not a point made in relation to Aung San.

However, in my analysis of Aung Sans communications, I demonstrated that for Aung San to be considered secular did not mean that he abandoned Buddhist ideas in his politics the way it is widely thought. It is just that in his English communications he did not address the same sensibilities or the same audience as in his Myanmar communications, which has led scholars relying on the first to oversimplify his politics.

Aung San brought into play the most valuable and complex ideas in the Myanmar language to convince Myanmar of the nobility of his struggle: metta, byamaso taya, loka, nibbana, samadhi, and many other terms. He conceived of, and attempted to gain respect for, his political aspirations in a vocabulary that he shared with his people and pitched this as high as he could. On the other hand, he simultaneously sought to impact the colonial regime by mastering the intricacies of the English language.

Aung San sometimes declared emphatically that politics is not about nibbana, but he also proclaimed that politics should not be dirty and encouraged people to be self-critical.

In proclaiming to have a monopoly over loka, the present military regime has politicised monks and ensured that they will surely continue to have a prominent role in Myanmar politics. Does this not parallel the moment the army of Mara, realising that the Buddhas teachings would lead all people away from his control of loka, (as subjected to the cycle of rebirth or samsara), decides to wage war on the Buddha to prevent this from happening?

Footnotes

[1] As included in Mental Culture chapter 6  on military authority p 159 (see also p 218):

General Saw Maung, in his first public address on 12 September 1988, justified the SLORCs seizure of authority. Due to the unruly conditions, he said, the army was unable to assist the people with cetana. He appealed primarily to the monks, secondarily to the general population and thirdly to the army. He proclaimed that the State had agreed to conduct multi-party general elections in accordance with the request made by the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaws on 10 August 1988, and in conformity with the demands made by numerous organizations. He concluded by asking that the elections be free and fair, and that army members should not use their authority or rank to influence the elections.[FN9]

[FN9] Saw Maung (1990:56,1315).

Bibliography

Aung San. Nainganyei amyo myo (Various arts of politics). (Dagon Magazine, February-March 1940/November 1948. Later published in Mya Han 1998:89-113 and Mya Han 2000:50-61.

Houtman, G. 1990. Mental Culture in Burmese Crisis Politics. ILCAA Study of Languages and Cultures of Asia & Africa Monograph Series 33, Institute for the Study of Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa, 1999.

Houtman, G. Aung Sans lan-zin, the Blue Print and the Japanese occupation of Burma. Chapter 8 in Kei Nemoto (ed). Reconsidering the Japanese military occupation in Burma (1942-45). Tokyo: ILCAA, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, pp 179-224 (including an English-Burmese bibliograpy of Aung Sans communications (pp 213-224).

Mya Han 1998. Bogyok Aung Sani sapei lekya [The writings of General Aung San]. Rangoon: Universities Historical Centre, 1998. (Though published by the foremost historical research group, this has two separate censorship permissions, one for the cover and one for the text).

. 2000. The writings of General Aung San. (Translation into English by retired Ambassador Thet Tun). Rangoon Universities Historical Research Centre

Saw Maung, U. 1990. State Law and Order Restoration Council Chairman commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services General Saw Maungs addresses (12.09.198809.01.1990). Rangoon: Ministry of Information.
In Person Govt to Implement Recommendations on Rakhine Issue Without Delay

Implementation Committee for Recommendations on Rakhine State chief U Win Myat Aye delivered relief to displaced persons in Maungdaw, Rakhine State on Aug. 28. / Win Myat Aye / Facebook

YANGON A new 15-member committee was formed this week to implement the recommendations of the Kofi Annan-led Advisory Commission on Rakhine State and a government investigation commission led by vice-president U Myint Swe, the Presidents Office announced on Tuesday.

Both commissionswhich were mandated to advise on fostering stability in the areamade recommendations in final reports submitted to the government last month.

A day after the committees official formation, The Irrawaddy spoke to chair of the Implementation Committee for Recommendations on Rakhine State, Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Win Myat Aye.

The Presidents Office announced the new committee is responsible for accelerating the national verification process and ensuring equal access to education and access to health services regardless of religion, race, citizenship or gender.

The newly-formed implementation committee is also tasked with fighting terrorism and eliminating drugs in the region as a priority.

The implementation committeeco-chaired by Rakhine State chief minister U Nyi Puwill also work towards improving rule of law, stability, harmony between the different communities, security, the economy, social affairs, basic infrastructure including the maintenance of ethnic villages, distributing humanitarian aid, and closing camps for internally displaced persons.

Other members include deputy ministers from the Office of the State Counselor and Ministry of Border Affairs, a representative of the Presidents Office, and permanent secretaries from the ministries of home affairs, information, religious affairs, agriculture, transport, labor, education, health and sport, construction, and social welfare.

The committee will report its progress to the public every four months.

What will the committee do first?

Firstly, we will call a meeting [on Thursday]. All members of the committee need to examine in detail and clearly understand the recommendations [of the two commissions]. After that, we will begin implementations that are beneficial for the people and are possible with the reality on the ground, as fast as we can.

Will the committee accept and implement 100 percent of the recommendations of the two different commissions?

We will only know after all members examine the recommendations carefully and discuss what to do. We will prioritize those recommendations that match with the situation on the ground and benefit the people.

The government vowed to implement the recommendations as soon as possible. When do you think the committee can begin?

We have already started. Before the committee was formed, I visited ethnic minorities groups in Rakhine whose members were killed in recent violent attacks such as Hindu, Daingnet, Mro and Kaman. Those minorities have a lot of requirements including for education, health and employment. Only after we know their real emotions and needs on the ground, can we implement [recommendations]. We will meet with the people on the ground and discuss and negotiate with them. We will act based on their needs and without delay.

How will you cope with the volatile situation on the ground?

We want to speedily carry out recommendations that can lead to better conditions and stability in the area. We wont do anything that could make the situation worse; we only try to benefit the people. There is some fake news out there but the committee will act with transparency and release only true news.

How long do you expect it to take to implement all the suggestions?

We will have systematic short-term and long-term strategies for implementation. Only after the strategies are drawn, can we know the time period. We will let everyone know our strategies once they are decided.

What is your response to the 29 political partiesincluding opposition party the Union Solidarity and Development Partythat signed a statement rejecting all recommendations of the Kofi Annan-led commission?

We are a civilian government and we will do everything for the benefit of the people. I dont want to say anything about their statement. We know their concerns. We will implement the recommendations based on the situation on the ground.
Burma 88 Generation Peace and Open Society Stand by Govt on Rakhine

U Min Ko Naing speaking at the press conference of 88 Generation Peace and Open Society. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  At a press conference on Wednesday, 88 Generation Peace and Open Society said it stands by President U Htin Kyaw and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi regarding conflict in northern Rakhine State.

The government is working hard for democratic transition, it would be wrong to criticize or weaken them, U Jimmy, one of the leaders of 88 Generation Peace and Open Society, told reporters.

Muslim militants attacked police outposts in Rakhine State on Aug. 25, killing at least 13.

International pressure has been mounting on Myanmar, after military clearance operations that followed have sent some 400,000 self-identifying Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh.

Prominent 88 generation leader U Min Ko Naing said the states problems were not racial or religious but to do with immigration laws and terrorism.

They [self-identifying Rohingya] are not one of 135 ethnic groups in Myanmar, he said.

U Min Ko Naing warned of violence elsewhere in the country, threatening stability, but said the 88 generation would not resort to violence.

U Min Ko Naing warned of possible instigation of violence elsewhere in the country. He said 88 Generation Peace and Open Society does not accept this behavior but would not use violence to stop it.

Leaders of 88 Generation Peace and Open Society urged citizens to exercise caution and not be played by those who would take advantage of the situation to instigate instability.

One man was arrested in Magwe Regions Taungdwingyi after a nationalist mobsome armed with swordsattacked a mosque and property owned by Muslims before being dispersed by riot police with rubber bullets on Sunday evening.

On Tuesday, a 27-year man was detained after shouting on the street to kill followers of Islam in Yangons Sanchaung Township.

A high-level meeting including members of Myanmars National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) was held in Naypyidaw on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the situation in Rakhine State and issues relating to rule of law in Myanmar.

Joining the talks was President U Htin Kyaw, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, both of the countrys vice presidents, the Upper House Speaker, military chief, deputy military chief, and the ministers of home affairs, defense, and border affairs.

The government has instructed security forces to take harsh action in line with the law against those who exploit the concerns and fear of people who commit violent acts.
Burma Rakhine Govt Forges on With Maungdaw Economic Zone

Maungdaw border trade camp. / Min Aung Khaing / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  The first part of the 100-acre Kanyinchaung border economic zone in Rakhine States Maungdaw Township will be completed this year, according to the state government.

Originally, we planned to complete Zone A by March, but it was delayed because of violence, finance, revenue, planning and commerce minister of Rakhine State U Kyaw Aye Thein told The Irrawaddy. We will restart once stability is restored [in Maungdaw] and complete it this year.

Violence has swept Maungdaw since Muslim militants attacked 30 police outposts on Aug. 25killing 13 members of Myanmar security forces and prompting thousands of ethnic Arakanese, Hindu and Muslims to flee to safety.

Subsequent Myanmar Army security operations have been labelled as ethnic cleansing by the UN and sent some 400,000 self-identifying Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh.

Zone A of the economic zone is expected to cost 2.2 billion kyats (US$1.6 million). The Rakhine State government will invest 1.5 billion kyats and Nat Myit Alintana consortium of four companies from Maungdaw and three from Yangonwill invest the rest.

According to the Rakhine State government, it established an economic zone rather than a border trade zone because the former provides business opportunities for both manufacturing and service industries.

The economic zone was initiated under the previous government in 2015, but there was little progress due to the transfer of power to the National League for Democracy-led government and construction only resumed this year.

Foreign investment will be invited and security will be tightened for the economic zone, said minister U Kyaw Aye Thein.

The state government believes that low income and a lack of job opportunities contribute to instability in Maungdaw and hopes the economic zone can create jobs, wealth and peace.

U Aung Myint Thein, chairman of the Maungdaw Border Traders Association, told The Irrawaddy he envisions labor-intensive factories such as cold storage, shrimp processing plants, garment factories, rice mills, and consumer product factories in the economic zone.

It is not yet clear, however, when construction will restart.

It is still early to say whether the economic zone will be beneficial to locals or not. We have to wait and see. No business can be successful without stability. We want the government to ensure stability first, said U Maung Saw Win, chairman of the Mayu Region Development Association.

Kanyinchaung economic zone will be the third economic zone in Rakhine State.

According to statistics for the 2016-17 fiscal year, there are three foreign companies and 136 local companies operating in the state.

The value of trade with Bangladesh through the Maungdaw trade station for the 2017-18 fiscal year is targeted to be US$6 million and reached $5 million by Sept. 1 this year.

The trade station was closed from Oct. 9 to Dec. 24 last year because of militant attacks on border guard police posts in October, and has also been closed since Aug. 25.

Additional reporting by Min Aung Khaing. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko KO.
Burma Rakhine State Education Department Instructs Staff to Return to Duty

A school in Maungdaw. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYITAW  The Rakhine State Education Department has instructed education staff who have fled violence in the state to go back to their concerned duties in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships by September 17.

The instruction said action would be taken against those who fail to return to their positions by that date, according to the code of conduct for civil servants.

We asked them to go back because it is safe now. They may choose to resign if they dont want to return, U Aung Kyaw Tun, chief of the Rakhine State Education Department, told The Irrawaddy.

Schools have been temporarily closed since violence broke out on Aug. 25, and locals and teachers have fled to urban areas.

U Tun Hla Sein, a lawmaker in Rakhine State Parliament, said he still does not know how schools will reopen at this time, as they are being used as shelters for displaced persons.

I think only schools in urban areas can be reopened. It will be impossible in rural areas due to security concerns. Government staff will be scared, U Tun Hla Sein told The Irrawaddy.

Locals suggest that it would be better to open temporary classrooms at camps because in some cases, entire villages have fled their homes.

One such village is Nan Tha Taung, where some 500 villagers are taking shelter at Myoma Monastery in Maungdaw.

It will be difficult to reopen schools in our village, said the abbot of the Nan Tha Taung village monastery.

The State Education Department has also instructed the township education departments to make daily reports on the return of teachers and education staff.

The government also encouraged local residents to return to their villages in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships.

On Tuesday, 1,472 people taking temporary shelter at relief camps in Kyein Chaung, Taung Pyo Let We, Nga Kyitauk and Inndin villages and Wakhot Chaung battalion, returned home escorted by Myanmar Army troops.

The governments Information Committee and the Office of the Commander-in-Chief said locals returned home as peace and security had been restored following security operations in the region.
Burma Senate Leader Opposes Lecturing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi talks during a news conference with Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Naypyitaw, Myanmar September 6, 2017. / Soe Zayar Tun / Reuters

WASHINGTON, United States  US Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday he would not support a resolution targeting Myanmar leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi over the treatment of the countrys self-identified Rohingya Muslims, and said Washington should not be lecturing her.

I dont favor a resolution going after her, McConnell, who has been engaged with issues related to Myanmar, also known as Burma, for years. I think shes the greatest hope that we have to move Burma from where it has been, a military dictatorship, to where I hope its going.

Senators John McCain, a Republican, and Richard Durbin, a Democrat, introduced a resolution last week condemning the violence and urging Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to act.

But McConnell said he did not support the resolution.

My personal view is America kind of singling her out, and lecturing her when shes in a very challenging position is not helpful. So  I dont intend to be a part of that, he said at a weekly news conference by the Senates Republican leaders.

McConnell did not respond to a question about whether there was any consideration of reconsidering Democratic former President Barack Obamas lifting of sanctions on Myanmar.

International pressure has been mounting on Myanmar to end violence that has sent about 370,000 self-identified Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh. The Trump administration has called for protection of civilians, and Bangladesh has urged safe zones so refugees can return home.

While Washington has been a staunch supporter of Myanmars transition from decades of harsh military rule being led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel laureate has been criticized as doing too little to stop the violence.

In addition to co-sponsoring the resolution, McCain, the influential chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on Tuesday he would seek to remove US military cooperation with Myanmar from a sweeping defense policy bill now making its way through Congress.

The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, had called for expanded military cooperation.

While I had hoped the NDAA could contribute to positive reform in Burma, I can no longer support expanding military-to-military cooperation given the worsening humanitarian crisis and human rights crackdown against the Rohingya people, McCain said in a statement.
Burma State Counselor Calls Citizens to Curb Betel Chewing

The state counselor has launched an anti-betel chewing campaign. / CNN

YANGON  State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has urged citizens to avoid chewing betel quid in order not to have remorse.

More than 7 million Myanmar citizens regularly chew betel quid and tobacco, which causes more than 60,000 deaths yearly, said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in her message at the launch of a six-week media campaign to eradicate betel chewing on Monday.

It is a huge health challenge, she said, calling the fight against the unhealthy habit a national cause.

Since the state counselor assumed office, she has instructed for public campaigns on the issue in hopes of deterring betel chewing.

Just one month after she assumed office, she introduced a new anti-betel policy to reduce the habit.

The Presidents Office opened an online poll in June to collect the publics thoughts on reducing betel quid chewing and spitting in government offices and public places. No official ban has been put into effect to date.

In her message, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi called for public cooperation, especially to discourage schoolchildren under 13 years from starting.

Myanmar has the highest consumption of varieties of tobacco in betel quid among Asean countries, read Daw Aung San Suu Kyis message.

The anti-betel campaign will be conducted in six cities in Yangon, Mandalay and Magwe regions, and aims to raise awareness about the adverse effects of betel chewing, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports.

Educational clips about the adverse effects of betel chewing will be screened at cinemas as well as on state broadcaster Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) and Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB). The Public Health Foundation has provided 250 million kyats (US$185,000) for the campaign, according to the ministry.
Guest Column What Have NGOs Done Wrong in Rakhine?

A family of self-identifying Rohingya Muslims in a displaced persons camp outside Sittwe, Rakhine State in 2014. / Reuters

SITTWE, Rakhine  Over the last few years, a number of disgruntled ethnic Arakanese in Rakhine State have consistently demonstrated against NGOs operating in the state. They claimed projects run by aid organizations were only benefiting self-identifying Rohingya Muslims, not the ethnic Arakanese community.

Arakanese frustration burst into anger in March 2014 when a crowd attempted to raid an NGO premise in state capital Sittwe. In some parts of the state, NGO workers continue to be frowned upon by local Arakanese. The opposition to NGOs in Rakhine State represents a truly worrying trend in this sensitive, conflict-riven area.

But are NGOs really the bad guys? What have they done to make some ethnic Arakanese so annoyed?

It is generally accepted that NGOsnon-governmental organizationsplay a vital role in providing social services to those who the state fails to reach, often giving crucial aid to marginalized people.

In Rakhine State, however, lack of communication strategy, lavish display of material wealth and failed attempts to include the Arakanese in development projects of the NGOs have often proved harmful to relations between communities in conflict with one another. Although they may have produced positive impacts on the lives of people, they have also fostered a negative reality in the minds of some Arakanese people.

Socially and politically-motivated Arakanese are frustrated with the perception of being left out at the expense of the other communityself-identifying Rohingya Muslims. This sense of animosity between the two communities needs to be reduced and then eliminated, but an imbalance of resource allocation sustains and nurtures these feelings. NGOs arguments that Arakanese communities are better-off than Muslim communities economically and receive more government social services fall on deaf ears. Arakanese are also suffering from deprivation in what is Myanmars second poorest state. NGOs have been operating in Rakhine State for more than 20 years, but they must consider including Arakanese in humanitarian aid and development initiatives in order to reduce sensitive feelings of animosity toward others.

One member of a local civil society organization told me that many poor Arakanese people rarely receive material or financial assistance from international NGOs compared to the Muslim population. She provided the example of an NGO-led project to build small water reservoirs in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships of northern Rakhine for Muslim farmers, which Arakanese farmers did not have access to. She also said NGOs provided learning materials for Muslim students in the same areathe bulk of which ended up on the black market, being sold to Arakanese students. It was incidents of imbalance like these, she said, that was fueling resentment among the Arakanese community.

The perception of imbalancewhether real or imaginedcan, and will, contribute to ethnic and sectarian conflict in Rakhine.

Some people in Rakhine wish NGOs would better communicate with communities on the ground to prevent Arakanese people feeling suspicious of projects and wondering why they do not feel the direct benefits. There have been instances of aid being transported to camps for internally displaced Muslim persons passing through Arakanese communities, fueling resentment.

Other people I talked to mentioned that NGO workers displayed their material wealth with blunt disregard to the situation of locals by driving expensive cars, being transported in speed boats, and staying in expensive hotels. Some NGOs rent the best houses in Sittwe, locals have said, destabilizing the property market and pushing up rental fees.

In 2015, an overloaded passenger ferry sank between Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, claiming the lives of at least 72 people. One survivor criticized NGO workers for failing to help, and speculated that they would have done so if it were Muslim lives at risk. Ethnic Arakanese also feel the NGO community does not consider their community in development initiatives. One local CSO member told me there was no assistance from international organizations to help Arakanese CSOs counter foreign investment in Sittwe port, while organizations stepped in to support local community objections in projects in Myitsone, Letpadaung, Dawei, and Thilawa.

The perception most Arakanese have of NGOs may be misguided, but NGOs failure to properly communicate and consult ethnic Arakanese has led to dangerous misunderstandings and suspicion.

Aung Myo Oo is a native of Sittwe and a commentator on Rakhine politics. He received a Master of Human Rights and Democratization from the University of Sydney.
Wednesday, Sep 13th, 2017 (8:58 am) - Score 624

The Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council in Northern Ireland has agreed to bid for 2.12m of public funding from the UK Governments new 200m programme, which could help the region to build a new Gigabit fibre optic ring around the region and improve rural connectivity.

The Government recently announced that 10m from the 200m fund had been set aside to setup 6 local pilots of full fibre (FTTP/H) broadband / Ethernet networks, which will aim to test innovative ways of using the service (e.g. vouchers and opening up public sector assets etc.) to connect businesses, homes and public sector sites (here).

Sadly Northern Ireland was not included in any of the initial pilot areas, although that doesnt mean local authorities cant start designing and submitting their own bids to the central UK Governments related Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) scheme / challenge fund. Under this approach local bodies are expected to leverage local investment and activity to stimulate more Gigabit capable full fibre connections in their areas.

A meeting was held last night to discuss precisely this.

Council Decision(s)s Required It is recommended that Members approve: 1. The development of a full application to Broadband UK for a funding package in the region of 2.12 million that would establish a Gigabit fibre ring in the Borough. If successful, external expert assistance to prepare the bid will be required with an estimated cost of 10,000. 2. A joint Expression of Interest is also being coordinated by Belfast City Council for all Northern Ireland Councils. It proposes an extension of the current voucher scheme, to which all businesses can apply to assist with Superfast broadband connections. 3. The organisation of a Broadband Conference on 27th September at a cost in the region of 2,500.

We should point out that all of this is separate to the recently announced 150 Million DUP + Conservative Party deal for Northern Irelands broadband infrastructure (here), which is currently stuck in limbo due to the on-going political deadlock over wider issues.

Otherwise four delivery methods have been stipulated under the LFFN programme and the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Expression of Interest (EOI) envisages using three of them: Public Sector Anchor Tenancy, a Gigabit Voucher Scheme and Full Fibre Upgrades for Public Sector Sites.

Detail of the Boroughs Proposal Full Fibre Network operating at Gigabit speeds in the Borough would mean that our telecoms infrastructure would be fully future proofed. It would provide the opportunity to cost effectively extend fibre to many more business and domestic premises borough-wide. The following are the main aims and conditions of this new government fund: * Bids may come from any public sector body, or group of bodies in the UK. * By submitting an EOI, help with formulating a full bid will be provided by Broadband UK (BDUK). * Local Full Fibre Networks will be fully future proofed. * Capital funding only, no revenue funding, or contribution to admin costs is eligible. * Match funding is not required, however BDUK are more likely to support proposals which either have co-investment from (either capital funding, or committed service charges over several years), or those projects that are most likely to encourage additional investment from other parties. * Results will be known later in 2017. * All LFFN funding should be disbursed no later than March 2021. * Four delivery methods have been stipulated and the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon EOI envisages the use of three of them namely, Public Sector Anchor Tenancy, a Gigabit Voucher Scheme and Full Fibre Upgrades for Public Sector Sites.

Under the proposed plan the borough would aim to cover existing Business Centres at Banbridge and CIDO, Bluestone and Mayfair, plus the proposed Digi-Hub provision for the Borough and the proposed new Leisure Centre and new Southern Regional College Campus. Connection of the three main civic buildings will then complete the Gigabit Ring.

The total number of Gigabit connections has been estimated at 881 business and 1,845 domestic premises, which isnt especially big but then the improved local infrastructure might also help to facilitate the introduction of wider broadband deployments at a later date.

A joint EoI is separately being coordinated by Belfast City Council for all NI Councils. It proposes an extension of the current voucher scheme, to which all businesses can apply to assist with the installation of superfast broadband connections. Belfast City Council has been coordinating the current scheme for the last three years and to date over 50 local businesses have received vouchers, each valued at 3,000.

The new proposal and related issues are due to be discussed at a special conference on 27th September 2017, which is titled Broadband  Local Needs, Local Solutions and will be hosted by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in the Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre.
New Zealand telecommunications companies and service providers cop the most criticism from the countrys consumers of all business and industry sectors, according to a new report just published by the competition enforcement and regulatory agency The Commerce Commission.

A review of the 7270 complaints received by the commission in the 12 months to the end of June this year reveals telecommunications continue to be the most complained about industry, with the number of complaints increasing by nearly a third on last year.

Commissioner Anna Rawlings says the trend reinforces the Commissions decision to make retail telecommunications a priority focus area for the coming year across both our consumer and regulation work.

Other industries that feature in the most complained about category include domestic appliance retailers, motor vehicle traders, electricity retailers and supermarkets.

The Commission undertook a number of initiatives to better understand the potential issues facing New Zealand consumers and where there is likely to be the greatest harm  and the online shopping sector attracted a large number of consumer complaints.

We are receiving an increasing number of complaints about Fair Trading Act issues such as pricing practices, representations about goods and services, warranties and guarantees, and traders not delivering the goods purchased, Rawlings said.

With the continued growth of online shopping, we are now seeing more than 40% of Fair Trading Act complaints relate to consumer experiences online.

While Internet shopping is convenient and gives consumers access to new products, consumers need to research the traders they intend to buy from and pay attention to additional costs such as booking fees, the currency they are paying in, and whether the fine print discloses they have been signed up to a monthly subscription.

In relation to consumer credit, the Commission reports that complaints about issues such as irresponsible lending, repossession practices and consumers finding it difficult to apply for hardship protections from their lender when in financial distress, have increased by nearly a quarter over the 2015 calendar year.

We believe this increase is in some part fuelled by our work with the budget advisory sector to help them to identify and report lending practices that may be unlawful, Rawlings said.

We are continuing to focus on compliance with consumer credit laws and will prioritise the investigation of irresponsible lending practices in the coming year because of the significant harm it can cause already vulnerable consumers.

The full consumer complaints report and an infographic illustrating the key findings can be found on the Commissions website.
The US Senate Intelligence Committee has said that it is likely to ask representatives from Facebook to give public testimony about activity by Russia during the 2016 presidential election.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Republican Senator Richard Burr and Democrat Senator Mark Warner, who comprise the bipartisan leadership of the committee, had said they were holding discussions with other chairmen of Congressional committees about a public hearing to detail election-related activity by foreigners on social media platforms.

Burr, who heads a committee inquiring into Russian activity during the poll, said he was inclined to hold such a hearing but was working out the scope and jurisdiction and also who needed to be called to testify.

The news comes a few days after Facebook admitted that some of its revenue during the election period had come from what appears to politically motivated fraud committed by a Russian firm. The company said it had identified about 500 inauthentic accounts responsible for US$100,000 in ad spending that it believed had Russian connections.

What was the content of the Russian-backed ads in question?

How many people saw these ads? How many people clicked them?

What were the Facebook pages associated with the ads? How many members did they have?

What specific targeting criteria (race, age, and most importantly, location) did the Russian ads choose?

Inheadlined "Make Mark Zuckerberg testify", The Intercept said that Facebook had been asked the following queries by various media outlets after the disclosure:

The company told The Intercept: "We are not commenting beyond the blog post at this time."

The website pointed out that this response was similar to that which the social media giant had dished out when asked about the fact that its American advertising audience in certain cases exceeded the actual number of people.

To this, The Intercept said, Facebook had retorted that its numbers are not designed to match population or census estimates. We are always working to improve our estimates".

Burr was quoted by the WSJ as saying: "Now that we've opened up this avenue of social media, it's of great interest for us to get a full accounting from everyone who operates in the space if in fact foreign money found its way in to finance any of the efforts on social media."

Claims of Russian interference in the US election have been rife ever since Donald Trump unexpectedly defeated Hillary Clinton.
Macquarie Government, a division of Macquarie Telecom, has been added to the NSW GovDC Marketplace.

With the appointment, Macquarie says it will deliver purpose-built cloud and cyber security solutions to NSW Government agencies.

According to the firm, growing cloud demand from government agencies provides Macquarie Government with great confidence for future growth across both federal and state government.

Accordingly, there is further investment in expansion being made to meet this demand, with an increase in OPEX of around $3 million and CAPEX by $1.6 million in this financial year, in addition to the standard business as usual investments in this area, Angela Anderson, head of Business Development  State Government at Macquarie, said.

We are investing even more heavily in building the infrastructure for government and are thrilled to now be able to leverage that for NSW Government clients.

The opportunity to bring to NSW Government agencies the insights and experience from our fourteen years in Canberra, is an exciting prospect.

Derek Paterson, director, NSW GovDC & marketplace services, Department of Finance Services and Innovation, said: The GovDC Marketplace is focused on assisting government agencies to deliver fast, cost effective and reliable solutions to NSW citizens through as-a-service cloud capability solutions. Our pre-qualified suppliers are a vital part of that, with agencies able to choose the right solution for them based on the hybrid value proposition of each supplier.

We are proud of the Tier 1 Federal Agencies in Canberra  including the Australian Taxation Office and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade  choosing to work with us today to develop innovative and flexible cloud solutions, Aidan Tudehope, managing director of Macquarie Government, said.

The combination of our history as an Australian-founded, owned and operated business, the famous Macquarie customer services model  built on our investment in onshore, in house staff  and our cyber security credentials as the provider of secure Internet gateway services for dozens of agencies, makes for a unique offering.
The US Department of Homeland Security has ordered all government agencies to stop using products from Kaspersky Labs, with a deadline of 90 days to implement plans to discontinue the use and to remove software from information systems.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the DHS said the ban was based on "the information security risks presented by the use of Kaspersky products on federal information systems".

When politics use the news to shape facts, no one wins. Our response to DHS Binding Operational Directive 17-01 

https://t.co/BZkFOzqK0o pic.twitter.com/1KDqTfl7CT  Eugene Kaspersky (@e_kaspersky) 13 September 2017

Agencies have been given 30 days to identify their use of Kaspersky products and 60 days to develop detailed plans to remove and discontinue present and future use of the products.

Moves against Kaspersky Lab in the US have been building ever since the presidential elections of 2016, after claims that Russia had interfered to influence things the way of Donald Trump began to gain traction.

Since then, the FBI has beenprivate sector companies to give up use of Kaspersky products. The first indication of its success came last week when multinational consumer electronics corporation Best BuyKaspersky products from its shelves and offered customers help to get rid of installed software.

Eugene Kaspersky, the head of Kaspersky Labs.

Prior to that, in July, the US government removed Kaspersky products from a list of approved software suppliers for two government-wide purchasing contracts.

The DHS statement claimed the ban on Kaspersky products was made for security reasons.

I guess this explains it all Guilty til proven innocent, jailed til you clear your name Welcome to 21st century https://t.co/Zksvh5fDJi pic.twitter.com/4YFfuYomwQ  Eugene Kaspersky (@e_kaspersky) 13 September 2017

"Kaspersky anti-virus products and solutions provide broad access to files and elevated privileges on the computers on which the software is installed, which can be exploited by malicious cyber actors to compromise those information systems," the statement said.

"The Department is concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies, and requirements under Russian law that allow Russian intelligence agencies to request or compel assistance from Kaspersky and to intercept communications transiting Russian networks.

"The risk that the Russian Government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalise on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates US national security."

It said Kaspersky was being given the opportunity to provide a written response regarding the concerns it had voiced, or to mitigate those concerns.

"The Department wants to ensure that the company has a full opportunity to inform the Acting Secretary of any evidence, materials, or data that may be relevant," it said. "This opportunity is also available to any other entity that claims its commercial interests will be directly impacted by the directive."

On Tuesday, reacting to the Best Buy action, Kaspersky said it planned to open three new offices in North America next year.

"Currently, Kaspersky Lab has three operational offices in North America. As part of its ongoing commitment to the market, the company plans to open three new offices in the region in 2018: Chicago, Los Angeles and Toronto," the company said in a statement.

"Given that US Government sales have not been a significant part of the companys activity in North America, Kaspersky Lab is exploring opportunities to better optimise the Washington DC office responsible for threat intelligence offerings to US Government entities."

The company said it had operated in the region since 2005, and North America remained a strategic market.

"The companys North American unit employs nearly 300 employees, including members of the expert Global Research and Analysis Team. Expanding the companys presence in the region will better enable Kaspersky Lab to provide its customers with the best cyber security solutions and services," it added.

Photos: courtesy Kaspersky Labs
Eye-screening technology developed by the CSIRO could make it easier to prevent the 1.7 million Australians who have diabetes from going blind.

The organisation said the technology enabled general practitioners to test for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects one in three diabetics and that could lead to blindness if not treated.

At the moment, only specialists can screen for the condition.

The technology was tested at the GP Superclinic at Midland Railway Workshops in Perth with financial support from an NHMRC grant and base funding from WA Health and the CSIRO through the Australian Tele-health Research and Development Group.

During the trial, GPs successfully screened 187 diabetic patients, using high-resolution images that were analysed for signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Dr Aly Khanbhai, one of the doctors involved in the trial, uses the new scanning technology on a patient.

Side by side, the images were also analysed by an ophthalmologist; the technology was found to be equally effective in detecting signs of diabetic retinopathy and grading its severity.

Professor Yogi Kanagasingam, creator of the technology and co-lead of the trial, said it could help people with diabetic retinopathy receive treatment faster.

Patients at risk of this condition would usually be referred to a specialist for screening, waiting six weeks or more  now it can potentially be done in a single 30-minute visit to a GP, he said.

Early detection and intervention for diabetic retinopathy is key, and this new tool is the first step to help GPs prioritise patients for treatment.

It could help avoid unnecessary referrals to public hospitals, potentially reduce waiting periods for patients and enable ophthalmologists to focus on patients needing treatment and surgery.

"It could also help reduce the financial impact of diabetes on the Australian economy, which is estimated to cost up to $14 billion a year.

Dr Amitha Preetham, director of the GP Superclinic at Midland Railway Workshops and trial co-leader, said industry-wide and multi-sector support for spread of medical technologies in primary care was important to improve health outcomes for Australian communities.

It has been exciting to partner with CSIRO in utilising artificial intelligence in general practice to aid early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and early access to treatment, and potentially prevent blindness due to diabetes, she said.

The grading software uses artificial intelligence  affectionately named Dr Grader  and was developed by CSIRO researchers. Ophthalmologists grading data was used by Dr Grader to improve its ability to detect various signs of diabetic retinopathy.

The software has been licensed by TeleMedC who will seek to make it commercially available. There are plans to install it at 20 GP clinics in Western Australia over the next few months, before expanding across the country.

Photos: courtesy CSIRO
The Google Assistant will soon have with a stack of Aussie apps, with developers and companies now able to build apps to engage with Aussies through Actions on Google".

Ok, so the Google Assistant isnt quite going to become the Aussiestant, but it will feature many more apps aimed at Australian Assistant users soon, with many locally tuned apps already available".

The news comes with a blog post Brad Adams, Googles product manager for Google Assistant, and as the news was issued via embargo, I dont have a link to where this info has gone live at time of publication, but it will probably be here.

Adams sets the scene, stating that: whether youre planning a BBQ, mapping your travels or helping the kids with their homework, your Google Assistant is always ready to help. You can ask about your day or your commute, explore your favourite topics, switch on appliances, and get answers to hundreds of small and big questions during your day".

But to be truly successful, advises Adams, your Google Assistant should be able to connect you across the apps and services in your life.

So starting today, developers and companies can build apps to engage with Aussies through Actions on Google, the developer platform for the Google Assistant. And as a user, youll be able to access more of your favourite services and content straight through your Google Assistant.

At the site linked above, were told that Actions on Google lets you build apps for the Google Assistant. Your apps can help you engage users through Google Home, eligible Android phones, iPhones, and in the future, through every experience where the Google Assistant is available".

Developers are also advised that you can reach users right when they need you, with no need for users to install anything to interact with your apps. When they ask for you by name, well connect them with your app immediately. And if you tell us what types of actions your app can handle, we can offer it as a recommendation to relevant user questions".

Theres even the possibility to monetise your apps with frictionless transactions, whereby if your app offers goods and services, Google Assistant can be used to purchase goods and services using new or existing payment methods on file either with Google or with your service. Users can also check their order history, get status updates, reorder items, and more".

Its a comprehensive service, allowing the building of sophisticated voice-controlled apps that respond to user voice commands, and bringing forth the voice controlled Star Trek future of the 24th century to us here in the 21st.

Article continues below  please read on!

So, Google is putting the call out to developers to continue building, and to let Australians know apps are here with more on the way, to ensure momentum continues building for Googles most personal assistant of all, with Google Home widely available in stores, Google Assistant widely available on smartphones running Android 6.0 and up, and even on iPhones, all as linked below.

Adams continues his app appeal: For anyone who wants to build for the Assistant, resources such as developer tools, documentation and a simulator are available on the Actions on Google developer website, making it easy to create, test and deploy apps. Developers can read more here.

Now that were making apps available, Aussies have easy and fast access to all types of apps. Once an app works with the Assistant, you can just tell your Assistant to connect you with the app with a simple voice command  whether its on Google Home, Pixel, Android phones or iPhones."

"And the best thing?" asks Adams, who then answers: "You dont need to install anything extra, well connect you straight with the app youd like to interact with.

Adams adds: Stay tuned as local Aussie apps rollout soon, and dive in today by trying one of the many apps already available. To explore the latter, just launch the Google Assistant on your phone [instructions here if needed] or check out the Google Home app.

We hope that this growing platform will give more Aussies the help they need, at home or on-the-go  from the morning rush hour to the weekend unwind. With our partners, we look forward to exploring and delivering these new possibilities for the Australian Google Assistant.

So, with Google assisting its Assistant and its developers to create apps to engage Aussies through Actions on Google, Google clearly hopes youll take the action needed to engage Google Assistant and seek its help to become your own personal Google".

No doubt Adams will have more information to share soon on Google Assistants great Aussie app-laden adventure, so well keep you appraised of all the app action when we know more!
Strong regional performance in the Asia/Pacific region due to data centre infrastructure build-outs was mainly attributable to growth in worldwide server revenues and shipments in the second quarter of the year, according to a new report.

In its latest report on the server market Gartner says that in the second quarter of 2017, worldwide server revenue increased 2.8% year over year, while shipments grew 2.4% from the second quarter of 2016.

"The second quarter of 2017 produced some growth compared with the first quarter on a global level, with varying regional results," said Jeffrey Hewitt, research vice-president at Gartner.

"The growth for the quarter is attributable to two main factors. The first is strong regional performance in Asia/Pacific because of data centre infrastructure build-outs, mostly in China. The second is ongoing hyperscale data centre growth that is exhibited in the self-build/ODM (original design manufacturer) segment.

Hewitt also said that x86 servers increased 2.5% in shipments and 6.9% in revenue, and that RISC/Itanium Unix servers fell globally for the period  down 21.4% in shipments and 24.9% in vendor revenue compared with the same quarter last year. The 'other' CPU category, which is primarily mainframes, showed a decline of 29.5% in revenue."

Gartner also reveals that Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) continued to lead in the worldwide server market based on revenue  and despite a decline of 9.4%, the company posted US$3.2 billion in revenue for a total share of 23% for the second quarter of 2017.

Dell EMC maintained the No. 2 position with 7% growth and 19.9% market share and Huawei experienced the highest growth in the quarter with 57.8%.

In server shipments, Dell EMC maintained the top position in the second quarter of 2017 with 17.5% marketshare while HPE secured the second spot with 17.1% of the market.

Gartner also reports that Inspur Electronics experienced the highest growth in shipments with 31.5% for the quarter, followed by Huawei with 26.1% growth.
Dell Boomis integration platform-as-a-service (iPaaS) is being used by Adelaides Flinders University to enable a connected environment as the university begins to execute its five-year digital strategy through to 2021.

According to Boomi, the primary objective driving the universitys strategy to migrate to its platform is to provide a personalised and customised education experience to each of its 26,000 students throughout their entire journey  from prospect to graduate.

Under the contract, Flinders will also leverage the Boomi Master Data Management Cloud, managed from the same Boomi integration platform, so it can accurately map this journey by ensuring data is consistent and up-to-date across a diverse range of applications regardless of where the data was initially collected.

Flinders digital strategy will result in the widespread use of cloud services to optimise and enhance learning for our students no matter the study they are completing, said Kelvin McCarthy, solution architect, information and digital solutions, Flinders University.

But introducing cloud-based apps is just the first step. We need a way to connect those apps with one another so we can provide a unified experience for users  thats where Boomi comes in.

Boomis integration capabilities ensure these apps operate concurrently and consistently so that students can learn through a modernised environment that is accessible on their terms  on mobile, at any time, and from any location.

Boomi says Flinders selected its solution following a tender process in which it went to market looking for a combination of traditional ESB-style integration, APIs, and MDM.

Future phases of Flinders Boomi project will see it use the Boomi MDM Cloud  launched in Australia in July  to aggregate student data from multiple sources.

If we cant understand the student, what stage in their learning journey they are, and what they need, we cant optimise the services we offer them, nor can we propose further opportunities, McCarthy said.

We have the Student Management System, Learning Management System, alumni management system and a plethora of other applications which contain chunks of information about every student. Thats a lot of data, and if it isnt synchronised, it can cause significant conflicts.

"With Boomi, we can have confidence in data accuracy as all information stored by our apps will be handled by the MDM platform in the cloud. This type of accuracy and real-time access helps us better understand the student journey, and will become increasingly important the further we progress along our digital roadmap.

Todays students, most of whom would be digital natives, expect more than competency-based learning  they want a unique, tech-enabled experience that fits their aspirations and is shaped around their schedules, said Michael Evans, managing director APJ, Dell Boomi.

Using Boomis cloud-native platform to connect applications and maintain data integrity, Flinders can analyse the needs of its students and seamlessly align the learning experiences it offers to those demands.
What is Heartbleed?

Heartbleed is a vulnerability in OpenSSL that came to light in April of 2014; it was present on thousands of web servers, including those running major sites like Yahoo.

OpenSSL is an open source code library that implements the Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols. The vulnerability meant that a malicious user could easily trick a vulnerable web server into sending sensitive information, including usernames and passwords.

The TLS/SSL standards are crucial for modern web encryption, and while the flaw was in the OpenSSL implementation rather than the standards themselves, OpenSSL is so widely usedwhen the bug was made public, it affected 17% of all SSL serversthat it precipitated a security crisis.

Why is Heartbleed called Heartbleed?

The name Heartbleed comes from heartbeat, which is the name for an important component of the TLS/SSL protocol. The heartbeat is how two computers communicating with one another let each other know that they're still connected even if the user isn't downloading or uploading anything at the moment. Occasionally, one of those computers will send an encrypted piece of data, called a heartbeat request, to the other. The second computer will reply back with the exact same encrypted piece of data, proving that the connection is still in place.

The Heartbleed vulnerability gets its name because attackers can use heartbeat requests to extract information from a target servermetaphorically, the victim bleeds out sensitive data through its heartbeat requests.

How does Heartbleed work?

Heartbleed works by taking advantage of a crucial fact: a heartbeat request includes information about its own length, but the vulnerable version of the OpenSSL library doesn't check to make sure that information is accurate, and an attacker can use this to trick the target server into allowing the attacker access to parts of its memory that should remain private. To understand the mechanism behind this, let's walk through a typical example of OpenSSL in action.

Imagine you're reading your Yahoo mail but haven't done anything in a while to load more information. Your web browser wants to make sure Yahoo's server is still up and listening, so it will send a message saying, in essence, "This is a 40 KB message you're about to get. Repeat it all back to me." This is the heartbeat request we discussed earlier. Heartbeat requests can be of variable sizes (up to 64 KB), and each request needs to include information about its specific length.

When Yahoo's server receives that message, it allocates a memory buffera region of physical memory where it can store informationequal in size to the reported length of the heartbeat request. In our example, that's 40 KB. Next, the server stores the encrypted data from the request into that memory buffer, then immediately reads the data back out of it and sends it back to your web browser. When your browser gets back the same information it sent out, it can be sure it still has a connection to the server it's been talking to up to this point.

That's how it's supposed to work. The Heartbleed vulnerability arose because OpenSSL's implementation of the heartbeat functionality was missing a crucial safeguard: the computer that received the heartbeat request never checked to make sure the request was actually as long as it claimed to be. So if a request said it was 40 KB long but was actually only 20 KB, the receiving computer would set aside 40 KB of memory buffer, then store the 20 KB it actually received, then send back that 20 KB plus whatever happened to be in the next 20 KB of memory. There could be all kinds of things in that 20 KB, because even when a computer is done with information, that data persists in memory buffers until something else comes along to overwrite it. That extra 20 KB of data is information that the attacker has now extracted from the web server.

Why is Heartbleed dangerous?

Heartbleed is dangerous because it lets an attacker see the contents of that memory buffer, which could include sensitive information. Admittedly, if you're the attacker, you have no way to know in advance what might be lurking in that 20 KB you just grabbed off the server, but there are a number of possibilities. It could be gibberish or useless cruft. If you're really lucky, you could get SSL private keys, which would allow for the decryption of secure communication to that server; this is unlikely, but would be the holy grail for an attacker. More commonly, you could get back usernames and passwords that had been submitted to applications and services running on the server, which would allow you to log in to those apps and gain access to user accounts.

Randall Munroe's web comic xkcd is known for making difficult scientific concepts accessible, especially in computer science, Munroe's specialty. This xkcd comic from 2014 does a great job of summarizing how the Heartbleed vulnerability works in a concise way.

How was Heartbleed discovered?

Heartbleed was actually discovered by two different groups, working independently, in very different ways: once in the course of a review of OpenSSL's open source codebase, and once during a series of simulated attacks against servers running OpenSSL. The two independent discoveries happened within weeks of one another, which is somewhat ironic considering that the vulnerability had lurked undetected for two years.

The first to discover Heartbleed was Neel Mehta, an engineer working at Google, in March of 2014. Mehta had decided to do a line-by-line audit of the OpenSSL code because two earlier SSL flaws that had been uncovered earlier that year, goto fail and GnuTLS, made him suspect that other dangers might be lurking elsewhere in the SSL/TLS ecosystem. After he spotted the bug and realized its implications, Google began to privately warn some infrastructure companies like CloudFlare about it, although they did not make it public or say anything to the U.S. government.

The second discovery happened at Codenomicon, a Finnish cybersecurity firm, just a few weeks later. The company was working on a product called Safeguard, designed for penetration testing on encryption and authentication tooling. In the grand tech industry tradition of eating your own dog food, Codenomicon decided to test Safeguard on their own infrastructureand discovered that they could gain access to a shocking amount of data.

Codenomicon proceeded quite differently from Google: not only did they publicize their discovery, but they branded it: they were the ones who came up with the Heartbleed name, and they even designed a logo for it. It was one of the first (though by no means the last) examples of a security company turning the discovery of a vulnerability into a marketing opportunity.

Heartbleed CVE

The identifier for Heartbleed in the common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVE) system is CVE-2014-0160; you can follow that link for a wealth of information about the bug. "Heartbleed" is obviously a lot catchier, so you can understand why Codenomicon's name stuck.

Heartbleed code

A single line of code contains the mistake that gave rise to the Heartbleed vulnerability:

memcpy(bp, pl, payload);

memcpy() is the command that copies data. bp is the place it's copying it to, pl is where it's being copied from, and payload is the length of the data being copied. As we've seen, the problem is that there's never any attempt to check if the amount of data in pl is equal to the value given of payload .

The most ironic thing here is that OpenSSL is open source software. Anyone could look at the code, and presumably hundreds did, but until Mehta and the Codenomicon team stumbled upon it, nobody noticed this fairly elementary coding error. In fact, because open source projects like OpenSSL meticulously keep track of contributors, we know whose error it was: Robin Seggelman, a German software developer, who had made numerous contributions to the OpenSSL project.

Heartbleed exploits: Who is affected by Heartbleed?

There have been real-world exploits of the Heartbleed vulnerability, though it's not clear if any took place before the bug was widely publicized. It's possible that some attempted attacks detected by security companies as early as 2013 were probing for the vulnerabilityand some think the attackers were government security agencies.

After April of 2014, when Codenomicon made the vulnerability public, there was a flurry of activity and a certain amount of chaos as companies scrambled to update their systems; for instance, Yahoo and OKCupid users were briefly advised not to log into their accounts until those services managed patch their installs of OpenSSL, and to change their passwords once they did regain access.

While those big companies managed to get their ducks in a row before anything bad befell them, hackers were able to exploit the vulnerability in several cases. An attack on Community Health Systems that stole patient data was blamed on Heartbleed, as was the theft of hundreds of social ID numbers from the Canadian Revenue Agency.

Heartbleed cost

Heartbleed had costs that went beyond the damages caused by these successful attacks; Security Magazine estimated that just the cost of thousands of organizations needing to revoke and replace their SSL certificates could run as high as $500 million. Add in the worker-hours required to check and update systems and you have a big spike in spending that can be directly tied to this vulnerability.

The Heartbleed fix

The Heartbleed fix was rolled out in version 1.0.1g of the OpenSSL library, released on April 8, 2014, and was also included in all subsequent versions of the software. You can fix the Heartbleed vulnerability by upgrading to the latest version of OpenSSL, and can find links to all the latest code on the OpenSSL website.

If you're curious about the code that implements the fix, you can look at itafter all, OpenSSL is open source:

/* Read type and payload length first */

if (1 + 2 + 16 > s->s3->relent)

return 0;

/* silently discard */

hbtype = *p++;

n2s(p, payload);

if (1 + 2 + payload + 16 > s->s3->rrec.length)

return 0;

/* silently discard per RFC 6520 sec. 4 */

pl = p;

The first part of this code makes sure that the heartbeat request isn't 0 KB, which can cause problems. The second part makes sure the request is actually as long as it says it is.

Is Heartbleed still a problem?

Given that Heartbleed was discovered and patched more than eight years ago, you may be surprised to learn that many servers are still harboring the Heartbleed vulnerabilityin fact, there were over 200,000 online in November 2020, according a researcher at the SANS Internet Storm Center. While that number has probably come down a bit since then, there are almost certainly a number of vulnerable servers still waiting to be hacked. Seasoned security pros probably won't be that surprised to learn thisit's all too common for companies to neglect patching to avoid downtime on mission-critical systems without backups or simply out of neglectbut the sheer number of unpatched machines should be a wakeup call on the importance of rolling out a robust patch management program in your own shop.

Heartbleed vulnerability test: How to detect Heartbleed

You can easily test your servers to detect the Heartbleed vulnerability using free online tools. For instance, pentest-tools.com has a free web-based test that lets you input a URL to discover if a server has been properly patched for Heartbleed and a number of other vulnerabilities.

If you discover that a server under your control has been left vulnerable for some time, there's more to do than just update the OpenSSL code. For instance, you should change the SSL certificates used by the servers, since they may have been compromised without leaving a trace. More pedestrian but still important: users who have accounts on the system should change their passwords.
Companies are under constant pressure to innovate in todays fast-paced business environment. That might mean creating a better product, improving efficiency, or creating a better customer experience. Unfortunately, the security function tends to be separate from the innovation process or, worse, after the innovation has created a new vulnerability.

That problem will persist unless companies rethink their organizational structures around IT and security. Thats the message that Rapid7 CEO Corey Thomas is delivering in his keynote today at the companys United 2017 event in Boston. He believes that IT and security teams can work together effectively to innovate, create a better user experience, and adopt new technology without increasing the vulnerability surface.

Thomas sees security and IT functioning separately in most organizations. Siloes are killing the organization, says Thomas in an exclusive interview with CSO. Breaking down the siloes and engineering automation solutions to solve some of the persistent vulnerabilities is a solvable problem.

Why is security often an afterthought?

Organizational siloes that keep security at arms length dont work. How many times have we seen these stories play out?

Company X releases a new, innovative product that meets with some initial success. Later, hackers find a vulnerability that could have been easily addressed during the development process. Company X scrambles to fix the problem and salvage its credibility.

Company Y rolls out a web application that collects customer data. Weak authentication allows data thieves access to customer information. Thats when the security team learns about the apps existence.

Company Z migrates key data to the cloud. IT manages the migration but does not adequately involve security. Key questions go unasked, and as a result, improper configuration leaves the data exposed.

The prevailing assumption is that you innovate first and add security later, says Thomas. People believe that security slows down innovation. They also dont necessarily know the right security vectors, and there is a small kernel of truth to that.

Rapid7 Corey Thomas, Rapid7 CEO

Thomas adds that it is assumed that any new technology you create will have some unforeseen vulnerability. He believes the way to address that is build update mechanisms into the technology. By doing that you improve the long-term security of the technology as well as the user experience.

We live in a technology system that is highly fragmented. Security is best addressed if you have a holistic, integrated view of both the environment and the assets, says Thomas. Organizational structure thats dominated by a siloed view of the world and siloed operations creates not only a negative IT user experience, but also a poor security experience. Functional siloes are the primary reason that organizations get complaints from so many of their users about the experience theyve created, and why you have so much finger pointing.

How should IT and security work together?

IT and security clearly need to work well together, but that will be difficult if they dont understand each other. It is impossible to have both IT and security function well without each having the context of the other, says Thomas. Just passing security vulnerabilities over the wall to the IT team is an inefficient process that no longer works, he adds. Thomas cites organizations having success embedding security in core operations. You see some success in the devops world where some innovators look at how they build security into the development process.

[Related: 4 ways CISOs can improve security operations, increase ROI]

Security cannot be successful separate of IT. The ability to have an integrated view and apply security and IT operations closer together is key to having success, Thomas says.

Thomas believes that communication and collaboration between IT and security are important, but cautions against seeing that alone as a solution. In some ways, [focusing on communication and collaboration] is a distraction, because it gives in to this notion that you can treat security as an appendage, he says. I can have IT processes that are inefficient and dont work. I can have escalating vulnerabilities in my environment because my attack surface continues to expand as I deploy technologies faster than I manage them. And its fine because I just need to communicate technologies that are deploying into the security team.

If you have not designed a process that allows you to update and maintain secure technology as its deployed, even if you communicate, youre still going to be behind. Communication and collaboration are absolutely important, but they are not the root cause of the problem.

What can an integrated IT/security organization do to foster innovation?

In his United 2017 keynote address, Thomas lists four skills that an integrated IT and security organization needs to excel at:

Mastery of data is required to understand the environment, the service experience, the risk profile, and identify attacker behavior.

Mastery of user and customer experience is about understand not just the needs of the organization but the type of experiences that make those needs not just achievable but highly likely.

Mastery of integration is the realization that we dont create experiences from scratch, but rather extent, leverage, and from other products and services

Mastery of automation is about developing the capacity to manage and maintain systems that expand and morph at fast rates.

This is a very different set of skills than what our organizations thrive at today, Thomas said in his keynote address, but many of our society's biggest challenges have demanded that we think differently and try new approaches.

He notes that the same data used to troubleshoot an environment from a security perspectivecollect log data, do forensics across the environment, identify what applications and users are affectedis the same data used to troubleshoot performance issues or which of your assets need to be updated. An integrated view of the environment will ensure that you have the right data to serve all those domains well, Thomas says.

Thomas encourages security professionals to find opportunities to participate in the innovation process. Innovation tends to happen in clusters. The extent to which you have people on that journey together really matters, he says. Security has done a good job of that historically.

Two other opportunities for security professionals might be more of a challenge. The first is generating and contributing to data mastery and organization. Lots of security practitioners tend to create their own data siloes, which contributes to lack of mastery of information and data thats so critical with the types of challenges that we face, says Thomas. Security practitioners can very much contribute and engage here."

Second, shift focus to addressing root causes of security problems. Poor management practice and technology management practices are the root cause of so many security vulnerabilities that organizations have, says Thomas. That can be addressed through better engineering and automation processes around updating, configuring, and controlling the environment.

Thomas doesnt see any company operating with fully, holistically integrated IT and security yet, although a number are on that path as they question some of the foundational assumptions they have about how they operate and organize their technology groups.

Its repeated events that change behavior, says Thomas. Most people throw technology at [security problems] for a while, and then something really bad still happens. Thats when they do a reassessment. Thats how some of the early movers in this space start to experiment with different ways in how they run and operate their technology operations.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Saudi Arabia is alleged to be hiring a PR firm to improve its tattered image in the West .

As usual, such a campaign confuses substance with fluff and the money will be wasted.

I am sympathetic to Saudi feelings that they get an unfair rap. In my Engaging the Muslim World I argued that it is wrong to confuse the Wahhabi form of Islam that the Saudi regime favors with terrorism. The kingdom is pragmatic, and supported the secular nationalist regime of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, for instance. It is not that I agree with almost any Saudi policy, I am just trying to be even-handed.

The Saudis were not involved in 9/11, despite the desperate arguments of the lawyers of the 9/11 victims. The Saudis are innocent but have a lot of money, so it is profitable to railroad them. Saudi Arabia is heavily invested in US stocks and companies, and it was foreseeable that 9/11 would harm those investments pretty badly.

Al-Qaeda did it, not the the Al Saud. Bin Laden had been kicked out and deprived of his citizenship, and was plotting to overthrow the royal family.

Moreover, at least publicly, the Saudis under King Abdullah were against the Bush invasion and occupation of Iraq.

But since Crown Prince Muhammad b. Salman has emerged as the power behind the throne, the kingdom has been flexing its muscles and engaging in an astonishing adventurism that has roiled the region. But the heir apparent is young and inexperienced, and the kingdom has no checks or balances. It is not too late to step back from the brink.

So here are 7 policies the Saudi government can change if it wants a more positive image in the US press.

1. They have to end their savage and fruitless war on poor little Yemen, which has been bombed intensively by Saudi Arabia and its allies. The war has caused 600,000 cholera cases and 2000 cholera deaths, not to mention the people who have died being pummeled from the sky.

2. They have to give up on overthrowing the government of Bashar al-Assad of Syria and recognize that Salafism (the Sunni version of Wahhabism) wouldnt work in Syria. There are too many powerful religious communities, from the Alawites to the Christians to Druze that just would not accept a Salafi state, and nor would most Sunni Syrians. Now that Russia has come in strongly to back al-Assad, funding anti-Assad hard line rebels will just prolong the countrys agony. Syria is resource-poor and poses no threat to Saudi Arabia. Let it go.

3. They should cease their effort to force Qatar to fall in line behind Riyadh. A divided Gulf Cooperation Council is a laughingstock, and it is highly unlikely that mere talking will resolve this one.

4. They should seek a diplomatic resolution of the stand-off with Iran. Actually if they stopped bombing Yemen and made peace with Syria, there wouldnt be much reason to demonize Iran.

5. They should license churches for their Christian guest workers, the way Qatar has. There isnt any reason in Muslim law that Christians cant worship in the Arabian Peninsula. The Quran deplores interfering with or destroying churches and other houses of worship (The Cow 2:114).

6. Stop pushing climate change denialism. Petroleum is done; put a fork in it. The crown prince realizes that the kingdom has to move away from petroleum to fund its government. But guess what. The Empty Quarter would be perfect for a huge solar farm.

7. Let women drive.



Related video added by Juan Cole:

Aljazeera English: Air strikes by Saudi-led coalition in Yemen kill more than 40
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aton Resources Inc. (TSX-V:AAN) (Aton or the Company") is pleased to provide investors with an update on their regional exploration activities, specifically at the Sir Bakis prospect, currently underway at the Companys 100% owned Abu Marawat concession (Abu Marawat or the Concession), located in the Eastern Desert of Egypt.

Highlights:

Field inspection of the Sir Bakis prospect (see Figure 1) has indicated the presence of widespread gold mineralization, over an area covering at least 1800m x 900m in size; indicating potential for the development of reduced intrusive related gold (RIRG) mineralization in the Sir Bakis area, associated with individual shear veins and sheeted vein systems;

Initial grab and channel sampling from the Sir Bakis area has returned assays up to 150 g/t Au and 32.9 g/t Au from grab samples, and 29.5 g/t Au from channel samples;

from grab samples, and from channel samples; First pass surface trenching at the Sir Bakis prospect has returned a highly anomalous surface intersection of 109.1m @ 0.21 g/t Au ;

; First pass regional reconnaissance has identified a new target area, the Black Gaharish prospect, and an initial sample returned an assay grade of 16.5 g/t Au.

Mark Campbell, President and CEO of Aton, commented Most companies would be happy to have a single exploration district, whereas we have multiple districts at our Abu Marawat Concession area, each with unique geological characteristics. The recent exciting results from Sir Bakis prospect area, and at the old Sir Bakis mine demonstrate the huge exploration potential of the newly identified reduced intrusive related gold mineralization trend at Abu Marawat. We have returned similar results from Bohlog, and expect similar results from the old Semna mine, Massaghat and West Garida. Along with our recent new VMS discovery at Waayrah, which lies within the Waayrah-Miranda VMS trend, the potential overall scale of our Abu Marawat license area is impressive. The work that we are doing has created targets for our upcoming autumn drilling campaign. Now that we are moving towards developing our first mines at Hamama and Abu Marawat, which we hope to see producing by the middle of 2020, the focus now is to bring more of our projects on stream over time.

Sir Bakis Prospect

The Sir Bakis prospect is located approximately 12km NE of the Companys Hamama West mineral deposit, and has been extensively worked in both ancient and modern times. Review of remote sensing imagery indicates the widespread occurrence of ancient workings, as well as the remains of ancient mining settlements, and there is archaeological evidence suggesting that mining dates back to the New Kingdom period, over 3,000 years ago. During the modern era a British company, Eridia (Egypt) Exploration Company, mined at Sir Bakis between 1904 and 1906. The remains of the old processing plant, various other mine buildings, a tailings pile, and 2 open adits, which access the underground stopes are evident at Sir Bakis (see Figure 2), dating back to the modern phase of exploitation.

The Main Vein at Sir Bakis, which was the focus of the modern underground mining, can be traced at surface for a distance of some 1.6km in a N-S strike direction. The Main Vein is considered to be a shear vein and was mined at widths of up to 1.5m underground. Approximately 600m NW of the adits there is a zone of narrow sheeted veins which has been worked extensively at surface to shallow depths in ancient times, known as the NW Vein Swarm. The Vein Swarm is approximately 400m along its N-S strike length at surface, and in excess of 100m in width. There are also a number of other major veins in the area, to the NW of the modern mine workings, and numerous smaller veins and shears through the area which have been worked by the ancients. Limited previous sampling at Sir Bakis by the Company in 2014 has returned assays of 4.79 g/t Au from underground, and 2.38 g/t Au from surface channel sampling.

Figure 1. Abu Marawat regional geology, showing the location of Sir Bakis





The mineralization at Sir Bakis predominantly occurs in older basement granodiorites, and is spatially associated with a series of younger granite plutons, including the Ria al Jarrah pluton which outcrops to the north of Sir Bakis (see Figures 1 and 2). There is considerable hornfelsing and contact metamorphism of basement volcanic rocks by the younger intrusive plutons. The younger plutons are considered to represent evolved magmas, displaying aplitic textures in the immediate Sir Bakis area, and are associated with modern tungsten mining at Abu Garida (see Figure 1), and also fluorite mining at a site between Abu Garida and Hamama, to the SW of Sir Bakis. Mineralization at Sir Bakis is primarily located in basement granodiorites, and is typically low sulphide in nature, with only limited amounts of accessory arsenopyrite and pyrite. Previous sampling by the Company of a homogenized bulk sample of the modern tailings returned average assay values of 1.99 g/t Au, 1.71 g/t Ag, 26 ppm Cu, 91 ppm Pb and 82 ppm Zn.

Figure 2. Geological map of the Sir Bakis prospect (after Murr, 1999)





During the first phase of recent sampling a total of 182 surface samples, predominantly channel samples, and some grab samples (see Figure 3) were collected from the general Sir Bakis area. Additionally 3 surface trenches were mechanically excavated, SBT-001 to SBT-003 for a total length of 704m, and were manually channel sampled, over nominal 2m intervals, with a total of 376 trench samples being collected. All samples were submitted to ALS Rosia Montana in Romania, and were analyzed for gold using fire assay with an atomic absorption finish, and for copper, lead, zinc and silver using an aqua regia digest with an atomic absorption finish.

The results from the initial sampling program are very encouraging, with 10% of the surface channel and grab samples returning assay grades greater than 1 g/t Au, with mineralized samples returned from all areas sampled. A single grab sample from an isolated ancient working approximately 2km NE of Sir Bakis between the modern mine and the Massaghat prospect returned an assay of 150 g/t Au. Channel samples from partially mined surface outcrops of the Main Vein returned assays of 29.5 g/t and 5.34 g/t Au; a channel sample from the westernmost vein returned an assay of 7.94 g/t Au, and a grab sample of vein quartz from the northern extension of the Main Vein workings returned an assay of 32.9 g/t Au. Results of the surface sampling are presented in Appendix A. Ag assays were typically low, as were Cu, Pb and Zn which typically had assay values less than 100ppm.

Figure 3. Sampling and trench plan of the Sir Bakis project (quartz veins: red, dykes: blue)





Results from the trenches are also encouraging with anomalous results being returned from all 3 trenches (see Table 1). The best results were obtained from the western end of trench SBT-001, (see Figure 3), which intersected a highly anomalous interval of 109.1m @ 0.21 g/t Au, over the NW Vein Swarm. The NW Vein Swarm was marked by many shallow, narrow ancient workings, typically less than a meter in width to a maximum of 3-4m depth, with the highest grade quartz veins having been removed by the ancient miners. It is therefore considered probable that the trench assays would therefore have considerably underestimated the true grade of the mineralized interval, prior to the ancient shallow mining activity.

Trench From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) Au

(g/t) SBT-001 3.5 112.6 109.1 0.21 SBT-001 203.9 225.4 21.5 0.09 SBT-001 234.4 240.9 6.5 0.22 SBT-002 57.4 59.4 2.0 0.26 SBT-002 132.2 136.8 4.6 0.50 SBT-002 162.2 162.8 0.6 0.97 SBT-002 169.7 190.2 20.5 0.09 SBT-003 34.0 36.0 2.0 0.58 SBT-003 70.0 74.0 4.0 0.42 SBT-003 84.0 86.0 2.0 0.48 SBT-003 173.8 175.8 2.0 0.64 SBT-003 203.8 205.8 2.0 1.24

Table 1  Anomalous intersections from Sir Bakis trenches

The results of the initial phase of sampling at Sir Bakis are very encouraging and the Company believes that the mineralization identified at Sir Bakis displays strong affinities with reduced intrusion related gold (RIRG) systems, such as the proximity to evolved volatile-rich granite plutons, displaying evidence of tungsten and fluorite mineralization; gold mineralization associated with granodioritic host rocks; structural controls on mineralization in preferred orientations; the presence of narrow structurally controlled shear veins and vein swarms or sheeted vein systems; low levels of accessory sulphide minerals; and typically very low levels of silver, lead, zinc, and notably copper in the mineralization. Similar styles of mineralization have also been identified at the nearby Bohlog, Massaghat and Zeno prospects, and the Company believes that it has identified a significant belt of potential RIRG mineralization within the Concession, associated with the late granites (see Figure 1). Further follow-up field work and geochemical analysis of the mineralized samples is planned at Sir Bakis.

It is also noted that there are strong similarities between the Sir Bakis prospect and other significant gold mines and projects within the Egyptian Arabian-Nubian Shield, where mineralization is associated with high grade quartz veins and large lower grade zones of stockwork and sheeted vein mineralization, largely hosted in granitoid host rocks, such as Sukari, Fawakhir-El Sid, Hammash and possibly Anbat. AAN believes that the Arabian-Nubian Shield of Egypt has potential to emerge as a significant RIRG belt, with excellent potential within the Companys Abu Marawat Concession, associated with the post-orogenic or younger granitoid suite of late intrusives.

Black Gaharish Prospect

The new Black Gaharish prospect was identified from investigation of remote sensing imagery, and the presence of ancient workings in the area was confirmed by local Bedouin who have extensive knowledge of many ancient workings in the whole region. A brief initial field visit to the prospect area revealed the presence of numerous ancient working sites, and ancient miners huts. The prospect is located approximately 3km south of the old British mine at Semna, and some 3.5km south-east of a large but remote ancient mining settlement at Zeno. The Company has previously reported high grade assays of up to 46.9 g/t Au from Zeno (see press release dated 15 August 2012).

Mineralisation at Black Gaharish is associated with flat lying structures within intrusive granodioritic host rocks. Limited iron staining and occasional minor copper staining was observed in the mineralised quartz veins, suggesting a generally low sulphide content of the mineralisation. Mineralisation is considered to be structurally controlled and orogenic in nature, and is similar in nature to that at the Semna mine. Further workings to the north were subsequently identified from imagery, and the mineralisation is considered to be an extension of the structurally controlled gold mineralisation system at Semna, and possibly also that at Zeno were many ancient workings have been identified from imagery. A single grab sample of vein quartz from one of the ancient workings returned an assay grade of 16.5 g/t Au. Further field follow up is planned at Black Gaharish, and also at Zeno when the cooler temperatures of autumn and winter will facilitate access to this rather remote site.

Activity update:

Additional results from the preliminary field inspections and sampling conducted at the Semna and West Garida;

Crone Geophysics has completed a ground and downhole electromagnetic survey of the 6 km long prospective horizon (or the hanging wall contact) at Hamama. Interpretation of the survey data has been delayed but is now complete, and the final geophysical synthesis of all geophysics including the 2008 IP and magnetics survey completed at Hamama is expected shortly;

Phase 1 metallurgical test work conducted on Hamama West samples at ALS Metallurgy in Kamloops, BC, has been completed.

About Aton Resources Inc.

Aton Resources Inc. (TSX-V:AAN) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession (Abu Marawat), located in Egypts Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200 km north of Centamins Sukari gold mine. Aton has identified a 40 km long gold mineralized trend at Abu Marawat, anchored by the Hamama deposit in the west and the Abu Marawat deposit in the east, containing numerous gold exploration targets, including three historic British mines. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which display potential for the development of RIRG and orogenic gold mineralization, VMS precious and base metal mineralization, and epithermal-IOCG precious and base metal mineralization. Abu Marawat is over 738km2 in size and is located in an area of excellent infrastructure, a four-lane highway, a 220kV power line, and a water pipeline are in close proximity.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this News Release was prepared by Roderick Cavaney BSc, MSc (hons), MSc (Mining & Exploration Geology), FAusIMM, SEG, GSA, SME, Vice President, Exploration, of Aton Resources Inc. Mr. Cavaney is a qualified person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 13, 2017) - White Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:WGO) (the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results, an exploration update and the commencement of diamond and RC drilling on the White Gold Property recently acquired from Kinross Gold Corp. ("Kinross").

Highlights include:

JP Ross Property: Hole 17JPR002: 3.05m of 21.87 g/t gold, including 1.52 m of 35.8 g/t gold and Hole 17JPR09-B: 6.10m of 3.10 g/t gold, including 3.05 m of 5.46 g/t gold;

Hole 17JPR002: 3.05m of 21.87 g/t gold, including 1.52 m of 35.8 g/t gold and Hole 17JPR09-B: 6.10m of 3.10 g/t gold, including 3.05 m of 5.46 g/t gold; Loonie Property: Hole 17LOO009: 7.6m of 4.6 g/t gold, including 1.52 m of 17.1 g/t gold and Hole 17LOO025: 7.6m of 4.1 g/t gold, including 1.52 m of 11.5 g/t gold;

Hole 17LOO009: 7.6m of 4.6 g/t gold, including 1.52 m of 17.1 g/t gold and Hole 17LOO025: 7.6m of 4.1 g/t gold, including 1.52 m of 11.5 g/t gold; Dime Property: Discovery of large structurally controlled mineralized system;

Discovery of large structurally controlled mineralized system; Commencement of diamond drilling and RC drilling on the White Gold Property (recently acquired from Kinross) to expand and confirm historical resources

2017 Exploration Update

A significant amount of exploration work has been completed and is ongoing on the Company's portfolio of projects. A summary of the work completed to date includes:

24,855 soil samples collected over the Nolan, Bell, Hunker, Bonanza, IND, Toonie, Reba, CLW, Polar, Pedlar, Betty, Hayes, Carlisle and Rice properties.

42 line-km of IP-Resistivity surveys on the Nolan, IND, Dime, Black Hills, Brew and Wolf properties.

22,717 GT Probe samples collected on the Bonanza, IND, Black Hills, Brew, and Wolf properties.

10,812 line-km of airborne DIGHEM surveys on the Nolan, Hunker, Bonanza, IND, Toonie, Loonie, Dime, Black Hill's, JP Ross, Brew, Pedlar, Betty and Wolf properties.

Geologic mapping and prospecting on the Nolan, Bell, Hunker, Dime, Black Hills, JP Ross, Brew and Dime properties.

7,240m of RAB drilling over 99 holes on the Nolan, IND, Dime, Loonie, JP Ross, and Brew properties.

In addition, the Company staked 80 claims on the Thor project. The Thor project is located approximately 5 km west of the White Gold Property and was staked to cover anomalous gold in soil values (from trace to 120 ppb Au) from historic work performed in the area. The Thor project is underlain by felsic orthogniess, metasediments, and ultramafic rocks within a similar structural setting as the adjacent White Gold Property. (See Yukon Assessment Report #095502) (1).

Results for RAB drilling on the JP Ross, Loonie and Dime properties are summarized below. Additional 2017 exploration results will be provided in due course.

David D'Onofrio, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We have been pleased with the execution of the exploration program thus far and are very encouraged by the preliminary findings. We are also excited to get underway with our program on the Golden Saddle and Arc deposits on the recently acquired White Gold Property to increase the size and our confidence in the historical resources and potential prospectively of the properties. The camp is in excellent shape and should provide for efficient program execution."

JP Ross Property

A total of 905.26m over 14 holes was drilled on the Rebecca Target on the JP Ross property. The drilling was conducted to test mineralization beneath and along strike of historic trench JPRB10T0001 (35m of 6.31 g/t Au; reported in Yukon Assessment Report #096205)(1)

Mineralization on the Rebecca occurs within an E-SE trending, steeply south dipping, fault zone associated with brecciated quartz veins and quartz-sericite alteration. The zone is strongly oxidized and is associated elevated Ag, As, Bi, Cu, Pb, W, and Te. Coarse visible gold and electrum locally occurs within the brecciated quartz veins and historic grab samples of the vein material assayed up to 541 g/t Au and 101 g/t Ag (reported in Yukon Assessment Report #096205).

The 2017 RAB drilling program tested beneath the historic trench and traced the structure up to 350m along strike to the NW and SE, and to over 60m depth. It is open along strike and at depth, and there are indications of subparallel structures in the area that are being followed up with additional work including geologic mapping, infill soil sampling and IP-Resistivity surveys. Assay results for the 2017 program ranged from trace to 35.80 g/t Au with the best intercept returning 21.87 g/t Au over 3.048m from hole 17JPR002. Significant results for the RAB drilling program are detailed below:

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) 17JPR002 6.096 9.144 3.048 21.87 Including 6.096 7.62 1.524 35.80 And 18.288 19.812 1.524 1.04 17JPR003 60.96 62.484 1.524 7.64 *Hole ended in mineralization 17JPR006 6.096 15.24 9.144 1.77 Including 12.192 13.716 1.524 6.98 17JPR009-A 33.528 39.624 6.096 2.11 *Hole ended in mineralization 17JPR009-B 21.336 27.432 6.096 3.10 Including 21.336 27.432 3.048 5.46

Insufficient information is available to estimate the true thickness of these intercepts and, as such, the true thickness may be less than the down-hole length intercept reported above.

Loonie Property

The 2017 RAB drilling program on the Loonie property focused on the Lira target, an approximately 75m x 740m zone of anomalous gold in soils associated with an E-NE trending shear zone(s). Historic RAB drilling on the target returned grades from trace up to 20.7 g/t gold, which included 12.2m of 4.93 g/t Au from LOORAB14-01 (see the Company's News Release dated January 23, 2017 for more information available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com)(1). The 2017 RAB program at Lira consisted of 1,970m of drilling in 30 holes that were designed to test the entire strike length of the vein system.

Mineralization along the zone is associated with strongly quartz-sericite-clay altered and brecciated felsic orthogenesis with a sequence of several overlapping and semi to non-contiguous vein segments, disseminated pyrite, and, locally, visible gold. Assay results ranged from trace up to 17.1 g/t Au and are associated with elevated Bi and Te. Significant results for the RAB drilling program are detailed below:

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) 17LOO009 0.0 7.6 7.6 4.6 including 6.1 7.6 1.5 17.1 17LOO012 6.1 7.6 1.5 3.5 17LOO016 13.7 21.3 7.6 0.6 Including 13.7 16.8 3.0 1.2 17LOO017 0.0 7.6 7.6 1.9 Including 0.0 4.6 4.6 3.0 Including 1.5 3.0 1.5 6.4 17LOO018 9.1 21.3 12.2 0.8 Including 15.2 21.3 4.6 1.9 Including 15.2 16.8 1.5 4.2 17LOO025 64.0 71.6 7.6 4.1 including 64.0 65.5 1.5 11.5 17LOO026 64.0 65.5 1.5 4.3 17LOO034 0.0 1.5 1.5 6.7 17LOO035 3.0 7.6 4.6 5.2 Including 3.0 4.6 1.5 9.3

Insufficient information is available to estimate the true thickness of these intercepts and, as such, the true thickness may be less than the down-hole length intercept reported above.

Dime Property

A total of 1,898m over 24 holes of RAB Drilling were completed on the Dime property. The drilling was focused on the Gemini zone and targeted two approximately 325m x 200m north-northeast trending, gold - arsenic soil anomalies associated with strongly sericite altered meta-sediments and fine grained meta-intrusive rocks with zones of quartz veining and brecciation (see the Company's News Release dated April 25th, 2017 for more information available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) (1). The 2017 drilling program tested over 350m of strike length and up to 100m depth along both of the Gemini soil anomalies.

The drilling consistently intercepted broad, up to 44.196m, intercepts of low grade gold mineralization with the best intercept returning 21.336m of 0.586 g/t Au from hole 17DIM010. Individual assays ranged from trace to 2.63 g/t Au and are coincident with strongly elevated As  Pb. Geologic mapping in the area indicates that alteration and mineralization in the target area extends at least 100m vertically lower than tested by the RAB drill and appears to strengthen at depth; indicating the potential for increased grade at depth below the target area. Significant results for the RAB drilling program are detailed below:

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) 17DIM003 16.764 21.336 4.572 0.643 17DIM004 30.48 53.34 22.86 0.402 including 30.48 42.672 12.192 0.605 and 36.576 38.1 1.524 2.63 17DIM005 56.388 74.676 18.288 0.241 and 73.152 74.676 1.524 2.203 17DIM006 0 41.148 41.148 0.199 and 54.864 73.152 18.288 0.372 including 67.056 70.104 3.048 1.31 17DIM008 0 19.812 19.812 0.146 and 48.768 64.008 15.24 0.261 and 79.248 80.772 1.524 1.59 17DIM009 0 35.05 35.052 0.171 and 57.912 80.772 22.86 0.332 including 71.628 74.676 3.048 1.12 17DIM010 0 21.336 21.336 0.586 including 4.572 18.288 13.716 0.791 including 4.572 9.144 4.572 1.34 17DIM011 0 44.196 44.196 0.380 including 4.572 33.528 28.956 0.500 including 9.144 10.668 1.524 1.329 17DIM013 0 19.812 19.812 0.243 17DIM014 3.048 30.48 27.432 0.159 17DIM015 13.716 33.258 19.812 0.179 17DIM016 36.576 76.20 39.624 0.147 17DIM017 0 22.86 22.86 0.285 including 10.668 21.336 10.668 0.385 17DIM018 15.24 18.288 3.048 0.470 17DIM019 0 9.144 9.144 0.246 and 59.436 68.58 9.144 0.218 17DIM020 41.148 64.008 22.86 0.234 17DIM022 9.144 51.816 45.672 0.158 including 28.956 45.72 16.764 0.204 17DIM023 21.336 44.196 22.86 0.325 including 33.328 38.10 4.572 0.801 17DIM024 1.524 54.864 53.34 0.211 including 48.768 50.291 1.524 1.03

Insufficient information is available to estimate the true thickness of these intercepts and, as such, the true thickness may be less than the down-hole length intercept reported above.

White Gold Property

The Company has commenced an aggressive drill program on the Golden Saddle and Arc deposits on the White Gold property. The purpose of the drilling will be to infill and expand the footprint of the mineralization defined in diamond drilling by Underworld Resources and Kinross from 2008 to 2012, with the goal of increasing the size and confidence in the mineralization and potential prospectively of the properties. The Company plans to incorporate the results into an updated mineral resource estimate in respect of the properties, anticipated in Q1 2018.

Golden Saddle Zone

The 2017 drill program on the Golden Saddle ("GS") will focus on infill drilling on the historic resource area and step out drilling along strike to the NE and SW. Specific targets include areas with >50m spacing between historic intercepts on the GS Main zone, with holes extending up to 400m depth. The purpose of the drilling is to improve continuity between known areas of high grade mineralization (>5 g/t Au) and along subparallel footwall zones of mineralization intercepted by the historic drilling. Diamond drilling will focus on holes projected to be >200m depth and a track mounted RC drill will be utilized for all holes <200m depth.

Historic measured and indicated mineral resources on the Golden Saddle range from 840,000 - 1,044,570 ounces grading from 2.7 to 3.19 g/t gold and inferred mineral resources ranging 125,000 - 407,410 ounces grading from 1.8 to 2.52 g/t gold and are based off approximately 50% of the historic drilling (see the Company's News Release dated May 18, 2017 for more information, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) and "Information Regarding Historical Resources" below(1).

Arc Zone

The Arc Zone is located adjacent to the Golden Saddle to the south. The zone extends from surface, has a strike length of 850m, extends 400m down dip, and is still open along strike and down dip. Historic estimates of inferred mineral resources on the Arc include 170,470 ounces contained within 4.37 Mt at a grade of 1.21 g/t Au (see the Company's News Release dated May 18, 2017 for more information available at www.sedar.com).

The historic drilling performed on the Arc was wide-spaced, typically >100 between drill intercepts and requires infill drilling to improve the continuity of the mineralized zone. Additionally, there are indications of a subparallel zone of mineralization below the main Arc Zone that require drill testing. Historic drill intercepts into the lower Arc target, including WD-084: 4.5m of 10.78 g/t Au from 169m depth, demonstrate the potential for high grade mineralization within a lower grade envelope within the target (reported in the technical report titled "White Gold Property Dawson Range Yukon, Canada" dated March 3, 2010, prepared by Lars Weiershauser, P.Geo, Marek Nowak, P.Eng and Wayne Barnett, Pr.Sci.Nat. of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (the "Technical Report"))(1).

Additional work on the White Gold Property including IP-Resistivity surveys, airborne DIGHEM surveys, GT Probe sampling and geologic mapping is ongoing and will be utilized to revise the geologic model for the Golden Saddle and Arc areas and define targets for follow up drilling in 2018.

The Golden Saddle and Arc resource estimates are considered historical estimates and the Company is not treating them as current mineral resources (see the Company's News Release dated May 18, 2017 for more information available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com)(1).

The Company encourages individuals interested in the Company to visit its website (www.whitegoldcorp.ca) to further understand the size and scope of the Company's projects in the White Gold District, Yukon.

The analytical work for the 2017 program has been performed by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd., an internationally recognized analytical services provider, at its Vancouver, British Columbia laboratory. Sample preparation was carried out at its Whitehorse, Yukon facility. All soil samples were using procedure SS80 (dry at 60 C and sieve 100g at -80 mesh) and analyzed by method AQ201 (aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis). All rock, GT Probe, RAB, RC, and diamond core samples are prepared using procedure PRP70-250 (crush, split and pulverize 250 g to 200 mesh) and analyzed by method FA430 (30g fire assay with AAS finish) and AQ200 (0.5g, aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis). Samples containing <10g/t Au were reanalyzed using method FA530 (30g Fire Assay with gravimetric finish). Metallic-screen analysis may also be utilized if coarse gold mineralization is encounter (FS600).

Qualified Person

Jodie Gibson, PGeo, of GroundTruth Exploration Inc. is a "qualified person" as defined under National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release. GroundTruth Exploration Inc. is owned by the spouse of a director of the Company. Potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource on any of the Company's properties to date, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in any such target being delineated as a mineral resource.

Ground Truth Exploration Inc., Dawson City, YT, designed and managed all work for the Company. The reported work was completed using industry standard procedures, including a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program consisting of the insertion of certified standards, blanks, and field duplicates into the sample stream. The qualified person detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data.

About White Gold Corp.

The Company owns a portfolio of 19,438 quartz claims across 30 properties covering over 390,000 hectares representing approximately 40% of the Yukon's White Gold District. Preliminary exploration work has produced several prospective targets. The claim packages are bordered by sizable gold discoveries owned by Goldcorp Inc. and Western Copper and Gold Corporation. The Company has outlined an aggressive exploration plan to further explore its properties. For more information visit www.whitegoldcorp.ca.
TORONTO, ON --(Marketwired - September 13, 2017) - Toachi Mining Inc., ("Toachi" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: TIM) is pleased to report the results of its maiden resource estimate completed for the La Plata gold-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") project, located 85 kilometres southwest of Quito, Ecuador.

Resource Estimate Highlights

Based on a 4 grams gold-equivalent per tonne cutoff grade, (AuEq g/t), Inferred Resources in the North and South Sectors of the La Mina deposit total 1.9 million tonnes (Mt) grading 4.1 g/t gold, 49.4 g/t silver, 3.3 % copper, 4.5% zinc and 0.6% lead.

Inferred Resources in the South Sector include higher grade mineralization for a total of 0.8 Mt grading 5.3 g/t gold, 71.1 g/t silver, 3.2% copper, 0.9% lead and 5.5% zinc at a 4 AuEq g/t cutoff grade.

Robust metal grades, especially in the South Sector, underscore the potential for supporting a high margin, low capital expenditure mining operation.

Recent extension drilling in the South Sector suggests potential for additional resources at depth, based on visual assessment of intersected mineralization. Analytical results for the step-out diamond drill holes are in process.

Table 1: La Plata Gold-Rich VMS Project Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate Summary as at September 1, 2017

Table 1

La Plata Deposit

Inferred Mineral Resource - Ordinary Kriging Estimate Cut Off

AuEq gt/t Mt Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) Au

(koz) Ag

(koz) Cu

(Kt) Pb

(Kt) Zn

(Kt) 2 2.4 3.4 42.2 2.7 0.5 3.8 261 3,241 64 13 90 3 2.1 3.8 46.6 3.0 0.6 4.2 22 3,103 63 12 87 4 1.9 4.1 49.4 3.3 0.6 4.5 245 2,977 61 12 85 5 1.7 4.4 53.0 3.5 0.7 4.8 237 2,879 59 11 81 6 1.5 4.7 57.6 3.8 0.7 5.1 227 2,771 57 11 76 7 1.4 5.0 61.3 4.0 0.8 5.4 219 2,668 54 11 73 8 1.2 5.4 65.1 4.2 0.8 5.7 210 2,558 52 10 69 9 1.1 5.6 67.7 4.4 0.9 5.9 204 2,479 50 10 67 10 1.1 5.8 70.3 4.5 0.9 6.1 197 2,383 48 9 64

Note: Numbers affected by rounding.

The Mineral Resource estimate for the La Mina deposit in the La Plata project in Ecuador is reported in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 and has been estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") "Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves best Practice Guidelines". This mineral resource estimate is classified as Inferred as defined by the CIM. The parameters used to define the gold equivalent cut off grade are listed below.

The final resource estimate report will be filed on SEDAR 45 days after the date of this press release.

Jonathan Goodman, President & CEO of Toachi stated, "We are very happy with the results of our initial resource calculation at La Plata and it continues to exceed our internal expectations."

Parameters Used in the Mineral Resource Estimate

The effective date for this mineral resource estimate is September 1, 2017. The mineral resource is reported at a range of in-situ gold-equivalent cut off grades, given the polymetallic nature of the La Plata deposit . A full list of all cut off grades used is included in Appendix 1 below.

The metal price parameters used are based on US dollars and are as follows:

Gold: $1280/oz

Silver: $17/oz

Copper: $2.85/lb

Zinc: $1.30/lb

Lead: $1.05/lb

Preliminary metallurgical testwork has indicated that conventional flotation has resulted in very high total metal recoveries into three concentrates (copper-lead, zinc and pyrite). As such, the in-situ metal grades have been used to produce a gold-equivalent cut off grade for block model reporting purposes. Grind size optimization during metallurgical testwork suggests that finer grinding assists in targeting particular metals into the different concentrates. Further metallurgical sample collection and testwork is planned.

The La Mina geological model has been developed using Micromine, Vulcan and Isatis software based on available geological data from 126 diamond drill holes totaling 28,308 meters completed to August 2017.

Wireframes, representing the interpreted mineralized zones, were defined using a combination of geology, mineralization, multi-element geochemical analysis and a gold equivalent threshold (4 g/t AuEq which is approximately US$165 in situ value, as an approximation of possible underground mining costs and subsequent processing costs). Wireframes were also produced to represent the contact zone between the 'hanging wall' and 'footwall' lithological groupings, two post-mineralization intrusive units (dolerite and rhyodacite) and the key post-mineralization faults that affect the La Plata deposit. Four mineralized domains were developed (one for the South zone and three for the North zone), as the domains are separated by post-mineralization faulting.

Mineralization is dominated by pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, barite, quartz, sericite and minor bornite and covellite. Structural and mineragraphic analysis suggests that the deposit has been intensely deformed, with multiple recrystallization episodes.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the four mineralized domains and the drilling.

As part of the data collection protocols adopted by Toachi, some 6,292 density measurements have been collected and the data has been used to estimate densities into the block model.

Detailed statistical analysis has been carried out on both the original sampling intervals and on one metre down hole composites, which were used for variography and grade estimation. The deposit was 'unfolded', using Vulcan and Istatis software, prior to variography and grade estimation in order to account for the variable geometry of the mineralized zones. Variography has been modelled with two-structure variograms, with first structure ranges of 40 to 50 meters in the major direction through to 8 to 10 metres in the minor direction, along with overall ranges in excess of 100 meters in the major direction and up to 20 meters in the minor direction.

Block Model Reporting

Block model reporting has been carried out separately for the South and North Sectors of the deposit, separated by the central Quebrada Mala fault. Table 2 shows the Inferred Resources for the South Sector, while Table 3 summarizes the resources for the North Sector. Figure 2 displays a plan view of the block model and representative cross sections, colour coded as AuEq in order to illustrate the high in-situ metal value while Figure 3 shows a typical cross-section through the Southern Sector of the deposit, with the block model colour coded for the gold, silver, copper and zinc.

Table 2

La Plata Deposit: South Sector (South of the Quebrada Mala Fault)

Inferred Mineral Resource - Ordinary Kriging Estimate Cut Off

AuEq g/t Mt Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) Au

(koz) Ag

(koz) Cu

(Kt) Pb

(Kt) Zn

(Kt) 2 1.0 4.7 64.7 2.7 0.8 4.8 147 2,041 27 8 47 3 0.9 5.0 68.5 3.0 0.8 5.2 144 1,964 27 7 46 4 0.8 5.3 71.1 3.2 0.9 5.5 142 1,887 26 7 45 5 0.8 5.7 75.9 3.4 0.9 5.8 139 1,837 26 7 44 6 0.7 6.1 80.4 3.6 1.0 6.1 136 1,789 25 7 42 7 0.6 6.5 84.8 3.8 1.0 6.4 133 1,737 24 7 40 8 0.6 6.7 88.3 3.9 1.1 6.6 130 1,703 24 6 39 9 0.6 6.9 90.3 4.0 1.1 6.7 128 1,665 23 6 38 10 0.5 7.2 93.5 4.2 1.1 6.9 124 1,604 22 6 37

Note: Numbers affected by rounding.

Table 3

La Plata Deposit: North Sector (North of the Quebrada Mala Fault)

Inferred Mineral Resource - Ordinary Kriging Estimate Cut Off

AuEq gt/t Mt Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) Au

(koz) Ag

(koz) Cu

(Kt) Pb

(Kt) Zn

(Kt) 2 1.4 2.5 26.5 2.7 0.4 3.0 114 1,200 37 5 42 3 1.2 2.8 30.0 3.1 0.4 3.4 108 1,139 36 5 40 4 1.0 3.1 32.3 3.3 0.4 3.7 103 1,090 35 5 39 5 0.9 3.3 34.6 3.6 0.5 4.0 99 1,043 33 4 38 6 0.8 3.5 37.9 4.0 0.5 4.3 91 982 32 4 34 7 0.7 3.7 40.4 4.2 0.6 4.5 86 931 30 4 32 8 0.6 4.0 42.8 4.5 0.6 4.8 80 855 28 4 30 9 0.6 4.2 44.8 4.7 0.6 5.0 76 814 27 4 28 10 0.5 4.3 46.5 4.9 0.7 5.2 73 779 25 3 27

Note: Numbers affected by rounding.

La Plata Deposit Geology

Gold-bearing sulphide mineralization at La Plata occurs as compositional banding composed of variable proportions of pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, barite, sericite and quartz. The mineralization has been intensely, and repeatedly, deformed and recrystallized, such that no remnant original volcanogenic compositional banding remains.

Base and precious metal mineralization at La Plata is interpreted to have formed as part of volcanic-exhalite hydrothermal sequence. On a regional scale, there is some evidence for multiple volcanic episodes that are considered favorable for hosting multiple VMS lenses. Examples of this exclusive group of gold-rich VMS camps include Noranda, Doyon-Bousquet-LaRonde and the Flin Flon camps in Canada.

Toachi's exploration staff has identified more than 14 discrete exploration targets across the property concessions which extend for more than 9 kilometres, attesting to the potential of this emerging district.

QA/QC Sampling and Core Sampling Protocols

Before sampling, a centreline, representing bottom of hole (or a reference line when this is not known) is marked on the drill core. The core is cut and sampled, always sampling the right-hand side of the drill core. Samples are selected based on logged geological features, such as rock type, mineralization, alteration, veining etc. Sample length does not exceed 1.2 m nor is smaller than 20 cm. In areas of similar geological characteristics, sample length is, in general, 1 m.

A total of 10% of the samples submitted are certified blanks and internationally certified reference material (CRM) standards and field duplicates with, as a minimum, one blank submitted at the beginning of each sample batch. Certified standards are submitted at an average of 6% of the samples submitted. Field duplicates (represented by duplicate quarter core samples from the original half core sampling interval) are taken at a rate of 1 in 20 of the samples taken.

Drill hole analysis was completed by MS Analytical in Canada, and by ALS in Peru.

For MS Analytical, preparation was performed by Ecuadorian partner, LAC y Asociados. Both LAC y Asociados and MSA are ISO 9001:2008 registered companies. MS Analytical also meets the requirements as outlined in ISO/IEC 17025.

For ALS, analysis was completed by ALS Peru S.A. with sample preparation completed in Quito. The lab is accredited with International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015.

All major ALS Geochemistry analytical laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for specific analytical procedures.

Referee analysis, on a representative suite of sample pulps from the Cambior and Cornerstone drilling campaigns, was carried out by MSA, with a suite of blanks and standards inserted into the sample sequence. In addition, referee analysis of the MSA and ALS analyses was undertaken by SGS Bor, Serbia on a representative set of pulps from the 2016 and 2017 Toachi drilling, along with blanks and standards inserted into the pulp sequence. Statistical analysis of the different sets of QAQC data has shown that assay precision and accuracy of the analyses of the different drilling campaigns meets international best practice standards.

Qualified Person

Brian Wolfe, MAIG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and a principal of International Resource Solutions Pty Ltd., based in Perth, Australia, is the author of the NI 43-101 resource estimate and has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release.

The La Plata Project

Toachi entered into an option agreement with a private Ecuadorian company to earn between a 60% to 75% interest in the La Plata gold-copper-silver-zinc VMS project, located 85 km south of Quito, Ecuador.

For complete terms of the transaction, please see our press release dated February 11, 2016 which is available on our website at www.toachimining.com or on www.sedar.com.

La Plata is a gold-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit which was the subject of small scale mining from both an open pit and underground workings from 1975-1981.

About Toachi Mining Inc.

Toachi brings a disciplined and veteran team of project managers together with a high grade gold-copper-silver-zinc project at La Plata in Ecuador. Toachi is focused on and committed to the development of advanced stage mineral projects throughout the Americas using industry best practices combined with a strong social license from local communities. Toachi Mining has 60,966,435 shares issued and outstanding
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 13, 2017) - QMX Gold Corporation ("QMX" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:QMX) is pleased to report assay results from the first hole in a 4,500-meter drill program targeting the Bonnefond South Tonalite Plug on the east side of QMX Gold's extensive land package in Val d'Or, Quebec (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Val d'Or Mining Camp Property - Current Activities





The first hole of the drill program encountered mineralization and alteration within the Bonnefond South Tonalite Plug which extends from the bedrock interface at 61.7 meters down to 196.0 meters. Assay results from 61.7 meters to 180.6 meters returned 1.5 g/t Au over 118.9 meters; including 2.5 g/t Au over 44.1 meters and 1.6 g/t Au over 33.1 meters (Table 1).

"Our team is thrilled by the broad mineralization intersected in the first hole of the Bonnefond South drill program. The hole confirms our reinterpretation of the geological model and the presence of at least three different orientations of quartz-tourmaline veins within the Tonalite and in sheared mafic dykes." commented Brad Humphrey, President and CEO.

"Our first hole has positively confirmed the characteristics and grade of mineralization recorded in historical drilling on the Tonalite Plug. Further drilling and the use of oriented drill core should allow us to better define the potential for extensions of both the Tonalite and mineralization." stated David Rigg, Senior VP Exploration.

Additional Highlights:

This hole also confirmed the presence of sheared mafic dykes hosting quartz-tourmaline veins. These returned 3.6 g/t Au over 8.4 meters, including 4.2 g/t Au over 6.5 meters; and 2.5 g/t Au over 11.0 meters, including 4.5 g/t Au over 5.6 meters;

Gold mineralization is associated with at least three different sets of quartz-tourmaline veins;

Three shear zones were also intersected within footwall volcanic rocks below the Bonnefond South Plug grading up to 2.8 g/t Au over 6.5 meters;

Six holes for 2,780 meters have been completed to date, assays for holes 2 through 6 are pending.

Result from First Hole - 17315-17-025

The casing in this first hole, collared directly into mineralized tonalite at 61.7 meters depth, south of the northern contact of the plug, Figure 2. The gold system demonstrates good vertical continuity and extends from the bedrock interface, down to an in-hole depth of 180.6 meters. The grade of the complete interval from 61.7 meters to 180.6 meters is 1.5 g/t Au over 118.9 meters. Within this interval, two zones with a high density of veining returned 2.5 g/t Au over 44.1 meters and 1.6 g/t Au over 33.1 meters, Table 1.

Figure 2: Schematic Geological Section of Hole 17315-17-025, Bonnefond South Plug





QMX Gold's recent hole compares very favourably to prior results from historic drilling completed by AUR Resources. AUR Resources hole 315-27 intersected the Tonalite from 300 to 400 meters from surface and returned 1.0 g/t Au over 44.6 meters (Figure 2). The historical AUR Resources hole also intersected a sheared mafic dyke returning 8.4 g/t Au over 2.0 meters. The alteration and veining described in the historical drill logs is very similar to that in QMX Gold's hole 17315-17-025.

At least three different vein sets occur within the mineralized intervals. The veins are of millimetric to decametric thickness and typically composed of quartz-tourmaline. The veins contain less than 2% pyrite, minor chalcopyrite, and occasionally visible gold. Veining is accompanied with strong wall rock alteration characterized by sericite, albite and fuchsite, with 2 to 3% fine grained disseminated pyrite. Overall, the Tonalite is highly altered and is cross cut by sheared and mineralized mafic dykes. The mafic dykes contain tension and sheared quartz-tourmaline veins with tourmalinisation of the wall rock at the vein margins. The sheared mafic dykes return gold intercepts of 3.6 g/t Au over 8.4 meters including 4.2 g/t Au over 6.5 meters and 2.5 g/t Au over 11.0 meters, including 4.5 g/t Au over 5.6 meters.

Table 1: Technical Parameters and Assay Results - Hole 17315-17-025



Hole Number MTN Zone 9, Nad 83 MTM Zone 9, Nad 83 Azimuth Dip Hole Length From To Length* Au** Description Easting Northing () () (meters) (meters) (meters) (meters) (g/t) 17315-17-025 232125 5330404 180 -80 625.5 61.7 180.6 118.9 1.5 Tonalite Including 78.6 122.7 44.1 2.5 Tonalite with 78.6 87.0 8.4 3.6

Mafic Dyke or 79.5 86.0 6.5 4.2 and 109.0 120.0 11.0 2.5 Mafic Dyke with 111.1 116.7 5.6 4.5 Including 136.7 169.8 33.1 1.6 Tonalite 356.0 359.4 3.4 1.5 Shear Zone 407.0 413.5 6.5 2.8 Shear Zone

In the southern part of the plug and in the volcanic rocks in the footwall of the Tonalite, three sheared zones have been intersected showing high strain deformation and anomalous gold values. The shear zones are of a metric width. They contain quartz veins occasionally with tourmaline and pyrite and are associated with variable sericite, silica and albite alteration. The best gold intersection in this environment was 2.8 g/t Au over 6.5 meters.

The hole was drilled with an azimuth of 180 and a dip of -80 to validate the geometry of the veins and shear zone systems associated with the Bonnefond South Tonalite Plug (Figure 2 and Table 1). According to the geological interpretation, the plug has an average orientation of 285 and an average dip of -70N. The average width of the Tonalite is about 80 meters.

At this stage in the program, it is too early to define the direction and dip of all the individual structures and components that combine and contribute to the overall shape and plunge of the zones. All drill holes are NQ-sized and will be surveyed at the end of the program using the Optical and Acoustic Imaging tool from PanPacific Wireline Services. Prior drilling was AQ-sized, which is not amenable to the survey equipment.

Bonnefond South Drill program

Drilling is ongoing on the Bonnefond South Plug to test a reinterpretation of the historical geological model. Roughly 2,780 meters, six holes, have been completed of the 4,500-meter program. AUR Resources discovered the plug-like, tonalitic intrusion (referred to as the Bonnefond South Plug) which contains gold in association with shear and tensional quartz-tourmaline veining. Historical drilling returned large low-grade intersections with higher grade cores. Results reported by AUR include 1.9 g/t Au over 55 meters including 10.8 g/t Au over 3 meters (Hole 315-22, QMX historical data base, all reported lengths are core lengths).

Gold mineralization is also associated with shear zones in the adjacent volcanic rocks, located south of the plug, where historical drilling returned up to 12.2 g/t Au over 12 meters (Hole 315-36B, QMX data base). The gold target environment bears many similarities to the gold target environment on Eldorado Gold's Lamaque Project (previously Integra Gold). All historical drill holes were drilled from North to South and oriented core was not utilized. The current geological interpretation indicates that the gold system has likely been cross cut by late faults and that the mineralization remains open on strike and at depth.

The Phase I drill program was developed to confirm vein, fault and shear zone orientations using more closely spaced drilling and oriented core. A total of five holes for 2,500 meters will test the quartz-tourmaline gold vein system and shear zones hosted in the Bonnefond South Plug. The drilling will focus on the upper 300 meters of the zone and fill in AUR's first-pass drilling which was on 100-meter spacings. In addition, four holes for 2,000 meters will test the potential for an extension of the shear zone system south of the Bonnefond South Plug.

A Phase II drilling program is being developed to validate lateral and depth extensions of this gold system, particularly the eastern extension of the historical intersection of 12.2 g/t Au over 12.0 meters (Hole 315-36B, QMX data base) [see News Release: July 27, 2017]. This program will commence once the Phase I program is completed and has been evaluated.

Changes to Board of Directors

QMX Gold is pleased to welcome Ralph Lean to the Board of Directors. Mr. Lean is a highly regarded business lawyer in the Toronto office of Gowling WLG. Mr Lean brings a broad base of expertise from startups to global corporations, in the private and public sectors as well as nationally and internationally. Mr. Lean will replace Steven Notis who has elected to step down from the Board of Directors effective immediately to pursue other opportunities. We would like to thank Mr. Notis for his valuable contribution throughout the significant restructuring QMX Gold underwent in 2016 and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed, prepared and approved by Mr. David Rigg, P.Geo, Senior Vice President Exploration, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About QMX Gold Corporation

QMX Gold Corporation is a Canadian based resource company traded on the TSX-V under the symbol "QMX". The Company was recently restructured and is now systematically exploring its extensive property position in the Val d'Or mining camp in the Abitibi District of Quebec. QMX is currently drilling on the Bonnefond South Plug and is evaluating its recent discoveries on the Southwestern and Beacon Zones in order to set follow up drill targets. In addition to its extensive land package, QMX owns the Aurbel gold mill.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017

The Rhode Island Supreme Court has accepted an attorney's consent to disbarment.

The Providence Journal's Katie Mulvaney recently reported

A Warwick lawyer has consented to disbarment after self-reporting to state disciplinary counsel that he had stolen $1.2 million from clients.

Vincent J. Mitchell, whose practice was at 303 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, reported to Supreme Court Chief Disciplinary Counsel David D. Curtin in late August that he took a total of $1,207,233 from 10 clients to fuel gambling and drug addictions, Curtin said Friday.

The state Supreme Court on Thursday, its first day back in session after summer recess, issued an order disbarring Mitchell effective immediately.

He had been licensed since 2000, with a practice centered on estate planning and long-term health-care planning, Curtin said.

Curtin said Mitchell, who was accompanied by a lawyer, presented him with folders detailing his clients and their losses. They range from a high of $239,000 to $53,000.

The Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit and the state attorney generals office have been contacted and criminal charges are expected to be filed, he said.

Curtin said he is in the process of contacting the affected clients. He declined to name any because several are not yet aware of their losses. He believes some might be in nursing homes.

Its certainly tragic for the affected families. Its big money for these people, several who have limited means, he said.

Curtin said his office is working to determine whether other clients might have been impacted and the losses are at a higher scale. It appears Mitchell has no assets, but that is being examined too, he said.

Any family who believes they have been affected should call Curtin, 401-823-5710 or the state police financial crimes unit, 401-444-1202.

(Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2017/09/the-rhode-island-supreme-court-has-accepted-an-attor-neys-consent-to-disbarment-the-providence-journal-recently-reported.html
Working out who invented the car is a long and winding road, and pinpointing a single person responsible is not a simple matter. If you rewind the development of cars past GPS, past antilock brakes and automatic transmissions and even past the Model T, eventually you'll get to the Benz Motor Car No. 1, the missing link between cars and horse-drawn buggies.

Karl Benz patented the three-wheeled Motor Car, known as the "Motorwagen," in 1886. It was the first true, modern automobile, meaning Benz is most often identified as the man who invented the car. Benz also patented his own throttle system, spark plugs, gear shifters, a water radiator, a carburetor and other fundamentals to the automobile. Benz eventually built a car company that still exists today as the Daimler Group.

Early history of the car

Benz patented the first gasoline-powered car, but he wasn't the original visionary of self-propelled vehicles. Some highlights in the history of the car:

Leonardo da Vinci had sketched a horseless, mechanized cart in the early 1500s. Like many of his designs, it wasn't built in his lifetime. However, a replica is on display at the Chateau Clos Luce (opens in new tab) , Leonardo's last home and now a museum.

had sketched a horseless, mechanized cart in the early 1500s. Like many of his designs, it wasn't built in his lifetime. However, a replica is on display at the Chateau Clos Luce , Leonardo's last home and now a museum. Sailing chariots, propelled by the wind were in use in China when the first Westerners visited, and in 1600, Simon Steven of Holland built one that carried 28 people and covered 39 miles (63 km) in two hours, according to General Motors.

Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot, a Frenchman, built a self-propelled vehicle with a steam engine in 1769. The cart, designed to move artillery pieces, moved at a walking pace (2 mph or 3.2 km/h) and had to stop every 20 minutes to build a new head of steam.

"The word 'car' has meant different things at different times. At the end of the 19th Century, a car was a streetcar i.e. a tram. Streetcars before that were 'horse cars' which were omnibuses pulled by horses on rails. The word 'car' became available to what was previously called a 'horseless carriage' or possibly a motor car. The 'automobile', as they call it in America, was itself an import from the French," Tom Standage, author of " A Brief History of Motion: From the Wheel, to the Car, to What Comes Next (opens in new tab)" (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2021) told All About History (opens in new tab) magazine.

The first car

Internal combustion engines

Vital to the modern automobile is the internal combustion engine. This type of engine uses an explosive combustion of fuel to push a piston within a cylinder. The piston's movement turns a crankshaft that is connected to the car's wheels of a drive shaft. Like the car itself, the internal combustion engine has a long history. An incomplete list of developments includes:

1680: Christiaan Huygens, better known for his contributions as an astronomer, designed but never built an internal combustion engine fueled by gunpowder.

1826: Englishman Samuel Brown altered a steam engine to burn gasoline and put it on a carriage, but this proto-automobile also never gained widespread adoption.

1858: Jean Joseph-Etienne Lenoir patented a double-acting, electric spark-ignition internal combustion engine fueled by coal gas. He improved on that engine so it would run on petroleum, attached it to a three-wheeled wagon and traveled 50 miles.

1873: American engineer George Brayton developed a two-stroke kerosene engine. It is considered to be the first safe and practical oil engine.

1876: Nikolaus August Otto patented the first four-stroke engine in Germany.

1885: Gottlieb Daimler of Germany invented the prototype of the modern gasoline engine.

1895: Rudolf Diesel, a French inventor, patented the diesel engine that was an efficient, compression ignition, internal combustion engine.

"We generally think of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen as the first proper car. Carl Benz built an entirely new vehicle around an internal combustion engine and used bicycle parts to do it. It was really a motorized bicycle so this is what makes the car interesting. Its innovation required lots of people to try different things and, although this seems obvious in retrospect, it wasnt at the time," said Standage.

History of electric cars

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity today, but have a history that dates back to the late 19th century. (Image credit: Heritage Images / Contributor)

Electric cars were available in the middle of the 19th century, but fell out of favor after Henry Ford developed his Model T, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (opens in new tab). In recent years, electric cars have made a comeback, though. Around 535,000 electric cars were sold in the United States in 2021, according to CNBC (opens in new tab). This technology, like the internal combustion engine, also has a long history that is difficult to point to one inventor.

Two inventors are typically credited with independently inventing the first electric car: Robert Anderson, a Scottish inventor, and Thomas Davenport, an American inventor, in the 1830s, according to AutomoStory (opens in new tab). The first rechargeable battery was invented in 1865 by Gaston Plante, a French physicist, which replaced the non-rechargable batteries used in early models of the electric car. A few of the innovations following include:

Camille Faure, a French chemist, in 1881 improved the lead-acid battery design by Plante to make electric vehicles a viable choice for drivers.

William Morrison of Des Moines, Iowa, was the first to successfully build an electric car in the United States in 1891.

Camille Jenatzy, a Belgian race car driver, built and raced an electric car, setting a new land speed record of 62 mph (100 km/h) in 1899. His car was called La Jamais Contente (which means "the never satisfied").

Ferdinand Porsche, a German automotive engineer, invented the first hybrid car in 1900, according to the official Porsche website (opens in new tab) .

. Thomas Edison developed a nickel-alkaline battery in 1907 that was more durable and less hazardous than the lead-acid battery used in cars, according to Rutgers University (opens in new tab) . The battery didn't take to most consumers since it had a higher initial cost, but it was implemented in the delivery trucks of several companies due to its durability and longer ranges.

Electric cars continued to gain popularity and in 1895, the first automobile race in the United States  a 52-mile "dash" from Chicago to Waukegan, Ill., and back, which took the winner 10 hours 23 minutes (average speed 5 mph / 8 km/h)  featured six entries, and two of them were electric cars, according to Smithsonian magazine (opens in new tab). By 1900, the New York City taxi service had about 60 electric cars and approximately a third of cars in the United States were electric, according to the Department of Energy.

When Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908, the inexpensive and high quality gasoline powered car became very popular and the decline of electric cars began, according to the Department of Energy (opens in new tab). By the 1920s, gasoline had become cheaper and more readily available, and more Americans were traveling greater distances. Electric cars didn't have the range that gas-powered cars had, and electricity was still not readily available in many rural cities, making the gasoline-powered cars the automobiles of choice.

"At the beginning of the 20th Century, electric cars were very briefly more popular than internal combustion engine cars in America. However, they had very bad batteries. Electric cars are only good today because of batteries that were initially developed for laptops and camcorders," said Standage.

In 1976, Congress passed the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Act (opens in new tab) due to rising oil prices, gasoline shortages and dependencies on foreign oil. Many car companies began to research and design new fuel-efficient and electric options, although not much happened until the 1990s.

The Toyota Prius, developed and released in Japan in 1997, was the world's first mass-produced hybrid car and was available around the world by 2000. The Honda Insight hybrid car was released in the United States in 1999.

Tesla Motors (opens in new tab) began development and production on a luxury all-electric car that would travel more than two hundred miles on a single charge in 2003 with the first model released in 2008. The Chevrolet Volt (opens in new tab), released in 2010, was the first available plug-in hybrid that used the gasoline engine to extend the range of the automobile when the battery was depleted. The Nissan LEAF (opens in new tab) was also released in 2010 and was more readily available to the public than Tesla's Model S.

Today, nearly every major and many smaller automobile companies are developing their own electric and hybrid models.

Karl Benz : Car pioneer

Karl Benz (right), inventor of the first practical, modern automobile, pictured next to his wife Bertha in 1893. (Image credit: Heritage Images / Contributor via Getty Images)

Karl Benz gets the credit for inventing the automobile because his car was practical, used a gasoline-powered internal-combustion engine and worked like modern cars do today.

Benz was born in 1844 in Karlsruhe, a city in southwest Germany. His father was a railway worker who died in an accident when Benz was 2 years old. Although poor, Benz's mother supported him and his education. He was admitted to the University of Karlsruhe at age 15 and graduated in 1864 with a mechanical engineering degree.

Benz's first venture of an iron foundry and sheet-metal workshop flopped. However his new bride, Bertha Ringer, used her dowry to fund a new factory to build gas engines. With the profits Benz was free to start building a horseless, gas-powered carriage.

Benz had built three prototypes of his Motor Car in private by 1888, when Bertha decided it was time for some press. Bertha took the latest model in the early morning and drove her two teenage sons 66 miles to her mother's home. She had to improvise repairs along the way with shoe leather, a hair pin and her garter.

The successful trip showed Benz how to improve the car, and showed a dubious public that automobiles were useful. Benz demonstrated the Model 3 Motorwagen at the World's Fair in Paris the following year.

"This trip has been mythologized but there is a kernel of truth to it. During this trip, Bertha figured out various things such as that the brakes needed to be better and a better lower gear was required to get up hills. She actually stopped at a cobblers and had him put leather on the brake pads to improve them. Carl then adopted that approach," said Standage.

"The fact that Bertha showed you could use this car for a road trip (she traveled 40 miles) gave Carl the confidence that he actually had a sellable product. He put it on sale at a trade fair and people were amazed. He started selling them, along with the rights, to other people around Europe so they could manufacture them."

Benz died in 1929, just two years after he merged with fellow car-maker Gottlieb Daimler's company to form what is today the Daimler Group, manufacturer of the Mercedes-Benz.

Additional resources

The technology of cars has developed at incredible speeds, as our breakdown of Formula 1 race cars exemplifies.

If all of this car technology information has got you interested in learning more, then our examination of the gearbox and how it works will be for you.
This isn't likely to happen on the East Coast, but it could. This is an aerial view of damage to Sukuiso, Japan, a week after the earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the area in March, 2011.

The Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011, also known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami or the Great Tohoku earthquake, was a natural disaster that shook northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011. The disaster began when a magnitude-9 earthquake shook the region in the early afternoon, unleashing a savage tsunami.

The effects of the great earthquake, which was the strongest in Japan's recorded history, were felt around the world, from Norway's fjords to Antarctica's ice sheet. Tsunami debris has continued to wash up on North American beaches years later.

In Japan, residents are still recovering from the disaster. As of November 2021, there were still about 39,000 evacuees who lost their homes; 1,000 of them were still living in temporary housing, according to Japan's Reconstruction Agency.

More than 120,000 buildings were destroyed, 278,000 were half-destroyed and 726,000 were partially destroyed, according to the agency. The direct financial damage from the disaster is estimated to be about $199 billion dollars (about 16.9 trillion yen), according to the Japanese government. The total economic cost could reach up to $235 billion, the World Bank estimated, making it the costliest natural disaster in world history.

Related: How Japan's 2011 Earthquake Happened

This map shows the travel times of the tsunami generated by the Honshu earthquake on March 11, 2011. (Image credit: NOAA/NWS)

A surprise disaster

The unexpected disaster was neither the largest nor the deadliest earthquake and tsunami to strike this century. That record goes to the 2004 Banda Aceh earthquake and tsunami in Sumatra, a magnitude-9.1, which killed more than 230,000 people. But Japan's one-two punch proved especially devastating for the earthquake-savvy country, because few scientists had predicted the country would experience such a large earthquake and tsunami.

Japan's scientists had forecast a smaller earthquake would strike the northern region of Honshu, the country's main island. Nor did they expect such a large tsunami. But there had been hints of the disaster to come. The areas flooded in 2011 closely matched those of a tsunami that hit Sendai in A.D. 869. In the decade before the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, a handful of Japanese geologists had begun to recognize that a large earthquake and tsunami had struck the northern Honshu region in that year. However, their warnings went unheeded by officials responsible for the country's earthquake hazard assessments, Live Science previously reported. Now, tsunami experts from around the world have been asked to assess the history of past tsunamis in Japan, to better predict the country's future earthquake risk.

"For big earthquakes, the tsunami is going to be the big destructive factor," said Vasily Titov, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Center for Tsunami Research in Seattle, Washington told Live Science. "But if the nation is prepared, warning and education definitely saves lives. Compare the human lives lost in Sumatra and Japan. It's about 10 times less."

A map showing the shaking intensity of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Darker red circles represent higher intensity tremors. (Image credit: NASA Earth Observatory)

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake struck offshore of Japan, along a subduction zone where two of Earth's tectonic plates collide. In a subduction zone, one plate slides beneath another into the mantle, the hotter layer beneath the crust. The great plates are rough and stick together, building up energy that is released as earthquakes. East of Japan, the Pacific plate dives beneath the overriding Eurasian plate. The temblor completely released centuries of built up stress between the two tectonic plates, a recent study found.

The March 11 earthquake started on a Friday at 2:46 p.m. local time (5:46 a.m. UTC). It was centered on the seafloor 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Tohoku, at a depth of 15 miles (24 km) below the surface. The shaking lasted about six minutes.

Scientists drilled into the subduction zone soon after the earthquake and discovered a thin, slippery clay layer lining the fault, according to a 2013 study in the journal Science (opens in new tab). The researchers think that this clay layer allowed the two plates to slide an incredible distance, some 164 feet (50 meters), facilitating the enormous earthquake and tsunami.

Early warning

Residents of Tokyo received a minute of warning before the strong shaking hit the city, thanks to Japan's earthquake early warning system. The country's stringent seismic building codes and early warning system prevented many deaths from the earthquake, by stopping high-speed trains and factory assembly lines. People in Japan also received texted alerts of the earthquake and tsunami warnings on their cellphones.

Death toll of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami

The number of confirmed deaths is 19,747 as of December, 2021, according to the reconstruction agency. More than 2,500 people are still reported missing.

Less than an hour after the earthquake, the first of many tsunami waves hit Japan's coastline. The tsunami waves reached run-up heights (how far the wave surges inland above sea level) of up to 128 feet (39 meters) at Miyako city and traveled inland as far as 6 miles (10 km) in Sendai. The tsunami flooded an estimated area of approximately 217 square miles (561 square kilometers) in Japan, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .

The waves overtopped and destroyed protective tsunami seawalls at several locations. The massive surge destroyed three-story buildings where people had gathered for safety. Near Oarai, the tsunami generated a huge whirlpool offshore, captured on video.

The Fukushima nuclear meltdown

The tsunami caused a cooling system failure at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which resulted in a level-7 nuclear meltdown and release of radioactive materials. The electrical power and backup generators were overwhelmed by the tsunami, and the plant lost its cooling capabilities.

"Fukushima was created by the tsunami. The earthquake was not a factor," Titov said. "Fukushima was designed for a tsunami smaller than the one we saw."

Very low levels of radioactive chemicals that leaked from Fukushima have been detected along the North American coast offshore Canada and California. Trace amounts of cesium-134 and cesium-137 (radioactive isotopes) were found in seawater collected in 2014 and 2015, Live Science reported at the time.

Houses above the inundation zone in this Japanese village survived intact, while everything below was destroyed by the 2011 tsunami. (Image credit: Patrick Corcoran, Oregon State University)

The response

In the tsunami's aftermath, Japan's Meteorological Agency was criticized for issuing an initial tsunami warning that underestimated the size of the wave. In some regions, such as Miyagi and Fukushima, only 58% of people headed for higher ground immediately after the earthquake, according to a Japanese government study published in August 2011. Many people also underestimated their personal risk, or assumed the tsunami would be as small as ones they had previously experienced, the study found.

Scientists from around the world descended on Japan following the earthquake and tsunami. Researchers sailed offshore and dropped sensors along the fault line to measure the forces that caused the earthquake. Teams studied the tsunami deposits to better understand ancient sediment records of the deadly waves. Earthquake engineers examined the damage, looking for ways to build buildings more resistant to quakes and tsunamis.

"The tsunami itself died out a long time ago, but the effects in Japan will be there for decades," Titov told Live Science.

Worldwide effects

The tsunami waves also traveled across the Pacific, reaching Alaska, Hawaii and Chile. In Chile, some 11,000 miles (17,000 km) distant, the tsunami was 6.6 feet (2 meters) high when they reached the shore, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Related: Weird Earth Movement After Japan Earthquake Finally Explained

The surge of water carried an estimated 5 million tons of debris out to sea, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency reported. Japanese docks and ships, and countless household items, have arrived on U.S. and Canadian shores in the ensuing years. The U.S. Coast Guard fired on and sank the derelict boat 164-foot Ryou-Un Maru in 2012 in the Gulf of Alaska. The ship started its journey in Hokkaido.

Amazing facts

Here are some of the amazing facts about the Japan earthquake and tsunami.

The earthquake shifted Earth on its axis of rotation by redistributing mass, like putting a dent in a spinning top. The temblor also shortened the length of a day by about a microsecond.

More than 5,000 aftershocks hit Japan in the year after the earthquake, the largest a magnitude 7.9.

About 250 miles (400 km) of Japan's northern Honshu coastline dropped by 2 feet (0.6 meters), according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The jolt moved Japan's main island of Honshu eastward by 8 feet (2.4 m).

The Pacific Plate slid westward near the epicenter by 79 feet (24 m).

In Antarctica, the seismic waves from the earthquake sped up the Whillans Ice Stream, jolting it by about 1.5 feet (0.5 m).

The tsunami broke icebergs off the Sulzberger Ice Shelf in Antarctica.

As the tsunami crossed the Pacific Ocean, a 5-foot high (1.5 m) high wave killed more than 110,000 nesting seabirds at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.

In Norway, water in fjords pointing toward Japan sloshed back and forth as seismic waves from the earthquake raced through.

The earthquake produced a low-frequency rumble called infrasound, which traveled into space and was detected by the Goce satellite.

Buildings destroyed by the tsunami released thousands of tons of ozone-destroying chemicals and greenhouse gases into the air.

Additional resources

Bibliography

Vasily Titov, Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Center for Tsunami Research in Seattle, Washington.

Status of Reconstruction and Reconstruction Efforts. Japan Reconstruction Agency, Dec. 2021. https://www.reconstruction.go.jp/english/

P.M. Fulton et al. Low Coseismic Friction on the Tohoku-Oki Fault Determined from Temperature Measurements, Science, Vol 342, Dec. 2013. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1243641

NOAA/ National Weather Service U.S. Tsunami Warning System. https://www.tsunami.gov/

Japan Tsunami Marine Debris. NOAA Marine Debris Program. https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/disaster-debris/japan-tsunami-marine-debris

This article was updated Feb. 11, 2022 by Live Science Senior Writer Brandon Specktor.
Old Shots

(Image credit: Eugene Thibault/The History of Picture)

It's often said that a photo is worth a thousand words, touching people at a deeper level than even the best, most eloquent, writing. Even the world's oldest photographs, those that may seem so very distant from today's high-tech society, may tug at your heart strings or give you a sense of belonging. Here, Live Science looks back at 19 historical photos, shot between the 1820s and 1860s, that may make you look at history, and the world, just a little bit differently. Taking the medal for the oldest known photo ever shot may seem underwhelming at first glance, but look a little longer and you may be amazed. Check it out on the next slide 

The oldest-photo title goes to ...

(Image credit: Harry Ransom Center's Gernsheim Collection)

This image may not look like much, but this is the world's oldest photo, shot in 1826 by Joseph Nicephore Niepce outside a window of his estate at Saint-Loup-de-Varennes, France. Niepce used a pewter plate covered with a mixture that included bitumen and water. Niepce put the plate inside a camera and over a period of many hours (perhaps two days) the light hardened some of the bitumen on the plate that was in view of architectural features such as buildings. The unhardened parts were then washed away to produce this image. If you look closely you can see faint outlines of where a building or architectural feature is. This photography technique was called "heliographic" by Niepce.

Louis Daguerre

(Image credit: Jean-Baptiste Sabatier-Blot)

The heliographic technique developed by Niepce produced poor photos that were not economical to produce. It wasn't until Niepce teamed up with Louis Daguerre in the 1830s that a more effective photography technique was developed; this one used silver iodide plates and mercury fumes. The new technique took on the name "Daguerretype," after Daguerre. Niepce died in 1833 when the new technique was still being developed. This Daguerretype shows Daguerre.

Early image

(Image credit: Societe Francaise de Photographie)

Taken in 1837, this photo showing several plaster casts is one of the earliest images taken by Louis Daguerre using his Daguerretype technique. He kept the technique secret until 1839, when the French government awarded him a lifetime pension in exchange for him revealing how his photos were taken.

View from Louis Daguerre's Home

(Image credit: Louis Daguerre)

Shot in 1838, this picture shows a view taken by Louis Daguerre from his home. The early Daguerreotypes, as the images taken using Daguerre's techniques would come to be called, required a long exposure time, making it difficult to capture moving people or objects. It was also difficult to take decent pictures in conditions that did not have excellent lighting.

Oldest picture of a living person

(Image credit: Louis Daguerre)

This image of the Boulevard du Temple in Paris was taken in 1838 by Louis Daguerre. If you look closely on the bottom left, you can see a man polishing the boot of another individual. Exposure times were lengthy at the time this image was taken, and people who moved fast could not be captured using photography. Only the person getting their boots polished and the polisher stayed still long enough to be seen in the photo. This picture is often credited as being the first to show a living person.

Oldest selfie?

(Image credit: Robert Cornelius)

Robert Cornelius, an American photographer, took this self-portrait in an outdoor yard in Philadelphia in October 1839. At this stage, daguerreotypes needed a long exposure time, making it difficult to take pictures of people (since they had to remain still for so long). Cornelius likely had to stand still for a few minutes while his camera finished taking his picture. This could be the world's first selfie.

First photo of the moon

(Image credit: William Draper)

Shot by English scientist and historian John William Draper in 1840, this is one of the earliest attempts to photograph the moon. Taking a photo at night under poorly lit conditions was a difficult task at the time, something that can be seen in the poor quality of this image. Later, in 1850, Draper and astronomer William Cranch Bond created a daguerreotype of the star Vega, part of the constellation Lyra, according to the American Physical Society.

First photo of sitting president

(Image credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

The earliest daguerreotype of a sitting U.S. president shows William Henry Harrison who died on April 4, 1841, after just 30 days in office, possibly due to pneumonia. That daguerreotype, captured at the start of Harrison's presidency, is now missing. The image shown here is a daguerreotype that was shot in 1850 and shows a life-like painted portrait of Harrison.

Oldest surviving photo of U.S. president

(Image credit: Phillip-Haas/Sotheby's Auction House)

This photo of John Quincy Adams, who served as U.S. president from 1825 to 1829, was taken by Philip Haas at his studio in Washington, D.C., in March 1843  after Adams had left office. Adams reportedly gave the photo to an ally in Congress, Vermont Rep. Horace Everett, according to a report in the New York Times. It was apparently kept in the Everett family and only recently resurfaced. This picture, called a half plate and measuring about 5 by 4 inches (13 by 10 centimeters) will be auctioned at Sotheby's in October 2017 and is expected to fetch between $150,000 and $250,000.

Earliest-known photo of Lincoln

(Image credit: Nicholas H. Shepherd)

Taken in 1846 or 1847, this photo shows Abraham Lincoln shortly after he was elected from Illinois to the U.S. Congress. At the time, the 37-year-old Congressman-elect was a frontier lawyer in Springfield, Illinois. According to the Library of Congress, the photo is attributed to Nicholas H. Shepherd, something indicated by Gibson W. Harris, a law student in Lincoln's office from 1845 to 1847. Lincoln's son Robert said he thought the photo was taken in St. Louis or Washington, D.C., the Library of Congress noted. In 1861, Lincoln became president and led the United States through the Civil War.
With a nod to the "Voltron" Defender of the Universe"  the animated show in which five lion-shaped robots link up to form a giant machine that fights evil  a team of scientists has created robots that work together and decide which one will lead them.

Typically, if a robot's "brain" (or central processor) gets damaged or destroyed, the machine must take a trip to the great robot repair shop in the sky (or technician's bench).

However, a team led by Marco Dorigo, who heads a robotics lab at the Free University of Brussels, built a robot of sorts that has a fallback, or fallbacks: These robots can link up, react to their environment and delegate authority to a single member of a group. They can add new robots and merge groups, and if the leader of the robots is damaged (or its battery runs out), the other robots can pick a new leader and continue with a task. [Super-Intelligent Machines: 7 Robotic Futures]

"It's like a bunch of people gathering to build a house," Dorigo told Live Science. "Everyone knows approximately what to do, but if there's no structure, no hierarchy, building a house is difficult." These new robots create their own hierarchies; they choose one to be the leader, which can direct the others.

These autonomous robots know how to work as a team and even how to choose the best leader. (Image credit: Marco Dorigo and Nithin Mathews)

The robots can also link up so that they can accomplish tasks that they couldn't complete by themselves. The team demonstrated one robot that, in order to lift a brick, had to connect with another robot that had arms.

Robots that work in unison aren't unusual; flying drones can dance together and rebuild their formations when one is missing. The difference is that those drones often operate in a preprogrammed way, using their ability to sense their positions when creating their formations, Dorigo said. Thus, they have a limited ability to adapt, he said.

These Voltron-like robots, on the other hand, can (by linking up) create a kind of nervous system, deciding which one will be the brain (called the parent by the researchers) and which will be the limb (called the child). This arrangement allows the group to adapt to new conditions. In one video, one robot stops functioning and the others choose a new leader, which will be the brains of the system. (The robots know their leader has stopped working because it doesn't acknowledge signals from the others.)

This brain-children setup works because the robots all have an internal map of the others that are connected to them, and that map looks like a hierarchical tree, said Nithin Mathews, lead author of the paper describing the work. When the lead robot stops working, the others can see where in the tree they are; those closer to the "root" are more likely to be chosen as leads.

It can also be environment-dependent. For example, if a bunch of robots were near some resource they needed, the closest one to that resource would take over as the head.

Further, when two groups of robots join together, the leader of the first group can transfer its internal map of the other robots to the leader of the second group, giving up the leadership position and becoming part of the now-larger group.

Mathews said the architecture was in part inspired by slime molds, which are simple organisms that join together to behave as a kind of super-organism. The robots work in a similar fashion, he said. "Slime mold can come together as single body, but the nervous system is missing," Mathews said. "Higher-order animals have nervous system with single brain unit. We thought, 'Lets bring these worlds together.'"

While the robots used so far are very simple  they are just wheeled carts smaller than a Roomba vacuum  the achievement suggests that robots can be trained to adapt as a group to new environments, Mathews said. Further, they can even be made of many parts; imagine a robot that is using an arm (which itself is an autonomous robot) to pick up something, and the arm gets damaged. That robot could go seek a new limb.

The big obstacle, Mathews said, is that there's no standard for robots to interact. The team had to invent the language the robots used to speak to each other. "I think there will need to be a lot of intermediate steps" before such robots are common in industry, he said.

The study is detailed in the Sept 12 issue of the journal Nature Communications.

Originally published on Live Science.
On a trip to Kruger National Park in South Africa, Tokkie and Mervyn Van Wyk noticed the unfortunate wildebeest by the Transport Dam water hole when a crocodile clamped its jaws down on one of the wildebeest's back legs, according to a description of the Kruger Sightings video.

As seen in the video, at first, the crocodile tries to pull the herbivore into the water to drown it, but the energetic wildebeest resists by heaving itself far onto the banks of the water hole. As 8 minutes pass, the crocodile pulls the tiring wildebeest farther into the water until the wildebeest, drained from the struggle, is submerged to its haunches.

Then, from deeper within the water hole, enter two unlikely saviors: a pair of hippos. [Camera Trapped: Elusive Wildlife Caught in Photos]

As the hippos approach, the crocodile, likely scared off by the hulking beasts, disappears into the water. The wildebeest, with its chomped hoof dangling, hobbles away.

Upon first watching the scene, Rebecca Lewison, a professor of biology at San Diego State University jokingly exclaimed, "See, hippos  look how they're noble!," before quickly clarifying that the hippos were more likely just being territorial.

Doug McCauley, an ecologist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, expressed a similar sentiment. "You want to give the hippo a high five for saving the wildebeest," he said, adding that, in his opinion, the hippopotamuses drove the crocodile off to stop the disturbance in the water hole caused by the predator's battle with its prey.

Hippos typically don't protect any hard-and-fast range, nor do they often have run-ins with crocs, according to Lewison.

"They're certainly amiable roommates  that don't talk to each other," Lewison said, describing the ordinary level of interaction between the two species.

Hippopotamuses aren't usually bothered by a terrestrial animal like a giraffe or a wildebeest drinking at the edge of a water hole, McCauley said. But during his work with hippopotamuses in Kenya and Tanzania, he has seen the animals drive off elephants noisily bathing in a river, he said. On more than one occasion, he said, he himself sparked a hippopotamus' ire by collecting water samples and fish traps at the edge of hippo-occupied rivers.

As such, McCauley said this rare hippo-croc run-in at Kruger National Park likely occurred because this prolonged battle between the wildebeest and crocodile triggered the hippos' stress responses, impelling the animals to drive off the croc simply to reinstate peace in the water hole. The resulting escape of the wildebeest, McCauley and Lewison agreed, was just an unintended side effect.

Unfortunately for the wildebeest, the future still looks grim. According to McCauley, it's unlikely that an injured animal will last even one night in Kruger National Park.

"It sort of dodged one bullet but is unlikely to miss the next one from terrestrial predators  lions, hyenas, that sort of thing  unless it's somehow able to shake off that injury to that hind leg, which looks like it's quite severe," McCauley said.

Original article on Live Science.
scholarship, news and new ideas in legal history
As Hurricane Irma winds down  and a message from a Florida sheriff  saying that shooting guns at the storm would not turn it aside  brings to mind the question of why we can't control hurricanes. The short answer is that we can't control weather at any scale, and hurricanes are no exception.

"We have no real idea how to control weather in the sense of a hurricane," John Moore, a scientist at Beijing Normal University, told Space.com. "All that realistically can be done is changing the thermodynamics of the system, which largely means changing the sea-surface temperatures."

Moore is the head of geoengineering at his institution  a discipline devoted to the concept of using technology on a wide scale to change the Earth's environment. Usually, the term is used in connection with mitigating the effects of climate change. Ideas include spraying aerosols in the stratosphere and using satellites to alter weather patterns. The latter is the premise of the upcoming movie "Geostorm," in which a villain decides to try and use hurricanes as a weapon. [Cloud Kings: 'Geostorm' Film Imagines Human-Controlled Weather]

Some of the more conspiracy-minded web sites have posited that Irma was the result of government experiments. The problem with that idea is that there isn't any realistic way to control weather with satellites, Moore said. Reducing the ocean surface temperature would cut down the number and intensity of hurricanes, but "there is no physical model of how hurricanes evolve from birth, models are statistical generated, and the same with the tracks they follow," he said. Such a generalized model would be needed to control hurricanes.

The closest thing that anyone has come up with is to surround the Earth with mirrors or shades that would reflect away light. Various proposals have been floated over the years  James Early, in the late 1980s, proposed such an orbiting shade that would sit between Earth and the sun at a stable point between the two; he estimated it would cost $10 trillion. But that would just lower the temperature; it wouldn't offer direct control of hurricanes.

Weather control has been a dream for decades. In 1996, the U.S. Air Force commissioned a report called "Weather as a Force Multiplier, Owning the Weather in 2025," which studied the idea of controlling weather to use it against adversaries. The report describes inducing storms to impair the enemy's ability to fly planes and creating muddy conditions, making it hard to move troops. But even that report describes using satellites as more of a surveillance and measurement tool rather than to directly control weather. [Can You Stop a Hurricane by Nuking It?]

Many people have heard of seeding clouds to make rain; there are companies that do it, notably Weather Modification, based in Fargo, North Dakota. Even that, however, is imprecise. A story in Bloomberg in 2015 cited studies that showed cloud seeding increased snowfall from 5 to 15 percent. Rainfall is harder to measure exactly, but seeding clouds remains an uncertain business, according to the scientists quoted by Bloomberg. Hurricanes, in any case, occur over a much larger area than the rain clouds that a plane would seed.

Meanwhile, besides using satellites, spraying sulfur aerosols in the atmosphere might be another method of reducing ocean temperatures. Moore said that that is the best-understood method, and there is some data to show sulfur might cool the planet down, since that's what happens when really large volcanoes erupt. NASA's Earth Observatory noted in 2001 that global temperatures dropped by 0.6 degrees Celsius (1 degree Fahrenheit) over about 15 months after Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted in 1991. That won't control a hurricane, though. Meanwhile, there's the possibility that the sulfur aerosols will come back to the ground with rainfall, and the effects of that are unpredictable, though the amount of sulfur used would be dwarfed by what's emitted by power plants, Moore said.

Could a satellite create a hurricane? Not with current technology. According to NOAA, hurricanes form when the ocean surface is heated by the sun in late summer. To do the equivalent, one would need some way to get energy to water -- perhaps something like a huge laser or microwave generator. Further, it would have to be spread over a very large area. Even a billion-watt laser would be very weak when the beam is spread over hundreds of square miles, and an array of lasers would require hundreds of satellites.

Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Pennsylvania State University, wrote an editorial in the Guardian stating that climate change, which is driven largely by human emissions of fossil fuels, has made hurricanes more intense, because there is more warm water in the ocean to feed them. Harvey was just one example. (Other factors in the greater destructive nature of hurricanes include more people moving to hurricane-prone areas: When a hurricane hit Galveston in 1900, the island was destroyed and thousands died; Houston, 50 miles northwest, had about 45,000 people. The city now has 2 million, according to the U.S. Census, with the attendant housing and infrastructure.)

To keep hurricanes manageable, Moore said humans will probably just have to reduce carbon emissions or get the carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

"There needs to be active removal of CO2 from the atmosphere as well as declining emissions," he said. "That is crucial for our survival as a civilization. Geoengineering is just an emergency method, e.g., to prevent collapse of the ice sheets raising sea level several meters, or large numbers of heat deaths and depopulation of regions such as the Middle East. A few hurricanes are fairly small beer in comparison with those issues  though obviously catastrophic for those affected."

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During recent outbreaks of the Zika virus, researchers discovered that the virus could find its way into men's semen and stay there for months. But how many other viruses can get into semen?

To find out, researchers at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom searched the scientific literature for reports of "viremic" viruses  ones that get into the blood  that have also been found in semen.

The results showed that at least 27 viruses can make their way into human semen.

"The presence of viruses in semen is probably more widespread than currently appreciated," the researchers wrote in the October issue of the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. [10 Deadly Diseases That Hopped Across Species]

The list includes a number of well-known viruses, such as Ebola, HIV, hepatitis C, chickenpox, herpes, mumps and chikungunya (a mosquito-borne virus), as well as some lesser-known viruses, such as JC virus, simian foamy virus and Rift Valley fever.

In addition, some of these viruses, such as HIV and herpes, are known to spread sexually. But for many of the viruses on the list, it's unclear whether they can be spread through sex, the researchers said.

The results raise a number of questions, including how long the viruses remain in semen, at what concentrations they are present, and whether the viruses remain "viable" or capable of causing disease, the researchers said. The answers to these questions will help researchers better understand the risk for sexual spread of these viruses, the study said.

More research is also needed on whether these viruses can infect sperm, the researchers said. (Sperm are men's reproductive cells, whereas semen is usually a mixture of sperm and fluids.) This is an important question, because infections in sperm could cause mutations in the sperm DNA that might be passed on to the next generation, and possibly increase the risk of conditions such as cancer, the researchers said.

It's thought that some viruses persist in semen  even when they've been cleared from the rest of the body  because the testes are an "immunologically privileged" site in the body, meaning they are protected from attack by the body's immune system.

The findings also highlight the need for researchers to consider whether treatments being developed for virial diseases can be effective against viruses in all parts of the body, including the male reproductive tract, the researchers said.

Original article on Live Science.
The story was tailor-made for headlines: The indecipherable Voynich Manuscript that once stumped the best code breakers of World War II had finally been cracked, and it was a simple health-and-wellness guide for medieval women.

Or not.

The Voynich Manuscript is a heavily illustrated book on parchment written in what looks like an unknown language. It's been the subject of intense debate ever since its acquisition in 1912 by antiquarian Wilfrid Voynich, who gave the manuscript its name. The parchment dates back to the early 1400s, but no one has ever managed to figure out what the manuscript says  or even if it says anything at all. [Voynich Manuscript: Images of an Unreadable Book]

For the latest theory, published Sept. 5 in The Times Literary Supplement (opens in new tab), a researcher used the book's illustrations of herbs and bathing women, plus some speculations about the text deriving from Latin abbreviations, to suggest that it is a hygiene guide  sort of a medieval Selfmagazine geared toward upper-class women. But longtime experts in the manuscript quickly shot down this proposed theory.

"There's nothing," said Rene Zandbergen, an aeronautical engineer who runs a website about the infamous document and is well-acquainted with the various theories hobbyists have invented to explain it. "It's like some generic bits of possible history without any real evidence and then only two lines that really don't generate anything meaningful at all."

So if the latest Voynich media maelstrom is yet another dead end in the centuries of attempts to crack the manuscript, what is it about this bound stack of parchment that makes it so complex? Why can't experts even agree if the manuscript is a language or gibberish? And will we ever really know what was going through the mind (or minds) who put ink to paper to create this medieval marvel?

Lost language, code or hoax?

The fundamental problem with the Voynich Manuscript is that it inhabits a gray area, Zandbergen said. In some ways, "Voynichese," the nickname for the writing, acts as a language. In other ways, it doesn't. The fact that people have been trying to translate the manuscript since at least the 1600s to no avail could indicate that it's gibberish or a very, very good code. [Cracking Codices: 10 of the Most Mysterious Ancient Manuscripts]

The Voynich Manuscript (a couple of pages shown here) has elicited intense debate since it was acquired in 1912 by antiquarian Wilfred Voynich. (Image credit: Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library)

What is clear is that the manuscript is truly medieval. The chain of ownership is fairly clear reaching back to the early 17th century in Prague, when the manuscript was owned by someone affiliated with the court of Habsburg emperor Rudolf II, Zandbergen said, and possibly by Rudolf himself. (It's held today at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University.) There are 240 pages in the manuscript, that, based on the illustrations, seem to be split into thematic sections: herbs, astronomy, biology, pharmaceuticals and recipes. Experts generally agree that the parchments are not a modern forgery; radiocarbon dating led by the University of Arizona places them firmly in the 1400s, and all of the parchments are the same age, suggesting they weren't cobbled together later and written upon. (However, given the uncertainties inherent in radiocarbon dating and the fact that the parchment may not have been used right after it was made, the text could have been written as recently as the early 1500s.)

The question is whether the medieval or early modern-era writer of the Voynich Manuscript was writing in a language, in code or in gibberish. The idea that the manuscript contains a forgotten or unknown language is the most far-fetched, said Gordon Rugg, a researcher at Keele University in the United Kingdom who has studied the properties of the manuscript's text and written about them in depth on his blog.

"This is clearly not a language," Rugg told Live Science. "It's just too different from all the languages in the world."

For instance, Rugg said, it's universally accepted that the most common words in a language are the shortest ones (think "a," "an" and "the"). That's not the case in the Voynich Manuscript. Nor do the patterns of words make much sense. In a typical book, words with meanings related to the illustrations appear more frequently near an illustration of those words. So in the Voynich Manuscript, plant words, like "root" and "stem," should show up more often on the pages about botanicals than on the other pages, Rugg said. And they should do so in particular patterns, so that color words, like "red" or "blue," appear in conjunction with the word "flower," for example. [Code-Breaking: 5 Ancient Languages Yet to Be Deciphered]

"There isn't a pattern like that" in the Voynich Manuscript, Rugg said. "All there is, is a bit of a statistical tendency for some of the words to be a bit more common on the plant pages than elsewhere, and that's it."

There are other oddities about the Voynich text that seem un-language-like, Rugg added. For instance, words at the beginning of lines are longer, on average, than words at the ends of lines in the book. That "doesn't make much sense" for a language, Rugg said. The distribution of syllables, which is typically the same throughout a text, is weirdly skewed in the manuscript. In addition, the manuscript doesn't have a single crossed-out or scratched-out word, Rugg said. Even the best scribes of the time made errors. If the manuscript is written in a language, it beggars belief that the person who wrote it never messed up, he said.

Code breakers

Option two is that the manuscript is a code based on a known language. This is what drew World War II-era code breakers to the Voynich Manuscript, Rugg said: They hoped they could crack the manuscript and use its secrets to develop new kinds of codes that would defy decipherment. That didn't work out.

In many ways, the Voynich Manuscript should make a terrible code, Rugg said. It has too much repetition and structure, which code-makers try to avoid because it can provide too many clues to code breakers.

Nevertheless, some researchers think the manuscript does contain a message. Marcelo Montemurro, a physicist at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, argued in a 2013 paper in the journal PLOS ONE that the word frequency in the manuscript looks language-like. In particular, the manuscript abides by Zipf's law, an equation that describes the relationship between the absolute number of times a word is used in a text and its rank on the list of how frequently words are used. The relationship, briefly, is a power law, meaning that a change in rank is always accompanied with a proportional change in absolute number of times used.

"If it's a hoax, it's so well done that it mimics the statistics of actual language," Montemurro told Live Science. "Which would be really odd, given that, at the time when the Voynich was conceived, no one knew anything about the statistical structure of language."

This opinion puts Montemurro and Rugg squarely in opposition. In 2016, Rugg published research in the journal Cryptologia that used a grid system of suffixes, prefixes and roots to quasi-randomly generate text that shares a lot of features with the Voynich Manuscript, including adherence to Zipf's law. Thus, Rugg argued, language-like features don't prove that the manuscript is a language.

Low-tech hoax?

If the Voynich text was created using Rugg's method, it would have involved filling out a grid with syllables in various frequencies that mimic those of real language. The creator might put the Voynichese syllable that looks like a fanciful "89" in every third box, for example, and then fill in other, rarer syllables every fifth box or every 12th box, nudging the syllables around here and there when they would otherwise overlap boxes. (Two of the same syllables would be side by side.) Next, the creator would take another sheet of paper with three holes cut out and move it over the grid, making words with the syllables that show through as he or she randomly moved the top sheet.

The trick to making the result look "real," Rugg said, is that this method is neither truly random nor strictly patterned. It's quasi-random. You can't "crack" the code or reverse-engineer the creation of the text because there are too many repetitions of syllables in the grids to ever be totally sure where the grid was positioned to develop any given word in the text, and too many fudged areas where the creator could have made a mistake or where he or she moved syllables around to prevent them from overlapping. But the method also produces patterns, including weird clusters of word lengths and frequency patterns that look language-ish. In other words, a truly random method would create no patterns in the text. A language or code would create much clearer patterns than Voynichese displays. But a quasi-random method could result in total nonsense that still looks patterned enough to fool people into thinking it's meaningful.

This grid method might seem a little laborious for creating a gibberish book, but code breaking had gotten fairly sophisticated by 1470 or so, Rugg said. If the book was written that late, which is possible, its creator would have known that stream-of-consciousness lettering would have been obvious as fake, while a quasi-random approach would look more convincing. It's also pretty mentally challenging to generate nonsense text page after page, Rugg said; the grid system would have actually been easier.

"I'm not saying it definitely is a hoax; I can't show that," Rugg said. "But what I can show is, you can produce text that has the quantitative and qualitative features of the Voynich Manuscript using low-tech, medieval technology."

Montemurro disagrees, arguing that Voynichese is still too complex to be explained by this quasi-random method. (Other critics have argued that the table-based method Rugg used was historically unlikely.) In the contentious history of the manuscript, it's another standoff.

Why make a manuscript?

Some Voynich experts have lost interest in the translation itself and have become more interested in the document as a phenomenon. [10 Historical Mysteries That Will Probably Never Be Solved]

"There's not going to be big secrets in there," Zandbergen said. What piques his interest is how the manuscript was made, not what it means.

In that sense, the people puzzling over the Voynich Manuscript are puzzling over human weirdness  likely just one person's weirdness, at that. The manuscript could have been conceived for any number of reasons. Perhaps its creator really was a supergenius who invented a new language or code that breaks every known rule of each. Perhaps it was a private language, Zandbergen said, or maybe the book was made to prove the creator's cleverness as part of an application for one of the numerous secret societies that flourished in the late Middle Ages, he added.

Or perhaps it was a hoax. If so, the hoaxer simply might have been out for cash, Rugg said. A book like the Voynich Manuscript could have fetched a pretty penny as a curiosity in the medieval or early modern era, he said, perhaps the equivalent of a skilled workman's annual salary.

Or maybe the motivation was personal. Hoaxers sometimes enjoy the thrill of pulling the wool over everyone's eyes, Rugg said. Or they may target their prank toward a particular person. In 1725, for example, the colleagues of University of Wurzburg professor Johann Bartholomeus Adam Beringer planted a series of carved limestone "fossils" to fool Beringer into thinking he'd discovered something carved by God himself. Eventually, the hoaxers admitted in court that they wanted to bring the "arrogant" Beringer down a notch.

Sometimes, hoaxers are just hobbyists who want to make something beautiful, Rugg said. Other times, they believe their own stories. The 19th-century French medium Helene Smith, for example, claimed to be able to channel the language of Martians. A 1952 book by psychologist D. H. Rawcliffe, "Occult and Supernatural Phenomena" (Dover Publications), examined her case and concluded that Smith experienced hallucinations and probably truly believed her bizarre writings to have come via a psychic connection with Mars.

At this point, there's no single clear way toward resolving the mysteries of the Voynich Manuscript. Rugg is developing his own rule-breaking codes (and he's offering a signed canvas to anyone who can crack them). Montemurro suspects that linguists and cryptographers will need to work together, not in isolation, to make any headway on Voynichese. Zandbergen thinks there might be clues in some of the weird flourishes in the book, like unique characters that appear only in the first line of paragraphs.

"What is absolutely certain," Zandbergen said, "is somebody made this. Somebody sat down and was writing it, with ink, on this parchment. It's real, so there must have been a method."

Original article on Live Science.
For nearly 50 years, researchers have found mysterious, disembodied teeth dating to the dinosaur age in southern Alberta, Canada. The teeth lacked jawbones, so researchers weren't sure what animals these teeth came from, although many suspected the pointy chompers belonged to ancient birds.

Now, new research is turning that idea on its head: These cryptic teeth aren't avian in nature, but likely those of juvenile crocodilians, said Sydney Mohr, a master's student in biological sciences at the University of Alberta, who is studying the teeth.

"They've basically always been referred to as bird teeth," Mohr said, "but with not much evidence to back that up." [Images: How the Bird Beak Evolved]

The roughly 100 teeth in question date to the Late Cretaceous, from about 75 million to 65 million years ago, when many birds still had teeth, unlike modern birds, Mohr said. During that time, Alberta was warmer than it is today, and although the environment varied from wet to dry over the ages, the region was largely covered with wetlands and forests during that time, she said.

Curiously, it's extremely rare to find ancient bird remains in southern Alberta, she said. Granted, finding fossilized birds is challenging in most places, because birds have delicate skeletons that are easily crushed. But Mohr thought it was strange that bird remains were "almost never" discovered in the area, except for these mysterious teeth, she said.

To learn more, Mohr analyzed the teeth. "No one has ever taken a really good look at them," she said. She compared them to the teeth of contemporary nonavian dinosaurs: the ancient birds Hesperornis and Ichthyornis; a small, extinct reptile in the genus Champsosaurus; and crocodilians, a group that includes crocodiles and their relatives.

A thorough examination revealed that the teeth were similar in size, shape and surface ornamentation to the teeth of juvenile crocodilians, Mohr said.

The mysterious, so-called "bird" teeth (A, B) next to modern juvenile alligator teeth (C) and a fossil crocodilian tooth (D). (Image credit: Sydney Mohr)

Rocky road

But these findings aren't definitive, Mohr said. Without a fossilized skeleton, it's hard to say what animal sported these teeth. For instance, while the teeth are approximately the same size as those of a juvenile croc, it's possible the teeth belonged to a small, adult crocodilian that had tiny teeth, Mohr said. The teeth could also belong to a theropod, a group of bipedal, mostly meat-eating dinosaurs such as Velociraptor, Mohr added.

It's also possible that some of the teeth did, in fact, come from birds, Mohr said. But even if they didn't, that doesn't mean prehistoric birds didn't fly over southern Alberta. It's possible that toothless birds lived there, or that toothed-bird remains simply weren't preserved, she said.

Although Mohr can't conclusively name the teeth's owner, the finding is important, she said. Other researchers have used these mysterious teeth to assess avian diversity in in the Late Cretaceous period of North America. "So, if they're not birds, we have a problem," Mohr said.

Perhaps the teeth have different characteristics from one another because crocodilians have teeth that are different in the front, middle and back of their mouths, she said. "It's possible that these teeth are actually a better measure of variation within a single jaw rather than species variation," Mohr said. [Image Gallery: 25 Amazing Ancient Beasts]

Other studies have analyzed the teeth under the assumption that they belonged to birds, and thus ascribed each tooth's features to that of an ancient avian  so if these are not actually bird teeth, it would be a setback, she added.

As such, Mohr urged researchers to be cautious of material that is ambiguously classified. "We have to be careful about diagnosing isolated and fragmentary material and using it in analyses without knowing exactly what it is," she said.

The research, which has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, was presented Aug. 23 at the 2017 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology meeting in Calgary, Canada.

Original article on Live Science.
by Larissa Faw , September 13, 2017

Hyundai is launching its first national TV spot for Hope On Wheels, a nonprofit supported by the automaker in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Developed with agency INNOCEAN Worldwide, the "Our Greatest Feature" spot shows a woman driving a Hyundai Sonata throughout the city and eventually pulling up to a children's cancer hospital to meet a small child and her father, when a voiceover says the best standard feature on every "Hyundai is Hope."

The ad ends by explaining its role with helping this charity.

The 30-second spot will air on broadcast and social channels, and additional details can be found at HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.
by Sara Guaglione , September 13, 2017

The New York Times Company has combined its product review and recommendation sites The Wirecutter and The Sweethome under one united brand. It has also created a new product and ventures team.

The rebrand, which will go into effect in October, will drop The from both titles and be known going forward as simply Wirecutter.

The change comes nearly a year after The Wirecutter, a gadget review site, and The Sweethome, its sister home appliance review site, were acquired by The New York Times Company (NYTCO) for more than $30 million, as a bid to supplement other revenues streams, such as subscriptions and advertising.

The Wirecutter makes money by recommending products and embedding links for readers to buy those products on e-commerce sites like Amazon, and taking a cut once a reader completes a purchase.

Since last October, The Wirecutter has nearly doubled its staff and has grown its number of product recommendations by 40%.

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The site has expanded into new product categories as well, such as kids and babies, pets, outdoors, health tech, business software, small office and travel. These additions have seen The Wirecutters sales increase 50% from a year earlier, according to a Bloomberg report.

In creating a single brand and destination across all the major things our readers think about buying, we believe we can make Wirecutter to product reviews what the The Times is to news and information, becoming the brand that is known for being the most trusted, independent and definitive source, stated David Perpich, president and general manager of Wirecutter.

Wirecutter will get a redesigned site next month, with a new logo, colors and fonts, and a mobile-first user experience. The site will have a single column design and more emphasis on deals for recommended products.

NYTCO says Wirecutter readers will continue to see even more collaborations between NYT journalism and Wirecutters recommendations going forward.

The company also announced the creation of a products and ventures team, led by Alex MacCallum, previously assistant managing editor for video. The team will oversee NYTCOs popular verticals, like Crosswords and Cooking, as well as other opportunities that are part of the NYT, but not its core digital experience.

Additionally, Alex Rainert has been named head of product and design. He will lead the teams responsible for translating the newspaper'sjournalism into digital products and experiences. Matthew Ericson and Ben French are also joining the team.

Meredith Kopit Levien, NYTCO executive vice president and COO, stated: These organizational changes represent important steps toward realizing our goal of reaching $800 million in digital revenue by 2020.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 13, 2017

After weeks of delay, a California privacy bill that could limit broadband providers' ability to serve targeted ads is expected to reach the floor on Friday -- the deadline for the law to be passed this year.

The measure (AB 375), introduced in June by California Assemblyman Ed Chau, largely recreates broadband privacy rules passed last year by the Federal Communications Commission.

As with the scrapped FCC rules, Chau's bill would require Internet service providers to obtain consumers' opt-in consent before using their web-browsing information for targeted advertising. The California bill also goes further than the former FCC rules in at least one respect: The measure would prohibit ISPs from using "pay-for-privacy" billing schemes, which involve charging customers higher fees to avoid targeted ads.

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The bill has been stalled in the legislature's rules committee for weeks, but advanced on Tuesday, when lawmakers cleared the way for a Friday vote.

The measure has drawn vigorous opposition from the major broadband carriers, Association of National Advertisers, Facebook, Google and other industry groups. Opponents argue in a September 12 letter to lawmakers that the bill is "vague," and also make the extraordinary claim that it will increase the likelihood of cyber threats.

"AB 375 is vague and unclear to a degree that will have serious effects on consumers and businesses," 48 companies and business associations write. "The bill would also lead to recurring pop-ups to consumers that would be desensitizing and give opportunities to hackers."

Some opponents reiterate those claims on the website protectonlinesafety.com, which urges consumers to call their representatives and urge them to vote against the bill. The website was put up anonymously, and doesn't offer information about its developers.

Critics also are running ads on California websites including SacBee. Those ads, unveiled just days after news about the Equifax data breach, claim that the privacy bill would create cybersecurity risks.

"No to more cyberattacks. No on AB 375," states one of the ads. Another warns, "AB 375 Exposes you to pop-ups and hackers."

Supporters of the measure decry the ad campaign as a deliberate attempt to confuse consumers as well as lawmakers.

"It's an intentionally misleading argument," says Samantha Corbin, a lobbyist representing privacy groups.

The ANA previously argued to the FCC that opt-in privacy rules would result in a deluge of pop-up ads, as broadband carriers presumably continuously sought to obtain users' consent to online tracking.

But Ernesto Falcon, legislative counsel with the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, says the measure would only require pop-up notices if broadband carriers materially change their privacy policies.

A large majority of the public appears to support privacy rules requiring broadband carriers to obtain users' opt-in consent before drawing on their web-browsing data for ad targeting. In April, a survey by Huffington Post and YouGov reportedly showed that more than 70% of Republicans and Democrats wanted President Donald Trump to veto a repeal of the privacy rules.

More recently, a July survey by Freedman Consulting found that 83% of Americans oppose broadband providers selling information about their online activities without first asking for permission.
by Karlene Lukovitz @KLmarketdaily, September 13, 2017

Novel sampling channels are all the rage, and Vitaminwater whose current campaign is themed Drink Outside the Lines  is no exception.

From June 24 through the summers unofficial end, the Coca-Cola brand used colorful, interactive, musical sample-dispensing vending machines to engage prospective customers and gather their email addresses.

The Summer Jams touchscreen machines, surrounded by large signs for Vitaminwater, were installed in three locations favored by millennials: Brooklyns Williamsburg area, Manhattans Lower East Side and Venice Beach, Calif.

The machines invited consumers to select one of the Vitaminwater bottles pictured, then challenged them to watch the pattern of bottles lighting up as a tune played, and repeat it. Once executed correctly, participants were asked either to provide an email address or visit freevitaminwater.com to enter a PIN displayed on screen before a free bottle was dispensed.

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It seems like a lot of work for a freebie (personally, Id rather have them handed to me by a chocolate bunny), but some tourists seemed to be enjoying it the other night, commented NYC blog Bedford and Bowery.

Nevertheless, the novelty seems to have attracted quite a bit of action.

According to Pearl Media, the out-of-home company that supplied the machines, working with agencies Rapport, Ogilvy & Mather and UM on the campaign, the installations generated a combined total of more than 40,000 interactions and 14,000 emails, and more than 26,000 bottles were dispensed.

In addition, another 10,000-plus bottles were given out by human brand reps (albeit not in bunny suits).

A video captured some of the on-the-street interactions with the vending machines.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 13, 2017

Siding with Facebook, a federal appellate court has ruled that the social networking service won't have to face a lawsuit for allegedly blocking access to the Sikhs for Justice's page in India.

The New York-based nonprofit advocacy organization alleged in a 2015 lawsuit that Facebook violated anti-discrimination laws by blocking the page. Sikhs for Justice contended that Facebook collaborated with the government of India to block the page in retaliation for the organization's "campaign against forced conversion to Hinduism of the members of Christian, Muslim and Sikh communities," as well as other political campaigns.

Sikhs for Justice currently advocates for a referendum in Punjab for an independent Sikh country, among other causes.

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Facebook argued that the lawsuit should be dismissed because the Communications Decency Act immunized the company from liability for decisions related to user-created material.

A trial judge sided with Facebook and threw out the case in late 2015. Sikhs for Justice then appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

On Wednesday, a three-judge appellate panel upheld a judge's order dismissing the case. The judges ruled that Facebook is immune from liability.

Sikhs for Justice "seeks to hold Facebook liable as a publisher for hosting, and later blocking," online content, the judges wrote.

They added that Facebook is entitled to immunity for hosting the content as well as for blocking it, because Sikhs for Justice is solely responsible for creating the material.

The appellate judges added that no other courts have ruled that the Communications Decency Act has an exception for activity that allegedly violates Title II of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation.
by Jess Nelson , September 13, 2017

Marketing automation company Act-On Software unveiled Engagement Insights on Wednesday, a new reporting tool that makes it easier for marketers to view and share campaign metrics.

Engagement Insights adds pre-packaged reporting templates containing real-time marketing engagement data to the Act-On platform. The new reporting tool acts in a similar manner to email newsletter templates, where Act-On has created a foundational report with pre-configured metrics that marketers can build upon and customize.

Available metrics include email opens, clicks, and click-to-open rates with weekly and monthly trend analyses, as well as top converting forms, landing pages, and content downloads. Act-On also provides recommended targets based on industry standards so marketers can benchmark their campaigns.

The marketing reports can also be easily exported to Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel, with a shareable link that automatically updates when a new report is available. This democratizes data reporting, since marketing metrics are not limited to a marketing technology platform that only a handful of employees have access to.

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Karra Hendrix, product marketing manager at Act-On Software, says that Engagement Insights was developed to make data-driven marketing easier for marketers. Data management remains a top challenge for many B2B marketers, according to Hendrix.

Reporting is only good if its actionable, explains Hendrix. So many customers I talk to are eager to use data, but they just dont know where to start.

The new tool is an extension of Act-Ons Data Studio launched in 2015. Data Studio was originally designed to make it easier for brands to combine data sources by transferring marketing engagement data from the Act-On platform to other technologies and data sources in a marketing stack. Data Studio helped marketers transfer data, but many marketers couldnt take advantage of the application if they lacked the skills necessary to slice and dice the data.

Within Data Studio, Act-On customers can now schedule the timing of their Engagement Insights reports. For example, a marketer could view their reporting for the last week every Monday morning. A notification tool sends email alerts to users when a new report is available to view.

Engagement Insights grants marketers actionable metrics and data that you can quickly look at, get the insights you need to optimize your marketing, and drive those programs to drive more revenue, says Hendrix.

The company has been beta testing the new solution over the past couple of months with 30 customers. One beta tester, Education at Work, experienced a 10% boost in email open rates after leveraging Engagement Insights to optimize its campaigns. The non-profit also increased its media and form conversion rates by 33%.
A photographer has settled a two-year legal fight against an animal rights group over a monkey selfie picture.

Naruto the macaque monkey took the image in the Indonesian jungle in 2011 when it picked up a camera owned by David Slater from Monmouthshire.

US judges had said copyright protection could not be applied to the monkey but Peta said the animal should benefit.

Petas appeal on the monkeys behalf was dismissed but Mr Slater has agreed to donate 25% of any future revenue.

In a joint statement from Peta and Mr Slater, it said the photographer will give a quarter of the funds he receives from selling the monkey selfies to registered charities dedicated to protecting the welfare or habitat of Naruto.

Petas groundbreaking case sparked a massive international discussion about the need to extend fundamental rights to animals for their own sake, not in relation to how they can be exploited by humans, said Peta lawyer Jeff Kerr.

Mr Slater, of Chepstow, said he put in a lot of effort which was more than enough for him to claim copyright.

He also said he was a conservationist and interest in the image had already helped animals in Indonesia.

The case was listed as Naruto v David Slater but the identity of the monkey had also been in dispute, with Peta claiming it is a female called Naruto and Mr Slater saying it is a different male macaque.

But appeal judges at a court in San Francisco ruled in Mr Slaters favour after a two-year legal fight.

In the joint-statement between Peta and Mr Slater, they say this case raises important, cutting-edge issues about expanding legal rights for non-human animals.
13.09.2017 LISTEN

Ghanaian model, Araba Sey is about to launch the Sey Your Mind initiative to allow for exchange of thoughts between models and the general public to create awareness about the modeling industry.

Araba has been speaking her mind through weekly articles on things that need to be done right for models to have stress-free environment to work.

One of such articles where she expressed her feelings on how agencies should stop seeing models as sex tools, sparked major debate on few media platforms across the country.

Her Sey Your Mind will ask stakeholders including - models, modelling agencies, photographers, bloggers/media etc. questions to gather their perceptions and concerns about the modeling industry in Ghana and outside.

Championing this course will afford young models in the country the chance to know what others think about the industry and whether it has a future or not. It will also provide room to bring on board problems that are confronting the industry and how to strategically place short and long term solutions in place to reduce the stress models are confronted with when chasing after their dreams.

This will enable models make good living from the profession and give upcoming ones the chance to have more knowledge about the industry before making the final decision to join.

You, me and us, must all come on board to make the Sey Your Mind initiative see the light of day.

Watch this space for more soon
Veteran highlife musician Ben Brako has stated that the 2017 edition of the Joy FM Pop Chain All-Star Concert which is being organized in aid of Joy FMs Sugar Project, is going to be epic!

Last years edition of the brought back fond memories - memories of quality music and skilled dancing; and has since carved a niche for itself as the most important platform where bands from the Pop Chain era  60s, 70s and even 80s - come together to perform for a worthy cause.

The Joy FM Pop Chain All-Star Concert raises funds to support Joy FMs Sugar Project, which is a Diabetes Awareness and Screening Initiative.

Billed to be one of the performers for the night, Ben Brako told Doreen Andoh in an interview on the Cosmopolitan Mix on Joy FM that, this year, it is going to be wow. I think its going to be the best so farits going to be fantastic.

The veteran musician is playing with some of the band members of his school, The Famous Flames of St Augustines College backed by Bessa Simons.

We are always the best, he stressed but noted that in spite of the rich history of competition between the bands, the Joy FM Pop Chain All-Star Concert is for a great cause.

Coming off on September 30 at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill at North Ridge in Accra, Ben Brako, known for popular tunes such as Mawie professed that the concert provides the perfect platform to re-live the teenage era.

This year, some popular musicians, including Stephanie Benson and Akosua Adjepong, will mount the stage to perform to the cause.

Bands from several schools including Mfantsipim and Achomota will perform for patrons to have fun and give money.

If you missed last years event, read: David Ampofo, Motown, Dr Sam Mensah thrill patrons at 2016 Pop Chain All-Star Concert

See photos of last years concert below:


Ghanaian gospel maestro, Joe Mettle, is number one on Apple Music Charts with his latest single 'Bo Noo Ni' which features Luigi Maclean.

The chart also has 'Show You Off' by Wurld, 'Link' by Jim Joseph and 'Highest' by Sarkodie and in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions respectively.

'Bo Noo Ni' is also trending at number 8 on YouTube just a day after its release onto the music market.

At the number 5 position in the Top Album category on Apple Music is Joe's previous album 'The Encounter' which was released in 2015.

The new song, Bo Noo Ni is a blend of English and Ga languages and tells God's greatness to humankind and his ability to rescue the perishing.

The song which is jointly produced by Joe Mettle and the LoveGift was mixed by Outluk Records and mastered in Nashville, U.S.A at Tone and Mastering.

It was recorded live at the Accra International Conference Centre in June 2017, during Joe Mettle's live album DVD recording.

Joe Mettle who made history at the 2017 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards by being the first Gospel Artiste to have won Artiste of the Year in the award scheme is gradually winning greater spurs in his music career.

He recently headlined UK's maiden GospelFest organised by ABN Radio and was also honored in the UK with the Artiste of Excellence Award, West Africa by the African Gospel Music and Media Awards.

Watch 'Bo Noo Ni' in the link below:

By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonlinne.com
The crowd that thronged the West Hills Mall to support Michael Owusu-Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, last Sunday for the launch of his latest album titled 'Highest', at the West Hills Mall in Accra leaves much to be desired.

The event attracted thousands of avid Sarkodie fans who thronged the West Hills Mall in their numbers to witness the ceremony and grab copies of the CDs. The venue was so packed it couldn't contain the audience.

Fans who patronised copies of the album had the opportunity to take photographs with the Sarkodie, as he thanked them for accepting and supporting him in the music industry.

'Highest', which will be will be marketed worldwide by Sony Music UK, is a collection of 15 brand new songs, three interludes and a bonus track.

The album which is an incredible collection of hip-hop and Afrobeats beats and rhythms features some major local and international artistes such as his longtime friend and producer Jayso, UK's Big Narstie, Victoria Kimani (Kenya), Moelogo (UK), renowned spoken word artiste Suli Breaks (UK), Korede Bello (Nigeria), Praiz (Nigeria), Yung L (Nigeria), Joey B (Ghana), Jesse Jagz (Nigeria), Flavour (Nigeria) and Bobii Lewis (UK).

The event also attracted a number of celebrities like DKB, Doctor Duncan, Dr Pounds, Magnom, Medikal, Strong Man, B4Bonah, Foster Romanus, Wisa, Article Wan and a host of others.

Ghanaian rapper TeePhlow was among the artistes who thrilled music fans who graced the Sarkodie's fifth studio album launch and signing at the West Hills Mall in Accra.

TeePhlow on the night surprised many when he mounted the stage to give the audience an enthralling performance. He performed songs like 'Trumpet', 'Warning', among others.
Canon Central and North Africa, a subsidiary of Canon Global, under its strategic partnership with National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) on Monday opened a week intensive training workshop for film makers and photographers in Accra.

The 80 participants which included some top industry players, students, and amateur photographers are expected to go through topics such as: Introduction to Filmmaking & Filmmaking Cameras, Shooting for Stills vs shooting for Video, Grammar of Filmmaking, Controlling & Changing Screen and Direction, External Elements, and concludes with a Practical Assessment'.

Dubbed Canon-NAFTI Film Excellence Program, Canon's three-year partnership the country's premium film making institution which was started in 2016 has trained hundreds of film and photography professionals.

The Program was aimed at strengthening the knowledge capacity of skills of Ghanas Creative Arts professional talents in film and photography industry, it also seeks to create a rewarding career opportunities for them locally and internationally.

Apart from the main workshop schedules, there is going be special sessions which will be on Canon Twambako (street Photography) focusing on commercial Street Photography will include a photography challenge in the streets of Accra which the best image was taken by the participants will stand to win a prize.

The session will also include a Selphy workshop to demonstrate how easy and efficient it is to print anywhere, anytime and even on the o.

Katie Simmonds, Business Development Manager of Canon Central and North Africa delivers her speech

One of the sessions most of the participants do not want to miss is the one that discusses Canons latest imaging product and technologies including, filmmaking with the new EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR, 4K resolution with Canon, C100 Mark II camera and Canons latest technology for extreme low light video, XA30 camera and live streaming of events and understanding High Dynamic Range.

During the week, Canon will also provide additional equipment for practical production work by NAFTI students. Canon believes this will help students to familiarize film makers and photographers in Ghana with the cutting-edge professional technology used internationally, including Canons latest affordable technology in imaging and their capabilities.

With Canons corporate philosophy of Kyosei, meaning living and working together for the common good, the company continues to maintain its strong growth and prosperity in the region through new business initiatives while also promoting CSR activities.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Rector of NAFTI, Dr. Samuel Nai, said the workshop is timely and appropriate considering that this kind of photographic education is key to nurturing emerging local talent and enhancing the knowledge of faculty in the Institute.

"We note with satisfaction that the partnership with Canon will enable students and industry players to interact, from time to time, with resource people who have a wide range of professional experience.

NAFTIs support for such Canon workshops, we believe, will ultimately help in improving the professional knowledge of cinematography in Ghanas still evolving film industry, he said.

He praised the management of Canon for their contribution to the development of the Film and Photography industry.

Channel Manager of Omanfofor, Pastor George Mingle, country representative for Canon promised a closer collaboration between his company and photographers.

He urged Photographers to unite in order to enable the company to know how they can help them since many Ghanaian photographers have realized the quality of Canon equipment.

Participants in the film and movie production are led by renown Ghanaian film maker Rodney Quarcoo who is the only Ghanaian among the Canon trainers, promised to take participants through modern techniques of making.

He said participants will be on locations to film and present their production at the end of the training.

In late 2014, Canon has launched the Miraisha sustainability program which is aimed at building the capacity and skills of people in the Africa countries in which we operate through our imaging heritage, leveraging the companys advanced technologies strengths.

The program helps to support people to develop livelihood in professional photography or print.

To date, through the program, they have trained more than 3,000 students on photography skills over 20 printing business, with appreciation from Kano State Professional Photographers Association in Nigeria (KASPPAN).

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline| David Andoh| [email protected]
Senior Law lecturer Dr. Raymond Atuguba has advocated an overhaul of civil litigation in Ghana's courts which should see civil cases resolved within six months.

In a 28-page speech at the annual Ghana Bar Association conference in Sunyani, the senior law lecturer at the University of Ghana called for the abolition of the writ system as part of 11 recommendations for reforms.

Senior lecturer at the University of Ghana law faculty received thunderous applause when he made eleven recommendations for changes in the practice of law and justice delivery.

The law lecturer referred to damming statistics on the rate of justice delivery and concluded with disappointment that the snail-pace of justice delivery in Ghana is dangerous.

"The year 2000 only saw 1,777 of the 28,665 cases filed disposed of. That accounts to a measly 6.2% of the total cases filed".

"The highest disposal rate recorded by the researchers was from 2004/05 year, when the court managed to dispose of 34.3% of the cases filed. Year after year, 66 to 94% of the cases that go to the court are left hanging in the air."

Raymond Atuguba explained that with a growing resort to ligitation in the country, this disappointing rate of justice delivery threatens to undermine the faith of citizens.

If we want to keep our clients happy; if we want to keep money flowing our way; if the courts hope to remain the go to place for dispute resolution, then we must necessarily take steps to ensure that we eliminate the practices that are sure to drive away those who come to the courts to resolve matters affecting their lives.

Cases that take years to determine can actually be dealt with within six months or less if Ghana's judicial system will embrace reforms including abolition of the writ system and resort to technology, he said.

Known for his radical ideas for judicial reforms including doing away with the wig and gown and addressing the canker of corruption, Dr. Atuguba now wants even letters to be accepted as a method to commence legal proceedings in special circumstances.

He explained this is to avoid injustice to litigants because of insistence on technical methods long abandoned by progressive democracies.

He applauds judges who have recently allowed court processes to be served using social media platforms such as whatsapp and Facebook messenger as he calls for such flexible means to be litigation as a rule rather than the exception.

"We must start serving processes by WhatsApp. And before you say I am crazy, let us examine what happened in Kwabena Ofori Addo v Hidalgo Energy & Julian Admoako Gymah. In this case, substituted service was ordered to be done by WhatsApp.

"This was a 2015 case, with Suit No. AC/198/2015 for those of you who think I am making things up. The case was handled by Dr. Kweku Ainuson, a fellow colleague at the University of Ghana School of Law".

"More recently, he managed to convince another Ghanaian judge that a writ of summons (with statement of claim attached) would definitely find an evasive defendant on Facebook Messenger.

"Justice Sophia R. Bernasko-Essah agreed and granted the order for substituted service by Facebook in IFS Financial Services Limited v Jonathan Mensah & Stanley Owusu, Suit no GJ563/2017 (again for those who think I am making things up".

For Dr. Atuguba there is such rapid change in the way business is done that lawyers and the justice delivery must be quick to reform or suffer greatly.

Click here to read entire paper.

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|Edwin Appiah|[email protected]
The start of the 2017/18 academic year has seen anxious parents and their wards flood public high schools nationwide to confirm placement in the schools, but indications are that private high schools are seeing little to no activity.

Citi News visit to one of the notable private high schools in Kumasi, the Mighty Royal Senior High School, showed that it has received fewer first-year students for this academic year.

The head teacher of the school, Mohammed Nurudeen, told Citi News that the possible negative effects on private schools were not considered before the implementation of the free SHS policy.

I am saying this because a government which has promised to revamp the private sector, in the course of rolling this programme, they should have considered the private schools; as in posting some of the students to the private school.

He suggested further that, if nothing at all, the government can subsidize the fees or pay and absorb all the fees because they are all Ghanaian children and we are all Ghanaians.

Mohammed Nurudeen said the situation was very bad because gone are the days where you will see parents trooping in and bringing in their wards to seek admission.

He noted that in the past, his school normally did not have problems with admission but as we speak, the numbers that we get this time around we are not getting these numbers because of the free SHS.

Mohammed Nurudeen thus described the policy as one of the ways killing the private sector.

The government has officially launched the free SHS policy which will see about 400,000 students getting enrollment into public senior high schools across the country.

The government will among other things pay for tuition, feeding, school uniforms, library and textbook fees for students.

Concerns from Tamale

These concerns echo that of owners of private high schools in Tamale, which appealed to the government to outsource the Free SHS placement to them to sustain the private schools.

The Proprietor of City Senior High School at Target, Musah Sulemana, on behalf of his colleagues also noted that, their biggest problem is getting fresh students and we are appealing to the government to address our concerns schools have reopened and the private senior schools we are not getting students in terms of admissions.

He expressed fears that private schools may have to fold up.



By: Hafiz Tijani/Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
President Nana Akufo-Addo on Tuesday paid a brief visit to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

Addressing a press conference after the visit, President Akufo-Addo noted that all of us have been very anxious about his (President Buhari) well-being.

"It was very good news to hear that he had returned. We are Africans, and it meant that I had to come and see things for myself.

He added that he is very delighted to see that he has come back, and is very vigorous, and, as always, very engaged in the issues of the day. We had a good half an hour together; reviewing matters, both in Ghana and Nigeria, as well as matters to do with what is going on in the ECOWAS community.

The two Heads-of-State also discussed matters bordering on the rapid expansion and growth of their respective economies, and the fight against terrorism on the continent and in the world.

They also reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the ties of friendship that exist between the two countries during their respective tenures of office, and in the years ahead.

The visit by President Akufo-Addo is the second visit paid to the Nigerian President by a foreign Head of State, following his return from London after his three-month medical leave.

President Akufo-Addo, on his arrival, was made an honorary citizen of Abuja by Muhammad Musa Bello, the Minister of the Federal Capital of Abuja, and was handed a symbolic key to the city.

President Akufo-Addo was accompanied by the Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah; Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charles Owiredu; National Security Adviser, Gen. Emmanuel Otchere; and officials of the Presidency.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, 12th September, 2017, paid a brief visit to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadou Buhari.

Addressing a press conference after the visit, President Akufo-Addo noted that all of us have been very anxious about his (President Buhari) well-being, and it was very good news to hear that he had returned. We are Africans, and it meant that I had to come and see things for myself.

President Akufo-Addo added that I am very delighted to see that he has come back, and is very vigorous, and, as always, very engaged in the issues of the day. We had a good half an hour together; reviewing matters, both in Ghana and Nigeria, as well as matters to do with what is going on in the ECOWAS community.

President Akufo-Addo and President Buhari also discussed matters bordering on the rapid expansion and growth of their respective economies, and the fight against terrorism on the continent and in the world.

The two leaders President also reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the ties of friendship that exist between the two countries during their respective tenures of office, and in the years ahead.

The visit by President Akufo-Addo is the second visit paid to the Nigerian President by a foreign Head of State, following his return from London after his 3-month medical leave.

President Akufo-Addo, on his arrival, was made an honorary citizen of Abuja by Muhammad Musa Bello, the Minister of the Federal Capital of Abuja, and was handed a symbolic key to the city.

President Akufo-Addo was accompanied by the Minister for National Security, Mr. Albert Kan Dapaah; Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Charles Owiredu; National Security Adviser, Gen. Emmanuel Otchere; and officials of the Presidency.



Flagstaff House
There are red flags over office of special prosecutor bill currently being considered by parliament with the Minority questioning whether the office will be truly independent.

Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu does not understand why the special prosecutor will be expected to act on the authority of the Attorney General instead of being truly independent.

He also wants the special prosecutor to be more accountable to parliament instead of the executive arm of government.

Mr. Iddrisu was speaking at a public consultation forum organized by Parliaments Constitution and Legal Affairs Committee on the bill.

The Bill is part of a promise by the president to create an independent Special Prosecutor Office which shall see to the prosecution of corruption cases in the country.

Prosecution of corruption cases in the past, especially of past government officials, have been perceived to be acts of political witch hunting.

President Akufo-Addo believes the appointment of a Special Prosecutor will lead to an independent prosecution of corruption cases.

But the attempt to set up the office has been fraught with challenges. A first attempt to have the bill passed suffered a hitch and was withdrawn for further consultations.

In one such consultations, the Minority as well as some Civil Society groups raised issues with the current position of the Bill.

Per the Bill, the person to be appointed as the Special Prosecutor must have relevant expertise in corruption matters. The persons to be prosecuted must also be deemed to public officers and politically exposed persons.

The Minority Leader does not appear to agree with this.

Who are politically exposed persons? Haruna Iddrisu asked adding, What is even more important in the long title for our purposes is when you say prosecute these offences on the authority of the Attorney General. Which Attorney General? Where then is the independence that you promised?

He would rather have the president make the appointment of the Special Prosecutor with the prior approval of the Parliament.

He was not alone in the criticism. Civil Society Groups have also been punching holes into the document.

Prof. H. Kwesi Prempeh of the Center for Democratic Development is also questioning why the bill gives the Special Prosecutor must only preside over corruption issues that involve large sums of money.

We respectfully and strongly object to the inclusion in this bill of this sub clause 4 and we advise that it be deleted in its entirety," he said.

The clause 4 purports to draw a distinction between petty corruption and grand corruption.

If enacted into law, he said the clause will invite needless litigation over the mandate and jurisdiction of the office.

Prof. Prempeh is also seeking amendment to provisions in the bill that limits investigations into corruption cases to complaints from individuals and corporate bodies.

The stakeholders meeting is expected to continue to tomorrow.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com
Some parents have deplored what they say is the extortion by institution heads despite the coming into force of the promised free senior high school (SHS) education policy.

The parents who spoke to Joy News Tuesday said they are made to pay monies ranging from 10 to 30 or risk the registration of their wards.

"The free SHS is after all not free," an aggrieved father told Joy News' Ashanti Regional Correspondent, Erastus Asare Donkor.

The parent told the reporter aside the extortions by school heads, the items they are made to buy for their children cost more than what government has absorbed under the programme.

But "this is not an isolated case," Erastus said of the unapproved financial demands made on parents by heads of some senior high schools.

The reporter said since the enrollment exercises across the country Monday, parents in the Region continue to lament about monies charged from them.

Joy News' Brong Ahafo Regional Correspondent, Anas Sabit has also reported some schools in the Techiman South District are taking monies from parents.

He said some school authorities he spoke to explained the monies they are charging were not captured by the free SHS policy.

The headmaster of the Akumfi Ameyaw SHS in the district admitted to the reporter, he sanctioned the collection of the money because the school could not afford to buy files for students.

But District Chief Executive of the area, Peter Mensah has directed heads of schools who are extorting monies from parents to refund them or risk a hefty sanction.

To back his directive, the DCE has also filed an official complaint at the District Education Directorate over the matter.

The development is one of the few challenges some parents are facing since secondary school enrollment for the 2017/2018 academic year commenced.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially launched the free SHS at the West African Secondary School (WASS), with a call on Ghanaians to support the policy.

Per the policy, all fees approved by the Ghana Education Service Council for first-year students have been absorbed by the government, save Parent Teachers' Association (PTA) dues.

But some parents in the Brong Ahafo Region are dissatisfied they will have to pay some monies for the procurement of plastic chairs for schools when the directive is not coming from the government.

They believe some heads of schools are using dubious means to rake in money and have implored the Education Ministry to sanitise the system.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | [email protected] | Instagram: @realbrakopowers
The Chairman of the Constitution, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee has admitted the yet to be created office will not be independent after all.

Ben Abdalla Bandah told Joy News Evans Mensah there is no one independent person or institution in Ghana, not even the president.

He was contributing to the controversial Special Prosecutor Office Bill which is yet to be taken back to Parliament for approval after the initial attempt to pass it fell through.

There is currently a process of consultation ongoing to seek inputs from all stakeholders. One of such consultations is a two day forum organized by Parliaments Constitution and Legal Affairs Committee which saw civil society groups and the Minority leader all sharing their opinions on the matter.

The Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu did not understand why the special prosecutor will be expected to act on the authority of the Attorney General instead of being truly independent.

According to the Bill, the person to be appointed as the Special Prosecutor must have relevant expertise in corruption matters and the persons to be prosecuted must also be deemed to public officers and politically exposed persons.

The Minority Leader does not appear to agree with this.

Who are politically exposed persons? he asked adding, What is even more important in the long title for our purposes is when you say prosecute these offences on the authority of the Attorney General. Which Attorney General? Where then is the independence that you promised? he questioned.

He would rather have the president make the appointment of the Special Prosecutor with the prior approval of the Parliament.

Prof. H. Kwesi Prempeh of the Center for Democratic Development is also questioning why the bill gives the Special Prosecutor must only preside over corruption issues that involve large sums of money.

We respectfully and strongly object to the inclusion in this bill of this sub clause 4 and we advise that it be deleted in its entirety.

He said the clause purports to draw a distinction between petty corruption and grand corruption.

If enacted into law, he said the clause will invite needless litigation over the mandate and jurisdiction of the office.

Responding to the queries, the Chairman of the Constitution, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee said the contributions have come in good time.

The Special Prosecutor Office Bill is at its incipient stage; people are free to make inputs, suggested.

Even though the office is being set up to undertake independent prosecutions, Ben Abdalla Bandah said the Office cannot be entirely independent.

According to him, the Special Prosecutor will be accountable to the Attorney General.

He also admitted the president will have a hand in every process of the appointment of the Special Prosecutor but said the integrity of the appointee must be paramount interest to all.

He said the EC chair is appointed by the president but the constitution says he or she must be independent and so are judges appointed by the president yet they must be independent.

Ben Abdalla Bandah said the special prosecutor will not be any different.

He added mo matter how rigorous the process of appointment is, if the person himself is not imbued with integrity the structure of appointment will not achieve any results.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
This website is inclusive of tolerant people of all faiths, without exception. Neither anti-Semitism nor Islamophobia nor homophobia should ever be acceptable to anyone. We must all strive to live in peace and harmony with each other, regardless of religious affiliations, or none. Intolerance is the mother of strife and conflict.   Mark Alexander

We Britons are Europeans!Wir Briten sind Europaer! Nous, les Britanniques, sommes europeens !  Mark AlexanderEmail me at:markalexander.librabunda@gmail.com
The Ashanti Regional Police says it will on Wednesday arraign some 10 people who were part of demonstrators demanding the reversal of governments ban on small scale mining in the country.

The ten were believed to be carrying weapons including machetes, hammers in a demo that was not sanctioned by the police.

The demonstration was subsequently scuttled by police due to some miscommunication about the number of people expected to take part in the protest.

There were skirmishes which resulted in the throwing of tear gas, Luv FM's Prince Appiah reported.

The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners has described the total ban on small-scale mining as a lazy approach to dealing with the devastating effects of illegal mining popularly called galamsey.

They have expressed misgivings about how media reportage has lumped both small-scale mining and illegal miners together.

According to them, the solution to illegal mining must start with drawing a distinction between certified small scale miners and illegal miners engaged in direct pollution of the environment.

The Ghana Water Company had made a bleak projection that the country may be forced to import water for consumption in the next decade if the current rate of pollution of water sources continues.

This and many other reasons led to the total ban by government some seven months ago.

Speaking about the protest, the Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Juliana Obeng told Evans Mensah on Joy FMs Newsnite programme that the protestors failed to live by the agreement they had earlier with the police.

She said they met the organisers of the demonstration on Monday evening and directed them to cancel the Tuesday scheduled protest because they violated the initial plans suggested by them.

Initially, the agreement to start from the stadium had changed, which was a breach in total defiance of the orders that were given to them, she said

She added that the organisers earlier said they were expecting 200 people only to change their minds later to say over 5000 people will show up which the police did not immediately have the logistics to cater for.

In spite of the arrests and breaches, spokesperson for the Small Scale Miners Association, Mike Gizo said the purpose for the planned protest was achieved.

We have had a very successful outing and we were able to get ourselves assembled and discussed issues.

The incidents that happened did not mar the beauty of what we had and we will make sure that those people are released with immediate effect. We have been law abiding citizens and we have not taken any agitated move since the ban took effect, he said.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline
The Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC) has called for the establishment of a Free Education Secretariat to oversee the smooth implementation of the government's new Free Senior High School (SHS) Education Policy.

GNECC is a network of civil society organisations, professional groupings, educational or research institutions and other practitioners which promotes quality education.

Chairman of GNECC, Mr Bright Appiah, said the proposed Secretariat must have a Board to oversee its activities and to give it policy directions.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Tuesday, Mr Appiah said the Free SHS Policy of government had come to stay and therefore, all stakeholders must get on board.

He said such a policy would go a long way to benefit the nation's children, and also to accelerate its socioeconomic development.

He urged the government to guarantee the regular and speedy disbursement of the Free SHS funds to ensure that the project did not face similar challenges that had saddled the Northern Scholar Fund over the years.

He said there was the need for the government to put in place a strong monitoring system to ensure that funds that were released to the various schools were judiciously used for the intended purposes.

Mr Appiah called on civil society organisations to play their part to ensure that the Free SHS succeeds.

The Free SHS Policy was on Tuesday launched by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the West Africa Senior High School, Adenta, Accra.

The Free SHS Policy is the flagship education programme of the government that seeks increase access to Secondary Education by removing the burden of paying fees from parents.

Under the policy, government would foot all bills including feeding fees, tuition fees and all other charges.

Over 420,000 eligible students would enjoy the programme when it kicks off.

The GNECC is a network of civil society organisations, professional associations, educational and research institutions, and others interested in promoting quality basic education for all.

Formed in 1999, the coalition has steadily grown over the years with a current membership of over 100 organizations.

The GNECC ascribes to the idea of education as a fundamental human right and the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | GN
Vice President, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, has disclosed that revenue at the Port increased from GH130 million in the first week of September 2016, to GH213 million in the same period for 2017.

He said the introduction of the paperless technology has as a result tackled inefficiency and corruption at the harbour, showing a revenue collection improvement of 56 per cent.

He expressed his heartfelt relief at the outcome to the introduction of the paperless system at the ports.

Dr Bawumia said this at the launch of the onboarding programme for 170 National Service Personnel of the National Communications Authority in Accra.

He said people have been shell-shocked as to how quickly they have been able to clear their shipments with beneficiaries not exceeding more than four hours when clearing their containers.

He expressed governments commitment to rid out corruption with the introduction of technology in institutions.

He said the government was focused on the digitisation of the economy, with hopes that the transformative impact would help Ghana move in a positive direction towards attaining competence in the economic environment.

He added that government would launch a paperless address system in locating streets, offices and residential places in the next two months.

He said that government seeks to solve the inadequacies with regards to the nations appalling address system with the introduction of a Global Positioning System (GPS) and postal code system with the support of Ghana Post.

He said it would be so effective that even if one is located on the river, with the GPS address system in place, such a person would be easily located.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, paid a brief visit to the President of President of Nigeria, Muhammadou Buhari.

Addressing a press conference after the visit, Akufo-Addo noted that all of us have been very anxious about his well-being, and it was very good news to hear that he had returned. We are Africans, and it meant that I had to come and see things for myself.

Nana Akufo-Addo added that I am very delighted to see that he has come back, and is very vigorous, and, as always, very engaged in the issues of the day. We had a good half an hour together; reviewing matters, both in Ghana and Nigeria, as well as matters to do with what is going on in the ECOWAS community.

Nana Akufo-Addo and President Buhari also discussed matters bordering on the rapid expansion and growth of their respective economies, and the fight against terrorism on the continent and in the world.

The two leaders also reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the ties of friendship that exist between the two countries during their respective tenures of office, and in the years ahead.

The visit by Nana Akufo-Addo is the second visit paid to the Nigerian President by a foreign Head of State, following his return from London after his three-month medical leave.

Nana Akufo-Addo, on his arrival, was made an honorary citizen of Abuja by Muhammad Musa Bello, the Minister of the Federal Capital of Abuja, and was handed a symbolic key to the city.

Nana Akufo-Addo was accompanied by the Minister for National Security, Mr. Albert Kan Dapaah; Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Charles Owiredu; National Security Adviser, Gen. Emmanuel Otchere; and officials of the Presidency.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has condemned threats and attacks on the Kenyans Supreme Court, following the Courts verdict on the post-election petition in the Eastern African country.

The Supreme Court of Kenya overturned the result of the recently-held Presidential election, ruling that irregularities and illegalities harmed the integrity of the election.

Raila Odinga, the 72-year opposition leader, claimed the electronic voting results were hacked and manipulated in favour of the incumbent, Uhuru Kenyatta.

As a result, the Court nullified President Kenyatta's win and called for another Presidential election to be held within 60 days.

Kenyatta will run against Odinga on October 17, 2017.

President Uhuru Kenyatta hit out at the Supreme Court on Saturday questioning the grounds on which his nullification was determined. Accompanied by his deputy, William Ruto, President Uhuru threatened to deal with the Judiciary should he be re-elected in 60 days.

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has condemned threats and attacks on the Kenyans Supreme Court, following the Courts verdict on the post-election petition in the Eastern African country.

Even if you are so stupid, ask yourself something: The people elected an MCA, results were transmitted, and no one asked questions. Those of MPs and senators were transmitted, and no one asked questions and they have been sworn in. Those of governors were transmitted, no one asked questions. Now how do four people and wake up and say there was a technicality in the transmission of the results of the President only? How? asked Uhuru.

The Ghana Bar Association said: We condemned in no uncertain terms threats and attacks on the Judges of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kenya after the delivery of verdict in the election, which came before the Court recently says Mr Benson Nutsukpui, the President of the GBA.

He said such threats and attacks represented an affront to the Rule of Law in any democracy.

Mr Nutsukpui was addressing the opening session of the 2017/2018 Annual General Conference of the GBA in Sunyani.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially opened the five-day conference on Monday and is being attended by judges and lawyers across the country.

It is on the theme: Saving the Future Generation from the Scourge of Corruption and Environmental Degradation; the Role of the Legal Profession.

The GBA joins its colleagues of the Kenyan Law Society to condemn all unwarranted, scurrilous and baseless attacks on the members of the Kenyan Supreme Court for discharging the duties of their judicial offices, Mr Nutsukpui said.

Whilst calling on all political actors in Kenya to exercise maturity and decorum in their utterances, the GBA President reminded his colleagues that they had the duty to defend the Rule of Law in order to assure protection and a good life for all Ghanaians and to safeguard national security.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
DAKAR, Senegal,12 September 2017, -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investment platform, held its third Shareholder Meeting in Dakar on Tuesday, September 12. President Macky Sall of Senegal welcomed the delegates. African Development Bank Group President and Chairman of the Board of Africa50, Akinwumi Adesina, gave a feature address, and Africa50 CEO Alan Ebobisse provided updates on the Fund's investment pipeline and strategy. They were joined by finance ministers, senior officials, and ambassadors from the 23 shareholder countries and members of the business community.

In his remarks, President Sall expressed his strong support for Africa50's mission to catalyse private sector investment, from within and outside Africa, in infrastructure in Africa, since public resources are not sufficient. Outlining Senegal's success, he stressed that governments must improve the business climate and create an environment conducive to private investment in infrastructure, including the regulatory environment for public private partnerships. Stating that "Africa is open for business", he stressed that the continent has defined its priorities through initiatives such as PISA, and can use Africa50 as an important new instrument. He said, "I encourage all African countries to join this fund, which is ours, to fill our infrastructure funding gap."

Africa50 Chairman Adesina, reiterated the need for private investment to close the large infrastructure funding gap in Africa, citing growing investor interest. Looking ahead to 2025 and a projected annual funding gap of $30-40 billion, financing African infrastructure will require a balance between development finance, which can fund and de-risk early stage financing, and long-term institutional investment which can quickly narrow the funding gap. Africa50, he said, was designed by the AfDB to help blend public and private finance, and through its project development division, build up the pipeline of "bankable" projects and facilitate public private partnerships. He commended the Africa50 leadership for ramping up operations, hiring top-notch staff and consultants, and naming a respected Investment Committee. The AfDB, he assured the audience, will continue to work closely with Africa50, especially to increase access to power. Chairman Adesina also officially welcomed two new Africa50 shareholders, Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Note: Since the last Shareholders Meeting in July 2016 Tunisia has also joined.)

Thanking Chairman Adesina and President Sall for their presence and support, Africa50 CEO Alain Ebobisse, stressed the importance of the private sector to fill the infrastructure financing gap. He cited three success factors for Africa50's mission: the strong support of the AfDB and the shareholders, the competence and experience of Africa50's staff, and the quality of projects, which focus on being commercially viable while having a strong development impact.

In a video presentation that opened the event, Mr. Ebobisse and senior Africa50 staff further outlined Africa50's comparative advantage for financing infrastructure in Africa. Specifically:

* Through its close relationship with shareholders and African governments Africa50 can mitigate country risk through high-level public-sector engagement and by leveraging AfDB's support.

* Through its project development activities and ongoing dialogues with shareholder governments Africa50 can generate a strong deal flow to attract infrastructure investors.

* By upholding international best-practice Environmental, Social, and Governance standards, Africa50 can help assure the long-term viability of projects.

* And, finally, by building an experienced leadership and investment team with a demonstrated track record of successful deal-making on the continent, Africa50 will inspire confidence and catalyse more private investments in infrastructure.
The All Africa Students Union (AASU) would like to express its astonishment at the inhuman treatments of the Rohingya ethnic group by the Burmese state. Since August 25 the Burmese army and extremist Buddhists have been unleashing unprecedented violence against the Rohingya ethnic group forcing them to flee their country. These people have been subjected to rape, murder, maim among others. This army is reported to use antipersonnel landmines at the border with Bangladesh to cause more harms to the already traumatized innocent people seeking protection in Bangladesh.

It is mind boggling to witness such brutalities met against human beings by their fellows. It is high time for the international community to address, with all the seriousness it deserves, the issues of the Rohinghas in Burma who are victims of intolerance, exclusion, murders for many years.

The Burmese government has, long, considered Rohingyas to be foreign nationals from Bangladesh, despite their population numbering over one million and making up a large portion of the countrys Muslim population. To reinforce this obnoxious ostracism, the regime has embarked into the current ethnic cleansing to wipe out the Rohingyas from Burma through burning their villages and other heartless methods.

It is known that in 1982 a law was passed to exclude Rohingyas from gaining Burmese citizenship, making them one of the largest Stateless population in the world and leaving them at the mercy of systematic abuse including restriction on freedom of movement, work , privacy, marriage and access to basic health services and education.

The World must not fold its hands and seat down unconcerned about the plights of the Rohingyas. We have to act quickly to restore them in their fundamental human rights by ensuring that they belong to Burma and have the same rights like other citizens of that country.

AASU condemns, unreservedly, the dastardly acts against the Rohingyas.

We call for an immediate end to these shameful and barbaric actions.

Signed:

Peter Kwasi Kodjie

Secretary General-All Africa Students Union (AASU)

Email: [email protected]/ Mobile: +233(0)242879028
13.09.2017 LISTEN

Accra, Sept. 11, GNA - The People's National Convention (PNC) has hinted of a possibility of an early congress to elect national executives and flagbearer.

'The party intends to possibly decouple the election of its national executives from that of the flagbearer towards the 2020 elections,' Mr Emmanuel Wilson, Director of Communication of the Party, stated at the weekend at a media briefing after the Party's first Standing Committee Meeting, in Accra.

He said the Party's consideration of an early Congress was to reposition the party for victory in the next election.

Mr Wilson said the Party had instituted a three-member committee to present details of the Standing Committee Meeting to the National Executive Council (NEC) for approval.

He said the Committee also approved the Sub-committee members' proposed by the NEC at its last meeting.

The Communications Director said the committees were the Disciplinary Committee, Finance Committee, Welfare Committee, Communication Committee, Political Committee and the Legal Committee.

He said Standing Committee had directed these committees to have their first meeting to appoint their chairpersons and committee secretaries.

GNA

By Amadu Kamil Sanah, GNA
Tamale (NR), Sept. 11, GNA - Mr Amin Yahaya, Programs Director for Integrated Action for Community Development (INTAGRAD), has appealed to journalists to use their media platforms to sensitize citizens on the need for improved sanitation.

He said journalists have a crucial role to play to effectively create the awareness with the aim of channelling the appropriate information of sanitations and the dangers it posses to the environment.

Mr Yahaya said this over the weekend at a media sensitization forum aimed at involving the media in the fight against the menace of improper waste management and open defecation.

The pilot Urban Sanitation Project (USP) under the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly in partnership with (INTAGRAD) with funding from the Netherlands and UNICEF is focusing on increasing household toilets to improve sanitation in the region.

Mr Adam Wahab, the Deputy Head of Waste Management Department, said the Urban Community Led Total Sanitation (UCLTS) strategy should be adopted to engage households to facilitate the promotion of household latrines without subsidy.

'This would be borne by householders themselves without subsidy, rather than depending on benevolent organizations to reduce and discourage the use of other options including public latrines', he said.

Mr Wahab said various latrine technologies have been embraced at a reduced cost, which every household must acquire and urged journalist to create the necessary awareness of such technologies for acquisition.

Mr Abraham Iddrisu, a consultant for the Urban Sanitation Project, said similar approaches used in rural areas could not be applied to the urban areas because of space and the diverse culture of indigenes living in Tamale.

He said the project aims at ensuring that 215,000 households are provided with latrines in their homes by 2018.

By Kamara Osman Faisal/Sampson Laari Victoria, GNA,
Sabrata (Libya) (AFP) - In Sabrata, Libya's main departure point for clandestine migrants hoping to reach Europe, people trafficking gangs are under so much pressure that some have closed for business.

The results have been noticed on the other side of the Mediterranean where the number of arrivals on the Italian coast has dropped dramatically.

Italy has registered 6,500 arrivals since mid-July, barely 15 percent of the average for the same period between 2014 and 2016.

Libyan officials say the falling number is due to stronger surveillance by the coastguards of both countries, as well as pressure on major people smuggling gangs in Sabrata.

Six years since a revolution and NATO intervention that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi, violence-wracked Libya has become a key gateway for clandestine migration to Europe.

But now traffickers in Sabrata, 70 kilometres (45 miles) west of Tripoli, are preparing to hand security forces thousands of migrants they had planned to put on makeshift boats heading for the Italian coast, Sabrata security officials told AFP.

Members of a Libyan force tackling clandestine migration man a checkpoint in Sabrata on September 11, 2017

"We are giving them a chance. It's an opportunity for traffickers to repent," said Bassem Ghrabli, commander of a force tackling clandestine migration.

Libya's unity government originally formed the force to battle the Islamic State group after it briefly occupied the centre of Sabrata in 2016.

"Since the creation of this cell, we have had support from the Government of National Accord. Before, we didn't have the means to fight the traffickers, who were better armed," Ghrabli said.

"We expect (the smugglers) to hand over more than 10,000 migrants to us."

Threats

Ghrabli said 90 percent of the city's traffickers had agreed to halt their illegal activities after negotiations with residents.

Violence-wracked Libya has become a key gateway for clandestine migration to Europe since the 2011 revolution

"We gave them an ultimatum: we will no longer tolerate such activities in the city. If they do not agree to abandon their trafficking, we will use force," he said.

In an eastern suburb, warehouses are being rehabilitated to house migrants.

"They are big enough to house thousands of people" waiting to be repatriated, Ghrabli said.

On the other side of the huge dust-swept yard, prefabricated building sites, initially set up as offices, will accommodate women, he said.

Migrants waiting to embark towards the Italian coast are usually held in warehouses the traffickers have set up along the beach.

"Those warehouses will be destroyed," the officer said.

Some trafficking barons, who control whole sections of the city, have even built their own jetties, from which dozens of boats loaded with migrants leave every day.

Sabrata mayor Hussein Dhawadi said residents and security forces had "sent a strong and threatening message to the traffickers: 'If the migrants do not leave the city, there will be clashes.' This message was well understood by the smugglers."

'Under the table'

Ghrabli said the traffickers "understood the risks" they were taking.

Members of a Libyan force tackling clandestine migration man a checkpoint in Sabrata on September 11, 2017

Libyan security forces have a growing presence in the city, whilst across the Mediterranean, Italy has reinforced its maritime surveillance, he said.

He said that suspected IS jihadists are still present in the city and continue to benefit from human trafficking.

"The Europeans have also understood that they are under threat from terrorists" who can infiltrate Europe by hiding among migrants, he said.

Some traffickers have tried to adopt a new image so their criminal past is forgotten, Ghrabli said.

One of the best-known trafficking barons, whose forces control half of the city, a few weeks ago became head of a force tackling clandestine migration.

That came after an alleged "agreement under the table" with Italian officials at an informal meeting with major traffickers in July in Malta, according to widespread rumours repeated by officials in Sabrata.

"I asked the ambassador and the Italian interior ministry but they denied having been party to such an agreement. But even the traffickers themselves talk about" the meeting, the city's mayor said.
International Relations expert, Dr Vladmir Antwi-Danso, says repeated protests by opposition parties in Togo against the decades-old Gnassingbe dynasty may not achieve optimal results.

The Director of Academic Affairs at the Ghana Armed Forces and Staff College wants the opposition coalition pushing for President Faure Gnassinghe to step down to take part in a government-initiated constitutional reform process.

Citing Ghanas own experiences post 1992, Dr Antwi-Danso said although there were some protests to demand a change of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) regime, the protests were complemented by active civil society involvement in reform the processes.

In [Togos case], there is a certain semblance of getting at the man (Faure) rather than [taking part in constitutional reform process].

"I am saying that if they (opposition coalition) got hold of the reform process, they will achieve what they want, he said on current affairs programme, PM Express, on the Joy News channel on MultiTV, Tuesday.

Thousands of protestors in Ghanas neighbouring country have been demonstrating for term limits on President Gnassingbe, who has been in power since his father died in 2005.

The protests began last month. In that protest, security forces killed at least two people and injured several others.

Pressure from the protesters forced the government to introduce a draft bill last week on constitutional reform in Parliament.

However, the 14 opposition parties pushing for a return to constitutional rule and Faure Gnassingbes resignation see the government-initiated process as a farce.

An anti-Gnassingbe protester who was on PM Express, Ridouane Seidu, said Togolese are not convinced the reform process will stand the test of time.

But Mr Antwi-Danso insists that for a greater impact, the opposition must take part in the reform process every step of the way.

Watch more from the discussion in the video below.



Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | George Nyavor | [email protected]
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Ghanaian business chieftains would on 13th September 2017 meet their South African counterparts to network and explore business opportunities that exist in both countries.

The event, which is being organized by the Ghana South African Business Chamber (GSABC), is supported by First National Bank, one of the leading universal banks in the country.

Billed to be held at the residence of the South African High commissioner, it is expected to offer opportunities to members of the Ghana South Africa Business Chamber, as well as other corporate entities to build relationship that will be mutually beneficial to both parties in 2017 and beyond.

According to Victor Yaw Asante  Head, Corporate, Commercial and Investment Banking at First National Bank, This event brings together Ghanaian and South African businesses to interact and identify common business opportunities. We are happy to be supporting the GSABC, and we believe that at the end of the event, we would have facilitated business opportunities for Ghanaian and South Africa businesses.

As a business-friendly bank with solid footprints across Africa, we want to facilitate cross border business. We have the expertise and skills to make Ghanaian businesses reach their full potential.

So whether your business needs working capital, asset finance or business advisory or connectivity to other African growth markets, we have the capability to provide these business solutions for whatever your business needs are. By partnering with First National Bank, we will ensure that your business reaches its full potential.

Since the inauguration of the Ghana South Africa Business Chamber in 2008, trade between the two countries has grown tremendously.

President of GSABC, Ashley Rix said this occasion is a great opportunity for companies who already have an interest in or are considering doing business in both Ghana and South Africa to interact with member companies and the entire Ghanaian business community. Our cocktail event for the year 2017 is expected to promote business interactions among members, the High Commission, other business chambers and the entire Ghanaian business community.

The Chamber has a strong relationship with South Africa Trade Investment, as well as the South Africa High Commissioner to Ghana and so leverages these partnerships for the benefit of the members.
A Civil Engineering Conference & Exhibition will be held in Accra on Thursday, 14th September, 2017.

Expected to roll out discussions for regulating the civil engineering profession in Ghana, it will provide practitioners the opportunity to express their thoughts to aid in developing the regulations.

It is also designed to bring together products of some leading civil engineering manufacturers and suppliers, insurance companies, among others, to exhibit to the practitioners and general public.

Ing. Joseph Oddei, chairman of the Civil Engineering Division of the Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE), commenting on the event, said it would be attended by all members of the Civil Technical Division of Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE).

He said Henry Godfrey Ruping Kerali, World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Liberia & Sierra Leone, would be the special guest of honour.

Themed: 'Regulating Civil Engineering Practice for effective delivery,' the Conference and Exhibition is expected to attract civil engineering firms and allied firms to exhibit their state-of-the-art technology and equipment to the teeming engineers, contractors and the general public who will make to the programme.

Among companies scheduled to exhibit at the programme are Duraplast, Fotco Ventures, Geotech Systems, Ghana Re Insurance and other Civil Engineering firms.

Council members, past presidents and all civil engineers, as well as members of GhIE would be in attendance.
The rise in the minimum paid-up capital for commercial banks from GH120 million to GH400 million is expected to further restrict lending to the private sector at least within the short to medium term.

Such expectation, according to analysts, was hinged on the operations of commercial banks which have limited the amount of credit offered to businesses.

Commenting on the issue, a Credit Consultant, Emmanuel Akrong, also indicated that banks risk reducing their income streams with this plan.

In his view, the restriction in credit to businesses is also likely to adversely affect the larger economy.

At the moment, if you look at the banks, they are putting more into government's bonds and treasury bills than lendingso lending is not going to be low because of this new capital requirement but because of certain fundamentals, which we need to fasten our seat belt about, Mr Akrong stated.

The latest banking sector stability report by the Bank of Ghana has showed that commercial banks have reduced their lending to businesses.

The move has been necessitated by the rise in the non-performing loans of the commercial banks, which stood at GH7.96 billion as at June 2017.

For instance, loans to households for mortgage purposes declined marginally between April and June 2017.

The figure dropped from 8 to 5 percent within the period.

Emmanuel Akrong, however, said intensifying good corporate governance practices should among others reverse any adverse impact of any decision by banks to the economy.

In the long run, I foresee a strong system in place, some of the recommendations I have made include a strong corporate governance, risk based pricing and credit and all those things are put in place, you will see a good impact on the environment in terms of high notes there are other things that if done, no bank is going to fold its arms and say that if there are good opportunities for me to lend, I am not going to, Mr. Akrong further asserted.
Kofi Yamoah  GSE Boss

13.09.2017 LISTEN

The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) suspended the listing status of African Champion Industry Limited (ACI) and Golden Web Limited (GWEB) on Monday, September 11, 2017.

GSE, in a press release issued Monday, said ACI has failed to publish its audited financial statements for the year ended December 2015 and 2016, adding that it has also not conducted an Annual General Meeting (AGM) since July 2015.

In the case of GWEB, the Exchange said it has failed to conduct an Annual General Meeting since June 2011 and was also in arrears of its annual listing fee for 2017.

These companies are in breach of the continuing listing obligations under the GSE Listing Rules.

It would be recalled that last month, the GSE suspended five companies for failing to adhere to the rules governing their listing.

The companies included African Champion Industry Limited (ACI), Clydestone (Ghana) Limited (CLYD), Golden Web Limited (GWEB), Pioneer Kitchenware Limited (PKL) and Transaction Solutions Limited (TRANSOL) and Cocoa Processing Company.

However, the sanctions on three companies  Pioneer Kitchenware Limited (PKL), Transaction Solutions Limited (TRANSOL) and Clydestone (Ghana), were later lifted due to their rapid compliance.
Former Chief of Staff under the erstwhile Kufuor administration, Kwadwo Mpiani, has denied media reports that he gave $100,000 to Chris Azawodie, an activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the importation of motorcycles in 2008.

Mr Azawodie recently claimed in separate petitions to President Akufo-Addo and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that he received $100,000 from the former Chief Staff.

This was after Azadwodie's two residential properties with addresses House K4C and House K4D respectively, both located within the Manet Palms gated community at East Legon, Accra, had reportedly been forcibly taken over by a former Presidential adviser under the previous Kufuor administration, Tommy Amematorkpor.

Mr. Azadwodie claimed he received $100,000 each from Kwadwo Mpiani and Tommy Amematorkpor to aid him to import some 15,000 motorcycles for onward distribution to teachers nationwide in support of President Akufo-Addo's campaign, but failed to repay the said amount due to what he described as a deliberate attempt by the National Investment Bank (NIB) at the time not to release the first batch of 7,500 bikes which arrived in Ghana in February 2008.

Mr Amematorkpor sued the activist and the court gave him the authority to evict the latter from the two properties.

But Mpiani said he never gave any money to Mr. Azawodie for business.

According to Mr Mpiani, even though he knows Azawodie, he does not know his business, saying that he has not given even one cedi to him.
13.09.2017 LISTEN

The NDC doomsday prophets started prophesying since the run-up to the 2000 general election. Candidate Kufuor had told Ghanaians that when voted into power, he will make sure the Cash and Carry health delivery system was scrapped. He said he saw no reason why people should die untimely simply because they did not have money to go to hospital. Candidate John Kufuor travelled down memory lane and told Ghanaians that since Ghana had her independence, successive governments made sure health delivery was free until the PNDC/NDC came to power to introduce the killer Cash and Carry.

In fact, during the electioneering campaign in 2000, Mr. Kufuor held his cards on his chest as to how he was going to do away with the Cash and Carry. The NDC wanted the man to show them how he was going to do away with the Cash and Carry since the system was institutionalized but Kufuor refused to put his cards on the table since he did not want them to see the number of aces he had among his cards. That was the mark of an astute politician. In those days, Candidates Fiifi Atta Mills of blessed memory went to Wa in the Upper West Region to campaign and during his speech he flew into tantrums and told his gullible listeners that anyone who will say he could do away with the Cash and Carry health delivery system was throwing dust into their eyes so they should not believe such a person because the person just wanted their votes. The crowd clapped, and danced to the Eye Zu, Eye Za campaign song.

Then the good people of Ghana voted for Mr. Kufuor to become the President of Ghana. Even before Kufuor was sworn in to hold the reins of power, NDC communicators were always on his neck to do away with the Cash and Carry health delivery system as he promised. They taunted and insulted the gentleman with some calling him a liar. In those days, the St. Theresa Roman Catholic Hospital in Nkoranza in the Brong Ahafo Region had introduced a mutual health insurance way back in 1994 and it was functioning very well. Mr. Kufuor assembled a team of experts which included the scheme manager of the Nkoranza St. Theresa Hospital Mutual Health Insurance Scheme to brainstorm on the possibility of establishing a National Health Insurance Scheme in the country so that the killer Cash and Carry could be done away with immediately. That was how come the NHIS was introduced on pilot basis. In no time it became nationwide and many lives were saved until the same NDC came into power to run down the scheme.

History repeated itself in 2012 when candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo told Ghanaians that if he got the nod, he will introduce free SHS. Led by ex-president Mahama, the same doomsday prophets went to town and told whosoever cared to listen that it was not possible because even Dr. Kwame Nkrumah who came to meet money in the state coffers when the British left the shores of Ghana could only implement free education in only the two northern regions. They went further to question where the NPP will get money to implement free SHS. Candidate Akufo Addo became a laughing stock in the face of NDC communicators. They said because he wanted SHS students and their parents to vote for him, he was using that promise as a bait. Some of them even said anything free is not good and that people should disregard Nana Addo's empty rhetoric. Because the free SHS became a major campaign message of the NPP, the NDC sent out their propagandists to bastardize the idea and called Nana many names which are not worth repeating here. But God has a way of doing things at the appropriate time. Nana Addo lost the election and bade his time. After all, did the sages not say he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day?

During the run-up to the 2016 electioneering campaign, candidate Akufo Addo stood on his grounds and repeated that if God willing he became the president of Ghana, the free SHS that he promised in 2012 will come into reality. That too did not go down well with the evil doomsday prophets. There was this idiot who went on air on one of the radio stations to say Nana Addo is living in his father's mansion so he could not make SHS free. And that wee-smoking good for nothing ex-convict called Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe of the Montie 3 threw caution to the dogs and told Ghanaians during one of his idiotic pronouncements on air that Nana Addo could not educate his daughters so he could not say he was going to make SHS free. The guy did not know the pedigree of the four daughters of Nana Akufo Addo so he had the guts to make those stupid statements. In the face of all these vilifications and impudent snobs, Nana Addo kept his cool because they say only empty barrels make the most noise. (Anyway, where is Salifu Maase and his other two ex-convicts? You see how the NDC can destroy young men in Ghana with money and goodies?)

ENTER FREE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN GHANA

Before ex-president Mwai Kibaki of Kenya was voted into power in 2002, he campaigned that when the voters of Kenya voted him into power, he would introduce a free universal secondary school education in Kenya. The doubting Thomases in Kenya took him to the cleaners like they did to Nana Akufo Addo. They said the founding father of Kenya, the late President Jomo Kenya never dreamt of the idea not to talk of introducing it. When Mwai Kibaki had the nod to become the president in 2002 he immediately set in motion the introduction of free universal Secondary School education in Kenya. Barely fifteen years after the introduction of the programme, students of Kenya still enjoy Free Universal Secondary School education. If Kenya can sustain such a lofty idea, why can't Ghana do same, a country that can boast of large deposits of Gold, Manganese, Bauxite, Diamond, Cocoa, Timber, Oil among others. So you see the absurdity in those doomsday prophets who say that the Free SHS will not be sustainable?

In 2007, Uganda under Yuweri Musseveni also introduced free universal Secondary School Education in Uganda, a country that cannot compare herself to Ghana as far as natural resources are concerned. It has been ten years since students of that country started enjoying Free Universal Secondary School Education. The idea of introducing Free Universal Secondary School Education is to give relief to the poor and marginalized communities to equally access secondary education.

If the introduction of a Free SHS, as it stands now, is to benefit only the wards of NPP supporters, I would have understood the NDC communicators who continue to kick against the idea. This is not a programme that can give room for selective justice. There are many poor folks in the NDC who cannot pay the school fees of their wards and at the same time we have similar folks in the NPP who cannot make ends meet not to talk of paying school fees of their wards in Senior High School. If a new regime is offering such opportunity for their wards to also get education in order to be useful citizens and employable in future, why kick against it? Only a witch will kick against this offer.

Free SHS means no admission fees, no library fees, no science center fees, no computer laboratory fees, no examination fees, no utility fees, there will be free textbooks, free boarding and free meals and above all, day students will eat one hot meal as lunch a day. PERFECT! The NDC communicators have become a laughing stock in the face of Ghanaians because of the adverse comments they made about the free SHS programme. For eight years, the NDC guys could not implement the scheme but Okudjeto Ablakwa, the internationally acknowledged pathological liar told Ghanaians that the NDC started free SHS with 10,000 students but what he doesn't know is that no single parent can come out to say his or her ward had it free during the NDC era. In anyway, what kept them from implementing the programme for the eight years that they held the reins of power?.

The NPP is on the move and there is no turning back. The one district one factory will come to pass. The one village one dam will come to pass. The Planting for Food and Jobs will come to pass and the prices of petroleum products and utility tariffs will surely come down in due cause. And when all these among other campaign promises come to pass, I wonder what the NDC will say in 2020. Ex-president John Mahama cheekily told Ghanaians that they are forgetful. He did not know that some of us are walking encyclopedias. When ex-president Kufour decided to introduce the NHIS to replace the Cash and Carry, the NDC said it was not possible, we remember. They said it was not possible to make SHS free, we remember. They said Metro Mass Transit will turn out to be like the OSA public transport system and we also remember. So you see, we are not forgetful as the ex-president said. Good morning Mr. John Dramani Mahama, former president of Ghana and current leading aspirant for the NDC presidential primaries. We need more unity walks but at the end of the day it will surely turn out to be disunity walk. Help me say Amen!!!

From Eric Bawah
Officials of the company join Sintim Aboagye, deputy MD of STC, to cut the tape to open the new office

TECHMAAXX International Limited, dealers in affordable electrical equipment such as power transformers, panels, HT and LT cables, has recently opened a new office at Adabraka in Accra.

Techmaaxx, established in 1994, provides value-added services such as energy efficient products and cost effective solutions, which benefit the end user in terms of cost, efficiency and time.

It also offers comprehensive enterprise software solutions to transport companies to enhance their operational efficiency.

As the most sought-after enterprise solution in the transport industry, especially for transport companies, which need ICT solutions for tracking revenue and the location of goods being transported in the country, the company has expanded its presence to Dubai and Bahrain.

Among the institutions and agencies that Techmaaxx works for in Ghana are ECG, GRICO, MASLOC, Metro Mass, OLAM and INDORAMA, among others.

The company deals in GPS/GSM/GPRS based vehicle tracking, fuel management solution, automated weighing system, POS for customized applications, value added electrical service etc.

Furthermore, the company undertakes field collection, loan recovery for banks, insurance and non-bank financial institutions, among others.
Residents in Sunyani, most especially parents and guardians on Monday commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government for implementing the Free SHS policy and described him as their saviour.

The excited parents,thanks NPP government led by Nana Addo on the fulfilment of his long held campaign promise as far back as the 2008 elections.

Speaking to Sunyani based radio Ahomka 90.5FM, during registration process of students who benefited from free SHS policy at Sunyani Senior High School (SUSEC), some of the parents said the implementation of the policy has brought relief to them,"we are really happy for this policy, because it will help our children to stay in school to improve their academic performance,No sacking of students to go home and bring their school fees as most headmasters do" they added.

"Free education is the best thing happening in the history of Ghana, Nana Addo is our saviour , if moses in the Bible led the Exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt and cross the Red Sea,then Nana Addo is the second moses in the Bible as he is leading Ghana especially we (parents) to cross economic hardship we face anytime schools open" they stated.

Government's free SHS policy has kick-started throughout the country.

About 400,000 students are expected to benefit from the education policy that will exempt them from paying for tuition and other fees.

They said the free SHS policy is very laudable, some other parents were of the view that even though government had introduced free SHS education, they would still provide some basic needs to their children.

They pleaded with government to do everything possible to sustain the Free SHS policy to assist parents give their children the quality education they deserve.

Meanwhile, Some students expressed their appreciation to government for the initiative.
INTRODUCTION

About 1988, the insistence of the donor community that financial assistance would have to be based on the conditionality of good governance, brought a wind of change in the economic and political management of a number of countries in Africa. New constitutions were drafted and promulgated and multi-party elections held.

In Ghana, the current constitutional and legal framework resulted in new electoral register, political parties, revised electoral systems etc. Indeed, in Ghana, when complaints arose about the 1992 Elections donors further assisted with transparent ballot boxes, new electoral register, the counting of the ballot papers at every Polling Station immediately after voting, Photo Identity Cards, enhanced election monitoring by foreign observers etc.

The resultant pattern of these interventions in Ghana is peaceful change of government. The arbitrariness which accompanied military rule have largely been overcome.

Nonetheless, there are challenges which should be resolved before we can say that the second wind of change has been fully attained.

In the same way that development partners were critically involved in the first phase, so could they participate in the consolidation process by measures which include:

(i) Strengthening the legal framework which regulate elections

(ii) Identifying weaknesses in the laws relating to elections and providing against the grey areas. For example, should stealing of ballot papers not be specially provided for?

Second, if there is doubt about a persons date of birth or nationality, how do you allow any two registered voters (usually political party representatives) to verify age or nationality. People who do not stand in loco parentis cannot vouch for a young persons age, for example.

(iii) Training judges in electoral adjudication process,

(iv) In the wake of confusion after every election, how do we tackle the various sources of conflict before they erupt into a conflagration which will derail all the gains made?

(v) In West Africa, there are numerous complaints relating to the

Electoral Register being infiltrated by non-nationals. If there should be a West Africa Electoral Commission which is donor-driven, we can have one register for West Africa to help solve the problem.

Furthermore, as donors are withdrawing from Election Monitoring we can establish a West Africa Electoral Commission to superintend.

The third part of this presentation is that Africa needs a New World

Economic Order to enable democracy survive. It is a truism that poverty, misery and disease militate against political stability. The central political thesis of Karl Marx is that the exploited in society have nothing to lose but their chains. If we do not find a solution to this economic mantra, we may labour in vain.

The United Kingdom needs to partner Africa devise a new paradigm for economic partnership which will seriously consider the economic welfare of Africa. Europe must be concerned about the poverty in Africa. The effect of globalisation is that any bubonic plague in Africa may not remain in Africa. We cannot have a global order in which a whole continent is compelled to gravitate towards Europe in search of greener pastures. We cannot replace political refugees with economic refugees. We cannot forget that colonisation befitted Europe immensely and this could the period for some New World Economic Order.

In Africas, trade with Europe, the latter always find some reason for rejecting the formers products. An equitable system should be established to give technical assistance to remove obstacles. Our cocoa processing, fruit processing, destoning of our rice and allied local industry development techniques need to be sharpened to create employment and improve the lot of the people.

The New World Economic Order should enable us produce beyond raw materials. It should encourage industries and processing.

WTO arrangements create problems for Africa. It should address the imbalances in the current WTO arrangements. Developing countries form three-fourths of the WTO Membership and by votes can in theory influence the agenda and outcome of trade negotiations but they have never been able to use this to their advantage because of the global dependency syndrome. Furthermore, Developing Nations have fewer resources to attend the series of meetings of WTO each week in Geneva, often entering into negotiations less prepared.

Nelson Mandela once commented on the Uruguay Round that the Developing countries were not able to ensure that the rules accommodated their realities ..it was mainly the preoccupations and problems of the advanced, industrial economies that shaped the Agreement (Kwa, Aileen, focus on the Global South, Bangkok, 1998). He added that the rules applied uniformly are not necessarily fair because of the circumstances of members.

The WTO concept of free trade rather helps in dumping cheap products onto Africa and eventually, killing our industries.

No industry in any part of the world developed without initial protectionist policies. The current world economic order is grossly unfair to Africa and cannot sustain democracy. With time, the vicious cycle will bite deeper. Poverty stricken people are gullible and soft targets for the enemies of democracy, the military or populist usurpation of power.

GENDER

The true empowerment of a woman is when the political, religious, educational, marriage, economic and health issues are simultaneously addressed and made compatible with each other.

However the situation is dire in Africa. For instance, fewer than 20% have access to education, two-thirds of women have no contact with health personnel after child birth, accounting for more than half of the worlds maternal and child health ( Our Africa) Essentially, if one woman is educated, a family and nation are simultaneously educated as the famous Ghanaian Dr Aggrey said.

According to UK Essays, quoting Arunachalam (2005), gender subordination is a strategy of tradition-bound society, fact remains that majority of the women even today live in a mirage brain-washed by the custodians of the traditions, customs and patriarchs, sacrificing their owner, dignity and pride and even their identity with no reference in the human history whatsoever. Consequently multi-faced personality are little or seldom known. They still continue to live as an extension of their counterparts. In Ghana, there are five witches camps in the northern part of Ghana and women are segregated to accommodate alleged witches who live in poverty because they cannot engage in economic activities.

We cannot deepen good governance without improvement in the role of women political representation and national administration.

Women political representation and leadership is about 20% of the population in Africa. Political stability and development demands a change.

CONCLUSION

I invite the United Kingdom to consider that the second wind of change must be consolidated. First by filling the gaps still remaining to be dealt with and secondly and more importantly, releasing the stranglehold over African economies which promote the vicious cycle of poverty.
The management of Bongo Senior High School in the Upper East Region, which charged first-year students GHC75 despite the free secondary education policy, has assured thae affected students of a refund.

Students, who were placed in Bongo Senior High School, were to pay the said money as a Parent Teacher Association levy and other items before they would be issued admission letters by the school.

Students and parents had accused the schools authorities of charging a PTA levy of GHc15 and GHc60 for a mosquito net, broom, hoe and cutlass, before issuing them admission letters.

Speaking to Citi News about their ordeal, a parent said, when you come to the school for registration you are asked to go to Bongo Rural Bank to pay GHc15 as PTA dues, while the bank charges GHc5 for the transaction after which you will now come to the school and pay GHc60 for mosquito net, broom and hoe and cutlass before you are given admission letter.

The head-teacher of the school, Alexis Averu, said though the PTA did not get approval from the school before charging the first years GHc75 for the construction of a fence wall for the school, students who paid the monies will be refunded when they report to school.

Mr. Averu explained that, though the PTA of the school had applied to levy students GHc 75 for the fencing of the school, approval was not given for the charge.

But some first-year students who had come last week thought that this is what they were going to pay. I dont know how they got the schools account number, a few of them have paid this GHc75 and the monies will be refunded when the affected students report to school.

We have to check at the bank to find out how many students have paid, and to withdraw the money and refund them. But we have also instructed the commercial and rural banks not to accept such payments in the name of Bongo Senior High School and have also told first-year students and parents not to pay for any such money, he added.



By: Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The writer

13.09.2017 LISTEN

Among the stages of curriculum implementation, there is what is called Dissemination. It is at this stage that everything concerning the new designed curriculum is made known to the general public. A curriculum cannot be ran without the society it intends to serve knowing the impact it will have on its young ones. Considering how a scholar defined curriculum as being composed of a selection of socially valued knowledge, skills and attitudes which a learner is made to acquire through various forms of planning; one is then tempted to say that curriculum is developed by the society and for the society.

But the reality in Ghana is that, the well prepared curriculum does not either meet the expectations of the society or society is not aware of what it entails. It looks like most Ghanaian citizens are not aware of what goes into the new education system adopted in the year 2008 as proposed by the Anamuah-Mensah Committee. Society tends to be expecting so much from the public kindergarten whilst much is not known about this stage in the educational system. This has put some parents as well as civil society organisations in pole position to criticize public school teachers especially those at the kindergarten unfairly.

The Education Act, 2008; Act 778 organizes the Ghana educational system in three progressive levels: Basic education, Second cycle education and Tertiary education. The basic level consists of two years of kindergarten, six years of primary education and three years of junior high school education. With the kindergarten being the entry point into the public basic school, a child is qualified to be admitted at age four. Thus, if society is to rely solely on the public school for early childhood education, the child must be kept at home till his or her fourth year after birth.

But trends have changed. Due to work demands, parents cannot be at home with their children for the four years. Therefore, parents now desire to take their children as early as one year to a suitable school for such a child at such age. The public schools cannot admit and absorb children below age four. This clearly shows that certain changes and additions are needed in the public school to cater for the change in purpose of early childhood education. This has led to the mushrooming of various unlicensed day-care centres, creches and nurseries (though some are licensed and are doing very well in early childhood education delivery) by private entities to take care of the new expectation of society toward education.

The public school should have taken the lead. Even parents in the rural areas who are predominantly in the informal sector will leave their children as young as two years with a nearby private nursery school. This is a signal that some changes and additions are needed in the public school system. The addition of a pre-school stage specifically the nursery to the public school levels will not just serve the demands and present needs of society but it will help prepare the child enough for active formal school work.

A careful and meticulous analysis of the kindergarten curriculum in the public school reveals that at KG1 as it is popularly known, the child is expected to learn up to the numeral ten (10). This is what the KG1 teacher is supposed to teach per the curriculum provision.

This is the reality on the ground. Because it is assumed that is the childs first encounter with formal academic work so it is loaded with a lot of pre- reading, pre-writing and purposeful play activities which would have been taken care of if there was nursery in the public school. But unfortunately, public school teachers at the kindergarten are unfairly judged that they are not teaching but do a lot of rhymes and play activities so they are very lazy.

If society knows what is provided in the kindergarten curriculum, they will not place such judgement on hardworking kindergarten teachers. In the private schools where pre-school starts from the creche, most of these pre-reading, pre-writing and play activities are taken care of at the creches and the nurseries so at KG1 , full academic work begins. A subject or an area of study at the kindergarten called Language and Literacy which makes use of ninety (90) minutes a day, eighty of the ninety minutes are supposed to be dealt with in the childs mother tongue or to some extent the spoken and written local language used in the area called the L1.

Only ten (10) minutes will be done in the English Language at KG1. So it should not be a surprise and something bad for a child at KG1 in the public school not being fluent in the speaking of English as compared to his or her counterpart in the private school. Even the ten numerals taught at the public kindergarten are done relationally and not instrumentally. Pupils are made to understand why a number is zero, two,six,etc. All these are done there because it is at KG1 that the child first makes an entrance into school.

But society wants to hear their four- year olds speak fluent English so that they will know that they are learning. Is this education? This is even making some public kindergarten teachers teach and do things they are not expected to do because of societys expectation of what is to be done at the kindergarten level. Sometimes, the pressure even comes from educationists on teachers at the kindergarten to do more of exercise book work which in the long run focus more on one sided development of the child i.e the cognitive aspect. Being the childs first encounter with school work, these purposeful play activities are essential and relevant to promote the affective, cognitive and psycho-motor development of the child.

If nothing is done about making the current public kindergarten and pre-school in general suit the needs and expectations of society, teachers will continue to suffer undue and unfair criticisms from the public. Sometimes, some civil society groups in the field of education are found lambasting teachers at the kindergarten for not helping the pupils to speak English fluently. The curriculum for the kindergarten was designed taking into consideration the maturity and psychological make-up of the pupil but now if society wants something different with regard to the kindergarten, then curriculum developers must develop something new to suit the changing trends.If society continues to be the judge,and the kindergarten teachers continue to be the accused in our biased curriculum court,who then acts as lawyer for the unprotected teachers?

Okota-Wilson Nicholas

[email protected]

233 541 556858
Perhaps the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) started with GnassingbeEyadema in 1975 and was destined to reach its anticlimax with his own son, Faure Gnassingbe. In Togo, political temperatures are simmering over the wanton disregard of 1992 constitution.

Faure Gnassingbe and his predecessor government which coincidentally was led by his own biological father, GnassinbgeEyadema have denied the citizens of Togo, the benefits of a deep-rooted democratic governance from 1967 till the present time. Massive demonstrations against Gnassingbe dynasty have been saddled with bloody repressions.

The doleful issue here is that ECOWAS, which had been instrumental in curbing political instability in the West African Sub-Region, is now a toothless bulldog headed by the same Faure Gnassingbe. Now that the growing discontent against dynastic despotism has been encumbered with political intimidations and Faure Gnassimgbe is the political head of ECOWAS, who will champion the cause of plummeting the Togolese tension into its lowest ebb?

Unquestionably, I was neither behaving as a natural pessimist nor a prophet of doom, when one of my previous articles raised concerns about the locus standi of Faure Gnassingbe, the president of Togo to lead ECOWAS. The West African regional organization did not only cast doubts on its integrity but equally turbocharged the oppressive dynastic regime of Togo by giving a nod to the current President of Togo as its leader without recourse to political happenings which brought Faure Gnassingbe to power. How dare you ECOWAS!

After the death of Eyadema in 2005, General ZachariNandja together with some unscrupulous officers in the high military echelon rebuked the Togolese constitution by pledging allegiance to Faure at the expense of the countrys 1992 supreme law. In the view of Professor Banjo Adewale of the political science department of the University of Zululand in faraway Republic of South Africa, Togolese military in 2005, resolved to offset international pressure and to give their intimidation-rooted political maneuvering a semblance of a balanced political game.

The 2005 political happenings in the Ghanas eastern neighboring Togo angered ECOWAS and as a corollary the West African Economic Community leaders threatened to freeze Faures assets and placed a travel embargo on him. Faure and his partners in constitutional crime remained unflustered about the aforesaid sanctions and went ahead to decline an ECOWAS delegation headed by the then President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo an airplane landing permit (Source: Nana Yaw Osei, Is ECOWAS Validating Gnassingbe dynasty? Modernghana.com, June 7, 2017). The political events in 2005, after the demise of Eyadema should have goad ECOWAS leaders to question the trustworthiness of Faure to lead the organization. ECOWAS goofed big time! Who will bell the cat in Togo now?

The Presidents, Nana Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo, Patrice Talon and Roch March Christian Kabore representing Togolese western neighbor of Ghana, eastern neighbor of Benin and northern neighbor of Burkina Faso respectively must begin a peace talk in Togo. Is it not absurd, if not anachronistic, to expect Faure as a political head of ECOWAS to initiate meetings against his own notoriety?

Ghana, Benin and Burkina Faso will be affected by political instability in Togo. Currently in the elsewhere Asia, Rohingya Moslems refugees are escaping persecutions to the neighboring Bangladesh. The Rohingya Moslems exodus hit a major setback with landmines explosions.

Myanmar (Burma) military had been accused of frustrating the movement of Rohingya Moslems (Source: Aljazeera.com, September 10, 2017). In 2013, the UN commission on human rights claimed that the most persecuted group in the world were the Rohingya Moslems. Thus, political turmoil in Togo will practically affect the neighboring countries just as Rohingyagenocide is affecting the neighboring Bangladesh. Therefore, the imperative need of resolving the Togolese crisis cannot be gainsaid.

United Nation Commission on Human Rights, Amnesty International and the neighboring countries must force Faure to halt bloody repressions. Togolese lives matter. They must be provided with opportunity to express their political views without bloody intimidations. As Benjamin Franklin opined, without freedom of thought there can be no such things as wisdom-and no such things as public liberty without freedom of speech.

Togolese must demonstrate their free speech through demonstration. The bloody clamp down of demonstrators at Sokode which culminated in the death of some Togolese must be condemned by all and sundry. Faure must be forced to introduce presidential term limit. ECOWAS must suspend Faure Gnassingbe as its leader now! The quest for a deep-rooted democratic governance in Togo with a presidential term limit must not go awry this time! May God almighty save Togo from political instability!
Several Konkomba youth, who were mobilized from villages such as Agege, Gawompe, Tahiru Akura, Jato Akura, Mahama Akura, Gulumpe, Atta Akura, Kunsu, Babato Kuma and Chiranda, all in the Kintampo North Municipality, set ablaze over 200 houses and motorbikes and killed 10 Fulanis.

Other personal belongings worth thousands of Ghana Cedis were also set on fire by the Kokomba youth, who also killed an unspecified number of cattle.

Eleven persons who sustained various degrees of injuries have been admitted at Kintampo Government Hospital and Techiman Holy Family Hospital for medical treatment.

A sizable number of Fulani herdsmen have been forced to seek refuge in Kintampo, the municipal capital.

Confirming the story, the Chief of Chiranda, Nana Kwasi Baah bemoaned the unpleasant incident, describing it as barbaric and inhumane.

He said the dastardly plan was hatched about a month ago when two Kokombas were killed.

An official complaint was lodged with the Kintampo North Municipal Police Command, but the police were not able to arrest any culprit and so the Konkombas decided to take the law into their own hands.

An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said the well-built Kokomba young men, who were clad in war outfit and barefooted, were wielding machetes, guns, bows and arrows.

They invaded the 10 communities, fired guns indiscriminately, torched mud houses and destroyed properties of the inhabitants, notably Fulanis.

He stated that apart from the Fulanis, other settlers in the 10 communities were terrorized.

He added that farming and other commercial activities in the affected areas have been suspended and children who are supposed to be in schools are afraid to go to school. The level of phobia cannot be underestimated.

Nana Kwasi Baah, who is also known in private life as Nana Asumah, called on the Brong Ahafo Regional Police Command and Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to intervene in the matter with immediate effect.

In a separate interview, the chairman of Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers (NACAF), Kintampo chapter, Musa Fulani vehemently condemned the attack.

Earlier, the Brong Ahafo Regional Police commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kwame Tachie-Poku advised the Kokomba youth to desist from violating the law.

The police commander, who toured some of the affected areas, promised to help restore peace to the area.
When Major (Ret.) Boakye-Djan says that the Akufo-Addo-led government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is facing a credibility deficit, vis-a-vis the successful implementation of the fee-free Senior High School education promised by President Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo in the lead-up to the 2016 general election, the Rawlings second-bananas ought to first be looking at the proverbial man in the mirror (See NPP Government Facing Credibility Deficit  Boakye-Djan Kasapafmonline.com / Ghanaweb.com 9/7/17).

The fact of the matter is that the Akufo-Addo Administration is the most credible in the history of Ghanas Fourth-Republican dispensation, followed by the equally pace-setting government of former President Agyekum-Kufuor.

I am here, of course, referring to the quadrupling of the economic capacity and heft of the country under Mr. Kufuors tenure; but even more significantly, the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which cynical National Democratic Congress leaders like Messrs. John Evans Atta-Mills, late, and John Dramani Mahama swore Heaven and Hell was impossible to implement. And we are supposed to envisage these NDC leaders as Social Democrats who care more about the lot of the poor and average Ghanaian worker than the leaders of the property-owning right-of-center (whatever that means) New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Major Boakye-Djan, he now vaingloriously styles himself as an Osahene, a Chief-Warrior, although the only known war in which he ever fought was the Rawlings-led War Against Makola Women Traders. He also claims to have been Head of Government and Official Spokesperson for the gang of the bloodiest military putschists in the countrys postcolonial history, namely, the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC); but those of us who were alive and old enough to have witnessed and experienced the wantonly predatory activities of the AFRC junta know that this clinical cretin and pathological idiot is only lying through his teeth. The fact of the matter is that then-Captain Boakye-Djan  he would bully his way up a notch from Captain to Major, though he claims to have been awaiting the results of his promotion exams when the AFRC struck  could never have been Head of Government, when the Supreme Commander and substantive Head of the Republic of Ghana was Chairman Jerry John Rawlings.

You see, the Trokosi Nationalists must have appreciated something about the vanity and congenital canine stupidity of the man, thus their quick-witted decision to throw at him the political equivalent of dog-bone while they effectively cannibalized the prime sirloin of political power. Nearly four decades on, the man is still clowning around like the eternal buffoon that he shall forever remain.

As the perennial maxim goes, half a loaf is far, far better than none. Even if President Akufo-Addo is able to provide a fee-free Senior High School education to only half of the eligible number of students in the system, he would have achieved far more than all his predecessors combined. It is also significant to observe that Nana Akufo-Addo is, to-date, the only Ghanaian president who was not mentored by a thoroughgoing corrupt Chairman Jerry John Rawlings, although his bizarre overtures towards the man who has vilified him publicly more than any other Ghanaian have puzzled me quite a bit. They have given me the creeps, as it were.

Major Boakye-Djan, who claims to be a bona fide front-row member of the main opposition National Democratic Congress, says that Ghanas 1992 Republican Constitution stipulates that elementary, middle and high school education should be free and compulsory, but he does not tell Ghanaians why his former boss, Chairman Rawlings, and the two other NDC-sponsored Fourth-Republican Ghanaian presidents, namely, Messrs. John Evans Atta-Mills, late, and John Dramani Mahama, failed to provide Ghanaian high school students with a fee-free education. We must also bear in mind that it is the same President Akufo-Addo, whose credibility is being brutally impugned by Major Boakye-Djan, who has had to fund the effectively bankrupted National Health Insurance Scheme that was left behind by the Mahama/Amissah-Arthur regime.

*Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs
13.09.2017 LISTEN

Like the locusts that attacked the people of Egypt in the Biblical days, so has the destruction been across our farmlands with the invasion of Fall Armyworms.

Despite repeated assurances from officials that the invasion is under control, farmers in Ghana continue to reel under the pressure of these novel pests devouring their crops. In this edition of Hotline Documentaries christened RAMPAGING SOLDIERS, Joy News takes you on a tour of some farming communities to assess the level of damage that these pests have caused to fields, and how farmers are struggling to recover. The documentary also discusses how the pest invasion will impact governments flagship Planting for Food and Jobs Policy.

Pest attack is a major threat to food security all over the world with an estimated one fourth of crops produced being destroyed by them. African farmers have battled pests for several centuries now, including the African Armyworm. But for the first time last year, the Fall Army worm, a pest native to the Americas found invaded Africa and Ghana, destroying crops beyond salvage.

The name Fall Army Worm is deceptive. They are not exactly worms. They are the caterpillar or young versions of butterfly. They feed on more than 100 plant species, including maize, rice, sorghum, cocoa, vegetables, and cotton. Fall Army Worm has a voracious appetite, and can reproduce and spread quickly given the right environmental conditions.

Uniqueness of Fall Armyworm

Dr. Michael Osei Adu of the Crop Science Department of the University of Cape Coast says the pests have unique traits that make it difficult to control them. They reproduce quite quickly. Adult female can lay up to 1000 eggs in its life time. The eggs mature very quickly and within 10 days or so, we have the larvae that then begins to destroy crops, he explained in an interview with Joy News.

Most of these lepidopterans cease development when environmental conditions are not favourable but the Fall Armyworms lay eggs all the time. They also lay eggs in hidden places either at the back of the leaves or in the funnel of the plants. So use of contact pesticides are not very effective in controlling them, Dr. Adu added.

Farmers and other farm workers have also observed the unique abilities of the Fall Armyworm to cause vast damage. I have never seen these kinds of pests on farms since I started my work as an extension agent. They defecate on the maize and then they are unable to grow properly. My 3-acre maize farm is two and half months old. It should have been ready for harvest by now but because of the worm, this has not been possible, Frank Aboagye, a farmer and Agric extension officer in the Central Region explained to Joy News.

Frank Aboagye

The initial stage of the infestation looks like the ordinary worms that affect our crops by getting to the later stages, they destroy everything. They are not like the usual Armyworms that affect our farms, farmer and District Chief Executive for Assin South Derrick Owusu Ambrose noted.

Failed assurances?

The first time farmers in Ghana saw the Fall Armyworm invasion was in 2016. They destroyed an estimated 4,000 hectares of crop fields. When the farming season ended, they vanished. Only to resurface in March this year at the start of the planting season. Government initially downplayed the devastation they could possibly cause.

We are confident that by Friday, the chemicals will be out to the affected districts We are sure by that by the weekend, the spraying will start in earnest to be completed in a number of days. The experience we gained from last year was that the army worm is very sensitive to the chemicals we applied and we are confident that once we have adequate application, we will be able to eliminate the danger, Agric Minister Dr. Akoto Owusu Afriyie told a media briefing in Accra in May this year.

Dr Akoto O. Afriyie

He gave the following re-assurance in an exclusive interview with Joy News. This is very limited. Armyworm as of last week had destroyed 1,400 hectares. Thats all. But its under control. By the end of this week, all the affected farms would have been sprayed and that will be the end of armyworm, he said confidently.

But that was not to be. Deputy Agric Minister Dr. Sagri Bambagni gave the following update when he appeared in parliament on 14th July to respond to questions on what is being done to control the pests. Currently, the Fall Armyworm has spread to all the 10 regions of Ghana and is estimated to be affecting 112,812 hectares of farmlands with an estimated 14,330 hectares destroyed completely, he told legislators.

Farmers lamentation

A number of factors including the absence of adequate chemicals and ineffective pesticides being used by farmers is said to have been the cause of this spread. Across the country, farmers share harrowing tales about the devastation being caused by the Fall Armyworms. Kofi Gyamera is one of the farmers whose fields have been destroyed in the Assin South District. He laments repeated application of recommended chemicals have not helped stem the destruction of his two-acre corn field on which he invested more than GH4000.

Kofi Gyamera

I have been farming for 13 years now. But this year, Fall Armyworm have invaded our farms. I have applied chemicals on 13 different occasions but still, they are on the farm. I have really suffered. They have destroyed three of my farms totally, he said.

Most of the farms that have been destroyed belong to farmers who benefitted from subsidized inputs under governments Planting for Food and Jobs Policy. Under the policy, farmers are supplied inputs at one-fourth the price. They are expected to pay another quarter of the price to government once they harvest and sell.

District Agric Officer, Jacob Degraft Sackey, is worried about the chances of farmers not making enough money to repay the investments but remain hopeful. The Fall armyworm has affected the farmers. We are hoping the control will be effective enough so they will be able to raise enough money to pay the rest of the subsidy money, he explained.

Jacob Degraft Sackey

District Chief Executive for Assin South, Derrick Owusu Ambrose, is urging the Agric Ministry to re-look at policy and roll out measures to cushion affected farmers. More than 50 percent of the affected farms have been destroyed. The farmers are worried and their fear is where they will get money to pay back. Government should take a second look and ensure that those infested farms, we see how best we can support them else they will be very hot, he said.

Even educational institutions have not been spared. The Assin Nsuta Senior High School owns a 14-acre maize farm. Management of the school is hoping to feed the students from this field. But the Fall Army worms will not allow that.

It has affected us a lot. We used chemicals from the open market but we still have the infestation there.There are still more of them even though we have done the application of chemicals on several occasions It will affect our food production rate and we will not have enough to feed the children, Charles Wiredu who is head of the Agric Department at the school explained.

Invasion gets out of hand

In the Assin South District alone, the farms of 250 farmers growing about 400 acres of farmlands have been destroyed. District Chief Executive Derrick Owusu Ambrose who heads a local task force leading the fight against the pests says the invasion is getting out of control.

Government has supplied chemicals. We have also formed district spraying gangs. But it seems the rate at which the infestation is going is getting out of our hands. I dont know if there has been some sort of resistance to the chemicals we have been using. We have been spraying but these same farms, you see re-infestation, he explained.

The story is no different in another severely affected community, Denkyira Wawaase in the Herman Lower Denkyira District. Deborah Obeng is a farmer here and a mother of three. For the last 20 years, she has educated her children and fed her family through this profession. But this has been a terrible season for her. She has lost the more than 1000 cedis she invested in the fields at the start of the planting season. We didnt get anything from our two-acre farm. I invested about 1000 cedis in fertilizer and other inputs. We have made a loss. We will cut down the fields and re-plant again and see what we will get, she said.

Deborah Obeng

Where are the chemicals?

When Agric Minister Dr. Akoto Owusu Afriyie addressed the media over the invasion, he announced a multi-million cedis intervention under which all affected farmers will benefit from a free mas spraying exercise to control the pests. We have prepared a budget of 16 million cedis; half of which will go into the purchase of chemicals required to the control and ensure the annihilation of the pests and the rest into education, he said.

But on the ground, the situation is different. Alex Obeng Adu is Agric Extension officer at Denkyira Wawaase. He says more than 200 of the 500 farmers whose farms have been destroyed here have not benefited from the supply of chemicals.

All those farmers who planted early in the year (January and February), their farms were destroyed. Up to now, they have not recovered from the shock they got More than 500 farmers were affected. But more than one-third of them havent received chemicals, he said.

Some of the farmers also say the chemicals came in late, forcing them to rely on ineffective chemicals from the open market and that made them lose money. Simon Akweso who farms a 10 acres field at Suhum is one of such farmers. He told Joy News: The Agric officers recommended chemicals for us to go and buy but it hasnt helped us. I spent 600 cedis but nothing has changed.

But Deputy Agric Minister Dr. Sagri Bambagni says there are enough chemicals for all farmers now. If a farmer detects the presence of the worms today, and he reports, within 24 hours, the ministry will respond. We have chemicals in all the regions and districts ready for such combat, he insisted.

The farmers are asking government to compensate them for the loss; a request ministry says it is still considering. They want government to be better prepared as they go into the next planting season to avert any such losses.

Farmers who lost as a result of the pests are planning to plant again in the minor season in August. So, we are pleading to government to bring chemicals before they farm so they can spray against them, one of the farmers told Joy News.

The story continues in part two of the documentary.

Below is the link to the first part of the documentary:
The Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue (The Geneva Centre) will convene, in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Nations Office, World Trade Organization and other international organizations in Geneva, a panel discussion on the theme "Womens rights in the Arab region: between myth and reality".

The panel discussion will take place on Friday 15 September 2017, from 10:00 to 12:00, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva (Room XXIV), and will be organized as a side-event to the 36th session of the UN Human Rights Council, scheduled to take place from 11 to 29 September 2017.

The Chairman of the Geneva Centres Board of Management, H. E. Dr. Hanif Al Qassim, and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative ofthe Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Nations Office at Geneva, H. E. Mr. Amr Ramadan, will deliver inaugural addresses. Ambassador Idriss Jazairy, Executive Director of the Geneva Centre, will be moderating the discussion.

The panel will consist of speakers with extensive knowledge in the field of gender and womens rights, with various backgrounds. The following panel members will participate at the session:

H. E. Ms. Hoda Al-Helaissi, member of Saudi Arabia's Shura Council, former Vice-Chairperson at King Saud University;

H. E. Ms. Emna Aouij, Member of the UN Working Group on Discrimination against women in law and in practice ;

Member of the UN Working Group on Discrimination against women in law and in practice H. E. Ms. Naela Mohamed Gabr , Member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women;

, Member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women; H. E. Ms. Dubravka Simonovic , UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences;

, UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences; Dr. Susan Carland , Researcher and specialist on gender and Islam in the modern world, Director of Monash University's Bachelor of Global Studies (Australia);

, Researcher and specialist on gender and Islam in the modern world, Director of Monash University's Bachelor of Global Studies (Australia); Ms. Sarah Zouak, Co-founder of the French association Lallab (based in Paris), organizer of the Women Sense Tour, writer and producer of the documentary Women Sense Tour

The panel discussion will seek to objectively measure progress in the Arab region on the status of women in relation to the recent past, with a view to providing impetus for the further advancement of their status. At the same time, it will aim at bringing out the fact that the challenges that remain are shared, to different degrees, by other civilisations. This should lead to gradually deconstructing existing myths and stereotypes based on misunderstandings, prejudice or Islamophobia.

The ultimate outcome of the discussion will be to collect the proceedings of the debate, the main recommendations and the most pertinent ideas exchanged during this event, into a new publication in follow-up to the study entitled Womens Rights in the Arab Region: Myths and Realities, published in March 2017. The study will attempt to examine the shortcomings in the pursuit of gender equality in mainly Arab societies, against the backdrop of weaknesses that the North continues to endure in the pursuit of the same objective of gender equality.
Paris (AFP) - Two UN experts who were killed six months ago in the Democratic Republic of Congo were deliberately misled about the safety of the place where they were shot dead, French radio said Wednesday.

In an investigative report published on its website, Radio France International (RFI) suggested the pair may have been set up.

Zaida Catalan, a Swedish-Chilean national and Michael Sharp, who held US nationality, were killed in March while probing reports of more than 40 mass graves in the war-torn central region of Kasai.

Their bodies were found 16 days later. Catalan had been decapitated.

Violence erupted in Kasai in August 2016 following the killing of a local tribal chief called the Kamwina Nsapu, prompting deadly clashes between his followers and the military.

In its report, RFI published the transcript of a conversation the pair had on the eve of their death with a Kamwina Nsapu follower speaking Tshiluba, which was translated by several other people into French.

"At least three of the participants intentionally misled the two experts about the level of security in Bunkonde," RFI said of the area where they were killed.

'Not translated'

At one stage, the main speaker -- an elderly healer called Francois Muamba -- tries to discourage them from going to Bunkonde, raising the possibility of an ambush.

But his words "were not translated", RFI said.

Instead, they were told: "As far as guarantees go, you can go to Bunkonde because there's nothing going on there."

RFI said the translator was "currently working with the (government) department of migration", describing him as "close to the new Kamwina Nsapu who was backed by the authorities".

Another person who was party to the conversation and said to be close to the Kamwina Nsapu militia, was "an intelligence agent" who was "in charge of supervising the two experts' mission in Bunkonde."

State actors?

A report compiled by UN experts in June also said the pair had spoken to members of the clan leader's family on the eve of their departure from Kananga on March 12, citing as evidence an audio tape of the meeting they had obtained.

It described their murder as a "premeditated setup", saying that members of the state security services may have been involved.

Swedish-Chilean national Zaida Catalan and her American colleague Michael Sharp were investigating reports of mass graves in central DR Congo when they were shot dead

The Congolese authorities have said the pair were killed by militia members, with a UN inquiry published last month reaching the same conclusion.

RFI's investigation was led by Sonia Rolley, its former correspondent in the country, whose press accreditation has not been renewed by Kinshasa since May.

On the day of the murder, she was working just a few kilometres (miles) from the scene of the crime.

"If she has evidence, she should bring it to the judicial authorities," government spokesman Lambert Mende told AFP, saying a failure to do so would be "a serious violation of criminal proceedings."

Kinshasa says nine out of 16 suspects have been arrested, with four of them going on trial before a military tribunal in Kananga on June 5.

"There is a trial under way. We cannot comment while this is ongoing," said a spokesman for MONUSCO, the UN's peacekeeping mission in the country.

Over the past year, the wave of violence in Kasai has claimed more than 3,000 lives, and displaced an estimated 1.4 million people, with rights groups citing evidence of extrajudicial killings, rapes, torture and the use of child soldiers.
Nairobi (AFP) - A 14-year-old Kenyan girl was charged Wednesday with multiple counts of murder for allegedly starting a fire at a Nairobi school dormitory that left nine other schoolgirls dead.

According to a source inside the court, where proceedings were held in camera due to the age of the accused, the girl denied starting the fire on September 2 at the Moi Girls High School.

A source close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they had discovered a WhatsApp messaging group on the suspect's phone, in which she had mentioned her plans to burn down the school to four other friends.

"I will burn the school," read one of the messages.

The girl appeared to be angry that her parents had sent her to Moi Girls, instead of her preferred high school.

The bodies of the girls who died in the blaze were burnt beyond recognition and were only identified through DNA analysis which was completed on Tuesday.
Airtel Ghanas transformational CSR programme has been adjudged Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative at the 2017 African Carrier Awards which took place in Ugandas capital Kampala on 5th September 2017.

Airtel Ghana picked the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative at the Capacity Africa Carrier Awards 2017 for the second consecutive year. The Capacity Africa Carrier Awards seeks to recognize telecom companies in Africa with outstanding performance in terms of growth, innovation, Corporate Social Responsibility amongst others.

The Award recognises Airtel Ghanas exceptional and far-reaching efforts to integrate sustainable corporate social responsibility initiatives which span education, health, and community development into its business operations. This award is a clear and unequivocal affirmation of the continuous effort of Airtel Ghana in driving sustainable innovative initiatives that distinguishes itself with its approach and contribution to sustainable development.

Airtel Ghana received this award due to its excellent and far-reaching efforts to integrate sustainable corporate social responsibility initiatives across every sphere of what they do, especially through our school adoption and Evolve with Stem initiatives and other employee driven CSR initiatives in which employees engage in.

Commenting on the recognition, Hannah Agbozo, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Airtel Ghana said At Airtel, we are passionate about empowering local communities through our CSR and community investment programmes. To be recognised for this at the continental level as the best in class in CSR is a great honor and a motivator for us to continue investing to improve lives and drive positive impact in our communities. This award is a result of the ownership and commitment of our employees to embrace and volunteer in our CSR initiatives. We dedicate it to all our employees and our cherished customers

Airtel Ghana has won multiple awards for its leadership in driving sustainable corporate social responsibility initiatives including Best CSR Initiative at the Africa Carrier Awards 2016, IPR Best community relations programme for three consecutive years, Bharti Change maker award (gold) for two consecutive years and best CSR Company in Education at the 2015 Ghana CSR Excellence Awards.

Airtel is Ghanas fastest growing telecommunications network providing unparalleled communication, connectivity and collaborative solutions to its customers.

About Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 17 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers.

In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed home broadband, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 372 million customers across its operations at the end of March 2017. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com

About Airtel in Africa

Airtel is driven by the vision of providing affordable and innovative mobile services to all. Airtel has 17 operations in Africa: Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Airtel International is a Bharti Airtel company. For more information, please visit www.airtel.com , or like the Airtel Ghana Facebook page via www.facebook.com/airtelgh or follow us on Twitter via the handle @airtelghana.
Ghana's only starch producing company established in 2002, the Ayensu Starch Factory has hardly worked efficiently since it was set up. The company has shut down several times for many reasons including raw material and fuel.

Ayensu Starch Factory is currently not in operation because its drier section developed a fault after the company had been in operation for less than three weeks.

Managing Director of the company, Evans Kwame Ayim said, by Thursday the company should be back on its feet since the part has been replaced.

Farmers who have cassava have however been turned away with several tones of cassava left to rot because the starch factory is not in operation. Farmers have taken to the media lamenting they have not been paid for the cassava they have supplied, while several cassava remains on their farms.

Evans Ayim in an interview with JoyBusiness assured farmers they will be paid their full amounts by next week Friday.

They indicate the starch in the warehouse alone can pay for more than the debt of GHa120,000.

By Thursday when the factory comes back to stream, farmers will be called to bring their cassava. Close to 200 tones is expected to be processed.

While the factory fixes the drier problem other issues lurk or rare their head. Residual fuel is also a major area to grapple with since it is consistently in short supply according to the managing director.

Why ayensu starch factory must not collapse

Farmers are a major benefactor of the factory, providing a ready market for their produce. The company supplies starch to Guinness Ghana in the production of its Ruut Beer which is locally manufactured.

The crop research institute, pastry companies among others depend on their existence.
The African Union Commission has commended the Government of Ghana for implementing the Free Senior High School policy, indicating that it is a sure way of ensuring the growth of the country and Africa as a whole.

Ambassador Thomas Kwesi Quartey, Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission, who gave the commendation while speaking at an UNCTAD-organised High Level Panel Discussion in Geneva, Switzerland, said the beginning of Free SHS in Ghana would give greater impetus to the AU's agenda of having every African child in school by the end of the decade.

UNCTAD is the United Nations body responsible for development issues, particularly international trade as the main driver of development.

Africa has the largest number of young people, and this commission has at its theme Education, Education, Education. It is in that spirit that I would like to commend the government of Ghana, at the risk of sounding unduly nationalist, that the SHS programme, the free compulsory secondary school programme that they have introduced, is really an idea whose time has come, and Ghana is to be commended for it, Ambassador Quartey declared.

The ambition of the African Union, Amb. Quartey said, is to have every African child in school by the year 2020.

We would like to have a literate and a numerate Africa. We want an Africa where illiteracy is a thing of the past. With a literate and numerate Africa, the continent would be ready now to imbibe technology, apply science and technology, and find solutions.

Any effort in this direction is therefore highly commendable, Amb Quartey indicated, and the introduction of Free SHS in Ghana is a very welcome development.

Your Excellency, you and Ghana are to be highly commended, the Deputy AU Commissioner told Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

The panel discussion, organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is under the theme Accelerating Progress in Building Productive Capacities in Least Developing Countries and Other Vulnerable Developing Economies.

It brought together a team of decision makers and world leaders including Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of UNCTAD; Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu, High-Representative and Under-Secretary-General for OHRLLS, New York; and Ms. Hu Xiaolian, Chairman, China-Exim Bank.

The rest are Dr. Celestin Monga, Vice-President and Chief Economist, African Development Bank, Abidjan; Mr. Hiroshi Kuniyoshi, Deputy Director-General, UNIDO; Dr. Robert Wade, Professor, London School of Economics and Political Science; and Ghana's Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The Health Minister is heading to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to demand investigations into how 30 ambulances which were not fit for the purpose, have been paid for by the erstwhile John Mahama government.

According to Kweku Agyemang Manu, the ambulances, the cost of which was estimated at $2.4 million, were procured under questionable circumstances by the previous administration.

The ambulances which he described as sprinter buses fitted with kitchen panels are currently parked at the military naval base.

He told journalists he was shocked at the sight of vehicles and how a decision was made by a public officer to pay for vehicles like those.

He does not immediately know the circumstances under which the vehicles were paid for but said, the Health Ministry had initially rejected the vehicles.

Kweku Agyemang Manu found it intriguing how the same vehicles which had been rejected were later paid for with the tax payers' money.

They realized it did not meet specification. It was like they were not vehicles they could use as ambulances and so they rejected them. During the transition the report we had was that the supplier supplied, they never accepted and so we never paid them and we dont owe them," he said.

But months later they started getting intelligence information the same vehicles had been paid for.

I wrote to Minister of Finance and they said we had paid for Ministry of Health, he said, adding the Ministry of Health had no documentation to confirm any such payment.

Interestingly the Minister said an employee of Big Sea, the company that supplied the vehicles did not even know the vehicles had been paid for.

That official had been in court with the company over other issues.

The Minister said the vehicles were not paid for by any loan arrangement and suspects they were paid from the consolidated fund.

Kwaku Agyemang Manu said he is sending the documentation he has gathered so far to the National Security or EOCO to investigate the matter.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
Paris (AFP) - Like escaped convicts, elephants in eastern Africa have learned to travel at night and hide during the day to avoid poachers who are hunting tuskers into extinction, researchers reported Wednesday.

Normally elephants forage for food and migrate in daylight, while resting under cover of darkness.

But a sharp increase in illegal hunting driven by the global trade in ivory has forced the massive land mammals -- against their nature -- to upend their usual habits.

"As most poaching occurs during the daytime, their transition to nocturnal behaviour appears to be a direct result of prevailing poaching levels," said Festus Ihwagi, a researcher at the University of Twente in The Netherlands.

In an upcoming study, Ihwagi details his findings, based on data gathered from 60 elephants in northern Kenya tracked with GPS devices for up to three years during the period 2002 to 2012.

Working with the NGO Save the Elephants, which has fitted more than 100 of the animals with GPS collars, Ihwagi monitored the movements of 28 females and 32 males in and around the Laikipa-Samburu ecosystem.

Females live in close-knit families and often have young calves at their side, while bulls tend to be more solitary.

To determine how, and to what extent, poaching had changed elephant behaviour, he compared two sets of data.

The first measured the distances travelled during the day and at night, and was logged as a ratio between the two.

The second -- drawing from the Illegal Killing of Elephant programme database -- identified zones and time periods when poaching was more or less severe.

Slaughtered for ivory

"Simultaneous elephant tracking and monitoring of causes of death presented a perfect 'natural laboratory'," said Ihwagi.

The nighttime movements of the elephants increased significantly in sync with poaching levels, especially for females.

In high-danger zones, females reduced daytime activity by about 50 percent on average compared to low-danger zones, Ihwagi told AFP.

Changing their behaviour in this way may help keep elephants alive in the short run, but could have long term implications for their survival, he added.

Despite their intelligence, deeply ingrained foraging strategies and mating patterns developed on an evolutionary timescale may limit the capacity to adapt.

"For mothers with very young calves, the risk of predation of the calves by lions or hyenas would be higher at night," Ihwagi said.

"For the mature elephants, it implies an alteration of their normal social life."

The real-time data from GPS devices could be used as an early warning system to alert environmentalists and park rangers, the researchers noted.

A sudden uptick in nocturnal travel, for example, could signal that elephants feel threatened.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the number of African elephants has fallen by around 111,000 to 415,000 over the past decade.

The killing shows no sign of abating with around 30,000 elephants slaughtered for their ivory every year, mainly to satisfy demand in the Asian market for products coveted as a traditional medicine or as status symbols.

"The escalation of poaching has become the greatest immediate threat to the survival of elephants," Ihwagi said.

The findings will appear in the January issue of the Journal of Ecological Indicators.
13.09.2017 LISTEN

Six people at a Florida nursing home that was left without power for days after Hurricane Irma have died.

Police evacuated 115 residents on Wednesday from the facility, whose air conditioning was cut by the storm.

Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said three were found dead at the nursing home in the city of Hollywood. Three others died in hospital.

Ten million people are still without power in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas after Hurricane Irma.

The storm  which has claimed more than two dozen lives in the US  struck southwestern Florida on Sunday morning as a category four hurricane before weakening to a tropical depression on Monday.

Irma earlier left a trail of destruction in the Caribbean, where nearly 40 people were killed.

Hollywood Police Chief Tomas Sanchez said the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills facility has been sealed off and police are conducting a criminal investigation.

State investigators from the Florida Office of Attorney General were also at the scene, city officials said in a statement.

It may be related to a loss of power in the storm, he said, adding that officers were checking in on 42 other assisted living facilities and nursing homes throughout the city.

Hollywood Fire Rescue found several patients in varying degree of medical distress and immediately began treatment when they arrived at the Hollywood Hills facility on Wednesday morning, according to the citys statement.

Some residents there awoke sick, the Miami Herald reported.

Kitchen worker Jean Lindor told the newspaper a generator allowed staff to cook but did not provide the facility with air conditioning.

Temperatures on Tuesday in Hollywood reached 32C (90F), according to the National Weather Service.

The Florida Health Care Association called the deaths a profound tragedy within the larger tragedy of Hurricane Irma.

The facility is not the only Florida nursing home that has been left without power by Irma.

An estimated 150 facilities out of the nearly 700 in the state are currently without full power services, the association said.

The group said it was working with officials to prioritise the locations with the greatest need.

More than half of a large retirement community in Pembroke Pines, Florida, still had no electricity by Wednesday morning, leaving elderly residents stuck in rooms with no access to lifts.

Pembroke Pines police spokeswoman Amanda Conwell told the Miami Herald that officers were at the scene.

She said some of the 15,000 residents at Century Village were vulnerable and we are concerned about their welfare.

Another assisted care facility for dementia patients in Fort Myers, Florida, went without power for three days after Hurricane Irma as elderly patients suffered in the rising heat.

Cape Coral Shores kept 20 patients during the storm as part of an agreement with authorities because local emergency shelters had been evacuated as Irma bore down on the coast.

Florida residents are still returning from shelters to their households to count the cost of Irmas destruction.

Authorities say preliminary estimates suggest 25% of the homes in the Florida Keys were destroyed and 65% sustained major damage.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the hard-hit Florida city of Naples on Thursday to view the damage, US media have reported.

It will be his third trip related to hurricanes in two weeks and he will be joined by his wife Melania, the first lady.

Whats happening in the Caribbean?

Of the nearly 40 people killed by Irma in the Caribbean, victims include 10 dead on the French island of St Barts and on the French part of St Martin  which is shared with the Netherlands.

In the Dutch territory of St Maarten, about 90% of buildings were damaged and a third destroyed, the Dutch Red Cross said.

Critics have accused France, the UK and Netherlands of not doing enough to help hurricane victims in their overseas territories.

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to swiftly rebuild the French Caribbean islands.

The UK announced it would give an additional $33m (25m) of funding to help with the recovery effort.

At least 10 people were killed when Irma hit Cuba as a category five hurricane, the island nations worst hurricane death toll since 16 died in Hurricane Dennis in 2005.


Luanda (AFP) - Angola's constitutional court on Wednesday upheld the ruling party's landslide win in last month's election which will usher in the MPLA's fourth decade in power and rejected opposition claims the poll was flawed.

The ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola won 61.7 percent of the vote, and 150 of the 220 seats in parliament, the country's electoral commission said in its final results.

President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, 75, who has ruled since 1979 and is reportedly in poor health, will hand over to former defence minister Joao Lourenco at the presidential inauguration expected on September 21.

"Local vote counting was done in accordance with the law and planned processes," the court said in its ruling.

Court president Rui Ferreira said the decision was binding and would not be open to appeal, adding that the poll was free, fair and transparent.

Four opposition parties had appealed the result.

Leading opposition party the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) won 26.67 percent of the vote and 51 MPs, while the Casa-CE party scored 9.54 percent and secured 16 seats in parliament.

The remaining three seats were shared by the FNLA and PNS.

UNITA spokesman Alcides Sakala said that his party's parliamentarians would not take their seats in the new national assembly to protest the court's decision.

Claims of voting irregularities have been dismissed by incoming president Lourenco, who accused the opposition of "spoiling the people's party".

"These political groups, by protesting in their own interests against these so-called procedural irregularities, have violated electoral laws," he said previously.

The MPLA had predicted it would win easily, but the result showed a decline in support from the 2012 election.

Human Rights Watch Southern Africa has urged the incoming president to "urgently implement much-needed human rights reforms" in the oil-producing country, which suffered years of civil war that ended in 2002.

The country of 28.8 million is battling high poverty levels and has suffered from a slump in crude prices in recent years.
Gambian actress, Princess Shyngle, has disclosed that helping others to grow and wiping tears away ia her way of life and she cant change about that.

She stated that she has been stabbed on several occasions by friends and has also helped lots of people yet some still brought tears and pains on her but that has not pushed her to give up.

According to her, I have fed mouths that have talked shit about me. I've wiped tears off the faces of the people that have caused mine. I have picked up people that have tried to knock me down. I've done favors for people that can do nothing for me. I have been there for people that have not been there for me. CRAZY? Maybe. But I will not lose myself in the hatred of others; I continue to be me because, I am who I am and it is my nature. Life isn't easy but even through all the bullshit. I will still be here, being me. Never dim your light ... Let karma do her job.
One of the hottest investments this year has been bitcoin. Had you bought US$10,000 of the digital coin at the start of 2017, by 1 September youd be sitting on US$49,621.80. Not a bad return for nine months.

And there are still plenty of optimists touting the coin.

Famed investor, Bill Miller believes bitcoin is a major technological disruptor and a catalyst for fierce change within the domain of finance. As reported by bitcoin.com:

The investment legend has assessed bitcoins potential with a long-term perspective in mind. With regard to the scale of fiscal innovation and creative destruction that bitcoin may unleash upon traditional financial and monetary processes and technology, Miller described cryptocurrency as being a catalyst for economic disruption on a scale that we havent seen in thousands of years.

Miller believes if bitcoin only becomes 10% as popular as gold, then its potentially an US$800 billion market value. Its a very bullish view as the current market value of bitcoins totals around US$68 billion, as show below:

Source: Coin Desk

Digital Coins Uncertainty

However of last, bitcoin has been hammered down by uncertainty surrounding the digital coins acceptance. China banned initial coin offers, likely to limit capital flowing out of yuan and into cryptos. North Korea is believed to behind at least three bitcoin exchange hacks.

And its encouraged many bitcoin holdings to cash in now, fearing a decline will soon come.

Bitcoin Price Decline

During September, bitcoin has declined 15.97%. Each bitcoin now trades for around US$4,159.

And JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon, is hardly surprised.

The cryptocurrency wont end well, Dimon said at an investor conference in New York. Hes predicting it will eventually blow up. Its a fraud and worse than tulip bulbs.

Dimon went so far as to say, that he would fire any trader that would dare trade the coin. Id fire them in a second, Dimon said. For two reasons: Its against our rules and theyre stupid. And both are dangerous.

Reported by Bloomberg:

Dimon differentiated between the bitcoin currency and the underlying blockchain technology, which he said can be useful. Still, he said banks application of blockchain wont be overnight.

The bank chief said he wouldnt short bitcoin because theres no telling how high it will go before it collapses. The best argument hes heard, he said, is that it can be useful to people in places with no other options  so long as the supply of coins doesnt surge.

If you were in Venezuela or Ecuador or North Korea or a bunch of parts like that, or if you were a drug dealer, a murderer, stuff like that, you are better off doing it in bitcoin than US dollars, he said. So there may be a market for that, but itd be a limited market.

But of course, Dimon can no more predict the future as you or I. You should even take Millers view with a grain of salt. If you want to learn more about bitcoin and make up your own mind about whether the digital coin is a good investment for you or not, click here.

Regards,

Harje Ronngard,

Junior Analyst, Money Morning
Maintaining independence and editorial freedom is essential to our mission of empowering investor success. We provide a platform for our authors to report on investments fairly, accurately, and from the investors point of view. We also respect individual opinionsthey represent the unvarnished thinking of our people and exacting analysis of our research processes. Our authors can publish views that we may or may not agree with, but they show their work, distinguish facts from opinions, and make sure their analysis is clear and in no way misleading or deceptive.

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Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process.
'The big truck is still on ...
Thomas Alavardo TCSO Booking Photo View Photos

Sonora, CA  A deputys hunch to check out a suspiciously parked U-Haul rental pickup early yesterday in which a man was hiding resulted his arrest on multiple charges and warrants.

According to Tuolumne County Sheriffs spokesperson Sgt. Andrea Benson, just after 2 a.m. the deputy noticed the white pickup as it sat parked on a gravel easement just off Chicken Ranch Road in Jamestown. She states that the female passenger, 27-year-old Heather Roberts of Jamestown, exited the truck as soon as she saw the patrol cars spotlight and indicated that she was the sole occupant.

However the deputy located 36-year-old Thomas Alvarado of Modesto hunkering down in the cab. While he firmly continued to use the drivers license of a Sacramento area man to identify himself  even though the drivers license picture was clearly not a match  his actual license was located during a personal search inside one of his shoes.

The search of Alvarado and the truck also turned up several whitewashed and forged bank checks, three fake drivers licenses, possible stolen mail and credit cards not belonging to him as well as a small amount of methamphetamine and pipe for smoking it. A records check determined that

Alvarado had felony warrants out of Stanislaus County for charges of burglary, grand theft, identity theft and drug possession. Tuolumne County also had a warrant out on him for possession of drug paraphernalia.

While Roberts was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, Alvarado faces a new slate of charges in addition to his previous ones. Among these are false personation of another; possession of forged bank checks valued at more than $950; forgery; identity theft; possession of deceptive government identifications; false identification to law enforcement; possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Congressman Tom McClintock Speaks at TuCare dinner View Photos

Washington D.C.  Local District 4 Congressman McClintock supports the Natural Resources Comittee approving the SHARE Act, which is short for Sportsmens Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2017, or HR3668.

Congressman McClintock states purpose of the Share Act is to increase opportunities for hunters, recreational shooters, and anglers; eliminate regulatory impediments; safeguard against new regulations that impede outdoor sporting activities; and protect Second Amendment rights. His comments about the details of the Act and his reasons for supporting it are in his new blog here.

The Natural Resources committee provided an outline of the goals of the bill:

 Open Until Closed Policy: Federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) often prevent or impede access to federal lands for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting. The bill requires the USFS and the BLM to be open until closed for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting.

 Investing in Future Economic Growth: Hunters and shooters alone contribute over $110 billion to the U.S. economy each year, resulting in an estimated $15 billion of combined local, state, and federal taxes.

The bill extends and increases states authority to allocate federal funding for recreational shooting ranges on federal lands while encouraging greater federal cooperation with state and local governments to maintain existing recreational shooting ranges.

 Protects Sportmens Second Amendment Rights: Second Amendment Rights: Sportsmen accessing federal lands often must travel across state lines to engage in recreational activities. Even though federal law clearly protects law-abiding citizens who travel across state lines with a firearm, travelers risk arrest due to a lack of clarity in the law. The bill clarifies that the transportation of both firearms and ammunition is federally protected.

 Second Amendment Rights: Under current law, a person may carry a concealed weapon in a National Park or Refuge as long as they are in compliance with the firearm laws of the state they are in. However, the same rights are not extended to Americans who hunt, camp or fish on land owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The bill makes firearm regulations consistent across federal lands by allowing lawabiding citizens to carry firearms on U.S. Army Corps land.

 Bow Hunters: Sportsmen may already lawfully transport firearms in vehicles across units of the National Park System. The bill extends these protections to bow hunters and recreational archers by removing an unnecessary restriction that currently deprives the transportation of archery equipment in national parks.

 Health and Noise Mitigation: Currently, sportsmen are faced with excessive fees and bureaucratic delays in acquiring hearing protection and noise mitigation equipment for firearms. The bill streamlines outmoded processes for acquiring this equipment to reduce hearing damage for sportsmen and noise at shooting ranges located near residential areas.

 Eliminates Regulations that Impede Outdoor Sporting Activities: Permanently exempts

ammunition and fishing tackle from EPA regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and prevents the regulation of ammunition and fishing tackle based on lead count. These regulations would drastically increase the price of ammunition and fishing tackle which would significantly deter outdoor sporting activities. There are no reasonable alternatives to traditional ammunition or fishing tackle.

The NRA released statements saying it applauds the reintroduction and expansion of the SHARE Act. Wilderness Watch is concerned the bill will undermine the 1964 Wilderness Act and allow endless, extensive habitat manipulations.

The bill will be reviewed by several other comittees before being presented for a full vote by the U.S. House of Representatives.

McClintock is planning an Angels Camp Town Hall on September 20th as detailed here, again his newest blog on the SHARE Act is here.
Admiral Michelle J. Howard, commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa has spoken on why he visited Nigeria sometime last week.

According to the commander who made this known on the Facebook page of US Embassy Nigeria, Nigeria's navy is a key player in the fight against illicit maritime activity.

She said: "Nigeria has over 450 miles of coastline and their central location in the Gulf of Guinea makes their Navy a key player in the fight against illicit maritime activity.

"I'm visiting to discuss the security challenges and deepening our relationship in training and exercises.

READ ALSO: Nigerian army accused of escorting Hausas to safety in Port Harcourt after allegedly killing IPOB members in Abia (video)

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Geoffrey Onyeama, foreign affairs minister said that President Muhammadu Buhari will lead the Nigerian delegation to the 72nd UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Onyeama made this known in Abuja on Tuesday, September 12, when he briefed the newsmen on the conference scheduled to hold from Sept. 12 to Sept. 25.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app

He said Nigeria would at the meeting, renew its call for international support for the release of remaining Chibok girls.

Watch the Legit.ng TV video report of the winging ceremony of the latest pilots of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Source: Legit.ng
- The Nigerian army says Operation Python Dance 2 will fully take off on September 15 and end on October 14, 2017

- The deputy director, public relations, 82 Division, Colonel Sagir Musa, says heavy military presence will be felt in some major cities during the operation

- Musa states that the essence of the exercise is to ensure peace, security, unity and development of Nigeria

The Nigerian army in Enugu has said that the military exercise in the south-east, code-named Operation Python Dance 2 is not targeted at the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

READ ALSO: IPOB members attack Hausa community in Rivers (photos/video)

Colonel Sagir Musa, the deputy director, public relations, 82 Division, on Tuesday, September 12, said this when he briefed newsmen at the NUJ Secretariat, Umuahia, on the activities of troops deployed in Abia for the exercise.

Musa, dismissed speculations that the military was laying siege on Kanu, saying that the exercise is not targetted at the leader of IPOB or anybody or group, The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The exercise is not targeted at any individual or group but meant to prevent security challenges identified in the South-East and parts of Cross River.

It is not meant to molest or victimise anybody, Musa said, adding that the exercise was designed to maintain peace and security in the five states of the south-east and parts of Cross River.

He said that the main objective was to stem the tide of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and violent agitations in the areas involved.

According to him, the essence of the exercise is to ensure peace, security, unity and development of Nigeria.

The army spokesman said that the exercise, slated to fully take off on September 15 and end on October 14, would be conducted simultaneously in the affected states.

He said that during the period, heavy presence of military troops would be felt in major cities and towns of the states involved.

He said that the exercise would be characterised mainly by show of force, patrols and other military activities.

Musa also said that he was at the NUJ secretariat to convey unreserved apologies from the 82 Div. of the Nigerian Army and the GOC, Maj Gen Adamu Abubakar, to journalists in the state over Tuesdays invasion of the union secretariat and assault on some journalists by some military personnel.

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He said that those involved in the ugly development acted outside the rule of engagement and not in conformity with the rules and regulations governing the military.

He said that the army detested such excesses and gross indiscipline among its rank and file.

The spokesman urged journalists in the state to endeavour to put the incident behind them and not to allow it to destroy the long standing relationship existing between the two organisations.

He assured the union that such an unhealthy incident would not repeat itself, adding that the perpetrators would be fished out and appropriate sanctions meted out to them.

In a brief remark, the National Trustee of NUJ, Bonny Okoro, who represented the state Chairman of the union, John Emejor, urged the army authorities to check the excesses of its men deployed for the operation in the state.

Okoro, who was manhandled and also had his Samsung tablet destroyed by the operatives that invaded the secretariat, described the attack on journalists as unwarranted.

He said it was regrettable that journalists, who render selfless service to the nation, could be attacked by soldiers.

Meanwhile, some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have travelled to the home of their leader Nnamdi Kanu to confront soldiers of the Nigerian military.

This move by the IPOB members follows a recent siege laid by the troops of the Nigerian military in Afara Ukwu, the hometown of the IPOB leader.

The group members were seen in thousands heading to Kanu's home.

Some of these IPOB members were driven in 'tipper' vehicles and buses as military Armoured Personnel Tanks were parked in the area.

In the Legit.ng video below; Nnamdi Kanu's lawyer reacts to the alleged military invasion of his client's house.

Source: Legit.ng
- Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari was behind the siege laid by the Nigeria army in his hometown

- Kanu also alleged that the army attacked his convoy on his way for an official assignment

- He claimed that the Army fired live bullets at his vehicle including his convoy

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), claimed President Muhammadu Buhari ordered Nigerian army to attack him because he is fighting for the liberation of Biafran people.

Kanu's claim was contained in a statement signed by Emma Powerful, IPOBs spokesperson.

Legit.ng gathered Kanu claimed that the army in a bid to perfect the assassination plot had attacked his convoy at ''Ubakala junction on his way for an official assignment''.

The statement read: ''The jihadist soldiers in Nigerian Army and police uniforms surrounded our leaders house today been 12th September 2017 with the instructions from Major General Muhammadu Buhari and those cabals in Aso Rock to assassinate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other IPOB members who strongly believe and fight in the struggle for the liberation of Biafran people.

READ ALSO: 6 choice assets in Abuja traced allegedly to former first lady Patience Jonathan

''The Nigerian soldiers drafted to Biafranland to assassinate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other members of IPOB mainly came from the core North of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebby, Gigawa, Kano, Kaduna and Kastina states.

''On 10th September been Sunday the Nigerian Army killed our members in Umuahia, yesterday been Monday 11th of September 2017 the jihadist soldiers in Nigerian Army uniform attacked Mazi Nnamdi Kanus convoy at Ubakala junction on his way going for an official assignment. The Nigerian Army fired live bullets at his vehicle including his convoy''.

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The statement said the Operation Python Dance exercise has turned the once peace region of south east into a dangerous zone. IPOB also claimed that Buhari ordered soldiers under the exercise to harass and intimidate Igbos

According to it, ''Its a pity that in a democratic setting like this one in Nigeria can turn south eastern region into a war''.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that a military jet was seen hovering on Nnamdi Kanu's house in continuation of the Operation Python Dance exercise currently ongoing in the southeast.

Watch this video of a supporter of Nnamdi Kanu and how she wants to celebrate the agitator:

Source: Legit.ng
- Huge rally has gathered ahead of Spain referendum to rally support for Catalan independence

- The Catalans were demand their region break away from Spain

- Spains Constitutional Court suspended a referendum law that was fast-tracked through Catalonias regional parliament

Hundreds of thousands of Catalans rallied on Monday September 11 to demand their regions secession from Spain, in a show of strength three weeks ahead of an independence referendum which has been banned by Madrid.

Vanguard reports that people wave Esteladas (pro-independence Catalan flags) during a pro-independence demonstration, on September 11, 2017 in Barcelona during the National Day of Catalonia, the Diada.

Legit.ng gathered that hundreds of thousands of Catalans were expected to rally to demand their region break away from Spain, in a show of strength three weeks ahead of a secession referendum banned by Madrid.

The protest coincides with Catalonias national day, the Diada, which commemorates the fall of Barcelona in the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714 and the regions subsequent loss of institutions and freedoms.

READ ALSO: 6 choice assets in Abuja allegedly traced to former first lady Patience Jonathan

Draped in red, yellow and blue separatist flags  with one banner reading Goodbye Spain  they marched through central Barcelona in what many hope will be the last protest before independence. If there is huge mobilisation, they cant do anything in Madrid, said Jordi Calatayud, a 21-year-old economics student, referring to the October 1 vote.

Catalan people will make independence possible; if there are a lot of us, they cant stop us. Around one million people took part in the event, Barcelonas municipal police said in a Twitter post.

A spokeswoman for the central governments representative in the wealthy northeastern region put the turnout lower, at around 350,000 people.

The protest coincides with Catalonias national day, the Diada, which marks the fall of Barcelona in the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714 and the regions subsequent loss of institutions and freedoms. Since 2012 the holiday has been used by separatists to press for an independent state.

What more do we have to do to make it understood that the people of Catalonia want to vote? Catalonias pro-independence president Carles Puigdemont told reporters at the rally.  Put me in prison  Those against independence complained that a day meant for all Catalans had been hijacked by separatists  and even more so this year, ahead of the referendum.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, whose conservative government is fiercely against the vote, wished Catalonia a good day, calling for a Diada of freedom, cohabitation and respect for all Catalans.

Demonstrators took the shape of a giant X by gathering on the Paseo de Gracia and Aragon avenues in central Barcelona, to represent the mark Catalans will make on their ballots during the referendum.

If the Yes side wins, Catalonias regional government has vowed to declare independence within 48 hours and set about building a sovereign state.

With Spains central government promising to block the referendum, the pro-independence camp was keen to show that it can rally its troops  especially after participation in the Diada declined last year.

I am too old to be told what I can or cant do, I am counting on voting and I will do so, even if they have to put me in prison, said Mari Carmen Pla, a 70-year-old pensioner surrounded by a sea of red and yellow Catalan independence flags.  Region divided  Rajoys conservative government has said the vote violates Spains constitution, which states that only central authorities can call a referendum.

Following a legal challenge from his government, Spains Constitutional Court suspended a referendum law that was fast-tracked through Catalonias regional parliament on Wednesday.

Police have searched a Catalan printing house and a local weekly newspaper suspected of making ballots for the referendum, while Spains state prosecutor has opened criminal proceedings against Puigdemont and other Catalan officials. Catalan society is deeply divided over independence.

In a survey by the Catalan Centre of Opinion Studies in July, 41.1 percent backed independence while 49.9 percent rejected it. But about 70 percent wanted a referendum, to settle the question once and for all.

Like the referendum held in Britain last year on the countrys membership in the European Union, the issue in Catalonia pits rural areas  which are more pro-independence  against large urban centres like Barcelona which are more in favour of remaining in Spain.

Catalonia, roughly the same size as Belgium, has its own language and customs, and already has significant powers over matters such as education and healthcare.

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But Spains economic problems, coupled with a perception that the wealthy northeastern regions 7.5 million people pay more in taxes to Madrid than they get in return, have pushed the independence question to the centre stage.

During the 2013 Diada demonstrators formed a human chain that crossed Catalonia. The following year the demonstration took the shape of a giant V for vote, while in 2015 the march resembled a human arrow.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that a pro-Biafra group, the Biafra Zionists Federation (BZF) given the federal government a 48-hour ultimatum to withdraw troops from the southeast region.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video asking if Biafra is really achievable:

Source: Legit.ng
- Biafra National Guard has warned the Nigerian army to desist from the Operation Python Dance II in the southeast region

- The group claimed that the military operation has a plot to eliminate agitators

- They warned that they would not hesitate to result into self defense if killings continue

A pro-Biafra group, Biafra National Guard, has warned the Nigerian army to put an end to its ongoing Operation Python Dance II in the southeast or its members will begin self defense.

According to a statement sent to Daily Post, the group said the military operation in the southeast is a plot to end the lives of secession agitators in the area.

Legit.ng learnt that the group said it would resist the unlawful killings of southeast indigenes by the army.

The statement reads: We fear not; we dine, sleep and live hostility and will defend our lives. BNG continues to make it loud and clear that Biafra needs activation of self defense as enshrined in UN 2007 charter to restore Biafra and that is what BNG represents.

READ ALSO: IPOB members allegedly attack Hausa community in Rivers (photos/video)

Our commander; General Innocent Orji does not subscribe to defenseless agitation, but to continue on the path of non-violence, Nigeria must withdraw lethal force which might be impossible because we are considered slaves that deserve death. Our commander knows the terrain of self defense as enshrined in 2007 UN Charter on the rights of indigenous people.

As we continue to make it clear; self defense is due because our people have continued to face death, promised to be crushed by Buhari and the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra whom BNG is saddled with responsibility of defending has come under severe threat as well."

The group said it is not a violent group but it would not hesitate to confront the army and put a stop to the military operation in the state.

The people of Biafra and her leadership fully support the decision of Biafra National Guard because we are not violent agitators but out to stop the unlawful killing of our people. Biafra National Guard is not a violent group rather Nigerian military is violent to our people; killing and maiming us and BNG is an outfit designed to curb the wanton killing of Biafrans. We have never been violent in any shape or form; but would resist unlawful killing of our people.

Unlike Nigerian military that find strength against unarmed and peaceful civilians; we the Biafra National Guard find strength against unlawful hostile, undisciplined, happy-trigger soldiers that violate human rights, crush peaceful and law-abiding citizens. Operation Python Dance II in Southeast is a show of cowardice; BNG is not Southeast movement but Biafra military wing.

The blood of the people of Biafra makes the python dance and merry; our molestation makes the python happy and laugh. Road blocks in Biafra make the python dance and party round, throw money like politicians. Molesting our women makes the python dance but very soon Biafra National Guard shall make the python shade tears by denying the python the evil deeds that makes it dance.

"The people of Biafra and her leadership must urgently support and pray for her military wing because BNG is the pride of the people and the backbone of the leadership of the people of Biafra under Nnamdi Kanu whom the people have chosen," the statement reads.

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Meanwhile, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu who is the governor of Abia state has declared a three-day curfew in Aba, a commercial city in the state over altercation between the army and the citizens.

The Operation Python Dance II launched by the army in the state has raised tension with some Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) youths reportedly against the operation.

The governor in a statement on Tuesday, September 12, said the state recognised the supremacy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but urged the army to conduct its operation in compliance with international standard.

He also announced the beginning of a curfew which starts from 6pm to 6am on Tuesday and ends on Thursday.

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of Kanu's lawyer talking about the military invasion of his house:

Source: Legit.ng
- The Defence Headquarters urges organisers of a planned protest to get the legal permit from the Nigerian police before embarking on their protest

- The military advises pensioners involved in the planned protest to remain law abiding

- Nigerians accuse the army of trying to bully the military retirees over the planned protest

Anger has trailed a warning sent by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to a group of military pensioners about a planned protest scheduled to take place in Abuja on September 13, 2017.

READ ALSO: IPOB members allegedly attack Hausa community in Rivers (photos/video)

The DHQ in a statement on Tuesday, September 12, told the organisers of the protest to get the legal permit from the Nigerian police before embarking on the protest to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

The statement also advised pensioners involved in the planned protest to desist and remain law abiding.

The army called on the military retirees to seek redress through the appropriate organs of ex-servicemen and Armed Forces of Nigeria.

See the full statement by the Defence Headquarters below:

"The Defence Headquarters has been informed of the planned protest tagged LIBERATION by a group of military pensioners, on 13 September 2017, in Abuja.

"In this regard, the group is advised to get the legal permit from the Nigerian Police before embarking on such an exercise. This is to forestall any breakdown of law, order and breach of the peace.

"Objectively, the Defence Headquarters hereby advice the group of military pensioners involved in this plan, to desist and remain law abiding. The group is further adjured to explore the available channels of seeking redress through the appropriate organs/establishments of ex-servicemen and Armed Forces of Nigeria.

"This is for the information and necessary action of all military pensioners. It is equally for the awareness of the general public."

But in reaction to the statement, some Nigerians accused the army of trying to bully the military retirees into abandoning the protest.

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They said the pensioners had the right to protest and that it would be unprofessional for the army to stop them from exercising their rights.

See some reaction to the issue below:

Meanwhile, reports monitored by Legit.ng suggests that there is apprehension within government circles in Abia state that the ongoing clash between IPOB youths and the Nigerian Military might prompt the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the state.

Legit.ng gathered that this may have informed the dusk to dawn curfew announced by the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu on Tuesday, September 12.

Reliable sources say there has been influx of youths, suspected to be members of IPOB in the state, who are said to be heading to the home town of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to form a human shield around him.

Watch a Legit.ng TV interview with IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu's lawyer about the military invasion of his client's residence.

Source: Legit.ng
- The minister of women affairs, Aisha Alhassan, is currently attending Federal Executive Council meeting with Buhari

- Alhassan had last week said that she would support vice president Atiku Abubakar even if Buhari seeks re-election in 2019

- She had also noted that she was not afraid of losing her job because of her support for Atiku

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday September 13 presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and cabinet ministers in attendance.

Legit.ng gathered that the meeting which was held at the Presidential Council Chamber, started at exactly 11am.

The weekly meeting did not hold last Wednesday due to lack of time for ministers to prepare memos for discussion after the Eid-el-Kabir holiday.

It was observed that the minister of women affairs and social development, Sen. Aisha Alhassan, attracted the attention of the photo journalists in the chamber.

The action of the journalists might not be unconnected with the ministers recent remarks on 2019 presidential election.

READ ALSO: Biafra National Guard declares war on Nigerian army over Nnamdi Kanu

Mrs. Alhassan, was on September 7, alleged to have submitted her resignation letter to the office of the Chief of Staff to the president following her remarks about the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

President Muhammadu Buhari presiding over FEC meeting. Facebook, Femi Adesina

The minister was later quoted in an interview with State House correspondents as saying that she would rather resign as minister than abandon Mr. Atiku if he decides to run for presidential elections in 2019.

President Muhammadu Buhari presiding over FEC meeting. Facebook, Femi Adesina

President Muhammadu Buhari presiding over FEC meeting. Facebook, Femi Adesina

Gov. Ibikunle Amosun and some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had called on Mrs. Alhassan to resign as minister for declaring that she would not support Buhari in 2019.

President Muhammadu Buhari presiding over FEC meeting. Facebook, Femi Adesina

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The minister is entitled to her opinion; but I would have saluted her if she had resigned her appointment because she cannot blow hot and cold at the same time, Mrs. Amosun said at a book launch in Abeokuta. (NAN)

President Muhammadu Buhari presiding over FEC meeting. Facebook, Femi Adesina

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that a Presidency source revealed why President Muhammadu Buhari may still retain Aisha Alhassan in his cabinet

Watch this Legit.ng TV video about how Nigerians reacted to 2019 Buhari campaign posters flooding the streets:

Source: Legit.ng
- The Nigerian military is continuing with its occupation in the southeast region

- The army has however committed to being open and engaging members of the public

- The military released its contact numbers to residents in the region for easy interaction and feedback

The Nigerian military has released its contact numbers for Nigerians residing in areas where the Operation Python Dance II will take place.

The exercise which is scheduled to start fully from September 15 to October 14 in Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states is also known as Exercise Egwu Eke II.

In a statement sent to Legit.ng by the deputy director, army public relations, 82 Division, Colonel Sagir Musa, stated that the action was prompted by the military's willingness to carry members of the public along in its operations.

The Nigerian Army is going ahead with the Operation Python Dance despite criticisms is some quarters. Photo credit: Premium Times

READ ALSO: Why President Buhari sent soldiers to my house - Nnamdi Kanu

Gmail and email addresses, Facebook and Twitter accounts have been created for the exercise. The addresses are; Exercise EGWU EKE II as follows:

Email address: egwueke2@gmail.com

Facebook account's name is Egwu Eke II and you can search it through this URL; https://www.facebook.com/egwu.ekeii.9

The twitter handle is @egwueke2

Similarly, in addition to the Nigerian army information and call centre telephone number 193 (Using all Networks toll free) and human right desk number 08160134303, the under listed cellphones numbers are also hereby provided as dedicated public telephone numbers to members of the public who might have reason to pass credible information or reasonable complains to various Commanders of Exercise EGWU EKE 11;

1. Sector 1 (Abia state) commander - 08023445961/07065013133.

2. Sector 2 (Imo state) commander  07030803546.

3. Sector 3 (Enugu state) commander  08023634672.

4. Sector 4 (Anambra state) commander  07037055354.

5. Sector 5 (Ebonyi state) commander - 07039833547/08180605871.

6. Sector 6 (Cross River State) commander  08033865572.

The first phase of the Operation Python Dance started on November 27, 2016 and ended on December 27, 2016.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently released 14 safety measures that residents of the southeast are expected to adhere to as the Nigerian military carries out the Operation Python Dance II in the region.

READ ALSO: United Nations interested in Operation Phyton Dance II - Moses Siasia

Watch Legit.ng TV interview with IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu's lawyer about the military invasion:

Source: Legit.ng
- State governments and stakeholders have been asked to prepare for imminent flooding following signals from the Niger Republic

- The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) urged states to step up preparedness against the flood prediction to reduce the level of destruction of properties and avoid loss of lives

- NEMA said some stakeholders lack adequate capacity, preparedness and resources

The director-general, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Yunusa Maihaja, has urged state governments and stakeholders to prepare for eminent flooding following signals from the Niger Republic.

READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu releases first statement after military siege, gives 3 reasons he won't attend next S'East governors' meeting

Maihaja made the call on Wednesday, September 13, in Abuja during a flood coordination meeting with government agencies, United Nations agencies and relevant stakeholders.

According to Maihaja, the meeting was organised to support planning and information sharing on priority areas of need to respond to the plight of affected communities.

The meeting was also to ensure proper humanitarian intervention and coordination and increase preparedness against eminent flooding.

Relevant agencies have already been informed on the alert by the Niger Republic River Basin Authority that the Dam at that end is already full to orange level alert and that gives us serious concern.

The dams and rivers downstream in Nigeria are also full particularly the ones in Benue, Lokoja and Kebbi and it is important to note that the three Dams downstream in Nigeria, Kanji, Jebba and Shiroro have started spilling water.

By our record today, flood has affected 27 States while Windstorm and rainstorm have affected 10 states in Nigeria.

Early in the year, NEMA had written to warn 26 States that were told would likely be affected by flood this year and the Agency embarked on flood jingles on Television, radio and sensitisations, Maihaja said.

Maihaja said that State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and some stakeholders lack adequate capacity, preparedness and resources, which make them weak to respond to disasters when they occur.

He, however, called on state governments and stakeholders to step up preparedness against the flood prediction to reduce the level of destruction of properties and avoid loss of lives.

The director-general said that NEMA had responded to many of the flood disasters by delivering relief materials to victims of the flood with its officials still in Benue and Kogi States supporting the SEMAs in their responses.

Maihaja said that the agency would go beyond humanitarian intervention and would not relent in providing support to States in the areas of capacity building and emergency preparedness.

Also speaking, Mr Clem Nze, Director, Engineering Hydrology, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHISA) reiterated urgent preparedness on the part of Nigeria as the flood alert from Niger shows worse flooding than the recent one that affected some states.

He said that it was important for the government to swing into action immediately to avoid worse flooding than that of 2012 because the current volume of water in rivers Niger and Benue is more than it was same time in 2012.

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Nze said that to avoid future reoccurrence, Nigeria should build more Dams to take in waters from major rivers as this could also help in boosting power, irrigation and so much more.

In his remarks, Prof. Dani Mashi, Director- General, Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMet) said that in March, the Agency in its Seasonal Rainfall Prediction predicted high intensity rainfall in parts of the country with advice on adequate preparedness to relevant agencies.

Mashi, who was represented by Mr Joseph Alozie, General Manager, Climate Services, NiMet said that the agency had not gone to sleep as it does daily, weekly and monthly monitoring with analysis to forewarn against eminent dangers.

He urged NEMA to increase its sensitisation, especially in flood prone states and called on state governments to enforce relocation of those in flood prone areas.

Legit.ng had reported that some staff of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over nonpayment of N665 million staff claims.

You can watch this video to see victims of the Lekki flood speaking to Legit.ng TV crew:

Source: Legit.ng
- Governor Nyesom Wike accuses the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of carrying out kidnappings in Rivers state

- Wike says this was revealed through a signal by the police

- He links the commander of SARS in the state, Akin Fakorede, to the act

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers has accused the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of being responsible for most of the kidnappings taking place in the statee.

Wike alleged that the commander of SARS in the state, Akin Fakorede, and some of his men had been indicted by an official police signal. He said the signal also showed that the operatives are responsible for many deadly robberies across the state.

The governor spoke when he addressed journalists on Wednesday, September 13, at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

According to Wike, Fakorede was planted in the state to sabotage its security architecture and create an atmosphere of fear.

Wike addressing journalists concerning the alleged finding. Credit: Governor's media office

He further said the alleged criminal activities of Fakorede were uncovered by the Inspector General of Police X Squad, Abuja, deployed to the state.

He said the squad had busted the attempted kidnap of one Azumana Ifeanyi on September 11, 2017 at the GRA, Port Harcourt.

READ ALSO: CPJ calls for the prosecution of Nigerian soldiers who assaulted journalists in Abia

He revealed the official police signal as titled Police Wireless Message with reference number DT0: 121030/09/2017 -INGENPOL-X-FHQ ABUJA TO-INGENPOL SEC ABUJA.

Wike said the signal noted that the squad received a distress call on the kidnap of Ifeanyi and immediately swung into action.

He further alleged that the signal said they met the three SARS operatives robbing and a gun duel ensued.

The operatives had taken Ifeanyi to a Fidelity Bank ATM where they compelled him to withdraw N500,000 as ransom, he quoted the signal as saying, adding that one of the SARS operatives was killed, while Inspector Justice Nyeche, who led the IGP team, was injured.

Most of the kidnappings and armed robberies taking place in this state are done by men of SARS. They use exhibit vehicles to operate.

As the chief security officer of the state, you complain, but they choose to play politics with crime.

They fight crime in some state, but they refuse to fight crime in Rivers state. We are done with the elections, but they are using SARS to create insecurity in the state.

As I speak with you, they will deny. But the SARS operative who was killed was among those who raided the Rivers East Senatorial District Collation Centre. This man can be identified in the video as one of those who invaded the collation centre with Fakorede, Wike said.

According to him, the deliberate acts of violence being perpetrated by the police are planned ahead of a possible rigging process in 2019.

I have never seen a country where they politicise crime. It is very obvious that they want to give the impression that Rivers state is unsafe. They want to instill fear preparatory to declaring during the elections that they are so much killing.

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Authorities deliberately trying to destroy a whole state and you want the people to be happy. I will no longer write.

Now is the time to take my case to the public, for the whole world to know what is happening, he added stating that his government had invested in security logistics more than any other while the police are allegedly working against the state.

Legit.ng reported in June, 2017, how kidnappers abducted seven passengers from a commercial bus traveling on a highway in Rivers state.

Watch this video as Nigerians speak on their relationships with the police:

Source: Legit.ng
- The PDP called on the government to address the growing southeast tension diplomatically

- It said it supported the oneness of the country

- The party called for dialogue as a first option and not a last

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the ongoing tension in the southeast region calling for caution and restraint in the way it was being handled.

In a statement released on Wednesday, September 13, and signed by Prince Dayo Adeyeye who is its national publicity secretary, the PDP said that while it is committed to the oneness of Nigeria, it urged the government to handle the growing tension well.

It called for the use of dialogue to solve the issue rather than violence.

Read the statement below:

READ ALSO: Southeast Professionals in Diaspora praises Army for Operation Python Dance

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for caution and restraint in handling the conflict that has erupted in Abia state between the military and elements of the IPOB.

The party noted that while it is committed to the continued corporate existence of Nigeria as one indivisible country, it at the same time, acknowledges and respects the rights of the people anywhere to express their yearnings and aspirations within the confines of the laws of the land.

The PDP stated that at this time that tempers seem to be flaring up, dialogue, rather than violence is the only viable option to resolve whatever problems are on ground in the South-East Zone and indeed the entire country; stressing that at this critical juncture in which the Nation is grappling with numerous challenges in virtually all facets, Nigeria could ill afford a further descent into anarchy in any of its constituent parts.

"What the Country needs at this time is an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, without which no meaningful positive development in whatever sector can be attained, and the situation unfolding in the South-East, which is a very important component of the Nigerian family, is no doubt, inimical to our collective quest to take Nigeria higher. It is therefore in our enlightened interest as a people and as a Nation, to rise up to this challenge intelligently without undue egotism, and with the best interest of the Country at heart," declared the PDP National Caretaker Committee's chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON.

The party expressed the belief that the situation is a family squabble that the Country should be able to deal with without unnecessary bloodshed as it's reminding both the Government and the IPOB that no matter whatever would eventually happen at the end of the day, a sit-down is inevitable; it is always better to make it a first resort.

It further appealed to the government to, even as it goes about discharging its constitutional mandate of ensuring the protection of the territorial integrity of the Country, deploy constructive engagement, involving effective and efficient communication strategies that would allay all fears as well as assure all component parts of Nigeria of their assured place in the national scheme of things. It also appealed to the IPOB and its leadership to reciprocate such gesture where and when offered reminding them that their continued recalcitrance would achieve nothing other than subjecting people of their area to untold hardship and harm.

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The PDP also commended the government of Abia state for the mature way it has so far been handling this delicate situation and urges people of the State to continue to support and cooperate with it in these difficult times that could necessitate the taking of difficult and painful, nevertheless necessary decisions.

God bless Nigeria! God bless the PDP!! God bless Abia state!!!

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Nigerian Army in Enugu said that the military exercise in the south-east, code-named Operation Python Dance 2 is not targeted at the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Colonel Sagir Musa, the deputy director, public relations, 82 Division, on Tuesday, September 12, said this when he briefed newsmen at the NUJ Secretariat, Umuahia, on the activities of troops deployed in Abia for the exercise.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video of Nnamdi Kanu's lawyer reacting to the alleged invasion of his client's house by the army:

Source: Legit.ng
- Sahara Reporters released an alleged conversation between two men close to the presidency

- It was proposed that President Muhammadu Buhari should resign while Abba Kyari who is the chief of staff to the president was proposed as vice president

- The initiator of the call was said to have presented the proposition to Professor Ango Abdullahi, the spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, but he rejected it

An allegedly leaked telephone conversation between two presidency cabal has been released by Sahara Reporters with the conversation focusing on President Muhammadu Buharis health.

In the alleged conversation between two unnamed persons believed to be close to the president, they discussed Buharis health calling for his resignation.

READ ALSO: Secession agitations in Nigeria are caused by corruption - Ibrahim Magu

Abba Kyari who is the chief of staff to the president was also proposed as vice president.

In the alleged conversation, the caller informed the recipient that Mamman Daura, the presidents nephew, and Mr. Kyari had been sneaked into Kaduna from abroad on a chartered plane.

The caller also said Mr. Lawan Daura, the director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS) received them but they did not go to his house.

The caller said: They held a meeting, including Sani Zango Daura. They said they held a meeting; they are looking for a way out. They are in a cul-de-sac. They said Mamman Daura is trying to convince the President to resign on the condition that Abba Kyari be made Vice President

The initiator of the call further said the matter was presented to Professor Ango Abdullahi, the spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, but he rejected it.

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The caller urged the recipient to speak with Abdullahi and make him buy into the scheme.

The recipient said: I will go and see him in Kaduna.

The caller then adds: Better. Because the matter is very sensitive now and they are all in town. to which the recipient promised to do his best.

Read full transcript below:

0- 14 second (phone ringing)

Respondent: Hello

Caller: Assalamualaikum (peace be upon you) How are you doing?

Respondent: Waalaikumussalam, Barka barka (all is well) i am fine. Hope you are having a good day?Hello.network is poor

Caller: Hello

Respondent: Hello

Caller: Hellocan you hear me?

Respondent: It is breaking, its breaking. Yes, i am fine

Caller: .yes, i am just arriving home. I am fine too.

Respondent: Have you reach your place?

Caller: yes, everything is fine.

Respondent: Are you coming back tomorrow?

Caller: What?

Respondent: Are you coming back tomorrow?

Caller: Yes God willing.

Respondent: Through out today i was in a meeting, had no rest at all.

Caller: Ok. Mallam Bello too called..He said he was told you were not around but you would be back..

Respondent: ok,

Caller: I told him you went to them.

Respondent: ok

Caller: There is a new development.

Respondent; Ok

Caller: These people have sneaked back into the country on Wednesday...

Respondent: Who

Caller: Mamman Daura and Abba Kyari..

Respondent: Ok

Caller: They came with chartered plane and landed in Kaduna.

Respondent: Ok, ok

Caller: but they didnt go to his home..

Respondent: Really?

Caller: they were refused (blocked access) by Laval Daura.

Respondent: Ok

Caller: scratching.

Respondent: really?

Respondent: Hello

Respondent: Let me call you

(Respondents Phone ringing) 02;03-02:08 seconds

caller: can you hear me

Respondent: yes

Caller: They had a meeting including Sani Zangon Daura

Respondent: ok

Caller: They are looking for a way outthey have entered Cul-de-sac..

Respondent: Subhanalla (God is perfect)

Caller: What they are saying is, Mamman Daura is proposing that the President should resign

Respondent: Really?

Caller: but on one condition, they must pick Abba Kari as Vice President.

Respondent: B**a ubannan (insult)

Caller: we had a meeting, but you need to talk to himProfessor Ango Abdullahi has kicked against it. He is among the people who could influence the whole thing.

Respondent: That means i would have to go and see him in Kaduna.

Caller: Yes, yes, please. This matter is very sensitive now

Respondent: ok,ok

Caller: They are in town since Wednesday.

Respondent: I will do my best

Caller: I will come early morning too

Respondent: Thank you, may God help us.

Meanwhile, Sahara Reporters reported that it has received an exclusive audio of a conversation between Mamman Daura, a cousin of President Buhari and one of his closest supporter, with Mamman Tukur a member of his cabal.

The conversation between the two men allegedly took place during the presidents medical vacation in London where they were reportedly discussing their worries about his health condition during his treatment.

In the audio both men share their concerns about the wife of the president whom they referred to as "sui*ide bomber" from Yola.

Watch Legit.ng video on who would donate kidney to President Buhari if he needs one:

Source: Legit.ng
Yves here. This post has more political significance than many readers might appreciate. Even though the issues that Oncu discusses may seem unduly doctrinal and therefore abstract to non-Muslims, they are extremely important to believers. Riba is the second worst sin in Islam. Shirk is the worst. If you commit that sin, you are not Muslim anymore.

In addition, the post also contains important historical information on the development of Islamic finance and shows how it was closely linked to the rise of neolibearlism.

By T. Sabri Oncu (sabri.oncu@gmail.com), an economist based in New York

To elaborate on the question, let me quote five ayats from the Quran that ban riba (Arabic: ) first and explain riba later. These ayats are from the surah Al-Baqarah:

Ayat 275: Those who consume riba cannot stand except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, Trade is just like riba. But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden riba. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah. But whoever returns  those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein. Ayat 276: Allah destroys riba and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever. Ayat 278: O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains of riba, if you should be believers. Ayat 279: And if you do not, then be informed of a war from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your capital  you do no wrong, nor are you wronged. Ayat 280: And if the debtor is in difficulty, give him respite till the time of ease; and your foregoing the entire debt from him is still better for you, if only you realise.

The above are not the only translations and debates on whether the Quran can correctly be translated to other languages or not have been going on for centuries. I selected these translations among many candidates and modified them slightly.

Is Riba Usury or Interest or More?

The word riba is translated into English at times as usury, at other times as interest and yet at other times as usury/interest.

If you view riba as interest, however, then it is clear that these ayats are nothing other than a broadly defined debt restructuring programme. And, Ayat 275 bans interest forever after the restructuring.

And, since the word usury does not fit well in this debt restructuring programme, the word usury cannot be an appropriate translation of riba.

One of the key words in this programme is the word capital which appears in Ayat 279. It is the translation of the Arabic word ruus-u amwal (Arabic:  ) which is the plural of ras-ul mal (Arabic:  ). However, since capital is uncountable in English, both the singular and plural forms have to be translated as capital.

Those translators who view riba as interest only also translate this word as principal to mean the principal amount of some debt. However, the word principal refers only to capital in money form whereas capital can take many forms.

For example, Piketty (2014) defines capital as the stock of all assets held by private individuals, corporations and governments that can be traded in the market no matter whether these assets are being used or not. Of course, Marxian economists strongly disagree with this definition and point out the Marxian definition of capital as a process, not a thing (Marx 1992). These are not the only definitions of capital and I should mention that at the time of Prophet Muhammed another important form of capital which has existed since antiquity was merchant capital.

In any event, since the Arabic word ras-ul mal does not refer to capital in money form  that is, interest-bearing or usurers capital only, riba cannot be viewed as interest only.

No doubt, interest is a form of riba, but riba is more than just interest.

Riba as Unjustified Gain

Riba is a noun in Arabic that means increment or addition and in the context of the Quran translates to unjustified excess or, equivalently, unjustified gain. Here is how one Islamic scholar describes riba:[1]

However, the concept of riba is a lot wider than is commonly understood. The term riba need not be restricted to any amount charged on cash, but can also mean any kind of excess given over and above any commodity. So any excess paid by a borrower of, say, wheat, to a creditor also implies riba.

Prior to further progress, let me mention that debates among Islamic scholars on what exactly riba means in the context of the Quran has never ended and it seems unlikely that these debates will end anytime soon. This means that while many Islamic scholars will disagree with me strongly, there will be many others who will agree with me wholeheartedly.

Classical economists starting with Adam Smith and his contemporaries defined unearned income as economic rent, and there is no doubt that unearned income is a form of unjustified gain. Therefore, if one agrees with that riba is unjustified gain and accepts classical economists definition of unearned income, then riba goes beyond interest and incorporates economic rent also.

The rent you collect from your land or your real estate is a form of economic rent and interest is nothing other than rent on money, but, as Hudson (2016) describes below, economic rent is more than these:

[E]veryone deserves to receive the fruits of their own labour, but not that of others. Classical value and price theory provided the analytic tool to define and measure unearned income as overhead charge for access to land, minerals or other natural resources, bank credit or other basic needs that are monopolized. It aimed to distinguish the necessary costs of production  value  from the unnecessary (and hence, parasitic) excess of price over and above these costs. This monopoly rent, along with land rent or credit over intrinsic worth came to be called economic rent, the source of rentier income.

Hudson (2016) continues:

Land rent is what landlords charge in payment for the ground that someones forbears conquered. Monopoly rent is price gouging by businesses with special privileges or market power. These privileges were called patents: rights to charge whatever the market would bear, without regard for the actual cost of doing business. Bankers, for instance, charge more than what really is needed to provide their services.

Before concluding this section let me mention that since it is extracted through the ownership of capital, it is unquestionable that what Marx (1990) called surplus value (a part of the product of their labour workers must abandon when they work for an alien entrepreneur) is also a form of unjustified gain. Therefore, although surplus value is not exactly a form of economic rent because it may or may not be decomposed into a rent component (Marx 2000), it should be considered as riba as well.

Let me now conclude this section with that Islam and capitalism cannot be compatible for the simple reason that riba is banned in Islam, not to mention other reasons.

Ban riba, there cannot be any capital accumulation and hence no capitalism.

Sharia and Islamic Finance

As is well-known, sharia is the Islamic law. And according to Islamic scholars, sharia compliant Islamic finance contracts (which they claim can be traced back to the time of Prophet Muhammad) must be based on risk sharing between contracting parties. Furthermore, they claim also that Islamic finance contracts must avoid gharar (Arabic:  ) which literally means uncertainty in English. They claim this because gharar is banned in the Quran (the word is not specifically mentioned in the Quran, but two ayats, namely, Al-Baqarah 188 and An-Nisa 29, are believed to refer to it).

But this is a contradiction in terms.

As is well-known, there are two types of uncertainty: 1) we know the potential outcomes and their probabilities; 2) we do not even know the potential outcomes, let alone their probabilities. Risk is about the first type of uncertainty, but if there is no uncertainty, then there is no risk to share.

Furthermore, especially in the case of finance and economics, the first type of uncertainty hardly ever exists because although on occasions potential outcomes can be known, objective probabilities that can be associated with the outcomes hardly ever exist. Most probabilities that can be associated with known potential outcomes in the case of finance and economics are subjective without question.

Origins of Islamic Banking

As Kuran (2004) noted, prior to the 19th century there were no durable financial institutions recognizable as banks in the Muslim world. Although many banks (mostly non-Islamic or traditional) in several Muslim countries had appeared in the 19th and early to mid-20th centuries, the first modern commercial Islamic bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, was established in 1979.

Coincidentally, 1979 is the year of Iranian revolution which brought Islamists to power in a modern state for the first time and some have argued Iranian revolution gave rise to a wider resurgence of Islam across Asia, Africa and elsewhere in the world (Hefner 2010).

But this is not the only interesting coincidence.

The year 1979 coincides also with the beginning of the DengVolckerThatcherReagan revolution (also known as the neoliberal restoration programme) of 197880. With this revolution, the economies started to polarise between creditors and debtors, and the debt burden started to shift from the public sector to the private sector (see, for example, Oncu 2016).

If you cannot convince Muslims to participate in the financial system (dont they call this convincing financial inclusion these days?), how can you shift the debt burden from public to private in Islamic countries?

Enter Muslim World League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

Both the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are organisations that came to existence relatively early in the era that started when the United States (US) took over the world leadership from the United Kingdom (UK) at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944. Both of these organisations had the blessing of the US and have been supported by the petrodollars of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Region. Together with the now world renown Muslim Brotherhood, they have been among the major instruments of the well-known US green belt project to construct a barrier against the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) along the USSRs southern border.

The MWL (known in the Muslim world as Rabitat al-Aalam al-Islami or Rabitat) is a non-governmental organisation based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It was established by the government of Saudi Arabia in 1962 and has been funded by it till now. Many of Rabitats Jurisprudence Committee members are prominent figures in the world of Islamic Finance advising governments as well as Islamic Banks on the subject.

The OIC came to being in 1969 upon a decision of a summit held in Rabat, Morocco by Muslim countries following the arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Its first conference of foreign ministers was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 1970 and it was decided to establish a permanent secretariat in Jeddah headed by the OICs secretary general. Together with the International Monetary Fund and the World Banknot to mention Wall Street the OIC has been one of the main promoters of Islamic finance for decades. Indeed, among the OICs current priorities is investment and finance, and hence Islamic finance.

From Wall Street to Halal Street

Let me allow a scholar who knows Malaysia way better than I to speak (Rudnyckyj 2013):

Islam has played a pivotal role in the states development strategy, as the state has sought to develop industries and services deemed suitable for an increasingly educated and skilled labouring population. Scholars have noted how the state has strategically deployed Islam to discipline the population and create an environment conducive to economic growth With the active encouragement of the developmentalist state, Japanese, American, and European firms set up shop in extensive industrial zones and hired a vast number of new workers to provide the labour for export-oriented growth. Islam was deployed by corporations and the state as a means of disciplining especially the young, female labouring population involved in high-tech assembly Thus, government policies seek to bring Islam in line with capitalism by promoting a form of Islam that is fully compatible with the states development objectives The promotion of Malaysia as a global hub for Islamic finance is part of state strategies to sustain the nations impressive record of economic development since the early 1970s. In part, efforts to foster the growth of Islamic finance are an outcome of how religion and ethnicity have been integrated into postdevelopmentalism in Malaysia.

Let me finish this section with one last quotation from Rudnyckyj (2013):

Islamic finance experts had long bemoaned the dearth of potential employees with training in Islamic finance and the lack of educational programs to train such professionals  For example, the former deputy governor of the Central Bank, Dato Muhammad Razif, who was responsible for the Central Banks Islamic finance portfolio, stated, If you critically review, even in Malaysia, [Islamic finance] has been based on imitation rather than innovation  Our starting point is compliance, its not sharia-based. The bankers right now are converts; conventional bankers transformed into Islamic bankers. Of course [their] mind sets are conventional  My suggestion [is] that banks would employ sharia scholars as bankers 

Innovation or Imitation?

Most Islamic finance products are some form of special purpose vehicles (SPVs). And SPVs were invented in Wall Street in the 1970s when the Government National Mortgage Association wanted to sell securities backed by a portfolio of mortgage loans.

Let me now allow Gorton and Souleles (2007) speak:

An SPV, or a special purpose entity (SPE), is a legal entity created by a firm (known as the sponsor or originator) by transferring assets to the SPV, to carry out some specific purpose or circumscribed activity, or a series of such transactions. SPVs have no purpose other than the transaction(s) for which they were created, and they can make no substantive decisions; the rules governing them are set down in advance and carefully circumscribe their activities. Indeed, no one works at an SPV and it has no physical location.

They also say:

In short, SPVs are essentially robot firms that have no employees, make no substantive economic decisions, have no physical location, and cannot go bankrupt.

Given what I have said about riba so far, I have doubts that Allah would accept any of these.

Let me mention one last thing about Islamic banking. In any country where there is Islamic banking, Islamic banks and conventional banks coexist. And Islamic or not, all banks are subject to reserve requirements.

Do you think any bank can obtain reserves without paying interest on them?

Let me now conclude with what I started.

Is Islamic finance Islamic?

References

Gorton, G B and Souleles, N S (2007): Special Purpose Vehicles and Securitization, in The Risks of Financial Institutions, Editors: Carey, M and Slutz R M, National Bureau of Economic Research, pp 549-602.

Hefner, R (2010): Religious Resurgence in Contemporary Asia: Southeast Asian Perspectives on Capitalism, the State, and the New Piety. Journal of Asian Studies, Vol 69, No 4, pp 1031-1047.

Marx, K (1990): Capital Volume I, Penguin Books

Marx, K (1992): Capital Volume II, Penguin Books

Marx, K (2000): Theories of Surplus Value, Prometheus Books and Humanity Books.

Piketty, T (2014): Capital in the Twenty-first Century, Belknap Press.

Rudnyckyj, D (2013): From Wall Street to Halal Street: Malaysia and the Globalization of Islamic Finance, Journal of Asian Studies, Vol 72, No 4, pp 831-848

Oncu, T S (2016): TINA, India and Economic Liberalisation, Economic & Political Weekly, Vol 51, No 29, pp 6771.

[1] https://islam.stackexchange.com/questions/5620/what-is-%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7-riba-according-to-the-quran
Yves here. Even though the Harvey-Irma hurricane duo moved North Korea coverage to the back burner, the Hermit Kingdom has not gone away as a problem for the US and its allies. This Bruegel article recaps the thinking of various economists on whether sanctions against North Korea have had a real impact on its economy.

By Silvia Merler, an Affiliate Fellow at Bruegel and previously, an Economic Analyst in DG Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission. Originally published at Bruegel

The Economist argues that Western sanctions have not had much effect on North Korean economy, which is probably growing at between 1% and 5% a year. The UN has attempted to block the countrys access to hard currency by capping the amount of coal it can export, and China, the buyer in 99% of North Koreas reported coal sales, said that it would suspend all imports. Yet North Korean vessels have continued to dock at Chinese coal ports. Moreover, countries or individuals that help North Korea do business have not been subject to secondary sanctions that would further isolate the country and appear to have been instrumental in persuading Iran to seek a deal over its nuclear plans in 2015. But one additional reason why the country may be proving so resilient is that its economy has also been changing. Though still officially illegal, private enterprise has grown since limited reforms made it possible for individuals to generate profit. Satellite imagery shows markets growing both in size and number across cities. These limited reforms have allowed the regime to plug part of its dollar deficit, as North Koreas new class of traders and businessmen buy themselves protection by making hard-currency donations to the government.

A recent report by the DailyNK investigates the state of North Koreas market economy and the implications of proliferating marketization. In the absence of official data, the report relies on research efforts undertaken between 2014-2016 in collaboration with 32 specially-trained sources from North Korea, who reported from inside the country on conditions within their local General Markets. Daily NK was able to verify the existence of 387 officially-sanctioned markets, with residents selling from over 600,000 stalls. In population terms, over 5 million people (20% of the population) are either directly or indirectly reliant on the General Markets, solidifying their place in North Korean society.

The authorities seem to have largely embraced the ability of markets to provide for people, but the report details efforts to bring the markets under control. The newly affluent middle class (donju) has become deeply involved in real estate transactions and other financial activities, leading to widening income inequality and to the emergence of a new poorer class. DailyNK points out that policy options to deal with the North Korean nuclear program have been debated at length, but little if any time has been devoted to debating options that pursue change via the power of the markets. Targeting the market economy in North Korea as a key path towards improved quality of life for its citizens may represent the most realistic strategy for tangible progress.

Stephan Haggard  who wrote the preface to the abovementioned DailyNK report  thinks that the heightened aggressivity of North Korea is more a sign of weakness than of strength and it may signal that economic sanctions are actually biting. Since the nuclear crisis broke in 2002, North Koreas trade with Japan, South Korea and most other countries in the world has fallen to virtually zero and he country has become increasingly dependent on China, at exactly the moment when the economy was becoming more open and dependent on trade. In August 2017, the US managed to get China to sign on to US Security Council sanctions that will dramatically cut North Koreas access to foreign exchange. Kim Jong Un came to power promising a more forward-looking regime, with a great focus on the economy and material benefits, but to realize this dream requires that North Korea integrates into global markets. This is impossible under a heightened sanctions regime. Therefore, Kim Jong Uns only hope is to drive political wedges between the tacit coalition that is forming among China, the United States, Japan and Korea, by heightened military aggression.

Henry Feron disagrees. Writing on the 38 North blog of the US-Korean Institute at Johns Hopkins SAIS, he argues that the recent Pyongyangs construction boom along with other indicators of improved economic performance such as food production and foreign trade, provide further evidence of the ineffectiveness of current economic sanctions. Kim Jong Un has inaugurated a grand, new apartment complex nearly every year since he assumed power. North Korea observers have been perplexed by how the state can bear such construction costs given the breadth of economic sanctions imposed against the state. One way to explain North Koreas construction frenzy is that it is overspending and exhausting its foreign reserves to import building materials, or it may be that North Koreas special trade relations with China make it less dependent on such reserves than is often assumed. Because the trade has not been balanced for years, some commentators believe that by accepting the situation, China is hiding a de facto subsidization of the North Korean state. Feron however thinks that the single most important factor in Pyongyangs ability to afford major refurbishment is the improvement in the North Korean economy.

Kent Boydston of the Peterson Institute for International Economics stresses that the story with North Korean sanctions is primarily about China and how tightly China agrees to tie its hands. Chinas share of North Koreas trade in 2016 increased from 64 percent to 88 percent after Park Geun-hye shuttered the Kaesong Industrial Complex in February 2016, cutting South Koreas share from 30 to 5 percent. Assuming North Korea does not cease provocations, the question is where will sanctions go next? Much of the top five categories of North Koreas exports to China are now banned. In terms of the top 5 product classificationswhich comprise 88 percent of total China-North Korea licit tradethis leaves the two textile categories as the only remaining ones left completely untouched by the UN. The negative growth rate of the textile categories may suggest there is decreased demand on the Chinese side for North Korean products. This could be because in an increasingly sanctioned environment, investors may be reluctant to put more into the North Korean textile industry. Given the North Korean economys ability to adjust to sanctions, however, Boydston argues that a more effective response could be to require China cutting back its exports too.
Multifunctional nano-sized drug carriers based on reactive polypept(o)ides (Nanowerk News) Nano-sized carrier systems find medical application to improve pharmacologic properties of bioactive agents. For many therapeutic approaches, it is important that the carrier system can stably incorporate the cargo during circulation without inducing aggregation, while cargo should ideally only be released after successful cellular uptake. These requirements have thus far only been met by chemistry approaches with nanoparticles that are difficult to characterize. Consequently, clinical translation of these systems has been very difficult to achieve.

In cooperation with researchers from the University of Tokyo and Gutenberg Research Awardee Prof. Kazunori Kataoka, Chemists from Mainz have been able to demonstrate that reactive polypept(o)ides constitute ideal building blocks to control morphology and function of carrier systems in a simple but precise manner.

Polypept(o)ides (polysarcosine-block-polypeptide copolymers) have emerged as interesting hybrid materials for drug carrier systems since they combine protein-resistance and high water-solubilty of polysarcosine with the stimuli-responsiveness, intrinsic multifunctionality, and secondary structure formation of polypeptides.

In this cooperative work, the researchers could show for the first time that the formation of -sheets by the synthetic polypeptide segment can be exploited to deliberately manipulate the morphology of polymeric micelles ("Secondary-Structure-Driven Self-Assembly of Reactive Polypept(o)ides: Controlling Size, Shape, and Function of Core Cross-Linked Nanostructures"), which enables the synthesis of either spherical or worm-like micelles from the same block copolymer.

Secondary structure formation enables morphology control while reactive groups in the polypeptide segment allow for adjustment of function. (Image: Kristina Klinker/Olga Schafer) (click on image to enlarge)

By employing reactive groups in the polypeptide segment of the block copolymer, micelles can be core cross-linked by dithiols, resulting in bio-reversible disulfide bonds. Due a difference in redox potential, disulfides are considered stable extracellularly, while they are rapidly reduced to free dithiols intracellularly, which leads to a disintegration of the carrier system and release of the cargo.

In this way, a variety of different nanocarriers with different functions becomes readily accessible from one single block copolymer and a very selective post-polymerization step. This modular approach to nanoparticles with different function and morphology bears the advantage to address important questions with good comparability, such as the influence of size and shape on in vivo circulation times, biodistribution, tumor accumulation, cell uptake and therapeutic response since the same starting material is used comments Matthias Barz.
Imaging how magnetism goes surfing (Nanowerk News) Using advanced dynamic imaging, researchers have been able to visualise deformation (sound) waves in crystals and measured the effect on nanomagnetic elements (Nature Communications, "Direct imaging of delayed magneto dynamic modes induced by surface acoustic waves"). This offers new low power magnetization manipulation for memory or logic applications and the methodology offers a new approach for analysing dynamic strains in other research fields: nanoparticles, chemical reactions, crystallography, etc.

Controlling the magnetic properties of materials is fundamental for developing memory, computing and communication devices at the nanoscale. As data storage and processing are evolving quickly, researchers are testing different new methods to modify magnetic properties of materials. One approach relies on elastic deformation (strain) of the magnetic material to tune its magnetic properties, which can be achieved by electric fields. This scientific area has attracted much interest due to its potential to write small magnetic elements with a low power electric field rather than magnetic fields that require high power charge currents. However, studies so far have mainly been done at very slow time scales (seconds to milliseconds).

One way to produce rapid (i.e. subnanosecond scale) changes of strain and, thus, induce magnetization changes is by using surface acoustic waves (SAWs), which are deformation (strain) waves. Now, imagine an iron rod being hammered in one side. When the rod is hit, a sound wave propagates the deformation along it. Similarly, a surface acoustic wave propagates a deformation, but only in the surface layer, similarly to waves in the ocean. In certain materials (piezoelectrics), which expand or contract when applying a voltage, SAWs can be generated through oscillating electric fields.

Two examples of imaged strain and resulting magnetization configurations. Left: Images of the strain wave around the magnetic square. The waves pass across the magnetic square centre (white, 2 m lateral size) and depending on the timing the square is imaged in the unstrained state (top) and in the strained state (bottom). Corresponding experimental images with magnetic contrast showing the magnetic domains in the square are shown as well. Right: Schemes of magnetic domains in a magnetic square with low strain (top, arrows indicate magnetic directions and grey colour contrast) and magnetic domain configuration with strain (bottom), favouring horizontal magnetization (black and white domains). (Image: Michael Foerster, ALBA)

In a collaboration with groups from Spain, Switzerland and Berlin, the group of M. Klaui at JGU has used a new experimental technique to quantitatively image these SAW and demonstrate that they can be used to switch the magnetization in nanoscale magnetic elements (the surfers) on top of the crystal. Results showed that the magnetic squares changed their properties under the effect of SAWs, growing or shrinking the magnetic domains depending on the phase of the SAW.

Interestingly, the deformation did not occur instantaneously and the observed delay (see Figure 1) could be modelled. Understanding how the magnetic properties can be modified on a fast time scale is key to design low power magnetic devices in the future.
(Natural News)

Poisonous chemicals from illegal marijuana farms in Californias forests were found in the states rivers and streams, according to a report by Reuters.

This finding brought fear that humans and animals may be at risk because the contaminated rivers and creeks are the sources of the states water supply. Also, the streams are also crucial sources of water for cattle, fish, and vulnerable animals such as the Pacific fisher and the Northern Spotted Owl.

Thousands of acres of forests have turned into waste dumps so toxic because of these chemicals. There were cases that law enforcement officers have been hospitalized after inadvertently touching plants and equipment, and a number of animals have died. (Related: Californias hemp farms producing massive tonnage of toxic chemical runoff, polluting thousands of acres of land)

Apparently, many of the illegal growers use fertilizers and pesticides long banned or restricted in the United States such as carbofuran and zinc phosphide.

Carbofuran is in the water, and its not supposed to be, Mourad Gabriel, an ecologist who works with law enforcement on marijuana contamination issues, told Reuters.

Carbofuran, one of the most toxic pesticides, was banned in agricultural usage by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2008. It can cause skin irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, muscle twitching, convulsions, and death, to name a few.

Gabriel found another chemical in the streams called diazinon which is another pesticide that can cause respiratory paralysis, headaches, tightness in chest, blurred vision, vomiting, diarrhea, and death.

These deadly pollutants present in eight northern and central California watersheds adds to the list of damages to the environment from thousands of illegal cannabis farms. According to law enforcement, many of these are run by drug cartels serving customers in other states.

Carbofuran, diazinon, and other chemicals were present downstream from pot farms in Kern County in central California, Humboldt County on the states northwestern coast, Mendocino County north of Santa Rosa, and others, based on Gabriels unpublished data seen by Reuters.

The waters chemical layer cake

Its like a layer cake, Gabriel described.

In June 2014, law enforcement shut down a pot farm at Brush Mountain in Kern County. When Gabriel tested the stream nearby the pot farm at Brush Mountain the following November and December, diazinon was present. In another testing in 2015, the stream appeared to be chemical-free. However, chemicals showed up again the next year.

In 2014, a stream in Trinity County tested negative for pesticides but became positive in December 2016.

They put chemical on chemical on chemical. Well find different chemicals in the water on different years, Gabriel said.

These findings made Gabriel speculate that it can take months or years for chemicals to migrate through the soil.

California does not have a comprehensive water testing program for marijuana contaminants, but is developing regulations for marijuana farms, including rules about water quality and pesticide use.

Officials also said that the federal government, which owns much of the land where illegal pot farms are located, has not conducted stream testing near the toxic sites.

Maybe six months down the road well say water quality wasnt affected all that much, Leslie Hubbard, Trinity County planning director, told Reuters.

But maybe well say we have disaster on our hands, she expressed.

According to estimates, more than 90 percent of illegal U.S. pot farms are found in California. There are as many as 50,000 marijuana farms in the state, although the drug was only legalized last November and only about 16,000 pot growers are expected to get their licenses when commercial cultivation becomes legalized in 2018.

Follow more stories like this at CBDS.news.

Sources include:

Reuters.com

Toxipedia.org 1

Toxipedia.org 2

PubChem.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
(Natural News) What Lies Upstream is a documentary by Hyrax Films that includes interviews with Professor Marc Edwards at Virginia Tech and me about data fabrication by the EPA and CDC. A review by IndieWire highlights comments Director Cullen Hoback made in which he stressed the alarming implications for the future of science and reason in America under Donald Trump.

(Article by David Lewis republished from DailyCaller.com)

When I fielded questions for Hoback at theaters across Virginia last week, audiences didnt voice concerns over Trump, who was not President when the data fabrication occurred. They mainly just wanted to know how to protect themselves and what could be done to stop federal agencies from faking science.

The public is largely unaware that federal agencies often engage in fabricating scientific data to support their policies and cover up any evidence whenever they screw up. And its not limited to EPA and the CDC by any means.

Last year, for example, Deputy Inspector General Mary L. Kenda reported widespread scientific misconduct at a U.S. Geological Survey lab in Lakewood, Colorado. According to Kenda, data manipulation at the laboratory had serious and far ranging impacts on the agencys scientific integrity, and potentially undermined the USGS as a trusted scientific organization.Similarly, in 2008, Judge Anthony Alaimo of the Southern District of Georgia threw out EPAs scientific opinions in a case involving agricultural practices recommended by EPA and the USDA. Experts hired by dairy farmers discovered that EPA, the USDA and the University of Georgia had published fake environmental data to cover up cattle deaths linked to EPA and USDA policies. In his decision, Alaimo devoted several pages to discussing EPA having terminated me for exposing its fake data, and ruled that the Agencys testimony could not be trusted.

Similarly, in 2008, Judge Anthony Alaimo of the Southern District of Georgia threw out EPAs scientific opinions in a case involving agricultural practices recommended by EPA and the USDA. Experts hired by dairy farmers discovered that EPA, the USDA and the University of Georgia had published fake environmental data to cover up cattle deaths linked to EPA and USDA policies. In his decision, Alaimo devoted several pages to discussing EPA having terminated me for exposing its fake data, and ruled that the Agencys testimony could not be trusted.

In my experience, faking scientific data at federal agencies has become more the rule than the exception. The rule is that any scientific data published by federal scientists must support their agencies policies and protect their agencies reputations above all else.

Federal agencies will also go to bat for scientists at universities who fudge data to support their policies. For example, Dr. Rufus Chaney, the USDAs top scientist, defended the publication of fabricated data. According to Chaneys testimony in the case before Judge Alaimo, faking data is permissible as long as the data are in general agreement with general patterns established in hundreds of papers.

The hundreds of papers Chaney referenced were studies EPA funded under a cooperative agreement with the wastewater industry to publish data supporting the safety and efficacy of an EPA regulation concerning land application of sewage sludge. Despite Judge Alaimos ruling, and congressional hearings into the data fabrication Professor Edwards and I uncovered at the EPA, CDC and USDA, the agencies and universities they funded refuse to withdraw their bogus research from the scientific literature.

What Lies Upstream ends with a clip of President Trump speaking and the narrator explaining how his EPA Administrator, Scott Pruitt, plans to dismantle the Agency. Unfortunately, fudging scientific data to support government policies has become ingrained in the federal bureaucracy. It would take a wrecking ball to fix it.

Reversing this culture of corruption will require changing the dimensions and course of the river of federal funds flowing into pools of academic scientists willing to selectively publish data to support government policies and certain industry practices. So far, Donald Trump is the only President willing to take that first step. Under Pruitt, EPAs Inspector General has already begun investigating EPAs handling of the science at issue in the case involving the Georgia dairy farms.

In Charlottesville, someone attending the screening asked me whether the current budgets for scientific research at EPA and the NIH are adequate. I replied that more can be done with even less funding when the research is properly focused.

When I worked at EPA and served on the Graduate Faculty at the University of Georgia, I used my own personal funds to conduct studies on infection-control that I published in Lancet, Nature and Nature Medicine. The results my coauthors and I published revealed problems with decades of government-funded research. As a result, the CDC, FDA, EPA and public health organizations worldwide changed their policies.

Trump can eliminate federal funding of data fabrication. It just takes putting accomplished scientists in charge, who understand both science and the federal bureaucracy from top to bottom and will do whatever is necessary.

Read more at: DailyCaller.com
Care for children and their families dealing with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is to be expanded in Queensland following new funding for a Griffith University project.

Front row (L-R) Dr Andrew Woods (University Sunshine Coast), Dr Heidi Webster (Child Development Service, Sunshine Coast University Hospital), Lauren (Ren) Sculthorpe (Institute for Urban Indigenous Health), Prof Sharon Dawe (Griffith University), Prof Mary Katsikitis (University Sunshine Coast), Dr Denise Hatzis (Griffith University) Back row (L-R) Dr Doug Shelton (Child Development Service, Gold Coast University Hospital), Kim Le Gros (Child Development Service, Gold Coast University Hospital) Dr Gerald Featherstone (Kummara Association), Dr Paul Harnett (University of Queensland), Assoc Prof Fran O'Callaghan (Griffith University), Assoc Prof Lucy Burns (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of NSW)

The news follows the recent International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day (9 September) when we are reminded that there is no known safe limit of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The day is about acknowledging the lifelong physical, neurological, developmental and behavioral problems for children if their mother drinks alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding. These problems are proven and are collectively known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

A consortium consisting of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast University Hospitals, Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, Kummara Association, the University of the Sunshine Coast and the University of Queensland is being led by Professor Sharon Dawe from Griffiths Menzies Health Institute Queensland.

This will allow for the expansion of the two existing QLD FASD diagnostic clinics to provide accurate assessment and support of children who have had prenatal alcohol exposure. With consortium partners, there will also be an opportunity to provide support in the community and across schools.

With a funding of $1.37m from the Australian Government Drug and Alcohol Program, the program will allow for expansion of the two FASD clinics based in the Child Development Service Gold Coast led by Dr Doug Shelton, Southport and the Child Development Service led by Dr Heidi Webster, Sunshine Coast, and provision of multidisciplinary assessment, diagnosis and follow-up for children and families.

The expansion of these clinics also allows us to provide services to younger children aged 3-7 and embed a pathway of care that brings together key stakeholders who can refer children to the diagnostic services, says Professor Dawe.

Early diagnosis and support is essential for children with a FASD. Early to middle childhood is a time when children learn important foundational skills around managing their own behaviors, learning to plan activities and follow more complex instructions. These skills are essential for success in school and life. Children with a FASD need extra help in developing these skills and there is growing evidence that supporting children and their families at this critical time can help reduce some of the damage that has occurred due to prenatal alcohol exposure.

We are excited about the potential to improve foundational skills in children and to work with carers and parents to support their childrens development.
A Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) research team has identified a potential strategy for improving the efficacy of angiogenesis inhibitors, drugs that help fight cancer by blocking the formation of new blood vessels. In a follow-up to a study published earlier this year that discovered how anti-angiogenesis treatment can interfere with the immune response against colorectal cancer, the team now describes another pathway that induces an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, one that can be blocked with an FDA-approved drug.

"Blocking VEGF signaling - the major target of approved anti-angiogenesis drugs - has shown significant but limited survival benefit for colorectal cancer patients, due to the development of resistance," explains Dai Fukumura, MD, PhD, deputy director of the Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology in the MGH Department of Radiation Oncology and co-senior author of the current study, which has been published in the online PNAS Early Edition. "By unveiling a previously unknown mechanism of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy, our findings provide a rapidly translatable strategy to enhancing treatment outcomes."

In their earlier study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the researchers found that angiogenesis inhibitor treatment led to the accumulation of certain innate immune cells - monocytes and neutrophils - in the tumor microenvironment. The early infiltration of a specific subset of cells, called non-classical monocytes, induced the migration of neutrophils and the expression of factors that inhibit the proliferation and function of T cells, blocking the anti-tumor immune response.

While a gene therapy approach to blocking the immunosuppressive pathway identified in the JCI study improved treatment in a mouse model of colorectal cancer, no drug targeting that pathway is currently available, leading the MGH team to search for alternatives. A 2009 study from members of the same team had found that expression of a receptor molecule called CXCR4 and the molecule it binds to, CXCL12, were increased in tumor biopsies from rectal cancer patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy. Since the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway is known to regulate immune cells, including the more common classical monocytes, the team explored its potential role in the regulation of non-classical monocytes.

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After confirming that anti-VEGF therapy increased expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in mouse models of colorectal cancer, the team tested the effects of using an FDA-approved CXCR4 inhibitor called AMD3100 or plerixafor to block the pathway. They found that the addition of AMD3100 significantly enhanced the effects of anti-VEGF therapy and alleviated the anti-VEGF-induced reduction in T cells. CXCR4 was found to be expressed primarily on monocytes and neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment, and blocking the pathway with AMD3100 reduced the infiltration of immunosuppressive non-classical monocytes and neutrophils, improving treatment efficacy.

"We anticipate that these novel findings on the immunosuppressive role of non-classical monocytes in colorectal cancer will trigger follow-up studies in other types of cancer, as well as in inflammatory diseases, leading to the development of multiple therapeutic regimens," says Fukumura, an associate professor of Radiation Oncology at Harvard Medical School (HMS).

Rakesh K. Jain, PhD - director of the Steele Labs, Cook Professor of Radiation Oncology (Tumor Biology) at HMS, and co-senior author of the PNAS paper - adds, "While AMD3100 treatment abolished anti-VEGF-induced innate immune cell accumulation, it did not affect basal levels of these important cells, which supports the favorable safety profile of this agent and should facilitate clinical translation."
More than 60 percent of investigational drugs fail in human clinical trials due to a lack of effectiveness, despite promising pre-clinical studies using cell and animal research models. To help combat this translational science problem, the National Institutes of Health announced 13 two-year awards totaling about $15 million per year, with FY18 funds subject to availability, to develop 3-D microphysiological system platforms that model human disease. The funding is for the first phase of a five-year program. These platforms, called "tissue chips," support living cells and human tissues to mimic the complex biological functions of human organs and systems and provide a new way to test potential drug efficacy.

These Tissue Chip for Disease Modeling and Efficacy Testing awards may enable scientists to better understand disease mechanisms and predict more accurately how patients will respond to specific drugs. The support is made possible through NIH's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences' (NCATS) Tissue Chip for Drug Screening program, which leads this effort in collaboration with other NIH Institutes and Centers.

"The goal is for these tissue chips to provide more accurate platforms to understand diseases, and to be more predictive of the human response to drugs than current research models, thereby improving the success rate of candidate drugs in human clinical trials," said NCATS Director Christopher P. Austin, M.D.

NCATS launched its Tissue Chip program in 2012 to lead the development of highly innovative microphysiological systems to study drug safety and toxicity in a faster, more effective way than current methods. The tissue chips can be integrated to form a human body-on-a-chip, enabling researchers to study investigational drugs and therapeutic agents across the entire body prior to human clinical trials. The new Tissue Chip awardees will study a wide range of common and rare diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease and human influenza A viral infection to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

In the second phase of the awards, researchers will partner with pharmaceutical companies to further evaluate the usefulness of validated disease models - those that accurately mimic disease biology - in assessing the effectiveness of candidate drugs.

In addition to NCATS, NIH Institutes and Centers funding the new awards include the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the NIH Office of Research on Women's Health.

The 2017 awardees are:

Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston

Joseph Vincent Bonventre, M.D., Ph.D., and Luke Lee, Ph.D. (University of California, Berkeley)

Kidney Microphysiological Analysis Platforms to Optimize Function and Model Disease

Grant Number: 1-UG3-TR-002155-01

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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles

Clive Niels Svendsen, Ph.D.

Development of a Microphysiological Organ-on-Chip System to Model ALS and Parkinson's Disease

Grant Number: 1-UG3-NS-105703-01

Columbia University, New York City

Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, Ph.D.

Multi-Tissue Platform for Modeling Systemic Pathologies

Grant Number: 1-UG3-EB-025765-01

Duke University, Durham, N.C.

George A. Truskey, Ph.D.

Systemic Inflammation in Microphysiological Models of Muscle and Vascular Disease

Grant Number: 1-UG3-TR-002142-01

Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Donald E. Ingber, M.D., Ph.D.

Lung-on-a-Chip Disease Models for Efficacy Testing

Grant Number: 1-UG3-HL-141797-01

Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Kevin Kit Parker, Ph.D., and William Tswenching Pu, M.D.

Multi-Scale Modeling of Inherited Pediatric Cardiomyopathies

Grant Number: 1-UG3-HL-141798-01

Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.

Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Androgen-Related Disease Modeling and Drug Testing in Multi-Organ Integrated Microfluidic Reproductive Platform

Grant Number: 1-UG3-ES-029073-01

University of California, Davis

Steven Carl George, M.D., Ph.D., David Terry Curiel, M.D., Ph.D., (Washington University in St. Louis) and Stacey Lynn Rentschler, M.D.,

Ph.D. (Washington University in St. Louis)

A 3-D In Vitro Disease Model of Atrial Conduction

Grant Number: 1-UG3-HL-141800-01

University of California, Irvine

Christopher C.W. Hughes, Ph.D.

Microphysiological Systems to Model Vascular Malformations

Grant Number: 1-UG3-HL-141799-01

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Rocky S. Tuan, Ph.D.

Tissue Chip Modeling of Synovial Joint Pathologies: Effects of Inflammation and Adipose-Mediated Diabetic Complications

Grant Number: 1-UG3-TR-002136-01

University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y.

Danielle S. Benoit, Ph.D., Lisa A. Delouise, Ph.D., and Catherine Ovitt, Ph.D.

Engineered Salivary Gland Tissue Chips

Grant Number: 1-UG3-DE-027695-01

University of Washington, Seattle

Jonathan Himmelfarb, M.D.

A Microphysiological System for Kidney Disease Modeling and Drug Efficacy Testing

Grant Number: 1-UG3-TR-002158-01

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.

Aaron B. Bowman, Ph.D., Kevin C. Ess, M.D., Ph.D., and John Peter Wikswo, Ph.D.

Drug Development for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Other Pediatric Epileptogenic Diseases Using Neurovascular and Cardiac Microphysiological Models

Grant Number: 1-UG3-TR-002097-01
In the Amazon Rainforest, few animals are as dangerous to humans as mosquitos that transmit malaria. The tropical disease can bring on high fever, headaches, and chills and is particularly severe for children and the elderly and can cause complications for pregnant women. In rainforest-covered Peru, the number of malaria cases has spiked. In the past five years, the country has had on average the second highest rate in the South America. In each of the years 2014 and 2015 there were 65,000 reported cases.

Containing malaria outbreaks is challenging because it is difficult to figure out where people are contracting the disease. As a result, resources such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor sprays are often deployed to areas where few people are getting infected, allowing the outbreak to grow.

To tackle this problem, university researchers have turned to data from NASA's fleet of Earth-observing satellites, which are able to track the types of human and environmental events that typically precede an outbreak. With funding from NASA's Applied Sciences Program, they are working in partnership with the Peruvian government to develop a system that uses satellite and other data to help forecast outbreaks at the household level months in advance and prevent them from happening.

Tracking Mosquitos

In the Amazon, the Anopheles darlingi mosquito species is most responsible for spreading malaria, which is caused by single-celled parasites called Plasmodia. Females (and only females) ingest the parasite upon feeding on the blood of an infected human and can pass it on to the next human it feeds on. "Malaria is a vector-borne disease, which means you have to have a vector, or mosquito, in this case, transmit the disease," said principal investigator William Pan, an assistant professor of global environmental health at Duke University. "The key to our malaria forecasting tool lies in pinpointing areas where prime breeding grounds for these mosquitos overlap simultaneously with human populations."

Predicting where these mosquitos will flourish relies on identifying areas with warm air temperatures and calm waters, such as ponds and puddles, which they need for laying eggs. Researchers are turning to the Land Data Assimilation System, or LDAS: a land-surface modeling effort supported by NASA and other organizations. NASA satellites, such as Landsat, Global Precipitation Measurement, and Terra and Aqua, serve as inputs for LDAS, which in turn provides ongoing information on precipitation, temperature, soil moisture and vegetation around the world.

While not identifying puddles and ponds outright, LDAS shows where they are very likely to form. For example, flooding may overflow riverbanks or heavy rains can saturate the soil, allowing water to pool.

"It's an exercise in indirect reasoning," said Ben Zaitchik, the project's co-investigator responsible for the LDAS component and an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. "These models let us predict where the soil moisture is going to be in a condition that will allow for breeding sites to form."

Through satellite-derived vegetation and land cover maps, LDAS also tracks another major indicator for future malaria outbreaks: deforestation, in particular when road development is involved. When roads are built, bulldozers dig ditches to dispose of trees and other vegetative waste; when filled with rainwater those ditches become mosquito breeding sites. When infected people traverse these roads and transmit the disease to Anopheles darlingi, an outbreak can occur.

Tracking Humans

While LDAS tracks weather and deforestation to identify emerging mosquito populations and future outbreak hotspots, reported malaria cases place the infected on the map. But for the purposes of predicting an outbreak, that map doesn't tell a complete story.

In Peru, malaria is diagnosed and treated at health posts scattered around the country, and resources are dispatched to those posts to contain outbreaks. The problem with this approach to containment, according to Pan, is that the health post where a person seeks treatment isn't always near where he or she contracted the disease. That's because those who are at greatest risk for malaria spend several months of the year logging or mining, which often sends them on journeys far from their homes.

Finding where people are getting infected forms the crux of the malaria forecast system, and Pan is developing a regional-based statistical model and a more detailed agent-based model to target these hotspots.

For the regional model, reported cases of malaria are incorporated along with population estimates for each county and assumptions about where people are traveling based on seasonal migration studies. Integrating environmental data through LDAS not only places mosquito populations on the map but also helps to inform human movement, for example, by detecting rising rivers during the rainy season. "It's much easier to float logs down a river when its high, and at the same time mosquitos thrive because pockets of water emerge along the riverbank," Pan explained, "so these types of conditions correspond with high malaria risk."

The regional model will provide a big-picture look at how humans, mosquitoes, and the disease are located and where they're headed based on how those variables interact. At the same time, the agent-based model--named because it models the behavior of every agent, or every human, mosquito, and malaria parasite within an area--will zoom in on a tighter geographic space by utilizing high-resolution hydrology data and by homing in on neighborhoods and the movement of people. In combination with LDAS data, the model will run a simulation to assess the probability of when, where and how many people are expected to get bitten and infected with the disease.

Preventing an Outbreak

According to Pan, the two models will be used to project forward 12 weeks and pinpoint, down to the household level, where the disease is predicted to take hold. The models will also simulate what would result from any one of several actions, from handing out bed nets and sprays that can reduce human-mosquito contact to administering preventive anti-malaria treatment that can stop transmission. Based on the results, the ministry of health can carry out the optimum plan.

The agent-based model's ability to make projections down to the household level allows for resources to go where they're needed. It would be a marked turn from the government's current method, which is to distribute resources broadly, sometimes to areas that may not need them. "Instead of treating 100 percent of the community, we could focus vector control in certain households or specific areas of the community," Pan explained. "It's a targeted strategy that can achieve the same reduction in malaria, but at potentially lower cost and with a more rapid response."

As the project enters the third of its three-year grant, Pan and his colleagues continue to refine the models. He estimates the forecasting tool could be ready for use within a few years. The Peruvian government is already working with Pan to familiarize itself with the system, particularly as it begins its Malaria Cero program, which aims to eliminate the disease by 2021. Other countries, including Colombia and Ecuador, have expressed interest.

While this project is focused on malaria, Pan noted that one of the advantages of the tool is its adaptability, as the LDAS and population models can be used for tracking not only malaria but also a number of other diseases, such as Zika and Dengue. "I think that government health agencies will find not just one but many uses for the system that can benefit a lot people," he said. "That's always been our goal."
A University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus study finds sotagliflozin helps control glucose and reduces the need for insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Principal results were published today in the New England Journal of Medicine of a global Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with type 1 diabetes treated with sotagliflozin. Sotagliflozin is an investigational new oral drug for patients with type 1 diabetes that has shown promise in improving glucose control without any increase in severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis compared to insulin alone.

Among 1,402 trial participants given the drug, sotagliflozin showed clinically meaningful and statistically significant effects on glucose control. Concentrations of hemoglobin A1C, a measure of plasma glucose, were improved. Patients experienced a lower rate of confirmed severe hypoglycemia than observed in patients on placebo and also had weight loss.

According to lead investigator Satish Garg, MD, professor of medicine and pediatrics at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, no oral medication has ever been approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes and sotagliflozin has the potential to become the first new treatment innovation in nearly a century since insulin.

Most patients do not achieve optimal glycemic control with insulin alone. A1C concentrations, hypertension and reduction in body weight are critical issues which significantly impact people living with type 1 diabetes.

"If approved by the FDA, sotagliflozin may be the first oral drug that helps patients with type 1 diabetes in improving their glucose control without any weight gain or increase and severe hypoglycemia," Garg said. "If long-term use continues to show similar metabolic improvements in patients with type 1 diabetes, it is likely that the long-term complications of diabetes would be significantly reduced."

Sotagliflozin would be used in conjunction with insulin. Trial participants taking the drug as an oral pill alongside traditional insulin treatments experienced significant improvements in glucose control, a drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and weight loss.

Sotagliflozin is a unique dual inhibitor that works by inhibiting two sodium-glucose transporters: SGLT1 and SGLT2. Each modulates glucose levels. SGLT1 regulates the uptake of glucose in the gut while SGLT2 regulates the re-uptake of glucose in the kidney, according to the authors.

"Sotagliflozin added to insulin therapy can potentially help patients with type 1 diabetes improve their glucose control and hopefully manage the disease with fewer complications," Garg said. "This would not be a replacement for insulin; it is an adjunctive therapy. However, because it works in the gut and the kidneys, it doesn't require insulin to have an effect."

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The inTandem3 study was a double-blind, placebo controlled and randomized Phase 3 trial including adults with type 1 diabetes at 133 sites worldwide. In conjunction with this publication, the data were announced today at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the European Association Study for Diabetes in Lisbon, Portugal.

The 24-week trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of sotagliflozin at 400mg per day in randomized patients treated with any insulin regimen - pumps or injections. Eligible patients included men and nonpregnant women aged 18 and older, and they were required to self-monitor blood glucose.

The study met its primary endpoint with statistical significance, demonstrating the superiority of sotagliflozin 400 mg compared to placebo in the proportion of patients with A1C less than seven percent at week 24, no episode of severe hypoglycemia and no episode of diabetic ketoacidosis after randomization.

The outcome on every secondary endpoint favored sotagliflozin over placebo, achieving statistical significance for all four secondary endpoints, including change from baseline in A1C, body weight, systolic blood pressure in patients with baseline SBP less than or equal to 130 mm Hg and bolus insulin dose. Sotagliflozin significantly reduced A1C compared to placebo after 24 weeks of treatment.

"As is known with sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, patients experienced more episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis in the trial," Garg said.

Diarrhea and genital mycotic infection also affected participants more than placebo, but less than one percent discontinued the study due to these effects.

"Sotagliflozin may reduce the bad effects of insulin and the dose patients need," Garg said. "Patients in our study had lower weights, no severe hypoglycemia and better blood pressure."

Garg is a faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus and is editor in-chief of Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics Journal.

Garg and his colleagues are working to publish more results on other inTendem1 and 2 phase 3 clinical trials in type 1 diabetes, including data on continuous glucose monitoring in future publications.
At least 16 Democratic senators have embraced the health care system proposed on Wednesday by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, which would expand Medicare to all Americans. The move signals that some Democrats are shifting left on health care.

Senators are arranged by their ideology scores. Those supporting the plan are highlighted.  More liberal Less liberal   More liberal Less liberal  Notes: Ideology measurements are based on DW-NOMINATE scores , which are based on congressional votes. Senator Sanders is an independent, but has caucused with Democrats.

With Republicans in control of Congress, the bill has no chance of becoming law anytime soon. But it could serve as a political manifesto and a possible campaign platform for progressive candidates. In the House, about 60 percent of Democrats have endorsed a Medicare for all bill.

Six of the senators are up for re-election in 2018, and several are potential 2020 presidential candidates, including Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kamala Harris of California and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.
I have written frequently on the World Trade Center Tragedy . Here is a bare-bones list of some of the many unanswered questions that remain.

1. Why did Cheney order the stand-down of the air defense system that was supposed to shoot down non-responding hi-jacked aircraft?

2. Why were Osama bin Laden's family members and other Saudis flown out of the country, during the 3-day "all aircraft" grounding following the World Trade Center destruction?

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(Details DMCA

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3. What made the 16-ft. circular hole in a Pentagon inner wall and apparently left no debris?

4. Why has there never been an investigation of the Pentagon bombing?

5. Why did Rudy Giuliani order that the debris at the site of the Twin Tower collapses cleaned up and deposited in the Jersey swamps within six weeks, without any opportunity for a forensic examination?

6. Why did Giuliani and Christie Todd Whitman, the EPA Director (who NOW looks so good in comparison with the present one) declare that there was no danger in breathing the dust/paricles from the explosions?

7. Why did Bldg. 7 fall precisely in its own footprint, well after the original attacks, without any attack on it?

8. Why did Bush, sitting in the elementary school classroom, not respond immediately when informed of the crashes, and what was he thinking during the 7-minute delay before he left the room?

9. On what basis did Bush declare the tragedy a "terrorist attack" well before, apparently, anyone knew who was flying the planes and that they were (supposedly) connected with the CIA asset, the "terrorist" Osama bin Laden (who always held that he had nothing to do the attack)? And when captured, why was he killed and not brought to trial in open court?

10. Why did Bush/Cheney fight so hard against the formation of the Commission and why did they eventually testify, but together, and not under oath?

11. Why is the standard conspiracy theory, that 20 Arabs who know not-too-much about flying big planes, nevertheless able to pull off the feat (plus the Pentagon bombing, which would he required a really difficult aeronautical trick, when all the other conspiracy theories are labelled "just conspiracy theories?"

And finally, the Bonus Question: Why, 16 years after the horrible, tragic event, is it still necessary to ask questions like these, among the many-too-many that remain unanswered?


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US military man in unknown territory

Read William J. Astore's brilliant piece, "The Superpower That Fought Itself--And Lost Out Everywhere And Winning Nowhere" [1] . It's a must read.

Here's a short synopsis: "The world's greatest military" is..."overstretched"...proxy armies in Iraq and Afghanistan unreliable often delivering American- provided weaponry to black markets and into the hands of various enemies" and "all of this and more coming at a time when defense spending is once again soaring and the national security state is awash in funds to the tune of nearly a trillion dollars a year."

"After 16 years of a never-ending, ever-spreading global war on terror...the globe's 'last superpower' is in never-ending set of conflicts with a range of minor enemies...America's can-do military...has increasingly become a can't-do one".

Astore goes into great detail of the US being "Everywhere and Winning Nowhere".

And that's because "winning" conflicts isn't necessary to the "deep state"-most of which it initiated- forces reigning in America and attempting to exercise hegemony-"full spectrum dominance"-over the world. It doesn't care about winning or losing, the expansion of terrorism and the resultant recruitment of more terrorists, the killing of innocents-collateral damage-hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing from their war torn countries or even the US military men and women losing their lives in futile battles for they are just cannon fodder to the sociopaths that put them in harm's way.

Winning isn't necessary as the "deep state" thrives on unending world conflict as it's necessary to feed the ravenous maw of the military/security complex. As former CIA official John Stockwell put it, "It is the function of the CIA to keep the world unstable, and to propagandize and teach the American people to hate, so we will let the establishment spend any amount of money on arms".

Go back to the 1930's and read the words of former Marine Major General Smedley Butler who said, "War is a racket. It is the only one international in scope. I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of the time as high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism." He had come to realize he was just a complicit enabler for big corporate interests.

And what of us Americans today? Are we not cannon fodder to the "deep state", propagandized and indoctrinated as Stockwell says, "to hate, so we will let the establishment spend any amount of money on arms".

Of course we don't see ourselves as cannon fodder. We're the "exceptional people of the indispensible country", go to war to bring "freedom and democracy" and our Navy is "A force for good".

We Americans are a shackled bunch, not so much shackled with iron chains on our legs, but in our minds. Arundhati Roy said of Americans, "They swallow the propaganda so obediently".

Too many Americans believe our propaganda myths "from sea to shining sea", America the beautiful, the "American dream", our wars are just and our motives pure.

Too many won't allow themselves to see the deep state can't be reformed. It is completely unredeemable, its tentacles imbedded in all our institutions public and private. It must be removed root and branch before its sinister machinations destroy us and the rest of the world.

It's that bad folks. There's no getting around it.





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From AlJazeera



Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu are in legal trouble

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The threat of criminal indictment that has hung for months over Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, loomed much larger this weekend as it was announced that his wife, Sara, faced potential criminal charges.

Israel's attorney general, Avichai Mandelblit, said on Friday that he intended to indict Sara Netanyahu with fraudulently diverting some $100,000 from public funds. The charges carry a maximum sentence of five years in jail.

The case, one of a number of corruption investigations the couple face either jointly or separately, concerns allegations that the prime minister's wife billed the state for excessive sums in running his official residence.

Mandelblit has taken the unusual step of allowing Sara Netanyahu a hearing to present her side of events before indictment -- a concession normally reserved for public officials. Many observers assume she will ultimately get a plea deal to avoid jail time.

Benjamin Netanyahu quickly took to Facebook to call the draft indictment "absurd" and "baseless," adding that his wife was "a brave and honest woman and has never done anything wrong ... She spends a lot of time helping children with cancer, Holocaust survivors and lone soldiers."

The charges are likely to strengthen suspicions against the Israeli prime minister as he tries to stave off four other corruption investigations.

Michel Warschawski, an Israeli political analyst, said that Sara Netanyahu's indictment would seal the prime minister's fate. "This will serve as an aperitif before the main meal," he told Al Jazeera. "Far too much evidence has mounted up against Netanyahu. The police and justice system can only drag their feet for so long."

According to reports in Israeli media, police sources believe the way the Netanyahus ran their official residence reflected a pattern of behaviour.

In one of the other corruption scandals, the pair are suspected of receiving gifts from wealthy businessmen worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, including jewellery, pink champagne and luxury cigars.

Police reportedly believe they can show that the gifts were accepted as bribes -- in return for the Israeli prime minister peddling influence on the tycoons' behalf.

Last week, unnamed law enforcement officials told Israeli media that they would recommend Netanyahu's indictment before the year's end in this and another investigation, regarding backroom deals to influence media coverage.

The ultimate decision to charge the prime minister, however, rests with the attorney general, who was appointed by Netanyahu. He has been widely accused of drawing out the investigations.

The inquiry into Sara Netanyahu began two years ago, following a report by Joseph Shapira, an official watchdog known as the state comptroller, into management of the prime minister's official residence in Jerusalem.

Shapira discovered massively inflated spending. He accused the Netanyahus of using public money to furnish and improve their private home in Caesarea and to pay for the care of Sara's elderly father. Sara was also suspected of pocketing thousands of dollars in refunds from bottle returns, and exaggerating dinner party numbers to justify hiring private chefs.

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From Consortium News



Partially obscured by President Reagan, Walter Raymond Jr. was the CIA propaganda and disinformation specialist who oversaw 'political action' and 'psychological operations' projects at the National Security Council in the 1980s. Raymond is seated next to

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"Secret" documents, recently declassified by the Reagan presidential library, reveal senior White House officials reengaging a former CIA "proprietary," The Asia Foundation, in "political action," an intelligence term of art for influencing the actions of foreign governments.

The documents from 1982 came at a turning-point moment when the Reagan administration was revamping how the U.S. government endeavored to manipulate the internal affairs of governments around the world in the wake of scandals in the 1960s and 1970s involving the Central Intelligence Agency's global covert operations.

Instead of continuing to rely heavily on the CIA, President Reagan and his national security team began offloading many of those "political action" responsibilities to "non-governmental organizations" (NGOs) that operated in a more overt fashion and received funding from other U.S. government agencies.

But secrecy was still required for the involvement of these NGOs in the U.S. government's strategies to bend the political will of targeted countries. If the "political action" of these NGOs were known, many countries would object to their presence; thus, the "secret" classification of the 1982 White House memos that I recently obtained via a "mandatory declassification review" from the archivists at the Reagan presidential library in Simi Valley, California.

In intelligence circles, "political action" refers to a wide range of activities to influence the policies and behaviors of foreign nations, from slanting their media coverage, to organizing and training opposition activists, even to setting the stage for "regime change."

The newly declassified memos from the latter half of 1982 marked an ad hoc period of transition between the CIA scandals, which peaked in the 1970s, and the creation of more permanent institutions to carry out these semi-secretive functions, particularly the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which was created in 1983.

Much of this effort was overseen by a senior CIA official, Walter Raymond Jr., who was moved to Reagan's National Security Council's staff where he managed a number of interagency task forces focused on "public diplomacy," "psychological operations," and "political action."

Raymond, who had held top jobs in the CIA's covert operations shop specializing in propaganda and disinformation, worked from the shadows inside Reagan's White House, too. Raymond was rarely photographed although his portfolio of responsibilities was expansive. He brought into his orbit emerging "stars," including Lt. Col. Oliver North (a central figure in the Iran-Contra scandal), State Department propagandist (and now a leading neocon) Robert Kagan, and NED President Carl Gershman (who still heads NED with its $100 million budget).

Despite his camera avoidance, Raymond appears to have grasped his true importance. In his NSC files, I found a doodle of an organizational chart that had Raymond at the top holding what looks like the crossed handles used by puppeteers to control the puppets below them. The drawing fit the reality of Raymond as the behind-the-curtains operative who controlled various high-powered inter-agency task forces.

Earlier declassified documents revealed that Raymond also was the conduit between CIA Director William J. Casey and these so-called "pro-democracy" programs that used sophisticated propaganda strategies to influence not only the thinking of foreign populations but the American people, too.

This history is relevant again now amid the hysteria over alleged Russian "meddling" in last year's U.S. presidential elections. If those allegations are true -- and the U.S. government has still not presented any real proof -- the Russian motive would have been, in part, payback for Washington's long history of playing games with the internal politics of Russia and other countries all across the planet.

A Fight for Money

The newly released memos describe bureaucratic discussions about funding levels for The Asia Foundation (TAF), with the only sensitive topic, to justify the "secret" stamp, being the reference to the U.S. government's intent to exploit TAF's programs for "political action" operations inside Asian countries.



Then-Vice President George H.W. Bush with CIA Director William Casey at the White House on Feb. 11, 1981.

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The Bangladeshi prime minister was traveling yesterday to struggling refugee camps that have absorbed hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fleeing violence in Myanmar in recent weeks  a crisis she said left her speechless.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lambasted Myanmar for atrocities that she said had reached a level beyond description.

I have no words to condemn Myanmar, she told lawmakers the nigh before, noting that Bangladesh had long been protesting the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

Regardless, they are sending Rohingya to Bangladesh afresh, she said, as more continued to stream across the border. Women are being raped and tortured, children are being killed, and houses are being set on fire in Myanmars Rakhine state.

At least 313,000 Rohingya have arrived since Aug. 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts, prompting Myanmars military to retaliate with what it called clearance operations to root out the rebels.

The crisis has drawn sharp criticism from around the world. The United States said it was deeply troubled by the violence, and Germany halted several aid projects in Myanmar in protest.

The U.N. human rights chief said violence and injustice faced by the ethnic Rohingya minority in Myanmar  where U.N. rights investigators have been barred from entry  seems a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

The Myanmar government should stop pretending that the Rohingya are setting fire to their own homes and laying waste to their own villages, Zeid Raad al-Hussein said earlier this week in Geneva, calling it a complete denial of reality.

Meanwhile, a Rohingya villager in Myanmar said security forces had arrived Monday in the village of Pa Din village, firing guns, setting new fires to homes and driving hundreds of Rohingya to flee.

People were scared and running out of the village, the villager said, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear for his safety.

Myanmar police disputed that, saying the houses were burned by terrorists they called Bengalis. That term is used derisively by many in Myanmar to describe the Rohingya, who they say migrated illegally from neighboring Bangladesh, though many Rohingya families have lived in Myanmar for generations.

The Bangladeshi prime minister demanded that Myanmar bring the Rohingya back, while the countrys parliament on Monday night urged the U.N. and other countries to pressure Myanmar to ensure their safety and citizenship once they returned.

We dont understand why successive Myanmar regimes carried out such atrocities on a particular community when the country is comprised of different groups, Hasina said.

Bangladesh said it would free 810 hectares of land for a new camp in Coxs Bazar district, to help shelter newly arrived Rohingya. The government was also fingerprinting and registering new arrivals.

Two pre-existing Rohingya camps were already beyond capacity. Other new arrivals were staying in schools, or huddling in makeshift settlements with no toilets along roadsides and in open fields.

Basic resources were scarce, including food, clean water and medical aid.

Hasina was expected to visit the Kutupalong refugee camp in Coxs Bazar district on Tuesday. The U.N. refugee agency also said it expected new relief supplies for 20,000 people to arrive by air during the day.

Aid agencies have been overwhelmed by the influx of Rohingya, many of whom are arriving hungry and traumatized after walking days through jungles or being packed into rickety wooden boats in search of safety in Bangladesh.

Many tell similar stories  of Myanmar soldiers firing indiscriminately on their villages, burning their homes and warning them to leave or to die. Some say they were attacked by Buddhist mobs.

In the last two weeks, the government hospital in Coxs Bazar has been overwhelmed by Rohingya patients, with 80 arriving in the last two weeks suffering gunshot wounds as well as bad infections.

At least three have been wounded in land mine blasts, and dozens have drowned when boats capsized during sea crossings.

Myanmars authorities said more than a week ago that some 400 Rohingya  mostly insurgents  had died in clashes with troops, but it has offered no updated death toll since. Al-Emrun Garjon & Tofayel Ahmed, Coxs Bazar, AP
From The Nation



Bernie Sanders

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Bernie Sanders has for decades argued that the United States must establish a single-payer health-care system that provides the guarantee of care for all while controlling costs -- what he calls a "Medicare for All" structure. So it came as no surprise that the senator from Vermont made single payer central to his 2016 presidential bid. What is striking now that the campaign has finished, however, is the burgeoning interest on part of prominent Democrats in a reform that was once considered "too bold."

As Sanders prepared to introduce a detailed "Medicare for All" bill on Wednesday, Democratic senators from across the country and from across the ideological spectrum -- including Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Kamala Harris of California, Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York -- announced that they would be signing on as cosponsors. Unions such as National Nurses United were declaring their enthusiastic support for the measure. And media coverage, while still too dismissive of real reform and too obsessed with disputes over the direction of the Democratic Party, afforded the plan dramatically more attention than previous efforts.

The Nation sat down with Sanders in his Capitol Hill office as he was preparing his legislation and asked him to explain why single payer is suddenly being embraced by top Democrats, and why so many Americans are expressing interest in going big when it comes to issues of health-care access and affordability.

The Nation: Why do you think single payer is gaining so much traction at this point? Your campaign certainly increased interest in the movement for a "Medicare for All" reform. But there's more to it than that, isn't there?

Bernie Sanders: I think it's a combination of factors. Number one, obviously, we have had this Republican effort to destroy the Affordable Care Act. It gives people a sense of what is at stake when we make decisions about health care. I think that many people, even now, do not appreciate the impact that [repealing the ACA] would have on the country.

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Perhaps this was his greatest deception of the 2016 campaign.

Donald Trump has told many lies and falsehoods. He's lied about the Russia scandal. He's lied about his ties to organized crime. Perhaps he's lied so much that freshly excavated prevarications don't register greatly. Yet recent news reports revealing that Trump was pursuing a huge development deal in Moscow in late 2015 and early 2016 show that during the campaign Trump committed a tremendous act of deception.

This mammoth duplicity was encompassed in a small fib. On December 2, 2015, during an interview with an Associated Press reporter, Trump was asked about his relationship with a fellow named Felix Sater. Trump, who was then the front-runner in the GOP presidential nomination contest, replied, "Felix Sater, boy, I have to even think about it. I'm not that familiar with him." He referred questions to his Trump Organization. One of his lawyers, Alan Garten, subsequently told the AP that Sater once prospected for real estate deals for the Trump Organization and that the arrangement lasted for six months in 2010.

What neither Trump nor Garten said was that -- at that very moment -- Trump was in the middle of the deal to build a Trump Tower in the Russian capital and that Sater had put together the venture. As he was running for president, Trump was hiding this project from the American public, and he was insisting he barely knew the man at the center of it. This was serious deceit.

Trump's claim that he was unfamiliar with Sater was regarded at the time as absurd by journalists who have followed Trump's career; it appeared the candidate was attempting to distance himself from a one-time felon. Sater had a substantial criminal record. In the early 1990s, when he was in his mid-20s, Sater went to jail for about a year after he smashed a broken margarita glass into the face of a man during a barroom altercation. After that, he became part of a mid-1990s stock swindle tied to the Mafia and Russian organized crime. To escape going back to jail, he pleaded guilty to racketeering and became a cooperating witness for the FBI.

While an informant for the bureau, Sater hooked up with a real estate development firm in New York City called Bayrock, and in the 2000s he cooked up various projects with Trump. Many fizzled out and ended up in lawsuits. But at least one was built: the Trump SoHo hotel and condominium project. (That deal also prompted a lawsuit in which buyers of units there claimed to have been defrauded by Trump, his adult children, and others. Trump and his co-defendants settled the case, agreeing to refund 90 percent of $3 million in deposits but admitting no wrongdoing.) Throughout this stretch, Sater, who was born in what is now Russia and who boasted connections there, worked with Trump to try to land a tower project in Moscow, which had long been a dream for Trump.

In 2007, the New York Times revealed Sater's past as a criminal and reported that Trump was in business with a man who had been accused of "conspiring with the Mafia to launder money and defraud investors." Trump told the Times he knew nothing of Sater's dark past. Though Sater departed Bayrock after the Times' article, Trump's organization brought him on board three years later, and Sater was wheeling and dealing, seeking projects for Trump and handing out Trump Organization business cards describing him as a "senior advisor to Donald Trump."
[Translated from the in Arabic http://www.sotegyfree.net/232202?fref=gc&dti=1416177392003083]

"Some Arab states, in particular the countries sanctioning Qatar, are attempting to accuse Qatar of supporting terrorist and extremist groups," said the former secretary general of the United Nations in a speech on the Qatari crisis.

"The truth is Qatar supports peaceful Islamic movements," he added in an interview with Austrian daily newspaper Die Presse.

The former UN Secretary-General added: "the root of some of these differences between Qatar and some of the Arab states back to Qatar's support of the Muslim Brotherhood. Because these countries consider the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group with extremist ideology." He stressed that "it is just an excuse for a boycott and Qatar's issue is completely different from the Muslim Brotherhood."

Annan stressed that "the Muslim Brotherhood leaders have popular and political sanctuaries in different parts of the world. They live peacefully in some Western countries and enjoy full freedom of opinion and action. And these countries respect their rights."

Annan asked how can the Muslim Brotherhood be called a terrorist organization, while the United Kingdom openly accepts its members and leaders? "The UK is considered the most important political shelter to the organization in the West. It has explicitly acknowledged its peacefulness. It also denies the organization's affiliation to terrorism and fanaticism. The organization has several offices in London and holds press conferences at universities in the UK."

Annan added that the major difference between Qatar and some Arab states, especially the UAE, originates from Qatar's strong ties with the United States and the Pentagon. Qatar's gas wealth and holding the world's third largest natural gas reserves have supported the country from any economic collapse and prepared it for future challenges.
The Presidential Advisory Commission on "Election Integrity" [quotation marks mine] met today at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, St. Anselm College, at an all-day session from 10 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.

It was not my good fortune to be able to watch the entire event, which was broadcast live by the New Hampshire Union Leader. I glimpsed some minutes of the first two sessions at their overlap point and then got lucky to view the final session, testimony by world-class voting security and technology experts Harri Hursti, Andrew Appel, and Ronald L. Rivest.

Please keep in mind that technology is not my specialty in the field of EI. I nonetheless found riveting the testimonies and the questions from the all-white panel that included EI villains like vice-chair Kenneth Kobach, Hans von Spakovsky, and Kenneth Blackwell, former Ohio SoS/co-chair of the Republican committee to re-elect G. W. Bush in 2004. Chair Mike Pence was out of the radar in the portions I watched. I can't report whether he was there or not and very unjournalistically don't give a hoot. I didn't hear a peep out of him if he was.

The main takeaways from this panel, which lasted at least an hour, were the necessity for post-election auditing of paper ballots before certification of results, which means trashing DREs, which cast all votes to the infinity of cyberspace--used in only 10 states during Election 2016, according to one of those present, but the consequences may have been crucial. I won't take the time to narrow down on this vital issue at the moment. Only Georgia, Louisiana, Delaware, and New Jersey use DREs exclusively, but several others use them along with optical scanners [and occasional hand-counted paper ballots (HCPB)], and so it is difficult to ascertain how many electoral votes were involved in 2016.

Another takeaway was the fact that it takes a thief to catch a thief and that so many digital devices and auxiliaries we use every day are dangerously hackable.

The atmosphere was folksy and supportive the times I could tune in. The sanguine New Hampshire secretary of state, Bill Gardner, was a commanding and assertive presence up against the TRUMPeters, correcting Kobach on his allegation that those who registered to vote with out-of-state licenses in New Hampshire were not entitled to do so. The Granite State does not prohibit anyone who resides there as a college/university student (or in some other capacity) from voting, Gardner clarified. Such students trend Democratic, as throughout most of the country, so small wonder that this issue so preoccupied Kobach, whom the camera caught at least once, as I watched, disconcerted because KO'ed.

But my first contact was a demonstration by Gardner of the wooden ballots boxes used by those residents of his state who vote via HCPB (I believe 30 percent of voters). I took a screen shot I hope I can post with this article.

Those present chuckled at the demonstration of such relics. The entire state votes on paper, optical scanners being the dominant method. Von Spakovsky wanted to know how "spoiled" ballots were handled--those damaged by stray marks that can confuse the scanners or absence of checkmarks where boxes for them appear, and other such events. Gardner told him that each ballot was read with the intention of the voter prioritized where it was apparent, leaving few for the scrap heap the former DoJ official in the elections division of the civil rights section is fond of.

Von Spakovsky next wondered whether such perusals were done uniformly statewide--otherwise the Bush v Gore misinterpretation of the equal protection principle of the Fourteenth Amendment could kick in, invalidating recent, close election results in New Hampshire that seated two Democratic senators. Here is what prompted the Donald to claim that voters were bussed in from Massachusetts to abet the "wrong" outcome, which Von Spakovsky implied was in turn abetted by the acceptance of out-of-state driver's licenses as voter ID.

Then it was lunch time for those with an appetite.

When I next tuned in, von Spakovsky was touting provisional ballots, which are often uncounted, as the solution to lots of issues that eliminate voters from the voting rolls, mostly Democrats in the scenarios depicted before this comforting reassurance. That is, eliminating one-third of all votes from being counted, just a ballpark figure, solves everything, salves everything.

Thus ended this panel, before the best one convened. Andrew Appel, a New Hampshire native, began testimonies on the issues of secure voting, reliable counting, and voter privacy. He briefly reviewed the electoral situation in the nineteenth-century United States, where lots of fraud occurred because voters could bring their filled-in ballots from home and for many reasons could sneak in several copies. The introduction of the Australian ballot in 1890 put a stop to that, but substituted other problems that linger to this day: bad ballot design (recall the Florida 2000 "butterfly ballot") that could cause voters to select candidates they didn't want or else the "spoiled" ballots discussed above, inter alia.

CONTINUED:

Regarding the advocacy of HCPB to replace the hugely hackable electronic systems most of the country uses, Appel said that they are possible in Europe, where the parliamentary system allows for single-issue voting. In our Congressional system, this is not an option, given the variety of candidates and issues we vote for at least once a year, especially in large jurisdictions [though special elections may be a more hospitable venue for this method supported by a variety of groups in this country--ed.].

Appel's focus then shifted to the many reasons we need to eliminate DREs from the polls altogether. In a word, once again, they are infinitely hackable in a large number of ways. They can be programmed to perform flawlessly in testing mode and then corrupt the actual election results. Programs can be loaded into them at any time before election days--modifying them does not take much time and is easy. Even indirect, let alone direct connection to the Internet greatly facilitates hacking from as far away as . . . well, Russia for example [my example].

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YOUTHS!  Dennis Reynolds, Its Always Sunny

Friends, our lives in America are blessed. Every moment of every day, I have the enviable task of logging onto the ol fax machine here at the newsroom, and reading the days freshest think-pieces. And every day, without fail, there is new bottom to the barrel. It doesnt matter how deep David Brooks or Chris Cillizza have dug in their race to flatter conventional wisdom. There are always fiercer, hungrier challengers out there, writing the worst takes of all time.

The other day, Digiday published one of the shallowest manifestations of corporate id Ive ever read: Now millennials are killing diamonds, so the industry is Instagramming.

Consider that sentence. Approriately, I call it The Sentence.

Now millennials are killing diamonds, so the industry is Instagramming.

Its a masterpiece on twenty levelsat least. I want to invent a new field of study, bullshit analysis, to capture and catalog every particle of horrible in that clause and phrase. I want to task generations of scholars and have seminars with panels like Have we moved beyond The Sentence yet? In the year 2050, I want college students at Halloween parties to dress up like The Sentence, and have other students at the party be genuinely frightened, and still have other students be genuinely offended, so that they complain to the Dean of Students and have the frat house that hosted the Halloween party shut down, as a lesson to never engage with The Sentence. Thats how lame those ten words are. That sentence does not give cancer; it gives some future astronaut disease that will be impossible to cure.

In my hometown newspaper, the religion writer would occasionally write banal features about how great this or that pastor was. The titles were always something like Preacher Goodflesh: A Lust For Doing Gods Work! But the millennials-are-killing-diamonds angle is worth a thousand preacher flatter-pieces.

The premise is badmillennials are killing diamonds. The response is not a story: the industry is Instagramming. It reads like what it is: a press release about the most insufferable industry on the Earth, demanding money from people who dont have it.

The heart of the diamond feature is worth quoting at length. See, the diamond folks are used to a certain standard of living from their consumers. They are entitled to your spending.

The Diamond Producers Association, an alliance of the worlds biggest mining companies, has made pop-culture, not old-timey, references to engagement or marriage, the cornerstone of its Instagram marketing. Love and commitment are just as relevant today, but we are putting a wider lens on diamond purchase drivers, said chief marketing officer Deborah Marquardt  which is why the organization has taken the pop culture tack. For example, when Taylor Swift released the music video for her new song, Look What You Made Me Do, Marquardts preteen daughter pointed out a shot in it featured Swift wearing a ton of jewelry, bathing in precious gemstones. Marquardt decided to take a closer look. She found out that Swift was in put in a bathtub of real jewelry by Hollywood favorite Neil Lane  and it was all diamonds. The DPA took a quick screenshot and posted it on Instagram; now, its one of the organizations biggest hits on that platform, with almost 1,000 likes and comments.

By the power of Grayskull, what part of this is news? The Economist made the same claim in 2016. Aging exploitation ring makes shallow, transparent stab at relevance.

I have so many points to raise. So many, in fact, that I must do this in bullet-point, like a private-prison lobbyist selling indentured servitude to the State Senate:

This is peak bougie. I mean bougie in the Why arent peasants eating more cake? bougie. I mean bougie in the sense of If my interns no longer buy champagne by the crate, I shall simply scream. Its hot-yoga bougie, Lululemon bougie, My-Kid-Goes-to-Brown-bumper-sticker bougie. Just read the article in Christian Laettners voice and youll see what I mean. Aint no mountain high enough for this bougie.

Imagine pitying the diamond industry! Diamonds exist because of artificial scarcity. There are plenty of diamonds in the world. The entire diamond marketthe shiny-rock industryis made up. Its designed by authoritarian companies who really came into their own during bloody colonial regimes.

Diamonds are famously bloody. As Brilliant Earth points out, In just the past two decades, seven African countries have endured brutal civil conflicts fueled by diamonds: Sierra Leone, Liberia, Angola, the Republic of Congo, Cote dIvoire, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

If you want consumption, pay a living wage. You dont get consumers without a middle class.

This isnt a real article. Its the author writing about how someone in an industry used social media to advertise their product, and could have been written at any point between 2003-2017.

If theres one thing Boomers love to do, its blame millennials, blame them for their own dreadful business decisions. Across Americaacross the worldtwentysomethings have apparently been gunning for every single one of the Boomer holies: homeowning, the workforce, the Democratic party. Now, Lord Jesus, they have come for diamonds. Aint nothing sacred? Middle-aged folks thought their kids were in bed, but they sailed away on a wave of mutilation. You cant throw an avocado-covered rock without hitting an industry a millennial is field-dressing. Twitter user @theindiealto even made a collage of the youth murder spree:

Did you think I was kidding pic.twitter.com/PsS8sca31p  regan (@theindiealto) August 15, 2017

In reality, this is much ado about something. Student debts preclude home-owning, guys. Working for peanuts tends to put a dent in the platinum budget. Declining spending is the millennial gift back to a corrupt society, one that demands the fealty of consumption without raising wages. The only reason consumer society existed in the first place was the existence of a middle classa class which is slowly being gutted, day by day, week by week. The older generations are either unable or unwilling to consider how godawful the economy is for the youngs, in any way. Another Twitter user nailed it:

Pretty much every article I see on millennials pic.twitter.com/1dGXlGmgYS  Big McLarge Mews (@biggustiggus) June 26, 2017

You have to be really indoctrinated for the diamond industrys take to make sense:

The idea is to make diamonds feel approachable, hence the Swift photo, another popular photo of a diamond ring in the shape of a wolf and one of fashion icon Iris Apfel in large, diamond-studded glasses. Instagram is interesting when you have the worlds most beautiful product, that people want to have conversations about, said Marquardt. We looked at Instagram as a way to harness that enthusiasm.

See, its in the shape of a wolf! You people love animals! Portlandia, right? How are you doing, fellow kids? You know what would make diamonds feel approachable? Making them affordable. Is there any way to look at the diamond industry except as a kind of giant, irrelevant parasite, latching onto a struggling generation and sucking out what little marrow it can find?

Even if this had been a real article, what the hell does this do for the diamond industry? Even if we were cheering for it (which were not). It comes across a bad parody of someone writing about the modern travails of the glittering-rock cartelwhich, I assure you, will keep looting the mines of Africa long after the last Wes Anderson fan has been buried in a twee cemetery plot. The diamond racket is the Democratic Party reborn: stop admonishing everyone else for your being a terrible luxury brand, in an age when people cant afford luxury. Like diamonds, blame is forever.
Press Release

Kiwi gearbox bike brand Zerode has long been the source of gossip among North American riders, but few have gotten the opportunity to try one out.That should change in the upcoming months, as Bellingham-based online retailer and brick and mortar bike shop Fanatik Bike Co. has added the Zerode Taniwha to its collection of high-end bikes.The Zerode Taniwha is the worlds first production carbon enduro bike with a gearbox, and for the last year it has been proving that gearboxes are a viable alternative to derailleurs, offering distinct advantages in durability, shifting, and suspension performance.With a Pinion gearbox, the bike achieves a whopping 600% gear range, significantly larger than that of SRAM Eagle. Additionally, the bikes gearing sits inside a sealed package that is nearly maintenance-free and offers dramatically improved clearance for when the trails get rough and rowdy. Shifting is instantaneous and seamless across the whole gear range.A simple, effective, and proven suspension platform combined with a fixed chain line optimizes pedaling performance through the entire travel range. The single speed rear hub and lack of derailleur minimize unsprung weight to further improve suspension performance and the symmetrical spoke angle ensures superb rear wheel stiffness.We're very excited to bring on Zerode here at Fanatik, said Jadyn Welch, Fanatik Bike Cos internet sales manager. They are a boutique brand producing a quality product that fills an important void in the high-end mountain bike market. Gearboxes have been largely overlooked in the past, and we're happy to say the Taniwha rivals some of our favorite mountain bikes in terms of ride quality and craftsmanship. We've already eliminated the front derailleur, why not eliminate the rear derailleur?Fanatik has long been recognized as a leader in online bike sales, due in no small part to its online bike builder, which lets riders fully customize their build before ordering.Frames are currently available in three sizes: M, L, and XL. Available colors are matte black with grey decals, stealth graphite with yellow highlights and blue sky blue with grey decals.Frames weigh in between 5.76.2 lbs. (2,6002,800g) depending on size and complete bikes will weigh in starting at 30lbs.
888poker XL Eclipse Day 3: Roman Romanovskyi Wins $500K High Roller

September 13, 2017 Eric Mertens

On the third day of the 888poker XL Eclipse Series, 11 new tournaments started.

Most of the attention went to the $2,100 High Roller, where the best players in the world competed for the first prize of $107,500! Let's take a look at this tournament and the results of the other events that played out on Tuesday.

XL Eclipse #36 - $500,000 High Roller

Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $2,100 September 12 243 $500,000

After more than 11 hours of play, Event #36 - $2,100 XL Eclipse High Roller finally crowned a winner. Roman "Romeopro33" Romanovskyi from Ukraine claimed the victory and the first prize of after beating "lacibaby64" in the deciding heads-up.

This event, with a buy-in of $2,100, saw 171 players register and those players made 72 rebuys to get a total amount of 243 players. 888poker guaranteed at least $500,000 so there was a bit overlay. The prize pool was $500,000 with 27 places paid. Familiar faces like Anton "anteen" Bertilsson, Mike "SirWatts" Watson, Chris "888Moorman" Moorman, Scott "AggroSantos" Margereson and Fabricio "DrMiKee" Gonzalez missed out on making the money.

The bubble didn't take that long, after "OMGsete" losing with pocket sevens against the pocket eights of "AlexMax15". After the players reached the money, it went pretty quickly to a final table. On the bubble of the final table, Canadian "SleepinAwake" was the shortest stack with ten left and he went all in with ace-nine. Big stack Roman "Romeopro33" Romanovskyi found ace-queen and saw his hand held. "SleepinAwake" finished in tenth place for $8,750 while the remaining nine players were moved to the official final table.

On the final table, "AriGold17" exited in ninth place for $10,000 after losing with ace-jack against king-queen. "AlexMax15" (eight, $15,000) followed him to the rail, he busted with king-ten against ace-eight. The remaining seven players played for a while before "2pacnrw16" (seventh, $20,000) and Nicholas "PKaiser" Fierro busted in quick succession.

Dutchman "Poker86ss" busted in fifth place after losing with two pair against the straight of "allesrigged". The final four players played together for a while before "allesrigged" lost his chips with ace-queen against the five-three of Simon "Isildur1337x" Matsson. He had to settle for fourth place and he received a prize of $43,750.

With three players left, once again it took a while before someone busted. Then, from the small blind, Romanovskyi put all the pressure on Matsson in the big blind. Matsson called with ace-eight and was in front against the ten-four of his opponent. Ukraine's Romanovskyi flopped a ten, turned a four and won the hand to bust Matsson in third place for $48,750.

Romanovskyi started the heads-up with even stacks, but in just a few minutes he took full control. In one of the first big hands, he secured himself of this victory and the first prize of $107,500. In the last hand, he won with king-queen against queen-nine on a queen high board.

Place Player County Prize 1 Roman "Romeopro33" Romanovskyi Ukraine $107,500 2 laciababy64 Czech Republic $77,500 3 Simon "Isildur1337x" Matsson" Sweden $58,750 4 allesrigged Germany $43,750 5 Poker86ss Netherlands $30,000 6 Nicholas "PKaiser" Fierro Chile $25,000 7 2pacnrw16 Germany $20,000 8 AlexMax15 Arabia $15,000 9 AriGold17 Canada $10,000

XL Eclipse #30 - $15,000 Lightning 6-Max

Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $109 September 12 118 $19,500

The first winner of the day came from the XL Eclipse #30 - $15,000 Lightning 6-Max. In this traditional event, 195 players competed for a prize pool of $19,500. "nomoney4ever" from Croatia came out on top and secured himself of the first prize of $5,070.

Place Player County Prize 1 nomoney4ever Croatia $5,070 2 r4ndomr4gs Sweden $3,413 3 GramNaKartke Czech Republic $2,535 4 ihavenoboss Costa Rica $1,658 5 Ph4N888 Romania $1,268 6 Nicholas "PKaiser" Fierro Chile $878

XL Eclipse #31 - $15,000 Breeze

Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $55 September 12 318 $15,900

Place Player County Prize 1 aaureliio Brazil $3,077 2 T.NAPOLEAO Brazil $2,306 3 Smithstudent Russia $1,749 4 flooow. Austria $1,312 5 gonzalo888lo Argentina $906 6 konnichiwah Netherlands $700 7 rikaak Brazil $541 8 Odesit73 Ukraine $382 9 RagingStoic Germany $278

XL Eclipse #32 - $15,000 Deepstack Swordfish

Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $30 September 12 666 $18,315

Finnish player "sheikkkeri" added an impressive result on his resume after winning the XL Eclipse #32 - $15,000 Deepstack Swordfish. He received the top prize of $3,434. In the final heads-up, he defeated Brittish player "2MIDGETZ".

Place Player County Prize 1 sheikkkeri Finland $3,434 2 2MIDGETZ United Kingdom $2,473 3 888_Hun United Kingdom $1,832 4 MECTEPEO Russia $1,374 5 tutuia20 Brazil $962 6 TankeVicius Morocco $778 7 gambler0602 Lithuania $595 8 Lellusion Brazil $412 9 AboldMove Latvia $258

XL Eclipse #33 - $40,000 Crocodile

Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $160 September 12 270 $40,500

One of the biggest winners on Day 3 came from the XL Eclipse #33 - $40,000 Crocodile. Players paid their buy-in of $160 and in total there was $40,500 in the prize pool. "PROCHRIS1" from Switzerland was crowned as a winner in this event and he received the first prize of $8,282.

Place Player County Prize 1 PROCHRIS1 Switzerland $8,282 2 MalakiasCF United Kingdom $6,075 3 Triple_20 Czech Republic $4,577 4 uR4iseM3Up Austria $3,443 5 silvtom Germany $2,349 6 Valfierno1 Argentina $1,823 7 calvaroe Sweden $1,418 8 Graftekkel Netherlands $1,013 9 PVACC444 Canada $770

XL Eclipse #34 - $15,000 Swordfish

Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $30 September 12 635 $17,463

Place Player County Prize 1 Openpunks Malta $3,299 2 McKarty18 Lithuania $2,392 3 VinceDiKoins Latvia $1,764 4 PGergo11 Czech Republic $1,327 5 s4lb31p3st0 Germany $932 6 GOGOslowroll Brazil $742 7 bratok_38reg Russia $568 8 iTSReTSaM Aruba $393 9 elpato123 Colombia $262

XL Eclipse #35 - $20,000 Monsoon

Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $55 September 12 509 $25,450

Place Player County Prize 1 progree69 Argentina $4,810 2 FreierBoy Germany $3,525 3 TomBrady17 Canada $2,596 4 mr.salgado Brazil $1,960 5 cheloxPY Paraguay $1,374 6 Magnf1cious Lithuania $1,082 7 ob1wahn Germany $827 8 GOGOslowroll Brazil $573 9 iTSReTSaM Aruba $389

XL Eclipse #37 - $200,000 Mini High Roller

Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $215 September 12 658 $200,000

For the players who couldn't afford the biggest buy-in ($2,100) of the day, there was a Mini edition of the High Roller on the schedule. This tournament had a buy-in of $215 and there were 658 players competing for a prize pool of $200,000. Every finalist of this tournament would secure himself of $2,820 but all eyes were on the top prize of $37,500.

That top prize went to Malta's "SuprNintend0" after beating "backdown8" from Sweden in the final heads-up. The Swedish runner-up received $27,000 for his second place, while "MechaREcorta" received $20,000 for third.

Place Player County Prize 1 SuprNintend0 Malta $37,500 2 backdown8 Sweden $27,000 3 MechaREcorta Argentina $20,000 4 T0X16 Germany $15,000 5 birdgamecray Canada $10,500 6 jimmyman22 Czech Republic $8,500 7 B.Mitchell Sweden $6,500 8 kiskutya23 Czech Republic $4,500 9 Elon_Musk Czech Republic $2,820

XL Eclipse #38 - $50,000 Tuesday Challenge

Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $109 September 12 523 $52,300

Another big winner was crowned in the XL Eclipse #38 - $50,000 Tuesday Challenge. This event was played by 523 players to create a prize pool of $52,300. In the end, it was Brazil's "LobBoXt" who won the event for $9,885 while his fellow countryman "SemogrotciV" finished in second place for $7,244.

Place Player County Prize 1 LobBoXt Brazil $9,885 2 SemogrotciV Brazil $7,244 3 Kamphu94 Germany $5,335 4 DuduPa1986 Canada $4,027 5 morewater Denmark $2,824 6 Fabricio "DrMiKee" Gonzalez Uruguay $2,223 7 Pimmelspeck Germany $1,700 8 Nodeal00 Moldavia $1,177 9 myhometown Sweden $800

XL Eclipse #39 - $15,000 Tornado

Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $109 September 12 127 $17,300

Place Player County Prize 1 gusma Brazil $3,979 2 CuriousCall Romania $2,768 3 Rodisking Denmark $2,102 4 popsnpoker Canada $1,557 5 summuNNN United Kingdom $1,038 6 yrkkk Lithuania $865 7 unclesala Switzerland $692 8 bienemajo Austria $519 9 tmurdah Netherlands $433

XL Eclipse #40 - $65,000 Turbo High Roller

Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $160 September 12 273 $65,000

Last but not least, players could enjoy the $65,000 Turbo High Roller which had a buy-in of $160. In total, 374 players competed in this event which wasn't enough to get above the guaranteed prize pool of $65,000. The lion's share of this money was for Norway's "WulfricB", who took the victory after just three hours and 46 minutes.

He received the first prize of $13,292.50 while runner-up "GOLDandVODKA" had to settle for second place ($9,750).

Place Player County Prize 1 WulfricB Norway $13,292.50 2 GOLDandVODKA Latvia $9,750 3 allesrigged Germany $7,345 4 rascada United Kingdom $5,525 5 cikipaujeje Lithuania $3,770 6 Viachello Estonia $2,925 7 BEN_TIMOVER Ireland $2,275 8 Anton "anteen" Bertilsson Sweden $1,625 9 Valfierno1 Argentina $1,235
The highlight of the Performance to Celebrate the 68th National Day of the Peoples Republic of China is the spectacular acrobatic show, Mulan, which will be performed by the Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe. The event is jointly organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Department of Culture and Education of the Liaison Office. The performance will be held at the Macao Forum at 8p.m. on September 30 and October 1. The troupe will re-enact the famous story of Chinese folk heroine Hua Mulan by fusing acrobatics with traditional dance, martial arts, shadow play and face-changing (Bian Lian). Tickets are now available at the Macau Ticketing Network.

Master of Public Administration kicks off

The opening ceremony for the Master of Public Administrations 2017 student intake was held at the Macau Polytechnic Institute (IPM) at 10 a.m. on September 9. The program was established in 2009 and is jointly organized by the Chinese Academy of Governance and IPM. Delivered on a part-time basis and aimed at students with full-time jobs, the program is designed to cultivate public administration professionals who can serve in the MSAR government. The Chinese Academy of Governance develops the curriculum, assigns teaching materials and staff, and conducts course assessments and evaluations.

Water drainage to be built along Areia Preta coast

The government has outsourced the contract for designing and building a rain discharge and a drainage pipe to the Companhia de Construcao Cheong Kong Limitada, according to a notice published in the Official Gazette. The facilities will be built along the coastal line in Areia Preta. The government is releasing a total of MOP84.64 million for the project, to be paid in three installments: MOP15 million in 2017, MOP50 million in 2018, and MOP19.64 million in 2019. The project is expected to be completed in 400 days.

Macau Squash Open to kick off next Monday

The Macau Squash Open 2017 will be held from September 18 to 24. Squash athletes from 18 countries will gather in Macau for the competition, including last years champion. Macau is sending three male athletes and one female athlete to attend the competition, while Hong Kong is sending two athletes. Members of the public can watch the first six days of the competition for free. Distribution of complimentary tickets for the final two days began yesterday.

LRT depot construction carried out smoothly

Construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot is progressing smoothly, according to a TDM report. The Transportation Infrastructure Office (GIT) said large-scale construction is ongoing at the depot and that construction of other LRT sections in Taipa is proceeding as well, putting the system on track for its planned 2019 opening. The government has also adjusted the LRTs payment methods, with 70 percent of the MOP1.07 billion construction costs to be paid within the year.

1,300 children assessed at pediatric center

More than 1,300 children have been assessed at the citys pediatric medical center, the Health Bureau revealed in a TDM radio show yesterday. Before the center was established, children in Macau had to wait one year before having their physical and mental development assessed. With the new center, the wait has been shortened to one month. It currently takes five to nine months for a child to receive occupational therapy, and eight to 11 months to get speech therapy. To better meet the demand, the center has hired three new speech therapists and three new occupational therapists.
Our California day dreams have been answered: Foo Fighters and Weezer have announced some joint shows, set to take place in Australia and New Zealand early next year.

The Pacific bands will be playing in Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland in late January and early February. Tickets are on sale now on Weezer's website.

Foo Fighters are touring in support of their upcoming record, Concrete and Gold, out Sept. 15. We've already heard snippets from what's sure to be a goldmine, like "The Sky is a Neighborhood" and "Run." Just last week, the band announced the arrival of their latest single, "The Line." It's a fast-paced, in typical Foo style, track that's brimming with frontman Dave Grohl's energy.

Weezer is also hot on the heels of their upcoming effort, Pacific Daydream, which arrives Oct. 27. So far we've heard "Feels Like Summer" and "Mexican Fender." The band has spent much of the summer on tour and by the looks of it will continue to hit the road until late 2018.



Just recently, Foo Fighters announced that their latest effort featured "the biggest pop star in the world" - this was shortly revealed to be Justin Timberlake. Grohl told NME about how this came to be: "We'd drink whiskey in the parking lot. He was really, really cool. Then the night before his last day, he says, 'Can I sing on your record? I don't want to push it, but  I just want to be able to tell my friends." Paul McCartney also makes an appearance on Concrete and Gold. "Paul McCartney plays drums on one of our songs," Grohl told ET Canada. "He's a pal. We've known him for a long time. He's great. He's the most wonderful person in the world. He's a great guy." Drummer Taylor Hawkins added: "He hadn't even heard the song. He comes in and Dave picked up and acoustic [guitar] and showed him real quick. He sat on his special drum set that his tech set up for him. I sat there with a drumstick conducting. He did two takes."

It's looking like an awfully exciting start for both of the bands. Foo Fighters have been making headlines this year, ever since their electrifying Glastonbury set back in June. The set came two years after Grohl injured his knee and, despite soldiering on, was forced to cancel what was anticipated to be the "biggest performance of their career." Grohl sat down with NME to discuss this at length: "I thought, 'OK, I just finished that show sitting down, so maybe we just keep going. I thought maybe I'd just broken my ankle, or splintered a bone; I didn't realise that I'd completely split a bone, pulled my ankle out and torn all the ligaments. We played 53 more shows on that tour and they were great f**king shows, but I was bummed about missing Glastonbury and Wembley. I was actually looking forward to doing them with a broken leg. After 20 years of being in a band, anything to switch it up a little bit"



Catch Foo Fighters and Weezer on tour this year - together or not, it's sure to be a killer set.

Vanessa is a music and culture writer. Follow her on twitter.

READ MORE ABOUT MUSIC...



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Bank of Guam announced yesterday its Santa Cruz Branch will be consolidated with its Hagatna headquarters branch. The consolidation will occur on Dec. 11, 45 years to the day that the bank opened the doors of its temporary modular facility adjacent to the same site in 1972.

The consolidation allows us to have a more unified capital city presence, while continuing to upgrade our services throughout the island and region, said board Chairwoman, President and Chief Executive Officer Lou A. Leon Guerrero in a press release.

She went on to say, We will be reaching out to our customers to assure them that the transition will be seamless and our Santa Cruz employees will remain with the Bank of Guam."

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"We look forward to welcoming those who have frequented our Santa Cruz facility to whatever other branch they choose to use, she added.

The bank is celebrating 45 years of operation throughout its 23 branches located in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and San Francisco, California.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 11:30:14

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Alchemist Mining Incorporated--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Alchemist Mining Incorporated (CSE:AMS). has issued a press release with the following headline:Alchemist Holds Site Visit, Performs Due Diligence as BC Genetics Corporation Expands OperationsTo 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 Alchemist Mining Incorporated, 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/Alchemist Mining IncorporatedSource: Alchemist Mining Incorporated (CSE: AMS)Date: September 13, 2017Time: 5:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Alchemist Mining Incorporated and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
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Aluminum Fluoride Market: OverviewAluminum fluoride is white colored or colorless solid powder that can be produced synthetically and is also found in nature with minerals such as rosenbergite. Alumina and hexafluorosilicic acid are among the vital raw materials that go into the production of aluminum fluoride.Nearly all the aluminum fluoride globally produced is employed as a molten electrolyte in the production of aluminum. Other niche applications of aluminum fluoride include production of fluoroaluminate glasses.Major end user industries for aluminum fluoride include automobiles, construction, aerospace and pharmaceuticals among others. Of these, building and construction represents the largest end user segment for aluminum fluoride and the trend is anticipated to continue for a foreseeable future. Pharmaceuticals segment is expected to be the fastest growing end user segment during the forecast period. The construction industrys strong performance can be credited for the aluminum fluoride markets growth. Moreover, growth in infrastructure mainly in the developing economies is anticipated to drive demand for aluminum fluoride.Request Sample Copy of the Report@Reviving automotive industry in Asia Pacific and European regions is also expected to be among foremost growth drivers for aluminum fluoride market. Aluminum fluoride penetrates into human body through air or can be absorbed by skin and leads to several health hazards including asthma. The health hazards associated with aluminum fluoride is among major restraints for aluminum fluoride market growth.Aluminum Fluoride Market: Regional DynamicsAsia Pacific dominates the global aluminum fluoride market both in terms of consumption and production. China is the leading manufacturer of aluminum fluoride across the globe and constitutes significant portion of the global market share. Moreover owing to over exploitation of major raw material sources in China, the production is anticipated to decline in the near future. High GDP growth and increasing disposable income in India and China have led to high growth in several end user industries including automobiles, pharmaceutical, packaging, aerospace, construction among others. High growth in end user industries is expected to be among foremost factors driving demand for aluminum fluoride in the region. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing region for aluminum fluoride market for a foreseeable future.North America is the second largest market for aluminum fluoride followed by Europe. Increasing regulations to control the hazards associated with aluminum fluoride has been restraining aluminum fluoride market growth in the developed economies of North America and Western Europe.Demand for aluminum fluoride in North America and Europe is anticipated to grow at a sluggish rate during the forecast period. Underutilized fluorspar reserves in South Africa coupled with increasing government support to invest in the reserves is expected to drive market growth for aluminum fluoride in the RoW region. Moreover, increasing demand for aluminum fluoride driven by high growth in several end user industries in the rapidly industrializing economies of South America and Africa will likely present massive growth opportunities for players in the aluminum fluoride market.Request TOC of the Report@Aluminum Fluoride Market: Competitive LandscapeAluminum fluoride market is consolidated and few major players constitute major portion of the global market share. Major players invest in research and development activities owing to patent protected technologies and to improve operational efficiency. The degree of competition in the industry is expected to intensify during the forecast period leading to increased price sensitivity. Some of the major players in aluminum fluoride market are E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Alfa Aesar, Apollo Scientific Limited, Finetech Industry and Shanghai IS Chemical Technology among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), also known as drones, are the most exciting topic in discussion today. This new technology is believed to revolutionize various industries by enabling faster delivery, reach, and monitoring (GPS).

Ambulance Drone Market

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Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), also known as drones, are the most exciting topic in discussion today. This new technology is believed to revolutionize various industries by enabling faster delivery, reach, and monitoring (GPS). The U.S. military is already using drones as GPS or surveillance system to track its troops movements and weapon facilities to launch attacks on terrorist organizations. With increasing research and development activities pertaining to drones, the governments and regulatory authorities in various countries are endeavoring to commercialize this new technology. Currently available drones are classified based on the purpose as camera, toy, and racing drones. Drones can be used in food delivery, product delivery, traffic monitoring, rescue operations, army activities, and delivery of goods within a selected area and many such activities.Ambulance Drones Market - Multiple Applications in HealthcareDrones hold the potential to transform the delivery of healthcare services. Drones can be especially useful in emergency situations. Applications include dropping of emergency equipment and medicines, conducting search and rescue operations, responding to natural disasters, collection of blood and tissue samples, and reaching out to remote locations for medical help. Drones are already operating in countries such as the U.S., Haiti, and some parts of Europe. Emerging economies are yet to commercialize the technology. Effective implementation of the technology would spur growth of the ambulance drones market.Request a sample copy of this report@Research in the Ambulance Drones MarketDrones can also find application in ambulance services. Ambulance drone design developed by Argodesign, Texas (U.S.) in 2015 provides a speedy emergency support in rural areas and provides quick medical aid during major traffic accident sites that are otherwise inaccessible by road. These drones are equipped with essential instruments for quick treatment at the site of traffic accidents. These drones are about the size of a compact car and do not need a pilot on location to depart. Due to its small size it can land safely on a street. The vehicle can accommodate one patient and is steered via GPS and controlled remotely.Alec Momont, a student at the Technical University of Delft, developed a prototype of a compact drone that has a small storage space in it. The drone was developed to provide essential supplies to the people on spot and also advanced life support. The first drone contained an automated external defibrillator. This small ambulance drone is not affected by the current road infrastructures and can fly at a speed of 60 miles per hour. It transport a defibrillator to a patient within 12 sq. km. zone within a minute. The drone tracks the emergency mobile calls and uses GPS to navigate to the patient site. However, there are certain things such as steering mechanism and legal issues which needs to be cleared off for a smooth transitioning of the ambulance drones market.Ambulance Drones Market plagued with regulatory issuesThere are many legal and infrastructure issues that need to be tackled before full scale commercialization of ambulance drones. Clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), regulatory authorities, medical authorities, and defining the flight levels are essential to prevent any hindrances during flight operations. Extensive tests need to be conducted to provide complete assurance of the safe and efficient operations of all related processes of ambulance drone. Moreover, risks that need to be considered include the loss or damage to any component while in transit and avoidance of collisions between drones. Regulatory and environmental clearance would pave way for rampant growth of the global ambulance drones market.The global ambulance drones market is expected to see its first product being commercialized by 2020. A push up to this new technology would enable for a faster and cheaper method of healthcare emergency service delivery during emergency situations.Get Discount on this Report@About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@ coherentmarketinsights.com
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 21:14:19

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Antifouling Coatings Market: OverviewAntifouling coatings are a special type of coating that is applied with paint to the bottom of a ship or marine vessel to prevent or retard the degeneration of the metallic surface that remains submerged. Usually, subaquatic organisms start building colonies on the parts of the ship that remain underwater. Excessive growth of these organisms often leads to a hydrodynamic drag, leading to high fuel consumption and poor performance. In order to maintain the performance and the life of the vessel, manufacturers use antifouling coatings that contain special chemicals designed to prevent growth of algae, barnacles, and other such living organisms.The antifouling coatings market has gained momentum due to rising sea trade activities, which has led to a rise in the number of ships. The various types of vessels using antifouling coatings are bulk carriers, cargo ships, and container ships.Request Sample Copy of the Report@The research report on the global antifouling coatings market provides a thorough analysis of the overall market and the answers pertinent to questions about the scope of the market. The report aims to explain the competitive scenario and the nature of the vendor landscape to the readers through well-researched chapters. Furthermore, the document contains Porters Five Forces Analysis and SWOT analysis to highlight the various factors responsible for the growth or decline of the overall antifouling coatings market.Antifouling Coatings Market: Key Trends and OpportunitiesPoor output of vessels due to the growth of organisms is the primary driver of the global antifouling coatings market. A drop in speed not only slows down the time taken for transportation, but also increases the risk of goods perishing in transit. The possibility of corrosion of metallic coating and the chances of shipworms causing decay to the goods prompt ship manufacturers to use antifouling coatings. Furthermore, the threat of marine organisms being transported out of their ecosystems and the potential hazard of this to the marine life is fueling demand for these coatings.The new-age antifouling coatings contain special chemicals such as biocides, organotin compounds, copper, and synthetic chemical compounds. Unfortunately, these are known to have a negative impact on the environment. For instance, usage of paints containing tributyltin has been banned due to high level of toxicity. Companies in this market are also looking at ways to reduce the use of copper in antifouling coatings, as copper too has adverse effects on marine flora and fauna.On the other hand, players are looking at using slime for making antifouling paints that are friendlier to marine life. Technological advancements and increasing investments in research and development are likely to create several growth opportunities in the market in the near future. The burgeoning oil and gas industry is also expected to offer newer growth platforms to the global antifouling coatings market.Antifouling Coatings Market: Region-wise OutlookAsia Pacific dominates the global antifouling coatings market due to the massive shipbuilding industries in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Rise of the shipbuilding industry in Asia Pacific is expected to keep the performance of the antifouling coatings market steady. Demand for antifouling coatings is also expected to rise in this region due to increasing expenditure on exploration and production of natural gas and crude oil in Thailand, India, and China.Request TOC of the Report@The top players in the global antifouling coatings market are PPG Industries, Inc., BASF SE, AkzoNobel N.V., Hempel, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd., Jotun, Sherwin-Williams Company, Chugoku Marine Paints Ltd., Kansai Paint, and Advance Marine Coatings AS, among others. These companies focus on developing eco-friendly coatings from palm oil to reconcile the issue of rising environmental concerns and the need to safeguard the vessels.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 10:58:02

Paris, VMworld 2017 Europe, Barcelona, 13th September 2017 - Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, today announces the integration of VMware Workspace ONE (TM) into its Atos Digital Workplace offering. The fully managed digital workplace service, powered by the VMware Workspace ONE digital workspace platform, will transform employee experience and enhance business performance.

The user is in control

VMware Workspace ONE is a digital workspace platform that integrates endpoint management technology with end-user identity to deliver a consumer-simple experience with enterprise-class security. It enables the IT departments to deliver a digital workspace that empowers employees to securely bring the technology of their choice - devices and apps - at the pace and cost the business needs.

Coupled with Atos' world-class services, as part of the Atos Digital Workplace offering, this new holistic solution brings together the combined expertise and experience from Atos and VMware to enable workforces to connect, collaborate and communicate simply and securely, while improving personal and business performance. Atos delivers this transformation with complete end-to-end management: a unified workplace management solution with a 'single point of access' to data and applications, at the time of need, intuitively and securely - from any device.

Peter Pluim, Executive Vice-President, Infrastructure & Data Management Services at Atos says: "VMware is a key partner for Atos Digital Workplace, enabling us to jointly deliver new Digital Workplace experiences to our mutual customers. Atos' services enabled by VMware technology gives businesses a commitment that they will achieve exceptional and measurable user satisfaction and offers a new way of managing and enabling the workforce. This allows users to collaborate simply and securely, with the technology of their choice and at the same time improve both personal experience and business performance."

Sumit Dhawan, senior vice president and general manager of End-User Computing at VMware says: "We are pleased to have a global leader like Atos select VMware Workspace ONE as part of the Atos Digital Workplace offering. The combination of Workspace ONE and Atos' services and expertise can help mutual customers speed their digital transformations by unifying PC and mobile device management and enabling consumer simple user experiences with a digital workspace."

Key features the enhanced Digital Workplace solution offers:

Freedom and control for both employees and IT - freedom to choose any device and way of working, whilst maintaining IT's control and oversight

Built-in security and robust compliance - with users' profile/persona governing access to data and apps, providing a true 'consumer simple; enterprise secure' workplace.

More engaged employees - end-users could potentially reduce the time it takes to set up on a new laptop from 90 minutes to five. Companies with engaged employees outperform those without by up to 202%. Dale Carnegie

Atos has recently been recognized as a Global Leader in Workplace Services by Everest Group in its 2017 Peak Matrix(TM) Assessment and as a Leader in Digital Workplace Services worldwide by leading global technology research and advisory firm, Information Services Group (ISG), in its 2017 ISG Provider Lens(TM) Archetype report.

###

VMware, VMworld, Workspace ONE, and Horizon are a registered trademark of VMware, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with approximately 100,000 employees in 72 countries and annual revenue of around  12 billion. The European number one in Big Data, Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing and Digital Workplace, The Group provides Cloud services, Infrastructure & Data Management, Business & Platform solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting-edge technologies, digital expertise and industry knowledge, Atos supports the digital transformation of its clients across various business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Energy & Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications, Transportation. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline. Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index. www.atos.net

About Atos Digital Workplace

More information on Atos Digital Workplace , part of Atos' full suite of Digital Transformation Factory solutions, can be found at: https://atos.net/en/solutions/atos-digital-workplace.

Press contact:

Laura Fau laura.fau@atos.net +33 6 73 64 04 18 @laurajanefau





This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: ATOS via Globenewswire


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Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Internet Marketing Head5186181030

Blowing Agents Market: OverviewBlowing agents are widely used as additives in the polymeric foam industry. They are used as a part of the production process mainly to lend certain desired properties to polymeric foam. The importance of blowing agents is steadily rising for companies as the demand for low-cost foam products rises.Blowing agents play a crucial role by helping to induce a specific cellular structure to the foamed material. This helps reduce the density of the foam, improve its acoustic and thermal insulation abilities, and also improve the relative toughness of the original material. Blowing agents can lend the desired characteristics to a myriad of materials. These characteristics could range from light-weighting, heat insulation, and sound absorbency to elasticity, permeability, electrical insulation and shock absorbency.Request Sample Copy of the Report@One of the most widely used blowing agents were chloro fluoro carbons (CFCs). However, they were phased out because of their harmful effects on the ozone layer. While developing new products with similar or better functionality than CFCs, players have to face several challenges such as the impact of the products on the environment and getting suppliers who can supply them with the requisite materials seamlessly among others.Blowing Agents Market: Growth EnablersIncreasing demand for polymeric foams, especially polyurethane foams, owing to rapid development in their end-user industries such as construction and appliances is driving the demand for blowing agents. Additionally, high growth of end use industries in Asia Pacific is anticipated to further fuel the demand for blowing agents. However, stringent environmental regulations regarding chemicals used as blowing agents might hamper the growth. Development of new environment friendly biobased products for utility as blowing agents might bring future prospective opportunities for market growth.Blowing Agents Market: SegmentationThe major types of blowing agents that find use in the industry are: Hydrocarbons (HCs), hydro-chloro-fluoro-carbons (HCFCs), and hydro-fluoro-carbons (HFCs). Of these, hydrocarbons currently stand as the dominant product segment. Among hydrocarbons, butanes and pentanes are the most common blowing agents used. HCFCs have been gradually phased out in industrialized nations. In many other developing regions as well, HCFCs are being phased out gradually because of their reported adverse effects such as Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP). This has in turn led several companies to develop and launch alternative blowing agents that are environment friendly.Among the key foams that see the utilization of such blowing agents are: Polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, phenolic foam, and polyolefin foam. The polyurethane foam industry makes use of all types of blowing agents and as a result, holds a major share in the market. Owing to its wide range of applications in chemicals, construction and automotive industries, demand for polyurethane products is rising at a high growth rate, which, eventually, generates demand for blowing agents.Blowing Agents Market: Region-wise OutlookCurrently, Asia Pacific is estimated to be the largest market for blowing agents worldwide. It is also the fastest growing blowing agents market. The region consumed well over 50% of the blowing agents produced worldwide. It stands as one of the leading consumers of foam insulated products. China is among the top blowing agent consumers in Asia Pacific. Moreover, other Asian countries such as India and South Korea also generate considerable for blowing agents thanks to high industrial production levels. Mature markets in North America and Europe are expected to witness a relatively slower growth in demand for blowing agents. Additionally, these regions are at the forefront of the initiatives taken towards sustainable growth practices to protect the environment.Request TOC of the Report@The market place is dominated by a few global players with major market share. However there are a large number of small and medium sized players, especially in Asia Pacific, competing for the market share with aggressive pricing schemes. Leading manufacturers in the blowing agents market include E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, Arkema SA, Haltermann GmbH, Foam Supplies Inc, Solvay SA and Honeywell International Ltd.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)
Expert facilitators call upon a wide range of skills and techniques to help a group understand their common objectives and assist them to achieve them. They are experts on, and champions of, process not content. Make your facilitation matter! http://glomacs.ae/seminars/facilitation-skills-and-group-dynamics

The Secrets of Effective Facilitation Revealed

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 14:34:23

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The key to great facilitation is a genuine desire and interest in your audience and the outcomes they wish to achieve. Effective facilitators are flexible Effective facilitators are adaptive Effective facilitators are proactive Effective facilitators are responsive Effective facilitators are resilientThe effectiveness of a group activity depends heavily on the flexibility of the facilitator.Expert trainer and facilitator Tony Buon has designed this GLOMACS 5-day workshop to develop the essential skills of facilitating meetings that inspire, engage, and get results. Complete with all the activities, handouts, assessments, and presentation slides you will need to accelerate learning, these programs make planning your next workshop easy, whether you are new to facilitation or a seasoned pro.Whether you are a newcomer or an old-timer, you can improve your effectiveness by attending to and adjusting structure, pace, interaction, focus, concern, and control of your group activity  Says Tony while he was presenting the last session in Dubai.The facilitators job is to support everyone to do their best thinking. They create an environment where everyone is encouraged to participate, understand one another's point of view and share responsibility. In doing so, a group facilitator helps members look for elegant solutions and build sustainable agreements.This training will help you to understand team dynamics and teach you how to facilitate different types of group members. The program will greatly assist the ongoing professional development of any Manager, Leader, Training, Development & HR Professionals who facilitates or runs meetings or group activities. Key topics targeted in this workshop includes:1. Understanding the Group Dynamics2. Mastering the Fundamentals of Facilitation3. Using the World Cafe Technique4. Learning the Dynamics of Facilitation & Cultural Issues in facilitation5. Mastering the Key Competencies and Tools of FacilitationInvest some of yourself  Train as a Facilitator with this GLOMACS TrainingLink to registration: http://glomacs.ae/seminars/facilitation-skills-and-group-dynamics If you are still considering to become a skilled facilitator, contact one of GLOMACS competency counselors to guide you further. Be it for the next upcoming public session or for a customized solution exclusively for your organization, the team is just there to assist you 247.Link to Course Details: http://glomacs.ae/seminars/facilitation-skills-and-group-dynamics GLOMACS Training is one of the worlds leading training & development firm. By providing continuing professional training on various industry relevant topics, we help clients meet their training needs. Our expertise includes training topics on Management & Leadership, Strategy & Planning, Public Relations & Customer Service, Office Administration, Sales & Marketing, Human Resource Management, Learning & Development, Quality and Productivity, Project Management, Purchasing, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Contracts Management, Finance & Budgeting, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maintenance Engineering, Instrumentation & Process Control, Health, Safety & Environment, Oil & Gas Technology, Civil & Construction Engineering. Headquartered in Dubai, GLOMACS run programmes in Amsterdam, Budapest, Geneva, Istanbul, London, Marbella, Paris, Prague ,Vienna, California, Houston, Miami, New York, Toronto, Abu Dhabi , Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore.Link to Contact Details: http://glomacs.ae/contact-us GLOMACS Trainings are designed to unlock the Potential of Real People in Real Situations. People need Emotional Investment and they also need to feel time is being invested in them & GLOMACS Training is a great way of doing that.Request for more details by Whats App: +971558601246
Elderly and Disabled Assistive Devices Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 14:47:42

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The Global Elderly and Disabled Assistive Devices Market was valued at US$ 14,109.1 million in 2015 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (20162024), according to a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Rapidly aging population in Asia and Latin America is a major factor propelling demand for elderly and disabled assist devices.Asia and Latin America are expected to witness rapid growth in population aged 65 years and above through 2030. The share of elderly population in Asia is expected to increase form 7.9% in 2015 to 12.1% in 2030, as per the report An Aging World: 2015 by the U.S. Census Bureau. Also, increasing prevalence of chronic and acute diseases adds to the growing demand for technologically-advanced assistive devices for elderly and disabled population. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers and rollators, and hearing and vision aids reduces dependence on others to carry out daily activities and improves quality of life of elderly and disabled patients.To know the latest trends and insights prevalent in the elderly and disabled assist devices market, click the link below:The World Health Organization (WHO) has prepared a comprehensive global disability action plan for 2014  2021. As per this plan, WHO intends to improve access to health services and programs, extend rehabilitation, assistive technology, assistance and support services, and support research on disability and related services. Assistive device manufacturers in the elderly and disabled assist devices market, especially in emerging economies are expected to benefit considerably through this plan.Manufacturers in the elderly and disabled assist devices market are reaching out directly to consumers to increase their sales. Sonova Holding AG follows vertically-integrated business, wherein it also markets products through its retail stores, thus reaching out to customers and offering them customized solutions. The company acquired AudioNova in September 2016a Netherlands-based hearing aid manufacturerwith an aim to double its presence in Europe in terms of retail stores.Melvin ApS launched a robot called Melvin, which aids elderly and disabled people in the toilet. The robot was launched at the RoboBusiness Europe 2016 exhibition. Similarly, Vital Connect, Inc.is developing wearable health sensors that can detect body temperature, heart rate, detect falls and other such incidents in elderly and disabled patients. Such technological developments to increase individual independence and convenience is projected to lead to manifold growth of elderly and disabled assistive devices market in the near future.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Key takeaways of the market:The global elderly and disabled assist devices market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for elderly and disabled assist devices is mainly attributed to the factors such as convenience provided by automotive assistive devices to the growing elderly and disabled populationDemand for vision and reading aids is analyzed to increase rapidly during the forecast period, owing to increasing incidence of vision impairment among the geriatric populaceHearing aids segment dominates the global elderly and disabled assist devices market (in terms of revenue) and is expected to reach US$ 7,083.5 million by 2017 end. Increasing market penetration, growing average discretionary income, and improved access to hearing aids is driving revenue growth of this segment. Furthermore, baby boomers population is expected to drive growth for hearing aids over the following decade, according to William Demant Holding Group.North America dominated the global elderly and disabled assist devices market in 2015. However, the market for elderly and disabled assistive devices in Asia Pacific is projected to expand significantly at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period (20162024)Get Discount on this report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-discount/82 Intense competition is witnessed among the leading players including Sunrise Medical LLC, GN ReSound Group, Sonova Holding AG, Starkey Hearing Technologies, and William Demant Holding A/S.
Frances president, Britains foreign secretary and the Dutch king were visiting Caribbean territories yesterday that have been hammered by Hurricane Irma, trying to quell accusations by residents that European governments were slow to prepare, slow to react and sometimes even racist in their responses to the devastation.

French President Emmanuel Macrons plane brought water, food and tons of medicines and emergency equipment. His first stop was Guadeloupe, an overseas department of France, where he landed yesterday.

Macron was eventually heading to the French-Dutch island of St. Martin, where 10 people were killed on the French side and four on the Dutch, to meet with residents. He will finish off his trip on the nearby island of St. Barts.

The president is also being accompanied by doctors and experts who will be in charge of evaluating the damage.

About 1,500 French troops, police and emergency workers are already on the ground to help islanders, and 500 others were expected to arrive in the coming days, according to French authorities. But residents on the island have spoken of hunger, homelessness, a lack of water and a feeling of abandonment after the hurricane pummeled the region on Wednesday. Some felt the French government spend more efforts rescuing white tourists than black or mixed-race islanders.

Irma left entire islands and tens of thousands of people in the Caribbean without water or electricity and reduced many homes to splinters. The French, British and Dutch governments sent warships, planes and security forces to keep order and deliver aid but some of that was slowed down further by Hurricane Jose, which passed north of the region over the weekend.

A medical center was being set up in the stadium of Marigot, a port on St. Martin, and a French military ship will provide additional medical facilities in coming days, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said.

He told reporters that air and sea connections with the French Caribbean islands should gradually return to normal by the end of the week, allowing up to 2,500 people a day to leave the island.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander arrived on St. Martin earlier and said the scenes of devastation are the worst he has ever seen. The island is shared between a French territory and the former Dutch colony of St. Maarten, a largely autonomous part of the Dutch kingdom with a population of around 40,000.

Ive never experienced anything like this before and Ive seen a lot of natural disasters in my life. Ive seen a lot of war zones in my life. but Ive never seen anything like this, Willem-Alexander said on the Dutch national network NOS.

Willem-Alexander said he was encouraged to see residents already working together to rebuild the shattered capital of Philipsburg.

Its been very useful to see for myself what terrible damage this storm has done and in this way to also show the population of St. Martin and the governor and prime minister that we stand together here as a kingdom and that we will solve this together, he told reporters on the island.

Willem-Alexander was to fly to the nearby Dutch islands of Saba and St. Eustatius, which also were hit by Irma, but suffered less damage than St. Martin.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson will be visiting the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla to see the relief effort firsthand. Earlier this week, Johnson defended the governments response amid claims it was slow to help the British overseas territories, saying there had been an unprecedented effort to deal with the aftermath of the storm. At least five people died in the British territories.

Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders said he believes the European Union should send relief funds to both the French and the Dutch sides of the island, despite their differing relationships to their former colonial powers.

We believe in any case that everybody should benefit from that money, he told reporters after a Cabinet meeting called to discuss the fallout from Hurricane Irma.

Koenders said he also would appeal for help from the United Nations for the islands. Nicolas Garriga & Sylvie Corbet, Pointe-A-Pitre, AP
Intravenous Access Devices Market report categorizes global market by Product Type (IV Catheters, IV Infusion Pumps, IV Needles), Catheters (Midline Peripheral Catheters, Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters, Centrally Inserted Central Catheters), End User (Hospitals and clinics, Ambulatory surgery centers), and Geography - Insights, Size, Share, Opportunity Analysis, and Industry Forecast till 2025

Intravenous Access Devices Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 10:20:02

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Intravenous Access Devices  Rise in prevalence of the diseases is anticipated to fuel the demand of intravenous access devicesIntravenous access device can be implanted under the skin which allows the medication to be delivered directly into large veins. Large veins clot less likely and so intravenous access devices can be left inside for long periods. Intravenous access devices are small, flexible tubes placed in large veins for people who require frequent access to the bloodstream. These devices are often also referred as venous access ports or catheters as they allow access to the veins without the use of deep needle stick. Placement of intravenous access devices is usually in one of the large veins of the chest or neck where they can remain in place for long periods such as weeks, months or even longer.Increase in prevalence of diabetes, road accidents and increase in number of surgical procedures. As per the stats published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the year 2016 more than 29 million Americans are living with diabetes, and 86 million are living with pre-diabetes.The global intravenous access device market was valued at US$ 34,100.7 million in 2016 and is expected to witness a robust CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period (2017-2025).Request a sample copy of this report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/567 Rise in incidences of different disease is expected to fuel the growth of the intravenous access devices market in the near future.North America accounts for the largest share in the global intravenous access devices market, followed by Europe. This mainly attributed to rapidly aging population, increase in the incidence rate of various disease such as cancer, kidney failure, diabetes and other life style inflicted diseases are some of the major factors that are expected to drive the intravenous access market. As per the stats published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2012, around 29.1 people were living with diabetes in the U.S. Furthermore, in 2012, 1.7 million people were newly diagnosed for diabetes in U.S.The intravenous access devices market is expected to show high growth rate in Asia-Pacific region over the forecast period supported by increase in prevalence rate of lifestyle disease such as diabetes. According to World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, around 110 million people were living with diabetes in China and this number is expected to reach 150 million in 2040 due to unhealthy habits and lack of physical activity.Also, the intravenous access device are used for administrating all drugs such as antipyretics, antibiotics, and analgesics is expected to raise the demand for the intravenous access device in developed and emerging regions during forecast period, as various drugs are used to treat the patients to get cure rapidly, as the drug can be directly inserted into the body through veins without any contamination. Also, intravenous access devices can be used for longer period of time for frequent intake of drugs.Ask for customization: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/567 Increase in preference of intravenous access devices for diagnosis of the disease by advance technology is expected to favor the growth of intravenous access devices marketIntravenous access devices are used to perform diagnostic test, blood sampling, blood transfusion, reading central venous pressure and fluid infusion. Intravenous access device is also attributed to rapidly aging population. According to National Institute on Aging in 2010 it was estimated that 524 million people were aged 65 or older that is 8% of the world's population and by 2050, which is expected to nearly triple the number to 1.5 billion, representing 16% of the world's population. This above statistics is expected favor the growth of intravenous access devices market. Whereas latest techniques, such as ultrasound-guided catheter tip have helped to increase the efficiency of these devices.Some major players operating in the intravenous access devices market includes Becton, Dickinson and Company, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Teleflex, Inc., C.R. Bard, Inc., Fresenius Medical Care, Smiths Medical, Hospira, Inc., Covidien Plc, Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co., and Baxter International.Few growth restraining factors are due to prolonged hospitalization required before the intravenous access device is inserted in the body and prolonged placement of the device is limiting the growth of intravenous access device market.Click here to know more about this report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/intravenous-access-devices--market-567 About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.
GLOMACS 50 hours executive education program provides a broad knowledge of Quality Management Systems in the Oil & Gas Industry, and applicable international ISO standards.

Professor Tony Bendell, International Subject Expert of GLOMACS Training

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 08:10:30

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GLOMACS Training is launching the first in a series of Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries  Sector-specific quality management systems training courses. The program will kick off on 28th October 2018 at The Fairmont Dubai.Understanding, Developing & Maintaining Oil & Gas Industry Quality Management SystemsOil & Gas Industry Quality Management System Auditor/Lead Auditor TrainingAuditing Oil & Gas Industry Quality Management SystemsThe oil and gas industry requires systematic, rigorous checks and any negligence could lead to huge, unrepairable losses. It is of crucial importance to have a Quality Management System in place that facilitates the monitoring of every operating procedure within the organization.This training course builds on the specific requirement of ISO/TS 29001:2010 for internal auditing and, is specifically designed to meet the needs of the petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industry. said Professor Tony Bendell, International Subject Expert of GLOMACS Training. Finding an experienced quality professional willing to share his/her experiences as a mentor is important to master the topics. Classroom training is very important, but so is obtaining actual hands-on, in the field experience, supported by an experienced professional. By the end of the program, the participants should be able to:Understand and interpret requirements of ISO/TS 29001:2010Understand and interpret requirements of ISO9001:2015Plan & manage the implementation of a QMS meeting the abovePreparing for certificationAwareness of internal audit & QMS training for company staffGain expertise to perform internal audits following ISO 19011:2012 guidelinesManage and select QMS lead and team auditorsRecognise and analyse QMS non-conformances during the auditAsk audit questions and take constructive notesAnalyse audit findings and prepare internal audit reportsThe program has been accredited by the NASBA and qualifies for continuing education.For more information and to register for the course, visit: Registration LinkGLOMACS Training is one of the worlds leading training & development firm. By providing continuing professional training on various industry relevant topics, we help clients meet their training needs. Our expertise includes training topics on Management & Leadership, Strategy & Planning, Public Relations & Customer Service, Office Administration, Sales & Marketing, Human Resource Management, Learning & Development, Quality and Productivity, Project Management, Purchasing, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Contracts Management, Finance & Budgeting, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maintenance Engineering, Instrumentation & Process Control, Health, Safety & Environment, Oil & Gas Technology, Civil & Construction Engineering. Headquartered in Dubai, we run programmes in Amsterdam, Budapest, Geneva, Istanbul, London, Marbella, Paris, Prague, Vienna, California, Houston, Miami, New York, Toronto, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore.GLOMACS Trainings are designed to Unlock the Potential of Real People in Real Situations. People need Emotional Investment and they also need to feel time is being invested in them & GLOMACS Training is a great way of doing that.
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for GoldON Resources Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Victoria, British Columbia (FSCWire) - GoldON Resources Ltd. (TSX Venture:GLD). has issued a press release with the following headline:GoldON Provides Overview of New Slate Falls Gold-Silver Claims in Northwestern OntarioTo 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 GoldON Resources Ltd., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/GoldON Resources Ltd.Source: GoldON Resources Ltd. (TSX Venture: GLD)Date: September 13, 2017Time: 8:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of GoldON Resources Ltd. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
Global In vitro diagnostics (IVD) market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.3% during the period 2016  2024.

In vitro diagnostics (IVD) market

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The Global In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market was valued at US$ 19,635.8 million in 2015 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period (20162024), as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Increasing number of applications in chronic cancer and other chronic diseases is projected to support growth of the In vitro diagnostics (IVD) market over the forecast period.In vitro diagnostics (IVDs) are currently an important part of the healthcare sector. IVD devices and services are used in diagnosing, monitoring, and screening in various chronic and acute disorders. This further contributes to the availability of medical information related to the patient. Due to specificity of treatments, IVDs is expected to minimize the stay of the patients in hospitals and convalescences, which results in healthier population and cost effective treatment that favors economic growth in the long run. IVD plays an important role in the global healthcare industry as it is the initial point of any treatment for getting information regarding the ailments. The IVD market is projected to witness rapid growth fueled by advancements in various diagnosing and medical devices technologies with developed tools in diagnostics, early detection of the disease along with rise in availability of over-the-counter tests. Due to the application of IVDs in medical care it adds a significant value in the planned treatment processes enhancing better health results. Furthermore, in vitro diagnostics are the sequences of tests that are able to detect diseases symptoms through which physician can conclude the type of treatment to be given to the patient in very short period of time depending upon the quality of medical. There are various government guidelines to regulate the type of in vitro diagnostic tests. According to the FDA, the in vitro diagnostic devices are regulated through the Medical Device Amendments of 1976, which further divides the in vitro diagnostic products into three class such as class I, II and III that includes the products depending upon the level of regulatory control that can assure the safety and effectiveness.Request for sample copy : https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/195 Clinical chemistry product type segment in the in vitro diagnostic products market was the largest segment with significant contribution as compared to all the segments. There are various factors that affects the growth of the products in in vitro diagnostic market such as high unmet healthcare needs in categories of infectious disease, chronic disease and other acute allergies furthermore, increase in prevalence of cancer along with growth in demand for lab automation is expected to support the in vitro diagnostic market significantly in the near future. In 2015, according to the National Cancer Institute, majority of share in the type of cancer was contributed by lung and bronchus cancer, followed by colon, rectum and other type of cancers. Furthermore, in 2015, around 1.7 million new cases of cancer were expected to be diagnosed in the U.S., which further marked the source for rise in diagnostic tests globally.Companies involved in the in vitro diagnostics devices manufacturing are highly active in expanding their product portfolio on the back drop of rise in number of applications of the IVD in healthcare sector. This is expected to provide wide choices to the physicians to choose for the appropriate type of test in particular symptoms, which is further expected to favor the growth of IVD market growth in the near future. Furthermore, acquisitions in the IVD market are frequent as compared to other sectors. Factor that encourage this trend include companies focusing on introducing new technologies, entry into new business segment and geographical expansion. The IVD market is undergoing a trend of strategic mergers and acquisitions, with market players focusing on enhancing their market presence. In 2015, Roche acquired Signature Diagnostics AG  based in Potsdam, Germany  this is expected further to strengthen the companys next generation sequencing (NGS) diagnostic segment.Key takeaways of the market:The global In vitro diagnostics (IVD) market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period (20162024). Rising prevalence of chronic diseases across the globe is expected to favor the market for In vitro diagnostics over the forecast period.The clinical chemistry product type segment in the global In vitro diagnostics (IVD) market was estimated to be the largest in 2015 and is expected to dominate throughout the forecast period in terms of value. Increasing prevalence for infectious disease due to poor infrastructure in emerging economies is expected to favor the growth of In vitro diagnostics (IVD) market in the near future.In terms of product type, the molecular diagnostics product type segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period, owing to rise in rise in number of research institutes and demand for novel drugs in the marketThe global In vitro diagnostics (IVD) market is characterized by strategic research and development and advancements in the technology of in vitro diagnostic services including the rise in various applications over the forecast period.Get an exclusive discount on this report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-discount/195 Some of the major players are Roche Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers, Abbott Laboratories, Sysmex Corporation, Bio-Rad Laboratories, bioMerieux, Becton, Dickinson and Company and Danaher Corporation
Lab-On-a-Chip Market report segments global market by application, end-user, product, and technology  Global Industry Insights, Trends, Size, Share, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2017-2025

Lab-On-a-Chip Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 10:30:06

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A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) is a device that incorporates one or several laboratory functions on a single integrated circuit whose size varies from few millimeters to limited square centimeters to achieve automation and throughput screening process. Lab-on-a-chip devices can hold up to a small amount of fluid having volume less than Pico liters. Furthermore, such devices are the part of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS), which is also known as micro total analysis system (TAS). Lab-on-a-chip devices allow laboratory synthesis or chemical analysis on a very small scale that have recently shown significant benefits and potential for a wide range of applications such as genomic research, proteomics research, analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring, the point of care diagnostics, and biohazards detection. LOC devices reduces the use of reagents and sample consumption, which reduces the result output time. LOC devices are small in size, portable, cost effective in manufacturing and requires less power as compared to conventional lab devices. These are the few factors, which are expected to fuel the growth of the lab-on-a-chip market.Request a sample copy of this report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/515 Lab-on-a-chip market taxonomy:By ApplicationGenomicsProteomicsDiagnosticsDrug DiscoveryBy ProductReagents and ConsumablesSoftwareInstrumentsBy End-UserHospitalsDiagnostic LabsAcademic and Research InstitutesHome CareBiotechnology and Pharmaceutical CompaniesBy TechnologyMicroarraysMicrofluidicsWide range of application and advance technology fuels the growth of lab-on-a-chip marketLab-on-a-chip devices are used for various purposes such as analytical chemistry and diagnostics but they are majorly used in diagnostic and life-science research. The utilization of the device is significantly depends on the epidemiological factors globally. For instance, there is an increase in infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, measles and malaria. As per The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) there are around 36 million people infected from HIV/AIDS globally. Also, there is observable rise in peripheral vascular disorders such as claudication, arteriosclerosis obliterans and intermittent claudication. Furthermore, with an increase in healthcare investment the market growth of LOC devices is expected to gain traction in the near future.Ask for customization: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/515 In 2016, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the U.S. 12-20% of the population aged age 60 and above are diagnosed with the peripheral vascular disease every year, which is approximately 8.5 million. There is a significant increase in geriatric population that supports the growth in lab-on-a-chip market as according to World Health Organization (W.H.O) it is expected that in near future geriatric population will double. According to National Institute of Aging, in 2016 there are around 620 million people globally are above the age of 65 and is expected to grow to 1.6 billion by 2050. Moreover, the increase in personalized medicine and cancer research will lead to the increase in the lab-on-a-chip market in the near future with many of the further supporting factors of the devices such as user friendly approach, easily portable and wide use in hospitals and surgical centers supports. Increasing use of conventional laboratory equipment is the major challenge that is expected to slow down the pace in awareness of the device by healthcare experts. Lab-on-a-chip technology is projected to get commercialized gradually however, in near future, this technology is expected to play a major role in the life-science industry.Developed regions are major growth engine of lab-on-a-chip marketThe globally lab-on-a-chip market is segmented into North America. Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa. North America is leading the market in terms of increase in geriatric population, research, advancement in technology and wide acceptance of the lab-on-a-chip technology. According to Population Reference Bureau, in 2016 there were around 40 million people in U.S. above 65 and over and it is expected to reach 19 million by 2050. Europe is the second largest region in the lab-on-a-chip market due to the region being an early adopter of advanced technologies. Asia Pacific is the fastest emerging region due to a large population and unmet clinical needs of people. According to Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, in 2016, there are around 4.5 billion people in Asia Pacific.Click here to know more about this report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/lab-on-a-chip-market-515 Key players to support the growth of lab-on-a-chip marketTakra Bio Inc., Nobel Biocare Services AG, Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., PerkinElmer Inc., and Cepheid Inc., are among the major players in the lab-on-a-chip market.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.
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A growing number of hospitals and ambulatory care services are approving enteral nutrition as an efficient system of clinical nutrition.The enteral feeding devices market is observing a rising acceptance of technologically innovative, user-friendly safety systems that diminish difficulties such as misconnections, tube dislodgements, and tube blockage. Numerous manufacturers in the Enteral Feeding Devices market are also increasingly employing safety techniques to safeguard the patient.Full report at: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-enteral-feeding-devices-market-695/ The growth of the Latin America Enteral Feeding Devices Market is mainly driven by factors such as an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, increase in the number of pre-term births, and rising aging population. However, poor accessibility of proper care, and high costs associated with the purchase and operation of such devices are the main factors hindering the growth of the market in this region.The Latin America Enteral Feeding Devices market is segmented based on Product Type. The market for Enteral Feeding Devices, on the basis of product type, is segmented into Enteral Feeding Tubes, Giving Sets, Enteral Feeding Pumps, Administration Reservoirs, Enteral Syringes, and Others. Enteral Feeding Tubes are further sub segmented into Nasoenteric Feeding Tubes, Oroenteric Feeding Tubes, and Enterostomy Tubes. Enteral feeding pumps lead the market under the product type with more than half of the share going to such products. It is also anticipated to be the fastest-growing among the major five, during the projected period. On the basis of Stage, the Enteral Feeding Devices market is segmented into Adults and Paediatrics. On the basis of Application, the Enteral Feeding Devices market is segmented into Gastroenterology, Neurological Disorders, Oncology, Diabetes, and Hyper metabolism. On the basis of End User, the Enteral Feeding Devices market is segmented into Ambulatory Care Services, Hospitals, and Others. A growing number of hospitals and ambulatory care services, which are implementing enteral nutrition as an efficient system of clinical nutrition, are enhancing the growth of the market.Latin America market region includes countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and remaining countries of South America. Brazil accounts for the major part of the Enteral Feeding Devices market in this region followed by Mexico. Other important markets in this region are Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, Chile, and Bolivia.Request sample: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-enteral-feeding-devices-market-695/request-sample Some of the major companies dominating this market in this region are Halyard Health Inc., C. R. Bard Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Fresenius SE, Covidien PLC, Cook Medical, Nestle S.A.About Market Data Forecast:The publisher of this report is Market Data Forecast whose forte lies in Market research and Business Intelligence. Handling both individual and corporate clients across multiple business domains they offer syndicated/customized research to suit the clients research objective. Their research reports section offers a wide variety of market studies ranging from all-encompassing comprehensive market studies to product specific niche markets covering North America among other regions of the global market as well. For more info kindly visit, www.marketdataforecast.com Contact:Abhishek ShuklaSales Manager (International Business Development)Market Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@ marketdataforecast.com Visit MarketDataForecast Blog @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/blog/ View latest Press Releases of MDF @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/press-releases
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Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Internet Marketing Head5186181030

Laundry Detergents Materials Market: OverviewLaundry detergents materials are type of materials specifically used for household and laundry services in developed as well as developing countries. These materials can be petroleum or oleochemical based. Laundry detergents materials include detergent alcohols, surfactants, salt of fatty alcohols, alkyl sulfates and sulfonates. These materials can be liquid or dry powder form.Growing laundry industry across the globe is expected to drive the laundry detergents materials market. Most of the demand is contributed by developing countries due to changing lifestyle of consumer groups and rising disposable income. Huge population and changing consumer preferences in the developing countries are the major factors driving laundry industry, which in turn expected to drive the market growth.Request Sample Copy of the Report@However, hazardous effects of laundry detergents on human health and volatile raw material prices of petrochemicals are expected to hamper the market growth. Petroleum based fatty alcohols are subjected to volatile crude oil prices and demand for oleochemicals is high from bio-diesel application. Hence, availability of raw materials can be major concern for the players in laundry detergents material market. Product differentiation and development of olecochemical based products are expected to provide immense opportunities for the players in the market. Product differentiation can be shown with the aggressive marketing and advertisements.Laundry Detergents Materials Market: Regional TrendsLaundry detergents materials market is matured in Western Europe, North America, and Japan. Hence, the growth of this market is limited to developing countries in Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. Consumer behavior patterns are changing drastically and demand for liquid laundry detergent is increasing as they are easy to use and generally use higher surfactants quantity per washing cycle. North America was the largest consumer of the laundry detergents market. However due to low growth potential affected by maturity and low population growth rates, North America is expected to show low growth rate in the future. North America was followed by Europe in terms of consumption. Asia Pacific was the third largest consumer of laundry detergents market. The region is largest producer and exports to developed regions. The region is expected to exhibit highest growth rate for the foreseeable future. Rest of the World is anticipated to contribute significantly to the global demand for laundry detergents material owing to rising GDP and high population growth rates.Laundry Detergents Materials Market: Competitive LandscapeGlobal laundry detergents market is fragmented in nature, with a large number of players operating in this space. Most top players boast a presence across the industrys value chain with both backward and forward integration. Research into less hazardous materials and more innovation is a key component in the competitive strategies of many players.Mergers & acquisitions are also regularly reported from this space as companies vie to attain a greater regional market share. Furthermore, marketing is an important element to establish product differentiation among the laundry detergents market players. These players are deploying aggressive marketing and branding strategies to either retain or increase their market share in the regional markets. Additionally, players need to create umbrella brand under which different product variants are offered to maintain the market share. Consumers are buying laundry detergents materials from retail outlets in large quantities, that reflects their preference for low cost detergents and hence players need to reduce the cost by reducing surfactant content in the final product.Request TOC of the Report@Key players in Laundry detergents market include Clariant Corporation, Croda International, Rhodia SA, Huntsman Corporation, BASF SE, Galaxy surfactants, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Du Pont, The Dow Chemical Company, Unilever, Colgate, Clorox, Kao Corporation, Oxiteno, Procter & Gamble, Godrej Industries, and Unger Surfactants among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)
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Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Internet Marketing Head5186181030

LPG Tanker Market: OverviewShale gas production is in an unstoppable phase in some parts of the world, and this will be a high-impact driver for the global LPG tanker market. The market for LPG tankers is expected to display strong growth until the end of the forecast period of this report on account of several other factors as well. With the high production of shale gas, there has been a concurrent increase in the trade of LPG. At the same time, the demand for LPG for cooking and HVAC applications is on the rise, fueling the demand for safe storage and transportation of LPG. This has subsequently led to the demand for LPG tankers to swing upward.As a result of the several positive factors acting on the market, several LPG carries and tanker companies have either already expanded their capacities or are planning to do so in the near future. This report examines how the rapid expansion of the gas energy market will impact the dynamics of the global LPG tanker market.Request Sample Copy of the Report@In order to present a highly objective analysis, the report makes used of a balanced mix of primary and secondary research and backs it with the independent analysis of our seasoned research analysts. The report reveals the most lucrative regional markets for LPG tankers and which type of LPG tankers will see the highest demand.LPG Tanker Market: TrendsThe top three trends that are giving the global LPG tanker market a boost are: Increased shale gas production from hitherto untapped reserves, an upswing in international gas trade, and the continued use of LPG as a cooking fuel.The volatility in crude oil prices has prompted the industry to extracting shale gas and oil. This has been possible on a large scale because of the technological improvements in fracking practices. The amount of shale gas moving from the U.S. to countries in the Asia Pacific and North Africa regions is on the rise not just because demand is rising, but also because transportation costs have now reduced owing to a fall in oil prices. However, the erratic behavior of crude oil prices has led to the prices of LPG becoming stronger, which has diluted demand to some degree. This factor could hurt the demand for LPG tankers.However, the overall outlook of the global LPG tanker market remains positive in the short term.LPG Tanker Market: SegmentationGas tankers can be fully pressurized, fully refrigerated, or semi-pressurized. Carriers for ethylene are regarded as a separate segment in the market because these require extra refrigeration.The capacity of such carries can range from as low as 500 cubic meters to over 10,000 cubic meters. Thus, the type of gas tanker selected would directly depend on the volume of LPG that is to be transported or stored. By size, the types of LPG tankers available on the market are small, medium, large, and very large gas carriers.LPG Tanker Market: Region-wise OutlookBy geography, the global market for LPG tankers can be segmented into: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. Because the Middle East has conventionally been the hub for oil production, the LPG gas tanker market in the region has been relatively large. However, with shale oil production showing a spike in the U.S. and Canada, oil and gas companies in these countries are now spending more on transporting the resource. That will, consequently, cause the demand for LPG tankers to rise in these countries.The demand for energy is at an all-time high in emerging APAC countries. This will also create million-dollar opportunities for the LPG tanker market in the region.Top players in this space include, but are not limited to: Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd., Navigator Holdings Ltd., EXMAR, and Pertamina.Request TOC of the Report@The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research
The role of non-invasive therapy for diabetes market has been on a positive growth path in healthcare industry since 2014. Though the non-invasive therapy concept was brought way back in 1980, the market has not gained much attention leading to development of fewer such devices.

Non Invasive Diabetes Therapy Market

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The role of non-invasive therapy for diabetes market has been on a positive growth path in healthcare industry since 2014. Though the non-invasive therapy concept was brought way back in 1980, the market has not gained much attention leading to development of fewer such devices. DexCom's seven system and Medtronic's Guardian real-time glucose monitoring system are two such products developed and marketed worldwide. The influx of non-invasive therapy has reinforced the diabetes market in various ways ranging from economical cost incurred to patient treatment outcomes.Many leading players along with new entrants are venturing in the market to capitalize and generate high ROI. As a result, noninvasive therapy market is expected to witness double digit growth rate over the forecast period.The report covers market analysis across regions  North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.Request a sample copy of this report@Market Dynamics:The World Health Organization projects diabetic population to reach 336 Mn by 2030 from 270 Mn in 2015. Increase in incidence rate of diabetic population will demand for non-invasive medication is expected to create favorable market opportunities for the players globally. Moreover, improving healthcare access along with focus on R&D could spur the overall non-invasive market size. Some companies are engaged in development of non-invasive system on photonic technology and occlusion spectroscopy technology.The market will be further driven by changing macroeconomics and consumer preference. Healthcare expenditure has increased in developing regions. Large consumer base along with changing lifestyle is expected to create substantially new market opportunities for early entrants.Regional Analysis:Among regions, North America is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. Moreover, North America is expected to grow at a fastest rate owing to high spending on R&D and presence of leading companies in the region. Prevalence rate of diabetes is high compared to other regions.As per the initial study carried out by CA, North America and Europe are expected to account for over 65% of overall functional non-invasive diabetes therapy market. Healthcare providers are seeking this technology to manage the growing demand for diabetes. Growth in these regions is expected to be further driven by macroeconomic factors. The region as a whole spends over 5% of its GDP on research and GDP. Moreover, healthcare spending is highest in this region with North America accounting for 16.7% and Europe 10% of overall GDP in 2015.Asia Pacific is expected to be driven by China and India. According to International Diabetes Federation, over 490 million people in China are suffering from diabetes. Country is pushing toward healthcare reforms. Many companies are emerging in the region. As a result,Competition Landscape:Some key players engaged in the market are Bio Tex, Calisto Medical, DexCom, Bayer, ACON Laboratories, B. Braun Melsungen, etc.Get Discount on this Report@About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@ coherentmarketinsights.com
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According to the report North America Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment Market By Package (Primary Packaging Equipment, Secondary Packaging Equipment, Labelling & Serialization Equipment), By Product (Liquid Packaging Equipment, Solid Packaging Equipment And Semi-solid Packaging Equipment) And By Region - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, And Forecasts (20162021) published by Market Data Forecast, the North America Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment Market was worth USD 1.56 billion in 2016 and estimated to be growing at a CAGR of 6.9%, to reach USD 2.17 billion by 2021. The market is expected to have high CAGR in the given forecasting period. It is estimated to continue expanding with the developments in Pharmaceutical sector.Browse report details @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-pharmaceutical-packaging-equipment-market-2987/ Pharmaceutical packaging equipment is the equipment that is used to pack pharmaceutical products for protection against harmful toxins and rays. The packaging also maintains the quality of products, shielding them against bacterial growth and thus increases their life. Pharmaceutical packaging mainly covers primary packaging system, secondary packaging system, and labeling system.The North America Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment market is driven by factors high spending on R&D activities, the presence of major pharmaceutical market players, and increasing government support. Increasing awareness in the healthcare sector also plays a key role in the growth of this market. However, adverse political environment and high competition are constraining the market growth in some regions.The North America Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment market is broadly categorized into Primary Packaging Equipment, Secondary Packaging Equipment and Labelling & Serialization Equipment on the basis of Packaging. The primary packaging equipment includes Aseptic Filling and Sealing Equipment, Bottles Filling and Capping Equipment, Blister Packaging Equipment, Soft-Tube Filling and Sealing Machines, Sachet Packaging Equipment, Strip Packaging Equipment, Counting Equipment and Others. The secondary packaging equipment includes Cartoning Equipment, Case Packaging Equipment, Wrapping Equipment, Tray Packaging Equipment, Palletizing and De-palletizing Equipment and Others. The labeling and serialization equipment includes Bottles and Ampoules, Cartons and Data-matrix. Further, the market is segmented on the basis of Product into Liquid Packaging Market, Solid packaging Market, and Semi-solid Packaging Market. Liquid packaging market covers equipment for Aseptic Liquids, Syrups, Ear/Eye drops, Aerosols and others while solid packaging market covers equipment for Tablets, Capsules, Powders, and Granules. The semi-solids packaging covers Ointments, creams, and Suppositories.Request Free Sample Market Brochure of the report for more information @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-pharmaceutical-packaging-equipment-market-2987/request-sample The North America region is geographically segmented into U.S.A and Canada. This region is leading the global market for Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment as of 2016 and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The high disposable income of people in U.S.A and Canada is also contributing to the market growth.Some of the major competitors dominating the market by their Packaging Equipments are Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Korber AG (Germany), Marchesini Group S.p.A. (Italy), Multivac Group (Germany), Uhlmann Group (Germany), OPTIMA Packaging Group GmbH (Germany), and Romaco Pharmatechnik GmbH (Germany).Make an Inquiry before buying @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-pharmaceutical-packaging-equipment-market-2987/inquire Ask any discount available @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-pharmaceutical- packaging-equipment-market-2987/request-discountBrowse other region reports:Europe Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment Market - http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-pharmaceutical-packaging-equipment-market-2989/ APAC Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment Market - http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/asia-pacific-pharmaceutical-packaging-equipment-market-2990/ Latin America Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment Market - http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-pharmaceutical-packaging-equipment-market-2991/ MEA Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment Market - http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/middle-east-and-africa-pharmaceutical-packaging-equipment-market-2992/ About Us:Market Data Forecast is a firm working in the area of market research and business intelligence. With rich experience in research across various business domains, we cater to the needs of both individual and corporate clients. Our analyst team comprises expert professionals in market research, who with their collective knowledge and skillset dedicatedly serve clients from various industries and regions.Media Contact:Abhishek ShuklaInternational Business Development ManagerMarket Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626; Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@ marketdataforecast.com Visit MarketDataForecast Blog @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/blog/
The results of the Association of Sin Mengs latest survey indicate that nearly 65 percent of local parents spend fewer than three hours with their children every day, according to a report by Radio Macau.

In May and June 2017, the Macao Polytechnic Institute (IPM) handed out questionnaires in 15 kindergartens and nurseries, and interviewed 1,447 young parents, particularly those aged between 26 and 35 years old.

These young parents typically have one or two children. About 80 percent of interviewees said that they and their spouses had jobs. Most of them said they request days off work because of their children.

Many of the interviewees said they felt that the government is not implementing enough family-friendly policies, and that employers should work with employees to negotiate family holidays.

More than 40 percent of the interviewees said they needed to take care of their own parents and their children. Of this group, more than 50 percent said they had to balance their job with their duties as caregivers.

When asked whether three hours a day are enough for parents to bond with their children, Macau-based psychologist Goreti Lima told the Times that it is not about the duration.

It is not about the length [of the time] or quality. It is about what parents do and how fully present they are, explained Goreti, who also believes that ideally, people have to find a balance between work and leisure, [which has been a concept] in Europe since the 19th century.

Negative consequences go for society in general. When there is no balance, it is easier to become weak or stressed.

When asked about what changes parents could make to spend more time with their children, the psychologist said a greater public sense of social responsibility could contribute to a possible solution.
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According to the report North America Superdisintegrants Market By Product Type (Natural Superdisintegrants, Synthetic Superdisintegrants (modified Starch, Crospovidone, Modified Cellulose, Ion Exchange Resins And Calcium Silicates), And Others), By Application (Capsules And Tablets), By Therapeutic Area (gastrointestinal Diseases, Neurological Diseases, Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Cardiovascular Diseases, Haematological Diseases, And Inflammatory Diseases), And By Region - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, And Forecasts (20162021) published by Market Data Forecast, the North America Superdisintegrants Market was worth USD 103 million in 2016 and estimated to be growing at a CAGR of 7.15%, to reach USD 147.47 million by 2021. Increasing healthcare expenditure and healthcare awareness among individuals has accounted for the growth of this market.Browse report details @ http://marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-superdisintegrants-market-2863/ Excipients are the substance that is fabricated alongside medicating ingredient for the purpose of long term stabilization, bulking up solid contents etc. Superdisintegrants are one of the types of excipients that help in fragmenting and dissolving the tablet when contacted with water. It provides advantages like faster-medicating action increased effectiveness.Major driving forces for the growth of market are development of new superdisintegrants in the pharmaceutical industry, growing generic drugs market and growing population of geriatric and pediatric patients. However, the growth of the market is delayed by the declining financial investments for R&D fields. Although synthetic superdisintegrants have been the standard for many decades now, greater research into natural superdisintegrants will provide a motivation for the future growth of the market.The North America Superdisintegrants market is segmented based on Product type, application and therapeutic area. Based on crop type  Natural and Synthetic Superdisintegrants. Synthetic Superdisintegrants are further segmented into modified starch, crospovidone, modified cellulose, ion exchange resins and calcium silicates. Based on Application  Tablets and Capsules. Based on Therapeutic Area  gastrointestinal diseases, neurological diseases, oncology, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, haematological diseases, and inflammatory diseases.Request Free Sample Market Brochure of the report @ http://marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-superdisintegrants-market-2863/request-sample Based on Geographical analysis the market is separated into regions of United States of America and Canada. USA is leading the market while Canada is at second place. Increasing financial support for development of innovative oral dosage forms and constant effort devoted towards providing superior quality and compliant products in the market are the primary factors responsible for the dominance of USA. USA is expected to grow the fastest due to increasing healthcare spending, rising healthcare infrastructure and awareness. The synthetic superdisintegrant market segment held the largest share of the North America superdisintegrants market. This is mainly accounted to the prevalent use of excipients such as sodium starch glycolate, and crospovidone in orally and fast disintegrating tablets. Rising incidences of cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, and other related diseases are further expected to drive the demand of fast disintegrating tablets, in-turn driving demand of superdisintegrants during the forecast period.Some of the key players dominating this market include Ashland, BASF SE, FMC Corporation, JRS Pharma, DFE Pharma, Roquette, The Dow Chemical Company, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Nippon Soda Co., and Huber Corporation.Make an Inquiry before buying @ http://marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-superdisintegrants-market-2863/inquire Ask any discount available @ http://marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-superdisintegrants-market-2863/request-discount Browse other region reports:Europe Superdisintegrants Market - http://marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-superdisintegrants-market-2866/ APAC Superdisintegrants Market - http://marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/asia-pacific-superdisintegrants-market-2869/ Latin America Superdisintegrants Market - http://marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-superdisintegrants-market-2872/ MEA Superdisintegrants Market - http://marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/middle-east-and-africa-superdisintegrants-market-2874/ About Us:Market Data Forecast is a firm working in the area of market research and business intelligence. With rich experience in research across various business domains, we cater to the needs of both individual and corporate clients. Our analyst team comprises expert professionals in market research, who with their collective knowledge and skillset dedicatedly serve clients from various industries and regions.Media Contact:Abhishek ShuklaInternational Business Development ManagerMarket Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626; Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@ marketdataforecast.com Visit MarketDataForecast Blog @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/blog/
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 20:49:59

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Global Prescription Hormonal Drugs Market in Gynecology: DescriptionHormonal imbalance in women is caused due to abnormalities in the secretion of estrogen, progesterone and as well as androgens. A wide array of symptoms might be experienced by patients depending on the type of abnormality such as hot flushes, depression, vaginal dryness, excessive hair growth and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Environmental and genetic factors have an influence on women's fertility through their effect on hormonal function. Similarly, dysfunction of the HPO (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian) axis and/or other endocrine systems may cause infertility and other gynecological disorders. The correct clinical decision for treating these diseases can be made on pathogenetic basis.Request Sample Copy of the Report@Global Prescription Hormonal Drugs Market in Gynecology: Disease OverviewDisturbances related to the menstrual cycle lead to various syndromes such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), amenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Of all the above, PCOS is a common hormonal disorder seen among women that in the reproductive age. PCOS is a condition in which appearance of the ovaries in most, but not all women, is enlarged and features a number of tiny cysts located along the outer edge of each ovary. PCOS symptoms are observed in nearly 5% to 10% of women who are in their reproductive age (typically between 12 to 45 years).PCOS is perceived to be among the leading causes of female sub-fertility. It is also among the most frequently reported endocrine problems in women in the reproductive age. Amenorrhea is a clinical condition wherein menstrual periods do not occur. Besides phases such as childhood, breastfeeding, pregnancy, and menopause, the absence of periods may point toward a problem in the female reproductive system. However, hormonal disruption is also a common cause for the absence of menstrual periods. Similarly, PMS is a medical condition that affects many women with childbearing age and causes variety of physical and psychological symptoms that occur just before menstrual cycle.The prevalence of hormonal imbalance rate in women is high as the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that PCOS affected 116 million women worldwide as of 2010 i.e. nearly 3.4% of the global female population. While in case of PMS, according to World Health Organization (WHO), in 2010, 199 million women had premenstrual syndrome i.e. nearly 5.8% of the global female population.Global Prescription Hormonal Drugs Market in Gynecology: Drivers and RestraintsThe major drivers of the hormonal drugs in gynecology market includes high awareness in female population regarding hormonal disorders, continuous research and development activities in the field of women healthcare and various government and organizational programs to educate women about the symptoms, precautions and treatments. The market for hormonal drugs in gynecology can be segmented on the basis of different drugs available in the market, different disease conditions and geography. Various drugs available for the treatment of hormonal disorders includes Depo-Provera, Prometrium, Provera, Alesse, Apri, Desogen, Junel Fe 1/20, Kariva, Loestrin Fe1/20, Vestura and others. Geographic segment of prescription hormonal drugs in gynecology market can be categorized into following regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World.Brisdelle (low-dose paroxetine mesylate) product of Noven Pharmaceutical received approval in July 2013 against treatment of menopause condition. Brisdelle is a low-dose formulation of paroxetine mesylate, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Similarly, the new entity AZD4901 (Oral) is currently under phase II clinical trial for treatment of PCOS and this study is sponsored by Astra Zeneca. It is an interventional type of study including 56 as the target sample size.Request TOC of the Report@The major players of prescription hormonal drugs in gynecology market includes Novartis AG, Pfizer, Inc., Berlex Laboratories, Inc., Ferring Pharmaceuticals, S.A., Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bayer AG and others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 13:33:01

TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 12, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc., a company focused on discovery and development of precision treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced it has designated PMN330, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting toxic prion-like forms of amyloid-beta oligomers (ABO), as its third lead product for development in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

"We previously validated PMN310 and PMN350, our two lead products for development in Alzheimer's disease based on their ability to selectively bind prion-like forms of ABO, inhibiting both their propagation and neurotoxicity," stated Dr. Neil Cashman, ProMIS' Chief Scientific Officer. "We have now achieved a significant development milestone by demonstrating that PMN330, directed against a different target on toxic ABO, also displays an optimal target product profile in both in vitro and in vivo tests."

Injection of prion-like forms of ABO (also called toxic soluble oligomers) into the brains of mice causes a neurological deficit that can be assessed in a memory-behavior test called 'novel object recognition'. Normal mice exposed to an object remember the familiar object when re-exposed to it and spend more time exploring a newly introduced object. In contrast, ABO-injected mice lose the ability to discriminate between known and novel objects and spend equivalent amounts of time exploring both. Results obtained in this assay showed that administration of PMN330 to mice completely prevented the loss of short-term memory formation caused by toxic oligomers. Furthermore, the observed cognitive benefit of PMN330 was correlated with statistically significant preservation of two synaptic biomarkers (SNAP25, PSD95), indicative of neuroprotection, and reduction in a biomarker of neuroinflammation (TNFa) measured in hippocampal brain homogenates. This neuroprotective effect of PMN330 was investigated at a leading contract research organization specializing in neurodegenerative diseases.

"These encouraging results underline the robust nature of our proprietary discovery engine," commented Elliot Goldstein, MD, ProMIS' President and CEO. "We now have three validated development candidates for Alzheimer's selectively addressing a different target on toxic prion-like forms of ABO. The first of these, PMN310, is on track for initiation of clinical trials in 2019."

About ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc.

ProMIS Neurosciences is a Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) listed biotech company (trading symbol: PMN.TO), headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The mission of ProMIS is to discover and develop precision medicine therapeutics for effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease and ALS.

ProMIS Neurosciences' proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two, complementary techniques. The Company applies its thermodynamic, computational discovery platform-ProMIS(TM) 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, ProMIS Neurosciences 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. In addition, ProMIS Neurosciences 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 may contain certain forward-looking information. 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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PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 20:45:22

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Rechargeable Poly Lithium-Ion Batteries Market: OverviewLithium-ion batteries are a common type of battery in use all over the world. Rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries are an advanced variant of lithium-ion batteries used in a wide range of applications, including automobiles and consumer electronics. Rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries use the popular lithium-ion technology in a pouch format to make them lighter. The higher energy efficiency of rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries has been the primary driver for the global market for the same. The compact size of rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries has also helped the market gain significant demand across the world.Request Sample Copy of the Report@The report examines the global rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market comprehensively, including an overview of the historical trajectory exhibited by the market, the markets current dynamics, and forecasts regarding the markets development in the forecast period. Key players in the rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market are analyzed in the report to determine the competitive hierarchy of the market. The major factors influencing the growth trajectory of the market are also reviewed to provide a complete analysis of the growth patterns of the market. The major segments of the global rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market are highlighted in the report to provide a granular view of the market.Rechargeable Poly Lithium-Ion Batteries Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market is propelled primarily by growing demand from various end-use segments. The rising demand for electric vehicles, many of which use rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries, is a major driver for the global market. Increasing public and government support for electric vehicles has resulted in growing sales of the same, indirectly driving the global rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market. Rising awareness about the need to reduce the consumption of energy in terms of the ecological threats faced by humankind has boosted the global rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market.Increasing demand for consumer electronics such as laptops and smartphones is another major driver for the global rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market. The increasing disposable incomes of consumers in developing regions such as Asia Pacific have driven sales of smartphones in key markets such as China and India in recent years. The availability of a number of low-budget options has also boosted the demand for smartphones, driving the global rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market.Another driver working in favor of the global rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market is the low maintenance requirements of rechargeable batteries. The self-discharge of rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries is much lower than other batteries, which also provides a longer duration of use.Rechargeable Poly Lithium-Ion Batteries Market: Region-wise OutlookNorth America and Europe are the major regional players in the global rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market. The main factor responsible for the dominant share of these two regions is the high environmental awareness among the consumers, which has resulted in a steady increase in the demand for electric vehicles. This has the potential to be highly influential in the development of the global rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market in the coming years.The high disposable income of consumers in these regions has also resulted in these two regions becoming major markets for consumer electronics. This has also been a major factor in these two regions claiming the top spots in the global rechargeable poly lithium-ion batteries market.Request TOC of the Report@Major companies profiled in the report include Sony, Kodak, Olympus, Nikon, Motorola, Fujifilm, and Nippon Chemicals.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)
Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market, By Product Type , By Application Type Industry Forecast till 2025

Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 15:03:29

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The Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market was valued at US$ 754.9 million in 2015 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period (20172025), as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Technological developments like the innovative portable monitoring device, rising incidences of unhealthy lifestyle related disorders and the enhancing healthcare infrastructure are expected to be major factors driving growth of the global remote patient monitoring devices market over the foreseeable future.According to the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine 2017, around 30 million people suffer from sleep deprivation and sleep disorders, also known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can even cause serious health consequences by increasing the risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart attack if not diagnosed or treated. The collaboration of Telenor Connexion and French eHealth provider, SRETT, in 2014, provides a connected solution for remote monitoring of patients affected by sleep apnea. SRETT has developed a universal solution T4P for all types of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The T4P is the only solution adapted to fit all CPAP devices on the market. The connected T4P collects and analyzes data from the CPAP remotely and in real-time, thereby reducing travel time and hospital visits. The patient data is uploaded automatically to healthcare professionals facilitating personalized and ongoing monitoring of patients condition.According to the World Health Organization 2017, one third of ischemic heart disease is attributed to high cholesterol. The raised cholesterol is estimated to cause 2.6 million deaths (4.5% of total) and 29.7 million disability adjusted life years. The remote patient monitoring device provides easy-to-use and portable system with correct assessment of the cholesterol levels.Request for sample copy : https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/215 Cardiac arrhythmia is a condition characterized by the hearts failure to beat slower or faster than normal. According to the World Health Organization 2013, 33.5 million people or 0.5% of the global population is estimated to have Atrial fibrillation, a major condition leading to cardiac arrhythmia. The remote patient monitoring devices provide real-time remote continuous cardiac arrhythmias detection and monitoring platform, allowing easy diagnostics facilitating early clinical intervention of cardiac arrhythmia among high-risk patients. The innovative devices allows the patients to lead a normal life while being remotely monitored in real-time by ambulatory ECG sensor. For instance, Nihon Kohden introduced the Bedside Monitor, BSM-3500 in 2016, which is designed to meet the needs of ambulatory surgical centers and specialty centers. The device offers advanced patient care which includes real-time mini trends for early detection of vital sign variability during outpatient procedures and is also designed to integrate with electronic medical records systems.Get discount on this report : https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-discount/215 Key takeaways of the Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market:The global remote patient monitoring devices market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period (20172025) as there exists a huge demanding market especially in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.The cardiac monitors dominates the market in the product segment, as these portable devices continually monitor electrical activity of the cardiovascular system while performing daily activities.The cardiac arrhythmia dominates the market in the application segment, as the cardiac monitors available for monitoring cardiac arrhythmia are easily usable and largely available in medical healthcare facilities and home care settingsHospitals and home care settings are the major end users of remote patient monitoring devices market, as these devices offer reliability and accuracy with periodic measurements of physiological parameters like heart activity, blood pressure, body temperature, pulse rate and other clinical conditions.Some of the major players involved in global remote patient monitoring devices market are Abbott Laboratories, GE Healthcare, Omron Healthcare, Medtronic, Nihon Kohden, Smiths Medical, Philips Healthcare, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. And Kokinklijke Philips N.V. and St. Jude Medical.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 20:45:36

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Global Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment Market: OverviewRestless legs syndrome, also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder. It triggers an urge in patients to move their legs. Because the syndrome usually occurs during sleep, it is also considered a type of sleep disorder. People suffering from restless legs syndrome often feel an overwhelming desire to rigorously move their legs, the intensity and frequency of which leads to unpleasant pain in their limbs. This also disturbs their sleep patterns, affecting their health adversely. The condition usually aggravates at night.Higher prevalence of restless legs syndrome is noted in women than in men. RLS can affect people of all ages but is mostly observed in middle-aged and elderly people. The most common symptoms of RLS include uncomfortable itching and pain in the legs that may cause a disruption in the sleep pattern and ultimately affect a patients quality of life. Despite its increasing prevalence, the precise cause of RLS is not yet known. Nevertheless, with extensive investigations being conducted in the field, the RLS market is expected to gain momentum in the near future. As of now, experts attribute the increasing incidence of the disease to genetic factors and instabilities in the dopaminergic balance.Request Sample Copy of the Report@While researchers are yet to discover a specific cure for the disorder, drugs presently available in the market ensure symptomatic treatment. They help in relieving the uneasiness commonly experienced in the disorder. The report studies the prospects for the global restless legs syndrome treatment market in the forthcoming years. The impact of research and development activities on the markets future outlook is examined in the report in detail. It also presents insights into the various social and economic factors that will influence the markets growth trajectory between 2016 and 2024.Global Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment Market: Opportunities and Market SegmentationRestless legs syndrome causes uneasiness in patients and is also associated with other health issues such as dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, flatulence, dry mouth, and nausea. Patients suffering from restless legs syndrome may also suffer from psychiatric disorders such as depression and a decreased libido. Apart from these, labyrinthitis and other ear disorders, fatigue, irritability, peripheral edema, and nutritional and metabolism disorders indicated by weight gain or increased appetite are also related to the syndrome.The treatment of restless legs syndrome is still a relatively untapped space. The market is projected to exhibit growth at an increased rate with the development of new drugs, which promise higher efficiency and minimum side effects.Based on product type, the global restless legs syndrome treatment market can be segmented into Neupro/Leganto, Mirapex/Sifrol/Mirapexin, HORIZANT/Regnite, and Requip. Restless legs syndrome treatment can be segmented into pharmacological and nonpharmacological.Request TOC of the Report@Global Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment Market: Competitive InsightsIn order to study the competitive landscape prevailing in the market, the report profiles companies such as GlaxoSmithKline plc., Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Manhattan Pharmaceuticals. The strengths and weaknesses of the companies are weighed out in the report using SWOT analysis. The analysis also helps the report gauge the threats and opportunities that these companies could face in the near future.The report offers a complete databank about the global restless legs syndrome treatment market by providing in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information regarding every facet of the market.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 20:45:46

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U.S. Scar Treatment Market: OverviewOften considered a concept that draws from wound care and first aid, scar treatment has emerged as a niche market promising high growth to medical device manufacturers. However, products used in scar therapy are far more advanced than conventional first-aid adhesives. Driven by innovations, demand in the U.S. scar treatment market is poised to surge exponentially between 2016 and 2024.A scar is any mark on the skin caused by injury, burns, surgery, acne, or inflammation of tissue. Scars can impact the mental and physical well-being of an individual, resulting in poor self-esteem, depression, embarrassment, and altered social interactions. Scars can be of various types depending on their age, color, shape, and sizes. The incidence of skin problems leading to scar formation is significantly high in the U.S., which is driving the scar treatment market in the country.Request Sample Copy of the Report@Additionally, the U.S. scar treatment market is significantly gaining from the easy availability of technologically advanced products with the capability of fading apparent scars. The growing geriatric population and rising consciousness about appearance among consumers are also aiding the expansion of the scar treatment market in the U.S. Increasing expenditure on personal grooming also has been boosting the U.S. scar treatment market.A comprehensive overview of the U.S. scar treatment market has been provided in the report. The factors impacting the markets growth are studied in detail. The report also presents insights into the growth drivers and restraints that are expected to influence the markets trajectory during the forecast period. Some of the companies operating in the market are profiled in the report to examine the competition prevailing in the U.S. scar treatment market.U.S. Scar Treatment Market: Key Opportunities and ThreatsThe increasing disposable income of consumers and rising economic growth are cited as reasons for the revenue generated from the increasing sale of scar treatment products. It is important to note that while the treatment of keloids and burn scars is considered medically important by regulatory bodies, the treatment of mild to medium acne and spot correction is not considered a medical necessity. However, a rise in the affluence of the population has been fuelling the demand for aesthetic corrective procedures such as dermal filling, wrinkle reduction, volume restoration, and laser treatment.Botulinum type-A injections and hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers are primarily used for aesthetically improving a persons appearance.The U.S. scar treatment market is also significantly gaining from the increasing demand for combination therapeutics in scar treatment to enhance the effectiveness of procedures and shorten the time taken for treatment.The various products available in the U.S. scar treatment market include ointments, creams, gels, oils, and sprays. These products have proven helpful in reducing redness, bumps, pain, and itching caused by scars. Since these products can mostly be applied onto scars without any medical supervision, demand for them is quite high in the U.S. Additionally, the demand for minimally invasive surgical treatments and laser treatments has also significantly increased for the treatment of more severe scars.On the flip side, some of restraints witnessed by the market include the increasing awareness about the side effects associated with the usage of scar treatment products. The high cost of scar treatment therapies also has an adverse impact on the scar treatment market in the U.S.U.S. Scar Treatment Market: Competitive InsightTo present insights into the prevailing competition in the U.S. scar treatment market, the report also profiles companies such as Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc., and others.Request TOC of the Report@The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)
Small Animal Imaging Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-13 10:06:36

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Small animal imaging is a technique employed using devices and reagents for imaging biological processes in animals such as rats and mice for drug development and gene expression studies. Small animal imaging devices are similar to the devices used for diagnostic purposes in human, due to the smaller size they are referred as micro devices. The system includes the whole body scan of animals that is a cost effective method for regular validation and commercialization of novel drugs. The analysis provided by using small animals imaging system can provide valuable information in preclinical or phase I stage of clinical trials and to understand the activity of pharmaceutical compounds. Small animal imaging is classification and measurement of biological processes at molecular level which involves the study of targeted molecule that is used in clinical research for drug development.Request a sample copy of this report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/692 Various upgrade in the field of molecular imaging techniques is driving the small animal imaging marketIncrease in market demand for small animal imaging techniques and technological upgrades in the field of small animal imaging techniques are the major factors that are driving the small animal imaging market. According to National Health Services (NHS) UK, diagnostic imaging data showed that around 39.8 million imaging test were registered during 2015 in England. Small animal imaging system has wide applications in oncology area and the increase in cases of cancers globally and high investments in research and diagnostics centers for cancer is the factor owing to growth of small animal imaging market. Various imaging modalities play a crucial role in researches that includes the techniques such as magnetic imaging resonance, computing tomography, micro ultrasound, PAT, and micro photoacoustic, this also helps in studying the animal model longitudinally. However, the regulations by governments regarding usage of animals in experiments and requirement of high operational and installation cost are the factors that might hinder the growth of small animal imaging market. The limitations regarding procedure and technological aspects may pose challenges in the small animal imaging market.Oncology application is dominating segment in the small animal imaging market due to increase in number of cancer diagnostics center globallyThe global small animal imaging market is segmented by modality, by applications, and by regionsOn the basis of modality, small animal imaging market is segmented intoNuclear Imaging SystemsMicro SPECTMicro-PETTrimodalityOptical Imaging systemsOptical+ X-ray optical+ CTBioluminescence/ Fluorescence Imaging systemsStandalone Fluorescence Imaging SystemsMRI systemsUltrasound SystemsCT systemsPhotoacoustic Imaging systemsMagnetic Particle Imaging systemsAsk for customization: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/692 On the basis of applications small animal imaging market is segmented intoCancer cell detectionMonitoring drug treatment responseBiomarkersEpigeneticsLongitudinal studiesBio distribution studiesIncrease preclinical studies on various drug development process to boost the North America small animal imaging marketRegional segmentation of small imaging market by Coherent Market Insights comprises North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia- Pacific, and Middle East. North America dominates in the small animal imaging market due to the factors such as vast preclinical research, and technological advancements. Europe is another region contributing to the maximum share of the small animal imaging market. The need for drug development through small animal imaging, and large number of pharmaceuticals and clinical research organizations are expected to boost the small animal imaging market in this segment. However, the increase in healthcare expenditure, investments in research and development is propelling the growth of small animal imaging market in Asia-Pacific.Advanced innovative drug identification technique to boost the revenue and hold the major share in small animal imaging marketKey players operating the global small animal imaging market includes PerkinElmer Incorporated, Bruker Corporation, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Mediso Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific, MR solutions Ltd., Aspect Imaging, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Life Technologies Corporations, Trifoil Imaging, and many others. The key players are adopting the strategies to expand their geographic presence and hold the major share in the small animal imaging market that includes acquisition strategy, product enhancements, and geographic expansion. For instance, PerkinElmer Inc. has adopted the product launch, product enhancements, and geographical expansion as their key strategy to enhance the market position.Click here to know more about this report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/small-animal-imaging-market-692 About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Tasca Resources Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Tasca Resources Ltd. (TSX Venture:TAC). has issued a press release with the following headline:Tasca to Proceed to Private Placement of UnitsTo 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 Tasca Resources Ltd., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Tasca Resources Ltd.Source: Tasca Resources Ltd. (TSX Venture: TAC, ISIN: CA8765031031)Date: September 13, 2017Time: 8:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Tasca Resources Ltd. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
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Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Internet Marketing Head5186181030

Transformerless UPS Market: OverviewA transformerless uninterruptible power source (UPS), as the name suggests, is one that doesnt rely on the use of a transformer for its functioning. Modern transformerless UPS technology brings with it a host of benefits that all ultimately culminate into enhanced power savings and a lighter electricity bill. The need to save as much energy as possible, combined with heightened legislative pressure, is driving both industrial and commercial entities toward the transformerless UPS.A large transformerless UPS system is typically composed of compact and lightweight components but that doesnt take anything away from their power delivery capabilities. On the contrary, these systems carry the ability to deliver very volumes of energy.Request Sample Copy of the Report@The market for transformerless UPS is in a phase of positive growth currently, making it worthy of a closer study. This is precisely what this report does. The focus of this report is on the transformative technologies that will change the face of the global transformerless UPS market. Moreover, factors that will threaten the growth of the key companies in this space have also been evaluated. That said, there are numerous opportunities emerging in the global transformerless UPS market and the report shows companies the ways to monetize them.Transformerless UPS Market: Drivers and TrendsThe use of transformerless UPSs is rising at a rapid pace, especially in sectors where energy consumption can translate into hefty power bills. Besides energy-intensive industries, transformerless UPSs are also used in the telecommunications sector where systems have to be up and running continuously. In short, companies in the transformerless UPS market have an opportunity to grow in any commercial or industrial sector where power outages could result in downtime and lost dollars.Another defining trend in the global transformerless UPS market is the growing emphasis on more compact and sleek systems. This especially holds true in the case of commercial entities where the space available is shrinking and compactness is a highly desirable attribute. However, although transformerless UPS systems typically cost less than transformer-based UPSs, the former cannot entirely be defined as affordable, which might put them out of the reach of several small and medium-sized enterprises. This could mean missed opportunities for companies in the global transformerless UPS market.Transformerless UPS Market: SegmentationThe report on the global transformerless UPS market offers deep insights into each major segment and then patches these smaller trends together to create a holistic picture of the overall market.The most common applications of transformerless UPSs are in outdoor events or facilities and for the uninterrupted supply of power. Thus, the purchasers of transformerless UPS are IT and telecom companies, BFSI entities, industrial facilities, the retail and hospitality industry, and others.It is expected that the demand for transformerless UPS systems will be considerably high in the IT and telecommunications sectors because the comparative cost-efficiency of these systems appeals more to companies operating in this space.Geographically, the global transformerless UPS systems market can be split into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Rest of the World. Countries such as India, where industrialization is in the fast track but is still plagued by frequent power outages will present high-volume growth opportunities for market players.Companies in the global transformerless UPS market are vying to introduce products that boast a more compact footprint, fit the dynamically evolving needs of the IT industry, and are lighter in terms of weight. High efficiency also remains a key product differentiator.Request TOC of the Report@The players that are most active in the global transformerless UPS market are Emerson Electric, ABB, Schneider Electric, Eaton, and GE.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)
North Korea will be feeling the pain of new United Nations sanctions targeting some of its biggest remaining foreign revenue streams. But the Security Council eased off the biggest target of all: the oil the North needs to stay alive, and to fuel its million-man military.

Though the United States had proposed a complete ban, the sanctions by the U.N. Security Council to punish North Korea for its sixth nuclear test cap Pyongyangs annual imports of crude oil at the same level they have been for the past 12 months: an estimated 4 million barrels. Exports of North Korean textiles are prohibited, and other nations are barred from authorizing new work permits for North Korean workers, putting a squeeze on two key sources of hard currency.

The measures were approved unanimously yesterday [Macau time].

The measures to punish Pyongyang for its Sept. 3 nuclear test also ban the country from importing natural gas liquids and condensates, and limit the import of refined petroleum products to 2 million barrels a year.

That could be a significant restriction.

According to Chinese customs data, North Korea imports nearly 2.2 million barrels a year in petroleum products, but some U.S. officials believe the true number is much higher: about 4.5 million barrels. So the 2 million barrel cap could be cutting existing imports 10 percent, or slashing them by more than half.

But how much impact the oil and fuel component of the sanctions will actually have  even if strictly enforced, which is always a concern  is an open question.

David von Hippel, an energy expert with the Nautilus Institute think tank who has done extensive research on North Korea, said he doubts that oil sanctions will hit the regime very hard.

The textile sanctions actually might have more impact, as they are probably a good source of value-added income  value added by people you dont have to pay much  for the regime, he said. But Im not sure that they will really have much effect on the nuclear weapons and missile programs, given the priority that those initiatives must have for the DPRK leadership.

DPRK is short for North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Von Hippel co-authored a report for Nautilus earlier this month that found even a major reduction in Chinese oil exports to North Korea would likely have only a muted impact on military activities because Pyongyang can safely be assumed to have significant stockpiles of oil. The report estimated North Korea may have enough in reserve to supply its military for a year of normal operations or a month at a wartime pace.

There have been signs, including reduced supply and skyrocketing prices, that North Korea has already started diverting oil products away from gas stations and other consumer outlets.

Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific chief economist for IHS Markit, also said he expects that Pyongyang can weather the import reduction.

The new U.N. sanctions on oil exports to North Korea are relatively moderate in scope compared to the original U.S. proposal regarding oil exports, and would be unlikely to have much impact on the operations of the North Korean military, he said.

Biswas noted, however, that the situation with China remains both crucial and complicated.

Chinese gasoline exports to the North fell sharply  to just 120 tons in July, compared to 8,262 tons in June  following a decision by Chinas state-owned oil company, China National Petroleum Corporation, to cut sales due to concerns that North Korea is too high a credit risk. At the same time, however, Chinese exports of diesel to North Korea increased from 367 tons in June to 1,162 tons in July.

One metric ton is roughly equal to roughly seven barrels of crude oil.

The North Korean regime is still getting some fuel supplies from China, which can keep its most essential operations functioning, he said.

North Koreas top envoy to a leading U.N. disarmament body said yesterday his country categorically rejects the new sanctions.

Ambassador Han Tae Song also lashed out at the United States during a session of the U.N.s Conference on Disarmament, saying North Korea denounces Washingtons evil intention and would make sure the U.S. pays a due price.

The new measures are sure to cause North Korea more economic pain. Textiles are one of North Koreas major exports, with a total export value estimated at USD750 million in 2016, and the tens of thousands of North Koreans working overseas send a significant portion of their earnings home to the regime. The measures also clamp down on joint ventures, which could stifle the Norths ability to trade and to acquire capital and know-how.

But what Washington failed to get was equally telling.

Along with settling for the compromise on oil, the U.S. unsuccessfully tried to get a travel ban and freezes on the assets of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Air Koryo, the Norths flagship airline. The U.S. proposed slashing projects employing North Korean workers abroad, but instead accepted sanctions aimed at gradually scaling them back.

The weakening of the sanctions reflects the longstanding rift between sanctions hawk Washington, and China and Russia, which advocate direct talks and more efforts to find a resolution through negotiations. The U.S. has rejected proposals from both countries that it stop joint military exercises with South Korea in exchange for a halt to North Koreas nuclear and missile tests.

Both Beijing and Moscow had strong words for Washington.

Chinas U.N. ambassador urged the council to adopt the freeze-for-freeze proposal and urged the U.S. to pledge not to seek regime change or North Koreas collapse. Russias envoy said Washingtons unwillingness to have U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres try to resolve the dispute gives rise to very serious questions in our minds.Eric Talmadge, Tokyo, AP
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Global Uterine Fibroid Embolization Devices Market: DescriptionUterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment used to treat fibroid tumors in the uterus. The uterine fibroid embolization procedure is also sometimes referred as a uterine artery embolization (UAE). UFE is also been used to treat other complications such as placenta accreta, placenta previa and arteriovenous malformations of the pelvis. Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumor growths in the walls of the uterus (intramural fibroids), within the uterine cavity (sub mucosal fibroids) or on the serosal surface of uterus (subserosal fibroids). These fibroid tumors are also known as myomas and it is very rare for them to turn into cancerous tumors. The symptoms associated with these utreal fibroid tumors include heavy menstrual bleeding, pain in the back of legs, anemia, constipations, pain in the pelvic region, pressure on the bowel or bladder and other debilitating symptoms. Usually, uterine fibroids affect around 20% to 40% of women who are aged over 35 years.Request Sample Copy of the Report@The most common treatment options that are commercially available in the market for uterine fibroids include myomectomy (surgical removal of the fibroids) and hysterectomy (removal of entire uterus). The other treatment options that have shown moderate efficacy with some unwanted side effects in treating uterine fibroids include hormone therapy, myolysis (use of thermal energy to kill fibroid tissue), endometrial ablation and ultrasound therapy. In a typical UFE procedure, healthcare professionals use an x-ray camera known as fluoroscope to deliver the small particles to the uterus and fibroids. These small particles are injected through a flexible and thin tube called a catheter. Further, these block the arteries that provide blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink. Approximately 90 percent of women with fibroids are experiencing relief of their symptoms with UFE procedure.Global Uterine Fibroid Embolization Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe market for uterine fibroid embolization devices is expected to show a huge growth potential in near future. The contributing factors behind such an assessment include increasing number of patients seeking UFE treatment, growing demand for the minimally invasive surgical treatment options, rise in base of geriatric population and growing healthcare awareness among the patients. Additionally, high treatment efficacy of UFE procedure compared to other treatment options, with a low risk of complications are likely to boost the growth of this market in future.Global Uterine Fibroid Embolization Devices Market: Geographical DynamicsGeographically, the North America region accounts for the largest share in the UFE devices market. North America is followed by Europe. The dominance of North America is attributable to a rapidly aging population that can afford to spend on expensive treatments.Moreover, the presence of leading market players has proven favorable to North America gaining a leading position in the market. Additionally, growing healthcare awareness among the population and rising number of uterine fibroid patients further driving the growth of this market.However, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to report the fastest growth rate in this market the near future due to the high population in countries such as India and China. Greater awareness among patients will also create new growth opportunities. Additionally, a healthy medical tourism sector in countries such as India, Thailand, and Singapore and an overall rise in healthcare spending will back the growth of the Asian region. However, growth of this market might be hamstrung because of a lack proper reimbursement plans in developed countries.Request TOC of the Report@Major players operating in this market include Boston Scientific Corporation, Merit Medical Systems, BioSphere Medical Inc., Hologic and Johnson & Johnson. Cook Medical, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Conception Technologies, Smiths Medical and Smith & Nephew.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)
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Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Internet Marketing Head5186181030

Global Vehicle Security System Market: OverviewThe global vehicle security system market is projected to grow at a robust pace between 2016 and 2024. Globally, the demand for hybrid vehicles has risen considerably, boosting vehicle manufacturing worldwide. Due to increase in the sales and production of vehicles, instances of hijacking and car theft have also increased. This, in turn, is fuelling the demand for vehicle security systems.Vehicle security systems such as alarms, central locking, remote keyless entry, passive entry systems, and immobilizers are designed to protect cars from hijacking or theft. Recent technologies such as RFID, GPS, and RTLS have also come to into use for tracking down stolen cars. Regionally, Asia Pacific has been showing attractive opportunities for the market, trailed by North America and Europe. Growing awareness about vehicle safety and the increasing installation of state-of-the-art safety gadgets in vehicles have been driving the global vehicle security system market.Request Sample Copy of the Report@The report provides a comprehensive overview of the global vehicle security system market. It covers the prevailing trends influencing the market and its growth prospects between 2016 and 2024. Revenue generated from the sale of vehicles across various categories has been considered in order to calculate the markets size. The report also compiles exhaustive information relating to the impact of the latest technological advancements in market. Some of the leading enterprises operating in the market are also profiled in the report to present a holistic overview of the competitive landscape.Global Vehicle Security System Market: Opportunities and Market SegmentationBased on vehicle type, the global vehicle security system market can be segmented into commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and off-highway vehicles. On the basis of product type, the market is expected to witness increasing demand for immobilizers and remote keyless entry. In terms of technology, the market can be segmented into global positioning systems, real-time location systems, face detection systems, and GPS. Of these, the demand for face detection and face positioning systems is expected to increase at a robust pace.Regionally, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the leading segment. The expansion of the automotive industry in China is expected to drive the Asia Pacific market for vehicle security systems. Despite witnessing robust growth around the world, the high cost of premium security features will restrain its growth to an extent. Additionally, irrespective of the utilities they offer to users, developing security features such as passive entry systems is a costly affair. This also reflects negatively on the overall market sales. This is mainly because developing these systems requires a customized approach for each vehicle model, besides a complex process of installation.Nevertheless, the introduction of the latest technological advancements will provide lucrative opportunities for enterprises in the market to capitalize on. The pressing need to ensure adequate vehicle security to theft will also fuel demand from the global vehicle security system market.Request TOC of the Report@Global Vehicle Security System Market: Competitive InsightTo study the competition prevailing in the market, the report also profiles companies such as Robert Bosch GmbH, Delphi Automotive, and Mitsubishi Electric. The products offered by these companies are driver assistance systems and components mainly for passenger and commercial vehicles. Using SWOT analysis, the report weighs out strengths and weaknesses of the companies profiled. The analysis also provides insights into the opportunities and threats that these companies could witness in the near future.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)
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Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Internet Marketing Head5186181030

Wind Tower Market: OverviewThe height at which a wind turbine is located is arguably the most important determinant of its performance and efficiency. This is where a wind tower acts as a crucial component. A wind tower is a tall structure, at the upper end of which the nacelle and the wind turbine are mounted. The length of the wind tower depends largely on the energy generation capacity of the turbine and the size of its blades. A wind tower with large blades thats not high enough could cause the blades to come in contact with structures on the ground. Thus, to keep the long blades of the wind turbine clear of the ground and other objects, it is imperative to choose a wind tower with an optimal height.While it is evident that the sturdiness of a wind tower is crucial, it is important for these components to also be low on maintenance and be able to endure continued exposure to the environment. The height of the wind tower has an impact on power generation  the higher the tower the greater wind speeds it exposes the turbine to. Moreover, taller wind towers also take the wind turbine beyond the turbulence zone.Request Sample Copy of the Report@Investments in wind towers are determined based on how heavy the nacelle and turbine are. The strength and stability of a wind tower, in turn, is directly influenced by the material it is made of, its gauge, and weight. The application is what primarily influences the design of a wind tower. Thus, wind towers for onshore applications are decidedly different from towers meant for offshore use.Wind Tower Market: Trends and DriversWhile onshore wind farms have now become common in nearly every major country in the world, the boom in the offshore wind energy sector will be both a challenge and an opportunity for the global wind tower market. Offshore environments can be merciless and corrosive, making the right selection of materials and coatings for wind towers important. The installation technique used also becomes important in such a setting. However, there are also several benefits associated with offshore wind generation, which are helping fuel the demand for wind towers for offshore energy farms.That renewable energy is the future is now a well-known fact. Wind and solar energy are expected to occupy a large share in the global energy mix, creating numerous opportunities for the growth of the wind tower market. However, the high maintenance and replacement costs of wind turbines could act as a restraint on the growth of the global wind tower market as well.Backed with ample government support, the prospects of the global wind energy industry seem promising. And this factor will ensure the steady if not tremendous growth of the wind tower market.Wind Tower Market: SegmentationThe types of towers that are available on the market include concrete, lattice, tubular steel, and hybrid towers. A wind tower could make up nearly 30% of the total cost of a wind turbine. Tubular steel towers are the standard in the industry currently but the use of hybrid towers is also rising with the development of lighter yet sturdier materials.Likewise, by application type, the global wind tower market can be segmented into onshore and offshore. With land becoming a precious commodity, many wind farms are now moving offshore into the oceans. This will lead to a higher demand for offshore wind towers, enabling this segment to display a higher growth rate than the onshore wind towers segment.Request TOC of the Report@The key companies operating in the global wind tower market include: Suzlon Energy Limited, ENERCON GmbH, CS Wind Corporation, GE, Siemens AG, and others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)
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.




The death toll from Mexicos 8.1 magnitude earthquake rose to 96 yesterday [Macau time] as more victims were confirmed in the hard-hit southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas and residents worked to repair shattered homes and small businesses.

The Foreign Relations Department said 95 people had died nationwide in last weeks quake. Then Chiapas state civil defense director Luis Manuel Garcia Moreno said the number of deaths there had risen from 15 to 16.

Oaxaca Gov. Alejandro Murat said in a statement that the toll in his state increased to 76, and officials have reported that four people were killed in the Gulf coast state of Tabasco.

As funerals continued for the disasters victims, teams of soldiers and federal police with shovels and sledgehammers fanned out to help demolish damaged buildings across the southern city of Juchitan, which was hit particularly hard.

Volunteers, many of them teens from religious or community groups in surrounding towns that came through in better shape, turned out in force to distribute water and clothing or lend a hand.

At a leafy technological school turned into a shelter, a couple hundred people have been sleeping in classrooms or on thin mattresses laid out under trees since the quake last week.

Everyone cited fear of aftershocks as their reason for staying, including those whose homes were still standing. But Juchitan awoke Monday after its first night without an aftershock, and that was enough for some to contemplate going home.

The military served them a breakfast of eggs and beans before most set off to work on repairing their homes or make sure their belongings werent being stolen.

Later in the day at least one more tremor was felt.

The previous day in Ixtaltepec, about 20 minutes north of Juchitan, residents directed heavy machinery operators clearing rubble while others did what they could with pry bars and rope.

Benito Chinas house and the small store he ran out front were leveled by the quake, and his daughter traveled from her home in Veracruz to help out. She was organizing what little remained of her fathers possessions  a few bottles of cooking oil  under a tarp to protect it from rain.

Everything that I worked so long for is gone, said Chinas, 83. I dont have the strength anymore, and at my age how am I going to start over?

Mexicos Foreign Relations Department said the quake and Hurricane Katia, which struck the Gulf coast state of Veracruz on Friday, have forced the country to withdraw an offer of aid for Houston after it was hit by Hurricane Harvey in August. At least two deaths were blamed on Katia.

The U.S. had thanked Mexico for the offer and said only logistical aid was needed. The Mexican Red Cross said 33 of its volunteers were helping out in Houston.

Mexico said it would now dedicate relief efforts to its own disasters.

About 5,000 homes in Chiapas were destroyed by the quake, and Murat said about 11,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in Oaxaca. AP
Bella Pearson at Scholastic/Fickling has acquired world rights to Fiona Shaw's debut contemporary YA thriller, Outwalkers. The book, set in an England in the near future, follows a gang of kids and their perilous journey to make it through a country where the government is tracking everyone and their every move is analyzed and controlled. They must live on their wits, and must work together to survive and escape. It will publish in the U.K. in February 2018, followed by a U.S. release in 2019; Clare Alexander at Aitken Alexander Associates brokered the deal.

Jody Corbett at Scholastic Press has bought The DUFF author Kody Keplinger's That's Not What Happened. Three years after a school shooting, a teenage girl decides to tell the truth about her best friend's supposed martyrdom, and quickly learns that she isn't the only survivor with a story to tell. Publication is slated for fall 2018; Brianne Johnson at Writers House negotiated the deal for North American English rights.

Aubrey Poole at Little, Brown/Jimmy Patterson has acquired, at auction, North American rights to Amy Rose Capetta (l.) and Cori McCarthy's YA duology, Once & Future, an inclusive retelling of the Arthurian cycle. In a galaxy where corporation is king, an illegal immigrant crash-lands on Old Earth and pulls Excalibur, sealing her fate as the 42nd reincarnation of King Arthur, and awakening Merlin, who has aged backwards into a teenager; together they spark galactic revolution. Publication is scheduled for summer 2019; Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties represented Capetta, and Sarah Davies at Greenhouse Literary represented McCarthy.

Zachary Clark at Scholastic has bought Jessica Khoury's YA novel, Firebird, a retelling of the legend of Anastasia, set in a broken, star-spanning empire. As the hunted heiress of the fallen royal family, Stacia is the key to a terrible power which could be her galaxy's salvationor its destruction. Publication is planned for spring 2019; Lucy Carson at the Friedrich Agency did the deal for world rights.

Filip Sablik at BOOM! Box has acquired world rights to fantasy author C.S. Pacat's (l.) five-issue YA comic series, Fence; Dafna Pleban and Shannon Watters will edit. Illustrated by Johanna the Mad, the series follows the rise of 16-year-old outsider Nicholas Cox in the world of competitive fencing as he joins the team at an elite boys' school. Publication begins in November 2017; Tracey Adams at Adams Literary brokered the deal for the author, and the illustrator was unagented.

Anna Roberto at Feiwel and Friends has bought world English rights to The Wood author Chelsea Bobulski's YA novel, Remember Me. Pitched as a cross between The Shining and The Titanic, the story follows a girl who moves into an old hotel with her father and, when terrifying things start happening, realizes she's connected to a murder that happened long ago. Publication is set for spring 2019; Andrea Somberg at Harvey Klinger negotiated the deal.

Alisa Gus at Curiosity Quills Press has acquired, in a two-book deal, world English rights to Julie Tuovi's Night Lily, pitched as The Night Circusmeets Illuminae. When heiress Hazel Lennox's sister was kidnapped by a monster-like Freak that looks like it belongs in a side show, she runs away and joins the Greatest Show in the Sky. Searching across the galaxy for her sister, Hazel is thrust into a world of big-top intrigue where nothing is what it seems. Publication is slated for summer 2018; Moe Ferrara at BookEnds did the deal.

Stephanie Stein at HarperCollins has bought, at auction, debut author Temre Beltz's The Tragical Tale of Birdie Bloom, a part-epistolary middle grade fantasy, in which the wickedest witch in the kingdom of Wanderly and a Tragical orphan fated for an unhappy ending discover the transformative power of friendshipas narrated by the voice of the book itself. Publication is scheduled for winter 2019, with a companion novel to follow in 2020; Molly O'Neill at Waxman Leavell handled the two-book deal for North American rights.

Katherine Jacobs at Roaring Brook Press has acquired world rights to Eleanor Roosevelt's When You Grow Up to Vote, a children's book by the First Lady originally published in 1932. The book introduces young readers to government by portraying government workers as regular folk rather than faceless bureaucrats. Michelle Markel (center) will be updating the text, and Newbery Honor author Grace Lin will illustrate. Publication is set for September 2018. Anna Olswanger at Olswanger Literary and Liza Dawson at Liza Dawson Associates represented the Eleanor Roosevelt estate; Olswanger represented Markel, and Rebecca Sherman at Writers House represented Lin.

Karen Chaplin at HarperCollins has bought Margot Lee Shetterly's (l.) Hidden Figures, a picture book adaptation of Shetterly's bestselling adult book and young readers' edition. The book will be co-written by Winifred Conkling. Laura Freeman will illustrate. Publication is planned for January 2018; Mackenzie Brady Watson at Stuart Krichevsky Literary represented Shetterly, Sarah Davies at Greenhouse Literary represented Conkling, and Janet DeCarlo at StoryBook Arts represented Freeman in the deal for world rights.

Tracey Keevan at Disney-Hyperion has acquired, in a preempt, world rights to Kondo and Kezumi Visit Giant Island and two sequels, by Ginny Goblin Is Not Allowed to Open This Box author David Goodner, illustrated by Accident! author-illustrator Andrea Tsurumi. The early chapter book series follows two island-dwelling best friends who've never met anyone else, until a map of the surrounding waters washes ashore and turns them into explorers (and good neighbors). Publication of the first title is slated for spring 2019; Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the author and illustrator.

Sonali Fry at Little Bee has bought world rights to Wake Up, City! author Erica Silverman's (l.) picture book, My Sister, My Brother, in which a girl comes to accept that her little sister identifies as her little brother. Holly Hatamwill illustrate. Publication is scheduled for spring 2019; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Christy T. Ewers at CATugeau Artist Agency represented the illustrator.

Kathy Landwehr at Peachtree has acquired world rights to Lexie the Word Wrangler author Rebecca Van Slyke's (l.) picture book, Lana Lynn Howls at the Moon, about a spirited sheep in search of adventure, who sets out to find just what wolves do for fun. Anca Sandu will illustrate; publication is planned for fall 2019. Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator was unagented.

Marilyn Brigham at Amazon/Two Lions has bought world rights to Josh Funk's (l.) It's Not Hansel and Gretel, illustrated by Edwardian Taylor. In the fairytale mashup, Hansel and Gretel talk back to the narrator, refusing to play their roles. Publication is set for spring 2019; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Alli Brydon at Bright USA represented the illustrator.

Ann Kelley at Schwartz & Wade has acquired author-illustrator Sang-Keun Kim's Little Mole's Wish, about the magical friendship between a mole and a snowball that becomes a snowbear. Publication is slated for fall 2019; Shinhye Min, the author's manager, negotiated the deal for world rights, excluding certain languages.

Kristen Nobles at Page Street Kids has bought author-illustrator Anne Lambelet's picture book, People and Their Dogs, an ode to human-animal friendships. Publication is scheduled for spring 2019; Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.

Eileen Rothschild at Wednesday Books has acquired world English rights to Guardians of Dawn, an East Asian-inspired fantasy series by Wintersongauthor S. Jae-Jones. Inspired by girl-centric narratives like Sailor Moon, four girls must combine their elemental magic to defeat a growing evil and restore the rightful heir to the throne. Publication is slated to begin in spring/summer 2019; Katelyn Detweiler at Jill Grinberg Literary Management brokered the four-book deal.

Sarah Barley at Flatiron Books has acquired, in a preempt, Tyler James Smiths YA debut, Unstoppable Moses. A contemporary novel in the vein of Jesse Andrews and Stephen Chbosky,, it features 17-year-old Moses Hill, who after accidentally burning down a bowling alley with his cousin and best friend, Charlie, has one week as a camp counselor to prove to the authoritiesand to himselfthat he isn't a worthless jerk who belongs in jail, when Charlie doesn't get that chance. Publication is planned for fall 2018; Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.

Liza Kaplan at Philomel has acquired, in a preempt, Natalie Lund's YA contemporary, magical realism debut novel, We Speak in Storms. Moving between two timelines, and the alternating perspectives of three teens and a town's lost generation, the story takes place after a tornado reawakens the ghosts of an even more devastating one that hit the town years before. Publication is scheduled for summer 2019; Sarah Davies at Greenhouse Literary did the two-book deal for world English rights.

Kat Brzozowski at Swoon Reads has bought The King's Questioner by Nikki Katz, author of The Midnight Dance. A mental lockpick, Kalen has the ability to break into people's minds and steal their deepest secrets. When he uncovers something the king has been hiding in the mind of his childhood friend, former enemies must team up to avert a war. Publication is set for fall 2018; Kate Testerman at KT Literary brokered the deal for world rights.

Ashley Hearn at Page Street has acquired Candice Montgomery's debut YA novel, Home and Away. Tasia Quirk has it all: she's rich, she's popular, and she's the only girl on her high school's football team. But when she discovers that her parents have been keeping a huge secret from her for 18 years, everything about her identity is called into question. Publication is slated for fall 2018; Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.

Jillian Manning at Blink has bought author C.J. Lyons's YA psychological thriller, The Color of Lies. High school senior Ella Cleary has synesthesiaa condition that causes her to see a riot of colors with each interaction. But when she meets a boy she can't read, she discovers he holds the secret behind her parents' death. Publication is planned for fall 2018; Kristin Nelson at Nelson Literary Agency brokered the deal for North American rights.

Fiona Simpson at Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights, in a preempt, in a two-book deal, to Ryan Calejo's The Morphling. The middle grade novel follows a boy who tries to solve the mystery of his parents' disappearance with the help of his lifelong crush, while strange things keep happening to his bodythings that resemble the Central and South American myths and legends that his abuela raised him on. The first book is set for fall 2018; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency negotiated the deal.

Charlie Ilgunas at Little Bee/Yellow Jacket has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Anne O'Brien-Carelli's Skylark and Wallcreeper, a middle grade novel about a girl battling Superstorm Sandy at a makeshift nursing home shelter in Brooklyn while uncovering secrets of her grandmother's past as a member of the French Resistance during WWII. Publication is scheduled for fall 2018; Carrie Pestritto at Prospect Agency represented the author.

Maria Modugno at Random House has acquired The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rhee, illustrated by Pascal Campion. Inspired by a true story, the picture book tells of a magical nighttime adventure while weaving in commentary about the differences between the haves and have-nots. Publication is scheduled for spring 2020; Bill Contardi at Brandt & Hochman literary Agency represented the author, and Justin Rucker at Shannon Associates represented the illustrator in the deal for world rights, all languages.

Margaret Anastas at HarperCollins has bought world rights to author Ashley Franklin's (l.) debut picture book, Not Quite Snow White, illustrated by Ebony Glenn. Tameika is an African-American girl with a love of musicals who dreams of one day playing the role of a princess, but she is plagued by doubt, wondering whether her brown skin and plump frame keeps her from being princess material. Publication is slated for January 2019; Jennifer Hunt at Booker Albert Agency represented the author and Robbin Brosterman at Bright USA represented the illustrator.

Meredith Mundy at Sterling has acquired world rights to Bug by Robin Koontz (l.), illustrated by Amy Proud. Bug is a quirky girl who loves bugs and loves to draw, but hates math. When challenged to pass a big math test, she finds a clever way to finally understand math conceptsand bugs have something to do with it. Publication is scheduled for spring 2019; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Hannah Whitty at Plum Pudding Illustration represented the illustrator.

Annie Berger at Sourcebooks Jabberwocky has bought world rights to author Paul Czajak's Trees Make Perfect Pets, about a girl whose birthday wish comes true when she receives a dogwood tree as her very own pet. Cathy Gendron will illustrate; publication is set for spring 2019. Uwe Stender at Triada US Literary Agency represented the author, and Christy T. Ewers at Christina A. Tugeau Artist Agency represented the illustrator.

Rebecca Glaser and Anna Erickson at Amicus Ink have acquired world rights to Little Tiger and Little Panda by Julie Abery (l.), illustrated by Suzie Mason. The rhyming board books follow the playful cubs as they slip, trip, slide and glide into trouble while discovering their new world. Publication is slated for spring 2019; Essie White at Storm Literary Agency represented the author, and Lucie Luddington at Bright Educational represented the illustrator.

Nicole Raymond at Candlewick has bought author-illustrator Joowon Oh's debut picture book, The Gift, in which a grandfather is excited because today is his favorite day of the weeka day that is all about dumplings and a visit with his granddaughter. Publication is planned for 2019; Steven Chudney at the Chudney Agency handled the deal for world rights.

Kelsey Skea at Amazon/Two Lions has acquired Lindsay Ward's new picture book, This Book Is Gray. Gray doesn't get enough credit, but is fighting back; he is going to write his own best story and it is going to be gray, gray, gray. Except the Colors just keep butting in. Publication is scheduled for spring 2019; Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management brokered the deal for world rights.

Rob Broder at Ripple Grove Press has bought world rights to L.K. James's debut picture book, The Full House & the Empty House, in which two houses, despite their differences, are close friends. Publication is set for 2018; the author-illustrator was unagented.
So far, 2017 is stacking up to be a solid year for independent booksellers selling childrens books. Peter Reynolds, owner of the Blue Bunny Books & Toys in Dedham, Mass., said that sales are up 25% this year overall, despite an Amazon Books opening less than a mile away earlier this year and his own store having been closed for three weeks to renovate and add a cafe. Summer has been really good for us and were a bit surprised. Our loyal customers became even more loyal, he said, pointing out that digital sales have been especially strong, and accounted for a 4% rise in sales this summer alone.

We had a really good summer, said Ann Woodbeck, owner of Excelsior Bay Books outside of Minneapolis. Sales were way up. We expect to finish out the year with a double-digit increase over last year. But, she said, though childrens books are 35% of total book sales, sales this summer have been flat. Normally theres a bump during the summer, but this summer it may have been down slightly. Surprising.

Maureen Palacios, owner of Once Upon a Time Bookstore in Montrose, Calif., reported that sales were up 5% over last year, primarily as a result of hosting a half-dozen sold-out reading and writing camps. We also partnered with area schools for summer reading, which always helps bring in folks, she added.

Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, Minn., reported a 3% rise in sales this summer. Though owner Holly Weinkauf felt the number was pretty flat, she was nevertheless sanguine about the rest of the year. I think well be slightly up from last year, she said. Big-name events this fall should help us. Regular walk-in sales and traffic this year have been good. I think its going to continue into the holiday season.

Events also drove sales at Green Bean Books in Portland, Ore. We were up 3 1/2% this summer, which is fantastic, said co-owner Jennifer Green. One particular draw was Drag Queen Story Time and Craft, a glamorous performance that shows kids that dress-up is for everyone and challenges strict gender definitions, according to the events Facebook page.

Colleen Kammer, co-owner of the Book Beat in Detroit, said, Childrens sales, as well as local school and library sales, are excellent. They are about 55% [of the stores total book sales]. A store favorite is See You in the Cosmos, a middle grade novel by Jack Cheng (Dial). Its doing really well. People are excited about it, she said.

Like several booksellers surveyed, Kristen Sandstrom, manager at Apostle Islands Booksellers in Bayfield, Wis., cited Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo (Timbuktu Labs) as a top-selling title. We have sold 68 copies since July 19, at $35 per copy. I am shocked at how well its doing, she said.

At Katy Budget Books, just west of Houston (which escaped damage from Hurricane Harvey), store manager Richard Deupree reported that the store was particularly successful with any title that appeared on the Indie Next List from the American Booksellers Association. We sold all the ones that everyone sold, he said. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (Delacorte) was huge. John Green [continues to be] huge for us. He also noted that the store hosted a first-time self-published author, Monica Luedecke, this past weekend. Her book, The Goal House, is fascinating in that it is meant for middle readers, but one adults can learn from as well.

Zane Fletcher, YA and childrens area manager at the Bookworm in Omaha, Neb., said his store also did well with a local author, albeit one with a bit more of a track record: Rainbow Rowell. We sold 200 copies of the paperback release of Carry On, said Fletcher. As for picture books, Fletcher said that Dragons Love Tacos and its sequel, Dragons Love Tacos 2, by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri (Dial) were surprise breakout hits for the store. Also, were doing more cross-merchandising, Fletcher added. [For example], plush toys are placed near the corresponding book to build up sales of plush. That has resulted in about 18%20% of customers wanting the book ending up buying both book and plush.

Kate Schlademan, owner of Learned Owl Books in Hudson, Ohio, near Cleveland, also had a local author who proved popular with buyers: cartoonist Terri Libenson, whose debut graphic novel, Invisible Emmie (HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray), came out in May. Shes been getting great reviews [in major media publications], Schlademan said.

Looking ahead toward the fall season, it should come as no surprise that booksellers expressed almost universally high expectations for John Greens forthcoming novel, Turtles All the Way Down (Dutton), his first new novel in five years, since his blockbuster The Fault in Our Stars. Others pointed to The Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan, third in his Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series (Disney-Hyperion), the new fully illustrated Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (Scholastic/Levine), and The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse, a picture book collaboration from Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen (Candlewick).

Becky Anderson, owner of Andersons Bookshops in the Chicago area, said, Our percentage of kids to adult is 49% to 51%so just about equal. Kids has always been big for usbut continues its climb. We anticipate a great year, and for a great increase over last. Fall events are lining up to be big, as well as authors in schools and book fairs, and all could have record numbers. Among the titles shes looking forward to selling are Wishtree by Katherine Applegate (Feiwel and Friends), Saving Marty by Paul Griffin (Dial), The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (Dial), and The Glass Town Game by Catherynne M. Valente (McElderry).

At Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Ariz., childrens book buyer Brandi Stewart is looking forward to Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (Sterling) and Marissa Meyers Renegades (Feiwel and Friends). Piper by Jay Asher and Jessica Freeburg (Razorbill) is also a staff favorite.

Despite the popular pedigree of the aforementioned titles, when you have a childrens author on staff at the store, like they do at Avid Bookshop in Athens, Ga, you can expect sales of that book to trump all others. Top Elf by Caleb Zane Huett [Scholastic] is building to be our number one holiday book, owner Janet Gaddis said. Our bookseller Caleb is kind, silly, wise, and very funny, and that comes across so vividly in this middle grade (and non-religious) book about the North Pole competition to be the next Santa Claus.

As for sales for the rest of the year, most booksellers are anticipating strong results. Anne Holman, general manager of the Kings English in Salt Lake City, where childrens book sales account for 40% of revenue, echoed most of the booksellers in our survey when asked about the remainder of the year. I think people are excited to be back in bookstores, she said. Its happening in a lot of places. Were having a great year, customers are happy, were happy, and Im looking forward to ending on a successful note.
New bookstores are opening in Los Angeles, Chicago and Grand Rapids; the beloved Chicago bookstore cat facing unemployment; how books affect the U.K. economy; and more.

New Bookstore Opens in LA: OOF Bookstore opened its doors in the gentrifying neighborhood of Cypress Park on July 2.

Tyndale to Open Bookstore: Religion publisher Tyndale is opening an on-site bookstore at its corporate headquarters in Carol Stream, Illinois, outside Chicago.

New Bookstore Coming to Michigan: Books and Mortar bookstore in Grand Rapids is opening a new shop called Annex Paperie & Bookshop.

Chicago Bookstore Shutters, Leaving Cat Unemployed: Selected Works bookstore in Chicago has closed and the store's cat, Hodge, which has been featured in several books, is out of a job.

Report Says Bookstores Are Key to UK Economy: Bookshops are said to contribute 1.9 billion (about $2.5 billion) annually.

In Praise of a Washington Used Bookstore: Tilikum Books in Centralia, Wash. offers an intellectual gather place for the community

Indian Online Bookstore Attracts Fans: The Book Thela is offering a low-cost option for online book buyers in India.
In a deal involving two U.K.-based houses, Canongate has acquired Severn House Publishers, for an undisclosed sum, from owner Edwin Buckhalter and his family. The deal was partially financed by Handelsbanken, which has taken over from the Royal Bank of Scotland as Canongates bankers.

"It is no secret that I am long past retirement age, and recently we have been approached by several companies on both sides of the Atlantic," Buckhalter, Severn House's chairman, said in a statement. "I have always been impressed by Canongate's creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and fierce independence, and I am confident that their youthful outlook and energy will add new dimensions and potential for our authors."

Buckhalter and company secretary Mandy Shaw will remain in consultancy roles, but step down from their current positions. The rest of the Severn House staff, including publisher Kate Lyall Grant, will continue in their current roles and move into Canongates west London office. Kate Gibb, formerly Canongates finance and operations director, has been promoted to COO of Canongate, and will sit on the Severn House board of directors, alongside Canongate CEO Jamie Byng and Canongate chairman David Young.

"Severn House is a very impressive publishing operation, and I have great admiration for Edwin and the manner in which he has grown his company into such a successful and interesting business with an excellent team of staff and a terrific list of authors," Byng said in a statement. "When we were presented with this opportunity to buy Severn House, it became clear very quickly that the two companies were extremely complementary, and I am delighted, as are the Canongate Board and shareholders, that we have concluded this deal."

Buckhalter founded Severn House, a specialist fiction publisher focusing on the U.S. library market, in 1974.
SYRIAs civil war has been one of the modern worlds most brutal conflicts and one of its most heavily filmed. But Syrian activists fear all that history could be erased as YouTube moves to rein in violent content. In the past few months, the online video giant removed hundreds of thousands of videos from the conflict considered graphic or supporting terrorism.

PHILIPPINES President Rodrigo Duterte refused a demand by his most vocal critic to publicly release details of his bank accounts to disprove allegations that he had large sums of undeclared money.

SINGAPORE An oil tanker and a dredger collided in Singapore waters yesterday, capsizing the dredger and leaving two dead and three crew members missing, authorities said.

INDIA An international human rights group urged India yesterday to immediately ban the use of shotguns by government forces in suppressing protests in disputed Kashmir.

ISRAELs leader yesterday said his country supports Kurdish independence ahead of a key referendum on the matter. He did not specify where he thinks it could be located. The Kurds are spread across the region, with large populations in Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran.

ROMANIAs coast guard yesterday rescued more than 150 migrants from Iraq and Iran, including 56 children, from a ship in distress on the Black Sea, on what is becoming a favored route for migrants trying to reach Western Europe.

GERMANY A nationalist party that wants Germany to close its borders to migrants is predicted to enter Parliament for the first time this month, propelled by voters anger at over a million refugees let into the country since 2015.

SPAINs top prosecutor is investigating more than 700 Catalan mayors for cooperating with a planned referendum on the regions independence after the nations constitutional court ordered the vote put on hold, the prosecutors office said yesterday. More on p15

EU The European Union is in a healthier economic state than its been for more than a decade and is ready to move on from Brexit, the blocs top official said yesterday. Jean-Claude Juncker said the EU is bouncing back after a tough decade thats seen much of the 28-country mired in an economic crisis.

VENEZUELA Authorities say gunmen assaulted an army patrol in an eastern area where illegal mining has become increasingly common. Eleven of the attackers were killed and one soldier was wounded in the gunbattle.
Evangelical author Jen Hatmaker, whose 2015 book For the Love has sold over 300,000 copies, topped our Religion Nonfiction Bestsellers list with her newest release, Of Mess and Moxie. Marketing and publicity for the book, which is subtitled Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild and Glorious Life, included a pre-order campaign that featured free bonus material, a digital ad campaign on Facebook, e-blasts, and sponsored blog posts. In addition to launching a new podcast, For the Love with Jen Hatmaker, the author appeared on national Christian and mainstream media outlets such as Redbook, Time, Publishers Weekly, and on the Today Show's parenting blog. Of Mess and Moxie has sold more than 50,000 copies across all editions since its Aug. 8 release, according to Nelson Books.

Chrystal Evans Hurst, who is the daughter of author and pastor Dr. Tony Evans, and the sister of author Priscilla Shirer, debuted on PWs Religion Nonfiction chart at #3 with She's Still There: Rescuing the Girl in You. The memoir on finding and pursuing a purpose in life was selected for an online Bible study hosted by Proverbs 31a womens ministryfrom Sept. 5 to Oct. 13. The study has attracted over 58,000 registrants in recent weeks, according to Zondervan.

Following her sister, Priscilla Shirer took #6 in Religion Nonfiction with Awaken: 90 Days with the God Who Speaks, the first devotional from the bestselling author of 2016s bestseller, Fervent. Although Shirer did not promote the book in the media, LifeWay Christian Stores ran an exclusive pre-sale discount on Awaken the month before it published, and B&H promoted the book on awakendevo.com, which featured previews of its content and discounts.

In Fiction, Wanda Brunstetter took #2 with her latest Amish romance, The Blessing. Marketing and publicity for the title included a pre-sale special that featured a free downloadable bookmark, Amish recipes, printable photos from Amish Country, and a free preview of Brunstetters next book. Further, Barbour sent emails to subscribers of Brunstetters mailing list and advertised in Amish tourist destination publications.

This article has been updated with a correction to Hatmaker's media appearances.
Analysts and military leaders have expressed concern that Russia is using the upcoming Zapad 2017 military exercise in Belarus as a smokescreen to put personnel and equipment in place, and keep it there, as part of a planned military escalation with the West.

Belarus, a small but proud post-Soviet nation lodged between NATO and Russia, has a long relationship with Moscow. In trying to decode Russia's strategy in Belarus, clues can be found in the nuanced and multilayered context of the general history and nature of Belarusian-Russian relations and Belarusian national priorities.

A relatively comprehensive analysis of the dynamics between Belarus and Russia, and the strategic priorities of Belarus, suggest Russia could exceed the parameters of this exercise, but the chances of that happening are unlikely. The Kremlin has little to gain from using Zapad 2017 as a pretext to establish military presence in Belarus.

Zapad, held every four years, is one of several routine Russian exercises. Russia began conducting large annual military exercises in 1999 that rotate through Russian geographic regions based on the four points of the compass. Zapad, which begins next week, is this year's western installment. While Zapad is the largest exercise planned for this year, it is also just one of several military exercises Moscow carried out jointly with Minsk.

Belarus continues to view Russia as its principal strategic military partner and seems likely to do so in the future. The deep ties between the two states reduce the need for Russia to use force to establish military presence. Belarus has a long history of military cooperation with Russia. While a part of the Soviet Union, Belarus hosted military facilities in its territory, including early-warning radar that provided coverage of Western Europe and a long-range naval communications transmitter. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia and Belarus came to a gentlemen's agreementBelarus would continue to host these facilities and provide mutual defense in times of conflict if Russia would support Belarus with discounted energy prices and loans. While there are occasional quarrels, such as Alexander Lukashenko's refusal to host a Russian air base in his country, the general understanding still holds today. Another hint the relationship endures: a recent $700 million dollar loan from Russia to Belarus....

The remainder of this commentary is available on nationalinterest.org.

Bruce McClintock is an adjunct policy analyst at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation and a former U.S. Defense Attache in Moscow.

Bilyana Lilly is an assistant policy researcher at RAND, a Ph.D. candidate at the Pardee RAND Graduate School and the author of Russian Foreign Policy Toward Missile Defense: Actors, Motivations, and Influence.

This commentary originally appeared on The National Interest on September 12, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
Cost of Crime Calculator

Existing high-quality research on the costs of crime and the effectiveness of police demonstrates that public investment in police can generate substantial social returns. A Center on Quality Policing study, Hidden in Plain Sight: What Cost-of-Crime Research Can Tell Us About Investing in Police, shows how this research can be used to better understand the returns on investments in police.

The following example is based on the size of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LA City Council rejected a recommendation to freeze hiring, choosing to maintain staffing at 9,963 officers in the 2010 fiscal year. You can edit the numbers for your community.

To see how an increase or decrease in police personnel will affect crime costs, enter a number of officers in Change in Number of Police Personnel . The default example shows that reducing the size of the department by 90 officers would increase crime costs by over $32 million. You can also edit the Size of Department .

You can edit the Cost per Crime and Crimes per Year columns to calculate the value of police in other cities. See the FBI Uniform Crime Reports for data on reported crimes in other cities.

The Dollar Year Adjustment is based on inflation. To adjust the cost of crime figures from 2007 dollars to other years besides 2010, use this inflation calculator.

Size of Department Change in Number of Police Personnel

Crime Type Cost Per Crime Crimes Per Year Crime Costs (Millions) Change In Number of Crimes Changes In Crime Cost (Millions) Murder Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault Burglary Larceny Motor Vehicle Theft Aggregate Crime Cost Change in Crime Costs Dollar Year Adjustment Crime Costs in Dollars (Millions) Change in Crime Costs (Millions) Value of One Officer

Report
Since it launched eight months ago, Cine.ar Plays video-on-demand (VOD) service has continued to grow steadily and has now exceeded 620,000 users.





According to Argentinas public telco Arsat, the free VOD service added 33,000 new registered users in August, maintaining the pace of growth experienced in recent months.Over the last year, content visualisations have increased by 87%, totalling over three million plays since the platform was launched, stated Arsat.Such growth has been driven by Cine.ar Plays multiscreen availability; since it launched its first smart TV app at the beginning of august , the Samsung platform has been downloaded over 50,000 times.In addition, the service has now activated a transactional VOD (TVOD) platform which delivers Argentinean premieres eight weeks after the films release in cinemas. Cine.ar Estrenos, which is available both through the apps and the web-based platform , delivers premieres for the same price as theatres but on-demand, said Rodrigo de Loredo, president, Arsat.
Barcelona-based NPAW will be introducing the multivariate testing (MVT) solution SmartLab and its offline playback event tracking technology during IBC 2017.





With the A/B testing tool, over-the-top (OTT) players, broadcasters, telcos and media companies will be able to test and optimise the performance of new releases, player configurations, set-ups, customer care strategies, UI/UX arrangements and content recommendation engines, with 360 visibility on customers reaction.In an increasingly fragmented market with recent M&A and partnership moves, video services cannot afford losing customers while they try new tactics on their platform, said Sergi Verges, COO and co-founder, NPAW . Any department can have their own lab without risking the companys performance.Besides, the big data and business intelligence (BI) company will be adding an offline playback event tracking tool to their video service monitoring platform, YOUBORA Infinity.Targeting users growing demand to download video content directly to their devices instead of streaming over the web or an app, the tool enables streaming platforms to track events which occur independent of an Internet connection.People with offline preferences, from metro commuters to takers of long flights, wont have data go unused and can still contribute to an enhanced user experience, said Ferran Gutierrez, CEO and co-founder, NPAW. This will empower OTTs to incorporate offline flexibility into their content everywhere strategy.
The Laosat DTH pay-TV platform is bringing BBC news, factual and childrens channels to viewers in Laos, following a deal with the British broadcaster.





The deal will see BBC World News, along with natural history channel BBC Earth and pre-school channel CBeebies, made available across all 17 provinces and the capital municipality Vientiane via the Laosat broadcasting platform. Content will also include the new Sir David Attenborough-narrated series Blue Planet II, about our underwater worlds, the second series of extreme fishing show Fishing Impossible, and series five of Life Below Zero which follows the lives of six people in remote Alaska.CBeebies, aimed at children aged six and below, will introduce the award-winning animated characters from shows Hey Duggee (pictured) and Sarah & Duck.The pay-TV market is set for high growth in the next few years. With our partnership with Laosat DTH, we are very pleased to be part of that growth, bringing our genre- defining content to viewers there, said Myleeta Aga, SVP, South and South East Asia, BBC Worldwide.There is a strong demand for BBC content in Laos, remarked Ding Yongbing, general manager of Laosat. We are confident that with the addition of BBC World News , BBC Earth and CBeebies to our line-up, we are now able to deliver the best British and international content to our viewers here.
Body cameras for the Mooresville Police Department have arrived. Find out when they will be used.
A member of a Muslim minority group has been sentenced to two years in a Chinese prison after forming online discussions groups to teach about Islam.

Huang Shike was arrested in 2016 in Xinjiang province, three months after he formed a discussion group about Muslim worship on the messaging app WeChat, according to the official website China Judgments Online. Huang, 49, taught about the Quran, Islams holy book, in another WeChat discussion group. More than 100 people were members of each group, the website said.

The discussion groups disturbed normal religious activity and violated laws about using the internet to discuss religion, the website said.

Chinese authorities have dramatically increased surveillance and police patrols in Xinjiang, fearing the spread of militant Islam which they believe has infiltrated the region from Central Asia.

Huang is a member of the Hui minority. There are more than 20 million Muslims in China, mainly among Uighur, Hui and other ethnic minorities. Chinas 10.6 million Hui  descendants of Muslim settlers and Chinese who converted to Islam  have long endured strained relations with the Han, who constitute more than 90 percent of Chinas 1.37 billion people.

Chinese officials have increasingly urged local governments to better assimilate Muslim minorities into Han Chinese culture, as many ethnic policy hard-liners have decried a trend of what they call Arabization among Chinese Muslims. AP
More than 100 people gathered in front of Macedonia's parliament to protest against a draft law to extend the official use of Albanian language to the entire country as lawmakers started debating the bill.

The September 13 protest in Skopje was organized by the nationalist organization Tvrdokorni (Hard-Core), the World Macedonian Congress, and several other groups.

Holding banners with slogans such as "Betrayal is not democracy," the participants urged the government to withdraw the bill.

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev promised to bring in the law when he struck a coalition deal with Albanian parties earlier this year.

If adopted, the proposed law would mainly ease communication in Albanian with institutions such as municipalities, hospitals, and courts.

It has sparked much criticism from the VMRO-DPMNE party and others, who have have accused Zaev of betraying Macedonia's national interests.

The current law on languages defines Albanian as an official language, but it has that status only in areas where ethnic Albanians make up at least 20 percent of the population.

Albanians make up about a quarter of Macedonias total population of more than 2 million. They are concentrated in the country's north and west.

With reporting by BalkanInsight
Ukrainian officials and local residents moved to stabilize conditions in the freshly recaptured southern city of Kherson, as Russian symbols were being torn down and with the restoration of Ukrainian radio and television service and a new police presence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

The action on November 12 came after months of occupation by Russian forces following their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February and as Ukrainian and Western officials hailed Kyivs latest extraordinary battlefield success and Moscows strategic failure.

Separately, Russian occupying forces said late on November 12 that they were preparing to leave the city of Nova Kakhovka, the site of a damaged dam on the Dnieper River, to a safer location, according to Russian state-run TASS news agency.

As jubilant Kherson residents awoke the morning following the arrival of the first Ukrainian troops, Ukraines military said it was putting stabilization measures in place to ensure safety.

Ihor Klymenko, chief of the National Police of Ukraine, said about 200 officers were at their posts in Kherson and that checkpoints had been set up. Authorities also began seeking out any evidence of possible Russian war crimes, he said in a Facebook post.



The Ukrainian communications watchdog said national TV and radio broadcasts had resumed in the strategic southern city and officials said aid supplies had begun to arrive from nearby regions.

Social media postings on November 12 showed local residents removing memorial plaques put up by Kremlin-installed authorities during the occupation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other officials warned that while special forces had entered central Kherson, the full deployment of Ukrainian troops was still under way and that some Russian soldiers could have shed military uniforms for civilian clothing and remained in the city.

Even when the city is not yet completely cleansed of the enemys presence, the people of Kherson themselves are already removing Russian symbols and any traces of the occupiers stay in Kherson from the streets and buildings, Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

But he said that medicine, communications, social services are returning. Life is returning.

WATCH: Local residents welcomed Ukrainian soldiers into Snihurivka on November 10, as advance forces of the Ukrainian military recaptured the town in the southern Mykolayiv region.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, speaking to world leaders at an ASEAN summit in Cambodia, warned that the celebratory mood could turn grim with the possible discovery of war crimes evidence in Kherson.

Such evidence was discovered after Russian troops pulled out of the Kyiv and Kharkiv regions months ago.

Every time we liberate a piece of our territory, when we enter a city liberated from the Russian Army, we find torture rooms and mass graves with civilians tortured and murdered by the Russian Army in the course of the occupation of the territories," he said. "Its not easy to speak with people like this. But I said that every war ends with diplomacy and Russia has to approach talks in good faith.

The White House on November 12 hailed Russias withdrawal from Kherson as an "extraordinary victory" for Ukraine.

"It does look as though the Ukrainians have just won an extraordinary victory where the one regional capital that Russia had seized in this war is now back under a Ukrainian flag -- and that is quite a remarkable thing," U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters as he accompanied President Joe Biden to the ASEAN summit.

Sullivan said that the Russian retreat would have "broader strategic implications," including relieving the longer-term threat by Russia to other southern Ukrainian cities such as Odesa.

"It's a big moment, and it's due to the incredible tenacity and skill of the Ukrainians, backed by the relentless and united support of the United States and our allies," Sullivan said.

Asked about reports that the Biden administration has started to press Zelenskiy to explore negotiations with Moscow, Sullivan said Russia, not Ukraine, was the side that has to decide whether or not to go to the table.

"This whole notion, I think, in the Western press of, 'When's Ukraine going to negotiate?' misses the underlying fundamentals," Sullivan said.

Russia, he added, continues to make "outlandish claims" about its self-declared annexations of Ukrainian lands, even as it retreats from Ukrainian counterattacks.

"Ultimately, at a 30,000-foot level, Ukraine is the party of peace in this conflict and Russia is the party of war. Russia invaded Ukraine. If Russia chose to stop fighting in Ukraine and left, it would be the end of the war. If Ukraine chose to stop fighting and give up, it would be the end of Ukraine," he said. "In that context, our position remains the same as it has been and fundamentally is in close consultation and support of President Zelenskiy.

Separately, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said on November 12 that Moscow's "strategic failure" in Kherson will sow doubt among the Russian public about the point of the war in Ukraine.

"Russia's announced withdrawal from Kherson marks another strategic failure for them. In February, Russia failed to take any of its major objectives except Kherson," Wallace said in a statement. "Now with that also being surrendered, ordinary people of Russia must surely ask themselves: 'What was it all for?'"

Meanwhile, Pavel Filipchuk, the head of the occupation government in Nova Kakhovka, told administrators and residents that Russian forces will be pullng back from the city on the right bank of the Dnieper River.

He cited concerns that the key dam could be damaged by missiles, which would result in flooding.

Both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of planning to blast the dam, which has already been severely damaged.

With reporting by AFP, AP, dpa, and Reuters
Germany has deported eight Afghan men whose applications for asylum were rejected, sending them back to Afghanistan on September 13.

Bavarias Interior Minister Joachim Hermann said the men were all convicted criminals and that at least two have been convicted on charges of rape.

Mohammad Asif Abbasi, an Afghan Refugee Ministry representative, said the deportees included at least three criminal offenders.

The expulsions were the first for Germany since it stopped deportation flights to Afghanistan following a bomb attack that partially destroyed the German Embassy in Kabul on May 31.

More than 100 Afghans were killed in that attack, prompting refugee support groups to call for a halt to deportations on security grounds.

German authorities are now limiting their deportations of Afghans to three groups: people suspected of terrorism, convicted criminal offenders, and people who refuse to properly verify their identity.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa
The anti-migrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is aiming to win support from thousands of voters who have roots in the former Soviet Union in the southwestern city of Pforzheim -- with a candidate who was born in Kazakhstan. Germany votes in a general election on September 24. (Ray Furlong, Jarda Ptacnik, RFE/RL)
Representatives of Zimbabwes first lady say a young woman who accused her of assault was the actual aggressor, allegedly attacking Grace Mugabe with a knife while drunk, according to a court document filed in South Africa.

The court papers denying any wrongdoing by Mugabe were submitted Aug. 17 by Zimbabwean diplomats on behalf of Mugabe, who was granted diplomatic immunity by South Africa despite calls for her prosecution in the alleged attack on the woman in a Johannesburg hotel on Aug. 13. She returned to Zimbabwe a week after the alleged assault with President Robert Mugabe, who had attended a summit of southern African leaders in Pretoria.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the court document yesterday from AfriForum, a group representing 20-year-old Gabriella Engels, who said she suffered head wounds while being whipped with an extension cord by 52-year-old Grace Mugabe. AfriForum has said it will challenge the South African government over the immunity issue in an attempt to complicate any effort by the first lady to return to South Africa.

Grace Mugabe went to see her sons in a hotel suite because they were in trouble with a drunken young woman, says the court document filed by Zimbabwean diplomats.

Upon her arrival Ms. Engels, who was intoxicated, and unhinged, attacked Dr. Grace Mugabe with a knife after she was asked to leave the hotel room. Security was left with no other option but to remove Ms. Engels from the hotel suite, according to the court filing.

Mugabe reserves the right to press charges of attempted murder against Engels, the document says.

Engels has said she was in a hotel room with mutual friends of Mugabes two sons, who live in Johannesburg, when the first lady burst into the room and assaulted her. Photos posted on social media show a bloody gash to Engels forehead that she claims was a result of the encounter.

In 2009, a photographer accused Mugabe of beating him up in Hong Kong. While the Zimbabwean presidents outspoken wife has been criticized for a fiery temper and lavish shopping expeditions, her rising political profile has some asking whether she is maneuvering to succeed her husband. She recently said that Zimbabwes ruling party should restore a constitutional provision stating one of the partys vice presidents should be a woman, and has publicly challenged her 93-year-old husband to name a successor. AP
CHISINAU -- Moldova's pro-Russia president, Igor Dodon, has accused parliament and the country's government of attempting to limit his powers as supreme commander of Moldova's armed forces in the interest of foreign powers -- warning that the alleged effort will lead to mass street protests.

Dodon told reporters in Chisinau on September 13 that parliament planned to amend legislation in order to be able to send Moldovan troops to NATO military exercises without his consent.

"It will not happen, because there are presidential powers -- whether you like it or not," Dodon said.

"There will never be an usurpation of presidential powers in the interests of someone abroad," he added. "People will come out to the streets."

"If you do not like that, let us have a referendum and see who the people trust," he said, addressing Moldova's pro-Western governing coalition.

Prime Minister Pavel Filip told journalists on September 13 that Moldova's parliament would meet in special session in order to override presidential vetoes on several bills previously passed by lawmakers.

Earlier in September, the government overruled an order by Dodon in order to send 57 Moldovan soldiers to NATO-led military exercises in Ukraine.

Those exercises, which began on September 8 and continue through September 23, involve some 1,800 troops from 14 countries -- most of them NATO members.

In a September 13 Facebook post, Dodon said he was rejecting the government's nomination for defense minister, Eugen Sturza.

Instead, he recommended one of his close political allies for the post, former Defense Minister Victor Gaiciuc.

The ongoing dispute between Dodon and the governing coalition underscores divisions in the country.

Dodon is frequently at odds on foreign policy with Filip's government, which favors closer ties with the EU and the United States.

With reporting by TASS and Interfax
An Iranian teenager sneaks up behind a cleric in the capital, Tehran, and knocks his turban off his head before dashing off.

The incident, uploaded on social media, is part of a new tactic employed by anti-government demonstrators in Iran.

Nationwide antiestablishment protests have raged across the Islamic republic since the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died on September 16 shortly after she was arrested for allegedly violating the hijab law on women's dress.

As the authorities have waged a deadly crackdown on the rallies, some demonstrators have turned to new tactics to sustain the monthslong protests, including tipping off Islamic clerics' turbans in the streets.

Many Iranians associate members of the clergy with Iran's Islamist regime, which many blame for the repression and corruption in the country.

While some Iranians have praised the "turban throwing" as an act of resistance, others have expressed concern that low-level clerics who are not affiliated with the state could become the victims of harassment and violence.

Lawmaker Mohammad Taghi Naqd Ali on November 10 called the new trend "the devil's conspiracy" and warned that young protesters tossing clerics' turbans were "playing with the lion's tail."

State media reported the arrests of two people in recent days who were accused of knocking off clerics' turbans.

London-based human rights lawyer Shadi Sadr said the tactic was a "brave and revolutionary act." Sadr, the co-founder of the rights group Justice for Iran, told RFE/RL that protesters were "humiliating" clerics without resorting to violence. "They're [targeting] the clergy's turban as a symbol of the crimes and corruption of the past 43 years as well as the privileges clerics have enjoyed," she said.

"There is no violence in it, and it also includes youthful mischief, which highlights the spirit of the revolution," Sadr added, referring to the monthslong protests that have posed the biggest threat to the establishment in years.

But Ahmad Zeidabadi, a Tehran-based journalist and former political prisoner, said that some of the clerics targeted in the streets "may be critics or even victims of [state] policies."

"This phenomenon...mainly targets clerics who do not hold any government positions," he said on Twitter, adding that senior clerics in powerful positions rarely appear in public and are often protected by security guards if they do.

Reformist cleric Hojatoleslam Ahmad Heidari, who was jailed in the past for his support for the opposition Green Movement, warned that the new trend could taint the "beautiful face of [the] protest movement against oppression and injustice."

"You're right to be angry at those wearing turbans," Heidari wrote on the news site Esafnews.com. But he added that "those who have a hand in power and are your target" are out of reach. He said many of the clerics targeted were "young and elderly" clerics who are not sitting in "ivory towers."

Attacks on clerics, particularly those who attempt to enforce Islamic codes in public, had been on rise in Iran even before the protests erupted, forcing many clerics to appear in public without their robes and turbans.

Last week, a cleric was reportedly hospitalized after being wounded in Karaj, near Tehran, amid antiestablishment protests in the city. The hard-line Fars news agency claimed that protesters attacked the cleric with knives.

Hassan Fereshtian, a Paris-based Iranian cleric and researcher, said the turban-throwing trend was the result of the "suppressed anger of the past four decades."

"If it aims at eliminating the clergy, we could be facing the start of violence," he warned in comments to RFE/RL's Radio Farda. "In fact, the clergy should be eliminated from the centers of power. But they shouldn't be eliminated from society."

Fereshtian, a student of the late dissident Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri, expressed hope that Iran will reach a point "where secular people can live peacefully next to the clergy and unveiled women next to those who choose to wear the hijab."

In the past year, regime supporters have knocked off the turbans of clerics who had criticized the establishment, including former Interior Minister Abdollah Nuri and former parliament speaker Mehdi Karrubi, who has been under house arrest since 2011 for disputing the 2009 reelection of former President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.
Pakistan's Supreme Court on September 13 held its first hearing in a review of a decision that removed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from office over allegations of corruption.

Sharif has challenged the Supreme Courts July 28 decision, which also barred him indefinitely from being a lawmaker in Pakistan's parliament.

Sharif's lawyer, Khawaja Harris, told reporters after the September 13 hearing before the five-judge bench that Sharif was not given a fair trial."

But Judge Asif Saeed Khosa, the head of the panel, said on September 13 that although the reasons for disqualifying Sharif as prime minister may have differed in the case, the decision was unanimous.

As part of the July ruling, judges ordered authorities to file criminal charges against Sharif, his two sons, a daughter, a son-in-law, and a member of his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

The allegations that led to his disqualification are linked to one of Sharif's two terms in office during the 1990s.

Sharif's opponents accused him of laundering money from Pakistan and hiding stolen funds in offshore accounts. The money was allegedly used later to buy properties in London.

Sharif stepped down immediately after the July 28 ruling but he said Pakistans people have not accepted the decision.

Based on reporting by Geo News and dpa
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) says it has appealed to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to resolve claims brought by the Azerbaijani government that the company says have hampered its news reporting inside the country for almost three years.

In a September 13 statement, RFE/RL said it filed its appeal to the Strasbourg-based court in June.

The appeal cited articles of the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Azerbaijan is a signatory, providing for the right to a fair trial within a reasonable amount of time and the right to an effective remedy.

RFE/RLs Baku bureau was raided and shut down by state agents in December 2014 on charges including two tax-related claims that the company says are baseless.

We have been unable to make any progress on clearing these charges through the Azerbaijani judicial system, RFE/RL President Thomas Kent said in the statement. The charges are baseless, and as Azerbaijan is under the jurisdiction of the ECHR, weve decided to take our case there.

RFE/RL said that what authorities described as a parallel, criminal investigation has dragged on despite a requirement under Azerbaijani law that it be completed by the end of 2016.

We can only conclude that this so-called investigation is an exercise in obfuscation, Kent said. It has produced no evidence of wrongdoing, but it has kept our Baku bureau in legal limbo and created a threatening atmosphere for our journalists.
Russian state broadcaster RT and U.S. media are reporting that the U.S. Justice Department has asked RT to register a company that supplies extensive services for its U.S. outlet as a "foreign agent." *

RT and media reports said on September 12 that the company was told by the department in a letter that it must register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires disclosures by lobbyists and lawyers representing foreign political interests.

RT did not name the company in its report, but said it "supplies all services for [the] RT America channel, including TV production and operations," in the United States.

The Justice Department did not confirm or comment on the reports.

RT is "consulting with our lawyers and...reviewing the request," the AFP news agency quoted RT spokeswoman Anna Belkina as saying on September 12.

On its website, RT editor in chief Margarita Simonyan accused the United States of waging "war" on Russian media.

"The war the U.S. establishment wages with our journalists is dedicated to all the starry-eyed idealists who still believe in freedom of speech. Those who invented it, have buried it," she said.

A U.S. intelligence report in January concluded that Russia had interfered in the 2016 presidential election and singled out RT, calling it "the Kremlin's principal international propaganda outlet."

The report said RT America "has positioned itself as a domestic U.S. channel and has deliberately sought to obscure any legal ties to the Russian government."

The report said RT had also contracted with Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, which published leaked internal e-mails from the Democratic National Committee during the election.

Some people employed by RT "actively collaborated with WikiLeaks" during the presidential election, the intelligence report said.

Since that report came out, the Russian broadcaster has become a focus of investigations into alleged Russian interference in the election in Congress and at the Justice Department.

RT has been scrutinized for its links to Michael Flynn, who was U.S. President Donald Trump's first national security adviser and who was paid by RT in December 2015 to speak at an anniversary gala where he sat next to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The U.S. foreign-agents law was enacted to shed light on who in Washington might be working for foreign governments.

The alleged move against RT came the same week that Andrew Feinberg, who worked for the Russian state-funded Sputnik news agency until May, said he was interviewed by FBI officials on September 1.

The U.S. intelligence report in January said Sputnik and RT conducted an "influence campaign" on behalf of the Kremlin during the presidential election that sought to bolster support for then-Republican candidate Donald Trump and sow opposition against his Democratic challenger, Hillary Clinton.

Feinberg said that the FBI officials focused in the interview on how Sputnik operates internally as it generates news across different platforms. He told RFE/RL that he turned over a thumb drive containing thousands of internal e-mails from his five months at Sputnik.

The FBI's questioning, Feinberg said, seemed directed at whether Sputnik operates more like a foreign agent or lobbyist than other news operations.

"There are clear differences in the editorial process" at Sputnik, he said. "They do not practice journalism the way a bona fide news agency practices journalism."

Yahoo news reported on September 11 that the FBI was investigating whether Sputnik violated the foreign-agents law.

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat-New Hampshire) on September 12 applauded the FBI's probe of Sputnik.

"I'm very encouraged that the FBI is investigating the Sputnik news agency, which is funded by the Russian government. We can't allow foreign agents, particularly those working on behalf of our adversaries, to skirt our laws," Shaheen said in a statement.

"Every new revelation about Russia's use of propaganda to influence the 2016 election further highlights the need for the federal government to bolster its enforcement" of the foreign-agents law, she said.

The alleged U.S. pressure on Russian news outlets raised worries of a possible backlash against U.S. outlets operating in Russia.

Courtney Radsch of the Committee to Protect Journalists said she was concerned the move "could be used by Russian authorities to justify their repressive media policies."

"Russia already heavily censors its information space, including by branding some of its most prominent human rights defenders as foreign agents, in an attempt to delegitimize and vilify them," Radsch said.

* CORRECTION: This article has been amended to correct the description of the company asked to register as a "foreign agent."

With reporting by AFP, The Hill, and Newsweek
Russian opposition activist Sergei Udaltsov has been briefly detained by Moscow police while protesting in front of the State Duma, Russia's lower chamber of parliament.

Udaltsov's wife, Anastasia Udaltsova, wrote on Twitter that police took her husband to the Tver district police department.

He was released by the police on September 13 about 90 minutes later.

Udalstov wrote on Twitter that he and activist Aleksei Vorontsov were released after what he described as "a preventive talk" with police.

Udaltsov and Vorontsov were staging single-man protests next to the State Duma building to demand amnesty for inmates across Russia in connection with the 100th anniversary of the October Revolution that brought Bolsheviks to power in 1917.

Udaltsov was released from prison on August 8 after serving a 4 1/2-year prison sentence over his role in organizing a May 2012 protest against President Vladimir Putin and his government on Moscow's Bolotnaya Square.

In July 2014, Udaltsov was convicted of organizing "mass disorder" in connection with the protest, which erupted into violence that demonstrators and police blame on each other.
The Kremlins chief spokesman said Russian officials made direct proposals to Washington about full normalization of ties between the two countries following President Donald Trumps election, but nothing came of it.

The comments by Dmitry Peskov on September 13 appeared to confirm an earlier report by the news outlet BuzzFeed that said two to three months after Trump took office in January Moscow proposed wholesale restoration of diplomatic, military, and intelligence channels.

Those channels had been disrupted or cut in recent years as U.S.-Russian relations spiraled downward over the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, Moscows alleged meddling in the U.S. presidential election, cybersecurity, and other matters.

The BuzzFeed report did not indicate whether Russia was prepared to make any concessions as part of its outreach to the United States or change its position on any of the issues that have severely strained relations with Washington.

Peskov told Russian news agencies that Moscow indeed made such proposals through diplomatic channels. He did not confirm specifics of the BuzzFeed report, such as when the proposals were handed over, to whom, and what specific steps they contained.

"Yes, without question, such proposals were handed to the American side in various formats," he was quoted as saying by TASS and Interfax.

"Moscow has systematically pressed for the resumption of dialogue, for an exchange of views, and for efforts to find joint solutions. Unfortunately, we have been met with no such reciprocity," Peskov said.

U.S. officials have not commented on either the BuzzFeed report or the Kremlin comments.

Russian officials made little effort to hide their support for Trump during last years U.S. election campaign, and the hope that the two countries would be able to mend fences after he took office.

But the Trump administration has instead been hobbled by congressional and FBI investigations into suspicious interactions between Trump aides and Russian officials.

Ties plummeted further in recent weeks as Moscow ordered Washington to sharply cut its diplomatic personnel in Russia, and Washington ordered the closure of Russias consulate in San Francisco.

In recent days, Russias Foreign Ministry has suggested there may be other retaliation against U.S. diplomats, including travel restrictions and taking away some parking privileges at U.S. diplomatic posts.
ON MY MIND

Readers of The Power Vertical blog may not have been so surprised by the Russian opposition's surprisingly strong showing in Moscow in this past weekend's local elections.

As I wrote on the eve of the vote, local elections in Vladimir Putin's Russia "tend to be dull and boring -- until they get interesting," and "sometimes, they highlight latent discontent that is becoming manifest."

And recalling the Soviet Union's local elections in June 1987 -- when Mikhail Gorbachev experimented with competitive elections in a small number of districts, resulting in embarrassing losses there for the ruling Communist Party -- I argued that sometimes local elections provide "the first tangible hint that the tectonic plates were shifting beneath the political landscape."

June 1987, I argued, was an early precursor to the historic elections to the U.S.S.R. Congress of People's Deputies in the spring of 1989 -- and ultimately the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

We don't yet know if the strong showing by Dmitry Gudkov's United Democrats in Moscow is a harbinger of anything. (They won approximately 250 of the 1,502 seats on Moscow's district councils, took majorities in more than a dozen of them, and finished second overall to President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party in the capital).

But as Mark Galeotti notes in a video commentary featured below, the elections do show that "a culture of resistance" is growing in which more Russians are saying, "We are not happy with this and we are not going to go along with it."

2017 is not 1987. And a new 1989, let alone a new 1991, is probably not around the corner.

But this weekend's elections are probably causing more than a bit of restlessness in the Kremlin as Russia enters a crucial political season.

IN THE NEWS

Demonstrators are planning a rally in Kyiv in support of Akhtem Chiygoz, the Crimean Tatar leader who was sentenced to eight years in prison by a court in Russian-occupied Crimea on charges widely seen as being politically motivated.

A Russian fighter for the Islamic State extremist group who was captured in Mosul has been sentenced to death by hanging, Iraqi authorities say.

Ads that Russian operatives purchased on Facebook during last year's presidential election actively promoted then-Republican candidate Donald Trump's anti-immigration campaign and other conservative causes, U.S. media are reporting.

Russian state broadcaster RT and U.S. media are reporting that the U.S. Justice Department has asked RT to register a company that supplies extensive services for U.S. outlet as a "foreign agent."

Two U.S. astronauts and a cosmonaut who blasted off on a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan have boarded the International Space Station.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson does not want diplomatic disputes between Washington and Moscow to escalate further and seeks an improvement of ties between the "two nuclear powers," a spokeswoman says.

Russia's biggest cinema chain says it will not show Matilda, a film based on an early romantic liaison of Tsar Nicholas II, citing fears for the safety of audiences after a string of attacks linked to the movie and its director.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, as Russia-backed government troops press their assault against the extremist group Islamic State in the country's east.

A series of anonymous bomb threats phoned in to authorities in cities across Russia have prompted evacuations at schools, shopping malls, theaters, and universities.

Turkey has signed a deal with Russia to buy S-400 antiaircraft missile systems in its first major weapons purchase from Moscow.

An independent Russian election monitoring group, Golos, says low turnout for regional and local elections across the country on September 10 was caused by "the low level of competition and by voters' distrust toward the election process."

LATEST POWER VERTICAL PODCAST

The Zapad military exercises are about to begin. In case you missed it, we previewed this week's war games on the latest Power Vertical Podcast.

WHAT I'M READING

Here Comes Zapad

Fredrik Wesslau and Andrew Wilson have a new report out for the European Council on Foreign Relations: So Far From God, So Close To Russia: Belarus And The Zapad Military Exercise.

Igor Sutyagin has a piece for the Royal United Services Institute on why the numbers matter in the Zapad military exercises.

In The Times, veteran Kremlin-watcher Edward Lucas argues that Zapad takes Russia and the West closer to conflict.

Local Elections Postmortem

In a video commentary, Mark Galeotti of the Institute of International Relations in Prague (and co-host of The Power Vertical Podcast) offers his take on this past weekend's local and regional elections.

Reset Dreams

John Hudson has a piece in BuzzFeed looking at documents that reveal that Putin was hoping for a broad reset with the United States during the Trump administration.

Net Wars

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists has published a new paper -- Netwar: The Unwelcome Militarization Of The Internet Has Arrived -- by Jonathan Zittrain, a professor of international law and computer science at Harvard University.

The Kremlin Black Box

Nabi Abdullaev, an associate director at Control Risks, has an op-ed in The Moscow Times on how "understanding the Kremlins decision making is a growing challenge."

What's Behind The Matilda Scandal?

In Republic.ru, opposition journalist Oleg Kashin looks at the controversy surrounding the film Matilda.

New Protest Restrictions?

Nezavisimaya Gazeta is reporting that new legislation is being drafted that would place additional restrictions on public demonstrations.

Budget Counter-Propaganda

In his column for Bloomberg, political commentator Leonid Bershidsky explains "how to combat Russian propaganda on a tight budget."

New Podcast On The Block

A new podcast on Russia is apparently coming soon and it looks like a must-listen! The word on the Twitter is that the EHM Podcast, "a not-quite-weekly podcast featuring news and discussion on Russian politics, culture, and society" hosted by Matt Bodner, Aleksei Kovalev, and Kevin Rothrock will go live soon. Welcome aboard, guys!

SRB Podcast

The latest SRB Podcast, hosted by Sean Guillory of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Russian and Eastern European Studies, looks at the early modern Russian empire. Sean's guest is Stanford University professor Nancy Kollmann, author of the book The Russian Empire, 1450-1801.
Mikheil Saakashvili has told a rally in western Ukraine that he had returned to the country to help solve the countrys political crisis and that he intends to travel to Kyiv next week.

Speaking in both Ukrainian and Russian, the ex-governor of Ukraine's Odesa region and former president of Georgia told a crowd of supporters in the city of Chernivtsi on September 13 that he returned to the country this week not simply to challenge the revocation of his Ukrainian citizenship.

"I returned to Ukraine, together with you, to resolve the main issue: how to get out of the political crisis that currently exists in the country," he added.

Saakashvili -- formerly Georgian, then Ukrainian -- has been a stateless person since President Petro Poroshenko stripped his Ukrainian citizenship in July.

He said in Chernivtsi that he would "travel to several other cities" to rally support before moving on to Kyiv on September 19, saying the capital "urgently needs to be saved."

A video of the speech was posted on the Facebook page of Ukrainian TSN television.

Saakashvili defied the Ukrainian authorities and crossed into the country from Poland on September 10, helped by hundreds of his supporters.

On September 12 in the city of Lviv, authorities formally served notice to Saakashvili for what officials said was his illegal entry into the country, claiming several border officers were injured in the altercation at the border with his supporters.

Local media said he was ordered to appear at the Mostyskiy district court in the Lviv region on September 18 for a hearing over the incident.

On September 12, Saakashvili posted a video of Kurt Volker, the U.S. special envoy for efforts to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine, in which he says Saakashvili should be allowed to have his case heard in Ukraines court system.

Ukraine is a country with a rule of law, he said in response to a question about Saakashvilis status.

Someone like Saakashvili has a right to pursue his own case within the Ukrainian courts, Volker also said. I hope people de-escalate the political drama and focus on it as a legal matter.

The Georgia government is seeking Saakashvilis arrest and extradition on allegations that he misappropriated property and abused his powers when he was president of his native country from 2004 to 2013.

He denies the allegations and says Georgias extradition request was made on behalf of "oligarchs" who fear his presence in Ukraine.

After leaving Georgia for self-imposed exile in the United States in 2013, Saakashvili went to Ukraine in 2015 to work for the country's pro-Western authorities as governor of the Odesa region.

He lost his Georgian citizenship when he was granted a Ukrainian passport in 2015 because Georgia does not allow dual citizenship.

Saakashvili quit the post of Odesa's regional governor in November 2016 after falling out with Poroshenko.

With reporting by dpa, Interfax, and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service
KYIV -- About 200 people have gathered in Kyiv to show support for Akhtem Chiygoz, the Crimean Tatar leader who was sentenced to eight years in prison by a Russia-controlled court in Crimea on charges widely seen as being politically motivated.

The participants in the September 13 rally on Independence Square held portraits of Chiygoz and banners calling for his release.

The demonstration brought together representatives of civil rights organizations, human rights activists, and members of the Crimean Tatar community, such as government minister Emine Dzheppar. It also included politicians, such as former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

The event was organized by Refat Chubarov, chairman of the Crimean Tatars' self-governing body, the Mejlis. He has resided in Kyiv since 2014 when Russia-imposed authorities in Crimea banned him from entering the occupied region.

Russian-imposed court officials in Crimea's capital, Simferopol, convicted and sentenced Chiygoz on September 11 on charges of organizing an illegal demonstration in February 2014 -- a time when Russian military forces were seizing the Ukrainian territory and weeks before Russia's illegal annexation of the region.

Chiygoz is a deputy chairman of the Mejlis, which has been banned as an "extremist" organization by court officials in Crimea and by Russia's Supreme Court.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Ukraine's government, and international rights organizations have condemned Chiygoz's imprisonment and called on Russia to release him.

In a statement posted on Twitter on September 13, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the United States was "deeply troubled" by Chiygozs conviction, calling it "the latest in a long line of politically motivated legal actions against the Mejlis and its leadership."

Meanwhile, court officials in Simferopol resumed the trial of another Mejlis deputy chairman, Ilmi Umerov.

Umerov was charged with separatism in May 2016 after publicly opposing Russia's annexation of Crimea. He denies the charges, saying he has the right to express his opinions.

Moscow has been criticized by international rights groups and Western governments for its treatment of the region's indigenous Turkic-speaking Crimean Tatar minority.

The majority of Crimean Tatars oppose Russia's takeover of their historic homeland.
WASHINGTON -- The United States has welcomed the release from pretrial detention of Mehman Aliyev, the director of Azerbaijans independent Turan news agency, and called on the authorities in Baku to drop all charges against him.

We ask the government to drop the remaining charges against him and allow Turan to perform its important work unhindered, the State Department said on September 13.

We further call on the authorities to build on this positive step by taking action to strengthen freedom of expression and other human rights in Azerbaijan, the statement added.

Aliyev was charged by Azerbaijani authorities in August with tax evasion and abuse of powers. He denies any wrongdoing.

Authorities in Baku also have frozen all of the Turan news agencys bank accounts during the ongoing investigation.

Aliyev was released from pretrial detention on September 11 on the condition that he remain under house arrest until his trial, which has not yet been scheduled.

I consider this decision as positive...I'm glad that mistake has been amended," the Turan director later said.

Turan was established in 1990 and has published online reports in Azerbaijani, English, and Russia. It also has cooperated with leading international news agencies about stories in Azerbaijan.

Many media-freedom groups and Western governments have condemned the actions against Aliyev and Turan, calling them politically motivated and part of a wider campaign designed to silence voices critical of the government.

In its statement, the U.S. State Department said the United States continues to urge the government of Azerbaijan to release all those incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms.

Dozens of journalists have fled the country in recent years to escape the crackdown, according to the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which says Baku is using tax-evasion allegations to harass Turan.

Azerbaijan is ranked 162nd out of 180 countries in RSFs 2017 World Press Freedom Index.

With reporting by Reuters and RFE/RLs Azerbaijani Service
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. government has ordered all U.S. federal agencies to phase out use of Kaspersky Lab software products, citing ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies.

The Department of Homeland Security issued the order on September 13 following growing criticism in Congress and elsewhere about the Moscow-based companys software products, which are widely used in the United States and elsewhere.

A statement said executive-branch departments and agencies have up to 90 days to begin discontinuing use of Kaspersky software and remove the products from computer systems.

The department is concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies, and requirements under Russian law that allow Russian intelligence agencies to request or compel assistance from Kaspersky and to intercept communications transiting Russian networks, the agency said.

The risk that the Russian government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates U.S. national security, it said.

Company founder Eugene Kaspersky has for years been under scrutiny both for his early education at a KGB-run school, but also because of suspicions that the company has the quiet backing of Russian security agencies, like the Federal Security Service (FSB).

Kaspersky has long denied that his company, one of Russias most successful technology companies, has connections to Russian intelligence agencies.

In a statement, the Russian company again denied the accusations, saying there is "no credible evidence" to back up the claims, including the allegations of Russian government ties.

"Kaspersky Lab has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyberespionage or offensive cyberefforts, and it's disconcerting that a private company can be considered guilty until proven innocent, due to geopolitical issues," it said.

The U.S. Senate was set to vote this week on a defense policy bill that includes a measure banning Kaspersky Lab products from use by U.S. government agencies.

At a hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee in May, six of the U.S. intelligence community's top officials all said they would not allow the use of Kaspersky software products in their systems. And in an op-ed published in The New York Times last week, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat-New Hampshire) called Kaspersky software a "threat to our national security."
The United States and Russia plan to soon start discussions at the expert level on a nuclear arms-reduction treaty signed in 2010, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said.

Ryabkov told Russian news agencies in Helsinki, Finland, after meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Shannon that the two were in agreement that the New START treaty should be implemented without exception.

Asked about the Shannnon-Ryabkov meeting at a briefing on September 12, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said it "provided both sides with an opportunity to raise questions and concerns related to strategic stability and also to clarify their positions on that matter." She did not give details.

The New START treaty foresees the reduction of both countries' nuclear arsenals to 1,550 warheads and 800 launch systems.

It is one of the few nuclear agreements still being honored amid the current strained relations between Washington and Moscow.

The United States has accused Russia of violating the INF treaty, which forbids the use of short- and middle-range missiles, while Moscow said it was abandoning a treaty to destroy weapon-grade plutonium, claiming Washington did not fulfill its side of the agreement.

Ryabkov also said after meeting with Shannon that he did not see any possibility of Russia getting back its shuttered consulate-general in San Francisco and two other trade missions in the United States.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert was asked about the Shannon-Ryabkov meeting on September 12 but did not provide any details or comments.

Based on reporting by dpa, TASS, and Interfax
MINSK -- Belarus says its upcoming military maneuvers with Russia wont violate international agreements, amid Western concerns about the war games.

The chief of the Belarusian Defense Ministry's department for international cooperation, Major General Aleh Voinau, told journalists in Minsk on September 13 that international organizations and governments -- including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and NATO member states -- have been informed in a timely fashion about the Zapad (West) 2017 exercises in accordance with OSCE rules known as the Vienna Document.

Voinau said that the number of personnel, weapons, and military hardware involved in the Zapad 2017 exercises, which are set to be held in Belarus and parts of western Russia on September 14-20, will comply with the Vienna Document as well.

Under the Vienna Document, states conducting maneuvers involving more than 13,000 troops must notify other nations in advance and be open to observers.

INFOGRAPHIC: Zapad 2017 To Scale (click to view)

Russia and Belarus say Zapad 2017 will involve about 12,700 troops. But Western military officials and experts say that the true numbers could be far higher, with as many as 100,000 military personnel involved.

Russia charges that Western concerns about the exercises are unfounded, saying they are "purely defensive" and pose no threat to Russia's neighbors, NATO, or the West.

Voinau said that by September 30, all Belarusian military personnel and equipment will return to their bases and all Russian troops and equipment will leave Belarus.

He also insisted that the drills will be held far from the borders with foreign countries.

Last week, British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon and German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said that Zapad 2017 will involve about 100,000 troops and accused Moscow of seeking to show off military might on the borders of the EU and NATO.

In an interview with the Russian Defense Ministry's newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda on September 13, the commander of Russias Western Military District said such statements were made "without any evidence."

"It is a defensive training and it is the final stage of the joint training of the armed forces of Russia and Belarus, Colonel General Andrei Kartapolov said. We conduct such events regularly in accordance with decisions made by our heads of state.

Fallon told the BBC on September 10 that Zapad 2017 aims at "provoking" NATO and "testing" its defenses.

Speaking on September 7 in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, von der Leyen said, "It is undisputed that we see a demonstration of the capabilities and power of the Russians."

NATO says it will send three observers to Belarus and Russia to monitor Zapad 2017 but has repeatedly called on the two countries to allow broader monitoring of the drills.

Belarus borders NATO members Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, as well as Ukraine. The area in which the upcoming exercises are due to take place also includes the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which lies between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea.

Russia's military actions in Ukraine have increased concerns about Moscow's intentions in NATO nations, particularly former Soviet republics or Warsaw Pact satellites of the Soviet Union.

Russia occupied and seized the Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 and backs separatists whose war against Kyiv's forces has killed more than 10,000 people in eastern Ukraine since April of that year.

Those actions have prompted NATO to step up its defenses in the east, deploying four multinational battlegroups in the three Baltic states and Poland -- totaling approximately 4,500 troops.

With reporting by Interfax
YuMi, a two-armed robot developed by Swiss firm ABB, was trained to copy the movements of conductor Andrea Colombini, who guided the robotic arms to mimic flourishes he had mastered over a career of leading orchestras. However, the robot can only replicate the movements of conductors  not respond to the nuances of the music or encourage players to adopt a change of tone. He has nit the human sensitivity.



The concert in Pisa with a robotic maestro

From 7 to 13 September, the International Robotics Festival in Pisa included workshops, conferences, exhibitions and concerts, a series of events in more than 11 locations offering an interesting program not only for scientists but also for families and other visitors. The first international robotics festival had the goal to demonstrate their enormous potential for the befit of humans, to improve the quality of life. Do not be afraid of robots was the mantra of the festival which was promoted by the Municipality, the Arpa Foundation, the Institute of BioRobotica of the Upper School SantAnna and the Research Center E.Piaggio. Italy is at the forefront of research in robotics and its robotics and automation industries are also among the first in the world, in both the production of robots and automatic machines and their use. Tuscany, in particular Pisa is a centre of excellence, the organizers explained on the official website.
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Straight shot up U.S. 31 to I-94 finally open in Berrien County

Last few miles had been unfinished since 2004 because of a lack of money to pay for it.
This is a watercolor of Tycho Brahe from around 1600 as he looked shortly before his death. His bushy mustache and slightly deformed nose with its prosthesis are visible.

Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe made the most accurate celestial observations of his time and challenged the prevailing belief in how the universe was organized. And while most people may think of scientists as stodgy academic types, Brahe's flamboyant lifestyle and ignominious death would have made some of today's wild celebrities look like choirboys.

A colorful life

Born in Denmark in 1546, Brahe's parents were members of nobility. He was raised by his wealthy uncle, and attended universities in Copenhagen and Leipzig. Though his family badgered him to study law, Brahe chose instead to pursue astronomy.

In 1566, 20-year-old Brahe fought a fellow student in a duel over who was the better mathematician. As a result, he lost a large chunk of his nose. For the rest of his life, he donned a metal prosthetic to cover the disfigurement.

A mysterious death

Brahe died in 1601 at the age of 54. While attending a banquet, societal customs did not allow him to excuse himself before his host. Brahe had drunk excessively, but refused to leave to use the bathroom. It is thought that this caused his bladder to burst and led to his subsequent death.

However, scientists who opened Brahe's grave in 1901 to mark the 300th anniversary of his death claimed to find mercury in his remains, fueling rumors that the astronomer was poisoned. Some even accused a jealous Johannes Kepler of the crime.

Brahe's body was exhumed again in 2010. Tests on his bones and beard hairs showed that mercury concentrations in his body were not high enough to have killed him.

"In fact, chemical analyses of the bones indicate that Tycho Brahe was not exposed to an abnormally high mercury load in the last five to ten years of his life," researcher Kaare Lund Rasmussen, an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Southern Denmark who analyzed mercury levels in Brahe's beard and bones, said in a statement.

However, further research revealed that the astronomer was exposed to high levels of gold in his lifetime. "We found traces of gold in Tycho Brahe's hair, and we can establish that he was exposed to gold while these hairs were still on his body," Rasmussen said in a 2016 statement.

"It may have been the cutlery and plates of gold, or maybe the wine he drank contained gold leaf. It's also possible that he concocted and consumed elixirs containing gold, or that he worked with alchemy,"

Researchers also found that greenish stains around the nasal areas of Brahe's corpse contained traces of copper and zinc, indicating that his fake nose was made of brass and not silver or gold, as many had believed.

"When we exhumed the body in 2010, we took a small bone sample from the nose so that we could examine its chemical composition," project leader Jens Vellev, an archaeologist at Aarhus University in Denmark, said the same statement. "Surprisingly, our analyses revealed that the prosthesis was not made of precious metals, as was previously supposed ... So Tycho Brahe's famous 'silver nose' wasn't made of silver after all."

Tycho Brahe pronunciation

When Brahe was born, his Danish name was Tyge Otteson Brahe. However, he adopted a Latinized form, Tycho Brahe, when he was about 15 years old. There is not much consensus about how the name is pronounced in English. Some say his first name is "tee-ko"; others say "tie-ko." His last name is pronounced either "brah," "bra-hay" or "bra-hee." He is sometimes referred to only by his first name, as in Tycho Crater on the moon, the Tycho Deep Space capsule and Tycho's Supernova Remnant.

A precise view of the heavens

Despite his colorful life and death, Brahe contributed a great deal to the field of astronomy. At the time, astronomers held to the idea that the heavens were composed of separate individual spheres, with everything revolving around the Earth. [See also our overview of Famous Astronomers and great scientists from many fields who have contributed to the rich history of discoveries in astronomy.]

This image comes from a very deep Chandra observation of the Tycho supernova remnant. Low-energy X-rays (red) in the image show expanding debris from the supernova explosion and high energy X-rays (blue) show the blast wave, a shell of extremely energetic electrons. These high-energy X-rays show a pattern of X-ray "stripes" never previously seen in a supernova remant. (Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/Rutgers/K.Eriksen et al.; Optical: DSS)

In 1572, Brahe observed a supernova in the constellation of Cassiopeia. Brighter than Venus, the new star remained visible for a year and a half. In 1577, he observed a comet. Current theory taught that both were disturbances in the atmosphere. However, Brahe's precise measurements revealed differently. He proved that the supernova never changed with regard to the surrounding stars, and that the comet orbited beyond the path of the moon, contradicting the idea that the heavens never changed.

In 1575, King Frederick II sought to keep the now-famous Brahe in Denmark by offering him his own island and financial support to study astronomy. There, Brahe built an enormous observatory, where he kept meticulous observations of the heavens. While most astronomers only focused on observing heavenly bodies at specific, unusual points in their orbits, Brahe intently tracked them in their entire visible orbit across the sky, creating the most precise observations made at the time. Some of his measurements were accurate to half an arc minute, which is especially admirable given that they were all made before the advent of the telescope.

Although Brahe's observations revealed the flaws of the current system, he did not embrace Nicolaus Copernicus' newly proposed sun-centered model. Instead, he offered a model that combined the two, setting the moon and sun in orbit around the Earth even as the other five known planets circled the sun. The model became popular among those who wanted to leave the older view behind but weren't ready to embrace the idea of the sun at the center of the solar system.

According to Rice's University's Galileo Project, "Tycho Brahe's contributions to astronomy were enormous." In addition to his observations, he also designed and built instruments, periodically calibrating them and checking their accuracy. "He thus revolutionized astronomical instrumentation."

How Kepler got his start

Brahe's precise measurements laid the foundation for a new understanding of the motion of the planets. German astronomer Johannes Kepler contacted him at the end of the 16th century in an effort to obtain copies of the Danish astronomer's research. Brahe countered with a suggestion that Kepler could work as his assistant, helping him to compile his data.

However, Brahe proved more tightfisted than Kepler had anticipated and refused to share his measurements of the planets and their orbits. Instead, he suggested Kepler work on solving the Mars dilemma that plagued astronomers.

Because of its orbit, Mars appears to occasionally move backwards across the sky, causing many astronomers to suggest epicycles, tiny circles within their orbit. Even Copernicus' suggestion that the planets orbited the sun in circles could not account for the red planet's strange motion.

Kepler, using Brahe's detailed observations, realized that the planets moved around the sun not in circles but in stretched out circles known as ellipses. However, the problem took him almost a decade to solve, and Kepler didn't publish it until well after Brahe's death. Although Brahe's family intended to reap as much financial gain as possible from Brahe's observations, Kepler, by his own admission, less-than-ethically acquired them after Tycho died.

Follow Nola Taylor Redd at @NolaTRedd, Facebook, or Google+. Follow us at @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+.

Additional resources
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Now we know what SpaceX's new spacesuit looks like from head to toe.

On Friday (Sept. 8), SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk posted a photo on Instagram of a spacesuit-clad person standing next to the Dragon capsule. The company is developing that spacecraft to fly people to and from the International Space Station (ISS), among other destinations. (SpaceX aims to launch paying customers on a trip around the moon in the near future, for example.) [The Evolution of the Spacesuit in Photos]

"Astronaut spacesuit next to Crew Dragon," Musk wrote in the post.

In an Instagram post late last month, Musk gave the world its first glimpse of the sleek, black-and-white SpaceX spacesuit. But that photo was a waist-up view of an astronaut strapped inside a Crew Dragon.

SpaceX holds a NASA contract to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS. (The company already makes resupply runs to the orbiting lab for NASA, using the robotic, cargo version of Dragon.) The first crewed test flights are scheduled to begin next summer.

Boeing also won a NASA ISS crew contract; the first crewed test flights of the aerospace giant's CST-100 Dreamliner capsule could begin by August 2018, NASA officials have said.

Boeing's spacesuits are more colorful than those of SpaceX; the "Boeing Blue" suits were unveiled earlier this year. [See photos of Boeing's new spacesuits]

NASA has been dependent on Russian Soyuz vehicles to take its astronauts to and from the ISS since 2011, when the agency's space shuttle fleet was retired. (The shuttle flight suits, as you may recall, were orange.)

The above-mentioned suits are all designed to help keep astronauts safe in the event of an emergency during flight. The big, bulky spacesuits made specifically for spacewalks  "extravehicular mobility units," in NASA parlance  are already aboard the ISS.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
Crosby - Jan. 29, 2017

Courtesy of DigitalGlobe

Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, north of Corpus Christi, as a Category 4 storm on Aug. 25, 2017. It was the first major hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Harvey was also the first hurricane to hit the Texas coast since Hurricane Ike in 2008. After making landfall, Harvey weakened into a tropical storm, but stalled over the Texas coast, dumping huge amounts of rain over Houston and the surrounding area. In fact, scientists say flooding from Harvey was unprecedented, at levels expected to be seen just once every 500,000 years, in some areas of Southeast Texas.



Here are some before-and-after satellite images of Texas that show the devastation caused by Harvey.



In this image, the Arkema plant in Crosby, Texas, is seen on Jan. 29, 2017.

Crosby - Aug. 31, 2017

Courtesy of DigitalGlobe

Flooding from Harvey knocked out power at the Arkema facility, and on Aug. 31, fire broke out at the chemical plant. Arkema said two explosions were reported at the plant, which is located northeast of Houston, but local emergency officials later said there had been no explosion at the plant.

Channelview - April 6, 2017

Courtesy of DigitalGlobe

The city of Channelview is located about 15 miles (24 km) east of downtown Houston.

Channelview - Aug. 31, 2017

Courtesy of DigitalGlobe

Channelview, like other places in and around Houston, experienced catastrophic flooding from Harvey.

Highlands - April 6, 2017

Courtesy of DigitalGlobe

Highlands is located north of Interstate 10, along the east bank of the San Jacinto River.

Highlands - Aug. 31, 2017

Courtesy of DigitalGlobe

Satellites spied this jaw-dropping view of the flooding in Highlands, Texas, on Aug. 31, 2017.

Brookshire - Nov 20, 2016

Courtesy of DigitalGlobe

The city of Brookshire is located about 34 miles (55 kilometers) west of downtown Houston.

Brookshire - Aug. 30, 2017

Courtesy of DigitalGlobe

This satellite photo, taken as Harvey was inundating the area with heavy rains, shows the extensive flooding caused by the storm.

Simonton - Nov. 20, 2016

Courtesy of DigitalGlobe

The city of Simonton is located about 40 miles (64 km) outside of downtown Houston.

Simonton - Aug. 30, 2017

Courtesy of DigitalGlobe

Simonton was one of the cities that suffered heavy flooding from Harvey.

Holiday Lakes - April 3, 2017

Courtesy of DigitalGlobe

The town of Holiday Lakes is located about 7 miles (11 km) north of Angleton.
New observations suggest that 2014 MU69, the Kuiper Belt object that New Horizons will fly past in 2019, may be a binary object.

WASHINGTON  While still more than a year away from a flyby of a distant object in the solar system's Kuiper Belt, the team running NASA's New Horizons mission is already looking ahead to future extended missions that could include another flyby.

In a Sept. 6 presentation to the Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) in La Jolla, California, Alan Stern, principal investigator on the New Horizons mission, said there was a "fighting chance" the spacecraft would be able to fly past another object in the Kuiper Belt.

New Horizons, which completed its primary mission with the July 2015 flyby of the dwarf planet Pluto, is currently on an extended mission that will take the spacecraft past a small Kuiper Belt object known as 2014 MU69 on New Year's Day 2019. That flyby is part of an extended mission, lasting until 2021, that NASA approved in 2016 as part of the most recent senior review of planetary science missions.[Destination Pluto: NASA's New Horizons Mission in Pictures]

Stern announced at the OPAG meeting that the flyby of 2014 MU69 will take the spacecraft much closer to the object than the 2015 flyby of Pluto: on the spacecraft's nominal trajectory, New Horizons will come to within 3,500 kilometers of the object, compared to 12,500 kilometers for the Pluto flyby. An alternate trajectory would bring the spacecraft no closer than 10,000 kilometers to 2014 MU69 should future observations detect evidence of a debris field or other hazards in the vicinity of the body.

Little is known so far about 2014 MU69, discovered in Hubble Space Telescope observations as part of an effort to identify a Kuiper Belt object close enough to New Horizons' post-Pluto trajectory to enable a flyby. Scientists though the object was a small body no more than about 50 kilometers across. "About the only physical measurements we had of it until recently were its magnitude and its color," Stern said at the OPAG meeting.

More recent observations by Hubble showed little evidence of variations in brightness as the body rotated. "It either means that the object is not presenting vastly different cross-sections to us as it rotates, or we're looking down the barrel of the rotation axis," he said.

Because of that, New Horizons may not need fuel being reserved to adjust the spacecraft's trajectory for the flyby. "It doesn't matter where in the rotation phase we show up," he said. "We're going to see about the same amount of terrain."

That fuel, Stern suggested, could instead be used to redirect New Horizons after the 2014 MU69 flyby to another, even more distant Kuiper Belt object yet to be identified. "We are currently searching for new close flyby targets, and we have some very promising techniques" for doing so, he said. "We have a fighting chance of having a second [Kuiper Belt object] flyby."

That search, though, is secondary to planning for the 2014 MU69 flyby. The flyby campaign, he said, will start in August 2018 and continue through the first week of January 2019, after which the spacecraft will spend the next 20 months transmitting the data collected during the flyby back to Earth.

Observations performed this summer suggest that 2014 MU69 may be a more complex object than originally expected. An occultation of a distant star by the object, witnessed in July by teams of astronomers operating portable telescopes in the Patagonia region of Argentina, gave scientists their first estimate of the shape of the object.

"What we expected, of course, was just an ellipsoid," Stern said. "What we got looks like either a double-lobed object or two objects  a binary  orbiting one another that just happen to be overlapping at the time of this event. Either way, it's exciting."

In addition to the 2014 MU69 flyby, New Horizons is making more distant observations of dozens of other Kuiper Belt objects as well as Centaurs, another class of small bodies in the outer solar system that orbit closer to the sun. The spacecraft is also performing heliophysical observations.

Such observations could continue in future extended missions beyond 2021, regardless of plans for another close Kuiper Belt object flyby. "There's still a lot of good planetary science to be done with New Horizons," he said. "We expect to put a second extended mission proposal in for senior review around that time."

Stern said he expected additional extended missions to follow even after a second one. Those future extended missions, he said, could take advantage of upgrades to the software on the spacecraft's computer to do image processing and analysis on the spacecraft, reducing the amount of data that the spacecraft has to return to Earth as its distance from Earth increases.

"I think New Horizons has a bright future continuing to do planetary science and other applications," he said. "There's fuel and power on board the spacecraft to operate it for another 20 years. That's not going to be a concern even for a third or fourth extended mission."

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
Explore our solar system's planets from the nearest to the sun to the furthest.

The order of the planets in the solar system, starting nearest the sun and working outward is the following: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and then the possible Planet Nine.

The solar system extends from the sun, called Sol by the ancient Romans, and goes past the four inner planets, through the asteroid belt to the four gas giants and on to the disk-shaped Kuiper Belt and far beyond to the teardrop-shaped heliopause.

Scientists estimate that the edge of the solar system is about 9 billion miles (15 billion kilometers) from the sun. Beyond the heliopause lies the giant, spherical Oort Cloud, which is thought to surround the solar system.

Related: Sounds in space: What noises do planets make?

Ever since the discovery of Pluto in 1930, kids grew up learning that the solar system has nine planets. That all changed in the late 1990s when astronomers started arguing about whether Pluto was indeed a planet. In a highly controversial decision, the International Astronomical Union ultimately decided in 2006 to designate Pluto as a "dwarf planet," reducing the list of the solar system's true planets to just eight.

If you insist on including Pluto, it would come after Neptune on the list. Pluto is truly way out there and on a wildly tilted, elliptical orbit (two of the several reasons it was demoted).

Astronomers, however, are still hunting for another possible planet in our solar system, a true ninth planet, after mathematical evidence of its existence was revealed on Jan. 20, 2016. The alleged "Planet Nine," also called "Planet X," is believed to be about 10 times the mass of Earth and 5,000 times the mass of Pluto.

Related: 15 stunning places on Earth that look like they're from another planet

Types of planets in the solar system

The inner four planets closest to the sun  Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars  are often called the "terrestrial planets" because their surfaces are rocky. Pluto also has a rocky, albeit frozen, surface but has never been grouped with the four terrestrials.

The four large outer worlds  Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune  are sometimes called the Jovian or "Jupiter-like" planets because of their enormous size relative to the terrestrial planets. They're also mostly made of gases like hydrogen, helium and ammonia rather than of rocky surfaces, although astronomers believe some or all of them may have solid cores.

Order of the planets by size (smallest to largest) If you were to order the planets by size from smallest to largest they would be Mercury, Mars, Venus, Earth, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn and Jupiter.

Jupiter and Saturn are sometimes called the gas giants, whereas the more distant Uranus and Neptune have been nicknamed the ice giants. This is because Uranus and Neptune have more atmospheric water and other ice-forming molecules, such as methane, hydrogen sulfide and phosphene, that crystallize into clouds in the planets' frigid conditions, according to the Planetary Society (opens in new tab). For perspective, methane crystallizes at minus 296 Fahrenheit (minus 183 degrees Celsius), according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (opens in new tab).

What is (and isn't) a planet?

The IAU defines (opens in new tab) a true planet as a body that circles the sun without being some other object's satellite; is large enough to be rounded by its own gravity (but not so big that it begins to undergo nuclear fusion, like a star); and has "cleared its neighborhood" of most other orbiting bodies.

But that restrictive definition helped isolate what should and should not be considered a planet  a problem that arose as astronomers discovered more and more planet-like objects in the solar system. Pluto was among the bodies that didn't make the cut and was re-classified as a dwarf planet.

The problem with Pluto, aside from its small size and offbeat orbit, is that it doesn't clear its neighborhood of debris  it shares its space with lots of other objects in the Kuiper Belt. Still, the demotion of Pluto remains controversial.

The IAU planet definition also put other small, round worlds into the dwarf planet category, including the Kuiper Belt objects Eris, Haumea and Makemake.

Ceres, a round object in the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter, also got the boot. Ceres was considered a planet when it was discovered in 1801, but it was later deemed to be an asteroid. That still didn't quite fit because it was so much larger (and rounder) than the other asteroids. Astronomers instead deemed it a dwarf planet in 2006, although some astronomers like to consider Ceres as a 10th planet (not to be confused with Nibiru or Planet X).

Below is a brief overview of the eight true planets in our solar system, moving from that closest to the sun to the farthest from the sun:

The sun

An artist's depiction of Parker Solar Probe studying the sun. (Image credit: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory)

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The sun is by far the largest object in our solar system, containing 99.8% of the solar system's mass. It sheds most of the heat and light that makes life possible on Earth and possibly elsewhere. Planets orbit the sun in oval-shaped paths called ellipses, with the sun slightly off-center of each ellipse.

NASA has a fleet of spacecraft observing the sun, such as the Parker Solar Probe, to learn more about its composition, and to make better predictions about space weather and its effect on Earth.

Mercury: The closest planet to the sun

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun. The planet is pictured here as seen by NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft. (Image credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie )

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Mercury is the closest planet to the sun and the smallest planet in the solar system  it is only a little larger than Earth's moon. Mercury zips around the sun in only 88 days and because it is so close to our star (about two-fifths the distance between Earth and the sun).

Mercury experiences dramatic changes in its day and night temperatures. Mercury temperatures can reach a scorching 840 F (450 C) in the day, which is hot enough to melt lead. Meanwhile, on the night side, temperatures drop to minus 290 F (minus 180 C).

Quick Mercury facts - Discovery: Known to the ancient Greeks and visible to the naked eye - Named for the messenger of the Roman gods - Diameter: 3,031 miles (4,878 km) - Orbit: 88 Earth days - Day: 58.6 Earth days - Number of moons: 0

Mercury's atmosphere is very thin and primarily composed of oxygen, sodium, hydrogen, helium and potassium. Because the atmosphere is so thin it cannot incoming meteors, its surface is therefore pockmarked with craters, just like our moon.

Over its four-year mission, NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft revealed incredible discoveries that challenged astronomers' expectations. Among those findings was the discovery of water ice and frozen organic compounds at Mercury's north pole and that volcanism played a major role in shaping the planet's surface.

Related: How was Mercury formed?

Venus: Earth's solar system twin

A newly processed (2020) image of Venus that was captured by NASA's Mariner 10 spacecraft. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

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Venus is the second planet from the sun and is the hottest planet in the solar system. Its thick atmosphere is extremely toxic and composed of sulfuric acid clouds, the planet is an extreme example of the greenhouse effect.

Quick Venus facts - Discovery: Known to the ancient Greeks and visible to the naked eye - Named for the Roman goddess of love and beauty - Diameter: 7,521 miles (12,104 km) - Orbit: 225 Earth days - Day: 241 Earth days - Number of moons: 0

The average temperature on Venus' surface is 900 F (465 C). At 92 bar, the pressure at the surface would crush and kill you. And oddly, Venus spins slowly from east to west, the opposite direction of most of the other planets.

Venus is sometimes referred to as Earth's twin as they are similar in size and radar images beneath its atmosphere reveal numerous mountains and volcanoes. But beyond that, the planets could not be more different.

The Greeks believed Venus was two different objects  one in the morning sky and another in the evening. Because it is often brighter than any other object in the sky, Venus has generated many UFO reports.

Related: How was Venus formed?

Earth: Our home planet, filled with life

One of the most detailed images of Earth. The montage was created from photographs taken by the Visible/Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument onboard the Suomi NPP satellite. (Image credit: NASA)

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Earth, our home planet, is the third planet from the sun. It is a water world with two-thirds of the planet covered by water. Earth's atmosphere is rich in nitrogen and oxygen and it is the only world known to harbor life.

Quick Earth facts - Name originates from "Die Erde," the German word for "the ground." - Diameter: 7,926 miles (12,760 km) - Orbit: 365.24 days - Day: 23 hours, 56 minutes - Number of moons: 1

Earth rotates on its axis at 1,532 feet per second (467 meters per second)  slightly more than 1,000 mph (1,600 kph)  at the equator. The planet zips around the sun at more than 18 miles per second (29 km per second).

Related: 10 Earth impact craters you must see

Mars: The solar system's Red Planet

Mosaic of the Valles Marineris hemisphere of Mars. The image was created from 102 Viking Orbiter images of Mars. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

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Mars is the fourth planet from the sun. It is a cold, desert-like planet covered in iron oxide dust that gives the planet its signature red hue. Mars shares similarities with Earth: It is rocky, has mountains, valleys and canyons, and storm systems ranging from localized tornado-like dust devils to planet-engulfing dust storms.

Substantial scientific evidence suggests that Mars at one point billions of years ago was a much warmer, wetter world, rivers and maybe even oceans existed. Although Mars' atmosphere is too thin for liquid water to exist on the surface for any length of time, remnants of that wetter Mars still exist today. Sheets of water ice the size of California lie beneath Mars' surface, and at both poles are ice caps made in part of frozen water.

Quick Mars facts - Discovery: Known to the ancient Greeks and visible to the naked eye - Named for the Roman god of war - Diameter: 4,217 miles (6,787 km) - Day: Just more than one Earth day (24 hours, 37 minutes) - Number of moons: 2

Scientists also think ancient Mars would have had the conditions to support life like bacteria and other microbes. Hope that signs of this past life  and the possibility of even current lifeforms  may exist on the Red Planet has driven numerous Mars missions and the Red Planet is now one of the most explored planets in the solar system.

Related: How long does it take to get to Mars?

The asteroid belt

Between Mars and Jupiter lies the asteroid belt. Asteroids are minor planets, and according to NASA there are approximately between 1.1 and 1.9 million asteroids (opens in new tab) in the main asteroid belt larger than 0.6 miles (1 km) in diameter and millions more smaller asteroids.

The dwarf planet Ceres, about 590 miles (950 km) in diameter, resides here. A number of asteroids have orbits that take them closer into the solar system that sometimes lead them to collide with Earth or the other inner planets.

Jupiter: The largest planet in our solar system

This stunning image of Jupiter, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, was captured on Aug. 25, 2020 and shows ripples in the planet's atmosphere, Jupiter's famous Great Red Spot and the planet's striking colors. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, STScI, A. Simon (Goddard Space Flight Center), M.H. Wong (University of California, Berkeley), and the OPAL team)

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Jupiter is the fifth planet from the sun and the largest planet in the solar system. The gas giant is more than twice as massive as all the other planets combined, according to NASA (opens in new tab).

Quick Jupiter facts - Discovery: Known to the ancient Greeks and visible to the naked eye - Named for the ruler of the Roman gods - Diameter: 86,881 miles (139,822 km) - Orbit: 11.9 Earth years - Day: 9.8 Earth hours - Number of moons: 79 (53 confirmed, 26 provisional)

Its swirling clouds are colorful due to different types of trace gases including ammonia ice, ammonium hydrosulfide crystals as well as water ice and vapor.

A famous feature in its swirling clouds is Jupiter's Great Red Spot, a giant storm more than 10,000 miles wide, first observed in 1831 by amateur astronomer Samuel Heinrich Schwabe. It has raged at more than 400 mph for the last 150 years, at least.

Jupiter has a strong magnetic field, and with 75 moons, including the largest moon in the solar system, Ganymede.

Related: Jupiter's moons: Facts about the largest Jovian moons

Saturn: The ringed jewel of the solar system

The Hubble Space Telescope captured this image of Saturn during its northern hemisphere summer on July 4, 2020. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, A. Simon (Goddard Space Flight Center), M.H. Wong (University of California, Berkeley), and the OPAL Team)

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Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun and is famous for its large and distinct ring system. Though Saturn is not the only planet in the solar system with rings.

Quick Saturn facts - Discovery: Known to the ancient Greeks and visible to the naked eye - Named for Roman god of agriculture - Diameter: 74,900 miles (120,500 km) - Orbit: 29.5 Earth years - Day: About 10.5 Earth hours - Number of moons: 82 (53 confirmed, 29 provisional)

Did you know? If you put Saturn in a bathtub it would float as Saturn has an average density that is less than water. You'd just need to find a bathtub big enough

When polymath Galileo Galilei first studied Saturn in the early 1600s, he thought it was an object with three parts: a planet and two large moons on either side. Not knowing he was seeing a planet with rings, the stumped astronomer entered a small drawing  a symbol with one large circle and two smaller ones  in his notebook, as a noun in a sentence describing his discovery. More than 40 years later, Christiaan Huygens proposed that they were rings.

The rings are made of ice and rock and scientists are not yet sure how they formed. The gaseous planet is mostly hydrogen and helium and has numerous moons.

Related: How far away is Saturn?

Uranus: The tilted, sideways planet in our solar system

X-rays from Uranus have been detected using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. (Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXO/University College London/W. Dunn et al; Optical: W.M. Keck Observatory)

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Uranus is the seventh planet from the sun and is a bit of an oddball.

It has clouds made of hydrogen sulfide, the same chemical that makes rotten eggs smell so foul. It rotates from east to west like Venus. But unlike Venus or any other planet, its equator is nearly at right angles to its orbit  it basically orbits on its side.

Quick Uranus facts - Discovery: 1781 by William Herschel (was originally thought to be a star) - Named for the personification of heaven in ancient myth - Diameter: 31,763 miles (51,120 km) - Orbit: 84 Earth years - Day: 18 Earth hours - Number of moons: 27

Astronomers believe an object twice the size of Earth collided with Uranus roughly 4 billion years ago, causing Uranus to tilt. That tilt causes extreme seasons that last 20-plus years, and the sun beats down on one pole or the other for 84 Earth-years at a time.

The collision is also thought to have knocked rock and ice into Uranus' orbit. These later became some of the planet's 27 moons. Methane in Uranus' atmosphere gives the planet its blue-green tint. It also has 13 sets of faint rings.

Uranus holds the record for the coldest temperature ever measured in the solar system  minus 371.56 degrees F (minus 224.2 degrees C). The average temperature of Uranus is minus 320 degrees Fahrenheit (-195 degrees Celsius).

Related: How did Uranus form?

Neptune: A giant, stormy blue planet

Neptune's winds travel at more than 1,500 mph, and are the fastest planetary winds in the solar system. (Image credit: NASA/JPL)

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Neptune is the eighth planet from the sun and is on average the coldest planet in the solar system. The average temperature of Neptune at the top of the clouds is minus 346 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 210 degrees Celsius).

Quick Neptune facts - Discovery: 1846 - Named for the Roman god of water - Diameter: 30,775 miles (49,530 km) - Orbit: 165 Earth years - Day: 19 Earth hours - Number of moons: 14

Neptune is approximately the same size as Uranus and is known for its supersonic strong winds. The planet is more than 30 times as far from the sun as Earth.

Neptune was the first planet predicted to exist by using math, rather than being visually detected. Irregularities in the orbit of Uranus led French astronomer Alexis Bouvard to suggest some other planet might be exerting a gravitational tug. German astronomer Johann Galle used calculations to help find Neptune in a telescope. Neptune is about 17 times as massive as Earth and has a rocky core.

Related: There's something strange going on inside Neptune

Trans-Neptunian region

Astronomers had long suspected that a band of icy material known as the Kuiper Belt existed past the orbit of Neptune extending from about 30 to 55 times the distance of Earth to the sun, and from the last decade of the 20th century up to now, they have found more than a thousand of such objects. Scientists estimate the Kuiper Belt is likely home to hundreds of thousands of icy bodies larger than 60 miles (100 km) wide, as well as an estimated trillion or more comets.

Pluto, now considered a dwarf planet, dwells in the Kuiper Belt. It is not alone  recent additions include Makemake, Haumea and Eris. Another Kuiper Belt object dubbed Quaoar is probably massive enough to be considered a dwarf planet, but it has not been classified as such yet. Sedna, which is about three-fourths the size of Pluto, is the first dwarf planet discovered in the Oort Cloud. NASA's New Horizons mission performed history's first flyby of the Pluto system on July 14, 2015.

Pluto: Once a planet, now a dwarf planet

An enhanced color global view of Pluto showing the heart-shaped area now named 'Tombaugh Regio'. (Image credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Southwest Research Institute)

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Pluto was once the ninth planet from the sun and is unlike any other planet in the solar system.

Quick Pluto facts - Discovery: 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh - Named for the Roman god of the underworld, Hades - Diameter: 1,430 miles (2,301 km) - Orbit: 248 Earth years - Day: 6.4 Earth days - Number of moons: 5

It is smaller than Earth's moon; its orbit is highly elliptical, falling inside Neptune's orbit at some points and far beyond it at others; and Pluto's orbit doesn't fall on the same plane as all the other planets  instead, it orbits 17.1 degrees above or below.

It is smaller than Earth's moon; its orbit is highly elliptical, falling inside Neptune's orbit at some points and far beyond it at others; and Pluto's orbit doesn't fall on the same plane as all the other planets  instead, it orbits 17.1 degrees above or below, taking 288 years to complete a single orbit according to ESA.

From 1979 until early 1999, Pluto had been the eighth planet from the sun. Then, on Feb. 11, 1999, it crossed Neptune's path and once again became the solar system's most distant planet  until it was redefined as a dwarf planet. It's a cold, rocky world with a tenuous atmosphere.

Scientists thought it might be nothing more than a hunk of rock on the outskirts of the solar system. But when NASA's New Horizons mission performed history's first flyby of the Pluto system on July 14, 2015, it transformed scientists' view of Pluto.

Pluto is a very active ice world that's covered in glaciers, mountains of ice water, icy dunes and possibly even cryovolcanoes that erupt icy lava made of water, methane or ammonia.

Related: Why isn't Pluto a planet anymore?

Planet Nine: A planet search at solar system's edge

The hypothesized Planet Nine is estimated to be about 10 times the mass of Earth (Image credit: ESO/Tom Ruen/nagualdesign)

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In 2016, researchers proposed the possible existence of a ninth planet, for now, dubbed "Planet Nine" or Planet X. The planet is estimated to be about 10 times the mass of Earth and to orbit the sun between 300 and 1,000 times farther than the orbit of the Earth.

Scientists have not seen Planet Nine. They inferred its existence by its gravitational effects on other objects in the Kuiper Belt, a region at the fringe of the solar system that is home to icy rocks left over from the birth of the solar system. Also called trans-Neptunian objects, these Kuiper Belt objects have highly elliptical or oval orbits that align in the same direction.

Scientists Mike Brown and Konstantin Batygin at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena described the evidence for Planet Nine in a study published in the Astronomical Journal (opens in new tab). The research is based on mathematical models and computer simulations using observations of six other smaller Kuiper Belt Objects with orbits that aligned in a similar matter.

A hypothesis proposed in September 2019 on the pre-print server arXiv suggests Planet Nine might not be a planet at all. Instead, Jaku Scholtz of Durham University and James Unwin of the University of Illinois at Chicago speculate it could be a primordial black hole that formed soon after the Big Bang and that our solar system later captured, according to Newsweek. Unlike black holes that form from the collapse of giant stars, primordial black holes are thought to have formed from gravitational perturbations less than a second after the Big Bang, and this one would be so small (5 centimeters in diameter) that it would be challenging to detect.

Astronomers continue to come up empty in their search for Planet 9. A recent 2022 sky survey using the 6-meter Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) in Chile found thousands of tentative candidate sources but none could be confirmed.

Related: The nonexistent planet Nibiru

The edge of the solar system

Past the Kuiper Belt is the very edge of the solar system, the heliosphere, a vast, teardrop-shaped region of space containing electrically charged particles given off by the sun. Many astronomers think that the limit of the heliosphere, known as the heliopause, is about 9 billion miles (15 billion km) from the sun.

The Oort Cloud lies well past the Kuiper Belt, considered to be located between 2,000 and 5,000 astronomical units (AU) from the sun. The outer edge of the Oort Cloud may reach as far as 10,000 up to 100,000 AU from the sun. One AU is equal to approximately 93,000,000 miles (150 million kilometers). The Oort Cloud is home to billions, or even trillions of objects, according to NASA Science (opens in new tab).

Solar system formation and discovery

Approximately 4.5 billion years ago a dark cloud of gas and dust began to collapse. As it shrank, the cloud flattened into a swirling disk known as a solar nebula, according to NASA Science (opens in new tab).

The heat and pressure eventually became so high that hydrogen atoms began to combine to form helium. The nuclear reactions released vast amounts of energy and our sun was formed.

The sun accumulated about 99% of the available matter and the remaining material further from the sun formed smaller clumps inside the spinning disk. Some of these clumps gained enough mass that their gravity shaped them into spheres, becoming planets, dwarf planets and moons. Other leftover pieces became asteroids, comets and smaller moons that make up our solar system.

Read more: How did the solar system form?

For millennia, astronomers have followed points of light that seemed to move among the stars. The ancient Greeks named them planets, meaning "wanderers." Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn were known in antiquity, and the invention of the telescope added the Asteroid Belt, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and many of these worlds' moons. The dawn of the space age saw dozens of probes launched to explore our system, an adventure that continues today.

There have been five human-made objects so far, Voyager 1, Voyager 2, New Horizons, Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11, that have crossed the threshold into interstellar space.

Related: How much of the solar system is made of interstellar stuff?

Additional resources

Explore the solar system in greater detail with these interactive resources (opens in new tab) from NASA. Discover the wonders of the solar system with this educational material (opens in new tab) from ESA. See where the planets are in their current orbit of the sun with this interactive orrery (opens in new tab) from NASA.

Bibliography

NASA solar system exploration (opens in new tab)

Prialnik, Dina K., Antonella Barucci, and Leslie Young, eds. The Trans-Neptunian Solar System. (opens in new tab) Elsevier, 2019.

Pirani, Simona, et al. "Consequences of planetary migration on the minor bodies of the early solar system. (opens in new tab)" Astronomy & Astrophysics 623 (2019): A169.

Scholtz, Jakub, and James Unwin. "What if Planet 9 is a primordial black hole? (opens in new tab)." Physical Review Letters 125.5 (2020): 051103.

Brown, Michael E., and Konstantin Batygin. "Observational constraints on the orbit and location of planet nine in the outer solar system. (opens in new tab)" The Astrophysical Journal Letters 824.2 (2016): L23.

Raymond, Sean N., et al. "Building the terrestrial planets: Constrained accretion in the inner Solar System. (opens in new tab)" Icarus 203.2 (2009): 644-662.
Smara (Sahrawi refugee camps), Sept 13, 2017 (SPS) - The representative of the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF-Algeria) Marc Lucet gave Tuesday the broad lines, in the refugee camps of Smara, of a strategy of the UNICEF to support education and teaching in the Sahrawi refugee camps, in coordination with the different partners and donors.

This strategy, launched in the beginning of 2017 and spreading over a period of four years, targets the rehabilitation of education facilities and strengthening of educational system and teaching of children in the refugee camps, Lucet told APS in a symbolic ceremony of presenting school stationary items to pupils of primary school Mbarek Hebila.

Leading a delegation made up of different UN organizations, the representative of UNICEF-Algeria said that this strategy comprises notably the reconstruction of several schools listed by UNICEF in coordination with the Sahrawi authorities, after the bad weather affecting the region in 2015.

Through this programme, more than 1,700 executives of the sector of education and teachers will receive continuous training, including more than 80% of female volunteers, added the source.SPS

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O ne of Londons best-known investors, Sir Michael Hintze, saw profits rise at his CQS hedge fund last year after an upswing in performance.

The billionaire chief, a former captain in the Australian Army, said total income at CQS Management jumped almost 50% to $245 million (185 million) after making the right calls on oil-market turmoil and the market swings following the election of President Donald Trump.

The companys flagship Directional Opportunities fund, managed by Hintze, rose 30.5% last year, making it one of the best-performing hedge funds in the world last year.

That helped drive pre-tax profit up to $120 million from $39 million last year, according to filings released yesterday, with the company paying $20 million in tax up from $5 million.

Hedge funds typically earn performance fees, which drive revenues, when funds clear certain targets.

The dividend paid to CQS' Luxembourg based holding company controlled by Hintze was $67 million, down from $76 million last year.

CQS, which declined to comment on the accounts, runs about $12 billion from offices in London, Hong Kong, New York, Jersey and Sydney.

Staff numbers were down to 144 from 160 at its UK investment partnership as of March, as the company seeks to streamline its operations.

Hintze last month warned investors the populism that had propelled Trump to power could lead to instability in regions such as South Africa and Turkey.

He also said that other issues like North Koreas nuclear ambitions added layers of complexity which could unsettle markets.
T he speed with which anti-business campaigns can snowball in the internet age never ceases to amaze.

Following last weeks implosion of Bell Pottinger over its South African smear campaign for the Gupta family, KPMG is in the line of fire.

The accounting giant is auditor to the Guptas, who are accused of winning state contracts due to their friendship with the president Jacob Zuma. KPMG, anti-Zuma campaigners allege, played a central role in facilitating state capture.

Already, stung by virulent social media, several South African companies have distanced themselves from the firm.

The worlds press has picked up on the digital buzz in South Africa, and today KPMG finds itself splashed all over the Financial Times. Desperate to get ahead of the story, KPMG has launched a review into its Gupta work and pledged to rebuild the publics trust, an admission its reputation has been badly damaged.

Next will surely be McKinsey. Its South African operation is accused of turning a blind eye to corrupt payments to the Guptas by the state utility Eskom, a McKinsey client.

McKinsey has launched an independent inquiry into itself, but that wont stop the clamour. Particularly after Reuters today quoted ex-McKinsey employees saying that local staff warned the firm off the contract as early as 2013. Back in the day, multinationals would have seen little blowback in their important western markets from such African skirmishes.

Now, with Twitter and Facebook having the power to spread bad news globally in milliseconds, a well-organised local campaign in a faraway place can sink a business within weeks.

Bell Pottinger, once famed for its skills in organising such campaigns itself, will not be the last to learn that to its cost.

Barclays battler back

An update from a pal at Barclays Canary Wharf tower gives cause for cheer.

Back in March, in the aftermath of the Westminster terror attack, we were looking for positive stories to counter the gloom. We alighted on Barclays in Canary Wharf, where 60 traders were spending the day on a charity effort on the office gyms StairMasters to climb Mount Everest.

Their efforts  which raised a chunky 70,000  were to support their colleague on European rates sales, Tarun Mathur, who was fighting a gruelling battle with cancer.

Im delighted to report that Tarun yesterday returned to the banks vast dealing room for the first time, to a standing ovation from the whole floor. The noise resounded across the North Colonnade, leaving not a dry eye in the house.

Great to have you back, Tarun. Now, crack on and tell us when the ECBs putting up rates.
W hen I first moved to London 20 years from Glasgow via Hull (our third great university, as Blackadder sagely said), I would dream of a place they called Islington which was so pretty and twinkling that its Tube station was called Angel. Then I worked out my budget and I ended up in a damp flat in Cricklewood sharing with two blokes and a rather large family of mice.

Then I became a fully-fledged indie kid and ended up in Camden, where I professionally stalked various Britpop bands and took up residence at the Good Mixer pub in the hope that one day I might get off with someone from Blur. Many people my age have a similar story in London (minus the restraining order). You arrive as a young person. Find an area that suits you. Establish a meaningful relationship with a local dry cleaner and a good Indian takeaway (home is where the naan is) and boom, youve found your manor.

But living in central London is becoming more difficult for young people and also for women. BBC Womens Hour carried out a piece of research with the National Centre for Social Research asking where the best place to be a woman in Britain is, taking into account a number of factors such as well-being, income, housing, childcare, safety and the environment. East Dunbartonshire, near Glasgow, topped the list and the absolute worst place was none other than Islington.

East Dunbartonshire is home to some of Scotlands top schools, its close to beautiful countryside and was voted the best place to raise a family. Its residents are among the happiest and least anxious in the land. Islington ranked so badly mainly because of housing costs, with the median house price a staggering 16 times the median income. It has one of the worst gender pay gaps and residents reported the lowest levels of happiness and life satisfaction and thats before you even get to Jeremy Corbyn.

I think women do view their surroundings differently to men, especially if they have children and have to think more about the practical issues such as childcare and schools rather than just whether there are good pubs and a quality late-night kebab house nearby.

Theres no doubt that Islington  like so much of London  is a wonderful place to be and bring up your children.

Vibrant, buzzy, beautiful, diverse and socially liberal. And, of course, Islington residents will be dismayed by the rising living costs and social inequality.

A single mum with a decent job told me how she had loved living there but couldnt afford to stay.

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This research highlights how important housing and childcare costs are, especially to average and low-paid women and families, and how something must be done.

Londoners value and love our mixed communities and spaces and we dont want our city to be a place only for the young and childless, or people who can afford to blow six quid on a loaf of artisan sourdough.

Idris will have us all in a spin at the Mercurys

Tomorrow nights 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize hosted by Lauren Laverne looks set to be an absolute belter.

Not only will there be 12 live performances at the event, including last years winner Skepta, but Idris Elba has just been announced as a special guest.

Idris Elba / Getty Images

As well as being a world-renowned actor, Elba is also a music producer, a DJ and has played across the globe from Los Angeles to Ibiza.

The Mercury Prize recognises artistic achievement and all eyes will be on whether Stormzy can beat Ed Sheeran.

British music has had a huge year, with its highest exports since 2000, contributing more than 4 billion to the economy.

Don't mention the C word

Labour leaders often got a frosty reception at the TUC conference, until recently of course. But there were signs of rebellion in 2008.

My former boss Harriet Harman, then Equalities Minister, and I were ticked off by No 10 because we told the press that her speech would say social class was the most crucial dividing line in British politics.

We were told to remove the C word and reminded that, as Tony Blair told the party in 1999, the class war is over.

How times have changed.

Monkey business not over after macaque selfie deal

A settlement has been reached in the lawsuit over who owns the copyright of a selfie taken by a monkey.

The now famous snap of the grinning macaque monkey Naruto was taken in Indonesia in 2011 when he picked up the camera owned by David Slater.

Animal charity Peta took the claim on behalf of Naruto (Im not sure how they got his permission) but Slater has agreed to donate money to his welfare.

Is a selfie star born? Watch this space for a leaked sex tape, Instagram account and contouring range.
A s the most important figure in British theatre for half a century, the great achievements of Sir Peter Hall, who died on Monday aged 86, have been loudly trumpeted by todays obituaries and tributes.

It makes the head swim to read them listed: he founded the Royal Shakespeare Company at just 29, oversaw the difficult move of the National Theatre to the South Bank, ran Glyndebourne (while he was still artistic director of the NT), created his own production company and introduced the English-speaking world to Waiting for Godot.

It is regrettable, but little surprise, that his involvement in the birth of the Rose in Kingston, the 900-seat theatre opened in 2008 and based on the dimensions of the Elizabethan original, has been relegated by most of the news coverage to one or two small lines.

As a figure who so frequently made headlines for haranguing the Government over arts funding, it is sad that Halls original plan for the Rose, to house a resident company, didnt happen due to financial woes. A week after the theatre opened with his production of Uncle Vanya starring Nicholas Le Prevost, he handed the theatre over to Stephen Unwin.

Meeting for lunch in 2009, Unwin and Hall had the idea of asking Dame Judi Dench to return to the role of Titania in A Midsummer Nights Dream, nearly 50 years after she had first played the part for Hall in 1962. Unwin claims this decision saved our skins  the production was a hit.

The Rose remains a laudable theatre for south-west London, so often overlooked or, worse, dismissed by anti-suburb snobs. Its creation may be a small achievement by Halls colossal standards but the capital would be poorer without it.

Airlines can make me cry  but not at their inflight films

Are you a blubberer at 20,000 feet? Research by Gatwick Airport this week found that passengers are more likely to cry watching a film on a plane than if they saw the same film in a cinema  15 per cent for men and six for women.

Biologist Emily Grossman explained that the slight reduction in oxygen levels at high altitude might affect the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. I would suggest that exhaustion, aviophobia and some airlines policy on free drinks also play a part.

Ive never been much of a weeper, neither when airborne nor on land, so Im surprised that there have been two films so far this year that made me cry: The Red Turtle, Michael Dudok de Wits beautiful, soulful, animated drama, and Christopher Nolans Dunkirk. Though Dunkirk doesnt really count since the tears were battered out of me by the overbearing Imax like a school bully stealing lunch money. When I saw the film again, this time on a normal cinema screen, my eyes stayed dry.

Its hard to imagine Dunkirk on a plane having any impact whatsoever. On a titchy screen built into the seat in front of you, straining to hear the tinny sound through the airline headphones  should you unfortunately not have your own  how can an in-flight film be anything other than background noise?

Questions of immersion aside, cinemas will always have one big advantage over planes for cine-weepers  in a dark room, no one can see you cry.

Was pillaging womens work?

Is it good news for feminism that the tomb of a Viking warrior, long assumed to house a man, may in fact contain a woman?

The discovery by Stockholm and Uppsala archaeologists subverts popular expectations, and it is satisfying to imagine her calling the shots on a longship, but Vikings  of rape and pillage fame  are hardly ideal role models for anyone.

How long until Hollywood makes a Wonder Woman-style blockbuster about Bj 581? Might need to change her name first.

Its a full house at Sir John Soanes

It is heartening to hear that the wonderful Sir John Soanes Museum is more popular than ever before, with 121,500 visitors last year  its highest yet.

Though, thanks to the limited space in Soanes house, preserved as a museum after the neo-classical architects death in 1837 at the age of 83, it can only hold up to 85 at any one time.

In order to cope with the high demand on Saturdays, the museum has just announced that it will shift its opening days to include Sunday and will also open on bank holidays for the first time.

The only sad news is that its famous candlelit evenings on the first Tuesday of every month will be suspended until 2018. Ill be keeping an eye out for their return.
T heres a new bar crawl opportunity in Shoreditch that doesnt involve changing address once  though there are some stairs to contend with.

A mix of whisky, sherry and a classic cocktail or three may sound like the recipe for disaster, but at the one-of-a-kind booze complex that is The Napoleon, these components are also the recipe for a thoroughly enjoyable night out.

To be clear, The Napoleon is a hotel. But your usual hotel it is not, and were not convinced its really aimed at tourists in the slightest. It has one bedroom, no reception and three different and diverse bars  a ratio for good times if ever there was one.

Your journey through the bars could start at any one of the three, but for the sake of simplicity we recommend initially working your way up the bottom.

Whisky business: Black Rock

That means that first up is whisky bar Blackrock, set in the basement. This was the first of the bars to arrive, opening over a year ago well before the rest of the complex. It serves its own-blend whisky, stored in a large felled tree which doubles as a communal table, as well boasting a library of bottles stretching from Scotland to the States via Japan, and from the good value to the very, very rare.

Given youll want to maintain stamina for the remaining two bars, its advisable to alternate drams with cocktails  theres a dedicated high ball selection, including one made with absinthe and a creme brulee soda  and scran. This takes the form of scotch eggs, veggie haggis balls, and raw or baked oysters.

Sherry good times: Sack bar

One floor up, back on ground level, there is newer arrival Sack, which takes its lead from the tabernas and bodegas of southern Spain. It stocks an extensive sherry list along with a selection of Spanish wines, beers and ciders.

Work your way from a refreshing Manzanilla to a nutty Oloroso, washing it down with ham and cheese as you go. You know the Spanish would.

Hot spot: The Devil's Darling (also pictured above)

Finally, its time to take the stairs up to bar number three: The Devils Darling. With lowlights, a patterned tiled floor and a regal painting of the French emperors coronation as a bar backdrop, it feels romantic, exclusive and just a little bit fancy. Not that the 11 cocktails are badly priced.

There are just three to choose from each day, but feel free to ask the bartenders for what you fancy. The general rule is, if its classic theyll do it.

Once youve completed the set, youre more than welcome to work your way back down again and keep repeating until you can take the stairs no more.

The suite at The Napoleon

For anyone lucky enough to be staying at The Napoleon, theres another floor to explore, too  your bedroom. Along with an ensuite, comfy bed and all the mod cons, it comes with a well-stocked minibar and, best of all, a built-in dumb waiter-style delivery hatch which can deliver room service direct to your abode.

That room service includes bar snacks as well as all the liquid loveliness which The Napoleon has on tap. Which means drinks from any of the three on-site bars can effectively appear by magic in your room at the press of a button. Thats both as dangerous and delightful as it sounds.

While all three bars accept walk-ins, bagging the room will (unsurprisingly) take some forward planning. Still, it was the eponymous Napoleon Bonaparte himself that said, victory belongs to the most persevering. And if you dont get lucky, you could always apply the same thinking when it comes to getting home on the night bus.
F ood trends, like civilisations, move westwards with the setting sun. And now its the turn of J-grub to rise from the east and teach western cuisine a few lessons: Anglo-Japanese food is in vogue in the capital.

On Wardour Street the suggestive Ichibuns  a play on the term ichiban, which translates as number one  is serving a unique mixture of American fast food and Japanese cuisine. Masterminded by Robin Leigh, the director of Nobu, Kurt Zdesar, founder of Ping Pong, and Endo Kazutoshi, executive sushi chef of the Zuma group, the menu includes wagyu beef burgers, shiitake mushroom ramen and pop-and-go cocktails. Descend into the diner and get lost in a Tokyo night: the eclectic rock-and-roll interiors are inspired by Fifties and Sixties Japanese subculture, crossed with the quintessential tropes of an American diner.

Consumers in London have become so switched on to food, says Kazutoshi. Everybody has had great Japanese meals; we want to provide something different  and fusion is a great way to do that.

And Ichibuns is just the crest of the wave. Gillys Fry Bar, which opens in Finsbury Park next Tuesday, will focus on the art of tempura with a northern chip shop twist. The mash-up menu features prawn toast, deep-fried cod and steamed rice bowls.

Fried food, particularly battered fried food, actually has the same origins in Japan and Britain, says chef Neil Gill, who came up with the concept while working with Alan Yau and remembers his own childhood dining in Sunderland fish-and-chip shops. The tradition of having fried fish on a Friday in the UK is a Christian legacy. The same with tempura, which was acquired from the Portuguese missionaries and merchants from the region of Alentejo who resided in Nagasaki and made fritters. It came about as a way to fulfil abstinence and fasting requirements for Catholics surrounding the Ember Days of fasting and prayer  in Latin, quattuor anni tempora. Hence, the etymology of the word, tempura.

Fusion fun: Ichibuns ramen broth with shiitake mushrooms

There are others taking British staples and giving them a Japanese inflection. For example, at Sohos Sexy Fish the brunch menu is not your average full English. Chef Bjoern Weissgerber has created a menu inspired by the seas of Asia, including the Sexy Benedict  eggs benedict served on a black charcoal muffin with tuna and avocado, and the Sexy Fish BLT: tofu, wasabi and bacon.

Neighbouring Koya Bar serves an English breakfast udon noodle dish, with bacon and a fried egg. Nobu Shoreditch also has its own hot take: in October, a roast beef dish will be introduced as a Nobu-style homage to British Sunday lunches. So much of our meat, fish and vegetables are British  this allows us to keep the authenticity of Nobu cuisine while using local, seasonal ingredients, says Greg Seregi, Nobu Shoreditchs executive chef. The roast beef on the brunch menu, for example, combines beef sourced from a farm in Scotland with shiso leaf, yamagobo and duck liver, creating a dish which nods to a very traditional Sunday dish in the UK but reinvented, creating a truly Nobu-style Sunday dinner.

Meanwhile, Magpie, the new Piccadilly opening from the brains behind Pidgin in Hackney, offer a Japanese caesar salad. Its a pretty straight swap of ingredients from the traditional to something more Japanese-inflected, says Magpie co-owner Sam Herlihy. The eel takes the place of the salty bacon, the tempura nori for the croutons. The dressing contains katsuobushi to mimic the anchovy and miso for the umami youd usually get from parmesan.

If that doesnt whet your appetite, Untitled might. Tony Conigliaros new Dalston bar sets out to match Anglo flavours and techniques with authentic Japanese flavours. What we take from Japanese cooking at Untitled is the simplicity and the approach to flavour, says head chef Rob Roy Camero. In terms of traditional techniques the Japanese have a lot to offer, and seasonal British ingredients perform well under these ways of cooking, such as preserving and fermenting.

We like to take these techniques and go further, for example using salt in preserving to make crispy nettle leaves, or the liquid from pressed fermented fruit and vegetables as a seasoning or garnish.

Make like the great civilisations and follow your stomachs onwards.
O n Friday June 1, 2007, Rupert Goolds production of Macbeth opened at the Minerva, Chichester, and British theatre shifted. This striking piece, starring Patrick Stewart and Goolds wife Kate Fleetwood, gave notice of a singular new talent of vision and daring.

Macbeth won Goold an Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Director and in turn led to the all-conquering Enron. For the past four trailblazing years he has been artistic director of the triumphant Almeida, home to such hits as Chimerica, King Charles III and, most recently, James Grahams Ink, which now transfers to the West End. It has, without a shadow of a doubt, been a Goolden decade.

In the past Goold, 45 and a CBE, has made waves in interviews. Confident and outspoken, he has never been afraid to say what he means and mean what he says. His work, with its flamboyant aesthetic and re-imaginings a Merchant of Venice set in contemporary Las Vegas, for example  has irked some critics too: Charles Spencer, late of the Daily Telegraph, was forever calling him a flash Harry.

Nowadays, though, Goold has grown up and calmed down and is a most thoughtful and eloquent interviewee. His younger brothers death from cancer earlier this year has given him a more mellow, elegiac world-view. But the old verve and spice remain  he says he prefers theatre to be provocative, lively and irreverent and expresses continual admiration for those who put their head above the parapet and try and do something.

Ink, by the unstoppable Graham (This House and the upcoming Labour of Love) and starring Doctor Fosters Bertie Carvel, is about Rupert Murdoch, editor Larry Lamb (Richard Coyle) and the 1969 rebranding of The Sun from a failing broadsheet into a modern media superpower. Really, its about the origins of populism, says Goold. When we think about working-class liberty, about Marx and socialism, its about the working class as a group. I think what The Sun did and Murdoch caught was the idea that individual liberty could be applicable to working-class people. I also think that speaks to Ukip and some of the political movements weve seen around the world. The middle class feels a bit uncomfortable about that. He pauses. Murdoch was a genuine radical, whatever side you might align with.

Working with just one of our major playwrights isnt enough for Goold, who is now in rehearsals back at the Almeida with King Charles III writer Mike Bartlett for his new drama, Albion. If Mike bit Shakespeare off with King Charles, this is him biting Chekhov off at some level, he says. Hes also trying to write a play that could reach out to what we might think of as a more conservative audience. Its politically nuanced in a way people might not expect.

The cast of Ink at the Almeida Theatre / Marc Brenner

Good theatre, Goold says, involves surprise, provocation, emotion, great acting and theres been plenty of that during his time at the Almeida. Yet, as he points out, hes been an artistic director for 15 years now, first at Northampton and then at Headlong, and hes been thinking a lot about what the job means. The longer I do it, the more interested I am about the innate remoteness, he says. Being a director is a remote job. Actors hang out in the pub together, writers have a real community, designers are all gorgeous to each other. Directors are lone wolves and there is no lonelier wolf than the artistic director.

Autumn 2017's best theatre 1 /12 Autumn 2017's best theatre Hamilton Young Marx Network Labour of Love Oslo Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle Everybody's Talking About Jamie Wings Saint George and the Dragon Albion The Lady From the Sea A Woman of No Importance

He credits his success at the Almeida to the fact that theyre like instruments, these theatres: youre given a nice Stradivarius and youll probably play a better tune. He says he has been lucky to work in this very rich period of theatre practitioners  I think of them as the children of Chris Smith, referencing the Culture Secretary under the first Blair government, who increased investment in the arts. He cites a long list of names down to baby Rob, meaning Robert Icke, his associate at the Almeida and the inheritor of both Goolds wunderkind mantle and a dusting of media aggro.

Former National Theatre artistic director Nicholas Hytner talked in his recent memoir about the exclusivity of the Almeida and the Donmar, speaking either to each other or to a very small and cliquey club of audience members. Goolds avowed aim when he started was that the theatre should speak outside of Islington for at least half the year.

He has achieved that in part with a stream of West End transfers: Andrew Scott in Hamlet, directed by Icke, has just finished its run and Mary Stuart, again from Icke, will move into the West End early next year.

What might we expect from his second, presidential-style four-year term at the Almeida? I suspect there will be some bricks and mortar involved in the next phase, he says, revealing that the Almeida has long been looking for a second space to expand the companys work and reach.

A smaller space? Or maybe a larger one, who knows? Certainly I know we have more work proposed than we can do. We also have all these great emerging artists who were not able to facilitate, so Im interested in that.

He has a hunch that the aesthetic of the work is going to shift slightly too. You have to make work about the crazy state the world is in but I find that every writer or director I meet now says, Well, its a bit like Trump. And you kind of go, Wheres the fun? To that end, the Almeida has four or five new musicals in development.

To many peoples surprise Goold didnt apply when the top job at the National came up in 2013, although he thought hard about a joint bid with his friend and mentor Jonathan Church, former artistic director at Chichester.

Its commonly accepted theatre wisdom that after Rufus Norris it will have to be a woman next time, so has his time passed? Goold becomes more contemplative than at any other point in our interview. I suspect it probably has, hasnt it? He surely cant be happy with that? What can I do about it? You never know, do you? Of course it should be a woman next time and thats the way the wind is blowing and I totally understand.

Im torn  it should absolutely be a woman but Goold would absolutely be the best candidate for that almost impossible job. Yet as a public-schooled, Oxbridge-educated white male, I dont rate his chances, even though his under-celebrated gift for developing young talent would be invaluable.

Ben Power, whom Goold discovered when he ran Headlong and who is now deputy artistic director of the National, calls him visionary the most intellectually rigorous director I know and as good a producer as he is a director.

I like this calmer Goold: this, combined with his superabundance of talent, should cement his place in the pantheon of British theatrical greats. As our time is nearly up, I ask him what he would have asked himself in this interview. Go on, say something provocative! he says. With that, Rupert Goold tips his head back and guffaws.

Ink is at the Duke of Yorks, WC2 until January 6; buy tickets with Evening Standard Tickets
I t was on a Friday that the Bank of England made me cross for the first time. I remember reading in the papers that it was releasing a new 5 note. I cant say Id ever given their banknotes much thought before but this story struck me. The article I read explained that Winston Churchill, a personal hero of (the soon to be outgoing Governor) Mervyn King, would be the face of the new fiver. He would be replacing the old face, who in the shape of prison reformer Elizabeth Fry just happened to be the only female historical figure on the entire range of banknotes.

I stewed on this news for much of the day. At the time I was already trying to combine studying for an MSc at the London School of Economics with running The Womens Room, an organisation I set up with a friend of mine to address the gender imbalance of experts in the media. I didnt really have time to take on another campaign.

Of course in the end I did what I always do when I get annoyed: I started the campaign anyway, hand-waving over the fact that I had coursework due in two days. In fact, it was partly as a result of The Womens Room that I couldnt let it go: setting it up had led me to research the impact of role models on women. I discovered evidence that role models had statistically significant impact on womens performance in maths tests, political engagement, academic course choices  even speech-giving ability. Knowing what I knew, I wasnt going to take this latest scrubbing out of women from public life laying down.

I was a fairly newly hatched feminist, and with the optimism of a new convert I felt sure the Bank of England only needed the incongruity (and the damage the invisibility of women does) pointing out to them. Theyd take it from there.

It didnt quite work out like that. Starting that campaign was the beginning of one of the most intense three-month periods of my life.

The first response to the petition I started came in the shape of a thank you for your comments brush-off email. Next up, after a flurry of media attention, was Mervyn himself, who made a public statement kindly explaining that the Queen was on all the banknotes so he couldnt see what all the fuss was about.

Of course, I had actually noticed this. I also knew that becoming Queen is not exactly a realistic aspiration for women on the whole and, unlike the men on the front of the note, she is there by accident of birth, not to honour any of her achievements. Whatever you think of the Queen, its not like she got there on merit. Which is kind of relevant when were talking about inspiring role models, and, frankly, should have been obvious really.

And then came the lawyers.

I worked with the excellent Louise Whitfield at Deighton Pierce Glynn; the Bank hired Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, which is about as prestigious and expensive as it gets. It was starting to feel extremely David and Goliath.

Brazilian-born British feminist activist and journalist Caroline Criado-Perez / Getty Images

This was the first time I had ever been involved in a legal wrangle and I was quickly disabused of my naive notion that lawyers must answer straight questions. Over the course of three letter exchanges the Banks lawyers repeatedly mischaracterised our complaint, and ignored direct questions about their decision-making process. They also hedged their bets, telling us that the choice of historical figures was not an equality matter but that in any case they had complied with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) to promote equality of opportunity in their decision-making process, but they wouldnt provide us with any evidence of having done so. It looked like we were going to court.

But then I got a call. Would I go in to meet Chris Salmon, then chief cashier, and Victoria Cleland, head of the notes division?

It was another first: I had never been in such a high-level meeting before and frankly, as I walked through the enormous entrance and into the double-height lobby I was intimidated.

Inspiring British women on Instagram 1 /28 Inspiring British women on Instagram 1. Adwoa Aboah Model and founder of GURLS TALK @adwoaaboah "My story starts in London. I was born there. Ive spent most of my life there. It is my home. Instagram has helped me connect to girls all over the world, it has given me a platform to share my story, speak my truths and give other girls the opportunity to do the same." @adwoaaboah 2. Lucille Clerc Illustrator @lucille_clerc "My story reflects my experience as an illustrator between two cultures, being French and living in London. Its a door to my sketchbook, my personal research and techniques, and a way to raise attention on topics that matter to me." @lucille_clerc 3. Mabel McVey Musician @mabelmcvey "Strong female role models have always been very important to me and my story. When looking at a camera, it isnt about a man being on the other end, its about me. Its about feeling positive about myself and I want other young women to feel confident about themselves too." @mabelmcvey 4. Glacier Girl Activist @glacier996girl "My story is about raising awareness for climate change and adapting the aesthetic of eco-friendly to appeal to the iGeneration." @glacier996girl 5. Gill Button Artist @buttonfruit "Im a compulsive painter of faces. I seek to portray the confidence and power that people gain through self-adornment, but I always aim to show a hint of inner vulnerability. Instagram is the perfect environment to post my paintings and drawings. Its fantastic to get an instant reaction to new paintings Ive been working on, and it spurs me on to keep creating. The community of artists Im lucky enough to be part of is the most inspirational and supportive Ive known since leaving art college. It is also amazing that so many international clients find me on Instagram which has given my career a brand new lease of life." @buttonfruit 6. Iska Lawrence Model @iamiskra "My story is about showing the world that you can stand up for yourself when trolls or online bullies try and attack you and bring you down. Instagram has completely changed my life, opening up opportunities in my career and allowing me to find my voice. When I began posting honest and un-retouched photos on Instagram, I received hundreds and eventually thousands of supportive messages and comments. I felt more confident about my body and most importantly found a platform I could use to help others who struggle with body image and self-esteem." @iamiskra 7. Becky Jane Brown Vlogger and artist @BeckieJBrown "My story is that I battle depression and trichotillomania, where Im compelled to tear out all my hair. I strive to create more awareness for my disorder, whilst trying to bring hope to other sufferers around the world. I mainly use Instagram to document small but important moments from each day of my life, a combination of sad and uplifting experiences but all important regardless. My main focus is to show others that no matter what conditions or disorders we have, we can have normal lives and be happy." @BeckieJBrown 8. Nicky Baker Shepherdess @therunningshepherdess "My story is about a woman working in a predominantly male environment. I hope that it shows that although I may not be as physically strong as the men working on the farm, I am just as capable." @therunningshepherdess 9. Rachel Siegfried Flower farmer @gandgorgeousflowers "My story captures a life in flowers on our flower farm in Oxfordshire. I strive to show the changing seasons through palette of flowers and foliage that I grow which I use to inspire and create my floral designs. Instagram has helped me to champion British cut flowers and share how we sustainable grow them to produce naturally beautiful and stylish designs which reflect our gardens and landscape." @gandgorgeousflowers 10. Jools Walker Cyclist @ladyvelo "My stories is a narrative of my life on two wheels. Through my combination of positive images and words, I aim to redefine what the stereotype of cycling is and use my voice to encourage other women to do the same. Instagram has given me a platform to show diversity in cycling does exist. It allows me to reach other to other everyday women and inspire them to get out there and ride, smash stereotypes along the way and encourage them to share their stories." @ladyvelo 11. Carrie Anne Roberts Entrepreneur @mre.soeur "My story is about life as a single mother and small business owner. I believe in the power of sisterhood and the importance of sharing stories so I try to stay extremely candid with my posts, exposing the struggles and triumphs of motherhood and the early stages of a creative brand. Im passionate about forming real connections, celebrating women and throwing out waves of positivity and self-acceptance in order to build a sense of community." @mre.soeur 12. Olivia Bradbury Student @mathsbiochem "My story captures the changing attitudes towards teenage girls taking traditionally male-dominated subjects in school; showing them that subjects dont come with a gender." @mathsbiochem 13. Viviana Gomez Morales Skateboarder @ViviGomez12 "My story captures the strength and versatility of female skaters. In the world of skateboarding its common for a guy to say hes never seen a girl skateboarder. I hope that my photographs shine a light on the amazing ladies who are out there ripping the streets and encourage other women to get involved." @ViviGomez12 14. Sisters Uncut Activists @sistersuncut "Sisters Uncut is an intersectional feminist direct-action group that campaigns against cuts to domestic violence services in the UK. We often post photos of our actions on Instagram because its a way for us to share our demands amongst a wide audience. The further we can spread our message the more we can build a movement and reach people who might not have heard about us otherwise. Its important that we show our Sisters that we are fighting for and alongside them, and by capturing our actions and sharing them on Instagram people can connect with what we are doing online. There are many women and non-binary people on Instagram who inspire and encourage us." @sistersuncut 15. Munroe Bergdorf Activist and DJ @munroebergdorf "My story is one of self-empowerment and self-belief. Growing up, there werent any aspirational trans women of colour in the media I could relate to, so hopefully through documenting my achievements and experiences I can show younger trans girls and boys that their gender isnt something that should stand in the way of what they want to accomplish in life." @munroebergdorf 16. Helen Downie Artist @Unskilledworker "My story is about me waking up to painting at the age of 48 and committing and being disciplined to the action. I have learned more about myself through this process than in any other experience in my life. I post my work to Instagram and I consider it finished. At this point I am able to see the work outside of the environment it was created and in doing so, I gain a new perspective. Instagram has cut out the traditional gatekeepers which allows for my work to be seen by a wider audience." @Unskilledworker 17. Molly Gunn Entrepreneur @SelfishMother "My story is since 2011. The year I had my firstborn, Rafferty. The year I was a mixed-up new mum. The year I discovered sanity lay in my sense of self. The year my blogzine and brand Selfish Mother was born. Instagram is a window to Selfish Mother. A way to connect with our likeminded tribe." @SelfishMother 18. Dina Torika Designer and Vlogger @dinatokio "My story is all about inspiring women through style, in particular the Muslim modest dresser that loves expressing her individuality. Deconstructing the stereotype that the woman in a hijab is oppressed and reinventing what it means to be a British Muslim woman in todays society." @dinatokio 19. Davorka Andjelic Artist @tilly2milly "I use Instagram as a platform to connect with inspiring and creative people around the world. My main theme is paper dolls, which I make using magazines and newspapers. For me they represent a connection with raw emotion to which only children are privileged. They express my emotions of joy, sadness, hope and fear. Because of Instagram I started taking them on my travels and it is truly wonderful to find little corners of the world where they look at home." @tilly2milly 20. Jaz OHara Activist @theworldwidetribe "My story demonstrates how love and compassion come out on top. Despite the most difficult circumstances, humanity will prevail. My story took me on a journey from working in fashion in London, to living in a refugee camp in Calais, France after a post I wrote about my first visit there went viral. My story is about encouraging and inspiring responsibility and power within each of us to stand up for what we believe and create positive change." @theworldwidetribe 22. Amber Kirk-Ford Blogger @themilelongbookshelf "My story is about the importance of literature and how reading the right book can change your life. My aim is to show how fun and brilliant books can be and that theyre not boring, dusty tomes you might remember with dread from school." @themilelongbookshelf

But I had to stick to my guns. We would settle for nothing less than a public commitment to include female historical figures on banknotes and for a change in their decision-making process to ensure equitable outcomes in future. And we needed an answer before our deadline for filing our judicial review.

They said they would get back to me. Eventually, with days to spare, we got another call  would I go in again?

Fearing nothing good (if it was good news, why not tell me over the phone?) I headed back to Threadneedle Street and into a meeting with Victoria and Chris  where they more or less read my list of demands back at me. Only this time they were promises.

I kept a poker face but as soon as I was out of the meeting I called my lawyer and shrieked down the phone that wed won. I remember running from Bank to Angel. Daft Punk came on my headphones, the sun was shining and I couldnt stop grinning. I couldnt believe it. Wed taken them on and won.

Fast-forward four years and the 10 note with Jane Austen on it is set to be released. I dont think it will be real until I hold one in my hand  but I imagine it will feel amazing. Ill be donating my first Austen tenner to my local womens shelter. It feels like the right way to end this chapter of my life.

@CCriadoPerez

carolinecriadoperez.com
F orget The Shard and Sushisamba, if you like your dining experiences to come with a view, you might want to head to the Maldives for some winter sun this year.

If turquoise waters and brilliant sunshine werent lure enough for you, the tropical nation is now home to the worlds largest all-glass undersea restaurant, where guests can crack open a bottle of Champagne and sit back as reef sharks, turtles, manta rays and shoals of fish swim past their table.

Located 16 feet below sea level at the Conrad Maldives, the dome-shaped seafood restaurant has a curved glass roof, glass sides and a glass floor, giving its diners a panoramic view of the incredible sea life beyond.

Guests whove managed to bag a spot at one of just 14 tables access the restaurant by making their way to the hotels private jetty, where they then descend down a spiral staircase into a coral reef below.

They then make their way through a glass tunnel into the spectacular restaurant beyond.

The jaw-dropping sunken restaurant was built in New Zealand before it was shipped over to be installed on the built the island of Hurawalhi at the end of last year.

Eating at the exotic venue in the Maldives doesnt come cheap, however, and a six-course 'sprinkled with romance' dinner in the cinematic restaurant will set you back around 382 per person.

The best hotels and resorts in the Maldives - in pictures 1 /76 The best hotels and resorts in the Maldives - in pictures Milaidhoo Island A luxurious beach pool villa Milaidhoo Island Intimate and stylish, Miladhoo sits in the remote Baa Atoll Milaidhoo Island Cheval Blanc Randheli The island features elongated palm trees, tropical flowers and white sand banks Photo: Stefano Candito Cheval Blanc Randheli The island features elongated palm trees, tropical flowers and white sand banks Photo: Stefano Candito Cheval Blanc Randheli This exclusive destination invites guests to experience the French Art de Recevoir, meaning that each villa is assigned its own Majordome, who will look after your every desire Cheval Blanc Randheli This impeccably stylish resort matches its chic interiors with flawless service Milaidhoo Island Bathroom in a beach villa pool Milaidhoo Island Miladhoo is designed specifically for couples and honeymooners Milaidhoo Island A luxurious beach pool villa Amilla Fushi The pristine beach at this luxury resort Amilla Fushi A two-bedroom beach house Amilla Fushi Foodie heaven at the resort's 'Feeling Koi' restaurant Amilla Fushi Relaxed dining is on offer at the 'Bazaar Bar' Amilla Fushi Over-water restaurant 'Feeling Koi' W Maldives An aerial shot of the island W Maldives An aerial shot of the over-water accommodation Six Senses Laamu The pool, complete with sunken bar Six Senses Laamu Six Senses Laamu An aerial view of the only resort in the Laamu Atoll Six Senses Laamu The Den play area at this family-friendly hotel Six Senses Laamu Six Senses Laamu A family villa with its own private pool LUX* South Ari Atoll A temptation villa with pool Tom Fallon LUX* South Ari Atoll The light, bright Senses restaurant LUX* South Ari Atoll Over-water villa with pool LUX* South Ari Atoll The lagoon bar LUX* South Ari Atoll Dynamic Asian flavours at East Market restaurant Kuredu Resort Sunset at the beach Kuredu Resort Villa with private pool Kuredu Resort Thrill seekers can try parasailing Kuredu Resort Pool with a view Kuredu Resort A luxurious jacuzzi beach villa Kuredu Resort Golfing opportunities abound - theres a full-size driving range, a putting green and a 6-hole course. Baros Glass-bottom canoes are the perfect way to explore the oceans Baros Snorkelling in the crystal clear ocean Baros Baros boasts 30 world-class diving spots within 50 minutes and a whole house reef full of stunning marine life closer to home Baros The arrival jetty at Baros Anantara Kihavah The extensive wine menu at signature restaurant SEA features over 350 bottles of wine spanning nine decades Anantara Kihavah The view from a two bedroom beach residence Anantara Kihavah One of the intriguing dishes at underwater restaurant SEA Anantara Kihavah A gourmet dessert at underwater restaurant SEA Anantara Kihavah Guests can admire the panoramic view of the marine world around them in the glass dining room at signature restaurant SEA Anantara Kihavah Master bedroom of one of the family villas, complete with its own pool Anantara Kihavah The villas are set on Kihavah Huravalhi, one of the most pristine Maldivian islands Finolhu Finolhu plays host to the best DJs, live acts and chic parties in the Maldives Finolhu, Baa Atoll Finolhu The pool at Finolhu Finolhu, Baa Atoll Finolhu Beach cabbana with Marshall speaker to blast out your own soundtrack Finolhu, Baa Atoll Finolhu The Baa Bar at Finolhu Finolhu, Baa Atoll Dusit Thani The terrace of a luxurious water villa Dusit Thani Maldives Dusit Thani A treatment room at the Dusit Devarana Spa Dusit Thani Maldives Dusit Thani A treatment room at the Dusit Devarana Spa Dusit Thani Maldives Dusit Thani The main pool at the Dusit Devarana Spa Dusit Thani Maldives Dusit Thani A tranquil pool at one of the resort's beach residences Dusit Thani Maldives Coco Prive A living room in one of the Island's Palm Residences Coco Prive The cocktail bar Coco Prive An aerial shot of the island Four Seasons Private Island An aerial shot of the island's main beach Four Seasons Private Island An aerial shot of the arrival jetty at this exclusive island

Billed as the Maldives' trendiest spot, the restaurant, called 5.8, forms part of an exclusive romantic adults-only hotel that costs around 500 to stay in per night.

The luxury oasis is spread across two palm-fringed tropical islands connected by a 500-metre timber footbridge, with a destination spa and Instagrammable thatch-roofed water villas all onsite.

The Maldives is already home to the world's first undersea restaurant, the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, but this its sister restaurant 5.8 is even bigger than its contemporary.

Already celebrities have been flocking to the resort to try out the unusual dining experience.

Sharing an Instagram picture, Made in Chelsea star Lucy Watson told her fans: "Had the best time observing the ocean life and the creatures within it, whilst they enjoyed their freedom."
T he boyfriend of former Coronation Street star John Michies daughter has been released by police after he was arrested over her death at Bestival.

Louella Michies family said they believe the pair had taken drugs at the festival, after her father yesterday said the family believe her death was not murder but a "tragic accident".

Ceon Broughton, a musician who has worked alongside grime star Skepta, was initially arrested over her death but released while officers continue to investigate.

The 25-year-olds body was found in a wooded area on the edge of the festival site at Lulworth Castle, Dorset, on Monday.

Couple: Louella Michie with boyfriend Ceon Broughton / Instagram/@jmichie

In statement, her family said their "hearts are broken by the horrific tragedy" and that Ms Michie "[appeared] to have taken an illegal substance".

A Dorset Police spokesman said an initial post-mortem examination showed no clear signs of an assault.

But he added that further examinations will take place to establish if there are any substances in her system or other suspicious circumstances.

Family dinner: Louella Michie and boyfriend Ceon Broughton, bottom right, with her father John (far left), mother Carol, brother Sam, and her sister Daisy with boyfriend Jamie Jamieson / Instagram/@carolfletchermich

Mr Broughton, 28, was arrested on suspicion of murder and supply of a controlled class A drug before being released.

Former Coronation Street and Holby City actor Mr Michie, 66, previously said the family had lost their "angel", and described his daughters death as "a tragic mistake, a tragic accident".

Louella Michie was found dead at a wooded area at the edge of the Bestival site in Lulworth, Dorset

"She touched so many lives. She was so very positive, so bright, so out there. She had such energy. The tributes to her have been incredible," he told The Sun.

Mr Broughton, believed to be from south London, has worked with grime artist Skepta, and once appeared in a video with the star.

The 28-year-old, who goes by the stage name CEONRPG, has recently released a new song, named Duracell, which was produced by Skepta.

On Monday, the organisers of Bestival said they were "devastated" by the death of Miss Michie and that they were supporting police with the investigation.

The festival, organised by DJ Rob da Bank and his wife Josie, took place for the first time on the Lulworth Estate in Dorset this year. It was previously held on the Isle of Wight.

Acts including the XX, Dizzee Rascal, Rag 'n' Bone Man, Pet Shop Boys, Wiley and Laura Mvula performed at the four-day event.
A manhunt has been launched after two men were targeted in a vicious homophobic attack near Waterloo station.

The victims, aged 53 and 49, were rushed to hospital following the shocking assault, with one of the men losing a number of teeth.

The couple was set upon by four hooded men in Windmill Walk at about 12.50am on Sunday, July 30, Scotland Yard said.

Police and paramedics were scrambled to the scene and took the victims to a south London hospital. The two men have since been discharged.

Officers are treating the attack as a suspected hate crime and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The suspects are described as white and wearing hooded tops. One of them spoke with a strong Northern Irish accent, officers said.

Detectives have released e-fits of two men they are trying to trace following the attack.

No arrests have been made.

Detective Constable Matt Cockroft, from Lambeth CID, said: "This was a shocking attack on two men who were simply walking along the road.

"I would urge anyone who recognises either of these men to contact us. I would also like to speak with anyone who witnessed the assault but has not yet to come forward."

Any witnesses and anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or Tweet via @MetCC.
A German translator has admitted stalking Eddie Redmayne, bombarding him with love letters and stalking him at premieres and on film sets.

Gaby Stieger, 49, a mother-of-two, also repeatedly loitered outside the Oscar-winning actor's house in Southwark, south London, after she saw him at a play five years ago.

She first met the 35-year-old after watching him perform at the Donmar Warehouse in Covent Garden in 2012.

She began visiting the set while he was filming The Theory Of Everything the following year and followed him and his wife to a carol service at Eton College in December 2013. She can be seen staring at him in a photograph taken by a fan.

Gaby Stieger, 49, outside Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court where she has admitted stalking Eddie Redmayne / PA

Stieger, whose teenage daughters live in Germany, started sitting in a park opposite Redmayne's house. She also followed him to his local Tube station and on one occasion asked him for a hug.

In August 2017, Stieger approached Redmayne again outside his house, while he was with his baby daughter, and tried to touch his arm.

She sent Redmayne letters "expressing admiration and love", prosecutor Sara Ashkboos said.

"She directly states she is in love with the complainant and asked him to reply," she added.

In one of her letters Stieger wrote: "I know things about you."

Stieger, 49, repeatedly loitered outside the Oscar-winning actor's house in Southwark / PA

Redmayne also spotted her in the crowd in Leicester Square at the premiere of the latest Harry Potter film last year, which he had a lead role in.

She pleaded guilty to stalking at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Redmayne described the distress it caused him and his family in a statement read to the court.

He said: "I always try to be open and friendly as support (from fans) is what gives me a career.

"I deeply regret having met Gaby Stieger - she harassed myself and my family intermittently over five years, leaving us distressed, unsafe and deeply unsettled."

She would appear outside his house "out of nowhere - observing me and my family without us knowing", he added.

"The safety of my family is everything to me and with her behaviour we can't feel safe," he wrote.

He also said her face would "contort with rage" when she spoke about his wife Hannah Bagshawe.

He was so worried about the stalking that he contacted a solicitor and repeatedly told Stieger to leave him and his family alone.

Stieger, of Colindale, north London, was released on conditional bail, banning her from contacting Redmayne or going to Southwark, and is due to be sentenced on Thursday afternoon.
A married couples blazing row on board a British Airways flight to Heathrow forced cabin crew to call police for help.

Passengers were reportedly left terrified after the couple, believed to be British and in their 30s, both flew into a rage on board the flight from Los Angeles on Tuesday.

They were drunk and shouting at each other, as well as cabin crew and other passengers, the Sun reported.

Police said they were called to meet the plane upon its arrival at Terminal Five just after 10am.

A source from the airline reportedly told The Sun: The couple were returning from holiday and were tanked up. They began screaming at each other and things very quickly got out of hand. It was a blazing row.

It was terrifying for all other passengers and crew to endure this obscene behaviour. They were very sheepish on arrival in the UK.

A British Airways spokesperson told the Standard: The welfare of our customers and crew is always our priority.

Police were called to meet the aircraft following a dispute between two customers.

A Met Police spokesperson confirmed that officers spoke to the couple following a report of a disturbance during a flight.

They added that no arrests were made.
TWIN FALLS  An AARP Smart Driver Class, hosted by College of Southern Idaho Community Education and Matt Stokes Insurance, will be taught from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at CSI Taylor Building, Room 247.

The class is designed to help older drivers compensate for normal physiological changes which can make driving more difficult. There are no driving or graded tests. Class size is limited and preregistration is required.

Call Bernie Jansen at 208-733-1168 to ask questions or register. The fee is $20 per person. AARP members receive a $5 discount.
T wo teens have been jailed for life for luring a Selfridges wine salesman to a residential street where they stabbed him to death in a "horror movie" style attack.

Omar Raza, 23, was killed in a cul-de-sac near Turnpike Lane, north London, on February 15 in broad daylight after being lured under the pretence of selling car insurance, the Old Bailey heard.

The victim was set upon by 18-year-olds Akol Garang and George Rodriguez Galean and bled to death in the street.

Following the attack, described by one witness as a scene from a "horror movie", the defendants made off with his Armani watch and iPhone.

The knifeman Garang, from Hornsey, was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to rob, along with Rodriguez Galean of Wood Green, north London, who he had recruited to help.

Garang was jailed for life at the Old Bailey with a sentence of at least 19 years and Rodriguez Galean was detained for a minimum of 15 years for his lesser role.

Akol Garang / PA

They were both handed six years' detention for the robbery plot, to run concurrently.

Judge Sarah Munro QC told the pair that they had a glowing future ahead of them until they "embarked on this madness".

Earlier in the hearing, Mr Riza's sister Shamilla Niazi described her brother as the "soul of the family".

As a result of his death, his father suffered sleepless nights, his mother "receded into a shell" and his brother was confined to his room, she said.

His fiancee Somaira Khan said in a victim impact statement that she had lost her "soulmate" and felt like her life had stopped.

The court heard former Argos worker Garang had expressed his "very deep regret" for what happened and accepted responsibility for it.

George Rodriguez Galean / PA

Rodriguez Galean also expressed his remorse and said in a letter: "Hopefully my parents will still be around to see me do something good with my life in the world as that is all they wanted for their children."

The trial had heard how Mr Raza was working in the wine department of Selfridges and as a sideline, earned commissions by arranging car insurance for individuals through an insurance broker he knew.

He first met Garang after he answered his Gumtree advert for the sale of a 180 laptop, which he bought for his fiancee's daughter.

He went on to arrange car insurance for the defendant who later failed to pay up the full amount owed, leading to a dispute over the debt.

Prosecutor Jonathan Rees QC said: "The deceased was lured to that location under the pretence that he was going to be selling car insurance to a female called Stacey.

"In fact, it was a trap - Stacey didn't exist.

"The trap had been set by the first defendant, Akol Garang, who had been involved in a dispute with Omar Raza relating to the non-payment of car insurance that Omar Raza had arranged for him.

"In the course of this dispute, Omar Raza had taken a laptop off Akol Garang.

"This had made Akol Garang angry and, as a consequence, this sham meeting was arranged so he could take his revenge by attacking Omar Raza with a knife and robbing him."

The barrister said Garang enlisted the help of his friend Rodriguez Galean who "agreed to play his part in the ambush".

Additional reporting by Press Association
A woman has been arrested after allegedly breaking into Prince Georges primary school.

The woman, aged 40, was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary after the incident at Thomass Battersea on Tuesday.

The four-year-old royals first day at the south London school, which educates about 560 boys and girls between the ages of four and 13, was last Thursday.

Security at the 6,000-a-term school is being reviewed, the Met Police said.

St Thomas's School in Battersea / Google

The woman remains in custody in a south London police station after she was arrested on Wednesday afternoon.

Prince George was not understood to be at the independent school at the time.

He was expected to begin by attending school for half-days, before building up to longer hours.

Prince George arrives at the school on his first day (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire) / Richard Pohle/The Times/PA

The manager of a nearby restaurant, who asked to be referred to as Steve, said he heard sirens and saw a police van driving towards the school at about 3pm on Wednesday.

A local businesswoman also spotted police in the area at around 3pm, adding that she "can't believe" that someone could get into the school.

She said there have been "loads" of officers in plain clothes in the area, adding: "There is no way, I would have thought, you would get past that front door."

Prince George Arrives For His First Day At School

A Met Police spokesman said: We are working with the school, which is attended by His Royal Highness Prince George, to review its security arrangements after the incident.

Police were alerted and officers attended immediately after the issue came to light.

Police are part of the protective security arrangements for the Prince and we will continue to work closely with the school, which is responsible for building security on its site.

Prince George's first day at the school was last Thursday / Getty Images

A Kensington Palace spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the issue but we would not comment further on security matters."

Thomas's declined to comment when contacted by The Standard.

Famous alumni of the school include supermodel Cara Delevingne and Florence and the Machine vocalist Florence Welch.
L ondon's fire chief today issued a plea for the Grenfell Tower tragedy to become a turning point for fire safety laws.

Commissioner Dany Cotton urged ministers to toughen regulations following claims that successive governments had failed to do enough.

On the eve of the Grenfell public inquiry, which opens tomorrow, she called for all high-rise flats to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems.

Sir Martin Moore-Bicks inquiry will investigate how at least 80 people died when the North Kensington block went up in flames in June, with an initial report due by Easter.

Ms Cotton said: Grenfell should be a turning point. I support retrofitting  for me where you can save one life then its worth doing. This cant be optional, it cant be a nice to have, this is something that must happen. If that isnt one of the recommendations then I will be so very disappointed.

Plea: Dany Cotton said sprinklers cant be optional  this is something that must happen / Rex Features

Sprinklers have been compulsory in new-build high rises since 2007, but the requirement was not retrospective. Grenfell Tower was built in 1974.

A BBC investigation has found that just two per cent of council and housing association-owned tower blocks have full sprinkler systems in place. Of these, 68 per cent have just one staircase through which to evacuate.

Ms Cotton told the Standard: While we are not pre-empting the findings of the inquiry, now is the time to remind government of life-saving recommendations we have been making for years. The Brigade is calling for residential tower blocks to be retrofitted with sprinklers and they should be mandatory in all new school builds and major refurbishments.

Fire crews are called to over 80 fires a year in Londons schools and, in most cases, sprinklers are not fitted.

Government policy states that retro-fitting is a matter for landlords.

Several London boroughs, including Croydon, Brent and Hammersmith & Fulham, have announced multi-million-pound fire safety packages, including sprinklers, for their residential blocks since the disaster.

After the Lakanal House fire in Southwark in 2009, in which six died, the coroner recommended that ministers encourage housing providers to retrofit sprinklers in high-rise flats.

A former Tory housing minister, Mark Prisk, has admitted that not enough time had been spent reviewing fire safety in recent years and that ministers should do more.

A Communities and Local Government department spokesman said it had commissioned an independent review of building regulations and fire safety.
A top barrister and part-time judge died after stacks of paper caught fire in his cluttered London flat days before Christmas, an inquest heard.

Firefighters found Ian Paton unconscious in his bedroom at his Thames-side apartment in Bermondsey, along with evidence of a small blaze around a halogen stove.

The 66-year-old, who worked for QEB Hollis Whiteman Chambers, was described by his ex-wife as "notoriously untidy" and someone who found it difficult to sleep after working long, irregular hours.

In a statement read to Southwark Coroner's Court, Elizabeth Paton said: "He was notoriously untidy. He was by far the most untidy man most people ever met.

"His flat was too much of a mess to be conducive to work in."

In a tribute read to the court, Ms Paton said her former husband's death had left her and her daughter "utterly bereft".

She said: "Ian's death was a terrible tragedy but it's made even more unbearable by the fact we as a family were on the brink of a new future together."

She continued: "Since our divorce five years ago, we had become reconciled and we had again become close.

"Ian's tragic death coming when it did has robbed him of so much anticipated and planned happiness.

"It has left Alexandra, my daughter, and me utterly bereft."

Ms Paton said he had been planning to give notice to his chambers just days after the fire took hold, and was looking forward to working part time from her Wiltshire cottage.

She added: "He was optimistic and very much looking forward to what we thought was going to be our golden years together."

Firefighters forced entry to Mr Patons flat in Luna House, Bermondsey Wall West, shortly after 5.30pm on December 20.

London Fire Brigade investigator Barry Kent said they found the "cluttered" flat littered with papers and files, and Mr Paton lying close to the bedroom door.

"Most of the work surfaces were full of stuff, you could just about make out the shape of an electric hob," he said.

Describing the likely source of the fire, Mr Kent told the inquest: "The burn patterns indicated that the fire had started in or around the hob and had then spread over the surface of the paper.

"The paper then dropped down into a file and then the fire spread to the chair and the other stuff on the floor."

Mr Kent also noted that the internal alarm system had been working at the time, and could be heard from the corridor outside.

A post-mortem examination showed that Mr Paton, of Luna House, Bermondsey, had died of carbon monoxide poisoning, hastened by heart disease.

Dr Charlotte Randall, who conducted the examination, also noted in her report that Mr Paton's blood showed he had drunk alcohol at a level 1.5 times over the legal drink-drive limit, and contained traces of the sleeping pill, Zopiclone.

Ms Patton said her husband "was not a regular drinker, and rarely has he ever drank in my company", but noted that the time of his death a few days before Christmas would have coincided with "festive lunches", where drinking was common.

Assistant Coroner Shanta Deonarine recorded the cause of death as carbon monoxide poisoning.

She said: "It is probable, that is, it is more likely than not, that Mr Paton came by his death as a result of that fire.

"His death was the consequence of an unlikely event and I therefore conclude that Mr Paton died as a result of an accident."

A statement posted on the website of QEB Hollis Whiteman, described him as a "kind, generous, witty, wise, great and defining" member of the group, who "shall be terribly missed".
H ome Secretary Amber Rudd today hailed the Evening Standards special investigation into slavery in London.

She said: Modern slavery is a barbaric crime that destroys lives, which is why this Government has taken world-leading action to tackle it  toughening up sentences, increasing support for victims and encouraging more to come forward.

I have made 8.5m of additional funding available to transform the policing response to modern slavery, and commissioned Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services to inspect the police response.

I am pleased to see the Evening Standard and the Independent are shining a light on this terrible scourge and being part of the fight against it.

Key figures from politics and anti-slavery organisations were quick to give their backing to the Evening Standard investigation into modern slavery.

Jeremy Corbyn said modern slavery was "a disgrace" / PA

The continued existence of modern slavery is a disgrace, said Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party. Im pleased the Evening Standard is taking a stand and urging the government to do more to fight this scourge.

Over the coming months, the Evening Standard will be running a special investigation into modern slavery in the UK, showing readers where and how it exists, and what they can do to help.

Mr Corbyns comments were echoed by the Liberal Democrat leader, Vince Cable.

It is appalling that slavery, a crime so often viewed as long behind us, is still so prevalent in the UK and across the wider world, he said. This campaign by the Evening Standard will be a step in the right direction to shining a light on this abhorrent crime, raising public consciousness and awareness.

Vince Cable: The new Liberal Democrat leader said we "need more global advocacy" on the issue / PA

Priti Patel, the Secretary for State for International Development, said the investigation was necessary. Its essential because we need more global advocacy on this issue. We need people with a voice to give a voice to people who simply dont have one.

Leaders of prominent anti-slavery charities also backed the campaign. Sandra Horley, the chief executive of Refuge, said: As one of the leading front-line supporters of women affected by modern slavery, we are delighted the Evening Standard and Independent are running this investigation, which will help show the public the scale of this terrible issue.

Anne Read, director of human trafficking for The Salvation Army, said the investigation is just what is needed to help people understand what is going on all around them and how they can help by reporting something suspicious they see.

Senior executives from Freedom United, who are partnering with the papers on an online action site, the Helen Bamber Foundation and the Latin American Womens Rights Service also hailed the investigation.

TJ Birdi, Executive Director of the Helen Bamber Foundation, said: We commend The Evening Standards bold campaign to raise awareness of the thousands who suffer the extreme cruelty and immorality of slavery in the UK every day.

The investigation was also backed by Lucila Granada, Director of the Latin American Womens Rights Service. This investigation unveils the horrific reality that modern slavery is an everyday crime in London, quite often in sectors with a high proportion of migrant women she said. It is crucial that survivors and victims are identified as such, ensuring safe reporting and appropriate support.
D own a dirt track on the outskirts of Lagos, sitting in a bare concrete safe house behind an eight-foot fence, the women told me their stories. How they had left their homes after the promise of a better life in Europe, only to find themselves beaten, abused, raped and forced to work as prostitutes.

Recognised as victims of trafficking and returned to safety in Nigeria, these were the lucky ones, although some of them struggled to believe it. But in bleak rooms all over London and the UK, their fellow victims are still being exploited and abused.

Anywhere that people dream of a better life, traffickers lie in wait to take advantage of them. Just as it is an international centre of other kinds of business, London has become a global hub for modern slavery.

As Kevin Hyland, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, tells the Standard: London is a global city, truly multicultural, and while thats one of the best things about the capital, we know that criminals have also exploited that.

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London has a huge population with busy airports and a big economy. There is immense demand for illicit services. The criminals have been getting away with it for far too long.

Compared to smuggling guns or drugs, trafficking of people has been seen as low-risk. We need to develop an understanding of the whole threat picture.

Until recently weve been operating on unfounded intelligence, or myths. If we dont get these basics right, our response will be wrong.

Ten key signs that someone is a victim Spot the red flags and help stop slavery Is someone always watching them? Do they have injuries that appear to be the result of an assault? Do they seem frightened or wont look you in the eye? Do they always wear the same few clothes? Do they look starving or neglected? Are they living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded conditions? Do they live and work at the same address? Are they being controlled by a boyfriend? Do they have ID documents? Are their travel arrangements unusual?

The National Referral Mechanism identified almost 4,000 potential victims last year, from a staggering 108 countries. As our map shows, the most common foreign nationalities of the victims are Albanian, Vietnamese and Nigerian, followed by Chinese and Romanian.

Given that Mr Hyland estimates the true number of victims to be much higher, up to 13,000 and, according to the National Crime Agency, possibly in the tens of thousands, its likely there are even more countries involved.

Mr Hyland has launched a report into the trafficking routes from Vietnam. One of his goals as commissioner is to show the complex relationships between Britain and origin countries, each of which has distinct cultural factors that can seem alien to British observers.

Nigerian women might fear a Juju curse. Vietnamese boys  young males make up the largest cohort of Vietnamese modern slaves in Britain  live in fear of debt. A typical case might involve a friend or neighbour offering work in London to someone in the north of Vietnam. As identified in the commissioners report, the price for transport could be anything from 10,000 to 33,000.

As collateral, the victims parents might hand over the red book, the deeds to their property. The journey could take months, with various overland routes leading to France, where the victim will wait with hundreds of other Vietnamese people for an opportunity to cross the Channel. Along the way, beatings and rape are common. Even if they get to the UK, they will almost never repay the debt.

National Referral Mechanism explainer

Re-trafficking is another key issue. Once a Vietnamese person has been released from one exploitative situation, through escape, especially from less secure childrens facilities or a raid, they can often find themselves walking the streets.

Its easy for them to end up being exploited again. It might be a nail bar, for example, rather than a cannabis farm: often the two businesses are interconnected, with nail bars used to launder drug profits.

Parosha Chandran, the UKs leading anti-slavery barrister and a United Nations expert on trafficking, says part of the problem is the lack of co-ordination between police departments. Too often, raids focus on disrupting the place of illegal cannabis cultivation, rather than investigating who is responsible for running the sophisticated, often multi-million-pound drug business the trafficking victims are caught up in.

'Time for critical leadership': anti-slavery lawyer Parosha Chandran

Until a landmark case she won, children and adults found cultivating cannabis in this manner were prosecuted as criminals, rather than recognised as being victims of modern slavery.

Its time for some critical leadership on investigating modern slavery, she says. There are two crimes being committed [in these cases]: human trafficking and the illegal cultivation of drugs.

Both have all the hallmarks of organised crime. Police departments must club together their expertise on financial crime, drug crime, modern slavery and witness protection to have an effective response.

They need to trace money streams, preserve evidence at the scene and offer witness protection to victims to encourage them to come forward, to help with prosecutions. These gangs rule by fear.

While law enforcement has a part to play, it is not the only piece of the puzzle. Londoners who use cannabis, or visit nail bars or car washes, have a responsibility to spot the signs, and fight the modern slavery that goes on under their noses.

Take action to end slavery by going to our online activity platform.
E ight people have been killed at a Florida nursing home that was left without power for days after being hit by Hurricane Irma.

More than 100 residents were evacuated from the Rehabilitation Center of Hollywood Hills after the air conditioning was cut off by the storm.

Rescue crews found "a number of people in respiratory distress" when they arrived at the home on Wednesday morning.

Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said on Wednesday that three elderly residents were found dead at the home. Five others died in hospital.

Florida rallies in wake of Hurricane Irma 1 /10 Florida rallies in wake of Hurricane Irma A teenager walks through the flooded streets of Naples, which was hit by 7ft storm surges Getty Images Residents of Naples woke up on Monday morning and began assessing the damage Getty Images Hurricane Irma tore down trees and destroyed buildings in Fort Meade, Florida Getty Images Irma made landfall on Florida as a Category 4 hurricane before swirling up the coast through towns in the Sunshine State Getty Images Trees flattened by winds in Bonita Springs Getty Images Hurricane-hit Floridians emerge from their homes on Monday Getty Images Residents of Fort Meade rallied and began rebuilding their lives Getty Images A family in Fort Meade gets a first look at the damage left in Irma's wake Getty Images

Ten million people are still without power in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas after Hurricane Irma ravaged across the coast.

The storm hit Florida on Sunday morning as a category four hurricane before being downgraded to a tropical depression on Monday.

The Hollywood nursing home has been sealed off by police and officers are conducting a criminal investigation, Police Chief Tomas Sanchez said.

Hurricane Irma: Drone footage captures Florida devastation

He told reporters on Wednesday the deaths may be related to a loss of power in the storm and said officers were inspecting other assisted living facilities in the city.

A large retirement community in Pembroke Pines, Florida, was also without electricity on Wednesday morning, leaving elderly residents stuck in rooms with no access to lifts.

A police spokeswoman told the Miami Herald that officers were at the scene and were concerned for the welfare of some vulnerable residents.
A ctor Jean-Claude Van Dammes son has been arrested for allegedly holding a knife to his flatmates throat.

Nicholas Van Varenberg, 21, was arrested on Sunday in Tempe, a city in the US state of Arizona.

Police were called after he reportedly punched a lift in his building. Officers then followed a trail of blood to Van Varenbergs apartment. They found him with an injury to his hand and left, showbiz website TMZ reported.

The police returned when Van Varenberg held his flatmate hostage in the apartment with a kitchen knife, according to court documents.

Jean-Claude Van Damme: The actor's son was arrested in Arizona. / Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

It is alleged that Van Varenberg had confronted his flatmate, telling him he should not have opened the door to the officers when they first arrived.

Van Varenberg was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful imprisonment, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Van Varenberg, Van Dammes youngest son, appeared in this years Kickboxer: Retaliation, with his father, 56.

His mother is US model and actress Darcy LaPier, 52, to whom Van Damme was married from 1994-97. The Belgian actor, a martial artist who rose to fame in action films such as Bloodsport (1988), Kickboxer (1989) and Universal Soldier (1992), has been married five times to four women.


TWIN FALLS  Delia Barragan was shocked to hear news last week about a program winding down that protects undocumented youth from deportation.

It has been a very stressful week, the 18-year-old said Friday. You have everything planned out, and then suddenly it feels like your dreams are shattered.

Barragan  who was brought to the United States as a 5-year-old  grew up in Jerome. She has held status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly referred to as DACA, for three years and her current status expires in October 2018.

Shes studying general business at the College of Southern Idaho and hopes to graduate in May with an associate degree. Her dream is to either become a corporate lawyer or start her own equine business.

But now, Barragan has questions about whats going to happen  and how she could pursue a career.

Its a difficult time for me and my family, she said.

Shes scared about the federal government having personal information from her DACA application. What if one day someone comes and looks for me and takes my whole family?

President Donald Trump announced last week no new applications will be accepted for DACA and Congress will have six months to find a more permanent legislative fix.

Its unclear how many south-central Idaho students are affected by the decision. Thats because many school districts and colleges  including CSI, Twin Falls School District, Jerome School District and Wendell School District  dont track how many of their students are DACA recipients.

Those already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire. If their permits expire before March, 5, 2018, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by Oct. 5.

DACA was created by President Barack Obama in 2012 after intense pressure from immigrant advocates who wanted protections for the young immigrants who were brought across the border by family members and mostly raised in the U.S. but lacked legal status.

The program protects them from deportation, granting them a two-year reprieve that can be extended and by issuing them a work permit and a social security number.

DACA recipients must have no criminal record, proof they were brought to the U.S. before age 16 and be under 31 when the program was launched, but at least 15 years old when applying. The application cost is nearly $500.

DACA does not give beneficiaries legal U.S. residency. Recipients get temporary reprieves from deportation and permission to temporarily work.

Meet three CSI students who are affected:

Delia Barragan, 18

Barragan has received DACA status since she was 15 years old. She has a younger brother who was born in the United States, but has cousins and friends who also have DACA status.

Barragan is on track to graduate in May from CSI. I got ahead with dual credits in high school, so Im considered a sophomore in college right now, she said.

When it comes to DACA, a lot of people dont have the full story of it, Barragan said.

When President Trump was elected, she said, he stated he wanted to remove people from the United States who are criminals  not children.

But now, thats who hes targeting with his decision, Barragan said about youth with DACA status.

Getting the status is a rigorous process with many requirements, she said, and youth are going to school or working. I think thats who hed want in the country. I think its quite unfair.

Arturo Pena, 19

Pena woke up early Sept. 5 and turned on the television to see if there was any news about DACA.

He knew it was a possibility his status may be in flux, but he was still holding out hope. But once he heard about the decision, that changed.

I started tearing up because it felt like my dreams were crushed, he said.

Pena  who grew up in Wendell and graduated from Wendell High School  first received DACA status four years ago as a high school student. His current status expires in April.

Pena has been in the United States for 16 years. He was one day shy of his fourth birthday when his grandmother crossed the border with him into the United States. They joined his mother, who had already crossed into the U.S.

He doesnt have any memory of the experience crossing the border.

Among his relatives in the United States, everyone in my family is undocumented, he said.

When DACA was announced, it was a big opportunity to continue his education, work legally and get a drivers license without having to worry about being deported, he said.

After high school, Pena moved to Arizona with plans to enroll at Arizona State University, where he was accepted. But he said he was charged tuition as a foreign student, and it was way too expensive, so he never started classes.

A month ago, he moved back to south-central Idaho. He plans to enroll at CSI in January to study animal science.

Because hes undocumented, Pena cant apply for federal financial aid to help pay for college. That means he has to rely on paying out-of-pocket for tuition, with his familys help, and applying for private scholarships.

Ultimately, Pena wants to become a surgical technician. And on a broader scale, I wish there could be a path to citizenship for DACA students, he said, adding he has earned good grades in school. Hopefully, Congress gives us DACA back with maybe some regulations or something.

As for the future, my family is ready for whatever comes, he said. I dont know Mexico. I was raised here. I dont know any other home other than the United States.

Pena said his family is depending on him to be successful under DACA and to build a better life. I feel like theres a lot of pressure on me because I was given the opportunity, but it was taken away from me.

Eunise Vargas, 18

Vargas first received DACA status as a young teenager. She said her parents came to the United States on an approved visitor visa, but shes not sure what happened after that. They dont talk about it.

Vargas has been in the U.S. since she was 2 years old. She grew up in Wendell and graduated from Wendell High School.

Her parents are the ones who pursued DACA status for Vargas and her two siblings. Vargas current DACA status is slated to expire in October 2018.

Its her first year of college and she has been focusing on getting good grades in her classes. Shes also a cheerleader and ambassador at CSI.

Shes studying criminal justice and her ultimate career goal is to become a homicide detective. Any person going into that area, you have to start out as a police officer, she said.

Vargas saw snippets of information about DACA circulating on Facebook, but hadnt followed the news closely. At first, I wasnt really aware of what was happening, she said.

Her father called to explain the news to her. He was really bummed out about it, Vargas said, but encouraged her to keep moving forward with her education.

I find it very unfair that were being treated this way, I guess, she said. It just sucks that everything Ive worked for could just disappear.

Vargas said its upsetting and confusing some Americans want DACA recipients who work and pay taxes to leave the country. She said she has dreams just like any other American.

Its really hard to not worry about it, she said. I dont know Mexico. America is my home.
A registered sex offender has been charged with sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl while she visited a woman in hospital in the US.

Dave Saffeels, 57, was charged with nine felonies, including child molestation, stemming from allegations he assaulted the child and a two-year-old girl.

The older girl was allegedly repeatedly assaulted in a patient room, after she visited a woman who had delivered twins, according to the probable cause statement.

Saffeels was also a visitor at the Cox South Hospital in Missouri.

A spokeswoman Kaitlyn McConnell said the hospital was not aware of the allegations at the time.

Saffeels was jailed on a $500,000 bond, the Springfield News-Leader reports.

He was a registered sex offender after a conviction for sexually abusing a six-year-old in 2002.
T he White House hit back today at Hillary Clinton, accusing the former Democratic presidential candidate of making false and reckless attacks to try and sell her tell-all memoir explaining how she lost last years election to Donald Trump.

The ex-First Ladys book What Happened is already a best seller on Amazon just one day after it was published.

It features a series of digs at Donald Trump, with Mrs Clinton describing her election foe at one point as a creep who made her skin crawl.

In total, the presidents name is mentioned 536 times in the 469-page book.

But White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders hinted Mr Trump was unlikely to read it.

What Happened: Hillary Clinton's memoir was published on Tuesday. / Getty Images

Whether or not he's going to read Hillary Clinton's book, I'm not sure. I think he's pretty well versed on what happened, she said at the daily press briefing. And I think it's pretty clear to all of America.

I think it's sad that after Hillary Clinton ran one of the most negative campaigns in history and lost, and the last chapter of her public life is now going to be defined by propping up book sales with false and reckless attacks, she added.

In her book, Mrs Clinton talks about her fears for the United States under her one-time adversarys leadership.

Hillary Clinton greets the audience as she takes the stage to sign copies of her new book. / Getty Images North America

I had known Donald Trump for years but had never imagined he'd be standing on the steps of the Capitol taking the oath of office as President of the United States, she writes in the first chapter. He was a fixture of the New York scene when I was a Senator ... only more flamboyant and self promoting.

Peppered throughout the book are criticisms of Mr Trumps personality, his policies and his suitability as Commander-in-Chief. In one of her most controversial passages, she describes her vanquishers inauguration speech as a howl from the white nationalist gut.

In 1992 and 2008, change meant electing dynamic young leaders who promised hope and renewal. In 2016, it meant handing a lit match to a pyromaniac, she writes.

The renewed breakout in hostilities between the White House and Mrs Clinton came as the US Supreme Court granted the Trump administration a temporary victory with a ruling to continue barring most refugees from America under the president's controversial travel ban.

The justices blocked a federal appeals court ruling from last week that would have greatly expanded the number of refugees exempted from the ban by including those with a contractual commitment from resettlement organisations.

As many as 24,000 refugees could have been impacted. The travel ban bars certain people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the US.

The supreme court will debate the legality of the full travel ban on October 10.
R ecognising the most outstanding fiction in the English speaking world, the Man Booker Prize is one of the most prestigious awards a writer can win.

This year's winner  Northern Irish author Anna Burns  was announced on Tuesday 16 October. Her novel Milkman, is a coming-of-age story about a young girl's affair with a married man. Set in an unnamed city in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, it was an unexpected win for the author. British author Daisy Johnson (27), the youngest person to ever be nominated, was tipped for the prize for her debut novel Everything Under - a reimagined take on the the Greek myth Oedipus told through th lens of a troubled mother daughter relationship in modern Britain.

The Man Booker Prize 2018 Shortlist

Winner: Anna Burns (UK) | Milkman

Esi Edugyan (Canada) | Washington Black

Daisy Johnson (UK) | Everything Under

Rachel Kushner (USA) | The Mars Room

Richard Powers (USA) | The Overstory

Robin Robertson (UK) | The Long Take

To celebrate the talent this award recognises, weve rounded up some the best of all the winners since its launch in 1969: each one as equally gripping and ground-breaking as the last.

1. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (1989 Winner)

Being a favourite of the GCSE and A Level English Literature curriculums can be both a blessing and curse for a novel, but Kazuo Ishiguros snapshot of post-war Britain shouldnt be dismissed as only this. Speaking of lost love and traditions, The Remains of the Day is a modern classic that follows an English butler as he reflects on his past and struggles against the confinement of his own pomposity and reserved nature. Kazuo Ishiguro has been nominated for the prize four times over the course of his career, proving his mastery in the telling of stories.

6.39 | Amazon

2. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje (1992 Winner)

The film version of this received critical acclaim and international recognition, but the languid writing style of Ondaatje makes this a book worth reading. As the Second World War comes to a close and troops begin to leave Italy, army nurse Hana stays behind at the makeshift hospital she has worked at to tend to her last remaining patient. Suffering from amnesia and burnt beyond recognition, the English soldier intermittently recalls moments from his life before the accident.

3.47 | Amazon

3. The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood (2000 Winner)

The Blind Assassins protagonist is Iris: a once young and rich, but now old and frail, woman who spends a lot of her time ruminating over the tragic death of her sister. The title reflects that of the dead sisters scandalous novel, which earned her a cult following and possibly led to her death. This dark and humorous novel tells a story within a story and reveals Atwood at her very best.

7.99 | Amazon

4. Life of Pi by Yann Martel (2002 Winner)

Yann Martels surrealist tale of a young boy surviving on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with only a tiger for company questions the very meaning of life and its vast following has conjured up religious metaphors and comparisons in an attempt to explain it. Whilst the ending may leave you with more questions than answers, it is the unlikely companionship between man and beast that makes this is such an extraordinary novel, and one definitely worth reading.

6.78 | Amazon

5. The Conservationist by Nadine Gordimer (1974 Winner)

Unsettled South Africa creates the backdrop for this story in which a wealthy farmer, who seemingly has it all, endures the dissolution of his family, the increasing indifference of his workers and the destruction of his land.

Echoed by the upheaval in the country at that time, Gordimers work is both a racial commentary and a challenge of materialism as a whole.

9 | Amazon

6. Midnights Children by Salman Rushdie (1981 Winner)

Not only did Midnights Children win the 1981 prize, but in 1993 it was judged to be the Booker of all Bookers- the best novel ever to have won the Man Booker. Saleem Sinai is born at the exact moment that India gains independence and consequently develops telepathic powers that connect him to 1,000 other midnights children who also have special powers.

7.57 | Amazon

7. The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes (2011 Winner)

Narrated by the now-retired protagonist, Tony Webster, the story follows his memories of how he and his sixth form friends met a boy called Adrian Finn. Having vowed to be friends for life, Websters past begins to catch up with him, culminating in a thriller-like ending that leads Webster to question the accuracy of his own memories.

7.17 | Amazon

8. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (1997 Winner)

As Roys literary debut, this was the book to read in the 90s. Set in the heart of Kerala, it follows the story of young twins Rahel and Estha as they explore the meaning of love and family, and how the small things in life can affect everything.

6.29 | Amazon

9. The Sea by John Branville (2005 Winner)

We follow main character Max Morden as he returns to a seaside village he visited as a child. Recovering from a recent tragedy and escaping an oncoming trauma, he gets lost in memories of the childhood summer spent there, not knowing at the time that his meeting of twins Miles and Chloe would haunt him for the rest of his life. Branville writes poetically and descriptively, creating a rich and intricate vision of the setting and characters. Youll want to read this novel again and again, just to soak up every detail.

8.99 | Amazon

10. Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee (1999 Winner)

After partaking in a scandalous affair with a student, lecturer David retreats to his daughters isolated farm on the edges of Cape Town.

Thinking his troubles are behind him, David settles into the quiet predictability of country life. But when he and his daughter are savagely attacked, it tests their relationship to the very limits. This is a truly exhilarating examination of family and deception.

7.99 | Amazon
G etting dressed for the autumn weather has its difficulties. One minute its chilly, the next its muggy and then it starts to rain  so its no wonder we cant decide what to wear everyday.

To help you stay prepared for the in-between season's unpredictable weather, weve compiled a list of layering staples from high street stores including Zara and H&M.

1. Urban Outfitters BDG Fisherman Jumper

A versatile fisherman jumper will work with everything from floaty midi skirts to mom jeans. We love the boxy oversized look of this ribbed design from Urban Outfitters. Its slightly cropped length makes it great for pairing with A-line skirts.

42, Urban Outfitters, Buy it now

2. Jigsaw Silk Cotton Polo Neck Sweatshirt

Whether its plain or a little jazzy, this is one silhouette youll need to make layering a breeze this autumn. Jigsaws beautifully fitted offering is made from a blend of soft silk and cotton to provide comfort and elegance. Its light enough to wear under a jumper yet warm enough to keep the chill out.

90, John Lewis, Buy it now

3. H&M Mesh top with smocking

When you find yourself on a sweaty tube commute and need to lose the jumper, a breathable sheer top will have you feeling cool while looking chic. This one features smocking and gathered seams across the shoulders to bring a grungy vibe to your look.

12.99, H&M, Buy it now



4. Zara Cashmere Sweater

A year-round staple, the cosy cashmere sweater will help you brave the elements in style. Zaras brightly-hued piece is complete with a round neckline and looks just as good tucked into a work skirt as it does with jeans. Also available in grey and camel.

95.99, Zara, Buy it now

5. Mango Chunky knit cardigan

Chunky and oversized, this snug throw-on cardigan is just what you need to keep you toasty in a cold office. The deep wine hue does a good job of bringing some vibrancy to your wardrobe, too. Matching items available.

29.99, Mango, Buy it now

6. Whistles Kitty Metallic Pleated Skirt

The pleated midi skirt is not only a safe bet for teaming with those cosy jumpers and ankle boots, but also helps create the illusion of a slimmer waist. This sparkly option from Whistles is the perfect answer to your office-to-drinks conundrum.

90, Whistles, Buy it now

7. New Look Black Leather-Look Mini Skirt

Another breezy silhouette that will simplify those morning outfit dilemmas. It has a slightly slim fit that makes it a cinch to pair with sheer blouses, graphic tees or turtle neck jumpers.

19.99, New Look, Buy it now

8. Topshop Vinyl Trench Coat

The in-between weather isnt always cold enough for a full-on winter wool coat. Look to the timeless trench to keep you both warm and cool in the tricky climate. This on-trend vinyl option is great for mixing and matching with other textures.

89, Topshop, Buy it now

9. Petit Bateau Iconic Women's Raincoat

When the heavens are open, nothing beats a vibrant raincoat. Stay safe in the coming autumn showers with Petit Bateaus most popular cover-up, which now comes in a variety of winter colours. Its polyester-lined arms mean you can slip it on and off with ease when its wet and muggy outside.

137, Petit Bateau, Buy it now

10. H&M Wool-blend boucle coat

With its voluminous silhouette, this weighty wool boucle coat is just the ticket for throwing over multiple light layers. Its finishing touches include a wide shawl collar, hidden press studs and an asymmetric hem.
S ome of the biggest names in TV, film and music manned the hotlines at a telethon to raise money for hurricane victims.

George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Daniel Craig, Justin Bieber and Kate Hudson were among those taking part in the benefit, which was shown on more than a dozen networks across the US.

Originally conceived as a fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, the Hand in Hand telethon was expanded to help people in Florida and the Caribbean devastated by Irma.

More than $14.5 million (11 million) was raised in an hour.

Helping hand: Luke Bryan, Reese Witherspoon, and Nicole Kidman / Getty Images

Stevie Wonder sang Lean On Me before being joined by Usher and Blake Shelton for Stand By Me.

Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief telethon 1 /33 Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief telethon George Clooney and Julia Roberts Getty Images George Clooney and Cher Getty Images Beyonce Justin Bieber, Oprah Winfrey and Sofia Vergara Getty Images Justin Timberlake Getty Images Kerry Washington, Connie Britton, Elizabeth Banks and Meghan Trainor Getty Images Jared Leto Getty Images Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman Getty Images Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx Getty Images Catherine Zeta-Jones Getty Images Cher, Billy Crystal, Barbra Streisand, Stephen Colbert and Tyler Perry Getty Images Oprah Winfrey, Rita Wilson and Sofia Vergara Getty Images Kate Hudson Getty Images Tom Hanks and Oprah Winfrey Getty Images Justin Bieber, Gwen Stefani and Sofia Vergara Getty Images Luke Bryan, Reese Witherspoon, and Nicole Kidman Getty Images Miles Teller and Tom Hanks Getty Images Julianne Moore Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Hilary Duff Getty Images Joe Jonas and Justin Bieber Getty Images Kerry Washington and Jared Leto Getty Images Sam Smith and Uzo Aduba Getty Images Al Pacino and Robert De Niro Getty Images Nicki Minaj Getty Images Matthew McConaughey speaks onstage Getty Images

Actor Jamie Foxx said: Were here to raise money, lift some spirits. When tough times hit, this is who we are. Were compassionate. Were unstoppable.

A-list power: Leonardo DiCaprio and Jame Foxx / Getty Images

In a taped message, Beyonce said: Natural disasters dont discriminate. They dont care if youre an immigrant, black or white, Hispanic or Asian, Jewish or Muslim, wealthy or poor.

Tonight we come together in a collective effort to raise our voices, heal our communities, lift out spirits and heal.

Acting stalwarts Robert De Niro and Al Pacino manned the phones side-by-side while Clooney and Roberts spent most of the day together.

DiCaprio told the cameras: Tonight we want to help. Lets help lift victims out of the darkness.
H ollyoaks bosses have paid tribute to former cast member Terence Harvey following news of his death.

The British actor played wealthy pensioner Alistair Longford on the Channel 4 soap from 2004-2010 and also had roles in EastEnders and Downton Abbey.

It's with sadness we share the news that friend of Hollyoaks, Terence Harvey, has died, read a statement by producer Brian Kirkwood.

Along with many other roles on TV over the years, Terence played Alistair Longford on Hollyoaks, the father of Texas and India, and Cindy's millionaire second husband.

"Hollyoaks sends our love and condolences to Terence's family.

Director Steve Hughes wrote: Sad to hear about the death of character actor Terence Harvey. He starred in the last ep of Doctors I did in 2009. Great actor. Lovely man.

On set: Terence Harvey with Stephanie Waring in Hollyoaks

Harvey was best known for his involvement in a dramatic 2010 storyline that saw him marry the cunning Cindy Cunningham and disappear while on their honeymoon.

He also had roles on the big screen in From Hell, Johnny English, I Give it a Year and Basic Instinct 2.

Harvey most recently appeared on screen in Gurinder Chadhas acclaimed partition drama, Viceroys House, which hit cinemas earlier this year.
R ebel Wilson has been awarded a record-breaking $4.6m (2.7m) in damages from Bauer Media over articles she claims cost her film roles.

The pay-out is thought to be the highest ever awarded for a defamation case in Australian court, based on roles and earnings lost by the Australian actress and comedian.

A jury in Victoria decided that articles published in Bauers magazines claiming she lied about her age, origins of her first name and her upbringing in Sydney were defamatory.

Wilson testified in a number of court appearances, claiming that she had been sacked from Dream Works productions Trolls and Kung Fu Panda 3 as a result of the articles.

A series of pieces appeared in publications Women's Day Australia, Australian Women's Weekly, NW and OK Magazine in 2015.

Exclusive: Rebel Wilson says she's twice as talented as Sacha Baron Cohen in Grimsby

On Wednesday Justice John Dixon said that a substantial award amount was required to "vindicate" Wilson after her reputation as an "actress of integrity was wrongly damaged".

Bauer Media is publisher of the Australian magazines Woman's Day, Australian Women's Weekly, NW and OK. Bauer said it was considering the judgment.

Following the ruling, Wilson wrote on Twitter: Am going through the full judgement in my defamation case with my lawyers and will make a statement later in the day. It's 3am here in [UK].

Wilson had previously said that she will donate the money won in the case to charity or to the Australian film industry.
B lack Mirror has once again accurately predicted the future, with one of its creepy fictional technologies making its way into the new iPhone.

A 2013 episode of the sci-fi anthology series follows failed comedian Jamie Salter, who interviews politicians through the guise of an animated blue bear named Waldo.

Jamie performs the voice and movements of Waldo via a remote manipulator in another room, while Waldo appears on a screen to talk to his interviewees, live, in avatar form. Eventually, Waldo runs for Parliament.

The episode, titled The Waldo Moment, is the third in the second series of Charlie Brookers techno-paranoia horror series. When it was broadcast four years ago, Waldo seemed to be an invention of the dim and distant future.

But now every iPhone X, the new 1,000 phone unveiled by Apple this week, will allow its user to create their own Waldo.

Using facial recognition software, the feature advances what we typically recognise as emojis. New animojis can reflect users facial expressions through a 3D scanning camera, meaning they can actually inhabit the avatars through their phones.

The Black Mirror producers have acknowledged the similarity, tweeting a GIF that substituted one of the animojis in the iPhone X presentation with Waldo the bear.

The difference is barely noticeable:

This is not the first time the shows creators have highlighted the similarities between Black Mirror and real life. Writer Charlie Brooker spoke to the Hollywood Reporter last year about how he thought The Waldo Moment episode reflected the rise of Donald Trump:

"If you look at that now, it's really quite terrifying," Brooker said. "It's more prescient than I realised. He's an anti-politics candidate who's raucous and defensive, and that's all he is, and he offers nothing. He insults everyone and they lap it up because they're so sick of the status quo. And then you look at Trump..."

Fans of the show were also quick to point out its parallels with real life when an alleged encounter between a pig and former PM David Cameron emerged in 2015. The scandal bore a striking resemblance to the series first-ever episode, The National Anthem. But the less said about that, the better.

Black Mirror series four is expected to land on Netflix next month.
N ew BBC crime drama Rellik has been branded unwatchable by viewers who struggled to make out what the actors were saying due to mumbling.

The drama stars Game of Thrones' Richard Dormer as a troubled detective hunting a killer who left him disfigured, but those watching at home found it difficult to concentrate on the plot due to poor sound quality.

Viewers shared their frustration on social media, branding the show 'unwatchable'.

But it wasnt just the muffled sound that Rellik viewers struggled with.

Many also found the backwards structure of the story difficult to follow.

Written by the Williams brothers, the show went head to head, with another drama penned by the pair  Liar on ITV, starring Joanne Froggatt and Ion Gruffudd.

Liar proved more popular with viewers, as 5.2million people tuned in to Relliks 3.8 million.

Its not the first time that poor sound quality on a BBC drama has caused consternation among viewers.

In 2014, the broadcaster was forced to apologise for incoherent mumbling in its adaptation of the Daphne du Maurier novel Jamaica Inn.

Other BBC dramas including Happy Valley, SS-GB and Taboo starring Tom Hardy, have all come under fire for inaudible dialogue.

Earlier this year, the issue even reached the Houses of Parliament, after a Conservative peer called for broadcasters to ensure sound quality.

Rellik continues on Mondays at 9pm on BBC One.
TWIN FALLS  Russian operatives were involved in staging an anti-immigrant rally in Twin Falls during the 2016 presidential campaign, according to a report from The Daily Beast.

Facebook acknowledged last week that Russia has used false identities and ads to promote divisive posts on the website before and after the election. The Daily Beast reported Monday that Russian agents also used Facebook to promote protests  including a Citizens before refugees rally scheduled Aug. 27, 2016, in Twin Falls.

The event was hosted by Secured Borders, which was revealed as a Russian front earlier this year.

A Facebook spokesman told The Daily Beast that Facebook shut down several promoted events as part of the takedown we described last week.

The Twin Falls Facebook event is still viewable on a search engine cached page, and reveals that 48 people said they were interested and four claimed to have attended the rally.

The event details state, Due to the town of Twin falls, Idaho, becoming a center of refugee resettlement, which led to the huge upsurge of violence towards American citizens, it is crucial to draw societys attention to this problem.

The rally was scheduled for a Saturday morning at City Council Chambers. The Times-News has not confirmed whether anyone actually showed up.

Twin Falls Mayor Shawn Barigar said he had not heard of any Russian involvement in Twin Falls prior to the report, but refugee resettlement was a part of a national and international discussion during the campaign.

I think its fair to say that a lot of that discussion was driven by information and voices outside of Twin Falls, Barigar said.

But the citys focus, he said, has always been to ensure residents and citizens are safe and successful. A neighborly city resolution the City Council passed this year simply formalized practices and policies the city already had, he said.

Its not my role to investigate any potential Russian connections to the presidential election, Barigar said. Thats a little above my pay grade.

The report of Russias involvement came as a surprise to Zeze Rwasama, director of the College of Southern Idahos Refugee Center.

For a long time, Ive been asking myself why outsiders were interested in creating division in our local community here, Rwasama said. To me, I dont know why that group would be interested in Twin Falls, why not in other places?

The Twin Falls rally was the only real-world gathering organized by Russians detailed in the report.

Its also the first time Facebook has acknowledged the existence of such events, which were promoted with paid ads, The Daily Beast reported. A Facebook advertising system expert had said politically divisive posts and ads could have been seen by 23 million to 70 million people.

What it all means: Russians went beyond a digital propaganda scheme to facilitate a real-world rally here in Twin Fall during the 2016 presidential campaign, presumably to bolster Donald Trump, whose positions on refugees and immigrants aligned with the Russians organizing the rally.

I dont know if this is true or untrue, Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney Grant Loebs said. If it is true, it does explain why theres such a complete disrespect for the truth on some of the things you see on Facebook about what was going on in Twin Falls.

Its more comforting to know that Russias doing that rather than homegrown Americans.

And its highly unlikely Russias involvement in a rally would have made a difference here in the presidential election, Rwasama said. The billionaire businessman carried Twin Falls by a 2-to-1 margin over Hillary Clinton in the November election.

Rwasama has not been contacted  that he knows of  by people who have Russian ties.

Anti-immigrant and anti-refugee sentiment in Twin Falls, he said, started long before the controversial Fawnbrook case  where three refugee boys pleaded guilty to felonies related to the June 2, 2016, assault of a 5-year-old girl in Twin Falls Fawnbrook Apartments.

The year before, volunteers led by Rick Martin had tried to ban refugee centers in Twin Falls County.

But the Fawnbrook case, Rwasama said, drew national attention because it was something that was not common.

To me, it was really unfair, he said. If the refugees are bad, many more incidents would have happened after that.

The Citizens before refugees Facebook event specifically alludes to the Fawnbrook case, plus another alleged sexual assault.

Martin told the Times-News on Tuesday that he has not been in contact with anyone from Russia, and nor did his group get involved with any rallies because those typically can get really dangerous.

All of our contacts were local, he said. They were concerned citizens.

Martin was campaigning in 2016 for a CSI trustee position in hopes of closing the refugee center, which is hosted by the community college. He lost the election.

Martin also said a Russian-influenced rally would have had little impact on the presidential election  and if any, only because of Trumps campaign to reevaluate refugee resettlement.

Twin Falls is a very conservative, Republican county, Martin said. The voters just didnt have any confidence in Hillary Clinton.

Julie DeWolfe, another vocal critic of refugee resettlement in Twin Falls, told the Times-News that she thinks The Daily Beasts report is probably a ruse.

That does not seem like a real thing, she said.

Rwasama believes anti-refugee groups last year were an attempt to weaken the communitys support for refugees, and eventually expand that movement elsewhere.

What I know for sure, he said, is that they failed. Those other efforts to divide the community from supporting refugee resettlement have been defeated by the community itself. The community still wants to give refugees the dignity that has been lost for many years.

The community knows its refugees better than those Russians, Rwasama said.

Mayor Barigar said the anti-refugee movement has certainly sparked a robust conversation in Twin Falls.

The rally also came as Breitbart, an online news agency led by former presidential adviser Steve Bannon, was deeply involved in covering refugee resettlement in Twin Falls. Breitbarts lead investigative reporter Lee Stranahan was embedded in Twin Falls for weeks, filing numerous stories critical of refugees, Chobani and city officials. He was also closely aligned with locals opposed to refugees, and a two weeks after the Russian-organized rally he helped found a group called Make Your Hometown Great Again, which echoed themes in the Trump campaign. The group is no longer active.

Stranahan has since left Breitbart and is now reporting for a Russian news agency. He did not return a call from the Times-News.

The Times-News also received no response to an email to Facebooks media relations group. Jan Reeves, the director of the Idaho Office for Refugees, did not return a call for comment.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is continuing to probe Russias election meddling  and possible ties between Trumps campaign staff and the Russian government.

This story will be updated. Continue to check Magicvalley.com for the latest.
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The U.S. Navy recently dismissed a senior admiral, the commander of the 7th fleet, after three serious accidents in his command this year and the two that were fatal occurred within two months (June and August) of each other. These left 17 sailors dead and all were apparently related to lower readiness levels and overwork (and subsequent crew fatigue) in the ships under the admirals command. The two destroyers that suffered fatal collisions had some of the worst readiness and training ratings in the entire fleet. These ratings are there to spotlight ships, and their crews, that need the most attention from senior leadership, especially the fleet commander. That was not happening and since the new Secretary of Defense is a retired (in 2013) marine general with firsthand experience with what was going wrong in the navy, the admiral responsible was held accountable in the traditional way. Note that while both the Marine Corps and the Navy are part of the Department of the Navy the two organizations have evolved into separate services. The marines have always been different and that meant marine generals could get away with being more traditional and hard ass than navy admirals.

In 2017 it was no secret that these problems existed throughout the navy but were most acute in the 7th Fleet which has been the busiest for over decade because it has to deal with growing Chinese naval power and more frequent crises with North Korea. One could say the problem was navy-wide but most intense in the 7th Fleet and not enough of the admirals were willing to speak up and admit to the politicians and voters what was going on and why it was not being addressed. One reason was that the politicians in control wanted admirals who would keep quiet and those who spoke out got forced into retirement and replaced by younger officers willing to play by the new rules. This is not unique in American history or military history in general. But this occurrence is another aftereffect of the Cold War ending and attitudes changing with regard to responsibility and military readiness.

The immediate problem, in short, was that the navy has been getting smaller since the Cold War ended in 1991 and that process continued after 2001 because the increased defense spending went to army, SOCOM (Special Operations Command) and marine operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The navy and air force had to get by on a lot less. For example the number of ships in the navy went from 333 in 1998 to 277 now. Yet the navy keeps the same number of ships (about a hundred) deployed overseas despite there being 17 percent fewer ships. Worse the newer ships, and some of the older ones, were experimenting with smaller crews (and more automation). This is still a work in progress but meanwhile lots of 7th Fleet ships were operating at a wartime tempo. This was wearing down the crews as well as the ships.

The ships overseas are also kept busier even though crew sizes have been reduced as well and although the navy knew this was going on not a lot was done to deal with what was obviously a growing problem. For example in the last two years the number of warships in the 7th fleet not certified as ready for combat increased five-fold (to 37 percent). The reasons why were no secret either. Many sailors were working over 100 hours a week when at sea, often double the standard 70-81 hours a week. Ships were more frequently unable to go to sea because of deferred (because of manpower shortages) maintenance. The most serious shortages were in training, which apparently contributed to the three serious accidents and many more events that could have gotten very ugly.

Its an old naval tradition to punish (it used be by hanging) an admiral if you wanted to get the attention, or just motivate, the others. This refers back to British admiral John Byng, who was executed in 1757 for not trying hard enough to dislodge the French from the island of Minorca. This execution was later described as done to "encourage the others (admirals)." In fact, Byng died because of bad publicity surrounding the earlier execution of a junior officer for the same "offense," while senior officers got less lethal punishment. Byng was the victim of a leadership problem that keeps reoccurring.

Nevertheless navies have always been rather harsher about inadequate leadership. It is an ancient naval tradition that someone must take responsibility and be punished when things go wrong. This attitude developed over the centuries because the seas are an unforgiving environment, and those put in charge of ships have absolute power, and absolute responsibility. So, to this day, in most navies, the senior officers can quickly (or, in this case eventually) lose their jobs if things go wrong.

Admiral Byngs demise was, historically, not all that unusual. In centuries past, many navy commanders have been executed for not doing all their boss expected of them. But 18th century Britain considered itself to be in a kinder and gentler age, thus the outcry after Byng was executed, instead of simply being dismissed (or exonerated, something his descendants still call for). Now, in 21st century, the trend continues, as do the punishments.

Hanging went out of fashion by the 20th century but getting fired apparently has the same impact. The sailors and junior officers who take a more realistic attitude towards this bad leadership (and suffer the most from it) have been demanding more accountability for over a decade, and not staying in the navy long when senior leadership did not improve. That may change if the complacent and compliant admirals are replaced with competent and accountable ones.
by Austin Bay September 12, 2017

In August 2016, small but violent conflict erupted in the Democratic Republic of Congo's south-central Kasai region.

In the world beyond the Kasai region's five provinces (Kasai, Kasai-Central, Kasai-Oriental, Sankuru and Lomami) the cause of the violent outburst was unclear. According to initial reports, it involved a local grievance.

The Kasai region's relative isolation contributed to the lack of information. However, President Joseph Kabila's government wanted to limit news coverage. A self-serving decision made by his regime and related to the upcoming November 2016 national election was the "local grievance" that deeply offended hundreds of thousands of citizens within the region. Members of the dominant Luba tribe scorned Kabila's decision as an arrogant cultural insult and an outright political crime.

A year later, the once opaque clash has spread and expanded. Officials with the UN's Congo peacekeeping operation are calling the chaos in Kasai Congo's and central Africa's most dangerous conflict.

Death toll estimates range from 3,000 to 6,000, but investigators discover new mass graves with mutilated bodies on a daily basis. Compared to Syria, the death toll is low. But Kasai has been a war of massacres, by the government and the rebels. Kabila's forces burn villages and those attacks create refugees. Now the numbers boggle. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that Kasai's violence has displaced about 1.5 million people. Over 30,000 refugees have fled across the border to Angola.

Kasai's core conflict pits the Kamuina Nsapu movement against the Congolese Army, police and pro-government militias.

Trouble began when a man named Jean-Prince Mpandi came to Kasai to claim the title of Kamuina Nsapu, the traditional (customary) chief of a local Luba clan. Mpandi was a critic of Kabila. The Kabila government denied him the office and appointed a Kabila supporter to the position. Mpandi objected to government interference in tribal affairs and called on local citizens to resist.

In August 2016, government forces killed him -- and the war was on. The rebel militia adopted the name Kamuina Nsapu and accused Kabila of seeking "unjust political domination".

In fall 2016, the Kamuina Nsapu was essentially a tribe-based militia. As the conflict spread, it has taken on the characteristics of a broader based anti-government movement whose rebellion has an anti-Kabila dimension -- and that element could nationalize the rebellion and reignite the Great Congo War.

The "unjust political domination" accusation resonates with other political and ethnic groups in Congo who oppose Kabila. Remember the November 2016 election to choose Kabila's successor?

The Kabila regime delayed preparations, and then finally canceled. His second term ended in December 2016, but he refused to vacate the office, making the absurd argument that his second term was really his first term

Congo's constitution limits presidents to two terms. Agreeing to limit terms went a long way to ending the Great Congo War. The limitation agreement was reached in December 2002. Kabila not only violated the law, he broke the peace agreement.

Despite signing an agreement to cede power and hold elections in 2017 (the December Accord), Kabila remains in office.

Some observers argue the Kasai insurgency illustrates what could happen throughout the country if Kabila continues to illegally remain in office. Yes, another brutal civil war.

Kabila maintains power because he controls the security forces and the government's patronage system. His presidential guard unit is the most powerful military unit in the country -- with the major exception of the UN's MONUSCO peacekeeping force.

The Angolan government was once a staunch Kabila ally. Kasai's refugees and Kabila's failure to end the conflict have ended the alliance. Angola, Congo's largest and most populous neighbor, now calls Kabila an illegal president. Angola also possesses central Africa's most powerful national army.

To the delight of UN officials in Congo, western donor nations and Congo's political opposition, Angola is encouraging other African states to oppose Kabila.

For Kabila and his regime, the local grievance in Kasai has become an international problem.
President Donald Trumps former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, rarely speaks publicly and is known to egg on the president in his trashing of the mainstream media.

But when he decided to break that silence, Bannon chose the venerable Charlie Rose as his interviewer and the CBS flagship Sunday night show, 60 Minutes, as his venue. There could be no more mainstream choice.

Trump himself is a constant critic of the establishment press who delights in disparaging the (failing) New York Times and the (Amazon) Washington Post.

But last spring, when he wanted to put his own spin on the decision to withdraw the Republican health-care bill, he quickly made two phone calls to break the news: to The Posts Robert Costa and the Times Maggie Haberman.

And when Trump wanted to get his message out about the firing of FBI Director James Comey, he sat down for an Oval Office interview with Lester Holt of NBC News.

Its a combination of stunning calculation and deep irony, said Frank Sesno, director of the George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs, speaking of Bannons appearance on 60 Minutes.

If the mainstream news media is the Trump administrations archenemy, youd think these fraught-with-significance appearances would go to friendly media outposts like Fox & Friends or Gateway Pundit or Alex Joness Infowars. Or perhaps even to Breitbart, headed by Bannon himself.

But the calculation dictates otherwise: They know where the numbers are, and where the reach and the clout is,  Sesno said. As usual with this president and his cohort, its all about the ratings.

And, Sesno added, the irony is clear: Theyre wading about as deep into the mainstream as they can get after making media hatred the poisonous centerpiece of the Trump campaign and presidency. Stoking his bases resentment of the news media sometimes seems to be the only constant for the ever-changing president.

The Bannon appearance on 60 Minutes brought to mind Trumps late November visit to the Times building in Manhattan, where he gave an extensive on-the-record interview, sat next to publisher Arthur Sulzberger, and made glowing remarks about the paper.

I will say the Times isits a great, great American jewel, he gushed. A world jewel.

After Trump gave a scoop to the Times in Julysaying that he would never have appointed Jeff Sessions as attorney general if he had known that Sessions would recuse himself from overseeing the Russia investigationMSNBCs Chris Hayes observed: The sheer thirst that the president has for the New York Times approval is something to behold.

Sometimes, of course, the technique backfires, or at least doesnt go quite as planned.

Roses skillful questioning drew an extraordinary assessment from Bannon that he probably didnt set out to make: that Trumps firing of Comey was perhaps the worst political blunder in modern history.

And Holt extracted from Trump a damning explanation for why he fired the FBI director: In fact, when I decided to just do it, I said to myself, I said, You know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story. Its an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they should have won. 

In short, neither Charlie Rose nor Lester Holt was a pushover. They did their jobs well.

The big picture, though, is troubling.

When Trump and his allies constantly disparage the pressattempting to turn citizens against reality-based journalismthey undermine democracy.

That they do so, and then blithely turn to the very same news organizations to take advantage of their credibility, what weve got can be summed up in a single word: Hypocrisy.
Direct democracy is being mooted by one Tauranga candidate as a possible way of encouraging young people to vote.

Independent Rusty Kane thinks the introduction of binding referenda on key legislation would give voters  particularly the young  more of a stake in their government.

Politicians would still debate legislation, but the final vote would rest with the people, says Rusty.

Voter turnout in the Tauranga electorate in 2014 was 79.22 per cent, slightly above the national average of 76.77 per cent.

In the 18-24 bracket, 55.83 per cent of voters enrolled in the Tauranga electorate went to the polls, much less than the national average of 62.73 per cent.

Rusty says if people had an actual say in the way the country is run, there would be more participation from the community.

Once people are involved, and know what they vote on becomes law, then voting becomes part of their psyche.

Former United Future MP and current Tauranga City Councillor Larry Baldock has promoted referenda in the past, including one to repeal the anti-smacking bill passed by the previous Labour government.

We cant become like Switzerland overnight, but I think citizens ought to have the power to hold their elected representatives accountable when they need to. Otherwise we only have democracy every three years.

I think it would increase the vote across the board. If you had referenda alongside elections, I think more people would vote  if they knew the referenda were binding.

New Zealand First list MP Clayton Mitchell says his party has always believed in binding referenda, and that it is an important part of real democracy  something he alleges this government doesnt follow.

Green Party candidate for Tauranga Emma-Leigh Hodge believes civic education in schools would be a better route to engaging young voters.

After the 2011 election the Electoral Commission, the select committee review of that election, and a series of public submissions all concluded the government should formalise a place for civics and citizenship studies in our education curriculum.

Despite being clearly identified as a key barrier to young peoples engagement in politics, we are still waiting. My own interest in politics was only sparked at university. Thats not good enough, and civics in schools is a key part of the Greens education policy for that reason.

Tauranga ACT Party candidate Stuart Pedersen believes the best way to engage young voters is to talk about the things that matter to them, as well as using modern technology.

When it comes to voting, young voters are not impressed by a paper-based system. The technological change we need is for blockchain technology to enable secure online voting at general elections and by-elections.

We have a representative democracy because we recognise public policy decisions are usually complex, and the common sense of voters, informed by the media, is insufficient to ensure good decisions. You dont have a dog and bark, and direct democracy would be exactly that.

Our chosen representatives, working through all the nuanced issues using long established select committee and parliamentary processes, with expert input from officials, should consistently give better results.

You could say as Churchill did, that representative democracy is the worst political system in the world, apart from all the others.
It will be business as usual at Tauranga Airport as the passenger terminal undergoes a $12.7m expansion and refurbishment over the next 15 months.

This development was approved in 2015 when Tauranga City Council reviewed the Airport Master Plan, which showed the Terminal was operating at capacity and needed to expand to keep pace with the growth of Tauranga.

The successful tenderer is Naylor Love Construction Ltd, a privately owned, national construction company founded in Dunedin in 1910, says airport manager Ray Dumble.

The project is in the mobilisation stage at present with plans to start work late October and completion due December 2018.

The floor area of the Terminal will more than double from 1700m2 to 3800m2. This will include developing separate check in and arrival areas and increasing space for back of house operations, allow for future upgrades and a new, larger Air New Zealand Regional Lounge.

The new check in area will have state of the art check in kiosks, a baggage drop belt and a new externally accessed courier and cargo office. The improvements will also result in a shorter walk from the Terminal for boarding and the Airport Cafe will be increased and improved.

The expansion will accommodate the increase in Air New Zealand passenger volumes and provide for other regional network operators to fly in and out of Tauranga, says Ray.

The expansion of the terminal will provide us with an internationally competitive regional airport and comes about through high levels of collaboration with the airline industry, says Ray.

Air New Zealand welcomes the upgrade says the airlines Regional Affairs Manager Ian Collier.

Tauranga is a key destination for Air New Zealand and one were focussed on continuing to grow. We welcome the upgrade and expansion of the Tauranga Airport Terminal building and look forward to continuing to work closely with Tauranga City Council as it progresses, says Ian.

Local Iwi have the role of developing better welcoming and farewell messaging along with creating artwork that will tell a story about some of the local Iwis history and culture. There will also be coverage of the history of Tauranga Airport dating back to its opening in January 1939.

The project has a number of challenges not least driving piles in the existing Terminal building down to a depth of 27m due to ground conditions, says Ray. Another challenge will be to keep the Terminal operating as normal as possible during construction, with the least amount of inconvenience to the public, tenants and operators. Significant planning has gone into this aspect of the project to date.

The expansion is intended to meet capacity demands up to and beyond 2027. The project requires no rate funding. The interest and debt servicing will come from the Airports current cash reserves and the Airports commercial revenues going forward.
Researchers at Armis Labs on Tuesday detailed a new attack vector which they claim can potentially affect all devices with Bluetooth capabilities.

Armis, a firm that focuses on Internet of Things security, is calling it BlueBorne.

The attack vector reportedly allows an attacker to take complete control of a device, access corporate data and networks, infiltrate "secure" air-gapped networks, create large botnets out of IoT devices and more. It's also highly infectious and can spread malware to nearby devices.

Armis says it affects computers running Windows and Linux as well as IoT gadgets and mobile devices powered by Android and iOS.

Bluetooth is one of the most popular wireless communications standards on the block. The technology has found a serious following in recent years with the advent of mobile devices.

In total, nearly 5.3 billion devices are vulnerable.

Perhaps what's most alarming about BlueBorne is the fact that a target device doesn't need to visit a specific website, download an infected file or even pair with another device to become a victim. So long as Bluetooth is enabled, a hacker can gain access and wreak havoc. Worse yet, all of this can be done without a user's knowledge.

Armis also disclosed eight related zero-day vulnerabilities, four of which are considered to be critical in nature.

A list of affected devices can be found on Armis' website.

The company said it has already reached out to major companies including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Samsung and Linux to ensure a coordinated response.
Samsung has been working on a foldable phone / tablet, code-named "Project Valley," for at least four years. The concept was a phone that folds out into a 7- or 8-inch tablet. Since the teaser's release, however, we've heard nothing but rumors about the project... that is, until today.

According to news out of South Korea, the smartphone giant is looking to release a foldable device under the Galaxy Note line. Samsung said that while its goal is to release a foldable device in 2018, there are multiple obstacles the development team is still facing. If the company cannot solve these unspecified problems, it will push back the release.

The product was already rumored to be releasing in 2014, 2016 and 2017 to no avail. Koh Dong-jin, president of mobile business at Samsung Electronics, stressed that Samsung is devoted to producing a quality product and that it would not settle with "making a few and selling a few." It is looking to be the first company to release a phablet with a foldable screen but doesn't want to rush the project.

The Samsung executive did not have any further details regarding the device's size, shape or specs. The only indicators of what it could look like come from the original promo and some patent designs submitted back in 2015 (pictured above).
As part of its $19 billion purchase of SanDisk, Western Digital inherited a partnership with Toshiba for NAND memory production. With Toshiba sitting as the second largest producer of NAND chips, Western Digital is now interested in acquiring a large stake - or perhaps all of - Toshiba's semiconductor business.

Through a consortium deal reported by Reuters, Western Digital and the Innovation Network of Japan could offer up to $17.4 billion to purchase the entirety of Toshiba's chip business. Following a string of losses from the bankruptcy of Westinghouse (Toshiba's nuclear energy division in the United States), a sale of the chip division could remove uncertainty for stockholders over the future of the company.

Toshiba's originally preferred bidders were funds backed by the Japanese government, SK Hynix and US private equity firm Bain Capital LP.

Western Digital has argued that its consent must be obtained before a sale can happen, a stance that has appeared to give the company a competitive advantage in talks in recent weeks.

An official sale could be several months away from closing. Toshiba's fiscal year ends in March and is viewed as a critical deadline. If a sale is not made to cover losses, Toshiba could risk being removed from the Tokyo Stock Exchange due to its inability to cover existing debts.
Bob Anderl got out of his truck last Thursday morning at the Sand Creek Ponds in Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area north of St. Anthony and immediately set to work organizing his group of seven volunteers. They were there to complete a project they had started almost three years previous to refurbish the nature trail around the ponds.

This was no small job.

The nature trail is over 20 years old, and while the Department of Fish and Game keeps the trail mowed, the signs that describe the habitat had faded to the point of being unreadable. The manager had neither the money nor the manpower to replace the signs so he approached the Upper Snake Chapter of the Idaho Master Naturalists for help.

Typical of this group, they jumped at the chance to take on such a significant project. Anderl, a retired nuclear physicist, assumed leadership for the project and prepared a grant application requesting funding from the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The proposal was to redesign and rebuild 18 signs and add a half-dozen you are here signs to ease navigation on the nearly 3-mile-long trail.

While they waited to hear about the grant, three master naturalists designed the new signs. With the help of Idaho Department of Fish and Game and numerous field trips to become familiar with the area, they determined topics and then developed the message for each sign. Even most of the photographs used on the signs were donated by the group.

Once the grant was approved, the signs were ordered. Then several skilled members manufactured new metal brackets to attach to the existing posts and boards to back the signs. When everything was complete, they gathered once again to assemble to signs to the boards and brackets.

So here they were, about to complete the project by installing the signs on the posts. Anderl grouped the signs according to area and two teams grabbed tools and their respective signs and set out. Each sign took only a few minutes to install, belying the true effort behind each sign, and by noon the job was complete.

I asked Anderl to estimate how much time has been invested in this project. Without much hesitation, he guessed perhaps 1,000 hours of volunteer time. That is the full-time equivalent of half a year for an employee yet these people did it for free.

There are seven Idaho Master Naturalist chapters across the state. It is a program supported by Idaho Department of Fish and Game but all resource agencies benefit from their work. For instance, while Anderl and crew were installing the signs at Sand Creek Ponds, another large group from the Upper Snake Chapter was helping the Forest Service restore beaver habitat in Island Park. The previous day, I accompanied two master naturalists as they completed a waterbird survey on Deer Parks WMU.

It isnt hard to become a master naturalist. Two good friends of mine were trained as master naturalists by the Upper Snake Chapter this past winter. They learned a lot about Idahos natural world and they have since begun to work on their 40 hours of service required to complete their induction into the chapter.

I cant say enough good about the master naturalist program. Just a month or so ago I was grousing about the nature trail around the Sand Creek Ponds, not realizing that a solution was already in progress. These are people who really know how to give back to the natural world we all love and enjoy.
Online review service Yelp has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) claiming that Google has broken an agreement not to scrape certain websites for information or images to be used in its search results.

As part of a settlement in a 2012 FTC investigation, Google agreed that third-party sites would have the option to opt-out of being scraped for photos, user reviews, and other content for use in its own services, such as its local-business listings.

Google had promised not to use Yelp's content, but the company noticed images from its listings were making their way to Google's search results last month. Yelp was contacted by the owner of a North Carolina gym who said a photo from a rival gym - taken from Yelp - was showing up as its business listing on Google.

Yelp investigated the matter and found Google had pulled nearly 386,000 images from the company in an hour and used some of the photos in Google Maps' business listings. It also found that doing a Google search for 150 of those businesses brought up a Yelp photo as the lead image in 111 cases.

In a letter to FTC Chair Maureen Ohlhausen, Yelp Vice President of Global Public Policy, Luther Lowe, wrote: "Google should be held accountable and subject to remedies sufficient to ensure its anticompetitive conduct does not continue to harm competition and consumers."

Google seems to be blaming the problem on a bug and says it would have removed the images if Yelp had contacted it sooner. "For many years, we've been in regular contact with Yelp about product changes and how they appear in search results. This is the first time we've heard of Yelp's complaint that images from their site may be appearing in the way they claim. If they'd have raised this concern with us, we would have immediately taken steps to look at the issue and update these results---as we're doing now," the company said in a statement.

The FTC has said Google would face a fine if it violates the terms of the 2012 settlement. The company isn't having the smoothest of times right now; it was criticized for allegedly booting a member of a Google-funded think tank after he criticized the firm last month, and it is currently appealing its record $2.4 billion EU fine for antitrust violations.
Venezuela condemns this event and maintains its principled position of absolute condemnation of terrorist acts, methods and practices. | Read More
Ensure the security of the office and all office equipment and assets Maintain the cleanliness and order in the office Organise all the paper work in the office Offer customer care to the clients...
CHICAGO, Sept. 12, 2017 -- Cars.com is announcing its latest car shopping feature, Salesperson Connect, which helps connect dealership salespeople directly to in-market shoppers before visiting the dealer lot, creating a more personalized car shopping experience for consumers.

DealerRater, a Cars.com company, launched DealerRater Connections earlier this year to help connect consumers directly with dealer salespeople through dealer reviews. This latest feature upgrade integrates DealerRater data with the Cars.com Vehicle Details Page (VDP), providing shoppers with access to information critical to making a buying decision on what Cars.com refers to as the 4P's: Product, Price, Place and Person. Salesperson Connect is available for dealers nationwide who are currently DealerRater Connections customers.

"Real human relationships are a key to the next phase of the consumer-driven shopping transformation, and providing car shoppers with valuable data and information around a specific salesperson moves us towards that goal," said Tony Zolla, chief product officer at Cars.com. "Cars.com has created a Vehicle Details Page that provides a full range of data to help consumers make a more informed decision. The new Salesperson Connect feature surfaces top rated salespeople based on their DealerRater reviews and provides one-stop-shopping for car buyers on a single page, helping us streamline the process for consumers and connecting them to the right dealership and right salesperson to meet their needs."

"In a survey of over 6,400 car shoppers on DealerRater.com, 97 percent of them prefer to select a salesperson before walking into the showroom, which means that making a personal connection early is incredibly valuable," said Jamie Oldershaw, general manager of DealerRater. "Having access to reviews and information about specific salespeople at a dealership empowers consumers and helps them feel more comfortable about the car buying process. It also helps establish a baseline of trust before setting foot in the dealership and ultimately enhances the customer experience."

This feature can also help lead to stronger employee engagement at dealerships when salespeople know each experience with a customer could affect their review rating. In a recent survey of 233 DealerRater Certified salespeople, over 80 percent said their employee profile helps them sell more cars, drives more showroom visits per month, and speeds up the sales process resulting in a higher close rate.

"A shopper recently contacted me after reading a review on DealerRater, asking for me specifically," said "Wrangler Rob" McGuire, certified sales consultant at Garavel Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Norwalk, CT. "Leads that come through the VDP salesperson profiles are more substantial because the consumer is already committed to the car and to the salesperson. Integrating the employee (salesperson) aspect can drive more business to the dealership because a shopper can review the VDP and think, 'I can buy this car anywhere, but this salesperson has more reviews and this is a more reputable dealership.'"
Karambas Autonomous Security Meets New NHTSA, U.S. DOT Guidance for Automated Driving Systems Safety and the SELF DRIVE Act

ANN ARBOR, Mich. and HOD HASHARON, Israel, Sept. 12, 2017; Karamba Security, a provider of cybersecurity solutions for connected and autonomous vehicles, today announced that Karambas Autonomous Security enables automotive technology providers to meet the goals set out in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)s newly published federal guidance, Automated Driving Systems (ADS): A Vision for Safety 2.0, led by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chaoas well as the guidelines defined in the SELF DRIVE Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week.

According to the NHTSA and U.S. DOT, A Vision for Safety seeks to facilitate the integration of ADS technology by helping to ensure its safe testing and deployment, as well as encouraging the development of systems that guard against cyberattacks and protect consumer privacy.

The federal guidance also says, Vehicle Cybersecurity Entities are encouraged to follow a robust product development process based on a systems engineering approach to minimize risks to safety, including those due to cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.

This encourages manufacturers to do security by design in accordance with Karambas approach. The new federal guidance emphasizes software development, verification and validation, but after all that, you still have bugs in software, said Ami Dotan, CEO and co-founder of Karamba Security. By automatically hardening the controllers with Karambas technology as part of the software release process, you make sure that even when hackers identify hidden security bugs, those bugs are not exploitable. This approach strengthens the concept that the NHTSA and U.S. DOT recommend the industry comply withwhich is to remove as many security vulnerabilities as possible and ensure that the vulnerabilities that still remain will not be leveraged by the hackers, risking consumer safety.

Karambas Autonomous Security software seamlessly protects connected and autonomous cars by hardening electronic control units (ECUs) based on their factory settings. This is the industrys first prevention solution with zero false positives, because it blocks deviation from the ECUs factory settings, i.e. malware.

Applying software engineering rules of thumb, Karamba estimates that the software for premium connected and autonomous vehicles ECUs contains up to 60,000 bugs  including 5,000 security defects. These bugs potentially allow malicious hackers to take over the ECU, which is connected to the internet and external networks, and manipulate critical components such as steering and brakes.

The best way to maintain consumer safety and block hacking attempts is to ensure that only factory settings are allowed to run on the cars attack surfaces, which are the externally-connected ECUs. With Karambas technology, every unauthorized change to factory settings is deterministically blocked, with zero false positives. Such an approach enables the automotive industry to address U.S. DOT and NHTSAs and the SELF DRIVE Acts guidelines, while maintaining consumer safety, said Dotan.

The SELF DRIVE Act

The SELF DRIVE Act is first-of-its-kind legislation to ensure the safe and innovative development, testing and deployment of self-driving cars. While self-driving technology is currently being developed and tested across the country, from Silicon Valley to Detroit, federal motor vehicle safety standards need to be updated to reflect cars without traditional design features.

According to Section 5, CYBERSECURITY OF AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS, of the SELF DRIVE Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, a manufacturer may not sell, introduce, deliver or import into the U.S., any highly automated vehicle that performs partial driving automation or an automated driving system unless such manufacturer has developed a cybersecurity plan. That plan must include a process for identifying, assessing and mitigating reasonably foreseeable vulnerabilities from cyberattacks or unauthorized intrusions, including false and spurious messages and malicious vehicle control commands; and a process for taking preventive and corrective action to mitigate against vulnerabilities in a highly automated vehicle or a vehicle that performs partial driving automation, including incident response plans, intrusion detection and prevention systems that safeguard key controls, systems, and procedures through testing or monitoring, and updates to such process based on changed circumstances.

Since coming out of stealth at the end of March 2016, Karamba Security has been actively engaged with 16 different ECU-hardening projects throughout the industry with car manufacturers and Tier-1 providers. In addition, Karamba was unanimously recognized with TU-Automotives Best Cybersecurity Product/Service and the 2017 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Automotive New Product Innovation.

More information is available at www.karambasecurity.com.

Resources Autonomous Security Karamba Security Approach Karamba Security FAQ

About Karamba Security Karamba Security provides industry-leading autonomous cybersecurity solutions for connected and autonomous vehicles. Karambas software products automatically harden the ECUs of connected and autonomous cars, preventing hackers from manipulating and compromising those ECUs and hacking into the car. Karambas Autonomous Security prevents cyberattacks with zero false positives, no connectivity requirements and negligible performance impact. In one year, Karamba has received a total investment of $17 million. The company has been recognized in 2017 with TU-Automotives Best Cybersecurity Product/Service and the North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Automotive New Product Innovation. More information is available at www.karambasecurity.com.
Hyundai's Ioniq campaign reveals interesting parallels between car shopping and dating

Appearance still matters in different ways: men are more likely than women to care about appearance in their partner whereas women care more about their car's appearance

Campaign features a first-of-its kind automotive media buy with Tinder dating app and a contest where six lucky Canadians will win dates with celebrities, Jasmine Lorimer and Joey Scarpellino

MARKHAM, ON, Sept. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Whether shopping for a new car or gearing up for a big date, women are unsurprisingly more sensible  77 per cent look for reliability in a potential partner, and 87 per cent say they look for it in a car (compared to 66% and 80% of men) according to a new study commissioned by Hyundai Auto Canada and powered by Maru/Matchbox. Women are also more likely to consider compatibility when dating and car shopping. Eighty per cent look for compatible lifestyles with a partner (versus 69% of men); while 35 per cent of women consider compatibility when car shopping (compared to 29% of men). The study, the latest from The Hyundai Ultimate Date campaign for the newly released Ioniq eco vehicle, reveals women and men have different priorities when it comes to finding the 'whole package', and it often comes in the one they least expect.

Appearance still matters, too. For both genders, half (51%) of respondents said that when looking for a new car they consider appearance, and the same amount (51%) say they consider appearance in a potential partner. However, men are more likely than women to care about appearance in their partner (57% versus 45% for their car), while women are more likely to look for appearance in their vehicle (46% for a partner versus 57% for their car).

Working through a first of its kind automotive media buy in Canada with Tinder, Hyundai enlisted the help of celebrities Jasmine Lorimer and Joey Scarpellino to share their own perspective on the challenges and similarities in both dating and car shopping. Six lucky Canadian winners will have the opportunity to go on an unexpectedly electrifying date in an Ioniq with Lorimer in Toronto or Scarpellino in Montreal this September.

"There are a lot of similarities between dating and car shopping", says Jasmine Lorimer. "I know I'm guilty of building a list of qualities that I look for in both and I was pleasantly surprised by the Ioniq  it's fun to drive, full of all the necessary tech features and has a super sleek design."

It's not all fun and games: both dating and car shopping can be stressful. A third of Canadians (32%) say dating is stressful, and nearly half (48%) say car shopping is stressful. Perhaps more tellingly, fewer than 1 in 5 (16%) say they feel confident when car-shopping; for dating, that figure is similarly low (14%). While three quarters of Canadians (72%) find car shopping predictable, the Hyundai Ioniq makes the process even easier with an advanced, stylish vehicle packed with innovative technology making it equal parts eco-friendly and fun to drive.

In a quest to find true love, Canadians across the country are looking for different traits:

Quebecers, as the cliche goes, are more relaxed  at least when it comes to buying a car and dating. Only 16 per cent said they think dating is stressful, compared to a national average of 32 per cent; and only 35 per cent think buying a car is stressful (versus 48% nationally).

In the Prairies, only 45 per cent said they consider appearance when dating, somewhat lower than the average of 51 per cent nationally. Instead, they're more likely to look for confidence (66%, significantly higher than the average of 51%) and a compatible lifestyle (86%) in a potential partner.

In both car buying and dating, people from B.C. are the most focused on the environment. Half (51%) said they look for eco-friendliness when buying a car (compared to the average across Canada of 36%), and 1 in 4 (24%) said environmental friendliness is one of the most important attributes they look for in a partner (compared to the average across Canada of 14%).

"Dating and car shopping are more similar than you'd think. Both require a considerable amount of time, have long-term effects, and often involve diving into the unknown," says Lawrence Hamilton, Director of Marketing, Hyundai Auto Canada. "But, no one should have to compromise. We created this campaign to demonstrate that, at least with car shopping, the Ioniq has it all  from dependability, style and even environmentally conscious features."

To extend the campaign with this message, Hyundai is offering Canadians the chance to win their own Hyundai Ultimate Date. From September 11 to March 18, contestants can "swipe right" on the Tinder app when they see the Hyundai-promoted profile to enter. Canadians can also enter the contest through a dedicated website, www.HyundaiUltimateDate.com. One winner will be selected every month for six months and will receive an evening chauffeured in the Ioniq and $200 for a night out on the town.

Unlike other eco vehicles currently on the market, the Ioniq is the first in the world to offer three electrified powertrains in one platform: Hybrid, the Electric Plus plug-in hybrid, and a full Battery Electric.

About Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

Hyundai Auto Canada, established in 1983 and headquartered in Markham, Ontario, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout Canada by Hyundai Auto Canada and are sold and serviced through more than 210 dealerships nationwide. Hyundai is also the first to offer its zero-emissions Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle to Canadian customers. More information about Hyundai and its vehicles can be found at www.HyundaiCanada.com.
Ivanka Trump could be out-gunned. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Even before her daddy was elected, Ivanka Trump decided that her signature issue under the umbrella of his campaign would be child care. At the Republican National Convention, she championed policies that allow women with children to thrive, but since then, although shes held meeting after meeting after meeting on the topic, no concrete policy has emerged.

According to a new report from Politico, Democrats have no faith that the First Daughter will get anything done  which is why on Thursday theyre set to introduce the Child Care for Working Families Act. Senator Patty Murray will spearhead the bill, which will be a key plank in Dems Better Deal platform, and which contains a more comprehensive plan for child care that focuses on  you guessed it  working families.

A summary of the bill obtained by Politico indicates it will do three important things:

The legislation will make federal funding mandatory for lower- and middle-class families to ensure child care doesnt eat up a disproportionate share of their budget, focus on preparing 3- and 4-year-old children for kindergarten, and make new investments in the child care workforce.

Katie Hamm, who works on child care for the Center for American Progress, said the bill gets at these core pieces and will help actual working families  not just the highest earners. She added that right now we have seen no details or action from the Trump administration on a similar measure.

Meanwhile, Ivanka recently met with conservatives to try to convince them to include the expansion of the child-care tax credit in their plan for tax reform, and shes reportedly working with Marco Rubios office to hammer out the details of the policy. But its slow going, and as Politico points out, theres a major stumbling block: expanding any type of tax credit costs money, and the administration is already on a serious hunt for revenue to pay for lowering both the corporate and individual tax rates. Ivankas irrelevance strikes again.
ESPN anchor Jemele Hill was reprimanded by the network this weekend. Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty Images

On Monday night, ESPN anchor Jemele Hill, whos been a vocal critic of President Trump for some time, sent out a series of tweets calling him a white supremacist and unqualified and unfit to be president.

Donald Trump is a white supremacist who has largely surrounded himself w/ other white supremacists.  Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 11, 2017

Trump is the most ignorant, offensive president of my lifetime. His rise is a direct result of white supremacy. Period.  Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 11, 2017

No the media doesn't make it a threat. It IS a threat. He has empowered white supremacists (see: Charlottesville).  Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 12, 2017

He is unqualified and unfit to be president. He is not a leader. And if he were not white, he never would have been elected  Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 12, 2017

Donald Trump is a bigot. Glad you could live with voting for him. I couldn't, because I cared about more than just myself  Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 12, 2017

Unsurprisingly, the tweets quickly became a subject of controversy; people on the right attacked Hill for their contents, while those on the left defended her. Amid the backlash, ESPN issued a statement distancing itself from Hills views  We have addressed this with Jemele and she recognizes her actions were inappropriate, it read. And on Wednesday, the White House went even further, calling for Hills firing during a press briefing.

When asked whether she had a reaction to Hills tweets, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said they were one of the more outrageous comments that anyone could make, and certainly something that I think is a fireable offense by ESPN.

Sarah Sanders called ESPN host Jemele Hill's anti-Trump tweets a "fireable offense" https://t.co/GkhoiyuU3C https://t.co/BIXib0cjto  CNN (@CNN) September 13, 2017

She added that President Trump had recently met with Senator Tim Scott and other highly respected leaders in the African-American community, and that hes committed to working with them to bring the country together. I think thats where we need to be focused, not on outrageous statements like that one, she added.

When reporters pointed out that Trumps failure to condemn white-nationalist groups directly after a violent demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia, might have had something to do with Hills views, Sanders objected. The president, she said, was clear in his initial statement and condemned hatred, bigotry, racism of all forms  he has been very consistent in that fact, she concluded.
After clinching Valley title, playoff seed, South Dakota State football prepares for two weeks off

Having two weeks off before the playoffs is unusual, but the Jackrabbits could use it to get healthy
IVVAVIK NATIONAL PARK, YUKON  How our people used to walk and walk and walk, marvels 72-year-old cultural host Renie Arey as she makes her way with sure-footed determination along the rocky shore of Sheep Creek down to the Firth River, stopping for quick rests every time the pain in her arthritic hips and legs flares up.

Unlike her parents and grandparents, who lived off the land hunting caribou and belugas from the Beaufort Sea without any modern conveniences, Arey steadies herself with hiking poles.

Ive got to go to Canadian Tire to get these, she declares.

Arey wants her picture taken fishing and casts into the roaring river a few times. Parks Canada interpretation officer Rachel Hansen, Imniarvik Base Camp cook Nellie C. Elanik and I can see the Arctic grayling in the clear, shallow water, but the fish snub our lures for bugs and flies. Still, the metallic pink rod that I bought at North Mart in Inuvik gets a good workout above the Arctic Circle.

Ivvavik National Park got its name, which means the nursery or place of giving birth in Inuvialuktun, because some of the Porcupine caribou herd use it as calving grounds. Its the first Canadian national park created as part of an Indigenous land claim settlement. Inuvialuit is the name for the Inuit of the Western Canadian Arctic.

A gift to Canada under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement of 1984, Ivvaviks remote, unglaciated wilderness draws barely 100 guests each year on guided and private trips through either Parks Canada or one commercial operator. The visitor tally climbs closer to 200 when you add in parks staff, researchers and youth groups, but even so, more people reach Mount Everests summit each year.

Ivvavik is on the radar of serious rafters and backcountry hikers, but Parks Canada has been working since 2011 to entice the rest of us. Their guided summer trips, here and at several other northern parks, are one of Canadas best-kept secrets.

To get to Ivvavik in late June, I flew through Yellowknife and Inuvik, both in the Northwest Territories, before catching a Parks Canada charter into the Yukon.

We flew over the spellbinding Mackenzie Delta, with its labyrinth of rivers and lakes, and explored Herschel Island Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park with ranger Ricky Joe.

Our Twin Otter made its bumpy landing at Sheep Creek International Airport and delivered us to Imniarvik Base Camp for four nights under the midnight sun. My prospector tent  with a wood frame, canvas walls, and a queen bed  came with a propane heater that I didnt need and a bug net that I did, plus a small deck with two Muskoka chairs.

The outhouse was steps away. Two proper bathrooms, one with a hot shower on a five-minute timer, were nearby. An electrified bear fence kept us safely apart from the grizzlies that roam the area, and Ivvavik site manager Nelson Perry doubled as bear monitor. We knew to stay alert, thanks to a mandatory orientation at Parks Canada in Inuvik.

At that orientation, I met Calgary blogger Leigh McAdam from HikeBikeTravel, and three hiking enthusiasts from Chicoutimi, Que., and we shared our Ivvavik dreams. Mine was to catch an Arctic char. McAdam wanted to see caribou en masse or grizzlies. Gilles Lemieux wanted to see the natural world without urban interferences, such as buildings, pollution, sidewalks, and artificial grass.

We go exactly because there is nothing, the retired geographer wrote in his notebook and later shared with me. Nothing to disturb us while seeing everything there is. There, we can see everything through the nothingness because our mind is free to observe, hear and smell.

Like Areys ancestors, we came to walk and walk and walk, but I couldnt keep up with Lemieux and Lorraine Couture, who will soon celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Bhutan, and their equally fit friend, Jean Vallee.

Thats the beauty of the Parks Canada approach  there is enough staff so the group can split up and stay safe in bear country. I did the five-kilometre hike to Sheep Slot and saw Dall sheep galore. The 10-km Gordons Food Cache/Trappers Campsite in extreme heat nearly did me in because of challenging terrain full of tussocks and hummocks (essentially tundra lumps)  plus mosquitoes and bulldogs (deer flies)  but at least we got to fish over a picnic lunch.

I opted out of a long evening hike to Inspiration Point and Wolf Tors, and so missed epic sightings of a caribou, grizzly and Golden eagle. I skipped the all-day Halfway to Heaven hike so I could fish, read, write, and watch a family of siksiks (Arctic ground squirrels) frolic. I definitely did not join Parks Canada travel media relations co-ordinator Guy Theriault in his daily dips in chilly Sheep Creek.

We all convened in the kitchen cabin, where Elanik whipped up yeasty buns, spare ribs, soup, pancakes, and endless bacon. It was here that we watched Natures Epic Journeys, CaribouNatures Epic Journeys, Caribou, a BBC documentary about the Porcupine herds migration between the Yukon and Alaska. We also watched a years worth of motion sensor-activated animal action at one of the parks 34 wildlife cameras.

On the screened deck, we played a traditional Inuvialuit game called napaatchak, throwing a nail encased in a wooden handle at a cardboard box to try to get it to stand up straight.

For Canada Day, Hansen and I went fishing at the stroke of midnight  and saw two Arctic grayling swirling in an unusual circle chasing each others tails. (I never caught a char, but did get a grayling the fourth time I went out.) Theriault barbecued steak, and Elanik dazzled us with a cloudberry trifle to celebrate Canadas 150th birthday.

Coming to Ivvavik gives Hansen, an Inuvialuk mother of four from Inuvik, time to hit the reset button in a magical place. It calms you and brings rejuvenation. I feel a spiritual connection to my ancestors.

Arey says it lifts her up to come to the place where her ancestors hunted belugas and caribou, and lived off siksiks and ptarmigan when times were tough. She was raised by her grandmother and lost her language when she was sent to residential school for eight years, but she raised seven kids, regained her language and was a field worker who helped with the 1984 land claims agreement.

The one thing that Arey taught us that will stay seared in our minds was the Inuvialuktun word for good morning  uvlaami. It helps that it rhymes with the Beatles song Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da. Quyanainni, the word for thank you, didnt roll off the tongue so easily.

When it came time to leave and greet the next set of guests on the airstrip, Arey thanked us and then broke down singing a goodbye song.

Im sorry I got emotional, she said. Im very happy that you are all here to honour my home and to understand how our peoples lived in the past. So, Im very glad that you all came.

Jennifer Bain was hosted by Parks Canada and Northwest Territories Tourism, which didnt review or approve this story.

When you go:

Do this trip: Parks Canada offers guided five-day trips to Ivvavik National Park every summer (June and early July) in its Northern Iconic Experiences program. Prices in 2018 are $3,700 ($4,450 with a Herschel Island stopover) and trips start in Inuvik. Details: parkscanada.ca.

Get there: You can get to Inuvik via Whitehorse, but I flew Air Canada to Yellowknife, where I stayed in the Explorer Hotel (explorerhotel.ca) at the start of my trip and the Days Inn and Suites (daysinn.ca) at the end. I took Canadian North (canadiannorth.com) to Inuvik, where I stayed at Capital Suites Inuvik (capitalsuites.ca). Parks Canada hired Aklak Air (aklakair.ca) to fly us into Ivvavik. Give yourself lots of wiggle room for fog, wind and other weather delays.

While youre in the area: In Yellowknife, I made a glass with Old Town Glassworks, fished with Great Slave Lake Tours and toured the city with My Backyard Tours. In Inuvik, I toured the Igloo church and community greenhouse and went on a boat trip through the Mackenzie Delta with Only Way Outfitting.

Do your research:spectacularnwt.com, travelyukon.com.

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NDP leadership candidate Niki Ashton defended her bold, progressive policy platform in a meeting with the Stars editorial board Tuesday, arguing that Canadians concerned with income inequality and climate change are hungry for a leader who will aggressively hike taxes on the rich, block the construction of new oil pipelines and ensure Indigenous communities have a veto over resource projects proposed on their territory.

Progressive politics is smart politics, she said, adding she believes a major reason for the federal Liberals 2015 victory was Justin Trudeaus ability to mobilize millennials behind a progressive platform.

We allowed the Liberals to out-left us, she said, crediting her leadership campaign with forcing the other candidates to focus on more left-wing ideas such as universal services and climate change.

Ashton said she wants to address two main problems: growing inequality and the threat of climate change. Those are the issues, she said, that will bring millennials back into the NDP fold after the partys heavy losses in the 2015 federal election.

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Her platform promises free post-secondary tuition, higher taxes for wealthy Canadians and corporations, and a host of policies geared toward environmental, racial and economic justice.

The rich and corporations need to pay their fair share, she said. Her tax plan includes creating new income tax brackets, increasing corporate tax and levying a new financial activity tax on banks.

Now what were proposing is seen as extremely progressive, she said. And why shouldnt we be proposing it?

She opposes pipeline projects including Kinder Morgan, Energy East and Keystone XL, pointing to their inability to meet climate change targets and the need to respect the wishes of Indigenous communities that oppose pipelines running through their land.

Another key aspect of her environmental platform is the creation of a Crown corporation that will invest in green projects.

Ashtons platform concentrates on building a movement rather than on electing legislators. She sees that sort of activism as the NDPs strength and explained that many of the elected members are known for their work in grassroots movements.

Ashtons received criticism for her apparent cosiness with activist groups and her focus on identity politics in the past. She came under fire after removing a tweet that cited Beyonce lyrics after Black Lives Matter Vancouver called it cultural appropriation.

Ashton defended her decision to delete the tweet and apologize Tuesday and said the backlash against BLM that followed the organization asking her to remove the tweet was evidence of a need to fight divisive politics on the right.

We have been slow at connecting to movements with which we have so much in common, Ashton said of her party. As inequality increases youre seeing people look toward bold politics.

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After growing up in a middle-class home in Edmonton, Patricia Huculak moved to Toronto 11 years ago to escape a violent spouse and has struggled with poverty and homelessness ever since.

But things are finally looking up for the 47-year-old single mother. In July, Huculak began receiving a $500 monthly housing allowance through a recently beefed-up federal-provincial homelessness prevention program that has allowed her to rent a one-bedroom apartment close to public transit.

Next week, she will graduate from a 12-week advocacy program that has given her the confidence to apply for a well-paying job with the city of Toronto as a street outreach worker where she hopes to put her life experience to work helping others.

And her daughter Alicha, 13, a budding track star, is trying out for a girls basketball team that plays competitively throughout southern Ontario.

It used to be every day getting up and asking where am I going to get the next meal and how am I going to get shoes for my daughter? says Huculak. But Im breathing a little easier. For the first time in a long time I have hope.

Canadian incomes have risen by more than 10 per cent over the last decade, fuelled by a booming resource sector, while the number living on low incomes is rising in Ontario where growth has been sluggish, Statistics Canada says.

However, the agency cautions that census results do not account for the sharp drop-off in oil prices that hit the economy and stalled the resource sector in 2015 and 2016. As well, the Ontario economy has started to rebound, showing strong growth in the first quarter and low unemployment.

New data from the 2016 census reveals that the median income of Canadian households rose to $70,336 in 2015, up 10.8 per cent from $63,457 in 2005.

The jump is attributed to high resource prices that attracted investment and workers to Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland, pumped up the construction sector and saw wealth filter through the economy, Statistics Canada said Wednesday.

The picture wasnt so rosy in Ontario, where the downturn in the manufacturing sector slowed income growth and the proportion of low-income residents has been on the rise.

The median income in Ontario was $74,287 in 2015, up just 3.8 per cent over the last decade, the slowest growth of any province or territory during that time.

Thats attributed to the gutting of the manufacturing sector and the loss of 318,000 jobs, down 30 per cent since 2005.

From 2005 to 2015, almost every metropolitan centre in Ontario saw below average income growth, compared to the booming Prairies, where incomes rose above average. The Greater Toronto Area had a median income of $78,373 in 2015, up 3.3 per cent. In the GTA, Oakville had the highest median income at $113,666. The City of Toronto had the lowest at $65,829.

The last decade has also seen a rise in low-income rates in Ontarios urban centres, led by London (17 per cent, up from 13 per cent) and Windsor (17.5 per cent, up from 14 per cent). The Toronto regions low-income rate rose to 15.6 per cent from 14.1 per cent a decade ago.

Across Ontario, 14.4 per cent of residents  some 1.9 million people  were low income in 2015, an increase from 12.9 per cent in 2005.

Nationwide, the low-income rate edged up slightly over the decade to 14.2 per cent in 2015, from 14 per cent. For children, the low-income rate was also stable but higher at 17.1 per cent, up slightly from 17 per cent in 2005.

We see a relative stability in low income. That means in this period of growth, people arent falling further behind. But they arent necessarily catching up either, Andrew Heisz, assistant director of income statistics division at Statistics Canada, said in an interview.

A decline in the low-income rate is possible if incomes of lower-income persons are rising faster than the median. But that hasnt been the case here, he said.

(Statistics Canada defines a low-income household as one having less than half of the median income of all households. For a one-person household, the after-tax low income measure was $22,133 in 2015. For a family of four it was $44,266.)

That means 4.8 million Canadians were living in low-income in 2015, some 1.2 million of them children, including almost 490,000 in Ontario.

Lone-parent families such as Huculaks and those with more than one child are more likely to be low-income, according to Statistics Canada.

However, Statistics Canada says that the proportion of low-income children has been dropping since the mid-1990s, thanks in part to government programs. The average child benefit received by families has nearly doubled since the mid-1990s, the agency says.

We know from other research that government transfers are important for reducing people in low income. More progressive transfers, such as child benefits, play an important role in reducing the low income rate among families with children, Heisz said.

At the other end of the age scale, a larger proportion of Canadians 65 years and older were low income, rising to 14.5 per cent in 2015 from 12 per cent in 2005, according to Statistics Canada.

Peter Milczyn, Ontarios minister responsible for poverty reduction efforts, said while the provinces economy is strong we know its not growing equally for everybody.

He noted the governments efforts to help people at the lower end of the income spectrum to be able to afford a lot of the important things in their lives, such as more rental housing, affordable housing, a coming boost to the minimum wage, free tuition grants for post-secondary students, as well as pharmacare for youth.

Theres also the basic income pilot that we are testing out in three communities as another measure to look at how we can support lower-income Ontarians, he said. But we also know that our economy is growing  we have job growth.

He said the fact that one-third of new college and university students are receiving the full tuition grants are a strong signal that we are providing the tools to people to increase their skills so they can better participate in our economy.

But provincial opposition parties used the census results to blast the Ontario Liberal governments 13-year record.

This report shows what families already know  theyre being squeezed, said NDP economic development critic Catherine Fife. Household costs have gone up under Kathleen Wynne, but wages are being held back.

Jean-Yves Duclos, the federal minister of families, children and social development, said the census showed the needs across Canada to work toward more resilient economies.

Duclos touted the Liberals Canada Child Benefit for helping ease child poverty. He also cited initiatives on affordable housing, early learning and child care investments, which are going to benefit all families . . . , but, particularly, lower-income families.

Pedro Barata of United Way Toronto and York Region said Huculuks experience with a housing allowance shows how government policies can fight poverty.

What low-income Canadians need is support to close the gap between the rising cost of rent and the fact that their incomes are stuck, said Barata, a member of a national alliance advocating for a national portable housing benefit.

We need significant investment in real measures that will tangibly create better outcomes for Canadians and a portable housing benefit is a piece that gets right at the heart of that challenge and would really move us forward, he said.

Current consultations on a national anti-poverty strategy should result in clear goals, timelines and public investments, added Anita Khanna of Campaign 2000, a national coalition of organizations working to end child poverty. Indexing the Canada Child Benefit is key to ensuring progress isnt lost to inflation, she added.

With files from Tonda MacCharles and Kristin Rushowy

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ST. JOHNS, NLPrime Minister Justin Trudeau will push ahead with controversial plans to legalize pot over the objection of police chiefs and some premiers and with tax hikes on wealthy Canadians over the objection of small businesses and some Liberal caucus members, saying he promised to do so in the election campaign.

But the Liberal leader shrugged off repeated questions about his unfulfilled pledge to deploy Canadian troops to UN peacekeeping operations, saying Canadas allies, military and citizens know hes serious about stepping up and understand the delay in order to get it right.

We will take the time necessary to do it properly, he told reporters.

Pressed hard after the Star revealed the government has not yet decided on a mission and wont before the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Forum in Vancouver on Nov. 14 and 15, Trudeau stuck to the same talking points the government has cited over the past year, since announcing it would contribute 600 soldiers and 150 police officers to an African peace operation.

However, at the United Nations, the expectation that Canada will announce its intentions at that summit is equally firm.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, told the Star in an email, We are very pleased that Canada has announced its willingness to contribute to UN peacekeeping, and we look forward to Canadas announcement of its decision at the Vancouver summit. This is something that the defence minister indicated would happen when he spoke at a press conference at the UN a few months ago.

And the Canadian government is running out of sympathy for its delay in many quarters.

In my view, its an embarrassment, because were either in, or were out, said lawyer Stuart Hendin, a consultant with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research who just finished working with U.S. troops to train African troops in Cameroon.

Its obvious in any number of these countries where there are UN missions theres a very real need for disciplined, capable forces. We have that capacity and were shirking that responsibility.

He said Canadas bid for a Security Council seat will be hurt because it will rely on a large number of uncommitted votes, many from African states. Theyre probably going to look at that and say where was Canada?

Hendin said theres need for competent trainers but more importantly theres a need for peacekeepers, peacemakers with competent skills in Central African Republic, Mali and Darfur.

Trudeau heads to the UN general assembly on Tuesday. He is to make a speech to the assembly on Thursday.

Trudeau was on the defensive as he wrapped up a two-day cabinet retreat, facing questions on a range of controversial files that are sure to dog his government as Parliament resumes next week.

Those included questions about the governments slow response to Canadian Hurricane Irma victims  Trudeau was unapologetic, saying only that better is always possible  questions about proposed changes to restrict the ability of incorporated small businesses and professionals to shift income to lower their taxes, the public cost of his Christmas holiday on the Aga Khans private island in the Bahamas, and about his governments recent difficulties communicating its message.

Trudeau danced around most questions, and said he was unfazed by dissent over the tax changes within the Liberal caucus.

I encourage a broad range of voices speaking up within the Liberal party, he told reporters.

The Liberal leader said his governments focus during the retreat was on the economy, the Canada-U.S. relationship and the legislative agenda ahead this fall.

Trudeau and his senior government ministers stood firm on the plan to legalize pot by next July 1, 2018, sweeping aside growing police concerns over the timeline, saying the deadline is reasonable and can be met.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale told reporters Wednesday the government has put very significant money  up to $274 million  into supporting the ability of police and border guards to enforce new rules, outlined under two bills now being studied in parliament.

But Canadian police chiefs believe their forces are not ready nor is the Canadian public.

On Tuesday, officials from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the OPP and Saskatoon police testified at a health committee studying the bill to legalize pot that they need more time to properly train officers, to more than double the number of officers who are certified to do roadside testing for drug impaired drivers, and to raise public awareness about the impairment effects of smoking marijuana. They want a delay of another six months to a year.

Goodale, and Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, who meet provincial justice and public safety ministers later this week, said they will discuss those concerns but disagreed that the government was moving too fast.

This is a large transformative initiative. When you bring forward that kind of measure obviously it challenges people to meet the objectives but the timeline is a solid one. The deadline is 10 or 11 months away so theres time there to move forward, said Goodale.

We believe that the time frame weve set out is reasonable, he said and when reporters asked if delay was an option, Goodale replied: Look, weve set the objective in July of next year and were anxious to achieve that objective.

Wilson-Raybould said the downside of a delay is the status quo adding she had concerns about leaving criminal laws in place that have negative impacts on young people and allow a black market run by organized crime to flourish.

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He was a giant of his time, a classic of his political type as regional godfather and an architect of some of the social programs on which Canadians still define and pride themselves.

Allan Joseph MacEachen  known as Allan J. across his native Cape Breton Island; if you called him anything else you outed yourself as a come-from-away  died this week at 96.

And for once the frequently uttered epitaph is true. His like is not apt to pass this way again any time soon.

Read more: Trudeau honours Allan MacEachen as peerless parliamentarian

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Allan J. was the pre-eminent parliamentarian of his time, Bob Rae, former MP and Ontario premier, told the Star.

He will deservedly be remembered for his deep commitment to social justice, to the economic development of his region and the whole country and to Parliament itself.

Sean Fraser, Liberal MP for the Nova Scotia riding of Central Nova, told the Star that MacEachen was just a larger-than-life character. Hes peerless in Canadian politics.

MacEachen held just about every position there is to hold, Fraser said. And he did more with those positions than can reasonably be expected of a human being.

Allan J. was an MP and senator for more than 43 years, starting out at the progressive heart of the Pearson government in the 1960s and using his vast parliamentary skills, University of Toronto professor Nelson Wiseman told the Star, to engineer the downfall of the Joe Clark government in 1979 and his considerable powers of persuasion on the Liberal caucus to enable Pierre Trudeaus return as leader  after his dalliance with resignation.

Allan MacEachen was a very, very shrewd tactician, and its actually because of him that Pierre Trudeau came back into power in 1980, Wiseman said.

MacEachen was born in 1921 in Inverness, N.S., and grew up during the Great Depression. His father worked in the Cape Breton coal mines for 46 years, and when he left, his son once recalled, he left with nothing; he had no pension.

But MacEachen found education to be the great equalizer. He attended St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S., and graduated in 1944 before studying economics at M.I.T.

He was first elected in 1953 at just 33, was defeated in 1958 and re-elected in 1962.

His first cabinet portfolio was as Lester Pearsons labour minister. Then, in 1966, as minister of national health and welfare, he helped implement medicare in Canada, widely regarded as his greatest achievement.

He told the Commons this effort springs not only from a deepening of our humanitarian concern for our fellow citizens, but from a realization that we cannot afford the social and economic consequences of our failure to do so. In an industrial country such as ours, we cannot afford the loss to the economy stemming from ill health.

MacEachen, said Rae, was at the heart and centre of the Pearson government  whose social and economic policies remain an integral part of the policy architecture of our country.

The Canada Pension Plan, medicare, manpower changes, regional development, immigration changes  Allan J. was instrumental in making these happen.

In 1968, MacEachen ran for the Liberal leadership, but lost badly and ended up in debt. He was shuffled sideways, then downward for a time by Pierre Trudeau. He considered quitting politics, but friends convinced him he would be letting down Cape Breton.

For all MacEachens accomplishments during the Pearson years, he was what former Star columnist Richard Gwyn once called a late-blooming media star.

By 1972, MacEachen had been on Parliament Hill for almost 20 years in various capacities, but cultivated a sort of shaggy, bearish demeanour that was clever camouflage for his shrewdness.

He was an intensely private bachelor, with a reputation among some colleagues for brooding and melancholy. And it was the Clark-Trudeau dramas of 1979-80 in which he jumped to national prominence, Gwyn wrote.

In his memoirs, Pierre Trudeau wrote that MacEachen had great strategic sense, lived and breathed politics and was the kind of man I respected because he had no ulterior motives.

He said what he thought, and the reasons he would give were always his real reasons.

Trudeaus confidence in MacEachen was reflected by the late Liberal cabinet minister, Eugene Whelan, when he wrote in his memoir of having his knuckles rapped by the PM after speaking out critically on financial affairs while MacEachen was minister.

You can say anything you like about the banks, but leave MacEachen out of it, Whelan reported Trudeau telling him.

MacEachen, who retired from the Senate in 1996 after 12 years in the upper chamber, led the infamous Liberal protests there in the late 1980s over the Progressive Conservative governments free-trade treaty with the United States.

At MacEachens Senate retirement, colleague Sen. Anne Cools described the countrys first deputy prime minister as a true son of Cape Breton, whose parents spoke Scottish Gaelic at home.

His Scottish racial ancestry is revealed in his physical build and his stalwart features. He is a handsome man with great serenity and poise. He has the countenance of one who understands human beings and the human condition.

MacEachen enjoyed solitude, she said. His face was inscrutable when necessary. He is a complex man.

Richard Gwyn concurred.

The only way to understand him is to understand Cape Breton, Gwyn wrote in The Northern Magus, a biography of Pierre Trudeau.

That tribal, private, tightly knit kingdom peopled by cynical romantics and canny innocents, peopled that is to say by Catholic highland Scots, given to beholding the Hebrides in dreams.

MacEachen is happiest in the past, which to him is part of the present. He speaks Gaelic fluently and visits Scotland regularly to revivify his roots. To his Cape Breton tribe, he is shepherd and icon combined.

And for all the titles he held  for all the landmark accomplishments  his reputation at home was for service to his constituents, said Fraser.

He recalled an oft-told tale of how, as external affairs minister, MacEachen was attending a Middle East peace conference. He wanted the schedule changed so he could leave Thursday in order to get home to Cape Breton to deal with constituents.

He was told by other participants that changing the agenda was no small inconvenience.

He said to the U.S. secretary of state, The difference between your political system and mine is if I dont get back for this weekend for my meetings at home, we dont get to have this meeting next year.

Fraser said MacEachens impact on Canadian politics will continue for years because of the leaders he groomed as they passed through his office and under his influence.

When I was student union president at St. F.X. (Francis Xavier), the president of the university had worked in his (MacEachens) office.

When I was deciding to go to law school, the two people who convinced me that it was a good idea . . . they both got their start in law and politics working for Allan MacEachen.

The people that are around Ottawa now who have worked alongside him include Ralph Goodale and Gerry Butts.

This man had his fingers on the careers of so many talented people that hes going to continue to influence Canadian politics for a generation after hes gone.

In fact, MacEachen  whose stamp of approval mattered until the end of his days  helped in the election of 2015, Fraser said.

He had a home in Antigonish until he passed and he had a big red sign in the middle of town for me during the last election.

Still, it might be Bob Rae who hit on the most important of Allan J.s legacies.

Rae met MacEachen when he was a young guide in the House of Commons in the summer of 1966 and the MP was already a parliamentary veteran.

I saw him perform brilliantly in an emergency debate on back-to-work legislation. When I was first elected to the House in 1978, he was friendly, but didnt give me any leeway in debate. I was his critic when he was finance minister.

When I was thinking about running for the Liberal leadership in 2006, he called me out of the blue and said he wanted to help. Given my often barbed comments about him I was taken aback. I went to see him, and we talked it through. I asked him to co-chair my campaign, which he generously did.

MacEachen was a scholar who remained, Rae said, a student of economics, politics and philosophy his whole life.

He had been made frail by a series of strokes, but kept reading, engaging and talking things through as best he could.

His was a life of service, Rae said. And he was loved by many, including me.

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MONTREALA Montreal couple on trial for terrorism was inspired by the call of Daesh propaganda featuring a Canadian fighter who urged Canadian Muslims to come to Syria or carry out attacks at home, a jury heard Wednesday.

Laying out the case against El Mahdi Jamali, 20, and Sabrine Djermane, 21, Crown Prosecutor Lyne Decarie referenced the infamous video that was posted online in December 2014. In it, Ottawa native John Maguire spoke about the deadly terror attacks in Quebec and on Parliament Hill a few months prior and urged others to come to the so-called Islamic State or take up arms in Canada.

The prosecution will show that Sabrine Djermane and El Mahdi Jamali responded to that call, Decarie said in her opening statement for a trial that is slated to run for 10 weeks.

Despite its length, she said the case is in fact quite simple.

The Islamic State, a couple of young people who wanted to leave for Syria and a recipe with the ingredients for a bomb. That is the case summed up in one phrase, she said.

The couple are facing four charges, including trying to leave the country to join a terrorist group and possession of an explosive substance.

Jamali and Djermane were arrested on the evening of April 14, 2015, several days after the RCMPs national security agency in Montreal received a worried call about the couple from Djermanes older sister, the court heard.

Among the items that police seized from the couple was a USB key with several nasheeds, or Islamic chants, that made reference to jihad and Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, according to Mouhanad Kanou, an RCMP officer who analyzed the contents of the USB key.

Decarie said that she will present evidence showing police seized receipts for two passports, a newly purchased suitcase and clothing and travel reservations made on April 9, 2015 for a May 2, 2015 trip.

But the more troubling evidence, she said, is a binder found on the bedside of the couples Montreal condo unit which contained a two-page recipe for a bomb. Experts will testify in the case that it was written by Jamali and copied directly from Al Qaedas propaganda magazine, Inspire.

Decarie said that police also seized a bag at the home of Jamalis parents which contained some of the ingredients necessary to build the bomb and a receipt for the items from a Dollarama store.

Further investigation of computers and telephones that were seized during the investigation allowed police to determine the couples online activity, including the photos and videos they had access to and their respective Facebook accounts, including their communications, messages and posts, Decarie said.

One of the factors that prompted the initial complaint about the couple to the RCMP was Jamalis Facebook account, which showed the black flag of Daesh, said the forces principal investigator on the case, Keven Rouleau.

Rouleau was the first witness to testify in the trial, which will be decided by a 12-member jury. In morning testimony, he said he got word about the couple at about 5 p.m. on April 10, 2015. He met first with the complainant, who has not yet been identified, for about 30 minutes that evening. From there, he went directly to meet Djermane at the couples apartment.

For half an hour, they talked about the concerns over young Muslim students at her Montreal school who were becoming radicalized, including a number of them who had already disappeared and left for Syria.

He testified that they also spoke about her family situation and about Jamalis Facebook account and his desire to also meet with him. But Rouleau said there was no hint of concern from the young woman.

Sabrine is someone who is very sociable, Rouleau said. She was very comfortable with us.

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A Toronto police officer found with a small amount of cocaine in his wallet is expected to plead guilty to professional misconduct at a disciplinary hearing later this year.

Dressed in a maroon suit jacket, Det. Const. Kirk Blake made a brief appearance before the Toronto police tribunal Tuesday, facing two counts of professional misconduct under Ontarios Police Services Act.

Police prosecutor Insp. Domenic Sinopoli told the tribunal that Blake is expected to enter a guilty plea at a November hearing, although the officer did not enter a plea Tuesday.

Blake, who has 17 years with the Toronto police, was charged with one count of possessing a narcotic after the Guns and Gangs officer was found to have a small amount of cocaine in his wallet.

The discovery of the drug came about in September, 2016, after Blake left his wallet behind at the Scarborough courthouse, where he had been doing some computer work in his capacity as an officer.

The wallet was located by another Toronto police member and found to contain a small clear plastic baggie containing a white powdery substance, later determined to be cocaine, according to a police document outlining the misconduct allegations against Blake.

It was further determined that you were not in lawful possession of the substance in the accordance with your duties as a police officer, according to the document.

Blake was granted an absolute discharge after pleading guilty to the criminal charge.

The officer is accused of misconduct for allegedly acting in a disorderly manner or in a manner likely to bring discredit upon the reputation of the Toronto police force.

The penalty for a conviction under the Police Service Act ranges from a reprimand to dismissal.

Blake will appear before the tribunal on November 21.

Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca

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After a few impatient drivers zip past students who havent cleared the intersection, a white Dodge Ram turns left onto Wilson Ave. in front of Pierre Laporte Middle School, blowing through a red light.

Its been less than 20 minutes since the final bell, and Principal Paolo Peloso has already witnessed at least three drivers making dangerous manoeuvres at an intersection bustling with students.

Even this morning, I was out there again and I saw two girls crossing . . . and a car just zooms in front. They had to stop in order to avoid being hit, Peloso said.

The school of about 400 students applied to have a crossing guard at the end of the last school year. Its one of at least 49 schools waiting for an assessment by Toronto Police, who administer the crossing guard program.

Peloso and Vice-Principal Arlene Wheeler have made a point of coming out to monitor before- and after-school traffic at Wilson Ave. and Julian Rd., just west of Keele St. The area has seen an influx of traffic now that construction is complete at the new Humber River Hospital, located across the street from the school, on the south side of Wilson Ave.

Last Friday, on only the fourth day of the new school year, a Grade 7 student was struck by a car about two kilometres west of Pierre Laporte while crossing Wilson Ave. on her way to school.

The school sent a letter to parents informing them of the incident, but some parents had already voiced concerns about the intersection to Peloso last school year.

Though the student was not seriously injured, Peloso believes the incident underscores the need to have a crossing guard at the intersection as soon as possible.

We dont want to wait until somebody gets hurt, Peloso said.

Because the school only runs three buses, most students take transit or get picked up by parents. Peloso said the hospitals opening has increased TTC traffic on Wilson Ave., including a new stop in front of the school, which is more convenient for students.

Councillor Maria Augimeri, of Ward 9 York Centre, has worked with Pierre Laporte and other schools in her ward on getting crossing guards, and said she believes the program should be administered by the city.

Toronto Police have been running the program since 1947. According to the 2017 police budget, it costs $8.59 million to administer the program.

Const. Derrick Martin, a school crossing guard co-ordinator with Toronto Police Traffic Services, said the city will be taking over the program very soon.

Applications for a school crossing guard are currently received by the office of the police chief and then sent out to the divisions, which then conduct a daylong traffic assessment. These assessments are done in the order the applications are received and not triaged based on public safety, Martin told the Star. At Pierre Laporte, this assessment is slated for the beginning of 2018.

This is typical, said Martin of the wait time for a guard. All the requests usually come around the beginning of the school year and then they taper off.

There are about 600 to 700 crossing guards who are usually paid to work three hours a day, and cover the morning, after-school and lunch hours. The guards are hired and trained by police, and considered civilian employees.

When crossing guards are absent from duty, police officers are dispatched to fill in.

The community welcomed the GTAs largest hospital into our ward knowing that we would have some challenges, Councillor Augimeri said. She credits Peloso and Wheeler, the dynamic duo at Pierre Laporte, for making safety a priority as they await a decision on a crossing guard.

They are the most outstanding staff Ive ever witnessed, she said.

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The city of Carmel, Indiana is $800 million (U.S.) in debt and its mayor is looking to get another $100 million loan to fund a luxury hotel and an antique carousel from Toronto.

Carmels purchase of the carousel came as a surprise to Tim Hannon, a local physician who only learned of the plan six weeks ago when he went to a city council meeting. It seemed fairly unreasonable from a spending point of view, he said, Not a good use of public funds.

Hannon created a petition demanding the Carmel council seek out a donor or donors (individual and corporate) to finance it. The petition has sparked what American media is calling Carouselgate in the small city of 100,000 people, and presently has over 1,600 supporters.

Read more:

Torontos 110-year old carousel on Centre Island sold for $3 million

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Its a matter of spending priorities, said Hannon, If were going to take out loans, lets only take them for public safety, schools or for critical infrastructure.

Carmel is an affluent city in Indiana, said Hannon. The carousel is not the centerpiece of our economic redevelopment. We already have lots of other things; the additional benefit may be better for another city.

One resident who signed the petition agreed that the carousel wouldnt increase the quality of life in Carmel, as the mayor keeps suggesting. I love that I live in a nice city, but too much money is spent on making Carmel fancy, the resident wrote.

At a Carmel city council finance committee meeting on Aug. 28, many council members told the mayor they would remove the $5 million intended to fund the carousel from a $101 million bond package under consideration, which includes the construction of a luxury hotel.

The purchase agreement between Bill Beasley, owner of Torontos Centreville Amusement park, and James Brainard, mayor of Carmel for the last 22 years, was signed on July 21, 2017. It stipulates that the City of Carmel has until Oct. 31, 2017 to make arrangements for the payment, and will take possession of it by Nov. 5. The total purchase price is set for $2,694,130 (U.S.)a historical record for carousel sales.

Mayor Brainard declined to comment for this story.

This deadline may be difficult to meet, according to Christine Pauley, the city of Carmels clerk-treasurer. The intention to purchase the carousel was only brought to city councils attention on July 17, and took place without their approvalsomething the offer to purchase is contingent on, according to the agreement.

The mayor had done some preliminary work unbeknownst to some, said Pauley. We didnt get a heads up until the bond issue near the end of July.

There really is no clarity to the situation, said Beasley. They are looking at other sources of fundingwere hoping the agreement still goes through.

Centreville Islands attendance was significantly down this year, hindered first by the closure due to floods, and afterward due to more rainy forecasts, costing the amusement park $8 million in revenues.

Indiana law permits cities to have a local public improvement bond bank, which provides loans (a combination of taxpayer and state-provided revenue), for redevelopment and maintenance projects.

Many councillors have told Pauley, who doesnt vote on the issue at council, that the bond that will fund the carousel is not going to pass, with one telling her that its completely dead. Five out of seven councillors have opposed it publicly.

Pauley says that Carouselgate doesnt mean the sale isnt going through. It just means the mayor needs to find a public-private partnership or a historical society or non-profit that can take up the cost.

Hannon, too, has nothing against the carousel, and is sad to see it leave Toronto. It seems to mean so much to you all, he said, but its not worthy of our taxpayer funds.

The situation has been a kind of a civic lesson for Hannon. We need to be paying attention and be more vocal about whats happening in our city.

Carmels finance committee is expected to finalize the details of the bond package, including funding for the carousel, late Wednesday.

A vote is planned for Carmel council on Sept. 18.

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Premier Kathleen Wynne is threatening to sue Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown for defamation after he said she was on trial in Sudbury.

Fifteen minutes before Wynne took the stand as a Crown witness in the byelection bribery case on Wednesday morning, her lawyer fired off a letter to Brown demanding an apology.

You have made a statement about the premier of Ontario that is false and defamatory, wrote lawyer Jack Siegel of Blaney McMurtry LLP.

Contrary to your statement, Premier Wynne is not standing trial. Your statement is false and misleading and appears to have been made with the intention to harm the reputation of Ms. Wynne, continued Siegel.

Read more:

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Olivier not as strong a candidate as I had thought, Wynne testifies at Sudbury bribery trial

As you should well know by now, especially in light of the notice letter sent to your colleague Bill Walker just last week, the premier is not subject to any charges and will not stand trial for anything, he said, referring to the Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Tory MPP forced to apologize for comments he made about Wynne on Torontos AM640.

Siegel is demanding Brown publish a full retraction of the defamatory statements, to be published by every media outlet that has republished them, and distributed to every media outlet that had a representative in attendance.

Two Star reporters and a columnist were in the scrum along with journalists from CBC, The Canadian Press, Radio-Canada, Global, CP24, CTV, TFO, QP Briefing, Queens Park Today, the Globe and Mail, Fairchild, CHCH, and Newstalk 1010.

Weve got a sitting premier sitting in trial and answering questions about allegations of bribery, Brown, who is a lawyer, told the assembled press throng Tuesday outside the House.

I hope that the premier will give us answers. Were not getting them, in the Legislature. Maybe when she stands trial, he continued.

The statements at issue were only broadcast on CHCH.

Her lawyer, who also wants Brown to refrain from making any further defamatory statements whatsoever about Premier Wynne, has given him until 5 p.m. Thursday to apologize or, he said, the dispute will escalate.

He reminded Brown that Wynne took similar libel action against former PC leader Tim Hudak before the 2014 election, noting the arduous and expensive road that this took toward resolution.

Brown skipped the Legislatures daily question period on Wednesday, so it was left to Deputy PC Leader Steve Clark to respond.

The premier of Ontario is testifying at a trial. There will be a statement from our lawyers to the government lawyers. Thats how the file will be handled, said Clark.

But NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said Brown has shot himself in the foot and should absolutely say sorry to Wynne.

People are human beings. You make a mistake, you apologize. Theres not enough of that in politics, said Horwath.

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OTTAWANew details are emerging about the high-level, backroom wrangling around Boeing Co.s dispute with Bombardier, which is quickly becoming an international dogfight.

The Trudeau government revealed Tuesday that it held secret talks with Boeing in hopes of persuading the U.S. aerospace giant to drop its case against Bombardier at the U.S. Commerce Department.

The revelation came amid word the British government has been lobbying U.S. officials in support of Bombardier, which employs about 5,000 people at an aerospace manufacturing plant in Northern Ireland.

Read more:

Boeing walked away from talks with Trudeau government: ambassador

Theresa May asked Trump to step into dispute between Boeing and Bombardier

Trudeau blasts Boeing over dispute with Bombardier in call with U.S. governor

That includes a call on Sept. 5 to U.S. President Donald Trump from British Prime Minister Theresa May, who will probably discuss the dispute with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when she visits Canada next week.

This is a commercial matter, but the U.K. government is working tirelessly to safeguard Bombardiers operations and its highly skilled workers in Belfast, a British government spokesperson said.

Ministers across government have engaged swiftly and extensively with Boeing, Bombardier, the U.S. and Canadian governments. Our priority is to encourage Boeing to drop its case and seek a negotiated settlement with Bombardier.

Speaking in St. Johns, N.L., Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canadian and British officials are as one when it comes to supporting Bombardier in its dispute with Boeing.

News of the secret talks between Canada and Boeing, as well as the U.K.s surprise involvement, highlight the broad scope and importance of the dispute, which until now has gone largely overlooked.

Fred Cromer, president of Bombardiers commercial aircraft division, welcomed the show of support from Britain during a news conference in Montreal.

For me, having that kind of support is important because it speaks to sort of the heart of the issue, which is jobs, innovation and international supply chains, Cromer said.

The fact that the U.K. government is supporting us is good news.

Yet the moves, which follow Liberal threats to scrap the planned purchase of 18 interim Super Hornets from Boeing because of the dispute, appear to have done little to resolve the matter.

Like the British, Canada had hoped to convince Boeing to drop its complaint that Bombardier is selling its CSeries jets at an unfairly low price to Delta Air Lines with help from government subsidies.

But the Liberal governments talks with Boeing broke down last month when, according to Canadas ambassador to the U.S., David MacNaughton, the company decided to stop negotiating.

We had some proposals back and forth and then they walked away, MacNaughton said in St. Johns, where federal cabinet ministers were meeting to strategize before the return of Parliament next week.

For whatever reason, they (Boeing) decided they werent going to continue to have discussions with us.

The U.S. Commerce Department is currently investigating Boeings complaint and could impose tariffs or fines on Bombardier if it finds against the Canadian company.

It is expected to release its preliminary findings on Sept. 25.

Canadian and British officials arent the only ones to put pressure on Boeing and the Trump administration, as a handful of U.S. members of Congress have also come out in support of Bombardier.

Trudeau also waded into the fray last week, when he called the governor of Missouri, where Boeing makes its Super Hornet fighter jets, to complain about the company.

Boeing released a statement Tuesday saying it had to take action as subsidized competition has hurt us now and will continue to hurt us for years to come.

Global trade only works if everyone plays by the same rules of the road, it added, and thats a principle that ultimately creates the greatest value for Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and our aerospace industry.

Bombardier on Tuesday said it would not factor the fraught NAFTA renegotiations into a decision on whether to shift component work on its Q400 plane from Toronto to Mexico or another lower-cost region.

Bombardier announced it would reduce costs on the turboprop plane by moving Q400 wing and cockpit work from Toronto. However, when and where that work will move hasnt been decided, said Todd Young, vice-president of customer service and support for Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

The final decision will be based on economics, he said at an all-day session updating the companys commercial aircraft programs.

We will not make a decision that is not going to save money for the Q400.

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CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA.After a 20-year voyage, NASAs Cassini spacecraft is poised to dive into Saturn this week to become forever one with the exquisite planet.

Theres no turning back: Friday it careens through the atmosphere and burns up like a meteor in the sky over Saturn.

NASA is hoping for scientific dividends up until the end. Every tidbit of data radioed back from Cassini will help astronomers better understand the entire Saturnian system  rings, moons and all.

The only spacecraft ever to orbit Saturn, Cassini spent the past five months exploring the uncharted territory between the gaseous planet and its dazzling rings. Its darted 22 times between that gap, sending back ever more wondrous photos.

On Monday, Cassini flew past jumbo moon Titan one last time for a gravity assist  a final kiss goodbye, as NASA calls it, nudging the spacecraft into a deliberate, no-way-out path.

Read more:

Astrophysicists make music out of the death of a spacecraft

Cassini spacecraft survives unprecedented trip between Saturn and its rings

New discovery makes Saturns moon Enceladus a prime target in search for life

During its final plunge early Friday morning, Cassini will keep sampling Saturns atmosphere and beaming back data, until the spacecraft loses control and its antenna no longer points toward Earth. Descending at a scorching 122,000 kilometres per hour, Cassini will melt and then vaporize. It should be all over in a minute.

The mission has been insanely, wildly, beautifully successful, and its coming to an end, NASA program scientist Curt Niebur said. I find great comfort in the fact that Cassini will continue teaching us up to the very last second.

Telescopes on Earth will watch for Cassinis burnout nearly 1.6 billion kilometres away. But any flashes will be hard to see given the time  close to high noon at Saturn  and Cassinis minuscule size against the solar systems second-largest planet.

The plutonium on board will be the last thing to go. The dangerous substance was encased in super-dense iridium as a safeguard for Cassinis 1997 launch and has been used for electric power to run its instruments. Project officials said once the iridium melts, the plutonium will be dispersed into the atmosphere. Nothing  not even traces of plutonium  should escape Saturns deep gravity well.

The whole point of this one last exercise  dubbed the Grand Finale  is to prevent the spacecraft from crashing into the moons of Enceladus or Titan. NASA wants future robotic explorers to find pristine worlds where life might possibly exist, free of Earthly contamination.

Its inevitable that the $3.9 billion (U.S.) American-European mission is winding down. Cassinis fuel tank is almost empty and its objectives have been accomplished many times over since its 2004 arrival at Saturn following a seven-year journey.

The leader of Cassinis imaging team, planetary scientist Carolyn Porco, already feels the loss.

Theres another part of me thats just, Its time. We did it. Cassini was so profoundly, scientifically successful, said Porco, a visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley. Its amazing to me even, what we were able to do right up until the end.

Until Cassini, only three spacecraft had ventured into Saturns neighbourhood: NASAs Pioneer 11 in 1979 and Voyager 1 and 2 in the early 1980s. Those were just flybys, though, and offered fleeting glances. And so Cassini and its travelling companion, the Huygens lander, actually provided the first hard look at Saturn, its rings and moons. They are named for 17th-century astronomers, Italian Giovanni Domenico Cassini and Dutch Christiaan Huygens, who spotted Saturns first moon, Titan. The current count is 62.

Cassini discovered six moons  some barely a mile or two across  as well as swarms of moonlets that are still part of Saturns rings.

All told, Cassini has travelled 7.9 billion kilometres since launch, orbited Saturn nearly 300 times and collected more than 453,000 pictures and 635 gigabytes of scientific data.

The European Space Agencys Huygens lander  which hitchhiked all the way to Saturn aboard Cassini  still rests on Titan. It parachuted down in 2005, about six months after Cassini arrived at Saturn, and relayed data for more than an hour from the moons frigid surface.

Still believed intact, Huygens remains the only spacecraft to actually land in one of our outer planetary systems.

Other than Titans size  about as big as Mercury  little was known about Saturns biggest and haze-covered moon before Cassini and Huygens showed up. They revealed seas and lakes of methane and ethane on Titan  the result of rainfall  and provided evidence of an underground ocean, quite possibly a brew of water and ammonia.

Over at the little moon Enceladus, Cassini unveiled plumes of water vapour spewing from cracks at the south pole. These geysers are so tall and forceful that they actually blast icy particles into one of Saturns rings. Thanks to Cassini, scientists believe water lies beneath the icy surface of Enceladus, making it a prime spot to look for traces of potential life.

Enceladus has no business existing and yet there it is, practically screaming at us, Look at me. I completely invalidate all of your assumptions about the solar system.  Niebur said. Its an amazing destination.

Thats precisely why scientists didnt want to risk Cassini crashing into it, said program manager Earl Maize at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

The book is not complete. Theres more to come from exploring the planets, Maize said. But this has been a marvellous ride.

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SEATTLESeveral senior Amazon.com Inc. executives advocate putting a second headquarters in Boston, according to a person briefed on the matter.

Last week, Amazon unveiled plans to open a new base and invited states and local governments to submit proposals. While other cities may ultimately win out, Boston is being considered for its proximity to Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), an airport with non-stop flights to Seattle and Washington, D.C., and a lower cost of living than many other big cities, said the person, who requested anonymity to discuss an internal matter. Amazon said every city remains on an equal playing field.

We are energized by the response from cities across North America who have already reached out to express their interest, Amazon said in an email. There are no front-runners as this point. We are just getting started with the process.

Amazon already has a close association with Boston, having purchased local robot-maker Kiva Systems Inc. for $775 million in 2012. The e-commerce giant plans to add 900 jobs to a new office along Fort Point Channel in the spring, close to new headquarters being built for General Electric Co., which is focusing on the so-called Internet of Things. MIT recently announced a major breakthrough on voice-activated technology that could be of interest to Amazon, which sells the Echo smart speaker.

Last week, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh tweeted his enthusiasm: Its an incredible opportunity  $5 billion of investment and 50,000 new jobs.

A few years ago, Amazon executives discussed building a second headquarters in Toronto because two decades of rapid growth had left the company feeling constrained in Seattle. But global consumer chief Jeff Wilke objected and said the new location should be in the U.S., the person said. Amazon disputed that Wilke expressed that view.

The internal discussion shows Amazon was privately considering expanding beyond Seattle at the very time it was securing approvals for new office towers in its hometown. While Amazon has boosted the local economy and set in motion a construction boom, critics say middle-income people are getting priced out and that Amazonians are clogging city streets.

Amazon says its new headquarters will cost $5 billion and create 50,000 jobs over the next 15 to 17 years. The move borrowed a page from Amazons online marketplace playbook: when sellers compete, buyers win. Politicians around the country and in Canada eagerly expressed interest. Proposals are due Oct. 19 with Amazon scheduled to make a decision next year. Criteria include a metropolitan area of at least one million people with an airport offering convenient flights to Seattle and Washington, D.C.

Picking Boston would disappoint many Amazon employees with families hoping for a more suburban location such as Austin, Texas, that offers affordable housing options beyond apartments and condominiums, said Brittain Ladd, a supply-chain consultant who used to work for the company and still knows a lot of people there. Whats more, Austin is home to Whole Foods, recently acquired by Amazon for $13.7 billion.

Texas is absolutely the best choice from the perspective of associates, Ladd said. Amazon associates are sick and tired of living in cities with high rents and congestion.

Even though some Amazon executives favour Boston, the search means the company can consider other locations and tax deals if the Massachusetts city doesnt offer favourable conditions, the person said.

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WASHINGTONA small group of White House lawyers this summer urged that U.S. President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner step down from his White House role amid a broadening probe into whether the Trump campaign co-ordinated with Russians in the 2016 election, according to multiple people familiar with the discussion.

Some of the lawyers worried that the presence of Kushner, a senior adviser with a broad domestic and foreign policy portfolio, created potential legal complications for Trump, while the probe threatened to limit Kushners ability to perform his job, these people said.

Kushner had several interactions with Russian officials in the campaign and transition that have drawn interest from investigators, and some White House lawyers warned that even casual discussions between him and Trump could spark additional scrutiny.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

The debate, first reported Monday night by the Wall Street Journal, took place before a July shakeup of the legal team. The idea to press Kushner to leave was ultimately rejected.

In a statement Monday night, White House lawyer Ty Cobb blamed the disclosure of the internal debate on former White House staffers seeking to tarnish Kushner, who Cobb described as among the Presidents most trusted, competent, selfless and intelligent advisers.

Those whose agendas were and remain focused on sabotaging him and his family for misguided personal reasons are no longer around, said Cobb, who was brought aboard in July to specialize in the Russia inquiry. All clandestine efforts to undermine him never gained traction.

John Dowd, also a Trump lawyer, confirmed Monday that the subject was raised, but said he heartily disagreed with the idea.

Thats all I have to say about it, he said.

Cobb declined to say which former staffers he believed were trying to undermine Kushner. Former Trump adviser Stephen Bannon, who was dismissed last month, had been a rival to Kushner in the West Wing. Bannon did not respond to requests for comment.

Read more:

Steve Bannon says Comey firing maybe biggest mistake in modern political history

Trump Jr. says he was open to Russian info on Clinton to determine her fitness

Kushner tells interns the Trump campaign was too dysfunctional to collude with Russia

Other people familiar with the Trump lawyers debate said Kushners presence in the White House created risks that were logical discussion topics for the legal team as it sought to minimize risks for Trump amid a widening investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller. The lawyers would have been dummies not to consider walling the president off from another person who would become a major subject for the special counsels investigation, said one person briefed on the discussion. Kushner had met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and also with an executive from a major Russian bank.

At the time of the lawyers debate, Trumps legal team was preparing for a new revelation regarding Kushner that was about to be shared with Congress. From reviewing internal emails in preparation for answering investigators questions, the lawyers knew about a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer in June 2016 that Donald Trump Jr. had arranged after being promised damaging information about Hillary Clinton.

The lawyers knew that Kushner had attended the meeting, and that he had not disclosed it when reporting his contacts with foreign individuals. The New York Times first reported on that meeting July 8.

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WASHINGTONTwo more Americans have been confirmed to be affected by unexplained health attacks against U.S. diplomats in Cuba, the United States said Tuesday, raising the total number of victims to 21.

The additional two individuals appear to be cases that were only recently reported but occurred in the past. The State Department said no new, medically confirmed incidents have taken place since the most recent one in late August. Earlier this month, the U.S. disclosed there had been another incident in August after previously saying the attacks had stopped.

Its possible the number could grow even higher as more cases are discovered. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the U.S. continues to assess American personnel.

Read more:

Another health attack on diplomats in Cuba in August, U.S. confirms

U.S. expels two Cuban diplomats after American officials in Cuba experienced hearing loss blamed on covert device

At least one Canadian diplomat in Cuba also suffered hearing loss, Global Affairs says

The U.S. citizens were members of the American diplomatic community, the U.S. said. Officials have said previously that the incidents, deemed health attacks by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, affected diplomats posted to the Embassy in Havana along with family members who live with them.

The U.S. didnt say how serious the newly disclosed incidents were. But the State Department said it was providing the best possible medical evaluation and care throughout the ordeal, including aid from a medical officer on staff at the embassy.

The union representing American diplomats has said mild traumatic brain injury is among the diagnoses given to some diplomats victimized in the attacks. The American Foreign Service Association has said permanent hearing loss was another diagnosis, and additional symptoms had included brain swelling, severe headaches, loss of balance and cognitive disruption.

The evolving U.S. assessment indicated investigators were still far from any thorough understanding of what transpired in the attacks, which started in the fall of 2016. The U.S. has described them as unprecedented.

As the bizarre saga has unfolded, the U.S. has encouraged its diplomats to report any strange physical sensations. So its unclear whether some symptoms being attributed to the attacks might actually turn out to be unrelated.

Notably, the U.S. has avoided accusing Cubas government of being behind the attacks. The U.S. did expel two Cuban diplomats, but the State Department emphasized that was in protest of the Cubans failure to protect the safety of American diplomats while on their soil, not an indication the U.S. felt that Havana masterminded it.

U.S. investigators have been searching to identify a device that could have harmed the health of the diplomats, believed to have been attacked in their homes in Havana, but officials have said no device had been found.

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HOT SPRINGS, ARK.A former administrative assistant to an Arkansas county official has pleaded guilty to fraudulent use of a credit card after prosecutors accused her of using public money to buy personal items, including a tuxedo for her pet pug.

Kristi Goss was set for trial this week but pleaded guilty Monday. Authorities accused Goss of fraudulently charging $200,000 to a Garland County credit card on purchases including the dog tuxedo, a diamond bracelet, tickets to Arkansas Razorbacks sporting events, sequined throw pillows and pet insurance.

Goss had worked as an administrative assistant for the Garland County judge in Hot Springs, about 70 kilometres southwest of Little Rock.

The Sentinel-Record reports Goss will be sentenced Nov. 22. A gag order prevents attorneys from speaking publicly about the case.

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COXS BAZAR, BANGLADESHWith Burma drawing condemnation for violence that has driven nearly 380,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee the country, the government said Wednesday its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, will skip this months UN General Assembly meetings.

Suu Kyi will miss the assemblys ministerial session, which opens Sept. 19 and runs through Sept. 25, in order to address domestic security issues, according to presidential office spokesman Zaw Htay.

The UN Security Council condemned the violence in Burmas Rakhine State that sparked the mass exodus. Members called for immediate steps to end the violence and efforts to de-escalate the situation, ensure protection of civilians and resolve the refugee problem.

Read more:

Number of Rohingya refugees fleeing Burma tops 370,000 as crisis worsens

Burmese attempt to show Rohingya torched their own homes unveiled as fake news

Fellow Nobel Peace Prize winners tried to convince Burmas Suu Kyi to defend Rohingya

Britains UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said the councils press statement, which followed closed-door consultations, was the first statement the UNs most powerful body has made in nine years on the situation in Burma. He called it an important first step.

While the Security Council was meeting, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters that ethnic cleansing is taking place against the Rohingyas.

He urged Burmas government to suspend military action, end the violence, uphold the rule of law and allow the Rohingyas, who were stripped of citizenship years ago, to return home.

Suu Kyis appearance at last years General Assembly was a landmark: her first since her party won elections in 2015 and replaced a military-dominated government. Even then, however, she faced criticism over Burmas treatment of Rohingya Muslims, whose name she did not utter.

Members of the ethnic group are commonly referred to as Bengalis by many in Buddhist-majority Burma who insist they migrated illegally from Bangladesh.

Suu Kyi is not Burmas president  her official titles are state counsellor and foreign minister  but she effectively serves as leader of the Southeast Asian nation though she does not control the military.

Zaw Htay said that, with President Htin Kyaw hospitalized, second Vice-President Henry Van Tio would attend the UN meeting.

The first reason (Suu Kyi cannot attend) is because of the Rakhine terrorist attacks, Zaw Htay said. The state counsellor is focusing to calm the situation in Rakhine state. There are circumstances. The second reason is, there are people inciting riots in some areas. We are trying to take care of the security issue in many other places. The third is that we are hearing that there will be terrorist attacks and we are trying to address this issue.

Instead, Zaw Htay said, Suu Kyi will give a speech in Burma next week that will cover the same topics that she would have addressed at the United Nations.

The crisis erupted on Aug. 25, when an insurgent Rohingya group attacked police outposts in Burmas Rakhine state. That prompted Burmas military to launch clearance operations against the rebels, setting off a wave of violence that has left hundreds dead and thousands of homes burned  mostly Rohingya in both cases.

Zaw Htay said of 471 Bengali villages in three townships, 176 are now completely empty and at least 34 others are partially abandoned.

He said there had been at least 86 clashes through Sept. 5, but none since then.

What that means is, when the security forces are trying to stabilize the region, they have succeeded to a point, he said.

The government blames Rohingya for the violence, but journalists who visited the region found evidence that raises doubts about its claims that Rohingya set fire to their own homes.

Many of the Rohingya who flooded into refugee camps in Bangladesh told of Burmese soldiers shooting indiscriminately, burning their homes and warning them to leave or die. Others said they were attacked by Buddhist mobs.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who lived under house arrest for many years under a military junta that ultimately gave way to an elected government, has faced a torrent of international criticism and pressure since the crisis erupted.

Hundreds of people marched in Indias capital on Wednesday demanding an end to violence against Rohingya in Burma. Police stopped the group some distance from Burmese embassy.

The protesters criticized Suu Kyi, asking whether she had received the Nobel Prize for promoting peace or for persecuting Rohingya.

Bangladesh has been overwhelmed with the massive influx of Rohingya, many of whom arrived hungry and traumatized after walking for days through jungles or being packed into rickety wooden boats.

Thousands lined up on Wednesday outside a makeshift relief centre in Coxs Bazar district that was distributing rice, sugar and other relief materials.

Mamunur Rashid of the International Organization for Migration said the supplies would be enough to help about 5,000 of the roughly 370,000 Rohingya who have arrived in Bangladesh in recent weeks.

Before Aug. 25, Bangladesh had already been housing some 500,000 Rohingya refugees who fled earlier flashes of violence including anti-Muslim riots in 2012.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has pledged to help the new arrivals, but demanded that Burma take their nationals back.

Many of the new arrivals were staying in schools, or were huddling under tarps in makeshift settlements along roads and in open fields.

Basic resources were scarce, including food, clean water and medical aid.

Dozens of foreign diplomats and aid agency officials were set to meet Rohingya refugees Wednesday near the Kutupalong refugee camp, according to Kazi Abdur Rahman, additional deputy commissioner in Coxs Bazar district.

A humanitarian crisis is going on here, he said. The diplomats will visit camps, talk to them, see their condition. We need to work together during such a serious crisis.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the worlds largest Muslim body, urged Burma to allow in UN monitors so they can investigate what it alleged was systematic brutality against the Rohingya. The UN Human Rights Council approved an investigative mission earlier this year, but Burma in June refused to allow it to enter. An envoys visit in July was met with protests.

Rohingya have faced decades of discrimination and persecution in Burma, where they are denied citizenship despite centuries-old roots in the country.

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NEW YORKLove made Edith Windsor a married woman. Widowhood made her a gay rights pioneer.

Facing a big tax bill after the death of her first spouse, Windsor took on the federal law that prevented her from enjoying the same inheritance tax break she would have gotten if she was married to a man.

She took the fight to the Supreme Court, which struck down critical parts of a U.S. marriage law in a ruling that helped pave a path toward legalizing same-sex nuptials nationwide.

Read more: Gay rights pioneer Edith Windsor dies at 88

Windsor, who marvelled at the arc of gay rights in her lifetime, died Tuesday in New York at age 88, said her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan. The cause of her death wasnt given, but she had struggled with heart issues.

I grew up knowing that society thought I was inferior, she said in 2012. Did I ever think we would be discussing equality in marriage? Never. It was just so far away.

Windsor was 81 when she brought a lawsuit that proved to be a turning point for gay rights. The impetus was the 2009 death of her spouse, Thea Spyer, a psychologist.

The women had married legally in Canada in 2007 after spending more than 40 years together, but under the U.S. Defence of Marriage Act she was barred from getting the usual exemption from federal taxes on Spyers estate. That meant Windsor faced a $360,000 tax bill that heterosexual couples would not have.

Outraged, she went to court, knowing that the case was about more than taxes or even marriage.

Its a very important case. Its bigger than marriage, and I think marriage is major. I think if we win, the effect will be the beginning of the end of stigma, she said in 2012 after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.

Win she did: The justices ruled 5-4 in June 2013 that a provision in the law barring the U.S. government from recognizing same-sex unions was unconstitutional.

The opinion didnt legalize same-sex marriage, but it marked a key moment of encouragement for gay marriage supporters then confronting a nationwide patchwork of laws that outlawed such unions in roughly three dozen states.

It also affronted conservatives who hewed to defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Then-Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia predicted the ruling would be used to upend state restrictions on marriage and warned: The only thing that will confine the courts holding is its sense of what it can get away with.

Ultimately, the opinion in Windsors case became the basis for a wave of federal court rulings that struck down state marriage bans and led to a 2015 Supreme Court ruling giving same-sex couples the right to marry from coast to coast.

Former president Barack Obama called Windsor one of the quiet heroes whose persistence had furthered the cause of equality.

Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor  and few made as big a difference to America, the Democrat said in a statement Tuesday, adding that he had spoken to her a few days earlier.

Anthony Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, called Windsor one of this countrys great civil rights pioneers.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said he was heartbroken by the death of a woman who embodied the New York spirit, taking it upon herself to tear down barriers for others.

Windsor was born in Philadelphia and moved to Manhattan in the early 1950s after a brief marriage to a man. The marriage ended after she told him she was gay.

Spyer came into her life in 1963, and they became a couple two years later. In court documents, Windsor said she told Spyer, If it still feels this goofy joyous, Id like us to spend the rest of our lives together. And we did.

Concerned that an engagement ring would bring unwanted attention to Windsors sexual orientation, Spyer gave her a diamond brooch instead. It was, Windsor later said in court documents, just one of many ways in which Thea and I had to mould our lives to make our relationship invisible.

Spyer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1977. The women married in Canada when they realized they might not live long enough to see New York legalize same-sex marriage. It did in 2011.

Last year, Windsor married her current spouse, Judith Kasen-Windsor, a banker.

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LOWER MATECUMBE KEY, FLA.Parts of Florida inched back toward normalcy on Wednesday with workers restoring power, clearing roads and replenishing gas supplies, even as scenes of destruction emerged from southernmost islands and new dangers emerged for residents without electricity.

Residents drifted back from shelters and out-of-state hotels to see hurricane Irmas scattershot destruction. Positive signs included some curfews being lifted, flights resuming and grocery stores reopening. But flooded streets remained, and the count of damaged and totalled homes ticked upward.

Everythings gone, said Jen Gilreath, a 33-year-old bartender whose Jacksonville home filled with knee-high floodwaters.

While people around the state waited for power to be restored, a new hazard developed: carbon monoxide poisoning from generators. Authorities said that five people died and more than a dozen were treated for breathing fumes from the temporary power sources in separate instances in the Orlando, Miami and Daytona Beach areas.

One Miami-area apartment building was evacuated after authorities determined a lack of power made it unsafe for elderly tenants, while officers arrived at another retirement community to help people stranded on upper floors without access to working elevators. Elsewhere, a South Florida townhouse that weathered the storm was gutted by fire when power was restored, causing the stove to ignite items left on the cooktop.

As crews laboured to repair the lone highway connecting the Keys, residents of some of the islands closest to Floridas mainland returned to get their first look at the devastation two days after Irma roared in with 209 km/h winds.

Pierre Ghantos, left, and his son Nathan paddle though their flooded neighbourhood in the aftermath of hurricane Irma in Fort Myers, Fla., on Tuesday.





Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Brock Long said preliminary estimates suggested that 25 per cent of the homes in the Keys were destroyed and 65 per cent sustained major damage.

Basically, every house in the Keys was impacted, he said.

Read more:

5 die at Florida nursing home believed to have lost air conditioning after Irma

Its going to be devastating: FEMA fears 25% of Florida Keys homes are gone after Irma

Toronto hydro crews en route to Florida in wake of Irma

The number of deaths blamed on Irma in Florida climbed to 13 with the carbon monoxide deaths, in addition to four in South Carolina and two in Georgia. At least 37 people were killed in the Caribbean.

Weve got a lot of work to do, but everybodys going to come together, Florida Gov. Rick Scott said. Were going to get this state rebuilt.

Glimpses of Irmas economic toll were emerging, with Florida saying 31 state agencies had already amassed nearly $250 million (U.S.) in preparation and recovery expenses. In the meantime, officials warily eyed storm damage to its citrus crops, an issue Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio planned to address at a joint news conference Wednesday morning with growers.

The number of people without electricity in the steamy late-summer heat dropped to 9.5 million  just under half of Floridas population. Utility officials warned it could take 10 days or more for power to be fully restored. About 110,000 people remained in shelters across the state.

In hard-hit Naples, on Floridas southwest coast, more than 300 people stood outside a Publix grocery store Tuesday, waiting for it to open.

At the front of the line after a more than two-hour wait, Phill Chirchirillo, 57, said days without electricity and other basics were beginning to wear on people.

At first its like, Were safe, thank God. Now theyre testy, he said. The order of the day is to keep people calm.

While nearly all of Florida was engulfed by the 645-kilometre storm, the Keys  home to about 70,000 people  appeared to be the hardest hit. Drinking water and power were cut off, all three of the islands hospitals were closed, and the supply of gasoline was extremely limited.

Search-and-rescue teams made their way into the more distant reaches of the Keys, and an aircraft carrier was positioned off Key West to help. Officials said it was not known how many people ignored evacuation orders and stayed behind in the Keys.

Crews also worked to repair two washed-out, 90-metre sections of U.S. 1, the highway that runs through the Keys, and check the safety of the 42 bridges linking the islands.

In Islamorada, a trailer park was devastated, the homes ripped apart as if by a giant claw. A sewage-like stench hung over the place.

Debris was scattered everywhere, including refrigerators, washers and dryers, a 8-metre fishing boat and a Jacuzzi. Homes were torn open to give a glimpse of their contents, including a bedroom with a small Christmas tree decorated with starfish.

One man and his family came to check on a weekend home and found it destroyed. The sight was too much to bear. The man told his family to get back in the car, and they drove off toward Miami.

The Lower Keys  including the chains most distant and most populous island, Key West, with 27,000 people  were still off-limits, with a roadblock in place where the highway was washed out.

Although the Keys are studded with mansions and beachfront resorts, about 13 per cent of the people live in poverty and could face big obstacles as the cleanup begins.

People who bag your groceries when youre on vacation  the bus drivers, hotel cleaners, cooks and dishwashers  theyre already living beyond paycheque to paycheque, said Stephanie Kaple, who runs an organization that helps the homeless in the Keys.

On the mainland, one of the evacuees taken from the Coral Gables apartment building that lacked power was a 97-year-old woman who is immobile and has heart problems.

Five firefighters went up the dark emergency stairwell, strapped Cuban-born Ofelia Carrillo to a special evacuation chair and carried her down. Her daughter Madeleine Alvarez said they ultimately heeded firefighters instructions, despite doctors warning of her mothers fragile state.

This is the most stressful situation Ive lived in my life, Alvarez said.

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The hundreds of people waiting on the dock in St. Thomas on Friday night had just survived a hit from Hurricane Irma that had crippled the airport and devastated pretty much every building not made of concrete.

Supplies of food and water were dwindling. Electricity was spotty. And Hurricane Jose had not turned north yet. The people on the island feared that the second storm could boom in, bringing more misery to St. Thomas.

But a large ship with enough room to transport all the tourists was approaching the dock. Just in time, help had come.

Just not for everyone.

The ship had been chartered by the Marriott hotel chain for guests who had to stay behind because the airport had closed.

And officials  there are disagreements about who exactly  said the only people who would be allowed onto the rescue ship were the registered guests of the chains hotels and lavish resorts on St. Thomas.

Shortly after the ship arrived, about three dozen people  tourists not staying at Marriott hotels who had also ridden out the hurricane  watched as the vessel pulled away with hundreds of empty seats.

We just felt hopelessness, said Cody Howard, a professional storm chaser who had been contracted to shoot weather footage on the island. His exit strategy evaporated when the islands airport closed.

Were grown men. We could take care of ourselves, he said of himself and his chase partner. Howard had endured similar conditions filming footage of Hurricane Harvey. We didnt need a whole lot. But it was really hard to see people with kids and elderly people who dont have anywhere to stay get turned away by this boat ... For some people, that was the only (glimmer) of hope. After the boat left, they just felt hopeless and helpless.

Officials on the ship said they had contacted people higher up in the company about the evacuation, Howard and other stranded passengers said. The company officials said they didnt want the liability, according to Howard.

In her anger, Naomi Ayala, a Dallas resident who had been vacationing on the island but was now watching her chance at rescue edge toward the horizon, pulled out her phone and posted a video on Facebook.

They had 600 and something seats, she said, citing a number that she later revised upward. They filled it with 300 Marriott guests and there are 35 people over here waiting and we cant get on this large boat that will hold at least 2(00) to 300 more people.

Then she named names:

And it was Marriotts decision. Marriott did not let us on this boat to get to San Juan so we can get on flights back home. Instead, we have to ride out Hurricane Jose on St. Thomas when we just went through Hurricane Irma.

Read more:

Its going to be devastating: FEMA fears 25% of Florida Keys homes are gone after Irma

European leaders view Caribbean islands devastated by Irma: Never seen anything like this

Toronto hydro crews en route to Florida in wake of Irma

Tim Sheldon, president of the Caribbean and Latin America region for Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott International, said that the St. Thomas port manager instructed the crew that anyone not listed on the manifest could not get on the ship.

The company had already worked with authorities to get the boat into the port on short notice in an emergency  and to construct a manifest with all the appropriate passenger information. But Sheldon said the company didnt control access to the port.

And with Jose approaching, there was no time to negotiate passage for the people who were ultimately left stranded.

We were told by the port manager ... that if they werent on the manifest that we werent able to bring them on to the boat, he said. We were told we had to have our boat out of that port by nightfall. We knew that it was in our best interests and in the best interests of our guests to get that ship out of there that night.

In a statement, the company alluded to bureaucratic red tape:

On Friday, Marriott was able to secure a ferry to transport about 600 of our guests from St. Thomas to Puerto Rico. These were guests who had to stay behind after the airport closed in advance of Hurricane Irma.

The ferry departed St. Thomas Friday, September 8, with the Marriott guests on board. There were a number of additional people gathered at the dock who were not our guests who also expressed a desire to leave St. Thomas. We very much wanted to assist these other travellers to Puerto Rico, however, the Marriott team on-the-ground was told they had no authorization to board additional passengers who were not on the approved manifest. This was enforced by dock security.

With Hurricane Jose on a path to St. Thomas, the ferry had a tight window to pick up passengers and safely depart.

As a company, Marriott places a priority on the safety and security of our guests, but we also have a long tradition of looking out for the greater community. In this case, we werent able to help and as grateful as we are that we were able to transport our guests, we are saddened that we were not able to do the same for more people. We continue to work with local authorities in St. Thomas to help support the relief efforts there.

But Howard and others saw it as a case of corporate callousness during a life-threatening situation. He said that local officials were pushing for the tourists to get on the boat  they were using limited resources that could be used by islanders who couldnt sail away from the aftermath.

Hurricane Jose did ultimately turn north and had minimal effect on the battered island.

But as the people watched the Marriott-chartered vessel pull away, no one knew that  or how long St. Thomas would be cut off from supplies of food and water. People also had received scattered reports of lawlessness at other increasingly desperate Caribbean islands.

But still, Howard said, the people on the ship said no.

The whole sense that I got out of it was: We didnt pay enough money to stay at a Marriott place, therefore, we werent good enough to get on that boat, he said.

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Should a woman report a rape? I was ambivalent in 1980, when I answered this question for my column in Chatelaine magazine.

As a lawyer, I felt I had a responsibility to uphold respect for the laws ability to provide justice. As a woman imagining myself in the position of victim and complainant, I worried that the experience would end up being more traumatic than the rape itself.

So when I wrote the column, I outlined all the factors for a victim to consider in making her own decision, but I did not directly answer the question.

The cases piling up over the years are challenging me to resolve my ambivalence:

In 2017 alone, courts found three Toronto police officers not guilty of sexual assault charges against a female parking enforcement officer.

A judge overturned Judge Marvin Zukers enlightened conviction of York University student Mustafa Uruyar in the Mandi Gray case.

A Newfoundland policeman and a Halifax cab driver had their charges dropped because in each case, an inebriated victim could not prove she did not consent.

Police dismiss one-in-five sexual assault claims as baseless before they even get to court. Statistics Canada reports that sexual assault is the only violent crime in Canada that is not declining  even though only five per cent of sexual assaults that were disclosed to StatsCan were also reported to police in 2014.

Even so, if the matter goes to trial, fewer than one per cent of sexual assaults lead to a conviction. And when there is no conviction, the victim risks being sued for defamation.

Since I wrote the Chatelaine column 37 years ago, there have been major improvements to the rape laws.

Rape, or the act of non-consensual sexual penetration, is no longer the definition of the crime; it is now called sexual assault.

A womans previous sexual experience is no longer able to be used against her  the courts no longer permit the decision-makers to assume that once a woman consents to sex with any man, she can be assumed to have consented to sex with every man. Nor can counselling records, created by professionals as they try to help the victim, be used against her in court.

And a rape shield law was passed, in which the definition of consent became actual consent  which was abbreviated to no means no. And even now, the federal government once again promises to tweak the Criminal Code.

So whats the problem?

Look at the cases that have come before the courts. Victims are still assumed to be asking for it. Why didnt you hold your legs together? Why did you go drinking? Why didnt you say NO? Why did you wear a short skirt? Why. Why. Why.

These questions are asked of the victim, as if it was her responsibility not to tempt the rapist, rather than his responsibility to stop himself  his responsibility to listen when she said No, or stop when he realized she was too drunk or out of it to give real consent. Individual police and judges may find it difficult to interpret what happened, and some let their own experiences and assumptions fill in the blanks.

All this adds up to the fact that the current law and court practice is not working, even though the sexual assault legislation itself is progressive.

So I have resolved my ambivalence. I would advise most women not to report sexual assault to police under current conditions, except in the rare circumstances that her own lawyer (and she needs her own lawyer) is confident of a conviction. The bottom line is: If its so difficult to get a conviction and so traumatic to undergo the process, dont do it.

What would change my advice?

Specialized courts with specially educated judges would help. So would trained police with specific expertise in sexual assault law. The victim needs her own government-paid legal counsel, almost from the moment she calls the police.

Changing the law has not been the perfect solution we hoped for, but perhaps retired justice Marie Corbetts proposal would work  stipulate that the victim does not have to prove that she did not consent  a negative  but instead require the accused to prove there was consent if he wants to use it as a defence.

Until then, and even so, women should be wary.

Linda Silver Dranoff is a lawyer, activist, and author, most recently of her memoir Fairly Equal: Lawyering the Feminist Revolution.

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As University of Toronto students return amid the dying days of summer to their abstruse problems of quantum computing, prolix texts of phenomenology or sundry other daunting syllabi, they can take comfort in knowing they are receiving among the very best educations available anywhere.

According to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, an authoritative appraisal of more than 1,000 schools, U of T is the 22nd-best university globally, up two spots from last year. Among public institutions, it is a remarkable ninth.

But while there is cause for pride in the report, there is at least as much reason for concern. As U of T President Meric Gertler said during a meeting with the Stars editorial board this week, the Times Higher Education groups analysis points to a worrying trend in the overall competitiveness of Canadas post-secondary institutions. Yes, theyre holding their own, Gertler summarized, but they better be looking over their shoulder.

Holding their own may be too rosy. Countries like China, Switzerland and Singapore significantly improved their showings in this years top-200 list, a reflection of strategic policies and aggressive investments in scientific infrastructure and researchers. Meanwhile, Canada has been moving in the opposite direction. Only six Canadian universities made the current top 200, down from eight last year.

This will come as no surprise to Canadian researchers, who have long lamented the federal governments short-sighted approach to science policy.

Ottawas investment has been in steady decline for a decade. In particular, the funding available for independent, basic science  the sort of funding, that is, thats likely to attract the top talent we need to compete in the knowledge economy  has shrunk by about 35 per cent per researcher. During this time, our performance in terms of scientific awards, publications and citations has stalled relative to our peers.

The new rankings should serve as a reminder for government, Gertler told the Star, not only to appreciate how significant it is to have a top-10 public institution in their midst, but also to consider what we have to do to maintain if not improve that position.

The Trudeau government already has the answer to this question. Having come to power after a dark decade of evidence-blind science policy, it moved quickly to commission an independent federal panel, led by former U of T president David Naylor, to take stock of the damage and propose fixes.

The panels recommendations, as the Star has argued before, provided Ottawa with a sensible roadmap. Key among them: a $485-million increase for basic research, the sort of science that so often produces the serendipitous discoveries that lead to future innovation. As a proportion of the federal annual budget, thats a tiny amount, Gertler told the Star. But its also more appropriately viewed as an investment in the countrys future.

As the Naylor panel rightly argued, amid U.S. and British retrenchment on science, an opportunity has emerged for Canada to reassert its leadership role on research, with all of the economic and social potential that entails. The new university rankings are a reminder that if we dont act quickly, China, Singapore and others will happily fill the void.

About the soundness of Naylors proposals, Gertler says there is a startling degree of consensus  within the university community nationally. Yet in June, two months after the reports release, Science Minister Kirsty Duncan seemed to back away. Theres no quick fix, she said at the time. Its been 10 years of cuts and its going to take time to make up lost ground.

For now, the university community is simply waiting and hoping, Gertler says. Ottawa has been trying to get the message out that they cant do it all at once and I think people are willing to accept that  as long as theres a multi-year plan. The last federal budget contained no new science funding, despite the evident and growing cost of underinvestment. Ottawa shouldnt repeat that mistake. Duncan may be right that there is no quick fix, but the world is passing us by  and even the slow fix has to start somewhere.

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Re: Ottawa blames chaos for stranded tourists, Sept. 12

Ottawa blames chaos for stranded tourists, Sept. 12

Most of the world knew a week before that hurricane Irma was headed for the Caribbean. Why didnt the stranded Canadians leave when a direct hit was predicted?

They could have gotten out safely up to a day or two prior to Irma hitting Barbuda, yet it seems they chose to ride out the hurricane then complain about the Canadian government not helping them.

Too many times, we have seen Canadians put themselves in harms way then berate the Canadian government for not bailing them out of the jeopardy in which they put themselves.

Sorry, but I have not pity for them.

Dee Wajang, Oakville

It was sickening to watch our federal politicians congratulating themselves for doing nothing to help Canadians stranded in the Caribbean.

My son is a student at the American University of the Caribbean in St. Maarten and, if not for the university, the American troops and the Dutch militia, it would have been even worse.

The U.S. forces started evacuating their citizens before the Canadian government even started assessing the situation. If Sunwing landed a plane, why couldnt our military send planes?

The university had to charter a private plane to get the last 30 Canadian AUC students out of St. Maarten to Chicago yesterday. There was no guarantee of getting on the commercial flights after waiting hours on the 40 C-plus tarmac.

This is a failure of the federal government at every level. We are a second-rate or worse country when it comes to helping our own citizens in distress. Thank you, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Dr. Brian Hadley, Napanee, Ont.

I am ashamed of the whining and complaining by Canadians stranded by a natural disaster in another country while on vacation.

I cannot understand why they expect the Canadian government to rescue them from a natural disaster, wherever it may occur in the world. Where does personal responsibility come into play?

Every one of these people will come home to their comfortable life and intact home, complete with clean water, hydro, heat, air conditioning, food, etc.

Instead of complaining about what is not being done for them, maybe they should be out helping those poor souls who have lost everything and may take years to recover, if ever.

Paula Rapley, St. Davids, Ont.

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Re: Man arrested for disrupting HBO production in Riverdale, Sept. 12

Man arrested for disrupting HBO production in Riverdale, Sept. 12

Enough already! I have just survived a film shoot next door to my home  the second this year. The first instance left my property a garbage-strewn shambles. In the latest invasion, I was given hours notice and chose to cancel the first few days of a planned vacation to protect my property.

It was a good decision. The neighbour on the other side of the shoot went away and I watched as the crew arrogantly placed equipment on their deck, held production meetings on it and completely took over the front yard with equipment and a control-room tent. The neighbour, upon her return, said no permission had been granted for the trespass and she had found damage. She has since been told there is nothing she can do about it. All of this is done with the blessing of the city of Toronto.

Today, I read in the paper that a man has been arrested and lead away in handcuffs for expressing his frustration over much worse experiences. I sympathize with the man.

Having self-important, inconsiderate people invade your street and community is not something residents want. The crews condescending attitude that they are bringing a bit of glamour to our benighted little lives is offensive. The usual comeback from the film industry is as quoted in your article: Weve pumped billions into Toronto. I dont believe this.

Someone should explain to our city council that the film business has a long and well-documented history of taking advantage of suckers.

Ken Pyette, Toronto

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Apple Inc. (AAPL) - Get Free Report might have more than one thing standing in its way of achieving a long-anticipated sales super cycle.

Wall Street analysts have warned that organic LED supply constraints could throw a wrench in Apple's ability to experience a super cycle, or a surge in smartphone sales reminiscent of the blockbuster iPhone 6 launch in 2015. Based on the iPhone X's Nov. 3 ship date, that still seems unclear, though it will likely force sales estimates lower for the December quarter. The tech giant could also face an additional setback on top of any production issues -- sluggish iPhone demand in the key China region.

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Apple's business seems to keep growing on an annual basis in nearly every corner of the globe except Greater China. In its most recent earnings report, Greater China sales declined 10% annually and slid 25% quarter-over-quarter, marking its sixth consecutive quarter of falling sales in the region. The data is just the foundation of what has been referred to as Apple's China problem, but there may be some greater, underlying issues that explain why the company is having so much trouble there, including growing competition from local smartphone vendors and, similar to the U.S., an aging iPhone owner population that's holding onto older models longer than expected.

In the face of this, many on Wall Street believe the next generation iPhones will serve as a major benchmark for whether Apple can kickstart consumer adoption in China. Apple on Tuesday released three new iPhone models -- the iPhone 8, the iPhone 8 Plus and the 10th generation iPhone X -- as part of its annual September event. The iPhone 8 starts at $699, while the 8 Plus sells for $799. The iPhone X, as it was rumored previously, will sell for $999. Pre-orders for the iPhone X begin Oct. 27 and the device ships by Nov. 3, while the 8/8 Plus can be ordered starting Sept. 15 and will start shipping a week later.

Despite Apple's recently gloomy outlook in China, some analysts remain optimistic about the market opportunity there, believing there's demand among existing iPhone users, as well as new pockets for growth, like potential users who could be stolen away from Android.

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But in order for Chinese consumers to be enticed by the new iPhones, they'll have to view their new features as a meaningful upgrade from prior iterations. The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, while packing some new features, probably won't do the trick. The phones come with a faster processor, better cameras that can handle advanced augmented reality capabilities and wireless charging, as well as a higher price tag. The prices for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus compare to $649 and $769 for the iPhone 7/7 Plus, respectively. The phone also doesn't look all that different from the iPhone 7 or the iPhone 6.

The iPhone X has considerably more striking features, both aesthetically and with its internal components. It boasts an organic LED, edge-to-edge screen that eliminates the need for a Touch ID, in favor of facial recognition system called Face ID and also includes things like wireless charging. Its base price of $999 sets a new and significantly higher bar for the price of an iPhone, while potentially adding as much as 6% to Apple's bottom line in 2018.

Fortunately for Apple, sticker price isn't always an issue in China. Instead, Apple has to win over Chinese consumers with its advanced technology and by simply making a phone that looks good, if not better than its competitors.

"The aesthetics and uniqueness of the iPhone's design are critical to its success amongst the most influential and wealthiest consumers," said Ben Wood, chief of research for CCS Insight. "These people are critically important as they are often the trendsetters for new tech adoption. The introduction of the iPhone X is the first time we've seen a significantly differentiated design for some time and this will undoubtedly be an instant status symbol, particularly as we expect it to be in very limited supply."

Ahead of Tuesday's event, Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty was bullish on China's reception of the newer iPhone models. "We look for especially strong growth in China where the upgradeable (two year old) iPhone base grew 56% this year and consumers are more sensitive to form factor changes," she said.

Huberty estimates that Apple will see iPhone unit growth of 23% in fiscal 2018, which is 7 points higher than consensus growth estimates.

Still, Apple will need to keep an eye on competing models from Chinese smartphone vendors like Oppo, Vivo and Huawei. Wood noted that Apple is a bit more isolated from those rivals than Samsung (SSNLF) , due to the fact that it operates in the iOS ecosystem, while Samsung relies on Android. That said, local vendors are beginning to adopt more features used in new iPhone models and are releasing the phones around Apple events.

Chinese smartphone company Xiaomi, for example, released the Mi Mix 2 on Monday -- just one day prior to Apple's launch event. Like the iPhone X, the Mi Mix 2 features an edge-to-edge screen, but for almost half the price at $550.

Chinese brands have been growing in scale, with access to the same supply chain, rising components buying power, aggressive marketing and value propositions that have stalled Apple's growth rate and "nullified differentiation points," said Counterpoint Research analyst Neil Shah.

"Apple has its work cut out for it, with 'brand equity' remaining the key differentiator here," Shah explained. "So Apple will have to out-market rivals by taking a sting out of the high price tag of the iPhone X and make users want it more by positioning it like a must have special edition."
Florida residents could be in for another rude awakening as elevated gas prices may give the state's drivers headaches long after Hurricane Irma-induced flood waters retreat, according to commodities analysts.

"So far, the impact of Hurricane Irma on infrastructure in Florida has been less extensive than some predicted," Morningstar Inc. director of oil and products research Sandy Fielden wrote Wednesday in a research note. "However, our analysis indicates that the unique product supply dynamics in Florida will leave suppliers struggling to meet demand for some time, meaning higher spot gasoline prices for longer than the rest of the country."

The average price at the pump in Florida today is $2.718 per gallon, versus the average U.S. price of $2.653, according to GasBuddy.com, a website that tracks retail gasoline prices.

As most of Florida, with the exception of parts of the panhandle and northeast, are supplied with transport fuels, including gasoline, diesel and jet kerosene, by barge and tanker, largely coming from Gulf Coast ports, the impact of Hurricane Irma on Florida's refined product supply must be viewed in context of the damage done to Gulf Coast refining infrastructure by Hurricane Harvey, according to Morningstar's Fielden.

Hurricane Harvey decimated the Gulf Coast of Texas, shutting down 3.2 million barrels per day, or 34%, of U.S. crude oil refining capacity in a single week, only to be followed shortly after by Hurricane Irma, which then cut off the state of Florida completely from the majority of its fuel supply sources by shutting in various ports, fuel storage terminals and pipelines throughout the state and in the Caribbean.

As of Sept. 11, more than 3 million barrels per day of Gulf Coast refining capacity was still offline or restarting, and other refineries continue to run at reduced capacity, Fielden wrote.

The two major waterborne delivery ports into Florida are Tampa on the Gulf Coast and Port Everglades on the Atlantic Coast. About 156,000 barrels per day of refined petroleum product, including gasoline, jet fuel and marine diesel for cruise ships, come into Tampa, where the port has an estimate 3.8 million barrels of transport fuel storage capacity and multiple truck terminals feeding deliveries into northern and western Florida.

And in 2016, about 172,000 barrels per day of gasoline and 42,000 barrels per day of diesel came through Port Everglades, which has 12 fuel terminals with about 12 million barrels of storage capacity and delivers product bu truck to South Florida and much of the East Coast.

Coming into Hurricane Irma, Florida was already experiencing supply shortfalls due to Harvey: shipments of gasoline from Gulf Coast ports into Florida, which averaged 413,000 barrels per day between January and the first three weeks of August, according to Fielden's note, nosedived in the last week of August to 261,000 barrels per day during Harvey when Texas Gulf Coast ports were closed, preventing outbound shipments to Florida.

An increase in imports from overseas destinations -- from 37,000 barrels per day during the first three weeks of August to 117,000 barrels per day after Harvey -- partially offset the reduced Gulf Coast shipments. But those imports fell back to 36,000 barrels per day in the first week of September, while Gulf Coast shipments rebounded only slightly to 317,000 barrels per day.

"This suggests that Gulf Coast refineries still operating have struggled to supply Florida by barge since Harvey and that supplies of imports were also hard to come by last week," Fielden wrote. "Overall inbound marine shipments to Florida were down by about [100,000 barrels per day] in the week after Harvey struck and down [120,000 barrels per day] during the following week before Irma."

Then as Florida residents rushed to flee the state, gasoline purchases spiked, leading many gas stations to run out of fuel. According to GasBuddy.com, much of the state's gas station's were still without fuel to start this week.

Likely making matters worse was Hurricane Irma's path through the Caribbean, which forced one of Port Everglades most significant suppliers, Buckeye Energy Partners LP (BPL) - Get Free Report , to shut down its massive storage facility, Buckeye Bahamas Hub, in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, along with several of its Florida terminals and pipeline systems.

In a statement emailed to TheStreet on Tuesday, a Buckeye Partners spokesman said Buckeye's goal was to return to normal operations in at its Bahamas Hub facility on Tuesday, while limited service at its Florida terminals and pipeline systems were expected within 12 to 48 hours.

Fortunately, both of Florida's major ports, were expected to reopen Tuesday, Sept. 12, which will result in rapid fuel resupply by barges and tankers waiting offshore to unload cargoes.

To assist with the resupply effort, the Department of Homeland Security issued a rare waiver to the 1920 Merchant Marine Act, also known as the Jones Act, which will allow foreign-flag vessels to deliver refined products into Texas and Florida from domestic East Coast and Gulf Coast ports for seven days.

But Fielden argued Wednesday that this waiver does not address the dilemma of where additional supplies might come from, pointing out that one possible supplier -- Atlantic Coast refineries -- are already running full out to make up the deficit from pipeline supplies to the Northeast and will only be able to offer limited help.

On the positive side, Goldman, Sachs & Co. analysts have estimated that Florida fuel demand will be temporarily reduced by 250,000 barrels per day in the wake of Hurricane Irma as evacuees are not consuming gasoline in Florida and the region's economic activity will be lower during the post-storm recovery.

"We agree that Florida demand will be much lower in the immediate aftermath of the storm but believe it will recover quickly," Morningstar's Fielden wrote. "The large-scale power outages affecting most of Florida mean that many gas stations cannot operate in any case. But as evacuees come home and fuel deliveries are resumed throughout the state, we expect driving demand to return to normal levels. In the next few weeks, utility and construction recovery efforts will increase demand for diesel fuel."

The result will be higher gas and diesel prices and continued shortages, according to Fielden, who noted that average gas prices were already up significantly from the $2.28 per gallon consumers were paying a month ago.

Ironically, the commodities analyst said that two defunct infrastructure projects proposed over the past few years might have eased Florida's vulnerable supply situation, including Kinder Morgan's (KMI) - Get Free Report Palmetto Pipeline project, which would have delivered 167,000 barrels a day of gasoline and diesel to Jacksonville, Fla., from Belton, S.C. but was abandoned in 2016 after resistance from Georgia.

"The competition to secure Florida supplies in a tight Gulf Coast market means those [fuel] price levels should continue for some time," Fielden said. "In the absence of any similar new infrastructure initiatives to reduce Florida's reliance on waterborne fuel supplies, the state will continue to be vulnerable to weather-related interruptions together with the associated price volatility."
21st Century Fox (FOXA) - Get Free Report is playing a waiting game. And so far it's losing.

Fox Co-Chairman Lachlan Murdoch told investors Wednesday, Sept. 13 at a Goldman Sachs investor conference that despite a U.K. regulator's decision this week to study the transaction on the question of corporate conduct, the company remains confident it will win approval for its $15.5 billion (11.7 billion-pound) acquisition of the 61% stake in the European pay-TV company Sky Plc that it doesn't already own.

Murdoch said he expects the deal, which was announced in December, to ultimately close in mid-2018.

"We are disappointed that its taken six months to come to this point," Murdoch said. "We are very confident that we will get through the process."

Securing Sky, Murdoch said, is one of three top priorities for the company, along with reaching $1 billion in adjusted earnings by 2020 at Star TV, its pan-Asian pay-TV operator, and focusing on its five core TV brands: National Geographic, FX, Fox Sports, Fox News Channel and the Star television network.

Uncertainty as to whether U.K. regulators will ultimately approve the transaction has weighed on Fox's shares, which have dropped 7.6% this year, compared to the S&P 500's 12% gain over the same time period. Fox was rising 1.5% on Wednesday afternoon to $26.30 per share.

Murdoch's sanguine take on Sky came a day after U.K. Culture Secretary Karen Bradley announced that she is likely to ask the government's Competition and Markets Authority to expand its investigation, focusing on Fox's conduct as a broadcaster. Tuesday's announcement took the Murdochs by surprise, given that a previous statement from Bradley indicated that she would limit any investigation to Fox's influence over the media, rather than its broader corporate conduct.

The inquiry is likely to take a close look at whether Fox News Channel adheres to standards of impartiality, or instead plays partisan politics. In addition, the probe is expected to look at the string of sexual harassment cases that have prompted a string of high-profile resignations at the network.

While the Murdochs are best known in the U.S. for Fox News, the family's history in the U.K. goes back to the 1960s. Later, Lachlan's father Murdoch helped solidify the conservative premiership of Margaret Thatcher. In the U.K., the Murdochs own the Sun newspaper, the Times of London and talk radio stations in addition to a minority position in Sky.

U.K. regulators had previously said they were only concerned that the Sky deal would put too great a concentration of media power into the hands of one company.

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Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL) - Get Free Report Google search engine will stop its "first click free" policy that lets users bypass paywalls on subscription news sites the first few times they visit them, News Corp (NWSA) - Get Free Report CEO Robert Thomson said, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The end of the policy could provide a boom in subscriptions for subscription sites, some of which have said "first click free" has weighed on subscription growth. Some sites contend they've been penalized by Google in search rankings if they didn't take part in the policy, which is a voluntary Google program.

The Journal, which is owned by News Corp, said it didn't take part in the program this year. Last month, the Journal's Google search traffic fell 38% and its Google News traffic fell 89% from August of last year. A spokesman said the decline is because the publication was penalized by Google for not accepting the "first click free" policy.

Google will now allow subscription sites to abstain from the program without taking a hit on the search engine's results lists, according to insiders. Alphabet has not yet made a statement about ending the policy.

Subscription services have become an important aspect of staying solvent for publishers as print advertising revenue declines and digital ads become increasingly dominated by Google and Facebook FB.

Alphabet stock traded slightly down premarket Wednesday.

Alphabet is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells GOOGL? Learn more now.

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Amazon.com (AMZN) - Get Free Report is planning on opening a 1 million square-foot warehouse near Mexico City, as the e-commerce giant looks to bolster its online retail presence in Mexico, Reuters reports.

The new mega-facility will be constructed in the Mexican municipality of Tepotzotlan, roughly 25 miles north of the country's capital city. The warehouse is slated to be completed next year and would triple Amazon's distribution space in Mexico, where 120 million potential customers reside.

While Amazon is a relatively new comer to the Mexican market, having just launched the sales of physical goods in the country two years ago, it's growing much faster than its rivals in Mexico, including Walmart (WMT) - Get Free Report .

Amazon is Mexico's third-largest retailer with $253 million in sales last year, double the amount it generated a year earlier.

Shares of Amazon were climbing in mid-morning trading on Wednesday.



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Energy names kept overall market losses to a minimum on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

That was largely tied to solid gains in crude oil, sparked by signs of reduced global production.

Global oil supplies have hit a snag in recent weeks as Hurricane Harvey limited output in the U.S. and declining activity in the Middle East helped the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries keep to its previous deal to limit production.

Global oil supply fell by 720,000 barrels a day in August to 97.7 million barrels a day, its first drop in four months, the International Energy Agency said in its monthly report. Production among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries fell from its 2017 peak in July as the bloc took efforts to comply with its previous agreement. A monthly report from the cartel on Tuesday showed that production had fallen, largely attributed to output declines in Iraq, Libya, Gabon and Venezuela.

However, crude stockpiles in the U.S. have ballooned recently as Harvey crippled refinery production in the Texas and Louisiana region. U.S. supplies increased 5.9 million barrels in the past week, the Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday morning. Gasoline and distillates stockpiles both fell.

West Texas Intermediate crude was up 1% to $48.71 a barrel on Wednesday morning.

Major oil producers were mostly higher on Wednesday morning, including Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) - Get Free Report , Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS.A) , Chevron Corp. (CVX) - Get Free Report , BP PLC (BP) - Get Free Report , and Statoil ASA (STO) . The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) - Get Free Report was up nearly 1%.

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Royal Dutch Shell undefined plans to withdraw from its last two flagship oil fields in Iraq, officially exiting the country after a century in the Middle Eastern country.

Iraq is a member of OPEC and sits on some of the world's largest oil reserves, but contracts in the region have become increasingly lower margin. The company said that it agreed to relinquish operations at the Majnoon field after unfavorable changes to fiscal terms.

"Following extensive discussions with the Ministry of Oil, His Excellency the Oil Minister of Iraq formally endorsed a recent Shell proposal to pursue an amicable and mutually acceptable release of the Shell interest in Majnoon, with the timeline to be agreed in due course. Shell remains otherwise firmly committed to Iraq," Shell said in a statement.

Shell is also selling its 20% stake in West Qurma 1 oil field, which is jointly operated by Exxon Mobil (XOM) - Get Free Report .

Shell produced nearly 20 million barrels of oil in Iraq last year, accounting for about 3.5% of its overall output last year.

Shell stock traded up 0.24% to $58.75 midday Wednesday.

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Centene Corp.'s (CNC) - Get Free Report $3.75 billion transaction to buy substantially all of the assets of faith-based health plan Fidelis Care could further reduce the likelihood of Centene becoming an acquisition target, according to a stock a analyst.

The deal "likely further lowers the possibility of CNC itself becoming a takeout target, as it instead continues aggressive growth on the heels of the Health Net acquisition and expansion on exchanges," wrote Evercore ISI analyst Michael Newshel in a note.

St. Louis-based Centene after the market close on Tuesday, Sept. 12 announced the Fidelis transaction, which marks Centene's entry to New York.

Centene in March 2016 completed its acquisition of managed care organization Health Net Inc. in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $6 billion, including the assumption of debt.

Fidelis, a not-for-profit corporation, was founded in 1993 as the Catholic Health Services Plan of Brooklyn and Queens. It offers health insurance coverage for children and adults through Medicaid, Qualified Health Plans, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, as well as Medicare Advantage, Dual Advantage and Managed Long Term Care. Fidelis has a statewide network of about 70,000 providers.

In the first half of 2017, Fidelis had revenue of $4.8 billion. It served more than 1.6 million members as of end-June.

"We have a positive view of the deal and estimate potential adjusted EPS accretion of about 10% in 2018 and 14% in 2019 (assuming targeted synergies and moderating 10% top-line growth), vs. management guidance of HSD [high single-digit] to mid-teens in years 1 and low to mid-teens in year 2," wrote Newshel.

Shares of Centene were trading at $96.13 on Wednesday, up 5.8%.

The deal, expected to close in the first quarter of 2018, is subject to various closing conditions and receipt of New York regulatory approvals. Post-close, Rev. Patrick J. Frawley will continue as CEO of Fidelis, which will remain based in Queens with operations throughout the state.

"Our mission and values are the foundation of Fidelis Care and we are proud to have found a partner in Centene who shares our commitment to meeting the needs of all our members throughout the State of New York and continuing our mission to serve the health and wellbeing of underserved populations," Frawley said in the announcement.

Centene chairman, president and CEO Michael F. Neidorff said that through the transaction, "we can further enhance the well-being of Fidelis Care's members and continue to build linkages and systems for the coordination of care and services among healthcare, behavioral and social services while doing so at an appropriate level of cost."

Centene said that subject to market conditions, it plans to fund the acquisition with $2.3 billion of new equity, including share consideration, and $1.6 billion of new long-term debt. The company has secured the full $3.75 billion in committed bridge financing.

Citigroup Inc.'s Lorrie Warner, Raymond Cooper and Milad Hadziabdic provided Fidelis with financial advice and Norton Rose Fulbright LLP's Andrew Roth and Warren Nimetz served as legal counsel. Fidelis' in-house team included Frawley, David Thomas, Thomas Halloran and Santo Russo.

Allen & Co. LLC's LeRoy Kim served as financial adviser to Centene, which received legal counsel from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP's Paul Schnell, Sean Doyle, Devin Knickerbocker, Michael Homison, Vincent Napolitano, Elena Coyle, Laura Kaufmann Belkhayat, Richmond Glasgow, Steven Messina, Mark Steinman, Erica Schohn, Young Park and Brian Krause. The Centene team included Keith Williamson.

Skadden and Allen also advised Centene on its Health Net acquisition.



-- David Marcus contributed to this article
The Delaware River Basin Commission on Wednesday voted to approve a measure that will permanently ban natural gas drilling and fracking in the Delaware River and its tributaries, according to the Associated Press.

The five-member commission is made up of representatives from New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and the federal government. The group oversees water quality in the Delaware River, which supplies Philadelphia and half of New York City with drinking water.

New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware voted yes on the ban, New Jersey abstained from voting and the federal government voted no. This vote approved initial measures as part of a lengthy process to ban drilling and fracking.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has led to a massive influx in oil and shale gas production in the U.S. in recent years. The approved resolution said, "fracking presents risks, vulnerabilities and impacts to surface and ground water resources across the country," AP reported.

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A majority of large-cap companies say they are working to advance gender and racial diversity in the boardroom but less than half are willing to disclose how their efforts are proceeding, according to a new study.

About 45% of companies disclose the composition of their boards by gender and almost 40% disclose the ethnicity of the directors, Equilar, which provides executive compensation benchmarking and tracking tools, found after analyzing the 2017 proxy statements of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. Still, that is less than the 60-plus percent of companies that say they consider gender and ethnicity when assessing director candidates, according to the Equilar study released on Wednesday.

Half of the industrial goods companies studied disclosed gender diversity in board composition, the highest among all the sectors, while about 48% of the companies disclosed board composition by ethnicity and race, according to Redwood City, Calif.-based Equilar. The healthcare sector followed with 48.1% of companies reporting board composition for both gender and ethnic/racial diversity. The basic materials sector was the least likely to disclose boardroom diversity information.

Data of board diversity is not universally available as it is not required by law presently. Companies voluntarily provide the information, but institutional investors have been pushing for more transparency. BlackRock Inc. (BLK) - Get Free Report , State Street Corp. (STT) - Get Free Report and the Vanguard Group have made board diversity a top engagement priority this year.

BlackRock, which has $5.7 trillion assets under management as of June 30, voted for eight shareholder proposals to increase board diversity, although it did not name the companies. State Street voted against the reelection of directors at 400 companies this year because they failed to take steps to add female board members. Vanguard, which has more than $4 trillion assets under management, engaged with several companies this year regarding gender diversity and joined the 30% Club, a global organization that advocates for greater representation of women in boardrooms and leadership roles.

"Shareholders and other observers have only company disclosure to reference when seeking information about board diversity, and the more transparency we see on this critical topic, the more it will drive others to engage," said Belen Gomez, Senior Director of Board Services for Equilar.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is looking into existing disclosures of diversity composition on corporate boards and "could make such disclosures a mandatory requirement in the future," according to BDO. Recently installed SEC Chairman Jay Clayton has indicated that he will work with the SEC staff, including the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion and the SEC's Advisory Committee on Small and Emerging Companies to "monitor this issue."

Women make up slightly more than 22% of S&P 500 boards, according to BoardEx, a relationship mapping service of TheStreet Inc. That is a slight increase from 20.5% as of September 2016. Still, female representation in the boardroom declines when analyzing the S&P MidCap 400 and the S&P SmallCap 600 to 18% and 15%, respectively.

The number of minority directors appointed to S&P 500 boards fell in 2016 and the representation of minorities in the boardrooms at the top 200 S&P 500 companies "has not significantly changed over the past five to 10 years," according to executive search firm Spencer Stuart.

That being said, directors generally believe that they are addressing the topic of diversity in the boardroom. About 66% of directors say their board is "proactively addressing the issue of board diversity," although 34% of board members admit that more needs to be done, according to the new 2017 BDO Board Survey released Tuesday that examined the opinions of 130 public company directors.

"Activist proposals, particularly those suggesting changes in board composition to achieve specific desired outcomes, should be viewed as an opportunity for the board to self-reflect and consider thoughtfully the needs and concerns of its shareholders while assessing how those concerns tie into the underlying objectives of the organization's goals and strategies," Amy Rojik, BDO USA's national partner for communications and governance, said in a statement.

Increasingly, studies have shown that having a diverse boardroom leads to better financial results. A 2016 study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics revealed that women's presence in corporate leadership will improve firm performance. A 2015 McKinsey report found that companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians.

"As disclosure of these facets of diversity becomes more common, the amount of research confirming the association between board diversity and long-term value is likely to increase," Susan Angele, senior advisor at KPMG's Board Leadership Center, said in a statement.

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The European Commission presented proposals for an investment screening framework that would limit China's ability to purchase vulnerable European companies in infrastructure, hi-tech manufacturing and energy Wednesday, finding support from France, Germany and Italy.

"Germany, France and Italy firmly welcome the Commission's proposals as an important step toward a level playing field in Europe," the German Economy Ministry said in a statement.

The move comes after Chinese company Midea purchased German robotics make Kuka last year, raising concerns that China was gaining invaluable intel while also shielding foreign investments domestically.

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Ruby Tuesday Inc. (RT) quietly pushed back the deadline for shareholders to nominate dissident director candidates, a shift that comes as the embattled restaurant chain moved into the sixth month of an ongoing strategic review.

The restaurant chain said in a release last month that it was postponing its annual meeting from December to Jan. 22 in light of the strategic review and that the deadline for investors to nominate dissident director candidates was pushed back from Sept. 7 to Oct. 23. Ruby Tuesday's said it does not anticipate any further postponements for its annual meeting, which is usually held in October.

Nevertheless, the extended delay comes as activist investor Glenn Welling and his fund, Engaged Capital LLC, continue to own a 3.3% activist position. The allocation means that Welling, a frequent employer of boardroom battles, may be considering a director-election fight if the restaurant chain doesn't engage in some serious M&A activity in the not-too-distant future. Ruby Tuesday, for its part, launched its strategic review in March.

It's possible that Engaged could be pushing Ruby Tuesday to sell itself or its property. A lot of real estate still remains on the books, which is likely what is attracting activist investor attention. The company owns the land and buildings for 269 of the 543 company's owned and operated locations, according to an August securities filing. The chain has about 600 restaurants in the U.S. and internationally, of which 62 are franchised.

The fund could also be urging Ruby Tuesday to drop its operating restaurant business and become a pure-play real estate company by converting itself into a REIT, with the goal of finding other high-paying tenants for its real estate locations. Alternatively, activist investors could put pressure the company to sell its real estate and lease it back. Another option would be to have a private equity firm buy the whole business and subsequently sell the land holdings to help pay for the acquisition.

Some believe buyout shop Golden Gate Capital LP or another private equity firm could be interested, with that strategy in mind. The private equity firm acquired Red Lobster Seafood Restaurants in 2014 for $2.1 billion, and as part of that deal, it reached a $1.5 billion sale-leaseback agreement with American Realty Capital Properties Inc. for the chain's real estate. The proceeds from the real estate sale helped finance the Red Lobster acquisition. Golden Gate in January acquired Bob Evans Farms Inc., under pressure from activist investor Tom Sandell and Sandell Asset Management. Since then, the buyout shop has sold the real estate under about 55 locations to three REITs, including Four Corners Property Trust (FCPT) - Get Free Report . It's possible that FCPT could be interested in some of Ruby Tuesday's properties.

John Gordon, a restaurant analyst at Pacific Management Consulting Group, said Ruby Tuesday is the weakest of all the publicly-traded casual dining firms. He doubts Golden Gate would want to buy Ruby Tuesday. In addition, he argues that the length of the review suggests that buyers aren't lining up.

"Clearly they've been trying to sell the company but no one wants to buy it," Gordon said. "A greatly diminished brand [Ruby Tuesday] might be an anchor around their [Golden Gate] necks. I'm very skeptical about whether Golden Gate or any private equity firm would be interested in buying it."

Gordon argues that potential buyers thinking about buying Ruby Tuesday may want to consider the fate of Macaroni Grill, another troubled chain that caused a lot of trouble for investors.

Golden Gate acquired Macaroni Grill in 2008 for $131.5 million and sold it to Ignite Restaurant Group for $55 million. And Ignite Restaurant Group filed for bankruptcy earlier this year partly due to the unfortunate acquisition, Gordon said.

"It was a falling knife that came down on them," he added. "Macaroni Grill didn't own any real estate while Ruby Tuesday has a lot of real estate. Nevertheless there are lots of parallels. The acquisition helped drive Ignite Group's descent into bankruptcy."

Another option would be for the management of Ruby Tuesday to take the company private in a leveraged buyout, with the goal of reducing the business into a smaller, possibly franchised operation, that only kept restaurants operating in strong markets.

"The share price is so low that such a move would get the company off of Wall Street and all the expense of being a public company," Gordon said. "Then they could conduct an orderly wind down, selling real estate, and wind up with an approximate 150 store business with some cash and geographic locations that work."

Stephen Anderson, an analyst at Maxim Group LLC in New York, suggests that Ruby Tuesday could consider converting itself into a REIT, with the goal of closing down the restaurant chain, or a big chunk of it, and leasing out its locations. "It's been tough for them to generate positive EBITDA," Anderson said. "You have to question whether the restaurant operation company strategy works or whether it would be better as a real estate company."

He said the type of buyer that might be interested in purchasing Ruby Tuesday is a value buyer who differs from those that could be considering a bid for Potbelly Corp. (PBPB) - Get Free Report , which launched a strategic review last month also under activist pressure.

"There is a lot more demand for growth concepts than non-growth concepts," Anderson said. "Ruby Tuesday fits in the value buyer category because it has some real estate assets it can dispose of but it is in a more rapidly declining situation than other restaurant chains."

He added that Potbelly fits better in the growth category, but it also has a number of locations it could franchise out to raise cash.

Editor's note: This article originally appeared on The Deal , our sister publication that offers sophisticated insight and analysis on all types of deals, from inception to integration. Click here for a free trial.

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President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued an order blocking Canyon Bridge Capital Partners LLP s $1.3 billion plan to acquire Lattice Semiconductor Corp. (LSCC) - Get Free Report .

Canyon Bridge is a private equity fund backed by China Venture Capital Fund Corp. Ltd., a Chinese corporation owned by Chinese state-owned entities that manages industrial investments and venture capital.

Trump's decision follows the recommendation of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.

Lattice said in securities filing Sept.1 that Cfius told the companies it would recommend that Trump suspend or prohibit the proposed merger. CFIUS is the Treasury Department-led interagency panel charged with reviewing foreign acquisitions of U.S. assets for national security threats.

Federal law authorizes the president to prohibit acquisitions by foreign buyers if he concludes there is credible evidence that the buyer's exercise of control might impair U.S. national security.

According to the White House, the national-security risk posed by the transaction includes "the potential transfer of intellectual property to the foreign acquirer, the Chinese government's role in supporting this transaction, the importance of semiconductor supply chain integrity to the United States Government, and the use of Lattice products by the United States Government."

Canyon Bridge officials said, "We are obviously disappointed in today's decision by the President of the United States to forgo what we believe to be an excellent deal for Lattice's shareholders and its employees by expanding the opportunity to keep jobs in America."

Going forward Canyon Bridge said, "We remain focused on other investment opportunities where we can work with exceptional companies to create jobs and grow revenue."

In its Sept. 1 filing Lattice said it remained convinced that the transaction does not raise any national security concerns that couldn't be addressed by mitigation measures it and Canyon Bridge had proposed to implement.

After CFIUS notified the companies that it intended to recommend the merger be blocked, Lattice said it hoped to convince President Trump that the benefits of the proposed transaction to Lattice's stockholders and employees in the United States, and the substantial mitigation measures proposed by the parties justified the president overruling the national security panel.

The Lattice deal is only the fourth transaction ever blocked by a U.S. president under the CFIUS statute. Most parties choose to terminate their deals when CFIUS recommends against a transaction rather than forcing the president's hand.

Stephen Paul Mahinka, a Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP partner who handles CFIUS reviews, said the parties' attempt to persuade Trump to approve the transaction due to its impact on Lattice employment and business prospects is noteworthy.

"It appears to clearly have been based on an end-run of national security issues, with a focus on the deal's asserted effects on job creation and maintenance, attempting to appeal to the President's desire to promote employment," he said.

The deal wouldn't have been likely to be approved under the Obama Administration nor did Mahinka think Trump would accept the companies' argument either.

But the mere fact that Lattice and Canyon Bridge tried to make an economic argument to counter the national security concerns shows others might take a similar tack if Trump or Congress expands the type of issues CFIUS must consider in judging whether a merger poses a risk to the U.S.

"I did not think this approach would work in this context, but an interesting issue is whether, if employment effects are included in any future Executive Order on how CFIUS should assess filings or in new legislation, labor effects could overbalance security concerns, at least in industry contexts of less direct and consequential concern than semiconductors," he said.
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE), an S&P 500<sup></sup> urban office real estate investment trust ("REIT"), is the first, longest-tenured, and pioneering owner, operator, and developer uniquely focused on collaborative life science, technology, and agtech campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, with a total market capitalization of $31.9 billion as of December 31, 2020, and an asset base in North America of 49.7 million square feet ("SF"). The asset base in North America includes 31.9 million RSF of operating properties and 3.3 million RSF of Class A properties undergoing construction, 7.1 million RSF of near-term and intermediate-term development and redevelopment projects, and 7.4 million SF of future development projects. Founded in 1994, Alexandria pioneered this niche and has since established a significant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, San Francisco, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A properties clustered in urban life science, technology, and agtech campuses that provide our innovative tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity, and success. Alexandria also provides strategic capital to transformative life science, technology, and agtech companies through our venture capital platform. We believe our unique business model and diligent underwriting ensure a high-quality and diverse tenant base that results in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns, and greater long-term asset value.
BNL girls thump Mitchell at The Hive

Bedford North Lawrence defeated Mitchell 78-20 at the Hive on Saturday evening. The win moved the Stars to 3-0 on the season.
Featured trade finance tweet, from @AUTradeIndustry:

In 2014, SMEs constituted more than 80% of enterprises in Africa, but they accounted for only 28% of banks trade finance portfolio @AfDB

Starting today, in Dar es Salaam: AUC/USAID BIAT Workshop on Trade Finance and Trade Information

The workshop (13-15 September) provides a forum for exchange of information on Boosting Intra African Trade and specifically on trade information and trade finance. It will develop recommendations and best practices for consideration by AU policy organs. [To follow debates from the BIAT workshop: @InvestEAfrica, @AUTradeIndustry, #BIAT2017]

The PACCI/AU/UNECA/ATPC workshop on the CFTA and the African private sector finished yesterday in Accra.

Extract from the concept note: In spite of the importance that business groups attach to the creation of a single continental market for goods and services, this conference will be the first organized on CFTA from the private sector perspective. The initiative launched by UNECA/ATPC to support the private sector to work with governments, the AU Commission, UN and international organizations on boosting intra-African cooperation and integration was long overdue. By bringing the private sector in as a core partner in the formation of a continental free trade area, this conference is opening up a world of new possibilities to create opportunities for businesses to exploit and bring about benefits to ordinary citizens of Africa.

Ghanas trade minister: Private sector will succeed through implementation of CFTA. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has assured that the private sector in Ghana and Africa will succeed if the implementation of the CFTA is pushed through. In actual fact, whether there will be challenges or not as a continent we have no choice but to move ahead with this continental agenda. First, Im not sure that there is any evidence of any country in the world that has achieved significant growth without taking advantage of the regional market. All the countries that have achieved superlative growth whether it is in Asia or is in North America you would find eventually that theyve achieved that growth partly based on the advantage theyve taken on the regional market. Also there is evidence that many of these countries have actually used regional markets as a stepping stone into the global market and so we should not be surprised if we find that most of the worlds advanced trading nations are also part of the most integrated regional economies, he explained. [GNCCI: Africa needs CFTA to prosper economically]

Regional markets, politics and value chains: the case of West African cement (ECDPM)

This study points to the need to view cement not just as a background story to more important development policies or more ambitious narratives. With recent regional and national policies in West Africa increasingly focused on economic transformation and the potential role of low-value minerals-based industrialisation, cement is at the centre of a range of development processes through production, distribution and construction, often funded or co-funded by public money. Further, the cement sector seems to be at the nexus of a range of structural and current issues for development policy in West Africa: high local production and transport costs; cheap cement imports from East Asia; a regional power or hegemon placing national over regional interests; weak competition effects to counteract inefficiencies in production; and unpredictable and politically motivated policy-making. Lessons from the cement sector may be valuable for promoting value chain development in other sectors in the region. [The authors: Bruce Byiers, Karim Karaki, Jan Vanheukelom]

Cement wars: How Dangote price cuts drive competitors into loss territory (The EastAfrican)

The entry of Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, into the cement business in Tanzania has rocked the industry in the region, with cement manufacturers looking at huge losses. The cutthroat competition introduced by Dangote Cement through price cuts, is forcing the firms competitors to sell their products at prices lower than their cost of production. In the past two weeks, two of the regions cement players with more than 60 per cent combined market share in Tanzania, posted negative results which they blamed on the price wars that have seen them consistently sell their products below cost as they struggle to stay afloat.

COMESA-EAC-SADC TFTA: Mauritius to sign the agreement in October (GoM)

The COMESA-EAC-SADC TFTA Agreement will be signed by Mauritius in October 2017. The signature will take place during a national workshop on the COMESA-EAC-SADC TFTA which the country will host. The workshop aims at raising awareness, and sensitising stakeholders on the COMESA-EAC-SADC TFTA, including trade opportunities and benefits to be derived from an enlarged market of 26 African countries in the Eastern and Southern African region.

East Africa: A concrete step ahead on sustainable HS classification capacity (WCO)

Under the auspices of the WCO/JICA Joint Project, launched in July 2016 to support trade facilitation in Africa, a regional workshop for Master Trainers on HS Classification in East Africa was held in Kampala, 4-8 September. This is the last workshop in a series of three activities on HS Classification, jointly supported by JICA and WCO, which aims at developing (i) a pool of well-experienced trainers and (ii) training materials including case studies to be used by those trainers. Twenty-five customs officials from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda participated in the workshop.

Fiscal rules: Coping with revenue volatility in Lesotho and Swaziland (IMF)

Over the past decade, Lesotho and Swaziland have faced significant volatility in their fiscal revenues, owing to highly unstable SACU receipts. Based on model analysis, this paper explores the advantages of implementing fiscal rules to deal with such volatility. To successfully implement a rules-based fiscal policy framework in Lesotho and Swaziland, sufficient groundwork would be needed - strengthening the credibility of fiscal policy and of revenue management and expenditure controls, while building institutional and legislative frameworks. Immediate budgetary objectives - alleviating the impact of volatile SACU revenues - need to be rooted in medium-term fiscal plans. Thus, the impact could be mitigated by saving windfalls resulting from positive adjustments of SACU revenues and internalizing the downward adjustments when SACU transfer falls below the steady-state level. Developing a rules-based fiscal framework requires a government commitment to saving SACU revenue windfalls and prudent government spending in good times. This would require broad support of stakeholders amid political pressure. Greater savings of SACU revenues could be generated, if stakeholders perceive mitigating the volatility of output as welfare enhancing.

Consultancy opportunity: 2018 Commonwealth Trade Review (The Commonwealth)

Building on the success of the first review, the Secretariat is preparing the next report to be launched at CHOGM in London in 2018. The 2018 Review seeks to further expand analysis on the Commonwealth effect by examining how more effective trade governance could lead to increased trade, as well as gains from trade, in the Commonwealth. The report will also consider how Commonwealth countries can harness digitisation and new technologies to grow future trade and investment, within this context.

South Africas Department of Trade and Industry: updates

(i) 2016/2017 Annual Incentive Performance Report (pdf). During 2016/17 a total of 1 549 enterprises were approved across all the Incentive Development and Administration Division incentives, totalling an amount of R12.8bn and attracting an estimated R39.4bn in investment. Throughout this reporting period 23 351 projected new jobs were recorded and claims amounted to R4.6bn were paid to beneficiaries. Overall, Gauteng took the lead with regard to number of approvals (597), and projected number of new jobs (8 647). Western Cape was in the second position with 556 approvals, and a projected 8 583 new jobs, and KwaZulu-Natal in third place with 211 approvals and an anticipated 4 513 new jobs.

(ii) 2016/17 Annual Report (pdf). A recent review of regional target markets highlighted the necessity for South Africa to leverage its unique value propositions to retain or improve current trade in identified target markets such as Asia, Africa and the Middle East, where distinct capabilities in technology and skills transfer, high-technology solutions, agro-processing and supply capabilities have been proved. South Africas value proposition is unique in that its proximity to African and Middle Eastern markets is uncontested, that it is the only African country with a sustained and effective membership to BRICS, and that it can leverage off trade agreements to which it is a signatory. These elements continue to be teased out to maintain South Africas lead position as a supplier of choice in several emerging high-growth markets, while increasing its share of high-value exports and locally manufactured products in markets where its position is currently less than optimal. The department is conducting a study towards the elaboration of a services export strategy that is aimed at assisting South African firms to integrate into the regional and global supply chains of multinational firms by actively promoting subcontracting in power, infrastructure programmes and the built environment.

Nigeria: Foreign trade in goods statistics (Q2 2017)

The total value of Nigerias merchandise trade at the end of Q2, 2017 was N5,697.5bn. This shows a slight increase of 7.7% from the value of N 5,292.4bn recorded in the preceding quarter. Total export for the period under review stood at N3,102.0bn, while total import stood at N 2,595.5bn. Imports in the review period showed an increase of 13.5% more than the value recorded in the preceding quarter, while exports grew at 3.2% when compared to the previous quarter. The marginal rise in exports as well as increased imports brought the countrys trade balance in Q2, 2017 to N506.5bn from N719.4bn recorded in the preceding quarter. This trade surplus of N506.5bn recorded during the period under review was therefore 29.6% lower than the figure recorded in Q1, 2017. Trade by Mode of Transport:

In Q2 2017, Nigerias major mode of transporting its goods to partner countries was by water. Transport of goods by water accounted for N3, 089.6bn or 99.6% of total export. The goods exported through the road were valued at N7.4bn while goods exported through the air totaled N5.1bn. For import trade, the major mode of transporting goods into the country was through water transport. The water transport accounted for N2, 450.7bn or 94.45. Goods that entered the country through Road transport accounted for N20.1bn or 0.7% while those that entered through Air transport accounted for N124.5bn or 4.8%. Other modes of transport were used but their contributions were low. [Download the accompanying tables] [Related: NBS develops trade database for data users] [Ports Authority harps on multimodal cargo haulage to ease traffic congestion]

Kenya plans to import sugar from COMESA (The EastAfrican)

Kenya plans to start importing sugar from COMESA member states after a four-months break that saw the countrys private firms ship in more than 250,000 tonnes of duty free sugar from countries outside the 19-member bloc. Kenyas sugar directorate said the move aims to bridge the widening sugar deficit in the country, which is expected to hit 600,000 tonnes, from the current 300,000 tonnes, in the next three months. Last year, Kenyas sugar demand was 900,000 tonnes against local production of 639,000 tonnes. This years demand is projected at one million tonnes against local production of about 400,000 tonnes, largely due to underperformance by Mumias Sugar Company and prolonged drought, according to the Sugar Directorate in Kenyas Agriculture and Food Authority.

ECOWAP 2015-2025: A panoply of policy instruments to promote sustainable food systems in West Africa (ECDPM)

ECDPMs Carmen Torres interviews ECOWAS Director Alain Sy Traore, on how his organisation is seeking to use its new agricultural policy, ECOWAP 2015-2025, and various other policy tools, to promote agricultural development, food and nutrition security and the sustainability of food systems in West Africa. [Download latest GREAT Insights: Sustainable food systems]

Trade finance: Changing times call for a collaborative approach (GTR)

The International Chamber of Commerce Banking Commissions new head of policy, Olivier Paul, discusses how the Banking Commissions role will be critical as the trade finance industry adapts to unprecedented change.

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This Trade Update provides a snapshot of South Africas trading relationship with Zimbabwe. The aim is to give an idea of South Africas trade relations with the select partner, and the major products or sectors that South Africa is trading in.

All data is sourced from the United Nations (UN) International trade Centre (ITC) TradeMap database. The data analysed in this report is over a 10-year review period from 2007-2016, thus the review period referred in this paper will imply the period between 2007 and 2016.

Trade Performance

South Africa remains one of the most important trading partners for Zimbabwe; with Zimbabwe importing 40% of its total imports and exporting 75% of its total exports to South Africa.

Since 2007, South Africa has always maintained a trade surplus with Zimbabwe with the surplus widening over the review period mainly attributed to the economic instability experienced in Zimbabwe and the volatility of the South African Rand to the US dollar. In 2016, South Africas exports to Zimbabwe were almost US$ 2 billion while imports were a mere US$ 388 million. This represented 3% and 1% share of South Africas total exports and imports, respectively.

Despite Zimbabwe being a small player in South Africas global trade, the country in 2016 was ranked 5th and 7th most important trading partner with South Africa for exports and imports in Africa respectively.

This Trade Update provides a snapshot of South Africas trading relationship with Zimbabwe. The aim is to give an idea of South Africas trade relations with the select partner, and the major products or sectors that South Africa is trading in.

All data is sourced from the United Nations (UN) International trade Centre (ITC) TradeMap database. The data analysed in this report is over a 10-year review period from 2007-2016, thus the review period referred in this paper will imply the period between 2007 and 2016.

Trade Performance

South Africa remains one of the most important trading partners for Zimbabwe; with Zimbabwe importing 40% of its total imports and exporting 75% of its total exports to South Africa.

Since 2007, South Africa has always maintained a trade surplus with Zimbabwe with the surplus widening over the review period mainly attributed to the economic instability experienced in Zimbabwe and the volatility of the South African Rand to the US dollar. In 2016, South Africas exports to Zimbabwe were almost US$ 2 billion while imports were a mere US$ 388 million. This represented 3% and 1% share of South Africas total exports and imports, respectively.

Despite Zimbabwe being a small player in South Africas global trade, the country in 2016 was ranked 5th and 7th most important trading partner with South Africa for exports and imports in Africa respectively.
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The terms are used interchangeably, but mean different things.

If youre a label-reader (and I sincerely hope you are), then youll know how overwhelming the labels on cosmetic products can be. There are dozens of seals, certifications, and fancy descriptions, all declaring why a particular product is wonderful and why you should buy it.

One of the most sought-after terms these days is vegan. According to retail research firm Mintel, sales of vegan cosmetics are up 100 percent this year alone, with the prime market being 16- to 34-year-olds who are very concerned about animal welfare.

Indeed, you dont even have to be a hardcore animal rights activist to feel disturbed by what goes on in many animal testing laboratories (some of which are nationally mandated, like in China).

But what does vegan actually mean? And how does it differ from cruelty-free, another commonly seen phrase? The two terms tend to be used interchangeably, but they mean different things.

Vegan

Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images

means that a product does not contain any animal products or animal-derived ingredients. It describes the ingredients, rather than the production process. As explained on vegan makeup blog Logical Harmony, Items that are tested on animals can claim to be vegan.

Cruelty-Free

Rattiya Samakrat / EyeEm / Getty Images

Cruelty-Free means that the ingredients/components and final product have not been tested on animals. It refers to the testing process, not the ingredients, which means it is possible for a cruelty-free product to contain non-vegan ingredients, such as honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, albumen, carmine, cholesterol, or gelatin.

So, what should one look for? The best option is to seek out both vegan and cruelty-free descriptions on a product. It is harder to find, but not impossible, especially as demand grows and companies respond.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

KuznetsovDmitry / Getty Images

A company can claim anything on a label, so look for accreditation by known and respected organizations such as Choose Cruelty-Free, The Vegan Society, PETA, or Leaping Bunny in order to know that the claim is backed up.

Vegan and cruelty-free do not necessarily mean that an ingredient list is clean, safe, green, or all-natural. You still need to read the list carefully to be sure youre not putting dangerous chemicals on your skin. Nor does it reflect on packaging in any way (despite the fact that one could argue the plastic cases harm animals eventually, once disposed of).

Finally, Rowan Ellis makes an excellent point made in this YouTube video  consider the human cost. In an ideal world, the cruelty-free label would extend to the human labor that goes into sourcing ingredients and making products. For example, mica is a common ingredient in eye shadows, and yet is notorious for its use of child labor. If possible, look for companies committed to transparent labor standards and/or fair-trade certification.

Its a lot to think about, but a good place to start shopping research is Logical Harmonys brand list, updated weekly. All companies listed are cruelty-free, and many offer vegan options.
"Could someone provide me with an email address or website of someone who is reliable and could take a family of four on a private tour."

Click on "THE LIST, Driver, Taxis, and Touring" at the upper right on this page for this information.

You can also stop in the transportation hall (just as you exit customs) at the airport in Montego Bay. There you will find desks for about 20 companies that will offer you a private tour.

Finally, your hotel in Jamaica can also arrange this for you.
Do you also want to visit more places in the Netherlands? Then you can go to Delft, Den Haag (the Hague) and Leiden (al near to each other) in one of two day weil staying in Amsterdam. Those are old places in the Netherlands with a rich Dutch history and culture. And a daytrip to Utrecht is definitly worth it: it's Dutch 3e city, and also has a canal, really different from the Amsterdam ones!

Other cities in Europe:

Hamburg, Berlin in Germany, takes at least 2 or 3 days each to see highlights and tast more of the atmosfeer.

Kopenhagen, Danmark, if you combine it with Malmo in Zweden (it is on the other side of the sea, with a tunnel. You will be busy for 2 or 3 days too.
"Thank you. Is it not worth seeing Hanoi in the north?"

Absolutely.

Hoi An is also worth seeing, as well.

But with only seven days, you only have time for two places.

Which two places is up to you to decide. My 'best' places probably won't be your 'best' places. ;-)

Scott
Hi, you should stay at Ha Noi for 3 nights to explore the city and can visit Ha Long bay. Then flight to Da Nang - Hoi An for 2 nights

- last 3 nights in Saigon - day trips to Mekong Delta, Cu Chi tunnels...

Enjoy!

Edited: 5 years ago
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- Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has said he will not campaign for NASA leader Raila Odinga in the county

- The governor compared Raila to a bishop saying campaigning for him is like asking a bishop to go into salvation

- He indicated the campaign he conducted before the August 8 elections was enough since the county produced the largest number of votes for the Opposition leader

Kilifi governor Amason Kingi has said he will not campaign for NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga ahead of the October repeat election.

The governor said there would be no need to campaign for Raila in his county as that would be tantamount to preaching to the converted.

The governor compared Raila to a bishop saying campaigning for him is like asking a bishop to get saved.

Kingi: Campaigning for Raila here is like preaching to the converted.Photo:Youtube.

READ ALSO: Raila opens up on sharing a 'nusu mkate' govt with Uhuru

Many are wondering why governor Kingi has not started his campaigns in Kilifi. I ask campaign for what? Kilifi residents are waiting for the D-day to cast their vote. We await October 17 to vote like we did previously, he said.

Speaking in Kilifi town during a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Kilifi hospital complex, Kingi indicated the campaigns conducted before the August 8 elections were enough since the county produced the largest number of votes for the Opposition leader.

READ ALSO: Heartwarming scene as Uhuru meets youngest MP who used public transport to parliament

Kingi who won his seat on an ODM party ticket is the only leader in the Coast region who ensured at least 90% of the political seats went to the Orange party during the August 8 General Election.

READ ALSO: Chaos in Kisumu as youths storm meeting in hunt for ID buyers

All the seven MP seats, 29 out of the 35 MCA positions as well as the Woman Rep seat were won by ODM candidates.

The soft spoken but tactical politician also made sure Raila scooped 273,852 votes compared to Uhuru Kenyattas 49,293 votes.

Kingi himself got 213,708 votes while his Jubilee competitor Gideon Mungaro managed 55,213 votes.

Two Kenyan friends living in Nairobi have developed a three-wheeled automobile from an old motorbike

Source: TUKO.co.ke
- Members of parliament from The National Super Alliance (NASA) will not take part in parliament proceedings

- NASA principal Moses Wetangula said the MPs will not participate in House Committees since the parliament is illegaly constituted

- This announcement comes barely hours after NASA MPs skipped the first sitting in Parliament convened by President Uhuru Kenyatta

NASA legislators will continue missing Parliamentary proceedings as the current House is a sham. NASA co-principal Moses Wetangula has maintained.

Speaking during a press conference at the Okoa Kenya offices, Nairobi, the Bungoma Senator maintained NASAs stance that legislators under the alliance would not take part in parliamentary proceedings.

READ ALSO: List: 6 things Uhuru cannot do now as President until after repeat election

According to Wetangula, the House was built under some various forms of illegalities.

His announcement on behalf of NASA comes only barely a day after majority of NASA-affiluated MPs deliberately skipped the opening parliamentary session on Tuesday, September 12 led by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Wetangula also addressed the issue of the IEBC officials, where he maintained that the NASA team would not participate in the October 17 poll if Chebukati and his team played referee.

"We will not participate in an election where it is a ritual, and leaders are computer generated." He said.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula addressing the media at Okoa Kenya offices. PHOTO: Twitter, Wimwaro FM

READ ALSO: NASA MP defies directive, attends parliamentary sitting

He announced that their next course of action would be to take legal matters to their own hands and investigate the IEBC officials for prosecution.

"We have instructed our legal team led by James Orengo to look into these perpetrators and take the necessary legal action, because the legal agencies in this country are partisan, He went on.

The National Super Alliance, on Sunday, September 17, is set to hold a major rally in Dandora.

Have anything to add to this article or suggestions? Share with us on news@tuko.co.ke

Rise of female gangsters in Kenya:

Source: TUKO.co.ke
The Mayor of the nation's capital city says the police are working and it is not for him to assess their performance.

This,. as he called on the entire society to work together on getting rid of any perception that crime is an opportunity.
Militants launched 27 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ATO area in Donbas over the past day. Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.

This is reported by the ATO press center.

The tensest situation was observed in Donetsk direction, where illegal armed formations used 120mm and 82mm mortars, heavy machine guns and grenade launchers to shell Ukrainian positions near Avdiivka (18km north of Donetsk). In addition, militants fired at Ukrainian strongholds outside Pisky (12km north-west of Donetsk), using 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers, weapons on infantry fighting vehicles and small arms. ATO troops near Kamyanka (62km south of Donetsk) came under 82mm mortar fire.

In Mariupol direction, militants used mortars and grenade launchers to fire at Ukrainian troops near Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol). The enemy also launched attacks on Ukrainian strongholds near Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk).

In Luhansk direction, Russian-backed militants shelled at Ukrainian positions in Krymske (42.5km north-west of Luhansk), using heavy machine guns and grenade launchers.

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Representatives of Ukraine will hold a broad discussion with experts from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to find out what rehabilitation experience will be useful for Ukraine in the context of conduct of the anti-terrorist operation in Donbas.

Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze said this after the meeting with U.S. Secretary for Veterans Affairs David Shulkin in Washington on Tuesday.

"We agreed to organize discussion, a workshop to involve experts and discuss the measures Ukraine can adopt from the experience of the United States. Afterwards, we will outline the specifics and move forward," the Vice Prime Minister answered the question by an Ukrinform correspondent regarding the results of the meeting with Shulkin.

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Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has appointed Yehor Bozhok as head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.

The head of state signed a decree to that effect and introduced the new head to the staff of the Foreign Intelligence Service, the presidential press service reports.

"I have known Yehor Bozhok for a long time - as a patriot, determined, professional person who has a huge experience of foreign work," Poroshenko said.

According to him, Bozhok's work in Ukraine's Mission to NATO made it possible to coordinate the efforts of international partners in support of Ukraine and significantly strengthen the defense capabilities of the state. He also noted that this activity is of particular importance for the protection of Ukraine's national interests.

Poroshenko expressed confidence that the appointment of the new head of the Foreign Intelligence Service would give an impetus to the development of the service. "The core of the success of all undertakings and achievements is a person, his patriotism, level of professionalism, state motivation and readiness for self-sacrifice - self-sacrifice in the name of the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian state," Poroshenko said.

The head of state also outlined the strategic areas for the development of the service and its interaction with key partners. He also expressed confidence that the newly appointed head would be able to significantly increase the effectiveness of the service and interaction with other defense agencies.

Bozhok served as head of Ukraine's Mission to NATO from June 2015.

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Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman says that the Cabinet of Ministers intends to allocate UAH 1 billion to support Ukrainian farmers.

As I promised in the summer, we will provide UAH 1 billion in targeted support for Ukrainian farming, including the revival of livestock and the creation of needed conditions for the development of small farms. Our task is to support an increase in the number of farms in our country," Groysman said at a government meeting on Wednesday, September 13, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The Prime Minister also stated that support for the development of Ukrainian farming had been inappropriately provided for a long time.

"These are high-quality Ukrainian products, these are jobs in villages, and if they are combined with the opportunities for decentralization - the result will be enormous," Groysman stressed.

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Residents of Kyiv and Kyiv region receive the highest average salary in Ukraine, according to analytical data from Ukraine's leading job search website Work.ua.

The director of development at Work.ua, Serhiy Marchenko, announced such data at a press conference at Ukrinform on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"According to Work.ua, the highest average salary is received by residents of Kyiv and Kyiv region - UAH 7,870 [about $300]," he said.

Kyiv is followed by Odesa region with an average salary of UAH 7,200, Kharkiv region (UAH 6,414), Lviv region (UAH 6,123), Dnipropetrovsk region (UAH 6,039), Zakarpattia region (UAH 5,849), and Chernivtsi region (UAH 5,677).

Marchenko noted that the average wage in Ukraine grew by 21% compared with 2016.

According to him, the number of job vacancies in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 grew by 24%. The demand for labor jobs grew by 56%, for jobs in the service sector by 47%, in finance and credit by 44%, and accounting and auditing by 41%.

The demand for representatives of the IT sector and jurisprudence has dropped in comparison with previous years. Only 11% of employers require their services.

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Singapore's transnational corporation Olam International intends to invest in construction of a grain terminal in one of Ukraine's ports.

First Vice Prime Minister, Economic Development and Trade Minister of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv wrote this on his Facebook page.

"Ukraine continues attracting investors, including Olam International, a transnational corporation from Singapore. In due time, Olam purchased the Bila Tserkva elevator and soon plans to invest millions of dollars in the construction of a grain terminal in one of Ukraine's ports," Kubiv said.

The official noted that the leadership of Olam Ukraine would soon publish details of the project.

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President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko held a meeting with Foreign Minister of Estonia Sven Mikser in Kyiv on September 12, the presidents press service reports.

The parties coordinated approaches to the implementation of the initiative on the deployment of the UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas aimed to ensure proper implementation of the Minsk agreements. In this context, the Foreign Minister of Estonia clearly stated common position on the need to deploy peacekeepers throughout the territory of certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including the uncontrolled section of the Ukrainian-Russian border, reads the report.

The President thanked the Estonian side for supporting Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning and non-recognizing the occupation and annexation of Crimea, as well as a consistent position on necessity of preserving the EU sanctions against Russia.

In addition, President Poroshenko noted the importance of humanitarian and technical assistance provided by Estonia to Ukraine and the treatment of wounded Ukrainian servicemen in this country.

He also noted Ukraines interest in using the experience of Estonia in the e-government development.

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Despite the intention of the current U.S. administration to significantly reduce contributions to the UN, including peacekeeping operations, the official Washington is still ready to make an exception for Ukraine regarding deployment of peacekeepers in Donbas.

Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze said this in Washington on the results of the meetings held in the U.S. capital.

"I think that we have received a clear assurance from the U.S. that the United States is ready to make an exception to its rule that has been recently introduced regarding the refusal to support any peacekeeping mission of the United Nations and their payment," the Ukrainian official answered an Ukrinform question about the U.S. attitude to the Ukrainian initiative regarding UN peacekeepers.

She expressed confidence that in case of a joint decision in the UN Security Council on the introduction of peacekeepers into Donbas, the U.S. side "would be ready to support it financially."

The vice-premier recalled that Ukraine put forward an initiative to introduce a peacekeeping mission in Donbas in 2015, and "American colleagues fully share this approach."

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Estonia has always supported and will continue to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine not only in bilateral relations, but also at the level of international organizations and forums, Foreign Minister Sven Mikser has said.

He said this at a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman on Tuesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Estonia has been and will always remain a strong supporter of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. We emphasize this very clearly in our bilateral relations and in the framework of international organizations and forums," Mikser said.

He also said that relations between the two countries were very close and friendly and that a packed schedule of high-level bilateral visits was a sign of that.

In particular, Mikser noted close cooperation in such areas as e-governance, development of digital technologies, and also in the field of security.

He said that Ukraine's relations with the EU are extremely important and that Estonia plays a "special role" in them, since in the second half of this year it became the presiding country of the Council of the European Union for the first time.

Groysman, in turn, thanked the Estonian foreign minister for his support of Ukraine and assured that he highly appreciates Estonia's position towards Ukraine.

"We welcome your chairmanship of the EU Council, and it is very important to Ukraine, because many issues are on the agenda of the European Union. Therefore I would like to wish your presidency to be a successful period, and I also want to emphasize that our cooperation with the EU is extremely important and strategic," Groysman said.

He also recalled that the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement entered into force on September 1 and that the current task for the Ukrainian state was its full implementation.

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Poland is ready to support the deployment of UN peacekeepers in Donbas and actively engage in the settlement of the situation in the east of Ukraine as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from January 1, 2018.

Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland Bartosz Cichocki said this during a meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Sergiy Kyslytsa in Warsaw, the Polish Foreign Ministry reports.

"Poland has been long involved in negotiations on the settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and supports the idea of deploying the international UN forces in the territory that suffers from aggression and occupation," the Polish Foreign Ministry said.

According to Cichocki, Poland is ready to actively intervene in the negotiation process regarding the normalization of the situation in Donbas.

"Ukraine as a strategic partner of Poland can count on our participation in the process of restoring respect for the international order," he said.

According to him, Poland as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from January 1, 2018 is aware of its responsibility for "the process of preparing the format of a possible mission in Ukraine."

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The number of illegal migrants in Ukraine, who are seeking to enter the EU, has grown by 26% in 2017, according to spokesperson of the State Border Guard Service Oleh Slobodian.

"The situation has not significantly changed in comparison with the previous years - Ukraine was a transit state for illegal migrants and remains a transit state for illegal migrants. As the same time, this year we see an increase in the number of [illegal] migrants compared with the previous year by about 26%, he said on the Ukrainian TV Channel Priamyi.

According to Slobodian, this year border guards detained about 2,000 illegal migrants and about 3,000 people were banned from entering the territory of Ukraine.

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NEW YORK/AMMAN, 13 September 2017  UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra wrapped up a two-day visit to Jordan this week where she met with Syrian children, young people and their families whose lives have been greatly affected by the conflict.

Reading about the situation and seeing images still never fully prepares you to experience firsthand the situation of the Syrian refugees. These are people whose lives have been in a constant state of uncertainty for seven years now with no immediate solution in sight. And in the middle of this, for no fault of their own, is an entire generation of children who are being shaped by violence and displacement, resulting in an astonishing lack of education and opportunity. This makes this generation vulnerable on so many levels, said Chopra.

On the first day, Chopra visited a UNICEF supported Makani (which means "My Space" in Arabic) centre in a host community in Amman and met nine year old Wardshan and her eight year old sister Ayat. Both of them had recently started school again after a gap of two years due to the family not having proper documentation. With thousands of Syrian children out of school, the Ministry of Education and UNICEF are mobilizing Makani centres across the country to help girls and boys enroll back in school, in addition to providing learning support, psychosocial care and life skills training.

Chopra later visited the two young girls' home, and learned of the various struggles many refugee families face daily. Their father is a laborer, working odd jobs when available earning about 200 Jordanian Dinars (approx. USD280) which is equal to their monthly rent. Their oldest brother, Saleh, 10, also supplements the family income doing backbreaking work at a local supermarket for 2 JD a day (less than USD3), and does not go to school as a result.

"Without education a whole generation of children could grow up without the knowledge and skills needed to support themselves, contribute to their communities and ultimately rebuild Syria once this crisis is over," said Chopra. "The young people I met have all survived fleeing Syria during the conflict. They thrive to be in school and are not giving up on their dreams and aspirations  and we shouldn't give up on them - they need us more than ever."

Chopra visited the Zaatari refugee camp on the second day, meeting girls at a UNICEF-supported school and two Makani centres that provide psychosocial support services to both young boys involved in child labour and young girls who are survivors of child marriage. There are currently about 21,000 children enrolled in the 14 school complexes in Zaatari. Although there are seats available for every child in the camp, the enrolment is about 73 percent due to child marriages and child labour.

"I met too many young girls, all under 18 years old and married with children - some with multiple children," said Chopra. "What was most heartbreaking was that as children, these girls longed to be learning, but now had the responsibilities of raising children of their own. They would like to get an education themselves but face the stigma of society looking at them only as wives and mothers and judging them as adults and not the teenagers with aspirations that they actually are. However, it was very hopeful to hear that they will not let their own children miss out on an education - even those with girls. They know an education will allow them to have a future different than the lives they are living now."

With a population of around 80,000, Zaatari is one of the largest Syrian refugee camps in the world, and is considered the fourth largest city in Jordan. Families live in caravans in a harsh desert area with freezing temperatures in the winter and extreme heat in the summer. UNICEF and partners are providing life-saving support through vaccinations, medicines, clean water, sanitation, and opportunities for children and youth to get an education and learn skills for their future.

We very much appreciate global champions like Priyanka Chopra who can advocate for continued support for the education, protection and well-being of vulnerable girls and boys affected by the Syrian crisis, said the UNICEF Representative, Robert Jenkins. We are grateful for her commitment in helping us amplify the voices and dreams of millions of Syrian children and youth, who, despite the protracted crisis, remain incredibly resilient and hopeful for a better future, he added.

The Syrian refugee crisis remains the largest humanitarian crisis since the end of World War II. Countries neighboring Syria are hosting over 5 million registered Syrian refugees, including nearly 2.5 million children. Now in its seventh year, over 8 million children inside Syria and in neighboring countries, including Jordan, need humanitarian assistance. UNICEF is working with partners to provide them with access to clean water, health and nutrition, as well as the education and protection that will help them to grow and thrive.

Jordan is today the second largest refugee-hosting country in the world when compared to the size of its population. The humanitarian crisis has placed additional pressure on Jordans scarce resources and is straining national institutions responsible for delivering social services.

UNICEF has been calling for an end to the cycle of violence in Syria along with further steps to keep children impacted by the conflict safe, and to provide them with psychosocial support and continued access to education for them to rebuild their lives for a better future.

###



Photos and broll from the visit available at: https://weshare.unicef.org/Package/2AMZIFIP9X1Q

For more information, please contact:

Christopher Tidey, UNICEF New York, +1917 340 3017, ctidey@unicef.org

Miraj Pradhan, UNICEF Jordan, +962-79-021-4191, mpradhan@unicef.org

Samir Badran, UNICEF Jordan, +962 79 692 6180, sbadran@unicef.org
Madrid, Spain (UroToday.com) Dr. Maria De Santis provided an excellent discussant presentation for three urothelial cancer immunotherapy posters presented at ESMO 2017 in Madrid, Spain. The posters discussed included Pembrolizumab versus paclitaxel, docetaxel, or vinflunine for recurrent, advanced urothelial cancer: mature results from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-045 trial [1] by Dr. Ronald De Wit and colleagues, Subgroup Analyses from KEYNOTE-045: Pembrolizumab Versus Individual Investigators Choice of Chemotherapy (paclitaxel, docetaxel, or vinflunine) in Recurrent, Advanced Urothelial Cancer [2] by Dr. Daniel Petrylak and colleagues, and Atezolizumab in Platinum-Treated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma: Post-Progression Outcomes from the Phase 2 IMvigor210 Study [3] by Dr. Andrea Necchi and colleagues.KEYNOTE-045 was a phase III clinical trial assessing pembrolizumab vs chemotherapy for patients with recurrent, advanced urothelial cancer. In the initial report of this trial, pembrolizumab was associated with significantly longer overall survival (OS) compared to either paclitaxel, docetaxel, or vinflunine chemotherapy (median 10.3 vs 7.4 months; HR 0.73, 95%CI 0.59-0.91) [4].Dr. De Wits study found that with additional follow-up of KEYNOTE-045 patients, OS with pembrolizumab vs chemotherapy (paclitaxel, docetaxel, or vinflunine) continued to show significant differences (HR 0.70 vs 0.73 at first reporting - Sept 7, 2016). Additionally, pembrolizumab continued to have a superior safety profile compared with chemotherapy in these patients with recurrent, advanced urothelial carcinoma. Dr. Petrylaks study found that in a subgroup analysis of patients in the KEYNOTE-045 trial, pembrolizumab was associated with longer OS, higher antitumor activity, and lower incidence of toxicities than single-agent paclitaxel, docetaxel, or vinflunine in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma. According to Dr. De Santis, these two studies of KEYNOTE-045 highlight several points, (i) longer follow-up of these patients confirms previous findings that there is a significant benefit for pembrolizumab compared to chemotherapy in the second-line setting, (ii) post-hoc analysis of the control arm vs chemotherapies, although statistically significant, has limited additional information, considering there are low numbers in each subgroup, an imbalance in risk factors, and the fact that significant differences in outcome between paclitaxel, docetaxel and vinflunine is unlikely.Dr. Necchis study found that patients in IMvigor210 (platinum-treated locally advanced or urothelial carcinoma) who continued atezolizumab beyond progressive disease derived prolonged clinical benefit including tumor burden reduction and longer OS compared to patients who discontinued atezolizumab post-progressive disease. According to Dr. Necchi and his co-authors, an important future challenge in the post-progressive disease setting will be to identify patients most likely to respond to atezolizumab and appropriate sequencing of chemotherapy agents thereafter. Dr. De Santis notes that when assessing treatment beyond progression, particularly in the immunotherapy trials, significant biases are introduced since treating physicians have selected patients with favorable clinical presentation.Furthermore, there are questions with regards to what is true progression? Dr. De Santis notes that pseudo-progression may occur secondary to initial tumor enlargement with delayed shrinkage in the setting of response of a target lesion in the presence of a new lesion. These issues hopefully will be alleviated with the indoctrination of the immune modified RECIST criteria. Dr. De Santis also notes that there are issues with regards to treatment strategies for patients with urothelial cancer who progress on checkpoint inhibitor therapy. When these patients need to change treatment, should they revert back to chemotherapy, receive taxane chemotherapy + VEGF targeted therapy, or switch to another immunotherapy agent? Dr. De Santis highlights that the results from this post-hoc analysis are hypothesis generating and that post-progression treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor seems to be a valid concept in selected patients with favorable prognostic factors and/or suspected pseudo-progression.Speaker: Maria De Santis, Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, United KingdomWritten By: Zachary Klaassen, MD, Urologic Oncology Fellow, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Twitter: @zklaassen_md at the European Society for Medical Oncology Annual Congress - September 8 - 12, 2017 - Madrid, SpainReferences:1. De Wit R, Vaughn DJ, Fradet Y, et al. Pembrolizumab versus paclitaxel, docetaxel, or vinflunine for recurrent, advanced urothelial cancer: mature results from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-045 trial. ESMO 2017 abstr LBA37.2. Petrylak D, Vogelzang NJ, Fradet Y, et al. Subgroup Analyses from KEYNOTE-045: Pembrolizumab Versus Individual Investigators Choice of Chemotherapy (paclitaxel, docetaxel, or vinflunine) in Recurrent, Advanced Urothelial Cancer. ESMO 2017 abstr 851.3. Necchi A, Joseph RW, Loriot Y, et al. Atezolizumab in Platinum-Treated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma: Post-Progression Outcomes from the Phase 2 IMvigor210 Study. ESMO 2017 abstr 852.4. Bellmunt J, de Wit R, Vaughn DJ, et al. Pembrolizumab as Second-Line Therapy for Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma. N Engl J Med 2017;376(11):1015-1026.
Madrid, Spain (UroToday.com) Dr. David Olmos from Madrid, Spain provided a discussion regarding two high-level posters at this mornings prostate cancer session at ESMO 2017. The two studies included DNA repair gene panel mutations in young onset and aggressive v non-aggressive prostate cancer cases in the UK [1] by Dr. Eeles and colleagues and Prognostic Associations of PSA Decline with Survival, Radiographic Response and Progression in Chemotherapy-Naive Men with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) Treated with Enzalutamide [2] by Dr. Armstrong and colleagues.Dr. Eeles study found that there is a higher percentage of DNA damage response and repair gene germline mutations in prostate cancer cases occurring among men < 65 years, and among those with aggressive and lethal disease. Based on these findings, the goal should be to develop a testing panel for use in clinical care in the near future. Dr. Olmos questions why a cutoff of 65 years was selected? Is there a recommended cut-off to suspect germline deleterious mutations? As he notes, there have been four prior studies that have germline deleterious mutations between carriers and non-carriers based on various median ages with no statistical significance noted for these studies based on age cut-off.Dr. Armstrongs study found that PSA declines after 3 months of enzalutamide therapy are strongly associated with soft-tissue response and improvements in rPFS and OS, particularly for PSA responses >50%. These outcomes are predictive of multiple endpoints, including time to PSA progression, time to radiographic progression, and time to death. Dr. Olmos notes that similar results for PSA decline have been previously reported for patients undergoing docetaxel and abiraterone therapy. Furthermore, he notes that PSA declines as early as 4 weeks post-treatment may predict treatment benefit, however 10% of non-responders at week 4 have 90% PSA decline by 12 weeks [3].Speaker: David Olmos, Hospital Universitario, HM Monteprincipe, Madrid, SpainWritten By: Zachary Klaassen, MD, Urologic Oncology Fellow, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Twitter: @zklaassen_md at the European Society for Medical Oncology Annual Congress - September 8 - 12, 2017 - Madrid, SpainReferences:1. Eeles R, Saunders E, Wakerell S, et al. DNA repair gene panel mutations in young onset and aggressive v non-aggressive prostate cancer cases in the UK. ESMO 2017 abstr 786.2. Armstrong AJ, Lin P, Higano CS, et al. Prognostic Associations of PSA Decline with Survival, Radiographic Response and Progression in Chemotherapy-Naive Men with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) Treated with Enzalutamide. ESMO 2017 abstr 787.3. Rescigno P, Lorente D, Biancini D, et al. Prostate-specific antigen decline after 4 weeks of treatment with abiraterone acetate and overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Eur Urol 2016;70(5):724-731.
Tens of thousands of women who survived enslavement and rape during the 1992-95 Bosnian war are still being denied justice, according to a report from Amnesty International. A quarter of a century after the conflict began, rights activists say many of the survivors are living in poverty and have lost all hope the perpetrators will face trial. Henry Ridgwell reports.
The U.S. military says six al-Shabab militants were killed in fresh airstrikes in southern Somalia Wednesday, the fourth U.S. attack against the militant group this month alone.

In a statement, the U.S. Africa Command says it conducted three precision strikes against al-Shabab at around 2:15 am in an area 260 kilometers south of the capital, Mogadishu.

The mayor of the town of Barawe, Aden Omar Madobe says the airstrike occurred in Kunyo Barrow village and hit an al-Shabab militia site.

There was no immediate word on the identity of those killed. Previous U.S. airstrikes in Somalia have killed many al-Shabab leaders, including the group's emir, Ahmed Godane, in 2014.

Wednesday's airstrikes were conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM said.

The U.S. conducted this operation within the parameters of the authorities granted by the president in March which allows U.S. forces to conduct lethal action against al-Shabab within a geographically-defined area in support of partner forces in Somalia, the statement read.

In a follow up note, AFRICOM says its assessment is that there were no civilians anywhere near the site."

Madobe told VOA Somali that Al-Shabab fighters disconnected the communications network of the area after the attack.

What we know of them is that they disconnect communication whenever anti-peace elements suffer many casualties, he said.

Its the third U.S. airstrike this month alone in and around Kunyo Barrow, in the Middle Jubba region. The fourth attack took place on September 5 in Dodale, in the Bay region, where the U.S. says three militants were killed.

Wednesdays U.S. airstrike comes against the backdrop of increased Al-Shabab attacks against Somali government this month, with at least seven deadly attacks so far.



One of three Somali journalists wounded in a suicide bombing Sunday in Beledweyne succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.

Abdullahi Osman Moallim, 24, who was a reporter for a local TV and radio station, suffered head injuries when the bomber detonated an explosive vest in a crowded teashop.

The United States sent condolences for the death of the journalist and condemned Al-Shababs indiscriminate attacks."

We salute and encourage Somali journalists to continue their work despite the daily struggles and risks, in defense of the inalienable right of freedom of expression on behalf of the Somali people, read a statement issued by the United States mission to Somalia.

Al-Shabaab has been trying since 2006 to overthrow the government and impose a strict form of Sharia in Somalia.
Al-Qaida militants have called for support for Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims, who are facing a security crackdown that has sent about 400,000 of them fleeing to Bangladesh, warning that Myanmar would face "punishment" for its "crimes".

The exodus of Muslim refugees from Buddhist-majority Myanmar was sparked by a fierce security force response to a series of Rohingya militant attacks on police and army posts in the country's west on Aug. 25.

The Islamist group behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States issued a statement urging Muslims around the world to support their fellow Muslims in Myanmar with aid, weapons and "military support".

"The savage treatment meted out to our Muslim brothers... shall not pass without punishment," al-Qaida said in a statement, according to the SITE monitoring group.

"The government of Myanmar shall be made to taste what our Muslim brothers have tasted."

Myanmar says its security forces are engaged in a legitimate campaign against "terrorists," whom it blames for attacks on the police and army, and on civilians.

The government has warned of bomb attacks in cities, and al- Qaida's call to arms is likely to compound those concerns.

"We call upon all mujahid brothers in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines to set out for Burma to help their Muslim brothers, and to make the necessary preparations  training and the like  to resist this oppression," the group said.
After more than a year of separation, Syrian refugee Ammar Hammasho was finally, albeit briefly, reunited with his wife and four children through a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire in Cyprus.

Hammasho, who is from the war-ravaged Idlib region, fell to his knees and kissed each of his three eldest children through the three-meter-high barrier encircling a migrant reception center at Kokkinotrimithia, west of the Cypriot capital Nicosia.

His youngest son, Jumah  named after their second-born who was killed in an air raid in 2015  was held up by his wife, Shamuos. He kissed the protracted palm of Sham, his tiny daughter, who was dressed in a black frock neatly tucked in at the waist with a belt, small white jacket and pink sandals.

"The policeman told me to wait half an hour to finish the count. I couldn't wait, I saw the kids through the fence and I did this," he said, waving his hands over his head.

"The kids ran over. I just wanted to see them, for my heart to go back into its place," the 34-year-old construction worker told Reuters on Wednesday.

The reunion came on Sunday, just hours after Hammasho's wife and their children  aged 7, 5, 4 and 18 months  came ashore with 300 other Syrians in northwestern Cyprus after a 24-hour trip on a small boat from Mersin in Turkey, in what was one of the largest mass landings on the island since the Syrian war began.

Hammasho knew his family was trying to leave Syria, but didn't know precisely when.

"When I read on the internet that about 250 were heading to Cyprus I knew it was them," he said with a smile.

'I will go home' after war

Hammasho had taken a similar route one year ago, landing in Cyprus on Sept. 6, 2016. Working as a construction worker, he managed to amass the $6,000 to pay a trafficker to get his family to Cyprus.

He now has "subsidiary" protection status, which is one step short of being recognized as a refugee.

"I'm told they will be back with me on Friday, or maybe Sunday," Hammasho said from a tiny bedsit in Limassol, a sprawling coastal city 100 km (60 miles) away from the reception camp.

Speaking in the distinct Cypriot Greek dialect, he has the benefit of language and friends, having already worked four years in Cyprus from 2004 to 2008.

"I thought the minute I left [in 2008], that would be that. I built a house [in Syria]. I got married. I bought a field. Sixteen skales," he said, using a Cypriot measurement term to describe his 1.6 hectares.

"I worked day and night, do you understand? Now I [still] have a field. But my house is dust."

Hammasho's second-eldest child, Jumah, was almost five when he was killed. Remaining in Syria was simply not an option, he said.

"Look, in Syria right now you cannot live a life. I don't have a home. I lost a baby. ... I don't want to dirty my hands with blood, do you understand?

"If you want to eat bread ... you have to have blood on your hands. You have to be either a jihadist, or be with [President Bashar al-] Assad, or anyone else, and steal or kill. And if you start that, you are finished. That is what life is like there now. I can't do it. There are those who can."

The table is strewn with his identification papers and the classified sections of newspapers, pinned down by an untouched pot of Arabic coffee.

His bedsit is small. Hammasho is looking for a house so he and his family can start anew. But he says it will only be temporary until the family can return to Syria one day.

"As soon as it stops, I'm leaving. I will go back to my field. I have a machine to extract water. I have fields to water. It's my country and I will go home."
A group of armed men broke into the compound of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Burundi's capital, Bujumbura, early Wednesday.

The incident occurred a week after a U.N. commission of inquiry reported possible crimes against humanity in Burundi, including extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, torture, sexual violence and enforced disappearances.

The country has been in a state of political turmoil since President Pierre Nkurunziza ran for and won a controversial third term in 2015.

There was no immediate word on damage or casualties from the break-in.

The armed men forced their way into the U.N. compound after overpowering security officers, according to a reporter for VOA's Central Africa Service.

Elizabeth Throssell, a media officer for the U.N. human rights office in Geneva, described the incident as an "attack" on the Bujumbura office.

"It is being investigated and we are not in a position to give any more information until the investigation is complete," she said in a statement.

Speaking to VOA, police spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye said police had not received reports or a complaint about the incident.

Eloge Willy Kaneza contributed to this report.
Over the last six years, Boko Haram has taken suicide bombing to horrific extremes. The terror group has convinced large numbers of women and children to join its fight and sacrifice their lives to kill people in markets, schools and other public spaces across northeast Nigeria and in neighboring countries.

In response, the Nigerian government has acknowledged the need to encourage defections and deradicalize former Boko Haram members. The government says it is working with defectors at camps in the northeast, with the aim of reintegrating them into society.

But human rights groups question the effectiveness of the efforts, which they say amount to little more than indefinite detention in squalid conditions.

Programs questioned

According to a report by the Combating Terrorism Center, Boko Haram deployed 434 suicide bombers between April 2011 and June 2017. Fifty-six percent of the bombers were women, and 19 percent were children or teens.

"Boko Haram is at the forefront of normalizing the use of children as suicide bombers, especially female children and teenagers," the report said. "Boko Haram's child suicide bombers, which have tended to target markets and bus stops, have been surprisingly effective, outstripping the casualty rate of their adult counterparts."

Deradicalization programs have become a key strategy in the Nigerian government's effort to end the attacks. At the U.N. General Assembly last year, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari expressed confidence that the strategy was paying dividends.

"The deradicalization process is also going on, and we are achieving some measure of success. Even suicide bombing is becoming rare, as the local people are themselves rejecting indoctrination by the insurgents," Buhari said.

But, in a 2016 report, Amnesty International found that the Nigerian military was detaining large numbers of civilians in overcrowded, filthy facilities without due process or efforts to begin reintegrating them into their communities.

In a phone interview with VOA, Netsanet Belay, Amnesty International's Africa director for research and advocacy, said the situation hasn't changed since the group published its report.

"We believe that thousands of individuals who've been arbitrarily arrested [and] suspected of being either Boko Haram members or supporters  or even their families  have been detained in these military detention centers," Belay said.

Additionally, Amnesty says Nigeria is making little effort to separate captured fighters from civilians, and even children with no affiliation to the terror group are being detained.

"The conditions are horrible, and we are appalled to learn, as we have published last time, [that] even babies and children are also detained in these military detention centers," Belay said. "A few of them are born there while the mothers are in detention, but most of them are arrested alongside with their families or with their mothers."

'Appalling' conditions

Giwa barracks, near the northeastern city of Maiduguri, is one of the main detention centers. Hilary Matfess, a researcher who co-authored the CTC report on suicide bombing, said that the government recently opened a deradicalization center in Gombe state, but defectors and others are still held for extended periods in military detention centers.

"All of the accounts I received were that, when people attempted to defect, [they] would go through a screening process that was essentially just detention by the Nigerian military  [in] the holding area of Giwa barracks," she said. "The detention center is notoriously overcrowded. It has appalling human rights conditions, and, according to people that I spoke to, that's where a number of those who were seeking to defect were taken," Matfess told VOA.

A July report by the Nigerian newspaper Leadership found that five ex-combatants had completed a six-week training program at the Gombe state center, with 95 others trained in vocational skills such as tailoring and carpentry.

But the vast majority of those captured remain in military camps. The treatment runs counter to the goal of winning the hearts and minds of people in northeast Nigeria and encouraging more fighters to defect, Matfess said.

"It's fairly straightforward counterinsurgency practice [that] if you have people that wish to defect, you should be making it very easy for them to defect, and you should be using them as an intelligence resource. And, it is a practice that's been regarded the world over as a smart move," she said.

By encouraging more defections, Matfess said, the Nigerian government can deny Boko Haram its lifeblood: young recruits.

"It's in the government's self-interest to not only defeat the forces of this group that's wrought so much damage but to then also have the defectees be treated well so that you can use that to catalyze more people to defect," she said. "And then to have them be ... at least trusting [enough] of the government that they will provide them with information about the functioning of the insurgency."
Myanmar's de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has cancelled plans to attend this month's United Nations General Assembly amid rising international criticism of her handling of the violence in western Myanmar that has forced as many as 370,000 ethnic Rohingya Muslims to flee across the border to Bangladesh.

Government spokesman Zaw Htay said Wednesday that the Nobel Peace laureate will remain in Myanmar to deal with the ongoing security situation.

The spokesman also announced, however, that Aung San Suu Kyi would be giving a televised address next week, on September 19, to "speak for national reconciliation and peace" in her first public comments on the crisis in Rakhine state.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been held up as an icon of democracy due to her decades-long detention under Myanmar's former military rulers. But her apparent indifference to the plight of the Rohingyas in Rakhine state -- she has dismissed many reports of the situation as fake information designed to promote the interests of terrorists" -- has brought scorn from governments and human rights activists, including a number of her fellow Nobel Peace laureates.

The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to hold an urgent meeting Wednesday on the violence and subsequent humanitarian crisis in Rakhine state. The meeting was requested by Britain and Sweden on Monday after U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein referred to the treatment of the Rohingya as "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing."

The violence first erupted on August 25, when a group of Rohingya militants attacked dozens of police posts and an army base in what they said was an effort to protect their ethnic minority from persecution. About 400 people have been killed in subsequent clashes and a military counteroffensive that has triggered the current exodus.

Speaking from Bangladesh, Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International's crisis response director, told U.N. reporters, "These people have been walking, some of them for days, escaping what can only be described as widespread and systematic abuses.

She said Amnesty International fully agrees "with the assessment of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in calling this ethnic cleansing, and it is textbook.

Swedish Ambassador Olof Skoog said in a statement, "We called this meeting as we are deeply concerned by the reports emerging from Rakhine state and the horrifying stories being recounted by Rohingya refugees who have reached Bangladesh. It is important that the Security Council plays its role in responding.

Jean Leiby of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) says Rohingya camps are crowded with children, who are in a fragile state. He says about 200,000 children many be at risk of water-borne diseases and are in urgent need of support.

You see children who have not slept for days," Leiby said. "They are weak, hungry. After the long journey and a challenging journey, many children are sick and need health care right away. Some children are also in extreme and difficult situations and are traumatized, are in need of protection and psychological support.

The refugee agency dispatched a flight to Bangladesh carrying emergency aid  91 tons of relief, including shelter materials, blankets, sleeping mats and other essential items -- for Rohingya refugees. The cargo has been loaded onto trucks that will bring the supplies to the refugee camps at Coxs Bazar district.

A second flight, donated by the United Arab Emirates, has also landed in Bangladesh, carrying about 2,000 family tents. The supplies in both flights will help 25,000 refugees, and further flights are planned so that a total of 120,000 people can be assisted.

The Rohingya are one of Myanmar's many ethnic minorities in the Buddhist-majority nation. They are considered to be economic migrants from Bangladesh and have been denied citizenship, even though most can show their families have been in the country for generations.
The U.S. Department of Justice will not bring charges against Baltimore police officers over the fatal injury of a black man in custody in an incident that stoked tensions between African-Americans and law enforcement, federal officials said Tuesday.

The department said its criminal civil rights investigation into the death of Freddie Gray, 25, had found "that the evidence is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Caesar Goodson, Officer William Porter, Officer Garrett Miller, Officer Edward Nero, Lieutenant Brian Rice or Sergeant Alicia White willfully violated Gray's civil rights. Accordingly, the investigation into this incident has been closed without prosecution."

Gray was arrested in April 2015 and suffered a fatal spinal injury while being transported in a police van. The largely African-American city erupted in rioting on the day of his funeral, leading to a curfew and deployment of National Guard troops.

His death was one of several incidents in recent years in U.S. cities, such as Ferguson, Missouri, that sparked a nationwide debate about the use of excessive force by police, especially against black men.

Disciplinary trials

Baltimore prosecutors charged six police officers in Gray's death, but none was convicted. Public disciplinary trials are scheduled for five of the officers.

The Baltimore Sun, citing unnamed sources, reported the Department of Justice's decision earlier Tuesday.

Loretta Lynch, the attorney general under former President Barack Obama, announced the federal civil rights investigation on the day of the rioting.

The police union welcomed the decision not to file federal charges, Michael Davey, a lawyer for the Baltimore police union, said in a statement.

An attorney for Gray's family could not immediately be reached for comment.

"We have no additional comment on the Department of Justice decision today in regards to the six officers," Nicole Monroe, a spokeswoman for the Baltimore Police Department, said in a statement.

A sweeping Justice Department review released last year found Baltimore police regularly violated African-Americans' civil rights through strip searches, unlawful stops and excessive force.

A federal judge in April approved an agreement, reached in the waning days of the Obama administration, with the Department of Justice to overhaul the police department that included changes in training and the use of force.

Approval came despite a request from the Trump administration to delay implementation. Attorney General Jeff Sessions contended the agreement could hinder crime-fighting efforts.
Brazil's top court authorized a new corruption and money laundering investigation of President Michel Temer on Tuesday, yet another case that raises the possibility of his suspension from office.



Supreme Court Justice Luis Roberto Barroso ruled there is sufficient evidence to investigate whether Temer signed a decree in May 2017 to favor a company operating in the port of Santos in exchange for bribes.



Barroso also authorized an investigation of Rodrigo Rocha Loures, a former Temer aide accused of carrying bribe money for Brazil's leader in a separate case.



Temer's lawyers could not be located for comment on the decision, but the president has strenuously denied any wrongdoing in the cases raised against him.



Brazil's top prosecutor, Rodrigo Janot, whose attempt earlier this year to put Temer on trial for a corruption charge was rejected by Congress' lower house, will lead the new investigation until his term ends Sunday. Raquel Dodge, an appointee of the president, will take over as chief prosecutor Monday.



There is no deadline for the top prosecutor to decide on the case.



If Temer should be formally accused by Janot or Dodge, Congress would have to vote again on whether the president should be put on trial. If two-thirds of deputies agreed, Temer would be suspended for up to six months and the leader of the Chamber of Deputies would fill the presidency until the end of the trial.



Barroso said in his decision that the authorization for investigation did not mean Temer was guilty, but the justice called evidence against the president "plausible'' and the request to investigate him "reasonable.''



"No one should be indifferent to the personal and political onus for a public authority, notably the president, in appearing as investigated in a procedure of this nature. But that is the price imposed by republican principles,'' Barroso wrote.



Janot formally accused Temer of corruption and money laundering in July, but the Chamber of Deputies decided not to suspend the president for allegedly being paid bribes by executives of JBS, a big meatpacking company.



On Monday, two executives of that company were arrested for allegedly hiding evidence from prosecutors.



Politicians expect Janot to come forward later this week with a new charge against Temer, this time alleging obstruction of justice and being member of a criminal organization. That investigation was authorized by Supreme Court Justice Luiz Edson Fachin earlier this year.
Leaders of Cameroon's indigenous forest peoples say their survival is at risk if they are further deprived of access to the lands that are the source of their livelihoods.

Speaking in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, indigenous representatives said they had experienced increasingly serious violations of their land rights by palm oil and other agro-industries, mining firms and timber concessions, as well as the process of creating protected areas on their ancestral lands.

This disturbing situation foreshadows a future where we, as indigenous peoples, will no longer have land, said Helene Aye Mondo, president of Gbabandi, an organization of more than 50 indigenous Baka and Bagyeli communities. If we continue to lose our lands and forests, the very survival of our cultures and peoples is at risk.

At the meeting on Tuesday, forest community leaders signed a joint declaration calling for recognition and respect of their customary land rights, timed to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, of which Cameroon is a signatory.

Denied access to forest

The U.N. declaration says governments must consult indigenous peoples to gain their consent before approving any decisions that affect how their land and resources are used, and they are entitled to redress for any such activities.

Suzanne Ndjele, a member of the Baka ethnic group from the village of Assoumindele in south Cameroon, said in a written testimony handed out to journalists that her community no longer has access to the forest they depend on for food and medicine.

Ndjele used to work in the forest, hunting and gathering food and other resources with women from her community. But for the past four years she has not been able to enter it.

Eco-guards came and told us nobody can go into the forest anymore. If we continued to enter the forest we were threatened. I went in and was beaten, she said.

Not enough land

The forest in question was incorporated into the Ngoyla-Mintom Reserve, created in 2014. Access to parts of the forest was restricted and local people were instead given community forests, smaller parcels of land which they say are not enough.

The community forest for Assoumindele is located 10 km (6.2 miles) away from the village, which inhabitants say is not practical for their everyday activities.

Lydie Essissima, an official with Cameroon's social affairs ministry who attended the meeting, said the government was aware of the problem, and stands by its commitments made in the 2007 U.N. declaration. Cameroon was one of 144 countries that voted in favor of its adoption in 2007.
Russia has been funneling troops and armor into Belarus for several weeks and on Thursday the Kremlin will order them to start attacking neighboring NATO countries.

Fictitious ones, of course.

For Russias neighbors, the massive military drill known as Zapad 2017, the largest exercises mounted by Moscow since the Cold War, is an example of Russian intimidation, a muscular show of force aimed at keeping its traditional ally Belarus firmly in line, in case it had any other thoughts, and the Baltic states, Poland and Ukraine in little doubt about Russian might. "Zapad" is a Russian word for "West".

Two of the fictitious countries to be "invaded" by the Russian forces in the war games correspond to Poland and Lithuania, although Moscow says Russian and Belorussian troops will only be rehearsing a purely defensive scenario. They also claim the exercise will practice responses to terrorism threats.

NATO officials say the war games could be used as cover to move forces and equipment closer to the Western alliances eastern flank, leaving materiel and units in Belarus for future quick-fire use.

Last week, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen told reporters at a European defense ministers meeting in Tallinn that we are seeing a demonstration of capabilities and power of the Russians. Anyone who doubts that only has to look at the high numbers of participating forces in the Zapad exercise: more than 100,000.

Russian military officials dismiss suggestions the drill is cover for anything and they reject as baseless Western claims that 100,000 Russian troops will take part in Zapad 2017, insisting only 13,000 will be deployed in the week-long exercise.

State-controlled Russian media have been turning the spotlight on Swedish military exercises, set to take place during the next three weeks and involving NATO countries, claiming those war games are far bigger and will be Swedens largest military exercise in 23 years.

Russia Today has lamented the Swedish exercise stirs less controversy even though it might be the prelude to Stockholm announcing Sweden will join NATO, a move Russian leader Vladimir Putin recently warned would affect our relations in a negative way, and would be viewed by Moscow as an additional threat.

There is little doubt the war games are contributing to an escalation of tension and making Russias neighbors jittery.

On Tuesday, Ukraines defense minister, Stepan Poltorak, announced all Ukrainian combat units are now on full alert. On his Facebook page he said Ukrainian armed forces are ready to deter any aggression. We will continue building up combat capabilities through large-scale military drills so that the Ukrainian Armed Forces would be ready to deter any threats and protect their people," he wrote.

Part of the jumpiness about Zapad is the suspicion that previous large-scale war games have been used by the Kremlin for preparation of future military action. Some analysts have speculated that a 2009 exercise served as a disguise for heightened military action in neighboring Georgia and that a 2013 drill helped prepare for the 2014 annexation of Crimea and military intervention in 2015 in Ukraines eastern Donbas region.

Russian military officials argue Western governments have been fanning fears about Zapad, doing so to justify beefing-up a NATO presence in Poland and in Baltic states.

But Britains defense minister, Michael Fallon, says it is Moscow that is fueling fear, citing the recent Russian military interventions in Georgia and Ukraine.

This is an exercise but it is clearly designed to test us, he argued last week in a newspaper column for Britains Daily Telegraph. Given Russias recent behavior we need to be vigilant ... Weve had Russian pilots buzzing NATO planes and ships, defying international protocols. We have seen Russian interference in elections in the United States, in Montenegro, and elsewhere using social media, fake news and disinformation to undermine democracies," Fallon wrote.

Mass exercises of this kind are clearly designed to provoke, he added.

Last week, NATO head Jens Stoltenberg accused Russia of blocking the alliance from properly observing the Zapad military exercises, saying an offer from Russia and Belarus for three Western observers to attend parts of the huge exercise fell short of the Kremlins international obligations.Under Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe rules, which Russia signed, nations conducting exercises involving more than 13,000 troops must notify other countries in advance and accept sufficient observers.
Negotiating peace with Colombia's largest active rebel group, the ELN, will be tougher than the recent successful talks with FARC guerrillas because of the ELN's diffuse chain of command and radical ideology, the chief government negotiator said.

President Juan Manuel Santos' administration and the National Liberation Army (ELN) in February began negotiations in neighboring Ecuador that seek to end the role the group has played in a five-decade conflict that has left over 220,000 dead and millions displaced.

Even though both sides have agreed to begin a three-month bilateral cease-fire in October, the road to a definitive peace accord will be long and complex, Santos' negotiator, Juan Camilo Restrepo, told Reuters late Tuesday.

"It's a highly radical, ideological group that totally lacks the pragmatism to negotiate that the FARC had," Restrepo, 70, said in Bogota.

The Santos government signed a peace deal with the larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016 after negotiations in Havana, Cuba, that lasted four years.

Restrepo, a former finance minister, said the ELN's fractured chains of command and its greater urban support were further complications.

"All those reasons indicate the negotiation with the ELN is more difficult," he said.

Previous talks

Inspired by the Cuban revolution and the Liberation Theology of the Catholic priests that founded it in the 1960s, the 2,000-strong ELN has sought peace before, holding talks in Cuba and Venezuela between 2002 and 2007. Both collapsed with little progress.

The ELN is considered a terrorist group by the United States and European Union for engaging in kidnapping, assassinations, drug trafficking, attacks on economic infrastructure, and extortion of oil and mining multinationals.

Pablo Beltran, the ELN's chief negotiator in Ecuador, has denied there is a weak chain of command and told Reuters last month that the group is united.

During the cease-fire planned to begin October 1, the ELN has pledged to suspend hostage taking, attacks on roads and oil installations, the use of land mines and the recruitment of minors. In turn, the government agreed to improve protection for community leaders and conditions for about 450 jailed rebels.

"There's optimism but not overflowing optimism," said Restrepo, who returns to the negotiating table in Quito, Ecuador, in the next few weeks.

The official warned that although Colombia's military will avoid confrontations with the ELN during the cease-fire, it will go after the group if it engages in criminal activities like illegal mining and drug trafficking.

"Such behavior will be repressed with all the strength of the armed forces," he said.
Microsoft, Walt Disney Co. and General Motors are among hundreds of companies calculating how much they spend on carbon emissions to show investors they are concerned about global warming, a study said on Tuesday.

More than 700 other businesses around the world plan by 2018 to introduce so-called carbon pricing, said the report by the U.S.-based Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES).

The findings come amid efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to scale back climate change-related regulations on grounds they are burdensome to the economy.

Putting a monetary value on carbon dioxide emissions helps limit the burning of fossil fuel, which contributes to global warming, and signals to investors that companies are aware of the financial risks posed by global warming, the study said.

Some 500 companies, including 80 in the United States, reported using carbon pricing, it said, drawing on an array of previous research.

Many oil and gas companies such as British energy company BP use an internal, or "shadow," accounting method to track their carbon emissions, it said.

"It just stands to reason that investors, in looking at enterprises, of course are looking at 'Are they resilient to all kinds of changes in the future?'" Bob Stout, vice president for BP America, said during a telephone briefing with reporters and others.

"Climate change and carbon pricing as a policy obviously are key factors that businesses need to look at," he said.

Other companies charge carbon fees to internal business units.

Microsoft, which charges its business units for emissions ranging from electricity consumption to employee air travel, sees carbon pricing as crucial "regardless of national policies," said Liz Willmott, a company program manager.

"We as companies can enable partnership and collaborations with countries to help them meet the Paris targets," she said.

Trump has withdrawn the United States from the historic 2015 Paris global agreement to fight climate change, saying the accord would cost the nation trillions of dollars, kill jobs and hinder oil, gas, coal and manufacturing industries.

According to the World Bank, 42 governments have or plan to have a way to tax carbon emissions or have a cap-and-trade system that allows industries with low emissions to sell their unused permitted capacity to larger emitters.

The United States is not among them.
The U.S. Congress was wrestling with health care again Tuesday, as lawmakers from both parties considered some approaches beyond simply repealing and replacing Obamacare.

The widened health care discussion appeared unlikely to yield dramatic changes soon, but marked a shift from the long-running Republican effort to gut 2010's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as Obamacare is formally known.

Republicans' last attempt in July to overturn former Democratic President Barack Obama's signature health care law fell one vote short in the Senate in a humiliating defeat for President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

In one Senate committee, a bipartisan effort was under way on Tuesday to repair Obamacare without repealing it, led by the Republican health committee chairman, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, and the panel's top Democrat, Patty Murray of Washington. They want to stabilize the Obamacare individual insurance market by protecting its "cost-sharing subsidies."

Those payments go to insurers to help reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for low-income Americans enrolled in Obamacare.

Trump, who made repealing and replacing Obamacare a major campaign promise, has repeatedly threatened to stop the payments, which insurers say would force a 20 percent premium price increase.

State flexibility

Alexander, who also wants states to have more flexibility to design health insurance plans under Obamacare, said on Tuesday the goal was a "small bipartisan step" that could break the years-long partisan stalemate over the law.

The senator said he hoped to have a bipartisan consensus proposal by next week, although it was unclear whether McConnell would bring such a measure to the floor. He was noncommittal when asked about it Tuesday.

Some Republicans were supportive. Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson said if the government did not keep funding the cost-sharing subsidies, insurance premiums would most likely rise and the government would have to spend more money on tax credits that help consumers afford the premiums.

"The insurance companies get their money either way," Johnson told Reuters.

Maine Republican Susan Collins, who voted against repealing and replacing Obamacare in July, said she hoped to support the bipartisan Obamacare repair effort.

"Based on the hearings so far, [I] would expect to," she said.

Industry watches

The effort was being watched closely by companies such as Anthem, which has trimmed the number of states and counties in which it will sell Obamacare plans in 2018.

The company said on Tuesday that it was still working with some state regulators on its market participation for next year. Anthem and other insurers have a deadline of September 27 to finalize their 2018 Obamacare roles.

Separately, independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, was pushing a plan to widen the Medicare health insurance program for seniors, to include everyone.

Most Republicans looked askance at the idea, which Sanders has long championed, while some leading Democrats like House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland said their priority was improving Obamacare.

The Republican anti-Obamacare campaign was not entirely over. Two Republicans were planning to announce a new repeal-and-replace proposal on Wednesday that has White House support.

Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana will offer legislation to give states money in the form of block grants instead of the federal funding states get under Obamacare.

Critics said the approach would effectively cut billions of dollars in funding for Obamacare subsidies and for the Medicaid program for the poor that many states expanded under Obamacare.

The Cassidy-Graham bill must pass by the end of September to comply with Senate procedural rules allowing it to advance with a simple majority, rather than the 60 votes needed for most bills.

"It would take an extraordinary lift to get that done before the deadline," said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership.
It could have been game, set and match for Saudi cultural expansion into Aceh, Indonesia's westernmost province, after it was wrecked by a 2004 tsunami that caused devastation across the region. Saudi Arabia immediately sent aid to the region which, in the face of such disaster, might have been unusually receptive to new ideas.

If so, Aceh would have fallen in step with the large swaths of Indonesia, such as Java and Lombok, that have eagerly absorbed the Saudi campaign to spread fundamentalist Salafi Islam across the Muslim world.

Thirteen years after the disaster, Aceh's landscape, capped by the dazzlingly rebuilt capital city of Banda Aceh, is dotted with Saudi donations: schools, orphanages, mosques. However, the religious climate is decidedly not Salafi. The province seems to have drawn a line in the sand to protect its own traditionalist  and quite conservative  Islamic culture against a puritanical Gulf ideology that seeks to return to the traditions of Koranic times.

The grass-roots resistance to Salafism in Aceh, which crested in 2015 with full-blown protests, shows how the effects of Saudi religious investment can vary significantly depending on local contexts.

Saudi schools

After the tsunami, the Saudi Charity Campaign donated more than $45 million to Aceh, which included two orphanages, almost 500 houses, a hospital, and restoration of the Baiturrahman Mosque. In 2007, it also started a branch of LIPIA, the university whose flagship branch in Jakarta has been a tentpole of Saudi influence in the country.

Today, LIPIA Banda Aceh has about 190 students between the ages of 18 and 23 and focuses on Arabic language instruction. A much larger campus is being constructed outside the capital, near the Sultan Iskandar Muda airport; it will be, like the current iterations, free for all students.

"After LIPIA Banda Aceh, some students go on to study in Jakarta," said Syaikh Rasheed, a Saudi official who oversees the campus. "But if they are good, directly to Saudi Arabia," through one of the many scholarships the kingdom disburses in Indonesia.

But in a striking contrast, none of the boys who study at LIPIA Banda Aceh are dressed in the typically Salafi way, with cropped pants and "sunnah" beards, unlike nearly all the male students at LIPIA Jakarta.

Strong anti-Salafi sentiment

If the new LIPIA Aceh campus offers a full curriculum that includes theology, it may engender some tensions. Salafi-oriented schools have been the target of attacks for two decades, according to the Institute for Policy Analysis and Conflict. In 1998, one school was actually burned down in Pidie Jaya, southeast of Banda Aceh.

The Ma'had As Sunnah school in Lampeuneurut, Greater Aceh, which was started by a Saudi-educated Javanese teacher, was attacked by villagers in 2007. It is now quietly open and running, but its facilities are bare-bones, its mosque has been under partial construction for several years, and its faculty are extremely reticent to speak with outsiders.

Taufiq, a construction worker at the school, said that although he works there, he won't send his own 14-year-old son there because "you need religion and school, but the Salafi establishments only have the former." Instead, he sends his son to a nearby Turkish school.

Local traditions

Aceh  which, in the 13th century, was the first place in Indonesia to receive Islam  has very strong local traditions that have engendered fierce attachment through years of separatist struggle against Dutch, Japanese and Indonesian rule, although it reluctantly bowed to the last one after the tsunami. Aceh is the only province allowed to have Sharia, which seems, in theory, compatible with Salafism. But traditionalist Acehnese preachers follow the medieval Shafi'i school of thought, not the eightheenth century Salafi ideology.

Acehnese culture prizes various things considered harmful bid'ah, or innovation, by Salafis: music, dance, celebrating the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Even the infamous hardline group known as the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) applies its thuggish tactics to support traditionalist preachers against Salafism.

It was FPI who helped lead the "occupation" of the Baiturrahman Mosque during Friday prayers in June 2015, forcing the prayer leader to follow traditionalist rites during the service, in response to a perception that the mosque had become dangerously "Wahhabi," a somewhat negative term for Saudi Arabian Salafism.

Tensions likely peaked in 2015 after several large parades in Banda Aceh. The re-election of Governor Irwandi Yusuf, a former separatist leader who also served as Aceh's first governor in 2005, will likely diffuse them further.

Irwandi told VOA he is "not anxious about Wahhabism, at all." Had Yusuf's opponent, Muzakir Manaf  whose campaign explicitly courted traditionalist preachers  won the election, the pitch of religious discourse would likely have risen. But as it stands, the reform-minded Yusuf is more concerned with economics, which means the religious center is likely to continue to hold in Aceh.

"The only thing investors think when they hear Aceh is Sharia,'" he said. "For merdeka [independence], we must have money."

This is not to say that Salafism has been somehow overcome in Aceh; it remains to be seen how influential the huge new university is, for instance. But the province nevertheless shows how the effects of Saudi religious investment are not universal.

This story was facilitated by a grant from the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday cast doubt on President Donald Trump's goal of cutting the corporate tax rate to 15 percent, even as the president moved to inject new urgency into a sluggish effort in Congress to lower taxes.

"Ideally, he'd like to get it down to 15 percent. I don't know if we'll be able to achieve that given the budget issues, but we're going to get this down to a very competitive level," Mnuchin told a conference in New York hosted by CNBC.

The administration is cranking up a publicity campaign to build public support for the Republican president's tax goals, and Trump was due to meet with three Democratic senators Tuesday to discuss taxes.

But neither the administration nor the Republicans who control Congress have agreed on a detailed plan for overhauling the tax code, which was one of Trump's main campaign promises in 2016, despite months of discussions.

A major concern is not adding to the federal budget deficit.

It would balloon if tax rates were cut too deeply without providing offsetting federal spending reductions and closure of tax loopholes, both politically difficult tasks.

Mnuchin declined to say what business tax rate is achievable. He said he was "incredibly hopeful" a tax plan can be enacted this year, adding it could be retroactive to January.

Asked whether Trump would hold out for a 15 percent corporate tax rate, compared to the current 35 percent, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, "The president is prepared to push for as low of a rate as we can get. We're going to continue to push for that and work for Congress to make sure we get the best deal possible."

Republican Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House of Representatives, said last week that "the numbers are hard" to make Trump's 15 percent corporate tax rate target work. Ryan set his own goal at around 22.5 percent.

Trump's legislative affairs director, Marc Short, said at a Christian Science Monitor event that "there's probably compromise" necessary to get a deal, but "we think that what's best for the American people is a 15 percent corporate rate right now."

'No new debt'

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, one of the three Democrats due to dine with Trump on Tuesday, said he is prepared to work with the president on taxes so long as it does not add new debt to the national balance sheet.

"No new debt, anything that shows me it's going to add debt to our nation. I've got 10 grandchildren. I'm not going to do that to them," Manchin said.

Financial markets rallied after Trump's election victory last November in anticipation of rapid tax cuts, especially for corporations, but those expectations have faded.

"The likelihood of passing sweeping corporate reform has diminished," Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at BMO Wealth Management, said in a research note.

Republican lawmakers have said that Trump's legislative deal with Democrats last week to help hurricane victims and keep the government running for another three months could complicate the tax effort, especially in terms of a corporate tax cut.

Democrats, who generally oppose tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, will have negotiating clout in Congress in early December to resist tax changes they oppose, also potentially including a corporate rate cut.

Trump may visit as many as 13 states to sell his planned tax cuts to voters in the coming weeks, the White House said. He plans to visit more states he won in last November's election that also have a Democratic senator, similar to recent trips to Missouri and North Dakota, as well as states with strong Republican support, an aide said.

The White House said the six senators who will meet with Trump over dinner include Democrats Manchin, Joe Donnelly and Heidi Heitkamp, along with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch and fellow panel Republicans Patrick Toomey and John Thune.

The U.S. Senate begins tax overhaul hearings this week.

Mnuchin and White House chief economic adviser Gary Cohn were set to meet on Tuesday with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and members of the Senate Budget Committee on Capitol Hill to discuss tax plans.

Republican Senator John Kennedy, a budget committee member, told Reuters he wants tax plans "with specificity" and expressed frustration at the slow pace of the tax debate.

"No more platitudes. Let's see some meat on the bone," Kennedy said. "You don't always get what you want. I think there's a song that says that. But you need to get what you need and that's where we are. And I'm tired of screwing around. ... The American people are tired of screwing around."
Two teenagers were electrocuted by their own families in Pakistan after eloping, police say.

The so-called "honor killings" have led to the arrest of both victims' fathers and at least two other relatives who carried out the judgment of a jirga, a local court that is convened to settle local disputes, particularly those related to women. Such tribal councils are illegal but are often honored by local officials.

Bakhtja, 15, and her boyfriend Waliur Rehman, 17, ran away August 14 because their families did not approve of their relationship, said Aman Marwat, a police official at Shah Latif town in the southern port city of Karachi.

"They loved each other and had eloped  due to fear of their families," Marwat told VOA Deewa. "The families promised them a consented marriage if they come back home. Both returned home on August 15. The same day, following the approval of the tribal council, both the boy and girl were killed with electric shocks."

News of their deaths did not emerge until an informant recently told police. A local court on Wednesday ordered exhumation of their bodies, which reportedly had been buried in secret.

The couple originally belonged to the tribal region of Mohmand agency along the Afghan border, where Pakistan's army has fought a Taliban insurgency over the past decade.

Hundreds of women are killed every year in Pakistan, often by their own relatives, for going against their families' wishes in matters of love and marriage. Amid a trend toward conservatism, the local Aurat Foundation has reported a 70 percent increase in honor killings in the past year.

"Laws are in place against such crimes committed in the name of honor, but they do not get implemented," Zehra Yusuf, a member of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, told VOA Urdu. She blamed "conservative customs and norms of society and widespread ignorance for such crimes."
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Wednesday he has become convinced that the United States must keep all three parts of its nuclear force, rather than eliminate one, as he once suggested.



Some argue that ground-based missiles may no longer be necessary to America's policy of deterrence, and the Trump administration has been reviewing the military's nuclear posture.

Mattis has called the submarine-based component sacrosanct and has said it is necessary to retain the ability to fire nuclear weapons from planes.



Together, those three prongs constitute what the military calls its nuclear triad.



Before he took over in January as President Donald Trump's Pentagon chief, Mattis had suggested that long-range, silo-based weapons, known as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), might be expendable.



I've questioned the triad, Mattis told reporters flying with him to Minot Air Force Base, a nuclear base in northwestern North Dakota. He said his view has changed.



I cannot solve the deterrent problem reducing it from a triad. If I want to send the most compelling message, I have been persuaded that the triad in its framework is the right way to go, Mattis said.



Mattis has previously indicated this evolution in thinking, but his statements Wednesday were emphatic.



The key to avoiding nuclear war, he said, is maintaining a nuclear arsenal sufficient to convince a potential enemy that attacking the U.S. with a nuclear weapon would be suicidal.



You want the enemy to look at it and say, this is impossible to take out in a first strike, and the [U.S.] retaliation is such that we don't want to do it, he said. That's how a deterrent works.



Thus the U.S. will keep nuclear missile submarines, land-based nuclear missiles and nuclear-capable aircraft, he indicated.



New START treaty review

Mattis also said the Trump administration is reviewing the value of the New START treaty negotiated with Russia by the Obama administration in 2010. The treaty, already in effect, requires reductions by both sides to a maximum of 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads by February.



We're still engaged in determining whether it's a good idea, Mattis said, adding that the question is linked to adherence by others to separate but related arms treaties. That was an apparent reference to U.S. allegations that Russia is violating the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces treaty from 1987.

Mattis declined to discuss the matter further, except to say the administration is not considering withdrawing from New START.



Trump has criticized New START as a bad deal for America.

Mattis' trip was scheduled before the recent series of North Korean nuclear and missile tests. But those test were giving Mattis a chance to highlight what the Air Force promotes as an always-ready fleet of land-based missiles and B-52 bombers equipped to deliver nuclear devastation to nearly any point on the globe in short order.



The Minot base is home to more than 100 land-based nuclear missiles as well as nuclear bomb-carrying aircraft. After arriving at Minot, Mattis was flown by Huey helicopter to a missile alert facility and taken underground to a Minuteman launch control capsule.



Keeping enemies at bay

He spoke to a missile launch crew on duty, including 2nd Lt. Tia Hewuse, who later told reporters that she expressed to Mattis her pride in serving as part of the nation's nuclear deterrent.



It's what keeps our enemies at bay, she said.



Mattis also was touring a Minot facility where nuclear warheads are stored, and visiting with a B-52 bomber unit.



Minot hosts the 91st Missile Wing, which operates one-third of the nation's 400 Minuteman 3 missiles, as well as the 5th Bomb Wing, which flies those nuclear-capable bombers.



Minot in recent years was at the center of trouble in the ICBM force, including lapses in morale, training, performance and management. The Air Force has made an effort since 2014 to correct those weaknesses, which had accumulated over a period of years, with little attention from Congress.



Minot and Strategic Command headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska are timely backdrops for a related political message: The Trump administration intends to press ahead with a multibillion-dollar modernization of the entire nuclear arsenal.



The Pentagon is in the midst of an in-depth review of nuclear weapons policy, but it seems clear that upgrading the Cold War-era nuclear force is a foregone conclusion.



Last month the Pentagon signaled its intentions by awarding two key contracts.



One was to Northrop Grumman and Boeing, totaling nearly $700 million, for further development of an ICBM to replace the Minuteman 3. The other was to Lockheed Martin and Raytheon for $1.8 billion to work on a new nuclear-armed, air-launched cruise missile.



The Air Force also is proceeding with development of a next-generation nuclear-capable bomber, called the B-21 Raider, and the Navy is building a new fleet of strategic nuclear submarines.



Mattis in recent weeks has all but dismissed the idea, which he raised himself in congressional testimony two years ago, that the country might be better off eliminating the ICBM fleet.



In June, the Air Force finished reducing the number of Minuteman 3 missiles by 50 to a total of 400, the lowest since 1962. But Mattis appears to have been persuaded by the argument that keeping ICBMs deployed in underground silos sprinkled across the western Great Plains is key to deterrence because an attacker would have to use hundreds of weapons to destroy all 400 launch facilities.
In his annual State of the Union address European Union Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker ruled out Turkish membership of the bloc for the "foreseeable future" over human rights concerns. He also pledged to improve conditions for African migrants held in horrific conditions at detention centers in Libya.
The head of the European Union Commission has ruled out Turkish membership of the bloc for the "foreseeable future" because of human rights concerns. In his annual State of the Union address Wednesday, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker cited human rights concerns as the reason.

Addressing other topics, Juncker struck an upbeat tone compared to his annual address last year, which came in the wake of Britains vote to quit the bloc.

"Europe's economy is finally bouncing back and with it our confidence this leads me to believe the wind is back in Europe's sails," he told EU lawmakers gathered in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.. "We have now a window of opportunity but it will not stay open forever. Let us make the most of the momentum, catch the wind in our sails,



Juncker said the European Union is aiming to complete trade deals with Mexico and South American countries, and to open trade talks with Australia and New Zealand.



But he reserved strong criticism for Ankara, highlighting the ongoing trial of dozens of Turkish journalists and opposition activists on terrorism charges.

The rule of law, justice and fundamental values have a top priority in the negotiations and that rules out EU membership for Turkey in the foreseeable future. For some considerable time Turkey has been moving away from the European Union in leaps and bounds. Journalists belong in editorial offices, amidst the heated debate, and not in prisons.



Amnesty International, whose Turkey chairperson is among those detained, welcomed the focus of Junckers speech.



Over 150,000 people actually are facing some kind of prosecution, or loss of their position in the civil service. This situation is intolerable and in terms of human rights in Turkey, dissent is becoming an endangered species, Amnestys Turkey campaigner Milena Buyum told VOA.



Istanbul residents offered mixed feelings on Europes rebuff Wednesday. 22-year-old Teoman Yilmaz said he understood Brussels position. We cannot expect Europeans to be happy with us, especially when our own people are not happy about being here.



Fifty five year old resident Cetin Dincer backs the crackdown led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following last years failed coup. "We have no need for Europe. We're a self-sufficient country, but Europe doesn't want this."

Ending Turkeys accession negotiations will be discussed next month at a Brussels summit.

Europes migration crisis will also top the agenda. Juncker praised Italy for "saving the honor of Europe" by continuing to take in thousands of migrants. He pledged to address concerns of horrific conditions at migrant detention centers in Libya.



Europe has got a collective responsibility and the Commission will work hand in hand with the United Nations to bring to an end this scandalous situation, he told lawmakers.



As for Brexit, Juncker said Britain would come to regret leaving the bloc, adding the European Union would look at admitting new members after Britain withdraws in 2020. EU officials say Serbia, Albania and Macedonia are the most likely candidates, but no date has been set for their accession.


The Rohingya have long been seen as one of the world's most persecuted minority groups. Despite having a long history in Myanmar, the mostly Muslim group  some are Hindu  is not officially recognized by the government, which considers them illegal migrants from neighboring Bangladesh. They are also subject to intense societal and governmental discrimination in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

How many Rohingya are there?

More than one million Rohingya are believed to live in Myanmar - a relatively small percentage of the country's overall population of 53 million; but, that percentage is becoming smaller every day, as masses of Rohingya continue to flee violence and persecution in the country's western Rakhine state. According to U.N. figures, an estimated 370,000 Rohingya have crossed into neighboring Bangladesh since late last month, when the latest round of violence broke out.

How long have the Rohingya lived in Myanmar?

Many Rohingya can show that their families have lived in Myanmar for generations, but the government does not include Rohingya as one of its 135 officially recognized ethnic groups. It instead refers to them as "Bengalis," and pushes the inaccurate perception that all Rohingya came illegally from Bangladesh. They are, therefore, one of the world's largest technically stateless groups.

What other rights are the Rohingya denied?

The Rohingya are denied citizenship under Myanmars 1982 Citizenship Law. As a result, their rights to study, work, travel, marry, practice their religion and access health services are severely restricted, according to Amnesty International. Many live in squalid concentration-like camps. Recently, the U.N. described their situation as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing."

What led to the latest unrest?

The violence erupted on August 25, when a group of Rohingya militants - armed with homemade bombs, knives and sticks - attacked dozens of police posts and an army base in what they said was an effort to protect their ethnic minority from persecution. The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, formed last year by Rohingya exiles, claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed 12 security personnel.

How did the government respond?

Myanmar's military launched a counteroffensive that included shellings, arson and widespread extrajudicial killings that have left at least 400 people dead. Although the military denies targeting civilians, the United Nations' top human rights official says the campaign is "clearly disproportionate." A government official says 176 Rohingya villages now lie empty after residents fled the violence.

How often does violence break out?

Although Rohingya have faced government and societal discrimination for decades, the violence has worsened in recent years. After a major outbreak of violence in 2012, Buddhist-Muslim tensions have simmered. The tensions have occasionally bubbled over, and combined with a rise in hardline, Buddhist nationalist sentiment, have resulted in periodic waves of anti-Muslim attacks.

How has the world responded to the crisis?

Western governments, as well as those in Muslim-majority countries, have put increasing pressure on Myanmar's government to stop the bloodshed and provide equal rights for Rohingya. They have especially been critical of Myanmar's de factor leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who has said that the international Rohingya problem is being exaggerated.

Some of Myanmar's neighbors, including India and China, have been supportive of the campaign, saying the country has every right to secure the "stability" of its territory.
Some of the ads Russians bought on Facebook last year promoted events during the U.S. presidential campaign, Facebook said Tuesday, indicating that alleged meddling ahead of the 2016 election went beyond social media.

Facebook said in a statement that its takedown of what the company last week called Russian-affiliated pages included shutting down "several promoted events."

Facebook declined to provide details of the promoted events.

Facebook, the world's largest social network, said last week that an operation most likely based in Russia had placed thousands of U.S. ads with polarizing views on topics such as immigration, race and gay rights on the site during a two-year period through May 2017.

'More evidence'

U.S. Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that he was "disappointed" in Facebook for failing to present the latest information during a briefing last week with staff of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is investigating allegations of election interference.

"We're seeing more evidence of additional ads and how they are used to manipulate individuals," Warner, the committee's vice chairman, told reporters.

Facebook said it would continue working with U.S. authorities as necessary.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied that his government interfered with the U.S. election, in which Republican Donald Trump prevailed over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

The Daily Beast, the news website that first reported on the promoted events posted on Facebook, said one advertisement promoted an anti-immigrant rally in Idaho in August 2016.

The rally was hosted by a Facebook group called "Secured Borders," which was a Russian front and is now suspended, according to The Daily Beast.

Four attendees

Forty-eight people on Facebook expressed an interest in the Idaho event, and four said they went, according to a copy of the event page archived by Google's search engine.

The Campaign Legal Center, a Washington nonprofit that advocates for more transparency in elections, on Tuesday sent a letter to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg asking that the company publicly release the content of the alleged Russia-linked political ads.

"Releasing those advertisements could allow the country to better understand the nature and extent of foreign interference with our democracy," the center's president, Trevor Potter, wrote.

Facebook had no immediate response. The company has given the ads to Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating alleged Russian interference, a source has said.
Neutral Sweden has launched its biggest war games in two decades with support from NATO countries, drilling 19,000 troops after years of spending cuts that have left the country fearful of Russia's growing military strength.

On the eve of Russia's biggest maneuvers since 2013, which NATO says will be greater than the 13,000 troops Moscow says are involved, Sweden will simulate an attack from the east on the Baltic island of Gotland, near the Swedish mainland.

The security situation has taken a turn for the worse, Micael Byden, the commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, said during a presentation of the three-week-long exercise.

Sweden, like the Baltics, Poland and much of the West, has been deeply troubled by Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Black Sea peninsula Crimea and its support for rebels in eastern Ukraine.

Russia is the country that affects security in Europe right now with its actions  the annexation of the Crimea and continued battles in eastern Ukraine  so it is clear that we are watching very closely what Russia is doing, Byden said.

Sweden brings back conscription

Around 1,500 troops from the United States, France, Norway and other NATO allies are taking part in the exercise dubbed Aurora.

Non-NATO member Sweden has decided to beef up its military after having let spending drop from over 2 percent of economic output in the early 1990s to around 1 percent, and is re-introducing conscription.

The armed forces, which at one point could mobilize more than 600,000, stand at just 20,000, with 22,000 more Home Guard volunteers.

NATO generals say the Aurora exercise is not a response to Russian exercises that start on Thursday.

But Byden, speaking as U.S. and French forces displayed mobile surface-to-air missile systems to be deployed during the exercise, stressed the importance of NATO for Sweden.

We are a sovereign country that takes care of and is responsible for our safety. We do this together with others, ready to both support and receive help, he said.

New role for US troops

The United States shipped vehicles by sea from Germany, while France brought others by train. They are to be moved via a classified route to Sweden's east coast for the exercise where U.S. attack helicopters will play the enemy during Aurora.

The government is determined to stick to the country's formal neutrality. Sweden has not fought a war since it clashed with Norway in 1814.

But like its non-NATO neighbor Finland, Sweden has been drawing closer to NATO, allowing closer cooperation with alliance troops, with a view to working together in the event of an armed conflict.
Former governor of Odessa and onetime Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili was served Tuesday with a legal notice to appear before a Ukrainian court to explain why he broke through a cordon of police and border guards to enter the country from Poland.

The legal move adds more drama to a weeks-long political standoff roiling Ukraine between the country's president, Petro Poroshenko, and his onetime ally, Saakashvili, who was stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship in July by the government.

Saakashvili, who claims Poroshenko revoked his citizenship illegally after the two fell out, has now sworn to rally opposition parties behind him. He and a rowdy group of supporters, that included five Ukrainian lawmakers, forced their way through the Polish-Ukrainian border Sunday after the authorities tried to deny him entry at other crossing points, first arguing his documents were invalid, and then halting a train he was traveling because of an alleged bomb threat.

After breaking through a police cordon at the Shehyni border crossing, Saakashvili made his way to a hotel in nearby Lviv and  with opposition leaders Yulia Tymoshenko, a former Ukrainian prime minister, and Andriy Sadovy, looking on  he said he planned to rally Poroshenko's political opponents and help them unseat the Ukrainian president over failed promises to reform the country.

Saakashvili says he is not seeking the presidency for himself, but wants to see his former friend, Poroshenko, voted out of office at the next elections, scheduled in 2019.

"I am fighting against rampant corruption, against the fact that oligarchs are in full control of Ukraine again, against the fact that Maidan has been betrayed," Saakashvili said at a press conference, referring to the anti-government protests that saw pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych ousted from power.

In a country that, in the past four years, has witnessed high political drama, invasion and war  from the ouster of a Moscow-backed president by popular street protests to the Russian annexation of Crimea and the Kremlin fomenting of conflict and separatism in the Donbas in the east of the country  Sunday's circus-like incident may seem minor by comparison.

But the clash between the friends-turned-foes is adding to a sense of alarm in the country and undermines Poroshenko's argument that Ukraine is slowly but surely stabilizing and establishing the rule of law, according to analysts.

Poroshenko has said Saakashvili will have to face a court for his illegal crossing.

"This is a state security issue," the Ukrainian president said in a video address Monday. "I don't care who breaks the state border: fighters in the east, or politicians in the west. There should be direct legal accountability."



From friends to foes

Saakashvili received Ukrainian citizenship in 2015 from Poroshenko when the president made him governor of Odessa, hoping he would help with the reform of Ukraine following the Maidan uprising. But the hard-charging Saakashvili and Poroshenko, who were old friends from university days, soon fell out.

The Georgian accused Poroshenko of abetting corruption; Poroshenko said Saakashvili had failed to deliver any real change as governor and alleged he had lied on his citizenship application form by leaving out information about possible corruption charges he could face in his native country of Georgia. Revoking citizenship rendered Saakashvili stateless, as Georgia revoked his Georgian citizenship when he became a Ukrainian.

"I think Poroshenko made a mistake inviting Saakashvili in the first place," said political scientist Oleksy Garan, a professor at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. "He was invited because he was viewed as a successful reformer in Georgia. But he is a man of PR stunts. He didn't perform his job well and he appeared very destabilizing and the two men clashed badly."

Like many legal experts, Garan says the revocation of Saakashvili's citizenship may be justified legally. "But from the moral and political point of view, it looked bad. The corruption investigation in Georgia was known about and everyone just turned a blind eye to it before Poroshenko used it to get rid of him," he said. "Saakashvili's antics now are playing into Russian hands  Moscow is now saying this shows how Ukraine is a failed state and chaotic."

Saakashvili's own popularity ratings in the polls are low, with under two percent of Ukrainians viewing him favorably. But populist sentiments he is beginning to trigger could be used by other opposition leaders and used against Poroshenko, analysts warn.

Saakashvili's supporters say they believe the court papers were served on him in Lviv in an effort to prevent the former Georgian president from traveling to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, something he has threatened to do. On Tuesday, Saakashvili said he would tour Ukraine's biggest cities to rally support before heading to Kyiv.

He argues he committed no offense by crossing into Ukraine, claiming he was carried by his supporters through the checkpoint and that can't be considered an "illegal breakthrough." Saakashvili also claims he has applied for asylum, and asylum applicants are exempt from penalties for border crossings with invalid papers.
Venezuela's government and opposition will hold a round of talks in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, France's foreign minister said on Tuesday, warning Caracas that it risked EU sanctions if it failed to engage in negotiations.

Venezuela has been convulsed by demonstrations against leftist President Nicolas Maduro, accused by critics of knocking the oil-rich country into its worst-ever economic crisis and bringing it to the brink of dictatorship.

I was happy to learn that dialogue with the opposition would restart tomorrow in the Dominican Republic, Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement after meeting his Venezuelan counterpart, Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, in Paris.

Surprising development

Opposition leaders in Venezuela, however, said they had no knowledge of any talks starting this week.

To be honest, I have no information on that, Enrique Marquez, head of opposition party A New Time, told Reuters. I have no idea why the French foreign minister said that.

We are very surprised," added Tomas Guanipa, opposition legislator and secretary general of the Justice First party, at a news conference. There's no type of conversation planned.

Le Drian said Wednesday's meeting would be under the auspices of Dominican President Danilo Medina and former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

Guterres supports talks

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his full support for the talks.

The Secretary-General encourages the Venezuelan political actors to seize this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to address the country's challenges through mediation and peaceful means, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Maduro routinely calls for dialogue with the opposition, but his adversaries see dialogue as a stalling mechanism that burnishes the government's image without producing concrete results.

A dialogue process brokered by Zapatero and backed by the Vatican in 2016 did little to advance opposition demands, which include release of political prisoners and respect for the opposition-run congress.

Venezuela warned

Many Maduro critics believe opposition leaders were duped in that dialogue process, and have grown suspicious of Zapatero as an intermediary.

This (dialogue) is good news and I hope that it will rapidly lead to concrete steps on the ground, Le Drian said.

Like fellow-EU member Spain a few days earlier, Le Drian also warned Arreaza that if the situation continued there would be consequences.

"I told him that France was deeply worried by the political, economic and humanitarian situation in Venezuela," he said. "I reminded him of the risk of European sanctions and the need to rapidly see evidence from Venezuela that it is ready to relaunch negotiations with the opposition and engage in a sincere and credible process."
Gambia is negotiating deals with three private companies to crack down on rampant illegal fishing in its territorial waters, a senior official with the fisheries ministry told Reuters.

Made possible by poor monitoring capacity and, in some cases, corrupt local officials, illegal fishing costs West Africa's coastal nations about $2.3 billion a year, according to a recent study.

Regional coast guards regularly seize Chinese fishing boats for fishing illegally. An investigation published by marine conservation group Oceana this week found that European vessels had also broken European Union law in West Africa.

"Fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing requires continuous monitoring and surveillance of our waters, and we don't have the resources to do that," Bamba Banja, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources, said late Tuesday.

A former ruler of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, fled the country earlier this year amid accusations of widespread corruption. President Adama Barrow is now seeking to bring order to a sector neglected by the old regime.

Despite its narrow coastline, Gambia possesses particularly rich waters, caused by the merging of fresh water from the Gambia River with the Atlantic Ocean.

Banja said the government was in talks with Dutch shipbuilding group Damen and two other companies, from the United States and South Africa, to provide monitoring and surveillance of Gambia's exclusive economic zone.

"The South African and Dutch companies will provide patrol boats while the American company is for aerial surveillance to complement the patrol boats," he said.

A spokesman for the Damen Group said it would not comment on negotiations.

Banja said the names of the two other companies would be announced following talks to complete the deal next month.

Operations are expected to begin in January.

He added Gambia was also seeking to reactivate a fishing agreement with the EU, which would probably include support for local monitoring. An existing access agreement is considered dormant because its requirements are not being met. That means EU member states cannot authorize their vessels to fish there.

Oceana's researchers nevertheless found that vessels from Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece illegally spent nearly 32,000 hours in Gambian waters from April 2012 to August 2015.

Banja said the vessels also appeared to be violating a prohibition on industrial fishing enacted under Jammeh. While the ban did little to curb illegal activity, it was only lifted in March.
A young girl detonated a suicide bomb in a mosque in northern Cameroon early Wednesday, killing at least five worshippers and wounding others.

The girl, about 12, entered the Sanda-Wadjiri mosque in Kolofata after the first call to prayer, said the governor of the Midjiyawa Bakary region, near the Nigerian border.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack, but Boko Haram militants have been waging a war to establish an Islamist state in the region that includes Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

The terrorist organization has also taken to more frequently using women and children as suicide bombers.

Amnesty International said last week that more than 400 people have been killed in Nigeria and Cameroon since April, more than double the number killed in the previous five months.

At least 20,000 people have been killed in violence since 2009 and more than 2.6 million people have been left homeless.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman on Wednesday said the government was committed to implementing reforms backed by the International Monetary Fund, following a meeting with IMF first deputy managing director David Lipton.

Ukraine has so far received $8.4 billion from the IMF, helping it to recover from a two-year recession following the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the outbreak of a Russian-backed insurgency in its industrial east.

But further disbursements from the $17.5 billion program depend in part on a pension reform being implemented and a review of gas prices that could lead to a rise in utility tariffs.

"The government highly values the cooperation with the Fund and its contribution to reforms in Ukraine," Groysman said in a statement following a meeting with Lipton in Kyiv.

"We are set on further implementation of our joint program with the IMF, which is extremely important for Ukraine. The reforms we are doing are needed by Ukraine, not the IMF."

Previously, IMF officials have expressed concern that the country is backsliding on some of its promises, while reformist politicians and activists have questioned the authorities' commitment to enacting lasting change.

"The global economy is growing now. And Ukraine can and should use this opportunity now," the government's press service quoted Lipton as telling Groysman in their meeting.
Emergency workers and National Guard troops are working to find those left stranded in the Florida Keys by Hurricane Irma, while France and Britain pledge to boost their response to those hit by the storms in their territories in the Caribbean.

French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, a day after arriving in Guadeloupe where he acknowledged the angry response some people have to what they see as inadequate help from France. Macron promised more supplies and security forces for the islands.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is touring Wednesday in Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, two places that took hard hits from Irma last week when it was a powerful Category 5 storm. He also said more security forces and "huge quantities of supplies" were coming, and that he expects Prime Minister Theresa May to announce further aid.

The United Nations is airlifting food and other vital relief to the islands of Antigua, St. Martin, and the Turks and Caicos.

Death toll

The hurricane killed at least 37 people in the Caribbean and devastated the islands, including Barbuda, which has evacuated all of its citizens to Antigua.

A further 24 deaths have been linked to Irma in the United States.

Among the dead in Florida were six nursing home patients in Hollywood, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said the nursing home was evacuated Wednesday due to the lack of power. Three people were found dead during the evacuation and three others died after arriving at the hospital.

Police have opened a criminal investigation into the deaths at the Rehabilitation Center of Hollywood Hills, where some residents were evacuated early Sunday and others woke up feeling sick.

Hollywood Police Chief Tom Sanchez said the deaths are believed to have been caused by the heat. The air conditioning was not working, but Sanchez said investigators are looking into whether power was entirely cut. He did not answer questions about whether a generator was operating inside the facility.

The Florida Keys were the hardest-hit area on the U.S. mainland. In addition to rescue operations there, National Guard troops are also working to clear roads and runways in order to allow deliveries of life-saving supplies to the island chain where authorities have only allowed people to access the northernmost areas.

Brock Long, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said that according to preliminary estimates, 25 percent of homes were destroyed and 65 percent sustained major damage.

"Basically, every house in the Keys was impacted in some way or another," Long said.

Amid disarray, signs of restoration

Thousands of people remained in shelters across Florida, while about 40 percent of households were without power by late Tuesday. Authorities have said it will take weeks before electricity is restored to everyone.

But there are signs of life returning to normal, with airports resuming flights, curfews in many areas being lifted and major theme parks in Florida reopening.

Governor Rick Scott's office said key ports resumed operations Tuesday with a priority on bringing in fuel tanker ships, and that highway patrol officers were ready to escort delivery trucks to the many gas stations that have seen shortages since before the storm hit. All of Florida's interstate highways are also open.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday on Twitter that "amazing people" were working hard to ease the havoc. He is planning to visit Florida on Thursday.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee-Sanders said Wednesday Trump will stop in the southwestern Florida city of Naples. Little additional information about the trip was made available.

Hurricane relief telethon

During a White House briefing with reporters Wednesday, Huckabee-Sanders was asked how soon estimates on additional federal relief aid would be disclosed.

It would be premature to put those estimates out there, she said and added Once we have those numbers well let you know.

Meanwhile, some of the biggest stars in show business took part in a benefit concert Tuesday that raised more than $44 million for the victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.

Stevie Wonder opened the show while such superstars as Cher, Barbara Streisand, Tom Hanks and Robert DeNiro answered telephones from viewers to accept donations.

It is going to cost tens of billions of dollars to replace homes and repair infrastructures destroyed by the two storms. Harvey slammed into the southeastern state of Texas last month as a Category 4 storm while Irma struck the Florida Keys Sunday and moved up the Gulf coast, causing floods and destruction across the entire state.
European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker urged European Union governments on Wednesday to use economic recovery and Brexit as springboards toward a closer union, built on an expanded eurozone and a pivotal role in world trade.

In his annual State of the European Union speech, Juncker sketched out a vision of a post-2019 EU in which 30 countries would be using the euro, with an EU finance minister running key budgets to help states in trouble.

Tax and welfare standards would converge and Europe, not the United States, would be the hub of a free-trading world.

The EU chief executive stressed his wish to heal divisions between eastern and western states. He sees that as vital to countering a drive, including by founding powers France and Germany, to set up new structures within the bloc that would exclude some poorer, ex-communist members in the east.

"The wind is back in Europe's sails," Junker told the European Parliament, citing economic growth and the easing of a succession of crises  Greek debt, refugee inflows, the rise of euroskepticism reflected in Brexit  that seemed to threaten the EU's survival.

"Now we have a window of opportunity, but it will not stay open forever," he said, emphasizing a need to move on from and even profit from the British vote to leave the bloc in 2019.

"We will keep moving on because Brexit isn't everything, it is not the future of Europe," he said in a speech that Brexit supporters said showed they were right to take Britain out of a bloc set on creating more powerful, central institutions.

Juncker called on nationalist eastern leaders  though not by name  to stop defying EU courts over civil rights, and on westerners to drop attempts to keep out cheaper eastern workers or palm off inferior food in poorer national markets.

Euro for whole EU

But his core proposal for countering what is known as a "multispeed Europe" by encouraging all states to join the euro and other EU structures faces resistance in both non-eurozone countries and potentially in Paris and Berlin, where the new President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Angela Merkel, soon likely to be re-elected, are readying their own plans.

Macron plans to present his ideas for reforming the 19-nation eurozone on September 26, two days after the German election, a French diplomatic source said. EU officials hope leaders may discuss the issues at a dinner on September 28 before a summit in Estonia.

"If we want the euro to unite rather than divide our continent, then it should be more than the currency of a select group of countries," Juncker said. "The euro is meant to be the single currency of the European Union as a whole."

He noted that only long-standing EU members Britain and Denmark have a legal right not to adopt the euro. EU officials say that with Britain leaving, and the eight remaining non-euro states accounting for only 15 percent of EU GDP, Juncker sees it as natural for EU and eurozone policy to operate in unison.

For that reason, he rejected proposals, led by France, for a special eurozone budget, finance minister and parliament. These functions, he said, should be filled instead by a vice president of the commission, chairing the Eurogroup of 19 eurozone finance ministers and managing a eurozone budget that would be part of the budget for the whole EU, overseen by Parliament.

While Denmark in fact pegs its crown closely to the euro, a drive to push the likes of Poland and Sweden into the euro would be a hard sell in those countries, while Germany, France and others have been skeptical about letting poorer states join yet.

Juncker proposed EU funding and technical help to encourage non-euro members to get themselves into a position to join.

Euroskeptics' scorn

For Juncker, officials say, the departure of Britain, for all the difficulties it brings, means goodbye to the major power that has continually sought opt-outs from new integration projects, and offers an opportunity to end the habit for good.

"Everyone should be in everything," one senior official said.

An aide to Macron said Juncker had made "many ambitious proposals" in line with French ideas and played down divergence on eurozone reform, noting Juncker would offer final ideas only in December.

In Germany, government officials were restrained. But Beate Merk, a regional minister in Bavaria allied to Merkel, said expanding the euro to the whole EU would be "a risky experiment that would greatly heighten Europe's problems."

Euroskeptics responded critically to the commission president's speech.

Ryszard Legutko, an EU lawmaker from Poland's right-wing ruling party, warned against responding to problems with "the same old 'more Europe, more Europe' " arguments.

"That is not the answer," he said. "We need to get the EU's house in order before there can even be a discussion on centralizing even further."

Nigel Farage of the UK Independence Party said: "All I can say is, thank God we're leaving."

Farage's allies cheered when Juncker finally mentioned Brexit near the end of his speech and said the British would come to regret their "tragic" referendum decision to leave.

Looking ahead to March 30, 2019, the day when Britain will be out of the EU, Juncker said he had proposed that Romania, which will then hold its rotating presidency, should host a summit in the formerly German-speaking Transylvanian city of Sibiu. There, leaders should set out plans for a more united union, two months before voters elect a new European Parliament.
A week after President Trump's administration announced it would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, members of Congress stood alongside Asian-American undocumented immigrants in a show of the diversity of young students and workers whose future status in the United States is in limbo.

We are here to fight for the 800,000 dreamers, including the 130,000 Asian-American Pacific Islander dreamers who were brought to this country as children through no fault of their own, Representative Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus that hosted the news conference, said Tuesday. She referenced a figure from former president Barack Obama's administration of how many Asians in the United States were eligible to apply for the program. About 16,000 DACA recipients are Asian-American Pacific Islanders, according to the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans.

"I am a dreamer and the U.S. is the only country I have ever known," said Chirayu Patel, founder of DACA network, which provides information and legal resources for DACA recipients.



New applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, will no longer be accepted, attorney general Jeff Sessions announced on September 5.

The future status of the hundreds of thousands of young, foreign-born students and workers, so-called "dreamers" is unclear. Congress has six months to act if it wants to continue to allow them to remain in the United States.

Patel and Representative Chu spoke alongside colleagues, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to show support for the significant number of Asian dreamers, and for a Dream act to pass through Congress, which could provide DACA recipients a more permanent path to staying in the United States.



Its not just one group of people thats affected by this, it really is communities across the country  Africans, AAPIs, Latinos," Representative Pramila Jayapal, the first South Asian American woman elected to Congress, told VOA. "The problem is not just about one group of people and if we can build a solid coalition amongst all of our groups we will be more powerful in passing legislation.

According to numbers by AAPI Data and the Center for Migration Studies, one in seven Asian immigrants in the United States is undocumented and AAPI are the fastest growing undocumented population, having tripled in the past 15 years.

Most people are blown away when they learn this, Karthick Ramakrishnan professor of public policy at the University of California Riverside and director of AAPI Data told VOA. But of the 130,000 DACA-eligible Asian immigrants referenced by representative Chu, only a fraction have actually applied, which Ramakrishnan says is due to a lack of awareness within the community.

There are a lot of AAPI dreamers who have not stepped up and applied for DACA status," Representative Jayapal said. "We want to make sure that the AAPI community knows exactly what is still available to them and that they get involved.

But a number of organizations are working to increase this awareness and provide support in a number of different languages.

NAKASEC, the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium, is one such organization which helped Jung Bin Cho file for DACA status a few years ago.

Cho, who worked two jobs while juggling an internship with being a full-time student in university, moved to Virginia when he was seven from South Korea. He told his story on Capitol Hill Tuesday, while stressing the importance of the Asian-American community standing with the Hispanic community on pressing for the Dream Act to pass.

Im putting another voice out there thats very important especially because I am AAPI, Cho told VOA, stressing the importance of making it known that DACA recipients are not all from Latin America.
Egypt has begun campaigning for its candidate for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General post, Moushira Khattab.

Moushira Khattab is a human rights activist and former Minister of Family & Population and former ambassador.

Khattab boasts a large experience in the UN system. She was confirmed countrys candidate last year by the Prime Minister.

Cairo Tuesday wooed Algerias vote as former foreign minister Mohamed El-Orabi arrived in Algiers to get Algerias support for the Egyptian candidate.

Omar Abu Aish, Egypts ambassador to Algeria who also attended the meeting told Asharq Al-Awsat that Orabi will also visit other capitals to secure support for Khattab.

The Egyptian candidate will face eight other contenders including Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari from Qatar, Qian Tang from China and Audrey Azoulay from France.

The election of the future Director-General will take place next month during the UNESCO Boards 202nd session.
U.S. President Donald Trump's defense secretary plans this week to become the first Pentagon chief to travel to Mexico for its Independence Day activities, the Defense Department said on Tuesday, in a sign that defense ties are withstanding political tensions between the two countries.

U.S.-Mexican relations have been strained by Trump's threats to curtail trade with Latin America's No. 2 economy as well as his demand that Mexico pay for a border wall to keep out immigrants and drug traffickers.

Jim Mattis' planned trip on Friday would be only the fifth by a U.S. defense secretary to Mexico, said Pentagon spokesman Army Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Davis.

"Secretary Mattis' visit to Mexico reaffirms our commitment to the bilateral defense relationship and to the North America community," Davis said.

Although Mexico's official Independence Day is on Sept. 16, most celebrations take place on Sept. 15. The event commemorates the launch of Mexico's war of independence from Spain in 1810.

The fact that Mattis would be visiting for such an important national event is itself notable.

Mexicans have a long memory of the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848, which led to Mexico's loss of almost half its territory to the United States. The war has long made U.S.-Mexican military cooperation a somewhat sensitive subject in Mexico.

The visit by Mattis also comes amid signs of improving U.S.-Mexican cooperation in cracking down on the heroin trade.

Reuters reported in April that Mexico's army was allowing the United States and the United Nations to observe opium poppy eradication.

The Mexican army took U.S. military officials on helicopter tours of half a dozen sites in Sinaloa and Chihuahua, two of the three states that along with Durango make up the Golden Triangle where most Mexican opium is produced, one of the sources said at the time.
The Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee is canning plans to expand U.S. military ties with Myanmar because of its persecution of minority Rohingya Muslims.

Senator John McCain of Arizona said in a statement Tuesday that he had hoped for greater U.S. engagement with Myanmar after it transitioned to civilian government last year, ending decades of military rule in the Southeast Asian nation.

But he said circumstances had changed, with 370,000 Rohingya fleeing violence and destruction in the last month in what the United Nations has described as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing."

McCain said he was now seeking to remove language from a defense authorization bill being discussed in Senate this week that would have expanded opportunities for U.S. training of Myanmar military in areas like maritime security and combating human trafficking.

Other lawmakers had opposed that as rewarding Myanmar's military, long excluded from substantive U.S. ties because of its poor record on human rights.

McCain said the international community has called upon civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi to stop the violence and hold human rights abusers accountable, "but there has been no action to date."
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell voiced doubt Tuesday that the U.S. debt ceiling would be eliminated, an idea floated by Democrats and embraced by Republican President Donald Trump last week.

"As far as the debt ceiling is concerned, we will not be revisiting the debt ceiling until sometime next year," the Kentucky senator told reporters. "And getting Congress to give up a tool like that would probably be quite a challenging undertaking."

Congress must periodically raise the debt limit to keep the U.S. government borrowing and operating. Lawmakers sometimes take advantage of that need to push through policy or spending changes.

Trump voiced support last week for the idea of eliminating the statutory cap on the U.S. Treasury Department's authority to borrow, saying he discussed the possibility with congressional leaders.

"It complicates things. It's really not necessary," Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday.

Surprise deal

At a White House meeting a day earlier, Trump made a surprise deal with Democratic congressional leaders for extending the debt limit for three months tied to hurricane relief legislation and funding for government operations into December.

In the meeting, which was also attended by top congressional Republicans and administration officials, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York proposed eliminating the debt limit, and Trump and Vice President Mike Pence said they liked the idea, one person familiar with the meeting said.

White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney told Fox News Channel that Trump was frustrated by the way the debt ceiling has been used and had asked him to "explore ways to sort of depoliticize it."

"We'll continue to work on that. I don't think the debt ceiling ... will be an issue until January, February of next year," Mulvaney said.

Some Republicans expressed opposition to Trump's deal with the Democrats, and conservative groups accused the president of caving in rather than insisting on spending cuts to accompany the debt ceiling increase.

But the House of Representatives and the Senate, which are both controlled by Republicans, quickly approved the deal, including about $15 billion in hurricane-related aid, and it was signed into law by Trump on Friday.
Mexico's top diplomat on Tuesday said his country is taking steps to ease the return of young immigrants whose deportation protection is being rescinded by the Trump administration, but he also acknowledged they would prefer to stay in the United States.

On a visit to Los Angeles, Foreign Relations Secretary Luis Videgaray said his government is making it easier to transfer education credits and is extending a loan program for young entrepreneurs.



He said Mexico also created a job bank with the immigrants in mind after President Donald Trump announced his decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program that allows them to work in the United States.

Mexico will also provide legal assistance to immigrants and lobby U.S. lawmakers to draft a plan for the immigrants brought to the United States as children  often referred to as "dreamers"  to obtain legal status.

With each dreamer who returns to Mexico, Mexico wins, Videgaray said at the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles. But, he added, What is relevant is not which country wins here. What is relevant here is what the dreamers want.

The Trump administration's decision to phase out the program dealt an especially harsh blow to the Mexican community in the United States because about three-quarters of the 800,000 immigrants protected by the Obama-era program are Mexican.

The decision came as relations between Mexico and the United States have been strained by Trump's calls to build a wall on the border of the two countries  a move that Videgaray considers not friendly  and as negotiations demanded by Trump to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada got off to a rocky start.



Videgaray came to immigrant-friendly California for meetings with state officials in Sacramento and immigrant and business leaders in Los Angeles.



He also helped kick off a new office for mental health services inside Mexico's consulate in Los Angeles. Officials said the office will help overcome the stigma of seeking assistance with mental health problems and challenges faced by immigrants who lack legal papers.

Videgaray is expected to head to Washington for meetings on Wednesday.
In the end, there was no monkey business.

British photographer David Slater has reached an agreement with the animal-rights group PETA over a selfie shot by a crested macaque.

Slater had left his camera unattended while on a trip to Indonesia in 2011 when a monkey named Naruto decided to take a selfie. The image of the amber eyes staring into the lens with a toothy grin became a huge favorite on the internet and an iconic image on Slater's business website.

PETA takes up cause for monkey

Then in 2015 People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals filed a suit claiming Naruto owned the copyright to selfie photos it had shot with a photographer's camera. The group sought financial control of the use of the photograph on behalf of the monkey.

Slater's side argued the British copyright obtained for the photos by his company, Wildlife Personalities, should be honored worldwide.

On Monday, lawyers for PETA and Slater announced a deal, under which Slater would donate 25 percent of any future revenue from the images to charities dedicated to protecting crested macaques in Indonesia.

No copyrights

The attorneys asked the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to dismiss the case and throw out a lower-court decision that said animals cannot own copyrights.

Andrew Dhuey, an attorney for Slater, declined to comment on how much money the photos have generated or whether Slater would keep all of the remaining 75 percent of future revenue.

There was no immediate ruling from the 9th Circuit on the dismissal.
Israel's leader on Wednesday said his country supports Kurdish independence ahead of a key referendum on the matter.



In an announcement early Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel considers the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, a terrorist organization. But the statement said Israel "supports the legitimate efforts of the Kurdish people to attain a state of its own."



Netanyahu's statement appeared to be an attempt to distance Israel from comments by Yair Golan, who recently completed a term as Israel's deputy military chief of staff.



At a conference in Washington last week, Golan said he did not consider the PKK, a militant group that has waged a three-decade insurgency in southeast Turkey, to be a terrorist organization. But he also voiced support for Kurdish independence, saying a "solid stable cohesive Kurdish entity" somewhere in the volatile Middle East is "not a bad idea."



He did not specify where he thinks it could be located. The Kurds are spread across the region, with large populations in Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran.



Iraq's Kurds plan to hold the referendum on Sept. 25 in three governorates that make up their self-ruled region as well as disputed areas that are controlled by Kurdish forces but claimed by Baghdad, including the oil-rich province of Kirkuk.



Israel has long been sympathetic to the Kurds and is the first country to officially endorse them in the vote. Turkey, Iran and Iraq's central government are all staunchly opposed to the vote.



Safeen Dizayee, a spokesman for the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, did not respond directly to Netanyahu's comments, but appeared to welcome them.



"Anyone is free to speak their mind," he told The Associated Press. "If any authority around the world... concludes that [Iraq's Kurds] deserve or merit an independent entity of their own, we appreciate that position.''
North Korea's ambassador to Peru said Tuesday that Lima's decision to expel him was akin to "throwing gasoline on the fire" on the dispute over Pyongyang's nuclear tests that the country would continue to pursue "without wavering."

Peru declared the ambassador, Kim Hak-Chol, a persona non grata on Monday to protest North Korea's refusal to heed the world's "constant calls" to end its nuclear program - giving him five days to leave the Andean country.

"The bilateral and diplomatic measure taken yesterday by the Peruvian government lacks judicial and moral reasoning and doesn't further world peace and security at all," Kim said, reading from a statement at a news conference in Lima.

"To the contrary, it throws gasoline on the fire for which we express protest and regret," Kim added before declining to take questions from reporters.

Peru's foreign ministry declined to comment.

Peru's decision to expel Kim followed a similar move by Mexico last week and a public call from the United States last month for Latin American countries to sever ties with North Korea.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Ricardo Luna said the move was strongly rooted in international law as reflected by new U.N. sanctions against North Korea passed on Monday.

"It's inappropriate to maintain relations with that country," Luna said in broadcast comments to journalists.

"Though we haven't broken off ties, by expelling him the level of diplomats in charge of relations is lowered."

North Korea has faced growing condemnation from around the world following its sixth and largest nuclear test this month.

The U.N. Security Council on Monday unanimously voted to boost sanctions on North Korea, which U.S. President Donald Trump has described as "nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen."

Kim condemned the new sanctions as part of the hostility from the United States regarding North Korea that he said has forced Pyongyang to pursue nuclear tests as a dissuasive measure.

"That's a problem between us and the United States," Kim said. "We'll continue without wavering on the path of justice that we've chosen despite the slander and defamation from the United States because we're certain our cause is just and will triumph."

Kim will leave Peru as requested and two diplomats will remain in charge of the embassy, an embassy representative said.

Peru does not have any diplomats in North Korea.

Pyongyang opened its embassy in Peru in the 1980s during the first government of former President Alan Garcia, which bought weapons from North Korea at a discount to supply police forces.

Trade between the two countries is minimal.
More than 80 experts on nuclear non-proliferation issues urged the Trump administration Wednesday to not abandon the global agreement reached with Iran to curb Tehran's nuclear weapons development program.

The group, including numerous academics and some former U.S. State Department officials, said the pact that took effect in January 2016 has dramatically reduced the risk posed by Iran's nuclear program and mandated unprecedented monitoring and transparency measures that make it very likely that any possible future effort by Iran to pursue nuclear weapons, even a clandestine program, would be detected promptly.

The agreement among six world powers  Russia, China, France, Germany, Britain and the U.S.  and Iran was supported by former U.S. President Barack Obama. Current U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the deal but not moved to withdraw the U.S. from it. Economic sanctions against Iran were dropped in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear program.

Last week, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, called the deal a very flawed and very limited agreement and contended that Iran has been caught in multiple violations over the past year-and-a-half.

The nuclear non-proliferation experts said they firmly support vigorous efforts to monitor and enforce compliance with the agreement. The group said it was concerned by statements from the Trump administration that it may be seeking to create a false pretext for accusing Iran of noncooperation or noncompliance with the agreement in order to trigger the reimposition of nuclear-related sanctions against Iran.

They said that abandoning the deal without clear evidence of an unresolved material breach by Iran ... runs the risk that Tehran would resume some of its nuclear activities.
Former president Barack Obama will host civic leaders from around the world next month for a summit aimed at promoting civic engagement.

The first Obama Foundation summit will be held on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 in Chicago.

The former president said he expects the summit will be a place to gather and learn from one another, and then go back to your communities to lead others in the hard work of change, he said in a video and email released to supporters.

More initiatives to come

The foundation said it is encouraging young people active in their communities to attend the summit, which promises to be a place to exchange ideas, explore creative solutions to common problems and experience civic art, technology and music from around the world.

In the weeks and months ahead, we'll be kicking off more initiatives and opportunities for people like you to get involved with the Obama Foundation's mission, Obama said in the video. That mission is simple: We want to inspire and empower people to change the world.

The Obama Foundation also announced it will hold training days across the country, inviting young people to learn how to put civics into action. The first three sessions will be held in Chicago, Boston and Tempe, Arizona.

My Brother's Keeper Alliance

Also, Obama's signature My Brother's Keeper Alliance program will become an initiative of the foundation. It's mission is to ensure all our nation's boys and young men of color have equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity.

Obama, who has largely stayed out of the public eye since leaving office, has in recent days begun to emerge into the spotlight. He surprised students at a Washington, D.C. high school on Friday, and will attend a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee on Sept. 27, only the second time he's publicly raised money for his party since leaving the White House.
The outgoing United States Ambassador to Russia, John Tefft, just weeks before his departure, has said he has mixed feelings about the state of the U.S.-Russia relationship but holds out hope for progress.

In a joint interview in Moscow with the Russian Services of VOA and RFE/RL, Tefft expressed remorse for a lack of progress in helping resolve the conflict in Ukraine, which sent U.S.-Russia relations spiraling down to the worst level since the Cold War.Im sorry we didnt have greater progress in resolving the Ukrainian problem. Because, I think thats one of the core issues that needs to be addressed, said Tefft, who came out of retirement to become ambassador after relations plummeted.



Crimea



The U.S. ambassador said he regrets the suffering caused to families in the conflict that erupted with Russias 2014 annexation of Crimea and ongoing support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

I feel, personally, very very bad. Because Ive been ambassador almost four years in Ukraine. And, I know a lot of Ukrainians personally. And, I know the relationship Russia and Ukraine had and I think its a horrible tragedy that what has happened has happened, said Tefft. So many people have died and so many families, Russia and Ukraine as nations, different businesses organizations, they have all suffered. I dont think it needed to happen.

The Ukraine crisis was sparked when the Kremlin reacted to a pro-European, popular uprising against Russia-backed President Viktor Yanukovych in March 2014 by sending Russian special forces to take over Ukrainian military bases in Crimea. Subsequent Russian military support for Russia-leaning separatists in eastern Ukraine fueled an ongoing conflict with the Ukrainian military that has so far left more than 10,000 people dead.

The use of force in another sovereign country broke, as Ive said before many times, broke the fundamental rules of European politics. The EU and the effort to build a Europe whole, free, and at peace, which has been the goal of (the) European Union and successive American presidents, was broken when Russia sent military forces into Crimea, said Tefft. The Europeans all have problems where different pieces of land in different countries used to belong to other countries. But, the European policy has been-you dont use force to try and go back and get those pieces of land.

The Kremlin responded to Western sanctions over Ukraine with counter-sanctions on Western food products. Sanctions have compounded over allegations of Russian spying and attempts to influence the U.S. 2016 presidential election through cyber hacking.



US-Russia relationship



Tefft said U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it best when describing the current U.S.-Russia relationship during his April meeting with Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. He was very very clear, very blunt. He said that, you know, that the relationship is very bad. We have no trust. We need to work on this to improve it. There are some possibilities that are out there. But, we've got to try to work hard to do it. Now, since then we've had some other setbacks, noted Tefft.

In the latest tit-for-tat, the U.S. closed the Russian consulate in San Francisco and two annexes in Washington, D.C., and New York City after the Kremlin ordered the U.S. Embassy to reduce its staff by 755 personnel. The U.S. was forced to limit non-immigrant visa processing to its Moscow Embassy, slowing down processing times for Russians hoping to visit the U.S.

We are back open in Moscow. We are not only issuing visas, we are increasing the number of interviews as we've gotten back into this week and seen how we can manage this. Its not in our interest to prevent people from going to the States, said Tefft.

We also want to encourage continued business between the United States and Russia. Yes, there are sanctions but theres a lot of business going on between our two countries that can and should be encouraged, added the U.S. ambassador.

WATCH: VOA/RFE/RL Interview with Amb. Tefft



Despite the tensions, there is some positive cooperation going on, said Tefft. If you look for example at Syria. We have now down in the corner by Jordan and you know, very close to the Golan Heights, an area where we have had for seven weeks a fairly successful ceasefire. I dont want to make too much out of this because its a small piece. But, its still something we work on.

Syria



U.S.-Russia cooperation on Syria has been limited as Moscow, along with Tehran, backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against Syrian rebels, including some supported by the U.S. While all claim to be fighting against Islamist militants, Russia helped Assads forces turn the tide of defeat from Damascus to the rebels.



Mutual accusations of violations on U.S.-Russia arms control measures have further aggravated tensions. The U.S. ambassador told VOA/RFE/RL he hopes talks will soon be convened to address the issues.

One of the things that has been discussed, and Im hopeful we will have in the not too distant future, are what we call strategic stability talks. These would be talks between Russia and the United States - not just about arms control but about broader strategic kinds of issues that we would like to open up a channel. This was proposed by us back in the last administration  the Obama administration  but its my hope that well be able to soon get to the point where we can do that. I think theres are the kinds of things that can help build confidence, clarify issues, resolve problems.

Disappointment in Trump



Since Russias actions in Ukraine, anti-American sentiment fueled by Kremlin-controlled state media has grown in Russia, posing a challenge to people-to-people relations. Russians are expressing disappointment in President Donald Trump for not fulfilling their expectations of improving U.S.-Russia relations as he said he wanted to do during his campaign. Multiple investigations into Russian connections to the 2016 election and Trumps campaign have made any step by the U.S. president toward the Kremlin a closely watched political minefield.

WATCH: Tefft on proof Russia hacked US election



Ending the Ukraine conflict will be key to making any major improvements in U.S.-Russia relations, said Tefft.

And, the issue of Donetsk and Lugansk is going to have to get resolved, said Tefft, referring to separatist-controlled areas in eastern Ukraine. And, ultimately, theyre going to have to deal with the situation in Crimea. Thats the big issue in my view. If we can make progress on that, that would perhaps open up some doors to resolving some other things. And, in the meantime, we are doing some cooperation on Syria and hopefully on North Korea.



So, the challenge is to move forward, said Tefft. Im very happy that were going to have, I think, a very good ambassador to follow me here - Jon Huntsman is a man who is deeply experienced. I think everyone knows he ran for president. But, he has also been ambassador in two countries, one of which is China.

He has been deputy secretary of commerce, he has been a very very successful businessman. And, I think President Trumps decision to send him here now is a actually a very very good sign.
The Arab League meeting on Tuesday in Cairo was overtaken by the Gulf crisis as the Qatari delegates and the delegates of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt traded accusations.

The meeting in the Egyptian capital kicked off with a direct rebuke addressed to the Saudi-led quartet by Qatars Foreign Minister of State Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi in a speech, although the Gulf crisis was not on the agenda, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) reports.

Even the animals were not spared, you sent them out savagely, Muraikhi said, referring to the thousands of camels left stranded on the border between Qatar and Saudi Arabia after borders were closed.

The Qatari official also called the Saudi-led quartet rabid dogs.

Qatar is facing regional isolation after Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain plus Egypt cut ties with the small monarchy on June 5.

The four also severed air, sea and ground links with Doha. The group, led by Saudi Arabia, has accused Qatar of sponsoring terrorism.

Doha has denied the accusations saying that the aim of the isolation is to strip the small monarchy of its sovereignty.

The four have also insisted that Doha scales down its relations with Iran, as part of conditions to renew relations.

Muraikhi further angered Qatars critics when he said that Iran is an honorable country and when he underlined the renewal of ties with the Islamic Republic.

Saudi Arabia hit back through the voice its Arab League envoy, Ahmed al-Qattan, who said Congratulations to Iran and soon, God willing, you will regret it, MEMO reports.

The showdown worsened further as Muraikhi pointed out that Saudi Arabia was looking to topple Qatars ruler and replace him with Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani; the only Qatari official who has met with Riyadh since the beginning of the diplomatic spat.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani negotiated Qataris participation in the 2017 Hajj after the Saudi authorities banned all Qatar-registered airplanes from its skies.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia blasted the claims adding that they were unacceptable.

We all know Qatars historic support for terrorism and what has been provided for extremist factions, and money in Syria, Yemen, Libya and Egypt that have led to the death of many of Egypts sons, said Sameh Shoukry, Egypts foreign minister.
Sierra Leone's government says it will accept 27 of its citizens being deported from the United States because of various crimes.

The move comes as President Donald Trump's administration places visa restrictions on four African and Asian nations that have refused to accept citizens deported from the U.S.



Foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Turay on Wednesday told a local radio station that Sierra Leone's embassy in Washington will issue emergency travel certificates for the 27 citizens. He says they have been identified as being involved in various crimes in the U.S., including drug offenses.



The new U.S. restrictions on business and tourism visas will affect foreign ministry and immigration officials in the West African nation.



The new restrictions also affect nationals or certain officials in Eritrea, Guinea and Cambodia.
Spain's state prosecutor has summoned more than 700 Catalan mayors who have backed an independence referendum, in an escalation of Madrid's efforts to block the vote that it has declared illegal.

Officials engaging in any preparations for the vote could be charged with civil disobedience, abuse of office and misuse of public funds, the prosecutor said in a letter delivered to local authorities on Wednesday.

If the mayors do not answer the summons, police should arrest them, it added.

One mayor said the legal move was unprecedented.

"We don't think any European country has ever tried to make more than 700 mayors testify," said Neus Lloveras, mayor of Vilanova i la Geltru near Barcelona, head of the Association of Municipalities for Independence (AMI).

"We have nothing to hide. When we have to go and testify, we will say everything we have been saying for days, that we owe it to our people to keep working to make sure they can freely express themselves at the ballot box," he told reporters.

But the small, anti-capitalist CUP group, which governs 19 Catalan municipalities, said it would not answer the summons, and called on other political forces to do the same.

Catalonia's regional parliament passed laws last week to prepare for a referendum on Oct. 1. Spain's Constitutional Court suspended the vote after Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy challenged it in the courts.

Judges are now considering whether the legislation contravenes Spain's constitution, which states that the country is indivisible.

So far, 712 of a total 948 municipal leaders have said they would allow public spaces to be used for the referendum, according to AMI.

The mayor of Barcelona  the region's most populous area  has yet to take a definitive position, and has asked for reassurances that civil servants involved in the process will not risk losing their jobs.

Website stops working

The website set up by the Catalan government to give information on the vote, referendum.cat, stopped working Wednesday evening, with Spanish media reporting that the regional prosecutor had ordered all websites promoting the referendum to be shut down.

Civil Guard police confirmed that they had gone to deliver a warrant at the website's offices, but declined to say if judges had ordered it to be closed.

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont quickly posted two new web addresses on Twitter linking to a page with information on the referendum.

Polls show a minority of Catalans want self-rule, although a majority want the chance to vote on the issue. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Barcelona this week to show support for independence.

In a separate order, the Constitutional Court told regional government officials on Wednesday they had 48 hours to show how they were preventing the vote from going ahead.
A court hearing in China against a Taiwanese rights activist charged with subversion is shaping up as a memorable low point for already strained relations between Beijing and the defendant's homeland.

A hearing Monday for Taiwanese citizen Lee Ming-che, who faces a 10 year prison sentence, and a mainland Chinese defendant, both charged with subversion of state power over promotion of multi-party democracy in China, is a reminder to Taiwanese people of a deep divide in political systems.

Taiwan allows free expression of political views despite any government line, while Communist China does not. That schism turns Taiwanese people off, frustrating Chinas already tough ambition to unite with Taiwan politically. Each side is self-ruled today.

Taiwan has been democratic quite some time, said Shane Lee, a political scientist at Chang Jung Christian University in Taiwan. People could just not imagine that an innocent person traveling in the country could be arrested.



The case against Lee, a 42-year-old philosophy scholar and former worker with the ruling political party of Taiwan, also raises suspicion that China is looking for ways to vent at the government in Taipei. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen rejects the idea that both sides belong to a single country but has avoided specific actions that would anger China.

Beijing has been in the mode of demonstrating that China is not happy with Taiwan and can cause Taiwan pain in a variety of ways, said Denny Roy, senior fellow at the East-West Center think tank in Honolulu. In that sense, Beijing welcomes a deterioration of relations with Taiwan.



The two sides have been separately ruled since Chiang Kai-sheks Nationalists lost the Chinese civil war of the 1940s and fled to Taiwan. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, but polls show most people on the island prefer autonomy. Taiwan democratized in the 1980s.



Since Tsai took office in May 2016, the two sides have not agreed on how to regard each other politically, stopping dialogue that China sees as a conduit for unification. Beijing has passed an aircraft carrier near the island 160 kilometers away, persuaded two diplomatic allies to cut ties with Taiwan and scaled back tourism. It took those measures to express disapproval, officials and analysts in Taipei believe.



Lee and the other defendantused social media since 2012 to exaggerate key domestic events that occurred in recent years, spread libel and attack the government, Chinas official Xinhua News Agency reported Monday.



Lee went missing in March after a flight from Taipei to the Chinese territory Macau. In May, the government in Beijing announced charges against him.



Taiwan and China lack diplomatic missions that might have worked to arrange deportation for a suspect such as Lee. In a similar case last year, China expelled Swedish legal rights activist Peter Dahlin despite charges of violating security laws. China also sees Taiwanese citizens as its own rather than as foreign nationals.



The Taiwan governments Mainland Affairs Council asked Monday that Lee be sent home.

This case has attracted the strong attention of the international and Taiwanese community, council spokesman Chiu Chui-cheng said. It also greatly pertains to mainland Chinas image over its treatment of human rights and will at the same time affect the development of relations with Taiwan.

Beijing could decide to expel Lee after convicting him, Roy said, although it normally takes subversion charges extra seriously.

Expelling him "would marginally reduce the damage to Chinas image but would not buy significant sympathy toward China among Taiwans people, he said. The basic conflict is that the (Communist Party) system is a one-party dictatorship, exactly what so many Taiwanese activists fought against in Taiwan a generation ago, and they have no desire to unite with it.

Lees case may help give other Taiwanese people a sense of the boundary in China between activism and breaking the law, said Joanna Lei, chief executive officer of the Chunghua 21st Century think tank in Taiwan.



An estimated one to three million Taiwanese live in China, mostly business people and their families. About one person a year gets detained in China for political reasons, an official with Taiwans semi-governmental Straits Exchange Foundation said earlier in the year. Charges against Lee are a first for a Taiwanese human rights activist.



This case will be very important in drawing the line and make sure that certain cases are true human rights violations and other cases are simple violations of the law, Lei said.
Tanzania's government has been cracking down on irregularities in the mining sector, most recently confiscating diamonds worth $15 million from British company Petra Diamonds, accusing it of devaluing exports.

And in July, the government demanded gold miner Acacia pay $190 billion in what it asserted were unpaid taxes, saying the company had underreported its exports.

"They are stealing from us. It's strange, and some who were involved are our people," said Tanzanian President John Magufuli.

Chatham House Africa program research assistant Rebekka Rumpel says that Tanzania's government previously allowed international financial institutions a greater amount of input into the country's mining laws.

Now, she says, Magufuli is trying to walk them back.

"I think, you know, he is trying to reject that period of greater foreign involvement and also greater liberalization of the '90s and 2000s," Rumpel said. "And you know, it's very much framed as a kind of 'I'm on the side of ordinary Tanzanians standing up against people who would deny us our true natural wealth.'"

Tanzanian mining sector expert Fatma Karume says there was a reason past administrations liberalized the rules for the mining industry.

"Nobody wanted to invest in Tanzania, given previous nationalization exercises that we had undertaken, and therefore, for people to invest, the [Benjamin] Mkapa administration in particular, had to make it an attractive proposition," Karume said.

Aubrey Hruby, a senior fellow at the Africa Center at the Atlantic Council, says the current developments in the mining sector in Tanzania are part of a much larger trend in the Magufuli administration, which prioritizes the state as the principle generator of economic activity. But, she says, this trajectory is already having a significant impact on investment.

"I think all too often,  large investors, institutional investors who invest in the mining companies through stock exchanges, or otherwise, they see this as 'Oh, it's another reason why doing business in Africa is riddled with risk.' So, unfortunately, people tend to make this micro-experience in Tanzania part of the macro-narrative of investing in Africa," Hruby said.

Karume agrees that the government's measures have investors concerned.

"These are savvy investors. They're not uneducated people, they're savvy investors who have been banked by savvy bankers, who have lawyers working for them," she said. "They're going to put their money in a place where they think it's going to be secure. It's as simple as that."

And, she says, the government's demands are unreasonable.

"I think it's vastly exaggerated, the $190 billion tax bill, is vastly exaggerated," Karume said.

Several attempts to contact Benjamin Mchwampaka, Tanzania's commissioner for minerals, for comment were unsuccessful.

An earlier version of this story misidentified Benjamin Mchwampaka as minister for energy and minerals. VOA regrets the error.
President Donald Trump is spurring Congress to move quickly to overhaul the country's complex tax code, but he has yet to produce a plan.

Trump, in a pair of Twitter comments Wednesday, took on the role of White House cheerleader for tax changes, telling lawmakers that with the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, tax cuts and tax reform were "needed more than ever before. Go Congress, go!"

In another tweet, Trump said the tax approval process "for the biggest Tax Cut & Tax Reform package in the history of our country will soon begin. Move fast Congress!"

Later, Trump told reporters he was still hoping to cut the U.S. corporate tax rate to 15 percent from 35 percent and "much lower than that for individuals." He said tax rates for wealthy Americans "will be pretty much where they are" now.

Trump had a White House dinner Tuesday with several senators, including three Democrats he hopes will join the majority Republicans in Congress to support tax changes: Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Donnelly of Indiana.

The White House said the meeting was "highly productive, and will spur constructive discussion moving forward."

It said the tax cuts, particularly ones aimed at helping middle-class families, are "essential to economic growth and prosperity. Through bipartisan outreach efforts like this, President Trump is demonstrating his commitment to fulfilling his promises, and that includes producing tangible results on important issues like tax reform."

On Wednesday night, Trump has scheduled another White House dinner, to talk about tax changes and other issues with the top two Democratic lawmakers, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer of New York and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California.

Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, leader of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, said a tax overhaul, not just tax cuts, was necessary to spur American economic growth.

"The problem is we have a 1986 tax system in the 21st century and the rest of the world has already overhauled their tax systems many times since," Ryan said. "And were now on the receiving end in the global economy with the worst tax system in the industrialized world. So its not just narrow cuts and taxes that will do the job."

He said the U.S. economy, already the world's biggest, "has so much untapped potential. And one of the reasons, Id say the biggest reason, why we have untapped potential is because were weighing down our economy with a terrible tax system.

Trump's Treasury secretary, Steve Mnuchin, and his top economic adviser, Gary Cohn, both former Wall Street financiers, have met with dozens of lawmakers, mostly Republicans, in an effort to create a tax overhaul that Congress could agree on after Republicans earlier this year failed to adopt a plan to repeal the health care policies championed by former President Barack Obama. Eight months into his presidency, Trump has yet to win approval for any major piece of legislation.

Trump administration officials said they hoped to release a tax plan within a week and that Congress would approve it by the end of the year.

Corporate tax cut

Numerous economic experts have said that making the kind of sharp cut in the corporate tax rate that Trump wants is not possible without eliminating or sharply trimming popular deductions elsewhere in the country's complex tax code or adding to the country's nearly $20 trillion in long-term debt.

Lawmakers could eventually agree on a smaller cut in the corporate tax rate, which Trump says needs to be trimmed to make American corporations more competitive on world markets.

All American workers would also be affected by any substantial changes in tax policies. The Trump administration and Republican lawmakers are considering limiting one widely used personal income tax deduction, for interest on loans people have taken out to buy their homes, and could also eliminate a federal income tax deduction for taxes paid to state and local governments. Both ideas could face opposition in Congress.
Tunisia's parliament on Wednesday approved a controversial law granting amnesty to officials accused of corruption during the rule of autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, triggering angry protests from the opposition and activists outside.

Opposition lawmakers sang the national anthem and shouted slogans before the session was temporarily suspended. Outside, dozens of demonstrators chanted "This law will not pass" and "Whitewash corruption."

The law was approved by 117 deputies. The opposition withdrew from the session in protest against the insistence of the ruling coalition on passing the law in an extraordinary session.

"I congratulate you on the return of the dictatorial state and reconciliation with the corrupt," Ahmed Seddik a deputy of the Popular Front said.

"Tunisians will not forgive you," he added.

After months of protests, the bill was amended from an original draft which would have also granted amnesty to corrupt businessmen. As it stands, they will be liable to prosecution for crimes committed during Ben Ali's 24-year rule.

Witnesses said police beat protesters who had shouted slogans against the President and the ruling parties Ennahda and Nidaa Tounes which supported the law.

"The opposition no longer has a pretext, they resorted to unacceptable methods..They rejected democracy," Sofian Toubel a lawmaker of Nidaa Tounes said.

Critics of the so-called "Economic Reconciliation" Law say it is a step back from the spirit of Tunisia's 2011 revolution to oust Ben Ali, who fled after weeks of protests against corruption and inequality.

"This law is an advanced stage of counter-revolution," opposition lawmaker Ammar Amroussia said.

Turning the Page?

But government officials say the law helps to turn the page on the past, improves the climate for investment and gives confidence to the administration and officials.

"The time has come to stop the isolation of those officials who could contribute to the building of the new Tunisia," said Mohamed Souf of the governing Nidaa Tounes party. "We must reconcile, as happened in South Africa and Rwanda."

The bill was proposed by President Beji Caid Essebsi, himself a former Ben Ali official, and sent to parliament in 2015. But debate was postponed after criticism that the original bill benefited business elites tied to the government.

At Wednesday's session, tensions flared between the ruling coalition and the opposition lawmakers, who said the Supreme Judicial Council had not yet given its answer after being consulted by the parliament on the legality of the bill.

Despite the consensus between secular and Islamist parties that helped the country's transition towards democracy, the bill has divided Tunisians between those who want to draw a line under the past and those who say they must deal with past graft.

Since the 2011 uprising, Tunisia has been held up by Western partners as a model of democracy for the region. Economic progress has lagged, though, and corruption remains a major problem in the North African state.
U.N. experts says thousands of migrants are at high risk of enforced disappearance. A special report by the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances accuses states and the international community at large of turning a blind eye to the crime, which generally goes unreported and unpunished.

The report, presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, finds a direct link between enforced disappearances and migration. In some cases, it says, individuals may migrate because they may be at risk of enforced disappearance from their own governments or they could be abducted during their journey for political or other reasons.

It explains enforced disappearances can occur when a migrant is in detention or going through a deportation process. It can be a consequence of smuggling or trafficking.

While the phenomenon is widespread, the vice chairman of the Working Group on Enforced Disappearance, Bernard Duhaime, told VOA it is not possible to document its scale and scope. That is because the practice is hidden and takes place in secret.

He adds it occurs in almost all parts of the world. For example, he notes cases of enforced disappearances in Libya and among refugees fleeing Syria.

There are similar instances in South Asia, as well, in particular with the phenomenon of the migration of the Rohingyas. There are also examples documented ... migrants crossing through Central America and through Mexico, as well who disappear. The report refers to networks of traffickers and smugglers in Sudan, Eritrea - in that region, as well, Duhaime said.

Experts warn the increasingly dangerous routes migrants follow expose them to greater risk of becoming victims of human rights violations, including enforced disappearances.

The report calls on governments to gather all information about people who disappear in or while transiting their countries and to do what they can to locate missing migrants.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday the displacement of hundreds of thousands of members of Myanmar's Rohingya community can only be described as ethnic cleansing.

"When one-third of the Rohingya population has got to flee the country, can you find a better word to describe it?" Guterres responded when he was asked if the term ethnic cleansing applied to the plight of the Rohingyas, most of whom are Muslims, in the overwhelmingly Buddhist Asian nation.

"I call on Myanmar authorities to suspend military action, end the violence, uphold the rule of law and recognize the right of return of all those who had to leave the country," Guterres said at United Nations headquarters in New York. "Muslims of Rakhine state must be granted nationality or, at least for now, a legal status so they can lead a normal life."

"I believe that we are facing a very dramatic situation, and that is the reason why I appealed to the Security Council to seriously consider the situation," the secretary-general said.

With concern growing worldwide about the situation in Myanmar's western Rakhine state, the country's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has canceled her original plans to travel to New York for the annual U.N. General Assembly meeting beginning next week. The former Nobel Peace Prize winner, revered for her political campaign against the military junta that formerly ruled her homeland (then Burma), has been criticized for a failure to do more to stop the current round of violence.

Government officials in Myanmar consider almost all of Rohingyas to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even those who have lived in the country for generations. Violence involving the Rohingyas has been going on for a long time, but it grew to a crisis last month.

Authorities in Myanmar said a group of Rohingya militants attacked dozens of police posts and an army base on August 25, reputedly in an attempt to retaliate against persecution targeting them.

About 400 people were killed in subsequent clashes, many of which were deliberate attacks by members of Myanmar's security forces, according to members of the Rohingya minority. The government said its forces were engaged in a military counteroffensive against alleged "terrorists" involved in the attacks three weeks ago.

The violence has spurred an exodus among Rohingyas living in Myanmar, a community of about one million people. Nearly 400,000 have fled toward Bangladesh, which borders Rakhine state, where almost all Rohingyas live.

Secretary-General Guterres wrote to the Security Council on September 2, expressing his deep concern about the unfolding crisis in Myanmar and urging the council members to take action. Following a private briefing by the United Nations political chief, the Security Council issued a statement about the Rohingyas' plight. Ethiopian Ambassador Tekeda Alemu, who is presiding over the council this month, said the 15 member nations expressed concern over the violence that occurred during the Myanmar security forces' counteroffensive.

The Security Council members "called for immediate steps to end the violence in Rakhine, de-escalate the situation, re-establish law and order, ensure the protection of civilians, restore normal socio-economic conditions and resolve the refugee problem," the Ethiopian diplomat said.

Alemu said the Security Council noted the Myanmar government's commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to all displaced individuals without discrimination, and called for that commitment to be fulfilled.

The forthcoming General Assembly session is scheduled to review the situation in Myanmar during two special meetings in the coming days and weeks. Many diplomats will attend a session hosted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and chaired by Turkey, and a second, smaller group of foreign ministers will convene at the invitation of their British counterpart.

A spokesman for the Myanmar government, Zaw Htay, confirmed Wednesday that Aung San Suu Kyi will not travel to New York but will remain in Myanmar to deal with the ongoing security situation.

The spokesman said the Nobel laureate, who serves both as Myanmar's foreign minister and as a "special adviser" to the government, would deliver a televised address next week to "speak for national reconciliation and peace." The speech will be seen as her first detailed public comment about the crisis involving the Rohingyas.

Aung San Suu Kyi, who was held under house arrest for years by Burma's former military rulers, has been known as an icon of democracy, but her recent comments have been seen by many as apparent indifference to the plight of her country's minority Muslims. She has dismissed many accounts of the events in Rakhine state as "fake information" designed to promote the interests of "terrorists." That stance has drawn scorn from other governments and human-rights activists, including a number of her fellow Nobel Peace laureates.
U.S. security officials on Wednesday ordered government agencies to get rid of products and services from Kaspersky Lab, a Moscow-based cybersecurity firm.

Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke issued the directive, giving agencies 90 days to comply.

"This action is based on the information security risks presented by the use of Kaspersky products on federal information systems," according to a DHS statement.

The department said the key concerns were ties "between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies."

'Unacceptable risk'

"This is a risk-based decision we need to make," said White House cybersecurity coordinator Robert Joyce, speaking at the Billington CyberSecurity Summit in Washington.

"The company must collaborate with the FSB [Russian intelligence], and so, for us in the government, that was an unacceptable risk," Joyce said.

The U.S. said it would give Kaspersky an opportunity to address its concerns in writing.

Kaspersky has repeatedly denied it helps Russia with espionage efforts. On Tuesday, company founder Eugene Kaspersky took to Twitter to try to calm fears.

"Despite geopolitical turbulence we remain committed to American customers," he said.

The DHS directive came hours after the top U.S. intelligence official warned that Russia has been ramping up the pace of its operations against the United States.

"Russia has clearly assumed an ever more aggressive cyberposture by increasing cyberespionage operations, leaking data stolen from those operations," Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said at the cybersecurity summit.

'Echo chamber'

Coats did not elaborate on the scope or target of Russia's cyberoperations, but warned that a range of enemies were increasingly seeking to weaponize public opinion.

"Adversaries use the internet as an echo chamber in which information, ideas or beliefs get amplified or reinforced through repetition," Coats said. "Their efforts seek to undermine our faith in our institutions or advance violence in the name of identity."

The top U.S. intelligence official also said hackers were increasingly targeting the U.S. defense industry.

"Such intrusions, even if intended for theft and espionage, could inadvertently cause serious if not catastrophic damage, where an adversary looking for small-scale destructive cyberaction against the United Sates could miscalculate," Coats said.

In an unclassified report released in January, top U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Russian President Vladimir Putin waged an unprecedented "influence campaign" in an effort to sway the 2016 U.S. presidential election in favor of then-candidate Donald Trump.

As president, Trump has repeatedly questioned those assessments, suggesting at times it was unclear whether Russia was responsible.

Just last week, however, an internal Facebook investigation found 470 Russian-linked accounts paid for thousands of political ads to appear during last year's presidential campaign.

Facebook said further investigation revealed another 2,200 ads "might have originated in Russia,'' including ads purchased by accounts with IP addresses in the United States but set to Russian in the language preferences.

Other manipulation

Democrat Mark Warner of Virginia, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told a security conference last week that the revelations might just be "the tip of the iceberg," and that Russia also most likely had manipulated messages via other social media platforms, such as Twitter.

Despite the doubts raised by Trump and some of his supporters, former officials have remained steadfast that Russia was responsible for hacking into Democratic National Committee computers in an effort to discredit Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton.

"We personally reviewed every single piece of intelligence that went into that ICA [intelligence community assessment] and spent hours and hours talking to the analysts," said former National Security Agency Deputy Director Richard Ledgett.

"I am as certain of this as I'm as certain as gravity: that the Russian government directed this activity with the intent to influence the election," he said.
The U.S. ambassador to Cambodia has responded forcefully to Prime Minister Hun Sen's accusations the United States is attempting to oust his government, saying the charges are "inaccurate, misleading and baseless."

Ambassador William Heidt's remarks Tuesday came less than two weeks after the Cambodian government's September 3 arrest of opposition leader Kem Sokha, who has been charged with treason for allegedly plotting with the United States to strip power from Hun Sen.

Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge officer who has ruled the southeast Asian country for more than three decades, has intensified his rhetoric against the United States amid a crackdown on opponents and the media before next year's general election.

The Cambodian Daily, an English-language newspaper, was shut down last week by government authorities. More than a dozen radio stations that broadcast dissident voices or programming from U.S. government-funded Radio Free Asia and Voice of America were forced to shut down for allegedly violating regulations.

The U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, announced Tuesday it suspended operations of its RFA news bureau in the capital of Phnom Penh because an "intimidation campaign by Cambodia's government has intensified."

"There has never been a more important time to hold governments accountable for treating press freedom as a human right and a universal priority," Broadcasting Board of Governors CEO John Lansing said in a statement.

"The Cambodian government has only strengthened our resolve to continue to respond to threats and harassment with accurate, factual reporting, analysis, and other vital information," Lansing added.

Lansing condemned the Cambodian government's actions and repeated a call for the government to allow journalists to work in "safe, unfettered conditions." He also called on the government to allow the radio stations to resume broadcasting BBG programming.

Ambassador Heidt demanded the government release Kem Sokah and establish a dialogue between the government and the opposition to "salvage" upcoming elections.

"If Cambodia's elections were held today, no credible international observer would certify them as free, fair and reflecting the will of the Cambodian people," Heidt said.

Hun Sen, one of China's closest regional allies, threatened Monday to dissolve Kem Sokha's Cambodia National Rescue Party if it continued to support him.

Kim Sokha is the only serious challenger to Hun Sen, who could face his toughest fight in next year's elections.

Visas, foreign nationals

The U.S. State Department, meanwhile, stopped issuing visas Wednesday to senior Cambodian foreign ministry officials and their families in response to Cambodia's refusal to take back citizens the U.S. wants to deport.

U.S. law requires foreign nationals who were convicted felons to be deported, including those with permanent resident status, after they have served their prison sentences.

Under a 2002 agreement with the U.S., Cambodia has accepted about 500 deportees. About 1,000 others have not yet been sent back because Cambodia recently stopped accepting them.

Hun Sen said earlier this year he wanted to amend the agreement because it split Cambodian-American families.
A report released Tuesday by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlighted the impact of loss of land and resources to Palestinian economy because of the continued Israeli occupation.

Agricultural output in the Occupied Palestinian Territory decreased by 11 per cent and the sectors gross domestic product (GDP) share fell 0.5 per cent between 2015 and 2016 on the back of sparse utilization of cultivatable land, lack of irrigation and a ban on the import of suitable fertilizers by Israel, notes the report on Assistance to the Palestinian People: Developments in the Economy of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The fact that, today, real GDP per capita in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is at the same level as in 1999 is a clear indication of the human cost and lost economic potential resulting from occupation, UNCTAD said in a news release on the report.

According to the UN agency, economic growth in all sectors is constrained by the loss of land and resources to Israeli settlements and the annexation of land in the West Bank. The situation is exacerbated by restrictions on the import of essential inputs, driving up production costs, depressing investment, and leading to high unemployment and widespread poverty.

This looks set to continue in 2017, it added.

In the news release, UNCTAD also noted that reconstruction activities have been slow, with only half of the $3.5 billion pledged at the 2014 Cairo Conference on Palestine  Reconstructing Gaza, disbursed. Additionally, 84 per cent of total recovery needs remain unmet.

Furthermore, about 80 per cent of Gazas population receive food assistance and other forms of social transfers, half of the population is food insecure and only 10 per cent have access to an improved water supply, noted UNCTAD, highlighting that the regions electricity crisis has left people without power for up to 20 hours per day in early 2017.

This cripples all economic activities and the delivery of vital services, especially health services, water supply and sewage treatment, it noted.

UNCTAD also reported that the Palestinian economy saw a 38 per cent drop in donor support between 2014 and 2016, due in part to the occupation preventing previous aid flows from translating into tangible development gains.
The U.S. military dropped 555 bombs in Afghanistan against Taliban and Islamic State targets in August, the highest number in a single month since 2012.

Overall, the U.S. has conducted about 2,400 airstrikes since the beginning of the year in support of Afghan partners battling the Taliban and IS terrorists, said U.S. Navy Captain Bill Salvin, spokesman for NATOs Resolute Support mission in the country.

About 1,700 of them were strategic effects strikes, Salvin told VOA, explaining "those are strikes that have an impact on the battlefield. They help the forces on the ground, essentially helping the ANDSF (Afghan National Defense Security Forces) take ground, hold ground and take the fight to the enemy."

Salvin said the spike in airstrikes conducted both by F-16 fighter planes and drones was facilitated by increased authority that the former U.S. administration under then-President Barack Obama gave last year to General John Nicholson, commander of international forces. The aim is to deny IS sanctuaries on Afghan soil and enable friendly ground forces to reverse Taliban battlefield gains.

Areas in eastern Nangarhar and in southern Helmand provinces have seen most of the kinetic strikes this year, the spokesman said.

Officials believe Khorasan Province, an Islamic State affiliate, has set up bases in southern districts of Nangarhar while a majority of districts in Helmand, the largest Afghan province and poppy-producing region, are controlled or influenced by the Taliban.

The record increase in U.S. airstrikes comes as President Donald Trump last month unveiled his long-awaited new strategy for the 16-year-old Afghan war, the United States' longest-running foreign military engagement.

The Trump plan requires a modest troop surge and increased foreign airpower for Afghan forces so they could step up operations against the Taliban and IS loyalists, prompting concerns that intensified hostilities may cause more civilian casualties.

The Taliban currently controls or influences more than 40 percent of Afghan territory, hosting a population of up to three million, according to latest U.S. military assessments.

The military uplift that President Trump announced, including increased airpower, has not had a significant direct impact as yet because most of it is in the process of coming into the (war) theater, said Salvin.

He said that most of the additional forces due to arrive in Afghanistan will be part of NATOs train, advise and assist mission, but Salvin declined to discuss their number. U.S. defense officials have cited a figure of at least 3,900 forces likely to be part of the new plan.

Two American airstrikes in the last week of August killed at least 24 civilians and wounded 16 others, almost all of them women and children, according to a United Nations probe. The U.N. has already recorded a 43 percent rise in Afghan civilian casualties from aerial strikes in the first six months of 2017.
The U.S. Congress has approved a joint resolution urging President Donald Trump to speak out against hate groups that support racism, extremism, anti-Semitism and white supremacy.

The House of Representatives passed the resolution Tuesday, a day after the Senate gave its approval. The measure now goes to Trump, who was criticized for his response to violence at a white nationalist rally last month in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Democratic Sen. Mark Warner introduced the resolution along with a bipartisan group of co-sponsors  Democrats Tim Kaine and Richard Blumenthal, and Republicans Cory Gardner, Johnny Isakson and Lisa Murkowski.

The resolution cites an August 11 rally by "hundreds of torch-bearing white nationalists, white supremacists, Klansmen, and neo-Nazis" who chanted racist and anti-Semitic slogans and "violently engaged with counterdemonstrators."

The next day, an alleged neo-Nazi crashed a car into a group of counterprotesters in downtown Charlottesville, killing Heather Heyer and injuring 19 others. Two state police officers also died that day in a helicopter crash while monitoring the protests.

Congress condemned Heyer's killing as a "domestic terror attack."

The resolution says Congress "rejects white nationalism, white supremacy, and neo-Nazism as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values that define the people of the United States."

It calls on the Trump administration to use every tool available to address the growing number of those groups in the country, to investigate all acts of intimidation and domestic terrorism by them, and to prevent future violence.

Trump initially blamed the violence in Charlottesville on "many sides," but a few days later condemned neo-Nazis, white supremacists and the Ku Klux Klan for their role in the unrest. He then returned to saying he thinks there is "blame on both sides."

He has also accused the media of being dishonest in reporting his remarks, telling his supporters at a rally that reporters "dont want to report that I spoke out forcefully against hatred bigotry and violence and strongly condemn the neo-Nazis the white supremacists and the KKK."

Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, was among the lawmakers who expressed their support after the resolution passed Tuesday.

"I hope this bipartisan action will help heal the wounds left in the aftermath of this tragedy and send a clear message to those that seek to divide our country that there is no place for hate and violence," Connolly said.

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer said Trump now has a fresh chance to "make clear that there were not 'many sides' to what happened and that there can be no equivocation when it comes to bigotry and violent racism."



Warner and Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley said Trump should sign the resolution as soon as possible.

Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch wrote on Twitter that he is "pleased to have supported this resolution condemning white supremacy and hate."

Republican Rep. Tom Garrett also tweeted that he is pleased to see the measure pass.
House Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday said that deporting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants brought into the country illegally is "not in our nation's interest," as he and President Donald Trump prepared to huddle with top Democrats to try to hash out a legislative fix.

Speaking in an AP Newsmaker interview, Ryan said he believes the president "made the right call" when he announced that he would give Congress six months to figure out what to do with former President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program before dismantling it. DACA has given nearly 800,000 young people protection from deportation and the right to work legally in the country.

"I wanted him to give us time. I didn't want this to be rescinded on Day One and create chaos," Ryan said, arguing the time would allow Congress to "come up with the right kind of consensus and compromise to fix this problem."

As part of that effort, Ryan will be meeting with the House's top Democrat, Nancy Pelosi, on Wednesday evening, before Pelosi heads to the White House for a dinner with President Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. The leaders were expected to discuss DACA and other issues, according to congressional aides and the White House. Trump is also scheduled to meet with a group of moderate members of Congress from both parties Wednesday afternoon. Trump also had dinner Tuesday night with Republican and Democratic senators to talk about his planned tax overhaul.

The get-togethers come amid new signs that there may be room for compromise on the thorny issue of immigration, which has been vexing lawmakers for years. Trump, who was deeply disappointed by Republicans' failure to pass a health care overhaul, has shown a new willingness to work with Democrats in recent weeks, despite railing against them as "obstructionist."

Last week Trump infuriated many in his party when he reached a three-month agreement with Schumer and Pelosi to raise the debt ceiling, keep the government running and speed relief to states impacted by recent hurricanes. Both Pelosi and a top White House staffer also indicated Tuesday that they were open to a compromise on border security to expedite legislation protecting DACA recipients.

"This was something that the president talked about on the campaign trail, of being a good deal-maker and being able to sit down with members of both sides," said White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders, of Trump's new appetite to working with Democrats. "This isn't new and people listened and heard the president and certainly supported him, and that's why he's here today."

White House legislative director Marc Short said Tuesday that, while the president remained committed to constructing a southern border wall, funding for the wall did not necessarily need to be linked directly to the "Dreamers" issue.

"I don't want us to bind ourselves into a construct that makes reaching a conclusion on DACA impossible," Short said at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast.

Democrats have been adamant that they will not accept the wall in exchange for permanent protections for DACA recipients, but Pelosi indicated Tuesday she would be open to new border security measures of some kind.

"We always want border stuff, so that's not a problem," Pelosi told reporters at the Capitol. Still, she said: "We've been very clear. There is no wall in our DACA future."

Ryan, meanwhile, said he's been having conversations with members to come up with a compromise that is likely to include border security enhancements.

"I do believe that kicking these 800,000 kids out to countries that they've probably not been to since they were toddlers in countries that speak languages they may not even know is not in our nation's interest. So I do believe that there's got to be a solution to this problem. But at the same time, I think it's only reasonable - it makes perfect common sense - that we deal with the problem that was the root cause of this, which is we do not have operational control of our borders," he said, adding: "This is a broken system that needs to be fixed."

Prior to becoming House speaker, Ryan had a long record of pushing for immigration reform, including supporting a path to eventual citizenship for all 11 million immigrants estimated to be living in the U.S. illegally, and particularly those often referred to as "Dreamers." Asked Wednesday, though, Ryan declined to say whether he still believed those covered by DACA should have the opportunity to attain eventual citizenship.
Russia is not backing down in cyberspace, instead ramping up the pace of its operations against the United States, according to the nations top intelligence official.

Russia has clearly assumed an ever more aggressive cyber posture by increasing cyber espionage operations, leaking data stolen from those operations, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said Wednesday.

Coats did not elaborate on the scope or target of Russias cyber operations, but warned a range of enemies is increasingly seeking to weaponize public opinion.

Adversaries use the internet as an echo chamber in which information, ideas or beliefs get amplified or reinforced through repetition, Coats said at the Billington CyberSecurity Summit in Washington. Their efforts seek to undermine our faith in our institutions or advance violence in the name of identity.

The top intelligence official also said hackers are increasingly targeting the U.S. defense industry.

Such intrusions even if intended for theft and espionage, could inadvertently cause serious if not catastrophic damage where an adversary looking for small scale destructive cyber action against the United Sates could miscalculate, Coats said.

In an unclassified report released in January, the top U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Russian President Vladimir Putin waged an unprecedented influence campaign in an effort to sway the 2016 U.S. presidential election in favor of then-candidate Donald Trump.

As U.S. president, Trump has repeatedly questioned those assessments, suggesting at times it was unclear whether Russia was responsible.

As certain as gravity

Just last week, however, an internal Facebook investigation found 470 Russian-linked accounts paid for thousands of political ads to appear during last years presidential election.

Facebook said further investigation also revealed another 2,200 ads "might have originated in Russia,'' including ads purchased by accounts with IP addresses in the United States but set to Russian in the language settings.

All the accounts in question have been suspended.

Democratic lawmaker Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told a security conference last week that the revelations may just be the tip of the iceberg, and that Russia also likely manipulated other social media platforms, such as Twitter and Google.

Despite the doubts raised by Trump and some of his supporters, former officials have remained steadfast that Russia was responsible for hacking the Democratic National Committee in an effort to discredit Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton.

We personally reviewed every single piece of intelligence that went into that ICA [intelligence community assessment] and spent hours and hours talking to the analysts, said former National Security Agency deputy director Richard Ledgett.

I am as certain of this as I'm as certain as gravity, that the Russian government directed this activity with the intent to influence the election.
Two more Americans have been confirmed to be affected by unexplained health attacks against U.S. diplomats in Cuba, the United States said Tuesday, raising the total number of victims to 21.



The additional two individuals appear to be cases that were only recently reported but occurred in the past. The State Department said no new, medically confirmed "incidents'' have taken place since the most recent one in late August. Earlier this month, the U.S. disclosed there had been another incident in August after previously saying the attacks had stopped.



It's possible the number could grow even higher as more cases are discovered. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the U.S. continues to assess American personnel.



The U.S. citizens were members of the American diplomatic community, the U.S. said. Officials have said previously that the incidents, deemed "health attacks'' by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, affected diplomats posted to the Embassy in Havana along with family members who live with them.



The U.S. didn't say how serious the newly disclosed incidents were. But the State Department said it was providing "the best possible medical evaluation and care'' throughout the ordeal, including aid from a medical officer on staff at the embassy.



The union representing American diplomats has said mild traumatic brain injury is among the diagnoses given to some diplomats victimized in the attacks. The American Foreign Service Association has said permanent hearing loss was another diagnosis, and additional symptoms had included brain swelling, severe headaches, loss of balance and "cognitive disruption.''



The evolving U.S. assessment indicated investigators were still far from any thorough understanding of what transpired in the attacks, which started in the fall of 2016. The U.S. has described them as unprecedented.



As the bizarre saga has unfolded, the U.S. has encouraged its diplomats to report any strange physical sensations. So it's unclear whether some symptoms being attributed to the attacks might actually turn out to be unrelated.



Notably, the U.S. has avoided accusing Cuba's government of being behind the attacks. The U.S. did expel two Cuban diplomats, but the State Department emphasized that was in protest of the Cubans' failure to protect the safety of American diplomats while on their soil, not an indication the U.S. felt that Havana masterminded it.



U.S. investigators have been searching to identify a device that could have harmed the health of the diplomats, believed to have been attacked in their homes in Havana, but officials have said no device had been found.
The vice chairman of the controversial government commission President Donald Trump has charged with investigating alleged vote fraud in last year's U.S. elections said Tuesday there is a "high possibility" the panel will complete its work without making any recommendations.

Kris Kobach, a Republican who is the secretary of state in the Midwestern state of Kansas, discussed the commission's work after meetings in Manchester, New Hampshire.

"All the commission is doing is collecting data," Kobach said. "It may make recommendations, or I think at this point there's a high possibility the commission makes no recommendations and they just say, 'Here's the data. States, do with it what you want.'"

Trump formed the commission to support his professed belief that his presidential opponent last year, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, won millions of votes from people who were not authorized to vote, had not properly registered as voters or voted multiple times. The president has never presented any evidence to substantiate his claim, but expected an investigation to corroborate his theory.

The real-estate magnate won the White House in a vote by the Electoral College, the body established under the Constitution that formally selects the U.S. president.The Electoral College vote usually mirrors the outcome of the U.S. popular vote, but not always.

Last year, the final count from the November presidential ballot showed that Democrat Hillary Clinton won nearly three million more votes than Trump - 65,853,516 to 62,984,825.

The president's claims, and his appointed commission, have been widely and repeatedly criticized by many political analysts and experts in the United States - not all of them Democrats.

When the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity was established four months ago, Kobach asked authorities in every U.S. state to turn over complete records of everyone who voted in those jurisdictions, with full personal details - a demand that was immediately rejected by the states, almost unanimously.Complaints and concerns that states used to justify their refusal to cooperate with Kobach's investigators included the threat of computer hacks, and equally widespread concerns about the federal government amassing too much personal information in one database.

Some groups that saw an ideological motive in the Trump commission's work said they suspected it was trying to make voting more difficult in many jurisdictions, and thus to discourage members of racial, ethnic or political minorities from casting their ballots - a process known as voter suppression.

The head of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law said Tuesday her group felt that was clearly the case: The presidential panel "lacked diversity, facts, or actual solutions to support our democracy and combat voting discrimination, that we know prevents racial minorities from voting," Kristen Clarke said.

Members of the American Civil Liberties Union and the civil-rights group the NAACP said they will seek the dissolution of the voter fraud panel for the same reasons, that its alleged aim was voter suppression.

Kobach paused Tuesday's commission meeting in Manchester to explain - and effectively withdraw - allegations he made last week. He contended at the time that New Hampshire's voter-registration process allowed many people from other states to cast ballots last November, and that "appears" to have resulted in the Democratic candidate's victory in a U.S. Senate race.

Since last week, Kobach apparently learned that authorities in New Hampshire, a state long known for political conservatism, had formally agreed that prospective voters could register as New Hampshire residents by presenting documents showing their prior residency in other states - driving licenses, in most cases - as long as they considered their domiciles to be in New Hampshire.

Thousands of college and university students, previously residents of other states, registered to vote in New Hampshire under a state law that explicitly approved presentation of out-of-state driving licenses as certified proof of their identity.

Under the circumstances, Kobach said Tuesday, he might have chosen the wrong word when he said it "appears" unauthorized votes turned the tide of the Senate election last November.
More than 60 percent of the world's nations are expected to meet some of their health targets in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The targets include reducing child and maternal deaths and deaths from malaria. However, fewer than five percent are projected to meet their targets on reducing the number of overweight children, tuberculosis infections and traffic deaths.

The news comes in a report published Wednesday by the British journal The Lancet that analyzed health-related Sustainable Development Goals in 188 countries. The 17 wide-ranging goals spearheaded by the U.N. focus on improving health and education, ending poverty, combating climate change, making cities more sustainable and protecting oceans and forests. They were adopted at a U.N. summit in 2015.

Singapore, Iceland and Sweden were the highest performing countries in the health-related goals. Somalia, Central African Republic and Afghanistan ranked the lowest. Nordic and other European countries plus Australia, Canada, Antigua and Barbuda rank in the top 20. The U.S. ranks 24th.

The report, which was funded by the U.S. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, said the findings should help shape policies in order to address long-standing and emerging health challenges.

Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the Institute of Health Metrics Evaluation and a professor of global health at the University of Washington, was the lead author.

Murray said in The Lancet, "China, Cambodia and many other middle and low-income nations deserve recognition for improving their citizens lives, as evidenced by impressive improvements in under-five mortality, neonatal mortality, vaccine coverage, maternal mortality, and malaria.

The report was prepared ahead of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, beginning in New York later this month.

The authors pointed to policies that set the stage for substantial improvement. For instance, China expanded its health insurance scheme to rural populations and unemployed urban residents in the first years of this century and followed with further reforms in 2009-10; similarly, Cambodias health reforms from 1990 onwards have laid the groundwork toward national health planning.

Having access to health care seems to be key. Between the turn of the century and 2016, a number of countries made notable improvements in achieving universal health care. They included Cambodia, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, Laos, Turkey and China; however, some low-income countries, such as Lesotho and the Central African Republic, as well as high-income countries, such as the U.S., showed minimal gains.

Kazakhstan, Timor-Leste, Angola, Nigeria and Swaziland were projected to have the largest improvements on the overall health-related goals index by 2030.

On the downside, only seven percent of countries were projected to meet the HIV/AIDS target, and no country was projected to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target on tuberculosis.

To reach their conclusions, the study authors measured 37 of 50 health-related indicators from 1990 until 2016 for 188 countries. Then, on the basis of these past trends, they projected health-related progress to 2030. They said understanding both gains and gaps is essential for decision-makers as they aim to improve the health of their populations.
The U.N. refugee agency reports more than 3.5 million refugee children aged five to 17 did not attend school last year to the detriment of their future and the future well-being of society. The UNHCR is calling an education crisis for refugee children.

Children make up half of the 17.2 million refugees around the world and many of them are missing out on a productive future because they do not go to school.

The UNHCR warns neglecting the education of millions of refugee children will undermine the U.N.s Sustainable Development Goals  principally those targeting health, prosperity, equality and peace.

The refugee agency reports 91 percent of the worlds children attend primary school, compared to 61 percent for refugee children. It says that number drops to below 50 percent for refugee children in poor countries.

The agency finds those numbers drop precipitously as refugee children age, especially in the poorer countries. It says far fewer adolescents attend secondary school and enrollment in university is stuck at one percent.

Long-term consequences



UNHCR spokeswoman Cecile Pouilly told VOA denying refugee children access to an education is short-sighted.

There is a clear need for more solidarity and for making sure that people who take refugees in low income countries also have access to education. This is crucial," she said. "We know that these refugee children will one day go back to their home places and rebuild their countries. So, they are the future. If we do not invest in their future, we do not invest in the worlds future.

The UNHCR urges governments to include refugee children in their national education systems.

It also calls for more efforts to ensure refugee children are taught by properly trained and qualified teachers.
Zimbabwe police monitor people who gathered outside the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair to attend the coronation of a new Ndebele king. The police stopped the event saying Zimbabwean statues don't have a provision for a setting up a kingdom. Stanley Raphael Tshuma claims that he is the new king.
South Africa's President Jacob Zuma suffered a setback on Tuesday when a court ruled that the election of a faction loyal to him in his home province two years ago was invalid.

The High Court ruling highlights growing rifts within Zuma's ruling African National Congress (ANC) and could hamper his efforts to ensure his ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma replaces him as party leader and eventually as president.

KwaZulu Natal province, situated on the east coast of South Africa, is the ancestral home of the scandal-prone president and will also command most votes at the ANC's national conference in December, when Zuma will step down as party chief.

Zuma loyalists took control of the province in November 2015 at a party conference after ousting former premier Senzo Mchunu, but he filed a court case against his removal, citing procedural irregularities - an appeal upheld by Tuesday's ruling.

"The eighth KwaZulu Natal provincial elective conference (in November 2015) ... and decisions taken at that conference are declared unlawful and void," Judge Jerome Mnguni ruled.

An ANC provincial official told eNCA television channel the KwaZulu Natal ANC leadership would not leave their posts and would probably appeal against the ruling.

The party's national spokesman, Zizi Kodwa, said the ANC would study the judgment before taking any further steps.

Zuma under pressure



The ruling could further erode Zuma's support base. Zuma, 75, survived a no-confidence vote in South Africa's parliament last month but only after some 30 ANC lawmakers broke ranks and voted with the opposition.

Whoever wins the December contest will lead the ANC, which has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid, into national elections in 2019, when Zuma's tenure as South Africa's president expires.

Tuesday's ruling could hit support for Dlamini-Zuma, a former health and foreign affairs minister, and allow her likely rival, Vice-President Cyril Ramaphosa, a trade unionist-turned-business tycoon, to make gains in the province, analysts said.

"Despite court ruling Dlamini-Zuma still likely to be favored in KwaZulu-Natal ... but the ruling does allow his [Ramaphosa's] campaign to make more inroads in the province," said Darais Jonker, Eurasia Group's director for Africa, in a note.

Neither Dlamini-Zuma, 67, nor Ramaphosa, 64, have yet stated an intention to enter the race to succeed Zuma in December.

Analysts say Zuma's priority is to ensure his chosen candidate succeeds him as party leader so he can complete his presidential term and avoid scrutiny over corruption charges his opponents would like reinstated.

The ANC's flag bearer at the national elections usually becomes the country's president, given the ANC's dominance.

Daniel Silke, a political analyst, said the judgment could increase factionalism in KwaZulu Natal.

"There is now the potential for confusion and disarray within the ANC in the province which could lead to a weakening of Mrs. Zuma's position going forward," Silke said.
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.
A whiff of dystopian creepiness has long wafted in the air whenever facial recognition has come up. Books, movies and television shows have portrayed the technology as mainly a tool of surveillance and social control  aimed by unseen others at you, for their purposes, not your own.

Apple sought to reverse that equation Tuesday with the long-anticipated release of its 10th-anniversary smartphone, the iPhone X. It replaces the fingerprint sensor previous generations used for unlocking a users device with facial recognition technology, while still keeping others from unlocking the phone without the users knowledge.

All users have to do, Apple said at the annual September event dedicated to touting its latest product updates, is look at the iPhone X, which recognizes you as the registered user  even if you are wearing glasses or a hat or are sporting a new beard.

Though not entirely new  several Android smartphones do something similar already  the technology remains novel. Apples embrace of it could mark a tipping point in the adoption of facial recognition technology across new areas of our lives  as we shop or communicate with friends, and, eventually, as we enter buildings or perhaps turn on our vehicles with a glance rather than a twist of the key.

Many forms of surveillance  cellphone location tracking, social media analytics and the CIA's reported ability to remotely activate the microphone on an individual's smart TV  were born of such popular consumer advances. Only later, typically through leaked documents and investigative reports, did it become clear how popular technologies were turned on their users.



Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller speaks at the Tuesday event. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The big danger with facial recognition is that we are targeted everywhere we go and in everything we do, said Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst with the ACLUs Speech, Privacy and Technology Project. The acceptable uses could soften up the terrain for less acceptable uses.

The potential for widely deployed facial recognition systems has particularly concerned privacy experts, who have warned about a future in which our faces and other biometrics are used to track our every movement, our political activity, our religious lives and even our romantic encounters.

Recent research at Stanford, meanwhile, contends that a range of private facts, including an individual's sexual orientation, could be read through sophisticated analyses of facial images with the help of artificial intelligence.

We have only one face, said Clare Garvie, an associate at Georgetown Universitys Center on Privacy & Technology and an author of the Perpetual Line-Up, a 2016 report on facial recognition databases collected by governments. The more comfortable we become with facial recognition, the more complacent we may become.

What Apple introduced Tuesday was a version of facial recognition technology that iPhone X owners are supposed to use on themselves, for their own purposes and only when they want to. They can always type a numeric passcode instead.

[Apple unveils new products, including the $1,000 iPhone X]

Such caveats have earned the company cautious praise from some privacy experts. They noted that the iPhone X will keep its facial analysis data secure on the device rather than transmitting it across the Internet (where it could potentially be intercepted) or collecting it in a database that might allow hackers, spies or law enforcement agencies to gain access to facial records en masse.

The Android devices that use facial recognition also keep the data on the device, although hackers have demonstrated that some of these systems can be tricked by photographs of users  something Apple says cannot happen with the iPhone X.

Many privacy experts also regard facial recognition technology as a relatively simple, safe and reliable way to authenticate the identity of a smartphones owner, helping protect the massive troves of personal data kept on devices and giving the technology a positive privacy impact in the view of some experts.

I dont think we should reflexively reject facial recognition. The question should be, by what means and for whose benefit? said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center. Facial recognition has both good uses and bad uses from a consumer perspective.

Half of U.S. adults already have their images in some federal, state or local facial recognition system through a combination of databases of people who have been arrested or convicted of crimes, along with ledgers of people who hold drivers licenses, passports and visas, the 2016 Georgetown report found.

Privacy experts have fought to curb the expansion of such databases. Some states, for example, have prohibited drivers licenses from being used in facial recognition searches by law enforcement. Experts have also sought to limit how and when the databases are used.

They have additionally sought to raise awareness about the massive commercial databases kept by Facebook and Google, both of which in some circumstances use facial recognition technology to identify people depicted in photos users upload.

Also slowing the spread of the technology has been the daunting technical challenges of accurately analyzing faces in anything less than optimal circumstances. People in low light, wearing hats or glasses, or simply standing at an odd angle from a camera have long challenged facial recognition systems  as have people with darker skin  leading to false positives and negatives when analyses are made.

Apples system appears to solve the technical problems; owners of the iPhone X are supposed to willingly enroll their faces from arms length, turning their heads so facial contours are captured more fully. Opening the device later takes only a brief glance.

[First impressions of the iPhone X]

The facial recognition system, dubbed the TrueDepth camera system, includes a front-facing camera, a proximity sensor, an infrared camera and a dot projector that beams more than 30,000 invisible infrared dots onto a users face to take measurements. The device then combines all the available data to create what Philip W. Schiller, Apples senior vice president of worldwide marketing, called a mathematical model of your face.

The chance that a random person in the population could look at your iPhone X and unlock it with their face is about one in a million, Schiller said, presenting the new device at Apples glitzy new Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, Calif.

There also is the question, hotly litigated in recent years, about what power law enforcement agencies have to gain access to data in devices. The Supreme Court ruled in 2014 that authorities must have a search warrant to seize and attempt to examine a smartphone.

It would take a separate court order to require a devices owner to unlock it for police, said Nate Cardozo, a senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a civil liberties group based in San Francisco.

Cardozo expressed less concern than some others that the introduction of facial recognition for device security will erode resistance to other uses of the technology. People seem to understand that on a gut level when they use biometrics for their own purposes. Thats very different than being part of a database that can be used against them.

Hamza Shaban contributed to this report.


Author George Saunders is one of three Americans nominated for Britains most prestigious literary award. (David Crosby)

Nothing shatters the mystique of the floating city like seeing a McDonalds in Venice. But such deflating sights have been the norm for years. American colonization of the worlds economy is complete. This summer in Madrids Puerta del Sol, we listened to music under a sun-blocking billboard for Netflixs Glow.

That disorienting moment came back to me Wednesday morning when I read the list of finalists for the Man Booker Prize. For the first time, half of the six nominees for Britain's most prestigious literary award are Americans:

4321, by Paul Auster (U.S.)

History of Wolves, by Emily Fridlund (U.S.)

Lincoln in the Bardo, by George Saunders (U.S.)

Exit West, by Mohsin Hamid (U.K.-Pakistan)

Elmet by Fiona Mozley (U.K.)

Autumn, by Ali Smith (U.K.)

Its not that American novelists are suddenly writing better books. No, this U.S. invasion is the result of a controversial adjustment to the prizes eligibility rules. In 2014, the Booker judges opened their doors to include anyone writing a novel in English. (The prize had previously been limited to novels by authors in the Commonwealth, including Ireland, South Africa and Zimbabwe.) After that change, two Americans immediately made the shortlist. The next year, Marlon James, a Jamaican writer living in Minnesota, won the prize. In 2016, the American writer Paul Beatty won. This year, an American has a 50/50 chance of being the winner.

[Lincoln in the Bardo arises from a tragic footnote in American history]

Some British writers, notably Booker winner A.S. Byatt, have complained about the way this change in the rules dilutes the prizes identity and creates an impossible task for the judges. With no criteria except written in English, the Booker Prize sinks into an ocean of titles that no panel of readers can credibly survey. But thats a problem for the Brits to worry about.



The author Ali Smith. (Christian Sinibaldi)

As Americans, we should be more concerned about the loss of cultural diversity, about the closure of yet another avenue for us to experience something beyond our own ever-expanding borders. Its no criticism to say that this years finalists by Auster, Fridlund and Saunders are all distinctly American novels. But for any serious reader of fiction in this country, the Americanization of the Booker Prize is a lost opportunity to learn about great books that havent already been widely heralded.

[Paul Austers 4321 offers four parallel versions of one life]

As flattering as it is for our nations novelists to be invited into the U.K.s literary arena, Americans dont need any encouragement to trumpet their own books. As a nation, were already depressingly xenophobic when it comes to our reading choices. While bookstores all over the world carry books by Americans, bookstores in the U.S. usually reserve a tiny, dusty shelf called books in translation. (So strong is this bias against non-American writers that a New York publisher once told me that she planned to omit Canadian from an authors bio on the jacket flap.)

And besides, American novelists already have prestigious awards reserved just for them, including the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction and the National Book Awards. Opening the Booker up to any work of fiction written in English comes perilously close to creating another bloated monster like the Nobel Prize in literature, an award with such broad standards that it stands for nothing at all.

But literary prizes are conflicted organizations. They want to promote literary excellence, of course, but they also want to promote themselves. In a universe of ever-escalating awards and ever-diminishing attention, every prize is fighting for recognition. What better way to garner more press in the United States than to sprinkle some beloved American names among the finalists.

But thats a competition with diminishing returns. The Brits need to admit that they made a mistake in 2014. In an effort to broaden the appeal of their most august literary prize, they invited in Americans, who, predictably have taken over. For the good of the Commonwealth  and the United States  the Booker Prize administrators need to stage a literary Brexit.

Ron Charles is the editor of Book World.
Ours is a great age for classical translation. Just in the past dozen years, Virgil's "Aeneid" has been tackled by Robert Fagles, Stanley Lombardo, Frederick Ahl, Sarah Ruden and, now, David Ferry, who previously gave us the best modern English version of Horace's odes . Being the work of an award-winning poet, Ferry's "Aeneid" can be read with excitement and pleasure  but so can all those other translations. What really matters is to read at least one of them.

Born in 70 BCE, Publius Vergilius Maro, commonly known as Virgil, was the greatest of all Roman poets. After a childhood spent in provincial Mantua, he was educated in Milan and Naples, as we would now call them, and finally arrived in Rome around the time Lucretius brought out his cosmological masterwork, On the Nature of Things, and Catullus published his overheated love poems. Virgils genius was quickly recognized and his later career, as well as that of his friend Horace, was partly fostered by the proverbially rich Maecenas, an ardent patron of the arts.

According to early biographies, the poet was tall, shy and of a philosophical temperament. The unreliable Suetonius adds that he very often suffered from stomach and throat troubles, as well as with headache; and . . . ate and drank but little. He was especially given to passions for boys, and his special favorites were Cebes and Alexander, whom he calls Alexis in the second poem of his Bucolics.

Whether Virgil really was gay remains open to question.

There is no doubt, however, about his literary perfectionism. After his first two collections of pastoral poetry  Bucolics (also known as Eclogues) and Georgics  Virgil spent a dozen years working on The Aeneid, his epic account of the Trojan hero Aeneas and the legendary prehistory of Rome. Planning to devote a further three years to polishing his Homeric magnum opus, the unfortunate poet instead fell mortally ill in 19 BCE and ordered his friends to destroy the manuscript. The Emperor Augustus himself countermanded this deathbed wish. Virgils self-composed epitaph was laconically modest: Cecini pascua, rura, duces  I sang of pastures, farms and commanders.

For the next 1,800 years, The Aeneid was generally viewed as the preeminent masterpiece of the Western literary tradition. Its famous opening words, Arma virumque cano  Ferry translates them straightforwardly as I sing of arms and the man  can be found scribbled as graffiti at Pompeii. An awed Dante follows the arch-poet through Hell and Purgatory. In essence, wherever Latin was studied, Virgils poetry was revered. An English Aeneid first appeared in a 16th-century Scottish version by Gavin Douglas  highly praised by Ezra Pound  and was followed in the 17th century by John Drydens classic rendering in heroic couplets.

In the 18th century  the so-called Augustan age of English literature  Virgil was, if anything, even more deeply cherished. Back in the Middle Ages, his Fourth Eclogue had been thought to predict the birth of Christ; by the time of Pope, Johnson and other neoclassicists, The Aeneid was practically a sacred text, a majestic argument for self-discipline, religious obedience and sacrifice. After all, its hero was always described as pius, a multivalent adjective that blended pious, dutiful and loyal.

However, for the Romantics of the next generation, and for readers ever since, that characterization sounded priggish  or worse. Wasnt pius Aeneas a cad to abandon his lover Dido, the queen of Carthage? Wasnt he a brute to slay his enemy Turnus when the man was pitifully pleading for his life? Yeats mischievously claimed that a disbelieving Irish sailor once groused, Aaach, a hero, him a hero? Bigob, I tought he waz a priest. Then, too, didnt The Aeneid fundamentally glorify Roman imperialism as well as suck up to the Emperor Augustus in particular? Even from an aesthetic viewpoint, the epics Iliad-like second half lacks the variety and excitement of the first, aside from the thrilling battlefield exploits of the female warrior Camilla.

Yet despite numerous cavils, The Aeneid still fuels modern imaginations. Bernard Shaw named his witty play about the false romanticization of war Arms and the Man. Hermann Broch produced one of modern fictions most challenging classics in The Death of Virgil. Ursula K. Le Guins last major novel, Lavinia, focused on the Italian princess that Aeneas eventually weds. And just before his death, Seamus Heaney finished a translation of Aeneass eerie visit to the Underworld. As the prophetic Sybil memorably points out, Facilis descensus Averno  the descent into Hell is easy. Whats hard is getting out.

Read today, The Aeneid often looks all too contemporary. Consider its basic premise: Fleeing a burning, ravaged city in Asia Minor, a group of displaced exiles set sails in desperate search of a new homeland. Instead of welcome, they encounter distrust and hatred. In this light, the poem becomes a tale of human endurance, of hope against hope, as well as a reminder of the fragility of civilization and the paramount need for compassion, forgiveness and reconciliation. Ferry stresses this interpretation in his preface, where he quotes a passage from Book 11:

Aurora rose, spreading her pitying light

And with it bringing back to sight the labors

Of sad mortality, what men have done,

And what has been done to them; and what they must do

To mourn.

This is beautifully said, and yet its only one possible approach to these lines. Compare, for instance, Allen Mandelbaums mid 20th-century version:

Meanwhile Aurora showed her gracious light

to miserable mortals, bringing back

their work and tasks.

Ferry seems more poetic but also wordier.

How does Robert Fitzgerald render the Latin? Or Lombardo or Ruden? For a classic as rich, as inexhaustible as The Aeneid, no single translation, however fine, can ever be enough.

Michael Dirda reviews books every Thursday for The Washington Post.
Inmates walk past a window of the State Correctional Institution barber school in Somerset, Pa., which prison officials consider one of the Department of Corrections most successful vocational programs, on Aug. 7. (Anna Spoerre/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via Associated Press)

President Trumps son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, will convene a roundtable Thursday at the White House to gather recommendations for improving mentoring and job training in federal prisons, a departure from the administrations focus on more punitive crime-fighting measures.

A bipartisan group of about two dozen elected officials, religious leaders and business leaders were invited to the first major criminal justice-related event held by the Kushner-led Office of American Innovation, which in recent months has brought together technology executives to search for ways to make government more efficient.

Kushners interest in corrections policy is personal: His father, Charles Kushner, a real estate executive, was sentenced in 2005 to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion. Jared Kushner has said the experience gave him a glimpse of the challenges inmates and their families face in and outside of prison.

There is a lot of agreement from the left and the center and the right that once a person has committed a crime we should make sure we give them the best opportunities to try to live a productive life after serving their time, Kushner told The Washington Post in a telephone interview. Were not looking to train better criminals.

The event, which had not been officially announced as of Wednesday morning, comes after a months-long push by Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions for more aggressive prosecution of drug offenders and illegal immigrants. In May, Sessions jettisoned an Obama administration policy that instructed federal prosecutors to avoid charging low-level criminals with drug offenses that would trigger severe mandatory-minimum sentences, a shift projected to boost the prison population.

Those efforts are at odds with a growing consensus that the mandatory-minimum sentences that proliferated during the war on drugs fueled crowded, costly prisons that unduly burden taxpayers and do not improve public safety. A number of states, including several led by Republicans, are curbing their inmate populations and even closing prisons by reducing mandatory-minimum sentences and expanding parole and probation.

Kushners private discussions in recent months with members of Congress and outside groups have included sentencing reform, according to participants, but Thursdays meeting is more narrowly focused on preparing inmates to reenter society. Neither Sessions nor his newly appointed Bureau of Prisons director, retired Army Gen. Mark S. Inch, will attend, although some Justice Department officials are expected to participate.

Criminal justice advocates invited to the roundtable said the gathering is a positive first step, and they called for expanding drug and mental health treatment, vocational training, mentoring programs and placement in halfway houses.

Regardless of what you think about who goes to prison or how long they need to be there, most people come out eventually, so lets make sure they are better off than when they came in, said Mark Holden, general counsel for Koch Industries, a leading conservative proponent of reducing incarceration levels. Of course I want to see the dialogue on criminal justice issues continue and looked at comprehensively. We need a holistic solution.

The federal prison population is expected to grow by 2 percent over the coming year, rising by 4,171 inmates, to a total of 191,493, and reversing the downward trend of the past four years, according to the Trump administrations proposed budget. Yet the proposal calls for a 14 percent reduction in federal prison jobs, including 1,850 fewer corrections officers. Many of those positions are vacant.

The Justice Department is seeking $10 million to cover the costs of food, health care, transportation and programs for the additional inmates, but its unclear how much money would be allocated to education and vocational training.

The federal prison system is in dire need of reform, so progress there would be welcome, said Kevin Ring, president of the advocacy group Families Against Mandatory Minimums, who is not attending. But you cant say youre going to improve prison programming without more funding or a much more coordinated effort between prisons and universities and businesses.

In fact, the administration scuttled some initiatives begun by the Obama administration, estimated to cost $1 million to $1.5 million annually, to help former inmates become productive citizens. Late last year, the Justice Department created what it called a school district for federal prisoners, raised standards for private halfway houses, and agreed to pay for copies of birth certificates and state ID cards often required for employment and housing. A spokesman for the Bureau of Prisons, Justin Long, said these efforts were largely discontinued because of the costs.

Asked about federal funding, Kushner said, Were not at a place where we are prescribing solutions. Were bringing people together and generating ideas. If prisoner reentry programs are successfully executed, its usually a good investment.

A request for recommendations from participants before the conference said, While suggestions for the investment of Federal resources are appreciated, please also be sure to highlight opportunities that do not require Federal funding.

On Capitol Hill, Rep. Douglas A. Collins (R-Ga.) has introduced a bill that would require federal prisons to assess inmates needs and offer rehabilitation programs. Co-sponsored by House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), the measure requests $250 million over the next five years for prison education programs.

Among the elected officials slated to participate in Thursdays program are Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Republican Govs. Matt Bevin of Kentucky and Sam Brownback of Kansas.

Sari Horwitz contributed to this report.


The yard bird at Marcus is presented intact, then removed for carving and returned. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

Of all the celebrity-stamped restaurants at MGM National Harbor, the one vying most for your attention is Marcus, as in chef Marcus Samuelsson. Born in Ethiopia, raised in Sweden and showered with praise during his tenure at Aquavit, the acclaimed Scandinavian restaurant in New York, Samuelsson is behind the only brand within the casino extravaganza to serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service. The design is forward, too. What looks like a porch out front lets customers pretend theyre dining alfresco, and just inside the entrance hangs evidence of Samuelssons sartorial taste, a collection of jackets, hats and more hung by the fashion plate himself.

[Chefs say a dishwasher can make or break a restaurant. So I signed up for a shift.]

From its name alone, Fish by Jose Andres pretty much tells you what the Spanish chef is selling before you sit down. Same for Voltaggio Brothers Steak House nearby. Marcus, which made its debut with those and other eateries in December, encourages you to come in, have a drink, study the menu.

Deviled eggs, chicken soup, short ribs: The food sounds familiar, and the sight of an order of whole golden chicken making its way from the open kitchen to a nearby table has you mentally licking your lips. When a group of us subsequently order it, we discover a yard bird (chicken, in old Harlem) that tastes as rich as it looks. Presented intact, with a plume of singed rosemary, the brined, fried chicken is whisked away and carved in the kitchen. The slices are returned on a wooden board crowded with hot sauce, house-made pickles, fluffy biscuits and tangy collards  enough food and sufficient care to fuel a family reunion.



The decor includes some of the chefs own clothes ... (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

... plus tribal tapestries and African-inspired artwork. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

The $70 feast turns out to be a highlight on a list riddled with disappointments and in a restaurant where service can be a crapshoot.

I applaud Samuelssons intentions. Ask a lot of chefs from out of town what lured them to Washington, and the response is some variation on the areas energy. Samuelsson, an author and TV personality whose portfolio includes Red Rooster in Harlem, doesnt discount that, but he says job creation in Prince Georges County and bringing a diverse group of people together also appealed to him. To that end, Samuelsson recruited a fellow Swede, executive chef Carl-Bastian Giesecke, who knows of large playgrounds, having helped open the Wynn Las Vegas in 2005. The interior layers Africa on America in a brasserie that incorporates tribal tapestries, zebralike stripes on the bar, an open kitchen and coffered ceilings. Its a popping look, but a warm one.

[A waiter spills beer on them  and expects them to pay for it]

The menu is written to bond with locals. Wild Go Go chicken wings are not especially racy. They do, however, elicit a smile when theyre followed by hot scented towels for cleaning up. Its unclear what makes a couple of crab cakes Bowie, but I like the dominance of jumbo lump crab and the thimble of creamy potato salad riding shotgun. Aunt Mables corn bread is free for the first loaf, $5 for another. Odds are, you are unlikely to pay for what can be gummy and sweet.



Catfish with rice, crab and a coconut sauce. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

The food Im most drawn to at Marcus tends to slip in some tropical hits and African notes. Sauteed catfish rests on rice thats swollen with a zesty sauce thickened with shaved coconut. The dish hints of berbere, the Ethiopian spice blend of chile peppers, garlic, ginger and other tongue teasers. Morsels of crab sweeten the picture. Catfish also makes it into a sandwich, spiked with jerk aioli, that would be more appealing without the institutional french fries as its neighbor.

I can only hope Grandmas bland beef meatballs and dense, ear-shaped pasta got lost in translation, because the sorry plate does not make a diner think fondly of maternal figures or Scandinavia. Chicken soup is a head-scratcher, too. The murky broth, which supports an egg and pasta as well as a few stray chicken shreds, tastes mostly of pepper.

[The latest trend I loathe in restaurants: No space between tables]

Dishes designed for sharing, like the whole fried chicken, tend to offer the most rewards. Obamas short ribs  a block party gathering tender and winy beef, roasted squash rings and potatoes mashed with blue cheese  reference the main dish Samuelsson served the 44th president at a Harlem fundraiser in 2011.

The signature vegetarian entree makes a steak out of a thick slice of red cabbage, grilled so that the edges take on the char and crust of cooked beef. The slab sits on a crimson sauce of beet juice and wine and is topped with tofu pureed with herbs and farro tossed with pickled mushrooms. One more ingredient would send the entree over the top; as is, the show is good for a few bites. (Hey, its a LOT of burned cabbage for one person.)



Obamas short ribs are named for a dish the chef made for the former president. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

Servers who dont write down orders give me pause. I held my breath the night a waiter surveyed six of us for dinner, yet he managed to nail every request, including a changed drink. By the end of the night, I wanted to ask the guy to join us for dinner. Sadly, his bravura performance  there as needed, personable but never intrusive  is not standard operating procedure at Marcus.

Just as good waiters can help smooth over a poor performance from the kitchen, lesser ones tend to reinforce mistakes on the plate.

The server who interrupted everyone, individually, with How do you like it? before we even took a bite of food? She didnt make me think better of the crab gratin, pleasantly creamy but missing any suggestion of its advertised lemon grass and ginger.

Her colleague who inserted himself into so many conversations I contemplated asking for a restraining order? He didnt endear me to the banana cheesecake, a barge embedded with vanilla wafers, served with a vague rum syrup and robed in white chocolate the color of a canary. Chunks of peel-on (!) bruleed banana sank any chance the dessert had of

being explored for more than a

bite.

Notes to staff: When you pour wine for a guests approval, give them more than a droplet and aim for the glass, not the table. Also, diners appreciate seats that have been swept of crumbs before they sit down. A banquette should not feel like a day at the beach.

Marcus has a few things in its favor. But the odds are better down the hall.

More from Food:

Chefs say a dishwasher can make or break a restaurant. So I signed up for a shift.

A waiter spills beer on them  and expects them to pay for it

The latest trend I loathe in restaurants: No space between tables

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The lights in the movie theater hadnt yet dimmed when Frederick County Sheriffs Deputy Richard Rochford walked in and saw Robert Ethan Saylor, a 26-year-old man with Down syndrome, sitting in his seat, looking straight ahead.

He was not disturbing anyone, Rochford acknowledged in a deposition that captures his account of that night.

A theater manager had told Rochford, who was working part-time as a security guard, that Saylor, of New Market, Md., had already seen the movie and hadnt bought a ticket for a second showing. Rochford said he decided to try to reason with Saylor to leave, but Saylor ignored him and cursed at him.

Rochford then threatened to arrest him.

 Look, you know its time to go. If you refuse to leave, you can be, you know, arrested and charged with trespassing, you can be banned from the property,  Rochford recalled saying in the deposition, which was filed as part of a lawsuit. Im explaining to him the ramifications for not leaving. Again, you know, he said, at some point in time, F--- you, I work for the CIA, you can leave now, Im done, you know, Im done talking to you. 



Ethan Saylor is seen here in this undated family photo. Saylor, a man with Down syndrome, died at the hands of off-duty Frederick County deputies. His death was ruled a homicide. (Family Photo)

Rochfords statements, along with those of two other off-duty deputies who forced Saylor from the theater that night, provide insight into the moments that led up to his death in January 2013. The incident prompted a public outcry and changed how Maryland trains law enforcement officers.

The accounts from the deputies, who have not discussed the incident publicly, speak to whats at stake as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, in Richmond, considers whether the three men deserve qualified immunity, which protects officers from civil liability if they havent violated clearly established constitutional rights.

The court heard arguments Wednesday. A decision could take months.

The proceedings come after the deputies  Sgt. Rochford, Lt. Scott Jewell and Deputy 1st Class James Harris  appealed a September 2016 decision by a federal judge in Maryland, who denied their motion to dismiss a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Saylor's parents. The suit claims that the deputies used excessive force.

[Questions haunt family of man with Down syndrome]

Saylor's mother, Patti Saylor, said she considers the latest proceedings just another legal delay toward a trial that will allow a jury to hear what happened when the deputies encountered her son. An internal affairs investigation determined that the three committed no wrongdoing, and a county grand jury cleared them of criminal charges.

They need to be held accountable for what they did, Patti Saylor said. They had other options available to them and didnt use them. The options they chose killed him.

As the deputies forced Saylor from the theater and handcuffed him, several moviegoers heard him screaming for his mother and then go silent, according to witness statements. During a struggle with the deputies, Saylor lost consciousness, and his death was later ruled a homicide, with the cause listed as asphyxia. The medical examiner found that his larynx had been fractured.

Saylor, who went by his middle name, had gone to the movie that night to see Zero Dark Thirty with his aide, Mary Crosby. He applauded after the first showing, she told authorities. She was getting the car when he slipped back into the theater and sat in his usual place, the first seat in the first row on the upper level.

Crosby, in statements to authorities, said she told the manager and Rochford that Saylor didnt like to be touched and would curse at them if they approached him. She asked them to wait him out.

 Better get the boys. Were going to have some trouble tonight,  Crosby, in her deposition, recalled Rochford saying. Not long after, she said, she heard screaming coming from the theater and then,  Ouch. That hurts. Get off. Mom. 

Witnesses described seeing all three deputies pull Saylor from his seat as he resisted and, at one point, stumble to the ground.

Jewell in his deposition said that while Saylor was on the ground, he and the other deputies used three sets of handcuffs, daisy chained together, to restrain the man, who was 5-foot-6 and weighed nearly 300 pounds. The instant the handcuffs were on, he said, Saylor stopped struggling.

His skin had turned a grayish color, Harris said in his deposition. I checked the pulse on his neck with these two fingers. I couldnt find a pulse, so I went to his wrist and still no pulse.

Rochford called for an ambulance and did chest compressions until Saylor began rhythmically snoring, he recalled. The deputy later rode in the ambulance with Saylor and was described in another officers report as visibly shaken.

Patti Saylor said she does not doubt that.

He should have been shaken, she said. At that instant, he knew that something horrible had happened and he was a part of it.

Ethan Saylor was fascinated with law enforcement and would sometimes call 911 just to ask a question. Before his death, his mother took cookies to the sheriff's office in thanks for unnecessary trips made to her house. As a result of Saylor's death, Maryland changed how it trains law enforcement officers. They are now taught in the academy how best to interact with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and a program created in Saylor's memory teaches people with disabilities to participate in law enforcement training.

I hope the world at large is left with a truthful picture of who Ethan was and that people understand he didnt deserve to die this way, Patti Saylor said. Law enforcement officers need to have an understanding that there are people who are unable to comply with direct commands, and they arent criminals.

[Frederick County deputies learn to interact with people with disabilities]

The familys attorney, Joseph B. Espo, said he feels strongly about the strength of the lawsuits claims.

We think the trial judge got it right that the law is clearly established that this level of force, given the circumstances of the case, was excessive, he said.

If the court grants the deputies qualified immunity for the constitutional claim, Espo said, the case will still go forward on the claims of gross negligence and battery, which are covered by state law. U.S. District Judge William M. Nickerson in his earlier ruling also determined that there was enough evidence to support claims against the state and Hill Management Services, which manages the Frederick-area shopping center where the theater is located.

The deputies attorney, Daniel Karp, did not return calls for comment.

A court document stating the deputies position on the excessive-force charge reads: Mr. Saylors death at 26 years old is a tragedy. However, there is no dispute as to the material facts, and under the undisputed material facts, no reasonable jury could find that the appropriate force used by the Deputies was objectively unreasonable.

In their statements, all three deputies said they recognized that Saylor appeared to have Down syndrome.

Knowing that, well, at least believing that there is a person with developmental disabilities who you are dealing with and given the nature of any offense he might have been arrested for, did it ever occur to you to say to your subordinates, This just isnt worth it, lets stop?  Jewell, the highest-ranking deputy, was asked during his deposition.

No, he said.

What did you understand, if, if you had an understanding, of what . . . offense Mr. Saylor was being arrested for?

Theft, he said.
The Washington suburb of College Park, Md., on Tuesday became the largest U.S. city to allow noncitizens to cast ballots in municipal elections after a divided City Council vote that reflected the nations heated and emotional debate over illegal immigration.

Unlike most other states, Maryland allows towns and cities to decide for themselves who can vote in local elections. In recent years, Hyattsville, Mount Rainier, Takoma Park and several smaller towns have extended that privilege to noncitizens. College Park, home to about 32,000 and the University of Maryland's flagship campus, will join them starting in 2019.

The decision to allow undocumented immigrants, student visa holders and residents with green cards to vote comes eight months into a crackdown on illegal immigration by President Trump and one week after his administration said it will wind down a deportation-relief program for young immigrants brought here as children. Council members and activists who supported the measure said it would send a message that College Park is a welcoming community for all residents, regardless of legal status.

Even if it werent for the national context, it would be important for us to vote in support of noncitizens voting, said former mayor Andrew Fellows, one of 30 people to speak during the four-hour meeting. We . . . should experiment in inclusivity wherever we possibly can.

On both sides tension flared, with some in the audience booing speakers and the mayor at one point declaring that there was not a competition to see who could clap the loudest.

I came here to have a civil discourse, and I was called a Nazi, said Rick Hudson, who opposed allowing noncitizens to vote and said the slur was directed at him while he waited in line to speak. People are afraid to speak one way or another on this issue.

Emily Weant, who has lived in College Park since 2013, said allowing noncitizens to vote is a slap in the face to citizens, especially Latino immigrants who have earned their citizenship.

Some council members said they thought that not enough time had been devoted to discussing the charter amendment, which was introduced June 13 and has been passionately debated for much of the summer.

The eight-member council, which postponed its initial vote Aug. 8, deadlocked Tuesday night on two proposed amendments: whether to let city residents help make the decision, either through a ballot referendum or a committee of residents that would discuss the issue; and whether to limit voting rights to noncitizens who have green cards.

Mayor Patrick Wojahn cast the tiebreaking vote against both motions, which were introduced by council member Fazlul Kabir, himself a naturalized citizen.

Postponing [a vote] at this point will only increase tension, will only increase the fervor, Wojahn said. To me, expanding access to the right to vote in our city is something that expands our community voice, not something that contracts it.

The measure allowing noncitizens to vote then passed 4 to 3, with Kabir abstaining.

Kabir said he sees both sides of the issue and does not believe that residents who oppose expanding voting rights are racist or xenophobic.

I have been serving them for many years now, and I know they are not that type of people, he said, choking up.

Only a handful of jurisdictions outside Maryland have taken steps to allow noncitizens to vote, according to Ron Hayduk, an associate professor of political science at San Francisco State University and an expert on noncitizen voting laws.

San Francisco voters approved a referendum in November to allow noncitizens with children in public schools to vote in school board elections. Chicago has allowed noncitizens to vote in school board elections since 1989.

In Massachusetts, Amherst, Cambridge, Newton and Brookline have passed laws that would allow legal permanent residents to vote but cannot put them into effect unless the state passes its own legislation.

Despite the passion on both sides, the impact of expanding voting rights to noncitizens has been minimal. In Hyattsville, 33 city-only voters registered for local elections in May  the first since the amendment passed in December  and 12 actually voted, according to a letter signed by several advocacy groups. In Mount Rainier, 20 noncitizens registered to vote.

The College Park city clerk will keep a list of registered voters separate from the one maintained by the Prince Georges County Board of Elections for county, state and federal contests.

To vote in city elections, noncitizens must be College Park residents, at least 18 by the date of the next city election and not registered to vote elsewhere. They are ineligible if they are in prison for a felony, unable to communicate a desire to vote or have been convicted of buying or selling votes.

About 20 percent of the city's 32,275 residents are foreign-born, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The University of Maryland campus, with more than 27,000 undergraduates, has about 3,600 international students.

Council members Christine Nagle, Monroe Dennis, Stephanie Stullich and P.J. Brennan voted for the amendment. Council members Mary Cook, Dustyn Kujawa and Robert Day voted against it.
Modern mothers, whether they be human or mouse, might be forgiven for envying marsupial mamas. Rather than enduring a long pregnancy and the birth of a relatively well-developed  and comparatively large  baby, kangaroos, wallabies and their ilk blithely pop out offspring after pregnancies measured in days rather than months.

These tiny, almost formless creatures then make their own intrepid way up to the mothers pouch to nestle politely and nurse for sometimes as long as a year.

For decades, researchers assumed that this premature eviction from the womb left little or no role for the placenta, which in most mammals tightly links the physiological processes of the mother and the fetus to support the fetuss many stages of development. These mammals are called eutherian mammals to distinguish them from the evolutionarily distant marsupials. In the past decade or so, however, it has become apparent that marsupials do sport their own, rudimentary version of this important organ.

Now researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of Melbourne in Australia have collaborated to learn that marsupials have evolved a clever trick to support their need for a shortened pregnancy and a long lactation period. In short, female marsupials express genes important for fetal development that are normally found in the later stages of the eutherian placenta in their mammary glands instead  a kind of handoff of the developmental baton from womb to milk that suits their unique, savanna-hopping lifestyle.

This research basically shows that the placenta, while really different-looking in the marsupial, has many of the functions of the eutherian, said Julie Baker, PhD, professor of genetics at Stanford. Each animal has come up with their own unique strategies for delivering the functions of the placenta that takes into account where they live, how many offspring they have and what they eat, for example. But the actual function is very well-conserved.

Baker shares senior authorship of the study, which was published online Sept. 12 in eLife, with Marilyn Renfree, PhD, a professor of zoology at the University of Melbourne. The lead author is Stanford graduate student Michael Guernsey.

A little wallaby

Guernsey and Baker studied the placenta of the tammar wallaby, which is native to Australia. To the marsupially naive, it resembles a tiny kangaroo. Males weigh no more than 20 pounds and stand about 18 inches high. It forages hoppily by night. The tammar wallaby has a pregnancy that lasts a mere 26.5 days, after which the young climb into the pouch and nurse for the next 300 to 350 days as they complete their development.

The wallabys placenta is deceptively simple.
Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.) on Wednesday said Terry Lierman, a longtime Maryland Democrat and treasurer of former governor Martin OMalleys presidential campaign, will step back into national politics as a co-chair of Delaneys bid for the White House.

Last month Delaney said he would not seek reelection to Congress and instead will seek the Democratic nomination for president; he is the first declared candidate for the 2020 contest.

Were going to run an aggressive campaign thats on the ground early making the case that its time to leave the tired battles of the past behind and start focusing on the future, Delaney said in a statement.

Lierman was chief of staff to House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) when Hoyer was majority leader.

The last election has proven to all that elections have consequences! Congressman John Delaney is the candidate that is not the same old same old  rather he is a mix of new ideas, principles and caring, Lierman said.

Delaney has traveled to the early primary and caucus states of New Hampshire and Iowa and plans to campaign next week in Iowa, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Maryland environmental advocates want utilities to buy more of their electricity from renewable sources such as offshore wind. (Michael Dwyer/Associated Press)

Environmental advocates are pushing for Maryland to require state utilities to buy half of their electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar, a target four other states and the District already have signed into law.

Del. C. William Frick (D-Montgomery), who sits on the House Economic Matters Committee, said he will sponsor legislation next year to reach the 50 percent level by 2030, and advocates say they are working to identify a potential sponsor in the Senate Finance Committee.

But lawmakers say it seems unlikely such an ambitious plan would be approved in 2018, when every member of the General Assembly will be up for reelection.

The Democratic-majority legislature voted earlier this year to boost the states renewable-energy requirement from 20 percent as of 2022 to 25 percent by 2020.

Gov. Larry Hogan (R) vetoed the measure, saying the change would increase electricity rates for taxpayers, but lawmakers overrode the veto.

Taxes are a big, hot topic for people, said Senate Finance Committee Chair Thomas M. Middleton (D-Charles), explaining why he thinks lawmakers would be reluctant to approve an even stricter standard, especially if Hogan and others say it would cause rates to go up. I doubt very seriously that this would pass.

Advocates, led by the Maryland Climate Action Network and Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Initiative, say their campaign is especially important in light of President Trump's promise to bolster the coal industry, his decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, his administration's review of Obama-era emissions targets and his proposal to slash the budget for the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

More than 330 groups have pledged support, including environmental advocates, businesses, faith organizations, labor unions and the Maryland NAACP.

Lobbying efforts will look similar to this year's successful campaign to ban fracking, which involved frequent demonstrations outside the statehouse in Annapolis and collaboration with local governments.

As the federal government moves backward on climate, Maryland is moving forward, said Karla Raettig, executive director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters.

Proponents of a 50 percent goal say the measure would create green jobs and the environmental and public-health benefits would outweigh any rate increases. Many supporters also argue the costs would be modest in the near-term and possibly nonexistent in the future, pointing out that renewable energy is quickly becoming less expensive.

But House Minority Whip Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County) said the proposed increase would be another tax on working families, small businesses and retirees.

Hogan spokeswoman Amelia Chasse declined to comment on the proposal but highlighted some of the governors past support for environmental protections, including signing legislation that requires a 40 percent reduction in the states greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and pushing through his own bills that provide incentives for expanding renewable energy and using electric vehicles.

Del. Dereck Davis (D-Prince Georges), chair of the House Economic Matters Committee, which deals with energy regulation, expressed frustration with advocates pushing to raise the states standard so soon after a fight over the last increase.

The ink was barely dry on the veto override, he said. I feel that maybe some folks were being disingenuous about what they really wanted last time.

While some lawmakers question whether raising the standard to 50 percent is feasible next year, Del. A. Shane Robinson (D-Montgomery) has called for an even more drastic increase, promising last month he will introduce legislation to increase the goal to 100 percent renewables by 2035.

Hawaii has enacted legislation to reach the 100 percent level by 2045.

California and New York have laws in place requiring 50 percent of their electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030, while D.C. and Oregon must meet that standard by 2032 and 2040, respectively.
THE DISTRICT

Man is charged with abusing an infant

An adult relative of a day-care center operator in Northeast Washington has been charged with sexually abusing an 8-month-old child under the centers care, according to D.C. police.

Kevin Jones Jr., 27, lives in the home where the day-care center is run in the 3800 block of East Capitol Street NE. He was arrested Tuesday and charged with misdemeanor child sexual abuse.

Police said in an arrest affidavit that a girl told authorities that she saw the abuse, which allegedly occurred in early August. She told police that Jones cradled the infant and then kissed him inappropriately.

The girl told police that she found the encounter "disgusting," according to the affidavit. Police said Jones was watching over four children the day the alleged assault occurred.

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education, which regulates day-care centers in the District, said Wednesday that the centers license has been suspended. Calls to the center were not returned.

D.C. police are trying to determine whether there are additional victims and are urging anyone with information to call 202-727-9099.

 Peter Hermann

MARYLAND

Man is charged in 2009 slaying at party

A Maryland man was charged with murder after allegedly killing the mother of a 15-month-old girl at a graduation party in 2009, authorities said Wednesday.

On June 2, 2009, officers went to the 9000 block of Continental Place in Landover for the report of a shooting, Prince Georges County police said in a statement. They found four victims suffering from gunshot wounds, including Shai Caldwell, 19, of Bowie, who died later.

Caldwell was not an intended victim, the statement said.

On Wednesday, police said Larry Recio, 27, of Lanham, who is serving time on unrelated charges at a West Virginia federal prison, was linked to the shooting by witnesses and other evidence. Recio was charged with first-degree murder and other counts.

 Justin Wm. Moyer

Police officer acquitted

of assault, misconduct

A Prince Georges County police officer accused of striking a handcuffed suspect was acquitted of assault and misconduct in office after a trial this week.

A judge found Cpl. Levi Vaughn not guilty Monday of all counts in a July 2016 incident involving an uncooperative suspect being transported to the county jail, according to Vaughns attorney and online court records.

A handcuffed suspect had spit in Vaughns face, according to Prince Georges police, who brought the case to the states attorneys office for review and prosecution.

Vaughn hit the suspect twice before another officer intervened, police said.

Vaughns attorney, J. Wyndal Gordon, said his client was defending himself against a drug-addled suspect.

Vaughn, who was on unpaid administrative leave, has returned to duty, according to Gordon. He still faces an internal review, Gordon said.
Smokey (15037/2397) is a 1-year-old male domestic shorthair who was surrendered by his owner with Thunder, a female domestic shorthair. Lucky (15527/2836) is a 1-year-old male pit bull terrier who was surrendered by his owner. He is good with children and prefers a cat-free home. It is unknown how he is with other dogs.

The Prince William County Animal Shelter, 14807 Bristow Rd., Manassas, makes animals available for adoption by residents of Manassas and Manassas Park and Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier and Stafford counties. If the animal is spayed or neutered, adopters may live outside these areas. Additional animals can be seen at pwcshelter.petfinder.com. Viewing and adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The shelter is closed Mondays and holidays. Adoptions end a half-hour before closing. For information, call 703-792-6465.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 14

Manassas farmers market Thursday 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Loy E. Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center St. Also Saturday 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Prince William Lot, Prince William Street, Manassas. 703-361-6599. visitmanassas.org.

Dale City Civic Association meeting Socializing and networking at 7 p.m. Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Birchdale Recreation Center, 14730 Birchdale Ave., Dale City. dalecitycivic.org. Free.

"Honor, Courage and Commitment: Marine Corps Art, 1975-2015" The first exhibit in the Combat Art Gallery features 100 works by 22 artists. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. National Museum of the Marine Corps, 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle. 703-784-6107. Free.

"Tailor-Made: Vintage Fashions From the Museum's Collection Unveiled" Curated by Meaghan Reddick, the exhibit looks at the fashion of the first quarter of the 20th century. Through Sept. 24. Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William St., Manassas. 703-257-8453. Free.

"Forest Folklore" Mixed-media art and paintings by Lauren Jacobs of Dumfries and wood turning by Greg Wandless of Fairfax. Through Oct. 2. Artists' Undertaking Gallery, 309 Mill St., Occoquan. 703-494-0584. Free.

"Good Dogs, Bad Cats and Weirdos" An exhibit of often humorous paintings and painted objects by Charla Wilkerson. Through Oct. 1. The Loft Gallery, 313 Mill St., Occoquan. 703-490-1117. loftgallery.org. Free.

"A Peculiar Perspective" An exhibit of oil paintings by Manassas resident John Hartt. Through Oct. 31. The Hall at City Hall, 9027 Center St., Manassas. Free.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 15

American Legion dinner The public is invited to dinner with a different special every week. Proceeds support local veterans and the community. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Woodbridge American Legion, 3640 Friendly Post Lane, Woodbridge. 703-494-4304. vapost364.org. $5-$15.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

Mid-Atlantic Police Rodeo More than 100 motorcycle police officers compete in riding skills. The event raises funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Potomac Mills Mall, 2700 Potomac Mills Cir., Woodbridge. mapmrc.com. Free.

Haymarket Day The annual festival kicks off with a parade through the historic town, followed by juried crafters, food vendors, live music and children's activities. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Haymarket Town Hall, 15000 Washington St., Haymarket. 703-753-2600. townofhaymarket.org. Free.

Yoga on the Lawn Vinyasa yoga taught by certified yoga instructor Christopher Glowacki. 9 a.m. Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge. 703-499-9812. pwcgov.org/ripponlodge. $5.

Edgar Rohr Memorial Car Show Sponsored by the Bull Run Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, the annual event features more than 150 vehicles competing in 11 categories, a Model T Ford assembly demonstration and a silent auction. A farmers market and the Manassas International Food Festival run concurrently in Old Town. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William St., Manassas. 703-368-1873. visitmanassas.org. Free.

"Nuncrackers" auditions Rooftop Productions holds auditions for the holiday musical. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Through Sept. 17. Center for the Arts, 9419 Battle St., Manassas. 703-330-2787. Free.

Dog Days of Summer Military working dogs show their skills at this event that also features local pet adoption agencies, a bulldog kissing booth, speakers and children's activities. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. National Museum of the Marine Corps, 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle. 877-635-1775. usmcmuseum.com. Free.

Heritage Festival World War II-era jeeps, weapons and memorabilia, archery and crosscut saw demonstrations, beekeeping demonstrations and information, the Early Grove String Band, crafts, and games. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Prince William Forest Park, 18100 Park Headquarters Rd., Triangle. 703-221-7181. Free; park entrance fee, $7.

Pond Play A ranger will use nets to catch animals such as frogs, turtles and fish. 11 a.m. Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge. 703-583-6904. Free, parking $7.

"Visual Magic: The Art of Four Picture Book Illustrators" An exhibit of works by Janet Stoeke, Carol Schwartz, Susan Roth, and Jennifer O'Connell. Artists' reception Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Center for the Arts, 9419 Battle St., Manassas. 703-330-2787. Free.

Music on Mill Acoustic rock by James Drakes and the Chris Taylor Trio. 6-8 p.m. River Mill Park, 458 Mill St., Occoquan. Free.

Rippon Lodge Dance A World War II dance with Big Band music. 7-10 p.m. Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge. 703-499-9812. pwcgov.org/ripponlodge. $30, reservations required.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 17

Dale City farmers market 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Dale City Commuter Lot (behind Center Plaza Shopping Center), Dale Boulevard, Dale City. 703-670-7112, Ext. 227. pwcparks.org.

Gin Dance Company The contemporary ballet company performs a benefit concert, the Autumn Remembrance Day for Capital Caring Hospice, in a Civil War-era farmhouse. Noon. Sweet Virginia Bee Farm, 14610 Glenkirk Rd., Nokesville. gindance.org. Free-$30.

"Arts Alive!" The sixth-annual festival features performers on multiple stages, local authors, hands-on activities, workshops, demonstrations, food and craft vendors,. 1-5 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas. 703-993-7759. hyltoncenter.org. Free.

Author Joseph D'Arezzo A discussion of his book "Virginia in the Civil War." 1:30 p.m. Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William St., Manassas. 703-257-8453. Free.

MONDAY, SEPT. 18

Bingo Proceeds support local veterans. Doors open 7:30 a.m. Games 9:15 a.m.-noon. American Legion Post 10, 9950 Cockrell Rd., Manassas. 703-369-4900. $16.

Museum Kids Monday Children learn about history through hands-on activities and crafts. 10 a.m. Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas. 703-367-7872. $5.

Park West Lions Club bingo Proceeds support local sight, hearing and youth projects. Doors open weekly at 4 p.m. Games begin at 7 p.m. Park West Lions Club, 8620 Sunnygate Dr., Manassas. 703-392-0077. pwlions@aol.com. $10.

Bingo Proceeds support Dale City Knights of Columbus activities and charities. Doors open 6 p.m. Games begin 7:30 p.m. VFW Post 1503, 14631 Minnieville Rd., Dale City. 703-491-2378. $9 minimum.

Lake Jackson Mid-County Lions Club meeting 6:30 p.m. Great American Steak and Buffet, 8365 Sudley Rd., Manassas. 703-369-6791. Free.

Neighborhood Watch training Session for anyone interested in starting a program; refresher for Neighborhood Watch coordinators and members. Followed by a discussion of community issues. 7 p.m. Paul T. White Jr. Western District Station, 8900 Freedom Center Blvd., Manassas. 703-792-7270. jalicie@pwcgov.org. pwcgov.org/police. Free, registration required.

Prince William Wildflower Society Annual meeting features author Helen Hamilton. 7:30 p.m. Bethel Lutheran Church, 8712 Plantation Lane, Manassas. 703-368-2898. Free.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 19

Bingo Proceeds support Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary programs and community activities. Tuesday and Thursday. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Games begin 7:30 p.m. VFW Post 1503, 14631 Minnieville Rd., Dale City. 703-670-4124. $10 minimum.

Friends of Leesylvania Park Regular meeting, new members welcome. The group raises money and supports park programs such as the Junior Rangers, free kids' fishing tournaments and Haunted History hikes. 7:30 p.m. Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge. friendsofleesylvania@gmail.com. 703-583-6904. Free.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 20

National Active and Retired Federal Employees A meeting for Chapter 356. Lunch at 11:30 a.m. Meeting with guest speaker begins at 12:15 p.m. Hibachi Buffet and Sushi, 8121 Sudley Rd., Manassas. 703-361-1150. Free, attendees pay for lunch.

Lake Ridge Toastmasters Club Members 18 and older develop their public speaking and leadership skills. 7:30-9:15 p.m. Tall Oaks Community Center, 12298 Cotton Mill Dr., Lake Ridge. 703-491-3020. contact-8913@toastmastersclubs.org. lakeridge.toastmastersclubs.org. $34-$64 membership fee.

 Compiled by Sarah Lane

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Email: pwliving@washpost.com

Details: Announcements are accepted on a space-available basis from public and nonprofit organizations only and must be received at least 14 days before the Thursday publication date. Include event name, dates, times, exact address, prices and a publishable contact phone number.
An adult relative of a day-care center operator in Northeast Washington has been charged with sexually abusing an 8-month-old child under the centers care, according to D.C. police.

Kevin Jones Jr., 27, who lives in the home where the day-care center is run in the 3800 block of East Capitol Street NE, was arrested Tuesday and charged with misdemeanor child sexual abuse.

Police said in an arrest affidavit that a young girl told authorities that she saw the abuse, which occurred in early August. She told police that Jones cradled the infant and then kissed him inappropriately.

The girl told police that she found the encounter disgusting, according to the affidavit.Police said Jones was watching over a total of four children the day the alleged assault occurred.

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education, which regulates day-care centers in the District said Wednesday that the centers license has been suspended.

Calls to the center went to voice mail and were not returned.

D.C. police said they are trying to determine whether there are additional victims, and are urging anyone with information on this case or on others to call 202-727-9099.
Police in riot gear contain a group of protesters at the corner of 12th and L Streets, NW, on the day of President Trumps inauguration. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

Prosecutors in D.C. have backed off efforts to prevent Facebook from alerting users when investigators ask to search their political communications. The decision by the U.S. Attorneys office Wednesday came on the eve of a court hearing that had broad implications for the First Amendment rights of Facebook users and others who are politically active online.

A D.C. appeals court was set to consider Thursday morning whether Facebook had to keep quiet when law enforcement investigators sought access to user information. Major U.S. technology companies and civil liberties groups had sided with Facebook in fighting a court order that would have forced the company to stay mum.

Instead prosecutors on Wednesday  in a joint filing with Facebook  told the D.C. Court of Appeals that the nondisclosure orders they were seeking were no longer necessary. The appeals court promptly called off the planned hearing.

The details of the case at the D.C. Court of Appeals have been sealed, but the timing of the investigation and other references in public court documents suggest the search warrants at issue are connected to protests during President Trumps inauguration. About 200 people face felony rioting charges related to demonstrations that damaged property and injured police in downtown Washington Jan. 20.

[Facebook says it shouldn't have to stay mum when government seeks user data]

Facebook turned to the appeals court after a D.C. Superior Court judge in April denied the companys request to get rid of a gag order and told Facebook to turn over all communications, identifying information and other records for three accounts.

Prosecutors often ask judges for nondisclosure orders when applying for search warrants because of concerns about tipping off targets who could destroy evidence or undermine an investigation.

The D.C. Court of Appeals had allowed Facebook to make public some details of the sealed case so that the company could enlist legal support from other businesses and organizations. The American Civil Liberties Union, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and a coalition of tech companies say in public filings that Facebook users should have an opportunity to challenge search warrants in court when their rights to engage in anonymous political speech are at issue  and when the public is already aware of an investigation.

The mass arrests on Inauguration Day, for instance, were widely covered by the media.

In the joint filing to dismiss the appeal Wednesday, the U.S. Attorneys office said the gag order was no longer needed because the investigation at issue in this case has progressed during the pendency of this litigation.

Arthur B. Spitzer, legal Director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia, said in response to the filing: Now that Facebook is free to notify these three users that their accounts are subject to a search warrant, we hope the users will contact us or other lawyers to challenge the governments attempt to conduct a fishing expedition through their Facebook accounts.
A Maryland man was charged with murder after allegedly killing the mother of a 15-month-old girl at a graduation party in 2009, authorities said Wednesday.

On June 2, 2009, at around 11:45 p.m., officers responded to the 9000 block of Continental Place in Landover for the report of a shooting, Prince Georges County police said in a statement. They found four victims suffering from gunshot wounds, including 19-year-old Shai Caldwell of Bowie, who died several hours later.

[From 2009: Prince Georges Police probe shooting of graduation celebration]

Caldwell and the other victims were at a graduation party when the shooting occurred, the statement said, and Caldwell, the mother of a 15-month-old girl, was not an intended victim in the incident, which was related to an ongoing dispute.

On Wednesday, police said 27-year-old Larry Recio of Lanham, who is serving time on unrelated charges at a West Virginia federal prison, was linked to the shooting by witnesses and other evidence. Recio was charged with first-degree murder and several counts of attempted first degree murder, according to police.

Police asked anyone with further information about Recio to contact them at 301-772-4925.
Friends and supporters of slain actress and yoga teacher Tricia McCauley held a candlelight vigil for her Dec. 27 in the District. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

A Washington-area man on Wednesday admitted guilt in the fatal beating of a well-known local actress and yoga instructor on Christmas Day last year.

Duane Adrian Johnson, 30, was a stranger to Tricia McCauley, and police say he confronted her as she was headed to meet fellow members of the Districts theater scene at a holiday party. The 46-year-old McCauley never arrived, and friends began to worry and reported her missing.

McCauleys body was later found in the back seat of her white Scion. She had been brutally beaten and strangled, and her legs had been bound with a seat belt, police said. She also had been sexually assaulted.

On Wednesday in D.C. Superior Court, Johnson pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder. He faces a 30-year prison term when he is sentenced by Judge Hiram Puig-Lugo on Nov. 17.

[Everybody had a crush on her: D.C. actress radiated light]



Tricia McCauley, 46. (D.C. police)

Speaking from his home in Oregon, McCauleys father, Henry McCauley Jr., said he thinks a 30-year sentence is sufficient. He said he chose not to attend the hearing but has been in touch with prosecutors and police and supported the plea deal.

The retired Air Force officer paused briefly as he added the prison sentence to Johnsons age, noting the defendant would be about 60 years old when released.

Hell be an older man, Henry McCauley said. Were just not the type of people who want to see vengeance.

It has never been clear how Tricia McCauley encountered Johnson, who, according to his family, suffers from mental illness and was living on the streets. Henry McCauley said it would have been in his daughters nature to try to help someone like the defendant.

She was very sympathetic to people who had nothing, he said.

[Man charged with killing local actress]

After Johnson was arrested, according to charging documents, he told police that McCauley had offered him a ride. He said he and McCauley had sex and that afterward she committed suicide by hanging herself with a seat belt. He then told detectives that he drove around the city with McCauleys body in the back seat and that he thought she was sleeping and would wake up.

Johnsons guilty plea marks a dramatic shift for the defense. After Johnsons arrest, his attorneys with the Districts Public Defender Service had repeatedly argued in court that their client was mentally ill and that police arrested an innocent man who had nothing to do with McCauleys death.

The plea came before Johnson was indicted by a grand jury. Pre-indictment plea agreements are often seen favorably by prosecutors and judges. Had Johnson been found guilty at trial, he would have faced more than 60 years in prison. The plea deal is not final until it is approved by the judge at sentencing.

At Wednesdays hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Misler recounted details of the crime. Misler said that once McCauley was inside the car with Johnson, he beat her repeatedly in her face, fracturing her nose. Johnson sexually assaulted McCauley and choked her with the scarf she was wearing, the prosecutor said.

McCauley, Misler told the judge, kicked and punched Johnson but was unable to fight him off. McCauley died of strangulation and blunt-force trauma to her head and body.

When her body was found, her legs were tied together at her calves with the rear seat belt. She was wearing black stockings that were torn above the knees. Her shoes were missing and have not been found.

Johnsons DNA, Misler said, was found on McCauleys body.

During the hearing, Johnson gave brief answers to the judges questions. He repeatedly turned to look toward the courtroom gallery, but it was not clear why.

Johnson has a long record of arrests, mostly for theft and nonviolent crimes, in the District, Maryland and Virginia. Court files contain notations of possible mental illness, though he has been ruled competent in the past.

The day McCauley went missing, a Sunday, she had prepared a pie and her signature Brussels sprouts to take to the Christmas dinner. When she failed to show, her friends and family launched a search for her, scouring city blocks.

Late the next night, a man walking his dog near Dupont Circle spotted McCauleys white two-door Scion iQ with its Plant more plants bumper sticker. He called police.

Police found the car a few minutes later parked in the 2200 block of M Street NW in the West End area. In a nearby CVS store, they confronted Johnson, who had been spotted driving the Scion. A police report says that an officer asked Johnson for the keys and he handed them over. McCauleys credit cards were also found in Johnsons pockets.

[Attorneys argue man charged with slaying of actress is innocent, mentally ill]

Also as part of Johnsons expected sentence, he would have to register as a sex offender for life and be under supervision upon release from prison.

Henry McCauley said he and other relatives had visited his daughter in the District in October, two months before she was killed. His family is doing okay, he said, and Tricia is frequently on their minds.

McCauley said that in her last years, his daughter had all but stopped with theater work, had gone back to school to earn a masters degree and was turning full time to work as a nutritionist.

We talk freely about her life, he said. She led a very productive and good life.
Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld said Tuesday that Maryland Gov. Larry Hogans four-year, $2 billion capital funding proposal would buy the region time to enact needed financial reforms, and despite its shortcomings may be the most realistic path to keeping the system afloat in the short term.

In a departure from the hard-line stances of D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), Wiedefeld said he recognizes that a dedicated revenue source for Metro might not be possible with the current political realities  but he wants the regions Republicans, particularly Hogan and Rep. Barbara Comstock (Va.), to work to ensure that federal funding ramps up in coming years.

Ideally, I would love to have the dedicated [funding] sooner, because at some point we know we have to get there, Wiedefeld said Tuesday in meeting with members of The Washington Post editorial board and reporters.

I think it may be the reality of where we are as a region, just given the different dynamics that we work under, particularly the election cycle that were in, with a gubernatorial election in Virginia in 1 months, and one in a year and a month in both the District and Maryland, Wiedefeld said.

Hogans proposal, announced Monday, calls for Maryland, the District, Virginia and the federal government to each allot Metro $125 million annually in new funding for four years, giving the region time to enact the broader financial and governance overhauls that leaders say the transit agency needs. Hogans plan followed widespread criticism of his position in a closed-door regional summit two weeks ago that Maryland would not provide any extra funding for Metro.

The proposal faces high hurdles, however, in the GOP-

controlled Virginia General Assembly and at the federal level, where Republicans control both chambers of Congress.

President Trumps budget also included drastic cuts to transit spending. The plan also faces difficulties in the District, where Bowser and Mendelson criticized it because it does not amount to dedicated funding.

[In reversal, Hogan offers $500 million extra for Metro if Virginia, D.C. and feds match it]

In an interview with the Posts editorial board, Wiedefeld said he was pleased by Hogans reversal  and in the governors candor in a letter outlining his plan. Wiedefeld is seeking $15.5 billion over a decade to support the systems long-term needs, including $500 million in new, annual dedicated funding to buoy Metros capital budget. The funds in the Hogan plan would not be dedicated, meaning that Metro could not conduct long-term borrowing based on the allotments.

I think [Hogan] was clear in his letter that he was not attempting to solve the long-term problem.  I thought it was also helpful that it wasnt tied to a lot of the other issues that are being kicked around, Wiedefeld said, referring to such polarizing governance issues as reshaping the Metro board, rewriting the Metro Compact or eliminating binding arbitration.

It was a recognition that this is a financial need, its a capital need, and its important for the sustainability of the region and the system. Those were the messages, Wiedefeld said.

Wiedefeld wants the regions Republican leaders to play a hand in persuading the federal government to provide the money prescribed by Hogan.

In interviews this week, congressional officials and Metro board members said they would welcome Hogans entrance into the discussion.

Clearly he has a relationship with the current administration, and hes very strong that more federal money has to come into it, and I think obviously he could play a very strong leadership role in that, Wiedefeld said.

Wiedefeld noted that Hogan had recently successfully negotiated with U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to nail down a $900 million full funding agreement for the light-rail Purple Line in the Maryland suburbs.

[Behind closed doors, regions leaders clashed sharply over Metro funding]

Wiedefeld also may be hewing to Hogans proposal in an attempt to align himself with Metro-friendly Republicans who could advocate for the continuation of funding for the agency under the 2008 Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA).

That legislation allotted Metro $150 million a year in federal grant money, but it is scheduled to expire in September 2019.

Metro officials, and many regional leaders, want that funding to be extended  but Wiedefeld said hes aware that an extension is in no way assured.

To assume PRIIA 2.0 is coming, Wiedefeld said Tuesday, is a pretty big assumption.

A federal appointee to the Metro board said this week that Trumps budget demonstrates the administration is not keen on additional transit funding, especially at a time when Congress is weighing whether to renew PRIIA, which expires after 2018.

An agency financial analysis to be released at Thursdays Metro board meeting illustrates the drastic impact of a failure to meet the agencys revenue needs. If the federal grant is not renewed and the regional jurisdictions dont increase their funding, then the shortfall in capital needs would amount to nearly $1 billion starting in the fiscal year ending in mid-2019.

Hogans proposal and extension of the federal program, according to the analysis, would cover the systems capital needs through mid-2020 and leave behind a manageable $17 million funding gap in the third year, fiscal 2021. By the fourth year, fiscal 2022, the gap would widen substantially, resulting in an $188 million shortfall, according to the analysis.

[Why Metros stellar August on-time performance numbers dont tell the whole story]

That wouldnt be as favorable as dedicated funding, paired with PRIIA reauthorization  which would meet the systems needs, according to the analysis  but would buy time for the region to come up with a long-term plan.

Wiedefelds positive and detailed response also contrasted with that of Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), who has not publicly taken a position on the Hogan proposal. McAuliffe has said that he supports dedicated funding for Metro, provided the system shows progress on safety, reliability and efficiency.

But Monday, after Hogans plan was unveiled, some grumbled that the temporary funding proposal amounted to punting, or deferring action, on the issue of dedicated funding.

I would not frame it as kicking the can down the road, because it is being addressed in some manner  seriously addressed, Wiedefeld said. If were talking a $2 billion investment in that time frame, thats not kicking the can down the road.

Wiedefeld bristled at the suggestion that the lack of consensus in the region on dedicated funding indicated that the regions politicians lack confidence that Metro is improving.

Instead, he said, Hogans call for $500 million in annual new funding  even if its not a long-term Metro-specific tax  is the kind of proposal that would have been unimaginable coming from a Republican governor two years ago.

To see the letter that Hogan sent yesterday  thats how far weve come, Wiedefeld said. Were getting further and further away from, Dont even talk to us about [money] because the thing is so unreliable and is not being managed correctly. I think that is getting behind us. That is why were having some real discussions about this issue, rather than the level weve had in the past.

I dont remember a governor coming in with a strong proposal in the past like this, he added.

Robert McCartney contributed to this report.
Prime Minister Youssef Chahed who received Monday the parliaments vote of confidence for his new cabinet vowed that his team will be at war against terrorism and corruption.

The youngest Prime Minister ever known by the North African country told lawmakers that his new team will carry out a crusade against terrorism and corruption.

The ministerial reshuffle included the interior and defense ministries, which is expected to strengthen our countrys counter-terrorism efforts. Combating corruption will also be the priority of the new ministers, he said.

The new interior minister is Lotfi Braham, close to Nidaa Tounes. The Defense portfolio was entrusted to Abdelkrim Zbidi.

Chahed appointed as new finance minister Ridha Chalgoum who held the position in the past. The new minister close to Nidaa Tounes party will drive the countrys efforts to combat corruption  one of the main grounds for the removal of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
An assisted care facility for patients with dementia and memory impairment that sheltered in place during Hurricane Irma went without power for three days as elderly patients suffered in the rising heat.

Cape Coral Shores, on a peninsula west of Fort Myers on the Florida Gulf Coast, had 20 patients stay during the storm as part of an agreement with state and local officials because the emergency shelters it would normally use in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota were both evacuated as Irma approached. Power went out at the facility  as it did for more than half of Floridas residents  and was not restored for days even as homes and businesses all around it saw their lights come back on.

As the indoor temperature climbed to the mid-80s Tuesday morning, humidity made the hard-surfaced floors slick with condensation. Patients gathered in a small day room to catch a slight breeze from screened windows. A handful of small fans powered by a borrowed generator were all that kept the situation from devolving into a medical emergency, said Dan Nelson, Cape Coral Shores chief operating officer.

People here are fragile, Nelson said, adding that air-conditioning in such facilities are a medical necessity. This is not just about comfort, its about safety. We have magnet door locks that dont work, fire suppression equipment whose batteries have run out, assisted bed lifts that dont work. And the temperatures today and tomorrow are headed back to the mid-90s.



Residents of the Cape Coral Shores facility, which was without power for three days and had no air conditioning. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

Karen Ryan, a spokeswoman for the Lee County Electric Cooperative, said a crew was being sent to the memory care facility just before 3 p.m. Tuesday. Moments later, Alberto Moscoso, spokesman for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said he located a large generator and 50 gallons of gas that he was going to deliver to the facility just as he learned the power had been restored.

Nelson said that electrical crew members were able to repair the damage in about 30 seconds and that the utility company did not have the facility listed as a medical provider or would have had power back on sooner.

The situation at Cape Coral Shores was emblematic of the wider problem of massive power outages in Florida, which stretched from coast to coast and from the Keys to the Panhandle and into neighboring states. As of Tuesday, more than half of Floridas residents were still without electricity as a result of the hurricanes impact; the elderly and the very young are put most at risk from such outages, as September temperatures in Florida soar into the 90s. Officials have said it could take weeks to restore power in some places.

[Irma knocks out power to millions in Florida while Keys begin to reopen]

Sheltering in place was not an easy decision for Nelson, given the age and condition of the facilitys residents, even as Florida officials were urging people to flee the possible path of the hurricane.

As predictions for Irmas landfall shifted to Floridas west coast, and as their emergency shelter options closed, Nelson thought about moving his patients to points north and inland. Orlando or Atlanta seemed impossibly far away, given the traffic snarls as millions of residents fled.

Staying put was a legitimate option because the health care building is sturdily constructed, built after Floridas tough building standards went into effect, and the roof is less than 10 years old.

Nelson said he kept the patients in Cape Coral only after government officials assured him that the facility would be a top priority for power restoration in the event of an outage. Electricity went out at 9 a.m. on Sunday. No one was able to help until Tuesday afternoon.



A resident had been wearing protective cloth sleeves for a skin condition but as temperatures rose he was hot and uncomfortable, so the nursing staff removed them to help him cool down. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

They all knew what we were doing and why, Nelson said on Tuesday, before the power was restored. I have power at my house at the bottom of Cape Coral, the houses behind us have power, the businesses across the street have power, but we are still here in the dark.

Sheila Benn, who has been director of nursing there for two weeks and like other staff members has been working almost continuously since Sunday, said overheated elderly residents are at risk of heat stroke and hyperthermia, which can be deadly. The staff was also watching for signs of lethargy and more mental confusion than usual.

View Graphic Surviving Harvey: A long and fraught recovery

The situation would have been worse had it not been for another local nursing home, Angel Works, which heard of Cape Coral Shores plight and provided a small generator with three five-gallon jugs of gasoline. Nelson said that generator is being used to cool the room of the most medically precarious patient and to keep the fans going in the rest of the facility. Nelson had ordered a large generator from a California manufacturer weeks ago, he said, but delivery was held up because of the impending hurricane.

The building held up fine in the storm. The patients did not appear to be aware of the crisis, and enjoyed the staff members families and pets who stayed in the facility during the height of the storm. Benns small dog, Clare, padded from person to person, seeking pats. Nelsons 3-year-old daughter Taylor brought water to people she considered grandparents.

Theyre busy, hot and hungry, Benn said, as she sorted medications at her desk in the main living area.

Nelson said the situation was growing desperate when the power was restored Tuesday.

Memory care patients require consistency and familiarity, he said. When you take that away, you compromise their health.

Read more: The latest on Hurricane Joses predicted track

Mosquitoes, carbon monoxide and chemicals are big post-Irma health concerns

A running list of viral hoaxes about Irma  including one shared by the White House


People stand outside a house surrounded by floodwater in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Callahan, Fla., outside Jacksonville. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

While the rest of Florida began picking itself up after Hurricane Irma, this city in the far northeastern corner of the state was still experiencing serious flooding and was bracing for more inundation to come.

Some floodwaters from the massive tropical storm were expected here, but the scale of the unfolding disaster took Jacksonville and nearby towns by surprise. Driven by tidal flow, an already saturated inland waterway system and Irmas powerful winds and rains, the swollen and fast-rushing St. Johns River crashed over sea walls and sandbags and left much of the area underwater.

Officials called the flooding epic and historic, with the river through this city of nearly 900,000 hitting levels not seen since 1846  a year after Florida became a state. On Tuesday the city started to recover, but meteorologists warned that some flooding is likely to return as storm-generated waters rush south from the Carolinas toward the Atlantic Ocean.

[Irma knocks out power to millions in Florida while Keys begin to reopen]

The St. Johns  315 miles long and three miles wide at points  is expected to continue threatening communities in northeast Florida because the huge volumes of water the river is holding have no place to go, according to Angie Enyedi, an incident meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

The water will subside very gradually within the St. Johns River basin. The water is trapped in the St. Johns, and essentially sloshes north to south within the river with each high tide, Enyedi wrote in a memo about the disaster. Major river flooding will continue for many more tide cycles.



Homes in the flooded San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Hundreds of residents had to be rescued from the rising waters in Jacksonville and nearby communities after they chose not to heed pleas from local and state officials to flee the area ahead of Irma. Millions of Floridians had headed north to escape Irmas potential path after officials warned that the once-powerful storm could cause catastrophic damage to several Florida cities.

We hope the 356 people who had their lives saved yesterday will take evacuation orders more seriously in the future, the Jacksonville sheriffs office tweeted Tuesday.

The evacuation order was lifted Tuesday. Business owners returned to riverfront shops and restaurants to find sea grass, tree limbs and an inch of mud covering streets and some sidewalks. By midday, the mud started to give off a strong odor as it baked in the hot sun.

At Jacksonville Landing, a marketplace on the river near EverBank Field, home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the only business open was a Hooters restaurant that had closed Friday night ahead of the storm.

We came in, cleaned up and got it open, said Hooters regional manager Cindy Ingram.



A scrap yard full of vehicles is seen covered by floodwater in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Callahan, Fla. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

In Clay County, about 40 miles south of Jacksonville, the Black Creek was still flooding neighborhoods and roads. The creek crested Tuesday morning at 28.5 feet and likely wont begin receding until Friday, according to county spokeswoman Kimberly Morgan.

More than 37,500 people were without power in Clay County, and Morgan said residents should be prepared to go without power there for a week or longer.

Kimberly Robinson, public information officer for the Green Cove Springs Police Department, said a noreaster that hit the area shortly before Irma came through made matters worse. All that water just had nowhere to go, Robinson said.

The area was hit by Hurricane Matthew last year, but Robinson said the experience was very different. Matthew came in and water came up, then it went back down, she said. Weve never experienced anything like this.



Homes are left surrounded by floodwater in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in St. Augustine. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

With Green Cove Springs virtually shut down because of power outages, residents were cleaning up and also taking a break. William Saylor, a service manager at a car dealership, went to the towns riverfront park Tuesday morning. The parks gazebo, normally about 20 yards from the shore of the St. Johns River, was now at waters edge. Saylor took out his fishing rod, put a plastic worm on it, and hooked a three-pound largemouth bass within seconds.

The water pushed all the bait fish too far out, so the bass are coming up here looking for food, he said. Theyre hungry.

Saylor released the fish back into the water at a spot where children usually play in the grass. Its kind of crazy to think that you could fish here, he said. This water should be 30 yards out.

On Tuesday, life in the coastal city of St. Augustine  the oldest permanent city in America, founded on Sept. 8, 1565  was probably more like it was 450 years ago than it should be today. The city was still without power. Trolley tours in the historic downtown were shut down.

Restaurants were closed. Workers were suctioning water out of the lower floors of the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, and business owners were mopping up floors and picking up tree limbs.

We sandbagged, we caulked, we boarded up, we taped plastic, and the water still found a way in, said Adam Amoia, owner of Romeos Cafe on Cathedral Place, just up the road from the historic Castillo de San Marco fortress. When we walked in here, it was like the beach was dumped on the floor.

Amoia had to walk three miles to see the damage Irma wrought on his business on Monday, because all roads leading to the town were blocked. He and his crew started mopping out the water and drying the floors at dawn Tuesday.

They were working in the dark, and in the heat. Hes confident that Romeos  home of the Bubble Waffle ice cream cone  will be up and running soon, but he is getting weary of hurricanes.

This will be our third grand opening, Amoia said. We opened almost two years ago, reopened after Matthew, and now well have another reopening after Irma. Im ready to just stay open for good.



Homes in historic St. Augustine after flooding from Hurricane Irma. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Read more: The latest on Hurricane Joses predicted track

Mosquitoes, carbon monoxide and chemicals are big post-Irma health concerns

A running list of viral hoaxes about Irma  including one shared by the White House
The 91-year-old former president of Senegal Abdoulaye Wade, whose Coalition was defeated by President Macky Salls Party in July legislative election, resigned from the National Assembly on Monday.

Abdoulaye Wade, who won a seat in the July 30 legislative elections under the Senegalese Democratic Party and a coalition of parties, resigned ahead of the Parliaments first sitting scheduled on Thursday.

In a letter released by the General Secretary of the party on Monday, the veteran leader said he joined the contest only to support the party and the coalition.

President Macky Salls coalition took 125 seats in the 195-seat National Assembly after winning nearly half the vote. Wades party won only 19 seats.

As a reminder, hundreds of Senegalese voters were prevented from casting their ballots in parliamentary elections in July because of delays in issuing identity cards.

Opposition leaders have criticized President Macky Sall for trying to stamp out political opposition in a contentious campaign.

Last month, Abdoulaye Wade said he would not participate in any future elections because the parliamentary polls that delivered a large majority to the ruling coalition were a masquerade.

The coordination of opposition parties Wattu Senegal  will no longer participate in any election of any kind organized by the government of Macky Sall, Wade had said in a statement on TV.
UKRAINE

Saakashvili faces court hearing over crossing

Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili has been served legal notice by Ukrainian authorities after the stateless politician forced his way across the border from Poland, putting him on a collision course with the government in Kiev.

Local media reported that Saakashvili, who is also a former governor of Ukraines Odessa region, was ordered to appear at a court hearing on Monday.

Saakashvili poses a challenge to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who once was his patron but revoked his Ukrainian citizenship in July.

Surrounded by supporters, Saakashvili broke through a cordon of Ukrainian border guards at the frontier on Sunday. But returning to Ukraine is also a risk for Saakashvili, who is stateless because he was forced to give up citizenship in his native Georgia when he received Ukrainian nationality.

He leads a small Ukrainian party called the Movement of New Forces and has vowed to shake up Ukrainian politics.

 Associated Press

POLAND

E.U. escalates efforts to preserve rule of law

The European Union on Tuesday escalated its case against Poland over what it sees as a backsliding of democracy in the Central European nation, moving a step closer to a possible court case against Warsaw.

Polands ruling Law and Justice party is pushing to overhaul the nations justice system in a way that gives it direct power over the courts, saying it seeks to create a more efficient justice system.

The European Commission, however, sees the move as an attack on the independence of the justice system and rule of law in the 28-year-old democracy, and it launched the first step in a legal proceeding against Poland in July.

The commission, which polices law in the E.U., said Tuesday that it has taken the second of three steps in the infringement procedure against Poland. It said it was giving Warsaw one month to address its concerns.

If Poland does not heed the recommendations, the commission said, it may take the case to the E.U. Court of Justice, which could impose fines.

The Polish government has repeatedly said that the E.U. has no right to interfere in its internal affairs.

 Associated Press

SOUTH AFRICA

Mugabe says she was victim, not aggressor

Representatives of Zimbabwes first lady say a young woman who accused her of assault was the actual aggressor, allegedly attacking Grace Mugabe with a knife while drunk, according to a court document filed in South Africa.

The court papers denying any wrongdoing by Mugabe were submitted Aug. 17 by Zimbabwean diplomats on behalf of Mugabe, who was granted diplomatic immunity by South Africa despite calls for her prosecution in the alleged attack on the woman in a Johannesburg hotel on Aug. 13. Mugabe returned to Zimbabwe a week after the alleged assault.

The copy of the court document was obtained from AfriForum, a group representing 20-year-old Gabriella Engels, who said she suffered head wounds while being whipped with an extension cord by Mugabe, 52.

Mugabe went to see her two sons in the Johannesburg hotel suite because they were in trouble with a drunken young woman, the document says.

Upon her arrival Ms. Engels, who was intoxicated, and unhinged, attacked Dr. Grace Mugabe with a knife after she was asked to leave the hotel room. Security was left with no other option but to remove Ms. Engels from the hotel suite, according to the filing.

Engels has said she was in the room with mutual friends of Mugabes sons when the first lady burst in and assaulted her.

 Associated Press

Iraqi parliament rejects Kurdish vote: Iraq's parliament voted to reject a controversial referendum on independence for Iraqi Kurds set for later this month, deeming it "unconstitutional" and a "threat" to the country's unity, according to a lawmaker who attended the session. Iraq's Kurds plan to hold the referendum in three governorates that make up their self-ruled region as well as disputed areas that are controlled by Kurds but claimed by Baghdad.

U.S. imposing visa restrictions on 4 nations: The United States said it will stop issuing business and tourism visas to Eritrean nationals, with only "limited exceptions." Four Asian and African nations that have refused to take back citizens deported from the United States are facing visa limits. The West African nation of Guinea faces restrictions on business, tourism and student visas. Cambodia and Sierra Leone also are expected to be affected.

 From news services
Columnist

How can news organizations avoid the trap that President Trump has laid for them in his attacks on the media as a one-sided "opposition party" that caters to anti-Trump elites and purveys "fake news" to readers and viewers?

Part of the answer is simply for journalists to keep doing their jobs, aggressively and fairly. Were not in the business of making friends, but of holding powerful people and institutions accountable. And ultimately, its only this feisty, independent voice that will preserve public support for our role under the First Amendment.

But something is misfiring. For fans of the mainstream media, this may look like a golden age, with scoops every day about Trump and his alleged misdeeds. But liberal adulation masks a broader mistrust: A disturbingly large 72 percent of Americans think news organizations tend to favor one side in covering political or social issues, according to a recent Pew Research Center poll. And Democrats are 47 points more likely than Republicans to back the media's accountability role.

Robert Kaiser, for years The Posts managing editor, liked to say that readers deserve one clear shot at the facts so they can make up their own minds about who the good guys and bad guys are. Sorry, colleagues, but even on our best days, we arent always meeting that test.

How do we broaden public trust? One approach that news organizations embraced a few decades ago, when they had more money to spend and fewer freelance critics, was to create an in-house ombudsman or public editor to represent readers and viewers. Most big news organizations, including The Post and the New York Times, have dropped their ombudsmen over the past decade. That was a mistake, I think.

Ombudsmen can be a pain in the neck. They second-guess reporters and editors. They advocate ideas of fairness that some people think are outmoded. They undermine coverage. (Even the Washington Posts ombudsman admitted that . . . ) But theyre needed as never before. Critics see media bigshots as arrogant, unaccountable elitists pursuing their own agendas. A good ombudsman changes that balance, in favor of readers and viewers  and fairness.

Margaret Sullivan, a New York Times public editor for four years and now a media columnist for The Post, favors the restoration of the ombudsman role at the Times. Though she has argued against a tepid balance (termed false equivalency by liberal critics), she says that shouldnt excuse tendentious or one-sided coverage. There is nothing more important to what we do than fairness. Fairness doesnt mean down the middle, fifty-fifty. . . . Fairness doesnt equal false equivalency.

A model ombudsman was The Post's Michael Getler, who held the role from 2000 to 2005. He wrote about two dozen columns criticizing The Post for not covering the run-up to the Iraq War adequately. Getler was one of the paper's most experienced reporters and editors, and his criticism stung. He represented angry readers who felt The Post had allowed the country to sleepwalk into a disastrous conflict.

Yet Getler was attacked. Slate argued in 2001 that he "subscribes to the old-school view that journalistic credibility rises whenever a writer suppresses what he thinks about the subject at hand and falls whenever he abandons that pure stenography of who, what, why, where, and when." This derisive critique of traditional, fact-based reporting has become surprisingly widespread on the left.

Another tough in-house critic who got roughed up for her trouble was Liz Spayd, a former Post managing editor who became public editor for the Times last year. She cautioned in a column last September that journalists shouldn't be so worried about avoiding on-the-one-hand, on-the-other versions of balance that they become partisan.

Spayd was publicly flayed over the next year for this and other apostasies before the Times abolished her position in May. New York magazine called her false-balance column "a logical train wreck." Politico Magazine headlined: "Good riddance."

The pursuit of evenhanded reporting may have led the Times to overdo its coverage of the Clinton Foundation and Hillary Clinton's email controversies, both hyped out of proportion in my view. But it was Spayd, the advocate of fairness, who skewered the Times for not being aggressive enough in covering the FBI investigation of Trump and Russia before the election. Executive Editor Dean Baquet termed that a "bad column," but it looks pretty good in retrospect.

The debates that swirled around Sullivan, Getler, Spayd and others are part of a healthy (if painful) process of holding the watchdogs accountable. Bring back the ombudsman!

Twitter: @IgnatiusPost

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Columnist

Hillary Clinton's new memoir of her failed presidential campaign is titled "What Happened." A better title would be "What Happened?" because Clinton apparently has no idea.

Clinton has blamed her loss on an ever-changing cast of characters  Russia, WikiLeaks, James B. Comey and Bernie Sanders. Now she has put the blame on a new scapegoat: millions of bigoted white nationalists.

Clinton told Jane Pauley of CBS News's "Sunday Morning" that Donald Trump won because he "was quite successful in referencing a nostalgia that would give hope, comfort, settle grievances, for millions of people who were upset about gains that were made by others," Clinton said. When Pauley asked, "What you're saying is millions of white people?" Clinton replied, "Millions of white people, yeah. Millions of white people."

In an interview with NPR on Tuesday, Clinton was even more explicit. Trump's message, she said, was "discriminatory, it was bigoted, it was prejudiced. And yet it fed into part of the electorate that just wanted to have a primal scream. They didn't like what was going on. . . . They really responded to his racial and ethnic and sexist appeals."

So Clinton believes she lost Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the presidency because of the bigotry of middle America.



Hillary Clinton signs copies of her book "What Happened" at a bookstore in New York on Tuesday. (Seth Wenig/Associated Press)

One problem with her analysis: Millions of those white people who voted for Donald Trump also proudly voted for Barack Obama. There are nearly 700 counties in the United States that voted twice for Barack Obama, one-third of which flipped to Trump in 2016. According to Nate Cohn of the New York Times, "almost one in four of President Obama's 2012 white working-class supporters defected from the Democrats in 2016, either supporting Mr. Trump or voting for a third-party candidate." Are all those Trump-Obama voters bigots? Millions of once reliably Democratic voters pulled the lever for the first black president, yet they were suddenly whipped up into a racist furor by Trump's "racial and ethnic and sexist appeals"? Give me a break.

As Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg has pointed out, many of these working-class Obama-Trump voters were not even white. "The Democrats don't have a 'white working-class problem,' " Greenberg wrote recently in the American Prospect. "They have a 'working-class problem' . . . Democrats have lost support with all working-class voters across the electorate, including the Rising American Electorate of minorities, unmarried women, and millennials."

Why did so many Obama voters defect to Trump? It wasn't race or immigration. According to a survey by the liberal super PAC Priorities USA Action, the top seven priorities were (1) protecting Social Security and Medicare; (2) creating good-paying jobs for American workers; (3) making sure Americans have access to affordable insurance; (4) cleaning up corruption in government; (5) cracking down on outsourcing; (6) making sure the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes and (7) keeping Wall Street in check.

That is hardly a white nationalist agenda.

Another reason these Obama voters defected to Trump is that they kept hearing from Clinton and the Democrats how great the economy was doing. Yet, according to Priorities USA Action, 50 percent of Obama-Trump voters said their incomes are falling behind the cost of living, and another 31 percent said their incomes are merely keeping pace with the cost of living. When Clinton touted Obamas economic progress, she seemed hopelessly out of touch.

Clinton still can't seem to tell the difference between a white nationalist and working-class voters who are upset because their family incomes are stagnant or falling, they feel shut out of the labor force, and their communities are mired in substance abuse and despair. These "forgotten Americans" had legitimate grievances that Democrats ignored. That sent a message to working-class voters that Democrats are not focused on fighting for them. So they defected.

Add to this Clintons inability to connect with her partys liberal base (the so-called drop-off voters who turned out for Obama but failed to show up for her)  plus the Clinton Foundation and her repeated lies about her personal server, which led large majorities of Americans to conclude that she was dishonest and corrupt  and you had the toxic brew that produced her electoral defeat.

Clinton says she is done with electoral politics, so it really does not matter if she understands what happened. But there is little sign that Democrats today understand, much less are doing what is necessary to win back these working-class voters in the heartland. Instead, they have declared themselves The Resistance  further alienating these voters who put Trump in office, while hoping that they can turn out their liberal base in the next election. Thats precisely the strategy that failed in 2016. Well see if doubling down on failure works in 2020.

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President Trump pauses during a meeting with, from left, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), as well as other congressional leaders in the White House on Sept. 6. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Regarding the Sept. 9 Wonkblog excerpt "Getting rid of the debt ceiling is one of the president's best ideas yet":

President Trump and the Senate Democratic leader are right to propose elimination of the debt-limit legislation. Not only is it outdated and an occasion for unnecessary mischief, but also it is superfluous. Congress by law establishes federal programs and authorizes specified amounts of appropriations to pay for them. In a separate action, Congress by law appropriates specific amounts for them. The Congressional Budget Office supplies its independent estimate of what the programs will actually cost. Also, Congress legislates the taxes needed to pay for those programs, and the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation advise on anticipated tax revenue. Thus, Congress has already by law knowledgeably authorized the debt, the difference between what it has told the government to spend for its programs and what it has told the government to collect in taxes.

The United States should follow the example of other countries that recognize the obvious outcome of legislative acts as necessarily authorizing debt (or surplus).

Edward Steinhouse, Columbia
IN PROPOSING a $500 million annual bailout for Metro in equal four-way contributions from Maryland, the District, Virginia and the federal government, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan could be playing political chicken, or have come to a sudden appreciation of Metros dire need  but it doesnt much matter.

What does matter is that Mr. Hogan, a Republican not enamored of mass transit, has put an offer on the table. The other three players ignore it at their own peril  and at peril to the regions economic vitality.

Mr. Hogan's blueprint  $125 million annually from Annapolis over four years, on the condition that it is matched by Metro's three other funding partners, for an annual total of $500 million  is an abrupt about-face and a welcome one. Just two weeks ago, at a meeting with District Mayor Muriel Bowser, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, both Democrats, and other officials, the Maryland governor stunned the room by ruling out any increase from Annapolis in current funding levels for Metro.

Given the networks huge projected capital shortfalls  critically needed funding for new subway cars and a host of other major projects designed to revive a subway system in long-term decline  Mr. Hogans adamant, not-another-dime stance was a promise of indefinite misery for commuters.

The spin from Mr. Hogans camp is that his initial line in the sand was just a feint in what he anticipates will be prolonged negotiations. Whatever the strategy or motivation, his reversal now provides the prospect of a lifeline to a flailing system whose projected 10-year capital funding deficit is $7.5 billion.

Granted, Mr. Hogan's suggestion would meet only a part of Metro's minimum need. If Virginia, the District and the feds all kicked in for four years, as he urged, the combined new capital infusion would amount to just $2 billion. Nor is Mr. Hogan putting forward any dedicated funding from an earmarked tax of the sort that is the lifeblood of virtually every major American subway system. Rather, having ruled out any new taxes when he ran for governor in 2014, he offers to find new dollars for Metro simply by shifting funds around in Maryland's transportation trust fund. If some other state project may be shortchanged, Mr. Hogan isn't saying.

Already, officials elsewhere in the region are grumbling that the governors gambit is a bluff. Specifically, there are grave doubts that the federal government, whose current $150 million annual capital spending for Metro expires after next year, can be relied on to renew that plus the additional $125 million on which Mr. Hogans offer depends.

But what better way to put the feds on the spot than for the District and Virginia to chime and chip in? And by dropping other heavy-lift preconditions for additional Metro fundingsuch as further streamlining of operations, or governance and labor reforms  Mr. Hogan has simplified matters by clarifying that the systems immediate crisis is mainly about funding.
In his Sept. 11 op-ed, "Full-court press on North Korea," Josh Rogin argued that maximizing sanctions against North Korea may be "the last chance to avoid a binary choice between a nuclear North Korea that can blackmail the world or war." But given the awfulness of that very possible choice, should not the United States also be offering North Korea very generous economic aid, as well as avoidance of sanctions, if it satisfactorily limits its nuclear arms program? And if North Korea refused to give up its intercontinental nuclear arms program even when offered such benefits  and adequate security guarantees  would not that make it clear that North Korea indeed intends to "blackmail the world" with nuclear weapons, and would that not in turn clarify the choices facing the United States?

Tom Litwack, New York
THE SUPREME COURT has long kept a distance from arguments over gerrymandering, that most American practice of redrawing the lines of legislative districts in order to tip elections toward the party in power. But early next month, the justices will hear a challenge to the 2011 redrawing of Wisconsin's state legislative map by Republican lawmakers  a demonstration of how increasingly powerful technology allows partisan mapmakers to distort representation with ever-greater precision. Using computer modeling, Wisconsin's Republican-controlled legislature produced districts so unbalanced that, in 2012, Republicans won a supermajority in the state assembly even after losing the popular vote. And the state GOP continued to entrench that hold in 2014 and 2016, even after winning only slim majorities of the vote.

Given that the case, Gill v. Whitford, concerns an egregious abuse of power to the advantage of Republicans, it's heartening to see officials of that same party condemn Wisconsin's map. In a series of recently filed legal briefs before the Supreme Court, high-profile Republican politicians  including Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) and Ohio Gov. John Kasich  stand shoulder to shoulder with Democrats to report from the "political front lines" on the destructive effects of gerrymandering.

The legal arguments against extreme partisan gerrymandering focus on the practice's offensiveness to constitutional promises of equal protection and free expression: Voters packed into skewed districts have less of a voice in the political process and are arguably penalized for their party affiliation. And in cases such as Wisconsin's, technology allows legislators to create maps that essentially immunize the party in power from ever being voted out. The bipartisan briefs make clear how a practice designed to undercut democratic competition further degrades American politics by weakening public faith in government and pushing lawmakers away from compromise, especially in the House of Representatives. This is not an issue of one party's advantage over another  Democrats have also used gerrymandering against Republicans when convenient, most notably in Maryland  but a matter of bipartisan concern.

In the past, the Supreme Court has been reluctant to intervene against partisan redistricting for fear of becoming entangled in political disputes. But the court should take seriously the testimonials of both Republican and Democratic officials as to gerrymanderings destructiveness to democracy  and should strike down Wisconsins skewed map.

While the question of just where to draw the line between acceptable and unconstitutional partisan gerrymanders may be far from simple in many instances, Wisconsins is an extreme case. And with many politicians unwilling to give up the ability to draw their own districts, gerrymandering is uniquely resistant to political solutions. Establishing standards for judicial oversight would help deter overeager lawmakers from hijacking the redistricting process to cement their hold on power.

Gerrymandering has contributed to a crisis of confidence in our democracy, reads the brief filed by Mr. McCain and his Democratic colleague Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.). The judiciary cannot and should not be the sole solution to this crisis, but it has a valuable role to play in reassuring Americans that their votes matter.
THE COMING crisis is as predictable as it is worrying. Nearly a fifth of every dollar spent in this country is spent on health care. Without reform, that number will only rise as the baby boomers retire. Younger generations will suffer, as money is taken from building roads and educating children to paying for Medicare to cover boomers' health costs.

It should go without saying, then, that if two hip implants are functionally equivalent, surgeons should use the cheaper of the two. It should be obvious that people who do not need to languish in a health-care facility should be sent home to recover. But Medicare discourages coordination and thriftiness by handing providers a fee for every individual service each provides. Reshaping the way Medicare pays doctors could save money while improving care.

Yet waste scored a victory when Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price decided to stop or scale back bundled payment experiments the Obama administration had begun.

The idea was to give hospitals a flat payment covering the duration of a procedure and recovery. The payment would be based on historical costs and care quality, building in some savings for Medicare. Hospitals whose costs came in under the fee could keep the difference. Those whose did not would lose money.

A February study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that an HHS-led bundled-care program for joint replacement surgeries, which required about 800 randomly selected hospitals to participate, saved $5,577, or 21 percent, per episode. Once the right incentives were in place, practitioners collaborated more, wasted less and started making some of the obvious decisions they were previously never asked to make. Surgeons selected the cheapest effective implants. Hospitals matched patients to the right recovery program, which is not necessarily intensive. The researchers found that applying the program nationwide would save the government $2 billion annually. HHS was set to expand its experimentation to cardiac and other forms of care.

Mr. Price officially nixed the expansion and scaled back the joint replacement program. This was disheartening but no surprise. In a letter he sent last year to the agency he now heads, he accused HHS of "experimenting with Americans' health" and exceeding the law by forcing hospitals to participate in bundled-payment schemes.

It should be clear: These programs do not illegally infringe on doctors freedom to practice. Doctors can still set a hip however they like, but if they take federal money, they have no right to dictate how the government pays them for it. Think about how much federal money will be wasted under Mr. Price next time you are stuck in traffic or your childs school needs new books.

HHS officials now and Mr. Price last year argue that the government should test new payment models but that experiments should be voluntary. Yet only the most efficient providers would sign up; laggards with little interest in changing would continue to collect payments the old-fashioned way. This self-selection means that the government would not save much money and it would be impossible to run a scientifically sound test on how well bundled-payment programs drive efficiency.

Mr. Price should be expanding the programs he is trying to end.
Columnist

Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter, an early and loyal Trump enthusiast, gave an uncommonly candid assessment of the president to a group of young Republicans at home in California recently.

"He's an a--hole," Duncan said, "but he's our a--hole." So reported his hometown San Diego Union-Tribune.

Thats close to a perfect summary of Republicans relationship of convenience with President Trump.

Trump gave succor to neo-Nazis, boasted of groping women, attacked the integrity of the judicial system, fired the FBI director to stymie the Russia probe, boasted about his genital size on national television, attacked racial and religious minorities and labeled women all manner of vulgarities.

And, through it all, Republicans stuck with Trump.

But this time, some Republicans say he went too far. He made a deal with Democrats.

Its not a big deal, mind you, just a procedural agreement to postpone budget wrangling for three months. But because Trump sided with Chuck and Nancy over Mitch and Paul, combined with his tweeted attacks on the Republican Senate leader and Stephen K. Bannons threat to back primary challenges to Republican senators, there is suddenly talk of civil war within the GOP.

Republican lawmakers booed Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney when they tried to sell Trump's deal with the Democrats. "It's just a betrayal of everything we've been talking about for years as Republicans," former senator Jim DeMint, an influential conservative, told Politico.

In article headlined "Bound to No Party, Trump Upends 150 Years of Two-Party Rule," Peter Baker of the New York Times quoted conservative writer Ben Domenech: "This week was the first time he struck out and did something completely at odds with what the Republican leadership and establishment would want him to do in this position."

The first time!

If this is the first time Trump has been completely at odds with what the Republican leadership and establishment want him to do, lets review the various things Trump has done as president that must have been consistent with what they wanted. If his deal with Chuck and Nancy is a betrayal of everything, lets recall all those things that were not such betrayals of Republicanism:

Firing James B. Comey in an effort to thwart the FBIs Russia probe.

Dictating a misleading statement explaining his sons campaign interaction with Russians.

Moving slowly to fire national security adviser Michael Flynn after being told by the Justice Department that Russia could potentially blackmail Flynn.

Inventing the false charge that he was wiretapped by his predecessor.

Shoving aside a European prime minister to make his way to the front of a photo.

Talking with the Japanese prime minister about how to respond to North Korea while dining alfresco among members of the public at Mar-a-Lago.

Mocking the abilities of U.S. intelligence agencies to an overseas audience.

Sharing sensitive Israeli intelligence with the Russians.

Initially failing to affirm NATOs collective-security guarantee.

Gratuitously antagonizing European and Asian allies.

Raising the temperature in the North Korea nuclear standoff with a threat of fire and fury.

Encouraging a blockade of U.S. ally Qatar.

Issuing a ban on entry by members of certain Muslim countries that was struck down in court and had to be rewritten.

Attacking so-called federal judges and saying they should be blamed for terrorist attacks.

Launching a false social-media attack on the Muslim mayor of London.

Declaring the media enemies of the American people.

Disparaging MSNBCs Mika Brzezinksi for supposedly bleeding badly from a facelift.

Claiming he lost the popular vote only because millions of people voted illegally and appointing an election fraud commission in an attempt to prove it.

Saying there were "fine people" marching among neo-Nazis in Charlottesville.

Moving to end protection from deportation for hundreds of thousands of immigrant "dreamers."

And that list, of course, doesnt include the many things Trump did before assuming office: the Access Hollywood video, the birther campaign, calling Mexican immigrants rapists, countenancing violence at his rallies and all the rest.

Why do so many Republicans who tolerated so much now howl about civil war over a deal with Democrats? Im skeptical this will turn out to be a real break (Trumps dealmaking was clearly impromptu), but to the extent it does, its not about principle but partisan tribalism. Republicans can stomach just about anything as long as Trump remains a member in good standing of the tribe. But if he favors enemy tribesmen over his own, thats taboo.

Heading into the 2018 midterms, Republicans increasingly have an incentive to make people think theyre different from the unpopular Trump and that hes independent of the two-party system. But if Republicans disown Trump now, they still own all the previous Trump actions over which they failed to break with him in any meaningful way.

Hes their you-know-what.

Twitter: @Milbank

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Togos embattled president Faure Gnassingbe has requested the cancellation of an Israeli-Africa summit scheduled for October, as the West African nation has been experiencing unrest in recent days, with thousands of protesters demanding presidential term limits and constitutional reforms.

According to Israeli Foreign Ministry, the decision had come at the request of Togos president, Faure Gnassingbe, after consultations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The president of Togo has emphasized that elaborate preparations are needed in order to guarantee the success of the event, Israels foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said.

Talks would continue to guarantee the full success of the summit, a statement of the ministry added.

Israeli and African leaders, business leaders and security experts were scheduled to participate in the summit. Benjamin Netanyahu has been seeking partners to lobby the AU to grant Israel observer status.

Gaining observer status would enhance Israels relationship with African states and allow it to influence their voting at multilateral institutions such as the UN.

However, a number of African countries were reportedly threatening to boycott the summit.

South African Ambassador to Lebanon and Syria, Sean Benfeldt, has openly said South Africa will boycott the upcoming summit.
Diane L. Rosenfeld teaches at Harvard Law School, where she is director of the Gender Violence Program.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos last week announced a retreat from the Education Department's work to protect students from sexual assault. While demonstrating that she has given serious thought to the issue, DeVos's position is based on two fundamental flaws. As a result, she is poised to abandon laudable work done in the previous administration to help schools reduce the incidence of campus rape.

The first problem with DeVos's analysis is that it confuses a school's obligation to protect the civil rights of its students under Title IX with a defendant's rights in the criminal-justice system. Of course students in school adjudications deserve fair processes. They stand to lose an important privilege  access to a particular education. But criminal defendants stand to lose their liberty. As such, we reserve for criminal defendants the highest standards of due process  higher than what is necessary for a school adjudication. To conflate civil rights and the criminal-justice system is both misleading and legally incorrect.

Worse, confusing a school hearing with a criminal trial has the effect of inducing public panic that men will be falsely accused and found responsible for raping young women on campus. DeVos, who is not a lawyer, refers dismissively to the lower "preponderance of the evidence" standard that schools currently use in these cases. She fails to mention that this is, and has always been, the applicable standard for Title IX and other civil rights cases. Why should the fact that an offense involves sexual violence justify treating it differently? Indeed, to do so would be discriminatory in itself.

The second major flaw is DeVos's false equivalence between the experience of a student reporting a sexual assault and that of the student accused of the assault. While both will likely face lasting consequences from the case, the harms they can suffer are scarcely comparable. Students who report sexual assault suffer post-traumatic stress disorder and rape trauma syndrome with alarming frequency and striking similarities. Sexual assaults often result in severe depression and intense feelings of vulnerability, an inability to feel safe in one's own body.

Expulsion of students who commit these assaults helps reduce this trauma in two ways. First, a victims pain is typically reduced if she or he does not have to encounter the perpetrator on campus. Second and more important, the threat of such expulsions deters future assaults, thus diminishing the number of students who must endure this pain. To be sure, students expelled for sexual assault commonly suffer reputational injuries and sometimes damage to their careers. These are substantial consequences, and we should strive to ensure that they are not imposed on innocent students. But they pale before the trauma typically suffered by victims.

DeVos highlights incidents in which students accused of sexual assault were treated unfairly by their schools. She laments that untrained administrators have sometimes acted as judge and jury, which may have caused some students to be wrongfully punished. But the answer to such cases is not to abolish the protections articulated in the Obama administration's Dear Colleague Letter.

Rather, that guidance gave critical information to schools on implementing long-standing regulations that had lain dormant without federal enforcement. The guidance requires that equal rights be given to victims and to accused students so that if one had particular rights at a hearing, so did the other. In fact, each case DeVos cited as evidence that the Obama letter should be scrapped was a violation of the guidance, as well as federal legislation that encodes the important principles of the guidance, the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act. She should focus on enforcing equality principles rather than giving up just because the system is not yet perfect  or perfectly enforced. We need to help schools that are trying to develop competence in preventing and addressing campus sexual misconduct, not retreat to a regime in which misconduct was rampant and largely unpunished.

Lets not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Our goal should be to make our educational institutions places where students are equally treated and safe to learn. The guidance provided by the Dear Colleague Letter could be improved. Even more important is assisting schools in complying with the letter  both by affording victims of sexual assault adequate protection and by making certain that students accused of assaults have fair and equal procedural rights. The Education Department should assume its responsibility to counsel schools on achieving fair processes, not abandon the project of purging our campuses of the scourge of sexual violence.
Seated from left, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts Jr., Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, and Associate Justice Stephen Breyer. Standing from left, Associate Justice Elena Kagan, Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch pose for a portrait in the Supreme Court on June 1, 2017. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Over the objections of four liberal justices, the Supreme Court ruled Tuesday night that Texas does not immediately have to redraw electoral districts that a lower court found diminished the influence of minority voters.

The 5-to-4 ruling almost surely means the 2018 midterm elections will be conducted in the disputed congressional and legislative districts.

The justices gave no reasons in their one-paragraph statement granting a request from Texas that it not be forced to draw new districts until the Supreme Court reviewed the lower court's decision.

[After losses on voting rights and districts, Texas looks to Supreme Court]

But the courts liberals  Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan  signaled their unhappiness by noting they would not have agreed to Texass request.

The courts intervention was a victory for Texas Republicans, who had drawn the districts. It disappointed civil rights groups, who had noted that even though growth in the states Hispanic population was the reason for additional congressional seats, none were drawn to favor minority candidates.

The decision was yet another indication of the influence of President Trumps nominee to the Supreme Court, Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, who joined the court in April. Without a full complement of five conservative justices, the court likely would have tied 4 to 4, and Texass request for a stay would have failed.

The state has been in the midst of an extraordinary losing streak in federal courts over the way it conducts elections.

Over the latter part of the summer, federal judges in four separate cases ruled that the Texas Legislature discriminated against minorities in drawing congressional and legislative districts, setting ID requirements for voters and even regulating who can assist voters whose first language is not English.

Two courts are considering whether the actions were intended to discourage African American and Hispanic voters. If the courts find that the efforts were intentional, it could return Texas to the kind of federal oversight from which the Supreme Court freed it and other mostly Southern states in the landmark 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) called the rulings outrageous and astonishing.

A lower court overseeing the redistricting cases called for a special session of the Texas Legislature to redraw the electoral lines. But Paxton went quickly to the Supreme Court, saying it would be a waste of time if the Supreme Court ultimately agreed with Texas that the districts did not have to be redrawn.

The decision by a three-judge panel ordering new districts is not just wrong, but egregiously so, Paxton told the court in a brief.

Without a special session or a court redrawing the legislative and congressional district lines, it would seem impossible to have the new districts in place in time for the 2018 elections. Redrawn districts probably would have increased the chances for Democrats and minorities to capture them.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 15: Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, center left, is accompanied by Chief Justice John Roberts as they walk to the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court following an investiture ceremony on June 15, 2017 in Washington, D.C. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

The Supreme Court agreed with the Trump administration Tuesday and put on hold a lower-court decision that would have allowed more refugees to enter the country.

The court issued a one-paragraph statement granting the administration's request for a stay of the latest legal maneuvering involving the president's executive order on immigration. There were no recorded dissents to the decision.

At issue is whether the president can block a group of about 24,000 refugees, who have assurances from sponsors, from entering the United States. A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit had interpreted a Supreme Court directive this summer to mean that such refugees should be allowed in, but the government objected.

The latest court actions are part of a complicated legal battle that began in January when President Trump issued his first version of an entry ban. The Supreme Court is to consider the merits of his actions at a hearing Oct. 10.

The current case grows out of a Supreme Court decision in June that approved a limited version of a presidential order that temporarily blocked refugees and citizens of six majority-Muslim countries.

[Supreme Court allows limited version of Trumps travel ban to take effect and will consider case in fall]

The justices said Trump could impose a limited version of the measure, but not on a person with a bona fide connection to the United States, such as having family members here, a job offer or a place in a U.S. university.

It is the interpretation of a bona fide tie to the United States that is being debated.

The government initially declined to include grandparents and other members of the extended family as meeting that standard, as well as refugees with formal assurances. A federal district judge said the governments reading was too broad and stopped it.

The Supreme Court largely upheld that ruling in July, although it put on hold the portion dealing with refugees.

[Supreme Court allows Trump refugee ban but backs broader exemptions for relatives]

Last week, a panel of the 9th Circuit weighed in, deciding that the administration could block neither grandparents nor refugees with assurances.

The Justice Department this week asked the Supreme Court to step in again  although only to block refugees, not grandparents and other relatives beyond the nuclear family. Even those refugees with formal assurances from a resettlement agency lack the sort of connection that should exempt them from the ban, the Justice Department argued in its new filing to the Supreme Court.

The absence of a formal connection between a resettlement agency and a refugee subject to an assurance stands in stark contrast to the sort of relationships this court identified as sufficient in its June 26 stay ruling, acting solicitor general Jeffrey B. Wall wrote in his filing.

"Unlike students who have been admitted to study at an American university, workers who have accepted jobs at an American company, and lecturers who come to speak to an American audience, refugees do not have any free-standing connection to resettlement agencies, separate and apart from the refugee-admissions process itself, by virtue of the agencies' assurance agreement with the government," the filing said.

In response, the state of Hawaii, which is challenging the entry ban, told the Supreme Court that the governments argument made no sense.

Refugees with formal assurances are the category of foreign nationals least likely to implicate the national security rationales the government has pointed to in the past, wrote Washington lawyer Neal Katyal, who is representing Hawaii.

By the governments own admission, these refugees have already been approved by the Department of Homeland Security. It is therefore exceedingly unlikely that they represent a security threat.

Time is beginning to become a factor in the broader fight over Trump's entry ban. The measure was supposed to have been temporary  lasting 90 days for citizens of the six affected countries, and 120 days for refugees. If the measure is considered to have taken effect when the Supreme Court allowed partial implementation, the 90 days will have passed by the time the justices hear arguments Oct. 10, and the 120 days are very likely to have passed by the time they issue a decision.

Some deadlines for reports have also seemingly passed. The Department of Homeland Security secretary was  within 20 days of the order taking effect  to have given Trump the results of a worldwide review determining what information was necessary from other countries to vet travelers. The countries that were not supplying adequate information were then to be given 50 days to begin doing so, and after that, top U.S. officials were to give Trump a list of countries whose citizens would be recommended for inclusion in a more permanent travel ban.

A Homeland Security spokesman said that a report was delivered to the White House in early July on the results of the review and that officials then went about assessing each country on the information it provided

He said Homeland Security officials were evaluating the information received and will provide a report to the president in the coming weeks.
The lobbying activities of Michael G. Flynn, the son of President Trumps former national security adviser, are being examined by the special counsel investigating possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election, according to people familiar with the probe.

The inquiry into the younger Flynn, first reported by NBC News, follows other indications this week that investigators are increasing pressure on his father, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who advised Trump during the campaign and briefly served in the White House before being ousted for misleading statements about his contacts with the Russian ambassador.

[Flynn discussed sanctions with Russian ambassador, despite denials, officials say]

Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III is looking at the younger Flynn because of his role as chief of staff to his father at the Flynn Intel Group, a lobbying and consulting firm that worked for international and domestic clients, according to the people familiar with the inquiry, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an open case.

Meanwhile, this week, two senior House Democrats requested information from the elder Flynn and some of his business partners about a joint U.S.-Russia proposal to sell nuclear power plants in the Middle East. The letter sent Tuesday by Reps. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) and Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.) sought details of Flynns travels to the Middle East in 2015 to promote the nuclear project  trips that the lawmakers said were not disclosed by Flynn in early 2016 as required.

It appears that General Flynn violated federal law by omitting this trip and these foreign contacts from his renewal application for a security clearance, the lawmakers wrote to Flynns attorney and two business partners.

Flynns attorney, Robert Kelner, declined to comment on the letter. An attorney for the younger Flynn, Barry Coburn, declined to comment on the NBC report.

Lawmakers have been inquiring in recent months about the elder Flynns connections to Turkish, Saudi and Russian interests. The Flynns flew together to Moscow in 2015 when the elder Flynn delivered a paid speech at an anniversary celebration for RT television. While in Moscow, Flynn sat by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a dinner marking the network anniversary.

The lawmakers' interest in the nuclear power proposal was sparked by a June report by Newsweek detailing the unusual plan to jointly market nuclear power plants to Israel, Egypt and other countries in the region. Newsweek reported that Flynn flew to Egypt and Israel in June 2015 "to gauge attitudes in Cairo and Jerusalem toward a plan for a joint U.S.-Russian (and Saudi financed) program to get control over the Arab world's rush to acquire nuclear power."

The letter requested details of any communication Flynn had with foreign governments about the nuclear project and suggested his interest in the proposed deals may have represented a conflict of interest. The American people deserve to know whether General Flynn was secretly promoting the private interests of these businesses while acting in his official capacity as adviser to the Trump campaign, the transition and the president, the letter said.

Although Flynns attorney has rejected past efforts by Democratic lawmakers to gather information, they have persisted. In addition to requesting documents Tuesday, they asked that Flynn and his business partners appear before House committees for transcribed interviews with staffers. In the past, Flynns attorney has pledged to cooperate with congressional intelligence committees, which have subpoena power and can compel testimony.
The Senate will vote Wednesday on an amendment aimed at forcing Congress to debate and vote on a replacement authorization for military force within six months, after Sen. Rand Paul threatened to hold up the entire defense bill until the measure was scheduled.

The scheduled vote, which is expected to take place before lunch, according to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells (R-Ky.) office, is a victory for Paul (R-Ky.), who promised Monday night to stage a one-man protest if necessary to force a debate about the militarys various combat operations against extremist groups, including in Afghanistan, Americas longest-running war.

But Paul may not be victorious in the outcome, after several senators who support drafting a new AUMF spoke against Pauls effort to set a high-stakes deadline.

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who is one of the two leading senators writing and promoting a new AUMF for fighting extremist groups, said Tuesday that he could not support Pauls amendment because of the very real risk associated with repealing such a vital law before we have something to replace it with.

The ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Jack Reed (R.I.), also warned about the message Pauls amendment might send to the world about the countrys commitment to foreign conflicts in which it is already involved.

The headlines in Baghdad and the headlines in Kabul and the headlines in Damascus would be U.S. moves to end engagement,  Reed said. Unless we could do something literally next week, we would be running into the reality of American military commanders wondering whether they should begin to plan for the extraction of our forces.

One week is an unlikely turnaround in a Senate that has been musing about an AUMF for years. The pattern of talking about passing an AUMF, but with minimal action, frustrated Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to the point Tuesday of announcing he would support Pauls efforts, despite criticizing his strategy earlier.

I view his amendment as an attempt to force Congress to do what it should do, Kaine said. I think it is way past time, way past time, for Congress to take this up and for everybody to be on the record.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a veteran of the Iraq War, also announced Tuesday that she would support Pauls measure.

But for most of the day, Paul and his new allies had yet to persuade Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) to put the measure on the floor.

McCain controls the procedural decisions for the annual defense bills progress through the Senate, and has been wary of committing his support to any controversial amendments that might complicate the legislation. Thus far, support for the defense bill has been reliably bipartisan.

Compared to years past, many senators have also been rather restrained in pushing McCain to take on the kind of policy fights that could directly challenge the Trump administration. McCain has never been shy about criticizing the president, but he is very protective of the defense bill, which Congress has passed each of the last 55 years. Once the measure gets through the Senate, there is still a looming battle coming with the House, which has its own version of the defense bill. And though McCain is committed to that task, he will be taking it on while undergoing regular treatment for brain cancer at the National Institutes of Health.

In a preliminary deal Monday night, McCain granted Paul four hours to take the floor and speak his piece about the defense bill. Paul showed up to work on Tuesday looking like he might be planning to stand for far longer than that, wearing army green chinos and comfortable-looking shoes that stuck out against the Senates traditional sea of formal suits and wingtips.

He would ultimately use only about 27 minutes of his allotted time.

When the Senate does vote on Pauls amendment Wednesday, it is expected to be a motion to table the amendment. If the vote is successful, it will kills Pauls effort, leaving senators to sort out next steps.

Kaine and Flake are expected to keep pressing for their AUMF proposal in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, of which Paul is a member and where Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) has promised them a vote. Their proposal would replace the 2001 AUMF that Congress passed to authorize the war in Afghanistan with a new measure authorizing military action against al-Qaeda, the Islamic State and the Taliban.

In the meantime, Corker did not object to a vote on Pauls amendment.

Read more at PowerPost
Last weeks deal between President Trump and Democratic leaders upended Congresss schedule for the rest of September.

Now, with less than a dozen working days left this month, lawmakers have only a moderately insane amount of work to do rather than a truly insane amount of work to do.

The clearest benefit from Trumps deal was to lift the pressure off Sept. 29 and 30, when the United States would have hit the debt ceiling and entered a partial government shutdown without intervention from lawmakers.

Besides pushing those tasks off until December (or even later on the debt ceiling, according to one Republican leader), the agreement extended a crucial federal flood insurance program and provided a $15.3 billion down payment on hurricane relief.

These might seem like big accomplishments  and they are. Theyre just not the only time-sensitive items on Congresss agenda. Postponing some business until December allows lawmakers to direct attention toward tasks that had briefly gone off the radar.

Heres a guide to those tasks and when they must be finished, if theres a deadline.

Reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration

The current extension of the FAA expires Sept. 30, and lawmakers are eyeing the reauthorization process as an opportunity to enact reforms at the agency. The House is scheduled to vote soon on a bill that would privatize more than half of the FAA workforce, setting up a conflict with the Senate, where the Commerce Committee approved a bill without this dramatic change.

Fund the Childrens Health Insurance Program

The funding for this federal-state partnership, which offers health insurance to nearly 9 million low-income children, expires Sept. 30.

If Congress does not provide new funds, programs might have to freeze enrollment amid budget shortfalls. Lawmakers are receiving pressure to act not only from childrens health advocates but also from officials in states battered by hurricanes, whose programs are likely to face new financial pressure from the storms.

Cut taxes

From Trump on down, the Republican Partys biggest policy objective for the fall is cutting taxes. Its also the most complicated item on lawmakers agenda.

While members of the GOP agree on lowering corporate and individual rates, the White House and congressional leaders are split on which tax breaks to eliminate to make up the difference in federal revenue. Could the mortgage interest deduction fall by the wayside to fund Trump's plan, as the president's advisers have proposed? Or will Republican congressional leaders win out and find a way to preserve the popular deduction? It's a high-stakes debate, full of unknowns.

Pass National Defense Authorization Act

The Senate could hold its final vote as early as this week on the nearly $700 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This would pave the way for negotiations with the House over the final bill, which lays out the Pentagons budget for 2018.

One wild card in the upper chamber? Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who is threatening to hold up the bills progress in an effort to force a vote on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. A handful of blockbuster amendments, including one aiming to block Trumps ban on transgender troops, are also expected to spark controversy.

The process is being led by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who is working despite his recent brain cancer diagnosis. (He'll undergo treatments at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda while he's in Washington, his office announced Tuesday.)

Fund cost-sharing reduction payments under the Affordable Care Act

This is another area where Republicans are split. Cost-sharing reduction payments are designed to help insurers reduce out-of-pocket medical costs for patients with lower incomes on Obamacares insurance exchanges.

Some GOP lawmakers, including Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), want to fund the payments for several more years to help stabilize those exchanges. Others oppose the funding as a bailout for insurers.

The payments could be funded as part of a broader bipartisan compromise on health care. (HELP has been holding hearings as part of an effort to produce such a bill.) But whatever decision lawmakers come to, the health insurance industry hopes it happens quickly: health plans have to submit 2018 final premium rates within the next two weeks.

Respond to Trumps dreamer decision

Congressional Democrats are intent on passing protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, or dreamers, following Trumps move to end an Obama-era program shielding them from deportation. Calls to preserve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, grew even louder last week after Trumps deal with Democratic leaders failed to address the issue.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is working to build support for a bill protecting dreamers and said she hopes to use a procedural maneuver to force the House to vote on it later this month. Doing this will require help from at least two dozen Republicans.

Continue probing Trump associates connections to Russia

Donald Trump Jr. met with Capitol Hill investigators last week about his 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer offering damaging information about Hillary Clinton.

This was the latest major development in Congresss three leading investigations into Trump associates ties to Russia  investigations that are expected to continue apace this fall as lawmakers seek to interview more members of Trumps inner circle.

At least one committee chairman, Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) of the Senate Intelligence Committee, wants to wrap up his probe before the end of the year.

Kill the debt ceiling?

Its a long-shot, but in Trumps Washington, anything seems possible.

During the Oval Office meeting last week in which the president unexpectedly sided with Democrats, Trump and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) agreed to pursue a deal to eliminate Congress's role in raising the debt ceiling by December.

This would be a significant development, depriving conservative Republicans of a source of leverage theyve tried to use to reduce federal spending. But House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) has indicated hes against the idea, and his opposition could scuttle a potential deal.

Read more at PowerPost
With just 17 days left for Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act on a party-line vote, a quartet of GOP senators on Wednesday rolled out a plan to devolve federal health care spending into state-by-state block grants  legislation that South Carolina Sen. Lindsey O. Graham described as conservatives last shot at reform.

It should have been our first bill to repeal and replace Obamacare, but it is now our last, Graham said at a morning news conference. To those in the Republican Party who feel like we have not fought as hard as we could, youre right.

The Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson bill, named for co-sponsors Graham, Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), would turn the billions of dollars spent on the ACAs Medicaid expansion, tax credits and subsidies into grants managed by each state.

The bill represents a fundamentally different approach to overturning much of the sprawling 2010 health-care law than other measures Senate Republicans have attempted  and failed to achieve  this year.

It would leave in place most of the financial props that support the ACA, eliminating only a tax on medical devices. At the same time, it does not attempt to replace the current laws policies with more conservative federal approaches, instead allowing each state to define its own rules for health plans that may be sold to residents and the help consumers should receive to afford that insurance.



Five current and former GOP senators unveiled legislation on Wednesday to turn much of the Affordable Care Act into block grants to states. From left, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada, Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Sen. Lindsey O. Graham of South Carolina and former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Its a massive devolution of federal money and responsibility to states, on a scale I dont think weve ever seen, said Larry Levitt, senior vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation. Over time, its less federal money than is being spent now on health care, but its still a huge pot of money available to states with very few strings attached.

While maintaining the ACAs taxes, the proposal would repeal many of the laws features disliked by Republicans, including the requirements that most Americans carry insurance and that large employers offer health coverage. It would allow states to waive most of the laws insurance regulation but continue its ban on insurers refusing to cover people with preexisting medical conditions.

The plan would end the premium tax credits that the ACA provides to more than 80 percent of the approximately 10 million Americans who currently have health plans through marketplaces created under the law. And it would eliminate cost-sharing discounts the law provides lower-income consumers with marketplace plans to help them afford deductibles and other other-of-pocket expenses. State could decide whether to create new forms of financial help for buying insurance.

[Five governors, friends and foes of the ACA, urge Congress to bolster its markets for 2018]

The bills main components would start in 2020, and the funding it envisions would last until 2026, limited by the 10-year budget window. The amount of money each state would receive as a block grant would hinge on how many residents fall roughly within the income groups eligible for Medicaid under an expansion of the program that about three-fifths of the states have adopted under the ACA  people with incomes of up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

But the block grant could be spent on a variety of health-care purposes, not just to help lower-income people gain coverage. States would decide whether to preserve, or begin, their Medicaid expansion.

Whats uncertain is how the bill could beat the buzzer  the end of the budget reconciliation reconstructions that Republicans hoped they could use to repeal most of the ACA with just 50 votes, plus the tiebreaking support of Vice President Pence.

The GOP's anti-Obamacare push, which has been on hold since three Republican senators blocked a "skinny repeal" bill on July 28, appeared to end in August. Over the long summer recess, both party leaders and outside groups began talking and buying TV ads to promote tax cuts, the president's next domestic agenda item. The Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity, which had organized years of repeal rallies, spent August working to build momentum on tax reform.

What has been proposed isnt actually repeal and replace, said Dan Holler, the communications director at Heritage Action, another of the major conservative pro-repeal groups. Im not convinced that the solution here is to unveil another sweeping bill ahead of a tight deadline. That hasnt worked for anyone so far.

On Sept. 1, the Senate parliamentarian ruled that the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30 would mean the end of the partys ability to pass a bill with a simple majority. Graham and Cassidy, the main sponsors of the latest plan, kicked into overdrive, submitting text to the Congressional Budget Office last week and arguing that the bulk of their idea had already been vetted when Cassidy and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) floated a separate proposal.

You play with the hand thats dealt, Cassidy said. The heart and soul of what were doing here was in Cassidy-Collins. I went to 10, maybe 11, Democratic senators, and all of them said they couldnt collaborate with us.

[Sanders will introduce universal health care, backed by 15 Democrats]

The senators say they could fit hearings into the tight schedule, and they acknowledge those sessions would matter because of the reasons that skinny repeal died. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who cast the deciding vote against it, argued that both parties needed to return to regular order. The new bills backers said they could wrangle the support they needed, the score they needed and move through the committee process before the deadline.

Im chairman of Homeland Security. If either the Finance Committee or HELP committee wont hold a hearing, Ill notice one this afternoon, Johnson said.

Johnson and Graham also suggested that conservative governors could build momentum for the bill, if the White House worked on them to endorse it and explained how their states would benefit from block grants.

The president said, if you get 20 governors on board, hell stand with them, said Graham. Make some calls; help us get to 20.

The struggle to get most Republican governors on board with the bill was telling. Even before the collapse of the first repeal push, moderate Republican governors like Ohios John Kasich and Nevadas Brian Sandoval were urging Congress to move on and pass compromise legislation that would fully fund the ACAs tax subsidies. Asked if his governor backed his bill, Heller said that it was a work in progress.

Predicted Levitt: If this bill passed, it would get Congress off the hot seat of figuring out how to deal with health care  but unleash 50 debates in state capitals around the country.

Graham, who described a political crisis for Republicans if they did not act, said that the block grants would at least end the threat of further national health insurance reform. He repeatedly described the bill not just as an alternative to the status quo, but as a way to head off the Medicare for All bill being proposed Wednesday by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and 16 Democratic colleagues.

This is the only thing standing between you and single-payer health care, said Graham.

.

Read more at PowerPost
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation Wednesday that would expand Medicare into a universal health insurance program with the backing of at least 15 Democratic senators  a record level of support for an idea that had been relegated to the fringes during the last Democratic presidency.

This is where the country has got to go, Sanders said in an interview at his Senate office. Right now, if we want to move away from a dysfunctional, wasteful, bureaucratic system into a rational health-care system that guarantees coverage to everyone in a cost-effective way, the only way to do it is Medicare for All.

Sanderss bill, the Medicare for All Act of 2017, has no chance of passage in a Republican-run Congress. But after months of behind-the-scenes meetings and a public pressure campaign, the bill is already backed by most of the senators seen as likely 2020 Democratic candidates  if not by most senators facing tough reelection battles in 2018.

The bill would revolutionize Americas health-care system, replacing it with a public system that would be paid for by higher taxes. Everything from emergency surgery to prescription drugs, from mental health to eye care, would be covered, with no co-payments. Americans younger than 18 would immediately obtain universal Medicare cards, while Americans not currently eligible for Medicare would be phased into the program over four years. Employer-provided health care would be replaced, with the employers paying higher taxes but no longer on the hook for insurance.

Private insurers would remain, with fewer customers, to pay for elective treatments such as cosmetic surgery  a system similar to that in Australia, which President Trump has praised for having a much better insurance regimen than the United States.

But the market-based changes of the Affordable Care Act would be replaced as Medicare becomes the countrys universal insurer. Doctors would be reimbursed by the government; providers would sign a yearly participation agreement with Medicare to remain with the system.

"When you have co-payments  when you say that health care is not a right for everybody, whether you're poor or whether you're a billionaire  the evidence suggests that it becomes a disincentive for people to get the health care they need," Sanders said. "Depending on the level of the co-payment, it may cost more to figure out how you collect it than to not have the co-payment at all."

As he described his legislation, Sanders focused on its simplicity, suggesting that Americans would be happy to pay higher taxes if it meant the end of wrangling with health-care companies. The size of the tax increase, he said, would be determined in a separate bill.

I think the American people are sick and tired of filling out forms, Sanders said. Your income went up  you cant get this. Your income went down  you cant get that. Youve got to argue with insurance companies about what you thought you were getting. Doctors are spending an enormous amount of time arguing with insurers.

Republicans, bruised and exhausted by a failed campaign to repeal the Affordable Care Act, were giddy about the chance to attack Democrats and Sanders. At Tuesdays leadership news conference, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), a medical doctor, crowed that Sanderss bill had become the litmus test for the liberal left and that Americans would reject any costly plan for universal insurance coverage.

Bernie Sanderss home state had  a similar plan, Barrasso said, referring to a failed 2014 campaign for universal health care in Vermont. They realized they would have to double the taxes collected on the people of that state to pay for it because it was so financially expensive.

Sanders acknowledged that the plan would be costly but pointed to the experience of other industrialized countries that provided universal coverage through higher taxes. The average American paid $11,365 per year in taxes; the average Canadian paid $14,693. But the average American paid twice as much for health care as the average Canadian.

"Rather than give a detailed proposal about how we're going to raise $3 trillion a year, we'd rather give the American people options," Sanders said. "The truth is, embarrassingly, that on this enormously important issue, there has not been the kind of research and study that we need. You've got think tanks, in many cases funded by the drug companies and the insurance companies, telling us how terribly expensive it's going to be. We have economists looking at it who are coming up with different numbers. "

In 2016, when Sanders challenged Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination, high cost estimates and the idea of wiping out private insurers kept many Democrats from embracing universal health care. While support for Sanderss proposal has risen from zero to 15, several Senate Democrats are proposing alternate plans for Medicare or Medicaid buy-ins, and Democratic leaders caution that their party will take no one-size-fits-all position.

I dont think its a litmus test, said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) of Medicare for All. I think to support the idea that it captures is that we want to have as many people as possible, everybody, covered, and I think thats something that we all embrace.

Many supporters of Sanders have contradicted Pelosi, portraying his plan as popular  57 percent of Americans support Medicare for All, according to Kaiser Health News  and efficient. Our Revolution, founded by Sanders, has urged Democrats to sign on; Justice Democrats, created after the election to challenge Democrats in primaries if they bucked progressive values, has asked supporters to call their senators until they endorse the bill. And a web ad paid for by Sanderss 2018 Senate campaign, asking readers to co-sponsor his bill, attracted more than half a million names.

As of Tuesday night, just one senator from a swing state had done so. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), who as a member of the House had backed Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.)s Medicare for All bill, wrote a Tuesday op-ed for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to confirm that she was on board. The Republican Party of Wisconsin, which has struggled to find a first-tier challenger for Baldwin next year, was quick with a statement: Senator Tammy Baldwin Embraces Radical $32 Trillion Health Care Takeover.

The $32 trillion figure was based on the Urban Institutes analysis of Sanderss 2016 campaign plan. The new bill was different  and so was the confidence Democrats had as they embraced it.

With this reform, we would simplify a complicated system for families and reduce administrative costs for businesses, Baldwin wrote.

Kelsey Snell contributed to this report.

Read more at PowerPost
This article has been updated to correct that the storm's sustained winds were as high as 185 mph.

Helicopter footage over the British and U.S. Virgin Islands shows the damaged left behind by Hurricane Irma on Thursday, Sept. 7 and Friday, Sept. 8.

The Asolare restaurant is gone, practically blown off its cliff, along with its world-famous carrot ginger soup. The facade of Margarita Phil's is a junkyard of yellow and vermilion planks. Multimillion-dollar homes and aluminum huts alike lie in ruins.

On the island of St. John, that was only Irmas beginning. Once a lush gem in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a chain steeped in the lore of pirates and killer storms, this 20-square-mile island is now perhaps the site of Irmas worst devastation on American soil.

Six days after the storm  some say several days too late  the island finally has an active-theater disaster zone. Military helicopters buzz overhead and a Navy aircraft carrier is anchored off the coast, as the National Guard patrols the streets.

The Coast Guard is ferrying the last of St. Johns dazed tourists to large cruise ships destined for Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico. More than a few locals, cut off from the world with no power, no landlines and no cellular service  other than the single bar you might get above Ronnies Pizza  are leaving, too, some of them in tears.

The streets of Cruz Bay, the largest town of this island of roughly 5,000, were a bizarre tableau of broken businesses and boats on sidewalks. Beyond belief, the Dog House bar had not only a generator but satellite TV, and folks streamed in and out, some stepping over debris holding beers.



Debris and destruction caused by Hurricane Irma is seen on St. John Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Anthony Faiola/The Washington Post)

A drive up formerly picturesque mountain roads reveals a landscape of such astonishing devastation that it looks as if it were bombed. Entire houses have disappeared. Others are tilting on their sides. Horizons of waxy-green bay leaf trees on jade-

colored hills have turned to barren wastelands, as if the world's largest weed whacker had hedged the entire island.

Hurricanes? Weve been through hurricanes  lots of them. But nothing, nothing, like this, said Jerry OConnell, a Chevy Chase, Md., native turned St. John developer.

And thats just damage from the weather.

In the days following the storm, lawlessness broke out  here and on other Caribbean islands. Thieves hit a string of businesses. Houses were burgled, entire ATM machines stolen.

In the information vacuum after the storm, rumors flew like Irmas raindrops. Prisoners had broken free on nearby Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands, seized guns and formed armed gangs.

Left largely unprotected and with no way to call the police, some locals began sleeping in shifts. One local blogger, Jenn Manes, called for help on her island blog  help that finally arrived in force Monday. Others jumped on her for sullying the islands name, because tough times can bring communities together, but they can also divide.

I know some people were not happy with my telling the truth  that I was scared, that people here were scared, said Manes as she lined up Tuesday to catch a Coast Guard boat off the island. It doesnt mean I wont be back. Were going to rebuild.

On late Wednesday morning when Irma hit, the Virgin Islands, a haven for cruise ships and those in search of a good pina colada, were supposed to get lucky. A former Danish colony purchased by the United States in 1917, the small island cluster had had more than its fair share of cyclones. Their names read like a litany of salty villains: Marylyn, Irene, Hugo.



Hurricane Irma caused massive damage on St. John Island. (Anthony Faiola/The Washington Post)

Irma was supposed to veer to the north, or so thought Joe Decourcy, a Canadian businessman who moved to St. John in 2001. Instead, the Category 5 storm slammed into the island at full intensity, with sustained winds of up to 185 mph racking it from coast to coast. Irma also hit neighboring St. Thomas, devastating the local hospital and homes and businesses across the island. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, only St. Croix was largely spared.

Decourcy, owner of Joes Rum Hut, holed up that night in the formidable villa of a friend. Even the multimillion-dollar home could not hold Irma back. They sheltered on the first floor after second-floor windows were sucked out, causing massive flooding.

The pressure was insane. It felt like our heads were going to explode, he said.

When the slow-moving storm cleared, Decourcy emerged with other shell-shocked locals to post-apocalyptic scenes of shattered homes, of cars, boats and sides of homes in the street. We walked around like The Walking Dead,  he said.

A sailboat named Windsong had landed in the street in front of Joes Rum Hut. Islanders quickly banded together, he said, sharing food, supplies. But by Friday, the vibe, he said, started to change.



A boat rests among debris caused by Hurricane Irma on St. John Island, Sep. 7. (Joe Decourcy/Courtesy of Joe Decourcy)

The island was virtually cut off. No cell reception. No power. No WiFi. It also meant there was no way to call the islands police, and some began to realize it.

Friday morning, Decourcy arrived to start cleaning up in earnest, only to discover the chains to the bar had been cut by bolt cutters. Inside, the registers were smashed open, the safes ajar. He had banked the bars cash before the storm. But who knew what else was missing  he did not have the stomach to do an inventory.

At least four other businesses in a mall he runs also were hit. A gas station was robbed, as was Scoops, the islands ice cream parlor. The burned-out husk of an ATM and safe, which thieves apparently tried to open with a blowtorch, sit in the towns police station.

Many residents were outraged it took so long for the National Guard to arrive.

No structure, no police presence, no National Guard, Decourcy said. It got really tense, to the point where business owners were asking, How do I get firearms? How do I get off the island? Are they coming for us? I mean, this is supposed to be U.S. territory. And yet people were just running around breaking into residences and stores.

Devida Damron, 38, a 10-year island resident who works at the local veterinary clinic, was leaving St. John on Tuesday with her boyfriend and her dog, French Fry. She said she saw a man with a machete in the street Friday yelling, Its looting time.

At the same time, a cluster of do-gooders, mostly launching from the Puerto Rican coast, were starting to ferry the old and infirm off St. John. Nils Erickson, a 42-year-old Gaithersburg, Md., native and part time St. John resident, rushed down Friday after he began hearing pleas from islanders on a Facebook page.

People were begging for help, he said.

With the aid of a local boat company, a GoFundMe account and credit cards to finance the rest, Erickson began running supply mission and evacuations. Since Friday  three days before large-scale official efforts  they managed to get 600 people off the island.



Debris and destruction caused by Hurricane Irma on St. John Island. (Anthony Faiola/The Washington Post)

So many boats came to aid that the locals began to call it the Puerto Rican Navy.

It was our own Dunkirk, said Sgt. Richard Dominguez of the Virgin Islands Police Department. They took their own boats before official means were available. They didnt wait.

View Graphic Surviving Harvey: A long and fraught recovery

Kenneth Mapp (I), governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, insisted in a telephone interview that there had been no pillaging at all on St. John, despite evidence to the contrary.

I am sympathetic, and I understand the peoples fear and desire for more resources on the island as quickly as possible, Mapp said. But there was no looting, no abuse of folks.

President Trump, Mapp said, called him Monday and was due to survey the Virgin Islands damage this week. He would find, the governor said, an efficient response. Those in dire need of assistance were carried off St. John and St. Thomas by authorities via helicopter. On Monday and Tuesday, the bulk of stranded tourists  some 3,500  were rescued by two massive cruise ships. And the emergency WiFi service was up and running Tuesday night.

Mapp conceded that it may take months, months, months before power is restored to the island but said the delay in mobilizing the National Guard to St. John was unavoidable. The harbor was filled with overturned boats, making landings difficult. He managed to get to the island himself, he said, via helicopter.

Its a matter of deployment of assets, he said. This was a Cat-five event.

And yet, the citizens here are indeed pulling together. The Dog House is offering free food. Meaghan Enright, 34, a marketing manager on the island who suddenly finds herself jobless, has found a new reason for being the de facto relief organizer.

St. John has a singular ability to pull together in a crisis, she said.

Read more

Richard Branson: Devastated Caribbean islands need a Marshall Plan after Irma

16 million people without power and 142-mph winds: Hurricane Irma, by the numbers

Worst ever seen: European leaders view devastated islands

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Guinea may organize its long-delayed local polls this year, according to a new draft presented on Wednesday by the countrys electoral commission to the committee monitoring the inter-Guinean dialogue.

The National Electoral Commission (CENI) is requesting 120 days to organize the elections.

However, opposition parties in the West African nation see the move as another dilatory maneuver of the government of president Alpha Conde.

Today, we have a National Electoral Commission, which is here to present the preliminary draft of the roadmap for the next local elections. This preliminary draft gives 120-day deadline, so these 120 days will take us beyond the year 2017, said Aboubacar Sylla, spokesman for the opposition.

Last month, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Guineas capital Conakry to demand the holding of local elections, the latest having been held in 2005.

They also called out President Conde, following suspicions that he might want to amend Guineas current constitution, that would allow him to run for a third term.

Conde became president in 2010 in the countrys first democratic election after decades of fighting authoritarian regimes that sent him into exile and prison.

Despite vast mineral wealth, most Guineans live in poverty and President Conde has been blamed for a stagnant economy.
Ranjan Vira, Bhupendra Vira's widow, sits in the exact spot where her husband sat when he was fatally shot. The missing wall tile behind her was removed by police as evidence. The bullet that killed her husband ricocheted off it. (Vidhi Doshi/Vidhi Doshi/The Washington Post)

In the din of Kalina, a low-income neighborhood in Mumbai with wandering samosa salesmen and street-cricket championships, nobody heard the gunshot ring out in the night.

Bhupendra Vira slumped in his chair. The 62-year-old had known that his anti-corruption work was dangerous. That is why he kept evidence neatly stacked in folders under his bed. That is why he had asked police for protection.

There was blood everywhere, said Ranjan Vira, his wife. I used my scarf to cover his wound. My nightgown was soaked with his blood.

According to data collected by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Vira's killing was one of 60 similar cases in India since 2005, when the Right to Information Act was introduced. The legislation is similar to the United States' Freedom of Information Act and allows citizens to request the release of information from government officials. But in India, those who invoke the law risk provoking violent retribution.

Vira had been investigating a local property scam; he said the records he uncovered implicated his landlord, Abbas Razzak Khan, and local authorities. He had sent multiple requests to local municipal bodies and filed complaints on the basis of the information he collected  complaints that led to the razing of a number of illegal buildings in the area.



A photo of Bhupendra Vira now hangs over the cot on which he used to sleep. (Vidhi Doshi/The Washington Post)

Indians make approximately 4 million to 6 million public-information requests every year, said Anjali Bhardwaj of the National Campaign for People's Right to Information. Right-to-information activists such as Vira have taught themselves to decipher complex legal documents and navigate India's labyrinthine bureaucracy. They comb through government documents searching for hints of falsification or malpractice.

But there are risks. At least 300 people have been harassed or physically hurt because of their work. Activists say the figure is likely to be a conservative estimate, compiled from news stories, as authorities do not separately record deaths and attacks linked to peoples exercising the right to seek information.

Although India is one of 70 countries with freedom-of-information laws, the killings are uniquely a South Asian phenomenon, said Venkatesh Nayak, coordinator of the Access to Information Program at the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. It started in India in 2007-2008, and now we are hearing of cases of assault and intimidation from Bangladesh as well.

According to a recent report by Transparency International, India is the most corrupt country in Asia, with 69 percent of respondents in a survey saying they had obtained public services by paying bribes.

[Indias brand new bank notes are already being used for corruption]

Its very critical to understand the nature of corruption in our country, Bhardwaj said. Its unlike Western countries, where you have corruption at the highest level but things work at the lowest level. In India, you have corruption at every single level.

Like Vira, many have lost their lives. Some have been attacked with knives and machetes. Some have been so badly beaten that they have been paralyzed or hospitalized with serious injuries. Others have vanished.

Yet the requests for information keep coming. Many Indians start using the act to seek redress of personal grievances against the government. In one area in southern Delhi, a group started making requests to find out where undelivered food rations were going. In another region, stricken by drought, residents discovered that their local government representative was spending money building fountains instead of ensuring a clean supply of drinking water for the public.

What people are able to connect with is the link between that information and getting your rations, Bhardwaj said. So getting information became a matter of being able to use your other rights.

[Trump companys partners in India are no strangers to legal entanglements]

Viras crusade against corruption started because his landlord had forcibly taken over his steelworks factory, a building he had inherited from his father and used for storage for his stationery shop. According to a complaint that Vira filed with local police in 2010, his landlord and the landlords son broke the padlock on the factory door and seized items worth about $4,700.

I talked to Mr. Abbas Razzak Khan regarding same, but he threatened to break hands and legs of myself and my sons. And then Abbas Razzak Khan left, putting his own lock on the shop, Viras statement reads.

Vira suspected that Khan had paid local authorities to allow him to take over properties in the area. To prove it, he started filing right-to-information requests. The requests rattled officials, said Sudhir Gala, Viras son-in-law. In another complaint, filed in 2016, Vira describes being threatened by a municipal officer.

An officer investigating the case said police think Vira was killed because of the complaints he made to authorities in his right-to-information requests. The officer declined to give his name because the Vira homicide case is pending and because he is not authorized to speak to the news media.

A trial against Viras suspected killers is underway. One of them is Khan, who has been released on bail. His son Amjad is still in jail; police found a gun and bullets in his home. Both pleaded not guilty in the case.

It could be years before the slow-moving judicial system delivers a verdict in Vira's killing. In the meantime, Ranjan, Vira's wife, is starting to confront the reality of living her later years without the man she married 40 years ago, when she was 18.

Now, she has two battles to fight: reclaiming her husbands factory and seeking justice in his killing. We know were right, so were willing to risk everything, she said. But minutes later, her resolve crumbled. Sometimes I feel Im ready to go, too, she said.

The money she earns barely covers her daily costs. Why go through all this, just to put two rotis in your stomach at the end of the day? For the past week, I havent been working, she added. Ive become alone. I feel like running away.

Read more:

A hidden cost of corruption in Honduras: environmental devastation

Can India shake its corruption habits?

Indias costly culture of corruption

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Smoke billows as Iraqi forces advance toward al-Ayadieh village, the last remaining active front line near Tal Afar, during an operation to retake the city from the Islamic State on Aug. 29, 2017. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP/Getty Images)

The collapse of the Islamic State in its most important Iraqi strongholds has brought a rare moment of hope for a country mired in war for most of the past four decades.

It is also a moment of peril, as Iraq emerges from the fight against the militants only to be confronted with the same problems that fueled their spectacular rise in 2014.

Old disputes between Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds over territory, resources and power already are resurfacing as the victors of the battles compete to control liberated areas or jostle for political advantage in the post-Islamic State landscape.

These rivalries now are compounded by the mammoth task of rebuilding the towns and cities destroyed by the fighting, returning millions of displaced people to their homes, and reconciling the communities that once welcomed the Islamic States brutal rule as preferable to their own governments neglect and abuse.

A failure to manage the post-conflict situation risks a repeat of the cycle of grievance and revolt that fueled the original Iraqi insurgency in 2003, and its reincarnation in the form of the Islamic State after 2011, Iraqis and other observers say.

But it is a vast and potentially insurmountable challenge, laid bare in the traumatized communities of Mosul. In the citys relatively unscathed east, life has bounced back. Traffic clogs the streets, music blares from markets and stores are piled high with consumer goods, such as cellphones, air conditioners and satellite dishes, that were banned or hard to find under Islamic State rule.

In the ravaged west, which bore the brunt of the fighting, entire neighborhoods have been leveled beyond repair. In the Old City alone, 230,000 people have been left without habitation, and "they are not going home soon; the whole district has to be rebuilt," said Lise Grande, the deputy special representative of the U.N. mission in Iraq.

So far, there is no sign of any reconstruction effort on the scale that will be required, said Hoshyar Zebari, a former Iraqi foreign minister who is from Mosul and now works as an adviser with the Kurdish regional government.

All the writing is on the wall that there will be another ISIS, he said, using an acronym for the Islamic State. The scale of frustration. The lack of hope. The lack of government stepping in. What can you expect?

Meanwhile, distractions loom as Iraqs focus shifts to the long-standing political rivalries that were put on hold by the imperative of confronting the Islamic State.

The Kurdish region is pressing ahead with a referendum on independence  over the strenuous objections of Iran, Turkey and the United States  that has the potential to ignite a new war before the present one is over. The vote is reopening the contentious question of where the borders of the Kurdistan region lie, and tensions are rising in areas where the Kurdish peshmerga forces and Iranian-backed Shiite militias have been brought face-to-face by the war against the Islamic State.

Rifts are emerging within Iraqs governing Shiite majority, which rallied behind the countrys security forces and militias  known as al-Hashd al-Shaabi, or the popular mobilization units  for the sake of fighting the Islamic State. There are sharp divergences, however, over the future identity of the country, over whether it should tilt further toward Iran or maintain an alliance with the United States, and over how far to go to reconcile minority Sunnis with the Shiites.

These issues are expected to come to the fore in elections due in the spring that could become a focus for conflict as the political parties behind the Iranian-backed militias that played a big role in the fighting seek to capitalize on their victories by winning a bigger share in parliament.

The country's Sunnis are in disarray, scattered among refugee camps or returning to wrecked homes in towns and cities that have been laid waste. Some 2 million of the 5 million people displaced by the fighting over the past three years have returned home. But 3.2 million still live as refugees, mainly in dismal camps, according to the United Nations. Many have no homes to which they can return, and others fear retribution from neighbors or the security forces, Grande said.

[ISIS: A catastrophe for Sunnis]

In Mosul, there is relief that the militants have gone but also trepidation about what the future holds. Multiple militias roam the streets, loyal to a variety of political masters, government ministers, tribal leaders and members of parliament. The government security forces are spread thin, and some have been withdrawn and deployed elsewhere for the other battles still to be fought before the final territorial defeat of the militants.

Some of the armed men in Mosul are local Sunnis, trained as part of a U.S.-promoted initiative to include locals in the citys future security arrangements. Others are members of the Iranian-backed Shiite militias that were kept out of the battle for fear they would inflame sectarian tensions, but that have moved in to set up offices and recruit local allies.

The militias are needed because there are not enough police and other security forces personnel to keep the city safe, said Mohammed al-Sayyab, a businessman originally from the majority-Shiite city of Basra who heads a small Sunni fighting force controlled by the minister of education. We cannot say it is 100 percent safe. It is 70 percent safe, he said. There are still ISIS sleeper cells. We are working to clear them, but we are up against a very clever enemy.

Few think the Islamic State has gone away. Everyone, it seems, has a story about someone they know who was with the militants and has reappeared in their neighborhoods, sometimes after being detained and freed. Corruption within the security forces and judiciary contributes to the perception that Islamic State fighters have bought their way out of prison.

Omran Mohammed Bashir, 32, who runs a laundry in eastern Mosul, ticked off on his fingers the former Islamic State members he has seen around his area and elsewhere in the city. Among them are a relative who has not been detained, even though her father reported her to the security services, and a man who commanded the fighters in Bashirs neighborhood; Bashir ran into the man while visiting a different part of Mosul.

I dont think there will be any support for another insurgency. The people of Mosul have learned a lesson, he said. But its unpredictable what will happen, especially if the situation continues like this, with no reconstruction and corruption inside the government.

[After victory over ISIS, Mosul discovers the cost]

But Iraq has no budget for reconstruction, government officials say. Years of declining oil prices and the financial demands of the war against the Islamic State have left the country bankrupt, forced last year to take a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

The absence of a discernible reconstruction plan in turn fuels perceptions among Sunnis that the Shiite-led government is neglecting them, said Hassan Alaf, the deputy governor of Nineveh, the province in which Mosul lies.

It seems some of the politicians are not keen to bring life back to Mosul, he said. We still suffer from sectarian conflict, and its implications are reflected in the reconstruction.

It will be left to the international community to come up with the money to repair the damage, much of it caused by the relentless airstrikes and artillery bombardments conducted under the auspices of the U.S.-led coalition formed to fight the Islamic State, according to Grande, the U.N. representative. The United Nations is planning a fundraising conference in Kuwait this month at which it will seek up to $100 billion in donations for Iraqi reconstruction.

But the countries that enthusiastically prosecuted the war are proving less willing to pay to fix the resulting damage, U.N. and aid agency officials say. The U.S. military has spent $14.3 billion on fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria over the past three years, according to Pentagon figures, but just 10 percent of that  or $1.4 billion  on repairs.

The State Department has asked for $300 million to fund basic repairs such as fixing electricity and water systems in 2018, but the United States does not plan to contribute to the reconstruction effort. The U.S.-led military coalition is not in the business of nation-building or reconstruction, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said earlier this year.

One glimmer of hope lies in a recent rapprochement between the Iraqi government and Saudi Arabia, which have been icily estranged since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion brought a Shiite-dominated government to power in Baghdad. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has visited the kingdom, and so has the Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who has broken ranks with Irans Shiite allies in Iraq to champion calls for reconciliation with Sunnis.

U.S. and U.N. officials hope the wealthy Arab states of the Persian Gulf will provide much of the funding. But they are embroiled in their own conflicts, disputes and budget shortfalls, and may not have the will or inclination to come up with the many billions of dollars required.

Kareem Fahim, Louisa Loveluck and Mustafa Salim contributed to this report.

Read more:

Here are some of the toughest battles still to be fought against ISIS

In one Iraqi town, a visit to the first bar to reopen after Islamic State rule

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
President Trump must decide by Thursday whether to once again waive economic sanctions on Iran, a task imposed on him by a deal he holds in contempt and appears to be preparing to ditch.

But despite his concern that Iran is an international threat, Trump is expected to waive sanctions on Irans oil and banking sectors for the second time since taking office. If not, the United States will be in breach of the landmark 2015 deal that is a legacy of the Obama administration.

Even if Trump waives sanctions, as he must by law reassess every 120 days, it comes as Iran and the agreement it negotiated with six world powers are coming under increasing attack. In a series of public critiques of the deal and Iran's behavior, administration officials appear to be laying the groundwork to kill the existing agreement, possibly by finding a way to reopen it for modifications.

The next and most consequential decision on the horizon is Oct. 15, when Trump must decide whether Iran is fully complying with its commitments under the deal, known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The president is required to revisit the issue every 90 days, and in July he reportedly was angry that his advisers offered no options except to certify it.

Many supporters of the deal believe it may not survive the year.

More than 80 nuclear nonproliferation specialists issued a joint statement Wednesday saying the agreement "has proven to be an effective and verifiable arrangement that is a net plus for international nuclear nonproliferation efforts."

Wendy Sherman, the chief U.S. negotiator in the talks, said leaving the agreement would drive a wedge between the United States and European allies who were its partners in negotiations.

Either directly or indirectly, ripping up this deal by the United States is the worst thing we could do for American national security, she said, adding, North Korea is watching closely.

The head of Irans nuclear agency, Ali Akbar Salehi, said last week that if the United States walks away, Iran will adhere to the agreement with the other countries in the negotiations.

Trumps disdain for Irans behavior and the nuclear deal predates his presidency. He campaigned vowing to dismantle the disastrous nuclear deal with Iran.

If he waives sanctions again on Thursday, he may issue a strong statement condemning Iran or approving more sanctions on non-nuclear matters like terrorism support, ballistic missile testing or human rights.

Iran is expected to come under heavy criticism at the U.N. General Assembly next week, in speeches by both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

At least some Europeans have indicated an openness to look for creative ways to strengthen the agreement, perhaps by negotiating a supplement, according to people familiar with the overtures. Administration officials are expected to raise the issue with their European counterparts in New York next week.

But other nations already are balking.

We adamantly refuse to reopen the agreement, Gerard Araud, Frances ambassador to Washington, wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.

No renegotiation and respect of the agreement, he wrote in another tweet. On this basis, we always can discuss other issues.

It is difficult for the administration to argue that Iran is violating the agreement, even if it backs militias in Syria and Yemen, has conducted a series of ballistic missile tests and is known for abusing human rights, including the imprisonment of U.S. citizens on flimsy charges.

But the International Atomic Energy Agency, which monitors Irans nuclear facilities, has said eight times that Iran is in full compliance with its obligations.

Instead, U.S. officials have said Iran is violating the "spirit" of the agreement. In a speech before the United Nations, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley made the case that because of Iran's behavior, it may not be in the United States' national interest to stay in the deal.
A U.S. flag flies at the U.S. embassy in Havana in August 2015. The State Department said Tuesday that two more American diplomats who served in Cuba are affected by health attacks, raising the total to 21. (Desmond Boylan/AP)

The State Department reported Tuesday that it has catalogued additional recent incidents involving harm to American diplomats in Cuba but said that the cause remains unknown.

There are now 21 reported cases, up from 19 on Sept. 1, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.

A U.S. investigation is ongoing, Nauert said.

The Trump administration has not blamed the Cuban government for what the union representing Foreign Service officers called sonic harassment attacks dating to late 2016.

Cuba has denied wrongdoing in the mysterious events. Victims have been diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injuries, hearing loss and other neurological and physical ailments, the union said.

On Sept. 1, the State Department reported that a fresh incident had occurred in August, after months in which they had appeared to stop. The two new incidents occurred sometime before the one in August, Nauert said.

The August incident, which the State Department would not further describe, came months after the first symptoms were reported. The earlier incidents came to light only in August, and at that time officials indicated that whatever had caused the diplomats medical problems was no longer occurring. The State Department has not described the events as an attack.

The health concerns were revealed only when the State Department said in August that it had expelled two Cuban diplomats as a rebuke to the Cuban government.

The Trump administration says the expulsions were a protest of Cubas failure to protect diplomats as required under the Vienna Conventions.

The State Department has not explained why it did not make the expulsions public when they occurred in May.
Homeland Security officials plan to submit to the White House in the coming weeks a report that is likely to shape the future of President Trumps entry ban  a key portion of which is set to expire on Sept. 24, authorities said. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

Department of Homeland Security officials plan soon to submit to the White House a report that is likely to shape the future of President Trumps entry ban, a key portion of which is set to expire Sept. 24, authorities said.

The report is critical because it is being prepared in response to Trumps order that the homeland security secretary present him with a list of countries for inclusion in what effectively amounts to a more permanent ban. And because of impending deadlines, the White House will probably have to take action even before the Supreme Court hears arguments next month on whether the entry ban is at its core legal.

[Supreme Court allows limited version of Trumps travel ban to take effect and will consider case in fall]

The White House has several options  including extending the current ban, modifying it or letting it lapse. The matter now sits in the hands of the Department of Homeland Security, which has been tasked with assessing the type of information that other countries provide so American officials can vet travelers wanting to come to the United States.

When Trump signed his revised entry ban in March, it was billed as a temporary measure, necessary to reduce officials' workload so they could review what information they were getting to vet people coming into the country.

The executive order barred citizens of six Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for 90 days and banned refugees from all countries from entering for 120 days. Unlike a similar travel ban signed in January, the order exempted current visa holders and spelled out ways people might apply for a waiver.

The ban also established the cap on refugees for fiscal 2017 at 50,000, and officials at the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the White House have been discussing possibly lowering the limit for fiscal 2018, a level not seen in decades, according to a person familiar with the discussions. No final decision has been made, though, and the matter is ultimately up to the White House. The discussions were first reported by the New York Times. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

[U.S. surpasses Trump administrations cap on refugee admissions]

In March, with certain travelers prevented from entering, Trump commanded the Department of Homeland Security to conduct  within 20 days  a worldwide review of the information needed to vet travelers from other countries, and to come up with a list of those that did not provide adequate data.

Those countries were then to be given 50 days to start providing the information or come up with a plan to provide it. Those that didnt would risk being included in a presidential proclamation that would bar the entry of at least certain categories of their citizens, according to the executive order.

David Lapan, a Department of Homeland Security spokesman, said the department delivered a report to the White House in early July on the results of its worldwide review and now was working on the report about countries that could not provide adequate information.

Lapan said officials had a comprehensive understanding of the information we receive from all foreign partners and would provide a report to the President in the coming weeks. A State Department spokeswoman said that agency was engaging with foreign governments in order to meet these new standards for information sharing. She said she could not prejudge the outcome of this engagement.

A person familiar with discussions over the entry ban said it is possible Homeland Securitys report  and what the White House decides to do with it  could have a significant impact on the legal wrangling surrounding the measure. If the ban were to lapse or be changed significantly, that could render the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on the matter moot, or it could spawn fresh legal challenges, the person said.

The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because discussions are ongoing, said that it seemed unlikely the White House would abandon the ban entirely but that establishing a permanent ban could make it harder to defend in court. The White House declined to comment on what it was considering.

Although Trump signed the travel ban in March, it was waylaid by court challenges before it could take effect, and the president issued a memo effectively declaring that the 90- and 120-day clocks wouldnt start running until the court-imposed blockades were lifted.

On June 26, though, the Supreme Court permitted a limited version of the measure to take hold  although it said the government could not bar those with a bona fide connection to the United States, such as having family members here, or a job or a place in an American university.

U.S. officials formally implemented the directive three days later. Spokesmen for the Justice and Homeland Security departments said this week that they consider the clocks to have started running when the Supreme Court ruled. That means the ban on citizens from the six countries will expire Sept. 24, and the ban on refugees will expire Oct. 24. On Oct. 10, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on whether the ban is legal.

That probably means by the time the court issues a decision, the entry ban on refugees and citizens of six countries will have expired.

As it stands now, the administration is allowed to implement a version of the ban that is far less forceful than it had hoped. After the Supreme Court ruled in the White House's favor in June, officials initially tried to block even grandparents and other extended relatives of people in the United States from entering  although a federal district judge ultimately stopped them from doing so, and the Supreme Court left that decision undisturbed.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, though, put on hold another portion of the district judge's ruling, which would have prevented the administration from banning refugees with formal assurances from resettlement agencies. That means the government can keep out a pool of about 24,000 refugees, despite the assertion by those suing over the ban that they had a bona fide connection to the United States and thus should be allowed in.
The U.S. government on Wednesday moved to ban the use of a Russian brand of security software by federal agencies amid concerns the company has ties to state-sponsored cyberespionage activities.

In a binding directive, acting homeland security secretary Elaine Duke ordered that federal civilian agencies identify Kaspersky Lab software on their networks. After 90 days, unless otherwise directed, they must remove the software, on the grounds that the company has connections to the Russian government and its software poses a security risk.

The Department of Homeland Security "is concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies, and requirements under Russian law that allow Russian intelligence agencies to request or compel assistance from Kaspersky and to intercept communications transiting Russian networks," the department said in a statement. "The risk that the Russian government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates U.S. national security."

The directive comes months after the federal General Services Administration, the agency in charge of government purchasing, removed Kaspersky from its list of approved vendors. In doing so, the GSA suggested a vulnerability exists with Kaspersky that could give the Kremlin backdoor access to the systems the company protects.

[Local governments keep using this software that might be a back door for Russia]

The company said in a statement Wednesday that it doesnt have inappropriate ties with any government, which is why no credible evidence has been presented publicly by anyone or any organization to back up the false allegations made against the company.

It also said that the Russian law requiring assistance does not apply to the company.

Kaspersky Lab has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyberespionage or offensive cyber efforts, and its disconcerting that a private company can be considered guilty until proven innocent, due to geopolitical issues, Kaspersky said. The company looks forward to working with DHS, as Kaspersky Lab ardently believes a deeper examination of the company will substantiate that these allegations are without merit.

The department is giving Kaspersky 90 days to prove its products are not a security risk or to mitigate the concerns.

Weve determined that [Kaspersky software] poses an unacceptable amount of risk based on our assessment, said Christopher Krebs, a senior DHS official in the National Protection and Programs Directorate. If they want to provide additional information or mitigation strategies, our door is open.

The directive comes in the wake of an unprecedented Russian operation to interfere in the U.S. presidential election, with Russian spy services hacking the networks of the Democratic National Committee and other political organizations and releasing damaging information.

[Obamas secret struggle to punish Russia for Putins election assault]

At least a half-dozen federal agencies run Kaspersky on their networks, U.S. officials said, although there may be other networks where an agencys chief information security officer  the official ultimately responsible for systems security  might not be aware it is being used.

The order applies only to civilian government networks. The Defense Department, which includes the National Security Agency, does not use Kaspersky software, officials said.

Meanwhile, the directive may also put pressure on state and local governments that use Kaspersky products. Many had been left to speculate about the risks of sticking with the company or abandoning taxpayer-funded contracts, sometimes at great cost. In July, The Washington Post found several state and local agencies that used Kasperskys anti-virus or security software had purchased or supported the software within the past two years.

The U.S. intelligence community has long assessed that Kaspersky has ties to the Russian government. The companys founder, Eugene Kaspersky, graduated from a KGB-supported cryptography school and had worked in Russian military intelligence.

Rob Joyce, the White House cybersecurity coordinator and a former NSA official, hailed the move. The idea that data collected by software on government networks could wind up with Russian spy agencies was an unacceptable risk, he said Wednesday at the Billington CyberSecurity Summit in Washington.

Concerns about Kaspersky software had been brewing for years. Federal law enforcement officials warned some congressional staffers as early as November 2015 not to meet with employees from Kaspersky, because of concerns about electronic surveillance. The concerns mounted in recent months, and DHS officials saw an opportunity to take action. Last week, Best Buy announced it would stop selling Kaspersky products, because of fears of ties to Russian government.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), an outspoken critic of Kaspersky, said the DHS announcement is a significant step forward in improving our national security and protecting against such vulnerabilities on federal systems. She has proposed amendments to the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act that would ban the use of Kaspersky products at the Defense Department and across the government.

In announcing its July decision, the GSA underscored that its mission was to ensure the integrity and security of U.S. government systems and networks and that Kaspersky was delisted after review and careful consideration. The action removed the company from the list of products approved for purchase on federal systems and at discounted prices for state governments.

Joseph Lorenzo Hall, chief technologist at the Center for Democracy and Technology, said he is concerned the public has not seen evidence of malfeasance by Kaspersky but only intelligence-community rumblings about the potential for back doors  a reference in the tech world to holes in software that allow unauthorized parties to gain access to a program or system.

But intelligence agencies have information that leads them to believe Kaspersky products are essentially conduits for Russian espionage, officials say privately. At a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in May, the chiefs of six major U.S. spy agencies all said they would not use Kaspersky software on their computers.

Aaron C. Davis contributed to this report
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un attending a photo session with teachers who volunteered to work at remote schools, released Sept. 12 by the official Korean Central News Agency. ( /AFP/Getty Images)

North Korea's powerful nuclear test this month may have been even stronger than first reported, equivalent to roughly 17 times the strength of the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima, according to a new analysis by a U.S. monitoring think tank.

North Koreas Sept. 3 nuclear test, its sixth and biggest, showed how much progress the country has made on its nuclear program.

Estimates of the bombs yield, or the amount of energy released by the blast, have ranged from South Koreas 50 kilotons to Japans 160 kilotons, although some analysts have said the 6.3 magnitude of the earthquake caused by the detonation could put it into the hundreds of kilotons. This would put it into the realm of thermonuclear weapons, supporting North Koreas claim that it had tested a hydrogen bomb.

In comparison, the bomb detonated over Hiroshima in 1945 released about 15 kilotons of energy.

The new analysis by 38 North, run by the U.S.-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, found North Korea's test may have been much stronger.

Updated seismic data showed the magnitude of the resulting earthquake was greater than initial estimates  between 6.1 and 6.3. That means the yield of the latest test was roughly 250 kilotons, reported 38 Norths Frank V. Pabian, Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Jack Liu.

In other words, the North Korean test may have been almost 17 times stronger than the bomb detonated over Hiroshima. This is close to what 38 North previously calculated as the maximum yield that could be contained at the underground Punggye-ri test site.

This new estimate by 38 North is much higher than initial estimates from U.S. intelligence sources and allies. The United States intelligence assessment put the blast at 140 kilotons, Japan at 160 kilotons and South Korea at 50 kilotons.

Experts at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Monterey, Calif., said that the size of the earthquake triggered by the explosion also suggested that the bomb could have had a force in the hundreds of kilotons.

The Pentagon declined to comment, calling it an intelligence matter.

A U.S. intelligence official said the 38 North analysis is consistent with the range of estimates by the intelligence community. The Air Force Technical Applications Centers early estimate was a range of 70 to 280 kilotons, based on the possible magnitude, the official said.

Satellite imagery showed the test resulted in many more landslides than after any of the previous five tests, according to the 38 North analysis.

North Korea described the device it had detonated as a hydrogen bomb designed to be carried by a long-range missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. The international community widely condemned the test and within 10 days, the U.N. Security Council unanimously approved its toughest sanctions on the country to date.

In the wake of the North Korean test, both the United States and South Korea are highlighting their own military readiness.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was traveling Wednesday to Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, the center of the American nuclear arsenal, with more than 100 land-based nuclear missiles and aircraft.

Meanwhile, the South Korean Air Force on Wednesday conducted its first live-fire drill to test its preemptive strike capability, according to the South Korean Defense Ministry.

Anna Fifield in Tokyo and Ellen Nakashima in Washington contributed to this report.

Read more:

South Koreans now want their own nuclear weapons

U.N. agrees to toughest-ever sanctions against North Korea

North Korea lashes out over vicious U.N. sanctions

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Newly arrived Rohingya refugees wait for their turn to collect building material for their shelters at the Kutupalong camp in Bangladesh on Sept. 13. (Dar Yasin/AP)

In a hospital bed in a strange country far from home, Mohammad Hasan cried out in pain and begged his son to call for help.

Hasan said he fled his village in northern Burma recently as the military and the local Buddhist civilians torched a nearby village. As the 70-year-old and his family approached the Bangladesh border after an arduous days-long journey, he felt a small explosion and the ground move beneath his feet. Shrapnel ripped a gaping wound in his right leg.

Hasan and his family think he tripped a small explosive device planted in the grass: a land mine.

More than 300,000 members of Burmas Rohingya ethnic minority have poured into Bangladesh in recent days, after a brutal military crackdown that the U.N. human rights chief has said is tantamount to ethnic cleansing, with hundreds dead and thousands of villages burned to the ground.

[A textbook example of ethnic cleansing]

Now, the Rohingya refugees have a new fear  land mines planted at the border. Human rights groups allege that the devices were placed there by the Burmese military, which has long used the explosive devices to quell counterinsurgencies.

Shaheen Abdur Rahman Choudhury, the head of Sadar Hospital in Coxs Bazar, the biggest town near the border influx, said doctors have seen several patients in recent days with wounds consistent with those from land mines, most of whom had been taken to a larger medical college hospital in Chittagong for treatment.

Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque said in an interview Wednesday that the government has reliable information that Burmas security forces laid land mines across a section of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Burma is also known as Myanmar.

A spokesman for Burmas government, however, countered that it was very difficult to verify who was planting the explosive devices at the border and suggested that it may have been done by the Rohingya insurgent group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, or ARSA.

Rohingya fighters from ARSA attacked dozens of police posts and an army camp on Aug. 25, killing 12 and triggering the cataclysmic military response.

On Saturday, the human rights group Amnesty International said that land mines have injured at least three civilians, including two children, and reportedly have killed at least one man, and called their introduction into the crisis "another low in what is already a horrific situation in Rakhine State."

With Bangladesh governments cooperation, both sides can verify whose mines by using expert teams, Zaw Htay, Burmas presidential spokesman, said Wednesday in an email.





A Burmese military source told the Reuters news agency that land mines were laid along the border in the 1990s to prevent trespassing and that the military had since tried to remove them. The source added that none had been planted recently.

The Burmese government also announced Wednesday that Burmas de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was canceling a speech at the U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York to stay home and deal with the Rohingya crisis.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1991 for her fight for democracy in Burma, has come under intensifying criticism in recent days for her handling of the refugee crisis, in which the number fleeing from Burma into Bangladesh has now topped 370,000, according to the United Nations.

[Washington begins to sour on Suu Kyi amid mounting violence]

About 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims live in Buddhist-majority Burma. They have long endured a curtailment of their rights, including denial of citizenship and restrictions on movement and access to employment.

Clashes with Buddhist villagers in 2012 resulted in more than 100,000 Rohingya being confined in camps, a humanitarian crisis that has festered. Critics have charged that Suu Kyi has done little to address the problem since her National League for Democracy won the countrys first largely democratic election in 2015, but she has little power over the countrys generals, who still control the security forces.

Chris Lewa, an activist with the Arakan Project, said this week that it appeared that Buddhist villagers were joining military forces to torch Rohingya homes, and satellite photos showed that the burning continued over the weekend. Large clouds of black smoke were plainly visible over the sea route corridor to Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Its total devastation, Lewa said. The villages are empty, and every house is burned.

Burmas military and its insurgent groups have used land mines in their armed conflict for decades and continue to do so, rights groups say.

The military typically used the explosive devices to deter villagers from returning after their home areas had been cleared in searches for counterinsurgents.

But long-standing rebel groups in states along the border with Thailand and China have also used them to strike back at the military or protect their lucrative gem mines.

Hasan, who traveled from the Kumirkhali village in Maungdaw township in northern Rakhine state, said his son was forced to carry him in a bamboo basket for the rest of the journey. It was several days before they made it to the hospital, Hasan said, and now he fears he will lose his leg.

Mushfique Wadud contributed to this report.

Read more:

Rohingya militants in Burma: Terrorists or freedom fighters?

Analysis: The shameful silence of Aung San Suu Kyi

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
People clean up debris outside of a damaged restuarant after Hurricane Irma at Coral Bay in St John, U.S. Virgin Islands, on Sept. 12, 2017. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg News)



People clean up debris outside a damaged restaurant after Hurricane Irma hit Coral Bay in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg News)

"Hello, good morning," said Dan Snyder, a first responder combing St. John, a Caribbean isle hit so hard by Hurricane Irma that one aid worker described it as looking like an A-bomb went off. "You all okay?"

Lucia Francis, 62, sat outside her sisters yellow wood home, her right hand swollen from an injury she sustained while holding her front door as Irma ripped it off. Her roof is down the street. Her Frigidaire peeked out from the debris field where the rest of her house once stood.

Aid workers asked to see her hand.

No, no, Im okay, Im fine. Its nothing, said Francis, a born-and-raised islander, holding up her hand, which had just one finger wrapped with a simple Band-Aid. She survived the storm by running to her 2009 Ford pickup.

Maybe Ill lose a nail. Its fine, she said. Right now, all I need right now is a tent.



Lucia Francis, 62, a born-and-bred resident of St. John, surveys the damage by her house. She said shell slowly rebuild, living in a tent in the meantime. (Anthony Faiola/Anthony Faiola/The Washington Post)

They call it island perseverance. A sense that you wouldnt live here if you couldnt take the pitfalls along with the pleasures. Irma is testing that perseverance to an extent many here never thought possible. But St. Johns notoriously self-sufficient residents are pushing back.

There is no electricity, and there wont be for months. So what? If you dont have a generator, get one. If you cant afford it, get a tent.

No bathroom? No problem. The woods, said one islander who planned to set up a tent by his destroyed home. For cooking, look, he said, pointing at the ruined landscape of downed trees. You cant say we dont got firewood.

[After Irma, a once-lush gem in the U.S. Virgin Islands reduced to battered wasteland]

Helicopter footage over the British and U.S. Virgin Islands shows the damaged left behind by Hurricane Irma on Thursday, Sept. 7 and Friday, Sept. 8.

On Wednesday, hundreds of first responders  the U.S. military, the National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA and a legion of volunteers  combed St. John, taking on the herculean task of ensuring that citizens of the devastated U.S. territory are accounted for. As of Wednesday, 30 people were still missing. Authorities suggested, but would not confirm, that there had been one or more fatalities.

Obstacles are formidable here, even in the best of times. There are no real addresses on the island. Directions amount to turning right at the gnarled tree.

But the gnarled trees are gone or unrecognizable. Irmas winds didnt just knock them down and take their leaves. They stripped their bark off. There is virtually no cellular service, no power, no landlines. Emergency 911 numbers are down. A relief WiFi network that went live Tuesday kept collapsing.

Despite a large-scale clearing operation, decimated trees and downed power lines clog sections of roads. On Tuesday, authorities found one elderly man, a U.S. military veteran, languishing in the rubble of his wood-frame hut. He had come back from his shelter in search of his heart medication. They did with him what theyre doing with most dire cases  airlifted him out.

There are more than a few people in desperate need. Here in Coral Bay, the islands second-largest town and located in St. Johns east end, the sheltered harbor has become a soup of broken boats. Disconnected residents streamed down to a makeshift aid center at the local fire department.



Debris surrounds a school damaged by Hurricane Irma at Coral Bay on St John. Many residents are giving up and getting out, even as local authorities say they are determined to rebuild. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg News)

Many businesses here are giving away what food they have. But in other cases, being cut off from the world means a cash-only society. The only pharmacy working on the island has stopped accepting insurance, and desperate locals turned out to the fire station on Wednesday looking for help. For now, it has supplies of some medications, such as insulin. But the ice used to keep it fresh is melting, and the station's generator is down. There is no cellphone reception to notify federal authorities, and anyway, Wendy Davis, a Virgin Islands firefighter, lost her phone in the storm. The radio is broken. But they're trying to do the best they can.

Whats wrong, how can I help? Davis asked as a frantic elderly woman approached.

Donna Traina, a native New Yorker and recent island transplant, explained that her husband needed medicine for Crohns disease, and the pharmacy was asking $3,647.

I dont have it, she said. And my husband is on oxygen 24 hours a day. Were running out of gas for our generator.

Asked why she wouldnt leave the island, she shook her head. My husband! He wont leave. He just refuses. I just retired, she said, her voice cracking. Im 74 and we worked all my life for this. And then God sends us Irma! My husband just wont leave.

[Richard Branson: Devastated Caribbean islands need a Marshall Plan after Irma]

Yet on an island that takes pride in a do-it-yourself lifestyle, when aid workers sought to help the somewhat less needy, they sometimes found the needy didnt want help. During one house inspection, aid workers encountered a man who walked out of the shell of a house smoking what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette.

All good here, the man said. Im just waiting on a tent.

I had one woman yesterday with a huge hematoma that took 20 minutes to be drained, said Sean Riggins, a New Jersey police officer volunteering in the St. Johns aid operation. She was like, Im fine, go help someone who really needs help.

Snyder, a Colorado firefighter who volunteers for Global DIRT, a sort of nonprofit SWAT team for disaster zones, cruised down winding mountain roads, dodging downed power lines and trees behind the wheel of a gray pickup. I was at Hurricane Katrina, he said, exhaling air. I tell you, this rivals the damage there.

On an island where communication technology has failed, the best way to find folks in need is old school: Ask around. He gets a tip from some younger islanders trying to clear a debris field about an elderly couple nearby who might need help.

Good morning, hello? Snyder called out. John Tira, an 82-year-old islander, ambled up to greet him.

How you doing today? Snyder said.

Oh, well, my back aint too good these days, Tira said.

Snyder paused. He meant the hurricane  the fact that hes got no power, no phone and blown-out windows.

Oh, well, were okay, we cant get the generator working, but shes cooking coffee and tea with the gas, he says, pointing to his 74-year-old-wife. The only thing I really miss is the ice.

Read more

People are roaming like zombies: Virgin Islands stagger after storm passes

Devastated island of Barbuda catches a break from Jose  although there isnt much left to destroy

Irmas destructive path: When you look at the carnage, you ask how anybody at all survived

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
The News in Brief

President Margvelashvili: Georgias EU Membership Beneficial for Russia



Georgias membership in the European Union would only be beneficial for Russia, President Giorgi Margvelashvili said at the Economic Forum in Krynica Zdroj in southern Poland on September 5.



Sitting on the Unfinished Integration and the Aspirations of European Countries panel alongside Presidents of Poland and Macedonia, Andrzej Duda and Gjorge Ivanov, respectively, President Margvelashvili spoke about Georgias European aspirations and its relations with the Russian Federation.



Answering the moderators question on whether Georgia feels pressured by Moscow for its European aspirations, President Margvelashvili stated that the country has been severely punished through occupation of two of its regions, through the fact that we have 15% of our population internally displaced, because of the decision to pursue free choice in its external relations.



Margvelashvili also rejected the idea that the Georgian-Russian tension emerged in 2008, when Russia, through its army, occupied parts of Georgia, as well as the tendency to link this to Georgias aspirations to NATO, saying Moscow has been conducting hybrid warfare against Georgia since the country restored its independence in early 1990s.



The reality is that, Russia, through hybrid warfare, something that you are experiencing in Ukraine [now], has been doing this since the beginning of 1990s, after Georgia, splitting from the Soviet Union, declared that it was coming back to its identify of being a European state, he said.



President Margvelashvili spoke about the future of Georgia-Russia relations as well, saying that the Russian Federation needs to rethink the paradigm of privileged interest zones and come to a rational discussion with Georgia.



If we look at Georgian-Russian relations from the perspective of a rational, stable and common sense prism, then we would say that it would only be beneficial for Russia to have Georgia as a member of the European Union, because in that case Georgia would be more stable and economically stronger. It could open up more partnerships with Russia on economic and other issues, Margvelashvili noted.



The President added that it should also be the goal of the European countries to bring Russia to a rational political dialogue where you [will] discuss not the myths, emotions, sentiments and nostalgia, but real solutions for our peoples.



Eventually, we have to come to a more civilized form of relationships, where we talk not from the perspectives of punishment, of nostalgia, but from the perspective of discussing what could be a better solution for Georgian citizens, for Russian citizens, for Ukrainian citizens, he also noted. (Civil.ge)







Georgias and Ukraines path to independence is long, difficult and painful  Georgian PM



Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili has delivered a speech at a reception devoted to the restoration of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Ukraine.



According to the Prime Minister, the path of Georgia and Ukraine leading to independence has been long, difficult and painful.



As he declared, success is achieved only by means of reforms and economic growth as well as devotion to European values and democratic standards during this process.



"Its a great honor for me to mark Ukraines Independence Day together with you. 25 years have passed since Ukraine gained its independence from the Soviet Union. Many Ukrainian generations fought for an independent European state. We all know freedom and democracy must be gained with fighting.



"Our path to independence has been long, difficult and painful. The occupation of our territories undermines the strategic balance in Eastern Europe and threatens security and stability in the Black Sea region.



"I still believe that by means of intensive involvement and firm support of international community we will manage to restore our countries territorial integrity.



"Since regaining independence in 1991 Georgia and Ukraine are fighting together to build modern and independent democratic states. We realize that success is achieved only by means of conduction of reforms and economic growth as well as devotion to the European values and democratic standards throughout the process.



"We are well aware of the many challenges ahead but we also believe that today we can cope with them. I would like to congratulate Ukraine on Independence Day!" Kvirikashvili has remarked. (Trend.az)




Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 13/09/2017 (1888 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg motorists in the Polo Park area are among the first in the country to be able to fill up with Mobil gas.

In July, Loblaw Companies Ltd., which also owns Real Canadian Superstores, sold its 213 gas stations attached to its stores across the country to Brookfield Business Partners for $540 million.

It is one of the largest gas station/convenience store networks in Canada and all of them will be rebranded as Mobil as part of an agreement with Imperial Oil. The move marks the introduction of the Mobil fuel brand into Canada.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The gas station attached to the Superstore at Sargent Avenue and St. James Street is one of the initial four Mobil sites across the country.

The gas station attached to the Superstore at Sargent Avenue and St. James Street is one of the initial four sites across the country to complete the conversion.

Joe Calderone, the CEO of Brookfields new gas station operations, said the company is in the process of transforming more than 200 retail gas stations adjacent to Loblaw-owned groceries stores to the Mobil fuel brand over the course of the next year.

We are pleased to have a new location in Winnipeg, Calderone said, adding there will be eight more in this city as the conversion continues.

Mobil has a strong reputation as a leading fuel brand globally, Calderone said in an email exchange. The Mobil brand also enables us introduce Imperial Oils Synergy Gasolines. These have special detergent additives, which give them top tier status, recommended by leading car manufacturers.

The strategy of introducing Mobil fuel in Canada is to build on its profile as a premier service station brand in the U.S. where is has deep presence across key markets.

Brookfield Business Partners is the publicly listed unit of Brookfield Asset Management, an alternative asset manager with about $250 billion of assets under management.

The gas stations will continue to allow customers to collect PC points through Loblaws/Superstores PC Plus loyalty program and by using PC Financial products.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 12/09/2017 (1889 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On the 255th day of the year, Winnipeg recorded its hottest temperature of 2017.

The mercury soared to 34.8 C Tuesday, a record high for Sept. 12 and the second-latest date for a summer high since 1872.

The previous hottest day of 2017 was June 2: 34.5 C at Richardson International Airport.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Annabelle Mutch,5, and her brother Rowan,4, serve another thirsty customer passing by their home on the sidewaslk along Spence Street on a sweltering Tuesday afternoon.

Also Tuesday, Carman recorded the countrys highest temperature (35.7 C).

The hot day also came with an air-quality advisory. Smoke from wild fires burning in Montana and southern Alberta began drifting into southwestern Manitoba, turning skies a little beige.

Thats going to give an orange sunset (Tuesday night). It will be a dull, orangey sunset, said Rob Paola, a former Environment Canada meteorologist who runs a weather blog. However, it should be blown off by Wednesday morning, he said.

The hot weather is from the same ridge of high pressure that lounged over British Columbia recently and broke some records there before moving Manitobas way, said Environment Canada meteorologist Terri Lang.

However, the winning ways of a great summer, weather-wise, are nearing an end.

Lang warned Manitobans this is the last kick at the can of hot weather. Were getting into a much different pattern over the next week. Were going to see much cooler temperatures and some precipitation.

Unfortunately, most of that moisture appears to be headed for southern Manitoba and not the northern regions that have been troubled by wildfires.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Lucas Schulz jumps on his skimboard at Bird's Hill Provincial Park Tuesday evening. Temperatures in the province topped 34C and broke previous record highs for this date.

Lang said it may warm up again in about a weeks time. Were in that time where were losing sun, its sinking lower in the sky, and night time hours are longer. So it gets harder and harder to get those warm temperatures back.

She acknowledged Manitoba has been experiencing longer, wetter and cooler springs, but milder and drier autumns. The long range outlook is for above normal temperatures in autumn again, she said.

On Tuesday, Gretna also broke a record for Sept. 12, hitting 30.7 C, versus its former mark of 28.9 C in 1995. Pilot Mound also hit a high at 31.3 C, versus 31.1 C set in 1952. Berens River tied its record of 25 C, set in 1932.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 13/09/2017 (1888 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The University of Manitoba has imposed a cone of silence on the sudden resignation of renowned music Prof. Steve Kirby this summer.

The director of jazz studies in the Desautels Faculty of Music left his tenured job June 27.

Executive director of public affairs John Danakas would only say, I can confirm that Steve Kirby retired in June.

SUBMITTED Steve Kirby, former director of jazz studies at the University of Manitoba.

The university will not be commenting, Danakas said.

Music Dean Edmond Dawe has not responded to interview requests, and every trace of Kirby has disappeared from the faculty website, on which he was prominently mentioned in several places just weeks ago.

According to one source who spoke to the Free Press earlier this summer, the university was meeting with several female students to address concerns that were described as sexual in nature.

Steve has retired, his wife, Anna-Lisa Kirby, said in a phone interview. June 27, he decided to retire to pursue his interest in composition.

Anna-Lisa is a sessional instructor in the music faculty and performs with her husband in a jazz band. She said Kirby was out of town and would not be giving interviews.

She said the university played no role in Kirbys decision to retire and that there were no negotiations around his retirement.

No, not that I know of. He just retired, she said.

Kirby is a 61-year-old musician and academic born in the U.S., with a long career as a jazz bassist. He joined the U of M in 2003.

In 2012, the university featured Kirby in its pioneers advertising series, calling him a world-renowned musician and powerhouse of a man who pioneered the first jazz studies program in western Canada.

The music faculty website lists artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Regina Carter who have been drawn to campus.

Our jazz studies faculty is made up of internationally renowned artists who are active in todays jazz music scene. They continue to perform, compose and record regularly, and they invite jazz students to join them in their artistic adventures, said the university.

The Desautels facultys Twitter account and the music students Twitter account make no mention of Kirbys retirement.

The Free Press contacted the nine music students who hold council positions for the 2017-2018 academic year. They were asked if the university had informed music students of Kirbys departure, and if so, had the university provided any explanation; had Kirby informed his students he had left; what impact would his departure have on the faculty, on students studies, and on their own studies.

Only senior stick McKenzie Warriner responded, saying, The Faculty of Music Students Association cannot comment on this story.

Because most of the information we have surrounding Steve Kirbys departure is rumours and hearsay, we decided as a council that we dont feel comfortable commenting at this time on most of your questions. The only thing we know for sure is that the faculty has lined up teachers for all classes in the fall. Until more official information has been released, we cant comment on anything else, Warriner said.

The U of M Faculty Association would not comment.

There isnt anything I would be able to say. It would be up to the member to determine what to say, UMFA president Prof. Janet Morrill said.

A brief, unexplained notice on the Desautels school website indicates, Thank you for your interest in the 2017 Summer Jazz Camp. The jazz camp has been cancelled for this year, but we are already planning for next year.

The music faculty website says elsewhere that, The music faculty Jazz Summer Camp is a unique opportunity for instrumentalists and vocalists at all levels to begin learning the essentials of small jazz ensemble playing. High school students, university students, jazz musicians and music educators are all welcome to take part in this week-long, fun experience.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 13/09/2017 (1888 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Hydro is taking a pay me now or pay me later approach with its provincial regulator as it seeks to meet its financial targets.

In a letter to the Public Utilities Board last week, Hydro said it will now require annual consumer electrical rate increases of 7.9 per cent until 2023-2024  two more years than it previously projected. For 2024-2025, the Crown corporation figures it will need a rate hike of 4.54 per cent.

Manitoba Hydro said it had to revise its revenue requirements after the PUB denied its request for a 7.9 per cent rate increase in July. The regulator instead granted an interim increase of 3.36 per cent, which took effect Aug. 1.

Kelvin Shepherd, Hydros president and CEO, said Tuesday the corporation needs to improve its cash flow. It also wants to improve its debt-equity ratio to 25 per cent within the next decade, placing it on a solid financial footing and preventing the need for potentially higher rate increases in the future.

When Hydro didnt receive the nearly eight per cent increase it sought this year, its financial goals became more elusive, Shepherd said.

It shows you the impact when you defer rate increases to future years, he said in an interview.

The PUB will hold public hearings from Dec. 4 to Feb. 9 on Hydros general rate application for this year and next.

In its letter to the PUB, dated Sept. 5, the Crown corporation expressed dismay at the growing time and cost of processing information requests from intervenors in the application process. Hydro is required to cover intervenor costs as well as the appearance of expert witnesses before the PUB.

This summer, Manitoba Hydro responded to 1,547 information requests from the PUB and six other groups in an initial round of information requests concerning its rate application. The responses took up 9,000 pages. That followed an initial 2,700-page application by Hydro to the PUB in June and 12,000 pages of follow-up information, Shepherd said.

It consumes a tremendous amount of staff time, the Hydro executive said, wondering out loud if people are really reading that much information and getting value out of it.

Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press Files The Manitoba Hydro has said that it needs an annual rate hike of 7.9% until 2024 to put it on a solid financial footing.

Hydro estimates the cost of funding intervenors for the current application process at about $2.2 million  well above the cost in previous years. Intervenors include the Manitoba branch of the Consumers Association of Canada, Winnipeg Harvest, Indigenous organizations, industrial power users, the Business Council of Manitoba and the Green Action Centre.

Ratepayers bear 100 per cent of the costs of this regulatory process, the corporation reminded the PUB in its letter.

The City of Winnipeg was also recently granted intervenor status but did not request funding from Hydro, a city spokesman said Tuesday.

Byron Williams, a lawyer representing Winnipeg Harvest and the consumers association, said intervenors play a vital role in the regulatory process.

He said the costs of funding intervenors is fairly modest when you consider Hydro is seeking rate increases that will cost consumers more than $200 million over the two-year application period.

Williams questioned Hydros budgeted need for two more years of 7.9 per cent rate increases simply because it didnt get all it wanted in the PUBs interim order this summer.

Hydros math in extending the 7.9 (% hikes) seems pretty questionable. But well test this in the regulatory process, he said.

NDP MLA James Allum said the PUB has already rejected Hydros 10-year plan for boosting its debt-equity ratio to 25 per cent.

Theyve rejected this approach because its a politically driven approach that will only hurt families, hurt businesses and only hurt the economy, he said.

Manitoba Hydro incurred a huge debt after undertaking several massive capital projects in recent years, including the Keeyask Generating Station and the Bipole III transmission line.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Manitoba Hydro President & CEO Kelvin Shepherd said the corporation is looking for a rate increase because it needs to improve its cash flow.
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The government of Manitoba wants Ottawa to provide further clarity on how exactly it will support provinces in implementing Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act.

In a Tuesday press release, Manitoba Justice Minister Heather Stefanson described cannabis legalization as a significant shift in public policy with many challenges for the provinces and territories to address.

Road safety is an area of particular concern, said Stefanson, who expects that topic to be front and centre when justice ministers from the federal, provincial, and territorial governments meet in Vancouver from Sept.13 to 15.

JUSTIN SAMANSKI-LANGILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Provincial Justice Minister Heather Stefanson

Stefanson told the Free Press shes particularly concerned about ensuring roadside testing devices are available to police officers, as well as ensuring proper training for police.

And so I would fully agree with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police in their statement today that they would like to see a postponement of the date of legalization, she said, referring to that organizations Tuesday presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, which is holding a weeklong hearing on Bill C-45. The police called for the federal government to consider postponing legalization in order to give law enforcement more time to prepare. Legalization of cannabis is currently scheduled to take place by July 2018.

Along with Alberta Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley, Stefanson is co-chair of a provincial-territorial working group exploring various aspects of cannabis legalization including drug-impaired driving, taxation, regulation, production and distribution.

That working group is due to present its findings to provincial and territorial premiers by November 1, according to Stefansons press secretary. The premiers will then decide whether to formally ask the federal government for a delay in legalization. Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister has previously called for legalization to be delayed by one year.

Our primary concern regarding the legalization of marijuana is the health and safety of Manitobans, said Stefanson in Tuesdays press release.

The federal government must recognize that rushing into something of this magnitude presents tremendous risks, which is why our working group will continue to seek clarity on federal support while provinces make progress on numerous policy areas related to Bill C-45.

The government of Manitoba has not yet determined exactly how legalization will work in the province. An expression of interest that sought industry input on how to produce, distribute, and sell cannabis in Manitoba closed last Friday. The expression of interest drew nearly 60 submissions, which are now being evaluated by the Department of Growth, Enterprise and Trade, according to the press release.

solomon.israel@freepress.mb.ca

@sol_israel
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OTTAWA  Manitobans are richer than they were a decade ago, according to 2016 census data released Wednesday, though poverty persists among children and seniors.

Strong commodity prices drove the provinces incomes up by 20.3 per cent between 2005 and 2015, almost double the national rate.

The median household income in Manitoba was $68,147 in 2015, and for those aged 25 to 54 it was $41,659, just slightly lower than national figures. The increase correlates to Canadians moving west and immigrants settling in the job-rich Prairie provinces, with slower growth in Ontario and Quebec.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES A map shows the main concentration in Winnipeg of people who identify as low-income live in Daniel McIntyre and Mynarski wards in Winnipeg. New statistics show the percentage of Manitoba children living in poverty remains nearly the same as in 2005.

Among the provinces metropolitan areas, the highest rise in incomes from 2005 to 2015 was recorded in Winkler at 24.2 per cent, and Brandon at 23.3 per cent. Winnipeg-area incomes grew by 16.6 per cent, the same rate as Steinbach despite that city accounting for the fastest growth in the number of households.

Statistics Canada defines the Winnipeg area as the city and commuter towns, like St. Paul and Springfield.

Fewer Manitobans, 12 per cent, are relying on government transfers, such as social assistance and the Canada Pension Plan, than they were in 2005.

Yet 21.9 per cent of Manitoban children are living poverty, compared with 17 per cent nationwide  a number that has hardly budged over the past decade.

And thousands of the provinces seniors also live in poverty, at 13.9 per cent, compared with 14.5 nationally  though Manitoba saw a much slower increase in the number than the rest of the country.

The Winnipeg area now counts 114,240 residents with a low income, a share of its population that has risen from 14.4 to 15 per cent from 2005 to 2015.

Earlier this year, census data showed far fewer boomerang kids in Winnipeg than many Ontario cities. Just 33.1 per cent of young adults aged 20 to 34 still live with their parents in Winnipeg, close to the national average, suggesting young people have better access to living-wage jobs.

The gender gap in incomes is persisting across Canada, though initial data suggest its narrowing.

More to come.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
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Brian Pallister has served notice that his government may introduce a new tax in the form of health care premiums as the province struggles to maintain services and contain skyrocketing costs.

Pallister, flanked by his finance and health ministers at a news conference Wednesday, said Manitobans will be asked for their opinion on the idea as part of extensive consultations in advance of the 2018 provincial budget. An online survey has also been established so the public can weigh in on the issue.

If the government goes ahead with the idea, it would be a stunning reversal for a Progressive Conservative premier who won power 17 months ago as the antithesis of a tax-and-spend politician.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister is expected to announce his first cabinet shuffle on Thursday.

Although Pallister didnt indicate the possible cost to individual Manitobans if premiums are introduced, residents of several provinces that already have such premiums pay between $0 and $1,000 per year, usually based on their incomes.

Groups on the political left and the political right expressed shock and disappointment at the prospect of a new major tax on health care.

The premier, himself, didnt mince words. Its most certainly a tax increase. Theres no doubt of that, he said of the proposal Wednesday.

Pallister said about three-quarters of Canadians live in provinces with some form of health premium, and Manitoba is going to need additional revenue to maintain its health system as Ottawa reduces the growth in health transfer payments.

He said the issue is at such a critical point that the government may be faced with a choice of imposing premiums or reducing services.

This is the reality that we have to face. Its a stark reality. But its the reality, he said.

Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen, who has been shepherding a major overhaul of Winnipegs hospital system, said the government is intent on finding efficiencies in the health care system. But that wont be enough, given that Manitoba will receive $2 billion less in transfers from Ottawa over the next 10 years than it had counted on.

While improvements in the way that health care is delivered will help, they are not enough to cover the rising costs, he said.

The reaction to the provinces trial balloon was swift.

This is just a massive tax hike proposal and, frankly, its unacceptable, said Todd MacKay, Prairie director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

If they impose this without a referendum, the premiers promise regarding major tax increases is worthless, MacKay said, referring to a Progressive Conservative pledge not to raise income tax, the PST or business payroll taxes without a plebiscite.

The government, in fact, went as far as to pass legislation to prevent increases in the three major taxes without a provincial referendum, but Pallister said Wednesday that the new law would not apply to the introduction of health premiums.

The opposition NDP was stunned by Pallisters plans.

Its a terrible situation to be for Manitobans to be told that theyre either going to be paying more taxes or theyre getting health-care cuts  (its) essentially holding a gun to the heads of Manitobans and telling them to choose which they want, NDP health critic Matt Wiebe said. I think thats absolutely terrible.

NDP leadership candidate Wab Kinew said a future NDP government would eliminate any premium plan. Health-care premiums arent consistent with Manitobans values, he said. And you know, if they do bring in premiums and we get a chance to form government again, Day 1 we would reverse the premiums and repeal them.

Pallister said no decision has been made on whether to introduce the premiums, although he has tasked senior bureaucrats with finding out how other provinces, such B.C. and Ontario, implement theirs.

Asked whether health premiums could be introduced in next springs budget, he said that was hypothetical.

As in other provinces, the size of premiums Manitobans faced would be based on income, the premier said.

You dont have the same bill if youre making $32,000 that you would if youre making $165,000, he said. I think in most provinces you wouldnt pay a health care premium if youre making a low income.

While Pallister is toying with the idea of instituting a major tax hike, he is adamant that he will keep his promise to reduce the provincial sales tax by a percentage point by the end of his first term in office.

Asked Wednesday whether that promise was still on the table, Pallister replied: absolutely.

Its a terrible situation to be for Manitobans to be told that theyre either going to be paying more taxes or theyre getting health-care cuts  (its) essentially holding a gun to the heads of Manitobans and telling them to choose which they want.-NDP health critic Matt Wiebe

The premier vowed that any funds raised from the introduction of health care premiums would be plowed back into health care, but the CTFs MacKay dismissed that as irrelevant.

Thats a debate about which end of the bathtub theyre putting the water into, he said, adding that Manitoba should look harder at health spending efficiencies.

Loren Remillard, president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, called the prospect of health premiums a bit of a shock.

He said the idea is especially troubling, given the clear message the province has sent to municipalities that they should live within their means and make do with the revenue streams they already have.

Now, were seeing the government telling the City of Winnipeg one thing and doing another, said Remillard, who reiterated a chamber position that Manitoba needs to conduct a complete overhaul of the tax system instead of maintaining a patchwork structure.

Michelle Gawronsky, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union, said she was disappointed to hear that the province was considering the imposition of health premiums. She suggested the government could instead ask rich corporations to contribute more.

Lets figure out who can afford it best and who is it going to best serve to ensure that we have the best health care in Manitoba, she said.

Sandi Mowat, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, said health premiums would be an additional burden for families who already face out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs.

I think its not representing our citizens at all, she said.

Manitobans can take the governments online survey  part of its pre-budget consultation process  at www.manitobansmakingchoices.ca.

Health care premiums across Canada

British Columbia

Residents are invoiced and pay their Medical Services Plan premium monthly through their bank, via their credit card, in the mail or in person

The rate is based on adjusted net income, which includes deductions for a spouse, beneficiaries, and family members who claim disability, among others

At most, people pay $75 per month ($900/year)

Anyone whose adjusted net income is $24,000 or less doesnt have to pay

The province has a temporary assistance program to help people with unexpected changes like losing their job, being sick, or going on disability

The government sent out an alert Wednesday announcing plans to cut premiums in half effective Jan. 1, 2018

Alberta

The prairie province eliminated its health premiums in 2009

At the time they were set, annual fees: $528 for individuals and $1,056 for families

Alberta made about $1 billion each year from the premiums, many of which were paid not by people themselves but rather by their employers

In 2015, former Premier Jim Prentice discussed introducing a new, similar levy but that plan was quashed when the NDP took power later that year

Ontario

Since the 2004 tax year, residents have paid a yearly health care premium through the provinces personal income tax system

Individuals whose taxable income is $20,000 or less do not pay

How much you pay is income dependent, ranging from $0 to $900 (when your taxable income is more than $206,000)

Quebec

Quebec calls its premium a health contribution

Much like Ontario, its an annual payment made through the income tax system

It ranges from $0 to a maximum of $1,000 depending on your net income

However, earlier this year Quebec retroactively eliminated the 2016 contribution for low- and middle-income taxpayers

Previously people didnt have to pay if their net income was $18,570 or less but now they dont pay as long as that amount is $134,095 or less

Anyone whose net income exceeds $134,095 has to pay at least four per cent of whatever amount they make beyond the $134,095

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca
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Saba Temnewo hit the ground running when she arrived in Canada with her two kids this summer. The children were registered for school in the fall and the ambitious newcomer who aspires to become a nurse was registered for Enhanced English Skills for Employment starting Monday. On the day her class was to begin, she learned her registration was cancelled due to a lack of federal funding.

I feel sorry, said the Eritrean refugee who was sponsored by Hospitality House Refugee Ministry. Language is the root of everything. She knows enough English to look for a survival job but not enough to qualify for provincial funding to attend classes to work as a health care aide  the first step in her goal of becoming a nurse and a good provider for her children, ages 10 and 13.

She received an email Monday from the employment program saying she and many others will be very disappointed to know their registration was rejected.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Eritrean refugees Saba Temnewo with her daughter Efrata, 10 and son Asier, 13 at the Hospitality House residence Tuesday. Temnewo, whose English classes were cancelled, arrived as a refugee with her kids in July and needs to upgrade her English so she can go to school to become a health care aide and get a decent job. Without it, she says shell be stuck in a low-paying job or have to rely on social assistance.

The funding we had expected from the federal government was greatly reduced, said the email from the programs executive director, Louise Giesbrecht. Therefore, we are able to offer only one class in the morning and one class in the afternoon. Considering that in the past we have offered 5 classes in the morning, 5 classes in the afternoon and 5 classes in the evening, we are devastated by this. We know how important these classes are for each of you.

The bad news that newcomers like Temnewo are getting now is fallout from federal funding cuts announced this spring, Giesbrecht said Tuesday. Thats when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it was shifting funds toward very basic English as an Additional Language classes for those at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) between One and Four from more advanced classes for those trying to achieve a CLB between Five and Eight. The Enhanced English Skills for Employment classes elevate a newcomers prospects, said Temnewo.

I need that to improve my English and knowledge of the system in Canada, said Temnewo. She attended high school in Eritrea and worked in hotels and the hospitality industry before arriving July from Khartoum, the capital of Sudan where she and her kids lived as refugees.

For now, shes looking for a primary job to get some Canadian work experience and a way to get her language skills to a Canadian Language Benchmark level of Seven or Eight thats required to receive provincially-funded training. Without it, she will have to come up with $8,000 to pay a private career college thats willing to train her with less than a CLB 7 or 8. If Temnewo finds a minimum-wage survival job and has two kids to support, $8,000 is out of reach.

I dont know if the federal government knows the damage theyre doing, said Karin Gordon, director of settlement for Hospitality House Refugee Ministry, which sponsored Temnewo and her family.

Youre going to have a whole pile of people living on survival jobs or welfare who end up costing the public purse, she said. Youre keeping these people at a low socioeconomic level forever  especially if they cant finish high school.

In her email to students who had been registered for fall classes, Giesbrecht, the executive director of Enhanced English Skills for Employment, said they would continue to work with both levels of government to try to address the issues and, they hope, offer them a space soon. She also suggested they contact their local Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislative Assembly to let them know how the funding reductions impact them.

When asked, IRCC was not prepared to comment Tuesday.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
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City hall has commissioned a second consultants study examining the re-opening of Portage and Main, even as its putting the final touches to an administrative report for councils October meeting that will outline the cost to remove the barriers.

Doug McNeil, the citys chief administrative officer, said the second study, awarded in July to a Vancouver firm at a cost of $70,000, is examining how the city can integrate the public spaces above and below ground with the adjoining private property.

But McNeil would not say when officials will propose a final cost for re-opening the intersection and design plans, and he would not say if the city will be ready to move ahead with the re-opening in 2018.

DAVID LIPNOWSKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Downtown Winnipeg.

Im going to not answer any more detailed questions because it will all be in the (October) report, McNeil told reporters.

McNeil said the second study was done in response to concerns raised by property owners at the famous intersection. They want to know what city hall will do to complement the investments they plan on spending once the intersection is open.

McNeil said the property owners said the city needs to have a vision, adding the first study commissioned by city hall only looked at the impacts to traffic flows and pedestrians once the intersection is opened.

The second consulting team will look at how can we make Portage and Main more pedestrian friendly, what kind of new urban design opportunities are there for Portage and Main, again, above and below, McNeil said.

McNeil said he will present an administrative report to council at its October 25 meeting, based on the findings of the first study, which determined the impact on traffic flows once the intersection is opened. McNeil said the administrative report will also include preliminary cost estimates to remove the barriers and changes to the intersection to accommodate pedestrian crossings but he cautioned those costs would only be a Class 4 or higher estimate  council can only approve a project once the estimates have reached a Class 3 estimate or lower.

McNeil said its not certain if the second study will be finished by the October meeting and if any of the proposals for design changes will be presented to council.

I dont know exactly how were going to incorporate that, McNeil said. Were currently talking about that and working on the (administrative) report.

McNeil said the reports going to council in October are only the first steps towards re-opening the intersection, adding the administration will make a recommendation on how to move forward, including eventually incorporating the proposals from the second study.

McNeil said the Vancouver firm involved did look at previous studies, including proposals submitted in response to a design competition held by former mayor Glen Murray in 2003, which was intended to show what the intersection could look like. That competition drew submissions from architectural firms from around the world, but were never implemented.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

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The sixth and latest nuclear test by North Korea on Sept. 3 has once again put the spotlight on China. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly asked China to do more to rein in the nuclear weapons and missile development by its neighbour and treaty ally, but to no avail.

In fact, China may have already lost most of its direct influence on North Korea through past unsuccessful attempts to control the rogue states behaviour. It does still have more leverage on its neighbour than any other country because it supplies most of the oil to North Korea, which in turn fuels Kim Jong Uns military and industrial machinery.

But China is unlikely to completely cut off crude and refined oil supplies to its troublesome ally. This is because it believes it is unlikely that North Korea would give up its nuclear weapons and delivery systems any time soon.

Korean Central News Agency / Korea News Service North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at an undisclosed location, inspecting the loading of a hydrogen bomb into a new intercontinental ballistic missile.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) leaders in China this week that the North Koreans would rather eat grass than give up their nuclear program. This echoes former Pakistani leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, whose country defied international sanctions to develop its own nuclear weapons.

The Chinese and Russians now believe it would be almost impossible to disarm North Korea of its nuclear weapons without a comprehensive settlement with the U.S.

There was a time when China did enjoy considerable influence over North Korea. Special trains bearing the countrys leader frequently chugged into Beijing to a warm welcome from Chinese leaders.

Kim Jong Uns father, Kim Jong Il, was taken to Chinas capitalist enclave of Shenzhen and its other bustling cities, such as Shanghai, on his seven visits to China as leader. These were intended to inspire him to take a leaf out of Chinas book and launch his own market-friendly economic reforms. But he politely refused to toe the line while still accepting Chinas economic and diplomatic support.

Kim Jong Un has gone a step further in rebuffing the Chinese leadership. Since becoming North Koreas leader in 2011 he has never visited China, not even when it celebrated the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War by hosting a grand military parade in Beijing in 2015. Not surprisingly, Chinese President Xi Jinping has also not visited Pyongyang.

Some Chinese scholars privately blame their own government for North Koreas rapidly developing nuclear weapons program.

It is believed that, in an effort to persuade its estranged ally to desist from developing nuclear weapons, Xi had sent a senior envoy to Pyongyang with a message that China would no longer abide by the security provisions of its 1961 Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation and Mutual Assistance with North Korea. Instead of buckling under pressure, Kim Jong Un decided to accelerate his nuclear weapons program because he could no longer rely on Chinas support.

Whether or not China is indirectly responsible for Pyongyangs repeated nuclear tests in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, it is still the only permanent council member to have the ability to make life really difficult for the Kim regime. China could do so by fully enforcing UN sanctions and cutting off oil supplies.

Nevertheless, the most we can expect from China, in addition to the measures it has already taken  for example, stopping coal imports  is a reduction in oil supplies. The Chinese leadership does not want to do anything that could bring about the collapse of the North Korean regime and, in the process, provoke its leader to lash out at China.

In any case, a partial reduction in oil supplies is unlikely to have a significant impact on North Koreas behaviour. It would probably make up the shortfall by smuggling in oil on the high seas.

No doubt Chinas relations with Pyongyang have deteriorated to such an extent that China finds its behaviour unacceptable and insulting. Chinese people are also tiring of the shenanigans of Kim and his cronies. This is evident in commentary on Chinese social media, which the Chinese government is trying to suppress lest it projects its leaders as ineffective.

China has always been loath to adopt or support measures that could trigger a collapse of the North Korean regime and send millions of impoverished Koreans flooding into Chinas northeast.

China also does not want to see an end to North Koreas status as the buffer between China and the American presence in the southern Korean peninsula. It fears a premature reunification of the two Koreas under U.S. influence. A unified Korea could bring American troops to Chinas doorstep.

So, while Chinas leaders probably dislike Kim Jong Un as much as the Americans do and want an end to his reckless behaviour, they are unlikely to heed Trumps calls to help him bring the tyrant to his knees, even if they could.

China is happy to make Trump squirm and appear to his own people and the world as feckless. But it will be watching the American moves very carefully and do anything to avoid war on the Korean peninsula. That could have serious ramifications for the region and the world, and impede Chinas own seemingly inexorable rise as a great power.

Pradeep Taneja is a lecturer in Asian politics in the school of social and political sciences at the University of Melbourne.

This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca.
Opinion

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Over the past few months, several articles have appeared highlighting the lessons of the Avro Arrow saga for Canadas national policy on innovation or trade. Perhaps this burst of interest can be attributed to Canada 150. Or perhaps it was the desire to find clues on how the country should best approach these sectors in light of ongoing NAFTA renegotiations.

History can provide useful lessons for the present, but they must be accurate. Sadly, these discussions are replete with serious misperceptions surrounding the Avro Arrow and Canadas aviation industry.

Perhaps one of the most entrenched myths surrounding the Arrow was its technological pre-eminence in the 1950s. While it was an advanced aircraft, the Arrow was one of only several being developed at the time. Of these, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom represented a true technological breakthrough. Its design  a fast, multi-role fighter with a powerful radar  would define future fighter innovation, with more than 5,000 eventually produced.

Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press Files Volunteers push open the hangar doors to reveal a full-scale replica of the Avro Arrow at the Toronto Aerospace museum in Toronto in 2006.

The Arrow, a heavy bomber interceptor, was an evolutionary dead-end, partly due to the advent of the intercontinental ballistic missile. Among Canadian allies, this unique aircraft type would disappear over coming decades, largely replaced by the more versatile fighters of the F-4s mould.

The Arrow program had other major flaws, but none was as fatal as its cost. Each Arrow was projected to cost more than three times that of the Phantom and still faced serious development challenges until it was cancelled. These straightforward facts, not the myth of an American conspiracy to end the program, explain the Arrows demise.

Continuing with such a program today would be a national scandal. To some degree, it was a scandal in 1959, given that the programs failings were well known by 1957 yet it continued development for one more year, resulting in nearly $200 million in additional expenditure before its cancellion.

Moreover, the focus on the Arrow today overshadows the real successes of the Canadian aviation industry. A common theme is that the cancellation eviscerated the domestic aviation industry. A large number of individuals lost their jobs. But today, Canada boasts an aviation industry that punches far above its weight: it is the worlds fifth-largest by export in a country with the 16th-largest economy. What squares this reality with the apparent death of the industry with the Arrows cancellation?

Largely overlooked today is that Canada boasted a number of major producers in the 1950s. Canadair of Montreal made a business of taking existing American designs and substantially improving them. One such aircraft was the Sabre, a U.S. Air Force fighter that Canadair obtained the licence to manufacture in Canada.

While this may not have been as glamorous as Avros indigenous development program, it was a massive success. More than 1,800 Canadair Sabres were produced, becoming an essential part of NATO allies air forces in the 1950s.

The company would eventually be purchased by Bombardier and formed the foundation of their current aviation business.

Supporting Avro and Canadair was a growing ecosystem of second-tier manufacturers that otherwise might have been in trouble. Little known to the public during the Arrow controversy, Canada and the U.S. signed the Defence Production Sharing Agreement in 1956  an agreement that allowed Canadian firms to bid on U.S. defence contracts as if they were American, and which opened a massive new market. Subcontractors have prospered accordingly, becoming some of the countrys most vibrant firms, such as CAE, the world leader in aerospace simulations, and Pratt and Whitney Canada, which produces turboprop engines. Today, over 60 per cent of the industrys revenue exists within the second tier.

The Avro Arrow controversy has long captured Canadian public attention. However, relying on its myths to guide current policy is foolish.

The Arrow was a costly boondoggle that should not be repeated. Instead, we should acknowledge its place in history and celebrate the other real achievements that resulted from the Avro Arrow enterprise. These include creating unfettered access to global value chains and ensuring the existence of a diverse ecosystem of firms, instead of prioritizing one or two national champions.

A national policy based on a clear-headed assessment of facts, rather than inaccurate myths, will ensure Canadas future as an aviation powerhouse.

Richard Shimooka is senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institutes Centre For Advancing Canadas Interests Abroad.
Last week, Israeli fighter jets attacked major military facilities near the town of Maysaf in western Syria from Lebanese airspace with the full backing of Israels paymasters in Washington.

The first attack killed two people and caused extensive damage, while a second killed or wounded a further seven people.

According to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rightsa British-based monitoring group with ties to forces opposed to the government of President Bashar al-AssadIsraeli missiles hit facilities belonging to the Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) and a military base storing ground-to-ground missiles.

The SSRC is a Syrian government agency that the US and Israel claim is producing chemical weapons.

These strikes are part of a broader push by Israel to create facts on the ground, under conditions where Assads regime in Syriawith Russia and Irans backinghas been gaining the upper hand. They indicate the multiple rivalries in the region that threaten a wider conflagration in the resource-rich Middle East.

While Israel, as usual, did not confirm or deny the attacks, military intelligence chief Major General Herzl Halevi said that Israel was dealing with threats near and far. He added, The threats to Israel are from armed militant groups, most of them aided and funded by Iran. They are grave threats, but not existential ones.

Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman was more explicit. He said that Israel was determined to resist Irans influence in the region, stating, Everything will be done to prevent the existence of a Shiite corridor from Tehran to Damascus.

Just a few days earlier, Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu accused Iran of trying to produce advanced, precision-guided missiles in Lebanon and Syria. He said, Iran is busy turning Syria into a base of military entrenchment and it wants to use Syria and Lebanon as war fronts against its declared goal to eradicate Israel. This is something Israel cannot accept.

These strikes come exactly 10 years after Israel bombed Syrias nuclear reactor in eastern Syria and follow numerous interventions by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in Syrias six-year-long civil war.

Israel has been a largely silent partner in the US-orchestrated campaign to topple the Assad regime. But just last month in an interview with Haaretz, Major General Amir Eshel, the outgoing chief the Israel Air Force, admitted to launching nearly 100 attacks on Syrian territory, allegedly against convoys supplying Hezbollah, over the past five years. Israel has also carried out targeted assassinations of senior Hezbollah figures.

Hezbollah, the Shia party and militant group from Lebanon that is supported by Iran, has played a key role supporting President Assad. It has sent its forces to fight the ever-shifting alliance of Islamist groups opposing him that includes Islamic State, Al Nusra, Jaish al-Fatah and Ahrar al-Sham, variously funded at different times by the CIA, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States and Turkey.

Israel, for its part, has allowed competing Islamist groups opposed to Assad to set up bases in the Golan Heights, providing them with training, intelligence and medical facilities. It has maintained regular contact with these groups, according to a 2015 report published by the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which has itself faced repeated lethal attacks from al-Nusra and other groups.

Following an agreement between Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September 2015, Russia and Israel coordinated the operations of their aircraft over Syriain order to avoid accidentally trading fire. This proved what had long been suspected: that Israel has been intervening covertly in the Syrian conflict. Netanyahu himself has acknowledged that Israels air force has operated undisturbed in Syrian air space in violation of Syrias sovereignty and its 1974 agreement with Syria following the October 1973 war.

While the Syrian government for its part warned of the dangerous repercussions of this aggressive action to the security and stability of the region, it has not responded militarily as it has done on a few occasions in the past.

Instead, the Syrian Foreign Minister filed a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council and the Secretary General, saying The Israeli aggression has become a norm. The complaint added that Israel was seeking to provide aid and support for terrorist groups such as the al-Nusra Front and ISIS just as the Syrian army was advancing against them, and that inaction on the part of the Security Council would be unacceptable. Just last week, the Syrian army and Shiite militias drove out IS fighters from Deir el-Zour, in the eastern oil-producing region of the country.

The Israeli air strikes took place as the IDF was conducting the largest military exercise in 19 years on its border with Lebanon that involved tens of thousands of soldiers and civilian evacuation drills. Commentators have described the 10-day-long exercises as a dress rehearsal for a future war with Hezbollah that would counter multiple terrorist infiltrations from southern Lebanon.

Israels relations with Russia have soured recently following Moscows threat to veto any UN Security Council resolution designating Hezbollah a terrorist organization. A meeting between Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi ended without any commitment by Putin to arrange the withdrawal of both Iran and Hezbollah from Syria and Netanyahu warning that Israel would act to protect its interests.

While Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has emphasized Russias commitment to Israels security interests and said the establishment of de-escalation zones in Syria would not harm Israel, Israel views the presence of Iranian and Hezbollah forces in Syria as a threat.

In any event, Russia is powerless to force Hezbollahs forces out of Lebanon because of Irans support for the group as the basis for maintaining Tehrans influence in Lebanon and as a crucial pro-Assad fighting force. Although Russia has sought to limit Irans role in Syria, to avoid antagonizing Washington, its aimsto shore up the Assad regime, preserve its only warm water port in Tartus, ensure its military and commercial contracts and loans with Syria and regional influenceare dependent on Iran.

Last month, Netanyahu told UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, during his visit to the Middle East, that Iran was building facilities in both Syria and Lebanon to make precision-guided missiles.

Accordingly, Tel Aviv seized on a UN report released the previous day to legitimize its aerial attacks. The report claims, without citing any evidence, that Syrias attack on Khan Sheikhoun in Marchthat provided the pretext for Washingtons cruise missile strikes on a Syrian air basewas just one of at least 20 chemical weapons attacks carried out by the Syrian government from March 2013 to March 2017.

Russia is party to an agreement with Washington and Damascus in which Syria agreed to destroy or send to Russia its chemical weapons. This was agreed in exchange for former President Barack Obama withdrawing his threat to invade Syria in September 2013. Russia indicated at the time that it would not oppose an attack on Syrias chemical weapons stores if there was UN backing and proof of the use of such weapons.

Israel is seeking to use this to extend the justification under which it can attack Syria with impunity: that it has become Irans base of operations against Israel.

As the first Israeli strikes against Syria since the July cease-fire agreed between Russia and the US in southern Syria, along the border with Israel and Jordan, they signify that Tel Aviv is determined to impose its own interests in any political settlement of Syrias civil war.

Israel opposed the agreement because it leaves pro-Assad forces, including potentially Hezbollah and Iran, in control of the border region, and also creates the template for future agreements in other parts of Syria, destroys the power of the so-called rebel groups that it has backed and leaves Assad in power.

Almost all the imperialist and regional powers have now withdrawn their demand that Assad must go as a pre-condition for negotiations on a peace settlement.
In an interview on German television last Thursday, Sahra Wagenknecht, the leading candidate of the Left Party for this months federal election, issued a clear call for cooperation with the far right Alternative for Germany (AfD). In the interview she said: What one should not do is turn the AfD into a victim by generally excluding or dealing with it in an unfair way.

She made clear that her remarks referred explicitly to possible posts in the Bundestag presidium or parliamentary committees following the election. In this case one should also look at who is standing for what and not judge out of hand, Wagenknecht said, signaling that the Left Party was prepared to support the election of AfD candidates to such bodies.

Commenting on the chances of a majority vote at the election for a so-called red-red-green (Social Democrat-Left Party-Green Party) coalition Wagenknecht declared: If you look at the polls you cannot seriously and publicly maintain that the chances are good for red-red-green. Sadly, the SPD has screwed up, she told the N24 television channel, which is part of the right-wing Axel Springer media group.

The media hype surrounding former EU bureaucrat Martin Schulz, the SPDs lead election candidate and a man seen by the Left Party as a possible entry ticket for its involvement in federal government, has now collapsed completely. The SPD continues to be a party hated by broad layers of the population, and particularly by workers, for its Agenda 2010 program, which forced millions into cheap wage labour and precarious working conditions.

The Left Partys hopes for a future red-red-green coalition had already been dampened by the massive loss of support for the SPD in this years state election in Saarland, which also resulted in a defeat for Oskar Lafontaine, a founding member of the Left Party and former SPD finance minister.

The Saarland debacle was followed by further defeats for the SPD in Schleswig-Holstein, and especially in North-Rhine Westphalia, once the industrial heartland of the Social Democrats. Schulz reacted to these setbacks by taking a sharp turn to the right. He dropped all his previous talk of social justice and placed himself at the head of a law and order campaign, demanding more police. At the same time he took up typical AfD demands directed against refugees.

The Left Party is now taking the same path and shifting further to the right. Taking the lead, Sahra Wagenknecht has made clear that all the Left Partys talk of opposing the right wing is just thatempty talk.

This was already evident in the so-called Five-party round tablea television debate which included the Left Party, the Greens, the conservative Christian Social Union, the neo liberal Free Democratic Party and the AfD, represented by its lead candidate Alice Weidel.

In the course of the debate Sahra Wagenknecht stressed that the Left Party also favoured the deportation of delinquent foreigners, thereby repeating her earlier statement that those who abuse the right of hospitality had forfeited the right to hospitality.

The end of the round of questions then witnessed a friendly exchange between Wagenknecht and the AfDs Alice Weidel, after the latter had given free rein to her xenophobic and authoritarian standpoints.

Wagenknecht told Weidel: I do not share your views regarding many of the things you have said, but they are part of a democratic discourse, issues which one can talk about, they are conservative positions. She then asked Weidel how well she felt about the neo-racist Bjorn Hocke and other half Nazis who feature prominently on the AfDs list of election candidates.

Laughingly, Weidel replied: Just like you, in your party, Frau Wagenknecht, there are also individual cases like Hocke in the AfD. She then boasted that the AfDs list of candidates contained more academics than any other party. These candidates, she maintained, would prove to be competent and constructive for sustainable policy in all committees.

Sahra Wagenknecht has now taken up this offer from the AfD politician as the basis for the future work of the Left Party in its role as an opposition party.

This must be a warning for young people and workers intent on voting against the far right AfD in the coming election. The Left Party is not an instrument for preventing the rise of nationalist and fascist tendencies. It would be naive to believe the party will move to the left as a party in opposition after the federal election.

In this respect the experience in Greece in 2015 is instructive. Following the election victory of Syriza, Alexis Tsipras, whom the German Left Party still maintain is the leader of a progressive government, formed a coalition with the right-wing populist Independent Greeks (Anel). The resulting policies have led to social catastrophe for the Greek population.

Wagenknecht's offer to the AfD has its roots in the nationalist and pro-capitalist orientation of the Left Party. Its predecessor, the Party of Democratic Socialism, emerged from the ruling East German Stalinist Socialist Unity Party (SED), which espoused a thoroughly nationalist policy at home and abroad - despite all its talk of socialism and international solidarity. At home the party discriminated against foreign workers from Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe, and internationally against the workers of other countries, in particular the US.

During the period of capitalist reunification in 1989-90 the SED/PDS actively supported the reintroduction of the capitalist profit-system in the GDR. Some years later the PDS amalgamated with a group of long standing trade union and SPD bureaucrats in West Germany led by the former SPD finance minister, Oskar Lafontaine, to form the Left Party. Wagenknecht is married to Lafontaine.

The nationalist and pro-capitalist character of the Left Party comes strikingly to the fore in the present political situation, as the danger of war grows daily, conflicts between Germany and the US are intensifying and popular opposition to war and poverty is increasing.

In foreign policy, the Left Party poses as a German nationalist party against the United States. Recently, on his Facebook page, Lafontaine explained that the Left Party was the only one that did not swim in the obedient wake of the only remaining world power. In the Bundestag, irrespective of the form of the governing coalition, the party will insist that the interests of Germany and Europe be defended more strongly than the unfair goals of the US.

In the sphere of domestic politics the party supports and implements social cuts, police rearmament and the rigorous deportation of refugees. This has been the experience of the Left Party in power in the German states of Berlin, Brandenburg, Thuringia, and also in East German municipal administrations. The red-red-green Senate in Berlin, formed last winter as a role model for a future federal red-red-green coalition, repudiated the Left Partys election slogan of a change of policy within the space of a few months. It is this right wing policy of the Left Party which plays into the hands of the AfD.

The coming struggles against war, capitalist exploitation and police oppression must also take the form of a struggle against the Left Party. Young people and workers must build a genuine socialist, international and revolutionary workers' party, which combines the struggle against war with the struggle against capitalism. This is the perspective of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGP).
Around 400,000 people protested yesterday against President Emmanuel Macrons plans to rip up Frances Labor Code, which would open the way for mass layoffs, pay and benefit cuts, and speedups. Macrons labor reforms are the centerpiece of a massive campaign of austerity, including plans to slash state pension funds and unemployment benefits.

There were large protests in Paris (60,000 according to the unions), Marseille (60,000), Toulouse (16,000), Nantes (15,000), Bordeaux (12,000), Lyon (10,000), Rennes (10,000) Nice (5,000), and Le Havre, the home city of Prime Minister Edouard Philippe (3,400). It was the first protest organized by the trade union bureaucracy since Macrons election in May. Police used water cannons in Paris to attack protesters in the 13th district, while youth and police also clashed in Lyon and Nantes.

The ruling classes throughout the world, including in the United States and Germany, see Macrons labor reforms as the spearhead of a new round of international attacks on the working class. The New York Times hailed Macrons measures as upending the notion of the worker in permanent need of protection against rapacious capitalists, bemoaning the fact that Every effort at fundamental reform for at least a quarter of a century has foundered on giant and sometimes violent popular demonstrations.

Macrons approval ratings are plunging, and the great majority of workers and youth oppose his plans to impose a social counter-revolution by extra-parliamentary decree. Macron won the presidency after defeating the neo-fascist Marine Le Pen in the second-round runoff of an election that saw mass abstention and an electoral debacle for Frances traditional political parties.

The demonstrations took place against the background of Frances state of emergency which provide the presidency with extraordinary powers, including subjection of people to house arrest without trial. These powers, which have been in effect since November 2015, have been used to persecute opponents of the labor law reforms under both Macron and his predecessor, Socialist Party President Francois Hollande.

WSWS correspondents attended protests in Paris, Marseille, and in the north of France. Protesters stressed their hostility not only to the destruction of the Labor Code, but also the drive to war and dictatorship. Many expressed their distrust of the trade unions and existing parties. After the elections, which provided a choice between a neo-fascist and a free-market ideologue, youth said they were disgusted with the political system.

In Paris, Nathanael said: This is the only way we have left to struggle: to show our discontent. The representative institutions of the Fifth Republic have failed, they have been failing for years. I am a high school student. I dont vote, and even if I voted, I dont see what it would get me. I don't see why I should. This is not how social protection works, this is not how the rule of law works.  We are forced now to go into the streets and protest in order to make ourselves heard.

Asked about the Parti de l'egalite socialistes call for an active boycott of the presidential elections to prepare the independent perspective mobilization of the working class against the president, he said: I am pretty much in agreement with that. I am absolutely against the noxious, deadly ideas of the [neo-fascist] National Front [FN), but to vote is to support someone. Voting is supporting the system, the institutions.

Nathanael pointed to the French general strike of May 1968: It is the only thing to do, to mobilize the working class. We are not in a trade union but a political struggle.  Were close to a struggle like May 68.

He also denounced Macrons plan to write Frances repressive state of emergency into common law: That is the ultimate violation of the rule of law, he said. I see it very clearly in my high school, every day they search our bags, demand our papers. Teaching people to submit from high school or junior high on, thats neither liberty nor the rule of law.

He raised the Korean crisis to stress the concern of the youth faced with the danger of war: For me, the threat comes not so much from North Korea as from the relationship between North Korea and the United States. Trump is impulsive, egocentric and obsessive, in fact this person does not even deserve the terms we use to describe him.

Nathanael also opposed law-and-order denunciations of protesters in the media: Im not a wrecker, I am not going to throw paving stones in storefront windows.  There is an entire type of rhetoric and language of the far right that is taking over the media coverage.

The WSWS also spoke to Sarah, another student, who criticized growing social inequality and the turn to repression in France under Macron: I find it intolerable to pass laws this way. I was not necessarily for Macron, especially on labor issues. In him, were dealing with a person who knows nothing. What he wants to do with contracts, where you can have a five-year temp contract, that is extraordinary.

She added, I am studying to work in Human Resources. I was a bit naive. I thought that the work would be simple, there you have to help the workers. And now, time is going by, and Im young but I am realizing that in the working world, relations are really vicious. And Macron is just piling on the viciousness.

On the state of emergency, she said: I think its main purpose is to scare the people. It scares people, obviously when you are young, when you come to Bastille Square [where the demonstration started]  We are basically under a type of dictatorship. Its not the type of dictatorships that we know from the history books, but I think very bad things are happening, the way the president uses his power.

Between the students and workers entering into struggle on the one hand, and the union bureaucracies and the pseudo left parties on the other, there is a class gulf. The unions and pseudo-left political forces like Jean-Luc Melenchon of Unsubmissive France (LFI) are trying to present themselves as militant alternatives to the collapse of the Socialist Party (PS), discredited by the wars and austerity policies of Hollande. In fact, however, they are deeply integrated into the political establishment and hostile to a revolutionary struggle of the proletariat, which the Parti de l'egalite socialiste, the French section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, aims to lead.
While floods have partially receded in the Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Assam, the death toll from the disaster is now 1,300, with an estimated 45 million people affected throughout South Asia.

Aid agencies report that 30 to 40 percent of those killed were children. Entire villages and vast tracts of agricultural land have been destroyed, along with crops and cattle. Tens of thousands of homes, schools and hospitals have been inundated and damaged.

Millions of flood victims in rural and urban areas face a desperate plight, trying to recover from the loss of their homes, crops, livestock, livelihoods and property. This situation is worsened by a deepening health crisis caused by infected water and the spread of mosquito- and water-borne diseases.

Ray Kancharla from the Indian branch of Save the Children warned of a massive increase in dengue, malaria, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases this year. These risks are huge, he said, especially for children and women. Save the Children estimates that 17 million children in India urgently require humanitarian assistance, including basic nutritional support, health care and education.

While government authorities and the media constantly refer to the floods as a natural disaster, these catastrophes are entirely predictable and generally occur each year during the monsoon season, between June and September.

According to the UN, over 32 million people have been affected by the floods in India. In the eastern state of Bihar, 514 people have been killed and 17.1 million impacted, while in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, about 2.5 million have been affected and 109 killed.

Between June and July, heavy floods in the western state of Gujarat took 224 lives. In the eastern state of West Bengal, at least 152 were killed and 2.7 million people affected. The West Bengal government estimates the total damage in that state to be 140 billion rupees ($US2.2 billion).

On August 29, Mumbai, Indias financial capital, received 331.4 mm of rainfall in nine hours, the highest in a decade, producing chaotic conditions, inundating thousands of buildings and resulting in the loss of five lives.

In Bangladesh, at least 140 people have perished, with more than 700,000 homes destroyed and vast areas of farm lands ruined, posing the risk of long-term food shortages. More than 8 million people, including about 3 million children, have been displaced and about 2.4 million hectares of cropland have been ruined.

According to the Bangladesh International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, around 13,000 people are suffering from diarrhea, with officials warning that the infection rate is serious.

At least 23 people, including seven children, were killed by flooding in the Pakistani port city of Karachi when wide areas were engulfed on September 1, following prolonged rainfall that began on August 30.

In Nepal 160 people were killed, 25 are missing and 1.5 million homes, along with schools, hospitals and bridges, were destroyed. One UNICEF official reported: The people are very poor here and houses are made of mud. So when floods came, it washed away their houses, and in some places, the water came so quickly, [and] with such force, that one village I saw looked like [it had been] hit by a tornado or cyclone.

The Indian government and its respective state authorities are indifferent to the plight of millions of residents. Despite countless warnings from weather forecasters and disaster planning experts, successive governments have refused to implement basic mitigation measures to deal with flooding.

After major flooding in 2005, Mumbai authorities were warned they had to improve drainage systems, develop early warning systems, widen waterways and riverbeds and amend building codes. Twelve years on these demands largely have been ignored.

A recent report by Indias Comptroller and Auditor General, an official body that audits government spending, revealed that only 349 of Indias 4,862 large dams have emergency disaster action plans, and tens of millions of dollars in flood management funds remain unspent.

The Indian government has offered a pittance in emergency relief to flood victims. While total recovery costs for the flood-affected northeast states are estimated at 300 billion rupees, the government is providing only 23.5 billion rupees.

By contrast, New Delhi, in pursuit of geo-political interests, is spending billions of dollars on advanced military weapons in preparation for war, thus threatening the lives of millions throughout the region.

India recently issued a request-for-information to Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries for an estimated $8 billion contract to supply six advanced submarines.

New Delhis offer to provide 400 million Nepali rupees to the landlocked country of Nepal in flood relief is not driven by humanitarian concerns but motivated by the Indian elites hegemonic ambitions. The ruling elite, which is engaged in strategic rivalry with China over influence in Nepal, regards the poverty-stricken, mountainous country as part of its backyard.
In the off-year elections in the United States, to be held November 7, only two states, New Jersey and Virginia, will choose governors and most state legislators. In past years, the elections in the two states, held 12 months after the presidential election, have occasionally signaled popular dissatisfaction with the new administration.

The New Jersey campaign has been all but conceded to the Democratic candidate to succeed Republican Chris Christie, the most unpopular of the 50 state governors. Multi-millionaire Democrat Phil Murphy, a former Goldman Sachs banker, outspent all his opponents for the Democratic nomination by $22 million to $6 million combined and won 48 percent of the vote in the primary.

Murphy has a wide lead in pre-election polls over Republican Kim Guadagno, Christies lieutenant governor. This reflects not enthusiasm for himhe is largely unknown and his only previous political office was as US Ambassador to Germanybut rather widespread hatred of Christie, renowned for budget cuts, political corruption (Bridgegate) and monumental arrogance.

In Virginia the contest is closer and more competitive, with polls showing Democrat Ralph Northam, the lieutenant governor in the administration of Terry McAuliffe, with a not insurmountable lead over Republican Ed Gillespie, former chairman of the Republican National Committee, who narrowly lost a Senate race in Virginia three years ago.

One of the striking features about the race is that the two major party candidates espouse nearly identical right-wing programs, particularly on budgetary and economic issues, while differing only on a handful of social issues such as abortion. Neither can claim a mass base of support, and both emerged as favored candidates of their respective party machines.

Gillespie epitomizes the political establishment, with more than a quarter century in Republican politics, as campaign aide, lobbyist for corporations like Enron (which made him a millionaire), communications chair to the George W. Bush presidential campaign in 2000, RNC chairman, and finally counselor to President Bush from 2007 to January 2009.

Gillespie continued to advise major Republican electoral campaigns for the next several years, including the presidential run of financier Mitt Romney in 2012. In 2014, he ran unsuccessfully for a US Senate seat from Virginia and nearly defeated Democrat Mark Warner.

Gillespie was long associated with the ultra-right mainstream of the Republican Party, helping draft Newt Gingrichs Contract with America in 1994, advising the campaign to impeach President Bill Clinton, campaigning to block a recount in Florida in 2000, then serving as an apologist for the war in Iraq. He is now termed a moderate, only by comparison to the fascistic wing of the party empowered by the presidency of Donald Trump.

Gillespie barely defeated primary rival Corey Stewart, former manager of Trumps presidential campaign in Virginia, who ran a vicious immigrant-baiting campaign, in which he identified himself with the defense of Confederate war monuments. In 2007, while a county official in Prince William County, in the outer suburbs of Washington DC, he gained notoriety by instructing police to check the immigration status of everyone they arrested and ensure that they were cut off from any public assistance.

Stewart met with the organizers of a neo-Nazi and white supremacist campaign to save a statue of Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville, Virginia after the city council began action to remove it last spring. These same groups organized the fascist riot in Charlottesville in August which led to the death of an anti-racist protester, Heather Heyer.

Significantly, Gillespie has responded to the fascist violence in Charlottesville, which produced widespread popular revulsion, not only across Virginia but nationally and internationally, by moving further to the right and embracing the campaign to preserve Confederate monuments (most of them erected, not after the Civil War, but decades later, as symbols of Jim Crow and opposition to the civil rights movement). He appealed to Stewarts reactionary supporters just a week after Charlottesville, saying, I think we should keep them up, and also, We should teach historyNOT erase it.

Apart from preserving Confederate monuments, Gillespie promises to cut state income taxes by 10 percent across the board. He supports increased federal defense spending on new naval warships, a theme that is something of a sacred cow in bourgeois politics in a state home to the Pentagon and the huge US Navy complex in Norfolk. He supports ending sanctuary cities in Virginia, a reactionary attack on immigrants.

While usually avoiding direct references to Trumpwho lost the state narrowly to Hillary Clinton and is deeply unpopular, especially in northern Virginia, the main population centerGillespie tries to echo Trumps claim to stand up for the American worker. This is just as bogus for Gillespie, the multimillionaire corporate lobbyist, as for the billionaire real estate swindler in the White House.

What does Democrat Ralph Northam offer? His political history is instructive. He currently serves as lieutenant to Governor Terry McAuliffe, a longtime Clinton crony. In the 2013 elections, while running separate campaigns, they were considered a balanced ticket by the standards of bourgeois politics, since McAuliffe was supposedly a liberal from urban Northern Virginia, and Northam was a former rural pediatrician and fiscal conservative.

Northam spent the first decade of the 21st century in the exact same political camp as Gillespie. He admits to having voted for George W. Bush twice, in 2000 and 2004, the same period when Gillespie was working for the Republican candidate and president. Northams explanation is that he was underinformed.

He entered electoral politics in 2007, winning Virginias 6th Senate district, representing parts of southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, in a race where he had no Democratic primary opponent. In 2009, state Republicans courted him, asking him to switch parties, which would have given them a majority in the Senate. Clearly, they did not think his positions on any issues at the time were unacceptable.

The Democratic gubernatorial primary featured two right-wing Democrats, each posturing as a liberal while trading accusations that the other was a closet conservative. Tom Perriello was a single-term anti-abortion, pro-gun Democrat who held the US House of Representatives seat for Virginias 5th congressional district from 2008 to 2010, then worked for the Obama administration in Africa. During the 2017 Democratic gubernatorial primary he sought to position himself as the outsider candidate against Northam, the choice of the party machine, and received endorsements from the ostensible left wing of the Democratic party, including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and former Obama adviser Dan Pfeiffer.

Ultimately Perriellos effort to posture as a true progressive was unconvincing, and it was easy for Northam to tout his own pro-choice, pro-gun control record and win the nomination.

Northams progressive credentials end there. His program, a mix of tax cuts and regressive educational measures, would have found wide support in the Republican party of the 1990s. He claims to support subsidized child care, paid family leave for low-wage workers, school-based healthcare centers and higher teacher pay. At the same time, however, Northam touts the value of a balanced budget, and boasts that as a state senator he voted to cut spending by $4.6 billion following the 2008 economic crash.

Particularly important is his program on education, one of the key functions of state government. Not every Virginian wantsor needsto attend a four year college or university, Northams program explains. His G3 education programGet Skilled, Get a Job and Give backcenters on dual enrolling high school students in trade schools to align with regional employer demands. That is, he wants working class youth to forgo a college education and start working for information technology companies that serve the military and intelligence apparatus of US imperialism.
Ariel Winter Celebrates Boyfriend Levi Meadens 30th Birthday in White Mini-Dress: Pics! The couple had a steakhouse dinner and cozy night together.

Birthday bliss! Ariel Winter celebrated her boyfriend Levi Meadens 30th birthday in style, and it seemed like a perfect evening for the passionate pair.

MORE: Ariel Winter Receives Firearm Safety Certificate After Licking Her Gun: 'Preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse'

Photo: Splash News

The Modern Family actress, 19, took to Snapchat as the couple went out to dinner at Mastros Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, California.

Winter rocked a white satin mini-dress while her man wore a jacket and a big grin. At one point she even snapped a selfie playfully licking the side of his face.

Photo: Snapchat

They dined on a steaming crab starter and a tasty birthday dessert, later returning to the home they share to play with their dogs.

Meaden took to Instagram to thank his girlfriend for the special day, writing, Amazing birthday thanks to this one!!! Just old movies, us and the dogs. A perfect day!!!

Winter also posted on social media in honor of Meadens milestone birthday, sharing a throwback PDA shot.

Photo: Snapchat

WATCH: Ariel Winter Defends Her Daisy Dukes: 'I Literally Do Not Try and Show My A**'

Happy 30th my love, she captioned the pic. Every single second I spend with you I fall more in love. I couldn't be more grateful to be your partner in crime. You are the most incredible man, and I love you more than absolutely anything. I can't wait to celebrate you Here's to many, many more birthdays together.

For more from Winter, watch the clip below:

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WASHINGTON, D.C.  White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Hillary Clintons book tour was sad, after President Donald Trumps rival said she was convinced that his campaign associates helped Russia meddle in some way with the 2016 election.

Whether or not he is going to read Hillary Clintons book, I am not sure, but I would think that he is pretty well versed on what happened, Sanders told reporters on Tuesday. And I think it is pretty clear to all of America. I think it is sad that after Hillary Clinton ran one of the most negative campaigns in history, and lost, and the last chapter of her public life is now going to be defined by propping up book sales with reckless and false attacks. And I think thats a sad way for her to continue.

Clintons book What Happened was published on Tuesday, and in an interview she gave to USA Today, she said, There certainly was communication and there certainly was an understanding of some sort between associates of Trump and Russians.

In the book, Clinton runs through mistakes she made, but also pins blame on her surprise loss to the medias fixation with her email server, James Comeys late-October decision to reopen his investigation, and Russian meddling in the campaign.

At the press conference, Sanders also said Trump was 100% right in firing James Comey. Trumps former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, told Charlie Rose on 60 Minutes that Trumps decision to fire Comey was the worst mistake in modern political history.

Sanders, however, said Trump knew at the time that it could be bad for him politically, but he also knew and felt he had an obligation to do what was right.
The Latin Curated retail and showroom space at 138 Wooster in New York. (Photo: Isabella Dorelli)

A new platform for Latin American designers to showcase during NYFW has debuted  in large part thanks to the help of Nina Garcia, who on Tuesday was named the new editor in chief of Elle magazine. The new platform is called Latin Curated and boasts 40 Latin American designers in a monthlong pop-up space that is part retail and part showroom right in the heart of SoHo, Manhattan.

The retail space features a tightly curated area that is entirely shoppable and features ready-to-wear, swimwear, leather goods, and accessories from Fall/Winter 2017. Upstairs is the showroom where select press and buyers have the opportunity to preview the 40 designers Spring/Summer 2018 collections. Yahoo Style caught up with Garcia, an ambassador for Latin Curated, to discuss the new platform concept and why it made sense for the pop-up to occur during NYFW.

Nina Garcia, editor in chief of Elle, judge on Project Runway and ambassador for Latin Curated. (Photo: Courtesy of Latin Curated/Getty)

Garcia, who is Colombian, credits her deep roots to her home country as first sparking her interest and then sequential journey toward the inception of Latin Curated. Garcia visits Latin America often, one, so her two children can be rich in their culture and speak Spanish, but also to attend Bogota Fashion Week. At first, Garcia didnt know what to expect from the Bogota Fashion Week collections, but recalls, When I saw what was coming out of there, I was really surprised and really impressed. I think thats when all the dots connected.

Even with all the fashion talent blossoming in Latin America, as of now, there are only a handful of established Latin American designers who are recognizable on a global scale  such as Edgardo Osorio of Aquazzurra, Johanna Ortiz, Daniela Villegas, or Oscar de la Renta.

With that in mind, Garcia thought there needed to be a way to bring these burgeoning designers to the forefront of fashion editors minds. Realizing it would be difficult to get New Yorks fashion editors to visit Colombia, she thought she would try bringing Colombia to New York.

It was then that Garcia, alongside Latin Curateds creative director, Lorena Cuevas, and Paula Pena, who oversees Latin Curateds designer curation  brought the Latin Curated concept to life. They enlisted two of the biggest fashion powerhouses  Lambert & Associates for the retail side and KCD on the PR side  to help bring Latin Curated to the forefront of the fashion industry. And being the fashion-savvy team they are, they had this pop-up take place during New York Fashion Week.

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The time is right for us to help the designers, to showcase the designers, to really introduce things that are unique and special and have a lot of artisanal craftsmanship behind it, Garcia says.

The Latin Curated retail space, open to the public until Sept. 30. (Photo: Isabella Dorelli)

The fashion industry has a real duty to speak up for what we believe in, for being inclusive, for collaborating, for making sure that fashion has the possibility to really change the perspective of [the] people, Garcia adds. Giving Latin American designers a more mainstream audience is one way to put that philosophy into practice.

Although the experience level among the 40 showcasing designers is varied, the connection between all of them is their level of craftsmanship, dedication, and passion. A few standout designers from the group include Atelier Crump, whose tailoring expertise is top-notch, and Mulierr, whose knits are handmade with organic cotton.

In the future, Latin Curated has plans to travel to the other big-three fashion week cities  London, Milan, and Paris  and eventually enter the Asian marketplace. But for now, if youre lucky enough to be in New York for the month of September, be sure to check out the Latin Curated retail space located at 138 Wooster Street in Manhattan.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

 Kim Kardashian stuns in Tom Ford front row while Gigi and Kendall strut by on the runway

 Kaia Gerbers runway debut was a lot different than mother Cindy Crawfords in 1991

 Curvy models stun in groundbreaking fashion show

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Eileen Korey is a former health correspondent for WKYC TV in Cleveland. In the 80s she was well-known for her mane of red hair  and shes kept up her trademark look over the years with a little help from her hairstylist, Kari Phillips.

Phillips has been coloring and styling Koreys hair for over a decade.

Kari Phillips discovered a mole on her clients head and advised her to go to a dermatologist. (Photo: WKYC Channel 3)

Because we take such little partings on our touchups and on our highlights, we can see pretty much the whole entire scalp, Phillips told WKYC Channel 3. So when she noticed a suspicious mole on Koreys hairline, she took action.

It doesnt look right. I dont remember seeing it, Phillips told Korey before advising her to go to a dermatologist to get it checked out. And I knew she would take my advice.

Koreys dermatologist ordered a biopsy. (Photo: WKYC Channel 3)

Korey says that the mole appeared so fast she wouldnt have even noticed it. I wouldnt have felt it, because it wasnt raised. There was nothing to feel.

She visited MetroHealth Medical Center dermatologist Pamela Davis, MD, who ordered a biopsy. The mole turned out to be melanoma.

It was just at the skin level, the epidermis level, and it hadnt infiltrated down, Korey said. If youre going to have melanoma, its the best melanoma to have.

Still, she credits Phillips for discovering the mole in the first place.

You bought me time. You gave me the gift of life.

According to Davis, hairstylists can be helpful in discovering skin cancers, especially underneath a head of hair.

According to dermatologist Pamela Davis, hairstylists can be helpful in discovering skin cancer, especially underneath a head of hair. (Photo via WKYC Channel 3)

Not I, nor any of us, can really get through it all, so we ask our patients to try and remember to ask the stylist to look when the hair is wet, she said.

As for Korey, she had surgery to remove the melanoma  although there was no chemo or radiation in her treatment because it was detected early. These days, she wears a hat when she ventures outside, but she hopes her story will help others be more aware.

I wanted other people to know melanoma could be on the scalp and, No. 2, how your colorist could save your life.

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Mud cloth is a centuries-old, hand-dyed textile art that originated in West Africa with the women of Malis Bamana culture. (Photo: Etsy)

Mud cloth might be trendy, but its anything but new.

Mud cloth is a centuries-old, hand-dyed textile art that originated in West Africa with the women of Malis Bamana culture, according to the Smithsonian. Known locally as Bogolanfini, authentic mud cloth takes two to three weeks to make by applying one to two coats of color-rich mud to undyed cloth. The patterns in the authentic creations often have names and meanings that are rich in history.

Over the years, as more and more of the rich fabrics have been exported from Mali, its become common to see home designs and decor inspired by the beautifully intricate fabrics. For the DIYers out there, you can even find mud cloth tutorials on YouTube.

Because this textile art is making its way to toss pillows, wall hangings and more, weve rounded up 22 ways you can use the history-rich fabric in your home. Check out our finds below, and sign up for our Full Carts, Cant Lose email to stay on top of the best sales each week.

Vintage African mud cloth fabric

Mud cloth textile coasters

Chevron arrow print African mud cloth pillow cover

Mud cloth sienna wall art

Black triangle mud cloth lumbar pillow

3-piece mud cloth comforter set

Tapestry

Indigo-dyed mud cloth pillow cover

Mud cloth textile planters

Mud cloth printed fabric

Mud cloth designer dog bed

Mud cloth print rug

Mud cloth-inspired tray

Mud cloth-inspired linen table runner

Mustard mud cloth pillow cover with white arrows

Mud cloth-inspired low-pile rug

Multi-print mud cloth wall hanging

Gender-neutral faux-fur mud cloth baby blanket

Indigo-dyed bobo patterned lounge chair

Shop it here. (PS: it's on sale!)

Mud cloth-inspired linen napkins

African mud cloth lumbar pillow cover with wool tassels

Indigo-dyed mud cloth throw blanket

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of 25-year-old Louella Michie, daughter of British actor John Michie, at a music festival in southwest England, multiple outlets report.

A statement from Dorset Police confirmed that a 28-year-old London man who knew Louella was arrested in connection with her death, which occurred in the early hours of Monday.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Derbyshire said, Detectives are working tirelessly to investigate the full circumstances surrounding this tragic death. A post mortem examination took place that was inconclusive and therefore we need to undertake a number of other examinations before we can establish why she died.

She continued, The 28-year-old man arrested is in addition being interviewed on suspicion of supply of a controlled drug. He remains in custody today under caution in order to assist officers with the investigation.

John, who stars in the British drama series Holby City, has described his daughters death at Bestival as a tragic mistake.

Weve lost our angel. Its not murder  they were friends. It was just a tragic mistake, a tragic accident. This was not a murder, he told The Sun. She touched so many lives. She was so very positive, so bright, so out there. She had such energy. The tributes to her have been incredible.

A family friend who stopped by their home on Tuesday echoed his feelings to The Telegraph.

He just wants to make it clear there is no suggestion of murder, at all. He wants to make that crystal clear, the friend said. He also wants people to know she was a happy vibrant girl. She never really did drugs. Its just an accident, hes clear about that, I think the whole family are clear about that.

The Sun reported that John and his wife Carol received a call along with a WhatsApp map leading to their daughters body. They rushed to the festival grounds, 130 miles from their home in North London, and a search looking for Louella was carried out.

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1/2 It is with profound sadness & shock that tonight we have heard of the death of our beautiful model Louella Michie. pic.twitter.com/td7MY6KZT7  The Eye Casting (@TheEyeCasting) September 11, 2017

2/2 The thoughts of us all are with her sister Daisy & the rest of family at this tragic time. We will be making no further statements. pic.twitter.com/iO1bP22vHj  The Eye Casting (@TheEyeCasting) September 11, 2017

Modeling agency The Eye Casting posted a tribute to Louella on Twitter.

It is with profound sadness and shock that we have heard of the death of our beautiful model Louella Michie, they said. The thoughts of us all are with her sister Daisy and the rest of the family at this tragic time.

Bestival also released a statement claiming their team is devastated by the news of Louellas death and will continue to work with police.

Following the announcement, the team at Bestival are devastated to hear about this tragic news. We continue to support the police in their ongoing investigation and our thoughts and prayers are with all the womans family and friends, the statement read.
Hillary Clinton has a lot to say about her stunning defeat to Donald Trump in her new book, What Happened. Shes added a few more thoughts in her recent interviews to promote the book.

During her book tour, the former Secretary of State has talked about the campaign, her life during the months after and current events.

Heres a look at four of the most interesting quotes from those interviews:

On how she prepared for the second debate after Trumps Access Hollywood tape

After we heard him admitting and laughing about sexually assaulting women and being able to get away with it because if youre a star, you can do anything. So in my debate prep, we practiced this, Clinton told CBS Sunday Morning. The young man playing Trump would stalk me. And I practiced keeping my composure. I practiced not getting rattled. Well, its one thing to practice it. Its another thing to be in front of, you know, 50 million, 60 million, 70 million people and having him scowling and leering and moving up on me. Anditit was so discombobulating.

And so while Im answering questions, my mind is going, Okay, do I keep my composure? Do I act like a president?' Clinton added. Or do I wheel around and say, Get outta my space. Back up, you creep? Well, you know, I didnt do the latter. But I think in this time were in, particularly in this campaign, you know, maybe I missed a few chances.

On if she can watch the news without thinking, What would I do in this situation?

No, I do it every single time! Clinton said with a laugh, according to NPR. Look, I was prepared to be president. I had prepared and worked at it, and I go a little bit batty when I hear him say, Gee, this is a really hard job. Who knew health care was so complicated? I did. No, I always am responding and reacting. Sometimes I yell at the TV even.

On whether Ivanka Trump should be held responsible for her fathers actions

Everyone associated with himtheyre either on board with that, or theyre not. And if theyre not, they need to be speaking out or leaving, Clinton said to Refinery 29. But if they remain silent and just give lip service to contrary points of views, then they are part of his agenda and should be judged and held accountable for that.

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On whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia during the 2016 presidential election

There certainly was communication and there certainly was an understanding of some sort, Clinton told USA Today. Because theres no doubt in my mind that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin wanted me to lose and wanted Trump to win. And theres no doubt in my mind that there are a tangle of financial relationships between Trump and his operation with Russian money. And theres no doubt in my mind that the Trump campaign and other associates have worked really hard to hide their connections with Russians.

When directly asked if Trump associates colluded with Russia, Clinton responded: Im convinced of it. I happen to believe in the rule of law and believe in evidence, so Im not going to go off and make all kinds of outrageous claims. But if you look at what weve learned since [the election], its pretty troubling.
MIAMI BEACH, Fla.  A 11th person has died after a nursing home in Hollywood, Florida, had its air conditioning system knocked out by Hurricane Irma earlier this month.

City officials reported the latest death on Friday, more than a week after the first victims were discovered. The agency identified the most recent victim as Alice Thomas, 94.

Among those who died earlier, three were found dead at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills on Sept. 13 when Broward County fire rescue crews received several calls from the nursing home starting around 3 a.m., the city of Hollywood said in a statement. Another resident had died Sept. 12 and the body had been picked up by a funeral home. The remaining victims died after being evacuated to a nearby hospital.

The other victims have been identified as Bobby Owens, 84; Manuel Mario Medieta, 96; Miguel Antonio Franco, 92; Estella Hendricks, 71; Gail Nova, 71; Carolyn Eatherly, 78; Betty Hibbard, 84; Albertina Vega, 99; Carlos Canal, 93 and Martha Murray, 94.

The official causes of death have not yet been determined.

#Breaking 115 patients evacuated from Hollywood rehab center; 5 confirmed deaths. Call 954-265-1074 for information on relatives. @CBSMiami pic.twitter.com/fduFKFIyjN  Lisa Hendry (@LisaHendryCBS4) September 13, 2017

Hollywood Police Chief Tomas Sanchez said his department has opened a criminal investigation into the matter.

The initial investigation has determined that the facilitys air conditioning system was not fully functional, a statement from the city of Hollywood read Wednesday afternoon. Portable A/C units were being used in the facility, but the facility was excessively hot.

NEW: State of Florida temporarily shuts down nursing home center where at least 8 seniors died after Hurricane Irma power loss pic.twitter.com/SNoxCu6uDM  CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) September 14, 2017

Floridas Agency for Health Care Administration issued an emergency suspension of the rehab centers license on Wednesday, nearly a week after Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) ordered an emergency moratorium on admissions to the facility.

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When Broward County fire rescue crews arrived on the scene Wednesday morning, they found a number of people in respiratory distress and other distress, prompting them to evacuate the facilitys 158 patients, according to city spokeswoman Raelin Storey.

Once we determined that we had multiple deaths at the facilities and that the facilities are extremely hot, we made the decision to evacuate all of the patients, Storey said at a news conference.

Many of the patients were taken to Memorial Regional Hospital, across the street from the rehab center, Storey noted.

Randy Katz, the medical director for the hospitals emergency medical department, said the death toll could potentially rise, as more than a dozen patients remained under emergency care on Wednesday afternoon.

The scene was chaotic when I arrived, Katz told reporters. This is something unique, something extremely sad, and extremely unfortunate for the families of the patients.

Local ABC affiliate WPLG spoke to the air conditioner repairman who had been trying to fix the rehab centers cooling system.

Airstron employee Dave Long told WPLG that he had called Florida Power & Light several times over a period of days, requesting that the company fix a broken fuse that had popped out during Irma.

Theres nothing we can do, Long said. Weve been calling and calling... It just doesnt seem to be going anywhere and I cant do anything until we get that fuse popped back in.

Rob Gould, chief communications officer for Florida Power & Light, wouldnt comment on whether his company received calls for help from the rehab center. But he noted that Broward County officials never identified the facility as top-tier critical infrastructure as they had done with the hospital across the street.

What weve seen is something extremely tragic, Gould said during a press conference. It points to the need for having plans in advance when it comes to emergency preparation.

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Patients are evacuated at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills on Wednesday. (Photo: Sun Sentinel via Getty Images)

The rehab facility has been cited twice in the past three years for violations related to federal requirements concerning back-up power generators, according to STAT, a health-oriented news website.

The nursing homes owner, Jack Michel, also has a troubled history. Michel, a doctor, is listed on state health care records as the president of Larkin Community Hospital, which neighbors the Hollywood Hills rehab center and which was also evacuated Wednesday.

In 2006, Larkins owners were fined $15.4 million by the U.S. Justice Department in a settlement of a civil fraud complaint, reported the Miami Herald. Michel had been accused of conspiring with other physicians to admit patients to the hospital for unnecessary medical treatments for financial gain.

The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills did not immediately respond to multiple requests for comment.

But Jorge Carballo, the centers administrator, told the Miami Herald that the facility is cooperating fully with relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances that led to this unfortunate and tragic outcome.

Michele Callahan, a music teacher from Miami, said her 84-year-old mother had been a patient at Hollywood Hills until just a few days before Irma hit. She told HuffPost she was deeply saddened by the eight deaths, but not terribly shocked.

I hate to tell you, but Im not totally surprised because of how I saw things run over there, Callahan said. I saw patients sitting in wheelchairs that probably needed to be attended to, but they just dont have enough people.

Callahan said several factors, including poor communication and limited staffing, made her concerned during her mothers nearly two-week stay at the facility. She described one visit in which her sister discovered their mother had been sitting in urine-drenched clothing for hours.

If you dont have somebody there, things werent getting done, Callahan said. It brings tears to my eyes because I saw so many patients there that didnt get to see relatives a lot. I wonder, my God, if they were being looked at.

I think the people I met there were trying their best, but they just had too many patients, she added. We got my mother out of there in time. Thank you, God.

"Right now, the building has been sealed off and we are conducting a criminal investigation inside" the Florida nursing home, police say pic.twitter.com/w7xzjdizBa  CBS News (@CBSNews) September 13, 2017

Following the rehab centers evacuation, police conducted welfare checks on the other 42 assisted living centers and nursing home facilities in the city. As a result, four patients in their 70s were transported from an assisted living facility to a hospital for observation, the city said in a statement.

This story has been updated with the latest death count.

Travis Waldron contributed reporting from Florida. Lydia OConnor also contributed reporting.

Also on HuffPost

A truck was blown over as Hurricane Irma passed through the Florida Keys.

A man died when his pickup truck crashed into a tree in the Florida Keys.

High winds split a large tree in Coral Beach.

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 10: People walk past a building where the roof was blown off by Hurricane Irma on September 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida. Hurricane Irma, which first made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm on Sunday, has weakened to a Category 2 as it moves up the coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Boats at a marina in Coconut Grove

Flooding in the Brickell neighborhood as Hurricane Irma passes Miami, Florida, U.S. September 10, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Yang

A street sign is knocked over by high winds in Coral Beach.

Flooding in the Brickell neighborhood as Hurricane Irma passes Miami, Florida, U.S. September 10, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Yang

Boats at a marina in Coconut Grove.

A vehicle drives along a flooded street in downtown Miami.

Flooding begins in the Brickell neighborhood as Hurricane Irma passes Miami, Florida, U.S. September 10, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Yang

A collapsed construction crane downtown Miami.

Palm trees blow in the winds in Bonita Springs.

Broken tree branches block roads in Coral Beach.

East Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Warning: This recap of the Dont Be Afraid of the Dark episode of American Horror Story: Cult contains spoilers.

Storytelling is conflict, but not all conflict is entertaining. Horror has always had the solemn duty of skirting that line, of risking alienating huge swaths of audience just so the lucky few can experience the pleasures of fear. But it means each of us has developed a taste for what does and doesnt cross the line; for most its specific things like overly graphic violence, or violence against animals. But for me its the Nobody Believes You trope. Thats the one thing in thrillers I just simply do not enjoy watching! Perhaps it works for some people, but never for me; I need to sympathize with the main character, and I simply wont do that with someone who cant articulate the problem or convince others of the truth. You know? Id rather be shocked at the sight of a dead German shepherd than frustrated by a protagonist who just comes off as crazy all the time. Go get killed already!

Which brings us to this weeks episode of AHS: Cult. As much as Im already extremely tired of how nobody seems to believe Sarah Paulsons visions of vicious clowns, Dont Be Afraid of the Dark was a conceptually stronger episode than last weeks premiere. For one thing, it wasnt as political, and also I think Im starting to understand how the dual premise works finally? Something something fear itself? Lets talk about it!

We began immediately where last weeks episode left off  with Ally (Sarah Paulson) lounging in her California king talking to her wife, Ivy (Alison Pill), only to turn and find a clown hogging the duvet! As you can imagine, she immediately scream-stumbled the heck out of there!

To Ivys credit, she took Allys claims of a home-invading clown at face value and ran upstairs with a knife to check things out. And wouldnt you know it? Nuthin! For the 17-hundredth time, Ally had imagined a clown when there wasnt one, and it was really starting to tick Ivy off. And while Ally apologized and they touched foreheads, their son was just down the hallway getting straight-up terrorized by clowns!

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It wasnt clear if he was dreaming or not, but he suddenly found himself chased under his bed and then into the bathroom by his No. 1 horror hero, Twisty!

Also, Dick Nose. But what was going on here? Had both Ozzy (Cooper Dodson) and Ally hallucinated the same clown (Dick Nose)? Or was he actually there in the (latex) flesh? And if so, how do you explain Twisty being back from the dead? We scarcely had time to explore these questions because the next thing we knew, Ozzy was back in bed screaming himself awake. This was a household clearly on the brink of losing their collective minds.

So, remember last week when blue-haired, alt-right anarchist Kai (Evan Peters) picked a fight with migrant workers so that his subsequent beating would be captured on camera? Well, these two creeps were the ones who filmed it. (Hey, Billy Eichner!) Not only that, but then these two had the audacity to move into the newly vacant house across the street from Ivy, Ozzy, and Ally!

And thats when this show took a turn into The Burbs territory It was weird enough that the pair moved in before the bloodstains had even dried, but their movers carried in what looked like a dozen barrels of industrial chemicals of some kind, and Harrison Wilton (Billy Eichner) was wearing a hazmat suit for some reason? Later, Ivy and Ally went to go meet the new eccentrics next door, and their quirks just kept coming. For example, Harrison is a homosexual who married his straight best friend, who in turn has been recovering from skin cancer and is therefore sun-phobic. Also, they raise bees, obviously. Also, theyd contacted the houses landlord immediately upon hearing of the double murder, sensing a good bargain. And because we also know theyre somehow in cahoots with Kai, I think its safe to say they possibly cosplay as Juggalos every now and again. Anyway, to you and me they were not looking very trustworthy. Ally, on the other hand, grew to trust them completely. Because why not?

Meanwhile, Winter (Billie Lourd) was still babysitting Ozzy and presenting him with mind-benders at every turn. For example, when he asked why shed lied about seeing those murderous clowns, she convinced him that if you see crazy things, you should never admit it or else people will think youre crazy. Then she taught him how to pinky-swear in order to feel less afraid. I will admit, I still dont understand this Winter ladys motivations or backstory or intentions, but Billie Lourd remains amazing, so fine.

Later, Ivy found out that her restaurant security system had been tripped, so Ally volunteered to check it out. And what she found there was one of the employees hanging from a meat hook in the freezer! And he had only enough life left in him to vomit blood all over her!

As you might imagine, this was a slightly traumatic event for Ally to have to deal with. Ivy was also pretty troubled by this, mostly because she had to throw all the frozen meat away and buy new meat. Running a restaurant can be very challenging sometimes.

The prime suspect in the restaurant employees murder was one of the head chefs, whod verbally sparred with the employee when he was accused of being an illegal immigrant. It really seemed like Detective-Samuels-(Colton Haynes)-with-Anderson-Cooper-hair seemed convinced that the accented immigrant mustve done it, but Ivy and Ally stuck up for the poor guy. Side note: Which clown do we think Detective Samuels dresses up as? Dick Nose or Forehead Holes?

A few weeks later, Ivy had grown extra-worried about Allys mental state, mostly because she rarely left the house anymore and also installed security bars and gates over every window and door. Ivy even lured Allys psychiatrist over to the house, and he attempted to persuade her to, like, be less crazy somehow. But she told him not to worry. She had acquired a handgun!

Yes, it turned out that the new neighbors across the street  despite appearing to be progressive, quirky hipster millennials  were real gun nuts and possible doomsday preppers. Harrison was more than stoked to lend Ally a handgun to protect herself in these trying times.

Speaking of trying times, Kai had decided to run for the city council seat left vacated by the murdered councilman whod humiliated Kai at the meeting in last weeks episode. It wasnt clear why police hadnt immediately investigated Kais involvement in that murder, but it was clear that he stood to benefit a lot from it. Add Harrison and his wife moving into the dead guys home, and it was now 100 percent certain that this cult of clowns was enacting a widespread plan of some kind. And while Kai at least attempted to convince Ally that her very fear of him was confirmation that she needed him (and people like him) to take over, she did not seem to agree. She was content to hide in her barricaded home and never lay eyes on him again, thank you.

That night, Sarah Paulson was convinced to not take her meds by Winter, who instead suggested that she just drink red wine and luxuriate in a warm bubble bath while Winter, uh, sponged her naughty bits and attempted to make out with her. Typical babysitter-friend stuff. But before things got too literally steamy, the power cut out!

Ozzy woke up from his sleep to find this clown walking through his bedroom, but because he is a very stupid child, he asked the clown if he was still asleep, and the clown was like, Uh, sure. So then Ozzy went back to sleep! (Ozzys survival instincts are not great.)

Meanwhile, Harrison came to the window and informed Ally that not only was the power out all over the neighborhood, but it was out in several states. And that it was clearly some widespread terrorist attack. Which, OK? Sure beats anthrax or plane crashes or whatever. But I loved that Winter immediately bounced out of there so that she could go home and protect her laptop and ceramics from rioters. Or at least thats what she claimed. Because seconds later, Ally noticed a mysterious ice cream truck parked across the street, the same one Ozzy had seen last week.

Things got even stranger when Ally realized that the power outage (which, again, affected at least the whole town) was not helped by the fact that her homes breaker box had been destroyed. Another unhelpful thing was when her candle got suddenly blown out by this jerk!

Yes, that is an adorable ruffled collar, but Ally needed that candle to stay lit! Anyway, that damn clown blew out her homemade beeswax candle, and she had no choice but to run upstairs, avoid the lady clown with the pentagram on her face, and then grab her gun from the bedside table and wave it around in every direction while she attempted to get Ozzy out of the house.

But just when they reached the back door and prepared to make a run for it, a figure stepped toward the door and Ally shot him dead!

Shocking twist: The guy she shot was actually the cook from Ivys restaurant, coming to bring Ally some blackout supplies. And she killed him! So yeah, this was probably not going to help her mental state moving forward, and you can quote me on that.

Last week I expressed skepticism about this seasons concepts and how they felt too mashed together. But here is where I tell you that I think I get it now. Cult is maybe not trying to say that liberals are hysterical and conservatives are psycho killers. I think its more the case that anyone on any part of the political spectrum will start behaving (and voting) erratically once fear takes hold. Like, it seemed crazy at first that Ally would consider touching a handgun, let alone sleep next to one, but Dont Be Afraid of the Dark suggested that youll go against even your deepest convictions if you think itll keep you safe. My guess is that this season will be less about the differences between the right and the left, and more about how society will fall when we give in to our worst fears. Assuming Kai and the clown cult are up to a much larger-scale plot to destroy people, thats a much more interesting subject than merely rubbing salt in the wounds of distraught voters. Unlike with our current IRL political situation, Im excited to see how all this plays out!

American Horror Story: Cult airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on FX.

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Cant agree on health care, how to finance it or how to cover the uninsured? Think big. And look carefully: its right before our eyes.

Imagine comprehensive, universal, effective and cheap health care for all Americans, essentially overnight. It would require hiring more doctors, nurses and other health professionals as well as utilizing more hospitals and medical facilities, but it would be remarkably easy compared to all the other health care proposals afloat now. Thats because the medical expertise and the infrastructure to make this possible already exist  right here in our Veterans Affairs health care system.

What we need is a new, thoroughgoing, workable solution to our health-care problems. So here is a simple proposal: Over the next decade, beginning right away with those who are currently uninsured, lets gradually build out the VA, or a redesigned VA-like civilian system, by funding it more instead of less. If proven effective, eventually health care at the VA could be offered as an option to all Americans  regardless of socio-economic status, age, disability or preexisting conditions  paid for by all as a modest increment in taxes, but virtually free to the patient (or free with a reasonable copay).

This suggestion isnt entirely new. A decade ago, public policy expert Phillip Longman published a detailed proposal for how this might work in his book Best Care Anywhere. So why make it again now? Because the current president has the temperament to just do it. It is the best, cheapest, fastest way that President Donald Trump and Congress, in this fractured climate, could make good on Trumps promise that thered be something better than Obamacare  insurance for everybody, as he told the Washington Post, in which everyone is beautifully covered.

Americas VA is one of the worlds largest federally run health-care systems. It isnt broken. Tax-supported, with salaried physicians and rigorous practice guidelines, it is in many ways better than some private health care. Theres a reason the VAs so effective and yet so inexpensive, compared to private health care: it stresses evidence-based treatment and coordinated care, instead of bouncing patients from one doctor to another in an open-market system. Its hard to argue that the VA isnt good enough, especially for those facing a future with no insurance at all. Its comprehensive, efficient, cost-effective and, except for some modest charges for prescriptions and a few other items and services, almost entirely free to patients and treasured by the veterans who use it.

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Of course, the VA has its share of problems. Some concerns are systemic and serious; some are single-incident grievances. But in terms of quality of care, it outranks much of U.S. medicine. So rather than scaling back funding and privatizing the VA, as the Trump Administration has proposed, what if we fund it more and open its doors to all who are uninsured? Nothing need change about the private sector: insurance companies can continue to flourish if they offer their customers adequate coverage at a reasonable price. It would be a win-win for all.

What makes this proposed national solution different is that the VA isnt just a single-payer solution. It is both single-payer and single-provider; it pays for the visit to the doctors office and is the doctors office. Instead of focusing on an elaborate (and confusing) system of tax credits and subsidies and commercial exchanges selling insurance coverage for people who have to buy health care on the open market  thats the way the Affordable Care Act works  its about providing actual health care to people who need it.

Free to the consumer, however, doesnt mean free. Someone will have to pay for this care. But the truth is we, as a society, already are. Patients who are commercially insured, philanthropic organizations, government programs and taxpayers already partly subsidize the health care of those who arent insured  an estimated $85 billion in uncompensated care per year.

The VA is uniquely poised to tackle health care efficiently. Unlike the traditional fee-for-service structure, which can perversely incentivize providers to do more in order to get paid more, the VA is structured to deliver preventive and appropriate care, to avoid under-treatment and over-treatment, and to catch physical and mental problems that can lead to costly social problems. It can spare doctors the hassle, and save the system the costs, of fee-for-service billing to medical middlemen and insurers. And it would protect people from sometimes crushing medical debt.

If by almost overnight we understand a phase-in that might take several years, maybe as much as a decade, this becomes a plausible suggestion for health care reform. We just need the President, and Congress, to act. The VA isnt the same as the active military medical system, but nevertheless it is a federal agency with Cabinet-level status. A sitting president with a similarly motivated Congress could make opening the VA happen faster than almost any other health care reform possible, once they understood the human implications and the math.

Health care access for all? It is eminently doable. In fact, all the other nations of the developed world already have universal health care, organized in a variety of different ways but all at far lower cost and most with better outcomes. Wed finally catch up  and perhaps make America great, in this regard, for the first time.

In the meantime, let our multiple private and public health care systems co-exist and compete. If people dont like government systems (including Medicare and Medicaid), let them use private ones. Over time, if those who already have insurance find the VA cheaper and better and get to vote with their feet, the system would adjust to meet demand, balancing government health care with private health care according to the resources and preferences of individuals. No one would have to use government health care; no one would have to go private.

This proposal glosses over any number of real-world problems of health care delivery and financing. Wed have to add pediatric services to the VAs otherwise comprehensive menu of care, for example, and make sure VA facilities are geographically accessible to the uninsured. These challenges and certainly others would arise during the phase-in period. But if this proposed new public system reproduces the successes of the current VA, it will be both cheaper and higher in patient satisfaction. It should work. And if it doesnt  if the prospect of real competition should cause the private sector to dramatically improve its performance and its pricing  then wed still be far better off.
Anthony Scaramuccis apparent push into the news industry sent social media users into overdrive.

President Donald Trumps former communications director lasted just 10 days before stepping down in July, following a published tirade against other White House staff. On Tuesday night, he revealed that he was launching his own news site.

Coming soon. Follow us here and on instagram at @ScaramucciPost. pic.twitter.com/4eNXUPbk9N  ScaramucciPost (@ScaramucciPost) September 13, 2017

Its not clear when Scaramucci plans to debut the new digital venture nor what the Post will actually produce. But the announcement certainly excited tweeters, with some suggesting alternative names for the enterprise and others sending in spoof applications for jobs.

Heres are some of the funniest reactions so far:

The year is 2020. The last employee of the Times takes a job at the Scaramucci Post, which begins every story "eff traffic on 495 today bro"  Polly Mosendz (@polly) September 13, 2017

Was "The Scaramucci Picayune" already taken?  Gayer Thn Thou (@Gayer_Than_Thou) September 13, 2017

Nope. 10 days of you in national news was more than a lifetime's worth.  Harold Brautt (@HarryBrautt) September 13, 2017

Moochington Post  Lana Lakke (@LanaLakke) September 13, 2017

Breitbart Lite?  James Hill (@realjamesh) September 13, 2017

Need an intern?  Dan Frommer (@fromedome) September 13, 2017

Honey, cancel the papers. This is a Scaramucci Post household from now on https://t.co/hz065d3UUx  Dave Lawler (@DavidLawler10) September 13, 2017

Honestly I was starting to think I had just dreamed that whole Scaramucci era. https://t.co/aE11HTA2Ft  Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) September 13, 2017

Hearing the Scaramucci Post is set to lay off most of its editorial staff in a shift to social video https://t.co/PPj9FlMtpS  Max Tani (@maxwelltani) September 13, 2017

Related Coverage

Story continues

Stephen Colbert Debuts Hilarious Impression Of Anthony Scaramucci

Montage Of News Anchors Trying To Cover Anthony Scaramucci's Rant Is Bleeping Funny

Anthony Scaramucci 'Tells All' In R-Rated Spoof Interview With Jimmy Kimmel

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Hillary Clinton on Wednesday slammed Donald Trump Jr.s explanation of why he met with a Kremlin-connected lawyer at Trump Tower during the 2016 presidential campaign.

In his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee last week, Trump Jr., President Donald Trumps son, denied any collusion with Russia and said he took the meeting to learn more about Clintons fitness for office.

Its ridiculous, Clinton told the TODAY Show on Wednesday, when asked about Trump Jr.s explanation. Its another absurd lie to cover up what really was going on, which I hope we finally uncover and understand.

Asked how pained she was after the election, Clinton said it exceeded a scale of 1 to 10. Well its gone down the scale, she said. It was probably 25 when the election ended in such a surprising and, for me, distressing way.

In her new book, What Happened, Clinton analyzes the factors that she believes led to the outcome of the election, including Russian interference. If I had been elected and this had come to light  if I had known once I walked into that Oval Office what we now know, I would have stopped at nothing to make sure this never happened again to anybody, she told TODAYs Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer on Wednesday.

Clinton mentioned Lauer in the book, criticizing him for focusing on her use of a private email server during NBCs Commander in Chief forum in September 2016.

Trump should have reported [Lauers] performance as an in-kind contribution. Later, there were rumors ginned up by fake news reports that I was so mad at him I stormed off stage, threw a tantrum, and shattered a water glass. While I didnt do any of that, I cant say I didnt fantasize about shaking some sense into Lauer while I was out there, she wrote, according to Politico.

Lauer raised the criticism during Wednesdays TODAY show interview.

I personally believe that our press  which is such an essential part of our country, our democracy  has to take some hard look at how it covered what was the first reality TV candidate, and I understand how difficult that was, Clinton said.
Now that Apple has officially announced the iPhone X, its about time for consumers to know which is better between the all-new iOS 11-running handset and Samsungs Galaxy S8 flagship phone. Both devices are rocking edge-to-edge OLED displays, and they also seem to be very similar in more ways than one. But can Apples 10th anniversary iPhone hold a candle to the South Korean giants Android powerhouse? Lets find out.

Design

This year marked the transition of Samsung and Apple to embracing a new design approach for their flagship smartphones. By moving away from the traditional bezel-sandwiched displays, these two have come up with head-turning almost all-screen handsets. But aside from having the same screen sizes, the specifications of the displays on their two flagship handsets are almost very identical. The newly announced iPhone X is sporting a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED screen that has an 1125 x 2436 screen resolution with 458 ppi pixel density. On the other hand, the Galaxy S8 comes equipped with a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display that has a 1440 x 2960 screen resolution and 570 ppi pixel density. The similarities should not come as a surprise considering that Samsung Display is the supplier of the iPhone Xs OLED panels.

Design-wise, the Galaxy S8 and the iPhone X look nothing alike. The former has a unique curved form factor thanks to its Infinity Display, while the latter still did not stray too far from the traditional iPhone. Worth noting is the difference in the implementation of their front bezels. The S8 still clearly has bezels at the top and the bottom, giving it a very symmetrical look. Meanwhile, Apple decided to get ride of side and bottom bezels and leave a curious strip atop the iPhone X. This strip is, of course, very essential for it houses the front-facing camera and the speaker.

At the back, both phone makers opted to come up with clean panels that are only adorned by cameras and their logos. The Galaxy S8 has a single-lens camera on its back that comes with an LED flash. Adjacent to the camera module is the fingerprint sensor, whose placement has actually disappointed a lot of fans. Then not too far from the camera module is the Samsung brand. As for Apples new handset, it comes with a vertically aligned dual-lens camera module that also houses the LED flash. Also present on its rear is the Apple logo and the iPhone mark at the bottom.

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Samsung and Apple challenged the traditional smartphone construction this year by ditching front buttons just to make the screens stand out even more. In an attempt to all the more surprise consumers, the two tried to come up with display-embedded fingerprint sensors. Unfortunately, both did not make it on time for their launch events. In the absence of a screen-embedded fingerprint readers, Samsung and Apple focused their efforts on other components and features.

Performance

There is always a lot of hullabaloo about processing power whenever Samsung and Apple launch new flagship phones. To be fair, its never easy to compare the flagship handsets they come up with in terms of performance due to the fact that they are using very different processors and software. This year is no different. Samsung chose Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 SoC to power its Galaxy S8. Contrariwise, Apples 10th anniversary iPhone houses an all new A11 Bionic chipset, which is the same processor Apple is using for the yearly updates iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

The Snapdragon 835 inside the S8 is currently the latest processor from Qualcomm. Comparing it with the previous Qualcomm chip, the 835 is said to be 35 percent smaller and uses 25 percent less power. Hence, it delivers longer battery life. On top of that, its Octa-core configuration of four 2.45 GHz and four 1.9 GHz Kryo chips is capable of supporting high quality VR and AR experiences, very advanced camera features and ultra-fast download speeds. The Galaxy S8 also comes with the Adreno 540 GPU that is perfect for demanding 3D games, as well as mobile VR and 4K displays. Therefore, its not a stretch to claim that the Galaxy S8 offers one of the most premium and high-end experiences an Android flagship could offer at the moment.

When Apple unveiled the iPhone X this Tuesday, it also introduced the A11 Bionic CPU for its new smartphone. This chip is a Hexa-core processor, which is composed of four efficiency cores and two performance cores. The former cores are said to be up to 70 percent faster than the A10 Fusion, which is powering last years iPhone 7 flagship handset. The additional two cores, on the other hand, contribute to the ultra-fast and very instantaneous performance of the iPhone X. Apple has also ensured a big leap from last years iPhones by bringing in an all-new Apple-designed three-core GPU thats 30 percent faster than that of the A10 Fusion.

Geekbench results of the Snapdragon 835 show its superiority above other processors of Android phones at the moment. The one powering the Galaxy S8 has gotten an impressive 1965 Single-Core rating and a 6495 Multi-Core rating. The Multi-Core score of the S8s processor even tops the iPhone 7 Plus. However, it is no match for the latter when talking about the Single-Core scores alone, as pointed out by CNET. On paper, the A11 Bionic chip appears to be another formidable chipset from Apple. Still, its too early to tell if this is just as impressive as the Snapdragon 835, or if it easily crushes the Qualcomm chipset when it comes to processing power. It would take some time until official benchmark results for the A11 Bionic SoC inside the iPhone X could become available though, since the handset is not due for release until Nov. 3.

Camera Technology

When it comes to camera technology, Apple has proven once again that it reigns supreme in this department. The 10th anniversary iPhone is packing a dual-camera setup that features 12-megapixel lenses. One lens has an f/1.8 aperture, while the other has an f/2.4 one. The module is equipped with phase detection autofocus, optical image stabilization and quad-LED (dual tone) flash. The iPhone Xs back camera setup is capable of taking 2160p videos at 60fps and 1080p videos at 240fps. It also supports simultaneous 4K video and 8MP image recording, geo-tagging, touch focus and HDR.

Samsungs Galaxy S8, unfortunately, lags far behind the iPhone X in terms of camera technology. The South Korean giant did not at all think of outfitting the S8 flagship with a dual-lens module. Instead, it only equipped the device with a 12-megapixel back camera that has an f/1.7 aperture, OIS, autofocus, LED flash, HDR, geo-tagging, touch focus, and support for simultaneous 4K video and 9MP image recording. It is capable of capturing 2160p videos but only at 30fps. Its 1080p video-taking capability also maxes out at 60fps.

Up front, the two handsets come with very different cameras as well. The S8 has an 8-megapixel selfie snapper that has an f/1.7 aperture, autofocus and Auto HDR. It supports dual video call and is capable of taking 1440p videos at 30fps. Meanwhile, Apple is using a 7-megapixel front-facing lens for the iPhone X. This camera has an f/2.2 aperture and features HDR, panorama and face detection. It is capable of taking 1080p videos at 30fps and 720p videos at 240fps.

Apple has always prided itself on having the best smartphone cameras, and it continues to do so this year. The American technology company claims its back camera setup takes outstanding photos and videos even in low light because of the dual OIS and fast lenses. The wide-angle and telephoto lenses also make it possible for the device to have optical zoom and digital zoom of up to 10 times for photos and six times for videos. Its also important to note that the front camera on the iPhone X has depth-sensing technology for precise facial mapping for the Face ID biometric system of the new handset.

Miscellaneous

Both the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Apples iPhone X are IP68 rated, which means they are dust-proof and water-proof for up to 1.5 meters of water provided they dont stay there for more than 30 minutes. The S8 is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 both on the front and at the back, while the iPhone X has an ion-strengthened glass, oleophobic coating. Samsungs flagship has an Always-on display and comes with 3D Touch technology for its screen-embedded home button. Meanwhile, the iPhone X has a True-tone display that is Dolby Vision and HDR10 compliant. Its screen features 3D Touch all over and not just on its home button.

The newly unveiled iPhone X relies on Face ID for its biometric feature since it does not have a fingerprint reader. On the contrary, the Galaxy S8 has both a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and an iris scanner. Both handsets have accelerometers, gyroscopes, proximity sensors, barometers and compasses, but only the S8 has heart rate and SpO2 sensors. The Android 7.0 Nougat-running handset supports Samsung Pay, while the iOS 11-running device supports Apple Pay. Another difference between the two has to do with their voice assistants; the S8 has Bixby, while the iPhone X is still reliant on Siri for voice commands. Also, Samsung decided to keep the 3.5mm jack, while Apple ditched this universal feature starting with last years iPhones.

The S8 has a non-removable Li-Ion 3,000 mAh battery, which is said to last up to almost 5 hours after average use, according to Trusted Reviews. Apple has yet to reveal the size of the iPhone Xs battery, but it is already promising two hours more than the battery life of the iPhone 7. Speaking of batteries, the two devices have support for wireless and fast battery charging, so users wont have to worry about refueling their handsets.

Apples 10th anniversary iPhone has 3GB of RAM and two storage options: 64GB and 256GB. As for Samsungs flagship device, it has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal memory. The former does not have expandable storage, while the Samsung phone supports up to 256GB more of storage space via microSD. While the iPhone X is only available in Space Gray and Silver color options, the Galaxy S8 is available in five variants, namely: Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue and Maple Gold.

Given all of these similarities and differences between the two, which do you think is the better one between the iPhone X and the Galaxy S8? Sound off in the comments below.





iPhone X

Photo: Reuters/Stephen Lam

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You can now decorate your home like Chip and Joanna Gaines!

Target announced on Tuesday that it will partner with the "Fixer Upper" stars on a new home line -- Hearth & Hand with Magnolia.

The collection will include 300 items spanning tabletop, home decor and giftables. While Target is famously known for its limited-time collaborations, its partnership with Chip and Jo will last multiple years and the products will refresh season after season.

In the past, the retailer has partnered with other high-profile brands such as Victoria Beckham and Who What Wear.

The collection will feature items that reflects "a modern take on Magnolia's signature aesthetic with modern, classic, industrial and vintage touches."

Of course, the announcement sparked a frenzied reaction from Chip and Jo's loyal fanbase:



My reaction to Joanna and Chip partnering with @Target#HearthAndHandpic.twitter.com/2t5UynNFSr  Bree Marie Kettles (@breekettles) September 13, 2017







And while a typical fixer upper on the Gaines' television show will set you back a pretty penny, most of the items in their newest line are under $30!

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In a blog post, Chip revealed that he and Jo partnered with Target because it's "the gold-standard when it comes to generosity and giving."

By teaming up with the retailer, the Gaines' will also be able to give back by supporting local communities and families in need through their line. To kick off the partnership, Magnolia will work with Target House at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., to redesign their dining room.



Here's a sneak peak of the items that will soon be available for purchase:





Target

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia debuts in Target retailers nationwide on November 5th, just in time for the holidays!

RELATED: Take a peek inside Chip and Jo's home:


Where To Go When Your Local Emergency Room Goes Bankrupt?" During the past ten years 84 California hospitals have declared bankruptcy and closed their Emergency Rooms forever. Financially crippled by legislative and judicial mandates to treat illegal aliens have bankrupted hospitals! In 2010, in Los Angeles County alone, over 2 million illegal aliens recorded visits to county emergency rooms for both routine and emergency care. The cost is $1,000 dollars for every taxpayer. VIVA LA RAZA?
(Photo: Pacific Press via Getty Images)

This will be startling only to those who bought the terrible narrative of some of our most influential political reporters, who throughout the 2016 campaign told us Donald Trump was more accepting on gay issues than most Republicans. But it is now undeniable: Donald Trump is the most anti-LGBTQ president in U.S. history.

How do we measure that? By actions? By outcomes? Or by thoughts and beliefs?

Lets start with the last one. Its just plain stupid to measure whether or not a politician is anti-LGBTQ by his or her personal beliefs. These really dont matter. In fact, trying to gauge what Trump actually believed using superficial markers is what had much of the media fall into a trap in 2016, claiming he was more pro-LGBTQsimply because hes from New York, knew and did business with openly gay people, and said nice things about LGBTQ people now and then rather than looking at whom Trump was making political promises to.

As veteran lesbian journalist Kerry Eleveld pointed out in July:

[D]uring Trumps candidacy, mainstream reporters applied a distinctly 2008 political mindset to a Republican candidate who, on the surface perhaps, sounded different. Nice talk was good enough, even revolutionary, as they framed it. They didnt bother to look at the obvious train wreck in the making when, for instance, Trump made anti-gay crusader Mike Pence his choice for VP or promised right-wing conservatives he would nominate Supreme Court justices to overturn the landmark Obergefell ruling.

Ive noted before that just as Trump is from New York and knew queer people, Ronald Reagan was from Hollywood and had many gay friends too, including the legendary actor Rock Hudson.

And that brings us to outcomes. Reagan, no matter his personal beliefs (or his friendships), allowed thousands to die due to his negligence on HIV and AIDS, refusing to fund research and programs and not even uttering the word AIDS for years while the epidemic exploded. He cruelly did this in the face of people pleading for help, and amid activist demands for action. And that was because he pandered to the exact same constituency in the base of the GOP to whom Trump is now genuflecting: white evangelicals.

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If outcomes were the only measure, Reagan might be the most anti-LGBTQ president in history simply based on the catastrophe of mass suffering and death that AIDS neglect created. But overt actions, in addition to willful negligence, count as well. And frighteningly, the outcome of Donald Trumps presidency has yet to be even remotely measured regarding harm it will cause to millions of LGBTQ people now and in the future. Trump has only been in office for a little less than eight months and yet, as hard as this may be to believe, the pro-active anti-LGBTQ measures hes originated and enacted are greater in number and depth than those taken by Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and all other presidents  during their entire terms, combined.

George H.W. Bush largely continued Reagans negligence regarding HIV but did sign the Americans With Disabilities Act, protecting people with HIV from discrimination. Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act, and dont ask, dont tell but advanced AIDS research and treatment, saving many lives. He signed orders ending discrimination based on sexual orientation in the federal government and ushered in a pro-gay era in politics, routinely speaking about gay people in his speeches. (The anti-gay bills he signed were in fact forced on him by Republicans in response to his pro-gay actions, even if he refused to stand up to them.)

George W. Bush, in the run-up to his re-election campaign in 2004, cynically backed a federal marriage amendment, but it never had a chance of passing  and he knew that. A hostile action for sure, but a terrible outcome was never realized. And unlike Trump, Bush didnt repeal any of the pro-gay actions taken by President Clinton, leaving executive orders in place.

Trump on the other hand has allowed his vice president, Mike Pence, and his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, among others, to push a virulent, unchecked anti-LGBTQ agenda. Throughout the government, programs that LGBTQ people are affected by are being cut or neglected. Six top AIDS experts resigned from Trumps HIV/AIDS advisory panel in June, explaining that he just doesnt care, and expressing great concern that progress at stopping the epidemic will be rolled back.

The Justice Department has filed briefs in both a federal appeals court case, promoting outright discrimination against gay, lesbian and bisexual workers, and in a Supreme Court case, seeking to allow gay and lesbian couples to be discriminated against in public accommodations. The brief in the Supreme Court case, as Slates Mark Joseph Stern sums it up, basically posits that homophobia deserves special respect under the law.

That case, in which a Colorado baker seeks the right to turn away gay customers (which is discrimination that is banned under state law), is at the high court most likely because Neil Gorsuch, whom Trump put on the court, provided the fourth vote to take the case. Gorsuch, a religious liberty fanatic, is hellbent on carving out exemptions allowing LGBTQ people to be discriminated against. And hes already taken on marriage equality, encouraging lower courts to challenge Obergefell and helping to fulfill a promise by Trump to evangelicals.

Trumps ban on transgender people already serving openly and honorably in the military is especially cruel. It is the first time a president is actually taking away a right granted for queer people by a previous president  and removing an entire group already serving in the armed forces for no other reason than pure animus against that group.

Add on to that the withdrawal of guidance to schools on treatment of transgender students and the education secretarys vow to give federal funds to schools even if they discriminate against LGBTQ students or describe them as sinful, sick or perverted. And throw in the number of instances in which references to LGBTQ people have been scrubbed from government programs  from protecting LGBTQ youth against sex trafficking to collecting data on LGBTQ elderly people.

What you have is more hostile measures and actions meant to erase, vilify and deeply harm LGBTQ people than ever before enacted. The repercussions for millions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of every race and age group  for years to come  are unfathomable and, right now, incalculable.

And again, we are barely eight months in. Though many social conservatives are ecstatic with the access they have to the White House, others still believe Trump has yet to truly deliver much and are waiting for a more broad-based religious liberty executive order than the one he signed months ago, one that will allow for widespread discrimination against LGBTQ people. They will demand, and likely get, that and more in return for their loyalty.

A few days after the 2016 election last November I wrote, The Mike Pence (Donald Trump) Assault On LGBTQ Equality Is Already Underway. Some people mocked that piece as alarmist but as I wrote, Its only a matter of time before we know the full magnitude.

Its clear, both by his actions and the outcomes of them which will only increase exponentially, that Trump is already the most anti-LGBTQ president in U.S. history. That is something we must demand that political reporters, many of whom were duped in 2016 and then duped millions more, begin to focus on. Its a fact that must be stated emphatically beginning right now.

Follow Michelangelo Signorile on Twitter: www.twitter.com/msignorile

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Close to a week after Hurricane Irma tore through the Caribbean, a number of the hardest-hit island-states and territories in the region are dealing with dwindling supplies and a stunning breakdown in law and order.

Residents living on islands of the French-administered St. Martin and the British territory of Anguilla say they feel cut off from the world after flooding and winds destroyed vital telephone infrastructure and electricity, leaving tens of thousands in darkness. Electricity is down and they are saying it may be down for years, Anguila resident Imogen Gough, 49, told TIME on Tuesday. She says her neighbors roof flew into the front of her home and that she is down to her last liter-in-a-half of water.

There have been reports of mass looting on the island of St. Martin, where more than 90% of the structures have been destroyed. Dutch King Willem-Alexander visited his countrys half of the island on Monday, telling Dutch national network NOS that the destruction was the worst hed ever seen.

Looting also started soon after Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean island of Tortola. Andy, 48, who was visiting the largest island of the British Virgin Islands to upgrade a cable, says witnessing it was as terrifying as living through Category 5 hurricane.

Despite the police being there, the looters were indiscriminately roaming around the hotel with big knives Andy, who declined to give his surname, said on Sunday after arriving to Antigua. I was lucky because I had some cell service and my company chartered a plane to get me out, but I think other tourists are probably still stuck there.

Around 20,000 children have been affected in the hurricane-hit Caribbean countries and more than 130 schools are beyond repair across Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos according to UNICEF. Joe English, a spokesperson for the organization, witnessed long lines snaking around gas stations in Anguilla as people attempt to get fuel for generators. The Red Cross, UNICEF and partners are distributing essential supplies including food, safe water and hygiene kits but the needs are immense he said in an email.

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Gough, who is from Canada and has lived in Anguilla for around four years, said the islands water supply has been cut off since Irma made landfall on Wednesday. Supermarkets are selling bottle water, but there is only one working cash machine on the island. If you cant get cash you cant get water she said. From what I have seen as an eyewitness, the U.K. government has been pretty dismal, but thankfully the people here are patient and the community has been helping each other out.

As reports of desperation mounts, governments of France, Britain and the Netherlands, who administer a number of territories in the region, have had to defend themselves against criticism over their response to the disaster. The Netherlands announced that it was sending extra troops to the Dutch side of St Martin and French President Emmanuel Macron promised to rebuild his countrys overseas territories destroyed by the hurricane. He added that 11 people have died in St. Barts and St. Martin, raising Irmas overall death toll to at least 38.

British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson defended the countrys response to the unprecedented catastrophe on the BBC on Monday. He will be flying into the region and Britains Department for International Development says 1,000 military troops have been deployed, providing shelter kits, food and water in Tortola and Anguilla.

For Gough, help couldnt come sooner. My neighbors and their four children are drinking water from a contaminated cistern she said. All we are really living on is hope.
Sen. Bernie Sanders on Capitol Hill, Sept. 13, 2017. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas

The Democratic party finally has a rallying cry: Medicare for All.

Too bad its a hopeless cause.

Sen. Bernie Sanders has turned a key plank of his quixotic presidential campaign into new legislation meant to expand health care coverage to all Americans. Its a bold idea that addresses a genuine problem, which is why liberal Democrats such as Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris back the idea. But Sanders et. al. are aiming for the impossible when something more plausible could accomplish the same thing.

Sanders wants to scrap the entire private insurance system and enroll everybody in Medicare, the health care program for seniors. Doctors and other providers would stay the same, in theory, but there would be no insurance companies and workers would no longer get coverage through an employer. The elimination of middlemen, along with the governments enhanced bargaining power, would supposedly lower costs, benefiting everybody (except insurance company employees).

The Sanders model is single-payer: The government would pay for everything. It would lead to universal coverage, which means everybody would have insurance. But single-payer and universal coverage are not the same thing, and its possible to have universal coverage without the government running everything.

Sanders rightly points out that every other developed country has universal coverage for its citizens. Even President Donald Trump has said hed like to see insurance for everybody. But that doesnt mean a giant government program is the only way to do it.

How to achieve universal coverage

A hybrid system, with both public- and private-sector elements, is probably the most likely path to universal coverage in the United States. Employer-sponsored plans already cover nearly 160 million Americans  half the nations population. Rolling everybody off those plans into some kind of government program would be inconceivably complex. The scale of snafus would make the botched rollout of Obamacare in late 2013 look like a well-choreographed ballet.

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The employer-sponsored health care system could definitely be cheaper and better, and it imposes the strange burden of providing health care on companies that dont exist for that purpose. But its also one part of the health care system that works reasonably well, and leaving it in place would amount to doing no harm.

The worst part of the U.S. health care system involves people who dont get coverage from an employer and dont qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. The 2010 Affordable Care Act addressed that problem by subsidizing insurance premiums for lower-income people and expanding Medicaid. But there are still roughly 28 million adult Americans with no insurance, many who simply find it too expensive. A couple million more dont qualify for subsidies and pay exorbitant premiums to buy coverage in the individual insurance market. This is where any effort to achieve universal coverage needs to begin.

Counting everybody who receives an ACA subsidy, there are perhaps 40 million Americans who arent covered by Medicaid, Medicare or an employer plan. If they could get insurance, wed have universal coverage, or come very close. Meeting the needs of 40 million people is daunting, but its better than dealing with the 200 million who would need insurance if we scrapped the employer system. And the smaller target would require fewer of the tax increases that would be needed to pay for a Sanders-style program.

If the employer-sponsored system remained intact, the government could then be the insurer of last resort for everybody who didnt get insurance through their job. Some people worry about the creep of socialized medicine, but the idea of government-provided catastrophic care has had support among Republicans in the past. The legendary conservative economist Milton Friedman proposed government-provided catastrophic care back in 2001. Mitt Romney, when he was the Republican governor of Massachusetts, put a government-backstop plan in place statewide in 2006. Instead of Medicare for All, the more workable idea is Medicare for More.

What Medicare for All means for prices

Sanders argues that all Americans need to be in the same insurance pool  Medicare  for the government to negotiate the best prices. But there are already 44 million people in Medicare, and 62 million in Medicaid, making them both giant insurance pools. Switzerland boasts lower costs and better health outcomes than the U.S., with a total population of just 8.5 million. Medicare is more bound by laws that limit its bargaining power  on prescription drug prices, for example  than by lack of heft.

Even a hybrid system of universal coverage would be politically difficult to pull off. Critics worry that any effort to expand the governments role in health care could inevitably lead to a single-payer system, so there would need to be safeguards meant to keep the employer-sponsored system in place. Medicare is due to start running short of money in 2029, and anything that adds to its financial burden will hasten that day of reckoning. Finally, voters usually dislike change, so theyd have to be thoroughly sold on Medicare-for-more to pressure Congress to give it a shot. But Medicare for All might be a start.

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Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman
Medicare for All plan would cover 323m Americans under single system

Bill unlikely to pass in Congress but support growing among Democrats

Battle lines have been drawn as Bernie Sanders launches his latest attempt to establish a healthcare system that covers all 323 million Americans.

Standing in opposition to Sanders plan are what he calls the most powerful and greedy forces in American society: the pharmaceutical industry, insurance companies, Wall Street and the Republican party.

The opposition to this will be extraordinary, Sanders said in an interview in his Capitol Hill office, prior to the launch of his universal healthcare bill, known as Medicare for All.

They will spend an enormous amount of money fighting us. They will lie about what is in the program. They will frighten the American people, he said.

Sanders has no illusions about the bills prospects in a Republican-controlled Congress, where it has virtually no chance of passing. But he says the time has arrived to have a debate he believes is fundamental: is healthcare a right or a privilege in America?

Sanders formally unveiled the bill at a packed press conference on Wednesday, with the backing of nearly a third of the Democratic caucus in the Senate  a record level of support for a bill he introduced just four years ago with only one signature, his own.

The Sanders plan would radically reform the American healthcare system, transitioning over the course of four years to a Medicare for All program, a single-payer system in which the federal government insures everybody, financed by an increase in taxes.

Sanders bill would establish a national health insurance program by gradually expanding Medicare  the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older and some younger Americans with disabilities and other illnesses  until it covered everybody.

Sanders said of the plan: Youre going to the same private doctor that you went to. Youre going to go to the same hospital that you went to. The only difference is instead of having a Blue Cross Blue Shield [insurance] card  and having to argue with your insurance company  youre going to have a Medicare for All card. Thats it.



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Everything from primary and preventive services to hospital stays would be covered under the plan, with no out-of-pocket costs on deductible and copays. It would also include access to abortion, in effect overturning the Hyde amendment, which bans federal funding for the procedure.

During the first year of the program, the eligibility age for the Medicare program would drop to 55, and all Americans under 18 would be added to the program. The eligibility age would gradually decrease until the fourth year, when everyone would receive a universal Medicare card.

Bernie Sanders celebrates the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid two years ago. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Since Barack Obama ran for president promising to reform the healthcare system, public support for single-payer has climbed. Where 46% of the public supported such a system in 2008 and 2009, a recent Kaiser poll found 53% now support the idea.

But it was the Vermont senator who helped bring universal healthcare, a once fringe idea derided as a progressive fantasy, into the mainstream. Now, however, some supporters are wary that Democrats could fall into the same trap Republicans did with their campaign to repeal and replace Obamacare.

Sanders Medicare for All bill, like the Republicans repeal and replace effort, is a popular idea but leaves open crucial policy decisions and lacks, for now, details on how the system would be financed.

On Wednesday, Sanders team released an outline of various way to pay for single payer healthcare, including options to implement progressive taxes. Sanders said during the press conference that he wanted to foster a public debate on the best way to finance the program.

But in a sign of the major political and policy fights that lie ahead, the same Kaiser survey found that when respondents were told that a universal healthcare plan might give the government too much control, or that it might increase taxes, support dropped sharply. In those instances, the number of Americans opposed to the proposal rose from 43% to 62% and 60%, respectively.

With a hardened view of the political obstacles, Democratic leaders have declined to endorse the single-payer measure. The House minority leader, Nancy Pelosi, has said her focus is protecting Obamas Affordable Care Act (ACA) from Republican attempts to tear it down. And Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, has said Sanders plan is one of several pieces of legislation under consideration in his caucus.

And yet the bill is gaining steam among the Democratic party. Among the 15 senators co-sponsoring the bill are Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker and Al Franken  all of whom are rumored to be considering a 2020 run for president .

In the House of Representatives, a majority of Democrats have signed on to a similar measure introduced by John Conyers of Michigan, a bill he has brought forward in every Congress since 2003 without nearly as much support.

Republicans, bruised after a failed campaign to repeal the Affordable Care Act, are eager to use Sanders progressive plan to attack Democrats. Of the 10 Senate Democrats up for re-election in states Trump won, only one, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, has signed on to the bill so far.

Senator John Barrasso, a Republican from Wyoming and an orthopedic surgeon, said on Tuesday the Sanders bill is becoming the litmus test for the liberal left and decried the program as exorbitantly costly. He pointed to Sanders home state, where legislators tried and failed to establish a single-payer system after experts estimated that running the program would require doubling taxes for residents of Vermont.

In a floor speech on Wednesday, the Republican wondered if Democrats had purposely injected a design flaw into the ACA, popularly known as Obamacare, to create the political momentum for universal healthcare.

You had to wonder if Democrats actually wanted it to fail  so they could push for more Washington control, more government control over your healthcare, Barrasso said. You can call it the old Potomac two-step.

Senator Claire McCaskill, a moderate Democrat up for re-election in Missouri, said a single-payer bill was premature but welcomed the debate. She said she would prefer to allow people between 55 to 65 to buy into the Medicare program.

Senator John Barrasso suggested Democrats had built a design flaw into the ACA to create momentum for a universal healthcare plan. Photograph: Joshua Roberts/Reuters

Meanwhile, Democrats too have raised concerns that changing gears too quickly  shifting from defending Obamacare to overhauling it with a disruptive new plan  could put the healthcare law in jeopardy as Republicans continue to push for a repeal. Hours before Sanders unveiled his plan, Republicans introduced a healthcare plan that they presented as the last best hope for repealing the Affordable Care Act.

The risk is getting distracted by a longer-term healthcare policy discussion when these guys are still rabid to gut the ACA, said Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, who has not signed on to the bill as he is working on a more moderate plan.

But for supporters of Sanders plan, such as Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut and one of the bills 16 sponsors, universal healthcare is an idea whose time has come.

There should be no question about what our goal is: provide access to everyone, Blumenthal told reporters on Tuesday. There is nothing about the politics of the moment of the ACA that precludes supporting Medicare for All as the ultimate goal.

Sanders said he was open to other approaches that push the country toward universal healthcare but said he believed that Medicare for All, modeled after the Canadian healthcare system, was the most logical path.

He acknowledged the hefty price tag. But he argued that the US spent more per capita on healthcare than countries that guarantee healthcare as a right, such as Canada, France and Germany. And despite the country spending more, 28 million Americans remain uninsured, infant mortality rates are higher and life expectancy is shorter.

Making universal healthcare a legislative reality will require massive grassroots mobilization and an education campaign, Sanders said. On Wednesday, Sanders unveiled the bill with the backing of at least two dozen left-leaning organizations that will help mobilize support in capitals and statehouses across the country.

I dont want anyone to think that this is a struggle thats going to be won tomorrow. And I dont want anyone to think that [the Senate majority leader] Mitch McConnell is coming onboard this legislation. He is not. Nor is [the House speaker] Paul Ryan, Sanders said.

But there is growing support among the American people and we will win this struggle.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder (Rex)

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a woman was in the woods at Bestival.

The woman, 25, was found at the edge of festivals site at Lulworth Castle in Dorset.

She has not been named but is from London and had been attending the music festival this weekend.

She was reported missing shortly before 1am on Monday.

Very sadly, following a search of the area the body of the woman was located in a wooded area on the edge of the festival site, a spokesperson for Dorset Police said.

An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and a cordon is in place on site while forensic examinations are being carried out.

Police added that a 28-year-old man from London has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detective chief inspector Sarah Derbyshire said: Enquiries are now underway to establish how she died.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course and this should give us more of an indication as to the cause of her death.

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We are working closely with the festival organisers and I would appeal to anyone with any information about the incident to contact Dorset Police.

Following todays news announcement, the team at Bestival are devastated to hear about this tragic news, Bestival said in a statement.

We continue to support the police in their ongoing investigation and our thoughts and prayers are with all the womans family and friends.

The festival, which ran from Thursday to Sunday, was headlined by The xx, A Tribe Called Quest and the Pet Shop Boys.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police online, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 11:36.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online.
Athens (AFP) - Greek officials traded accusations Wednesday after an oil spill from a sunken tanker drifted to other parts of the Saronic Gulf in Athens.

The 45-year-old vessel Agia Zoni II sank on Sunday near the island of Salamis while under anchor. The cause is still unknown.

"This is a major environmental disaster," said Salamis mayor Isidora Nannou-Papathanassiou, whose island is suffering the brunt of the damage.

Government officials were holding an emergency meeting at the shipping ministry after the slick washed ashore near Piraeus, the country's biggest port.

By Wednesday afternoon, oil pollution was reported in Agios Kosmas, a residential coastal area several kilometres from where the tanker sank.

"Clearly the danger (of pollution) was not estimated correctly," Nannou-Papathanassiou told state television ERT. "The currents moved the oil spill."

The Greek-flagged tanker was carrying around 2,500 tonnes of fuel, some of which quickly covered beaches and coves on the southeastern side of Salami, opposite Athens and Piraeus.

A 60-person crew worked on the Piraeus coast to clean up the spill. An anti-pollution tanker was due to be deployed later Wednesday, state news agency ANA said.

- 'Lost valuable time' -

Merchant Marine Minister Panagiotis Kouroublis insisted on Tuesday that that the ship's hull had been secured against further leakage.

"There is no risk of further seepage. The oil leaked as the ship was sinking. All necessary steps have been taken," Kouroublis, who is attending a conference in London, told Real FM radio.

The main opposition party New Democracy said the authorities had "lost valuable time" in containing the spill.

Panagiotis Hatziperos, deputy regional governor of the Saronic island group which includes Salamis, agreed.

"The (seriousness of the) incident was not correctly identified at first," Hatziperos told public broadcaster ERT, blaming the merchant marine ministry and the coastguard for the inadequate response.

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"I have asked the owners of the ship to put six times more resources in the area," he said.

The Salamis mayor said that immediately after the incident, "the main effort was concentrated on sealing the ship's hold and discovering people possibly trapped inside".

- 'Avoid the area' -

The only people on board at the time, the tanker's captain and chief engineer, were charged with negligence and released pending trial.

The ship's owners said the tanker was fully seaworthy and all its documentation was in order.

Greek authorities are still unable to say how much fuel remains on board. Efforts to drain the tanker are to begin later on Wednesday.

The coastguard said barriers had been erected to contain the spill and tanker trucks were being used to collect the oil.

Local officials said fishermen had been told to avoid the area. Coastal businesses in the area have also shut down, the Salamis mayor said.

She added that her office planned to submit lawsuits on behalf of coastal restaurants losing business due to the spill.

Salamis lies just off the Eleusis shipyards and oil refineries, one of the most polluted areas in Greece. The sewage treatment plant of Psyttalia is also near where the tanker sank.
(Reuters) - One person was killed and at least several others wounded when a suspect opened fire on Wednesday at a high school near Spokane, Washington, police and local media said.

The Spokesman-Review newspaper reported that a suspect was taken into custody following the shooting at Freeman High School in the Spokane suburb of Rockford.

The paper reported that one victim was killed and at least several others wounded.

Three victims were in stable condition and being treated at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital, said spokeswoman Nicole Stewart.

RELATED: Shooting at Freeman High School in Washington



Hospital officials would hold a news conference on Wednesday afternoon to provide more information, she said.

None of the victims was identified by authorities and it was not immediately clear if they were students or staff.

The suspect was also not identified, but Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said that: "The shooter is in the back seat of a patrol car right now."

A Twitter user named Christina identified herself as a junior at the high school and said she had been evacuated following at least four shots. She tweeted a picture of anxious-looking students sitting on the floor in a classroom.

Spokane placed all schools in the district on lockdown at about 10:30 a.m. PDT (1730 GMT), following the shooting, but an hour later said on Twitter that it had been lifted.
London (AFP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May will travel to Italy next week to make a major speech on Brexit, Downing Street said on Wednesday.

"On Friday, September 22, the prime minister will give a speech in Florence to update on Brexit negotiations so far," her spokesman said.

"She will underline the government's wish for a deep and special partnership with the European Union once the UK leaves the EU."

Asked about the choice of venue, he said: "The prime minister wanted to give a speech on the UK's future relationship with Europe in its historical heart.

"The UK has had deep cultural and economic ties spanning centuries with Florence, a city known for its historical trading power.

"As the UK leaves the EU, we will retain those close ties. As the prime minister has said many times, we are leaving the EU not Europe."

May gave formal notification to Brussels of Britain's intention to leave the 28-nation bloc in March, starting the two-year countdown to Brexit.

But negotiations with the EU are proceeding slowly, as both sides grapple over the extent of Britain's financial obligations, the rights of European citizens and the issue of the Irish border.

The British government announced Tuesday that the fourth round of talks, which were due to start next week, had been postponed until September 25.

The decision was taken by "both sides" to allow more time for consultation, with the aim of giving negotiations "the flexibility to make progress", a spokesman said.

European Parliament Brexit chief Guy Verhofstadt said last week that the talks could be delayed because of an "important intervention" from May.

Her spokesman said: "The prime minister has said that she would provide updates on how the negotiations were going and be engaged in an ongoing conversation with Europe, and that's what she's doing."
London (AFP) - Britons left stranded on Caribbean islands devastated by Hurricane Irma said Britain's response had been faulty, but Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Monday called the criticism "completely unjustified".

British billionaire Richard Branson meanwhile revealed the scale of the destruction by posting images on his blog of destroyed buildings on his private island in the British Virgin Islands.

Geoffrey Scott Baker, whose daughter Amy Brown is on the nearby Dutch-French Caribbean territory of St Martin, told BBC radio: "Nothing is happening."

"It seems that everybody can airlift their citizens out except for the UK who are doing absolutely nothing on the ground," Baker said after US citizens were evacuated from the island over the weekend.

Ian Smart told The Daily Telegraph that his son Jos with his girlfriend Julia Taylor were trapped on the same island, where "lawlessness is getting worse".

"They are holed up in a half demolished bathroom and their phone is running out of battery," he said.

"They are in a bit of a state. There have been rats in their room looking for food. At night time there were people knocking on their door, and so there are 12 hours of sheer blackness to get through with the terror of who is going to knock down the door".

Taylor's sister Ayla said: "The British consulate and Foreign Office have given no advice or help, other than to take Jos and Julia's name and number".

Britain has pledged 32 million (35 million euros, $42 million) in aid and sent hundreds of troops, supplies and rescue equipment on several flights to the British territories in the Caribbean since Friday.

There are around 88,000 Britons living in the region.

"I am confident we are doing everything we possible can to help British nationals," Johnson told the BBC.

"If you look at what is happening now you can see an unprecedented British effort to deal with what has been an unprecedented catastrophe for the region."

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Branson, founder of the Virgin business empire who was staying on his island of Necker, said the British Virgin Islands needed "an enormous amount of help to recover from the widespread devastation".

"The UK government will have a massive role to play in the recovery of its territories affected by Irma," he said on his blog.

"Much of the buildings and vegetation on Necker has been destroyed or badly damaged," he said.
Doha (AFP) - The head of the Qatar Investment Authority said Wednesday that the lingering Gulf political crisis was having little impact on the $300 billion sovereign wealth fund of the gas-rich nation.

In a rare public appearance, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Saud Al-Thani, chief executive at the QIA, said there was "no problem" for the fund despite the crisis passing the 100-day mark.

"We are still open for business and business as usual," Sheikh Abdullah said in an address at the Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.

"We are fine," he added.

Qatar has found itself regionally isolated since June 5 after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut all ties, accusing Doha of bankrolling Islamist extremists and being too close to Iran.

The emirate denies the charges and has moved to realign itself politically and economically.

Pressed on the impact of the crisis several times, Sheikh Abdullah said the QIA's exposure to those countries leading the boycott was "very, very small" and added that the fund would continue its recent policy of targeting hi-tech and infrastructure companies in the United States.

"The future is technology," he said.

Moody's Investor Service said on Wednesday the regional dispute was hurting the economies of all countries involved, with Qatar being impacted the most.

It estimated that around $30 billion flowed out of Qatar's banking system in June and July and that Doha used $38.5 billion in the two months to support the economy.

Among the companies in which the QIA was investing were those in the health sector using hi-tech solutions for cancer treatment, said Sheikh Abdullah.

In 2015 he announced that the QIA would invest up to $35 billion in the United States over the following five years, after targeting high-profile acquisitions in Europe.

Last December it was also announced the fund would invest $10 billion in US infrastructure projects.

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He said Wednesday that around half of that $45 billion had been invested.

The QIA has opened an office in New York and will do so soon in the Silicon Valley, he added.

"If you want to invest in the States, you have to have boots on the ground," he said.

Earlier this week it was announced that the QIA and Swiss commodities trader Glencore had sold a major part of a stake they had only recently acquired in Russian oil giant Rosneft to Chinese conglomerate CEFC.

The QIA is considered one of the world's biggest sovereign funds, swollen by Qatar's massive gas and oil revenues.
By Nelson Wyatt MONTREAL (Reuters) - A young Montreal couple tried to use Christmas lights and sandpaper to make a homemade bomb, a prosecutor told a Canadian court on Wednesday in opening statements in the terrorism trial of the former college students. The items and a handwritten bomb-making recipe copied from a propaganda magazine published by al Qaeda militants were found after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police searched a condo rented by El Mahdi Jamali and Sabrine Djermane in 2015, prosecutor Lyne Decarie said in Quebec Superior Court in Montreal. It is not clear how the lights would have been used to make a bomb. Jamali, 20, and Djermane, 21, have pleaded not guilty to charges of trying to leave Canada to join a terrorist group, possessing an explosive substance, facilitating a terrorist activity, and committing an offense for a terrorist group. The 2015 arrest of the couple, teenagers at the time, came at a time when international security forces reported that waves of young people, including college students from Montreal, were heading to Syria to join Islamic State militants. Decarie said investigators found other materials, jihadist propaganda and evidence that the couple had watched a video by a Canadian fighter for the Islamic State. New luggage and clothes, along with passport applications were discovered during the search. The pair reiterated their not-guilty pleas before Decarie began her remarks and then listened from a high-security prisoners' box that was enclosed in thick glass. RCMP began investigating the couple after receiving a tip, Decarie said, and arrested them days later. The prosecutor said she would call family and friends of the accused as well as police experts in terrorism and explosives as witnesses in the trial, which is expected to last 10 weeks. (Reporting by Nelson Wyatt in Montreal; Editing by Paul Simao and Leslie Adler)
By Chen Aizhu DONGYING, China (Reuters) - China's crackdown on pollution is choking output of chemicals, fuels and other materials in Shandong province as plants curb or cut operations amid random environmental checks. Beijing's clear-sky efforts are not new, but the frequency and duration of recent inspections in the industrial Shandong heartland is impacting output more extensively as small and mid-sized plants come under the same scrutiny earlier focused on large state-owned facilities. Some 30 independent oil refineries in Shandong have been shut since mid-July, plus an unspecified number of chemical plants making propylene oxide (PO)PVC and rubber tyres have been closed, according to industry sources and market analysts. Unlicensed fuel kiosks have also been removed. While some of the plants have resumed operations or are hoping to restart later this month, others are less optimistic. "We were told to prepare to work half a month and be off the other half, and get half our salaries," said Zhang Yongqiang, a 25-year-old oil depot worker with a 20,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) teapot plant that has been shut for more than two months. Shandong holds half of China's capacity for PO, used to make elastic automobile parts and which requires costly waste water treatment. It also makes nearly half the country's rubber tyres, which emit hazardous gases during production, said William Chenchemicals expert at consultancy IHS Markit. Among the plants that have been shutdown are Shenchi Petrochemical, Hengyuan Petrochemical Group, Fuyu Chemical, and Aoxing Petrochemical. The exact amount of production lost is unknown. There is no official information on shutdowns, but refinery sources say wholesale gasoline and diesel prices in Shandong rose 5 percent to 8 percent in early September from a month ago, while prices for propylene, an intermediate plastics product, were quoted a third higher than in the same month last year. PO prices gained 40 percent since early this year, triggering higher imports of the chemical, said IHS's Chen. Also, while inspections have mostly hit small fuel blenders and oil refiners of 80,000 bpd or less, their outages are being felt in global markets. Customs data showed China's August crude oil imports slid to their lowest since January. Imports of light cycle oil, a refinery by-product similar to diesel, nearly doubled in August to over 500,000 tonnes from earlier this year to fill a diesel supply gap, said two traders involved in the business. RANDOM, FREQUENT, PREEMPTIVE CHECKS Beijing started sending teams of environmental officials and experts to Shandong from the start of 2017, making regular but unscheduled visits since then, said two local refinery sources. Independent refineries typically close in July for repairs before fuel demand picks up from September, but the frequent visits have kept some plants shut for longer than planned. Semi-official China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation reported last month, citing local media, that provincial inspectors had visited 1,891 plants by July 19 and that 43 percent of them had environmental violations. "In the beginning, the checks by Beijing inspectors were about identifying holes like whether you have a license to operate or if a facility needs emission or safety upgrades ... There were no orders to shut until July," said a fuel manager with a Dongying refinery. Dongying, a city of 2.1 million known for acrid-smelling air and a cluttered landscape of "nodding donkey" oil wells, is home to nearly 30 refineries and dozens of small chemical plants. Inspections intensified in July when provincial agents joined the campaign with more detailed examinations that required shutdowns, some for the purpose of pre-empting closure orders by Beijing, a Shandong environmental official said. Plants hit by accidents during the inspections were ordered to shut for longer. Aoxing Petrochemical in Dongying was ordered to close for an unspecified period after a leak of hydrogen sulphide in early August killed two people, according to local government reports. The Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) said this month China was still facing "huge pressure" to meet politically crucial 2017 air quality targets. The MEP's plan to cut emissions in 28 cities includes seven in Shandong, with fresh rounds of inspections planned from September. The shutdowns at some chemical plants may be permanent as upgrade costs would render them unable to compete with imports, said IHS's Chen. "Shandong local refineries' utilization ratio will remain medium to low because of the government's safety checks, (which have been) tightening supplies as demand rises," said Li Yan of Shandong-based consultancy Longzhong Information Technology. (Reporting by Chen Aizhu; Additional reporting by Meng Meng and BEIJING newsroom; Editing by Tom Hogue)
Two Chinese migrant children sit with their pet dog outside their shanty home in Beijing - AFP

AChinese couple with seven daughters allegedly bought a baby boy to carry on their family name.

The couple from south Chinas Guangdong province paid 92,000 yuan (10,700) for the "abducted" child, a court heard.

Tens of thousands of children go missing in China every year, and many are victims of huge trafficking rings that operate in the country.

Poor communities often have a traditional preference for male offspring, who can provide support to their elderly parents and carry on the family name.

Women join their husbands family tree after they marry, even after death.

The husband and wife who are standing trial claim they were repeatedly assured by the people who introduced the child to them that he had not been trafficked.

They say they had met a woman who claimed to be the childs mother.

Children help their parents harvest beans in a village July 24, 2005 in Guyuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, northwest China. Credit: Getty

However, one of the traffickers told the court that the woman was her niece, who was unrelated to the child.

An adoption agreement was signed and money for the childs living expenses before the adoption was handed over.

The husband, who is called Chen, said he bought the child to carry on his family name, a report by Meizhou Radio and Television said.

"I have seven daughters, and the oldest is 18 and the youngest is two, said Mr Chen.

We prefer boys in my hometown, and that is why we wanted to adopt a boy.

The couple are among eight people who are facing child trafficking charges.

Chinese media Caixin said that nearly half of all cases of children who are sold in China involve the consent of their own family, including parents who often sell their daughters for cash.

Most of the trafficked children in China are boys aged under six who are often sold for adoption, while youngsters aged between 14 and 18 are commonly girls, suggesting that they are being sold into prostitution, Caixin said.

Additional reporting by Christine Wei
Hillary Clinton isnt buying Donald Trump Jr.s latest explanation for meeting a Kremlin-connected lawyer during the presidential campaign.

Its ridiculous, Clinton said on NBCs Today Wednesday. Its another absurd lie to cover up what really was going on, which I hope we uncover and understand.

The June 2016 meeting in Trump Tower with Natalia Veselnitskaya, a lawyer with ties to the Kremlin, was pitched to Trump Jr. as an opportunity to receive damaging information about Clinton as part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump.

After originally asserting the meeting was about policies related to Americans adoption of Russian children, Trump Jr. eventually released the emails arranging the meeting where he said hed love dirt on Clinton. President Trumps son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner and then-Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort were also in attendance at the meeting.

The meeting is now under investigation by multiple congressional committees and special counsel Robert Mueller. Trump Jr. has maintained that no usable information came out of the meeting, but told Senate investigators he would have sought legal advice before acting on anything provided.

To the extent they had information concerning the fitness, character or qualifications of a presidential candidate, I believed that I should at least hear them out, Trump Jr. said, in a statement obtained by the New York Times. Depending on what, if any, information they had, I could then consult with counsel to make an informed decision as to whether to give it further consideration.

Clinton said in an interview with USA Today Monday shes convinced there was collusion between Trump associates and Russia.

There certainly was communication and there certainly was an understanding of some sort, she said.

Clinton largely stepped away from the spotlight after her election loss, but is in the midst of a slew of media appearances promoting What Happened, her newly released memoir reflecting on the campaign.

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Read more from Yahoo News:
Democrats won two GOP-held legislative seats in Oklahoma and New Hampshire on Tuesday, bringing the total number of state legislature seats the party has flipped since the November election to six.

The Democratic victory in Oklahoma was especially striking. Democrat Jacob Rosecrants, a schoolteacher, defeated Republican Darin Chambers, a businessman, by nearly 21 percentage points in a special election to represent District 46 in Oklahomas House of Representatives. The district encompasses part of the city of Norman, home of the University of Oklahoma.

Rosecrants had lost by a nearly identical margin in a previous race for the seat in November. The seat opened up, however, when Republican Scott Martin resigned to head the Norman Chamber of Commerce, prompting Tuesdays special election.

The Democratic win was even more notable because President Donald Trump defeated Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in the legislative district by over 10 percentage points.

Rosecrants campaigned on restoring school funding, reforming the states criminal justice system, resolving Oklahomas budget crisis and limiting corporate influence on state politics.

Representative-elect Rosecrants fought hard to win this open Republican seat that Trump carried by 10 points in 2016. Progress, public education and long-term budget solutions resonated with Oklahoma voters, turning this once reliably-red seat blue, said Jessica Post, executive director of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, in a statement reacting to the victory.

Jacob Rosecrants, a schoolteacher from Norman, Oklahoma, was elected to represent District 46 in Oklahoma's House of Representatives. (Photo: Jacob Rosecrants)

Democrats also took control of the New Hampshire House of Representatives Belknap County District 9, which includes Belmont and parts of Laconia.

Democrat Charlie St. Clair, a retired teacher, defeated Republican Steven Whalley 1,267 votes to 1,009 votes. St. Clair, who runs the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, emphasized his deep roots in the community. He campaigned on improving public safety, maintaining Laconias nursing home and upgrading transportation infrastructure.

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Republican Robert Fisher had won the district handily in the previous election, but he resigned in May amid revelations that he had founded the misogynist Reddit forum Red Pill. Trump had also won the district in November by 16 percentage points.

Oklahoma and New Hampshire have proven especially fertile ground for Democrats looking to make gains in state legislatures. Counting Rosecrants, the party has picked up three previously GOP-held legislative seats in special elections since November. And St. Clairs win is the second pickup for Democrats in New Hampshire.

Democrats remain in the minority in both the Oklahoma and New Hampshire Houses of Representatives. But the victories bolster the partys attempt to regain nearly 1,000 legislative seats that Democrats have lost across the country since 2009, and suggest they could make more significant gains in normal state-level elections in Virginia and New Jersey this November.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misstated Rosecrants age.

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'I did not collude, nor know of anyone else in the campaign who colluded, with any foreign government,' Jared Kushner says in statement: AP/Evan Vucci

White House lawyers reportedly recommended to Donald Trump that Jared Kushner should resign from his role as senior adviser before reports about his undisclosed Russian contacts became public.

Concerns about the President's son-in-law's possible entanglement in a US probe into Russian interference in the presidential election led a number of Mr Trump's lawyers to conclude he should step down, according to a report.

Although the view was not held by every member of the White House legal team, it was expressed to Mr Trump during at least one meeting in June, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal.

The President's lawyers were reportedly concerned that someone so close to the President appeared to have had the most interactions with the Russians. They were also worried about his failure to report contact with foreign officials when applying for his security clearance, sources told the paper.

Mr Kushner, husband of Mr Trump's daughter Ivanka, said in July he had four contacts with senior Russian officials during the campaign and transition, but denied colluding with Moscow.

Aides drafted a statement in preparation for Mr Kushner's resignation, where he would say critics were wrongly weaponising meetings, two sources told the paper.

Yet the President disagreed with his lawyers' conclusion that Mr Kushner should resign, saying he did not believe he had done anything wrong. Mr Kushner still acts as a senior adviser to Mr Trump.

Mr Trump's personal lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, issued a statement denying The Wall Street Journal's report, saying: I never discussed with other lawyers for the President that Jared Kushner should step down from his position at the White House, I never recommended to the President that Mr Kushner should step down from that position and I am not aware that any other lawyers for the President made any such recommendation either.
President Donald Trumps travel ban nabbed another partial win in the Supreme Court.

The court on Tuesday granted an administration request that it block a federal appeals court ruling from last week that would have limited the scope of the ban as it applies to refugees. Namely, the lower court ruling would have exempted as many as 24,000 refugees from the 120-day ban if their cases had already been assigned to resettlement agencies.

Trump tried twice to instate a travel ban preventing refugees as well as citizens from several Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. Both moves were overturned in federal courts until the Supreme Court agreed in June to review the ban this October. A partial, temporary ban has been in effect since that decision, which only allows entry by those with a bona fide relationship to a family member in the U.S. or a U.S. entity.

Whether resettlement agencies qualified as an entity through which refugees could gain entry to the U.S. became a major point of contention. Resettlement agency directors said they believed their groups would be counted as U.S. entities, some told HuffPost in June, but the Justice Department later clarified that they didnt qualify.

The justices are scheduled to hear arguments on the overall Trump travel ban Oct. 10. Meanwhile, the 90-day ban affecting citizens from the Muslim-majority nations expires late September, and the 120-day refugee ban lapses one month later.

Shortly after Tuesdays Supreme Court ruling, The New York Times reported that the administration is also reportedly considering slashing the annual refugee resettlement cap to below 50,000  the lowest it would be since 1980. President Barack Obama had raised it to 110,000 from 70,000 while in office.

Erol Kekic, executive director of the immigration and refugee program for Church World Service said his group is appalled by reports that the Trump administration may unveil a refugee admissions target of even less than 50,000  already an unprecedented low  for the next fiscal year.

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This is insufficient and unconscionable  especially as the global migrant crisis continues to escalate, with more than 66 million people now fleeing war, violence and persecution, Kekic said in a statement. Communities across our country stand for welcome  our partner organizations and offices nationwide see this every day.

This article has been updated with comment from Kekic.

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President Donald Trump speaks during a joint news conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto: REUTERS

Donald Trumps involvement with the birther movement, which centred around the conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was not born in the United States, has been removed from his corporate biography.

The line, which has been included in the President's biography since 2015, was removed at some point between 13 January and 24 January this year, by the Trump Organisation.

The US President had repeatedly and publicly claimed that he doubted his White House predecessor was born in the US.

On multiple occasions he challenged Mr Obama to release his birth certificate, which he eventually did.

The long form version showed he was born in Hawaii. Mr Trump finally stopped the accusations in September 2016.

His role in the conspiracy theory was previously mentioned in his corporate biography but it has now been removed completely.

"In 2011, after failed attempts by both Senator McCain and Hillary Clinton, Mr Trump single handedly forced President Obama to release his birth certificate, which was lauded by large segments of the political community," the biography used to say, according to CNN.

The rationale behind the change is not yet clear but during his presidential campaign Mr Trump attempted to distance himself from the theory. Instead he claimed that Hillary Clinton was responsible for it.

The Independent has contacted the Trump Organisation for a comment but none had arrived at the time of publication.
Reuters

LONDON (Reuters) -Russia's Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, said on Sunday that a former mercenary who was filmed being executed by a sledgehammer blow to the head after changing sides in the Ukraine war was a traitor. Prigozhin, a Russian businessman who founded the Wagner private military group, was responding to an unverified video distributed on Telegram that showed a man identified as a former Wagner mercenary being executed after admitting that he had changed sides in September to "fight against the Russians". In the footage, the man, who gave his name as Yevgenny Nuzhin, 55, was shown with his head taped to a brick wall.
Windsor was the lead plaintiff in the 2013 US supreme court case that paved the way for America to legalize same-sex marriage across the country in 2015

Edith Windsor mobbed by journalists and supporters as she leaves the Supreme Court on 27 March, 2013. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Edith Windsor, the woman who broke barriers and became a gay rights icon when she sued the federal government to recognize her same-sex marriage, died on Tuesday at the age of 88.

Windsor was the lead plaintiff in the 2013 US supreme court case that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996, giving gay and lesbian couples access to federal benefits and laying the foundation for the landmark decision to legalize same-sex marriage across the country in 2015.

The case was a watershed moment in the history of the United States LGBT rights movement.

Doma, as the law was known, prevented countless of same-sex couples across the country from claiming a huge array of federal benefits accessible to heterosexual spouses, and epitomized discrimination in the eyes of the gay rights community.

When Windsors lifelong partner died in 2009, the IRS billed her for more than $300,000 in estate taxes she would not have owed had the government recognized their marriage.

Windsor is survived by her second wife, Judith Kasen-Windsor, whom she met in 2015. The couple married last year.

Her path to becoming a hero of the gay rights movement stretches back to 1962, when Windsor was introduced to her first wife-to-be in a Greenwich Village restaurant. They met while dancing. Thea Spyer and Windsor became a lifelong couple, and in 1967, Spyer proposed.

It was a love affair that just kept on and on and on, Windsor recalled to the Guardian US in 2013. It really was. Something like three weeks before Thea died she said: Jesus were still in love, arent we.

For more than forty years, the couple lived together in Manhattan and on Long Island. Windsor, who held a masters degree in mathematics, rose to the top ranks of IBM. The couple marched as part of the gay rights demonstrations unleashed by the Stonewall Riots of 1969, and whenever they got the chance, they went dancing. After 1977, when Spyer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she led with her good leg, Windsor told the Guardian.

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But the couple could not marry in New York during Spyers lifetime. In 2007, the couple flew to Toronto, Canada, for a ceremony before six of their closest friends. Spyer died at age 75 in 2009.

It was while Windsor was reeling from her loss that she learned the IRS would tax her $363,000 for inheriting her wifes estate. Had the IRS recognized their marriage, Windsor would have been covered by an unlimited spousal exemption from the estate tax.

In the midst of my grief I realized that the federal government was treating us as strangers, and it meant paying a humongous estate tax, Windsor said. And it meant selling a lot of stuff to do it and it wasnt easy. I live on a fixed income and it wasnt easy.

Windsor sued. Doma had been 13 years on the books, signed by Bill Clinton at a time when few Americans supported the notion of same-sex marriage. But public opinion and the legal landscape had undergone a sharp reversal, and Windsor prevailed in two lower courts before the US supreme court struck down the law.

The ruling was narrow and applied to a limited number of states. But it cleared the way for gay rights activists to place an even bigger target in their crosshairs, a slew of state-level bans on same-sex marriage itself. In quick succession, more than a dozen federal courts cited Windsors victory to strike down bans on same-sex marriage. The US supreme court dealt a final blow for marriage equality in 2015.

Her wife, Windsor said, would have been proud of her achievement. I think shed be so proud and happy and just so pleased at how far we have come. Its a culmination of an engagement that happened between us in 1967 when we didnt dream that wed be able to marry.

The New York Times and the Associated Press confirmed Windsors death with her wife and her attorney.



Windsor was born Edith Schlain in 1929 in Pennsylvania. During the early years of the Great Depression, her parents lost their home and their business. Growing up, Windsor has said, she never imagined having her own career or a future that didnt involve a husband. But after a brief marriage to a man that ended in 1952, Windsor enrolled in New York University, supporting herself as a secretary before eventually earning her masters and gaining proficiency in computer programming.

On Tuesday, as news of her passing spread, mourners praised Windsors role as one of the LGBT movements latter day heroes.

Today, we lost one of this countrys great civil rights pioneers, said Anthony Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union. The wheels of progress turn forward because of people like Edie who are willing to stand up in the face of injustice.

One simply cannot write the history of the gay rights movement without reserving immense credit and gratitude for Edie Windsor. We mourn her today, as do all whom she touched in her incredible life. Edie always urged others not to postpone joy. So even as we mourn this terrible loss, we also celebrate Edie, who set an example for all of us to follow.
Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker declared in a flagship speech Wednesday that "wind is back in Europe's sails" after last year's shock Brexit vote, an act he warned Britain would regret.

In his annual State of the Union address, Juncker urged the bloc to seize a "window of opportunity" and use the momentum from its recent economic recovery to become more deeply integrated than ever before.

Defying the eurosceptic trends that drove Britain to become the first country to decide to leave the EU, Juncker outlined a vision of a bigger eurozone and passport-free Schengen area, under the aegis of a single EU president.

The former Luxembourg prime minister also painted a picture of a Europe that would sign new trade deals around the world, although he made no mention of any such pact with Britain after it jumps ship.

"The wind is back in Europe's sails," Juncker told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, in an unrepentantly federalist speech that mixed English, French and German.

"We have now a window of opportunity but it will not stay open forever. Let us make the most of the momentum, catch the wind in our sails."

Juncker called for the leaders of the remaining 27 countries to hold a special summit in Romania on March 30, 2019 -- the day after Britain's departure, to "sail away from the harbour".

- 'You will regret it' -

Juncker did not utter the word "Brexit" until the very end of his 80-minute speech, saying only that "we will regret it" -- and then adding "you will regret it too" when British eurosceptics in the chamber jeered him.

"We will move forward -- because Brexit is not everything, because Brexit is not the future of Europe," the veteran politician added.

British eurosceptic leader Nigel Farage, who is a Euro-MP, responded to Juncker: "Thank God we're leaving -- you've learnt nothing from Brexit".

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British Prime Minister Theresa May's office said she had not watched the speech, but added that "the EU will of course want to make its plans going forward" and that Britain wanted a "successful and prosperous Europe."

The 62-year-old Juncker has two years left in office as head of the EU's powerful executive to ensure that his legacy is not limited to Brexit.

While he admitted that when he gave his 2016 speech the EU was "battered and bruised by a year that shook our very foundations", this year he struck a far more optimistic tone.

With all 28 EU countries back in growth after years of economic crisis, and the populist surge of Brexit and the election of US President Donald Trump at bay for now, Juncker said there were reasons to be cheerful.

He called on the bloc to seal trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand by the end of his mandate, and push for pacts with Mexico and South American countries.

Juncker proposed a elected "single president" to lead the EU, merging his job as head of the European Commission and the president of the European Council of member states, currently held by Donald Tusk.

That idea ran into immediate opposition from Denmark and the Netherlands, while Tusk tweeted that the focus should be on "real pressing problems."

- More Europe -

Juncker's speech was full of calls for "more Europe", especially his suggestion that Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia should all finally become full members of the Schengen zone.

The eurozone should meanwhile be expanded beyond its current 19 countries, in line with the EU's treaties that say all states must join the single currency, he said.

Juncker furthermore backed French President Emmanuel Macron's call for a pan-European finance minister to help firefight future crises, although he was against Macron's proposal for a eurozone parliament.

The calls for more integration come despite the need to heal a deepening split with eastern European countries that resist such plans.

Juncker took a swipe at Poland and Hungary -- which have been at odds with Brussels over democratic standards -- saying EU countries should not be allowed to breach the "rule of law".

Turkey was also in his crosshairs as he ruled out EU membership "for the foreseeable future" because of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's post-coup attempt crackdown, and urged Ankara to free detained journalists.

Juncker also attacked the "scandalous" conditions for migrants in Libya, with which the EU is working to try to stop Mediterranean crossings, and called for more solidarity with states like Italy that are on the frontline of Europe's migration crisis.
STRASBOURG (Reuters) - European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker told the EU's eastern states on Wednesday he would fight for equal rights for their consumers, but their workers would not be allowed to unfairly undercut those in western members. Juncker extended an olive branch to the eurosceptic governments in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic in his annual speech on the state of the European Union, where east-west divisions have driven a painful wedge. "East to west: Europe must breathe with both lungs. Otherwise our continent will struggle for air," Junker said. "In a union of equals, there can be no second class consumers. I will not accept that in some parts of Europe, people are sold food of lower quality than in other countries, despite the packaging and branding being identical." Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Romania have complained that food products sold by multinational producers on their markets are often of poorer quality than the same ones in the west. Juncker said national authorities would be given better legal instruments to root out such "illegal practices", an attempt to woo the reluctant easterners at a time when the EU needs unity as it negotiates over the complex terms of Britain's departure in 2019. In another gesture towards the eastern states, Juncker said it was time to let Bulgaria and Romania into the EU's Schengen zone of passport-free travel. But he also said the bloc would go ahead with reforming its labour rules, which now allow workers from the poorer EU east to work in the wealthier west for low salaries. French President Emmanuel Macron has made ending this practice, which he says amounts to social dumping, a key priority. The eastern states are opposed, saying they should be allowed to compete in that way to catch up after decades of communist rule after World War Two. While the so-called "posted workers" only represent around one percent of the EU workforce, the issue has become sensitive. EU diplomats say the bloc will change the current rules, a plan also backed by Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, in a move that could make it easier for Macron to carry out economic reforms at home by showing he is delivering for French workers. "In a Union of equals, there can be no second class workers. Workers should earn the same pay for the same work in the same place," Juncker said, adding he would seek to establish an EU Labour Agency "for ensuring fairness in our single market." RULE OF LAW Juncker said he was "saddened" with the refusal by the ex-communist eastern states to take in refugees arriving in the bloc to help their western and southern peers. More than two years of bruising battles over migration have caused a lot of bad blood in the EU, spilling over to other policy areas and reinforcing calls from the west to cut generous EU funding for the eastern states who deny help. But Juncker reserved his most pointed criticism for Poland and Hungary, where nationalist governments have clashed with the Brussels on multiple issues, including a contested judiciary overhaul in Poland and Hungary's continued rejection of refugees despite the bloc's top court ruling that they must be taken in. "The rule of law means that law and justice are upheld by an independent judiciary," Juncker said. "The judgements of the European Court of Justice have to be respected by all." "To undermine them, or to undermine the independence of national courts, is to strip citizens of their fundamental rights. The rule of law is not optional in the European Union. It is a must." As the EU contemplates deeper integration after Britain's departure, the eastern states - mostly outside the euro zone - fear they will be pushed out of the decision-making core and will lose out in a "multi-speed" EU. Juncker offered some reassurances on that, saying he did not favour a separate euro zone budget, or a euro zone finance minister, but closer ties between all 27 EU states remaining after Brexit. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald, Writing by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
@alextdaugherty

A half dozen Democratic lawmakers met with Haitis ambassador in an intimate dinner on Tuesday night to craft a new strategy aimed at convincing the White House to extend a temporary program set to expire in January 2018 that allows thousands of Haitians to work and live in the U.S.

Over rum punch and pikliz, the Democrats said its time to tie whats known as TPS for Haiti to recent activism over DACA, an executive order signed by Barack Obama that gave protections to undocumented young people brought to the U.S. as minors.

We have to create the atmosphere where the man in the Oval Office says Im considering it, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, said at the dinner.

Creating the atmosphere wont come from signing letters or talking with administration officials about humanitarian concerns in Haiti. Instead, Democrats argue that repeatedly bringing up TPS during every DACA protest and getting business leaders to realize the disruption to labor markets if 58,000 Haitians are required to leave will increase public pressure on Trump to grant the TPS extension.

If all the Haitian workers at Fort Lauderdale International Airport left tomorrow, they would have the messiest bathrooms of any airport, even messier than LaGuardia, said Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla.

Hastings and Jackson Lee said that widespread outrage from Democratsand business leadersover President Donald Trumps decision to end DACA last week created a massive amount of public pressure. Trump indicated over Twitter after the decision to end DACA was announced that he would revisit DACA if Congress is unable to draft and pass a legislative fix that would keep those young people from being deported.

The TPS program is administered by the Homeland Security Department and allows foreign nationals already in the United States from 10 countries to stay in the United States for a designated period of time. TPS was granted to Haiti in 2011 after a massive 2010 earthquake.

When Haitis TPS was up for renewal in May, Democrats asked then-Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to show compassion.

Kelly ultimately decided to extend Haitis status, but only for six months instead of the usual 18. He also said Haitians need to start thinking about returning.

Its all or nothing at this point given the time frame, the consequences, if nothing happens between now and November, ambassador Paul Altidor said. Were trying to ensure that as many people from Capitol Hill, from either side of the aisle, are involved in this, and weve seen that from members of the Florida delegation.

One Florida Republican, Rep. Brian Mast, was scheduled to attend Tuesdays dinner but was unable, due to Hurricane Irma. His office confirmed to Miami Herald that he is in favor of extending Haitis TPS status by 18 months.

Mast joins Miami Republicans Marco Rubio, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Carlos Curbelo and Mario Diaz-Balart, who all signed a letter in March urging Kelly to extend Haitis TPS status.

Tuesdays dinner was organized by Altidor and Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., a longtime proponent of extending Haitis TPS status.

Were going to go to whomever we need to make the case, Clarke said, adding that bringing TPS into the larger DACA debate will help combat the spread of misinformation, such as false reports that Canada was offering free residency to Haitians in the United States.

Read more here.
More details about former Sequoia venture partner Yinglan Tan's new fund have emerged after an SEC filing confirmed that it has raised $25 million for its maiden fund, and it made its first investment.

Update: Insigna reached a final close of $120 million for its maiden fund in February 2018.

Tan, who was with Sequoia's Singapore office for five years before leaving this summer, is thought to be starting Insignia Venture Partners to focus on Southeast Asia's fast-emerging startup scene.

The fund has already been uncorked and made its first deal, leading a $4 million investment in Indonesia-based co-working startup Ev Hive, a source close to negotiations told TechCrunch.

Tan did not respond to requests for comment.

There isn't a tonne of detail in the filing -- which was first spotted by Deal Street Asia -- but it looks like Tan has teamed up with fellow Singaporean Lin-Hong Wong to start the new venture. Wong, who has spent time at Singaporean sovereign fund Temasek and the Singapore Economic Development Board, is listed as a director of Insignia Venture Partners within the filing. Wong currently operates a consulting agency called Wingz Capital, and it is unclear whether he will balance that with his role at the fund.

Aside from having worked in the investment space, both men have also authored books on the subject. Tan wrote two books -- one on innovation in China and another on general venture capital -- while Wong's title covers venture capital fund management.

A $25 million fund would likely operate in the seed and Series A space in Southeast Asia, a segment that once was seen as a gap but now is becoming well filled with funds. Some of the VCs playing in the space include Golden Gate Ventures ($50 million), Jungle Ventures ($100 million), Venturra Capital ($150 million), and Monk's Hill Ventures ($80 million.)

Sequoia is one of the few investment funds that operates in the Series A and Series B spaces in Southeast Asia. Despite that and growing interest in the region from major tech companies, with recent deals from Alibaba, Tencent, SoftBank and Expedia, it doesnt have a dedicated fund. Instead, its Southeast Asia deals are covered by the Sequoia India fund. The current India fund, the firms fourth, is the countrys largest VC fund with a total corpus of over $850 million.

Earlier this summer, Sequoia secured $4 billion in fresh financing, including $2 billion for its growth funds, according to a U.S. filing. The firm decline to provide details on how the capital will be allocated, but a good bet is that a large chunk will be put to work in Asia. Indeed, according to report, $125 million of that fresh allocation was funneled into the current India fund.
What would it look like for a young, black Muslim woman to occupy space in the world  fiercely, freely and without wasting time caring about what others think?

Our guess is that it may look something likeLeah Vernondancing with abandon through the streets of her hometown.

Vernonis a 30-year-old fashion blogger and stylist from Detroit, Michigan. This spring, she had the idea to create a video of herself dancing in her city, incorporating elements of spoken word poetry.

With the help of a few friends, that video became a reality. On Friday, Vernon uploaded it to her YouTube channel,hoping to start a conversationabout what it looks like for Muslim women to claim space.

Muslim girls and women are not oppressed. As soon as someone sees me, my Muslim-ness, they automatically assume that, Vernon told HuffPost. Also, Im fat. People see me and assume that I have low-self-esteem or that Im lazy. People see my Blackness and assume that I dont hold a double masters. With this project, I want to show the world that people like me, who dont fit into societys norm of beauty do exist and deserve to take up space.

Vernon said that she got self-conscious at times while shooting the video. But her best friend, who was on set as her make-up artist, gave her the encouragement she needed.

Then, the Beyonce came out. I felt fierce and confident and amazing. People who passed by on the street started dancing with me. Shouted how fierce I was from their cars. And, a few asked if I was a celebrity. 

A post shared by Leah Vernon (@lvernon2000)on Sep 5, 2017 at 2:43pm PDT

She hopes that this simple but radical act of exhibiting joy in a public place will encourage other women to express themselves.

I hope that the audience take the fierceness and positive energy from this video and harness it. Make it their own. Become a powerful voice in this world. Be a rebel and do what feels right instead of allowing naysayers and trolls to dictate how we use and view our bodies.

Watch Leah Vernons video above.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Federal agency questions about patients are raising concerns. (Photo: Lucy Nicholson / Reuters)

A federal anti-drug program has been requesting information about registered medical marijuana patients in several states where the drug is legal for medical purposes. Officials say they are collecting general demographic data for research, but the move has alarmed some state officials as well as those in favor of more progressive laws who cite the Trump administrations mixed messages on marijuana use.

Health officials in at least eight states have been contacted over the last few weeks by either a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force, established to help reduce trafficking in the U.S., or by Dale Quigley, deputy coordinator of the National Marijuana Initiative (NMI), an arm of HIDTA, HuffPost has found. There are 32 HIDTA task forces across the nation, all funded by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, known as the drug czars office.

The federal program is seeking data on the age, gender and medical condition of registered patients, as well as the number of medical marijuana cards issued each year and the reasons for their authorization, according to numerous state health officials who spoke to HuffPost as well as emails sent to those state agencies and obtained by HuffPost.

California and Nevada were contacted by NMI, while Oregon was contacted by a regional HIDTA task force. Both were seeking demographic data about the states registered medical marijuana cardholders. Additionally, the program contacted health officials in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine and Vermont, The Boston Globe first reported last month, which HuffPost confirmed. HuffPost reached state health officials in 27 of the 29 states that have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, with no responses from New Hampshire, North Dakota or the District of Columbia.

In emails sent to state health regulators, Quigley, a former drug cop in Colorado and a vocal opponent of marijuana legalization, says NMI is doing comparative demographic research into states with medical provisions for marijuana and the use of a state-issued identification card. Quigley is seeking information on patients issued medical marijuana cards for the last 5 calendar years (2012  2016), he wrote.

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Some states, including California, did not directly provide the data Quigley requested. Instead, officials pointed him to their public website, which gives aggregate general demographic data on ages and genders of medical marijuana patients. Other states, such as Nevada, provided Quigley with similar general public demographic data directly (data that is also available on its public website), still not handing over the more specific information being requested. Some states, including Connecticut, had not yet responded to Quigley, but officials there said that they intend to, but only with public information.

Oregon health officials said they had not been contacted by Quigley but instead were contacted by an unidentified analyst at the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. State officials directed him to their website with all publicly available data on their medical marijuana program. They also instructed him to submit a public records request for any other data that he could not find. Oregon officials said they had not received any public record requests from HIDTA.

In an interview with HuffPost, NMI coordinator Ed Shemelya, said that the group had reached out to all 29 states that have legalized medical marijuana. He added that the group has been able to obtain most of the information it needed from the states websites and insisted that NMI had not sought specific patient information.

Shemelya explained that the group is seeking the information as part of an effort to examine usage rates in states that have made medical marijuana legal as well as in states that continue to prohibit its medical use. It is engaging in the research, Shemelya says, as part of our mission to examine the impacts of medical and recreational marijuana.

When asked if the research had any link to a Department of Justice task force formed in February by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a staunch marijuana opponent, to review federal enforcement of marijuana laws, among several other issues, Shemelya said, Absolutely not.

The intent is to provide factual information about the consequences of medical marijuana, and we will provide this to general public via our website, Shemelya said. How it is used after that I cannot answer. However, it is not being done for the purpose of guiding or shaping federal policy on marijuana. We are merely fulfilling our mission of educating folks on the impacts of medical and recreational marijuana.

But some state officials and advocates for marijuana law reforms voiced concern about the request largely because it is being made by an agency with an anti-drug mission that is overseen by the drug czars office, which is legislatively prohibited from publicly supporting the legalization of marijuana.

The federal program is also part of an administration that has voiced a willingness to roll back marijuana guidance set by the Obama administration that urged federal prosecutors to refrain from targeting state-legal marijuana operations. While marijuana remains illegal under federal law, the Obama-era guidance has allowed for state marijuana regulation to take shape, and theres concern that it could be reversed or altered in ways that could harm patients and cripple thriving industries.

The federal agency and task forces requesting this data have a long and dubious history of misleading the public about marijuana and advocating against state-level medical marijuana laws, Mason Tvert, vice president of public relations and communications at VS Strategies, told HuffPost. VS Strategies, a communications and government relations firm based in Denver, is focused on marijuana policy and was instrumental in the passage of Colorados recreational marijuana ballot measure. It is not surprising that the state officials who have been entrusted with administering these programs and protecting patients rights have some qualms about handing over their data.

Tvert also noted the irony of a federal agency asking state officials to facilitate their research and provide insights into their state programs, as federal agencies spent decades blocking marijuana research that could have informed state officials as they developed their medical marijuana programs.

Apparently there is a lot the federal government could learn from the states, and hopefully it will opt to work with them rather than against them, Tvert said. The best path forward would be one in which patients privacy is protected, states rights are respected and federal priorities are reflected.

Tom Angell, chairman of drug policy reform group Marijuana Majority, said that in general he thinks its a good idea to track and report on public health outcomes, as long as no individually identifying patient information is compromised. But, Angell said, with the anti-marijuana rhetoric coming from the Trump administrations Department of Justice, and Quigleys own past comments on the issue, you do have to wonder what the true motivation is here.

Angell said hes concerned about the request and hopes that states that do hand over data are careful it cannot be used to support any Reefer Madness-induced enforcement efforts that Jeff Sessions may wish to launch.

While Sessions task force has forwarded its recommendations on federal marijuana policy, he hasnt disclosed what those are. However, The Associated Press reported last month that the task force largely reiterated the Justice Departments current policy on marijuana and has not pushed for a crackdown.

National support for marijuana legalization has risen dramatically in recent years to historic highs. More than 90 percent of Americans support allowing adults to use marijuana for medical purposes if their doctor prescribes it, according to a Quinnipiac poll this year.

Also on HuffPost

Because Most Americans Are Unenthusiastic About It

Only 7 percent of Americans think the United States is winning the war on drugs, and few Americans are interested in throwing down more money to try to win, according to a Rasmussen Reports poll released in 2012.

Because The U.S. Won't Control The Flow Of Guns Into Latin America

Mexican authorities seized almost 70,000 weapons of U.S. origin from 2007 to 2011. In 2004, the U.S. Congress declined to renew a 10-year ban on the sale of assault weapons. They quickly became the guns of choice for Mexican drug cartels. Some 60,000 people have died in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon launched a military assault on the cartels in 2006.

Because The United States Leads The Hemisphere In Drug Consumption

Americans have the highest rate of illegal drug consumption in the world, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Because The U.S. Ignores Latin American Calls For A Rethinking Of Drug Policy

Several current and former Latin American presidents, like Fernando Henrique Cardoso, have urged the United States to rethink its failed war on drugs, to no avail.

Because Of The Fast And Furious Scandal

In an attempt to track guns as they moved across the U.S.-Mexico border, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms allowed smugglers to purchase weapons. The ATF lost track of the guns and they wound up in the hands of drug cartels -- even as far south as Colombia.

Because American Politicians Refuse To Candidly Lead A Debate On Reforming Our Laws

Though the subject of marijuana legalization regularly ranks among the most popular at the digital town halls President Obama takes part in, he declines to address the issue or give it a thoughtful answer. Incidentally, a younger Obama supported marijuana decriminalization and a rethinking of the drug war.

Because The U.S. Tortures Detainees In Cuba

Almost 800 prisoners accused of terrorism have have been held at the U.S. military prison of Guantanamo, Cuba, where they are detained indefinitely without facing trial. The United States has drawn international criticism from human rights defenders for subjecting the detainees there to torture and other cruel treatment. The Cuban government opposes hosting the U.S. naval base on its soil.

Because The U.S. Has The World's Largest Prison Population

The United States has the world's largest prison population by far -- largely fed by the war on drugs -- at 500 per 100,000 people.

Because The U.S. Jails Undocumented Immigrants Guilty Of Civil Violations

Because the United States imprisons roughly 400,000 immigrants each year on civil violations.

Because The Border Patrol Kills Kids Who Throw Rocks

The U.S. Border Patrol has come under fire for killing minors who were throwing rocks.

Because The U.S. Recognized An Illegal Government In Venezuela

When opponents of leftwing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez briefly ousted him in 2002, the United States not only failed to condemn the coup, it praised the coup leaders.

Because U.S. Extradition Undermines Justice In Colombia

When Colombia demobilized the largest rightwing paramilitary organization in 2006, if offered lenient sentences to those who would offer details on the atrocities the AUC committed. But rather than facing justice in their home country, Colombia has extradited several paramilitary leaders to the United States to face drug trafficking charges -- marking it harder for people like Bela Henriquez to find out the details surrounding the murders of their loved ones. "More than anger, I feel powerless," Henriquez, whose father, Julio, was kidnapped and killed on the orders of one defendant, told ProPublica. "We don't know what they are negotiating, what conditions they are living under. What guarantee of justice do we have?"

Because The U.S. Helped Create Today's Cartels

The U.S funded the Guatemalan military during the 1960s and 1970s anti-insurgency war, despite awareness of widespread human rights violations. Among the recipients of U.S military funding and training were the Kaibiles, a special force unit responsible for several massacres. Former Kaibiles have joined the ranks of the Zetas drug cartel.

Because The U.S. Backed An Argentine Military Dictatorship That Killed 30,000 People

The rightwing military dictatorship that took over Argentina in 1976 "disappeared" some 30,000 people, according to estimates by several human rights organizations. They subjected countless others to sadistic forms of torture and stole dozens of babies from mothers they jailed and murdered. The military junta carried out the so-called "Dirty War" with the full knowledge and support of the Nixon administration.

Because The U.S. Helped Topple The Democratically Elected Government Of Salvador Allende

When it became clear that socialist Salvador Allende would likely win the presidency in Chile, U.S. President Richard Nixon told the CIA to "make the economy scream" in order to "prevent Allende from coming to power or to unseat him," according to the National Security Archive. Augusto Pinochet overthrew Allende in a bloody coup on Sept. 11, 1973, torturing and disappearing thousands of his political rivals with the backing of the U.S. government.

Because the U.S. Backed A Military Coup In Brazil In 1964

The Brazilian military overthrew the democratically elected government of Joao Goulart in 1964, with the enthusiastic support of President Lyndon Johnson, ushering in two decades of repressive government.

Because The U.S. Funded A Terrorist Group In Nicaragua

The Reagan administration funded the Contra rebels against the Marxist Sandinista government in Nicaragua. Regarded by many as terrorists, the Contras murdered, tortured and raped civilians. When human rights organizations reported on the crimes, the Reagan administration accused them of working on behalf of the Sandinistas.

Because The U.S. Helped Finance Atrocities In Colombia

Through Plan Colombia, the U.S. has pumped over $6 billion into Colombia's military and intelligence service since 2002. The intelligence service has been disbanded for spying on the Supreme Court and carrying out smear campaigns against the justices, as well as journalists, members of Congress and human rights activists. The military faces numerous allegations of human rights abuse, including the practice of killing non-combatants from poor neighborhoods and dressing them up as guerrillas to inflate enemy casualty statistics.

Because The U.S. Maintains A Trade Embargo Against Cuba Despite Opposition From The Entire World

For 21 years, the U.N. has condemned the U.S. embargo against Cuba and for 21 years the United States has ignored it. Some 188 nations voted against the embargo this year, with only the U.S. itself, Israel, Palau opposing.

Because The U.S. Engineered A Coup Against The Democratically Elected Government Of Guatemala In 1954

At the behest of United Fruit Company, a U.S. corporation with extensive holdings in Central America, the CIA helped engineer the overthrow of the Guatemalan government in 1954, ushering in decades of civil war that resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives.

Because The U.S. Backed The Salvadoran Military As It Committed Atrocities In The 1980s

El Salvador's military committed atrocities throughout the 1980s with U.S. funding.

Because The U.S. Invaded Haiti and Occupied It For Almost 20 Years

Woodrow Wilson ordered the Marines to invade and occupy Haiti in 1915 after the assassination of the Haitian president. The troops didn't leave until 1934.

Because The U.S. Invaded Haiti Again In 1994

One invasion wasn't good enough. The U.S. military returned in 1994.

Because The U.S. Trained Military Leaders Who Committed Atrocities In Latin America

The School of the Americas in Ft. Benning, Georgia, trained soldiers and generals responsible for massacres and torture of tens of thousands of Latin Americans, according to Al Jazeera.

Because The U.S. Backed Dictator Rafael Trujillo

Rafael Trujillo Sr. (Photo by Hank Walker//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Because The U.S. Invaded Cuba And Undermined The Island's Independence

The so-called "Spanish-American War" began in 1868 with the first of a series of three wars for Cuban independence. In 1898, the U.S. got involved, invading Cuba and occupying the island after forcing Spain to give it. The United States then forced Cuba to accept the odious Platt Amendent to its Constitution, which allowed the United States to intervene in the country militarily and established the U.S. military base at Guantanamo.

Because The U.S. Colonized Puerto Rico

As long as you're invading Cuba, why not take Puerto Rico as well? The United States invaded in 1898 and the island remains a U.S. territory today.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
More than 100 residents were evacuated from the facility: AP

A criminal investigation has been opened after eight people died and more than 100 had to be evacuated when a nursing home was left without air conditioning in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

Officials said temperatures soared inside the Rehabilitation Centre at Hollywood Hills, 20 miles north of Miami, after enduring a prolonged power failure to the transformer that powered the air conditioning units. Three residents were found dead in the facility and five more died in hospital.

Its a sad event, Tomas Sanchez, the Hollywood Police Chief, told a news conference where he said an investigation was under way. As a precautionary measure, weve assigned police officers to go check all the other 42 assisted living facilities and nursing homes throughout the city to make sure theyre in sufficient care of the elderly.

On Tuesday, the lowest temperature in Hollywood was 26C, according to the US National Weather Service. The nursing home remains without power due to Irma.

Woman's 96yo mom was inside. She's angry. Says 3 days w no air. Portable units, fans used. Felt like 115 inside @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/uoVDSJPIPM  Sheli Muniz (@SheliNBC6) September 13, 2017

Florida Governor Rick Scott said he was heartbroken to learn of the deaths.

Breaking: Statement from rehab center where 5 people died early this morning @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/BHjPFqEjQB  Sheli Muniz (@SheliNBC6) September 13, 2017

I am going to aggressively demand answers on how this tragic event took place, he said a statement. Although the details of these reported deaths are still under investigation, this situation is unfathomable.

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Geane Mitchell, a nurse at the centre told the WSVN news channel, she was due to begin work at 7am, having been off for the last few days. However, when she showed up to work, paramedics were barring the doors and telling her she could not enter.

Television footage showed rescue crews arriving at the facility shortly after 7.30am on Wednesday and patients sitting outside in wheelchairs. Others were taken away on stretchers.

The Miami Herald quoted Flora Mitchell, a 61-year-old who had come to search for information about her sister, a resident there for 10 years. She said her sister could not talk or walk.

I dont know if my sister is living, said Ms Mitchell. Nobodys telling us nothing.

At least 27 people died in Florida and nearby US states, and destruction was widespread in the Keys, where Irma made initial US landfall on Sunday and became the second major hurricane to strike the mainland this season. More than 40 died in the Caribbean.

In the US, around 4.3 million homes and businesses, or about nine million people, were without power in Florida and nearby states today, according to Reuters.

Utility firm Florida Power & Light said it had provided power to some parts of the Hollywood nursing home but that the facility was not on a county top tier list for emergency power restoration.
Dr. Thomas Frieden speaks at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta on Sept. 30, 2014. (Photo: Tami Chappell / Reuters)

For Dr. Tom Frieden, fading quietly into retirement wasnt really an option.

Frieden announced Tuesday that he will spearhead Resolve, an ambitious initiative targeted at saving 100 million lives over 30 years and preventing global epidemics, after seven years as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The New York-based initiative plans to partner with governments and public health organizations around the world to reduce cardiovascular deaths and improve global epidemic preparedness.

Frieden said he had the opportunity to think big after ending his term as one of the longest-serving CDC directors in recent history. Tackling cardiovascular disease, which the World Health Organization says is the No. 1 cause of death globally, seemed like a good place to start. The disease kills nearly 18 million people each year.

The initiative will receive $225 million over five years from the Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, marking the first time those three major philanthropic players have collaborated in funding such a project. Frieden said the majority of the funding will go toward scaling up simple, inexpensive and underutilized methods for countries to fight preventable cardiovascular disease, which can be linked to fatal heart diseases and strokes.

Frieden laid out three overarching goals: get rid of artificial trans fats, reduce sodium intake and implement better treatments for high blood pressure.

He said Resolve will also aim to help governments in low- and middle-income countries identify and close gaps in proper responses to outbreaks of deadly diseases. The group aims to create better disease-tracking systems, build laboratory networks, hire disease detectives and make sure there are highly trained rapid response teams working out of functional emergency units.

Its not a matter of if there will be another infectious disease threat  we know there will be another one, said Frieden, who oversaw the CDCs work on the Ebola and Zika outbreaks. We need to be better prepared than we are today.

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The initiative hopes to tap into potential sources of funds within countries, the World Bank and the private sector, all of which he said have economic and humanitarian incentives to close these gaps.

Ron Klain, who served as President Barack Obamas Ebola response coordinator, said the creation of an initiative like Resolve could not come soon enough.

No threat has a higher chance of leading to a massive, sudden loss of lives in the next few years than a pandemic  and the world is woefully unprepared, Klain told HuffPost. Tom Frieden is the most respected leader in the world on this topic, both in the U.S. and overseas, and this effort, with the generosity of its donors, is vitally needed.

Related Coverage

CDC Director Calls It 'Shameful' This Curable Disease Still Kills Millions

Frieden said Resolve will work with the World Health Organization, the CDC Foundation, the World Bank, the Bloomberg School of Public Health at the Johns Hopkins University and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to implement these public health strategies and initiatives globally. The initiative will be housed under Vital Strategies, a global health nonprofit that operates across 60 countries an specializes in public health initiatives and partnerships.

The organization is outside the governments chain of command, but Frieden said he plans to working extensively with public health officials. He also said Resolve could complement, but not replace, the role of government in public health.

Resolve can work fast, flexibly and at scale, Frieden said. Were not trying to reinvent the wheel, but make the car go faster.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease who has worked with Frieden to address outbreaks, said Resolve could have a major positive impact. He highlighted the initiatives ample resources and Frieden having control over an organization without the constraints of governmental bureaucracy.

Im really looking forward to working with him in the coming years, Fauci said. Itll be interesting to see what we can do when hes on the outside and Im on the inside.

This article has been updated with comment from Anthony Fauci.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Paris (AFP) - French Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer has touched off a public debate about banning phones in schools as he seeks to implement a campaign pledge by President Emmanuel Macron.

In an interview with Express magazine, the minister suggested that pupils might be asked to deposit their phones in secure boxes when arriving at school or for classes.

"At our cabinet meetings, we drop our phones in lockers before sitting down together. It seems to me that this should be possible for any human group, including classes," he said in the interview published Tuesday.

Macron, a 39-year-old centrist, put banishing mobile phones from all primary and secondary schools in his manifesto ahead of his election victory in May.

Experts and trade unions have pointed out that using mobile phones in class is already outlawed in France, even though research shows that many pupils confess to having broken the rules.

Some teachers view phones as a source of a distraction and indiscipline which can be used for cyberbullying at school, while others believe they can be harnessed for educational purposes -- under strict control.

One of the biggest groups representing parents of French school children, known as Peep, said it was sceptical that a ban could be implemented.

"We don't think it's possible at the moment," the head of Peep, Gerard Pommier, told reporters on Wednesday.

"Imagine a secondary school with 600 pupils. Are they going to put all their phones in a box? How do you store them? And give them back at the end?"
Peenemuende (Germany) (AFP) - The German town of Peenemuende, population 250, has no school, no supermarket and none of the refugees who have streamed into the country in the last two years.

What it does have are the ruins of the Nazis' biggest military development complexes, where the V2 rocket was born, and one of the highest levels of support for the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of this month's general election.

The community's unique Third Reich history and then communist past and its isolated perch in the northeastern corner of Germany have left it particularly receptive to the AfD's anti-migrant and anti-Muslim message -- despite members of both groups being distinctly thin on the ground.

Forty-seven percent of Peenemuende's citizens voted AfD in a state election last September, meaning the town offers special insight into the appeal of a party that has rocked the German political establishment and looks set to win its first seats in the national parliament.

Another 5.6 percent cast a ballot for the far-right NPD.

"I watched all my schoolmates move away because there were no jobs and no support for young people or families with kids," said AfD voter Frank Neumann, 30, who runs tour boats on the Baltic.

"The established parties -- and (Chancellor Angela) Merkel embodies them -- have accomplished nothing in the last decade. I don't know if the AfD as a new party can do better but I'm hopeful."

Neumann, who said he was drawn to the AfD's emphasis on national pride, said growing up in the shadow of the Peenemuende complex was a mixed blessing.

"As I child of course I thought it was fascinating -- it was like a big playground with all the ruins hidden in the woods," he said.

"Later I realised that the technological achievements here were sensational but linked to war and destruction. We're not exactly proud of that. Our pride is more general -- everybody should be proud of their own country and heritage."

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- 'Myths and legends' -

Peenemuende occupies the northern tip of Usedom, an island of white sandy beaches and tree-shaded bicycle paths that attracts hordes of holidaymakers every summer.

It makes the region highly dependent on tourism, with a big fluctuation in jobless figures between the high season, when it reaches about 10 percent, twice the national average, and the frigid winter, when the rate can hit 15 percent.

Construction worker Nico Janick, 40, said the AfD had initially appealed to him for focusing on "forgotten" parts of Germany.

But he said he got turned off by the party infighting and now has no intention of voting at all.

"I don't have any faith in the AfD any more," he said. "They exploited the refugee crisis but if they were in power it would be pure chaos."

Peenemuende's impressive historical museum attracts 160,000 visitors a year from around the world, including the countries targeted by the V2 in the 1940s: Britain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The world's first long-range guided ballistic missiles, the V1 and more powerful successor, the V2, rained terror on population centres in the last years of World War II and are believed to have killed at least 15,000 people.

But the technology required to take the weapon to the outer reaches of the Earth's atmosphere later helped usher in the space age.

Tourists flock to see where armies of workers including slave labourers built the rockets, and where chief engineer Wernher von Braun laid the foundations for the Apollo moon missions.

The museum's chief archivist, Thomas Koehler, said Peenemuende was a place of "myths and legends" around Germany's most glorious and shameful chapters.

"We try to present history as it was -- we don't cover up the negative aspects, which many technical enthusiasts regret," he said.

"Others say we glorify Nazi engineers. But I guess if both sides are unhappy then we've struck a good balance."

- 'In rubble and ashes' -

Along with immigration, the four-year-old AfD has also taken aim at Germany's remembrance culture -- the solemn duty to acknowledge and atone for the Nazis' crimes.

Bjoern Hoecke, AfD chairman of Thuringia state, sparked a storm of protest in January for calling to turn the page on the country's wartime guilt.

Some AfD members said the remarks went too far but the party has embraced a position that the Third Reich looms too large in Germany's understanding of itself and should be set against the country's many technological, cultural and economic achievements.

"The country cannot live for an eternity in rubble and ashes," an AfD candidate running for parliament from the state, Leif-Erik Holm, told AFP.

"The Germans are always stunned to hear that we are in global surveys among the world's most popular nations. We ask ourselves how that can be possible given the Holocaust and us as the evil Germans. Apparently people see us in a more nuanced way abroad."

Koehler of the Peenemuende museum stressed his team believed it had clear responsibilities given the site's heavy historical burden.

"We stand for peaceful coexistence, for tolerance and for understanding among nations," he said.
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany deported eight Afghans with criminal records after their applications for asylum were rejected, said Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere. It was the first collective deportation to Afghanistan since an attack in Kabul on May 31 that killed and injured hundreds and damaged German embassy buildings. At that time the German government canceled a flight that was due to return a group of failed Afghan asylum seekers after criticism from rights activists that Berlin was sending people to a dangerous country. Germany had begun mass deportations of Afghans in December in an effort to show it was tackling high migrant numbers by cracking down on those who failed to qualify as refugees. Chancellor Angela Merkel has made clear that Germany deports to Afghanistan only criminals and people it considers a threat. The eight male asylum seekers who landed in Kabul on Wednesday morning and were received by Afghan authorities had all committed serious offences, said de Maiziere. Some 3,300 Afghans returned home of their own volition last year. Germany deported 67 people to Afghanistan last year and more than 100 have been sent back so far this year. (Reporting By Riham Alkousaa; editing by John Stonestreet)
MOUSCRON, Belgium (Reuters) - A Belgian teenager who blamed the local mayor for his father's suicide after he was fired from a town hall job has confessed to slashing the politician's throat in a cemetery on Monday night, public broadcaster RTBF said. The murder of Alfred Gadenne, 71, the mayor of Mouscron and a former lawmaker in the regional parliament, has shocked the country, with the prime minister expressing his "horror". The public prosecutor told Reuters that a man was under arrest after giving himself up to police at the scene after dark in Mouscron, an industrial border town of 57,000 close to the French city of Lille. He declined comment on media reports. RTBF, citing sources including the suspect's lawyer, said he was 18 and told police he was avenging his father, who killed himself two years ago after losing his job as a local council employee. A box-cutter was found at the scene, where the young man had calmly called police to attend around 8 p.m. Gadenne, a conservative whose death prompted tributes from across the national political spectrum, acted as caretaker for the cemetery next to his home and was killed after going there to lock up for the night, as he did every evening. Media reporting of this spare-time occupation during his decade as mayor had allowed the suspect to find Gadenne alone, RTBF said. It added that the man waited until he reached the age of majority so his mother, also a municipal employee, could not be held liable for his actions under Belgian law. Mourners left flowers at the cemetery gates and visited the town hall to sign a book of condolence for the mayor. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Philip Blenkinsop and Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
Behind the scenes of Heidi Klum designing her Esmara collection with Lidl. (Photo: Courtesy of Esmara by Heidi Klum)

Heidi Klum has long been a familiar face in fashion, modeling for brands like Victorias Secret and appearing on shows like Germanys Next Top Model and Project Runway. But for the first time ever, shes the name behind a full-range clothing line, and shes doing it in collaboration with German grocery store Lidl. The German beauty teamed up with the grocery chain in order to create Esmara by Heidi Klum: Heidi & the City, a collection that debuted at New York Fashion Week.

Lidl approached me and asked if I wanted to design collections for them, and I was very surprised, Klum tells Yahoo Style about the collaboration. They wanted to break in to fashion, and I said, To be honest, this is the most genius idea. To have one step less to do in your life as a woman is the most amazing thing.

The line features bold prints that real women can wear. (Photo: Courtesy of Esmara by Heidi Klum)

Accessibility is key to the collection, which features 84 affordable pieces in Klums own fashionable corner of the supermarket. While she veered away from creating items that might be too high fashion, she was able to push boundaries with color and design, at a pace that real women can keep up with.

I think to fantasize about all of these high, high, high fashion pieces  where is someone going to wear that? she questioned. When you are a woman who usually goes to black, to gray, to blue, and youre kind of scared to buy something thats a little outside of the box, you dont really want to spend $300. If its 60 bucks, a head-to-toe look, I think a woman will actually experience something that is more fashionable than what shes used to in her closet.

The fashion-forward model and television personality was able to incorporate the latest trends in terms of prints, colors, and materials. However, by incorporating them into wardrobe staples such as hoodies, bomber jackets, jeans, and suits, she is able to appeal to a larger audience. The wow factor comes through with cobalt blue, leopard-print, and black-sequined pieces, which she is telling women are easier to wear than they might have assumed.

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Klum acted as a stylist during the debut of the line, which took place in the form of an internationally streamed fashion show and presentation in a stylized supermarket in New York City, where she says it was most important to illustrate the collections ability to be mixed-and-matched.

Klum explains that her clothes are all about giving the wow factor to everyday women. (Photo: Courtesy of Esmara by Heidi Klum)

I think a lot of girls go into their closet, where theres a ton of stuff, but theyre like, Theres nothing in here. But I think its because they also dont necessarily know what goes with what, Klum says. You have to visualize it for them, because people have other things to do, and theyre not in the industry. Thats not their job; thats my job to make it easier for them.

From her travels and her work, Klum admits to the many places that she gathers inspiration. But the one place she homes in on for her designs is the street.

Its one thing when you see pieces walking down the runway, and then looking on the street to see what people are actually wearing. So, I think you have to always have an open eye. All of these things influence you, and thats what eventually goes into the next collection.

The model says that size inclusivity is something important to her, as she has been excluded from fashion herself because of it. From the earliest days of her career, Klum recalls there being size issues in the industry. Her belief is that this should have changed a long time ago.

I tried to do fashion shows, but nobody wanted me because they considered me too big, she says, if you believe it or not. Because I had too much boob and my hips were too wide. They were always like, You have child-birth-friendly hips, you dont fit into anything. So it is nuts. Fashion is for everyone, you cant exclude people due to their voluptuous size, or being shorter or taller. You cant be like, You dont fit into the fashion world. Thats crazy.

Klum continues to be inspired by real women in her life, including Americas Got Talent co-star Mel B  someone the model says would rock her line well.

The pieces will be available starting Sept. 21. (Photo: Courtesy of Esmara by Heidi Klum)

Shes not scared of anything. She loves the glitz. She would probably put on the leopard pants with the sparkly jacket, for example, and a blue top. Shes very creative in putting things together, Klum says. I have to send her some stuff  shes gonna be upset if I dont give her anything.

Each piece in the collection ranges in price from $6.99 to $29.99, apart from a real leather jacket retailing for $49.99. Esmara by Heidi Klum will be available at Lidl stores nationwide beginning Sept. 21.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

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@alextdaugherty

In 2011, The National Flood Insurance Program told Claudette DArrigo that her Highlands, New Jersey home was structurally sound after Hurricane Irene.

When Superstorm Sandy hit 13 months later and caused her home to flood, it was a different story.

The nations government-run flood insurance program, which ensures 1.7 million homeowners in Florida, determined that she had 20 years of earth erosion under her home, which meant she wasnt eligible for an insurance payout.

After submitting her 2011 document three times and contacting New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez failed to result in a payout, DArrigo filed an appeal in April 2015. Her appeal was heard in January 2017 and she received her payout in August 2017.

It was a low offer, but I accepted the offer because we needed to move on, DArrigo said. That is the process that will happen to everyone in Houston and everyone in Florida. It was a five-year wait for us to receive our money.

As Florida and Texas begin cleanup from Hurricane Irma, New Jersey and New York homeowners who endured flooding from Superstorm Sandy five years ago are urging Congress to overhaul the nations flood insurance program. They want greater protections from fraud while allowing private insurers to enter the market to avoid the delays after Superstorm Sandy.

The current program needs to be reformed, said New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur, who represents a stretch of coastal New Jersey damaged by Sandy. I hear from a lot of people who paid premiums for decades and now they are getting treated in a way that no private insurer could ever treat people without being called to account. Whats the difference? You can sue your private insurance company.

Key West resident Lee Cummings, a 69-year-old who spends his summers in the Washington, D.C. area, is worried that the delays after Sandy will also happen to people flooded by Irma after hearing DArrigo speak.

They seem pretty certain that the storm is stage one and the real battle is stage two, Cummings said. I certainly hope thats not true.

Cummings, who said he used satellite maps to see that his Key West house still has its roof after Irma, has no idea if flood waters damaged his property.



Read more here.
What happened: Hillary Clinton describes Donald Trumpas a 'fraud and a liar' in her new book - REUTERS

Hillary Clinton has said she is "convinced' associates of Donald Trump's campaign colluded with Russia to defeat her in last year's US presidential election.

In her most outspoken allegation so far the defeated Democrat nominee said she was in "no doubt" people connected to her rival helped Russia to interfere.

Mrs Clinton was speaking as she published a 495-page book "What Happened" about the campaign. In it she savaged Mr Trump as "hateful and flagrantly sexist," a "clear and present danger to the country and the world," and a "fraud and liar" who made her skin crawl.

Speaking to USA Today about Russia links, she said: "There certainly was communication and there certainly was an understanding of some sort.

"Because there's no doubt in my mind that (Vladimir) Putin wanted me to lose and wanted Trump to win."

Asked if she believed there was collusion with Russia by Trump associates, Mrs Clinton said: "I'm convinced of it."

Mrs Clinton's comments went further than other high profile Democrats.

Mrs Clinton and her book Credit: AFP

The question of whether there were links between the Trump campaign and Russia is being investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller and several different committees in Congress.

In her book Mrs Clinton said the Mueller investigation was "much more serious" than Watergate, and Mr Putin had a "personal vendetta" against her.

She wrote: "I wasnt just running against Donald Trump. I was up against the Russian intelligence apparatus.

"This wasnt the normal rough-and-tumble of politics. This was, theres no other word for it, war."

Mrs Clinton also blamed former FBI Director James Comey for reopening an investigation into her email server days before the vote, and her Democrat rival Bernie Sanders.

She said: "There were all of these outside forces coming at me right until the very end. I didn't get anything like that respect from Sanders and his supporters and it hurt."

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In her book Mrs Clinton also compared Mr Trump's approach to George Orwell's dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four and the Soviet Union, saying he had conducted a "war on truth".

Donald Trump and Russian espionage

She wrote: "Attempting to define reality is a core feature of authoritarianism. This is what the Soviets did when they erased political dissidents from historical photos.

"This is what happens in George Orwells classic novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, when a torturer holds up four fingers and delivers electric shocks until his prisoner sees five fingers as ordered."

She added: "If he stood up tomorrow and declared that the Earth is flat, his counselor Kellyanne Conway might just go on Fox News and defend it as an 'alternative fact' and too many people would believe it."

Mrs Clinton, who is "done" being a political candidate, said she declined anti-depressants and therapy following her defeat but drank Chardonnay instead.

As her book was published Mr Trump wrote on Twitter: "Fascinating to watch people writing books and major articles about me and yet they know nothing about me and have zero access. FAKE NEWS!"

Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, said it was "sad" that Mrs Clinton was spending the last chapter of her political life making "fake and reckless attacks to prop up book sales".
Ms Clinton blames a lot of people for her defeat, including herself: Getty

Hillary Clinton has claimed Vladimir Putin had a personal vendetta against her and that she is convinced Russia colluded with members of Donald Trumps campaign team during last years president election.

Ms Clinton, who suffered a stunning, surprised defeat to the former reality television star, said she believed the Russian leader held her responsible for Natos expansion into eastern Europe when her husband was president. Asked if she believed Moscow colluded with her rivals campaign to defeat her, she said: Im convinced of it.

I happen to believe in the rule of law and believe in evidence, so Im not going to go off and make all kinds of outrageous claims, she said.

Got to Hillary Clinton's NYC book signing at 6:40am. Line goes around the block. People here since 7 last night. pic.twitter.com/3Cud08r3a4  Emily Shugerman (@eshugerman) September 12, 2017

But if you look at what weve learned since [the election], its pretty troubling.

Ms Clintons comments in an interview with USA Today, at her home in upstate New York, come as she promotes a new book, What Happened, in which she discusses the campaign and reflects on why she lost to Mr Trump.

In the aftermath of her defeat last November, many who disliked him, faulted her for a campaign that lacked a clear message, failed to generate excitement among young people and included basic tactical errors such as failing to visit Wisconsin, which some believe reflected hubris and complacency among her team.

Ms Clinton has sought to accept responsibly for some of the failings. I go back over my own shortcomings and the mistakes we made, she writes.

I take responsibility for all of them. You can blame the data, blame the message, blame anything you want - but I was the candidate. It was my campaign. Those were my decisions.

Yet she also takes aim at plenty of others, including Bernie Sanders, her rival in the Democratic primary.

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In the book, she claims that the Vermont senator resorted to innuendo and impugning my character.

His attacks caused lasting damage, making it harder to unify progressives in the general election and paving the way for Trumps Crooked Hillary campaign, she writes.

Asked about her comments, she told the newspaper: Look, Im pretty clear in the book about what I think he did in the 2016 primary that was damaging to my campaign against Trump. And I contrast it with what I did at the end of the much closer, much more hard-fought 2008 primary.

She added: Hes not a Democrat. Thats not a slam on him; thats what he says. Hes not a Democrat. So its a little bit odd for him to be looked to by the press or anybody else as a major voice in the Democratic Party.

She also claimed that former FBI Director James Comey dealt her campaign a deadly blow when he announced, 11 days before before election day, that new emails had been uncovering during the probe of her use of a private email server. She wrote that he shivved her.

My first instinct was that my campaign should hit back hard and explain to the public that Comey had badly overstepped his bounds, she said in the interview. My team raised concerns with that kind of confrontational approach. In the end, we decided it would be better to just let it go and try to move on. Looking back, that was a mistake.

Ms Clintons willingness to drag over old ground and what many will see as her refusal to point the finger of blame at others, will add fire to the debate within the party as to what direction it should head as it prepares for the 2018 midterms and the presidential election of 2020. At the moment, it is progressive figures such as Mr Sanders and senator Elizabeth Warren who appear to have more momentum when compared to centrist figures within the party.

Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University in New York, told The Independent that the book may be cathartic, both for Ms Clinton and her supporters. It may be her chance to be genuinely raw, she said. Yet she said she feared it publication was a little too early. "I'd have preferred another year of reflection before she wrote it," she said. "That way, there may more useful analysis."

Mr Sanders, who urged his supporters to get behind her during an impassioned speech at the Democratic National Convention, has already dismissed her criticism of her.

Look, Secretary Clinton ran against the most unpopular candidate in the history of this country and she lost and she was upset about it and I understand that, he told CBS News. I think its a little bit silly to keep talking about 2016.

Democratic congressman Jared Huffman of California, recently tweeted of Ms Clintons comments about Mr Sanders: Please Hillary, dont go there. I supported you. Bernie showed restraint and class and ran aspirational campaign. Politics is rough sometimes.
As Hillary Clinton arrived at a book signing for her memoir What Happened on Tuesday, the crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief. Their grief counselor was finally there.

Indeed, Clinton is no longer wandering the woods of Chappaqua, and her proudest supporters couldnt be happierthey need her. Some of them spent the entire night outside a Manhattan Barnes & Noble to be certain they would meet their hero.

Months after the election, the Democratic party hasnt overcome the heated primary battles between Clinton and her former Democratic opponent, Senator Bernie Sanders, let alone processed Clintons subsequent loss to Donald Trump in an election that, polls showed, was hers for the taking.

But the more Clinton takes on Trumpand the more Sanders tells her to move onthe more Clinton loyalists lash out at criticism of their hero.

I think its BS, said Kristen Blush, 36, a New Yorker who wore a denim jacket adorned with pro-Clinton buttonsmementos of the campaign that will never end.

Others near Blush joined the Bernie bashing. When asked whether they blamed Sanders for Clintons loss, multiple members of the group shouted, Yes! as if at a campaign rally.

Clintons victimhood can function as a mirror for her fans own battles with the sexism they feel Clinton faced during the presidential campaign.

Theres disproportionate anger toward Clinton. It seems so slanted against her, said Ava Paloma, 33, who lives in the West Village.

Paloma said the coverage of Clintons book so far has been horrible.

I do think theres a lot of misogyny, she added.

To be fair to Clinton, she also blames herself in the book, citing her boneheaded use of a private email service and the poor optics brought about by Wall Street speeches.

But What Happened is not all about her own mistakes. Sure, it hits on all the five stages of grief denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptancebut its the anger that Clinton and her fans keep coming back to.

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It mustve been cathartic to write, and I hope its cathartic to read, said Cat Guido, 28, of Philadelphia, who arrived at the bookstore at 3 a.m. to ensure that her copy of the book would get signed. I hope she stays in public service.... I want her to run again. Her tenacity and dedication is really inspiring.

Clinton didnt say anything before getting behind the signing table, but she did give supporters brief sessions on the counseling couch.

I (told) her to just take easy, youve done a lot, said Brandon Powell, 24, of Brooklyn. He added that if he ever has a daughter, hell point to Clinton as a role model.

Thats a strong woman right there, he said of Clinton.

Strong, but still not loved. A new poll Tuesday revealed that 61 percent of voters want Clinton to retire from public service. And she starts her book tour with an approval rating lower than Trumpsa historically unpopular president.

And outside the Barnes & Noble on Union Square, Clinton haters gathered with signs and screams.

But the loyalists inside remained with her.

People need to lay off Clinton, said Bettina Bilger of New Jersey, who campaigned for the former secretary of state last year. I think its ridiculous. Shes speaking her truth. Anything she does, theres backlash.

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"Maybe hed forgotten, because he didnt come equipped with any garlic or wood stakes," former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton writes of her exchange with Ryan Zinke on Jan. 20. (Photo: Lucas Jackson / Reuters)

WASHINGTON  Hillary Clinton writes in her new book that when approached by then-Congressman Ryan Zinke at President Donald Trumps inauguration luncheon, she quickly assured the soon-to-be interior secretary he neednt worry about her being supremely evil.

During a campaign stop in January 2014, when Zinke was a GOP candidate for Congress in Montana, he called Clinton the Antichrist and the real enemy.

According to multiple reports, Clinton writes in her book that during the Jan. 20 luncheon, Zinke brought his wife [Lolita] over to say hello  a move she found somewhat surprising considering his previous comments.

Maybe hed forgotten, because he didnt come equipped with any garlic or wood stakes, or whatever one uses to ward off the Antichrist, Clinton writes. But I hadnt forgotten.

Clinton writes of confronting Zinke: You know, Congressman, I said, Im not actually the Antichrist.

Hillary says she gave @SecretaryZinke the smack-down at the inauguration pic.twitter.com/DsDHxtbkMQ  Alex Guillen (@alexcguillen) September 12, 2017

Clinton claims Zinke was taken aback by her comment and mumbled something about not having meant it.

One thing Ive learned over the years is how easy it is for some people to say horrible things about me when Im not around, but how hard it is for them to look me in the eye and say it to my face.

As for whether Zinke meant what he said, Zinke was asked just that in an interview with The Daily Inter Lake a week after the 2014 campaign event.

I would say this: It was perhaps a little harsh, the former Navy SEAL told the Montana newspaper. But I had two friends in Benghazi, and the truth does matter.

Zinke was referring to the former secretary of states handling of the 2012 terrorist attack in Libya in which four Americans were killed.

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In her new book, What Happened, released Tuesday, Clinton reflects on her election defeat to Trump.

Also on HuffPost

Chelsea, Bill, and Hillary Clinton after the first Clinton-Dole debate in Hartford, Connecticut. October 6, 1996.

A stop during Hillary Clinton's senate campaign, summer 2000.

Campaigning at a rally in Athens, Texas. August 28, 1992.

The Clintons, with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Cherie Blair, rest after a receiving line before a state dinner. February 5,1998.

At a campaign rally in Balboa Park, San Diego, following Bill Clintons presidential debate with Bob Dole there. October 16, 1996.

Firing a US Secret Service sniper rifle at a water-filled jug while touring the Secret Service training center in Beltsville, Maryland. The jug can be seen exploding down-range. October 4, 1997.

At the state dinner in the White House for Chinese President Jiang Zemin. October 29, 1997.

President Clinton and Hillary Clinton in a meeting about healthcare reform in the White House's Roosevelt Room. February 17, 1993.

Addressing the press and taking questions on a wide range of topics in the East Room of the White House. The seventy-two-minute Q&A came months after reporters began demanding that Clinton discuss her role in criticized commodity trades and an Arkansas land deal first reported on in 1992. It was her only such event during her tenure as First Lady. April 22, 1994.

Speaking with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright aboard Air Force One en route to Europe. May 26, 1997.

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With the second day of the Holly Bobo murder trial underway Tuesday, jurors were shown photographs taken from the crime scene on the day the 20-year-old disappeared in 2011. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Lawrence James put forth pictures taken inside the Bobos home in Darden, Tennessee, that day.

The photos showed Bobos Ford Mustang inside the family garage and blood inside the garage that DNA testing determined to be Bobo's. James said the photos and bloodstains indicated that Bobo struggled with someone inside the garage.

Then a nursing student at the University of Tennessee, Bobo went missing in the woods behind her familys home in 2011. Her brother saw her entering the woods with a man dressed in camouflage but initially thought the man was her boyfriend. He quickly released something was amiss when he found bloodstains and notified 911. An extensive search for Bobo yielded nothing for more than three years  until her remains were located in the Decatur County woods near Nashville in 2014.

Standing trial Tuesday, 33-year-old Zach Adams was accused of drugging, raping and killing Bobo. The state called multiple witnesses to testify Tuesday, including Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper Warren Rainey, who said he visited Adams a week and a half after Bobos disappearance and that Adams appeared visibly scared and was shaking. Another witness testified about walking near Bobos house and seeing a white truck drive by slowly around the time of her disappearance.

Another photograph shown at the trial Tuesday revealed scars on Adams arm after Bobo went missing, according to WSMV-TV, an NBC affiliate in Nashville. An FBI agent testified that he saw the scratches when visiting Adams after the disappearance. Adams, however, said he was scratched when trying to escape from police on a different charge.

The trials second day followed an emotional first day in court Monday when Bobos mother collapsed after being shown her daughters purse and other belongings. The defense subsequently called for a mistrial, a request ultimately denied by the judge.

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In the trials opening statements Monday, prosecutors alleged that Adams' kidnapped Bobo from her home and raped her. Believing he had killed her, he called his friend Jason Autry to help dispose of her body. While she was wrapped in a sheet in his car, he realized she was not yet dead and shot her in the head, prosecutors said.

[Adams] took her, said Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman. He raped her. He killed her. He discarded her. He covered it up. He bragged about it. And he almost got away with it.

Adams pleaded not guilty to kidnapping, rape and murder charges. His defense team has cited a lack of forensic evidence linking Adams and Bobo. The trial was set to continue in the coming days. Should Adams be convicted, he could face the death penalty.

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There's Hope after Mooch: Hope Hicks, successor to Anthony Scaramucci as Donald Trump's communications director - Bloomberg POOL

Hope Hicks, President Donald Trump's third communications director, is one of his most loyal and hard-working members of his staff. She was one of the very first people to join his fledgling presidential campaign.

Miss Hicks, 28, who the president has sometimes called "Hopester," is from Connecticut and graduated from Southern Methodist University.

She was briefly a model, appearing in a Ralph Lauren advert and on the cover of a book called The It Girl.

She once told a local magazine that if modeling and acting didn't lead anywhere she "could really see myself in politics. Who knows?"

Hope Hicks with Kellyanne Conway, Counselor to the President

After moving to New York she worked for an advertising agency that handled the Ivanka Trump brand.

From there she was brought into the Trump Organization to work on Miss Trump's fashion line.

She was then seconded to be Mr Trump's spokeswoman at the very start of his campaign when he had only a handful of staff.

That's me in the corner: Hope Hicks among Donald Trump's key staff, including Kellyanne Conway and Jared Kushner, at the Oval Office in January Credit: Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty Images

Miss Hicks was at the candidate's side throughout the campaign, managing the demands of the ever-growing media contingent.

After Mr Trump's victory she became director of strategic communications in the White House and occupied a desk just outside the Oval Office.

In the White House she has had the trust of the president and also managed to remain out of both the the public spotlight, and the vicious infighting among other presidential aides.

She has been described by some of those other White House insiders as "untouchable".

Hope Hicks disembarks Air Force Once Credit: AP

Unlike some other senior White House aides she does not conduct television interviews and is keen to remain away from the camera. She has only tweeted three times.

In May she was mocked on social media after issuing a rare statement in response to a Washington Post article that suggested Mr Trump belittles his staff in private.

Miss Hicks said: "President Trump has a magnetic personality and exudes positive energy, which is infectious to those around him.

"He is brilliant with a great sense of humour, and an amazing ability to make people feel special and aspire to be more than even they thought possible."

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After the departure of her high profile predecessor Anthony Scaramucci she was temporarily elevated to the Communications Director role, which has now be made permanent.

Miss Hicks already speaks to the president several times each day, informing him how stories are playing out in the media.

She will work closely with Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House Press Secretary on the White House's media strategy.

Reaction on social media suggested her appointment was popular with many of Mr Trump's supporters.
Hope Hicks: Getty Images

Hope Hicks has officially become the third person to hold the title of communications director in Donald Trumps White House.

Ms Hicks has been with Mr Trump  in the Presidents own words  from the beginning, joining his presidential campaign team early on and sticking with him through several staff restructurings.

The 28-year-old also proved to be a Trump stalwart during the real estate mogul's transition to the White House and throughout the first eight months of his administration.

Originally named as White House Director of Strategic Communications in December, Ms Hicks was appointed last month to be interim White House Communications Director after the ousting of Anthony Scaramucci. She will now hold the job on a permanent basis, according to Bloomberg.

Prior to joining Mr Trumps campaign team, Ms Hicks had no experience working in politics.

Her relationship with the Trump family began while she was an employee of Hiltzik Strategies, a New York public relations firm, where she worked on projects for Ivanka Trump, the Presidents eldest daughter.

Ms Hicks went on to leave the firm to work for the Trump Organization in 2014, helping to expand Ms Trumps fashion label.

Originally from Greenwich, Connecticut, Ms Hicks received her English degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas in 2010.

While Mr Trump has already fired or dismissed several of his aides during the first leg of his administration, Ms Hicks has been labelled by the media as untouchable.

After Mr Scaramucci was announced as the new communications director in July  replacing Mike Dubke, who resigned in May  Mr Scaramucci said at a news conference: Dan [Scavino] and Hope Hicks are staying. As it relates to the other people in the comms shop, Ive got to get to know them.

Also in July, when the President gave a 50-minute interview to the New York Times, Ms Hicks was reportedly the only aide who sat in on the meeting.

During the interview, Mr Trump condemned Attorney General Jeff Sessions's decision to recuse himself from an investigation into his campaigns alleged ties to Russia. He also said special counsel Robert Mueller would be crossing a line if he probed the Trump familys finances and indicated he didn't how much health insurance costs.

Ms Hicks, who tends to avoid the spotlight and usually does not speak on-camera, is reportedly among those Mr Mueller hopes to interview in connection with his investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election.
Model Grace Elizabeth in H&M Studio AW17 collection, photographed by Christian MacDonald, styled by Ludivine Poiblanc, in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)

Designers are showing their new spring collections during Fashion Week, but the IRL fall season is still ahead of us.

As you begin to shop for your autumn wardrobe, consider opting for H&Ms new fall Studio collection, which officially launches Sept. 14. The Studio collection differs from H&Ms often buzzy designer collaborations as it is a tightly curated collection conceptualized by the in-house team. Of course, as this is H&M, the chic styles are made more awesome thanks to their affordable price point.

Ahead of the H&M autumn-winter 2017 collection launch, Yahoo Style spoke to Angelica Grimborg, H&M Studio designer, and Ludivine Poiblanc, creative adviser and stylist, to learn more about the inspiration behind the collection and how it came to be.

From left, Emily Johansson, H&M designer, H&M Studio; Ludivine Poiblanc, creative adviser and stylist; Angelica Grimborg, H&M designer, H&M Studio, all wearing clothing from H&M Studio AW17. (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)

According to Poiblanc, the process started more than a year ago, when Poiblanc and the H&M Studio design team traveled to Italy to explore fabric factories and research different materials. There, Grimborg says, We fell in love with the menswear fabrics and with delicate satins. So we started to talk about these contrasts.

Model Grace Elizabeth in a long double-breasted coat made of melange wool from the H&M Studio AW17 collection, photographed by Christian MacDonald, styled by Ludivine Poiblanc, in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)

The menswear influence in the collection is undeniable. Impeccably tailored suits, wide-leg trousers, blazers, oxford shirting, and coats make up the bread and butter of the collection. The color palette is dark and moody, consisting primarily of black, gray, white, and brown only with splashes of navy and burgundy here and there. As Grimborg points out, even with this menswear influence, the clothing is still very feminine, and keeps features that make it a classic.

In Italy, the H&M Studio team and Poiblanc began to discuss what they each wanted out of the collection. The consensus quickly homed in on the concept of the perfect wardrobe and what that would look like. According to Grimborg, the perfect wardrobe always consists of, a nice pair of trousers, a nice blazer, some cozy knit, and a feminine cool dress and statement jewelry and shoes. Its a bit like power dressing.' The Studio collection blends these essentials in an aesthetic that is very representative of Poiblanc herself, who often wears dark-colored, minimalistic tailored clothing.

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Model Grace Elizabeth in a ribbed turtleneck, an asymmetrical skirt, and thigh-high boots from H&M Studio AW17, photographed by Christian MacDonald, styled by Ludivine Poiblanc, in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)

After Italy, the team visited New York City, where Poiblanc is based. In New York, the team was inspired by the grittiness of the urban landscape and the graffiti art found citywide. The graffiti soon became a main motif of the collection in which H&M created its own graffiti prints shown on a few of the knits, skirts, and accessories in the collection.

Standout pieces include the high-fashion black thigh-high boots, a graffiti-print asymmetrical flounce miniskirt, a graffiti-print ribbed knit, tailored suiting, and an athleisure-style black-and-navy puffer jacket.

Model Grace Elizabeth in a black-and-navy puffer jacket, cross-stitched pants, and boots from H&M Studio AW17, photographed by Christian MacDonald, styled by Ludivine Poiblanc, in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)

One of the graffiti-print knits from the H&M Studio AW17 collection. (Photo: Courtesy of H&M)

Ultimately the collection is tailor fit for the urban girl: I hope the girls in Paris will love it and I hope the girls in New York will love it, Grimborg says. But dont be deterred if you dont live in one of these major fashion capitals. Thats the whole point. You can still obtain that covetable urban fashion look in your own hometown by shopping the H&M Studio collection in select stores and online at hm.com starting on Sept. 14.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

 Kim Kardashian stuns in Tom Ford front row while Gigi and Kendall strut by on the runway

 Kaia Gerbers runway debut was a lot different than mother Cindy Crawfords in 1991

 Curvy models stun in groundbreaking fashion show

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.




Julia (L) and Brianna (R). (Photo: Julia/Brianna)

Welcome to The Story We Share, a series of Q&As that profile two people with similar identities  but who live in very different places. As part of HuffPosts Listen To America tour, were exploring how peoples lived experiences overlap and diverge depending on their zip codes. What is the American Experience? It depends where you look.

***

Brianna grew up in a house with just her mother in the rainy city of Seattle. Her dad wasnt around much and she had a few half siblings, but her mom was (and still is) her best friend and confidante. After Brianna graduated from high school, she went off to college in Atlanta. After moving around a bit, she landed in Los Angeles, where she now owns and runs a nonprofit.

Julia grew up in a small town in Ohio with a big, tight-knit family that included her parents and three younger sisters (all of whom also have names starting with the letter J). She always knew she was going to attend the University of Akron, which is only a 20-minute drive from her childhood home and is the same place her parents met. Now, at 27, Julia lives in Washington, D.C., where she just started a job with the Department of Transportation.

These women had virtually nothing in common on paper until they became part of a statistic that altered the course of their lives. Both Brianna and Julia were raped during their first two years at college.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced last week that she will begin rolling back Obama-era Title IX guidelines. During her speech, DeVos devoted equal time to the stories of survivors and those wrongly accused, as if these two groups are equivalent in size. The news reignited debates around the prevalence of sexual assault, as people on social media discussed the rights of the wrongfully accused and insinuated that survivors cry rape.

Too often, when we talk about sexual assault on campus, people imagine two young, drunk kids at a fraternity party. But the reality is that if you talk to 100 or 1,000 survivors, you wont hear the same story twice. And given that our country has just taken a step back in understanding (and therefore combatting) rape culture, its more important than ever to listen to as many of those stories as we can.

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Here is what Brianna and Julia say happened to them.

Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of sexual assault.

***

HuffPost: What was your childhood like?

Brianna (Georgia): I grew up in Seattle, Washington, with a single parent, my mother who had me when she was 15. Seattle is a very eclectic, progressive city. My dad had some drug issues, so he wasnt really around. I didnt grow up really religious, but there was definitely a belief in God and something bigger than us. We werent very politically active. It was just my mom and I growing up and we focused mostly on education and being the best Brianna I can be.

Julia (Ohio): I grew up in a suburb of Akron, Ohio, which is in northeast Ohio. Thats where my whole family is from. Thats where they still are. My upbringing was beyond idyllic: My parents just celebrated their 30th anniversary, and I have three younger sisters. I was very studious and grades were really important to me. I was also very religious in high school. Not so much anymore. But that was a huge, huge part of my identity, really right up until I was assaulted. I was not a crazy partier by any means. I was very anti-underage drinking, just very against partying in general. Politically, I had friends on both sides of the spectrum, but I grew up in a very staunchly conservative family.

Left: Julia at 4 years old with The University of Akron mascot, Zippy the Kangaroo; Right: Brianna at her fifth-grade graduation. (Photo: Julia/Brianna)

Can you walk me through your assault?

Brianna (Georgia): I went off to college for my sophomore year at Clark Atlanta University. On April 1, 2003, I went out to see my girlfriends in downtown Atlanta. We went to get food after, and  since I didnt drink at the time  I decided to get my car to move it closer to where we were going to eat. When I moved it I had to parallel park and I just happened to tap the car behind me. Some guys got out of the car and started yelling at me that I had hit their car. As the altercation was happening, some guy I didnt know ran over from across the street to help me and tell these guys to calm down. We eventually exchanged information so me and the guy whose car I had tapped could get in touch about insurance and clear it up the next day.

When the other car had left, the guy who had ran across the street told me, I think you should move your car because even if you guys are coming from a club and you guys bump into each other again, it probably wont be the safest thing. He told me about a parking garage I could park in around the corner, so I did. When I was getting out the car, there was hands around my throat and it was the guy that had been helping me who told me about the parking garage. I dont know if it was a setup or what. He strangled me until I passed out. When I woke up which was at about 4:18 in the morning  I remember looking at my car clock  I was in my passenger seat with my whole seat back. He was driving my car, smoking a cigarette, music on blast, and all I know is that we were clearly on the highway because he was going at a certain speed. I couldnt move, the nurse later said it was just shock. And then he raped me. I knew he had raped me when I was passed out because I was butt naked, so I put two and two together. He kept me for about seven hours, the whole time I was in and out of consciousness. He ended up pulling into a parking lot and he unclenched my teeth, and he poured something down my throat and I started choking. Hes like, Get the fuck up! He was cussing at me and yelling at me, screaming, Get up! Whyd you let them do that to you? He acted like it was someone else, as if I didnt remember every single pore he had in his face while he was choking me. Im fighting for my life, and I had to do nothing but stare at him the whole time. The idea that he thought that I wouldnt remember was ironic.

He said, Whyd you let them do that to you? Look at your fuckin self! And he flipped the mirror down, and he pulled my feet up, and when I looked in the mirror, honestly, I could not recognize myself. My face was completely swollen, my eyes were bloodshot red and I just remember telling myself, Brianna, do not start crying. Do not start crying. I dont know where that strength or where those thoughts came from, but I just said, I dont remember anything. I said, I do not remember anything. Please, can I get back to my dorm I have a final, I have to go to school. Please. And he was like, You dont remember anything? And it was the most ironic thing, cause he was talking to me, but it was as if he was talking to himself.

If you were a hoe, you should have told me! It was all this weird communication. I kept saying, Please, I need to leave, I need to leave. I just want to go home, and he was like, No. Come into the apartment. You can take a shower and stuff, and Im like, No, please, I really have finals, just trying to get through everything. What seemed like forever, I dont even know the amount of time we sat there, and he was talking and just talking and talking and talking. And Im just like, Please, I just really need to go to finals. I added, Thank you so much for helping me. I was trying to appease him in whatever way because I didnt know where he was going. He was angry but then he would speak calmly and then angry again and then calmly. He climbed on top of me and made me give him oral sex and then he was like, Thats for me helping you.

He finally let me go because I convinced him I had to go back to my dorm to study for finals. He ended up dropping himself off near the Greyhound station, and I got into my drivers seat and I drove to the dorm.

Julia (Ohio): I always knew that Akron University was where I belonged. In my mind, it was like why am I even going to look at any other college? It was 20 minutes away from my parents home and everyone in my family goes to the University of Akron.

It was the second week I was at school my freshman year. It was Labor Day weekend so a lot people went home for the weekend. I had stayed on campus, but my roommate was back at home so I was by myself. I got to talking with one of the guys who lived on my floor very casually. He had gone to high school nearby, and we were talking about our majors and what we wanted out of Akron and stuff. Later on we met up with his friend from high school who also went to Akron. The three of us hung out in the social hall for a while watching videos on my computer. It was a completely normal night. I remember I had pizza in my room. I said, Hey, do you guys want some pizza? They said yes. I brought the pizza out. Everyone  at least, I assumed everyone  was tired and getting ready to go into their rooms to go to sleep because we had class the next day. The kid who lived on my floor remembered that my grandma had sent me a care package with candy in it, and he asked if he could have some, so I was like, yeah, OK. I get up, I go back to my room thinking Ill just get this candy and bring it out to the social hall like I already had, and instead they followed me to my room, which I did not see as a red flag at the time really at all.

The second kid lived in a different dorm, so I thought they were just moseying toward the end of the night. So the guy that lived on my floor did, after eating the candy in my doorway he said goodnight and left. I thought this other guy would follow him because theyre friends, especially since I didnt really know this other person.

I thought, OK, this guy just didnt understand, you should have followed your friend out of my room. Its late. We have class. That was all made very clear, and he just did not leave. Just absolutely refused to leave. He kept on wanting to watch videos. My friend had told me before I went to college, shes like you have to be careful because guys will try to get away with stuff, and I was like Im going to be fine. I have a boyfriend. If anything ever gets uncomfortable, Ill just drop that I have a boyfriend, and theyll leave me alone.

That didnt work in this situation. I had kind of run out of all of my fail safes I guess, where its like how are you not getting the message that I am not interested in you at all? Thats about the time that I realized oh my gosh, hes not going to leave, and thats when he raped me. It was just that moment, by the time I realized what was happening, it was too late. Your brain is going to really try to convince you Im going to get out of this, Im going to be OK.

Left: Brianna with her mother as a young girl; Right: Julia with her parents before high school prom in 2008. (Photo: Brianna/Julia)

Who was the first person you told and how did that conversation go?

Brianna (Georgia): I drove myself to my friends dorm where I was staying. When I get to her dorm, I didnt think she was going to be there, but she was. As soon as I walked in, she was like, Oh my god, Brianna, what happened to you? And I was like, I just need to get in the shower. I just need to get in the shower. And I think she put two and two together, and she said, Absolutely not, Im taking you straight to the hospital. I thought that she wasnt going to be there. I was going to take a shower. I was going to go to class and act as if I had been in a fight because I had so many bruises on my face. Looking back on it, it was such a blessing to have her there. She didnt really have words. All she said was, Youre gonna be OK.

Julia (Ohio): After he left, I decided I had to call someone. I called a girl that I knew from high school who had given a testimony at a retreat at church about how she had been assaulted. It was around 5 or 6 in the morning, and she didnt answer, so I sat there for a couple of minutes, trying to get my bearings and understand what I was supposed to do next, but then she called back. I told her that Im really scared, I dont know really what just happened to me. I think I was just raped, and she told me that I should call the police, so I called the police.

Julia at her high school graduation in 2008, the same year she was raped. (Photo: Julia)

What was it like to report your rape?

Brianna (Georgia): My friend and I had to wait a little bit in the waiting room when we got to the hospital. The time just seemed to be really long. Everything just seemed to be really, really long and drawn out. When I got in the nurse was really, really amazing. They were very polite and accommodating and compassionate, which was great to have. But then there was a switch when the detective came and the police came. The line of questioning began: What were you wearing? Did you know him? Are you sure you didnt know him? That part was disgusting to me. I just felt like there was a lack of compassion with the police. The questions, I felt, were very triggering. I think its just something that they do every day. Its the job. They do have to ask those questions.

Julia (Ohio): After I hung up with the girl from high school I called 911 or some type of emergency number, I dont really remember. I ended up talking to a dispatcher, and I explained my situation. I remember telling her what happened and telling her Im really scared, that Im shaking. She stopped me and she said honey, if you said no, it doesnt matter. Thats rape. He had no right to touch you. She stayed on the line with me until I woke up my RA and the police and paramedics came. The paramedics took me away in a stretcher, which was terrifying. I just kept thinking I hope no one sees me being taken out of my dorm in a stretcher because what are they going to think? It was my first week of college. I dont want to be a pariah. I dont want this. I just want to be Julia. I want to be studious and going to school and getting As and getting on with my life after high school.

They took me to the hospital, and I remember they took me to an unmarked room where they called in a sexual assault nurse examiner and a rape crisis counselor. The rape crisis woman was by my side pretty much the whole time. She didnt go in for the actual rape kit examination with me. That was just the nurse. But other than that, she held my hand.

After the rape kit had been done, an officer showed up to take my statement. He said, Ive been doing this for 12 or 14 years, and Ive only seen one rape conviction, so I dont want you to get your hopes up. And the second thing he told me was dont tell a lot of people about what happened to you because if this does go to trial, the DA will use that to say you did this for attention. You cant go around talking about this.

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Left: Julia at her college graduation Honors Ceremony; Right: Brianna and her mother during her college graduation. (Photo: Julia/Brianna)

What were the first few days after the assault like?

Brianna (Georgia): There was a lot of crying, it was pretty surreal. When my mom came, there was a lot more crying, but the beautiful thing about my mother is I remember when she first came, she was already a hot mess. You could tell shed been crying on her way from Seattle to Atlanta. She hugged me for like 30 minutes. I cried, she cried, and we just cried in that moment.

As soon as I opened the door, we sat down and she said, You know what? No matter what has happened to you, you survived. I want you to feel whatever youre feeling, and be OK with those feelings, and be compassionate with yourself, and know that youre gonna get through this. Im going to be here with you every step of the way.

I just cried a lot that day. I didnt even realize you have that many tears in your body, that much water in your body. It was just a lot of tears, and a lot of sleeping and waking up crying, and sleeping, and nightmares. That was my 24 hours and that was a lot of my month too, until I really kind of healed a little bit.

Julia (Ohio): By the time I was done writing my police statement and doing my physical exam, I called my dad. I thought somebody had already told him what had happened, but nobody had. He picked up the phone, and was joking around telling me my mom had been looking for me, and I was like wait, has no one told you what happened?

That was the hardest phone call that Ive ever made for sure. I just remember hearing this really loud crash or banging on the other side of the line and my dad just screaming. I dont think he went back to work that whole week.

I remember my three little sisters, Jennifer was 16, Jessica was 12, and Janelle was 9, maybe. When I came back from the hospital, each of them were told something slightly different about what happened to me. Jennifer, we called into the family room and my mom tried to start saying what happened, and her voice just completely went, and she just closed her eyes and shook her head. So I told my sister. I told her I had been raped last night. The first thing I said was, I just want you to know that it doesnt matter what you do, nobody ever gets to touch you like that unless you want them to. Jessica was told that a bad man had done a bad thing to Julia, and then Janelle was told that something bad happened to Julia.

Its hard, looking back to think that I should have just been ruder. I should have just said no, get the fuck out of my room. You dont belong here. I dont want you here anymore. But again, it was the first week of college. I didnt want to be seen as the crazy girl or the bitch or the person whos causing drama or overreacting. I grew up in a huge bubble. This kind of stuff didnt happen to people like me. I did not party. I wasnt sleeping around. I wasnt frequently with people who I didnt know, and even when I was, those people certainly didnt try to assault me.

Brianna with friends from Clarke Atlanta University. She described them as her "greatest support." (Photo: Brianna)

What was the healing process like?

Brianna (Georgia): After the assault my mom wanted me to go back to Seattle, but I just couldnt. I was like, No, I have to stay here. I need to finish school. If I transfer, then all my credits will be gone. I was in that mindset. It was an interesting time, because as much as I had my emotional issues internally, it never showed. I was able to talk about what happened to me. Then I started meeting so many other girls who were raped that it was insane, but it helped me realize I wasnt alone at all. And that really helped.

I went to therapy, but my mom was really my number one therapist. I went through a really, really trying time where I started to drink. I couldnt sleep. I used to struggle a lot with insomnia. There were times I thought I had seen him, or someone who reminded me of him. Being in the same city where I was assaulted and not knowing who my attacker was or where he was, there were a lot of triggers.

Ill never forget a conversation I had with my mother. I was on the phone and she was asking me how I was doing. I said, Im good. Im good. She was like, Brianna, sit down, wherever you are. Sit down. Youre not good. Youre not fucking good. And its fine that youre not good. You need to really deal with what you experienced, and what youre feeling. Youre just acting like everythings OK. Its not going to help you heal. You have to be compassionate with yourself. My mom told me, If you want to cry, cry. If you want to say youre not doing good at all, its OK to admit that. If youre angry, its OK to have that anger. Its OK, but you have to feel.

Thats when I started allowing myself to feel again, and not having to drink to cover up me being super emotional all the time. That was a really pivotal moment in my life.

Julia (Ohio): I was actually back in class a day or two after I was assaulted. I was an honors student, couldnt miss class. I had asked our student judicial affairs office that our dining halls be changed because I didnt want to have to see my attacker every time I ate a meal. They told me they couldnt accommodate me because there was only one dining hall. So they told me to go eat early in the morning or late at night.

Back then you couldnt take food out. So that meant potentially three times a day, I was eating in an environment where I knew there was a chance that I was going to see him. So I didnt really eat anymore.

I joined Greek life, about three weeks after I was assaulted. I had lost about 10 pounds by then. I was really sick. I was eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder about a month later and given medicine for that. I was on antidepressants and acting a little bit erratic, which in hindsight makes sense. But at the time, when you were just this crazy freshman girl who cannot tell you why shes acting crazy and having panic attacks, it was very stressful.

A person from the student judicial affairs office told me that once I went through the judicial process at school I couldnt appeal it. She advised me to not go through the process yet because all of my evidence was in police custody, so I wouldnt have as strong of a case as I would if I waited, which was not correct. Now I know. Anyway, I told myself Id stick it out for six or eight weeks or however long it would take for my rape kit to come back. I thought once thats done, then Im going to report through campus. But my rape kit didnt come back for 21 months.

Thats when I began feeling that nobody cared about this at all. 2009, bar none, was the worst year of my life. It was just miserable. Even though I was raped at the end of 2008. 2009 takes the cake.

For the first time in my life, I didnt get any As that semester, and for the first time in my life, I actually failed a class, which was so devastating. That was never supposed to happen. That should not have happened. I ended up having to drop a class that semester.

That was horrible, because again, well, who am I if Im not good-grade Susie? I did ultimately lose my honors scholarship, even though I wrote a petition to the scholarship board that they should not take it. They did take it, so I moved off campus and got a job to make up for that, which again meant I didnt have a lot of time to do sorority stuff or social stuff. I didnt have as much time to study. It was a mess. People dont realize all of this residual stuff.

All of that made me mad because I knew that my GPA was important to getting a job after college, and I kept thinking this fucking guy has ruined my entire life. Because my GPA is so low now, its not a representation of who I am as a worker. Its not going to help me get a good job and everyone knows that the first job, the first salary you get is important to the rest of your career. I felt that the assault ruined the trajectory of my life.

Left: Brianna at a model shoot last year; Right: Julia at the Academy Awards where she joined Lady Gaga on stage during her performance of the song "Til it Happens to You." (Photo: Brianna/Julia)

What did you learn about the criminal justice system during the reporting process? Do you feel the system failed you in any way?

Brianna (Georgia): I just learned that it can be unfair. Do I feel like it failed me? Yes. They eventually found my attacker about two years later in Miami. His DNA matched the DNA from my rape kit. It took another year to go to trial. He was charged with rape, aggravated assault, robbery and kidnapping. His whole testimony was pretty much that we met, and thats how I liked it, and thats what I wanted. It was pretty much his word against my word and his lawyers defense. He was found not guilty. Right after the trial I was like, Im out of here. Ive got to go. I moved to New York within that week. I left my car, left my apartment.

I dont think that it was his first time, and I dont think that it would be his last either, especially being that he got away. I think the justice system failed me and whoever can be another victim to him again.

Justice for me was really finding myself again after everything that happened, and really understanding that my purpose in life is bigger than I can even imagine. Justice is just finding peace with everything that happens in life. At the end of the day, trauma is trauma. People deal with trauma in so many variables or ways. As long as youre able to have a good support system and I think, a faith, you can always walk through fire and be burned. But as long as you know how to put those patches and cream on your body, youre gonna win.

Julia (Ohio): I do feel that I got justice for what happened to me. Generally yes, because I know the statistics. The police were like everything that you said was verified by the rape kit, and everything that he said was not. I hate to say that I was lucky, but I was lucky that the prosecutor took my case. People dont realize that thats up to the discretion of the prosecutors office.

I think his jail sentence was 180 days, 178 of which were deferred, and the one day he spent in jail already counted, so he really didnt spend more than three days in jail. He had to go to therapy and was on probation for awhile. I had a restraining order so I could finally go places in peace and have control over my own situation.

I cant say that Im happy with the fact that he served so little jail time and isnt a registered sex offender, but this still is documented. This is still final. I know when I look at the statistics that one percent of rapists spend a day in jail. I know that my rapist is one of them. Even though he only spent a few days in jail.

Thats when I was like OK, I can move on with my life now. I felt like I wasnt crazy. I call it social gaslighting, where its like, Oh well, maybe if no one really cares about this, and it doesnt seem to be an issue for anyone else then its not a big deal. When people around you dont act, they convince you that what happened to you didnt.

I felt that I had been vindicated. I had gotten whatever justice I was going to get. I got to go back to being me before this happened. It really was a nice day.

These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

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via @FrancoOrdonez

The White House has now tabled, at least temporarily, any discussion of oil sanctions against Venezuela, due in part to worries that cutting fuel supplies would only hurt Americans struggling after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, according to two sources familiar with the planning.

The White House is eager to tighten the noose on Maduro, but not at the expense of American motorists, said a former National Security Council official familiar with the planning.

According to a senior administration official, Trumps team wants see how the last round of sanctions affects Caracas. And before moving on oil sanctions, that official said Washington also would need to determine how such a punishment would hurt the U.S. oil industry and gasoline consumers, still reeling from Harvey and Irma.Were tracking it of course, said the senior administration official of the hurricanes effect on oil supplies. What well have to watch is how the refineries in the region respond to any damage and destruction. What that does as far as oil prices for the United States.

The United States escalated its pressure on Venezuela last month with the toughest set of penalties since President Nicolas Maduro engineered a vote for a new constituent assembly that stripped democratically elected lawmakers of their power.

The last set of sanctions blocked Venezuelas ability to borrow money from American creditors. They also banned its state oil companys U.S. subsidiary, Citgo, from sending dividends back to Venezuela.

The Trump administration has promised to continue ratcheting up the pressure on Caracas until the Venezuelan government restores some democratic institutions. Aides have provided President Donald Trump with an escalatory road map that outlines options, including more individual sanctions and measures meant to strangle Venezuelas economy. These are seen inside the administration as maneuvers that can be taken one-by-one until Washington sees evidence that Maduro is complying with demands from neighbors in the hemisphere.

Were not content where things are in Venezuela, the senior administration official said. Our policy objective here is to restore democracy. Weve made that clear.

But Trump, so far, has stopped short of applying the so-called nuclear option  oil sanctions  that could starve the oil-dependent Caracas government of desperately needed cash during a spiraling economic and humanitarian crisis.

That is partly because White House officials simply want to give the latest round of sanctions time to hurt Maduro. They are watching particularly closely whether Venezuela can meet a looming deadline to pay off some $4 billion in debt, a sum that Caracas does not have in liquid assets.

There is no reason to act right now, said one economic consultant familiar with White House plans.

Harvey and Irma  and their impact on the U.S. oil industry and gas prices facing consumers  served mostly to reinforce the feeling inside the administration that now is not the time to apply oil sanctions.

Read more here.
Hurricane Irmas damage to the Florida Keys Destroyed trailers at the Seabreeze trailer park along the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys on Sept. 12, 2017. (Photo: Al Diaz/Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images)

As the death toll from Hurricane Irma climbs to 23 in the United States, residents of the Florida Keys are returning to a much different landscape than the one they left last week. As many as 25 percent of all homes in the Florida Keys were destroyed, FEMA Administrator Brock Long said Tuesday evening, and as many as 65 percent of homes suffered major damage.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 90 percent of homes in the Florida Keys suffered some damage. Monroe County officials on Tuesday night were quick to counter FEMA estimates, saying no official estimates of percentages or dollar amounts of damages had been done.

Things look real damaged from the air, but when you clear the trees and all the debris, its not much damage to the houses, Monroe County Commissioner Heather Carruthers said in a statement released by the county Tuesday night.

Search-and-rescue teams are still going door to door in the hardest hit areas of the Keys, including Big Pine Key and Cudjoe Key, where Irma came ashore.

Keys residents are now returning to their homes, with the Florida Department of Transportation saying all 42 bridges along U.S. 1  the only road into and out of the Keys  have been inspected and cleared. Amenities are another story, however. Monroe County officials say gas is limited and AT&T was working to restore cellphone service.

The Lower Keys are still completely without power, but the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, which provides service to the Upper Keys, says about 30 percent of the region does now have electricity. Some areas, mostly in the Upper Keys, have water, but food and water distribution stations have been set up in Key West. Anyone who does have water is being asked to boil it before drinking or cooking.

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A pair of identical twin sisters say they used their twin power to deliver their babies only hours apart.

New England sisters Rachael McGeoch and Beccy Pistone both became pregnant at the same time with their due dates only two weeks apart. We talked about how awesome it would be to go into labor the same day and be in the same place, McGeoch told local news station WHDH.

The problem? The sisters live 87 miles apart in Massachusetts, with McGeoch in Charlestown and Pistone in Brewster.

When McGeoch didnt make her Aug. 1 due date, she decided to get induced on the 13th  which was her sisters due date. So Pistone and her husband made the two-hour drive to meet McGeoch at Mount Auburn hospital in Cambridge, where soon after, Pistone started feeling contractions.

We thought if we could just get together then we would both go into labor, McGeoch told WHDH. And they were right! Twin power at its finest.

McGeoch and Pistone did not return Yahoo Beautys request for comment; however, WHDH reports that after laboring in side-by-side rooms McGeoch delivered William Charles Bubenicek at 10:41 p.m. on Aug. 15 and Pistone birthed Andi Isabella Pistone at 6:54 p.m. on Aug. 16.

Amazingly, the sisters experience isnt unique. In 2014, a pair of British identical twins named Sarah Fidler and Heather Richardson became pregnant on the same day. They ended up giving birth 13 hours apart, despite their differing due dates. According to the Daily Mail, Sarah said, To me it feels as though weve had twins ourselves. Not only have I got a son, but Ive got a daughter as well.

And in 2016, Sarah Mariuz and Leah Rodgers, identical twins who live in La Jolla, Calif., and Denver, respectively, gave birth on the same day in their own cities  both at 1:18 a.m. Rogers told Today that she knew her sister was expecting before she divulged. And I had this crazy twin intuition  I call it my twintuition  and I knew she was pregnant too, she said.

Story continues

These sisters uncanny experience isnt reserved for twins. Sisters Corey Struve Talbott and Katie Struve Morgan delivered their babies  whom they call twin cousins  15 minutes apart, and the children even share similar names: Ryatt Rae and Indie Mae. In August, Corey told Cosmopolitan about the two baby girls: Theyve been together since day one, and they have a really cute little bond  almost like twins the way they act and react to each other. Theyre really natural with each other; you can tell they definitely know each other almost like sisters.

As coincidental as these cases seem, Natalie Diaz, author of What to Do When Youre Having Two and founder of Twiniversity, an online support network for parents of multiples, isnt that surprised.

The bond between twins goes beyond anything a parent can teach them, Diaz, a mother of 12-year-old fraternal twins, tells Yahoo Beauty. The truth is, we dont know why a set of twins would give birth so closely together. We just know the occurrence is not that rare.

According to Diaz, twins often plan their pregnancies together, which could account for joint births. In other cases, an induction on the other sisters due date, as with McGeoch and Beccy Pistone, could result in well-timed deliveries. Or, since twins often have a strong sense of empathy toward each other, who is to say that one sisters labor cant trigger the same event in the other?

My kids barely feel their own shots at the doctor, says Diaz. But when one is in pain, the other cries.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

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Apple's new iPhone 8 will be officially unveiled today. The latest smartphone is expected to be a radical change for the company, which will seek to wow users for the 10th anniversary of the device.

Fans got an early taste of what's in store ahead of today's release date when Apple suffered a major leak two days before its launch, with many of the iPhone 8's features being revealed.

The latest leaks suggest the new phone - its price could be in the region of 1,000 - will actually be called the iPhone X and will include wireless charging, facial recognition, an edge-to-edge display and - for the first time - no home button. Apple is expected to release the device alongside two other phones, called the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

Here's everything you need to know Tuesday's the iPhone X release.

When will it be released?

Tim Cook is expected to unveil the iPhone 8 at an event in California on September 12. In August the company sent invitations out to journalists inviting them to an event at its new Apple Park headquarters at 10am Pacific time (6pm UK time)

iphone 8 counter

Tradition dictates the devices will go on sale a week after their announcement, making it likely the iPhone 8 will be available for pre-order on September 15 and hit stores on Friday September 22.

Apple | iPhone release dates

Apple has dismissed rumours that production delays could affect the release of the phone, predicting strong sales in the coming months - above expectations and presumably driven by an iPhone launch.

There could be a limited supply of the iPhone 8 for the first few months of sales.

What will Apple unveil today?

Apple is planning to break with tradition and release three phones in September: the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

The company normally releases a new design one year and follows with a slight upgrade the year after. Following this logic, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are anticipated to feature minor upgrades to the iPhone 7, such as a faster chip and longer battery life.

Story continues

iPhone evolution

The flagship phone is now expected to be called the iPhone X and will feature a radical redesign in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the first iPhone. It could give the device a new name in honour of the splash,

The company is also expected to unveil a third generation of the Apple Watch and a 4K Apple TV.

How much will it cost?

The iPhone X will probably be Apple's most expensive handset year, with estimates suggesting it could cost $1,000 in the US. The weak pound and VAT mean that this could well translate into a cost of 1,000 or more in the UK.

The 8 and 8 Plus models, which may be available in greater numbers and earlier, are likely to be cheaper, close to the current iPhone 7 and 7 Plus prices of 599 and 719.

An executive at Apple manufacturer Foxconn has suggested the high-end device will "not be cheap".

What will the iPhone 8 look like?

A price tag of almost $1,000 would make the new device 54 per cent more expensive than Apple's current iPhone 7.

What colours will it come in?

Analysts and leaks suggest the premium iPhone X will come in at least three colours: white, black and copper or gold. The white and black colours are fairly standard, but a third colour is thought to be coming in either a copper or a champagne gold hue.

Credit: MyDrivers

Reports from iPhone leaker Benjamin Geskin have also indicated the iPhone X will come in what is being called "Blush Gold", while it is rumoured to only come in three colours, dropping the pinkish "rose gold" that had come on previous models.

Foxconn's internal name of the new #iPhone8 color is "Blush Gold" ()

Barcode says "Blush Gold 64GB / 128GB" pic.twitter.com/MZPTfVAr2P  Benjamin Geskin (@VenyaGeskin1) August 12, 2017

What features will the iPhone X have?

Here are some of the best and most plausible suggestions floating around the rumour mill.

Edge-to-edge display

It has long been an ambition of Sir Jony Ive, Apple's design chief, to make an iPhone that looks like one piece of glass, with a screen that covers the whole of the front of the phone.

Apple leak in HomePod firmware could be iPhone 8 design Credit: Apple

Rumours suggest this might finally come to fruition with the new iPhone X. Clues in the HomePod code suggest the phone will have a 5.8-inch edge-to-edge OLED display. Apple could also replace the device's aluminium back with a glass back and aluminium bumper.

Such a design would allow Apple to increase the screen size of the iPhone without increasing its actual footprint, meaning it could be closer in size to the iPhone 7 with a screen that matches the iPhone 7 Plus.

iPhone 7, iPhone 8 and iPhone 7 Plus Credit: iDropNews

No home button

The home button has been a feature of every iPhone since the original in 2007, but Apple may be in a position to get rid of it. It has already introduced advanced pressure-detection technology with 3D Touch, and last year's iPhone 7 had a solid-state home button that vibrates instead of clicks.

A mock up of the new iPhone with no home button Credit: Evan Blass

The iPhone screen now also wakes up when the phone is picked up, so there is less need to click a physical home button. Apple has patented a way of embedding Touch ID, its fingerprint reading technology, in the screen, so that might solve security issues.

The latest leaks from Apple's firmware revealed a virtual home button, that could be resized or even hidden.

Facial recognition software

Apple is expected to replace its Touch ID fingerprint scanner and home button with an infrared scanner that unlocks the phone using facial recognition software. The security upgrade is said to be super fast, able to scan a user's face and unlock the device in "millionths of a second".

It will work with a 3D camera, according to leaked images.

Leaked image of the iPhone 8 3D camera Credit: SLASHLEAKS

Developers found references to the technology, dubbed Pearl ID, in code for the HomePod smart speaker. It could be used to unlock the phone, log in to apps and verify Apple Pay transactions.

Similar facial recognition is currently available on rival phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S8.

I can confirm reports that HomePods firmware reveals the existence of upcoming iPhones infra-red face unlock in BiometricKit and elsewhere pic.twitter.com/yLsgCx7OTZ  Steve T-S (@stroughtonsmith) July 31, 2017

There are suggestions that the facial recognition could allow the iPhone to be able to tell when you are looking at it, so that it can mute notification sounds and saving your colleagues from your annoying ringtone.

Hardware face detection and tracking sounds really cool pic.twitter.com/CqVQFLYIzF  Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) August 8, 2017

Animoji

Animoji are a new form of moving emoji that can be customised using facial recognition software, according to 9to5Mac. Users will be able to scan their face and the animoji will match their expression in a short animation.

Animoji

The feature will only be available on the premium iPhone X, as it requires the 3D camera. Apple has created a limited selection of animoji from its hundreds of emoji, including the monkey, unicorn, robot, dog, pig, cat, dog and pile of poo.

SmartCam

Leaks at the end of July from Apple's own code suggested new developments in Apple's camera technology. The "SmartCam" was revealed in firmware for the HomePod smart speaker, which revealed it could identify different scenes and objects, such as fireworks, foliage, babies, pets, snow or sport.

Augmented reality directions

Clues in Apple's upcoming software suggest it will introduce a new method for directing users. The iPhone X could guide users around towns and cities using augmented reality to superimpose directions onto the view through the camera.

iPhone 8 concept showing augmented reality directions Credit: Gabor Balogh

iOS 11

The best indication of how the iPhone X could look is Apple's latest software, which was unveiled in June and will ship on the new device. The standout features of iOS 11 are peer-to-peer Apple Pay and a redesigned Control Centre. It also new safety features, including a do not disturb while driving mode and an Emergency SOS option that will lock thieves out when its owner is in danger.

iOS 11: 17 new and hidden features for your Apple iPhone and iPad

Wireless charging

Batteries are still the big problem with mobile phones - as good as they are, most still last just a day - and battery tech is only making incremental progress. This means manufacturers have focused on technology such as fast charging as a compromise.

But Apple could go one better and allow wireless charging. Apple famously removed the iPhone 7's headphone jack, which meant users could not listen to wired headphones and charge their phone through the Lightning port at the same time. Removing the second part of that equation might make sense.

A concept of the new iPhone 8/X on a charging pad Credit: Benjamin Geskin

Some phones and devices like the Apple Watch already use charging that requires the device to be placed on a inductive pad. Apple going one further and allowing true wireless charging that beams power from the socket would be a real breakthrough.

But rumours indicate it is more likely that Apple will offer wireless charging as an optional extra.

How will it compare to the iPhone 7?

With an A11 chip inside, the iPhone X will no doubt be lighting fast. With a price tag of more than 800 it will be more expensive than the base model iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, although the top spec iPhone 7 Plus does currently come in at 919.

In terms of size, most analysts believe it will be somewhere in between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Leaks of the schematics expect the new phone to be around 144mm tall and 71mm wide. The current iPhone 7 is 138.3 x 67.1mm, while the iPhone 7 Plus is 158.2 x 77.9mm.

However with a 5.8-inch screen, thanks to its almost edgeless design, it will have the largest screen of any iPhone ever made.
Baghdad (AFP) - An Iraqi court on Tuesday sentenced to death by hanging a Russian man captured in Mosul after finding him guilty of fighting for the Islamic State group, in the first ruling of its kind.

"It is the first time that an Iraqi court sentences to death, by hanging, a Russian jihadist," a judicial source said.

The Central Criminal Court which issued the ruling said the 28-year-old man, who was not named, had admitted to carrying out attacks against the security forces since 2015.

"He belonged to the Zarqawi Brigade, one of the armed wings of the terrorist IS group," said judge Abdel Sattar Bayraqdar.

Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi led Iraq's main jihadist organisation until his death in a US air strike in 2006.

Iraqi forces detained hundreds of suspected jihadists during the nine-month operation to recapture Mosul, Iraq's second city, which culminated in July. Many more were killed.

They included foreign fighters from a string of Arab and other countries, including Russia, which has faced insurgencies by Chechens and other Muslim groups in the North Caucasus.

Joint Operations Command spokesman General Yahya Rasool said the Russian was "the first (jihadist) to surrender" to Iraqi forces in west Mosul, scene of the most ferocious battles.

The Russian was handed over to Iraqi intelligence and then to judicial authorities, said Rasool.

During his interrogation, the Russian said he had studied engineering and discovered Islam in Moscow, where Uzbek construction workers introduced him to the religion.

After obtaining his degree in 2014, the Russia said he travelled to Turkey with the intention of entering Syria to join IS.

According to his testimony, he pledged allegiance to the jihadist group in Mosul, trained for a month and took the name Abu Yasmina al-Russi.

The Russian said he was wounded during compact in Iraq -- in Baiji and in Fallujah -- before his capture in Mosul.

Iraqi authorities have never provided a tally for the number of jihadists who have been arrested in the offensive to drive IS out of the country.

But Iraqi and Kurdish peshmerga commanders have said that hundreds of jihadists have surrendered since the group swept across Iraq in 2014 seizing swathes of territory.
By Ori Lewis JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's Supreme Court on Tuesday canceled legislation exempting Jewish religious seminary students from military service, angering ultra-Orthodox lawmakers who could destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. A panel of nine justices ruled that parts of the conscription law that exempt seminary students from service were "unreasonable and unconstitutional". It gave the government a year to resolve the matter. For decades, the exemption from military service on religious grounds for seminary students has caused friction in Israeli society, where most Jewish men and women are called up for military service when they turn 18. The ultra-Orthodox say that their study of the Torah is vital for the continued survival of the Jewish people and also fear that young men serving in the army would come into contact with women and with less pious elements in society. Several hundred ultra-Orthodox men have, however, enlisted in special units that cater to their religious needs. Legislation was enacted in 2014 to replace arrangements that had previously expired. It was prompted by then-coalition member Yair Lapid's secular, centrist Yesh Atid party which ran on a platform of "sharing the national burden". That legislation angered ultra-Orthodox parties who rejoined Netanyahu's subsequent government in 2015 when Lapid's party went into opposition and they managed to effect a watering down of the law. Eight of the nine justices ruled the law should be scrapped and Supreme Court President Miriam Naor, wrote that the most recent arrangement that was made to appease the ultra-Orthodox parties "deeply harms equality in a way that damages the constitutional right to human dignity." Since Israel's founding in 1948, ultra-Orthodox politicians have campaigned vigorously against the conscription of members of their community, who make up about 10 percent of Israels population of 9 million. Netanyahu's government, which controls 67 of the Knesset's 120 seats, includes both ultra-Orthodox parties, but two other influential factions oppose a further relaxation of the legislation against conscription. Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, the leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, said in response to the ruling that the justices were "completely detached from our heritage and tradition and from the people." He encouraged seminary students to continue their Bible studies and said: "Do not despair, continue to study the Torah, we will stand firm and will do everything to fix this situation." Lapid, whom opinion polls have shown to be a possible challenger to Netanyahu in future elections, convened a news conference to praise the court's decision, saying it had delivered a verdict that would force equality among communities. "This is why we have come to politics. Conscription for everybody, work for everybody. Benjamin Netanyahu can no longer continue to wriggle out all the time. Military conscription is for everybody, not only for the suckers who don't have a party in his coalition," Lapid added. (Writing by Ori Lewis; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Corporate executives took the unusual step of disavowing the sitting U.S. commander-in-chief last month after President Donald Trump failed to unambiguously condemn the white supremacist rally that sparked deadly violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, last month. The White House disbanded two advisory councils after chief executives, facing intense public pressure, began quitting in protest.

But that hasnt resulted in the business executives cutting ties to the president, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon acknowledged on Tuesday.

In an on-stage interview at CNBCs Delivering Alpha conference, the chief of Americas biggest bank by assets said the dissolution of the council he served on was not a big deal, and that executives have a responsibility to help when called upon by the administration.

You cant say, Im not going to go help a new president of the United States, he said at the event in New York. But in the immediate aftermath of the controversy spurred by Trumps reactions to the Charlottesville violence, the councils became more of a distraction than was necessary, thats all, he said, and were more of a negative than positive.

He added that the ending of the councils doesnt mean CEOs arent going to be involved in a way they can be productively involved with the administration.

Merck & Co. CEO Kenneth Frazier stepped down from the White Houses manufacturing council two days after Trump, in his initial comments on what occurred in Charlottesville, refused to single out the white supremacist marchers, one of whom allegedly drove a car into a crowd and killed an anti-racism counter protester. Trump instead condemned violence on many sides.

Trump publicly attacked Frazier, the lone African American on the council, with an angry tweet criticizing his company for high drug prices.

But other executives followed suit, including the top bosses of Under Armour, Intel and Campbell Soup Company. And in a rare rebuke, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon  who served alongside Dimon on the White Houses business advisory council, a sister group the manufacturing panel  published a memo to employees excoriating Trumps response to the Charlottesville tragedy on the retailers website.

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Under mounting calls for more companies to make a similar stand, the White House disintegrated both groups in a move Trump said allowed the firms to save face.

Corporations are by nature averse to weighing in on social politics, yet Trump allowed them to righteously seize the high ground on an issue as morally one-sided as the merits of neo-Nazism. Trump may have forced corporate captains into uncharted waters, but he ultimately blew wind into their sails by giving them the chance to publicly state that they think Nazis are bad and win plaudits by doing so. The whole situation became a most dramatic  and yet least controversial  expression of corporate social responsibility in recent memory.

And it came at little cost. Even if a showy and vindictive president disbanded the advisory councils, that hasnt stopped corporate lobbyists and industry trade associations from working with top White House officials such as Vice President Mike Pence or National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn.

Merck & Co. CEO Kenneth Frazier was the first corporate chieftain to resign from a White House advisory council in protest of President Donald Trump's initial response to deadly violence sparked by a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, last month. (Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Businesses will continue to engage on the issues important to the American economy, just through different venues, Michael Steel, managing director at Hamilton Place Strategies, a public affairs firm that represents a number of financial services clients, told Politico last month. Many people in the business community are frustrated by the presidents words and tweets on Charlottesville, but that does not change the importance of policies that make life better for the economy and the American people.

Trump made aggressive deregulation a key part of his policy platform. Since taking office, his administration has been stripping away environmental and banking regulations put in place to combat climate change and prevent an financial crisis like the one that sparked the Great Recession. Now, hes pushing for a major tax overhaul that would sharply reduce the burden on big companies and the richest Americans. On Wednesday morning, he tweeted that destruction left by two major hurricanes this month meant Tax Cuts and Tax Reform is needed more than ever before.

Dimon, in his Tuesday comments, said business executives should try to help the president be successful.

Can you imagine me standing in front of an audience like this and saying Im not in favor of the president of the United States being successful? he added. I would find that  Id be a traitor.

Related...

Walmart CEO Slams Trump Over Charlottesville Response, But Remains In Advisory Role

President Trump Cedes Moral Leadership To Big Business

Trump's Two Big Business Councils Disband Amid Uproar Over Charlottesville

Not One CEO On Trump's Other Big Business Council Has Quit Over Charlottesville

Trump Advisory Council Members Say Leaving The Paris Accord Is A Bad Move

Also on HuffPost

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A man wears a purple ribbon to remember Heather Heyer, who was killed protesting during a white supremacist rally, as he arrives for her memorial service at the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Aug. 16, 2017.

The Paramount Theater marquee bears the name of Heather Heyer.

Heather Heyer's mother, Susan Bro, walks by a picture of her daughter after speaking at her memorial service.

Mourners gather inside the Paramount Theater.

Heather Heyer's father, Mark Heyer, speaks at her memorial service.

Mourners inside the Paramount Theater wear purple, as Heyer's family had requested. Purple was her favorite color.

People line up to attend the memorial service.

Marcus Martin (center), who was injured in the same car attack that killed Heyer, leaves the memorial service.

Anna Quillon hands out purple pieces of cloth outside the memorial service.

People wore stickers and ribbons to the memorial service.

A poster announcing the memorial service.

Mia Jones shows off the "NO H8" message written on her hands.

Outside the service, people carry guns to provide security in the event of far-right protesters.

A person tapes a note to the front door of a bookstore to announce that it will close during the memorial service for Heather Heyer.

A man puts on a purple ribbon while waiting in line.

People carry bats and shields to provide security.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Today show host Kathie Lee Gifford has announced on social media that her 87-year-old mother, Joan Epstein, has died. The television personalitys daughter, Cassidy, joined her in paying tribute to the late matriarch.

On Tuesday, Gifford took to Twitter to inform her fans about her mothers demise. My precious mother, JOANNIE went home to JESUS & my DADDY this morning. We praise God for His promise of eternal life & we thank God for her, the 64-year-old comedienne tweeted, referencing her late father Aaron, who passed away way back in 2002.

Many of Giffords friends and fans quickly wrote the former positive messages to comfort her in this time of grief. Heart breaking for you, KL, but your dear mom is in her glory now, in heavens warm embrace & surely smiling down at you, Giffords friend Suzy Welch wrote. So sorry for your loss. Time helps, no words can comfort you. Find peace in knowing you were there for her, a fan responded to Giffords tweet.

Giffords 24-year-old daughter Cassidy, who is also an actress and has starred in The Gallows and Gods Not Dead among others, also paid tribute to her grandmother. She posted a photo of her much younger self getting a hug from Epstein on her Instagram account. She also accompanied her post with a heartwarming caption, which read: Jesus & Pop Pop are much cooler, anyhow and I know theyre both smiling now that they have you back so until we meet again, love you to heaven, Cuddles.

Though Epstein did not, in any way, become involved in the showbiz industry, she made numerous TV appearances with Gifford, especially during the latters 15-year run on Live with Regis & Kathie Lee, as per People.

Todays Eun Kyung Kim also paid tribute to Epstein through an article she wrote for the shows website. In it, she recounted how Giffords mother would always stop by their studio to visit her daughter, cook the latters favorite recipes and even chat about her parenting secrets.

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During an interview in May 2016, Gifford gushed about her mothers optimism. [Shes] the sunniest person I know, expect for maybe Hoday [Kotb]. Because whos happier than Hoda? It can be 10 days of rain, and shell say, You know, I like a rainy day. It slows you down, she said at the time.

Back then, Gifford also revealed how her parents were very supportive of her decision to pursue a career in Hollywood. I left home when I was 17 years old to pursue my career, and [my mom and dad] were all for it. They figured that they had raised me, and they wanted me to follow my passion. Ive tried to do that with my own children. She gave me wings, Gifford was quoted as saying by Page Six.

Kathie Lee Gifford

Photo: Getty Images/Noam Galai

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Kenneka Jenkins didnt have a Twitter account before her untimely death in a Chicago hotel, but a phony page emerged after her story went viral Monday. The account promised to give details about the 19-year-olds last moments. Jenkins was found dead inside the walk-in freezer at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel and Conference Center Saturday.

It was Shamaya, the first tweet on the hoax account read. I have a confession. I just have to get it off my chest. I'm scared.

In the tweets that followed, the impersonator said she would tell the truth in five hours. It's started as we were going to the party and... I'm nervous.

Netizens were quick to identify the page as a phony. Yall really out here making fake pages of the girl, the top comment on the first tweet said.

While it was obvious that Jenkins wasnt writing from the dead, some people argued that it might have been one of her friends who had evidence of what happened at the hotel. Or this could be someone that was there in the room telling the world whose fault it was. This could be huge information just this tweet, the netizen tweeted.

Kenneka Jenkins

Photo: GoFundMe/Tereasa Martin

One petition was created to shut down Crowne Plaza hotel in Rosemont. [The] mother of victim went to [the] hotel to identify her child and was refused to let her inside and employees of the hotel asked her to leave the premises. Cameras are not being shown to [the] victims family, [or] how the victim got into the freezer when a camera is across the freezer, part of the page said. This petitions goal is to get Crowne Plaza hotel shut down and get justice for Kenneka.

The petition had a goal to gain 75,000 signatures. By Tuesday morning, they nearly reached the objective.

A second petition wanted Jenkins death to be investigated further and claimed she was killed by her friends. I believe this girl was intentionally murdered by her friends the night before she was pronounced dead. They are not being charged with murder and should be investigated and charged, the petitions creator wrote. With the goal of 15,000 signatures, it garnered more than 13,000 supporters Tuesday.

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While police claimed Jenkins was intoxicated and walked into the freezer, her mother, Tereasa Martin, said there was more to the story and that if police would have searched for her daughter early Saturday morning she might still be alive.

If [police] had taken me seriously and checked right away, they could have found my daughter much sooner, Martin told The Chicago Tribune Monday. And she might have been alive.

Rosemont Police werent fazed by Martins criticism.

Anyone can understand how a parent can feel distraught over the loss of a child and feel the need to lash out due to the tremendous pain they're feeling, and we certainly understand that, Gary Mack, a spokesman for the village of Rosemont, told the Chicago Tribune. But people can rest assured Rosemont is one of the top, highest trained, most respected police departments in the state of Illinois and does a good job at what they do.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella

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Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is the guest, Monday, May 8, 2017 on ABC's "The View." (Photo: Lou Rocco via Getty Images)

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) couldnt disagree more with Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recent Title IX announcement.

In an essay for Cosmopolitan.com, Gillibrand criticized DeVos about her recent decision to rescind the Obama-era Dear Colleague Letter, a comprehensive set of guidelines that helped universities, victims and students accused of sexual assault navigate the reporting process.

Gillibrand, whos been an outspoken advocate for survivors of sexual assault for years, wrote that DeVos decision betrays our students, plain and simple.

She added that the Education Secretarys announcement was made during the most dangerous time of the year for students, known as the red zone.

According to Gillibrand, the red zone is the first few weeks of the school year when students are still getting used to their new surroundings and new communities, which leaves students more vulnerable to sexual assault.

With so many sexual assaults still happening on college campuses all over the country, we should be doing everything we can to make our sexual assault prevention and enforcement policies stronger  not weakening them, not jeopardizing them, and certainly not taking them away.

Gillibrand speaks at a rally for survivors of sexual assault on July 13, 2017 outside the Department of Education, ahead of a series of meetings that Secretary Betsy DeVos is holding with survivors, advocates for the wrongly accused and college administrators. (Photo: The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Gillibrand broke down the multiple ways the Dear Colleague Letter guidelines make the reporting process easier, namely that they helped universities adhere to the Title IX law. The senator also noted that these Title IX guidelines gave students the tools to hold their universities accountable if need be.

The guidelines gave our schools a process with clear rules, so that both sides in a sexual assault case could finally have access to fair hearings, she wrote. These are the guidelines that Secretary DeVos wants to take away. With an average of one in five undergraduate women in America experiencing sexual assault while in college, this is an enormous mistake.

Gillibrand added that universities and colleges need good, strong, and fair enforcement of Title IX  and DeVos is doing just the opposite by rescinding the Dear Colleague Letter.

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By saying she plans to revoke or rescind the Title IX guidelines, Secretary DeVos has shown that she does not take the rights of survivors seriously, Gillibrand wrote. But I will do everything in my power as a senator to fight to support our sexual assault survivors.

Head over to Cosmopolitan to read Gillibrands full essay.

Related...

Betsy DeVos May Rescind Title IX Guidelines. Here's What That Could Mean.

Betsy DeVos Says The Title IX System Has 'Failed' Both Survivors And The Accused

Joe Biden Has Strong Words For Betsy DeVos After Her Title IX Announcement

DeVos Confirms She Will Roll Back Obama-Era Title IX Guidelines

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
The death of Kenneka Jenkins took the internet by storm Monday after the 19-year-old was found dead in a freezer and police initially said it was because she was drunk and walked in there. While the circumstances of her death are being investigated, falsehoods soon started to spread. One of those lies was that Lania Sanders, a girl who attempted suicide on Facebook Live, was in the hotel room at t Crowne Plaza Chicago OHare Hotel & Conference Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

The rumor started after someone posted a video of Sanders suicide attempt to YouTube. The title read, Best friend of Kenneka Jenkins attempting suicide on camera. According to blogs like The Black Loop, however, Sanders was not at the party Chicago Friday and was not friends with Jenkins, Monifah Shelton or Irene Roberts. In fact, Sanders wasnt even in the same state. She was in Ohio, not Illinois.

Facebook users witnessed Sanders holding a knife to her throat. She said she wanted to kill herself. Hey everyone! There is a young lady name Lania Sanders on live crying saying she wants to kill herself with a knife to her neck. Please this is serious. Contact her, Facebook user Kimberly Barber-Dorris wrote.

Since the suicide attempt, Sanders Facebook page was apparently dismantled.

Further information about Sanders was not immediately known.

Police were investigating the death of Jenkins and watched the videos her friends posted to Facebook. Shelton and Roberts were not named as suspects.

Yes, theyve looked at it and continue to look at it and all the other social media videos and posts, Rosemont Police spokesman Gary Mack told the Chicago Tribune about the Facebook Live video Monday. They are leaving no stone unturned as far as trying to corral everyone they can and talk to them and interview them about what happened and what was going on that night.

Jenkins mother, Tereasa Martin, suspected foul play in the death of her daughter. I believe someone in this hotel killed my child, Martin told WGN-TV. (I'm) horrified. It's something that no one could ever imagine. It's unbelievable.

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Jenkins sister, Leonore Harris, added to the network: The freezer door is heavy. So there's no way. If they're saying she's drunk, she don't have no strength. If she had enough strength to open that freezer door, she would have had enough strength to walk straight.

She elaborated on a GoFundMe page she created to pay for Jenkins funeral. This is a page set up for Kenneka Jenkins to help get justice for my baby girl, she wrote. As many of you may know, On Sunday morning, Neka was found dead in a walk in freezer at Crowne Point Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois. We believe there is more to the story. Since this is still under investigation, there isnt much I can say. The donations will cover funeral cost arrangements, also to help with the investigation. Anything helps. Help me get justice for her! God Bless.

Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella

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Larry King is one tough cookie.

The 83-year-old talk show icon was diagnosed with lung cancer a few months ago, he revealed to Us Weekly. The unexpected news came during a routine doctor's visit.

"I go for my checkup and they say, 'Let's do a chest X-ray, and the doctor said to me, 'Something looks funny,'" King said. "They said the spot looked pretty small. ... I then did a CAT scan then a PET scan and then he said to me, 'You have lung cancer, but it looks very small, in the beginning stages.'"

Before he knew it, he was undergoing surgery at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on July 17. King's doctor told him that he was "lucky" because while it was malignant, it was in the first stage, which would have invited trouble in a few years.

Although he's now left with just 80 percent of his original amount of lung, King managed to find a bright spot in the whole ordeal. "It was fun to see where that spot was and there is no spot now," he said.

King quit smoking in the '80s, but "the doctor said that tobacco from 30 years ago is still related to this lung cancer."

Although King is an active Twitter user -- "I Twitter every day," he's told the Washington Post -- he hasn't yet acknowledged the health news online. But that may be because King's tweeting methods require a bit of a delay: In order to tweet, he opens his flip phone, calls a special voicemail, and shares his thought. An assistant then listens to the message and trascribes the tweet for his 2.8 million followers.
Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker called on Turkey Wednesday to "let our journalists go" following its arrests of French and German media personnel under a broad human rights crackdown.

Juncker also called on Turkey's leaders to stop insulting their EU counterparts as "fascists and Nazis" and said its disregard for the rule of law ruled out its membership in the bloc for the "foreseeable future."

But Juncker saved his strongest words for the fate of German and French journalists, during his annual state of the union speech to the European parliament in Strasbourg.

"Journalists belong in newsrooms not in prisons. They belong where freedom of expression reigns," Juncker said. "I appeal to the powers that be in Turkey, let our journalists go!"

In recent months, Turkey has arrested two French journalists on terror charges for allegedly supporting Kurdish militants, but later released one of them.

Imprisoned in February, the correspondent of German daily Die Welt Deniz Yucel has been personally accused by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of working as a "terror agent".

The European journalists are among more than 50,000 people who have been arrested in Turkey under the state of emergency imposed after last year's foiled coup to oust Erdogan.

According to the P24 press freedom group, there are 170 journalists behind bars in Turkey, most of whom were arrested after the coup.

Juncker also came to the defence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel whose government Erdogan accused of behaving like Nazis after German authorities blocked Turkish ruling party rallies ahead of a referendum in Turkey in April.

Many expatriate Turks work in Germany.

"Stop insulting our member states by comparing their leaders to fascists and Nazis," Juncker said.

"Europe is a continent of mature democracies. Insults create roadblocks," the former Luxembourg premier said.

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"Sometimes I get the feeling Turkey is intentionally placing these roadblocks so that it can blame Europe for any breakdown in accession talks," he said.

"As for us, we will always keep our hands stretched out towards the great Turkish people and those who are ready to work with us on the basis of our values," he said.

Turkey, like other accession candidates, "must give the rule of law, justice and fundamental rights utmost priority," Juncker said.

"This rules out EU membership for Turkey for the foreseeable future," he said.

The worsening tensions with Turkey have raised concerns over the fate of a deal struck with the EU last year that has helped stem the flow of hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants into Greece.
Munich (Germany) (AFP) - German prosecutors Tuesday sought life in jail for the surviving female member of a neo-Nazi trio accused of a string of racist murders that targeted mainly Turkish immigrants.

Beate Zschaepe, 42, is co-accused in the 10 killings carried out by the other two members of the self-styled National Socialist Underground (NSU), Uwe Mundlos and Uwe Boehnhardt, between 2000 and 2007.

Zschaepe for years lived in hiding with Mundlos and Boehnhardt, who shot dead eight men of Turkish orgin, a Greek migrant and a German policewoman before the two died in an apparent suicide pact after a botched bank robbery in 2011.

After the men's deaths, Germany was shocked to discover that the nationwide killings -- long blamed by police and media on migrant crime gangs and dubbed the "doner (kebab) murders" -- were in fact committed by a far-right cell with xenophobic motives.

Prosecutor Herbert Diemer told the Munich court Tuesday that Zschaepe shared the "fanatical" world view of the two men and their aim to spread fear and terror among immigrants with random murders.

He pointed to the severity of the crimes and called for the maximum life term, which under German law means a prisoner spends 15 years behind bars, followed by indefinite preventive detention on security grounds.

Prosecutors charge that Zschaepe was an NSU member and aided the crimes, also including two bomb attacks and 15 bank robberies, by covering the men's tracks, handling finances and providing a safe retreat in their shared home.

The mammoth trial -- with 95 victims' relatives listed as co-plaintiffs -- has so far lasted more than four years and heard almost 600 witnesses.

A verdict is expected in several months' time in the trial where Zschaepe is in the dock together with four suspected NSU supporters.

- 'Institutional prejudice' -

Zschaepe has denied guilt and described herself as a passive and innocent bystander to the bloody crimes.

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She has admitted only to an arson charge, having torched the trio's common home after the men died, and of then distributing a DVD in which the group boasted about the killings in a film set to a comical Pink Panther theme.

She broke her silence only a year ago, telling the court that she was involved "neither in the planning nor the execution" of any crimes, and that she was "horrified" to learn about them afterwards.

She admitted that as a youth in the former communist east Germany, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, she had "indeed identified with nationalist ideology".

But she insisted that "today I judge people not by their origin and political affiliation but by their behaviour".

The random discovery of the NSU in 2011 deeply embarrassed German authorities, exposing police and domestic intelligence flaws and raising uncomfortable questions about how the cell went undetected for 13 years.

German security services faced withering criticism for only associating terrorism with far-left or Islamist groups, not neo-Nazis.

A parliamentary panel in 2013 blamed institutional prejudice among security services for failing for years to solve the series of assassination-style shootings committed with the same Ceska handgun.

It also criticised excesses in the use of paid undercover informants, including violent leading neo-Nazis, who fed the money they received from the state back into their racist and militant organisations.
By Richard Lough PARIS (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron's remark that he will not bow to "slackers" who resist labor reforms looked set to dog the image-conscious French leader, with opponents casting him as a champion of the wealthy and big business. The Elysee Palace and government ministers have scrambled to contain the fallout, saying the 39-year-old was referring to past leaders who lacked the courage to push through unpopular changes and accusing his opponents of twisting his comments. Macron, who on Tuesday visited islands in the Caribbean damaged by Hurricane Irma, has himself shown little contrition. "I am fully determined and I won't cede any ground, not to slackers, nor cynics, nor hardliners," he said on Friday during a trip to Greece. His opponents were quick to pounce, branding him an out-of-touch president who has put himself above the person in the street. "Fools, cynics, slackers, everyone take to the streets on Sept. 12 and 23," Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the hard-left France Unbowed party, said on Twitter, referring to two days of street protests. Philippe Martinez, head of the far-left CGT trade union, called Macron's comment "scandalous". "Who is the president referring to when he says he won't give an inch to slackers? To the millions without a job or in a vulnerable position?" Macron's centrist government announced measures in August to hand more power to companies to set working conditions and adapt pay to market conditions, as well as making it easier to hire and fire employees. The president says the measures are needed to spur job creation, boost growth and attract investment. Unions say workers' rights are being eroded and benefits undermined. "SLACKER ON STRIKE" Macron faced his first challenge on the streets on Tuesday when thousands of CGT trade unionists protested in cities across France. In Bordeaux, protesters chanted: "Macron you're screwed, the slackers are in the streets" while in Paris others carried placards reading: "Slacker on strike". Asked on Monday if he regretted his comment, he replied: "We cannot move forward if we don't tell it like it is." "It's Macron's style," said Jerome Fourquet of pollster IFOP. "He's not going to back down, make apologies. That carries a risk." Macron is not the first French leader to offend people with a casual comment. Former president Nicolas Sarkozy caused uproar while interior minister when in 2005 he branded youths behind the worst urban violence in France in decades as "racaille" ("scum" or "rabble"). That remark entrenched Sarkozy's reputation as a bully in the suburbs blighted by crime and unemployment outside Paris. Sarkozy's successor, Francois Hollande, suffered with the publication of a tell-all book in which his former partner accused the Socialist leader of describing the poor as "toothless", undermining his efforts to portray himself as in touch with the needy. Before joining a protest in Marseille, Melenchon, who bills himself as a champion of French workers and rails against globalisation, said: "Mr Macron knows he has a battle on his hands. He picked it." (Additional reporting by Marine Pennetier in Paris and Jean-Francois Rosnoblet in Marseille; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Caracas (AFP) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Tuesday he was prepared to meet the opposition for talks brokered by the Dominican Republic and former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero.

"Zapatero and President (Danilo) Medina know very well that I have been a promoter of this dialogue and I accept this new day of dialogue," the president said during a cabinet meeting broadcast on television.

The opposition announced in turn that it would hold a meeting on Wednesday with the Dominican president.

"It has been decided to send a delegation to meet with President Medina to present the objectives of the national democratic struggle," the opposition coalition Democratic Unity Roundtable said in a statement.

Venezuela's deep economic and political crisis has caused food and medicine shortages, deadly unrest and calls for Maduro to quit.

Clashes with security forces at anti-government protests have left some 125 people dead since April.

Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian raised the possibility of a resumption of talks in the Dominican Republic.

In a statement published after his meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, Le Drian welcomed what he called "good news," expressing hope the move would "result very quickly in concrete gestures on the ground."

A month of talks late last year between Maduro's government and the opposition collapsed in mutual recrimination.
Pippa Middleton has a glam new haircut. (Photo: AKM-GSI)

Pippa Middleton has stolen a beauty move from her big sister Kate by chopping her hair into a chic bob.

The 34-year-old was recently spotted riding her bike through the streets of London, wearing faded gray skinny jeans and a $179 Rails Hunter checkered shirt  with her highlighted brown hair chopped to a shoulder-length bob.

The new do signals a fresh start for the newlywed, who married her financier boyfriend James Matthews on May 20 and jetted off to a honeymoon in French Polynesia and Australia, where the couple scaled the Sydney Harbor Bridge and flew to lunch in a tiny seaplane.

Its also possible that Pippas haircut is a sign that a baby is due  at least if theres any clue in reports that Kate, currently expecting baby number three, changes her hairstyle before announcing each pregnancy, in an effort to distract the press from her changing body.

Kate Middleton showed off a new shorter hairstyle in July. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

In July, two months before sharing news of her current pregnancy, Kate chopped her hair into a lob (a long bob), which she debuted at Wimbleton. When she was pregnant with now 2-year-old Princess Charlotte, the duchess repeatedly wore her hair half up, and while carrying Prince George, now 4, she suddenly got bangs.

In August, US magazine reported that Pippa and Matthews are currently trying for a baby and that its long been a dream for Kate and Pippa to be pregnant at the same time.

If shorter hair is Pippas way of breaking baby news, theres no chicer way to do it.

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Meghan, meet the queen!

Meghan Markle has finally met Queen Elizabeth II, according to a new Us Weekly report, after just over a year of dating Prince Harry. By comparison, it took Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton nearly five years to make the monarch's accquaintance back in 2008.

SEE ALSO: Meghan Markle breaks silence on Prince Harry romance: 'We're two people who are really happy and in love'

The report reveals that Harry brought Markle up to his family's 53,000-acre estate in Scotland called Birkhall, where father Charles and stepmother Camilla were staying. Elizabeth was seven miles away at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence. The reason for the couple's visit was twofold.

"Harry decided to take Meghan to visit as he hadn't been up yet all summer," a source told Us. "He [also] wanted to introduce Meghan to the queen."

See photos of Meghan Markle:



Though reports over the last year or so have alleged that the queen may not approve of Markle for various reasons -- she's a commoner and she's divorced -- the meeting between the two ladies reportedly went extremely smoothly.

"It went well," the source said. "It'll no doubt be the first of many encounters. [...] The entire weekend went well. He was able to introduce someone he loves to someone he cares for deeply."

"She fits perfectly into the family," the continued. "The difference in backgrounds means absolutely nothing."

The visit up north happened over Labor Day weekend, fresh off the couple's three-week African vacation. Though not confirmed, sources close to the couple claimed that Harry had planned to propose to Meghan on the romantic trip, "so he can associate August with something joyful."

That being said, the fact that news of the alleged proposal hasn't surfaced isn't surprising, as the same source predicted that the private couple would want to keep the news between themselves for the time being.

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See photos of Prince Harry:



Earlier this month, Markle's tell-all interview with Vanity Fair was published, during which she addressed her romance with the British royal for the first time ever.

"We're two people who are really happy and in love," she said.

Sounds like there's a royal wedding in our future.

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BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged Hungary to quickly implement a ruling by the European Union's top court that member states must take in a share of refugees who reach the continent. In its ruling last week, the court dismissed complaints by Slovakia and Hungary over the mandatory quotas introduced in 2015 to relocate asylum seekers from Greece and Italy. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday his government would not change its anti-immigration stance. In an interview with Berliner Zeitung newspaper to be published on Tuesday, Merkel insisted that Hungary had to implement the court ruling. "It's unacceptable that a government says a ruling of the European Court of Justice does not interest them," Merkel said, according to a preview published by the daily late on Monday. Asked whether this meant that Hungary had to leave the EU, Merkel said: "This means that a very fundamental question of Europe is being touched -- because for me, Europe is an area of the rule of law. We will have to talk about this at the European Council in October." During the Mediterranean migrant crisis of 2015, hundreds of thousand of refugees arrived in the Balkans, Italy and Greece. That prompted the EU to impose mandatory quotas on its member countries for relocating asylum seekers. The flow of migrants has since receded, easing pressure to force compliance on nationalist leaders like Orban, who is benefiting domestically from his tough anti-immigrant policies as elections approach in 2018. Merkel told another newspaper in an interview published over the weekend that she was optimistic that a dispute over how to distribute asylum seekers in the EU would soon be resolved. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (F.A.S.) newspaper also reported that in negotiations between member states about redistribution, a compromise was starting to emerge that would link accepting refugees to payments from the EU. (Reporting by Michael Nienaber; Editing by Catherine Evans)
Michael Flynn and his son both appeared destined for key roles in the Trump administration: AP

Federal investigators working for special counsel Robert Mueller have reportedly turned their attention to Michael G Flynn Jr, the son of embattled former national security advisor Michael Flynn.

The questions thought to be encircling the Flynn family offer the latest evidence that the work of the senior Mr Flynn's consulting group has emerged as a key matter for investigators tasked with probing potential ties between Donald Trump's presidential campaign and Russia. According to NBC News, which first reported that investigators are looking into the younger Mr Flynn, the son's work for his father's Flynn Intel Group is a topic of interest.

Both Flynns forfeited jobs working for the Trump administration, the elder Mr Flynn for having mischaracterised his contact with the Russian ambassador and his son - who served on the transition team - for promoting on Twitter a conspiracy theory linking Hillary Clinton to an alleged child pornography ring at a Washington DC pizza restaurant. They now share a status as people of apparent interest in a widening investigation that has encompassed multiple former members of Mr Trump's orbit.

Between being forced out of an Obama administration post in 2014 and coming on as a short-lived national security adviser to Mr Trump, Mr Flynn plunged into the world of private consulting, a period that has attracted interest from Congressional investigators and Mr Mueller's team.

Congressional panels have issued multiple subpoenas seeking to compel the elder Mr Flynn to reveal more about his work for foreign entities, and the White House was asked by Mr Muellers team to turn over documents related to Mr Flynn, according to the New York Times. It emerged earlier this year that Mr Flynn had not listed payments from two Russia-linked firms, including a paid speech in Moscow, on his financial disclosure forms. His firm also lobbied for the Turkish government, and investigators working for Mr Mueller have reportedly probed Mr Flynns work on behalf of a Turkish businessman.

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The report of Michael G Flynn Jr drawing interest from federal investigators, follows allegations from Congressional Democrats that the elder Mr Flynn violated federal law by failing to disclose having met foreign officials to promote a joint Russian-American business deal. A letter from congressmen Elijah Cummings and Eliot Engel - a copy of which was sent to Mr Mueller - raises fresh questions about the extent of the retired lieutenant generals entanglements with foreign actors.

In June, the two congressmen wrote to the executives of companies who had allegedly worked alongside Mr Flynn to build nuclear infrastructure in the Middle East in partnership with Russia and with financing from Saudi Arabia, according to Newsweek.

Responses from the executives provided multiple independent confirmations of the trip, Reps Cummings and Engel wrote in a followup letter this week, allegedly putting Mr Flynn in violation of federal law because he did not report those trips on a 2016 application for high-level security clearance.

The elected officials' letter quotes a response from Dr Thomas Cochran of ACU Strategic Partners, one of the companies involved in the proposed project, confirming that Mr Flynn travelled to the Middle East in 2015 to advance the construction of nuclear reactor and stating that Mr Flynn firmly believed in the necessity of the project from a US national security perspective.

Lawyers representing Mr Flynn refused to provide further details and did not refute allegations of Mr Flynn having broken the law, the legislators wrote, but said Mr Flynn was only responding to compulsory process.

In addition to warning that Mr Flynn could be exposed to criminal penalties, the letter questions whether the former prominent Trump aide continued talking to officials about the potential nuclear deal even after Mr Trump won the 2016 election and ascended to the presidency. The lawmakers asked for more documents that might illuminate such contacts.

The American people deserve to know whether General Flynn was secretly promoting the private interests of these businesses while he was a campaign advisor, a transition official, or President Trumps National Security Advisor, the congressmen wrote.

After the letter's release, the Wall Street Journal reported that the elder Mr Flynn had indeed promoted the nuclear power project while serving as national security adviser, citing former security council staffers.

Prior press reports detailed the effort to build nuclear reactors in the Middle East, which a business consortium promoted to the Obama administration as a bulwark against nuclear technology being put to sinister uses. Shortly before the 2016 election, Alex Copson of ACU Strategic Partners, who was involved in the venture and was one of the recipients of the letters from Mr Cummings and Mr Engel, told AL.com the idea was very important to the U.S./Russian collaboration to stabilise the Middle East through nuclear power.
Islamorada (United States) (AFP) - After Hurricane Irma reduced her home on a Florida Keys trailer park to rubble, Patty Purdo fears it's now only a matter of time before property developers complete her misery.

"We are afraid that they are going to bulldoze this thing and build a high rise condo and rich people's homes, but we don't have any other place to go," said the waitress on Tuesday as she surveyed what was left of her home of the last 35 years.

"We don't want to leave, we want to stay. It is what it is," she added before breaking down in tears. "We don't have much left."

The Florida Keys, a ribbon of islands on the southern tip of the United States, has long been a magnet for millionaires and film stars drawn to its warm waters and sunsets.

Islamorada, situated in the middle of the archipelago, counts the actor Gene Hackman among its residents and draws thousands of well-heeled tourists over the summer months.

But when Irma hurtled into the Keys as a Category Four hurricane on Saturday night, the biggest losers were not the owners of luxury condos but the likes of Purdo.

Much of Islamorada's 6,000-strong local population's livelihoods are dependent on tourism and live in flimsy trailers, a world away from the Keys' glamorous image.

- 'We're not the rich people' -

"We are the people who serve you coffee. I'm the one that serves you dinner and lunch and coffee in the morning," said the 55-year-old Purdo.

"We're not the rich people here."

Purdo, who rode out the storm in a friend's brick-built house, was distraught when she returned to her home and found its doors were blocked by debris.

She was only able to get into her property by carving a hole with a chainsaw and was then confronted by a blanket of seaweed that smothered her possessions.

"This was my porch," she said with a nervous laugh, pointing at a tangle of wreckage next to her home.

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Inside, the floor is covered in a film of sludge that has soiled everything from clothes to books.

The park, called Seabreeze, commands glorious views of the Atlantic Ocean and it's not hard to imagine how developers might be tempted to erect high-end vacation properties or hotels rather than resurrect the more basic homes.

Residents estimated that around 75 percent of the 106 trailers in the park had been largely destroyed by the hurricane winds or subsequent storm surges.

Nearby businesses have also taken a pounding from Irma such as the Habanos restaurant which was not only coated in algae but also stank of rotten food after the electricity went down.

"The ceiling collapsed in the dining area, in the kitchen we have a lot of water damage," said the proprietor Marilyn Ramos as she spoke to an AFP reporter.

"We haven't been able to assess the whole thing yet. There's been damage in every area, some more than others. So it's devastating for us but we're a strong community, we're going to get this going soon."

Like Purdo, Ramos knows she faces an uncertain future if tourists don't make a swift return but she cannot afford to just wait for them to come back.

"It's going to take some time to get it back to what it was used to be. I want to be hopeful and say weeks, but it can be months. This is our livelihood."
The mom of a 1-year-old who was asked to breastfeed her daughter in her gyms bathroom has spoken out, prompting swift local action that included an apology from management and a nurse-in by supportive mothers.

Ive been assured that the company intends to retrain all employees with regards to breastfeeding laws, and the front desk operator will definitely not be asking future breastfeeding moms to nurse in the restroom, Ruha Tacey, of Athens, Ala., tells Yahoo Beauty about the incident she found so upsetting that she canceled her gym membership at SportsFit on the spot. The regional manager apologized to me on behalf of the company and regrets that I was made to feel unwelcome and/or ashamed.

The trouble began on Monday, when Tacey tried hitting the gym for the first time since having her daughter. When her baby had a hard time in the childcare room, Tacey sat there and breastfed her, as she explained in a bummed Facebook post on Tuesday.

She was still distressed when I tried to leave again, so we left and came back this morning, she wrote. When I badged into the front door, the very friendly guy at the front desk said, Hey, can I talk to you about something really quick? In terms of feeding your child, when you need to do that, could you just use the restroom? The restroom? I asked. I have absolutely never been asked to do that, I said. Well, were a family friendly facility, you see, and yesterday while you were feeding her a man walked by the window.

Tacey and her daughter, left, found support from other breastfeeding moms in Alabama. (Photo: Courtesy of Tacey Ruha)

Taceys post continued, I told him a man shouldnt feel shame when he sees a woman breastfeeding. And especially if youre family friendly, you should be super-pro breastfeeding! He said, Im not telling you not to breastfeed, I just think a little discretion is in order. What a shame, I said. Can I cancel my membership?

She added, Its hard enough getting to the gym and trying to work out despite a child with lots of separation anxiety.

Beyond that, the gym employees request was against the law, as Alabama Code Section 22 1-13 allows for breastfeeding in any public or private location where the mother is otherwise authorized to be.

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On Wednesday morning, a handful of moms joined Tacey to send a message to the gym with a nurse-in, she says, adding that she regrets the gym taking such a beating in the local press, when the situation was really the fault of one employee and his immediate supervisor.

Yahoo Beauty could not reach anyone at the gym by phone (which appeared to not be working properly on Wednesday) and did not receive a reply to the email sent to the company for comment.

Tacey, while not 100 percent satisfied, as the front desk operator wasnt prepared to apologize yet, says shes feeling much better about the whole ordeal.

The main message Id like to get across to the public, she says, is that breastfeeding is natural, its normal, and it is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Individuals are welcome to have their own opinions about whether a nursing mother offends them, but I would hope that they could think of the child first.

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Scores remained flat on statewide standardized tests taken in the spring, with about half of all public school students graded as at least proficient in English language arts and about 40 percent as proficient in math, according to results released Tuesday.

These test scores, in my mind, are a shout of urgency that Montana must do better, State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen said. It was frustrating. Coming from the classroom  knowing how much emphasis that is placed on these tests, understanding the tests are taking away from curriculum or just the amount of time students take on this test  I was hoping for more of an increase.

It is the third year Montana has used the computerized Smarter Balanced assessment to measure how well students are learning curricula set by state and federal standards. Children in third through eighth grades take the test. Since 2016, high school juniors have instead taken the ACT, which also can be used to apply to college.

These scores will serve as local baselines in the states plan for complying with new requirements outlined in the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. Montanas current draft sets ambitious goals for improving scores, particularly those of Native Americans and students with special education needs  drawing criticism from many local district leaders who say the proposed gains are arbitrary or unrealistic.

In 2017, 50.3 percent of students scored proficient or advanced on the English test, up slightly from 50.1 percent last year and 45 percent in 2015. On the math test, 40.2 percent scored at least proficient in 2017, compared to 40.8 percent in 2016 and 38 percent in 2015.

Students at Missoula County Public Schools scored higher than statewide averages.

In English, 61 percent were proficient or higher. About one quarter of all students scored as advanced compared to 18 percent statewide. In math, 52 percent were proficient or higher. Again, about one quarter of all students earned advanced scores, more than the statewide average of 16 percent.

Missoula Superintendent Mark Thane celebrated the districts higher-than-average scores.

That said, Im not satisfied with our results, he said, noting the ongoing work among teachers in professional learning groups to analyze the detailed data and adapt teaching strategies accordingly.

District Director of Teaching and Learning Elise Guest agreed that the scores will help schools identify needed areas of improvement, but said it is dangerous to look at one test score and make conclusions from it. She noted its more important to look at scores over time to see if theyre improving, which they have in Missoula.

The district also launched new, short tests that will be administered in September, January and May, which will provide teachers with more immediate feedback they can use to tailor lessons throughout the year.

The first year of the statewide Smarter Balanced test in 2015, the state only recorded 70 percent of scores because of technical glitches. This year and last, more than 98 percent of scores were counted.

Scores varied significantly among some groups of students and between districts.

The Office of Public Instruction did not immediately make the scores available by various factors, such as race, gender or whether students were noted as being at economic disadvantage. However, in a press release Tuesday, Arntzen highlighted the persistent achievement gap between American Indian students and white peers statewide. Just 21 percent scored proficient or better in English language arts and 15 percent tested at that level in math, according to the release.

Arntzen said Tuesday that the states plan to comply with new federal education standards will be aggressive in its goals to close gaps among those students and others who have special needs. In the statement, she also said the plan would focus on science, technology, engineering, math and career technical education beginning in middle school.
By Shenequa Golding

The mother of a 19-year-old teen who was found dead inside a hotel walk-in freezer is calling out the hotel and local police department for not doing enough.

To me, I feel like they helped kill my child: the police department and this hotel, Teresa Martin said during an interview with local outlets. Martin said neither law enforcement or the hotel staff took her repeated pleas for help seriously.

Kenneka L. Jenkins reportedly left her home on Chicagos west side Friday night at about 11:30 p.m. to attend a party at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont. Her sister alleges to have last spoken to Jenkins via text at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Jenkins was later found inside an industrial freezer on Sunday night, more than 24 hours after her disappearance and was pronounced dead on site.

The Cook County medical examiners office conducted an autopsy but cannot confirm a cause of death or if any foul play was at hand. However, a Facebook Live video which has now gone viral is offering police clues to Jenkins prior to her death. Gary Mack, a spokesman for the village of Rosemont spoke with the Chicago Tribune and said police have identified everyone in the video.

Yes, theyve looked at it and continue to look at it and all the other social media videos and posts, Mack said. They are leaving no stone unturned as far as trying to corral everyone they can and talk to them and interview them about what happened and what was going on that night.

The video, which has been viewed more than four million times shows a woman with auburn colored hair in sunglasses talking into the phone. Jenkins is reflected in the sunglasses shes wearing and show where she was sitting inside the hotel room.

The clip caused concern on social media with many surmising Jenkins may have been set up. Martin says police told her Jenkins was drunk and may have locked herself in a freezer, claiming freak accidents like that do occur but Martin wonders how her drunk daughter had the coordination and strength to open a freezer door.

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This post Mother Of Woman Found In Hotel Freezer Claims Police Didnt Do Enough first appeared on Vibe.
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The UN Security Council on Wednesday broke its weeks-long silence on the crisis in Myanmar and called for an end to the violence as UN chief Antonio Guterres said the military campaign amounted to ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims.

Following a closed-door meeting, the 15-member council including China, a supporter of Myanmar's former ruling junta, expressed concern about excessive force during security operations in Rakhine state and called for "immediate steps" to end the violence.

It was the first time the council agreed on a united response to the crisis sparked by a military crackdown that followed attacks by Rohingya militants late last month.

Some 380,000 Rohingya have fled across the border into neighboring Bangladesh and there have been growing appeals for Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi to speak out in defence of the Rohingya.

Suu Kyi's spokesman earlier said the Nobel laureate and long-time human rights champion would deliver an address next week on peace and reconciliation in Myanmar.

At a press conference in New York, Guterres called for a halt to the military campaign in Rakhine and said the mass displacement of Rohingya amounted to ethnic cleansing.

"I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military action, end the violence, uphold the rule of law and recognize the right of return of all those who had to leave the country," the secretary general told a press conference.

Asked if he agreed the Rohingya population was being ethnically cleansed, he replied: "When one-third of the Rohingya population has got to flee the country, can you find a better word to describe it?".

- Catastrophe in Rakhine -

The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have longstanding roots in the country.

Guterres said the Myanmar government should either grant the Rohingya nationality or legal status that would allow them to live a normal life.

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Condemning the violence, the Security Council also called for humanitarian aid workers to be able to reach those in need in Rakhine state.

But China blocked a proposal from Egypt to add language on ensuring the right of return to the Rohingya sheltering in Bangladesh, diplomats said.

Still, British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft stressed that it was the first time in nine years that the Security Council was able to agree on a common stance on Myanmar.

"We were united in our concern about the situation" after hearing from UN officials who briefed the council on "the catastrophe that is befalling Rakhine state and the Rohingya there," said Rycroft.

Rights groups had urged the council to meet in open session and send a clear message to Myanmar that the world is watching.

"Today was a baby step forward, and it's admittedly rare that the Council finds a way to agree on Burma, but it's far less than what's needed in the face of the unfolding tragedy," said Akshaya Kumar, Human Rights Watch's deputy UN director.

In the northern area of Rakhine, 176 out of 471 Rohingya villages now stand empty after "the whole village fled", government spokesman Zaw Htay said in Yangon, adding others were partly deserted or intact.

- Suu Kyi stays away from UN -

Suu Kyi, who will deliver a nationwide address on September 19, has been condemned for a lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of a crisis that has shocked the international community.

The Myanmar leader's spokesman said she will not attend next week's annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, where the plight of the Rohingya will be in the spotlight.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Turkey is planning a meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on Myanmar and Britain a ministerial-level meeting.

Bangladesh is struggling to provide relief for exhausted and hungry refugees -- some 60 percent of whom are children -- while nearly 30,000 ethnic Rakhine Buddhists as well as Hindus have also been displaced inside Myanmar.

Nine thousand more Rohingya refugees poured into Bangladesh on Wednesday, the UN said, as authorities worked to build a new camp for tens of thousands of arrivals who have no shelter.

Suu Kyi, Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades, has no control over the powerful military, which ran the country for 50 years. A free election was finally held in 2015.

There is also scant sympathy among Myanmar's Buddhist majority for the Rohingya, who are branded "Bengalis" -- shorthand for illegal immigrants.

Rohingya refugees have told chilling accounts of soldiers firing on civilians and razing entire villages in the north of Rakhine with the help of Buddhist mobs.

The army denies the allegations.

Ahead of the council meeting, 12 Nobel laureates signed an open letter urging the UN body to "intervene immediately by using all available means" to end the "crimes against humanity" unfolding in Rakhine.

Suu Kyi made her debut before the UN assembly last September, winning warm applause for a speech in which she vowed to find a solution to long-running ethnic and religious hatred in Rakhine.
A country musician was charged Monday with attempted murder for shooting a homeless man who asked her to move her SUV in Nashville, Tennessee, said police.

According to the victim, Gerard Melton, Katie Layne Quackenbush shot him twice during an altercation when he asked her to move her Porsche. Melton was trying to sleep on the pavement at 3 a.m. local time on Aug. 26 when he was disturbed by exhaust fumes and loud music coming from Quackenbushs car. When he asked the woman to move the vehicle, an argument ensued and Quackenbush got out of the SUV with a firearm.

She then shot him and fled the scene. Melton, 54, remains hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center with a severe abdominal wound, according to police.

Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Quackenbush was arrested once earlier in 2013 on an assault charge in Amarillo but has no prior criminal convictions on her record. She was released from the Randall County Jail a day later after posting $5,000 bond. Quackenbush was charged with misdemeanor assault after being arrested in Potter County, Texas, on Dec. 17, 2016, Heavy.com reported.

The mother of a five-year-old boy is a country musician who performs under the name Katie Layne. According to her Twitter profile, some of the songs she released include Midnight Revival, and a spoof rap video called Ski Tips Up Hoes Down.

Quackenbush also started a now-defunct company called Stitches Promo Girls in 2011. "Our company brings Promo Girls in one easy step to businesses in the extreme sport community," reads the description of the company on Twitter. She talked about the company and promoted it on YouTube.

Her LinkedIn profile says Quackenbush went to Amarillo College and worked for Sanford Rose Associates, a Texas-based recruiting firm, as a recruiting artist.

Her father, Jesse Quackenbush, an attorney in Texas, told a local daily, the Tennessean, that his daughter and her friend  who accompanied her at the time of the incident  were accosted by Melton who threatened to kill them and made sexist comments against his daughter.

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She didnt try and kill this guy, Quackenbush said Monday night, a few hours after his daughter was arrested on the charge. She had no intention of killing him. She didnt know that she hit him.

In a statement published by NBC 26, he said:

The two women were actually acting in self defense. The man was always on his feet and not asleep as someone apparently has alleged and had accosted a group of very young women and nearly became physical with one. He then approached the white Porsche (not Lexis) with two female occupants and started verbally accosting them threatening them because their music was too loud for him to sleep...The driver fired a round as a warning to scare him away as he came at her. He kept coming and she fired a second round, again intended to scare him away. They quickly got back into the white vehicle and left, not knowing that the man was hit by the warning shots. Both girls contacted the police and DA shortly after the incident and have always agreed to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Quackenbush is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 6.

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Police are yet to discover the identity of the Putney jogger (Picture: Met Police)

Police have released new CCTV footage of a jogger who appeared to push a woman into the path of a bus, after their initial efforts to identify him proved unsuccessful.

In the footage, which was recorded in May, the man is seen running along Putney Bridge in West London when he appears to shove the 33-year-old woman in the road.

Two men, who are both aged 41, were previously arrested before being released without charge.

Now, The Metropolitan Police say they are continuing to work through the information received to identify the man.

The woman was knocked in the road by the mystery jogger as she walked across Putney Bridge at approximately 0740 BST on 5 May.

The newly released image of the jogger has been captured by the Number 430 bus which narrowly avoided colliding with the woman.

The woman received minor injuries, and unsuccessfully attempted to stop the man when he returned to job back across the bridge some 15 minutes later.

He is described as a white man, aged in his 30s, with brown eyes and short brown hair.

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Appealing for information, Det Sgt Chris Griffith called for anyone who initially provided officers with a name of the potential suspect to contain police again in order to fully follow up those lines of enquiry.

Yesterday, the bus driver, Olivier Salbris was hailed a total hero by Good Morning Britain (GMB) presenter Susanna Reid for his actions, after he appeared on the breakfast show to speak about the man who is being sought by police.
By Boureima Balima NIAMEY (Reuters) - Mali and Niger, two of the West African nations worst affected by jihadist violence, appealed on Wednesday for international funding for a regional force they have set up to counter Islamist insurgencies. Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Niger's Mahamadou Issoufou said the force assembled by the G5 Sahel bloc -- Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad -- was crucial to fighting a threat that went well beyong their borders. "We bring this combat against terrorism not only to protect our own people and countries but for the whole world," Issoufou told a news conference in Niger's capital Niamey. "For terrorism knows no border. It will go to Europe, it will go to the United States," he said. "The world has to be mobilized." The idea of the G5 force was first dreamed up in 2015, but only in July last year did the countries set it up. It is expected to comprise around 5,000 troops. French President Emmanuel Macron has said he expects it to be operational by the autumn. Islamist groups, some with links to al Qaeda, seized Mali's desert north in 2012. French-led forces scattered them the following year but they still attack peacekeepers, soldiers and civilian targets in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. Issoufou said a multinational force in the Lake Chad region, including soldiers from Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, had had some success against Islamist Boko Haram militants, but that this was financed by Africa's biggest economy, Nigeria, whereas no country in the G5 had sufficient resources. "It is important that the international community takes note of this and gets together to give us resources to ensure our mission can be accomplished," he said. Analysts see the G5 force as the basis of an eventual exit strategy for around 4,000 French troops deployed to the region on counter-insurgency missions, mostly in Mali. "We have only limited means, but if we mutualize our power, our sovereign elements will have more force, more vitality than we imagine," Malian President Keita said. Issoufou said the force would be divided into three deployments across the Sahel region: an eastern one consisting of Chadian and Nigerien forces, a central one with forces from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, and a Western one with troops from Mali and Mauritania. (Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice will not bring charges against Baltimore police officers over the fatal injury of a black man in custody in an incident that stoked tensions between African Americans and law enforcement, federal officials said Tuesday.

A Justice Department criminal civil rights investigation into the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray has found "insufficient evidence" for any charges, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement.

"The Justice Department concluded that the evidence is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Caesar Goodson, Officer William Porter, Officer Garrett Miller, Officer Edward Nero, Lieutenant Brian Rice, or Sergeant Alicia White willfully violated Gray's civil rights," the Justice Department said in a statement. "Accordingly, the investigation into this incident has been closed without prosecution."

Gray was arrested in April 2015 and suffered a fatal spinal injury while being transported in a police van. The largely African American city erupted in rioting on the day of his funeral, leading to a curfew and deployment of National Guard troops.

His death was one of several incidents in recent years in U.S. cities, such as Ferguson, Missouri, that sparked a nationwide debate about the use of excessive force by police, especially against black men.

Baltimore prosecutors charged six police officers in Gray's death, but none were convicted. Public disciplinary trials are scheduled for five of the officers.

The Baltimore Sun, citing unnamed sources, reported the Department of Justice's decision earlier on Tuesday.

Loretta Lynch, the attorney general under former President Barack Obama, announced the federal civil rights investigation on the day of the rioting.

The police union welcomed the decision not to file federal charges, Michael Davey, a lawyer for the Baltimore police union, said in a statement.

An attorney for Gray's family could not immediately be reached for comment.

Story continues

"We have no additional comment on the Department of Justice decision today in regards to the six officers," Nicole Monroe, a spokeswoman for the Baltimore Police Department, said in a statement.

A sweeping Justice Department review released last year found Baltimore police regularly violated African Americans' civil rights through strip searches, unlawful stops and excessive force.

A federal judge in April approved an agreement, hammered out in the waning days of the Obama administration, with the Department of Justice to overhaul the police department that included changes in training and the use of force.

Approval came despite a request from the Trump administration to delay implementation. Attorney General Jeff Sessions contended the agreement could hinder crime-fighting efforts.

(Reporting by Ian Simpson and Sarah Lynch in Washington and Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Chris Reese and Richard Chang)
A mother and her daughter walk back to their car while waiting in a line that extended miles at one of the few gas stations open after Hurricane Irma in Fort Myers, Fla. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

FORT MYERS, Fla.  It had been more than two hours since Judy Martin had gotten in line for the gas pumps at a RaceTrac fuel station just off Interstate 75 here along Floridas Gulf Coast. She had about a quarter tank left in her Ford Explorer and a few gas cans to fill in hopes of keeping her generator going at her powerless home a few miles away.

But in a story that had become ever frequent in the days leading up to and in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, she waited and waited, only to arrive at the pump when the station had been sucked free of gas. Standing inside the station, where people had run in to prepay for their fuel because power outages had rendered the credit card machines outside useless, she had almost been to the front of the line when the manager announced in a booming voice that the gas was all gone. Some 15,000 gallons, emptied in a matter of hours.

Done, he announced. Over. Were out!

Chaos erupted, as many in line began to beg for just a gallon or two.

How do you know you are out? someone asked. Cant I just try?

Were out, the manager repeated, and moved like a linebacker to extend his arms behind two people who stood near the checkout. The line cuts off here. After this man and this woman, its done. No more. Were out. No more gas.

People who had been waiting hours just stood there in disbelief  including Martin, who had driven up just after sunrise, when the line was already more than a mile long. She didnt know if she had the gas to wait in another long line or if there were even any other stations open in a region where every drop of fuel had seemingly been depleted. What will I do now? she asked, her voice shaking a bit. I dont know how much longer I can go.

A few feet away, the manager walked to the edge of the eheckout counter and put his head in his hands.

A man carries a young girl on his shoulders in a flooded neighborhood in Bonita Springs, Fla. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

And such was the scene two days after Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida, engulfing virtually the entire state in extreme winds and heavy rains that killed at least 12 and left millions without power. Here along the states southwest coast, little was left untouched by the storm, which left mangled trees and dangling power lines nearly everywhere you looked.

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But many here were counting their blessings. Although the damage was extreme  local officials tentatively estimated at least $1 billion worth in this region alone  most conceded it could have been worse. Naples registered a wind gust of more than 140 miles per hour at the height of the storm, but Irmas projected storm surge  which was forecast to be as high as 10 feet and could possibly have moved a wall of water roughly 15 to 20 miles inland  was ultimately not as bad as many worried it would be.

Yet while so many dodged a bullet, some communities did not. In Bonita Springs, Fla., about halfway between Naples and Fort Myers, several miles of neighborhoods remained underwater Tuesday as the nearby Imperial River swelled beyond its banks. Residents navigated murky water as deep as their waists as they tried to save whatever belongings they could. Some couldnt even get to their doorstep.

I dont know what to do, said a woman who declined to give her name. She had approached a reporter asking for help. She pointed to a nearby home, where the water was nearly halfway up the windows, sending ripples into the flooded street like a rock in a rapidly flowing river. She hadnt been able to get inside her house. The water was too deep.

I dont know who to ask for help. Who is helping us? she asked.

For all of the states early warnings and preparedness in urging residents to get out of Irmas way, there was almost no sign here of the rescue workers and volunteers who usually descend on a disaster zone. There were no FEMA trailers or other government officials in the neighborhoods beyond the local police, who did their best to seal off neighborhoods and navigate traffic where stoplights were out. With phone lines down and cellular service spotty, it was hard to know why.

One army that was out in force was workers from Florida Power & Light, which descended on the region to work frantically to restore power in an area where most lost electricity. It was the first step to recovery  getting the traffic lights on and restoring power to grocery stores and gas stations. Although the two were interconnected, people around here were less concerned about getting the lights on than finding fuel.

Storm damage in Marco Island, Fla., where Hurricane Irma made landfall. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

Florida Gov. Rick Scott had been forceful in urging people along his states Gulf Coast to evacuate, but many did not  not because they didnt want to, but because they didnt have the fuel. As early as two to three days before Irma made landfall, gas stations were running dry, wrapping their pumps in Saran Wrap or caution tape to signal to motorists to not even bother to pull over.

One woman near Marco Island, Fla., where Irma made landfall, said she had been forced to ride out the storm because she had only about 60 miles worth of gas in her tank  not nearly enough to get her out of the storms way.

I just want the governor to do what he promised, she said on Monday. He promised to bring in the fuel trucks, and we need them.

That seemed to be happening, if slowly. Along Interstate 75 heading south, fuel trucks were seen being escorted by Florida state troopers into hard-hit towns. Throughout Fort Myers, gas stations slowly began to reopen throughout the day  though lines at all of them were many miles long with waits of four hours or more. And, like Martin, many made it to the front of the line, only to see the pumps run dry.

At the RaceTrac in Fort Myers, employees walked outside to yell to motorists that the fuel was out before they even came in the door. One man simply parked his car at a pump, turned off the ignition, and sat there to wait in hopes the gas pumps would soon flow again.

An SUV navigates a flooded road in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Ochopee, Fla. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

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San Francisco (AFP) - A bizarre two-year court battle over who owns the copyright of a "monkey selfie" which went viral was finally settled on Monday -- in favour of a British nature photographer.

A crested black macaque with a goofy grin snapped itself in Indonesia while staring down the lens of camera belonging to David Slater in 2011.

After Slater published the pictures in a book, animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a lawsuit in federal court in San Francisco in 2015 seeking to have the monkey "declared the author and owner of his photograph".

PETA said the selfies were taken by a six-year-old called Naruto on the island of Sulawesi, although even the identity of the monkey was the subject of legal wranglings.

In filing the lawsuit, PETA argued that "US copyright law doesn't prohibit an animal from owning a copyright, and since Naruto took the photo, he owns the copyright, as any human would".

Slater insisted that he owned the rights since he set up the tripod and walked away for a few minutes, only to find out that the monkey had grabbed his camera and snapped away.

Following the settlement, PETA wrote on their blog: "As a part of the arrangement, Slater agreed to donate 25 percent of any future revenue derived from using or selling the monkey selfies to charities that protect the habitat of Naruto and other crested macaques in Indonesia."

It added: "Naruto and the famous 'monkey selfie' photographs that he undeniably took clearly demonstrate that he and his fellow macaques ... are highly intelligent, thinking, sophisticated beings worthy of having legal ownership of their own intellectual property and holding other rights as members of the legal community."

A joint statement read: "PETA and David Slater agree that this case raises important, cutting-edge issues about expanding legal rights for nonhuman animals, a goal that they both support, and they will continue their respective work to achieve this goal."

When the copyright controversy erupted, Slater said that the widespread distribution of the photos online had cost him a lot of money by robbing his book of potential sales -- so it's unclear how much money the habitat charities will clear in the deal.

Slater's company Wildlife Personalities, and the self-publishing platform Blurb were co-defendants in the case.
Its not taking long for the city to rearrange the furniture in what used to be Mountain Waters home. Some of it theyre just going to toss out.

Standing beside the Rattlesnake dam Tuesday afternoon, Mayor John Engen laid out the city's plan for the disused barrier spanning the much-beloved creek in Missoula.

Were going to remove this dam, he said.

The citys had interest from Trout Unlimited and Fish, Wildlife and Parks to lead the project, after the groups tried for more than a decade to mitigate the dams adverse effects on the ecosystem.

The dam, adjacent pond and park area is on 45 acres that will be added to the 100 acres of city open space already on the Rattlesnake Creek corridor, according to Open Space Lands Manager Morgan Valliant. The city hopes to expand the Rattlesnake trail, currently a thin gravel path, through the area.

From the late 1930s until the late 1960s, the area was a public park, built by Montana Power Company, with tables, benches and ballfields.

The creek serves as a spawning ground for many of the fish that swim in the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers, Trout Unlimited Project Manager Rob Roberts said, including bull trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and mountain whitefish.

All those big fish in the river are coming up here trying to spawn and all those little fish are swimming back down, Roberts said. We have a vision of a free-flowing Rattlesnake Creek that connects from the headwaters to the confluence of the Clark Fork River.

It would be the first time in more than a century.

The lower Rattlesnake Creek dam was built in 1905, before several others were added in the first part of the 20th century by the Montana Power Co. to create a backup water supply for the city.

The dams were sold as part of the water system in 1979 to Mountain Water Co. and stayed in place, despite the switch in the early 1980s to using the aquifer below Missoula as a water supply. That was after more than 60 cases of giardia (also called beaver fever) were reported to the City-County Health Department, and Mountain Water stopped using creek water.

In the early 2000s Mountain Water was open to helping: a fish ladder was built onto the dam at Fish, Wildlife and Parks' urging. That helped certain species of fish get upstream for a while.

But a few years later, because of the dams crumbling infrastructure, the company removed the walkway and took out the sluice door mechanisms, leaving the gates open and effectively ruining any chance fish had to swim upstream outside of low-water season, according to FWPs Area Fisheries Biologist Ladd Knotek.

Most of the fish are moving through this in spring, at the peak of high flows, and theres basically a jet spraying water preventing them from getting through, Knotek said, adding theres always shortcomings with artificial fixes.

So theyre going to tear it down. But not just like that.

Trout Unlimited is looking at historical records to get an idea of where the stream flowed before it was dammed, as well as how the dam was constructed, changing the way the creek behaved; not going for a physical re-creation of the creeks old path, but rather restoring the functions of the creek: namely fish spawning and providing a wider habitat for amphibians and mammals.

Roberts said theyll need to study the dam, most likely starting this winter, to figure out what kinds of sediments are built up behind it and how removing the infrastructure will affect the stream flow.

There is a 3.5 million-gallon pond to drain, after all, and Roberts said every decade or so, Mountain Water used to pull out 500 truckloads of sediment from the area.

If we just straight up pull the dam  we wouldnt be doing our job right, he said. Were going to build it so we know what the impact is going to be.

The fundraising will start in 2018, Roberts hoped, and estimated the project would total around $1 million. He was confident Trout Unlimited could pull that together from grants and fundraising. Restoration could start as early as 2019.

They already have one matching grant, for $20,000, enabling Trout Unlimited to start the research on the dam.

This facility no longer serves a practical purpose for Missoula, Engen said at the opening of the meeting. We have partners who are going to make this place good in the old way.
New analysis of North Koreas Sept. 3 nuclear test  the regimes sixth-ever and most powerful to date  suggests it could have been twice as strong as previously thought.

Initial estimates had put the blasts yield at about 120 kilotons, but updated seismic data reveals it was likely around 250 kilotons  approximately 17 times as powerful as the bomb used to decimate the Japanese city of Hiroshima during World War II.

A new report from 38 North, a website run by the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University, explains that revised seismic estimates raise the blasts magnitude from 5.8 to 6.1, which in turn raises its estimated yield to one-quarter megaton of energy. This figure approaches what 38 North had concluded to be the maximum yield that North Koreas underground Punggye-ri nuclear test site could contain.

In their preliminary assessments, the Japanese, U.S. and South Korean governments said the yield was 160, 140 and 50 kilotons, respectively.

Pyongyang claims it detonated a hydrogen bomb in this latest test, which its state media swiftly described as a perfect success.

On Wednesday, South Korea confirmed reports that it had detected radioactive gas from the nuclear site, but remained unable to verify whether a hydrogen bomb had in fact been used.

The international community has scaled up efforts to rein in North Korea, which has long been hell-bent on nuclear advancement, in light of its nuclear test earlier this month and its string of recent missile launches.

The United Nations Security Council approved fresh sanctions against Pyongyang in a unanimous vote on Monday, slashing the cap on crude and refined oil exports to the country by 30 percent. The sanctions also ban textile imports from North Korea  a vital industry in the Hermit Kingdom.

North Korea responded to the vicious sanctions by vowing to inflict the greatest pain the U.S. has ever suffered.

My delegation condemns in the strongest terms and categorically rejects the latest illegal and unlawful U.N. Security Council resolution, said North Korean Ambassador Han Tae Song.

Story continues

Defense analysts at 38 North also reported on Wednesday that they detected new signs of activity at Punggye-ri, which suggests onsite work could now be changing focus to further prepare ... for future underground nuclear testing.

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A nun in West Kendall, Florida saw a car nearly go off the road while trying to avoid a tree that had fallen due to Hurricane Irma. So she found a chainsaw and got to work.

On Tuesday, an off-duty Miami-Dade police officer spotted Sister Margaret Ann of Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School clearing debris from the road. The officer took a photo and a video of the nun in action.

 of Sister Margaret Ann in action. Thank you to all of our neighbors that are working together to get through this! We are #MiamiDadeStrong pic.twitter.com/5tG6nzk7Ye  Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) September 12, 2017

We are #OneCommunity in @MiamiDadeCounty! Thank you Sister Margaret Ann of @ACCHS_Bulldogs for pitching in as we recover from #Irma  pic.twitter.com/KSqdHFHJuv  Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) September 12, 2017

In an interview with CNN, Sister Margaret Ann told host Erin Burnett why she decided to pitch in.

There was a need, she said. I had the means. So I wanted to help out.

Sister Margaret Ann added that other locals saw her working and also participated in clearing the debris.

It became a really good community project, she said.

Also on HuffPost

A truck was blown over as Hurricane Irma passed through the Florida Keys.

A man died when his pickup truck crashed into a tree in the Florida Keys.

High winds split a large tree in Coral Beach.

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 10: People walk past a building where the roof was blown off by Hurricane Irma on September 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida. Hurricane Irma, which first made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm on Sunday, has weakened to a Category 2 as it moves up the coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Boats at a marina in Coconut Grove

Flooding in the Brickell neighborhood as Hurricane Irma passes Miami, Florida, U.S. September 10, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Yang

A street sign is knocked over by high winds in Coral Beach.

Flooding in the Brickell neighborhood as Hurricane Irma passes Miami, Florida, U.S. September 10, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Yang

Boats at a marina in Coconut Grove.

A vehicle drives along a flooded street in downtown Miami.

Flooding begins in the Brickell neighborhood as Hurricane Irma passes Miami, Florida, U.S. September 10, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Yang

A collapsed construction crane downtown Miami.

Palm trees blow in the winds in Bonita Springs.

Broken tree branches block roads in Coral Beach.

East Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.

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Former President Barack Obama announced in a video Wednesday morning that civic leaders from around the world will meet next month in Chicago for the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit.

The two-day event will bring together hundreds of active citizens to exchange ideas and discuss innovative solutions to common problems, Obama said. It will also showcase art, technology and music from various countries and cultures.

This leadership summit will be a place to gather and learn from one another and then go back to your communities to lead others in the hard work of change, Obama said.

In the video announcement, Obama recalled that upon leaving office in January he reiterated something he asked of Americans when he was first elected president in 2008: to believe not in his ability to enact change but in their own. After launching the Obama Foundation, he continued, he read letters from young people and met with future leaders from around the world who have embraced their roles as active citizens.

Former President Barack Obama attends a discussion at the German Protestant Kirchentag in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, May 25, 2017. (Photo: Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters)

One of the things you told us is how much you want to hear from one another, from folks who arent like you, who live in different places and are tackling unique challenges of their own, he said.

According to Obama, this common desire was the impetus behind organizing the Obama Foundation Summit, which will be held on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

The foundation is accepting applications to attend the summit from young leaders who are passionate about social change, actively engaged in their communities and can bring diverse perspectives. In the coming months, the foundation, which plans to build the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side of Chicago, will announce more initiatives and opportunities for people to get involved in its mission.

That mission is simple, Obama said. We want to inspire and empower people to change the world.

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Read more from Yahoo News:
Former President Barack Obama praised LGBTQ rights activist Edith Edie Windsor as a quiet hero in a lengthy statement following the 88-year-olds death Tuesday.

Windsors 2013 lawsuit against the federal government prompted the Supreme Court to strike down a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA. The suit, United States v. Windsor, was integral to the 2015 high court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Americas long journey towards equality has been guided by countless small acts of persistence, and fueled by the stubborn willingness of quiet heroes to speak out for whats right, Obama wrote of Windsor, a Pennsylvania native who married her second wife, Judith Kasen-Windsor, last year. Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor  and few made as big a difference to America.

The former president touted Windsors role in the Supreme Courts 2015 ruling on marriage equality, which he called a victory for human decency, equality, freedom, and justice.

I thought about all the millions of quiet heroes across the decades whose countless small acts of courage slowly made an entire country realize that love is love  and who, in the process, made us all more free, he added. They deserve our gratitude. And so does Edie.

Obama posted the statement to his official Facebook page, alongside a tender photo snapped by former White House photographer Pete Souza.

Obama joined a long list of notables, including former President Bill Clinton, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who sounded off on Windsors death.

Hillary Clinton also offered her condolences on Twitter late Tuesday. Windsor, she wrote, showed the world that love can be a powerful force for change.

Edie Windsor showed the world that love can be a powerful force for change. She will be greatly missed. https://t.co/EiSFYE7ip0  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 13, 2017

Catch the latest in LGBTQ news by subscribing to the Queer Voices newsletter.

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NEW YORK, NY - CIRCA 1980: Gay Pride demonstration circa 1980 in New York City. (Photo by Arpadi/IMAGES/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - CIRCA 1980: Gay Pride demonstration circa 1980 in New York City. (Photo by Arpadi/IMAGES/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - CIRCA 1983: Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade circa 1983 in New York City. (Photo by PL Gould/IMAGES/Getty Images)

A gay rights march in New York in favour of the 1968 Civil Rights Act being amended to include gay rights. (Photo by Peter Keegan/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: Participants in the 25 April 1993 gay rights march, held back by a line of parade marshals, scream and yell at a number of religious counter-demonstrators along the parade route. Hundreds of thousands of gay men and women joined in the march and rally to demand acceptance and equal rights. (Photo credit should read ARYEH RABINOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

View along 6th Avenue as hundreds of people march (and drive) towards Central Park in a Gay Pride Parade, New York, New York, June 26, 1975. (Photo by Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images)

JUN 25 1978, JUN 26 1978; Marchers For Homosexual Rights Gather At Civic Center Pavilion; More than 1,000 men and women participated in march from Cheesman Park to the center for their rally. The group has a platform calling for an end of alleged police harassment, leggislative support of lesbian-gay rights and an end to discrimination based on sexual preference. It also asks that homosexuals be allowed to raise children. The marchers carried signs and chanted slogans during their march, which began at about noon Sunday.; (Photo By Kenn Bisio/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

View of the gay pride parade in Boston, Massachusetts, 1977. (Photo by Spencer Grant/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - CIRCA 1979: Gay Rights Demonstrators circa 1979 in New York City. (Photo by Images Press/IMAGES/Getty Images)

A crowd of gay rights protesters, including two priests, marching in the New York Gay Day Parade. (Photo by Peter Keegan/Getty Images)

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By Chris Kenning

(Reuters) - Gary Otte was 20 years old when he fatally shot two residents in at a suburban Cleveland apartment complex in 1992, and his lawyers argued on Tuesday it would be cruel and unusual punishment to execute someone who was that young at the time.

The now 45-year-old inmate's appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court to halt his Wednesday execution at a Lucasville, Ohio, prison cites an August decision by a Kentucky circuit court that ruled as unconstitutional executing inmates younger than 21 at the time of their crimes.

The appeal argues his execution would violate "the Eighth Amendment's evolving standards of decency based on his status as an adolescent at the time of his offenses."

The U.S. Supreme Court previously outlawed executions for those under 18 at the time of their crimes. On Tuesday, that court denied a separate petition for a stay of execution filed on behalf of Otte.

Republican Governor John Kasich rejected a clemency request from Otte on Sept. 1.

If Otte's appeals fail, the execution would be Ohio's second in 2017 following a three-year hiatus because of difficulties obtaining the lethal injection drugs used and legal challenges to that mix.

Ohio officials have relied on a new three-drug protocol to restart executions.

Otte was among those challenging the use of midazolam as a sedative in that mix. Several U.S. states have used midazolam in executions, including Oklahoma and Arizona, where witnesses said inmates during past executions appeared to twist in pain on death-row gurneys.

A U.S. appeals court in June lifted a preliminary injunction, clearing the way to resume executions. After Otte, 25 people are slated for execution in Ohio through 2022.

Otte was found guilty of murder after he shot 61-year-old Robert Wasikowski in the head from less than 2 feet away and stole $413, according to court documents.

The next day, Otto returned to the same apartment complex and fatally shot 45-year-old Sharon Kostura in the head before stealing $45, her car keys and a checkbook, documents showed.

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Otte wrote a letter, published on Friday by website Splinter, in which he blamed an addiction to crack cocaine.

"I just want it over with," Rhonda Rogers, Kostura's niece, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer on Tuesday. "I'm not taking pleasure in somebody's impending death. He murdered two people and now he's going to pay for it."

(Reporting by Chris Kenning in Chicago; Additional reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney)
Los Angeles (AFP) - A student shot and killed another student and wounded three others Wednesday at a high school in the northwestern state of Washington before being disarmed, authorities said.

The shooting took place at Freeman High School in Spokane County, Washington state, 285 miles (460 kilometers) from Seattle, where witnesses described a scene of terror as the heavily armed shooter stalked the halls.

County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich told reporters the shooter was a student who was armed with more than one weapon, reportedly a rifle and a handgun.

"He proceeded to take his weapons out. At that point he attempted to fire one weapon and jammed," the sheriff said.

"He went to his next weapon and a student walked up to him, engaged him, and that student was shot. That student did not survive," he said.

"He then fired more shoots around down the hallway, striking three more students and those students are in the hospital," he said.

Knezovich said the shooter was finally disabled by "a member of the Freeman community," before police arrived on the scene.

The Spokesman-Review, a local news site, said the student was tackled by a school custodian.

- 'A loud pop' -

It said the bloodshed began outside a biology class on the school's second floor.

"I was putting my backpack away and I heard a loud pop, and I turned around. He was walking around," Elisa Vigil, a 14-year-old freshman, told the Spokesman-Review.

"He had his pistol. His face was completely passive. He shot someone in the head. I crouched down in the hall. I looked up and a girl screamed, 'Help me, help me, help me.' The hall was empty. She was shot in the back. I looked to my right, and there was a boy and he was shot in the head."

The three wounded students were all girls, it said. They were reported in stable condition at a local hospital.

Students told the newssite the shooter was a sophomore who had ridden the school bus to classes with his weapons concealed in a duffel bag.

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"We need to understand what's going on in our society that students feel they need to take a weapon to solve the problems they are dealing with," Knezovich said.

- 'Nice and funny and weird' -

Freeman High School has only 327 students, serving a small community near the city of Spokane.

Students said everyone knew each other, and some told local media they knew the shooter.

"He was handing out a note to his friend saying he would do something stupid that could get him killed or in jail," one student told KXLY television. "That was a few weeks ago."

Michael Harper, 15, told the Spokesman-Review that he was a good friend of the shooter.

"He was weird," Harper was quoted as saying. "And he loved the show Breaking Bad. He never really seemed like that person who had issues. He was always nice and funny and weird."

- Anxious parents -

A large contingent of police and firefighters responded to a call to their emergency line, and anxious parents began arriving at the school.

Cheryl Moser said her son, a freshman, called her from a second floor classroom after hearing shots fired.

"He called me and said, 'Mom, there are gunshots.' He sounded so scared. I've never heard him like that," Moser told the Spokesman-Review.

The state governor, Jay Inslee, said the shooting was "heart-breaking."

"As Spokane County officials continue their investigation to get the answers to the questions so many of us have during these unthinkable tragedies, the Washington State Patrol and all state agencies will do whatever we can to help provide support and comfort in the days and weeks to come," Inslee said.

An "active shooter" was arrested last Friday at a school in Columbus, Ohio, although no one was injured in that incident.

A year ago, an adolescent killed his father and then shot and wounded two children and a teacher at a South Carolina primary school.

According to the Gun Violence website, 253 mass shootings -- defined as four or more people shot in a single incident -- have been reported in the United States so far this year, including Wednesday's shooting in Washington state.
The Maryland parents behind the viral YouTube channel DaddyOFive  which featured the couples so-called pranks on their five children  will serve five years of probation on charges of child neglect, The Baltimore Sun reports.

On Monday, Michael and Heather Martin of Ijamsville were sentenced in the Frederick County Circuit Court. The two entered Alford pleas to two counts each of child neglect, which means they maintain their innocence but concede that prosecutors have enough evidence to result in a guilty verdict.

Both will serve five years of supervised probation after a judge sentenced them to 10 years each in prison, but suspended those sentences, NBC 4 reports.

Mike and Heather Martin have apologized for their behavior in a video that has since been deleted. (Photo: YouTube)

The Martins made more than 300 now-deleted prank videos that showed the parents screaming profanities at their children, breaking their toys and blaming them for things the kids didnt do. The Sun also describes videos in which Michael Martin is seen pushing his 10-year-old son into a bookshelf and giving him a bloody nose. Another video showed Michael Martin ordering one of his step-children to slap his 11-year-old daughter in the face under the guise that it was a game.

Marylands Frederick County Sheriffs Office and Office of Child Protective Services began investigating the couple after outraged viewers made several citizen complaints about the videos, Buzzfeed News reports.

Lindy Angel, Frederick County Assistant States Attorney, told the Sun that a neuropsychologist working with the investigation found that Michael Martins two biological children had experienced observable, identifiable and substantial impairments of their mental or psychological ability to function.

The Martins three other children, who are Heather Martins biological kids, were not part of the investigation.

In May, the Martins lost custody of the two kids who were part of the case. They are now living with their biological mother, per CBS Baltimore. The Martins are not allowed to contact them without a judges approval. They also cannot post videos of them on social media, though its possible the Martins will continue to post videos of themselves and their three other children, according to Buzzfeed.

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Just not in the same fashion as before, Stephen Tully, the Martins lawyer, told the site.

The Martins said they made the prank videos to provide for their children and received hundreds of thousands of dollars through YouTube, per CBS Baltimore.

Angel told Buzzfeed that the Martins are cooperating with authorities, getting counselling and taking everything very seriously.

It was insensitive, cruel, bad decision-making, Angel said of the couples prank videos, adding that there was no intention to injure the children.

Language has been added to clarify the sentences that the Martins received.

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(LEBANON, N.H.)  One person was taken into custody Tuesday in connection to reports of an active shooter at the states largest hospital, the city said.

The Lebanon Department of Public Safety confirmed that someone was taken into custody shortly before 3 p.m. following reports of an active shooter at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. The hospital was under lockdown and it wasnt clear if that was lifted.

There has been no confirmation that a shooting happened. People were told to avoid the area, and traffic was stopped on a route leading to the hospital.

The federal bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and Vermont state police assisted New Hampshire and local police.

WCAX-TV reports an employee said all workers received an email from the hospital about a code silver, telling them to get out if possible and otherwise to shelter in place. Code silver indicates that a violent situation is unfolding.
Warsaw (AFP) - Poland on Wednesday accused the EU's top court of taking sides in a lawsuit lodged by the European Commission against it for logging in the Bialowieza Forest, Europe's last primeval woodland.

Warsaw and the Commission argued their cases on Monday before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg, where Poland is accused of commercial logging in the protected UNESCO World Heritage site and failing to obey the court's temporary logging ban.

"An unprecedented incident took place during this session, and the court's vice-president(Antonio Tizzano) took the role of the plaintiff by making suggestions to European Commission representatives about the content of their motion," Poland's environment ministry said in a Wednesday statement.

Polish media maintain that Justice Tizzano only intervened in a procedural capacity when it became apparent that the commission official was ill-prepared to offer testimony.

The ministry, however, insisted that "the main objective (of ongoing proceedings) is to humiliate Poland."

Poland's right-wing government began logging in May last year, saying it was clearing dead trees to contain the damage caused by a spruce bark beetle infestation, and insisting the policy was entirely legal.

But scientists, ecologists and the EU contest the move and activists allege that it is being used as cover for the commercial logging of protected old-growth forests.

"We are respecting the temporary ban and go prove otherwise!", Poland's chief forester Konrad Tomaszewski told Polish media on Wednesday.

But during Monday's ECJ hearing, the commission representative showed photographic evidence of ongoing logging in areas protected by UNESCO and the EU's Natura 2000 programme.

The ECJ is expected to give its final ruling in the case in early October.
As talk of national tax reform efforts heat up at the federal level, the fate of a federal tax credit program that has played a crucial role in several large economic development projects in Missoula is up in the air.

The head of a local community development finance institution is even headed to Washington, D.C., to try to convince Congress that Montana has benefited greatly from the program.

Dave Glaser, president of the nonprofit Montana Idaho Community Development Corp. (MICDC) in Missoula, said that the New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2017 is supported by both of Montanas U.S. senators  Democrat Jon Tester and Republican Steve Daines  and is especially important for rural states.

Its important for people to understand the big impacts that can come out of tax reform and what does it actually mean on the ground, he said. There are ways of utilizing the tax code, like New Markets Tax Credits, that benefit rural, low-income communities like ours here in Montana and Idaho.

The MICDC partners with private investors to turn New Markets Tax Credits into money to finance new businesses, expansions or even community facilities that serve low-income people. In Missoula, the tax credits were used to build the new Missoula Food Bank, the Poverello Center homeless shelter and the huge Garlington, Lohn and Robinson law firm building downtown.

Since 2009, Glaser said $322 million in tax credits have been used to catalyze more than $445 million in investments in more than two dozen projects such as an aquatics facility in Polson, an armory building in Helena and a remodeled historic hotel in Butte that have created more than 2,500 jobs.

The Senate version of the bill, S. 384, has been co-sponsored by Daines, who praised the MICDC last year when it was approved for a $90 million NMTC award from the federal government.

Through the New Markets Tax Credit we can continue to create good-paying jobs right here in Montana, Daines said in a statement. I am pleased to see that MICDC has once again received this award and am excited to see what work the credits will make possible.

Tester has indicated he will support the bill, which would extend the program indefinitely.

I have seen firsthand the important role New Market Tax Credits play in Montanas economy, and I will continue to ensure that the folks at the Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation are able to access this critical tool to help create jobs and increase economic activity, Tester said in a statement.

The NMTC program has also been backed by Aaron Brock, the executive director of the newly built Missoula Food Bank.

This is a big project and we turned over every rock we could in terms of financial support, Brock said. Montana and Idaho CDCs ability to bring New Markets Tax Credits to the table was an essential component. Without New Markets Tax Credits, this project would not have happened on the same timeline or scale as it did.

Although the tax credits have large bipartisan support, the only question is whether a major tax overhaul, which is on President Donald Trumps agenda, would include New Markets Tax Credits.

Bob Rapoza of Rapoza Associates, a Washington, D.C., lobbying and government relations firm, said a dozen U.S. senators have indicated theyll support the bill, along with 72 cosponsors of the U.S. House version of the bill, H.R. 1098. However, one of the priorities of the Republican-led Congress is tax cuts, which by definition dont leave a lot of room in the budget for other things.

Theres a lot of interest in cutting the corporate tax rate, and thats expensive, Rapoza explained. (Theres also interest) in cutting the personal tax rate and doing other things that would reduce the cost to businesses of their tax liability. There is also a desire to pass a tax bill which does not add to the federal budget deficit. The calculation is how far, how much do all those things cost and then can we add in something in like the New Markets Tax Credits?

Congress extended NMTCs for five years as part of The Path Act in 2015, and Glaser would like to see the program permanently put in place.

Low-income, rural communities are left outside the financial mainstream, he said. Its really hard for us to attract business and capital, and New Markets Tax Credits gives us this big magnet to attract flexible capital to attract investment in our state.

There are two main criteria for qualifying for the tax credits from the MICDC: the project has to be over $4 million, and the project wont happen without the help of the tax credit subsidy. Glaser said the MICDC still has a fairly large amount of tax credits available for people with ideas for projects, as long as they fit those two criteria.

The NMTCs are a small part of the tax code that get lumped in with other things, Glaser said. Its important for all of us in Montana to understand what parts of the tax code are important for rural states. There are so many examples of projects here that benefit every Montanan and benefit Montana businesses that didnt have the capital or services to expand without New Markets Tax Credits.
Orlando (AFP) - Walt Disney World in Orlando reopened its doors Tuesday, welcoming tourists and locals still without power and air conditioning two days after Hurricane Irma battered Florida.

"We decided if we're going to bake, we might as well do it at Disney," said Veann Grigajtis, who traveled with her family to the theme park from Melbourne, where they still lack power.

Hundreds of visitors flocked to the iconic Magic Kingdom entrance, transported from the giant car park in small trains.

Disney's other theme parks -- Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios -- also reopened, but some attractions are still closed.

It was also business as usual at Universal Orlando -- but work to repair damage at SeaWorld is still in progress.

"We are here just to stretch out and hang out since we were cooped up in the house for three days," said Katherine Tenea, who traveled to Disney from Tampa, Florida.

"Disney has been part of Florida for about 45, 46 years," added her companion Josh Geller, who said it would be "weird" to imagine a long-term closure of the theme park.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Sen. Rand Pauls attempt to sunset congressional authorizations for the nations overseas wars failed Wednesday, with nearly all of the bodys Republicans and a sizable chunk of Democrats voting to table his amendment.

Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Dean Heller, R-Nev., were the only other Republicans to back Pauls effort. More than 30 Democrats voted in favor of it.

Paul forced a vote on his amendment to the defense appropriations bill, arguing that the current 2001 and 2002 Authorizations of the Use of Military Force (AUMFs) are out of date and that the U.S.s conflict against ISIS and other groups is illegal.

The amendment would have phased out the AUMFs in six months without replacing them, forcing Congress to explicitly define the parameters of its conflicts abroad by passing a new authorization during that time. The original AUMFs were aimed at fighting al-Qaida in Afghanistan and authorizing the Iraq War.

That war is long since over, the war has long since lost its purpose, and its [a] long time [since weve had] a debate in Congress about whether we should be at war or not, Paul said.

President Barack Obama requested a new AUMF for the fight against ISIS in 2015, which was dead on arrival when he sent it to Congress. But Obama has also insisted he had the authority to battle ISIS under the 2001 resolution, because the group grew out of al-Qaida.

Several senators from both sides of the aisle said Wednesday that they could not support the measure because it would strip the president of authority to fight the war on terror if no replacement passed.

Repealing the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs without simultaneously passing a new authorization would be premature, would be irresponsible, and it would threaten national security, said Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who shepherded the defense spending bill.

McCain said it was time for a new authorization, but that Pauls amendment was not the way to do it.

You cant replace something with nothing, Sen Jack Reed, D-R.I., said.

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His colleague, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., echoed that sentiment. In some ways we have the herd ahead of the horse, Moran said.

The White House has made clear it does not want Congress to pass a new AUMF, though Donald Trump at one time said the president would need congressional approval to bomb Syria. He launched his own airstrikes in that country in April without explicit congressional approval.

We stand by the 2001 AUMF, White House Legislative Affairs Director Marc Short told reporters Tuesday. We believe it provides us with the flexibility we need to execute our foreign policy.

The AUMF debate is not going away, however. Sens. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., have put forward a new war authorization that has yet to be debated in committee. (Flake voted against Pauls amendment.) And in June, Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., launched a surprisingly successful attempt to amend the defense bill with a demand for a new AUMF in the House with bipartisan support. Later, House leaders stripped her amendment from the final bill.

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz, left, and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., talk about their introduction of a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), al-Qaida and the Taliban during a news conference at the Capitol on May 25, 2017. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Some senators bluntly speculated about the political reasons their colleagues have avoided the tricky debate on authorizing a new war for 16 years.

Most members of the Senate  do not want to cast a vote for fear they will vote the incorrect way as history will judge, said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. Hillary Clinton, for example, was haunted during both her presidential runs for voting to authorize the invasion of Iraq.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said he feared that Congress would never vote on war again if it didnt sunset the authorizations Wednesday, arguing that the body was abdicating its constitutional duty for political gain.

It is very easy for the Congress to say authorizing military force is too hard, too difficult, so we outsource it to the executive branch, Murphy said.

Paul threatened to torpedo all amendments on the defense spending bill if he was not given a chance to offer his, according to one of his aides.

Who in their right mind thinks Congress will do their job without being forced to do their job? Paul said on the floor. Do your job. This is your constitutional role.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Clintons politics are a threat to the ideology of the modern Republican party, but so is her presence on the public stage

Hillary Clinton represents a clash over political ideologies. Photograph: Erik Pendzich/REX/Shutterstock

The fight over Hillary Clintons continued presence in public life is about more than her likeability or the fissures in the Democratic party. Clinton attracts such vitriol because she stands at the place where two conflicting political ideologies clash.

Republicans today control all branches of the federal government and are poised to put their ideology of radical individualism into reality. But at this very moment of their apparent triumph, Americans are rejecting the Republican vision and demanding instead an active government that promotes the general welfare. It is a major political realignment, and women are key to it.

The extremism of the Trump administration has galvanized women to push back against the political system that has disadvantaged them for a generation. Clinton is the symbol of this political nexus. Hated, dismissed, and denigrated for a quarter of a century, she nevertheless remains smart, able, popular  and, crucially, will not be silenced.

Clintons politics are a threat to the ideology of the modern Republican party, but so is her presence on the public stage. Clinton maintains that the government must expand its protections for children and families, and make it possible for men and women of all backgrounds to prosper.

She sees the nation as an interdependent community  a village, one might say  overseen by a government that advances the interests of all. In essence, Clinton is calling for the expansion of the New Deal state. It is an inclusive vision; it assumes that government policies should treat all Americans equally. Since the 1930s, a majority of Americans has agreed.

But the modern Republican party does not. It wants to destroy the New Deal state. Republican leaders loathe government regulation and the taxes required to fund the social welfare programs and infrastructure that people like Clinton support.

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Since the 1950s, extremist Republicans have warned that such government activism amounts to socialism. In its stead, they promise to slash government and restore rugged American individualism.

But their vision of individualism is not Clintons inclusive one, and this is why her public presence makes her particularly irritating. Their vision privileges white heterosexual men as the only significant actors in American life. White men are the cowboys, the heroes, the silent majority, the middle Americans, the forgotten men, the Trump voters, who work hard and want nothing from government.

In contrast to them, Republicans argue, are minorities, organized workers, and women, who demand government policies that can only be paid for with tax dollars sucked from white men. In this vision, the government must protect the true American individualist, the hardworking white heterosexual man who orders his affairs as he sees fit without interference from the government.

In the individualist ideology, a man is responsible for his wife and children. This relegates women to domestic roles as wives and mothers protected by their menfolk, or silences them as special interest harpies demanding government benefits that will destroy individualist men.

Family values advocates like Phyllis Schlafly insisted that women who wanted to work outside the home and who wanted federal social policy  women like Hillary Clinton  were undermining the individualist vision. In 1970, Time Magazine noted that a surprisingly large number of conservatives blamed the eras crises on the fact that so many mothers have gone to work.

Ronald Reagan rose to power with his image of the Welfare Queen who gamed the welfare system to live in luxury, and by 1984, when Walter Mondale tapped New York congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro to be his vice-president, 60% of voters thought he did so not because she was well qualified (she was) but because he was under pressure from womens groups who wanted government benefits.

As Schlafly put it when she vehemently opposed an exemption for poor families in the 1986 tax reform act, such an exemption was anti-growth and thus anti-family by definition.

By 1987, Rush Limbaugh was electrifying radio audiences with his diatribes against femi-nazis who wanted to harness the government to their own deranged interests. In 1996, when Clinton advanced the argument that it takes a village to raise a child, Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole retorted that it does not take a village, it takes a family.

The governments job, according to modern Republicans, is not the protection of equal opportunity for all Americans, but rather the protection of male breadwinners.

This ideology has stripped away the identities of American women as independent actors in favor of their idealized roles as wives and mothers. Since 1980, womens economic security has been erased, their control over their own reproductive health weakened and their public voices silenced as government policy has increasingly shored up the power of white men.

Now, President Trump has laid bare exactly what it means to have the ultimate individualist in charge of government. He is openly destroying the governments protections for most Americans and using it for his own benefit. And he boasts of dominating women.

But women are fighting back. Hillary Clintons refusal to go quietly away is a potent reminder that her vision of American government, a vision that defends opportunity for all and accords woman an independent role in American society, is mounting a powerful challenge to the Republican vision.

American women are rejecting both Trump and the Republican system he epitomizes. Januarys Womens March was the biggest protest in American history. Women so swamped town halls that Republicans refused to continue holding them: Women are in my grill no matter where I go, Virginia congressman Dave Brat complained in January. Women are calling their representatives. They are organizing, and they are running for office.

And in their refusal to be silenced, Clinton herself has become a symbol. Women note that Clinton was the most qualified presidential candidate in American history, that she endured Trumps debate stalking and taunts that she is a nasty woman, and that she is now being told to sit down and shut up while former losing presidential candidates were welcome to pontificate.

Both politically and personally, Hillary Clinton represents a clash over political ideologies, and women are leading the charge against the Republican regime. America is in the midst of a major political realignment, and women are reclaiming their time.
(Reuters) - A man accused of shooting dead his 70-year-old mother as she lay in a hospital intensive care unit will appear at a New Hampshire Court on Wednesday, media reported.

Travis Frink, 49, of Warwick, Rhode Island, is suspected of shooting his mother Pamela Ferriere, 70, a patient in the intensive care unit of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon on Tuesday, WMUR 9 reported.

The hospital, the state's largest, was locked down following reports of an active shooter. Frink was taken into custody without incident and no one else was injured, the station reported.

Frink will be arraigned in a Grafton County Superior Court in New Hampshire on a first degree murder charge, the local ABC affiliate reported.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
By Michael Kahn and Warren Strobel PRAGUE/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Police and spy chiefs from China to the Middle East, a Ukrainian oligarch and a former president of Panama are among the people a coalition of human rights groups wants targeted for sanctions under an expanded U.S. law aimed at curbing rights abuses and corruption worldwide. The coalition, in documents to be made public on Wednesday, submitted 15 cases to the U.S. State Department and U.S. Treasury, urging them to investigate using the law, called the Global Magnitsky Act. The law, which then-President Barack Obama signed in December 2016, expands the scope of 2012 legislation that froze the assets of Russian officials and banned them from traveling to the United States because of their links to the 2009 death in prison of a whistleblower, Sergey Magnitsky. "The cases we have elected to highlight come from every region of the world, and involve horrific stories of torture, enforced disappearance, murder, sexual assault, extortion and bribery," the coalition of 23 groups said in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The groups said their information came from first-hand accounts of victims and their attorneys, investigative journalism and reports by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). (http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/sites/default/files/Global-Magnitsky-2017.pdf) Police chiefs, public prosecutors and heads of security services in Bahrain, China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Central Asian countries where prisoners were tortured, executed or died in custody are on the list compiled by the groups, which are coordinated by Washington-based Human Rights First. Among them are Chinese Deputy Minister of Public Security Fu Zhenghua and Beijing's Municipal Public Security Bureau deputy head Tao Jing. The groups accuse the two officials of bearing "command responsibility" for actions of forces under their control in the torture and 2014 death of human rights activist Cao Shunli. Cao's lawyer has said she was denied medical treatment until she was seriously ill, which the Chinese government denies. Dmitry Firtash, a Ukrainian oligarch indicted by a U.S. court in 2013 on bribery and other charges, is on the list. He denies wrongdoing and is fighting extradition from Austria. Lanny Davis, an attorney for Firtash, in a statement said the allegations were false and that any sanctions "cannot be justified," adding: "The constant repetition of false accusations on the Internet doesn't make them true." Another target is former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli, who is jailed in Florida facing extradition to Panama on charges he conducted illegal surveillance and stole state funds while in office. Martinelli has repeatedly denied the charges. ROBUST IMPLEMENTATION? President Donald Trump, a Republican who did not stress global human rights as a foreign policy priority during his presidential campaign or early months in office, told Congress in April that he was committed to "robust and thorough implementation" of the Magnitsky law. His administration has yet to impose sanctions or travel bans under it, but an official said the process of identifying potential targets "is both internal and external. We have received nominations from multiple sources including the United States Congress and NGOs." "Evidence permitting, our objective is to leverage the global reach of this authority and pursue geographically diverse 'tranches' of targets on an ongoing basis," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Acting on the recommendations could pose risks for Trump if targeted governments retaliated. Washington needs Beijing's help in pressuring North Korea to halt its missile and nuclear tests, for example. The original Magnitsky legislation strained relations between Moscow and Washington. Magnitsky, a tax accountant and lawyer, was arrested in 2008 shortly after accusing Russian officials of involvement in fraud, and died in prison nearly a year later while awaiting trial. William Browder, whose Russian hedge fund employed Magnitsky as a lawyer, spearheaded an international campaign to push through the original Magnitsky Act, which now covers 44 Russians. He said travel bans and asset freezes are effective. "It creates a very devastating consequence because people who thought they could act with absolute impunity no longer have that comfort," Browder said. The human rights coalition also hopes that pressure from politicians such as Republican Senator John McCain and Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, the authors of the original legislation and the update, will spur the Trump administration into action. McCain, in a statement to Reuters, said the role of NGOs is crucial, and envisioned under the new law. "I will continue working to ensure the administration enforces the law and utilizes this powerful tool to advance freedom and justice around the world," he said. Rob Berschinski, a former Obama administration official who led the efforts at Human Rights First, said, "Our process is designed to assist the government, but also to remove any excuse around whether it has the ability to levy sanctions. Now the question is simply one of political will." The Global Magnitsky Act requires the Trump administration to report to Congress by Dec. 10 on sanctions it has imposed under the law. (Reporting by Michael Kahn in Prague and Warren Strobel in Washington; Editing by John Walcott, Grant McCool and Andrea Ricci)
More than half of the Rohingya refugees who have fled violence and repression in Myanmar are children, UNICEF announced Tuesday.

UNICEF estimates that of the more than 330,000 refugees who have crossed into Bangladesh since Aug. 25, 200,000 are children. More than 1,000 of them have been identified as unaccompanied, and the organization expects that figure to rise.

The first thing you see here in the different Rohingya camps is the large number of children, Jean Lieby, UNICEF Bangladesh chief of child protection, said Tuesday in a statement.

The types of threats they face, Lieby said, are endless. Theyre weak and hungry. Theyre exposed to numerous diseases. Theyre traumatized and in need of psychological protection. Mothers arent giving birth in safe environments.

Conditions for Rohingya children within Myanmars Rakhine state are no better. The World Food Program estimated in July that 80,000 Rohingya children under the age of 5 will suffer from acute malnutrition in the next year.

A young Rohinga boy cries after the wooden boat he was traveling on from Myanmar crashed into the shore, Sept. 12, 2017, in Dakhinpara, Bangladesh. (Photo: Dan Kitwood via Getty Images)

Tensions between Myanmars government and the stateless Rohingya population date back to the 1970s but have reached alarming levels of intensity in recent years. The government now systematically cracks down on the Rohingya in response to militant attacks.

U.N. Human Rights Chief Zeid Raad Al Hussein on Monday went as far as to call the crisis a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, is struggling to cope with a mass influx of refugees in a compressed time period.

Just to give you an idea: 220,000 people entered Bangladesh in only 6 days  between 4 and 10 September, Lieby said. We have no indication that this influx will stop soon. This is a growing humanitarian crisis and children are at the heart of this crisis.

UNICEF has opened a supply hub in Cox Bazar in southern Bangladesh, but is appealing for more assistance.

Myanmars de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has remained conspicuously silent on the crisis. She canceled a planned trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, with her office citing ongoing terror attacks.

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The U.N. Security Council plans to meet Wednesday to discuss the situation.

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By Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - China signaled on Wednesday it was willing to back an international inquiry into atrocities in Yemen, as demanded by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, but Saudi Arabia and the United States said they did not support the idea. For three years running U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein has asked the 47 countries in the U.N. Human Rights Council to set up an independent investigation into Yemen's war, which has killed at least 10,000, destroyed the economy, led to a cholera epidemic and pushed millions to the brink of famine. Despite his pleas, they have twice supported a Saudi plan to let Yemen investigate by itself. On Wednesday, the Netherlands and Canada unveiled a draft resolution to establish an international commission of inquiry (COI) to ensure that "perpetrators of violations and abuses, including those that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, are held accountable". The three-page text was supported by many countries when diplomats met to discuss amendments. "We agree with the actions, including the COI, to promote the political solving of the Yemen crisis," a Chinese delegate told the meeting, which was boycotted by the Arab group of countries supporting a rival Saudi-led resolution. Britain and the United States said they wanted to see consensus around a single resolution. "We do have concerns that a full international independent Commission of Inquiry is not likely to get us there, U.S. diplomat Michele Roulbet told the meeting. Saudi Arabia, which leads an international coalition battling the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen, said the time was not right for an international inquiry. Although Zeid has said Yemen is not up to the job of investigating its own war, Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil said Yemen's national commission was in a better position to investigate for the time being. "We have no objection to the inquiry itself, we just have a discussion about the timing, whether this is the right time to establish an international commission, with the difficulties on the ground," Alwasil told reporters. Georgette Gagnon, head of field operations at the U.N. human rights office, said Yemen's own human rights commission was "established by, is funded by and reports to a party to the conflict" and said it was way past time for an effective probe. "Not having an international inquiry would be a green light to the parties to the conflict," said Radhya Al-Mutwakel, co-director of Yemen's Mwatana Organization for Human Rights. Zeid said on Monday there had been only "minimal" efforts at holding people to account in what the United Nations has branded the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The Saudi envoy said the international community should focus its efforts on gaining access for humanitarian personnel. The Saudi-led coalition has also has set up a team to investigate civilian casualties. On Tuesday it said it had found a series of deadly air strikes had been largely justified. (Reporting by Tom Miles, editing by Stephanie Nebehay and Janet Lawrence)
Khudeeda Rashowka Naif and his family, from the Yazidi community, at a refugee camp near Duhok, Iraq, on Jan. 29. They were getting ready to head to the airport when their trip was called off because of President Trumps decision to temporarily bar travelers from seven countries, including Iraq. (Photo: Ari Jalal/Reuters)

Nine months after President Trump issued his first travel ban, the Supreme Court weighed in again Tuesday, this time granting the administrations request to bar most refugees, including those with formal assurances from local resettlement agencies that they have a place to stay. The decision comes as the administration prepares to set a refugee cap for the coming fiscal year  without the usual input from humanitarian agencies, who fear the limit will be at an all-time low.

About 24,000 refugees awaiting processing were thrown back into limbo by the courts ruling, after a short-lived reprieve from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled last week that ties to a resettlement agency would qualify for admission under the presidents second version of a travel order.

In June, the Supreme Court allowed portions of a revised executive order to go into effect. The move barred travelers from six predominately Muslim countries for 90 days and refugees for 120 days unless they could prove a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the U.S. The administration had been interpreting this as requiring a close relative living in the States. Tuesdays ruling reverses the lower courts decision, again excluding refugees ties to resettlement agencies. But resettlement agencies say that even if the flow of refugees was reinstated, damage has already been done and the administrations signals point to further dismantling of the program as a whole.

Admissions for this year are already down 60 percent from last year, and when the president sets his ceiling on admissions for the coming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, they are widely expected to be lower still. President Trump lowered the cap for the current year to 50,000, the lowest ever set by a president and well below the annual average of more than 95,000.

A family member embraces Safiya Hassan, a refugee from Somalia, at the airport in Boise, Idaho, on March 10. (Photo: Brian Losness/Reuters)

The determination is to be made after appropriate consultation with Congress, a state department official says. But historically the process has included input not just from Congress but from other agencies within the executive branch and outside groups, including multiple humanitarian agencies, says Ronnie Newman, director of strategic initiatives at the American Civil Liberties Union. Newman, who formerly served as the director of refugee protection on the National Security Council under President Barack Obama and has drafted past presidential determinations, said the process is elaborate and can take up to eight months.

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For almost four decades, the U.S. has conducted refugee resettlement as a public-private partnership that has never been subject to party politics. This year, though, two of the largest resettlement agencies, the International Rescue Committee and HIAS, say they have not yet been consulted by the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security or the White House regarding refugee admissions.

The State Department declined to respond to the resettlement agencies assertion, citing internal deliberations.

Both IRC and HIAS work in the worlds most vulnerable nations and along with other organizations have resettled more than 3 million refugees. This is the first year they have not been consulted on setting a refugee cap.

Its very unclear how [the administration] is making policy, particularly on refugee issues, because its not being made consulting with the organizations and experts who have always been a part of this process, says Melanie Nezer, senior vice president of public affairs at HIAS.

Members of the International Rescue Committee await the arrival of refugees from Somalia at the airport in Boise, Idaho, on March 10. (Photo: Brian Losness/Reuters)

Typically, the effort is spearheaded by the State Department and brings together stakeholders such as the permanent mission to the United Nations, the Department of Defense and the National Security Council, which have in the past been sympathetic to the plight of refugees. But this year, those who may hold views contrary to the dominant position in the White House are being marginalized, says International Rescue Committees senior director of policy and advocacy, Anna Greene.

According to the New York Times, Stephen Miller, the presidents senior adviser for policy and an immigration hard-liner, has been pressing for a lower ceiling.

Under the 1980 Refugee Act, the president must provide an explanation of facts to validate the refugee ceiling in a report to Congress that goes well beyond simply listing a number, says Greene. By law it must be justified by humanitarian concern or otherwise national interest.

Greene says the lack of communication this year and the dramatic slowdown imposed by the emergency travel ban prompted the IRC to issue an unprecedented shadow report, lobbying for the admissions ceiling to be at least 75,000.

We had no confidence the report to Congress would have any relevant facts in it, she says.

The report cites the current and largest refugee crisis on record, leaving 22.5 million in peril across the world. Citing risks well beyond humanitarian concerns, the report warns that backing away from Americas legacy of commitment to refugees will have devastating consequences for foreign policy and security abroad.

Evacuees from two Syrian villages wait near buses after a stall in an agreement between rebels and Syrias army, at insurgent-held al-Rashideen on April 15. (Photo: Ammar Abdullah/Reuters)

Even after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a time of clear national emergency, President George W. Bush set the years cap at 80,000 and only paused the system for two months while the country got back on its feet.

Obviously, 75,000 is not our desired number, its very much a pragmatic choice, says Greene.

After numerous stops and starts resulting from travel ban litigation and various procedural changes, the system has endured dramatic backlogs in refugee processing.

Its certainly not appropriate if we were actually being super-responsive to global need and moral imperative, but it was a reasonable number that the system can pretty easily do, says Greene.

Still, it is not only the numbers that are worrisome. Its what comes in practice and simple procedural changes done in the name of national security rather than strict policy or law, says Newman.

Weve seen these types of changes start to occur in the way they process not only refugees, but visa applicants  a way to gum up the system that will reduce numbers and is separate from whatever number they set in a document.

In August, the president endorsed the Raise Act, which would prioritize English speakers and put further emphasis on education and skill level to create a merit-based immigration system and end the visa-diversity lottery, which awards 50,000 green cards a year.

Central American migrants seeking asylum in the United States at the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico, on May 7. (Photo: Guillermo Arias/AFP/Getty Images)

There are also less publicized moves such as adding security procedures, like social media vetting. But Greene says some changes seem motivated less by security concerns than a desire to control demographics and create more favorable optics. She cites the curtailment of the Central American Minors program, a family program under the larger resettlement umbrella that reunifies at-risk children with parents who are documented immigrants in the U.S. The children do not have to meet the precise refugee definition, but have to qualify for humanitarian parole. The parole part of this program, which is by far the largest part, has been canceled and now potentially faces full elimination.

And there is little avenue for appeal from the presidents decision, says Newman. At the end of the day its all the executive branchs decision.  The degree of discretion in this space is pretty significant  they can limit the size of the program without much recourse from the outside, he says.

Meanwhile, as they fight for a higher cap for next year, resettlement organizations have to come up with a plan for the 150,000 refugees who were already being processed but have been thrown into limbo since a June stay of the second executive order.

These people have been through years of invasive interviews, clearances and forms where every last detail is scrutinized until they step onto the plane, says Nezer. For that process to end with Nothings changed with you but weve changed as a country  what does that say about us that we treat people that way?  Our identity and leadership in the world has taken a big hit.

Read more from Yahoo News:
One student is dead and three others are injured after a shooting at Freeman High School in Rockford, Washington, on Wednesday morning.

Sophomore Sam Strahan was fatally shot in the head, reportedly while trying to stop the suspect from carrying out the shooting. Three other students have been treated for serious injuries at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer told reporters outside the high school.

Community members held a vigil for Strahan at a downtown Spokane mall on Wednesday night and recalled him as a positive and happy spirit and class clown, The Spokesman-Review reported.

His relatives are asking supporters to donate to a GoFundMe page for the family that was launched in June, when Strahans father Scott died.

The suspect, a 15-year-old male student who has yet to be identified, is currently being detained at the Spokane County Juvenile Detention Center. Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich says they intend to try him as an adult.

Knezovich said in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that the suspect entered campus with two firearms and began shooting in a hallway on the second floor of the school. He came to school armed, entered the school, proceeded to take his weapons out. At that point, he attempted to fire one weapon  it jammed, Knezovich told reporters that day. He went to his next weapon. A student walked up to him, engaged him, and that student was shot. That student did not survive.

Knezovich said Strahan had tried to walk up and tell [the suspect] that this isnt what you want to do.

A school staff member reportedly apprehended the suspect after he shot Strahan and the three other students.

Cory Therman, a senior at the high school, told local news station KREM News 2 that she saw the suspect holding a gun in the hallway right before the shooting.

When I walked past him, he was just standing there with no expression, Therman told the station. After she passed him, Therman said she heard three gunshots and ran away with other students.

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Another student, 14-year-old Elisa Vigil, told KREM News 2 that she saw a girl get shot in the back. Vigil said she crouched down, held hands and prayed with the girl.

He had his pistol. His face was completely passive. He shot someone in the head, Vigil told The Spokesman-Review of the suspect. I crouched down in the hall. I looked up and a girl screamed, Help me, help me, help me. The hall was empty. She was shot in the back. I looked to my right, and there was a boy and he was shot in the head.

Three hundred students and faculty members in school at the time of the shooting will need to be interviewed, law enforcement officials told reporters. Freeman High School is a relatively small school with 327 students and 16 full-time teachers, according to The Spokesman-Review.

Michael Harper, 15, told The Spokesman-Review that he was a close friend of the shooter. He described the suspect as nice and weird but said he never really seemed like that person who had issues. Harper also told the newspaper that the shooter had given his friends handwritten notes that indicated he was planning to do something stupid.

He made a note, Harper told The Spokesman-Review. I didnt get mine, but my friends got theirs. I read one of my friends and it said he was going to do something stupid. He took it to a counselor.

The shooting prompted the Spokane Public School District to put all campuses on lockdown at around 10:30 a.m. local time. The lockdown was lifted almost an hour later.

#Frreman School Shooting-MiddleSchool & Elementary on lock down. Multiple DeputiesOfficers/Medical @ scene. Safety of students #1 PRIORITY  SpokaneSheriffOffice (@SpokaneSheriff) September 13, 2017

Shortly after the shooting, a junior at the high school tweeted a picture from nearby Freeman Elementary School, where many of the students had fled. In the photo, students can be seen crouched on the floor.

At Freeman elementary currently. I am a junior, evacuated from the high school. At least 4 shots. pic.twitter.com/RnGbbbahbK  Christina (@TheChristinaXX) September 13, 2017

A parent told KREM 2 News that elementary school students had been scheduled to use the high school facilities the morning of the shooting.

In a statement, Spokane Mayor David Condon called the incident a horrendous tragedy.

Our hearts are broken by the events at Freeman High School this morning. This is a terrible day for the students, parents, teachers administrators and the rest of the close-knit community, Condon said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this horrendous tragedy. First responders in our region are one team. Spokane city employees were part of that team in the first moments and will be there for the Freeman community as it begins a long road to recovery.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) tweeted thanks to school staff and first responders and said that state agencies would be available for assistance.

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This mornings shooting at Freeman High School is heartbreaking. All Washingtonians are thinking of the victims and their families.  Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) September 13, 2017

This story has been updated to identify the student who was killed.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
By Dan Whitcomb

(Reuters) - A student carrying two guns opened fire at his high school near Spokane, Washington on Wednesday, killing one classmate and injuring three others before he was apprehended by a staff member, the local sheriff said.

The slain student was trying to convince the shooter, whose first gun had jammed, not to carry out the morning rampage when he was shot dead, Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich told reporters.

The gunman then fired on three other students in a second-floor hallway of Freeman High School in Rockford, Washington, Knezovich said. The surviving victims, who were in their mid-teens, were listed in stable condition, a local hospital said.

Knezovich declined to identify the suspect or discuss what may have motivated the gun violence in detail but said: "It sounds like a case of a bullying-type of situation."

He said that a member of the staff at Freeman who he described as "very courageous" was able to capture the gunman before police officers arrived on scene to take him into custody. He was being held at Spokane County juvenile jail.

"Fortunately that one (gun) jammed. This would have been a lot worse if it didn't," Knezovich said. "These are senseless, tragic events that really don't need to happen and I don't really understand them."

"But we need to figure out what's gone wrong with our society that our children decide that they need to take weapons to deal with the issues that they're facing," he said.

A freshman who witnessed the shooting told local KREM-TV that the shooter, a classmate since elementary school, stalked the hallway with a pistol and second gun, appearing calm as he fired at his victims and the ceiling.

The girl said that the suspect was an "outgoing" boy who she would not have thought capable of such violence. But she said other students had told her that he had made an ominous post about his intentions on a social media account.

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Following the shooting at the school of 327 students, some parents abandoned their cars stuck in traffic and walked up to a mile to reach their children, KHQ-TV reported.

"This mornings shooting at Freeman High School is heartbreaking. All Washingtonians are thinking of the victims and their families," Governor Jay Inslee said on Twitter.

The United States has had an average of 52 school shooting incidents a year since a gunman killed 26 young children and educators in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun-control group founded in response to that massacre.

(Reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Suzannah Gonzales in Chicago, Sharon Bernstein in Sacramento and Derek Caney and Gina Cherulus in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Singapore (AFP) - Singapore got its first female president Wednesday, but the milestone was overshadowed by criticism that her selection was undemocratic after she was handed the job without a vote.

Halimah Yacob, a former speaker of parliament from the Muslim Malay minority, did not have to face an election for the largely ceremonial post after authorities decided her rivals did not meet eligibility criteria.

It was not the first time in the affluent city-state -- which is tightly controlled and has been ruled by the same party for decades -- that the government has disqualified presidential candidates, making an election unnecessary.

But there was already unease about the process as it was the first time that the presidency had been reserved for a particular race, in this case the Malay community. The decision to hand her the job without an election added to the anger.

Social media was abuzz with criticism as Halimah, a bespectacled 63-year-old who wears a headscarf, was formally announced as president-elect, with Facebook user Pat Eng writing: "Elected without an election. What a joke."

"I will call her President Select from now on," said Joel Kong on the networking site, while some posts were marked with the hashtag #NotMyPresident -- echoing the message used by upset Americans after the election of President Donald Trump.

- 'President for everyone' -

Halimah was a member of parliament for the ruling People's Action Party for nearly two decades before resigning to contest the presidency. She addressed the concerns about the selection process after being named president-elect.

"I'm a president for everyone. Although there's no election, my commitment to serve you remains the same," she said.

Halimah added she would "start working immediately" to bring the country together.

She also insisted her status as Singapore's first female president was "not just tokenism", in a speech to a cheering crowd while wearing orange, a colour supposed to symbolise unity.

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"Every woman can aspire to the highest office in the land when you have the courage, determination and will to work hard," she said.

Singapore's head of state has limited powers, including vetoing senior official appointments. But an establishment figure has always held the role and there are rarely tensions with the government.

Authorities decided to allow only candidates from the Malay community to put themselves forward for the presidency to foster harmony in the city-state of 5.5 million people which is dominated by ethnic Chinese, and give more opportunities to minorities.

Halimah is the first Malay president of Singapore for almost five decades. The last was Yusof Ishak, president from 1965 to 1970, the first years of the city-state's independence.

But the decision to limit candidates to one race had caused concern, including among Malays, as it was seen as positive discrimination that ran counter to the city-state's traditional meritocratic principles.

Five people had originally put their names forward for the presidency and the government had scheduled an election for September 23.

Two were quickly eliminated as they were not Malay. The two others, Malay businessmen, were disqualified on Monday as their companies were smaller than required by strict new eligibility rules introduced last year.

Halimah automatically qualified as she has held public office. She will be inaugurated in a ceremony on Thursday.
Madrid (AFP) - Spain's public prosecutor on Wednesday ordered a criminal probe of over 700 Catalan mayors who are cooperating with an October 1 independence referendum deemed illegal by Madrid.

The move increases the pressure on Catalan officials just one day before the pro-separatist camp officially kicks off its referendum campaign in the Mediterranean port of Tarragona.

Furious at the decision to instigate a probe, Catalan municipal associations called on all the region's mayors to protest in Barcelona on Saturday to show their "rejection of a Spanish judicial system that goes after the media, ballot papers, ballot boxes... and now mayors".

The prosecutors' office ordered the mayors who have agreed to help stage the vote be summoned to court as official suspects and if they do not appear to "order their arrest", according to a copy of the ruling obtained by AFP.

Pro-independence Catalan president Carles Puigdemont dubbed the move an "atrocity scarcely worthy of a democracy", and said he would attend Saturday's protest.

Catalonia's pro-separatist government has asked the wealthy northeastern region's 948 mayors to provide facilities for polling stations for the plebiscite.

So far 712 mostly smaller municipalities have agreed to participate, according to a list posted on the website of Catalonia's Municipal Association for Independence (AMI) which represents 750 municipalities.

"They can arrest us! They're crazy!," David Rovira, the pro-separatist mayor of L'Espluga de Francoli, a town of some 3,800 residents, told AFP by phone, adding that Madrid had "proposed nothing" to appease Catalonia's demands for greater autonomy.

Jordi Turull, spokesman for the Catalan government, told reporters that the executive would support the region's mayors and would "respect their decision".

The ruling comes a day after prosecutors ordered police in Catalonia to seize ballot boxes, election flyers and any other item that could be used in the referendum.

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Prosecutors have already launched an official complaint against Puigdemont and members of his government over their referendum plans, accusing them of civil disobedience, misfeasance and misappropriation of public funds -- the latter carrying jail sentences of up to eight years.

And on Wednesday, the official referendum website was shut down following a court order, the Guardia Civil police force said, prompting Puigdemont to immediately tweet the address of a new website.

- 'Don't go' -

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's conservative government has vowed to do everything in its power to stop the referendum. It argues that Spain's 1978 constitution stipulates that regional governments cannot call an independence referendum.

Rajoy on Wednesday urged Catalans to boycott the referendum.

"If anyone urges you to go to a polling station, don't go because the referendum can't take place, it would be an absolutely illegal act," he said.

Spain's Constitutional Court has suspended a referendum law that was fast-tracked through Catalonia's regional parliament last week but the Catalan government has vowed to go ahead with the vote nonetheless.

Catalan authorities routinely ignore the court's decisions as they do not recognise its legitimacy.

In his first public comments since the Catalan government signed a decree calling the referendum, Spain's King Felipe VI said the rights of all Spaniards will be upheld against "whoever steps outside constitutional and statutory law".

But constitutional law professor Javier Perez Royo said it would be difficult for the state to stop the referendum if huge numbers of Catalans disobey the law and vote.

- Economic worries -

Catalonia, which is roughly the size of Belgium and accounts for about one-fifth of Spain's economic output, already has significant powers over matters such as education and healthcare.

But Spain's economic worries, coupled with a perception that the region pays more in taxes than it receives in investments and transfers from Madrid, have helped push the cause of secession from the fringes of Catalan politics to centre stage.

Hundreds of thousands of Catalans rallied on Monday in Barcelona on their national day to demand their region's secession from Spain and support the right to vote.

One big banner at the rally read: "Goodbye Spain".

Opinion polls show that Catalans are evenly divided on independence. But over 70 percent want a referendum to take place to settle the matter, similar to the plebiscite held in Scotland in 2014.
(Photo: Ji-Sub Jeong/HuffPost)

ST. LOUIS  Last month, just over three years after a police officer shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown in nearby Ferguson, authorities started erecting barriers around the Carnahan Courthouse and police headquarters in downtown St. Louis.

The city was bracing for a verdict in the first-degree murder trial of Jason Stockley, a white St. Louis police officer who killed 24-year-old Anthony Smith in 2011. Prosecutors said Stockley was carrying his personal AK-47, an unauthorized weapon, and that he executed Smith following a car chase and planted a gun in the mans vehicle. A dash cam recorded Stockley saying Im going to kill this motherfucker as he pursued Smiths vehicle.

Stockley resigned from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department in 2013, but wasnt charged until 2016. Thinking hed have better luck with a judge than the citizens of St. Louis, he waived his right to a jury trial. His fate was in the hands of St. Louis Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson.

Today, more than three weeks after the trial wrapped on Aug. 18, theres still no word from the judge. Activists have pledged to shut down the city in the event of a not guilty verdict. This movement is definitely ready to take it up a notch, Tory Russell, a Ferguson protester, said during a press conference by the courthouse. He pledged 100 days of protest. Clergy members told the judge last week that thered be blood on his hands if he didnt find Stockley guilty.

The city of St. Louis is on edge once again.

The fact that Stockley even went to trial for the 2011 shooting could be seen as a sign of the ways St. Louis and Ferguson have changed since the Ferguson protests. There have been other indications as well. Last year, St. Louis elected Kim Gardner as its first black circuit attorney, and Gardner has spoken about the need to build trust, deal with violent crime and reform the criminal justice system. St. Louis Countys abusive municipal courts have seen some reforms, and some troubled police departments have dissolved or been consolidated. Some protest leaders have gone into politics. The St. Louis County Police Department is trying to increase diversity. In Ferguson, a number of city officials who were in office when Michael Brown died  including the police chief  are gone, and the city is being watched by a federal monitor. And the attention surrounding the Stockley trial demonstrates that the protest movement in St. Louis is alive and well.

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But elsewhere in Missouri, outside the city of St. Louis and the Justice Department-monitored city of Ferguson, progress on broader police reform hasnt just been piecemeal  its been virtually nonexistent.

Many Missouri voters want to let the police loose and crush this rebellion, former St. Louis Alderman Antonio French told HuffPost last year. Tough talk on crime dominated the 2016 Republican gubernatorial primary and the Missouri governors race, with evidence everywhere of a backlash against the movement that grew out of Ferguson. Eric Greitens, the Republican nominee for governor, attacked then-Attorney General Chris Koster, his Democratic opponent, for what Greitens called an inadequate response to the Ferguson unrest. Greitens campaign published images of a burning police car and said the riots were yet another example of do-nothing politicians who dont go to the front lines. He complained about media coverage of Ferguson, claimed that better leadership could have brought about peace by the second night, and called for the harshest penalties in the country for assaulting a law enforcement officer. After Greitens won the election and was sworn in, he signed a Blue Lives Matter-style bill that made officers a special protected class.

City workers erect barricades around the Civil Courts and Carnahan courthouses on Aug. 29, 2017, in St. Louis. (Photo: Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the St. Louis County Police Department  the law enforcement agency whose strong-armed and unconstitutional reaction to peaceful daytime demonstrations included pointing sniper rifles at demonstrators from atop armored vehicles and arresting people for standing still on the sidewalk  has the same leadership it did the day Michael Brown died. Under the Trump administration, a collaboration between Justice Department officials and the St. Louis County police to reform that department has stalled. The only major legislative change to grow out of Ferguson  reforming the exploitative municipal court system  was partially clawed back by a legal challenge. And earlier this year, voters approved a sales tax increase thats expected to provide millions of dollars to St. Louis County police and the regions smaller law enforcement agencies with no additional oversight.

At every turn, police reformers have been hampered by Missouris byzantine maze of overlapping jurisdictions, their own internal divisions, and basic political challenges. Thus the Ferguson backlash: Across Missouri, police, municipal courts, and politicians are fighting police reform, convincing voters, and, more often than not, winning.

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Police officers keep watch while demonstrators (not pictured) protest the death of black teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, Aug. 12, 2014. (Photo: Mario Anzuoni / Reuters)

The grip of the status quo

One of the most powerful obstacles to police reform in Missouri is the basic structure of the states local governments. St. Louis County is a sprawling suburban region, sliced and diced into dozens of tiny to medium-sized municipalities with their own police forces, municipal codes, mayors, city councils, budgets, and interests. Thats made change tough to implement in the county, and left the same leadership in place that was responsible for the unconstitutional police response to the Ferguson unrest.

It really is a hard system to organize in. Its a hard climate, because whatever you do in St. Louis city, you have to replicate 90 different times throughout the county, said Kayla Reed, a protest movement leader. I really dont think people understand the fragmentation. I dont think people understand that theres dozens of different police departments with their own types of rules and regulations and accountability structures, or lack thereof.

No one would ever have designed the government structure in St. Louis County from scratch. By and large, the network of 89 municipalities  some of which have just a few hundred residents and span less than a square mile  is a product of white flight from the city, as towns tried to keep out black people, at first explicitly through racial covenants and then implicitly through zoning laws.

Today, decades after white St. Louis residents fled for the suburbs, the government systems they established to keep African-Americans out are still leaving black St. Louis County residents at a disadvantage in a region that remains largely segregated.

Many of the small towns are majority African-American and have long had black leadership, but have turned to ticket revenue  that is, revenue from traffic offenses and low-level municipal violations  to sustain their budgets as property values dried up and other tax revenue subsided. In 2015, a national policing research group was shocked by the policing structure in St. Louis County, calling it dysfunctional and unsustainable. Residents used terms like out of control, inhumane, crazy, racist, unprofessional, and sickening. But the system, while hobbled, endures  and absent major changes, it will continue.

The basic structure of St. Louis-area politics and policing has been remarkably resilient and seemingly immune from consequences, says Thomas Harvey of ArchCity Defenders, a civil rights organization that has been challenging municipal court practices in the region.

A protester gestures angrily at cops as tear gas fills the streets of Ferguson after curfew early Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014. (Photo: James Keivom/New York Daily News via Getty Images)

The problem of politics

Another challenge for reformers is convincing people who are less affected by bad policing that its a problem for them, too. White middle-class voters in the western and southern parts of the county simply dont understand what is happening in other parts of the region, says Reed.

What they see is theyre comfortable and safe with the police, and anyone who is not comfortable and safe with the police must be doing something to not be safe and comfortable, Reed said. Predominantly white communities saw Ferguson as not a protest for justice or advocacy of laws changing. They saw criminals. They were kind of accepting what was being told to them by elected officials  that Ferguson was a bunch of looters and rioters and so on and so forth.

Tony Rice, who has been a frontline Ferguson protester since the earliest days of the movement, says he has seen a shift in municipal courts, where officials have been more willing to let him make smaller payments on outstanding fines and fees. The municipal court changes are a result of several factors: lawsuits, media coverage, a reform effort from the states judicial branch, and legislation to cap the percentage of their budget that municipalities could get from fines and fees. (Components of the reforms were clawed back, however, due to a lawsuit from small, ticket-dependent cities in St. Louis County.) But Harvey, who is litigating several ongoing lawsuits against cities that caged poor people for days and weeks because of debts they couldnt afford, says there hasnt been enough of a shift.

Ultimately, theyre not willing to make the serious transformative change that would be necessary, and they double down on politicians who align themselves with law enforcement, Harvey said. White people in St. Louis County want continued enforcement. They want to continue the same policies that existed before Mike Browns murder.

A police officer aims his weapon at a demonstrator in Ferguson, Aug. 13, 2014. (Photo: Mario Anzuoni / Reuters)

The politics of police reform were especially evident in the fight over Proposition P, a half-cent sales tax increase to support higher police salaries that St. Louis County voters overwhelmingly approved in April. St. Louis County is still largely dominated by Democrats, but many of them are closely aligned with police and the police union, and are wary of doing anything that could be seen as critical of law enforcement. The Yes on Prop P ad campaign, run by former St. Louis County police Chief Ron Battelle, explicitly presented the measure as a way for voters to Support Our Police. Nearly two-thirds of county voters ended up voting for it. The St. Louis County Police Department will receive about $46 million more per year, and plans to hire more than 100 new officers.

Meanwhile, in the city of St. Louis, the reality of rising crime has only fueled further political backlash against changes to policing. Even police reform advocates believe theres a sort of version of the Ferguson effect  the idea that criticism of police results in an increase in crime  happening in the region. Reformers say its not necessarily that increased scrutiny of the police emboldens criminals, but rather that police may be stepping back because they dont like criticism of their work.

Its frustrating, but I think theres this fear  rightly or wrongly  among a lot of elected officials that if they dont give the police what they want, if they dont give them the funding they want, the raises they want, support them in the way that they want, that they will stop in providing police services to their ward, said St. Louis Alderwoman Megan Green.

Demonstrators are seen during a peaceful march near Ferguson, Aug. 18, 2014. (Photo: Lucas Jackson / Reuters)

A divided movements next big test

Reformers own divisions have also hampered their progress. Current St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, who is white, won with the backing of the police union. But in the Democratic primary  which, in the city of St. Louis, essentially serves as a stand-in for the general election  Krewson only narrowly defeated Treasurer Tishaura Jones, an advocate of police reform. Jones, who is black, almost certainly would have emerged victorious in the primary if one of the three other black candidates seeking the nomination had dropped out.

Jones had made shutting down the Workhouse, one of the jail facilities in St. Louis, a major component of her campaign. According to St. Louis city data from last June, about 98 percent of those imprisoned at the Workhouse have not yet been convicted of any crime. Many would be free if they could afford a few hundred dollars for bail.

The next big test for reformers will be a November vote on the city of St. Louis version of Prop P, the half-cent sales tax increase that county voters approved in April. Krewson is pushing hard for the increase so she can raise police salaries to compete with St. Louis County. But some reformers oppose the measure because it would fall heavily on the poor and give only a fraction to social services. Even the little the measure does give to social workers, after-school programs, summer jobs initiatives, recreational activities, and public defenders was enough to stir the outraged opposition of the city police union. The social service initiatives are also intended to help combat crime, but the police union referred to them dismissively as social programs and pet projects.

Police arrest a demonstrator in Ferguson on Aug. 19, 2014. (Photo: Scott Olson via Getty Images)

Green, who supported Jones for mayor, recently introduced a counterproposal to the half-cent sales tax increase: legislation to provide funding for more addiction and mental health treatment programs, so that the citys jail doesnt also function as its de facto treatment center.

Greens bill proposes a 0.5 percent payroll tax increase, which would more evenly affect St. Louis residents regardless of wealth, and which would generate about $39.3 million annually. Thats $16 million more than the mayors tax proposal. It would allocate the same amount for police salaries  $12.8 million  as the mayors plan, while more fully funding resources that directly address the root causes of crime.

LaShell Eikerenkoetter, center, and Julia Davis cheer the words of area clergy who called for a guilty verdict in the shooting death of Anthony Lamar Smith by former St. Louis police Officer Jason Stockley. (Photo: Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via Getty Images)

With investments in mental health, drug treatment, and the expansion of the Prison to Prosperity Program, these funds will transition the Workhouse into a rehabilitation center that helps to end the cycles of mental illness, addiction and poverty that keep people coming back to the criminal justice system, Green said. The city cant keep starving funds for affordable housing, public health and other vital social services, she said, without expecting to see a rise in crime.

If Greens bill passes, it wont appear on the ballot until August 2018. But she hopes that if voters know her alternative crime-fighting measure will be on the ballot next year, theyll vote down the mayors sales tax increase in November.

The most important thing that did change

Theres still a lot of work ahead for reformers. But there has been an awakening among St. Louis voters since Ferguson, Jones says, with people more willing to engage in conversations about how communities are policed. The region is now the starting point for many national conversations about law enforcement. And although the political environment here is still toxic towards poor people and black people, people are more willing to listen to reformers complaints, and advocates have more of a voice than they had before the protests, said Harvey, the ArchCity Defenders lawyer.

Demonstrators gather along West Florissant Avenue in Ferguson on Aug. 15, 2014. (Photo: Scott Olson via Getty Images)

In May, Krewson appointed a 13-member citizen advisory committee to guide the search for a new police chief. The committee has already held several well-attended community forums, and has brought in professional community facilitators to break up the large audience and lead small-group discussions.

At one meeting, on June 27, a facilitator asked her group what they believe the citys new chief should know about St. Louis.

The story of racism and segregation in St. Louis, one black woman replied. Members of other groups spoke up, too. Thats it, one said. Yeah, were done with that question, another interjected.

Later, the facilitators reported back to the entire group. Citizens had said that the police department needed a strong focus on de-escalation, racial bias training, and transparency, and that the new chief  whoever it ends up being  will have to have a history of changing the culture of a police department. The new chief, one facilitator said, needs to not be afraid to blow up the system.

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A U.S. Supreme Court justice is temporarily restoring an element of Donald Trumps controversial travel ban that could affect some 24,000 refugees.

Responding to a request from the Trump administration, the Supreme Court agreed to stay a ruling from a lower court that granted an exemption to the travel ban for some 24,000 refugees. The ruling made by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals last week prevented the government from blocking admission to the U.S. for those refugees who are in the U.S. Admissions Program or have formal assurances from a resettlement agency, The Hill reported.

Had the court not temporarily lifted the exemption, it would have gone into effect at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, with The Independent estimating that up to 24,000 refugees qualify for the exemption.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, who signed the one-page order on Monday just hours after the Department of Justice entered an emergency application for the appeals courts decision to be stayed, told those suing over the travel ban that the decision would be stayed pending their response, which is due midday Tuesday.

Trump's travel ban, which prevents citizens from six Muslim-majority nations from entering the U.S. unless they have a "bona fide relationship" with a family member in the country, was partially allowed to go into effect by the Supreme Court in June and is due for oral arguments in October.

But Trumps administration took umbrage with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, which also found that grandparents and other extended family members of someone living in the U.S. coould not be barred from entering the country, and made an emergency filing to prevent the exemption from coming into effect.

The DOJ filing, from Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey B. Wall, read: The absence of a formal connection between a resettlement agency and a refugee subject to an assurance stands in stark contrast to the sort of relationships this Court identified as sufficient in its June 26 stay ruling.

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It continued: Unlike students who have been admitted to study at an American university, workers who have accepted jobs at an American company, and lecturers who come to speak to an American audience, refugees do not have any freestanding connection to resettlement agencies, separate and apart from the refugee-admissions process itself, by virtue of the agencies assurance agreement with the government.

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Apple announced the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus today. Theyre all great phones in many ways, but they have one fatal flaw for T-Mobile and its customers: No support for T-Mobiles new LTE network.

Right now, T-Mobile is in the early stages of rolling out a brand-new 600MHz network nationwide. The first sites are already online, and T-Mobile is expecting to cover a million square miles by the end of 2017. But the 600MHz network uses a brand-new LTE channel, Band 71, and very few devices support it yet. Sadly for T-Mobile, you cant add the iPhone 8 or iPhone X to that list.

Don't Miss:This best-selling smart thermostat works with Alexa and costs half as much as a Nest

The specs page for the iPhone X confirms that it supports all the usual North American LTE bands, but not Band 71. However you frame this, its a blow for T-Mobile. The iPhone X is widely expected to spark an upgrade super-cycle that will see people on the iPhone 6 and 6S spring for the upgrade, since theyre buying a phone that they expect to last for years. That phone  expected to last for at least two years  wont be compatible with the LTE band that T-Mobile is expecting to be the backbone of its network going forwards.

Compatibility with 600MHz will become a big deal for T-Mobile customers, assuming you like actually using your phone when youre out and about. Lower frequencies travel further and penetrate buildings better, which all adds up to superior coverage, especially inside buildings or in rural areas. Verizon has relied heavily on its 700MHz spectrum for years, and its a big part of the reason it keeps winning coverage awards. T-Mobiles 600MHz network promises to be just as good or better, but you can only take advantage of it if your phone is compatible. 600MHz compatibility is only going to get more important as time goes on. T-Mobile is planning on having 600MHz coverage over 1,000,000 square miles by the end of this year, and by the end of 2018, it will play a big part in its national coverage  unless you have an iPhone X.

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Theres no doubt in my mind that T-Mobile wanted the iPhone X to support Band 71. CTO Neville Ray told me last month that T-Mobile is putting as much, if not more effort into devices than the network  and thats a big statement, because T-Mobile is working hard on rolling out 600MHz. But T-Mobile only secured the 600MHz licenses in an auction early this year, which likely wasnt enough lead time to build band 71 into the iPhone Xs modem.

But whichever way you cut it, this isnt great news for T-Mobile. Its going into 2018 with just one flagship phone with B71 support, and thats the LG V30, which is the most niche phone that Id consider a common flagship. The Galaxy S9 will almost definitely have B71 support, but well be waiting until next year for an Apple phone that includes it. Worse, anyone who buys an iPhone right now and wants to switch in six months wont have the benefit of T-Mobiles full LTE network. Thats not going to do much for T-Mobiles PR campaign to have the best network.

In short: if youre buying an iPhone 8 or iPhone X, you probably shouldnt go with T-Mobile. If you do, Id go for a lease, rather than buying the phone on an instalment plan. That way, when the iPhone X2 shows up next year, youll be able to jump ship.

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Paris (AFP) - Microscopic particles from tattoo ink can migrate into the body and wind up in lymph nodes, crucial hubs of the human immune system, a study revealed Tuesday.

The tiny particles -- measuring a few millionths to a few billionths of a centimetre -- include molecules from preservatives and contaminants such as nickel, chromium, manganese and cobalt, researchers reported in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports.

Tattoo colouring is composed of various organic and inorganic pigments, and can be contaminated with toxic impurities.

Besides carbon black, the second most common ingredient used in tatoo inks is titanium dioxide, a white pigment also used in food additives, sun screens and paints.

The chemical has been associated with delayed healing, itching and skin irritation.

"When someone wants to get a tattoo, they are often vary careful in choosing a parlour where they use sterile needles," said co-author Hiram Castillo, a researcher at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France.

"No one checks the chemical composition of the colours, but our study shows that maybe they should."

Scientists in Grenoble, joined by colleagues at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Berlin, used X-ray fluorescence measurements to identify particles in the skin and the lymph nodes, which are located in the neck, under the arms and along the crease between the thighs and the abdomen.

Only the tiniest, nano-scale particles made it into the lymph nodes.

The researchers also used a technique called Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to assess changes in tissue near tattoo particles at the molecular level.

They reported "strong evidence" for both the migration and long-term deposit of toxic elements in the body.

Now that their presence has been established, the next step is to look for evidence of adverse effects, including inflammation, they said.

Once a rarity outside of marginal communities, tattoos have become mainstream fashion accessories in recent years.

By one estimate, some 40 percent of Millennials in the United States have at least one tat, hidden or on display.
Thunder Power, a Hong Kong-based electric car company, has returned to the Frankfurt Motor Show. Thunder Power showed up here two years ago to unveil its Zagato-designed Sedan EV. This year, Thunder Power updated us on the progress of that car, but had another vehicle under hidden under wraps on the stand. You probably didn't even need to read the title or see the photo to guess what body style the electric automaker's second vehicle would be.



Before the unveiling, we were told that progress on the Sedan is coming along nicely, and that a production-spec prototype, on-stage with camouflage resembling a topographic map, is undergoing testing to validate dynamic and battery performance. Thunder Power CEO Willem Sham said the Sedan has a driving range of up to 650 kilometers (a little over 400 miles) on the generous NEDC cycle.



He also announced a Launch Edition Coupe, limited to just 488 examples. Its 488-kW (654-horsepower) electric powertrain drives all four wheels, and uses a toque vectoring system. The Launch Edition Coupe will be customized to each customer's taste, and will include an engraved plaque denoting its serial number. It's slated to enter production in time for deliveries beginning Q2 of 2019.



After the updates, Sham and others pulled the sheet off the covered vehicle to reveal the Thunder Power SUV. Designed in-house in Milan, Italy, it uses Thunder Power's modular platform. Its electric powertrain packaging is meant to maximize interior space, and maintain a low center of gravity. Thunder Power said it also paid close attention to aerodynamics to reduce drag. Other than that, Thunder Power didn't provide a lot of details.



In the flesh, it actually looks fairly attractive if you can get past the design of the grille. The interior is plush. The rear doors open rearward to provide easy access to the back row. The panoramic roof provides a nice view of the sky (or the auto show ceiling). A Large digital screen spans the entire dash.



Thunder Power is a bit of an oddity, to be sure, but it's just the sort of luxury electric weirdness we love to see hiding in the lower halls of an international auto show.



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Lagos (AFP) - His family has ruled Togo for more than 50 years but President Faure Gnassingbe has in the last week faced unprecedented public pressure to step down.

He and his country stand alone in West Africa in resisting calls for constitutional reform, even as parliament begins to look again at the issue.

"Togo is the only ECOWAS country never to have seen any real democratic change," said political analyst Gilles Yabi, referring to the West African regional bloc.

"The current regime is carrying on the one before it, which was one of the most brutal Africa had ever known," he told AFP.

"Beyond (constitutional) reform, the Togolese people want real change."

Faure Gnassingbe took over as Togo's president in 2005 after the death of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled the French-speaking nation for 38 years with army support.

Bloody riots followed elections that year, which the opposition disputed. Faure was re-elected in 2010 and 2015.

With The Gambia, Togo was the only ECOWAS member to reject a proposal to limit the number of presidential terms across the region, during a summit in Accra in May 2015.

After peaceful changes in power in Benin and Ghana, popular uprisings in Burkina Faso, Togo and The Gambia won them a "bad boy" reputation in a region often cited as an example in a continent where many leaders cling to power.

The fate of Gambian president Yahya Jammeh was sealed in December 2016 after his refusal to recognise defeat at the polls.

ECOWAS sent troops to ensure he left office after 22 years.

In Togo, human rights organisations have criticised cases of torture, arbitrary detention, as well as the muzzling of both the press and the opposition.

But unlike Gambia's Jammeh, Gnassingbe, who currently holds the rotating presidency of ECOWAS, is not an isolated figure, experts say, noting that he enjoys the support of his counterparts.

- 'Radio silence' -

Last Wednesday, Marcel de Souza, president of the ECOWAS commission, made an unannounced visit to Lome to meet the opposition as protesters demanded Gnassingbe's resignation.

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Apart from a handful of former heads of state, such as Nigeria's Olusegun Obasanjo and Ghana's Jerry Rawlings, who backed Togo's people, West Africa has been largely silent over the protests.

"We shouldn't expect any strong reaction," said Yabi.

"Like France and the European Union, they are partners that value stability above everything."

Comi Toulabor, head of research at the Institute of Political Studies in Bordeaux, described the lack of reaction as "radio silence".

Togo's neighbours "close their eyes because, for many of them, security problems and the terrorist risk have become more important than everything else", he added.

Toulabor said Togo's regime had this time bowed to pressure by allowing last week's protests to take place.

In 2005, the authorities cracked down on dissent, leaving at least 500 dead following a wave of post-election violence, UN figures show.

- Wooing his detractors -

Gnassingbe has also made apparent overtures to his detractors by proposing a bill to limit the number of presidential mandates to two five-year terms and introduce two-round voting.

As such, he was "trying to make people forget the barely democratic nature of his regime and show himself to be very active on the international diplomatic front", said Yabi.

The country has hosted a number of international summits, such as the African Union meeting on maritime security in October 2016.

Last month it held the annual African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum and had been due to host the Africa-Israel summit in October before it was postponed this week.

Lome, with its deep-water port and new international airport, wants to become a regional hub and is wooing foreign investors.

Economic growth is at 5.0 percent a year and the country has long been calm, despite high unemployment among young people and widespread poverty.

Former colonial power France has made no comment since the start of the protests.

Asked about the events, a foreign ministry spokesman said only that France had "followed the events of recent weeks closely".

"France calls for responsibility and consensus to begin constitutional change".
Transgender model Munroe Bergdorf stars in Illamasquas new campaign. [Photo: Instagram/munroebergdorf]

Last month, transgender model Munroe Bergdorf made history by being the first trans woman to front a LOreal UK campaign.

Her dreams were quickly dashed after LOreal took exception to the passionate statement Bergdorf made on social media about racism. Despite the campaign being about diversity, the beauty brand stated that the models views were at odd with their values, ultimately dumping her from the campaign.

However, things didnt go in LOreals favor, and Bergdorf was invited on multiple television shows to share her side of the story. Since then, Bergdorf has continued to speak out, gaining tons of supporters in the process.

Now, she finally has what she originally wanted: A campaign that truly celebrates diversity. The trans model is one of the new faces of the makeup line Illamasqua.

Excited to announce that Im one of the faces of the next @illamasqua campaign. #illamafia A post shared by Munroe Bergdorf (@munroebergdorf) on Sep 12, 2017 at 1:35pm PDT

The upcoming campaign will also feature the genderqueer model Rain Dove, and will center on celebrating gender fluidity.

Illamasqua was just one of the brands that spoke out in supportof Bergdorf after the LOreal saga. Their statement read: As a longstanding Illamasqua collaborator, we are angered to hear that Munroe Bergdorf has been dropped from theLOreal True Match Campaign.

Illamasqua is a brand that stands proudly and unashamedly for diversity and equality. We dont stand or accept any form of racism, but we also believe Munroes comments have been edited out of context by a certain media title (who we wont bother naming) without telling a true story.

In order for our generation to move forward and create a more inclusive society, its not just about showing diversity. We must all be free to talk about social issues in a constructive and tolerant way.

It sounds like Illamasqua and Bergdorf will be the perfect fit.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

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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.




As the second-generation co-owner of Stock Transport, a Lebanon, IL-based trucking company, Rob Stock knew he had the resources to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. So, he put out the word for donations of supplies and expected to spend a day taking a truck or two to the Houston area, as hes done for a few prior storms.

That was two weeks, 680,000 pounds of supplies and 360,000 prepackaged meals ago.

In the days since, Stock and a group of employees and volunteers have trucked 18 loads of donations to various Texas towns. Among those loads: 50,000 pounds of water, 20 pallets of diapers and 30 round bales of hay delivered to the Galveston County Fair Grounds and Rodeo facility, which is serving as a makeshift livestock and animal shelter.

This started off with a Facebook post on August 28. That post was shared over 500 times and the Stock the Trailer campaign was started, he tells PEOPLE.

This past weekend, he had another six loads ready to roll  three going to Texas as residents begin to rebuild and three headed to South Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irmas arrival.

Stock owes much of the campaigns success to a chance connection with Luke Levine, Associate Pastor at St. Louis, MOs Apostolic Pentecostal Church, Chaplain for the Arnold Police Department and volunteer Disaster Relief Coordinator for Compassion Services International (CSI).

I was coordinating an effort through our St. Louis office and he was coordinating something similar in Illinois, Levine tells PEOPLE.

The match proved fortuitous. Stock had the trucks and manpower to haul multiple tons of supplies while Levine and CSI boasted an expansive network of contacts, including more than 200 churches in Texas alone, needing those supplies.

We partner with churches, fire stations and police stations and our goal was to fill a 20-foot UHaul container, Levine said. With Stocks help, We ended up sending five tractor trailers down, fast and furious.

Together, Stock and Levine have focused on identifying and serving areas largely missed by organizations like the Red Cross. Those higher-profile organizations typically head first for more concentrated urban areas, and with good reason, as those areas hold far bigger populations of people in need. Once set up is complete, storm victims typically must find their way to those centers for help.

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CSI instead focuses on smaller, more rural communities that may be forced to wait weeks for relief. The organization establishes distribution centers in remote areas where volunteers in smaller vehicles pick up and deliver donations to victims.

Some of the groups weve been able to serve are Spanish-speaking churches where the congregants are all immigrants that nobody is paying attention to, Levine said. I called one, asked the pastor, Can you use supplies? He said, Yes, we have nothing. And this was six or seven days after Hurricane Harvey hit.

Over the next several weeks, Levine and CIS will focus on organizing donations of money and building supplies to Texas, where residents will begin rebuilding; and on coordinating the more immediate needs of those in Florida and other areas hit by Hurricane Irma.

Inspired in part by his 2-year-old daughter, Aurora Rose, Stock says hell continue relief efforts as long as theyre needed, despite the steep costs to his company. Harvey relief efforts alone have set him back some $17,000 in hard costs such as fuel and employee pay, plus another $20,000 in revenue that would have been generated via normal business operations.

These people have lost everything  literally had their homes and lives destroyed, Stock said. I can only imagine what I would be going through in that situation, trying to provide for my family. My sacrifice, while some people have lost everything, seems miniscule. It really does.
Both Mr Trump and Mr Putin have denied any collusion: Getty

The Trump administration has reportedly started handing over documents to the special counsels team investigating possible collusion between the Presidents 2016 campaign and Russias alleged effort to interfere with the election.

Earlier this summer, it was revealed that special prosecutor Robert Mueller had requested the White House preserve a number of documents relating to various members of Donald Trumps campaign team.

He asked it to preserve evidence relating to former general Michael Flynn, who was forced to resign as Mr Trumps national security adviser, as well as to a June 2016 meeting between a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer and the Presidents eldest son, son-in-law and campaign manager.

Now it has emerged the White House has begun passing some of the those documents to Mr Muellers team, as he continues his probe into possible collusion and even obstruction of justice.

The Daily Beast said that Jones Day, the New York law firm representing Mr Trumps campaign, had assigned lawyers to find documents relating to Mr Muellers investigation, and that John Dowd, a veteran Washington lawyer who is representing Mr Trump, is personally delivering them.

Mr Dowd said he was too tied up to speak on Tuesday. However, he told the Daily Beast the campaign was in total cooperation with Mr Mueller.

Jones Day has got a wonderful team handling the production, Mr Dowd said.

The Trump campaign has previously turned over documents to congressional investigators, but this was reportedly the first instance of documents produced for Muellers office at the Justice Department. It may suggest that Mr Muellers investigation and those being carried out by officials on Capitol Hill, may be focussing on common ground.

every sign by Mueller, hiring of Mafia & money-laundering experts to aggressive pursuit of witnesses & evidence, is he's going for the kill https://t.co/fOYTusoQy1  Cheri Jacobus (@CheriJacobus) September 12, 2017

Earlier this year, it was reported that Mr Muellers office had asked that the White House preserve any documentation relating to the meeting in the summer of 2016 between Mr Trumps senior aides and Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya.

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Donald Trump Jr said he had agreed to the meeting after being told the lawyer wanted to provide incriminating material about Hillary Clinton. He said she actually offered no such information but rather wanted to press him about the Magnitsky Act, a US law that blacklists several Russians linked to the 2009 murder of another Russian lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky.

If its what you say I love it, Mr Trump Jr initially said, when told about the information he claimed he had been offered.

Ms Veselnitskaya has denied working for the Russian authorities or offering any incriminating information to the Trump campaign.
A member of President Donald Trumps voter fraud commission expressed outrage that Democrats would be appointed to sit on the panel, saying they would only obstruct its work.

Hans von Spakovsky, a former Justice Department official now at the conservative Heritage Foundation, wrote the email in February, three months before Trump announced the creation of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. Someone forwarded the email to an aide for Attorney General Jeff Sessions, with a request that it be given to the attorney general.

In the message, obtained through a public records request by the Campaign Legal Center, von Spakovsky wrote:

Were also hearing that they are going to make this bipartisan and include Democrats. There isnt a single Democratic official that will do anything other than obstruct any investigation of voter fraud and issue constant public announcements criticizing the commission and what it is doing, making claims that it is engaged in voter suppression.

The disclosure is significant because Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who is chairing the panel, have said it will have no predetermined conclusions. Critics say the effort is an attempt to stir up fears of widespread voter fraud, which previous studies have found is not a pervasive issue, and will lead to more restrictive voting policies.

In his email, von Spakovsky also expressed concern the White House would choose mainstream Republicans and academics who wouldnt know anything about voter fraud.

There are only a handful of real experts on the conservative side on this issue and not a single one of them ... have been called other than Kris Kobach, Secretary of State of Kansas. And we are told some consider him too controversial to be on the commission, von Spakovsky wrote. If they are picking mainstream Republican officials and/or academics to man this commission it will be an abject failure because there arent any that know anything about this or who have paid any attention to the issue over the years.

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Von Spakovsky initially said he knew nothing about the email when a ProPublica reporter asked him about it on Tuesday. But the Heritage Foundation told Gizmodo later on Tuesday that von Spakovsky did, in fact, author the email.

The email raises new questions about the relationship between the Department of Justice and the commission. Voting advocates were concerned earlier this year after the department sent out a request to 44 states asking for information about compliance with federal voter purge requirements on the same day Kobach, vice chairman of the commission, sent a letter to election officials in 50 states asking for voter data. The Justice Department said the two requests were unrelated.

In a statement on Wednesday, von Spakovsky said he had never discussed the commission with Sessions.

I have never had any discussions by email or otherwise with General Sessions about the election integrity commission, von Spakovsky wrote. I did send a private email in February to private individuals who were not in the administration to express my personal concerns about the efficacy of the Presidents Advisory Commission on Election Integrity months before it was organized or any of its members were selected. I did not send it to General Sessions and was unaware that it had been forwarded to him.

He added that he was confident in Democratic members of the commission and in the panels work so far.

Voting advocates were concerned by von Spakovskys appointment to the commission, given his role in pushing for voter ID in Georgia, his past exaggeration of voter fraud and his criticism of the National Voter Registration Act, a law that protects people from improperly getting kicked off voter rolls.

Bob Bauer, who served as former President Barack Obamas White House counsel from 2009-2011 and co-chaired a previous presidential commission on elections, said von Spakovsky should resign.

The Administration chose to appoint to the Commission an individual who strongly objected to a bipartisan inquiry but also to a formal role for social scientists trained in data collection and dispassionate analysis. The story should not end there, Bauer wrote in a blog post.

Von Spakovsky may now appreciate that his position on the Commission has become untenable and that he should resign, Bauer added. He has made clear that hes open only to Commission fact-finding that supports his well-known beliefs about fraud. If he had imagined he could persuade anyone to the contrary, he must know that the email puts an end to any such hope.

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By Nate Raymond MANCHESTER, N.H. (Reuters) - A Democratic member of President Donald Trump's commission to investigate possible voter fraud defended his participation on the panel on Tuesday while warning that its mission is being threatened by "extreme partisanship." Dozens of protesters gathered before the second meeting of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity's in Manchester, New Hampshire, the state that has long held the first nominating primary in the U.S. presidential election cycle. The panel member, Bill Gardner, who is New Hampshire's secretary of state, had faced calls to resign after commission Vice Chairman Kris Kobach, a Republican, suggested that thousands of people illegally voted in the northeastern state in November. Despite calls by New Hampshire's four-person, all-Democratic congressional delegation to resign, Gardner said he would not. "New Hampshire people aren't accustomed to walking away or stepping down from their civic duties," Gardner said. "I will not either." He criticized Kobach, who is the Kansas secretary of state, for calling into question the election's "real and valid" results. Gardner also noted the opposition the commission has faced from its beginning. "The specter of extreme political partisanship already threatens our ability to reach a consensus," Gardner said. Trump established the commission in May after charging, without evidence, that millions voted unlawfully in the November presidential election. Most state election officials and election law experts say that U.S. voter fraud is rare. Although Trump handily won the Electoral College vote that ultimately decides the outcome of presidential elections, he lost the popular vote to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton by nearly 3 million votes. Trump has said on Twitter that New Hampshire, which he lost to Clinton by fewer than 2,800 votes, and two other states had "serious voter fraud." Tuesday's meeting drew protesters as the panel heard from speakers about voting trends and the extent voter fraud exists, something speakers from conservative groups like Judicial Watch and Heritage Foundation said was real. One speaker, John Lott, an economist known for his writings against gun control laws, proposed making voters go through the same federal background check system used for firearm purchases. In a Breitbart News column on Thursday, Kobach claimed voter fraud led to the November victory in New Hampshire for U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, a Democrat and former governor of the state, over incumbent Republican Kelly Ayotte by 1,107 votes. Kobach, an advocate of tougher voter identification, also said Clinton may have won New Hampshire due to illegal voting by non-residents. He renewed his views on Tuesday. "This is obviously a subject of concern," he said. Kobach cited statistics showing 5,313 voters with out-of-state driver's licenses registered to vote on the day of the election but who did not later obtain New Hampshire licenses. Democrats countered that the data likely reflected college students from out-of-state who were voting. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Bill Trott and Leslie Adler)
By Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay ANKARA (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday dismissed NATO allies' concern over Turkey's deal to buy a missile defense system from Russia and said Ankara would continue to take the security measures it thought right. Turkey, whose relations with its allies have frayed in recent months, said it opted for the S-400 because Western companies had offered no "financially effective" alternative. But NATO officials have voiced disquiet over the purchase of missiles incompatible with alliance systems. "They went crazy because we made the S-400 agreement. What were we supposed to do, wait for you? We are taking and will take all our measures on the security front," Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara. Western firms which had bid for the contract included U.S. firm Raytheon (RTN.N), which put in an offer with its Patriot missile defense system. Franco-Italian group Eurosam, owned by the multinational European missile maker MBDA and Frances Thales TCFP.PA, came second in the tender. Turkey, with the second-largest army in the alliance, has enormous strategic importance for NATO, abutting as it does Syria, Iraq and Iran. But the relationship has become fractious. Erdogan has been infuriated by Washington's support for Kurdish YPG fighters in the battle against Islamic State in Syria. Turkey sees the YPG as an extension of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey's largely Kurdish southeast. GERMAN CRITICISM The U.S. Pentagon said it had expressed concerns to Ankara about the Russian purchase. "A NATO interoperable missile defense system remains the best option to defend Turkey from the full range of threats in its region," spokesman Johnny Michael said in a statement. France, however, said Turkey's decision was a sovereign choice which did not require comment from NATO allies. France's foreign minister is due to visit Turkey on Thursday. Germany has said it would restrict some arms sales to Turkey, reflecting the diplomatic strain over a security crackdown in Turkey following a failed military coup last year. Berlin had originally sought to freeze major arms sales, but scaled that back after Turkey said that would harm the joint fight against Islamic State. Berlin has criticized mass arrests that followed the failed coup and demanded the release of around a dozen German or Turkish-German citizens arrested in recent months. Turkey originally awarded a $3.4 billion contract for the defense system to China in 2013, but canceled that two years later, saying it would concentrate on developing a system domestically. Turkey later began talks with Russia, and in July Erdogan said the deal had been signed, although negotiations appear to have been drawn out over financing. Turkish media quoted Erdogan this week as saying he and Russian President Vladimir Putin were determined that the agreement should proceed. (Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Dominic Evans and Ralph Boulton)
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey has signed a deal with Russia to buy S-400 missile defence systems in its first major weapons purchase from Moscow, Turkish newspapers Tuesday quoted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying.

The accord for the surface-to-air missile defence batteries is Ankara's most significant pact with a non-NATO supplier.

"Signatures have been made for the purchase of S-400s from Russia. A deposit has also been paid as far as I know," Erdogan said in comments published in the Hurriyet daily and other newspapers.

"(Russian President Vladimir Putin) and myself are determined on this issue," he told journalists.

The purchase of the missile systems from a non-NATO supplier will raise concerns in the West over their compatibility with the alliance's equipment.

The Pentagon has already sounded alarm, saying bluntly that "generally it's a good idea" for NATO allies to buy inter-operable equipment.

Erdogan said Turkey was free to make military acquisitions based on its defence needs.

"We make the decisions about our own independence ourselves, we are obliged to take safety and security measures in order to defend our country," he said.

Moscow also confirmed the accord, with Vladimir Kozhin, Putin's adviser for military and technical cooperation, saying: "The contract has been signed and is being prepared for implementation."

He said that the S-400 was one of the most complex systems, made up of a whole range of technical materials.

"I can only guarantee that all decisions taken on this contract strictly comply with our strategic interests," he was quoted as saying by Russian state-owned TASS news agency.

"For this reason we fully understand the reactions of several Western countries which are trying to put pressure on Turkey," he added.

Russia's relations with NATO have been in crisis over its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and for backing pro-Moscow separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Turkey, a NATO member since 1952, has currently troubled ties with the United States over a number of issues including Washington's support of the People's Protection Units (YPG) Syrian Kurd militia which Ankara considers a terror group.
In February, this image of Rebekah holding this sign at a trans rights rally went viral. (Photo: Jamie Bruesehoff)

Welcome to The Story We Share, a series of Q&As that profile two people with similar identities  but who live in very different places. As part of HuffPosts Listen To America tour, were exploring how peoples lived experiences overlap and diverge depending on their zip codes. What is the American Experience? It depends where you look.

***

The Claussen family lives in Des Plaines, Illinois, a progressive suburb of Chicago. (Photo: Beth Claussen)

For a transgender child, a supportive family, much less a supportive community, is an invaluable privilege. Mothers of three Beth Claussen and Jamie Bruesehoff are the kind of fierce parents who get trans kids through the hard times intact.

Beth is a married mother to a 10-year-old trans son, Caiden, as well as 13-year-old Caitlyn and 7-year-old Megan in Des Plaines, Illinois, a fairly progressive suburb of Chicago. Jamie is raising a 10-year-old trans daughter, Rebekah, along with 8-year-old Elijah and 3-year-old Oliver, with her Lutheran pastor husband in rural, conservative Sussex County, New Jersey. Yet there are no easy conclusions to be drawn based on their locations.

The Bruesehoff family resides in rural, conservative Sussex County, New Jersey. (Photo: Maegan Dougherty)

What is common, however, is both parents strong commitment to figuring out how to best support their childrens needs, a commitment that is unfortunately not shared by every parent of a transgender child in this country.

According to studies done by the Family Acceptance Project, gay and transgender teens who are highly rejected by their parents are at very high risk for health and mental health problems when they become young adults. They are eight times more likely to attempt suicide, six times more likely to report high levels of depression and three times more likely to use illegal drugs as compared to gay or transgender youth from families with low or no level of rejection. In other words, family support is crucial.

Beth and Jamie spoke to HuffPost about their experiences as the parents of young trans children, the process of transitioning and perhaps most amazingly, how their communities have responded.

Story continues

***

Caiden with his younger sister, Megan (Photo: Beth Claussen)

HuffPost: When did you first notice your childs gender identity was different from how you originally perceived it?

Beth Claussen (Illinois): Really I started noticing in preschool, when he could verbalize he didnt want to wear dresses and he didnt want to wear his older sisters hand-me-downs.

He was Spiderman for Halloween in preschool. At the costume store, I pointed him to the cute little girls Spiderman costume. Hes like, No. He goes over to the boys area and hes like, I want that one. It was the super muscle one.

Jamie Bruesehoof (New Jersey): From the time that she could have a favorite color  so 2 or 3 when they start to gravitate toward things  she liked the color pink and things that were typically girly. We didnt think a lot of it. We were like, OK, were not those parents. Kids can like any color. Colors are for everyone. Yes she can pick the pink thing but at the same time we didnt run out and get her everything pink. I remember thinking Well what if this is a phase?

Beth (Illinois): One of the memories that stands out to me like, OK, something might be a little ... is when he was 6. I took all the kids to Target because they all needed socks or underwear. I said, All right. Heres your underwear. Pick a pair.

I told Caiden that and he looked at all the girls underwear and hes like, I dont want that. He walked around to the other side and grabbed a pack of boxers, and was like, I want these. I said, OK. Thats fine. That stood out to me as its something that no one else sees that he felt more comfortable in. We bought it.

Jamie (New Jersey): By 5 or 6 she was very much gravitating toward all things girly. Most of her friends were girls. But she wasnt saying at that point, Oh I am a girl. Im not a boy. So we said, OK, you can like what you want. So we were supporting her and navigating how kids deal with that because shed hear from people, Why are your nails painted? Thats for girls. So anxiety grew around that; what we first thought was anxiety about kids kind of bugging her about liking non-typical things eventually became more intense. She started to get really upset when she was separated into the boy group if it was separated boys and girls or if she was going to a birthday party and they were going to have certain things for boys and certain things for girls. And by the time she was like 7, it was preventing her from wanting to do things. So our super bubbly, outgoing kid was really having trouble enjoying the things that shed always enjoyed. And as the anxiety got worse she just struggled more. Clearly something wasnt fitting but she didnt have the language.

Beth (Illinois): Fast forward, between 7 and 8 years old, he just became more angry. Hes always been a super-happy, throw-a-few-scraps-of-food-his-way kid and hes fine. He just became more angry and more withdrawn.

He would say things like, I want to be a boy. I was like, Well, Im sorry, but youre a girl. Thats what God made you. Wed say things like, Why do you want to be a boy? Hed come up with things like, Boys are stronger. Id pull up on the internet female bodybuilder pictures just to show him that females can be just as strong as boys. Hed say things like, Boys are faster. Id pull up female runners.

Then it got to basically hed say, I dont know why, but I just want to be a boy. He never said, I am a boy. He always knew that he had girl parts. He always knew that he was a girl, but just saying, I want to be a boy. He wanted to cut his hair in preschool. It started off longer and over the years, it just got shorter and shorter and shorter. I want that haircut, hed say, pointing to different boys.

I never let him until it was the summer after second grade. I let him cut it super short and he was so happy. He said things like, Oh, great. Maybe now I can go in the boys line and they wont notice.

How did you come to an awareness that your child was transgender?

Beth (Illinois): A little before the eighth birthday, 7-and-a-half or so, we started looking into things online. Just transgender kids and I checked out books in the library.

We found through Luries Childrens Hospital that there was a support near us called Pinwheels. Its a support group generally for transgender, gender creative kids and their parents. We had my parents watch the kids and just my husband and I went two months in a row and said, OK, this sounds like what could be Caiden. We met with a psychologist at Luries Hospital who saw Caiden for about three months and then he would talk to us after.

Jamie (New Jersey): At that point shed been in counseling off and on because she is a super sensitive kid. Wed been in counseling to help with anxiety tools and not taking on everybody elses emotions and all of that and so when things got really, really tough we were able to work with our family doctor and our counselor to treat what looked like anxiety and depression at that point.

The conversation that kind of pushed us over the edge happened when we were preparing for her brothers swim birthday party, and she was like, Oh what am I going to wear to swim in? I was like Oh good question we can get you pink swim shorts we can get you a pink rashguard, and I said, Well lets Google gender non-conforming swimsuits. And when we did, some stuff came up that said transgender and LGBTQ and I said OK maybe its a good idea that I explain this to you. This is what these letters mean. And I explained what transgender meant and she went Ooooh. Maybe thats what I am. It was very much a lightbulb moment. She didnt realize that people could be transgender and that there are people who are transgender.

Beth (Illinois): The psychologist said, OK, why dont you try calling him a name in the house? A different name and different pronouns in the house and see how it feels? See how he reacts and see ... I remember that just taking my breath away. I cried a lot then. It made it more real. I just remember a pit in my stomach. I think I just knew that this was probably the journey we were going down and I didnt necessarily want to. I knew it was going to be harder.

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The family first started using the name "Caiden" and "he" pronouns inside the house. (Photo: Beth Claussen)

How did you approach your child transitioning?

Beth (Illinois): We gave Caiden the choice of names and let him pick. I said, I get some say so in this. Im your mother. I named you initially. We get the say so in your new name. He chose Caiden, so we started calling him Caiden in the house and trying to use he pronouns. We did that for many, many months, about a year. In the house and then slowly telling grandparents who babysit for us a lot and slowly telling some close friends and going and visiting the Pinwheels community. He really liked going there because there were kids like him. He was not the only weirdo that he knew of. He could totally be Caiden and it was not an issue. After calling him that for awhile in the house, we said, OK.

Jamie (New Jersey): She learned the word transgender at the beginning of March and by the middle of April she was Rebekah. For those six weeks every day, we were having these conversations about gender and she was asking questions and we found a gender specialist and we were like Are we crazy? Whats going on here? And she talked to Rebekah and she talked to us and said, No, youre doing the right thing. Keep following her lead. So for awhile wed talk to Rebekah and just say Tell us how you feel each day. Do you feel like a boy? Do you feel like a girl? Then every day it was never Im a boy, it was always Im neither or Im a girl and then as she got more confident it was OK. Im a girl. Im a girl. Im a girl. Im a girl. This is who I am.

We gave her a name that I had considered when I was pregnant with her. There were two or three and she picked Rebekah. And we said OK, lets try it out. And from that day on, it was so clear. I had no idea what were doing, we were holding our breath thinking lets just see what happens, and instantly we had a kid whose spirit exploded. She was happy. She was joyful. She was more herself. She was running up to people at church and saying hi and shaking their hands instead of hiding behind me. It was very clear that this made sense to her and this was who she was.

Rebekah picked her name from a list of names Bruesehoff considered while pregnant with her. (Photo: Maegan Dougherty)

How was the response been in your community?

Beth (Illinois): Overall, our community really is the school community, for the most part. Ive had zero negative anything directed towards me or my kids.

The only thing Ive ever gotten were parents emailing me. I said to the principal, If they want to email me, if they want to text me, if they want to call me, I am open. Im open to discussing this. Im open to any sort of books, articles on how to talk to their kids or ways to talk to their kids. I never got a call about that or a text or a email. I got one or two emails saying Good for you. Im very glad to be part of Caidens life.

Jamie (New Jersey): We are in rural New Jersey. Theres not a lot near us. Its super conservative. I mean 70 percent of our town voted for Trump. We would not expect the support that weve received because of the community were in. There is no reason that we should have had the positive experience we had living where we live with the resources we have and everything else. Were just so grateful and hopeful that we can pave the way so others kids can have that positive experience in a rural place that you wouldnt expect and have more resources and all of that.

Next year, Caiden will start middle school and start dealing with changing out for gym. (Photo: Beth Claussen)

Beth (Illinois): I dont know everything that goes on on the playground. I dont know everything that goes on in the bathroom or anything. My kid doesnt necessarily talk about feelings at all. From teachers, principal, and parent, and what I can get out of my kid, it has not been negative. Really it doesnt matter. Were not changing communities. We like the community we live in, we like the school, we like the house were in. Were going to stay put and hopefully things go ... continue to go smooth.

Next year, he will be in middle school. In middle school, they do change out of their clothes into gym uniforms, so its the whole locker room issue that I have not dealt with yet. Well deal with it when it comes. Its the way I have to live. I cant look too far ahead. People ask about hormones and surgery. I said, I cant look that far ahead. I just cant. It gives me way too much anxiety. I live day, week, maybe a month ahead of time. I cant look too far ahead.

Jamie (New Jersey): We try to regularly while telling our story in an authentic way, also lift up that this is a best case scenario. Yes she faces discrimination and theres a lot of stuff thats really scary and theres medical stuff we have to try to get approved  theres lots of challenges but we know its nothing compared to what other kids face and other families face, so we try to just say that over and over again because privilege matters.

(Photo: Maegan Dougherty)

Beth (Illinois): My in-laws, who are significantly older and very, very Catholic, are not accepting and think were wronging our child and think we are going against Gods plan. Its sad. We dont see them much anymore. I said, As long as I can keep Caiden in a little bubble of support and love, Im going to. I know his whole life hes going to have hatred and discrimination. If I can surround him by love and support right now, Im going to. If that means not being around people that are not loving and supportive, then thats the way we go.

Jamie (New Jersey): The one story I always tell is about this super-conservative, super-masculine, very gender role-oriented guy at church. I would never expect him to be OK with it. And yet she showed up in a dress and we said, Oh this is Rebekah now, and he came up to me later and said You know, I dont really understand this. I dont understand it, which is fair  I dont understand the whole gender thing either. But he added, But I can tell you she used to hide behind you and not say hi to me and today she ran up, twirled in her dress and gave me a high five. What more is there to understand? Its the power of the personal experience and seeing my kid and knowing who she was and seeing the difference in her that I think changes hearts and minds over time.

The other thing I would add is that we get these ideas about conservative areas but there are more people who are ready to learn  I mean they talk about the moveable middle  there are more people who have questions and just dont understand. But when given an opportunity to learn, to see firsthand or to get a glimpse of your story they want to support you. They just dont have the exposure. So I think theres more of those people than there are of those really loud, horrible out-to-get-you ones. Its reaching those that makes a big difference.

What is the message you want other families to take away from your experience?

Beth (Illinois): First and foremost, love your kids for who they are. Its not always easy, its not always pretty but you need to love and accept them. This is not what I thought my family would look like, this was not in my plan but it is what it is and my husband and I are going to love, accept and support all of our children the best we possibly can. We agree that we would rather have an alive, happy, confident son than a dead daughter (suicide rates for trans teens are incredibly high). Lastly, find support, it is important to know that you are not alone. There are support groups/play groups that are very helpful. Surround your family with loving and supportive people.

Jamie (New Jersey): Rebekah has the privilege of having a supportive family and we were prepared to do whatever need be when she first transitioned. We were like this could go horribly wrong. The church, while they couldnt really kick him out, [my husband] could lose his job over this. So before coming it was very much, OK, this could go horribly wrong and we could have to move and start over somewhere else, and we were just prepared to do that. We were hoping for the best but we were prepared for the worst. Knowing that other trans kids face not even being accepted by their family or not even having a school that supports them ... our personalities and our view of the world and kind of our call as Christians is to do good in the world and work for justice, and so we saw the power of Rebekahs story and we wanted to share that. I think once we had a kid who had survived this and wed survived this as a family and wed come out the other side with a happy thriving girl we wanted to share that so other people struggling could say, Me too, or Heres hope. Im in this hard spot but its really good to know that this can get better.

These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

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CORRECTION: This article initially misstated the results of the study as indicating that highly rejected teens are more likely to die by suicide; rather, the study found those teens are more likely to attempt suicide.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein denounced the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmars Rakhine State as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing in Geneva on Monday, September 11.

Hussein called the Myanmar military to end its cruel military operation that has seen 310,000 civilians flee to Bangladesh since the start of the offensive in August. The top UN human rights official also spoke out on the conflict in Syria and Yemen. Credit: United Nations via Storyful
Nearly a week after Pyongyang conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday passed a U.S.-drafted resolution to impose a new set of sanctions on North Korea.

Referring to the sanctions, U.S. ambassador to UN Nikki Haley said in a statement that these were by far the strongest measures ever imposed on Pyongyang. They give us a much better chance to halt the regimes ability to fuel and finance its nuclear and missile programs.

The resolution bans all textile exports from the country  an annual revenue blow of around $800 million. It also puts an end to the regime making money from the 93,000 North Korean citizens it sends overseas to work, according to the statement issued by Haleys office.

On Sunday, in a bid to win support from China and Russia, the U.S. had diluted its initial draft of the resolution that recommended a complete oil embargo and partial naval blockade.

The watered-down resolution also imposes asset freezes on most entities of the regime. But more importantly, the regime can no longer obtain critically needed foreign investments, technology, and know-how needed for its commercial industries, Haley said.

The sanctions were welcomed by several countries, including Norths key trading partner China. After the sanctions were passed, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Tuesday morning that Beijing supported the UNSC in taking the necessary measures regarding the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) nuclear test, according to state-run Xinhua.

Francois Delattre, the French envoy to the UN, referred to Pyongyangs nuclear ambitions as a global threat that united different countries in the Security Council.

In her response, Haley also stressed the world would not accept a nuclear-armed North Korea and said the fresh sanctions were different than what Pyongyang had faced so far. However, a major concern for all the world leaders after the vote is whether the move would bring North Korea to the negotiating table.

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This is the eighth time that the UN has imposed sanctions on North Korea since the DPRK conducted its first nuclear test in 2006. In August, a similar resolution was adopted by the organization and the U.S. State Department had responded to it saying the tough new sanctions would slice $1 billion from North Koreas total annual exports of $3 billion. However, that did not deter Pyongyang from threatening a missile strike on the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam.

Moreover, the Trump administration has been giving mixed signals as far its North Korea policy is concerned. While President Donald Trump has been trying to take an aggressive stance against Pyongyang in recent weeks, he had praised North Korean leader Kim Jong-un earlier on several instances. Even Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had earlier said that U.S. was not aiming to destabilize North Korea or for a regime change in the country.

It would also not be wrong to say that the sanctions are more likely to affect the people in the country than the regime. According to South Koreas central bank estimates, its neighbors gross national income was just 2.2 percent of that of South Korea in 2015. However, the DPRK still prefers to spend more than 20 percent of its GDP on fulfilling its nuclear ambitions.

Moreover, a UN report in March also pointed out how roughly 18 million people across the DPRK were not getting enough food. Chronic food insecurity, early childhood malnutrition, and nutrition insecurity are widespread in the DPRK, the report said. But these humanitarian concerns have also failed to elicit a required response from the regime that recently tested a hydrogen bomb.

The North currently has around 30 to 60 nuclear weapons. Despite repeated sanctions from the UN, Pyongyang's economy grew at its fastest pace in 17 years in 2016, South Koreas central bank observed last year. The Bank of Korea drew links between Norths robust economic growth and missile programs and noted that the manufacture of components was included when calculating GDP growth, according to a Reuters report.

Commenting on the impact of the sanctions, Stuart Culverhouse, head of macro and fixed income research at specialist frontier markets investment bank Exotix Capital said, The stiffer sanctions wont change anything in the near-term. The new embargoes are incrementally tougher, but diplomacy meant they had to be comprised to an extent that they are very unlikely to change minds in Pyongyang. Markets will continue to be on red alert."

Ahead of the unanimous UN vote, the DPRK had said Monday the U.S. would pay the due price for spearheading the resolution. It's yet to be seen if the world leaders coming together against the North would be able to create an impact in the long term.

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Nikki Haley, United States Ambassador to the United Nations addresses the The United Nations Security Council after a vote on sanctions resolution against North Korea - EPA

The United Nations Security Council unanimously stepped up sanctions against North Korea on Monday over the country's sixth and most powerful nuclear test on September 3, imposing a ban on the country's textile exports and capping imports of crude oil.

It was the ninth sanctions resolution unanimously adopted by the 15-member council since 2006 over North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes.

The United States, which had proposed banning all oil imports to the Asian country, watered down an initial tougher draft resolution to win the support of Pyongyang ally China and Russia.

China ambassador to the United Nations, Liu Jieyi attends a meeting a the UN Security Council over North Korea's new sanctions Credit: AFP

Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary, welcomed the resolution. "The international community has shown it is united against the illegal and reckless acts by the North Korean regime. By adopting these new measures, we have the most stringent UN sanctions regime placed on any nation in the 21st century.

This resolution will curtail gas, petrol and oil imports. It will ban all textile exports, taking hundreds of million dollars from the export revenues that the North Korean regime uses to fund its illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. And it will end the exploitation of DPRK labourers abroad.

The North Korean regime bears full responsibility for the measures that the UN Security Council has enacted today. It is their continued, illegal and aggressive actions that have brought us to this point, and it is North Korea that must change its course.

Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, said the United States was not looking for war with North Korea, and that Pyongyang had "not yet passed the point of no return."

"If it agrees to stop its nuclear programme, it can reclaim its future. If it proves it can live in peace, the world will live in peace with it," she told the UN Security Council after the council adopted the new sanctions.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un poses for with supporters Credit: Reuters

"Today's resolution would not have happened without the strong relationship that has developed between President Trump and Chinese President Xi," Haley said.

Textiles were North Korea's second-biggest export after coal and other minerals in 2016, totalling $752 million, according to data from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency. Nearly 80 per cent of the textile exports went to China.

The resolution imposes a ban on condensates and natural gas liquids, a cap of two million barrels a year on refined petroleum products, and a cap on crude oil exports to North Korea at current levels. China supplies most of North Korea's crude.

A US official said North Korea imports some 4.5 million barrels of refined petroleum products annually and two million barrels of crude oil.

Kim Jong-un poses with citizens in Pyongyang in an image released by the regime on on Sept 12 Credit: Reuters

The resolution to be voted on represented a swift response to the recent nuclear test explosion by North Korea, which has said was a hydrogen bomb, and to Pyongyang's escalating launches of increasingly sophisticated ballistic missiles that it says can reach the United States.

But the provisions were a significant climb-down from the toughest-ever sanctions that the Trump administration proposed in the initial draft resolution it circulated last Tuesday, especially on oil. A complete ban on oil sales could have crippled North Korea's economy.

Russia had condemned the idea of tightening sanctions on North Korea without any political push to resolve the crisis. Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told the Security Council on Monday that Moscow supported the resolution because "leaving nuclear tests without a firm reaction would be wrong."

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted the strongest sanctions ever against North Korea: #15-0 pic.twitter.com/0tNWAZRoSr  Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) September 11, 2017

He again raised the Chinese and Russian proposal of a dual suspension of North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile testing along with US and South Korean military exercises in a bid to kick-start talks. Ms Haley has dismissed it as insulting.

"We think it's a big mistake to underestimate this Russia, China initiative," Nebenzia said. "It remains on the table at the Security Council and we will insist on it being considered."

There was new political language in the resolution urging "further work to reduce tensions so as to advance the prospects for a comprehensive settlement."

China's UN ambassador, Liu Jieyi, called for a resumption of negotiations "sooner rather than later." He called on North Korea to "take seriously" the will of the international community to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile development.
Washington (AFP) - The US Justice Department has asked Russian broadcaster RT to register its American operations as a "foreign agent," putting fresh pressure on a major media group that Washington regards as Moscow's propaganda arm.

RT said late Monday that the company that supplies all the services for its RT America channel was told by the DOJ in a letter that it is obligated to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, an act aimed at lobbyists and lawyers representing foreign political interests.

RT is "consulting with our lawyers and are reviewing the request," the broadcaster's spokeswoman Anna Belkina told AFP on Tuesday.

On its website, RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan condemned the move as part of a US "war" on Russian media.

"The war the US establishment wages with our journalists is dedicated to all the starry-eyed idealists who still believe in freedom of speech. Those who invented it, have buried it," she said.

The Moscow-based broadcaster has become a focus of the investigations into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election.

RT has been singled out for its links to President Donald Trump's discredited former national security advisor Michael Flynn.

Flynn, the former US defense intelligence chief, was paid tens of thousands of dollars in December 2015 to attend an RT anniversary gala where he sat with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In January, a US intelligence community report on Russian election interference labeled RT "the Kremlin's principal international propaganda outlet."

Originally written in 1938 to blunt Nazi propaganda on the eve of World War II, the Foreign Agents Registration Act has been used to shed light on who in Washington might be working for foreign governments.

FARA specifically exempts US and foreign news organizations, and the DOJ focus on the company that supplies services for RT might be a way around that stipulation.

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Justice Department official declined to comment on the issue.

- FBI probe -

The move comes as the US government fights what it calls a barrage of "fake" news from Russian media and online outlets aimed at interfering in US domestic politics.

According to reports, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating Sputnik, part of state-controlled Russian news group Rossiya Segodnya, the former RIA Novosti.

Washington journalist Andrew Feinberg, who worked for Sputnik early this year, said he was interviewed by FBI agents on September 1.

Feinberg said the agents focused on how Sputnik operates as it generates news across different interfaces and operates a Washington radio station.

The questioning, according to Feinberg, seemed directed at whether Sputnik operates more like a foreign agent or lobbyist than other news operations.

"There are clear differences in the editorial process" at Sputnik, he said. "They do not practice journalism the way a bona fide news agency practices journalism."

Nevertheless, US pressure on Russian news outlets raised worries that a backlash will be felt by US outlets and even local journalists in Moscow.

Courtney Radsch of the Committee to Protect Journalists expressed concern that the move "could be used by Russian authorities to justify their repressive media policies."

"Russia already heavily censors its information space, including by branding some of its most prominent human rights defenders as foreign agents, in an attempt to delegitimize and vilify them," Radsch said.
Authorities on US Virgin Islands reportedly turning away boats arriving from British Virgin Islands, facing devastation in hurricanes aftermath

British army commandos and local residents take part in recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma passed Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands. Photograph: Handout/Reuters

The US government is turning away people trying to flee the hurricane-devastated British Virgin Islands for the nearby US Virgin Islands unless they are American citizens, refusing even those with US visitor visas, storm survivors have told the Guardian.



Many of those evacuated from the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, including the British Virgin Islands (BVI), have been able to enter Puerto Rico, a US territory to the west, but thousands are still trying to leave the storm-ravaged islands.

On Tuesday, it was reported that the authorities on the US Virgin Islands have been turning back boats arriving with evacuees and refugees from its neighboring islands.

Meanwhile, officials on the largest BVI island, Tortola, have stopped people heading to the airport or approaching boats at the port heading to the US Virgin Islands (US VI) unless they had proof of US citizenship and tickets, the Guardian was told.

Patricia Thomas, a 34-year-old financial services manager in Westchester County, north of New York City, said she had been contacted by her two sisters and their five children on Tortola, who were being prevented from traveling to the US VI.

They are living in a shack with no running water, no sanitation, basically nothing, Thomas told the Guardian on Tuesday.

Hurricane Irma hit the Leeward Islands almost a week ago and caused appalling damage on its way north-west, before it brushed Cuba and hit Florida at the weekend.

Amid criticism at the British governments response to the disaster, the foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, flew to the Caribbean on Tuesday to see the UK relief effort first-hand.

But thousands are struggling for survival, as well as basic law and order and hygiene, amid wrecked buildings and widespread debris across many islands, including the British Virgin Islands.

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The island is not fit to live on, Sarah Thompson told the Guardian on Monday as she tried to get her husband evacuated. He reached Puerto Rico on Tuesday. She spoke of rising panic and the threat of disease for those left behind. Five are known to have died in the BVI but the death toll is expected to rise.

Patricia Thomas said her sisters Cathy Ronan and Nadia Winter, both of whom are teachers on Tortola, were trying to leave the island with their children.

One of the women is British, one Guyanese, two of the children are US citizens and the others have valid US visitor visas, Thomas said, but the US authorities will not let them travel to the US Virgin Islands.

Its absolutely ridiculous and inhumane. Anyone who goes from the BVI to the US VI in these circumstances does not want to stay there. They will be temporary until they can come home. Its almost a joke, she said.

Thomas said she had contacted the US state department but nothing had been resolved.

She said her sisters were stopped when driving to the airport for information or to try to buy tickets out, and turned back. When they went to a port that is normally used for cruise ships, from where private charter boats were leaving for the US VI, officials told them not to board boats as they would not be allowed to land on the neighboring US territory unless they were American citizens.

The US state department did not immediately return a request from the Guardian for comment.

I spoke to officials in Puerto Rico and they were very surprised to hear of people not being allowed into the US VI. Im trying to get my relatives to Puerto Rico now, its very worrying, said Thomas.
Port-au-Prince (AFP) - Protesters brought parts of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince to a standstill Tuesday, setting vehicles alight and damaging local businesses in violent demonstrations against the government's budget plans.

"These little thieves in Parliament voted for this budget to help the government exploit the people," said protester Marco Paul Delva, standing by a barricade of flaming tires near the legislature.

Traffic in the center of Port-au-Prince and on key routes around the city ground to a halt after protesters threw stones and tires across roads.

Although demonstrators gathered in relatively small groups, the protest took police by surprise -- and they were unable to intervene in some blocked-off areas.

Protesters set at least two cars on fire and threw stones that smashed several shop windows.

Protesters directed their anger toward senators who voted for the 2017-2018 budget last week, and the deputies who approved it Saturday -- but some expressed grievances based on false information.

"To renew your driving license, you must now show a receipt confirming you have paid 10,000 gourdes ($158), no matter if you are a poor taxi driver or a street vendor," claimed Jean Claude Reimbold.

"But the bourgeois pay nothing: thanks to their corruption, they don't pay for water, electricity or income tax.

"They make us pay 1,000 gourdes for a voter ID card -- they want to deprive us of our rights."

The National Identity Office, which produces the cards, denied Monday the free document would cost 1,000 gourdes once the new budget comes into effect.

Meanwhile, if providing an income tax certificate is needed for administrative tasks such as renewing a license, a 10,000-gourde payment will only be required from those earning more than 60,000 gourdes a year.

Officials hope the move will encourage more Haitians to declare their income.

Beyond the violent street protests, judges and magistrates are also set to strike as they say funds allocated to the sector are not enough to even cover officials' salaries.
Lake Como could be faced with a down pour and it would STILL be absolutely breathtaking. Need proof? These misty I dos, planned with the help of The Lake Como Wedding Planner, will make you a believer. Captured by Gianluca And Mary Adovasio, it'll have you ready to trade sunshine for a romance-filled gray day.

From the Bride... Set in the beautiful Lake Como, Italy, my husband (still getting used to saying that!) and I got married on May 12th, 2017. My husband is from Tunisia in North Africa and I am from Indiana, so we wanted a location that was between our two families that guests would also enjoy traveling to. And we also really wanted to get married on the water. Lake Como didn't disappoint, particularly because we had an amazing wedding planner in Rachel Birthistle & Leonora Lepore from The Lake Como Wedding Planner. Not to mention the amazing Gianluca as our photographer and Figli Dei Fiori creating the beautiful floral arrangements (including the flower arch - my favorite design element of the day!). The wedding was an amazing cultural mix of Tunisians speaking Arabic/French and Mid-Westerners speaking English, with the ceremony and speeches at the reception translated into French & English. Because our families literally live on different sides of the world, it was also a unique time with both of our families and friends all being in one place and staying in the beautiful Villa Regina Teodolinda where we got married -- the most charming Italian villa right on the water. It was truly like something out of a dream, and although we couldn't return home with all of the amazing views, villa, food and flowers, I felt so lucky to leave Lake Como with my new husband.(And if I could give one piece of advice to future brides -- it would be that you SHOULD sweat the small stuff. I was so thankful that I spent the time sourcing biodegradable confetti from Amazon Italy, getting extra long sparklers to ensure we had enough time for the photo opp of the sparklers during the cake cutting, etc. You won't regret the extra time and work it takes.

Photography: Gianluca And Mary Adovasio | Wedding Planner: The Lake Como Wedding Planner | Floral Design: Figli Dei Fiori | Wedding Dress: Anna Maier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Rent The Runway | Catering: Sunlake Catering | Celebrant: Manuele Facchini | Music: Blunotte Events | Villa: Villa Regina Teodolinda
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YOUR FAVORITES RAISED A TON OF MONEY FOR HURRICANE RELIEF LAST NIGHT George Clooney, Justin Bieber, Tom Hanks and more hit the phones in a televised telethon, raising over $14 million. And Beyonce managed to touch on racism, climate change and violence in under two minutes. [HuffPost]

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WASHINGTON  It can be difficult to follow the labyrinthine, constantly changing developments in the investigation of whether Donald Trumps presidential campaign colluded with Russia. The matter is the subject of multiple congressional inquiries, as well as an independent panel led by special counsel Robert Mueller.

On Wednesday, the investigation reportedly added yet another subject, Michael G. Flynn Jr., whose father, Trumps former national security adviser, was fired from the White House after misleading Vice President Mike Pence about the extent of his interactions with Russian officials. The younger Flynn worked closely with his father, who has a history of suspicious foreign dealings.

The development, uncovered by NBC News, suggests that the investigations scope continues to broaden.

Here are some of the other major headlines from the past few weeks.

Donald Trump Jr. told Senate investigators that he met with a Russian lawyer to assess Hillary Clintons fitness for office.

Trumps eldest son spoke to the Senate Judiciary Committee about his June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower, which he attended after being offered information that would supposedly incriminate his fathers Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. Trump Jr. was told the information was part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump.

During the closed-door interview on Sept. 7, Trump Jr. denied that collusion had taken place, and claimed the object of the meeting was to obtain information on Clintons fitness.

To the extent they had information concerning the fitness, character or qualifications of a presidential candidate, I believed that I should at least hear them out, he said in a statement to the Judiciary Committee obtained by The New York Times. Depending on what, if any, information they had, I could then consult with counsel to make an informed decision as to whether to give it further consideration.

Trump Jr.s story about why he agreed to the meeting has changed over time. He initially claimed that the meeting concerned a policy about Russian adoptions but then defended it as a routine campaign meeting to obtain opposition research on Clinton.

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Asked about Trump Jr.s claim on NBCs Today show Wednesday, Clinton called it ridiculous.

Its another absurd lie to cover up what was really going on, she said.

Muellers probe is also looking into Trump Jr.s meeting, his evolving explanation and the extent of the presidents involvement in crafting the White Houses defense of the meeting, which was also attended by then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort and senior adviser Jared Kushner.

Trumps lawyers, worried about Kushners increasing legal liability, recommended that he resign as a White House adviser.

Members of Trumps personal legal team suggested to the president that his son-in-law and senior adviser should step down from his post, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

They were reportedly concerned about growing legal implications surrounding Kushner, a prominent figure in the investigations given his multiple meetings with Russian officials, which were among many undisclosed foreign contacts.

The discussions reportedly occurred last June, in anticipation that information about Trump Jr.s 2016 meeting would become public.

The head of Trumps legal team, John Dowd, and his predecessor, Marc Kasowitz, both denied that the subject of Kushner resigning ever came up. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Tuesday also denied that the recommendation was made, saying there was no conversation that Im aware of.

Flynn again refused a Senate request to testify.

Fired national security adviser Michael Flynn has declined a second request from the Senate Intelligence Committee to provide testimony, CNN reported Tuesday.

Earlier this year, Flynn invoked his Fifth Amendment rights in response to the committees subpoena. He also refused to comply with a similar request from the House Intelligence Committee, which is conducting its own investigation into possible collusion between Trumps campaign and Russia.

On Wednesday, House Democrats accused Flynn, who has a history of suspicious foreign dealings, of omitting foreign contacts from his security clearance form and said they will forward their findings to Mueller.

Muellers team is zeroing in on Paul Manaforts financial dealings.

Muellers investigation has reportedly teamed up with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for a probe into whether Manafort laundered money, indicating that Manafort is a top target.

The development could compel Manafort to cooperate with Muellers probe. Mueller has also reportedly subpoenaed some of Manaforts associates.

The White House reiterates its defense of Trump firing FBI Director James Comey amid the Russia investigations.

In response to former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon telling CBS 60 Minutes that he thought Trump abruptly firing Comey in May was the biggest mistake in modern political history, the White House unleashed a renewed effort this week to defend Trump and smear Comey.

At White House press briefings Monday and Tuesday, Sanders read from a list of White House talking points, including the allegation that Comey committed perjury during his Senate testimony in June.

On Tuesday, Sanders also suggested that the Department of Justice should certainly look at prosecuting Comey for leaking information.

Also on HuffPost

Donald Trump Jr., President Donald Trump's eldest son

Donald Trump Jr. arrives at Trump Tower in New York City, U.S. January 18, 2017. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith

Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and adviser

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 06: (AFP OUT) White House senior adviser Jared Kushner smiles during a meeting with House and Senate leadership in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on June 6, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Olivier Douliery - Pool/Getty Images)

Paul Manafort, Trump's then-campaign chairman

UNITED STATES - JULY 19: Paul Manafort, advisor to Donald Trump, is seen on the floor of the Quicken Loans Arena at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 19, 2016. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Natalia Veselnitskaya, Russian lawyer

A picture taken on November 8, 2016 shows Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya posing during an interview in Moscow. The bombshell revelation that President Donald Trump's oldest son Don Jr. met with a Kremlin-tied Russian lawyer hawking damaging material on Hillary Clinton has taken suspicions of election collusion with Moscow to a new level. / AFP PHOTO / Kommersant Photo / Yury MARTYANOV / Russia OUT (Photo credit should read YURY MARTYANOV/AFP/Getty Images)

Rob Goldstone, music publicist

MIAMI BEACH, FL - DECEMBER 31: Rob Goldstone (center), with his client, Russian singer Emin Agalarov (left), and Sheila Agalarova (right), attends New Years Eve And Birthday Party For Irina Agalarova at Barton G on December 31, 2014 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Irina Agalarov)

Anatoli Samochornov, Russian-American interpreter

Anatoli Samochornov (right) interprets at a New York Public Library event with journalists Masha Gessen and Svetlana Alexievich in 2016.

Ike Kaveladze, Russian businessman

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This afternoon, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, from the White House podium, declared that former FBI Director James Comey may have violated federal law in sharing memos documenting his conversations with the president. She said:

The memos that Comey leaked were created on an FBI computer while he was the director. He claims they were private property, but they clearly followed the protocol of an official FBI document. Leaking FBI memos on a sensitive case, regardless of classification, violates federal laws, including the Privacy Act, standard FBI employment agreement and nondisclosure agreements that all personnel must sign. I think thats pretty clean and clear that that would be a violation.

While conceding it was not up to [her] to decide, Sanders opined, the facts of the case are very clear and that the Department of Justice has to look into whether somethings illegal or not.

This follows Sanderss accusation Monday that Comey had given false testimony, another matter she suggested that the Justice Department should look at. Then on Tuesday, she said that Comeys actions were improper and likely could have been illegal and that while the ultimate decision to investigate Comey was for the Justice Department to make, I think if theres ever a moment where we feel someone has broken the law, particularly if theyre the head of the FBI, I think thats something that certainly should be looked at.

Life is too short to rebut every individual outrage or idiocy to emerge from the White House. But Sanderss remarks bear attention because they are clearly part of a coordinated plan to maliciously besmirch an individual. After her first comment, Sanders had a day to think about it before making her Tuesday remarks. After those, she had a day to think about it before making todays comments, which appeared to come from a prepared text. So this is not an impulsive, on-the-spot type slime job. This is a deliberate, planned effort of the type that reflects the Trump White Houses considered views of how it should respond to Comey. That is, with months to think about the matter, the White House has decided that it wants to respond to Comeys testimony by falsely accusing him of criminal activity  and to offer no evidence to support its slanders.

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It is a prototypical abuse of power  and particularly pernicious because of the White Houses attempts to involve the Justice Department in the project.

Sanders comments arent the first time the White House has attempted to suggest criminality on Comeys part. In June, Comey acknowledged during Senate testimony that he had prepared contemporaneous memos documenting his conversations with President Donald Trump  including the presidents efforts to persuade him to drop the investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Following his dismissal, Comey said he shared those memos with a friend and instructed that individual to share the memos with members of the press. The revelations of Trumps conduct led to the appointment of Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller.

Shortly following Comeys testimony, Trump tweeted, Despite so many false statements and lies, total and complete vindicationand WOW, Comey is a leaker! Trumps personal lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, then made statements characterizing the disclosures as unauthorized and saying the materials in questions were privileged. He then, unprompted, said, We will leave it the appropriate authorities to determine whether this leaks should be investigated along with all those others being investigated. The conservative press snapped to attention and began running Comey leaks stories, including false ones that suggested the memos were classified.

And a few days ago, the Wall Street Journal ran a story noting that Trumps lawyers had argued before Mueller that Comey was an unreliable witness: Another memo submitted the same month outlined why Mr. Comey would make an unsuitable witness, calling him prone to exaggeration, unreliable in congressional testimony and the source of leaks to the news media, these people said.

Sanders acknowledged today that she is certainly not an attorney. Indeed she is not. Her comments evince no more legal literacy than they do decency or propriety. Susan and Tim Edgar previously addressed the issues of possible legality back in June:

The information wasnt classified. It didnt plausibly include any national defense information. Therefore, the Espionage Act is inapplicable. As Steve Vladeck notes, the only even remotely plausible statute under which Comeys conduct might be criminal is 18 U.S.C.  641, barring the conversion of government property. But, as Vladeck also notes, in U.S. v. Morison (as well as Carpenter v. U.S.) courts determining whether information qualifies as property focus on the financial value. Theres no argument at all here that Comeys memos had financial value.

Sanders now posits a legal theory that the earlier piece never even bothered to consider: that Comey has violated the Privacy Act. Its hard to fully unpack Sanderss allegation here, but in general, the Privacy Act bars the disclosure of any record  on the contents of any record  which is contained within a federal system of records that identifies a specific individual without his or her prior written consent. While we do not know precisely what Comeys memos contained, they do include identifiable references to the president and his staff. The problem here is that the mere fact these memos were prepared on an FBI computer doesnt make them records within the definition of the act. For Privacy Act purposes, records are things like fingerprints, educational, medical, investigative records, or financial data associated with individuals. Its hard to even understand the argument for how Comeys memory about his conversation with the President qualifies as a record, even if he jotted it down while in his office. And Sanders does not event attempt to describe whose Privacy Act rights might be at issue.

Sanders mingles this theory with the notion that the memos were related to an ongoing investigation as well as the idea Comey wrote were FBI property and that he had an obligation to respect his employment agreement. This second claim is more plausible  though unclear  and sharing such material outside the bureau might, if Comey were still working at the FBI, theoretically be grounds for some kind of administrative action against him. Preserving leverage to prevent such disclosures might have been a great argument for not firing him. But it doesnt make the disclosure illegal, let alone criminal. It also doesnt make the disclosure unethical or immoral. Heres a hint for the president in the future: If you want your employees to keep your confidences on nonclassified matters, a good rule of thumb is that you shouldnt fire them and then lie about them in public.

Sanders is not the only member of Trumps team advancing this particular line of attack. Today, Trump attorney, Jay Sekulow, tweeted:

Will the Department of Justice prosecute fired FBI Director #JamesComey? We discuss on #JayLive. https://t.co/73roS3jSQJ  Jay Sekulow (@JaySekulow) September 13, 2017

We can answer that question for him: No, it wont.

Casting aspersions on the behavior or veracity of key witnesses is more norm than exception in defense lawyering. What is different here is that Trump is using the office of the presidency to bully, defame, and discredit his credits and bolster his own defense. Frivolously accusing individuals of crimes and then threatening them with Justice Department action by stating that the Justice Department should investigate their conduct is not acceptable White House behavior. It is not merely a gross civil liberties violation with respect to the individuals. It also threatens the integrity of law enforcement, by effectively directing law enforcement action against a disfavored individual  in this case, one who has already given derogatory testimony about the president and is expected to do so in the future. Its what Trump threatened to do throughout the campaign when he promised prosecution of his opponent.

This is what it looks like when the White House itself plays in these waters. Its the stuff of petty strongman dictatorships for the president to pronounce an individual guilty of a crime without having to proffer any evidence, offer a legal theory, or convince a jury.

Photo credit: DREW ANGERER/Getty Images
Washington (AFP) - The White House condemned Monday an upsurge in violence in Myanmar that has sent 300,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh, saying it was concerned by violence on both sides.

"The United States is deeply troubled by the ongoing crisis in Burma," said Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, condemning attacks on Burmese military positions and subsequent convulsion of deadly ethnic tinged violence.

"At least 300,000 people have fled their homes in the wake of attacks on (a) Burmese security post on August 25," Sanders said.

We "reiterate our condemnation of those attacks and ensuing violence," she added, without pointing the finger of blame at any specific groups.

The initial attacks have been blamed on the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, a militant group, while Burmese security forces are being held responsible for a backlash that may have killed more than 1,000, mostly Rohingya.

The Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority, have faced decades of persecution in Myanmar, where they are regarded as illegal immigrants.

The Trump White House had been facing questions about its silence in the face of a crisis that a UN envoy has called a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing."
The White House said Tuesday that the Justice Department should examine the possibility of prosecuting former FBI Director James Comey, who President Trump abruptly fired last May.

Thats not the Presidents role. Thats the job of the Department of Justice, and something they should certainly look at, Sanders said Monday at the daily briefing when asked if Trump would encourage such a prosecution. But I think if theres ever a moment where we feel someone has broken the law, particularly if theyre the head of the FBI, I think thats something that certainly should be looked at.

A representative for the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Sanders remarks come one day after she suggested the possibility of Comey lying during his sworn testimony before Congress about his time working for Trump. If those allegations are true, he would be susceptible to charges of perjury, theres no evidence to substantiate Sanders claims.

President Trump announced he was firing Comey on May 9, citing recommendations from the two top ranking officials in the Justice Department, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Rod Rosenstein, that Comey should be ousted because of the way he handled the investigation into Hillary Clintons private email server during the 2016 election.

The rationale was puzzling, however, since Trump had praised Comeys decision to re-open the probe in 2016. Trump conceded later that week in May that he had fired Comey over concerns about the investigation into possible collusion between his campaign and Russia, which Comey was overseeing. When I decided to just do it, I said to myself, I said you know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made up story, he told NBCs Lester Holt May 11.

Trumps decision to oust Comey was condemned on both sides of the aisle, and even by members of his own staff. Steve Bannon, Trumps former chief strategist who has since left the White House, said it was possibly the biggest mistake in modern political history in an interview on 60 Minutes.

But Sanders said Tuesday that Trump still stands by his decision.

He knew at the time that it could be bad for him politically but he also knew and felt he had an obligation to do what was right, Sanders said Tuesday, adding that Trump has vindicated by Comeys own acknowledgements that he had leaked details of the memos he kept of his conversations with Trump.
A White House spokeswoman came out swinging against Hillary Clintons new memoir.

Speaking at the daily press briefing Tuesday, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Clintons book What Happened included false and reckless attacks, although she did not give further detail.

I think its sad that after Hillary Clinton ran one of the most negative campaigns in history and lost, and the last chapter of her public life is now going to be defined by propping up book sales with false and reckless attacks, she said.

Clintons memoir was released on Tuesday and is already a bestseller on Amazon. Describing her shocking loss to Donald Trump, the book is filled with several shots at the President and her fear about the countrys future under his direction.

I had known Donald Trump for years but had never imagined hed be standing on the steps of the Capitol taking the oath of office as President of the United States, she writes in the first chapter. He was a fixture of the New York scene when I was a Senator  only more flamboyant and self promoting. She also described him as a creep who made her skin crawl when they were onstage together during the second debate.

Overall, the word Trump is mentioned 536 in the times in the book.

But, despite his prominent placement in the memoir, Sanders says she isnt sure the President will read it.

I think hes pretty well versed on what happened she said. And I think its pretty clear to all of America.
Several attendees of Saturday's New York City Pizza Festival are joining forces to sue the festival's organizers. Participants, who paid as much as $75 to attend, equated it to the disastrous Fyre Festival that took place in the Bahamas this year, and prompting New York state prosecutors to reportedly launched an investigation into the event.

Pizza lovers flocked to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick expecting to partake in some of the best pizza in the city, but ended up in long lines, receiving slivers of pie and describing the festival as a "total scam." While many sought refunds, others are seeking legal action.

"We are planning a lawsuit against the organizers of the 'pizza festival' and 'burger festival' who let everyone down," the creator of the Pizza Festival Scam Victims page wrote.

The festival was planned by Ishmael Osekre, of Brooklyn-based blog group Aputumpu, who in August 2016 put together the NYC African Food Festival, an event that was considered an "epic disaster."

The Pizza Festival Scam Victims page's organizer claimed a lawyer is interested in investigating the event. Victims, however, were encouraged to contact the page's organizer if they were deceived by either the "fake pizza festival or the fake hamburger festival." The burger festival didn't even have burgers.

The festival's tickets were non-refundable, but they are transferable. Refunds would only be issued if a request was issued within 24 hours of purchase or in the event that the festival was canceled by its organizers.

"Untimely delivery of food delayed the fun experiences we all looked forward to this past weekend," the festival's organizers told International Business Times Tuesday. "A make-up tasting will be announced shortly. Thanks for your patience."

The organizers didn't provide comment on whether participants will be allowed to request refunds after the alleged delivery delay.

Story continues

A representative of the Pizza Festival Scam Victims group did not immediately return International Business Times' request for comment.

The family-friendly event was supposed to be a day-long celebration of "dough, cheese, tasty sauces and delicious toppings," according to the events Eventbrite page.

Disappointed attendees, however, have vocalized their frustration with the festival on the festival's Facebook page.

"Freaking scam," one user wrote in the event's Facebook page comments. "We drove from Central NJ for what?! We got there at 4 and the [rumor] was it was a scam. Issue me my $200 for 4 tickets. I will make it my mission you never run another event!"

"Are we entitled to refunds? This should have been announced earlier as it sounds the pizza wasn't available even during the earlier portion," a second user wrote.

"You really couldn't post this sooner? We drove from 3 hours away to find out when we got here it was cancelled," a third user added. "What bs. We expect a refund. U should have made several posts. We get here to be told it was cancelled all day."

No announcements have been made about the make-up festival date.

Pizza Slices

Photo: Getty Images

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By Ed Cropley JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's First Lady, Grace Mugabe, has denied assaulting South African model Gabriella Engels with an electric cable in a Johannesburg hotel suite last month, saying an "intoxicated and unhinged" Engels attacked her with a knife. In a previously unreported Aug. 17 deposition seen exclusively by Reuters, Mugabe countered 20-year-old Engels' version, portraying herself as the victim after intervening on behalf of her adult sons Chatunga and Robert Junior who were "in trouble with a drunken young woman". The statement said Grace Mugabe, 52 and a contender to replace her 93-year-old husband as Zimbabwe's president, was thinking about filing attempted murder charges. A group representing Engels dismissed the allegations as lies. According to the model, an irate Mugabe burst into the room where she was waiting with two friends to meet Chatunga on Aug. 13 and started laying into her with an electric cable. Photographs taken by Engels' mother soon after the incident showed gashes to the model's head. She also had bruising on her thighs. In her deposition, Mugabe dismissed Engels' version as "malicious allegations" and said she had been attacked after going to help her sons. "She was worried about them and went to see them at their hotel suite," the statement said. "Upon her arrival, Ms Engels, who was intoxicated and unhinged, attacked Dr. Grace Mugabe with a knife after she was asked to leave the hotel." "Security was left with no other option but to remove Ms Engels from the hotel suite," it continued. The statement also alleged that Engels had been in a fight with other women at Johannesburg's Taboo nightclub the previous evening and suggested that may have been the cause of her injuries. Afriforum, an Afrikaans civil society group acting on behalf of Engels, denied both accusations. "Gabriella never attacked Grace Mugabe in any way and she did not participate in the fight at Taboo," Afriforum said. "It is clear that Grace Mugabe is desperately trying to escape responsibility for her own violent behaviour by using lies to falsely portray the victim in this case as the perpetrator." South Africa granted Grace Mugabe diplomatic immunity, allowing her to evade immediate prosecution for assault, although Engels and Afriforum have challenged that decision, saying Mugabe was not in South Africa on official business. They also argued that assault was a "grave crime" that was not covered by diplomatic immunity laws. The decision to let Grace Mugabe return home caused a row in South Africa, with the opposition Democratic Alliance also going to court to overturn the immunity. "EMBARRASSMENT" According to Zimbabwean intelligence files seen by Reuters, Robert Mugabe lobbied his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma, to have the issue "solved amicably" and out of court but was stymied by Engels' refusal to accept a settlement. "He is trying to avoid the embarrassment of his wife appearing before the court," one file, dated Aug. 30, reads. "The problem he is facing is that the woman who was assaulted is refusing to accept any money and she just wants justice to be delivered upon Grace." Afriforum lawyer Gerrie Nel - best known for prosecuting South African track star Oscar Pistorius over the shooting of his girlfriend - said last month Engels had been approached with a cash offer but had turned it down. The intelligence report is a part of a series of hundreds of files dating back to 2009 that have come from within Zimbabwe's Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO). Reuters has not been able to establish their original author or final audience. The Aug. 30 report said Mugabe was "changing his attitude" to the case and was now backing Grace while accusing Engels of impropriety. "Mugabe wants people to stop castigating his wife and calling her all sorts of names," it said. "Mugabe is saying that his wife acted in an angry mood like all other women who find their children being involved with sleeping with whores." Afriforum chief executive Kallie Kriel said this allegation was an "absolute lie" and part of a deliberate attempt by Harare to undermine Engels' credibility as a witness. A spokesman for Zimbabwe's presidency, which has direct oversight of the CIO, was not immediately available for comment. Zimbabwe's ambassador to South Africa did not respond to a request for comment. Zuma has denied any hand in the affair, telling parliament on Aug. 31: "I am not a lawyer. I don't know the point of law and I was not involved in this process. How it was done, I would be lying if I speculate." His spokesman declined to elaborate. (Reporting by Ed Cropley; editing by Mark Trevelyan)
A federal appeals court on Monday revived a lawsuit seeking to force a Madrid museum to return an Impressionist masterpiece to the family of a Jewish woman who was compelled to sell it to a Nazi art appraiser for $360 in 1939 so she could flee Germany.

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The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals said two of Lilly Cassirer's great-grandchildren may sue the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum for the return of Camille Pissarro's 1897 depiction of a Paris street scene, "Rue Saint-Honore, Apres-midi, Effet de Pluie."

Monday's decision revived a 16-year legal battle that began after the Cassirers learned that the Pissarro, whose value may exceed $40 million, was on display in the Madrid museum, its home since 1992.

Opening of the first monographic exhibition on Danish-French impressionist painter Camille Pissarro at the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum in Madrid, June 3, 2013 (Photo: AFP)

Applying Spanish law, the appeals court said it was an open question whether the museum knew the painting was stolen when it acquired it in 1993 in a $338 million purchase of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza's art collection.

It said that price was well below the collection's estimated $1 billion to $2 billion value, and the baron may have known he also got a bargain when he bought the Pissarro from a New York art dealer for $275,000 in 1976.

"The Cassirers have created a triable issue of fact whether (the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection) knew the painting was stolen from Lilly when TBC purchased the painting from the Baron," Circuit Judge Carlos Bea wrote. "There is a triable issue of fact as to the Baron's good faith."

Bea also said Lilly Cassirer did not waive her ownership rights when Germany's government paid her 120,000 marks for the loss of the painting in 1958, when its whereabouts were unknown.

The Pasadena, California-based appeals court returned the case to US District Judge John Walter in Los Angeles, who dismissed the lawsuit in June 2015.

"We're obviously very pleased," said Stephen Zack, a Boies, Schiller & Flexner partner representing the Cassirers, in a phone interview. "This has been a scar they've had to deal with for generations."

David Boies, a prominent US lawyer, had argued the Cassirers' appeal.

Thaddeus Stauber, a lawyer for the foundation that runs the museum, wrote in an email that the baron and the museum acquired the Pissarro in good faith.

"We remain confident that the foundation's ownership of the painting will once again be confirmed," Stauber said.

Both sides agreed that Lilly Cassirer's sale of the Pissarro to Berlin art dealer Jackob Scheidwimmer amounted to a forcible taking. Pissarro's works had been popular among European Jewish collectors.
A gesture from Guns N' Roses to Israeli fans has raised ire among those who observe Shabbat.

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The band announced they would be extending their sold-out Yarkon Park concert in Tel Aviv from two and a half hours to three and a half hours. While secular fans are delighted at the prospect, religious fans of the group are angry.

This is due to a law forbidding performances in Yarkon Park past 11:30pm. As such, to accommodate the additional hour, organizers were forced to begin the show earlier at 8pm, before Shabbat ends.

Guns N' Roses (Photo: Reuters)

If the show had begun at the original starting time, Shabbat observant fans would have only missed a small portion of the concert. However, with the new starting time, they will miss a larger portion of the concert.

Currently, only six ticket-holders have requestedand were granteda full refund from Ticketmaster Israel.

In light of protests from observant fans, the production company has turned to the city in an attempt to secure permission to finish the show at midnight. The producers issued a statement saying, "The band's decision is not subject to discussion with local production. Because the concert must end at 11:30pm in accordance with the law, we have no choice but to start the show at 8pm."

Producers were apologetic and went on to say, "Production is very sorry and apologizes to the Shabbat-observing community and is prepared to offer an immediate full refund without any additional charge."
BERLIN - More than 70 years after Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his Berlin bunker in the final days of World War Two, an exhibition in the capital examines how he became a Nazi and what turned ordinary Germans into murderers during the Third Reich.

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For decades it was taboo in Germany to focus on Hitler, although that has begun to change with films such as the 2004 "Downfall," chronicling the dictator's last days, and an exhibition about him in 2010.

The exhibition "Hitler - how could it happen" is set in a bunker in Berlin that was used by civilians during World War Two bombing raidsclose to the bunker where Hitler lived while Berlin was being bombed, which is not accessible to the public.

Photo: Reuters

It ends with a controversial reconstruction of the bunker room where Hitler killed himself on April 30, 1945replete with grandfather clock, floral sofa and an oxygen tank. The exhibit is behind glass and is monitored by camera, with visitors forbidden to take photographs.

Photo: Reuters

Exhibition curator Wieland Giebel, 67, said he had been accused of "Hitler Disney" for putting the room on show. But he defended the decision, saying the exhibition focused on the crimes carried out by Hitler's regime, adding: "This room is where the crimes ended, where everything ended, so that's why we're showing it."

Photo: Reuters

He said he had been asking how World War Two and the Holocaust came about ever since playing in the rubble of post-war Germany as a child, and said the exhibition attempted to answer that question.

"After World War One a lot of Germans felt humiliated due to the Versailles Treaty," Giebel said, referring to the accord signed in 1919 that forced defeated Germany to make massive reparation payments.

Photo: Reuters

"At the same time there was anti-Semitism in Europe and not just in Germany ... and Hitler built on this anti-Semitism and what people called the 'shameful peace of Versailles' and used those two issues to mobilize people," he added.

Giebel, who has a personal interest in the topic because one of his grandfathers was part of a firing squad while the other hid a Jew, said he also wanted the exhibition to show how quickly a democracy could be abolished and make clear that undemocratic movements needed to be nipped in the bud.

Photo: Reuters

He said the exhibition showed some Germans became Nazis as they stood to gain personally when the property of Jews was expropriated, while others were attracted to the Nazis because they were unhappy about the Versailles Treaty and "followed Hitler because he promised to make Germany great again."

The exhibition, which features photographs, Hitler's drawings, films portraying his marriage to longtime companion Eva Braun, and a model of Hitler's bunker, has attracted around 20,000 visitors since opening two months ago.
Passersby in Jerusalem's Zion Square were surprised on Monday morning, when they discovered a large sculpture at the center, composed entirely of the inscription "I  JLM." The new sculpture allowed the capital of Israel to join a number of world hubs that have placed similar sculptures at their center.

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The 'I  Jerusalem' statue in Zion Sq. (Photo: Gal Arbel)

Photo: Gal Arbel

"I was pleasantly surprised, it looked good and impressive," said a resident of the city. "It's really true, I do Love Jerusalem."

The statue was placed in the Zion Square just in time for the Jewish holiday of love, Tu B'Av, which fell on Monday. The sculpture is about two meters high and six meters long, and was created by Jerusalem designer Yarel Yair for the Jerusalem Municipality and the Jerusalem Development Authority and Moriah Company.





Photo: Gal Arbel

Photo: Gal Arbel

"The idea behind it is that Jerusalemwhich has a glorious past and history and is rooted in the pastfaces the future and receives new influences, welcomes them, takes them in and looks ahead," said Yair. "I am a Jerusalem artist who grew up in the graffiti era, which used to be subversive and then slowly became mainstream, as is was studied and influenced an entire generation.

Photo: Gal Arbel

Photo: Gal Arbel

"It was the culture of quiet artistic protest, which allows for a social and communal stage. Graffiti was the Facebook of the 1970s.

The statue before it was painted and set up at Zion Sq.

"All the streets around the installation are historical," added Yair. "Streets where armies passed through, and now the present and the future are marching through them."

Photo: Gal Arbel

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat responded to the sculpture's installation by saying that "everyone loves Jerusalem, and Jerusalem loves them all. The new installation symbolizes Jerusalem's unique place for each and every one, and I invite the city's residents, visitors and tourists to visit Jerusalem, enjoy themselves in it and photograph themselves at the special installation."

Photo: Gal Arbel

For the love of giant statues

The new Jerusalem sculpture is reminiscent of many others around the world, all of which have become major tourist attractions. One of the more famous among these sculptures is the "I Amsterdam" near the Rijksmuseum, considered to be one of the more photographed spots in the Netherlands capital.

The 'I Amsterdam' statue (Photo: Shutteratock)

As the I  JLM sculpture was placed in Jerusalem on the occasion of Tu B'Av, it also conjures up the image of the famous "Love" sculpture by US artist Robert Indiana. Although its original version was erected at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and another stands in Philadelphia, the most familiar of them was already on display in 1970 on Sixth Avenue and 55th Street in New York City. The famous Hebrew version of the sculpture can be found at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

The 'Love' statue in NYC (Photo: Shutterstock)

Tel Aviv had a similar statue erected for its 2015 Pride parade. The temporary statue was set up on the city's breakwater and attracted the attention of many locals and tourists. Unfortunately, the winds coming in from the sea proved to be too strong, eventually toppling the sculpture over.
Fans of fine dining in Tel Aviv received some bad news this summer, with the announcement of the closure of Kimmel, the restaurant founded by Chef Shaul Ben Aderet 25 years ago. After 2.5 decades, Ben Aderet announced, Not everything in life is about money...body and soul are tiredits time to go home.

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Acknowledging how difficult it was to make the decision, Ben Aderet, now 52, did not rule out the possibility he might reopen the restaurant one day. But he emphasized that even without Kimmel, he will be staying busy, owning three other restaurantsThe Blue Rooster, Mr. and Mrs. Lee, and Kimmel BaGilboain addition to catering and other projects.

For all the years of its existence, Kimmel was located in the same distinctive house in the shadow of the Shalom Tower, its decor reflecting the restaurants cuisine: rustic. There was also a pleasant al fresco area on the shaded verandah.

Kimmel (Photo: PR)

The address was not the only thing that did not change: the menu rarely did either. According to Ben Aderet, 80 percent of the menu has remained the same since day one.

A good place to start a meal was with the house focaccia, served piping hot with soft European butter studded with Kimmels signature caraway seeds. It is difficult not to fill up on the bread.

There were no specialty cocktails, but there was a full bar, and an excellent international wine list. None of the wines were available by glass, although there were half-bottles.

The menu featured three large soups: bouillabaisse, classic French onion soup, and a goulash stew. The bouillabaisse was a generous bowl full of crab, shrimp, and morsels of salmon, flavored optionally with Pernoda hearty and satisfying dish.

Shaul Ben Aderet (Photo: Yaron Brener)

There were two salads: a country salad with goat cheese and peanuts, and a beet salad with pine nuts and St. Maure cheese. The latterfinely diced beets with crunchy nuts and zesty cheese, dressed in a nicely balanced balanced balsamic vinaigretterepresented a terrific interplay of flavors and textures.

Photo: Anatoli Michael

One of the house specialties was the chicken liver pate with Calvados and spiced carrot jam. The rich pate paired with the sweet jam is an exquisite combinationcountry cooking at its finest.

There were limited vegetarian options, all pasta dishes. The beet tortellini with walnuts and Roquefort cheese was especially savory.

The main courses included some poultry, but the emphasis was on lamb, beef and fish and seafood. The hanger steak in a pepper cream sauce was a succulent cut of beef, served with a bone oozing with flavorful marrow.

Photo: Anatoli Michael

One of the most difficult choices of our visit was deciding among the three tantalizing variations of filet mignon. The two medallions of tender filet encrusted in a caramelized honey mustard sauce were grilled perfectly, and perched on a piquant curry sauce that enhanced the beef without overwhelming it.

The dessert selection presented us with another tough choice, so our waiter chimed in with his recommendation: the lotus crunch, based on the famous biscotti of the same name. It was a superb finale to a memorable meal.

The address never changed (Photo: Yaron Brener)

In case anyone is wondering why there is such a long review of a restaurant that is closed, the answer is very simple: the Kimmel menu lives on in its sister restaurant, Kimmel BaGilboa, in the Galilee. As a Michelin guide might put it, it is worth a trip.

Unfortunately, two other highly regarded Tel Aviv restaurants shut their doors this month as well, both specializing in cuisines that will be hard to replace: Totuma (South American), and Luca e Lino (southern Italian).

EATS: No-frills cafeteria with superb baked goods

A unique community center recently opened in a handsome Bauhaus building on Ben Gurion Boulevard in central Tel Aviv, just blocks from Rabin Square. Yet despite its proximity to the bustling civic and commercial heart of the city, Beit Hannah is squarely in the center of a peaceful residential neighborhood, and quickly becoming part of the fabric of the community.

It is here that the cafeteria EATS has opened up shop, quickly making its mark. The eatery is the brainchild of an Israeli born to American parents, Michal Epstein, a past semi-finalist in the popular television show-cum-competition, Master Chef. It is a good thing for English speakers that she is there, sinceapart from the namethere is not a word of English anywhere identifying the food.

This urban cafeteria is strictly no-frills: you collect and pay for your food at the counter, then grab some cutlery and take it all to simple tables on an outside patio. The chairsmostly stools, actuallyare also very basic. It is not a place to linger over a leisurely meal.

Nevertheless, the place is worth a visit, especially if you are looking to beat the high cost of eating out. The restaurants mission is to provide healthful food from the freshest ingredientsorganically sourced, when possibleat affordable prices.

We try to price each item a few shekels cheaper than the competition, says manager Yonatan. The savings add up.

Fortunately, the economy does not come at the expense of either quantity or flavor.

According to Epstein, the most popular dish is the Lunchboxfour salads, comprising vegetables and grains, served all together in one cardboard container. While I was dubious about the presentation at first, I discovered that the jumble melded well together, while each salad retained its bold, original flavor.

Photo: Matan Katz

In addition, EATS excels on the bakery side of things. Each day, there is a tempting selection of freshly baked cakes, cookies, muffins, andbest of allscones. It is not easy to find scones in Israel, much less creations as good as these. And the variety, not to mention the creativity, is stunning, encompassing both savory and sweet. The heavenly maple-bacon scone was a rare treat indeed. (Warning: Scones often sell out by midday.)

In addition to salads and baked goods, EATS serves distinctive sandwiches and paninis, tavshilim (stews), and desserts. The restaurant is open all day, 7 days a week (half-days on Fridays), with plans for weekend brunch in the future.

Photo: Matan Katz

EATS

Not kosher

Shderot Ben Gurion 75, Tel Aviv

Tel. (03) 602-7888

Behind the red door: Ca Phe Hanoi

Red is considered a lucky color in much of Asia, so Ca Phe Hanoi, the newest Vietnamese restaurant in town, is employing it in its decor -- in the form of a large, striking red door marking its entrance. And since the door faces onto Rabin Square, it has made quite a splash, contributing to the buzz already surrounding the trendy bar-restaurant.

The emphasis at Ca Phe Hanoi is as much on cocktails as on the food, as might be expected from proprietors who also own two of Tel Avivs most popular bars, Double Standard and Spicehouse.

Among the creative and refreshing cocktails on offer are the Hanoitinia tart and spicy blend of gin, yuzu, kaffir lime, jasmine tea, lemongrass and Szechuan pepperand the sweeter Lychee Martini, combining rum, lychee, mint, lime and soda.

The cuisine at Ca Phe Hanoi is French-Vietnamese fusion, modified to appeal to the Israeli palate. Chef Nofar Zohar, who trained with leading chef Meir Adoni at Catit and Mizlala, crafted the menu after traveling to Paris for six weeks in order to hone her interpretation of Vietnamese-Mediterranean cuisine, using Israeli and authentic Asian ingredients.

The restaurants flagship dishes are the Bo Bun salads, which combine noodles and vegetables with a substantial proteintofu, fish, meat or chickenand toss them together in a tangy Vietnamese dressing. Like its counterpart Pho Bo, the classic noodle soup that contains many of these same ingredients, both dishes are hearty, flavorful meals-in-a-bowl.

The Beef Tartarerecommended by our waitresswas an unexpected surprise on the menu: a generous patty of ground raw beef deftly, seasoned with just the right amount of herbs and spices, and topped with a raw egg yolk. This version, with an Asian twist, was as good any I have tasted in fine French restaurants.

The chef herself recommended the desert: Long bai souplychees and pineapple floating in a chilled broth of lotus flowers and green tea, together with tapioca pearls, exotic spices and aloe vera-coconut gelatin. The cold concoctionlight, sweet and fruitywas a delicious ending to the meal, and ideal on a summers eve.

Ca Phe Hanoi, open only weekday evenings, has a night-life vibewhile at the same serving kosher food, a first for a Vietnamese restaurant in Tel Aviv.

Ca Phe Hanoi

Kosher

Malkhei Yisra'el St. 3,Tel Aviv
Late night TV host Conan O'Brien landed in Israel Friday coming off a direct flight from Los Angeles in order to tape a documentary special for his TBS show.

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Documenting the journey started on the El-Al flight O'Brien took, filming a video in the plane's bathroom trying to read the Hebrew writing on a garbage disposal bin and a hand lotion bottle.

Conan and the El-Al flight crew (Photo: Uli Erez)

Then, O'Brien filmed a live Facebook video Saturday for his three million followers. In the videofilmed at the old Port of Jaffahe shares his first impressions of the country and Tel Aviv, commenting on the muscle-bound men in Speedos and beautiful women.

Conan's airplane bathroom video

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Conan then goes on to share culinary impressions from the Holy Land, saying he enjoyed shakshuka for breakfast and had a chance to drink Israeli beer Goldstar. He also tells of a Thai restaurant he was taken to. Despite initial disappointment at not being taken to a traditional Israeli eatery, O'Brien says it was the "best food" he'd ever had.

Conan's Facebook live broadcast

X

The late night TV personality also weighed in on the Israeli weather, complaining about the heat. He said he took to wearing a hat, but looked too much like an old woman, so he stopped.

O'Brien is expected to stay in Israel throughout the week, and will visit Jerusalem and Bethlehem after departing Tel Aviv.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara met Monday evening with the comedian and late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien at the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem.

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During their meeting, O'Brian fed the Netanyahus' pet dog Kaya, who in the past had bitten several guests.

Conan O'Brien feeds Netanyahu's dog, Kaia (Credit: GPO) (: ")

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During his visit in recent days, O'Brian complimented Israel on social media.

Conan O'Brien feeds Netanyahu's dog, Kaia (Credit: Kobi Gideon/GPO)

O'Brian, who is currently in Israel for the filming of a documentary special for his program, uploaded videos to social media from the flight to Israel and his impressions from Tel Aviv, including a culinary recommendation: "You must try Shakshuka and Goldstar."





Conan O'Brien and the Netanyahus (Credit: Kobi Gideon/GPO)

Prime Minister Netanyahu referred to O'Brian's visit in a video of his own.

In the video, which was published in his Instagram account and filmed in his office, Netanyahu called O'Brian "the pale, who melts in the sun" and told his aides "Get back to me when Colbert is here" before switching to a more serious tone, saying: "Seriously Conan, we are excited to have you."
After the project "Hipstory" by Israeli illustrator Amit Shimoni was published all over the world, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg hired his services to draw her as a hipster for the upcoming elections in Norway on September 11.

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Shimoni drew former President Barack Obama, President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, Theodor Herzl, and many moreturning them all into colorful hipsters, young and full of character.

Erna Solberg (Illustration: Amit Shimoni)

Solberg's campaign manager saw Shimoni's illustrations and hired him for a campaign aimed at young voters in Norway. "The reactions we get are fantastic," the campaign manager said.

Illustration: Amit Shimoni

'Hipstory,' by Amit Shimoni

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The result exceeded expectations and won wide acclaim in Norway. Solberg was portrayed as a colorful, cool and peaceful figure. The leader was enthusiastic about the drawing, and the figure was stamped on shirts, posters, key chains, glasses and more.

Solberg and her campaign manager, seen wearing a shirt with her drawing (Illustration: Amit Shimoni)

"The offer from Norway was very flattering but did not surprise me," Shimoni said. "I think the project creates communication between people, it communicates in China as it does in the US, and it creates communication between a granddaughter and her grandmother.

Donald Trump (Illustration: Amit Shimoni)

Barack Obama (Illustration: Amit Shimoni)

"Teachers from all over the world tell me that they teach history with 'Hipstory.' So the campaign manager's strategy to appeal to the younger generation through the illustration seemed very natural to me, and to my joy it worked."

David Ben-Gurion (Illustration: Amit Shimoni)

"Hipstory" began as Shimoni's final project at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, three years ago. Shimoni drew a series of 12 Israeli leaders in contemporary versions, and from there the project grew and became international.

Golda Meir (Illustration: Amit Shimoni)

The project aroused interest and received media reactions and reviews in leading magazines, and even received responses from the families of the leaders themselves.

Vladimir Putin (Illustration: Amit Shimoni)

Nelson Mandela's grandson, for example, wrote Shimoni an encouraging e-mail and even wanted to create a philanthropic collaboration with him. The Dalai Lama Foundation was also enthusiastic about the illustration and ordered products that bore the Dalai Lama's liking from Shimoni.

Theodor Herzl (Illustration: Amit Shimoni)

This is the first time that Shimoni has received a request from a political campaign by an incumbent leader.

Hillary Clinton (Illustration: Amit Shimoni)

Shimoni painted former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the request of the New York Times, but before she announced her candidacy for the US presidency.

The newspaper presented the painting to Clinton as a gift at an event of the newspaper, which she attended.
The movie Foxtrot by Israeli director Samuel Maoz won the runner-up Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday.

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Foxtrot is a parable about fate and peoples' powerlessness to direct their destinies.

The film opens with an affluent Tel Aviv couple being informed their soldier son has died in the line of duty. The film later explores the way trauma scars individuals and societies, and ripples across generations.

Foxtrot director Samuel Maoz (L) and star Lior Ashkenazi (Photo: EPA)

Similarly to Maoz's 2009 outing, Lebanon, which won the Golden Lion in Venice that year, Foxtrot is also rooted in the director's own life story, and his eldest daughter's brush with death when she missed a bus that later blew up in a terrorist attack.

Despite placing as runner-up at the renowned film festival, the director expected criticism in his home country for his treatment of the army, still a hallowed institution in Israel.

Minister of Culture Miri Regev (Photo: Marc Israel Sellem)

And, indeed, Minister of Culture Miri Regev, who hasn't been a fan of the movie to begin with, slammed the film once more upon its success in Venice.

"I find it outrageous that Israeli auteurs are contributing to inciting Israel's younger generation against the world's most moral army," the minister said Saturday night, "slinging lies under the guise of artistic expression."

Guillermo del Toro's monster thriller The Shape of Water won the top prize, the Golden Lion.

Palestinian actor Kamel El Basha and British actress Charlotte Rampling took the festival's acting trophies.
Those who have been following statements made by senior Israeli defense officials in recent weeks werent surprised by the reports that emerged from Syria on Thursday morning.

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The missile accuracy program pursued by Iran, Syria and Hezbollah tops the IDFs list of priorities. Many resources have been invested in the effort to prevent advanced weapons from reaching Hezbollah. The warnings have been issued again and again, the threats have been clear, but neither have deterred the other side from pressing on with the project in Syria and in Lebanon.

If Thursdays strike was indeed carried out by the IDF, Israel has made it clear that it makes good on its threats. Credibility is a very important thing in the changing Middle East, and even more so against what is known as the axis of evil. Following the strike, the Iranians are now expected to speed up the project in Lebanon, after realizing Israel is refraining from attacking there due to unwritten understandings with Hezbollah that attacks are only carried out on Syrian soil.

Thursdays strike in Syria. Has the other side realized perhaps it shouldnt pursue its plans for missile plants given the seriousness of Israels intentions?

Nows the time for an important and sensitive test: Will Israel make good on its threats and risk launching a military conflict against Hezbollah, or will it refrain from doing so out of fear of escalation? And equally important, has the other side realized perhaps it shouldnt even pursue its plans to build missile factories, given the seriousness of Israels intentions?

Thursday marked exactly 10 years and one day since the alleged Israeli attack on the Syrian nuclear reactor in 2007. The IDF hasaccording to foreign reportsstruck on Syrian soil more than 100 times. So far, it has been attacking arms shipments. This time, its a totally different ball game: A state facility, which was built with Iranian aid in a bid to improve the accuracy of Hezbollahs arsenal. The strike was carried out under greater regional difficulties than in 2007, in light of Russias involvement in Syria both on the diplomatic level and on the military level.

In his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin two weeks ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised Israels main concern: Iran and Hezbollahs accurate missile project. Its unclear whether Putin greenlighted the move, but such a strike points to Israels determination to achieve its goal. Similar determination was missing in the fighting against the same axis of evil, Iran-Syria-Hezbollah, in what eventually led to the Syrian victory over the rebels.

Russia stationed its most advanced aerial defense systems in Syria. From an intelligence point of view, this achievement seems impressive: The accurate missile facility in Syria was attacked despite these defenses.

Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, but media outlets affiliated with the Assad regime have blamed the Israel Air Force. If Israel were indeed behind this operation, its safe to assume the cabinet convened recently and gave its general approval for a strike. The attack was carried out in the middle of a wide-scale IDF exercise in northern Israel , while the army is on high alertbut the date of the drill was set at least half a year in advance.

Now, the ball appears to be in Assads court. He will wait for the green light from his patron in Moscow as to whether and how to respond, and whether to get Hezbollah involved. So far, the Syrian president has avoided responding, apart from firing antiaircraft missiles at IAF planes half a year ago following a strike on his soil. But let there be no mistake: We must maintain a high level of alertness.
Lets assume, just assume, that the person who posted the meme wasnt Yair Netanyahu, but the Swedish prime ministers son. And lets assume that instead of a food chain controlled by George Soros, through a reptilian Jew, ending with Meni Naftali, we would have received the exact same cartoon with characters describing Jews control over the White House. And lets assume the Swedish prime minister would refused to condemn his sons actions, and Swedish journalists would have explained there was nothing wrong with the post.

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What would have happened? We all know the answer: The Israeli president and prime minister would have issued angry condemnation statements and called for a special United Nations General Assembly meeting to discuss the rise in anti-Semitism.

It didnt happen in Sweden, it happened in Israel, and the reactions are terrifying. I listened very closely to the Rights speakers after the meme was posted. How dare you talk about Netanyahu Jr.? said journalist and former Knesset Member Yinon Magal. After all, the Left is ridden with anti-Semitism. After all, it persecutes everything that is Jewish. Anti-Zionism is the new anti-Semitism, said other speakers who are supposed to be representing the Right. And anyway, why are you making such a big deal about some stupid cartoon?

The meme posted by Yair Netanyahu on his Facebook page. Shared by Americas top anti-Semite, David Duke

In recent years, I have repeatedly dealt with the issue of global anti-Semitism, which does involve self-hating Jews sometimes. In a pro-BDS article, a Haaretz columnist wrote recently: Its time to explain the objection to the occupation with actioneven, Heaven forbid, if it offends our notorious sensitivity to money. The old anti-Semites wouldnt have said it better. Another writer from the same paper blasted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for cooperating with Satan. Israel, if anyone needs an interpretation, is Satan.

David Duke, a former leader of the Ku Klux Klan and the top anti-Semite in the United States, shared Netanyahu Jr.s meme, meaning he supports and approves it. The same Duke also shared articles written by radical left-wing people from Israel and the world. He can recognize pure anti-Semitism when he sees it. One of those writers articles got the following headline: The conference of the Elders of Zion. Yes, as far as hes concerned, the AIPAC conference is a fulfillment of the famous anti-Semitic libel. And to complete the picture, that same writer travelled to Malaysia after being personally invited there by an overt anti-Semite, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

There are too many people in the global Left who identify with Hamas and Hezbollah, despite their blatant anti-Semitism. The list is long. There is anti-Semitism in the Left. It has been condemned by the Right, and rightfully so. Most of the public media ignores it. Even worse, some of the people who are helping spread the anti-Semitic propaganda are the medias darlings. They are invited to more and more panels as legitimate commentators. This is a disgraceful phenomenon, which is only taking place in Israel.

Anti-Semitic comedian Dieudonne wont be invited as a panelist on current affairs in France. Anti-Semitic politician and journalist George Galloway , a former member of Parliament in Britain, isnt invited to BBC panels. But their likes in Israel are honored.

So yes, I do understand the Rights claims against the Left, but the claims have nothing to do with the conclusions. Does the entire global Left or the entire Israeli Left identify with these manifestations of anti-Semitism? Of course not. Does anti-Semitism in the Left legitimize anti-Semitism in the Right? Does every sickening phenomenon in the Left justify a sickening phenomenon in the Right? Have we lost our common sense that much that every public debate must begin and end with right and left? Cant you condemn blatant anti-Semitism without the foolish distinction, at least in this context, between left and right?

For many years, I must confess, I have been writing about the blurred line, which I doubt ever existed, separating anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. But my criticism is over the fact the radical left is moving closer to the radical right. These two phenomena are connected by racists like David Duke. The Zionist left and the sane right should present one clear and united stance in this context. Neither forgiveness nor understanding, and definitely not justification. But the Right has failed its first test. Its finding it difficult to condemn. Its showing understanding. Its directing an accusing finger at the Left. And thats sad. Because every foolishness by the radical left in the first act is a foolishness of the Right, not just the radical right, in the third act.
The High Court of Justice (HCJ) made a majority ruling Tuesday canceling an amendment ratified by the Knesset almost two years ago to the Conscription Law which lowered the annual quota on the number of Haredim required to draft into the IDF.

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The original amendment to the Conscription Law, which was spearheaded by Yesh Atid Leader Yair Lapid when his party was part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus previous coalition, constituted a major breakthrough in bringing Haredim into the military by setting an annual quota for Haredi conscripts, setting in motion a remedy to an issue that has long been a point of contention in Israel.

With Lapid's amendment, Haredi men of military age were permitted to delay their service on the proviso that the annual quota of ultra-Orthodox conscripts was met.

Haredim outside an IDF draft office (Photo: Yuval Hen)

However, with the formulation of Netanyahus new right-wing coalition in 2015 largely dependent on ultra-Orthodox parties, which also saw the removal of Lapids party, an adjustment was immediately made to the law, reducing the quota of Haredi conscripts.

With the courts ruling that the adjustment was unconstitutional however, which gained the backing of 8 out of 9 judges, the government will now be required to increase the quota of Haredi conscripts within one year.

According to the judges, the cap imposed following the Knessets ratification harmed equality.

Yair Lapid (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

Eight of the judges also added that the law was disproportionate while the sole dissenting judge, Noam Solberg, advocated rejecting the petitions seeking a revision to the adjustment, reasoning that the time had not yet come to determine whether it was unconstitutional.

We are compelled to return the matter back to the Knesset, concluded Supreme Court Chief Justice Miriam Naor. At this stage, and after years of trial and error, it is clear that it is no longer enough to make do with non-binding and non-enforceable arrangements whose outcome is unknown."

Following the ruling, heads of the Haredi sect issued a scathing statement, blasting the HCJ for its landslide ruling. The detached HCJ hates Torah scholars. Enough is enough.

Shas chairman and Minister of the Interior Aryeh Deri joined the criticism leveled at the court, saying its ruling "once again proves the extreme disconnect between the court and the Jewish people, who have known for generations what sustained them against persecution were those studying the Torah."

Yeshiva students would "continue their studies even after this ruling, and thereby defend the people of Israel," Deri added. "We'll do everything in our power to amend the law in a manner enabling the continuation of the current arrangement,"

PM Netanyahu with United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Litzman (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

Chairman of the finance committee MK Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism) also chided the court for its decision.

"Throughout the history of the Jewish people many tried preventing yeshiva students from studying, both within and without the Jewish people. Some used force, others different methods. Neither has ever been able to halt the study of the Torah, nor will they," he said.

Promising to defy the High Court, Gafni added: "Those studying Torah will continue their studies, with or without the High Court. I categorically reject the court's ruling and we'll rectify this situation in the coming year and there's nothing they can do about it, as the judges don't have any idea what studying the Torah means or that our entire existence is predicated on them continuing to do so, as is the entire world's."

Haredi politicians (Photo: Noam Moskovich)

For his part, Lapid welcomed the court's first steps in reinstituting the main pillar of his initiative which was so swiftly crumbled upon his departure from the government.

"The High Court has seen justice done today. Values have won, the spirit of the has IDF won and our soldiers won," he rejoiced. "Today we started steering our ship towards sanity and values."

Lapid also criticized Netanyahus government for permitting the dismantling of the amendment.

"Netanyahu cannot continue to squirm and dodge for much longer. IDF conscription is for everyone, not just suckers who don't happen to have a party in the coalition," he said, before dishing out his criticism to other political opponents.

I was in the Knesset when (the new coalitioned.) canceled the equal shouldering of the burden of military service. You know what the most striking thing was? It was the same people: Netanyahu, Ayelet Shaked, Bennett.

Yair Lapid (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

Those same people who passed the law with us were the ones who canceled it. Netanyahu gave a speech at the time about how important it was. Shaked headed the Shaked Committee that passed the framework in the Knesset. Naftali Bennett recounted memories from his military service, Lapid continued.

Then the government changed and they went and voted for precisely the opposite thing. When they are asked why, they say 'Lapid forced us and now Litzman has forced us. Do they have no shame? On a matter like this? These are our children. This is our army. What Netanyahu did was not only a betrayal of Zionist and IDF values, but it was also a betrayal of the nationalist camps values.
Five Israelis were stranded during a trek to the Tavan Bogd region of western Mongolia, and sent out a distress signal Tuesday morning from a satellite device in their possession.

The Harel insurance company will launch a special rescue copter to extract them, due to weather and terrain conditions. The copter will leave early Wednesday.

Notice of the impending extraction was given to the hikers' families.
CAIRO  Egypt's United Nations envoy on Tuesday criticized UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein's remarks on systemic violence in the country, saying they reflected "flawed logic", state news agency MENA reported.

Ambassador Amr Ramadan was quoted as saying that he had cautioned Hussein against his office becoming a "mouthpiece for paid agencies with political and economic agendas," and he rejected his accusations, without elaborating.

At a UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva on Monday, Hussein said the state of emergency declared by the Egyptian government last April had been used to justify "systemic silencing of civil society."
Israel has confirmed Wednesday it had buried the bodies of four West Bank terrorists who carried out attacks against Israeli targets in the enemy combatant cemetery near Damia Bridge in the Jordan Valley, the state revealed for the first time since the start of the current wave of escalation in the security situation during a High Court discussion.

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The terrorists are: Abed al-Hamid Abu Srour, who carried out the suicide bombing on the number 12 Egged bus in Jerusalem 18 months ago; Mohammed Taraireh, who murdered 13-year-old Hallel Ariel in her home in Kiryat Arba a year ago; Mohammed Fakih, who murdered Rabbi Michael (Miki) Mark in a shooting attack on route 60 last year; and Brami Awartani, a Hamas operative from Nablus, who attempted a stabbing attack near the Hawara checkpoint a year ago.

Three of the four terrorists buried in the enemy combatant cemetery, pictured in background (Photo: Effi Sharir)

Israel's admittance of the four terrorists' burials took place during a discussion in the High Court over a petition submitted by the terrorists' families, who are demanding the return of their bodies.

Attorney Mohammad Mahmoud, the families' advocate appointed by the Palestinian Authority's Prisoner Authority, protested that their burial implements the Security Cabinet's decision on the matter from months ago, despite the fact that the families' petition has yet to be decided on by the High Court.

The burials took place three months ago (Photo: Effi Sharir)

The four terrorists were buried some three months ago. Neither their families nor the attorneys representing them in Israeli courts were made aware of this fact until Wednesday's discussion.

The idea to bury the terrorists in the cemetary for foreign enemy soldiers was spearheaded by Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan. Erdan had pitched this before but was rejected by then-Minister of Defense Moshe Ya'alon. A month ago, Erdan raised it again, this time before current Minister of Defense, Avigdor Lieberman, who agreed to Erdan's initiative and moved to implement it.
Im hearing a lot of complaints about brunch lately, and about the people who eat it. They are food-fetishizing hipsters who languish in cafes, lubing their grease with mimosas and lattes. Im really not sure whats wrong with any of that, or what hipsters even are. Come to think of it, Im not even sure what brunch is. But I think that Im OK with it.

I know Im not a breakfast fan. I prefer to not eat until my belly has had a chance to recover from the excesses of the prior evening. When I feel a little growl down there, it means my belly is organized and ready for business, and Im ready to wash something greasy down with coffee.

Im also compelled by what Ive been reading about the benefits of Intermittent Fasting (IF-ing), during which you basically eat whatever you want, every day, but only during an eight-hour daily feeding window. One could, for example, begin each days eating at 2 p.m., and finish at 10, squeezing in as many meals as you wish, as does the outspoken IF-er and bodybuilder Martin Berkhan. He begins eating after a midday workout, and purports to consume a lot of cheesecake.

I don't need the cheesecake, but a growing body of research on humans and mice suggests that daily mini-fasts like these could have a bundle of positive impacts on health and longevity, especially in conjunction with exercise. Cardiovascular and cognitive health and blood markers, longer lives, and, according to Berkhan, better abs, can all result from fasted training, which has grown into a bonafide area of research.

As for brunch vs. the most important meal, some people clearly do great with a bowl of oatmeal in the morning. That isnt exactly brunch, I dont think. But then, what is?

Luckily, I found a guy named Walker Hunter who knows a thing or two about this hybrid meal. Hunters business, Burns Street Bistro in Missoula, was supposed to be a mobile food service, but when the equipment delivery got delayed in March 2012, he and his partners had to figure out how to pay for their newly leased commercial kitchen. They opened a sandwich shop, which did OK, but things really took off when they added weekend brunch.

We had noticed the rise in popularity of brunch elsewhere, in other cities, said Hunter, who had been a chef at Missoulas Pearl. In Portland you cant swing a dead cat without getting brunch on it. My co-workers and I loved brunch. We would try to go out for brunch around here, but nobody was doing much more than just late breakfast, except on holidays.

So they started serving brunch on weekends, following a simple formula:

Cook what you want, and put an egg on it.

Our idea was that brunch could be whatever you wanted, haute cuisine, casual, fine dining, irreverent takes, all bets are off. We arent limited to omelets and pancakes and waffles. This weekend we are doing rabbit and lamb. With eggs.

Any kind of egg, he says. Soft boiled. Scrambled. Poached. Deviled. Salt-cured.

A sunny side up egg is the simplest, prettiest way to prepare an egg.

Like me, Hunter has noticed the rise in brunch hate, but he brushes it off as the inevitable backlash against something because it is popular. The folks who hate on things that are hip, he says, are gonna hate on brunch. And then there are complaints that are dated, that dont stand up to the brunch of 2017.

Anthony Bourdain said that if youre cooking brunch then youve failed as a cook. That may be true in places where brunch is an afterthought. But here, weve seen increasing interest. More brunch places are opening, and more existing places are focusing on brunch. The brunch scene in Missoula is really opening up, and it isnt even bad for us. We just keep getting busier.

To recap, if you want to cook brunch like a locally loved, award-winning establishment that is both iconoclastic and a stickler to the rule-bones of fine cooking, here is your:

Brunch Recipe

Whatever the heck you want, with an egg on it.

So there you go. Cook dinner, or lunch, and put an egg on top. One fun way to go this time of year, when the tomatoes are dripping ripe, is a BLT with an egg on it. I assume you know how to make a BLT. There should be onions on it too. But here is my one, all-important trick for BLTs and every other sandwich:

Toast two piece of bread, pressed together as one single slice. This will result in ones side of each piece of bread being toasted. Orient the half-toasted slices so the toasted sides face the inside of the sandwich, and handle the mayo and tomato juice without getting soggy. But the soft sides face out, cushioning your mouth and preventing the scraping that can occur when a sandwich is too delicious, too big, and too toasted. To anyone who has ever cut or scratched their mouth on a toasted sandwich, this technique is the answer.

As for that oatmeal, its worth remembering that any cereal can be used to make a morning porridge. Rice can be made into congee. Wheat grains can be ground or boiled whole. Big grains. Small grains. Ancient grains. Hybrid grains.

What oats really have going, nutritionally, is soluble fiber, which other grains dont have in such amounts. Its the gooey factor in oatmeal, and really does a number on your bowels, in terms of getting them in line.

Washington post food columnist Tamar Haspel recently made a compelling case for oats, arguing they are not only good for you, quick and easy to make, and only cost about ten cents a bowl to make.

Not only that, but generally speaking, a rotation or two of oats in between a farmers main cash crop, would be good for soil health, and for breaking disease cycles. The problem is there is no money in oats, because they are so darn easy to grow. And that is why they are so cheap.

In addition to telling us to put an egg on it, Hunter was also kind enough to share another trade secret: the house steel-cut oats recipe. I had it the other day with Creme fraiche, and a pear poached in sweetened, spiced rose wine, and it was just how I like it: prepared earlier and allowed to set. And the pear and creme put it over the top. And if you want it more risotto-like, by all means eat it when its hot. If you dont have steel cut oats, use whatever youve got.

Ingredients:

2 cups steel-cut oats

4 cups water

 cup butter

 cup brown sugar

2 tsp salt

Cook until oats are tender and the desired consistency. Finish with innumerable applications.

You could take it in any direction, Hunter says. I come from New Hampshire. Some homegrown maple syrup, and a little bit of sea salt, pretty much takes care of it.
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Hello all! I have someone special Id like you to meet. Let me introduce you to Ak Zholtoi. Shes six years old and is from Bokonbaevo, Kyrgyzstan.

Dont let her young age fool you, for a more BAMF never existed, and shes not to be trifled with. Her hobbies include chasing foxes, chowing down on raw chicken, cuddles and soaring with the wind beneath her wings (dont we all). Dislikes include being held by bloggers who dont know what they are doing.

Did I mention she is a golden eagle? In fact, shes the queen of the eagles. Prepare to bend the knee, guys.

Ak Zholtoi and her owner, Azamat, are the champion eagle hunters at the World Nomad Games. No big deal right? And Azamat is only eighteen years old to boot.

Together, they are out to follow in the footsteps of Ghengis Khan, or the more local but no less legendary Manas, to conquer Central Asia. Whilst this was not my first foray into spending time with eagle hunters, it was by far the most educational and intimate.

Id like to think Ak Zholtoi and I met as colleagues but left as life-long friends. That is, if she can forgive me for dropping her.

Yes, I dropped Kyrgyzstans champion eagle. Like on the ground. Guys, I dropped Kyrgyzstans champion eagle on the fucking ground. OMG!

If you all remember way back when around 2014 I spent a month riding horses with the traditional Kazakh eagle hunters in western Mongolia, an experience which changed my life. There I witnessed the traditional nomads in action, with their birds of prey perched on their arm, waiting to be let loose to reap destruction, ruination and despair amongst the local fox and hare community.

It was powerful, moving, and pretty freaking impressive. Ill also add that there are only a few hundred people in the entire world that have maintained this practice.

I was hooked. Being a bird nerd is in my genes. My mom used to volunteer with rehabilitating falcons and hawks, and thanks to her in addition to living in New Zealand, the original land of birds, Ive come to love and admire our feathered friends.

Speaking of, did you know that New Zealand used to be home to the biggest eagle in the world? They had a ten foot wingspan, and there are even Maori stories of how they used to hunt people before going extinct. Shivers

But I digress.

Their cousin, the mighty golden eagle, now rules the northern hemisphere these days, especially in Central Asia.

On my recent trip to Kyrgyzstan I was lucky enough to spend time with the best of the best champion eagle hunters, based on the South Shore of Lake Issyk-Kul and observe their badassery in action.

In Kyrgyz there is a specific word for those who hunt with eagles, and they are known as burkutchu.

Traditional Kyrgyz hunting is known as Salbuurun and its an art involving the local communities coming together to go on long hunts on horseback (of course) with bows and arrows, eagles and even special hunting Taigan dogs as the drums beat in the background. Theyd disappear for weeks in winter bringing back food and furs for their families, the knowledge of which has been passed down over the centuries.

At the heart of it, Salbuurun is completely Kyrgyz, with nothing else like it in the world, and it is totally unique, combining the best archers, eagles, horses and dogs all together on horseback.

Under the Soviets, Salbuurun almost disappeared as nomadic culture and practices were discouraged in Kyrgyzstan, but luckily younger generations have begun to take pride and interest in their traditional heritage and its making a comeback.

After spending the day with Ak Zholtoi and Azamat, I think what impressed me the most was their bond which transcended their differences. It seemed almost human how they interacted.

Hes had her since she was a baby. Traditionally, the burkutchu would climb high cliffs and steal the eagle chicks from the nest, though nowadays nets and purchases are more the norm. I feel conflicted about that, since I am definitely far entrenched in the whole hands off leave the poor animals alone camp yet I believe wholeheartedly in keeping tradition alive. Obviously stealing baby animals from their mothers is, um, not ideal, but so is an invading country intentionally trying to stamp out thousands of years of culture too. I think its really great that Kyrgyz traditional culture is being revived, and with all the eagle hunters Ive seen, I was nothing short of impressed and amazed at how they work together.

Hunting with these birds has and still sustains people in this part of the world, and since I buy my meat gladwrapped at supermarkets, perhaps its not my place to have an opinion. I do, however, have an opinion on bride-napping, Kyrgyzstan, that is un-fucking-acceptable and needs to stop immediately.

Liz, stop talking. Like, right now.

Anywho, the eagles can live to be up to 40 years old, but theyll spend less than half their lifetime with their owner, who will release them back into the wild. An eagle hunter in Kyrgyzstan will only have two eagles in his lifetime, so the bonds built between bird and master are incredibly tight knit and strong. In many ways they are almost like one person together.

For my part, I feel very privileged to witness something very rare and special in Kyrgyzstan, and I hope that this tradition can stay alive for future generations.

If youre looking to learn more about eagles in Kyrgyzstan and join in to see them in action, and maybe even meet Ak Zholtoi yourself, email [email protected]

Are you interested in eagle hunting and learning about traditional nomadic culture too? Do you dream of seeing these guys in action one day? Are you a bird nerd at heart too? Spill!

Many thanks to USAID for hosting me in Kyrgyzstan, like always Im keeping it real, all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me.
Helenas historic Last Chance Gulch, where four miners struck gold in 1864, has yet another gem for all to savor with the opening of Ristorante Bella Roma. Located in what is currently the Helena Hotel adjacent to Broadway Street, Bella Roma is a dream come true for owner Davide Giuliani.

Davide grew up in Rome watching his mother and grandmother at work in the kitchen, getting a belly full of good food, and eventually learning to cook for himself. Ever since he was a young boy, he had dreamed of one day owning a restaurant.

The path to his dream has taken many twists and turns, but today, his accomplishment in creating Bella Roma is a windfall for anyone who loves genuine Italian fare.

While living in Rome, Davide went to pastry and culinary school, as well as earning his sommelier certification. At one point, he owned a wine bar.

While on a holiday in Las Vegas, a young woman named Tina asked Davide for a dance and clearly stole his heart. Tina came to visit him in Rome a few times. They married, and found themselves working in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle before moving to Helena, Tinas hometown.

Davide discloses that it was a scary time for him, being in the United States, not speaking English, not knowing which direction his path was heading and being homesick for his beloved Rome.

But life has a way of working out, and today, he stands with great pride in the middle of the charming Italian restaurant that he has crafted.

Ive been transported to Italy by the smells in the kitchen. Davides mother Barbara Natalini, who has immigrated to the United States, is hard at work rolling out freshly made pasta sheets.

Sous chefs Angie Jackson and Matt Allgood are chopping vegetables and preparing sauces. Two large pans of focaccia are coming out of the oven steaming hot.

Out front, the bartender is adjusting his tie and servers are readying the tables. The vibe at Bella Roma is pulsating, in preparation for a house full of guests feasting on superb cuisine.

Davide has prepared gnocchi for me to sample. I take my time with it, savoring every delicious bite. Im reminded that eating food prepared with great care and love is a privilege.

Liam Watson, who has been fussing with the tables, approaches me as I finish the last bite and prepare to dig into the cannoli that has been placed in front of me. "I overheard you talking to Davide," he said. "I love this place because of him. He has so much pride and he does everything so well. Ive worked at several places in town, but this is the best."

I ask if he is a server and he grins at me. "Yes," he says, "but Ive appointed myself floor manager until Davide tells me differently."

In typical Italian fashion, meals arent meant to be rushed. The average dinner at Bella Roma takes about two hours, enough time to savor all the courses.

Davide will say he gets frustrated when the hot dishes are presented to customers and they are busy talking and let the food cool off. Its meant to be eaten hot, he says. I want to go up to them and tell them to please EAT now.

Bella Romas four-course dinners are priced at $45/person and include an appetizer, salad, main course and dessert. A few of the choices, such as fettucine with lobster tail, have a small upcharge over the set price. Its possible to order any dish a la carte as well. There is also a limited bar menu that pairs well with an assortment of imported European beers. Carefully selected Italian wines, as well as a full array of cocktails, are available.

Everything on the menu is made from scratch, with some ingredients imported from Italy, including the prosciutto, bresaola, parmigiano reggiano from Parma and extra virgin olive oil.

Helenas historic gulch has come a long way from the days of gold miners prying open a can of beans or chewing on dried meat. Today its possible to feast on jumbo shrimp topped with a salmoriglio sauce, or veal scaloppine layered with fresh sage and prosciutto di Parma.

Options for seating include the light and airy Rome-themed dining room, or enjoy a patio laden with summer blooms during the warm season. Bella Roma is open Tuesday-Saturday, 5 pm till closing, with reservations suggested on the weekends.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Ingredients:

For gnocchi:

300 g all purpose flour

1 kg Yukon gold potatoes

1 tsp salt

1 whole egg

50 g parmigiano reggiano

1 cup semolina flour (to prevent gnocchi from sticking)

For tomato basil sauce:

1.2 kg tomato (passata) or whole tomatoes

 cup extra virgin olive oil

6 basil leaves

2 cloves of garlic, minced

100 g parmigiano reggiano

2-3 tsp of salt (to taste)

Instructions:

Gnocchi:

Rinse the whole potatoes, do not cut. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, enough water to cover the potatoes. Add salt to the water (about 2 tablespoons). Boil 35 to 40 minutes. Check potatoes with a toothpick to see if they are cooked through. Drain and let potatoes cool until you are able to remove the skins. After removing all potato skins mash potatoes to a smooth consistency. Add flour, salt, egg and parmigiano to the mashed potatoes. Work into a smooth dough. Flour the surface with semolina to keep dough from sticking. To form the gnocchi, cut a small piece of dough and roll into a "snake" shape about 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. Then cut into gnocchi.

Tomato basil sauce:
In the late '90s there was a large buildup of fire personnel in the U.S. Forest Service. This was caused by or led to what I call the fire-industrial-complex, or what I will refer to as the beast. The beast needs fire and money to survive and needs some portion of the West to burn every year.

Now, a lot of people noticed when the first of these fires started, in mid July, that little if anything was done to suppress them. When these fires were listed on InciWeb, most of these fires had containment dates of Oct. 21. These fires were only a few acres in size and these fire managers were saying that they could not contain them until October.

I and others noticed that when the helicopters started working the Meyers and Whetstone fires, they were flying to Philipsburg to fill their buckets, which was about 23 miles away. Whetstone Lake and Moose Lake were about 2 miles from these fires. Who made the decision to not have a ground crew on the Little Hogback Fire in mid July? According to the news it was too hazardous to fight the Lolo Peak fire when it was small. They want us to believe that it is safer for firefighters to fight a 40,000-acre fire. This is unbelievable!

They use safety as an excuse to do little productive work. That is a good plan for them, as what politician is going to challenge them on safety? Why do they get hazard pay? What about the safety of the forest users? We will now have thousands of acres of snags. What law gives any fire manager the right to decide to let a fire burn and pollute the air all summer? What is this doing to the kids' lungs, not to mention those with heart and lung disease? I would breathe less smoke, in my smoke-chasing days, as I didnt stand in the smoke and we put the fires out. If these people are too afraid to fight the fires, then move on and we can get others who are not afraid. How much money is wasted on the almost worthless indirect and contingency fire lines as fires jump these lines? There were many days this summer when the fires cooled down that direct lines could have been built.

The beast has evolved the firefighter into the fireherder. Now that the fires are huge, the herders will whine to Congress that they need more money and they will get it. Not all Forest Service employees are herders but those who are can retire and immediately contract to the beast. They get paid very well and also get paid to attend 80 hours of training every year. What is the incentive to keep fires small with an aggressive initial attack?

Life is short and we have only so many summers. Unless you would like a majority of your remaining summers to be like this, I would urge you to contact your congressman and senators and urge them not to feed the beast. I would urge Congress to increase the funding for initial attack; this would include more funding for smokejumpers and smokechasers. Maybe we need an elite firefighting group like the Navy SEALs. This would be cheaper in the long run and we would not hear we cant and its too dangerous. The let it burn policy is not working and is being abused at the cost of our health and the welfare of our nation.
Ive lived in Missoula since October 1981, when downtown was a ghost town due to the mall opening a year or two earlier, and saw that lumber mills were beginning to close down due to the lack of wood supply. It was a tough time to be relocating to Missoula.

Despite some health challenges, I still put 55-plus hours a week into my agency. I worked my way through college. I dont call in sick. My wife and I started our business here 34 years ago, and there is no retirement in sight for me. I make a good salary, and we own our home and office building  both in the city limits.

But Im tired. Im 63, and Im very tired. Im tired of being told that bicyclists have more rights than me on Missoulas streets. Because of how rude most of them have become, Im the one who gets flipped off when they are not following the traffic laws. Im tired of seeing the transients who come to town year-round for free handouts  free food, free health care, free shelter. Being a good Missoula citizen means Im supposed to spread the wealth to people who dont have my work ethic and passion.

Im tired of being told that my property taxes will go up every year, despite my living in Grant Creek (within the city limits) where I get little to no city services. Im tired of my staff struggling to find suitable affordable housing. Good affordable housing is rare in this community and its either overpriced or junk. Im tired of my clients telling me they are coming to Missoula to see our world-class facility, and then find out it costs a thousand bucks or more to fly here on short notice. So they ask when I will be visiting them next, because they are not coming to Missoula.

Im tired of people who bought homes along the railroad tracks here now complaining about what is being transported via train past their houses. Coal shipments have been coming through Missoula for decades and now you want to complain.

Im tired of the University of Montana whining about the compensation levels they offer, which, by the way, are the highest in the region. Im tired of an ex-president of the university making $120,000 a year to teach two classes in chemistry.

Im tired of hearing our mayor, who has already served three terms (12 years), talk about affordable housing, but everything he does ensures that affordable housing cant occur. Open space bonds restrict land supply for housing, and insane city impact fees on developers and builders increase the price of housing unnecessarily, higher than anywhere else in Montana. You simply cant have low-income housing in Missoula with these out-of-line fees. Im tired of hearing that our mayor will be mayor for life. I dont think any politician anywhere ought to serve more than two terms.

And the last thing Im tired of is that now I will have to endure dozens of letters to the editor and phone calls at my residence telling me how wrong I am and that Im whats wrong with Missoula. Seems like you are not entitled to an independent thought here if it goes across the grain of the bumper sticker crowd in Missoula for keep Missoula weird.

The election this fall for the leadership of Missoula is your chance to be heard and make a difference, and thats why Im supporting Lisa Triepke for mayor. You should too. Being well-liked is no case for being a strong leader.
What a difference between U.S. Sen. Steve Daines speech and U.S. Sen. Jon Testers speech on the Senate floor: https://meanwhileinmontana.com/senators-steve-daines-jon-tester-talk-montana-wildfires-senate-floor-videos.

Daines blames the extent of Montanas wildfires largely on radical environmentalists who litigate logging projects. He forgets to mention the earths warming climate. He implies that a proposed thinning project north of Lincoln would have minimized the effects of the Arrastra-Park Creek fire complex. That seems highly doubtful, given the record heat and drought which Montana has experienced this summer.

Tester emphasizes global warming and Montanas historic drought of 2017. As an example, he points to one of the largest, most destructive fires in the West, the Lodgepole Complex fire, which burned more than 270,000 acres of mostly grasslands, scattered brush and small trees in eastern Montana. There were no logging projects for radical environmentalists to litigate in that area.

Montanans support good forest management on our public lands, and like Daines, most folks believe that much of the litigation by environmental groups is self-defeating. However, the truth about this summers wildfires is that no amount of forest management, i.e. logging and thinning, would have had much effect in stopping or slowing the 2017 fires.

Thanks to all the hardworking firefighters for trying!

Gene Sentz,

Choteau
State Sen. Fred Thomas is wrong in his opinions of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke (guest column, Sept. 4). Revoking the ban on lead shot and tackle may have made a few hunters and fishers happy, but it is devastating for wildlife. That is the first of many things Zinke has done or is trying to do that will undermine protections to our public lands and wildlife.

If he really wanted to help, he would work to restore funding to the agencies he oversees. All natural resource agencies have had their funding cut year after year for decades. Now they no longer have the means or the personnel to perform the duties Congress requires.

Instead Zinke wants to cut their funding yet again. He really wants to privatize public lands and eliminate wildlife protections. He is a rich trophy hunter! He does not display the values of most Montanans. That's because he isn't one of us.

Mari von Hoffmann,

Missoula
Portions of Big Hole still open to fishing

Only portions of the Big Hole River are closed to fishing at this time, according to the Montana Department of Fish, Widlife and Parks. The remainder of the river is open to fishing.

Here are the sections that are closed:

Section I  Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the mouth of the North Fork of the Big Hole River;

Section V  Notch Bottom Fishing Access Site to the rivers confluence with the Beaverhead River

Native Warriors exhibit to open at Tech

Montana Tech announces it will host the traveling exhibit, Montanas Native Warriors, Sept. 19-22 at the Student Union Building.

The exhibit is in celebration of Native American Heritage Day, Sept. 19.

The exhibit consists of colorful banners that illustrate Montanas Native American involvement in both World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and modern conflicts using both contemporary and historic photographs and the first-hand accounts of Montana soldiers.

Montanas American Indian warriors have participated in every conflict the United States has engaged in since World War I, according to a news release from Tech. Today there are more than 5,000 Native veterans in Montana while many Montana Indian women and men remain on active duty. This traveling exhibit from the Montana Historical Society highlights their stories beginning with World War I and ending with contemporary conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This was an opportunity to recognize a group of individuals who have given so much to this state and our country. So many times, in our past, we have overlooked what the veterans have sacrificed  this was a way to honor them, said Sarah Nucci, exhibit curator.

Who do these cats belong to?

These animals recently were picked up by Butte Animal Control. Details: Chelsea Bailey Butte Silver Bow Animal Shelter, 699 Centennial Ave., at 406-497-6528 or stop by from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

CATS:

Siamese lilac point, female, 8-10 weeks, picked up Sept. 11 on Humbug Lane

Shorthair, brown/black tabby, adult male, picked up Sept. 9 on the 2200 block of Argyle

Longhair, white and black, neutered male, 5-7 years, picked up Sept. 9 on 700 block of South Dakota Street

Toastmasters name winners

The Top O The Mornin Toastmasters group has announced the weekly winners: Best speaker, John Grill; best evaluator, Billie Holmlund; and best topic respondent, Mike Gribben. The next meeting starts at 6:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at Perkins.

Convention, visitors bureau to meet

The Butte Convention and Visitors Bureau will meet at noon Thursday, Sept. 14, in the Butte Chamber of Commerce, 1000 George St. Details: Maria Pochervina at mariap@buttecvb.com or 406-723-3177.
Anyone upset about the proposed 20-percent increase in Buttes water rates can let commissioners know in person Wednesday night, but time for speaking up is running out.

Meanwhile, members of Action Inc. and the Continuum of Care Coalition will tell commissioners what theyre doing to curb homelessness in Butte. The issue has gained more attention of late given the closing of the Butte Rescue Missions shelter in April.

The presentation comes a week before commissioners decide on a new $172,000 contract with Action Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides services to the homeless and other people in need. Commissioners have penciled in that amount in the budget but a contract is still pending.

The council meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on the third floor of the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse, 155 W. Granite St.

The public hearing on water rates is required before increases can be finalized, which the council might do as early as next week. The issue has been discussed publicly for weeks, however, and Kareniesa Kohn, administrative assistant to Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive Dave Palmer, said Tuesday she has received no calls about it from residents.

The proposed increases already are lower than first pitched -- a 45-percent hike over three years -- because some commissioners thought that was too burdensome on poor and fixed-income residents. County officials scaled it back to a 10-percent increase this year and another 10-percent next year.

Under the proposal, the average monthly flat rate with sprinkling charge would go from $57.57 to $69.66 by the second year. The average monthly meter rate would jump from $40.34 to $48.41 over that time.

County officials say the increases are needed to offset a shortfall in expenses and to pay for about $600,000 in new, annual operating and maintenance costs for the Basin Creek water treatment plant.

The Continuum of Care Coalition says it has been using newer methods to immediately identify the homeless, find them housing arrangements and match them with services they need quickly to overcome their challenges.

The coalition includes Action Inc., Western Montana Mental Health, the Public Housing Authority, Volunteers of America, Southwest Montana Community Health Center, and the county's health and law enforcement departments.

In a letter to commissioners, Margie Seccomb, Action Inc.s chief executive officer, said they are employing an evidence-based system to end homelessness.

We would very much appreciate an opportunity to share with you how public funds are being used to build cost-efficient, proven systems to improve living conditions for all citizens, she wrote.
ARAPAHOE, Wyo.  At St. Stephens Indian School, the past is never far away for students. A graveyard from its Catholic mission roots, marked with crosses and adorned with colorful decorations, can be seen from the school's front doors.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos drove past the graves on her way to the school Friday, her second stop on the Wyoming leg of a tour dubbed "Rethink Schools."

Students still carry historical trauma from the boarding school era and other abuses, St. Stephens Superintendent Frank No Runner told DeVos, but that's not an excuse for low student achievement.

"It's time to move forward," he said.

St. Stephens is one of several schools on the Wind River Reservation. Its students are largely members of the Northern Arapaho tribe, with some Eastern Shoshone members.

The school is funded by the Bureau of Indian Education, but it's operated by the tribe. Its boundaries extend across the reservation, unlike public schools serving reservation students.

The school has higher graduation rates than its neighbors for American Indian students, but its scores on Wyoming standardized tests are comparable.

DeVos, who briefly addressed students and didn't take questions from press, made no sweeping statements about the schools or its policies. But she consistently praised mentions of parent and student involvement in school planning.

"I'm thrilled to hear about your focus on really engaging all of the stakeholders," she said.

No Runner said the school has shifted to try to focus more on positives than negatives.

"We don't focus on why teachers are leaving, we focus on why they're staying," he said.

Reservation schools often struggle with teacher recruitment and retention, a situation that has improved in recent years at St. Stephens, No Runner said.

DeVos briefly met with school staff for an overview and introduction before observing second-graders practice subtraction using blocks of ones, tens and hundreds and a high school science activity building a solar system scale model with toilet paper squares. It was perhaps the first time a cabinet member has held down toilet paper in a school hallway.

Politics were discussed only briefly, when Eastern Shoshone Business Council member Leslie Shakespeare noted that some tribal members disagreed with some of the policy positions of DeVos.

He noted public schools on and near the reservation, along with St. Stephens.

"All of these schools are very important," he said. "We respect that you're here to listen. That's what education is all about, is listening."

No Runner described St. Stephens as "a school of choice," but larger school choice policies  of which DeVos has championed  never came up.

The topic reached the Montana Legislature this spring when Democratic Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy of Box Elder proposed a school choice program, arguing that students in low-achieving reservation schools need other options. The bill died.

St. Stephens receives some funding from Wyoming, but not as much as public schools. Most funding comes from the federal government.

No Runner previously worked at Lame Deer High School, a public school on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, and Northern Cheyenne Tribal School, a BIE school in Busby.

"The difference between a public school and a bureau school is teachers unions," he said, adding that he's a former member of teachers unions. "It creates a division, I believe."

DeVos and teachers unions have had an antagonistic relationship, with DeVos linking national unions to what she calls a stagnant school system  a similar theme to her tour.

"They've made it clear that they care more about a system, one created in the 1800s, than they do about individual students," she said in July.

Education Department officials have been planning the St. Stephens visit since about the week after Labor Day, No Runner said, but teachers whose class DeVos visited weren't informed until a day or two in advance.

"We didn't want a dog and pony show," he said.

DeVos visited a school in Casper earlier Tuesday. She's slated to visit Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Indiana later this week.

No Runner encapsulated the visit at the end of an assembly where DeVos was gifted a star blanket and heard the Northern Arapaho Flag Song from a student drum circle.

"She got to see a little snapshot of our school."
Even as evacuation orders and warnings were lifted Tuesday for some western Montana fires, Canada's fierce Kenow fire forced the closing of the Chief Mountain border crossing and threatened the historic Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park.

The park that borders Montana's Glacier National Park, remains closed "due to a significant public safety risk from severe wildfire conditions," according to Parks Canada's Kenow fire web page.

"A Goliath of a fire, with a wind that is just so, so fast," Canadian lawmaker Pat Stier told CBC News on Tuesday.

Although the Waterton Lakes townsite appears intact, according to Parks Canada, a video widely shared on social media showed the park's visitor center gutted by the fire.

The nearby Prince of Wales Hotel, completed in 1927, is the most famous building in the Park. Built by the Great Northern Railway, it was declared a Canadian National Historic Site in 1995. According to the Parks Canada website, firefighters have been working to protect infrastructure and facilities in the Park, with structure protection that includes high-volume pumps and sprinkler systems.

Catherine McKenna, Canadas Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the minister responsible for Parks Canada, said in a statement that the park and townsite had been successfully evacuated.

Fire crews remain in place in the park and Parks Canada and its partners continue to make every effort to slow the advancement of the Kenow Fire and protect the townsite, the statement continued.

The national parks in Montana and Canada together form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Glacier also is suffering a difficult fire season, dealing with multiple fires  as is much of western Montana.

Those fires could worsen Wednesday, with its prediction of a windy afternoon and a Red Flag Warning from 3-8 p.m.

While the winds will chase the smoke expected to pool in the valleys Wednesday morning, the likely fire growth "would lead to additional smoke impacts, particularly for folks downwind of the fires, air quality specialist Sarah Coefield wrote in her Tuesday-evening update from the Missoula City-County Health Department.

But, she added, "looking at the forecast and what's coming, it's hard to focus that much on what may be our last day of significant smoke impacts. You guys. This is an actual quote from the National Weather Service: 'If fire season isn't finished by the time this week is over, it will end next week.'"

***

The Rice Ridge fire's final evacuation order was lifted by the Missoula County Sheriff on Tuesday morning, allowing residents of the last six homes affected to return home. Seeley Lake proper is still under an evacuation warning.

Evacuation warnings were lifted Tuesday at the Lolo Peak fire area. The last warnings on Highway 12 between Bear Creek and Graves Creek were removed, but Elk Meadows Road and Lolo Peak Road remain closed, according to the Missoula County Sheriff's office Facebook page.

The Alice Creek fire backed down toward Montana Highway 200 Tuesday but firefighters kept it from crossing the road. Highway 200 remains open at this time, but motorists are advised to check with the Montana Department of Transportation," according to the Tuesday evening update from Inciweb, the national wildfire information service.

The fire has burned 27,982 acres since it was discovered on July 22.

The Elder Creek fire that straddles the United States/Canada border stayed quiet Tuesday. It has closed Glacier National Park's Kishenehn Creek Trail from the Patrol Cabin to the border, and the Kintla Trail from Kishenehn Creek to Boulder Pass Trail over Starvation Ridge.

The Sprague fire in Glacier reached 14,750 acres as helicopters continued to attack hot spots by Mount Brown. Structure protection is in place at the Lake McDonald Lodge and North Lake McDonald areas while firefighters continue to cool hotspots around the Sperry Chalet complex.

Also in Glacier, the Adair Peak fire saw active burning along Logging Lake. Crown runs and torching were expected Tuesday as the fire reached 2,890 acres.
A Glasgow man was charged Monday with six felonies after allegedly attacking a Valley County undersheriff with a metal pipe last week.

Tanner Cook, 20, is being held in the Valley County Detention Center on $500,000 bail for felony charges that include attempted deliberate homicide and assault on a police officer.

Two officers had responded to a reported domestic disturbance at Cook's home on the outskirts of the city shortly after noon on Friday, Sept. 8, Valley County Sheriff Vernon Buerkle said Tuesday.

"The first deputy responds and immediately upon making contact with the suspect, Tanner Cook, the driver-side window of his patrol car was allegedly broken out by Tanner," Buerkle said. "Then when the second officer arrives, he gets out of his vehicle and (Cook) immediately attacks him with a pipe."

The sheriff said the two officers subdued and arrested Cook, then took him to the hospital to be treated for the injuries he had sustained before the altercation.

The undersheriff was hospitalized and treated for head injuries, Buerkle said. He was released from the hospital but has not yet been cleared to return to duty.

Cook was charged Monday with two felony counts of assault on a police officer, felony attempted deliberate homicide, felony criminal mischief, assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault. He has also been charged with misdemeanor charges for resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

Cook was jailed Sept. 8 on pending charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief and felony assault with a deadly weapon from a July 3 incident, Buerkle said, for which he had been previously released on bail.
A news website is reporting that President Donald Trump may visit Montana in the coming weeks as part of his effort to promote his tax plan.

Bloomberg.com reported Tuesday that Trump, a Republican, plans to visit up to 13 states in seven weeks, possibly including Montana.

The website reports that Trump's advisers plan for the president to hit states where he won last fall and a Democratic senator is up for re-election next year. Trump won Montana by 20 points in the 2016 election, and U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, is facing what is expected to be a tight and costly race in 2018.

Bloomberg also reported some cabinet members will be "deployed behind Trump in a 'second wave.'"

Trump is seeking his first legislative victory with tax reform after failing to execute his party's long-promised repeal and replace of the Affordable Care Act. The specifics of the tax plan are unclear at this point.

Trump recently visited neighboring North Dakota, using the trip to touch on how changes to the tax code could help ranchers who inherit operations and property from their parents.

Trump has come to Montana before as a candidate, holding a rally that was attended by thousands in Billings. His son, Donald Trump Jr., made several visits to the state earlier this year to stump for then-candidate and now U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte.
Authorities have released the name of a 73-year-old Wisconsin woman who died after the car she was driving struck a guardrail on Interstate 94 near Fallon in Prairie County Monday afternoon.

Mary Sager, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, died from injuries sustained when her car, driving in the eastbound lane, rolled and ejected her through the sunroof, according to Prairie County Coroner Dale Hellman.

Sager was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MHP report, and she was later pronounced dead at Prairie Community Hospital.

Her husband, a 73-year-old man also from Fond du Lac, was riding in the vehicle and was taken to Glendive Medical Center. Hellman said the man, who the MHP said was wearing his seat belt, did not suffer life-threatening injuries and is expected to be released from the hospital today.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash, which was reported Monday at 1:15 p.m., according to MHP.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  Getting checked for cervical cancer isn't one-size-fits-all: Millions of women may soon have to decide between a routine Pap or a newer test that detects if they have a cancer-causing virus.

Draft national guidelines released Tuesday for the first time say either option is reasonable for certain women  those ages 30 to 65.

Paps, a mainstay for women's health for decades, can spot pre-cancerous abnormalities in time to prevent cancer. Newer HPV tests detect the virus that causes nearly all of that cancer, and while they're widely used to confirm Pap results, most U.S. medical groups haven't yet pushed them as a stand-alone alternative for screening.

Tuesday's proposal doesn't signal an imminent end to the Pap era. Paps, not HPV tests, still are recommended for screening women in their 20s, stressed the guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

And don't let the which-test debate blur the main message: "Screening for cervical cancer saves lives," said Task Force member Dr. Carol Mangione of the University of California, Los Angeles.

Today, too many women still miss out. Some things to know:

1. CERVICAL CANCER STILL A THREAT

Cervical cancer has dropped dramatically over the past half-century thanks to Pap testing. Still, this year an estimated 12,820 U.S. women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and about 4,200 will die. Most haven't been screened, or have gone too long between checks.

Paps examine cells scraped from the cervix. HPV testing looks for high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, the nation's most common sexually transmitted infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just about everyone will get at least one strain at some point in their lives. But only certain strains cause cervical cancer  and only if they linger long enough in the body.

2. AGE MATTERS FOR SCREENING

Otherwise healthy women need a Pap every three years from age 21 to 29, agree most U.S. physician groups and the draft Task Force guidelines. Cervical cancer grows so slowly that regular Paps can find a problem early enough to treat.

While the Food and Drug Administration has approved an HPV test for women as young as 25, national guidelines have long recommended Pap screening for 20-somethings. That age group is most likely to get HPV  and the vast majority of the time their bodies clear the infection before it harms.

3. WHAT CHANGES AT AGE 30?

The older you get, the greater the chance that an HPV infection is the yearslong, harmful kind. To better catch those cases, today what's called co-testing is increasingly common for women 30 and over  a Pap-plus-HPV test combination. If the results of both tests are negative, women can wait five years to test again.

But both Paps and HPV testing can trigger false alarms, prompting unneeded, and sometimes harmful, additional care to rule out cancer. New studies show co-testing leads to more false alarms than either test alone, without adding benefit.

That spurred Tuesday's Task Force proposal to let women 30 and over choose an HPV test by itself every five years  or a Pap every three years instead. The proposal is open for public comment through Oct. 9, before it will be finalized.

Some countries already are moving to make HPV testing the chief screening tool, including the Netherlands and Australia.

"Most experts in this area are in agreement that HPV testing alone is the future of cervical screening," said Debbie Saslow of the American Cancer Society, who wasn't involved with Tuesday's draft guidelines.

4. WEIGH PROS AND CONS

Women in their 30s and older need to discuss screening options with their health providers, said Dr. Jason Wright, gynecologic oncology chief at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, who also wasn't involved with the new guidelines.

An HPV test can cost twice as much as a $40 Pap, but doesn't require screening as often. Some data suggest HPV testing leads to more diagnosis of risky pre-cancer  but even by itself, an HPV test can spark more false alarms than a Pap, Wright said.

Also, some follow-up tests can alter the cervix in ways that may affect future pregnancies, a consideration for women still interested in childbearing, added the Task Force's Mangione.

5. WHO CAN SKIP CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING?

It's not recommended for women younger than 21, or those who had a cervix-removing hysterectomy.

Women can stop screening after age 65 if proper checks until then show they're healthy, current guidelines agree.

6. WHAT IF WOMEN RECEIVED THE HPV VACCINE AS AN ADOLESCENT?

Keep getting screened, following recommendations for your age. The first HPV vaccine hit the market about 10 years ago, too soon to know if it's safe for the now-grown first recipients to be screened less often, and newer vaccine versions protect against more strains, said Saslow, the cancer society's senior director of HPV-related and women's cancers.

Eventually, if enough young women grow up fully vaccinated, screening recommendations may change, she said.
MUSCATINE  A Muscatine man pleaded not guilty Friday after being accused of threatening people with a gun.

Around 3:19 p.m. Aug. 19, Justin Walker, 19, drove to the 100 block of Roscoe Avenue in Muscatine, where he exited his vehicle with a loaded 12 gauge shotgun. According to the criminal complaint, Walker pointed the firearm in a threatening manner at people in the area. He is also accused of assaulting one man during the altercation.

Officers seized the shotgun, which was loaded, and also seized an assault rifle, according to the criminal complaint. That night, the Muscatine Police Department searched Walker's home and found 105.5 grams of marijuana, more than $4,000, plus a Century Arms AK-47.

Walker is charged with going armed with intent, assault while participating in a felony, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, drug tax stamp violation, carrying weapons and assault with a dangerous weapon, according to court documents.

On Friday, Walker was arraigned in Muscatine County court, where he pleaded not guilty. A pretrial is scheduled for Oct. 6.

Sarah Ritter
MUSCATINE, Iowa  The Muscatine Police Department responded to a shots fire call Tuesday just before 4:30 p.m.

Police were called to the area of Liberty and Franklin streets. Once there they found a Muscatine man who said he was the intended target of the shooting. He was not injured.

An investigation resulted in the arrest of Bryan Lee Wheeler, 52, on an outstanding warrant. He is not facing charges in the shots fired call.

Muscatine Police are continuing to investigae Wheeler's involvement in the alleged shooting.

Police say the incident is isolated and at this time there are no current safety concerns.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Muscatine Police Department at 563-263-9922 extension 665. Callers may remain anonymous.
Two Columbus Junction residents who were removed earlier this year from their Louisa County Board of Health (BOH) positions by the Louisa County Board of Supervisors had their day in court Wednesday.

Craig Helmick and Rita Adam were dismissed from the BOH by the supervisors in January after the supervisors claimed the two had failed to meet or communicate with the supervisors.

The terms of both BOH members was not set to expire until Dec. 31, 2018.

The two appealed that decision, arguing during a Feb. 27 hearing before the supervisors that the decision to fire them had been because the two had supported pay raises for some members of the Louisa County Public Health Service (LCPHS), which the supervisors had opposed.

A lawsuit seeking a writ of certiorari, which would repeal the supervisors decision and award attorney fees to Helmick and Adam, was also filed over the case. However, that suit was later suspended until after the Feb. 27 appeal hearing before the supervisors. When the supervisors reaffirmed the dismissals following that hearing, Wednesdays district court hearing was eventually scheduled.

Attorney Steven Ort, New London, told Judicial 8 District Court Judge Shawn Showers that Helmick and Adam had not done anything to justify their removal.

He cited a section of Iowa Code Chapter 66 as the underlying legislation that could be used to remove a county officer from an office with a term fixed by the Iowa Legislature.

The bottom line is the board of supervisors did not like the pay raises and in retaliation they removed (Helmick and Adam), Ort claimed, adding legislation establishing boards of health gave those bodies the authority to set pay and other issues and not the supervisors.

(Boards of supervisors) can only remove (board of health members) for cause, he said, outlining several cases he felt confirmed that.

However, attorneys Courtney Wilson and Michael Walker, Davenport, who represented the board of supervisors through the countys insurance coverage, disagreed.

Wilson said the correct legal basis for the dismissal could be found under Chapter 331.321, which allows boards of supervisors to remove a wide variety of appointed county officials for any reason.

A person not performing their job function can be removed by the person appointing them, Wilson insisted.

She cited as a precedent a case in which a person had been removed from a municipal board of adjustment before that persons term had expired.

After being questioned by the judge about that case, Ort acknowledged he did not have a solid response to that decision, but suggested that case had involved a city ordinance and not a state statute.

Showers said he would consider both sides arguments and render a decision soon.

Both Adam and Helmick declined to comment after the hearing.
A group of Jefferson Elementary School students are looking to lessen the impact of Hurricane Harvey by making a positive impact of their own.

Dozens of students have gathered supplies and organized a relief effort to help those affected by the storm. On Tuesday, several of them visited Hy-Vee, 2400 2nd Ave, Muscatine, to procure supplies using student council funds and donations.

This has been a great effort by the students and the community, said Edwin Colon, school counselor. Hy-Vee has been great in helping out and helping get supplies together with the kids and a local trucking company, TanTara Transportation Company, is donating a truck for free to take the supplies down there.

You watch the news and you see all the devastation down there and you say we really should do something about it, and a lot of the kids at the school felt that way, so here we are, Colon said. I talked to the student council about it and we made it happen. Its really just the right thing to do that needs to be done.

Were from different states but were all part of the United States, said Dave Riggan, safety director for TanTara. Weve done this before for other national tragedies, and so when they approached us about it we were happy to help.

It feels good to be a part of it, said Jim Simmons, store manager of HyVee. Its great seeing the kids want to do this. They came in with a couple hundred dollars in their budget, but lets just say theyre going to walk out of here with more than a couple of hundred dollars in merchandise, and were happy to be a part of helping those people out.

The students likewise felt good about extending a helping hand to their fellow students in another part of the country.

It feels good to be helping kids just like us, said Damien Sonderberg, 10.

Its awesome, because we get to help out with a lot of stuff and donating food, said Keelin Reinier, 9.

I feel excited about it, Giovanny Gomez, 9, said. I feel good about myself and what were doing and that its going to help people.

We got to talking and thought it would be a good thing, it was just something we needed to do, added Brenda Todd, director of the student council. Some of these kids dont have much but they have so much to give from their hearts.
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Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
Every folding chair in the room was filled while many people stood along the walls or leaned in through the open windows of the Native Sons Hall in St. Helena during last Thursdays town hall meeting, sponsored by Napa Vision 2050.

The question the organizers asked was Whose valley is this? while seeking to stem the diminishing quality of local life in these troubling, touristy, traffic-filled times.

Napa Vision 2050 is a volunteer grassroots organization whose mission, according to its website, is to advocate for the health, safety, and welfare of the Napa Community. Daniel Mufson, the president of the organization, was on hand to familiarize the crowd with its purpose.

Mufson focused on the growth of tourism in the Ag Preserve with its concurrent traffic congestion, the number of new winery permits issued by the county supervisors, the uptick in hotel accommodations, and the number of rental and second homes that he said, are changing the fabric of communities in the valley. All of these trends are severely affecting the quality of life in the Napa Valley, he said, degrading the ecology upon which the Ag Preserve relies. In the meantime, despite the economic re-orientation of the valley towards tourism, he said, the county remains with a poverty rate of 25 percent.

Tourism is a devils bargain, he said. That, he believes, is one of the challenges that Napa Vision 2050 is trying to address.

Mufsons demeanor was low key and friendly, but it was offset by the PowerPoint presentation that filled the screen behind him, asking the rhetorical questions: Whose valley is this? and Who is in charge? As the meeting progressed, the audience seemed to be warming to the same questions.

In what Mufson termed positive news he announced three county-wide initiatives to the audience.

According to Mufson, the Palmaz proposal for private heliport on Mt. George in Napa had just been denied by the county supervisors. The audience immediately applauded.

Mufson then said that two other initiatives were expected to qualify for the 2018 ballot: one that would permanently ban heliport construction in the county, another that would save local threatened oak woodlands, and a third initiative relating to the plight of the Blakeley Construction Company in Calistoga. He then handed the microphone to Mike Hackett of Save Rural Angwin.

Hackett moderated a listening opportunity, and members of the audience were quick to line up to give their perspectives on traffic, tourism, wineries, water, wildlife, woodlands and more.

Some individuals lamented the growth of second homes and party rentals that were impacting their neighborhoods. Others talked about how the wineries marketing models  using event centers to draw in tourists  had created unsustainable traffic conditions.

Some expressed their dismay that wineries that exceeded their use permits  or hotels which sought post-construction permits for added accommodations  had not been heavily fined. Instead, these audience members said, they were given retroactive permissions or were allowed to renege on previous affordable housing promises.

One remedy suggested was a levy on second homes, with assessment fees to curb the rise of what some called neighborhood destroying trends in the city. Another said that new construction should be assessed realistic fees to fully fund affordable housing.

Other remedies included the implementation of a toll road into town; a multi-level parking facility for visitors; a formal moratorium on growth in the valley; and a proposal to spread the growth of the wine industry southwards into Vallejo.

On the other side of the tourism issue, some members of the audience reminded that the real estate market in the valley  with high prices for land, homes, and rental space  was a direct result of the wine industrys success, and that those towns that embraced the reality of the market would be the survivors in a valley that was rapidly being driven into tourisms embrace.

Residents remarked over and over that  regardless of the existing rules and regulations that now exist in the valley  there is little or no enforcement with few funds available to either county or city officials to implement enforcement, and little transparency in how funds are allocated to deal with traffic and tourism.

The meeting lasted more than two hours. The gathering ended with a recommendation from the organizers for the public to continue to attend public meetings, to connect with other organizations like Napa Vision 2050, and to elect supervisors who listen to their constituents rather than their donors.
The Napa Valley Performing Arts Foundation has been been making grants supporting music-related local performances for less than two years. Its complicated history, though, began well before that. Its a young thing, board member Howard Walker said, but with old roots. Walker and board president Susan Hafleigh spoke last week about the nonprofit foundations history, mission and accomplishments to date.

We have risen from the ashes of the Napa Valley Symphony Endowment Fund, Hafleigh said. The fund, which consisted largely of a bequest from prominent Napa Valley wine pioneers Belle and Barney Rhodes, became the asset of the new Foundation after the Symphonys bankruptcy claims were settled in 2012.

We converted to a private nonprofit foundation toward the end of 2014, she said, and in 2015 we established our grant procedures and started distributing money. We are required to distribute at least five percent of our assets each year as grants.

The Foundations first grant, $10,000 to the Napa Valley Youth Symphony, was made in May of 2015.

Walker, who chairs the Foundation boards grant committee, explained the process of grant making. We are three people, he said. We get together, meet with the applicants and discuss what they want to do with the money. We get to know them face to face; its not just done by mail. If the grant committee approves it, we pass it to the board. Every board member votes on it.

He emphasized that the money is for the support of performances, not for administrative or operating expenses. Since their first grant to the Youth Symphony, the Foundation has funded performances by the Napa Regional Dance Foundation, Symphony Napa Valley, Lucky Penny Productions, the Napa Valley Jazz Society, the St. Helena Chorale Society, The White Barn and Music in the Vineyards.

One of the foundations priorities is the support of music-related local events for children. Were trying to get to kids, Walker said. The Nutcracker is a performance by the Napa Regional Dance Foundation. They have kids perform in it and its a show for the kids. Were doing two shows with Lucky Penny, one is Chicago, (running currently and definitely not for young children), and the other is Annie, which will be done at Christmas time and is a program for kids.

We do scholarships for kids as well, he added. The Foundation gave the St. Helena Chorale Society $10,000 in 2016 to support the Chorales tuition scholarship fund for needy high schoolers in the program. In addition, the Foundation has sponsored a scholarship to the Bolshoi Ballet for a St. Helena high school student.

While similarly named, the Foundation is not affiliated with the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, though it does underwrite some of the organizations performing there. For more information and donations, contact Hafleigh at susanhafleigh@gmail.com. For grant application materials, contact Howard Walker at howardwalker54@yahoo.com.

Heads Up

EarleFest is Sept. 23 in Rohnert Park

This years EarleFest features Los Lobos, The California Honeydrops, Tift Merritt, The songs of Audrey Auld performed by Nina Gerber, Pam Delgado and Jeri Jones, the Timothy ONeil Band, Dirty Cello, Charley Peach and Emily Lois. Saturday, September 23, 3:30 p.m. (doors open 3 p.m.) and tickets are $55, children younger than 5 are admitted free. Somo Village Event Center. 1100 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park. SomoConcerts.com.
Napa County has about $2.8 million in spending money to help tackle the regions affordable housing problems, and county supervisors are working on strategies.

That money is the available balance in the countys affordable housing fund established in 1992. Developers pay housing impact fees that typically total $1 million to $2 million annually.

Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Belia Ramos, who lives in American Canyon, sees firsthand the housing challenges arising in a county where the median home price is $600,000. The Board discussed affordable housing on Tuesday.

I am a renter, Ramos said. Im lucky I have the greatest landlords ever, my parents. Being able to enter the home ownership market is going to be a very, very big struggle for me, as a single mom.

Thats despite having a base pay of about $90,000 annually as a county supervisor.

Deputy County Executive Officer Molly Rattigan referred to federal guidelines saying that a family should pay no more than 30 percent of its income in rent. Paying more can mean making choices about food, medicine, child care and other needs, she said.

The median income in Napa County is $91,000 for a four-person household, according to the county. Thirty percent of that income for housing translates to a monthly rent of $2,275. Rents locally for two-bedroom apartments are $1,900 a month for older apartments to $2,500 a month, Rattigan said.

Even at the median income, it can be difficult to afford to rent an apartment in Napa County and still stay within that 30 percent, Rattigan said.

That 30-percent mark translates to $1,863 monthly rent for a family making $74,500 annually; $1,165 for a family making $46,550 and $700 for a family making $27,950, statistics show.

Supervisors voiced their ideas for spending future affordable housing funds, though none of the proposals would erase the affordable housing problem. Rather, supervisors are trying to chip away at it.

Ramos said the county faces such restrictions as its agricultural preserve, which limits the places to build outside of the incorporated cities and town.

We cannot believe well be able to build our way out of the problem we have, she said.

She mentioned a concept told to her by a lawyer from Southampton in England. This involves what Ramos called stepped-up home ownership  a person would have a mortgage on half a home and rent the other half from the county.

Its an untapped opportunity, Ramos said. Maybe we can make this work here.

The United Kingdom website further explains the shared ownership idea. A person buys 25 percent to 75 percent of a homes value, pays rent on the remaining share and later buys bigger shares.

Ramos also said the state of California owns a large amount of land in Napa County. Perhaps this could provide space for building affordable housing.

After the meeting, Ramos said she was referring to vacant land at Napa State Hospital, Napa Valley College and the Veterans Home of California at Yountville. She clarified she is not talking about the state-owned land used for Skyline Wilderness Park.

The county could offer some of its affordable housing money for rehabilitating older housing. One idea is to set aside $250,000 for a pilot project.

It could be a low-income family who either currently owns or rents a home and that home is in disrepair, Rattigan said. Its also as simple as we built apartment complexes 25 years ago and like all of us in our homes, we need new carpeting in our homes every now and then, we need repairs.

Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza said the countys three farmworker housing centers  dormitory-style centers for men  dont meet the needs of farmworker families and an increasing number of women farmworkers.

Supervisor Diane Dillon and Pedroza mentioned the challenges faced by some seniors on fixed incomes. These seniors might have spare rooms where they could create junior dwelling units of 500 square feet or less to rent out.

Its a way for seniors to stay in their homes, with that income, Dillon said.

But taking out a loan to create junior dwelling units can be difficult. Traditional mortgage lenders wont qualify mortgages based on rent income without two years of demonstrated rental history, a county report said.

The county, city of Napa and other partners are looking at creating a fund that would make loans available to create junior dwelling units. About 7,000 Napa County homeowners making $75,000 or less annually are burdened by housing costs, the county report said.

Supervisors considered raising commercial housing impact fees to bring more money to the affordable housing fund, something they last did in 2014. They came to no conclusion. Rattigan wants to first compare the countys fees with those in surrounding areas.

The risk you run always with increasing fees is that you slow development and dont get fees at all, Rattigan said.

Napa County since 1992 has committed $26 million of its affordable housing fund to help build 1,000 housing units. It typically provides gap funding for new apartments and other projects also receiving grants, other loans and tax credits.

The affordable housing fund is helping to build the Brenkle Court and Turley Flats projects in St. Helena and the Valley View project in American Canyon. The county has committed to help out with projects on Coombsville and Redwood roads and at the Gasser property along Soscol Avenue.

Napa County also uses affordable housing fund money for its worker proximity loan program, homeless services and operations of farmworker centers, among other things.

In coming months, supervisors will continue their discussion on what comes next for the fund. Several stressed the county must coordinate more with cities.

Housing is the biggest threat, opportunity and challenge all-in-one that Napa County is facing, Pedroza said.
Paul Moser

You might have seen or heard the stirring prayer offered to the nation on Sept. 1 by the Rev. Robert Jeffress, a renowned Baptist minister who regularly offers powerfully lucrative sermons through select media outlets. If you did, Im sorry. Its too late to un-see or un-hear it.

In the Oval Office scene, a small group of ministers jockeyed for position behind Mr. Trump, each laying a creepy hand on the presidents meaty back, to transmit some sort of spiritual mojo. Or possibly the mojo was supposed to travel in the opposite direction: like touching the hem of Jesuss garment healed the sick, the ministers who touched Trump were gifted with a potent capacity to monetize sleaze.

Jeffress employed waves of masterful cognitive dissonance and a chirpy, self-hypnotized tenor, so popular among televangelists these days, to challenge our collective gag reflex and drive the National Nausea Meter to a maximum reading. It was a prefect prayer, offering to both God and Mr. Trump, in equal measure, the most eloquent toadying, while completely avoiding the unpleasant scruffiness of actual reality.

With that in mind, I would like to offer an alternate version that will give you the gist of Jeffresss words, with perhaps just a touch less disingenuousness. (Note: You wont want to miss Jeffresss Journeys of Paul Mediterranean Cruise next year. Not just some cheap excuse for Jeffress to provide himself a free vacation, it is billed as truly purposeful travel, a Christian experience that will include worship, laughter, the study of Gods word, and hopefully some killer rum drinks. I am not making this up. Okay, maybe the part about the rum drinks)

The Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for bringing us to the Oval Office today. Surely this holy photo op, with our godly president backed by godly gold drapes, will increase the bounty of our collection plates and follow us all the days of our lives, boosting our bottom lines and Wikipedia profiles to celestial heights.

Father, we thank you that we have a president like Donald Trump, one who believes in the power of prayer even in its most hypocritical, shameless, and nakedly bogus forms. We thank you that he has learned how to close his eyes and fold his tiny hands in what would be a perfect imitation of your goodness, if only his facial expression didnt make him look like Benito Mussolini passing gas.

We thank you, Father, for this Day of Prayer, providing a space in which the president can appear to be caring and compassionateeven humanas the fallout from the DACA decision joins his multitude of other cowardly, self-serving, and destructive acts.

Father, we pray to you for physical healing for your people; that is, whatever relief Congress can provide to those afflicted by Hurricane Harvey, people so much more worthy of aid than those godless dirt bags from New York and New Jersey who made such a fuss about the little rainstorm they called Sandy. Vouchsafe Ted Cruz the blessed cajones to explain away his opposition to Sandy aid, while insisting on the speediest relief for his own constituents in Texas. Allow him and his small-government friends to keep a straight face while benefitting fully from the efforts of a federal government whose generous size allows it to provide major aid when needed.

And if anyone is filing false claims, Father, smite them and see to it that all aid everywhere is terminated. As it says in the Good Book, I countenance not chiselers who lie and steal and buy a Jet Ski with insurance money. As with the Food Stamp Program, any cheating should automatically terminate the entire initiative.

By the way, we deeply regret, Father, that we, your super-affluent televangelists, do not contribute to the relief effort through payment of taxes. In your mercy, please recall that we are sacred nonprofits. But be assured that we will milk every blessed penny we can squeeze out of even our most destitute, trailer-dwelling congregants. All in Jesuss name, of course.
The subject of light got a serious discussion at Tuesdays city council meeting.

Last year the city declined to participate in PG&Es LED streetlight program, which replaces PG&E owned high pressure sodium vapor streetlights with LED lights, opting to wait for lower intensity lights to become available.

PG&Es contractor apparently never got the message and replaced about 48 of the older lamps with the high-intensity (rated 4000 kelvin) lighting, before the mistake was realized.

With the lower intensity lights (3000 kelvin) now available, the city needs to decide whether to proceed with the installation of the new technology, and, if so, whether to replace the higher intensity lights mistakenly installed.

The arguments for using LED technology are financial and environmental. LED lights use less energy, and therefore cost less. Replacing the citys roughly 325 streetlights with newer ones would save about $4,000 annually, according to staff. Additionally, the brighter new lighting is safer, providing better vision for drivers at night, and is much more focused, reducing light pollution.

Speaking for the public works department, Tobias Barr reported the city has received no complaints about the newly installed lights, which are mostly in commercial districts. Staff, he said, recommended the use of the higher intensity lamps on the citys main thoroughfare, and the softer lights in residential districts.

However, some councilmembers and members of the public said the health effects of brighter lights are still being debated.

Bobbi Monnette cited an American Medical Association report on the ill effects of hotter white-blue light, including sleep loss and even pupillary damage. The AMS recommends nothing brighter than 3000 kelvin she said. And lighting can negatively impact birds and animal lifecycles, she said.

Mark Smithers agreed.

Im all in favor of reducing light pollution, he said, but we have to be careful of the health aspects of it.

The LED technology, he said, is still in its infancy, and compared the potential damage to asbestos, cigarette smoke and lead-based paint, all of which were thought to be safe at one time. He felt saving $4,000 a year wasnt worth the risk.

Councilmember Mary Koberstein wanted to defer any decision, wondering how long the PG&E program will run. Under the current program, PG&E pays for replacing the older lamps.

Barr said he had no firm date, but thought it might only run for about a year.

Councilmember Geoff Ellsworth said if 3000 kelvin was safe, the 2400 kelvin of the current lights would be safer, and said the council should err on the side of caution.

In the end, the majority felt they could live with the AMA recommendation and voted 3-2 to replace the city streetlights with the softer 3000 kelvin variety. Councilmembers Ellsworth and Koberstein voted against the replacement.

PG&E will replace the mistakenly installed lamps at no charge.
A transformation is taking place on the grounds of the St. Helena Catholic Church. After the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Father Gordon Kalil will bless and dedicate the churchs new 10,000-square-foot Parish Life Center.

The grand opening celebration also will include lunch, tours of the beautiful stone building, the surrounding plaza and the new statue of Saint Helena.

We call it the Parish Life Center, Kalil said, because the space is designed to provide the community with a recreation space that celebrates the fullness of life, from toddlers to seniors. Were going to have a new Family Life ministry as part of the church, Kalil adds. We have a lot of young families with young children, so there will be movie nights, things of that nature, he said.

One of the upstairs rooms, with a separate entrance, will be dedicated to local youth  a place to claim for their own, Kalil said. Id like to see it become a hang-out, he added. Inside the room was a flat screen television, waiting to be unpacked and put on the wall.

The seeds for the new building were sown three years ago, when the diocese of Santa Rosa, which is made up of 43 Catholic churches including the St. Helena Catholic Church, started a capital campaign and assigned each church a goal. Kalil and the local church leadership discussed their needs and what was needed became obvious, Kalil said last week. There is no place for hospitality, no place for gathering, no place for after services and no place (to meet) during the week, he said. Everything was always directed to the school gym and that isnt always the best place, for example, to have small faith groups. It is a huge cavernous space.

So the diocese capital campaign and the St. Helena Catholic Church capital campaign were combined and plans were made to tear down the old thrift store and broken-down garage that were on the property. Kalil said the church leaders interviewed architects and chose Borges Architectural Group out of Sacramento. We just hit it off, Kalil said in his office, while workers were hurrying to finish the construction of the Parish Life Center. One of the partners understood where I was going. I wanted to have a quasi-Tuscan look for the new building. I didnt want to have anything brand new and sleek, he said.

The design needed to complement the historic stone church, which Kalil calls incredible.

Ground was broken for the new building in June 2016 and Kalil estimates the interior will be about 95 percent complete by Sunday. On Sept. 7, he said the landscaping was 40 percent complete, although he added, it will grow by about 70 percent by the time of the dedication.

It was clear during the interview and tour of the building and grounds that Kalil has been riding shotgun on the construction, first making contacts, then decisions, ordering materials and more recently making sure things are getting done.

When asked about the cost of the building, he said, Heres the thing that I will say about that. God is incredible. We have had so many in-kind donations that came out of nowhere. For example, all the decorative stone, both inside and outside, plus our fireplace stone was donated by a perfect stranger and the sculptor gave us a wonderful price and our local Abbey Carpets in Napa gave us a wonderful discount because she likes helping churches and nonprofits. The perfect stranger turned out to be Remy Handal, owner of Handal Stone from Sacramento. Eventually, he told Kalil he wanted to give back to God in thanksgiving for the great success that he and his father had in business. So, we became the benefactors of that, which is totally impressive.

Other gifts and service discounts were received, including from Suncal Exteriors from Clovis. Kalil said and he estimates that the total in-kind donations approached almost three quarters of a million dollars.

Saint Helena

Part of the vision of the new outdoor plaza included a statue of Saint Helena, who was the mother of the emperor Constantine, who declared in 312 that the Roman Empire would become Catholic.

Kalil said Saint Helena had a lot to do with her sons actions and at the age of 60, she and her retinue went to the Holy Land and spent three years searching for the cross of Christ. She found it and took pieces from the original cross and sent them to all the churches in the realm. And I think today, and this is part of my sick humor, there are so many relics of the original cross that its probably a forest now, Kalil said.

He Googled sculptors and one of the first he found was Walter Arnold, who has a studio in Chicago and works in the marble fields in Italy. Kalil found out Arnold has done sculptures for the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. and for the Immaculate Conception Basicilia, also in D.C.

So, I called him and said wed like a statue for our celebration of Saint Helena. We dont have anything to represent her here, Kalil said. The two met when Arnold flew out to St. Helena. They discussed the design, Arnold did sketches, a scale model of the statue and completed a full-size model of the face, before finding a block in a marble yard in Italy and carving it.

How long did it take? Arnold replied as he looked at the finished statue, Everyone has been asking me that today. I cant remember. Basically, when I undertake a job, I sit down and calculate very carefully how long it will take, so I can price it correctly. Then once I start, I dont keep track. And then when Im done, I forget how long I spent.

Kalil said a couple in the parish sponsored the statue and commissioned Arnold to do the work. It is pretty remarkable, he added.
(Natural News) It often seems like the corruption of Big Pharma knows no bounds  and just when you think they cant get any worse, they go and prove you wrong. It recently came to light that in addition to bribing doctors and misleading insurance companies, a pharmaceutical company even went so far as to create a network of phony cancer patients for their drugs. Its almost like a trifecta of corruption, isnt it?

The company in question, Insys Therapeutics, is reportedly being sued for their wide-ranging misconduct. A federal indictment was presented by Senator Claire McCaskill, a Missouri Democrat, and a congressional investigation is still on-going. A new report made available by McCaskills office details just how far Insys went to push their sublingual, sprayable form of fentanyl, a drug called Subsys. As you may have heard, fentanyl is one of strongest and most deadly opioid drugs on the market. As Waking Times explains, Subsys has only been approved for patients suffering with what the FDA calls breakthrough cancer pain. To put it simply, Subsys is only approved for cancer patients. (Conventional cancer treatment is a whole other story, of course.)

One of Insyss crimes is that they were allegedly creating fake cancer patients, so they could make it look like the demand for Subsys was much higher than it actually was. Further, a Subsys employee was caught misleading an insurance company to try get a prescription for the potentially deadly drug for a patient who did not actually have cancer. Another part of the pharma companys ruse reportedly included having employees pretend to be staff from doctors offices, in order to trick insurance companies into approving their drugs.

According to McCaskills report, Insys went so far as to block their out-going phone numbers, so calls couldnt be traced back to the company. Further, this pharma companys toxic scheme was so in-depth, if an insurer needed a phone number for a return call, company employees reportedly provided a 1-800 number manned by another Insys representative  instead of contact information for the prescribing physician.'

If that doesnt indicate at least a modicum of guilt, nothing does.

But it doesnt just end with Insyss network of dummy patients; that would be too easy, wouldnt it? Insys is also in hot water for allegedly bribing doctors with lofty kickbacks for getting in on their dirty deeds.

One of the biggest finds by the Senators report, however, is an audio clip revolving around a woman from New Jersey named Sarah Fuller. Fuller did not have cancer, but was prescribed Subsys by her doctor anyways. She died last year, after overdosing on Subsys. During the call, the Insys employee states they are calling from a doctors office and did their best to suggest Fuller had cancer, without ever actually saying what she was diagnosed with. The Insys employee stated Fuller had breakthrough pain, but explicitly left out the word cancer.

Profits over people ought to be Big Pharma mantra, dont you think?

Insys Therapeutics isnt the only pharma company McCaskill has in her sights; Waking Times reports that several other pharma companies will be scrutinized for their roles in encouraging the ongoing opioid epidemic. Opioid abuse is plaguing the country right now and the unscrupulous business practices of the pharmaceutical industry simply cannot be ignored any longer. Individual doctors will also face investigation for pushing Subsys when less addictive and less potent alternatives were readily available. While this may not be the end of the opioid epidemic and Big Pharmas corruption, it certainly is a good start for shutting them down.

Sources for this article include:

WakingTimes.com

CNN.com
(Natural News) There are lots of chemicals to worry about in the foods on our grocery stores shelves, whether its the pesticides on our fruit and vegetables or the unpronounceable preservatives found in pretty much everything on the lunchmeat and snack aisles. However, a new tactic that ISIS is believed to be planning could make those chemicals look relatively tame by comparison.

According to Zero Hedge, ISIS is calling on sympathizers to poison food in American supermarkets by injecting it with cyanide. Documents discovered when Mosul University was recaptured by special forces from Iraq indicate that they have already tested out the idea in Nazi-like experiments using prisoners, and it resulted in some very painful deaths.

They are calling for attacks in the U.S. as well as Europe and Russia to coincide with the sacrifice feast of Eid al Adha. While the group has mostly employed assault rifles, trucks and knives in the past, it now appears they are widening their scope in hopes of causing as much chaos as possible.

SITE Intelligence, a jihadi monitoring group, said that the third part of a series in English encouraging lone-wolf jihad in countries in the West encourages attackers to use this tactic. Pro-ISIS groups have created handbooks that explain how attackers can make their own poison. They have publicized this potential approach for many years, but it hasnt been used in any major attacks yet.

Unsuccessful attempts

However, one jihadist was reportedly planning this type of attack before being caught. A 22-year-old from San Francisco who had spent time in Yemen, Amer Sinan Alhaggagi, was hoping to redefine terror in the Bay Area. In court hearings, it emerged that he had considered lacing drugs with rat poison and then distributing them in Bay Area nightclubs. According to ABC, he had asked an undercover agent about the prospect of mixing strychnine with cocaine.

In another case, a Lebanese suspect who was detained due to his role in a plot to bring down a plane headed from Australia to the United Arab Emirates on behalf of ISIS was planning to release some type of poisonous gas to incapacitate the planes crew and passengers. The suspect ultimately abandoned his plot before boarding the aircraft after his hand luggage was found to be over the weight limit.

Worries about this type of attack are unlikely to help the situation in the grocery store sector, where investors who previously viewed grocers as a relatively safe bet, even as other retailers fall by the wayside, are already concerned about Amazons takeover of Whole Foods and its plans to use sensors and automation to slash staffing costs and undercut its rivals when it comes to prices.

Grocery stores arent the only target; reports from SITE Intelligence also indicate that a pro-ISIS channel on the encrypted messaging app Telegram has called on lone-wolf jihadists to target Hurricane Harvey relief centers in Texas.

Poison could prove to be the next weapon of choice for the group, which has already killed dozens of Westerners throughout the U.S. and Europe in a series of deadly attacks, the worst recent one being the November 2015 Paris attacks that left 130 people dead. Other deadly attacks in the past few years include the truck attack in Nice that killed 86 people, and the Orlando gay nightclub shooting that left 49 people dead.

This is a situation that could cause a lot of fear among the public. Whether they are successful in this latest endeavor or not, the mere idea of it is likely to have many shoppers inspecting their food before consuming it, which is a good idea in any event. Growing your own food is one way to know for sure that your food has not been compromised and is also free from many of the other dangerous ingredients and chemicals that are already in grocery store food.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Breitbart.com

UK.News.Yahoo.com

Newsweek.com
(Natural News) If youre like most Americans, you love a cup of coffee  or two, or three  in the morning. In fact, you might even call Americans coffee snobs, because we love it so much and in so many different varieties.

As noted by Lifezette, Americans drink several hundred million cups of coffee a day, throughout the day, meaning coffee is more than just a morning beverage.

And while you drink coffee because you enjoy it, what you may not have known is that its one super-healthful beverage. A recently released study by Spanish researchers from the Hospital de Navarra in Pamplona analyzed data on 20,000 coffee-drinkers and non-coffee drinkers for a decade.

What they found was nothing short of amazing:

To the delight of coffee lovers everywhere, the study showed that drinking coffee may reduce a persons risk of death by 64 percent. Even those over the age of 45 could lower their risk of death by 30 percent with two extra cups per day.

Also, researchers wanted to know what amount of coffee would provide people with the best health outcomes  and if youre a coffee drinker, what they discovered is going to make you happy.

The researchers said maximum health benefits were attainable by drinking four cups of coffee each day  giving new meaning to the phrase, I cant live without my coffee. (Related: Drinking Coffee Reduces Risk of Stroke, Cancer and Dementia.)

As Natural News has reported often in the past, there are no health benefits associated with sugary soft drinks and so-called energy drinks. You may get a caffeine boost like you do with coffee, but youll get none of the health benefits. In fact, when it comes to energy drinks, you just might wind up dead if you drink too many.

Coffee, however, has a lot of health benefits beyond empty calories and giving you a good boost to your day. Here are some of them you may or may not have known:

 Caffeine: In addition to giving you a dose of energy, this ingredient can also elevate your mood and improve memory, researchers have found.

 Vitamin B2: This essential B vitamin helps your body convert carbohydrates into energy, all while promoting healthier skin, hair, and eyes. In addition, this vitamin helps your body metabolize fats and proteins.

 Potassium: This is a very vital electrolyte that will assist your muscle contraction, regulate water balance in your body, and conduct nerve impulses.

 Magnesium: For better regulation of blood pressure, heart rate and for keeping bones strong, you need magnesium.

 Polyphenols: An antioxidant that is also present in a number of plant-based foods, these are known as potent disease-fighters. In fact, recent research has found that polyphenols can significantly boost mental acuity in older adults by improving the function of brain neurons to promote clear, critical thinking. They can also help in the production of new stem cells in the brain, which then are used by the body to promote healing and rejuvenation.

 Hydrocinnamic acids: These beneficial additions contribute to the neutralization of free radicals in the body. These are deadly chemicals formed in your body when stress, illness, or injury causes ischemia or diminished blood supply to tissues, Natural News reported nearly a decade ago.

Because of coffees antioxidant property, researchers believe it can also prevent disease processes from starting in the first place. And while you should get your daily nutritional intake of vitamins and antioxidants from a variety of healthy, organic, GMO-free sources daily, coffee can help you achieve that goal. You can even drink organic coffee.

In addition to these stated health benefits, other research has uncovered evidence that coffee can boost heart health, curb diabetes, and protect against colon cancer, Lifezette reported.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

Lifezette.com

NaturalNews.com
Fallen trees, broken limbs and a swath of leafy debris were the most serious damages reported on Emorys Atlanta and Oxford College campuses in the wake of Hurricane Irma, which deteriorated to a tropical storm by the time it hit Georgia after wreaking havoc in the Caribbean and Florida.

But through advance emergency preparations on both campuses  and a dash of good fortune  no known injuries were reported by students, staff or faculty as a result of Mondays storm, which brought with it hours of strong, gusty winds and steady rain.

To support public safety, Emory University officially closed on Monday and Tuesday. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no significant damage to buildings, says Sam Shartar, senior administrator for Emorys Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR).

In Atlanta, Emory officials reported two downed trees on campus properties: a pine tree that twisted like a dishrag and fell onto a portion of the roof at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church; and a birch tree that tumbled onto a patio at Lullwater House, the presidents campus residence located in Emorys Lullwater Preserve.

By early Tuesday morning, facilities and maintenance crews on both campuses were already at work clearing fallen debris and assessing storm damage, which included using a drone for campus flyovers to detect any additional damage, Shartar says.

Students were advised to remain indoors while storm assessment continued, he reports.

However, the Oxford College campus sustained more severe tree loss. In a community message sent late Monday, Oxford College Dean Douglas Hicks noted that although students were kept safe, unfortunately, the campus has taken some serious hits from Irma. This is especially true for our trees

Hicks reported that the storm downed three large trees on the quad near the Library and the Science Building. In addition, a grand tree beside Candler Hall and near Haywood Street has fallen, and trees near the Seney Hall and Fleming Hall parking lots have also gone down. Weve probably lost another five or six trees around the College grounds.

Members of our emergency response team have diligently worked on campus with a terrific group of employees to keep our students safe and to tend to the campus grounds and facilities, he said. As far as we know, all students have stayed out of harm's way from the storm. That is our paramount concern.

Storm preparations launch early

Unified emergency preparations for the storm began early last week, as Emory CEPAR officials began monitoring projected weather patterns for the approaching hurricane.

When it became evident we were going to be under threat, we began preparing and implementing plans with our Emergency Support Function Team, which includes representatives from Emory Healthcare, partners with local and state emergency management, and federal and local partners on the Clifton corridor, Shartar says.

The campus public safety community braced for the possibility of damaging winds, flash flooding and the potential loss of power. Once we knew the storm was converging, we opened our Emergency Operations Center for 24-hour-a-day operations, he adds.

At Emorys Atlanta campus, Campus Service employees launched storm preparations last Thursday, anticipating what we would do in the event the campus closed, identifying what equipment we had on hand, and alerting about 110 employees to be prepared to come in, says Todd Kerzie, associate vice president for facilities management.

Late last week, facilities management crews began removing outdoor furniture and umbrellas, corralling trash cans, lashing things down, bringing things in and securing anything that could become a flying projectile, Kerzie recalls.

At Oxford, facilities management employees also secured outdoor items and did tree work on the verdant quad in advance of the storm to help minimize tree damage, while others gathered water and located generators that could be used to support the dining hall, should power be lost, according to Cathy Wooten, Oxford College director of communications.

On both campuses, the communities were kept informed with frequent emergency updates, through email, social media and the Emory News Center.

By Sunday night, Emory Campus Service employees were already reporting to work with plans to stay into the work week. At the Emory Police Department, for instance, we made arrangements for Mondays dayshift officers to spend the night Sunday to ensure that they could make it here safely, says Craig Watson, assistant vice president of public safety.

Throughout the storm, campus police officers patrolled roadways, parking and transportation employees helped shuttle hospital employees from campus parking decks to Emory Healthcare facilities, and dozens of Campus Service employees spent the night in various locations across campus in order to get an early start on campus cleanup, Kerzie says.

We didnt know how hard the storm would hit us, so when trees started falling in surrounding neighborhoods, we were here, he says. We felt it was better to be prepared and able to respond to weather as it happened.

As of 6 a.m. Tuesday, facilities maintenance crews were clearing streets and campus walkways with turbo blowers. Some of the larger trees will have to be removed with cranes, according to Kerzie. Downed trees at the Oxford campus were taped off to prevent access, and students were encouraged to remain indoors as damages were assessed.

Kerzie notes that the tree that fell against the Glenn Memorial church does not appear to have inflicted serious structural damage, which he attributes to luck, a relatively new slate roof, and ongoing preventative tree work done by campus facilities management crews, who continually assess the health of trees within Emorys urban forest.

Their preparations throughout the year save us in events like this one, Kerzie says.

Storm doesnt interrupt food service

Throughout the storm, student dining services proceeded without interruption at both campuses.

Although power flickered several times at Emorys Atlanta campus, it never went out, says David Furhman, senior director for Campus Life finance, administration and operations.

Service was maintained at both the DUC-ling, Emorys interim dining facility, and the Clairmont Cafe, ensuring residential students who live on campus had access to food, as well as Campus Service employees, including the Emory Police Department, he adds.

In preparation for the storm, Emory Dining and Bon Appetit food service stocked up on water and had both refrigerator and freezer trucks on hand, along with a generator, in the event of power outages. Its the old plan-for-the-worst-hope-for-the-best strategy, says Furhman, who credits Emory Dining Director Chad Sunstein and Bon Appetit employees for the advance planning required to keep service running smoothly.

Physically, the DUC-ling structure performed beautifully amid the high winds, he notes. The 40-food-tall tensioned fabric structure is covered with an all-weather engineered membrane designed to withstand winds of 120 miles per hour, he says.

Although Oxford College experienced brief power outages, a high-capacity generator was secured in preparation for the storm at the new dining hall, which opened earlier this year, and service continued without delays.

Medical, animal support staffs provide care

During the tropical storm, it was business as usual for hospitals within Emory Healthcare as they provided continuous care to patients and support to staff.

Sleeping arrangements were made available to staff who requested to stay at any of Emorys hospitals Monday night rather than risk driving home in poor weather conditions.

The hospitals operated on normal power, with the exception of a brief outage on the Wesley Woods Campus that lasted minutes, and at Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, which operated on back-up generator until Tuesday afternoon. Full power is now restored at all hospital locations.

Because of deteriorating weather conditions on Monday, Emory Clinic outpatient offices closed around noon. On Tuesday, some clinics delayed their openings until 1 p.m. to allow extra time for patients to navigate storm-battered roads and highways. The clinic will reschedule all patient appointments that were cancelled because of the bad weather.

We appreciate all of the hard work and dedication by our physicians and staff across the entire health care system, says Sharon Pappas, chief nurse executive for Emory Healthcare. They all provided exceptional care to our patients and their families, despite what was going on outside with the remnants of Hurricane Irma. Our goal was to keep our operations flowing smoothly throughout the storm. As always, our care teams were willing and ready to respond to the needs of the community.

Employees at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center also came to campus Monday prepared to stay around the clock and provide care for about 3,300 nonhuman primates and 8,000 rodents.

Over the past two days weve had approximately 40 animal care and facilities employees from five different departments come in, with about 15 spending the night in cots and sleeping bags at our main facility and field station, says Joyce Cohen, associate director for animal resources at Yerkes. Its definitely a sign of dedication on their part.
The Cal State Fullerton College Republicans, a student group, has invited author and political commentator Milo Yiannopoulos to be a guest speaker for a ticketed event on campus in October.

As the sponsoring organization, the College Republicans would need to speak to details regarding the event and their interest in inviting this speaker, as this is not an event sponsored by the University.

Mr. Yiannopoulos is a controversial figure, but the University administration does not play a role in determining which speakers student groups may invite to campus. Throughout our 60-year history, our institution has been  and must always be  a marketplace of ideas in which diverse perspectives from all sides of issues are explored in a safe environment that upholds the right to freedom of expression, which is fundamental to our educational mission and to American democracy.

Furthermore, while many at the University and in the broader community may find Mr. Yiannopoulos remarks distasteful, if not wholly objectionable, the law is clear: what some consider hateful speech is, in fact, protected speech.

While we support nonviolent, free expression on our campus, we will not abandon our core values, nor stop supporting our students, nor discontinue building an inclusive, diverse environment. If members of our community disagree with views expressed on campus, they should respond with peaceful, civil discourse and recommit themselves to an institution built upon mutual respect.

Due to the nature of Mr. Yiannopoulos speaking engagements elsewhere, the University is engaged in appropriate planning to ensure the safety of our community. While we will defend the right of all points of view to be expressed on campus, we will not tolerate violence or the threat of violence in our learning environment.

In CSUF President Mildred Garcias fall semester welcome message to our University community, she wrote: We may face offensive language from individuals with whom we strongly disagree. Our commitment to uphold their right to speak should be matched only by our determination to challenge them through civil discourse, peaceful protest, and the hope that education  the truest and longest-standing cure for hatred and violence  sparks a transformation.

Jeffrey D. Cook

Chief Communications Officer

California State University, Fullerton

Update  October 27, 2017: Additional information regarding the Oct. 31 event has been posted online on the Universitys Free Speech website.
The requested page is currently unavailable on this server.

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SIU Carbondale earns national honor for diversity

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Southern Illinois University Carbondale once again has earned national recognition for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

For a fifth time in six years, INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine has named SIU as a recipient for of its Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. The magazine is the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. SIU will be among the 80 recipients featured in the magazines November issue.

This honor emphasizes the important message of inclusive excellence that has been a longstanding and fundamental component of our universitys mission, said Chancellor Carlo Montemagno. Earning this award again strengthens our resolve to continue improving upon those efforts.

INSIGHT Into Diversity honored SIU for several diversity and inclusion initiatives, including Salukis United For Diversity, a four-day event in April that included a unity march, opportunities to participate in Safe Zone trainings, and a lecture by author, BET columnist and MSNBC commentator Keith Boykin. The universitys diversity initiative also extends to programs including Disability Support Services, International Affairs, Non-Traditional Student Services, Student Multicultural Resource Center and Veterans Center. SIU uses a variety of strategies to recruit historically underrepresented and first-generation students along with pre-college programs to aid in recruitment.

Elizabeth Lewin, interim associate chancellor for diversity, said the award affirms the good work being done to make our campus more diverse and inclusive. She credited the work of the universitys Diversity Council, students, faculty, staff and her office for the award.

During the campus-wide Salukis United conference, Lewin said, every segment of the campus community demonstrated a desire to increase our collective cultural competence by sharing relevant research, experiences, and knowledge about the value of diversity and inclusion.

Recipients include universities, community colleges, and law schools. Other HEED award winners include Clemson University, Florida State University, Oklahoma State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Kentucky, University of Georgia, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and University of Texas.

The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees  and best practices for both  continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion, magazine Publisher Lenore Pearlstein, said.

We take a holistic approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being accomplished every day across their campus, she said.
SIU to host career fairs next week

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Southern Illinois University Carbondales Career Services Center will host two career fairs next week that are open to students and alumni.

The STEM Career Fair is from 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the SIU Arena. Held each fall, the career fair provides an opportunity to connect with employers hiring in the science, technology, engineering and math fields. The University Career Fair will be from 1 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, also at the SIU Arena. Visit siu.joinhandshake.com to pre-register and see the list of visiting employers for both career fairs.

Industry areas include K-12 education; aerospace technology; automotive; banking; defense; food and beverage; internet and software; manufacturing, real estate, research and wholesale trade.

About 50 employers have registered with Career Services for the STEM Career Fair. Industry areas include K-12 education; aerospace technology; automotive; banking; defense; food and beverage; internet and software; manufacturing and research. The employers include Aisin Manufacturing Illinois, LLC; Banterra Bank; Boeing; Consolidated Electrical Distributors Inc; Cummins, Inc.; the Defense Intelligence Agency; Flight Safety International; Jasper Engines and Transmissions; The Korte Company, Vecro Blue Farms and the United States Transportation Command.

Nearly 70 employers registered for the University Career Fair. Employers include Academy for Urban School Leadership, Bankers Life, Bridgestone Tire Operations, LLC; Carbondale Police Department; Cushman & Wakefield; Federal Bureau of Prisons; Hormel Foods; Isle Casino Cape Girardeau; Pepsi MidAmerica; Southern Illinois Healthcare and West Point Financial Group.

For each fair, job seekers should bring multiple copies of their resumes and any other pertinent credentials, and should dress professionally.

For more information, contact Career Services at 618/453-2391 or by email at careerservices@siu.edu.
Constitution Day events feature debate, U.S. Supreme Court preview

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A debate involving the Sixth Amendment guarantee of defense counsel in criminal trials and a look at upcoming U.S. Supreme Court cases are among the activities next week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale that focus on the nations constitution.

Constitution Day is Sunday, Sept. 17. The day marks the 230th anniversary of delegates to the Philadelphia Convention completing and signing the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.

The events are free and open to the public. All educational institutions that receive federal funding must annually deliver programs on the U.S. Constitution.

Faculty from the SIU School of Law will discuss four cases before the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, Sept. 18. The program is from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in the Hiram H. Lesar Law Building Courtroom. The cases involve travel bans, same-sex wedding cakes, cellphone tracking and partisan legislative gerrymandering. The law schools American Constitution Society, a registered student organization, is also a program sponsor.

Faculty discussions are:

Cindy Buys, professor and director of International Law Programs will discuss Trump v. International Refugee Assistance Project, on whether President Trumps executive orders that suspends entry into the United States nationals of six predominately Muslim countries violates the Constitutions Establishment Clause.

Valerie Munson, clinical associate professor, will discuss Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, a First Amendment issue on whether a state law that compels the baker to make cakes celebrating same-sex weddings violates sincerely held religious beliefs, free speech and or the free exercise clause.

Ed Dawson, assistant professor, will discuss Carpenter v. United States, that involves whether the government needs a warrant to seize historical cellphone records that the reveal the location of a cellphone user over 127 days and the concept of how reasonable expectation of privacy applies to personal data companies automatically collect via cellphones and other electronic devices.

Steve Macias, associate professor, will discuss Gill v. Whitford, and whether the Constitution prohibits states from deliberately drawing legislative district lines that favor one political party over another.

Another Constitution Day celebration is the seventh annual Constitution Day Debate. The debate is at 7 p.m., Sept. 20, in Morris Librarys John C. Guyon Auditorium.

Patrick Seick and Zachary Moss, doctoral students in communication studies, will debate the argument of whether the practice of underfunding public defenders violates a portion of the Sixth Amendment that guarantees the right of defense counsel for defendants who are unable to afford attorneys.

Seick and Moss will cross-examine each others positions and the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions. In addition, the audience will take also take a pre- and post-debate vote. After the debate, which will last 45 minutes, light refreshments will be available
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-12 22:39:05|Editor: An

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BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China is in the middle of its biggest ever influx of foreign-educated graduates.

According to a survey released on Aug. 30 and jointly conducted by the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and two other state-level organs, more than 2.65 million people who had studied overseas had returned to China as of the end of 2016, 70 percent of whom returned after the 18th CPC National Congress in late 2012.

In 2016 alone, more than 432,000 foreign-educated Chinese had returned to the country, up 58.48 percent from that in 2012, according to a recent survey carried out among returnees by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), a major Chinese think tank.

While reuniting with family remains the main motive for most returnees, selected by 70.6 percent of those surveyed, favorable policies for overseas-educated students played a big part as well.

Another survey by China Youth Daily (CYD) showed that up to 71 percent agreed that their fellow returnees who chose to start businesses did benefit from the policies.

Zhang Shuhao, an entrepreneur who provides customized overseas journeys and a returnee himself, is among them.

"The benefits include special project incubators, funds, tax cuts, easier access to permanent residence in first-tier cities and others," he said. "From an entrepreneurial standpoint, they're quite appealing."

His words were backed by the numbers. For example, China has so far set up 350 industrial parks exclusively for the foreign-educated, where over 27,000 enterprises have settled.

Gu Zhijie, former researcher at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, is another beneficiary. In the summer of 2016, he received five million yuan (around 770,000 U.S. dollars) of support funds from east China's Zhejiang Province, and thus returned to China to start a business in photoelectric conversion materials.

"You can't get such favorable entrepreneurial conditions in Japan," he said.

According to Kuang Jianjiang, an educational secretary at the Embassy of China in Britain, the CPC Central Committee's growing emphasis on talent over the five years is the root cause to such an influx of returnees.

It was a similar case for returned job hunters.

"A lot of headhunting companies favor overseas graduates, especially for finance jobs," said Wang Yuxuan, a graduate of the University of Miami and a data analyst in Shanghai, who admitted that regardless of the policies, returnees do boast advantages in some cases.

The CCG survey showed that the top three advantages of overseas-educated graduates lie in their international perspective, foreign languages and cross-culture communication. Wang said factors such as career fairs and details including his dress code from life abroad are what helped him most in his career.

"They helped me a lot with my transition from campus to office," he said. "That was why I could get into form immediately after taking the job."

For some, however, both returnees and local governments could make improvements in work readiness.

According to the CCG survey, many overseas returnees saw their lack of adaptation to Chinese society and market environment as disadvantages in job hunting.

Their lack of knowledge about the employment situation and employers' demands back in China, as well as the lack of guidance in the direction of their careers also made the list.

"Some of them also miss the period for China's campus recruitment season," Wang added.

As a result, 59 percent of those surveyed would like a communication platform to be set up for young returnees.

Same goes for returned entrepreneurs. Lang Jing, secretary-general of a union of returned entrepreneurs, suggested local governments improve the service system for entrepreneurs, especially in targeted services and the protection of intellectual property.

"Despite the favorable policies, returnees should improve their own abilities, proactively learn more about the domestic environment and take advantage of the existing platforms," he continued.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-12 22:44:09|Editor: yan

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KIEV, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced here Tuesday that he will initiate a discussion at the United Nations on a possible deployment of the UN peacekeeping troops in Ukraine's conflict-hit eastern region of Donbas.

Poroshenko told reporters that he plans to launch the discussion at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, which will be officially opened in New York later Tuesday.

"I plan to participate in the meeting of the UN Security Council, where we will raise the issue of deploying the blue helmets," Poroshenko said.

He emphasized that the UN force could help settle the conflict in eastern Ukraine via political and diplomatic means.

It is reported that Poroshenko would travel to New York later this weekend.

The armed confrontation between government troops and pro-independence insurgents in Donbas region has been underway since April 2014, claiming about 10,000 lives.

On Sept. 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow will ask the UN Security Council to send peacekeepers to patrol the contact line in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said on the same day that Kiev was ready to consider the deployment of peacekeeping troops.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-12 23:19:29|Editor: yan

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MOSCOW, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The fresh sanctions imposed by a UN Security Council against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over its Sept. 3 nuclear test had been softened taking into account Moscow's demands, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

"All Russia's key demands for the resolution have been taken into account in the text, and the co-authors have not crossed our red lines," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by TASS news agency.

She said that Russia had insisted on removing from the text demands for the forcible interception of vessels at sea and their inspection, the expansion of the list of banned dual-use goods and an embargo on oil supplies to the DPRK.

The authors of the resolution also agreed to remove from its text the provision concerning the deportation of DPRK labor migrants and scrap a joint Russia-DPRK enterprise from the sanctions lists, she said.

On Monday, the UN Security Council unanimously voted for a resolution toughening sanctions against the DPRK.

The resolution curtailed the DPRK's oil supply by almost 30 percent, banned all its textile exports worth 800 million U.S. dollars and remittances of DPRK laborers from abroad.

With the new measures, 90 percent of the DPRK's exports are now banned.

Russian officials have repeatedly said that the policy of pressure on the DPRK including sanctions had exhausted itself and called for defusing the tension on the Korean peninsula through diplomatic and political means.

Moscow has backed China's proposal on the "dual-track approach" about the suspension of missile and nuclear tests by the DPRK and of joint military drills by the United States and South Korea.

On Sept. 3, the DPRK on Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb capable of being carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile, the sixth nuclear test it has undertaken, running counter to relevant UN Security Council resolutions and efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

The latest nuclear test by the DPRK has aroused strong condemnation by countries and international organizations.
A tree is seen after being toppled by strong wind after Hurricane Irma swept through the area, in Miami, Florida, the United States, on Sept. 11, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

MIAMI, the United States, Sept.12 (Xinhua) -- "We felt like a big bomb on top of the roof," Hector, a homeowner in South Miami's Coconut Grove, told Xinhua Monday, as he recollected the scene from Sunday's storm.

"We were inside the house, in another room. We only realized after a while that it was a tree," he said, pointing to a section of heavy log that smashed onto the roof of his house.

"Actually that's an oak tree, and oak trees are supposed to be very hard. That tree has been there for 300 years," he said, still in disbelief over the strength of the 200 km/h wind brought by Hurricane Irma.

Coconut Grove was one of the places around Miami which took the worst hit by Hurricane Irma. At a nearby marina, boats were stacked on top of each other by the time residents returned.

Further north in downtown Miami, three crane towers were completely destroyed. In Brickell, water as deep as three feet flooded streets and homes.

Despite the heavy property losses, the hurricane has taken a less toll on the resident's mood.

By noon, Diane Thorne, a resident of Miami Beach for 24 years, was already taking her two dogs to the beach for a walk.

Thorne said Hurricane Irma was the worst storm she had experienced since moving here from Australia. "This is definitely the worst one, I've never evacuated for any other storm," she said.

But she came back to her home near the beach just one day after the storm has passed, and was ready to continue with her life, even if it meant she had to climb the stairs to her 9th floor home for the time being.

As the day wore on, fallen trees and branches started to disappear from the streets, and signal lights came back to work, replacing temporary traffic wardens that kept order at intersections.

In the famous neighborhood of Little Havana, convenience shops and bakeries reopened their boarded up windows and doors, drawing lines of hungry residents who longed for fresh food.

By late afternoon, a few gas stations were open for business, putting up price signs and striping the plastic cover that protected the pumps during the storm, and supermarkets were once again filled with customers.

As night falls, the remnant effects of the hurricane can still be felt. At around 7:00 p.m. local time (2300 GMT), police officers told businesses to close down and observe curfew that the city authorities have imposed before the hurricane hit. And for millions of homes, including Hector's, it will take days before electricity can be restored.

According to media reports, more than 7.7 million homes and businesses lost power due to Hurricane Irma, 6.7 million of which are in the state of Florida. Four in five homes in the Miami-Dade County lost power at some point during the storm.

But the loss of power was only part of the picture. Worse pains to recover from were the loss of 10 lives in the United States that were caused by Hurricane Irma.

Most of the deaths were in regions that had less time to prepare for the storm due to its last-minute turn from eastern Florida to the western coast.

One person was killed in the southwestern county of Monroe. Two people in the western Hardee county were killed after their cars crashed in the rain. Another person in the central city of Orlando was killed after being electrocuted by a downed wire.

Additional three people died in the state of Georgia.

Compared with the unfortunate, the some 6.5 million evacuated Floridians who will start returning to their homes after roads are cleared and flights resumed can count themselves fortunate.

"We are safe," Hector said as he stood before his damaged home, "That's the most important thing."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 00:10:02|Editor: yan

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BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday sent a congratulatory letter to the commemorative meeting celebrating the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Protecting the ozone layer and combating climate change are common global challenges. Over the past 30 years, the implementation of the Montreal Protocol has effectively curbed damage to the ozone layer caused by human activities, Li said in the letter.

This indicates the determination of the international community in protecting the global environment, and sets an example for solving other global environmental problems, the premier added.

Li noted that China, as a responsible major developing country, has always actively participated in global environmental governance, proposing green, low-carbon, circular and sustainable production patterns, with the aim of balanced promotion of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Under the framework of the Montreal Protocol, the volume of ozone-depleting substances that China has phased out accounted for over half of that of all developing countries. China will continue to assume its international obligations, promote international exchanges and cooperation in environmental protection, and make new contributions to global ecological safety, the premier said in the letter.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 00:10:05|Editor: liuxin

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by Muhammad Tahir

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United States has been involved in its longest war in Afghanistan that started weeks after Sept. 11, 2001.

The U.S. toppled the Taliban government to punish the regime for hosting the Federal Bureau of Investigation's most wanted man, Osama bin Laden, who was killed in May 2011.

Since then, most of the remnants of al-Qaida have allegedly shifted to Arab countries but the United States and NATO allies are still fighting the Taliban under the pretext of ensuring security in Afghanistan. However, it is widely believed by experts that their military campaign over the past 17 years has failed and the war has spread from the south and east to the north, raising concerns among other countries in the region.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday agreed that "there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and a politically negotiated settlement is imperative for lasting peace in Afghanistan."

The two foreign ministers in a meeting in Tehran underscored the fact that the regional countries which have vital stakes in stability in Afghanistan should play a more proactive role in the peace efforts, an Afghan Foreign Ministry statement said.

U.S. President Donald Trump's strategy for Afghanistan announced in late July is widely seen as a continuation of the policies of his predecessors Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai publicly condemned Trump's approach for having no plan to press for a peaceful solution.

The Afghan government, however, backed the new U.S. plan and insisted Afghanistan still needs foreign support.

Shortly after President Trump announced his new strategy, the U.S. media reported that 4,000 additional troops would be deployed to assist the Afghan forces, mostly in training. The Pentagon acknowledged in August for the first time that the U.S. has deployed about 11,000 troops in Afghanistan. U.S. officials had previously stated that 8,400 troops were part of NATO's 15,000 troops comprising the Resolute Support mission.

The surge in troop numbers is a strong indication that the United States still wants to show its military commitment to defeating the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS).

However, foreign affairs and regional experts disagree with the approach and insist that the United States should work towards negotiations with the Taliban.

Former Pakistani ambassador Ayaz Wazir said the United States has achieved nothing despite spending billions of dollars and losing the lives of numerous security personnel.

"I think the U.S. efforts in Afghanistan today are the same as where they were in 2001. The situation has not moved forward even an inch," Wazir told Xinhua on Monday.

Wazir, who has served as director general of the Afghan Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, argued that the United States should join hands with the regional countries to promote reconciliation in the war-ravage country.

When asked about his views on a solution to the Afghan problem, the former diplomat said negotiations with the Taliban is the only option to end the war.

"I strongly believe that the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) comprising Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the U.S. is the best forum to work towards political dialogue. But there could be another regional initiative if stakeholders are in agreement," he said.

The QCG, which was launched in December 2015 on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process, in Islamabad, has been mostly dysfunctional since an American drone killed Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour in May last year.

Mansour was killed just three days after the last meeting of the QCG was held in Islamabad on May 18, and no meeting has been held since then.

A senior Afghan journalist Najam Borhani believes that there has been some progress in terms of infrastructural development and the establishment of a political and education system in Afghanistan, and the country has assumed a political role in the region, but Afghanistan still faces the "worst security situation," he said.

"The Taliban have expanded their insurgency campaign and the country now also faces the challenge from the Islamic State. The U.S. is mistaken if it thinks it can win the war with the same strategy. The U.S. military is also committing mistakes in its air strikes, which are killing many civilians," Borhani told Xinhua on Monday.

He said the United States should either hold direct talks with the Taliban or stand with the government of President Ashraf Ghani to work for reconciliation with the Taliban insurgents and also involve regional countries in the process.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 00:15:09|Editor: Yang Yi

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GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai SIPG reached their first AFC Champions League semifinals, winning a penalty shootout 5-4 against Guangzhou Evergrande here on Tuesday evening.

Both sides ended their two-leg quarterfinals 5-5 on aggregate after the two-time champions rallied from a 4-0 first-leg deficit, scoring four goals on home turf to force the extra times where they played to a 1-1 tie.

Alan dribbled past keeper Yan Junling to break the deadlock in the 21st minute, then the 28-year-old headed home a fine cross from Zhang Linpeng in the 34th minute.

Before the half break, Guangzhou almost made it 3-0, only to see Ricardo Goulart narrowly miss the target in the 42nd minute.

The home side again dominated the second half, only to see Goulart hit the woodwork on the 66th minute. The 2015 MVP then scored with a diving header to cut the deficit to one goal with six minutes remaining.

Later on, the Brazilian rose high to head home the equalizer for a 4-4 scoreline on aggregate.

During the extra-time, Shanghai's defender Wang Jiajie was sent off, but Hulk curled home a stunning free-kick to take the lead for the visitors again in the 108th minute.

In the 115th minute, Muriqui was fouled inside the box to see Wang Shenchao dismissed and Goulart came out to convert the penalty to complete his hat-trick.

Yet, Goulart was crestfallen after he hit the opening penalty of the shootout onto the post, while Shanghai eventually scored all of their five penalties with Yu Hai converting the final spot-kick to send his side into the last four.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 01:15:43|Editor: Yamei

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China's Premier Li Keqiang and heads of major international economic institutions pose for pictures before the "1+6" Roundtable Meeting in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 12, 2017. Li, together with World Bank Group (WBG) President Jim Yong Kim, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Roberto Azevedo, International Labor Organization (ILO) Director-General Guy Ryder, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Secretary-General Angel Gurria and Financial Stability Board (FSB) Chairman Mark Carney, held the Second "1+6" Roundtable here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- All countries should support multilateral trade rules and stay committed to economic globalization for the growth of world economy, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday.

Li made the comment when hosting the second "1+6" Roundtable with heads of major international economic institutions in Beijing.

The foreign dignitaries are World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Azevedo, International Labor Organization Director-General Guy Ryder, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Secretary-General Angel Gurria and Financial Stability Board Chairman Mark Carney.

"The world economic recovery remains fragile and uneven. This requires countries to act in a spirit of partnership and cooperation to advocate multilateralism," Li said.

In order to spread the benefits of growth more fairly among countries and communities, countries should give priority to employment, create more and better jobs, and make social security benefits more equitable and sustainable to reduce poverty and inequality, Li said.

"China will synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with the 2030 Sustainable Agenda for Development as well as other countries' development strategies to achieve common growth and prosperity," the premier said.

Stressing free trade provides an effective means for tackling the lackluster world economy, Li said the WTO-centered multilateral trading regime must be respected and upheld, as it is vital to the stability of the global economic order.

"Countries need to leverage their comparative advantages to share the fruits of development and address trade imbalances. Rather than closing their doors, countries should pursue greater opening-up and expand mutual openness," Li said.

He suggested greater effort to push forward structural reform and guard against financial risks.

On the Chinese economy, Li said it has shifted from investment- and export-driven growth to one being driven by a combination of consumption, investment and export, and from quantitative expansion to qualitative growth.

The value added of the services sector accounted for 54.1 percent of GDP growth and consumption has become the primary growth driver, contributing 63.4 percent to economic growth in the first half of 2017.

"China remains a leading performer in economic growth and contributes more than 30 percent of global growth," said Li.

Li expressed confidence in medium-high economic growth, saying the Chinese economy grew by 6.9 percent in the first six months and such momentum has been maintained in the second half of the year.

He attributed China's growth to the government's efforts to streamline administration, strengthen regulation, improve services, as well as cut red tape and bring down taxes and fees.

Noting that China's biggest strength in development lies in its rich human resources, Li said China has launched a mass entrepreneurship and innovation initiative across the country, which has greatly unleashed market vitality and social creativity.

Li cited stable employment as a major highlight in the Chinese economy, saying over 13 million new jobs have been created each year for the past four years.

The Chinese government has been implementing the Internet-plus and big data strategies and fostering the digital, sharing and green economies, he said.

Heads of major international economic institutions expressed optimism in the prospects of China's economic growth, saying the country's continuous reform and opening-up will create more opportunities for China and the world economy.

They agreed to strengthen cooperation with China and support the transformation and upgrading of its economy.

They applauded China's firm commitment to maintaining the multilateral trading regime and expected regular discussions with the country on major issues of concern.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 01:40:57|Editor: yan

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by Xinhua writer Wang Bowen, Chen Wenxian

JERUSALEM, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner carrying 240 passengers landed at Ben Gurion Airport this morning at 7:36 a.m. local time (0436 GMT), ending the virgin flight of Hainan Airlines' new Shanghai-Tel Aviv route.

Beginning on Sept. 12, Hainan Airlines will be flying three times a week -- on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays -- between Shanghai and Tel Aviv, the first direct flight between Israel and the economic capital of China.

"The opening of the new flights will further facilitate people-to-people exchange and economic and trade cooperation between the two peoples," said Zhan Yongxin, China's ambassador to Israel, who added that by the end of the year, a new record would be set for tourist entries from China, with the number of Chinese tourists visiting Israel exceeding 100,000, which would double the figure from two years ago.

"Now we have two destinations from China landing at Ben Gurion airport. This morning with 15 minutes gap between the two flights is like a dream. We will continue to have a new record every month with number of tourists from China to Israel," said Amir Halevi, director general of Israel's Ministry of Tourism.

Hainan launched its first route from China's capital Beijing to Tel Aviv in April 2016. The airline announced that it was considering expanding its service on this route as demand surges.

The new direct flight from Shanghai would serve as a complement to the Beijing-Tel Aviv route, said Hainan Airlines VP Hou Wei.

According to him, the Beijing-Tel Aviv route has carried more than 75,000 passengers since its inaugural flight last April, among which about 30 percent are Israelis.

"The new direct flight from Shanghai to Tel Aviv could further accommodate the needs from tourists, businessmen and other people engaged in China-Israel ties. I hope to boost the number of visitors from both sides," Hou added.

The event has attracted much attention from Israel.

Before the first flight, Minister of Transport and Intelligence Yisrael Katz said the newly-added flight "is likely to provide an incentive for realizing the huge potential of incoming tourism from China, and bolster Israel's exposure as a desirable tourist destination."

Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin, currently visiting Shanghai, said Monday before he took off, "I congratulate Hainan for opening the route from Shanghai to Israel as part of its fruitful cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism. When I became minister, one of my main goals was to increase tourism from China, and we are now seeing a major rise in tourist traffic from that country."

Hainan Airlines, part of the HNA holding company with a fleet of 185 planes, is the largest private airline in China as well as the fourth largest airline in the country, after the government-owned China Eastern Airlines, Air China and China Southern Airlines.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 02:21:13|Editor: yan

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ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Tuesday commended Ethiopia's utilization of funds in undertaking development projects in various sectors.

The remarks are made by Calleb Weggoro, AfDB's Executive Director in charge of Eastern Africa, who paid a working visit to Ethiopia from September 4 to 12, which includes a visit to the Bank's funded transport and energy projects along the Ethiopia-Kenya corridor.

Weggoro, after his visit, commended the Ethiopian government for the quick action in conjunction with the country office to bring new contractors to undertake works, which are expected to be completed by end of 2018, the bank indicated in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The 300km of road from Hagaremariam to Moyale, funded by the Bank as part of the 1,200km road from Modjo to Isiolo in Kenya, is complete, while the one stop border post (OSBP) at Moyale in Ethiopia is 80 percent complete and 100 percent complete on the Kenyan side of Moyale.

The OSBP is an ultra-modern facility that will facilitate trade between Ethiopia and Kenya and by extension the whole of East Africa Community (Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) and Eastern DR Congo, it was noted.

The 1,000km high voltage electricity transmission lines project funded by the Bank that will evacuate about 2,000 MW of energy from Ethiopia to Kenya are very advanced and soon Ethiopia will start earning money from power export to Kenya, he noted.

The executive director further commended the improvement as part of the nationwide electricity transmission lines, which was funded with a 200 million U.S. dollars facility by the Bank.

In addition to the Kenya-Ethiopia energy project, the Bank also funded the construction of transmission lines taking power from Ethiopia to Djibouti. These regional integration projects will earn Ethiopia foreign currency through exports of energy products, he stated.
Smoke rises after an airstrike against an Islamic State position near Deir ez-Zor City in east Syria, Sept. 11, 2017. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani)

MOSCOW, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Syrian government troops, supported by the Russian air force, are in control of nearly the entire territory of the Middle Eastern country, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

"As of today, 85 percent of Syria's territory has been freed from illegal armed units. About 27,800 square kilometers of the territory of the republic have yet to be liberated before IS is completely destroyed," a ministry statement quoted Lt. Gen. Alexander Lapin, chief of staff of the Russian Armed Forces group in Syria, as saying.

He said government troops continued to conduct successful offensive operations along the western bank of the Euphrates River in northeast Syria, clearing Islamic State (IS) terrorists in the northern and southern quarters of Deir ez-Zor after breaking a three-year blockade of this city.

After the defenses of the terrorists were disrupted, servicemen of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Warring Parties in Syria delivered more than 10 tons of food, medicine and other humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of the city.

The Syrian armed forces de-blocked a military airfield in the area, where over 1,000 servicemen were surrounded for ten months, Lapin said.

The government forces have also expelled terrorists from a strategically important traffic junction, the city of Akerbat in Hama province in western Syria, which was transformed by IS militants into a powerful fortified area, he said.

Lapin said that all the remaining routes for supply of ammunition and equipment to terrorists were blocked and the terrorists continued to resist despite heavy losses.

"The operation to destroy the militants of IS and the Nusra Front terrorist groups in Syria will continue until their complete extermination," Lapin said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 02:31:18|Editor: Yamei

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British Brexit secretary David Davis (L) and European Union (EU) chief negotiator Michel Barnier attend a joint press briefing in Brussels, Belgium, Aug. 31, 2017. No decisive progress has been reached in the third round of Brexit talks, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said here Thursday, warning that the talk mandate given by the European Parliament should not be underestimated. (Xinhua file photo/Ye Pingfan)

LONDON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The British government and the European Union (EU) on Tuesday afternoon announced they would start the fourth round of Brexit negotiations on September 25.

A spokesperson for the British government said: "Both sides settled on the date after discussions between senior officials in recognition that more time for consultation would give negotiators the flexibility to make progress in the September round."

The September 25 date marks a postponement of one week in agreed timetable of talks by the two parties as they work out how Britain will leave the EU, a move precipitated by the referendum on EU membership held in Britain in June 2016.

The Independent newspaper website in Britain reported that it believed British Prime Minister Theresa May was likely to make an important speech on Brexit talks on September 22.

May's Cabinet contains advocates of both a Hard Brexit, with no retention of current trade and legal rights but instead a new agreement, and also supporters of a Soft Brexit.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 04:02:01|Editor: yan

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WINDHOEK, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- In an effort to promote economic development and solve complex conservation challenges facing world heritage sites, the African World Heritage Fund Patron and former President of Namibia Hifikepunye Pohamba will host a business leader's breakfast event in Namibian Capital, Windhoek on Thursday.

The African World Heritage Fund is an initiative of the African Member States of the African Union and UNESCO, launched in 2006.

Webber Ndoro, executive director of the African World Heritage Fund, at a media briefing on Tuesday in Windhoek said that the aim of the event is to promote a holistic private sector engagement, raise a sense of ownership and accountability for heritage protection as well as transmission of World Heritage sites in Namibia and Africa.

"To continue with its mandate, the fund needs to mobilize resources to assist in solving various challenges facing heritage sites. This can be achieved through strong partnerships with the private sector," Ndoro said.

Ndoro cited limited funds to enhance capacity building and manage the sites across the continent.

Namibia has two World Heritage sites: Namib Sand Sea and Twyfelfontein.

According to Ester Moombolah-Goagoses, chairperson of the Namibia Heritage Council, the aim is therefore to further exploit the World Heritage status of the Namib Sand Sea and Twyfelfontein for the benefit of local communities to address poverty alleviation and improve socio-economic status through tourism.

"It's envisaged that through cooperation with the private sector, the fund will have the capacity to continue supporting skills development in terms of human resources in the conservation management and tourism, and subsequently contribute to the fulfilment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that target to protect the planet, end poverty and the African Union Agenda 2063," said Moombolah-Goagoses.

The business leader's breakfast event, to be jointly hosted with Pedro de Verona Rodrigues, former president of the Republic of Cabo Verde, Heritage Expert Christina Cameron from Canada and Phuthuma Nhleko, a prominent Businessman from South Africa, is expected to draw about 15 companies operating in Namibia and the SADC region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 04:17:09|Editor: yan

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MINSK, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The first Belarusian companies start frozen beef export to China, the Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry said on Tuesday.

Two Belarusian companies, OAO Mogilev Meat Packing Plant and Veles-Meat, have been opened for deliveries of beef to China, head of the Foreign Trade Department of the ministry Aleksei Bogdanov told local media.

Belarus also constantly invites Chinese business delegations to work out delivery logistics, discuss meat cutting specifics and analyze the taste preferences of consumers, Bogdanov said.

Eight Belarusian meat processing companies have been certified to export beef to China.

In 2017, Belarus will export 20 million U.S. dollars worth of beef to China. A protocol of intent on beef export to China has been signed between Chinese companies and Belarusian enterprises.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 04:17:10|Editor: liuxin

Mulla Bukhtiyar, head of political office of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), attends a news conference after a meeting of the three main Kurdish parties in the region in Erbil, Iraq on Sept. 12, 2017. The Kurdish parties on Tuesday expressed their regret for the Iraqi parliament's decision to reject the independence referendum of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region slated for Sept. 25. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

ARBIL, Iraq, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Kurdish parties on Tuesday expressed their regret for the Iraqi parliament decision to reject the independence referendum of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region slated for Sept. 25.

"The leaders of the main Kurdish parties regretted the Iraqi parliament's decision against the referendum in Kurdistan and the authorization of Abadi (Iraqi Prime Minister) to take all measures to preserve Iraq's unity, including the use of military force," Mulla Bukhtiyar, head of political office of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), said at a news conference after a meeting of the three main Kurdish parties in the region.

Bukhtiyar interpreted the parliament decision of "taking all measures" as using military force, however the parliament decision did not literally mentioned using military force.

"The logic of the use of arms in solving problems is very dangerous in the democratic Iraq," Bukhtiyar said, adding the Kurdish parties "called for calm conditions."

"We have an agreement with the Iraqi government sponsored by the United States that prevents the intervention of armed forces in solving the problems of Iraq," said Bukhtiyar who is also authorized to speak on behalf of the meeting of the three Kurdish parties.

The PUK, with Iraqi President Fuad Masoum being a leading figure, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), headed by the regional President Masoud Barzani, and Goran Movement, the largest opposition party in the region, had held a meeting during the day to convince Goran to participate in the referendum.

They agreed that the meeting will continue for the coming days to take unified stand toward the issue of referendum.

Earlier in the day, the Iraqi parliament voted on a draft of law rejecting the Kurdish independence referendum, putting obligation on Abadi to "take all measures that preserve the unity of Iraq and start a serious dialogue to address outstanding issues between Baghdad and the Kurdish region."

Hoshyar Zebari, a Kurdish leading figure and former Iraq's Finance and Foreign Minister, said earlier in an interview with Xinhua that the referendum will be held on Sept. 25, after all the official bodies in the region completed their preparations in all aspects of security and logistics.

On June 7, the Kurdish President Barzani announced his intention to hold a referendum on the independence of the Kurdish region from Iraq on Sept. 25.

The independence of Kurdistan is expected to be opposed by some countries because it would threaten the integrity of Iraq and it comes as the Iraqi forces are in fight against terrorism, including the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

In addition, the neighboring countries as Turkey, Iran and Syria see that such a step would threaten their territorial integrity, as large populations of Kurds live in those countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 04:27:13|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Miroslav Lajcak, the new president of the UN General Assembly, on Tuesday declared the opening of the 72 session of the decision-making body of the United Nations.

In his opening speech to the first plenary session, Lajcak outlined his priorities for the year ahead: people at the center of work, balance of interests, quality of work and transparency.

"Sometimes the work of the United Nations can be very complex. But the reason for its establishment was simple: the United Nations was created for people. Its job is to help people who are striving for peace (to have) a decent life on a sustainable planet," he said.

He also highlighted the important upcoming events: an inter-governmental compact on migration, a high-level meeting on sustainable peace, the signing of a treaty on the elimination of nuclear weapons, a high-level meeting on sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as UN reform.

He stressed the importance of multilateralism. "I have always believed strongly in the power of multilateralism. This belief will be tested from time to time during the 72nd session, but ultimately I am confident that it will be reaffirmed."

The General Assembly is one of the six most principal organs of the United Nations, the only one in which all member states have equal representation.

The assembly has powers to oversee the budget of the United Nations, appoint the non-permanent members to the Security Council and make recommendations in the form of General Assembly resolutions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 04:52:21|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Miroslav Lajcak, the new president of the UN General Assembly, on Tuesday declared the opening of the 72 session of the decision-making body of the United Nations.

In his opening speech at the first plenary session, Lajcak outlined his priorities for the year ahead: people at the center of work, balance of interests, quality of work and transparency.

"Sometimes the work of the United Nations can be very complex. But the reason for its establishment was simple: the United Nations was created for people. Its job is to help people who are striving for peace and a decent life on a sustainable planet," he said.

It would be impossible to choose simply one priority for the United Nations to focus on this year. Opinions would differ from region to region -- or indeed from person to person, he said, promising to represent different viewpoints.

He also highlighted the important upcoming events: the negotiations for an inter-governmental compact on migration, a high-level meeting on sustainable peace, the signing of a treaty on the elimination of nuclear weapons, an international compact against sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as UN reform.

UN reform will allow the world organization to work in a way it never has before, he said. However, reforms will also represent follow-up. The United Nations has been reforming and evolving over the years. "We must thus see UN reforms as an opportunity to contribute to an ongoing process -- but with a fresh outlook."

He stressed the importance of multilateralism. "I have always believed strongly in the power of multilateralism. This belief will be tested from time to time during the 72nd session, but ultimately I am confident that it will be reaffirmed."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauded Lajcak at the first plenary session.

"His experience, his vision and his wisdom are recognised by all of us that have the privilege to know him. I also welcome President Lajcak's choice of the theme for the year to come: "Focusing on people: striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet."

"I have no doubt the assembly is in very capable hands," he said.

Lajcak, a Slovak diplomat, succeeded Peter Thomson of Fiji as General Assembly president. Lajcak served as his country's foreign minister for several times and has been involved in Europe-level diplomacy. He was a candidate for last year's UN secretary-general selection.

The General Assembly is one of the six most principal organs of the United Nations, the only one in which all member states have equal representation.

The assembly has powers to oversee the budget of the United Nations, appoint the non-permanent members to the Security Council and make recommendations in the form of General Assembly resolutions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 06:33:11|Editor: yan

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DAMASCUS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday, conveying Russian President Vladimir Putin's congratulations on the Deir al-Zour progress, state news agency SANA reported.

Both have talked about the cooperation between the Syrian and Russian military forces to carry on with the offensive to fully liberate Deir al-Zour city from the terrorists, said SANA.

The rare visit signifies the strong alliance between Damascus and Moscow, as the Russian air force has played a major role in enabling the Syrian army to break the Islamic State (IS) siege on Deir al-Zour in eastern Syria last week.

Moscow has also sent 157 engineers to defuse mines left by IS in Deir al-Zour.

The Syrian army has lifted the siege to the capital city of Deir al-Zour by breaking into the terror group's defense line around the Brigade 137 base of the Syrian army.

Lifting the siege of the base made a breach into the city, as the base is adjoining an enclave of government loyalists in the city.

On Saturday, the Syrian troops secured the main road to Deir al-Zour, through the desert region in the remote eastern countryside of Homs Province in central Syria.

The army also captured several key areas in the city and its countryside, such as breaking the siege on the Deir al-Zour air base, capturing the Teym oil field and the Tharda mountains.

Now, the army forces will proceed to drive out IS from the half of Deir al-Zour they are still holding, before proceeding to dislodge the terror-designated group from the countryside of Deir al-Zour.

Since entering the city last week, the government has sent hundreds of tons of food and medical items to around 93,000 civilians who have suffered during IS three-year-long siege.

Deir al-Zour is the last major stronghold of IS, as the terror-designated group is also losing its de facto capital of Raqqa to the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, which has captured more than 60 percent of Raqqa.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 06:48:19|Editor: yan

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon slammed bitcoin on Tuesday, saying the digital currency is "a fraud" that will eventually blow up.

Addressing the Delivering Alpha conference presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor, Dimon called bitcoin "a fraud." "It's just not a real thing, eventually it will be closed," he added.

In a separate conference earlier Tuesday, Dimon said bitcoin mania is reminiscent of the tulip bulb craze in the 17th century.

"It's worse than tulip bulbs. It won't end well. Someone is going to get killed," he said.

Dimon said he would not allow JP Morgan traders to trade bitcoin, noting that "it's against our rules and they are stupid."

The bitcoin fell after Dimon's comments. It traded at around 4,174 U.S. dollars as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

The price of Bitcoin has soared by 330 percent so far this year. Some analysts even see the price surging to 6,000 dollars next year.

According to a recent survey by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, bitcoin is now considered as the "most crowed trade," meaning investors believe there are too many people on the buying side and it could result in a bubble burst.

Chinese authorities last week ordered a ban on Initial Coin Offerings, a nascent form of fundraising in which technology start-ups issue their own digital coins, such as bitcoin, to investors to access funds as the rapidly expanding market spawned concerns over financial risks.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 06:53:21|Editor: yan

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HAVANA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Venezuelan army plane carrying 7.3 tons of humanitarian aid arrived in Havana on Tuesday, becoming the first foreign relief to arrive in Cuba after Hurricane Irma battered the island over the weekend.

The Chinese-made Y-8 plane touched down at Jose Marti International Airport with a message of solidarity from the people and government of Venezuela, Havana's main political and economic ally in the region.

The aid consists of mattresses, water and canned foods, with Caracas preparing more shipments to assist Cuba, which saw 10 people killed and widespread damage because of Irma.

The Venezuelan Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Blanca Eekhout, said her nation will assist Cuba in these "hard times" as a token of gratitude for the solidarity the island country has shared with Caracas over the years.

"Cuba has always been with Venezuela in the most difficult times and that is why we are permanently committed to its people and revolution," she said in Havana after arriving with the humanitarian cargo.

Venezuela also sent a similar shipment to Antigua and Barbuda, which also suffered heavy losses due to the hurricane.

Cuba's deputy minister of foreign trade, Roberto Lopez, highlighted Venezuela's willingness to help the island in this difficult situation and thanked Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for the aid.

"It is the first aid we receive from abroad and we reiterate our gratitude to the Venezuelan people. This reaffirms the bonds of brotherhood between the two nations," said Lopez.

The impact on the island's economy has not been assessed yet, but the storm left a path of destruction in tourism infrastructure, agriculture and housing.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 07:08:26|Editor: liuxin

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BRASILIA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Luis Roberto Barroso on Tuesday authorized a new investigation into President Michel Temer for suspected corruption.

The justice ruled that there is sufficient evidence to investigate whether Temer signed a decree in May 2017 to favor a company operating in a port in exchange for bribes.

The top court also authorized an investigation into Temer's close advisor, Rodrigo Rocha Loures, and two other businessmen on suspicion of corruption and money laundering.

There are no immediate comments from the president on the ruling, but Temer has denied any wrongdoing in the cases raised against him.

The request to open such a process was made by prosecutor-general Rodrigo Janot in June to establish whether Temer acted to benefit Rodrimar, a logistics firm, which won a tender to operate at the important Brazilian port of Santos.

"Nobody should be indifferent to the personal and political responsibility of a public authority, notably the President of the Republic, such as appearing as under investigation in such a procedure," wrote Barroso in his decision.

Barroso was appointed to oversee this investigation after Janot asked it should be given a new rapporteur, not linked to previous investigations under Operation Lava Jato.

Another Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin opened a criminal investigation against Temer in May for corruption, but the Chamber of Deputies voted to drop the charges.

The new case also involves Rocha Loures, who was filmed accepting a briefcase filled with 500,000 reais (160,000 U.S. dollars), which was believed to be a bribe for Temer from meatpacking group JBS.

On Monday, as part of another investigation, the federal police said Temer had received 31 million reais (10 million U.S. dollars) in "illicit advantages" as the leader of a group of senior figures within the ruling Brazilian Democratic Movement Party.
Miroslav Lajcak (R), President of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after the opening of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Miroslav Lajcak, the new president of the UN General Assembly, on Tuesday declared the opening of the 72 session of the decision-making body of the United Nations.

In his opening speech at the first plenary session, Lajcak outlined his priorities for the year ahead: people at the center of work, balance of interests, quality of work and transparency.

"Sometimes the work of the United Nations can be very complex. But the reason for its establishment was simple: the United Nations was created for people. Its job is to help people who are striving for peace and a decent life on a sustainable planet," he said.

It would be impossible to choose simply one priority for the United Nations to focus on this year. Opinions would differ from region to region -- or indeed from person to person, he said, promising to represent different viewpoints.

He also highlighted the important upcoming events: the negotiations for an inter-governmental compact on migration, a high-level meeting on sustainable peace, the signing of a treaty on the elimination of nuclear weapons, an international compact against sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as UN reform.

UN reform will allow the world organization to work in a way it never has before, he said. However, reforms will also represent follow-up. The United Nations has been reforming and evolving over the years. "We must thus see UN reforms as an opportunity to contribute to an ongoing process -- but with a fresh outlook."

He stressed the importance of multilateralism. "I have always believed strongly in the power of multilateralism. This belief will be tested from time to time during the 72nd session, but ultimately I am confident that it will be reaffirmed."

Photo taken on Sept. 12, 2017, shows the opening of 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauded Lajcak at the first plenary session.

"His experience, his vision and his wisdom are recognised by all of us that have the privilege to know him. I also welcome President Lajcak's choice of the theme for the year to come: "Focusing on people: striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet."

"I have no doubt the assembly is in very capable hands," he said.

Lajcak, a Slovak diplomat, succeeded Peter Thomson of Fiji as General Assembly president. Lajcak served as his country's foreign minister for several times and has been involved in Europe-level diplomacy. He was a candidate for last year's UN secretary-general selection.

The General Assembly is one of the six most principal organs of the United Nations, the only one in which all member states have equal representation.

The assembly has powers to oversee the budget of the United Nations, appoint the non-permanent members to the Security Council and make recommendations in the form of General Assembly resolutions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 07:23:36|Editor: liuxin

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By Matthew Rusling

MIAMI, the United States, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- While Hurricane Irma has ravaged Miami and surrounding areas in southeastern U.S., the real problem is rising sea levels, a potentially disastrous problem that Miami shares with cities worldwide, experts said.

MIAMI AT RIST EVEN ON SUNNY DAYS

For the first time in recorded history, ocean levels are rising, after being stable for the last 5,000 or 6,000 years. The U.S. National Ocean Service said global sea levels will likely continue to rise, and Miami residents said flooding due to rising sea level has worsened over the years.

Now, low lying cities worldwide, from Mumbai to Bangkok to Miami here in southern Florida, are under the same threat, as many are low lying and not built with sea level rise in mind.

While hurricanes and other storms can bring short term damage, slowly rising sea levels threaten to put cities permanently under water.

"It's not just about Miami. Any coastal city in the world, including Mumbai, Jakarta, Tokyo, Calcutta ... are all low lying coastal cities," John Englander, a leading expert and author on rising sea levels, told Xinhua.

"Sea level rise is becoming a problem in all of those places," he said. "Miami is good as an illustration, but if we think it's a Miami problem we're going to be misled."

"Because from Washington D.C. to London, England, those are cities on tidal rivers, and as the ocean height rises, those cities have more flooding too," said Englander, author of High Tide On Main Street: Rising Sea Level and the Coming Coastal Crisis.

The book was named as one of the top 50 books to read by Politico, a widely respected U.S. news website.

"All over the world we have built as if sea level would not rise. Now that sea level has started to rise, we have to plan differently," he said.

"Really this is about every coastal city in the world," he noted.

Miami grabbed nationwide headlines over the weekend as a massive storm hit the area. Hurricane Irma ravaged the downtown area, causing floodwaters to surge to waist-high levels and making streets look like rivers.

But Miami does not need storms to cause flooding, as flooding from high sea levels can occur on sunny days due simply to high tides and the city's low lying position.

Other factors also contribute, such as the fact that the city lies on a bed of limestone, which is porous and allows water to seep through from underneath the treets, coming up through drains and flooding the streets.

ASIA ALSO AT RISK

Many cities in Asia are at risk as well.

Bangkok, capital of Thailand, tops the list of Asian cities at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels.

A 2015 government report found that Bangkok, home to around 14 million residents, could be underwater in 15 years due to rising sea levels.

The tourist paradise in 2011 saw the worst flooding in its history, which killed over 800 people and impacted 12 million others. The economy took a loss of over 40 billion U.S. dollars, as supply chains were severely disrupted and business slowed to a halt.

A number of other low lying cities and countries are in particular danger, Englander said.

"Bangladesh and Vietnam are two low lying countries with tens of millions of people. Hong Kong is a mountainous island ... But the development on the waterfront has all been done at very low level (close to the sea)," he said.

Scientists say Bangladesh, a low-lying country, will also be one of the world's hardest hit areas, as oceans warm up and polar ice melts, causing sea levels to rise.

Data from that country's Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level shows sea levels in the southwestern part of the country rose by around seven millimeters per year between 1980 to 2003. That is well above the global average of three millimeters between that time period.

A study by Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research has forecast that global sea levels will rise on average between 56 centimeters and 106 centimeters by 2100.

Some regions will be worse impacted than others. Those countries include India, Bangladesh, Japan, Argentina, Australia and South Africa.

At the same time, other areas will see a slightly less-than-average rise, including the Pacific Northwest in the United States, as well as Western Europe, the study found.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

"The fact is that we have to start building higher," Englander said, referring to low-lying coastal cities worldwide.

"In some places, levies and seawalls can be built, perhaps pumps for a short period of time will solve the problem temporarily. But basically if you know that sea level is going to become three meters higher sometime in the next 50 or 100 or 150 years, the sooner we start building higher, the better," he said.

Miami residents told Xinhua that even at times of calm weather and sunshine, high tides can flood Miami's streets by several inches. Those are often known as king tides.

Englander said king ties are becoming a problem worldwide.

"You're seeing this in cities all over the world, that when we have a full moon high tide, and it pulls the oceans more strongly, they are getting more flooding," he said.

FOR MIAMI, DANGER NOT ONLY ON BEACHFRONTS

Back in Miami, the city boasts a large Cuban-American population, which has lived in the area since the 1960s and is often influential and wealthy. Recent immigrants have come from all over Latin America, and Spanish is often heard spoken on the street.

Southern Florida is also a major retirement destination for Americans nationwide, who want to spend their golden years soaking up the sun, and a playground for the rich and famous.

"If water is rising, you're in a basin by definition," Daniel Kreeger, executive director of the Association of Climate Change Officers, told Xinhua, over a meal at a Cuban restaurant.

The danger to Miami and surrounding areas is not necessarily in beachfront areas, despite many people's belief that beaches would be the main areas impacted, he said.

The area's many beaches are essentially dunes, and as one travels inland, the landscape becomes flat. That eventually backs up into swampland in the Florida everglades, which causes the local landscape to trap water. At a time of rising sea level, water may increasingly have nowhere to go.

"In that sort of situation, your problem is where do you push water when it comes on land? You can't push it into the ocean or the Everglades ... there's just no where to put it," he said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 07:28:38|Editor: liuxin

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Justice won't bring federal charges against six police officers involved in the in-custody death of a young black man, it was revealed on Tuesday.

The 2015 death of Freddie Gray, 25, has triggered weeks of protests against police brutality and turmoil in the city of Baltimore, the state of Maryland.

Gray was handcuffed, shackled but unrestrained by a seat belt when his neck was broken in the back of a police transport wagon on April 12, 2015. He suffered a fatal spinal cord injury and eventually died one week after.

Six police officers were charged by state prosecutors after Gray's death. Three of them were acquitted at trial, and Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby later dropped the remaining state cases.

The Gray family's attorney, Billy Murphy, said the Justice Department informed him on Tuesday that no federal charges would be filed. The decision means none of the officers will be held criminally responsible for Gray's death.

However, five officers face internal disciplinary hearings scheduled to begin on Oct. 30. The sixth one was not charged administratively, according to reports from the Baltimore Sun newspaper and ABC News.

Amid the escalated unrest and violence following Gray's funeral on April 27, 2015, the then U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced that the Justice Department would be launching a federal civil rights investigation into his death.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 07:33:40|Editor: liuxin

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CHICAGO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The city of Kenosha in Wisconsin state says it's no longer in pursuit of landing a Foxconn plant on Tuesday, leaving Racine the most likely candidate to host Foxconn's multi-billion dollars project, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

On Monday, Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian wrote to state Governor Scott Walker, saying his city could not support and absorb the development of the project "without significant adjustments to specific current State laws impacting local municipalities."

"Based upon the current status of the legislative bill which addresses the project, the city of Kenosha regrets that we will not be able to support this development in our community," Antaramian wrote in a letter seen by Xinhua reporter.

Kenosha's absence would leave Racine County as the most likely spot for Foxconn assembly plant that is expected to employ more than 13,000 workers and bring more than 10 billion U.S. dollars of investment. Wisconsin's Legislators are voting later this week on a 2.85 billion dollars incentive package, which Foxconn will receive if it meets all requirements of bringing investment and creating jobs.

Racine and Kenosha counties had been competing for months for the Foxconn plant. It is reported that Antaramian had pursued legislative changes aggressively in order to land the Foxconn plant, but finally gave up.

Foxconn Technology Group is a Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturing company.
Trees and branches are seen on a street after being torn down by strong winds as hurricane Irma arrives in Miami, Florida, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

By Matthew Rusling

MIAMI, the United States, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- While Hurricane Irma has ravaged Miami and surrounding areas in southeastern U.S., the real problem is rising sea levels, a potentially disastrous problem that Miami shares with cities worldwide, experts said.

MIAMI AT RIST EVEN ON SUNNY DAYS

For the first time in recorded history, ocean levels are rising, after being stable for the last 5,000 or 6,000 years. The U.S. National Ocean Service said global sea levels will likely continue to rise, and Miami residents said flooding due to rising sea level has worsened over the years.

Now, low lying cities worldwide, from Mumbai to Bangkok to Miami here in southern Florida, are under the same threat, as many are low lying and not built with sea level rise in mind.

While hurricanes and other storms can bring short term damage, slowly rising sea levels threaten to put cities permanently under water.

"It's not just about Miami. Any coastal city in the world, including Mumbai, Jakarta, Tokyo, Calcutta ... are all low lying coastal cities," John Englander, a leading expert and author on rising sea levels, told Xinhua.

"Sea level rise is becoming a problem in all of those places," he said. "Miami is good as an illustration, but if we think it's a Miami problem we're going to be misled."

"Because from Washington D.C. to London, England, those are cities on tidal rivers, and as the ocean height rises, those cities have more flooding too," said Englander, author of High Tide On Main Street: Rising Sea Level and the Coming Coastal Crisis.

The book was named as one of the top 50 books to read by Politico, a widely respected U.S. news website.

"All over the world we have built as if sea level would not rise. Now that sea level has started to rise, we have to plan differently," he said.

"Really this is about every coastal city in the world," he noted.

Miami grabbed nationwide headlines over the weekend as a massive storm hit the area. Hurricane Irma ravaged the downtown area, causing floodwaters to surge to waist-high levels and making streets look like rivers.

But Miami does not need storms to cause flooding, as flooding from high sea levels can occur on sunny days due simply to high tides and the city's low lying position.

Other factors also contribute, such as the fact that the city lies on a bed of limestone, which is porous and allows water to seep through from underneath the treets, coming up through drains and flooding the streets.

Trees and branches are seen on a street after being torn down by strong winds as hurricane Irma arrives in Miami, Florida, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

ASIA ALSO AT RISK

Many cities in Asia are at risk as well.

Bangkok, capital of Thailand, tops the list of Asian cities at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels.

A 2015 government report found that Bangkok, home to around 14 million residents, could be underwater in 15 years due to rising sea levels.

The tourist paradise in 2011 saw the worst flooding in its history, which killed over 800 people and impacted 12 million others. The economy took a loss of over 40 billion U.S. dollars, as supply chains were severely disrupted and business slowed to a halt.

A number of other low lying cities and countries are in particular danger, Englander said.

"Bangladesh and Vietnam are two low lying countries with tens of millions of people. Hong Kong is a mountainous island ... But the development on the waterfront has all been done at very low level (close to the sea)," he said.

Scientists say Bangladesh, a low-lying country, will also be one of the world's hardest hit areas, as oceans warm up and polar ice melts, causing sea levels to rise.

Data from that country's Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level shows sea levels in the southwestern part of the country rose by around seven millimeters per year between 1980 to 2003. That is well above the global average of three millimeters between that time period.

A study by Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research has forecast that global sea levels will rise on average between 56 centimeters and 106 centimeters by 2100.

Some regions will be worse impacted than others. Those countries include India, Bangladesh, Japan, Argentina, Australia and South Africa.

At the same time, other areas will see a slightly less-than-average rise, including the Pacific Northwest in the United States, as well as Western Europe, the study found.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

"The fact is that we have to start building higher," Englander said, referring to low-lying coastal cities worldwide.

"In some places, levies and seawalls can be built, perhaps pumps for a short period of time will solve the problem temporarily. But basically if you know that sea level is going to become three meters higher sometime in the next 50 or 100 or 150 years, the sooner we start building higher, the better," he said.

Miami residents told Xinhua that even at times of calm weather and sunshine, high tides can flood Miami's streets by several inches. Those are often known as king tides.

Englander said king ties are becoming a problem worldwide.

"You're seeing this in cities all over the world, that when we have a full moon high tide, and it pulls the oceans more strongly, they are getting more flooding," he said.

FOR MIAMI, DANGER NOT ONLY ON BEACHFRONTS

Back in Miami, the city boasts a large Cuban-American population, which has lived in the area since the 1960s and is often influential and wealthy. Recent immigrants have come from all over Latin America, and Spanish is often heard spoken on the street.

Southern Florida is also a major retirement destination for Americans nationwide, who want to spend their golden years soaking up the sun, and a playground for the rich and famous.

"If water is rising, you're in a basin by definition," Daniel Kreeger, executive director of the Association of Climate Change Officers, told Xinhua, over a meal at a Cuban restaurant.

The danger to Miami and surrounding areas is not necessarily in beachfront areas, despite many people's belief that beaches would be the main areas impacted, he said.

The area's many beaches are essentially dunes, and as one travels inland, the landscape becomes flat. That eventually backs up into swampland in the Florida everglades, which causes the local landscape to trap water. At a time of rising sea level, water may increasingly have nowhere to go.

"In that sort of situation, your problem is where do you push water when it comes on land? You can't push it into the ocean or the Everglades ... there's just no where to put it," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 07:48:43|Editor: liuxin

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By William M. Reilly

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The 72nd session of the UN General Assembly -- the world organization's all 193-member body -- opened on Tuesday with a promise from its new top official to make the upcoming year one of "firsts."

President Miroslav Lajcak saw those "firsts" in compacts on migration, fighting sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping, eliminating nuclear weapons and a first high-level event on sustaining peace.

But, Lajcak said it would also be a year of "follow-ups" to earlier "firsts," because, "'Firsts' bring photographers and celebrations. Follow-up often comes with challenges and complications. Over the coming year, we will need to maintain the momentum in implementing and financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," referring to the 2030 Agenda of 17 goals.

"We must work to ensure that the Paris Climate Agreement is integrated into national, regional and international frameworks," the new president said. "We must follow our commitments from yesterday with actions now. We cannot let reports or events or resolutions of the past be relegated to the UN's archives. We must continue to work to implement their recommendations."

He did not forget the continuing topic facing UN leaders for decades: UN reform.

"In some ways, they (the reforms) will represent a first," Lajcak said. "Reforms will, indeed, mean something new. They will allow the UN to work in a way it never has before. However, reforms will also represent follow-up."

He explained that the world organization looks very different from its founding in 1945. "This organization has been reforming and evolving over the years. We have seen this through the General Assembly's revitalization process."

"We must thus see UN reforms as an opportunity to contribute to an ongoing process -- but with a fresh outlook."

Many people translate UN reform solely to enlarging the 15-member Security Council -- the body that lays down international law, -- it actually applies to streamlining the organization -- a vast bureaucracy, he said.

As for his own priorities, Lajcak said they were influenced by consultations he has been holding with representatives from UN member states. While he promised to go into detail at the opening next Tuesday of the General Assembly's annual General Debate -- attended by world leaders -- he outline "a few principles that will guide my work over the coming year."

"Sometimes the work of the UN can be very complex," the president explained in his remarks from the high green-marble podium. "But the reason for its creation is simple. The UN was created for people. Its job is to help people who are striving for peace and a decent life on a sustainable planet."

"The people who need the UN the most are not sitting in this hall today," he said. "They are not involved in the negotiation of resolutions. They do not take the floor at high-level events. It is one of the tasks of the General Assembly to make sure that their voices can still be heard."

Lajcak admitted, "It would be impossible to choose simply one priority for the UN to focus on this year. Opinions would differ from region to region -- or indeed from person to person. Someone who has seen rising sea levels threaten to claim their village could say climate change. Someone who has lost a loved one in a bomb blast could say counter-terrorism. Someone who is suffering from persecution for their beliefs could say human rights."

"During the 72nd session, I will work toward representing all these viewpoints," he said. "There must be balance in the work of the General Assembly."

The president added that his third principle was quality.

"This should be our objective -- especially in terms of events," he said. "The majority of UN member states do not have large representations in New York. Some of them -- particularly smaller states -- struggle to stay on top of the UN's busy calendar. For the 72nd session, I intend to have a streamlined agenda, and to avoid placing more burden on member states. The quality of dialogue and outcomes is more important than launching new initiatives."

"Finally, transparency," he said, vowing to keep his office door open, figuratively if not literally. "It is open in spirit!"

In welcoming the new president, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres -- only into his ninth month in office -- lauded Lajcak's vision, wisdom, and "choice of theme for the year to come: 'Focusing on people: striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet.'"

"I have no doubt the assembly is in very capable hands," he said.

Guterres, during his brief turn at a microphone atop the huge assembly hall's podium, echoed many of Lajcak's concerns, singling out one issue dear to his heart, empowering women and girls. He recalled Monday's launch of a "roadmap for achieving gender parity throughout the United Nations, at all levels."

"I appeal to you to put forward women candidates for vacancies," the secretary-general said. "Parity at the UN will improve performance at the UN."

"Despite today's conflicts and the grinding daily impact of poverty, I remain convinced that this is far more an era of transformational potential," he said.

Next Tuesday, the General Debate will be Guterres' chance to elaborate on his principles and priorities.

Lajcak, a 54-year-old Slovak diplomat, succeeded Peter Thomson of Fiji as General Assembly president. Lajcak served as his country's foreign minister for several times and has been involved in Europe-level diplomacy. He was a candidate for last year's UN secretary-general selection.

The General Assembly is one of the six most principal organs of the United Nations, the only one in which all member states have equal representation. The assembly has powers to oversee the budget of the United Nations, appoint the non-permanent members to the Security Council and make recommendations in the form of General Assembly resolutions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 08:03:48|Editor: liuxin

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MAPUTO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government, through its embassy in Maputo, pledged to disburse 400 million U.S. dollars to help Mozambique fight HIV/AIDS, U.S. ambassador to Mozambique Dean Pittman announced here on Tuesday.

"I am honored to announce that the U.S. government will invest 400 million U.S. dollars to fight HIV/AIDS as part of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and will also expand efforts to guarantee that all pregnant women and those breastfeeding are aware of their health status," said Pittman.

The amount will also help women infected with HIV/AIDS to initiate vertical treatment to increase the number of babies born HIV free.

Mozambique Health Ministry classifies the support as an opportunity to fight AIDS after the latest health report revealed that there was an increase of the disease from 11.5 percent in 2009 to 13.2 percent in 2015.

Most of the money is expected to be invested in Zambezia province where 400,000 people are living with the virus.

The U.S. injects an amount of around 400 million U.S. dollars in Mozambique annuallyin and the total aid it has provided to Mozambique since 1984 is estimated at more than 6 billion U.S. dollars, covering sectors such as health, education, agriculture, democracy and governance.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 08:35:08|Editor: liuxin

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe (R, front) arrives to officially open the new session of Parliament in Harare, Zimbabwe, Sept. 12, 2017. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday opened the fifth and final session of the Eighth Parliament of Zimbabwe with a call for legislators to conclude alignment of remaining pieces of legislation to the new Constitution adopted in 2013. (Xinhua)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 09:29:16|Editor: liuxin

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PYONGYANG, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) early Wednesday condemned and categorically rejected the latest UN Security Council resolution imposing extra sanctions over its Sept. 3 nuclear test.

The DPRK Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the UN Security Council Resolution 2375 was "fabricated by the U.S. employing all sorts of despicable and vicious means and methods," it said.

The UN Security Council Tuesday adopted a new resolution imposing extra sanctions on the DPRK, including restricting its crude and refined oil imports, banning its textile exports and restricting overseas firms from hiring DPRK citizens.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the sanctions on the DPRK were "just another very small step" and "nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Tuesday that the resolution called for a peaceful settlement through diplomatic and political means, supported the resumption of six-party talks and stressed measures to de-escalate tension on the peninsula.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 09:59:28|Editor: Yurou

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U.S. President Donald Trump (1st L) welcomes Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (2nd L) at the White House in Washington D.C., the United State, Sept. 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Guo Yina)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump met with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak here on Tuesday, welcoming more trade deals with and investment from the Southeast Asian country.

"We're talking about trade -- very large trade deals," Trump told reporters before meeting with Najib at the White House.

Najib said his country would purchase 25 Boeing 737 planes and eight 787 Dreamliners, with a "strong probability" of adding 25 more 737 jets in the near future.

"So within five years, the deal will be worth beyond 10 billion U.S. dollars," Najib added.

The Malaysian leader also pledged an additional investment of about 3-4 billion dollars from a major Malaysian pension fund to support infrastructure redevelopment in the United States.

Trump also praised Najib for his strong anti-terrorist stance in Malaysia.

Najib's visit came amid an alleged corruption scandal against him involving the state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) founded by Najib, which is facing money laundering probes in several countries including the United States.

Najib himself has denied all related accusations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 10:29:35|Editor: liuxin

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CARACAS, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Unilateral sanctions by Washington will harm both U.S. companies and Venezuela's economy, Delcy Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly (ANC) newly elected to rewrite the constitution, told Xinhua in an interview.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing new sanctions on Venezuela last month, which will prohibit dealings in new debt and equity issued by the government of Venezuela and its state oil company.

It was the latest round of sanctions slapped by the Trump administration on the South American country after Venezuela held elections for the ANC at the end of July.

"The main holders of Venezuelan debt bonds are Americans, Canadians and British; (Trump) is harming those bond holders," said Rodriguez.

Washington's unilateral actions "are going to harm U.S. companies," she said.

Venezuela's business ties with the United States created jobs and contributed to social programs which are affected by the sanctions.

"Venezuela has refineries in the United States that provide jobs for Americans. Venezuela has refineries that also develop social programs for Americans, so both the people of the United States and the people of Venezuela are being directly harmed," said Rodriguez.

Since 2005, Venezuelan-owned CITGO Petroleum Corporation in the U.S. state of Texas, which operates thousands of gas stations, has supplied low-income U.S. families with free fuel to heat their homes in winter, aiding more than 1.7 million U.S. residents across 25 states, Rodriguez said.

Should commercial ties between the two countries be severed, Rodriguez said "we have other markets where we can sell our oil."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 11:09:48|Editor: An

Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program is now also available on TV and online. To help audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The following is an anecdote from the TV series on Chinese President Xi Jinping's foreign visits over the past five years:

In October 2016, Xi paid a visit to Cambodia, where he was treated with utmost courtesy, reflecting the exceptional relations between China and Cambodia.

Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, in her 80s, not only personally accompanied Xi to present a flower basket to the statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, but also invited him to have a sit in the chair where Sihanouk had often sat when he was alive. The chair has been cherished by the royal family since King Father's passing and had never been permitted to use until Xi's coming.

Khlot Thyda, president of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said that according to Cambodian custom, inviting Xi to use the chair has two meanings -- "one is to express mutual remembrance. Also, to wish a distinguished guest who sits in this special chair longevity and good health."

During the visit, in the presence of Xi and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the two countries signed 31 documents on cooperation, covering areas like diplomacy, industrial-capacity cooperation and joint development of the Belt and Road as envisaged in the Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming to build trade and infrastructure networks along the ancient Silk Road routes connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and beyond.

China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership was elevated to a new high.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 11:34:54|Editor: An

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NEW DELHI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Hindi edition of My Tryst with China written by sinologist B. R. Deepak was released here Tuesday at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

The book is not only about my tryst with the rise of China, its popular culture and literary trends, but also with all those people who contributed to the civilizational dialogue and understanding between India and China, Deepak said.

Hailing the publication of the new book, JNU Vice Chancellor Jagdesh Kumar said this autography was something "really interesting and unusual."

Some of Professors Deepak's Hindi translations of Chinese classics such as The Analects of Confucius and Mencius were also released at the same function.

The English and Chinese editions of My Tryst with China have been published under the banner of China Publishing Group by China Translation Publishing Press and launched this year in the International Book Exhibitions in London and Beijing respectively.

In the Foreword of the book, Jiang Jingkui, a professor of Indian Studies at Peking University, said that My Tryst with China can be considered worthy of its originality and thoughtfulness.

"Author's Tryst with China is not just limited to this (his love affair). He has also talked about the tryst with him and his teachers, friends and classmates, recollected the contributions made to the Sino-Indian Civilizational dialogue by those towering personalities from remote antiquity to the present day," Professor Jiang Jingkui wrote. "He has made an enquiry into the past, present and future of the Sino-Indian studies with extremely rich resource materials, and his narration could be described as passionate and touching."

Deepak, a professor at the Center of Chinese and South Eastern Asian Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University, was trained in Chinese history and India-China relations at the Peking University and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. He was awarded the 2011 "Special Book Prize of China" for his Hindi translation of 88 selected classical Chinese poems from 1100 BC to 1400 AD.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 12:20:07|Editor: An



Photo provided by Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Sept. 13, 2017 shows four tug boats moving the partially submerged sand dredger to an area near Singapore's Pulau Senang. Four Chinese nationals and a Malaysian went missing after a Dominican-registered sand dredger collided with an Indonesian-registered tanker in Singaporean waters early Wednesday morning. (Xinhua/Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore)

SINGAPORE, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Four Chinese nationals and a Malaysian went missing after a Dominican-registered sand dredger collided with an Indonesian-registered tanker in Singaporean waters early Wednesday morning.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a statement that it was notified of the collision at about 12.40 a.m. Singapore time (0440 GMT).

The sand dredger with 11 Chinese crew members and one Malaysian on board was transiting the westbound lane while the tanker was joining the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme in Singapore Strait when the incident occurred, the statement added.

After the collision, seven Chinese nationals aboard the dredger were rescued by the Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) and transferred to the Singapore General Hospital, while the four other Chinese and one Malaysian crew member are still missing.

Search and rescue operations led by the MPA are still going on.

Several petrol crafts have been deployed by the MPA, Singapore Navy, Singapore Civil Defence Force and PCG to search for the missing. A Super Puma helicopter from the Singapore Air Force was also mobilized as from 7 a.m. local time (2300 GMT on Tuesday).

The MPA said that it is investigating the incident and there is no disruption to shipping traffic in the Singapore Strait.

According to an official with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, one of the seven Chinese crew members sent to hospital has a rib fracture and the conditions of the other six are fine.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 12:40:12|Editor: An

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Michel Temer denied on Tuesday accusations of corruption made against him by the Federal Police.

The Federal Police announced on Monday the conclusion of an ample investigation against the leaders of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), the president's political party.

In the investigation, the police found evidence of a criminal organization in the PMDB leadership, with Temer at the center.

According to the Federal Police, Temer commanded a criminal group formed by PMDB leaders in the Congress and the cabinet, through which he obtained illicit advantages in the form of hefty bribes.

This is not the first accusation against Temer. He was formally charged with corruption recently, but the lower house of parliament dismissed the charges. However, the president may still face several other charges over the next few months.

Temer vehemently denied any involvement in corruption. His press office released a statement which did not mention the Federal Police directly, but made allusions to "baseless accusations."

"Villains steal the truth from the country. Leaks present conclusions which turn legal actions into crime: the corporate contributions to political campaigns were perfectly legal and subject to the control of the electoral courts. Though wrongdoings must be corrected, one cannot criminalize actions protected by constitutional guarantees," the president's office said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 12:55:14|Editor: liuxin

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MAPUTO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique's anti-corruption authorities on Tuesday initiated here a trial of 28 officials who allegedly diverted 2.7 million U.S. dollars from the national fund for agriculture.

Setina Titosse, the kingpin of the alleged fraud, is the former managing director of the Agriculture Development Fund (FDA). She was arrested soon after the anti-corruption bureau gathered evidence of her crimes.

Titosse was accused of involvement in approving fictitious agriculture projects. Since most did not exist or were partly implemented, the money was later transferred to her bank account.

The defendants are facing 355 charges including corruption, money laundering, embezzlement, passive and active corruption, abuse of power, and payment of undue remunerations.

An in-depth report by the daily Noticias found that there were a total of 80 bank transactions in the process and at least 30 of them were related to the withdrawal of money from the FDA.

Ten companies were used in the past two years to obtain illicit advantages, most of which were operated in the commercial domain, unrelated to the purpose of the FDA, the report said.

The FDA is an autonomous financial institution, a branch of the Ministry of Agriculture dedicated to boosting the country's agriculture sector.

According to the anti-corruption bureau, Titosse's housemaid played an important role in identifying people that helped the former chairwoman illegally sack money from the FDA.

The housemaid testified that since 2014, the fraud has benefited her employer's brothers, nieces, nephews and friends, who were involved and also helped divert the authorities from tracing the origin of the money.

Only two months ago, the Mozambican justice authorities held a trial against former Minister of Justice Abdulremane Lino de Almeida and sentenced him to two years in prison for misusing state funds.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 13:10:18|Editor: Yamei

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HAIKOU, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The weather bureau of south China's Hainan Province Wednesday morning issued an alert for the approaching Typhoon Doksuri, the 19th typhoon in the region this year.

As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, the eye of Doksuri was above the South China Sea, about 970 km southeast of Hainan's Sanya city, packing winds up to 18 meters per second.

The bureau forecast that Doksuri would move northwest at a speed of 15 to 20 km per hour. The typhoon will grow stronger and is expected to either pass off the coast of Hainan Island or land in coastal areas of the province between Thursday night and Friday.

Downpours and gales are forecast in southern China in the following days.

China's national weather observatory Wednesday continued issuing an orange alert for Typhoon Talim, the 18th typhoon this year.

It forecast that Talim would either move northwest and make landfall in Zhejiang Province from Thursday night to Friday morning, or move north into waters near Zhejiang on Friday and then turn northeast.

Hainan weather bureau warned ships against passing through ocean areas affected by either typhoon.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 13:10:18|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L) meets with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during his stopover in Washington, the United States, Sept. 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi met with U.S. State of Secretary Rex Tillerson here on Tuesday, with the two sides pledging to promote bilateral ties.



Maintaining a positive momentum of the development of China-U.S. relations is in the interests of both countries and is the common aspiration of the international community, Yang said.

The two countries have recently achieved important progress in bilateral ties under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, Yang added.

Beijing and Washington should implement important consensuses reached by the two leaders, respect each other, achieve reciprocity and mutual benefit, focus on cooperation and manage differences so as to secure a healthy and stable development of bilateral ties, he added.

At Xi's invitation, Trump will pay a state visit to China later this year, Yang said, adding that Beijing is willing to work with Washington to help ensure that the visit will achieve positive results.

Yang urged the two sides to strengthen bilateral exchanges and dialogues at all levels, expand mutual beneficial cooperation in various fields, boost people-to-people and local region exchanges, respect each side's core interests and major concerns, properly manage differences in a constructive way, and enhance coordination and cooperation on major global and regional issues.

Tillerson said the United States is willing to work with China to promote bilateral ties.

Trump is looking forward to his visit to China, during which he will map out the future development of China-U.S. relations with Xi, said Tillerson.

On the basis of the first diplomatic and security dialogue as well as comprehensive economic dialogue, the United States is willing to work with China to successfully launch the first social and cultural issues dialogue, law enforcement and cyber security dialogue, he said.

Washington wishes to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields, strengthen communication and coordination on global and regional issues, said Tillerson.

He also expressed the hope that both sides would jointly make Trump's visit a success.

Yang and Tillerson also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Yang paid an official visit to Jamaica on Sunday and Monday and met with Tillerson when he stopped over in Washington on Tuesday. He will pay an official visit to Spain on Thursday and Friday at the invitation of the Spanish government.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 13:20:23|Editor: liuxin

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday its was pleased with the UN Security Council's latest sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), calling them "tremendously significant."

It was the strongest set of sanctions slapped on the DPRK, showing that "the world is acting together and worried and tremendously concerned about the destabilizing activities" by Pyongyang, said Heather Nauert, the spokeswoman for the state department, in a daily briefing.

The UN Security Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution to impose new sanctions on the DPRK over its nuclear test on Sept. 3.

The new sanctions severely restrict oil imports, and ban all of its textile exports worth 800 million U.S. dollars and remittances of some 93,000 DPRK laborers from abroad.

"These are tremendously significant," said Nauert, adding that the United States "is pleased about that (the sanctions)."

Nauert's remarks might be contradictory to the comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said earlier in the day that the fresh sanctions were just another "very small step, not a big deal."

"I think what the president is talking about is that more can be done," said Nauert.

"We are not at the ceiling when it comes to sanctions against the DPRK," she added.

The spokeswoman also recognized China's efforts in stabilizing the situation in Korean peninsula.

After the vote on the resolution on Monday, several ambassadors to the UN said the severity of the sanctions was designed not so much as to hurt the DPRK but help it see negotiations are only way out of the Korean Peninsula nuclear crisis.

Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi called for calm as the "situation on the Korean Peninsula remains complex and grave."

"All relevant parties must be cool-headed and avoid rhetoric or action that might aggravate tension," Liu said.

He urged the DPRK to heed the aspirations and will of the international community, abide by relevant Security Council resolutions, refrain from any more missile launches or nuclear tests, and return to the track of denuclearization.

He said that the "suspension-for-suspension" proposal and "dual-track" approach put forward by China and the idea of a step-by-step approach proposed by Russia formed a roadmap for the settlement of the issue.

The DPRK early Wednesday condemned and categorically rejected the UN Security Council resolution imposing extra sanctions over its Sept. 3 nuclear test.

The DPRK Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the UN Security Council Resolution 2375 was "fabricated by the U.S. employing all sorts of despicable and vicious means and methods."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 13:35:28|Editor: liuxin

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a brief emergency order allowing the Trump administration to keep travel ban on most refugees while the legal battle over the ban continues.

The order effectively reversed part of a federal appeals court ruling that had lifted the travel ban's restrictions on the nation's refugee program.

It took a vote of five justices to grant a stay application until further notice, according to the local media reports. The Supreme Court justices did not explain their reasoning in their one-paragraph order.

In its opinion last week, the Ninth Circuit of Appeals Court based in San Francisco ruled against the Trump administration, saying refugees should be allowed to enter the United States if they are covered by an admissions agreement between the U.S. government and a refugee resettlement agency.

Under the federal appeals court's ruling, roughly 24,000 vetted refugees should be able to enter the United States. They will now be ineligible for entry.

The appeals court had also rejected the Trump administration's bid to bar the U.S. entry from six Muslim-majority countries by people with grandparents, uncles, aunts and other relatives in the United States.

The Trump administration did not challenge that part of the ruling, and the Supreme Court did not address the question in its Tuesday order, said a New York Times report.

The Supreme Court handed the Trump White House a partial win in June when it allowed the administration to temporarily block people from six Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States, while carving out an exemption for people with a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the country.

Under the U.S. travel ban, people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, are denied entry to the country for 90 days, while all refugees are banned from entering the country for 120 days so as to give the Trump government time to assess vetting procedures.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on Trump's overall travel order on Oct. 10.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 13:45:30|Editor: Yamei

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BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China Zhongwang Holding on Wednesday announced the acquisition of a German aluminum producer in its latest effort to grab a share in the global aircraft aluminum market.

The deal via a solely-owned subsidiary is the company's first overseas purchase and allows it to own a 99.72-percent stake of Aluminiumwerk Unna AG, a medium-sized aluminum plant in Unna. The value has yet to be disclosed.

Lu Changqing, president of Zhongwang, said the company's competitiveness would be improved substantially, with stronger capacity in seamless tubes and faster expansion in sectors including aviation and automobiles.

Lu said Zhongwang would provide more support for Aluminiumwerk Unna AG in finance and operation.

The world's second largest aluminum extrusion product manufacturer, Liaoning-based Zhongwang is increasing its presence in foreign markets, especially Europe. Aluminiumwerk Unna AG's advantage in aluminum alloy products for aviation, automobile, mechanical engineering and electricity is expected to help its global drive.

Zhongwang's net profit dropped 8 percent year on year to 1.26 billion yuan (nearly 200 million U.S. dollars) in the first half, and its revenue fell 4.6 percent, according to a mid-year report filed with the Hong Kong stock exchange.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 14:10:41|Editor: Yamei

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BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Wednesday stressed the importance of cooperation in global tourism development, saying that China would play a constructive role in driving sustainable growth in the area.

In a congratulatory letter to the launch of the World Tourism Alliance Tuesday, Li highlighted the significance of tourism for its contribution in boosting consumption and employment, supporting economic growth and facilitating exchanges between countries.

The premier said further cooperation and joint efforts were needed for more balanced and inclusive development in the tourist areas, demanding active participation from governments, private associations and businesses.

"I believe the World Tourism Alliance would help create a new platform and new opportunities for the sector's sustainable development," Li said in the letter.

The World Tourism Alliance, a global network linking non-governmental players in the industry, was set up in China on Tuesday. It was formed by 89 founding members, mainly national tourism associations, tourist enterprises and think tanks from around the world.

China proposed the alliance, in which it is represented by 21 businesses, six associations, one research institute and one media organization.

According to United Nations World Tourism Organization, the number of global travelers will exceed 1.8 billion by 2030. China is considered the world's fastest growing tourism market and will play a key role in the sector's development.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 14:25:47|Editor: liuxin

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JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least three Taliban militants were killed and their hideout destroyed after Afghan army launched an airstrike in the eastern province of Nangarhar, Afghan military said Wednesday.

"The incident took place late on Tuesday evening in Lal Pur district's Sada village, where an army's airstrike targeted a militants' hideout, leaving three fighters dead and their ammunition eliminated too," the army Corps Selab 201 based in the region said in a statement.

The Taliban armed group had not still commented on the incident.

Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations against militants as the war-weary Afghans have been witnessing a surge in attacks by Taliban and Islamic State (IS) militants across the country.

But the militants responded by armed attacks and bombings.

On Monday, several foreign soldiers and Afghan civilians were wounded after a Taliban suicide bombing struck a NATO military convoy in eastern Parwan province.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 14:35:49|Editor: Liangyu

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An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, gestures at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2017. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Any attempt to distance Taiwan from Chinese culture will not gain public support, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Wednesday.

An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a press conference that a move proposed by Taiwan's education authority to reduce classical Chinese content in Chinese language textbooks for senior high schools was aimed at removing the imprint of Chinese culture from the island.

"Such attempts have always met with strong opposition from all walks of life in Taiwan," An said. "They will only do harm to the young generation in Taiwan and its society."

An said "Taiwan independence" forces were the single biggest obstacle to achieving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and that Taiwan should abandon splittist thinking and return to the 1992 Consensus, which embodied the one-China principle.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the beginning of exchange between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. Trade between the two sides for the first half of 2017 continued to rise, reaching 87.49 billion U.S. dollars, according to An.

"We have been actively promoting equal treatment between Taiwanese companies operating in the mainland and their mainland counterparts to help Taiwan compatriots share the development opportunities and fruits of the mainland," he said.

The economic and social development of the mainland provides broad space and prospects for exchange and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, An said.

He said that politically motivated actions that went against economic rules would only damage the interests of Taiwan and its businesses.

"The mainland will continue to put forward policies and measures to facilitate the studying, internships, employment, enterpreneurship and life of Taiwan compatriots on the mainland," he said.

Referring to recent help offered by a mainland medical team to a Taiwanese woman who fell severely ill in Chad, An said the mainland was willing to assist Taiwan compatriots wherever they met difficulties.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 14:40:50|Editor: An

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HONG KONG, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government information services department announced Wednesday that Chief Executive Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor will leave for a visit to Myanmar Thursday.

Lam's visit is mainly for attending the 14th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) to be held in Yangon on Sept. 16 and delivering a speech at the event as invited. She will return to Hong Kong in the early hours on Sept. 17.

Held in various cities once every two years since 1991, the WCEC aims to provide a platform for Chinese entrepreneurs and the business and industrial sector from around the world to enhance economic cooperation and understanding.

HKSAR and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had earlier announced the conclusion of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement and a related Investment Agreement.

Following her visits to Singapore and Thailand in early August, Myanmar will be the third ASEAN country the chief executive visits.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 14:40:51|Editor: An

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BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- When a massive military parade was staged at Zhurihe in Inner Mongolia on July 30, Chinese citizens, as well as people worldwide, saw a military taking solid steps toward a strong army.

More than 12,000 service personnel from the army, navy, air force, armed police as well as the newly formed rocket force and strategic support troops took part in the parade, which also featured China's tanks, armored vehicles, missile launchers and fighter jets.

President Xi Jinping reviewed the armed forces as part of the commemorations that marked the 90th founding anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which fell on Aug. 1.

Two days later, at a grand gathering in celebration of the anniversary, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), said the Chinese military has reshaped its political environment, organizational form, system of military strength and work style over the past five years.

During those five years, China has advanced the reform of national defense and the armed forces under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at its core, making historic steps in building a system of military strength with Chinese characteristics.

REFORM DETERMINATION

In December 2012, just about 20 days after Xi took office as the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and CMC chairman, he boarded a PLA Navy destroyer, examined an armored vehicle, observed a military drill and had dinner with soldiers during an inspection tour.

On March 11, 2013, when joining a PLA delegation at a meeting during the annual session of the 12th National People's Congress, Xi, for the first time, put forward the goal of building the Chinese military into one that follows the Party, fights to win and forges exemplary conduct.

About eight months later at the third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, the reform of national defense and the armed forces was included in China's national roadmap for comprehensively deepening reforms.

A CPC decision said China will optimize the size and structure of the army, adjust and improve the proportion between various troops, and reduce non-combat institutions and personnel.

Xi, who is head of a leading group for deepening reform of national defense and the armed forces, has stressed that the country's military reform should be guided by the objective of building a strong army.

Observers noticed that the ongoing reform of China's military would not be a patch up but a comprehensive overhaul that targeted problems with the military's system, structure and policies.

PRUDENT APPROACH

Comparing the reform to a ship on the sea, Xi once said that a skiff may be easy to steer but a mistake by the Titanic may cause the ship to wreck completely, warning of the danger of serious misjudgment in the reform.

Under Xi's arrangement and command, research, study and discussions have been conducted involving the reform leading group, special teams and expert panels.

More than 800 forums and symposiums have been held and opinions from incumbent and retired military and civilian leaders, academics, senior officers and soldiers were collected in drafting the reform plan, which underwent over 150 amendments and modifications.

At a meeting in November 2015, Xi stressed the need for breakthroughs in reform of the country's armed forces by 2020, vowing to reorganize the military administration structure and military command system.

On April 20, 2016, Xi inspected the CMC joint battle command center as its commander in chief for the first time ever, where he called for a joint battle command system that was "absolutely loyal, resourceful in fighting, efficient in commanding and courageous and capable of winning wars."

The visit and the call were based on the PLA's decades-long exploration of a joint battle command system, which started in the 1980s but failed to materialize, which made Xi stress a sense of urgency.

The efforts have paid off in recent years.

A series of major structural reforms have been made, including the establishment of the PLA Army General Command, PLA Rocket Force and PLA Strategic Support Force.

The four general departments were reorganized into 15 agencies of the CMC, and five theater commands have replaced the seven military area commands.

The CMC has taken charge of the overall military administration, while theater commands focus on operations and different services on troop developments.

INNOVATIVE STEPS

The reforms on one hand streamlined the military and optimized its structure, while on the other hand added to the demand for high-quality military talent.

During an inspection tour of the National Defence University of the PLA in March, 2016, Xi noted that to achieve the goal of building a world-class army, military-affiliated colleges must be strengthened, and thus asked for the advancement of reforms and innovation to provide talent and intellectual support for this goal.

As a result of the subsequent reshuffle, there are now 43 military education institutions, including two -- the National Defense University of PLA and the National University of Defense Technology -- directly under the CMC, 35 specialized in specific armed services, and six for armed police forces.

Addressing heads of these institutions in July, Xi stressed that China must make greater efforts to build stronger armed forces and boost fighting capability through science and technology innovations to gain a competitive initiative.

"It takes first-class military talent, theory, and science and technology to build the PLA into a world-leading military," he said. "Science and technology is the core fighting capacity in modern warfare."

At the Aug. 1 commemoration, Xi stressed that only by continuous reform and innovation, can the people's army constantly gain development vitality and put itself in an impregnable position.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 15:21:05|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BAMYAN, Afghanistan, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Up to 16,000 people, mostly women, have attended more than 600 literacy centers to learn how to read and write, a local news agency reported Wednesday.

Addressing a meeting to mark the World Literacy Day (WLD) held in Bamyan provincial capital, Bamyan City, Bamyan Governor Mohammad Taher Zaheer said literacy helps people learn how to bring change in a society and called it a key to the social welfare and cultural and economic development, the government-run Bakhtar News Agency quoted the governor as saying.

Deputy to the literacy affairs of the ministry of education, Sardar Mohammad Rahimi, was quoted by the news agency as saying that Afghanistan would reach its goal to eliminate illiteracy and promote education through sustainable development programs until 2030 in Afghanistan, according to the agency.

Meanwhile, deputy to the provincial education director Sharifi told the meeting that up to 16,000 people, 76 percent of them women, attended 621 literacy courses in Bamyan province, to learn reading and writing, the agency said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 15:46:13|Editor: Zhou Xin

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MOSCOW, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Russia is ready to develop cooperation with the United States in the field of agriculture, Russia's Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement said Russia eyes promoting U.S. investments in its agricultural sector.

The statement came a day after a meeting between Olga Garshina, the Russian ministry's department chief of international cooperation, and Deanna Ayala, the minister counselor for agricultural affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, according to RIA Novosti news agency.

Garshina said at the meeting that Russia provides all necessary conditions and government support for foreign agricultural companies in the country.

The pair also discussed issues of information and analytical data exchange in agricultural field, and resumption of the Russian-U.S. working group on agriculture, headed by the agriculture ministers of the two countries.

Local media cited the ministry's statement as saying that Russia's agricultural exports to the United States in 2016 saw an increase of 22 percent from the previous year and in the first seven months of 2017, the agricultural trade turnover between the two countries exceeded 300 million dollars.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 15:56:19|Editor: Zhou Xin

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RIYADH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Saudi public security Wednesday called on citizens to use social media to report suspected terrorist activities, Al Akhbariya TV channel reported.

A day earlier, a suicide attack targeting two premises of Saudi Defense Ministry in Riyadh was foiled, and two suicide bombers, identifited as Islamic State (IS) militants, were arrested.

Malicious or illegal posts could be reported through an application by sending a screenshot of any posts suspected of harming security or promoting terrorism and extremism.

The move is part of a series of steps by Saudi Arabia in its war against terrorism, especially after several deadly blasts that targeted mosques and other important facilities in the recent years.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 16:56:54|Editor: Zhou Xin

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NEW DELHI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed Wednesday when a goods truck collided with a car in southwestern Indian state of Karnataka, officials said.

The accident took place in Uttara Kannada district, 452 km northwest of Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka.

"Today in a collision between a truck and a car, nine people were killed," a police official said. "The deceased include three children and three women."

According to police, the ill-fated vehicle was coming from Yellapur to coastal town of Ankola.

According to an official report released this month, on an average, India witnessed over 400 deaths in road accidents every day in 2016.

Deadly road accidents are common in India often caused due to overloading, bad condition of roads and reckless driving.
The sunset is seen from Naxos island at the Aegean Sea in Greece on Aug. 11, 2016. (Xinhua/Lefteris Partsalis)

HELSINKI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Europe was once proud of its welfare states, especially those in western and northern Europe. However, sluggish economic growth has trapped the governments in a financial dilemma.

Extravagant spending has now become a heavy burden despite repeated efforts to seek reforms.

In the aftermath of World War II, many European countries established comprehensive welfare systems, covering most aspects of people's lives.

An individual could enjoy various benefits, such as early education, basic education, housing, healthcare, unemployment support and pensions, among others. They were known as generous systems that provide welfare "from cradle to grave."

While the system enhanced social equality and provided a sound security net for decades, it has become difficult to finance it in recent years.

"No system is perfect," Juho Saari, professor of the University of Eastern Finland, told Xinhua. He believed the welfare states have been steadily adjusted to meet new requirements and are by and large doing well.

"It occasionally is evident, that our incentive systems do not perform satisfactorily, resulting in welfare dependency," said Saari, who has been entrusted by Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila to lead a working group tasked to halt increasing inequality.

ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

The European welfare systems were based on rapid economic growth and increasing tax revenues. They face a series of problems amid economic downturns.

In 2009, Greece, a member of the European Union (EU) with weak economic strength, suffered from the downgrading by the three major credit rating agencies owing to severe fiscal deficits and high debt levels, which led to the start of its sovereign debt crisis. The outbreak not only exposed the structural rigidness of the euro zone, but also warned of the risks of maintaining a giant welfare system. ( Since welfare expenditures are heavily dependent on good economic performance and a robust labor market, the increasing unemployment rate will lead to tax reduction and insufficient welfare spending.

From 2012 to 2014, for instance, the Finnish economy experienced negative growth for three consecutive years and became one of the worst performing economies in the EU. It was estimated by the then government that there would be a funding gap of 10 billion euros (12 billion U.S. dollars) for the welfare sector in the next 15 years.

The situation in Finland is not an exception. Quite a few European countries are facing an awkward situation in terms of maintaining social welfare. To Tackle the problem, the European countries have been trying to reform structures at both national and EU levels, with plenty of challenges lying ahead and a lack of fruitful results.

AGING SOCIETY

One of the biggest challenges is the end of the demographic dividend era. Saari said the dependency ratio has been a major risk imbedded in the welfare system. Since the European countries have "aging" societies, the labor force will have a bigger burden to support the non-labor.

Many European authorities are trying to extend the working life, reducing social support, encouraging the elderly to take care of themselves and calling on family members to partially shoulder the responsibility of supporting their senior relatives. The support of old people used to be a public task.

The influx of refugees has made the situation even worse. Since 2015, a large number of asylum seekers have been swarming into Europe from the Middle East. On humanitarian grounds, the host states provide them with basic support like healthcare, food, housing and basic education, no matter they have got the permission to stay or not.

Sweden, a Nordic country once boasted as a model of high-level welfare, received 163,000 refugees in 2015. Facing a crisis in housing, education and health care, the Swedish government had to change its policy from voluntary acceptance to mandatory assignment for municipalities.

Marten Blix, a researcher at the Research Institute of Industrial Economics, said the refugee crisis would impact the Swedish model.

Sweden has been among the countries with the world's highest salaries and wages, but many refugees have low education, poorly adapted to the labor market. "It's a very bad combination and the statistics speak its clear language," Blix said.

EXCESSIVE BENEFITS

In the process of institutionalization of the welfare systems, some economists kept warning against letting the excess benefits drift into solid demands.

Christophe Brochard, an economist at the University of Strasbourg, said in an interview with Xinhua that employees and entrepreneurs are "against each other to an extent that the sense of public interest has been lost."

Brochard also criticized the "intermediate bodies," which "are very powerful, defend their vested interest and lack the will to reform."

An analytical report conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) argued that Europe's generous welfare states, with their overprotective job security, high minimum wages and generous unemployment insurance, heavy taxation and their overriding emphasis on coordinated wage bargaining and social dialogue, had raised the costs of labor above market clearing levels. The OECD Jobs Strategy published in 1994 had examined the labor market performance of the welfare systems and suggested an overall reform to reduce the excessive benefits.

Obviously, the suggestion was merely a mission impossible in the European democratic society. "In terms of median voter, it is clear that you cannot win national elections with the anti-welfare state agenda," noted Saari.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 17:12:04|Editor: Liangyu

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DUBAI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States leaders discussed relations between the two countries in various fields, UAE state news agency WAM reported Wednesday.

During a telephone conversation, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and U.S. President Donald Trump reviewed a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, as well as coordination and consultation on developments in the region, WAM said.

The UAE and the U.S. have been close allies for decades. The U.S. is supporting the Saudi-led coalition including the UAE in the war against Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen.

In the diplomatic rift between the Saudi-led Arab quartet including the UAE, and Qatar, the Trump administration has been trying to mediate between the two sides since the crisis broke out on June 5, 2017.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt accuse Qatar of supporting extremism and terrorism, which Doha has repeatedly denied.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 17:17:10|Editor: Liangyu

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CHENGDU, China, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang on Wednesday called on countries to help unleash the potential in tourism growth in developing countries.

Wang made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 22nd session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan and the economic center of western China.

Wang said China will continue to support tourism development in developing countries while urging rich nations to help developing countries reach balanced development in global tourism.

The Chinese vice premier also said China is ready to align the Belt and Road Initiative with related plans in developing countries to help promote local tourism, which he said has been a bottleneck to their tourism development. The China-proposed Initiative aims to build infrastructure and trade networks along ancient trade routes in a bid to spur economic growth in participating countries.

More than 1,000 delegates, including tourism ministers from more than 130 countries attended the opening ceremony. Of the tourism ministers, 36 are from Africa. "Africa is an increasingly important force in the global tourism market. The continent is rich in cultural resources," Abdoulaya Ndiaye, technique counselor to Senegalese tourism minister, told Xinhua.

In a congratulatory message read by Wang at the opening ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping wished the biennial UNWTO event a great success, and stressed that tourism is an "important channel" for mutual learning and cultural exchanges between countries as well as an "important industry" for promoting growth, creating jobs and improving people's livelihoods.

UNWTO chief Taleb Rifai said at the opening ceremony that countries should use tourism as an opportunity to address global challenges in order to enable the sector to contribute more to global growth and peace.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed in a congratulatory message the hope that the tourism conference, held during the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, will "chart the sector's course in helping to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

On Wednesday, tourism ministers also discussed issues related to sustainable development and the role of tourism at an open-door session. In addition, ministers from countries along the Belt and Road met and discussed enhancing cooperation in tourism development.

UNWTO has currently more than 150 members. The Madrid-based organization will also produce its next secretary general at the global tourism gathering that will last through Sept. 16. The last session of UNWTO general assembly was held in Medellin, Colombia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 18:22:34|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TALUQAN, Afghanistan, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least three armed men were killed and four others wounded after a clash took place between two rival armed groups in northern Afghanistan's Takhar province, police said Wednesday.

"The incident took place in a local bazaar in Rustaq district township Wednesday morning, where two illegal armed groups led by Mullah Pirum Qul and Jamal, two local warlords, clashed each other, leaving three militiamen from both sides dead and heavy property losses inflicted on the shopkeepers," Abdul Khalil Aseer, provincial police spokesman, told Xinhua.

The conflict has now ended, but shops in the township are still closed on midday, said the source.

Ordinary Afghans usually suffer at the hands of armed groups, particularly in remote areas, where the government control is weak.

On August 11, 10 civilians were killed and many others wounded in similar incidents in neighboring Cha Ab district.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 18:22:36|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Gloria Nazombe

LUSAKA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Rearing cattle amongst the Ngoni people in Malawi, once a pride custom, is prone to extinction.

As per custom, a Ngoni man's riches and power is determined by how many cattle he has unlike other tribes and culture where houses, money and cars are the determinants of success.

According to the tradition which dates back from the 19th century, the Ngoni people always brought home cattle from every tribe they conquered. It is believed that they are warriors and the cattle symbolized their power.

Inkosi ya Makosi (King of kings) Mbelwa IV is one of the dignified Ngoni chiefs from Malawi.

"Milk and meat is a symbol of prosperity. Cattle provide the best and large quantity of milk and meat. Therefore, if one has cattle and a number of them for that matter it only implies one thing, the man is filthy rich," the traditional leader said.

According to him, an Ngoni man with a head of cattle signifies what a great warrior he is and that it is easy for such a man to attract women.

According to Ngoni tradition, during coronation, the would-be-chief is anointed with a bull's bile on his forefront, a move that symbolizes power descending to his whole body from the ancestors.

The same is done when he dies and it shows that the spirit is still powerful and will also be transferred to the next king.

According to one Ngoni woman, Mandlase Jere from Edingeni in Mzimba district, an area where the Ngoni people are highly concentrated, Ngoni women like powerful men. "Any man who brought cattle home from war gave us hope for our safety. So we flock to such a man," Jere said.

She added that it was a source of pride for women when their men give cattle as dowry to the woman's family unlike other cultures where a woman is exchanged with a chicken. She says this shows how significant and worthy an Ngoni woman is.

However, over the years, the custom has gradually degraded.

"Indeed many Ngonis nowadays don't have kraals in their homes especially in town except for the chief. This is because most of them have realized that money could buy a cow within the shortest time especially in this civilized era," said Ndabazake Aupson Thole, the tribe's historian.

"However you will notice that at any big Ngoni function, a cow is slaughtered and we continue to bury our chiefs in a cattle skin and cover any Ngoni's coffin in the grave with a cattle skin. This means that our cattle are hidden in a monetary form," he added.

Meanwhile, Thole has said that due to the seemingly extinction of the cattle rearing custom which has mainly been caused by lack of land for grazing, an alternative solution to revamp the culture is yet to be implemented.

"Cattle rearing is a serious business and it needs dedication. It needs herd boys, most of whom are now in school," he said.

The other reason is that there is no grazing spaces in town where most of the Ngoni people have settled.

But he noted that plans are underway to improve the system of keeping cattle through paddock grazing.

"This will increase our cattle rearing again," Thole said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 18:27:40|Editor: Zhou Xin

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DOHA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met Tuesday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, Qatar's state news agency (QNA) reported Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations, means to strengthen and develop them, as well as topics of common interest, QNA said.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed a boycott on it in early June, accusing the tiny gas-rich country of supporting terrorism and seeking closer ties with Iran, a Saudi rival.

They initially gave Doha a list of 13 demands, including scaling back ties with Iran, shutting down the Al Jazeera network and ending Turkey's military presence in the country.

Qatar has strongly denied the charges against it and refused to accept any of the demands.

Since the start of the crisis, Qatar and Turkey have come closer together, as the latter opened a new land trade route via Iran to Qatar and transported goods, including food products, to the boycotted country.

In July, Turkey sent a 25-member Turkish artillery unit to Qatar, adding to 150 troops already there.

In August, Turkey and Qatar carried out a joint military exercise called "Iron Shield," which included training of leaders to assess and control the situation on the ground, as well as strengthening coordination between the two sides.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 18:32:41|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Xinhua writers Wang Jingzhong, Chen Lei, Zuo Wei and Sun Wenji

ORDOS, Inner Mongolia, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) - All was not silent in the heart of the Kubuqi desert in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The whistling of the wind was covered up by the roars of machines.

With an auger in hand, one worker was drilling a deep hole in the sand, then another worker put a seedling in it and covered the hole with sand. It took less than 20 seconds to plant a tree.

"This method doesn't affect the soil structure and will keep moisture in the sand. The survival rate of the seedlings can reach as high as 65 percent in dry areas," said Han Meifei, an engineer with Elion Resources Group, best known for its successful efforts in greening the Kubuqi.

In areas with enough groundwater, hydraulic planting methods were more efficient, he said. Taking out a slim tube linked to a water hose, he turned on the tap and jetted water into the sand. Within 10 seconds, a meter-deep hole was dug and a seedling was planted.

"The survival rate is above 90 percent, compared with a 10-percent rate when using the traditional shovel-digging method," he told a group of delegates to the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP13) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which is being held in Ordos City on the edge of the Kubuqi desert.

The meeting has brought together more than 1,400 delegates from 196 countries and regions as well as 20 international organizations. They are expected to draw a roadmap to end desert expansion worldwide by 2030.

THE KUBUQI MODEL

Kubuqi is the seventh-largest desert in China, covering an area of 18,000 sq km. The desert closest to Beijing, it was once a major source of sandstorms that hit the country's capital city.

The constant expansion of the desert forced many people to migrate. Those who remained mostly lived under the poverty line.

To rein in the desert, the Ordos government implemented a plan: to cut the desert into half by building a 100-km-long highway through the middle of the desert, encircling the desert with trees and grass and then tackling the sand patch by patch.

Elion took the lead in the battle. The company invested heavily, invented various sand-treatment methods and encouraged local farmers and herdsmen to participate.

Elion has provided farmers drought-resistance licorice seedlings for free, and it will buy back the grown plants at market price. Licorice, an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb, can fix the drifting sand and improve the soil. After three years, the soil will be good enough to grow grain and vegetables.

In Kubuqi, Elion has also built China's largest solar farm in a desert. Its 650,000 fixed and sun-tracking panels together channel 500 million KWh of electricity into the national grid each year.

"The panels shield wind and sand and reduce evaporation, so grass and other plants can grow well under them," said He Pengfei, a senior executive of Elion, noting the solar project has created more than 1,000 jobs for local people.

These efforts not only contributed to the greening of more than 6,000 sq km of Kubuqi, but also lifted 102,000 people out of poverty.

The afforestation efforts have also improved the climate in the desert. Rainfall in Kubuqi was less than 100 mm in 1988, and the figure soared to 456 mm in 2016, while the number of sandstorms fell from 50 in 1988 to only one in 2016.

"Transforming a desert into a forest is very amazing. I'm very proud to be here to see 'Kubuqi forest,'" said Fatoumata Cherif, a delegate from Guinea, after touring some of the desert.

"In Kubuqi, they have provided jobs in solar energy, eco-tourism, and planting medicinal herbs. That's exactly what we need to do, to green the desert and get people out of poverty," said Erik Solheim, executive director of the UN Environment Program (UNEP) who is in Ordos to attend COP 13.

Patrick Worms, Senior Science Policy Advisor at the UN World Agroforestry Center, said he was impressed by how people managed to restore degraded land at "an extremely large scale" while solving the governance issue.

The core of success at Kubuqi is its sustainable business model, and the establishment of a system that incorporates policy instruments, private sector investment and active participation by locals, according to a policy report from the UNEP.

SHRINKING DESERTS

More than 40 percent of the country's land is degraded to some extent.To combat desertification, China has invested enormous efforts in past decades, including the adoption of the world's first law on tackling desertification, the return of farmland to grass and the ban of natural forest logging.

Efforts have been stepped up over the past five years. The ruling Communist Party of China has given ecological construction equal footing to economic, political, cultural and social construction in its overall plan to build socialism with Chinese characteristics.

China is ahead of its peers. The area of desertified land in the country is dropping by an annual average of more than 2,400 square km, compared to an annual average expansion of over 10,000 square km at the end of last century, making China the first country in the world to achieve desert shrinkage.

"China plans to reforest 50 percent of the desertified land that can be treated by 2020, and the rest by 2050," said Liu Dongsheng, deputy head of the State Forestry Administration, at COP 13.

These efforts have won high praise from UN officials as well as delegates to COP 13. China has provided experience, technology and a model for the global fight against desertification, making remarkable contributions to reach the global goal of zero growth in degraded land, Monique Barbut, executive secretary of UNCCD, told delegates to COP 13.

"China sees the desert not as a problem, but as an opportunity, an opportunity for jobs and fighting poverty via greening the desert," said Solheim.

INT'L COOPERATION NEEDED

Desertification is one of the most pressing issues facing mankind. Up to 2 billion hectares of land are degraded worldwide. On average, 12 million hectares are lost every year and 169 countries are affected by land degradation, desertification and drought, according to the UNCCD.

With the theme of "Combating Desertification for Human Well-being," the main mission of COP13 is to seek solutions for the UN sustainable goal of "achieving a land degradation neutral world by 2030" and to develop a new UNCCD strategy framework for the 2018-2030 period.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday stressed global cooperation to combat desertification in a congratulatory letter to the high-level meeting of COP13. China will unswervingly fulfill its obligations under the UNCCD, and continue to push forward communication and cooperation with all member parties and international organizations to work for the targets set during the conference and create a better world, Xi said.

Solheim said China is one of the most successful countries worldwide in greening the desert and has lessons to share with the world on curbing desertification.

During the meeting, countries along the Belt and Road launched a cooperation framework to fight desertification. The framework will help members cooperate on financing, sharing information, training, and learning from each other through example projects. Solheim said he expected the Belt and Road Initiative would be used for investment and technology transfer in fighting desertification. Iran, for example, has suffered greatly from sandstorms. Solheim said Iran can learn from China's technology and knowledge in curbing desertification, and countries in Africa and Central Asia facing similar problems can do the same.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 18:37:44|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Chris Mgidu

NAIROBI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan security officers on Wednesday arrested 60 Ethiopian immigrants from a residential estate in Nairobi.

Nairobi County police commander Japheth Koome said they had arrived in the city on Sunday and were found hiding in a house at Mihang'o area in Kayole, east of capital city.

Koome said the Ethiopians were being fed with bread and shared toilets that threatened their health, noting that investigation is underway to establish how the suspects reached the area.

"The Ethiopians don't have the prerequisite papers to warrant their stay here. They are illegal immigrants and would face the law," said Koome.

The police have on several occasions rounded up dozens of illegal immigrants especially from Ethiopia, who have been discovered locked up in congested rooms in Kenyan towns and cities.

The immigrants are said to be using Kenya as their transit route to other countries such as South Africa or other European countries.

Koome said a smuggler behind their stay in the area was also arrested and they would be charged in court soon. The suspects who cannot speak English or Swahili had rented the house and stayed there waiting to move out to South Africa.

The security officers are looking for another smuggler behind the syndicate and that those arrested are to be deported to their country after court processes.

The area where they were hidden is sprawling and the smugglers chose it to avoid police and immigration officials' suspicion.

The latest arrest comes after the police last week arrested 13 other Ethiopians from a house in Nairobi. They are facing charges in court.

The Kenyan authorities have blamed the vastness of the region for the runaway influx of foreigners into Kenya through Moyale on Kenya-Ethiopia borders and the porous border with Somalia.

Refugee rights organizations and aid agencies have blamed poverty in Africa for the rising cases of human trafficking.

They said that the huge supply of labour both skilled and unskilled makes them vulnerable to criminal syndicates.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 18:52:49|Editor: Zhou Xin

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Afghan security personnel arrange weapons in Shiberghan city of Jawzjan province, Afghanistan, Sept. 13, 2017. A huge quantity of arms and ammunition including 100 pieces of rocket propelled grenades and seven assault rifles which had been collected from militants were handed over to police in Shiberghan city on Wednesday, Jawzjan provincial police chief Rahmatullah Turkistani said. (Xinhua/Mohammad Jan Aria)

SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A huge quantity of arms and ammunition including 100 pieces of rocket propelled grenades and seven assault rifles which had been collected from militants were handed over to police in Shiberghan city on Wednesday, Jawzjan provincial police chief Rahmatullah Turkistani said.

Confiscating weapons and disarming militants are essential for stabilizing peace and security in Jawzjan province, the official said.

Taliban and Islamic State (IS) groups are active in the relatively peaceful Jawzjan province. Both groups fight to expand territory and consolidate positions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 19:02:53|Editor: Zhou Xin

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RAMALLAH, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations urged the Palestinian parties on Wednesday to "seize the current positive momentum and reach an agreement on national unity."

United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, urged the Palestinian parties in an emailed statement, "to allow the Palestinian government to immediately take up its responsibilities in Gaza Strip."

Mladenov praised the recent developments related to Palestinian unity in Cairo, adding that "reconciliation is critical to addressing the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza, preventing the continuing militant buildup and restoring hope for the future."

He stressed that Gaza is and must be an integral part of any future Palestinian state. "Unity is an essential step towards the peaceful realization of the Palestinian national aspirations," Mladenov said.

Fateh member Azzam Al-Ahmad, in charge of the reconciliation dossier, announced Tuesday that he would meet with senior Egyptian leaders in Cairo on resolving the Palestinian division.

On Saturday, Hamas politburo chief Haneya and several high-ranking Hamas leaders, including Yehya Sinwar, Hamas chief in Gaza headed to Cairo for talks with the Egyptians on several files and issues.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 19:12:55|Editor: Zhou Xin

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CAIRO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least two Egyptian soldiers and five militants were killed Wednesday when security forces foiled a terror operation in the restive North Sinai Province bordering Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, the Egyptian military said.

"One of the extremists wearing an explosive belt attempted to break into a military checkpoint, but the forces were alert and they killed him and directly dealt with his fellows," Military Spokesman Tamer al-Refaay said in a statement.

The clashes came two days after a massive terror operation in North Sinai's city of Arish left 18 policemen dead.

Earlier on Sunday, the police said they killed 10 in Giza Province near the capital Cairo, adding that they were extremists escaping from North Sinai and preparing for carrying out a number of terror operations.

Egypt has been suffering a wave of terror activities that killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers since the military toppled former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year rule and his currently-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Terror attacks in Egypt used to focus on police and military personnel in North Sinai, before spreading nationwide and targeting the Coptic minority, with most of them claimed by a Sinai-based group loyal to the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

Another militant group referring to itself as Hasm, which emerged late in 2016 and is regarded by the police as an affiliate with the Brotherhood, claimed responsibility for a number of terrorist attacks that killed several policemen in the country.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian military and police have killed hundreds of militants and arrested a similar number of suspects as part of the country's anti-terror war declared by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the army chief then, following Morsi's removal.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 19:12:58|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TEHRAN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iran has signed preliminary agreements with Syria to repair the power grid in the Aleppo city and the provinces of Latakia and Dayr al-Zawr in the Arab state, State TV reported on Wednesday.

The contracts, worth "several hundred million euros," were signed during Syrian Electricity Minister Mohammad Zuhair Kharboutli's visit to Tehran on Tuesday.

The agreements include building a power plant in the coastal province of Latakia with a capacity of 540 megawatts and restoring the main control center for Syria's electricity grid in the capital Damascus, Press TV said.

Iranian companies will also rehabilitate a 90-megawatt power station in Dayr al-Zawr province, and another in the Homs province.

The contracts further involve the establishment of five gas turbines, each with a capacity of 125 megawatts in in Baniyas.

Iran has already assured Syria to expand its cooperation to construct water and sewerage facilities in the Arab country.

"We are glad that good news is coming out about the situation in Syria these days, and the terrorists are facing defeat and complete elimination," Sattar Mahmoudi, Iran's caretaker energy minister, said during the signing ceremony.

The capabilities of Iranian companies in production, distribution and transmission of power and power plant equipment are unique in the region and many Iranian products are able to compete with the world's leading brands, Mahmoudi said.

"The message of Iran's Ministry of Energy is to restore light to the houses of the Syrian people, while the terrorists and their supporters have had no message other than darkness and terror for the Syrian people in the past few years," he said.

Iranian firms are already involved in a series of electricity generation projects worth 660 million U.S. dollars in Syria, according to Iran's Energy Ministry.

In May 2013, Iran agreed to provide Syria with a 3.6 billion U.S. dollar credit line for imports of goods and commodities and implementing civilian projects.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 19:33:06|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TEHRAN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that it arrested a suspect linked to the Islamic State (IS), Press TV reported Wednesday.

The person, who planned to carry out terror attacks in the capital Tehran, was arrested in the Andisheh town in Shahriar County, said Col. Amin Yaamini, commander of the local IRGC division.

The suspect belongs to the IS-affiliated Ajnad al-Sham (Soldiers of the Levant) group, which is mainly active in the western Syrian provinces of Idlib and Hama, Yaamini added.

"So far, very important information has been collected from the IS element's phone, and he remains under investigation," he said.

According to the IRGC commander, the Ajnad al-Sham intends to conduct 300 terror operations in Tehran during the holy Muslim month of Muharram.

The IS terror group, which has been seeking to establish a caliphate in the region, sees Iran as one of its enemies in the region.

The group has claimed responsibility for the killings of at least 17 in the attacks on parliament in Tehran and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini on June 7.

On June 18, IRGC fired several missiles at IS bases in Syria in retaliation for the attack.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 19:33:07|Editor: Liangyu

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KUNMING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Wang Donglin is honored to be elected as a delegate to attend the national congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) this year.

Wang, 29, works for Beiya Mining Company in the county of Heqing in southwest China's Yunnan Province. For the past ten years, he has led his colleagues to improve the company with hard work.

"I really cherish this opportunity to attend the 19th National Congress of the CPC," Wang said. "Before going, I will solicit opinions on the frontline."

The upcoming session, which will start in Beijing on Oct. 18, will see a higher percentage of grassroots delegates working on the frontline. The meeting will discuss and set the future direction for the Party and state, as well as elect a new central leadership.

The CPC national congress takes place once every five years. The delegates are not full-time and have jobs from all walks of life, including state leaders, officials, workers, farmers and teachers.

These frontline workers must account for no less than one-third of the delegates, representing provincial level regions, the central financial sector and centrally-administered enterprises in Beijing, which all increased frontline attendance compared to the 18th CPC National Congress.

More focus on grassroots delegates represents the change in Party membership. Party authorities approved 1.965 million new candidates in 2015, of whom 977,000 were frontline workers, such as industrial employees, farmers, herders and migrants.

Yang Fu, a Party official and colleague of Wang's, said that Wang was a great representative of frontline members as he worked hard and helped other colleagues gain expertise.

"After work, Wang often teaches others what he has learnt at work and shares his experience with other colleagues," Yang said.

In the past few years, Wang has submitted 60 proposals about company production.

"He greatly contributed to the company's capability, equipment maintenance and work efficiency," Yang said. "His hard-working spirit, perseverance and sense of responsibility are what make him a truly outstanding CPC member," Yang said.

Zhang Fakui, an official with the Heqing local government, said that Wang's election as delegate to the upcoming session showed that Party delegates cover an extensive range of areas.

"It means that the Party truly listens to opinions from all walks of life," Zhang said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 19:33:09|Editor: Liangyu

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah has praised China for its contribution to the global economy.

According to local media on Wednesday, in a speech delivered during the opening ceremony of the 14th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS), the monarch welcomed more cooperation between ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and China in implementing measures that promote Asia as an engine of growth in the global economy.

The Sultan also applauded the 14th CAEXPO for establishing itself as a premier event that has showcased the resilient economic and trade ties between ASEAN and China.

As ASEAN marks the 50th anniversary of its establishment this year, the Sultan observed that throughout much of ASEAN's existence, it has worked closely with China in promoting peace and stability in Southeast Asia, as well as in working towards further economic development and integration.

Expressing appreciation to China for its consistent support of ASEAN's economic endeavors, the monarch said the regional grouping is stepping up its efforts in securing the maximum benefits that can be obtained from an economically integrated region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 19:33:10|Editor: Zhou Xin

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ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni government forces backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) helicopters pushed al-Qaida fighters out of key hideouts in the southern province of Abyan on Wednesday, a military official told Xinhua.

The military source said that the anti-terror Yemeni troops supported by UAE helicopters killed six al-Qaida members and arrested key leaders of the terrorist group in a gunfight during the battle for control of the Al-Wadhei area of Abyan province.

"The armed forces arrived in the area and started raiding al-Qaida key sites where key wanted al-Qaida leaders are hidden," the local military source said anonymously.

The troops also recovered two buildings used as arms caches and confiscated several communication equipment, the source added.

Yemeni government forces and the UAE armed forces operating in the southern province of Aden have launched a new anti-terror military offensive "to root out al-Qaida militants from their strongholds in neighboring southern province of Abyan."

Thousands of newly-recruited southern soldiers joined the campaign after receiving military training and financial support from the UAE forces.

The Yemen-based al-Qaida branch, seen by the United States as the global terror network's most dangerous branch, has exploited years of deadly conflict between Yemen's government and Houthi rebels to expand its presence, especially in Shabwa and Abyan provinces.

Yemen's government, allied with a Saudi-led Arab military coalition, has for years been battling Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels for control of the impoverished country.

UN statistics showed that more than 8,000 people have been killed in Yemen's conflict, most of them civilians, since the Saudi-led coalition entered the conflict in 2015.

The impoverished Arab country is also suffering the world's largest cholera outbreak, where about 5,000 cases are reported every day.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 19:58:16|Editor: Zhou Xin

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ISLAMABAD, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least two more people died of dengue fever at different hospitals in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province on Wednesday, taking the death toll to 23 over the last two months, local Urdu media reported.

The deceased were under treatment at Hayatabad Medical Complex and Khyber Teaching Hospital in Peshawar, the capital city of the province, after they were diagnosed positive of the mosquito-born disease.

Over the last 24 hours, 372 more people have been tested positive of the disease out of the 1,900 people who came to different hospitals of the province for medical examination, according to the Dengue Response Unit of KPK's health department.

"A total of 381 patients are admitted in the various hospitals of the province till now," said the health department, adding that 142 more patients infected with the dengue fever have been admitted to the hospitals over the last 24 hours.

About 4,500 people have been infected by the dengue fever in the province with majority of the cases being treated in provincial capital of Peshawar, Geo News reported.

The provincial government is trying to overcome the disease by launching door-to-door awareness campaign about the disease and fumigation was being carried out in different areas of the province to kill the larvae of infected mosquitoes.

Apart from that, the provincial government has arranged free of cost diagnosis and treatment centers in all government hospitals of the province.

Health experts from the country's eastern Punjab province also visited various health departments of Peshawar and gave their expert opinion over the disease as Punjab successfully combated the catastrophic viral disease in 2014 after seeking advice from Sri-Lankan experts.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 20:03:19|Editor: An

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Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong (2nd R) and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets (2nd L) attend a ceremony to open the inaugural semester of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 13, 2017. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

SHENZHEN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, the first Sino-Russian university, held a ceremony on Wednesday to open its inaugural semester with the first class of 113 undergraduate students.

The university was jointly established by the government of Shenzhen in south China, Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) and Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), following a memorandum of understanding between the ministries of education of the two countries three years ago.

Han Dongyu, a mathematics major and the student representative, said the university's experienced teachers can assist students with both Russian and their major courses.

Puriaeva, director of the University's Russian language school, said the Russian teachers are satisfied with the working environment and teaching facilities, and are looking forward to teaching in Shenzhen.

The university will accept undergraduate and graduate students from China and abroad, with international students making up 30 percent of the student body. It plans to accommodate up to 5,000 students in the coming years. Enrollment of doctorate students will begin in 2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 20:18:25|Editor: An

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Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong (2nd R) and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets (2nd L) attend a ceremony to establish the Sino-Russian comprehensive university alliance as well as a forum attended by university presidents from China and Russia, in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 13, 2017. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

SHENZHEN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Sino-Russian comprehensive university alliance was established Wednesday in the south China city of Shenzhen.

Forty Chinese universities, including Beijing's Peking and Tsinghua universities, and 20 Russian universities, including Lomonosov Moscow State University, joined the alliance, which aims to strengthen exchanges in modern teaching methodology, scientific research, cultural and social activities.

A joint declaration was released on July 5 between Peking University and Lomonosov Moscow State University to establish the alliance.

Nearly 100 university presidents from both countries participated in a forum on Wednesday, discussing topics such as talent cultivation, research cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 20:23:28|Editor: Zhou Xin

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DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian police said on Wednesday two top officials of Sky Associates Limited which owns Tanzanite One Mining Ltd have been transferred from Manyara region to the east African nation's commercial capital Dar es Salaam for further investigations.

"They were transferred to Dar es Salaam on Monday for further grilling by the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI)," said Francis Massawe, the Manyara regional police commander.

The two officials of Sky Associates Limited have been implicated in the tanzanite mining fraud by two reports on diamonds and tanzanite mining by two by parliamentary investigative committees presented to President John Magufuli last week.

Massawe named the two officials as Faisal Juma Shahbhai and Hussein Gonga.

Massawe further disclosed that they were still pursuing State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), a government owned enterprise also mentioned and implicated in the reports.

The arrest of the officials followed a directive by President Magufuli who had instructed defense and security organs to investigate top officials implicated in the report.

Last week, Tanzanian police chief said they have started investigating senior officials implicated in the two reports by parliamentary investigative committees on diamonds and tanzanite mining.

"After President John Magufuli instructed defence and security organs to immediately start investigating all officers implicated in the reports, we have already arrested some of the officials for interrogation," said the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Simon Sirro.

Magufuli also ordered the suspension of senior officials implicated in the two reports.

"The officials mentioned in the two reports should give way pending the investigations," said Magufuli.

Following the order, the Minister of State in the President's Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Governments, George Simbachawene and Deputy Minister for Works, Transport and Communication, Edwin Ngonyani, announced they were stepping down to pave way for investigations.

"The two committees have shown weaknesses in overseeing our natural resources. It is high time all Tanzanians became patriotic in protecting our resources," said Magufuli.

On July 5 the National Assembly formed a nine-man investigative team to assess how Tanzania was benefiting from diamond mining.

The investigative team looked at regulation, ownership and diamond mining, said Speaker of the National Assembly Job Ndugai.

He said the team drawing Members of Parliament from the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi and the opposition camp worked for 30 days before submitting its report.

In June, Magufuli suspended issuance of new mining licenses to investors until after the government reorganized itself.

In May this year, he sacked Minister for Energy and Minerals Sospeter Muhongo after a report showed he was implicated in mining firms' undeclared mineral sand exports.

The report revealed that the undeclared mineral sand exports led to tax evasion by the mining firms.

Magufuli said the report revealed that mining firms, including Acacia Mining, cheated over mineral sand exports for smelting abroad, making the east African nation to lose millions of U.S. dollars.

The president also dissolved the Tanzania Mineral Audit Agency (TMAA) Board of Directors and suspended the agency's Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Rwekaza, for what he termed as negligence.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 20:23:28|Editor: Zhou Xin

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JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Six civilians were injured as a blast rocked Jalalabad city, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province, on Wednesday, spokesman for the provincial government Attaullah Khogiani said.

"Six people, all civilians, have been injured in the blast that rocked Jalalabad city at around 3 p.m. local time (1030 GMT)," Khogiani told reporters.

Without giving more details, the official said that an investigation was underway.

Meantime, Najibullah Kamawal, the head of health department in Jalalabad city, confirmed that one body and eight injured people had been taken to hospital.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 20:28:34|Editor: Liangyu

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KUNMING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese demand for blueberries has been rapidly growing, offering abundant opportunities for the international blueberry growing industry.

The country's blueberry imports have grown from 692 to 8,722 tonnes from 2012 to 2016, with the trade volume growing from 4.6 million to 78.4 million U.S. dollars, according to a report published at the 2017 International Blueberry Organization (IBO) Summit held from Sept. 10-12 in Qujing, southwest China's Yunnan Province.

During the first seven months of 2017, blueberry imports registered an annual growth of 42.7 percent, and the trade volume grew by 37 percent, the report said.

Felipe Juillerat, president of the Chilean Blueberry Committee, said that some 70 percent of Chile's blueberry exports to Asia go to the Chinese market.

China's per capita consumption of blueberries is 3.7 grams per year, compared to 1.5 kilograms in the United States, which means the Chinese market is full of potential, he said.

According to the IBO, China has seen a robust growth in blueberry farming. Before 2008, the fruit was grown in only six provinces and that number grew to 27 in 2016.

Chilean berry expert Pilar Banados said, as Chinese territory spans a long distance from north to south, it is suitable for growing different varieties of blueberries.

The summit was jointly hosted by the local government in Qujing, the provincial agriculture department and the IBO. The IBO was established in 2011, and the summit has previously been held in Chile, Mexico, Australia and Uruguay.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 20:28:35|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Ejidiah Wangui

NAIROBI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan farmers could soon start growing Genetically Modified (GM) maize if an application by scientists for approval by regulatory agencies succeeds.

The country's leading scientists have written to the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) seeking permission to release the first ever Genetically Modified (GM) maize variety.

Gospel Omanya, Senior Manager of Deployment at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), told Xinhua on Tuesday that most Kenyan farmers were ready for the GM maize which is pest and disease resistant.

"The farmers we interact with in Kenya and other countries where AATF operates are eagerly waiting for the genetically modified maize seeds to help them against impacts of climate change, particularly drought and protection from insect pests such as stem borers and fall army worms," said Omanya.

He said the GM maize will boost efforts to achieve food security and better incomes from small holder farmers in Kenya.

Two months ago, Kenya grappled with Fall Army Worm (FAW) invasion which reportedly affected over 400,000 ha of maize across the East African region.

In areas where FAW infestation was reported for instance, the Tela variety which is genetically modified has been observed to have less damage in Kenya and South Africa.

The combined traits, including its drought tolerance, have resulted in maize grain yields of more than 30 percent over the best commercial hybrids, Omanya told Xinhua.

But even as the scientists await feedback from the country's biosafety authority, consumers still remain apprehensive over health concerns raised on genetically modified food.

"As it is, we have to be open minded as food prices continue to rise by the day, but on my part I'm still not sure if the GM maize is the solution. May be the concerned authorities should do more sensitization and let us know the pros and cons of having this maize grown in Kenya," said Jacob Ngetich, a small scale farmer.

He is among smallholder farmers in Kenya's Rift Valley region whose farms were affected by the FAW and his biggest worry now is to protect his farm against such an invasion in the future.

"Farming is my only source of livelihood, so I will do all it takes to protect it. I know there have been debates over GM maize in the country in the past, but as a farmer who has had firsthand experience with crop loss, I would never rule out growing GM maize. I was not even aware of the application for seed approval but let us see what happens, all that matters is health safety of the consumer and of course food security," said Ngetich.

According to Omanya, before such maize is released to the consumer, proper due diligence has to be done to ensure it is fit for human consumption and Kenya is not an exception.

"The TELA maize that will be commercialized in Kenya and any other country must go through regulatory and biosafety systems in the target countries. This is to ensure its safety as human food. As with any new technology on the market, consumer education is essential to enlighten the farmers as well as consumers," said Omanya.

Omanya believes the GM maize variety, known worldwide as Bt maize, will help farmers in Kenya increase their yield by reducing damage caused by stem borer insect pests.

According to the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy, Kenyans depend on maize for their daily food and are too often threatened by hunger due to a number of constraints including voracious pests.

Stem borers are known to reduce maize yield by an average of 13 percent or 400,000 tonnes, equivalent to the yearly amount of maize imported by Kenya, amounting to 70 million U.S dollars.

Approval of the Bt maize will pave the way for variety release and registration through the National Performance Trials and eventual delivery to farmers through seed companies in the same manner as any other crop variety.

The adoption of Bt technology has been proven to work in other countries and farmers are already benefiting from the technology with maize yields doubling annually in countries like South Africa.

Notably, the first conventional non-GM drought-tolerant maize under the name Drought TEGO or simply TEGO is already in use by farmers in Kenya and Uganda.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 20:33:38|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TEHRAN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will attend the UN General Assembly meeting in New York next week, Tasnim news agency reported Wednesday.

During his trip, Rouhani will deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly, said Mahmoud Vaezi, the Iranian president's chief of staff.

He will also meet with Iranian expatriates living in the United States, as well as a number of world political officials, Vaezi added.

The 72nd Regular Session of the UN General Assembly opened Tuesday, while the General Debate will start next Tuesday, taking "Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet" as its theme.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 20:33:41|Editor: Liangyu

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by Salah Takieddine

BEIRUT, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese businessmen who have participated in the China-Arab States Expo in the northwestern Chinese city of Yinchuan expressed hopes that this event could produce positive results for the Lebanese economy.

"The participation in the expo was very important for us and hope that we would have an important cooperation with the Chinese," Lebanese former Finance Minister Raya al-Hassan told Xinhua, revealing that two agreements related to the Special Economic Zone for Tripoli have been signed with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Yinchuan Technology Zone.

Al-Hassan, who is also the head of Tripoli Special Economic Zone Authority, hailed the expo as an opportunity for Lebanon to exhibit its manufactures and know the needs of the Chinese market.

"We are interested in attracting the Chinese investments to Tripoli. Chinese companies are visiting Tripoli and show their interest in reactivating the Silk Road and it is a matter of great importance for both countries and has a definite positive effect on Lebanon," she said.

According to the Lebanese business official, Lebanon's exports to China total about 6 million U.S. dollars while the country imports 2 million dollars' worth of products from China.

"After our participation, we discovered that we can include in our exports that China needs, such as olive oil and wine," she explained.

A number of Lebanese commercial and industrial companies participated in the expo and had a distinctive presence

Amir Hassoun, head of the development and marketing department in the Khan al Saboun factory of Badr Hassoun in Tripoli, said China has facilitated "investments for the Lebanese businessmen and industrialists."

"We exhibited our products in the expo and found an interesting acceptance," Hassoun said. "We exhibited about 1,400 kinds of soap products."

During the expo, Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Raed Khouri, who is also the head of the country's delegation to the expo, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chinese government to promote economic cooperation between the two countries under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013.

According to the MoU, the two countries agreed to work together to achieve common development, and enhance both political and economic ties.

The four-day event was inaugurated on Sept. 6, with the participation of 43 ministers and high-ranking officials from Arab countries and 117 representatives from commerce chambers in China and Arab countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 20:33:42|Editor: Liangyu

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SHENZHEN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday both sent congratulatory messages to celebrate the inaugural semester of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, the first joint Sino-Russian university.

Xi said that education is a major impetus for the development of a country and a key bond to promote exchanges between different peoples.

There has been close contacts between universities from both countries in recent years, as China and Russia have undertaken in-depth cooperation in education, said Xi, adding that the cooperation has played a positive role in promoting mutual understanding between the two peoples as well as the development of the Sino-Russian comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

"Under an agreement reached by President Putin and I, the establishment of Sino-Russian Shenzhen MSU-BIT University is an important achievement in bilateral cultural and people-to-people exchanges and is of great demonstration significance," said Xi in the message.

He encouraged education officials and teachers from both countries to look to each other's advantages and the potential for cooperation to speed up the future development of the university, build a high-level university and train top-quality talent, thus contributing to Sino-Russian educational cooperation and bilateral friendship.

Calling educational cooperation a key component of the Russia-China strategic partnership, Putin said in his message that direct contact between universities in both countries has expanded year by year; the scale of student exchanges has been improved and high school students from both countries have formed a tradition to have holiday in the other country's national resorts.

He said he believes that the Russia-China university, founded on the basis of two well-known universities from Beijing and Moscow, will further enhance friendship and understanding between the two peoples and that graduates from the university will become sought after in Russia, China and around the world.

Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, located in the south China city of Shenzhen, is a university jointly founded by the Shenzhen municipal government, Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) and Russia's Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU).
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 20:43:55|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Christine Lagat

NAIROBI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's retail sector is gradually recovering from a slump linked to a huge debt pile up, governance hiccups and election related jitters, officials said on Wednesday.

Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Adan Mohamed, said the government is committed to speeding up recovery of the retail sector that contributes an estimated 8 percent to the GDP.

"There is a positive outlook in our wholesale and retail sectors as the government implement a raft of measures to restore their competitiveness after months of slump," Mohamed said.

He spoke in Nairobi during a meeting with key players in the retail sector including the regulator, owners of supermarket chains, suppliers and creditors.

Mohamed said there is an ongoing conversation between the government and stakeholders in the retail sector to explore strategic actions that could revitalize it amid uncertainties linked to elections and stiff competition.

"We have constantly improved the operating environment for retailers by eliminating regulatory hurdles and connecting them to strategic partners. The government has also come up with a code of practice for retailers to improve governance and managerial practices," said Mohamed.

He added that discussions are ongoing with prospective investors to bail out struggling retail chains that are partly owned by the state.

Mohamed disclosed that an office to promote fair competition in the retail sector will be opened early next year.

He noted the office will address imbalances between forces of supply and demand that have slowed down growth of the retail and wholesale sectors in Kenya.

Kenya's retail sector that employs nearly 8 million people has been experiencing turbulence in the recent past thanks to governance lapses alongside flawed investment decisions.

The struggling retail chains include Uchumi Supermarket that is partly owned by the state and privately owned Nakumatt holdings.

Mohamed said the state has pumped 5 million U.S. dollars to bail out Uchumi Supermarket while facilitating dialogue with creditors and financiers to rescue Nakumatt holdings that is on the verge of bankruptcy.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 20:59:02|Editor: Liangyu

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An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, gestures at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2017. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's participation in activities held by international organizations should be based on the one-China principle, a spokesman from the Chinese mainland said at a press conference Wednesday.

An Fengshan, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, was responding to a question on Taiwan during the regular session of the United Nations General Assembly.

An reiterated that the mainland's major policies towards Taiwan remain unchanged.

"We will continue to adhere to the '1992 Consensus' which embodies the one-China principle, ensure the common political foundation for peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, oppose 'Taiwan independence' and protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity," An said.

Concerning Taiwan's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Vietnam in November, An said it should be handled in accordance with the one-China principle and the memorandum of understanding among members of the APEC.

Only by upholding the one-China principle can cross-Strait relations return to the path of peaceful development to the benefit of compatriots across the Taiwan Strait, An said.

Regarding concerns that Taiwan will develop nuclear weapons, An said he has not identified the source of the information, stressing that the mainland is firmly opposed to such ideas.

Responding to a question on the United States' plan to resupply its warships off the coast of Taiwan from 2018, An said that "we resolutely oppose any official contact and military links between the U.S. and Taiwan."

The spokesman added that various activities will be held to mark the 30th anniversary of cross-Strait exchanges.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 21:04:09|Editor: Zhou Xin

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WELLINGTON, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Suitable, low-risk prisoners will be eligible for earlier release in New Zealand, if they complete training and treatment plans and have a low risk of reoffending, Corrections Minister Louise Upston said on Wednesday.

"Rehabilitation programs work, so we want more prisoners to complete them. They help prisoners prepare for life outside prison, give them skills to get a job, and help stop reoffending," Upston said in a statement.

The ruling National Party will introduce the Positive Pathways program to incentivize more prisoners to complete personalized rehabilitation and training programs, improving their chances of remaining crime-free when they are released to further reduce crime and improve public safety, Upston said.

Since 2011, New Zealand reduced the number of people reoffending by 26 percent, which is 38,000 fewer victims of crime, she said.

Under Positive Pathways, prisoners whose sentences are two years or less and who successfully complete their training and treatment plan will be eligible for release 10 percent earlier than under current settings.

Prisoners serving more than two years will get an individualized training and treatment plan from the Corrections Department and will receive early feedback from the Parole Board on this plan to better prepare them for when they become eligible for parole, according to the plan.

Successful completion of that program will trigger an earlier parole hearing. Early release is not guaranteed and minimum non-parole periods will remain unchanged, it said.

"We are not making sentences shorter," Upston said, adding that instead prisoners can serve a greater portion of their sentence in the community, subject to appropriate monitoring, and they will be subject to immediate recall to prison if they breach their conditions or reoffend.

Part of the new investment in rehabilitation will also be targeted at more support for prisoners when they leave jail to stop them from returning, she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 21:09:13|Editor: Liangyu

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BERLIN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese businessman Jonathan Pang has joined a growing list of investors offering to buy the insolvent German carrier Air Berlin, German newspaper BILD reported on Wednesday.

The local newspaper cited a letter of intent sent by Pang's company LinkGlobal to Air Berlin's management dated on Aug. 31.

"We are informed," the letter of intent reads, that Air Berlin is looking for a "reliable investor for acquisition. We hereby express our interest and intention for this purpose."

Pang previously acquired the former German military airport Parchim, located between Berlin and Hamburg. He proposed shifting at least part of Air Berlin's activities to the currently disused site in his letter of intent, expressing confidence that such a move could be a "win-win for both Air Berlin and our Parchim airport."

The news of Pang's interest comes as Air Berlin is still reeling from mass flight cancellations caused by pilots calling in sick as a form of protest. At least 32 flights have to be canceled so far on Wednesday, mainly at Berlin-Tegel and Dusseldorf airports.

In response, Air Berlin CEO Thomas Winkelmann accused pilots of "playing with fire."

"We are currently in final discussions with investors" he said, warning that cancellations were costing the already bankrupt firm "millions of euros."

Air Berlin is Germany's second largest airline and employs over 8,000 staff. The German government has provided the insolvent company with a credit facility of 150 million euros (179.8 million U.S. dollars) to ensure continuity of operations until a buyer is found.
File photo shows members of Al-Shabaab take part in a rally in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, on Oct. 30, 2009. (Xinhua)

MOGADISHU, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United States military said it conducted three airstrikes against militant group Al-Shabaab in Somalia early Wednesday, killing six terrorists.

The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said the precision strikes took place at 2:15 a.m. in southern Somalia, about 260 kilometers south of the capital, Mogadishu.

"The United States conducted this operation within the parameters of the authorities granted by the President in March 2017, which allows U.S. forces to conduct lethal action against Al-Shabaab within a geographically-defined area in support of partner forces in Somalia," Africom said in a statement.

Before the new authorization was granted, the U.S. military could only carry out defensive airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in situations where Somali troops and their U.S. advisers came under fire.

Al-Shabaab has been an Al-Qaida affiliate since 2012. It has been designated as a terrorist organization by a number of nations, including the United States and Britain.

Africom said Al-Shabaab has pledged allegiance to Al-Qaida and is dedicated to providing safe haven for terrorist attacks throughout the world.

"Al-Shabaab has publicly committed to planning and conducting attacks against the United States and our partners in the region," it said.

Africom said U.S. forces will continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect Americans and disable terrorist threats.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 21:24:22|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BANGKOK, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's anti-graft agency said on Wednesday that there was insufficient evidence to prove that ex-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra was negligent in failing to prevent great damage caused by the 2011 flooding.

Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), told media that natural disasters are not predictable, while there was no evidence of Yingluck's malfeasance in handling the massive flooding.

"Yingluck has properly followed administrative steps in handling the floods, thus the NACC has passed a resolution to clear her allegation," Watcharapol was quoted as saying by the local media.

Since 2016, the NACC has been investigating two former prime ministers - Yingluck and Ahbisit Vejjajiva - to determine whether their governments were responsible for the flooding disaster in 2011.

The disastrous flooding in 2011 was blamed on alleged mismanagement of the country's water supplies at different dams.

Critics said the dams were holding too much water at a time when the country was hit by a series of rainstorms.

The disasters caused damage of more than 350 billion baht (about 10 billion U.S. dollars), according to the local media.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 21:44:35|Editor: Zhou Xin

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JERUSALEM, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces shot and wounded a Palestinian after he allegedly tried to carry out a stabbing attack near a West Bank settlement on Wednesday afternoon, a military spokesperson said.

The incident took place at the Elias Junction at the entrance to the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Arba.

The spokesperson confirmed the suspect was shot, without elaborating on the circumstances of the incident.

Palestinian media reported that the suspect was sustained moderate to injuries.

No Israelis were injured, the spokesperson added.

The incident came amidst a wave of violence in Israel and the West Bank, which have claimed the lives of at least 293 Palestinians, 48 Jewish Israelis, two U.S. nationals, a British tourist, and two African asylum seekers since September 2015.

Israel accuses the Palestinian National Authority of "inciting" the unrest. The Palestinians say it is the result of 50 years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, home to more than 5 million Palestinians.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 21:44:40|Editor: Liangyu

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BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's state assets regulator and the Ministry of Science and Technology signed a cooperation agreement Wednesday to encourage innovation in centrally-administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

The SOEs invested more than 380 billion yuan (58.1 billion U.S. dollars) in research and development in 2016, and have seen average annual growth of over 20 percent in the past few years.

These enterprises own 80 national key laboratories which account for nearly half of the total number.

"The central SOEs are playing an increasingly important role in technological innovation," Xiao Yaqing, chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang said supportive policies will be rolled out to encourage central SOEs to innovate more.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 21:44:42|Editor: Zhou Xin

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RAMALLAH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Fatah Party Spokesman Nasser Al-Qudwa said on Wednesday that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet U.S. President Donald Trump next week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

The Palestinian leadership remains worried about "the unclear position of the American administration, especially with regards to the settlement activity and the two-state solution," Al-Qudwa, also commissioner of Media and Culture, told reporters at a press conference in his office in the West Bank city Ramallah.

It remains unclear whether the Abbas-Trump meeting would speed up the ongoing peace process, after U.S. envoys have held a series of meetings with both Israeli and Palestinian officials since Trump took office in January.

The current movements in the UN corridors are meant to confront counter-movements by Israel and it's international allies, such as their efforts to change the mandate of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and become a member of the Security Council, the Palestinian senior official said.

"I anticipate a serious defeat for Israel in the case of its candidacy for membership at the Security Council," he said.

Israel has been trying to secure a seat at the UN Security Council since 2000, by getting votes of at least one third of the 193-member council.

Palestinian diplomacy has been focusing on lobbying against the candidacy of Israel by bolstering ties with geographical blocs in the UN, particularly the African bloc which has nearly 60 member-state votes.

The next elections for the UN Security Council membership will be held in July 2018, 10 members to be elected next to five permanent members: China, the United States, Russia, France and Britain.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 21:44:43|Editor: Zhou Xin

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THE HAGUE, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Nigerian sham marriage criminal network was dismantled in Germany and Portugal following an international police operation supported by Europol, the European Union's police agency announced on Wednesday.

The operation has resulted in 50 house searches and the arrest of five suspects. The investigation, led by the German Federal Police and Criminal Investigations Department of Berlin, in close cooperation with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service/SEF, was initiated in October 2016 on the suspicion of facilitation of illegal immigration via marriages of convenience, so-called sham marriages.

The investigators identified a Nigerian-led criminal network which was engaged in the facilitation of these sham marriages through the provision of false information and documentation to marriage registrars, thus exploiting the asylum and immigration system. These criminal elements were gleaning huge profits by organizing EU residency status for Nigerian nationals through these marriages of convenience, said Europol.

In Germany, lots of passports and documents were seized and a total of seven arrest warrants were issued. In Portugal, house searches were executed in Lisbon, on the occasion of which fraudulent certificates, passports and EU residence permits were seized.

Europol's Migrant Smuggling Centre was involved in this investigation from the onset, providing tailored analytical support and co-ordinating the cooperation between both EU Member States. During the action days, two Europol officers were deployed to Germany and Portugal for on-the-spot support to the national investigators, including real-time data exchange and cross-checks against Europol databases.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 21:49:46|Editor: Zhou Xin

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STRASBOURG, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Europe is finally bouncing back after years of crisis and shows optimism for the future, said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in his annual State of the Union address on Wednesday.

Junker made the remarks to Members of the European Parliament gathered here for their first plenary session after the summer break.

Citing an all-time low in unemployment across the EU, strengthened European banks, and drops in public deficits, Juncker said "all of this leads me to believe the wind back in Europe's sails."

Juncker also outlined policy proposals for the coming year, including reinforced trade programs focusing on reciprocity, stronger protocols for foreign investment screening, new industrial policy to keep Europe competitive while becoming a vanguard in the fight against climate change, increased digital security online led by a new cyber security agency, and continued deepening of cooperation between EU member states on migration issues.

Throughout his description of proposals, Juncker celebrated the achievements, such as 8 million jobs created in the EU since the beginning of his term at the European Commission, or a 97-percent decrease in irregular migrant arrivals by sea since the implementation of the EU-Turkey agreement.

To take advantage of this momentum, the European Commission president urged European leaders and MEPs to strive for a "stronger, more democratic Europe."

Laying out the details of a so-called "Scenario #6," or a European Commission White Paper published in March 2016 which outlined five possible scenarios for the future of the European Union, Juncker turned down what has been called a "multi-speed Europe." He argued for greater integration in nearly all areas of European functioning.

"The Euro is destined to become the common currency for the entire Union," he said.

Juncker refused calls, popularized by French President Emmanuel Macron when he was campaigning in 2016, to set up a separate parliament for countries using the common currency. "There is only one parliament for the Euro area: this one," he told the MEPs.

He also argued that all EU member states should be encouraged to join the banking union, saying that only joint efforts to limit and mitigate risks would lead to long-term economic stability.

"It is high time to bring Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area," Juncker announced, adding that Croatia should also be brought into the free-movement zone as soon as it meets requirements.

In a similar manner, Juncker said that all members should contribute to a European Defense Union, arguing that such an initiative needs to be implemented by 2025.

On institutional reform, Juncker proposed that the presidencies of the European Commission and the European Council be merged. "Europe would be easier to understand if one captain was steering the ship," he said, "Having a single president would better reflect the true nature of our European Union as both a Union of States and a Union of Citizens."

He also proposed a European Minister of Economy and Finance, a role to be fulfilled by the European Commissioner in that area, as well as a new European Labor Authority.

"It seems absurd to have a Banking Authority to police banking standard, but no common Labor Authority for ensuring fairness in our single markets," he said.

To support transparency, Juncker revealed that the European Commission would start publishing all draft agreements for trade negotiations.

He also argued for continued EU enlargement, specifically addressing Turkey, saying "from our side there will always be an out-stretched hand."

Finally, Juncker addressed Brexit, saying it was not the "end all be all" for Europe, and that it was not the future of Europe.

Proposing a special European Summit to be held in Romania on Brexit Day, March 30, 2019, Juncker hoped the Europeans would wake up to a Union of 27 member states where European standards would be shared by all European citizens.

"But it's today that we have to start preparing the Union of tomorrow," he said. "We have to do it now while the sun is still shining."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 21:54:48|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BERLIN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Germany restored deportation of Afghans on Wednesday after a suspension was introduced in May in response to a terrorist attack on the German embassy in Kabul on May 31.

The suspension was imposed due to the perception of a general security deterioration in Afghanistan.

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said in a statement that the eight men flown to Kabul International Airport had all been convicted for crimes and had been unsuccessful in their asylum applications. The individuals were brought to Duesseldorf airport directly from prison ahead of their flight's departure.

The arrival of eight returnees was confirmed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Bavaria's regional interior minister Joachim Herrmann said three of the eight inmates had been deported by his state.

"Two were convicted of rape, one of grievous bodily harm," Herrmann said. He criticized non-governmental organizations such as Pro Asyl for attempting to prevent the deportation of serious offenders through protests at Duesseldorf airport.

Herrmann said he had "zero understanding" for such activism, arguing that someone who came under the pretense of seeking protection from persecution and war, only to commit such a heinous crime as rape, had no place in Germany.

Several NGOs have voiced opposition against a resumption of deportations to Afghanistan over fears that the growing incidence of terrorist attacks by the radical Islamist Taliban has made the country unsafe.

In total, Germany has deported more than 100 rejected asylum seekers in six flights to Afghanistan.

In what may be a further sign of a trend towards stricter asylum policies on Wednesday, Christian Social Union (CSU) leader Horst Seehofer, whose party forms part of the ruling government, specified his demand for an upper limit of 200,000 asylum seekers to be admitted to Germany each year. Having skirted the issue repeatedly in the past, Seehofer said that migrants brought in under the right to family-reunification were "of course" also included in the figure.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has repeatedly rejected the idea of an upper limit on refugees allowed over the border, describing the measure as "impractical".
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 21:59:50|Editor: Zhou Xin

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SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- When the iPhone was known to the world as a new product from Apple Inc., "smartphone" was hardly the term for a class of electronic devices.

That was 10 years ago, at the same time when Steve Jobs, then chief executive officer (CEO) of the U.S. technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, gave up its initial name as Apple Computer Inc.

For the previous 30 years, with Jobs as its co-founder, Apple had been the nameplate for personal computers.

With the launch of the iPhone, on Jan. 9, 2007, by Jobs, who died four years later at age 56, Apple has since turned into a consumer electronics company.

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, at a special event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, the company's new headquarters campus which will later house the offices of thousands of employees, Tim Cook, the current CEO who replaced Jobs, rolled out the iPhone 8 as its latest smartphone and the iPhone X, literally the iPhone 10, as "one more thing."

While the iPhone 8 was expected as a sequel, the iPhone X was anticipated as a special 10th anniversary edition.

With tens of millions of iPhones now in use worldwide, the gadget is likely the most successful mobile device, and one of the most successful products in the information age.

From the iPhone's very beginning, Apple has been a designer, a developer and a seller, rather than a manufacturer, of the phone. It has been markedly designed in California, and physically made in China.

Throughout the years, the success of the iPhone has been more about industrial design. Jobs has been recognized as entrepreneur, businessman, inventor and industrial designer.

Jobs told the Macworld 2007 convention that he was announcing "three revolutionary products," the first being a wide-screen iPod with touch controls, the second being a mobile phone, and the third being an Internet communications device. However, "these are not three separate devices; this is one device, and we are calling it iPhone."

About the touchscreen controls, Scott Forstall, who led Apple's iOS operating system software division under Jobs, recounted earlier this year that Jobs started Apple's tablet computer project, which later turned out the iPad, because he personally did not like an acquaintance with Microsoft Corporation, which was developing technology of the kind; and did not like Microsoft's technology that relied on resistive touch and required a pen, or a stylus, to control.

"You don't use a stylus ... we're born with ten styluses," Jobs was quoted as saying. The solution was capacitive touch display, now a commonplace from smartphones to personal computers.

Later, according to Forstall, Jobs tasked engineers with shrinking Apple's tablet prototype down to "something small enough to fit in your pocket" when he decided that the company should make a smartphone.

It is a typical industrial design story. In the past 10 years, the iPhone might not be the first to adopt certain technologies, but it has been often packing new hardware and new features into the device in a different way.

In addition, it might not be only hardware components that have made a difference. Its iOS and software applications, or apps, more than 2.2 million of them as of early this year, have created a so-called eco-system for its operation.

Recent versions of the iPhone have had faster central processing units, or CPUs, as their power engines; faster graphics processing units, or GPUs, as accelerators of image displays; larger screens, which follow products from Apple's competitors; and better cameras, which result in better pictures, but how it will evolve in the future is still up to guess work outside the company.

Incidentally, Jobs announced the first iPhone at Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco 10 years ago. The day Cook rolled out iPhone X Tuesday, the inaugural Mobile World Congress Americas opened at the same center. Apple was apparently absent.
File Photo: A submarine-launched ballistic missile is displayed during a military parade in central Pyongyang, April 15, 2017. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea showcased its military muscles by parading all of its most-advanced ballistic and tactic missiles, including a submarine-launched ballistic missile which could strike targets 1000 km away. (Xinhua/Zhu Longchuan)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday it was pleased with the UN Security Council's latest sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), calling them "tremendously significant."

It was the strongest set of sanctions slapped on the DPRK, showing that "the world is acting together and worried and tremendously concerned about the destabilizing activities" by Pyongyang, said Heather Nauert, the spokeswoman for the state department, in a daily briefing.

The UN Security Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution to impose new sanctions on the DPRK over its nuclear test on Sept. 3.

The new sanctions severely restrict oil imports, and ban all of its textile exports worth 800 million U.S. dollars and remittances of some 93,000 DPRK laborers from abroad.

"These are tremendously significant," said Nauert, adding that the United States "is pleased about that (the sanctions)."

Nauert's remarks might be contradictory to the comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said earlier in the day that the fresh sanctions were just another "very small step, not a big deal."

"I think what the president is talking about is that more can be done," said Nauert.

"We are not at the ceiling when it comes to sanctions against the DPRK," she added.

The spokeswoman also recognized China's efforts in stabilizing the situation in Korean peninsula.

After the vote on the resolution on Monday, several ambassadors to the UN said the severity of the sanctions was designed not so much as to hurt the DPRK but help it see negotiations are only way out of the Korean Peninsula nuclear crisis.

Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi called for calm as the "situation on the Korean Peninsula remains complex and grave."

"All relevant parties must be cool-headed and avoid rhetoric or action that might aggravate tension," Liu said.

He urged the DPRK to heed the aspirations and will of the international community, abide by relevant Security Council resolutions, refrain from any more missile launches or nuclear tests, and return to the track of denuclearization.

He said that the "suspension-for-suspension" proposal and "dual-track" approach put forward by China and the idea of a step-by-step approach proposed by Russia formed a roadmap for the settlement of the issue.

The DPRK early Wednesday condemned and categorically rejected the UN Security Council resolution imposing extra sanctions over its Sept. 3 nuclear test.

The DPRK Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the UN Security Council Resolution 2375 was "fabricated by the U.S. employing all sorts of despicable and vicious means and methods."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 22:09:54|Editor: Zhou Xin

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JERUSALEM, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian was shot and wounded by Israeli troops after he allegedly tried to perpetrate a stabbing attack near a West Bank settlement on Wednesday afternoon, a military spokesperson said.

The incident took place at the Elias Junction, near the entrance to the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Arba, the spokesperson said in a statement.

"A Palestinian ran towards a bus stop at the Elias Junction, attempting to commit a stabbing attack with a knife," the statement read.

An Israeli soldier opened fire at the suspect and injured him, who was then taken to a hospital in central Israel in a moderate-to-serious condition.

The identity of the suspect was not disclosed.

No Israelis were injured in the incident, the spokesperson added.

In August, Israeli forces shot to death a 17-year-old Palestinian in the same junction after he pulled out a knife during a security check-up.

The incidents came amidst a wave of violence in Israel and the West Bank, which have claimed the lives of at least 293 Palestinians, 48 Jewish Israelis, two U.S. nationals, a British tourist, and two African asylum seekers since September 2015.

Israel accuses the Palestinian National Authority of "inciting" the unrest. The Palestinians say it is the result of 50 years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, home to more than 5 million Palestinians.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 22:09:55|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Bedah Mengo

NAIROBI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The relationship between Kenya's three arms of government has hit a new low as a political stalemate occasioned by the annulment of the Aug. 8 president elections by the Supreme Court rages.

The arms, namely Parliament, Executive and Judiciary, are seemingly at a cross-purpose, with their heads and members reading from different scripts.

The rift can be traced to the ruling by the Supreme Court on Sept. 1, which cancelled President Uhuru Kenyatta's win in the Aug. 8 polls.

Immediately after the ruling, Kenyatta branded the four judges of the apex court who annulled his win "crooks" and castigated the Judiciary headed by Chief Justice David Maraga at several public forums.

"I think those robes they wear make them think that they are cleverer than the rest of Kenyans," Kenyatta said of the Supreme Court judges, specifically targeting the Chief Justice.

"We shall go back to voters and when we win, we shall revisit this thing. Who even elected you? We have a problem and we must fix it," he added.

Kenyatta was widely criticized for the attack but he has since not retracted his words, with analysts noting perhaps he is waiting for the Oct. 17 elections, which he has vowed to win to get his revenge.

The frosty relations between the Executive and the Judiciary sank to a fresh low on Tuesday when for the first time in the history of the East African nation, the Judiciary did not participate in the opening of the 12th Parliament.

The Constitution stipulates that the President must address a newly elected Parliament in 30 days after the swearing-in of MPs.

As a tradition, therefore, the six Supreme Court judges were to attend the function which involves the president outlining his legislative agenda.

However, while the Speaker of the National Assembly maintained Tuesday that the judges had been invited, officials at the Supreme Court said they did not get any invite.

"I am informed they were invited. We always invite them at least the Chief Justice and other judges for such functions. I do not know why they did not attend," said Speaker Justin Muturi.

Also missing from the parliamentary session on Tuesday were opposition lawmakers elected under the National Super Alliance (NASA).

The legislators staged a "no-show" as Kenyatta addressed the joint sitting of the bicameral House. They noted that he was not duly elected and thus should not perform the function.

NASA presidential candidate and Kenyatta's rival Raila Odinga on Tuesday termed the opening of Parliament as illegal.

"As members of the Opposition, we find it politically unsound to sit in Parliament and listen to someone who our party leader is competing with in Oct. 17 polls," said NASA lawmaker Opiyo Wandayi, as he echoed Odinga.

Opinion among observers is divided on the ongoing turf wars between the three arms of government, with analysts noting leaders should set aside their differences to serve the country.

On one hand, Kenyatta's supporters have labelled both the Judiciary heads and the Opposition NASA as co-conspirators.

"Judiciary and NASA boycott parliament. They must be co-conspirators," political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi, who supports Kenyatta, said on Wednesday.

"So the Judiciary and the Supreme Court of Kenya joined NASA in boycotting the official opening of Parliament? Independence of the Judiciary indeed," said Jubilee Senator Kichumba Murkomen as he castigated the two.

Opposition supporters, on the other hand, noted that Kenyatta's attacks against the judges had scared them from attending the function.

"In the Commonwealth, Chief Justice and judges grace President's first address of Parliament. Not today. Judiciary will not endorse a fraud on Kenyans. If they were desperate, Jubilee should have invited only the Supreme Court judges who ruled in their favour," said lawyer Nelson Havi, an opposition supporter.

Henry Wandera, an economics lecturers in Nairobi, noted that the frosty relations between three arms of government are not good for the country.

"The current stalemate portends bad times ahead as the three key institutions cannot serve Kenyans best if their leaders and members do not agree. The leaders need to put their differences aside and work together as the law stipulates," he said, noting the cold war may go on even after Oct. 17 polls as the Chief Justice, who is to swear the president-elect enjoys security of tenure.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 22:30:07|Editor: yan

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KIEV, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Running short on coal, Ukraine on Wednesday started importing the material from the United States, authorities have said.

"The first batch of American coal has reached Ukraine. It is a significant contribution to our energy security," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko wrote on Facebook.

Earlier in the day, the first vessel carrying 62,000 tons of coal arrived in Ukraine's southern Black Sea port of Yuzhny.

The country plans to import a total of 700,000 tons of coal from the United States this year.

Ukraine heavily relies on coal for electricity production and heating. It is suffering inadequate supplies due to interruptions of anthracite coal supplies from eastern regions controlled by pro-independence insurgents.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 22:35:09|Editor: yan

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THE HAGUE, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Dutch Minister of Security and Justice Stef Blok revoked the Dutch nationality of four men on Wednesday who had been convicted of terrorist offences in Syria, warning that similar measures would be taken against more jihadists.

It is the first time that the Dutch government has taken this administrative measure after a new law was adopted by the Senate (De Eerste Kamer) last February. The law makes it possible to revoke the Dutch nationality of jihadists with dual nationalities who joined a terrorist organization abroad, as they may constitute a direct threat to national security should they return to the Netherlands.

The four men were all sentenced to jail terms in absentia and three are thought to still be in Syria. One is thought to have died years ago. Besides Dutch nationality, they also have Moroccan nationality. Declared as persona non grata, they can no longer legally enter the Netherlands or other Schengen countries.

They went so far against "what we are in the Netherlands" that they are no longer worthy of possessing Dutch citizenship, Blok told Dutch media.

The jihadist movement in the Netherlands consists of a few hundred members and thousands of sympathizers, according to the Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV). As of June 2017, a total of some 280 people had left the Netherlands with jihadist intentions. Of them, approximately 190 are still in Syria and Iraq, 45 have died and around 50 have returned.

Earlier in August, nine Dutch citizens were added to the country's national terrorism list, bringing the total number to 124, including three organizations and 121 individuals.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 22:45:12|Editor: yan

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BAGHDAD, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The council of Iraq's northern central province of Salahudin Wednesday called on the Kurdish leaders not to conduct a referendum slated for Sept. 25 in some of its territories, which are part of the disputed areas between Baghdad and the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

"The council of Salahudin Province recognizes the rights of the Kurds in accordance with the constitution, but believes that the referendum affects the social fabric of the city of Tuz-Khurmato, which is inhabited by a mixture of Iraqi components," the council said in a statement.

Tuz Khurmato, some 90 km east of Salahudin's provincial capital of Tikrit, made up mostly of Turkman Shiites and sizable Kurdish and Sunni Arab population.

As part of the disputed areas outside the Kurdistan region, the city and surrounding areas have witnessed repeated clashes between the Kurds and Shiite militias. There is also a conflict of Sunni Arabs against Shiite Hashd Shaabi units, or Peshmerga.

On Tuesday, the provincial council of Iraq's eastern province of Diyala rejected the Kurdish referendum, and called for the deployment of government security forces across the province, including the disputed areas claimed by both the Kurdish region and Baghdad.

The Kurds consider the northern oil-rich province of Kirkuk and parts of Nineveh, Diyala and Salahudin provinces as disputed areas and want them to be incorporated into their region and their future state, a move fiercely opposed by the Arabs and Turkomans and by the Baghdad government.

On June 7, Kurdish President Masoud Barzani announced his intention to hold a referendum on the independence of the Kurdish region from Iraq on Sept. 25.

The independence of Kurdistan is expected to be opposed by some countries because it would threaten the integrity of Iraq and because it comes as the Iraqi forces are in fight against terrorism, including the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

In addition, the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iran and Syria see that such a step would threaten their territorial integrity, as larger populations of Kurds live in those countries.
Foreign exhibitors talk during the China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 6, 2017. The four-day China-ArabStates Expo began Wednesday in Yinchuan. The event will focus on trade in commodities and services, as well as cooperation in technology, investment and tourism. (Xinhua/Li Renzi)

BEIRUT, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese businessmen who have participated in the China-Arab States Expo in the northwestern Chinese city of Yinchuan expressed hopes that this event could produce positive results for the Lebanese economy.

"The participation in the expo was very important for us and hope that we would have an important cooperation with the Chinese," Lebanese former Finance Minister Raya al-Hassan told Xinhua, revealing that two agreements related to the Special Economic Zone for Tripoli have been signed with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Yinchuan Technology Zone.

Al-Hassan, who is also the head of Tripoli Special Economic Zone Authority, hailed the expo as an opportunity for Lebanon to exhibit its manufactures and know the needs of the Chinese market.

"We are interested in attracting the Chinese investments to Tripoli. Chinese companies are visiting Tripoli and show their interest in reactivating the Silk Road and it is a matter of great importance for both countries and has a definite positive effect on Lebanon," she said.

According to the Lebanese business official, Lebanon's exports to China total about 6 million U.S. dollars while the country imports 2 million dollars' worth of products from China.

"After our participation, we discovered that we can include in our exports that China needs, such as olive oil and wine," she explained.

A number of Lebanese commercial and industrial companies participated in the expo and had a distinctive presence

Amir Hassoun, head of the development and marketing department in the Khan al Saboun factory of Badr Hassoun in Tripoli, said China has facilitated "investments for the Lebanese businessmen and industrialists."

"We exhibited our products in the expo and found an interesting acceptance," Hassoun said. "We exhibited about 1,400 kinds of soap products."

During the expo, Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Raed Khouri, who is also the head of the country's delegation to the expo, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chinese government to promote economic cooperation between the two countries under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013.

According to the MoU, the two countries agreed to work together to achieve common development, and enhance both political and economic ties.

The four-day event was inaugurated on Sept. 6, with the participation of 43 ministers and high-ranking officials from Arab countries and 117 representatives from commerce chambers in China and Arab countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 22:50:17|Editor: yan

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NAIROBI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has developed a food safety framework to help ascertain food safety and quality from the farm to both local and international markets, a government official revealed on Wednesday.

Willy Bett, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, said that once it becomes operational, the framework will help strengthen the weak links along the food supply chain in the country.

"The framework will help boost good agricultural practices and also enable traders to apply good distribution practices to improve the sub-sector that currently contributes 27 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)," Bett said while opening the first fruit and vegetables conference in Nairobi.

Bett said that the framework has been completed and is awaiting approval by the cabinet to become operational.

He told the meeting that the safety of produce for Kenyan consumers is just as necessary as foreign market customers.

In 2013, Kenyan beans and peas were subjected to special inspections at port of entry into the European Union (EU) due to the presence of high pesticide levels.

This resulted into a drop in exports of both products to the EU markets and affecting 5,000 smallholder farmers.

"Food safety for the domestic market is an area that needs strategic interventions by all stakeholders to instill responsibility in the sub-sector," Bett added.

He attributed consumption of unsafe food in the country to lack of awareness by consumers to demand quality foods.

"While it is important that the domestic consumption of fresh horticultural produce continues to increase, negative food safety reports linked to fresh fruits and vegetables in the domestic market, in the last three years, threaten this and efforts at domestic level are therefore essential to resolve these food safety problems," he added.

He told participants at the conference to develop appropriate protocols to protect consumers in the domestic market from eating produce that is contaminated.

Bett observed that the level of malnutrition is currently high and is as high as 28 percent in some parts of the country due to lack of quality food yet the country is endowed with different climatic conditions that are favorable to farming activity.

The two-day conference is being attended by both private and public stakeholders in the fruit and vegetables.

The discussion ranges from the existing challenges and opportunities with greater emphasis on promoting competitiveness of Kenya's fresh fruits and vegetables agri-business through enhanced adoption of food safety standards.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 22:50:18|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcome ceremony for Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2017. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah here on Wednesday, with the two agreeing to promote cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative, and work for stronger bilateral ties.

"China appreciates Brunei's efforts in strengthening China-ASEAN relations, and hopes to align the Belt and Road Initiative with ASEAN's development plan," Xi said.

Calling the two countries close neighbors across the sea, mutually reliable friends and partners, Xi said the two countries have established strategic cooperative ties, cemented political mutual trust, and achieved fruitful cooperation over the years.

This year marks the start of the second 25 years of China-Brunei diplomatic relations. China-Brunei ties are at a key stage of development, Xi said, adding China is ready to share governance experience with Brunei, synergize their development strategies, and promote closer cooperation in various areas.

He called on both sides to maintain high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust and support each other on issues concerning respective core interests and major concerns.

Xi appreciated Brunei's support for the Belt and Road Initiative. The two leaders agreed to boost closer cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, energy, halal food, agriculture, fishery, and the digital economy.

He asked the two countries to cement defense and law-enforcement cooperation, as well as exchanges in education, sports, public health, tourism, media and other areas.

The two countries should enhance cooperation in regional and international affairs, and coordination in frameworks such as the United Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Xi said.

Regarding the situation in the South China Sea, Xi said it has stabilized and showed positive momentum. "China hopes to work with Brunei and parties concerned to make the South China Sea the sea of peace, friendship and cooperation."

The Sultan congratulated on China's achievements, and expressed support for the Belt and Road Initiative.

He hailed the progress of China-Brunei ties since the forging of diplomatic relations, inviting more Chinese enterprises to invest in his country.

Brunei is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with China, expand cultural exchanges, jointly safeguard peace and stability of the South China Sea, and boost stronger ASEAN-China relations, the Sultan said.

The two heads of state witnessed the signing of several cooperation documents regarding the Belt and Road Initiative, infrastructure and health.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang also met with the Sultan earlier on Wednesday.

Li said China regards ASEAN as a diplomatic priority and will continue to support the ASEAN Community building and its centrality in regional cooperation.

China will work with Brunei to promote the East Asian Leaders' meetings on cooperation later this year to produce more outcomes that contribute to regional stability, cooperation and prosperity, he said.

Zhang said the National People's Congress of China eyes stronger exchanges and cooperation with Brunei's State Legislative Council, to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and contribute to stronger bilateral strategic cooperative ties.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 22:55:20|Editor: yan

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NANNING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chen Min, chairman of Guangxi Ruian Logistics Group, is looking for business partners from Brunei at the ongoing China-ASEAN Expo, preparing to set up a halal food and spice factory in the country.

Chen has signed an agreement with Brunei to build the factory that will process spices from Guangxi and sell them to Muslim countries, especially the Middle East.

"We hope the spices will eventually account for 20 percent of the amount sold worldwide," Chen said, hoping to attract a good reputation for Brunei's halal certification.

Like Chen, many entrepreneurs have come to the expo in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, looking for cooperation in industrial capacity, direct investment, project outsourcing and technology.

Themed "Co-Building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Promoting Regional Economic Integration through Tourism," this year's expo drew 2,709 exhibitors, up 1.5 percent from the previous event. Brunei is the Country of Honor.

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is China's third-largest trading partner, while China is ASEAN's largest trading partner. Bilateral trade exceeded 452 billion U.S. dollars last year and the figure hit 277 billion dollars from January to July this year. By May, their accumulated two-way investment exceeded 183 billion dollars.

Industrial capacity cooperation has been a hot topic at the event since 2015.

WELCOME TO BRUNEI

"Chinese equipment is cost efficient, and it has advantages in technology, training and financing, enabling China and ASEAN countries to nurture new comparative advantages and create new room for economic growth," Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said Tuesday while addressing the opening ceremony of the expo.

Chen's business is a good match for Brunei, as the country diversifies its economy and reduces reliance on oil and gas.

Chinese companies are more than welcome to be part of Brunei's transition, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said when meeting entrepreneurs. The halal food industry is one of the sectors which would most benefit from foreign investment and expertise.

Guangxi has strong industrial capacity, managerial and investment experience while Brunei offers entry into a fast-growing global Muslim market, said the Sultan.

With proximity to ASEAN countries, Guangxi is expanding industrial cooperation with the group. Last year, companies in the region signed outsourcing deals worth 415 million dollars with countries along the Belt and Road, mainly ASEAN members, covering house construction, as well as projects in power, traffic, water engineering and telecommunications, according to the regional commerce department.

From January to April, 12 countries along the Belt and Road each signed outsourcing projects worth over 100 million dollars with China, including seven from ASEAN countries.

INTELLIGENT COOPERATION

Industrial capacity cooperation between China and ASEAN has proceeded much more smoothly, according to Yao Hua, head of the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences Industrial Institute.

At this year's expo, an exhibition hall was dedicated to intelligent equipment, including drones, robots, 3D printers, and environmental protection equipment, signaling the elevated level of the industrial cooperation, Yao said.

Some ASEAN countries, whose manufacturing remains at a low level, have high demands for China's advanced equipment and production capacity, Yao said.

In the exhibition hall, a Guangxi research institute displays its award-winning robot developed in 2015 to clean industrial tanks. The robots have been sold to sugar plants in Thailand and were well received, said Wei Fuquan, a marketing manager with the institute.

"In factories, more and more young people are reluctant to do the job, because cleaning tanks with high-pressure hoses is hard and dangerous. Robots do a much better job, with no risk to the workers," Wei said.

Not satisfied with just selling the robot, the institute is in talks with Thai partners to manufacture it there.

"We offer the technology, they offer the labor," Wei said.

Some large China-ASEAN projects are going well, including Indonesia's high-speed rail link connecting the capital Jakarta with Bandung.

The railway will cut the journey between the two cities from over three hours to just 40 minutes.

All technology and equipment used in the project came from China, according to the constructor China Railway.

The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park, jointly developed by Malaysia and China, is on track to achieve its investment target, according to its chairperson Soam Heng Choon.

Soam said most of the investment came from China and was mostly related to energy-saving and environmental technology, high-end equipment and advanced materials manufacturing.

A steel plant in the park, which can produce 3.5 million tonnes a year, is expected to start operation by the end of this year. The Malaysian government believes the project could help phase out small local plants that are high-consuming and high-cost.

A sister park that is also under construction, China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park in Guangxi, favors investment from emerging industries, such as intelligent manufacturing, new energy and biotechnology, according to the park administrator Gao Pu.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 22:55:22|Editor: yan

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NAIROBI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's port of Mombasa experienced an 11.9-percent increase in traffic in the first seven months of 2017, compared to the same period last year, officials said on Wednesday.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Catherine Mturi-Wairi told a business forum in Nairobi that from January to July, the port handled a total of 17.52 million tons, up from 15.66 million tons registered in the corresponding period of 2016.

"The overall positive growth compared to last year's was largely driven by increased import volumes," Mturi-Wairi said during the annual KPA stakeholders' forum.

In 2016, the East African port handled a total of 27.36 million tons of cargo, up from 26.73 million tons handled in 2015, realizing a favorable growth of 2.4 percent.

"We expect the port performance to increase in 2017 over 2016, despite the extended electioneering period," she said.

In terms of container traffic, KPA also registered an increase of 66,806 Twenty Four Equivalent Units (TEUs) or 10.7 percent, after registering 689,593 TEUs between January and July of 2017 against 622,787 TEUs recorded in the corresponding period last year.

"This performance compares favorably against the global average growth rate of four percent per annum," Mturi-Wairi said.

The managing director noted that in the first seven months of 2017, export traffic increased slightly by 36,094 tons or 1.7 percent to post 2,182,232 tons from 2,146,138 tons handled in the corresponding period in 2016.

"The slight increase was supported by expanded volumes of coffee, tea, vegetables, fruits and juices exports," she added.

The port authority said that import traffic experienced a 12.1 percent increase between January and July to record 14,803,838 tons in the last seven months, compared to 13,209,720 tons registered last year.

"The increase in imports was driven by dry bulk commodities like wheat, clinker, palm and vegetable oil, and refined petroleum products," she added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 22:55:23|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang (Photo source: fmprc.gov.cn)

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday that China stands ready to join the international community to actively promote the reform of global governance system.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks regarding reports that the 71st session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly recently adopted a resolution which incorporates the principle of "extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits" put forward by China.

He said that this principle emphasizes that all relevant parties should consult, work and benefit together, embodying the vision of equality, cooperation and win-win outcomes. Against the backdrop of the intertwining of the interests of all countries and the rising of all sorts of global challenges, the principle is of important practical significance.

Geng said that previously, the resolutions adopted by relevant organs of the UN also contained content such as the building of the Belt and Road Initiative and the community of shared future for mankind that were proposed by China. This demonstrates that Chinese voices, proposals and wisdom are gaining understanding, support and response from an increasing number of countries and are becoming the consensus of the international community.

China stands ready to follow the above-mentioned principles and visions to actively promote the reform of global governance system so as to make it better mirror the changes of the international landscape and better serve all countries around the world, he said.

On September 11, the 71st session of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution titled "The United Nations in global economic governance" under the theme of "Central role of the United Nations system in global governance." The resolution requires all parties to improve global economic governance and strengthen the role of the UN in the principle of "extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 23:30:40|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that his country will continue to take its own security measures, refuting western concerns over the NATO member's deal with Russia to procure an S-400 missile defense system.

"What are we supposed to do? Wait for you? We are taking our security measures and will continue to do so," Erdogan said during a meeting with mayors from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Ankara.

Erdogan announced on Sunday that Turkey had signed a deal with Russia to buy S-400 missile defense systems the total value of which is around 2.5 billion U.S. dollars, with the down payment already transferred to Moscow.

Shortly after Erdogan's announcement, western countries expressed concerns over the deal as it cannot be integrated into the NATO system.

"We have relayed our concerns to Turkish officials regarding the potential purchase of the S-400. A NATO inter-operable missile defense system remains the best option to defend Turkey from the full range of threats in its region," Pentagon Spokesman Johnny Michael said in a statement Tuesday.

"What matters for NATO is that the equipment allies acquire is able to operate together. The inter-operability of our armed forces is fundamental to NATO for the conduct of our operations and missions," said NATO Spokesman Mark Sanders.

Turkish officials said in April that NATO nations had not presented a "financially effective" offer on alternative missile defense systems.

Erdogan stressed that Turkey was free to make military acquisitions based on its defense needs.

Ankara objected to the criticism by the United States, citing that Greece, another NATO member, purchased the Russian S-300 defense system and has been using it for years.

The S-400 is Russia's most advanced long-range anti-aircraft missile system and can carry three types of missiles capable of destroying targets including ballistic and cruise missiles.




Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L) meets with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during his stopover in Washington, the United States, Sept. 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi met with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson here on Tuesday, with the two sides pledging to promote bilateral ties.

Maintaining a positive momentum of the development of China-U.S. relations is in the interests of both countries and is the common aspiration of the international community, Yang said.

The two countries have recently achieved important progress in bilateral ties under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, Yang added.

Beijing and Washington should implement important consensuses reached by the two leaders, respect each other, achieve reciprocity and mutual benefit, focus on cooperation and manage differences so as to secure a healthy and stable development of bilateral ties, he added.

At Xi's invitation, Trump will pay a state visit to China later this year, Yang said, adding that Beijing is willing to work with Washington to help ensure that the visit will achieve positive results.

Yang urged the two sides to strengthen bilateral exchanges and dialogues at all levels, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, boost people-to-people and local region exchanges, respect each side's core interests and major concerns, properly manage differences in a constructive way, and enhance coordination and cooperation on major global and regional issues.

Tillerson said the United States is willing to work with China to promote bilateral ties.

Trump is looking forward to his visit to China, during which he will map out the future development of China-U.S. relations with Xi, said Tillerson.

On the basis of the first diplomatic and security dialogue as well as comprehensive economic dialogue, the United States is willing to work with China to successfully launch the first social and cultural issues dialogue, law enforcement and cyber security dialogue, he said.

Washington wishes to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields, strengthen communication and coordination on global and regional issues, said Tillerson.

He also expressed the hope that both sides would jointly make Trump's visit a success.

Yang and Tillerson also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Yang paid an official visit to Jamaica on Sunday and Monday and met with Tillerson when he stopped over in Washington on Tuesday. He will pay an official visit to Spain on Thursday and Friday at the invitation of the Spanish government.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 23:40:47|Editor: yan

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Five people were confirmed dead Wednesday at a Florida nursing home after several days without power, raising the death toll from Hurricane Irma in the United States to at least 28.

The death toll from Irma climbed to at least 23 late Tuesday night, namely, at least 16 in Florida, at least three in Georgia and at least four in South Carolina, according to an ABC News report.

Rescue crews arrived at the Hollywood Hills Nursing Home, Broward County, shortly after 7:30 a.m. (1130 GMT) on Wednesday. Aerial footage showed patients sitting outside in wheelchairs and others being taken out of the facility on stretchers.

More than 100 patients were evacuated and will be relocated to safety, Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said at a press conference.

Power outages continue to plague the U.S. southeastern state, with 4.4 million customers still without power as of Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. More than 21,000 people remain in shelters across the state.

The company said its customers on the state's east coast should expect most power to be restored by about Sept. 17, while customers on the state's west coast should expect that by Sept. 22.

According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 90 percent of homes in the Florida Keys suffered some damage.

One quarter of all homes in the area were destroyed, FEMA Administrator Brock Long said Tuesday evening.

Irma made landfall on the low-lying islands of Florida on Sunday morning as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing 130 mph winds and a storm surge of 10 feet. It then moved north Monday, bringing heavy rain and wind through the northern Florida city of Jacksonville and then Georgia and South Carolina.

At least 10 in Cuba were also dead from Irma, which was the first Category 4 landfall in Florida since 2004.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-13 23:55:57|Editor: yan

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CAIRO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Italy's ambassador to Cairo returned here on Wednesday more than a year after he was recalled following the killing of Italian Ph.D. student Giulio Regeni, state-run MENA news agency reported.

According to MENA, Ambassador Giampaolo Cantini arrived at Cairo International Airport Wednesday in order to resume his work.

In August, Italian foreign minister Angelino Alfano told his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry that his country was willing to send Ambassador Cantini who was recalled in April last year after the death of Regeni in Cairo.

The 28-year-old Italian doctoral student Regeni disappeared on Jan. 25, 2016. Nine days later, his tortured, half-naked body was found on a roadside in Cairo, casting a shadow on the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

A few weeks later, the Egyptian police said they busted a five-member gang in Cairo and found Regeni's handbag with his passport and student ID card at the residence of a gang member's relative.

Regeni's death came amid intensive security in Cairo and other major cities in Egypt ahead of the anniversary of the Jan. 25 uprising that toppled long-time ruler Hosni Mubarak in 2011.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 00:06:00|Editor: yan

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Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program is also available on TV and online. To help the audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- The following is a selection of keywords related to China's foreign policy and their explanations:

A COMMUNITY OF SHARED FUTURE FOR ALL HUMANKIND

The report of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in November 2012 first proposed the concept of "a community of shared future for all humankind." Within the following four years, Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned and illustrated the concept on various occasions.

In September 2015, Xi proposed the roadmap of building "a community of shared future for all humankind" at a United Nations (UN) summit. In January 2017, he further expounded his concept in a comprehensive, profound and systematic manner at the UN Office in Geneva.

By proposing the concept of "a community of shared future for all humankind" and a roadmap thereof, China has offered Chinese wisdom and the Chinese plan for solving major problems concerning the future of mankind.

According to Xi's vision, our future lies in the hands of all countries -- equally -- and all nations should pursue dialogue rather than confrontation with one another, and forge partnerships instead of alliances.

The concept has shown China's global view and responsibility as a big power, and is bound to leave its mark in international relations.

CHINA'S APPROACH ON NUCLEAR SECURITY

Xi first proposed a "sensible, coordinated and balanced approach" to nuclear security at the third Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands in 2014.

At the summit, Xi called for the building of a global nuclear security architecture featuring fairness and win-win cooperation. Xi proposed equal emphasis on development and security, equal emphasis on rights and obligations, equal emphasis on independent and collaborative efforts and equal emphasis on treating symptoms and addressing causes.

At the Washington Nuclear Security Summit in 2016, Xi laid out a four-pronged proposal for the international community to make fresh and concerted efforts to strengthen the global nuclear security architecture, including increasing political input and tightening a line of defense that is sustainable.

SHANGHAI SPIRIT

The "Shanghai Spirit," as the founding values of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and pursuit of common development.

In 2001, the SCO came into being after Uzbekistan formally joined the Shanghai Five, which were China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan at that time. The Shanghai Spirit then became the guideline for the SCO cooperation.

At the 15th SCO summit in the southwestern Russian city of Ufa, Xi called on the member states to uphold the "Shanghai Spirit" for common development.

Over the past 15 years, the "Shanghai Spirit" has become the foundation of the SCO for its existence and growth, and the spirit represents the direction of contemporary international relations, Xi said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 00:21:09|Editor: Mengjie

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The 15th ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea (ASEAN+3) Environment Ministers Meeting is held in Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei, Sept. 13, 2017. Environment cooperation between China and ASEAN has become a model for South-South cooperation, Chinese Vice Minister of Environmental Protection Huang Runqiu said here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jeffrey Wong)

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Environmental cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become a model for South-South cooperation, Chinese Vice Minister of Environmental Protection Huang Runqiu said on Wednesday.

Attending the 15th ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea (ASEAN+3) Environment Ministers Meeting, Huang reviewed the latest development on environment cooperation between China and ASEAN, saying that the future cooperation between the two sides will achieve fruitful results.

He also introduced China's achievements in environmental protection, saying that in recent years, the Chinese government regarded ecological civilization as a significant part of good governance.

"The past several years mark the era while China conducted the most strenuous efforts and undertook the most substantial measures in ecological and environmental protection with the fastest progress and best outcomes achieved."

Huang also pointed out that while addressing domestic environmental challenges, China has signed over 30 multilateral conventions and protocols related to environment.

"We are also promoting Green Belt and Road Initiative. All those will provide China's solution and contribution to solving global environmental problems and maintaining global ecological safety."

"In 2016 alone, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has hosted 12 environmental training courses for developing countries, with participation of around 280 environment officials and experts from 43 countries, including 80 from ASEAN countries," he added.

Representatives from ASEAN countries appreciated China's achievements in environmental protection and lauded China for its great efforts and support for promoting ASEAN's environmental cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 00:21:09|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will visit Ankara Thursday and meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for boost of bilateral ties, the presidential press office said Wednesday.

Bilateral relations between Turkey and Qatar, regional and international situation are expected to be discussed in the planned meeting, the press office said in a statement.

The statement comes after Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met Tuesday with Erdogan in Ankara.

Since the inter-Arab diplomatic rift began in June, Ankara has been trying to play a role as a mediator between Qatar and the Gulf countries.

Turkey has delivered food supplies to Qatar both by air and sea after a number of Arab countries imposed blockade on the oil-rich country.

The latest reports indicate that Turkey's exports to Qatar hiked to 165 million U.S. dollars in the past three months, with a remarkable upsurge of 84 percent year on year.
The S-400 is Russia's most advanced long-range anti-aircraft missile system and can carry three types of missiles capable of destroying targets including ballistic and cruise missiles. (Reuters photo)

ANKARA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that his country will continue to take its own security measures, refuting western concerns over the NATO member's deal with Russia to procure an S-400 missile defense system.

"What are we supposed to do? Wait for you? We are taking our security measures and will continue to do so," Erdogan said during a meeting with mayors from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Ankara.

Erdogan announced on Sunday that Turkey had signed a deal with Russia to buy S-400 missile defense systems the total value of which is around 2.5 billion U.S. dollars, with the down payment already transferred to Moscow.

Shortly after Erdogan's announcement, western countries expressed concerns over the deal as it cannot be integrated into the NATO system.

"We have relayed our concerns to Turkish officials regarding the potential purchase of the S-400. A NATO inter-operable missile defense system remains the best option to defend Turkey from the full range of threats in its region," Pentagon Spokesman Johnny Michael said in a statement Tuesday.

"What matters for NATO is that the equipment allies acquire is able to operate together. The inter-operability of our armed forces is fundamental to NATO for the conduct of our operations and missions," said NATO Spokesman Mark Sanders.

Turkish officials said in April that NATO nations had not presented a "financially effective" offer on alternative missile defense systems.

Erdogan stressed that Turkey was free to make military acquisitions based on its defense needs.

Ankara objected to the criticism by the United States, citing that Greece, another NATO member, purchased the Russian S-300 defense system and has been using it for years.

The S-400 is Russia's most advanced long-range anti-aircraft missile system and can carry three types of missiles capable of destroying targets including ballistic and cruise missiles.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 01:46:37|Editor: yan

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JERUSALEM, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- An ultra-Orthodox Jewish lawmaker resigned from the Israeli parliament after he drew rabbis' anger for attending his gay nephew's wedding, his party said Wednesday.

Yigal Guetta of the ultra-Orthodox party of Shas said he attended the ceremony two years ago because he wanted to make his nephew happy, although same-sex marriage violates the Jewish religious law.

His participation drew harsh criticism from prominent rabbis linked to Shas, according to media reports.

A statement released by Shas confirmed that Guetta handed his resignation to the party's leader, Arie Deri, who is also Israel's Internal Affairs Minister. Deri accepted the resignation, the statement said.

The move sparked wide condemnations from centrists and leftists lawmakers. Yair Lapid, the leader of the Yesh Atid party, said "it's sad that in Israel, in 2017, a member of the parliament is forced to quit because he participated in a wedding of two people who love each other."

Same-sex weddings are not illegal in Israel but only Orthodox rabbis can issue wedding certificates. Couples may marry without licenses but their marriage will not be officially recognized.

Civil marriage does not exist in Israel. However, Israel recognizes civil marriages conducted by non-Orthodox rabbis, as long as the ceremony took place outside Israel.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 02:06:44|Editor: yan

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JUBA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A South Sudanese expert Tuesday said the United States should explore use of persuasion and diplomacy toward the war-torn country's leaders, instead of sanctions which could scuttle ongoing peace efforts.

"Sanctions don't have any major impact on these leaders that have been sanctioned in South Sudan. They just send sort of chilling, personal reflections to those leaders, because most of (leaders) them don't travel, have no money in the U.S they have money here," said Jacob Chol, professor of politics at Juba university.

He was reacting to the Sept. 6 sanctions including asset freeze and travel ban imposed by the U.S Department of the Treasury on three former and current South Sudan leaders on pretext of obstructing peace and stability in the country.

The affected individuals include the minister of information Michael Makuei, South Sudan army (SPLA) deputy chief of staff Malek Reuben and former SPLA chief of staff Paul Malong.

"Sanctions will embolden the leaders now and make them stronger. What is important besides, sanctions are persuasion and diplomacy," said Chol, adding that most of these leaders don't actually have credit cards.

The political science don also cautioned that the U.S. administration's recent sanctions should have included members of the armed opposition (SPLA-in opposition) allied to former First Vice President Riek Machar.

"The U.S. should be careful on whom to sanction, if they want to be very fair they have to look on both sides of the war so that the government does not look like it is being targeted by the U.S.," he disclosed.

Last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Undersecretary Bak Valentino called the U.S. sanctions unjust and unfair since they excluded rebel officials.

Chol further said there is need for leadership transition to be included in the high level peace deal revitalization forum launched in July, by the East African bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

"If the region does not become very neutral and honest enough to resolve conflict, it will go on forever. This State should be helped to save it from collapse," he added.

South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek 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.
A sign of shelter is seen under dark clouds as hurricane "Irma" is approaching, in Miami, Florida, the United States, Sept. 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Five people were confirmed dead Wednesday at a Florida nursing home after several days without power, raising the death toll from Hurricane Irma in the United States to at least 28.

The death toll from Irma climbed to at least 23 late Tuesday night, namely, at least 16 in Florida, at least three in Georgia and at least four in South Carolina, according to an ABC News report.

Rescue crews arrived at the Hollywood Hills Nursing Home, Broward County, shortly after 7:30 a.m. (1130 GMT) on Wednesday. Aerial footage showed patients sitting outside in wheelchairs and others being taken out of the facility on stretchers.

More than 100 patients were evacuated and will be relocated to safety, Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said at a press conference.

Power outages continue to plague the U.S. southeastern state, with 4.4 million customers still without power as of Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. More than 21,000 people remain in shelters across the state.

The company said its customers on the state's east coast should expect most power to be restored by about Sept. 17, while customers on the state's west coast should expect that by Sept. 22.

According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 90 percent of homes in the Florida Keys suffered some damage.

One quarter of all homes in the area were destroyed, FEMA Administrator Brock Long said Tuesday evening.

Irma made landfall on the low-lying islands of Florida on Sunday morning as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing 130 mph winds and a storm surge of 10 feet. It then moved north Monday, bringing heavy rain and wind through the northern Florida city of Jacksonville and then Georgia and South Carolina.

At least 10 in Cuba were also dead from Irma, which was the first Category 4 landfall in Florida since 2004.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 02:36:57|Editor: yan

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JUBA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has recommended launching night peacekeeping patrols to residential neighbourhoods to provide additional security and boost confidence for South Sudanese returning home.

Head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) David Shearer said Wednesday the proposal is being considered by South Sudan authorities.

"UNMISS and our humanitarian partners both have a role to play in the eventual return of displaced people," Shearer said on a visit to Wau town in north-western region.

Shearer visited the neighbourhood of Lokoloko on the outskirts of Wau where some residents have returned to their houses and started growing food on a small scale.

"UNMISS can help by providing a greater sense of security and humanitarian agencies can offer more services outside the protection camps so those people will have more incentives to leave and restart their lives at home," he added in a statement issued after the visit.

In April, the alleged ambush and killing of a government SPLA General in Wau led to clashes in the town resulting in the deaths of around 30 civilians.

Shearer, who is also the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, said the return of displaced people to their homes in Wau could provide a "model" for other parts of the country.

"It is important that people return to their homes voluntarily and for that to happen they need to feel safe and confident about their future," Shearer said.

The number of displaced people living in the UNMISS Protection of Civilians (POC) site has fallen from 38,000 to 32,500 over the last two months. Many of those people have returned home to cultivate their land.

"The security situation has improved in recent weeks. I am pleased to see that the local authorities, the police and National Security have worked to improve the security environment," the UN official said.

Shearer met with the Wau Governor and security officials about cooperation with the UN, humanitarian agencies and importantly the displaced people themselves, to create the enabling conditions to assist people to leave the camps and go home.

"This collaboration could represent a new model for the return of displaced people," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 02:52:09|Editor: yan

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BAGHDAD, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that there is an Arab consensus about refusing Kurdish independence referendum, the National Iraqi News Agency reported.

Iraqi Foreign Ministry's Spokesman Ahmed Gamal said in a statement that the Arab League council unanimously adopted a resolution refusing Kurdistan independence referendum, the report said.

This resolution came upon a request by Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al Gaafari during the Arab League ministerial meeting, Gamal noted.

The Iraqi parliament has also voted to reject the independence referendum of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region slated for Sept. 25, a parliament source said.

"The majority of lawmakers during the parliament session voted in favor of a draft rejecting the referendum on the independence of Kurdistan region in northern Iraq," the source said.

Hoshyar Zebari, a Kurdish leading figure and former Iraq's finance and foreign minister, said earlier in an interview with Xinhua that the referendum will be held on Sept. 25, after all the official bodies in the region completed their preparations in all aspects of security and logistics.

On June 7, the Kurdish President Masoud Barzani announced his intention to hold a referendum on the independence of the Kurdish region from Iraq on Sept. 25.

The independence of Kurdistan is expected to be opposed by some countries because it would threaten the integrity of Iraq and because it comes as the Iraqi forces are in fight against terrorism, including the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

In addition, the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iran and Syria see that such a step would threaten their territorial integrity, as larger populations of Kurds live in those countries.
Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit (L) chairs the Arab foreign ministers meeting to discuss the latest developments in Middle Eastern affairs, on September 12, 2017, in Cairo. (AFP Photo)

BAGHDAD, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that there is an Arab consensus about refusing Kurdish independence referendum, the National Iraqi News Agency reported.

Iraqi Foreign Ministry's Spokesman Ahmed Gamal said in a statement that the Arab League council unanimously adopted a resolution refusing Kurdistan independence referendum, the report said.

This resolution came upon a request by Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al Gaafari during the Arab League ministerial meeting, Gamal noted.

The Iraqi parliament has also voted to reject the independence referendum of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region slated for Sept. 25, a parliament source said.

"The majority of lawmakers during the parliament session voted in favor of a draft rejecting the referendum on the independence of Kurdistan region in northern Iraq," the source said.

Hoshyar Zebari, a Kurdish leading figure and former Iraq's finance and foreign minister, said earlier in an interview with Xinhua that the referendum will be held on Sept. 25, after all the official bodies in the region completed their preparations in all aspects of security and logistics.

On June 7, the Kurdish President Masoud Barzani announced his intention to hold a referendum on the independence of the Kurdish region from Iraq on Sept. 25.

The independence of Kurdistan is expected to be opposed by some countries because it would threaten the integrity of Iraq and because it comes as the Iraqi forces are in fight against terrorism, including the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

In addition, the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iran and Syria see that such a step would threaten their territorial integrity, as larger populations of Kurds live in those countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 03:12:17|Editor: liuxin

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CAIRO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Egypt has urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to hold an emergency meeting to tackle the Rohingya Muslims crisis, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday.

Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said that Egypt's request was propped up by Sweden, Britain, Kazakhstan and Senegal during a UNSC meeting.

Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi will urge national reconciliation and peace in her first speech since start of Rohingya crisis, local media reported on Wednesday.

At a press conference late Wednesday Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay said Suu Kyi would "speak for national reconciliation and peace" in a televised address on September 19.

A crackdown by Myanmar's army, launched in response to attacks by Rohingya militants on August 25, has pushed vast numbers of refugees from the stateless Muslim minority across the border.

The violence has incubated a humanitarian crisis on both sides of the border and put intense global pressure on Suu Kyi to condemn the army campaign, which the UN has described as having all the hallmarks of "ethnic cleansing."

He said the Nobel laureate, who has been pilloried by rights groups for failing to speak up for the Rohingya minority, would skip the United Nations General Assembly next week to tackle the crisis unfurling at home.

She was needed in Myanmar to "manage humanitarian assistance" and "security concerns" caused by the violence.

Suu Kyi has been condemned for a lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of a crisis that has shocked the international community.

Egypt underlined the importance of holding an emergency meeting to stem bloodshed and suspend acts of violence in Rakhine State of Myanmar.

The Egyptian delegation which took part in the meeting said Egypt will spare no effort to prod the international role into playing its ethical role towards Rohingya Muslims to prevent further escalation in the stalemate which poses threat to international peace and security.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 03:12:18|Editor: yan

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NICOSIA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus's outgoing government approved its last budget before the end of its term and an election in February to choose a new president, Finance Minister Harris Georgiades said on Wednesday.

Georgiades said that the budget for 2018 is "extremely expansionist", providing for an increase of 3.4 percent in both revenue and expenditure relative to this year's budget.

Revenue will reach 7.7 billion euros (9.15 billion U.S. dollars) and expenditure 7.5 billion euros leaving a fiscal surplus of about 1 percent of GDP, he said.

The budget will also result in primary surplus --a surplus prior to servicing the sovereign debt -- of 3.5 percent of GDP.

Georgiades said the additional revenue will not come from taxation, new or increased, but will be the result of the economic expansion, which is projected to reach 3.6 percent this year.

Cyprus was pulled back from the brink of bankruptcy in March 2013, and was in recession for consecutive quarters until the last quarter of 2015.

From then on. the economy has been expanding upwards reaching its top notch of 3.6 percent this year, which is the second higher among Eurozone countries.

The government also approved the Fiscal Framework until 2020, which provides for a continuous fiscal surplus of 1.9 percent this year, 1 percent in both 2018 and 2019 and 1.1 percent in 2020.

The budget is aiming at an economic expansion of 3.0 percent in 2018, and 2.7 percent in both 2019 and 2020.

Ministry of Finance projections say that with the expected economic results, unemployment, one of the biggest problems with which Cyprus is still faced with, will drop from present 11 percent to a single digit next year for the first time in four years and 6.5 percent in 2020.

In another development, Central Bank of Cyprus governor Chrystalla Georghadji said on Wednesday that she has notified the European Central Bank that targets regarding non-performing loans will be changed after noticing that the process has slowed down.

She is reported to consider asking banks to speed up restructuring through increasing their targets.

Red loans, standing at over 28 billion euros at the start of the crisis, have been brought down to 22 billion euros through restructuring.

But they still weight down on the banks, which have been asked by the European bank watchdog to go make provisions amounting to 50 percent of non-performing loans.(1 euro = 1.19 U.S. dollars)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 03:12:19|Editor: yan

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MOGADISHU, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations and the United States on Wednesday mourned the passing away of Somali journalist, Abdullahi Osman Moalim, who succumbed to injuries sustained from an Al-Shabaab terrorist attack on Sunday in Beledweyne, central region.

The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu extended condolences to the family of journalist Moalim, who worked for Jubbaland TV and Radio Codka Hiiraan.

"The United States condemns Al-Shabaab and its indiscriminate attacks on the Somali people," the embassy said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

"We salute and encourage Somali journalists to continue their work despite the daily struggles and risks, in defense of the inalienable right of freedom of expression on behalf of the Somali people," the embassy said.

On its part, the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) also regretted the death of the journalist who was among other journalists seated at the teashop as they waited for the press conference by the regional administration.

"UN Somalia deeply regrets death of Jubbaland TV journalist Abdullahi Osman Moalim from wounds in the Sunday suicide attack in Beledweyne," UNSOM said.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) said it was shocked to hear the death of Moalim due to severe injuries he sustained during the attack.

At least four people were killed and 15 others injured including two journalists during the suicide bomb attack.

Al-Shabaab terrorists who have been fighting to topple the Western-backed government claimed reasonability for the attack which comes amid surge in terror incidences in central Somalia.
Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi addresses the 71st United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan, New York, U.S. September 21, 2016. (Reuters Photo)

CAIRO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Egypt has urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to hold an emergency meeting to tackle the Rohingya Muslims crisis, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday.

Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said that Egypt's request was propped up by Sweden, Britain, Kazakhstan and Senegal during a UNSC meeting.

Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi will urge national reconciliation and peace in her first speech since start of Rohingya crisis, local media reported on Wednesday.

At a press conference late Wednesday Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay said Suu Kyi would "speak for national reconciliation and peace" in a televised address on September 19.

A crackdown by Myanmar's army, launched in response to attacks by Rohingya militants on August 25, has pushed vast numbers of refugees from the stateless Muslim minority across the border.

The violence has incubated a humanitarian crisis on both sides of the border and put intense global pressure on Suu Kyi to condemn the army campaign, which the UN has described as having all the hallmarks of "ethnic cleansing."

He said the Nobel laureate, who has been pilloried by rights groups for failing to speak up for the Rohingya minority, would skip the United Nations General Assembly next week to tackle the crisis unfurling at home.

She was needed in Myanmar to "manage humanitarian assistance" and "security concerns" caused by the violence.

Suu Kyi has been condemned for a lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of a crisis that has shocked the international community.

Egypt underlined the importance of holding an emergency meeting to stem bloodshed and suspend acts of violence in Rakhine State of Myanmar.

The Egyptian delegation which took part in the meeting said Egypt will spare no effort to prod the international role into playing its ethical role towards Rohingya Muslims to prevent further escalation in the stalemate which poses threat to international peace and security.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 03:22:25|Editor: yan

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KIEV, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and visiting Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Thomas Greminger met on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Ukraine's conflict-hit eastern region of Donbas, the presidential press service said.

During the talks, Poroshenko and Greminger exchanged their views on the activities of the OSCE special monitoring mission deployed in the restive region and discussed the possibility to strengthen the mission, said a statement.

Besides, the parties coordinated their positions regarding a possible deployment of the UN peacekeeping troops in eastern Ukraine, it said.

Currently, more than 700 unarmed OSCE observers are deployed in Ukraine, with the majority of them monitoring the ceasefire between government troops and pro-independence insurgents in Donbas, where armed conflict has been underway since April 2014.

The OSCE chief arrived in Kiev earlier in the day for a two-day visit, his first visit to Ukraine since assuming office in July, 2017.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 03:27:28|Editor: yan

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by Salah Takieddine

BEIRUT, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese businessmen who have participated in the China-Arab States Expo in the northwestern Chinese city of Yinchuan expressed hopes that this event could produce positive results for the Lebanese economy.

"The participation in the expo was very important for us and hope that we would have an important cooperation with the Chinese," Lebanese former Finance Minister Raya al-Hassan told Xinhua, revealing that two agreements related to the Special Economic Zone for Tripoli have been signed with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Yinchuan Technology Zone.

Al-Hassan, who is also the head of Tripoli Special Economic Zone Authority, hailed the expo as an opportunity for Lebanon to exhibit its manufactures and know the needs of the Chinese market.

"We are interested in attracting the Chinese investments to Tripoli. Chinese companies are visiting Tripoli and show their interest in reactivating the Silk Road and it is a matter of great importance for both countries and has a definite positive effect on Lebanon," she said.

According to the Lebanese business official, Lebanon's exports to China total about 6 million U.S. dollars while the country imports 2 billion dollars' worth of products from China.

"After our participation, we discovered that we can include in our exports that China needs, such as olive oil and wine," she explained.

A number of Lebanese commercial and industrial companies participated in the expo and had a distinctive presence.

Amir Hassoun, head of the development and marketing department in the Khan al Saboun factory of Badr Hassoun in Tripoli, said China has facilitated "investments for the Lebanese businessmen and industrialists."

"We exhibited our products in the expo and found an interesting acceptance," Hassoun said. "We exhibited about 1,400 kinds of soap products."

During the expo, Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Raed Khouri, who is also the head of the country's delegation to the expo, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chinese government to promote economic cooperation between the two countries under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013.

According to the MoU, the two countries agreed to work together to achieve common development, and enhance both political and economic ties.

The four-day event was inaugurated on Sept. 6, with the participation of 43 ministers and high-ranking officials from Arab countries and 117 representatives from commerce chambers in China and Arab countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 04:12:47|Editor: yan

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RAMALLAH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The current improvement in the ties between Hamas movement and Egypt would keep the latter the sole sponsor for achieving a reconciliation that ends more than ten years of internal Palestinian split, but a breakthrough is ruled out for the short run, analysts said.

Following the ouster of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi in 2013, when ties between Egypt and Hamas got tensed, Cairo's role in the file of internal reconciliation had significantly retreated, despite its importance, where Egypt had almost stopped hosting delegations of Palestinian factions for this purpose.

In separate remarks, analysts told Xinhua that the recent improvement in the ties between Egypt and Hamas has strongly brought the file of internal Palestinian reconciliation back to Cairo, where this file has been previously mandated by the Arab League.

Two days ago, Hamas said it is ready to hold talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Fatah Party to conclude a reconciliation deal. The announcement was made after Hamas delegation, headed by its politburo chief Ismail Haneya, met in Cairo with Egyptian intelligence chief Khaled Fawzi.

Abbas chaired a meeting of his Fatah Party's Central Committee in Ramallah on Tuesday, and stressed on "its keenness to have intensive and fast dialogue with the brothers in Egypt to end the Palestinian internal split."

Following the meeting, Azzam al-Ahmad, head of Fatah delegation to the dialogue with Hamas announced he will go to Cairo within few days to meet with the Egyptian leadership to follow up the efforts of ending the Palestinian division.

Ashraf Ajrami, the Ramallah-based writer and political analyst describes the developments as "positive," stressing on "the need to be reflected in concrete steps and immediate progress in the file of Palestinian reconciliation."

He told Xinhua that Hamas is required to dissolve the administrative committee it formed in the Gaza Strip months ago, without any delay, in order to halt the recent punitive measures, taken by Abbas against the Gaza Strip.

"This step will create a positive atmosphere for reconciliation and for achieving unity that the Palestinian cause is in need for, mainly in resuming the stalled peace process," said Ajrami. "There is a real reason to believe that things are changing for the better in light of the development of Egyptian relations with Hamas."

He went on saying that "this allows a greater margin for Cairo to move from the security file (on its border with the Gaza Strip) to other political files."

The internal Palestinian division began in 2007 after the Hamas violent takeover of the Gaza Strip following rounds of internal fighting with forces loyal to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

In response to seizing control of Gaza, President Abbas dismissed the national unity government, headed by Haneya. However, Hamas rejected the decision and kept a government that ruled the enclave.

Despite the formation of the first consensus government in June 2014 under the understandings of reconciliation reached two months earlier between a delegation from the PLO and Hamas in Gaza, it did not contribute to a practical end of split.

The consensus government kept accusing Hamas of not ruling Gaza and keeping a shadow government under its administration, while Hamas complained that the government neglected the Gaza Strip and didn't help resolving its growing crises, especially the salaries of 43,000 employees Hamas assigned since 2007.

Several months ago, Hamas form a "high committee" for running the daily affairs in the Gaza Strip, and announced that it will continue to work as long as the division exists. It insisted that it will end its work when the consensus government comes to Gaza to run the enclave's daily affairs.

In response to Hamas reject to dissolve the administrative committee, Abbas took a series of "punitive steps" against Gaza, mainly reducing the salaries of PNA employees and sending 7,000 of them to early retirement, while reducing the funding of basic services for the enclave.

Hamza Abu Shanab, a Gaza-based political analyst told Xinhua that Egypt at this stage restored "the lead" in the file of Palestinian reconciliation. He expected that Cairo will soon launch an initiative for this purpose.

Abu Shanab stresses on the importance of Egypt in moving the file of reconciliation and ending its stagnation, particularly Cairo vision is acceptable to most of the Palestinian factions and has a weight and influence on the Palestinian issue.

Abu Shanab also expects that relations between Hamas and Egypt will be strengthened in the coming stage, even if the desired progress is achieved in the reconciliation file "in the light of Hamas' keenness not to escalate with Egypt."

For his part, the political analyst from Gaza, Mustafa Ibrahim, said that Hamas "rushed" to Cairo because of the worsening crisis in Gaza and because of the increasingly difficult humanitarian situation and the need for urgent solutions.

Fatah and Hamas have reached a number of bilateral understandings within a comprehensive framework of the Palestinian factions and under the auspices of Egypt and other Arab countries, but failed to put an end to the internal divisions and restore the desired unity between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Instead of continuing to implement the reconciliation understandings, a series of measures taken by the two movements considered that they gradually contributed to the consolidation of the situation of division, especially with regard to Hamas taking full administrative and security control in the Gaza Strip.

Over the years of division, the developments in the regional situation have affected the Palestinian division, especially in terms of progress or retreat from both sides (Fatah and Hamas) and the desire of each party to build alliances that strengthen its position at the expense of the other party.

Therefore, the head of the Institute for Democratic Studies in Ramallah, George Jaqman, underestimates his expectations of a "real breakthrough" in the file of Palestinian reconciliation, whether sponsored by Egypt or elsewhere.

The files of the differences between Fatah and Hamas have worsened significantly over the past two years, showing the extent of deepening the internal Palestinian division and the difficulty of concluding it soon.

He points out that the internal division has created a reality that is divided between two regimes that govern individually in Gaza and the West Bank. They have special interests linked to the Authority, and both refuse to surrender to the other side.

Jaqman also stresses on the existence of political considerations that have sharpened the division between the Israeli and American rejection of the Hamas entry into the PLO or the integration of its elements within the framework of the Palestinian Authority.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 04:32:56|Editor: yan

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CAIRO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Interior Ministry said Wednesday that a wanted terrorist was killed in a fire exchange with police forces in the country's Mediterranean city of Alexandria.

In a statement, the ministry said the terrorist was a prime suspect in an anti-police terror attack in July that left a number of policemen dead near the capital Cairo.

Security forces attempted to arrest the suspect after spotting his location, but he opened fire at the police force as they approached his hideout, according to the statement.

On July 14, a group of militants opened fire against a police vehicle in Badrashin city, killing five policemen in the vehicle.

At least five security men were killed on the same day when militants opened fire randomly at a checkpoint in Egyptian province of Giza, near Cairo.

Egypt has been fighting against a wave of terror activities that killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers since the military toppled former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year rule and his currently outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Terror attacks in Egypt used to focus on police and military men in North Sinai before spreading nationwide and targeting the Coptic minority as well, with most of them claimed by a Sinai-based group loyal to the regional Islamic State (IS) militant group.

The Egyptian military and police have killed hundreds of militants and arrested a similar number of suspects as part of the country's anti-terror war.
File photo taken on Dec. 16, 2007 shows a cargo vessel sailing in Lianyungang Port in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Lianyungang Port, whose construction began in early 1930s, is now one of the important outlets from east China to the Pacific Ocean. Since the China-Kazakhstan logistics terminal was put into operation in Lianyungang on May 19, 2014 and the first freight train departed from Lianyungang to Kazakhstan's Almaty on Feb. 25, 2015, the port has been playing a pivotal role in connecting East Asia with Central Asia and Europe, offering an attractive alternative for the flow of trade between the three regions. (Xinhua)

OXFORD, Britain, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A program on the Belt and Road Initiative was officially launched on Wednesday at Oxford University as a summit on the China-proposed initiative opened.

Denis Galligan, the program director and a professor at Oxford's Faculty of Law, said the program would include research devoted to the Belt and Road Initiative put forward by China some four years ago.

The program is intended to conduct research in the fields of common legal, socio-legal, regulatory, and framework issues concerning the implementation of the initiative.

The Belt and Road Initiative aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia, Europe and Africa along and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

Galligan said that if the Belt and Road Initiative was going to work and achieve the objectives, it needed a legal framework for its international scope.

"In order to create infrastructure, common laws and regulations, institutions that are inherently across border, you need a legal framework, you need some common standards, laws on specific issues, such as banking finance or investment," he said. "On the softer side, think of cultural property, you need laws regulating exchange and protection of cultural property."

Galligan also said that regulatory bodies, adjudication and dispute resolution were also needed considering the transnational aspect of the initiative.

The summit on Wednesday to mark the official launch of the program, which was established last year, was presented by the program headed by the Oxford professor. The initiative has potentially major significance for many nations and the global community.

The summit examines aspects of the initiative from perspectives including the legal and regulatory side, trade and business, consumers' rights, cultural heritage, art and media.

The event attracted experts, scholars and officials from such countries as Belgium, Britain, Canada, China, Japan and the United States.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 04:58:13|Editor: yan

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OSLO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has cancelled about 100 flights for Thursday as precautions for a possible massive strike of its Norwegian pilots, the company announced Wednesday.

"In order to avoid that SAS customers become stranded during an eventual strike, SAS takes precautions and cancels about 100 flights tomorrow until 2 p.m. Thursday," the airline said in a statement posted on its website.

"We are offering our customers traveling to/from/via Norway to voluntary change their reservation," it said.

Two Norwegian pilot unions said Monday their members would start a massive strike on Thursday after negotiations between the unions and SAS -- the flag carrier of Sweden, Norway and Denmark -- failed over the weekend.

It is the domestic traffic that is hardest hit by the company's preparations as SAS said flights operated with Danish and Swedish pilots and flights operated by its partners will not be affected by the possible strike.

Norwegian pilots of the airline will meet on Wednesday evening with SAS management and the country's work conflict mediator Nils Dalseide to try to find a solution to the conflict.

About 550 Norwegian SAS pilots might be on strike if the two sides fail to find a way out, according to newspaper Aftenposten.

SAS management has said the Norwegian pilots' demands regarding pay and working terms are "unacceptable."

The airline has signed new three-year contracts with the pilot unions in Sweden and Denmark in recent weeks.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 05:13:19|Editor: yan

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by Ahmed Shafiq

LUXOR, Egypt, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Under the cliff of an ancient hill in Upper Egypt's Luxor city, excavator Mohammed Bebish was carefully searching for relics inside a recently unearthed Pharaonic tomb.

"This burial place belongs to a goldsmith," Bebish proudly said as he inspected a number of pottery items found in the tomb that is located in Draa Abul Naga necropolis of noblemen on the west bank of the Nile.

The 40-year-old, who inherited excavation profession from his ancestors, said the tomb is rich of priceless antiquities that date back to the New Kingdom of Egypt; the period between 16th century BC and 11th century BC, covering the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties of ancient Egypt.

"The tomb is a new addition to Egypt's rich history," Bebish, who works under the authority of Egypt's antiquities ministry, said, flashing a victorious smile.

As one of the most ancient civilizations, Egypt has been hard at work to preserve its archaeological heritages.

Also, in an attempt to revive the country's ailing tourism industry, which has suffered from an acute recession in the past few years due to political turmoil and security issues, Egypt is keen to uncover the Pharaohs' archaeological secrets as well as other ancient civilizations throughout the history of this country.

The new discovery was carried out by an Egyptian archaeological mission led by director general of antiquities in Luxor Mostafa Waziri, who said the tomb belongs to God Amun's goldsmith, Amenemhat.

Waziri said excavation works at the site started in April.

"After hard work, we discovered such a beautiful tomb that dates back to the 18th Dynasties; almost 3,400 years ago," Waziri told Xinhua. "We have found many treasures such as mummies, wooden coffins, earrings, rings accessories, funeral masks and Ushabti figurines.

Helping his coworkers inside the tomb, Waziri said the newly discovered site includes an entrance located in the courtyard of another Middle Kingdom tomb.

"The entrance leads to a squared chamber where a niche is found at its end. A partly damaged duo sandstone statue depicting the tomb's owner and his was found inside," Waziri revealed.

He added that the statue shows Amenemhat sitting on a high back chair beside his wife who wears a long dress and a wig.

"Between their legs stands, in a smaller scale, a little figure of one of their sons," Waziri said.

He pointed out that the tomb has two burial shafts; the first is located to the right of the chamber and probably had been dug to bury the mummy of the diseased and his wife.

"The burial place is seven meters deep with a collection of mummies, sarcophagi and funerary masks carved in wood along with a collection of statuettes of the tomb's owner and his wife," the official said.

The archaeologist noted that the second shaft is located at the left side where a collection of the 21st and 22nd dynasties deteriorated sarcophagi was discovered.

In the courtyard, the mission stumbled upon a group of burial shafts which probably date to the Middle Kingdom.

In one of them, a family burial place of a woman and her two children were found.

"The shaft includes two wooden coffins and a collection of head rests ... the mummies of the children were found inside one the coffins while the second has the mother's mummy," Waziri added as he observed excavators cleaning one of the coffins cautiously.

The mission has also unearthed a collection of 50 funerary cones, 40 of which are evidence of the presence of other tombs belonging to four officials, Waziri said.

However, he added, the exact location of their tombs has not been yet found.

"I expect we will find them in the same area ... we will start digging to locate them soon," Waziri said.

Antiquities minister, Khaled al-Anany, who was present at the opening ceremony of the newly discovered tomb, said the works at the tombs are not finished yet, adding that he is expecting to find more objects inside the burial site.

"Every discovery has its value ... this discovery will help us know more about historical eras and areas," the minister told Xinhua.

Al-Anany revealed that Chinese archeologists will arrive in Egypt later this year for new excavations in Luxor, the city that embraces one-third of the world's antiquities including the super-famous King Tut's tomb.

"Very soon we will have the first Chinese archeological mission in Egypt ... we are looking forward to cooperate with the Chinese experts," the minister said.
Rohingya Muslim refugees arrive from Myanmar after crossing the Naf river in the Bangladeshi town of Teknaf on September 12, 2017. (AFP Photo)

CAIRO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Some 379,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since new violence erupted last month, MENA news agency cited a UN source as saying on Wednesday.

Egypt has urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to hold an emergency meeting to tackle the Rohingya Muslims crisis, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday.

Bangladesh authorities are now registering new arrivals and building a massive new camp near the border with Myanmar to accommodate the influx, the report said.

There were more than 300,000 Rohinya in refugee camps and makeshift settlements in Bangladesh even before the latest unrest.

These are now completely overwhelmed and tens of thousands of new arrivals have no shelter.

Most walked for days to reach Bangladesh and aid workers say many are sick and in desperate need of food.

Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi will urge national reconciliation and peace in her first speech since start of Rohingya crisis, in a televised address on Sept. 19.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 06:13:56|Editor: yan

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DOHA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A French frigate has arrived at Qatari Hamad Port to participate in a number of maritime exercises with Qatari navy, Qatar news agency (QNA) reported Wednesday.

On behalf of the Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces, the head of the directorate of military training Brigadier General (Pilot) Khalifa Saleh Al Nuaimi welcomed the French frigate, QNA said.

The directorate said the military exercises will be held in areas of Hamad Port, Doha naval base and the territorial waters of Qatar, according to QNA report.

These exercises come within the framework of the joint military cooperation between Qatar and France to combat terrorism and extremism, the directorate said.

Since the beginning of the gulf crisis, Qatar has strengthened the relations between the other countries especially at the military and defense field.

Led by Saudi Arabia, several states in the Middle East and Africa have cut diplomatic and connection ties with Qatar since June 5, accusing the gas-rich Gulf state of supporting terrorism and Iran. Qatar denied the allegations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-14 07:09:07|Editor: liuxin

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CARACAS, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- After President Nicolas Maduro accepted an invitation to restart dialogue with the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) on Tuesday, the MUD was quick to temper expectations.

Writing on Twitter on Wednesday, the MUD president of the National Assembly, Julio Borges, said that dialogue would be based on certain conditions.

"I reiterate to Venezuela and the world that there is no dialogue today and there will not be until the conditions laid out in the MUD statement are met," he said.

On Tuesday, Maduro accepted a dialogue initiative tabled by the president of the Dominican Republic, Danilo Medina, and former Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

At a cabinet meeting, Maduro said that "Zapatero and President Medina know very well that I have been calling for this dialogue and I accept this new round of talks."

However, Borges said dialogue would not resume without previous MUD conditions being met, including a "complete electoral calendar, included for presidential (elections), the freeing of political prisoners and the removal of restrictions."

He also demanded "respect for the powers given by the Constitution to the National Assembly and immediate attention to the country's economic and social crisis."

The MUD walked away from the talks in December after the government refused to accept its demands. Among those demands was the release of right-wing activists.

The ruling socialist party (PSUV) and the MUD have been locked in a protracted power struggle since Maduro's narrow presidential win in 2013.
TT trade mission heads to DR

This was the view expressed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry on mission which starts today and ends on Saturday. The mission is coordinated by the TT Manufacturers Association (TTMA) and supported by the ministry.

The MTI and the TTMA are both of the view that this mission is critical to opening new markets having successfully collaborated on similar visits, the last being to Cuba in 2016, stated a release from the ministry.

The ministry noted that expanding and promoting trade relations and pursuing investment opportunities between TT and the DR are among the main objectives of the mission while another is the strengthening of the relationship between both countries and reinforcing the ministrys commitment to public-private sector partnerships to grow and facilitate non-energy exports.

The delegation will be led by the ministrys Acting Permanent Secretary Frances Seignoret.

Other members of the delegation include TTMA CEO Dr Ramesh Ramdeen and a contingent of local manufacturers. The ministry said its participation in this mission is informed by current trade agreements including Caricoms Free Trade Agreement with the DR, which provides access to over 10 million consumers for trade in goods and future trade in services.

TT has enjoyed a favourable trade balance with the DR. In 2016, exports to that country totalled $487.2 million while imports amounted to $180.6 million.

TTs main exports to the DR are liquefied natural gas, urea, ammonia, glass bottles, toilet and facial tissues, nitrogen, plastic bottles and cereal while the main imports include gypsum, resins, lubricating oils, carton boxes and cases, plastic boxes, tobacco and soups/broth.
Teens released from police custody

The three were released after attorneys filed a writ of Habeas Corpus in the High Courts, petitioning a judge to compel the police to explain the continued detention without charge, of the youthful suspects.

When officers could give no reason in law for the detention, the judge ordered the three to be immediately released.

The first thing the female 17-year-old prime suspect in the murder did on being released was to accompany her relatives to church to pray.

The teens mother told Newsday that her child, who is a Christian, asked to go to church immediately on her release from police custody.

Two Mondays ago, Richards was stabbed to death and her daughter seriously wounded during a fracas.

A video recording of the stabbing which took place in front a house in Sixth Avenue, Malick was uploaded to social media and quickly went viral. The prime suspects mother yesterday claimed it was her daughter who was attacked by Richards and other adult women.

It was three grown women who pulled my daughter out of her home to beat her up. When you see a gang coming to attack you, wont you defend yourself and fight for your life? None of my children had any weapon at the time, said the suspects mother yesterday.

Richards daughter has since been discharged from hospital after spending several days in intensive care recovering from multiple stab wounds.
4 on coke charge

Ricardo Bennet, 53, of Five Rivers, Arouca; Stephan Francois, 35, of Tacarigua, a baggage handler with 15 years service with Swissport; Sean Carter, 31, a security guard with Intercept Security Services and Swissport customer service representative Yakini Bowen, 27, of La Horquetta appeared before Senior Magistrate Gillian David- Scotland on Monday.

The four were remanded overnight since their criminal record tracing was not yet available to the court. When the four returned to court yesterday, the prosecution did not object to bail being granted since there was no criminal record for any of the accused men. In granting bail to be approved by a Clerk of the Peace, Magistrate Gillian David-Scotland also ordered that the four surrender their passports to the court.

They were charged with conspiring to traffic 40 kilos of cocaine valued $18.4 million into the United States. Bennett and Francois were represented by attorney Fareed Ali while Carter was represented by Ravi Rajcoomar and Bowen by Candice Wilson.

The men were charged by Sgt Russell of the Organised Crime, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (OCNFU). They were arrested on Friday last.

According to reports, the cocaine was intercepted at the JFK International Airport in New York and checks revealed it originated from a flight which left Piarco International Airport.

The arrest came after ten months of surveillance by both the US and local police. It is likely extradition proceedings may commence to have the men answer similar charges in the US.

The four are to return to the Arima Magistrates Court on November 9.
Mom sues ministry over sons death

He died later at San Fernando General Hospital.

Walkers mother Jillian has filed a lawsuit claiming the Ministry ought to have been aware of the dangers and cause a pedestrian crossing section of the road to be built to facilitate workers from businesses including Fun Station, KFC, Pizza Hut, Republic Bank, SuperPharm, Playduim, Ma Pau, The Rig, Sting Gym and Anand Low Price Supermarket to cross the road safely.

In a pre-action protocol letter to the Attorney General, Walkers attorney Ted Roopnarine asked how all these businesses were allowed to become established, yet the ministry has not acknowledged the dangers of employees having to time the traffic lights in order to cross the road to get to the taxi stands located outside Gulf City Mall.

The attorney stated there is not even a pedestrian light controlling the crossing of pedestrians at the T-junction. Roopnarine intends to file a lawsuit against the ministry, stating it ought to know the volume of traffic and the need for a pedestrian crossing section. Jhamalls mother is seeking damages of over $1.2 million for loss of her sons life and earnings he could have worked for in the next 30 years.
IRMA KILLS GRANNY

Emily Pasqual was numb yesterday at her Arima home as she struggled to come to terms with the loss of her sister Melan June Salvary-Doyle who along with her (Salvary-Doyle) grandson Oliver Robert-Gedio, three, were swept to their deaths in raging flood waters when Irma unleashed her fury on the tiny island of St Martin last Wednesday.

I am in denial. I am just trying to cope, Pasqual told Newsday during an interview at her Hall Street, Sherwood Park home. Even more disheartening, Pasqual said, is her familys inability to contact Salvary-Doyles daughter Daphne Doyle since the tragedy occurred at the latters 32 A, Rue Round The Pond French Quarters in St Martin.

Pasqual said Daphne was not at home at the time of the tragedy as she had been taking care of a newborn grand-daughter at a house a short distance away. I havent seen anything or spoken to her, Pasqual said of her niece Daphne. I am only saying what other people told us because there has been no communication.

It was just what you what other people told us. There was no communication directly to her. Pasqual said the family has been able to rely on her own daughter, who lives in the United States and a niece in Canada, for information concerning Salvary-Doyle and the toddler. They have been getting in contact with us and relaying messages.

We have just been getting second and third party information. In the interim, Pasqual said a wake to celebrate the life of Salvary- Doyle, 64, and her three-yearold grandchild had been planned for last night at her Sherwood Park home. Pasqual disputed claims on social media that her sister, a Trinidadian national, died while on vacation in St Martin.

She did not go on vacation but her daughter (Daphne) lives up there and she would sometimes make two trips a year. Daphne has been living up there for the past two decades, Pasqual said.

Pasqual said Salvary-Doyle, a mother of six who lived in San Fernando, left Trinidad about three weeks oge Hurricane Irma hit St Martin last Wednesday. Police in St Martin confirmed Salvary-Doyle and the toddlers deaths on Sunday.

Pasqual said the family was told that when the house Salvary-Doyle was in began falling apart when Irma touched down, she and the rest of the family decided to leave for another house a short distance away.

Pasqual said that just before her sister and the toddler reached the house, the flood waters and sea came in and the waves took them. Pasqual said since receiving the grim news, she has not been sleeping well. She expressed sadness for all who died during Irmas passage in St Martin and other Caribbean islands. Yesterday, Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Stuart Young said the Government was saddened by the deaths of Salvary-Doyle and her grandson.
19 evacuated...coming home soon

He said the helicopter service was able to evacuate about 50 people from St Maarten on Monday, including several children who sat on their parents laps. These included 19 Trinis, five Antiguans, four Dominicans and several Barbadians.

While it was not confirmed by TT Foreign and Caricom Affairs, despite requests made by Newsday, Fernandez said several Trinidadians returned home on Monday and others were expected yesterday.

The minister said some of the people being evacuated were experiencing problems because they did not have travel documents with them.

There are road blocks because of what is happening now. People who do not have travel documents or passports are having difficulty in getting past the road blocks.

The King of Netherlands visited the Dutch section of the island, St Maarten on Monday and security was quadrupled, Minister Fernandez said. Fernandez added that TT evacuees were being housed at the Halcyon Cove and Courtsland Hotel in Antigua. We are not sure if they have the funds to come out so we are getting their names and sending it to the TT Government to approve for them to go out on a flight to Trinidad. The minister said even before the evacuees even arrived they processed them by name and meals and water were provided for them at the hotels at the cost of the Antigua/Barbuda government. Contacted yesterday, TTs Ag Foreign Affairs Minister Stuart Young said the government is continuing to evacuate nationals from Tortola. He said an official request had been sent to the British Government requesting assistance for nationals in the British Virgin Islands. Asked if TT would be offering any financial aid to the besieged islands, Young said the TT Government had not given any active consideration to that. At this stage we have not addressed that and TT ourselves are in constrained financial circumstances, so we sent a helicopter with crew and we are assisting as best as we can, Young said.
Rowley returns from California check-up

Rowley returned home early yesterday morning on a red eye Caribbean Airlines flight out of New York.

Rowley was supposed to return home on Monday but, his return was delayed because of the closure of Miami International Airport due to the passage of Hurricane Irma.

Government officials said Rowley was not in office yesterday but has been keeping abreast of developments which took place during his absence.

Confirmation of Rowleys return was given in a statement issued yesterday by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

The OPM has been handling the administrative functions of the Public Administrations and Communications Ministry since regular line minister Maxie Cuffie fell ill last Tuesday.

Cuffie is recuperating at St Clair Medical Centre and his family has asked for privacy while he recuperates.

On Sunday, officials said Rowley will attend to further interim arrangements for that portfolio when he returns.

Newsday understands a decision may be taken after Thursdays weekly Cabinet meeting at the Diplomatic Centre in St Anns.

The OPM said the objective of Conversations with the Prime Minister forum is to, engage the national community as we continue to work together and navigate our challenging circumstances towards a brighter future. Among the issues which Rowley may deal with tonight is an allegation made by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar about a fake oil scandal at Petrotrin.

Per s ad-Bi s s es s ar claimed a lease operator had defrauded Petrotrin of almost $100 million by inflating the figures for oil it was supplying to the company.

She also claimed the operator was a Peoples National Movement (PNM) financier.

Energy Minister and PNM chairman Franklin Khan rejected Persad- Bissessars allegations at a news conference on Monday.

Rowley may also respond to a threat of legal action against him from Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal.

At a news conference at Piarco International Airport on September 1, before he left for California for a medical check-up, Rowley said Moonilal may have questions to answer in connection with the alleged mishandling of more than $400 million at the Estate Management and Business Development Company Limited (EMBD) in August 2015, just before the last election. Moonilal has threatened legal action against Rowley because of these remarks.

Senior government officials have since indicated, While Dr Moonilal is free to approach any court, he will be met with all the necessary responses when required.
Students suspension bashed online

Facebook commentators say the five-day suspension instituted by his principal, during the first week of school, was unwarranted and called for the Ministry of Education to take action against the principal. The Ministry of Education has confirmed it is investigating the suspension and will also be providing assistance to the student through the student support unit of the ministry. We have forwarded the posting and spoken to the school supervisor and they are interacting with the principal. However, officials said it is unlikely there will be any significant action taken against the principal based on the structure of the public service regulations.

The student whose identity is being protected, wrote on line, The school is being dismissed at 11:30 am since the beginning of the term. Thats barely enough time to hand in homework and receive new assignments.

How long will this go on for? United National Congress (UNC) Senator Khadijah Ameen in an online post questioned what he did wrong asking, Did this post bring the school into disrepute? Did the student chastise the principal or teachers? What is the offence here? This cannot be right. I am seeking guidance on this. She called for the reinstatement of the student and for the Minister of Education Anthony Garcia, to deal with the real problem of hundreds of students being deprived of an education due to no fault of their own.

The Ministry also confirmed that the child is back in school and that the principal and his parents are engaged in dealing with the situation.

President of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) Lynsley Doodhai, who has been highlighting the problems at this school for a long time, said he did not want to rush to make any comments with respect to the suspension as he did not have all the details..

What I can say is that this school has had some serious air condition issues going on for years and it needs to be fixed. He said the school was designed to operate with this central air condition unit which has been experiencing no shortage of problems. He said for the entire April to July term, classes were continuously disrupted resulting in teachers leaving school at 9 am almost on a daily basis.

Doodhai said because of this problem the school population has dwindled to about 400 students with a staff of about 50.

Teaches complained of rashes on their skin, skin abrasions and even sought medical attention and received medical certificates attesting to that. He said it is his understanding that the ministry owes the contractor and the contractor is refusing to do any work unless he is paid.
Couple turns up in London

Lead investigator into the mysterious disappearance, detective Inspector Don Gajadhar of San Fernando CID, said his department was alerted by a travel agency official who handled the couples travel arrangements and who came across a report in the media about the Howards disappearance.

I want to commend the media for their assistance in this matter.

The word got out there and an official of a travel agency saw the news and contacted us immediately, Insp Gajadhar said. According to a report, the couple left Trinidad last week Thursday aboard a 6.05 pm flight out of Piarco International Airport bound for Barbados and then to Gatwick Airport in London.

None of their children including son Victor - who raised an alarm when he could not find them - knew of the couples plan to travel out of the country.

Police were told that the couple was last seen boarding a taxi.

Their son Victor went to the San Fernando Police Station and made a missing persons report.

Victor who lives in Philadelphia was in Trinidad on vacation.

On Monday, mere hours before catching a midnight flight to return to his adopted home, police said Victor went to his parents bedroom to tell them goodbye when he realised they were not there. When they could not be found, Victor went to the police.

It is not known when the couple will return to Trinidad.
Landslides in North Trinidad

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Managements (ODPM) Public Information Unit said there were reports of flooding in Mt Lambert, near the Carib factory and on Saddle Road in Santa Cruz near the School for the Blind.

Land slips also occurred in same area in Santa Cruz and on the North Coast Road in the vicinity of the lookout. The ODPM told Newsday the San Juan / Laventille Regional Corporation was working with the Ministry of Works and Transport in the clean up and repair work.

At 5 pm, teams were still on the ground working to clear both roads although parts of Saddle Road was still flooded.

The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission was also working on restoring electricity to the affected part of Santa Cruz.
Carmona warns students of social media risks

Carmona, who presented the school with an official Presidential portrait, a picture of Pope Francis and a national flag, visited each of the 23 classes where he engaged the students in discussion about their life at the school.

But it was at the Form 1 H class where he told the students, who had just entered the secondary school system after passing the SE A examinations, to hold onto their values of hard work, love, discipline and order saying these values tend to be eroded while in secondary school. He said while social media and the internet could be both additions to their studies at times they offer an outlet into a dangerous world where adults could be seen misbehaving in a terrible way. He said they should instead become child advocates who had the power to change the world and once against exhorted them to be careful about their posts on social media.

Whatever you post on Facebook is there forever and some universities look at your Facebook page when considering your admission to their university, he said.

The President also advised them to listen to their teachers whenever corrected adding that this was not done because they do not like you but because they want you to go further. Earlier, after presenting the picture of Pope Francis to school principal, Sharon Francois, he recalled that during his visit to the Vatican he had intended to ask the Pope to offer prayers for him but he beat me to it and told me- pray for him. So I got a little worried there because I internalised, if he has a direct line to the man upstairs and he is asking me to pray for him, I have to be worried, but I recognised that as the humility of the man, Carmona said.
THA solicits Irma relief

A call for donations of these items came from the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) late Monday afternoon. The THA is leading Tobagos effort to provide aid to Caribbean islands impacted by Hurricane Irma. The public is asked to support these efforts by donating emergency relief supplies as well as financial support, the THA stated in a release.

These supplies, the release added, should include cases of bottled water; canned foods; hygiene packs; baby wipes; disposal baby diapers; infant formula; tarpaulins; new clothing, sheets and blankets and cleaning agents.

Donations can be dropped off daily between 9 am and 5 pm, at the Tobago Emergency Management Agencys (TEMA) headquarters at Fairfield Complex in Scarborough or at its Signal Hill warehouse next to the Army camp. The public can also donate to the TT Red Cross Societys disaster relief fund account at Republic Bank, account number 180482517101, the THA advised.

Anyone seeking further information can call the 211 Hotline or visit www.tha.gov.tt. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), is coordinating regional support for those affected by Hurricane Irma.
Ramadhar writes Rowley over news reports

Ramadhar said copies of his letter have also been sent to President Anthony Carmona, the Police Service Commission, Police Complaints Authority, Integrity Commission and Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP.) He said the story in last Sundays press had alleged that ACP Ainsley Garrick had been transferred for declining to charge a police constable over alleged links to terrorism.

The story alleged that the directive to charge the constable was made after a lengthy meeting of protective services top brass attended by a politician. Ramadhar said the news story made him extremely alarmed at the possibility of misbehaviour in public office and/or perverting the course of justice.

Saying no politician must direct any officer, so as not to breach the idea of the separation of powers, he said his letter has asked Rowley to investigate these allegations.

His letter said that a politicians instruction to the police to lay charges on someone who has been investigated and absolved would suggest a direct attack on the independence of institutions and a danger to democracy.

He read, The refusal of the head of Special Branch to follow that instruction must be commended.

However the subsequent transfer apparently because of his refusal is unlawful and wrong. Ramadhar himself remarked, For a policeman to be transferred suggests pressure on the police that if they dont follow instructions theyll be charged too. In reply to reporters questions, Ramadhar said he had not spoken to any of the parties in the matter, nor issued any deadline to Rowley to do his probe.
Hansal Mehta and Kangana Ranaut's gastronomical delight

Bollywood, Tue, 12 Sep 2017 NI Wire

National award Winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta's forthcoming film Simran, starring Kangana Ranaut is a film that audiences are eagerly looking forward to. The combination of Kangana Ranaut as the protagonist Praful Patel and director Hansal Mehta promises us a scintillating watch.

A story about a thirty year old Gujarat girl, who is witty, whacky, full of life and ends up embroiled in crime, 'SIMRAN' has been shot in the city of Atlanta, USA.

Apparently, while shooting for the film, both Kangana and certified foodie Hansal often found time sampling some interesting restaurants and eclectic cuisines. The actor-director duo seemed to have had a lot of fun trying out different eateries bonding over cuisines ranging from Local Southern to Mexican to Italian to Pan Asian to Gujarati.

'I love food as I believe it is the secret to happiness! In fact one of the high points of shooting Simran in USA was the huge variety of restaurants and cuisines. I enjoyed scouting for restaurants on our break days and to de-stress over conversations and fantastic meals with Kangana. Both of us share a spirit of adventure both in the kind of films we make and the food we relish', says Hansal

Clearly, Kangana and her director didn't just have an incredible time shooting a heart warming film, but also created memories that both would cherish for times to come.

A T-Series, Karma Features PVT. LTD. & Adarsh Telemedia film, Simran stars Kangana Ranaut, directed by Hansal Mehta and produced by Bhushan Kumar and Shailesh R Singh. The film is set to release on 15th September 2017.
PM Modi to receive Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Gujarat, for annual bilateral summit meeting

New Delhi, Tue, 12 Sep 2017 NI Wire

At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, will undertake an official visit to India on September 13 and 14, 2017.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe will hold the 12th India-Japan Annual Summit, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on the 14th of September. The two leaders will deliver statements to the media. An India Japan Business Plenary is scheduled the same day.

This will be the fourth Annual Summit between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe. The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

The two leaders will attend a public function to mark the commencement of work of Indias first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, on 14th of September. The train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the world.

The city of Ahmedabad will greet Prime Minister Abe with an elaborate civic reception on 13th of September, showcasing the cultural diversity of India, through a series of performances.

The two Prime Ministers will visit Sabarmati Ashram, established by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Sabarmati River. They will then visit the Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali  a famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad. The two leaders will also visit Dandi Kutir, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Mahatma Mandir.

Source: PIB
Reform, Perform and Transform is India's developmental mantra: Vice President

New Delhi, Tue, 12 Sep 2017 NI Wire

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Indias developmental mantra is Reform, Perform, Transform. He was interacting with the President of the Republic of Belarus, Mr. Alexander Lukashenko, here today.

The Vice President said that the bilateral visits of both countries received a boost with the first ever State Visit by the then President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee to Belarus on June 2015 and the momentum that it generated has been retained through a series of high level interactions.

He further said that India value and appreciates the support Belarus has extended to Indias candidature for permanent seat at the UN Security Council and our nomination for election to ICJ Judge Shri Dalveer Bhandari. Our bilateral trade is modest and there exist considerable potential in the both the countries to further boost and diversity our trade basket, he added.

The Vice President said that India is having world-class medical facilities and it is in the good interest for both the countries to promote Medical Tourism.

The Vice President wished the visiting dignitary for a pleasant stay in India and wished all the best for the official engagements to come up with the Prime Minister and the President later in the day.

The President of Belarus invited the Vice President, Shri Venkaiah Naidu to visit their country and offered to send a formal invitation.

Source: PIB
Press Statement by Prime Minister during State Visit of President of Belarus

New Delhi, Wed, 13 Sep 2017 NI Wire

Press Statement by Prime Minister during State Visit of President of Belarus (September 12, 2017)

Your Excellency President Alexander Lukashenku

Friends,

Members of the media

I am delighted to welcome President Lukashenku to India. His visit comes as both countries mark 25 years of our diplomatic relationship this year.

We have earlier had the pleasure of receiving President Lukashenku in India in 1997 and in 2007. During this visit, I hope Your Excellency will get a chance to see and experience the transformations taking place in India.

Our discussions today were wide-ranging and forward-looking. They were marked by the warmth of our ties over two and a half decades. We exchanged views on bilateral issues and on regional and global developments. We reviewed the architecture of our partnership. We considered ideas and initiatives for further expanding it. We decided to enhance our interaction in all aspects of cooperation.

I found in President Lukashenku matching enthusiasm and desire to scale up our partnership for the benefit of our people.

To this end, we will work to diversify economic linkages. The focuswill be to build upon the natural complementarity between us.

Our companies have to evolve from a buyer-seller framework to deeper engagement. There are abundant business and investment opportunities in pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, heavy machinery and equipment. Last year, Indian companies made a positive beginning with three joint ventures in pharmaceuticals.

Possibilities for partnership also exist in manufacturing of tyres, agro-industrial machinery, and mining equipment. Similarly, in heavy-duty construction machinery India has a growing demand and Belarus has industrial strengths.

We will also encourage joint development and manufacturing in defence sector under the Make in India programme. We have also progressed our discussion on utilising the US$ 100 million line of credit that India had offered in 2015 in specific projects in Belarus.

India is linked with Belarus under multilateral economic initiatives such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and the International North South Transport Corridor. India is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with the EEU.

Friends,

Science and technology is another area of focus for stronger cooperation. Belarus is a long-time partner in this field.

Innovation and commercialisation will be given due emphasis in fields like metallurgy & materials, nano-materials, biological & medical sciences, and chemical & engineering sciences. We envisage participation of our youth in this process.

We are exploring the setting up of a technology demonstration Centre in India to showcase Belarusian technology.

Another dimension of Indias partnership with Belarus lies in development cooperation. Belarus is an active participant in Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme.

In international forums, our two countries have close cooperation and common approaches on matters of mutual interest.

India and Belarus will continue extending mutual support for each other in multilateral fora.

Friends,

President Lukashenku and I discussed the rich history of cultural interactions between our people, which has nurtured goodwill. I was pleased to learn that many Belarusians take active interest in Indian culture, cuisine, films, music, dance, Yoga and Ayurveda.

I see great potential to enhance our tourism and people-to-people exchanges so as to build an even stronger foundation for our relations.

In closing, I want to thank President Lukashenku for being our honoured guest. India will work closely with Belarus in the coming days and months to implement todays consensus and outcomes. I wish President Lukashenku a memorable stay in India.

I thank you.

Source: PIB
The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, has expressed optimism that the striking workers under the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, across the country would soon resume duty.

Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole

The doctors had embarked on a nationwide strike on September 4, crippling all health services at secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities across the nation.

Mr. Adewole said that the government has done what the resident doctors under the federal government asked for and this was to pay all outstanding salary arrears of the resident doctors to the bank accounts of institutions affected.

We have done that and we believe they should resume soon. We can only pay the money into the institutions accounts for them to disburse to the doctors, we cannot pay them individually as that would take a longer time.

The only problem which shouldnt be a problem is that we have told them we cannot solve that of resident doctors in the state. They have decided to put states resident doctors as part of their struggle and we cannot impose on state government to do same. We can only plead on their behalf with the states, he said.

The leadership of the NARD is expected to meet later today, Tuesday, to appraise the response of the federal government to their demands.

The government and the leadership of NARD had met on September 6 and agreed to pay the arrears of the salaries latest September 8.

Mr. Adewole said the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the government and the leadership of NARD, agreed that the doctors would resume once the salaries have been paid.

Arikawe Adeolu, a member of the National Executive Council of NARD, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in Abuja on Monday that the Tuesday meeting would allow the leadership to appraise events since its meeting with government.

Mr. Adeolu, who is also the General Secretary of NARD, Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Jabi, Abuja, said the outcome of the appraisal would determine whether the nationwide indefinite strike would be called off or not.

He said the appraisal was necessary as more than 90 per cent of members were yet to receive their arrears as at 3 p.m. on Monday.

He expressed optimism that the arrears would be paid as the federal government claims it had disbursed the arrears to the hospitals accordingly.

We were supposed to hold a meeting on September 8 but it didnt hold because the essence of the meeting was defeated.

We thought that government would have paid by then but we got nothing. So, the meeting has been postponed to September 12. It will be a closed door meeting to carry out an appraisal of events so far.

The federal government claims that money has been paid to the hospitals. So, we need to confirm from members across the country if they have received their salary arrears. Money is not usually paid directly to doctors; it is sent to the hospitals so what we are trying to do now is to verify whether the money has come into the hospitals for onward payment.

Today and tomorrow is enough time for this money to be disbursed to doctors if it really has been paid. By tomorrow we should have a clear view of whether this money has been paid or not, Mr. Adeolu said.

The doctors are also protesting the sack of some of their colleagues, non-payment of skipping entitlement, non-inclusion in the IPPIS platform and non-payment of their salary arrears, among other demands.
The family of the former Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi in Benin has returned her bride price back to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, finally officially annulling the marriage between their daughter and the king, new reports have alleged.

According to a source confirmed that the king was implored by a comity of elders to accept the price he paid so as to severe all marital ties amicably.

It was said that the Ooni of Ife was initially reluctant, but finally acceded. She is free now, he was quoted to have said after accepting the price.

This is the report:

The coast seems clear now for Queen Zynab, the former wife of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to begin a new life and remarry if she so wishes as reports reaching us indicate that elders of her family have returned her bride price. The Boss Newspaper gathered that elders of the Otiti family of Benin as is customary, returned the bride price as is customary during the week and it was a strictly hush-hush family affair. According to a source in Benin, The Ooni was at first reluctant but was persuaded by the elders as a way of closing the controversial marriage and separation The OONI was quoted to have exclaimed that shes free now, shes free

The elders had sued for amicable settlement instead of a rough separation. Both families appeared relieved about this final foreclosure of the marriage that lasted less than two years.
A student of Moi Girls School-Nairobi has been charged with the murder of her nine schoolmates.

The girl appeared before High Court judge Luka Kimaru on Wednesday in proceedings that were conducted in camera.

She faced nine counts of murder.

She denied all the charges and the judge directed the prosecution, the girls defence lawyers and her parents to appear before him on Friday to determine whether she will have deposited Sh200,000 in court and met conditions set to secure her release.

The student, who was accompanied by her parents, was presented in court just a day after bodies of the nine girls were identified through DNA tests.

The girls who died in the tragedy are Esther Neema, Nancy Wamuthuri Thuku, Hanna Jeyso Timado, Hawa Haziz, Mary Njengo Mokaya, Alakiir Malong, Natalie Asiko, Whitney Kerubo and Marcia Okello.

In court, the girl, whose identity will be concealed because she is still a minor, denied that she caused the death of her nine colleagues on the night of September 2.

Section 186(g) of the Children Act says the privacy of young offenders should be protected.

The proceedings will, therefore, be conducted in camera until the case is concluded.

The same section says the case should be determined without delay.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) on Wednesday, September 13, elected Nigeria as vice president, Africa at its ongoing 22nd General Assembly in Chengdu, Sichuan Province of Southwest China.

According to our source, the minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, who led Nigerias delegation to the general assembly assumed the seat on behalf of the country, for the next two years.

Cape Verde was also elected alongside Nigeria as vice president, Africa, of the global body charged with the responsibility of ensuring sustainable tourism development.

The 22nd biannual session of the UNWTO being attended by more than 1,300 delegates from 75 countries also elected Colombia and Mexico to represent the continent of America at the General Assembly.

Romania and Switzerland were elected as representative of Europe while Iraq was elected from Middle East and Srilanka from South Asia continent on the Assembly.

According to reports that all the elections to the seats were done by acclamation by delegates as agreed by the General Assembly. The Chairman of the UNWTO Executive Council, Li Jinzao, who conducted the elections and the General Assembly said that the body suspended Rule 43 of its Statutes which stipulates secret balloting for the elections.

The Chairman of the UNWTO Executive Council, Li Jinzao, who conducted the elections and the General Assembly said that the body suspended Rule 43 of its Statutes which stipulates secret balloting for the elections.

Mr. Jinzao is the Chairman, Chinese National Tourism Administration, the host of the UNWTO 22nd General Assembly.

Reacting to his election, Mohammed said that the last time Nigeria occupied the position of UNWTO Vice Presidency was 20 years ago, 1997, and it was a great honour to the country and him.

I feel quite honoured and humbled to be called upon to serve as the Vice President of the General Assembly of the UNWTO and it is a very big honour to Nigeria.

It has proven one thing that in the last two years, the administration has succeeded in pushing tourism and creative industry as a whole from the back burner to the front burner, from the side issue to the main issue.

This has also been noticed by the global community and I feel highly gratified about it, he said.

The minister said that the position would propel him to do more in the development of the nations tourism and creative industry

When you are recognised on a global stage like this, it encourages and spurs you to do more.

One thought he was doing this out of sheer commitment but not knowing that he was being noticed globally and this is what I think it is impressive about this.

My contributions to UNWTO at various events held in Cote d Ivoire, Madrid and Ethiopia have been borne out of conviction that, this is the way to go.

But I was quite surprised when I got a call that I was being nominated to serve Africa as a Vice President of this General Assembly.

What that means is that you are squarely in the saddle of driving the global agenda for tourism for the next two years, he said.

Mr. Mohammed said that he would leverage on the new position to positively affect tourism in Nigeria.

He said: With this new appointment, you will begin to look at yourself not just as a Nigerian citizen but as a World citizen and it means that a lot more will be expected from you.

You cannot be serving as a Vice President of the UNWTO General Assembly and allow tourism and creative industry to lag behind in your country because it will be like, physician heals thyself first.

It also gives one a closer access to the world tourism organisation and the way it works and it will be a good leverage for Nigeria.

The outgoing secretary general of UNWTO, Taleb Rifai, congratulated the new executives of the organisation and enjoined them to work towards bringing more members to the fold.

He noted that tourism had recorded successive growth in the last six years and the new leaders should leverage on the development.

The election of the new Secretary-General of the global tourism body is expected to be ratified by the Executive Council before the end of the five-day General Assembly.
The Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, has launched the Bail is Free campaign in Niger State.

He emphasized thedetermination of the force power to police the nation in view of universal center benefits of policing and respectability.

Idris was represented by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Jimoh Moshood at the launching of the campaign in Minna on Wednesday.

He said that special X-squad had been deployed to monitor compliance of Bail is Free campaign across the country.

The IGP said that the officers had been empowered to arrest, detain and discipline any erring police officer found wanting.

I have already directed Assistant Inspectors- General of Police, Commissioners of police as well as Area Commanders to ensure that bail is free is posted in the crime branch, he said.

The IGP also ordered that bail is free in statement rooms, charge rooms and other conspicuous locations in all police divisions across the country.
The workers expressed their displeasure at the ministry of finance for failing to release the N78billion entitlements even after President Muhammadu Buhari had approved of the payment.

The workers said the protest was meant to draw the attention of government to their plight as many of them have died with others rendered homeless after government liquidated the airline in 2003.

Speaking, the National chairman, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Nigeria Airways, Comrade Sam Nzene said former workers and pensioners were kept in the dark over delay in payment of their entitlements.

The workers appreciated the efforts of Buhari and the Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika but lamented how the ministry of finance had kept them in the dark over modalities for the payment.

The former Airways workers and pensioners marched from the premises of Skypower Catering Limited, opposite the Air Force base to the entrance into the domestic wing of the general aviation terminal, displaying placards.

Some of the placards bore the following inscriptions: Please pay our severance benefits in full. Our members are dying daily minister of finance, come to our aid. Some of our members are homeless.
It started in mid-September  Black Friday specials. I took the bait when I saw an email from a retailer offering sales that were way ahead of the traditional Friday after Thanksgiving Black Friday sales. Beat the rush! Get all the deals before anyone else offers them and you lose out! Get y
Egyptian Defense minister on a visit to South Korea has told host officials that the North African country has severed military ties with North Korea, meeting therefore a demand by the United States as condition to unfreeze military aid.

The announcement was confirmed to the public by the South Korean news agency Yonhap, which cited Sedki Sobhi as saying that Egypt already severed all military ties with North Korea.

Egypt will actively cooperate with South Korea against North Koreas acts that threaten peace, Sobhi said according to Yonhap.

The Egyptian official met with his South Korean counterpart Song Young-moo who urged the North African country to bust military ties with the North and join the chorus of condemnations as well as backing sanctions against Pyongyang over its recent tests of ballistic and nuclear bombs.

Egypt and North Korea established good ties including military cooperation. The Asian isolated country sold Egypt weapons and helped it upgrade its arsenal of medium-range, and ground-to-ground missiles, the news agency noted.

Last march, South Korea and Egypt have signed an agreement on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, and promoting substantive military exchanges and defense industry cooperation between the two sides.

The US, last month demanded that Cairo curbs its relations with Pyongyang and improves its human rights records before it releases some $300 million in military aid.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the Algerian government to halt its persecution and hate speech against religious minorities in the country after authorities proceeded to a crackdown on the followers of the Ahmadi sect.

HRW raised the alarm concerning the discrimination endured by religious minorities in Algeria following the arrest of the President of the Ahmadi sect Mohamed Fali on August 28 who is now in a prison in Mostaganem after he has been handed a 3-year jail sentence in absentia.

Scores of other Ahmadis have been imprisoned since June 2016 in a context where religious intolerance is espoused at the highest level of the state with government officials claiming that Ahmadis represent a threat to the majority Sunni Muslim faith, HRW said in a statement.

The persecution of Ahmadis and hateful speech from government ministers shows intolerance for minority faiths, whether they claim to be Muslim or not, said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

Facets of state persecution of this sect include denial of granting the right of forming associations or building mosques. Algerian authorities have also discriminated against the members of this sect in the civil service and officials have indulged in hateful speech against this community.

In October 2016, the Minister of Religious Affairs Mohamed Aissa described the Ahmadi presence in Algeria as part of a deliberate sectarian invasion and declared that the government brought criminal charges against Ahmadis to stop deviation from religious precepts. In February this year, he stated that Ahmadis are damaging the very basis of Islam.

Some officials went as far as excommunicating the Ahmadi community. In April, Ahmed Ouyahia, then chief of cabinet to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, said that there are no human rights or freedom of religion in the matter of the Ahmadis, because Algeria has been a Muslim country for 14 centuries. He called on Algerians to protect the country from the Shia and Ahmadiyya sects.

The Ahmadis are not the only persecuted religious minority. Jews are banned from praying in their centuries-old synagogues. The Muslim Ibadite community in Ghardaia has suffered from state marginalization and persecution too. In recent years, security forces sided with Sunni Arabs against Ibadite Amazigh in clashes that devastated the oasis.
Algeria has been asked to look in the mirror before raising the human rights situation in Morocco and its southern provinces, the Sahara.

In a scathing criticism of the Algerian disillusioned diplomacy, Moroccan representative at the Human Rights Council (HRC) told Algeria to address the grave human rights violations within its territories before venturing to give lessons to others.

As Algeria loses ground within the Council, it has resorted to proxies in a desperate attempt to tarnish Moroccos image. Running out of allies, it chose Namibia as an agent to attack Moroccos territorial integrity.

Moroccos Charge daffaires in Geneva, Hassan Boukili, denounced before the 36th session of the Council the hypocrisy of Algeria, which flouts human rights at home while shamelessly pretending to champion them elsewhere.

He recalled that the efficiency of Moroccos human rights institutions and mechanisms has been commended by the UN Security Council Resolutions along with the efforts undertaken by the Kingdom to put an end to the artificial dispute over the Sahara.

On the same occasion, Boukili called on the Council to question Algeria over the serious human rights breaches on its territories where minorities are persecuted and where UN human rights observers and other rights watchdogs are denied entry.

Boukili also cited the violations committed by the Polisario militias in the Tindouf camps, under the protection of the Algerian state, urging the council to list this issue in its agenda.
Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley is under immense pressure to kill or restrict Senate tradition of home-state vetoes over judges and pave the way for Trumps nominees. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call,Inc.

For all the wild talk of Donald Trumps preferring to work with Democrats instead of his own fractious party, the administration and Senate Democrats are on a collision course that should smash figments of imaginary bipartisanship. Trump has now nominated 50 would-be judges to openings on Circuit Courts of Appeal and district benches, all of whom appear to have been vetted by conservative legal commissars like the Federalist Society and the Heritage Foundation. Most of them will probably be confirmed on strict or near party-line votes in the Judiciary Committee and the full Senate.

But in some cases, Senate Democrats who have been bypassed in the judicial selection process are retaliating via the 100-year-old tradition of the blue slip  an arcane practice where the Judiciary Committee wont move on a non-SCOTUS judicial nomination unless both senators from her or his home state approve, via a literal blue slip of paper. More often than not, the blue slip system operates invisibly, as a way to ensure prior consultation between the administration and senators  especially of the opposing party. But its use for purposes of obstruction is hardly unprecedented, as evidenced by what happened to Barack Obamas nominees, even during the six years when Democrats controlled the Senate. Dahlia Lithwick notes the hypocrisy of GOP whining about blue slips now that they are being deployed against conservative nominees:

A Democratic Senate during the Obama administration kept the blue-slip process intact, even though it meant that in certain jurisdictions seats remained unfilled for years. To be clear: Not one Obama district or circuit court nominee received a hearing unless both of his or her home-state senators returned blue slips. That meant, for instance, that a seat on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appealscovering Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texashas been vacant for more than five years. This is, in fact, one of the reasons Trump has so many empty seats to fill. Texas Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn refused to sign off on any Obama nominees simply because they were Obama nominees.

Current Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley has in the past been a staunch defender of the blue slip tradition, which he got to see up close on the committee when Democrat Pat Leahy, a blue slip absolutist, was in charge. But he has more recently expressed sympathy for the newfangled conservative argument that blue slips should be limited to district court appointments, on grounds that circuit courts represent multiple states, not some individual state with its own senators.

Well probably find out soon enough which way Grassley chooses to go. Minnesota Democrat Al Franken has announced he will not return a blue slip for Eighth Circuit nominee David Stras, a conservative legal luminary who was on Trumps SCOTUS list, on grounds that there was no meaningful consultation or interest in choosing a consensus judge. And Oregon Democrats Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have told the White House they wont return a blue slip for Ninth Circuit nominee Ryan Bounds because the administration bypassed a long-established bipartisan commission process for selecting Oregon-based federal judges.

You can expect a lot of conservative pressure on Grassley to junk blue slips, at least for circuit judge candidates. The ideological reshaping of the federal judiciary is the tie that most firmly binds conventional conservatives to the Trump presidency, and so far its an area where the 45th president has done nothing to let the right down. The fragility of the Trump presidency, as reflected in his terrible approval ratings, is all the more reason for Republicans to move as quickly and as ruthlessly as possible in getting some good ideologues into the courts.
The voter fraud (fraud) commission. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

In late February, the Heritage Foundation learned something very disturbing about President Trumps upcoming voter-fraud commission  the White House was planning to let Democrats serve on it.

There isnt a single Democratic official who will do anything other than obstruct any investigation of voter fraud and issue constant public announcements criticizing the commission, a staffer (whose name has been redacted) at the right-wing think tank told Attorney General Jeff Sessions, in an email obtained Tuesday by the Campaign Legal Center through a Freedom of Information Act request. That decision alone shows how little the White House understands about this issue.

The email went on to warn Sessions that, If they are picking mainstream Republican officials and/or academics to man this commission then it will be an abject failure because there arent any that know anything about this or who have paid any attention to this issue over the years.

Instead of appointing members of the opposition party, normal members of the presidents party, or people who have studied voting issues in institutions that arent funded by the conservative movement, this Heritage official suggested the White House staff the panel entirely with real experts on the conservative side of the issue like Kansas secretary of State Kris Kobach. Specifically, the think-tank staffer suggested that they appoint the real experts who work at the Heritage Foundation.

Ultimately, Trump decided to name two Democratic secretaries of State to his Bipartisan Presidential Commission on Election Integrity, along with an Obama-appointed commissioner of the Election Assistance Commission.

But he also put Kobach in charge of the commission, and eventually asked Heritages Hans von Spakovsky  one of fathers of the modern voter-fraud myth  to join his fellow real expert on the panel.

The idea that the White House should have appointed a uniformly far-right Republican panel to investigate the integrity of American elections is pretty wild. Trumps commission may be an unsubtle attempt to suppress Democratic votes  but even this White House doesnt have quite enough contempt for democratic norms to dispense with the pretense of nonpartisanship. The fact that Heritage thinks it would have been perfectly appropriate for the president to let a panel composed entirely of conservative Republicans dictate voting reforms illustrates how instinctively authoritarian some corners of the conservative movement have become.

Still, you cant blame conservatives for worrying that the White House couldnt afford to pick a couple Democrats  or academic experts  even as window dressing.

After all, if a person does not accept that mass voter fraud is a reality in the United States, it would pretty difficult to marshal evidence to convince her otherwise: A five-year investigation into voter fraud by the George W. Bush administration turned up exactly 26 instances of the phenomenon; a November 2014 study turned up virtually no evidence of in-person voter fraud; and research conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice that same year uncovered 31 credible allegations of voter fraud for every 1 billion votes cast  a fraction of the number of legal citizens who were denied the right to vote for lacking proper identification during the same time period.

In recent days, the danger that people who arent far-right Republicans pose to the presidents voter-fraud commission became clear. Last week, Kobach announced that his commission had discovered evidence that a real U.S. Senate election had been swung by thousands of illegal votes in New Hampshire. Within 24 hours, the media revealed that Kobach had, apparently (willfully?), misunderstood the Granite States laws regarding the voting rights of college students.

On Tuesday, at the commissions second meeting in (of all places) New Hampshire, Kobach defended his baseless claim, and was roundly rebuked by the committees Democrats. As NBC News reports:

In that column, I struggled with  what verb to use, Kobach said, noting that he settled on the word appears to describe the possible fraud but allowed that he erred in trying to condense a complex legal issue into the column.

But experts said that is no evidence of voter fraud. State law allows people with non-New Hampshire drivers licenses to live in the state and vote legally. Gardner, a Democrat, pushed back on Kobachs claims, saying, what you wrote is that the question of whether our elections that we have recorded is real and valid. And it is real and valid.

Gardner pointed to the comments made by the panels chair, Vice President Mike Pence, at the first meeting, who said the panel would not work with any preconceived notions. Pence did not attend the second meeting.

That is something that we all need to stay focused on, Gardner said.

Perhaps they should have stuck to real experts on the conservative side of the issue.

Update: In a statement to New York, Hans von Spakovsky says that he was not the individual who allegedly emailed the attorney general, and that he has full confidence in his Democratic peers on the commission:

I did not send an email to the attorney general. I have never had any discussions by email or otherwise with General Sessions about the election integrity commission. I did send a private email in February to private individuals who were not in the administration to express my personal concerns about the efficacy of the Presidents Advisory Commission on Election Integrity months before it was organized or any of its members were selected. I did not send it to General Sessions and was unaware that it had been forwarded to him.

After my own participation as a member, Im confident that all the members of the Commission are committed to uncovering the truth about election integrity and the other issues present in our election system and developing recommendations to safeguard and improve the voting process. The informative and comprehensive hearing we just held in New Hampshire organized and hosted by Bill Gardner (D), the long-time secretary of state, is evidence of the good work the Commission is already doing

The Heritage Foundation, for its part, insists that it is a scrupulously nonpartisan organization. The foundations spokesperson Sarah Mills writes in a statement:
Flynns. Photo: Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AFP/Getty Images

Michael Flynn Jr., the amateur Pizzagate investigator and son of the former national security adviser, is the latest person in Donald Trumps orbit to find himself in Special Counsel Robert Muellers crosshairs, NBC News reports. As a part of his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, Mueller is reportedly investigating Flynns work for his fathers lobbying firm, the Flynn Intel Group.

The younger Flynn worked as his fathers chief-of-staff at the company and was heavily involved in its day-to-day operations. In 2015, he accompanied his father on the now infamous trip to Moscow where the elder Flynn gave a speech to RT, the Russian TV network, and had dinner with Vladimir Putin. It comes as little surprise, then, that Flynn the younger has been ensnared by Mueller, who is looking into the elder Flynn for his ties to Russia and his failure to disclose lobbying for the Turkish government.

NBC News suggests that Mueller may be going after Flynn Jr. not because he was mixed up in criminal activity, but because it might get his father to flip on Trump.

Several legal experts with knowledge of the investigation have told NBC News they believe Mueller, following a classic prosecutorial playbook, is seeking to compel key players, including Flynn and Manafort, to tell what they know about any possible Trump campaign collusion with Russia. Mueller has brought onto his team a federal prosecutor known for convincing subjects to turn on associates. Any potential criminal liability for Michael G. Flynn could put added pressure on his father, these legal experts said.

But even without worrying about his son, the pressure is mounting for Flynn. In a letter this week to Mueller, House Democrats accused him of failing to disclose a 2015 trip to Egypt that he took to broker a deal between Saudi Arabias government and the Russian nuclear power agency. Several months after that trip, Flynn reapplied for security clearance and made no mention of that trip.

It appears that General Flynn violated federal law by omitting this trip and these foreign contacts from his security clearance renewal application in 2016 and concealing them from security clearance investigators who interviewed him as part of the background check process, House Democrats wrote in a letter to Mueller.

Separately, Flynn has refused another request to appear in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee, CNN reports. This is the second time the former Army general has declined an invitation to speak to the committee. He declined for the first time in May, when he invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

In these difficult times, Flynn would do well to remember the words of his former boss and good friend in the White House, Donald Trump, who reportedly reached out to him earlier this year to tell him to stay strong.
More glue than rubber. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Democratic consultants want the Democratic Party to know that it desperately needs to spend more money on consultants.

That seems like the main takeaway from Edward-Isaac Doveres new story in Politico on how Teflon Don confounds Democrats:

Democrats tried attacking Donald Trump as unfit for the presidency. Theyve made the case that hes ineffective, pointing to his failure to sign a single major piece of legislation into law after eight months in the job.

Theyve argued that Trump is using the presidency to enrich himself, and that his campaign was in cahoots with Russia.

None of it is working.

Data from a range of focus groups and internal polls in swing states paint a difficult picture for the Democratic Party heading into the 2018 midterms and 2020 presidential election. It suggests that Democrats are naive if they believe Trumps historically low approval numbers mean a landslide is coming.

Now, its certainly true that Democrats arent assured of a 2018 landslide. At present, respected models predict that Republican gerrymandering will save Paul Ryans majority. And Doveres piece highlights several interesting  and plausible  findings from Democratic research on the views of (white, working- or middle-class) swing voters. To name a few:

 Free public college landed with a thud in polling of 52 purple House districts, as the policy fosters both resentment at ivory tower elitism and regret from people who have degrees but are now buried under debt. This response makes a lot of sense, and Democrats would do well to address it  especially since the ivory towerresenters have a point. Our country needs more skilled blue- and pink-collar workers just as much  if not more  than it needs college-educated ones: Of the 30 occupations that will add the most jobs to the U.S. economy in the next five years, 25 dont require bachelors degrees, according to Labor Department projections.

Therefore, a truly progressive free college program would provide an alternative stipend for work training (or, even an early career income supplement) to young people looking to get a foothold in a working class profession. Otherwise, the policy is vulnerable to the charge that it asks non-college-educated workers to subsidize the career development of (generally, more wealthy and privileged) college-track kids.

 The $15 minimum wage doesnt enthuse middle-class workers who already make more than that. A more comprehensive message on how Democrats can improve the quality and availability of work is in order.

 A lot of (white) voters care a lot more about the performance of the economy, than about the president praising white nationalists.

These focus-group insights are all well and good. But that doesnt mean that Democratic attacks on Trump arent working.

In fact, several of the consultants own findings demonstrate that this isnt the case. According to the pollsters cited by Dovere, swing voters want to elect a Congress that will act as a check on Trump; Democrats are 17 points ahead of the president on the question of who fights for people like me, after being tied with him on that score back in February; and Team Blue has opened up a double-digit advantage on health-care policy.

Which is to say: The supposedly ineffectual Democratic attacks have convinced most voters that President Trumps top legislative priority was a bad idea; a Democratic Congress would be better than a Republican one; and Nancy Pelosis party cares more about people like them than Donald Trump does.

Meanwhile, the non-consultant-generated evidence against the Teflon Don thesis is extensive:

 Democrats currently lead the generic congressional ballot by upwards of eight points  a margin that would probably give them a House majority.

 The ten red-state Senate Democrats who are running for reelection in 2018 all have positive approval ratings  while Joe Manchin, who loudly opposed Obamacare repeal in a state Trump won by more than 40 points, is now more popular with his constituents than the president is.

 In the 35 special legislative and congressional elections held since last November, Democrats have outperformed Hillary Clintons 2016 showing (in the same districts) in 26. On the state level, Democrats have taken six seats held by Republicans, by the Daily Koss count, while Republicans have managed to flip just one seat into their column. And some of these Democratic victories have come in the heart of Trump country  Team Blue has already gained three seats in Oklahomas state legislature.

 Republican House incumbents are opting for retirement at an unusually high rate.

 Donald Trump is a historically unpopular president. You can put some caveats on the fact. Some polling has suggested that his approval rating is holding up better in swing districts than in the rest of the country. But the bottom line remains: Amid an economic expansion and relative peace, Trump has attracted the antipathy of nearly 60 percent of the electorate.

So, should Democrats fine-tune their messaging, and broaden their offerings on economic policy? Absolutely. But if you survey this landscape and come away thinking, The Democratic Party urgently needs new advice because none of its attacks are working, well, then, Ive got a consulting contract to sell you.
No egg sandwiches here. Photo: Bodega

Tech Twitter spent this morning roasting a San Francisco start-up called Bodega, which aims to one-up the corner deli by installing a small dispensary, selling perhaps 75 products, in your buildings lobby. The criticism ran far and fast after Fast Company profiled the two ex-Googlers behind the idea. Among the knocks: Bodega, the name, is appropriative. Bodega, the company, aims to destroy (sorry, disrupt) solid little businesses. It is anti-immigrant. The list of items seems sexist. The logistics will doom this outfit anyway, which is basically (as my colleague Madison Malone Kircher notes) just reinventing the vending machine. And wont someone think of the future of the bodega cat? Wasnt the Slurpee assault bad enough?

Why did this set off such a furor, though? Well, because bodegas (I use the term alongside corner deli here, though Ill stipulate that there are distinctions between the two that are worth preserving) deserve defending. In walkable cities, corner groceries serve particular functions that are not only vital but extremely complex. Given New York Citys very small apartments and smaller kitchens, many residents do not have large pantries, and cannot keep a stock of much on hand. (A lot of New Yorkers tend to treat Costco as they do Yellowstone National Park: with wide-eyed wonder, and a dawning awareness that other parts of the world are very different from ours.) I used to live in a studio that had only an under-counter fridge, like a dorm rooms, and exactly two shelves in the kitchen. I could not own more than a six-pack of any beverage at a time. Essentially, the deli refrigerated case functioned as one large fridge for the entire block. It was not Uber-but-for anything; it was (sorry) Zipcar but for cold drinks.

I have since moved to another apartment, but today, my local deli is literally the same distance from my couch as the garage would be in a largish McMansion. Its about 75 steps to get a bottle of seltzer or an egg sandwich or a pint of ice cream. But in fact the deli does quite a bit more than that. You can, in a pinch, make a pretty decent dinner out of the stuff it sells. Admittedly, not a lot of the food there would meet an Alice Waters standard, but theres passable fresh mozzarella, cage-free eggs, nice imported candy. You wouldnt want to eat every meal from there, perhaps, but you wouldnt be miserable if you had to do so for a couple of weeks.

Let us also, here, acknowledge that neighborhood delis are a fundamental safety tool. In her 1961 masterpiece The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Jane Jacobs wrote about eyes on the street, the organic round-the-clock surveillance that healthy neighborhoods gain by accident. During the day, workers and shoppers keep a block humming; in the evening, families open their windows or sit on stoops; at night, bars and restaurants keep the sidewalk active. Especially as our neighborhoods grow wealthier, that level of observation gets harder to maintain, because late-night bars generate noise complaints, leading to NIMBY attitudes and, eventually, silent, dark streets. Nobody ever complains about the non-racket from a corner deli, which is usually open (and pretty quiet) 24 hours a day, keeping a corner well-lit.

The other Jacobean role bodegas play is that of creating forced interaction. In the narrow aisles, you have to rub elbows with neighbors, whether you like them or not, whether you have anything in common with them or not. Children, in their openness, tend to spark conversations in shared places like neighborhood stores. Particularly with other kids, which can open up the parents to talk, which in turn can sometimes lead to actual human friendship.

Defenders of Bodega have offered that this is a myopic view, that the New York bubble is not the ordinary experience, and that other cities will benefit by this newfangled not-a-vending-machine device. What the disruption mentality fails to take into account, or care about, is that the bodega ecosystem theyre stomping into is highly functional, and pretty delicate. Disrupting it would disrupt us, because if a deli loses (lets say) 5 or 10 percent of its sales to these things, it will close. If we lose a lot of corner delis, this hard-to-live-in city would become that much harder. This is not like adding Uber as a free-market alternative to the closed-and-regulated taxi system; this is like adding Uber and getting rid of most of the cabs. And it has the potential to do that, because the economies of scale and the relentless pressure on retail are tough on bodegas. Bottled water barely saves them.

Bodega, a California start-up made by people who (I would bet) spend most of their travel time in cars, turns its back on city life. You can pad down to your apartment-building lobby in your slippers, get your warm soda or microwave popcorn, and go back upstairs. You never leave the cocoon. You never cross paths with your neighborhood weirdo, never see the beggar on the corner, never see anyone whos not part of your co-op. It is, despite being aimed at apartment buildings, fundamentally anti-city.

Most of all, though  despite all the talk of the sharing economy  it is anti-sharing. Unlike Uber, which for all its hateability solved a problem (theres never a taxi when you need one; medallions cost a fortune; cabs in many urban areas are old and crummy), Bodega upends a system that is actually, for all its lack of clean crisp lines, rather finely tuned. The deli, as I have said, is a communal kitchen-pantry-clearinghouse. The guy at your local bodega will, in a pinch, sign for your UPS package or hold keys for your friend. A Bodega box cannot.

Also, judging by the photos, it doesnt sell beer. The hell with that.
Motel 6. Photo: Google

In the first eight months of 2017, at least 20 undocumented immigrants were arrested at two Motel 6 locations in Arizona after employees shared information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Daily tips from hotel employees, uncovered by the Phoenix New Times, had ICE agents showing up at two hotels, both located in largely Latino parts of the Arizona capital, about once every two weeks.

Neither hotel management nor corporate PR would talk to the New Times about the arrests, but employees confirmed that sharing information with ICE is part of the daily routine.

We send a report every morning to ICE  all the names of everybody that comes in, a front-desk clerk told the paper. Every morning at about 5 oclock, we do the audit and we push a button and it sends it to ICE.

A spokesperson for the Phoenix division of ICE would not confirm this, but a local police department spokesperson did tell the paper, On occasion and through informal contacts, various hotels and motels have shared their guest lists with officers.

If Motel 6 is in fact working with ICE, it wouldnt be the first time the chain has cozied up to law enforcement. In 2015, a Motel 6 in Warwick, Rhode Island, began sending its daily guest list to the local police department, which would then check for outstanding warrants.

Though police need a warrant to compel hotels to turn over guest information, theres nothing stopping hotels from volunteering it. Hotels also have no legal obligation to inform guests that their names will be sent to the authorities, despite the obvious invasion of privacy. The other big problem here is that by allowing police to run every guest through a database, the hotel is also allowing the police to go on fishing expeditions in their search for otherwise law-abiding undocumented people.

People like Jose Granados Sanchez, who was arrested at one of the Phoenix Motel 6 locations in question last month after police knocked on his door and asked for documentation. I was shocked when they told me that, Sanchezs wife, Cintia de Leon, told the New Times. I couldnt believe it, and until this day, I still cannot believe it.
Trump. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Most weeks, New York Magazine writer-at-large Frank Rich speaks with contributor Alex Carp about the biggest stories in politics and culture. Today: Donald Trumps deal with the Democrats, Hillary Clintons election postmortem, and Steve Bannons 60 Minutes interview.

After President Trumps decision last week to accept the debt-ceiling deal pushed by Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, shocked conservatives floated rumors that theyd target Paul Ryans Speakership to help their agenda, and the Times described Trump as in many ways, the first independent in the White House in more than a century. Is this the start of a broader opening for congressional Democrats?

Before this one brief shining moment of bipartisanship goes up in smoke, we must relish the sheer delight of watching Trump stiff Ryan and Mitch McConnell in favor of his new besties, Chuck and Nancy. It didnt turn out well for the Vichy collaborators in World War II, and the same fate in one way or another will befall those Republican leaders who abandoned whatever principles they had once Trump occupied their party. History will be merciless to them, but how much fun to watch them reduced to thunderstruck supernumeraries in real time.

Still, this instance of victory for congressional Democrats was a one-off. The new coinage that Trump is somehow an independent, with its implicit invocation of the Teddy Roosevelts of American history, is a way of dignifying and normalizing erratic behavior that hasnt changed from the start. Its the latest iteration of those previous moments when wishful centrist pundits started saying things like Today Trump became president simply because he stuck to a teleprompter script when addressing Congress or bombed Syria. Trump is an independent in the same way a toddler is. He jumped at the Democrats deal solely on impulse. He remains a drama queen who likes to grab attention any way he can, especially when he thinks he can please a crowd, whether the mobs at his rallies or the press Establishment he claims to loathe but whose approval he has always desperately craved. The most telling aspect of this whole incident was his morning-after phone call to Schumer to express his excitement that he was getting rave reviews not only from Fox but CNN and MSNBC as well.

Trump is an independent in the same way a toddler is.

None of this amounts to a broader opening for congressional Democrats. The deals sole accomplishments were to (temporarily) prevent the government from defaulting or shutting down and make a first installment on Hurricane Harvey relief. That this can be greeted by anyone as any kind of breakthrough in governance shows just how low the bar has become for achievement by this Congress and this White House. Yet a Vichy Republican in the House, Peter King of Long Island, declared, I think this could be a new day for the Republican Party and a gateway to bipartisan progress. You have to ask, what gateway drug is he on to spew such nonsense? The Republican majority of which he is a card-carrying member shows no signs of delivering on health care, tax reform, infrastructure, or anything else. All its done is kept the lights on in the Capitol for another three months.

But let us cherish the high farce of this moment while we can. Gail Collins at the Times has written some quite amusing columns in which she tries to determine who is the worst member of the Trump cabinet. God knows the competition is stiff, from Ben Carson to Betsy DeVos to Tom Price and Ryan Zinke. (What does it say that Rick Perry cant even make the short list?) However, last weeks Oval Office showdown is another argument for Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury Secretary whom Trump interrupted and then castrated in his surrender to Chuck and Nancy. Previous to this point, Mnuchin has bolloxed up the debt-ceiling negotiations, made false promises that will never be redeemed on a tax bill, and vociferously defended Trump (as his fellow Jewish cabinet member, Gary Cohn, did not) after the president talked about the very fine people among the white supremacists and Nazis in Charlottesville. Mnuchin also offended Republican Congressional leaders by mansplaining the debt ceiling to them in the Oval Office meeting (only in the Trump White House do men mansplain to other men); someone knowledgeable about the gathering described him as odd and weird to the Washington Post. Mnuchin and his wife, the actress Louise Linton, previously offended the country  and prompted an inquiry by the Treasury Department inspector general  when they flew to Fort Knox on a government airplane to watch the solar eclipse and hashtag luxury fashion products on Lintons Instagram account.

As if that werent enough, Mnuchin has also indicated that he may not act on the previous Treasury decision to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. Perhaps hell instead choose Warren Beatty, whose film Rules Dont Apply he helped finance. Beatty cast Mnuchin and Linton in small roles in that movie; in the transactional Trump White House, there would be no strictures on the Treasury Secretary returning the favor by slapping Bulworth on the $20.

Despite complaints from Democrats that Hillary Clinton has picked the worst possible time to return attention to the divisions of her party, her national book tour kicked off in Manhattan with lines reportedly reaching around the block. Is there room for her voice in progressive politics today?

Theres nothing but room. In the aftermath of Clintons shocking defeat, the Times has reported that there are as many as 20 potential presidential candidates for 2020, and why not? The more the merrier. Progressive politics needs all the voices it can get and the widest possible debate. Clinton should say her piece; she was at the eye of her own catastrophe, and theres something to be learned from her afterthoughts.

But for all assigning of often-deserved blame to James Comey, misogyny in general, and Trumps creepiness in particular, she doesnt fully recognize that her top-down, consultant-heavy, carefully scripted style of presidential campaign is a relic of a vanishing era, and that some of her policy ideas are too. In What Happened, she writes that it was a mistake to give high-ticket speeches to the likes of Goldman Sachs on the eve of a presidential run. Yes, but its far from clear that she recognizes the reason she was blind to what she calls the bad optics of those speeches: the Democratic Establishments own deference to the financial industrys policy preferences and donations in both her husband and Barack Obamas administrations.

In any case, the future does not belong to Clinton no matter what happens or doesnt on her book tour. The latest NBC News-Wall Street Journal poll, released after Labor Day, found that a record low of 36 percent had very or somewhat positive feelings of Trump, and even fewer  30 percent  felt that way about Clinton. (Obama was at 51 percent.) Trump and his claque at Fox News want to believe that shes still running for president; they persist in re-litigating everything from the emails to Benghazi even as the one-year anniversary of Election Day 2016 approaches. Whatever the masturbatory benefits of this fixation on the right, the fact remains that history is moving on, rapidly now, from all things Clinton.

Steve Bannon began his postWhite House media tour with a long 60 Minutes appearance over the weekend, and seems to be supporting it through anonymously sourced articles publicizing his access to the House Freedom Caucus, billionaire Robert Mercer, and the president (who continues to speak with Bannon every two to three days). Will Bannon be as much of a political force as these reports would make him seem?

Of course Bannon talks to Trump regularly  the proof is that the dissembling White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, so pointedly denied it after the 60 Minutes broadcast. And he will certainly be as much of a political bomb thrower as hes always been.

Its somewhat astonishing, as others have pointed out, that in a long interview Charlie Rose never asked Bannon about his collaboration with Mercer. Their plan to spend Mercers money in 2018 to challenge sitting Republican senators whom they see as disloyal to Trump, like Dean Heller of Nevada and Jeff Flake of Arizona, may create serious political havoc for the GOP. And when Bannon promises a civil war within the Republican Party over the fate of the Dreamers next year, he has both the media means (in Breitbart) and Mercers cash to fan the flames of anti-immigrant xenophobia and make that war as bloody as possible. However much power Bannon does or does not have in the White House, we can be certain that his sway over this president vastly exceeds that of Ryan and McConnell  and maybe even Chuck and Nancy.
The U.S. consulate in Saint Petersburg. Photo: Olga Maltseva/AFP/Getty Images

U.S. diplomats are going to have a much harder time parking in Russia now that their exclusive parking spots have been revoked, in the latest move of an ongoing sanctions battle between Moscow and Washington. According to state-owned television, parking spaces at the U.S. consulate general in Saint Petersburg were painted over with a pedestrian crossing and special parking signs at the consulate in Yekaterinburg were removed.

Now U.S. diplomats will be left to find their own parking in Europes seventh worst city for drivers. The move to make life harder on U.S. diplomats comes after Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said the Kremlin would move to establish parity in the diplomatic missions present in each country. Since Russians in the U.S. arent given their own parking spots, this was a natural, if petty, step.

Theres reason to believe that Russia isnt finished either. After the U.S. ordered last months closing of the Russian consulate in San Francisco, Lavrov warned that the country will respond harshly to things that damage us.

He also pointed out that it was the U.S. that started this back-and-forth. I want to say that this whole story with exchanging tit-for-tat sanctions was not started by us. It was started by the Obama administration to undermine U.S.-Russia relations and to not allow Trump to advance constructive ideas or fulfill his preelection pledges. He conveniently left out the reason the Obama administration started this: Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election.
The Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island. Photo: Iwan Baan

There are no blank slates in a city like New York, but the site of Cornell Tech came close. When the Bloomberg administration wanted to lure a high-powered educational institution that would incubate a homegrown tech world, it dangled a coast-to-coast swath of Roosevelt Island, sandwiched between the Queensboro Bridge and the Four Freedoms Monument on the southern tip, with billion-dollar views. It was the sort of place where a new elite could build itself up from scratch, in the city yet apart from it. Now the Cornell Tech campus  shared with an academic partner, Technion  Israel Institute of Technology  is up and running, and, like the World Trade Center and Hudson Yards, its a multi-building project that practically creates its own context. And like both those cities-within-a-city, it is so ambitious that its architecture offers a mixture of delight and disappointment.

A combination school, office park, and sustainability research station, the campus quivers with visionary eagerness. I visited on a gray, moody day, before the construction workers had all gone and all the tenants had arrived. The Manhattan skyline preened, the bridge loomed, and the Queens waterfront seemed determined to photobomb the vista. Even amid the squalls and the whine of lathes, I could sense the quiet techno buzz. Though the campus wont be fully built out until 2043, the first three buildings and the landscaping that joins them project confidence that life will one day be smoother, safer, more exciting, and more just, all thanks to the ideas that go hurtling around these dozen acres of greenery and glass. This is where apps are born, robots get their brains, and malicious hackers are warded off.

For a school so focused on the future, some of the architecture looks remarkably familiar. The design makes a gesture toward sci-fi phantasmagoria  a metal-clad ripple here, a levitating cantilever there  and the result boasts such stark, handsome glister that it will no doubt attract the attention of location scouts. (Cornell Tech: Watch for it in an auto commercial soon!) In the end, though, the buildings are shiny casings for the intellectual processes unfolding inside and the mechanics that help them run. Dont judge the software by the shape of the gizmo.

Miraculously, a crowd of designers took the master plan by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and cooked up a true urban campus, simultaneously open and cloistered. A public pathway veers off from Roosevelt Islands West Loop Road and cuts through the heart of the compound, inviting anyone to wander in. At the gateway, the institutions main academic building, one corner of the metal-clad Bloomberg Center, designed by Morphosis, floats above a patio, as if rising to meet the Queensboro Bridge. In the glass-walled studio overhead, brilliant minds labor mysteriously in plain view. Transparency is a mantra of todays architecture, but at the Bloomberg Center its the exception. Morphosiss designers have doled out glass with care, shading it beneath overhangs and turning it away from the direct glare of the sun.

The long, low building (nearly two blocks by four stories) splits in the middle, with a narrow street-to-roof atrium that wastes no workspace on empty grandeur but lets light cut through the structures heart. The splendor of the Manhattan view exerts such dazzling force that it causes the building to blow back toward Queens; an enclosed staircase bulges toward the campus plaza. That flourish lays down a marker for capital-A Architecture, an assertion that the physical world matters, even in a community of virtual thinkers. And yet, as if to broadcast the serious thinking going on inside, Morphosis has fashioned a deliberately clunky building, a work of bold moves rather than fine detail.

The Bloomberg Center, by Morphosis. Photo: Matthew Carbone for Morphosis

From above, the long, wedge-shaped structure resembles a scale model of Manhattan, gridded by solar panels instead of streets and blocks. That canopy of sun catchers, which supplies much of the buildings energy, also functions as a giant rooftop pergola, shading the mechanical apparatus and, one day, perhaps, long tables for a festive lunch.

Its good to see architecture so overtly guided by the imperative to minimize energy consumption. Efficiency demands a facade that will let in plenty of sunlight but not too much heat, and Morphosis resolves that contradiction in its usual way, with a metal veil wrapping a glass skin. An infinitely patient robot has punched out thousands of tilted flanges in a distinctive pattern that, Im told, abstracts photographs of the Manhattan skyline and the Ithaca gorge. (Youd have to be a programmer to read the image, though. To me, the scattergram of hanging chads provokes a flashback to the 2000 presidential election.) The theme of apparent randomness extends to the iridescent paint, which plays tricks on the eye, shading from gold to green to charcoal, depending on the light. Even in the flat light of a thunderstorm, it makes the building come alive.

Inside, a spare aesthetic encourages immovable focus and unending toil. The designers have avoided the candy-colored play spaces and schlumpy chic that the tech world fetishizes. Instead, a grimly frill-free decorfluorescent lighting, gray carpeting, taupe workstations, and a ceiling thick with naked ducts  ensures that the buildings inhabitants will keep their eyes on the screens or, during a moment of distraction, toggle to the imperial view. Students sit hip-to-hip along a U of tables on either side of the professor, facing out like participants in a Renaissance Last Supper. Silence reigns. When members of the group need to talk, they retreat to a huddle room, a small chamber with a table, a door, and a video monitor. The system is a ruthlessly efficient approach to space and to employees time. Professors, instead of having offices where they can seclude themselves with their books and potted plants, can either mingle or go home.

I asked Andrew Winters, the universitys senior director of capital projects, where professors keep their stuff. He looked at me as if I had asked where dogs go after they die. In the cloud, he said. Winters did acknowledge that one faculty member with an eccentric fondness for books had had some shelving units rolled into his assigned huddle room (thereby squeezing the meetings into an even more intimate configuration). We separate the notion of private space from personal space, the schools founding dean, Dan Huttenlocher, explained to me later. Your personal space is your desk, out in the open. Private space is yours when youre in it. Someone who wants that big fancy office, to show how important they are, should go to another campus.

Cornell Tech has an assortment of spaces spread across the complex that are available for temporary use: soundproofed, glass-walled phone booths where everyone can watch your crisis unfold in pantomime; unwalled pods; balconies; outdoor seating; foyers awash with cafe tables and electric outlets; hallway railings with a sill to encourage leaning and schmoozing and a metal lip to prevent coffee cups from tumbling into the indoor void. That last detail may be a quiet homage to Bell Labs, Eero Saarinens late-1950s temple to rational pursuits in Holmdel, New Jersey, where metal-doored research cells gave onto long hallways overlooking an immense atrium. Those railings all came equipped with the one piece of equipment no conversation could then do without: ashtrays. That facility, which after a long deserted twilight has been lovingly brought into the 21st century by Alexander Gorlin Architects as another tech-friendly office center, embodied the fusion of design and science, the cool, rational container for cool, rational minds. Saarinens low suburban box, resting on an expanse of parking and velvet greenswards, is the grandfather of Apples new ring-shaped headquarters in Cupertino, California, a fusion of Euclidean geometry and endless sprawl.

Cornell Tech is a different kind of beast: idiosyncratic, interlocking, and emphatically urban. It springs from the former mayors desire to dilute the financial sectors hold on the citys economy by boosting both tech and education. The goal was to create an urban Silicon Valley in miniature. Stanford gave birth to turf-hungry office parks spreading outward from Palo Alto; Cornell Tech gives students, start-ups, and established companies a place to mingle onsite. Ideas incubated on Roosevelt Island will trickle out along either side of the East River, to Astoria, Long Island City, Williamsburg, and the East Side. Weightless numbers may whip around the planet in nanoseconds, but the people who enter, crunch, and work with that data still lumber around the physical world. In New York they will go where transit lines make it easy. A new ferry route may help.

The most satisfyingly inspired aspect of the campus is the way it keeps New York constantly in sight. Whether youre sitting at a terminal in the Bloomberg Center, poring over a smartphone in the ample cafe, climbing a staircase, hustling across the central plaza, or looking out your dorm-room window, the city is ever-enfolding and omnipresent. The Queensboro, vaulting overhead, reminds engineers of what their predecessors wrought. The skyline offers the self-renewing wonder of Fitzgeralds revelation: The city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and beauty in the world. Midtown hovers out of reach, but its presence laces up the campus itself, conditioning the layout and the space between facades. There are no acres of parking, no looping driveways or vast plazas. An on-campus student with quick reflexes can roll out of bed and be in class within 60 seconds.

Yet despite all that deliberate density and designed urbanity, Cornell Tech remains a literally insular campus, an enclave of brilliant minds in the middle of a fast-moving river. It forms its own community and makes its own rules. That independence manifests in the gridded layout, organized around a spine that runs due north to due south, instead of following Manhattans jaunty tilt. And yet, in its intimacy and intensity, the campus recapitulates the citys virtues. Elsewhere in the city, start-ups, venture-capital firms, juggernauts like Google, and various hangers-on have evolved an elaborate ecosystem of urban tech. They converge on New York, not just because engineers like to bike to work and need their latte dispensaries but also because ideas, like atoms, yield energy when they clatter together. Most tech companies here make their homes in sturdy relics of the pre-digital era: tired office buildings, disused factories, and repurposed warehouses. Cornell Tech is instead its own environment, designed from scratch to be ideal.

The most graceful of the three buildings so far is the Bridge, designed by the New York architecture firm Weiss/Manfredi to lubricate the campuss frank closeness between academe and commerce. Companies and organizations compete to give students real-world challenges to address: an app to help house cleaners organize into co-ops, another to help freelancers manage their professional lives, and an assortment of less socially conscious missions. Corporations come snuffling for talented students. Citigroup plans to move a cybersecurity and artificial-intelligence unit into the Bridge, where it will have access to the freshest research. Students who graduate can start their own companies and not even leave the campus; they can just rent space above their former classrooms.

In Weiss/Manfredis joined pair of structures (which in plan resemble stone-age arrowheads), airy labs and classrooms cascade toward a central staircase. Glass abounds, flooding the interiors with daylight that, even on a gloomy day, pierces to the heart of the building and connects the views on one side with those on the other. Total transparency is an illusion, especially in energy-efficient buildings, and here much of the glass skin stretches tightly over sections of opaque wall, giving the building a striated iridescence. In the Bloomberg Center, Morphosis stretched metal over glass; in the Bridge, Weiss/Manfredi turns the layers inside out.

Weiss/Manfredis contribution, the Bridge. Photo: Iwan Baan

I have a problem with the overuse of glass. Its the demoralizing default for cities all over the world, cheap, heat-trapping, and thoughtlessly modern. But every material has its expressive virtues, and Weiss/Manfredi treats glass with virtuosic finesse. At the Krishna P. Singh Center for Nanotechnology at the University of Pennsylvania, the firm used it to line the belly of a shrimp-shaped structure that glows above a tiny artificial vale. On Roosevelt Island, a great glass X lifts above the floodplain. The architects, who are unusually responsive to landscape and often design their own, have refined the crystalline building that hovers above a park. From the Bridges front door, the terrain, sculpted and planted by Field Operations, slopes gently down to the East River.

Weiss/Manfredi takes care with details that make the building subliminally seductive. The pattern of pavers that Field Operations laid down outside continues on the indoor terrazzo. Comfortable terraces flank the main staircase like a series of informal cafes. Window walls segue into skylights. Bright, broad spaces lead to rooms where faculty can stash their prototypes and autonomous vehicle simulators. And all around, the city spreads out beyond the buildings slender membrane.

The most vertical, and therefore the most obtrusive, component of the campus is the House, a 26-story slablike residential building by Handel Architects. Even before completion, the tower was being celebrated as the worlds tallest Passive House construction, a showcase for the most rigorously energy-efficient protocols that current technology has to offer. The fat sides face due north and south to minimize direct rays of morning and afternoon. The exterior wall is heavily insulated and sealed at the joints to keep warm or cool air from leaking out. Handel partner Blake Middleton claims that knocking off 60 percent to 80 percent of the electric and heating bills quickly offsets the 5 to 7 percent premium in construction costs, which could set a new standard for construction in New York.

And yet, while the House makes a powerful environmental argument for the benefits of scale, it makes a lousy aesthetic case for sustainable architecture. This is no minor quibble. Its frumpy and awkward presence pushes up into the views the rest of the campus celebrates, and it should earn that presence on the skyline. After all these years of green design, we should no longer need to signal environmental virtue by fitting out buildings in the architectural equivalent of work boots. As the architect Lance Hosey pointed out in his 2012 book The Shape of Green: Aesthetics, Ecology, and Design, Long-term value is impossible without sensory appeal, because if design doesnt inspire, its destined to be discarded.

For now, Cornell Tech feels airy, but it will get more crowded. Soon, a hotel and meeting center designed by Snhetta will join the existing cluster. Students in search of a place to zen out can still climb the bucolic grass-covered berms, designed by Field Operations to hold the debris from demolished buildings. Eventually, though, those mounds will sprout more construction, raised so as to clear the storm surges of the future. By then the city will have started to adjust to the new Roosevelt Island, webbing it with connections and responding with a fresh round of growth. Cornell Tech has erected an intellectual urban farm on a river island in the middle of our city. Lets see what wonders it will raise.
Uganda moved a step closer to receiving funding for the standard gauge railway when officials from the Exim Bank of China met Keith Muhakanizi, the permanent secretary in the ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as part of the appraisal for the project.

Kasingye Kyamugambi, the project coordinator for the standard gauge railway for Uganda, said the meeting was part of routine interaction between the financiers and the project developers.

Purposely, they are here to look at the technical, financial and the economic viability of the project. This is a routine procedure carried out by all financiers especially for mega infrastructure projects, he said in a statement issued by the SGR team after the meeting, which took place on Monday at the ministry of Finance offices.

Exim Bank appraisal consulting team and the SGR project coordinator Kasingye Kyamugambi (R) touring the works

Kyamugambi said the appraisal team will evaluate whether the project has been designed to be economically viable; whether all the engineering has been well done and whether all the risks have been taken care of.

According to the statement, the team comprises four engineers and two economists, geo-technicians and alignment experts, among others.

It is a great step, and we will be working with them, said Kyamugambi.

Muhakanizi said: As far as Government of Uganda is concerned, this is the number one priority project; we want to move it forward.

The project value of the standard gauge railway is $2.3 billion. Currently, the SGR is nearing completion of the acquisition of land, among other preconstruction activities.

The Chinese delegation also held a discussion with the permanent secretary in the ministry of Works and Transport, Bageya Wasswa.

The statement noted that the consulting firm, the Fourth Railway Survey & Design Institute, will in the next three weeks engage Ugandas SGR technical team, finance and works officials to review the entire project.

mugalu@observer.ug
As many as 13 commercial banks in Uganda risk being under-capitalised if their top three borrowers defaulted, Bank of Ugandas stress test has revealed.

In the annual report for December 2016, BOU assesses the concentration of lending to a few borrowers in an attempt to limit the risk of loan defaults.

BOU said: 100 per cent default from top three borrowers makes 13 banks become under-capitalised with an aggregate capital shortfall of Shs 514bn.

The central bank also found that if non-performing loans increased by 200 per cent as many as nine banks might become under-capitalised. Here, they would need Shs 247.4bn in capital injection.

Bank of Uganda governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile

Stress tests are regular exercises carried out by the regulator to assess the ability of banks to withstand shocks. In the same report, BOU said 2016 was a very tough year for the banking sector, where profitability dropped significantly, loan defaulters increased and the quality of assets held by banks deteriorated.

This is not surprising given the slower expansion of the economy. The economy grew by 3.9 per cent in 2016/17, below the projected five per cent. Also, many businesses struggled, with quite a number folding.

The year 2017 is likely to be better but some bank managers still believe it will be just as tough. Announcing Stanbic banks performance for the first half of 2016, chief executive Patrick Mweheire told reporters that a drop in interest on government securities meant that banks would not be able to make the lazy money.

This will significantly affect their earnings. The BOU report indicates that the total industry assets grew by 9.1 per cent to Shs 23.7tn from Shs 21.7tn between December 2015 and December 2016.

Most of the assets were in government securities, which increased by 25.6 percent from Shs 4.1tn in 2015 to Shs 5.1tn in 2016.



CAPITAL DROPS

In 2016, capital levels held by the banks were lower than in 2015, although the central bank says they were still above the minimum threshold to withstand shocks.

The decline in bank capital was also largely reflected by the accumulated losses recorded in the comprehensive statement recorded by Crane bank, the bank said.

On the quality of assets, BOU notes that the ratio of nonperforming loans to total gross loans increased to 10.5 per cent in December 2016 from 5.3 per cent in December 2015.

Bad loans more than doubled to Shs 1.2tn in December 2016 from Shs 573.4bn in December 2015, the report said.



DROP IN PROFITABILITY

Profit after tax dropped to Shs 302.1bn at the end of 2016 from Shs 541.2bn in 2015. This was after the sectors income grew by 12.7 percent in 2016, but lower than the 14.1 per cent rate in 2015.

The money earned on equity  the money injected in by shareholders  dropped while that on assets halved to 1.3 per cent in 2016.

Meanwhile, expenses for most banks grew. The expenses were in the form of interest expense on deposits. Also, a lot of money was set aside to cater for bad debts that banks failed to recover from borrowers.

Money set aside to cover for loans defaults doubled to Shs 637.2bn.



amwesigwa@observer.ug
Two reports pin Tibet Hima Mining Company on several breaches such as exporting copper without authorization and procuring goods abroad yet they are locally available, writes EDWARD SSEKIKA.



In May this year, President Yoweri Museveni ordered the cancellation of Tibet Hima Mining Company Limiteds concession agreement over copper production at Kilembe Mines.

The call for the cancellation came nearly four years after government had awarded the Chinese consortium a 25-year contract to revamp copper production at Kilembe mines in Kasese district.

Museveni reportedly questioned the work undertaken by Tibet Hima and asked the Inspectorate of Government to investigate the matter.

Following the presidential directive, Evelyn Anite, the state minister for Investment and Privatization, issued a termination notice dated June 20, 2017, addressed to Li Wei Guo, the Tibet Hima chief executive officer and chairman, informing him about the government decision to cancel the contract for the Kilembe Mines concession.

Alex Kwatampora, Tibet Hima Mining Company project manager, shows visitors some copper ore

Two reports  one an internal mines inspection report by the directorate of Geological Survey and Mines and another by the Office of the Auditor General - sealed Tibet-Himas fate. The reports, particularly the Auditor Generals, pin Tibet Hima Mining Company Limited of exporting copper ore without authorization and a barrage of breaches of the concession agreement.

Last year, an internal mines inspection report by the technocrats within the department of Geological Survey and Mines accused the company of flouting all the terms of the concession agreement.

The team observed that the mining operations at Kilembe site are more of a shadow of the previous Kilembe Mines operation, the report reads.

According to the terms of the concession agreement, the company was meant to pay an upfront signature fee of $4 million (an estimated Shs 14bn) and in addition pay an annual concession fee of $1 million (an estimated Shs 3.5bn) on each anniversary of the concession agreement to government. However, the company flouted these terms of the agreements.

The Auditor Generals report reveals that the concessionaire  Tibet Hima Mining Company Limited  was supposed to inject in $175 million (an estimated Shs 600bn) in the first three years of the project, focusing on producing of at least 4.5 million tonnes of ore; construct a copper wire factory and rehabilitate Mobuku 1 hydro power station and expand its capacity from five megawatts then to at least 17.6 megawatts. The report reveals that the company did not comply with any of these terms.

Audit further noted that whereas the concessionaire committed to invest minimum capital expenditures totaling $175m by December 2016, there is no evidence that this amount has been invested despite the concessionaires claims to have invested $51.285m. Since the concessionaire had never submitted any investment plan, financial statements and details of investment made it difficult to verify the claimed investments, the Auditor General notes in the report.



EXPORT

In addition to flouting the terms of the concession agreement, the Auditor General pins Tibet Hima Mining Company Limited on exporting copper concentrate without authorization.

I further observed heaps of copper concentrate at the mining site ready for export. However, the concessionaire did not present any export permits to export the copper from the ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. I advised management to pursue the matter with the relevant authorities to avoid loss of government revenue, the report reads.

The company also failed to provide an unconditional exploration bank guarantee by July 2014 and the audit also found that the concession fees amounting to $1.7 million were outstanding as at June 30, 2016.

The audit further observed that Tibet Hima Mining Company failed to maintain assets handed over by Kilembe Mines Limited to the company, despite the concession agreement proving for maintenance of such assets. For instance, the audit found residential houses which have been occupied by the concessionaire had not had a coat of paint since 2013, and that government had not received any rental from the concessionaire.

Failure to maintain the residential houses will cause dilapidation and the non-payment of rentals denies government revenue, the report reads.

The report also pins Tibet Hima on procuring basic goods locally available from abroad, much as such goods were supposed to be procured locally.

Contrary to the concession agreement, the concessionaire procured most of the goods and services abroad, including locally available items such as writing papers, lamp holders, plastic pipes and electrical sockets. The implication is that THMCL denies Ugandans economic benefits from the project, the Auditor General notes in the report.



EMPLOYMENT TERMS

Under the concession agreement, Tibet Hima was required to identify and employ former employees of Kilembe Mines Limited (KML) it considered crucial to their operations.

The former employees of KML were to be employed on more favourable terms than the previous ones. However, the audit report reveals that Tibet Hima instead downgraded the terms of employment.

For instance, the audit report reveals that the terms of employment changed from permanent to contract while working hours from 40 hours a week to 48 man- hours a week without improved pay.

In addition, much as medical insurance was maintained, it was restricted to only two biological children instead of four previously provided by KML, and further restricted to Kilembe Mines hospital.

Additionally, clause 9.5 of the concession agreement makes provisions for the concessionaire to make arrangements for a clean and safe pipe-borne water system for all houses, a term that was not complied with.

The concessionaire has not yet treated water supplied to the estates and this therefore causes a threat of sickness for people residing in the estate, the report reads.

The Auditor General also faults the concessionaire for failing to prepare and submit periodic reports like quarterly operating reports, annual environmental audit reports, among others.

According to the audit report, the concession agreement confers an obligation on Tibet Hima to install, maintain and use modern health and safety equipment during operation and provide staff with safety gears. However, the audit found that workers worked under ground without safety gears. The lack of safety gears had at least caused the death of two workers.

In addition, Tibet Hima Mining Company Limited deploys workers serving on casual terms which contravenes the Mining Regulations, the audit report reads in part.



WINDING UP COMMISSION

Following the cancelation, last month Anite announced a five-member commission to officially wind up Tibet Hima Mining Company in accordance with the concession agreement.

The commission is headed by Noah Mwesigwa, a city advocate. Other members include Agnes Alaba from the Ministry of Energy and mineral Development, Joselynne Ategeka from the ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development while the concessionaire has appointed Li Wei Guo and Bi Lei as its representatives on the winding up commission.

It is expected to officially bring Tibet Hima to an end after settling its liabilities. Anite says all government assets are protected during the winding up process.

I have tasked Kilembe Mines Limited that is on site to be more vigilant in their supervision of Tibet Hima, and to ensure that any suspected asset stripping is prevented within the confines of the law and the concession agreement.

When the concession is terminated lawfully under the provisions of the agreement, all licenses will be automatically revoked and will revert back to government, she explains.



ssekika@gmail.com
Scientists at Makerere University believe crude waragi distilled in almost every part of the country can serve as a cheaper, sustainable clean cooking energy if home brewers use better production technologies.

The Centre for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation (CREEC), housed in the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, says waragi can serve well as a bioethanol cooking fuel in place of petroleum.

CREEC together with the Uganda Industrial Research Institute have carried out studies on the potential of locally produced clean cooking fuel.

Some rural places in Uganda are known for producing raw alcohol or waragi from sugarcane molasses, cassava and banana.

A local brewer fills a customer's jerrycan with freshly-made waragi. Photo: Aljazeera health

Claire Turyahebwa, a bioenergy officer at CREEC, said in an interview that clean ethanol-burning stoves are healthier than traditional charcoal stoves or the traditional three stone fire places.

She said one of the missing links has been the absence of an effective stove, which could be used to promote bioethanol.

Turyahebwa however, said a new effective cooking stove of Moto Sawa imported from Kenya is being promoted alongside the bioethanol. It can boil two litres of water in just nine minutes from the ethanol blue flame.

Sugar factories around the country have already taken interest in producing bioethanol from sugarcane waste like molasses. Kakira Sugar Works in November last year commissioned a Shs 130 billion distillery that processes and turns molasses, a residue from the sugar milling, into ethanol.

The distillery has effectively cut off supply of molasses to local waragi distillers at Wandago and Magamaga in Jinja.

The price of ethanol produced from Kakira goes for Shs 4,500 per litre. Turyahebwa said the cost of ethanol could go down if locals were taught how to produce it.




Nabilah Sempala (Kampala Woman, FDC)

What these NRM MPs are doing is mob justice and castrating the constitution instead of legislating for the good of this country. It is unfortunate and I hope their voters punish them.



Patrick Nsamba (Kassanda North, NRM)

My conscience tells me that this is not good for this country. I am going to pray and fast so that this resolution does not come to pass.

Muhammad Nsereko (Kampala Central, Independent)

We have been telling Ugandans that these NRM MPs are not trustworthy and dont say what they mean.

Their intention right from the start was to remove age limits but people thought we were dreaming. Please voters, call them to ask who gave them the right to amend the constitution without your consent.

John Baptist Nambeshe (Manjiya, NRM)

This clandestine group of MPs is trying to agitate for the removal of the only safety valve we have in the constitution. When I put up my hand, they did not allow me to speak; so, I walked out in protest.



Gordon Bafaki (Kazo, NRM)

I am not party to that resolution because if there is anything that requires my voice, it has to go through the NRM caucus.

The meeting, which took place today, Tuesday, was for some individuals, so I dont concur with whatever was discussed.

Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West, DP)

What they are doing is very dangerous and we are going to do something to block such a move. We shall come ready to fight. We must fight to preserve the dignity of our constitution.



Francis Gonahasa (Kabweri, FDC)

It makes me sick when I hear people supporting the lifting of the presidential age limits. Leaders come and leaders go.

Change of leadership should be continuous. That is a very unfortunate decision by those MPs who are a large group of young people who have no confidence in themselves.



James Acidiri (Maracha East MP, NRM)

I am not going to support the lifting of the age limit and no amount of money will change my stance.

I came to parliament not because of my party but my strength and they can chase me if they decide that those against the amendment should leave the party.

Ibrahim Kasozi (Makindye East, FDC)

I do not think they accepted to support the age limit removal on their own.

We are going to investigate who is behind this move and after the investigation, we shall go back to the people and tell them. This is not President Musevenis empire, but a country supposed to be owned by all Ugandans.
The campaign for the removal of the age limit on presidential candidates dramatically moved from the fringes of ruling NRM party activists on to the national stage yesterday.

NRM MPs announced at a press briefing at parliament that they would introduce a private members bill seeking to remove the age limit on the presidency, which would otherwise prevent President Musevenis candidacy in the 2021 elections.

Tuesdays dramatic turning point was a culmination of several manoevres that built up momentum towards the same goal. The Observer traces these developments since 2015.

NRM supporters dressed in dry banana leaves demonstrate against age limit recently

2015 constitutional amendment

As the country warmed up for the 2016 general election, some constitutional amendments, mostly to do with elections, were presented before parliament.

In April 2015, The Observer revealed that that some ministers had attempted to smuggle the age limit amendment into the others to be considered by parliament, only for First Lady Janet Museveni, who was then minister of Karamoja, to express disgust.

The ministers reportedly in support of the proposal included Rosemary Najjemba, Henry Banyenzaki, Rebecca Otengo, Charles Bakkabulindi and Alex Onzima.

For heavens sake, why do we have to be so predictable? Janet Museveni was quoted as rebuking the ministers. Her view was upheld and the age limit amendment was shelved.



Ssekitooleko's private member's bill

Immediately after he was sworn in for a second term as Nakifuma MP, Robert Kafeero Ssekitooleko spearheaded a move to open up terms of office for electoral commissioners and extend the retirement age for judges.

Kafeeros legislative manoeuvre was viewed by many in the opposition as a disguised plot to introduce an amendment to remove the presidential age limits.

His effort, however, suffered a stillbirth after Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga ruled that parliament would not entertain piecemeal amendments to the constitution, as the Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister had promised an omnibus constitutional amendment bill.

Kyankwanzi district NRM resolution

On July 4, 2016, the Kyankwanzi district NRM council passed a resolution calling on Members of Parliament from the area to spearhead the campaign to amend article 102(b) of the constitution to remove the upper age limit for presidential candidates.

The resolution was moved by one Raphael Muwonge.

Chief Justice Bart Katureebe decorates President Museveni with a medal

Otafiire speaks

In July this year, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, told this newspaper that all articles, including the one on age limits, were up for possible amendment.



Youths meeting

At a meeting of youths convened by State House aide David Mafabi in July, it was affirmed that the age limit was standing in the way of President Museveni, an exemplary leader.



Age limit idlers

Asked by a journalist at State House Entebbe in July to comment on the raging age limit debate, President Museveni said idle people were wasting time debating a proposal that does not exist.

Part of the rumour is that there is debate about the age limit; what are you debating? Which proposal are you debating or talking about? Where is the proposal? You cannot debate something, which is not yet proposed. If it is brought, we shall debate it, Museveni said.



KALOC pressure group

The most recent effort has been championed by youth campaigners working under a loose coalition named Kick Age Limitations out of the Constitution (KALOC). They got a huge public embrace from Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda last week and NRM secretariat officials.

To remove the spotlight from Museveni and get youths behind the proposal, this group pushed for removal of not just the 75-year upper age limit but also the lower 35-year limit.

Rugunda confirmed to The Observer in an interview that he was meeting the youth.

Yes I meet them; they are my young comrades, the prime minister said.

He also confirmed he was in support of their cause.

I see nothing that provides a scientific or rational reason that somebody who is above 75 years cannot be president, he added.
Behind the scenes at the ongoing presidential live radio broadcasts meant to sensitise people on the controversial Constitution Amendment Bill 2017 is a carefully constituted vetting team, which makes sure the right questions and messages filter through the studios.

In interviews with people familiar with radios where President Museveni has so far appeared on his land awareness talk-shows, The Observer learnt that apart from the frequent body searches of program moderators, the presidents team vets questions to be posed.

For instance at Point FM on Saturday, September 9, the show host Sam Balaba Magala spent some time with Don Innocent Wanyama, the senior presidential press secretary, and the minister of state for Kampala Benny Namugwanya Bugembe, going over more than 400 questions that had been sent in earlier by the radios listeners.

President Museveni (R) inside Point FM studios

We took two days asking listeners to send in their questions to the president but on the D-day, the questions were edited and those that were deemed irrelevant were dropped, Magala told this writer.

Most questions that were dropped, according to Magala, were about the presidents longstanding unfulfilled promises. Besides that, a radio manager who declined to be named, said phone calls into the studio were controlled.

They [presidents team] came with some phone lines that they added to our on-air studio lines, a manager said.



ONLY TWO CALLERS

At Point FM in Mubende on Saturday, September 9, only two callers got through the designated studio lines and both, according to Magala, were callers he knew. He said after that, the studio telephone lines went off.

About an hour to Musevenis arrival, the show host was ordered to enter the studio and was required not to move out until the president left.

Inside the studio, Magala was reminded that he had to allow the president to make his case with little interruption. But the show host was also told that he had to project a sense of being in charge.

At Radio Buddu on Sunday, September 10, Museveni got about seven callers, all NRM leaders who had spent days in meetings with the Masaka resident district commissioner, Lt Joe Walusimbi, and Umar Ssekasamba who hosted the programme.

Interviewed for a comment on Monday, Wanyama accused this writer of having a hidden agenda.

You have specialised in telling lies about this radio campaign, and it is obvious you have problems believing what we tell you, I doubt youre asking to inform your story, he said.

During the presidents talk show on Point FM on Saturday, Museveni warned government officials against helping landlords to evict tenants.

The NRM cannot side with landlords against bibanja holders because during the bush war, we never had any landlords fighting with us, all the fighters were tenants, Museveni said.

This came hours after Museveni issued free land titles to some 250 bibanja holders in the western district of Kibaale under the systematic land demarcation program.

The titles are part of the 20,000 acres that Uganda Land Commission (ULC) acquired at Shs 92bn from landlords in Bunyoro, Tooro, Ankole and Buganda who lost interest in their land after tenants took it over.

Landowners who gave up their land in Kibaale were paid Shs 15bn in compensation, according to President Museveni, who told his audience that most landowners had acquired the huge chunks of land unfairly.

Most of the landlords acquired the land as a reward from the colonialists for collaborating with them. That is why we have a few individuals owning expansive chunks of land; it was a reward to them for betraying Africans; they were collaborators, to us they are traitors, Museveni told his radio audience.

From Mubende on Saturday, Museveni travelled to Masaka where he made another appearance on Radio Buddu. At both radio stations, Museveni arrived shortly after 8pm for the shows originally scheduled to air from 7pm to 9pm.

To put into perspective his desire to have article 26 of the Constitution amended to allow government to take possession of private land without prior compensation of the owner, Museveni takes his listeners through the 1900 Buganda agreement that created the landlords and tenants.

But in Mubende, he was asked about landlords with connections to State House. For instance, Sam Balaba Magala, who moderated the Point FM talk-show, consistently mentioned a woman only identified as Omumbejja Naava who owns more than three square miles of land at Butoloogo.

She reportedly works with Maj Eric Kigambo who is attached to Special Forces Command (SFC). The president was told that Naava uses soldiers to evict people. The defiant ones, Magala claimed, are arrested, beaten and jailed.

Museveni asked Mubende RDC Florence Beyunga to explain.

Mubende has a high influx of migrants from other parts of the country, especially Kigezi, and some from outside our borders; it is some of these that are claiming to be bona fide occupants that are being evicted, Beyunga said.

As for the soldiers, Your Excellency, the soldiers are mostly returnees from Somalia who bought their own land. But even if the soldier rightfully owns the land, the locals will protest, Beyunga added.

The RDC was, however, challenged by talk-show host Magala and Mubende LC-V chairman Francis Kibuuka Amooti. Magala told the president that Beyunga was covering up for Naava and Maj Kigambo.



NO ARMY UNIFORM

I dont want to hear any case of soldiers involved in quarrels over land with the locals, Museveni said.

He wondered why soldiers have to dress in their military fatigues when buying land. He ordered an investigation into the Butoloogo case and promised to visit the area next month to hear more from the residents.

But you should also tell these issues to Justice Catherine Bamugemereires commission [into land matters] when it comes here. We are going to jail all those who are involved in evictions of our people, Museveni said.

Museveni also faulted the army for mishandling the Mubende gold mines evictions.

The army overstepped its mandate, they went against some of the orders we gave them. Much as the artisanal miners were illegally occupying that land, there was no need of using too much force, Museveni said.



sadabkk@observer.ug
After months of speculation and repeated government denial, a large group of NRM MPs announced yesterday that they intend to table a bill in Parliament on Thursday, which seeks to remove the constitutional cap of 35 and 75 years of age on presidential candidates.

On Thursday, the promoters of this scheme will ask Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga to allow them table their bill.

According to people familiar with the plan, if the promoters get the speakers nod of approval, they will also demand that scrutiny of the bill by parliaments Legal Affairs committee takes a week at most.

Debate and passage of the bill should be finished before the October 9 Independence day celebrations, according to the ambitious roadmap drawn by the draft legislations promoters.

Raphael Magyezi, the mover of the motion for removal of age limits from the constitution

According to a resolution passed at a consultative meeting of about 246 NRM and NRM-leaning independent MPs yesterday, the bill will be tabled by Igara East MP Raphael Magyezi as a private members bill.

Magyezi will be backed by Peter Ogwang (Usuk), Robinah Nabbanja (Kakumiro Woman), Arinaitwe Rwakajara (Workers), Simeo Nsubuga (Kassanda South) and Jackson Kafuuzi (Kyaaka South).

Others are Solomon Silwany (Bukooli Central), Margaret Komuhangi (Nakasongola Woman) and Mariam Naigaga (Namutumba Woman).

All NRM MPs, according to the resolution passed yesterday, have to sign in support of the bill. Before Tuesdays consultative meeting at parliaments conference hall, this group worked with NRM lawyer Kiwanuka Kiryowa to write the bill that seeks to remove the remaining legal hurdle to President Musevenis bid to extend his 31-year rule beyond 2021.

The group is also said to have worked closely with ministers; Adolf Mwesige (Defence), David Bahati (State for Planning) and Evelyn Anite (State for Investment and Privatization).

The trio attended Tuesdays meeting together with their cabinet colleagues Denis Galabuzi Ssozi (Luweero Triangle), Ronald Kibuule (Water), Simon Lokodo (Ethics and Integrity) and Charles Bakkabulindi (Sports).

Among the ministers, Mwesige was the most outspoken. He told the meeting about the central role he played in the 2005 constitution amendment process that removed presidential term limits.

At the time, Mwesige was minister of state for Constitutional Affairs.

Considering the recommendations of the Supreme court, we have up to March 31, 2018 to have this amendment passed, we need this amendment to remove the constitutional rigidities, Mwesige said.

Article 102 (b) is in conflict with Article 21, which provides for equality of all Ugandans regardless of age, Article 32, which talks about affirmative action, is also in conflict with multiparty politics and the universal legal regime in Western democracies, Mwesige added.

Citing a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, Mwesige argued that having presidential age limits is discriminatory.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that limiting employment on the basis of age is discriminatory; why should we have the same limitations for the president? I, therefore, support the idea of a private members bill because we are representatives of the people, Mwesige said.

Minister Adolf Mwesige (C) was vocal and in support of lifting the age limit

He also told the meeting that Article 102 (b) is not among the entrenched articles of the constitution that require resolutions of district councils or a referendum to get amended.

Article 102 (b) is outdated and politically irrelevant [because] I have done research and discovered that in 1995 when the constitution was being promulgated, life expectancy of Ugandans was 45 years of age but because of the good policies of NRM, life expectancy is beyond 75 years, the Bunyangabu legislator claimed.

He further argued that much as the draft legislation was being brought as a privately sponsored bill, government should give the movers all the necessary support.



OTHER AMENDMENTS

The proposed amendment to article 102 (b) suggests that any registered voter eligible for election as an MP should be eligible for election as president.

The current provisions dont allow a person below 35 years or above 75 years to stand for president. However, anyone who has attained the age of 18 can stand for election as an MP. This, therefore, means that once the amendment is passed, a person as young as 18 can run for president.

The MPs are also proposing to amend Article 108 (4), which stipulates the qualifications of a vice president. They want qualifications of the president to apply to the vice president too.

Currently, Article 108 (4) states that, the qualifications prescribed for the office of president by article 102 of this constitution shall apply to the office of vice president.

The third proposed amendment is of article 183 (2)(b), which sets 35 years as the minimum age for one to run for district chairperson and 75 years as the upper cap.

Other amendments are based on the recommendations of the Supreme court ruling in relation to the Amama Mbabazi versus Yoweri Museveni election petition 2016. The MPs are suggesting that the time for filing a presidential election petition be increased from the current 10 days to 30 days after the announcement of election results.

In case of annulment of the presidential election results, fresh elections should be held within 60 days as opposed to the current provision of 21 days, they suggest.

All through their deliberations, promoters of the bill warned that the time frame set by the Supreme court is running out, which is why they decided to move privately.

The Supreme court gave us only two years within which to make these electoral reforms, from March 31, 2016 when the Supreme court made the recommendations, we are left with about six months to make the amendments, Rwakajara said.

We should also avoid the situation where government brings amendments late and we hurriedly pass them because they come during campaigns, he added.

Magyezi said they had run out of patience after waiting for the executive to table the amendments in vain.

But sources close to the group told The Observer that this was an agreed position between the MPs and cabinet because it would look awkward for government to table a bill largely intended to benefit President Museveni who under the current provision is ineligible to stand in 2021.

While some proposed that the amendment should emerge from the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), many feared that approach would take too long.

We want this debate to get out of the way; we cant, therefore, rely on the CRC, which can take several years and you cant rush it because along the way, several issues may come up, our source said.



KENYA EXPERIENCE

The architects of the amendment also addressed themselves to the recent annulment of President Uhuru Kenyattas re-election as Kenya president.

We spoke to friends in Kenya who told us that there was a rift between the judiciary and the executive over some recommendations that the court had made but were ignored by the executive, we dont want to go into such an experience, the source added.

The planned tabling of the bill on Thursday comes one year after Speaker Rebecca Kadaga shot down a similar effort by Nakifuma MP Robert Kafeero Ssekitooleko.

The Nakifuma MP has been left out of this particular effort as the group wants to avoid any link to his failed attempt.



PROTESTATIONS

The Observer has learnt that some of the 246 MPs allegedly walked into yesterdays meeting unaware they were going to discuss the age limit bill.

While some quietly went away after learning of the agenda, Kumi Woman MP Amoding shot up once journalists got into the conference hall to protest her inclusion.

Kumi Woman MP Monica Amonding public protested against the resolution

I was invited for a consultative meeting on the proposed amendment on land, not the age limit; if that is the reason why my signature was taken, it should be removed because I am not in support of this motion, Amoding said.

Her outburst came after she learnt that the attendance list was going to be appended to the bill and the signatories would be its seconders.

Efforts to calm the youthful legislator were in vain. She insisted she has a right to her divergent views.

The list had 246 people that signed, if we remove her name, we remain with 245, which is a big number, Nabbanja said.

To push through the bill, the promoters need at least two-thirds majority in the house, which means they need 43 more MPs. NRM currently has 302 MPs and at least 32 NRM-leaning Independents.



sadabkk@observer.ug
The High court in Kampala has cancelled the appointment of Donna Asiimwe Kusemererwa as the new executive director of National Drug Authority (NDA).



Justice Stephen Musota nullified the appointment on grounds that the position is non-existent. This means that Kusemererwa, a pharmaceutical management expert who had been appointed in January 2016, ceases to act as the executive director.



The ruling was read yesterday by Jolly Bahinguza, the assistant Civil Division registrar, High court. Kusemererwa's appointment was challenged in court on grounds that the position is "non-existing" and that it contravenes Section 54 (2) of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act Cap 206.



This was contained in an application filed by Florence Obiocha Nakachwa, who was challenging the termination of her contract as the head of Drug Assessment and Registration.

Donna Asiimwe Kusemererwa

Through her lawyer Kituuma-Magala of Kituuma-Magala and Company Advocates, Nakachwa in a miscellaneous application number 186 of 2017, asked court to declare that Kusemererwa was holding out as secretary to the authority null and void.

She had also asked court to declare the position of executive director in which Kusemererwa was appointed is non-existent and was contravening section 54(2) of the National Drug Policy and Authority (NDPA) Act Cap 206.



Court directed that Kusemererwa immediately stops to act as the executive secretary to the NDA board and ordered that the Authority advertises the position within 60 days from the day the judgement was delivered.



Kusemererwa declined to comment after the ruling when contacted by URN.

"I have no capacity to speak to you. So I speak to you as who?" she said as she walked away.



She was later overheard on phone directing that the board holds an emergency meeting following the court's decision. In January 2016, the National Drug Authority Board of Directors appointed Kusemererwa as the new executive director after emerging as the most suitable candidate.



The position had fallen vacant in February 2015 following the dismissal of Gordon Katende Ssematikko for allegedly transferring up to Shs 14 billion from an official NDA account to an unauthorised fixed deposit account.



With over 15 years of experience in building, managing and strengthening pharmaceutical and health systems in Uganda, Kusemererwa previously worked with the Joint Medical Stores as the general ganager and at Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network as executive director.



The NDA is a government entity that regulates and controls the production, importation, distribution and use of human and veterinary medicines and other healthcare products.
Businessman Sudhir Ruparelia has asked the Commercial court to restrain two prominent law firms, MMAKS Advocates and AF Mpanga Advocates from representing Bank of Uganda in a case that the central bank has against him and his Meera Investments Limited.



Peter Kabatsi, Sudhir's lead lawyer told court this morning that the two law firms are 'heavily conflicted' in a case in which the tycoon is accused of defrauding Crane bank of close to Shs 400 billion, and that their presence as Bank of Uganda (BOU) lawyers, will deny him a fair trial and justice.

The two law firms according to Sudhir, are in breach of advocateclient relationship because Timothy Masembe Kanyerezi, the managing partner of MMAKS Advocates, and David FK Mpanga, a senior partner in AF Mpanga Advocates represented Crane bank until October 20, 2016, when BOU took over its management and thus the law firms shared confidential information with the central bank.

Sudhir Ruparelia at the Commercial court today

BOU took over the management of Crane bank last year on the grounds that the financial institution was under-capitalized and posed a systemic risk to the banking industry. It later dragged Sudhir to court for masterminding highly sophisticated fraudulent transactions to trick Bank of Uganda about the financial status of Crane bank.



The transactions include $3.5 million, over $92 million and more than Shs 8.2 billion allegedly taken out of Crane bank on different dates around December 2014, disguised as credit facilities to Infinity Investments Limited, one of Sudhir's other companies, and eventually written off as bad debts.



BOU also alleges that Sudhir fraudulently transferred freehold titles of 48 plots of land purchased and developed using the Crane bank's finances into the name of Meera Investments.

The same plots were then leased back to Crane bank at high fees with each plot leased to the bank at Shs 100 million as a premium for 49 years and $6,000 in ground rent per year, payable to Meera Investments.



According to documents presented in court earlier, a total of $990,000 was illegally withdrawn from Crane bank between 2013 and 2016 and paid to Meera Investments as rental fees. Meera Investments is also owned by Sudhir.



The businessman is also accused of concealing the ownership and control of Crane bank through his fronts that he reportedly used to take money from the bank. BOU believes that Sudhir, the registered owner of 28.83 percent of Crane bank's shares, covertly owned 47.33 percent of the bank's shares registered in the name of White Sapphire Ltd, a company incorporated in Mauritius and allegedly owned by Rasik Kantaria.



The central bank equally believes that Sudhir owns an additional 4 percent shares registered in the name of Jitendra Sanghani and the 19.83 percent shares recorded in the names of his wife Jyostna Ruparelia and children.



BOU argues that $80 million was siphoned from Crane bank on October 26, 2013, and over $9.2 million "extracted" from the institution on different dates in the same year, purportedly for the supply of core banking systems and software licenses.

Sudhir Ruparelia (C) in court. Photos: Nicholas Bamulanzeki

Now Sudhir's lawyer Peter Kabatsi says that the defence team has listed Timothy Masembe Kanyerezi, a partner in MMAKS Advocates and David Mpanga from AF Mpanga Advocates, as possible defence witnesses, a development which requires them to be excused as advocates in the case.

MMAKS and AF Mpanga have been long time lawyers of Sudhir Ruparelia, the former proprietor of Crane bank. Masembe was Sudhir's lawyer for 12 years.



Based on their previous engagements, Sudhir argues that the two advocates are privy to information regarding a sum of $9.2 million allegedly extracted from terminal technology and another alleged fraudulent transaction of $5.9 million with technology associates in Dubai.



They told the court that Mpanga is particularly needed to appear in court to defend an agreement he authored, which is at the centre of Sudhir's counter claim against Bank of Uganda.



The lawyers are also counting on evidence where MMAKS Advocates are said to have been instructed by Sudhir to issue a demand note and recover property from Infinity investments yet in the Bank of Uganda case, MMAKS says no recovery was done by Sudhir from the said company.



Kabatsi pointed out that the presence of the two legal minds on the BOU team contravenes regulation 9 of the Advocates Professional Code of Conduct which stipulates that any lawyer, who has reason to believe that he might be required to appear as a witness in a matter before court, is barred from appearing in the same case as an advocate.



They add that regulation 7 prohibits lawyers from disclosing their client's legal information at a lawyer's benefit.

The court set November 11, 2017 as the date when it will deliver its ruling on the matter but in the meantime advised both sets of lawyers to continue talking and reach an amicable solution if possible before.
Todays OPEC report is a clear sign of a sustainable bear market, with the cartels oil production falling slightly in August, while its demand forecast for 2017-2018 rose.

OPEC produced 32.76 million bpd in August, which is 79,100 bpd less than in July. This drop in volume came from OPECs key producers cutting their production enough to mitigate increased volumes from Nigeria and Libya. The figures also show that members of the production cut deal have been largely successful in sustaining their target of 1.8 million bpd.

Crude oil stockpiles were still 195 million barrels above the five-year average in July, but market optimism is now growing that a downward trend in stocks will be clearly visible in the next couple of months. Saudi Arabia and Russia are already discussing a possible production cut extension beyond March 2018, which could be sufficient to remove pressure in the market, leading to a long-awaited price rally.

The majority of analysts have been questioning the current strategy of OPEC and Russia (supported by several smaller non-OPEC countries), as the effects on global crude stocks and prices have been minimal so far.

Related: Can Putin Bring Peace To The Korean Peninsula?

The recent resurgence of production in Libya and Nigeria, combined with an aggressive production strategy in Iran and Iraq, did not bode well for markets. At the same time, U.S. shale oil production made headlines, as the number of rigs increased week on week and production volumes continued to show a slight upward trend. However, the reality on the ground was different, as politics, security and technology began to constrain further production increases. Libya and Nigeria experienced a growing number of insurgencies that destabilized their oil infrastructure. Iran and Iraq have seen production increases as well, but sustainability is far from certain.

OPECs overall production future looks bleaker by the day, as insecurity and political instability appear to be growing substantially. Libya, Nigeria and Venezuela could face anything from a severe restraint in production capabilities to a total breakdown of their oil production systems before the end of the year. Falling production from these countries is not likely to be countered by other OPEC members, as they will instead reap the financial rewards of higher crude oil prices.

Meanwhile, shale production status looks increasingly wobbly. While overall production is still increasing, financial and technical challenges are starting to bite. Since January 2017, the average production volume per well has seen a severe decline. Most of this has been countered by new and additional drilling, but the costs of drilling these wells is increasing. For most shale oil producers, the end of 2017 could be a make or break period, as their current production hedge contracts are ending. Profit margins will go down if theyre not able to raise additional capital or keep to the current buffer mechanisms. The OPEC strategy, deemed a failure by many analysts, may finally be working. A Dutch proverb comes to mind when describing OPECs efforts: I will struggle but I will conquer.

When taking normal fundamentals, which, when all is said and done, are still the most important aspect of markets, a price rally is imminent. This rally may receive a real kickstart if the negative effects of the current Hurricane Season are mitigated by the positive effects of rebuilding efforts in Texas and Florida. OPECs own analysis is optimistic about the outcome, in stark contrast to a majority of U.S. oil analysts. Again, OPEC just has to wait and see; the proof is in the pudding.

If Saudi Arabia, Russia, and perhaps other GCC states are willing to continue their current production cut compliance, the future is bright. Additional support for a rally could even come from within OPEC, with a possible new crisis in Iraq brewing as the Kurdish Independence Referendum nears, and with Washington preparing strong action against Iran in the near future. Both issues could easily take out substantial amounts of crude oil the coming months. The Qatari issue, seen by most analysts as a non-OPEC related conflict, should also be factored in. The situation is reaching boiling point, and could easily result in negative effects for Gulf based oil and gas supply and production.

Related: 97-Year-Old Law May Be The Cause Of Higher Gas Prices

Supply is at risk and under pressure, while demand is still growing. OPECs reassessment of demand growth is consistent with current market developments. OPEC boosting oil demand in 2017 by 1.42 million bpd (an increase of 40,000 bpd). The oil cartel expects for 2018 demand to reach 98.1 million bpd, up 100,000 bpd in comparison to last months report.

The lights just turned green and the bulls are already on the streets. The coming days will decide where sentiment will go, as journalists and analysts battle to interpret the incoming data. Looking at how things stand however, OPEC leaders can go to their next meeting full of confidence, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, UAEs Mohammed Bin Zayed and Russias Vladimir Putin now have to decide how far the rally should gomaking sure that oil prices dont go too high too quickly

By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

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Petrochemicals are Big Oils big hope for the futurethe distant future. Petrochemicals are used in thousands of products, with the biggest group among these being single-use plastic products. The bad news for oil is that green initiatives around the world are mounting and many of them are targeting precisely this group of products.

The latest such initiative came from Kenya. Last month, the East African country introduced what is considered one of the toughest bans on plastic bags globally. The making, marketing, and use of plastic bags carry fines of up to US$38,000 or up to four years imprisonment. Its a decisive step in tackling the piles of plastic bags that so often end up inside cows, raising fears of plastic contamination of beef.

Praiseworthy as this ban may be (although some bag manufacturers have warned that the new rules could result in the loss of 80,000 jobs), its only a small step in the right direction. Bloomberg Gadflys Julian Lee, an oil strategist, points out that plastic bags represent just 1 percent of all the disposable plastic trash that enters the worlds oceans and collects in one of several notorious garbage patches.

The problem for the oil industry is that small steps like this could go a long way toward stymieing the growth in global oil demand. According to estimates from the International Energy Agency, plastics production will account for 4.9 million bpd in oil demand growth until 2040, followed by aviation, accounting for 3.5 million bpd, and freight, which will account for 3.4 million bpd in demand growth in the period. Related: OPEC Unfazed By Falling U.S. Oil Demand

The rise of plastics that started in the first half of the 20th century was largely driven by their low price compared to alternatives such as glass or metal for containers and, of course, their disposability. This is exactly what has turned plastics into one of the worst environmental problems today. Plastics do not degrade, they only break down into ever-smaller pieces and contaminate everything around them in the process.

With the growing number of initiatives aimed at curbing and eventually eliminating the use of disposable plastic products or finding alternatives to them, the oil industrys focus on petrochemicals might need to shift towards a more biodegradable future, just like their focus on crude oil is having to shift to natural gas and renewables.

There are already many biodegradable materials used in containers and other products, but theres one problem: they dont last as long as oil-derived plastics. That makes them more expensive and compromises their future growth chances. It has also spurred a lot of research into ways to make biodegradable polymers as durable as those derived from fossil fuels.

This research is already yielding results as scientists come up with ways to make, for example, cornstarch-based polymer materials hardier without adding substantially to the cost of their production. These developments could become a major challenge for the petrochemical industry, as there are no signs that the global green drive will recede anytime soon. In all likelihood, it will only intensify and accelerate.

It might be a good idea for Big Oil to start thinking about a further diversification away from its core business.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Hurricane Irma has left millions of people without power in Florida, a critical situation that could take a painfully long period of time to sort out.

Estimates vary, but some 9 million people lost power during Hurricane Irma, according to the CEO of Florida Power & Light, the states largest utility. As of Monday, an additional 1 million people lost power in Georgia and South Carolina as the remains of Irma moved north. Florida Power & Light has already begun restoring power, but as of Monday, there were more than 3.6 million customers still offline.

Utilities in other parts of the country are sending legions of workers to Florida in an aggressive effort to rebuild and restore service. The CEO of Southern Company, another crucial utility in the U.S. Southeast, said that the mess will likely require 50,000 to 60,000 additional utility workers from out of state to help in the recovery.

It could have been a lot worse, as the track of the hurricane ended up moving west of Miami but east of Tampa Bay, avoiding a direct hit on any major city. Plus, Floridas electricity grid has been improved in recent years, which could help get things back to normal more quickly. Florida Power & Light, for example, has spent $3 billion since the nasty storms of 2004 and 2005 to fortify its system and minimize damage from storms.

The effort is to see how fast we can get back online. That is the definition in the industry now of resilience. It is to figure how to get things back together as soon as possible, Christine Tezak, managing director at ClearView Energy Partners, told CNBC. She also argued that Floridas multi-billion-dollar investments to harden the electricity grid over the past decadeinvestments made in light of a previous round of destructive hurricanes in the mid-2000shave paid off. For example, rather than having to put in new wooden poles for power lines destroyed during a hurricane, Floridas utilities, will simply have to restring power lines to the new and stronger concrete pillars they have installed in many areas. Related: Can WTI Break Out Of The High $40s?

Nevertheless, outright destruction of power lines and other infrastructure is widespread. "'Restore' may not capture the full sense of where we are. For the very hard impacted areas, I think you're in a 'rebuild' area," Southern Companys CEO Thomas Fanning told CNBC. "That's a big deal. People need to understand this is going to take perhaps weeks, not days, in some areas," he said.

While most attention has been paid to how the hurricane would affect oil and gasoline markets, particularly after Hurricane Harvey devastated Gulf Coast refineries two weeks ago, the massive power outages could also result in some disruptions in other energy markets.

For example, about two-thirds of Floridas electricity is generated from natural gas, and the outages could cause a dip in natural gas consumption. Just like how millions of people not driving in their cars after the hurricane could lead to a temporary decline in gasoline consumption, the millions of people without power for a period of time could cause some natural gas supplies to build up.

(Click to enlarge)

Floridas natural gas demand fell from 4.43 Bcf/d on 9/7 to 2.74 Bcf/d on Monday (Sept. 11), a drop of 1.69 Bcf/d, according to Genscape Inc., reported on by Natural Gas Intelligence. Taken together, the gas demand in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina plunged by a third between Thursday and Sunday from 9.47 Bcf/d to 6.21 Bcf/d. Most of the reduction was because of the electricity outages.

(Click to enlarge)

Related: Is It Time For OPEC To Turn The Taps Back On?

The U.S. natural gas market has been sleepy since the end of last winter, with prices stuck around the $3 per MMBtu mark. Gas inventories have tracked within the five-year range for the better part of a year, after the extraordinary buildup in 2015 and 2016. A dip in gas production last year helped erase a bit of the glut, and the market stabilized this year as output rebounded and kept pace with demand.

Floridas power outages probably wont knock the markets off course, but they could lead to a sharper-than-average gain in inventories a few months ahead of the start of winter season.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

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Traditionally one of the most prominent oil and natural gas markets in South America, Argentina is increasingly turning towards alternative forms of energy, with the government exploring shale gas and renewable options as it looks to diversify its power market.

The shift comes amid challenges to longstanding hydrocarbons production, which has seen Argentina record export deficits in recent years.

Foot on the gas

According to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2017, natural gas accounts for 50.2 percent of Argentinas power. Oil was second at 35.9 percent and hydro third with 9.8 percent. Other forms of energy consumption consisted of nuclear power (2.1 percent) and coal (1.2 percent), with renewables accounting for just 0.8 percent.

While the countrys energy mix has remained relatively stable in recent years, changes to the energy market have created shifts that the government is now attempting to address.

Years of protective policy relating to the hydrocarbons sector have affected the industrys competitiveness, and have subsequently had an impact on output.

In 2016 Argentina produced an average of 619,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), a 27 percent decrease on 2006 levels. In contrast, consumption has increased by 44 percent to 687,000 bpd.

This resulted in Argentina moving from a net exporter of crude oil to a net importer in 2008. A similar transformation occurred in gas, where annual production fell from 46.1bn cu metres in 2006 to 38.3bn a decade later. Related: Is Russia Pushing Saudi Arabia Out Of Asia?

At present, Argentina has only 2.4bn barrels of oil in proven conventional reserves, which is expected to sustain current production rates for another 10 years.

Consumption, however, has been on a growth trajectory. Today, Argentina consumes around 49.6bn cu metres per year of natural gas, up from 41.8bn in 2006.

With both the trade balance and national budget affected as the gap between production and consumption has widened, the government of President Mauricio Macri is looking to Argentinas shale reserves to help reverse sector trends.

Shale dreams

Chief among these is Vaca Muerta, the worlds second-largest shale formation, covering 30,000 sq metres and holding an estimated capacity of 22.8bn barrels of oil equivalent in tight oil and shale gas.

However, development of the area has stalled in recent years, with a complex regulatory framework and high labour costs cited as reasons slowing investor participation, according to Osvaldo Nunzi, president of local engineering and construction firm Electrificadora del Valle.

While local investments are already taking place in Argentinas energy sector, the real challenge lies in restoring trust from foreign investors in order to reach the countrys full potential, he told OBG.

To address this issue, Macris administration has pushed forward with negotiations with oil and gas majors and labour associations to find solutions.

National oil company YPF, alongside Chevron, BP, Total, Shell and others, agreed in January to invest $15bn per year to develop Vaca Muerta. The agreement saw the government provide guarantees on favourable pricing structures and labour costs.

While the industry still faces challenges, new technological developments are continuing to lower production costs and improve yields. While the first quarter of 2017 saw 66 wells drilled, 24 less than the same period in 2016, unconventional gas production nevertheless rose by 26 percent.

Authorities expect the Vaca Muerta formation to supply as much as 50 percent of Argentinas natural gas needs by 2021, and 60 percent of its oil requirements by 2020.

RenovAr

In tandem with shale exploration, Argentina is also moving ahead with renewable options.

With President Macri declaring 2017 the year of renewable energy, the government has rolled out a number of measures and reforms to attract investment and achieve a 20 percent renewable target by 2025.

The programme is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions; undercutting reliance on exported energy; and creating local jobs for project installation, manufacturing, operations and maintenance services.

In addition to the Patagonia region, whose strong, year-round winds offer significant renewable potential, the countrys desert areas provide opportunities to develop solar power, with the government expecting the segment to attract up to $20bn in investment over the next 10 years.

To facilitate investment, the government has established the RenovAr programme, designed to tender biomass, micro-hydro, solar and wind power projects sponsored by the Fund for the Development of Renewable Energy (Fondo Fiduciario para el Desarrollo de Energias Renovables, FODER). Related: The $10 Trillion Resource North Korea Can't Tap

Launched with an allocation of $860m, sourced from Treasury funds, public offerings, ANSES (the Argentine government-administered pension fund) and multilaterals, FODER operates as a guarantee for contractors tendering state-sponsored renewable projects.

The governments current and new financing mechanisms for renewables should give investors and energy companies the required tools to reach Argentinas full potential, Martin Genesio, CEO of power distribution company AES Argentina, told OBG.

The fund had its first round of bidding for projects in October 2016, and a second round the following November, resulting in 59 projects being awarded  90 percent of which dealt with solar and wind power. Once completed, these should add a combined 2423 MW of capacity.

In August, the government launched a third auction for 1200 MW. Due to the high demand seen in first round, prices per MWh have been set at significantly lower rates, at a maximum of $57 per MWh for solar and $56.2 per MWh for wind. The deadline for bidding is October.

By Oxford Business Group

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Tribal violence in the southern regions of Iraq is erupting on sectarian lines, threatening safety and security at oil facilities, officials told Kurdistan24.

A majority of Iraqs law enforcement network has congregated in the northern and western portions of the country to contain the efforts of the Islamic State to restart the reign of its illicit organization, giving Shia and Sunni the leeway to reignite previous rivalries.

We need larger forces to control rural areas and restrain lawless tribes in the south, Army Lieutenant Colonel Salah Kareem said. This is a difficult job for now as most troops are busy with fighting [IS].

The religious disputes turn legal as members quarrel over farmland, construction contracts, and other land ownership issues, security courses said. The net impact of the disagreements disrupts Baghdads efforts to bring new investments to the oil and gas sector in areas affected by three years of domestic strife.

Stable oil output from Basra is key to Baghdads wealth, which accounts for 95 percent of the governments revenues. Recent encroachments on the peace in the area have jeopardized key oil facilities on the northern and westerns sides of the city.

Tribal feuds have been exacerbating recently, and such a negative development could threaten the operations of the foreign energy companies, Ali Shaddad, the head of Basras oil and gas committee on the provincial council, said.

Related: OPEC Unfazed By Falling U.S. Oil Demand

South Oil Company (SOC), responsible for fossil fuel development in Basra, says foreign companies and workers have begun to refuse working in the area due to the growing violence.

Tribal fighting near oilfields sites is definitely affecting the energy operations and sending a negative message to foreign oil firms, Abdullah al-Faris at SOC said. Groups in the area seized heavy weaponry from Saddam Husseins army back when the dictators regime collapsed in 2003. The presence of these military-grade guns makes any conflict in the area that much more deadly.

Interest in Kurdistan, an autonomous region in Iraq with major oil sites in Kirkuk, has peaked, however, as the KRG plans a referendum in September to split the area from Baghdads rule. In June 2017, Rosneft signed several cooperation, investment, and production-sharing agreements with the KRG regarding hydrocarbon exploration, production, infrastructure, logistics, and trading. The Russian state energy giant also obtained access to the controversial oil pipeline to Turkey by promising to expand capacity to 1 million barrels per day.

The same patterns are emerging in Kurdistans natural gas plays as the government resolves long-term debt disputes to prepare for independence. A Reuters report from earlier this month described the settlement of a court case involving the Pearl consortium, which includes the UAEs Dana Gas, Austrias OMV, Hungarys MOL as well as RWE. The companies agreed to a $1 billion payout in exchange for violations of a 10-year-old deal to develop the Khor Mor and Chemchemal fields. Those areas are said to hold 17 trillion cubic feet in reserves, which could fulfill all of Europes gas needs for a year. Related: Is Russia Pushing Saudi Arabia Out Of Asia?

As a new civil war brews in Iraqs tribal areas, Erbils ambition to separate from the country have encouraged its resolve to revitalize its energy sector, much to Baghdads chagrin. Kurdistan continues to develop its relationship with foreign oil companies independent of Iraqs oil and gas growth efforts, prompting Baghdad to repeatedly threaten to cut oil flows through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline.

The strength of the Peshmerga in securing its borders translates to a safe and stable work environment for foreign investors, while tribal conflicts near Basra spell doom for OPECs No.2 producer that is only just getting the ISIS threat under control.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

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Coalition of Oregon business and grassroots groups address abuse of three-fifths requirement on revenue raising legislation

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 13, 2017  While Oregons Constitution requires a three-fifths vote of the legislature to enact legislation that raises state revenue, legislators and their lawyers have found creative ways around the mandate in recent years. A coalition of small businesses and grassroots groups filed an initiative today making it harder for politicians to sidestep the requirement.

Oregonians are tired of Salem politicians gaming the system to raise taxes, said John Davis, a spokesperson for the coalition sponsoring the initiative. This measure does one simple thing  it tells the legislature that we meant what we said when voters put the three-fifths requirement in the state Constitution.

Oregon voters approved an amendment to the Oregon Constitution in 1996 requiring a three-fifths vote in each house of the legislature on legislation that raises state revenue. Lacking votes to pass several controversial tax measures in recent years, legislators and their lawyers have sought to circumvent the constitutional provision.

Its time the legislature got serious about eliminating waste, reducing pension liabilities, and reigning in overspending rather than fabricating new legal opinions so they can raise taxes on hardworking Oregonians stated Davis.

Rather than addressing their lack of fiscal discipline, legislators are finding new ways to give themselves a blank check to fund pet projects. Thats got to stop.

The initiative clarifies that tax and fee increases as well as measures that alter the ability of taxpayers to qualify for any exemption, credit, deduction, or tax rate require three-fifths approval by the legislature.

Earlier this year legislators attempted to pass several tax increases without the three-fifths requirement. Those included elimination of mortgage interest and property tax deductions for many filers as well as tax increases on small businesses.

The A Tax is a Tax Committee is comprised of Oregon small businesses and grassroots groups  many of whom have seen their livelihoods put at risk by the Oregon legislatures attempts to subvert the voter-enacted requirement of a three-fifths majority vote of the legislature to increase taxes.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and former Deputy Minister of Education, has extolled the Akufo-Addo-led government for the implementation of the Free Senior High School programme.



According to him, the programme is a tough initiative, for which reason the government must be commended.



The Free SHS programme, which is the governments flagship policy started on Monday, 11 September as first-year students who were successfully placed in various SHSs reported to officially register.



Speaking on Joy FM prior to the launch of the programme at the West African Secondary School (WASS) in Accra on Tuesday, 12 September 2017, Mr Ablakwa said: This Free SHS thing is a tough job, but I commend the government for a good job done so far. The Deputy Minister of Education [Dr Osei Adutwum] has been efficient. He's done a great job in executing the Free SHS policy.



He further dispelled assertions that the Minority in Parliament are opposed to the programme although they have criticised its sustainability.



The Minority is not opposed to Free SHS. We aren't following the tradition of opposing Majority's decisions. We haven't said the Free SHS should be extended to students in private schools, I want to clear the air, he stated.



The North Tongu MP however quizzed: "If this government manages to find GHS400 million, why not include students in form 2 and 3? We said 'progressively free' because we were going to eventually cover all the students."



Meanwhile, the Free SHS was officially launched in Accra on Tuesday, 12 September. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said among other things that the policy will not fail.



As is with all human endeavours, we will certainly face challenges in the implementation of this policy of Free SHS despite our best preparation and efforts. We may falter but by the grace of the almighty God, we shall not fall for we will be ready in all humility to accept inputs and criticisms aimed at improving the policy, he stated.



He added: The policy is not about the NPP or the NDC. The beneficiaries will not only be NPP members or sympathisers. They will be Ghanaians from all walks of life and from all political persuasions. This is about Ghana and how best to build a progressive and prosperous nation for this and future generations. Its constitutionality is not in doubt. All Ghanaians should support the policy to ensure its success.

Source: classfmonline









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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!


The combination of all these pressures from the Left has repeatedly skewed science over the past half-century. In 1965, when Daniel Patrick Moynihan published a paper presciently warning of the dangers for black children growing up in single-parent homes, it was greeted with such hostilityhe was blaming the victim, critics saidthat the topic became off-limits among liberals, stymying public discussion and research for decades into one of the most pressing problems facing minority children. Similarly, liberal advocates have worked to suppress reporting on the problems of children raised by gay parents or on any drawbacks of putting young children in day care. In 1991, a leading family psychologist, Louise Silverstein, published an article in the American Psychologisturging her colleagues to refuse to undertake any more research that looks for the negative consequences of other-than-mother-care.

The Lefts most rigid taboos involve the biology of race and gender, as the Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker chronicles in The Blank Slate. The book takes its title from Pinkers term for the dogma that any differences we see among races, ethnic groups, sexes, and individuals come not from differences in their innate constitution but from differences in their experiences. The dogma constricts researchers perspectiveNo biology, please, were social scientistsand discourages debate, in and out of academia. Early researchers in sociobiology faced vitriolic attacks from prominent scientists like Stephen Jay Gould, who accused them of racism and sexism for studying genetic influences on behavior.

Studying IQ has been a risky career move since the 1970s, when researchers like Arthur Jensen and Richard Herrnstein had to cancel lectures (and sometimes hire bodyguards) because of angry protesters accusing them of racism. Government funding dried up, forcing researchers in IQ and behavioral genetics to rely on private donors, who in the 1980s financed the renowned Minnesota study of twins reared apart. Leftists tried to cut off that funding in the 1990s, when the University of Delaware halted the IQ research of Linda Gottfredson and Jan Blits for two years by refusing to let them accept a foundations grant; the research proceeded only after an arbitrator ruled that their academic freedom had been violated.

The Blank Slate dogma has perpetuated a liberal version of creationism: the belief that there has been no evolution in modern humans since they left their ancestral homeland in Africa some 50,000 years ago. Except for a few genetic changes in skin color and other superficial qualities, humans everywhere are supposedly alike because there hasnt been enough time for significant differences to evolve in their brains and innate behavior. This belief was plausible when biologists assumed that evolution was a slow process, but the decoding of the human genome has disproved it, as Nicholas Wade (a former colleague of mine at the New York Times) reported in his 2015 book, A Troublesome Inheritance.

Human evolution has been recent, copious and regional, writes Wade, noting that at least 8 percent of the human genome has changed since the departure from Africa. The new analysis has revealed five distinguishable races that evolved in response to regional conditions: Africans, East Asians, Caucasians, the natives of the Americas, and the peoples of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Yet social scientists go on denying the very existence of races. The American Anthropological Association declares race to be a human invention that is about culture, not biology. The American Sociological Association calls race a social construct. Even biologists and geneticists are afraid of the R-word. More than 100 of them sent a letter to the New York Times denouncing Wades book as inaccurate, yet they refused to provide any examples of his mistakes. They apparently hadnt bothered to read the book because they accused Wade of linking racial variations to IQ scoresa link that his book specifically rejected.

Some genetic differences are politically acceptable on the left, such as the biological basis for homosexuality, which was deemed plausible by 70 percent of sociologists in a recent survey. But that same survey found that only 43 percent accepted a biological explanation for male-female differences in spatial skills and communication. How could the rest of the sociologists deny the role of biology? It was no coincidence that these doubters espoused the most extreme left-wing political views and the strongest commitment to a feminist perspective. To dedicated leftists and feminists, it doesnt matter how much evidence of sexual differences is produced by developmental psychologists, primatologists, neuroscientists, and other researchers. Any disparity between the sexesor, at least, any disparity unfavorable to womenmust be blamed on discrimination and other cultural factors.

Former Harvard president Lawrence Summers found this out the hard way at an academic conference where he dared to discuss the preponderance of men among professors of mathematics and physical sciences at elite universities. While acknowledging that women faced cultural barriers, like discrimination and the pressures of family responsibilities, Summers hypothesized that there might be other factors, too, such as the greater number of men at the extreme high end in tests measuring mathematical ability and other traits. Males greater variability in aptitude is well establishedits why there are more male dunces as well as geniusesbut scientific accuracy was no defense against the feminist outcry. The controversy forced Summers to apologize and ultimately contributed to his resignation. Besides violating the Blank Slate taboo, Summers had threatened an academic cottage industry kept alive by the myth that gender disparities in science are due to discrimination.

This industry, supported by more than $200 million from the National Science Foundation, persists despite overwhelming evidencefrom experiments as well as extensive studies of who gets academic jobs and research grantsthat a female scientist is treated as well as or better than an equally qualified male. In a rigorous set of five experiments published last year, the female candidate was preferred two-to-one over an equivalent male. The main reason for sexual disparities in some fields is a difference in interests: from an early age, more males are more interested in fields like physics and engineering, while more females are interested in fields like biology and psychology (where most doctorates go to women).

On the whole, American women are doing much better than men academicallythey receive the majority of undergraduate and graduate degreesyet education researchers and federal funders have focused for decades on the few fields in science where men predominate. It was bad enough that the National Science Foundations grants paid for workshops featuring a game called Gender Bias Bingo and skits in which arrogant male scientists mistreat smarter female colleagues. But then, these workshops nearly became mandatory when Democrats controlled Congress in 2010. In response to feminist lobbying, the House passed a bill (which fortunately died in the Senate) requiring federal science agencies to hold gender equity workshops for the recipients of research grants.

It might seem odd that the party of science would be dragging researchers out of the lab to be reeducated in games of Gender Bias Bingo. But politicians will always care more about pleasing constituencies than advancing science.

And that brings us to the second great threat from the Left: its long tradition of mixing science and politics. To conservatives, the fundamental problem with the Left is what Friedrich Hayek called the fatal conceit: the delusion that experts are wise enough to redesign society. Conservatives distrust central planners, preferring to rely on traditional institutions that protect individuals natural rights against the power of the state. Leftists have much more confidence in experts and the state. Engels argued for scientific socialism, a redesign of society supposedly based on the scientific method. Communist intellectuals planned to mold the New Soviet Man. Progressives yearned for a society guided by impartial agencies unconstrained by old-fashioned politics and religion. Herbert Croly, founder of the New Republic and a leading light of progressivism, predicted that a better future would derive from the beneficent activities of expert social engineers who would bring to the service of social ideals all the technical resources which research could discover.

Is waged by the left I say read the whole thing.

Labels: Neo-Lysenkoism
FORT EDWARD  A woman who police said was a major heroin dealer in Vermont and eastern New York has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison.

Lesley M. Fontaine, of Fair Haven, Vermont, was arrested in April after a traffic stop on a road in Middle Granville.

Police seized 200 bags of heroin and 8 grams of crack. Among the drugs Fontaine was accused of selling in the region is the powerful painkiller Fentanyl, which police say has contributed to drug overdose deaths.

Fontaine was charged with eight felony drug counts. She pleaded guilty in Washington County Court on July 21 to felony counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan imposed a 10-year prison term to be followed by 4 years on parole.

Two people who were with Fontaine in the vehicle have also pleaded guilty to felonies.
Bike helmets offered to families

FORT EDWARD  Washington County Public Health officials are working with local rescue squads to distribute free bike helmets to low-income families living in Washington County.

In New York state, bicyclists, inline skaters and non-motorized scooter operators younger than 14 years old are required by law to wear safety-certified bicycle helmets.

Any parent or guardian whose child violates the helmet law is subject to a fine of up to $50. Helmets also significantly reduce the risk of sustaining a serious head injury when fitted properly.

Washington County Public Health and its partnering agencies will have a limited number of helmets available by appointment. To be eligible for the program, a family must live in Washington County and must qualify for low-income programs.

At the bike helmet appointment, parents/guardians and children will be educated on proper helmet fit and other bike safety information. Help is also available for those who already have helmets.

To schedule an appointment, contact the nearest agency. Those participating are the Cambridge Rescue Squad, 518-677-8211; Easton-Greenwich Rescue Squad, 518-507-6507; Granville Rescue Squad, 518-642-1830; Salem Rescue Squad, 518-854-7199; or Washington County Public Health, 518-746-2400, ext. 3478.
QUEENSBURY  Rachel Seeber may have seized the Conservative Party line from Supervisor John Strough, giving her a boost for the November election.

Write-ins made up 73 percent of the vote, though of course voters could write in any name, so it cannot be presumed that every write-in is a vote for Seeber.

Seeber, who is running for supervisor, filed petitions to challenge the Conservative Partys endorsement of Strough. Since she is not a Conservative Party member, her only chance was through a write-in campaign. She had to persuade voters to write in her name, rather than choosing Strough, whose name was printed on the ballot as the party leaderships choice.

In preliminary results Tuesday night, the primary had 22 votes for Strough and 59 write-ins, in unofficial results.

The Warren County election commissioners will count the write-ins in the next couple days and announce the detailed results, they said. The final results will be announced after absentee ballots are counted next week.

Voters said they wanted to send a message that the status quo was no longer acceptable.

Change. Somebody a little more transparent, said voter Brian Morgan, who filed a write-in rather than choosing Strough.

Others said it came down to trust. Several voters cited the fact that Strough told the Town Board that the town had passed a state audit when it had instead been strongly criticized.

I trust her more, said voter Jim Dugan, who chose Seeber. He added that he also expected her to be more fiscally prudent than Strough.

Strough doesnt question anything, he said.

Seeber declared victory in the primary.

"What it tells me is we have the pulse of the community," she said. "Our Team Seeber effort has really resonated with the people of Queensbury."

Seeber also passed petitions to force a Women's Equality Party primary. The six-member party had not endorsed anyone. Three absentee ballots were mailed in and one party member went to the polls to vote, poll workers said.

Yet at the end of the night, poll workers discovered they had no Women's Equality ballots filed. They had accidentally given the voter a Conservative Party ballot, Seeber said. Both ballots had a write-in option.

"It was an innocent mistake," Seeber said, adding that the absentees are probably for her, so she will get the line anyway.

"I'm fairly confident of that line," she said.
Military suicide awareness walk set

QUEENSBURY  A 2.2-mile walk to raise awareness of military suicides is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 23.

The walk will start and end at the Sgt. Kristie Roberts Memorial Bridge on the Warren County Bikeway, which is dedicated to a local soldier who died by suicide five years ago.

The walk is in conjunction with one being held by the American Gold Star mothers in Washington, D.C., according to retired Sgt. Arthur Coon.

Parking will be near the Route 149 bridge, just off Route 9, which is the pull-off for the bike path. The walk is free and will begin with a short ceremony.

For more information, call 518-542-4726 or 518-744-7972.

Bike helmets offered to families

FORT EDWARD  Washington County Public Health officials are working with local rescue squads to distribute free bike helmets to low-income families living in Washington County.

In New York state, bicyclists, inline skaters and non-motorized scooter operators younger than 14 years old are required by law to wear safety-certified bicycle helmets.

Any parent or guardian whose child violates the helmet law is subject to a fine of up to $50. Helmets also significantly reduce the risk of sustaining a serious head injury when fitted properly.

Washington County Public Health and its partnering agencies will have a limited number of helmets available by appointment. To be eligible for the program, a family must live in Washington County and must qualify for low-income programs.

At the bike helmet appointment, parents/guardians and children will be educated on proper helmet fit and other bike safety information. Help is also available for those who already have helmets.

To schedule an appointment, contact the nearest agency. Those participating are the Cambridge Rescue Squad, 518-677-8211; Easton-Greenwich Rescue Squad, 518-507-6507; Granville Rescue Squad, 518-642-1830; Salem Rescue Squad, 518-854-7199; or Washington County Public Health, 518-746-2400, ext. 3478.
QUEENSBURY  Warren County leaders have agreed to loan up to $1 million to SUNY Adirondack so the college can create a new culinary arts center, but some county supervisors are getting concerned about increased funding requests from the college.

The county boards Finance Committee agreed Tuesday to advance the college money to create the new culinary center, which will be built at an undetermined site in Glens Falls, with the understanding the college repay the funds when it receives a $1 million grant pledged by the state.

SUNY Adirondack President Kristine Duffy told county supervisors late last month the college cannot take on debt, so it needs to find a funding source to get the project going. The Board of Supervisors had the county attorneys office and treasurer review the proposal, and both offices found the arrangement was feasible.

First Assistant County Attorney Mary Elizabeth Kissane told supervisors the county cant legally loan money to the college, but can instead call the funding a sponsorship that will be paid back. She said the county undertook a similar arrangement with SUNY Adirondack in 2007 for a different project.

County Treasurer Michael Swan said the county would not advance $1 million, but would pay bills for the work as they come in, with the college paying the money back when grant funding comes in.

The full Board of Supervisors will consider the funding request at its meeting Friday. Some supervisors expressed concern about the possibility state funding will fall through, as the county is awaiting state reimbursement for a number of projects that go back several years.

What if they dont get the grant? Lake George Supervisor Dennis Dickinson asked.

Then we are out $1 million, Swan responded.

The money will come from the countys fund balance.

Although supervisors approved the arrangement, some expressed concern about continued requests for money from college leaders.

College leaders asked last week for more operational funding from Warren and Washington counties, a request that is pending. The two counties have contributed nearly $8 million in support for the colleges recent project to put in nursing, science, technology, engineering and math facilities.

Lake Luzerne Supervisor Gene Merlino said he supports the colleges mission.

But, he asked, When are we going to stop? Its put a lot on our taxpayers in Warren County.
Congress reconvened last week after a month long break. The fall agenda is packed with items such as tax reform, the debt ceiling, DACA and various spending bills.

Conspicuously absent from the list is entitlement reform.

Of course, its folly these days to assume that Republicans and Democrats could bridge the massive political divisions dominating the legislative landscape to reach a consensus on such a vital issue. But the nations long-term fiscal health will eventually depend upon it. And each year that passes without a solution only brings us closer to the looming cliff.

In his new book, The High Cost of Good Intentions, Stanford economics professor John F. Cogan chronicles how we arrived at a point where the nation is $20 trillion in debt and federal entitlements now constitute more than half of all spending. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Cogan notes that the urge to win votes by doling out goodies is a temptation that few politicians of either party can resist.

The author points out that in 1873, just 8,000 Civil War veterans collected pensions. By the 1890s, that number had risen to about 1 million and accounted for 40 percent of all federal outlays. It seems Congress kept expanding the eligibility requirements.

Mr. Cogans research into Revolutionary War pensions found exactly the same pattern, he said.

Mr. Cogan also describes a similar model for Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and food stamps. Its a step-by-step expansion, he told the Journal. Each expansion tends to be permanent. And each expansion then serves as a base upon which Congress considers the next expansion.

The Obama administrations Medicaid enlargement  a key point of contention in the recent health care debate  is a prime example. Ditto for the Social Security disability program, which Mr. Cogan points out originally applied only to those 50 or older who were unable to work at all. Gradually, Congress eliminated the age requirement, the Journal reports. Then lawmakers allowed benefits for temporary disabilities. The number of beneficiaries has quadrupled since the mid-1980s.

Mr. Cogan offers no hard-and-fast solution for tackling these issues. But he does say that any fix will require a combination of presidential leadership, bipartisan cooperation and an agreement among both politicians and the general public that theres a problem.

None of those conditions exists in Washington today, which explains why the appetite to reform entitlements is nonexistent among the political elite. But lets hope Mr. Cogans tome at least helps keep the issue in the spotlight until the harsh fiscal realities finally penetrate the Beltways financial fantasyland.
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A trio of newcomers, led by a Bettendorf police officer, will take their seats on the Bettendorf School District board.

Andrew Champion, a member of the Bettendorf Police Department, was the top vote-getter with 1,483 in Tuesday's election. He was followed by Richard Lynch, 1,363, and Adam Holland, 1,308.

The men beat out incumbent Pepper Trahan, who had served one year as board president, and the district's former chief financial officer, Maxine McEnany.

Champion said the vote results tell him that the community is ready for change on the board. "The community wants these schools to be the best they can be," he said, adding that his work as a police officer adds to the accountability he provides to Bettendorf on a daily basis.

For his part, Lynch said the vote shows that the residents of the district want to leave past disagreements behind them, and look to the future. "I believe all three of the winners tonight will want to move the district in a positive direction," he said.

Holland said he appreciates all the support received. "I'm looking forward to getting started, and working with the other board members," he said. "Hopefully we can quickly adjust."

Davenport

Allison Beck was the tops for all the votes cast in the Davenport district, garnering 1,617. This surprised her, honored and thrilled her, she said.

"I'm looking forward to getting down to work, next week," she said. First on the agenda is to explore ways to change the state's school funding formula for Davenport, and other districts in Iowa.

Bruce Potts, a former teacher and principal in Davenport, and Clyde Mayfield, a retired firefighter and member of the family who owns Greatest Grains health food store, won the other two seats. Potts earned 1,446 votes, and Mayfield had 1,168.

The 42 years that he worked in Davenport helped him in the race, Potts said. When he answered questions in a board forum, he said he offered a certain knowledge base, from his background.

"I'm looking forward to this," Potts said. "I think we can do something about our enrollment loss if we let the world know what we do in our district."

Mayfield, who first won a seat on the board in a special election seven months ago, was re-elected Tuesday. "I'm really appreciative of having the community stand behind me," he said.

Mayfield, too, believes there must be change in the district to curb the years-long enrollment losses.

North Scott

Tracy Lindaman, a 1986 graduate of North Scott High School, who returned to Eldridge to raise her family, won her seat with 1,194 votes.

In second place was incumbent Donn Wilmott, 854 votes.

North Scott was the district with an upset for the third seat, as newcomer Mark Pratt edged out incumbent Nick Hansel, 682-643 votes.

"I'm so grateful for all the support I got from the community," Lindaman said. "I'm going to do my best, and I'm excited for the adventure ahead."

Lindaman admits she has a lot to learn as a board member, but said she also has "some things to bring to the table."

Also at North Scott, there were 69.47 percent of residents who approved renewing the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy. These funds are used, for example, to purchase buses, and capital items like Chromebooks for students in the classroom.

Pleasant Valley

Pleasant Valley is divided into districts, and the only race was in District 2, which is in LeClaire. In that, Brent Ayers, who is childcare director for the Scott County Family Y, defeated Deborah Kepple-Mamros, 87-27 votes.

Incumbents Chris Cournoyer and Jean Dickson were returned to offices. Cournoyer, District 1, won with 75 votes, while Dickson, District 7, earned 31 votes.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

There were no races for the board at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Davenport, but all four candidates were on the ballot.

Winners: Denise Hollenbeck, District 1, 277 votes; Milton Shaw, District 2, 430 votes; Lori Freudenberg, District 6, 301 votes and Jim Hayes, District 8, 163 votes.
Former Davenport Fire Chief Lynn Washburn's status continues to remain in limbo as the Davenport Civil Service Commission has requested more information before it determines if she has civil service rights and the opportunity to appeal her dismissal.

Civil service is the system that provides the framework to hire and promote employees and is determined through experience and passing testing exams.

The commission heard the jurisdictional matter during Wednesday's Civil Service Commission meeting, but with hearing arguments for the first time at the meeting, members requested both the city and Washburn's attorneys file briefs within two weeks before a decision is rendered.

Washburn was terminated from her position by City Administrator Corri Spiegel on July 27 after being placed on administrative leave earlier in the week.

Spiegel scheduled a pre-disciplinary meeting on the date of termination, but Washburn indicated she would not be able to attend because she would not be in town.

A memorandum from Spiegel placed in Washburn's personnel file then stated: "During my tenure, due to actions on her part including but not limited to those of today and the past several days, she demonstrated that she is unsuitable or unfit for continued employment."

Washburn filed notice of appeal after her termination on July 27, but the crux of the issues are her civil service status and rights to appeal.

Michael Carroll, the attorney representing Washburn, cited Iowa Code 400.13 which states that even if the police or fire chief is removed, the city is required to put them in a position commensurate with his or her experience, even if that requires creating a new position.

"It is Chief Washburn's position that her termination was improper, but assuming the city had a right to terminate her, it also has to appoint her to a new position even if it meant creating a new position," Carroll said.

Carroll also noted that Washburn was required to be placed on a certified list before her appointment to the chief's position.

Assistant City Attorney Brian Heyer argued that Iowa Code 400.13 and 400.14 needed to be read together and that by doing so, she did not have any civil service rights or the right to appeal.

"I believe the law is clear that Chief Washburn doesn't have a civil service right to appeal her discharge," Heyer said. "She is an at-will employee of the city administrator just like I am at-will."

Heyer cited a 1978 court case, LaPeters v. Cedar Rapids, in which the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that the city's public safety commissioner was the proper authority to terminate Police Chief Wallace LaPeters because he did not have any civil service status. The decision noted that within the position of chief, civil service status is not acquired and concurrence with the city council was not needed.

In the case of LaPeters, the court ruled that his firing was governed by Iowa Code 372.15, which allows for a public hearing before the City Council within 30 days.

Heyer also said that the obligation to find or create a position for Washburn was not valid because she was not appointed from within the department, but rather came from the Rockford (Illinois) Fire Department.

Carroll countered that the Code does not explicitly state that civil service status is acquired within the same department and said in her employment contract it did not state that she waived her civil service rights.

Commissioner DeShonda Davis-Locke questioned Heyer whether any consideration was given to creating a position for Washburn, but Heyer said it did not, given that the city maintains she has no civil service status.

As Davis-Locke asked to look into the Code more, Heyer began speaking over her.

"To look into more, meaning what?" Heyer asked. "Which is why you have to read the both sections together to make sense. 400.14 clearly says 'nothing herein shall be deemed to extend to such individual any civil service right upon which the individual may retain the position.'"

Davis-Locke then asked to see if there was any written communication with Washburn when the appeal was filed.

Human Resources Director Dawn Sherman said Finance Director and Assistant City Administrator Brandon Wright contacted Washburn by phone once the city had received the legal opinion from staff.

Carroll said that Washburn had requested and been denied documentation from the city about her rights, which was why it was the first time he had heard the city's legal interpretation.

With the commission seeking more information and time to digest the material, Carroll and the city's attorneys are required to submit briefs before the commission's next meeting.

"This is our first presentation about her discharge, let alone the rights that she has, so I would like more information and wouldn't mind that in the form of position papers or briefs from both sides," Commissioner John Bribriesco said.
The residents of Riverdale spoke, but the City Council did not listen.

The topic of approving a tax-increment financing district for Welch Family Farm has been a lightning rod for criticism and once again residents expressed their displeasure at Tuesday's Council meeting for what was about to come.

Prior to the meeting, protestors marched up and down City Hall property with yellow 8.5- by 11-inch pieces of paper with the words 'NO TIF' before packing Council Chambers with so many people that attendees spilled out into the hallway just to participate in the process.

Despite the public outcry against the TIF, which was objected to by the Scott County Board of Supervisors and the Pleasant Valley Community School District, the Riverdale City Council approved the creation of a TIF district and to enter into a development agreement with Woods Construction by a 4-1 vote.

Woods Construction intends to use the land for residential development.

The agreement itself still needs to be written, but the Council approved drafting it to include a maximum of $1.5 million in rebates.

"I think we're doing what we need to do and we've had a lot of information and I feel 100 percent confident in this," Councilwoman Linda Hupp said.

The process itself is not finished as the agreement still needs to be drafted and a public hearing will need to be held before an ordinance is enacted.

Before the discussion began, Mayor Sonya Paddock read a statement in which she said some residents feared for their safety if they supported the TIF, which drew incredulous looks and comments from the crowd.

For the vast majority in attendance, they let their displeasure known before and during the meeting, believing the City Council had let down its constituents.

Mark Griswold, a Riverdale resident who created the 'NO TIF' signs, frequently badgered Paddock and the Council with questions.

The interactions intensified to the point that Paddock threatened to have an officer throw him out of the meeting, to which Griswold told her to after he said his piece.

Besides asking why the meeting wasn't moved into a larger venue, former Mayor Jeff Grindle spoke against the TIF because of its impact on the school system and tax payers.

"We're not in a position where this financially is going to save us," Grindle said. "We're doing better than just about every little town in Iowa so there's no reason for that.

"Yeah, I'm against the TIF, and I don't believe we should be take money from the schools, the county, Scott County and Pleasant Valley. When the money is taken from them, you know what they do? They raise taxes and they will not lose one dime."

Neither the developer, Woods Construction, nor representatives of the Welch Family Farm were present, but Joanne Welch did send a letter into the city stating the farm wasn't large enough to support one family and did not justify investment for equipment.

Councilman Dean Halsey cast the lone dissenting vote against the TIF and at times held his face in his hands at what he was hearing.

Halsey said that moving forward with an agreement was premature, especially since the Council was going to discuss later whether to place a question on the ballot of whether the community wanted to see a TIF.

"I'm not that intelligent about this stuff and I kind of look to what other people tell me and so far, the pulse of what I've heard, except that we've been all through this, is people don't want this TIF," Halsey said. "I hate getting started on a project that there's going to be such bad vibes in the city."

The Council voted by a 3-2 margin to still hold that poll despite approving the TIF minutes before.

Hupp and Cheryl Channon cast the dissenting votes.

"It's not going to make one difference what that survey said to me because what I found, people don't understand this," Hupp said.
When Maria Bribriesco heard of President Donald Trump's plans to end a program that protects hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the county illegally as children, she sprang into action.

The retired attorney, who is deputy state director for League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, began calling everyone in her phone book and within hours of Trump's announcement last Tuesday, had the start of a new Quad-City group dedicated to addressing the plight of these young people who face deportation unless Congress acts.

"When President Trump punted the ball over to Congress, I said, 'OK, this is an opportunity,'" Bribriesco said. "He gave us six months. I am an optimist by nature. There's always been the question of whether DACA (the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program) is constitutional or not because it was created by executive order," she said.

The program was created under the Obama administration.

Now, those concerned about the issue need to pressure their Congressional representatives to turn DACA into law, to provide protection against deportation and to create a route to citizenship, Bribriesco said.

The new group is called the DACA QC Coalition, with representatives from the Catholic Diocese of Davenport, LULAC, One Human Family QCA, Progressive Action for the Common Good, QC-AIR (Quad-Cities Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees) and Quad-Cities Interfaith, a coalition of congregations and community groups.

The group is organizing a Peaceful Rally at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Esperanza Center, 335 5th Ave., Moline. The center is located in the Floreciente neighborhood in the former Ericcson School, operated by the Quad-Cities' Heritage Church with programs and meeting space for people in the area.

In addition to speakers and music, a key feature of the rally will be the distribution of pre-printed postcards stating support for Congressional action. Participants will be asked to sign the cards, then they will be collected and sent to representatives, Bribriesco said.

The group is printing 1,000 postcards, and is hoping for around 300 people at the rally to give them to, with the remainder to be distributed later.

"We want Congress to be bombarded with these postcards," she said.

The estimated 800,000 young undocumented immigrants affected by DACA nationwide are, for the most part, contributing members of society who work, raise families, go to church and pay taxes, Bribriesco said. For many, the United States is the only country they have ever known and they may not even speak Spanish, she said.

The number affected in Iowa is estimated at 2,800 and in Illinois is 42,000, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Representatives of the DACA QC Coalition were expected to meet Tuesday night at the diocesan headquarters to plan future action, perhaps a publicity campaign to inform the public about the "myths and realities" of the situation. This might include newspaper advertisements, letters to the editor of newspapers, presentations to groups and the distribution of flyers with bullet points.

"This is a window of opportunity," Bribriesco said of the next six months. "To look at it any other way is futile and full of anger and despair. This is a defining moment for our people, our country. We have six months. We can do it."
A good Wednesday to all. Another dose of exceptionally nice weather is on tap for the Quad-Cities with temperatures gradually rising into the upper 80s by the weekend. Here are the weather details from the National Weather Service.

1. Sunny and mild

Today will be sunny with a high near 82 degrees and a low around 55 degrees.

Thursday will be more of the same  sunny skies with a high near 85 degrees and a low around 60 degrees.

Friday will be sunny with a high near 87 degrees and a low around 65 degrees.

Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 87 degrees and a 40 percent chance of showers in the evening. The overnight low will be around 66 degrees.

2. Clinton police seek bank robbery suspect

The Clinton Police Department is asking the public's help in identifying a man they say robbed Sterling Federal Bank Monday.

At 9:26 a.m., police responded to the bank, 247 7th Ave. South, where a man had come in, demanded money and fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect is described as a clean-shaven white man, about 25-30 years old and 5-foot-7-inches to 5-foot-9-inches tall. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored jacket or hoodie, black pants and black shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 563-243-1458 or Clinton County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-883-8015.

3. American Pickers to film in Iowa, looking for rusty gold

Quad-Citians Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are returning to Iowa. They plan to film episodes of their hit TV series "American Pickers" throughout the region in October.

American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique picking on the History channel. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for Americas most valuable antiques.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items.

American Pickers is looking for Iowa leads and would love to explore Iowans' hidden treasures. Anyone with a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through are invited to contact the pickers at 855-OLD-RUST. Read more.

4. Daycare provider charged with child endangerment

A Davenport woman was arrested Tuesday after two infants in her care suffered injuries, according to police.

Amy Ellen Smith, whose last known address was in the 1700 block of Jersey Ridge Road, is charged with four counts of child endangerment, a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and one count of child endangerment causing serious injury, a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Smith will be arraigned Oct. 5. Read more.

5. Riverdale Council approves TIF for residential development

6. Changes today for traffic in downtown Moline

Construction work will change the way you navigate through downtown Moline beginning today.

 Crews will begin removing medians along 7th Avenue from 19th to 23rd streets, causing daily lane closures. Vehicles traveling west on 7th Avenue will be unable to make a left turn onto the I-74 on-ramp. A posted detour route will send westbound 7th Avenue traffic around the block to 18th Street, 6th Avenue, 19th Street and back to eastbound 7th Avenue to take the I-74 eastbound on-ramp. This detour is expected to last through mid-September.

 Additionally, 19th Street is closed for sewer work from 12th Avenue to 7th Avenue.

 Beginning the week of Sept. 25: The intersection of 7th Avenue and 19th Street will be closed until early December. Detour routes will steer vehicles away from the intersection. Work includes new pavement, curb and gutters.
The operating status of the Jonesboro and West Enfield biomass energy plants owned by Stored Solar LLC is uncertain, with three "known" lawsuits against the company, according to Professional Logging Contractors of Maine Executive Director Dana Doran. Two of the lawsuits involve logging contractors and one involves a maintenance company. In addition, company reports filed with the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) show a significant decline in energy output and biomass purchasing over the second quarter of this year. The company is seeking to have much of its MPUC reporting deemed confidential, and company representatives have consistently declined to comment in response to press inquiries.

Stored Solar has owned the two plants since October 2016, purchasing them from Covanta Energy. The company is one of two firms that have qualified to be recipients of $13.4 million in funding to assist the biomass industry that was approved by the legislature in 2016.

After its January start, the Jonesboro plant was placed offline temporarily in midMarch "due to a lack of biomass feedstock," stated Stored Solar Vice President William Harrington in a March 27 letter to the MPUC. Stored Solar's letter was in response to a March 22 MPUC letter requesting an update on the company's operations and financial status of the two plants because of an agreement between Stored Solar and Central Maine Power that utilizes state incentives to run the plants.

In order to qualify for the state funding incentives, Stored Solar agreed to terms including: employing in the first year of 42 inplant fulltime equivalent jobs, purchasing 500,000 tons of instate biomass and spending $2.5 million on capital expenditures. In the second year of the agreement Stored Solar would follow the first year but without the capital expenditure requirement.

As of March 24, the company reported to the MPUC that it had purchased 112,317 tons of biomass, hired 44 employees and paid $500,000 towards engineering and materials for facilities improvements. In a July 28 amended report the company stated that, in the second quarter, fulltime equivalent jobs had dropped from 43.57 to 35.38 and biomass purchases had dropped from 95,180 tons to 35,586 tons. The company had also purchased 24,531 tons for buildup at the restarting of the plants in 2017. Stored Solar's total biomass purchase through July 28 is 155,299 tons, meaning that, at seven months into the year, it had purchased 31% of the 500,000 tons it is obligated to buy.

Along with supporting the biomass industry in the state, the company had stated its plans to create cogeneration facilities at the plants through an investment partner, Synthesis Venture Fund Partners. If standalone biomass electricity generating plants, such as the two in Washington County, are able to create cogeneration utilization envisioned by Synthesis, they would meet the new requirements of the renewable energy credit marketplace.

However, Doran says, "As far as I know no fuel is being delivered to Jonesboro, and only one [logging] contractor is delivering to West Enfield." He qualifies, "But you would need to confirm with Stored Solar." When Stored Solar was contacted by telephone to comment on the status of the plants and answer other questions, Harrington responded by saying, "I really don't want to comment right now, but thank you for calling."

Doran's organization represents about 150 logging contractors in the state. When Stored Solar started generating power with its two plants from January through March, "there were about six [biomass suppliers] with contracts, but there were probably 20 contractors in total," Doran says. "There's been a major reduction in the amount of deliveries." He adds, "The January through March time frame had major issues with payment. To my knowledge all but one were made whole."

In the most recent period of April to August, Doran notes that there are hundreds of thousands of dollars of payments owed to contractors. Contractors supplying the Jonesboro plant were primarily from Washington and Hancock counties. Those supplying the West Enfield plant were primarily from Penobscot and northern Washington, southern Aroostook and parts of Piscataquis counties.

In the July 28 report to the MPUC, biomass deliveries show a significant decline from the first quarter's average of 31,700 tons and 1,007 loads per month to 11,862 tons and 391 loads per month during the second quarter. The West Enfield plant is shown to be producing about onethird less in energy output from the first quarter and the Jonesboro plant producing no energy.

In another indication of financial problems, the Bangor Daily News has reported that 2016 real estate taxes on the Jonesboro plant were owed to the Town of Jonesboro.

On July 26, Stored Solar filed with MPUC a motion "seeking protective treatment of certain information related to employees, vendors and planned investments." Stored Solar states in its motion that this information is confidential and could be harmful to the company if it were publicly disclosed.

"I don't know what's on the horizon" for Stored Solar, Doran says. With a decrease of biomass fuel being delivered, the health of the logging and biomass industries are in question. "We need these markets," Doran adds. "It's very unfortunate."
BELLE FOURCHE  The third penny sales tax has been set aside for the Black Hills Roundup Grounds and its time to put it to use to replace the existing bleachers that have been part of the Roundup Grounds since nearly the beginning of the rodeo in the 1920s according to the vision of Mayor Gloria Landphere. Its been talked about for several years she told the Public Works Committee and its time to go forward.

There are two issues that the mayor sees that need addressed as soon as possible. One is safety, the other insurance. If there is a safety problem, she pointed out, then there is an insurance problem. Plans need to be put in place to get this done, she said.

Landphere showed the committee members a comparison of total revenue generated by the city for 2015, 2016, and the year to date for 2017. The chart showed revenue, sales tax only, expenses, and the cash balance available. Presently, there is approximately $453,000 in the third penny cash balance fund.

I feel that we could live with the cash balance being $200,000 and some dollars, she said. New restrooms need to be done yet, so that will draw down on the $453,000 she pointed out.

However, she continued, since the Common Council decided to fund the rodeo grounds $200,000 for 2018 and with a balance left of somewhere around $200,000 in the third penny fund, the project toward putting in new bleachers seems one step closer. With those funds available, the city would not need to borrow as much for the $1.3 million venture.

We need to address these grandstands, she said.

She asked the committee what their opinion was and what options she should pursue.

City Engineer Dirk Hoffman said that he thought the entire project should be done, then the financing found.

Roundup Chairman Clay Crago said that he thought it would be cheaper to do it all right away.

Dallas Conner mentioned that if its not done now, it will cost seating in the future.

The final bid could be more or less, said Justin Tupper. The cost of teardown and finishing underneath the grandstand will add to the project, however, the Roundup Committee is willing to add their muscle to the project. He added that the High School Rodeo committee was on board.

The mayor added, Its been talked about and needs to be done.

The consensus of the committee was that the mayor should go forward with the project and search out financing. The mayor assured the group that she would have something substantial for the next Common Council meeting.

Following the discussion of the bleachers, the Public Works Committee heard from a concerned citizen regarding a water problem at his residence. John Fitzgerald explained to the committee that there is an issue with water seeping into his basement. He was informed by the city that he could not drain the water into the citys sewer system, but must drain it down the street gutter. He went on to say that last winter this caused some icing on the streets and that he wanted to be sure he was following city ordinance.

Hoffman and the committee chair James Ager assured him that as long as he was following the citys ordinances, he is doing what is required.

According to City Ordinance 13.12.170 that says No person(s) shall make connection of roof downspouts, foundation drains, areaway drains, or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater to a building sewer or building drain which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to a public sanitary sewer unless such connection is approved by the Director of Public Works or designee for purposes of disposal of polluted surface drainage Fitzgerald is compliant with the ordinance.

I wanted to do what is right, he said. Ager was confident he had done what was necessary.
NEWELL - All that is left in the last light of dusk on Monday afternoon, September 11, is a charred bunch of timber sticking up into the twilight at the former home of Ed and Lynette Culver of Newell.

The call went out in late afternoon to a structure fire on the northwest side of town and fire units from Newell, Vale and Nisland responded. Five units from Newell, and two each from Vale and Nisland fought the blaze which raised in intensity until Fire Chief Verl Tifft said they had to pull back a bit due to the extreme heat.

"The cause of the blaze is undetermined at this time pending further investigation," said Tifft. Also at the scene were two Butte County deputies and the Red Cross was called in to assist in immediate needs.

Culver barely got out of the house after waking to flames and smoke. He grabbed his dog and headed out the door, shoeless.

"It's pretty bad when your insurance agent calls you to tell you that your house is on fire," said Lynette Culver who was at work. "I have to give credit to the firefighters, though." Culver said once the blaze was tamped down the firefighters searched through the rubble and found Culver's purse so she had her driver's license and other important documents. She sat on the side of the road in her vehicle with her granddaughter and the family dog watching as the units worked throughout the late afternoon to extinguish the blaze.

"Red Cross has already been here," said Lynette. "They gave us a debit card to help with our immediate needs." The Culvers know that this is a giving community and efforts are already being made towards fundraisers to help the family.

Tifft said it will be some time before the cause of the blaze can be determined but it took the entire home as well as some outbuildings, two vehicles and the corner of a greenhouse that was not in use. A storage shed remained standing as the units wrapped things up and left the scene.
NEWELL - Members of the Newell School Board earned statewide recognition for their dedicated participation in activities, board development and training and demonstrated leadership at various areas and levels.

The Newell School Board earned a Gold Level award for their participation in the Associated School Boards of South Dakotas board recognition program: ALL, which stands for Act, Learn, Lead and honors the work of school boards striving to enhance their knowledge base of board work.

By participating in ASBSD activities, training opportunities and demonstrating leadership at the local, state and national level, school boards accumulated points throughout the 2016-17 school year to achieve an award level.

The Newell School Board is committed to their students, parents, staff and community and were pleased to honor and recognize their hard work and dedication, ASBSD Executive Director Wade Pogany said.

On Monday, September 11 at 6:30 p.m. a representative from ASBSD will honor the Newell School Board with the presentation of their ALL plaque and we invite you to join us in covering this as you see fit.

In the inaugural year of the program, nearly one-third of the total number of public school boards in South Dakota earned an ALL award through the variety of training, development and leadership opportunities.

Theres a very apparent pledge by the Newell School Board and school boards across the state to enhance public education in South Dakota, Pogany said.

ASBSD is a private, non-profit association representing more than 850 South Dakota school board members, the 149 school districts they govern and the students they serve.
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND AFB, TEXAS | Airmen and their families leasing or renting housing on or off the installation need to be aware of the importance of renters insurance.

Unforeseen fires, floods, theft or accidents can occur in anyones residence and Airmen need to understand the importance of protecting their families from financial hardship should such losses occur.

The Air Force strongly encourages all service members, whether they rent off base or in privatized housing, to purchase renters insurance to make sure valuable items can be replaced in case of loss due to unforeseen circumstances. Property managers will not be responsible for damages to personal property.

For service members living in privatized housing, DoD announced a policy change in December 2014 that removed the renters insurance portion of a service members Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH. As a result, the Air Force eliminated any rental insurance requirement from its privatized housing agreements.

The policy change doesnt negate current project obligations to provide renters insurance. It does, however, allow housing Project Owners the flexibility to independently decide if they will continue to provide renters insurance as part of a new or renewed lease. As a result, service members signing a lease to live in privatized homes may no longer be covered by Project Owner-provided renters insurance and should purchase renters insurance out of pocket, as their colleagues who live off base currently do.

AFCEC works with installation Housing Management Offices to ensure they provide information on not only the policy change but an understanding that renters insurance provides coverage for loss, damage, or destruction of property, said Col. Michael Beach, AFCEC Division Chief for Family Housing. Living without renters insurance can have a substantial impact on Airmen and their families, although Air Force does not require residents to carry renters insurance on their personal belongings, it is strongly encouraged.

Before purchasing renters insurance consider the following:

Know what the policy covers.

Most policies will cover the actual cash value or replacement cost of your personal belongings.

Know who the policy covers.

Renters insurance typically covers spouses and immediate family members who live with you. Some policies even cover dogs.

Know how much coverage you need.

A general policy may cover most of your belongings, but high-value items such as jewelry, expensive sports or musical equipment, and collectibles may need additional coverage based on appraisal amounts.

Buy from an insurer licensed to do business in your state.

If you are moving to a new location, verify with your insurer that your policy is valid at your new duty station.

Look for multi-line discounts. Purchasing renters insurance from a company you already have a policy with can save you money. Start with your car insurance provider, for example.

Shop around and compare prices.

Dont get more coverage than you need and ask for military discount options.

Ensure your policy meets any minimum coverage amounts your landlord or Project Owner may require.

Renters insurance is a smart and inexpensive investment. Prior to your next PCS or if you are currently living in on- or off-base housing, contact your local Housing Management Office by going to http://www.housing.af.mil/. The housing team can assist with contacting local insurance agents to review your personal needs.
Michels named chair of Lt. Gov. Assn.

PIERRE  Last month, Lt. Gov. Matt Michels was selected to serve as chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association during the organizations annual meeting in Nashville, TN.

As chair, Michels announced the groups initiative for the year would be to focus on connecting veterans with opportunities in the arts.

Now, in partnership with the Michael J Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home, the South Dakota Arts Council and Arts South Dakota, the Lieutenant Governors Office is working to design comprehensive arts residency programming for the State Veterans Home and community of Hot Springs. The veterans arts program will be designed around a central storytelling component and include professional artists-in-residence from all arts disciplines.

Im excited to begin working on this program, as are all of our partners, said Michels. Weve already developed a concept for the program, and it will take some time to get it designed and implemented. But this will be a wonderful investment to help our states honorable veterans share and celebrate their stories.

Arts South Dakota, funded entirely by donor contributions and grants, is a non-profit, non-partisan corporation whose primary purpose is to advance the arts in South Dakota through service, education and advocacy.

An office of the South Dakota Department of Tourism, the South Dakota Arts Councils mission is to provide grants and services to artists, arts organizations and schools across the state with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the state of South Dakota.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.
UPDATE: Crews continue efforts to suppress fire burning in Wind Cave National Park

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK  According to a press release from Wind Cave National Park issued at 5:17 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, firefighters continued their efforts to contain a 1,000 acre fire burning in the interior of Wind Cave National Park. The fire started in the northern region of the park and has been burning to the south, into the park, since it was first reported Monday afternoon. The fire is burning in steep, rocky terrain east of Highway 87 and south of road NPS 5.

Crews Wednesday worked on line construction to meet containment objectives on the east and west boundaries of the fire. At this time, there is 0% contained. Ground crews were aided with water drops from two heavy air tankers and a South Dakota Air National Guard Black Hawk helicopter.

Due to the increased complexity of the fire, a Type II incident management team is scheduled to assume management of the fire Thursday morning. This team is bringing logistical support, overhead resources, and additional hand crews.

Federal, state, and local crews assigned to the fire are from the National Park Service, Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota Division of Wildland Fire, Custer State Park, Nebraska National Forest, South Dakota Department of Corrections, Wyoming Department of Corrections, Boxelder Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, South Dakota Air National Guard, the Custer Ambulance Service, and various volunteer fire departments.

Currently the only closures are the northern segment of NPS 5 and all backcountry hiking trails north of Wind Cave Canyon. The park visitor center remains open with cave tours leaving from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the day.

Posted Wednesday morning, Sept. 13, 2017

UPDATE: As of Wednesday morning, Sept. 13, 2017, the Rankin Fire in Wind Cave is now at an estimated 1,000 acres with 0% containment and burning south. The fire was first reported on Monday, Sept. 11, at 1:57 p.m., near the northern border of Wind Cave National Park, where it meets Custer State Park along Hwy. 89.

Following is a press release from Wind Cave National Park, issued Tuesday evening:

Lightning Caused Fire Burning in Wind Cave National Park

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD  Firefighters from multiple agencies are working to contain a lightning caused fire in the northern part of Wind Cave National Park. The fire, first reported Monday afternoon, is burning east of Highway 87 and south of road NPS 5.

The fire is burning toward the south, in steep, rocky terrain fueled by grass and timber. A Type III incident management team is overseeing the work of approximately 85 firefighters and support staff.

Utilizing existing roads, trails, and a mow line to aid line construction and to provide for firefighter safety, crews Tuesday successfully conducted a burn-out operation. This operation increased the size of the burn from 300 acres to around 500 acres (now at an estimated 1,000 acres, as of Wednesday morning, Sept. 13). At this time, there is no estimate of the amount contained or controlled.

September and October are historically when we have the biggest fires in the park, said Park Superintendent Vidal Davila. We encourage everyone to be extra cautious with their outdoor activities due to the hot and dry conditions we are experiencing.

Federal, state, and local crews assigned to the fire are from the National Park Service, Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota Division of Wildland Fire, Custer State Park, Argyle Fire Department, Rapid City Fire Department, Nebraska National Forest, South Dakota Department of Corrections, Wyoming Department of Corrections, Boxelder Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, and the Custer Ambulance Service.

Currently the only closures are the northern segment of NPS 5 and all backcountry hiking trails north of Wind Cave Canyon. The park visitor center remains open with cave tours leaving from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the day.

Posted September 12, 2017, 6:14 p.m.

WIND CAVE  With strong winds pushing the smoke into the city of Hot Springs on Tuesday afternoon, crews continue to battle the Rankin Fire, located within the boundaries of Wind Cave National Park.

According to the latest report from Great Plains Fire Information, as of 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, the lightning-caused fire, which was reported at 1:57 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 11 south/southwest of Highland Creek Trailhead, had consumed as estimated 300 acres.

Despite crews working throughout the night on Sept. 11 burning out the southern portion of the fire (up to NPS 5 Road and the intersection with Hwy. 87), the fire is being reported at 0% containment thus far. The report stated that incident commander is concerned about the current south winds and crews are working now to secure the northern portions of the fire.

Federal, State, and local resources are on scene, including air attack.
PIERRE  The Build Dakota Scholarship Board has selected 285 students as recipients of the Build Dakota Scholarship for the 2017-18 school year.

The scholarships cover tuition and fees, books, equipment and other related program expenses for eligible programs within eight high-need industry areas at South Dakotas four technical institutes. Recipients were selected from a total of 1,028 applications.

The Build Dakota Scholarship is one way we are addressing our states workforce needs, Gov. Dennis Daugaard said. These students will help us fill employment gaps, and theyll be able to graduate and enter high-need fields debt free.

Area students awarded the scholarship include: Zachary Davis, Black Hawk, Diesel Technology; Wyatt McCoy, Belle Fourche, Heating and Cooling Technology; James Karrels, Sturgis, Land Surveying Technology; Gyles Madison , Sturgis, Practical Nursing; Dani Hersrud, Black Hawk, Surgical Technology; Naomi Peldo, Sturgis, Surgical Technology; Beau Stevens, Black Hawk, Medical Laboratory Technician; and Torie Trautman, Sturgis, Surgical Technology.

Applications for the 2018-19 school year open in January 2018. Find more information at builddakotascholarships.com.
Sandra Horsman and a small, but appreciative, crowd were able to give a group of Vietnam veterans a proper welcome home at the kickoff of the Sturgis Big Read Thursday.

Horsman, director of the VA Black Hill Health Care System, says she noticed something special about Sturgis when she and her husband moved to the Black Hills two years ago.

"This community and this state are so supportive of their veterans," she said.

She also said she appreciated the opportunity to thank the Vietnam veterans at the Sturgis Big Read kickoff event on Thursday. Horsman said it was time to offer a proper welcome-home for those who served.

So she invited all veterans in attendance to join her on stage. The entire crowd stood and gave the veterans an ovation.

Horsman, along with Teresa Forbes, public affairs officer, presented commemorative pins to 25 Vietnam War veterans who were present.

She said the VA Black Hills Healthcare System is a sponsor of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. The 50th anniversary commemoration is a chance to thank and honor the nations Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, she said.

The Vietnam War Commemoration began with the presidential inaugural event at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. on Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, and concludes on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025, by presidential proclamation.

Horsman, whose father served during the Vietnam War, said sadly there was a time when bands, parades and cheering crowds were not the welcome-home that troops received.

"Today we have the opportunity to correct the inexcusable homecoming for many of our Vietnam veterans. Because I am the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, this stikes a deep chord within me," she said.

Horsman said this commemoration marks the second chance for proud Americans to do it right.

"We can't erase the hurt that the returning service members felt when their friends and neighbors shouted, spat on them or simply ignored their return from service, but we can give them the proper welcome home today, shake their hands, look them in the eye and truly thank them for their sacrifice."

The 50th anniversary commemoration will take place over 13 years because that is the length of time the Americans served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.

"Now, our entire nation is involved in remembering and reflecting on the legacy of the Vietnam War," she said.

Collaborating since the summer of 2016, Sturgis Big Read Community Committee hosted the Sturgis Big Read Kickoff and Book Distribution at Harley-Davidson Rally Point .

Dedi LaRue, Sturgis Arts Council, opened the ceremony followed by the Sturgis Post 33 Honor Guard, Ken Sabers and Darrell Pulscher posting the colors. The Sturgis Area Arts Council with the Sturgis Public Library and Chamber of Commerce all collaborated with community leaders and veterans to create a series of programs on the Vietnam War and veterans that served during it.

The series centers around a novel titled "The Things They Carried," by Tim O'Brien, whose own tour of duty in Vietnam served as the inspiration for the book. All in attendance received a free copy of the book and were encouraged to return it to the library after reading the story so others can also enjoy the book. Author Tim OBrien will be in Sturgis on Friday, Sept. 22 at the Sturgis Community Center at 6 p.m. for a reception and at 7 p.m. for a presentation in the theater.

On Thursday, Kathy Dykstra, Sturgis Childrens Librarian, and Charlie Nonhof handed out puzzle pieces and asked everyone to take one and draw "what peace means to me" and then it will be displayed in the library. Kate Fjelstad sang and played the guitar during the event.

Screening of the Vietnam War was presented in a 17-minute preview. The series will be shown on South Dakota Public TV beginning Sunday, Sept. 17 and is a 10-day series.

Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen thanked the crowd on hand for showing up for what he called "a wonderful event."

"I want to thank all the organizations and volunteers that put this event together," he said.

He commended the Sturgis Area Arts Council for bringing culture to the community.

"All the hours and all the effort put into this help to make our community a better place," he said.

Members of the Sturgis Big Read Committee are: Dorothy Pulscher - Sturgis Area Arts Council, Julie Moore Peterson - Sturgis Public Library, Heidi Mayer Kruse - Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce - Meade School District, Anne Bodman - Area Storyteller / Community Member, Jerry Lolley - Vietnam Veteran, Keith Marshall - Vietnam Veteran, Dick Turnwall - Vietnam Veteran, John Price - Vietnam Veteran, Justine Burgraff - Sturgis Center for the Arts, Francie Ganje - Homeslice Media Group / KBHB Radio, Deb Holland - Meade County Times, Jane Abernathy - Piedmont Public Library, Francie Ruebel Alberts - Sturgis Area Arts Council, Roxie Chowen - Sturgis Center for the Arts, Sylvia DeJarlais - Community Member and Dedi LaRue - Sturgis Arts Council.
STURGIS - The Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau has announced the hiring of Alexis (Lemmel) Nasser as its new executive director.

The new executive director will technically be a city employee, but will answer to the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Currently, the chamber receives approximately one third of the tourism sales tax collected by the city. In order to attract a high caliber candidate to serve the members, the chamber board requested that the city employ Nasser with city benefits as a portion of the chambers annual allocation.

"The chamber did look at what it would cost to have a medical insurance policy and retirement plan independently for that new employee and given that they have an incredibly small staff it was really cost prohibitive," Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie told city council members at last week's meeting.

So, in hopes of getting a large pool of candidates for the chamber director position, the city agreed to provide its benefit package.

"The only way to do that was to have the executive director be an employee of the city," he said.

Nassar will receive an independent employment contract that details that she is a city employee and is subject to all the personnel policies of a city employee and is responsible in not only reporting to city hierarchy, but also to the chamber board of directors, Ainslie said.

Sturgis City Council member David Martinson, who serves as the council's representative on the chamber board, said he wanted to clarify the chamber director's chain of command.

"Even though that person is officially a city employee, they will still report to and be responsible to the chamber board," he said. "When it comes right down to it, they will be getting their orders from the board. I feel this is a very good partnership between the chamber and the city. It will be very beneficial to the chamber and business community in the long run."

The chamber director's salary, total employment benefits as well as FICA is all rolled into one package and reduced from what the city would otherwise be paying to the chamber on an annual basis. Currently the fund from the city provides $112,000 to the chamber.

"The total cost of that position will be reduced from what we are paying the chamber in 2018," Ainslie said.

Nasser is currently serving as the Marketing & Communications Specialist at the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. She is a graduate of Black Hills State University with a bachelor of science degree in business administration and marketing. Nasser is also a graduate of Sturgis Brown High School.

Ms. Nassers experience with social media, member outreach, and marketing as well as her experience with large events like Kool Deadwood Nights and Deadwood Jam makes her uniquely qualified to lead the Sturgis Chamber, said Heidi Richter, President of the Chambers Board of Directors.

Nasser said: I am extremely excited that I can return to work in this unique, rural town and help Sturgis grow and prosper. I am honored to have been given the opportunity to aid in uniting and leading Sturgis to thrive both economically and socially.

Nasser will start Monday, Sept. 25.

The chamber invites its members and the Sturgis community to a welcome reception for Nasser from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 at the chamber office.
NEW UNDERWOOD | Nathan Rambo climbed a 100-foot tower north of here Tuesday and went inside an object resembling a giant Ping-Pong ball.

"You don't want to run into birds up here, they will scare the heck out of you," he quipped.

As an electronics technician for the National Weather Service, it's Rambo's job to perform maintenance on the weather radar tower. At least once every three months, he climbs the steel staircase and makes his way into the giant white ball above the surrounding farmland.

This week, Rambo is working at a small outbuilding just below the tower with two technicians from a Nevada-based company to make sure this radar station has a long life ahead of it. The radar tower gives an accurate picture of incoming weather, from Gillette, Wyo., to Chamberlain, S.D.

The maintenance project, called the Service Life Extension Program, is part of a $150 million, seven-year joint endeavor by the NOAA National Weather Service, the U.S. Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration to refurbish the 159 weather radars across the country. The tower outside New Underwood is the first in the state to receive the upgrade.

"This radar is 20 years old and it can go for another 20 years, but it just needs some upgrades," Rambo said. "As opposed to going out and purchasing a new radar, this will save the government a lot of money."

The weather service radar system is vital to being able to predict severe weather before it strikes. One example Rambo mentioned was giving people advance notice in the case of a flash flood.

"We can see not only the storms coming in, but we can see how much rainfall is going to hit an area," Rambo said.

The data the radar collects is used to issue tornado warnings in the summer and spring, and blizzard warnings in the winter.

Inside the small outbuilding Tuesday morning, the technicians opened up a large electrical box and rewired the unit. Red labels are plastered all over the tan box with warnings for high voltage, gamma rays and radiation.

"This thing will kill if you aren't careful," Rambo said with a laugh. "Even though we have the power off to the unit, we still follow strict safety measures."

The technicians worked on replacing old breakers and cables with new ones. The rewiring is the second phase of the Service Life Extension Program, which is expected to be completed by 2022 at all 159 weather radars nationwide

While the crew is working this week, the New Underwood radar station won't be operational, but others in Nebraska and Wyoming will be able to cover the area.

"We will still be covered if a thunderstorm pops up this week," Rambo said.

He expects the radar to be up and running again by Friday.
Editor's note: This is the third in a four-part series on the candidates for governor of South Dakota.

Kristi Noem is South Dakotas one member in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor in 2018.

Why shes running: When Noem defeated U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin in 2010, Noem made a promise. I said I wouldnt be in (Washington) D.C. in 10 years, she recalled Friday.

She had already made the decision she wouldnt seek re-election to the House after 2016. Last November, three days after winning the House seat again, Noem received a phone call.

The message: If Noem wanted to transfer funds left from the U.S. House contest into a state account for governor, she had two days under federal regulations to get it done.

At 4:59 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2016, Noem filed the organization paperwork for Kristi for Governor. That same afternoon, the Kristi for Congress account shifted $1.6 million to the governor account.

By Dec. 31, Kristi for Governor accumulated had $1,834,259 and spent $27,124, according to the year-end report for 2016 activities filed Feb. 6.

Noem was, as her slogan says, all in. I believe governors races are about experience  who has the background to hit the ground running, she said.

Born in 1971, Kristi was one of four children of Ron and Corrine Arnold. They farmed and ranched in rural Hamlin County. She won the South Dakota Snow Queen pageant and went to Northern State University.

She married Bryon Noem at age 20. Two years later, her father died in a farm machinery accident. She left college and went home to work on about 10,000 acres.

Under deep debt from taxes on her fathers estate, the family started a hunting lodge. Kristi took on more duties working at a restaurant that her mother ran. Bryon opened an insurance agency where Kristi helped too.

Noem said those experiences helped form her. In 2006, she won election to the state House of Representatives, and re-election in 2008. That was significant, too, she said.

I think its important for a governor to know how legislators feel and what its like to take votes, she said.

Noem won a three-candidate primary election in June 2010 for the Republican nomination for the U.S. House seat. In the November general election she beat Herseth Sandlin, a Democrat and a four-term incumbent.

The tally: Noem, 153,703 votes, Herseth Sandlin, 146,589 and independent Thomas Marking, 19,134. Noem won 36 counties. Herseth Sandlin swept all 66 two years earlier.

Noem has won re-election three times since. Midway through she accepted a seat on the House Ways and Means Committee, which she said meets daily and is where 80 percent of the Houses work occurs. Its very intense, she said.

She said the House has passed 270 pieces of legislation to the Senate so far this year. But after 2018, shes walking away.

I was coming home anyway, Noem said. I think I have something to offer the state.

How shes organized her campaign: Noem said that 10 to 12 weeks before the June 2018 primary shell focus, week by week, on specific topics.

People will know what Im doing, she said. There will be no doubt when people vote on primary day. I think people deserve that.

She added, The priority is my job in D.C. right now.

Her first legislative session as governor would feature ideas such as pre-selection of development sites and tying aid with skills  the quickest way to turn our budget around.

How shes raising money: Its going great, she said.

Visits to South Dakota are scheduled months ahead. That doesnt allow much for campaign appearances.

The day before, she attended congressional events in Watertown, Webster and Aberdeen. She jammed in an Aberdeen campaign fundraiser that evening.

How she plans to pick her lieutenant governor: It has to be somebody I can trust, she said. We do have some tough decisions to make.

How she greets people: Noem was a natural at listening and helping others relax. Id rather run on my merits, she said.
A judge has thrown out a lawsuit that challenged voting by absentee ballot in Detroit, saying a Republican candidate for secretary of state failed to produce any evidence of violations. Wayne County Judge Tim Kenny says critics have raised a red flag of election law wrongdoing. But Kenny says his ruling takes down that flag. Kristina Karamo and others sued to try to force Detroit voters to vote in person or go to the city clerks office to get an absentee ballot. They made a variety of allegations about how Detroit reviews signatures on absentee ballots and monitors ballot drop-off boxes. The judge says they failed dramatically to back up any of it.
Sberbank files claim to charge JFC ex-CEO Kekhman with subsidiary liability

MOSCOW, September 13 (RAPSI)  Sberbank has filed a claim with the Commercial Court of St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region seeking to impose subsidiary liability on ex-CEO of JFC Group Vladimir Kekhman, RAPSI learnt in the court on Wednesday.

During the audit of JFC, a company currently undergoing bankruptcy procedure, its temporary manager found out that the company was unprofitable from 2012 to 2015. Kekhman, acting as a head of JFC, allegedly conducted unprofitable business on purpose, abusing his power and causing damage to the company.

This damage allegedly prevented JFC from repaying debts to creditors making Kekhman legible for being brought to subsidiary responsibility. Overall, the companys losses are estimated at 4 billion rubles ($69.5 million).

Earlier, the court extended JFCs bankruptcy procedure by three months.

According to court records, on April 27, overall sum of creditor demands against the head company of the JFC group, largest importer of fruits in Russia, reached 18.2 billion rubles (about $316.5 million).

In September 2015, the court found Kekhmans company bankrupt.

In July 2016, Kekhman himself was found bankrupt under the application of Sberbank.

On July 21 of the same year, a court in St. Petersburg dismissed a petition lodged by Kekhman seeking the recognition of Londons High Courts judgment declaring him bankrupt. Kekhmans financial executive Mikhail Bologov, Russias Federal Tax Service, Sberbank, Rosbank, Promsvyazbank, Raiffeisenbank, UniCredit Bank, Aquamarine Company and Pulkovo Trade Company are named as interested parties in the dispute.

A representative of Kekhman claimed during the bankruptcy hearings that the former head of JFC had no obligations before Sberbank because he had already been declared bankrupt by The High Court of Justice of England in 2012, and Sberbank received its share from sales of Kekhmans property. A representative of Sberbank, on the other hand, claimed that the bank was not involved in the process and did not receive any compensation. According to the Sberbanks representative, the bank had rulings of several Russian courts on debt recovery from Kekhman.

Nevertheless, Kekhmans lawyer insisted that the ruling of The High Court of Justice of England had been recognized by Sberbank and was to be complied with in Russia.

In its ruling, the court pointed out that in the absence of international treaties, entered into by the Russian Federation, decisions on bankruptcies taken in foreign jurisdictions were to be recognized in Russia only on the reciprocity basis unless otherwise stipulated by federal laws. At present, the court stressed, the Russian Federation was not a party in any international treaty on bankruptcy issues.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has closed Lake Frances near Valier in Pondera County for public safety while crews use the lake water to fight several fires on the Rocky Mountain Front.

The wildfires burning in the area are the Scalp, Strawberry and Crucifixion fires.

The closure applies to all recreation, such as boating, swimming, wading and fishing, so that aircraft crews can safely operate as they dip water from the lake.

The closure will be in place until fire crews no longer need to use the lake for suppression efforts. For up-to-date information on the closure and restrictions related to drought and fire, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/ or call the FWP office in Great Falls at 406-454-5840.
Years of determination led to the coronation of this years Miss Rockin RC Rodeo Queen.

Morgan Bolin said shes been riding horses since she learned how to walk. She rode with the Bitterroot Mountettes for seven years, and riding horses is her passion. Bolin said she decided to run for rodeo queen this year as practice for future pageants and was glad to have help from Liz Roberts.

Ive always looked up to the queens and the princesses and the little misses, Bolin said. Ive been looking forward to riding as the rodeo queen forever. It was really fun to be able to show everybody that I can represent Ravalli County right.

Bolin grew up in Stevensville and now lives in Victor, where she and her brother help take care of their mother. Looking forward, she said she hopes to become an actress and a model, but also that she thinks shell run for Miss Rodeo Montana and maybe even Miss Rodeo America one day.

Riding is not everything, but its the thing I love, Bolin said. If we didnt have cars, i would love to ride my horse to work every day.

Bolin said that getting crowned the rodeo queen and getting to support Ravalli County is a huge honor.

Its great to have little girls look up to me. Bolin said. I wanted to show the girls how to handle a horse, this big animal, in calm and respectful manner. They can push their minds to be a rodeo queen, it doesnt matter which horse you ride.
Media Arts in the Public Schools, aka the MAPS Media Institute, is hosting a community open house 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, as they gear up for year 14.

Everyone is welcome, said Clare Ann Harff, executive director. Come meet the MAPS staff, instructors. Check out the studios, including our new Apple and PC computers and learn more about our excellent programming.

MAPS Media Institutes free-of-charge after-school classes begin Monday, Sept. 18.

MAPS staff presents a rigorous, hands-on program to teach a love of learning, and build self-confidence and life skills. The program offers students the opportunity to learn critical thinking, innovation, communication, teamwork, problem solving and leadership.

The classes are related to the film industry in the areas of design, film, music, technology and entrepreneurship.

This year MAPS will continue to have Sarah Jones with AmeriCorps VISTA, developing MAPS Works: Connecting Community Through Media Arts.

Harff said the MAPS programs just completed an eight-minute mini-documentary about after-school programs in Montana.

We just wrapped up this four-month project documenting the importance of after-school programs, especially in rural areas, she said. This is the largest project our team has ever wrangled. We are also creating a 30-second commercial for the Montana Afterschool Alliance as part of this project.

More than 20 MAPS students assisted in the production and editing of the After School Programs project that began last March. Film Instructor Dru Carr directed students as they documented stories in Boulder, Butte, Hot Springs and in Harlem on the Fort Betknap Reservations.

Montana's after-school programs are gems, Harff said. This short film highlights some of these outstanding programs, and explains how after-school programs enhance a student's whole education, as well as nourishes entire communities.

After-school programs around Montana benefit from the federal 21st Century program funding, administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

Keeping these funds coming into the state ensures that Montana's after-school programs remain strong and vibrant, Harff said.

For more information, visit mapsmediainstitute.com or stop in at local high school offices for an application. MAPS is located at 515 Madison in Hamilton. Call Clare Ann Harff at 406-381-7230 for directions or more information.
Stevensville Fire Department hosted a moving memorial service Monday to honor police, firefighters and civilians who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, in the terrorist attack on our country.

Although emergency vehicles drove the length of Main Street with their lights flashing, the procession did not draw a crowd. Fewer than 20 community members attended the service, with eight American Legion color guard, and 16 firemen and police officers.

Over the years that we have been doing this event we have seen the attendance decrease and increase depending on the year, and we see different demographics attend too, said Brandon Dewey, administrative assistant and event organizer. Its not necessarily important that the events are well attended, but whats important is that our community remembers the sacrifices that so many fellow Americans made on Sept. 11, and the risks that our emergency responders and armed forces take every day to keep us safe and prevent the worst in humanity.

Dewey said he expects the Stevensville memorial program to change and adapt as the audience does.

Those who were small children on the day of the attacks are now entering adulthood and dont remember 9/11 the way that most of our society remembers it, he said. Well have to start gearing our memorials toward educating people on what the event means to us and how it changed the world.

Fire Chief Jeff Motley gave a welcome and American Legion Post 94 posted the colors.

Rather than read the list of the names of the 2,977 people who died in the attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, Police Chief James Marble played a video he created with the names and photographs of officers who responded and died, accompanied by the sounds of the emergency band radio traffic in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001.

He included the names and photos of the officers who have died due to illness directly related to that day.

Marble said he was a young officer just two years into serving his community when the event happened.

I think it had a profound effect on everybody, he said. Everybody in law enforcement was thinking of what those officers did and their sacrifices. When you look back you see their risks and that they kept going, knowing they could succumb to the event.

Marble said he admires the actions of emergency responders to the World Trade Center.

Im amazed at the courage they had to be able to run into that building to protect and save people, he said. One officer kept entering and bringing people to safety. He ended up dying in the collapse of the first tower but even though he had so much fatigue and saw despair, injury and death he kept pushing through.

Marble said taking time for the memorial is important to the community, the brotherhood of police and firefighters, and the next generation.

People forget what this is about, he said. I think it is incumbent on us to teach the younger generation so that it is not forgotten. I experienced a full gambit of emotions  anger and sorrow  and so many felt the same way.

On Monday as the video played, Stevensville fire fighters stood in front the ladder truck. Many had tears streaming down their faces  obviously moved by the radio chatter, recollections, and loss of 16 years ago.

Former Fire Chief Bill Perrin, Brandon Dewey and Bo Thola (captain) read the names of fire fighters that perished.

Fire Cadet Kevin Clinnin read The Last Alarm with a ceremony to recognize the 200-year old tradition that reflects the honor and respect of the ringing of the bell: three rings for the end of duties or a mournful tolling when a comrade died.

To those who have selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow man, their tasks completed, their duties well done, to our comrades, their last alarm, they are going home, Clinnin said.

A moment of silence was followed by bagpiper Mike Langston.
by Lou Gathany for AL.com

Sometimes opportunity can fall into your lap if you are open to taking on a project. In October 1989 Joy Roussell and her husband Lawrence were living in Town Creek, Alabama, when they received a call from Don Kennedy, of Don Kennedy house moving fame.

He had a disassembled log cabin on one of his trucks and needed a place to off-load this piece of history. Roussell and her husband had prior experience with moving and assembling a log cabin, but hadn't planned on taking on another one.

However, when she got home from work there was a pile of logs in her yard. They soon recognized a major problem; Kennedy had been in such a hurry to get the cabin moved, he had not numbered the logs.

And this was not just any log cabin. After much research with the Lynchburg Historical Society, Joy discovered the cabin had a rich history. It was the cabin of D. H. Call, a Lutheran preacher, shopkeeper and whiskey seller. D. H. Call and his wife had their first of 16 children (4 of whom died as babies) when they took in 7-year-old Jack Daniel to work in the shop, care for the farm animals and help a slave named Nearest Green distill whiskey on Louse Creek near Mulberry, Tennessee.

Young Jack Daniel was a good student and carefully learned from Nearest Green the craft of producing a fine whiskey, a very good sell in the Lutheran preacher's store. The day came when the Lutheran hierarchy frowned on this practice and D.H. Call sold the still to a teenage Jack Daniel.

The Roussells decided to erect the cabin on land they owned on Smith Lake in Double Springs, Ala. They went to Lawrenceburg, Tenn., seeking help from the Amish men of the area. However, Joy said she was told the Amish have a rule that their workers can travel only as far as they can go in buggies, put in a day's work and be home before sundown.

They recommended a neighbor named Michael Gavin at The Farm, the nearby utopian "hippy" community who was known for erecting post and beam structures, she said. Gavin agreed to help and figured out how to reassemble the cabin and organized a crew from The Farm to put it back together at Smith Lake.

So that is how the D. H. Call cabin where Jack Daniel grew up came to sit on Smith Lake. By June of 1994 the cabin was livable and the Roussells decided to use it as a vacation spot.

But after two weeks vacationing there, Joy Roussell said, they did not want to go back to the house in Town Creek. The couple loved the little two-bedroom cabin so much that they decided to live there and "add on" an adjoining home to the log cabin.

Today the original cabin is clad in gray cedar siding for the sake of maintenance. But open the door and you are instantly greeted by the 1800s. It is a primitive yet comfortable space.

The attached "add-on" house completed in 1996 is more modern and comfortable as well. With 135 feet of water lakefront, an RV shed and other conveniences, this property and its setting is definitely unique. It really is a cool space.

This Cool Space and piece of history is listed for sale and serious buyers may view the listing by clicking here.
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Education Reporter

Mathew Burciaga is a Santa Maria Times reporter who covers education, agriculture and public safety. Prior to joining the Times, Mathew ran a 114-year-old community newspaper in Wyoming. He owns more than 40 pairs of crazy socks from across the globe.
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Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 58F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low around 40F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph.
 Encouraging new crime data from two big US cities | Main | Charleston Church shooter Dylann Roof slated to plead guilty to state charges to avoid second capital trial 

April 2, 2017

"Briefing the Supreme Court: Promoting Science or Myth?"

The title of this post is the title of this new timely essay authored by Melissa Hamilton now available via SSRN. Here is the abstract:

The United States Supreme Court is considering Packingham v. North Carolina, a case testing the constitutionality of a ban on the use of social networking sites by registered sex offenders. An issue that has arisen in the case is the states justification for the ban. North Carolina and thirteen other states represented in a friend of the court brief make three claims concerning the risk of registered sex offenders: (1) sex offenders have a notoriously high rate of sexual recidivism; (2) sex offenders are typically crossover offenders in having both adult and child victims; and (3) sexual predators commonly use social networking sites to lure children for sexual exploitation purposes. The collective states contend that these three claims are supported by scientific evidence and common sense. This Essay explores the reliability of the scientific studies cited in the briefings considering the heteregenous group of registered sex offenders to whom the social networking ban is targeted.

April 2, 2017 at 02:53 PM | Permalink

Comments

Misconstrued scientific evidence taken out of context from a very old Psychology Today magazine. That's their evidence.

As for the common sense, if they support the ban, they have none.



Posted by: kat | Apr 3, 2017 10:24:13 AM

As I mentioned in a previous post (labeled "helpful by Joe), the "justification" seems almost entirely besides the point. Having the basic liberty of one's speech being seriously restricted (or even conditioned) IS punishment under any rational understanding of the term. Thus, to the extent it is ex post facto, it is unconstitutional.

In my view, to even entertain "balancing tests" etc. is to subscribe to the same perniciousness that gave us the four dissents in CU--a case which, I might add, tested whether the federal government could criminalize political speech. It never ceases to amaze me how those who want to take up the cudgel for scum like Packingham don't give a hoot about the free speech rights of the rest of us.

Posted by: federalist | Apr 3, 2017 2:22:10 PM

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 Wishing for comparable efforts to contest severity in light of legal attacks on leniency of Arpaio pardon | Main | So much to read about so many elements of the opioid epidemic 

September 12, 2017

New op-ed and op-doc from New York Times takes on "A Frightening Myth About Sex Offenders"

David Feige has a new op-ed and a short video documentary unpacking and attacking the notion that sex offender recidivism rates are extraordinarily high. This op-ed is headlined "When Junk Science About Sex Offenders Infects the Supreme Court," and this op-doc is titled "A Frightening Myth About Sex Offenders." Here is how the op-ed starts and ends:

This month the Supreme Court will have a rare opportunity to correct a flawed doctrine that for the past two decades has relied on junk social science to justify punishing more than 800,000 Americans. Two cases that the court could review concern people on the sex offender registry and the kinds of government control that can constitutionally be imposed upon them. In Snyder v. Doe, the court could consider whether Michigans broad scheme of regulating sex offenders constitutes punishment. The other case, Karsjens v. Piper, examines the constitutionality of Minnesotas policy of detaining sex offenders forever  not for what theyve done, but for what they might do. And while the idea of indefinite preventive detention might sound un-American or something out of the film Minority Report, the larger problem is that civil commitment, like hundreds of other regulations imposed on those required to register, has been justified by assertions about the recidivism of sex offenders. But those assertions turn out to be entirely belied by science. For the past 24 years, Minnesota has detained sex offenders released from prison in a therapeutic program conveniently located on the grounds of a maximum-security prison in Moose Lake. The patients are kept in locked cells, transported outside the facility in handcuffs and leg irons, and subjected to a regimen that looks, sounds and smells just like that of the prison it is adjacent to. But unlike prison, this therapeutic program, which aims to teach the patients to control their sexual impulses and was initially designed to last from two to four years, has no fixed end date. Rather, program administrators decide which patients are safe enough to release. In the 24 years it has existed, not a single patient has ever been fully released. There are now about 850 people in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program, some with no adult criminal record, and others who, despite having completed every single program ever offered at the facility, have remained civilly committed for over 20 years. While civil commitment is perhaps the most extreme example of punishments imposed on people convicted of sex crimes, it is by no means the only one. Driven by a pervasive fear of sexual predators, and facing no discernible opposition, politicians have become evermore inventive in dreaming up ways to corral and marginalize those forced to register  a category which itself has expanded radically and come to include those convicted of sexting, having consensual sex with non-minor teenagers or even urinating in public. These sanctions include being forced to wear (and pay for) GPS monitoring and being banned from parks, and draconian residency restrictions that sometimes lead to homelessness. In addition, punishments can include, on pain of re-incarceration, undergoing interrogations using a penile plethysmograph, a device used to measure sexual arousal. They have also included requirements that those on the registry refrain from being alone with children (often including their own) and barred from holding certain jobs, like being a volunteer firefighter or driving an ice cream truck. And when these restrictions have been challenged in court, judge after judge has justified them based on a Supreme Court doctrine that allows such restrictions, thanks to the frightening and high recidivism rate ascribed to sex offenders  a rate the court has pegged as high as 80 percent. The problem is this: The 80 percent recidivism rate is an entirely invented number.... Now more than ever, Americans should be able to look to our highest court and expect decisions that are based on reason and grounded in science rather than fear. The court must rule wisely and bravely, including being willing to acknowledge its mistake and finally correct the record. More than 800,000 Americans have needlessly suffered humiliation, ostracism, banishment re-incarceration and civil commitment thanks to a judicial opinion grounded in an unsourced, unscientific study. Simple decency and perhaps more important, intellectual honesty demands better.

A few prior recent related posts:

September 12, 2017 at 08:11 PM | Permalink

Comments

See also Commonwealth vs Muniz, in Pennsylvania, which may get appealed to SCOTUS. And Commonwealth vs Reed, also in Pennsylvania was just decided I believe based on Muniz.

Posted by: Salmon | Sep 12, 2017 8:15:05 PM

Also Millard vs Rankin, just decided in Colorado. Yet another as applied challenge decision that registry is punitive.

Posted by: Salmon | Sep 12, 2017 9:10:04 PM

Regulatory quackery should be criminalized. Regulators promoting ineffective or harmful regulations should see prison time with sentencing guidelines of white collar crime.

Posted by: David Behar | Sep 13, 2017 9:48:40 AM

I am surprised that no major Attica-like uprising has occurred at Moose Lake Civil Commitment Center. If these ex-convicts have no hope of release, what incentive to they have to behave themselves before staff and corrections officers? To put it another way, what would these detainees have to lose by taking hostages among the staff, or even in killing the custodial staff, for that matter? It seems the worse they would have to fear is another life sentence at a real prison with conditions no worse than the ones they have to contend with at Moose Lake? Do they choose only submissive inmates for the Moose Lake program so as to avoid any militant or violent gang-member type in civil commitment? The program is almost 25 years old which surprises me that no major flare up has occurred there like Attica in 1971.

As for major restrictions for former sex offenders not in civil commitment, those restrictions could put law enforcement personnel at extra risk to their own safety if former sex offenders decide to take revenge against their restrictions. I could imagine two scenarios where enforcing these laws could endanger a law enforcement officer without contributing one bit to the public safety. Scenario one I call the accidental killing where a sex offender at his or home mistakes a police officer for a burglar or a vigilante and decides to invoke the "stand your ground" response of killing whom they thought was an intruder only to learn that it was a police or parole officer they killed. Scenario two would be the deliberate killing where a former sex offender who has become extremely bitter over the restrictions that he or she decides to take revenge by either booby-trapping his or her home or in stalking individual officers.

These pragmatic reasons for abolishing civil commitment and other restrictions deserve equal heeding as other reasons for repeal.

Posted by: william r. delzell | Sep 13, 2017 9:49:19 AM

Time to dissolve the registry.

Posted by: kat | Sep 13, 2017 10:38:04 AM

There's a reason why there has not been an uprising at Moose Lake or Coalinga, California or anywhere else sex offenders are illegally held beyond their terms of imprisonment: sex offenders are, overwhelmingly, passive and non-violent, contrary to all of the images held of them in the popular imagination. I've been advocating, from the outside for Coalinga "Hosprisoners" for well over a decade now and am continuously frustrated at their unwillingness to organize and fight for their own rights.

It's why there hasn't been prison uprisings of sex offenders or sex offenders going "postal" in the face of extraordinary injustice, taking down D.A.'s and judges despite the opportunities.

Ask anyone who works with these populations and they will tell you that sex offenders are overwhelmingly compliant and unwilling to engage in battle.

It's not what people believe but then, few understand anything about them except for the received sensationalist mythology.

Posted by: David Kennerly | Sep 14, 2017 10:22:14 PM

@Salmon

Regardless of what SCOTUS says, Commonwealth vs Muniz is settled law. In Spann v. Pennsylvania Board of Probation & Parole and Pennsylvania State Police [http://caselaw.findlaw.com/pa-supreme-court/1870976.html], Justice Mundy, who did not participate in Muniz because of her involvement in Commonwealth v. Gilbert, 48 MAP 2016, concluded that "Although I disagree with Muniz's conclusions, they are now the law of this Commonwealth. As such, they must be applied in a meaningful way."

....

Posted by: Huh? | Sep 30, 2017 12:31:07 PM

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 New op-ed and op-doc from New York Times takes on "A Frightening Myth About Sex Offenders" | Main | Former US Attorneys lament AG Sessions' charging memo as returning Justice Department to "failed mindset of its past" 

September 12, 2017

So much to read about so many elements of the opioid epidemic

I have a hard time keeping up with all the dimensions of the opioid epidemic. And, of course, the epidemic is fundamentally a public health crisis more than a sentencing issue. Nevertheless, I find myself drawn to reading all sort of pieces about the epidemic, and here are links and headlines that have caught my eye recently:

From Business Insider here, "One of the states hit hardest by the opioid crisis shows us whats wrong with how were fighting it"

From the Daily Caller here, "Senators Question Trumps Commitment To Ending The Drug Scourge In Letter Ripping Lack Of Action

From the New Yorker here, "The Cost of the Opioid Crisis: Trump says he wants an economic revival. He could start by tackling an epidemic."

From Right on Crime here, "Did Richard Nixon Give Us the Winning Strategy to Win the Opioid Epidemic?"

From Vox here, "Want to understand how big pharma helped create the opioid epidemic? Read this report."

September 12, 2017 at 08:42 PM | Permalink

Comments

Doug:

Dreamland, by Sam Quinnones, says about all one needs to say about the linkage among pharmaceutical manufacturers, "pill mills," the decline of small town businesses at the hands of big box stores, the loss of decent jobs in manufacturing, cell phone technology, and the spread of prescription opiates and the proliferation of cheap black tar heroin, throughout Ohio and other mid-Western states. I was struck, in driving through Ohio in May, by the frequent signs on the interstates, "Report Drug-Impaired Driving." We have no such signs in Washington State, where I live, though I know our rural communities have some of the same problems.

Posted by: Late Inning Relief | Sep 12, 2017 10:34:01 PM

Late. I find it quite offensive that you are exploiting a vast human tragedy to promote your Democratic party false propaganda points. You have no shame.

Here is a coincidence. The Ferguson Effect. Then, the opioid overdose epidemic goes from a serious problem to a huge problem. Coincidence? You decide.

Here is why Late's talking points are so toxic.

Almost all the deceased with prescription pain meds in their system also had heroin and carfentanyl. Those come from China, to increase drug dealer profits by a few dollars. Those are the non-violent offenders who should all be released from federal prison. Let's scapegoat doctors and pharmaceutical companies to exploit the tragedy, and to promote our Democratic party agenda.

So what does the DEA do? It investigates, bullies, threatens, doctors. No Ferguson Effect for doctors, but full on attacks. Now, millions of patients with severe chronic, untreatable pain have their pain management either disappear or become a cruel prank (rehab, exercise, Tylenol, anti-epilepsy and anti-depressants that make diabetics hungry, huge, and add to the weight on their painful nerves and joints). People with visible damage on X-rays are roughly treated, are rudely called drug seekers, are given one Percocet, and are told to never return to the emergency room.

I consider the campaign of the lawyers at the DEA to be a crime against humanity. If an African dictator were accused of torturing 1000's of innocent people, there would be a loud outcry to arrest him, try him at the International Court, and imprison him. How about lawyers who cause the withdrawal of pain management for 10's of millions of sick people, torturing them in agonizing pain, not for a week, like the dictator, but for years, until they are dead.

Posted by: David Behar | Sep 12, 2017 11:45:21 PM

In the 1990's, know nothing, quack lawyers at CMS and at accrediting agencies hammered doctors into using pain ratings as the Fifth Vital sign, along with temperature, pulse, blood pressure, number of respirations. If the rating did not drop, it was a deviation, as if a high blood pressure reading was not addressed.

So, doctors, and their craven organized medicine societies, caved instead of suing, and even beating up these threats to clinical care. The legal immunity of these lawyers fully justifies violence in formal logic, a system with zero uncertainty nor exceptions.

All high ratings of pain for a long time will eventually all end up on opiates. The rest is total bullshit, including wack job holistic approaches.

Now, these lawyers are coming after doctors for treating pain too much. They are too stupid to understand the deaths are restricted to addicts, and mostly the result of Chinese made carfentanyl. This is a pain patient, "The methadone 5 mg made me dizzy and tired. I had to cut it in half."

Posted by: David Behar | Sep 13, 2017 9:31:48 AM

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A few more details have trickled out in the ongoing investigation into the Saturday murder of 44-year-old Anthony Torres, a.k.a. Bubbles, in the Tenderloin. Police have been insisting since Sunday that despite Bubbles's gender non-conforming mode of dress and notoriously confrontational persona, they don't believe that the shooting was a hate crime. However, as the Chronicle reports, friends and witnesses believe otherwise, and a couple of details have emerged that suggest Bubbles may have been trying to enter a strip club from which the alleged killer emerged.

We learned yesterday that the shooting took place on Larkin Street at Myrtle, across the street from the New Century strip club, and though the SFPD has not confirmed this, witnesses have said that a man came out of the club, chased Torres across the street, and shot him following an argument.

Another potentially telling detail: Torres had posted to Facebook the night of his death that he planned to go to some strip clubs in his neighborhood to "promote a swimsuit he had designed." Friend and attorney Jim Reilly, who has been speaking to media on Torres's behalf since Sunday, insists to the Chronicle that Torres did not enter the New Century Saturday morning just before 3 a.m., when he was shot, but it's unclear how he knows that.

District 6 Supervisor Jane Kim tells KQED that she's calling for an investigation into New Century, and allegations that they permit drug dealing inside the premises, with the possible consequence of revoking their business license.

Bubbles was well known for making his/her presence known and stirring controversy in the neighborhood, and at parties around town. As friend Marke B. wrote in a brief obit, "There was barely a venue Bubbles hadnt been 86ed from... but it was usually for something spectacular, and even those kicking her out often ended up bragging about their Bubbles encounter."

And despite multiple reports describing Bubbles as a trans person, Bubbles was more accurately a gender-non-conforming trans character that was "put on" by a gay man, Torres, a few times a week  kind of as an act of living performance art.

Nonetheless, Torres was no stranger to hate, having already thought about leaving SF after a gay-bashing incident in 2008, and posting the photo below of another bashing incident in February of this year. "Shit that happens to you when you dress like a lady even though you are a man in San Francisco in 2017," he wrote.





Trans activist Mia Satya points to the fact that police and prosecutors often avoid seeking hate crime enhancements because they can be difficult to prove  and she tells the Chron that a case involving on an assault on her in the Mission several years ago had to be refiled at her insistence, and the perpetrators ended up taking a plea deal in which they admitted the attack was motivated by hate.

As Reilly tells the Chronicle this week, "He was so creatively and flamboyantly himself. I think the level of rage that occurred and what went down leaves no other conclusion [other than a hate crime] to be drawn in my mind."

A memorial fund to pay for a "funeral and memorial service he deserves" is about halfway to its $10,000 goal. Also, a special memorial vigil and party is happening Wednesday, September 13, at F8 on Folsom, hosted by Housepitality, at whose parties Bubbles was a constant guest. Another memorial party, which had been planned as Bubbles's going away party as he planned a move to Berlin, is set for September 29 at The Eagle.

We'll update you as the investigation continues.



Previously: Queer Nightlife Personality Bubbles Fatally Shot On Tenderloin Street


Once again, Republican and other right-aligned students at UC Berkeley are upping the ante in booking speakers  or pretending to book speakers  that the general student population will find abhorrent, and as was rumored last month, they say they've confirmed fired White House staffer and Breitbart guy Steve Bannon for the planned Free Speech Week events later this month. The East Bay Express brings the news via the right-wing campus group/news outlet the Berkeley Patriot that Bannon has allegedly accepted their invitation to come speak, and provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos, who seems to be the main force behind Free Speech Week, confirmed it as well.

The LA Times picked up the news, in which the group claims that Bannon will deliver "short remarks" on the final day of the week's events, which are set to begin on September 24.

Speaking to campus officials, Politico casts doubt on the announcement, noting via assistant vice chancellor for communications Dan Mogulof that the Berkeley Patriot is a group of five to ten people, and they've yet to complete any of the "critical steps" to secure venues for Free Speech Week  something Yiannopoulos first announced back in April, and more recently seemed to have gotten Ann Coulter on board for as well.

Yiannopoulos insisted in an email to Politco, "Ann, Steve and I will be speaking on the final night, Sept 27, in Zellerbach Hall on campus. [Breitbart News editor in chief] Alex Marlow will also appear on stage the same night." There are also, allegedly, some 20 other speakers they plan to invite, despite the university saying they know nothing about this so far.

In a separate statement to the East Bay Express, Yiannopoulos writes, "Uncle Steve was the force behind Trumps election victory and much of his initial policymaking. Nothing could be better for the leftists who oppose Trump so vehemently than a lesson in the logic behind Trumps actions, direct from the architect of his policies."

Yiannopoulos, who was kicked off of Twitter last year and left his job as tech editor at Breitbart, appears to have this new website where he posted the following provocative "ad" for Bannon's appearance, along with the headline, "Bannon Infiltrates Berkeley."

I would surely love to ignore this latest bluster and assume, much like Coulter's planned appearance at the end of the last academic year, and the recent thrown-together right-wing rally in San Francisco that would have likely been attended by a grand total of 10 people and thousands of counter-protesters, that this will all come to nothing. These stunts are, of course, all about the reaction, and about creating panic at the university around security so that the alt-right can continue to bang the drum of free speech at the home of the Free Speech Movement. (It should be noted that Coulter ultimately backed out of her April event because she found out there was no money to pay her. She instead took a gig with a Republican group in Modesto that paid her $25,000.)

But we can, no doubt, look forward to several weeks of headlines about this. So brace yourselves.

Previously: Trump Strategist Steve Bannon Implies Too Many Asians Have Power In Silicon Valley

Ann Coulter, Steve Bannon Might Join Milo Yiannopoulos's 'Free Speech Week' At UC Berkeley


You know that sort of hacky insult that goes something like "when you open up the dictionary to the definition of [whatever], you see [whoever's] picture"? That cliche is now reality for Brock Turner, the former Stanford student who served a shockingly short sentence for a brutal rape last year.

As previously reported, Turner became the actual "poster child" (another hackneyed phrase that one rarely gets to use literally) for sexual assault at California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo last fall. School-sponsored posters that read "Don't be that person. Perpetrators of sexual assault, stalking and dating violence look like regular people" over a photo of a broadly grinning Turner appeared across the school's campus as part of Cal Poly's "Safer" Program.

And now, Snopes confirms, Turner's booking photo appears in a college-level textbook entitled Introduction to Criminal Justice, 2nd Ed., the ISBN of which is 9781506347721, in case you want to check Snopes' work.

The textbook was written by University of Colorado, Denver professor Callie Marie Rennison, "a Professor in the School of Public Affairs (SPA), and the former Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs in SPA. Currently, she is the Director of Equity and Title IX Coordinator for the CU Denver," the school's website says.

According to the caption beneath Turner's photo, which appears at the top of a section in the book defining "Rape":

Brock Turner, a Stanford student who raped and assaulted an unconscious female student behind a dumpster at a fraternity party, was recently released from jail after serving only three months. Some are shocked at how short the sentence is. Others who are more familiar with the way sexual violence has been handled in the criminal justice system are shocked that he was found guilty and served any time at all. What do you think?

Glad you asked, book! I think that if a person who had to be dragged off a woman by two men as he raped her, then blamed a school's culture for his act and, upon his release couldn't even fill out his sex-offender papers truthfully isn't a great person to use as the living, breathing definition of rape, I don't know who is.

Previously: Recall Campaign Underway For Judge In Brock Turner Case
SFFD Battalion Chief Sam Romero (yearbook pic left, mug rt) allegedly had fight w/gf at Daly City restaurant last night, case on way to DA pic.twitter.com/I9u8Nd0mQE  Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 21, 2017

A San Francisco Fire Department Battalion Chief was sentenced to a year of probation this week, after he pleaded "no contest" to charges following a violent physical confrontation with a female co-worker at a popular area restaurant.

Bay City News reports that SFFD Battalion Chief Samuel Romero initially faced domestic violence charges after he reportedly slapped a woman and punched a man while dining at the Original Joe's restaurant in Westlake on February 20.

According to BCN, the confrontation began when the male victim apparently made a comment regarding the difference in age between Romero and the female victim, who is also employed by the SFFD.

The male victim's relationship to Romero is unclear, and the female's under debate: Prosecutors initially claimed that Romero and the woman were a couple, hence the domestic abuse allegation. However, as the case progressed The victim didnt want to see it go forward, as is so often the case, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

According to Romero's defense attorney, Julia Jayne, Romero and the female victim were not romantically involved, making the case one of "simple battery, not involving domestic violence, she said.

She was not his girlfriend, and thats why there was no domestic violence plea, Jayne toldBCN. Theyre firefighters and friends but not in any sort of romantic relationship.

Friends they might be, but now they are friends with a court order between them: According to BCN, in addition to the probation sentence, Romero got two days of jail time (which he'd already served), $235 in fine, and strict instructions "prohibiting him from harassing the female victim."

It's also unclear if the victim in the battery case is the same woman referred to in a November, 2016 report from KTVU. According to the broadcast station, a female firefighter they name as "Jane" said that when she was transferred to Station two in Chinatown in January of 2016, two male firefighters began harassing her, "hiding her boots before a firehouse inspection, spreading feces on her bathroom floor, and urinating in her bed."

The male firefighters denied the claim,instead telling KTVU that "the charges are ironic, they believe it's 54 year old Battalion Chief Sam Romero, who was stationed at Firehouse 2, who was acting inappropriately by having an affair with Jane, his subordinate."

Following an investigation into the allegations of a relationship between Romero and "Jane," which KTVU documents in detail here, "Romero was reassigned to station 31 in the Richmond permanently, just one neighborhood over from Jane's house."

According to San Francisco's public employee salary information database, Romero's total pay and benefits for the year 2016 was $321,038.97, including a base salary of $182,944.87, overtime of $55,924.52, and "other pay" of $28,097.05. At the time of his March arrangement, BCN reports, Romero remained on active duty with the SFFD. A call from SFist to the SFFD to confirm if that remains the case was not returned as of publication time.


San Francisco's homicide count seems headed for its highest in recent years, following a shooting in one of the city's public housing developments.

According to the San Francisco Police Department, a 20-year-old man was shot at 10:18 p.m. Tuesday night on the 1600 block of Sunnydale Avenue, an address inside San Franciscos largest public housing site, the Sunnydale-Velasco development.

Police released few details on the slaying, saying only that the victim was dead when they arrived. As of publication time, the SFPD says that no arrests have been made.

When contacted by SFist, a spokesperson with the San Francisco Medical Examiner's Office said that they did not have any information to release on the victim as of Wednesday morning.

An SFPD spokesperson tells SFist that this slaying marks San Francisco's 49th 48th homicide (Update 11:05 a.m.: that same SFPD spokesperson called SFist to say that she was mistaken and the number as of this morning was 48, not 49 as she previously stated ) in a year that seems poised to exceed recent records for that crime. In 2016, SF ended with 59 homicides, there were 53 in 2015, 45 in 2014, 48 in 2013, 68 in 2012, and 50 in 2011.

When asked about the rising count by the SF Examiner last week, when the number was still at 45, SFPD Chief Bill Scott acknowledged the statistics, saying Even taking out the tragedy at UPS, we are still up."

We know some [homicides] are gang-related, but many of them are not," Scott said. "Many of them are just people that had disputes that got out of hand and resulted in loss of life.

Related: New Details In Death Of Bubbles May Point To Hate Crime, Police Still Deny Hate Was Motive
The exhibition aims to mark 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962-2017), and the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Cambodia diplomatic ties (June 24, 1967-2017).



The exhibition displays 55 paintings with various materials of 22 Laotian, Cambodian and local artists. Paintings depict the scenes of everyday life, daily human activities where artists live as well as well cultural features and friendships between three countries.

Lao Consul General in Da Nang City Samsene Phommaseng and his wife and representatives from the ministries of Information and Communications, Culture and Tourism in Laos and the Culture and Art Cambodia attended the event.

The exhibition will last from now to September 26.





By NGOC PHUC - Translated by UYEN PHUONG
Milwaukee-born political satirist Will Durst has been called half-therapist, half-comedian. His new show, Durst Case Scenario," brings comfort to those with similar political frustrations in an era of what the comedian calls PTSD (President Trump Stress Disorder). He will return to his native city for two nights of satirical humor, Sept. 22-23, at ComedySportz Milwaukee.

What are your connections to Milwaukee and how does it feel to be returning home to do a show?

I have many relatives still in Milwaukee, my brother is in Menomonee Falls and I visit him a lot. I love the 414 area code. Its an undiscovered jewel and I always try to be a big community booster. I follow the Brewers, the Packers, the Bucks and the Badgers and I also went to UWM for seven years.

How did you first get a start with politics? What came first comedy or political satire?

I started at this little club that was right on Juneau Avenue called The Rusty Nail in 1974. In 1974 pretty much everything was political because of Vietnam, Watergate and Nixon. I didnt do all political material onstage but I did do a lot just because it was what was going on. I was also interested in politics which I got from my step-dad and dad who read three plus newspapers a day. I just grew up thinking everybody did that.

How would you personally describe your upcoming show, Durst Case Scenario?

Its just about what life is like during the time of Trump. This show is me and an overhead projectorIm very old school. I have transparencies, maps, graphs and pictures of important characters all involved in the narrative. I have pretty much abandoned all pretenses of being bipartisan so this 85-minute show is me taking [Trump] to task. As he says, Im just counterpunching. Im going to play by his rules now.

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What is your writing process? How do you produce material before a show?

I give myself deadlines. I write a commentary every week that goes out to various radio stations. So I need an enforced deadline. Im still in high school; if its Monday morning I dont start it until Sunday after 60 Minutes." Last night I did a commentary and sent it out to 10 different radio stations and then this morning I wrote a column. I have two different voices: the columnist voice and the stand-up comic voice.

Is now a good time to be a political satirist or is Trump making it too easy?

People think that its so easy and that Trump is a gift for comedy but no, its hard because how do you parody a parody? Its hard to focus on things because he tries to use chaos as fog and peoples attention spans are so short that they keep forgetting about the previous scandal. The hardest part is keeping up and keeping relevant. So theres a lot of writing and rewriting.

How can readers follow you and your shows?

I put out a joke every day on Twitter and Facebook. You can catch up on videos and previous columns and commentaries on willdurst.com.
On The Way Cafe is the brainchild of Jill Check, a natural health professional and busy mom of six who saw a hole in the market when it came to finding healthy, organic restaurant and carryout food. This past February, Check opened On The Way Cafe, an upscale establishment thats counter service, but classy. Customers dining in or ordering carryout can choose from a broad menu featuring organic, non-GMO and antibiotic-free breakfast items, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, bowls, desserts, smoothies and juices, and organic beer, wine and cider.

On the Way Cafe 6005 W. Mequon Road, Mequon

262-302-4492

ontheway.cafe

Handicapped access: Yes

CC, OD, GF

Hours: M-F 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sa 10 a.m.-3p.m.

This past summer, Chef Steve Perlstein joined On The Way Cafe as co-general manager and partner. Perlstein always had an interest in culinary arts but pursued journalism after high school. After 18 years as a reporter, he switched gears and in 2002 he graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago. He worked for restaurateurs including Bartolotta Restaurants and SURG Restaurant Group. He also owned Simmer Catering. As a classically trained chef, Perlstein was intrigued by the challenges of working with clean, healthy foods.

Anybody can put butter and cream into something and make it taste good, so to start with the parameters we have and make something healthy and delicious, its more of a challenge and you have to be good at it, he said.

Perlstein and his team make rotating soups and chili, and coleslaw and potato salad that changes daily. We try to make coleslaw vegan so our vegan customers have a side they can get. Today we have a curry coleslaw, he said.

Perlstein wants to assure people that healthy doesnt mean just tofu and sprouts. While On The Way Cafe is vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friendly, its not an exclusively vegetarian restaurant. Meat lovers will find grass-fed and free-range beef, lamb or turkey burgers, served on flavorful sprouted grain buns.

Bowls feature a veggie of the day mixed with a grain. A recent choice included green beans with chopped, sauteed carrot tops. One of Perlsteins latest passions has been reducing food waste. Im horrified by how much food people throw away, he said. I recently used beet tops as greens, and they were really good.

Pastry Chef Anita Su Jiivana crafts raw and vegan desserts, substituting ingredients like nuts and coconut for grains or dairy. Her key lime pie is a hit; the cafe goes through several per week. Dessert samples are offered, and plenty of non-vegans have been won over by her sweet treats.

Scratch-made smoothies and juices each have a crazy healthy assortment of produce and herbs. Perlstein and Co-Manager Dynami Al-Anjeri put together an organic beer and wine program. The cafe holds an on-sale and off-sale license so people can enjoy a beer or glass of wine with their meal, or buy a bottle of wine and take it home with their take-out order. Customers will find Lakefront beer, Island Orchard Cider and organic wines including Pablo Claro, Ramsay, Copla red or white sangria and more.

Always looking ahead, Perlstein is hard at work on new menu items and a catering menu. On The Way Cafe was one of the vendors for sustainable music festival Rock the Green, and theyve established relationships with local gyms to provide a nutrition component for members. They host wine diners and partner with nonprofits including The Hunger Task Force.
 Expand Photo credit: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley, Public Domain

When youre a Republican U.S. senator voting against flood assistance as millions of Americans flee for their lives from catastrophic hurricanes, you have to be an awfully glib politician to fabricate a plausible excuse. And when youre the U.S. president intentionally destroying a federal program protecting young people whove grown up in this country from deportation to another country theyve never known, dont bother adding to the stream of lies youve already told about immigrants.

Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson and Donald Trump made some pretty pathetic attempts to defend their own indefensible actions in the midst of a raging, perfect storm of catastrophic Republican policies. A perfect storm is the term used to describe numerous, simultaneous events feeding upon one another to create massive damage far beyond anything seen previously. That seems appropriate to describe a combination of American catastrophes that includes unprecedented devastation from back-to-back hurricanes.

But Republican denial of global warming that creates weather extremes and their rolling back of environmental protections arent the partys only zombie chickens staggering home to roost. Other destructive party policies deserving burial include under-funding necessary government services and threatening to intentionally create economic disaster by defaulting on their countrys financial obligations.

Lets Deport High Achievers

Adding to the national chaos, Donald Trump gratuitously tossed into the mix more Republican appeals to racism and hatred of immigrants by announcing his decision to end a humanitarian program protecting from deportation a large number of high-achieving young people who grew up as Americans in immigrant families. The so-called dreamers are virtually indistinguishable from any other children who grew up in America, unless youre a racist who considers them color-coded. They were brought to the U.S. by undocumented parents as babies, toddlers or very young children through no decision of their own.

President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) allowed nearly 800,000 of these young people to receive renewable work permits and access to higher education. All Americans benefitted as the result of more young people achieving success and contributing to their countrys economy.

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Its a toss-up which Republican twisted himself into the most grotesque knots trying to justify their horrific political actions: Johnson explaining why he voted against desperately needed flood assistance, or Trump declaring his love for the dreamers as he ended their protection against deportation, and access to decent jobs and education. Johnson receives special recognition for claiming his vote not to help those devastated by floods was a protest against preventing Republicans like himself from threatening to destroy the American economy. Johnson said he would have voted for flood assistance in a heartbeateven though he didnt.

Johnson said he was mad the vote also included raising the debt ceiling to allow the government to pay its economic obligations. Of course, it would be insane for the U.S. government to default on paying its bills causing the stock market to crash and wrecking the U.S. economy. But that hasnt stopped tea party Republicans like Johnson from regularly threatening to force a government default to extort more extreme right-wing legislation.

So, get that? Johnson voted against assisting flooded-out Americans because he was angry he wouldnt get a chance to vote to destroy the U.S. economy.

Trumps public excuses for cruelly destroying DACA were especially ludicrous coming from a president famous for advocating unconstitutional, discriminatory policies. He claimed he was forced to kill DACA because he was afraid it might be declared unconstitutional if it were challenged in court. Then, he sent out Attorney General Jeff Sessions, whose shady, racist past is well-known, to falsely claim DACA caused a surge of minors at the southern border and denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same illegal aliens to take those jobs.

Trump claimed he wanted Congress to pass legislation protecting dreamers brought here as children. Thats easy for Republicans to say when they dont really expect a Republican-controlled Congress to do it. But, what if Trump was actually telling the truth for a change? Trump just wants to win by getting legislation passed, and Republicans arent very good at that. Trump just sided with Democratic leadership to pass the bill providing flood assistancecombined with raising the national debt limit to avoid government default that angered Johnson.

If Trump regularly joined with Democrats and moderate Republicans (hed only need two dozen moderates out of 241 Republicans in the House and three Republican Senators), he could pass so much legislation hed get tired of winning. Of course, Trump would have to quit trying to appeal to white supremacists, but he has always been able to reverse political positions on a dime.

Our childlike Republican president could pass a lot more legislation benefiting the American people than the partys current leadership that is still stuck with defending a swirling storm of bad Republican policies that have millions of Americans fleeing for their lives.
 Expand Photo credit: Fox6Now.com

Weve all been distressed by the news coming out of Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls, Wisconsins two youth prisons that are currently under federal investigation. The minors in custody there have reported being abused, injured, pepper sprayed, locked in solitary confinement for great lengths of time and sexually assaulted.

Yet the state has done little to nothing to change its approach to youth incarceration. Its only real reforms have resulted from an order from a federal judge, who wrote that Ted Kaczynski, the infamous Unabomber whos incarcerated in a Supermax prison, has less restrictive confinement than the young people in Lincoln Hills.

While many have commented on the steady stream of revelations from Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, some important voices are routinely left out of the conversation: those of the children that have returned from Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, along with their families and community members. Thats why we formed Youth Justice Milwaukee and are calling for the shutdown of Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, which comprise the largest youth prison campus in the country. We want to bring our youth home so that they can receive comprehensive care in the community and change their lives for the better instead of being abused or exposed to abuse.

Comprehensive care close to home is a viable alternative to youth prisons. For example, Running Rebels is already providing intensive monitoring of chronic youth offenders so that they learn how to change their behavior. These are the kinds of programs we could expand or adapt for our young people. What our coalition knowsaand what weve learned from data and examples from around the countryais that youth prisons dont work.

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Wisconsin should follow the lead of other jurisdictions around the country that have shut down their youth prisons and invested in community-based alternatives. Thanks to the work of committed attorneys, activists, families and elected leaders, youth prisons have been shuttered in California, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Texas and Washington, D.C., with positive results: Most of these states have seen a drop in costs and recidivism rates after closing their youth prisons and investing in alternative community-based solutions.

Youth Justice Milwaukee has launched an online petition at change.org calling on Gov. Scott Walkerawho hasnt toured either of the youth prisons under his controlaand state legislators to shut down Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake. Were asking for your support.

Its time to fundamentally change Wisconsins juvenile justice system by bringing our youth home and investing in community-based alternatives that will make our communities safer and change young peoples lives for the better.

Jeffery Roman, benchmark coordinator for Community Advocates Public Policy Institutes Milwaukee Brighter Futures Program, is a founding member of Youth Justice Milwaukee (youthjusticemke.org).
 Expand Photo credit: J Ferrer Milwaukee County Courthouse

Every Wednesday afternoon finds Joanne Lipo Zovic and Amy Koltz standing up before the small crowd that gathers at the Milwaukee County Courthouse for eviction court. The two lawyers message for both landlords and tenants is a simple one: Before fighting it out in front of a judge, try mediation. So far, about two-dozen pairs of opposing parties have decided to take them up on their offer.

For a few, the help was to no avail. After trying mediation, they still end up fighting things out in court. But the vast majority managed to find their way to outcomes that are likely far better for everyone concerned than they would have got had they gone through the usual adversarial proceedings. Thats exactly what Lipo Zovic and Koltz hoped for when they started the Tenant-Landlord Mediation Program.

We have seen this work in small claims and in other cases, with pro se parties in particular, said Lipo Zovic, who has acted as both a faculty and student adviser in mediation clinics held at the Marquette University Law School. So why wouldnt it be effective in another setting?

Harvard University sociologist Matthew Desmond may have drawn international attention to the scourge of eviction in Milwaukee with the publication last year of his book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. But Lipo Zovic and Koltz were aware well before all the publicity that the situation had gotten out of hand.

Sadly, that put us in the headlights nationally, Lipo Zovic said of Desmonds book, which followed the struggles of four Milwaukee families and ultimately won a Pulitzer Prize. That gave some added urgency to the situation.

Thousands of Cases Each Year

About 13,000 eviction cases were filed in Milwaukee County alone last year. On any given day of the week, its not unusual to have more than 100 cases called up. Court commissioners were not only worried that the deluge of cases was leading to outcomes that were in no ones best interest, they were also concerned that the entire system was being jammed up. Enter Lipo Zovic and Koltzboth of whom have experience working on mediations and other types of alternative dispute resolutions.

Their first mediation clinics dedicated to evictions were single-day affairs held in 2015 and 2016. The success of those events showed the pair how great the demand landlords and tenants might have for their services is. Several court commissioners had also expressed an interest in setting up something similar to an already existing mediation clinic used for small-claims cases. The opportunity came at a good time for Koltz.

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Besides teaching classes on mediation as an adjunct professor at Marquette University, Koltz is president of Metro Milwaukee Mediation Services, which seeks to resolve foreclosure cases without the need to go to court. With the economy recovering following the latest recession, she was finding that her work at Metro Milwaukee Mediation Services was starting to taper off. Suddenly, with some monetary support from the Milwaukee County Clerk of Courts, she had found a new outlet for her expertise.

Having got the Tenant-Landlord Mediation Program up and running, Lipo Zovic and Koltz are now able to set aside time to sit in a room with landlords and tenants to try to come up with a resolution that avoids the inevitable entanglements of a court battle. One advantage of mediation, Koltz said, is that it keeps everything private; thats a contrast from formal eviction proceedings, which generate a mass of paperwork that ends up in the public domain. Records showing that a tenant has been served an eviction notice can remain on the states public website for up to 10 years, putting up a high hurdle to ever being able to rent again.

Avoiding the Adversary

Another advantage of mediation is in its basic avoidance of adversarial proceedings. When tenants and landlords go to court, they tend to be on the defensive lest any show of weakness give their opponent an opening for an attack. In mediationwhich the parties must enter voluntarily and which produces resolutions that are binding only if accepted by all the partiesthey can be much more honest about their own shortcomings.

Sometimes the biggest obstacle is simply a lack of communication. People naturally tend to want to avoid conflict and will go out of their way to avoid disagreeable encounters. Mediation provides a formal setting where the disputants are not only expected to sit across the table from each other, but also behave like adults. Koltz said that a mediators mere presence in the room will many times prompt people to look for a rational resolution simply because they want to avoid seeming greedy or obstinate before a stranger. Theres an element of having a third party there that makes them want to maybe be a little more reasonable, she said.

Often, once tenants and landlords sit down and start talking things out, it becomes apparent that a way out of their impasse was staring them in the face the entire time. The landlord is tired of trying to collect rent from a tenant whose payments are constantly late; the tenant is tired of being hassled and living in a place he cant afford and just wants some time to make new arrangements. What might make sense to me might not make sense to somebody else, Lipo Zovic said. Its surprising what you get if you let go of all your assumptions.

To be sure, Koltz said, mediation is not a cure-all. Sometimes the situation is too personal, she said. There is too much history, and there is no turning back in some ways. When things dont go right, there are alternative ways to get help. The organization Legal Action of Wisconsin, for instance, has an Eviction Defense Project that helps protect the rights of tenants who cannot afford legal representation. Koltz said that service will always be available to anyone who either outright rejects mediation or isnt satisfied with its results.

But Joanne Lipo Zovic and Amy Koltz are optimistic enough about mediation that they are looking to add to their services. One possibility is to make themselves available to landlords and tenants before an eviction notice is even filed. The goal here would be to prevent a record of a dispute from ever even appearing in public records. The pair is also thinking about taking their clinic outside the walls of the Milwaukee County Courthouse and setting up shop in other parts of the city on different days of the week. I would like to see us eventually become mediating itinerants, Lipo Zovic said.
Editor's Note: Washta American Legion Post 283 in Washta, Iowa, hosts an open house from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Washta Community Center to honor Berle "Gene" Keck, a member of the local Legion group for 72 years. The public is invited.

The following is a 2012 Tim Gallagher column detailing Beck's service in World War II, which included being shot down and time as a Prisoner of War.

WASHTA, Iowa -- Berle "Gene" Keck examines a small photo of pilot George Conway a few times each week. Conway died when the B-24 bomber they were in was shot down over the skies of Yugoslavia during their 21st bombing mission.

The end came March 22, 1945.

"I was the last man who ever spoke to the pilot," says Keck, who is now 92. "We were at 2,000 feet and falling fast. He told me to get the hell out of the plane."

Keck jumped, somersaulted through the sky and pulled his rip cord. He fell hard to the earth, his parachute shot up from German soldiers on the ground. The plane crashed into a hillside, killing Conway instantly.

Of the nine who jumped, four escaped. Germans found five crewmen, including Keck, who was knocked unconscious by the fall. All were taken prisoner and paraded before locals in a nearby village.

Keck was moved to a prisoner of war camp at Zagreb, where he served three months before the Russian Army liberated the region at war's end.

Sgt. Keck could fly home, but opted not to, the air thick with life-or-death memories. Instead, Keck and 49 fellow POWs boarded a converted luxury liner.

"We landed in Virginia and all 50 of us stepped off the ship, got down on all fours and kissed the ground," he says.

Photo opportunity?

"Hell no," he answers. "No photos. We were darn happy to be home. I never expected to see the U.S. again. I can truthfully say I am one who beat 100-to-1 odds to get back home."

His sacrifice, says Keck, the retired postmaster at Washta, pales in comparison to Conway. "I think he's buried in a military cemetery overseas," he says. "I've always wanted to go back to see, but I never have."

If there are regrets, they're few for Gene Keck. Raised on a farm near Washta at Grand Meadow, Iowa, Keck told his parents he'd enter World War II during his junior year of high school. He didn't want the war to end before he got a chance to fight.

"No," his parents advised, "you are going to catch the school bus tomorrow morning. You are going to finish high school."

He entered the U.S. Army after his 1943 graduation from Grand Meadow High. By late 1944, he found himself stationed as a gunner in the nose turret, out in front of a B-24.

"You'd go to the briefings at 4 or 5 in the morning," he recalls. "They'd tell you to look at the man on your left and the man on your right. Chances were, one of you was not coming back that day."

Keck's 21st mission targeted fortified manufacturing plants in Vienna, Austria. German guns had the Americans' number on March 22, 1945. Four of the nine B-24s in Keck's formation took on heavy fire and scattered.

"We could not get back over the Alps on our return because of the damage," he says. "We crippled back over Yugoslavia, lost altitude badly and had to bail out."

For 30 days, Keck survived on watery broth. A local baroness, Vera Nikolich-Podrinsky, convinced the German guards to allow her to host several P.O.W.s each Sunday. She served bread or toast with grape jelly.

In 1966, the baroness, likely in her 80s by then, did two art exhibitions in the U.S. She and Keck reunited at Columbus, Ohio. She autographed a painting for him. "To my old friend, Gene Keck," it says. "In remembrance of bygone days."

It adds color and history to the home Gene and his wife Carolyn (they were high school sweethearts) built at Washta in 1953. It's here the Kecks raised three children. Carolyn died of cancer in 1997, three weeks shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.

The baroness' gift hangs a few feet from Keck's living room memorial, one featuring a photo of his bomber crew, a B-24 model, a rip cord handle, a shadow box containing Keck's nine medals and that tiny photo of Conway, killed-in-action.

He looks at Conway, all smiles at the time, a young flier fresh from Texarkana, Tex. "I kept his photo here for nearly 60 years," Keck says, voice cracking.

Conway's widow died six years ago. She reached 90 before passing on July 4. "A day celebrating freedom," her obituary reads.

Gene Keck celebrates freedom each July 4. He flies a U.S. flag on the pole he set west of the house.

Memorial Day? He raises the flag that day, too. But there's something more about the last Monday each May.

"My wife and children always knew never to make plans for me on Memorial Day," he says. "Memorial Day is my day. My day to pay tribute to my pilot."
Director Andy Muschietti was smart to focus on the adolescent half of Stephen Kings It.

There, we fall for the seven kids who are known as losers. Set in 1989, the thriller pulls you into its world (either through nostalgia or sheer charm) and never lets go  particularly when the seven join to battle their individual demons.

A clown named Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard) is at the heart of it. He first grabs one boys brother, then masterminds the nightmares of the others.

By the time the gang unites, the goal is clear: Seek and destroy.

Muschietti does much with Kings seven deadly sins. He isnt afraid to taunt the kids in the worst way and doesnt hold back when it comes to bullies. Looking a bit like older versions of the bad boys in A Christmas Story, they have their demons, too, and account for much of the films violence.

While 12- and 13-year-olds would love this, its rated R for a reason, not the least of which is Finn Wolfhards penchant for swearing. A regular in Stranger Things, Wolfhard gets the best lines, largely because he rages at tyranny that comes in the form of guys with switchblades.

While Jaeden Lieberher struggles with his characters stutter and Sophia Lillis looks a bit too much like Amy Adams for her own good, they make a great couple, able to give first love the innocence it deserves.

Like The Goldbergs Adam Goldberg, Muschietti embraces the 1980s with gusto, filling his sets with so many touchstones youll feel like he knew Doc Brown and had keys to Marty McFlys DeLorean. When he delves into the storys horror lining, It isnt as tightly hemmed as it should be.

Some of the moments are stirringly effective. Others are just head scratchers.

When Jeremy Ray Taylor is roughed up by the toughs, our heart bleeds. Hes the overweight friend who has clues to all the strange events going on in Derry, Maine.

By studying papers in the towns library, hes able to create a NCIS-level dossier that helps the others find the source of their woes.

While Skarsgard is truly terrifying, part of his fear factor depends on that oh-so-creepy Oscar-worthy makeup. Hes even scarier than Tim Curry in the TV miniseries version of Kings book.

While that edition tried to stuff more than 1,000 pages of terror into its running time, this It holds back, promising plenty for a sequel.

There, we can see Adams, Jerry OConnell, Ben Stiller and others playing out the drama. Muschietti doesnt need to pull a Boyhood and wait. There are plenty of actors who can morph into the adults. And Skarsgard is more than ready to continue the journey.

Hes It and so much more.
NEWELL, Iowa | Firefighters and first responders from several local agencies battled a fire at three downtown buildings Wednesday morning in Newell.

No one was injured, but all three of the buildings -- which were vacant at the time -- are a total loss, according to Newell Volunteer Fire Chief Bruce Erie. The town's post office also sustained smoke and water damage and had to close.

Erie said a call came in around 6:30 a.m. that the buildings on Fulton Street were on fire. Firefighters battled the blaze until around noon and continued monitoring hot spots into the afternoon.

All three buildings were a total loss, and one had to have walls knocked in so crews could access the fire safely.

An investigator from the State Fire Marshal's Office arrived on scene in the early afternoon to examine the cause of the fire. Erie said the buildings used to house a hardware store and some apartments and were in the process of being sold.

Erie said in all, he believes about 20 local agencies responded to the fire.

Newell is a Buena Vista town of 867 located about 12 miles east of Storm Lake.
SOUTH SIOUX CITY | South Sioux City Police are searching for the driver of a vehicle that struck a pedestrian late Saturday night.

A news release posted on the South Sioux City Police Facebook page says a pedestrian was hospitalized with critical injuries after being hit by a vehicle in the southbound lane of the 700 block of Dakota Avenue. The vehicle fled the scene, and officers have not identified the driver or the vehicle, the release said.

Police are asking the public for any information that will aid the investigation and help bring closure to the case. Police are working on obtaining security camera footage from nearby businesses, the release said.

Anyone with information can contact the Law Enforcement Center at 402-494-7555.
SIOUX CITY | One touted the importance of local control, the other the advantages of its corporation's range of connections.

Representatives from the city's Events Facilities Department and from the venue management firm Spectra pitched competing visions for the future of the Tyson Events Center and Orpheum Theatre Tuesday afternoon during a three-hour informational session attended by city officials.

The Sioux City Council will now consider and eventually choose one of the proposals to assume management of the venues, which the city currently runs.

Earlier this year, Sioux City had put out a request for proposals from private firms for management of the Tyson and Orpheum. Investigating such a move had been recommended by the consultant Venue Solutions Group during a recent management audit.

In response, the city received proposals from the Philadelphia-based Spectra and Ames, Iowa-based Venuworks. A city-appointed panel decided to only move forward with consideration of Spectra's proposal.

Meanwhile, the city prepared its own proposal for continued public management of the two venues as a comparison.

The city's presentation Tuesday afternoon -- given to members of the City Council and Orpheum and Events Facilities boards -- focused on a series of tweaks that could decrease the city's investment in the venues over the next five years while maintaining public management.

Events Facilities director Erika Newton laid out a series of projects that could create $1.5 million in net revenue.

Newton pitched new concession concepts and an increase in premium seating. She said she wants to bring more of a "Sioux City flair" to the venue. Regarding future projects, she said, she wants to focus on ones that will increase revenue.

"We want to focus on projects that can bring additional money to our bottom line," she said.

Newton said areas of focus under a revamped public management that could provide impact would include increased booking and concert volume, generating more sponsorship revenue and re-allocating employee job responsibilities to streamline the work.

Newton said the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City has committed to bring a minimum of six concerts per year to the Tyson at no cash risk to the city, which would provide an estimated $1.025 million in revenue after five years, although she conceded that such an offer may also be extended to a private management firm.

Newton additionally stressed the advantages of local control in dealing with local organizations.

"We have a lot of partners that are very hands-on in what they want to see happen in the buildings themselves, and once you put a layer in there, you start to have maybe some objections to some things or maybe it doesn't align with what a company wants to do," she said.

Spectra -- a Philadelphia-based firm that serves more than 150 venue management clients in the U.S. and Canada -- brought in six members of its team, including two representatives of the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, for the presentation.

Touting the large umbrella of the corporation, which is owned by the parent company of NBC Universal, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Spectra showed results of several other venues that had saved $200,000 or more in their first year with the company.

For Sioux City, the company projects a $235,000 subsidy reduction during the first year and a cumulative of $1.1 million over three years. Those amounts include Spectras management fees, which will be a base of $110,000 per year.

Tom McDonnell, director of business development and client relations, said Spectra plans to bring 58 more events to the two venues during the course of the first three-year contract, made possible by the companys connections and clout within the industry.

Regional vice president Rick Hontz said the company manages in several similar-sized markets and sees the potential in Sioux City.

"We see the shows that are coming right now, and we see that the staff is doing a tremendous job with what they have," he said. "And now we're here saying, 'What can we do to take it to the next level?'"

Locally, Spectra said it would work with the Hard Rock, as well as form relationships with the Bandits, Musketeers and Sioux City Symphony. Representatives said they see potential for increased family shows at the Tyson Events Center and have connections that could help the city have better shots at competing for events with Sioux Falls' Denny Sanford Premier Center.

Asked by the council about retaining current employees, Hontz said Spectra has an average retention rate of around 90 percent and would prioritize hiring Sioux City workers who are on board with its mission.

McDonnell said the belief that a city loses control when it goes to private management is a misconception.

"We're really an extension of the city," McDonnell said. "The city and boards would still work very closely with Spectra and would have a great amount of approval in terms of hiring our general manager and in terms of booking and scheduling policies."

With the proposals and details now public, the citys Events Facilities Department and the Orpheum Theatre Board will make recommendations to the Sioux City Council. City manager Bob Padmore said there is no hard timetable for the decision, but that it will be in the near future.

After the meeting, Councilman Dan Moore said he was pleased by both presentations and was prepared to do some analysis and see what the local boards' recommendations would be.

"I think we need to look at budgets, I think we need to look hard at numbers, I think we need to look at whats being proposed, whats being guaranteed, and what the performance will be by Spectra," he said. "We know what the citys performance is, and its been very good.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City teenager has been sentenced to seven years in prison for shooting his 3-year-old sister in the face with a BB gun.

Adrian White, 18, pleaded guilty Monday in Woodbury County District Court to single counts of assault causing serious injury and child endangerment.

White shot his sister twice while playing with a BB gun May 17 at a home in the 400 block of West Third Street.

One BB fractured the girl's jaw and the other BB entered her eye and lodged next to her brain. One BB was surgically removed, but the one near her brain was left in place because doctors considered the surgery too risky, court documents said.

White's attorney had asked that he be tried as a juvenile because he was 17 at the time of the shooting, but the request was denied.
SIOUX CITY | A woman accused of taking part in a home invasion that resulted in two occupants being assaulted has pleaded not guilty to burglary, assault and unrelated drug charges.

Nadeen Meyer Dible, 43, of Sioux City, entered her written plea Monday in Woodbury County District Court to two counts of willful injury and single counts of first-degree burglary, domestic abuse assault, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and failure to affix a drug tax stamp. Three of the charges carry a habitual offender enhancement, which, because of Dible's previous convictions, increases the prison sentence for those crimes to 15 years.

According to court documents, Dible and Eric Bishop broke into a home in the 500 block of Third Street in Moville, Iowa, on Aug. 14 and assaulted a female and a male with whom Dible had had a relationship. Dible is accused of hitting the woman in the face several times.

Dible also was arrested June 27 in possession of methamphetamine, court records show.

Bishop, 37, has pleaded not guilty to numerous charges linked to the Aug. 14 assault and other unrelated incidents.
SIOUX CITY | In light voting Tuesday, three people were chosen to the Sioux City School Board for four-year terms that run into 2021.

Ron Colling, Jeremy Saint and incumbent Perla Alarcon-Flory won the seats, as they amassed more votes than Miyuki Nelson and Shaun Broyhill. Colling led the way with 2,359 votes, while Saint received 2,312 votes, and Alarcon-Flory got 1,660.

Nelson received 1,517 votes, while Broyhill got 1,350.

A technical glitch prevented reporting of the final precinct by a half hour until 8:57 p.m., when Woodbury County Auditor Pat Gill walked around printed sheets of results to people in the county courthouse in downtown Sioux City. Colling, a retired Sioux City School District teacher, looked at the sheet with his wife, Katie Colling, and a friend took a quick picture of him.

"I am assuming that (the win) has to do with the fact that I taught 150 kids for 40 years, a name recognition phenomenon," Colling said.

Colling said the win means voters trust him to work in a good relationship with district administrators.

Saint is an attorney and Alarcon-Flory operates a small business that offers certified court Spanish interpreter and translator services.

Saint said he enjoyed competing for the board seat victory.

"It went very well. Everyone stayed focused on the issues. Every single candidate brought something to the table that would serve the board well," Saint said.

Alarcon-Flory said she will continue to make sure the district gives pupils access to a good education in 21st century buildings.

"I believe people have faith in me, and I am deeply grateful for the support," Alarcon-Flory said.

Paul Gorski and John Meyers earlier announced they would not run for re-election to the Sioux City School Board. The holdover school board members who will serve two more years are Mike Krysl, Mike McTaggart, Jackie Warnstadt and David Gleiser.

Voter turnout was below 10 percent of registered voters. Polls were open for 13 hours.

Sioux City School Board President Krysl summarized the turnout: "It is so very low." Krysl said the new board members will join the panel in a trying time, as the school district is amid a tight 2017-18 budget and the projection for next year looks equally tough financially.

Other races

Elsewhere in Woodbury County, voters in Sergeant Bluff-Luton, Westwood, Lawton-Bronson, Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto, Woodbury Central and River Valley decided school board contests.

Kristie Amick won the sole seat on the Lawton-Bronson School Board, with 51 votes.

Winning the two seats for River Valley were Debie Stevenson and Kristi Krager. The two victors for SB-L were David Schaar and Michael Laughlin, while the two new board members for Westwood were Robert Dandurand and Brady Worrell.

Dale Wimmer and Karen Kennedy won seats on the MVAO board. There were three positions decided for Woodbury Central, and Bradley Koele got 136 votes to nab one position, and the two others will be finalized after a count of write-ins.

This will be the last time Iowa voters go en masse in September for regular school board elections. The Iowa Legislature earlier this year moved the date for school board elections from the longstanding September to November, beginning in 2019.
SIOUX CITY | Voters in the Odebolt-Arthur and Battle Creek-Ida Grove School districts on Tuesday rejected a proposal to raise taxes by more than $16 million for building upgrades.

Less than half the voters supported a bond issue of $16.4 million to improve the high school in Ida Grove and the middle school in Odebolt.

Under Iowa law, school referendums calling for an increase in property taxes must receive a "supermajority" of at least 60 percent to pass. The final tally was 433 yes votes and 490 no votes.

Superintendent Terry Kenealy said he was disappointed in the bond issue defeat, but added that he understands it. Kenealy said the school modernization needs remain.

"The proposal that we asked the voters to consider wasn't acceptable to them, so we need to give that some thought before we begin moving forward," Kenealy said.

A committee for two years looked into needed improvements, and finalized plans to extend the building lives by 40 to 50 years.

One key piece was for a performance arts auditorium on the east side of the high school in Ida Grove, at an estimated cost of $3.8 million. Another $6.5 million would have modernized the gymnasium, updated classrooms and improved accessibility.

For the school in Odebolt, an estimated $5.9 million was planned to upgrade classrooms, repair the gym ceiling and address accessibility issues by adding an elevator and other pieces.

The referendum would have raised property taxes by $2.70 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. That's the highest increase permitted for a one-measure bond issue vote in Iowa.

Voters from the Odebolt-Arthur and Battle Creek-Ida Grove districts, which had a whole-grade sharing agreement for eight years, in June decided to fully consolidate into one district. The districts will officially become a consolidated district on July 1, 2018.
SIOUX CITY | More than two years after the concept was first aired, Woodbury County officials on Tuesday said they are waiting to hear from the Moville City Council on ways to work together to modernize an important frontage road in that town.

Woodbury County Board of Supervisors members Matthew Ung and Keith Radig in their weekly meeting recapped a session with the Moville Chamber of Commerce on Monday. The two said they await word from the city council on a proposal to spend an estimated $793,000 to modernize the half-mile stretch of East Frontage Road owned by the county. The other half-mile of the road, located more to the west, is jointly owned by the county and city and also could be improved for perhaps $700,000, County Engineer Mark Nahra said.

The road is an important focal point, as Moville transitions from a business district heavy in the two blocks of downtown to more pieces along the frontage road, which is in eye-shot of U.S. Highway 20 on the town's south side.

The sole grocery store was moved to the frontage road a few years ago, where a Subway store was already located and where Dollar General opened in summer 2016. Additionally, in the west stretch of the road, work is underway for a drug store that is relocating from downtown, and a funeral home is also going in the vicinity.

Therefore, modernizing the road "makes economic development sense," Ung said.

The project was first discussed in June 2015 in a joint meeting of the Board of Supervisors and the Moville City Council. Mayor Jim Fisher is a proponent.

There is no money set aside by the county for the frontage road project, but county officials said they could look for ways to fund it if the Moville City Council wishes to proceed.

"I would like to see us come up with a work-together plan," Radig said.

Nahra said his cost projection includes a wider road with lots of needed water and other infrastructure. There are drainage problems along the frontage road.

Nahra said the road would not be eligible for a state RISE, or Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy grant, since that program requires that roads aid new industries that will add a specified number of jobs.

"It is not a road that is in as dire a need in the (county) secondary roads as the others," Nahra said.

Moville, population 1,618, is the third-largest town in the county, trailing Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff.
For a very long time, Saturn was thought to be the only planet in our solar system with rings.
The next time youre upset with the Sioux City Council, dont head to social media and start talking smack.

Go to a council meeting and do what Morningside residents did Monday  press your case and, rationally, explain why your idea is better.

Merchants and homeowners told the council they were concerned about a reconstruction project on Morningside Avenue. The proposed change  from four-lane to three-lane traffic and the addition of reverse-angle parking -- would hinder business and create safety concerns, they said.

While city staff had done studies that said safety was, indeed, an issue, they didnt have the anecdotal evidence that people who live and work there were able to provide.

Lita Shulenberger, who works at the Hair Parlor, said many of the Peters Park customers are elderly and wouldnt want to back in to park. No study could gauge something like that. It takes people who know the territory to really explain what would work.

Even better? The citizens speaking werent irrational in their approach. Too often, citizen input is fueled by anger, not concern.

Giving good reasons why a second look at the project was necessary, those Morningsiders got what they came for  an open ear from Council members who agreed city staff should take another look and come back with something thats more workable.

The residents brought solutions  not problems  and got results.

Other discussions could be just as civil.

Mondays actions, hopefully, will pave the way for more  and better  citizen input.
Labour  September 13, 2017  Confederation generale du travail

On August 31st, the French government finally published decrees which alter labour law, for the second time in little over a year. Less rights for workers, more power for employers: that is, in a nutshell, the contents of this new law.

This further social retrenchment goes much further than the previous reform (so-called El-Khomri Law), although the El-Khomri Law was explicitly condemned by the United Nations as contrary to Frances international Commitments and against which a complaint has been lodged with the International Labour Organization.

Under the pretext of efficiency  but more so in order to reduce to nil any in-depth discussion and restrict protests  this pro-employer reform has been adopted through a fast-track process, i.e. with Parliament reduced to mere rubberstamping and unions granted a grand total of six hours each for consultation!

Below are the main bones of contention for the CGT:

1. Easier lay-offs

Although the current system already gave employers many options to choose from to terminate contracts and whilst job casualization is a plague for millions of people without any benefits to the economy, this new reform provides for:

Drastic reduction of severance pay for unfair dismissal. In cases of questioning dismissals with the relevant jurisdictions, the decrees provide for capped compensation. This means that employers will know in advance how much it will cost them, when they violate the law through unfair dismissals! The bigger the firms and the greater their financial means, the easier it will be to include provisions in their budgets, so as to be able to organize dismissals without any real or serious grounds.

The El-Khomri Law already provided for dismissals in cases of a drop in turnover or cash flows, even if only by a few Euros. But that was not enough. In order to remove all obstacles to recruitment, Emmanuel Macron is generalising the principle of throwaway workers.

The El-Khomri Law already provided for dismissals in cases of a drop in turnover or cash flows, even if only by a few Euros. But that was not enough. In order to remove all obstacles to recruitment, Emmanuel Macron is generalising the principle of throwaway workers. Easier economic redundancies. Whereas until now, multinational firms facing difficulties in France but making a profit elsewhere could not go ahead with economic redundancies, as per the decrees, their international financial standing will no longer be taken into consideration in such cases.

2. Devalued trade union activities

Depreciation of the role of unions in firm-level bargaining. It will now be possible for bargaining to take place in small firms through referendum, without staff or union representatives. In other firms, the rules differ according to size, but globally, the result remains the same: any firm management can convene a referendum unilaterally. Such a referendum is therefore a major tool against workers, to impose an agreement that would be rejected by majority unions.

Merger of the current three workers representative bodies into a single entity, the Social and Economic Committee.

This reorganization will mean more remote representatives, as they will have to deal with affairs at higher levels, thus spending less time spent with workers facing difficulties at the workplace.

The government is quite obviously trying to restrain any opposition, thus curtailing social democracy in our country.

3. Generalized casualization

The decree will mean more casual contracts: assignment contracts are to be generalized. Whereas until now, such short-term contracts were reserved for some specific branches, they will now be introduced to all sectors, the idea being that such contracts terminate at the end of specific missions.

The development of fixed-term contracts: from now on, it will be possible to increase their duration or renew them at will. We are therefore moving toward the end of permanent contracts in France.

4. Hierarchy of standards

The El-Khomri Law turned upside the standards that regulate labour law. The new reform is a follow-up to, and an amplification of, that

previous law. Thus, in most areas (bonuses, allowances, maternity leave), company agreements will take precedence over branch agreement, even if they are less favourable to workers. For instance, a company agreement may provide for less bonuses or longer working time.

If workers refuse changes to their contract of employment, they will automatically be laid-off on compelling grounds. Employers might be tempted to use this kind of blackmail to avoid any opposition.Ultimately, the purpose is for employers to be able to negotiate the retrenchments that suit them best. In France, over 50% of workers are employed in small or very small firms  with weak union representation  but they come under branch collective agreements. With the reform, workers will be faced with possible company agreements that are below branch agreements.

This will increase social dumping among French firms.

These decrees marginalize workers counter-powers and jeopardise the values and foundations of our social system.

For all the reasons mentioned above, the CGT has called for a day of united action on 12 September. We will remain mobilized, and defend our social rights!

We call upon our trade union friends worldwide to support us on this day of action. 
While Hurricane Irma uprooted trees, flooded Brickell and left millions of South Floridians without power, cabin fever started to sink in for members of the Miami LGBT community. Gay establishments on South Beach -- including Twist, Score, Hotel Gaythering and Molto -- were closed for days, leaving their loyal patrons jonesing for a drink and a good time.

Twist on Washington Avenue, which recently celebrated its 24th anniversary, was the first and only LGBT venue to open Tuesday.

"We had to close for five days. Loss of business was significant," said Joel Stedman, a partner at Twist. "Of course, to be closed this many days is always a financial hit to any business. It's the longest we've been closed during any hurricane. But we're back. We're open. We're gonna be just fine.

"Thankfully, it was safe for us to open," Stedman continued. "We had electricity. And fortunately, we had staff who lived locally, who wanted to come back to work. We're so grateful the community came out to support us when we reopened. This is proof we have a supportive community and we can get through anything together."

Other LGBT businesses on the beach remained closed as of Tuesday, including Score.

"Score would've opened Tuesday but they implemented the 11 o'clock curfew, which I think is kind of ridiculous," said Charlie Dominguez, a bartender at Score. "I know our safety is a top priority, but these curfews are affecting the small businesses.

"The last time we were open was last Wednesday," Dominguez continued. "It was our straight techno night. And it was so busy. Really busy. I guess people were thinking 'let's dance until everything goes to pieces, basically," he laughs.

Dominguez said Score was supposed to open on Thursday before the hurricane hit, but the city closed everything down.

"We've been closed ever since then," he said. "For Wilma, Katrina, all of those storms, we were open right away. This is the longest time Score has been closed. It's unprecedented. The sad part is that it's affecting our community. We need to support our local bars."

Among the local gay bars, Molto, like Score, was also still closed through Tuesday. The new drag bar, which officially opened last month, didn't have electricity until Wednesday and was scheduled to reopen at 4 p.m. that day.

"Not everything is just about business, but I would've definitely loved to be open during this time for the locals that needed a place to go," said Molto co-owner Raymond Ortega. "I feel as long as everyone is safe and alive, I'm happy. The City of Miami Beach is working hard to open South Beach again the fastest way they can, and that's good enough for me."

Patricia Noorzai, a Miami Beach resident who has been frequenting Twist for almost five years, said she was glad Twist was the first place to open after the hurricane passed.

"It's important for all the locals in the community to come together and be sure everyone is safe," Noorzai said. "We're thankful to owner Joel Stedman and Peter Morales to have Twist open in the aftermath of Irma to make it a safe haven for everyone."

Troy C. Kurtz, a resident and small business owner on Miami Beach, said Twist is "family" and he's happy they were able to open as soon as they could, given the curfew Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine implemented on the city and its residents.

"We don't like the curfew. Businesses need to open as soon as possible," Kurtz said. "They have employees, payroll. We live here. We're not looters or prisoners."

Kurtz said he practically lives at Twist. "It's my second home."
The Tuesday after Irma moved out of South Florida, Wilton Manors resident Kevin Knorr went looking for gas. I had been driving around earlier in the day [Tuesday] looking for it but all I found was lines.

Then his partner, Bill Woeppel, saw a Facebook post by Wilton Manors resident Eric Reivik about a gas truck at the Chevron on Wilton Drive. Without social media, Knorr said he would have probably used more gas looking for stations with fuel.

It was a story that repeated itself throughout Wilton Manors and the rest of South Florida, before and after the storm. People used social media to disseminate information about gas, store openings and closings, food and ice deliveries, hurricane survival tips, and more. Catherine Cerniglia, owner of The Over Easy Cafe on Oakland Park Boulevard, used Facebook Wednesday afternoon to announce she was open with a limited menu.

Facebook Marketplace, a feature of the social media site used to sell a variety of items, was also utilized for hurricane purposes. People posted pictures of generators, shutters, and other items for sale. Pictures of free items, such as sand for sandbags, were also posted.

Local governments and law enforcement agencies also got in on the act. Wilton Manors officials, among other things, used the citys social media platforms to let residents know they werent under a boil water alert. Its been invaluable to us. Its a tool we didnt have available after Hurricane Wilma, said City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson. Its also one thats helped compensate for the temporary loss of city phone lines.

The city has also used social media to send out information on trash pickup, debris removal, free food given by the Salvation Army on Wednesday at The Shoppes of Wilton Manors, and curfews.

Henderson said the city may continue with the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew imposed previously. She said it will depend on the power situation. As of Tuesday night, Henderson said she was informed by FPL that only 190 customers in the city, out of 7,800, had power. On Wednesday morning, she said it was 2,300. By Wednesday afternoon it was 2,670 with power We have trucks all throughout the city. Im hopeful that number is going to grow pretty quickly.

That lack of power is what made the city decide to impose a curfew.

The traffic signals are not working. Only three in the city are working. And there are no street lights. The neighborhoods are very dark. It is pitch black. It also creates an opportunity with crime.

On its own social media platforms, FPL announced that it estimates power will be restored to all East Coast customers by the end of the weekend. We understand how important it is for you to get restoration information. We have a workforce of more than 21,500 employees and contractors from nearly 30 states and Canada, including as far away as California, working 24/7 to restore service following widespread damage.
(AP) Australians begin receiving their postal ballots on legalizing gay marriage from Tuesday as a new opinion poll showed that most of those who intend to vote are in favor of marriage equality.

More than 16 million registered voters among Australia's population of 24 million will receive ballots in the coming days requesting their opinion on whether same-sex couples should be allowed to wed.

Most same-sex marriage advocates have condemned the 122 million Australian dollar ($98 million) postal survey as a waste of money and want the Parliament to reform the law without delay.

An Ipsos poll published in Fairfax Media newspapers on Tuesday found 65 percent of respondents said they were certain to take part in the survey.

Of those certain to post their ballot papers back, 70 percent said they would support gay marriage.

If the postal survey finds most Australians want gay marriage, the Parliament will vote by December on legislation to lift the prohibition on gay marriage. But several lawmakers have said they would vote against gay marriage regardless of public opinion.

The Ipsos poll was based on a survey of 1,400 voters between Wednesday and Saturday last week. It had a 2.6 percentage point margin of error.

The result was consistent with previous polls in recent years which have shown around two-thirds of Australians support gay marriage.

But a similar proportion also want legal protections for churches' rights to refuse to marry same-sex couples and to teach that marriage should be between a man and woman.

Critics of the government's approach have argued that the public should see how these rights would be protected in proposed legislation before they decide whether gay marriage should go ahead.

But the government refuses to release a draft bill until after the survey decides whether the Parliament will consider change.

Conservative Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and center-left Labor Party opposition leader Bill Shorten are both campaigning for law reform.

But two past conservative prime ministers, Tony Abbott, who remains a government lawmaker, and John Howard, both oppose the change.

The government and opposition are negotiating on details of legislation to be passed by Parliament this week that would penalize campaigners who resort to hate speech during the two-month survey.

Labor lawmaker Penny Wong, who has children with her same-sex partner, told her party colleagues "hurtful and inaccurate" words had already been used.

"This bill won't protect against all of the hate speech we already see. It will provide some limited protection," Wong said.

She complains that "no" campaigners have compared children in same-sex relationship families to Australia's so-called Stolen Generations, mixed-race children who were taken from Aboriginal mothers under now discredited government policies aimed at raising them as non-indigenous Australians.

"No" campaigners have companied that "yes" advocates threaten their opponents in an effort to suppress dissent. The traditional marriage camp point to a short-lived online petition demanding that a Sydney doctor be deregistered for appearing in a television advertisement opposing same-sex marriage. They also point to a Catholic bishop being referred to a state anti-discrimination agency over an anti-gay marriage letter he distributed in his dioceses. The discrimination complaint has since been dropped.

Turnbull, the only serving prime minister to attend the Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, quoted former British Prime Minister David Cameron at a weekend "yes" campaign launch in arguing that conservatives should support gay marriage.

Abbott, whom Turnbull deposed in an internal government leadership ballot in 2015, has described a "no" vote as a vote against political correctness. Abbott is campaigning against his lesbian sister Christine Forster, a Sydney local government councilor and a member of the same conservative party.
WASP-19b ESO

A team of astronomers led by Elyar Sedaghati, an ESO fellow and recent graduate of TU Berlin, has examined the atmosphere of the exoplanet [WASP-19b] in greater detail than ever before.

This remarkable planet has about the same mass as Jupiter, but is so close to its parent star that it completes an orbit in just 19 hours and its atmosphere is estimated to have a temperature of about 2000 degrees Celsius.

As WASP-19b passes in front of its parent star, some of the starlight passes through the planets atmosphere and leaves subtle fingerprints in the light that eventually reaches Earth. By using the FORS2 instrument on the Very Large Telescope the team was able to carefully analyse this light and deduce that the atmosphere contained small amounts of titanium oxide, water and traces of sodium, alongside a strongly scattering global haze.

Detecting such molecules is, however, no simple feat, explains Elyar Sedaghati, who spent 2 years as ESO student to work on this project. Not only do we need data of exceptional quality, but we also need to perform a sophisticated analysis. We used an algorithm that explores many millions of spectra spanning a wide range of chemical compositions, temperatures, and cloud or haze properties in order to draw our conclusions.

Titanium oxide is rarely seen on Earth. It is known to exist in the atmospheres of cool stars. In the atmospheres of hot planets like WASP-19b, it acts as a heat absorber. If present in large enough quantities, these molecules prevent heat from entering or escaping through the atmosphere, leading to a thermal inversion  the temperature is higher in the upper atmosphere and lower further down, the opposite of the normal situation. Ozone plays a similar role in Earths atmosphere, where it causes inversion in the stratosphere.

The presence of titanium oxide in the atmosphere of WASP-19b can have substantial effects on the atmospheric temperature structure and circulation. explains Ryan MacDonald, another team member and an astronomer at Cambridge University, United Kingdom. To be able to examine exoplanets at this level of detail is promising and very exciting. adds Nikku Madhusudhan from Cambridge University who oversaw the theoretical interpretation of the observations.

The astronomers collected observations of WASP-19b over a period of more than one year. By measuring the relative variations in the planets radius at different wavelengths of light that passed through the exoplanets atmosphere and comparing the observations to atmospheric models, they could extrapolate different properties, such as the chemical content, of the exoplanets atmosphere.

This new information about the presence of metal oxides like titanium oxide and other substances will allow much better modeling of exoplanet atmospheres. Looking to the future, once astronomers are able to observe atmospheres of possibly habitable planets, the improved models will give them a much better idea of how to interpret those observations.

This important discovery is the outcome of a refurbishment of the FORS2 instrument that was done exactly for this purpose, adds team member Henri Boffin, from ESO, who led the refurbishment project. Since then, FORS2 has become the best instrument to perform this kind of study from the ground.

This research was presented in the paper entitled Detection of titanium oxide in the atmosphere of a hot Jupiter by Elyar Sedaghati et. al. to appear in Nature.

The team is composed of Elyar Sedaghati (ESO; Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt, Germany; and TU Berlin, Germany), Henri M.J. Boffin (ESO), Ryan J. MacDonald (Cambridge University, UK), Siddharth Gandhi (Cambridge University, UK), Nikku Madhusudhan (Cambridge University, UK), Neale P. Gibson (Queens University Belfast, UK), Mahmoudreza Oshagh (Georg-August-Universitat Gottingen, Germany), Antonio Claret (Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia  CSIC, Spain) and Heike Rauer (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt, Germany and TU Berlin, Germany).

ESO is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the worlds most productive ground-based astronomical observatory by far. It is supported by 16 countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, along with the host state of Chile. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope and its world-leading Very Large Telescope Interferometer as well as two survey telescopes, VISTA working in the infrared and the visible-light VLT Survey Telescope. ESO is also a major partner in two facilities on Chajnantor, APEX and ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, close to Paranal, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope, the ELT, which will become the worlds biggest eye on the sky.

Research paper in Nature  https://www.eso.org/public/archives/releases/sciencepapers/eso1729/eso1729a.pdf
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This past Friday (September 8), Harrahs Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemens Association (PHHA), hosted the third of the Summer Series of Racetrack Remembrances. Fridays edition featured Brandywine Raceway  Beautiful Brandywine  located just over the state line in Delaware, exactly 12.1 miles from the Harrahs facility.

The night was the best-attended of the three featured Friday nights, possibly because Brandywine was not only the closest track to Harrahs, but because it also had the longest existence  some 37 years, from 1953 to 1989.

It was the pioneer of pari-mutuel harness racing in the Delaware Valley, its summer scenic charms  the spectacular sunsets; the Canadian geese circling to land in the infield pond, and always before the second race; its retractable clubhouse windows  gave many area harness fans a memorable night at the races.

Hall of Fame horsemen such as Billy Haughton and Stanley Dancer annually had divisions of their stable at the Big B, and the greatest equine in the sports history competed at the facility, with all-time greats Rambling Willie and Direct Scooter setting world records at the track.

Three and four generations of people associated with racing and management at the Delaware oval (a half-mile track until 1969, then converted to a five-eighths-mile track) came out to Harrahs on Friday, to keep in touch with longtime friends and to greet people whom they had not seen in many years.

What a superb night it was, said former Brandywine publicity director, now Hall of Famer, Marv Bachrad. I saw people I had not seen since Brandywine closed. It was so great to reminisce about the old days plus the videos of top races from Brandywine on the big screen TV and all the memorabilia that people brought to display made for a wonderful evening.

Of the four drivers that participated in ten or more races Friday, half had family that were a part of the Brandywine tapestry  Allan Daviss father, Eddie, was the leading driver at Brandywine for several seasons, and before Eddies success there was success for Mike Lachance, whose son, Pat, is a Philly regular; Victor Kirbys grandfather, Vinal, raced at Brandywine for most of the tracks history; and Jon Roberts father, William, known as Bib, often made jaunts over from his Maryland base.

There was a memorabilia show and contest held, and appropriately the three top prizes went to people whose family had deep roots at Brandywine. First place was taken by Judy Davis-Wilson, herself program director at Brandywine and whose entire family, especially father, Olin, raced there for years.

Everyone that worked or raced at Brandywine were like family, said Judy Davis-Wilson. We all looked forward every season to seeing everyone again as Brandywine was one of the first stops of the Grand Circuit. Tonight, it was just like old times with so many horsepeople and former employees coming out. It was just a great evening.

Second place was taken by Michael Wirtschafter, Brandywines unofficial official historian, whose great-grandfather, Nathan, founded the racetrack and whose grandfather, Howard, ran it for 30 years. Third place was taken by Bob Shahan, leading driver at Brandywine for its last few seasons, for  his collection of leading driver awards from Brandywine. The judging was done by Jody McDonald, popular sportscaster for local radio station WIP and a harness fan.

The mixing of the state-of-the-art, high-class racing at Harrahs Philadelphia and the nostalgia for the bygone days of Beautiful Brandywine made for an enjoyable mix on a pleasant late summers evening, with many smiles seen among the patrons throughout the evening.

In addition to the reunion night, Harrahs and the PHHA also had a live band, free mechanical bull rides and other games, in addition to an outdoor grill, all on their outdoor grandstand patio overlooking the races.

(PHHA)
Pro-Life Groups to Cardinal O'Malley: Stop the Betrayals

Contact: William Cotter, 774-287-0751



BOSTON, Mass., Sept. 13, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- A coalition of pro-life organizations, activists, and journalists issued a public statement today calling upon Cardinal Sean O'Malley, the Archbishop of Boston, and the other Catholic bishops of Massachusetts, to stop their betrayals of the pro-life movement.



In its 2004 document "Catholics in Political Life," the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops specifically prohibited Catholic institutions from giving awards, honors or platforms to political figures who support legal abortion. The coalition cited nineteen violations of this in the last three years involving Catholic prelates in the Bay State.



Among the scandals decried by the statement's signatories was Cardinal O'Malley's attendance at the 2017 Profiles in Courage Award ceremony at the Kennedy Library honoring former President Barack Obama, whose administration was sued by the Little Sisters of the Poor over the Obamacare contraceptive mandate.



Another incident criticized was the 2014 presentation by the Missionary Society of Saint James the Apostle  whose president is Cardinal O'Malley  of the Cardinal Cushing Award to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, a longtime proponent of legal abortion. Walsh, the recipient of the 2016 Men of Choice Award from NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, went on to defend the public funding of Planned Parenthood, name a square in the city's South End after abortionist Kenneth Edelin, and call for Boston to become a sanctuary city for abortions, should Roe v. Wade be overturned.



Along with asking for full episcopal compliance with "Catholics in Political Life," the coalition is also urging the bishops to reverse their recently imposed ban on signature gathering on church property, the timing of which will adversely impact an initiative petition drive seeking to end tax funded abortions in the Commonwealth.



The coalition characterized the bishops' behavior as a series of "repeated, ongoing and worsening scandals and betrayals, which demoralize faithful Catholics, marginalize the pro-life community, and send a message of confusion and contradiction to secular society."



Operation Rescue: Boston President William Cotter stated:
Christianity Today Wins Excellence in Religion Reporting Awards

Contact: Cory Whitehead, 630-260-6200 ext 4220, cwhitehead@christianitytoday.com CAROL STREAM, Ill., Sept. 13, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- Christianity Today won two top awards showcasing religion journalism excellence at the Religion News Association's annual awards banquet in Nashville, Tennessee on September 9, 2017.Christianity Today won first place for Excellence in Magazine Overall Religion Coverage. Editor in Chief Mark Galli shares, "It's always encouraging to be recognized for excellence, but it's especially gratifying to hear it from a stellar journalistic organization like the Religion News Association. Our news team, headed by Jeremy Weber, does incredible work, and I'm glad they are increasingly being recognized for it by their peers."Jeremy Weber also personally won first place for Excellence in Magazine News Religion Reporting for recent global feature stories reported from Iraq/Greece Lebanon , and India . Weber reflects on the award, "It's an honor to be recognized for our hard work by the best professionals in the business. But it was also an honor to tell in-depth stories about two of the world's most urgent crises: refugees and religious freedom. We hope that this award draws new attention to those stories and thus to the millions of people facing such troubles."Christianity Today increasingly is seeking to bring to its readers unique, on-the-ground reporting from the church abroad. Galli states, "Readers consistently tell us they appreciate this 'front-row seat' to what God is doing around the globe. It's important to learn from our global Christian family how God sustains and grows his church."A full list of the Religion News Association's 2017 awards can be found at the association's website Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry centered on Beautiful Orthodoxystrengthening the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel. Reaching over five million people monthly with various digital and print resources, the ministry equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God.
Christian Nonprofit Reaches Milestone of 7,000 Projects Worldwide

Contact: April Kelsey,757-827-6704HAMPTON, Va., Sept. 13, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- International Cooperating Ministries (ICM) in Hampton is celebrating as it undertakes its 7,000th project to aid Christians in the developing world.The achievement is especially meaningful considering that ICM has historically maintained a U.S.-based staff of less than 50 employees. Founded in 1986 by Dois Rosser, Jr., ICM maximizes its impact by forming reciprocal partnerships with indigenous ministries already established and operating in some of the most destitute regions of the world. To date, ICM has worked in 86 countriesyet its home office occupies a small building in Hampton, Va.ICM helps Christians in developing nations by enabling them to build permanent churches and supplying them with Bible study materials in their language. In addition to funding the construction of 7,000 churches, ICM has also worked with partners to translate its unique Bible study curriculum into 43 languages for both print and audio. This work has led to about 33,000 new congregations being established in the field. Even more astonishing, ICM promises donors that every designated gift is put 100 percent toward project costs."It has been incredible to see the exponential growth of ICM in recent years," says CEO Janice Allen. "Only a few years ago, we were building about 400 churches per year. This year, we're looking at doing 800. When my father first started this ministry, we were doing one or two churches per year. We never imagined we would get to this level, reaching people in places that have never heard the name of Jesus."The 7,000th project will help a congregation in Laos rebuild their church that was recently burned to the ground in an act of persecution. The pastor says a local governor and his officials started the fire in the middle of the night after they failed to intimidate the congregation into recanting their faith.ICM was founded to help Christians in places where they are considered a minority, impoverished, or marginalized. In countries where a permanent house of worship conveys legitimacy of ones religious beliefs, a brick-and-mortar church building can actually be a lifeline to Christians facing violent persecution. The churches also become training sites for new pastors, who then take Christianity into places foreign missionaries could never reach."We think the work of ICM is cutting edge," says founder Dois Rosser. "We are blanketing nationsputting a church within walking distance of every person on earth. [The 7,000 milestone] means we are reaching that goal of blanketing 86 nations. We know of no other ministry achieving this goal."ICM plans on celebrating more milestones in the future. It is working toward a goal of building 10,000 churches by 2020.
Does God Exist?

Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276, KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- In a world that is increasingly attempting to declare that there is no God, Christians need to be equipped to defend the existence of the Creator, and do so convincingly and persuasively. Edward Feser's new book, FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, delves into this topic in ways that appeal to both laymen and academics digging for something a little deeper.Feser, an associate professor of philosophy at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, California, has been called by National Review "one of the best contemporary writers on philosophy." FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD certainly lives up to that premise, delivering extensive explanations of the proofs of a divine being while hitting back on common arguments made against those proofs.Opening as the top seller in the Atheist book section of Amazon.com, FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD is establishing itself as the definitive defense of the existence of God, and giving atheists something on which to work.Feser gives an ambitious and complete a defense of traditional natural theology as is currently in print, aiming to vindicate the view of the greatest philosophers of the past  thinkers like Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Aquinas, Leibniz and many others  that the existence of God can be established with certainty by way of purely rational arguments. The FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD thereby serves as a refutation both of atheism and of the fideism that gives aid and comfort to atheism.Feser explains and summarizes the five proofs, and reveals the divine attributes and the thinking behind each one. He also refutes specific arguments of atheists in a comprehensive Q-and-A format."A watershed book," says Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary, about the FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. "Feser has completely severed the intellectual legs upon which modern atheism had hoped to stand."For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview with Ed Feser, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com ) of Carmel Communications.
Followers

About Me Dean K. Wilson Retired from full-time employment since 2003, Dean was raised in Bradford, PA, where he and his family were active members of the Hill Memorial Evangelical United Brethren Church.



Dean graduated from Houghton College (NY) in 1968 with a BA degree in Writing and Psychology.



Before retiring, he spent 38 years working as a fire protection engineer, educator, director of training, and business consultant in the insurance and consulting industries. Dean holds registration as a licensed Professional Fire Protection Engineer (CT), has been elected a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, and has received the Standards Medal from the National Fire Protection Association.



Dean has written over 370 magazine articles and book chapters for technical and business publications. He has written over 1,500 blog posts. Dean is also a nationally known conference speaker and seminar leader on various fire protection, adult learning, and communications issues.



In July of 1968, Dean married the former Shirley Willink, who remains his most faithful and best friend. View my complete profile
A week from today, the Cowlitz County Jail will become the first correctional facility in Washington to use a body-scanner to prevent new inmates from smuggling drugs and other contraband into the jail.

With any jail, theres always been that struggle to keep out contraband. Its always been a battle, and this new equipment helps us contend with those who attempt to smuggle in items that are not allowed in the jail, Capt. Chris Moses with the county corrections department said by email Tuesday. "Inmates are creative and go through great lengths to get contraband into the facility. We want to ensure our staff and inmates are safe.

The Conpass DV (Dual-View) full body scanner takes seven seconds to scan an inmate. All new arrestees will be scanned before joining the rest of the inmates, with a few exceptions, Moses said.

Traditional searches cannot locate contraband hidden inside an inmates body, and drug users have been known to swallow drugs or hide them in body cavities.

The scanner is not foolproof. However, it ensures our officers have a more effective tool, Moses said. The scanner is much less intrusive than a strip search and more efficient. A strip search can take up to 10 to 15 minutes, whereas the scan is completed in seven seconds. The scan can identify anything concealed under clothing or inside a persons body cavity."

Items hidden in a body cavity will be missed through a traditional pat down or strip search, he said.

Body scanners have been deployed in many jails throughout the country, Moses said. Jail staff members consulted the county attorney and discussed the purchase with advocacy groups before buying the machine, he said. Just our vendor alone has deployed over 120 body scanners in the United States and over 500 worldwide.

The scanner cost about $237,000. It will not require additional staff to operate.

The scanner generates two separate images of the individual being screened. One displays the full body head to toe view; the other focuses on the torso. Moses said the exposure to radiation is 400 times lower than in a typical medical chest x-ray.

At this setting, individuals can be screened 1,000 times every year, Moses said. This makes the scanner safe for inmates and staff alike.
Southwest Washington Congresswoman Jamie Herrera Beutler has recruited nine of her peers to oppose Oregons consideration of tolls on Interstates 5 and 205.

The congresswoman sponsored an amendment to a federal spending bill last week that would prevent funds made available by the bill to be used to establish or collect tolls on the aforementioned freeways.

Although Oregon has not officially implemented tolls on I-5 and I-205, the states $5.3 billion transportation bill directs the state transportation commission to consider tolls between the state line and Tualatin, Ore. The bill gives commissioners until Dec. 31, 2018, to ask the Federal Highway Administration for approval.

State Sens. John Braun, R-Centralia, Ann Rivers, R-La Center, and Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, join state Reps. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, Vicki Kraft, R-Vancouver, Liz Pike, R-Camas, Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, and Brandon Vick, R-Vancouver, in their call for Gov. Jay Inslee to take an active role in opposing Oregons transportation plan that calls for imposing tolls on I-5 and I-205 at the state line, according to a press release.

Inslee has not yet commented publicly on possible I-5 and I-205 tolling.

The letter to Inslee also outlines why signees believe the tolling plan will unfairly charge Southwest Washington residents who commute into Oregon for work. An estimated 74,000 Washington residents work in Oregon, with 45,078 of those living in Clark County.

The Oregon transportation bill specifically states that revenue from tolling beginning at the state line will be used to improve portions of l-205 located south of Portland; in other words, infrastructure located miles away from the bridges that our constituents use, the letter reads.

Governor Inslee, we recognize our shared interest in the freight mobility, safety and congestion relief needs stemming from the current I-5 bridge. Oregons current proposal, as outlined, does nothing to address those needs: it is a bad deal for Washington residents. It does not honor the long-standing, shared responsibility between Washington and Oregon for projects and maintenance between our state boundaries.

View the letter in its entirety on TDN.com.
A rollover accident has been cleared by Lewis and Clark Bridge, but traffic is still slowed down in the area, Oregon State Police reported at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The driver was taken by Life Flight helicopter to an area hospital for unknown injuries, police reported. The driver's identity and the extent of his injuries were not immediately available Tuesday afternoon.

The semi-truck tipped over in the westbound lane just past the bridge just before 10 a.m. Tuesday. Westbound traffic was temporarily blocked by the bridge off-ramp.

The accident caused backups in westbound traffic headed toward Clatskanie at 10:30 a.m., according to a reporter on the scene.

Oregon State Police have responded to the incident. Check tdn.com later for updates.
Debt dilemma

Its ironic, now that Republicans have their man in the White House, theyre telling the truth about the importance of raising the debt ceiling. The money from raising the debt ceiling goes toward paying a portion of what we owe other countries we have borrowed from. The money we borrowed went toward veterans, roads, hurricane victims.

Under President Obama, Republican Congress lied. They said passing or raising the debt ceiling wasnt needed, and President Obama just wanted money to waste. Under President Obama, the Republican Congress almost didnt raise the debt ceiling one time which caused the world to panic, and Americas credit rating to drop. Republican congressmen, such as Ted Cruz, even shut down the government because they didnt want to raise the debt ceiling to help the New Jersey hurricane victims.

Without new taxes, America must keep borrowing, and the debt keeps going up. The House, which Republicans have controlled for seven years, controls the money and the debt. Whenever Trump has pledged money, he hasnt followed through with the money. Hopefully the money Trump pledged Hurricane Harvey victims, they will really receive.

K.D. Slade

Longview

PUD fees

Since the PUD collects fees from other companies such as telephone, cable and fiber optic, why dont they pass the extra fees on to the customers?

C.A. Smith

Silver Lake

Cause and effect

I bite my tongue and keep my mouth shut regarding much of the anti President Trump editorials and propaganda, but Dana Milbanks Sept. 1 editorial Religious leaders denounce sin of silence was simply too hypocritical to leave unchallenged. His attempt to turn a possible positive event into an anti-Trump cause and effect was just too much.

President Obama had expanded such division between the races with Al Sharpton as his adviser on racial issues, and that was never denounced by Dana Milbank. I do not know if Sharpton or Jesse Jackson have finally got religion, but whenever I try to use the word Reverend before their names, it absolutely sticks in my throat.

Paul M. Shannon

Rainier

Unleashed

Seven years ago, while walking my leashed 20-pound rat terrier in front of Mint Valley School, a large unleashed German shepherd attacked. It was so quick and vicious that before the owner could get control of his dog, my dog had been seriously wounded. I rushed her to our local veterinary clinic. However, her injuries were so severe that we had to rush her to an emergency hospital in Portland. Among her many injuries, her leg was broken so badly a fixture had to be used. She spent days in the hospital and months at home required special care.

The owner of the German shepherd took responsibility for the thousands of dollars for medical expenses. However, our dog never completely recovered physically or mentally. She is very unfriendly to strange dogs, has arthritis from her injuries, etc.

I feel this could have been prevented if that dog had been leashed and under control.

Darlene Jackson

Longview
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Labour protests hit France in key challenge for Macron



France braced for a day of strikes and protests Tuesday against Emmanuel Macron's flagship labour reforms, a key test as he stakes his presidency on overhauling the sluggish economy.

More than 180 street protests are planned nationwide against the reforms, which are intended to tackle stubbornly high unemployment by loosening the rules that govern how businesses hire and fire people.

Some 4,000 strikes have been called under the action led by France's biggest trade union.

, the CGT, with rail workers, students and civil servants urged to protest in cities from Paris to Marseille and Toulouse.

But the turnout will serve as a yardstick for unions' ability to mobilise, as deep splits have emerged in the labour movement between those determined to fight the reforms and those prepared to compromise.

The business-friendly Macron sparked a backlash last week by describing opponents of the shake-up as "slackers" and cynics, in comments blasted as "scandalous" by CGT chief Philippe Martinez.

Bruno Cautres of the Cevipof political research institute said Macron had "thrown oil on the fire" with his choice of words.

"With the 'slackers' comment, there are all the ingredients for this to heat up," he said.

In Paris, the transport disruption is set to be limited to two commuter train lines. Air traffic controllers have also been urged to strike, and Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair said Monday that it had cancelled 110 flights scheduled for Tuesday.

"If the French government is serious about changing France, they should start by tackling these air traffic control unions," the airline's chief marketing officer, Kenny Jacobs, said in a statement.

Funfair operators-angry over pre-Macron reforms that open the industry to more competition-will also join in, planning to block traffic in several cities and donning clown costumes for the Paris protest.




Workshop on business education at BUBT

Campus Report :



A daylong workshop on "Quality Assurance in Tertiary Level Business Education and Team Building for Self-Assessment", organized by the Self Assessment Committee of the Department of Business Administration, Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT) was held recently at its Campus-2, Mirpur in the capital. Faculty members of the Department of Business Administration of BUBT attended the workshop.

Prof Dr M. Muhibur Rahman, former member of UGC, conducted the workshop as keynote speaker and chief guest. Prof Md. Abu Saleh, Vice Chancellor of BUBT, inaugurated the workshop and mentioned this program as sort of a continuous effort to materialize the vision of the university to bring quality higher education to the doorsteps of the common people of the society. Prof Md. Enayet Hossain Miah, Tresurer, BUBT and Prof Mian Lutfar Rahman, Proctor, BUBT were present as special guests. Prof Dr Syed Masud Husain, Dean, Faculty of Business was present at the program.
EDU working to produce quality graduates

Campus Report :



The Founding Vice-Chairman of East Delta University (EDU), Chittagong Sayeed Al Noman said the university has been working to produce good quality students and research coming out of the stereotyped education system.

He was addressing at a gathering titled 'Corporate Odyssey' at permanent campus of the university recently. High officials of different corporate houses and universities in Dhaka, Chittagong and Malaysia attended the programme.

Sayeed Al Noman, in his speech, said long-term plans have been chalked out to establish standard education system, international teaching method, create creative mentality and increase the research activities for expansion of higher education in Chittagong.

The students are not being taught only for employment in the university. There is huge scope of being entrepreneur, he added.

International Islamic University, Malaysia Prof Dr Abdul Quddus said that his university has started joint education activities with the EDU as it ensured qualitative education.

EDU Director Planning and Development Shafayet Chowdhury conducted the programme while Heidelberg Cement Head of Human Resource Md Alamgir, Grameen Phone Cluster Head Shaon Azad, Infinity Group Chairman Imtiaz Alam and EDU Treasurer Prof Shams-Ud-Doha were present at the programme among others.

The participants also said EDU students working at their organisations are going forward with challenge and confidence to achieve the success.


After filming IS horrors, Raqa activists become war reporters

Citizen journalists have used cell phones and social media to document protests and abuses since Syria\'s uprising began in 2011, as well as jihadist atrocities in Raqa since 2014.

AFP, Beirut :

They honed their media skills secretly filming Islamic State group beheadings in Raqa. Now, these Syrian activists have become impromptu war reporters, covering the US-backed assault on their city from the ground.

"If the crack is sharp and the column of smoke goes straight up, it's an air strike," Syrian activist Tim Ramadan tells AFP from Raqa, using a pseudonym and communicating through a Facebook profile that disguises his identity.

Every night, Ramadan discreetly turns on his internet satellite service, uploads his daily records from the battle-torn city to Europe-based colleagues at the "Sound and Picture" collective, then immediately deletes the messages. Media networks including Sound and Picture are providing a rare window into life in Raqa, ravaged by fighting since the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces broke into the city on June 6.

They write stories on what it's like for civilians to scavenge for food and water, publish footage of air strikes, and commemorate civilians killed in fighting.

"This is the only thing I can do right now-keep track of how many air strikes, shells, dead, wounded. Who was killed by a sniper, an air strike, or a mine. How many houses were destroyed," Ramadan says.

Activists like him once solely focused on documenting the gruesome atrocities of IS's three-year-reign over the city.

But the assault on Raqa changed all that.

"We used to be afraid of being arrested (by IS) if we went out in the street. Now we're afraid of going outside in case an artillery shell hits us. And if we don't go out, we're scared an air strike could flatten the whole house on top of us," says Ramadan.

US-led coalition warplanes and SDF shelling have pounded Raqa, where up to 25,000 civilians still live after tens of thousands escaped. The SDF has captured around 65 percent of Raqa, recently overrunning the strategic Old City.

"When the coalition and the SDF entered the scene, we had to document more. Daesh wasn't the only side killing civilians anymore," Ramadan says, using the Arabic acronym for IS. Since Syria's uprising began in 2011, citizen journalists have used cell phones and social media to document protests and violations by armed forces.

They adapted the same tools to document IS atrocities after it captured Raqa in 2014, with groups like Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently publishing footage of beheadings and jihadist patrols.

When coalition air strikes on Raqa began in 2014, the city's activists started to document those too.

But the activists say the real change in their work came when the SDF entered the city, prompting clashes that brought rampant power cuts and made moving around much more difficult.

"IS has actually lifted some of its restrictions on people because it's busy with clashes," says 21-year-old Mazen Hassoun, who manages news outlet Raqqa Post from Germany.

"But communicating with our team is harder now than before, especially after the internet cafes were shut and fighting reached the city itself," he says.

Like other activists, Raqqa Post's team stockpiled food, water, and medicine and turned basements into makeshift bomb shelters in anticipation of a long fight, says Hassoun.

Mohammad al-Khaled, who heads the Raqqa24 media collective from northern Syria, warned his correspondents that he had seen how brutally IS responded to other US-backed assaults.

"I told them Daesh would be more evil towards civilians, that they would use them and their families as human shields if they stayed," Khaled tells AFP, adding that some chose to flee.

In recent months, Khaled has begun using new messaging programmes and code words to protect his correspondents.

Two members of the network's six-person team have been wounded in clashes, but correspondent Khalil still refuses to leave.

"My specialisation with the network is documenting casualties because of my background in medicine. I record the number and cause of deaths," Khalil says, using a pseudonym and communicating via an online messaging app.

"If I was to leave at a time like this, it would be a betrayal of my countrymen, whom I've decided to stay with in this situation."

Aghiad al-Kheder, who coordinates with Ramadan and other Sound and Picture correspondents from Germany, spent a year living under IS in Raqa before escaping in 2015.




3.5 m refugee children don't attend school: UN

AFP, Geneva :

More than half the world's refugee children-some 3.5 million altogether-do not attend school, the UN refugee agency said Tuesday, urging greater and steadier funding for their education.

"Some 3.5 million didn't get a single day" of school last year from among the 6.4 million children aged between five and 17 who were under the care of the UNHCR last year, the agency said in a report.

It was only a slight improvement over the previous year, when the figure was 3.7 million, said the report titled "Left Behind: Refugee Education in Crisis".

"The education of these young refugees is crucial to the peaceful and sustainable development of the places that have welcomed them, and to the future prosperity of their own countries," UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said in the report.

The agency urged donor governments to increase investment in refugee education and to commit to consistent funding "from the emergency phase onwards".

Half of the 17.2 million refugees under the care of the UNHCR are children, Grandi said.

"Compared to other children and youth around the world, the gap in opportunity for the 6.4 million school-age refugees under UNHCR's mandate is growing ever wider," he said.

Ninety-one percent of the world's children attend primary school, a figure that drops to 61 percent for refugee children-though this is up from 50 percent in 2015.

Some 84 percent of children worldwide are in secondary school, but only 23 percent of refugee kids.

The report attributes the slight rise in education rates "largely to measures taken by Syria's neighbours to enrol more refugee children... as well as increased refugee enrolment in European countries."

But one in three refugees live in low-income countries where they are six times less likely to go to school than children globally, the report said.

"In low-income countries, which host 28 percent of the world's refugees, the number in secondary education is disturbingly low, at a mere nine percent," it said.

The report included a message from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, the 20-year-old Pakistani education activist who was shot in the head by the Taliban for demanding girls' right to go to school.

"We should not ask a child forced to flee her home to also give up her education and her dreams for the future," Yousafzai said.




White House observes minute of silence for 9/11 victims

AFP, Washington :

US President Donald Trump observed a moment of silence Monday at a White House ceremony marking the 16th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.

The observance, along with another at Ground Zero in New York, was held at 8:46 am (1246 GMT), the moment the World Trade Center in Manhattan was struck by the first of two hijacked airliners.

The president, and his wife, Melania, placed their hands on their hearts and bowed their heads as a bell tolled and a Marine played the mournful Taps on a trumpet. In all, four planes were hijacked by Al-Qaeda militants who used them to topple the trade center's twin towers and hit the Pentagon. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.

The attacks, the deadliest ever on US soil, killed 2,997 people, and plunged the United States into a chain of rolling wars against Islamic militants. Memorial ceremonies were also being held in New York and at the Pentagon and Vice President Mike Pence was to deliver remarks in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the fourth plane crashed.

Pence was also scheduled to tour the Flight 93 National Memorial Visitors Center and take part in a wreath-laying ceremony.




Trader stabbed to death in Pirojpur

UNB, Pirojpur :

A trader was stabbed to death by some unidentified miscreants at West Shankarpasha village in Sadar upazila here on Thursday night.

The deceased was identified as Aslam Khalifa, 26, son of Habibur Rahman Khalifa of the village.

When Aslam was returning home from Boudubi Bazar of Indurkani upazila after selling birds the miscreants stabbed him indiscriminately with sharp weapons, leaving him dead and then dumped the body in a nearby waterbody, said Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Police Station Masumur Rahman Biswas.

A case was filed in the connection.
Thunderbolt kills two farmers in Magura

BSS, Magura :

Two farmers were killed and two others injured when a thunderbolt hit them at Nischintapur village in Sadar upazila here on Monday.

The deceased are Waliar, 25, son of Sohrab Hossain and Sujon, 26, son of Sarwar Hossain, residents of the same area.

Police and hospital sources said the lightning followed by a rainstorm hit them at about 1 pm when they were working on a farmland of the village. They suffered critical injuries in the incident.

The wounded were sent to Magura Sadar Hospital where on-duty doctors declared Waliar and Sujon dead.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sadar Police Station Ilias confirmed the incident.
 

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Over 35 lakh refugee children missing out on education



More than 35 lakh refugee children aged 5 to 17 did not have the chance to attend school across the world in the last academic year, UNHCR says in a report released om Tuesday.

According to the report titled 'Left Behind: Refugee Education in Crisis', some 15 lakh refugee children are missing out on primary school while the remaining 20 lakh refugee adolescents are not in secondary school.

The report compares UNHCR sources and statistics on refugee education with data from UNESCO, the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organization, on school enrolment around the world. Globally, 91 per cent of children attend primary school.

It says only 23.0 percent of refugee adolescents are enrolled in secondary school, compared to 84 per cent globally. For tertiary education the situation is critical. Across the world, enrolment in tertiary education stands at 36.0 percent while it is stuck at 1.0 percent for refugees.

"The international community will fail to attain its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at transforming the world by 2030 if it does not act to reverse these trends," said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

He said the education of the young refugees is crucial to the peaceful and sustainable development of the countries that have welcomed them and to their homes when they are able to return.

The report calls for education to be considered fundamental to the response to refugee emergencies, and for it to be supported by long-term planning and reliable funding.

It urges governments to include refugees in their national education systems as the most effective, equitable and sustainable response, and highlights some of the notable efforts made towards implementing such a policy - even in countries where resources are already stretched.

The findings further underline the importance of quality teaching, and of the national and international support networks needed to keep teachers trained, motivated and able to make a positive impact in the world's toughest classrooms.

Numerous personal stories featured in the report demonstrate that while refugees are desperate to get an education - well aware of the transformative effect it can have on their lives - there are far too few teachers, classrooms, text books and support mechanisms to meet such enormous demand.

This is the second annual education report from UNHCR. The first, "Missing Out", was released in advance of the UN General Assembly's Summit for Refugees and Migrants last September. The New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, signed by 193 countries, put education at the forefront of the international response.
Rakhine was an independent state and it should remain independent

Sakeeb Kamal :

LAST couple of weeks we have been deeply shocked by the brutality of the Burmese army on Rohingya Muslims. Rohingya Muslims had been a victim of Burmese military for almost 40 years but recently it has reached the extreme level. Up until now only Rohingya Muslims had been their target but now they are even killing Hindus. They are even setting up mines near the border to kill them. It is clearly seen that it is a planed ethnic cleansing. They are intentionally trying to push Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh. Our government assuring us to solve this matter diplomatically. But the matter of concern is, Rohingya Muslims do not have any proof of citizenship as Myanmar government always deny their existence. Now the question arises how we can push them back if they do not have proof of citizenship?

Rakhine State which was formerly known as Arakan was independent until 1784. The history of the region of Arakan State can be roughly divided into seven parts. The first four divisions and the periods are based on the location of the centre of power of the main independent Rakhine-dominated politics in the northern Rakhine region, especially along the Kaladan River. Thus, the history is divided into the Dhanyawadi, Waithali, Laymro and Mrauk U. Mrauk U was conquered by the Konbaung dynasty of Burma in 1784-85, after which Rakhine became part of the Konbaung kingdom of Burma. Due to Burmese brutality many Rakhine nationals sought refuge in Bangladesh whom today we call Mogh. In 1824, the first Anglo-Burmese war erupted and in 1826, Rakhine (alongside Tanintharyi) was ceded to the British as reparation by the Burmese to the British. Rakhine thus became part of the province of Burma of British India. In 1948, Burma was given independence and Rakhine became part (colony) of the new federal republic.

Based on Rakhine oral histories and inscriptions in certain temples, the history of the Rakhine region dates back nearly five thousand years. The Rakhine people trace their societal history back to as far as 3325 BCE and have given a lineal succession of 227 native monarchs and princes down to the last ruler in 1784. They also describe their territory of including, in varying points of time, the regions of Ava, the Irrawaddy Delta, the port town of Thanlyin (Syriam) and parts of eastern Bengal. However, the expanse of the successive Rakhine kingdoms does not exactly corroborate with certain known historical documentation.

According to Rakhine legend, the first recorded kingdom arose, centered on the northern town of Dhanyawadi in the 34th Century BCE and lasted until 327 CE. Rakhine documents and inscriptions state that the famed Mahamuni Buddha image was cast in Dhanyawadi in around 554 BCE when the Buddha visited the kingdom. After the fall of Dhanyawadi in the 4th Century CE, the centre of power shifted to a new dynasty based in the town of Waithali. The Waithali kingdom ruled the regions of Rakhine from the middle of the 4th Century to 818 CE. The period is seen as the classical period of Rakhine culture, architecture and Buddhism, as the Waithali period left behind more archaeological remains compared to its predecessor. A new dynasty emerged in four towns along the Laymro River as Waithali waned in influence, and ushered in the Lemro period, where four principal towns served as successive capitals.

The final Kingdom of Mrauk U was founded in 1429 by Min Saw Mon. It is seen by the Rakhine people as the golden age of their history, as Mrauk U served as a commercially important port and base of power in the Bay of Bengal region and involved in extensive maritime trade with Arabia and Europe. The country steadily declined from the 17th century onwards after the loss of Chittagong to the Mughal Empire in 1666. Internal instability, rebellion and dethroning of kings were very common. The Portuguese, during the era of their greatness in Asia, gained a temporary establishment in Arakans.

From 1947 to 1961, local mujahideen fought government forces in an attempt to have the mostly Rohingya populated Mayu peninsula in northern Rakhine State secede from Myanmar, so it could be annexed by East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh). During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the mujahideen lost most of its momentum and support, resulting in most of them surrendering to government forces.

In the 1970s Rohingya Islamist movements began to emerge from remnants of the mujahideen, and the fighting culminated with the Burmese government launching a massive military operation named Operation King Dragon in 1978. In the 1990s, the well-armed Rohingya Solidarity Organisation was the main perpetrator of attacks on Burmese authorities near the Myanmar-Bangladesh border.

In October 2016, clashes erupted on the Myanmar-Bangladesh border between government security forces and a new insurgent group, Harakah al-Yaqin, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 people (excluding civilians). It was the first major resurgence of the conflict since 2001. In November 2016, violence erupted again, bringing the death toll to 134.

During the early hours of 25 August 2017, up to 150 insurgents launched coordinated attacks on 24 police posts and the 552nd Light Infantry Battalion army base in Rakhine State, leaving 71 dead (12 security personnel and 59 insurgents). It was the first major attack by Rohingya insurgents since November 2016.

But not only Rohingya Muslims, but also a group of Rakhine nationals also took arms against Burmese Military known as Arakan Defense Group. They fought against the Burmese ally Japan, during the Second World War. Now to control this area, Burmese Army deliberately using the rage of Rakhine Buddhist against the minority Rohingya Muslims.

This is a well thought plan by the Burmese government and the irony of fate is that they have most major super powers at their corner including Russia, China and India. Even though the UN has repeatedly criticized the Burmese government over the Rohingya issue, western world does not seem to be bothered as much as they were in case of Iraq and Afghanistan. If we take a look at world history, this sort of problems is seldom being solved diplomatically. In 1971 we had to liberate our country by using weapon against the occupied Pakistan Army. Today or tomorrow we may have to use the similar tactics against Myanmar government. Myanmar Army has already breached International law by entering Bangladeshi skyline. This type of provocative act deserves severe action. Our government needs to act strongly and rapidly. Otherwise we may need to feed these Rohingya people for eternity, which will cause the destruction of our economy for good.


Sheltering Rohingyas needs enormous resources

BANGLADESH, being a country of a large population, higher unemployment rate, small land area, and an emerging economy, is struggling to accommodate the exodus of Rohingya refugee in the country. An economist estimated USD 1 billion would be needed to give food and shelter to the refugees and said that the government should seek international support for the huge number of refugees that took shelter in Cox's Bazar after fleeing persecution inside Myanmar. A senior economist at the Policy Research Institute or PRI, said the government must start asking that fund from the International community now.





Since Aug 25, an estimated 290,000 people are believed to have crossed the border from Myanmar to Bangladesh, tripling the Rohingya population in Cox's Bazar in two weeks. Furthermore, the Bangladesh authorities estimate that around half a million unregistered and 30,000 registered refugees are staying in Bangladesh. In spite of neither being a party to the 1951 UNHCR Refugee Convention nor to the 1967 protocol, Bangladesh has been hosting this considerable number of Rohingya refugee population since the 1970s.







The biggest problem is food, drinking water and medicine to the homeless people. It needs enormous money and a big operational arrangement to procure funds, foods and distribute to the people without allowing opportunists to steal the resources. This is a gigantic challenge.







While USD 1 billion is a huge number it is nothing to worry about as we can easily get that in funds from the UN and other multi and bilateral organizations, not to mention individual donations from rich countries. What is essential is for the agencies to distribute the material and monetary aid directly to ensure that they reach the Rohingya and that it isn't appropriated and sold by corrupt officials in the black market--as has happened in the past for aid which has been given to Bangladesh.





The USD 1 billion amount is huge, around 80 billion takas, which is 5 percent of our ADP. But it does not spell the end for Bangladesh as the sum is statistically insignificant. No country has become bankrupt by helping refugees.What we need to focus on is their eventual repatriation through intensifying diplomatic offensives and taking the help of China and India.The international community must end its silence on the Rohingyas.





The final solution for the refugees must consist of Myanmar finally granting them citizenship and all the rights which follow to enable them to leave peacefully. Terrorizing large parts of the Rohingya everytime as a terrorist group and attacking them homes is not the way to solve any problems. Rather, they should be given the rights to live peacefully--just like the rest of the other races living in Myanmar.
UN unanimously backs new bans on N Korea

Members of the UN Security Council attends a meeting over North Korea\'s new sanctions on Monday at the UN Headquarters in New York. Internet photo

AFP, United Nations :

The UN Security Council unanimously imposed new sanctions on North Korea, banning textile exports and restricting shipments of oil products to punish Pyongyang for its sixth and largest nuclear test.

The resolution, passed after Washington toned down its original proposals to secure backing from China and Russia, came just one month after the council banned exports of coal, lead and seafood in response to North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

US Ambassador Nikki Haley said the tough new measures were a message to Pyongyang that "the world will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea," but she also held out the prospect of a peaceful resolution to the crisis. "We are not looking for war. The North Korean regime has not yet passed the point of no-return," Haley told the council, adding: "If North Korea continues its dangerous path, we will continue with further pressure. The choice is theirs." During tough negotiations, the United States dropped initial demands for a full oil embargo and a freeze on the foreign assets of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

The resolution instead bans trade in textiles, cuts off natural gas shipments to North Korea, places a ceiling on deliveries of refined oil products and caps crude oil shipments at current levels.

It bars countries from issuing new work permits to North Korean labourers sent abroad - there are some 93,000, providing Kim's regime with a source of revenue to develop its missile and nuclear programmes, according to a US official familiar with the negotiations. Under the measure, countries are authorised to inspect ships suspected of carrying banned North Korean cargo but must first seek the consent of the flag-state.

Joint ventures will be banned and the names of senior North Korean official and three entities were added to a UN sanctions blacklist that provides for an assets freeze and a global travel ban. It was the eighth series of sanctions imposed on North Korea since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006. Seoul welcomed the resolution, calling it a "grave warning that (North Korea's) continued provocations will only intensify its diplomatic isolation and economic pressure." Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the sanctions were much stronger than earlier measures and urged Pyongyang to take "concrete action" toward denuclearization.

The United States and its allies argue that tougher sanctions will pile pressure on Kim's regime to come to the negotiating table to discuss an end to its nuclear and missile tests. Russia and China are pushing for talks with North Korea, but their proposal for a freeze on Pyongyang's missile and nuclear tests in exchange for suspending US-South Korean military drills has been rejected by the United States.

Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi again called for talks "sooner rather than later." China, North Korea's sole ally and main trading partner, had strongly objected to an oil embargo initially sought by the United States out of fear that it would bring the North's economy to its knees.

Instead, annual crude oil supplies are capped at current levels - China is believed to supply around four million barrels a year through a pipeline, while deliveries of refined oil products such as gasoline and diesel are limited to two million barrels a year. That would amount to a 10 per cent cut in oil products, according to the US Energy Information Administration, which estimates annual exports to North Korea at nearly 2.2 million barrels. The US official said the ban on textile exports would deprive North Korea of some US$726 million in annual revenue. But analysts were sceptical about their impact. North Korea has made rapid progress in its nuclear and missile programs despite multiple sets of UN sanctions, and Go Myong-Hyun at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies said the latest measures were "not enough to cause pain."

Kim Hyun-Wook of Seoul's Korea National Diplomatic Academy, predicted: "The sanctions will only provide North Korea with an excuse for further provocations, such as an ICBM launch."

Washington has said military action remains an option in dealing with Pyongyang and threatened to cut economic ties with countries that continue to trade with it. Earlier, North Korea said it would not accept any chastisement over its weapons development, which it says is vital to stave off the threat of an American invasion.


Bullet-hit Rohingyas continue to stream into hospital

M M Jasim :

The injured Rohingyas mostly bullet-hit are coming to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for treatment with the increasing the number of the wound Rohingyas day by day.

A total of 105 Rohingyas have been admitted to CMCH for treatment since fresh violence broke out in Myanmar on August 25. Of them two have already died. Many others are fighting for life.

Azizul Hoque, a 15-year old boy, lost his two legs as landmine exploded when he was crossing the border. His mother Rushida Hoque carried the injured boy, who has lost two legs and also sustained injuries in different parts, entered Bangladesh. Later Azizul was admitted to CHCH with a little hope of recovery.

The injured Rohingya Muslims alleged that the Myanmar security forces across the Rakhaine State fired on them which caused severe injuries including losing their prime organs.

They were the victims of violence unleashed by Myanmar security forces in a bid to force them out of their homeland, the injured Rohingyas said.

'I fell to the ground when the bullet hit my leg. Some of the fleeing villagers died on the spot. But I was carried to Teknaf by members of my family,' Sixty-five-year old Bashir Ullah said.

Forty-seven-year-old Abdul Gani said, Myanmar army have done everything including killing and bombing on us to oust us from Rakhaine State.

"The army hit my leg with gun butt and boot on August 28. My right leg was badly injured. Then I was carried secretly to Teknaf by locals and from there I came to CMCH. I am getting treatment here now. The doctors in the hospital are very cordial. I am happy over their treatment," he said.

Senior Neuro-Surgeon of CMCH Dr Kamal Uddin, "We are trying to provide them highest treatment. We are under tremendous pressure as we need to treat a huge number of local patients too."

The injured Rohingya Muslims on Tuesday said that they were victims of violence unleashed by Myanmar security forces across the Rakhaine State in a bid to force them out of their homeland.

On Tuesday, five bullet-hit Rohingyas have been admitted at CHCH. Five also, including four with gunshot wounds, have been brought to the CMCH on Monday.

Twelve more bullet wounded Rohingyas fleeing the military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state were admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital between Saturday night and Sunday morning for treatment.

CMCH Police Camp's ASI Alauddin Talukdar said, "The injured took primary treatment at Medecins Sans Frontieres, an international humanitarian organisation, in Cox's Bazar. Later, they were shifted to CMCH, he added.
Landmine blasts killing refugees everyday

UN Rights Chief for allowing his men unfettered access to the country,: Denial of reality over Rohingya problem causing great damage, 370,000 enter BD so far, 5 lakh more waiting, says UN: USCIRF terms

Staff Reporter :

As Myanmar government has planted landmines across a section of its border with Bangladesh, Rohingyas fleeing violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state are meeting the tragic end of their lives on the way.

The purpose may be to prevent the return of Rohingyas fleeing the violence, according to sources. The Myanmar security forces planted the landmines, which is banned internationally. As they stepped onto suspected mines near the border, their legs and other parts of the body were blown off.

A Rohingya refugee who narrowly escaped the explosion said the many of them died on the spot in explosions at many points of no man's land area.

Some 370,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar and entered Bangladesh since an upsurge in violence late last month, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

"An estimated 370,000 Rohingya have entered Bangladesh after fleeing violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state since August 25," Joseph Tripura, a spokesman for the UN refugee agency, told the media.

A Rohingya man was killed in landmine explosion inside Myanmar opposite to Naikhyangchhari border early Tuesday. The ill-fated person has been identified as Mokter Hossain, 40.

He received critical injuries in landmine explosion while trying to enter Bangladesh crossing the border on Monday midnight.

The victim's family members rushed him to Naikhyangchhari Health Complex where Mokter died around 1:00am, Naikhyangchhari Sadar UP chairman Taslim Iqbal Chowdhury confirmed the death.

So far seven people, including women, were killed and three injured in the explosions of landmines planted by Myanmar Army on Myanmar-Naikhyangchhari border in a week.

Besides, many survivors with burn injuries in landmine explosion were rushing to the Chittagong Medical College Hospital everyday.

Bangladeshi officials and Amnesty researchers believe new explosives have been recently planted, including one that the rights group said blew off a Bangladeshi farmer's leg and another that wounded a Rohingya man.

Thousands of Rohingyas are entering Bangladesh everyday, Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner on Tuesday told journalists.

The Rohingyas who have already arrived Bangladesh said over five lakh others are waiting at many pints of no man's land to cross the border. "Thousands of Rohingyas, now staying at townships and hilly areas of Rakhine state and Indian bordering area Mizoram, are waiting to enter Bangladesh to save their lives," a Rohingya man now staying at a camp in Cox's Bazar told journalists on Tuesday.

Rohingyas, most of them women, children and elderly people, are waiting at the no-man's land.

They are entering Bangladesh crossing the Naf River through different border points, including Lambabeel, Kharaingaghona, Lambabeel and Ulubunia in Teknaf upazila, and Anjumanpara and Thaingkhali Rahmaterbeel in Ukhia upazila.

More are gathering at different points of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and waiting to enter Bangladesh

Based on interviews with witnesses and analysis by its experts, Amnesty International (AI) said there appeared to be a targeted use of landmines along a narrow stretch of the northwestern border with Rakhine state.

"This is another low in what is already a horrific situation in Rakhine state," said Tirana Hassan, Amnesty's Crisis Response Director, who is currently near the border.

The Myanmar military's callous use of inherently indiscriminate and deadly weapons at highly trafficked paths around the border is putting the lives of ordinary people at enormous risk.

"They are putting the landmines in their territory along the barbed-wire fence" between a series of border pillars, said one of the sources.

"Our forces have also seen three to four groups working near the barbed wire fence, putting something into the ground," one of the sources said. "We then confirmed with our informers that they were laying landmines."

The UN rights chief said the Myanmar government should stop claiming that the Rohingyas are setting fire to their own homes and laying waste to their own villages.

"This complete denial of reality is doing great damage to the international standing of a Government which, until recently, benefited from immense goodwill," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein while addressing to the 36th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday.

He called on the Myanmar Government to end its current cruel military operation, with accountability for all violations that have occurred and to reverse the pattern of severe and widespread discrimination against the Rohingya population.

"I strongly urge the authorities to allow my office unfettered access to the country," he said.

In Bangladesh, he encouraged the Government to maintain open borders for the Rohingya refugees, and urged the international community's support in helping the authorities receive and better assist the refugee population.

"Turning to the domestic situation in Bangladesh, I appreciate the Government's constructive engagement with my office, and I would like to continue to work with the authorities to address the range of very serious human rights issues in the country," said the rights boss.

He deplored current measures in India to deport Rohingyas at a time of such violence against them in their country.

Some 40,000 Rohingyas have settled in India, and 16,000 of them have received refugee documentation.

"Burma's security forces have razed entire villages, slaughtered families, and even placed landmines in the path of fleeing refugees, creating a staggering humanitarian disaster," according to USCIRF's Chairman Daniel Mark.

"Burma's security forces must end their attacks on civilians in Rakhine state," said Chairman Mark.

"We call upon Burma's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi to unequivocally condemn the atrocities committed against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. Myanmar's government and military must uphold their international humanitarian and human rights commitments."

Beginning on August 25 and rapidly escalating ever since, Myanmar's security forces have conducted disproportionate and indiscriminate attacks against Rohingya Muslims, conflating the unlawful and deadly acts of a few with the overwhelmingly peaceful population now fleeing for its life.


Slow pace of regn creates chaos

Only 12 persons registered biometrically on the first day: It will take days to bring all the refugees at one camp: Rohingyas spreading fast in other districts: Several arrested and sent back to Teknaf

Sagar Biswas :

Slow pace of registration of the Rohingyas has created a chaotic situation in resettlement and relief distribution among the refugees who have entered Bangladesh through Cox's Bazar and Bandarban districts in the last few days.

The government has no accurate figure how many Rohingyas entered since August 25. Though the United Nations High Commission for Refugees [UNHCR] on Tuesday in a statement said 370,000 Myanmar nationals so far have taken shelter, the local sources claimed the number has already crossed 500,000.

Cox's Bazar administration officials told The New Nation that biometric registration began yesterday with the enlisting of the name of Rohingya woman Rubia Khatun and they were able to enlist only 12 refugees in the whole day.

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh, district administration, Passport and Immigration Department and International Organization for Migration are jointly working in the registration cell formed to prepare the database of the refugees.

The registration work was supposed to begin on Monday, but it was delayed due to some official complications. Nobody knows how many days will take to complete the biometric registration of a large number of Rohingyas.

"The biometric registration and counting of Rohingya refugees have began. We'll take impression of ten fingers during the registration. Besides, they'll have to provide all necessary information, including name, names of father and mother, home address in Myanmar and etcetera, " Colonel Shafiul Azam, Head of Registration cell, said.

Officials said, apart from the Kutupalong refugee camp, about 15-20 registration camps will be set up in different places to speeding up the process. After completion of the registration, the government will get a full-fledged database of the new Rohingya refugees, the officials said.

The refuges also will get a card after registration which will help them get relief items and other facilities.

In-charge of the refugee control room, Additional District Magistrate Khalid Mahmud, said that decision has been taken to construct 200 more new houses at Kutupalong under Ukhiya upazila to shelter Rohingyas temporarily. At present, 1600 families are staying there. The houses will be built to keep all the Rohingyas at one place, he said.

Meanwhile, scattered staying of Rohingyas on the streets, hills and open spaces at Ukhiya and Teknaf has made the situation difficult for the officials concerned to distribute relief materials systematically. It will take more time to bring all the Rohingyas at Kutupalong and Balukhali camps, the officials said.

Already hundreds of Rohingyas have spread out in different neigbouring districts. Police, RAB and other agencies are kept in vigil whether the Rohingyas are trying to take shelter outside Teknaf and Ukhiya.

RAB arrested 78 Myanmar nations from Cox's Bazar- Chittagong bound buses and sent them back to Teknaf. "We are checking the buses coming from Teknaf and Cox's Bazar, so that no Rohingya can go to Chittagong or other places," Assistant Director [media] of RAB-7 Mimtanur Rahman said.

On the other hand, police yesterday arrested 19 Rohingyas, mostly women and children, from Fatika union of Hathazari upazila in Chittagong district. Earlier, the police arrested 18 other Rohingyas from Sitakunda area.

Additional Superintendent of Police of Chittagong [Hathazari circle]Abdullah Al Masum said, the arrested Myanmar nationals have been sent to Balukhali camp at Ukhiya.

Additional Superintendent of Police of Chittagong [Sadar] Rezaul Masud said, "We've directed all 14 thanas of Chittagong district to increase vigilance so that no Rohingya can take shelter there. Except Cox's Bazar, the Rohingyas will not be allowed to stay at other places. Check posts have been set up at different points to look after the matter."


Myanmar must take back its nat`ls: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina consoling a Rohingya woman while visiting the Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhiya Upazila on Tuesday. PID photo

UNB, Ukhia, Cox's Bazar :

Describing the atrocities unleashed by the Myanmar military as 'acts against humanity and violation of human rights', Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said Rohingya refugees are Myanmar nationals and it must take its citizens back.

She also said Bangladesh wants to maintain peace and good relations with its neighbouring countries, but it cannot accept 'unjust acts' the Myanmar government is committing.

The Prime Minister was speaking while visiting a registered Rohingya camp and distributing relief materials among the Rohingya refugees at Kutupalong Bazar in Ukhia.

"Still, the fire is burning there...people can't find out their family members...the bodies of infants and women are floating on the Naf River, these go completely against humanity and are violation of human rights. What sin and crimes these innocent children, women and people have committed...we can't tolerate such activities," the Prime Minister bemoaned.

She further said, "We want peace, we want good relations with our neighbouring countries, but we can't tolerate and accept any injustice."

Sheikh Hasina said, Bangladesh protests these injustice and inhumane attitude towards the Rohingya people in Rakhine state, and renewed her call to the international community to mount pressure on the Myanmar government to take back their nationals.

"Myanmar has to take back their nationals and give them a safe place to live in their homeland. The international community should put pressure on Myanmar as they're committing such atrocities on Rohingya people... this has to be stopped," she added. Denouncing the terror attack on the Myanmar border police and military base, the Prime Minister said her government will never allow any insurgent to use its land against the neighbours. "I'll ask the Myanmar government to find out the real culprits and as the neighbouring country, we'll help them in this connection," she said.

She, however, said her government cannot accept the intimidation of women and children in the name of a clampdown on terrorists in Rakhine State.

Hasina urged all concerned to refrain from carrying out terror attacks in the future which could mount miseries and sufferings on tens of thousands of innocent people, including women and children, time and again there.

Expressing her profound grief at the sufferings of the Rohingya people, she said the reason for which they were compelled to take refuge in Bangladesh is very unfortunate.

The Prime Minister called for creating a 'safe zone', if necessary, inside Myanmar under the supervision of the United Nations to protect the innocent people. "The full implementation of recommendations of the Kafi Annan Commission may help in this regard," she said.

Earlier, on her arrival at the Kutupalong refugee camp, the Prime Minister saw for herself the condition of the Myanmar nationals staying there.

She talked to the Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh following inhuman torture on them and burning of their houses by Myanmar government forces over the last two weeks.

The Myanmar refugees burst into tears before the Prime Minister while narrating their sufferings and how they were tortured. According to the United Nations, over 3 lakh Myanmar nationals belonging to the Rohingya minority group intruded into Bangladesh in the last two weeks after eruption of the latest spate of violence in Rakhine state.

Prime Minister's younger sister Sheikh Rehana, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Housing and Public Works Minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Chief Whip ASM Firoz and Army Chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq were present.
UNSC`s urgent meet on Rohingya crisis today

Officials hope for a breakthrough

Sr Special Correspondent :

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called an urgent meeting to discuss the ongoing violence in Rakhine state amid growing international pressure on Myanmar.

Indeed, international pressure mounted on Myanmar's government on Monday, as United Nations Rights Chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said the violence seemed to be a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing" that has driven over 300,000 Rohingya Muslims to Bangladesh from their country.

Hours after the warning, the UNSC announced it would meet on Wednesday to discuss the Rohingya crisis.

Britain and Sweden have also requested the UNSC to hold the meeting amid growing international concern over the ongoing violence in Myanmar.

The Council is composed with 15 members. Of them, five are permanent members (China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members (Bolivia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Sweden, Ukraine and Uruguay).

Bangladesh has long been suffering from Rohingya crisis that created by Myanmar. The fresh influx of Rohingya people into Bangladesh as a result of security crackdown on them further deepened the crisis, drawing the global attention.

"The international community continues to put pressure on Myanmar government to stop the violence forcing the UNSC to call an emergency meeting," a senior foreign ministry official told The New Nation yesterday.

He expressed the hope that the UNSC's meeting can produce a 'breakthrough' over the ongoing Rohingya crisis if it passes a resolution unanimously adopted by all 15 members that all Rohingya refugees have to return to Myanmar from Bangladesh and regain their citizenship within a fixed time frame.



Besides, it can deploy UN peacekeeping forces in Rakhine until all Rohingya refugees return to Rakhine and impose sanctions on Myanmar to be lifted after the crisis is resolved.

"Bangladesh always wants a peaceful solution over the crisis through a mutual understanding. But its effort is yet to bear fruit due to non-cooperation from Myanmar. Now Bangladesh has no other alternative but to place the issue on global forum to mobilize international support to resolve the problem permanently," he added.

Around 370,000 of Myanmar's minority Rohingya population have fled the country's western state of Rakhine into neighbouring Bangladesh in recent weeks since the violence began on August 25, according to the UN.

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the UN's high commissioner for human rights, on Monday accused Myanmar authorities of acting in a "clearly disproportionate" manner and "without regards for basic principles of international law."

"I call on the government to end its current cruel military operation, with accountability for all violations that have occurred, and to reverse the pattern of severe and widespread discrimination against the Rohingya population," he said.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday called on Myanmar to take steps to take their nationals back.

"Myanmar has created the problem, and they will have to solve it. We want peaceful relations with our neighbours," she said during a visit to a refugee camp in Ukhiya upazilas of Cox's Bazar district, near the border with Myanmar.

The Bangladeshi parliament approved a motion on Monday urging the international community to increase pressure on Myanmar to resolve the crisis.

A number of nongovernmental organisations have expressed concern at the escalating humanitarian cost of the crisis, with Save the Children claiming the situation is becoming increasingly desperate.

"The humanitarian situation is distressing, and the needs are enormous. The international community needs to recognise this, step up and urgently meet the needs of incredibly vulnerable people, especially children," said George Graham, the charity's director of humanitarian policy, on Tuesday.

"Thousands of Rohingya families, including children, are sleeping out in the open or by a roadside because they don't have anywhere else to go. Some don't have enough food or clean drinking water, and this state of uncertainty increases the risk of children being exploited, abused or even trafficked."
Independence of Rakhine State must be restored for Rohingyas

Backdoor diplomacy no answer to challenge of genocide

Diplomatic Correspondent :

The government of Myanmar has gone for the final solution of the Rohingya problem through genocide and ethnic cleansing. They are killing Rohingyas, torching their homes, raping women and beheading children. They will not tolerate Muslims for the purity of Buddhism in Myanmar.





Let it be so. Myanmar can remain purely a Buddhist state. But history says Rakhine State was not part of Myanmar so Rohingyas must have their independence to live in peace.







They had their ruling dynasties over the centuries and a rich culture over a vast land. Burmese warlords captured their country at some points of time.







The Rakhine State was integrated with Burma when the British left. The Burmese occupation is now trying to make it a pure Buddhist land by evicting its people.





For our government it is no time for backdoor diplomacy to face the challenge of genocide and mass extermination which the UN Human Rights Council said a textbook example of ethnic cleansing. Myanmar cannot be allowed to defy the world in butchering human rights and throwing Rohingyas from their land.





We do not see how armed confrontation can be avoided, as the Myanmar government is pushing Rohingyas to Bangladesh to end its own domestic crisis let lose by ultra-nationalist Buddhist groups and carried out by Myanmar military.







The government of Myanmar is now letting lose state terrorism and clearing the Rohingyas.







In fact forcing Rohingyas to Bangladesh is an act aggression of the Myanmar government. No minister of Bangladesh can say to continue diplomacy and trade together with Myanmar in this situation.







We must say Bangladesh is not so weak, our leaders have left it weak but our people are capable to defend the nation from aggression. Nobody wants military solution to a problem now- a- days but Myanmar is using its military on its defenseless people. Bangladesh is an unwilling victim.







The Rohingyas are not our people, they are Myanmar people who have been stripped of their citizenship by the former military Junta government. So they must be taken back and their freedom needs to be restored in a free independent land.





It is surprising that Myanmar leader Ms Suu Kyi is resorting to utter lies. She has blamed 'terrorists from Bangladesh' has attacked Myanmar military recently to deny the fact that Rohingya youths are fighting back.







She is also blaming Islamist terrorists for clash with Myanmar military while the attackers are identifying them as Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. They have come out to establish their rights.







Banglaadesh has always wanted bilateral solution to return the Rohingyas to their homes. The country repatriated 236,599 Rohingya Muslims in 1992 under a bilateral agreement.







Myanmar government recognized Rohingyas in that agreement as Myanmar nationals and the present denial that Rohingyas are not Myanmar nationals contradicts the previous agreement.







It is our clear position that Rohingyas must return their home and live in peace in their independent land.


UNHCR operations head in city to see Rohingya situation

UNB, Dhaka :

UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Operations George Okoth-Obbo is now in Bangladesh to see the Rohingya situation on the ground.

In Cox's Bazar, the head of UNHCR operations who arrived here on a three-day visit on Tuesday, will meet Rohingya refugee families to better understand their needs and review UNHCR's response, UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards said in a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

While in Dhaka, he will meet Bangladeshi authorities to underline UNHCR's readiness to significantly ramp up its response and provide support to the government in addressing the humanitarian needs and ensuring the protection of refugees, according to a message UNB received here from Geneva.

Meanwhile, UNHCR emergency airlift lands in Dhaka as Rohingya crisis deepens further.
GAFARGAON (Mymensingh): A human chain was formed by Bangladesh Human Rights Commission, Gafargaon Upazila and Pourosava Unit protasting mass killing and repression on Muslim Rohingyas in Myanmar recently.
Summit Corpn appoints new ED

Business Desk :

Syed AK Rahat Jaman Sohel appointed as the Executive Director of Summit Corporation, says a press release. He has been working with Summit since 2011.

He has over 19 years of professional experience with extensive expertise in financing large industrial, physical and social infrastructure projects, and aggregate value of projects worked exceeds USD 3 billion. Prior to joining Summit Group, he was the Senior Vice President of Prime Bank Limited, a leading commercial bank in Bangladesh.


Amu leaves for India today to join BIMSTEC Expo

Business Desk :

Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu will leave for India to join the "Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Expo-2017" in Kolakta today.

The three-day expo will begin on September 15 at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, said a press release.

Indian Chamber of Commerce and Indian External Affairs Ministry are organizing the expo. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the expo as the chief guest.

Participants from BIMSTEC countries like Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan will join the expo.

The expo will focus on a varied range of sectors like electrical and electronics, handloom and handicrafts, consumer durable, agro and food Processing, power and energy, tourism and many more.

Amir Hossain Amu is schedule to return home on September 16.
Public property plunderers must face legal actions: PM



Accusing again the BNP of committing unbridled corruption and siphoning off money abroad during its rule, Prime Minister and Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday warned that proper action must be taken against those who plundered public property.

"Proper action must be taken against those who looted public property ... we've already taken measures to bring back the money laundered by Khaleda Zia and her family members," she said.

Sheikh Hasina added: "We could not say everything in the interest of conducting investigation into the matter."

The premier's comments came as Jatiya Party lawmaker Fakhrul Imam raised a supplementary during her question answer session on the Global Intelligence report which mentioned the corruption and money laundering committed by Khaleda Zia and her family members.

She extended her sincere thanks to the opposition lawmaker for projecting the graft and money laundering by the BNP chairperson and her family members.

The Leader of the House said there are many people in the country who will shed crocodile's tears if the government raises this allegation. "They will say that we do it out of vengeance," she added.

Sheikh Hasina said: "As the allegation was raised by the opposition, we hope that the people will realize that how the BNP looted the public property and as a result, Bangladesh became champion in graft for five consecutive years."

The prime minister said the BNP government couldn't make any development of the country. "Rather the country witnessed socioeconomic deterioration during their five-year rule," she added.

Sheikh Hasina said after coming to power, the BNP unleashed killing, torture and committed unbridled corruption and siphoned off the country's property abroad. "The BNP also created terrorism and militancy and the people knew it and raised the allegations about their (BNP) misdeeds," she added.

The premier said the present government has been able to bring back the money siphoned off by Arafat Rahman Koko, younger son of Khaleda Zia. "It was the first instance in the country that bringing back money from abroad has been possible," she added.
Power of literacy in transforming today's digitalized society

Dr. Hanif Hassan Al Qassim :

The vision of a literate world has guided the United Nations in its efforts to eliminate illiteracy worldwide. According to UNESCO, the world literacy rate now stands at 91% up from 79% in 1980. In the Arab region, the literacy rate is currently at 86%; a 22% increase from 1980 where the literacy rate stood at 64%. Although world society has witnessed significant progress in eradicating illiteracy, approximately 750 million adults and 264 million children worldwide are still considered as illiterate. Thus, the cloud of world illiteracy overshadows the geography of world poverty. Nonetheless, the Sustainable Development Goals have translated the vision of a literate world into a concrete action-plan: Sustainable Development Goal 4.6 calls upon all member States of the United Nations to ensure that youth, both men and women, "achieve literacy and numeracy" by 2030. In the words of formerSecretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan

"Literacy is, finally, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential."

The 2017 World Literacy Day addresses a subject that is even more important today owing to the digitalization of our societies. This year's theme "Literacy in a digital world" explores the transformative power of communication and information technology in addressing illiteracy. In my previous role as the Minister of Education of the United Arab Emirates, numerous initiatives and projects were implemented to empower youth through enhancing literacy in the age of information.

The vision was to enable youth to read, reflect and think as the first step towards building a society for the future. Eliminating illiteracy is an investment in educating humanity and in promoting a sustainable future. Access to technology is a prerequisite for a knowledge-based society.

The introduction of digital technologies - against the backdrop of globalization - has brought peoples closer as communication and exchange of information have become seamless. We are more connected than ever. In a heartbeat, we can buy our favourite book on the Internet, read articles on Kindle or even read newspapers on the airplane. The teaching environments in today's modern classrooms have been transformed, thanksto the Internet. Students now have access to the latest information technology to increase their learning capabilities and gain knowledge through electronic means. Inevitably, digitalization has simplified access to information and knowledge and contributed to the alleviation of literacy at a faster rate than was the case in the past.

Digitalization has also facilitated the emergence of a new concept commonly referred to as digital literacy. Cornell University in the United States defines the latter as "the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using information technologies and the Internet." It has transformed our traditional understanding of literacy - the ability to read and write - to also include the capability of effectively using technological devices to communicate and access information.

Inevitably, youth - at an early stage of their lives - are not adequately equipped with the required skills to critically analyze or question the validity of information available on the Internet. In this regard, youth are becoming vulnerable to the growing and alarming increase in self-radicalization that occurs through the use of Internet and social media. Online propaganda and ideological inspiration from sources controlled by right-wing and terrorist groups are increasingly exposing youth to heinous ideologies. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime have repeatedly warned against the phenomenon of Internet radicalization requiring "a proactive and coordinated response from Member States."

In world society's attempts to address illiteracy, the ability to learn and to write needs also to include critical thinking so as to avoid self-radicalization which is emerging as a major social ill.

We must respond to the rise of Internet radicalism that is emerging as an invisible force inciting youth to join violent and radical groups whether in the Middle East or in Europe. Supportive settings and safe learning environments fostering social inclusion, open-mindedness and equal citizenship rights are important prerequisites in creating conditions protecting youth from falling prey to misguided ideologies.

Critical thinking needs to be integrated in pedagogical teaching methodologies targeted towards youth. Literacy is not a static concept, it evolves in line with the developments of society. Strengthening digital literacy and critical thinking among youth is an investment in the future and one of the solutions to promote enlightenment, cope with radicalization in today's digital age and realize the vision of a world that both prospers and is at peace with itself.



(Dr. Hanif Hassan Al Qassim, is Chairman of the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue).


Diplomats visit refugee camp

Diplomats of about forty countries visited the Rohingya refugee camp in Kutupalang of Ukhiya upazila on Wednesday.

Cox's Bazar Correspondent :

Diplomats stationed in Dhaka flew to Cox's Bazar on Wednesday to see plights of Rohingya refugees who have taken shelter in this southeastern district amid persecution by the Myanmar authorities.

Lauding Bangladesh's efforts in helping the refugees and providing them with necessary aids, the envoys urged Myanmar to stop the persecution and bring back peace in the Muslim dominated Rakhine state.

A delegation of 67 foreign diplomats, including ambassadors, high commissioners, charge d' affaires and head of missions of 40 Dhaka-based embassies, high commissions and agencies, paid a visit to Kutupalong Registered Camp at Ukhiya upazila at about 12:30pm.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque, representatives of different local and international humanitarian organisations and senior foreign ministry officials were also there. The diplomats also talked to the refugees to know the exact scenario of the Myanmar's Rakhine state. They visited different blocks of the Kutupalong refugee camp. The refugees informed the diplomats about their ordeal and the torture on them by the Myanmar army.

More than 370,000 Rohingyas, mostly women, children and elderly people, fled violence to seek safety in Bangladesh since August 25 when Myanmar security forces launched attacks on Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

The government arranged this high-profile visit during which they were scheduled to go to different temporary and permanent shelters of the Rohingyas.

They also expressed concern over the refugees' condition and said they would urge the Myanmar government to stop the persecution of the Rohingya and bring back peace.

The diplomats had arrived in Cox's Bazar Airport by a plane at around 11:00am. Then they took the road to go to Kutupalong camp boarding a special bus.

Earlier on Monday, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali had said that the visit aimed to helping the diplomats see for themselves the challenges and humanitarian crisis Bangladesh is facing due to the fresh Rohingya influx.
UNSC must intervene to end human crisis

Twelve Nobel Laureates and fifteen other international eminent personalities in an open letter have sought intervention of the United Nations Security Council [UNSC] to end the human crisis in the Muslim dominated Rakhine State of Myanmar.

The letter issued on September 13, the day fixed for holding a meeting of UNSC on Rohingya issue, said: "The world is anxiously waiting to see that UNSC is playing its role to bring end to a humanitarian catastrophe and build peace in the region."

".all violence, particularly state violence against Rohingyas must stop, discriminatory laws and policies must go and the recommendations of Kofi Annan's commission must be implemented immediately.The Myanmar government needs to be told that international support and finance is conditional on a major change in policy towards the Rohingya," they said in the letter.

Mentioning that Rohingya crisis is deteriorating very fast, they gave seven recommendations, including taking immediate steps to stop the outflow of refugees, with a view to getting a permanent solution to the issue.

Urging to invite back the refugees who already left the country, they also suggested reappointment of the Commission members to constitute an 'Implementation Committee' to oversee the implementation of the recommendations and invite international observers to visit vulnerable areas on a regular basis.

Other recommendations are-Building camps within Myanmar for the returning refugees to facilitate their rehabilitation with UN financing and supervision, giving them the citizenship as prescribed in the Commission Report under the exclusive authority of the Implementation Committee and ensuring political freedom and freedom of movement. The open letter was signed by Professor Muhammad Yunus-2006 Nobel Peace Laureate; Mairead Maguire-1976 Nobel Peace Laureate; Betty Williams-1976 Nobel Peace Laureate; Archbishop Desmond Tutu-1984 Nobel Peace Laureate; Oscar Arias Sanchez-1987 Nobel Peace Laureate and Jody Williams-1997 Nobel Peace Laureate.

Besides, Shirin Ebadi-2003 Nobel Peace Laureate; Leymah Gbowee-2011 Nobel Peace Laureate; Tawakkol Karman-2011 Nobel Peace Laureate; Malala Yousafzai-2014 Nobel Peace Laureate; Sir Richard J. Roberts-1993 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine and Elizabeth Blackburn-2009 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine were also the signatories. The letter further said: "The human tragedy and crimes against humanity unfolding in the Arakan region of Myanmar need your immediate intervention. This is one of the decisive moments when bold and decisive actions are needed promptly when it is still possible to get it resolve.A bold change in approach is needed by United Nations and the international community if there is to be an end to the cycle of violence against the Rohingyas."

Referring to different organizations, the letter continued: "Recent military offensive by the Myanmar Army in Rakhine State has led to the killing of hundreds of Rohingya people. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. Complete villages have been burned, women raped, many civilians arbitrarily arrested, and children killed."

"Crucially, humanitarian aid organisations have been almost completely denied access, creating an appalling humanitarian crisis in an area already extremely poor. According to UN sources, around 300,000 people have fled to Bangladesh during the last two weeks. Human misery created by such massive displacement of men, women and children under the threat of death is getting worse every day."

It said: "Some of us denounced the previous spate of violence late last year and wrote to you to intervene. However, the situation has not improved. We urge you to take decisive actions to stop the violence against innocent civilians and bring permanent peace in Rakhine state." "The arguments that the Myanmar government is using to deny Rohingyas their citizenship are ludicrous, to say the least. At independence of Burma from the British in 1948 and under successive governments, Burma recognized the people of all ethnicities within its border, including the Rohingyas, as full citizens, having representation in the parliament."

"The military juntas in the 1980s decided that Rohingyas are not Burmese. Accordingly, they stripped the Rohingyas of their citizenship. They used military and political means to make sure that the Rohingyas leave the country. Systematic persecution aiming at ethnic and religious cleansing began."

Drawing attention of the Secretary General of the United Nations in re-emphasizing, it said: "The grievances and unresolved plight of the Rohingya have festered for far too long and are becoming an undeniable factor in regional destabilization. The authorities in Myanmar must take determined action to put an end to this vicious cycle of violence and to provide security and assistance to all those in need."

"We urge you to persuade Myanmar government to take immediate steps to implement the recommendations of the Rakhine Advisory Commission which the Myanmar government established in 2016 under the pressure of international community."

The Commission, mostly comprised of Myanmar citizens, chaired by Kofi Annan, recommended providing citizenship to the Rohingyas, to allow them freedom of movement, rights and equality before the law, to ensure communal representation, lack of which affects Muslims disproportionately, to facilitate UN assistance in ensuring safety and security of returning people. The fear became reality through the attack on Myanmar security forces by the militants. Unless, constructive effort to build lasting peace is taken, the situation will get worse which in turn may pose serious security threat to the neighbouring countries.

"A bold change in approach is needed by United Nations and the international community if there is to be an end to the cycle of violence against the Rohingyas. The government of Myanmar needs to be told that international support and finance is conditional on a major change in policy towards the Rohingya. Propaganda and incitement of hatred and all violence, particularly state violence against Rohingyas must stop, discriminatory laws and policies must go."

"We call on UNSC to intervene immediately by using all available means. We request you to take immediate action for cessation of indiscriminate military attack on innocent civilians that is forcing them to leave their home and flee country to turn into stateless people," they made the call. Among the eminent personalities, Syed Hamid Albar, Former Malaysian Minister for Foreign Affairs; Emma Bonino, Former Italian Foreign Minister; Sir Richard Branson, Business Leader and Philanthropist; Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Prime Minister of Norway; Mo Ibrahim, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist; Kerry Kennedy, Human Rights Activist; Alaa Murabit, Voice of Libyan Women and SDG Advocate signed the statement.


Stop violence, US to Myanmar authorities



The United States has called on Myanmar security authorities to respect the rule of law, stop the violence, and end the displacement of civilians from all communities.

"We also urge Burmese (Myanmar) security forces to work with the elected government in implementing the Rakhine Commission's recommendations," the White House press secretary said in a statement a copy of which obtained by UNB. The US welcomed the Myanmar government's commitment to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches victims as quickly as possible.

They urged the Myanmar government to allow media access to the afflicted areas as soon as possible. "Most of those displaced by the violence have fled into neighbouring Bangladesh and we greatly appreciate the significant efforts of the government of Bangladesh to facilitate humanitarian assistance."

The United States said it is deeply troubled by the ongoing crisis in northern Rakhine State in Burma, where at least 370,000 people have fled their homes in the wake of attacks on Burmese security posts on August 25.

"We reiterate our condemnation of those attacks and ensuing violence," said the press secretary.

The massive displacement and victimisation of people, including large numbers of the ethnic Rohingya community and other minorities, shows that Myanmar security forces are not protecting civilians.

"We're alarmed by the allegations of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, burning of villages, massacres, and rape, by security forces and by civilians acting with these forces' consent," the statement added.
Suu Kyi to skip UNGA meet on Rohingya crisis

Reuters, Yangon :

Myanmar's national leader Aung San Suu Kyi, facing outrage over violence that has forced about 400,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh, will not attend the upcoming U.N. General Assembly because of the crisis, her office said on Wednesday.

The exodus of refugees, sparked by the security forces' fierce response to a series of Rohingya militant attacks, is the most pressing problem Suu Kyi has faced since becoming leader last year.

Critics have called for her to be stripped of her Nobel peace prize for failing to do more to halt the strife which the U.N. rights agency said was a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing".

Aid agencies will have to step up operations "massively" in response to the refugee flow into Bangladesh, a senior U.N. official said, adding that the $77 million the United Nations had appealed for last week would not be enough.

Suu Kyi, in her first address to the U.N. General Assembly as leader in September last year, defended her government's efforts to resolve the crisis over treatment of the Muslim minority.

This year, her office said she would not be attending because of the security threats posed by the insurgents and her efforts to restore stability.

"She is trying to control the security situation, to have internal peace and stability, and to prevent the spread of communal conflict," Zaw Htay, the spokesman for Suu Kyi's office, told Reuters.

International pressure has been growing on Buddhist-majority Myanmar to end the violence in the western state of Rakhine that began on Aug. 25 when-Rohingya militants attacked about 30 police posts and an army camp.

The raids triggered a sweeping military counter-offensive against the insurgents, described by the government as terrorists. Refugees say the security operation is aimed at pushing Rohingya out of Myanmar.

They, and rights groups, paint a picture of widespread attacks on Rohingya villages in the north of Rakhine State by the security forces and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, who have torched many Muslim villages.

Authorities have denied that the security forces, or Buddhist civilians, have been setting the fires, and have blamed the insurgents. Nearly 30,000 Buddhist villagers have also been displaced, they say.

The Trump administration has called for protection of civilians, and Bangladesh says all the refugees will have to go home and has called for safe zones in Myanmar.

But China, which competes with the United States for influence in Asia, said on Tuesday it backed Myanmar's efforts to safeguard "development and stability".
Desperate run for life

More children drown in Naf River: 2 killed in landmine blasts

Staff Reporter :

At least seven Rohingyas mostly children have drowned in boat disaster in the Naf River again as asylum seekers continue desperate attempts to reach Bangladesh amid inclement weather.

Three of the victims are women, while the rest are children, police said, adding the ill-fated persons' bodies were recovered between 8am and 11am near different pints of the Shah Porir Dwip area in Cox's Bazar district on Wednesday.

With fresh recovery of seven bodies of Rohingyas, the death toll reached 102 since the outbreak of violence on August 25. The bodies have been recovered from various areas in Bandarban and Cox's Bazar.

"The bodies were recovered from various points on Wednesday morning. We believe their boat capsized as it was making the crossing into Bangladesh," Mainuddin Khan officer-in-chare of Teknaf Police Station on Wednesday told journalists.

He said a boat carrying 12/13 Rohingyas sank in the river at Jaliapara of Shahparir Dwip area under Teknaf upazila around 10:00 pm on Tuesday.

On information, police recovered the bodies of two children at night.

"Later, five more bodies of Rohingyas were recovered from different areas stretching from Jaliapara to Shahparir Dwip till 11:00am on Wednesday," he added. Besides, landmine planted near the Pillar No 44 and Pillar No 46 along Bangladesh border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban district has killed a Rohingya villager fleeing violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state and local person.

Taslim Iqbal Chowdhury, UP Chairman Naikhongchhari sdar on Wednesday told journalists that the landmine blast killed Rohingya refugee identified as Moktar Ahmed.

"He was a son of Abdus Salam in Fakira Bazar area of Rakhine state. The another victim has been identified as Hashem Ullah, 35, son of Badiul Alam, of Naikhongchhari sadr union," he said.

The exodus from Rakhine state began after Rohingya militants attacked police posts on 25 August, prompting a military backlash that has sent a third of the Muslim minority population fleeing for their lives.

Exhausted Rohingya refugees crossing into Bangladesh have given accounts of atrocities at the hands of soldiers and Buddhist mobs who burned their villages to the ground.

Those who managed to reach the Bangladesh border from the burning villages in Rakhine have attempted to cross the Naf River into Teknaf aboard fishing boats.

The bodies of boat capsize victims regularly wash up on the shore. Some of the bodies have bullet wounds.

Meanwhile, two leading human rights groups slammed the United Nations Security Council for inaction over the crisis in Myanmar, where 3,70,000 Rohingya Muslims have been forced to flee in a campaign described as ethnic cleansing.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International deplored the council's failure to speak out and demand an end to the violence in western Rakhine state as the top United Nations body prepared to hold a closed-door session on Wednesday, according to agency.

"This is ethnic cleansing on a large scale, it seems, and the Security Council cannot open its doors and stand in front of the cameras? It's appalling frankly," HRW's United Nations director Louis Charbonneau told reporters.

"Without some sort of public proclamation by Security Council members, the message you are sending to the Myanmar government is deadly, and they will continue to do it," said Sherine Tadros, head of Amnesty International's United Nations office.

The flow of desperate Rohingya fleeing across the border from Myanmar into Bangladesh is unprecedented in terms of volume and speed, United Nations humanitarian agencies said on Wednesday, amid calls for international support for the emergency response.

About 370,000 people have crossed the Bangladeshi border in the last two and a half weeks, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM).

"UN agencies and the government were expecting the possibility that as many as 100,000 more people could come across when there were already 600,000 Rohingyas in Bangladesh. But I don't think anyone expected a mass exodus like this, unprecedented in terms of value and speed," said IOM Asia-Pacific Spokesperson Chris Lom, speaking with UN News from Cox's Bazar, a thin stretch of beach in south-eastern Bangladesh.

Lom, who is one of the UN aid workers on the ground, said the people he spoke with are "very vulnerable, traumatized."

There are "hundreds of people virtually camped out anywhere there is space. Any spare muddy piece of land or on hillside," he said, calling for a coordinated, emergency response that is fully funded by the international community to avert a humanitarian crisis.

About 60 per cent of the Rohingya refugees - some 200,000 - are children, according to Jean Lieby, Chief of Child Protection at the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Bangladesh, who is also in Cox's Bazar.

"The first thing you see here in the different Rohingya camps is the large number of children. You see children who have not slept for days, they are weak and hungry," she told journalists in Geneva by phone.
Red Cross and UN aid workers are urgently needed

Humanitarian crisis is too enormous for Bangladesh to handle alone

Kazi Zahidul Hasan :

Officials on Wednesday urged the global aid agencies to intensify their relief operation for thousands of Rohingya refugees who crossed into Bangladesh following a renewed military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

They said the humanitarian crisis is too enormous for Bangladesh to handle alone the aid distribution and provide urgently needed medical care requiring immediate support from global agencies.

"We're struggling to cope with the nonstop influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh. So, we're turning to the international community for help," Kazi Abdur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Cox's Bazar, told The New Nation yesterday.

He said the international aid agencies including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations (UN), would have to step up their aid operations massively in response to the humanitarian crisis. Some 370,000 Rohingya Muslims have already arrived in Bangladesh after fleeing renewed violence in Myanmar. They took shelter at the Kutupalong and another existing cramped makeshift Rohingya camp, near the border town of Ukhiya in Cox's Bazar district. More than 500,000 others have already been living there, who earlier fled conflict erupted since the early 1990s.

As these camps have already gone beyond capacity, the new arrivals were staying in schools or huddling in makeshift settlements along roads and in open fields where basic resources, including food, clean water and medical aid, were insufficient.

Rohingyas have also overwhelmed the government hospital in the Cox's Bazar, with 80 per cent arriving with gunshot wounds as well as bad infections. "Hundreds of Rohingyas are arriving in the hospital with gunshot wounds, severe infections or childbirth complications. Majority of the them are women and children," Dr. Shaheen Abdur Rahman Choudhury, the head of the Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital, told The New Nation. He said that the hospital was scrambling to deal with the huge number of Rohingya patients due to limited medical facilities and doctors. We have 20 doctors in our team.

"Many in need of urgent medical care for their injuries, infection and sickness. But we have nothing to do in this regard unless medical teams of aid agencies are to be sent to the hospital to deal with the situation," he added. The United Nations appealed for $77 million and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) pleaded for $18 million in foreign aid to help feed and shelter tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees. "This is not enough for food and shelter for Rohingyas. We need Tk 8000 crore per year to provide them food and shelter. It would be a huge burden for Bangladesh unless the international community extends help for Rohingyas," said Kazi Abdur Rahman. He also said the government will provide 2000 acres of land for a new camp in Cox's Bazar district to help shelter new arrivals.

Kazi Abdur Rahman said different aid agencies have already started aid operation to respond to the humanitarian crisis. But those are inadequate against the needs of thousands of Rohingyas.

Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh are in urgent need of medical and humanitarian assistance, as an already dire situation along the border with Myanmar worsens, according to the international medical humanitarian organization -- Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

It said Rohingya refugees fleeing to Bangladesh are living in unsafe, overcrowded and unhygienic conditions with little protection from the elements. "We've not had something on this scale here in many years," said Pavlo Kolovos, MSF head of mission in Bangladesh.

"Our teams are seeing streams of people arriving destitute and extremely traumatized, and who have had no access to medical care. Many of the arrivals have serious medical needs, such as violence-related injuries, severely infected wounds, and advanced obstetric complications. Without a scale-up of humanitarian support from global agencies, the potential health risks are extremely concerning. More efforts are also needed to tackle high levels of malnutrition among the Rohingya already in Bangladesh preceding this influx.

"We are alarmed that hundreds of thousands of people still in Myanmar have no access to healthcare and that there are no actors currently able or allowed to respond on the ground," said Kolovos.


Rush emergency assistance

Rohingya refugees are hungry and malnourished : UN Secy Gen

Rohingya Muslims are entering Bangladesh from Myanmar through Teknaf border. This picture was taken from Hariakhali area on Wednesday.

Staff Reporter :

The United Nations on Wednesday appealed to the international community to keep aside politics and support the ongoing humanitarian efforts to help Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar.

"I think the entire international community should support the ongoing humanitarian efforts, regardless of politics. These are people in need. These are very vulnerable people who have crossed the border, who've, as we said, are hungry and are malnourished and deserve to be helped," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General at a press briefing .

Expressing concern over the situation, Stephane Dujarric said, "The reports we're getting, the pictures all of us are seeing are heart- breaking to say the least."

'That number has now definitely crossed that line. We are urgently appealing for more funds," he said

Dujarric said the government of Bangladesh has asked the UN to help establish a new camp to house the newly arrived refugees.

Stephane Dujarric came up with the response when asked about whether he was disappointed that major regional players, including India, in particular, have actually not come out and supported when their support could have been quite crucial.

He also said, "Our humanitarian colleagues say that an estimated 370,000 Rohingya refugees have fled into Bangladesh since 25 August. Many of the new refugees are staying in the makeshift settlements or with host communities who are generously sharing whatever they have."

In answer to a question from a reporter regarding plans to ramp up aid supplies to the rapidly increasing number of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, the spokesperson said that there are plans and they are "urgently appealing for more funds."

"We are. And as, I think I've just said, they are, whether it's UNHCR, WFP and other agencies, are trying to get as much aid into the country as quickly as possible", he added saying, "the challenge is that a lot of people are crossing the border."

Apart from this, the UN SG's Spokesperson also updated the reporters about the overall aid and humanitarian situation surrounding the Rohingya crisis.

He said a flight chartered by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) carrying emergency aid - such as shelter materials, sleeping mats and other supplies - for Rohingya refugees has landed in Bangladesh

He said the cargo has been loaded onto trucks which will bring the supplies to the refugee camps at Cox's Bazar.

"A second flight, donated by the United Arab Emirates, has also landed in Bangladesh, carrying some 2,000 family tents. The supplies in both flights will help 25,000 refugees, and further flights are planned

so that 120,000 people can be reached in total", he informed about the current speed of humanitarian supplies being delivered to the Rohingyas.

"For its part, WFP is concerned about the health of women and children who are arriving in Bangladesh hungry and malnourished. WFP has been providing food to some 70,000 people as they arrive in Cox's Bazar and to nearly 60,000 people living in camps and makeshift settlements in the region," he said.

Stephane Dujarric said across the border in Myanmar, our humanitarian colleagues continue to be concerned about reports of continuing violence, fires and displacement of tens of thousands of people in Rathedaung Township in Rakhine State.

Most aid activities on the part of UN agencies and international non-governmental organisations across northern Rakhine remain either suspended or severely interrupted, although some assistance is being delivered by the Government and through the Red Cross.

The UN and its partners continue to offer support to the Government to meet the needs of all affected communities and are liaising with authorities to resume humanitarian operations as soon as possible," He said about the situation within Myanmar.

The Rohingya people are Muslim minority that lives in the Buddhist-majority state of Rakhine, and they have experienced decades-long persecution in Myanmar, which - since gaining independence in 1948 - has refused to recognise the group as citizens.
Islami Andolan rally bound for Myanmar Embassy barred

Protesting the killing of Muslims in Myanmar, Islami Andolan Bangladesh brought out a procession towards Myanmar Embassy in city\\\\\\\'s Gulshan but it was intercepted by police on Wednesday.

bdnews24.com :

Police have barred a rally of the Islami Andolan Bangladesh protesting the persecution of Rohingyas in Myanmar, on grounds that it blocked traffic on some roads in Dhaka.

The Islamist political organisation took out the

rally around 11am on Wednesday from the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque located at the heart of the capital city. The rally was proceeding to the Myanmar Embassy in Baridhara to lay siege to it but changed its course and returned to the starting point in face of resistance from police at Shantinagar. Police put up barricades at the Shantinagar intersection to stop thousands of activists, said Shahbagh Police Inspector Abul Bashar.

The leaders and activists waited there for some time and then headed back to Baitul Mukarram, he said.

"We did not allow this massive crowd to keep walking on such a long route."
Stop violence, US to Myanmar authorities

UNB, Dhaka :

The United States has called on Myanmar security authorities to respect the rule of law, stop the violence, and end the displacement of civilians from all communities.

"We also urge Burmese (Myanmar) security forces to work with the elected government in implementing the Rakhine Commission's recommendations," the White House

press secretary said in a statement a copy of which obtained by UNB.

The US welcomed the Myanmar government's commitment to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches victims as quickly as possible.

They urged the Myanmar government to allow media access to the afflicted areas as soon as possible. "Most of those displaced by the violence have fled into neighbouring Bangladesh and we greatly appreciate the significant efforts of the government of Bangladesh to facilitate humanitarian assistance."
Suu Kyi to skip UNGA meet

Reuters, Yangon :

Myanmar's national leader Aung San Suu Kyi, facing outrage over violence that has forced about 400,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh, will not attend the upcoming U.N. General Assembly because of the crisis, her office said on Wednesday.

The exodus of refugees, sparked by the security forces' fierce response to a series of Rohingya militant attacks, is the most pressing problem Suu Kyi has faced since becoming leader last year.

Critics have called for her to be stripped of her Nobel peace prize for failing to do more to halt the strife which the U.N. rights agency said was a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing".

Aid agencies will have to step up operations "massively" in response to the refugee flow into Bangladesh, a senior U.N. official said, adding that the $77 million the United Nations had appealed for last week would not be enough.

Suu Kyi, in her first address to the U.N. General Assembly as leader in September last year, defended her government's efforts to resolve the crisis over treatment of the Muslim minority.

This year, her office said she would not be attending because of the security threats posed by the insurgents and her efforts to restore stability.

"She is trying to control the security situation, to have internal peace and stability, and to prevent the spread of communal conflict," Zaw Htay, the spokesman for Suu Kyi's office, told Reuters.

International pressure has been growing on Buddhist-majority Myanmar to end the violence in the western state of Rakhine that began on Aug. 25 when-Rohingya militants attacked about 30 police posts and an army camp.

The raids triggered a sweeping military counter-offensive against the insurgents, described by the government as terrorists. Refugees say the security operation is aimed at pushing Rohingya out of Myanmar.

They, and rights groups, paint a picture of widespread attacks on Rohingya villages in the north of Rakhine State by the security forces and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, who have torched many Muslim villages.

Authorities have denied that the security forces, or Buddhist civilians, have been setting the fires, and have blamed the insurgents. Nearly 30,000 Buddhist villagers have also been displaced, they say.

The Trump administration has called for protection of civilians, and Bangladesh says all the refugees will have to go home and has called for safe zones in Myanmar.

But China, which competes with the United States for influence in Asia, said on Tuesday it backed Myanmar's efforts to safeguard "development and stability".


BNP`s relief convoy obstructed by police

Cox`s Bazar Correspondent :

Police on Wednesday allegedly obstructed a convoy of truck led by BNP leaders carrying relief goods for the Rohingya refugees while it was proceeding towards Ukhiya upazila in the southeastern district of Cox's Bazar.

A total number of 22 trucks full of different types of relief materials were forcibly parked by the police in front of BNP Cox's Bazar district office till the time of filing of this report at 9:00pm yesterday.

The BNP convoy was headed to the refugees in Cox's Bazar, a day after the camps were visited by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Earlier on Tuesday evening a team of BNP leaders, including standing committee member Mirza Abbas, reached Cox's Bazar by plane to coordinate the distribution of relief among 9,000 refugee families.

Other members of the team included standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Vice Chairman Shamshuzzaman Dudu and Dr AZM Zahid. Besides, pro-BNP Doctors Association of Bangladesh also planned to set up free medical camps and distribute medicines among the distressed.

BNP Organizing Secretary Mahbubur Rahmna Shamim said the trucks were carrying rice, lentil, flatten rice, oil, sugar, drinking water and polythine to make roof cover. Police intercepted the trucks while the convoy started for refugee camps in the noon.

BNP team later arranged a press conference at the district office raising allegation of intercepting their convoy. "The government is creating obstacle to distribute relief. There should not be any politics in relief distribution. It is condemnable and inhuman," Abbas said.

Local sources said BNP leader Mirza Abbas was sent to his hotel in the evening.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said, "Our central relief team taking 20 trucks of relief for Rohingya refugees has been obstructed by the police while on the way to Ukhia."

"Not only that, the police are also surrounding our offices in Cox's Bazar. Our top leaders are confined to the office rooms," Fakhrul said, added, "This incident has unmasked the government. The government claims it is with Rohingyas but it is now proven to be eyewash,"he said.

"They would not have stopped our relief convoy if it was really with these helpless people."




Myanmar pursuing Nazitype ethnic cleansing and we have to give leadership to resist

Myanmar's Nazitype government is pursuing ethnic cleansing operation against Rohingya Muslims for maintaining purity of Buddhism in the country. On the other hand the crisis of leadership in Bangladesh is now distinctly visible as the Rohingya crisis is taking a serious turn when the Bangladesh government finds itself isolated from the support of its most trusted friends like India, China and Russia. Myanmar has created the crisis for Bangladesh by forcing more than three lakhs of refugees men, women and children. So Bangladesh cannot wait to see whether India or China will be on our side. We have to give leadership in mobilising world help. Barring few countries the entire Western world and Muslim countries have condemned Myanmar for committing genocide. Our own government is not that bold in its approach against human crisis.







Our most trusted friends such as China, Russia and India are supporting the killing of Muslims and keeping away from bringing pressure on Myanmar to stop ethnic cleansing. They are shielding Myanmar from international pressure to stop the cleansing which aims at creating a purely Buddhist state.







The government's demand for taking back the refugees by Myanmar cannot be a sufficient demand. They will be returned and only to be butchered and raped and then send back again. This is not solution.





Many are confused about a memorandum of understanding signed by Bangladesh and Indian Prime Ministers on joint defense system in December last year in Delhi and wonder how India is siding with Myanmar on Rohingya issue which is having serious implications on the country's defense and security.







The deal was signed on India's request and was apparently aimed at reducing Chinese influence on Bangladesh defense establishments. Now China is not extending support to Bangladesh and India is taking the Myanmar side. Bangladesh also made expensive shopping from Russia that includes unnecessary nuclear plant and military hardware but it all proved fruitless.







Such cosmetic measures by Bangladesh government appear to have failed to win their hearts. India and China have their economic interest in Myanmar and this is why they are ignoring even humanitarian issues that may hurt that country.







In our view the politics of appeasement has failed and Bangladesh should take vigorous diplomatic move with Muslim countries, Western democracies and South East Asian nations which are supporting the Rohingya cause to create a solid platform to deal with Myanmar from a point of strength.







We must look for Chinese, Russian and Indian support and every ones help but we must have leaders who are competent and have self-respect to demand respects from others.







Myanmar was expediting expulsion of Rohingya Muslims for a final solution of the ethnic issue for many years. But Bangladesh leaderships now and in the past were not much concerned about it.







Never they had a clear policy how to handle the growing tension in the Rakhine state on Bangladesh border that can eventually bring threat to the country's security in the southeast. They were only sheltering the refugees. Even now the government is working on adhoc plans because they have not enough leverage to develop a plan to handle the issue, except highlighting refugee issue as the only biggest problem.







Our voice is so weak that it is failing to make impact, although many countries are bringing pressure on Myanmar from their own. Germany and Maldives among some other countries have cut economic ties with Myanmar to protest ethnic cleansing,







It is clear Bangladesh is facing an indirect aggression as Myanmar military is forcing its people to flee to Bangladesh and vacate their land. Even Finance Minister AMA Muhith agreed to a question on Monday in Sylhet that it is an indirect aggression. But why the government is not working to involve the people from wider political spectrum to raise voice against such aggression and defeat the blackmail of the Myanmar military is the big question.







We have a strong military but mainly spending time in international peace-keeping. Many believe it is time we must show our strength that we are a nation capable to defend ourselves.







Ms Suu Kyi has already blamed attacks on Myanmar police posts on August 25 as an act of terrorists from Bangladesh while the Rohingya youths are fighting back from inside Rakhine state. Her war mongering policies appear clearly targeting Bangladesh to make the border tense.







The leadership crisis in the country is our own creation. The government meanwhile finds no friend; who were high on our diplomatic map to stand by our side. Now it is clear who are selfish with their own interest and who are bold and generous to help Bangladesh.







We are appalled to find that India, China and Russia are not on our side in times of need. On the contrary they are supporting butchering of Muslims by Myanmar military. Such inhuman ethnic cleansing which has already created worldwide condemnation. The UN Human Rights Council termed it as a 'textbook case of ethnic cleansing' but it is no concern to our so-called closest friends.


The Undead Archives

I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world.
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CARTERVILLE  As family and friends prepare to say their final goodbyes this week to Pat and Bill Searcy  the Carterville couple who died in last weeks plane crash in West Virginia  Sister Phyllis Schenk, OP, said all are coming together to support one another.

I think we surround one another and we are supportive of one another knowing we are all grieving, Schenk said, adding that we walk forward together.

She has been assigned to the Searcys church, Cartervilles Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, for just two weeks, but Schenk said she knows the community is very close and has taken the loss hard.

This is a very close-knit community and it has been very difficult, she said.

In her experience, she said mourning has no set time for everyone. I know it takes as long as it takes. There is no limit, Schenk said.

In their grieving, Schenk said community members have reached out to one another and shared their memories of the Searcys, remembering the inspiring details of the couples lives.

On Sept. 5, the small, single-engine Cirrus SR20 went off of radar in West Virginia  Gary Schaefer, manager of Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale, said the plane originated from his airport but had actually taken off from Delaware.

Local authorities were notified that a plane had gone missing near the Wetzel and Harrison county line  a dense wooded area. Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny said the area was searched both on the ground as well as from the air.

Deputy Chief Jim Copenhaver with the Harrison County Sheriff's Department said that at about 4:30 p.m. Sept. 7, he was notified that the plane was located in Wetzel County by a search and rescue team. He said he had no information about the occupants of the aircraft.

Locally, word had already circulated that the pilot and passenger were Bill and and Pat Searcy as early as the evening of Sept. 6.

Special prayer request...please raise your voice in prayer to our Lord, Jesus for Bill and Pat Searcy. There is a on-going search in three counties of West Virginia for their plane, read a Facebook post made by Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit.

Brian Flath, a Church of the Holy Spirit member, said he had heard the rumors circulating Tuesday and by Friday had been told officially the Searcys were, indeed, the missing couple.

On Sept. 7, the church announced a prayer service for Bill and Pat.

The Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit in Carterville will host a prayer vigil for Bill and Pat Searcy tomorrow morning (Friday) at 7 am. Please join us if you can and keep praying, a post to the Churchs Facebook page read.

Metro News in West Virginia confirmed Sept. 7 there were no survivors of the crash.

The Southern tried to verify with local officials details pertaining to the incident but were given no comment from the chief medical examiners office as well as the local sheriffs office  all questions were deferred to the National Transportation Safety Board.

Terry Williams, a public affairs officer with the NTSB, could only confirm the NTSB investigation. He said investigators arrived Friday the document the scene.

Williams said weather is one thing the NTSB team will consider while trying to get to the bottom of what happened to the Searcys. However he said it was too early to tell.

No we do not have any preliminary idea of what brought the aircraft down, Williams said. He said the investigation should take about one year to complete.

Visitation for the Searcys will be 4 p.m. Friday at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville and a funeral mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit in Carterville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Anne West Lindsey Library, Carterville Rotary/Honor Wreaths, or to P.A.W.S. in Anna.
Orangeburg

County

Sheriffs Office

A 3-year-old Neeses boy is recovering from dog bites to his face and neck, according to an incident report.

A neighbor told deputies he saw four unattended children in a backyard with a pitbull on Sunday morning.

When he drove past the residence a few minutes later, he saw the 3-year-old boy on the ground with a pitbull standing over him biting his face and shaking, the report states.

The neighbor said he ran into the yard, began screaming for someone to come outside and removed the dog from the boys face.

Another child ran inside the house to tell the mother to come outside, the neighbor told deputies.

The neighbor said the mother exited house and retrieved the dog and the bleeding boy. She then went inside the house.

When deputies arrived, the boys grandmother advised that his parents took him to the Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Orangeburg County Animal Control responded to the scene and took possession of the dog.

A deputy also made contact with the on-call Department of Social Services case worker to advise him of the situation.

Deputies then made contact with the boy and his parents at the RMC, where the boy was undergoing care for bites and scratches to his face and neck area.

The boys mother told deputies that she had to use the restroom, so she called the children to come inside the residence, the report said.

Then she heard her daughter yelling for her to come outside.

The case is administratively closed.

Orangeburg

Department

of Public Safety

Four sets of climbing gear are missing from four utility trucks at a Department of Public Utilities substation.

Officers responded to a call from the area manager for Carolina Tree Care, who reported Monday morning that four of the companys bucket trucks were burglarized.

The company parks their vehicles at the Fulton Court location from time to time.

A DPU employee noticed something was amiss at 4 a.m. Monday because it appeared someone cut the DPU fence to gain access to the lot.

Once inside the lot, the suspect opened locked toolboxes on four bucket trucks to remove the climbing gear.

There wasnt any damage to the trucks or toolboxes.

The value of the stolen gear is $8,000.

In an unrelated report, a man reported just after midnight Tuesday that someone stole his 2005 silver Nissan Maxima.

He told officers he left his vehicle running, with the doors locked and the windows down, while he went inside Henrys Travel Plaza at 1935 Old Edisto Drive.

Inside the vehicle, the man had two iPhones, his wallet, three pairs of sneakers and $150 in cash.

The value of the missing vehicle and contents is $5,000.
A man sought on accusations that he helped cover up a shooting has been arrested.

Charles Leroy Cleckley of 2958 Magnolia St., Orangeburg, was taken into custody on an unrelated charge at the Orangeburg County Detention Center last Wednesday.

Jail officials discovered the 30-year-old had an outstanding warrant against him in Calhoun County on a charge of misprision of a felony, according to Sheriff Thomas Summers.

A co-defendant, Virgil Dontrice Haggood, 30, of 200 Forest Brook Drive, Neeses, was charged with attempted murder.

U.S. Marshals arrested Haggood on Aug. 29 in El Paso, Texas.

Summers said Calhoun County deputies plan to extradite Haggood from Texas sometime next week.

Warrants accuse Haggood of shooting a 22-year-old man seven times at close range in June.

A warrant accuses Cleckley of accompanying Haggood and then leaving the scene with him. They allege he failed to report the crime.

Eyewitness reports and video evidence allegedly show Cleckley at the scene with Haggood.
DENMARK -- Historian, archivist, researcher and librarian the Rev. Herman Skip Mason Jr. delivered a message titled, It aint nothing but a V thing baby, last week during Voorhees Colleges 121st opening convocation.

Mason began his speech mentioning the world is in a storm and education is important now more than ever.

Class of 2021, you are a part of different times now. It is time for a different approach. You need to be about the V thing, becoming versatile, victorious and vigorous when it comes to your academics, Mason said.

He told the student body that they should never remain stagnant. He said they needed to increase their vocabulary and use their Voorhees experiences and education to transform and change others lives and minds.

To be a part of the V thing movement, you have to move around the campus being forceful and passionate. Voorhees will prepare you for the storm of the world. It is important to learn everything you can and apply yourself, Mason said.

Mason ended the speech by advising students to have a balance in their lives. He said social media should not be their focus.

The 2017-2018 academic year is the time to face the storm ahead with the tools with which Voorhees gave them, Mason said.

If you are posting on Snapchat more than you are studying, that is a problem. Be concerned with the victory of making it to graduation and not validation, and know the Lord is always with you, Mason said.

Voorhees President W. Franklin Evans announced at the end of the program that Mason has been selected as the new director of library services.

Rev. Mason has been a mentor of mine for a long time and his research, education and experiences are gifts that I know will inspire our students and others to succeed in life, Evans said.
The tide of globalism is, according to economists, a train that has already left the station. The neo-liberal consensus, shared by both Republicans and Democrats alike over the past few decades, has been that so-called free trade is the solution to economic growth in American. But globalism also has its discontents, none less acknowledged than the American farm worker.

In 1870, at the height of the labor market in agriculture, fully half of all working Americans were employed in the agriculture industry. Today, that figure is less than 1 percent of all workers. There are several reasons for this. First, technological advancements have made farm work much less labor intensive. Mechanized farming methods account for the lions share of the decline in the percentage of the agriculture-related labor force. And that is by design.

Earlier in Americas history, seasonal migrant workers, both American and largely Mexican, crossed the borders frequently to work the harvest seasons and then returned to their homes in Mexico. But beginning in the 1960s, American-born workers began to organize against migrants, who they viewed as undercutting their collective bargaining rights.

Cesar Chavez, a revered Chicano (and ethnic identity adopted by people of Mexican descent born in the United States) labor and civil rights activist, decried the importation of undocumented immigrants as a direct attack by farm owners against the rights of U.S. citizens. Chavez organized major labor strikes against U.S. farmers, resulting in some cases, massive shortages and price increases in agricultural staples.

But the neoliberal agenda quickly caught on. First, farming organizations began to break the organized labor stranglehold on production by secretly importing undocumented workers from Mexico. This practice proceeded, largely unchecked, until the 1990s, when a more formal solution was devised  NAFTA. Proposed by Republicans and enacted into legislation by President Bill Clinton, NAFTA was seen by many in the business community as the solution to intractable problems of government-imposed environmental and labor regulation that was stifling American economic growth. But it was sold to the American consumer as a way of getting goods on the table at lower cost.

To be sure, NAFTA delivered on its promise of lower cost to the consumer. But at what price? It seems obvious now, but the savings to the American consumer came at the cost of the American worker. This is a tradeoff that many other countries  including especially China  have refused to make. China sees the productive worker as the engine of its economy, whereas America sees the consumer as the engine. In truth, both are wrong.

It takes both workers and consumers to drive the type of economic growth America needs now. How can consumers buy more goods if they are not generating incomes? With labor market participation rates showing modest signs of uptick after almost three decades in freefall, it seems that the labor market is recovering slightly. But we need to look for ways to get many, many more working-age Americans into the labor market.

Farming is one open avenue. Whereas in 1998, more than a third of farm workers in America were recent immigrants, as of 2014 the number of recent immigrants in the U.S labor force fell to almost 11 percent. The Obama administration touted DACA -- his executive order allowing children born abroad and brought illegally to the United States as children  as a measure to protect the human rights of undocumented immigrants. That is not the case.

The objective of DACA, driven by major corporations, was to protect the dwindling supply of cheap undocumented labor available in the agricultural industry. And that diminishing supply, ironically, was driven by the success of NAFTA in driving up job opportunities for Mexicans in Mexico. As it stands, as of 2016, there is a shortage of available labor in the U.S. agricultural sector of almost a million workers. And that in turn is starting to have adverse effects on the ability of U.S. farmers to compete in the global agricultural market.

There is another side to the solution to the American labor problem that is not contained in Trumps promise to end DACA and strengthen the enforcement of immigration laws. It is that America  and especially the Republican Party  is going to have to come to terms with organized labor. American voters are not likely to return to farming and other industries under the same working conditions as undocumented immigrants.

It goes without saying that a job that does not pay living wages is not a job worth doing for most Americans. On the other hand, both producers and consumers of American agricultural products are going to have to adjust to the higher costs of labor that will necessarily arise when American citizens are called upon to take over the jobs currently occupied by undocumented immigrants.

There is a third component to this shift in U.S. policy that must be addressed. As the tacit agreement between big business and undocumented labor ends, there will be a skills gap in the U.S. labor force that will be somewhat difficult to mitigate in the short term. Educational institutions, including original land-grant colleges and historically black colleges (HBCUs) are some of the few remaining options for teaching long-lost agricultural skills in the United States. These could provide the basis for a structural retraining platform for the burgeoning American farm labor force.
By Azertac

The conference titled 25 years of Vietnam-Azerbaijan relations: achievements and future prospects has today been held in Hanoi.

Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son attended the conference.

Addressing the event, FM Mammadyarov said: On September 23, 2017 we will celebrate 25th Anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It makes me proud to call our relations historical as the collaboration and friendship between our Nations started long before restoration of Azerbaijans independence. National leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and President Ho Chi Minh are founders of these strong relations. The visit of the first President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh to Azerbaijan in 1959, and the visit of the National leader and founder of the modern Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev to Vietnam in 1983 laid the foundation of friendly relations between our two people.

The Minister noted: During his visit in 1959 President Ho Chi Minh asked Azerbaijan to help Vietnam in setting up oil production, provide education and create training opportunities for potential Vietnamese specialists. Azerbaijan responded to this appeal by sending thousands of Azerbaijani specialists to Vietnam where they participated in the reconstruction and development of post-war Vietnam. Thousands Vietnamese students were admitted to different schools and Universities in Azerbaijan.Those days symbolized beginning of warm, sincerely and friendly relations between our nations that later on strengthened and were transformed into friendly and partnership cooperation in many areas. Thus, the historical linkage between our countries as well as essential role played by Vietnam in South-East Asia, made Vietnam a very important partner for Azerbaijan.

The establishment of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Hanoi in 2013 was a clear indication of our intention to develop bilateral relations with Vietnam. Azerbaijan strongly hopes that Vietnam will consider opening its Embassy in Baku as we believe in effectiveness of joint diplomatic efforts in bringing our bilateral relations to a new high. Thus, the establishment of the Embassy of Vietnam in Baku will play important role from the point of view of the fast development of cooperation across the whole spectrum of relations.

Elmar Mammadyarov said: It is with great pleasure I would like to acknowledge that relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have been expanding and deepening in recent years with more dynamism in mutually beneficial way. It should be especially underlined the importance of mutual visits of the Presidents of the two countries, including the state visit of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Vietnam on 18-19 May 2014, as well as official visit H.E. Mr. Truong Tang Sang, former President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Azerbaijan on 13-15 of May 2015. Undoubtedly, these visits gave a strong impetus to the accelerated development of the mutually beneficial cooperation and identified areas for future expansion of these relations in various fields. Mutual contacts established within the framework of these visits, as well as various events in Baku and Hanoi, including meeting of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev with the Vietnamese students who graduated from different Azerbaijani Universities, as well as business forums enabled our leaders and the business communities of both countries get to know each other even closer.

In addition, it should be mentioned that close cooperation between the ruling parties of our two states, the New Azerbaijan Party and the Communist Party of Vietnam, had a great importance in advancing our relations. In April 2013, Memorandum of Cooperation between two parties was signed. The exchange of visits that were carried by the representatives of the parties each year is obvious manifestation of the active ongoing cooperation between the ruling parties and the importance given by them to the rapid development of mutual relations. There is no doubt that this cooperation is an additional contribution to the development of mutually beneficial relations between two countries.

Active inter-parliamentary cooperation between our countries also contribute to further strengthening of bilateral relations. In 2013, direct inter-parliamentary links between Parliaments of two countries and our parliamentarians were set when Friendship groups in the Parliaments of both countries were established. Surely, these Friendship groups play an important role in the expansion of inter-parliamentary relations.

It should be especially noted that there is a full mutual understanding on political issues among our countries, and thus political relations are at a high level. Mutually beneficial cooperation is being expanded in this direction. Unfortunately, the level of cooperation in the economic sphere does not meet the big potential of our countries. In this regard, both parties have the intention to activate the economic cooperation. It should be underlined the creation of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. Establishment of Commission is an important step aimed at the development of bilateral relations and of course its first successful meeting in January 16, 2017 opened new opportunities for further enhancing bilateral cooperation.

At the same time relations in humanitarian fields are being developed. In this regard the establishment in Hanoi of Azerbaijan-Vietnam Friendship Association, as well as Center for Azerbaijani Culture and History Studies plays an important role in cultural exchange and people-to-people contacts. Underlining the importance of the developing of relations in humanitarian sphere I would like to emphasize the importance of the forthcoming II Friendship Forum in Vung Tau (September 21-23, 2017). The fact that Friendship Forum was established by the initiative of H. E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan is a clear indication of importance which pays the leadership of Azerbaijan to developing cooperation with Vietnamese partners in humanitarian sphere.

I would like to take this opportunity to announce that for the services rendered to the development of friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, by the decree of the President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev dated September 11, 2017 Mrs. Nguyen Vu Ha Le, Director General of Department for External Affairs of the Office of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Mr. Nghiem Vu Khai, Chairman of Vietnam  Azerbaijan Friendship Association, Member of National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have been awarded with a medal of Taraggi ("Progress Medal"). Congratulations Mrs. Nguyen Vu Ha Le and Mr. Nghiem Vu Khai, thank you for hard work on bringing our nations closer.

The Foreign Minister noted: Since the restoration of independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan has achieved numerous successes in different fields such as energy and industry, information technologies, agriculture, healthcare, education, culture etc. Huge energy, transport and infrastructure projects have been implemented. As a result of successful foreign and domestic policy pursued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Republic of Azerbaijan has become a leader state of the South Caucasus region.

The major problem that Azerbaijan has been facing since the independence is ongoing occupation of 20% of its territories by the neighboring Armenia. As a result of this occupation more than one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced persons.

Unfortunately, no substantive progress has been achieved in the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. Armenia continues illegal occupation of the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan, in the most brutal violation of international law, UN Charter and United Nations Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884 adopted in 1993 which condemn Armenia for the occupation of Azerbaijani territories and demand immediate withdrawal from the occupied Azerbaijani territories. Armenia's engagement in the conflict settlement process is nothing but imitation. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan continues its efforts for the peaceful resolution of the conflict on the basis of the principles of the international law, such as territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders and believes that authoritative international organisations, such as the UN, OSCE, European Union, Council of Europe, OIC as well as the whole international community, will enhance their efforts towards restraining the aggressor and finding fair settlement of the conflict.

The Republic of Azerbaijan is confident that the consistent measures taken at the national level, as well as the existing international legal framework, will serve to bring to justice those responsible for the grave crimes committed in the course of Armenias aggression against Azerbaijan.

The Republic of Azerbaijan urges the international community to condemn Armenia for blatant violation of international law and insists on the implementation of the afore mentioned UN Security Council resolutions. The conflict can only be resolved on the basis of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders. The Republic of Azerbaijan will spare no effort towards achieving the political settlement of the conflict and ensuring peace and justice in the region.

Despite on existing conflict and more than 1 million refugees and internally displaced persons Azerbaijan keeping going forward, developing the economy, building new infrastructure, strengthening its army, increasing its role in international affairs.

I am very pleased to notice that friendly relationship between the two countries have been constantly consolidating, developing and offering numerous opportunities to expand cooperation within the framework of the international organizations, including United Nations and Non-Aligned Movement. As it is known in accordance with the Final Document of the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement held in the Island of Margarita, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on 13 - 18 September 2016, XVIII Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Movement will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2019. Thus with 2019 XVIII Summit, Azerbaijan will bring back Non-Aligned Movement to Europe after 30 years since Belgrade Summit of 1989, the Azerbaijani Minister added.
Professional services firm Deloitte has launched the third volume in a series of whitepapers designed to help businesses in the GCC understand the impact of value added tax (VAT) and how their businesses will be affected according to their specific industry.



The third volume of Deloittes VAT in the GCC  Insights by industry whitepaper provides a high level overview of the impacts VAT may have on family offices; importers, exporters and free zone entities; and technology, media and telecommunications (TMT). Moreover, in the first chapter of this volume, Deloitte answers key VAT questions on timing, similarity of GCC system to the European Union (EU) model, what might be exempt or zero-rated, if VAT rate is here to stay and other key areas about the current status of the indirect tax in the Gulf.



The Deloitte whitepaper also discusses the outcome of Deloittes recent VAT in the GCC pulse survey which was held to gauge business attitudes towards the introduction of VAT with a comparison to insights from Malaysian businesses that have very recently been through a Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation process.



Family offices, importers and exporters, and the TMT industry will be impacted by VAT in various ways, so the need to ensure they are prepared for when VAT is introduced from 1 January 2018 is clear. The Deloitte whitepaper outlines potential scenarios and treatments of VAT for these businesses which may help them determine what operational and procedural changes are required. We advise businesses to review their structures and operations to ensure they will be compliant, said Justin Whitehouse, Deloitte Middle East Indirect Tax Leader.



VAT impact on family offices



At this stage, the GCC has not indicated how family offices will be treated for VAT purposes. Questions remain about whether family offices will be recognized as business and allowed to register for VAT, or whether the business test will be applied as a pre-requisite.



However, every family office operating in the GCC will be affected by VAT because anything purchased in the GCC is likely to be subject to VAT. In addition, family offices will inevitably be dealing with VAT registered businesses as suppliers, or advisers to the family, and they will need to ensure that the VAT is treated correctly.



To mitigate possible difficulties with VAT, it is important the familys office processes and procedures and expenditures are reviewed, and that family and business expenditure are separated. Not only is this good business practice, but it also minimizes the risk of excess reclaims or under-reporting of VAT, explained Fiona Mcclafferty, Deloitte Middle East Family Offices tax specialist.



VAT impact on importers, exporters and free zone entities



In terms of import and export activities, VAT will interact with customs duty and customs authorities at national borders. Import VAT should be payable on the customs duty inclusive value of taxable goods introduced into the GCC from outside countries. VAT reporting and invoicing requirements will likely be activated on intra GCC movements of goods between member states. Importers and exporters may continue to rely on existing processes and control.



Take note that complexities could arise where practical arrangements do not meet VAT requirements, or result in increased compliance or cash flow costs. While uncertainty remains around the places VAT will be paid and recovered, going forward importers and exporters need to ensure they have and store clear documentation of transaction flows in the region from an operational, contractual and practical position to be VAT compliant, explains Adrienne Drose, Deloitte Middle East Customs leader.



In the meantime, there remains uncertainty about how VAT relief for businesses operating in free zones will occur, but free zone entities should note that on-shore costs across the region may increase if they are not entitled to register for VAT in the location where VAT is incurred.



Technology, Media and Telecommunications



One of the main VAT issues with TMT is knowing in which country VAT is payable. Businesses in the TMT industry need to ensure their processes and IT systems are able to capture, store and provide evidence of where their services are being consumed.



Another complicating factor is that the definitions of TMT services will be set out in each GCC member states regulations. This could lead to both different definitions and different VAT treatments of similar supplies between countries.



Businesses should review transactions, their roles and parties involved in the supply of services to determine how they might fit within the expected VAT law of each of the GCC member states, explained Doukje De Haan, TMT industry VAT expert.  TradeArabia News Service
Leading cleaning, maintenance and landscaping companies will be taking part in the Meet the Buyer event being organised by Expo 2020 Dubai on September 20 with an eye on the lucrative Dh11.5 billion ($3.13 billion) of Expo contracts that will be awarded this year alone.



The event will be the perfect opportunity for companies with expertise in facilities management, including small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), to connect with Expo as it starts its search for potential contractors, said the organisers.



The Meet the Buyer series will begin just days after Expos Procurement team opens a request for information (RFI) for facilities management suppliers, including both soft and hard services, and waste management.



Soft services include cleaning, litter picking, landscaping and pest control, with hard services referring to those performed on equipment, such as air conditioning maintenance, repair works and plumbing.



The Expos Meet the Buyer series aims to connect company representatives with members of the Expo 2020 Dubai Procurement team and its main contractors to help them take advantage of a wide range of opportunities available in the run-up to Expo.



The RFI period for facilities management is open, offering firms interested in bidding for contracts an opportunity to directly find out about the full facilities management potential at Expo, including immediate and upcoming opportunities, said the organisers.



Attendees will also be able to participate in workshops attended by members of the Expo 2020 Dubai Procurement team, they added.



Manal AlBayat, senior VP of Business Development and Integration at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "Facilities management is a vital part of putting on a World Expo. Millions will be attending from all over the world and we are looking for firms that can work with us to help ensure that Expo, and the site, runs smoothly."



Meet the Buyer is a fantastic opportunity for companies, including SMEs, in this sector to find out more and showcase their skills and expertise to members of our Procurement team, so we encourage them to sign up without delay, explained AlBayat.



Expo 2020 Dubai was committed to supporting SMEs and tapping into their innovation and agility, with 20 per cent of its budget made available to them.



By empowering SMEs and integrating them into the Expo 2020 Dubai supply chain, Expo is ensuring that businesses can take advantage of benefits including long-term job creation and economic growth.



AlBayat pointed out that SMEs are a vital part of the UAE economy and contribute 60 per cent of GDP. "So Expo is committed to encouraging their growth to build an economically stronger UAE and GCC region, as part of its plans for a lasting economic legacy," she noted.



Expo 2020 Dubais procurement process ensures SMEs can compete on a level playing field and, so far, more than half of all contracts have been awarded to them, stated AlBayat.



Measures to support SMEs include the removal of requirements for tender bonds or advanced payment guarantees, a 50 per cent advanced payment to SMEs for goods and materials, as well as a 25 per cent contribution ahead of delivery for services.



Companies and individuals interested in taking part in the tender process have been called to register on the Expo 2020 Dubai e-Sourcing portal https://esource.expo2020dubai.ae



Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. It opens on 20 October, 2020 and closes six months later on 10 April, 2021. Many millions of visitors are expected to come and more than 180 countries will participate at the global destination.



Through its overall theme, Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, Expo will be a platform to foster creativity, innovation and collaboration globally. It will be a celebration of ingenuity that gives people a glimpse into the future, guided by its three pillars: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, said AlBayat.



The Meet the Buyer event is the latest Expo initiative to work with businesses before 2020 by facilitating networking through opening its supply chain, encouraging interaction, exchanging ideas, sharing expertise and enabling SMEs to sell and deliver the best solutions, she added.-TradeArabia News Service


Egypt's Palm Hills Development has signed a deal with the government's New Urban Communities Authority (Nuca) to jointly develop an integrated residential community over a 12.6-million-sq-m area in West Cairo.



The project, which will offer apartment buildings, standalone units complemented with commercial, educational and leisure facilities, is estimated to cost E150 billion ($8.48 billion), said a statement from the company.



Palm Hills Development said the agreement with Nuca was in connection with co-developing the project on a revenue sharing basis.



On completion, the integrated community is expected to offer 40,000 residential units in addition to commercial real estate and services, stated the top Egyptian developer.



As per the contract, Palm Hills Development will be responsible for all financing, construction, development, internal infrastructure, marketing and sales activities, while Nuca will be contributing the land bank alongside all associated external infrastructure to the boundaries of the project.



Nuca will also be entitled to a revenue share of 26 per cent, translating into E25.2 billion ($1.42 billion) payable over 12 years to the Egyptian government, and an in-kind payment of a BUA (built-up area) of up to 422,000 sq m (consisting of 372,000 sq m of residential and 50,000 sq m of commercial).



According to the developer, the project is expected to create 300,000 job opportunities.



A major regional player, Palm Hills Developments builds integrated communities and has one of the most diversified land bank portfolios, spreading over 41 million sq m in Egypt.



Its product offerings include primary homes on both West Cairo and East Cairo, as well as secondary homes by the Mediterranean Sea, North Coast, and commercial real estate across all operating regions.-TradeArabia News Service


GE has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) that will bring GE Digitals breakthrough digital industrial solutions at scale to the Middle East, Africa and Turkey.



The three-year agreement with HPE, is the first collaboration of this scale and scope in the region, and will focus primarily on cyber security solutions in operational technology, with the potential to move into other digital solution in the future, said a statement.



One of the first solutions this partnership will focus on is OpShield from GE Digital. OpShield was created specifically to protect critical infrastructure, drawing on years of embedded device testing and assessments of hundreds of industrial facilities, it said.



The solution reduces risk of cyber-related unplanned downtime; improves asset protection from cyber-related damage; helps safeguard protected health information (PHI); reduces risk of damage to reputation and intellectual property theft due to cyber incidents; and increases customers confidence to connect and optimise assets, it added.



In the first year of the partnership, GE Digital Cyber Security solutions will be distributed through the HPE Channel Partner Network across the MEA &T region, with a particular focus on the Gulf, Levant, Northern Africa, South Africa, and Turkey, said a statement.



By using this existing Partner Network with more than 1,500 partners in the region today, HPE and GED together will bring critical digital and cyber security solutions to industrial controls and infrastructure networks.



To enable this outreach, the HPE Partner Ready Program (recognised as the industrys number one partner program in EMEA) will ensure that more than 340 HPE specialists and Channel Partner technical and sales resources will be trained and certified on GE Digital solutions to deliver the solution on HPE storage and server infrastructure.



In addition, HPEs own security capabilities for information technology infrastructure will complement the solutions provided by GE for the operational technology environment.



Ali Saleh, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for GE Digital MEA, said: This partnership will enable our most important customers and partners in the region to begin the journey of digital transformation in a secure environment.



HPE has the strongest partner program among peers to manage a partnership of this scope and scale, to bolster a secure digital ecosystem, and reach customers quickly through an innovative business model, he said.



Johannes Koch, managing director, Middle East and Africa for HPE, said: This agreement for Middle East, Africa & Turkey builds on our global partnership with GE to help our customers and partners take advantage of the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and drive digital transformation across their business.



The requirement for security in both information technology and operational technology environments, and the need to protect critical infrastructures, makes this an ideal opportunity for our partners, he said.



GE Digital and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have also agreed to discussions around bringing Predix-based applications to the market.



Predix is the platform for the Industrial Internet of Things  connecting machines, data, and people to power the digital industrial companies of the future.



It is the foundation that enables industrial businesses to securely collect and analyse data in real time so they can operate faster, smarter, and more efficiently. Specifically, GE Digital and HPE will look at on premise Predix-based applications.



Predix is the only platform that provides connectivity capabilities from machines, to full premises, and all the way to the cloud for a complete, integrated view of a companys devices, processes, and people.



GE has introduced its advanced digital capabilities in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey through several landmark agreements announced over the last year. With a presence of over 80 years, GE has more than 20,000 employees in the region driving the aviation, digital, healthcare, oil & gas, power and transportation businesses, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Memac Ogilvy has appointed its EMEA chief digital officer and 22-year company veteran Patou Nuytemans as its new CEO, who will succeed founder and chairman Edmond Moutran as he shifts his focus to the executive chairman role.



Nuytemanss experience in the modern marketing world has seen her represent Ogilvy in five markets across multiple continents, including South Africa, France, Belgium, and the US and UK. She has served in her current role as the chief digital officer for EMEA for 14 years, and has been one of the companys most influential figures in transforming Ogilvy from a traditional agency to a digital age group.



Nuytemans will continue her role as EMEAs chief digital officer, creating an even stronger relationship between Memac Ogilvy and the regional leadership team.



Moutran will maintain his position as executive chairman of Memac Ogilvy, having served dual responsibilities since he founded Memac in Bahrain in 1984. After building a one-client, one-office company into the regions most awarded agency, covering 14 countries, with more than 1,000 employees, he sold a majority share to Ogilvy in 2013.



At the beginning of the year, John Seifert and the global leadership team announced Next Chapter: a paradigm shift in the way we think, work, and deliver. This global evolution has been many years in the planning, and seeks to unify Ogilvys many parts, and create a truly integrated agency, said Moutran.



Creating One Ogilvy is not only in line with our thinking as a company, and our everlasting goal of making brands matter, but also in response to the changing landscape of industries, societies, and economies around the world.



We are a people company, with clients at the heart. Adaptation and evolution are essential requisites to building the most relevant and successful brands, and maintaining our position as one of the leading agencies in the world. It is with this in mind that we proudly and whole-heartedly announce Patou Nuytemans as the new Chief Executive Officer of Memac Ogilvy group. She is an undeniable talent, and true leader in the digital age. We are confident she will drive Memac Ogilvy forward with creativity and gusto, he continued.



Nuytemans will assume her new role on September 17, and be based in Memac Ogilvys hub office in Dubai.



The success and legacy that Mr. Moutran has built with Memac Ogilvy is seldom seen in any market around the world. Its an honour and a privilege to be taking the helm at such a connected, passionate, and creative group, said Nuytemans.



The Middle East region that Memac Ogilvy covers is recognized as one of the most important regions in our global network, and one with incredible potential. This comes down to the amazing talent on the ground, their new ways of thinking, and unrivalled dedication to delivering excellence when serving our clients. We are a people company, with clients at the heart, and it is the people that make Memac Ogilvy what it is. I cannot offer Mr. Moutran enough praise for the legacy he has built, and the team he has around him. I am confident this group will continue to deliver amazing work and grow into one of the global networks biggest agencies, she added.  TradeArabia News Service
Governments have agreed to work together to identify and implement measures that will increase the speed of geothermal energy development, following a meeting between public and private leaders in Florence, Italy this week.



Under the terms of the Florence Declaration  an outcome of the Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA) meeting  governments will actively pursue a collective ambition to realise geothermal potential.



The meeting, entitled: Working Together to Promote Geothermal Energy Towards a Sustainable Energy Future  the largest such meeting of ministerial representatives to discuss geothermal energy  was marked by the release of a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), coordinator of the GGA, in which access to capital for surface exploration and drilling was cited as the main barrier to geothermal development.



The report also noted that more transparent government regulations that avoid project delays were needed to provide sufficient certainty to developers and investors.



Minister of Environment, Gian Luca Galletti stated: Italy considers the Paris Agreement to be irreversible and non-negotiable and therefore strives to promote geothermal and other renewable energy sources as a vital component for the planet's sustainable development.



Geothermal's vast potential is currently untapped, he continued. We must develop new technologies and encourage new investments to ensure we cover this gap. The Alliance will multiply its efforts to guide this process, and Italy will provide its contribution with its long experience and know-how.



Teresa Bellanova, Italys Vice Minister of Economy and Development, said: "Geothermal energys consistent and continuous availability make it a highly precious source of renewable energy both in Italy and many countries all over the world. Through our knowledge of the industry, Italy can play an important role in achieving the ambitions of the Paris Agreement, in addition to stimulating sustainable job creation."



Director general of Irena Adnan Z Amin said: This meeting has, without question, allowed both the policy and industry communities to identify common ground in the pursuit of what is a renewable energy source with tremendous potential.



If we can identify and implement mechanisms that deliver a greater level of certainty to investors and developers, then we will move beyond meaningful dialogue to decisive action that accelerates geothermal production contributing significantly to decarbonisation of the global economy, whilst creating jobs and supporting growth around the world, he added.



"Access to low carbon forms of energy that support economic development while mitigating climate change, is a core priority for the African Union, said Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy. Geothermal energy is emerging as a hidden gem of Africas renewable energy resources and we must work together, across nations, to ensure this resource achieves its potential.



Through partnerships and the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility, the African Union is currently supporting twenty-six projects in East African countries that will generate more than 1500 MW of power. We aim to build on this, supporting sustainable exploration, through the work of this Alliance, Abou-Zeid added.



The GGA meeting was attended by more than 200 high-level public, intergovernmental, non-governmental and senior private sector representatives committed to scaling up geothermal energy deployment worldwide.



Carlo Pignoloni, head of Renewable Energies Italy, Iberia, rest of Europe and North Africa at ENEL, said: Geothermal power can play a significant role in promoting a sustainable and clean development globally. Stable regulatory frameworks, long-term licenses and bankable PPAs, in addition to transparent and public tenders, are key to if we are to take full advantage of the vast global geothermal potential.



The GGA membership is composed of 42 countries, and 29 partner institutions, including multilateral organisations, development partners, international and regional organisations, global financial institutions, academia, research institutions and the and private sector.



The Alliance aims to enhance multilateral efforts towards a more favourable environment to achieve a 500 per cent increase in global installed capacity for geothermal power generation and a 200 per cent increase in geothermal heating by 2030.  TradeArabia News Service
Some of Irelands top travel providers are heading to Abu Dhabi and Dubai this month aiming to promote the top reasons why GCC residents should take a trip to the island.



The Tourism Ireland travel, trade and media events will welcome 10 companies from Ireland, with a range of expertise.



The Abu Dhabi event takes place on September 24 at the Dusit Thani and is kindly sponsored by Etihad. On September 25, our Dubai event will be held at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and is kindly sponsored by Emirates. Both airlines each offer 14 flights a week between the UAE and Ireland.



Its been a record breaking 18 months for the island of Ireland, according to the countrys Central Statistics Office. In 2016, the combined Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland welcomed the most visitors ever  10.3 million. Building on that, the island of Ireland notched its strongest every first half (January to June 2017)  up 4.2 per cent on 2016 with 4.5 million visitors  with visitors from GCC countries helping towards that record number.



Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: Tourism is a key part of the island of Irelands economy and with growing visitor numbers every year, including from the GCC, were glad that we can share the places that we love with our friends from around the world. We wouldnt be able to do it without the brilliant travel and tour operators and well organised attractions, and our September event is a great opportunity to speak to some of the people who really make Irelands tourist industry such a success story.



Tourism Ireland would be delighted to welcome media and organise interviews with Niall Gibbons or any of the companies mentioned below at our September Sales Mission on September 24 (Boardroom at Dusit Thani, Abu Dhabi) and September 25 (Atelier Room at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Dubai). - TradeArabia News Service
Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties, has unveiled Address Harbour Point, a premium luxury hotel and serviced residences project in Dubai with views of the waterfront and Dubai Creek Tower.



The project serves as a visual gateway to the 6-sq-km Dubai Creek Harbour mega-development, which is only 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport.



Address Harbour Point will be operated by Address Hotels + Resorts, the premium luxury hotel and serviced residences brand of Emaar Hospitality Group, which has several Address projects under development in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey and Maldives.



Featuring 202 luxury rooms and suites, Address Harbour Point is part of a 1.4-million-sq-ft development that will also feature Address Residences Harbour Point, an exceptional collection of branded apartments, as well as a range of food and beverage outlets and retail choices.



Serving as a visual gateway to the mega-development, the project comprises two towers, 65 and 53 storeys each, which are located next to Creek Heights, a collection of luxury waterfront homes.



Address Residences Harbour Point will offer a choice of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes and an exclusive Sky Collection of 4- and 5-bedroom penthouses on the upper levels.



Address Harbour Point is set apart by its direct views of Dubai Creek Tower, the iconic observation tower designed by Santiago Calatrava as well as the Dubai Creek waterfront, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary protected by the Unesco Ramsar Convention and the Downtown Dubai skyline. A glass pedestrian bridge connecting the two towers also offers vantage viewing points of Dubai Creek Harbour and beyond.



Olivier Harnisch, chief executive officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: Dubai Creek Harbour is a smart city of the future, and with Dubai Creek Tower, the iconic observation deck at its heart, the mega-development is billed to be a popular tourist and lifestyle destination. Address Harbour Point will be a remarkable addition to the mega-development and to Dubais hospitality sector, offering the premium luxury experience associated with the Address brand. The project stands out for its design, waterfront location, fascinating views and wide range of amenities that will add value to guests and residents.



Address Harbour Point is located at the intersection of two main pedestrian thoroughfares in the mega-development  a waterfront promenade and a public artery that connects the entire development. Guests and residents not only have access to retail, F&B and leisure attractions set by the boulevards but also to an integrated cultural, retail, recreation, and waterfront environment, Emaar Hospitality said.



Emaar Hospitality Group now has 11 operational hotels and three serviced residences in Dubai under Address Hotels + Resorts; Vida Hotels and Resorts, the upscale lifestyle hotel and residences brand; and Rove Hotels, a contemporary midscale hotel and residences brand. -TradeArabia News Service


Turkish Airlines is amping up its aviation game with a new high-end flight training centre in Istanbul.



At the opening ceremony, chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, M. Ilker Ayc, said: The opening of the new airport in Istanbul will lead to a strong demand for well-trained flight crew. With our flight training centre, we aim to encourage national, in-house training and increase our competitiveness and market share globally in terms of training and thus contribute to the countrys economy as well.



Turkish Airlines, which has been providing flight training at Ataturk Airport since 1993, invested in a new flight training centre to increase the number of its high-end full flight simulators from 10 to 14 and the number of its classrooms from 58 to 90. The new flight training centre has a capacity of 1,520 trainees - an increase of 48 per cent - bringing the total capacity to 2,260 trainees.



Designed with Smart Building Automation Concept, the centre will be providing uninterruptible flight training with dynamic UPS Power Supply Systems and all the systems being equipped to be monitored accordingly.



Turkish Airlines new Flight Training Center will be providing world-class flight-training courses for the national carriers staff, consisting of more than 4,000 pilots and more than 10,000 flight attendants. The flight training centre will also be offering its services to other national and foreign airlines as well.



The training programmes will be provided under six categories.



 Basic pilot training

 Cockpit flight and ground training

 Flight attendee training

 Dispatcher training

 Loadmaster training. - TradeArabia News Service


Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
DENVER  Colorado has fined an oil and gas company $225,000 for a pipeline leak that contaminated soil and water on a hunting ranch in the western part of the state.

The state Oil and Gas Conservation Commission fined a subsidiary of Encana Oil and Gas over a June 2016 spill on the Bishop Ranch outside the town of Parachute.

Encana has not said how big the spill was. The newspaper said it obtained a state document showing the Encana subsidiary has recovered about 50,000 gallons at a cost of $2.7 million.

Bishop Ranch owner Mike Bishop said the fine wasn't big enough and was unlikely to deter future spills.

The ranch filed a state lawsuit over the spill. The suit is still pending.
Muni ladies golf pairings

Today, 9 a.m., start, playing Highlands and Links. Play of the day is 3-3-3. Please check in 15 minutes prior to starting time. Highlands #1 McCarrel, Sanford, Farmer; Links #9A Wheatley, Boyle, Stolte; Links #9B Bain, Ortiz, N. Clark; Links #8A Pfiefer, Warren, G. Clark; Links #8B Meyer, Marsh, Pingel; Links #7A Balas, Hansen, Haydel. For changes or additions, please call pro shop at 233-6620.

Casper Stammtisch goes monthly

The Casper Stammtisch, a group interested in German-American heritage, the German language, and fun discussions in both languages invites you to join the following events this fall:

Thursday no-host monthly meetings: today, Oct. 12, and Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at The Office restaurant, 520 S. Ash St.

Weihnachtsfest (Christmas potluck party): Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m. at the Isaac Walton Clubhouse near Ft. Caspar. Potluck snacks and dinner, a raffle, and singing German Christmas carols.

Thursday support meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous: 6:30 a.m., 917 N. Beech; 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 10 a.m., 328 E. A; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 328 E. A; 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, closed; 8 p.m., 328 E. A; 8 p.m., 4600 S. Poplar, closed; 8 p.m., 917 N. Beech. Douglas: 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards (upstairs in back). Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688.

Al-Anon: 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, Ste. 200. Douglas: 5 p.m., Congregational United Church, 405 N. 6th St.

Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 8 p.m., 4700 S. Poplar (church basement). Web site: http://www.urmrna.org.

Beekeepers meet

Thinking about become a beekeeper? Or you already have hives? Join us to learn about bees and meet local apiologists (beekeepers). Natrona County Beekeepers Association will meet at 7 p.m. in the basement of the College Heights Baptist Church, 600 W. 21st St.

Coin Club meets

The Casper Coin Club will meet at 7 p.m. in the Crawford Room of the downtown library. A presentation will be given on Toning of Morgan dollars. Call Al at 237-1156 with questions.

Jersey Mikes helps Harvey victims

More than 1,300 Jersey Mikes Subs locations across the country, including 3095 Talon Dr., in Casper, are partnering with the Houston Food Bank and Corpus Christi Food Bank to help Texas residents impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

This two-part program provides needed donations to the two local food banks:

1. Through Sunday, participating Jersey Mikes locations will donate $1 for every regular sized #7 Turkey Breast and Provolone sub sold.

2. Through a grassroots program in September, Jersey Mikes will hand out special cards in local communities nationwide offering a free sub for a $2 donation to the food banks. Cards can be redeemed in participating restaurants from Friday, Sept. 15, through Friday, Dec. 1.
As the education funding crisis continues and Wyoming officials take a fine-tooth comb to our schools, there's a lot of jargon being thrown around.

Re-calibration? Funding model? Campbell III? Basket of goods? APA?

If you're confused, we're here to help!

ADM  An abbreviation for average daily membership, which is a measurement of attendance used by the state to calculate a school district's funding. A student counted in ADM is worth more than $16,000 a year to a district. A recent change made by the Legislature means that students must be in class for more than 80 percent of the day for the district to receive funding for that student.

APA  Augenblick, Palaich and Associates, the Denver-based consultants hired by the state to study Wyoming's method of funding schools.

Basket of goods  The components of a Wyoming education that must be available to all students, as established by law. This includes the nine content areas: language arts, career/vocational training, fine and performing arts, foreign language, health education, mathematics, physical education, science, and social studies.

Campbell Decisions  In the mid-1990s, the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of a group of plaintiffs, led by the Campbell County School District. The court found that the state had to provide an adequate and equitable education to all students in the state, one that isn't reliant on each county's wealth. The decision was the first of four cases that are often referred to Campbell I, II, etc. The decisions have all had an effect on the education system here: Campbell III, for instance, changed how the state funded construction and maintenance of school facilities.

Coal lease bonuses  Money paid by coal companies to the federal government, which in turn sends a check to the state for the use of mining land. Wyoming has for years used this money to fund school construction and maintenance. In over a decade, more than $2 billion in coal lease bonus money has been spent on school facilities.

Entitlement districts  School districts that receive state funding to meet the amount they're guaranteed. Some districts, like Campbell County, have historically provided more to the state than they've received. But the majority of districts receive a bulk of their funding from Cheyenne, rather than from local sources.

Evidence-based model  A method of funding schools that establishes prices for resources -- everything from teachers' salaries to school supplies -- that will deliver the best outcomes based on national research. The state has used this funding models to pay for schools since 2005.

Funding model  The system by which schools are paid for. For instance, the state currently uses an evidence-based model that's augmented by further funding from the Legislature.

Legislative model  The added level of funding that the Legislature has provided to schools, above what is called for in the model. Sen. Hank Coe has called it the ornaments atop the Christmas tree. Lawmakers have for years provided tens of millions of dollars more in funding to schools than they are required.

Picus Odden & Associates  The consultants hired by the state to conduct the re-calibration in 2005, 2010 and 2015. Their recommendations created the evidence-based model that the state has used since 2005. The Legislature chose to use a new consultant, APA, for the 2017 re-calibration.

Professional Judgment Panels  A school finance model that convenes groups of experts and educators from around the state to determine adequate funding levels. Judgment panels play a role in our current funding model. The consultants studying the state's education system will examine the panels as an alternative approach to our current funding method.

Re-calibration  A review of the state's education funding model and, potentially, of the state's educational program. Typically, this is conducted every five years and was last held in 2015. But lawmakers passed a bill in March 2017 that initiated the process early. A special committee of legislators was convened in May, and they hired a consultants -- Augenblick, Palaich and Associates -- to conduct the review. The consultants will examine the current model and will also look at alternate funding methods. They will also examine other educational funding areas -- like transportation and special education -- and the educational program offered by the state to students.

School cap construction and major maintenance  The building and upkeep of school facilities as financed through state funds. A Campbell County decision found that the state needed to provide funding for school construction and maintenance, and for years, that was provided largely through coal lease bonus money. However, that money is nearly gone, and lawmakers must find a new way to fund buildings.

Select Committee on School Finance Re-calibration  A select group of lawmakers who will oversee the review of Wyoming's education system. These lawmakers hired the consultants and will make a recommendation on what to do about the state's funding system to the larger Legislature before the next session starts in February. It is composed of Reps. Albert Sommers, Steve Harshman, Cathy Connolly, Bob Nicholas and David Northrup and Sens. Hank Coe, Dave Kinskey, Bill Landen, R. Ray Peterson and Chris Rothfuss.

Successful Schools  A funding model which looks at the best districts in Wyoming, determines their resource levels and applies them to other districts across the state. Consultants will look at this model as an alternative to the current funding model during the 2017 re-calibration.

WY-TOPP  The new assessment for Wyoming's grade-school students.
Students and staff at Natrona County High School are safe after a brief lockout Tuesday afternoon instituted after reports that a student had a gun in the area, police said.

When police arrived at the high school, they saw the students vehicle on Spruce Street and stopped it, but no gun was found. Another vehicle was pulled over as well, although its relation to the incident is unclear.

The high school was placed under a precautionary lockout, according to the district. The lockout was lifted at about 3:45 p.m. A student confirmed in a text message that students were being released from the building.

Spruce was closed north of CY Avenue, and traffic was being diverted west onto 11th Street for at least 30 minutes. It was reopened by 4:15 p.m.

Some of the teens left the scene on foot, but at least one was still detained in the back of a police vehicle as of 4:15 p.m.

District spokeswoman Tanya Southerland directed questions to police.

NCSDs first priority is student and staff safety, Southerland said in a statement.

In a lockout, entrances to the building are locked, but activities inside continue as normal. In a lockdown, teachers also lock the doors of classrooms.

The district said all after-school activities will continue as normal.
ARAPAHOE  At St. Stephens Indian School, the past is never far away for students. A graveyard from its Catholic mission roots, marked with crosses and adorned with colorful decorations, can be seen from the schools front doors.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos drove past the graves on her way to the school Friday, her second stop on the Wyoming leg of a tour dubbed Rethink Schools.

St. Stephens is one of several schools on the Wind River Reservation. Its students are largely members of the Northern Arapaho tribe, with some Eastern Shoshone members.

The school is funded by the Bureau of Indian Education, but its operated by the tribe. Its boundaries extend across the reservation, unlike public schools serving reservation students.

The school has higher graduation rates than its neighbors for American Indian students, but its scores on Wyoming standardized tests are comparable.

DeVos, who briefly addressed students and didnt take questions from press, made no sweeping statements about the school or its policies. But she consistently praised mentions of parent and student involvement in school planning.

Im thrilled to hear about your focus on really engaging all of the stakeholders, she said.

St. Stephens Superintendent Frank No Runner said the school has shifted to focus more on positives than negatives.

We dont focus on why teachers are leaving; we focus on why theyre staying, he said.

Reservation schools often struggle with teacher recruitment and retention, a situation that has improved in recent years at St. Stephens, No Runner said.

DeVos briefly met with school staff for an overview and introduction before observing second-graders practice subtraction using blocks of ones, tens and hundreds, and a high school science activity building a solar system scale model.

Politics were discussed only briefly, when Eastern Shoshone Business Council member Leslie Shakespeare noted that some tribal member disagreed with some of the policy positions of DeVos.

He noted public schools on and near the reservation, along with St. Stephens.

All of these schools are very important, he said. We respect that youre here to listen. Thats what education is all about, is listening.

No Runner described St. Stephens as a school of choice, but larger school choice policies  of which DeVos has championed  never came up.

St. Stephens receives some funding from Wyoming, but not as much as public schools. Most funding comes from the federal government.

DeVos visited a Casper school earlier Tuesday. Shes slated to visit Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Indiana later this week.
In truth, I had not thought about visiting Mount Rushmore all that much.

It was an optional stop on my first trip through the Black Hills. Devils Tower was going to be the centerpiece of the journey, followed by Rapid City and Hill City, South Dakota, for the cosmopolitan experience and the wine experience, respectively. If we had time and the weather cooperated, we figured, sure, wed see the faces of the presidents.

After all, it wouldnt have been the first viewing for either of us. My boyfriend had visited the monument years ago with his family, and although Id never actually been on the grounds, Id glimpsed it from the road when I moved to Wyoming from Wisconsin, about three and a half years behind me now.

It was February  is there any better time to plan an interstate move? My mother had been driving my crumbling and very likely overloaded car on the icy roads. I was in the passenger seat, tending to my darling and ancient orange cat, who was relocating along with me. We had chosen a longer route that offered a view of the famous faces from the road, just to add a little sightseeing to the drive.

And when we reached that point  well, there they were. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, Abe Lincoln. It was undoubtedly cool to see them, but we were far away, so they were less imposing than they are from the ground at the monument. I remember driving slowly to take it in, but in retrospect, that could also have been linked to the condition of the road, the car, the wind  so new to us at the time  and my poor mothers nerves.

In short, Mount Rushmore did not take my breath away the first time I saw it. It was impressive, but given the magnitude of the move I was making and the admittedly limited abilities of my brain, I was already overwhelmed. I lacked the capacity to be wowed.

So thats about what I was expecting when we had discussed a potential return visit and then solidified those plans. But instead, when I caught my first glimpse of the four faces, they were blurry. My eyes had welled instantly. And although I hadnt anticipated it, I knew why.

Back then, I had been taking the biggest risk Id ever taken  a calculated risk, yes, but one that meant leaving my family and exploring unfamiliar terrain. It meant learning to live entirely on my own (well, with the darling orange cat). It meant bracing for the possibility of gaping loneliness in a place that was foreign to me.

As I looked up at the four of them, the transformations Ive experienced since then tore through my mind like a river. I have found true friendships and discovered favorite places in Wyoming. Ive drummed up the courage to make the first major purchase of my life  a car that starts every time I need it to and isnt afraid of icy roads. Ive traveled the state with my boyfriend and started to build a home with him. Nothing that I would have dared to hope on that icy February day.

All that time, those four faces were up there on that mountain in South Dakota, and that wind has blown over the fairgrounds and the prairies and the hills. And of course, theyve all been at it much longer than that, and will continue to be  the presidents have been gazing at us for decades, and the gusts are simply timeless.

But Im not. Were not. We have such a limited time to do all the things we want to do  take adventures, learn new things, cultivate friendships, fall in love. We never stop chasing. Its a lot to think about all at once.

But against the backdrop of Mount Rushmore, where time is slow and winds are strong, theres time to think and reflect and smile. Theres time to think of how incredibly fortunate you are to have the friends youve found and to love the people you do. Theres time, too, to think about where youll find yourself the next time you see those faces  and how grateful you will be for all the moments in between.
On Thursday, Sept. 14, Kade Mislinski is opening Classic  Spaghetti Western Steakhouse on North Stone Avenue, and if the name isnt clear enough about what to expect coming from the kitchen let us explain: spaghetti and steak.

Classic, 1535 N. Stone Ave., is kicking things off with a party for a good cause. On Wednesday, Sept. 13, the restaurant off Stone and East Adams Street was to hold a grand-opening party with proceeds benefiting Hurricane Irma survivors on the Virgin Islands.

Beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, Classic will hold its grand opening. For more information, visit facebook.com/classictucson

Classic is one of several restaurants opening in the Tucson area over the next handful of days and weeks.
Arizona Sen. John McCain and Rhode Island Democrat Sen. Jack Reed say they want Congress to authorize a new round of military base closings.

The pair filed an amendment to the Senates defense authorization bill for fiscal 2018 on Monday to authorize a new round of base realignments and closures, starting in 2019. McCain is the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Reed is the ranking member.

Military installations are considered prized possessions in some congressional districts, so getting their colleagues to agree will be challenging.

It could be voted down, but we are doing what we think is the right thing in the long run for the DOD, Reed said Tuesday.

Reed said their approach for base closings addresses concerns with the 2005 round, such as the cost and the Pentagons need to close excess installations so the money can be better spent. He said another round of closures and realignment are needed because there are military facilities that were designed for Cold War confrontations and buildings that are being maintained but not used.

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base supporters said base-closure efforts by Congress are concerning.

Bryan Foulk, the president of DM50, a mainly business-backed volunteer group that advocates for the base, said while residents always should be concerned about the process, his group has been working hard to let the Pentagon know how important D-M is to the community.

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Eugene Santarelli, a former D-M commander who has worked as a consultant with local officials during previous base-closing rounds, is bullish on the future of D-M.

Good weather, close proximity to other military bases and its ability to use the nearby Barry M. Goldwater bombing range for pilot training are among the reasons why Santarelli believes D-M wouldnt be part of the process, if it moves forward.

McCain and Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., would not comment on the proposed amendment.

The two have been leading an effort to keep the A-10 Thunderbolt II ground-attack plane, which comprises D-Ms biggest mission, from being mothballed. The Air Force has said it would keep the planes flying through at least 2021.

According to Reeds amendment, the estimated cost of implementing the closures would be capped at $5 billion, and the list of submitted recommendations would have to yield net savings within seven years of completing the closures and realignments.

Reed and McCain also proposed eliminating the base-closing commission and instead requiring the Department of Defense to submit its recommendations to Congress. The Government Accountability Office would review the list and Congress could amend it.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has said that closing excess installations would save $10 billion over a five-year period.
PHOENIX  The states high court agreed Tuesday to decide whether a levy that funds Arizonas expanded Medicaid program was illegally enacted.

Without comment, the justices said they want to give foes of the levy current and former state lawmakers  a chance to make the case its a tax.

What the court decides will be significant, as it takes a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate to raise taxes. And since the measure did not get that margin, a finding that the levy actually is a tax would mean the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the states Medicaid program, could no longer collect it.

Without the approximately $265 million being collected each year, the state could then no longer afford to provide care to about 400,000 Arizonans who were added to the plan as a result of the 2013 action.

At the heart of the fight is who gets government-provided health coverage.

Prior to 2013, AHCCCS provided care for those below the federal poverty level.

That year, then-Gov. Jan Brewer sought to take advantage of a provision of the Affordable Care Act where Congress agreed to pick up most of the costs for expanding health-care coverage to those making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. That is currently about $28,180 a year for a family of three.

To get those federal dollars, however, the state had to restore coverage for childless adults, which had been dropped years earlier in a budget-saving maneuver. And to cover that cost and other state expenses, Brewer proposed  and lawmakers approved  giving AHCCCS Director Tom Betlach authority to impose a charge on hospitals.

The plan was adopted by a simple majority of the House and Senate, with the Republican governor cobbling together a coalition of Democrats and some members of her own party to vote for it.

That led the GOP lawmakers who voted against it to file suit. While they were in the numeric minority, there actually were enough of them to block the levy if it really is a tax and required a two-thirds vote.

No date has been set for the hearing.
PHOENIX  The Arizona Supreme Court will not remove some barriers that exist for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder to get medical marijuana.

Without comment, the justices on Tuesday rejected arguments by the Arizona Cannabis Nurses Association that former state Health Director Will Humble acted illegally in imposing certain conditions before a doctor can recommend the drug, a policy maintained by successor Cara Christ. There are no similar requirements for others who are entitled to legally use the drug.

The justices provided no explanation of their decision, which leaves intact a ruling issued earlier this year by the state Court of Appeals upholding the conditions.

But attorney Ken Sobel, who represents the Arizona Cannabis Nurses Association, said he may make a federal case of this by arguing that the differential  and he says discriminatory  treatment of PTSD patients violates the Equal Protection Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Central to the legal issue is the 2010 Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, which allows the use of the drug by patients suffering from a list of specific medical conditions such as glaucoma, AIDS and any chronic or debilitating condition that leads to severe and chronic pain. At last count there were more than 136,000 people who had the required doctors recommendation that allows them to buy up to 2 ounces of marijuana every two weeks.

The same law also requires the health department to consider requests to expand the list of qualifying conditions.

Humble initially rejected pot use for PTSD.

In 2014, however, he changed his mind after finding some scientific evidence that medical marijuana can help some people with the condition. Humble said there also was anecdotal testimony, including by those diagnosed with PTSD, that smoking the drug helps.

But Humble limited its use to palliative care, meaning only to help with symptoms rather than be seen as a cure.

Ive never seen anything that says its an effective treatment, Humble told Capitol Media Services at the time.

Humble also said that doctors could recommend marijuana only to patients already being treated for PTSD, even if it was only counseling sessions. He said he wanted to be sure that physicians were not promoting marijuana as the first course of action before trying something else.

Judge Samuel Tumma, writing for the Court of Appeals earlier this year, said challengers provided no proof that Humble had exceeded his legal authority in setting the restrictions.
PHOENIX  The Arizona Supreme Court wont allow state and local officials to hide behind federal drug laws to thwart medical marijuana sales.

Without comment, the justices declined Tuesday to review a Court of Appeals ruling that federal law doesnt trump the 2010 voter-approved Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. The lower court said the fact that marijuana remains a felony under federal law does not preempt the state from deciding to decriminalize it for some.

That ruling also specifically rebuffed contentions that having county officials issue the zoning permits required for medical marijuana dispensaries would mean they were illegally aiding and abetting in the violation of federal law.

In reaching that conclusion, the judges pointed out that nothing in Arizona law  or in their ruling  protects dispensary operators or medical marijuana users from being pursued and prosecuted by federal authorities under federal law.

But attorney Steven White, who represented the dispensary that argued the case, said that, for all intents and purposes, that cant happen  at least not now.

He pointed out that a budget provision, first inserted in 2015, precludes the U.S. Justice Department from using its funds to prosecute providers of medical marijuana who are complying with state laws. That provision was just renewed.

The extension, however, runs only through Dec. 8, and then will need another vote by Congress.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery had sought to use federal law to block new dispensaries and to effectively void the decision by voters to legalize the drug for medical use.

The Arizona Supreme Court ruling represents the latest failure of every level of the judicial branch in Arizona, from the trial court to the Court of Appeals to the highest state court of review, to fulfill their respective oaths of office, Montgomery said.

The 2010 law allows those with a doctors recommendation and a state-issued ID card to obtain up to 2 ounces of marijuana every two weeks. The law also set up a network of state-regulated, privately run dispensaries to sell the drug.

Before issuing a permit for a dispensary, though, state health officials need certification from the local government that the site is properly zoned.

White Mountain Health, seeking to locate in Sun City, which is unincorporated, sought the necessary certification from Maricopa County. But Montgomery instructed county officials not to respond. He argued that doing so would make them guilty of violating federal laws, which prohibit not only the possession and sale of marijuana but doing anything to facilitate either.

He contended anything the state enacts cannot preempt federal law. Montgomery said the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution makes federal laws supreme and says the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.

But Judge Donn Kessler, writing for the appellate court last year, said the federal Controlled Substances Act doesnt prohibit states from having their own drug laws.

Anyway, the judge said, the fact that Arizona has chosen to legalize the possession and sale of marijuana simply immunizes those involved from being prosecuted under Arizona law. He said there is no conflict with federal law because the federal government can still enforce its own laws.
A federal appeals court has once again rebuffed a bid by a previously convicted pedophile to overturn his conviction for the 1984 death of a 7-year-old Tucson girl.

In an extensive ruling, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said the claims by Frank Jarvis Atwood that his trial counsel was ineffective hold no water. Judge Sandra Ikuta, writing for the appellate court, said there were legitimate reasons for decisions made by attorney Stanton Bloom in how to conduct the defense.

And the judges said, in essence, Atwoods theory that police and prosecutors planted evidence was so far-fetched as to have no credibility.

Wednesdays ruling could finally bring Atwood, who has been on death row for 30 years, close to the end of exhausting all of his appeals.

Atwood, released on parole in California in 1984 after serving his second prison term for sex acts with children, traveled with a companion to Tucson where, on the morning of Sept. 17, he was seen at De Anza Park. Later that day, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson disappeared while riding her pink bicycle.

Authorities eventually tracked Atwood to Texas, where he was arrested on charges of kidnapping, with murder charges added after Vickis skull and some bones were found in the desert northwest of Tucson the following year.

At trial, witnesses for the state testified that pink paint on the front bumper of Atwoods car had come from the victims bike or from another source exactly like the bike and that Vickis bicycle had nickel particles on it that were consistent with metal from the bumper.

Atwoods convictions on murder and kidnapping charges were affirmed by the Arizona Supreme Court and in repeated federal court hearings, with the U.S. Supreme Court denying review. But he has pursued a series of claims, including those that resulted in Wednesdays appellate court ruling.

One of those issues was his claim that a state judge improperly dismissed his contention that FBI agents and Pima County prosecutors planted the pink paint from Vickis bicycle on the bumper of his car.

Ikuta, in the 56-page ruling, said Atwoods theory is that Pima investigators, in collusion with the FBI, removed both bumpers from his car in Texas, where they found it, and transported them as luggage on a commercial airline to Tucson.

There, Atwood claims, investigators scraped pink paint off the bicycle and planted it on the front bumper. And then, he said, investigators collected scrapings from the pink paint they had applied to the bumpers, combined those with scrapings from an unrelated pink paint smear on the bumper, and substituted the combined sample in the evidence log.

And after that, according to Atwood, the Pima County investigators used water-soluable paint to cover up the scrape marks created while collecting the sample, transported the bumpers from Tucson back to the FBI impound garage in Texas, and reattached them to Atwoods car. It was at that point, he said, agents took photos of the pink paint on the bumpers and substituted those photos for original ones taken earlier.

Ikuta said the general implausibility of Atwoods theory supports the conclusion of the state court that an evidentiary hearing was not necessary.

There was no reason for the Pima County investigators, as part of a clandestine operation to take both bumpers to Tucson (when they needed only one for the alleged fabrication), to check these bulk items as baggage on a commercial airline, or to take photos of the bumpers during the fabrication process, the judge wrote.

She also pointed out that the police were in the middle of the investigation, as they did not know at that time whether Vicki was alive or dead.

Atwoods claim that at this point state and federal officers would have concocted an elaborate plot to fabricate evidence is simply not credible, Ikuta wrote.

The appellate court also rebuffed Atwoods contention that Bloom should have presented evidence from mental health experts regarding the defendants drug abuse and the traumatic effects of his own childhood molestation.

But Ikuta noted that Bloom had seen records from multiple social workers, psychiatrists and psychologists from one of his prior incarcerations and that none indicated Atwood had any significant mental impairment or disease. Bloom also could have reasonably concluded that if he adopted a mental health defense, that would open the door to prosecutors seeking testimony that Atwood has pedophilic and antisocial personality disorders, testimony that could be highly damaging to the case, the judge wrote.
The attorney for the Border Patrol agent who shot and killed a Mexican teen claims federal prosecutors are withholding and manipulating critical evidence.

In new court filings, attorney Sean Chapman says a Mexican doctor who performed an autopsy on Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez told prosecutors in 2014 that the victim was killed by the first bullet, which hit him in the head. Chapman said the other shots agent Lonnie Swartz fired in the 2012 incident came later.

But that information was provided to him just recently even as he is preparing for the Oct. 24 trial, Chapman said.

He said the order in which the bullets struck the teen is central to his contention that Swartz cannot be guilty of murder because he used only the force necessary to respond to rocks being thrown at him from across the border fence at Nogales.

But to get the jury to believe that argument, Chapman said he needs to show that the teen was fatally injured with one of the very first shots while he was an active threat. And that, he argued, makes any other shots  prosecutors said Swartz fired at least 13 times, including stopping to reload  legally irrelevant.

Agent Swartz is not criminally liable for Elena Rodriguezs death, even if he continued to fire at him after he was killed, and collapsed on the ground, Chapman told U.S. District Judge Raner Collins.

What Dr. Javier Diaz Trejo told a prosecutor in 2014 is important, Chapman said, because it contradicts the governments theory that the teen was first shot in the back, which paralyzed him and caused him to fall to the ground, at which point Swartz continued to fire until the teen was dead.

He said the governments decision to withhold not only the prosecutors notes of her 2014 interview with the doctor but also details from the original 2012 autopsy report means that the U.S. Attorneys Office for Arizona cannot prosecute Swartz. Chapman said thats because he will be calling the prosecutor as a witness in an effort to undermine the case being presented by her colleagues.

Potentially more significant, Chapman wants Collins to preclude the government, having withheld and been late to disclose this critical evidence, plus some autopsy photos, from presenting any testimony to support its theory that the head shot that killed the teen was received while he was already on the ground, still alive.

There was no immediate response from federal prosecutors.

The details are critical since even Chapman admits that his client killed the teen. He said the evidence will show that Elena Rodriguez and others, standing in Mexico, were throwing rocks at Swartz and other agents.

That, he said, leaves two issues for the jury to decide. One is whether Swartz acted in self-defense. The other is whether Elena Rodriguez was fatally shot while he was standing or after he collapsed to the ground.

Chapman said the governments theory is that after the first volley of shots, the teen fell but was still alive and no longer a threat, yet Swartz kept firing at him.

Under this theory, Agent Swartz acted without legal justification and with malice aforethought by continuing to shoot at Elena Rodriguez after he was incapacitated by the first set of shots and went to the ground, Chapman told Collins.

But if it was the head shot that killed him instantly and caused him to fall, Chapman argues, the governments case falls apart.

Chapman said prosecutors gave him a copy of an autopsy report, written in October 2012, earlier this year. That report does not address the sequence of shots.

But it turned out that one of the doctors was interviewed by a prosecutor in 2014. And Chapman said the prosecutors handwritten notes of the interview indicate a drastically different version of Dr. Diazs opinion than previously disclosed.

In 2014 Dr. Diaz believed unequivocally that Elena Rodriguez was standing when he suffered an initial shot to his head that instantly killed him and resulted in his fall to the ground, Chapman wrote. Without question, Dr. Diazs 2014 statements, two years after the autopsy and two years before his 2015 statements, support the defendants version of events in this case.

The attorney also said it is now no coincidence that prosecutors told him two weeks ago they no longer intend to call Dr. Diaz as a witness, instead relying on the testimony of a much more junior pathologist.
The death of a prisoner assigned to the Cimarron Unit at Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson is being investigated as a suspected homicide, authorities said.

Daniel J. Acosta, 26, was found Monday evening unresponsive in his housing unit, according to an Arizona Department of Corrections news release Tuesday.

The prison is at 10000 S. Wilmot Road.

Officers and medical personnel attempted life-saving measures on Acosta, but paramedics pronounced him dead at 6:19 p.m., said authorities. The death is being investigated in consultation with the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office.

State Department of Corrections investigators "have reasonable cause to suspect foul play may have been involved," states the release.

Acosta was in prison since 2013 following his sentencing out of Maricopa County for kidnapping. He was sentenced to 19 years, authorities said.
People knew Houston was vulnerable to flooding  just like they know Tucson is vulnerable to heat, flooding, fire.

A hurricane would come ashore pushing a massive storm surge of ocean water, forecasters predicted. That would mix with heavy rain, and catastrophic flooding would ensue.

But a stalled tropical storm dropping 30, 40, or even 50 inches of rain without any significant storm surge? That was not even imagined in Houstons dystopian handbook  an analysis called Hell and High Water, published by ProPublica and the Texas Tribune last year.

The experts cited in that report foresaw storm surge as the major source of flooding in Houston under a warmer global climate.

So what does that tell us in Tucson? The extreme weather we experience as the planet warms could be beyond our imagining.

Picture a month of 115-plus temperatures in summer. A winter when the high temperatures dont drop below 80 and wildfires burn. A tropical storm from the Pacific that comes up the gulf, stalls and drops 10 inches of rain on us.

I just made these scenarios up, but theyre the kind of thing just beyond our currently realistic fears that could become reality. The same way an unimaginable 50-inch Houston rainfall did. The way that this June was the hottest on record in Tucson, and was followed by a July that was the wettest ever recorded here.

Extreme heat, precipitation intensity  those things are changing, UA atmospheric scientist and associate professor Christopher Castro told me Tuesday. Theyre changing in such a way that we might experience things that we dont have a historical precedent for.

We might get a 120-degree day in Tucson, Castro said. We might get an extreme precipitation event in Phoenix that is a 1-in-1,000-year event, but we might get that several years in a row.

Thats the thing about our usual expectations: Theyre based on past experience.

As Hurricane Harvey showed, past experience no longer puts guardrails on what we can expect in the future. Were hurtling over them into a future of unknown extremes.

In Tucson, we can at least guess which natural threats to worry about. Extreme heat is the obvious one here. Tuesdays high temperature, by the way, was a record  106 degrees, the 13th record-high temperature of the year. Expect more.

Extreme rain is another. Every 1-degree Celsius increase in the air temperature increases its capacity to hold water by 7 percent, Castro noted. Earlier this year, he and a colleague published research suggesting that monsoon storms are becoming less frequent but more intense.

Another threat: wildfires. As weve seen this year, big rains lead to a burst of growth in the deserts and forests, which become tinder for wildfires when the rain stops and record heat sets in.

The wildfires themselves can interact with the rains to make flooding worse, as Pima County Flood Control director Suzanne Shields told me. Plants no longer hold the soil, which turns into a speedy exit ramp for floodwaters.

The wild card for us will be what happens if we get a lot of fire, Shields said.

She noted that in 2003, after the Aspen Fire burned on Mount Lemmon, a simple rainfall of 1 inches sent floodwaters down the Canada del Oro watershed.

Pima County Flood Control District, of course, plans for floods. But its plans are, naturally, based on history  what used to be a 500-year flood, for example.

After Tucsons 1983 floods, caused by a deteriorating tropical storm that drifted over Arizona, the district doubled the flows that it plans for, from 30,000 cubic feet per second to 60,000. And when tested, as in 2014 when Hurricane Norberts remnants dropped heavy rain across a broad area, the flood-control work has passed. So far.

But that 500-year flood may not have just a one in 500 chance of occurring in any given year anymore. Maybe it will happen once every 20 years.

And our future climate will not just affect us along one dimension, like heat or rain, said Kathy Jacobs, a UA professor of soil, water and environmental science who runs the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions.

Its the combination of effects that are the biggest threat: An extreme heat wave could lead to a wildfire in the White Mountains that cuts off a major TEP power line, affecting not just cooling but hospital services and maybe water. These cascading effects could be what really catches us by surprise and hits us on the individual and family level.

I think it would be useful to have more risk-based decision-making in the Tucson region, Jacobs said. A lot of people have planned for a future that looks like the present, without imagining a future that might be very different.

Its not easy to know how far to go with our dark imaginings  and how much to spend to address them  but Houstons floods show wed be smart to go further than history would have us, further than is comfortable.
Crime rates in America have dropped steadily in the last 20 years. According to the Pew Research Center, violent crime rates fell over 50 percent from 1993 to 2015. Despite this overall trend, murder rates in the U.S. have gone up in the past two years. In some cities, murder rates increased at alarming speeds. For example, there were 496 murders in Chicago in 2015, compared with 762 in 2016.

Which American cities experienced the highest murder rates in 2015? Using data collected by the 2015 FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the following is a ranking of cities by their murder rate per 100,000 people. Only cities that had populations over 100,000 and murder rates over 10 were included. The FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program defines murder and non-negligent manslaughter as the willful killing of one human being by another.

It's important to note that although these cities reflect a high murder rate in 2015, rates for the country overall are still historically low. Murder rates in the U.S. are down significantly from the 1980s and 1990s. Cities with higher murder rates range from large metropolises to smaller cities. Tackling crime and the murder rate in particular is a complex challenge for each city.

Note: Some cities, including Cleveland, Ohio and Newark, New Jersey, have had higher than average murder rates in the past, but are not reported on by the 2015 FBI UCR.



Note: The data published here is meant solely to illustrate the relative rates of crime, and not to make assertions about the effectiveness of law enforcement. There are many factors that affect the rate and nature of crime -- such as the degree of urbanization, composition of age groups, economic climate and modes of transportation within an area  which are not considered here. For more information on how to interpret FBI crime data, click here.
Tucson is launching its courtship of online retail giant Amazon by sending a plant  a really big plant.

On Wednesday, Sun Corridor Inc. loaded a 21-foot saguaro cactus on a flat-bed truck to deliver to Jeff Bezos at Amazon in Seattle, in a bid to bring Amazon's planned second headquarters to Tucson and Southern Arizona.

Amazon announced last week that it is planning to build a second corporate headquarters location and says it is considering metropolitan areas with more than 1 million in population.

Sun Corridor is Tucson and Southern Arizona's main economic development group. It is working with state, regional and local partners, to gather information and data to submit a bid to Amazon.

The company says it will hire as many as 50,000 new full-time employees over the next 10 to 15 years and invest more than $5 billion in capital. The new location will include a site that is urban/suburban and require 8 million square feet of space.

Amazon is expected to attract multiple bids including some with rich financial incentives. Since Amazon announced its plans last week, Chicago, Philadelphia and Toronto have announced they will submit bids.

Amazon's request for proposals is due Oct. 19, with a decision expected in 2018.

"We wanted to make sure Mr. Bezos and his team notice us and send a message of 'we have room for you to grow here for the long term'  nothing signifies that better than a saguaro," Joe Snell, president and CEO of Sun Corridor Inc., said in a news release.

Snell said Sun Corridor will work with Gov. Doug Ducey and the Arizona Commerce Authority to submit a strong case.

Dave Hutchens, chairman of Sun Corridor Inc. and president and CEO of UNS Energy Corp., noted that Tucson beat out several cities for Caterpillar's new Surface Mining and Technology Division headquarters, which is under construction downtown.

Sharon Bronson, chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, said that together with Raytheon and other local companies, Tucson will demonstrate that we have the right assets to win this deal, citing available land, workforce, logistics and the enterprising and entrepreneurial can-do attitude the innovative world-leader in business needs.

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said that when Tucson made the short list for Tesla's electric-car "gigafactory" last year, it woke many people up to the city's potential.

We have a strong tech workforce and an active entrepreneurial ecosystem. Were a center for trade, transportation and logistics," Rothschild said. "Plus, we have outstanding quality of life. I dont see any other city that has our exact set of advantages.
The UA has reported nearly 100 flu-like and confirmed influenza cases since students returned to school, and county health officials said it appears to be an early start to the flu season.

The first cases of illness cropped up as students moved into the University of Arizona dorms in mid-August.

By late last week, there were 97 total reported cases of flu-like illness, and 38 of those were confirmed via rapid flu test to be the influenza A strain, said Sharidon Overland, nursing supervisor at Campus Health, in an email.

Its really early, said David Salafsky, director of health promotion and preventive services at Campus Health. We often wont see this until late October/November, or sometimes later.

Flu season usually ends in March, although people can get sick any time of year from the flu.

Despite the surge on campus, those rates of illness now seem to be tapering off, Salafsky said.

But university and county officials all agreed that flu season is right around the corner, so getting a flu vaccine should be on your to-do list.

Its not a cause for alarm, its a call to action, Salafsky said. Its a good opportunity to remember that even though its 100 degrees out there, you might want to get a flu shot.

The vaccine this year is a good match, said Aaron Pacheco, communications program manager at the Pima County Health Department.

This seasons flu vaccine is available at campus health and is $25 without insurance.

For the general public, the vaccine is also available at your pharmacy or doctor.

Flu viruses spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, touching something with the flu virus on it, and in some cases through the air.

The Arizona Department of Health Services said influenza activity in Arizona is light right now with just nine laboratory confirmed flu cases between Aug. 13 and Aug. 26. Most of the cases were confirmed to be influenza A, the department said in its latest bulletin.

The department said there have been a total of 13 lab-confirmed cases of flu reported in Arizona since Aug. 8, the start of what it calls its summer surveillance period.

Also, the department said there have been 2,615 confirmed cases of flu in Pima County  13,822 cases in Arizona  during the 2016-2017 surveillance period, which began Oct. 2, 2016, and runs through Sept. 30.

The numbers represent a small proportion of actual cases since many people dont see their doctors when they fall ill with the flu, the agency said.
First, a little of my background. I was raised in the South in a middle class family. I overcame my prejudicial upbringing and have worked hard all my life. I have done a multitude of volunteer work for the poor in the U.S., China and many third-world countries. Because I get Social Security and Medicare (pays for 80 percent of out of hospital benefits) I receive approximately $47 a month too much to also receive Medicaid. I have cancer and am unable to pay my 20 percent of the thousands of dollars for my treatment, while those who worked little or not at all get a 100 percent ride for their medical treatment. I am an independent voter, a moderate, and am neutral toward Trump. Charlie Rose "interviewed" Steve Bannon on "60 Minutes." As a member of the elite liberal press he constantly loudly interrupted while Bannon attempted to explain many of the happenings since January. Stop interrupting! The word "rude" does not adequately explain Rose's biased interviewing methods.
Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders are political twins. They entered the 2008 and 2016 primaries as unknown outsiders with limited resources and weak ties to party leaders. Obama was a first-term African-American senator, while Sanders was a 74-year-old Jewish senator with a Brooklyn accent. Paradoxically, their status as political outsiders turned into an advantage.

Obama defeated Hillary Clinton with soaring rhetoric, a quintessentially American life story, varied experience as president of the Harvard Law Review and community organizer, and a modern social-media campaign. Obama was a unique politician who initially rejected donations from special interests. He built the Obama Coalition with black, Latino, college-educated and young voters.

Sanders was an unorthodox anti-politician who funded his campaign with small donations. He caucused with Senate Democrats, but remained a Socialist. He railed against Washington and promised to reform the system. Sanders ran a social-media-friendly campaign and built a coalition of millennials, working-class and college-educated voters.

Obamas message of Hope and Change inspired a nation caught in the throes of recession and war. Sanders message of inequality addressed the fears of millennials and struggling families. Sanders was another version of Obama. This observation leads to a question: Could Sanders have defeated Donald Trump?

National mood: Americans were unsettled in 2016. They had lost faith in traditional leaders and were open to electing someone different. Political (especially Congress) and economic (especially Wall Street) leaders were considered out of touch. Sanders addressed this mood in ways that Clinton could not.

Aspirational vs. transactional leadership: Sanders and Obama pursued aspirational rather than transactional politics.

Aspirational politics focus on goals that are great and larger than the individual.

Transactional politics involve horse-trading between politicians and supplicants. Sanders genius was his ability to get voters to think in terms of the commonweal. Voters perceived Clinton as transactional. Sanders spoke to voters aspirations, while Clintons scripted message to identity groups was couched in transactional terms.

Voting: Sanders outperformed Clinton in the three Democratic states  Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania  that put Trump over the top. Political scientist Brian Schaffner analyzed data from a survey of 64,600 Americans conducted by the Cooperative Congressional Election Survey in fall 2016. Schaffner estimates that 12 percent of Sanders voters switched to vote for Trump.

Political scientist G. Elliot Morris found that 51,000 Sanders supporters voted for Trump in Wisconsin, 47,000 Sanders voters supported Trump in Michigan and 114,000 Sanders voters supported Trump in Pennsylvania. Trump won by 22,000 votes in Wisconsin, 10,000 votes in Michigan and 44,000 votes in Pennsylvania. Clinton lost the election because she was unable to hold onto Sanders voters.

Democratic National Committee: Leaked DNC emails show party officials discussing ways to rig rules to favor Clinton. This bias led Sanders supporters to sue the DNC. Federal Judge William Zloch found that the DNC and party chair Debbie Wassermann Schultz held a palpable bias in favor of Clinton and sought to propel her ahead of her Democratic opponent. Clinton also enjoyed an overwhelming and unfair advantage with super delegates.

Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders were the strongest Democratic candidates in 2008 and 2016, respectively. While we have no way of knowing if Sanders would have defeated Trump, spring 2017 polling data show Sanders with the highest favorability rating (+22 Harris-Harvard; +24 CNN) of all politicians.

How different the world would be if Bernie Sanders were president.
Check out what is in the news today, September 13

Society

-- The bodies of three workers who had been killed when a bridge under construction at a hydroelectricity plant in Chiem Hoa District in the northern province of Tuyen Quang collapsed on Sunday were retrieved on Tuesday.

-- One hundred thirty four houses had their roofs blown off during a cyclone that hit Huong Khe District in the north-central province of Ha Tinh on Monday night.

-- The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee has proposed the Ministry of Industry and Trade reach a consensus on a plan to install electricity transmission stations as part of the projects meant to produce electricity from waste at waste treatment complexes located in the outlying districts of Cu Chi and Binh Chanh.

-- A storm brewing in the East Vietnam Sea was expected to pick up strength and pack strong winds near its eye, to be located around 460km from Vietnams Hoang Sa (Paracels) Archipelago by Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

-- Police in Trang Bom District in Dong Nai Province, which neighbors Ho Chi Minh City, revealed on Tuesday they were investigating a case in which a local man had allegedly tampered with a lottery ticket series number in a scheme to nab a special prize worth VND1.7 billion ($73,968).

-- Police in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, disclosed on Tuesday they were looking into the death of a South Korean man while having his hair washed at a barbers.

Business

-- Only VND144.09 trillion (US$6.2 billion) has been disbursed for this years basic construction capital as of August, accounting for 44 per cent of the plan, while the State Treasurys deposit at banks within the first eight months of 2017 amounts to approximately VND160 trillion ($6.9).

-- Experts warned at a workshop on Tuesday the two-per cent hike in value-added tax (VAT) will adversely affect enterprises and hurt their business.

-- The Da Nang Hotel Association based in the namesake city will summon its members on Wednesday (September 13) to reaffirm their unwillingness to pay music copyright fees per television set until Vietnams copyright watchdog provide a legal basis for the collection.

Lifestyle

-- A Vietnamese flick titled Co Ba Saigon (The Tailor), which is set in southern Vietnam decades ago, will be screened at the Busan International Film Festival, to run from October 12 to 21 in South Korea.

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A deputy chairman of Vietnams lawmaking National Assembly said the countrys upcoming special administrative and economic zones should be allowed to host businesses illegal elsewhere nationwide, including the 'red-light districits'.

The proposal of deputy chairman Phung Quoc Hien came during the legislative bodys discussion on the Law on Special Administrative-Economic Units on Monday, local news site Dan Tri (Intellectual) reported on Tuesday

The law is expected to lay the groundwork for the establishment of Vietnams first special zones  Phu Quoc, Van Don and Van Phong  which will function as a new model for the Southeast Asian country to stimulate growth and lure foreign investment.

The Phu Quoc special administrative and economic zone will be developed on the namesake island off the southern province of Kien Giang, whereas the Van Don will be located in the northern province of Quang Ninh, and Van Phong in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa.

Dan Tri quoted Hien as saying at the NA session that current policies and mechanisms proposed to be incorporated in these zones were still boxed inside a management mindset that had existed for 30 years.

Such proposals include an extension of land lease period to 99 years, and simplification of paperwork for businesses.

In order to truly unleash the full potential of these zones, they should be allowed to host businesses that are outlawed elsewhere in Vietnam, such as casinos and even red-light districts, Hien was quoted as saying by Dan Tri, referring to areas where prostitutions are allowed.

Tran Chi Dung, director of Kien Giang Department of Tourism, said the proposal tackled a sensitive topic in Vietnam that required more in-depth discussion during his interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday.

It is clearly a sensitive topic in the context of Vietnams society, Dung said. The question of whether to allow casinos in Phu Quoc alone has been heatedly debated, let alone the legalization of prostitution. I dont think the problem is as simple as it sounds.

According to Dung, current Vietnamese laws consider prostitution a crime, and prostitutes are subject to administrative fines.

In a social and cultural sense, he added, sex is considered a taboo topic in Vietnam, a country strongly influenced by oriental values.

Though acknowledging that prostitution still existed in the Vietnamese society, Dung said to publicly recognize it was another story.

In my opinion, experts and policy makers should spend more time mulling over this issue and listening to public feedback before further steps are taken, Dung said.

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A young man in the southern Vung Tau City has filmed himself during in a high-speed police chase and uploaded the clip to Facebook.

Vung Tau Police on Tuesday said it had summoned the man, identified as 21-year-old Huynh Trung Tin, for questioning over his reckless driving.

Earlier on Sunday, a 13-minute video began circulating on Facebook showing a motorcyclist being chased by a traffic police officer through the streets of Vung Tau, after he refused to be pulled over for speeding.

The clip was filmed from the mans helmet camera, with an added text box obstructing the bikes speedometer, but claiming the speed to be 299 kilometers per hour.

The daredevil motorcyclist eventually managed to cut the officer off by taking multiple high-speed turns.

The footage filmed from the helmet camera of Huynh Trung Tin showing him involved in a high-speed police chase across Vung Tau City in April 2017.

At the police station, Tin admitted to having filmed and uploaded the video to Facebook, with the purpose of earning likes and followers he thought would benefit his online shop selling spare vehicle parts.

According to Tin, the incident occurred in April, when he was driving from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau.

Tin was found to be in violation of multiple traffic laws, including speeding, swaying, running a red light and obstructing an officer on duty, and was released on Tuesday afternoon after paying a heavy fine, according to a senior officer of Vung Tau Police.

Huynh Trung Tin at the police station on September 12, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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While local media and the public were unhappy that the prize-winning entry of a contest seeking solutions to Hanois traffic congestion was undisclosed, they may be surprised to find out what that solution is.

The contest, launched by the Hanoi administration and transport department in January, found no winner for its whopping grand prize of US$200,000 and awarded only the second prize which went to a joint entry submitted by a Vietnamese entity and two Japanese partners.

Five other shortlisted submissions received $25,000 in support each.

The contest organizers held an awards ceremony in secret at Hanois administration headquarters last Friday, with the public kept in the dark on details of the winning entry.

Amongst disagreement from local media and the public, details about the second-prize winner, jointly proposed by the Vietnam Institute for Urban and Rural Planning (VIUP), Nikken Sekkei Civi Engineering LTD (NSC), and Nikken Sekkei Reseach Institute (NSRI), were finally publicized on Tuesday.

The three-member team proposed a set of solutions, including developing a water taxi service, building a new belt road and improving the citys existing bus system.

According to the proposal, the water taxi service will run only on the Ho Tay (West Lake), reducing traffic pressure when traveling between the lakes northern and southern sides and adding to the capitals tourism offering.

Several water taxi stops are proposed at squares, parks and public places around the 550-hectare lake. The stations will be situated at least one kilometer apart from each another. If people want to walk between two stops, the real distance around the lake will be five kilometers, according to the proposal.

The 'water taxi' stops on West Lake

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Australian director Kate Dennis, who is nominated for an Emmy Award for The Handmaids Tale, will be honoured at the sixth annual Australians in Film Awards next month in Los Angeles.

She will be presented with the Create NSW Annette Kellerman Award which honours trailblazing women in Hollywood.

I am so thrilled to accept this honour from Australians in Film. The Australian film community here in LA is so full of talent, and so full of support  I feel lucky to be a part of it, said Dennis.

Lion screenwriter Luke Davies will receive The Fox Studios Australia International Award, and Disney executives Mary Ann Hughes and Paul Steinke will be honoured with the Ausfilm International Award.

Kate Marks, President of Australians in Film, said, AiF is extremely proud of Luke and Kate and the celebrated work they are producing for audiences globally. Mary Ann and Paul have always been big supporters of the Australian screen industry and we are thrilled to honour them at our Awards. Their work at Disney has created many jobs back home, provided opportunities for our technicians to develop their skills and injected millions of dollars into the Australian economy.

Glitch and No Activity star Patrick Brammall will host the Awards and Benefit Dinner at the Neuehouse Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard on October 18th.

Kate Dennis, one of Australias most successful television directors, will receive the Create NSW Annette Kellerman Award with Vogue Australia. Dennis started her career in Australia where she directed five seasons of the critically acclaimed Offspring. Most recently she directed two episodes of the critically acclaimed series The Handmaids Tale, which earned her a 2017 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Director for a Drama Series. Her other credits include, GLOW, Party Tricks, Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries, Rake (series 2 & 3), Time of Our Lives, Love My Way, The Secret Life of Us, Rush and Secrets and Lies, for which she was nominated for an Australian Directors Guild Award in 2015. Dennis recently wrapped on the ten part series Harrow starring Ioan Gruffudd.
Rebel Wilson has won a whopping $4.56m in her high profile defamation case against Bauer Media -a record figure for defamation in Australia.

Justice John Dixon today said Bauers defamation of Rebel Wilson warranted substantial damages, ruling the magazine empires campaign against the actress was unprecedented in Australia.

He ruled she should receive $650,000 in general damages and $3.97 million in special damages.

BREAKING: Rebel Wilson wins $4.5 million in epic defamation case against Bauer Media. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/wB9oXm9u1h  Shannon Deery (@s_deery) September 13, 2017

Dixon scathing of Bauer's "campaign" against Rebel to pursue its own corporate objectives.  Shannon Deery (@s_deery) September 13, 2017

To put into context how bad this is for Bauer, before trial Rebel offered to settle for $200,000.  Shannon Deery (@s_deery) September 13, 2017

Rebel Wilson took action against the magazine empire citing loss of income after eight articles published in 2015 that gave the impression she was a serial liar who invented fantastic stories including falsifying her age.

In June a jury found in her favour.

The high profile case attracted daily media attention, fans and colourful references to Walt Disney, David Letterman, rapping and Julia Zemiros Home Delivery.

Lawyers had argued the actress should be awarded up to $7m in damages. Prior to the case Wilson offered to settle for $200,000.

Wilson has previously indicated she would donate any monies to charity, scholarships or invest in the Aussie film industry .

Lawyers for Bauer Media said their client is considering the judgement.

Justice Dixon has awarded me a record sum and Im extremely grateful for that. It is 4 times the Australian record.  Rebel Wilson (@RebelWilson) September 13, 2017

To me though, this case wasnt about the money.  Rebel Wilson (@RebelWilson) September 13, 2017

Im looking forward to helping out some great Australian charities and supporting the Oz film industry with the damages Ive received.  Rebel Wilson (@RebelWilson) September 13, 2017

Also looking forward to getting back to my career and entertaining everyone!   Rebel Wilson (@RebelWilson) September 13, 2017

Source: Herald Sun
SBS on Demand releases two new international dramas later this month: Mamas Angel from Israel and 2015 Argentinian drama Cromo, which includes filming in Antarctica (Im hard pressed to think of a Drama that has done that).

Mamas Angel

Available Thursday, 28 September

Yael Tamir (Sharon Shtark), a prison therapist, has her life turned upside down when her son is found dead on the eve of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. On the same night, an 18-year-old Ethiopian military service ditcher Rafa (Yoni Meles) is caught vandalising the memorial  and subsequently captured and charged for the murder.

CSI expert Naama (Vered Feldman), meanwhile, is dealing with her own troubles. Shes just come out of surgery following a breast cancer scare and returns to a mishandled investigation  she begins to suspect the prosecution have the wrong person.

Mamas Angel follows the lives of those affected as the ensuing police investigation unfolds.

Cromo

Available Thursday, 28 September

Based on a true story, Cromo follows a group of environment scientists on a mission to expose environmental crimes in the rural areas of Northern Argentina.



Idealistic scientist Valentina (Emilia Attias) travels to the town of Corrientes to test the local water supply of the dangerous Ibera wetlands. Meanwhile, Valentinas husband Diego (Guillermo Pfening) and his research partner Simon (German Palacios) are on an expedition of their own at the South Pole, but their work is interrupted by the news that somethings gone terribly awry for Valentina.

As they rush to the wetlands, hoping they are not too late to keep her safe, evidence of an ecological cover-up comes to light  as does the truth about a love triangle that threatens to break the bond of trust between Diego and Simon.
Help India!

By Siddhant Mohan, TwoCircles.net

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The administration at Banaras Hindu University hid the letter from Ministry of Human Resources and Development for the advertisement of applications for the new vice-chancellors post, according to reports emerging from the University.

The issue links directly to the universitys current VC Prof GC Tripathi, who has been in news all the time for the various reasons.

On August 1, 2017, Department of Higher Education at MHRD issued a letter to the Registrar of BHU whose subject line was Advertisement for the post of VC of Banaras Hindu University.

The Universitys registrar was asked to bring the bilingual advertisement of the VCs post in Times of India (Northern and Western region), The Telegraph (Kolkata and Guwahati edition) and The Hindu (Chennai/Bengaluru, Hyderabad/Trivandrum editions, along with the University website.

But it seems that letter, which was issued from the desk of Surat Singh, the Deputy Secretary to the Government of India was purposefully hidden by the registrar.

Until September 12, no newspaper had carried the advertisement from the university, nor did the University carry the advertisement on their website.

In fact, the fact that there had been such an advertisement was revealed only after a person named Harikesh Bahadur submitted a complaint against the university administration on September 12 in Prime Ministers office, Delhi.

Bahadur alleged that the registrar Neeraj Tripathi is deliberately holding the advertisement process so that new VCs appointment can be delayed. In such circumstances, the administration will have to extend the GC Tripathis tenure further which ends in November.

Neeraj Tripathi was used to be VC Tripathis personal assistant until a few days back when he was appointed as the registrar of the university.

However, the university, obviously, denies the allegation that it deliberately held the letter. PRO Rajesh Singh told TwoCircles.net, Every work goes through a specific official channel, we are bound to follow that channel. The delay is normal because of the channel we are following.

How can someone say that we are not doing works of MHRD? It is beyond my imagination, added Singh.

The letter from MHRD does not mention the date or timeframe under which the advertisements must be made out to the newspapers. As per the universitys PRO, such liberty can be entertained because of the official channel.

Singh said, Ministry did not ask us to publish the letter before any specific date. So we are working on it.

Just after the news erupted on Tuesday, local newspapers carried the story today that university has started the VCs appointment process. But even after Singhs clarification, it leaves the question that how can a letter be idle for 42 days stuck in an official channel.
Help India!

By Jamal Khwaja

The ancient ethical Hindu doctrine of Four Stages of Human Life and their corresponding duties is well known. It appeals to me, with some modifications while applying it in modern times. Having crossed 90 I am well into my last stage and aspire to dedicate the remaining moments of my earthly existence in serving the people of India without any fear or favour.

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It greatly pains me that a large number of intelligent and aspiring members of the younger Indian generation today belittle Gandhi, Tagore, Nehru, Abul Kalam Azad, and their tremendous contribution to India and the world. Indeed, the great Bengal Renaissance produced a galaxy of Indian thinkers, intellectuals, poets, sages, scientists and social reformers in different regions of our motherland. They slowly built a solid foundation of modern concepts and values enshrined in the directive principles of our constitution. The electoral victory of the BJP in 2014, could not have come about without the tremendous work and creative vision of team Nehru.

It is understandable if the ruling party today has other sources of inspiration and guidance. However, to proclaim that the great architects of Indian thought and culture in the modern era were mere imitators of the west or slaves of foreign ideas and values betrays a severely blurred vision. This approach is an invitation to stagnation in the future.

A few political and cultural leaders like Swami Vivekananda, Sardar Patel, SP Mukerjee are venerated in the corridors of power in India today. Ambedkars name has just been added as a post-script. However, the new entrants into the corridors of power hardly realize that Vivekanand was a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, the great saint of modern India. And this great saint taught universal love and compassion, not fear and hate of the other. Sardar Patel too was a devoted disciple of the saint-statesman of Wardha rather than a follower of Shivaji. The Sardar gave sincere and full support to Nehru on the issue of Babri Masjid. Ambedkars razorsharp intellect and rare moral courage were not given due recognition in the heat and dust of the freedom struggle. I am happy this is happening now.

Vivekananda would have been the first to condemn those who kill innocent human beings in the name of cow protection. He would also have opposed the destruction of a Muslim shrine in the name of restoring the glory of Hindu India. In fact, Vivekanand was a universal Vedantist, not a Hindu nationalist. The truth is that Hindutva, as defined by Savarkar and Golwalkar, differs from the authentic and time honoured eternal religion of the spirit enshrined in the Iso Upanisad and the Gita, exactly as the Talibani Islam differs from the pure Islam enshrined in the Holy Quran.

Deen Dayal Upadhya, Rajendra Singh and Bajpai considerably moderated the extreme views of the earlier period. But the fact remains that both Talibani Islam and Hindutva, basically, derive from fear and hatred of the other. World renowned impartial and objective researchers, sociologists and historians, (Indian and western) after rigorous research have completely demolished the distorted views of some blinkered ideologues who paint Indian Muslim rulers as looters, rapists and destroyers of temples. Unfortunately, some political and cultural quarters cling to this self-destructive blinkered vision. This leads raw Hindu youth to defensive and compensatory aggression.

Our leaders must have moral courage to be intellectually honest in matters dealing with the past, and also about the rational methods and economics of cow welfare. They must educate and lead rather than agitate and appease. Plunging into ill-considered and hasty schemes of cow welfare is imprudent and harmful for the country as a whole. The Indian farmer is, at bottom, more honest and prudent than several political pandits and rash Bajrang Dal and other activists who seem to be more Catholic than the Pope.

The first priority of our government must be the protection and welfare of its citizens with zero discrimination. The welfare of cows, obviously, has a special significance in India and need not be questioned. But, equally obviously, the welfare of humans should be accepted by all as a higher value. First things simply must come first.

As a gifted orator possessed of incredible energy Our Prime Minister has galvanized a large section of our people. His magnetic voice and dress sense, his direct heart to heart speeches and his reputation as a puritanical, clean and strong administrator has captured many minds and hearts. But on the issue of traumatic killings and lynching of innocent persons on mere suspicion of beef eating or transporting cows for slaughter the Prime Minister has remained either silent, or just spoken from the head, rather than from his heart. Even open admirers of Modi are puzzled by his insensitivity to the deep angst of millions of Indian citizens. Fear and insecurity are spreading.

I submit that the tears and blood of a tribal/Dalit/ Muslim /Saraswati Brahman or Rajput are the same. The Directive Principles of our constitution seal this universal truth. The test of patriotism is not whether we sing the bande mataram or jana gana mana, whether we say Jai Ram, Jai Krishna or Jai Hind. The test is whether we freely and lovingly serve and care for all Indias children, without any discrimination.

There was a time when the great Gandhian patriot and statesman, JP Narayan, had lovingly advised the then rulers to get in touch with grass root realities of politics in the country including Jammu & Kashmir. But his advice went unheeded. I wish Modi could undergo an inner spiritual transformation in the manner of some famous figures in history- Saint Paul, the Muslim Khalifa, Omar, Tolstoy, Sri Aurobindo, et al and emerge as a genuine democratic servant leader, who not merely coins captivating phrases or slogans, but delivers.

Let us honestly examine whether the Gandhi-Nehru Congress in the past was really as evil and corrupt, and as guilty of vote-bank politics or appeasement of Muslims, as the BJP alleges? Is the present ruling party really a party with a difference? Hindu unity and solidarity are, certainly, very desirable. But, I submit, a lasting union of the heads and hearts of the people of India is a still higher value.

After the dark days of the British reverse at Dunkirk Churchill made the famous remark Hitler may win the battles but we shall win the war. I beg to say, the strategy of Hindu solidarity may win a few elections, but only the strategy of equal care for every Indian can win the peace.
Help India!

By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net

New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has issued a show cause notice to a student over her Facebook post on grounds that it maligns the image of the university by circulating false and derogatory information.

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The show-cause notice was issued to a student activist Talha Rehman, currently pursuing PhD in Islamic studies regarding an event which was organised on August 24 last month in the front lawns of the central canteen and the protest on the following day in front of the Vice chancellor office.

You have maligned the image of the university by circulating false and derogatory information through your Facebook post. Your Facebook post has the disturbing potential of inciting students against the Jamia authorities and disturb the peace and tranquillity of the campus, reads the notice.

The show-cause notice was also issued to four students who were the organisers of the Musical evening.

On the evening of August 24, a student organization called Dayar-i-Shauq Students Charter organised a cultural event Lal Tarana. The university has alleged that the event was organised without proper permission and accused the organisers of using loud music and distributing classes.

The students, on the other hand, claim that they received proper permission from the authorities and were manhandled, injured and threatened by the Jamia guards accompanying chief Proctor against, which they had called for a protest in front of the Vice Chancellor office.

The Proctors guards snatched and broke their equipment and tried to stop the program. When the students continued to recite their poetry despite this, the guards dragged and kicked the students and pulled the clothes of female students on the orders of the proctor, wrote Talha in her Facebook post on August 27 last month which she feels enraged the Jamia authorities.

She further wrote, It was repeated once again on August 25 when the students gave a call to picket VC office. All the gates to the VC office premises were locked. Students could access VC office only after several hours of protest. The students squatted outside e VC office for an entire day and blocked VCs car when he decided to leave without meeting the students. The students have assaulted once again this time in presence of the entire administration, she added.

In all the four show cause notice, it has been mentioned that the event was held without taking necessary permission from the authorities, but student organisers say that they had taken permission from Dean Student welfare office.

You were fully aware that your co organisers had approached the chief proctor on 22nd August, 2017 for organising musical evening which has been denied to them on the ground that use of musical system with high volume speakers will disturb the ongoing classes and the adjoining department however you along with your group went ahead, reads the show cause notice.

When contacted, Chief Proctor Haroon Sajjad said, They had only submitted the application in DSW office and it was marked as received. No permission as such was granted.

But the students, while contradicting the Proctors version said, They always issue the permission that way. The procedure has been that you write an application and go to DSW office and get it signed and go ahead with the event. We dont know why they are saying that they didnt permit the event.

Talha Rehman while speaking to TwoCircles.net said, Manhandling of female students inside campus by private security guards and physical assault on students has been sidelined by the administration. Instead of taking actions against the Jamia staff involved in the act of vandalising a cultural program and assaulting students, the admin has doubly victimised students by sending show cause.

On monitoring of Facebook posts, she said, It is a serious breach of our right to privacy that they (Jamia authorities) are monitoring our social media accounts.

Chief Proctor Sajjad Haroon things that the posts are public and can be accessed by anyone.

The Facebook posts are public and everyone can access it. Let them reply and we will see what they have to say in their defense and accordingly a committee will take action, he told TCN.

The students however claimed that they have submitted their replies and are waiting for the next course of action.
$29.5 million worth of diamonds were seized by the Tanzanian government after the British company, Petra Diamonds were accused of greatly undervaluing the worth of the gems. The diamonds were confiscated on the 31st August at the Dar es Salaam International Airport whilst they were preparing to be exported to Belgium. On Sunday 10th September the Minister of finance Phillip Mpango stated that he had "nationalised" the diamonds that were extracted from the Williamson Diamonds mine- of which 70% is owned by Petra Diamonds and 25% by the Tanzanian government.

" Williamson Diamonds documents give these diamonds a value of $14.7 million (pre-market) while the actual value is $29.5 million," the Finance Ministry said in a press release on Saturday 9th September. An undervaluation of $14.8 million. President John Magufuli has sought a more accurate valuation of the country's natural resources.

President Magufuli has been very swift in his dealings with matters of corruption as two ministers have resigned on his orders after two parliamentary reports put them in question. President Magufuli demanded that all current government officials involved in corruption and should leave voluntarily without dismissal.

Diamond monopoly

This attempt by the British company to cheat the Tanzanians really got me thinking.

Not that Western greed and deceit as a means to an end is anything new as it relates to the natural resources of Africa, but why is this capitalistic pursuit of diamonds still so present? I'm not a miner myself but I did some digging of my own and found some gems of knowledge that really shines a light on how ridiculous this diamond monopoly is.

Diamonds are not rare. Hard to believe, right? However, it is true. In an economic sense, the gems that have caused so much death and war, are not as rare as many people have been made to believe them to be because the supply exceeds the demand. The diamond trade is what it is today as a result of De Beers Diamond Cartel company making the diamond industry.

Founded by Cecil Rhodes, a British white supremacist blinded by white ethnocentric beliefs, who controlled diamond mines in Kimberley, South Africa. Rhodes also helped prepare the way for apartheid by working to alter laws on voting and land ownership. The ruthless capitalist set up laws, taxes, and punishments forcing Africans to mine for what might as well have been no pay, in inhumanly dangerous conditions. The exploitation continues today.

Diamonds are forever

De Beers created an artificial sanctuary and stockpiled diamonds to later selling them in small amounts to give the illusion of rarity. Up until the mid-1800's diamonds were rare but the diamond rush that began in South Africa in the second half of the 19th century flooded the market with diamonds which, of course, kills demand.

It was only through shrewd marketing and advertising that the diamond's reputation was maintained. In fact, there are millions of diamonds locked in vaults in London.

It was one of the most effective campaigns in human history. During the Great Depression, the sales of diamonds had fallen and De Beers was desperate to revive the dying industry. The iconic tagline, " Diamonds are forever", was written by copywriter Frances Gerety in 1947 and it's fair to say that it achieved its goal. 70 years later the simple sentiment has become one of the most iconic and recognisable brand slogans as it served as a catalyst to the revival of this gem. The campaign is responsible for the modern day association of diamonds to engagement rings as the slogan has appeared in every De Beers engagement ad since 1948, and is still being used today.

After all, what is an engagement ring without this shiny rock on it? That is how true love is measured in this capitalistic world, right? The amount of love is directly proportional to the size of the diamond and this seems to be our understanding of love and affection in the West. The slogan even managed to work its way into the Kanye West song titled: "Diamonds from Sierra Leone," in which the slogan is repeated several times in the chorus.

Conclusion

The devaluation of the diamonds by the British company - a natural resource that in its entirety has been over valued for a very long time - is nothing short of ironic as diamonds aren't really as rare as we think they are. The western powers continue to steal from and cheat Africans out of their wealth.

Has Britain not gained enough already from their extrapolation of African resources and their centuries of theft from the continent? This was clearly a premeditated attempt to swindle a large amount of money from Tanzania.
Jean-Claude Juncker has been sounding off his thoughts about the UK leaving the European Union. The date for the UK to leave is March 2019 and if anyone doubts this will not happen then they must not be in touch with reality. Juncker has stated that Britons "will soon" regret voting to leave the European Union and that the "Wind is back in Europe's sail".

Juncker plans to hold a meeting in Romania in March 2019 the day after the UK leaves the European Union. The meeting will concentrate on the best way forward for the remaining 27 nations of the EU.

Unemployment across the EU is down so this is one of the sweeteners that must be music to Juncker's ears. Also, Juncker seemingly with a spring in his step announced the EU would be doing future trade deals with New Zealand, Australia and also the USA.

Nigel Farage pours scorn on Juncker

Well, known anti - European Nigel Farage has been sarcastically making fun of Juncker's words. Saying to a pro - Brexit audience "I think you will regret it" but did he mean that we the British will regret it or the EU with the UK not being a member anymore?

It is most probable from Farage's words that he was indeed being sarcastic about the fact that Britain will regret leaving the EU like 'a hole in the head.' The question who stands more to lose once the UK is gone from the EU is indeed worth speculating on.

Britain certainly gave its fair share to the EU financially but we also got a lot back in the funding of community projects for example. The government says once EU law becomes British law workers rights, as one example will be preserved. But the fear of the opposition parties is whether workers rights will be protected as they were under EU law.

Also, the government can cherry-pick what EU laws it wants to keep and throw away those it doesn't like.

Obviously, Jeremy Corbyn has called this a "power grab" which is why what EU laws are kept and thrown away should be a cross party choice - not left to the right wing hot heads that surround Theresa May in her cabinet.

Juncker's optimism

It is understandable that Juncker would be up beat about the European Unions future or is he just being hopeful? How much of a financial hole will the exit of Britain leave in the European Union? The fact is that we were one of the chief financial contributors, if not the top financial contributor to the EU. Is this why the EU is seeking trade deals with the USA, New Zealand, and the United States.

Is the European Union doing this to find a replacement for the UK financially once we are gone? If this is the case will these other nations be able to step up to the plate as it were?

What about those other European nations who may feel they want to hold referendums and leave like the UK?

There are also other nations who wish to join the European Union but it seems Turkey will not be joining anytime soon.

One thing is certain for both the UK and the EU: once separated. their future is in their own hands and dependent on the good will of other nations and trading blocs.
ABC News(NEW YORK) -- Google has revealed the most popular "how to" search trends over the past 13 years.



The Google Trends team has developed a site that analyzes the most-asked questions on the search engine, and global searches that begin with "how to" are on the rise.



Searches revealed that many people don't know how to make pancakes or boil an egg, according to Google Trends.



"How to" searches are up more than 140 percent since 2004, Google's data editor Simon Rogers told UK Esquire.



Here is the list of Google's top "how to" searches from 2004 to 2017:

1. How to tie a tie

2. How to kiss

3. How to get pregnant

4. How to lose weight

5. How to draw

6. How to make money

7. How to make pancakes

8. How to write a cover letter

9. How to make French toast

10. How to lose belly fat

11. How to write a resume

12. How to boil eggs

13. How to draw a rose

14. How to gain weight

15. How to get rid of fruit flies

16. How to tie a bow tie

17. How to make slime

18. How to love

19. How to hard boil eggs

20. How to get rid of acne

21. How to play poker

22. How to get rid of bed bugs

23. How to save money

24. How to write a check

25. How to get a passport



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Following the racist white nationalist rally turned riot in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend, Donald Trump has faced heavy backlash in regards to his response. The issue was a hot topic during a CNN Panel Discussion which quickly spiraled out of control on Monday.

CNN shouting match

The "Unite the Right" rally kicked off in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend, as hundreds of white nationalists took to the streets in the city to express their views of racism. Once the event began, counter-protesters clashed with those in attendance as violence broke out.

During the mayhem, a White Nationalist rally goer drove his car through a group of protesters, killing one and injuring dozens of others. Responding to what took place, Donald Trump condemned the incident, but never mentioned the term "white nationalists" or "white supremacists" during his speech. As expected, critics of the president and the majority of the mainstream media have since come down hard on the former host of "The Apprentice" as a result. In the aftermath of the rally, the issue has dominated the headlines news, and was the topic of discussion during a August 14 panel interview on CNN.

On Monday, CNN host Kate Bouldan lead a panel on what took place in Charlottesville and Donald Trump's reaction.

The conversation became heated when Keith Boykin, a former aide to Bill Clinton, clashed with Lou Gargiulo, a Trump campaign chair out of New Hampshire.

How dare you! CNN segment descends into absolute chaos as guests scream racist at each other https://t.co/KQr69KUWlq  Raw Story (@RawStory) August 14, 2017

During the debate, Keith Boykin hit back at Donald Trump, accusing the president of doing whatever he can to appeal to his case of "racist and white supremacists." In response, Lou Gargiulo fired back, stating, "How dare you call Trump supporters racist!"

Double down

"Oh, my God," Keith Boykin replied, adding, "You stand-up here and defend Nazis.

That shows youre a racist." "How dare you call Trump supporters, not all Trump supporters are racist!" Lou Gargiulo answered back. The two continued to argue back and forth as it was made clear that Kate Bouldan had lost control of the panel, with Boykin finally concluding, "Trump supporters are racist."

Next up

Not long after the aforementioned CNN segment aired, Donald Trump held a press conference where he finally condemned white supremacy by name following ongoing backlash from his critics. As of press time, it's unknown how the president will handle the issue moving forward, but it's expected that action will be taken on some level.
It's been just days since Hurricane Irma touched down in Florida, resulting in close to a dozen deaths with millions fleeing their homes in the southern part of the state to avoid as much damage as possible. First Lady Melania Trump decided to give her thoughts about her upcoming visit to the Sun Shine State, which resulted in backlash from critics.

Melania on Irma

The recent hurricanes to devastate parts of Texas and Florida have once again brought the issue of climate change into focus. As expected, Republicans and President Donald Trump has dismissed talk about the science behind global warming, instead focusing on the aftermath of the storms in question.

It started last month in the Lone Star State when the Category 4 Hurricane Harvey made landfall, doing the most damage in the city of Houston. Days after the storm hit, the former host of "The Apprentice" and First Lady Melania Trump made their way to the state, but where criticized over a variety of reasons. Backlash started before they even got on the plane, with critics of the White House poking fun at Melania for wearing stiletto shoes to the a flood zone. The criticism continued when Trump stayed out of Houston, instead speaking to supporters in Corpus Christi where he was quick to brag about the size of the crowd who came to watch him speak. In an attempt avoid the mistakes made during their first post-hurricane trip to Texas, Melania tweeted on September 13 about her upcoming stop to Florida following Hurricane Irma.

My concern continues for all impacted by the hurricanes.Will fly to #Florida on Thursday w @potus to survey the damages from #HurricaneIrma.  Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 12, 2017

Taking to her Twitter account on Wednesday morning was Melania Trump who sent her condolences out to those impacted by Hurricane Irma, while giving the date of her and Donald Trump's visit to the state.

"My concern continues for all impacted by the hurricanes," Melania tweeted, before adding, "Will fly to #Florida on Thursday w @potus to survey the damages from #HurricaneIrma."

Twitter responds

Within minutes of Melania Trump's tweet about Hurricane Irma, those who oppose the current administration made sure to hit back with their thoughts in return.

"Convince your husband climate change real ,so your son Barron and my son can have a healthy future," one tweet noted.

Instead of surveying the damages how about hands on with helping victims. It will not cramp your style to do so!  KW (@Frau_In_The_USA) September 13, 2017

Hasn't Florida suffered enough? No one wants you fools there....or anyone in the US  Ellen Kapiloff (@EllenKapiloff) September 13, 2017

I'd rather them stay put in DC.  Cherie' Summers (@cheriesummers18) September 13, 2017

"Damn..'Will fly' try learning how to start a proper sentence... What a shame to have this family represent the United States of America...." an additional tweet read. "How about telling him to address climate change in a meaningful way," another Twitter user added.

Sadly, you are so removed from reality you don't have a clue about catastrophes that gravely affect Americans. Stay in your gold tower.  Deb Rodriguez (@DRod_AngryDeb) September 12, 2017

How about telling him to address climate change in a meaningful way  Karla Hartley (@karlathecool) September 12, 2017

convince your husband climate change real ,so your son Barron and my son can have a healthy future .  Trina Gonzales (@TrinaNchains) September 12, 2017

"Sadly, you are so removed from reality you don't have a clue about catastrophes that gravely affect Americans. Stay in your gold tower," yet another social media user added. The negative reaction from critics continued as the divide between the political left and right doesn't look to be ending anytime soon.
The gunman, 49-year-old Travis Frink of Warwick, RI, signed in to visit his mother on Tuesday in the fourth-floor intensive care unit of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, located in Lebanon, NH. Shortly afterward, gunfire rang out as he fatally shot 70-year-old Pamela Ferriere, of Groton, NH.

Man visits his mother in intensive care at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said Frink had signed in at the hospital to visit his mother at approximately 1.00 p.m., leading to an active shooter alert as gunfire was heard at around 1:30 p.m.

Authorities feared a killing rampage was underway and sent dozens of state police officers and SWAT teams to the hospital. No hospital staff members or other patients were injured in the shooting incident.

As the first shots rang out in the intensive care unit of the hospital, employees and patients were evacuated for safety. Reportedly employees of the hospital were given a code silver warning, telling them to either leave the building or to shelter in place as police searched for the gunman. Meanwhile, Lebanon police advised local residents to avoid the hospital and its surrounds, with traffic, stopped from entering the property.

Hospital employees respond to 'code silver' alert

The Boston Herald quotes one employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, that at first, she believed the code silver alert over the public address system was a drill.

However, shortly afterward she received an email to confirm the validity of the alert. She said employees immediately began barricading the hospital doors and closing the blinds.

According to other witnesses, Frink was pulled from his car as the shooter tried to flee the hospital campus, shortly before 3 p.m.

Gunman kills 70-year-old mother at New Hampshire hospital https://t.co/b9xne3wYaz  webgonewild (@webgonewild) September 13, 2017

Man planned to kill his mother

MacDonald said in a press conference on Tuesday night that evidence gathered so far points to Frinks intention on killing his mother during his visit to the hospital.

No information was given at the press conference as to the motive for the killing. However he did say they are still investigating the crime scene and that multiple shots were fired.

The Providence Journal reports that there is little information available about Frink. However, 60-year-old Thomas R. Frink, his uncle, said he had served in the Marines and is employed as a computer programmer. His uncle also said Frink was father to three boys and was engaged to be married, but said he had not met the fiancee.

After both Lebanon and Canaan officers took him into custody, Frink is now facing an arraignment on Wednesday on charges of first-degree murder.
The world observed a moment of silence during the anniversary of the horrific September 11 event that shocked the world. The 9-11 terror attack also cast attention on how today's youngsters - particularly those born after the event - have been educated about it.

Most American kids seem to have formed their own meanings about that tragic event in history. While there are lots of detailed information about the 9-11 terroristic attacks on the internet, books made available to schoolkids safely sidestep politics.

Grief and trauma

September 11 is a day associated with deaths, as well as the untold psychological suffering of many survivors and family members who must help them deal with the trauma, grief, and anxiety. In other words, those who witnessed the terror attacks first-hand attest to the ugly aftermath.

Some schools in America do make an effort to instill in young learners the importance of culture, diversity, and identity. Over at Wisconsin, months before the world looked back to recall the tragedy, Greenfield Middle School made it a point for kids to read the book Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes.

In the book, the main character - a young girl named Deja - hails from a family hit hard by 9-11. Her father experiences post-traumatic disorder following the terror attacks. Deja's family gets evicted, and they transfer to a homeless shelter. The main female character sets out to discover more about the terror attack. Greenfield Middle School has encouraged the whole town to read the book.

Greenfield Assistant Principal Angela Ruggeri initially had misgivings about presenting the book to students owing to the sensitivity of the topic, but she eventually considered it a good jump-off point for teaching youngsters about 9-11.

Cursory look at 9-11

Most other middle schools in the US offer only a cursory view of the September 11 event.

Before stepping up efforts to educate youngsters about the 9-11 attacks and the effects, many students - particularly those born after the occurrence - had only vague ideas about it. Greenfield's seventh-grader Josh Sylvester, for instance, learned about the two planes that crashed into the World Trade Center. He knew almost nothing more beyond that.

Educators have struggled with what and how to teach students about the terror attacks. The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement in the US has noted the missing elements in the September 11 teaching curricula. It is only now, it seems, that things are beginning to change in terms of instilling greater awareness to youngsters.
"Days of our Lives" spoilers for the beginning of the week reveal that Tuesday will be a big day in Salem. As many "DOOL" fans know, a lot is going on with all of the characters at the moment, and Tuesday will focus on Tripp, Kayla, Steve, Roman, Joey, and the police officers as they try to identify Dario's mystery partner in crime.

Tripp is sorry

"Days of our Lives" fans will see Tripp completely shock Kayla when he offers her a sincere apology for everything he's done to her. As viewers will remember, Tripp nearly ruined Kayla's medical career when he sabotaged her at the hospital.

Later, he lost it and held her at knife point, demanding that she confess to killing his biological mother, Ava Vitali.

Steve and Joey walked in on the scary scene, and Joey ended up confessing to the crime. Tripp had decided to leave Salem for good after the incident, but it looks like he may actually want to stick around and be apart of the Johnson family after all. Since Kayla is usually a very forgiving person, it seems likely that she'll accept Tripp's apology, but can she really ever trust him?

Steve worries about Joey

Meanwhile, while Tripp tries to make amends with Kayla, "Days Of Our Lives" fans will see Steve open up to Roman about Joey's guilt about killing Ava. Steve will tell Roman that Joey feels like he needs to atone for his sins and that he's even considering confession the crime to the police.

Perhaps "DOOL" fans will see Roman come up with a solution to help Joey ease his mind and keep him out of prison. As many fans know, Joey will be leaving Salem soon, and this could be the storyline that takes him away.

Abe is disappointed in Theo

In other Salem news, Abe will be furious when he finds out that his son Theo broke the law while working for the DiMera family.

Theo will insist that he had to do it to save Chad, but Abe will not be happy about it all. Abe has seen how the DiMera's can ruin a person's life, and it won't let that happen to Theo. However, "Days of our Lives" viewers will see that Abe will have much bigger problems on his hands when the police department makes a shocking discovery.

Salem PD makes a shocking discovery

The Salem PD will be searching for any clues about who Dario Hernandez's partner in crime has been. When they come up short, they'll be frustrated. However, Eli will get a big lead, and it will be bad for everyone involved. It looks like the FBI agent will gather evidence to prove that Abe Carver is involved, and the Mayor will be arrested for the crimes. This will cause a lot of tension for Lani, Eli, Valerie, Abe, and Theo, who will all be intertwined in this mess. Did Abe break the law, or is he being framed by someone who wants to see him suffer? Watch "Days of our Lives" weekday afternoons on NBC to find out.
Numerous Hollywood celebrities have come forward to help the victims affected by Hurricane Harvey. Famous celebrities including Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, and Ariana Grande have donated money to charities to aid in the relief effort. Harvey is considered the worst disaster in Texas history. According to the director of FEMA, Brock Long, the recovery period will take many years. Harvey was the first major hurricane to make landfall in the United States "since 2005." The storm has caused more than ten thousand residents in Houston and Louisiana to evacuate.

Jennifer Garner showed her support to fellow Texans

E!Online reported that 45-year old actress, Jennifer Garner, flew back to her hometown in Houston to help out residents affected by the mass flooding caused by the recent Hurricane Harvey The estranged wife of Ben Affleck has visited Hilliard Elementary to help in handing victims some foods and supplies. The actress has also helped in donating baby supplies to families with young children.

A video was posted by the Houston Independent School District on Facebook showing Jennifer Garner handing out the supplies. Earlier this week, Garner has posted on her Instagram encouraging everyone to donate to the Save the Childrens Hurricane Harvey relief fund.

"You can help us reach families in need by texting HURRICANE to 20222 to donate $25 to the efforts. Thank you for the support," the post read. As one of the boards of trustees of "Save the Children Foundation", the actress shared that the foundation is ongoing with the relief operations for the hurricane victims.

Other celebrities have donated funds for the Harvey victims

Many celebrities have given their help to the victims affected by the tropical storm Harvey, including Kevin Kardashian, Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson and Lin-Manuel. Oscar-winning actor Jammie Foxx recently announced on his social media account his plan to raise funds for the survivors through a telethon event.

The fundraiser event will be organized by Scooter Braun and will be joined by few celebrities including, Hilary Duff, Blake Shelton, Ariana Grande, Michael Straham and rapper Bun B.

Beyonce, who is also from Houston has flown back to her hometown to personally visit the survivors of the hurricane. Together with her mother Tina Knowles, daughter Blue Ivy, and former bandmate Michelle Williams, they have visited the St Johns Church to speak personally with the victims. According to a report by the Independent UK, Beyonce sponsored 400 luncheons during her visit.
Workers from State Grid Corp of China lay an underwater cable in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province. [Yao Feng/for China Daily]

State Grid Corp of China, the nation's electric power giant, has pledged to complete key internal corporate reforms by November, as part of its efforts to make the utility company more streamlined, efficient and market-focused.

Company spokeswoman Wang Yanfang told a news conference on Monday that State Grid is confident that it will improve its corporate governance structure and streamline its management hierarchy, in order to deepen internal restructuring, and help create effective corporate governance and an efficient management structure.

The reforms would be completed on schedule, while the new structure would help clear institutional barriers and enhance the company's operational efficiency, she said.

The reform is part of the wider SOE reforms administered by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the country's top regulator of SOEs.

The State Council, China's cabinet, issued an action plan this year ordering the country's major SOEs supervised by the central government, excluding financial and cultural enterprises, to complete corporate reforms by the end of 2017. These will help separate the government from business operations by restructuring SOEs into limited liability companies or corporations.

State Grid has also conducted project investment budget management system reform in recent years, which has saved 40 billion yuan ($5.97 billion) annually.

The debt ratio of 55.9 percent also makes the company one of the best among the Fortune Global 500 companies, it said.

Analysts said State Grid's moves would see an improved market focus and a more flexible company, making it more vigorous and competitive in the global marketplace.

Li Jin, chief researcher at the China Enterprise Research Institute, said that the reforms would help the corporation become more market-focused and flexible.

State Grid said it would also continue to expand public fast-charging networks for electric vehicles as part of its structural reform, while vowing to build the largest quick charging network for electric cars in the world, spanning 16,000 kilometers of expressways in 121 cities of 16 provinces.

As many as 167,000 charging posts will be built, accounting for 80 percent of the total public charging posts in the country and offering charging services to 1 million electric cars.

The fast-charging networks will offer services such as charging, resource monitoring and information sharing, said Wang.

The charging standard system for electric cars established by the company is one of the major standards in the world, along with three other standards developed by companies in the United States, Germany and Japan, she said.

The National Energy Administration said earlier that in order to enable users to power up within a close radius of their location, the country plans to build 800,000 charging points this year, including 100,000 public ones, for electric vehicles to meet increasing demand.

A total of 100,000 public charging points were installed nationally last year, a tenfold increase over 2015, bringing the total number of public charging points in China to 150,000, it said.

Asian utilities and infrastructure analyst Joseph Jacobelli from Bloomberg Intelligence said China is motivated to boost the popularization of electric vehicles in major cities, considering the country's air pollution.
Premier hosts roundtable meeting of important global organizations





Premier Li Keqiang hosts international financial leaders on Tuesday in Beijing. They are, from left: Angel Gurria of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Roberto Azevedo of the World Trade Organization, Jim Yong Kim of the World Bank Group, Christine Lagarde of the International Monetary Fund, Guy Ryder of the International Labour Organization and Mark Carney of the G20 Financial Stability Board. [Photo by WU ZHIYI/CHINA DAILY]

The leaders of key international organizations, including the World Bank, expressed their confidence in China's economic restructuring and growth prospects on Tuesday as the country pursues innovation-driven and sustainable development. They spoke during a roundtable dialogue in Beijing hosted by Premier Li Keqiang.

The dialogue, known as the"1+6" roundtable, is the second such event in which Li has hosted discussions with such financial leaders as World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde and World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Azevedo.

The three other heavyweights were International Labour Organization Director-General Guy Ryder, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Secretary-General Angel Gurria and G20 Financial Stability Board Chairman Mark Carney.

The leaders focused on topics such as the global economy, multilateral trade regimes, sustainable development and China's economic restructuring.

In the first half of this year, the country's GDP grew by 6.9 percent, which was within a reasonable range set in the annual Government Work Report. On average, 16,000 new enterprises were registered each day.

In the past few years, China has been committed to restructuring its economy, Li said during the dialogue. The Chinese economy has stabilized, contributing 30 percent of the world economic growth, Li said.

More than 13 million new jobs were created in urban areas in each of the past four years. From January to August, 800,000 more jobs were generated than in the same period last year, he said.

Domestic consumption has become the most crucial driver now that the service industry generates the largest amount of added value, taxation revenues and employment opportunities, the premier said. The country's economic growth is now propelled by consumption, investment and exports in a more balanced way, he said.

The dialogue is important because it shows that China upholds the principle of multilateralism and strengthens its communication with the international community as a responsible major country, Premier Li said.

The premier called for continuing structural reforms by taking opportunities created by a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. Systematic innovations should be strengthened to reduce institutional costs and boost business startups and innovations.

Li said the world economy is recovering but also facing a large number of uncertainties. Multilateral trade mechanisms based on free trade should be safeguarded, he said, adding that further openness is needed to solve trade imbalances and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. He called on all other countries to develop their own comparative advantages in a way that shares global economic development.

"We would like to enhance frank exchanges with the international community to effectively communicate in policy-making and guide expectations, which is to further the continuous recovery of the global economy," Li said.

The six organization heads agreed that China has made great leaps in increasing growth and restructuring and guarding against risks, while it has boosted market vitality with mass entrepreneurship and innovation as well as improving the business environment.

They also said China has attached great importance to and supported multilateralism and free trade, and its stabilizing economy provides strength to shore up the recovery and growth of the world economy.

Lagarde said at a post-dialogue news conference that she observed a rebalancing of the Chinese economy from investment to consumption and from industry to services, as well as moving from mechanical to digital faster than anyone else.

According to Azevedo, China's commitment to accelerating reform and to focusing more on sustainability and quality is welcome and will be supported.

Kim said, "This is the time that we need multilateral institutions and international cooperation more than ever before."




Professionals from China, Japan talk of bridging nations' strained relations

Tatsuyoshi Takashima, the senior corporate adviser at Dentsu Inc, takes a ride on a shared bicycle in Shanghai between talks by media professionals on Monday. [Photo by LI XIAOKUN/CHINA DAILY]

As the 45th anniversary of the normalization of ties between Beijing and Tokyo arrives amid a relationship that remains strained, media from the two neighbors discussed ways to break the impasse.

Yasuhiro Tase, a famous independent media professional in Japan, said at the 12th China-Japan Media Professional Talks, which began in Shanghai on Monday and end on Wednesday, that he had tried to do objective reporting on China since the normalization of ties in 1972.

Born in 1944 in Heilongjiang province as the son of a Japanese soldier, Tase and his mother were helped a lot by local Chinese people during their stay in China, despite the war between the two nations.

He said that every week during business trips around Japan, he saw many Chinese tourists. "At first I thought they were here for shopping, but after talking I found many Chinese visitors go to places that even Japanese people do not know. They like Japan very much and found the places on the internet. That was an important discovery."

However, Tase found that there are not many Japanese visitors in major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

"Why is that? Is there something wrong with the Japanese media's reports on China?"

He said China's development is very quick in terms of innovation and Japan can learn a lot from China.

But Japanese media reports on China still focus on negatives, such as air pollution. "Against such a background, it is not surprising to see a limited number of visitors," he said.

Aya Igarashi, editorial writer of the Yomiuri Shimbun, said before she left the position of China correspondent in April, she wrote a report about Ofo, the Chinese shared-bike company.

"That was the focus of China, what was happening in China. I wanted to bring the reality to Japanese readers, as my last report sent from China."

Wang Xiaohui, editor-in-chief of China.org.cn, said for cooperation among the two nations to improve, as times change, the media need to adjust their focus and attitudes.

"Besides, we need to consider cooperation through new channels," he said, noting that young people, both in China and Japan, are quitting traditional media and getting information from mobile portals.

"I believe difficult days between China and Japan will pass," Chai Lu, a CCTV presenter, said. "The question is, what role we media professionals want to play in the process? And what do we want to leave in our career memories?

"If we are committed to the profession, I think it is of great significance for my career to do Japan reports at such a time. I want to witness the relations advance to warm days."

Presided over by China's State Council Information Office and the executive committee of the Japan-China Media Professional Talks, the annual seminar is hosted alternately by the two nations.

Talks this year focused on youth exchanges and bilateral, pragmatic cooperation on areas such as technology and the aging society.






Students visit the Nanjing Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs Memorial Hall for an exhibition on the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). Provided To China Daily

A Japanese WWII veteran tells young people to learn from mistakes of war

TOKYO - "To pass on the war memories (to the younger generations) is the best way to preserve peace," says 64-year-old high-school history teacher Masami Yamada.

Yamada is engaged in a project of recording the oral history dictated by 92-year-old World War II veteran Nobuo Okimatsu.

"The war memories shall never be forgotten. ... We shall keep on thinking why Japan resorted to war in the past," says Yamada.

Yamada and Okimatsu planned to finish the recording in 10 sessions, and the first session took place just days before China marked the 72nd anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in early September.

"I was born in the city of Kure, Hiroshima prefecture, and was there until I was accepted into a preparatory school for the Imperial Japanese Army Academy," Okimatsu says as he begins his story, while Yamada writes down every detail that Okimatsu dictates and asks questions from time to time.

Okimatsu's life largely overlapped with Japan slipping into the abyss of the invasive war. He entered primary school in 1931, the year when the Mukden Incident or the Sept 18 Incident took place in China, a staged event engineered by Japanese military personnel as a pretext for the Japanese invasion of northeastern China.

"Though we were living in a military port city, we heard little about the incident at that time. People only knew that Japan was at war in a very faraway place and our daily life was not influenced. Instead, the port city had a false prosperity because of the war," Okimatsu recalls.

"It was probably because of the social atmosphere at that time, wasn't it? People didn't realize that the war would bring devastating results, so public opinion was not against the war. But when people realized the consequences, they were already so deep in the war, right?" Yamada asks.

"Yes," Okimatsu replies.

The session lasts about two hours, during which Okimatsu describes Japanese society at that time as well as his own life experiences.

"I have been a teacher of history for 37 years. But to my surprise, the more I learn about the war, the more I find I don't know," says Yamada, adding that education on war history in Japanese schools is insufficient.

He says that one of the reasons for him to start recording war veterans' memories is that he still regrets that he didn't ask his late father about his war experiences. His father was also a WWII veteran.

Meanwhile, Yamada is also concerned about the current situation in Japan.

"From lifting the ban on collective self-defense right and the forced passage of the controversial new security laws, to attempts to revise the pacifist Constitution ... all these are because the war memories are fading. I think this is the biggest crisis," he says.

Okimatsu agrees with Yamada. He says that he started to tell his stories to people about 10 years ago, because he "felt the danger of war, as the government is taking Japan further down the road of becoming a country that could fight wars again".

He believes that it is an obligation for those who have experienced the war to promote friendship with neighbors, especially with China, so as to eliminate the factors that could cause wars.

"We have to keep thinking about why Japan resorted to war, and pass on war memories to the younger generations," says Yamada, adding that he hopes to introduce war history to his students.

"Only by facing squarely to that part of the history, can we prevent war from happening again. This is the best way to preserve peace," says Yamada.
A newly established international tourism organization initiated by China is expected to push the global tourism industry forward and further facilitate cooperation around the world, insiders said.

Gino Andreetta, chief executive of Club Med Greater China, said the World Tourism Alliance initiated by China will play a leading role in the development of the world tourism industry and also will contribute to the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Tokozile Xasa, tourism minister of South Africa, said he believed the alliance would connect the tourism industry around the world by offering a good platform for them to cooperate and share the experience of developing tourism with each other.

They spoke as the World Tourism Alliance was officially set up on Tuesday in Chengdu, Sichuan province, where the 22nd General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization is being held.

Premier Li Keqiang sent a congratulory message to the inauguration ceremony of the World Tourism Alliance.

According to Duan Qiang, the newly elected first chairman of the alliance, it was proposed by the China Tourism Association and is a nongovernment, nonprofit organization for tourism consultation and cooperation.

"Following the vision of 'better tourism, better world' and the objectives of promoting development and poverty alleviation, the alliance aims to enhance international exchanges and cooperation in the global tourism community," he said.
Wang Yang, founder of Hera Moment jewelry

When Wang Yang, the founder of Hera Moment jewelry, lived in Botswana with her family, she found it was easy enough to buy beautiful cheongsam Chinese dresses but impossible to find fine jewelry with Chinese design elements.

Wang developed a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture while living abroad, which coincided with many Chinese customers with more disposable income who are seeking design influenced by Chinese elements and culture for a new identity and individual expression.

"Especially when I went to meetings and conferences in Botswana, I loved to wear things representing my country and culture," said Wang.

A year after she came back to China in 2010, she started her own company, Hera Moment, aiming to offer high-end handmade jewelry with distinctly Chinese design elements.

Wang said her company was one of only a few focusing on customized high-end jewelry designed with Chinese elements in the market when she started her business.

Her pieces are made in China with materials from all over the world.

"There is so much depth and volume to Chinese elements," said Wang. "For example, we use the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum, which are said to be the four gentlemen in Chinese culture, representing the virtues of, respectively: faithfulness, elegance, steadfastness and courage."

Wang brought her jewelry to the US for the first time for this year's New York Fashion Week. "It's just a trial for us, but I'm surprised to see both overseas Chinese and local American people showing great interest in our pieces," Wang said.

Last year, Wang showed her jewelry at London Fashion Week, where her pieces were greatly welcomed by overseas buyers. "That's why I made up my mind to come to New York this year."

"These elements are very natural, like the bamboo and the flowers, and it's also very modern," said Tony Pesce, a private collector who has been collecting fine jewelry in New York for decades. "Chinese style is becoming more increasingly in demand, especially in diverse cities like New York.

"And the workmanship is just stunning," he continued. "The style, the creation, the creativity and the natural elements really bring out the jewelry pieces as well as the gemstones."

"Compared to international brands with a long history in the West, our brand is still like a child," said Wang. "But I hope exchanges like this will promote Chinese design and let the world get to know our creativity and style."

A model presents a necklace from Hera Moment's bamboo series on Saturday in New York. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

ruinanzhang@chinadailyusa.com
Cathy Lu, a ceramics artist, works on a traditional "vase" with recycled cables in a studio at Recology San Francisco. LIA ZHU / CHINA DAILY

Where else could garbage end up besides in landfills?

A San Francisco-based artist may have an answer.

Cathy Lu, a Chinese-American ceramics artist, tries to explore how Chinese art and cultural objects are understood in the US through her artworks made of garbage scavenged from the public disposal and recyclables area at Recology San Francisco, a waste management company.

"As an artist, I'm interested in Chinese-American identity and culture, and how objects relate to the idea of authenticity and culture," said Lu, who also teaches at the department of art and art history of Sonoma State University.

"You can go to a museum and see a beautiful blue and white vase, and when you go to Chinatown and see a similar blue and white vase, you have very different ideas of value and authenticity," she explained.

During her four-month residency, which concludes on Sept 22 with a public exhibition at Recology San Francisco, she investigates how value and meaning are attributed to objects and what constitutes cultural "authenticity" in a transnational world.

In the company's studio, Lu was working on a series of traditional Chinese vases, in which she applied pottery techniques to non-ceramic materials, such as coiling ethernet and coaxial cable in the same way one would coil clay, to produce her own versions of classical Chinese vessel forms.

Her inspiration comes from her family members, who immigrated to the US from Taiwan. She said she still remembers how her dad created his own dishes by substituting ingredients, like replacing white cabbage with a different kind of lettuce.

"For me, it's been interesting to make really fancy ceramics but with different materials, like cables, foam, plastic tubes,"Lu said. "It also makes it a little bit more interesting, because once you change the materials to make whatever the original concept was, you change it."

Shipwrecked ceramics, curious forms created when corals and shells grow on ancient pottery trapped under the sea, also are a reference point.

Lu created vessels out of plastic tubing attached to large pieces of coral. The work suggests people's impact on nature and the modern version of shipwrecks -shipping containers lost at sea that spill products, often plastic, into oceans.

Other "garbage" she scavenged includes the ubiquitous red-, blue- and white-striped laundry bags and concrete, which she cast in various containers, including Asian food packaging and dishware resulting in forms both abstract and familiar.

The Asian noodles in grocery stores are carefully packaged so that they seem more Asian to impart the authentic taste to the food, Lu said.

When she was at the dump, she tried to find vessels and objects associated with Chinese culture that differed in value, like plastic versus ceramic or glass. She also found some concrete mix, so she mixed the concrete and poured it into the vessels.

"When you look at the inside shapes, you can't necessarily tell their original packaging, like there's no way to tell their differences in value," Lu said.

"The first time I went to the dump, there was a mountain of garbage, and it was coming in all the time, like non-stop. It made me realize that people are throwing away things that are perfectly usable... I feel good to be able to reuse those items."

liazhu@chinadailyusa.com
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HCM CITY  Truong Hai Auto Corporation (THACO) will become the new official importer of BMW and MINI vehicles in Viet Nam starting in January 2018.

THACO and BMW AG signed a Letter of Intent on Tuesday outlining the plan, THACO communications director Nguyen Mot confirmed to the Viet Nam News. As planned, BMW Group Asia will be ending its four-year partnership with Sime Darby Motors, the majority investor in Euro Automobiles Corp (EAC), in Viet Nam on December 31, 2017.

Our customers are our number one priority, and until further notice, EAC will continue to provide high quality after-sales services for all existing BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad customers in Viet Nam, said Paul de Courtois, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia.

Sime Darby Motors is the second largest BMW dealer group in the world and continues to be a key partner for the BMW Group in multiple markets throughout the region.

THACO has been an exclusive agent for imported Peugeots since the French car giant returned to the local market in 2014.

The Quang Nam-based car producer has invested US$400 million in constructing the Chu Lai-Truong Hai Industrial Complex, which has a logistics centre, car production factories, a vocational training college, a seaport, storage facilities and shipping services.

Last year, THACO earned total revenues of $2.8 billion, contributing $796 million to the State budget.

The nations biggest automaker plans to build three more plants with a total annual capacity of 215,000 trucks, vans, commercial cars, and achieve a localisation ratio of 16 to 46 per cent.

It currently manufactures and distributes South Koreas Kia model, Japans Mazda and Frances Peugeot. It has exported its cars to Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Colombia.

THACO expects to earn revenues of $3.1 billion in 2017.  VNS
HA NOI  Mavin Group, an Australian-Vietnamese joint venture, has pledged to invest some US$80 million in the north-central province of Nghe An, mainly in the husbandry sector.

The groups chairman, David John Whitehead, announced the plan at an investment conference in HCM City last week.

Whitehead told the conference themed Nghe An: Opportunities for your business growth that Mavin had been doing business in Viet Nam for more than 12 years and has set up shop in 19 provinces nationwide.

The group inaugurated a feed mill in February at a total cost of $15 million. The facility covers 3.6ha and has a designed capacity of 300,000 tonnes per year.

Mavin was recently awarded a business certificate to develop a swine nucleus farm with hi-tech application, worth $18 million, which is part of the firms $80 million investment commitment to Nghe An.

Mavin intends to conduct a feasibility study for a five-hectare food processing plant, which may get off the ground next year.

The facility, which has an annual capacity of 200,000 tonnes, costs some $25 million. It will turn out meat products, such as sausages and ham, for customers at home and abroad.

The group also plans to establish an animal health research centre in the province.

Whitehead said Mavin has taken into consideration many factors such as manpower, market, geography, investment incentives, and transparency before making its investment decisions.

Investing in Nghe An is a good choice for investors because the province does not only have an ideal geological location but also has a synchronised infrastructure system, good human resources, and good policies for investors, said Whitehead.

Many domestic and international investors have come to sound out business opportunities in Nghe An, according to Nguyen Chi Toan, marketing director of the Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) for central and southern Viet Nam.

Since VSIP Nghe An, an industrial park infrastructure development company, started construction in September 2015, more than 90 companies from various countries and territories have come to the province, of which 10 enterprises have pledged over VN400 billion, Toan said.  VNS
BEN TRE  The southern province of Ben Tre will promote investment to provide value addition to key industrial products and increase the capacity of industrial production.

This is being done according to the provincial development plan of the industrial sector in the period between 2016 and 2020, and upto 2030.

Phan Thi Han, deputy director of Ben Tre Provinces Department of Industry and Trade, said that after one year of implementing the plan, the province had attracted VN580 billion to 33 investment projects in the key and priority industrial products.

Thanks to those projects, the production value of the key industrial products increased significantly and accounted for higher percentage in the total provincial production value.

In addition to this, the projects have developed new industrial products and clean energy, while many projects on producing wind power and solar power were scheduled to be developed in the future.

To gain high efficiency in the plan, Ben Tre has focussed on investment in the infrastructure development of industrial parks and complex, the creation of favourable conditions for inviting investment and the increase of industrial production capacity. The province will also invite investment in key and prioritised industrial products, and products that have high added value and use modern technology to reduce environmental pollution.

Ben Tre has identified two key industries, including the seafood processing industry and the coconut processing industry. Other seven prioritised industrial products include the support industry for the garment industry; production of livestock feed; chemical industry; mechanical industry; electronics, telecommunications, information technology and software industry; livestock processing industry; and the industry producing new energy.

Truong Duy Hai, Vice chairman of the Peoples Committee of Ben Tre, said that to promote industrial development and contribute to economic growth and restructure, the province will adjust preferential policies for investment to infrastructure in industrial zones and complexes. It will also amend support policies for start-up businesses to mobilise economic sectors to participate in industrial development.

The province will lure investment in agricultural and fishery processing projects, especially shrimp processing, livestock processing, support industry and clean energy, he said.

The province will continue to improve the investment environment, enhance dialogue and meet business to remove difficulties in production and business, he said. It will reform further administrative procedures and update regulations relating to production and business.

At the same time, Ben Tre will improve quality and efficiency in the activities of trade promotion, market forecast, support for enterprises in using e-commerce and market expansion.

Ben Tre has currently had two industrial parks, Giao Long and An Hiep, with 47 projects in total. It has completed the plans to develop three other industrial parks and called for investment in their infrastructure. They are Giao Hoa, Thanh Tan and Phuoc Long industrial parks. - VNS
HA NOI  Rushing to replace paper bills with e-invoices is expected to pose a challenge to many businesses.

The Ministry of Finance is drafting a circular on invoices, noting that paper bills will be replaced by e-invoices from the start of 2018. However, businesses have complained that they are not prepared for the change.

Over the past year, several firms have run a pilot program for using e-invoices, helping them to save costs and add convenience to their corporate management.

A representative of Orient Commercial Joint Stock Bank said that under the draft, each e-invoice must contain a verifying code provided by the tax authority at a fee of VN300, estimating that the verifying fees might cost the bank VN300 million per month. Policies on e-invoicing must be given careful consideration because e-invoicing should aim to cut costs for businesses, not push up costs.

Several foreign firms have also expressed concern.

According to Ajinomoto Viet Nam, when goods are transported by road, market watchdogs and government polices might require invoices for checking. The company questioned whether submitting an e-invoice would be accepted nationwide.

Another problem identified was the inadequate technology and information infrastructure, which would barely meet the demand for handling the huge volume of invoices.

It is estimated that there are now some 4 billion invoices in circulation, in both paper and electronic form.

Deputy President of ong Nai Import-Export Association Nguyen Ngoc Tuan said that applying the e-invoice system from the start of 2018 would be too stressful.

Tuan said both firms and tax watchdogs need a couple of years for adequate preparation, adding that paper and e-invoices should be accepted simultaneously during the roll-out period.

According to Nguyen Thi Thu Ha from the General Department of Taxations Tax Policies Department, the tax watchdog will revise its drafted policies to ensure feasibility as well as convenience for businesses.

Ha estimated that some 315 firms were using e-invoices as of the end of 2016, with 2.4 million bills verified by the tax authorities. - VNS
Nearly 40 Vietnamese and South Korean information and technology companies took part in the 2017 Viet Nam - South Korea ICT Partnership Program. Photo ictnews.vn

HA NOI  Nearly 40 Vietnamese and South Korean information and technology companies took part in the 2017 Viet Nam - South Korea ICT Partnership Program.

The programme is an important co-operative effort in the field of information and technology, hosted by the Ministry of Information and Communications of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Science and ICT of Korea. It is organised by the South Korean National IT Industry Promotion Agency, Korea Association for ICT Promotion and the Viet Nam Internet Association.

The three day event, which will finish today, is one of the main platforms for the two ministries to create opportunities for policy-sharing and promoting business co-operation in ICT between the two countries.

Taking this opportunity, we would like to encourage ICT companies from both sides to increase direct contact to exchange information and to foster specific partnerships in order to bring benefit to your companies and to contribute to trade and investment co-operation of the two countries, said Hoang Anh Tu, a representative from the Ministry of Information and Communications of Viet Nam, at the event yesterday.

Relations between Viet Nam and South Korea have been growing in all areas since the two countries upgraded their relations to strategic partnership status in 2009. In the field of ICT, South Korea and Viet Nam have a particularly long history of co-operation. In the past, South Korea was one of the first countries to set up relations with Viet Nam through the provision of digital telecommunications equipment for Viet Nam in the early 1990s.

Now, South Korea is the top investor in Viet Nam. Many South Korean ICT investors, such as Samsung, SKT and KT have been successful in Viet Nam.

In the years to come, there will be strong potential for further collaboration in many subfields of information and communication, like broadcasting, post, information security, software outsourcing, digital contents and e-government, Tu said.

South Korea is a leading country in ICT and innovation, while Viet Nam has big potential to become a strong ICT nation, he added. South Korea has a huge number of global ICT enterprises, while Viet Nam is a destination for ICT investors.

We both have promising start-up companies, and investors and entrepreneurs in this field see many opportunities to collaborate, he noted. - VNS
QUANG NGAI  The second batch of made-in-Viet Nam ship-to-shore cargo container cranes is headed to India.

Doosan Heavy Industries Viet Nam (Doosan Vina) has shipped three Rail Mounted Quayside Cranes (RMQC) to India as part of its contract to supply 12 RMQC cranes to Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals Private Limited (BMCTPL).

Yeon In Jung, CEO and general director of Doosan Vina, said this is a historic achievement for Viet Nam and Doosan Vina because these are the largest among the 68 cranes that have been produced in Viet Nam and are also some of the largest cranes made anywhere in the world.

The newly shipped cranes will move to the Jawaharlal Port area of the Port of Nehru, Mumbai, India within two weeks. In June, the first three such cranes were exported to India by Doosan Vina.

The Quang Ngai-based company has manufactured and shipped 71 giant cargo container cranes to customers around the world since 2009.

Doosan Vina has been a reliable supplier of power plant boilers for projects such as Mong Duong 2, Vinh Tan 4, Song Hau 1, Vinh Tan 4 Extension and has played an important role in localising the mechanical industry in Viet Nam.

The company employs 2,500 workers at its plants in Dung Quat Economic Zone in Binh Son District, and another 2,500 workers at different projects in nationwide.

The company exported goods worth US$300 million in 2015.  VNS
HA NOI  HCM City has attracted US$3.23 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first eight months of 2017, reported the municipal Department of Planning and Investment.

This is 1.57 times higher than the figure in the same period last year.

One of the biggest FDI projects currently in HCM City is the Saigon Silicon City Project, a research and development project and home to many of the worlds biggest high-tech corporations and technology start-up companies.

The Saigon Silicon City Park Joint Stock Company has invested in the project and has signed a memorandum of co-operation with the US World Trade Centre Utah to implement the project.

Spread over an area of 52ha in the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP) with a total investment of about $40 million, the project is expected to become a smart urban area with ready-to-use infrastructure and facility, attracting foreign enterprises.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Koreas CJ Cau Tre Foods Joint Stock Company was licensed to invest in a $53.3 million project in Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park.

This is a food processing complex spanning an area of 7.1ha, including a food processing factory, a research and development centre and a modern food safety centre.

To attract more FDI in the remaining months of 2017, HCM City is deploying measures to develop four key industries, namely manufacturing engineering, electronics, chemical-rubber-plastics industry, and food processing.  VNS
HCM CITY  The first event of its kind in Viet Nam, Cotton Day 2017, is promoting connections between garment and textile companies and partners, suppliers and experts in the cotton sector.

The event, held in HCM Citys District 1 on Tuesday, attracting more than 200 domestic and foreign-invested garment firms as well as foreign cotton producers, was organised by the US Cotton Council International (CCI) in Viet Nam and the Viet Nam Textile and Garment Association (VITAS).

Speaking at the workshop, VITAS Chairman Vu uc Giang said that US cotton had played an important role in the quality of Viet Nams garment and textile products over the years.

CCI Director William Bettendorf, who noted that Viet Nam is the number-one importer of US cotton, praised the powerful growth of the countrys textile and garment sector.

The sector in Viet Nam earned US$19.8 billion from exports in the first eight months of the year, an increase of 9.9 per cent year-on-year, according to VITAS.

During the workshop, participants heard about the latest US trade policies, information on global supply and demand for cotton, and fashion trends of famous brands.

In the first seven months of the year, Viet Nam imported 808,000 tonnes of cotton worth US$1.47 billion, with 60 per cent of the cotton from the US.

This year, CCI supported Viet Nams fashion brands using the COTTON USA  label to create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese exports and better transparency for consumers about origin of materials.

At the event, a fashion show introduced new collections of the Canifa and John Henry brands, including five winning collections of the COTTON USA -Fashion Design Contest, which was organised in July.

CCI works with the US Department of Agriculture as well as spinning mills, fabric and garment manufacturers, brands, retailers, textile associations and governments around the world.

Cotton Day, one of CCIs biggest events in Asia, began in Japan in the 1990s and has been held in Korea, Taiwan, mainland China, Thailand and Bangladesh.

High-quality and eco-friendly COTTON USA  materials are sold in more than 50 countries.  VNS
HCM CITY  Agencies that support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to keep up with business trends and formulate measures to promote SME development, ang Huy ong, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, said at the 45th Meeting of the APEC Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG) now taking place in HCM City.

ong said the role of support agencies was important because advances made in digital technology today and drastic changes brought by the 4.0 industrial revolution will create new opportunities for the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

He added that, through APEC fora, SMEs had gained knowledge and created legislation in line with international economic practices.

However, since many SMEs are still struggling with weak competitiveness, APEC economies and SMEs have promoted improved governance; facilitated technological innovation by giving priority access to finance; and opened up new market opportunities, while ensuring an enabling environment for doing business.

The 45th two-day SMEWG includes representatives from 21 economies who are discussing the outcomes of previous meeting and the groups strategic plan for the 2017-20 period.

A number of ideas on how the group can contribute to priority areas towards 2018 was also exchanged. The priority areas include: entrepreneurship and innovation and the internet and digital economy; financing for business expansion and capability development; and inclusive business ecosystems that support SME growth and market access for SMEs.

Also discussed were examples of how to develop entrepreneurship, foster innovation, access finance, and create business ecosystems.

Vietnamese representatives presented an initiative on promoting innovative start-ups, while Thailand and Peru shared the development of a strategy on green, sustainable and innovative micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Japan shared a report on APEC best practices for promoting the supporting industry in the region, while Malaysian representatives spoke about financing for business expansion and capability development and Singapore presented information on its startup ecosystem.

Exchanges and discussions at the meeting will contribute to fostering our shared future in the APEC region. SMEs are the driving forces in the context of rapid development in digital economies, ong said. We are discussing the potential for practical co-operation, and most importantly identifying priority areas to strengthen SMEs competitiveness throughout the APEC region. In doing so, we will set the track for SMEs in our APEC economies to start up and grow robustly in the right direction.

SMEs, the engines of growth and innovation in the APEC region, account for over 97 per cent of all enterprises and employ over half of the workforce across APEC economies.

SMEWG works toward the achievement of APECs Bogor Goals by fostering an enabling business environment for SMEs to grow and develop into export-ready firms.  VNS
HA NOI  After a year of thorough investigation of the anti-dumping and anti-subsidisation case on Vietnamese galvanised steel, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission (ADC) has closed the subject. No further anti-dumping subsidies will be imposed..

The case against flat rolled iron or steel products from India, Malaysia and Viet Nam, numbered ADC 370, was initiated in August 2016 by the ADC. It reached a final conclusion in August with no evidencd to suggest Vietnamese steel firms had been selling under market price on Australias steel market.

In particular, Viet Nam is no longer accused of subsidising domestic businesses participating in three preferential taxation related programmes. The ADC found that one out of three Vietnamese companies who agreed to cooperate with them during the investigation did not receive any privileges from the alleged programmes.

The ADC also discovered that the other two Vietnamese steel producers and exporters only received an insubstantial amount of monetary support from the Vietnamese Government, and so they decided to close the matter.

Viet Nams Hoa Sen Group and Nam Kim Group had been proved by the ADC to have had galvanised steel exported to Australia from during the investigation period within the negligible range of less than two per cent.

The three cooperative steel makers from Viet Nam were Hoa Sen, Nam Kim and China Steel Sumikin Vietnam Joint Stock Company, who collectively accounted for 96 per cent of galvanised steel exported to Australia from Viet Nam during the investigation period.

On August 2016, Australian steel maker BlueScope lodged an application alleging that the Australian industry had suffered material injury caused by exports of galvanised steel to Australia from Viet Nam at dumped and subsidised prices.

BlueScope allegedly claimed that due to Vietnamese firms underselling, the Australian steel industry had been injured through loss of sales volume, reduced market share, coupled with price suppression, reduced profitability, employment, and capacity utilisation.

During investigation, BlueScope stated that the Vietnamese galvanised steel industry was subjected to special market conditions, as this company claimed Vietnamese firms had to import most of the main ingredients to produce galvanised steel, which are hot rolled coils.

According to BlueScope, as these hot rolled coils are already subsidised by the exporting countries, they are effectively underpriced and would in turn lower Vietnamese steel firms production cost, leading to these firms selling at dumping price on the Australian market.

However, the VCA clearly stated that after the investigation period, ADC found no support for such claim, and cleared Viet Nam off the list of suspected dumping steel exporters.

In conclusion, the ADC said in its final report that a particular market situation did not exist in the domestic galvanised steel market in Viet Nam, such that selling prices in that market were not suitable for normal value purposes, and the cost of HRC in the Vietnamese exporters records reasonably reflect competitive market costs.

The ADC also found that Viet Nams steel exports to Australia had increased significantly in 2013 and had been steady since 2014 to the end of 2016.  VNS
HA NOI  Artist Hoang Ha Tung will display his paintings of Vietnamese and Dutch farmers at a solo exhibition in Amsterdam.

Tung went to the Netherlands yesterday with 12 portraits of Vietnamese farmers, which he painted from May to August using traditional Chinese ink and traditional do (poonah) paper.

"Do paper and Chinese ink are very traditional of Viet Nam," Tung said. "But I will not use this material to paint Dutch farmers. Netherlands was home to many artists, including Van Gogh, the famous oil-on-canvas painter."

Tung will go on a field trip with two Dutch colleagues who will help him to get to know more about Dutch farmers living along rivers so that he can paint them, too.

"Vietnamese farmers represent water rice civilisation. But what about Dutch farmers? Im curious about them," said Tung. "It is interesting to make a comparison between West and East in art such as painting at the upcoming exhibition in Amsterdam."

Tung painted his characters, women and men, in black and white. Most are very old and he found them through photos in a media data resource.

A woman named Hien in the northern province of Bac Giang is one of the characters Tung painted. She is 92 years old and still herds buffalo. Her teeth are strong enough to chew betel. Tung took about 30 minutes to paint her.

Another of his subjects is Le Thi Hien, whom he found by chance in Cat Ba fishing village, near Hai Phong City. He saw her lighting a coal-stove, was impressived and quickly painted her. She is 91 years old.

The paintings include one self-portrait in a mix of expressionalistic and surrealistic styles.

Tung was born to a farming family in the northern province of Hai Duong. He graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts Design, Ha Noi Academy of Theatre and Cinema. He has displayed his works at many solo and group exhibitions in Viet Nam, France, the United Kingdom, Finland, Japan, the US, and Canada.

The exhibition in Amsterdam will be the third solo exhibition abroad following the first and second ones in the US in 2001 and in Canada in 2007.  VNS
A NANG  An exhibition of art from Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia, displaying 55 paintings by 22 artists from three countries, was opened as part of a Nangs Fine Arts Day yesterday.

The exhibition, which marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and 40th anniversary of the friendship and co-operation treaty between Viet Nam and Laos; as well as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and Cambodia, aims to encourage artists from the three countries to share experiences and develop friendships.

As planned, artists from Laos and Cambodia will take part in a field trip to Son Tra Mountain and the Hai Van Pass in a Nang, and the ancient town of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province.

The event lasts until September 26.  VNS
LOS ANGELES  Sci-fi filmmaker J.J. Abrams has been tapped to direct Star Wars: Episode IX after the departure of Colin Trevorrow, Lucasfilm announced on Tuesday, delaying its release for seven months.

Abrams  a familiar face in the Star Wars universe who directed The Force Awakens (2015)  will co-write the film with Chris Terrio, who won an Oscar for the screenplay for Argo (2012), the Disney-owned studio said.

"With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy," Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement.

Disney later announced that Episode IX, originally scheduled to hit theatres on May 24, 2019, will now be released on December 20 of that year.

Abrams has considerable pedigree in sci-fi, having successfully rebooted the Star Trek franchise, directing two of the new films, as well as producing the Cloverfield trilogy and the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi.

The Force Awakens is the third-highest grossing movie of all time, taking US$2.1 billion, and spinoff movie Rogue One was beaten only by Captain America: Civil War in 2016.

But it hasnt been plain sailing for Lucasfilm, which has parted company with several of its directors recently, starting with Josh Trank, who dropped out of developing a Star Wars spinoff in 2015, citing the enormous pressures of being involved with the franchise.

Rogue One itself made headlines in 2016, when Tony Gilroy (The Bourne Legacy) was brought in to helm extensive reshoots just a few months ahead of the release of the Gareth Edwards-directed movie.

Lucasfilm announced a week ago that Trevorrow had left as director of Episode IX, attributing his exit to differing visions between the filmmaker and studio executives.

The Hollywood Reporter, citing unnamed sources, said the main point of contention was ongoing "script issues," with Trevorrow being forced into several rewrites.

The weekly trade paper reported that the relationship between Trevorrow and Kennedy had become "unmanageable," although it added that she had tried to avoid losing another director.

Huge opportunity missed

In June, Lucasfilm sacked directing duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller (21 Jump Street, The Lego Movie), who were just weeks away from wrapping principal photography on the hotly-anticipated Han Solo spinoff.

The pair were replaced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard after clashing with Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan, according to reports.

Trevorrows departure was seen as a significant upheaval as he is considered hot property after scoring big with Universals creature feature Jurassic World (2015), the fourth-highest grossing movie of all time.

Reaction to Trevorrows replacement was divided on Twitter, where the announcement quickly became one of the top worldwide trending topics, with more than 37,000 tweets.

Many fans expressed admiration for The Force Awakens and signaled their approval of the decision, although others saw it as a missed opportunity.

"Star Wars Chapter Nine: Revenge of the Lens Flare, written and directed by JJ Abrams," quipped New York Times columnist John Podhoretz, referring to the directors predilection for the visual effect he used extensively in Star Trek (2009).

Melissa Silverstein, artistic director of New Yorks female-focused Athena Film Festival, called it a "huge opportunity missed" with no female director yet in the Star Wars franchise.

"I LOVED Force Awakens so Im sort of okay with Abrams returning, but at the same time, dang. Star Wars needs to fix its diversity problem," agreed Tim Hanley, author of The Many Lives of Catwoman: The Felonious History of a Feline Fatale.

The untitled Han Solo movie is due out on May 25 next year, while The Last Jedi, the next film in the main franchise, directed by Rian Johnson, opens on December 15.  AFP
Phan Truong Thanh is one of the drafters of the "Master plan on Investment in Ha Nois Transportation Infrastructure in 2017-2021, with a vision to 2030". He speaks to the Kinh te & o thi (Economic and Urban Affairs) newspaper about the importance of building new bridges across the Red River.

What are the roles of the future six bridges across the Red River to Ha Nois transport?

At present, Ha Noi is in the initial stage of its comprehensive investment programme in infrastructure construction of its transport framework.

According to plan, from now till 2030, the city will focus on the construction of another six bridges across the Red River and uong River. These bridges will connect the citys ring bell axis with roads leading to the municipal citys centre or leading to other regions. In my opinion, the construction of these six bridges - the Vinh Tuy Bridge (the second phase), the Thuong Cat, Tu Lien, Giang Bien, uong No 2 and Tran Hung ao, will have a great significance toward Ha Nois transport.

For example when the Cat Thuong Bridge is completed, it will play a very important role in the Ring Road 3.5. It will reduce the load bearing capacity for the present Ring Road 3.

In addition, these six bridges will serve as leverage for the socio-economic development and rapid urbanisation of the north of the Red River and east of the Ring Road No 4.

It is no doubt that the good transport flow will help speed up the citys socio-economic development. So are the peoples living conditions and others.

What are advantages and disadvantages in the building of the six bridges?

I should say the construction of these bridges have more advantages than disadvantages. The biggest advantage is we can minimise to the lowest level of land compensation which incurred during the construction of these bridges. In addition, the construction of these bridges will have fewer impacts on people living on the two sides of the bridges. For example, we dont have to do the resettlement of people during the construction of the Vinh Tuy Bridge in the second phase. In addition, the two feeding roads to that bridge are already available since the construction of the first Vinh Tuy Bridge.

However, if the Ha Noi authorities want to speed up the construction of these bridges, they have to work out suitable mechanisms, policies and the funding for these projects.

At present, the mid-term public investment in the period 2016-2020 in Ha Noi only meets about 20 per cent of the total project budget requirement of VN135 trillion. As a result, the city authorities have to mobilise the other 80 per cent of the budget requirement from the society.

With a normal transport infrastructure project, the bidding must go through between 3-4 rounds, including the steps of consultation; design and projection and construction. That means it would take between 500-700 days for completing the administrative procedures.

In addition, each bridge has its own requirements. For example, the Tran Hung ao, one side of the bridge is adjacent to the flying funnel of the Gia Lam airport. Thats why it is very important to ensure absolute security and safety for the airport operation. Meanwhile, for the Tu Lien, Thuong Cat and other bridges, the construction must ensure safety for the flood diversion corridors and dyke safety procedures.

Does Ha Noi have any plans to overcome the above-mention challenges?

Traffic congestion has become an acute problem to be resolved, thats why the Ha Noi authorities have written their proposal to submit to the Prime Minister. Luckily, our proposal has been approved by the PM. He has granted us a special mechanism and allowed us to select investors in some important projects. All the six bridges are among the list of projects to ask the PMs permission to appoint constructors. Until now, some constructors have expressed their interest in doing the projects in either the forms of Built and Transfer (BT) or Built, Operate and Transfer (BOT).

By now the Ha Noi authorities have already arranged vacant land areas to exchange for land use in the six bridges and other required legal procedures before submitting to other ministries for their comments/suggestions and for the PMs approval.

Will you please explain a little further about the citys proposal to appoint contractors?

Chairman of Ha Nois Peoples Committee Nguyen uc Chung has laid out some basic principles requiring any investors wanting to invest in the building of the six bridges. They must have capacity and experiences in the areas they are interested in. They must have good financial capacity and are committed to honouring their financial commitment. In addition, the investor has to deposit a sum, if they fail to honour their commitment they will loose the money. In addition, the investor also has to bear the cost for writing their feasibility study and the project financial proposal.

If any of the six projects is applied in the Public-Private-Partnership format the Ha Noi authorities will grant preferential loans to that project.

To ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency in the investment management of the projects, the Ha Noi authorities will create a management board for each project.

It is projected that from now till 2030, Ha Nois transport framework will be completed. For the six bridges, if the PM gives a nod to our request for a special mechanism given to these projects, we promise to have all the six bridges be completed by the year 2021 with high quality.  VNS
NA Vice Chairman Phung Quoc Hien delivers speech yesterday as the NASC and representatives of the Government discussed the revised Law on Public Debt. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Dan

HA NOI  Members of the National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) have proposed that the Ministry of Finance (MoF) be the main agency responsible for assisting the Government in the management of public debt, instead of three bodies as currently stipulated in law.

The idea was put forward yesterday as the NASC and representatives of the Government discussed the revised Law on Public Debt.

Chairman of the NA Committee for Finance and Budget, Nguyen uc Hai, said the committee thought that having a single body managing public debt is necessary to restructure the State budget, better manage public debt and ensure a stable national finance system.

The committee proposed the MoF shoulders this responsibility, which involves both the tasks it is currently performing and new ones. Under current law the additional tasks belong to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV).

These include the mobilisation of domestic and foreign loans, the management of borrowed capital, monitoring debt payment obligations, negotiation and signing of domestic and foreign loans, including ODA, preferential loans and foreign commercial loans, among others.

Other ministries and ministerial-level agencies would be responsible for co-operating with the MoF in public debt management, the committee suggested.

The proposal was put forward despite the fact that the Government still wants to maintain the status quo, citing a wish to avoid causing organisational reshuffling and instability at the three agencies involved.

Under the Law on Public Debt 2009, the MPI is responsible for issues relating to ODA while the SBV is assigned to work on negotiations and the signing of agreements between Viet Nam and international financial and monetary institutions.

NA Vice Chairman Phung Quoc Hien mentioned concerning incidents, such as the sharp increase in public debt and excessive ODA loans over the past few years, attributing them to shortcomings in public debt management.

He said there existed overlapping roles in public debt management and proposed a review of the articles involving the role of MPI and SBV in the current law.

NA Secretary General Nguyen Hanh Phuc agreed: We are carrying out administrative reform. How can we call it reform while one job is assigned to three agencies?

It is not the first time that this idea has been proposed. It was in fact raised by many deputies at the debate on the revised law during the third session of the NA in June.

As the NASC and the Government still havent been able to come to an agreement, NASC members suggested asking for the Politburos opinion regarding the issue.  VNS
Deputy Prime Minister Vu uc am (R) receives AKP Deputy General Director Keo Chandara in Ha Noi yesterday.  VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Hoa

HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Vu uc am has pledged that the Party, State and Government of Viet Nam support efforts by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and Cambodias news agency Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) to further bolster their cooperation in the future.

At a meeting with AKP Deputy General Director Keo Chandara in Ha Noi yesterday, the Deputy PM said that the two agencies should actively work together to provide people of both sides with accurate news from the two countries and about their sound relations.

VNA and AKP should continue their traditional affiliation activities and seek new measures to improve cooperation efficiency, he said, adding that both sides should make full use of opportunities from the digital era.

Along with contributing to bilateral ties, the two agencies should strengthen cooperation in the framework of ASEAN and other regional and international collaboration mechanisms to which they are members, said the Deputy PM.

He highlighted that Viet Nam always gives top priority to the reinforcement and development of friendship and multi-dimensional cooperation with Cambodia. He lauded the VNAs launching of a news column on Viet Nam-Cambodia relations on the occasion of the Viet Nam-Cambodia Friendship Year 2017.

He told his guest that 2017 is a special year for external activities in Viet Nam as it is host for the APEC Year 2017, asking the AKP to actively cooperate with the VNA to popularise the images of Viet Nam, its people, culture and achievements in foreign relations to Cambodian people and international friends.

For his part, Kep Chandara briefed his host on the outcomes of his talks with VNA leaders.

He said the two agencies reached an agreement on the promotion of cooperation and mutual support in professional activities, as well as upgrades to infrastructure, thus contributing to deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries.  VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Hungarian Ambassador to Viet Nam, Ory Csaba, in Ha Noi yesterday.  VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the upcoming visit to Viet Nam by Hungarian PM Viktor Orban is an important event that will open up many cooperation opportunities for the two countries with a range of agreements due to be signed.

At his reception for Hungarian Ambassador to Viet Nam, Ory Csaba, in Ha Noi yesterday, he stressed the need for the two sides to coordinate in preparing for the success of the trip.

He applauded Hungary for continuously considering Viet Nam a priority partner in its development cooperation policies.

Hungary is Viet Nams largest official development assistance (ODA) provider in Central Eastern Europe, he said, thanking the Hungarian Government for its support in the construction of Can Tho Oncology Hospital, which can meet the health care demands of 20 million people in Viet Nams Mekong region.

He called on Hungary to urge the EU to soon sign the free trade agreement with Viet Nam.

In reply, Ambassador Ory Csaba expressed his hope that he would make significant contributions to bilateral ties.

He said following suggestions of PM Orban, Hungary would double the number of scholarships to Vietnamese students from the present 100. The ambassador called on the two countries to further their partnership in health care, water treatment and supply, computing, e-public administration, agriculture and food safety.

Meeting with Japanese ambassador

At a meeting on the same day with Japanese Ambassador Kuinio Umeda, PM Phuc expressed his appreciation at the growing extensive strategic partnership between the two countries. The PM noted that the number of Japanese investors in Viet Nam had been rising, especially in the fields of banking, infrastructure and hi-tech agriculture.

He told the diplomat that earlier in the day, he had a working session with the Hanoi National University to which the Viet Nam-Japan University is a member. He said he had directed relevant agencies to speed up the implementation of the university project, which he described as a symbol of the sound relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Kuinio Umeda held that the Viet Nam-Japan University would contribute to fostering the partnership between the two countries.

Many Japanese investors wish to invest in Viet Nam, especially in areas such as thermal power development, support industry, hi-tech agriculture, and climate change response, according to the ambassador.  VNS
The National Assembly Standing Committee opened their 14th session yesterday, with discussion centred on the draft Law on Special Administrative-Economic Units, which will be submitted to the National Assembly (NA) in October.
HA NOI  Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov on Wednesday made his first official visit to Viet Nam, attending the conference 25 years of Viet Nam-Azerbaijan relations: Achievements and future objectives.

Speaking at the conference, co-organised by Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, the minister said that the relations between Viet Nam and Azerbaijan have deep roots, as the collaboration and friendship started long before the restoration of Azerbaijan s independence.

Viet Nam-Azerbaijan relations have been constantly consolidating, developing and offering numerous opportunities to expand co-operation within the framework of international organisations, including the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, he said.

Nguyen Vu Tung, president of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, said that the two countries officially established diplomatic relations on September 23, 1992, but the friendship actually originated decades ago when President Ho Chi Minh visited Azerbaijan in 1959. He asked for help in setting up oil production and providing education and training for potential Vietnamese petrol specialists.

The relations kept strengthening following State visits by leaders of the two countries, including the visit of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev to Viet Nam in May 2014 and the visit by Viet Nam s former president Truong Tan Sang to Azerbaijan in 2015.

Early this year, the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Co-operation was established, marking an important step for further enhancement of bilateral co-operation.

Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Foreign Minister, said that the Vietnamese remembered and were grateful for what Azerbaijan has done for Viet Nam .

Azerbaijan s universities helped train and provide Viet Nam good human resources, particularly in the fields of energy and oil production.

More than 4,000 Vietnamese students have studied in Azerbaijan and many of them made great contributions to national defence and construction. Many also now occupy key positions in State and Governmental agencies.

Son said that in the first half of this year, two-way trade between Viet Nam and Azerbaijan reached US$ 114 million, as much as double during the same period last year. But he noted this figure did not represent the two countries potential and expectations.

Viet Nam could offer Azerbaijan farming products, handicrafts and electrical components while Azerbaijan could help Viet Nam in oil refineries, education and high technologies, he said, adding that Viet Nam wanted to make oil production a key area of industrial co-operation between the two countries.

He said that he expected that the two countries could overcome difficulties in geographic distance, lack of business channels and differences in business models in order to achieve further co-operation.  VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivers speech at working session with Ha Noi officials and the management board of the Vietnam National University-Hanoi yesterday.  Photo vov.vn

HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has urged the acceleration of land clearance for the construction of the Vietnam National University-Hanoi, which is at the core of a planned university town in Hoa Lac area, in Ha Nois suburban Thach That District.

At a working session with Ha Noi officials and the management board of the university yesterday, the PM reiterated the Governments resolve to build the town.

Under the approved project, the Vietnam National University-Hanoi campus in Hoa Lac, 30km to the west of Ha Noi, will cover 1,000 ha, housing eight member schools, five research institutes, 10 research training centres and other facilities. It will provide work and accommodation space for around 63,500 students and 6,550 staff members.

The project was started in 2003 but has been stalled due to problems in land clearance and capital arrangement.

The PM stressed that the Government would support the university in the hope that it would be the locomotive for tertiary education in the country.

He listened to and gave opinions on the universitys proposals on adjusting the detailed construction planning and building of a specific financial mechanism for its operation.

The Vietnam National University-Hanoi, ranked 139th in Asia last year, currently has 29,397 undergraduate and 7,729 postgraduate students. It is now Viet Nams largest university. VNS
HA NOI  All of the garbage in the Nam Son rubbish dump in Soc Son District, Ha Noi, will be recycled as an electric power resource.

A co-operative agreement detailing the arrangement was signed in Ha Noi on Monday between Viet Nam and partners in South Korea.

Experts lauded the project for utilising rubbish as a source of electric power, praising its leadership for their management of other waste-treatment plants in Viet Nam.

Vietnamese investors include the T&T Group Joint-stock Company and the Viet Nam Urban Environment Company.

South Korean investors include the Sudokwon Landfill Site Management Corporation, the Korea Engineering Consultants Corporation and the Samyoung Electronics Co Ltd.

Leaders of the T&T Group said to roll out the project, the investors would mutually design, build and operate the electric plant. It is expected that the plant will have a capacity of 5MW.

Le Anh Tuan, chairman of the Viet Nam Urban Environment Company, said the plant was scheduled to be built within 15 months with a total investment of US$13.146 million. It will be operational in 15 years.

The plants operation would help actively reduce pollution in the Nam Son rubbish dump and would contribute to producing sustainable power for the nation, he said.  VNS
HA NOI  The implementation of the new electronic toll collection (ETC) system, designed to reduce delays on the nations roads, has become controversial as private investors operating the roads say they feel pressured to sign a contract with a single ETC builder-- the only one the Government has approved.

The frustration of investors, who manage roads under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme, came to the fore at a meeting on Monday to discuss progress on the ETC system.

The investors say they are effectively forced to sign contracts with VETC Ltd.Com to implement the new electronic fee collection at 29 toll booths.

Nguyen Van Huyen, General Director of Viet Nam Road Administration, said the investors have the right to choose a builder for the ETC system, but that all builders must meet Ministry of Transport requirements.

"However, the supplier must pass the ministrys examination and be approved by the ministry," he said.

The only currently approved supplier is VETC. If the investors dont build their ETC systems by the deadline of October 30, they will be forced to stop collecting tolls, the official said, leaving BOT investors little choice but to continue negotiating with the company.

ETC aims to eliminate delays on toll roads by collecting tolls electronically. The technology determines whether passing cars are enrolled in the program, alerts enforcers for those that are not, and electronically debits the accounts of registered car owners without requiring them to stop.

Tu Minh Nguyet, a representative of Can Tho-Phung Hiep BOT Ltd.Com, the investor in the Can Tho-Phung Hiep section of Highway No1, said the new technology would certainly make driving more convenient for road users. But how to best implement it remained an open question, she said.

She said her company had negotiated seven times with VETC on the terms to build an ETC system, but had still failed to reach an agreement.

Nguyet said she thought the Government should assign VETC to supply and install software devices and then immediately sell the technology to BOT investors, rather than allowing VETC to operate the new electronic systems for extended periods of time.

She said BOT investors could manage toll collection through the ETC system on their own. Nguyet said the prospect of VETC managing tolls on roads operated by BOT investors could obscure the publics understanding of who exactly is in charge of fee collection.

She questioned the fairness of a system in which 29 toll booths nation-wide are building ETC systems, but only VETC has been allowed to supply service.

Nguyen Van Ngoi, deputy director of Construction and Investment No.194 Joint-stock Company, which is the investor in the section of Highway No.1 across Khanh Hoa central province, said that after several rounds of negotiations, it still hadnt received the service-price list from VETC.

According to Ngoi, VETC has demanded contracts that stipulate it will supply the ETC service for five years. But the BOT investors would prefer two-year contracts because the quality of services must be re-evaluated after every year.

According to the Governments policy, service suppliers will be responsible for monitoring the toll collection, and then all data will be transmitted to the Viet Nam Road Administration.

In a previous meeting on the ETC system, the Transport Minister had asked BOT investors to sign service-supply contracts with VETC before July 15. VETC was to finish the installation of the ETC system at toll booths before August 15. The disputes between VETC and BOT investors led those deadlines to be missed at many toll booths.  VNS
The World Health Organisation recommends that all infants receive a hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first 24 hours. Source tiemchungmorong.vn

Gia Loc

HCM CITY  Eight years ago, Nguyen Thi Lanh (not her real name) of HCM City was diagnosed with hepatitis B, and several months later, she became pregnant.

Armed with the knowledge that she had tested positive for hepatitis, she told her doctors, who, within 12 hours after delivering her baby, provided hepatitis B immunoglobulin and a hepatitis B vaccine to the newborn.

Following medical protocols established by the Viet Nam National Expanded Program on Immunization, the doctors also gave the baby three doses of a hepatitis B vaccine.

Afterwards, the baby tested negative for hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg), the first serologic marker to appear in a new acute infection.

The test also showed that hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) were more than 1,000 international units per litre, showing that the child had not contracted hepatitis.

When anti-HBs levels of children are under 1,000 international units per litre after three vaccine doses, and their infected parents and relatives live in the same house, the children must be vaccinated again.

Unlike Lanh, a woman from a south-central province who gave birth eight years ago to a son, was not so lucky.

Because the woman had not received counselling at her local hospital about hepatitis B, she had not received intervention to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission at that time.

After finding out that she had hepatitis two months ago, the mother took her son, now eight years old, to the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases for tests, which showed that he had contracted the hepatitis B virus.

As tests indicated that the child had a low viral load and an uninflamed liver, the child and the mother are now being monitored every six months with blood tests, and are expected to recover.

Babies and young children infected with hepatitis B are more likely to have a chronic condition.

Ninety per cent of newborns develop chronic hepatitis B infections after six months if no perinatal (a number of weeks immediately before and after birth) intervention is provided, according to Dr To Ngoc Nga of HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, who spoke at a conference in July about elimination of viral hepatitis B and C in Viet Nam held in HCM City.

Dr Truong Huu Khanh, head of the citys Paediatrics Hospital 1s infectious and nervous diseases department, said that he had seen several fatalities related to hepatitis B.

The disease can lead to acute liver failure in children or even a coma. Treatment for children is more difficult than for adults because of the shortage of appropriate drugs, Khanh said.

Around 10-12 per cent of the countrys pregnant women in 2014 contracted chronic hepatitis B, according to the Ministry of Healths statistics issued in 2015.

Two per cent of children aged under 5 in the country were infected with hepatitis B in 2014, the latest figures available, according to the ministry.

VNS Infographic Thu Ha

Prevention

Chronic infections are preventable if women have blood tests to detect HBV infection before pregnancy, Khanh said.

If they test positive for HBV, the mother must visit specialised hospitals for treatment and their infants must receive hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccine as soon as possible after birth, he added.

These infants should get three doses of hepatitis B vaccine during the first year of life, he said.

With such treatment, the effective rate of prevention of perinatal HBV transmission is more than 95 per cent, he said.

Several hospitals in the country, especially in rural areas, still do not have hepatitis B immunoglobulin for intervention, leading to a risk of mother-to-child transmission, Khanh said.

For the first five months of this year, the vaccination rate against hepatitis B among newborns in the country was 26.9 per cent, while 68 per cent were vaccinated last year, although the vaccine has been available since 1982, according to a report from the Viet Nam National Expanded Program on Immunization.

Dr Nga of the HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy said that vaccination was an effective prevention.

An education programme on the importance of the vaccine should be provided to people, especially to women aged 15 to 49, she added.

Dr ang Le Dung Hanh of Hung Vuong Hospital said that few women had received the vaccine against HBV before pregnancy.

Many women aged 15 to 49, especially in rural areas, do not receive counselling or tests, even those under a doctors care.

Hanh said that national guidelines on reproductive health care services issued last year by the Ministry of Health did not include warnings about the need for vaccinations.

Khanh of the Paediatrics Hospital 1 said that if vaccination among infants was widespread, the countrys goal by 2017 of having less than 1 per cent of children aged under five infected with HBV could be reached.

Other health experts suggested that links between obstetrics and paediatrics hospitals should be strengthened to improve intervention and treatment.

Obstetrics hospitals should also have counselling rooms for pregnant women, they added.

Viet Nam is among the countries suffering the most from viral hepatitis B and C, with a disease prevalence of 10 to 20 per cent of the total population, according to Dr Truong Thi Xuan Lieu, chairwoman of the HCM City Medical Association.

Liver cancer is ranked third in the number of all cancer cases in the country, she said, added that all resources from the health sector as well as the community should be exploited to deal with the situation.  VNS
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has co-operated with police to combat the illegal injection of gel into shrimps to increase their weight and thus make more money.  Photo nhathuocthuy.vn

BAC LIEU  The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has co-operated with police to combat the illegal injection of gel into shrimps to increase their weight and thus make more money.

Pham Tien Dung, chief inspector of the ministrys specialized inspection unit, said the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department had found many cases of gel injections into shrimps in the past several months.

On September 7, an inspection team in the southern province of Bac Lieu found that a local shrimp trading business injected a liquid made of CMC (Carboxymethyl cellulose) powder. The business, owned by oan Van Phuc of ong Hai Districts Long ien Commune, hired workers to inject the liquid into more than 63 kilogrammes of shrimps. More than 9 kilogrammes of CMC and tools such as needles were seized.

The white powder named CMC becomes a liquid when mixed with water.

The National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department reported surprise inspections at 11 shrimp trading businesses in the southern provinces of Ca Mau and Kien Giang had found three that injected the substance into shrimp. The businesses were fined VN200 million ($8,800), each.

Early last month, a business in Ha Nois Hoang Mai District was found to inject the gel into 8 kilogrammes of shrimp. Le Quang Long, the business owner, admitted the violation.

Since last year, the departments of agriculture and rural development have inspected more than 10,300 businesses and found that 1,107 conducted the gel injection into shrimp. They were fined up to VND2.4 billion ($105,600) in total.

Violators admitted that each gramme of CMC is sold at about VN28,000 ($1.20). Three grammes of the powder can be made into 50 kilogrammes of liquid, which can be used for one tonne of shrimp.

Inspectors say businesses usually conduct such illegal activities at different times and deploy workers in different places to avoid attention. They have proposed that authorized agencies increase the fines and prosecute violators.  VNS
HA NOI  A collision between a North-South cargo train and a truck occurred early on Wednesday at a railway crossing in Nhi Khe Commune, Ha Nois Thuong Tin District. The accident caused serious traffic congestion for hours.

Fortunately, there was no casualty, however, the truck was completely destroyed after it was thrown about 30m away from the accident site due to the impact of the crash.

The truck driver jumped out of the cabin just in time, right before the train hit the truck with major force.

The collision caused serious traffic jams for more than four hours on the section of National Highway 1 that passes through Thuong Tin District.

o Hong Lam, deputy director of the Viet Nam Railway was quoted by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper as saying that the crossing where the accident occurred was located near an area that had a high density of locals.

There was no barrier, just a warning sign at the crossing, Lam added.

Railway workers have been deployed to repair the damaged railroad sections soon after the accident, according to Lam.

Police and authorities are co-operating in investigating the accident.  VNS
QUANG NINH  The opening of the Bac Luan II Bridge is a promising China  Viet Nam economic co-operation, according to Nguyen uc Long, Chairman of Quang Ninh Province Peoples Committee.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh and Chinese ambassador to Viet Nam Hong Xiaoyong attended the bridges opening ceremony in Mong Cai City yesterday.

The bridge measures 154.5m long on the Vietnamese side and 463.5m on the Chinese side, with four lanes.

Built at a cost of VN336 billion (nearly US$14.8 million), the Bac Luan II Bridge is the largest arch bridge in Viet Nam. As well as the bridge, an 800-m linking road has been completed.

Speaking at the ceremony, Long emphasised the importance of the bridge in tightening economic ties between Quang Ninh and Guangxi Province and between Viet Nam and China.

The bridge is also expected to prepare for the upcoming China  Viet Nam Cross-Border Economic Co-operation Zone, connect Mong Cai with Dongxing city, and connect Ha Noi  Hai Phong  Ha Long  Mong Cai highway with Chinas highway system.

The project was approved by Mong Cai City authoritites in 2012, aiming to reduce traffic flow to Bac Luan I bridge, promote trade and tourism cooperation between Quang Ninh and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and develop Mong Cai City.

In recent years, China  Viet Nam co-operation has developed, with Viet Nam Chinas biggest trade and tourism partner in ASEAN.

Bilateral trade turnover in the first seven months of 2017 reached US$47.21 million, up 12.36 per cent compared to the same period last year.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nams Poison Control Centre at Bach Mai Hospital has issued a warning about paracetamol poisoning.

In Viet Nam, many people worry about the burden of going to hospital, so they often self-medicate in case of mild symptoms, such as fever or pain. As a result, paracetamol, a pain and fever killer, is very popular and can be brought at all drugstores without doctors prescription.

The poison control centre said it recently admitted a 22-year-old male patient suffering from paracetamol poisoning.

The patient, from the northern province of Son La, was transferred to the centre with serious liver damage and symptoms of liver failure, a condition which can be life-threatening. After being hospitalised, he developed hepatic encephalopathy, and had high fever from unknown causes.

His family said that in only two days he had taken up to 19 tablets of paracetamol 500mg to reduce his high fever.

Doctor Nguyen Trung Nguyen from the centre said paracetamol overdose led to poisoning, made worse by the fact that he had already contracted hepatitis B.

Nguyen warned the risk of poisoning was high for self-medicated people, as many of them did not know how much was enough.

Currently hundreds of kinds of drugs containing paracetamol or paracetamol combined with other medical substances are available on the market.

Many pain and fever killers are only different by names but contain the same ingredients. Many people, unaware of this, accidentally consume excessive amount of paracetamol as they take both pain killer and fever killer, Nguyen said.

Besides, the most common case is constant intake of paracetamol due to continuous high fevers.

People would have symptoms a few hours after overdose, such as losing appetite, nausea, sweating, and feeling tired.

As the symptoms are non-specific, many people are unaware of their conditions until the occurrence of more serious symptoms like yellowish skin, yellowish eye and dark urine, leading to late hospital admission, according to Nguyen. Without proper treatment, complications such as kidney/liver failure may happen with the worst leading to coma and death.

The doctor advised people to comply with appropriate dosages being prescribed by doctors.

Normally, a Vietnamese adult should take no more than 2 grams per day. In certain cases, an amount of 3 grams are permissible, although this could pose a risk to the patients liver, especially for those already contracting liver hepatitis, being alcoholic, or having weak habitus, he said.  VNS
by Mai Hien

Dogs are said to be mans best friends. But what happens when the dogs or owners are not so friendly?

A Government decree taking effect this week requires dog owners to muzzle their dogs outdoors or face a fine of up to VN800,000 (US$35). The new edict also stipulates that dogs found wandering without their owner might be put down unless their owners are found within 72 hours.

Lam Thi Sinh, a resident of Ha Nois ong a District, applauds the new rules, saying many dogs are extremely aggressive and uncontrollable. "I once saw a big dog on the way to my house. I was so afraid that I ran as fast as I could, but the dog still followed me. Suddenly the dog bit my leg," she says.

Sinh says she went to the local health care station to get vaccinated against rabies after bitten by the dog. "It happened two years ago but I still remember the incident as if it occurred yesterday," she said.

Many people not only take dogs to public places, they carry them on their motorbikes without muzzles and a leash, says Danh Thi Huyen, another Hanoian. "Sometimes, when I stop at a red light, I hold my breath while seeing a big dog on a motorbike next to me," she says.

Rabies is still a danger, even in HCM City. Earlier this year, a woman in Go Vap died of rabies after being bitten by a neighbors dog.

According to Pham Van ong, head of the Department of Animal Health under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as many as 70 people die of rabies annually. Last year, over 411,000 cases of dog bites were recorded and 91 of those bitten died.

The total expenditure for treatment of such cases is estimated at VN800 billion (US$35 million) a year.

Nguyen Huyen Linh, a mother of two from Ha Nois Ba inh District, thinks fines should be collected in cash and even strict punishments should be meted out to dog owner who let their pets run free without a muzzle.

"The idea of putting a muzzle on your dog is unsettling. You ask yourself, can he breathe, drink, or pant? Is it cruel? As a dog lover, I used to asked myself so many times but I came to the conclusion that despite all the problems, a muzzle is very important because it not only helps ensure safety for the dog itself and the people around, it is proof that you are responsible to society."

Not everyone agrees.

"It is very necessary to muzzle dogs, such as pit bulls, Bergers or Tibetan Mastiffs, because some of them have very aggressive fighting instincts sometimes made worse by bad training," says Nguyen Thu Trang, a resident of the capitals ong a District. But poodles, pugs and Pekingese would never be aggressive unless provoked, she adds.

"Killing wandering dogs is not the only measure to solve the problem," says Ha Noi resident Nguyen Manh Lam from Thanh Xuan District. Three days is too short a time for dog owners to reclaim their pets, he adds. "If the dog owners are on a business trip, how can they take the dog on time?"

Lam also warns that killing abandoned or stray dogs without strict control could result in an unhygienic source for dog meat industry.

Linh agrees.

"Instead of killing dogs running around without muzzles, local officials should catch them, put them in cages, then search for the owners and ask them to pay fines. If dogs arent reclaimed by their owners, officials should eventually transfer them to a charity pet house or adoption," she says.

As a dog lover, Linh says, she particularly condemns all actions that hurt a dog as being cruel and inhumane.

"Just think how terrible it is to see your beloved pet cruelly killed or boiled for food without any reason other than running around without a muzzle," she says.

Other countries do it differently.

In South Korea, for example, homeless animals found on the streets are rescued and transferred to some of the 368 animal shelters available, sponsored by the government or run directly by municipalities. The facilities then put up advertisements on the government website for seven days, looking for the owners.

Unless owners are found within 10 days, the shelters can put the dogs up for adoption, the Korea Herald reported.

Responding to questions relating to the claim that dogs which are not reclaimed by their owners will be sentenced to die, oan Hong Phong, deputy head of Ha Noi Veterinary sub-department, denies the city will kill dogs if their owners are not found within 72 hours. "After 72 hours, unidentified dogs and cats found to be infected with diseases could be killed, while the rest could be transported to animal rescue centres for nursing," he told online Infonet newspaper.

I think the dogs are innocent. The government should require owners to place their information on dog tags to make it easy for authorities to contact them. Owners should also be forced to pay for the upkeep of the dog by city authorities.  VNS
CLARKSVILLE  Authorities have released details in the Tuesday morning crash that killed a Clarksville woman.

Dannette D. Hildebrant, 49, died after her Jeep Wrangler and a Ford F-250 pickup truck collided on C-33 outside Clarksville shortly before 8 a.m. Sept. 12, according to the Iowa State Patrol.

According to the preliminary accident report, the pickup driver, David W. Kramer, 81, of Clarksville, was traveling east and slowed to turn left into a private farm driveway. The Jeep attempted to pass the slowing pickup on the left, and the vehicles collided, the report states.

The Jeep rolled several times, according to the State Patrol.

In addition to the State Patrol, crews from Clarksville fire, EMS and police, Waverly Ambulance and the Butler County Sheriffs Office responded to the crash.
CEDAR FALLS  Police are investigating whether bullying was involved in the suicide death of a Cedar Falls High School student earlier this week.

We are confirming there was a suicide. Were investigating the matter to see if bullying was involved, said Jeff Olson, Cedar Falls public safety director and chief of police.

We are aware that there were some claims of bullying and weve seen what was floating around on social media, so we have opened up an investigation, Olson said. Were working closely with the (Black Hawk) County Attorneys Office to determine if we have any law violations or not with social media posts and communications with the deceased. I cant comment on what the posts say. But I can comment that we are aware of comments that were made, both in person and through social media, and were certainly looking into that.

Olson said police are not releasing the deceased students name. Pending consultation with the county attorney, he declined to say how severe a charge could result from the incident if a violation of law were found.

Cedar Falls Schools spokeswoman Janelle Darst said, We are working with the police on the investigation.

She said school district officials were made aware of the death early Tuesday. The death was in a private location.

Darst also provided a letter Cedar Falls High School Principal Jason Wedgebury sent to parents about the matter.

All of us at CFHS were saddened to receive news this morning of the death of one of our students. Our counselors, teachers and staff are assisting in helping students deal with this news, Wedgebury wrote.

He provided parents and caregivers guidelines on how to discuss and address the matter with their students. He encouraged them to:

Be available and willing to discuss the events and honestly share your feelings about them.

Allow children to express fears and feelings. Let them question things without being judgmental.

Maintain daily routines, as it offers students a sense of security.

Be present and watchful of children in the days and weeks ahead. Watch for any changes in behavior. If you do notice changes, talk them over with a school counselor or a family doctor.

Give assurance of love, support and safety.

Be patient. Children may express a variety of emotions within a short period of time.

The most important things we should do is be supportive and encourage discussion about the events, our feelings, and what we can do in response to it, Wedgebury wrote. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and all those impacted.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo teen was beaten and robbed by other youths who broke into her home Tuesday afternoon.

The 17-year-old girl was taken to a local hospital and suffered a concussion, black eyes, bloody nose, cut lip and other minor injuries in the attack, which took place at her mobile home Montero Drive around 2 p.m., according to police reports.

It was malicious. It was like some sick setup. For no reason. She didnt do anything to anybody, said one person close to the family who asked not to be identified.

A group of youths entered the residence after kicking in the door and began assaulting the girl while she was sleeping.

She attempted to lock herself in the bathroom, but that door was broken open. The attackers then dragged the girl outside where the assault continued.

One of the suspects took her cell phone and an iPad before fleeing.

No arrests have been made in the attack, and the incident is under investigation, police said.
IOWA FALLS  A judge has sided with law enforcement in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of an Iowa Falls man who was shot by police during a 2014 standoff where more than 60 rounds were fired.

Relatives of Leighton Fitz filed a suit against the State of Iowa, Hardin County and the City of Iowa Falls, along with eight officers, alleging excessive force was used after Fitz exited his College Avenue home with a knife and a silver handgun while wearing a bulletproof vest.

In a ruling issued in August, U.S. District Court Judge Leonard Strand granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants and dismissed the lawsuit.

Based on the undisputed facts of record, I find that the officers had probable cause to believe Fitz posed a serious threat of physical harm, Strand wrote in the ruling. They were not required to wait until the gun was drawn or pointed at them in order to use deadly force.

Name, details released in Iowa Falls shooting IOWA FALLS | Authorities on Friday gave more details about an officer-involved fatal shootin

Attorneys for Fitzs estate had argued Fitz was trying to comply with officers orders but was given confusing commands, with different officers telling him to drop his weapons and keep his hands raised, and then shooting when he reached for the pistol.

Strand wrote there was no admissible evidence in the record to suggest Fitz was complying or hadnt reached for the pistol.

He told the officers that if he was going to use a gun, it would be with his left hand. He then reached for, and began to draw, a gun from his left-side pocket with his left hand. Only at this point were shots fired at Leighton, Strand wrote.

According to court records, Fitzs ex-girlfriend called police April 17, 2014, to report a dispute, and she noted he may have a firearm. City police, county sheriffs deputies, state troopers and an Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement agent  a total of 23 officers  responded.

Authorities were unable to reach Fitz by phone, but he later left his house and allegedly ignored officers commands to get on the ground. He pulled a cell phone from his right pocket and held it out in an offer to have police read messages on the phone. Fitz dropped the phone and then removed a knife he was wearing and dropped it, court records state.

Lawsuit filed in 2014 Iowa Falls police shooting IOWA FALLS  The estate of an Iowa Falls man who was killed in a hail of gunfire during a 20

Authorities had considered using a Taser on Fitz but abandoned the plan after they learned he was wearing body armor, records state.

During depositions, officers said Fitz was told not to touch the gun, but once he reached for it, they told him to drop the weapon. The shooting started when he reached for the gun, records state.

Five officers from the State Patrol, Iowa Falls Police and Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement fired 68 shots in eight seconds, record state. Fitz was struck 17 times and died at the scene.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man has been sentenced to prison in a May shooting.

Larry Earl Lorondez Phillips, 24, had been scheduled to go to trial on Sept. 5, but he pleaded guilty to willful injury causing serious injury, going armed and felon in possession of a firearm.

He was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for the willful injury charge and was given concurrent five-year sentences on the other two charges. He will have to serve at least five years before he can be considered for parole.

According to police, the victim, Brylon Watson, was on his front porch at 510 Sumner St. around 2:10 p.m. on May 27 when Phillips came from the back of the house saying demeaning things. Watson tried to walk inside the house when he was shot several times.

Five bullets struck Watson in the pelvis, leg and buttocks, and Phillips ran from the scene, records state.
Shaikim Bolden, 23, told police he had left Ray's Supermarket on Franklin Street around 12:15 a.m. Friday when two people approached him. One pointed a handgun at him with the other went through his pockets and took his bag of groceries. The suspects also took his Air Jordan shoes before fleeing.
WATERLOO  The retired executive director of the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments has announced her bid for a seat on the Waterloo City Council.

Sharon Juon, 70, of 1947 Falcon Ridge, is running in the Nov. 7 municipal election for the at-large council seat currently held by Tom Lind, who has not announced whether he will seek re-election.

Juon cited her 25 years of experience leading INRCOG, which included working to bring local, state and federal officials together on major projects, and her long history of volunteerism among her qualifications.

I believe I am uniquely qualified for this position, she said. I love Waterloo; I spent over 30 years working to enhance Waterloo and local governments; and I want to help Waterloo continue its path toward reaching its full potential.

Before joining INRCOG, Juon has served as vice president of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Waterloo Downtown Council.

In these positions I worked with all levels of government, she said. But especially at INRCOG I learned the challenges facing local governments and the tools available to help local officials address these challenges.

Juon said her initial challenges at INRCOG involved balancing the budget and keeping the doors open. But the programs and membership expanded during her tenure.

These were all accomplished due to collaboration with many organizations and the dedication of elected officials, citizens and staff, she said. I want to help bring that level of cooperation and pride to City Hall.

Juon has been heavily involved in community organizations, which included chairing the Cedar Valley United Way board and its annual campaign, serving as an original member of the Black Hawk County Gaming Association board and the state Vision Iowa board, co-founding and chairing the Leadership Investment for Tomorrow (LIFT) program, chairing the My Waterloo Days festival twice and chairing the Exceptional Persons Inc. board.

She also chaired the National Association of Development Organizations and the Iowa State University Alumni Association. She has served on Iowa State Universitys board of governors.

Juon and her late husband, Dave, moved to Waterloo 40 years ago and raised twin daughters here.

Now it is time for me to further pay back our debt to this amazing city, she said.

More information and campaign contact information is available on Juons website at www.Juon4Waterloo.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  John Brandt got a window seat. And thats a good thing.

The 74-year-old, and participant in the 19th Sullivan-Hartogh-Davis Cedar Valley Honor Flight out of Waterloo Regional Airport, showed a childlike fascination with what he saw outside his window. He leaned forward, his nose almost touching the window and a plastic cup full of Coke in his hand, and pointed out landmarks below to his guardian Bridget Matthias.

Brandt was one of nearly 100 veterans to fly to Washington, D.C., for the day. Along with their guardians, the veterans landed in Washington, D.C. Tuesday morning, boarded buses and set off to see a series of memorials, many honoring their military service.

Brandt served in the Army during Vietnam. This is his first trip to D.C. and his first time in an airplane since 1966.

Im having a ball, he said.

Matthias, Brandts attendant, is from Oran and is a registered nurse. She offered her expertise by volunteering for the flights medical team and was assigned to accompany Brandt during the trip. It is her first time on an Honor Flight.

I heard my old chemistry teacher from Wapsie Valley is on this flight, she said.

The first stop of the day was the World War II Memorial.

Sen. Joni Ernst greeted the veterans as they disembarked, something she does often.

The Iowa travelers shook hands, chatted and had their picture taken with her.

Merelyn Evans, who will turn 90 next month, was the lone World War II veteran on the trip. Accompanied by his son, Randy, of Charles City, Merelyn Evans enjoyed seeing the memorial dedicated to him and his fellow servicemen.

I think its kind of nice, he said smiling. I love (the trip) so far.

Merelyn Evans, who lives in Blue Earth, Minn., enlisted in the Navy when he was 19 years old.

I had a good time, he said. I have no complaints.

Randy Evans had been wanting to participate in the flight with his father for a long time and got emotional when trying to explain what the trip meant to him.

More than you know, he said. Its the dream of a lifetime.

Following lunch, veterans were able to visit the Lincoln, Vietnam and Korean memorials.

Dave Eck of Cedar Falls and his daughter, Erin Gross of Ankeny, knelt down in front of the Vietnam Wall, trying to find the name Robert Letsch Jr. Gross ran her finger along the rows of names etched in the mirror-like granite.

Here it is, she said, pulling out paper and pencil to trace the name.

Eck, 69, served in the Army from 1969-70. He was in Vietnam for 13 months. He was an armored personnel carrier driver.

This brings back a lot of memories, Eck said, referring to the wall. Some good, some bad. Its kind of emotional.

Gross also was emotional.

My oldest son just joined the Army, she said. This is all taking on a whole new meaning for me.

Next came visits to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington National Cemetery.

Bill Ott, 72, of Fredericksburg, was a clerk in the Army from 1968-70. He spent 181 days in Vietnam. Hes been to D.C. before, but is glad for a return visit.

Im happy to come and see it again, he said. The second time you do things, it sticks with you quite a bit better.

Linda Bergmann is one of the Honor Flight organizers. Tuesdays flight was her 14th  13th as part of the staff.

She got involved right after retiring from teaching.

Every flight is like the first one, she said. They are all exciting.

While Honor Flights were first offered to only World War II veterans, now the focus is on Korean and Vietnam vets.

On the first flights, we needed almost 90 wheelchairs, she said.

On Tuesdays flight, about 20 chairs were needed.

This is a chance, especially for Vietnam vets who came home with a lot of stuff, to just lay it down. A lot of them wouldnt come on their own, Bergmann said. This is how the country really feels about them.

What hasnt changed is how appreciative the vets are, Bergmann said.

And Ill keep doing it until they tell me I cant, she said.
Officer injured

by driver

CEDAR RAPIDS (AP)  Police say an officer was injured by a hit-and-run driver in Cedar Rapids.

The crash occurred around 11:20 p.m. Saturday as the police cruiser sat behind another vehicle that was going to be towed. The police officer was out of cruiser. Police say the officer opened the car's passenger door after the car struck the cruiser, but the driver accelerated backward, knocking over and briefly dragging the officer before speeding away.

The officer was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The officer's name hasn't been released.

No arrest has been reported.

Guardsmen

head to Florida

DES MOINES (AP)  Officials say 19 Iowa Army National Guard soldiers are deploying Monday for Hurricane Irma missions with four helicopters.

The Iowa soldiers will come from units based in Boone, Davenport, Iowa City and Waterloo. The Guard says the Iowans will move supplies, equipment and people and support searches and rescues.

The weakened but still dangerous hurricane is pushing inland, hammering Florida with winds and floodwaters that create hazards for rescuers trying to help beleaguered residents.

ISU renames

business college

AMES (AP)  Officials say the Iowa State University College of Business will be renamed because of a $50 million commitment from two California benefactors.

The university said in a news release Monday the college will be renamed the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business, pending approval by the Iowa Board of Regents. Officials say it's the largest-ever commitment to the college. The gift will establish an endowed fund that eventually will provide the college around $2 million annually.

The university says Jerry Ivy is president and chief executive officer of Auto-Chlor System in Mountain View, California. Debbie Ivy also is a member of Auto-Chlor System's executive team.

Jerry Ivy earned a bachelor's in industrial administration from Iowa State in 1953.

Man's body

found in lake

JEWELL (AP)  Authorities have released the name of a man whose body was recovered from a lake in north-central Iowa.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office identified the man as 73-year-old Arne Fagervik, who lived in Blairsburg.

The Sheriff's Office says someone reported the body around 2:25 p.m. Thursday in Little Wall Lake south of Jewell. It was recovered about 20 feet from shore.

Authorities don't suspect a crime led to Fagervik's death. An autopsy has been ordered.

Gunshot victim's

name released

BURLINGTON (AP)  Authorities have released the name of a man who died in a hospital after being shot in southeast Iowa.

Police say officers sent to a northeast Burlington neighborhood around 6 a.m. Sunday found the wounded man. He was pronounced dead at Great River Medical Center. Police identified him Monday as 26-year-old Demarcus Antonio Chew.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is aiding local investigators. No arrests have been reported.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo company which handles electrical transformers is supporting not only Texas-area utility companies in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, but sending truckloads of water, nonperishable food, diapers and other relief items.

A-Line EDS of Waterloo is inviting the general public to join in that relief effort and drop of supplies at their headquarters at 808 Dearborn Ave., off Dubuque Road in Waterloo, or by calling 232-3889.

A-Line has a connection to areas affected by the hurricane. It has an operation, A-Line TDS in Tonkawa, Okla., that provides transformer services for utilities from New Orleans to Houston, just as A-Line EDS in Waterloo services the upper Midwest.

In addition to helping utilities in the area affected by Harvey, A-Line EDS staff were told of serious shortages of bottled drinking water in the hurricane-ravaged areas, said Ben Stroh, who co-owns A-Line EDS with his brothers Brad and Pete.

Consequently, A-Line EDS purchased more than 280 cases of bottled water, along with multiple boxes of diapers that will be hauled to Houston and be delivered to the service centers of the Texas-area utility Entergy. Those service centers act as distribution points for supplies to the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

In Oklahoma, we service Little Rock, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Galveston, Port Arthur, Beaumont, Stroh said. Especially Beaumont. Beaumont got hammered by the hurricane. They got 50 inches of rain. A-Line helps utilities with storm-damaged transformer replacement and repair.

It definitely creates business for us. But its chaos, Stroh said, prompting his company to take on additional staff and equipment. This is the calm before the storm for us. Its a disaster area, and were a utility service group. Its not how you want to be super busy. Even when we got our flood here, its nothing like that. We dont get the wind damage, you dont get the other stuff.

Stroh said it also was clear personal relief supplies are needed from the stories heard from utility workers  being stranded there on a cot at work for four or five days, bathing with bottled water, he said.

The waters been getting sucked out of the Walmarts and stuff for a long ways outside the hurricane zone, Stroh said. Were going down to Oklahoma no matter what, and those trailers are going to go (from Tonkawa) into this flood zone, so we might as well take advantage of that. A-Line is getting the water and other supplies to Texas-area utility companies which will in turn get it to service agencies for distribution.

We are fortunate enough to be able to haul it  were going that way  and I thought others might want to contribute as well, Stroh said. Its medical supplies, nonperishable food, diapers, water, toiletries, whatever. Well box it up and take it down there. If somebody feels like they want to drop some stuff off. Well be happy to take it and deliver it down there.

Stroh said A-Line EDS will send trucks there over the next two to three weeks. He noted some employees of Peterson Contractors Inc. in Reinbeck are assisting in the effort, and equipment aiding in the relief effort was acquired from Warren Transport Inc. in Waterloo.
Maura Healey will be the first openly lesbian governor in U.S. history. Here's a look at 20 candidates who made history in the 2022 midterms.
Leadership

CRAIG HUNDLEY

WATERLOO  Not long ago I wrote a letter on how the contractor who the city hired to replace one section of my sidewalk, destroyed five good sections with his backhoe. It wasnt only mine. Walk down Wren Road and look at every piece of sidewalk that was replaced by this contractor. Youll see they all have cracks adjacent to the new slab, where the jackhammer hit. I got hold of Tom Powers, our Ward 1 councilman, and asked for help. I also sent a letter via email to Steve Schmitt, our at-large councilman, who never contacted me. Tom got back to me, but told me the city engineer said my sidewalk was old anyway, so too bad.

Not much of a fight on my behalf. I sent a letter to Mayor Hart who never got back to me. OK, so the city engineer used the power of his chair to crush us. People, we have a rare opportunity to change city government this election. I cant think of a single incumbent that has earned re-election. Look at the mess on Park Avenue.

Tobacco-free

BRYAN VESTAL

WATERLOO  Since there are now 30 municipalities in Iowa that have made their parks tobacco-free, I think Waterloo should join them. I recently counted more than 200 cigarette butts within 30 feet of the child play area at Lafayette Park.

Benefits of tobacco-free parks: reduces secondhand smoke exposure, promotes healthier lifestyles, models tobacco-free norm for children, lowers tobacco use rates and its cost to our community, reduces tobacco litter and fire risk, and makes our community more attractive to move to and stay in.

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. There are no drawbacks to tobacco-free parks. The City Council has been hearing from me, and I hope they also start hearing from others.

Monuments

ROGER W. SMITH

WATERLOO  With apologies to George Santayana, when we ignore or forget history, nobody today seems to care. Back in the Eighth Century, Emporor Leo III the Isaurian, launched a campaign against sacred images in a period of destruction we call Iconoclasm. In 1966 Mao Zedong initiated in China his great surge called the cultural revolution, during which his Red Guard ravaged every city and town and some areas in the countryside. In Beijing, for example, 4,922 of 6,843 monuments were obliterated. Tens of millions died.

A few decades later, modern day iconoclasts in Afghanistan set out to destroy religious images. More recently, bands of ISIS thugs destroyed every trace of Judeo Christian antiquities they could find.

This year, vandals, masquerading as high-minded crusaders, want to tear down historical monuments because they perceive real or imagined links to unpleasant facts of history. Citizens of local communities may legitimately decide whether or not certain secular monuments are no longer appropriate, and they have every right to remove those items. But it should never be up to anarchists, criminals or political opportunists to make that decision.

The rule of law must prevail.
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Authorities say an 81-year-old car driver has died after a collision with a garbage truck in eastern Nebraska.

The crash occurred around 12:45 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. Highway 75, about 2 1/2 miles east of Kennard.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office says the woman driving north when her car crossed into oncoming traffic and hit the truck.

The office says the woman died after being taken to an Omaha hospital. Her name hasn't been released. The Sheriff's Office says she lived in Fort Calhoun.

The Sheriff's Office also says the truck driver wasn't injured. He's been identified as 61-year-old Joseph Bauersachs, of Omaha.
Sep 13, 2017 | By Tess

Japanese tech giant Sony grabbed our attention a couple of weeks ago with the announcement that its new Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact smartphones would be equipped with built-in 3D scanning technology. Now, with the added information that the company has partnered with 3D printing service Sculpteo to offer users on-demand 3D printing, Sony has piqued our interest even more.

According to the company, users of its new Xperia XZ1 smartphones will be able to order 3D prints of their scans with the touch of a button. Through the XZ1s integrated 3D Creator application, you can send 3D models and scans directly to Sculpteo, which will 3D print the objects and ship them to your address for a fee. All without ever having to sit down in front of an actual computer.

Lets take a few steps back though and look at the XZ1s 3D scanning capacity. Unlike most other smartphones which can have 3D scanning abilities via downloadable apps and cloud services, Sonys new smartphone comes ready with a pre-loaded 3D scanning app: 3D Creator.

Using the integrated app, users can choose from a number of scanning modes (head scan, face scan, food scan, or freeform scan) and are given the option to either share their scans with friends via messaging apps or upload them to 3D model sharing platforms such as Sketchfab.

Impressively, the app is fully equipped to process the images from the 3D scan, meaning that no cloud service or external app is necessary for generating the 3D models from the scans.

Now, by collaborating with Sculpteo, users will even have the option of having their scans directly transformed into 3D prints. Theyll also have the choice of ordering multi-colored prints and choosing from a range of size options.

Sony recently demonstrated the XZ1s 3D Creator app at IFA in Berlin, showing how the 3D scanning app is capable of capturing good quality scans of various objects and faces in under a minute each and without any WiFi connection. Additionally, the app enables users to bring their 3D models back into the real world with an augmented reality feature.

Sonys new Xperia XZ1 smartphone series will be available to consumers as of September 19. If youre mentally preparing to line up for the new 3D scanning-enabled phone, you might just bear in mind that it comes with a price tag of $700.

Posted in 3D Printing Apps

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shaun lamont wrote at 9/19/2017 1:23:50 AM:quality of scanning that makes prints like mashed potato...just what we want




Zephyr Teachout in The Intercept:

Lynn and his team pushed Democrats to embrace anti-monopoly as a serious policy issue, catalyzed a public debate about Amazons power, and spearheaded an intellectual revolution around antitrust enforcement to overturn the consumer welfare standard developed by Robert Bork. Even those who disagreed with Open Markets never questioned their integrity. As Cornell Law School Professor James Grimmelmann tweeted yesterday, something unsettling and dangerous is happening in tech markets. And while Grimmelmann often disagreed with Lynn and Open Markets, he added that unless teams like Open Markets get the support and freedom they need to keep thinking and writing about it, NO ONE WILL.

Apparently these ideas threatened Google.

In June, when the European Union fined Google $2.7 billion for abusing its dominant position to serve itself and quash competition, the Open Markets team put out a press statement that was entirely consistent with its longstanding position. It praised the EUs action, and argued that American antitrust authorities should also look at Googles use of its search power to leverage its influence in other markets.

New Americas leadership must have gotten an earful. Within 72 hours, New Americas president, Anne-Marie Slaughter, told Lynn that he  and all of us on the Open Markets team  had to leave. As the New York Times reported yesterday, Slaughter emailed Lynn to say that the time has come for Open Markets and New America to part ways, and the email accused Lynn of imperiling the institution as a whole. (After the Times story was published, Slaughter tweeted that the article was false, though she later added, facts are largely right, but quotes are taken way out of context and interpretation is wrong.)

For years, Google has provided funding to New America as part of its philanthropic giving. According to the Times, more than $21 million came to New America from Google and from Eric Schmidt and his family foundation (Schmidt is the executive chairman of Googles parent company, Alphabet). One would hope that Google would provide those funds in the best tradition of free thought: without ideological strings attached. But apparently the smallest dissent is too much to bear.

More here.
With the recent wave of Filipino influence washing over the culinary world, it's time to start exploring other Southeast Asian cuisines. Living in San Francisco, it's nearly impossible to not be familiar with Vietnamese and Thai dishes, but how about Indonesian food?

For a country that is well known for its spicesnutmeg, clove, and galangal are native to Indonesiait's no surprise that Indonesian cuisine is so wonderfully rich. While dishes vary across the 17,000 islands that make up this country, many are cooked in spices for hours on end to create bold, stand-on-their-own flavors. Take rendang, an Indonesian beef stewit's braised in coconut milk and spices for three hours. It's no surprise then, that rendang topped CNN's list of 50 World's Best Foods a few years ago.

Hungry yet? Here are six spots where you can grab some Indonesian grub around the Bay and widen your palate's horizons.

Borobudur



When you're talking about Indonesian restaurants around NorCal, Borobudurthe oldest Indonesian establishment in SFis usually the first one that pops up in people's mind. Borobudur serves traditional Javanese cuisine, fitting for its namesake (the world's largest Buddhist temples are situated in Central Java). The menu features Javanese dishes like soto ayam, Indonesia's take on chicken noodle soup with its rich lemongrass broth, chicken and rice noodles; and siomay Bandung, steamed dumplings topped with a signature Indonesian peanut sauce. Borobudur also showcases Indonesia's Dutch influences, with rijsttafel as one of its offerings. Rijsttafel, a Dutch word literally translating to rice table, is an Indonesian meal in which a plethora of mini dishes are served. You can sample all of Borobudur's finest with this option, from its ayam panggang bumbu rujak (spicy, barbeque marinated chicken) to the classic rendang. // 700 Post St. (Union Square); borobudursf.com

Jayakarta



With the large Indonesian student population at UC Berkeley, it's no surprise that Jayakarta has become a local favorite. Jayakarta, another name for Jakarta, Indonesia's capital city, aptly features typical Betawi (what you'd call a native Jakartan) cuisine on their menu. You can't miss the gado-gado, a classic Betawi dish of freshly cut fruits and vegetables topped with a peanut sauce dressing. For chow mein fans, order the mie tek-tek, the Indonesian street-hawker's fried egg noodles with vegetables and a fried egg with runny yolk. And for the adventurous eater, it's time to flex your spicy-eating abilities. Jayakarta offers varying spiciness levels, ranging from "Normal American Spice Level" like "eating spicy Popeye's Chicken," to "Hella Spicy Indonesian Level," roughly the equivalent to getting pepper sprayed in the mouth. // 2026 University Ave. (Berkeley); tel. 510/841-0884

Indo Restaurant and Lounge



Unlike Borobudur and Jayakarta that serve exclusively traditional Indonesian dishes, Indo Restaurant and Lounge offers dishes that are both influenced by western and eastern culinary traditions. As the two head chefs of Indo Restaurant and Lounge are from Thailand and IndonesiaThomas Charoen and Diana Anwarthe menu is also a fusion of both cuisines. The menu includes typical Thai and Indonesian offerings like pad thai and nasi goreng, Indonesian fried rice, but also has dishes with a twist. The Norwegian Salmon Panggang, translating to grilled in English, is topped with a fresh, kaffir lime sauce. The restaurant's take on short ribs is also a highlight, using the hot and tasty Balado sauce. // 3295 El Camino Real (Palo Alto); indorestaurant.com

Indo Cafe



Saratoga is definitely the last place you'd think to find a mom-and-pop Indonesian spot. But Indo Cafe is just thata humble catering kitchen that us Indonesians would liken to a warung, a small street food stall. But don't let that discourage you - us Indonesians would also say some of the tastiest food we've had is at a warung, which is certainly true of the quality of the dishes served at Indo Cafe. This cafe is truly a hidden gem; you won't even find it strolling down on Big Basin Way, as it is tucked behind a UPS store. Indo Cafe's strongest offerings are their rice combos. If you want to try everything, get the Padang Rice Combo - you'll get rendang, telor balado or boiled egg with chili sauce, chicken satay, and jackfruit curry. The Yogyakarta Rice Combo is a delicious option too, featuring dishes native to the city: gudeg, jackfruit stewed in coconut milk, fried tofu, hard-boiled egg, and chicken curry. Don't forget to say hi to the chef, Maria Handayani - she'll even let you watch her cook if you ask nicely. // 14443-C Big Basin Way (Saratoga); tel. 408/741-1514

ChiliCali



Would this be a true San Francisco list without a Kickstarter-funded food startup? ChiliCali is the project of Siska Marcus, an Indonesian chef who hosts pop-up Indonesian dinners across the city through Feastly. Marcus certainly takes advantage of the pop-up structure to experiment with different Indonesian dishes, like transforming the sop buntut, a signature clear Indonesian oxtail soup, into a hot pot experience instead. Marcus has also showcased other Indonesian cuisines that are practically unknown in the States, specifically Bataka tribe that originates from North Sumatera. In addition to the dinners, Marcus also produces her own line of bumbu, cooking sauces Indonesians would use in their everyday cooking. She prides herself on the sauces' fresh and organic ingredients. // chilicali.com, eatfeastly.com

Sataysfied


Cannabis has been finding its way into all kinds of social settings lately.

You can join a secret smoke sesh, feast at an infused dinner party, make like an old-school stoner at one of the many festivals, and buy buds along with your broccoli at some farmer's markets. You can even incorporate weed into your wedding.



If you're looking for ways to mingle marijuana with your everyday social life, there are plenty of interesting happenings this month for those of legal age (21+).

Reefer Madness the Musical



Previewing Thursday, Sept. 14th (tickets are just $15), this musical satire by Ray of Light Theatre employs Broadway-style numbers to poke fun at the famously dramatic 1936 propaganda film that touted marijuana as an evil drug. Prepare yourself for a black and green comedy and a whimsical look at the dated perspective on the botanical wonder. // Sept. 15 through Oct. 7 at Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St. (Mission); tickets ($35-$40) available at eventbrite.com.





Eaze Movie Night

BYO high self for munchies (El Tonayense tacos) and White Russians (compliments of Harper & Rye) for an evening with The Dude. Hosted by cannabis delivery service Eaze, this free movie night includes a complimentary happy hour with music by Vin Sol and DJ Primo, take-home cannabis goodies, and a screening of The Big Lebowski. // 5-9pm, Thursday, Sept. 21 at Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St. (Castro); admission is free with RSVP at eazenight.splashthat.com.





Virtual Reality Elevated

Whether or not you partake, VR Elevated, put on by Los Angelesbased events producer Grassfed and the cannabis collective The Art of Edibles, promises to be a trip. You can try your hand at 3D painting, walk a virtual tightrope, and hunt zombies via the HTC Vive, all while loading up on cannabis-infused treats. Hit up the vape bar and sample flower from Flow Kana, edibles by Baceae, and more. Note that you must be a Grassfed member to attend, so expect to fill out a quick application when you purchase your ticket. // 8pm to midnight, Saturday, Sept. 23, SF Design District; tickets ($45-$95) are available at eventbrite.com.





Ganja Yoga

Physically fit cannaisseurs are likely already familiar with Dee Dussault, a certified hatha yoga teacher who's been offering cannabis-enhanced classes in the Bay Area since 2009. At her Wednesday and Thursday evening sessions ($30) in San Francisco, the cannabis is complimentary (you can also BYO) and the vibe is genuinely welcoming for you to loosen up and amplify your experience. Want to take it next level? Join Dussault for a four-day camping and yoga retreat, all meals and cannabis included, in the Yosemite Foothills (Sept. 28 through Oct. 1). // For information and tickets to weekly classes in SF, go to eventbrite.com; for more information on the Yosemite retreat, go to deedussault.com.


Qatar Airways is pleased to announce it will begin operating daily direct flights from Cardiff Airport, with the inaugural flight due to depart on 1 May 2018.





The new service between the Welsh capital and Doha will be operated on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.



The Cardiff service will be the first regular direct long haul flight linking Wales and South West England to a major global hub in the Gulf region seven days a week - benefiting both leisure and business travellers by creating a wealth of long-haul connectivity.



Services will fly between the national airport of Wales and Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatars capital, which since opening in 2014, is one of the worlds largest hub airports, with over 30 million passengers using the state of the art facilities each year.



Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: We are delighted to announce the launch date for our direct service to Cardiff. Many travellers currently fly to and from London, using ground transport between London and Cardiff, so this new route will allow passengers to fly direct from Wales to Doha and beyond for the first time.



Deb Barber, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, commented: I am immensely proud that world class airline Qatar Airways has recognised the potential that exists within the region and chosen Cardiff Airport to operate a daily service. The service opens up a world of connectivity for our customers to destinations across Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia.



Over 1.4 million passengers per year from the region travel to destinations that are available on the Qatar Airways network - 90% of these passengers are currently travelling from London airports, which emphasises just how much demand exists within the market.



We look forward to developing our fruitful relationship with Qatar Airways over the coming months and to the start of this exciting new route in May 2018.



Roger Lewis, Chairman of Cardiff Airport, stated: "This is a pivotal moment for Cardiff Airport. The far reaching consequences of this service for passengers and businesses across Wales and the South West of England will be transformational.



Cardiff Airport will now provide the only daily scheduled direct flight to the Gulf in the South West of the UK. This is very special indeed for us all.



On a personal note, I thank the Welsh Government for their support over the past two and half years, and the British Ambassador to Qatar, His Excellency, Ajay Sharma and his exceptional staff for their outstanding support without which we would not have achieved this success.



I am totally confident that the dedicated and hardworking team at Cardiff Airport will deliver a world class service with Qatar Airways for passengers and businesses visiting Wales and travelling across the world.



The critically important relationship between Qatar, Wales and the United Kingdom is substantially strengthened today."



Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones, the First Minister of Wales, said: The daily service between Cardiff and Doha is a huge boost for Wales. It will open up Wales' links with the rest of the world and deliver new economic, leisure and travel opportunities for Welsh businesses and the people of Wales.



Providing a direct route into the world's fastest growing hub airport, Hamad International, will also bring Wales closer to leading global markets such as India, China, Singapore and Australasia.



Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner features 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy class.


By Ginger Taylor

Axios has obtained an internal message from the CDC's public affairs officer, Jeffrey Lancashire, dated August 31, to all CDC employees. His directive to them was to stop talking to the media, even for a simple data-related question.

CDC cracks down on communications with reporters

The memo reads:

"Effective immediately and until further notice, any and all correspondence with any member of the news media, regardless of the nature of the inquiry, must be cleared through CDC's Atlanta Communications Office. This correspondence includes everything from formal interview requests to the most basic of data requests."

Axios tried to contact Mr. Lancashire to find out more about the policy; however, he has not responded.

Why is even basic data being treated like state secrets?

It's almost like the CDC has something to hide.

UPDATE:

BREAKING:

THIS JUST IN:

CDC HAS RELEASED A VIDEO EXPLAINING TO THE PUBLIC WHY THEIR NEW STANCE IS NECESSARY:
The Agony Of Middle East Christians

Defiant Coptic Christian girl shows cross tattoo. Copts wear them as a sign of faith amid persecution. ( In Defense of Christians) Sixteen years ago today, Al Qaeda terrorists flew airplanes into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, unleashing a series of catastrophic wars in the Middle East that have been particularly devastating for Christian minorities in Iraq and Syria. As Peter Feaver and Will Inboden write in Foreign Policy magazine:

Do we want to be the generation that stood by as Christians disappeared almost entirely from the ancient homelands they have occupied since the days of the New Testament? Will the Trump administration and this Congress let this historic and preventable tragedy happen on their watch? We are on the precipice of catastrophe, and unless we act soon, within weeks, the tiny remnants of Christian communities in Iraq may be mostly eradicated by the genocide being committed against Christians in Iraq and Syria.

Andrew Doran and his colleagues are fighting to prevent that from happening. He is vice president and senior policy adviser for In Defense of Christians, a Washington-based non-profit that advocates for human rights for the besieged Christian minority in the Middle East. If they fail, future historians might see 9/11 as the beginning of the end for Christians in the faith's ancient homeland. On the eve of the 9/11 anniversary, I e-mailed Doran to find out more about the situation today. The interview is here: RD: We have seen images recently of Christians returning to their badly damaged sanctuaries in Syria and Iraq. Has the worst passed for Middle Eastern Christians? AD: The number of Christians in Iraq and Syria has gone from over three million combined fifteen years ago to less than a million today. This happened for many reasons. One is the radicalization of Muslims through well-funded ideologies. The most pernicious of these ideologies is Wahhabism, which Saudi Arabia has spent untold billions to export globally for decades. Everywhere I go in the Middle East, Muslims and Christians alike ask, "Why isn't America doing something to stop the Wahhabis? Don't you know they're your enemy and ours?" The petrol wealth and influence of the Gulf states has thus set the Muslim world back generations, if not centuries. Most of the violence against both Middle East Christians and Americans has come from this source, though I hasten to add that Iran and its proxies are also a serious threat.The worst has probably passed, but ISIS isn't going away. Millions of Christians across the region live under a daily threat--especially on Sunday. But they show up at church every Sunday. They're the toughest people I've ever encountered in my life. There's a reason ISIS targets them. That's going to continue. The worst may be over the Christians of the Middle East, but it's only just beginning in the West. This is going to be with us for a generation at least. And until we change some important policies, it's going to worse before it gets better. Another reason is that Middle East Christians had no real advocacy presence in Washington until recently. This is why In Defense of Christians was founded three years ago. We worked with the Knights of Columbus and other groups to see that Congress and the Secretary of State recognized the genocide against Christians and other religious minorities at the hands of ISIS. We work to unify the advocacy efforts of various Middle East Christian organizations, build networks between American and Middle East Christians, educate lawmakers and encourage policies that will both protect minorities in the Middle East and advance U.S. interests. IDC is having a Summit on U.S. leadership and preserving Christians in the Middle East on October 24-26. We encourage anyone who cares about these issues to attend. The Summit will advance specific policies that will protect America's natural allies in the Middle East--and hold our enemies to account. There are millions of Christians there and it's in America's interests to see that they and other minorities survive. They're America's natural allies in the region. From a strictly political point of view, what do Americans not understand about the situation Christians in the Middle East face -- not just in war zones, but elsewhere? Americans probably don't understand the extent to which their public servants in DC really don't care. The foreign policy establishment, like the public culture in America, has a general contempt (often masquerading as indifference) for Christians. This is ironic because the Christians are the progressives of their societies in the Middle East. Americans would probably be shocked at how unapologetically Christian and free Lebanon is. Lebanon is the closest thing to a Western country in the Arab world, and not only because of the lifestyle and prevalence of French and English. There are monasteries in the mountains, catacombs, statues of Jesus and Mary, Christian universities, Christian politicians, and above all a confidence in Christian culture that we're losing in the West. This has rubbed off on non-Christians in Lebanon, giving the place a very moderate feel. (There are places one usually doesn't go, of course, but think of all the places we never go in America because they're unsafe--and far more dangerous than anything in Lebanon.) Put simply, the Christians of Lebanon don't have the dhimmi mentality of a hostage, contingent people that sadly characterizes so many Christians in the Middle East. When you see Lebanon, you understand why it's worth saving. Christians in places like Egypt and elsewhere will often point out that Lebanon gives them a model for equality and hope. The problem isn't the American people so much as it is Washington. There's a clear chasm between the values of the American people and their elites. It's important not only to make a moral argument, of course. IDC and its partner organizations make a case that it's in American interests to protect and preserve Christian and other minority communities. Americans often think that humanitarian aid is the answer, and that is needed, but we also need policies that will protect Christians. If we can get that part right, no humanitarian aid will be needed. I'd like to ask the same from a religious point of view. Many, perhaps even most, American Christians don't seem to understand that Middle Eastern Christians exist. That's very true. There is a culture gap between American Christians and Middle East Christians, similar to that which existed between Greek and Latin churches around the time that Constantinople fell to the Turks. Refugees flooded into the West, bringing with them the cultural heritage of the East. As I wrote in TAC last year, something similar is happening in our own age. When Americans visit Middle East Christian communities, they're usually struck by the richness of the cultural heritage there, the continuity since the first centuries of Christianity. There are millions of Middle East Christians in diaspora living in America and they urgently want American--particularly Evangelical--Christians to join their advocacy efforts, but this has been difficult to achieve. There are two very different attitudes about faith, one rooted in the history and culture of the Middle East; the other reformed and distilled through the cultures of Europe and North America. Most Americans would be surprised to learn that there are perhaps as many as three million Christians, mostly Filipinos, who work as servants in the Gulf states. They often have their passports seized upon arrival and are treated as little better than chattel slaves. There are no churches in Saudi Arabia (non-Islamic faiths are forbidden by law), so they have to practice their faith in underground, usually in house churches, where they are often hunted by ruthless secret police. There has been almost no discussion about these Christians, though numerically their community is larger than those of Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, and Iran combined. During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump indicated that as president, he would be more sympathetic to Middle Eastern Christians than the Obama administration was. Has he been? What policy changes would you like to see? The Trump administration isn't off to a great start, but Middle East Christians haven't given up. An Iraqi Christian man told me this summer that Trump is their last hope, as I recently wrote in Newsweek. He said, "We believe in God first, Trump second." They need help and urgently. At the moment there's an aid bill that's been sitting in the Senate for months. Senator Corker--for reasons he might best explain himself--has been holding it up. He owes the American people an explanation. This kind of thing happens all the time. It's absolutely unacceptable. IDC is advocating that the Christians and other minorities of Northern Iraq, particularly the Nineveh Plain, be protected for a time by a small multinational force to stabilize this area during a period of revitalization. There are successful models for this, even in Northern Iraq. IDC is also advocating for the passage of a resolution to promote stability and security in Lebanon. We're also pressing the government for greater accountability for America's "allies," who have turned a blind eye to their own citizens supporting violent extremists through a global jihadi network that is a threat to Christians and other vulnerable communities in the Middle East, and ultimately to the national security of the U.S. and other Western countries. I was in Raqqa this summer with a Syriac Christian unit fighting ISIS. They're not interested in being dhimmi to Islamists or to any regime. They simply want equality in their own societies. These young men have suffered terribly but they're profoundly courageous. They have literal scars mixed with tattoos of crosses and rosaries. They're only perhaps two thousand within the Syrian Democratic Forces but are an important symbol of pluralism. They would probably quadruple in size overnight if given the resources. Moderate, secular-minded Muslims, Arabs and Kurds, often want to serve with them. They're vital for reconciliation efforts. The U.S. government actually passed on equipping them during the Free Syrian Army debacle but seems to be warming up on a key concept: they're one of the few groups in the region that can be trusted. Why have the US news media not been especially interested in the plight of Middle Eastern Christians? Ross Douthat put it well a few years ago when he said that Middle East Christians are too Christian for the left and too Middle Eastern for the right. The media has actually gotten better about covering this in recent years but there's a fairly significant bias against Christians in America's public culture. Our elites have been conditioned to believe that there is a perpetual victim-oppressor dialectic--and that they, the elites, are somehow the victims. Of course, some progressives do recognize that Christians are their natural allies. In Iraq and Syria this summer, I spent time with some European journalists, all of whom were (I think) post-Christian. They recognized that the Christians were progressive, moderate, and vital to the future of the Middle East. There are many reasons that might account for the different attitudes of European and American elites toward Middle East Christians, but I think the simplest explanation is that Europeans don't have a peculiar messianic urge to Americanize the Middle East. What drew you into advocacy on their behalf? It struck me as the most overlooked area of U.S. policy. I remember my father saying in 1991, as my brother was serving in the first Gulf War, that there were over a million Christians in Iraq. I was in high school at the time but it stayed with me. While I was in law school, the U.S. was deporting Iraqis from Michigan because we didn't accept their claims of persecution--this despite the U.S. invasion giving rise to the danger they faced. A few years later at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, I watched a Chaldean priest come onto the compound to say mass for a handful of Americans and then leave through the gate. I have no idea if he's still alive. That stuck with me. Shortly thereafter, I began traveling the region, writing articles about U.S. foreign policy and human rights, and worked with others to launch an advocacy group, IDC. I've been shocked to learn that so-called "conservative" foreign policy think tank types were fine with the eradication of Christianity in the Middle East so long as there was procedural democracy. The hatred of ISIS for other religions has at least some kind of logic. The hatred of elites for Christians--in the Middle East or here--was in many ways more demoralizing. Almost 20 years ago, in New York City, I attended my first Maronite (Lebanese) Christian mass, and was unnerved to hear ancient prayers chanted in Aramaic, the language of Christ. It struck me that the ancestors of these people were worshiping Christ at the time my European ancestors were still praying to pagan gods. What do Western Christians owe to Christians living today in the lands that were among the first to receive the Gospel? In general, we have very different understandings of God. American Christians seem to worship Bourgeois Christ, the god who blesses the chosen with prosperity and comfort. It's easy for someone who thinks this way to conclude that those who suffer deserve it--which should be a revolting thought for a Christian. This thinking is so deeply ingrained that I've even heard American Catholics express this idea. There's overlap, I suppose, with what you've called Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. Middle East Christianity is very different. There's a depth, courage, and authenticity to their faith that I can only admire. They, like many Eastern Christians, have been the victims of often violent religious persecution for much of their history. They're very tough people--Maronites, Copts, Armenians, Chaldeans, Syriacs, Assyrians--but they're also committed to their homeland. Theirs is the birthplace of Christianity. Every so often someone will say, "The Christians should just leave," as if they were living on a flood plain, rather than the victims of deliberate human action. Never mind that this would be giving ISIS, Al Qaeda, and the Wahhabi-Salafis precisely what they want, this isn't what the Christians want. Even if some leave, millions will stay. It's hard for us who are so transient, whose ancestors moved here and then moved all over a continent, to understand the rootedness of the people, the almost sacredness of the land. This was the land where Christ lived and preached, where the apostles were martyred, where Christians survived in catacombs. They're not going to leave. They shouldn't have to. Western Christians do owe a cultural debt to Middle East Christians. By their very survival they provide a continuity with the early church. They also preserved many works of antiquity that might've been lost had they not been translated from Greek into Arabic, and later transmitted to Europe during the High Middle Ages. Few Americans, Christian or secular, would pause to contemplate such a debt. That's kind of the way it's always gone. Christians in the East have been fighting a rear-guard action for centuries. Western Christians looked to the Atlantic and to the New World, to new frontiers--always looking West, never East. Christians in the East also looked to West, but for help. Rarely has it come.
September 7, 2017

CAIRO  The partisan experience has been denigrated. With these words, the secretary of the Nasserist Party media committee, Mahmoud al-Asqalani, responded to the head of Egypts National Council for Women (NCW), Maya Morsi, who has opposed female party leaders from maintaining membership in NCW branches.

The NCW was established following a decision by former President Hosni Mubarak in 2010. The council is charged with drafting policies to empower women in political, social and economic life, and to give opinions on draft laws according to the suggested policies. In addition, the NCW represents Egyptian women in international women's organizations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

Asqalani said in a statement Aug. 15, Morsi issued a statement asking women in leadership positions in parties to resign from the NCW branches. Asqalanis statement stirred a crisis that might reach the constitutional court soon.

The crisis prompted a variety of reactions. Morsi told Al-Watan on Aug. 17 that she did not issue any decision or send any notice asking female heads of NCW branches in the governorates who are affiliated with political parties to resign.

She explained, These instructions have been in place since the formation of the new NCW a year and a half ago. Female NCW rapporteurs, members and branch members are subject to internal regulations. These regulations specify that if a female member of any of the NCW branches assumes a leading position in a political party, she has to resign from the NCW branch in which she is a member in light of the conflict of interests between the two positions.

On July 29, the secretary-general of the Free Egyptians Party, Nasr al-Qaffas, entrusted Mona Abdullah, a prominent NCW member, to assume the position of the Free Egyptians Party's secretary in Beni Suef. On July 30, Qaffas issued a statement criticizing Morsi's request to Abdullah to separate her position as the party's secretary in Beni Suef from her position in the NCW branch in the same governorate.

A well-informed source in the NCW told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the crisis resurfaced on Aug. 15 when Abdullah submitted her resignation from the NCW branch under Morsi's insistence on her stance.

Qaffas said in his statement, We were surprised by the hostile policy of Morsi toward Abdullah. Morsi seems to be openly calling for the empowerment of women and their increased participation in political life. This has been also demanded by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. But secretly Morsi seems to be working to prevent women's participation in political life. What she has done goes against the most basic rights of women and the state's inclination to empower women.

Morsis decision seems to contradict Sisis inclinations to empower women. Morsi had announced in a statement in December 2016 that Sisi agreed to make 2017 a year of the Egyptian woman. This prompted El-Mogaz newspaper to criticize Morsi in an article on Aug. 24, describing her as the woman who flouts the president's decisions.

The situation was complicated further when the assistant head of the Wafd Party in charge of parliamentary and political affairs, Yasser Qora, invoked the unconstitutionality of the NCWs ban of female partisan leaders from joining the NCWs branches in the governorates. He said in a statement Aug. 22, The NCW decision violates the constitution that states in Article 5 that the political system is based on political and partisan multiplicity, and in Article 11 that the state commits to achieving equality between women and men in all civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

Mahmoud Kbeish, a former dean of the faculty of law at Cairo University, told Al-Monitor, The situation is complicated. It is not easy to determine the constitutionality of this decision. The rule is not to dismiss anyone from a public post  such as the membership in national councils  for being affiliated with a political party. But there are exceptions such as the existence of a conflict of interests and competencies between the position of a member in a national council and a leadership position in a political party. This requires an accurate description of positions at the branches of the national council.

The Nasserist, the Free Egyptian and the Wafd parties were not the only ones to express their objections. On Aug. 15, the vice president of Al-Tagammu (The Rally), Atef Maghawri, also criticized Morsis decisions.

Other parties preferred to remain silent.

Ahmad Khaled, a spokesman for the Conference Party, told Al-Monitor, The male and female youths of political parties are an essential component of the public work in Egypt. The NCWs experience will not succeed without them. What's even more dangerous is that some national councils leaders, such as the National Council for Human Rights, are considering following in Morsi's footsteps and preventing political parties' leading members from becoming members in national councils.

Mahmoud Abdel-Naim, a member in the Conservative Party (Hizb al-Mohafizin) in the governorate of Kafr al-Sheikh, told Al-Monitor, The party preferred not to clash with the NCW over the latest decision, especially since there are several joint activities between the NCW and all political parties and we do not want these activities to be affected by the dispute.

He added, The NCW is not applying these decisions equally to all party leaders and has been putting pressure on Rehab al-Mezayan  the former womens secretary of the [Conservative] Party in Kafr al-Sheikh  to resign from her partisan position or lose her NCW membership. Mezayan ended up submitting her resignation in October 2016. Meanwhile the NCW had no problem with Dina al-Jundi  a secretary in the Nation's Future Party  keeping her position at the NCW, with no clear reason about such discrimination.

Al-Monitor tried to contact Ahmed al-Shaer, a spokesman for the Nation's Future Party, but he did not answer his phone.

A source at the NCW told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, The new NCW was formed in January 2016. Some of its female members are affiliated with political parties and hold leadership positions in these parties. Jundi is not the only one. These include also Mervat Musa, a member of the NCW and a member of the political bureau of the Free Egyptians Party as well as Magda al-Nubishi, an NCW member and womens secretary in the Wafd Party in Ismailia.

The source said that the NCW saw that to preserve the NCW stability it was better not to apply, with retroactive effect, the NCW regulation banning members from being NCW members and assuming a leadership position in political parties, issued in February of 2016. "However, it should be noted that Abdullah and Mezayan assumed their leadership positions in their parties after the approval of the [NCW] regulation," the source added.

It is still difficult to predict whether Morsi's decisions will stand against accusations of marginalizing political parties, violating the constitution, undermining Sisis inclinations and showing discrimination in favor of some parties.

The rejection of her decisions is no longer limited to some political parties and a few newspapers, since the National Front of Egyptian Women, an Egyptian NGO specialized in promoting women's rights, has also denounced the ban.

On Aug. 21, the spokeswoman for the National Front of Egyptian Women, Mona Abdel-Radi, said in a press statement, This is a continuation of the exclusion of any dissenting voices objecting the political regime, although the NCW is entrusted to defend women's rights regardless of their political orientations.
September 12, 2017

Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, the newly appointed chairman of Irans Expediency Council, visited Iraq recently, fueling speculation about his political agenda. His meetings indicate that he most likely was seeking to unify Shiites ahead of the 2018 elections, although he doesn't appear to have succeeded.

Shahroudi, who is a dual Iranian-Iraqi citizen and was a senior leader in the Islamic Dawa Party and the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq before he became involved in Iranian politics, was warmly welcomed by those two groups, but later in his weeklong visit, he found himself snubbed by others.

Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, a leader of the Islamic Supreme Council and the first deputy parliament speaker, greeted Shahroudi at the airport on Aug. 31. Later, Shahroudi met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and with Nouri al-Maliki, the leader of the Islamic Dawa Party and a vice president of Iraq.

In Najaf, however, Shahroudi was not welcomed at all. He did not meet with any of the four leading religious authorities there, even though he is one of the most prominent graduates of the Hawza (Shiite seminary) in Najaf and most likely knows all four clerics from the years he studied there.

Sadrist movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr also refused to meet with him.

Sources close to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf said religious authorities there refused to receive Shahroudi  even though they knew in advance about his visit  because they resent some aspects of Iran's policies regarding Iraq. It seems the rejection was a source of embarrassment to Shahroudi when he returned home, where he issued a statement that his visit was not an official one but merely a religious trip to the holy sites and shrines of holy Imams.

"What has been published in some media outlets about other objectives is unfounded," he said.

But Shahroudi met with the prime minister and other senior political figures in Baghdad and with Najafs political officials during his visit to the provincial council. Thus, his statements upon returning to Iran don't make much sense.

Of note, it is the custom for Shiite clerics to meet with their counterparts who visit their cities. However, sometimes when they have a problem with each other, they don't leave any openings in their schedules for meetings.

Some even go further. For instance, Sheikh Wahid Khorasani, a top Shiite authority in Qom and a graduate of the same seminary Shahroudi attended in Najaf, has been a critic of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khorasani leaves Qom every time Khamenei visits.

Given that trend, Shahroudi's failure to meet with the Shiite authorities in Najaf  even though he remained there for days  raises suspicions. It would seem, based on his meetings, or lack of them, that his political agenda was indeed to unify Shiites ahead of the elections.

Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran's Expediency Council, accompanied Shahroudi on the trip. They met with the leader of the National Wisdom Movement, Ammar al-Hakim  who recently defected from the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, which was founded with Iranian support in the 1980s. In the meeting, Rezaei stressed the need for Shiites to be unified in Iraq and called for a common vision among Iraqs Shiite political parties.

Amir al-Kanani, a Sadrist leader, criticized Shahroudi's political agenda "to form a pure Shiite bloc bringing together all of the National Alliances leaders. Kanani went on to say, Iran has no new project other than the formation of a Shiite bloc in Iraq. He stressed that such a sectarian polarization will be countered by a sectarian Sunni polarization and nationalist Kurdish polarization.

Shahroudi also met with Sheikh Qais al-Khazali, the head of Iranian-backed Shiite paramilitary group Asaib Ahl al-Haq. The group, a prominent faction of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), continues to have a military presence in Syria at Irans request  much to the dismay of Abadi and Sistani. During the meeting, Shahroudi stressed the need to maintain the PMU's diversity to ensure against any future risks, such as extremist militias.

In 2011, Shahroudi considered moving to the holy city of Najaf to establish a Shiite authority there. For the Iranian regime, he is a leading candidate to succeed Sistani, who currently holds the greatest influence among the Shiites but is known for being independent from Iran and opposing Irans political interference in Iraqi politics. Shahroudi is also a candidate to replace Khamenei as Iran's supreme leader, which sheds light on how important he is in the eyes of the Iranian regime.

Najaf is willing for Iraq to have independent and balanced relations with all regional parties, including Iran and Iran's enemy Saudi Arabia, and to have the PMU as part of Iraq's official security institution  not to be used outside Iraqi territory to serve foreign agendas.

Najaf also wants a national unity government to be formed away from any sectarian party membership quotas in Iraq, and for Iran to assume responsibility for the political and security failures that occurred during Malikis second term in power. Maliki, who was the Iraqi prime minister from 2006 to 2014, still has unlimited support from Iran.

Shahroudi's visit did not seem to achieve the goal of unifying the Shiite ranks. On the contrary, it delivered to the Iranian regime the message that the Iraqi challenge cannot be easily overcome.
September 13, 2017

TEHRAN, Iran  The perhaps most prominent of the grandsons of the founder of the Islamic Republic has lately adopted a new demeanor on the Iranian political stage. Although he is generally viewed as close to the Reformist camp, he has lately been sending signals that hint at his interest in the rival Principlist tent.

Seyyed Hassan Khomeini is widely seen as a protector of the legacy of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Although he has never run for elected office, he has generally supported Reformist candidates in their campaigns and has thus been the target of attacks from Principlists. However, this seems to have changed following the January death of Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Khomeini had registered as a candidate for the February 2016 Assembly of Experts elections, but was disqualified from running by the Guardian Council the month before the vote. The reaction of Principlist media to the disqualification was quite supportive and welcoming. Meanwhile, Rafsanjani had much criticism for the Guardian Council. On Feb. 1, 2016, Rafsanjani  who then served as chairman of the Expediency Council  harshly addressed the Guardian Council, saying, You do not approve the eligibility [to run for office] of someone who is most like his ancestor, Imam Khomeini? Who has given you the right to judge [on this matter]?

The Reformists were also very angry about the disqualification of Khomeini. At that point in time, they were trying hard to link Hassan Khomeini to the triumvirate of former Reformist President Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005), ex-President Rafsanjani (1989-1997) and incumbent President Hassan Rouhani (2013-). Khomeini himself was quite supportive of this plan, and this contributed to his popularity in Reformist circles. But there is evidently more to this story. Having acted within these confines until Rafsanjanis death, Khomeini has grown to become a different actor on the Iranian political stage, regardless of the very close ties between Khomeini and Rafsanjani.

One figure close to the family of Rafsanjani who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity said, Ayatollah Hashemi [Rafsanjani] considered Seyyed Hassan as his own child and tried hard to support him. Seyyed Hassan, who was a playmate of Mohsen Hashemi [the eldest son of Rafsanjani], had a similar view of Ayatollah Hashemi. However, after the death of Rafsanjani, Khomeini was among those who tried to distance themselves from the Reformist camp. Although this does not exactly add up to direct opposition to the Rouhani administration or the Reformists, Khomeini has gained an increasingly conservative character.

Al-Monitor spoke with prominent University of Tehran professor Sadegh Zibakalam about the shift in perceptions of Khomeinis politics, I also feel that after the death of Ayatollah Hashemi [Rafsanjani], Hassan Khomeini has felt that he has no strong supporter and patron and has preferred to adopt a more conservative approach. He has distanced himself from the Reformists in order to provide [fewer] reasons for the conservatives to attack him.

On Aug. 25, marking the end of the 12-year term of Principlist Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as mayor of Tehran, Khomeini attended his valediction event and said the jubilant words, Mr. Ghalibaf and I have spent many nights in disguise, roaming the poor neighborhoods of Tehran, where there were many drug addicts. In reality, Mr. Ghalibaf has seen the problems intimately and understands them. When someone understands a problem, he can best act to solve it as well, and the secret to Mr. Ghalibafs success is exactly the fact that he has understood these pains.

This is while the Reformist and government media were attacking and criticizing the corruption in the Tehran City Council and Tehran municipality under Ghalibaf. This was the reason why the Reformists were upset that Khomeini attended the farewell ceremony for Qalibaf.

Zibakalam told Al-Monitor, You have to consider that Seyyed Hassan does not have a strong political charisma like his grandfather, enabling him to be a political leader, and he is known as one of the less political of the clerics. He has always had a conservative soul and has preferred not to be on the front line of politics.

But could this sort of behavior from Khomeini continue and provide the basis for his joining the conservative camp? One would find it hard to give a positive answer to this question, since Principlists and especially hard-line elements have often criticized him for his political stances. Indeed, the hard-liners have on several occasions interrupted his sermons on the anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, preventing him from finishing his speeches. Among the latter are the June 2010 speech, in which hard-line slogans were so aggressive that Khomeini left his speech halfway through, or in June 2015, when the actions of the hard-liners forced him to have to ask the audience to allow him to finish his words.

But one new development was the fact that he did not deliver a sermon on the anniversary of the death of his grandfather this past June. While he would usually deliver a brief speech before Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis sermon at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini, this time he decided not to speak. The reason for this move is not clear. Was he worried about the actions of the hard-liners and their possible interruption of his speech? Or was it his own changing political attitude and becoming more conservative? Whatever the case, should one thus interpret his choice not speak at the June ceremony to mean his possible presence among the ranks of the Principlists?

Zibakalam told Al-Monitor, No, since the Principlists would never forget his previous stances  those, which during the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad [2005-13], were markedly against the Principlists. Also, a portion of the hard-liners are so upset with Seyyed Hassan for his close relations with Ayatollah Hashemi [Rafsanjani] that the issue is not very easily resolved. In either scenario, the Iranian political stage is now faced with a new Seyyed Hassan Khomeini: one who has decided to distance himself from the Reformists.
September 13, 2017

At the end of the Sept. 11 meeting of Hamas leaders with Egyptian intelligence head Khaled Fawzy, the leaders announced that they are willing to dissolve the new council they established in the Gaza Strip, and instead consolidate a unity government with Fatah. Thus, in just one meeting in Cairo, Fawzy succeeded in doing what Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas failed to do, despite the latters destructive sanctions imposed on Gaza. The Hamas top brass agreed to dissolve the shadow government set up by the new leader of the movement in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar.

Since April, Abbas had imposed on Gaza several sanctions, including the darkening of the Gaza Strip (by refusing to finance its electricity supply), cutbacks in the salaries of the Palestinian Authoritys employees in Gaza and even cessation of funding for medical services and maintenance of hospitals. These sanctions intensified the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But despite all that, Hamas was not willing to forfeit the new council. This was Sinwars declaration of independence in the Gaza Strip, which turned out to be a serious mistake on his part. Sinwar tried to flex his muscles and prove that he is capable of coping with the difficulties and obstacles placed in front of the movement. But very quickly it became clear to the Hamas leadership that their new Gaza leader was a political novice who did not anticipate the results of his steps in advance.

After the terrible suffering that [Sinwar] generated, and continues to impose on the almost 2 million residents of the Gaza Strip, the Hamas leaders are returning with their tails between their legs, said a high-placed Fatah source from the West Bank, speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. What was he thinking? And what did [Hamas political bureau head] Ismail Haniyeh do to stop him? Now, both Sinwar and Haniyeh are trying to turn the clock back in appealing to Abbas to be a partner in administrating Gaza via a unity government. Will Abbas accept the invitation? Will he be ready to enter Hamas sickbed, when Hamas runs an army that is larger than all the Palestinian security apparatuses in the West Bank, and even fund all this?

He might not have a choice, said the Palestinian source, raising the great dilemma faced by the Palestinian president: Proper relations with Egypt are important to Abbas these days when he is planning to embark on important international diplomatic initiatives. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is an important key figure. Without his support, Abbas will find it difficult to recruit the pragmatic Arab countries to his side. On the other hand, he will not want to carry Hamas on his back during the next fateful year. According to Fatah officials, this may be Abbas last year in power due to his advanced age. Moreover, after the World Bank released an optimistic prediction for the Palestinian market (West Bank and Gaza) of a 7% growth (assuming that the correct economic steps are taken), Abbas has no reason to pour millions of dollars into Hamas at the expense of the West Bank. On the other hand, Gaza residents will not view the Palestinian president as their leader after divorcing himself from the Gaza Strip and abusing its residents with sanctions.

Cairo had two main reasons to push for a thaw in relations between Fatah and Hamas and for establishing a unity government in Gaza. The first is its desire to prevent Hamas from assisting jihadi elements in the Sinai Peninsula, and to cause the organization to cooperate with Egyptian efforts against the Islamic State. The second reason is Cairos justified concern that a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza will threaten Egypts security as well. After Hamas coup in June 2007 and the imposition of a blockade on Gaza by Israel, hundreds of thousands of furious Palestinians knocked down the walls of the Philadelphi Corridor  the steel wall Israel put up between Gaza and Egypt in the Rafah region  in an attempt to loosen the noose around their necks.

There is no doubt that Egypt is aware of the dangers and is doing everything it can today in order to avert such a scenario of [a severe humanitarian crisis] that is more imminent than ever before, the Palestinian source told Al-Monitor. According to him, Egypt is also concerned about its image in the Arab world; they do not want to be viewed as siding with Israel in order to starve 2 million Muslims living under siege in Gaza.

Even if a unity government does arise, there will still be a weighty bone of contention between the sides. The Egyptians want to appoint someone of their own to supervise Hamas activities. This man is former Fatah senior member Mohammed Dahlan. Three months ago, in the midst of the electricity crisis, Sinwar met with Dahlan in Cairo. Several days after the meeting, the Palestinian Maan news agency published documents that, it asserted, testify to the fact that Sinwar offered Dahlan during this meeting the position of Gazas next prime minister. Dahlan denied this. One of his close associates in the Gaza Strip told Al-Monitor that Dahlan was offered an official function in the talks, but not that of prime minister. According to the Gaza source, Dahlan would not be willing to serve as prime minister under Hamas, but what was under discussion was the role of supervisor of the Gaza administration.

Nevertheless, it is clear that Abbas would not be willing for his bitter political rival Dahlan to serve in any position at all. Therefore, the name under discussion now is that of Samir al-Mashharawi, Dahlans right-hand man who was partner to the conciliation efforts. Mashharawi recently visited Gaza and, according to the Gaza source, the Egyptians hope that Mashharawi will be a key figure in closing a deal with Hamas, Fatah and Dahlan  a deal that will ultimately lead to the alleviation of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

At the moment, all of this hinges mainly on Abbas willingness to reconcile with his two enemies  Hamas and Dahlan.
September 13, 2017

Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid and former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon have gotten into the routine of holding regular meetings between just the two of them, sometimes as frequently as twice a month.

Lapid usually shows up at Ya'alon's office in the Ramat HaHayal neighborhood of northern Tel Aviv and meets with him behind closed doors. Ya'alon's secretaries already know how Lapid drinks his coffee, and the mood is like a meeting of old pals, trying to find the ideal formula that would allow them to cooperate as soon as a new election is announced.

Ya'alon has been steering an independent political course ever since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deposed him as defense minister in May 2016. He immediately became the subject of intense courting by Lapid, whose greatest political weakness is his lack of experience in security affairs. In Israel, election campaigns are ultimately determined by security issues, even if momentous economic, social or civil issues are also hanging in the balance.

Ya'alon is a former right-wing chief of staff and defense minister who served in key security positions for the past three decades. In other words, he is a hot commodity when it comes to security affairs. Just one day after he left the Defense Ministry, Lapid was ready to close a deal with him, which would have had them running together in the next election. The problem was that Ya'alon is ambitious. He sees himself running at the head of a list, and that is the one thing that the Yesh Atid chairman is unwilling to concede him.

Despite this, the two men and their advisers have maintained a close relationship ever since. They exchange political briefings and assess various scenarios and alliances for the "big day"  the day the next election campaign is officially launched and of their attempt to overthrow the ruling Likud Party headed by Netanyahu.

While Ya'alon continues building a political platform, raising funds and putting together his own list, Lapid is trying to close a deal with him. Ya'alon's response to Lapid will depend on the former defense minister's position in the polls before the next election, after he officially announces the creation of a new party. If he succeeds in gaining momentum, he will prefer to consider a political alliance only after the election.

As far as Lapid is concerned, the deck was reshuffled last July when Avi Gabbay beat all the odds and won the Labor Party primaries. This caused Yesh Atid enormous damage in the polls. For a long time, Lapid had been able to position himself as the main candidate of the center-left in the race against Netanyahu and the right; then Gabbay popped out of nowhere and passed him. Now there are two parties of roughly the same strength on the center-left: Yesh Atid and Labor. And their two leaders share the same weakness: a lack of experience in security affairs.

This became apparent just two days after the Labor Party's internal election in July. Lapid watched the impressive public interest garnered by the new Labor Party leader in startled disappointment and attempted to present himself as the better security candidate. In an interview with Channel 2 on July 12, he said, "Gabbay is a nice guy, but he has no idea what a Cabinet looks like. I know and I care."

The derisive responses were quick in coming. Lapid was depicted as someone whose experience in security affairs could be summed up in the time he spent as a member of the security Cabinet  less than two years  simply because he was finance minister. It was also noted that the period included Operation Protective Edge, whose management and results are considered controversial. As such, Gabbay's response to Lapid was forthcoming: "Bad experience is not a good thing."

Gabbay and Lapid are now competing over who can get a former chief of staff to be their "No. 2" on security matters  a vital addition to each party's list in an election campaign against Netanyahu. They dont have many options. Ya'alon is also being courted by Gabbay, and the two of them have a very cordial relationship. Gabbay abandoned the Netanyahu government in May 2016 to protest the removal of Ya'alon as defense minister and his replacement with Yisrael Beitenu Chair Avigdor Liberman. On the other hand, the relationship is not as intense and close as the relationship between Ya'alon and Lapid, since Gabbay is still dealing with infighting within his party. Lapid, on the other hand, is the sole and undisputed leader of Yesh Atid.

On Sept. 14, Gabbay is expected to pass a series of amendments to the Labor Party constitution, including an article that will allow him to choose four candidates for the party's Knesset list in the next election. It is most likely that he will try to offer the first of these slots to a popular, senior security figure. In private conversations, Ya'alon admits that he appreciates Gabbay but would find it hard to be part of a party with a left-wing diplomatic agenda.

Another person being courted in this race is former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. Ashkenazi was one of Israel's most popular chiefs of staff, attributed with refurbishing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after the Second Lebanon War. Ever since he completed his term in 2011, he has had a love-hate relationship with the idea of launching a political career. While he has an aversion to party mechanisms, he has not rejected the possibility of jumping into the fray if he thinks it would have some real value or a chance to replace Netanyahu.

Lapid has been trying for years to recruit Ashkenazi for Yesh Atid, but to no avail. The chances of Ashkenazi joining the Labor Party are also very slim. In contrast, Ashkenazi has a very close relationship with Ya'alon. The two chiefs of staff have had a warm relationship ever since Ya'alon supported Ashkenazi in the Harpaz affair (involving fake documents and several top IDF officers, including then-Defense Minister Ehud Barak).

In talks with his associates, Gabbay has promised to bring a chief of staff into the party. One name that is frequently raised in this context is former Prime Minister, Defense Minister and Chief of Staff Ehud Barak. He supported Gabbay in the primaries and has often complimented him. Barak, himself a former chair of the Labor Party, has met frequently with Gabbay in the past few months, but as far as is known, there is no maneuvering underway to bring Barak back into the party. It is, however, possible that this will only happen closer to the next election, since that will make it easier for Gabbay to contend with the many Labor Party members who despise Barak ever since he served there.

The race for a former chief of staff preoccupies senior politicians to the extent that the name of Shaul Mofaz, the former chief of staff and defense minister  who left politics when his Kadima Party disappeared from the political map two months before the 2015 elections  also came up and was considered by Gabbay and Lapid.
September 13, 2017

Several Turkish media outlets reported Sept. 13 that Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani had reached a secret agreement with the Israeli government. The alleged deal involves the settlement of Jewish Israelis of Kurdish origin  a community of some 200,000 people  from Israel to the KRG after the independence referendum on Sept. 25.

Pro-government newspapers Yeni Akit and Aksam ran stories on their websites attributed to a magazine called Israel-Kurd, allegedly based in the KRG, that Israel will repatriate Kurds living in Israel to northern Iraq should Kurdistan become independent. The news website Internet Haber ran the news under the headline, Barzanis game revealed! Insidious Kurdistan plan.

Another important pro-government outlet, Yeni Safak, commented that it may be Barzani, not Israel, who hopes to attract the 200,000 Jewish Kurds to Iraqi Kurdistan. Yeni Safak reported, It is said that Massoud Barzani, who received support only from Israel during the referendum process, plans to strengthen his hand  with help from Kurds of Jewish origin who have prominent positions in Israel.

The sensational if hard-to-believe story came amid another Turkish media blitz directed at Israel. Former Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Yair Golan said at a Washington think tank Sept. 10 that the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been fighting Turkey for independence and autonomy since 1984 (and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union), is not a terrorist organization. Turkeys Islamist news outlets agreed that Golans supportive remarks on an independent Kurdistan constituted Zionist support for the PKK. Interestingly, not a single Turkish media outlet covered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Sept. 13 announcement refuting Golan's words, Netanyahus labelling the PKK as a terrorist organization or criticizing Turkey for not recognizing Hamas as a terrorist group.

In all fairness, as other Al-Monitor writers have pointed out, prejudice against Jews or outright anti-Semitism in Turkey is not confined to the countrys religiously conservative government or its supporters in the media. Secular folks and even Turkish pop stars often say hateful things about Jews or Israelis.

Of course, Turks are not the only ones with a skewed understanding of Jewish and Israeli actions and motivations. Iraqi Kurds themselves hold strange notions about Israeli support for their independence. As we approach Sept. 25, more ordinary Iraqi Kurds express hope that Israeli officials statements in support of an independent Kurdistan bodes well for their putative state. Iraqi Kurds think that, given the powerful Israeli and Jewish lobbies in the United States, Israeli support for an independent Kurdistan basically means US backing for Kurdish independence. Some Iraqi Kurds think, if Israel and the United States are with Kurdistan, who can stand against us?

Yet many people in Iraqi Kurdistan and around the region are ignoring not only that the United States opposes the KRGs independence from Iraq, but also that the Americans worry the independence referendum could upset the regional balance. Washington has refrained from criticizing Barzani or the Sept. 25 referendum so not to offend its Kurdish peshmerga allies that are putting up an effective fight against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

Interestingly, despite the press circus, Turkish officials hold views similar to the Americans' when it comes to the KRG. Despite the dangers that Kurdistans independence may pose for Turkey (especially if it emboldens the PKK to stage more attacks), the Turkish government remains focused on maintaining its political, commercial and energy ties with Barzani and the KRG.
September 13, 2017

Jordan is trying to close the chapter on almost 10 years of economic sluggishness that began with the 2007/08 global financial crisis and was exacerbated by the political turbulence of the so-called Arab Spring that erupted in 2011 and whose reverberations continue to be felt across the Middle East. In this regard, Amman and Baghdad celebrated the reopening of the only land crossing between their two countries on Aug. 30, two years after it was closed due to the Islamic States (IS) gaining control of most of Anbar province on the Iraqi side. IS fighters had attacked the border crossing a number of times over the past two years.

For decades, Iraq was one of Jordan's major trading partners, which benefited local industries and the land transport sector in the kingdom. Most trade passed through the Karama-Trebil border crossing, making it a vital economic artery for both countries. Following the 1990-91 Gulf War and subsequent economic blockade under UN sanctions against Iraq, the Jordanian port of Aqaba became the only gateway for Iraqi imports. Jordans overland transport sector experienced an unprecedented boom during the 1990s and into the 2000s, until the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. During the decade, Jordan became dependent on cheap Iraqi oil imports.

Bilateral trade picked up again as a semblance of political stability was restored to Iraq between 2008 and 2014. In 2013, Jordanian exports to Iraq totaled an estimated $1.25 billion. After IS seized control of most of Anbar in 2014, however, the 560-mile Amman-Baghdad highway became too dangerous for truck and civilian traffic. By mid-2015, the border crossing was closed, adding to Jordans economic woes.

The reopening of the crossing in late August signals the slow resumption of bilateral trade between the two countries. Perhaps more importantly, it is a sign that Jordans efforts to normalize relations with Baghdad, after a tumultuous period under Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, are bearing fruit. Jordanian officials have been wooing Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi since he took office in 2014 with visits to Baghdad, the most important being Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki's trip to the Iraqi capital in January, when a number of bilateral agreements were signed.

For Jordan, restoring normal relations with Baghdad represents a strategic objective that promises to deliver a number of benefits. In 2016, the two sides signed an agreement to build an oil pipeline from Basra, in southern Iraq, to Aqaba. With the capacity to transport 100 million barrels of oil annually, the $5-7 billion project would allow Jordan to meet its crude oil needs. Work is expected to begin this year.

Khaled al-Zubaidi, business editor for the daily Addustour, is optimistic, believing that the reopening of the Jordan-Iraq border crossing will hasten the end of the longest period of economic recession Jordan has seen in modern times.

Zubaidi told Al-Monitor, Jordanians will feel the impact of this move within a year, as many sectors will begin to recover, restoring our exports to Iraq to over $1 billion annually. He added, We expect the resumption of oil imports from Iraq at around 15,000 barrels a day at preferential rates, and in return, Jordanian exports, especially food and agricultural produce, will rise considerably, offsetting the effect of the closure of some Gulf markets, such as Kuwait and the UAE.

Al-Ghad political columnist Fahd al-Khitan warned, however, that traffic on the Amman-Baghdad highway will not return to normal until Iraq can fully secure the road. As much as Jordan wanted the border crossing to be opened, both sides know that terrorist groups on the Iraqi side will try to target the highway, Khitan told Al-Monitor. There are private security companies protecting the highway now in addition to the Iraqi army. Ensuring the safety of travel remains a priority for the Amman and Baghdad governments.

The closure of Jordan's borders with Iraq and Syria due to the crises there complicated Ammans efforts to kick-start its stalling economy. With the road to Baghdad now open, the government is looking north with the hope that the crossing with Syria can also reopen in the near future. Amman closed its side of the border near Daraa after the Syrian army lost control over the Nasib crossing in 2015.

Since Jordan, Russia and the United States agreed to create a de-escalation zone in southwestern Syria in July, Amman has been altering its policy toward moderate rebel groups in southern Syria. Jordan has not commented on reports that it had asked two Western-backed rebel factions on Sept. 10 to withdraw from their positions in Daraa and Sweida and fall back to the Jordanian side of the border. Jordan has insisted that its backing of rebel groups in southern Syria is aimed at fighting IS and other terrorist groups and not the regime. It also indicated that it was willing to reopen the border after the Syrian army takes control.

During the past two weeks, top Syrian officials have made positive statements about the future of relations with Jordan. In response, Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani told a local TV station on Aug. 25, Our relations with the Syrian state and regime are going in the right direction. He called his remarks a very important message that everyone should hear. Momanis statements coincided with reports that the Syrian army had reclaimed a number of checkpoints along the Jordanian-Syrian border.

Khitan thinks it is still too early for Jordan and Syria to restore normal relations. Jordan is going through the motions of exploring all possibilities, and this is a trademark of its pragmatic policy, he said. We never broke ties with Damascus, and we never called for regime change. We backed a political solution from the onset of the crisis, and we have to look at where our interests lie.

Zubaidi is more optimistic about the possibility of reopening crossings with Syria. Our transit trade with the rest of the world depends on an open border with Syria, and when that happens our economy will undergo a quick recovery.
Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

Top business headlines: Sept. 12, 2017

Here are the top business headlines from AL.com for Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. For more Alabama business news anytime, visit AL.com/business.

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

Axe throwing club

Civil Axe Throwing is a new club opening at Huntsville's Campus 805 on Friday night, Sept. 15, 2017. Patrons toss hatchets at targets in competitions similar to dart games.

The axes are more like hatchets in size, so you don't have to be a lumberjack to throw one. Lima's website says axe throwing is "perfect for birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties or just a fun night out with friends." There's a league night, too.

(Contributed photo)

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Daxko

New Daxko CTO

Birmingham software company Daxko has hired Bjorn Bjerkoe to the role of Chief Technology Officer.

The CTO role is a new role for the company, which provides technology solutions to member-based wellness centers like gyms and YMCAs.

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AP file photo

New iPhone announcement

It's been 10 years since Apple's iPhone was introduced. Today, we got our first look at the next generation smartphone - the iPhone X.

The phone will feature an all-screen design and will replace the home button with a virtual home button and, perhaps, facial recognition software that will unlock the device.

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Peter Kneffel

iPhones through the year

Whether fat or thin, long or short, the iPhone has indelibly made its mark on the culture, not just of America, but the world. And it's done so in ways its creators could barely have envisioned at the time. At the iPhone's birth, Facebook was only three years old, Twitter barely a year old and Instagram still three years away. Being social meant something completely different.

In 2007, Jobs said his goal for the iPhone was to own 1 percent of the market within a year, a benchmark the device met. The first version sold more than 3.6 million. Since then, the company has sold more than 1 billion iPhones worldwide. Thats a lot of change.

(AP Photo, dpa,Peter Kneffel)

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William Thornton | wthornton@al.com

Barkery expansion

Montgomery's The Barkery, a doggie bakery which also caters to cats and offers grooming, pet daycare and retail products, is expanding.

Owner Michelle Reeder announced the business has recently acquired Barks & Rec, a Wetumpka pet daycare, boarding and grooming firm at 42 Coosa River Parkway. And yes, they plan on selling their signature pet treats.

(The Barkery)

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Courtesy Alumni Develpment

Alabaster development

A 350,000-square-feet mixed use development is coming to Alabaster at the corner of Interstate 65 and Highway 31.

Tuscaloosa-based Alumni Properties has reached an agreement with the City of Alabaster to build the development, which is sated to open in 2019.

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William Thornton | wthornton@al.com

ASK Telemarketing HQ

ASK Telemarketing held the grand opening today of its new headquarters in Montgomery - a renovated bowling alley that will allow the company to add another 400 jobs.

The company spent $2.7 million on the renovation, which transformed the former Brunswick Woodmere Lanes bowling alley on Carmichael Road only two blocks away from their offices. ASK is in the midst of a two-year expansion.

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Lawrence Specker | lspecker@al.com

Best colleges for veterans

U.S. News & World Report has released its 2018 college rankings, and two Alabama institutions lead their divisions as top picks for veterans.

The publication provides an annual ranking that compares more than 1,800 U.S. schools in a variety of categories, including academics, cost and other factors. In the newly published 2018 rankings, Princeton University takes the overall No. 1 spot for the seventh year in a row.

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John Sharp | jsharp@al.com

Does Mobile have a shot at Amazon?

The City of Mobile is currently reviewing if it will formally bid on Amazon's newly planned $5 billion, 500,000 sq.ft headquarters, adding to the $30 million sorting center that the online giant is set to open on the Gulf Coast next month.

In its proposal guidance, Amazon indicated that it wants the new 8 million sq. ft building to be near to an international airport and metro areas with more than 1 million people. Mobile has a population of around 414,000 in its urban area, but also draws in people from Gulf Coast cities in Mississippi and Florida, and is around two hours from New Orleans.

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William Thornton | wthornton@al.com

Equifax class-action lawsuit

Three class-action lawsuits have been filed in the Northern District of Alabama against the credit monitoring company Equifax.

The suits were filed on both September 8 and September 11. All plaintiffs are filing for damages regarding the massive Equifax data breach.According to the company, hackers used a website application vulnerability to access the personal information of about 143 million U.S. consumers from Equifax.

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Steve Wood UAB Photo

UAB Nursing grant

The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing has received more than $4 million in funding to support graduate programs for the 2017-18 academic year, the university announced on Tuesday.

The funding will support students preparing for careers as advanced practice nurses, nurse educators and nurse researchers. According to UAB, the funding will also help expand primary care services for rural and medically underserved populations.

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Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com

Businessman running for AL House

Priceville business owner Tom Fredricks will run for the Republican nomination for a north Alabama seat in the Alabama House of Representatives, his campaign announced.

Fredricks will run in District 4, which covers parts of Limestone and Morgan counties. Rep. Micky Hammon, R-Decatur, who has held the seat since 2002, has announced he would not seek another term. Fredricks owns Fredricks Outdoor, which sells tractors, mowers, boats, utility vehicles, campers and other equipment. He has been in business for more than 26 years, according to a press release from his campaign.

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Erin Edgemon | eedgemon@al.com

BSC tuition reduction

Birmingham-Southern College is reducing its tuition and mandatory fees by more than 50 percent starting in fall 2018, the college announced on Tuesday.

BSC is resetting tuition back to what is was more than 15 years ago, officials said. Tuition for the 2017-18 academic year was $35,840. Beginning next year, tuition will be $17,650.

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Leada Gore | lgore@al.com

Airports resuming service after Irma

Almost 200 flights out of Atlanta's busy Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are canceled today as the remnants of Hurricane Irma makes its way through Georgia.

Delta Airlines has canceled 140 flights Tuesday; Southwest Airlines has canceled 52 flights out of Atlanta. Those numbers are expected to remain steady during the day.

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Leada Gore | lgore@al.com

Irma evacuees can spend SNAP

Thousands of people from Florida and Georgia are sheltered in Alabama while Hurricane Irma makes its way across the Southeast. For those evacuees that use food stamps, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is reminding them their benefits are good in Alabama and any other state.

Officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, food stamps are a federal program that is transferrable from state-to-state, no matter where the person's original application was filed.
Georgia-Pacific is set to begin construction immediately on a $100 million lumber production facility in Talladega, the company announced today.

It will employ more than 100 full-time employees and generate an annual payroll estimated at $5 million, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce.

The 300,000-square-foot plant is scheduled to begin production in late 2018. It will be located at a former Georgia-Pacific plywood mill that closed in 2008 after more than 30 years of operation. That's a business relationship City Manager Patrick Bryant said Talladega is ready to renew.

"We had a great relationship with GP at the plywood mill and we look forward to another long-term successful partnership," he said.

Once up and running, GP's new facility will receive about 150 log trucks a day and produce around 230 million board-feet of lumber each year. The company has plans to expand production to 300 million board-feet per year in the future. The renewed demand for lumber in construction means Georgia-Pacific is also looking at other expansions in three states.

"Georgia-Pacific's new investment in Talladega will bring good jobs and enhanced opportunities to the area's citizens while also benefiting timber owners in the region," Governor Kay Ivey said, in a statement.

Fritz Mason, vice president and general manager of Georgia-Pacific Lumber, said talent and natural resources made Talladega "an ideal site."

"The City of Talladega, Talladega County, and the State of Alabama have been incredibly supportive of this new venture, and we look forward to a long and beneficial relationship," he said.

Earlier this year, Georgia-Pacific announced it was pumping $50 million in its Brewton mill, funding upgrades of its paperboard machine. The company has invested approximately $1.1 billion in additional capital and acquisitions in Alabama over the last five years, according to the Alabama Commerce Department.

Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the state's forest products industry is in the midst of a "prolonged upswing."

"Georgia-Pacific has been a major player in that growth as it expands its operating footprint in the state's timber belt," he said.

Calvin Miller, executive director of the Talladega County Economic Development Authority, said the announcement illustrates Georgia-Pacific's "commitment to Talladega, Talladega County and the state Alabama for many years to come."
Jennifer R. Statham For AL.com

Redline Steel will be donating thousands of dollars to the American Red Cross and other disaster-relief organizations on Friday to benefit victims of Hurricane Harvey.

CEO Colin Wayne, 28, is an Army combat veteran and Huntsville native. Wayne founded Redline Steel, which sells home decor specializing in steel wall art, in January 2016. Wayne said the company has sold about 2,500 of the Texas Love steel home decor accent pieces, raising more than $25,000, as of Monday for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Harvey, a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall on the Texas and Louisiana coastlines and moved inland on Aug. 25, dropping between 40 and 52 inches of rainfall as it hovered over the area for 117 hours. Harvey created a catastrophic flood disaster, claiming the lives of at least 70 people and doing an estimated $190 billion in damage, among the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.

"(Texas Love) is an exclusive product that we designed in house to contribute to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. We wanted to do something to give back, though we're not physically there to help in Texas. We wanted to step up as a company and contribute in some way," Wayne said. "My initial goal was $10,000 that I wanted to donate within two weeks. We actually hit my goal within 18 hours. We exceeded our expectations, and we're very excited to donate 100 percent of the proceeds."

The 9-inch by 8-inch Texas Love accent piece is $10, plus shipping. It is made from stainless steel and powder coated in red. It was designed by Redline Steel COO Brad Ferch.

Red Steel has donated several pieces to the Huntsville Police Department, Huntsville Fire Department, and several charity organizations, but Texas Love is the company's first scaled campaign, Ferch said.

On Friday, Redline Steel will present a check for $25,000 to the American Red Cross from the Texas Love campaign.

"This is to help those in need," Wayne said. "We wanted to be a part of it, even though we're in Alabama and weren't affected physically here, our hearts and our minds go out to the people in Texas and everybody that was affected."





Want to help?

The Texas Love accent piece can be ordered through Friday at https://goo.gl/w1PgNS










Farmers across Alabama are assessing the damage from the remnants of Hurricane Irma, which brought tropical winds and rain to Alabama Monday.

The Alabama Farmer's Federation stated in a news release that the storm came in the midst of the corn harvest. However, some farmers worked longer hours over the weekend to clear out fields before the storm arrived, said Carla Hornady, director of AFF's cotton, soybeans, wheat & feed grain division.

While farmers in South Alabama dealt with about 3.5 inches of rain, farmers in northeast Alabama had wind gusts of up to 50 m.p.h. That could have an effect on cotton crops, especially with lint quality and making defoliant applications more difficult.

Who could benefit? The AFF says peanut farmers may. The Alabama Peanut Producer Association's Caleb Bristow said the storm may help them more than it hurts.

"Peanuts planted later will benefit from the rain, and farmers preparing for harvest will have plenty of moisture to disc up the peanuts," he said.
For the nearly 200 years Alabama has been a state, its residents have gathered at courthouses to conduct business, buy licenses and discuss community happenings. The judicial buildings, often in the center of the downtown square, are the heart of the town. Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com

NOTE: This list includes only buildings still in use as courthouses and not repurposed former courthouses. It DOES NOT include annex buildings. Notify Kelly of errors or omissions at kkazek@al.com.

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Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com

Here are some facts about Alabamas courthouses:

The state has 72 courthouses for 67 counties; five counties have two courthouses in different cities.

Twenty-eight Alabama courthouses were built more than 100 years ago.

Of the 11 courthouses built in the 1800s, five were built before the Civil War.

The oldest is the Talladega County Courthouse in Talladega, built in 1838.

The newest is the Lawrence County Courthouse in Moulton, opened in 2013. (Updated)

Following is a look at Alabamas courthouses.

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(Source: Spyder_Monkey via Wikimedia Commons)

Autauga County Courthouse, Prattville, 1906

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(Source: Chris Pruitt via Wikimedia Commons)

Baldwin County Courthouse, Bay Minette, 1901

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(Source: Rivers Langley via Wikimedia Commons)

Barbour County Courthouse, Clayton, 1961

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(Source: Michael Rivera via Wikimedia Commons)

Barbour County Courthouse, Eufaula, 1910s

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(Source: Calvin Beale/USDA via Wikimedia Commons)

Bibb County Courthouse, Centreville, 1902

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(Source: Rudi Weikard via Wikimedia Commons)

Blount County Courthouse, Oneonta, 1954

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(Source: Calvin Beale/USDA via Wikimedia Commons)

Bullock County Courthouse, Union Springs, 1872

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(Source: Slip Digit via Wikimedia Commons)

Butler County Courthouse, Greenville, 1871

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(Source: Rivers Langley via Wikimedia Commons)

Calhoun County Courthouse, Anniston, 1900

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(Source: Rivers Langley via Wikimedia Commons)

Chambers County Courthouse, LaFayette, 1899

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(Source: Rudi Weikard via Wikimedia Commons)

Cherokee County Courthouse, Centre, 1936

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(Source: Calvin Beale/USDA via Wikimedia Commons)

Chilton County Courthouse, Clanton, 1960

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(Source: Billy Milstead via RuralSWalabama.org)

Choctaw County Courthouse, Butler, 1907

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Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com

Clarke County Courthouse, Grove Hill, 1955

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(Source: AP File Photo/Anniston Star)

Clay County Courthouse, Ashland, 1906

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(Source: Rivers Langley via Wikimedia Commons)

Cleburne County Courthouse, Heflin, 1907

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(Source: wmr36104 via Wikimedia Commons)

Coffee County Courthouse, Enterprise, 1998

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(Source: Calvin Beale/USDA via Wikimedia Commons)

Coffee County Courthouse, Elba, 1903

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(Source: DailyNetworks via Wikimedia Commons)

Colbert County Courthouse, Tuscumbia, 1882

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(Source: Chris Pruitt via Wikimedia Commons)

Conuecuh County Courthouse, Evergreen, 2006

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(Source: Rivers Langley via Wikimedia Commons)

Coosa County Courthouse, Rockford, 1970

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(Source: wmr32614 via Wikimedia Commons)

Covington County Courthouse, Andalusia, 1916

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(Source: Rivers Langley via Wikimedia Commons)

Crenshaw County Courthouse, Luverne, 1955

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(Source: Chris Pruitt via Wikimedia Commons)

Cullman County Courthouse, Cullman, 1966

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(Source: Jimmy Emerson via Encyclopedia of Alabama)

Dale County Courthouse, Ozark, 1968

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(Source: Jeffrey Reed via Wikimedia Commons)

Dallas County Courthouse, Selma, 1960

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(Source: Rivers Langley via Wikimedia Commons)

DeKalb County Courthouse, Fort Payne, 1955

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Elmore County Courthouse, Wetumpka, 1932

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Escambia County Courthouse, Brewton, 1960

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Etowah County Courthouse, Gadsden, 1949

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Fayette County Courthouse, Fayette, 1911

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Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com

Franklin County Courthouse, Russellville, 1955

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Geneva County Courthouse, Geneva, 1965

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Greene County Courthouse, Eutaw, 1993

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Hale County Courthouse, Greensboro, 1907

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Henry County Courthouse, Abbeville, 1966

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Houston County Courthouse, Dothan, 1962

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Jackson County Courthouse, Scottsboro, 1912

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Jefferson County Courthouse, Bessemer, 2009

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Jefferson County Courthouse, Birmingham, 1931

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Lamar County Courthouse, Vernon, 1909

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Lauderdale County Courthouse, Florence, 1965

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Lawrence County Courthouse, Moulton, 2013 (Updated 9.14.17 with information from a courthouse employee)

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Lee County Courthouse, Opelika, 1896

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Limestone County Courthouse, Athens, 1919

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Lowndes County Courthouse, Hayneville, 1858

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Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com

Macon County Courthouse, Tuskegee, 1905

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Madison County Courthouse, Huntsville, 1966

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Marengo County Courthouse, Linden, 1966

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Marion County Courthouse, Hamilton, 1970

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Marshall County Courthouse, Albertville, 1935

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Marshall County Courthouse, Guntersville, 1935

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Mobile County Courthouse, Mobile, 1994

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Monroe County Courthouse, Monroeville, 1963, in foreground, with the historc courthouse, now a museum, in the background.

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Montgomery County Courthouse, Montgomery, 1987

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Morgan County Courthouse, Decatur, 1975

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Perry County Courthouse, Marion, 1856

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Pickens County Courthouse, Carrollton, 1877

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Pike County Courthouse, Troy, 1952

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Randolph County Courthouse, Wedowee, 1985

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Russell County Courthouse, Phenix City, 1938.

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Shelby County Courthouse, Columbiana, 1908

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St. Clair county Courthouse, Ashville, 1844

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St. Clair County Courthouse, Pell City, 2001

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Sumter County Courthouse, Livingston, 1902

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Talladega County Courthouse, Talladega, 1838

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Tallapoosa County Courthouse, Dadeville, 1962

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Tuscaloosa County Courthouse, Tuscaloosa, 1964

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Walker County Courthouse, Jasper, 1933

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Washington County Courthouse, Chatom, 1964

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Wilcox County Courthouse, Camden, 1857

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Winston County Courthouse, Double Springs, 1929

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More about Alabama's counties

READ MORE: How every Alabama county got its name

READ MORE: What is your Alabama county known for? A look at all 67

READ MORE: The most unusual historic structure in each Alabama county

READ MORE: Take a photo tour of Alabama's oldest and most picturesque courthouses, built from 1837-1910

READ MORE: The quirkiest roadside attraction in each of Alabama's 67 counties

READ MORE: The most notorious person from each of Alabama's 67 counties

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Tara Parker Routzong and her 9-year-old son, Landon, have "paid it forward" in drive-throughs before by paying others' tabs, so Tara wasn't surprised on Friday when Landon wanted to pay for the car in front of them in line at Chick-fil-A.

Tara Parker Routzong's Facebook post about her 9-year-old son Landon's act of kindness has been shared thousands of times on social media. (Courtesy Tara Parker Routzong)

After going to Grandparents' Day at his school that morning, they'd noticed how heavy the traffic was in Troy as Floridians fled their homes due to the threat of Hurricane Irma. "It was wild with all the extra people coming through," Tara said.

Landon saw that the black Acura in front of them had a Florida tag. Even though they didn't know for sure it belonged to an evacuee, he jumped out of his mom's car and took her debit card to the window before the driver could pay for it. He shook the man's hand and introduced himself and asked if he could pay for his lunch.

While he waited for his order, the grateful driver walked over and thanked Tara. As it turns out, he was evacuating from Miami, en route to Birmingham.

Later, Tara posted the story on Facebook, along with a photo of her son at the drive-through window. She made her post public so her husband could share it, and before she knew it the story was shared on a feel-good Facebook page called Love What Matters. From there, it has been shared by several news outlets.

But she didn't post it with the intention of showing off her son's good deed. The last sentence of her post sums up what she was thinking: "I often feel like I'm failing because I can't do it all, all the time and then things like this happen and remind me that I don't have to," she wrote. "My most important job is going just fine."

The post was more about Tara herself, she said. The night before, she had had what she describes as a "global meltdown." She was expecting out-of-town guests early the next morning and felt overwhelmed by everything she needed to do. Landon's gesture put motherhood into perspective for her.

"To see this little kid do something so sweet was a moment for me," she said. "Who cares if you have dishes and laundry to do? Who cares about Martha Stewart perfection?"

Since then, she's read about the many kindnesses extended by Alabamians to evacuees from Florida. "There's story after story about how people in Alabama have stepped up, doing things like paying for gas for cars with Florida tags," she said.

She hopes others will follow suit, even if it's just buying someone's lunch the way Landon did. "This is something we've tried to instill in him, to give back," she said.
One person died in a Wednesday morning house fire in Chilton County, according to the sheriff's office.

Firefighters responded to the report of a single-story residential fire in the area of Chilton County Road 781 and County Road 203 at around 9:06 a.m., the Chilton County Sheriff's Office said. The house was reported to be fully engulfed in flames.

When the fire was extinguished, emergency personnel found one person had died in the blaze.

The victim's name is being withheld pending notification of family.

The Chilton County Sheriff's Office is searching for Dustin Wade Martin in connection to the case. Martin was last reported shoplifting clothes and a silver metallic Halloween mask in Montevallo, according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities haven't released why Martin is sought.

West Chilton, Jemison and Cedar Grove fire departments responded to the fire. The fire is being investigated by the Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office and the Chilton County Sheriff's Office.
KTRK-TV(HOUSTON) -- A Houston police sergeant who died trying to get to work during Hurricane Harvey was remembered Friday morning at a funeral service.



Sgt. Steve Perez, a 34-year veteran, was "bravely serving the city of Houston in the face of this unprecedented weather-related disaster when his vehicle entered high water," the Houston Police Department said.



Perez, a father and husband, died two days shy of his 61st birthday, according to Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo.



HPD Sgt Steve Perez's casket arrives at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart #RIP #Hounews pic.twitter.com/x1tqBd8oRk  Houston Police (@houstonpolice) September 13, 2017

HPD Cadet Class arriving for funeral of Sgt Steve Perez pic.twitter.com/DP5e50OLiU  Houston Police (@houstonpolice) September 13, 2017

"I've got work to do," Perez told wife, who urged him to reconsider reporting for duty.  Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) August 29, 2017

Acevedo was emotional last month as he recounted Perez's death.On Aug. 27, as Harvey flooded the Houston area, Perez left his home at 4 a.m. in heavy rain to try to get to work, Acevedo said. Perez later called in to say he had been driving for over two hours to get to his duty station. But he could not find a path, so he followed protocol and started heading to a secondary station, Acevedo said.On Aug. 28, Perez wasn't present at roll call and no one could reach him, prompting an extensive search, Acevedo said. The next day, a dive team found his body; Perez had driven from an underpass into the water and died, Acevedo said.According to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, when Perez's wife asked him to reconsider going into work, he told her, "I've got work to do.""The death of Sergeant Perez reminds us of the dangers that police officers willingly face every day in order to serve this great city," the police department said. "We will go through this extremely difficult and trying time with heavy hearts, sadly reminded of the ultimate sacrifice one of our own paid."Perez is survived by his wife, son and daughter."Words cannot adequately express the sense of loss the Perez family and their extended Houston Police family are experiencing," the police department said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to Sergeant's Perez's family, his friends, neighbors and colleagues."Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The Birmingham City Council, on Wednesday, approved a resolution supporting the continuation of the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The resolution also encourages Congress to create a permanent path to legal residency for DACA recipients.

Councilors passed the resolution unanimously and without discussion.

Birmingham City Hall was closed on Tuesday due to the threat of inclement weather. The council's regular Tuesday morning meeting was rescheduled for Wednesday.

"The DACA resolution is important because we believe that we want to protect all of our citizens, and those individuals -- they estimate it at over 800,000 to 2 million young people -- who came to this country, they are endanger of being sent out of the country," Council President Johnathan Austin said to reporters outside the city council chambers. "We passed a resolution today in support of ... Congress passing a comprehensive reform to our immigration policy so we can keep those citizens, who are taxpaying citizens, in the United States."

He said the council also asks the mayor to deliver the resolution to every member of Alabama's congressional delegation "so they all know where the city of Birmingham stands relative to DACA."

President Donald Trump, on Sept. 4, decided to rescind Barack Obama's executive action that gave young illegal immigrants a reprieve from deportation. Congress was given six months to pass a bill protecting such children from deportation.

Most of Alabama's congressional delegation applauded Trump's decision, saying President Obama's policy overstepped presidential authority. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, is the only Alabama member of Congress who showed support for keeping DACA.
The Birmingham City Council, on Wednesday, approved spending as much as $35,000 on its upcoming inauguration.

The inauguration is set for Tuesday, Oct. 24. The venue and others details of the event have yet to be determined.

"This is obviously taxpayer money. I think before we vote we need to know what we are spending it on," Councilor Valerie Abbott said, prior to Wednesday's council vote.

"To me, $25,000 was an outrageous amount of money to spend on our inauguration," she added.

The council, on Wednesday, first approved a resolution to approve spending an amount not to exceed $25,000 for the "valuable and worthy event." The resolution was amended on the dais for an amount not to exceed $35,000 based on information from the council administrator, Councilor Lashunda Scales said.

Abbott voted against the measure. Councilor Jay Roberson abstained from voting on amending the resolution.

As Birmingham City Hall was closed on Tuesday due to the threat of inclement weather, the City Council's regular meeting was rescheduled for Wednesday.

Council staff said the inauguration is estimated to cost as much as $35,000 because 1,500 residents are expected to attend, which equates to about $20 for each person.

The event will be free to the public.

Scales said that just because the resolution says $35,000, it doesn't mean that $35,000 will be spent on the inauguration.

"We have never said it is $35,000," she said. "We are capping it as $35,000."

Six Birmingham City Councilors were re-elected on Aug. 22: Scales (District 1), Abbot (District 3), William Parker (District 4), Sheila Tyson (District 6), Roberson (District 7) and Steven Hoyt (District 8).

Council President Johnathan Austin is headed to a runoff with Darrell O'Quinn for the District 5 seat. Councilor Kim Rafferty, District 2, will face Hunter Williams in a runoff.

Former Birmingham City Council President Roderick Royal will go head-to-head with John Hillard, a former state representative, in a runoff for the District 9 seat. District 9 Councilor Marcus Lundy didn't seek re-election.

Council President Pro Tem Steven Hoyt said Abbott's concerns were "really much ado about nothing."

He said" $35,000 is nothing out of a $428 million budget."

"This is about the citizens," Hoyt said, of the inauguration. "Folks like it - I think it is a good start for the council and mayor to be celebrated. Its sends a good a message that we will be working together."

On Wednesday, Austin said the inauguration budget was on the council agenda so preparations for the event can be made ahead of time.

"What we are trying to do is not wait until the last minute because it takes so long for us to write checks, pay the vendors ....," he said, adding that the event could include food, music and venue decorations.

The inauguration could include the mayor and a separate swearing-in ceremony.

Austin said the funding source would be from the council's consulting budget. He said the city council, central staff and council administrator are responsible for planning the event.

Scales said preparations for the event are being made now.

The 2013 City Council inauguration was held at Boutwell Auditorium.
Dan Smith saw plenty of horrors during a 25-year-plus career as a cop.

Then - after retiring as lieutenant of the Homewood Police Department's Criminal Investigation's Division - he became one.

A horror.

Every. Single. Day.

Believe It or Not, Smith launched a second career of sorts at Ripley's Haunted Adventure in Gatlinburg, where he puts on a different face every night. "People pay to get scared and we get to scare them,'' Smith said. "This isn't a Disney-type haunted house. This is a scary haunted house."

Two years ago - in September 2015 - Smith retired from Homewood after 25 years on the job there. He and his wife, Audrey, put their home on the market and began the process of making their dream of retiring to the Smokey Mountains a reality.

Several times a week - for several years - they would scroll through real estate listings and ultimately settled on a cabin in Cosby, about 12 miles west of Gatlinburg. While they waited for their Alabama home to sell, Smith worked work at the Shelby County courthouse under Sheriff John Samaniego. Then they moved to Kansas and stayed with family until their mountain house was ready.

They made the move to Tennessee in December 2016, but neither are the types to sit still. Smith's wife got a job at Anakeesta, the 70-acre aerial adventure park, and Smith put in an application at Ripley's Haunted Adventure. This is how they describe it on their website: "Ripley's Haunted Adventure takes haunted houses to the next level. Live actors lurk behind every corner of this creepy, renovated mansion, just waiting to 'welcome' you to their home. That high-pitched scream you hear, yea, that's you. But remember, you must be at least 6 years old to enter, if you dare!"

"I applied for several jobs with Ripley's, but this was the job I wanted,'' Smith said.

And, it's the job he got. "I went to orientation to learn how to scare people,'' he said with a laugh.

It wasn't a concept totally foreign to him. Smith spent his high school years in Pell City taking part in the school's theater activities and programs. "It was something I always liked to do,'' he said.

He also grew up loving haunted houses. "I started visiting them as a teenager,'' he said. "One of the first ones I went to was the Jaycees Haunted House in Birmingham."

In fact, while on the police force, Smith tried to work a seasonal gig at the Slain Manor/Atrox Factory in Leeds, but his duties, and hours, with the police department prevented that from happening. Now, he's got his chance and he's loving every minute of it. "When my neighbors found out where I'm working, they said, 'Well you are just a big kid, aren't you?''

Smith, who has seven grandsons ages 2 to 14, works four eight-hour shifts a week, and clocks in an hour ahead of time to do his own makeup. He experiments with a different look each day, and almost always posts a selfie of his creation on Facebook. "It's a lot of fun,'' he said.

Ripley's has a college student exchange program, so Smith has worked with actors from New Zealand, Bulgaria and Jamaica, just to name a few. "I take it real serious, just like they do,'' he said. "I feel bad when the kids cry, but I will still scare them."

Those who know Smith well aren't one bit surprised that he ended up in this role, for now anyway.

"It's definitely Dan,'' said close friend and Homewood police Animal Control Officer Robbie Hurst. "He's a fun-loving guy, not somebody who keeps his character in a box. He's a mess."
A former Madison County sheriff's deputy filed a federal lawsuit against the county and a host of officials on Friday, alleging she was fired from her job as punishment for reporting she had been sexually harassed at work.

The suit - which tells of nude photos of a female deputy being passed around the sheriff's department as well as describing graphic sexual suggestions made the deputy -- was filed Friday by Shelby L. Holt in U.S. District Court for Northern Alabama.

Holt alleged in her lawsuit that she was fired after filing formal complaints about being sexually harassed by her supervisor in the sheriff's department.

Among the defendants in the suit: Sheriff Blake Dorning, former Chief Deputy David Jernigan (now police chief in Madison) and all seven members of the county commission: Chair Dale Strong, Roger Jones, Craig Hill, Phil Riddick, Steve Haraway, Phil Vandiver and Bob Harrison. Hill had not yet been elected to the commission during the time period of events outlined in the lawsuit.

Other defendants include sheriff deputies Stacy Rutherford and James King, Madison County IT employees John Sheldon and Dustin Hunt, Madison County director of personnel/human resources Jermie Howell and Madison County deputy director of personnel/human resources Pam Flory.

In an email to AL.com, Madison County attorney Jeff Rich said he does not comment on pending litigation.

The 93-page lawsuit outlines how Holt was wronged in 16 counts. Florence attorney Michael Weathers filed the suit on behalf of Holt.

The lawsuit lists 10 male employees of the sheriff's department or the county who were not fired for their alleged behavior "and numerous other incidents of male employees of the sheriff's department in the course of their exercise of authority over female employees of the sheriff's department exploiting those female employees, providing job security, providing revised personnel evaluations and taking care of pay mistakes in exchange for sexual favors and attention."

According to the lawsuit, Holt was dating James King, another deputy sheriff. The two sent each other nude photos of themselves via cell phones. King, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, then sent the nude photos of Holt to other people.

The lawsuit also said that Sgt. Stacy Rutherford, Holt's direct supervisor, repeatedly made sexually-suggestive comments to Holt. Some of the comments, according to the lawsuit, were graphic in nature.

Rutherford told Holt that, as her supervisor, he could tell her to leave work early to go to his apartment, the lawsuit said. Rutherford also sent nude photos of himself to Holt, the lawsuit said, and Holt did not send any photos to Rutherford. Holt asked Rutherford to stop making the sexual comments, the lawsuit said.

Rutherford created a "sexually hostile working environment" for Holt, the lawsuit said.

Holt filed a hand-written complaint about Rutherford to the personnel/human resources department on Aug. 10, 2016, according to the lawsuit. She also filed her first charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission the same day.

Holt was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 15, 2016, the lawsuit said.

Holt was fired on Sept. 30, 2016, the lawsuit said.

Holt filed a second charge with the U.S. EEOC on Oct. 25, 2016.

"Male employees of the sheriff's department were treated better, more favorably and differently than was Holt and other female employees of the sheriff's department," the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit does not specify the amount of monetary damages that Holt is seeking. The lawsuit asks that Holt be restored to her job "with the same seniority, leave, and other benefits (or front pay) and back pay (with interest) and by awarding Holt compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages and/or nominal damages."
Palestinian NGO says it unintentionally helped fundraise for an Israeli group promoting Jewish settlement in the Negev.

A group of Palestinian Bedouin women have accused an Israeli movement of deceit and defamation after a local designer approached them for a partnership ahead of New York Fashion Week.

The women of Desert Embroidery, who work as seamstresses under the auspices of a local association for the empowerment of Bedouin women in the Negev, helped an Israeli designer with the creation of a dress in the traditional Palestinian embroidered style. The dress was showcased at a fundraiser event last week.





They say they were not informed of the real reasons behind the partnership initiated by designer Aviad Arik Herman, describing it as deceiving and dishonest.

Earlier this year, Herman made headlines when he designed a controversial gown depicting a unified Jerusalem, worn by far-right Israeli culture minister Miri Regev at an international film festival.

According to Asma al-Saneh, head of the Lakia-based Association for the Improvement of Womens Status, Herman failed to mention that OR Movement, an Israeli organisation that works to promote the resettlement of Israeli Jews to the Negev and the Galilee, sponsored the partnership and the dress.

We regularly receive such requests from various designers and retailers in Israel  so this was not a one-time occurrence, and we had no problem assisting him [the designer], Saneh told Al Jazeera.

But we would have never agreed to do this had we known from the start who he was and who had sent him, she added. We feel that our end product was misused.

READ MORE: How Israeli citizens are becoming stateless

According to Herman and OR Movements CEO, Roni Flamer, the interaction from the beginning of the project was authentic and transparent, and both parties were aware of ORs involvement.

But Saneh contends that after the completion of the dress, we were surprised to see the designer arrive to collect the dress with a crew and cameramen  We were also surprised that he introduced us to a man who came with him, which is when we found out that he was from OR Movement and that they were involved.

The fundraiser was co-hosted by OR Movement and Tahor Group, a New York-based agency that regularly promotes the work of Israeli designers.

The embroidered gown received significant backlash from various social media users, who dubbed the result as cultural appropriation due to the use of Palestinian embroidery on an Israeli design.

But according to Herman, it was meant to highlight the potential for coexistence in the Negev.

I created a community artistry project, which gave artists from the Negev an opportunity to connect and collaborate together for this exclusive piece that was designed in honour of the Negev, Herman told Al Jazeera.

I am really proud that this dress implies all this diversity that we have in the Negev and it does not neglect any aspect of the society or culture. There is clearly no theft here; if anything, this is celebrating the culture.

The dress was put up for auction at the end of the show. According to Saneh, the profits generated went towards OR Movements funds  but according to the movements CEO, profits were used to help organisers with the expensive show. OR Movement receives funding from private donors around the world, CEO Roni Flamer told Al Jazeera.

We carry out activities to build different relationships with the different societies in Israel by together taking responsibility to build a shared future and vision  [The partnership] was just for awareness, he said. We decided in a last-moment decision that we were going to add another dress and dedicate it for the collaboration between the Bedouins and the Jews to show that in the Negev, there is a different language.

This aspiration for the increase in the Jewish population in these regions works counter to the creation of a shared society and coexistence, especially when Jewish towns are established in place of existing Bedouin ones. by Haia Noach, Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality

Established in 2002, OR Movements mission is to create Jewish towns in southern Israels Negev desert and Galilee regions. It has established nine new communities and resettled 33,000 people, according to the movements website.

But according to Haia Noach, director of the Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality, an Israeli NGO, the movements objectives are to build Jewish communities on top of existing Bedouin villages.

The OR Movement categorically does not work for the promotion of coexistence in the Negev  It is an organisation that consistently works for the promotion of Jewish settlement in the Negev and the Galilee and expansion of the Jewish population in these areas, Noach said.

This aspiration for the increase in the Jewish population in these regions works counter to the creation of a shared society and coexistence, especially when Jewish towns are established in place of existing Bedouin ones.

Although some Bedouins live in towns sponsored by OR Movement, Noach says these are only token examples of coexistence and do not constitute real equality.

The Bedouin community comprises some 200,000 people throughout Israel, centred mainly in the countrys south. Israeli authorities have regularly executed home demolition orders in the Negev, claiming that the villages lack necessary building permits  which residents say are impossible to obtain.

As a result, Jewish-only towns have been infringing on Palestinian lands, forcing families to transfer out of these areas. Many who remain have no access to basic infrastructure or development opportunities. Saneh noted that some 40 unrecognised Bedouin villages are under existential threat.

OPINION: Prawer Plan buries the two state solution

The vast majority of the Bedouins only have the right to live in larger and urban villages or towns. In the Jewish villages where there is an admittance committee, its almost impossible for Bedouins to be accepted, Noach explained.

According to Saneh, we work very hard to empower women in our community  We would have never associated ourselves with a movement that promotes the building of settlements on top of unrecognised and even recognised villages in the Negev.

Following the release of a local news article announcing the alleged partnership, the womens association formally requested that its name be revoked from any advertising materials, social media pages and future media interviews, Saneh said.

In media reports and social media posts, [OR Movement and the designer] did say that this partnership demonstrates peace and coexistence, but we were never consulted about what we perceived this to be. We feel that they assumed our thoughts on our behalf, she said. We feel that they used our associations name to serve their personal interests, and we feel that our name has now been shaken.





The association is now preparing for legal proceedings in an effort to draw attention to its objective as an independent entity dedicated to the social and economic empowerment of women in the Negev, Saneh said.

Meanwhile, she said, the association has refused to accept any payment for the partnership.

How can we agree to be associated with organisations that help fulfil the [discriminatory] governments objectives, and agree to lend my culture [embroidery] for a dress showcased at a fundraiser that helps the movement build settlements on my land? she said.

The state of Israel is a reality, and unlike most people around the world, we fully comprehend and acknowledge that, as its subjects. As subjects, we have to deal with them, which we are OK with  but we refuse to have our name there.
I feel like the outside world is supporting us a lot and that makes me feel better. I want everyone to hear our story.

Begum Jaan, 65, comes from Rakhine State, Myanmar, which she fled in recent weeks.

My life has been one long struggle. My husband died 25 years ago, and since then I have been begging on the streets of my village to survive. Both my daughters are married, so I had no one to support me.

One night I woke up to the sound of guns and explosions  they were so loud, I could not bear it. I have not been able to sleep since as I can still hear those noises in my head.

Everyone was fleeing, so I fled with them, I did not want to be left on my own. It took me two days to reach Bangladesh, I found the journey very difficult as I need a walking stick and no one accompanied me, even though I saw lots and lots of people heading to Bangladesh. I had heard the military had ships patrolling the river, so I was very scared when crossing it by boat.

Even though I am now in Bangladesh, I am still scared I will run into the Myanmar military. But I am happier now, as I can not hear the sound of guns or explosions.

I feel like the outside world is supporting us a lot and that makes me feel better. I want everyone to hear our story, I want the whole world to hear our sorrows, but I dont know what good it will do. We dont have a future; our lives are hopeless.

*As told to Katie Arnold in Balukhali new shelter camp near Coxs Bazar in Bangladesh.

*This interview has been edited for clarity.

The plight of Myanmars Rohingya

Nearly 300,000 Rohingya, mainly women and children, have fled to Bangladesh in the recent weeks as a result of indiscriminate violence against civilian populations carried out by the Myanmar army.

The UN and other human rights organisations have warned that the mass exodus following killings, rapes, and burned villages are signs of ethnic cleansing, pleading for the international community to pressure Aung San Suu Kyi and her government to end the violence.

The situation seems a textbook example of ethnic cleansing, UN human rights chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein said on Monday, September 11.

Read more to find out who Myanmars Rohingya are
Can common concerns about US policies in the Middle East and Kurdish statehood ambitions bring Turkey and Iran together?

Turkish-Iranian relations have always defied any general characterisation. The two neighbours have never had a straightforward alliance, feud, cooperation or rivalry. Instead, their relationship always carried all these elements simultaneously. There have been times in which the relationship has seemed to be tilting one way or another, and this has generated more debate, controversy and confusion about the nature and future course of the relations between the two countries.

We are now passing through such a period. Turkish-Iranian relations are now being seen as moving towards cooperation, if not alliance-building. Such a characterisation, however, is premature and is reading too much into diplomatic niceties.

In recent times, the diplomatic traffic between Ankara and Tehran seems to have intensified. As recently as August, a large Iranian military delegation headed by military chief of staff Mohammad Hossein Bagheri visited Ankara, meeting their military counterparts as well as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The latter is also expected to pay a visit to Tehran soon.





This recent uptick in diplomatic activity should be seen in the context of a recent convergence of concerns and threat perceptions in the Middle East. However, it should not be interpreted as anything more than that, as Turkey and Iran continue to have diverging, if not conflicting, interests, especially in Iraq and Syria.

Common concerns

A number of common concerns have recently emerged between Turkey and Iran, which has facilitated the recent thaw in relations. Two factors have been particularly important.

First of all, the struggle to establish a post-Arab Spring regional order has generated anxiety in both Ankara and Tehran. The most obvious manifestation of this struggle was on full display during the latest Gulf crisis. Neither Iran nor Turkey regarded this crisis as an isolated confrontation between Qatar and the Gulf-Arab coalition.

The Saudi-Emirati-Egyptian axis is trying to establish a new regional order supported by the Trump administration and Israel, and condoned by countries like Jordan. The logical other of this alliance is political Islam, and by extension Turkey, and the publicly announced enemy is Iran. Therefore, this new regional order, if imposed, would be detrimental to the interests of both regional powers.

Turkey and Iran both opposed the Saudi-led blocks moves against Qatar. In fact, during the initial phase of the crisis, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif paid a rare visit to Turkey to discuss, among other issues, what was happening in the Gulf.

Two issues cause particular concern in Turkey and Iran: the perceived opacity of US policy and the political ambitions of the Kurds. by

Secondly, the struggle for the post-Arab Spring regional order has coincided with another one to determine the post-ISIL futures of Iraq and Syria. The more territories the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) loses, the more rivalries emerge over who should control them.

Two issues cause particular concern in Turkey and Iran: the perceived opacity of US policy and the political ambitions of the Kurds. Iran is anxiously awaiting whether the US will switch its regional policy from ISIL-first to Iran-first policy in the near future. Turkey, on the other hand, is disturbed by the fact that it cant figure out the durability of US for the Kurds in Syria and the end goal of this partnership in Syria.

Both countries are also concerned about the overall aims of the US Syria policy. The prospect of Kurdish statehood in Iraq and of autonomy in Syria and the potential spillover effect these could have on the Kurdish population in Turkey and Iran generate much anxiety in both capitals.

The emergence of the Syrian Kurdish bloc led by the Democratic Union Party (PYD) as a major player in Syria has pushed Turkey to re-evaluate its Syrian policy. It has prioritised pushing back against the gains of the Syrian Kurds over regime change in Syria and this new strategy has become the thorniest issue in Turkish-American relations.

INTERACTIVE: Major Kurdish Factions

The cooperation that emerged between the US and the PYD during the ISIL siege of the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobane between September 2014 and February 2015 acquired a much more solid grounding with the creation of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the backbone of which is the PYDs military wing, the Peoples Protection Units (YPG).

The PYD, which Turkey considers an affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and a national threat, has expanded its territorial gains, received international recognition and legitimacy and acquired military equipment and skills as a result of this partnership. Ankara has perceived US use of SDF as the primary force in the fight against ISIL even outside of the Kurdish-majority areas as evidence of Washingtons long-term commitment to the Syrian Kurds. In a sense, for Turkey the de-ISIL-ification of these areas has turned into their SDF-ification or PYD-isation.

Iran, too, is concerned with Kurdish political ambitions, particularly those of the Iraqi Kurds. The independence of Iraqi Kurdistan would diminish the status of Iraq  a Shia-majority country over which Iran has a significant level of influence  in terms of population, geography, hydrocarbon wealth, and water resources. An independent Iraqi Kurdistan is also likely to be closer to the West, Turkey, Israel, and arguably Gulf states than to Iran.

Kurdish statehood could also create plenty of domestic trouble for Iran. The ties of the Iranian Kurdish population and parties with their Iraqi Kurdish brethren are more solid than those with Turkish Kurds. Aside from the PKKs Iranian affiliate the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK  created in 2004), all other Iranian Kurdish parties have deep historical ties with the Iraqi Kurdish parties. In fact, the leadership of the Iranian Kurdish parties, Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDP-I) and the left-wing Komala, are residing in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Diverging interests

Yet these shared concerns dont translate into shared interests in Turkish-Iranian relations. Although both countries are worried about Kurdish statehood, Turkeys interests lie in minimising the PKK-PYD threat, while the political projections of Iraqs Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) are rather tolerable (even if Ankara opposes its latest push for independence, it is still much less of a threat than an autonomous pro-PKK body in northern Syria).





For Iran, it is the opposite: The break-off of Iraqi Kurdistan bodes ill for its policies in Iraq and it would do anything to prevent it; the PKK and PYDs presence in Syria and Iraq, however, is no more than a nuisance.

Turkey has been in alignment with the Kurdish conservative nationalist current, spearheaded by Massoud Barzanis KDP, whereas the Marxist-nationalist current led by the PKK has had working ties with Iran and its allies such as the Iraqi central government until recently.

This is why despite Irans anxiety about PYDs expanding partnership with the US and territorial control, it still keeps its cold peace with the group. The reflection of this policy is that Iran and the PKKs Iranian offshoot PJAK have kept the ceasefire they concluded in 2011.

Apart from the Kurdish issue in Iraq, Iran and Turkey have other diverging interests. Ankara has been disturbed by the twin processes of the centralisation and sectarianisation of the Iraqi state. In principle, Ankara supports the strengthening of the central government in order to curb the irredentist aspirations of Iraqi Kurdistan, but this could mean the domination of sectarian politics as the Shia groups retain more state power  a trend already in place in the countrys security architecture.

This process was in full force under the pro-Iranian premiership of Nouri al-Maliki between 2006 and 2014 and his policies were arguably largely supported by Iran. Tehran now also supports the Iraqi central governments sectarian policies and use of Shia militias in the areas that have been cleared from ISIL. This runs the risk of further aggravating Turkeys allies in Iraq  the Iraqi Sunnis and the KDP.

Ankara and Tehran have divergent interest in Syria as well. Although Turkey has stopped calling for regime change in Damascus, it is still not in a position to condone the total elimination of the opposition. Like the regime, Iran seems to favour inflicting as much destruction on the opposition as possible. At the same time, it is striving to convince Turkey to open channels with the regime, using the Syrian Kurdish territorial expansion as a pretext.

OPINION: Iran and the Russian-Saudi rapprochement

Putting aside principles or normative considerations, the complete elimination of the opposition or Turkeys opening towards the regime would bode ill for Turkish interests, as its ties to the opposition are one of the most important points of leverage (however fast it may be diminishing) it has in the Syrian negotiations.

Unless and until Turkey believes that it is establishing some balance of interests or influence vis-a-vis Iran in Iraq and Syria, any cooperation with its eastern neighbour will remain fraught with latent or overt tensions and grievances.

The US support for the Syrian Kurds is what is primarily motivating Turkey to seek closer relations with Iran as well as Russia. Any change in US policy towards the Syrian Kurds will have a direct impact on Ankaras relations with Tehran.

The fuel for Turkish-Iranian rapprochement was provided by their shared concerns. Nevertheless, the level at which they can cooperate remains conditional and constrained by their divergent interests in the region.

Galip Dalay is a senior associate fellow on Turkey and Kurdish Affairs at the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, and research director at Al Sharq Forum.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Myanmars national leader Aung San Suu Kyi will not attend the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York.

A spokesperson for her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), told Reuters news agency late on Tuesday that the Nobel Peace Prize winner had withdrawn from the meeting in New York on September 20.

No reason was provided for her withdrawal.

Aung San Suu Kyi, whose official title is state counsellor, faces mounting criticism over the systematic killings and displacements of the Muslim-majority ethnic Rohingya in the western Rakhine State.

Since August 25, 370,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh. But a spokesperson for the NLD said she was not aware of the reason for the Aung San Suu Kyis withdrawal from this years General Assembly.

READ MORE: UN Security Council to discuss Rohingya situation

Shes never afraid of facing criticism or confronting problems. Perhaps shes got more pressing matters here to deal with, Aung Shin, the spokesman, told Reuters.

U Henry Van Thio, Myanmars vice president, is expected to attend the assembly instead, and speak on behalf of Myanmar, Chinas official Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.

The crisis over the security forces fierce response to Rohingya is the biggest problem Aung San Suu Kyi has faced since becoming Myanmars leader last year.

Critics have called for her to be stripped of her Nobel Peace Prize for failing to do more to address the crisis.

Growing pressure

In her first address to the General Assembly as national leader in September last year, Aung San Suu Kyi defended her governments efforts to resolve the crisis over treatment of the Muslim minority.

International pressure has been growing on Myanmar to end the violence in the western Rakhine State that began on August 25 when a ragtag Rohingya militia attacked about 30 police posts and an army camp.

The attacks prompted a sweeping military counteroffensive that refugees say is aimed at pushing Rohingya out of Myanmar.

Reports from refugees and rights groups paint a picture of widespread attacks on Rohingya villages in the north of Rakhine by the security forces and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, who have put numerous Muslim villages to the torch.

But Myanmar authorities have denied that the security forces, or Buddhist civilians, have been setting the fires, instead blaming the Rohingya militia. Nearly 30,000 Buddhist villagers have also been displaced, they say.

The Trump administration has called for protection of civilians, and Bangladesh says all of the refugees will have to go home and it has called for safe zones to be created in Myanmar to enable them to do so.

But China, which competes with the US for influence in the region, said on Tuesday it backed Myanmars efforts to safeguard development and stability.

Full control

The military, which ruled for almost 50 years until it began a transition to democracy in 2011, retains important political powers and is in full control of security.

The UN Security Council is to meet on Wednesday behind closed doors for the second time since the latest crisis erupted.

Matthew Rycroft, Britains ambassador to the UN, said he hoped there would be a public statement agreed by the council.

However, rights groups criticised the 15-member council for not holding a public meeting.

Diplomats have said China and Russia would probably object to such a move and protect Myanmar if there was any push for council action to try and end the crisis.
Legislators pass resolution condemning hate groups and call on president to deal with threat in wake of Charlottesville.

The United States Congress has unanimously passed a resolution condemning neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and other white supremacists, and urging President Donald Trump to address hate groups after last months deadly racially-charged violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Tuesdays joint resolution, which describes the killing of a 32-year-old woman as a domestic terrorist attack, calls on the Trump administration to improve data collection on hate crimes and speak out against increasingly prevalent hate groups.





Last month, hundreds of white supremacists gathered in Charlottesville under the banner Unite the Right over the citys planned removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee.

They clashed with the citys residents, anti-racist protesters and anti-fascists.

During the rally, a man with links to a white supremacist group rammed his car into a crowd of anti-racist protesters, killing Heather Heyer and injuring more than a dozen others.

Trump was criticised for his response to the violence and the rally, in which he asserted there were good people on both sides and bemoaned efforts to remove Confederate monuments as an attack on American history and culture.

He also said that there were very fine people among the white supremacists attending the rally.

No place for hate

The House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure on Tuesday, after the Senate did so a day earlier. It now goes to Trump for his signature.

Legislators from Virginia said Congress spoke with a unified voice to unequivocally condemn the unrest in which Heyer was killed.

The measure recognises and offers condolences for the deaths of Heyer and two emergency responders killed in a helicopter crash while monitoring the rally, as well as 19 people injured in the violence.

I hope this bipartisan action will help heal the wounds left in the aftermath of this tragedy and send a clear message to those that seek to divide our country that there is no place for hate and violence, House Democrat Gerry Connelly said.

READ MORE: Campuses, cities reject far right after Charlottesville

The resolution expresses support for the Charlottesville community, while rejecting white nationalists, white supremacists, the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and other hate groups, and urging the president and the presidents cabinet to use all available resources to address the threats posed by those groups.

It also calls on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to investigate thoroughly all acts of violence, intimidation and domestic terrorism by white supremacists, white nationalists, neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan, and associated groups.

Usually, such resolutions are passed as a statement of intent or a declaration that affects Congress operations, but are not sent to the president.

The authors of the resolution, however, purposefully submitted it as a joint resolution, which is required to be signed by Trump.

The White House has yet to comment on the resolution.

Alarming racism

Since Trumps election, rights groups and monitors have documented a dramatic increase in the number of hate crimes in the US.





Between the November 8 election of Trump and April, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) watchdog recorded 1,863 bias incidents. In the 10 days following Trumps election, the SPLC documented an average of 87 hate incidents a day, which was five times the daily average recorded by the FBI in 2015.

Last month, the UN issued a rare warning over what it called alarming racism in the US.

We are alarmed by the racist demonstrations, with overtly racist slogans, chants and salutes by white nationalists, neo-Nazis, and the Ku Klux Klan, promoting white supremacy and inciting racial discrimination and hatred, the chair of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) said.

The human rights experts called on the US and its leadership to unequivocally and unconditionally condemn racist speech and crimes, warning that a failure to do so could fuel further violent incidents.
The latest attack in Egypts Sinai Peninsula claims the lives of seven, following Mondays attack which killed 18.

At least seven people are dead following a shoot-out in Egypts Sinai Peninsula on Wednesday, a military official said.

Two conscripts and five others were killed after a suicide bomber attempted to storm a checkpoint outside the town of Rafah, near Egypts border with the Gaza Strip, according to Colonel Tamer el-Rifai.

No group immediately assumed responsibility for the attack, which also wounded two others.

The incident occurred just two days after a deadly ISIL (also known as ISIS) attack in the restive region claimed the lives of 18 policemen.

READ MORE:18 soldiers killed in ISIL ambush in Egypts Sinai

Mondays attack by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) was the deadliest against government security forces since July, when the group attacked a remote army outpost in Rafah, killing 23 soldiers.

Egypt has battled fighters in Sinai for years, but the rebellion became far more deadly after the 2013 military removal of Mohamed Morsi.

Al Jazeeras Middle East analyst Yehia Ghanem said the intensified violence in Sinai over the last four years has been used by the Egyptian government to escalate repression throughout the country.

The Egyptian regime has initiated violence in the Sinai  all over the country but specifically in Sinai. Its a rule  violence begets violence, he said.

The Sinai Peninsula borders Israel and the Gaza Strip.
At least 25 people killed in clashes between rival militias over one week, as crisis deepens in CAR.

At least 25 people have been killed in a series of clashes between armed groups over one week in escalating violence in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The UN said on Tuesday that thousands of people continue to be uprooted and forced to flee for their lives in resurgent fighting between rival factions in various parts of the country.

In its weekly report released on Tuesday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that preliminary estimates indicate at least 10 people were killed and 50 others wounded in fighting between rival factions in the central town of Bria between September 7-8.

In Yokapi, a village in the countrys east, around 15 people were killed and some 80 houses torched in a violent confrontation between two communities, OCHA added.

OCHAs reported death toll is in addition to at least six people killed since last Thursday in Batangafo, a northwestern town where more than 28,000 are without aid, according to several humanitarian sources.

If tensions continue to escalate, the UN warns, the country could fall into larger-scale conflict.

The UNs comments come days after human rights group Amnesty International warned that civilians in central areas of the country were enduring a horrifying surge in torture, pillage and forced displacement.

Q&A: Will CAR peace accord bring an end to violence?

On Wednesday, Lewis Mudge, a researcher with the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch, told Al Jazeera that armed groups are more emboldened than ever to kill civilians, rape women and girls and destroy property. Displacement camps, places that are usually protected, are under attack.

There are two main reasons for this uptick in violence: impunity for past crimes and a peacekeeping mission that is overstretched, Lewis said.

The CAR, a former French colony, fell into a protracted political crisis in 2013 after President Francois Bozize was overthrown by a coalition of Muslim-majority rebel groups called the Seleka, who in turn were driven from power.

Selekas abuses against the Christian population led to the emergence of self-defence groups  the Anti-balaka  which embarked on their own campaign of violence.

Muslims were shunned, forced to flee into enclaves and displaced persons camps or neighbouring countries.

Amnesty International warned of a Muslim exodus of historic proportions.

Number of IDPs swells

In June 2016, President Faustin-Archange Touadera was voted in.

Though a semblance of security has returned to the capital, Bangui, the countryside remains under the control of armed groups while UN peacekeepers battle to protect civilians caught in the middle.

At least half of the countrys population currently depends on humanitarian aid.

Since January 2017, the number of displaced people has grown from 400,000 to 600,000 according to the countrys international NGO coordination committee.

Humanitarian organisations have struggled to cope amid the spread of violence. During the first half of 2017, NGO workers suffered more than 200 attacks.

UN Security Council should ensure that [the UN peacekeeping mission] has all the resources required to stem rising violence across the country, said Mudge of HRW.
Report dismisses claims by banks that under law they must provide services to illegal Jewish settlements in West Bank.

A leading rights group says Israeli banks are contributing to the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank by providing loans and mortgages for construction there.

A report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) released on Wednesday says no Israeli law requires the banks to provide such services for the settlements. It says the banks have continued to do so regardless of their human rights obligations.

Israeli banks are financing settlement construction and facilitating settlement expansion as a matter of choice, not because they are somehow required to do so under domestic law, said Sari Bashi, Israel and Palestine advocacy director at Human Rights Watch.

The group is calling on the banks to extricate themselves from the settlements or face the risk of action from shareholders.

READ MORE: UN  Israel settlements big hurdle to two-state solution

Furthermore, HRW said that institutional investors should ensure that their business relationships are free from settlement-related products or investments.

The report mentioned the example of some previous international investors, such as the United Methodist Church pension fund and the Dutch pension fund PGGM, who have divested from Israels five largest banks after citing the banks involvement in settlements as being inconsistent with their human rights policies.

Israels banks lend money to home buyers, settlement councils or companies carrying out construction in the West Bank. Most also have branches in settlements.

Israeli law requires banks to accept settlers as customers, meaning they cannot refuse to open accounts for them. But a legal analysis of Israeli banking laws by Human Rights Watch concluded that banks are not obligated to provide financial backing for construction in the West Bank.

READ MORE: How Palestinian students prepare for settler attacks

While an anti-discrimination law prohibits refusal of service based on place of residence, the report said banks could cite other reasons for declining to provide loans, such as the constructions implications for Palestinians human rights.

The law also allows companies to decline to serve certain areas so long as they provide advance notice to customers.

Under international law, settlements are considered illegal, and much of the wider international community considers them an obstacle to the two state solution.

Israel captured the West Bank, along with the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, in the 1967 war.

Up to 400,000 people now live in West Bank settlements, and about 200,000 Jewish Israelis live in occupied East Jerusalem.
Warning comes as Trump calls latest sanctions only a small step and nothing compared to what will have to be done.

North Korea has said the United States would suffer the greatest pain over its role in the imposition of the latest sanctions on the country.

His comments come after the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a US-draft resolution slapping new sanctions on North Korea.

The forthcoming measures  will make the US suffer the greatest pain it ever experienced in its history, Han Tae Song, North Koreas ambassador to the UN, said on Tuesday.





The resolution is a watered-down version of the original US proposal, but it does ban North Korea from importing all natural gas liquids and condensates, and bans all textile exports and prohibits all countries from authorising new work permits for North Korean workers.

Han rejected the resolution as illegal and unlawful and said the US was fired up for political, economic, and military confrontation.

North Korea is ready to use a form of ultimate means, Han said.

On Wednesday, North Korea also called the sanctions a heinous provocation aimed at depriving the DPRK of its legitimate right for self-defence and completely suffocating its state and people through full-scale economic blockade, according to a statement from the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

DPRK stands for North Koreas formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

READ MORE: All the latest updates on the North Korea tensions

The statement also said that the sanctions verify that the road [North Korea] chose to go down was absolutely right and to strengthen its resolve to follow this road at a faster pace without the slightest diversion until this right to finish is over.

Mondays text is the ninth resolution unanimously adopted by the 15-member council since 2006 over North Koreas ballistic missile and nuclear programme.

It came in response to Pyongyangs sixth and largest nuclear test on September 3, which it said was of an advanced hydrogen bomb.

Very small step

For his part, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the latest UN sanctions on North Korea were only a very small step and nothing compared with what would have to happen to deal with the countrys nuclear programme.

We think its just another very small step, not a big deal, Trump said at the start of a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

I dont know if it has any impact, but certainly it was nice to get a 15-to-nothing vote, but those sanctions are nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen.

OPINION: Peace with North Korea is still possible

Trump has pledged not to allow North Korea to develop a nuclear missile capable of hitting the US.

The initial US proposal included an asset freeze on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and a complete ban on countries selling oil to his government, but the measures were softened to appease China and Russia.

Steven Mnuchin, the US treasury secretary, gave warned China that if it did not follow through on the new sanctions, the US would put additional sanctions on them and prevent them from accessing the US and international dollar system.

Another senior administration official told Reuters news agency that any such secondary sanctions on Chinese banks and other companies were on hold, for now, to give China time to show it was prepared to enforce the latest and previous rounds of sanctions fully.

Frustrated US legislators called at a House hearing on Tuesday for a supercharged response to North Koreas nuclear and missile tests and said the US should act alone if necessary to stiffen sanctions on Chinese firms and any country doing business with North Korea.

READ MORE: Three things to know about North Koreas missile tests

Ed Royce, the Republican chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, said time was running out and Chinese firms should be given a choice between doing business with North Korea or the United States.

Marshall Billingslea, US assistant treasury secretary, acknowledged at the hearing he had not seen sufficient evidence that past sanctions were effective, but defended the administrations strategy.

He called on anyone aware of efforts to enable North Korean trade to come forward before getting caught, warning: We are closing in on North Koreas trade representatives.





Chinas official Xinhua news agency said in a commentary that the Trump administration was making a mistake by rejecting diplomatic engagement with North Korea.

The US needs to switch from isolation to communication in order to end an endless loop on the Korean Peninsula, where nuclear and missile tests trigger tougher sanctions and tougher sanctions invite further tests, it said.

Liu Jieyi, Chinas UN ambassador, called on North Korea to take seriously the expectations and will of the international community that it halt its nuclear and ballistic missile development, and called on all parties to remain cool-headed and not stoke tensions.

Liu said relevant parties should resume negotiations sooner rather than later.

To kick-start talks, China and Russia have proposed a dual suspension of North Koreas nuclear and ballistic missile testing, as well as US and South Korean military exercises.

The US has called the proposal insulting.
Who are the ARSA, what do they want, why did they form and are they linked to any armed groups?

More than 300,000 Rohingya have been forced to flee their ancestral homeland in Myanmars western region of Rakhine amid a campaign of murder, torture, arson and mass rape by Myanmar security forces and allied Buddhist mobs.

The latest mass exodus, which began on August 25, comes after a small group of Rohingya men attacked around 30 police and army posts in Rakhine State, killing 12 officers, according to the government.

Residents and witnesses have told Al Jazeera that the army retaliated with disproportionate force, burning down scores of Rohingya homes and villages as they tried to hunt down the attackers.

The Myanmar army has put the death toll at around 400, saying most of those killed were rebels. Residents, however, say it is more than 1,000 people.

The group that carried out the attacks has insisted it is acting in the best interests of the Rohingya  but who are they and what do they want?

Who are the ARSA?

The Arakan Rohingya Solidarity Army (ARSA), formerly known as Harakatul Yakeen, first emerged in October 2016 when it attacked three police outposts in the Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships, killing nine police officers.

Despite facing decades of oppression, the predominantly Muslim Rohingya had largely refrained from violence.

Rohingya living in Maungdaw township told Al Jazeera that the men, numbering only a few dozen, stormed the outposts with sticks and knives, and after killing the officers, they fled with light weaponry.

In an 18-minute video statement released last October, Ataullah Abu Amar Jununi, the groups leader, defended the assault, blaming the Myanmar army for inciting the violence.

WATCH: The Hidden Genocide  A special Al Jazeera investigation

For over 75 years there have been various crimes and atrocities committed against the Rohingya  thats why we carried out the October 9, 2016, attack  to send a message that if the violence is not stopped, we have the right to defend ourselves, he said.

Maung Zarni, an adviser to the European Center for the Study of Extremism, told Al Jazeera that the groups actions were borne out of systematic abuses of genocidal proportions by the Myanmar military.

This is not a terrorist group aimed at striking at the heart of Myanmar society as the government claims it is, Zarni said.

Theyre a group of hopeless men who decided to form some kind of self-defence group and protect their people who are living in conditions akin to a Nazi concentration camp, he added.

ARSAs actions resemble Jewish inmates at Auschwitz who rose up against the Nazis in October 1944.

What do they want?

ARSA says it is fighting on behalf of more than a million Rohingya, who have been denied the most basic rights, including citizenship.

Our legitimate self-defence is a necessary struggle justified by the needs of human survival, Jununi said in a video uploaded to social media on August 15, 2017.

ARSA has been in Arakan for three years and has not brought any harm or destruction to the life and properties of the Rakhine people and Rohingya.

The Myanmar authorities, however, paint a different picture, saying they are Muslim terrorists who want to impose Islamic rule.

Anagha Neelakantan, the Asia Programme Director at the International Crisis Group, told Al Jazeera that there was no clear ideology underpinning the groups actions.

From what we understand the group is fighting to protect the Rohingya and not anything else, she said.

Its unclear how many fighters the group currently has, Neelakantan explained, adding that there was no evidence that ARSA has any links to local or international Jihadist groups, or that their aims are aligned.

Why did they form?

For decades, the Rohingya have faced entrenched discrimination and other human rights violations by the countrys military governments.

In 1948, when the British left Myanmar, the military who succeeded them launched a campaign to create some sense of nationhood.

Despite them having deep historical and ancestral roots within the pre-colonial borders of Myanmar, the military would embark on several campaigns to ethnically cleanse the nation of the Rohingya.

Since 2012, incidents of religious intolerance and incitement have increased across the country, with the Rohingya and other Muslims frequently attacked and portrayed as a threat to race and religion.

Are they linked to al-Qaeda or ISIL?

Aziz Khan, a Rohingya living in Maungdaw township, told Al Jazeera that the military and civilian government were scare-mongering and there was no evidence to suggest the group had any ties to any prescribed terrorist groups.

The media has latched onto the governments statement that these men are terrorists, this is a lie, [Aung San] Suu Kyi [Myanmars de facto leader] is lying, so are the army, there is no al-Qaeda in Rakhine.

These men are not well equipped. All they have are sticks, swords and guns they seized from military outposts. No bombs.

In a statement released on September 14, ARSA said it had no links with al-Qaeda, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), Lashkar-e-Taiba or any other transnational terrorist group.

While the group may be receiving funds from the Rohingya diaspora in Saudi Arabia, Zarni said, the group is not calling for an Islamic state nor are they separatists, rather its a call for peace and ethnic equality.

Follow Faisal Edroos on Twitter: @FaisalEdroos
Lawyer says unnamed UAE officials were involved in torture of three Qatari men and asks British police to investigate.

A lawyer for three Qatari men who claim to have been tortured and falsely imprisoned by the United Arab Emirates has asked the UKs Metropolitan police to investigate the accusations.

Human Rights lawyer Rodney Dixon said his clients were beaten, hung upside down, and electrocuted during their detention and later made to sign false confessions of spying by UAE officials.

He submitted the allegations against the unnamed officials to British police at their Scotland Yard headquarters in London on Wednesday morning.

Under British law, foreign officials can be investigated and charged for abuses such as torture, war crimes, and hostage-taking.

Arrests can be made by British authorities the moment the accused enter UK territory.

The three men pursuing the case are Mahmoud Abdel Rahman al-Jaidah, Hamad Ali al-Hammadi and Yousef Abdul Samad al-Mulla.

Dixon told Al Jazeera that the accusations were related to events in respect to three victims from 2013 until 2015.

In the case of one of them, he was held for 27 months in detention where he was tortured, he said.

Hammadi was arrested in 2013 after he arrived at Dubai airport, while Mulla and Jaidah were arrested while driving to the Saudi border from the UAE.

According to their lawyer, the men had decided not to publicise their ordeal after their release in 2015 but changed their minds when UAE television broadcasted footage of their confessions, which they said were false.

Read More: Survivors call for action to stop UAE torture

The video confessions, which Dixon said were extracted under torture and pre-scripted, were included in anti-Qatar documentaries broadcast after the start of the ongoing GCC crisis in June this year.

Dixon said the men were determined to clear their reputations and wanted compensation from the government of the UAE for their experiences.

The embassy of the UAE in London has been contacted by Al Jazeera for comment, but there had been no response at the time of publication.

Joe Odell of the London-based International Campaign for Freedom in the UAE called on British authorities to thoroughly investigate the accusations.

This latest case is reflective of a much broader trend whereby foreign nationals are increasingly vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse at the behest of the Emirati authorities, he said.

Scotland Yard should not only conduct a thorough investigation into these latest allegations, but also numerous others which have involved the mistreatment and torture of British nationals in the UAE.

It is imperative that the British states close relationship with the UAE should be conditional on the adherence to international human rights legislation.
Israel has buried remains of four Palestinians in what is referred to as cemeteries of numbers  mass graves in undisclosed areas marked by numbers rather than names.

The burial is the latest session regarding the case of Palestinian bodies withheld by the Israeli army, the Israeli prosecution told the Supreme Court in Jerusalem.

The four buried Palestinians are: Abdelhamid Abu Srour, Rami Awartani, Mohammed Faqih, and Mohammed al-Tarayrah.

The court case held on Wednesday was supposed to reach a decision on whether or not the six bodies, most held for over a year, will be returned to their families for a final farewell and burial.

The case for the remains of the Palestinians was jointly submitted on behalf of their families by the Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Centre (JLAC) and the Palestinian Committee of Prisoners Affairs.

READ MORE: Has Israels security apparatus failed?

The remains of these Palestinians, who were killed after their alleged involvement in carrying out attacks against Israeli citizens, are withheld by Israel in what Issa Qaraqe, head of the Committee of Prisoners Affairs, described as vengeful and an ugly violation of all international and human laws.

The prosecutions declaration was met with stunned anger and tears from the families, who were earlier optimistic that the judge would rule in favour of returning the remains of their loved ones.

I dont want to talk to the media or to any officials, said Mohammed al-Tarayrahs father to Al Jazeera. You are all useless and unscrupulous, and only remember to call us whenever it suits you.

His sons body has been withheld by Israel since June 30 2016, when he entered the Kiryat Arba settlement in Hebron and killed a settler.

In a statement, Mohammed Mahmoud, a lawyer from the Prisoners Affairs Authority, said that the Israeli Supreme Court postponed Wednesdays session after the prosecutors statement.

Salwa Hammad, a spokeswoman and campaign coordinator for the national campaign for the recovery of the bodies of Palestinians, told Al Jazeera that the prosecutions statement will not affect the appeal demanding the release of the Palestinians remains.

Today was supposed to be about the transfer of the bodies from the morgue to their families, she said. If Israel wanted to bury them they should have given their families the chance to say goodbye.

According to the Palestinian Prisoner Affairs Authority, the decision to bury the bodies without the approval of Israels Supreme Court was a result of heavy political pressure on the military authorities.

This summer, the Israeli Supreme Court issued a ruling that stated the Israeli security forces had no authority to withhold bodies.

Palestinians believe that Israel is withholding the bodies as a bargaining chip to use against Hamas to release the remains of Israeli soldiers they allegedly are holding since the offensive on the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2014.

The next court session will be closed to the public and will be held on Sunday, September 17.

Since the start of the October 2015 uprising that saw an uptake in individual Palestinian knife and car ramming attacks against Israelis, dozens of Palestinians involved in those attacks were killed by the army and had their bodies withheld.

Currently the remains of nine Palestinians are kept by Israel, stored in the Abu Kabir Forensic Institutes morgue in Tel Aviv.
Western officials raise concerns Moscow may use drills as a Trojan horse to make incursions into Poland and Baltics.

NATO officials say they are closely watching Russias biggest war games since 2013 with many unnerved about what they see as Moscow testing its ability to wage war against the West.

NATO believes the exercises  officially starting on Thursday in Belarus, the Baltic Sea, western Russia and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad  are already under way. It says they are larger than Moscow has publicised, numbering some 100,000 troops, and involve firing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles.

Codenamed Zapad or West, NATO officials say the drills will simulate a conflict with the US-led alliance intended to show Russias ability to mass large numbers of troops at very short notice in the event of a conflict.

READ MORE: Russia moves nuclear-capable missiles to NATO doorstep

Lithuanias Defence Minister Raimundas Karoblis voiced widely felt fears the drills risk triggering an accidental conflict, or could allow Moscow to leave troops in neighbouring Belarus.

We cant be totally calm. There is a large foreign army massed next to Lithuanian territory, he told Reuters news agency.





Some Western officials  including head of the US Army in Europe, General Ben Hodges  have raised concerns that Russia might use the drills as a Trojan horse to make incursions into Poland and Russian-speaking regions in the Baltics.

The Kremlin firmly rejects any such plans. Russia says some 13,000 troops from Russia and Belarus will be involved in the September 14-20 drills, below an international threshold that requires large numbers of outside observers.

Moscow says it is the West that threatens stability in Eastern Europe because the US-led NATO alliance has put a 4,000-strong multinational force in the Baltics and Poland.

With Russias seizure of Crimea in 2014 and its intervention in Syrias war in 2015, NATO is distrustful of the Kremlins public message.

In Crimea, Moscow proved a master of hybrid warfare, with its mix of cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and use of Russian and local forces without insignia.

One senior European security official said Zapad would merge manoeuvres across Russias four western military districts in a complex, multidimensional, aggressive, anti-NATO exercise.

It is all smoke and mirrors, the official said, adding the Soviet-era Zapad exercises that were revived in 1999 had included simulated nuclear strikes on Europe.

NATO officials say they have been watching Russias preparations for months, including the use of hundreds of railcars to carry tanks and other heavy equipment into Belarus.

As a precaution, the US military has moved 600 paratroopers to the Baltics during Zapad and has taken over guardianship of the airspace of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, which lack capable air forces and air defence systems.

NATOS next move?

Russias military show of force raises some uncomfortable questions for the alliance because NATO cannot yet mass large numbers of troops quickly, despite the United States military might, NATO officials and diplomats said.





NATO, a 29-nation defence pact created in 1949 to deter the Soviet threat, has already begun its biggest modernisation since the Cold War, sending four battalions to the Baltics and Poland, setting up an agile, high-readiness spearhead force, and developing its cyberspace defences.

But NATO has deliberately taken a slow approach to its military build-up to avoid being sucked into a new arms race, even as Russia has stationed anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles in Kaliningrad, the Black Sea and Syria.

The last thing we want is a military escalation with Russia, said one senior NATO official involved in military planning, referring to Zapad.

In the event of any potential Russian incursion into the Baltics or Poland, NATOs new multinational forces would quickly need large reinforcements. But a 40,000-strong force agreed in 2015 is still being developed, officials say.

During Zapad, NATO is taking a low-key approach by running few exercises, including an annual sniper exercise in Lithuania. Only non-NATO member Sweden is holding a large-scale drill.

With 19,000 troops involved, Sweden will simulate an attack from the east on the Baltic island of Gotland, near the Swedish mainland.

The security situation has taken a turn for the worse, Micael Byden, the commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, said during a presentation of the three-week-long exercise.

READ MORE: Locked Shields  The worlds largest cyber-war game

Sweden, like the Baltics, Poland and much of the West, has been deeply troubled by Russias 2014 annexation of Crimea and its support for rebels in eastern Ukraine.

Russia is the country that affects security in Europe right now with its actions  the annexation of the Crimea and continued battles in eastern Ukraine  so it is clear that we are watching very closely what Russia is doing, Byden said.

Around 1,500 troops from the United States, France, Norway and other NATO allies are taking part in the exercise dubbed Aurora.

NATO generals say the Aurora exercise is not a response to Russian exercises that start on Thursday.

NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe James Everard said there was no need to mirror Zapad. Its not a competition, he said during a visit to NATO forces in Latvia.
Syria President welcomes Sergei Shoigu after pro-government forces backed by Russia gain control of city of Deir Az Zor.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has welcomed Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu to capital Damascus as Syrian forces supported by the Russian army prepare to make a final push into parts of the eastern city of Deir Az Zor.

Shoigu gave a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Assad congratulating him on lifting the siege imposed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) in the city of Deir Az Zor, according to a statement by the Syrian presidency.

Last week Syrian troops, backed by Russian air attack, broke the siege of two enclaves in and around Deir Az Zor, which had been encircled by ISIL fighters for nearly three years.

An unwavering ally of Assads regime, Russia militarily intervened in the Syrias six-year conflict in September 2015 when the government was in trouble in its fight against rebels and armed groups.

The Damascus government has had many victories since and now controls nearly all Syrias main cities.

Blow to ISIL

The loss of Deir Az Zor would be a major blow to ISIL, whose territory in Syria and neighbouring Iraq has been shrinking.

Shoigu and Assad, who last met in June 2016 in Damascus, discussed their military and tactical cooperation for the destruction of the Islamic State group in Syria, a statement from the Russian defence ministry said.

READ MORE: Syria: This Case is about Saving Humanity

According to the Syrian president, the meeting emphasised the importance of the Astana process, with a new round of peace talks scheduled on Thursday and Friday aiming to strengthen deescalation zones meant to allow the establishment of a lasting ceasefire in Syria.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Russian army claimed that more than 450 ISIL fighters had been killed in the Deir Az Zor offensive.

Only yesterday, the Russian air force carried out more than 50 flights to help the Syrian armys offensive, the statement said.
Days after reported arrest of 20 preachers and scholars, activists accuse Riyadh of cracking down on more individuals.

Saudi Arabia has detained more preachers and scholars, activists said, two days after the reported arrest of more than 20 individuals, including prominent Saudi intellectuals.

The reports come as Saudi state news agency SPA said authorities were uncovering intelligence activities for the benefit of foreign parties by an unnamed group of people. It did not comment on the reported arrests.

On Sunday, online activists said up to 20 influential Saudi preachers and religious scholars had been arrested, including some of the kingdoms most influential preachers.

Activists dedicated to monitoring and documenting what they describe as prisoners of conscience reported on social media on Tuesday that at least eight prominent figures, including scholars, academics, television anchors and a poet, had been confirmed detained since Monday.





ALQST, a London-based Saudi rights group, also reported more arrests, including several of the same people, although it gave no specific figure.

[Salman] Al-Awdah, [Awad] al-Qarni, Farhan al-Malki and Mostafa Hassan [are confirmed], said Yahya al-Assiri, ALQST head, referring to four of those reported to have been arrested.

The rest are also correct, but I dont have any specific information, he added.

Saudi officials could not be reached for comment.

A Saudi security source told Reuters news agency the suspects were accused of espionage activities and having contacts with external entities including the Muslim Brotherhood, which Riyadh has classified as a terrorist organisation.

READ MORE: IUMS urges Saudi Arabia to free Muslim scholars

The Doha-based International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) condemned the initially reported arrests late on Monday.

The group linked them to the Gulf crisis and urged Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to order their release.

Among those reportedly arrested was Salman al-Audah, a prominent Muslim preacher and member of the IUMS board of trustees.

IUMS said the scholars should not be used as pawns in political disputes, referring to the crisis between Qatar and four other Arab states  Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt.

In regards to the crisis [with] the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, Audah has done nothing but call for unity between these brotherly countries, the statement read, noting that his last tweet urged GCC members to come together for the sake of their people.

The IUMS is an organisation of Islamic theologians and is headquartered in Qatar.

About 90,000 Muslim scholars are connected through the union, which claims to bring together Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Spains state prosecutor has ordered a criminal probe of all 700-plus Catalan mayors who have backed an independence referendum, as Madrid seeks to block the separatist vote it deems illegal.

The countrys prosecutor office on Wednesday ordered the 712 mayors, who have agreed to help stage the October 1 vote, to be summoned to court as official suspects and called for their arrest in case of a refusal to appear for questioning.

Catalonias regional parliament passed a law last week in preparation for the October referendum.

Spains Constitutional Court suspended the independence vote after Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy challenged it in the courts.

Judges are now considering whether the legislation contravenes Spains constitution, which states that the country is indivisible.

OPINION: Catalonias declaration of independence

Spains state prosecutor had vowed to present criminal charges against members of the Catalan parliament who voted in favour of the region holding a referendum on independence.

So far, 712 of a total 948 municipal leaders have said they would allow public spaces to be used for the referendum, although the mayor of the regions most populous area  the city of Barcelona  has yet to take a definitive position.

Wednesdays ruling increases the pressure on Catalan officials just one day before the pro-separatist camp officially kicks off its referendum campaign in the Mediterranean port of Tarragona.

They cant arrest us, theyre crazy!, David Rovira, the pro-separatist mayor of LEspluga de Francoli, a town of some 3,800 residents, told AFP news agency, adding that Madrid had proposed nothing to appease Catalonias demands for greater autonomy.

Joan Rabasseda, the separatist mayor of Arenys de Munt which in 2009 became the first town in Catalonia to hold a symbolic independence referendum, told AFP that he was simply obeying the law calling the referendum passed by Catalonias regional parliament.

Illegal act

The ruling comes a day after prosecutors ordered police in Catalonia to seize ballot boxes, election flyers and any other item that could be used in the referendum.





Prosecutors have already launched an official complaint against Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and members of his government over their referendum plans, accusing them of civil disobedience, misfeasance and misappropriation of public funds  the latter carrying jail sentences of up to eight years.

In a separate order on Wednesday, the Constitutional Court told regional government officials they had 48 hours to show how they were preventing the vote from going ahead.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoys conservative government has vowed to do everything in his power to stop the referendum. It argues Spains 1978 constitution stipulates that regional governments cannot call an independence referendum.

Rajoy on Wednesday urged Catalans to boycott the referendum.

If anyone urges you to go to a polling station, dont go because the referendum cant take place, it would be an absolutely illegal act, he said.

Barcelona Mayor Ana Colau, who opposes secession but supports a vote, says she wants to help arrange the referendum but wont do so without assurances that she and her staff would be acting legally.

Spains King Felipe VI also entered the fray on Wednesday, stepping up the pressure on Catalonia by vowing that the Spanish constitution will prevail over any attempt to break the country apart.

In his first comments on the growing political crisis, Felipe VI said the rights of all Spaniards would be upheld against whoever steps outside constitutional and statutory law.

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Barcelona this week to show support for independence.

Opinion polls show that Catalans are evenly divided on independence, but over 70 percent want a referendum to take place to settle the matter.
Top court sides with the US president for now, as it is set to hear arguments over the legality of the order next month.

The US Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump to broadly implement a ban on refugees entering the country from around the world.

The Supreme Court justices granted on Tuesday a request from the Trump administration to block a lower court decision that would have eased the restrictive refugee policy and, according to the justice department, allowed up to 24,000 additional refugees to enter the United States before October.

The Supreme Court ruling gives Trump a partial victory as it prepares for a key hearing on the constitutionality of Trumps controversial executive order in October.

Trump signed a revised executive order on March 6 that banned travellers from six Muslim-majority countries  Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  for 90 days and locked out most refugees for 120 days in a move that the Republican president argued was needed to prevent terrorist attacks.





The March order followed an even stricter version in January, which was quickly challenged in court and suspended in February.

The administration has yet to say whether it will seek to renew the bans, make them permanent, or expand the travel ban to other countries.

Since being introduced in March, US courts have limited the scope of the revised executive order.

Lower courts have ruled that the bans violate the US Constitution and federal immigration law.

The high court has agreed to review those rulings.

Its intervention so far has been to evaluate what parts of the policy can take effect in the meantime.

The justices said in June that the administration could not enforce the bans against people who have a bona fide relationship with people or entities in the US. The justices declined to define the required relationships more precisely.

In a ruling last week, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals said grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins of legal US residents would be exempt from the travel ban.

The justice department opted not to appeal that part of the 9th Circuit decision.

READ MORE: US settles first Muslim ban lawsuit with campaigners

However, the 9th Circuit also ruled that Trumps refugee policy was too broad, and the court allowed entry to refugees from around the world if they had a formal offer from a resettlement agency.

The justice department appealed, and the full Supreme Court sided, at least for now, with the administration in a one-sentence order.

A representative for the Hawaii attorney general, who challenged the administration in court, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Earlier on Tuesday, Hawaii said in a court filing that the US government could still bar tens of thousands of refugees from entering the country.

READ MORE: Trumps Muslim ban comes into effect

All the 9th Circuit ruling did is protect vulnerable refugees and the American entities that have been eagerly preparing to welcome them to our shores, the states lawyers said.

Amnesty International, the UK-based rights organisation, called Tuesdays Supreme Court decision a devastating blow.

The Supreme Court today has dealt yet another devastating blow to vulnerable people who were on the cusp of obtaining safety for themselves and their families, Amnestys Naureen Shah said in a statement.

They [refugees] continue to be subjected to unimaginable violence and fear while their lives are in limbo.

This ban is inherently cruel and no part of it should be allowed to stand.
Tech-based campaign strategy led to surprising opposition wins in some Moscow districts against Putin stalwarts.

Moscow, Russia  It was supposed to be simple, a photo-op at the end of an election campaign. Russian President Vladimir Putin showed up to cast his ballot during Sundays municipal election in the Gagarinsky district in southwestern Moscow.

The campaign was so low-key that Kremlin-controlled television networks hardly mentioned it, and the turnout in Moscow barely reached 15 percent. The Kremlin knew the United Russia party, the ruling pro-Putin behemoth, would predictably win most of the 1,500 council seats.

In Gagarinsky district, it didnt.

United Russia candidates lost all 12 seats in the district, a leafy neighbourhood of historical buildings dominated by the statue of first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on top of a 40-metre high titanium spire. Opposition candidates fielded by Yabloko, Russias oldest liberal democratic party, won here by a landslide.

Yulia Kuchumova, an IT expert and mother of three, was one of the 12 winners whose United Russia rivals included an 81-year-old film star, the mother of two famous circus performers, and top education and healthcare officials.

We had very serious rivals and did not expect such a landslide, Kuchumova, 33, told Al Jazeera.

Throughout Moscow, more than 250 anti-Kremlin candidates, most of them affiliated with Yabloko, got one-seventh of council seats, coming second in the vote after United Russia despite official pressure, bureaucratic hurdles and vote-rigging, according to Golos, Russias last remaining independent election monitor.

Their coalition, led by opposition leader Dmitry Gudkov, outran three political parties with a presence in the State Duma, Russias lower house of parliament, including the Communists with their traditionally active elderly voters.

We are a number two political force to be reckoned with, Gudkov, who was kicked out of the Duma for his criticism of Moscows 2014 annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, told a news conference in Moscow on Monday. Even at such elections one can win, and we proved it.

Their victory may seem minuscule and insignificant  similar elections throughout Russia on Sunday made United Russia an almost total winner. But their gains in Moscow are an unexpected thorn in the Kremlins side, and Russias marginalised, fractured and besieged opposition could use their seats as a springboard in the 2018 Moscow mayoral election.

After the election results were made public, the Kremlin tried to save face by welcoming them.

The vote shows what pluralism and political competition are all about, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists in a conference call.

The political preferences of Muscovites are changing, Valentin Gorbunov, head of the Moscow Election Committee, told Russian media.





Political Uber

Gudkovs coalition used a groundbreaking online platform that resembled a Lego toy or a simple video game.

The platform helped more than 1,000 candidates  most of them inexperienced first-time politicians  file registration documents and financial reports, and design and print out campaign leaflets. It helped them transparently collect donations, build teams, post updates online, and even plan door-to-door campaigning.

We created a new technology of running election campaigns; we call it political Uber, and this Uber opened up political doors to newcomers, Gudkov said.

The platforms creators wanted to eliminate the elitism of politics with its obligatory and expensive campaign headquarters, lawyers, press services and consultants, as well as reliance on television commercials and connections in the halls of power.

We decided to change this paradigm in politics and make it accessible to the people, Vitali Shkliarov, who led a team effort to create the platform, told Al Jazeera. Thats why we have the first political incubator, political Uber that lets average people without party [affiliations], without big money, to participate.

Before joining Gudkov, Shkliarov worked in various capacities on election campaigns of former US President Barack Obama and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. The experience, however, could not just be transplanted to Russian political soil because of fundamental legal and cultural differences, he said.

Another major factor that contributed to the success of the anti-Putin candidates was the Kremlins tactics of neglecting the campaigns importance.

The elections were not seen as that significant to make the presidential administration run it, they let it slide, and Gudkov used the chance and promoted his candidates by using a low turnout and mobilising a minority of voters, Denis Volkov, a sociologist with the Moscow-based independent pollster Levada Center, told Al Jazeera.

Levadas polls show only about 15 percent of Muscovites are ready to vote for liberal democrats, Volkov said.

Their image has been tarnished by hysterical and perennial campaigns on Kremlin-controlled television networks that accuse them of accepting money from the US State Department and plotting to dismember Russia at Washingtons behest.

Old tricks

What the political Uber could not overcome was a bag of tried-and-tested tricks the Kremlin has been using in elections for years.

Public school principals urged their students parents to vote for United Russia candidates, and government employees were massively forced to vote for them amid vote-rigging, ballot stuffing, and multiple voting, election monitor Golos told Radio Free Europe. Opposition candidates were denied registration and had their campaign leaflets damaged or destroyed, it said.

The fight against campaign leaflets was horrible, election winner Kuchumova said. They were removed the minute after you glued them.

Several opposition candidates were brutally beaten up, Russian media reported.

Unsurprisingly, Kuchumova thinks the job is not for the faint of heart.

To be an honest municipal lawmaker that protects the interests of residents is a very dangerous job, she said at the Yabloko office in central Moscow. I see more and more often how municipal lawmakers fall victim to bandits.

Earlier this week, her colleague had his ribs fractured during a heated debate at an illegal construction site. Dozens of municipal council members have faced pressure, threats, intimidation, and assaults in recent years, according to their first-hand accounts on social media, police statements and media reports.





But Kuchumova still plans to fight demolitions of historical buildings that stand in the way of lucrative construction projects. She wants to investigate shady companies that get hefty government contracts and forge documents allowing them to start the projects without residents consent.

She is indignant about illegal utility charges corrupt officials force on elderly residents. A former chemistry major and dedicated environmentalist, she wants to abolish illegal tree logging, soil-depleting lawn mowing and picking up of fallen leaves, and the use of poisonous chemicals against ice.

She thinks, however, that running for a Duma seat is hardly possible.

Moving a level up is not that easy, she said. The level of corruption is much higher.

What next?

Gudkov is a lot more optimistic.

With a small foothold in Moscow, his coalition can field candidates in the mayoral election next year. Coupled with unexpectedly massive anti-corruption rallies earlier this year, the anti-Putin Uber is now racing against Kremlins political tanks  and its scope can grow exponentially.

The novelty of the system is that it can be replicated on an unbelievable level, Shkliarov said.

The 2013 mayoral vote produced an unpleasant surprise for the Kremlin  opposition leader Alexey Navalny came second with a staggering 27 percent of the vote. Navalny almost ignored Sundays vote and reluctantly congratulated Gudkov, and the two may eventually lock horns in the mayoral race.

Gudkovs coalition will also face a stumbling block called the municipal filter  an obligatory number of local councillors to back any mayoral hopeful. So far, only United Russia has enough backers to field a candidate.

We will have to do everything possible to force the authorities to either abolish the municipal filter or change Moscows election law, Gudkov said.
UN chief and Security Council call on authorities to halt military action against Muslim-minority in Rakhine state.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council called on Myanmars government to end its military campaign against the Rohingya.

The 15-member Security Council met behind closed doors on Wednesday, at the request of Sweden and Britain, to discuss the crisis for the second time since it began and agreed to publicly condemn the situation.

Speaking before the meeting, Antonio Guterres called the situation for the Rohingya refugees catastrophic and completely unacceptable, acknowledging that the minority group was being ethnically cleansed in the Buddhist-majority nation.

READ MORE: Who are the Rohingya?

Around 370,000 of Myanmars minority Rohingya population have fled the countrys western state of Rakhine into neighbouring Bangladesh in recent weeks, according to the UN.

The violence began on August 25, after Rohingya fighters attacked police posts, prompting a military crackdown.

I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military action, end the violence, uphold the rule of law and recognise the right of return of all those who have had to leave the country, the UN chief said at the press conference in New York.

Guterres comments mirrored those of UN human rights chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein, who denounced the situation in Myanmar as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing on Monday.

Al Jazeeras Rosiland Jordan, reporting from the UN headquarters, said it remains to be seen if the Security Council can do anything from a practical standpoint following Wednesdays meeting.

There is a lot of concern here at the UN about the ongoing crisis, she said. The question is: who can be held accountable and can the situation be resolved quickly, or is there going to be another looming humanitarian catastrophe?

The council expressed concern about reports of excessive violence during the security operations and called for immediate steps to end the violence in Rakhine, de-escalate the situation, re-establish law and order, ensure the protection of civilians  and resolve the refugee problem.

British UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said it was the first statement from the Security Council on Myanmar in nine years.

This comes as Myanmars national leader Aung San Suu Kyi cancelled her trip to next weeks UN General Assembly to deal with the crisis, her office said on Wednesday.

She is due to give her first speech on the situation in a televised address next week.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been widely condemned for lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of the crisis, denting the Nobel Peace Prize laureates reputation.

The secretary-general also said he has spoken to Aung San Suu Kyi several times.

Dramatic tragedy

Pressure has been mounting on Myanmar to end the recent surge in violence, with the United States calling for protection of civilians and Bangladesh urging safe zones to enable refugees to go home.





Asked if the situation could be described as ethnic cleansing, Guterres replied: Well I would answer your question with another question: When one-third of the Rohingya population had to flee the country, could you find a better word to describe it?

Myanmars government said on Wednesday that 176 Rohingya villages were completely empty as residents fled the recent upsurge in violence.

This is a dramatic tragedy, Guterres said. People are dying and suffering at horrible numbers, and we need to stop it. That is my main concern.

The government says about 400 people have been killed in the latest fighting in the western state.

Guterres called on the authorities to allow the UN and NGOs into Rakhine State to provide humanitarian aid.

The UN describes the Rohingya as the worlds most persecuted people.

The Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination and have been denied citizenship in Myanmar since 1982.

But Guterres said that the Myanmar government should either grant the Rohingya nationality or legal status that would allow them to live a normal life.
Daniel Dickrell and his 10-year-old son Daniel cleared their street of branches and moss with matching rakes Monday, four hours after Category 1 Hurricane Irma hit Gainesville.

Im out of power, and Im bored, the UF mechanical and aerospace engineering professor said. I figured Id do something other than stare at a wall.

Dickrell was one of 38,000 Gainesville residents who lost power during the storm. He stayed up until about 4 a.m. Monday watching the sky light up blue and green from exploding transformers.

I hadnt seen that before, he said. It was cool and scary at the same time.

However, Gainesville Regional Utilities was quick to respond to outages. GRU is still working on restoring power to about 14,000 customers, said Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe during a Tuesday telephone conference with the citys emergency management officials. About 44,000 GRU customers in and around Gainesville have had their power restored, as of press time.

Thats a remarkable job in a 24-hour period, and actually one of the best turnarounds in the entire state through this storm, Poe said.

Power outages also affected many street lights, which were out Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

In Marion County, one man died in the aftermath of Irma. At 3:20 a.m. Tuesday, a Mississippi man and another driver failed to stop at a broken light on the corner of U.S. 301 and Southeast 132nd Street Road and collided, according to a Florida Highway Patrol press release. The man was declared dead at the scene, and the other driver wasnt injured.

More outages occurred at 20 lift stations  facilities that pump wastewater and sewage from lower elevations to higher elevations  out of the 170 stations in Gainesville. The city is asking residents to minimize their water usage until all the lift stations are up and running.

Gainesville Public Works Department has received 575 service calls since Saturday and is working to respond to all of them, Poe said. Residents have been warned to stay away from standing water in case of animals, electrical currents and other dangers.

City operations will resume normal hours Wednesday. Waste collection will be delayed one day from residents normal date.

During the height of the storm, Alachua County Sheriffs Office Chief Sadie Darnell said ACSO received about 2,400 distress calls, which is almost double the average amount of calls they receive daily. Deputies responded to almost 400 hazardous conditions Monday.

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Some Gainesville residents will still face repairs after the city and county finishes conducting emergency management.

Marty Parks, a Study Edge employee, said he felt his home shake during the storm as a large tree crashed through the ceiling and created four holes throughout the house. When the tree fell, Parks immediately tried to divert the falling water by using trash bags to funnel it into a bathroom sink.

The tree fell from the right side of the house, but was large enough that it covered the front and back of the house, he said.

It punctured the house in a pretty inconvenient manner, Parks said.

Parks and his roommates have to evacuate the house for a few days for repairs, he said.

On UFs campus, which will reopen Wednesday and resume classes Thursday, there was minor damage from flooding and fallen trees.

Leaks were reported in buildings around campus, which included resident halls Beaty Towers and Jennings Hall, said UF spokesperson Janine Sikes. Six suites in Beaty had leaking water, and water collected in the lobby of Jennings Hall, she wrote in an email.

Maggie Stokes, a 19-year-old UF mathematics junior, had a roof leak in her ninth floor Beaty East dorm room around 1:30 a.m. Monday. Water also seeped into the apartment from around the windows.

Stokes and her roommates placed towels on the ground and under the windows and used trash cans to catch water. Stokes said her carpets were soaked, but it could have been worse. Last year, she said they experienced similar damage during Hurricane Matthew.

Our situation wasnt nearly the worst in Beaty, she said. Our RA said that some of the rooms were completely flooded, and people were moving all of their stuff out of the rooms.

There are a couple of fallen trees around campus, including the big oak tree in front of the Physics Building, Sikes said.

Megan Newsome, a 21-year-old UF astrophysics senior, teared up when she saw the fallen tree, which had been standing for more than a century.

It just feels like the tree was a part of the building that has been so integral to my time as a student since Ive spent so much time there, Newsome said.

After the storm had done its worst, Teddy Paddle, 46, walked his dogs, Luna and Matize, Monday morning and surveyed the damage on campus.

Paddle said he fled his coastal home in St. Petersburg and sought refuge with his son, a UF student. As he came across a large tree, which fell across the front pathway of Anderson Hall, he thought about the worst possibility for his St. Petersburg home: a storm surge.

I havent heard from anybody in our neighborhood, he said on Monday. We all evacuated.

Carl Beck, 68, also found shelter in Gainesville to escape a possible storm surge in St. Petersburg. He and six family members packed up the car and took back roads to Gainesville on Saturday after most Pinellas County residents had left.

The path kept going from the east to the west to the east, and for days we thought we were safe enough to weather it out, said Beck, who had never experienced a hurricane before.

Beck planed to return home Tuesday to assess damage.

Im cautiously optimistic that the place I live in is not flooded.

Alachua County Commissioner Ken Cornell said the biggest surprise was the amount of flooding the county received. He said the county requested additional pumps with the hope of clearing standing water as quickly as possible. Flooding in Gainesville affected residents near Hogtown Creek, where water levels rose enough to cover roads.

Nathan Service, a 21-year-old UF public relations senior, lives near Hogtown Creek and watched the waters rise. Before he fell asleep at 1 a.m. Monday, he set an alarm every hour to check on the water level.

It did get a little closer than comfortable, but it wasnt unexpected, Service said.

Though some roads in Gainesville were closed due to flooding, Gainesville Regional Transit System will resume with reduced service Wednesday and return to normal operations Thursday, Poe said.

There will be no service on routes 19, 21, 27, 28, 29, 36,37, 38, 39, 40, 46, 62, 76 and 77 on Wednesday. All UF campus and Later Gator routes will also not be in service, wrote Gainesville Police Officer Matt Goeckel in an email.

Routes running on reduced service Wednesday will be 9, 10, 12, 13, 20, 23, 33, 34, 35 and 43. The other routes will run like normal.

Ever since Jessica Valdes lost power, shes relied on RTS.

Valdes, a 22-year-old UF political science and Portuguese senior, wrote in an email that she uses the bus to get to campus for homework and food because she cant work or cook in her home at Oxford Manor Apartments.

The limited routes affect the amount of time Valdes spends on campus studying, but she said she can find another bus.

I understand why there is limited service, she said. I am impressed with how much urgency and efficiency the city of Gainesville officials have acted to restore the city to its normal activities.

Staff writers Jessica Giles, David Hoffman, Meryl Kornfield, Christina Morales, Jimena Tavel and Catie Wegman contributed to this report.

Students ride their bicycles through nearly a foot of water on the streets near Lake Alice. Lake Alice is one of the areas that flooded on campus during Hurricane Irma.

The tree that was in front of UF's Physics Building was split after Hurricane Irma passed through Gainesville. This tree was one of oldest live oaks on campus, living for more than century, according to the Physics Department website.

Plywood-boarded windows on a home located on the corner of West University Avenue and Northwest 20th Drive had the following phrases spray-painted on them: "Beat Irma" and "In All Kinds UF Weather."

Flood waters cover the crosswalks at the intersection of Museum Road and Corry Circle. Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Irma caused Lake Alice to overflow its banks.

A tree behind Anderson Hall lays strewn across UF campus Monday morning after Hurricane Irma passed through Gainesville.

Debris from Hurricane Irma lie on the sidewalks of the Reitz Union North Lawn on Monday afternoon.

A UF employee drives a bulldozer through Museum Road, which was flooded due to heavy rainfall from Hurricane Irma.

Matt Pfost greets fellow Gainesville Firefighter Brett Thomas as he exits a fire at the Oak Park Apartment complex on Monday morning. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Gainesville Fire Rescue was unable to respond to calls until the winds slowed at about 5 a.m.
Two teens were arrested early Tuesday morning after breaking into an apartment at Windsor Park Apartments, Gainesville Police said.

Maximillian Alfonso McCray, 18, and a 16-year-old boy entered the apartment, which was unlocked, at about 12:15 a.m. Tuesday, wearing ski masks and armed with a handgun, according to an arrest report.

The 16-year-old held someone who lived in the apartment at gunpoint while McCray stole $210 in cash, an Xbox One, a laptop and a tablet, according to the report.

The victim, an off-duty security officer, took a picture of their car, a white Ford Taurus, as the suspects fled, police said.

Officers tried to pull over the teenagers twice before eventually stopping the car at the 1200 block of Northwest 12th Avenue, northeast of UFs campus, GPD spokesperson Ben Tobias wrote in an email.

Police took the teens into custody. The victim identified them, and police found the handgun and stolen items inside the car, Tobias said.

The 16-year-old told police he broke into a home with his cousin to get some marijuana, but he denied taking anything other than money and marijuana, according to the report.

The two were visiting from Merritt Island, Florida, to seek refuge from Hurricane Irma, police said.

McCray was arrested on a charge of armed home invasion robbery and remains in the Alachua County Jail, as of press time, in lieu of a $150,000 bond.

@catie_wegman

mwegman@alligator.org

McCray

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Although Hurricane Irma canceled various shows around town during the past week, theres still plenty of live music to see before September ends. Here are five concerts that are worth your while to attend throughout the next few weeks.

Sept. 13  Magic City Hippies, Flipturn and The Hails at High Dive

Popular indie funk trio Magic City Hippies will be bringing their talents back to High Dive tonight. This Miami-born band has stopped in Gainesville a few times before, with their last show taking place in February at the same location. Theyll be joined by Flipturn and The Hails, local groups with a similar indie/alternative rock sound. Tickets are still available for $14 via Ticketfly, Hear Again Records and at High Dive itself. The show starts at 9 p.m., with doors opening at 8 p.m.

Sept. 15  Hard Boiled featuring Mystic Grizzly, Lucy and Rest In Pierce at Realm

Local production company Over Easy Creatives monthly Hard Boiled event, which celebrates heavier and more experimental bass music than the norm, is set for this Friday at Realm Nightclub. Each of the Florida-based headliners will bring their unique style to the table, with local artists guaranteed to open up the night. Free cover is available before 11 p.m. if attendees tag themselves and their friends on the Facebook event page before 8 p.m. Friday. After 11 p.m., cover will be charged for either $5 or $10 based on the turnout.

Sept. 20  Funtcase and Phiso at Florida Theater

Funtcase, an England-based dubstep producer and DJ, will bring even more bass music to the Florida Theater on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Phiso, an equally heavy artist, will offer opening support. Tickets are available for $10 to $15 via eventbrite, with the show running from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Sept. 27  Papadosio and Phutureprimitive at High Dive

Self-dubbed space rock group Papadosio will bring their funky sound to High Dive on Thursday, Sept. 27 for what should be a huge show. This Asheville, North Carolina-based band has toured around the country, with one of their more recent stops being Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. Phutureprimitive will be joining the group as an opener, with the show running from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are available for $16 to $18 via ticketfly.

Sept. 29  The Savants of Soul at Heartwood Soundstage

Close out September with one of Floridas most exciting bands at one of Gainesvilles newest outdoor venues. The Savants of Soul, a nine-person soul band from Gainesville, will bring their big, brassy signature sound to Heartwood Soundstage on Friday, Sept. 29 from 8 p.m. to midnight. This show doubles as a live recording event, with the performance set to be livestreamed. Tickets are available for $10 via eventbrite, and the livestream purchase will also cost $10.

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There is probably not an adult in America who hasn't experienced having someone cut in line. Its exasperating not only because its fundamentally unfair, but because its highly disrespectful of those already waiting. More confrontational personalities will tell the person to go to the end of the line. Others will say nothing. Nobody likes it.

Would it make you feel any better if the line breaker walked his cute teen-aged daughter to the front of the line and inserted her after you've been waiting an hour? It would be a deft move, intended to disarm you, but it would still be wrong. You might be less inclined to get aggressive with the young girl, but you still would not like it.

That, in a nutshell, is DACA -- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It is adult illegal immigrants using their children to cut in line. There are closely analogous situations when we allow people to automatically go to the front and we don't object. We dont complain when pilots and flight attendants breeze past us to get on a plane. None of us grumbles when a handicapped person gets a reserved parking place while you've driven around the parking lot three times. We do make exceptions, but not in cases where someone has done something wrong or illegal to put themselves at an advantage.

There is appeal to the argument that minor children who came to America illegally under their parents authority should not be punished. However, they shouldnt be rewarded either. Allowing them to stay and obtain a work permit brings with it other advantages. Some colleges, for example, brag about the number of Dreamers they have enrolled and the scholarships awarded to them. The flip side is that since no school has unlimited enrollment and funds, American citizens are deprived of scholarship money and seats in the classroom.

There is even a subtle insult to American students when we call the children of illegal immigrants dreamers. The children of Americans dream too, but they elicit no special legal or societal compassion to help them fulfill their dreams. In fact, illegal immigrant children go to the front because their parents did something wrong. That is the sum and substance of it. Your parents brought you here illegally, and we are going to reward you for it.

That may seem a harsh analysis, but would we allow the cute teenager to stay in the front of the line because a parent inappropriately placed her there? Or would we say to the child of a convicted felon, since your parent committed a terrible crime, we are going to give you advantages which you would otherwise not have? What about the child of the parent who worked hard and obeyed the law all his life? The logical conclusion to this thinking is that the child of a law-abiding American is not worthy of special treatment, but the child of a parent who broke the law is. Viewed from this perspective, DACA fails the tests of both logic and morality.

When government tries to be all things to all people, it ends up being a very bad thing to all but a few elites. When government tries to become surrogate parent, it costs us all dearly.

President Obama said no less than 22 times that it would have been unlawful and unconstitutional for him unilaterally to revise the statutory rules regarding treatment of illegals. He then went ahead and did the very thing that he declared unlawful. He knowingly trespassed into a realm reserved for Congress. Legislative inaction is no excuse for presidential lawlessness.

President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions are being pilloried as cruel for phasing out DACA, which President Obama forced on the nation in June 2012. In fact, theyre showing compassion for us all by restoring the rule of law.

Accusing opponents of lacking compassion is a well-worn tactic of the Left. Our hearts, of course, go out to these children, but their parents bear the shame and responsibility for putting their children at risk. Who could forget the tens of thousands of unaccompanied children from Central America making their way across Mexico, being robbed, raped, or murdered on the journey?

A truly compassionate society exists only where the rule of law prevails. Otherwise, human nature descends into anarchy, might makes right, and the strong oppress the weak. A lawless society is the antithesis of compassion.

The Trump Administration is upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. Its the right thing to do, and every American citizen should support it. Now its up to Congress to be responsible and accountable to the people.

E.W Jackson is a Republican political analyst; a nationally syndicated radio host on American Family Radio & Urban Family Talk; Presiding Bishop of The Called Church; was 2013 Republican Nominee for Lt. Governor of Virginia; and is founder & president of S.T.A.N.D.
Next month, October 31st, will be the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's posting his ninety-five theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church. Whether one thinks Luther was right or wrong, this was one of the most important events in history. Western Civilization was rent in half.

My views concerning Luther have gone all over the place during my lifetime, Was he a villain? Was he a hero? At times, I have held these diametrically opposed views. Now, I am of the opinion that he was a bit of both. Luther's chief attraction as a role model was that he was flawed. God was able to use a very flawed man to achieve a positive good. One did not have to be outwardly holy like a pope to do God's will -- and Luther proved it.

As time goes by, however, I am gravitating more to the opinion that the deity should have picked a better man to clean up Western Christianity.

One thing is clear: The Reformation was going to come, with or without Luther. The Czechs had already spawned the Hussite reformers, a century earlier. Wycliff, in the 14th century, had produced major changes in England. Meanwhile, Tyndale in England, Zwingli in Zurich, and Calvin in Geneva were contemporaries of Luther. Something was brewing. Luther may have been the catalyst to coalesce the movement, but he was not the indispensable man.

Luther's great breakthrough was to re-emphasize that man is reconciled to God through faith in the accomplished work of Christ on the cross, not through human effort. Catholic indulgences were out. Luther had been brought to this crisis and understanding by his study through Pauls epistle to the Romans.

Luther's account of his own conversion cuts to the very heart of the gospel.

Night and day I pondered until I saw the connection between the justice of God and the statement that the just shall live by faith. Then I grasped that the justice of God is that righteousness by which through grace and sheer mercy God justifies us through faith. Thereupon I felt myself to be reborn and to have gone through open doors into paradise. The whole of Scripture took on a new meaning, and whereas before the justice [of] God had filled me with hate, now it became to me inexpressibly sweet in greater love. This passage of Paul became to me a gate of heaven. -- Therefore Now

Man was set right before God, by faith, apart from works.

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Of course, defenders of Catholicism would counter that the epistle of James is a defense of human effort being a necessary requirement for salvation. Luther despised James, and called it an epistle of straw.

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

This was a powerful rebuttal by the Catholic side, but the Reformers had equally powerful counterrebuttals, chiefly that even James had conceded justification by faith in the preceding verse, and so James could not be arguing that salvation was by human effort.

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:

Hence, the Reformers said James was not referring to being justified by works unto salvation, but merely pointing out that a saving faith ideally should produce some works as evidence. Good works are not required for salvation, but are merely a consequence of it.

Besides, as other reformers would note also, man was too imperfect, too flawed, to have any merit before a holy God. The whole work would have to be Christs, which was appropriated only by faith alone.

Once the theological gauntlet had been tossed down, Europe would be split.

What is clear is that Luther's version of the Reformation was barely a change at all. Classic Lutheranism kept the mass. Unlike other Protestant groups, the Lutherans kept the Eucharist. They substituted Catholicism's transubstantiation with consubstantiation. If Catholics believe the elements are turned into the body and blood of Christ, Lutherans believed that only a part of the elements -- a few molecules as it were -- were changed. I have asked Lutherans to explain the difference, and many cannot.

Lutherans kept infant baptism, and placed far more emphasis on it than most other pedobaptizing denominations do. Luther, while not as slavish to Augustine of Hippo's theology as Calvin was, was still too saddled with Augustinian thought. One could argue that it was not enough to get rid of the Vatican, one had to get rid of Augustine as well. Luther did not. Luther also approved of persecuting Anabaptists. He was not a Renaissance man by any stretch of the imagination.

Luther maintained a lot of Catholic views on Mary.

If Luther allowed clerical marriage, it has to be admitted that clerical celibacy was and is not an article of Catholic doctrine, but merely an organizational preference. Luther merely bucked the organizational rules. Maybe the rules merited bucking, but it was not a doctrinal issue. In fact, Lutheranism is remarkably similar to Catholicism in so many ways, compared to later Protestant denominations.

Luther was so desperate to get rid of the pope, and he identified himself with local German rulers as a countermeasure so strongly, that Germany acquired a culture accepting of state tyranny. Luther had merely switched despotisms. He was noticeably ruthless in asking the German princes to crush the Peasant's War. One can trace the origins of modern German authoritarian government to Luther.

But it was Luther's attacks on the Jews where he did the most damage. Initially, Luther started off quite friendly to the Jewish community, going so far was to write a pamphlet: That Jesus Christ Was Born a Jew. Luther assumed that that Jews would flock to his Reformation. When they didn't, he later turned on them.

Luther's most infamous work was On the Jews and Their Lies. Luther, who could read Hebrew, had translated some religious Jewish texts, and found their discourse on Jesus and his mother quite horrifying. Had it been left at that, Luther could have engaged in intellectual debate to much good effect; but Luther publicly recommended a series of societal actions so severe that they read like Nazi legislation. Contemporary German Reformers were horrified at Luther's tirades.

- to burn down Jewish synagogues and schools and warn people against them; - to refuse to let Jews own houses among Christians; - for Jewish religious writings to be taken away; - for rabbis to be forbidden to preach; - to offer no protection to Jews on highways; - for usury to be prohibited and for all silver and gold to be removed, put aside for safekeeping, and given back to Jews who truly convert; and - to give young, strong Jews flail, axe, spade, and spindle, and let them earn their bread in the sweat of their brow. -- Wikipedia

This was no mere rant. Luther's writings would embed themselves in German culture so strongly that even the Roman Catholic Adolf Hitler would list Luther as one of his favorite Germans in Mein Kampf.

To this group belong not only the genuinely great statesmen but all the great reformersas well. Beside Frederick the Great we have such men as Martin Luther and Richard Wagner. -- Mein Kampf

Indeed, Kristallnacht started on the evening of Luther's birthday.

On the night of Martin Luthers birthday, November 9-10, 1938, 191 synagogues throughout Germany were set on fire, and 76 were completely destroyed. 815 Jewish-owned shops were demolished, 29 warehouses and 171 homes were set on fire or likewise destroyed. -- Outreach Judaism

Historians do not exaggerate when they draw a connection from Luther to the Nazis, and while many Lutherans dismiss the charges, it is hard to fully separate Luther from Hitler.

The Nazis organized Luther Day celebrations, calling Luther the first German spiritual Fuhrer, and enlisted his teachings to support the idea that German exceptionalism and anti-Semitism were inseparable. We have no reason to think Luther would have approved of the Holocaust. But -- and this is always the danger with rabble-rousers -- he set his followers on the path. -- Washington City Paper

My own opinion is that Luther almost simultaneously started and killed the Reformation. When the dust settled, with the exception of Scotland and a few French-speaking areas adjacent to Germany, the Reformation was almost totally confined to the Germanic areas of Europe. It would remain so confined until three centuries after Luther. I do believe that God operates through history; and so, while Luther's good ideas were too good to let die, his anti-Semitic poison was so severe that the deity had to confine the Reformation until the 18th century Enlightenment temporarily toned down anti-Semitism. Unfortunately, Luther's influence would resurface in the 20th century.

Some contemporary Baptist writers, such as Max Younce, have gone so far as to question if Luther was even saved. Even dissident Protestants and the Messianic Jacob Prasch have reconsidered Luther.

This is not to condemn the Reformation. As noted, it would have come anyway, apart from Luther. Catholicism had become abysmally corrupt by the 16th century. There was a need to return to the gospel truth of grace alone through faith alone.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

The Bible is full of stories of heroes who started off well, but ended in disaster -- for example, Solomon, or Samson. Solomon had built the temple, but then fell prey to the paganisms of his foreign wives. Samson defeated Israel's enemies only to fall to the wiles of one of their women: Delilah. They destroyed a lot of the good foundations they had laid down.

Luther was a man who began right, and ended badly -- Messianic Teacher Jacob Prasch

Luther is such a man. He began a mighty work -- and for that, I give Luther credit -- but then he nearly capsized the work he had begun. If the 500th anniversary of the Reformation is remembered, let it be remembered with that cautionary note.

Mike Konrad is the pen name of an American who wishes he had availed himself more fully of the opportunity to learn Spanish in high school, lo those many decades ago. He writes on the Arabs of South America at http://latinarabia.com. He also just started a
My local paper had two letters about DACA the other day, ladies agonizing over the plight of the dreamers. One describes her friend from church, as a talented artist who uses her gifts as an activity director at an assisted learning facility. Because her friend is a wonderful Christian, she says we should all support the Dreamers. The second lady insists that denying the Dreamers citizenship is to deny the American dream, to say that some may not take part, utterly demolishes a fundamental value of the United States.

I admit that I am a boring conservative, but one who is neither heartless, nor unreasonable. I know true liberal learning requires knowledge of the world and the people who inhabit it. That is why promising children from time immemorial have been educated by teachers from abroad and encouraged to travel widely.

When we travel, study foreign languages, befriend citizens of other countries, and study the humanities, we learn what all human beings have in common. But one thing all human beings do not share is the same nation-state. Pace globalists who think one world government would be the best and fairest arrangement, history teaches otherwise. At best, it might create open borders, easy travel, and peace, as the Roman Empire did, as well as great wealth for some, but only Roman males enjoyed the full rights of citizens during the time of the empire and much more recently, non-Brits in the British Empire were given second-class citizenship, subject-ship, really, and basically discriminated against in multiple ways. In contrast, the nation-state has been found to be the best arrangement for the protection of rights.

One of our most important rights is equality under the law. This right depends on adherence to the Constitution which requires the legislature to make all federal laws, and no matter how rich, pretty, kind or good, every U.S. resident has to submit to these laws  otherwise chaos results and the rule of law dies, and in its place comes favoritism and political clout. Only crooks want to move to a country where there is no law and order; many people come to the U.S. because here there is law and rights are usually upheld. But nations have rights too, and one of these is the rights to control their borders and to determine who is admitted and for what purposes

Sometimes the law is harsh and as Charles Dickens character, Mr. Bumble puts it: the law is a ass  a idiot. Why? Because it cannot take into consideration all the differences between human beings, the most-worthy or the worst  regardless, we are all equal in the eyes of the law. But despite this downside, equality under the law is always better than lawlessness, and it is especially better for the weak, the poor, and the powerless.

After WW II, Americans realized how much better off we are under our system of government than most of the people in the world. By 1960, JFK was offering to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. Most people took that to mean we would win the Cold War, but after the Cold War ended, we began decades of nation-building with the good intentions to help other nations enjoy the benefits of liberty and equality under law.

This turns out to be a war we cannot win; so some people now want to let all persons who are unhappy with their own countries into America and allow them to establish communities that replicate those they left behind, including legal systems, like Sharia Law, that do not embrace equality under law. This is a recipe for disaster. A nation must have a people and that people must agree on the kind of law which will govern them. She cannot survive multiple systems of law.

There is much we can do to relieve the sufferings of the Dreamers whose status is compromised due to the illegal actions of their parents, but allowing President Barack Obama to make immigration law was unconstitutional, and the states that filed suit were going to win their suits against Obamas Executive Order. No President can do this, and Trump was right to insist that if there is to be a law exempting Dreamers from our immigration laws, Congress must pass a bill. The President does have, as the Supreme Court ruled in 1950, the power to exclude aliens, declaring [It to be] a fundamental act of sovereignty  inherent in the executive power.

In 1952, an act of Congress reinforced the Presidents right to by proclamation and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens and any class of aliens as immigrants or non-immigrants whenever he thinks it would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. The right to exclude non-citizens falls under the Presidents duty as Commander in Chief to protect the nations security. He cannot do the reverse, that is, invite certain classes of people to violate immigration laws that have been passed by Congress.

Besides the two letters from the gentle-women of South Carolina, my paper also had a syndicated column by Rich Lowry. It was titled The President of the United States Cannot Just Write his own Laws. I agree with Mr. Lowry; no matter how many Dreamers can benefit or how wonderful they are, writing laws is the prerogative and the duty of the Congress. We should celebrate this return to regular order represented by the Presidents appropriate deferral to Congress. Congress has deferred too much of its own power to presidents hungry to exercise it. Citizens must hope that this is just the beginning of a total return of powers to appropriate branches. Its about time.

As a graduate student, Dr. Christina Jeffrey quintupled the International Student population at The University of Alabama where she was also Director of International Student Affairs. She is an Army brat who studied several languages, lived abroad as a child and again as an adult, she lived and taught in Europe and in the Middle East. In 1995, she was appointed Historian of the U.S. House of Representatives by then Speaker Newt Gingrich. She teaches, writes and speaks on various policy related issues in and around her home in South Carolina.
Liberals try to compensate for the weakness of their ideas by craftily manipulating the narrative of the debate. They are supported by liberal academicians who manipulate their research methodologies to predispose results that are amenable to their liberal sensitivities. We should be wary because the lack of intellectual diversity undermines the quality of scholarly work, and dulls the vibrancy of thought in the public forum.

Cunningly crafted studies under the guise of objective research are reviewed, then cited, by peers prudently protecting their own careers. Eventually, a bunch of concocted poppycock masquerading as authentic research pollutes the public square, where pandering politicians and liberal media patsies loiter. They are eager to peddle leftist orthodoxy in a marketplace of counterfeit ideas.

One such patsy was a questioner at a GOP presidential debate in the last cycle who gleefully inquired about gender pay disparities. Her question presumed that the pay gap was 23%, even though that figure is based on raw data which merely reflects the median earnings for all men and women. Actually, when data are adjusted for job position, hours worked, unpaid absences, chosen major, industry, safety, work/life balance, and availability to travel, the gap is negligible. Though you wont find it atop a Google search results list, a Department of Labor study (CONSAD) supports this. In essence, the gap, or at least the extent of it, is a myth. Nevertheless, the smug moderator coerced the debaters to accept the premise lest they be accused of a war on women--a spurious phrase that resonates in the alternate reality of liberal research since they have seized the language of the debate.

It shows that if one is deceitfully clever that its easy to inject voodoo statistics into the public debate. Indeed, dubious research is everywhere, particularly in the form of publication bias which crafts a methodology to produce positive results. This insidious bias generally supports the researchers ideological predisposition, and is music to the ears of the liberal intelligentsia who are keen to acquiesce to their concocted conclusions. Conversely, if their hypothesis isnt proved then it is deemed less interesting; indeed, studies with null results often dont see the light of day. In the U.S., behavioral research studies skew extremely positive. Often motivated by the publish or perish syndrome, null results are given short shrift, skewing social science literature towards leftist tautologies.

The National Institute of Health is an example of a reputable organization that succumbs to positive bias. They created a position for a chief officer for scientific-workforce diversity. The incumbent feels compelled to get evidence of racial bias in research grant awards, saying, We can move forward with a premise that the diversity of scientists themselves is important. But it behooves us as scientists to get the evidence that the diversity of scientists makes a difference to the output. I have a suspicion she will uncover this evidence long before even contemplating the insidious consequences of intellectual bias -- her career depends upon it.

Given that some estimates are that there are 14 liberal social psychologists in academia for one who tends conservative, we can see how this furtive bias ferments in liberal groupthink. If the peer review panels that deem a study publishable reflect the general composition of academia, then theyd need 15 members for there to be at least one, hopefully very persuasive, conservative. Not a chance -- peer review panels rarely comprise more than a few members.

Dismissively and defensively, some have justified the preponderance of liberals in social sciences by postulating that conservatives either arent attracted or well suited to the field. Apparently, the very nature of social psychology, for example, attracts liberals because their studies favor liberal social activism rather than conservative tendencies. This is disingenuous: one survey found that 79 percent of social psychologists admitted they would be less likely to support hiring a conservative colleague than a liberal scholar with equivalent qualifications.

Irrespective of the rationalizations, its rare for social scientists to vigorously pursue knowledge that may contradict their leftist worldview. Consider the experiences of one of the most renowned social scientists of recent decades: Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, the seminal work delineating the decline of civic engagement in America. At great professional peril he dared to jump off the bandwagon bias.

Putnam conducted a huge study of 30,000 people in America and found that [T]he greater the diversity in a community, the fewer people vote and the less they volunteer, the less they give to charity and work on community projects. In the most diverse communities, neighbors trust one another about half as much as they do in the most homogenous settings. The study, the largest ever on civic engagement in America, found that virtually all measures of civic health are lower in more diverse settings.

His data were exhaustive and foolproof; nevertheless, peers scrutinized his methods well beyond the skepticism they show to results which conform to liberal orthodoxy. Even Putnam was uncomfortable with his findings: under intense pressure from his colleagues he tried to disprove his results.

Eventually he succumbed to his meticulous data and published, but his intellectual dissonance illuminates the inherent bias in academia. As Alan Wolfe, director of the Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life at Boston College, said There are plenty of social scientists who never produce research results at odds with their own worldview the problem too often is people are never uncomfortable about their findings."

Liberals are comfortable in their safe zones where inconvenient facts are subdued. For example, mortality rates for less educated middle-aged whites are increasing at much faster rates than for minorities. Youll hear plenty of discussion about a womens right to choose, but nary a hint of the war on the unborn. Nor will the failings on the war on poverty be exposed, even though poverty rates are higher than they should be given the resources diverted to that front. After spending huge sums -- or investing, as liberals like to cloak it -- why does public school performance still flounder, and the student achievement gap persist? These are vexing issues that deserve a town crier in the public square.

Dont expect many outcries about the breakdown of the traditional family unit, and its concomitant societal problems. Thats simply too detrimental to their comfortable liberalism. Even when the late Senator Patrick Moynihan raised the specter of unstable families, poor schools and bad neighborhoods decades ago, he was castigated by liberal attack dogs for leaving the liberal reservation.

Social scientists conjure research that replenishes a worldview replete with mischievous narratives and riddled with leftist indoctrination. Practitioners are disproportionately assisting liberals by applying misguided methodologies that are conducive to the positive publication paradigm. This emboldens liberal patsies to hijack the debate under the pretense of respectable research. Coddled by contrived conclusions, theyd rather be obsequious than objective. Thats their polluted and stagnant safe zone, not a vibrant public square. No wonder their candidates keep losing elections.
The seeds of the modern bureaucratic or administrative state go back to the Progressive Era of American history in the early 20th century. But progressive regulation morphed into the hyper-control of our present federal government during the New Deal. Modern students, whose history education has been directed by teachers who accept the reality of a federal leviathan, are often unaware of the fact that before 1916 there was no income tax in the United States, and that federal revenues were primarily through import duties. The income tax was justified by the need to support the ever-expanding regulatory environment being promoted by Democrats, with a small amount of crossover by Republicans.

Woodrow Wilson and the Democrats were far more drawn to the big government idea and ideal than their Republican confreres. Under Wilson, the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was replaced with the more powerful antitrust tool, the Clayton Antitrust Act. The Federal Reserve came into being under Wilson. Further, the 16th Amendment allowing a federal income tax was enacted in 1916, although the move to establish that institution had begun before Wilson took office, having been passed by Congress in 1909. More importantly, under Wilson, the U.S. became involved in World War I, and in the prosecution of that war, various federal governmental controls over industry were enacted in order to promote the war effort, not the least of which was the War Industries Board under Bernard Baruch.

So the progressive emphasis was to curb the greed and concomitant excesses of the business community that were manifesting in an America which, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, moved from being a prosperous agriculture-based society to being an industrialized manufacturing and mining mega-power on the world stage. Competition was to be promoted. The Federal Reserve was created as a backup and institution of last resort when cyclical banking downturns took place, and, as we became more involved in international markets, military buildup became necessary as we needed to protect far-flung property and trading interests throughout the world.

By the time of the New Deal, the regulatory ideal of progressivism began to give way to government planning which involved federal control or even ownership of business, and federal engagement with previously private markets on an unprecedented scale. Franklin D. Roosevelts administration set up the alphabet agencies which performed functions that were controlling or active in unprecedented ways. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) actually produced electricity and functioned alongside private electric companies. The premise was that the TVA (clearly a socialist venture) was delivering electric power to many citizens who were not getting it because they were living in a market that was not profitable for private companies to establish generating plants. So, according to TVA justifiers, the federal government was supplementing the private sector, i.e., meeting a need that the private sector was not meeting, but not going into competition with the private sector in those markets it was already serving.

The federal government also became an employer of vast numbers of people through its public works projects, undertaken by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Public Works Administration (PWA), the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), National Youth Administration (NYA), and many others too numerous to list. And the feds became lenders of choice to many, especially in the agricultural sector. With vast government apparatchiks in the regulatory agencies and these vast employment programs, the federal government was no longer locked into the progressive ideal of protecting workers, but increasingly became the employer of vast numbers of people, thus going into competition with the private sector as the employer of record. However, unlike the private sector, the employees were not supported by markets, but by the taxpayers, government borrowing (increase of the national debt), and printing of money. Productivity was not the centerpiece for paying those federal bills.

The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) was passed as an effort to keep farm income up by controlling production. By limiting production, the prices of farm products from hogs to corn could remain elevated. Thus, under AAA, the feds authorized themselves to pay farmers for destroying crops or otherwise limiting crop production, even killing 6.4 million pigs. This clearly went beyond regulating market practices to maintain competition as in the progressive era, but intervened to control markets at both the production and price ends of enterprise.

However, the centerpiece of New Deal legislation was the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) which set up the National Recovery Administration. This signal piece of legislation called for price and wage fixing by various industries working hand-in-glove with the federal agency administering the program. Companies participating in these associations were authorized to imprint their products with a Blue Eagle indicating their cooperation. Here we see the most important shift away from the earlier progressivism. Under progressivism, competition was being promoted  by the Republicans under the Sherman Antitrust Act and by the Democrats under the updated and more powerful Clayton Antitrust Act.

Under the NIRA, what might otherwise be called a trust, cartel, monopoly, or oligopoly by the pro-competition progressives were, so to speak, under federal blessing. Price and wage fixing would be considered okay as long as they were aligned with federal economic goals and policies. Thus, the shift in orientation from regulation under progressivism to governmental control under the supervision of a brain trust of demand side, Keynesian economists. Wilson had believed in the importance of experts in our new scientific marketplace, but Roosevelt stepped up our dependence on so-called experts to a degree Wilson could not have imagined, and the New Deal was implemented.

Both the AAA and the NRA were declared unconstitutional. However, the AAA was rewritten with adjustments to meet the Supreme Courts objections, and a new AAA was passed and upheld. In the famous case of Schechter Poultry Corp. v. the United States (1935), the NIRA was deemed to be unconstitutional. The Blue Eagle disappeared from products, and wage and price controls under so-called voluntary agreement were disbanded.

But the socialist and communist left had tasted blood. The NIRA whetted the appetite of the reds who admired Vladimir Lenins and Josef Stalins iron man appropriations of the means of production in the USSR for the supposed collective good. In fact, FDRs rapport with Stalin during WWII is a well-established fact, and that rapport should not be surprising in light of the radical expansion of government control during the New Deal. The new expert class of left-wing professors and advocates operating during the Roosevelt years saw that the battle cry workers of the world, unite was needed more than ever before as the capitalist colossus marched onwards. Those leftists dominate the Democrat Party to this very day, and their hatred for free markets is poisoning our society.

E. Jeffrey Ludwig has taught history, literature, and philosophy at Harvard, Penn State, Juniata College, City University of New York, and other colleges and secondary schools. His latest interview on the Hagmann and Hagmann Report can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXl3H1jjZrU
Leaked details of the House investigation into the Awan ring I.T. security breach indicate that everything that was supposed to remain within the digital security perimeter was instead secretly shipped to an outside server, from where it could go anywhere. Mr. and Mrs. Awan are believed to be cooperating with federal authorities in a plea deal, presumably to implicate higher-ups.

Keep in mind that all emails and office computer files of as many as 45 Democrat members of the House were handed over, making them subject to blackmail by parties unknown. And keep in mind that they won't even admit that a breach has taken place. Worst of all, the point woman the ring and its leader, Imran Awan, held in their thrall was Debbie Wasserman Schultz, DNC chair and co-conspirator in the rigging of the nomination for Hillary.

Luke Rosiak, investigative reporter of the Daily Caller News Foundation, owns the story. He has a confidential source that has revealed how Imran Awan came to be banned from the House of Representatives server.

The silence of the Democrats is so telling that I think I hear that ticking time bomb.

Read the whole thing.

A secret server is behind the Capitol Police's decision to ban a former IT aide to Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz from the House network. Now-indicted former congressional IT aide Imran Awan allegedly routed data from numerous House Democrats to a secret server. Police grew suspicious and requested a copy of the server early this year, but they were provided with an elaborate falsified image designed to hide the massive violations. The falsified image is what ultimately triggered their ban from the House network Feb. 2, according to a senior House official with direct knowledge of the investigation. The secret server was connected to the House Democratic Caucus, an organization chaired by then-Rep. Xavier Becerra. Police informed Becerra that the server was the subject of an investigation and requested a copy of it. Authorities considered the false image they received to be interference in a criminal investigation, the senior official said. Data was also backed up to Dropbox in huge quantities, the official said. Congressional offices are prohibited from using Dropbox, so an unofficial account was used, meaning Awan could have still had access to the data even though he was banned from the congressional network. Awan had access to all emails and office computer files of 45 members of Congress who are listed below. Fear among members that Awan could release embarrassing information if they cooperated with prosecutors could explain why the Democrats have refused to acknowledge the cybersecurity breach publicly or criticize the suspects. House Democrats employed Awan and four family members for years as IT aides. After learning of the House probe, Awan and his wife, Hina Alvi, frantically transferred money to accounts in their native Pakistan. Awan and Alvi were indicted in August on fraud charges related to the transfers, but they have not yet been charged with criminal cybersecurity violations partly because some of the 45 Democrats have been passive about helping build the case, the House official said.

Hat tip: J.J. Sefton
Extending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is in danger of going down without any action by the six-month deadline  not because "Congress is stumbling," as the New York Times would have you believe, but because Democrats, those supposed great champions of DACA, are repeatedly obstructing all potential deals that would actually get it through.

Whatever you think of DACA, that's where Republicans are at right now. Republicans are bending over backward for a deal on border security in exchange for DACA, hoping both sides can claim victory in the end, yet Democrats are having none of it.

In a Sept. 13 story, the Times unwittingly reports that Republicans have offered multiple compromises to accommodate Democrats on extending DACA's de facto amnesty for illegal aliens brought to the U.S. as children, opening the door to a law to replace the executive order issued by President Obama. Yet according to the Times, Republican are the bad guys for trying cut a deal instead of just giving the store away to congressional Democrats.

Representative Mike Coffman, Republican of Colorado, pulled back a petition he had initiated to force the House to take up legislation to protect so-called Dreamers. A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing into the issue was canceled this week. And Representative Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said he would not move on any such legislation before he addressed criminal alien gangs and border security.

A close look at all of these actions, plus President Trump's meeting with top Democrats, shows that they were compromise gestures in deference to Democratic sensibilities, efforts to get Democrats to vote yes on some Republican priorities in exchange for yielding to Democrats on DACA. Yet each of these hands out was rebuffed by Democrats, who have an all-or-nothing approach to legislation even as the minority party.

Coffman had worked with Democratic Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez of Illinois to put in an immediate three-year extension of DACA. The Times reported that Coffman called it off after Speaker Paul Ryan said he wanted to tie it to enhanced border security. Why he would call it off instead of jump to Ryan's challenge and make a deal of it, adding it to border security, is inexplicable, unless he knew that there was no way Democrats would consent to any border security deal. That is the real reason why the measure was called off, even if not explicitly stated.

Next up, a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting was postponed because the Trump administration wanted to get border security legislation in place first. Again, it was an effort to make a deal  get one thing done first, then the other, and enable both sides to claim victory. Why, again, is that a bad thing? It would enable Republicans to vote for DACA more easily than they would in a straight up-or-down amnesty with no border provisions. But to the Times, this, too, is Republican obstruction, as well as acting "leisurely," as the Times worded it, rather than building a foundation for a workable bipartisan solution for all sides of the issue.

Goodlatte put it most bluntly, according to the Times:

Goodlatte said this week that he would hold no DACA hearings until border security legislation is drafted.

So why would Democrats oppose that? Compromise is each side giving a little to ensure that all sides get what they want. Democrats are apparently so opposed to border security legislation that they are willing to sacrifice DACA, and apparently, they are putting their hopes in the New York Times blaming Republican "obstructionism" as cover. Any sane legislator who is serious about extending DACA would be willing to give up other things to make it happen. But not Democrats.

So, in fact, it's they who are doing the obstruction, blocking any compromise deals.

Trump met with House minority leader Nancy Pelosi and other top Democrats, and all of them underlined their no-deals position in spades:

In a meeting at the White House last week, Mr. Trump pressed Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, for 15 minutes about paring funding for a border wall with protections for Dreamers, according to a person familiar with the meeting, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not cleared to discuss internal deliberations. Both Mr. Schumer and Ms. Pelosi rejected the deal.

Rejected the deal? After all their demonstrated care and concern for the children of DACA? Apparently, they aren't going to sacrifice anything to get those kids squared away. The wisdom of Solomon and the two women with the baby this is not. What they want is amnesty for DACA recipients and no border security, and they are willing to sacrifice DACA to ensure that both states of affairs are the result.

What's more, Gutierrez has vowed to shut down the government if a unilateral, no-strings-attached DACA deal is not passed on strictly Democrat terms.

Yes, Republicans are squishy on DACA, but at least they have the gumption to want something in return. Democrats are telling them no dice, and who cares if the DACA kids are deported? They've got the Times to blame Republicans for them, so they aren't budging.

It sounds like a loser of a strategy  and a verification of the suspicions of some that Trump threw DACA to Congress knowing full well that Congress would get nothing done.

Here we have Republicans holding their hands out on a DACA deal and Democrats continuously rebuffing it. They really can't move on border security? It's just too terrible an idea? Then obviously, they don't value DACA as much as they say they do.

If DACA isn't extended, Democrats will have no one to blame but themselves.
The tuition rates at universities today are astronomical. Out-of-state students at U.C. Berkeley pay over $60,000 for their education, and when it comes to free speech, they get only half the argument.

Known as the home of free speech, Berkeley's official statement guarantees students the constitutionally protected rights of free expression, speech, assembly, and worship. Nevertheless, conservative Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos's talk was canceled due to protests on campus in February. Yiannopoulos is a British commentator and media personality who is openly gay and has been called "dangerous" for expressing his opinions. After somewhat of an uproar, the talk was suddenly rescheduled for November. While safety is of the utmost importance, the university still was able to find security for a "vitriolic" white supremacist speaker on campus while canceling Yiannopoulos.

An equal platform should be given to all elements of political discourse. It is understood that the U.C. Berkeley campus protects and encourages liberal viewpoints, but part of a full education is listening to a speaker you may not agree with in order to learn the other side of the argument.

Suppressing values of inclusion and tolerance to create the appearance of a constructive dialogue teaches students that the progressive political perspective is more important than intellectual honesty.

It is important to put this problem in perspective without making right seem wrong and wrong seem right. Should all American taxpayers be required to subsidize universities who censor a conservative gay man's point of view? Tolerance means allowing all points of view to be heard, not only those with which you agree. As far as safety is concerned, the students who hold conservative values are those who are unsafe on campus  not those who are rioting and creating havoc.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it say students should be guaranteed the right not to be offended. When the demand for tolerance becomes so strong that censorship is employed, then the rights of free speech have been stifled. When students who are of minority opinion are afraid to speak their minds and express their opinions at school, it is the university that has created the unsafe environment. Even the American Civil Liberties Union stands with those who insist on the right to hold an opinion regardless of if the majority of students on campus disagree. When the ACLU and the freedom of speech advocates are on the same side of an issue, it is time to take notice. Value discussions create a comprehensive education, and without them, the school is merely a pep rally for a political party.

Do Americans really want to uphold feelings over the rule of law?

Valerie Greenfeld is the author of Backyard Caliphate: Radicalization in Your Neighborhood. She can be reached on her blog at Backyardcaliphate.weebly.com.
On Tuesday morning, I was listening to the latest Hillary Clinton explanation on NPR radio. She sounded calm, but you can hear the bitterness in her voice. In other words, this woman really thought she was going to win, and then she did not.

It must have been a rough night at the Clinton offices on election night, when Pennsylvania put Mr. Trump over the top. Perhaps this is why she did not make a late statement as most candidates do when the election is over.

In yesterday's interview, she was going after Senator Bernie Sanders and how he dragged on the nomination process. It is a message that we've heard a couple of times from Mrs. Clinton:

Hillary Clinton says Bernie Sanders's reluctance to concede the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination before the party's convention was disrespectful, hurtful and stood in stark contrast to the way she handled her primary loss to Barack Obama in 2008. "I had such a different experience in '08," Clinton said in an interview with the "Pod Save America" podcast that was posted on Tuesday. "Once it was over, it was over. And I quickly endorsed President Obama. I worked really hard to get him elected. I was still arguing with my supporters at the Denver convention, telling people, 'Don't be ridiculous. You've got to vote for Senator Obama, at the time.' And I was thrilled when he got elected." "I didn't get anything like that respect from Sanders and his supporters," Clinton said. "And it hurt. You know, to have basically captured the nomination, ending up with more than 4 million votes than he had. And he dragged it out."

Secretary Clinton is right about Senator Sanders. He did drag it out, but that's because he just couldn't shut down his supporters. Some even wanted him to run as an independent!

She is also right that Mr. Sanders was not a Democrat. At the same time, why was he allowed to participate in debates? Why didn't the Democratic Party just say no and keep him out of the primaries and debates? My guess is that they didn't because they underestimated Sanders's appeal to white college-town liberals and young people totally disgusted with Mr. and Mrs. Clinton.

So the Clinton explanation tour goes on now with a new book, incredibly titled What Happened.

I heard today that most people just want her to retire. And do what? Chat with Bill by the fireplace?

Frankly, it's sad to watch, even for those of us who find the Clintons despicable.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
Mexico has dispatched foreign relations secretary Luis Videgaray to California and Washington, D.C. to help Mexicans avoid deportation...to Mexico. That's right. Apparently, having to live in that country is so bad that even its officials are trying to help Mexicans escape that grim, grim fate.

Don't imagine that the Mexicans on either side of the border, let alone the media, notice the irony. But it says something that Mexico is so determined to keep its citizens here instead of "benefiting" from their own country.

At the same time Videgaray's helping Mexicans avoid deportation  paying for lawyers for potential deportees from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, for one thing  he's browbeating Americans at rubber-chicken dinners with the warning that if DACA is ended and its now protected illegal aliens are sent back to Mexico, Mexico will be the great beneficiary. According to the Sacramento Bee:

If the 600,000 Mexican-born recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program  or DACA  are deported by the Trump administration, "America's loss will be Mexico's gain," Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Dr. Luis Videgaray Caso said Monday at a press conference in Sacramento.

Apparently, we aren't supposed to want that, so we must keep DACA.

It all amounts to bravado, not reality.

The reality of the situation is, Mexico is terrified of DACA ending. It not only fears the loss of some of its $28 billion in remittances, which are most often sent by the most recent immigrants, but also fears vast numbers of people unhappily returning to Mexico and calling for Mexico clean up its act.

"If it's one or 100,000 or 600,000, this will be a big gift to Mexico," [Videgaray] said. "They are college-educated, law-abiding, talented young people full of energy and creativity."

Apparently, people like that are more likely to question cultural customs such as mordida, and why anyone with a spark of entrepreneurship gets kidnapped and has to pay ransom, losing his entire life work to kidnappers, who walk off scot-free with no fear of prosecution, often due to corrupt payoffs to Mexican officials, among other things.

This calls to mind that Mexico has always used emigration as a pressure valve to prevent discontent from boiling over and forcing its government to enact rule of law and free-market reforms. It's content with its duopolies and monopolies run by the same dozen billionaires year after year to give the appearance of modernity, and its rule of law is what it is  badly written, extremely cumbersome, and shot through with payoffs and corruption. Its resistance to improvements on these matters is what keeps it from spreading wealth and creating jobs as the U.S. does, as it prioritizes protecting bureaucrats' rice bowls. It's a cynical, inhuman policy of people-dumping, and it's been Mexico's response to the prospect of change ever since the North American Free Trade Agreement was signed in 1993 and enacted in 1994. Those years coincide with the years when illegal immigration began to take off in its largest numbers, leaving Mexico with a population bust. Prior to that, Mexico considered nationals who left its borders "traitors."

If there are any further doubts, just look at what the press coverage pre-Videgaray has been on Mexico with increased U.S. border enforcement and DACA being rescinded. Here were a few the headlines:

Plan to cancel DACA program puts Mexico on alert

Mexico Worried about Economic Impact of Illegal Immigrants Deported from the U.S.

Mexico Preparing for Uptick in Deportations

Mexico Bracing for Deportations

This doesn't sound like the attitude of a nation that would gladly welcome the returning migrants "with open arms," as Videgaray insists. Based on its actions, Mexico doesn't see any benefit. The Mexicans in charge are scrambling as hard as they can to avoid any exodus back into the country despite needing the people. Videgaray's claim aside, the idea that Mexico would welcome DACA deportees, some 400,000 of whom are Mexican, back is something no one believes.
"What happened at Benghazi?" is a story that simply won't go away. The more we find out, the more questions are raised and the more the official State Department narrative collapses.

The owner of a security firm that operates in some of the most dangerous parts of the world, Jerry Torres of Torres Advanced Enterprises, says the firm was called in to assess the situation in Benghazi twelve days before the terrorist attack that killed Ambassador Stevens and three other Americans. This despite the fact that the firm had a lost a bid on providing security for the compound previously.

The company hired by the State Department to provide security in Benghazi was a small firm from Wales with no experience working in high-threat areas. What's more, Blue Mountain Group hired employees who were unarmed.

Then, twelve days before the attack on the compound, the State Department, in something of a panic, called Torres and asked his firm to assess the security situation. The request came after Ambassador Stevens sent a cable saying Islamist groups were all over the place and he feared for the compound's security.

The State Department contracting officer who rejected Torres's bid, Jan Visintainer, warned the contractor not to talk to the media or anyone else about Benghazi.

Fox News:

By Aug. 31, 2012, the situation had deteriorated to the point that Owens and Torres said the State Department asked them to intervene  as Owens put it, an "admission of the mistake of choosing the wrong company." "They came back to us and said, 'Can you guys come in and take over security?' Owens said. "So we were ready." But Torres emphasized that time was against them, saying it would have taken two-to-three weeks to get set up. Twelve days later, the ambassador was killed. Torres learned of the attacks by watching television. He called the circumstances leading up to the tragedy "bad decision-making from top to bottom." "There was nothing we could've done about it. If we'd had one month warning  who knows what might've happened," Owens said. In the chaotic days following that attack, the Obama White House blamed the attacks on an anti-Islam video and demonstration which was not accurate. As a former Green Beret, Torres was stunned: "Coming from a military background, I would expect the administration to tell the truth. So I bought into it for a minute. But I didn't believe it in the back of my mind." He said they later figured out the video was not the culprit. The attack was a coordinated terrorist assault which included a precision mortar strike on the CIA post in Benghazi. But as the Obama administration and Clinton's team struggled to answer questions about the attacks, Visintainer apparently took it one step further  summoning Jerry Torres from overseas to attend a meeting at her government office in Rosslyn, Va., in early 2013. Torres took Fox News back to the Virginia office building where he recalled that day's events. "[Visintainer] said that I and people from Torres should not speak to the media, should not speak to any officials with respect to the Benghazi program," he said. Torres said he was afraid for his company  and hasn't spoken publicly until now.

It could be that Visintainer was looking to cover up her incompetence.

Another part of that conversation stuck out to Torres. He said Visintainer told him "in her opinion, that guards should not be armed at U.S. embassies. She just made that blanket statement.  And she said that they weren't required in Benghazi. So I was kind of confused about that. And she said that she would like my support in saying that if that came up. And I looked at her. I just didn't respond."

But was it her incompetence or that of her superiors? Sending unarmed guards into a city like Benghazi that resembled old Dodge City on a Saturday night would be incomprehensible except that the policy was perfectly aligned to the mindset of State Department officials. These are the same people who refused to send help to the compound because they feared a backlash against the new U.S.-created Libyan government  a backlash that would have been caused by U.S. boots on the ground. Also, the compound was supposedly being additionally guarded by a local militia, who ended up standing aside once the assault began.

Before Ambassador Stevens's body was cold, the State Department was planning the whitewash. None of what Mr. Torres told Fox News is surprising  just further confirmation of how badly botched the entire incident was. And the finger points right at Secretary of State Clinton.
(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, SEPTEMBER 13 - EU Commission President Jean Claude Juncker on Wednesday in his State of the Union address said ''I cannot talk about immigration without paying tribute to Italy for its generosity. Italy has saved Europe's honor in the Mediterranean''.

''We must put an end to hosting conditions in Libya with the utmost urgency'', he continued, describing them as ''scandalous'' and adding he was ''horrified'' by them, stressing that the EU has a ''common responsibility'' in this. ''Europe is not a fortress, it is and will remain a continent of solidarity for those who need refuge'', he added: ''At the end of the month, the European Commission will outline a number of proposals on repatriations, solidarity with Africa and the opening of legal pathways''. ''We must considerably intensify our efforts and our actions on the repatriation'' of migrants who have no right to stay in the EU. ''Only in this way will Europe be able to prove its solidarity towards refugees that really need it''. (ANSAmed).


ROME - From Wednesday through September 17 the Aragaonese Castle in Otranto is hosting the OFFF - Otranto Film Fund Festival, an event dedicated to cinema in the Adriatic-Ionian-Balkan region, which has reached its ninth edition this year.

Organized by the Foundation Apulia Film Commission in cooperation with the city of Otranto, the festival is curated by Maria Teresa Cavina and presents for the first time a section out of competition on short cartoons.

Films in the main section, promoters said, will include the best films made in Italy thanks to the support of the film commission, as well an in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Serbia. Tonight for the festival's opening the symphonic orchestra of Lecce and Salento directed by Eliseo Castrignano will perform a concert dedicated to soundtracks.
Energy: conference on Libyan oil sector in Tunis Opportunity for new investments, meeting with sectors' experts

(ANSAmed) - TUNIS, SEPTEMBER 13 - A two-day international conference on the oil sector in Libya will start on October 7 in Tunis, organized by the Superior council of Libyan and Tunisian entrepreneurs, the ''Economiste Maghrebin'' reports. The publication added that it is the first major forum on investments in the energy sector organized in Tunisia during which 2016 will be presented along with forecasts on the next years.



The conference will also be an occasion to quantify damages by Libyan national oil company Noc starting from the 2011 crisis, as well as presenting new projects in perforation to look for new deposits. The objective of the international conference in Tunis is to provide opportunities for different operators to meet and attract new investments. Over 200 entrepreneurs and company representatives from all over the world are expected at the meeting, including delegates from the main international oil companies, public authorities, analysts, investors. (ANSAmed).




Otranto Film Fest starts with Adriatic-Ionian-Balkan focus Until September 17 with films from the region

(ANSAmed) - ROME, SEPTEMBER 13 - From Wednesday through September 17 the Aragaonese Castle in Otranto is hosting the OFFF - Otranto Film Fund Festival, an event dedicated to cinema in the Adriatic-Ionian-Balkan region, which has reached its ninth edition this year.



Organized by the Foundation Apulia Film Commission in cooperation with the city of Otranto, the festival is curated by Maria Teresa Cavina and presents for the first time a section out of competition on short cartoons.



Films in the main section, promoters said, will include the best films made in Italy thanks to the support of the film commission, as well an in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Serbia. Tonight for the festival's opening the symphonic orchestra of Lecce and Salento directed by Eliseo Castrignano will perform a concert dedicated to soundtracks.



(ANSAmed).




Regeni: NGO, missing lawyer arrested 15 days ago National security prosecution accuses Metwaly over false reports

(ANSAmed) - CAIRO, SEPTEMBER 13 - An Egyptian NGO confirmed that the lawyer of Giulio Regeni's family in Cairo, Ibrahim Metwaly, has been arrested. The organization said the attorney has been placed in pre-trial detention for the past 15 days.



The State's attorney's office, announced the Egyptian coordination for rights and freedoms ECFR on its Facebook page, ''has decided on pre-trial detention for 15 days for attorney Ibrahim Metwaly''. ''An investigation against him for publishing fake news has been completed. He was taken to a maximum-security prison'', the NGO said, without providing further details.



In a previous post, ECFR said that ''security forces broke into the lawyer's residence in Kafr El-Sheikh'', on the delta Nile'', and ''destroyed the furniture''. (ANSAmed).




Tunisia tops Arab countries for divorces Most common is 'unilateral', no reason required

(ANSAmed) - TUNIS, SEPTEMBER 13 - Tunisia ranks first among Arab countries and fourth worldwide in the number of divorces each year, based on the proportion of divorces compared to the total number of residents, according to the latest Tunisian Justice Ministry figures.



In the judicial year 2014/2015, there were 14,892 registered divorces, equivalent to 1,248 per month, 41 per day, three every hour.



The majority of divorces were those classified as "unilateral", in which only one spouse is required to file for divorce and isn't required to specify a reason; followed by "consensual" divorces and those filed for fault (or with prejudice).



In the first type of divorce - evolution of repudiation - the suit can be brought by either spouse without providing a reason and without the other spouse's consent.



In this case, however, the spouse who didn't file for divorce can request an indemnity, which is liquidated at the judge's discretion.



"Unilateral divorce is the most widespread, in that the indemnity due to the opposing party is in practice about 1,000 Tunisian dinars for each year of marriage," Tunis attorney Giorgio Bianco told ANSA.



Despite this, the judge ultimately determines the amount of indemnity.



Divorces are numerous in Tunisia because the process is fairly streamlined and fast, due to the fact that prior separation isn't required. (ANSAmed).




CAIRO - The Italian ambassador to Egypt, Giampaolo Cantini, arrived in Cairo on Wednesday, sources at the city's airport said. He will take office on Thursday. Cantini replaces Maurizio Massari, who was recalled in spring 2016 in relation to the case of Giulio Regeni, an Italian postgraduate student who was tortured and murdered in Egypt.



Egypt has denied suggestions its security forces, frequently accused of brutal repression of opposition, had anything to do with the death of Regeni, a 28-year-old who was researching Cairo street seller unions.



Massari's withdrawal followed friction over Egyptian lack of cooperation in the quest for the truth.



But last month Rome decided to send Ambassador Cantini to Cairo, citing recent progress over the case. Earlier this month Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano said it was impossible for Rome not to have high-level political and diplomatic relations with such an important neighbour.




VALLETTA - Italian President Sergio Mattarella said Italy recognises Malta "for having received its migrant quota" while stating that "this hasn't happened in all EU countries", speaking in Malta following a meeting with Maltese President Louise Marie Coleiro Preco on the eve of a summit on the migrant crisis, which will see the participation of 13 European heads of state.



"This shows how the Union still has a long road ahead to increase its rate of solidarity on many fronts and in particular on the migratory one," Mattarella said.



"It's important that everyone understands - and the European Commission understands - that the migratory phenomenon isn't just a problem of Italy or Malta but an overall European Union problem," he said.



"We must ensure legal entry channels and govern the migratory phenomenon in an orderly way, because it certainly isn't transitory. We can't deliver the entry keys to the European Union into the hands of traffickers. We need legal and orderly channels and efforts in the countries of origin of the flows," he said, speaking about migratory flows into Malta.



Regarding Libya, Mattarella said Italy is very involved, and is asking for the European Union's help to stablise the country and make the situation in the country's refugee camps one that is dignified and acceptable.



"We must create acceptable living conditions and alleviate the terrible suffering," he said.
(by Fabrizio Finzi)

VALLETTA - Thirteen European heads of State will gather in Malta for a summit on ''Crossing borders'', dedicated to migrant flows and social cohesion in Europe. Italy will be represented by Sergio Mattarella who will be in La Valletta on Wednesday for an official visit. On September 14-15 Valletta will host the thirteenth meeting Arraiolos, an informal gathering of European Union heads of State with no roles in the executive. In total, 13 presidents will be present, with three women for the first time, including host Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

This will be the largest gathering of the Arraiolos group since then-president of Portugal, Jorge Sampaio, in 2003 kicked off the initiative in Arraiolos, inviting the heads of State of Finland, France and Germany to discuss the imminent enlargement of the Union in 2004.

The major issue now across Europe is migration and informal talks in Malta will enable the 13 presidents to carry out a sort of ''check up'' on the health of the EU over a controversial issue, which concerns Italy closely.

The theme ''Crossing borders'' concerns migration trends that appear unstoppable and risk creating rifts within a European Union that appears weak and devoid of vital ideals.

Malta's President Coleiro Preca said the meeting will vie to revitalize Europe's social values, stressing that social responsibility can help those who are marginalized and helpless.

Two years ago, in July 2015, President Sergio Mattarella explained from Malta how the European Union's decision to distribute part of the Mediterranean's refugees, although on a voluntary basis, was an important step to share a problem that does not only belong to Italy or Malta but to the entire EU. EU interior ministers at the time found an agreement on the redistribution over two years across Europe of just over 32,000 refugees who had arrived in Italy and Greece.

Many things have happened since then, the number of landings has grown - but not Europe's solidarity.
ROME - Intercultural trends in the Euro-Mediterranean area show a ''convergence of values'' in relations between the north and south of the Mediterranean and that ''there is hope'', according to a report on intercultural trends in the Euro-Mediterranean region carried out by the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF). The results of the research, which is based on 13,000 interviews in 13 countries, were discussed at a meeting in Rome attended by experts, ALF members, institutional partners including the foreign ministry and ANSAmed, as well as media representatives.

''It is our third such report'', the president of the Anna Lindh Foundation, Elisabeth Guigou, told ANSAmed on the sidelines of the meeting. ''What is truly important is that this report confirms what was already said in previous documents, or that a relevant convergence exists in aspirations and expectations of societies of the south and north of the Mediterranean in terms of great values of humanity, aspirations of peace, openness, sharing, without eliminating cultural differences''. ''The report's results are often motivating for our job. As Anna Lindh Foundation we work on intercultural dialogue, we were created for this purpose by Romano Prodi 14 years ago''. The convergence between north and south is also ''stable'', although the report stressed that ''our regional context has not improved but worsened in terms of terrorism, refugee crisis that affects first of all Italy. It is encouraging to see that the public opinion, in spite of newspaper headlines and the fake news of some media, is still engaged in dialogue between the north and south''.

Relations between countries on the Mediterranean's shores are currently ''not balanced: on one side the European Union, an integrated institution, and on the other a series of individual countries, not very organized in terms of cooperation''.

Guigou noted that a strategy for a more well-balanced partnership has not been found yet. ''The foundation is working on this and we Europeans need to make progress''.

She said Europeans need to understand the challenges they are confronted with and that only unity will bring victory on issues like ''security, migration, climate, employment, aging and demography''.

She called for a renewal of neighbourhood policies because the ''foundations need to be political but we must not forget culture''.
Migrants: Juncker pays tribute to Italy for saving EU honor State of the Union address, stopping scandal migrants in Libya

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, SEPTEMBER 13 - EU Commission President Jean Claude Juncker on Wednesday in his State of the Union address said ''I cannot talk about immigration without paying tribute to Italy for its generosity. Italy has saved Europe's honor in the Mediterranean''.



''We must put an end to hosting conditions in Libya with the utmost urgency'', he continued, describing them as ''scandalous'' and adding he was ''horrified'' by them, stressing that the EU has a ''common responsibility'' in this. ''Europe is not a fortress, it is and will remain a continent of solidarity for those who need refuge'', he added: ''At the end of the month, the European Commission will outline a number of proposals on repatriations, solidarity with Africa and the opening of legal pathways''. ''We must considerably intensify our efforts and our actions on the repatriation'' of migrants who have no right to stay in the EU. ''Only in this way will Europe be able to prove its solidarity towards refugees that really need it''. (ANSAmed).






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BarcelonaSpains public prosecutor has taken another step in its bid to halt all preparations for the referendum on independence slated for October 1. On Tuesday morning Romero de Tejada summoned Mossos dEsquadra boss Josep Lluis Trapero to convey the Attorney Generals instructions to block Catalonias referendum. Also present at the meeting were the chiefs of Spains Guardia Civil and National Police in Catalonia. Jose Maria Romero de Tejada personally conveyed to them the instructions issued by Spains Attorney General, Jose Manuel Maza, on the subject of the referendum preparations. He stated that the AGs orders must be conveyed to all units of the three law enforcement agencies within 24 hours.

Specifically, the instructions indicate that the AG may issue orders to all three police forces and they are expected to respond to any action taken by authorities, public employees and private individuals to hold the illegal referendum on October 1. Their orders are to seize ballot boxes, voting envelopes, instruction manuals for staff manning polling stations, ballot forms, print material, referendum propaganda, digital media and any other material used to promote, advertise or carry out the illegal vote so as to prevent crimes from being committed.

If any of the three police forces were to learn about any actions aimed at holding the referendum, they are to write up a report of the incident immediately, including all relevant details about the execution, the instigators, participants and surrounding circumstances because there are grounds for charges of disobedience, neglect of duty and misappropriation of public funds. The report will have to be sent to the District Attorneys office and police will be expected "to take the necessary steps to document the offence and establish the criminal charges that might be pressed, in addition to any proceedings filed by the public prosecutor.

Catalonias Mossos dEsquadra: the exception

Unlike Commissioner Trapero and three Catalan police commanders, neither Spains Guardia Civil nor the National Police had been preventatively warned by the Constitutional Court about taking any action that might allow or facilitate the Catalan referendum. Madrid is keeping a watchful eye on the Mossos dEsquadra, Catalonias own police force. Last Friday a first salvo was fired when Commissioner Traperos name was included on a list of one thousand Catalan officials who have been formally warned by the Constitutional Court. On Friday afternoon Catalonias High Court sent bailiffs to serve Trapero and three other Catalan police chiefs an injunction. Additionally, on Thursday Maza instructed Romero de Tejada to issue the order that has been given to the top brass of the three police forces in Catalonia.

Criminal Law professor Joan Queralt (Universitat de Barcelona) explained that the order, which was not released until Friday, will not be applicable to privately-owned premises without a warrant, but this will not be required in public buildings and in the street. Furthermore, the DAs have been ordered to use the police to stop any referendum preparations that they might learn about. On Tuesday all police chiefs were informed about this provision.

Waiting for Catalonias High Court

After the first two warnings sent to the Mossos, a third one might follow if Catalonias High Court agrees to grant the precautionary measures requested by the prosecutor in its legal proceedings against the Catalan government over the calling of the referendum on independence. Specifically, the Attorney General has asked the court to instruct the Mossos and the Spanish police and Guardia Civil to take any necessary steps to impede the promotion, organisation and holding of the illegal referendum and seize, for instance, ballot boxes, voting envelopes, instruction manuals for staff manning polling stations, ballot forms, digital media and suchlike, granting officers permission to enter any premises as they see fit.
As part of La Sexta TV channels coverage of la Diada [Catalonias National Day] its Al rojo vivo programme, invited Francisco Marhuenda to appear. The director of the right-wing newspaper La Razon, took the opportunity to repeat his usual mantra and rail against TV3 as the indoctrinator of the Catalan people. When Jesus Marana reminded him that Spains public broadcaster TVE [Television Espanola] was not a shining example itself, Marhuenda responded that "As a Catalan who opposes independence, I wish TV3 were like Television Espanola".

TV3

On the morning of the Diada, 3/24, [TV3s 24-hour news channel], broadcast live the whole of Ciudadanos rally held in Barcelonas Moll de la Marina. TV3s Els Matins show also went live to the event on several occasions, as it did with Catalunya en Comus rally in Santa Coloma de Gramenet. Lidia Heredia's discussion panel included guests representing different ideologies and even went as far as interviewing the editor of Spanish online newspaper El Confidencial, who can hardly be accused of being a supporter of Catalan independence. 3/24 interviewed various political leaders during the floral offering at the Rafael Casanova monument. TV3 has plenty of experience in broadcasting the Diada. This year the highpoint of the choreography of T-shirts and the passing of banners was not particularly photogenic. However, once again another peaceful, massive demonstration was preserved for posterity with journalistic precision.

TVE

Meanwhile, on TVE's morning chat show the guests all shared the same point of view. However, the all-time low was reached at five in the afternoon on its 24h channel, with a special show on the Diada hosted by Emilio de Andres. The guests not only shared their disdain for Catalonia, but there was a shameless double helping of unionist group Catalan Civil Society (SCC). Its former president, Josep Ramon Bosch was in the Madrid studio, while its current president, Mariano Goma appeared via live feed from the SCCs office in Sant Cugat. Bosch provided some light relief when he claimed the pro-independence parties had been lucky with the weather, which would encourage more protesters to attend. He also lamented the fact that on Spains National Day (12 October) bad weather had prevented a bigger turnout on behalf of those who shared his views.

The height of bias came at 6:30 pm, with the Barcelona protesters on the move, when the programmes guests passed comment on the turnout: "There are a lot less people than during the demonstration in Placa de Catalunya to denounce the terrorist attacks". When you compare the two public TV channels, it is plain to see why Marhuenda would like TV3 to be like TVE.

8TV

8 al dias coverage started too late. It missed the two most emotional moments: the minute of silence and the crowds in Placa Catalunya singing Els segadors [Catalonias national anthem]. Jordi Armenteras stayed true to his predecessor Josep Cuni: a chat show format (with Pere Mas, Antonio Banos, Rosa del Amo ...), using the Diada and live feeds as a backdrop.

Antena 3 and Telecinco

From the moment they went on air, Antena 3 and Telecincos magazine-style shows, hosted by Susanna Griso and Ana Rosa respectively, were keen to celebrate the Diada in their own way. Graciano Palomo, a guest on Espejo Publico, declared: "Every day Junqueras two MPs in Congress insult Andalusians and Extremadurans for being lazy and smelly". Caught off guard, Griso asked him to explain: "Who said it and when?" Palomo dodged the question, however. After talking about the huge turnout for the demonstration the guests mentioned the recent ISIS threats against Catalonia in its newsletter. Griso pointed out: "I have to say, what bothers me, is that at a time when there are lots of demonstrations in Catalonia, lots of people on the street, the Islamic State have once more taken an interest in Catalonia and Placa de Sant Jaume". The strategy of fear. Telecinco brought an end to its coverage of the Diada since they had another topic they were more interested in: interviewing Salvador Dalis non-daughter.

La Sexta

La Sextas motto for the Diada was to keep asking whether the celebration was sectarian. Garcia Ferreras asked it in the morning and Mamen Mendizabal repeated it in the afternoon. They asked politicians and protesters alike: "Does the celebration exclude Catalans who oppose independence?" In their respective interviews, Raul Romeva and Gabriel Rufian both set Hilario Pino straight. They dispensed with Pinos obvious questions, giving him short shrift. The shows host, with a tone that came across as more defensive than informational, regretted the fact that "people have been led to believe that a referendum is democracy".

13TV

The Catholic Churchs TV station chose to ignore the Diada completely, although the irony behind its choice of films for the day was not lost on many: at noon, the Spaghetti Western I am Your Executioner. Just before the demonstration, When Blood Boils. And at seven, as the event came to a close, Defiance in the Dead City. Priceless.
President Hasan Rouhanis government, The Iranian Ministry of Defense, The Iranian Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), and the Iranian Defense Industries Organization (IDIO) pulled out all the stops as they unveiled their latest defence equipment for public consumption on April 15.

The trouble was that, along with some genuine major achievements, there were a number of items that were there merely for propaganda purposes. And it is some of these that stole the headlines.

Take the Qaher F-313 fifth generation combat aircraft for example. Reported to be a sub-sonic close air support aircraft with limited air-to-air combat capability, it drew the attention of the media more than all the other unveiled products.

The original mock-up of the aircraft was first unveiled during a propaganda ceremony in February 2013 in front of former president Mahmood Ahmadi-Nejad.

Unfortunately, the aircraft was suffering from a number of obvious design flaws, which caused derision in the international press. The project was suspended and then quickly stopped after the Iranian presidential election in May 2013. The former IACI CEO, Hossein Parvaneh, who supervised the project, was dismissed amid allegations of corruption.

In 2016, after Russia turned down Irans request to procure at least 48 Su-30SMs and 24 Yak-130s, the Iranian MoD was put under pressure to speed up the development of the Kowsar-88 future advanced jet trainer and also reactivated the unfortunate Qaher F-313 project.

Subsequently, in September 2016, work started on design and construction of a new Qaher F-313 mock-up. It was completed in March and unveiled (again) as Qaher 313 on April 15. It was equipped with a larger two-piece canopy, dual wheel nose landing gear, and a pair of General Electric J85-GE-13 Turbojet engines, which provided power for it to taxi  but thats about all.

The other hoax achievement demonstrated to the president was the Saba-248 utility helicopter, which was claimed to be completely designed and manufactured by the Iran Helicopter Support and Renewal Company (IHSRC) domestically while, in fact, it was a recycled Tara Helicopter Services Agusta A109E, which had been damaged due to a hard landing a couple of years before.

These fakes overshadowed the real and genuine defence achievements in the media.

The Iranian Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (IAMI) Kowsar-88 Advanced Jet Trainer, for example, and the Babaiee Missile Industries Fakkur-90 semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile, are two genuinely good defence products.

The Kowsar-88 is equipped with a pair of General Electric J85-GE-13 Turbojet engines, Zvezda/ IAMI K-36DMIR ejection seats, a glass cockpit with three multi-function displays (MFDs) in aft and front cabin instrument panels, a head-up display (HUD), and four under-wing hardpoints for carriage of air-to-ground weapons.

It will form the future fleet of the IRIAFs advanced jet trainers for use in the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) and Combat Commands Training (CCT) squadrons.

Design and development of the Kowsar 88 began in December 2007 after the failure of project Ya-Hossein.

Lessons learnt from development of the IRIAFs Dorna, Tondar and Tazarv advanced jet trainers were considered during design of the Kowsar-88, which is planned to replace 12 50-year-old F-5A/Bs from the IRIAFs 43rd CCTS within the next 10 years.

The Fakkur-90 air-to-air missile (AAM) is another genuine achievement.

The new medium-range AAM is planned for the IRIAF fleet of 62 F-14A/AMs in the near future. It consists of Shahin components but in a domestically manufactured AIM-54 shell (manufactured by Babaiee Missile Industries company).

The Fakkur-90 is planned to be successor of the IRIAFs existing but ageing AIM-7E Sparrow missiles, while the recently overhauled and restored AIM-54A+ Phoenix missiles will remain in service as Tomcat long-range weapons.

IHSRC also demonstrated around a dozen recently overhauled and modernised Iranian Armed Forces helicopters. These included a recently restored and renovated Iranian Navy Aviation (IRINA) RH-53D and AB.212ASW; an upgraded Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Mi-171Sh, equipped with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera and new targeting system for C-802 and C-704 anti-ship missiles; two Iranian Army Aviation (IRIAA) AH-1J None-Tow International Cobras plus an AB.206B and a Bell 214A; and an Iranian Police Aviation Force Bell 214A and AB.205A-1.


The bracket, built using additive-layer manufacturing (ALM) technologies (also known as 3D-printing), is part of the aircraft pylon, the junction section between wings and engines.

This is the first step towards qualification of more complex 3D-printed parts to be installed on production aircraft.

3D-printed parts are already flying on some of Airbus A320neo and A350 XWB test aircraft. These include metal printed cabin brackets and bleed pipes.
Recently completing over 25 years of operations in Dubai, marhaba is building its global network. In addition to its new facility in Australia, marhaba also opened a new lounge at Karachis Jinnah International Airport in July this year. marhaba also offers a meet and assist service and operates lounges in Dubai (DXB and DWC) and Bahrain.

The Melbourne lounge features comfortable seating for 200 guests, a quiet zone for relaxation, shower facilities and buffet cuisine from around the globe. Much-loved coffee provider Hudson Coffee is also on site in the lounge, preparing fresh coffee from its dedicated barista bar.

Speaking at the official opening of the lounge, Gary Chapman, President, Dnata, said: Australia is a very important market to us and we continue to look for opportunities to bring more of our services to customers here.

"We already operate Australias leading in-flight catering company, Alpha Flight Services, and are delighted to add the marhaba brand of airport hospitality to serve Melbourne and those passing through Melbourne Airport."




The Cardiff service will be the first regular direct long haul flight linking Wales and South West England to a major global hub in the Gulf region seven days a week - benefiting both leisure and business travellers by creating a wealth of long-haul connectivity.



Services will fly between the national airport of Wales and Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatars capital, which since opening in 2014, is one of the worlds largest hub airports, with over 30 million passengers using the state of the art facilities each year.



Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: We are delighted to announce the launch date for our direct service to Cardiff. Many travellers currently fly to and from London, using ground transport between London and Cardiff, so this new route will allow passengers to fly direct from Wales to Doha and beyond for the first time.



Deb Barber, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, commented: I am immensely proud that world class airline Qatar Airways has recognised the potential that exists within the region and chosen Cardiff Airport to operate a daily service. The service opens up a world of connectivity for our customers to destinations across Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia.



Over 1.4 million passengers per year from the region travel to destinations that are available on the Qatar Airways network - 90% of these passengers are currently travelling from London airports, which emphasises just how much demand exists within the market.



We look forward to developing our fruitful relationship with Qatar Airways over the coming months and to the start of this exciting new route in May 2018.
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The ministry has identified 1,06,578 directors for disqualification under Section 164(2)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 as on September 12, 2017.

New Delhi: As part of crackdown on shell companies, corporate affairs ministry has disqualified over 1 lakh directors as companies under them failed to submit financial statement for three years.

Corporate affairs ministry has already cancelled registration of around 2.10 lakh defaulting companies and the finance ministry had asked banks to restrict their bank operations.

The ministry has identified 1,06,578 directors for disqualification under Section 164(2)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 as on September 12, 2017.

As per section 164 of the Companies Act, 2013, any person who is or has been a director in a company which has not filed financial statements for any continuous period of three financial years will not be eligible for re-appointment as a director in that company or appointed in other company for a period of five years.

It may be noted that prior to action against defaulting companies, there were about 13 lakh companies in the Registry. However, after closing of around 2.10 lakh companies, there are about 11 lakh companies having active status, the corporate affairs ministry said.

Minister of state for corporate affairs P.P. Chaudhary said all the concerned agencies are handling this issue on priority. The present government has vowed to fight blackmoney and fighting the menace of shell companies is an imperative element of such fight. The fight against blackmoney shall be incomplete without breaking the network of shell companies. Possibility of using the shell companies for laundering the black money cannot be undermined, said Mr Chaudhary.

He said that disqualification under Section 164 of the act is by operation of law. We are identifying the defaulting directors of these shell companies. My officers have assured me that by the end of this month, we would be ready with the relevant details of all defaulting directors of these shell companies, he added. The ministry said it is further analysing the data of these de-registered companies to identify the directors and the significant beneficial interests behind these companies.
The newly minted Rs 100 and Rs 5 coins will be etched with M G Ramachandran's portrait in the centre.

The government will mint Rs 100 and Rs 5 coins to commemorate the birth centenary of M G Ramachandran.

Mumbai: Pretty soon, your wallets will boast of Rs 100 coins as the government is set to introduce these new coins to commemorate the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna awardee and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister late M G Ramachandran.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Finance, the government will also roll out new Rs 5 coins to mark this occasion. The coins of the following denominations (Rs 100 and Rs 5) shall also be coined at the Mint for issue under the authority of the Central Government to commemorate the occasion of Dr MG Ramachandran birth centenary, the Ministry of Finance said in a notification dated September 11.

The newly minted coins will be etched with MGRs portrait in the centre. The words- 'Dr M G Ramachandran Birth Centenary' will be inscribed in the lower periphery while the same will be inscribed in the Devanagari script on the upper periphery.

The years marking the great actor and politicians lifetime -'1917-2017' will be etched below his sketch, said the notification.

The reverse side of the coin will bear the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar in the centre with the inscription 'Satyamev Jayte'.

The Rs 100 will weigh 35 grams and will be made of 50 per cent silver, 40 per cent copper, 5 per cent nickel and 5 per cent zinc.

The Rs 5 coins will weigh 6 grams and will be made of 75 per cent copper, 20 per cent zinc and 5 per cent nickel.

Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran, popularly known as 'MGR', was the founder of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the ruling party in Tamil Nadu now.

The film actor, who was elected as the chief minister thrice in his lifetime, was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1988. He continues to be a political and cultural icon.
The NPL resolution process being led by RBI could potentially release capital if recovery rates are high.

he government is committed to investing only another $3 billion in fresh equity for 21 state banks over FY18 and FY19, having already provided most of the originally budgeted $11 billion.

Mumbai: Global rating agency Fitch has estimated that Indian banks are likely to require around $65 billion of additional capital to meet new Basel III capital standards that will be fully implemented by the financial year ending March 2019.

It added that the weak capital positions have a major negative influence on Indian banks viability ratings, which will come under more pressure if the problem is not addressed.

While the estimate for capital needs have fallen from its earlier projections due to asset rationalisation and weaker than expected loan growth, Fitch however said that state banks, which accounts for 95 per cent of the estimated shortage have limited options to raise the capital they still require.

Prospects for internal capital generation are weak and low investor confidence impedes access to the equity capital market. Access to the Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital market has improved in recent months - reflecting state support to help state banks avoid missing coupon payments  but around two-thirds of the capital shortage is in the form of common equity Tier 1 (CET1), Fitch said.

It further noted that state banks are likely to be dependent on the state to meet core capital requirements. The government is committed to investing only another $3 billion in fresh equity for 21 state banks over FY18 and FY19, having already provided most of the originally budgeted $11 billion.

Fitch believes the government will have to pump in more than double, even on a bare minimum basis (excluding buffers), if it is to raise loan growth, address weak provision cover, and aid in effective resolution of non performing loans (NPL).
Taking a 'nationalist' approach, School Education Minister Vijay Shah said, this will be implemented in all schools of Satna from October 1.

Satna: The schools in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh have been directed to ensure that students answer the roll call with 'Jai Hind' instead of 'Yes Sir or Madam'.

Taking a 'nationalist' approach, School Education Minister Vijay Shah said that this will be implemented in all schools of Satna from October 1.

"I have a military background; my grandfathers have been in the Army. And whenever they come to meet, they always say 'Jai Hind' which I think is a way of respecting your nation, and the feeling of love for your country is shown through his gesture," Vijay Shah told the media.

He said that he didn't like the concept of 'yes sir, yes madam' in schools and hence, directed the schools to do this.

"I asked them to make students say ' Jai Hind,' because they are the future of India and they should respect and love their country; by doing this the love for the nation will increase among them," Shah said.

Shah also said that if this mission is successful, then after the Chief Minister's agreement, he would request to implement this all over Madhya Pradesh, whether it's a public school or a private school.

On being asked whether this would be implemented in the private schools, Shah said, "We can only give them a suggestion regarding this, after this how much they follow it, depends on them. I think this is a nationalist approach so they might consider it."

"And if they don't listen, we would drop the media on them," Shah said laughingly.
A Class 2 student was found with his throat slit on Sept. 8 morning in the toilet of Ryan International School in Gurgaon.

Police allege that 42-year-old bus conductor Ashok Kumar killed him with a knife after the boy resisted an attempt to sodomise him. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: An official of the Ryan Group on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of the student murder case from outside a local court at Sohna, alleging the bar has restrained lawyers from representing the accused in the sensational case.

Meanwhile, the victims father has filed an intervention application in the Bombay High Court, opposing pre-arrest bail pleas of Ryan Group's trustees.

Read: Haryana police quiz Ryan Groups CEO

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Amitava Roy and AM Khanwilkar considered the submission of senior advocate KTS Tulsi that the fundamental right of a person to be represented by a lawyer of his choice is getting infringed.

The bench assured the counsel of Francis Thomas, northern zone head of Ryan Group, that it will hear the petition on September 18. Thomas was arrested on Monday in connection with the murder of the boy in school premises on Friday last.

Tulsi alleged that the bar bodies at Sohna and Gurgaon in Haryana have asked their member lawyers not to represent any person or accused in the brutal murder of seven-year-old Pradyuman.

"The fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) is being infringed," Tulsi said, adding that the apex court may consider transferring of the case outside Sohna in Haryana.

Read: Schoolboy's murder: SIT visits Ryan Int'l school to recreate crime scene

Class 2 student Pradyuman was found with his throat slit on the morning of September 8 in the toilet of Ryan International School in Gurgaon.

Police allege that 42-year-old bus conductor Ashok Kumar killed him with a knife after the boy resisted an attempt to sodomise him.

The apex court is already hearing pleas filed by Pradyuman's father and two women lawyers on the issue.

Read: Gurgaon: Private schools offer free admission to Ryan victim's sister

While the father has sought investigation by the CBI or an SIT into the case, the women advocates have sought framing of "non-negotiable" child safety conditions and implementation of existing guidelines to protect school-going children from offences like sexual abuse and murder across the country.

The plea, which also sought cancellation of licences and forfeiture of state grants of erring schools, will be heard by the court along with the father's petition on September 15.
Dawood is the main accused in the 1993 serial blasts case in which around 260 people were killed.

New Delhi: The UK government has seized properties belonging to fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. The assets which have been seized include his properties in Midlands.

The action against Dawood comes nearly two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modis UK tour. Mr Modi, during his November 12-14, 2015 tour, had reportedly handed over a dossier concerning the underworld gangster to his then British counterpart David Cameron. According to reports Dawood is one of the richest gangsters of all time.

Dawood is currently on the wanted list of Interpol for organised crime and counterfeiting, besides for his association with Al Qaeda as identified in the UNSC resolutions. The Interpol has already issued a red-corner notice against him. Reports suggest that Dawood owns a hotel in Warwickshire and other residential properties across the Midlands. It is believed that Dawoods total assets are worth $6.7 billion.

Dawood reportedly appeared on the UK treasury departments Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets in the UK updated on Monday, with three recorded addresses in Pakistan, where he is reportedly based.

Amid reports that the properties of Dawood have been seized by the UK government, Union minister V.K. Singh on Wednesday said, We cant let the cat out of the bag. Talking to media persons in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Singh said, We will not talk about Dawood at all. Certain things are happening. We cant let the cat be let out of the bag.

Dawood is the main accused in the 1993 serial blasts case in which around 260 people were killed. He fled the country post the bombings and is understood to be hiding in Pakistan. The CBI, Interpol in India, has already provided Dawood address  house no. 37, 30th street, Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, as his permanent address in Pakistan to the Interpol. Besides, palatial bungalow in the hilly area of Noorabad in Karachi and a property at Margalla Road F-6/2, street No. 22, house number 29, in the same city, have already been provided as other addresses of the underworld don. Besides, his passport details, including the Indian passport number A-333602 issued in Mumbai on June 4, 1985 (which has already been revoked by the Government of India) and another Indian passport number M110522 issued in Mumbai on Nov. 13, 1978, have also been provided by the CBI. The details about his other Indian passport numbers including R841697 issued in Mumbai on Nov. 26, 1981, and F823692 on September 2, 1989, too have already been given to the Interpol as well as the UN.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time will hold a road show with his counterpart from another country.

Ahmedabad: Elaborate arrangements have been made at Ahmedabad city of poll-bound Gujarat to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Narendra Modi is likely to receive him at the airport.

Abe will undertake a two-day official visit to India from Wednesday to hold the annual India-Japan Summit with Modi in Gandhinagar, the capital of the Prime Minister's home state Gujarat.

Ahmedabad and India are ready to welcome PM @AbeShinzo. pic.twitter.com/rToW2K8JEw  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

"I look forward to welcoming PM @AbeShinzo. I will be hosting him in Gujarat in our fourth annual summit together," Modi tweeted in English as well as in Japanese.

I look forward to welcoming PM @AbeShinzo. I will be hosting him in Gujarat in our fourth annual summit together. https://t.co/1gaiLCsem9  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

"PM @AbeShinzo and I will attend a wide range of programmes on 13th and 14th September 2017, aimed at further boosting India-Japan ties," he added.

PM @AbeShinzo and I will attend a wide range of programmes on 13th and 14th September 2017, aimed at further boosting India-Japan ties.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

In another tweet, he said the two leaders will attend a programme to mark the start of work of India's first high- speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

The train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the world.

"India truly values the relationship with Japan and we look forward to further boosting our bilateral ties in a wide range of sectors," the prime minister said.

The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

The two leaders will also hold a road show in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. This is for the first time when an Indian prime minister is holding a road show with his counterpart from another nation.

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's standing committee chairman Pravin Patel said a large number of people, including singing troupes who will be performing at 28 different locations along the route, will greet Modi and Abe.

Read: High-speed rail training centre to come up in Vadodara

"On the entire route of the the road show, which will also pass from Sabarmati Riverfront, we have erected 28 small stages where dancers from 28 different states, all dressed in their traditional attire, would showcase their performance when these leaders pass," said Patel.

After visiting the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi lived between 1917 and 1930, both the leaders would take a break till evening, said Patel.

"In the evening, both the PMs would visit the iconic Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in the eastern part of the city. The mosque is known across the world for the stone lattice work," he said, adding that both the leaders would be shown a presentation about the city's heritage on the occasion.

Modi and Abe would then have dinner at 'Agashiye' restaurant located near the mosque, Patel added.

On Thursday, Abe and Modi will attend the ground breaking ceremony for the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project, commonly referred to as the Bullet Train project.

Later that day, both the premiers will hold the 12th India-Japan annual summit at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
A huge crowd of citizens in Aceh witnessed the savage punishment.

A married woman in Indonesia lashed 100 times for being in a "private place" with a man that is not her husband. A Sharia court found her guilty of the crime, according to a report by The Sun.

A huge crowd of citizens witnessed the savage punishment given to 30-year-old Mazidah in front of a mosque in the province of Aceh, according to the report.

She had to be rushed to a hospital after collapsing from her injuries. Two men in the case were found guilty with indecent behaviour against a minor. They were also given 100 lashes.

Aceh is the only province in the country that practices Sharia law. Under the law homosexuality, alcohol, and gambling are crimes.

339 public beatings cases have been reported in 2016 alone.
While Indians are only waking up to the need of the hour, the threat to women journalists worldwide has been around for years.

While the countrys fourth pillar is still reeling from the blow dealt to it through Gauri Lankeshs murder, one journalist has been cautioning them about the gap in safety faced by women journalists for months. Through her documentary film Velvet Revolution, former TV journalist, documentary filmmaker and media educator Nupur Basu, has shown the plight of female journalists in a world which no longer hesitates to end the life of one of their number.

The film, made in association with The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT), combines the work of six journalists from across the globe who sought out relevant stories from their countries and sent them to Nupur, who collated them according to her vision of the film. While the initial screening of the film happened in March, the film is now being screened in the city, in light of recent events.

While Indians are only waking up to the need of the hour, the threat to women journalists worldwide has been around for years. For years now, Nupur has been reiterating the fact that we are missing our own story. There has been a worldwide alert by organisations monitoring journalists safety issues on how the numbers of attacks and targeted killings of women journalists is on the rise. I have been concerned about this issue for a while. When the opportunity came to make a film on this, I decided to take it. That is how Velvet Revolution came about. Gauris horrific assassination has just brought the issue close to home for Indians, explains the ex-television journalist.

When IAWRT asked Nupur to make a film on issues that women journalists face today, she wanted to go beyond the age-old topic of women being marginalised in the work field and barred from the newsroom. I came on-board as the executive producer and decided to make the film on the challenges that women face in covering conflict worldwide. I worked with five other women filmmakers from IAWRT in different parts of the globe and made the film. We have journalists from Philippines, India, Bangladesh, USA, Cameroon, Afghanistan, Syria and the UK telling us how state and non-state actors are attacking them and made their profession a really dangerous one, she says.

The challenges that these women face are two-fold  the physical threat to their person, and the threats piled upon them via social media. While some countries have it worse than others, India too has joined the list of nations where the voice of dissent is silenced violently. It has been seen that women journalists face double threats  first, in the form of personal attacks and secondly with the atrocious trolling on social media platforms in the most misogynistic way where they are threatened with rape and kidnap of their loved ones. You are seeing its ugliest face even post Gauris assassination. It is truly unbelievable that there are open threats by trolls to assassinate other women journalists, argues Nupur, who has felt the lack of safety keenly herself when covering events across the world. There have been times when one has felt insecure while filming in places like Peshawar in Pakistan or in Sri Lanka, or Afghanistan but today, very sadly, in India too we women and men journalists who speak truth to power, feel unsafe, she laments.

One of the stories that Nupur especially wanted to tell was that of the present editor of the Bangladeshi blog, Muktomona, Rafida Bonya Ahmed, whose husband was murdered before her very eyes and who herself escaped death by a hair. Another is the story of a Malini Subramaniam of Bastar, who was driven out of her home for stating uncomfortable truths about the state of tribals there. It is tragic that we had to lose Gauri to draw the attention of people to the issue of growing attacks on women journalists. But to be fair, Velvet Revolution has resonated very well with the audiences that have seen it in different countries so far. I think the gravity of the subject will only get sharper after our personal loss in Bangalore, she signs off.

The screening will take place on September 29, At Godrej India Culture Lab
Initially, Mr Shahid diverted the focus of the investigation of the case by suspecting his live-in partner Ms Alisha, said the DCP.

With the help of technical surveillance, on September 11, the police found Mr Shahid to be hiding somewhere in the area of West Vinod Nagar. He was arrested along with Ms Alisha, the police said. (Photo: Representational Image)

New Delhi: The Delhi police has arrested two persons, including a Bhojpuri actor, who kidnapped his own two year-old son along with his live-in partner to teach his former wife a lesson, on Tuesday.

Deputy commissioner of police, south east district, Romil Baaniya said the accused has been identified as Mohammed Shahid, 23., the biological father of the kidnapped boy, and his live-in partner Kashish, 22, alias Alisha (changed name).

The DCP said that on June 26, one Mumtaz had lodged a complaint at Jamia Nagar police station in connection with the abduction of her daughters two-year-old son. A police team was formed and raids were conducted at different areas of Delhi and Bareilly.

Information with regard to the kidnapped child was also given to all concerned agencies and a reward of `20,000 was also announced. Initially, Mr Shahid diverted the focus of the investigation of the case by suspecting his live-in partner Ms Alisha, said the DCP.

But when the team raised suspected Mr Shahids hand in the case, he disappeared from the picture and hid himself from the police, Mr Baaniya added.

With the help of technical surveillance, on September 11, the police found Mr Shahid to be hiding somewhere in the area of West Vinod Nagar. He was arrested along with Ms Alisha, the police said.

They later disclosed the whereabouts of the kidnapped child to the police, who was rescued and promptly returned back to his biological mother.

During interrogation, Mr Shahid said he was married to Muskaan two years ago and had a son from her. But when they filed for a divorce and Ms Muskaan remarried, Mr Shahid requested that he keep the son with him, to which she refused. Frustrated, Mr Shahid hatched a conspiracy with his present live-in partner to kidnap the child and take revenge on Ms Muskaan, said Mr Baaniya.
Pranay Tiwari, the accused, worked as a supervisor at store in a prominent south Delhi mall.

New Delhi: A 27-year-old man, who allegedly posed as an underworld don and demanded money from businessmen in New Delhi, has been arrested, the police said on Tuesday.

Pranay Tiwari worked as a supervisor at store in a prominent south Delhi mall. He used the information filled by customers in feedback forms to identify his victims and make the extortion calls, they said.

On August 28, a west Delhi-based businessman lodged a police complaint alleging that a man claiming to be a don by the name Rizwan Khan had called him and demanded Rs 1 crore, the police said.

The caller had threatened to harm him and members of his family if he failed to pay the money, they said.

During preliminary inquiry, it was found that several businessmen in Delhi and other parts of the country had received extortion calls from the same mobile phone number.

In the other cases, too, the caller had identified himself as Khan and told them that they were under constant surveillance, the police said.

Teams of the Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Chhattisgarh police worked to get information about the accused.

They studied his modus operandi and traced him to Rewa in Madhya Pradesh. He was making the extortion calls from different locations, the police said.

A team was constituted and raids were carried out in Rewa and nearby areas, and it was found that Tiwari was in Ratehara in Rewa, they said.

He was contacted and asked to take delivery of the money that he had demanded from the complainant. On the intervening night of September 10 and 11, a place was decided for the same.

A Crime Branch team kept the money at the place, which was chosen by the accused. He collected it at 3:45 am, assuming it was safe. However, as soon as he picked up the package and started moving, he was nabbed, the police said.

During interrogation, he said that he worked as a supervisor in a chocolate shop at Ambience Mall in Vasant Kunj where it was a common practice for customers to fill feedback forms, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Deo said.

Most of the customers would fill the form thinking it would result in some a birthday discount, he said.

Since the accused had a lot of personnel information such as birthday and anniversary dates, he was able to stun his victims by revealing these details in his extortion SMSes, the officer said.

Tiwari would claim to be from the underworld and direct them pay between anything between Rs 1 and Rs 5 crore, he said.

He had been doing this since January and the police are probing whether he had actually got any extortion money, the officer said.
Gold weighing 2.4 kg, having a market value of Rs 71.64 lakh, were seized from the rectum of the women passengers.

New Delhi: The Customs department has arrested two women at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in Delhi for allegedly trying to smuggle in more than two kg of gold by hiding it in their rectum.

Besides them, two men have also been arrested for their involvement in the smuggling. The accused persons had adopted a unique modus operandi. All the four persons have been arrested.

Both the men hail from Ulhasnagar in Mumbai had travelled to Bangkok to got the gold consignment from one of their contacts. The police said that from Bangkok, one of them came to Thiruvananthapuram, while another landed in Chennai via Mauritius, a department official said.

The accused boarded separate flights to New Delhi along with the women accomplices.

The precious metal was handed over to the women during the flights to the capital from Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai.

The women concealed 1.2 kg gold each inside their rectum in the toilet of the plane, the official claimed. The women were arrested at the Delhis IGI airport by the customs department officials on Monday.

On detailed examination and personal search, 12 pieces of gold weighing 2.4 kg (1.2 kg from each from the women passengers), which have a market value of `71.64 lakh, were recovered from the rectum of both the women passengers, a customs department statement said.
Reclaims DU from ABVP; wins presidents post first time since 2012.

New Delhi: Making a stunning comeback, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) of Congress won the top posts of president and vice-president in the Dusu polls at a time when the parent partys moral was at its lowest.

The BJP-backed ABVP bagged the posts of secretary and joint secretary. Initially, it was declared that NSUI had won three posts, but later the election office revised its result.

The NSUI said that it would approach the Delhi high court to challenge the result manipulated by the right-wing ABVP. The party alleged that after it won three seats, the ABVP protested and demanded recounting which was done off cameras.

NSUIs Rocky Tuseed polled 16,299 votes and won the presidents post by a margin of 1,590 votes, defeating ABVPs Rajat Chaudhary, while partys Kunal Sehrawat defeated ABVP candidate Parth Rana by 175 votes for the post of vice-president.

ABVPs Mahamedha Nagar defeated NSUIs Minakshi Meena by 2,624 votes to win the post of the secretary, while partys joint secretary candidate Uma Shankar defeated NSUIs Avinash Yadav by 342 votes

The NSUI has won the Dusu presidents post five years after it had won it in 2012. Since then, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has been dominating the Delhi University Students Union (Dusu) elections in a straight contest with the NSUI.

The ABVP, which held three posts in the outgoing panel, secured the seats of secretary and joint secretary. When the counting started on Wednesday morning, the ABVP was leading on all posts. However, the NSUI took a surprise lead mid-way staging a comeback.

New Dusu president Mr Tuseed till four days before the election, was unsure whether he would be contesting or not as his nomination for the presidential post was rejected by the DU chief election officer on grounds of disciplinary action on September 6. He had then approached the Delhi high court, which on Septe-mber 8, had allowed him to contest. The next date of hearing in the matter is September 28. His election to the post of president is still provisional.

The Delhi University boost for the Congress comes after its disappointing performance at the JNU, where more students voted for Nota than the NSUI. The student election victory was seized by top Congress leaders who held it up as a sign of a revival of the partys appeal among students and the youth.
Mr Maken said that the youth of Delhi who voted for PM Narendra Modi in general polls were unhappy with the Central govt.

New Delhi: Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said on Wednesday that its youth wing won two main seats in Delhi University Students Union (Dusu) elections because of party vice-president Rahul Gandhis speech at University of California. Mr Maken said that the youth of Delhi who voted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in general polls was unhappy with the Central government.

The youth of Delhi has rejected the speech of Mr Modi and accepted the speech given by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi in Berkely University in the US. I congratulate the newly-elected NSUI candidates Rocky Tuseed (president) and Kunal Sehrawat (vice-president) for their victory in the Dusu elections. The rising student vote percentage shows the widening support for the Congress, Mr Maken said.

The Congress said that the their rivals had applied all illegal ways to win in Dusu elections by hatching a conspiracy and getting rejected the nomination paper of their presidential candidate Rocky Tushir.

It was only because of the efforts made by senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram who filed a petition in the Delhi high court and won the battle for Mr Tuseed, Mr Maken said.

The Delhi unit Congress chief also alleged cheating by the ABVP in re-counting due to which they lost the post of joint secretary. We had won three seats  president, vice-president and joint secretary  but the ABVP candidates protested and demanded recounting and it was done without cameras. We suspect a foul play on the part of ABVP. We will go to court against the ABVP, he added.
Kejriwal, who carried his own bag, has been given cell number three for meditation in the pagoda.

Nashik: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal arrived in Igatpuri, Nashik on Monday for a 10-day Vipassana meditation course at the Dhamma Giri Vipassana International Academy. He will be incommunicado for the courses 10-day period as talking by participants is barred. Mr Kejriwal arrived in the town on Monday evening and went straight to the Vipassana centre.

Mr Kejriwal, who carried his own bag, has been given cell number three for meditation in the pagoda. No communication between anyone is allowed during the course and mobile phones are switched off.

An ex-student of the course said that those undergoing the course are not allowed to speak with anyone, including family members. If they do speak, they are not allowed to complete the course as speaking interferes with the Vipassana meditation theory, the former student said.

Talking to the media outside the meditation centre, Mr Kejriwal said he would be completing the course as a common student without any privileges. As he will have to attend an important meeting in Delhi on the evening of September 19, he will leave on the same day to Mumbai and then by plane to Delhi.

Igatpuri police station assistant police inspector J.M. Pagar said that police personnel were patrolling the area, while Mr Kejriwal has his own security in the Dhamma Giri campus. AAP leaders Swati Maliwal, Vandana Singh and others accompanied Mr Kejriwal and will also be completing the course, sources said.

Local leaders and politicians from different parties met and welcomed Mr Kejriwal at Igatpuri, as there is no AAP leader in the locality. When journalists asked if AAP would be contesting elections in Maharashtra, he said, No comments.

Dhamma Giri is one of the largest Vipassana meditation centres in the world.
SC to hear September 15 PIL over safety Statement of 2 kids recorded.

Schoolbus conductor Ashok Kumar, who allegedly tried to sexually assault the Class 2 student in a toilet and slit his throat with a knife, was sent to judicial custody till September 17.

Gurgaon: The seven-year-old boy, found murdered inside his school, was not sexually assaulted and died of excessive bleeding, the doctor who conducted the post-mortem said.

Dr Deepak Mathur, who conducted the post-mortem, also said there were two cuts on the boys body and a nerve was slashed due to which he could not cry for help when he was attacked.

The second point that came out in the report is that the child died due to excessive bleeding. There was no sexual assault on the minor and no semen marks were found on his school dress, he said.

A fact-finding three member committee, constituted by the Gurgaon district administration, submitted its report to district commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh.

Meanwhile, the police recorded statements of two students in connection with the murder of their schoolmate. The SIT recorded statements of two students who went to change their Taekwondo dress inside the toilet at the time of the crime, a senior police officer said.

Schoolbus conductor Ashok Kumar, who allegedly tried to sexually assault the Class 2 student in a toilet and slit his throat with a knife, was sent to judicial custody till September 17.

As police are working to crack the case, Subhash Garg, a businessman, claimed the conductor carried the injured boy to a car to be shifted to a hospital on the orders of two teachers. Mr Garg said he had gone to deposit his sons fees on Friday and was standing at the main reception in the school when he heard some commotion.

I saw two female teachers and two students were following an injured student who was being carried by Ashok Kumar. One of the teachers was weeping at that moment. She ordered Kumar to place him at the rear seat of the car, Mr Garg said.

There were also blood stains spread all over the place in a small toilet at the ground floor of the school building. There were blood stains on Kumars shirt which may be due to the fact that he was carrying the boy, he claimed.

He said Kumar was behaving normally which is a rare thing for someone who has committed a crime, adding he recorded 1.14 minute video. The school bus driver Saurabh Raghav claimed Kumar was made a scapegoat by the school teachers.  PTI
The board is slated to form a committee to investigate the matter.

The experts further said that the school authorities, in coordination with the Parents Teacher Associations, should do these audits on their own. (Representational image)

Mumbai: In the wake of the alleged murder and sexual assault of a seven-year-old student in Ryan International School in Gurugram, Haryana, city-based education experts have said that while conducting safety audits at private and state schools is a must, it should be done informally and there is no need for a separate law for it.

The experts further said that the school authorities, in coordination with the Parents Teacher Associations, should do these audits on their own. They have also suggested third-party audits as well as a better screening process for employees before induction to ensure a safer environment in schools.

Parents of children studying in the Gurugram school are pressurizing the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) as Ryan International School is affiliated with the board. In response, the board is slated to form a committee to investigate the matter. However, nothing disciplinary has occurred as of now.

The CBSE has come up with a comprehensive document for the safety audits in the schools and I feel that it is a progressive step. But the real effectiveness lies in how well it is executed and followed. Third party audits should take place, both scheduled and unscheduled, to keep everyone on their toes, said Fatima Agarkar, educationist and founder of K.A. Edu Associates.

Education expert Rajesh Mohanan said, Something like basic security is of utmost importance everywhere and not just in the education sector. Every human being has the right to feel secure. When they dont, something feels wrong or incomplete.

In case of schools, I feel CCTVs, security alarms, a trust-worthy workforce and GPS devices on the school buses can help in ensuring the security of the students.
The deceaseds father has filed an intervention application opposing Pintos transit ABA.

Mumbai: The Bombay high court has extended the interim relief granted to Ryan Pinto, CEO of Ryan International Group of Institutions, and his parents by one more day after the father of the child who was allegedly murdered in the Gurugram School sought to intervene and refrain the Pintos from securing transit anticipatory bail.

The petition filed by Barun Chandra Thakur alleged that the school in which his son was murdered had flouted many norms of the CBSE board and allowed outsiders into the premises during school hours. Since the Pintos had failed to implement the safety norms, there was need for custodial interrogation and hence their application should be rejected.

The hearing of the transit anticipatory bail application of Ryan Pinto and his parents Augustine and Grace Pinto before Justice A. S. Gadkari started in a packed courtroom. Advocate Niteen Pradhan, who was appearing for the Pintos, said that as the interrogation of his clients was still underway in Mumbai by a team of two Haryana cops, they were apprehensive of being arrested before they could reach Haryana and file an application for anticipatory bail there.

However, advocate Sushil Tekriwal, appearing for the seven-year-olds father, said that he had filed an intervention application opposing the transit ABA. His petition cast aspersions on the entire incident in which the child was allegedly killed in the washroom of the school and then taken to a hospital by the same conductor who is accused of murdering the child.

The petition alleged that while all safety norms were flouted, there seemed to be a conspiracy to shield the actual culprits.

The petition further said that though the incident had shaken the entire nation, the Pintos were remorseless and the management was neither liable nor responsible. This horror tale could get extended upon any citizen of this country, if the sensitivity and conscience of all such school management expires and hence the present petition be dismissed in toto, said Thakurs intervention petition.

However, when Advocate Pradhan informed the court that they had not been serviced the petition, Tekriwal told the court that though he had tried to service the petition to the Pintos, they had refused to accept it.

The court directed Tekriwal to hand over the petition to Pradhan and posted the matter for hearing on Thursday. The court extended the interim relief it had granted to the Pintos for a day on Tuesday, by another day.
The parents were seen complaining that their children feel left out at the school, as they dont have uniforms similar to their classmates.

Mumbai: Three months into the new academic year, around 1,000 students of the total students, who have secured admissions into city schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act are yet to get the 28 articles that the school is supposed to provide them with.

These articles include school uniforms, identity cards and bags. To protest against the issue, parents of several such affected students gathered at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)s education department at Dadar on Wednesday, demanding the basic facilities promised to their kids under this act. A few kids also participated in the protest along with their parents.

The parents were seen complaining that their children feel left out at the school, as they dont have uniforms similar to their classmates.

My daughter cries, saying no for going to school as she doesnt have uniforms and certain books like other kids. She says that her teachers and friends treat her different because of that, said a parent. The other parents also had similar stories to share. Most of these parents live in places like Khar, Santa Cruz, Byculla and Masjid.

In the RTE system, we (BMCs education department) transfer the funds required to provide the 28 articles to these private schools. Then, it is the schools responsibility to use these funds to do the needful. If they dont, then the parents must hold them responsible and not the department, said an education official on the condition of anonymity.

RTE Activist Sudhir Paranjape, while slamming the department said, According to the RTE guidelines, it is mandatory for the school to provide the kids with free books, uniforms, etc. However, it looks like the BMC is not concerned about quality education. It seems that they feel that their responsibility ends at giving admission to these kids.

We have been behind this issue since the last couple of months and have even issued notices to these schools, he added.

Education Act

The RTE is an act that describes the modalities of the importance of free and compulsory education for children between the age of 6 and 14. The RTE was formed in 2009. Under this act, private schools are supposed to reserve 25 per cent of their seats for BPL students. The rule is applicable to all schools and is mandatory.

The RTE is an act that describes the modalities of the importance of free and compulsory education for children between the age of 6 and 14. The RTE was formed in 2009. Under this act, private schools are supposed to reserve 25 per cent of their seats for BPL students. The rule is applicable to all schools and is mandatory.
The Commission has repeatedly criticised the government for extrajudicial killings. Outraged Filipinos take to the Internet. Duterte also plans to cut next years spending on drug rehabilitation centres by 75 per cent. The Church is involved in helping and rehabilitating addicts.

Manila (AsiaNews/Agencies)  By a vote of 119 to 32, the House of Representatives today approved next years budget for the constitutionally mandated Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

The CHR had faced a 10 per cent cut to its budget of P649.48 million (US$ 12.7 million). In 2018, its allocated budget will be a thousand Filipino pesos (US$ 19,60).

CHR Chair Jose Luis Martin Gascon said the CHR, which was established under the 1987 constitution, was saddened by the Houses whimsical and capricious display of vindictiveness.

The CHR has often strongly criticised the Duterte administration for the thousands of extrajudicial killings in its war on drugs.

Over the past month, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez had threatened to scuttle the CHRs budget and render it ineffective.

Following todays vote, many Filipinos immediately took to the Internet to express their anger. Many demanded to know which lawmakers voted for the budget, given that no list of votes was released to the public.

Various human rights groups, including the Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International, have joined the protest.

Agnes Callamard, UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, slammed the decision, calling it Reprehensible and unconscionable.

For its part, the Duterte administration also plans a 75 per cent cut in spending next year on drug rehabilitation centres.

Since the start of his war on drugs, the Catholic Church has been a critical and authoritative voice in the matter through its many relief and rehab activities to help families affected by the governments violent crackdown, which has thus far led to 12,000 extrajudicial killings.

Card Luis Antonio Tagle, archbishop of Manila, has repeatedly urged Catholics to reflect, pray, and act. He has also called on priests and lay people to renew their commitment to the Manila Archdiocese Rehabilitation programme, called Sanlakbay.

Working with local government and law enforcement, the programme is centred on parish communities. It seeks to encourage drug addicts to stop, accept rehabilitation and give themselves another chance to start a new life.
by Santosh Digal

The war on drugs is nothing but extra-judicial killing". More than 12,000 people have died in police operations. Church outreach towards addicts and families includes relief and rehabilitation. Government figures about drug addiction are inflated.

Manila (AsiaNews)  "The Philippine government has no moral responsibility nor political right to kill people on the basis of mere suspicions, said Mgr Broderick Soncuaco Pabillo, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Manila, speaking to AsiaNews. What about peoples inalienable human right to defend their position with due process? he asks.

According to the latest data, more than 12,000 people have died since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his war on drugs.

The latter has sparked widespread protests by Church leaders, civil society groups, human rights organisations, social activists, journalists, students, academics and ordinary people. Several international organisations have also criticised the Filipino government.

The Catholic Church of the Philippines has tried to offer relief and rehabilitation programmes to families who lost members killed by police.

Since Duterte became president in 2016, police have killed 3,451 people in drug-related cases, the governments own data show. According to police, more than 2,000 people were additionally killed in drug-related crimes and thousands have been killed in unclear circumstances.

For Mgr Pabillo, the police and other government agencies cannot have a free hand to kill people just because they think they might be involved in drug-related crimes. This is morally and politically wrong, he said.

Any person who is said to be a drug suspect in the eyes of the government must have an opportunity to defend themselves in a right and lawful court with due process, accessing the judicial system. The government cannot apprehend people without proper investigation and facts, he added.

Concerning drug addicts, the government should give priority to treatment and rehabilitation programmes. It should give them a chance to live in society with full human dignity and respect rather than eliminating them without mercy and violating their right to exist.

The governments relentless war against drug is nothing but extra-judicial killing, which is uncalled for. It is nothing but an abuse of power, said the bishop.

Duterte has claimed that the country has about 4 million drug addicts. According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency "one in every eight households has a drug personality (sic)", that comes to 2.5 million people in a country of 20 million households.

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism also noted that a national government survey of 5,000 people conducted between December 2015 to February 2016 found that that 94 per cent of respondents are non-users or never used drugs before.
It calls the UB action another illegal and evil 'resolution on sanctions' piloted by the US. Its reaction deemed "less-than threatening"; yet, provocations are possible before 10 October.

Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies)  North Korea on Wednesday slammed new sanctions approved by the United Nations Security Council following its sixth nuclear test. It vowed to boost its nuclear programme at a faster pace.

In a statement today carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea's Foreign Ministry said that it "categorically" rejected the UN sanctions, which it says are aimed at "completely suffocating its state and people through a full-scale economic blockade."

The UN action was "another illegal and evil 'resolution on sanctions' piloted by the US", the statement added.

The UN Security Council was voted unanimously, China included, for the sanctions. It bans trading in textiles and restricted oil imports as well as bars North Korean workers from going abroad.

For North Koreas Foreign Ministry, the sanctions are an occasion to "verify that the road it chose to go down was absolutely right and to strengthen its resolve to follow this road at a faster pace without the slightest diversion until this fight to the finish is over.

For some South Korean observers, this response is less-than-threatening. It may be related to the UNSC decision not to blacklist Kim Jong-un -- unlike the proposal in its original draft," said Koh Yu-hwan, a professor at Dongguk University in Seoul.

The South's unification ministry described the statement as "the most low-key form of response from North Korea to UN Security Council resolutions".

"Given this situation, we need to watch further (to gauge North Korea's intention). We are urging the North to end the vicious circle of repeating provocations and sanctions and start a dialogue for the peaceful resolution of its nuclear issue," said Baik Tae-hyun, a South Korea's unification ministry spokesman.

In any case, he said, the situation still warrants close monitoring. There is a remote possibility that Pyongyang will make another provocation around 10 October, the 72nd anniversary of the Workers' Party Foundation, in power in the North.
Sultan Qabus's commitment to securing the release was decisive. The priest was traced thanks to "some Yemeni parties". Fr. Tom will be in Rome for a few days. The "strength in faith and perseverance" of his family. Today Salesian homes around the world, will celebrate with a Mass of Thanksgiving and Eucharistic adoration.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "The Holy See fervently thanks all those who worked for his release, and especially His Majesty the Sultan of Oman and the competent authorities of the Sultanate": These are the few lines released last night , with which the Vatican announced the release of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, 18 months after his kidnapping in Aden (Yemen).

The Press Office also announced that "the religious will remain for a few days in a Salesian community in Rome before going home to India".

Indeed, the work of the authorities in Muscat was decisive. Fr Tom had been kidnapped on March 4, 2016, following the attack on Mother Teresa's hospice for the elderly in Aden, costing four nuns and 12 other people their lives. The violent attack was attributed to Islamist terrorists, but has never been claimed by any group, not even al Qaeda in the Arabian peninsula.

According to the Omani news agency Ona, the authorities of Muscat managed to secure the release the "Vatican employee" priest after locating him in "coordination with some Yemeni parties". The search for Fr. Tom had been launched on the "instructions by Sultan Qabus [of Omman]" and at the request of the Vatican.

Oman cultivates balanced relations with all parties in conflict in Yemen and in recent years has managed to secure the liberation of several people who have been abducted or have disappeared in the country at war.

The Indian government spared no efforts for the release of Fr. Tom. In addition to thanking the bishops, the government has also received the thanks of Fr. Joyce Thonikuzhiyil, superior of the Salesian province of Kerala.

In a statement published last night, the superior also thanks the family for "their strength in faith and for perseverance." He proposed that today, in all Salesian Houses, a Mass of Thanksgiving and half an hour of Eucharistic adoration be celebrated.
When Co-creator Yoshie Bancroft toured Hastings Park, she was inspired to create a stall in the Livestock Building as the set for her production The Japanese Problem. It runs from September 22  30.

Yoshie wanted to shed light on this part of Vancouver history.

As a teen, I would go to the PNE without knowing the historical significance of Hastings Park, she explains, I began to wonder how many people go to the PNE without knowing that 8,000 Canadians were moved through the site during WWII. Its not a secret and yet its not necessarily common knowledge, and thats a problem.

Because people dont know about or understand the Japanese Canadian incarceration, Universal Limited Theatre wanted to commemorate the 75th anniversary.

The collaborators interviewed survivors and family, including three participants in the project who experienced the incarceration.

Every survivor we interviewed has mentioned comparisons to our current world, said director Joanna Garfinkel.

Dont expect a dry, historical lecture, but a living, beautiful piece with lightness. Unlike typical theatre experiences, audiences will be part of an intimate and close group, who will be watching a relevant and resonant production.

For more information, please visit japaneseproblem.ca
Commentary

By Sean Cowan

New Canadian Media

Seems like immigration hasnt been seen in a positive light as of late. Control over immigration has been a central theme in the successful Brexit bid in the United Kingdom. America elected a president who suggests tougher laws and screening for immigrants. Syrian refugees were welcomed by the thousands into Canada (46,700 in 2016 alone to be exact), but not without considerable controversy.

Of course, with the entry of new immigrants comes the culture. Clearly they simply do not know of any other way to live until they move into new land and set roots. Learning another Language and assimilating into another culture takes time and requires patience of the guests who welcome them.

In some places, it seems, they arent necessarily welcome. There appears to be an immigrant backlash brewing in many of the wealthiest countries. The demographics are changing drastically and quickly. In 2012 in America, the census bureau reported that for the first time there have been more minority births than white births.

What becomes disturbing is that the glaringly obvious seems to be overlooked-Caucasians are having less babies.

We need an abundance of young people for the economy to work.

If we have less children we need to import them.

Every healthy economy regardless of society which runs it (within a more left wing society or more to the right) requires a pyramid shape in order for it to work. The tip of the pyramid being those who are not generating income (from the disabled, to young children, to the elderly), casual workers would be found somewhere below the tip, further down from casual comes the part time employees and somewhere halfway down the pyramid being the civil servant who receive revenue from public funds, yet redistribute it into the economy. The base of said metaphorical pyramid are the full time workers of various classes who work for private industry and generate the revenue which works its way up to the very tip and sustains the entire society within.

What becomes abundantly clear when visualizing this pyramid is that every society needs a healthy dose of working, young, able bodied people to sustain the economy and, most importantly, there has to be many more at the base than at the tip for the society to exist at all.

Ultimately if we curb immigration we need to make more babies.

For the longest time it was a non-issue. Forty years ago it was nothing to see a family with four or five children and was quite unusual for anyone to reach the age of 40 and be single without multiple children.

As was often the case. Many years ago you had no choice but to have multiple children but then along came contraceptives and women entered the workforce en masse. Now people had the choice if and when they had children. Women had options. They could wait until later in life to have children and focus on their career. To see a person reach the age of 40 without a child and single in the first world now is quite common.

This person will need young people to continue to generate revenue for when he or she retires. Police are still needed, and roads need to be paved.

This is why we need immigration. The alternative is simply to make more babies. That doesnt appear to be an option. Most people simply are not willing to make enough babies to keep the engine running (or cant due to shrinking wages/ unstable work.but thats another story) so therefore we need to take in young people to make up for the loss.

There are still many countries with large families of 4 or more. They are typically countries who are culturally distinct from us so as they come in, they change the landscape.

Ultimately, if we curb immigration we need to make more babies. If we dont, eventually, the metaphorical pyramid will change shape with the base of the pyramid becoming narrow and the aging population making the tip wider. Its a demographic nightmare that countries like China ( with their one child policy) and Japan (statistically the oldest population on earth and a country not built on multiculturalism) are currently struggling with.

Xenophobia therefore is essentially a demographic nightmare waiting to happen for any first world country. Generally the local populations have been steadily decreasing as the desire for large families have diminished. Without the immigrants to inject new fresh young workers into the economy our social services will erode quicker than you could say build a wall.

So we are left with little choice but to embrace immigration and while we may change immigration policy to be more efficient and attract more of the people each country is desperately looking for in regards to age, family size and qualifications; there is no question that we need a healthy number of new young people in just about every first world nation on earth and that will indeed change each nation that welcomes them.

It should go without saying that immigration has been a continuous process in Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia for centuries now. Various waves have come and gone and from various ethnic groups and they have made their mark and changed the country. As a Canadian Im hard pressed to believe that our much more diverse, multicultural country would go to war for the queen and the motherland as we have in the past because, of course, the demographics have changed and now the majority of the population cannot identify with a cause such as that.

One thing that is clear is that more young people from afar are more crucial than ever to maintain our society and the standards we have come to expect within it. What must be understood is that for the majority of the first world in general and former British colonies in particular it has played a vital part of our society. It has in fact built the society itself. So we should embrace it, because, unless youre going to make more babies, we simply dont have a choice.

Sean Cowan is a former member of the military who has worked with a wide range of first-generation immigrants throughout his career. His experiences as a result of his work and his upbringing in Nova Scotia have led to become an advocate for multiculturalism.

This piece was originally appeared in New Canadian Media.

See http://notexist12sbdmn.newcanadianmedia.ca/component/k2/42221-we-just-aren-t-making-enough-babies
Australian Food Award winners announced



Adna Aliskovic and Stewart Strutt-Shotton from Enigma Fine Chocolates, Champion Australian Small Producer/Manufacturer winners

The 2017 Australian Food Award trophy winners have been announced.

Run annually by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), the Australian Food Awards recognise the best Australian food producers annually.

The awards most prestigious prize, Champion Australian Product/Produce, went to Tasmanian producer, Australian Honey Products, for its Sheffield Honey Farm Leatherwood. The honey also won the Champion Pantry Goods trophy.

A second major winner from the awards was Dooleys Ice Cream which won the Champion Dairy Trophy for its passionfruit ice cream, along with being named Champion Medium Producer.

RASV Chief Executive Officer, Mark OSullivan, said the 2017 winners were no exception to the home-grown excellence seen in previous years.

It is extremely important for Australians to not only know and see where their food comes from, but to also be proud and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Australian growers and producers, who create phenomenal produce day in and day out, OSullivan said.

Australian Food Awards 2017 Champion Trophy Winners

The full list of champion trophy winners are as follows:

Champion Australian Product/Produce  Sheffield Honey Farm Leatherwood

Champion Australian Small Producer/Manufacturer  Enigma Fine Chocolates

Champion Australian Medium Producer/Manufacturer  Dooleys Ice Cream

Champion Australian Large Producer/Manufacturer  Bertocchi Smallgoods

Champion Australian Organic Product/Produce  Zeally Bay Sourdough and Bundarra Berkshires

Champion Australian Dairy  Dooleys Ice Cream

Champion Australian Fresh Produce  Wildes Lane

Champion Australian Convenience Food  Louise, Brunch

Champion Australian Grains and Pulses  Zeally bay Sourdough

Champion Australian Meat  Stockyard

Champion Australian Pantry Goods  Sheffield Honey Farm Leatherwood

Champion Australian Poultry  The Old Farm Happy Valley

Champion Australian Seafood  Eucumbene Trout Farm

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Taco Bell to return to Australia





Mexican fast food chain Taco Bell is set to open in Australia again.

Americas Taco Bell first tried to establish itself in Australia in the 1980s but ran into difficulties when a Sydney restaurant called Taco Bells Casa successfully argued consumers would confuse the two businesses.

Taco Bell re-entered Australia again in 1997, opening a store in Sydneys CBD and some joint stores with KFC, but by 2005 Taco Bell pulled out of Australia again.

Taco Bell is owned by Yum! Brands but Collins Foods has the rights to Taco Bell within Australia. Collins Foods is also responsible for a number of KFC stores and Sizzlers within Australia and overseas.

No official statement has been made announcing Taco Bells new plans for Australia, however, the chain has placed an advertisement looking for staff to work at a Brisbane located Taco Bell.

The Brisbane store will be located in the suburb of Annerley, near Brisbane city centre.

The first Taco Bell was opened in California in 1962 by Glen Bell who had experience making and selling hot dogs and tacos. In 1964 he sold his first franchise and the restaurant network soon grew rapidly across America.

Today there is approximately 7, 000 taco bell restaurants world-wide

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By Trevor Findlay, Senior Research Fellow Department of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne

CTBTO, CC BY-NC

North Koreas apparent nuclear detonation on September 3 has drawn our attention to a remarkable international organisation that helps detect and identify nuclear tests.

For the Vienna-based Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), the latest North Korean explosion was easy to detect and locate. With a seismic magnitude of 6.1 and a blast yield of 160 kilotons (Hiroshima was around 15), the purported hydrogen bomb test mimicked a major earthquake. It was quickly sourced to North Koreas nuclear test site.

Confirming that the event was definitely a nuclear test, as opposed to another type of explosion or an earthquake, is trickier.

Read more: King Jong-Uns nuclear ambition: what is North Koreas endgame?

For that we rely on detection of short-lived radioactive isotopes that may leak from the test site, notably the noble gas xenon. The CTBTO has not yet announced such a finding, although South Korean monitors have reportedly detected xenon-133.

Other potential sources of the gas must be eliminated before a definitive conclusion can be reached.









CTBTO / The Conversation, CC BY-ND





In the past, such fallout has usually been discerned after a North Korean test, but not always. Much depends on whether the cavity created by the test leaks or collapses.

Nuclear test ban treaty

The CTBTOs International Monitoring System, which detected the North Korean test, is designed to verify compliance with the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which bans all nuclear tests in all environments for all time.









CTBTO / The Conversation, CC BY-ND





The International Monitoring System comprises 321 monitoring systems worldwide, using four technologies:

seismic  to detect tests under ground

radionuclide detection  to detect breakdown products

hydroacoustic  to detect tests under water, and

infrasound  for atmospheric tests.

The CTBTOs international monitoring system is sensitive enough to detect underground nuclear tests below one kiloton.

Construction of the system began in 1996 and is now 90% complete.









CTBTO / The Conversation, CC BY-ND





Australia hosts six seismic, two infrasound and one hydroacoustic station, including a large seismic array and infrasound station at Warramunga in the Northern Territory.









CTBTO / The Conversation, CC BY-ND





Data from the International Monitoring System is transmitted to Vienna via a global communications satellite network, mostly in real time, where it is compiled, analysed and distributed to member states. Sixteen laboratories are available for analysing radioactive fallout.

The treaty also provides for on-site inspections to confirm that a nuclear test has been conducted. The system is funded by member states according to the usual United Nations formula based on national GDP.

A difficult, important achievement

As a member of the Australian delegation, I observed the complex preparatory scientific talks on the system at the Committee on Disarmament in Geneva in the early 1980s. It is a miracle of statecraft and science that this collaborative international infrastructure has actually come into being.

The scientists did not get everything they wanted due to political and financial constraints. Some errors were made in the rush to complete the technical specifications. Installation of some of the stations in remote and inaccessible areas has proved daunting.

The hydroacoustic system, for instance, passed a significant milestone in June when the final station was completed, on Frances Crozet Islands in the southern Indian Ocean.

After 20 years of planning and construction and the investment of millions of dollars, not only is the International Monitoring System almost complete, but it is functioning far better than its designers anticipated.

It also has unexpected side benefits, such as providing early warning of tsunamis and detecting nuclear disasters. The network successfully detected the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and tracked radioactive plumes from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Nuclear test ban treaty

The test ban treaty itself is not in such good shape. More than two decades after it was opened for signature it is still not in force, rendering the CTBTO only provisional. This is due to the requirement that all 44 states with a significant nuclear capacity must ratify it.

Currently 183 states have signed, and 162 have ratified. But 8 of the 44 with a nuclear capacity have still not ratified: China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan, North Korea and the United States. China, Egypt, Iran, Israel and the US have at least signed. China says it is awaiting US ratification before it moves.

After a flawed lobbying effort, President Bill Clintons administration failed to secure Senate approval for US ratification in 1999. The treaty has not been resubmitted since, despite President Barack Obamas undertaking that he would try.

Given President Donald Trumps apparent focus on emphasising American military prowess, it seems unlikely that he will favour ratification of the treaty.

More immediately threatening is the return of periodic Republican attempts to defund the CTBTO. These are usually beaten back on the grounds that the US benefits greatly from the worldwide monitoring that only a global system can provide, notwithstanding impressive US national capabilities.

Read more: What earthquake science can tell us about North Koreas nuclear test

As it has in the past, the Australian government should make representations in Washington in support of CTBT ratification and preservation of funding for the system.

Paradoxically though, even if the other seven holdouts ratify, the one country that continues to conduct nuclear tests into the 21st century, North Korea, can stymie entry into force forever. Its accession to the CTBT should be part of any negotiation with North Korea on its nuclear program.

The good news is that the global monitoring system continues to go from strength to strength, providing reassurance that all nuclear tests, including those less brazen than North Koreas, will be caught.

The CTBTOs verification system provides hope that science can quietly triumph while political solutions elude us.

Trevor Findlay receives funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. He is a member of the CTBT International Coalition which supports entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and sustainment of its verification system.

Originally published in The Conversation.


(Wavebreak Media Ltd/Bigstock.com) (Wavebreak Media Ltd/Bigstock.com)

Australia is a popular country for students from all over the world to study and now the latest set of rankings show that eight are among the top in terms of students finding jobs.The QS rankings look beyond mere academic results and traditional measures such as research strength and reputation to ascertain how universities perform in issues relating to the time after graduation as well.The latest report ranks the University of Sydney at fourth in the world for graduate employability and preparing students for the workplace, coming in ahead of leading institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States and Cambridge University and the University of Oxford in the UK.The University of Melbourne is closely behind with a rank of seven in the latest QS Graduate Employability Rankings, followed by the University of New South Wales at 36, the University of Queensland at 49 and the University of Technology Sydney at 69.Overall, Stanford University was ranked first for graduate employability, followed by the University of California, Los Angeles, Harvard University, the University of Sydney, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Cambridge, the University of Melbourne and the University of Oxford.Martin Juno, lead analyst in the QS intelligence unit, said that Sydney University was the only institution to achieve at least a top 40 rank in all five metrics considered. It was also ranked eighth in the world for employer-student connections, 14th for its partnerships with employers and in the top 20 for its graduate employment rate.The report says that the university is active in hosting careers fairs, employer information sessions, workshops and other events to help students and employers network with each other.The University of Melbourne achieved the highest score among all Australian universities for its graduate employment rate and ranked tenth globally. The university counts four Australian prime ministers among its alumni, plus other successful figures such as Germaine Greer and Barry Humphries.The University of New South Wales got its highest score for the employer reputation indicator, and was recently awarded the maximum of five stars for getting a job in the Good Universities Guide, which also found that 76% of undergraduates find a job within four months of graduating.The University of Queensland's highest score was in the partnerships with employers category. Boasting a higher graduate employment rate than the national average, UQ offers its students a free online employability course and has other initiatives to help maximize students' success, such as short term global experiences and student exchange programmes, internships, career workshops and more.The highest score for the University of Technology, Sydney, was in the graduate employment rate category, with the latest figures showing that 76% of Australian resident UTS graduates are in employment three months after study. UTS runs a variety of careers fairs and events, and offers students work ready programmes and a course of career workshops.
Teams conduct rescue operations in Jacksonville, Florida, Sept. 11, 2017. Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard District 7

After Hurricane Irma battered its way through the Caribbean, it hit Florida as a category 4 hurricane on Sunday and then continued to cause damage through Georgia and South Carolina. As of Tuesday, the storm weakened to a post-tropical cyclone and moved toward Tennessee.

We talked to rental operators in Florida to get an update on their rental locations and their employees after Irma tore through the region.

As of Tuesday, Sixt reopened its South Florida locations to the public. Sixt closed its locations in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.

The greatest win for us was that we were able to make sure that all our employees were safe, says Daniel Florence, co-president of Sixt North America. We shut down the operations earlier to allow them to take care of any personal issues, whether that was evacuating themselves or finishing hurricane prep at their homes.

Additionally, Sixt secured its fleet before the hurricane hit. According to Florence, most of the vehicles were moved from downtown locations to airport locations to be stored.

While we had a few vehicles with minor damage, the good news is that the hurricane didnt cause significant impact to our fleet, he says.

Miami was the biggest hit for Sixt, but since its vehicles were stored in the airports consolidated rental car facility, it helped reduce the amount of damage.

We had insignificant damage to some of our facilities, but nothing to keep us from opening back up, says Florence. At our Fort Lauderdale airport location, a sign was knocked down.

Over the weekend, Sixt closed its Tampa location at noon on Saturday and then closed its Orlando location by 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Over the weekend, some customers returned their vehicles to our northern Florida locations and Atlanta, says Florence. And other customers kept the cars and planned to return them on Tuesday.

As of Wednesday, Hertz reopened its national headquarters in Estero, Fla. The Hertz facility sheltered 500 people during Hurricane Irma, including Lee County Sheriff's office, which moved its mobile headquarters to Hertz's garage. The new Hertz headquarters building withstood Irma with small amounts of damage; it was built to survive category 4 hurricanes, according to the company.

Bruno Vargas, owner of Speed Luxury Car Rental in Miami, parked his luxury rental vehicles inside his facillity in Miami during Hurricane Irma. Photo courtesy of Bruno Vargas

At Fox Rent A Car, the locations in Miami, Ft. Myers, and Orlando are all operational as of Tuesday but are doing so without power.

We have had some serious hurdles to contend with and are only operating during daylight hours, says Mike Olson, vice president of marketing for Fox Rent-A-Car.

At Foxs locations in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, there is power on-site but its limiting. According to Olson, the locations are running extension cords from outdoor outlets that still had power running to them.

Fuel is also a concern. Most stations and suppliers were out pre-storm, but those capabilities are coming back online as soon as possible, says Olson.

First Class Rent A Car in Miami suffered no damage to its location or its vehicles. During the hurricane, Owner Carlos Dolabella stored his luxury and exotic rental vehicles in his locations warehouse. Bruno Vargas, owner of Speed Luxury Car Rental in Miami, also was able to park his luxury vehicles in a safe place.

Most importantly, all of our employees and their families are safe and are trying to find ways to get to their offices, says Olson. There are still limitations and curfews.
Harold Pierce covers education and health for The Californian. He can be reached at 661-395-7404. Follow him on Twitter @RoldyPierce
iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- Congress is pushing President Trump to take a stand against white supremacists and commit his administration's resources to combating hate crimes.



The House on Tuesday unanimously approved a bipartisan joint resolution from Virginia lawmakers condemning the violence in Charlottesville, white nationalists and the Klu Klux Klan.



Along with recognizing the death of Heather Heyer, the measure urges Trump to "use all available resources to address the threats posed by those groups," and describes the violence in Charlottesville in August as a "domestic terrorist attack."



It also calls on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to work the Department of Homeland Security to "thoroughly" investigate actions taken by white supremacist groups to determine if any criminal laws were broken in Charlottesvile.



The resolution was introduced by Sens. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, and Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, in the Senate, and endorsed by a bipartisan group of senators. Reps. Tom Garrett, R-Virginia, and Gerry Connolly, D-Virginia, introduced the measure in the House.



The resolution, unanimously approved by the Senate Monday, now goes to President Trump desk for his approval. Trump has ten days to sign or veto the measure before it becomes law.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Days after Hurricane Irma pummeled the Sunshine State, there is a combination of optimism and frustration for state residents.



Hundreds of thousands of Bay area residents are spending another day without power, for example.

TECO has restored power to many of its customers, but about 191,000 remained in the dark Wednesday. Duke Energy has nearly a half-million customers without power, with the largest number 311,529 in Pinellas County at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The Naples area, one of the hardest hit locations in the state, will be the location of President Donald Trump's post-Irma visit to Florida on Thursday.

On the traffic front, the Santa Fe River under I-75 has rapidly risen 15 feet within the past 36 hours (as of 1 p.m.) due to the heavy rainfall over North Florida, which may present challenges for Irma evacuees trying to return home. Additional bridges that may be impacted include: U.S. 27, U.S. 41, S.R. 47 and possibly U.S. 121.

Gas stations, department stores and restaurants are continuing to reopen their doors to serve hungry customers in need of fuel and supplies. The U.S. Coast Guard reopened Port Tampa Bay Tuesday, and more than 300 tanker trunks have fueled up at the port and will deliver to gas stations around the state.

The cost of Hurricane Irma -- just for Florida -- are nearing $250 million and rising. That includes the costs of preparation and recovery efforts.

Flooding at Elfers 1pm. I tried to zoom in on a tree to show the water level going down, looks like several inches @BN9 #irmaaftermath pic.twitter.com/J785PjfsV5  Leah Masuda BN9 (@LeahMasuda) September 13, 2017

"What we've tried to do is make sure everybody has a way to reach out and talk to us here," said Gov. Rick Scott. "So if there's no other way to get help, call us. There's somebody here that will respond to you, and we have a big team of people that are trying their best to try to get services to everybody they can."

The Associated Press says at least 13 people in Florida were killed in Irma-related circumstances, in some cases during the cleanup well after the storm. A Tampa man died after the chainsaw he was using to remove branches kicked back and cut his carotid artery.

Six deaths were vehicle-related and four were during storm preparations. Two people were killed in Hillsborough County, and one was killed in both Pinellas and Pasco counties.

Aside from the Irma-related deaths, at least five people died and more than a dozen were treated for breathing carbon monoxide fumes from generators in the Orlando, Miami and Daytona Beach areas.

Hillsborough's Pet Resource Center is back open but is in need of donations to help pet owners affected by #Irma. https://t.co/04q7Y3b9T2  Bay News 9 (@BN9) September 13, 2017

Meanwhile, the concerns for flooding are far from over. Along the Alafia River that flows into Tampa Bay, crews were working to evacuate anyone who wanted to leave. The river rose by about a foot an hour in Lithia, eventually swamping cars and homes.

Renee Sanderson was rescued from her home but feared she has little left.

"I have insurance but it's got a $5,000 deductible. I don't have $5,000," she said. "So it's pretty much a wrap. I'm losing everything I got."

The Alafia River crested at almost 25 feet Tuesday. Flood stage at the river is 13 feet.



Juli Marquez: Due to heavy rain from Hurricane #Irma, we have major to moderate river flooding in our area. Details: https://t.co/BfCguSiAkZ pic.twitter.com/pl18T3Yd0h  Bay News 9 Weather (@bn9weather) September 13, 2017

The White House said President Donald Trump will visit Thursday to talk with officials about cleanup efforts and visit with residents impacted by the storm. Trump has also approved a major disaster declaration, which authorizes federal funding to flow directly to Floridians impacted by the hurricane. The action also reimburses local communities and the state government to aid in response and recovery.

By Wednesday morning, Polk County was included in the Major Disaster Declaration. Residents can now register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The storm has affected the entire state. Jacksonville, for example, is experiencing its worst flooding since 1846, Scott said. Federal officials estimated one-quarter of all homes in the Keys were destroyed.

Aside from the Irma-related deaths, at least five people died and more than a dozen were treated for breathing carbon monoxide fumes from generators in the Orlando, Miami and Daytona Beach areas.

Some Irma stories have had happy endings.

One couple drove through the wind and rain from Myakka to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center to bring baby Adelynn Dodge into the world. In Clearwater, 94-year-old Betty Helmuth rode out the storm thanks to her granddaughter and police who made sure she had supplies.

Welcome to the world, Adelynn! She was born in Manatee County at the height of #HurricaneIrma @BN9 pic.twitter.com/7RApSgi40F  Angie Angers (@angie_angers) September 12, 2017

Duke Energy officials said Tuesday as many as 9,000 crew members are out in the fields working on downed lines and snapped power poles. Crew members were brought in from out of state and from as far away as Canada, said Duke spokeswoman Anna Gibbs.

"We have 500 staff on duty working today in Pinellas and Pasco counties," Gibbs said.

TECO has crews fanned out across the region as well as close to 300,000 of its customers remain without power.
Florida senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson toured an orange grove in Lake Wales Wednesday morning to get a first-hand look at the damage cause by Hurricane Irma.

The main issue is fruit knocked to the ground by the wind.

Florida residents: Florida Emergency Information 1-800-342-3557 floridadisaster.org/info

Volunteer Opportunities: 1-800-FL-HELP-1 volunteerflorida.org

TRACK THE TROPICS: Storm Season 2017

"In Hendry County, they are losing actually 75 percent of the early crop," Sen. Nelson said while walking with grower Kyle Story.

"Yes sir. Those are the early reports we are getting," Story said in response.

Some groves in other parts of the state have been hit hard by flooding. It all adds up to big losses.

"It's a devastating blow for our industry," said Story.

Florida's citrus industry was hit hard by several hurricanes in 2004, but Story sees this as worse because of the size of Irma and its path.



Sen. Marco Rubio surveys the damage at a Polk County orange grove after Hurricane Irma. (Rick Elmhorst, Staff)

"I've never seen a statewide hurricane in my lifetime doing this kind of devastation," said Story.

Sen. Rubio picked up some still green oranges that had fallen to the ground. Rubio believes the extent of the damage will be realized as more fruit continues to fall.

"And they are going to lose more of these in the days to come. More will fall off," he said.

Both senators promised to work hard to get federal disaster aid for the citrus industry.

"So we have to build support now to go back and not just assess the damage, but what's the best way to deliver assistance to keep the industry alive in our state," said Rubio.
Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD will hold half-day classes starting Wednesday, Sept. 20, the district announced yesterday.

All but two of LCM's campuses had "extensive damages" from flooding. "Therefore, we will offer half-day classes using Little Cypress Intermediate, LC-M High School, and North Orange Baptist Church classrooms," they said.

Morning classes: 7:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Mauriceville Elementary Prekindergarten through 2nd grade will go to North Orange Baptist Church, 4775 N. 16th St., Orange

Mauriceville Elementary 3rd through 5th graders will go to Little Cypress Intermediate, 2300 Allie Payne, Orange

Mauriceville Middle and Little Cypress Junior High will go to Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, 7327 Highway 87 North, Orange.

Breakfast: 7:15-7:30 a.m., Lunch: 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Afternoon classes: 11:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Little Cypress Elementary Prekindergarten through 2nd at NOBC

Little Cypress Elementary 3rd and Little Cypress Intermediate 4th and 5th graders will go to Little Cypress Intermediate

9th through 12th graders will go to LCMHS.

Lunch: 11:15-11:45 a.m.

"The LCMCISD Board and Administration realizes these temporary times and changes in locations are not optimal," the district said. "`The Administration, other District employees, Texas Education Agency (TEA), and experts in disaster remediation have deliberated available alternatives to begin school safely and as soon as possible, while assuring that students' educational needs are met."

Bus stop locations and times will be announced by the end of this week.
Shreveport, La.-based hospital operator BRF may take Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and Louisiana to court over allegations BRF breached contracts with the two entities, The News Star reports.

Gov. John Bel Edwards, D-La., and LSU issued separate "notice of breach" letters to BRF Monday for allegedly mismanaging state-owned hospitals in Monroe and Shreveport.

Gov. Edwards' administration and LSU, which previously managed the hospitals, alleges BRF's hospital manager does not work with LSU to maintain a high-quality medical education, keep up with bill payments and meet patient care or safety standards.



In a news release to the publication, BRF said, "Absent resolution of the issues, a lengthy lawsuit would likely ensue."

Steve Skrivanos, chair of BRF's University Health in Monroe and Shreveport, told The News Star, "While we are very disappointed in the actions of LSU and the state, we remain committed to try to work with them to resolve our differences for the benefit of the people of north Louisiana. We will resist any effort to interfere with our successful effort to improve patient care and access for the residents of north Louisiana."

BRF began operating the hospital in 2013 after securing a no-bid contract with former Louisiana Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal.



For the full report, click here.

Leo Vartorella contributed to this article.



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Charlotte, N.C.-based Carolinas HealthCare System President and CEO Gene Woods and Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health Care System CEO William Roper, MD wrote a response to a recent opinion piece by the editorial board of the News & Observer emphasizing the proposed partnership between the two systems is not to "increase clout in negotiations with insurance companies."

Since the proposed affiliation was made public, the two healthcare leaders have faced challenging questions regarding how the transaction would impact affordability of services and how the joint operation would be structured.

"There's obviously a lot of questions. This is a complex, major undertaking," Mr. Woods said in a recent board meeting, according to the Charlotte Business Journal.

In addition to the numerous questions, many people have expressed concern that the merger will increase negotiating power with insurance companies, leading to both payers and consumers paying more. However, the healthcare leaders reject that clout in negotiations is their main objective. Increasing negotiating power with insurers is "simply not our intent, nor has it been part of our discussions," Mr. Woods and Dr. Roper wrote.

The health system leaders emphasized the partnership is about improving affordability of healthcare. "Fundamentally, this is about extending our mission to more people who need it," Mr. Woods told the Charlotte Business Journal.

If the affiliation is approved, together the two entities would operate nearly 50 hospitals and employ more than 90,000 people.
Pennsylvania nurses are experiencing staffing issues, high turnover and a decrease in workplace influence, according to a report from the nonprofit organization Nurses of Pennsylvania.

The report is based on a survey of 1,000 bedside nurses in the state. Respondents included nurses from hospitals, schools, rehabilitation facilities and long-term care facilities.

Here are five survey findings.

1. Fifty-one percent of nurses said their input on how things are done in the workplace has decreased over the last five years.

2. About 69 percent said the time they spend at patients' bedside has dropped over the last five years.

3. Ninety-four percent of nurses said their facility doesn't staff enough nurses, and 87 percent said staffing levels adversely affecting patient care are worsening.

4. Eighty-four percent of respondents reported high levels of nursing turnover at their facilities.

5. Ninety-five percent of nurses said the national conversation around healthcare does not adequately reflect the voice of nurses.

"Nurse and support staff numbers of dwindling, public health emergencies like the opioid crisis are filling emergency departments, and meanwhile, nurses are burning out or leaving the field altogether," Antoinette Kraus, Nurses of Pennsylvania board member and executive director of the Pennsylvania Health Access Network, said in a press release emailed to Becker's. "That's not responsible healthcare. For the health of our families and our futures, it's time we listen to nurses."

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St. Louis-based Ascension Health ended a class-action lawsuit filed against the system and subsidiary Wheaton Franciscan Services in Glendale, Wis., alleging Wheaton erroneously treated its pension plan as a "church plan" exempt from the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, Bloomberg BNA reports.

Under the settlement, Ascension will pay $29.5 million in benefit payments for Wheaton's retirement plan and up to $2.25 million in legal fees and expenses. Court papers filed Sept. 1 show the deal mandates Ascension to guarantee payment of the $29.5 million for the benefits if the plan cannot cover the costs, the report states.



Ascension and Wheaton denied the allegations in filed court papers, St. Louis Business Journal reports. The settlement requires court approval before it is finalized.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court held church-affiliated hospitals are not required to comply with ERISA, which governs employee pensions.
A former patient of Spencer Cox Center for Health in New York City sued Spencer Cox Clinic, St. Luke's Hospital and Mount Sinai Health Network for $2.5 million, according to a lawsuit obtained by Becker's Hospital Review.

Here are seven things to know about the lawsuit.

1. The lawsuit, dated Sept. 9 and filed with the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, alleges the three defendants of negligent infliction of emotional distress on the unnamed plaintiff, "John Doe." The lawsuit claims Spencer Cox  a part of St. Luke's Hospital, which is a hospital in the Mount Sinai Health Network  improperly faxed the plaintiff's HIV status to his employer.

2. The plaintiff sought treatment at Spencer Cox in February 2014, after being diagnosed with HIV, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiff, upon deciding to switch his treatment to another clinic, requested Spencer Cox mail his records to his post office box or physical address Sept. 8, 2014.

3. Three days later, the director of operations at the plaintiff's place of employment allegedly handed the plaintiff his medical records at his desk, after they were faxed to the office. The medical records contained the plaintiff's HIV status, previous sexually transmitted disease diagnoses, history of physical abuse and sexual orientation, among other information.

"Spencer Cox received the request for plaintiff's medical records, ignored his request and merely sent the records back to the same number where the request originated without any authorization from plaintiff," the lawsuit alleges.

4. The lawsuit, filed with the plaintiff's attorneys at the New York City-based Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman, alleges the breach of protected health information caused the plaintiff severe emotional distress and economic hardship, citing the plaintiff's strained family relationships and decision to resign from his job after the unintended disclosure of his HIV status.

"Plaintiff was in a constant state of apprehension at work, never knowing which of his colleagues and supervisors had access to his intimate and personal information," the lawsuit alleges. "When the stress became too much to continue to bear on a daily basis, plaintiff obtained another job and resigned."

5. The plaintiff seeks damages and related relief in the amount of $2.5 million, according to the lawsuit.

6. Mount Sinai Health System emphasized its focus on patient privacy and security in a statement to Becker's Hospital Review. "We are working with HHS to meticulously review privacy and security policies and procedures, ensuring all necessary safeguards are in place to protect patient privacy. Compliance with [HIPAA] is a core tenent of the work of our medical professionals; and we will continue to be vigilant and committed in our adherence to the policy."

7. In May, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center  which operates the Institute for Advanced Medicine, formerly Spencer Cox  agreed to pay $387,200 to HHS and implement a corrective action plan as part of a HIPAA settlement to resolve allegations it inappropriately handled the plaintiff's sensitive health information. During its investigation, HHS' Office for Civil Rights also discovered the center was responsible for a related privacy breach nine months prior.
The man police shot and killed late Sunday at Novant Health Huntersville (N.C.) Medical Center was traveling from Florida to New York to escape Hurricane Irma, according to The Charlotte Observer, which cited an announcement from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations.

Police say they were called to Huntersville Medical Center Sunday after reports of multiple shots fired inside the facility. When police arrived, they encountered an armed man, who has now been identified as 76-year-old Joseph Charles Cook. Police say they felt threatened when they encountered Mr. Cook and fired several rounds at him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations is continuing to investigate the incident, and the two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, according to the report.

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What Bunsen Burgers outlet at Longbridge House in Waring Street could look like when complete

Bunsen burger looks set to come to Belfast

Belfast is set to get another top-end burger restaurant as a Dublin stalwart expands into Northern Ireland, it can be revealed. Bunsen is the brainchild of chef Tom Gleeson, a business and politics graduate.

The 32-year-old, who has worked in top restaurants including Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck, now has five restaurants in the Republic.

The chain now looks set to take on the ground floor of Longbridge House at Waring Street in Belfast city centre, which is owned by BJ Eastwood's firm Wirefox.

It's understood the company has been searching for a Belfast site for the last few months.

Architectural drawings show the restaurant, will seat around 70 diners.

Bunsen has four locations in Dublin and one in Cork. Now one of Dublin's top burger restaurants, it has a simple menu of burgers, fries, soft drinks and beer.

The company, which has Gleeson as a director, was formed in December 2016.

Bunsen opened its first Dublin outlet at Wexford Street in 2013, followed by a second in the tourist magnet Temple Bar area.

The chain uses Black Aberdeen Angus beef and a mixture of cuts from the fore and hindquarters of the cow.

In a restaurant review of its Essex Street East restaurant, the Irish Independent said it produced a "seriously good (and good-quality) burger for a seriously low price".

No one from Bunsen was available for comment.

It comes after a husband and wife team announced plans to open a high-end burger joint in Belfast creating up to 20 jobs.

Paul and Elaine Catterson are to bring their years of experience in fine dining and food trucks to Belfast's Botanic Avenue with Tribal Burger.

The restaurant will focus on top quality, freshly ground beef from a range of cuts.

Mr Catterson says around 180,000 is being invested in the new business.

It will serve milkshakes and alcoholic drinks.

Mr Catterson said customers will normally pay between 8 and 10 for a meal.

Tribal and Bunsen will be competing with burger outlets including Pablo's and Five Guys.

Five Guys opened its first Belfast restaurant at Victoria Square shopping centre shortly before Christmas in 2015.

And the siblings behind the business in Ireland said that it could open up at a further two locations.

The Desmond brothers, sons of Irish billionaire Dermot Desmond, brought the chain from the US to Ireland.

The franchise was four years in the making, from initial conversations with owners the Murell family.

Five Guys first launched in the US back in 1986.

Since then the company has grown to have more than 1,200 restaurants.
Tyre giant Michelin, which is pulling out of its Co Antrim site after nearly 50 years with the loss of 860 jobs, is asking the public for ideas over the future use of the premises.

The company announced two years ago that it was shutting in Ballymena in 2018 due to a fall in demand for its truck tyres and the growth of competition from Chinese imports.

A spokeswoman said there would be a phased shutdown with full closure by the middle of next year.

Now the French company is holding a consultation day at the Braid Centre in the town on September 26 (12-8pm) on "creating a positive legacy for Ballymena" and ask for views on what should become of the Raceview Road site.

The event has been advertised in newspapers in the area and is described as a "consultation for the local community and residents on the future of the Michelin site".

It's being organised by commercial property agents CBRE.

A spokeswoman for Michelin said: "Michelin wants to help create a positive legacy for the Ballymena site, which is why CBRE is running this consultation event on our behalf.

"It is an opportunity for the community to tell CBRE what they would like to see happen to the site and we believe that is an important part of the transition."

Lisa McAteer, director of CBRE, said: "The Michelin factory provides a fantastic opportunity for continued future investment and regeneration in Ballymena and the wider catchment area.

"The site has great future potential for development for a wide range of uses such as residential, leisure and mixed-use schemes, as well as healthcare and science and technology."

Michelin's announcement in 2015 was the second setback for the town's economy after the closure was announced a year earlier of the JT Gallaher cigarette factory, where 800 people were employed.

Gallaher's former site on the Galgorm Road has been bought over for expansion by the town's bus builder, Wrightbus.
Noel Fielding in the fridge in the Great British Bake Off.

The Great British Bake Off is under fire after showing presenter Noel Fielding hiding in a fridge.

The programme, which recently moved to Channel 4 from the BBC, was shown at 8pm - which many pointed out was before the watershed at 9pm.

It was bread week and during one of the challenges it showed host Sandi Toksvig open a fridge door with fellow comic presenter Noel crouched inside.

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Channel 4 further highlighted the point of the show by tweeting it with the caption "just when you thought Noel Fielding couldn't get any cooler".

Among those voicing their concern was TUV Newtownabbey councillor David Hollis who has lodged an official complaint against Channel 4.

He took to social media and said: "Noel Fielding on last nights Great British Bake Off was seen to be hiding in a fridge and the door was opened by a fellow presenter. The fridge door was then closed on him and locked, with Fielding inside - all before the 9:00 oclock showdown.

"Many children have, in the past, lost their lives in accidents involving fridges. I have made a complaint to Channel 4. They need to put this right by stating the dangers and get rid of this non-entity Noel Fielding immediately.

Mr Hollis told the Belfast Telegraph: "It was before the 9.30pm watershed when children could be watching. Here we have a presenter opening a fridge with another presenter inside it.

"And then they move it on to adverts and next thing is the doors is closed on him again.

"Children are liable to try something like that for fun or play. The suction on the doors - children would have great difficulty trying to get open again.

"We've had deaths in the past and it's very irresponsible.

"I have made an official complaint to them."

Fellow viewers also complained online with some branding the stunt "irresponsible" and "dangerous".

While others jumped to the defence of the programme arguing that children wouldn't be watching the programme.

After Mr Hollis contacted Channel 4, a spokesperson replied: Thank you for your email regarding the light-hearted piece by the presenters in last nights The Great British Bake Off.

We appreciate your concerns, however, modern day fridges are designed to be pushed open from the inside to minimise any possible risk.

In addition and in order to alleviate viewers potential concerns, Sandi was holding the door at all times so that the door was never fully closed.

Nevertheless, please be assured that all your comments have been logged and noted for the attention of those responsible for our programming.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate all feedback from our viewers, complimentary or otherwise.
A new kind of flexible "organic battery" invented in Belfast could provide a more comfortable alternative to pacemakers, according to researchers.

Heart devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators are currently powered by rigid, metal-based batteries implanted under the skin that can rub and cause soreness.

Dr Geetha Srinivasan, from Queen's University's Ionic Liquid Laboratories Research Centre, said: "For this reason, batteries need to be compatible with the human body and ideally we would like them to be flexible so that they can adapt to body shapes."

The new invention is made from biodegradable organic material and can change shape to suit the user.

"The device that we have created has a longer life cycle, is non-flammable, has no leakage issues and, above all, is more flexible for placing within a person's body," explained Dr Srinivasan.

Details of the device are published in the latest edition of the journal Energy Technology and Green Chemistry.
Sexual abuse was not reported by any older people in the poll

More than 23,000 elderly people in Northern Ireland experienced serious abuse each year, according to a survey.

The poll of 3,183 UK adults conducted by Action on Elder Abuse, said nearly one in ten older people in the UK (8.6%) had experienced serious physical, mental or financial abuse.

The charity say this suggests over 23,000 older people are affected in Northern Ireland and nearly one million across the UK as a whole.

Most of the abuse reported was psychological - including threats, intimidation and mockery - with 6.8% of older people questioned saying they had experienced this, suggesting nearly 20,000 people in Northern Ireland are affected.

Physical abuse - which includes hitting, slapping or spitting - was reported by 2.7% of older people questioned, suggesting 7,000 in Northern Ireland are affected each year.

Financial abuse - including misuse of power of attorney, theft and fraud - was reported by 1.4% of those questioned, indicating more than 4,000 in Northern Ireland are victims.

Sexual abuse - including rape and unwanted touching - was not reported by any older people in the poll, but 2.6% of friends and 1.2% of relatives questioned said they knew an older person this had happened to.

Eddie Lynch, the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland (COPNI), called for new laws to protect vulnerable older people.

I am disgusted that elder abuse remains a feature of our society, he said.

Abuse against an older person causes significant fear and distress. It can take many forms, such as physical, emotional, sexual and financial and is often perpetrated by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust.

Unlike in England, Scotland and Wales, he said there was no single piece of legislation in Northern Ireland to protect older people from abuse. 

He continued: Prior to the collapse of Stormont I asked the Executive to bring forward legislation which will protect all older people from abuse. Whilst there is a delay in the introduction a single Adult Safeguarding Bill, older people will remain unprotected.

A spokesperson from the charity Age NI said they were shocked and saddened any older person should experience any form of abuse.

Every older person should be treated with dignity and respect, able to live in safety and free from harm, they said.

It is crucial that when an older person raises concerns about abuse that they are listened to and supported in taking the matter forward. We can all play our part in creating a society which values older people and protects and safeguards their rights.

Veronica Gray, the Director of Action on Elder Abuse Northern Ireland, said the abuse was a massive problem in Northern Ireland with no effective deterrent.

The criminal justice system is failing to deter abusers, too many care providers provide neglectful care, and the adult protection process often fails to protect, she said.

She added it was likely that friends and relatives observed more abuse than older people acknowledged themselves was due to victims being afraid to speak out, being dependent on their abusers, feeling powerless to stop it or lacking the capacity to recognise what was happening.

Action on Elder Abuse NI have called for crimes of abuse against the elderly to be treated the same way as hate crimes, an aggravated offence, recognising the fact elderly people are targeted because of their vulnerability and suffer more in the aftermath of their crimes.

Age NIs Advice and Advocacy Service offers information and independent advice to older people suffering abuse and can be called free on 0808 808 7575.

Action on Elder Abuse NI works to prevent the abuse of older people and can be contacted via their confidential freephone helpline on 080 8808 8141.
Mourners at the funeral of well-known Co Armagh cattle breeder Thelma Gorman, who died in a farm accident involving a cow last Friday, heard how she had devoted her life to her family, farming and helping others.

Rev David McMillan led the funeral service yesterday at Armagh Free Presbyterian Church, telling mourners that Mrs Gorman (67) "lived life to the full" and had been just days away from celebrating her 46th wedding anniversary with the "love of her life" Peter.

The devoted couple had planned to celebrate the date by going on a cruise together.

Mrs Gorman's working life was busy as she was a nurse by profession, while maintaining a lifelong devotion to cattle farming.

Her nursing career took her across Northern Ireland, including to Campbell College in Belfast, where she served as Matron of Boarders.

Rev McMillan told mourners that during the Troubles she had also fought to save the life of her uncle Joe Reid, a lance corporal in the UDR, who was shot on his doorstep by the IRA on August 31, 1975.

"Thelma was the first on the scene, administering first aid and the kiss of life, but tragically Joe died in Thelma's arms that day, something she never forgot," he said.

Turning to her farming life, he added: She was brought up on the farm on the Kilcreevy Road and she farmed all her life, and she died on the farm doing what she loved the most."

The mourners were told that Mrs Gorman became widely respected across all of Ireland for her dedication to agricultural life.

"Around the age of 30, she bought her first Simmental cow and would later have the distinction of being the only woman to be chairperson of the Simmental Breeders Association of Northern Ireland in 1997 and again in 2007," Rev McMillan explained.

"Thelma especially loved the summer, when all the agricultural shows came around. If you see the pictures of her leading the Simmentals by the halter, there's a huge smile on her face."

He said the Armagh County Agricultural Show remained closest to her heart. "For many she was a driving force behind the show ... and of course there is nothing like showing and winning on home ground - which she often did," Rev McMillan said.

A respected cattle judge in the north and south of Ireland, she was named Farming Life's unsung hero of 2016. Although Mrs Gordon did not have children, the mourners were told she was considered a "mother to many" - especially her nieces and nephews. With her husband she devoted 20 years to caring for children with learning disabilities, receiving a volunteer of the year award in 2012.
Mark H Durkan tweeted his disappointment at the move.

A controversial 240 million waste incinerator has been given planning approval by civil servants in the absence of any government minister.

More than 3,500 objections were submitted to the planning application for Hightown Quarry near Glengormley.

Residents opposed to the project were concerned it could increase traffic and damage property prices.

The venture was approved by the Department of Infrastructure, which has not had a minister since early this year due to the collapse of Stormont powersharing.

One former minister lambasted the decision and said he was angered.

The department's statement said: "In arriving at the final decision, the Department carefully considered and agreed with the independent report and recommendations.

"The Department considers it is in the public interest to make this decision, given the strategic importance of the project for the region, without further delay."

In 2015, then Environment Minister Mark H Durkan rejected the proposals.

On Wednesday he tweeted: "Disappointed and angered at the approval of Hightown incinerator.

"I listened to local people and refused it as SDLP/DoE minister."

After an appeal, the Planning Appeals Commission backed the bid and recommended that approval be given.

Following a reorganisation of departments at Stormont, the responsibility for planning permission passed from the Department for Environment to the Department for Infrastructure.

The incinerator is to be situated at Hightown Quarry on the Bogtown Road in Ballyutoag in County Antrim.
The trashed bathroom of the Dead Rabbit bar in New York.

The owners of a bar in New York, which has been voted the best in the world, are on the hunt for a Belfast man who they say trashed their bathroom after being refused service for being too drunk.

It happened on Tuesday night in the Dead Rabbit in New York.

The pub is owned by two Belfast men, Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon, who previously worked at The Merchant Hotel in Belfast before moving to America.

It has been crowned the best bar in the world among many other coveted accolades.

Mr Muldoon told the Belfast Telegraph: "In Belfast we've been through a lot. When you come to another country you need to know how to behave. We're very open armed to people from back home, we do our best to welcome them.

"This guy is not a good representation of Ireland. We cut him off for his own safety and the safety of others. These things are done for a reason. The last thing we want to do is throw a guy from Belfast out of the bar."

Mr McGarry added: "We're very disappointed. We're an Irish Bar, built for Belfast people based on the best things in Belfast and for someone to do something like that from back home is very disappointing."

Posting on their Facebook page they urged whoever was responsible to come forward.

They said: "Well always be proud of our ties to Belfast, and were grateful for the support the city has shown us over the years.

"But theres always one, isnt there? The one who wont be told, the one who lets everybody else down.

Expand Close Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, who are the owners of The Dead Rabbit pub in New York / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, who are the owners of The Dead Rabbit pub in New York

"Well, he was here last night, over with a couple of mates. He got very drunk and so was politely refused service.

"He didnt take it well. In fact, as you can see, he took it out on the sink in our bathroom.

"If youre reading this, we know it was you. And if youre ready to man up and put this right, well be happy to hear from you.

"If not, know that youre letting Belfast down. And Belfast deserves better."

The three-storey pub, which was opened in 2013 in New York's Financial District, is a fusion of Lower Manhattan and Irish heritage, serving up everything from luxury cocktails to Irish breakfasts.

The Dead Rabbit is named after the infamous Irish-American street gang that controlled much of Lower Manhattan during the 1850s.

The bar has been frequented by many famous names including Taken star Liam Neeson who visited last summer.

He arrived and handed over a famous item from one of his best-known films Gangs of New York as the pub is inspired by the film's real-life story.

Neeson starred as the leader of the gang in the 2002 film Gangs of New York, alongside actors Leonardo Dicaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz and John C Reilly.
Michelle O'Neill and Arlene Foster have written a joint letter to US Vice President Mike Pence over the Bombardier/Boeing dispute. Read the full letter here.

Vice President Mike Pence

Office of the Vice President

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

12 September 2017

RE: BOEING CASE AGAINST BOMBARDIER  IMPLICATIONS FOR BELFAST

Dear Mr. Vice President,

As the leaders of the two main political parties elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly we are writing to you to seek your assistance in addressing a very grave economic threat facing Bombardier in the region.

The US Department of Commerce has launched an anti-dumping and anti-subsidies investigation into Bombardier, following Boeings claim that the development of the Bombardiers C-Series passenger aircraft has been subsidised by the Canadian and British Governments. If the case succeeds this would have serious implications for the future of the CSeries aircraft and Bombardiers Belfast operation, where CSeries wings are manufactured. Bombardier Belfast is our largest manufacturer, and a highly significant exporter and employer in this region. The value of its operations covers an extensive supply chain.

For a small economy such as ours, the significance of the contribution that Bombardier makes cannot be understated. The threat facing us as a result of the ongoing case is alarming, and goes much wider than it may immediately appear. The security of our economy has and continues to be a crucial part of our efforts in delivering peace through prosperity. At a time when we are striving to take the next steps in our work on the Peace Process, and resolve our current political difficulties, this issue creates a new and potentially critical factor.

The United States has been our friend and ally for many years. Your long term friendship has been of incalculable value in helping deliver peace and prosperity. At this crucial and sensitive time for the future we would ask you to give consideration to the implications any decision may have here.

We are copying this letter to the Chair and Chief Executive of Boeing, British Prime Minister Theresa May, and to the British Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland, Business and Defence.

Most respectfully,

ARLENE FOSTER MLA MICHELLE ONEILL MLA
The Government is "working tirelessly" to safeguard Bombardier's operations and its highly skilled workforce in Belfast, the Northern Ireland Secretary has said.

James Brokenshire sought to address MPs' concerns over a bitter aerospace trade dispute which could financially devastate one of Northern Ireland's biggest employers.

Prime Minister Theresa May has asked US President Donald Trump to help broker a deal in the spat between Boeing and Canadian aerospace giant Bombardier.

Speaking during Commons Northern Ireland questions, Mr Brokenshire said: "Our priority is to encourage Boeing to drop its case and seek a negotiated settlement."

His comments came as DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds raised the issue of jobs in the Bombardier plant in Belfast and urged the Secretary of State to " remain fully committed and involved with us to ensure that those jobs are safeguarded".

Mr Bokenshire stressed the Prime Minister was engaged on this issue.

He responded: "Whilst this is a commercial matter, as he knows the UK Government is working tirelessly to safeguard Bombardier's operations and its highly skilled workforce in Belfast.

"I remain closely in contact with the Business Secretary (Greg Clark), he has had extensive engagement with Boeing, with Bombardier, with the Canadian Government and the US Government."

He went on: "I do note that both the leaders of the DUP and Sinn Fein have issued a joint letter to the vice president underlining the particular circumstances, the real significance of this in Northern Ireland and I would certainly encourage all to play their part in seeking a resolution."

Bombardier, which employs around 4,500 people in Belfast and accounts for 10% of the region's manufacturing exports, is facing significant costs in the dispute.

The fallout centres on Boeing's allegations that Bombardier received subsidies allowing it to sell its CSeries planes at below-market prices.

The US Department of Commerce is expected to announce a decision on whether to impose duties against Bombardier on September 25.

The UK Government has been actively lobbying in the US for a compromise between the two companies amid growing concern about the potential implications for Bombardier's Belfast operations.

Mrs May raised the matter with the US president in a phone call last week.

However, despite the diplomatic efforts of the UK Government to get the case dropped and a compromise reached, Boeing insisted on Tuesday it is going to "let the process play out".
Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire has said he has no powers to put a stop to MLAs' pay, but that he has "heard the calls" and is considering acting.

The minister was speaking at Northern Ireland questions in the House of Commons.

The lack of a devolved administration was the focus of the session. Mr Brokenshire said the focus was on re-establishing an Executive.

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He was asked if Prime Minister Theresa May had a date in her diary to visit Northern Ireland to help resolve the impasse. Mr Brokenshire would only say the Prime Minister was supportive of the process.

Lady Hermon described it as a "scandal" MLAs continued to pick up her salary, asking "why on earth" it was allowed to continue, Mr Brokenshire admitted he had no powers to stop payment, but he had "heard the calls" and would consider stepping in.

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A 24-year-old man has died after suffering a seizure at a Belfast swimming pool.

It happened at 8pm on Tuesday evening at the Olympia Swimming Pool.

It's understood the man suffered from epilepsy and took a seizure in the swimming pool.

The man was rescued from the water by a lifeguard and first-aid trained staff attended and commenced CPR before an ambulance was called.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said they responded to the call within two minutes and further resuscitation attempts were made.

It is understood he then suffered another seizure in the ambulance and died on the way to the hospital.

A spokeswoman for Belfast City Council said: "We currently await a full report on the incident where a young man died en route to hospital after being rescued from from the pool at Olympia Leisure Centre.

"He was taken from the pool by a lifeguard after getting into difficulty on Tuesday night. First aid staff performed CPR until the ambulance service arrived .

"Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Alliance councillor Kate Nicholl said a full investigation is underway.

She told the Belfast Telegraph: "My thoughts are with his family and his friends. There are no words - it's just so tragic and he's so young."

Ulster Unionist councillor Jeffrey Dudgeon said: Its the worst news a family could receive and indeed sad for the young man to lose his life at such a young age.

Staff at the leisure centre were left distressed by his death but they did their best in the tragic circumstances.

Independent councillor Declan Boyle said: My thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family.

This must have been alarming and shocking for those in the swimming pool.

I want to praise the efforts of the first aiders and emergency services who helped as this tragedy happened."
New logo for Belfast - submitted by Chris Mackey - "The council can save a money. I'll only charge 40k for this beauty".

New Belfast logo suggestions - submitted by Joseph Johnston - "Its a pity how they (big wigs) perceive our (everyones) city. Belfast is new, creative but classical with a dark history. The city deserves a logo that resonates with the people, like the streets that line it and give it its character."

How the brand is being employed at the new George Best Hotel.

New logo suggestions. This one was sent in by Katie Ireland.

Belfast council is to launch a new logo to promote the city, it has been revealed.

The Stephen Nolan Radio Ulster show revealed the new brand design for the city that the council is set to roll out in the coming weeks.

It features a blocky representation of the geographical outline of the city in red with 'Belfast' writ large through the centre. The colour of the logo is changeable and has been used with various different iconic images of the city. The new George Best Hotel is one of the first places to use it which features an image of the footballer in the map.

The council said the design project had a budget of 50,000. It could not specify the exact cost as the contract was still ongoing but said it would come in on budget.

The statement behind the logo is "energy unleashed". It will gradually replace the old Belfast 'B' brand, the council has said and will be used in a range of different locations.

Councillor Jim Rodgers described the new design as "wonderful" and that all 60 councillors were behind it. Speaking on the Nolan show, he reminded listeners that the old logo was disliked to begin with but ultimately it was a success.

"No matter what the council tries to do to promote the city, there are some that like to knock," he said.

"The new logo is very good value for money."

Think you could do better? Send your suggestions to digital.editorial@belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Councillor Rodgers said the old Belfast 'B' brand was tired and people had been asking or a change.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close New Belfast logo suggestions - submitted by Joseph Johnston - "Its a pity how they (big wigs) perceive our (everyones) city. Belfast is new, creative but classical with a dark history. The city deserves a logo that resonates with the people, like the streets that line it and give it its character." New logo for Belfast - submitted by Chris Mackey - "The council can save a money. I'll only charge 40k for this beauty". / Facebook

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Whatsapp New Belfast logo suggestions - submitted by Joseph Johnston - "Its a pity how they (big wigs) perceive our (everyones) city. Belfast is new, creative but classical with a dark history. The city deserves a logo that resonates with the people, like the streets that line it and give it its character."

"You have to rebrand," Jim Rodgers continued. "Some councils rebrand every couple of years, that is not us and not the case here, it was nine years ago since we introduced the 'B' brand and I believe we got value for money out of it".

Katy Best, marketing director at Belfast City Airport said the council had spent 18 months developing the design and had included a broad base of different organisations and stakeholders in the process including her own.

"It's easy to focus on the logo and design output," she said.

"For any city wanting to be a global player and wants to be competitive having a positioning and a narrative a platform that helps people right across the city express what makes the city special, that is important

"The end product has to be simple and flexible."

Belfast City Council said the process to come up with the logo was exhaustive using research, interviews and workshops to gather as much input as possible and "tell the Belfast story".

"There is a sense that the time is right to project Belfast with confidence, attitude, infectious enthusiasm and above all, energy," the council said.

"It is hoped that in the coming months and years, the new identity will establish itself as a recognisable brand for Belfast as the city competes on a global stage for visitors, investment, students, talent and attention," said a spokeswoman.

"Belfast City Council also believes that a strong city identity will be a powerful tool in delivering the city envisaged within its Belfast Agenda; the citys first community plan with the aim of attracting more residents, more visitors, more jobs, more students and more vitality."
Three people were questioned by police over terrorism offences.

Three people arrested in Northern Ireland under the Terrorism Act on Monday have been released unconditionally.

Two men aged 39 and 56 and a 56 year old woman were released on Wednesday morning.

Those arrested under The Terrorism Act must either be charged or released unconditionally. Bail is not permitted under the legislation.

Police said interviews under arrest are a key part of all investigative strategies and the the service is "committed to following all lines of enquiry to keep our communities safe from those who would seek to cause serious harm".
Nationalist and unionist politicians have united in opposing any move to legalise the Red Hand Commando - and have urged the loyalist paramilitary group to disband.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has 90 days to rule on the group's application to be removed from a list of proscribed organisations.

Sinn Fein said doing so would be "ludicrous and abhorrent" to victims, while the Ulster Unionists, TUV and Alliance demanded that all paramilitary groups disband.

The DUP said it was up to the Government to assess the group's application, but the impact on victims must be considered.

The Red Hand Commando, which formally ended its campaign 10 years ago, handed in a 100-page document setting out its request to the Home Office in London last week and restated its "true and abject remorse to all innocent victims of the conflict".

It is supported by umbrella organisation the Loyalist Communities Council, which sees the application as a test case to "lay out a road map for the transformation of loyalist groups".

If the Red Hand Commando is successful, the UVF and UDA are expected to follow suit.

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly said: "The idea that the Red Hand Commando could in any way become a community organisation is ludicrous. I am sure victims would find that abhorrent."

The north Belfast politician said the group was an offshoot of the UVF, which was still involved in criminal activity including extortion, drug dealing and murder.

"That activity is actually on the increase and just this week the Red Hand Commando's partners in the UVF were blamed for a gun attack which targeted a bedroom with three young children in it," he added.

Mr Kelly said while ex-paramilitaries could be active in community groups, all paramilitary organisations should disband. DUP leader Arlene Foster said her party would "work with those who wish to move away from paramilitary activity and build a better Northern Ireland", but there was "no place for paramilitary organisations" in society.

"It will be for the Government to make an assessment of this group's application to be de-proscribed, but we must always be mindful of how such initiatives impact upon victims who have suffered at the hands of terrorists in Northern Ireland," she added.

A UUP spokesman said: "In the year 2017, there is absolutely no reason for paramilitary organisations to exist in any shape or form, proscribed or otherwise.

"But because individuals have a past doesn't mean they can't have a future. We will work with those who have moved away from paramilitarism and criminality."

The PUP said it understood how legalising the Red Hand Commando could be "a difficult step for some". However, it said the organisation had shown "true and abject remorse" for its actions and its members had become involved in peace building in their community.

TUV leader Jim Allister said the Red Hand Commando had denied people's right to life.

"If, as they claim, they really have changed, why would they want to be remain associated with a terrorist organisation which murdered people?" he asked.

"Disbandment, not legalisation, is the response of genuine remorse. We have the disgusting situation today in Northern Ireland where paramilitaries have been encouraged to morph into State-funded charities."

Mr Allister said if the proposal wasn't firmly rejected, other paramilitary groups would ask for the same.

Alliance MLA and former Justice Minister David Ford said the key issue was why the Red Hand Commando was asking to be de-proscribed, rather than disbanding of its own accord.

"Alliance has consistently called for a proper strategy to tackle paramilitaries, based on breaking down the structures that exist, not facilitating ongoing community control and organised crime under a veneer of respectability," he said.

Kenny Donaldson of Innocent Victims United opposed the Home Secretary ending the group's proscription.

He said: "We do not believe that the terror names IRA, UVF/RHC, INLA, UDA etc should ever become legalised, they must be remembered in history for what they were - organisations of oppression with ideologies which encouraged and indeed demanded one neighbour to murder another."
ABCNews.com(WASHINGTON) -- The State Department on Tuesday praised new sanctions on North Korea passed by the United Nations Security Council, hours after President Donald Trump dismissed them.

"We had a vote yesterday on sanctions," the president said Tuesday. "We think it's just another very small step. Not a big deal."

The UNSC unanimously approved the new sanctions that ban 90 percent of North Korea's publicly-reported exports and cap the amount of oil the country is able to import.

Trump added the sanctions were "nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen."

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters she was "not going to go against the president," but she said she thought the sanctions were "significant" and "the strongest set of sanctions" passed by the UNSC on North Korea.

The world is happy and the world is pleased with what took place yesterday," she said.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party have joined forces in a bid to pressurise the US government into helping resolve the bitter aerospace trade dispute between Boeing and Bombardier.

The political rivals, who have been unable to reach agreement to restore Northern Ireland's failed government, have issued a joint letter to US Vice President Mike Pence raising their concerns about the fallout which could financially devastate one of the region's biggest employers.

The letter was signed by DUP leader Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein's leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill.

In the correspondence the former Stormont first and deputy first ministers underlined the impact the spat could have on the region if it was not resolved diplomatically.

Canadian aerospace giant Bombardier, which employs almost 5,000 people in Belfast and accounts for 10% of the region's manufacturing exports, is facing significant costs in the fallout with US aeronautics powerhouse Boeing.

The dispute centres over Boeing's allegations that Bombardier received subsidies allowing it to sell its CSeries planes at below-market prices.

The US Department of Commerce is expected to announce a decision on whether to impose duties against Bombardier on September 25.

The UK government has been actively lobbying in the US for a compromise between the two companies amid growing concern about the potential implications for Bombardier's Belfast operations.

Prime Minister Theresa May raised the matter with US President Donald Trump in a phone call last week.

Business secretary Greg Clark also recently travelled to Boeing's base in Chicago to discuss the potential impact of the dispute and Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire has been involved in negotiations.

But on Tuesday Boeing said it was refusing to back down and was going to "let the process play out".

Mr Brokenshire insisted on Wednesday that the UK Government was "working tirelessly to safeguard Bombardier's operations and its highly skilled workforce in Belfast".

During Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons Mr Brokenshire added: "Our priority is to encourage Boeing to drop its case and seek a negotiated settlement.

"I note that the leaders of both the DUP and Sinn Fein have issued a joint letter to the vice-president underlining the particular circumstances and the real significance of this matter to Northern Ireland, and I would encourage everyone to play their part in seeking a resolution."

Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke warned that Boeing's "corporate bullying" was putting thousands of good jobs at risk.

"Unite is demanding the Prime Minister and the Government stand up for the workforce in Northern Ireland and our aerospace industry and to stand up for decent jobs," he said.

"She needs to tell President Trump, she will not stand by and watch Boeing threaten thousands of jobs."

Boeing filed a petition with the US International Trade Commission and the US Department of Commerce in April, alleging that massive subsidies have allowed Bombardier to embark "on an aggressive campaign to dump its CSeries aircraft in the United States".

Bombardier has rejected Boeing's claims. Bombardier said the plaintiff was a global powerhouse that had not lost any sales as a result of Bombardier.
Prime Minister Theresa May has "made clear" the importance of restoring the Northern Ireland political institutions to both Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill.

The Prime Minister spoke with the DUP and Sinn Fein leader in separate phone calls on Tuesday.

A spokeswoman for Number 10 said it was "made clear" to both the importance of restoring power sharing as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister spoke on the phone with the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Arlene Foster and the leader of Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland Michelle ONeill," said a spokeswoman.

In separate phone calls the Prime Minister made clear the importance of restoring a power-sharing Executive to Northern Ireland as soon as possible and she recognised their continued leadership towards reaching agreement.

They discussed key outstanding issues that remain for both parties and the Prime Minister encouraged both leaders to come to an agreement soon in the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister assured them both that the Northern Ireland Secretary would continue to work closely with the parties towards a successful outcome.

It had been reported Theresa May would visit Northern Ireland this week to hold talks. Given the latest intervention that now seems unlikely.

The Northern Ireland government has been suspended since the resignation of Martin McGuinness in January. Talks have been ongoing since a snap election in March.

Secretary of State James Brokenshire faces having to decide to call another election or introduce direct rule in the coming weeks if no resolution can be found.

He has described the return of direct rule as a "retrograde step" and that if the stalemate continues, he will have to consider continuing MLAs' pay.
Ministers have not sat at Stormont for months

The Prime Minister has urged Northern Ireland's political leaders to restore powersharing as soon as possible.

Theresa May held separate telephone conversations with DUP leader Arlene Foster and her Sinn Fein counterpart in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill.

Dialogue has intensified in recent weeks between the former coalition partners in devolved government, both parties have acknowledged.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "In separate phone calls the Prime Minister made clear the importance of restoring a powersharing Executive to Northern Ireland as soon as possible and she recognised their continued leadership towards reaching agreement.

"They discussed key outstanding issues that remain for both parties and the Prime Minister encouraged both leaders to come to an agreement soon in the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.

"The Prime Minister assured them both that the Northern Ireland Secretary (James Brokenshire) would continue to work closely with the parties towards a successful outcome."

Mrs O'Neill has said more than nice words are necessary to restore the ministerial Executive at Stormont while the DUP has insisted it has no preconditions for returning to government and remains committed to powersharing.

Formal talks between the two largest parties in Northern Ireland have yet to resume following a break for summer.

Ministers have not sat at Stormont for months after the late Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy first minister in a row over the DUP's handling of a botched green energy scheme at the start of the year.

Since then a dispute over the status of the Irish language has been among the issues dividing the parties.

Mrs Foster has suggested that cross-community legislation could be introduced to protect the rights of Irish language and Ulster Scots speakers.

However, this was rejected by Sinn Fein, who said the proposal was "nothing new".
The damaged organ at the church in Londonderry Credit: Diocese of Derry and Raphoe

The damaged organ at the church in Londonderry Credit: Diocese of Derry and Raphoe

Politicians have condemned a break-in at a Church of Ireland church in Londonderry during which the intruders defecated and urinated inside the building.

In the course of the burglary the church's organ was damaged and a crystal decanter used for Holy Communion services stolen.

It is believed the vandals made their way into the church by smashing a stained-glass window.

They also knocked over vases of flowers and threw a bible from the lectern into the sanctuary.

The break-in at Christ Church on Infirmary Road in Derry happened at some point between Sunday afternoon and Tuesday evening.

In a statement, the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe said the organ in the church is "one of the finest instruments of its kind in Ireland" and will be out of use for the foreseeable future.

Bishop Ken Good said that the church's organ had been installed after an arson attack 21 years ago.

Speaking on local radio he said: "I feel compassionate towards those who did this. Because I dont know what their lives amount to if this is what they have to contribute to society.

"Id love to talk to them, to meet them, to sit down and have a conversation with them because there are greater things that they could be doing with their lives than this."

The attack was condemned by Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin, who wrote on Twitter that it was "simply repugnant" and asked the public to contact police with information.

Politicians from various political parties visited the church to show their support for parishioners including the DUP's Gary Middleton, Sinn Fein's Raymond McCartney, and the SDLP's Mark Durkan.

Speaking about the attack, Sinn Fein MP for Foyle Elisha McCallion said: "This break-in and wanton vandalism at Christ Church in Derry was disgraceful and I condemn it utterly.

"All places of worship should be treated with respect and any attack on them is an act of sacrilege."

She added that her thoughts were with Archdeacon Robert Miller and the parishioners at the church and urged anyone with any information about the attack to contact the PSNI.

SDLP councillor and Deputy Mayor of Derry John Boyle branded the burglary "repugnant and sickening".

"Churches perform an important role in our society and an attack of this nature is a challenge to the entire community," he said.

"Its my understanding that the church organ was damaged in the attack. This has caused a lot of upset for church users of all denominations and has been particularly distressing to members of the congregation."

The PSNI's Inspector Jonathan Hunter has appealed for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the local area to contact police in Strand Road on the non-emergency number 101 quoting the reference 949 with the date 12/09/2017.

Members of the public can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The crew of the SS Sibonga attending to the refugees

Healey Martin with Ann Bates, one of the Vietnamese rescued by his vessel SS Sibonga in 1979

A Co Tyrone man has been reunited with a Vietnamese refugee he saved almost 40 years ago after she was plucked from a crammed, sinking boat in the middle of the South China Sea.

Healey Martin, who was captain of a cargo vessel, rescued more than 1,000 civilians fleeing Communist Vietnam after his ship came across two crowded boats in 1979.

The father-of-two from Dungannon was reunited with Ann Bates, who he rescued from a vessel that was leaking so badly the then 15-year-old was standing in water up to her knees.

The pair's emotional reunion after decades came when Ann discovered Healey was a resident at Nightingale Nursing Home in the town some time ago.

She travelled from her home in London with her husband to visit the man she calls her "hero".

"It was emotional meeting with Ann. I couldn't picture her because when I picked her up she was a young girl and I had no idea what she looked like," he said.

"While it was important we met, it brought back some painful memories. When she saw me she nearly jumped on top of me in the chair, she was like a live wire all day. We talked about everything, she was very excited and over the Moon to be here.

"It's a nice feeling to know somebody had survived, had a good life and was getting on well. She called me her hero."

The 79-year-old's ship was on a voyage between South East Asia and the west cost of Canada when the dramatic rescue took place.

He spoke about the moment the ship's crew spotted the boat carrying 600 refugees emitting distress signals.

Under maritime law, a ship that receives a distress call from a nearby vessel must provide assistance. Captain Martin and his crew of 47 witnessed heartbreaking scenes, including a young mother who slipped the body of her baby into the sea after it died onboard.

"It really distressed my wife Mildred. She loved those children, she cleaned and fed them," he said. "After we saw the first boat there was a second after that. They were all crammed in with no toilet facilities, no washing facilities. Half of them couldn't stand up.

"We had to put a box in a big net and put them in to the box to get them on the ship. Some were hanging off the side of the net.

"A lot of people wrote to me to say I did a good thing, but there were a few who said they didn't like what I did. I got some hate mail from people telling me that my company should have sacked me immediately for what I had cost them.

"Immigration in the UK is still a sore point with people.

"But these children were covered in their own faeces and urine and the boat and everyone on it stank.

"They all had to be cleaned and washed and fed. You suddenly go from feeding 47 to feeding 1,002 people."

Shortly after the rescue they arrived in Hong Kong, but Captain Martin was told that the refugees were unable to disembark. He was forced to anchor the ship for two weeks until his employers, Bank Line, sent planes to transport them to the UK.

Ann, who had travelled alone as a teenager, settled into life in England and worked as a nurse at a hospital near Dover. It was there she met her husband.

"Every Christmas she sends me a card, as it's around the anniversary of the rescue," Captain Martin added.

"She thinks of the date that they were picked up as her birthday. She has a good memory of what happened. There's a few others who I rescued that write to me, including a young girl who went to a convent in Colwyn Bay in Wales and they named her after the ship, Sibonga.

"It's a pleasant feeling and would be like seeing your own children passing their exams and moving on and getting jobs."

Captain Martin, whose wife died in 2014, is dad to Healey and Judith, who live in Bleary and Moira respectively. He said he and Ann will continue to stay in touch.
Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill have sent a joint letter to the US Vice President over the bitter trade dispute between aerospace manufacturers Bombardier and Boeing suggesting peace in Northern Ireland could be harmed.

Boeing argues that state aid for Bombardier has given it an unfair advantage in the market place and asked US authorities to investigate.

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Bombardier's new CSeries jet, which is at the centre of the dispute, has its wings built in Belfast.

In their letter the DUP and Sinn Fein leaders say the dispute represented a "very grave economic threat facing bombardier in the region". They suggest it could harm peace in Northern Ireland.

It comes after Theresa May stepped in to appeal to Donald Trump to assist with the case.

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It's believed the letter is the first intervention the two leaders have made on an issue since the collapse of power sharing.

They write that if the case succeeds it will have "serious implications" for the future of the CSeries aircraft and Belfast operations.

"Bombardier Belfast is our largest manufacturer, and a highly significant exporter and employer in this region. The value of its operations covers an extensive supply chain," they write.

The threat facing us as a result of the ongoing case is alarming.

"For a small economy such as ours, the significance of the contribution Bombardier makes cannot be understated. The threat facing us as a result of the ongoing case is alarming, and goes much wider than may immediately appear."

They added: "The security of our economy has and continues to be a crucial part of our efforts in delivering peace through prosperity. At a time when we are striving to take the next steps in our work on the Peace Process, and resolve out current political difficulties, this issues creates a new and potentially critical factor.

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"The United States has been our financial ally for many years. Your long term friendship has been of incalculable value in helping deliver peace and prosperity. At this crucial and sensitive time for the future we would ask you give consideration to the implications any decision may have here."

In signing off they say the letter has also been sent to the heads of Boeing, Prime Minister Theresa May and the British Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland and Defence.

Defending its actions, Boeing said it was seeking "to restore a level playing field in the US single-aisle airplane market". Bombardier said Belfast was crucial to its operations but would not comment further given the ongoing proceedings.
EU funding for N Ireland could come through Dublin.

Northern Ireland peace projects could continue to receive EU funding after Brexit, with money funnelled through the Republic of Ireland, a committee of Irish parliamentarians proposed.

Programmes to prevent inter-community conflict, promote reconciliation, cross-border cooperation and the development of infrastructure and jobs should be protected amid heightened political and economic instability, legislators added.

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK which will have a land border with the EU after Brexit and faces particular challenges due to its links with the Republic.

The report said: "One solution could include funds continuing to flow to Northern Ireland on a 'lean-to' basis post-Brexit via Ireland's EU membership and through the North-South Ministerial Council. This option should be explored further under the Government's planning."

An Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement on Wednesday launched a report considering the impact of Brexit on the 1998 Good Friday Agreement which largely ended decades of violence.

It said division between the communities was still very evident, with low levels of trust and high levels of residential and social segregation.

It added: "Within this context there still remains a real need for the region to address a number of key issues in order to support the overall peace process.

"These include more efforts to develop and deepen reconciliation between divided communities, increase tolerance and respect to reduce the levels of sectarianism and racism, promote increased community cohesion and address the legacy of the past."

Victims' campaigner Raymond McCord took a High Court case over concerns European peace money could be discontinued following Brexit.

His son Raymond McCord Jnr, 22, was a former RAF radar operator who was killed by Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) in north Belfast in 1997.

Mr McCord said unionist communities would have no problem with peace funding for Northern Ireland coming through the Republic after the divorce in March 2019.

He said: "You go to hospital and, God forbid, you take a youngster.

"He has had an operation and needs blood, you are not asking where it comes from.

"It is for the benefit of that child or your family isn't it?

"It is not a case that you are taking a bribe or you are easily caught, it is anything but it."

Gina McIntyre, chief executive of the Special EU Programmes Body which distributes funds from the EU to Northern Ireland, said there was great support for continuation of its work programmes.

She added: "We should not be complacent about how they are to be achieved, we cannot lose sight of the fact that we need those programmes."

The Peace 4 programme is a cross-border initiative funded through the European Union designed to support peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland.

It also contributes to the promotion of economic and social stability by improving cohesion between communities.

Europe has contributed approximately 229 million euro (3206 million).

The UK government has previously pledged to maintain peace projects in Northern Ireland after EU withdrawal.
An Irish Prison Service spokesman said prisons were being improved to end slopping out

A lawyer has claimed the state is facing potentially enormous damages claims over slopping out after the High Court ruled one prisoner's privacy was breached by the regime.

Gary Simpson was not awarded compensation for enduring the practice in Mountjoy Prison in 2013 and Judge Michael White found some of his evidence was untruthful, lacked credibility and was grossly exaggerated.

But his lawyer Cahir O'Higgins, who has a couple of hundred similar cases, said the Government should consider a redress scheme rather than challenging others in the courts.

"This would be an appropriate step," he said.

During the case it was revealed that Mr Simpson lost his mother at an early age, developed problems with alcohol and became homeless at 16.

He was jailed for three years in 2013 for robberies and sent to Mountjoy.

Mr Simpson asked for a transfer on to the prison's D1 wing for his own protection and had to share a cell with no toilet or taps.

In the High Court action, he claimed his right to privacy, dignity and not to be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment was infringed.

He was expected to use a chamber pot, too small to be used more than twice without being emptied.

Mr Simpson claimed he had to urinate into empty milk cartons, defecate in a rubbish bag or on a newspaper on the floor and sometimes only got a 10-minute toilet break.

He also said he had to eat while enduring the smell of faeces and urine.

Judge White said Mr Simpson's evidence about the attitude of prison staff to his complaints contained "gross exaggeration and untruthfulness".

He said slopping out only caused a low risk of ill-health and he did not accept his claims that he suffered continuous stomach cramps.

Mr Simpson was not available for comment after the successful judgment.

Mr O'Higgins said: "I think this judgment is an important vindication of civil liberties in a sense of the right to privacy and dignity whilst in the custody and care of the state.

"There are many, many more cases and each case will be determined on its own merits and facts. No case in law has a twin brother or sister."

Mr Simpson's challenge over conditions in Mountjoy is believed to have been the first of its kind to have been contested by the state.

There are understood to be several hundred other cases with other legal firms.

Some 1,003 men were slopping out in Irish prisons in 2010.

According to the Irish Prison Service, 60 inmates were still enduring the regime at the end of July - 41 in Portlaoise and 19 in Limerick. All of them are imprisoned in single-bed cells.

Another 2,058 prisoners have 24-hour access to toilet facilities in private and 1,568 have to use a toilet in front of another inmate.

A spokesman said prisons were being improved to end slopping out.

"The refurbishment of Mountjoy has been completed and now all cells have toilet facilities and have been returned to single occupancy," he said.

A spokesman for the Department of Justice said the judgment will be carefully considered.

He added: "The Government has made significant progress in ending the 'slopping out' in recent years and continues to prioritise this issue.

"Now over 98% of prisoners across the prison estate have access to in-cell sanitation and on completion of the upgrade projects at Limerick and Portlaoise prisons, 'slopping out' will be completely eliminated across the prisons estate."
Around 750 private patients treated by disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson will receive compensation from a new 37 million fund (Joe Giddens/PA)

Around 750 private patients treated by disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson will receive compensation from a new 37 million fund.

Spire Healthcare, which runs private hospitals in the West Midlands where Paterson worked, will contribute 27.2 million to the fund.

A further 10 million will be provided by Patersons insurers and the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust.

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Paterson was found guilty in April at Nottingham Crown Court of 17 counts of wounding with intent, and three further wounding charges.

He was initially sentenced to 15 years in jail but this was upped to 20 in August after Court of Appeal judges ruled the sentence was too lenient.

The announcement of the new fund is intended to halt further legal proceedings by private patients and account for any new claims made before October 2018.

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More than 500 of Patersons private patients had been due to take their case to the High Court next month.

Simon Gordon, interim chief executive at Spire, said: Earlier this year a criminal court decided that Ian Paterson must bear responsibility for his actions, finding him guilty of assaulting a number of his patients.

He behaved with clear criminal intent and abused the trust of those who looked to him for his care and relied upon his expertise.

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However, whilst nothing diminishes Mr Patersons responsibility for his actions, these events took place in our hospitals, and this should not have happened.

We accept that better clinical governance in the private hospitals where Mr Paterson practised, as well as in his NHS trust, might have led to action being taken sooner, and it is right that we have made a material contribution to the settlement announced today.

We have apologised unreservedly to Mr Patersons patients for their suffering and distress and we would like to repeat that apology.

Expand Close Victims Patricia Welch (centre), Judith Conduit (left) and Frances Perks (right) outside Nottingham Crown Court where surgeon Ian Paterson was initially jailed for 15 years (Joe Giddens/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Victims Patricia Welch (centre), Judith Conduit (left) and Frances Perks (right) outside Nottingham Crown Court where surgeon Ian Paterson was initially jailed for 15 years (Joe Giddens/PA)

As soon as the criminal trial ended we were able to start liaising with claimants lawyers to broker a settlement involving all defendants. This has resulted in the agreement announced today.

During the trial, it emerged that Paterson, who treated thousands of patients during his career, exaggerated or invented cancer risks and claimed payments for more expensive procedures.

He also carried out hundreds of unnecessary operations on NHS patients.

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The NHS has so far paid more than 17 million in compensation for victims.

Figures from NHS Resolution show that as of July 31, it had received 277 claims involving Patersons NHS practice and paid a total of 17,411,639 on those cases.

Paterson was initially jailed for 15 years but this was extended to 20 years in August after Court of Appeal judges ruled the sentence was unduly lenient.

Patersons trial heard from nine women and one man who were treated in the private sector at Little Aston and Parkway Hospitals in the West Midlands between 1997 and 2011.

Victims said Patersons crimes had left them in constant pain and struggling to trust medical professionals.
Detectives are investigating the assault of a woman who was pushed in front of a London bus by a jogger (Peter Byrne/PA)

Detectives investigating the assault of a woman who was pushed in front of a London bus by a jogger have released a further CCTV image of the suspect.

The CCTV still was taken from the number 430 bus which narrowly avoided the woman as she was pushed into its path on Putney Bridge, south west London, on May 5.

About 15 minutes after the incident, the jogger came back the other way across the bridge. The 33-year-old victim tried to speak to him but he did not acknowledge her and carried on jogging towards the north side of the river.

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A Metropolitan Police spokesman said he is described as a white man, aged in his 30s, with brown eyes and short brown hair. He was wearing a light grey T-shirt and dark blue shorts with grey trainers.

Two men, both aged 41, have previously been arrested in connection with the investigation but were released without further action.

Detective Sergeant Chris Griffith, of Wandsworth CID, said: Images of this alarming incident have been circulated widely and we continue to work through the information received to identify the man responsible.

We are grateful to those who have assisted so far. However, I am also appealing for anyone who has given just a name to contact police or Crimestoppers again with as much information as possible so we can fully follow up those lines of enquiry.

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The bus driver, Oliver Salbris, has been labelled a hero for his quick actions in swerving to avoid the woman. He told the Sunday Times he thought he was going to hit her.

If I hadnt swerved, I would have smashed her head, he said. It was reflex. The consequences would have been terrible for her  and for me.

He said the jogger looked like he was doing it on purpose.

He needs to be caught and to explain himself. He needs to be prosecuted, Mr Salbris added.

Anyone with information should call detectives from Wandsworth CID on 020 3276 2606 or via 101, or tweet @MetCC. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Arlene Foster's DUP party could support a Labour motion calling for an end to the public sector pay cap in the NHS (Liam McBurney/PA)

MPs have backed a motion calling for an end to the public sector pay cap in the NHS, piling fresh pressure on the Government.

The Government did not contest the non-binding motion, which would not require a change in policy.

DUP MP Ian Paisley had earlier signalled his party would join support for the motion.

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Making a point of order, shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the Government did not divide because they would lose the motion brought forward by Labour.

He said: Is it now clear that the House has been unanimous in saying we should end the pay cap in the NHS and give health workers a fair pay rise?

And is it also now clear that the reason the Government did not divide on this motion is because they knew they would lose?

North Antrim MP Mr Paisley had told MPs his party was minded to support the motion.

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Whatsapp Ian Paisley says that the DUP could vote with Labour on a motion calling for end to the NHS pay cap ( Niall Carson/PA)

He later said: Ive already alluded to the fact that Im delighted that the Labour Party has brought forward this debate tonight.

We will support them if this matter goes to a vote tonight, and its interesting to see if we will actually get to that point.

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It would have been the first time DUP MPs voted in a way to pressure ministers since their party agreed to a confidence and supply arrangement with the Tories after the general election.

The Government only commands a majority because of its confidence and supply arrangement with the DUP, which has said it will support the Conservatives on key legislation.

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Whatsapp The DUP signed an agreement to vote with the Government on key legislation in exchange for 1 billion for Northern Ireland ( Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)

Mr Paisley also hit out at Labour criticism of the Governments 1 billion deal with the DUP.

To those members of the Labour Party who chide about the 1 billion deal, your party would quite happily have cut a deal that would probably have been better for us, he said.

Thats the discussions we had in advance of the last election, and to chide us, you only hurt public servants in Northern Ireland who are benefiting from that 1 billion deal that will allow us to allocate this money to relieve these costs.

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Earlier this week, Downing Street said the seven-year public sector pay cap is to be scrapped, unveiling a 1.7% hike for prison officers and improvements totalling 2% in police pay for 2017/18.

But Mr Ashworth said the Government must not play different areas of the public sector off against each other.

He also said it wasnt good enough for ministers to grant more flexibility over pay and expect hospitals to fund a pay increase for staff from existing budgets.

MPs told the Commons about examples of public sector workers such as ambulance technicians and nurses struggling to get by, being forced into debt or to take second jobs.

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Nurses turning to food banks, pawning their possessions, even being issued with eviction notices, said Mr Ashworth.

Isnt that shameful in 21st century Britain, and what a depressing consequence of Tory economics.

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Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt labelled the motion bogus as he attacked Labours record in government.

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He added it was absolute nonsense that the 1% cap over the last seven years was austerity or an ideological mission by the Tories to reduce the size of the state.

Tory MP Sarah Wollaston, who chairs the Health Select Committee, said: Seven years of a sustained pressure on NHS pay is taking a toll, and nobody anticipated it would go on this long.

So I think it is time to relax it.
The extra money was announced amid criticism of the Government's response to the devastation in the Caribbean (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has praised the response of the community in Anguilla after landing on the island to witness first-hand the devastation unleashed by Hurricane Irma.

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Ahead of touching down at the islands airport on board the Royal Air Forces Airbus A400M Atlas, packed with aid supplies and carrying the latest deployment of Royal Marine troops, he surveyed the damaged from the window of the cockpit.

On Wednesday morning, Mr Johnson will be venturing out into the community to see some of the most hard-hit places of Anguilla before heading to the British Virgin Islands.

Addressing those gathered at the home of Anguilla governor Tim Foy on Tuesday, Mr Johnson admitted he hadnt seen much of the island yet, but that what he saw was very surprising.

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I had been told it was going to be a scene of devastation from the air and I have to say that I looked down as we flew in and I saw an incredible amount of tidying up had already happened, he said.

But talking to you all, it is clear this place has been through an absolutely hellish experience, and it is no doubt at all that you need help with power generation, with getting the hospital back up and running, getting the airport back up and running, and schools properly set  all kinds of things need to be done.

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Mr Johnson said he is visiting to show the commitment of the United Kingdom to this country, adding: We are here to help.

Highlighting the presence of the Royal Marines on the island, he said it is the biggest operation our armed forces have conducted since Libya, calling it a huge effort that is going on now.

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But the achievement in getting this place back on its feet belongs to the Anguillan people, Mr Johnson added.

It seems to me you are doing a fantastic job, keep it up, this place will be back up on its feet before very long and I want you to know that the UK is not going to be with you not just in short term, but in the long term as well.

Hundreds of UK troops and 50 police officers have already been sent to British overseas territories in the region, after they were battered by the most powerful storm ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.

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Mr Johnson said there are now 1,000 troops which have been deployed, with this figure set to increase to 1,250 in the coming days.

Recovery and aid efforts are under way to help those trying to piece together their lives from the ruins of the hurricane.

With 32 million already committed to help the affected overseas territories, and the pledge to match donations to the Red Cross appeal, Mr Johnson also said the Prime Minister will be making a further announcement on Wednesday.
Michael Fabricant will appear on Celebrity First Dates

A colourful Tory backbencher will try to find love on a television dating show, Theresa May has revealed.

The Prime Minister told a bemused House of Commons that Michael Fabricant will appear on Channel 4 programme Celebrity First Dates.

Mr Fabricant, who has previously described himself as not exclusively gay, had raised the West Midlands bid to host the Commonwealth Games when the PM made the revelation.

Mrs May said: I have noticed that he is shortly to appear on a Channel 4 programme called Celebrity First Dates.

What Im not sure about is whether he is the celebrity or the first date.

The celebrity version of the popular reality show has previously included television presenter Esther Rantzen, EastEnders actor Richard Blackwood and weather presenter Sian Lloyd.

Singletons are paired up for dinner at a central London restaurant and the date, as well as their reaction afterwards, is filmed.

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Mr Fabricant, 67, instantly recognisable in Parliament for his unmistakable thatch of blond hair, was treated for prostate cancer last year.

The Lichfield MP was first elected in 1992 and has been a party whip as well as a former Tory vice chairman.

Mr Fabricant said he was taking part to raise money for Cancer Research, which would receive his 25,000 fee.

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Yes! Im afraid its true, he tweeted.

Im doing it for charity and Cancer Research UK will receive 25,000. (Me, not a penny).

But what a hoot .
Conor McGregor has spent a lot of the last week on the high seas, and if his Instagram is anything to go by hes thoroughly enjoying himself.

Since losing to Floyd Mayweather and earning a reported 100 million, the UFC superstar has been relaxing on the Spanish island of Ibiza  where he was for a friends wedding.

While the pictures he was uploading at the beginning of his trip were mostly of his son Conor McGregor Jr, as well as lavish nights-out with friends and family, theres been a significant change in the recent ones.

Because theyre all about boats.

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The Irishman has been getting snaps of himself on a pretty big yacht  part of what hes calling his wealth belly  as well as on speed boats.

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During his time on the Spanish seas, McGregor came to a realisation that could be good for fight fans  and was very nearly humbled. Although not quite.

The Notorious spotted the world-famous Sailing Yacht A  a superyacht owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko which is reported to be the largest private sail-assisted yacht in the world and said to cost a cool 360 million.

As well as the size of the thing, its name also seemed to give McGregor pause for thought.

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The 29-year-old couldnt just glimpse it from afar, he needed a closer look, and after a barrage of photos from all different angles, McGregor came to a realisation.

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You can almost feel the awe through the pictures.

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Then through his words.

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Definitely through his words.

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Clearly, McGregor was astonished.

In a funny but rare, almost humbled moment, he wrote: This is an eye opening level of opulence to witness first hand.

To me, it is truly motivating. Im starting to think I dont have a wealth belly just yet. Im more just rich fat now. I must keep eating. I wonder if my lunch is ready.

For the fight fans out there, it sounds like it could be time to get excited  a motivated McGregor is one we can expect to see back in the Octagon. Dana White just better make sure the moneys right.
People gather outside Freeman High School after reports of a shooting (KHQ via AP)

A shooter has opened fire at a school in the US state of Washington, killing one person and injuring at least three others.

Brian Schaeffer of the Spokane Fire Department told reporters that one person died at Freeman High School in Rockford, south of Spokane,on Wednesday and three injured victims were taken to hospital.

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Centre and Children's Hospital received three paediatric patients, spokeswoman Nicole Stewart said. They were in a stable condition, and family members were with them, she said.

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said at the scene that the shooter was in custody, The Spokesman-Review newspaper reported.

Cheryl Moser said her son, a pupil at Freeman High School, called her from a classroom after hearing shots fired.

"He called me and said: 'Mom there are gunshots.' He sounded so scared. I've never heard him like that," she told the newspaper.

"You never think about something happening like this at a small school."

Ambulances and a Lifeflight helicopter were sent to the school.

Stephanie Lutje told The Associated Press that she was relieved to hear her son was safe after his high school near Freeman was put on lockdown. She commended the school district for its communication with parents.

"It's been amazing, within probably 15-20 minutes of hearing about it, I'd already received a phone call, I'd already received a text message saying that their school is okay," she said.

She still worried for others she knew, including a co-worker who had yet to hear from her son, a pupil at Freeman.

"My stomach's in knots right now," she said

Governor Jay Inslee said that "all Washingtonians are thinking of the victims and their families, and are grateful for the service of school staff and first responders working to keep our students safe".
The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to maintain its restrictive policy on refugees.

The justices on Tuesday agreed to an administration request to block a lower court ruling that would have eased the refugee ban and allowed up to 24,000 refugees to enter the country before the end of October.

The order was not the court's last word on the travel policy that President Donald Trump first rolled out in January. The justices are scheduled to hear arguments on October 10 on the legality of the bans on travellers from six mostly Muslim countries and refugees anywhere in the world.

It is unclear, though, what will be left for the court to decide. The 90-day travel ban lapses in late September and the 120-day refugee ban will expire a month later.

The administration has yet to say whether it will seek to renew the bans, make them permanent or expand the travel ban to other countries.

Lower courts have ruled that the bans violate the Constitution and federal immigration law. The high court has agreed to review those rulings. Its intervention so far has been to evaluate what parts of the policy can take effect in the meantime.

The justices said in June that the administration could not enforce the bans against people who have a "bona fide" relationship with people or entities in the United States. The justices declined to define the required relationships more precisely.

A panel of the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district judge's order that would have allowed refugees to enter the United States if a resettlement agency in the US had agreed to take them in.

The administration objected, saying the relationship between refugees and resettlement agencies should not count. The high court's unsigned, one-sentence order agreed with the administration, at least for now.

The appeals court also upheld another part of the judge's ruling that applies to the ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Grandparents and cousins of people already in the US cannot be excluded from the country under the travel ban, as the Trump administration had wanted. The administration did not ask the Supreme Court to block that part of the ruling.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said: "We are pleased that the Supreme Court has allowed key components of the order to remain in effect. We will continue to vigorously defend the order leading up to next month's oral argument in the Supreme Court."

The administration has yet to say whether it will seek to renew the bans, make them permanent or expand the travel ban to other countries.

AP
The United States must keep all three parts of its nuclear force, rather than eliminate one, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said despite previous remarks suggesting he was favourable to change.

Some argue ground-based missiles may no longer be necessary to Washington's policy of deterrence, and the Trump administration has been reviewing the military's nuclear posture.

Mr Mattis has called the submarine-based component "sacrosanct" and has said it is necessary to retain the ability to fire nuclear weapons from planes.

Together, those three prongs constitute what the military calls its nuclear triad.

Before he took over in January as President Donald Trump's Pentagon chief, Mr Mattis had suggested that long-range, silo-based weapons, known as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), might be expendable.

"I've questioned the triad," Mr Mattis told reporters flying with him to Minot Air Force Base, a nuclear base in northwestern North Dakota.

He said his view has changed.

"I cannot solve the deterrent problem reducing it from a triad.

"If I want to send the most compelling message, I have been persuaded that the triad in its framework is the right way to go," Mr Mattis said.

Mr Mattis has previously indicated this evolution in thinking, but his statements Wednesday were emphatic.

The key to avoiding nuclear war, he said, is maintaining a nuclear arsenal sufficient to convince a potential enemy that attacking the US with a nuclear weapon would be suicidal.

"You want the enemy to look at it and say, this is impossible to take out in a first strike, and the (US) retaliation is such that we don't want to do it," he said.

"That's how a deterrent works."

Thus the US will keep nuclear missile submarines, land-based nuclear missiles and nuclear-capable aircraft, he indicated.

Mr Mattis also said the Trump administration is reviewing the value of the New Start treaty negotiated with Russia by the Obama administration in 2010.

The treaty, already in effect, requires reductions by both sides to a maximum of 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads by February.

AP
Healey Martin with Ann Bates, one of the Vietnamese rescued by his vessel SS Sibonga in 1979

Many people like stories with a positive ending, and few could be more positive than our report today on the meeting between former sea captain Healey Martin and Ann Bates, the young Vietnamese refugee he rescued, with many others, from the South China Sea some 40 years ago.

Ann travelled recently from London for an emotional meeting with Healey, now 79, in a Dungannon Nursing Home, and both were delighted.

Their story also illustrates the extreme courage and gratitude of ordinary people who become extraordinary in the most difficult of situations.

What a truly inspiring story this is.
Some people may be shocked by the announcement that the Red Hand Commando has applied to the Home Office to be taken off the list of proscribed organisations

Some people may be shocked by the announcement that the Red Hand Commando has applied to the Home Office to be taken off the list of proscribed organisations.

The immediate reaction from some might be that this is unthinkable, but it is something that should be given consideration.

The Red Hand Commando, like other terrorist groups, has a dark and murderous past, and there are still a great number of people who remember its many atrocities.

This group was among the most thuggish in the broad ranks of loyalism.

However, it is wrong to identify it with the majority in the loyalist community in the recent past.

Organisations such as the Red Hand Commando grew out of the grassroots defence groups that emerged in loyalist areas at the beginning of the Troubles.

These organisations had huge influence, but the situation moved on and much has happened since Gusty Spence announced a loyalist ceasefire 23 years ago on behalf of the Combined Loyalist Military Command.

People may ask, 'What loyalist ceasefire?' and some critics argue that if the Red Hand Commando is really repentant about its lurid past, it should take down its tent and steal away into oblivion.

This is an obvious argument from people who look for clear-cut solutions to hugely complex problems arising from the Troubles.

In reality, the situation is never as simple as that and there is a need for a deeper awareness, among the middle-classes and others, of the major problems that persist in loyalist areas, including the under-achievement of young and older Protestant males.

The latest move by the Red Hand Commando might be given a very cautious welcome, but with certain strong caveats.

The group's motives need to be closely examined and its movements kept under strict scrutiny.

The outcome of the bid to be legalised will be watched by other loyalist groups, and there is still an appalling level of basic criminality within loyalist ranks.

Overall, the Red Hand Commando's initiative might be given a cautious welcome as a step in the right direction, but we cannot and must never forget this group's murderous history lest we become victims of a clever ruse to gain a spurious respectability despite the appalling darkness of the past.
It is not often that the head of the judiciary becomes involved in public debate, but last week the Lord Chief Justice, Sir Declan Morgan, expressed frustration and publicly urged our political leaders to come to an agreement to expedite legacy issues.

He referred to the fact that, in February last year, he publicly stated that the remaining legacy inquests - 56 of them involving 98 deaths - could be dealt with within five years if he received the appropriate funding from the Executive.

He was ready to set up his own specialist unit to address the backlog of legacy cases. To date, he said, he had not received a response to his request and expressed his "deep frustration".He stated: "A lack of resources has constrained our ability to deal with the backlog of legacy inquests."

He said in the same interview with the BBC that there must be concerns whether inquests into some of the most controversial killings of the Troubles would ever be completed, but said it was down to political leaders to resolve their differences and find a solution.

He further stated that it was "very difficult to see how ordinary people can be expected to wait much longer".

Legacy inquests, along with hospital waiting lists and education cuts, are more collateral damage arising out of the unnecessary stalemate and political paralysis at Stormont. The major players are still at one another's throats, indifferent to the negative impact on ordinary people's lives.

While some take the view that the past should be let go and that we should build a future without looking back, it has been proven time and time again in other post-conflict situations that the past must be addressed in some form or other.

This happened in South Africa as a planned way forward. But in Chile and Argentina there were no such plans agreed and it became unsustainable for there not to be a process for addressing the past. It became clear in these places that it was simply politically impossible to successfully move on without dealing officially with the past. There is no perfect formula for doing this, but it has to be done.

Unsurprisingly, here we still have not reached a fully agreed position, despite various attempts, including the Haass/O'Sullivan talks in 2013.

The Fresh Start Agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein in November 2015 was the last attempt. There it was agreed, in outline at least, that an historic investigations unit should be set up, along with an oral history archive, but the final details were not agreed.

The British Government also committed itself to funding legacy issues through the Executive. It is to this funding that Sir Declan Morgan referred.

Yet nothing has been done by the Executive with legacy inquests since the Fresh Start Agreement and the issue has been left to fester, due in the main to the DUP refusing to agree to the release of the necessary funds to the courts.

Arlene Foster, as First Minister, specifically blocked a request for funding of 10m for the judicial initiative.

While the initial responsibility for funding the legacy inquests lies with the Executive, the ultimate responsibility for this most certainly lies with the British Government, as it is the member state that has the legal responsibility under Article 2 (the right to life) of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Now that well over a year has passed since the Lord Chief Justice outlined his scheme, it is surely time for the British Government to act.

In no other democratic country would the central government kowtow to the arbitrary and obdurate dictates of a party like the DUP and ignore the reasonable suggestion of the most senior judicial figure in the jurisdiction.

The Secretary of State, James Brokenshire, could - and should - unilaterally provide funding for the initiative, but, inexcusably, has chosen not to do so, thereby frustrating the hopes of the families of victims of the Troubles that they could achieve some closure over the next five years of their declining lives.

James Brokenshire lamely claims that any settlement of this issue must be within the context of a wider political agreement on how to deal with the past. In short, he has unfairly handed a political veto to the DUP on legacy inquests and dealing with the past.

The fact is that there is a binding and solemn legal obligation on the British State and Government to ensure inquests into some of the most controversial killings of the Troubles.

Not to do so in a timely and effective manner is legally unacceptable, contrary to Article 2, and frustrates the legal process.

Enough is enough. It is time this was done.
The announcement yesterday by the Red Hand Commando (RHC) that an application had been made to Home Secretary Amber Rudd on September 5 for de-proscription under section four of the Terrorism Act 2000 is a significant transformative step that sets a marker for a process of much-needed change within loyalism.

In its statement the RHC reiterated Gusty Spence's famous words of the combined loyalist ceasefire of 1994 about "true and abject remorse to all the innocent victims" of the conflict, before stressing that loyalists should play a full part "in moving Northern Ireland towards a more peaceful and stable society".

The statement went on to cast a critical light on the "mindless few" who engage in criminal activities and who persist in servicing their own individual greed at the expense of communities that urgently need confidence and energy to face the challenges ahead.

Importantly, the RHC view the request for de-proscription as a response to a community requiring legitimacy and credibility that has been denied it, largely because of the accusations of criminality that dominate the image of loyalism; an image, it must be said, largely imposed by others, who prefer to insist that loyalist communities are places where thugs and intimidation are accepted as a way of life.

No doubt many, in their initial response to the RHC statement, will reach for this easy, inaccurate and damaging stereotype as an auto-response.

However, be aware that there are serious conversations taking place in loyalist organisations about what a future free from the structures of violence might look like. This has been a long time in coming, but should surely be welcomed.

Admittedly, little obvious progress has been achieved since the Good Friday Agreement and the conversations themselves have been convoluted, difficult, complex and intense. Admittedly, too, the various organisations operate at different levels of conviction over what change means and have been more or less planning for that.

Yet, given these differences, there now exists a serious opportunity for building impetus into a transformative process for loyalism.

The RHC statement is an indication of discussions which have been going on behind the scenes for some time and the UVF and UDA will, no doubt, watch reaction to the de-proscription application with interest as they conduct their own internal discussions about transformation.

The launch of the Independent Reporting Commission at the end of this month also offers another important context by which to monitor and support change, and could prove especially useful in bringing further leverage to serious transformation efforts.

There is unlikely to be much sympathy for any internal difficulties that paramilitary leaders might face - even if their presence is necessary to support positive transformation (who else is going to do it?).

But, important though the actions of leaders are, there is nevertheless a very real need to see the problem of transformation as being hindered rather than helped by middle-class unionism that continues to denigrate loyalism and any genuine attempts by its leaders to reinforce peace in communities, while offering nothing constructive in return.

Apart from a handful of individuals working to support loyalists, most push on with the myth that loyalism is simply bad and unionism is good.

In our view, the issue of where loyalism goes is not just a residue matter of conflict, but has now also become a question of class. The view that unionism is respectable and loyalism is not has reinforced the sense of loss and isolation felt by many in loyalist areas. To help build loyalist transformation we argue that an inclusive unionism is now urgently needed, where the divisions of class are addressed and where loyalism is encouraged to play a central role in the creation of a confident outlook, rather than used to reinforce wider social fears and anxieties about the future.

Indeed, we believe that the term "loyalism" has become so loaded with negative connotations it should be replaced by "working-class unionism" to end the ridiculous superiority and inferiority distinction between unionism and loyalism that exists.

Though the progress of republicanism remains a concern for many loyalists, the real difficulty comes from loyalism not envisioning a path of change that confronts the predicament it faces. And defining this predicament is sure to prove evasive all the time the Union remains the single priority.

The reason for this is fairly simple: you cannot make a convincing case for change when the situation you are most concerned about is already to your advantage. Progress has to be built on agreement about what is missing, or lacking, and working to try and overcome that absence.

For a community to be preoccupied with preserving what they have at all costs risks becoming a form of social hypochondria, with fear stifling energy and reducing challenges to a simple "us-and-them" formula.

What is clear more generally is that the unionist psychology is not well equipped to think in terms of change, or difference, because historically its main concern has been preservation.

The excitement of possibility that existed at the time of the Good Friday Agreement has dissipated into black and white politics where crude win-lose situations become the main reference point for political understanding. But this is not conducive to a stable, diverse and confident society.

To build transformation, loyalism and unionism together must address the areas of deficit which inhibit aspiration and confidence. Central to this is the issue of educational under-achievement, which in loyalist communities is acute. Without achieving basic national standards of education, the possibilities for development and aspiration become limited.

But education is not just a problem confined to schools. It comes from the inability to see the value in a culture of education that includes everyone and where creativity, diversity and imagination start to take precedent over reactive attitudes to issues of the day.

As confidence grows, so does the willingness to engage in political and social debates, and the more vibrant and interesting society becomes as a result.

Contrary to the popular view, there are a number of individuals who belong to, or remain connected with, loyalist paramilitary organisations that are intelligent, articulate, humorous and imaginative.

They understand the potential of the influence they might have to advance transformation, but they need external assistance to help shape the conditions for that change to take hold as well.

There is much good work going on at community level, but it lacks convergence and it is not attached to a broader strategic plan about where things might - or should - be in 10 or 20 years' time.

The Sinn Fein project has a dynamic to it and that dynamic brings emotive appeal.

The dynamic is about working to bring about a united Ireland. Looking at unionism, it is hard to identify a dynamic at all and that means it is not much of an attractive proposition.

What should middle and working-class unionism do to encourage external interest and support for its development?

It is important to remember that Sinn Fein saw the need for this early on, when its leaders sought to use those such as Brendan Duddy, Fr Alec Reid, John Hume, Irish-America and the Irish and British Governments to help facilitate the conditions where the advantages of change could be more convincingly presented.

Both unionism and loyalism have been weak on this front, preferring to look inwards and viewing external influence with suspicion.

A considerable number of loyalist leaders now see the value of working with external players to help make the case for change.

They realise that the media stereotype of criminality (and, indeed, criminality itself) must be confronted, although the latter is surely more a policing matter, and they acknowledge that honest and direct discussion has to be ongoing in relation to an emerging strategic vision.

Of course, there should be no underestimating how those opposed to transformation will try to disrupt it where they can, striving to protect personal fiefdoms and control.

But over time they will become ostracised as communities increasingly come to see that their actions are destroying the badly needed confidence, aspiration and diversity that will allow working-class unionism to thrive and play a full and positive role in the development and progress of Northern Ireland as a whole.

However the Home Secretary responds to the RHC request for de-proscription, it is clear that the application is a gesture of seriousness and a determination to advance the case of loyalism beyond the box that much of unionism and others wants it to stay in.

The RHC request presents a challenge to unionism as much as it does loyalism and how the two respond together will show us whether a new inclusive unionism is possible, or whether the old tired responses of "us-and-them" show no sign of waning.

Dr Graham Spencer is Reader in Social and Political Conflict at the University of Portsmouth. Rev Chris Hudson of All-Souls Church in Belfast mediated between the UVF and the Dublin government during the early stages of the peace process
Attacks by armed Muslim fighters against Myanmar border police posts last month were deliberately timed to weaken government efforts to bring peace to the countrys troubled Rakhine state, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement this week.



The Aug. 25 attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), an Islamic insurgent group, were carried out a day after the release of a final report by a commission led by former U.N. chief Kofi Annan, the ministry noted in its statement issued on Tuesday.



It is evident that the latest terror campaign is an attempt to undermine the efforts of the Government to find a lasting solution to the issue of Rakhine through the speedy implementation of the Advisory Commissions recommendations, the ministry said.



The international community can best help by supporting the Myanmar government in its efforts to bring stability, peace and development to Rakhine state, it said.



As many as 370,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since the Aug. 25 attacks, according to the U.N.s latest estimates, which say about 1,000 people were killed in Rakhine violence.



The nine-member Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, appointed by State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi in August 2016 to examine the causes of unrest in Myanmars western Rakhine state, has called for reviews of the countrys citizenship law and for an end to restrictions on its Rohingya Muslim minority in order to prevent further violence in the beleaguered region.



The government of Myanmar fully shares the concern of the international community regarding the displacement and suffering of all communities affected by the latest escalation of violence, the ministry said in its statement.



Political opposition speaks out



In a press conference on Tuesday in Myanmars commercial capital Yangon, opposition political parties slammed the National League for Democracy (NLD)-led government for what they described as its failure to convene a meeting of the countrys National Defense and Security Council to address continuing ethnic clashes in Rakhine.



Myanmar should also refuse to enact recommendations by the Advisory Commission and reject use of the term genocide to describe government security operations against Myanmars stateless Rohingya minority, thousands of whom have now fled into neighboring Bangladesh, the parties said in a joint statement.



Hla Thein, a central executive committee member of the formerly governing Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), dismissed charges circulating on Myanmar social media that his party and others had encouraged violence in Rakhine state for partisan gain.



The USDP has not been involved in the unrest and other problems now happening in the country, he said. Everyone feels responsible to protect the country according to [Myanmars] constitution, but people are acting out of emotion.



People shouldnt say that the USDP always supports people who are behaving like this, he said.



Use of the term Muslim community in Rakhine state to describe the regions Rohingya group has also led to problems, drawing unnecessary concern from Islamic countries and organizations around the world, Negotiation and Stability Party leader Parsi Pyi Hein told reporters in Yangon.



Using this term can only cause the situation to get worse, and I want it to be changed, he said.



Meanwhile, schools are reopening in Rakhine after more than 400 were closed following the Aug. 25 attacks, with eight opening in the states Buthedaung township on Tuesday alone, state education officer Aung Kyaw Tun announced today.



All teachers are expected to return to their assigned schools by Sept. 17, he said.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised Malaysia for its role in countering terrorism, as he welcomed Prime Minister Najib Razak to the White House amid a U.S. probe into a multi-billion dollar corruption scandal that has implicated the Malaysian leader.

Trump also lauded Najibs government for no longer doing business with North Korea, as he put it, suggesting this was very important as Washington engaged in multilateral efforts aimed at stopping Pyongyangs nuclear weapons program.

The Prime Minister has a major role in not allowing ISIS  or, as you say, Daesh  and others to exist. And hes been very, very strong on terrorism in Malaysia, and a great supporter from that standpoint, the American president said, referring to Islamic State (IS) by other names, as Najib listened. Thats a very important thing to the United States.

Najib, flanked by Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman and other top advisers, emphasized his governments support for Washingtons global campaign against terrorism.

We are committed to fight Daesh, IS, Al-Qaeda, Abu Sayyaf -- you name it, Najib said before the two leaders held bilateral talks that were closed to the media, according to a transcript released by the White House. They are the enemy of the United States, they are also the enemy of Malaysia, and we will do our part to make sure that our part of the world is safe.

Najib told Trump that his majority-Muslim nation would join the fight against IS through ideological warfare because you need to win the hearts and minds.

And the key to it is to support moderate and progressive Muslim regimes and governments around the world, because that is the true face of Islam; that is the authentic face of Islam, he said. The more you align with progressive and moderate regimes, the better it would be in terms of winning the hearts and minds of the Muslim world.

During the past two years, Malaysias government has warned its citizens about a threat to national security from Islamic State recruitment of local youths and of IS terror plots on its territory. Malaysia, through its foreign ministry, operates a facility known as the Southeast Asia Regional Center for Counter-Terrorism with assistance from the U.S. State Department.

North Korea

Before heading into their bilateral meeting, Trump noted that Malaysia does not do business with North Korea any longer, and we find that to be very important.

Najib did not say anything about this, according to the transcript.

Malaysia, however, is among 10 ASEAN countries that maintain diplomatic and commercial ties with North Korea, although relations between Kuala Lumpur and Pyongyang were strained earlier this year following the assassination on Malaysian soil of Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.

According to a report published by the Associated Press on Sept. 9 and that cited U.N. experts, Malaysia was among some countries that imported coal from North Korea over a six-month period ending in early August, in violation of United Nations sanctions over Pyongyangs nuclear program.

On Monday, the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to boost sanctions on North Korea after Pyongyangs sixth and largest nuclear test this month. The sanctions, the ninth such resolution adopted against North Korea since 2006, banned textile exports and capped fuel supplies.

As Najib listened, Trump told reporters that he had just discussed the U.N. vote with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

We had a vote yesterday on sanctions, he said. We think its just another very small step  not a big deal.  I dont know if it has any impact.

But those sanctions are nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen, Trump said, without elaborating.

Jet deals

Najib, also talked about his countrys contribution in terms of strengthening the U.S. economy, emphasizing investments and deals worth more than $10 billion, including the acquisition of dozens of Boeing 737 and 787 airliners.

Before departing for Malaysia on Wednesday evening, Najib is expected to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Malaysian Airlines and Boeing, according to the New York Times.

Najib said Malaysian Airlines would acquire eight 787 Dreamliners and more than two dozen 737-MAX 10 jets from Boeing.

And there is a strong probability  not possibility  probability that we will add 25 more 737 MAX 10 in the near future, he said. So within five years, the deal will be worth beyond $10 billion.

Najib said he would also persuade low-cost carrier, AirAsia to purchase U.S.-made General Electric engines, and he told Trump about plans by the Employees Provident Fund, a major pension fund in Malaysia, to invest about $7 billion in the United States.

Not here to ask for money

Najib arrived at the White House amid criticism against the Trump administration for inviting him there despite a U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) criminal investigation into allegations that more than $4.5 billion was stolen from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state investment fund. 1MDB was founded by the Malaysian prime minister, who has denied any wrongdoing.

With his White House invitation, Mr. Trump has neatly gotten Mr. Najib off that hook and provided him with what the regime will portray as a tacit pre-election endorsement, the Washington Post said in an editorial Monday. If the White House received anything in exchange for that huge political favor, its not evident.

Not only is Mr. Najib known for imprisoning peaceful opponents, silencing critical media and reversing Malaysias progress toward democracy, it said. He also is a subject of the largest foreign kleptocracy investigation ever launched by the U.S. Justice Department.

The Justice Department alleges that businessmen associated with 1MDB diverted $4.5 billion from the fund including nearly $700 million, which ended up in the prime minister's private bank accounts.

When asked whether the 1MDB issue came up during the meeting between Trump and Najib, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon that she was not aware of the DOJ probe being mentioned in their conversations.

During a dinner event for Malaysian-Americans at the Malaysian Embassy on Monday night, Najib, who faces possible elections next year, signaled the focus of his talks with Trump.

We are not here to ask for money from the U.S., Najib said. We come here as a rising country that is successful and growing and determined to succeed to the ranks of the top 20 nations of the world in 2050.

I am here to show Malaysia is an important country to the United States, he said. We bring to the table a great deal of value propositions.
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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The American Brass Quintet will visit Bowling Green State University Sept. 20-22 to present a free public concert and share their musical and professional wisdom as this years artists in residence for the Dorothy E. and DuWayne H. Hansen Musical Arts Series. Their residency concludes with an 8 p.m. concert on Sept. 22 in Kobacker Hall at the Moore Musical Arts Center.

Now in its 50th year, the renowned quintets current cast includes a connection to BGSU: Trumpeter Kevin Cobbs late father, Dr. Thomas Berry Cobb, was a longtime faculty member. In addition, as part of its residency the group will work with students at the Toledo School for the Arts, with whose founder, Martin Porter, Cobb studied trumpet. Porter is a BGSU alumnus and former director of public events for the College of Musical Arts.

The other four members of the American Brass Quintet (ABQ) are Louis Hanzlik, trumpet; Eric Reed, horn; Michael Powell, trombone, and John Rojak, bass trombone.

During their Bowling Green residency, they will present a mini recital with a question-and-answer period for BGSU students and local high school students, teach master classes to brass instrument players, work with composition students, conduct a workshop with the graduate brass quintet and give a seminar on careers in music. Their stay concludes with the public concert Sept. 22. All events are free and open to everyone.

ABQ is internationally recognized as one of the premier chamber music ensembles of our time, celebrated for peerless leadership in the brass world. It is the 2013 recipient of Chamber Music Americas highest honor, the Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award for significant and lasting contributions to the field. The group has given performances in Asia, Australia, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and all 50 of the United States, and has produced nearly 60 recordings and performed the premieres of more than 150 contemporary brass works. Commissions by the quintet of eminent composers are considered significant contributions to contemporary chamber music and the foundation of the modern brass quintet repertoire. The ABQs Emerging Composer Commissioning program has brought forth brass quintets by Gordon Beeferman, Jay Greenberg, Trevor Gureckis and Shafer Mahoney.

Committed to the promotion of brass chamber music through education, the quintet has been in residence at the Aspen Music Festival since 1970 and at The Juilliard School since 1987. Since 2000, the ABQ has offered its expertise in chamber music performance and training with a program of mini-residencies as part of its regular touring. Designed to offer young groups and individuals an intense chamber music experience over several days, ABQ mini-residencies have been embraced by schools and communities throughout the United States and a dozen foreign countries.

The Dorothy E. and DuWayne H. Hansen Musical Arts Series Fund was established in 1996 to bring significant representatives of the musical arts and creative arts to Bowling Green to share their talent and knowledge with students and community residents. Dorothy Hansen is an alumna of the College of Musical Arts and DuWayne Hansen is a former chair of the Department of Music Education.

Previous series guests have included Marin Alsop, Bill McGlaughlin, Branford Marsalis, Benjamin Zander, Nancy Giles and Bob McGrath.
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For Immediate Release, September 13, 2017 Contact: Patrick Donnelly, (702) 483-0449, pdonnelly@biologicaldiversity.org Senator Heller Proposes Massive Giveaway to Timber Industry WASHINGTON Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) introduced legislation today to rubber-stamp enormous logging projects and waive important forest protection laws. The Emergency Fuel Reduction Act of 2017 would exempt logging projects of any size  potentially hundreds of thousands of acres  from environmental review, jeopardizing the clean water and wildlife habitat that Americas forests provide. Heller is preying on the publics fear of wildfires to promote the agenda of the corporate timber industry, said Patrick Donnelly, the Centers Nevada state director. Hes trying to return forest management to the dark ages, when reckless logging decimated wildlife, degraded rivers and caused irreparable harm to our forests. The proposed legislation is a giveaway to the timber industry, allowing logging projects of unlimited size to be exempt from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act, if they meet certain criteria. Since the criteria include removal of dead or dying trees, any forest in the country could be logged without considering protections for wildlife, water and ecosystems. This is the third attack on Americas forests this year by congressional Republicans. In June, Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) introduced legislation to eliminate Endangered Species Act protections for species living within proposed logging projects. In August, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced companion legislation to prevent citizen access to the courts by allowing logging projects to sidestep judicial review.



Heller is busy inventing new ways to auction off our forests to the highest bidder, said Donnelly. He should be promoting effective policies, like creating defensible space, that actually help reduce wildfire losses. This bill is a prime example of the extreme, anti-environment policies that have defined Hellers time in the Senate.
For Immediate Release, September 13, 2017 Contact: Blake Kopcho, (805) 708-3435, bkopcho@biologicaldiversity.org Berkeley City Council Passes Resolution Against Offshore Fracking, Drilling Trump Order to Expand Offshore Leasing Meeting Resistance in California BERKELEY, Calif. The Berkeley City Council last night approved a resolution opposing new drilling off the California coast and fracking in existing offshore oil and gas wells. The vote follows President Trumps April 28 executive order urging federal agencies to expand oil and gas leasing in federal waters. Trumps order could expose the Pacific Ocean to new oil leasing for the first time in more than 30 years. This weeks resolution was sponsored by Berkeley City Councilman Kriss Worthington and supported by the Center for Biological Diversity, which has been organizing a series of California city resolutions opposing offshore drilling and fracking, starting with the Santa Barbara City Councils vote on July 25. The last thing Californians want is more drilling and fracking off our coast. Berkeley and other California cities are forming a wall of opposition to Trumps reckless agenda, said Blake Kopcho, an organizer with the Center. Californians wont stand aside and let him endanger wildlife and our communities with oil spills and toxic fracking chemicals. The Berkeley resolution calls for: A ban on new drilling, fracking, and other well stimulation in federal and state waters off the California coast,

No new federal oil and gas leases in the Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic oceans and the eastern Gulf of Mexico  areas currently protected from new leases; and

A rapid phase-out of all oil and gas extraction off the California coast on a schedule sufficient to respond to the climate crisis. The last offshore lease in federal waters off California was in 1984, but Trumps order seeks to renew the leasing program. There are more than 30 offshore drilling platforms and hundreds of miles of underwater oil and gas pipelines off Californias coast. Operators want permits to frack offshore wells, using chemicals toxic to wildlife. Separate lawsuits filed by the State of California and the Center challenging the federal governments approval of offshore fracking are pending in federal district court.
For Immediate Release, September 13, 2017 Contact: Howard Crystal, (202) 809-6926, hcrystal@biologicaldiversity.org Trump's EPA Rolls Back Limits on Toxic Heavy Metal Pollution From Power Plants WASHINGTON The Environmental Protection Agency today finalized its decision to delay portions of an Obama-era rule limiting toxic metals in wastewater discharged from steam-powered electricity plants. Enforcement of the rule would have reduced the amount of toxic heavy metals and other pollutants entering waterways by 1.4 billion pounds a year. Its deeply disturbing to see the Trump administration giving power plants permission to keep dumping toxic metals like arsenic into our rivers and drinking water supplies, said Howard Crystal, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. This mind-bogglingly dangerous decision threatens our childrens well-being and the survival of endangered wildlife. Todays decision postpones compliance deadlines for the Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) rule, originally set to begin in November 2018. The ELG rule would require that steam-powered electricity plants take economically achievable measures to reduce wastewater streams of heavy metals, including mercury, arsenic and lead. The heavy metals commonly detected in power plant wastewater can cause severe health problems, including cancer and lowered IQ among children, as well as deformities and reproductive harm in fish and wildlife. In a recent comment letter, the Centers attorneys argued that the EPA violated the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act by delaying the rule without first consulting with appropriate federal wildlife agencies and completing an environmental impact statement. The EPAs original environmental assessment for the ELG rule concluded that many power plants are discharging wastewater that is deadly to fish, decreases ecosystem biodiversity and compromises drinking water quality. The EPA proposed the ELG rule in 2013, noting that steam electric power plants contribute the majority of all toxic pollution discharged into surface waters by all industries, a level which will only increase. The rule was finalized in 2015. However, in April, utilities and electric industry groups petitioned the EPA to reconsider the ruling. The EPA is tossing out safeguards that would finally address our nations leading source of toxic water pollution while the drinking water of millions of Americans hangs in the balance, Crystal said. We will fight to reverse this decision and make sure the Trump administration prioritizes protecting our health and wildlife over padding the pockets of polluters.
For Immediate Release, September 13, 2017 Contact: Jean Su, Center for Biological Diversity, (415) 770-3187, jsu@biologicaldiversity.org

Camilla Fox, Project Coyote, (415) 690-0338, cfox@projectcoyote.org Lawsuit Challenges California's Mismanagement of Wildlife Trapping Program Public Agencies Illegally Subsidize Private Profiteering Off Fox, Coyote, Badger Pelts SACRAMENTO, Calif. The Center for Biological Diversity and Project Coyote sued the California Fish and Game Commission and Department of Fish and Wildlife today for improperly managing and illegally subsidizing the states commercial trapping program. Thousands of coyotes, foxes, badgers and other fur-bearing animals are trapped each year in California so their pelts can be sold overseas. Todays lawsuit notes that the two state agencies have illegally diverted as much as half a million dollars since 2013 to subsidize commercial fur trapping in California. Commercial trapping is a cruel, destructive practice that shouldnt be subsidized by California taxpayers, said attorney Jean Su, the Centers associate conservation director. Its wrong that a handful of trappers slaughter our wildlife for private profit while the state foots the bill. These animals are far more valuable as essential species in Californias web of life than as skinned pelts shipped to Russia and China. In 2015, conservationists celebrated the Fish and Game Commissions decision to ban the commercial trapping of bobcats, whose pelts are some of the most lucrative on the international fur market. But more than a dozen other furbearing animals still experience cruel trapping under the states mismanaged trapping program. California law requires that the states costs of managing a commercial trapping program must be fully recovered through trapping license fees. The state spends hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on wardens, biologists and administrators to oversee and enforce trapping regulations, yet license fees cover only a tiny fraction of the programs total costs. Taxpayers foot the bill for the shortfall. Since the fee-recovery mandate became effective in 2013, the commission and the fish and wildlife department have illegally diverted upwards of half a million dollars to subsidize commercial fur trapping in California. The illegal subsidization of the states commercial trapping program violates not just the letter of the law, but the will of the California people, said Camilla Fox, executive director of Project Coyote. An overwhelming majority of Californians do not support commercial trapping. In the 2015-2016 license year, approximately 200 trappers purchased commercial licenses. Of those, 50 reported killing the nearly 2,000 animals trapped for fur that year, according to a department report. To ensure undamaged pelts, trappers often kill animals through strangulation, gassing and anal electrocution. If the illegal subsidy of trapping licenses is eliminated, trapping license fees would have to be set at a level that few if any trappers would likely be willing to pay, resulting in a de facto end to commercial fur trapping in California. Its shocking that California still permits the inhumane slaughter of our wildlife for fur, Su said. Its time the state is held accountable for its poor management of a program that benefits only a few. Recognizing the ecological importance of carnivores, the Center and Project Coyote use science-based advocacy to defend these magnificent animals from persecution, exploitation and extinction. Find out more about the Centers Carnivore Conservation campaign here and about Project Coyotes Predator Protection Programs here.
Starting your day with a cup of mushroom coffee can give a much-needed twist to your daily regimen. Many speak of its benefits, and some even prefer it to regular coffee. But given its unique
Alipay, an online and mobile payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group, partners of Zapper, has made it possible for Chinese tourists in South Africa to pay at 10,000 Zapper-affiliated merchants across the country via their smartphones.

Chinese tourists will be able to search for restaurants, bars, theatres, book shops, adventure parks and more through Alipays in-app Discovery platform, and pay for their orders in RMB via Alipay by scanning a Zapper QR code.

Expanding new verticals

South Africa is a must-experience country for Chinese tourists visiting Africa. We are excited to partner with Zapper, the largest mobile payment provider in South Africa, to offer Chinese tourists a safe and convenient payment solution and seamless travel experience, said Rita Liu, head of Alipay EMEA.

This cross-continental alliance is in line with the series of expansions into new verticals that Zapper is currently undertaking to diversify its service range, and further strengthen its position as South Africas mobile payment and loyalty rewards app of choice. These verticals include hospitality, retail, bills, e-commerce, donations, parking, fuel, and convenience, said Will Heygate, general manager of Zapper South Africa.

This development arrives on the heels of the online payment service for hop-on-hop-off bus ticketing in Cape Town and Johannesburg that Alipay launched in June this year.

With Alipays more than 520 million Chinese users and Zappers rapidly burgeoning presence within the global payment landscape, each brand is now also better positioned to strengthen their appeal to the Asian and African customer respectively.

The tourism sectors potential

According to statistics from the South African Department of Tourism, over 110,000 Chinese tourists visited South Africa in the fiscal year of 2016, with a year-on-year growth of 38%. Tourism in South Africa has continuously grown for seven years and weights 9% of the countrys GDP.

The South African government has recognised the tourism sector's potential to generate economic growth and employment creation. Through the Department of Tourism's strategic plan - National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS), the tourism sector is committed to creating a total of 225,000 additional jobs by the year 2020.
Attacq CEO Morne Wilken says the development company is on track to pay its first dividend of 73c per share next year, and will convert to a real estate investment trust (Reit) in the following year.

Mall of Africa

The JSE-listed property developer reported diluted headline earnings per share increased about 92% in the year to end-June compared with the previous period, while vacancies across its retail and office portfolios rose.

Profit for the year fell 56.7% to just over R600m, mainly due to the strengthening of the rand, fair value adjustments and a one-off payment of R480m in the previous year, the company said in a statement. Adjusted net asset value per share rose 3.2% to R22.59 in the year to end-June. Net rental income rose to R1.86bn from R1.1bn during the period. Basic earnings per share increased to 23c from 12c, the company said in a statement. The fair market value of the investment in MAS Real Estate increased by 18.9% to R3.5bn, while cash generated by operations increased 23.4% to R1bn.

Vacancies in retail properties increased to 2.4% from 2.1%, and office vacancies increased to 5% from 4%. Vacancies that were filled after year-end relate mainly to the Allandale Building, the Mall and Waterfall Corner. The remaining vacancies are mainly attributable to Brooklyn Bridge Office Park, Newtown Junction and The Majestic. Attacq's industrial and hotel properties are fully tenanted, the company said.

Wilken said the group's property portfolio in the Waterfall region of Johannesburg was a strong value proposition.

The company planned to convert to a Reit from the 2019 financial year.

"We have development opportunities sitting on our doorstep at Waterfall. Our competitors have to look for opportunities across SA," he said.

Attacq recycled R1.9bn of capital and celebrated the first anniversary of the opening of Mall of Africa on 28 April 2017.

The group's gearing ratio improved from 39.9% to 37.1%, while cash generated from operations increased by 23.4% to R1bn.

"This year has been a transition year of consolidation and repositioning for Attacq. We have revisited our strategy, took cognisance of lessons learned, internalised our development team, cleaned up our portfolio and entered the 2018 financial year with a focused approach," Wilken said at the results presentation on Tuesday, 12 September.

"The business model has been simplified, creating the platform for future growth centred on our four value drivers - namely our quality South African portfolio; strategic investment in MAS; Waterfall development pipeline, which is Attacq's unique value proposition; and our retail investments in the rest of Africa.

"We are excited about our conversion to a Reit and believe our revised strategy is well positioned to unlock considerable value to shareholders in future."

Many investors have wanted Attacq to become a Reit, which would require it pay regular dividends. This is because net asset value growth for investors has been disappointing since Attacq listed in late 2013.

At 10.51am Attacq shares were up 0.37% at R18.75. The stock has risen 11.01% so far this year.

Attacq is targeting a maiden dividend payment from its income-producing assets, namely the existing operational portfolio and MAS investment, of 73c per share for the year ended June 30 2018, with annual distribution growth of 20% for three years after that, the company said in a statement.

The guidance is based on assumptions that include forecast rental income based on contractual terms and anticipated market-related renewals, the expected roll-out of the current and budgeted development portfolio, the company said.

Source: BDpro
The Cape Winemakers Guild Protege Programme is paying it forward and sending three proteges to gain international experience in some of the world's most renowned wine growing regions this year. Since 2013, the Protege Programme, under the auspices of the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust, has given nine proteges the opportunity to partake in this annual exchange programme.

From left to right: Sydney Mello, Maryna Huysamen, and Banele Vakele.

Second-year oenology proteges Banele Vakele of Khayelitsha and Sydney Mello of Mahwelereng in Limpopo will be travelling to Burgundy in France. During their time in France, Vakele who is being mentored by Boela Gerber at Groot Constantia this year, and Mello who has been working alongside Johan Malan of Simonsig, will be enrolled at the Centre of Vocational Training and Agricultural Promotion in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. In addition to formal leadership training, they will obtain hands on experience at small family-owned wine estates and then travel throughout the famous wine growing regions of France including Champagne, Bordeaux and Cotes du Rhone.

At Nedbank, applying our financial expertise to do good takes on many different shapes and forms, that is why we have contributed over R2.5m towards the Protege Programme. This initiative enables us to empower individuals while contributing to the transformation of the wine industry, explains Lindiwe Temba, executive head for corporate social investment at Nedbank.

Proteges are also encouraged to organise their own international harvesting endeavours during their three-year internship.

Maryna Huysamen of Vredendal, who has spent her second internship year with Charles Hopkins of De Grendel, has arranged a harvest season at Alexander Valley Vineyards in California, USA. Here she will see first-hand how things are done in the USA and gain valuable insight into the American winemaking culture.

Famous wine regions visited by young winemakers who have come through the ranks of the Protege Programme include San Benito County and Sonoma in the USA and the Loire in France. The first graduate of the Viticulture Protege Programme, Logan Jooste, also had the opportunity to rub shoulders with international giants in the industry when he attended a technical seminar in Australia in 2016 as part of a VinPro Viticulture trip.

We are humbled by the progress and milestones of the Protege Programme and every year, we look forward to experiencing the remarkable work of these young talented individuals, adds Temba.

Special charity item goes under the hammer at the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction

To help raise funds for the Protege Programme a special charity item goes under the hammer each year at the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction. This year auction goers can look forward to a one-of-a-kind Members Collection of 44 magnum 1.5-litre bottles  a wine from every Guild member with a wine on the 2017 auction. The collection, embodying the craftsmanship and camaraderie of the members of the guild, is packaged in beautifully crafted wooden boxes.

All proceeds of the charity auction are ploughed back into the Protege Programme to continue developing aspiring young winemakers and viticulturists. Over the past eleven years, a total of 24 proteges have come through the ranks, honing their skills while enjoying the rare opportunity of working with masters in the industry. To date, no less than 14 former proteges are pursuing promising careers in the wine industry  from private wine estates to larger corporate wine companies or related businesses.

Funds are also raised in aid of the Protege Programme through a silent auction of past auction wines and cellar gems from guild members. Some of the sought after items will be special presentation packs of wines by this years protege graduates: Mahalia Kotjane Three Quarters Shiraz 2016, Kiara Scott Ernest Syrah 2016, and Clayton Christians The Pendulum Chardonnay 2016.

The 33rd Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction is open to the public and will be held at the Spier Conference Centre in the Stellenbosch Winelands on Saturday, 30 September 2017.
After a successful programme in 2016, #cocreate2Accelerate returns in 2017 for another round of building relationships between high-potential young companies from the Netherlands and South Africa. This year, #cocreate2Accelerate will include a long programme based on a rigorous process aimed at matching companies from both countries within specific vertical sectors to actively collaborate in the solving of identified challenges. The short programme will accompany this process and is aimed at introducing Dutch companies to the Cape Town startup ecosystem.

One attention grabbing match-up is between South African startup and aerial data analytics specialist Aerobotics and RanMarine, a Dutch environmental technology enterprise which builds drones that remove waste from the water and support the natural resilience of our oceans. We catch up with Aerobotics to find out more about what they do and their participation in the #cocreate2Accelerate programme.

What is Aerobotics and how does it work?

We are building an aerial data analytics platform to optimise crop performance for farmers around the world. We are based out of Cape Town, and largely a data analytics/data science company focusing on automatically extracting meaningful insights from imagery - helping farmers with their day-to-day operation.

We have developed a data analytics platform that provides meaningful plant level data to farmers to optimise their yields and reduce their costs. The solution allows farmers to manage their crops on a plant by plant basis, tracks improvement over time from farming initiatives and automates variable rate applications for inputs such as fertiliser.

A farmer or service provider flies one of our automated drones, with a multispectral camera whereafter the imagery is uploaded through our web based platform. The data is automatically processed through our cloud-based processing pipeline. This includes stitching the individual images into maps of the scanned area and then running analytics turning the imagery into data. For trees, for example, our machine learning algorithms automatically find individual trees and calculate a range of metrics on a per-tree basis. This allows us to generate actionable analytics, on a tree-by-tree basis as well as build predictive algorithms through the rich data set. We also present the data through our web application Aeroview which allows farmers to simply manage their farm.

What are the key benefits in using Aerobotics and the Aeroview platform?

Our primary clients are farmers and farm consultants, but we are aware that the data we are collecting from farms is also very useful for other parties in the value chain, such as insurers, banks, fertilising companies, etc. We have been working on building out a crop insurance solution with insurance providers over the last few months.

Farmers: Our product helps optimise the way you farm, helping with early problem detection, improved resource allocation, and increased yield.

Farming consultants: We offer farming consultants a tool which adds value and accuracy to their existing service. This will help them bring on new clients as well as scale and service existing clients better - through less time scouting on the ground and more targeted analyses.

Insurance providers: More quantifiable crop/farm analyses through accurate comparisons of the actual crop, higher penetration through a product that adds value to farmers themselves too, better understanding of risk-pool, lower fraud rate (through quantifiable satellite data).

How does Aerobotics aim to create real change in the world?

We aim to create change through making this data accessible to farmers around the world. Along with allowing farmers to make more data-driven decisions, becoming more efficient with their inputs and improving their outputs - this technology could help farmers gain access to added value services such as finance and insurance, which before might not have been available/affordable.

Aerobotics and RanMarine

What challenges have been identified and what would you like to achieve in your collaboration with your Dutch partner in #cocreate2Accelerate?

During #cocreate2Accelerate we looked into a specific problem regarding river water management. Along with RanMarine, who have built a water-based drone called the WasteShark which clears water waste, we have proposed a solution to combine aerial and water based sensing, to efficiently improve our water sources. We have outlined a solution which uses the aerial drone data to map out an area of interest, generating a map/plan of where to focus efforts on the water. After the WasteShark has run through the area, we would again scan aerially to generate an accurate comparison of before and after. This would compare both matter within the water and surrounding vegetation. We hope to pilot this project in Cape Town, before looking to run a few projects in the Netherlands.

Apart from this specific idea, we expect to collaborate on other fronts with RanMarine (and the Netherlands), using our respective networks to help each other expand into new territories.

What do you see for the future of Aerobotics?

On the product side, I see us getting more detailed and predictive with our analytics as the technology and industry advances. This would mean moving towards things like physical fruit counts (using higher resolution imagery) and disease detection (using hyperspectral imagery).

Commercially, we hope to gain a significant presence in Africa, starting in sub-Saharan Africa. Working with corporate partners or other agri-stakeholders, we would like to lower the cost of the technology for the farmer - allowing us to enter these markets.
EvgeniT via pixabay

Oceanas findings show that even vessels from countries with strong legal frameworks, such as those within the EU, can engage in unlawful practices. We are happy that the EU has just passed a new regulation that will help ensure the transparency of all fishing activities outside EU waters, and which calls for the rest of the worlds flag states to follow suit, and to pass laws and control measures to ensure that the fishing activities of their fleet are sustainable and transparent, said Maria Jose Cornax, senior policy and advocacy director at Oceana in Europe.

EU countries cannot legally issue permits for their vessels to fish in the waters of nations with dormant fishing agreements, for example with The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea. With the help of Global Fishing Watch, Oceana found that:

19 EU-flagged vessels fished unlawfully for more than 31,000 hours between April 2012 and August 2015, which included:

 18 EU-flagged vessels from Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain fishing in the waters of The Gambia for 31,706 hours.

 1 EU-flagged vessel from Spain fishing in the waters of Equatorial Guinea for 170 hours.

With the help of technologies like Global Fishing Watch, we can now see whats happening beyond the horizon, said Beth Lowell, senior campaign director for illegal fishing and seafood fraud at Oceana. Countries can also play their part in increasing transparency at sea by requiring vessel tracking for all fishing vessels and making all fishing agreements public.

Governing distant water fleet fishes

EU vessels fishing on the high seas or in foreign waters contribute 28 percent of the total EU catch. It is estimated that EU Member States have awarded more than 23,000 fishing vessel authorisations to fish outside EU waters since 2008.

The EUs distant water fleet fishes around the world. Distant water fishing under official EU access agreements (termed Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements) often occurs in developing countries waters, including those on the west and east African coasts.

In June 2017, the EU agreed on a new regulation governing the activities of the EUs fishing fleet outside of its waters. The reformed law requires equal oversight of fishing vessels, regardless of where they operate or under what type of agreement. When fully implemented, the new law will significantly improve the oversight of the EUs external fishing fleet and ensure the continued leadership of the EU in matters of global fisheries governance.

*Any and all references to fishing should be understood in the context of Global Fishing Watchs fishing detection algorithm, which is a best effort to determine apparent fishing effort based on vessel speed and direction data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) collected via satellites and terrestrial receivers. As AIS data varies in completeness, accuracy, and quality, it is possible that some fishing effort is not identified and conversely, that some fishing effort identified is not fishing. For these reasons, Global Fishing Watch qualifies all designations of vessel fishing effort, including synonyms of the term fishing effort, such as fishing or fishing activity, as apparent, rather than certain. Any/all Global Fishing Watch information about apparent fishing effort should be considered an estimate and must be relied upon solely at your own risk. Global Fishing Watch is taking steps to make sure fishing effort designations are as accurate as possible.
The hospitality industry, in SA and Africa, has expressed concern regarding the lack of well educated, experienced hospitality professionals entering the market - the very issue that has prompted HVS to launch its executive matchmaking service for Africa's hotel industry. On the other hand, according to Tim Smith, managing partner HVS South Africa, hospitality students have expressed that course content covers too much ground without delivering enough depth of content and cites lack of opportunity and low salaries as a barrier to significant participation in the industry by graduates.

Dr Achim Schmitt, Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Professor of Strategic Management at EHL

Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne (EHL) - regarded as the best hospitality school in the world - Associate Dean and Professor Dr Achim Schmitt participated in a panel discussion on HR and education issues in the hospitality industry during the recent THINC Africa conference and we asked him to shed some light on hospitality education and the challenges it faces.

Nurturing talent, investing in people, as well as building opportunities, will help to create a qualitative network of hospitality professionals locally.

The tourism and hospitality industry has massive potential for job creation in South Africa and the rest of the continent, however, the industry is concerned by the lack of skilled hospitality professionals. What are your views on the needs of the industry and how this lack of skilled hospitality professionals, particularly in management, can be addressed?

South Africa's, as well as Africa's tourism industry, promises to keep on booming as one of the key focal sectors of the African Economic Growth Path. It can be expected that economic growth, political stability, the growth of tourism arrivals and currently low hotel room supply will attract investors, hotel and tourism companies, and talent alike in a positive re-enforcing cycle.

One of the key elements of building a sustainable hospitality approach in Africa requires building managerial talent locally. If international managers (expats) spend in average two years in a leadership position of an African hotel and then move on to another country, it will be hard to develop and nurture talent locally. Nurturing talent, investing in people, as well as building opportunities, will help to create a qualitative network of hospitality professionals locally. While it certainly creates and demands a lot of investment at first, this investment will pay off in the long term thanks to lower staff turnover and a good employer reputation in the market.

What is EHLs approach to hospitality education and the value of a more advanced degree?

EHL recognises the dynamic and rapid development of the industry. With almost 10% GDP and the projected global growth trajectories, the industry will transform itself to one of the most vibrant sectors worldwide. With more and more investment, talent, as well as business models created, education will play a key role in how to further provide the energy and talent to fuel this growth. By further investing and developing its short-programs, personalised learning journeys, as well as the development of a rigorous programme portfolio, EHL is ready to take on this challenge. The recent changes to our graduate program portfolio emphasise our commitment to continue to develop the hospitality leaders of tomorrow.

A South African student at EHL recently said they get skills for life, not just for a job, which means that EHL students are always in demand by the industry. What is it that sets and EHL education apart?

EHL offers far more than just a classroom education. By joining our school, you are joining 125 years of hospitality tradition, joining professional experts that love their profession and the industry. It represents the integration of our hospitality family. More than 25,000 highly committed and active Alumni undeniably highlight this EHL culture. Creating passionate hospitality professionals enables us to create individuals who care about the industrys development. In this way, our students all share a common responsibility and self-interest in the profession. We create bonds that last a lifetime.

Where does education in the industry fall short in terms of employee and employer sentiment and what are the key skills every graduate should possess?

Personalised customer experiences are an increasingly important trend in hospitality. Companies are building their competitive advantages through service excellence. This has increased the need for talent development and service consistency. The impact of this trend can be seen in South Africas national tourism sector strategy, which aims to create a service culture in the industry through training and the development of standards/frameworks.

What, in your opinion, are the key considerations for developing a comprehensive hospitality programme that is relevant to Africa to meet the needs of the industry and support its current growth?

I strongly believe in an approach of standardised education programmes. In the future, and in particular for Africa, education programmes need to increasingly consider the local demands of the hospitality context. For instance, sustainable tourism is an important and emerging global trend that is particularly relevant to Africa. Both consumers and hotel companies are becoming more aware of the social, economic, and environmental impact of their actions, and are moving towards the direction of sustainable practices and tourism. Being an environment that promotes a sustainable mindset, Africa could therefore hugely benefit from this emerging need. Many people (especially international tourists) travel to Africa to discover and experience the Real African Experience which is geared towards sustainability, nature conservation and cherishment of the biodiversity. This connects to the global desire of millennial travellers to experience unique experiences and go off the beaten path.

Due to its natural beauty, cultural and historical heritage, the competitive edge of Africa in the quest to develop this kind of tourism is unparalleled. Developing comprehensive hospitality programmes that build and leverage these contextual factors are becoming more and more key for the industry.
Just as the public protector overstepped her powers with recommending that the Reserve Bank's mandate must be changed, she also overstepped her mandate in ordering the president to institute a judicial commission of inquiry into state capture, President Jacob Zuma argued on Tuesday, 12 September 2017.

Adv Ishmael Semenya SC for the president argued that the two public protectors made remedial orders beyond the scope of their powers in both these matters.

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane was forced to backtrack on the remedial action in which she said Parliament should change the mandate of the Bank.

The order to institute the commission of inquiry was made by Mkhwebane's predecessor Thuli Madonsela.

The DA's application for a declaratory order to force the president to implement the commission of inquiry was heard in the High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday. The party also asked the court to declare that Zuma had violated his constitutional obligations by not implementing the remedial actions.

Zuma made a counter-application for a stay of execution in implementing the remedial actions until the review of the remedial action was completed.

Semenya argued that the remedial action instructing Zuma to institute the commission, for which Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng would have to decide on the judge to lead the commission, was "the most unconstitutional dictate by a functionary to a president".

He said this power belonged to the president and the president only. That was the reason why he had not applied for an interdict ahead of the review application on the remedial action, as he "could not interdict himself".

He said the public protector's remedial actions did not go as far as to recommend that a commission of inquiry should investigate the matter further.

Anton Katz SC for the DA argued that there was no reason why Zuma should not have instituted a judicial commission of inquiry into state capture.

He said the Constitutional Court had already given clarity on the effect of a mere review application in the case of Tshwane vs AfriForum, in which it found that a mere review application is not sufficient for a stay of execution in implementing the action.

He said the only way the remedial actions, which were declared as binding in the Nkandla case, would not have to be implemented, was if the president interdicted it pending the review and when the action was reviewed and set aside.

Katz said the argument that the review process would be made moot, did not carry water. The review would still give clarity on the legal dispute on her powers. The president had said that he was not opposed to establishing a commission of inquiry, Katz said.

Hamilton Maenetje SC for the public protector, who supports the DA that Zuma should not be granted a stay of execution, said it would harm the office of the public protector if an application to review was made without applying for an interdict to suspend the implementation of the remedial actions.

He said the public protector's office would "become ineffective and those that are reliant on her will be left remediless".

Maenetje disputed the president's argument that she did not have the power to recommend further investigation.

Judgment was reserved.

Source: Business Day
Eastern Cape education bodies have expressed mixed reactions to the Department of Education's failure to increase the number of teacher posts for the third consecutive year.

The post provisioning norms (PPN) for next year were released by the department yesterday, 12 September 2017.

It showed that 54,026 posts will be available, with 6,377 for non-teaching support staff for public schools.

The figure is 721 less than this year's allocation of 54,747, which was also the allocation last year.

Last year's allocation was 1,049 fewer than the 55,796 posts allocated for 2015.

While the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu), SA Onderwysersunie (SAOU) and National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) raised concerns about the decrease, all acknowledged the department's ongoing efforts to stabilise the state of education.

According to the statement issued by the department, no schools will have a teacher to pupil ratio above 1:36.

At least 96% of schools will either gain or remain the same in their staff establishment and 1,995 of the posts will be allocated to foundation phase support, including Grade R.

Additionally, it states no school loses a post unless there is a decrease of more than 40 pupils from November last year.

Sadtu provincial secretary Chris Mdingi said: "For public education to function properly it would require a teacher in front of every class irrespective of the size of that class.

"Every child in every class across the province is being taught the same syllabus and needs to be given equal attention - that cannot be done by decreasing posts.

"However, we need to take cognisance of the fact that the department did listen to our appeals for more posts, which increased by more than 1,000 from its original figure."

SAOU provincial secretary Debbie Harvey said the union remained optimistic about teacher allocation and deployment in the province.

"This is the first year the department has implemented a workable model for the allocation of teachers, which will help in stabilising education in the province," Harvey said.

"Yes, there are fewer teachers available but the model makes us optimistic.

"The fact that we will be sitting down [tomorrow] to work out an action plan to give to principals, is already a step in the right direction, considering how it was done in the past.

"The principals will receive that plan this month, a month earlier than usual."

Naptosa secretary Anton Adams said: "The fact that 96% of schools won't be affected or will improve is a good sign.

"The fact that Grade R allocations are being recognised is something that hasn't happened before and led to a lot of problems previously.

"These are both positive aspects.

"We understand that the national budget was cut by 1% and that affects all sectors of education. However, the question remains, as it always has, as to whether the department will actually be able to fill those vacant posts."

Northern Areas Education Forum secretary Richard Draai said after meeting with the New Brighton school governing bodies that they were concerned about the post numbers.

"We have been fighting for more teachers for years now ... but we were not consulted about the PPN at all," he said.

"Yet schools have been closed for weeks at a time due to teacher shortages.

"[And] if the number of teachers is decreased, the education of the special needs pupils in the area is as good as dead. What they are doing to these kids is criminal."

DA shadow education MEC Edmund van Vuuren said: "The 2018 declaration has failed to address the ongoing issue of substantive vacant posts in the province. Currently, the province still has a total of 3,456 vacant posts.

"We cannot continue with a situation where vacant substantive posts are not filled year in and year out but instead are filled by walk-in staff on a three-month basis. This is not conducive to good teaching practices or job security."

Provincial education spokesman Malibongwe Mtima directed questions on the PPN to the department's superintendent-general, Themba Kojana.

However, Kojana could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Source: Herald
LONDON - The UK arm of public relations firm Bell Pottinger entered administration on Tuesday after being 'heavily financially impacted' by the fallout from an alleged racially charged ad campaign in South Africa.

"Bell Pottinger has been heavily financially impacted by the well-publicised issues resulting in losses of clients, partners and staff and culminating in the expulsion from the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA)," administrators BDO said in a statement.

The move by the PRCA came after Bell Pottinger ran a campaign for the controversial Gupta family in South Africa, which the industry body deemed was "likely to inflame racial discord".

"White monopoly capital" was one of the slogans Bell Pottinger used on behalf of Oakbay Capital, an investment holding company run by the Indian Gupta family.

The scandal prompted major clients to cut ties with the PR firm, including banking giant HSBC and telecommunications group TalkTalk.

"Late last week, the level of those losses, compounded by the inability of the business to win new clients, was such that remaining management were left with no option but to commence the process to place all UK Bell Pottinger entities into administration," BDO said.

The appointment of the administrators became effective on Tuesday and a number of redundancies have already been made.

Bell Pottinger's operations outside Britain have not been put into administration.

The company was created in 1987 by Tim Bell, one of Margaret Thatcher's foremost PR advisers, and is well known in the UK for its links to the world of politics and business.
Nuradin Osman, Vice President and General Manager, Africa for AGCO Corporation, Your Agriculture Company, speaking at the 2017 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF), said: The transformation of on-farm mechanisation can make a major contribution to improving rural livelihoods by boosting productivity and growth in rural incomes and making farming an appealing and worthwhile career choice for young people.

Nuradin Osman, Vice President & General Manager AGCO Africa speaking at the AGRF2017 under the topic Spurring modern Farm Development in Africa  Technology, Mechanisation, Infrastructure, and Power (Source: AGCO Corporation}

Advancing and transforming African agriculture

Under the theme Growing Inclusive Economies and Jobs through Agriculture, the AGRF 2017 sought to create a new agenda for action by pushing the boundaries of possibility in the fields and markets of African agriculture. AGCO has been a partner and sponsor of AGRF since 2014 and is co-chair for the Thematic Working Group on Mechanisation, drawing, in particular, on its widespread practical experience of African agriculture and knowledge developed at its pioneering AGCO Future Farm in Zambia.

Through our investment in initiatives like our Future Farms, AGCO is committed to advancing and transforming African agriculture, explained Osman. The implementation of modern farming techniques and the more efficient use of resources empowers communities to develop a sustainable food production system and increase farm productivity  thus improving local economies, helping to create jobs and inspiring the next generation to move into agriculture.

Examine the agricultural mechanisation of sub-Saharan African smallholders

Key to the sustainable commercialisation and modernisation of African agriculture are sustainable business models. Speaking at the AGRF Thematic Working Group Meeting on Mechanisation, Mark Moore, AGCO agricultural advisory manager, outlined a new 18-month collaborative project the company is leading for AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution for Africa).

The project is set to examine the agricultural mechanisation of sub-Saharan African smallholders and the development of local farm service centres known as agro-dealers. The project kicked off in July 2017 and will assess the affordability of mechanisation systems along with farming practices, such as conservation agriculture for smallholders, and develop and evaluate the agro-dealer approach for supporting and training smallholders. Co-partners in the project include Harper Adams University in the UK, FutureSeeds Zambia and the University of Zambia.

Major work on the initiative will take place at the AGCO Future Farm in Lusaka. This 150ha farm, which also includes a mechanisation training centre and poultry learning centre, is a hub for developing leading-edge agriculture for Africa. It demonstrates the value of mechanisation, technology and sustainable farm practices systems through real-life experience.

AGCO Future Farm, Zambia (Source: AGCO Corporation)

We will be trialing a model to establish the levels of income a smallholder farmer needs to achieve to pay for mechanisation services like crop establishment, Moore explained. We will also trial a similar model to understand the income a local agro-dealer needs to generate in order to supply and support local smallholder farmers in their area with services like tillage and planting contract work and the supply of farm inputs. By defining an initial business case for mechanisation and other products and services that small-scale farmers need to be successful, the aim is to ensure that they and the local agro-dealer supporting them both have sustainable businesses.
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The press conference held at the end of the sixth meeting between the Peace Commission and the Delegation for Political Negotiation (DPN) (Photo  MNA)

Continued peace negotiations between the government and representatives of an ethnic alliance have been delayed, likely until next month, according to an official.

Both of us are too busy to meet this month. We havent been able to negotiate a date yet," said Nai Aung Ma Nge, information officer at the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), a bloc representing four ethnic armed groups.

The government's Peace Commission and the UNFC's Delegation for Political Negotiation (DPN) have been inching closer to an agreement on preconditions ahead of signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA).

Ethnic armed groups have come under increased pressure to sign the NCA. No additional groups have joined the pact since the initial eight signed in 2015 under then-President U Thein Sein's administration.

Several members of the UNFC have resigned, including the groups currently engaged in fighting, amid the ongoing NCA negotiations. The bloc started out with 11 members in 2011 and now includes just the New Mon State Party, the Karenni National Progressive Party, the Lahu Democratic Union and the Arakan National Council.

Last month, the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army - South became the latest group to submit its resignation notice. The Kachin Independence Army resigned in April. Both groups are part of the newly created Federal Political Negotiation Consultative Committee, an alliance of organizations fighting in Shan and Kachin states and led by the United Wa State Army, Myanmar's most powerful ethnic armed group. The FPNCC has demanded an alternative to the NCA.

Nai Aung Ma Nge said the delay to ceasefire negotiations this month was not due to disagreements, but to scheduling conflicts.

An official from the Peace Commission confirmed that both sides are still engaged and trying to fix a date for the meeting.

The leaders from both sides are still negotiating, said the official.

The Peace Commission and the DPN held their sixth meeting at the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) in Yangon last month. According to the UNFC, both sides have agreed on four out of eight precondition terms.
Gobe Matenge, 91, was this week Monday honoured by Standard Chartered Bank for being the first Motswana to open an account with the bank and maintain it for 64 years.

He opened the account on 30th July 1953 in Francistown. Matenge was honoured at a colourful event held at the GICC where the bank celebrated its 120 years of operating in Botswana. It was attended by the creme de la creme of the society, amongst them Bank of Botswana governor Moses Pelaelo and Standard Chartered Bank Group CEO, Bill Winters.

Matenge was born in February 1926 and started his career in 1946 with Monarch mines and later joined the public sector where he contributed immensely to the development of this country.





He has held several positions including PS in the then labour and home affairs ministry.

Mantenge, was honoured togetherwith Haskins and Sons company.
Want housing lease agreement reviewed

Want alternative employment

Minister takes ex-miners demands to Cabinet





The Union representing former BCL employees, Botswana Mine Workers Union, recently met with minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Sadique Kebonang to discuss their grievances.

The meeting was held in Gaborone on August 28. The former employees want government to offer them alternative employment. All employees of the BCL who were terminated at the date of liquidation of the mine were entitled to remain in BCL housing rent-free, in accordance with the12 months lease agreement signed.

However, provisional liquidator Nigel Dixon-Warren wrote to them what will happen on November 1. All former employees have the first option to remain in the housing after October 31 but will be required to sign a new lease with effect from November 1.

Also former employees may remain in the houses for three months from November 1 but will be required to pay a nominal rental, which will be dependent on what type of house they occupy and whether it is a hostel room in a low-density area.

Should you wish to leave earlier than January 31 next year, you can do so by giving necessary notice, says the liquidator. The charges for high density houses are between P300 and P400, while low density ones are between P1 500 and P3000.

Commercial rental

According to Dixon-Warren, former employees wishing to continue to rent the houses after February 1 next year will be required to pay a commercial rental, which will be payable in advance and on a monthly basis. As for those staying in hostel rooms, they will be charged P100 per month.

The condition is that if they want to stay until January 31, 2018 their lease will be for three months and if they want to stay beyond, their lease will be for two years. Those in hostels wanting to stay after the end of October are expected to occupy the houses personally.

Former employees want Kebonang to review the Housing Lease agreement signed with the provisional liquidator to offer a minimum of six months to allow for the engagement to conclude.

During the meeting with Kebonang, unionists asked him to offer them alternative employment as they were under pressure to pay their debts and to sustain their families. Some banks have taken us to sheriffs and they are after us day and night. They dont listen when we tell them we havent found employment, said one of them.

Unionists are pleading with government to increase repayment for settlement of bank loans during which period interest on loans is frozen. It was also said that the issue of payment of retrenchment packages must be resolved amicably between the parties.

Further, former employees asked for government to continue paying maintenance wages and costs of medical care to those injured on duty until the process has been completed. As for the Care and Maintenance crew, the request is for government to review employment terms and conditions to afford them special conditions in line with nature of their engagement.

They are not paid overtime, contrary to what they had been promised that they will flow with their normal BCL contract, said a union member. Currently there are around 400 staff members under Care and Maintenance at the closed BCL mine and 30 at Tati Nickel mine.

In response, minster Kebonang promised to submit the demands to Cabinet for consideration.

He further undertook to return to the Union with feedback on Cabinet decision at a meeting set for September 20.

Current situation

Botswana Guardian visited Selebi-Phikwe last week. In an interview, a woman in her late 50s said that her husband has found a job at Orapa mine three months back.

She had to remain in Selebi-Phikwe with their three children, two of which are still schooling. She says that he visits every end of the month.

A man in his mid 30s said they now pay for their own water bills. Meanwhile some former employees said they have also formed prayer groups to encourage one another.

We still have faith that BCL mine will reopen and that they will employ us again, said one of the women.
In this interview with Botswana Guardians Correspondent Edward Bule, opposition Botswana Congress Partys Secretary General Kentse Rammidi puts a few misconceptions about his partys relation with the BMD into proper perspective.

BG: There are claims that the president of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Duma Boko, favours the president of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Dumelang Saleshando at the expense of the president of the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) Ndaba Gaolathe in the UDC. What do you know?

KR: In our view there is absolutely no reason why President of the Umbrella for Democracy Hon. Duma Boko should be viewed, perceived or otherwise to favour Mr. Dumelang Saleshando at the expense of Hon. Ndaba Gaolathe because as far as we are concerned there are no issues between the two. So, whoever holds that view is clutching at straws and probably trying to sponsor a division between Mr. Saleshando and Hon Gaolathe.





Q: Specifically, there are complaints that, Boko has been inviting the leadership of the BCP to UDC National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings although the party, according to those complaining, has got no right to sit in those meetings because it has not yet signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). What is your take?

A: There have been no official complaints from any of the UDC contracting partners that President Boko should not invite BCP to UDC National Executive Committee meetings. In accordance with the agreement that was reached between UDC and BCP, a new NEC was to take effect comprising four members from each of the contracting parties. It is for this reason that BCP is a legitimate member and attends UDC NEC meetings. At the announcement of the deal at Oasis Motel in February 2017, there was no mention or promise of any Memorandum of Agreement to be signed. It was announced that an agreement has been sealed and BCP was now a member of UDC. Period.

Q: When is the BCP signing the MOA and what has been the cause of the delay?

A: As far as we are concerned as the BCP there is no memorandum of agreement to sign. This is just a figment of peoples imagination. The agreement was reached on the basis of three aspects, allocation of constituencies, a policy document and a draft constitution that is to be ratified by a constitutional congress. The holding of the congress could be delayed by the resolution of the BMD problems. These documents are the binding contractual documents not a memorandum of agreement.

Q: It appears the BCP and BMD will never see eye to eye. In the run-up to the 2014 general election, the two parties fought over constituencies. This time around, there is an ongoing fight between the two parties over who should, between Gaolathe and Saleshando, be the senior vice president? Are the two parties power-hungry and more concerned with positions than the issues that affect the nation?

A:There was and there is no acrimony between the BCP and BMD. In the run up to 2014 election we disagreed over the allocation of Ramotswa constituency and the matter could not be amicably resolved. We agreed to disagree and the BCP membership directed the leadership to suspend the talks until after election. The issue of senior vice president does not exist since it is not part of the UDC/BCP agreement. Therefore there is no power struggle between the BCP and BMD.

Q: One of the reasons why the Umbrella 1 talks collapsed is that the BCP viewed the BMD with understandable suspicion because the party had never contested an election and therefore its electoral strength was difficult to estimate. The BCP also had problems with the ideological orientation of the BMD it being a splinter of the BDP. Is the party a credible opposition worthy of your time and attention?

A: The BCP never viewed the BMD with any suspicion nor questioned their electoral strength. We are alive to the fact that all numbers count in politics and we are grateful that the BMD is successful in chipping into the BDP votes. The issue of ideological orientation is irrelevant because we have agreed on a policy document that is all-encompassing. For the above reasons BMD remains a valuable partner in the opposition coalition and we hope their problems are resolved.

Q: Some feel that Gaolathe, whose party has got the majority Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UDC but has allowed Boko to be both president of the UDC and Leader of the Opposition(LOO), has sacrificed a lot. In their view, he should be given the position of 1ST vice president of the UDC? Is the BCP amenable to that view?

A: As the BCP we were not part of any arrangement of who becomes Leader of Opposition hence we are constrained to comment. Like I have alluded to in one of the questions the issue of first vice president does not exist and remains personal sentiments of some individuals.

Q: Are you worried that the ongoing season of acrimony within the UDC could compromise opposition chances of winning the 2019 general election? What, as the BCP, do you intend to do to facilitate unity in the Umbrella?

A: There is no acrimony within the UDC but rather differences within the BMD camp. In our view as the BCP the differences are not insurmountable and together with the UDC leadership we are working on a solution. It is true that this is delaying preparations for 2019 but it is a hurdle that we must cross first. We remain hopeful that we shall overcome.

Q: There is a rumour that a new party is about to be announced. Are you worried that the problem of vote splitting among the opposition is upon us again?

A: The rumour of the formation of a new party is worrisome and we say God forbid. Truth be told, a new party will be counterproductive both to the opposition and the aspiration of the majority of Batswana who cast their vote for opposition in 2014. It will be unfortunate and ill advised. Look, I believe this is the time for real leaders to raise their hands and be counted. As we traverse the opposition route we should learn from our past and gain wisdom.
The Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) soldiers who shot and killed Lt. Gen. Khoantle Motsomotso on Monday before they also were killed by the Commanders bodyguards, were accorded the necessary respect in accordance with military protocol.

They were saluted from the ground floor all the way to the top of a two-storey military headquarters building.

Little did their colleagues realise that in between the smiling faces and acknowledgement, were murderers in waiting determined to execute a well thought out plan to assassinate the Commander.





Now with another dark cloud having befallen the Basotho nation, Lesotho government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tom Thabane is committed to adhering and implementing decisions aimed at finally bringing peace and stability to the Mountainous African Kingdom, which has earned the badge of the regions headache.

Speaking to BG News in a telephone interview, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lesego Makgothi said nothing will stop them from implementing the SADC recommendations not even an act of hooliganism that has led to the murdering of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Commander, who was shot dead by the Mutineers two days ago.

The two mutineers who have since been killed have been named as Brigadier Bulane Sechele and Lt. Colonel Tefo Hashatsi who had been under criminal investigation.

Currently the situation is calm in Lesotho, but security has been beefed up at the prime ministers residence and office, respective Ministerial offices and residences and the radio station. Military personnel has also been deployed on the streets to ensure the safety of all, he said.

At its 37th head of states and government summit in Pretoria last month, SADC gave Thabanes administration until November 2017 to formulate a roadmap aimed at implementing SADC decisions, provided that he is not assassinated. Part of the SADC recommendations and decisions instructed Thabane to fire Lesothos Defence Force Commander, Lieutenant General Tladi Kamoli.

The latter is believed to have been involved in the death of former LDF Commander Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao who was shot by fellow members of the LDF. Amongst the first step that the government took as part of implementing SADC recommendations was writing dismissal letters for five soldiers who were still working despite being above the mandatory retirement age limit of 55 years old.

Speaking to BG News and revealing what happened, Makgothi said LDF Commander Lt. Gen. Khoantle Motsomotso was gunned down in his office at the Lesotho Defence Forces headquarters in Maseru.

The murder took place on Monday just a day after I held a meeting with him to pave way for a meeting with the open arrest soldiers commonly referred to as mutineers. We met after reading the letter that was delivered to us by the Civic Society who wanted to have a meeting with Motsomotso.

I had asked the military hierarchy to formulate a position, because the mutineers are against the SADC recommendations. Key amongst their dispute is that the court marshal should not be dissolved. Further that it should not appear that they have been given amnesty as they went to the court marshal to clear their names, said the minister.

He added that, As government, we told them that their demand cannot succeed as that forms part of the SADC resolution. Those guys also wanted to use the LDF Act selectively looking at only sections that favour them. They said they are not happy with Section 100 of the Act, while they were fine with section 2 which states that the prime minister can dissolve the court marshal.

Their recommendation was that the court marshal should be repealed in the LDF Act. Their argument is that it should be used at administration level and not to appoint the president as the move legalises whole court.

He said that based on the above, he asked the commander to go back and look at the demands and formulate his opinion. We had agreed that we should have a follow up meeting on 7th September. On the same day I proceeded in the company of other ministers to have a meeting with the mutineers.

He revealed that this week Monday a letter was delivered to the bodyguards of former LDF commander general Kamoli. These are the guys that shot a couple which parked their car near Kamodis residence. The letter was requesting them to appear before the police as the police have opened a case for the dead girl and injured male companion. It appeared more like Hashatsi and Sechele were involved in the brutal killing of General Mahao, the minister noted.

Makgothi said that on Monday at around 9am both Sechele and Hashatsi went into the LDF headquarters and went to the commanders office which is a two-storey block building. As they passed through their colleagues they were given complimentary salute as they are senior members of the army. Upon reaching the commanders office the two found him having a meeting with the Public Relations Officer of LDF. The two exchanged words with the commander and the officers.

Realising that they were not going anywhere, the commander requested them to wait outside his office in order to give him chance to complete his ongoing meeting. But instead of going out, Sechele took out the firearm and shot the commander to death.

Makgothi said at this stage Hashatsi bolted outside the office caused and a bit of confusion. As he was running out Sechele also came out with his gun in the air but was shot and killed.

At that stage Hashatsi had managed to run for a distance of 15 metres but was shot and badly injured.

He later died in the hospital. Makgothi pointed out that at the time when the police were inspecting them they found hand grenades hidden and covered under the soil something that clearly shows that this was a planned assassination.

Deputy Commander Major General Lineo Poopa has since taken over the command of LDF and is working hand in hand with the Air Wing Commander, Major General Letsoela. Makgothi told BG News that he immediately informed the SADC Executive Sectary Dr Stergomena Tax as well as all his regional counterparts, while Prime Minister Thabane spoke to President Jacob Zuma in his capacity as SADC chairman.

SADC has since decided to deploy the Double Troika, Ministerial Double Troika and Defence Security Chief composed of both the Police and the army in a fact finding mission to Lesotho.

The respective teams were scheduled to arrive in Lesotho by Wednesday and hold meetings with all stakeholders on the 8 to 9th.September 2017.
Under the theme Women in Mining Botswana: Addressing in the conceptual challenges and seizing transformation opportunities, Belle Larissa company will host a conference for women in mining next Thursday in Gaborone.

The company, owned by former Miss Botswana Malebogo Marumoagae is an etiquette and image consultant firm. Marumoagae said in an interview with BG News that the objective is to inspire and promote women in the mining industry. It is targeted at women in mining and will offer participants an opportunity to discuss issues affecting female miners, among others.

There arent many women in the mining sector and those in senior positions are few, she said. Less than 19 percent of women in Botswana are in the sector. The event is supported by Women In Business Association, Botswana Chamber of Mines and UN Women Botswana.





International speakers include South Africas Siza Majola who features in 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining 2016 list, Khosi Sibisi, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Streams Holdings (Pty) Ltd. The entity specialises in mining, mining exploration, mineral rights applications, mine waste management, employment equity and social and labour planning, and also Gargi Mishra, who is actively involved in the promotion of open innovation and the Internet of things (IoT) in the mining sector through her Mining Innovation Portal.

Local speakers include Health and Wellness minister Dorcas Makgato, MP Bogolo Kenewendo, Ndibo Matshameko who is a geologist at Debswana Jwaneng mine, among others.

Mining is an industry which has always been male-dominated, regardless of geographical location. There have been positive steps which have helped to integrate women into the industry, but females continue to be under-represented and mining is still largely a mans domain, globally.

A study Mining for Talent published early in 2013 and conducted by Women in Mining (UK) and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, stated that mining industry has the lowest number of women on company boards of any industry group worldwide. South Africa is one country which is leading the rest in terms of employing women in the mining and minerals sectors.

Up until the 1990s, legislation barred women from working underground in South Africa. This all changed, and in 2002 the South African Mining Charter introduced quotas urging mining companies to employ a 10 percent female staff quota (where it was just 2 percent in the year 2000).

South Africa in particular is an interesting case: the country, through its policies, has been working to rectify the injustices of its past by helping those who have historically been disadvantaged. Certainly, over the last few years there has been a rise in the number of women qualifying in technical roles as well as more traditional female roles such as office staff.

The problem with this according to the study, however, is that many companies appear to have approached that quota as a goal  when in reality, it could be a fantastic opportunity for companies to far exceed the quota, initiating a truly diverse workforce more representative of the countrys people.

It states that challenges by women in mining include lack of mentorship, lack of guidance, lack of workplace support and of hygiene facilities. Women as a whole also feel that there was insufficient career and development guidance. Health and safety were also issues that women felt were not being addressed properly. Women also say that men are given more opportunities based on gender, rather than accomplishment.

Other challenges include verbal harassment and physical abuse in the form of rape. The safety of female mineworkers is a growing concern and requires a shift in policy and legislation to protect them, it says.
The Gaolathe-led faction of the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) is preparing its members for a bomshell announcement expected in a weeks time

However, Phenyo Butale, the factions secretary general avers that theirs is ... normal visit to meet our structures in Francistown.

The faction visited Francistown before the Bobonong congress to brief members on the state of the party within the context of the internal wars at the time. Immediately after the congress where a split had occured another national tour was made by the party leadership resulting in another meeting in Francistown.





Amidst rumours that, by mid-September the faction will have announced that it is indeed morphing into a fully-fledged party, the leaders of the faction will address its members this Saturday in Francistown. A member of the faction, who explained that the majority of the members of the faction at the consultative meetings that were held countrywide a month ago felt that the way forward was the formation of a new party, revealed that, the purpose of the weekend meeting is to report back to the Francistown region the difficulties the faction is experiencing within the UDC.

Over and above that, the leadership will be coming to share with us feedback from the other regions, said a BMD member speaking anonymously. Asked to confirm or deny allegations that his faction had registered a party and that it was only a matter of time before an announcement is made to that effect, Butale, for the umpteenth time denied the allegations.

No. That is not true. The UDC only met the other faction yesterday over the problems of the BMD and we are eagerly awaiting their recommendations, said Butale who however noted that, the decision to form a party or not lies not with the party leadership but with the people. With the trust levels in the UDC dropping by the day, it appears the leadership of the faction has inflexibly resolved that the formation of a new party is the way to go. The media has been awash with reports that, divisions in the UDC are widening by the day.

We have had enough acrimony. Firstly it was us against the Pilane-led faction before the split. We are now involved in a fight with the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) in the Umbrella with the UDC president, Duma Boko aiding the BCP. We do not trust Boko. The only solution is to move on by way of forming a new party because we do have the numbers, said the source who does not think an alliance between the Boko-led UDC and Gaolathes party is even feasible.

That is out of the question as far as we are concerned. It is also going to be difficult for us to enter into a formal relationship with the UDC such as the formation of a government of national unity because we will once again disagree on the positions we are currently fighting over right now, said the source referring to the fact that, the BCP and BMD are fighting over who should be the 1st Vice President and who should be the 2nd Vice President.

According to pundits, should the animosity between Gaolathes party and the UDC be allowed to persist, there would then be the likelihood that, the new party will form an alliance with the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) on account of the fact that, a sizeable number of Gaolathes party members will be from the BDP.

Should this happen, the UDC, which many believed would unseat the BDP at the 2019 general election following its good performance at the last general election, will have once again missed the boat for the foreseeable future. Media reports say that, the Botswana Peoples Movement (BPM), the alleged name of the new party, is likely to attract members from the existing parties.

It is true that our leadership is under pressure from Barata Phathi faction in the BDP not only to form a new party but to pull out of the Umbrella as soon as possible. Many BDP Members of Parliament (MPs), councillors and ordinary members are coming on board. They prefer the new party to the UDC so that they may contest as many wards and constituencies without constraints such as incumbency.

The UDC, especially the Botswana National Front (BNF) is also going to lose members and so will the BCP, said the source who revealed that, the Gaolathe group wants the Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) to dissolve and become part of the Movement.

The idea is to make a public announcement a week after this weekend meeting that a party has been formed. The intention is to hold our Convention at the end of October, said the impeccable source.
Considers Africa market lucrative

Opened first digital bank in Africa

Bill Winters, the group Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank, has allayed customers fears, saying unlike his competitors, the bank will not close shop in Botswana or the African continent.





Winters was in Botswana this week to join his local board members, banking staff, clients and the public in celebrating the banks 120 years of operation in the country. The glamorous celebrations were held at Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC).

Speaking to BG News on the sidelines of the celebrations and responding to this publications question on whether his bank will follow Barclays lead and pull out of Africa, Winters said: The idea of Standard Chartered Bank leaving Africa does not cross my mind.

He said they made it clear two years ago that they are committed to Africa. We have a great business in Africa, we have long history having started 150 years ago, he said.

As for accusations that the bank always lags behind in initiatives that could benefit Botswana, Winters promised that they certainly will come up with initiatives to boost local businesses both in Botswana and the African continent.

He said they always place Africa as a top priority when they discuss global investments whether in digital banking, applications or particular products. There is no individual market in Africa that is as big for ourselves as the market in Hongkong, Singapore or India, but Africa is as important as any region that we have. It is growing really fast and we have real advantage, we are now rolling our projects in Africa.

He said they are building their first purely digital bank in Cote de Ivoire. It is currently being tested and will later be rolled out to the rest of Africa. So I do not know about other banks, but for us Africa comes first.

Asked when his bank will appoint a substantive Chief Executive Officer in Botswana, Winters said, That is a complicated process, I wish I could say, but I am sure we will have resolution before too long.

The bank is currently led by Mpho Masupe as acting CEO following the departure of Moathudi Lekaukau who resigned his position early this year. Without doubt the bank is making huge profits, Board chairman Professor Bojosi Othugile wrote in the groups 2016 annual report that outlook for 2017 is positive, the balance sheet is strong and the business segments have a good pipeline for conversion in 2017.


A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian Army's new long-range ultra- light (ULH) howitzer M-777 was damaged during a field trial in Pokhran firing range and a probe has been ordered into the incident, Army sources said here.



The sources said the barrel of the US-manufactured gun exploded when it was firing Indian ammunition on September 2.



India had received two M-777 ultra-light howitzers in May, each worth around Rs 35 crore, after a gap of 30 years since the Bofors scandal broke out, and the accident took place in one of them.



The field trials of the 155 mm, 39-calibre guns manufactured by BAE systems were being carried out at Pokhran in Rajasthan with an aim to collate and determine various critical data like trajectory, speed and frequency.



"During the firing, the projectile which was fifth of the series, exited the barrel in multiple pieces, causing the accident," an army source said.



There was no injury to anyone.



"The barrel of the gun has been damaged, extent of which is being assessed by Joint Investigation Team," the source said.



A spokesperson of the BAE systems said the company was aware of an "irregularity" recorded during routine field firing of the M777.



"We are working closely with the Indian Army and the US government to explore the incident," the spokesperson said, adding the company stands ready to provide assistance as required.



The Army had received the howitzers as part of an order for 145 guns. Three more guns are to be supplied to the Army in September 2018 for training.



Thereafter, induction will commence from March 2019 onwards with five guns per month till the complete consignment is received by mid-2021.



The Army badly needs the howitzers considering the evolving regional security scenario.



India had last procured howitzers in the mid-1980s from Swedish defence major Bofors. The alleged pay-offs in the deal and its subsequent political ramifications had severely crippled the Indian Army's procurement of artillery guns.



India had struck a government-to-government deal with the US last November for supply of the 145 howitzers at a cost of nearly Rs 5,000 crore.



While 25 guns will come in a fly-away condition, the rest will be assembled in India by the BAE Systems in partnership with Mahindra Defence.



The Army has been pressing the government to speed up its modernisation programme.


A new report on Corporate Tax has been criticised for not recommending ways of ending loop holes in the system.

The review was commissioned in the wake of the Apple tax ruling which decided that Ireland had a special tax arrangement with Apple.
A rmajor European recruitment campaign promises to fill hundreds of Ryanair Cabin Crew positions.

Dalmac, which is based in Ireland, are searching for applicants to fill positions in airports across Europe.

No previous cabin crew experience is required but applicants must be over the age of 18.

"It helps if you are hard-working, flexible, outgoing and have a lively personality. Experience dealing with the public and ability to provide excellent customer service is an advantage," a statement from recruitment company Dalmac said.

Head of Recruitment for Dalmac Alex Swan said:

"We had a fantastic response in 2017 and were extremely satisfied with the very high calibre candidates we met in Ireland. We are now returning to fill hundreds of positions, this is a fantastic opportunity to join agrowing industry."

Training for the position includes a "highly specific training course over a six-week period" in Dublin and successful candidates will be given the opportunity to work and travel across Europe.

Recruitment days are being in Dublin on September 19 and October 17.
The High Court has ruled that a prisoner who "slopped out" in Mountjoy Prison had his rights to privacy breached.

The former inmate had been looking for compensation following his stay at the jail.

Gary Simpson is a former inmate at Mountjoy Jail who claimed his human rights were breached over a seven-and-a-half month period at the prison in 2013.

He said he was subjected to a 23-hour lock-up in a cell which had no toilet or running water.

The court heard prisoners had to use a chamber pot and other items like milk cartons as a toilet and then had to empty them the following day.

The former prisoner said he felt degraded and worthless due to the conditions there.

In his judgement, Mr Justice Michael White said Mr Simpsons slopping out in a shared cell was in breach of his constitutional right to privacy.

However, he added it did not amount to inhuman and degrading treatment and said he was not awarding Mr Simpson damages as he felt some of his account had been "untruthful".
The mother of missing woman Fiona Pender has passed away.

Josephine Pender lost her fight for life today after a short illness.

Last month marked 21 years since her pregnant daughter disappeared from Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

She was last seen at her flat at Church Street, Tullamore at 6am on Friday, August 23, 1996.

At that time she was seven months pregnant, and had spent the previous day shopping for baby clothes with her mother.

Paying tribute to Mrs Pender this afternoon local priest, Monsignor Sean Heaney said in a statement: "The community of Tullamore is greatly saddened by the death of Josephine Pender."

"Her determination and single mindedness has been an inspiration to many people who are similarly tortured by the unsolved mystery of the disappearance of a loved family member.

"There is great sadness that Josephine did not live to see closure of the mystery of Fiona's disappearance."
Solidarity - People Before Profit is the latest political group to hold a party think-in today, ahead of the return of the Dail.

The left wing grouping has said it will be discussing Ireland's corporate tax regime, and policies on making Ireland a fairer society.
Theresa May has urged Northern Ireland's political leaders to restore powersharing as soon as possible.

She held separate telephone conversations with DUP leader Arlene Foster and her Sinn Fein counterpart in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill.

Dialogue has intensified in recent weeks between the former coalition partners in devolved government, both parties have acknowledged.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "In separate phone calls the Prime Minister made clear the importance of restoring a powersharing Executive to Northern Ireland as soon as possible and she recognised their continued leadership towards reaching agreement.

"They discussed key outstanding issues that remain for both parties and the Prime Minister encouraged both leaders to come to an agreement soon in the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.

"The Prime Minister assured them both that the Northern Ireland Secretary (James Brokenshire) would continue to work closely with the parties towards a successful outcome."

Mrs O'Neill has said more than nice words are necessary to restore the ministerial Executive at Stormont while the DUP has insisted it has no preconditions for returning to government and remains committed to powersharing.

Formal talks between the two largest parties in Northern Ireland have yet to resume following a break for summer.

Ministers have not sat at Stormont for months after the late Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy first minister in a row over the DUP's handling of a botched green energy scheme at the start of the year.

Since then a dispute over the status of the Irish language has been among the issues dividing the parties.

Mrs Foster has suggested that cross-community legislation could be introduced to protect the rights of Irish language and Ulster Scots speakers.

However, this was rejected by Sinn Fein, who said the proposal was "nothing new".

AP
A 29-year-old man appeared in court today charged with robbery at a shop in Ballymun yesterday.

Patrick Dunne, with an address in Jarlaths road in Cabra, is alleged to have entered the Centra shop on Coultry Road with an imitation firearm, and threatened staff.

Dublin District Court heard two gardai were in the rear of the shop on another investigation when the offence is alleged to have occurred.

Detective Ronan DArcy told the court that Mr Dunne was pursued out of the shop, where he was arrested in a nearby house.

Gardai objected to bail and Mr Dunne was remanded in custody, to appear in court again next Tuesday.
Students celebrating their Junior Cert results could face breath tests this evening.

Kilkenny 'No Name' club is just one of the venues hosting a party tonight, and will be breathalysing students they suspect are drunk.

Alcohol-free parties are also taking place across the country including at Tamango and The Wright Venue in Dublin and Neptune Stadium in Cork.

President of the Teachers' Union of Ireland Joanne Irwin has said it is important to celebrate responsibly.

"Students have worked very hard and they should enjoy their celebrations," she said.

"We would always encourage to do so responsibly, but not put their own well-being or the well-being of others at rick but to certainly enjoy the celebrations after they've worked hard and they deserve it."
A total of 176 ethnic Rohingya villages are now empty after all of their residents fled during recent violence in Rakhine state, Burma's presidential spokesman said.

Zaw Htay said there had been a total of 471 Rohingya villages in three townships.
More than 150 migrants have been rescued by Romania's coast guard from a ship in distress on the Black Sea.

The sea is becoming a new route for migrants trying to reach western Europe.

The rusty vessel was towed to the Black Sea port of Constanta, some 150 miles east of Bucharest, before dawn on Wednesday.

The coast guard said there were 157 migrants from Iran and Iraq, including 56 children, who had "intended to illegally enter our country".

Some migrants received medical treatment.

Authorities initially spotted the ship outside Romanian territorial waters on Tuesday morning.

It sent a distress signal and two coast guard boats were dispatched, but high waves and winds hampered rescue efforts at sea before the ship was towed to port.

Migrants are increasingly trying to cross the Black Sea from Turkey to reach Romania.

Last weekend, coast guard forces from Romania and Bulgaria intercepted 217 migrants in the Black Sea in two boats who were suspected of trying to illegally enter Romania.

Any new influx of migrants through the Black Sea could further exacerbate political strains within the European Union over the issue.

On September 3, Romania's coast guard stopped a fishing vessel carrying 87 migrants in the Black Sea sailing toward the Romanian coast.

In August the coast guard halted a fishing boat carrying 70 migrants suspected of trying to illegally enter Romania.

AP
Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi has cancelled plans to attend the UN General Assembly, a government spokesman said as the country draws international criticism over violence against ethnic Rohingya Muslims.

The violence has killed hundreds and driven at least 370,000 Rohingya over the border into Bangladesh in less than three weeks.

Presidential office spokesman Zaw Htay said Ms Suu Kyi will skip the assembly, which opened on Tuesday and runs until September 25, to address domestic security issues.

While she is not Burma's president, her official titles are state counsellor and foreign minister, she effectively serves as leader of the south-east Asian nation.

The spokesman said President Htin Kyaw is in hospital so the second vice president will attend.

"The first reason (Suu Kyi cannot attend) is because of the Rakhine terrorist attacks," Zaw Htay said.

"The state counsellor is focusing to calm the situation in Rakhine state. There are circumstances.

"The second reason is, there are people inciting riots in some areas. We are trying to take care of the security issue in many other places.

"The third is that we are hearing that there will be terrorist attacks and we are trying to address this issue."

A young Rohingya refugee boy eats an ice cream as he sits on a damaged sofa at a camp for refugees in New Delhi, India.

Attacks by an insurgent Rohingya group on police outposts on August 25 have set off a wave of violence in Burma's Rakhine state, with hundreds dead and thousands of homes burned - mostly Rohingya in both cases.

The government blames Rohingya for the attacks, but journalists who visited the region have seen evidence that raises doubts about its claims that they had set fire to their own homes.

Many of the fleeing Rohingya have said Burmese soldiers shot indiscriminately, burned their homes and warned them to leave or die in what the government has called "clearance operations". Others said they were attacked by Buddhist mobs.

Rohingya refugees distributes food items, donated by locals, among other refugees at a camp for the refugees in New Delhi, India.

Ms Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who lived under house arrest for many years under a junta that ultimately gave way to an elected government, faces international criticism and pressure.

On Tuesday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the killing of Muslims a political disaster and called Ms Suu Kyi a "brutal woman".

UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein said the Rohingya were victims of what "seems a textbook example of ethnic cleansing".

AP
Fifteen US Marines have been hospitalised after an amphibious assault vehicle caught fire during a training exercise today.

The accident occurred at 9.33am local time (5.33pm Irish time) during a scheduled land-based exercise at Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego.
France's economy minister has called for "more clarity and less ambiguity" from the UK Government on its plans for Brexit.

Benjamin Griveaux was speaking during a trip to London to meet leaders of the financial services industry who, he believes, may want to move activities and staff to Paris because of Britain's planned withdrawal from the EU.

Mr Griveaux insisted he was promoting "fair competition", rather than seeking to poach jobs from the UK, and he said France has a strong relationship with the UK and wants a "fair Brexit".

But he left no doubt he believes Brexit will help make France "the new place to be" for financial sector companies, despite trade union protests in recent days against labour reforms being introduced by President Emmanuel Macron.

He said he was meeting the European Banking Authority, which is being wooed by a range of EU countries hoping to provide it with a new home after it is forced by Brexit to move away from London.

"I think we have a strong partnership and a deep relationship with the UK," said the Macron ally. "British voters made a choice by 52% last year and we need to have a fair Brexit, but we need to move on and we need probably more clarity and less ambiguity from the British Government regarding the target of Brexit."

He said he was visiting countries including China, South Korea and Japan to spread the word about Mr Macron's programme to make France a more attractive location for business.

Mr Griveaux told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "This is about fair competition and I'm sure that British people are very attached to the European values of freedom and fair competition."

He said France was undergoing a "silent revolution" as a result of the election victories of Mr Macron and his En Marche party earlier this year.

"I'm here to explain that something has changed in the kingdom of France, it's as simple as that," he said.

"We are here to convince the major financial institutions that might be interested tomorrow - because of Brexit, but not only Brexit but also for mid-term and long-term investment in France - that France is the new place to be in continental Europe."

Mr Griveaux declined to say how many jobs he was hoping to attract to Paris, but said one US insurer had said it would base its European HQ there.

He played down the significance of union protests against Mr Macron's reforms, insisting: "In less than 100 days, France will have a flexible labour market which is one of the main issues that financial institutions are discussing."

AP
The head of an international court has today renewed her call for the arrest of a Libyan military officer alleged to have been involved in the killing of 33 captives "in cold blood".

International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda issued the call amid conflicting reports over whether Mahmoud al-Werfalli has been arrested.

The court, which specialises in war crime and genocide cases, issued an arrest warrant for him in August.

#Libya: ICC Pre-Trial Chamber issues arrest warrant for Mahmoud Mustafa Busayf aL-Werfalli for war crimes https://t.co/7RcMQljt5F pic.twitter.com/t76ada08YY  MENASTREAM (@MENASTREAM) August 15, 2017

Al-Werfalli is suspected of being behind a string of killings earlier this year in the city of Benghazi.

Victims' bodies were found in rubbish dumps with bound hands and gunshots to the head.

Al-Werfalli "stands accused of serious crimes. I therefore again call on Libya to take all possible steps to immediately arrest and surrender him to the ICC", Ms Bensouda said.

The appeal underscores the problems faced by the court, which has no police force of its own to arrest suspects, in getting custody of suspects in conflict-torn Libya.

The court has filed charges against five Libyans, including former dictator Muammar Gaddafi, but none of them has been arrested and sent to The Hague to face justice.

Gaddafi was captured and killed by rebels in 2011 and his son Seif al-Islam is wanted by the court.

Libya sank into chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled Gaddafi.

Now it is split between rival parliaments and governments in the east and west, each backed by a set of militias, tribes and political factions.

Al-Werfalli heads an anti-terrorism unit under Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter, who commands a self-styled national army that is battling Islamic militants in the east.

Mr Hifter is allied with a government based in the east and is supported by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia.

Ms Bensouda said that following publication of the warrant for Al-Werfalli in August the Libyan National Army announced he had been arrested.

However, Ms Bensouda added that she also has received reports that he remains at large "and may have been involved in additional killings since the ICC warrant of arrest was issued".

AP
Authorities in Iran have arrested a leader of the Islamic State extremist group, according to local reports.

Reports today from semi-official YJC.ir said the suspect was in contact with 300 IS members and was planning attacks during Shiite ceremonies across the country next month.
Theresa May has attacked the Scottish National Party for "failing the people of Scotland" as the party's Westminster leader condemned the UK's record on earnings.

Ian Blackford told the British Prime Minister that real wages in Britain have fallen by 2.6% since 2007, and said the Government could find the money for quantitative easing but not for fiscal measures to grow the economy.

He said the British Government did not "understand how to use economic levers", but Mrs May told Mr Blackford the Scottish economy and the livelihoods are "better off in the United Kingdom".

Following a question from Mr Blackford on the real wage growth in the OECD, Mrs May said: "He should look at what is happening to the economy in Scotland under an SNP government, because it is an SNP government that is failing the people of Scotland.

"And the only thing I will say to him is that the people of Scotland now have a strong voice in this House through our 13 Conservative Members of Parliament."

Mr Blackford went on to ask: "The UK's record on earnings has been significantly worse than almost every other developed country. In fact, real wages in the UK have fallen by 2.6% since 2007.

"Wages aren't growing, the cost of living is rising, household budgets are stretched.

"The Government can find the money for quantitative easing - 435 billion since 2009 - but can't find the money for fiscal measures to grow the economy."

As he urged Mrs May to take "responsibility for the Government's gross mismanagement of the UK economy", he said: "This is a Government that does not understand how to use economic levers and it's our people that are paying the price."

Mrs May said Mr Blackford failed to mention the "increase in employment that has taken place across the United Kingdom and what the figures show today".

"But he also he started off by standing up and complaining that I'd referenced the acts of the Scottish government - he believes in independence, he believes that Scotland should only be run by the Scottish government - so I think the Scottish people deserve to look at and in this House we deserve to talk about what the Scottish Government is or is not doing for the people of Scotland.

"The one thing I can tell him and others is that the Scottish economy and the livelihoods of the people of Scotland are better off in the United Kingdom."

Jeremy Corbyn has accused Tory MPs of telling each other "we've never had it so good" as he attacked the Government's record on the economy.

The Labour leader also said pay rises for police and prison officers announced this week did not go far enough and would have to be paid for by cuts in other budgets.

Theresa May said the Tories were overseeing sound management of the economy, which Labour would destroy if it got into government.

Mr Corbyn's attack came after reports of comments made by British Chancellor Philip Hammond at the Conservatives 1922 Committee of backbench MPs.

"He told Conservative MPs 'look at us - no mortgage, everybody with a pension, never had more money in the current account'," said Mr Corbyn

"A Conservative prime minister once told Britain 'you've never had it so good'.

"Now Tory MPs tell each 'we've never had it so good'.

"Can the Prime Minister tell us what's happened in the last seven years to the average person's bank account?"

The Prime Minister pointed to the latest figures showing record levels of employment, criticising Mr Corbyn for failing to acknowledge the figures in his questioning.

She added: "Let's look at what has happened in our economy, what do we see?

"Record levels of direct investment in the British economy, firms investing in this country because they believe in the future of this country.

"What we also see from the employment figures today, more people in work than ever before, we see more women in work, we see more 16 to 24-year-olds in work or in full-time education than we've seen before.

"That's what you get with a strong economy, and what do we know, and what do the people know?

"That the Labour Party, with its high debt, its high taxes and its fewer jobs, the Labour Party would only destroy our economy as they did last time."

Earlier this week Downing Street said the seven-year public sector pay cap is to be scrapped, unveiling a 1.7% hike for prison officers and improvements totalling 2% in police pay for 2017/18.

But Mr Corbyn said that with inflation running at 2.9%, even these pay rises amounted to a pay cut in real terms.

He added: "Anything less means that dedicated public servants are worse off again and they've been made worse off every year for the past seven years.

"Yesterday the Prison Officers' Association weren't impressed either with the 1.7% offer, saying it's a pay cut, it's not acceptable.

"We discovered that they are being offered, the police as well, a slightly smaller real terms cut in their incomes, came the news that this would be funded by more service cuts.

"Can the Prime Minister guarantee no more police or prison officers will be lost as a result of the decisions she's made this week?"

Mrs May said public sector review bodies were independent, and that Mr Corbyn had failed to take account of automatic pay increases for many in the public sector.

She added that public sector pay had to be fair for taxpayers as well as the workers.

Mr Corbyn also challenged Mrs May to back a Labour opposition day debate opposing a rise in tuition fees, which will be debated in the Commons later.

The Prime Minister said: "He talks about delivering for students, let's talk about delivery, let's talk about promises that are made.

"He promised workers that he'd protect their rights, and on Monday he let them down.

"He promised students that he would deal with their debt, and he's let them down.

"He promised the British people that he would support Trident, and he's let them down.

"And he promised voters he'd deliver on Brexit, and he's let them down.

"What people know is that it's only the Conservatives that deliver a better Britain."
Scientists are gearing up for the spectacular fiery grand finale of one of humanity's most ambitious and successful space missions.

On September 15 the American space agency Nasa's Cassini probe will stop orbiting Saturn and fire its thrusters to begin a suicidal dive in to the planet's thick atmosphere.

For a brief one or two minutes before burning up, the spacecraft will sample Saturn's ammonia-rich clouds and beam back new data about their chemical composition.

The final pictures taken by Cassini will have been transmitted several hours earlier.

Nasa predicts that it will lose contact with the space craft at around 12.55pm Irish time but this could change.

Because Saturn is so far away, Cassini's last-gasp signals will be received on Earth 83 minutes after the probe's destruction.

Launched in October 1997, Cassini took seven years to reach Saturn in July 2004, carrying with it a small European Space Agency lander called Huygens.

Since its arrival more than a decade ago, the spacecraft has delivered a wealth of information about the ringed planet and its moons.

A high-point of the mission came in January 2005 when Huygens dropped through the dense hydrocarbon atmosphere of Saturn's largest moon Titan, and touched down on a pebble-strewn surface with the consistency of wet sand.

It was the first successful landing on a world in the outer solar system.

During its parachute descent the probe captured images of features that looked like shore lines and river systems on Earth.

Scientists now know Titan has lakes and seas filled with liquid methane and ethane.

Another key discovery made by Cassini was a global ocean under the icy surface of another moon, Enceladus, that may sustain life.

The spacecraft also investigated giant storms on Saturn and spotted raging hurricanes at both poles.

In addition it has identified natural radio waves from inside the planet whose origin remains a mystery, and by studying the famous rings - made from dust, rock and ice - shed new light on how planets and moons form.

Professor Simon Green, from The Open University, who helped develop Huygens's surface science package, said: "The Cassini-Huygens mission has transformed our understanding of the second largest planet in our solar system, Saturn, with its vast ring system and its unique moons.

"Landing on Titan revealed a cold, but surprisingly Earth-like landscape, shaped by the flow of methane rather than water, and the icy volcanoes of Enceladus hint at a habitat for life below its frozen surface.

"The scientific legacy of the mission will extend long beyond its fiery end in the clouds of Saturn."

Scientists took the decision to kill off Cassini because of the remote possibility of the spacecraft colliding with Titan or Enceladus, both of which could be potential habitats for simple life forms.

The probe is running low on the fuel it uses for course corrections and may soon be impossible to control.

Rather than risk contaminating the two moons with Earth bugs, or further contaminating Titan after the Huygens landing, plans were made for Cassini's safe disposal.

In the lead-up to the end of its mission Cassini has made a series of daring low orbit dives, each passing between the planet and its rings, to gather images and data that could not have been obtained earlier without putting the craft in jeopardy.

Dr Linda Spilker, Cassini project scientist from Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said: "The Cassini mission has been packed full of scientific firsts, and our unique planetary revelations will continue to the very end of the mission as Cassini becomes Saturn's first planetary probe, sampling Saturn's atmosphere up until the last second.

"We'll be sending data in near real time as we rush headlong into the atmosphere.

"It's truly a first-of-its-kind event at Saturn."
The former British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and his wife have described the moment they had to tell their eldest son he had blood cancer as one of the "toughest things" for their family.

Mr Clegg and his wife Miriam Gonzalez Durantez told ITV's Lorraine Kelly how their son Antonio, now 15, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in September last year.

He found a small, painless lump in his neck and tests found he also had lymphoma across his chest.

After receiving treatment on the NHS at University College Hospital in London, including four monthly cycles of chemotherapy and heavy steroids, he is in remission having suffered severe side effects including hair loss, vomiting and fatigue.

His mother said: "We dealt with it by carrying on and trying to keep things as close to the routine that we had beforehand and also being very open.

"The day that he was told, and I think that probably us telling him is one of the toughest things that we have ever done, the following day he went to school, he stood up and he told everybody 'I have cancer'.

"That's the way he dealt with it but other children and other families deal with it in a different way, you have to find your way."

Mr Clegg said: "His lymphoma was all over his chest and his neck and he gets tested every three months, I think for a couple of years, so there is always a slight spike of anxiety with us every three months but basically he is on the road to recovery.

"Interestingly the thing he was most concerned about was sort of falling behind his classmates. His anxiety was more about keeping up with his classmates, keeping up at school. So it was very impressive actually."

He added the couple's other children, Alberto and Miguel, had taken the news well.

"Once they heard from us that he will be OK, again they are just so, so practical - just 'OK then'," he said.

The couple are raising awareness of the charity Bloodwise, which will launch a report today urging more research into less toxic treatments for children with cancer.

His wife said: "(With) chemotherapy they poison your body so that you can get cured and it's a shock to see it happen.

"We do realise how incredibly lucky we are both with the fact that the treatment has worked and how well he seems."

The charity said blood cancer is the most common among children and young people, with more than 1,100 of those under 24 diagnosed in the UK every year.

Dr Alasdair Rankin, director of research at Bloodwise, said: "The reality is that one in five children diagnosed with the most common type of leukaemia still do not survive, and that those who do often experience devastating side effects both during and after treatment.

"This is simply not good enough. We need to save every child's life, make the treatment process much kinder and give them the life they would have had without cancer."
An effective HIV vaccine may be a short step away now scientists have overcome a major stumbling block hindering its development.

The big hurdle has been the inability to generate immune cells that stay in circulation long enough to stop the Aids virus spreading.

International researchers believe they have solved the problem by "unblocking" a process linked to an HIV protein that was halting the production of antibody-generating "B-cells" from the immune system.

Lead scientist Professor Jonathan Heeney, from Cambridge University, said: "For a vaccine to work, its effects need to be long lasting.

"It isn't practical to require people to come back every six to 12 months to be vaccinated. We wanted to develop a vaccine to overcome this block and generate these long-lived antibody producing cells. We have now found a way to do this.

"What we have found is a way to greatly improve B-cell responses to an HIV vaccine. We hope our discovery will unlock the paralysis in the field of HIV vaccine research and enable us to move forward."

The researchers compared their achievement, reported in the Journal of Virology, to "preventing a key getting stuck in a lock".

In laboratory experiments the new approach produced desired immune system responses that lasted more than a year.

In future it should be possible to produce vaccines that stimulate long-lasting B-cell responses against HIV, the scientists believe.

Prof Heeney added: "B-cells need time to make highly effective neutralising antibodies, but in previous studies B-cell responses were so short lived they disappeared before they had the time to make all the changes necessary to create the 'silver bullets' to stop HIV.

"We hope our discovery will unlock the paralysis in the field of HIV vaccine research and enable us to move forward."
South Korea has conducted its first live-fire drill for an advanced air-launched cruise missile it says will strengthen its pre-emptive strike capability against North Korea in the event of crisis.

South Korea's military said the Taurus missile fired from an F-15 fighter jet travelled through obstacles at low altitudes before hitting a target off the country's western coast.

The missile, manufactured by Germany's Taurus Systems, has a maximum range of 500km (310 miles) and is equipped with stealth characteristics that will allow it to avoid radar detection before hitting North Korean targets, according to Seoul's Defence Ministry.

South Korea has been accelerating efforts to ramp up its military capabilities in face of a torrent of nuclear weapons tests by North Korea, which on September 3 conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date.

Shortly after the nuke test, Seoul announced it reached an agreement with Washington to remove the warhead weight limits on South Korean ballistic missiles, which under a bilateral guideline could be built for a maximum range of 800km (497 miles).

A pre-emptive strike against Pyongyang's leadership would be difficult to undertake, but it is widely seen as the most realistic of the limited military options Seoul has to deny a nuclear attack from its rival.

The North said its latest nuclear test was a detonation of a thermonuclear weapon built for its developmental intercontinental ballistic missiles that were flight tested twice in July.

The country is also developing solid-fuel missiles that could be fired from land mobile launchers or submarines. It flew a powerful new mid-range missile over northern Japan last month while declaring more missile tests targeting the Pacific Ocean.

AP
Spain's state prosecutor is investigating more than 700 Catalan mayors for cooperating with a referendum on independence that has been suspended by a court.

The prosecutor has ordered police to arrest the mayors if they do not comply.

The pro-independence coalition ruling Catalonia has vowed to hold the vote despite the prohibition and has asked the 947 mayors in the northeastern region to provide facilities for the plebiscite.

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy's conservative government has pledged to stop the referendum and was granted a suspension by the Constitutional Court while judges decide on its legality.

The country's top prosecutor, Jose Manuel Maza, ordered provincial prosecutors to investigate 712 mayors who have already offered municipal facilities for the October 1 vote and the regional Catalan police to arrest them if they do not show up to give evidence.

Spain's prime minister has urged the people of Catalonia not to take part in a planned referendum on the region's independence that he says is unconstitutional.

Mariano Rajoy is fighting to stop the ballot and he appealed to Catalans to ignore calls from independence supporters to turn out.

Mr Rajoy said: "If anyone urges you to go to a polling station, don't go, because the referendum can't take place, it would be an absolutely illegal act."

Spanish King Felipe VI commented for the first time on the political crisis triggered by Catalonia's plan to hold a vote, saying people must respect the country's constitution, which forbids secession.

Speaking at a ceremony to award national culture prizes, Felipe said the constitution "will prevail" against any attempt to break Spain apart.

He said the rights of all Spaniards will be upheld against "whoever steps outside constitutional and statutory law".
GENEVA (7 September 2017)  The United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) is due to make its first visit to Mongolia from 11 to 20 September to assess the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty, as well as the safeguards for their protection against torture and ill-treatment.

Among the places the SPT delegation is due to visit are: prisons, police stations, detention facilities for women and juveniles and psychiatric hospitals. The experts will meet government officials, the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia, and representatives of civil society to seek ways of strengthening the authorities efforts to prevent and eliminate torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of detainees.



"During the visit we will get first-hand knowledge of the situation of those deprived of their liberty in Mongolia," said Sir Malcolm Evans who will head the SPT delegation. We will also assist the authorities in the full implementation of their treaty obligations, including the establishment of a national independent body to monitor all places of detention.



The SPT has a mandate to visit all States that are parties to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). States parties are obliged to set up a monitoring body, known as a national preventive mechanism (NPM), within a year of ratifying OPCAT. Although Mongolia ratified OPCAT in February 2015, the NPM is yet to be established.



At the end of the visit, the SPT will present its confidential preliminary observations to the Government of Mongolia. For the SPT, the key to preventing torture and ill-treatment lies in building constructive relations with the State concerned, and its guiding principles are cooperation and confidentiality.



The SPT delegation will comprise: Sir Malcolm Evans (Head of Delegation), Satyabhooshun Gupt Domah, Marija Definis-Gojanovic, Kosta Mitrovic, Margarete Osterfeld, and Victor Zaharia.



ENDS








The Federal Governments proposed one stop shop for external dispute resolution (EDR) has been heavily criticised by the head of the Credit & Investments Ombudsman (CIO) as a disgrace and a diversion endorsed by the big banks to avoid a Royal Commission.These comments were made at the CIOs Dispute Resolution Conference 2017 in Sydney yesterday (12 September) by CIO chief executive and ombudsman Raj Venga.The one stop shop, called the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), has been proposed by the government with the intention of merging and replacing the CIO, Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and Superannuation Complaints Tribunal (SCT) with operations commencing on 1 July 2018.I suspect that might be an optimistic target but theyre dead keen on seeing that happen, Venga said.With the bill not yet passed by Parliament, he questioned why the government had set up a transition team and an expert reference panel to work through the transitional process. The CIO has previously declined an invitation to join this panel Venga reiterated that there was no industry representation whatsoever on either the expert panel or the transition team.No doubt there will be some sort of obligatory consultation by the government on the funding, the governance and the terms of reference but I think youd be kidding yourself to think that your input will count for much after the event.I think personally its disgraceful that industry has had no input into something that they are paying for, into something that they are being forced to join, into something that they are bound to comply with, and into something from which there will be no right of appeal.AFCA will create an EDR monopoly, Venga said, meaning it will be able to charge whatever fees it chooses to cover costs without being held accountable.The current competition between CIO and FOS has not only kept EDR fees in check but has also ensured service levels are maintained.AFCA will have no accountability for poor service, excessive fees, bad decisions or mismanagement and you will not be able to move to another EDR scheme if youre not happy.The reason why the big banks support AFCA is that the scheme is a diversion to avoid a Royal Commission, Venga said.Other industry sectors, Im pleased to say, oppose it. AFCA will only entrench the banks dominant position to the detriment of consumers, smaller financial institutions  and a more competitive financial sector.A joint statement written by a number of industry bodies including the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia ( MFAA ) and the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) was released in May rejecting this one stop EDR scheme That consumer groups and the big banks are aligned in their support of AFCA put up some red flags, he said.In all my thirty years in the industry, this has got to be the only time Ive seen the big banks and the consumer lobby on the same page. Its a very, very odd thing indeed.To fight these changes, the CIO will be sending out an email so concerned financial citizens can send an automatically populated message to their local MP or Senator.The idea is to generate enough noise out there because the Coalition is not listening. They want this legislation to be passed desperately. This is their way of avoiding a Royal Commission. They are not listening, he said.
Australia saw an unusually high month for apartment and unit commencements in August, according to recent figures from CoreLogic We saw the total value of new development applications in the pipeline over August recording an estimated $17.5bn, said CoreLogic commercial analyst Eliza Owen on Wednesday. The figure is 19% lower than July, when the proposal for a $7bn airport in Victoria pushed the construction value of new pipeline projects to $21.7bn.Of the new pipeline applications coming in across Australia, 42% of the total construction value came from civil engineering projects, while 36% came from apartments and units, she added.Comparatively, there was $5.6bn worth of construction commencing in August  nearly half (46%) in the apartment and unit space. Owen said this figure is above the six month average share (31%) of apartment and units typically being built.The surge is partially due to the contract being let on a $1.5bn residential housing estate in the Ryde council of New South Wales, she added. The project, known as the Ivanhoe Estate at Macquarie Park, is expected to be completed in 2027, and will be developed with more than 3,000 units, including at least 950 social housing units and 128 affordable rental units.
This star kept Kelce from retiring; have Philly fans seen last of Wentz?
State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) presented a check to Yardley Borough Police Chief Joseph Kelly for $68,600 for the purchase of a new police vehicle and motorcycle during a visit to the station. Our police put themselves on the line every day to keep our community safe, said Sen. Santarsiero. Dating back to when I was a Lower Makefield Township Supervisor more than...
Families need help: Donate and Give a Christmas

During the holiday season, in partnership with NJ 211, we are pleased to offer the Give a Christmas program to Burlington County residents.
Even at a time when the power generation sector is under stress, lenders of Ventures have managed to get as many as 11 suitors for the beleaguered company. Adani Power, JSW Energy and Resurgent, a joint venture of ICICI Ventures and Tata Power, are among those who have put in expressions of interest.
Bharti Airtel and Korea's telecommunications company SK Telecom on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership to build advanced telecom network in India.

The partnership will work across several areas, including developing software to dramatically improve network experience, leveraging advanced digital tools including machine learning, big data and building customized tools, to improve network planning based on every customer's device experience, a company statement said here.

The two companies will also collaborate on an ongoing basis to evolve standards for 5G, Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), Software-defined Networking (SDN) and Internet of Things (IoT), and jointly work towards building an enabling ecosystem for the introduction of these technologies in the Indian context.

"This partnership will bring a dramatically improved experience to Airtel customers in India by leveraging the expertise of a company that has built one of the best mobile broadband networks in the world," said Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel.

"SK Telecom will work closely with Bharti to achieve new network innovations so as to deliver a greater value to Bharti's customers," said Park Jung-ho, President and CEO of SK Telecom.

(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.)
Having received the Maharatna status, state-run oil marketing company Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) could look to add new roles at board level with business development being one of them, given the thrust the company is laying on expanding its global business.
On the lookout for acquisition of coking coal assets abroad, government-owned is in an advanced stage of talks with an Australian coal mining company based out of Queensland, where it plans to acquire substantial stake.
Divis Laboratories share price rose almost 15 per cent at Rs 829 in two trading sessions, as investors remain hopeful on the prospects of the companys Unit II at Visakhapatnam, which is under inspection of the US drug regulator (USFDA).
Hindalco Industries, the country's largest aluminium producer, will soon meet its pre-payment target of Rs 9,000 crore for the current fiscal. Having already prepaid a total of Rs 7,850 crore so far this year and with another Rs 1,100 crore to be paid in advance later this month, the Aditya Birla Group company is almost there in terms of achieving its prepayment target of Rs 9,000 crore for the current financial year.
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Paradip Port, the largest major port in the country after Kandla in terms of cargo volume, fears its operation may be affected by the proposed captive port of JSW group in its vicinity.

"Any port in our vicinity will affect our operation," said a top official of Paradip Port Trust (PPT).
REI Agro, a firm that claims to have 22 per cent share in the worlds basmati rice market, has gone in for liquidation after the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) ordered it to do so.
From the US, where he is travelling, has sent a strong message to the Congress that he is ready to take over the reins of power from his mother and become the president of the party. Going further, he has made it clear that he would not shy away from becoming the leader of the opposition, from there onwards even perhaps the combined opposition candidate for the prime ministership in 2019.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took part in an eight-kilometre-long road show with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a first -of its kind by a foreign leader from Ahmedabad Airport to Sabarmati Aashram located on the banks of the River Sabarmati.

Prime Minister Abe was dressed in a blue Indian-style Nehru jacket and his wife Akie Abe was attired in a beautiful pink salwar-kameez for the grand roadshow. Various cultural performances were held en-route to Sabarmati Aashram.

Earlier, Prime Minister Abe and his wife were received by Prime Minister Modi at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat . The former was accorded a tri-services guard of honour and given a ceremonial reception on his arrival.

Prime Minister Abe is here to attend the annual India-Japan Summit to take bilateral and strategic ties between the two countries forward.

This is the 12th edition of the summit and the fourth meeting between Prime Minister Modi and and his Japanese counterpart. The summit will be held in Gandhinagar.

Both leaders are expected to review the recent progress in multifaceted co-operation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

Both will also attend a function to mark the commencement of work of India's first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

The train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the world.

An India-Japan Business Plenary will also be held.

The leaders will also visit the Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali - a famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad, Dandi Kutir and Mahatma Mandir.

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday said in a tweet that India truly values its ties with Japan and looks forward to further boosting bilateral relations in a wide range of areas.

(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.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday welcome his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe at Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

The Japanese Prime Minister Abe is coming to India on a two-day visit to attend the India-Japan annual summit meeting.

Ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit, Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday said that Ahmedabad is all set to welcome the Prime Minister of Japan.

#ModiAbe #Gujarat visit: Dancing troops rehearse before final performances during Modi -Abe cultural road show today. pic.twitter.com/JwEybVjUyr  All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) September 13, 2017

The 12th edition of the summit, which will be the fourth meeting between PM Modi and Shinzo Abe, will be held in Gandhinagar on Thursday.

I look forward to welcoming PM @AbeShinzo. I will be hosting him in Gujarat in our fourth annual summit together. https://t.co/1gaiLCsem9  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted co-operation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

Photo: Twitter(@narendramodi)

PM Modi and the Japanese PM will also attend a function to mark the commencement of work of India's first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Photo: Twitter (@narendramodi)

The train is expected to significantly reduce the travel time between the two cities.

Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the world.

An India-Japan Business Plenary will also be held. On Wednesday, the two Prime Ministers will visit Sabarmati Ashram, which was established by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the River Sabarmati.

They will also visit the Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali - a famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad. Besides, the two leaders will visit Dandi Kutir, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Mahatma Mandir.

Ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit, PM Modi on Tuesday said in a tweet that India truly values its ties with Japan and looks forward to further boosting the bilateral relations in a wide range of areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a Union Cabinet meeting to clear various proposals.

According to the sources, Prime Minister Modi asked his ministers to participate more actively in cleanliness fortnight that will start from September 15 and continue till October 2.

According to the sources, a documentary was also shown to all the ministers and Prime Minister asked them to conduct cleanliness drive across the country.

It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister Modi is spearheading the cleanliness drive in India. He officially launched Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission) on October 2, 2014 at Rajghat, New Delhi.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a drive to keep the streets, roads and infrastructure of the country's 4,041 statutory cities and towns and its rural areas clean. The mission is bifurcated into sub-missions as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Gramin), under Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban), under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Through the programme, the government is aiming to achieve an Open-Defecation Free (ODF) India by October 2nd, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Under the urban mission, it was initially announced that by October 2019 a total of 1.04 crore individual household toilets would be constructed.

However, many states are lagging in the cleanliness drive.

For example; according to last year's Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) data, the North-East region-except Sikkim-was the worst performing region under the urban SBM, and Delhi met just 0.006 percent of its target over two years to October 2016. However, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh met mission target much ahead of time.

Kerala, on November 1, 2016, declared itself to be India's third state to be free of open defecation after Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

According to the sources, Prime Minister Modi also asked the Cabinet Ministers to educate Ministers of State about the governance so that their performance is increased.

Recently, nine ministers were inducted in the Modi cabinet in the reshuffle and few of them are bureaucrats who don't have enough experience of ministership.

The Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Modi approved the release of additional 1 percent Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners w.e.f. 01.07.2017; MoU between India and Morocco on cooperation in the field of health; MoU between India and Armenia on Cooperation in the field of Disaster Management; hiving off mobile tower assets of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited into a separate company, fully owned by BSNL, and introduction of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Parliament.
Ahead of the last leg of admissions at medical institutions, some government-designated state counselling authorities have allegedly defied norms for enrolments based on Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), according to a media report.
Congress vice president has visited a research centre in California and interacted with scientists to understand the utility of solar power for India.

Gandhi, 47, spent several hours at Sun Power and sought information on its advantages and disadvantages.

"Idea (behind visiting the center) was to really understand implications (of solar system) in India," senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda, who accompanied Gandhi, said after his visit to Sun Power's research centre in the Silicon Valley.

After his visit to the solar research center, Gandhi flew to Los Angeles.

He is scheduled to interact with members of the think- tank community and local leaders there.

A day earlier, Gandhi visited the Tesla factory in Fremont in California.

"To me, is not just India's leader, he is a global leader. Today there is a vacuum of global leadership," Pitroda said.
Share prices of the three government-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) fell on Wednesday on pricing worries, which the government later said were baseless.
The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to an exporter, allowing him to import goods without payment of the integrated goods and services tax (IGST) to the extent allowed by advance authorisations received by him prior to July 1, when was enforced.
In a first by two Prime Ministers, India's Narendra Modi and Japan's Shinzo Abe participated in an eight kilometre long roadshow in Ahmedabad dotted with cultural performances that showcased a slice of India to the visiting dignitary. Later, the two leaders engaged in tete-a-tete over a Gujarati-Japanese dinner at a city heritage hotel where they discussed about strengthening areas of "multi-faceted cooperation" between the two countries.
2-day Regional Conference on Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices to begin in Goa tomorrow

The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India is organising a 2-day Regional Conference on Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices on September 14-15, 2017 in collaboration with Government of Goa. The Secretary (DARPG), Shri C. Viswanath will inaugurate the conference tomorrow in Goa. The Chief Minister, Goa Shri Manohar Parrikar and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh will address the participants in the Valedictory Session on September 15, 2017.

The theme for this years Conference is Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices. The Conference is an effort to create a common platform to share experiences in the formulation and implementation of citizen centric governance, improved public service delivery through e-Governance, transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly effective administration.

Delegates from 25 States/UTs (of Southern, Central, Eastern, North Eastern Regions and 5 other States/UTs) will be participating in the conference.

As per the programme schedule, 6 sessions will be held during the conference. In the first session tomorrow, a brief presentation on Priority Exemplary Initiatives in the State of Goa will be made. In the second session, a brief presentation on Priority programmes [Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Din Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, Promoting Digital Payments and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban and Rural)] chosen for PM Awards, 2018 will be made. Two presentations on Good Governance Index will be made in third and fourth session on tomorrow. In the fifth and sixth sessions, presentation on Replication of PM Awarded Initiatives will be made on 15th September.

The DARPG has so far organised 26 such regional conferences to share experiences in the formulation and successful implementation of good governance practices and to facilitate speedy and efficient delivery of public services. The event brings together national and state level organisations along with other stakeholders including intelligentsia and media on the same platform.
FM: Present Government brought the policy of financial inclusion to the centre stage; About 30 crore accounts opened under PMJDY; No of dormant accounts come to less than 20%; Aadhar Legislation will stand the test of constitutionality; Demonetisation helped in reducing the volume of cash transactions and increase in digital payments, widening of the tax base and more formalization of the economy among others; No reverse in financial inclusion process possible for policy makers.

The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that the present Government brought the policy of financial inclusion to the centre stage and launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) Scheme on a massive scale in August 2014. He said that the Government has tried to exploit the full potential of financial inclusion with the help of banks. The Finance Minister, Shri Jaitley further said that this is one area where Public Sector Banks(PSBs) did better than others. The Finance Minister was delivering the Key Note Address at the Conclave on Finance Inclusion organized by United Nations (UN) in India in the national capital today.

Speaking further on the occasion, the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said when the PMJDY was launched in August 2014, only 58% people had their bank accounts and 42% were outside the banking network. The Finance Minister, Shri Jaitley said that now the number of total bank accounts opened under PMJDY is more than 30 crore. He said that the number of zero balance accounts under PMJDY has declined from 76.81% in September 2014 to less than 20% as of now. Shri Jaitley said besides it, more than 22 crore RuPay cards have also been issued to the account holders alongwith an overdraft facility of Rs. 5000/-.

The Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that in addition to Financial Inclusion, the present Government has taken steps to provide security to the poor via life insurance under the Pradhan Mantra Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and accident insurance through Pradhan Mantra Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

As on 7th August, 2017, total enrollment was 3.46 crore under the PMJJBY and 10.96 crore under PMSBY. In both schemes, close to 40 percent of the enrollees are women, the Minister added.

Speaking on the results of demonetization, the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that it has helped in reducing the volume of cash transactions and increase in digitisation, widening of the tax base and more formalization of the economy among others. He said that post demonetization, there is emphasis to reduce overall quantum of cash in the economy.

As regards Aadhar, the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that it has been an important leap forward for the country as now we are beginning to understand its full potential. He said that 92% of our people have Aadhar cards. Shri Jaitley further said that he is sure that Aadhar Legislation will stand the test of constitutionality. He said that Aadhar has helped in targeting the subsidies which, in turn, helped in avoiding wastage of resources. He said after implementation of Aadhar system, such Government support/subsidy is confined to the vulnerable and those who are entitled for the same. The Finance Minister said that since this financial assistance goes directly into the bank accounts of the deserving people, it has, in turn, helped in more operationalization of PMJDY bank accounts and thereby reducing drastically the number of dormant/non-operational accounts.

Concluding his Key Note Address, the Finance Minister Shri Jaitley said that the present Government has succeeded in the last three years in bringing financial inclusion on the centre stage of its political and economic agenda and in times to come, the policy makers will have to follow this direction only and will not be able to reverse this trend.
India is committed to further strengthen its relations with Belarus, says President

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, yesterday (September 12, 2017) received His Excellency Mr. Alexander Lukashenko, the President of the Republic of Belarus, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He also hosted a banquet in his honour.

Welcoming the President of Belarus, the President said that his visit to India has a special importance as year 2017 is the silver jubilee year of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Belarus.

The President said that there is a huge opportunity to diversify the bilateral trade between India and Belarus. India is keen to strengthen its trade and investment partnership with Belarus. The Make in India programme provides opportunities to companies of both countries for cooperation in the field of defence.

Belarus is a great source of potash and India hopes for partnerships in this sector.

The President said that India acknowledges Belaruss support at various multilateral forums such as the United Nations, Nuclear Suppliers Group and International Court of Justice. India is committed to further strengthen its relations with Belarus.

Subsequently, in his banquet speech, President Kovind said that our bilateral partnership so far has been laced with much warmth and friendship; our ties going into the future look equally promising. As two nations with a shared global vision, India and Belarus have stood for respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of all nations. We both support peace and stability in the world and seek peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts. The two countries also forcefully condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
SPMCIL to Mint Commemorative Coins on the Birth centenaries of Dr. M S Subbulakshmi and Dr. M G Ramachandran

Government of India has notified issuance of Commemorative Coins of Rs. 100/- and Rs. 10/- denomination on the eve of Birth Centenary of Dr. M S Subbulakshmi. Commemorative Coins of denominations Rs. 100/- and Rs. 5/- have also been announced on the occasion of Birth Centenary of Dr. M G Ramachandran. Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha had requested Government of India to release Commemorative Coins of Rs.100/- and Rs. 10/- denomination in honour of Dr. M S Subbulakshmi. Similarly the proposal for issuance of commemorative coins for Dr. M G Ramachandran was received from Government of Tamil Nadu. The aforesaid Commemorative Coins will be minted by Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL).Dr. Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi also known as Dr. M.

S. Subbulakshmi, was a Carnatic vocalist born on 16/09/1916 in Madurai under Madaras Presidency. She was the first musician ever to be awarded the Bharat Ratna. She is the first Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay award, often considered as Asias Noble Prize in 1974. Shri Marudhur Gopalan Ramachandran (M. G. Ramachandran) was born on 17th Jan, 1917 in Kandy, British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He was an Indian actor, director, producer and politician who worked primarily in Tamil films and also served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu successively for three terms. He made his film debut in the 1936 film Sathi Leelavathi in a supporting role. In the late 1940s he graduated to leading roles and for the next three decades dominated the Tamil film industry. He became a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and rose rapidly through its rank. In 1972, he left the DMK and formed his own party the Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK). In 1977 he became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. In 1988, he was awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously.
Vikram Pandit, who ran Citigroup during the financial crisis, said developments in technology could see some 30 per cent of banking jobs disappearing in the next five years.
Myanmars internet exploded with hate speech, fake news photos, and racist narratives after the Myanmar military clashed with Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on August 25, 2017, near the Bangladesh border in the northwestern part of the country.
Turkey has entered into a deal with Russia for its first major weapons purchase of S-400 missile defense systems, in an accord in an accord that could trouble Ankara's NATO allies.

The purchase of the surface-to-air missile defence systems from a non-NATO supplier will raise concerns in the West over their compatibility with the alliance's equipment, the Xinhua quoted a report.

"Signatures have been made for the purchase of S-400s from Russia. A deposit has also been paid as far as I know," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in comments published in several newspapers on Tuesday.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin and I are determined on this issue and we take our own decisions," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told mediapersons aboard his presidential jet returning from a trip to Kazakhstan.

Erdogan said Turkey was free to make military acquisitions based on its defense needs.

Moscow also confirmed the accord, with Vladimir Kozhin, Putin's adviser for military and technical cooperation, saying: "The contract has been signed and is being prepared for implementation.
The United Nations office in Bangladesh on Wednesday raised the number of Rohingyas who have fled the conflict-torn Rakhine state in northwestern Myanmar since August 25 to 379,000, which is 9,000 more than the last count.

On Tuesday, the UN had said that 370,000 Rohingyas had fled to Bangladesh since the violence broke out last month, Efe news reported.

A majority of the new arrivals, around 188,000, had been put up in makeshift camps, said the Inter Sector Coordination Group in a report.

The report added that another 156,000 Rohingyas were living in temporary settlements and existing camps, while around 35,000 were being hosted by local communities.

"The new arrivals continue to flow from transit sites (...), other host community villages and the Teknaf Metropolitan Area, towards existing makeshift settlements and new spontaneous sites," said the report, underlining a significant rise in the number of refugees in "spontaneous" camps.

The current crisis erupted on August 25, following an attack by the insurgent Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on police and military posts in the northwestern Burmese state of Rakhine that had led to a violent offensive by the Myanmar Army.

Meanwhile, ARSA's offer of a month-long ceasefire last week to allow the entry of humanitarian assistance was rejected by the Myanmar government.

The recent exodus follows another similar one last October after an aggressive military offensive by the Myanmar Army -- following an attack by Rohingya rebels on border posts -- triggered the exodus of more than 80,000 Rohingyas.

Before the crisis erupted, between 300,000 and 500,000 Rohingyas were living in Bangladesh, out of whom only 32,000 enjoyed refugee status, living concentrated in refugee camps in the Cox's Bazar district.
Deepening uncertainties over the direction and timetable of Brexit negotiations may force to shift some UK production elsewhere if they are not addressed, the Japanese carmaker warned on Tuesday. Early government assurances that free trade with the European Union would survive Britain's departure have been replaced by talk of transition periods, Executive Vice President Didier Leroy told Reuters.
Indias emergence as the export hub of instant coffee is pushing up overall from the country. rose to 1,77,805 tonnes during April-August 2017 from 1,62,641 tonnes in the same period last year. In terms of value, the exports rose to $447 million from $363.1 million.
The Asian Development Bank on Tuesday approved loans of USD 435 million for Pakistan to build modern transport infrastructure.

Islamabad and the ADB have signed two loan agreements aimed at supporting the country's efforts to build modern transport infrastructure and create an environment for participation of the private sector in infrastructure schemes, The Express Tribune reported.

The ADB has approved USD 335 million to help develop the rapid transit system in Peshawar. On the other hand, USD 100 million will be given as a loan to improve infrastructure in the province of Sindh.

ADB's Country Director for Pakistan Xiaohong Yang and Economic Affairs Division (EAD) secretary Shahid Mahmood signed both the loan agreements in Islamabad.

"Peshawar's booming population has been causing tremendous traffic congestion and pressure on its public transport infrastructure and basic urban services, negatively impacting its economic growth," Yang said, after the signing ceremony.

"The BRT corridor will improve the quality of life of the city's residents by offering safer, efficient, and affordable public transportation. The modern technology used in the project will also cut emissions, and make commuting easier and safer for women, besides attracting businesses and investors to the city," she added.

Earlier, ADB Vice President Wencai Zhang had hinted that Islamabad could receive approximately USD 6 billion in new loans over the next three years, but added that this funding would be cleared only on the basis of project readiness.

Pakistan had made a demand for USD 2.5 billion per annum lending by the ADB, but all would depend upon the project's readiness.

Wencai said that cost overruns and delays in projects processing and executions were somehow affecting final disbursements to Pakistan from the ADB.

In fiscal 2016-17, the ADB handed over USD 1.8 billion for two projects to Pakistan which could not be processed.

He said Pakistan's short-term economic vulnerabilities have reduced and the country's economic outlook was positive, but maintained that it needs to build on gains by ensuring implementation of deep-rooted structural reforms.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday pledged to promote and use maximum land available in the state for horticulture and micro irrigation systems.

Chandrababu Naidu, while attending the 'Rally for Rivers' programme with Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, said that through the Vanam Manam programme, they are promoting horticultural crops.

He further said that Vietnam should be the role model in promotion of horticulture.

"I believe that out of 2 crore acres of land in Andhra Pradesh, half should be for horticulture; another half should use micro-irrigation systems," Naidu said.

He added that Andhra Pradesh will be the first state to accept and implement the policy document that Isha foundation would prepare.

Addressing the gathering here, Naidu said that the 'Rally for Rivers' is a sacred event and a great programme which has been taken up by Sadguru Vasudev for a wonderful cause.

"As the mother gives birth to a baby, the river gives life to us. Our ancestors respected rivers with Pushkarams (Kumbh Mela) and our Government is taking that tradition ahead. Our recent programme 'Jala Siriki Haarati' is such tradition," he said.

Naidu asserted that the Andhra Pradesh Government is trying to preserve every single drop of water through check dams, reservoirs etc.

He added that almost half of ground water levels in the state are at 8 m; the remaining are much deeper.

"Floods and drought come at the same time in different parts of country. That's why we asked for interlinking of rivers and to ensure that the then Vajpayee Government took some initiative," he said.

"I totally support the cause of Jaggi Vasudev in his initiative of revival of rivers,' he added.

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Andhra Pradesh Revenue Department has been way ahead in terms of technological reforms, said Deputy Chief Minister K.E. Krishna Murthy on Tuesday.

Murthy said this while presenting report card of Revenue, Stamps & Registration Ministry, which he is heading.

He said the introduction of an online system for the convenience of general public and other reforms have been initiated in the revenue department.

The Deputy CM announced that he has given the assessment of his ministry's performance in accordance with the Chief Minister's call for party leaders to inform the public about the government's successes in past three years. The 50-day-long programme 'Intintiki TDP' is aimed at propagating government's schemes and attracting general public towards the party.

Murthy informed that the revenue department has introduced online system which will allow general public to access details of their lands, check irregularities in title deeds and consequently bring it to the notice of the officials, from their homes itself.

The farmers can now visit the nearby 'mee-seva' (at your service) center to get their pattadar passbooks and title deed within 15 minutes, informed Murthy. The facility was started on August 4, 2017 and has been availed by 16,848 people so far.

Also, AP government's 'Mee Bhoomi' website will be maintaining the record of land owners by collecting their thumb impressions and linking it with their respective Aadhaar number. Further, to ensure authenticity of title deed and passbook, a QR scanning tool has also been released. They are associated with 'Bhoo Sodhak' Android app.

The government issued a GO on July 17 2017 to resolve title issues for almost 24 lakh acres of lands with no entitlement since British Raj, wherein anybody who can prove to have used such land for 12 consecutive years will be given entitlement. Having received 9701 applications so far, the authorities will be resolving the matter within six months.

Addressing further land reforms, the ministry will be setting up 735 data centers across the state, in an endeavour to make land records' data available to all.

Meanwhile, as 1.36 crore land records (98%) of RSR are computerized, and 36.61 lakhs FMBs of total 48.23 lakh are digitized.

In addition, Special machines are equipped to resolve survey related complaints, and 2109 regular and licensed surveyors have been trained accordingly.

To this end, required certificates were issued by Revenue officials to 10,33,024 students across schools and colleges, relieving them from making rounds of revenue offices

The government has also taken up the move to regularize houses built by families living Below Poverty Line (BPL) on government sites less than 100 yards.

This has helped 35,286 families as of now. Above Poverty Line (APL) families are given chance to regularize by paying 7.5% of market value on 2013.

Land titles are given to 1,41,072 poor families across the state, informed Murthy.

The revenue ministry also declared the testament to the work done.

As testament to the revenue ministry's work, AP revenue department's loan creation module won central government's golden award for 'excellence in government process re-engineering' for 2016-17.

Chandrababu Naidu-led government's 'e-panta' Android app for making crop loss compensation, got place in 'the book of new beginning' launched by Prime Miniter.

Revenue officials in person went to schools and colleges, collected details and issued required certificates to 10,33,024 students. This they are relieved from roaming around the revenue offices.

Once a farmer applies for mutation, his name will be automatically recorded in the web-land within the stipulated 30 days' time limit. This system is being implemented from 1-2-2017.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As many as 20 law-makers from various Asian and African countries attended a conference on 'enhancing role of parliamentarians in the inter-linkage between population issues and the 2030 agenda of sustainable development', held in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The two-day conference is jointly organised by Japan-based "APDA" (Asian Population and Development Association) and the "IAPPD" (Indian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development).

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurated the conference. In his inaugural address, Naqvi said that in order to achieve the goal of sustainable development, it is of utmost importance for all the countries to take care of their population.

The Union Minister said, "Growing population across the is the biggest hurdle in the way of development. There is a need for large scale awareness on this population issue. Increasing population has created several problems in the entire regarding the development, employment opportunities and health services."

He added, "Most of nations in the are suffering from the problem of providing quality and accessible medical facilities to the poor sections. Several countries are facing high infant mortality rate due to lack of proper medical facilities at affordable prices. India has got all the potential to become medical tourism hub of the world. Our government is also working towards providing low cost medicines to the poor. We have fixed prices of 'stents' used in the treatment of heart ailments, with the aim of bringing down the stent prices by 380 percent."

Marie Rose Nguini Effa, an MP from Cameroon and also the President of the Africa Parliamentary Forum on Population Development said, "I would like to reiterate our readiness to work together with APDA and other regional and international organisations to promote investment in the Youth which is critical to Africa's development and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development."

Ena Singh, the India Representative of the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) India, spoke on the occasion. She said, "In India we have had rapid decline in fertility rate since our Independence and today we have an average fertility rate of 2.2. One-third of India has not achieved this rate. The challenge before us is to bring about the decline in the remaining states. Our goal is bring down the total fertility rate to 2.1, though in some of our states we have gone to below 2.1. India has a very large young population and also at the same time we have a large ageing population. In India one out of every five persons is an adolescent and one in every three persons is a young person. We need to skilling this huge population and build up employment opportunities. Besides, we also work on improving physical health, mental health and also the spiritual health."

Member of Parliament and vice-chair of IAPPD Viplov Thakur and IAPPAD Executive Secretary also addressed the gathering. Over the two days, the conference has different sessions addressing population issues like - (1) Investing in Youth and Population Dividend; (2) Women's Health, Reproductive Health with Focus on Youth; (3) Global Impact and SDGs Matrix; (4) Role of Parliamentarians on Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance; and (5) Role of Legislation to achieve 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

The third day on Friday is dedicated to field visit to Lady Harding Nursing School, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, Parliament House, and a meeting with Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu.

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Myanmar State Counsellor and de facto leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will not attend next week's United Nations General Assembly debate as criticism of her handling of the Rohingya crisis grows.

According to reports, about 370,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar's northern Rakhine state for Bangladesh, Nepal and India since the outbreak of violence last month.

Entire villages have been burnt down, leading critics and the United Nations into accusing the NLD Government of ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar's military, however, says it is fighting Rohingya militants and has denied reports that it is targeting civilians.

The Rohingya, a mostly Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority Rakhine, have long experienced persecution in Myanmar, which says they are illegal immigrants. They have lived in Myanmar for generations but are denied citizenship.

The UN Security Council is due to meet on Wednesday to discuss the crisis.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi has been criticised by former supporters in the West for failing to do enough to prevent the violence.

She had lived under house arrest for 15 years for her pro-democracy activism, is widely seen as the head of government in Myanmar.

Fellow Nobel laureates, including the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Malala Yousafzai, have called on Ms Suu Kyi to stop the violence.

Suu Kyi was expected to participate in discussions at the General Assembly session in New York, which runs from September 19 to 25.

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Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has dubbed the atrocities, unleashed by the military in the Rakhine state, as "acts against humanity and violation of human rights."

She further said that Myanmar must take back its citizens now sheltered in Bangladesh, The Daily Star reported.

"Myanmar has to take back its nationals and give them a safe place to live in their homeland. The international community should put pressure on the country as it is committing such atrocities against Rohingya people. This has to be stopped," Hasina said.

She added that Bangladesh wants to maintain peace and good relations with its neighbouring countries, further urging Naypyidaw to end the persecution of the Rohingya minorities.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday visited a Rohingya refugee camp, along with a delegation in Kutupalong.

She visited the camp to inspect the living conditions and distribute aid among the refugees.

Earlier, the United Nations refugee agency, the UNHCR, had said that at least 2,70,000 Rohingya refugees have fled from the violence-affected Myanmar's Northern Rakhine state and sought refuge in Bangladesh where the limited shelter capacity is already exhausted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court will on Wednesday continue hearing the Cauvery water dispute involving the tussle between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The apex court on July 11 commenced final hearing on the appeals filed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala against the 2007 Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) final award.

A bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, had earlier directed the Karnataka Government to provide 2000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu till its further order.

The top court, earlier in January, dismissed the plea seeking compensation from both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Governments for the loss of property during the Cauvery water related dispute between both the states.

Siva Kumar, a Tamil Nadu based activist, had earlier filed the petition in the apex court on the same.

On January 9, the Tamil Nadu Government sought a compensation of Rs. 2,480 crores from Karnataka for not releasing water to the state despite getting the Supreme Court directive to do so.

The lawyer from the side of Tamil Nadu, Shekhar Naphade, urged the three-judge bench to bring the matter to a logical end for which there should be a continuous hearing.

On December 9 last year, the apex court upheld its constitutional power and right to hear appeals filed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

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The Central Government has sanctioned Rs. 73771.80 lakh as basic grants for rural local bodies for the Andhra Pradesh government under Fourteenth Finance Commission.

The Centre also advised the state government to ensure that grants are distributed as per the approved formula recommended in the latest State Finance Commission (SFC) report.

The state government has also been directed to transfer the amount to the local bodies within fifteen days of receipt from the Central government.

In case of delay in transferring the amount, the Andhra Pradesh government will have to release the instalment with interest at bank rate of Reserve bank of India (RBI), for number of days of delay.

The Centre also directed that the distribution and utilization of the amount should be done in consonance with the Local Body Guidelines.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Chennai zonal unit on Wednesday seized gold bars, worth Rs 2.99 crore, which were illegally sneaked into the country from Sri Lanka.

The DRI has arrested three persons in connection with the matter.

Based on a specific intelligence, the DRI officers monitored the coastal region and intercepted a Honda Civic car on the East Coast Road.

A couple, who owned the vehicle, as well as their driver, admitted to have received smuggled gold, which was brought from Sri Lanka by boat.

On searching the vehicle, the officers recovered and seized Rs. 2.99 crore worth gold bars, which weigh 10.84 kg.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
OYO and China Lodging Group on Wednesday announced signing of an MoU to facilitate and strengthen collaboration to build a global market leading hospitality .

As part of this, China Lodging Group is investing USD 10 million in OYO as a follow-on to OYO's recently announced Series D financing of USD 250 million led by Softbank Vision Fund.

This partnership will combine the technology strengths and operations expertise of OYO with China Lodging Group's extensive coverage and strong development capability in China.

"We are delighted to announce our strategic alliance with OYO. The MoU signifies the shared aspirations of China Lodging Group and OYO to explore growing opportunities in the global hospitality industry and to create synergies by working together," said CEO - China Lodging Group, Jenny Zhang.

"The partnership will draw on the strengths of China Lodging Group's visionary and experienced management team, market leadership through a multi-brand strategy, extensive hotel operations expertise and strong loyalty program and OYO's advanced technologies in the hospitality industry that enable transformation of hotel operations," added Jenny Zhang.

"We are very excited about this partnership - both in terms of potential opportunities and existing synergies through our complementary strengths and capabilities. China Lodging Group has a visionary and experienced leadership team and hotel operations expertise especially in managing large properties," said founder and CEO - OYO, Ritesh Agarwal.

"OYO is a new-age technology company disrupting the hospitality industry with category-leading capabilities of using technology to onboard and transform existing supply, standardize operations and distribute these through online and offline channels. Addressing consumers in India and China - two of the world's fastest-growing markets - through our combined strengths opens up a very large and significant growth opportunity," added Agarwal.

Under the terms of the MoU, China Lodging Group and OYO will, among others, explore initiating knowledge and technology sharing projects of mutual interest to enable a co-learning opportunity in the fields of technology and hospitality.

This could include exchange program for employees, sharing of technology and intellectual property. The partnership is also expected leverage benefits from economies of scale, not limited to, sourcing and procurement and joint loyalty programmes.

China and India are among the fastest-growing travel markets in the world with an emerging domestic travel opportunity. According to Deutsche Bank, nearly two-thirds of India's rooms supply in 2020-21 will comprise of budget hotels.

Criteo expects online travel market in Asia Pacific to be worth USD 446 billion in value by 2020, witnessing a 72 percent growth between 2016-2020. OYO estimates mid-market accommodation alone to be worth USD 20 billion by 2020.

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In a resolution sent to the White House on Tuesday, the Congress urged the United States President Donald Trump to take a stand in condemning White supremacy and racist hate groups.

The House on Tuesday unanimously approved a bipartisan joint resolution from Virginia lawmakers, and presented the resolution for Trump's signature, in an effort to secure a firmer denunciation of racist extremist, by the President.

The resolution also called the death of Heather Heyer in the rally protesting the White nationalist rally a "domestic terrorist attack", and denounced "White nationalists, White supremacists, the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis, and other hate groups", reported Washington Post.

A car driven by a White Supremacist ran over Heather Heyer during the counter-protest rally, which led to her death.

Trump was widely criticized after he attributed the fault for violence to "both sides", and suggested that some "very fine people" were among the white-nationalist marchers.

The Washington Post report further said that the resolution calls on Trump to "speak out against hate groups that espouse racism, extremism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and White supremacy" and also "use all resources available to the President and the President's Cabinet to address the growing prevalence of those hate groups in the United States."

It also calls on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to "investigate thoroughly all acts of violence, intimidation, and domestic terrorism by White supremacists, White nationalists, neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan, and associated groups" and to "improve the reporting of hate crimes" to the FBI.

"The first thing it's going to do is give some real comfort for these families," Kaine said,referring to the deaths of Heyer and two Virginia State Police troopers who had been patrolling the rally in a helicopter that later crashed.

"No. 2, I think it's great for [Democrats and Republicans] to be able to make a moral call that white supremacy's not acceptable, and I want the president to have to sign it," he added. "We wouldn't have had to add in that point had he not demonstrated this moral equivocation at the time, but I think it would be a really good thing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Disney has some made some huge changes in their calendar of releases.

The studio giant has pushed back the release of 'Star Wars: Episode IX' by seven months following the announcement that J.J. Abrams is taking over directing duties, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Episode IX will now open in theaters December 20, 2019, instead of May 24, 2019.

They are swapping places with another high-profile title, the live-action adaptation of 'Aladdin', which had previously occupied the December 20 date.

The studio also pulled the upcoming family comedy 'Magic Camp' from the calendar.

Directed by Mark Waters and from a story by Steve Martin, 'Magic Camp' had been set to debut April 6, 2018.

Finally, the untitled 'Christopher Robin' movie will open in theaters August 3, 2018.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Congress Party on Wednesday hailed Students Union of India's (NSUI) win in the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections and termed it as one of their biggest.

NSUI has won the president post after four years while, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) managed to bag two posts also.

A total of 43 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the DUSU elections.

Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Deepender Hooda said, "We had won three seats but recounting of votes shows ABVP's unconstitutional face. We will go to the judiciary! This is one of the biggest victories for us and we will always support student politics."

"As NSUI won the president and vice-president posts, the ABVP grabbed the Secretary and the Joint Secretary position; this clearly shows that BJP and ABVP have played a dirty politics," he added.

Hooda further said they actually won three of the four posts, and that it will contest the results in the Delhi High Court.

The ABVP held three posts in the outgoing panel.

Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi met winning candidates from NSUI outside her residence. The NSUI also held a victory rally at North Campus of varsity.

The NSUI has won the DUSU president's post for the first time since 2012.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi too hailed the Congress ideology and congratulated the union on Twitter.

Earlier in the day, the Congress sent out congratulatory messages after the results were out. Senior Congress leaders Ajay Maken and Sharmistha Mukherjee congratulated the students' wing for winning three seats.

Following the results, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said it does not see the defeat on two posts in DUSU election as an indicator of party's popularity graph.

The Left Unity swept the polls after a tough fight from ABVP and many students voted for NOTA (None of the above) than NSUI.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
European automakers are in catch 22 situation

The continent's carmakers have invested heavily in the technology but the sales of the diesel-powered cars have declined in Europe.

Electric cars, often seen as the future of the industry, are not the solution as their demand remained too small.

European auto manufacturers polled by The Wall Street Journal said demand for electric vehicles remained too small for them to replace diesel cars anytime soon.

While all the companies are investing in electric mobility, their immediate focus is on building more gasoline-powered cars and making diesel engines cleaner.

Since Volkswagen AG , the world's biggest auto maker by sales, was caught rigging diesel engines to dupe emissions tests two years ago, sales of diesel cars have declined rapidly.

"In diesel-country Germany, for example, threats by politicians to ban the cars from cities have scared off customers, and sales of new models plunged 14% in August from a year ago, according to Germany's federal motor vehicle agency. Sales of gasoline-powered cars rose 15%," said The Wall Street Journal report.

Research group LMC Automotive says diesel's market share in Europe, always the biggest market for the technology, could decline to around 45 percent this year from 53 percent before the scandal.

By comparison, electric cars or hybrids are expected to grab 4 percent of the European market this year, up from 2.3 percent before dieselgate.

The high price tag on electric cars, the scarcity and inconvenience of charging stations and the vehicles' inability to travel long distances have put off drivers, said The Wall Street Journal report.

Car makers, who dragged their feet for years on electric cars, also have few models in the market to lure consumers away from diesel.

"In many segments that are of interest to families, the products just aren't available," Steve Armstrong, CEO of Ford of Europe, told The Wall Street Journal on the sidelines of the Frankfurt Motor Show.

BMW has committed to offering 25 new electric cars and hybrids by 2025, and Daimler plans to offer an electric version of every model it makes by 2022.

While Peugeot is planning to launch seven plug-in hybrid vehicles and five fully electric cars between 2019 and 2021, it is scrambling now to double production in France of some gasoline engines "to meet growing demand," a spokesman said.

The bigger problem is shouldering the costs of developing electric car technology as regulators around the world continue to attack the conventional internal combustion engine.

France and the United Kingdom have announced plans to ban all gasoline and diesel powered vehicles after 2040. They would possibly exclude hybrids, but the aim is to promote all-electric vehicles.

In Germany, Volkswagen, BMW AG and Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz are engaged in a frantic battle to defend diesel, which they say is necessary to meet the European Union's ambitious climate goals.

Diesel produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline. The downside is that it produces toxic nitrogen oxide, which is linked to deaths and respiratory diseases.

The German manufacturers are spending millions on a voluntary recall to update the core engine software on some of the newest diesels to make them cleaner.

BMW expects to sell 1,00,000 electric cars and hybrids this year-out of a total of 2.4 million vehicles. By 2025, it plans to offer at least 12 pure electric vehicles and 13 hybrids, compared with nine electric cars and hybrids in 2017.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Pakistan has charged four persons for allegedly publishing blasphemous content on the social media.

The court has also directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to produce evidence against the suspects, who pleaded not guilty.

All the four suspects arrested by the FIA are in jail on judicial remand.

The court also dismissed the bail plea of one of the suspects, a college professor.

Earlier, a Christian man hailing from the Kharian tehsil of Gujarat city in Pakistan was arrested by the police on a blasphemy charge.

He was arrested and moved to another place instead of the lock-up after rumours started to circulate that religious groups intended to attack the police station.

The complaint was filed by Nadeem Ahmed in Dinga town, who said that his friend Ishtiaq Ahmed Jalali had told him that a sweeper working at a private hospital had allegedly uttered provocative remarks about the Holy Prophet.

Nadeem claimed that when he spoke to the sweeper to verify the allegation, the latter repeated the remarks.

The case against the suspect has been registered under Section 295-C (Use of derogatory remarks, etc, in respect of the Holy Prophet) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The blasphemy law is very contentions in Pakistan with several lawmakers calling for its reform.

Pakistan has also launched a crackdown on the blasphemous content on social media.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Congress on Wednesday slammed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in the wake of hike in fuel prices and urged the Centre to pass on the benefit of 50 per cent reduction in international prices of crude oil to the common person.

The Congress party asked the Centre to stop filling its coffers by looting people of the nation and bring the 'achhe din' which it promised.

"The petrol and diesel prices are skyrocketing. The ordinary person's budget is in peril, while the Modi government continues to recover money and fill its coffers," said Surjewala.

"What is Modi ji doing? Are these the achhe din he promised? It is time that he passes of the benefit of 50 per cent reduction in international prices of crude oil to the common person and government stops looting people to fill up its coffers," he added.

The petrol and diesel prices have gone through the roof ever since the central government announced daily revision of fuel prices. Petrol price in Delhi on Tuesday was at Rs 70.38 per litre, whereas in Mumbai a litre of petrol costs Rs 79.48.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Convener of forum for understanding Naga India conflict & human rights (FUNICH) met Government of India interlocutor R.N Ravi and raised critical points to the demand for inclusive political talks by six NPGs (Naga Political Groups) supported by Naga Tribal Council (NTC) and Action Against Un-abated Taxation (ACAUT).

Reminding the interlocutor that the talk with the NSCN under the leadership of Th. Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu started because of their movement which is based firmly on the Naga people's political and historical rights.

The leadership and the organization have continuously displayed their moral political ground based on the Naga historical and political rights as one people. In their long political struggles they have remained steadfast in their commitment and conviction to the Naga people's political rights, says a statement

As informed by the convener of FUNICH Lakpuichi Siro, the leadership led by Th. Muivah and Lt. Yaruiwo Isak Swu have strengthened the Naga people's struggle for political justice by condemning the creation of Nagaland State in 1963, which is not Nagaland in true sense as it encompasses only a small portion of Nagaland and their political aspirations are completely ignored. The same leadership condemned the signing of Shillong Accord in 1975 between NNC and GoI as the political rights of Naga people were completely overlooked again.

Moreover, several other issues that have been raised on behalf of FUNICH were that under the leadership of late Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu and Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah ceasefire was signed with GoI in 1997 based on equality and respecting Naga people as a separate entity but in 2001 GoI declared ceasefire in all Naga areas officially which has a strong geo-political meaning. Again, in 2002 GoI officially declared "Naga history and situation as unique", which clearly says that India has no legal and historical based to claim Nagaland as part of India.

However, under the sheer leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Th. Muivah, solution was seek out based on sovereignty and accordingly Framework Agreement was signed in 2015.

"There is a deliberate attempt by a group of people living in the present Indian created Nagaland State who have remained silent or supported the creation of Nagaland State by betraying the true essence of Naga people's struggle which is geo-political in nature is now mobilizing their force to disturb inclusive political settlement that is honorable", he further added.

Unfortunately, when the two negotiating parties are about to conclude 20 years of political talks with great sense of maturity and patience, there is a rising sectarian agendas raised by newly formed 6 NNPGs with the support of the newly formed NTC and ACAUT. For the larger interest of both the negotiating parties, such force must not be encouraged to become a stumbling block in finalizing honorable solution for Naga people and India. GoI have tried to suppress the Naga people's struggle by signing agreement with similar group of people in the past that carries sectarian interest, ignoring the voice of the leadership and organization that carries the Naga people's political rights as listed above. This has led to persistent conflict and movement.

Siro asserted that when it is clear that the solution is about to come, there is a rising political mobilization to destabilize honorable solution which can bring peace, dignity and prosperity to the Nagas. Unfortunately, similar group of Nagas that supported the 16 Point Agreement and Shillong Accord are using the 6 NNPGs to reduce the Naga political struggles within the narrative of Indian State. That the solution has to work out separately for various Naga inhabitants based on the arbitrary political boundaries drawn by the Indian State and British Government.

On their constant assertion that they are the real voice of Nagas of Nagaland State, the Convener agrued that number of Nagas hailing from the present Nagaland State serving under the leadership of Mr. Th. Muivah and Mr. Khole Konyak is more than all the members put together under the 6 NNPGs. And leaders and followers under the leadership of Th. Muivah have proven themselves on various situations and have remained firm for the Naga cause. Everyone can find out for how long they have been in the service for Naga political settlement unlike the recently form NNPGs. Whereas, the young organisation led by young group of people with hardly any background worthy of respect have not demonstrated any seriousness in asserting Naga political rights.

The interlocutor RN Ravi assured the Convener that no steps will be taken without the full confidence of the collective leadership led by Th. Muivah and Khole Konyak. Further, the interlocutor affirm that any destructive force to destabilize the peace process will not be tolerated and assured that both side are working hard to come out with the final peace accord at the earliest possible time.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In an effort to bring down language barriers, Google on Wednesday announced several updates to its Translate App. Starting on Wednesday, users in Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu can experience offline translations and instant visual translation in their preferred language.

has also added support for conversation mode in regional languages including Bengali and Tamil.

Conversation mode is a feature that lets users have a bilingual conversation with someone, simply by talking to the app. To activate, simply tap the mic to start speaking in a selected language, then tap the mic again, and the app will automatically recognize which of the two languages are being spoken, letting you have a fluid conversation.

With Google Translate, users can easily turn their phone into a powerful translation tool, whether for studies, business, travel or work. Offline support enables Indian language users to translate a word or sentence even when they are not connected to the internet.

To make use of offline translations capabilities, you will need to download the specific language pack from the Translate app when connected to the internet. Just open the Translate app, make the language choice on either side of the screen and then tap the download button. To translate between two languages offline, you'll need to download both language packs.

The Translate app already lets the user use camera mode to snap a photo of English text and get a translation for it in these languages. Now with Word Lens feature, Google has taken it to next level letting users instantly translate text using their camera-so it's way easier for speakers of local Indian languages to understand English street signs in the city or decide what to order from a restaurant menu. Word Lens is powered by machine learning, using computer vision to distinguish between letters on an image.

To get started, open the Translate app, point your camera at an English sign or text and you'll see the translated text in your language overlaid on your screen-even if you don't have an Internet or data connection.

All features announced today are already available in Hindi on the Google Translate app, and have started to roll out in the additional Indian languages both on Android and iOS.

Google also recently announced voice input support for eight additional Indian languages, including Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. With these new announcements, Google reaffirms their commitment to enable more Indian users to access information around them using their own language.
Hurricane Irma has left a trail of destruction as even after a week residents in Caribbean islands find themselves in darkness with no electricity and they are increasingly worried as food and water supplies dwindle; while power outages in Florida affected almost five million homes, organisations and businesses, among them gas stations.

President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence are expected to travel to Florida on Thursday after Hurricane Irma swept through the state this weekend, resulting in deaths of at least 12 people in the United States.

In the storm's aftermath, residents and tourists described a volatile situation, with vexing challenges ahead that have forced people to fend for themselves, CNN reported.

Along with feelings of abandonment, residents spoke of widespread scarcity, the generosity of neighbours, looting and machete-armed volunteers standing guard over properties.

Hurricane Irma struck a patchwork of independent island nations and territories in various forms of association with France, the Netherlands, the US and the UK and killed at least 38 people in the Caribbean.

While millions in Florida grappled with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma as more than 40 percent of Florida still lacked electricity and residents were struggling to maintain cellphone services or Internet access.

Hurricane Irma destroyed a quarter of the homes in the Florida Keys and badly damaged many more, federal officials said Tuesday, as millions of people in the nation's Southeast remained without power in the storm's wake.

"Basically every house in the Keys was impacted in some way or another," Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long said at a news conference. "This is why we ask people to leave."

European politicians, including French President Emmanuel Macron, visited the overseas territories this week. Macron condemned reports of looting and vowed to restore order by deploying 2,000 security personnel to street patrols on St. Martin. He also offered assurances that power will be restored, running water will return and schools will reopen in the coming weeks.

The Florida Department of Transportation said Tuesday night it has determined the bridges between the islands are structurally sound.Transportation officials said two sections of US 1 that were washed away by Irma, one at mile marker 37 and the other at mile marker 75, have been repaired.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A four-member team of Indian Government on Wednesday handed over India's memorial, consisting of written submission in Kulbhushan Jadhav case to the registrar office at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at Hague.

In response to a query on submission of memorial to ICJ in Jadhav case, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said:"India has, today, submitted its Memorial (written pleadings) to the International Court of Justice in the Jadhav case involving egregious violation of Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 by Pakistan. This is in furtherance of our application filed before the Court on May 8, 2017."

The four-member team consists of India's Ambassador to the Netherlands Venu Rajamony and first secretary legal officer Kajal Bhatt, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) joint secretary Legal & Treaties division Dr. VD Sharma and Joint Secretary PAI division Dr. Deepak Mittal.

India's written response was submitted to registrar Philippe Couvreur of the ICJ. The contents of the submission will not be made public .The Pakistan will submit counter memorial on or before December 13, 2017.

The Pakistan military court had found Jadhav guilty of espionage and subversive activities in a trial in April this year.

Earlier, in its arguments before the court on May 15, India had expressed its fear that Pakistan could execute Jadhav even before the court gave its verdict. Pakistan had rejected India's request for consular access 18 times, which is a violation of the Vienna Convention.

India slams the decision and sends a demarche to former Pakistan's high commissioner Abdul Basit, stating that Jadhav was "kidnapped last year from Iran", and his trial was "farcical" in the absence of any evidence against him. On May 18, the UN top court asked Pakistan to not execute Jadhav before they decide the case.

Pakistan raised the confession statement of Jadhav as a base of its argument and accused India of using the ICJ for its political theatrics. India asserted that the confession of Jadhav was forcibly taken by the military while in captivity and he was tried by a military court in Pakistan.

Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi, while presenting Islamabad's stance in the ICJ on death sentence handed to Jadhav, said that the former naval officer entered into Islamabad through Iran using fake passport.

He told the court that Pakistan had given India all information regarding Jadhav's investigation, but didn't receive any response from New Delhi.

On April 10, Jadhav was given the death sentence by a military court in Pakistan for alleged "espionage and subversive activities".

Pakistan claims it arrested Jadhav in March last year from its restive Balochistan province, where the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor culminates.

India, however, maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe signed the visitor's book at Sabarmati Ashram, one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi, after their roadshow from Ahmedabad Airport and shared a light moment with Prime MInister Narendra Modi by the riverside.

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took part in an eight-kilometre-long road show with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a first -of its kind by a foreign leader from Ahmedabad Airport to Sabarmati Aashram located on the banks of the River Sabarmati.

Prime Minister Abe was dressed in a blue Indian-style Nehru jacket and his wife Akie Abe was attired in a beautiful pink salwar-kameez for the grand roadshow. Various cultural performances were held en-route to Sabarmati Aashram.

Earlier, Prime Minister Abe and his wife were received by Prime Minister Modi at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat . The former was accorded a tri-services guard of honour and given a ceremonial reception on his arrival.

Prime Minister Abe is here to attend the annual India-Japan Summit to take bilateral and strategic ties between the two countries forward.

This is the 12th edition of the summit and the fourth meeting between Prime Minister Modi and and his Japanese counterpart. The summit will be held in Gandhinagar.

Both leaders are expected to review the recent progress in multifaceted co-operation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

Both will also attend a function to mark the commencement of work of India's first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

The train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the .

An India-Japan Business Plenary will also be held.

The leaders will also visit the Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali - a famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad, Dandi Kutir and Mahatma Mandir.

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday said in a tweet that India truly values its ties with Japan and looks forward to further boosting bilateral relations in a wide range of areas.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will resume hearing in the on Wednesday.

India will reportedly hand over its written arguments, known as the memorial, to the ICJ on its plea to declare Pakistan as the violator of international law for sentencing Jadhav to death.

A senior official of the legal and treaties division of the External Affairs Ministry will hand over the memorial.

The Pakistan military court had found him guilty of espionage and subversive activities in a trial in April this year.

Earlier, in its arguments before the court on May 15, India had expressed its fear that Pakistan could execute Jadhav even before the court gave its verdict. Pakistan had rejected India's request for consular access 18 times, which is a violation of the Vienna Convention.

On May 18, the UN top court asked Pakistan to not execute Jadhav before they decide the case.

After this, both India and Pakistan were asked to make their submissions before the ICJ.

Pakistan claims it arrested Jadhav, former Indian Naval Officer, in March last year from its restive Balochistan province, where the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor culminates.

India, however, maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy.
At least one person has died and another sustained injuries after a landmine explosion in the Kholu district of Balochistan on Tuesday.

Sources said the two brothers were riding on their motorbike and ran over a planted landmine in the Nasau area, The Express Tribune reported.

The injured was taken to the hospital for medical assistance and the body of the deceased was transported by the rescue team.

Earlier also, several deaths have been reported due to accidental landmine blasts in the district.

The police had to file a case against unidentified persons and an investigation is underway after a protest by the residents of the area.

Earlier, six security personnel were killed and three others injured in a blast in Balochistan's Harnai district.

The Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were patrolling the area when their vehicle was targetted with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Expressing his concerns over the huge number of Rohingya Muslims seeking refuge in India, Minister of State (Home) Hansraj G Ahir on Wednesday said that issues of law and order will be faced if the former stays in the country permanently.

Speaking to ANI here, he said, "If we want to protect our country, it is not right to keep foreign nationals here permanently. The issues of law and order will come up, if they stay here permanently."

Ahir further stated, "We have to listen to the world, but also have to look int our country's interest."

Terming Rohingya refugees as a threat to security, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the issue will be dealt with a firm hand.

"The illegal foreign immigrants will be strongly dealt with," Rajnath

Rohingya, described by the United Nations as the world's most persecuted people, have faced heightened fears of attack since dozens were killed in communal violence in 2012.

According to the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR, at least 270,000 Rohingya refugees have fled from the violence affected Myanmar's Northern Rakhine state and sought refuge in Bangladesh where the limited shelter capacity is already exhausted.

Myanmar's State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi will skip the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in New York, U.S.A.

Suu Kyi is facing an outrage over ethnic violence that has forced about 3,70,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh.

A party spokesman said that she would not attend the UN General Assembly meeting, the local media reported.

Earlier, Suu Kyi had said that the issue of the Rohingya Muslims is one of the biggest challenges, dating back to pre-colonial times and hence, will take time to be resolved.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Maharashtra Minister Babanrao Lonikar tore into Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for his statement against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the University of California in Berkeley, U.S., and asked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists to "hit back" at anybody criticising the latter.

"Was Rahul Gandhi sleepy or drunk? Nobody is giving him their daughter; he is not getting married. And he is criticising Prime Minister Modi," Lonikar said.

Lonikar called upon the BJP activists to launch a protest and barge into the meeting of the party condemning their senior leaders.

"If somebody insults our mother or father or make any unwarranted comments against our party leaders, then that person should be hit back at in a similar way," he said.

Rahul on Tuesday hit at Prime Minister Modi over the demonetisation drive and said that ignoring India's tremendous institutions of knowledge and taking ad hoc decision are reckless and dangerous.

"Decisions like demonetisation taken without asking the Chief Economic Advisor and the Parliament caused a tremendous damage. The kind of economic growth today is worrying and is leading to upsurge of anger in the country," he said.

"The Government's economic policy of demonetisation and hastily implemented the GST has caused a tremendous pressure on the economy," he added.

Referring the small and medium enterprises as the bedrock of India's economic progress, Rahul said that millions of businesses were simply wiped out as a result of the Prime Minister's decision.

"Prime Minister Modi clamped down on the RTI. He shut it down. We got in trouble as we dramatically increased the transparency," he said.

Rahul further alleged the BJP of running a campaign and spreading 'abuses' against him.

"There is a BJP machine - about 1,000 guys sitting on computers and telling you about me. Tremendous machine. All day they spread abuse about me and the operation is run by the 'gentleman' [PM Modi], who is running our country," he alleged.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Minister of State for External Affairs General V.K. Singh on Wednesday said that the ministry works in a subtle manner until the task is done. His comment comes after Father Tom Uzhunnalil, a Vatican priest hailing from India, was rescued even as he was abducted last year in Yemen

Singh said, "Happy to share. You all must have been seen on Twitter about Father Tom. It underlines one thing that the ministry of external affairs works quietly. It works without making too much of noise, and ultimately gets the work done."

"We know the type of criticism that had come couple of times, when Father Tom disappeared in Yemen. We are happy that he has come back safe and I am sure people will appreciate that we were able to get him out safe and sound," he added.

Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday took to Twitter to inform, "I am happy to inform that Father Tom Uzhunnalil has been rescued."

Father Uzhunnalil was reportedly kidnapped on March 4, 2016 by the ISIS in Yemen, when they attacked a retirement home in Aden-run by the Missionaries of Charity, killing 16 people, including four nuns.

As per the Oman Observer, "In compliance with the His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Oman in coordination with the Yemeni parties have managed find a Vatican priest," adding, he was transferred to Muscat from where he is now on way back to his home in Kerala.

"In response to the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and as per a request from the Vatican to assist in the rescuing of a Vatican employee, the concerned authorities in the Sultanate, in coordination with the Yemeni authorities, have managed to find a Vatican government employee. He was transferred this morning to Muscat in preparation for his return home," the Oman Government said, in a statement.

"Tom Uzhunnalil, a Vatican priest, expressed thanks to God Almighty and appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. He also thanked his brothers and sisters and all relatives and friends who called on God for safety and release," Oman Observer further reported.

The Indian Government, last year, confirmed that efforts were underway to ensure that he is released.

"Fr Tom Uzhunnallil - an Indian from Kerala was abducted by a terror group in Yemen. We r making all efforts to secure his release," Swaraj tweeted back then.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Myanmar's envoy to the United Nations Ambassador Kyaw Tin has blamed Rohingya insurgents for the violence in his country's northern Rakhine state and said that Yangon would never tolerate such atrocities.

He has claimed that those Rohingya Muslims who have fled the country, have escaped in the wake of Myanmarese troops cracking down firmly on Rohingya militants since August 25 to end their brutal campaign of violence and village burnings.

Currently, according to media reports, access to Rakhine state is heavily controlled.

On Tuesday, Myanmar rejected UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein's suggestion that Yangon's treatment of Rohingya Muslims amounted to "ethnic cleansing".

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also called on Myanmar to take the Rohingya refugees back.

She said that human suffering of such magnitude must be stopped.

Rohingyas belong to Myanmar and have been residents of that country for more than 100 years. So, how can they not be treated or accepted as that nation's citizens, she added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
EDINBURGH - Leading space scientists from Britain and China signed a partnership agreement early this month to promote and strengthen both sides' space education and space-culture activities.

Under the memorandum of understanding, a new virtual center will be established to lead space education and space-culture activities between the two countries.

The center will be led by Britain's National Space Academy and a consortium of Chinese laboratories. In the areas of culture and education programs, it will be supported by the University of Nottingham.

The new virtual center partnership will serve as a platform for Sino-British space-education and cultural leadership, which can then be expanded to include participation from other space agencies and new space programs or agencies in the developing world.

"We hope to accelerate the development in this area and in the future expand the program into other developing countries, so as to nurture more talent in space science," says professor Yu Junsheng from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. Yu is the consortium's leading scientist.

For the first stage of this partnership, the team aims to select 100 primary and middle schools in China, Britain and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative to carry out a trial run of the education program, Yu says.

While the center will help spread space education across China, British students and teachers will be offered the chance to participate in summer school programs, including visits to China's astronaut-training and launch centers.

And Britain-China education experiments will be developed to fly in China's space program, according to the UK National Space Academy.

This new center will give British teachers, students and researchers new opportunities to work in partnership with one of the world's most ambitious space programs, says professor Anu Ojha, director of the academy.

Xinhua

Students examine green pepper, a vegetable that has been taken to outer space for scientific experiments.Provided To China Daily

(China Daily 09/13/2017 page17)
Turkey has entered into a deal with Russia for its first major weapons purchase of S-400 missile defense systems, in an accord in an accord that could trouble Ankara's NATO allies.

The purchase of the surface-to-air missile defence systems from a non-NATO supplier will raise concerns in the West over their compatibility with the alliance's equipment, the Xinhua quoted a report.

"Signatures have been made for the purchase of S-400s from Russia. A deposit has also been paid as far as I know," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in comments published in several newspapers on Tuesday.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin and I are determined on this issue and we take our own decisions," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told mediapersons aboard his presidential jet returning from a trip to Kazakhstan.

Erdogan said Turkey was free to make military acquisitions based on its defense needs.

Moscow also confirmed the accord, with Vladimir Kozhin, Putin's adviser for military and technical cooperation, saying: "The contract has been signed and is being prepared for implementation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Veteran Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage is all set to fight wild animals in his upcoming film 'Primal'.

The actor is set to star in a film directed by veteran stunt coordinator Nick Powell ('The Bourne Identity', 'X-Men: The Last Stand', 'Cinderella Man') according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The story focuses on Frank Walsh (Cage), a big game hunter for zoos who has booked passage on a Greek shipping freighter with a fresh haul of exotic and deadly animals from the Amazon, including a rare white jaguar.

However, the big cat isn't the most deadly creature on board. Richard Loffler, a political assassin being extradited to the U.S in secret, is also along for the ride.

Two days into their journey, Loffler escapes the team of U.S. Marshals guarding him and releases the captive animals, throwing the ship into chaos.

Walsh must now find a way to save the crew from not only the dangerous beasts, but also the mad man on the loose.

The movie marks the first project from financier Wonderfilm, which was launched by Kirk Shaw, Daniel Grodnik, Jeff Bowler and Bret Saxon and is based in Vancouver and Beverly Hills.

Penned by Richard Leder, 'Primal' will be produced by Daniel Grodnik for Wonderfilm. Michael Becker is executive producing the project.

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Ishtiaq Wani, an Over Ground Worker (OGW), who was at large and wanted for instigating youths to join the terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, was on Wednesday arrested by the Baramulla Police in Jammu and Kashmir.

A case under sections of 13 Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and Sec 506 RPC has been registered at Pattan Police Station of Baramulla and investigation has begun in the matter.

It is pertinent to mention that recently the Baramulla Police saved around 10 boys meant to be inducted in terror ranks from the clutches of terrorists and were handed over to parents. Out of these ten boys, four boys were motivated by Wani to join militant ranks of Hizbul Mujahideen.

Due to continuous pressure/ encounters by police and other security agencies, most of the militants who were active in North Kashmir have been neutralised because of which the controllers of the terror outfit from across and within Kashmir are trying to accelerate the recruitment process in this area.

Earlier, on August 16, the U.S. Department of State had designated Hizbul Mujahideen as a foreign terrorist organization under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

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The petrol prices were hiked yesterday by 7-8 paise per litre and diesel rate increased by 10-11 paise per litre in the four major cities, as part of the daily revision exercise, as a result of which the fuel rates are at an all-time high since August 2014.

The daily travellers, all over the nation, have criticised the government, while also requesting them to reconsider the dynamic surge in pricing.

A working Saurav Banerjee from Kolkata said that in the last six months it was still manageable.

"But now daily, there has been a price hike and there is no reduction. It should come down and is going beyond the common man's budget," he told ANI.

Another office going citizen said the decision was "unacceptable."

"This is not acceptable from the government and they should take some action on it. They have to think about the common people surviving in this country and have to take a firm decision which will be helpful to common people like us," he told ANI.

A taxi driver in Mumbai said that the petrol price is rising day by day.

"It decreases by Re. 1 when it has to, but is increased by Rs. 10 now. What will we do in such situations.? Should we live or we die?" he retorted.

A citizen from Patna said that the price hike is affecting everything around.

"It is affecting a lot; almost everything is dependent on petrol and diesel only. The price of petrol is increasing, which is visible in our houses," he told ANI.

A middle-class man working in Hyderabad said that as a common man, they are working hard, roaming around the city and bringing some amount home.

"But the petrol prices are increasing day by day. My request to the government is to please remove the taxes," said the common man.

According to Indian Oil Corporation, effective 6 a.m. on September 12, customers are shelling out Rs. 70.38 for a litre of petrol in Delhi, Rs. 73.12 in Kolkata, Rs. 79.48 in Mumbai and Rs. 72.95 in Chennai.

Diesel is being retailed at Rs. 58.72 per litre, Rs. 61.37 per litre, Rs. 62.37 per litre and Rs. 61.84 per litre respectively.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi accompanied his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and wife Akie Abe to the famous 16th century Sidi Saiyyed mosque in Ahmedabad after their visit to the Sabarmati Ashram, where they paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi.

Prime Minister Modi will host his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe to an exclusive dinner at the House of Mangaldas Girdhardas, a boutique heritage hotel in Ahmedabad, on Wednesday.

The mosque is a symbol of a time when Gujarat dwelled and prospered under Muslim rule. It was built in 1573, under the regime of the last Sultanate of Gujarat. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque was built by in the retinue of sultan Ahemad ShahBilal Jhajar Khan, general in the army of the last Sultan Shams-ud-Din Muzaffar Shah III of the Gujarat Sultanate.The mosque is entirely curated and is famous for beautifully carved ten stone latticework windows (jalis) on the side and rear arches. The rear wall is filled with square stone pierced panels in geometrical designs.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe signed the visitor's book at Sabarmati Ashram, one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi, after their roadshow from Ahmedabad Airport and shared a light moment with Prime MInister Narendra Modi by the riverside.

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took part in an eight-kilometre-long road show with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a first -of its kind by a foreign leader from Ahmedabad Airport to Sabarmati Aashram located on the banks of the River Sabarmati.

Prime Minister Abe was dressed in a blue Indian-style Nehru jacket and his wife Akie Abe was attired in a beautiful pink salwar-kameez for the grand roadshow. Various cultural performances were held en-route to Sabarmati Aashram.

Earlier, Prime Minister Abe and his wife were received by Prime Minister Modi at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat . The former was accorded a tri-services guard of honour and given a ceremonial reception on his arrival.

Prime Minister Abe is here to attend the annual India-Japan Summit to take bilateral and strategic ties between the two countries forward.

This is the 12th edition of the summit and the fourth meeting between Prime Minister Modi and and his Japanese counterpart. The summit will be held in Gandhinagar.

Both leaders are expected to review the recent progress in multifaceted co-operation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

Both will also attend a function to mark the commencement of work of India's first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

The train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the .

An India-Japan Business Plenary will also be held.

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday said in a tweet that India truly values its ties with Japan and looks forward to further boosting bilateral relations in a wide range of areas.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Wednesday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is on a two-day visit to India, will visit the Sabarmati Ashram, along with Prime Minister Modi in the evening. The ashram was established by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the River Sabarmati.

The Japanese Prime Minister will attend the India-Japan annual summit meeting, wherein the two leaders are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral and strategic ties.

The 12th edition of the summit, which will be the fourth meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Shinzo Abe, will be held in Gandhinagar.

The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted co-operation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

Prime Minister Modi and the Japanese PM will also attend a function to mark the commencement of work of India's first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

The train is expected to significantly reduce the travel time between the two cities. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the .

An India-Japan Business Plenary will also be held.

The leaders will also visit the Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali - a famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad. Besides, the two leaders will visit Dandi Kutir, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Mahatma Mandir.

Ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit, Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday said in a tweet that India truly values its ties with Japan and looks forward to further boosting the bilateral relations in a wide range of areas.

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In the aftermath of the recent violence and rape incidents being reported in various schools across the country, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi has urged politicians to go back to school, as an ordinary parent, to assess and understand how schools can be made safe for children.

Satyarthi lamented the growing lack of safety and security mechanisms in schools, which leads to growing instances of rape, child abuse and molestation in school premises.

The Nobel Laureate said, "I urge all of the political community in the country to go to school as an ordinary parent. See things on your own, feel the environment, question them. Schools are supposed to be an institution of learning and a haven for our children. It should not be a place of torture."

"Unless we do not wake up to the dire need to take strong action, our children will continue to suffer. We will fail to make India safe for our children," he added.

He was speaking at the Bharat Yatra march which reached Chennai on Wednesday.

The Bharat Yatra, launched by the Nobel Laureate on September 11 in Kanniyakumari, focuses on the need to ensure the safety, security and well-being of children across India.

It is the launch of a three-year campaign against child rape and child sexual abuse which is aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of the cases, strengthening intuitional response including medical health and compensations, ensuring protection for victims and witnesses during trials and increasing convictions of child sexual abuse in a time bound manner.

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Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday expressed her condolences on the demise of senior Supreme Court lawyer Pavani Parameswara Rao, saying his immense contribution to the development of law will always be a benchmark.

In a statement, Gandhi said, "As a constitutional law expert and a jurist, his immense contribution to the development of law will always be a benchmark."

Conveying her condolences to Rao's family, the Congress president prayed for the departed soul.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolences on passing away of the eminent legal luminary.

He said on Twitter, "My deepest condolences on the demise of legal luminary Shri P.P. Rao. Leaves a huge void in the legal fraternity and is a great personal loss."

Earlier in the day, Rao, 84, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest in the capital.

Considered a prominent name in the law fraternity, Rao had argued a number of landmark cases before the Supreme Court.

Born on July 1, 1933, he completed his LL.B. and LL.M. from Osmania University, Hyderabad. He started his career teaching law in Delhi University in 1961. He was enrolled as an Advocate by the Bar Council of Delhi in 1967 and, thereafter, started practice in the Supreme Court.

In 1991, he was elected President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and in 2006, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan.

In 2014, President Pranab Mukherjee approved Rao's selection as jurist member of the selection committee of the Lokpal.

Rao had appeared before the apex court in several landmark cases including Kesavananda Bharati, SR Bommai, Unnikrishnan v. State of AP, TMA Pai, PA Inamdar, and the Babri Masjid demolition case.

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Comedian Rebel Wilson has been given $3.6 million (A$4.6Million) compensation for being defamed by "bully" media publisher.

She has just received Australia's biggest ever defamation payout following her bitter legal dispute with the publisher.

According to news.com.au, the judge claimed the extent of Wilson's defamation was "unprecedented" and warranted substantial damages to the comedian.

The 37-year-old actress has been very outspoken about her legal battle with the publication house on social media.

On Wednesday, she took to Twitter and announced that she had won the bitter case captioning, "Today was the end of a long and hard court battle against Bauer Media who viciously tried to take me down with a series of false articles."

In a series of tweets, she highlighted that the case "wasn't about the money" and that she would donate the damages to "some great Australian charities" and the Australian film industry.

The 'Pitch Perfect' actress was seemingly very happy about the victory as she thanked everyone for their love and support throughout the case on social media.

The legal battle comes over a series of defamatory articles which the actress claimed that it was untrue and it even led her to lose out on Hollywood movie roles.

The articles claimed she lied about her real name, age and childhood in a bid to make it in Hollywood.

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Amid the ongoing disarray in the brutal murder case of a seven-year-old student at the Ryan International School in Gurugram, the child's father's advocate said that they are opposing the transit anticipatory bail application filed by Ryan International Group CEO, Ryan Pinto.

"We will make all efforts and put forth arguments in the Bombay High Court saying the bail should not be extended for such kind of accused," Barun Thakur's counsel Sushil Tekriwal told ANI.

On the other hand, Ryan Pinto's lawyer Nitin Pradhan has said that he is not going to "speculate" anything.

"If anyone wants to come and intervene, let them intervene. If they feel that they have grievance against the trustees, let them ventilate in the court. Ryan Pinto has nothing to do with the trust, nothing to do with the Ryan International School. How can he be attributed with any crime?" Pradhan told ANI.

Earlier on Tuesday, the doctor, who conducted the postmortem of the seven-year-old student, said that there were no signs of sexual assault on his body.

"Prima facie shows that there are no signs of sexual assault found on his body," told Dr. Deepak Mathur to ANI.

Mathur also informed that almost the entire neck of the student was slit, stating that he might have died in the school itself considering the kind of injuries.

The school's bus conductor was nabbed on Friday after the body of seven-year-old student was found inside the toilet of the high-profile school, with his throat slit, following which the school's principal was suspended.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted to look into the murder case of the seven-year-old Gurugram student, had pointed out serious security lapses in the school.

The SIT averred that the school did not have any separate toilet for staffs like drivers and conductors, while adding that the administration even did not get their employees identification verified.

The report by the investigative team also highlighted that the CCTV cameras of the school were neither working properly, nor installed everywhere. Also, the fire extinguishers expired. It was also revealed that the school establishment had broken boundary walls.

The report further said that there were no separate toilets for conductors and drivers and the wall behind the school remained unfinished, which easily allowed anyone to enter the school premises without permission.

The report also added that a proper police verification of employees, working at Ryan International School, was not done by the school authorities.

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Mayor of the US city of Seattle Ed Murray has decided to step down from office after fresh child sex-abuse allegation surfaced against him.

Murray's decision came after Seattle Times quoted a cousin of the 62-year old mayor as saying that he had been sexually assaulted by Murray during 1970s.

This is the fifth public allegation of sexual assault against Murray.

Earlier, Murray had dropped his reelection bid in May amid four allegations of sexual abuse by four men who said that the mayor had sexually abused them years earlier, when they were teenagers.

One of the men had also filed a lawsuit against Murray in April alleging that the latter "repeatedly criminally raped and molested" him when he was 15 years old, in the 1980s.

Although Murray has denied all the allegations, he has decided to resign, which will take effect from Wednesday evening.

"While the allegations against me are not true, it is important that my personal issues do not affect the ability of our City government to conduct the public's business," he said in a written statement.

"To the people of this special city and to my dedicated staff, I am sorry for this painful situation," the statement further said.

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A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) disposed of senior Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav's application staking claim over party symbol, the rebel party leader said it is a struggle and fight which he would win.

Talking to ANI, the rebel JD(U) leader said that he would speak on this issue in a press conference on Wednesday.

"It is kind of struggle and fight. We are ready to face this. I did not speak today because I am just listening everyone right now. I will hold a press conference at 12 noon on Wednesday. I will put forward my future plan in the press conference," he said.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday disposed off Sharad Yadav's application staking claim over party symbol, saying it was not supported with relevant documents.

Last month Sharad Yadav had submitted a memorandum to the commission, staking claim over the party.

The JD(U), headed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, also approached the ECI to file a counter plea against a petition submitted by Sharad Yadav.

The JD(U) also submitted that Sharad Yadav had voluntarily left the party and had involved in anti-party activities. The delegation, who filed the counter plea, consisted of R.C.P. Singh, Sanjay Jha, Lallan Singh and K.C. Tyagi.
A suspicious van parked near Barcelona's Sagrada Familia church prompted a bomb scare on Tuesday. However, no explosives were found in the van.

The van had prompted a bomb scare and Catalan police temporarily evacuated Sagrada Familia church and nearby businesses and sent send a bomb squad for the inspection of the suspicious van.

The operation concluded after no explosives were found.

Barcelona, the tourism hub of Spain, and the coastal town of Cambrils witnessed terror attacks last month.

On August 17, 2017; 22-year-old Younes Abouyaaqoub drove a van into pedestrians on La Rambla in Barcelona and killed 13 people and injured at least 130 others, one of whom died 10 days later on August 27.

Nine hours after the Barcelona attack, five men thought to be members of the same terrorist cell drove into pedestrians in nearby Cambrils, killing one woman and injuring six others. All five attackers were shot and killed by police.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) took the responsibility for both attacks.

The night before the Barcelona attack, an explosion occurred in a house in the Spanish town of Alcanar, destroying the building and killing two members of the terrorist cell; including the 40-year-old imam thought to be the mastermind.

Spain has kept its anti-terrorism security warning one level below the maximum since mid-2015.

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As many as three robbers, who had broken into the house of a Ghazipur trader, were arrested after an encounter with the police officials.

Two of the accused were shot in their legs and later, were admitted to the Lohiya Hospital, the Superintendent of Police, Deepak Kumar, said.

At least two pistols, three domestic guns, a rod, an injection and a car were recovered from the accused, who had gone to Ghazipur's Bhootnath Market to perform the robbery.

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The British government has seized properties worth $6.7 billion owned by India's most wanted gangster and fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

Kaskar Dawood Ibrahim, 61, an Indian national, who goes by 21 aliases, has rewards totaling USD 25 million are on offer for his capture, The Mirror has reported.

Dawood, the key accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, is the second richest criminal ever after Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar .

Dawood had appeared on the UK Treasury department's 'Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets in the UK' that was updated last month.

The Treasury sanction document listed three recorded addresses for Ibrahim in Pakistan, including one sprawling property called The White House near the Saudi mosque in the seaside suburb of Clifton in Karachi, Pakistan. Pakistan has repeatedly denied this claim.

The United Nations sanctions list included Dawood as an associate and funder of Al Qaeda while the US Treasury Department declared him a global terrorist in 2013.

The sanctions prohibit the transfer of funds to anyone on the list and freezes any assets they may hold in the UK. It is a criminal offence to breach a financial sanction.

Recently, Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf confirmed that Dawood Ibrahim is in Karachi.

In an interview with a news channel, Musharraf revealed that Ibrahim is in Pakistan.

Indicating about Dawood whereabouts, Musharraf said , "When we are discussing about India, it has been accusing Pakistan, then why should we become good and assist them. I don't know where Dawood is , He must be here, somewhere." "Muslims were killed in India and Dawood Ibrahim reacted," said Musharraf

Pakistan has consistently denied that Ibrahim is in Pakistan despite India maintaining that that he continues to live in a palatial house in Karachi.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday reiterated his call for Muslims from Myanmar's Rakhine state to be granted nationality or at least a legal status that would allow them to lead a normal life, while also urging the international community to help provide assistance for the nearly 380,000 people who have fled into Bangladesh.

"I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military action, end the violence, uphold the rule of law, and recognize the right of return of all those who had to leave the country," the Secretary-General said in his first press conference since the opening of the 72nd session of the General Assembly.

Guterres repeated his call for "an effective action plan" to address the root causes of the situation, which he said he been left to fester for decades and has now escalated beyond Myanmar's borders, destabilizing the region.

The Security Council was due to discuss the situation this afternoon in an urgent closed-door meeting, following an official letter from the Secretary-General expressing his concern.

"The humanitarian situation is catastrophic," he said, noting that at the time of his briefing to the press last week, there were 125,000 Rohingya who had fled into Bangladesh. That number has now tripled to nearly 380,000 and people are arriving hungry and malnourished and finding shelter in makeshift settlements or with host communities.

"I urge all countries to do what they can for humanitarian assistance to be provided," Guterres said. He also called on Myanmar authorities to ensure delivery of aid by UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and others.

The humanitarian community has this week launched a $77 million appeal to aid some of the stateless refugees for the next three months.

The Muslim Rohingyas have been fleeing from Myanmar (Burma) by the thousands. The Rohingya are a minority ethnic group located in Myanmar's western Rakhine state and are considered to be a variation of the Sunni religion. Since the Rohingya are considered to be illegal Bengali immigrants and were denied recognition as a religion by the government of Myanmar, the dominant group, the Rakhine, rejects the label "Rohingya" and have started to persecute the Rohingya.

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The police apprehended an Australian citizen with satellite phone in Uttarakhand's Badrinath.

On that note, no one, except the security forces, are allowed to use satellite phones in India.

According to the police report, Ian John, the residents of Queensland, Australia was arrested from Dehradun's Alakapuri after he was found carrying the phone, late Tuesday night.

He has been booked under the charges of Indian Telegraph Act and Indian Wireless Act.

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Indian origin Vatican priest Father Tom Uzhunnalil has thanked the Government of India for facilitating his rescue from Yemen over a year after he was abducted by a terror group.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to Father Tom Uzhunnalil and said, "He profusely thanked the Government of India, especially the Prime Minister for efforts to rescue him."

"He has also conveyed his thanks to the people of India for their concern and prayers for his release. He also conveyed his thanks to the governments and people who helped in his rescue mission," she said in a series of tweets, adding that India thanks Oman and Yemen for rescuing him.

Swaraj on Tuesday confirmed that Father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was abducted by Islamic militants in Yemen last year, had reached the Vatican.

Meanwhile, preparations have begun at his residence in Kerala's Kottayam district to welcome him.

Father Uzhunnalil was rescued on Tuesday.

He was reportedly kidnapped on March 4, 2016 by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) in Yemen, when they attacked a retirement home in Aden run by the Missionaries of Charity, killing sixteen people, including four nuns.

The Indian government, last year, confirmed that efforts were underway to ensure his early release.

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A Chinese military strategist, who termed the settlement of the India-China border standoff in the Doklam area as '"one of the best results possible", said that war must be last resort to settle disputes.

"The reason why so many Chinese people paid attention to the China-India border standoff in the Doklam area is that they are unfamiliar with China's strategic positioning," Chinese state media Global Times quoted Qiao Liang, a Major General in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and a military strategist, as saying.

"Many people would say that the road construction in China's territory was none of India's business. Is this belief right? It is reasonable to some extent because road construction in this area is not a matter of right and wrong, but we need to understand that it is not always right to do something right at any time. Only doing the right thing at the right time is correct," he stated.

"If they had a clear understanding of China's strategic positioning, they would know that the settlement of the Doklam stand-off was one of the best results possible," he added.

Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a tense border stand-off for over two months at Doklam, near the Sikkim-Tibet-Bhutan tri-junction but on the afternoon of August 28, both China and India agreed for expeditious disengagement of border personnel at the face-off site.

The strategist stated that there was an impression that only war can demonstrate China's power,"But resorting to war is irresponsible for the country and the country's future as war has always been the last resort to solve problems. Whenever there may be a way to solve a conflict without war, war should be avoided.

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All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) sidelined deputy general secretary TTV on Wednesday said that he would never go with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), amid speculations that his faction would part ways from the merged factions of chief minister E Palanisamy and his predecessor O Panneerselvam.

"I have told the governor to ask Palanisamy to prove their majority. To protect our party, I will go to any extent," he said, adding that his faction has 21 MLAs on its side.

Earlier on Tuesday, invited the EPS-OPS faction of the AIADMK for a face fresh election, if they believe they have the majority in support.

"Most ministers (Tamil Nadu) are fearing that they will lose elections, that is why they are accusing us of conniving with the DMK," said.

"You (EPS-OPS) claim you have support of party workers, so if you have the guts, let us face fresh elections," he said.

Dinakaran even swore to throw the ruling Tamil Nadu Government out of power.

The AIADMK, in its general council meeting, passed a resolution, according to which jailed party general secretary VK Sasikala stands expelled from the party and the post of the temporary general secretary forfeited.

The resolution further said that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, E Palanisamy and his deputy, O Panneerselvam, shall retrieve the party and its symbol.

Other terms of the resolution state that all announcements by TTV Dinakaran stand cancelled.
Zillonlife, an Indian home security and lifestyle company concluded its first annual festival, Z-Fest 2017, held in Goa, to a rousing reception. The training and development event curated by the company successfully inspired Zillonlife's IBCs to excel in the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Z-Fest also witnessed the successful launch of two new product lines in the healthcare segment. Air Purifier was launched under the company's flagship Lifecorder brand, while Premium Natural Honey was launched as a brand extension of Sierra Brew.

"Our new line of products embodies bringing positive lifestyle changes. The rate at which urban air pollution has grown across India is alarming. At the same time, our immunity levels have gone down. Since people spend 80 percent of their time indoors, our Air Purifier will allow them to reduce the level of contaminants and improve the quality of air indoors. With the introduction of our healthcare range of products to the Indian market, we aim to contribute to public health in a positive way," said Anubhav Bhatia, Head of Sales and Marketing, Zillonlife.

Market sources estimate the air purifier market in India to be around Rs. 120 crore, with a near 35 percent annual growth rate. The domestic honey market, on the other hand, is estimated at Rs. 700 crore, growing at 15-20 percent annually.

The two innovative product lines launched resonates well with the young and dynamic IBCs of the company who want to lead a healthy lifestyle and get more out of each day.

Lifecorder Health Pure Air Purifier has a combination of the best air filters for most effective purification:

Pre Filter: For large particles, hair and dust

Activated Charcoal: Protects you from chemicals, organic compounds and odour

HEPA filter: For harmful particles including PM 2.5

Ioniser: Ionises air to further remove harmful particles

Features:

Air quality sensor: Real time monitor with level indicator

Composite filter: For 360 degree protection

Touch button, function display on LED screen

Speed: Auto, Low, Normal, High

Timer: One, two, four, eight hours

Negative ion

Sleep mode

Filter replacement indicator

One of the highlights of the event was about showcasing the potential of direct sales in India. In this age of globalization, advancements in information technology and increased connectivity, the realm of marketing has undergone a sea change. Indian direct selling market still has a long way to go compared to our western counterparts, and the best is yet to come.

Apart from the minimum cost and low risk involved in direct selling, the popularity of this model stems from the fact that the people engaged in direct sales are able to provide a personal touch to their interactions with customers. There is no prerequisite for formal qualifications and provides tremendous flexibility of working hours. In a sense, direct sellers are new age entrepreneurs and their own bosses.

In the wake of the growth of the industry and to cater to the company's distributors and customers in South India, Zillonlife recently launched its Bengaluru regional office.

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In order to improve the economic condition of the farmers, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has set up an ambitious target in front of the nation. The goal is to double the income of the farmers by 2022. It has been for the first time, a Prime Minister has put such a target in front of the compatriots for the welfare of the farmers. Under the able guidance of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry has to achieve this target by 2022.

The Ministry is committed to making his dreams come true. Farmers and officers are implementing schemes to increase the income of the farmers. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) organised pledge taking ceremonies in 562 districts of the country between August 19 to September 11, 2017, as a clarion call to farmers to double their income by 2022 and a total of 47,08,47 farmers and agricultural workers participated in it.

KVKs organised this program in the 562 districts of the country. The program saw the participation of the State Government and the Central Government officers, Agricultural Officers, Students and a large number of farmers in each district.

Speaker Smt. Sumitra Mahajan attended one of the events.

In two places, the Governor of the respective states participated.

Chief Ministers of three states attended four pledge-taking ceremonies.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh attended five ceremonies.

49 Central Ministers participated in pledge taking ceremonies at 79 locations (Districts).

In 284 places (Districts), Members of Parliament attended the program.

In 111 locations (Districts), State Ministers attended the program.

In 350 locations (Districts), the MLAs attended the program.

In 398 places (Districts), Chairman of District Panchayat attended the program.

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for development of six laning of Narasannapeta-Ranastalam section of National Highway (NH) - 16 (old NH-5) in Andhra Pradesh.

The cost is estimated to be Rs.1423 crore including cost of land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities. The total length of the six laningroad to be developed is approximately 54 km.

This work will be done under National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase V on Hybrid Annuity Mode.

The major industrial development centres that will be benefitted with better connectivity from the project corridor are APIIC SEZ, Pydibhimavaram, Bhogapuram Airport, Vizag Steel Plant, Visakhapatnam Port, Gangavaram Port, Divi'S Laboratories Limited & INS Varsha. The projected traffic in 2016-17 on this stretch is about 33000 PCUs per day. Keeping in view the expected traffic growth in the near future, the expansion to from existing four Lanes to Six lanes is a very timely step taken by the Government of India.

The provision for two by-passes will ensure decongestion of the urban areas of Etcherla and Ranastalam. Similarly, the 29 flyovers/ VUPs/CUPs would facilitate fast movement of traffic in the project reach while simultaneously decongesting the areas. Three trucks parking will facilitate smooth movement of freight traffic. The truck drivers would also benefit from the amenities in one rest area being developed.

On both sides, provision for service roads in 37 km of the project stretch, slip roads in about 43 km and bus bays at 42 locations will benefit safe, comfortable and smooth movement of long distance commercial traffic as well as movement of local traffic in inhabited/urbanized areas.

? The project would also increase employment potential for local labourers from project activities. It has been estimated that a total number of 4076 mandays are required for construction of one kilometre of highway. As such, employment potential of 2,21,000 (approx.) mandays will be generated locally during the construction period of this stretch. Consequent self-employment due to improved traffic conditions would be in addition.

Background:

At present, the existing road is two-lane and passes through urban habitations of Narasannapeta,Madapam, Singipurma, Pedapadu, Seepannaidupeta, Navabharatnagar, Chilakapalem, Budumuru, Bonthupeta and Laveru. National Highway No-16 (Old NH-5), a part of Golden Quadrilateral, connects Chennai in the State of Tamilnadu and Kolkata in the State of West Bengal, and passes through Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. The development to six-lane of this road with bypasses at Etcherla&Ranastalam, and construction of 29 flyovers/VUPs/CUPs would greatly reduce travel time and Vehicle Operating Costs as well as help in expediting the improvement of infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh state. This road is part of the high-density traffic corridor namely Kolkata-Cuttack-Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada-Chennai.

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the 161 km long Barabanki-Akbarpur doubling project at a completion cost of Rs. 1,310.23 crore and is likely to be completed by 2021-22. The project will cover the districts of Barabanki and Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh and will benefit the entire route from Lucknow to Varanasi via Faizabad.

At present delay of trains in Barabanki to Varanasi is high and Express trains are taking up to 7-15 hours for covering a distance of just 323 kms.

Present capacity utilization from Barabanki to Faizabad is 146.5% and from Faizabad to Akbarpur it is 152.6%. The doubling project will ensure higher speeds, reduce train delays, enhance safety by allowing more time for block maintenance and provide additional capacity for future increase in traffic.

Doubling will not only decongest the entire route from Lucknow to Varanasi but also lead to economic prosperity and overall development of the region. Further, by easing the connectivity to Varanasi often referred to as the Spiritual Capital of India and the Holy city of Ayodhya will give a boost to pilgrimage, tourism and their local economy.

It will also improve movement of coal to Tanda Power Plant near Akbarpur thereby ensuring reliable coal supplies and lead to 24x7 Affordable Power for All.

In addition, this project will generate direct employment during construction for about 38.64 lakh mandays.

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for a significant project to acquire 48,243 Line Kilometer (LKM) 2D seismic data for appraisal of Indian sedimentary basins where limited data is available.

The project will help in increasing the investments in domestic production of oil and gas. The project will be implemented by NOCs, i.e. Oil India Limited (OIL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). OIL will conduct survey in North - Eastern States while remaining area will be covered by ONGC. Survey work will be carried out in 24 States.

Total estimated cost of the entire project is Rs. 2932.99 crore spread over five years. Initially National Oil Companies (NOCs) are meeting the fund requirement from their own sources, which will be reimbursed by the Government.

Entire project is likely to be completed by 2019-20. Directorate General of Hydrocarbons is monitoring the project and reviewing the progress on monthly basis.

Project involves engagement of large number of workers at local level where work is to be executed.

This is likely to generate direct as well as indirect employment for about 11,000 people in the form of skilled and unskilled workers and suppliers for support services. After the appraisal of these basins, and based on the prospectivity of the area, blocks will be offered for further exploration & production activities which will further generate employment.

Background:

India has 26 sedimentary basins covering an area of 3.14 Million Sq Km spread over onland, shallow water and deep water. An area of about 1.502 Million Sq. Km i.e. 48% of total sedimentary basin area does not have adequate geo-scientific data. As a base to launch future Exploration and Production (E&P) activities, appraisal of all unappraised areas has been considered an important task. The preparatory work started in 2015-16 and actual survey work started in 2016-17 and more than 9100 LKM 2D seismic data has been acquired till July, 2017.

Data acquisition is important as it helps in giving the initial insight into the basins and helps in planning the future E&P activities. It will be useful in deciding the focus areas of the exploration activities in the country and on the basis of this primary data, E&P companies would take up further exploration activities in the acreages allocated to them.

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Divi's Laboratories jumped 7.23% to Rs 863 at 14:35 IST on BSE, with the stock extending previous session's surge on prospect of receiving US drug regulator's clearance for Unit II of its Visakhapatnam facility.

The stock had surged 11.83% to Rs 804.80 yesterday, 12 September 2017. The stock has galloped 24.21% in four sessions to its ruling price, from a close of Rs 694.75 on 7 September 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 113.99 points, or 0.35% to 32,272.65.

High volume was witnessed on the counter. On the BSE, 8.36 lakh shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volumes of 2.3 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 863.15 and a low of Rs 793.05 so far during the day. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 1,380 on 16 September 2016. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 533.10 on 29 May 2017.

The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 12 September 2017, gaining 28.39% compared with the Sensex's 3.03% gains. The stock had also outperformed the market over the past one quarter, rising 24.29% as against the Sensex's 3.42% rise. The scrip had, however, underperformed the market over the past one year, falling 38.27% as against the Sensex's 13.42% rise.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 53.09 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2.

The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) is reportedly inspecting the Unit II of Divi's Laboratories' Visakhapatnam facility. The inspection which started on Monday, 11 September 2017 is expected to conclude in a week's time according to the report.

The USFDA had issued an import alert on the Unit II of the company in March and a warning letter to the same in May. The plants that are on FDA's import alert are not permitted to export drugs to the US. However, after receiving clearance from the European regulatory, it is speculated that the USFDA inspection of Unit II will conclude smoothly.

Divi's Laboratories had said in April that USFDA had exempted some more products manufactured at the company's Unit-II at Visakhapatnam from the import alert issued under clauses 66-40 & 99-32 of the FDA regulations.

Divi's Laboratories' net profit fell 41.5% to Rs 176.54 crore on 19.3% decline in net sales to Rs 821.20 crore in Q1 June 2017 over Q1 June 2016.

Divi's Laboratories is primarily engaged in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) & intermediates for generics; custom synthesis of API's and advanced intermediates for discovery compounds for pharma giants; building blocks for peptides; building blocks for nucleotides; carotenoids; and chiral ligands.

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Receives bids for 1.21 crore shares

The initial public offer (IPO) of Matrimony.com received bids for 1.21 crore shares on the third and final day of bidding for the IPO, data on NSE showed as at 18:15 IST. The IPO was subscribed 4.32 times. The price band of the IPO has been fixed at Rs 983 to Rs 985 per equity share of face value of Rs 5 each. The IPO opened on 11 September 2017 and closes today, 13 September 2017.

Ahead of the IPO, the IPO committee of the board of directors of Matrimony.com on Friday, 8 September 2017, finalised allocation of 22.93 lakh shares to 10 anchor investors at Rs 985 per share aggregating to Rs 225.88 crore. The anchor investors included Small Cap World Fund, Goldman Sachs India, HDFC Trustee Company and Baring Private Equity India among others.

The IPO of Matrimony.com is comprised of a fresh issue of shares aggregating up to Rs 130 crore and an offer for sale of up to 37.67 lakh equity shares by the selling shareholders.

The proceeds of the IPO will be utilized for advertising & business promotion activities, purchase & development of office premises in Chennai, repayment of overdraft facilities, procurement of hardware & software requirements and general corporate purposes.

Matrimony.com is the leading provider of online matchmaking services in India in terms of the average number of website pages viewed by unique visitors in June 2017. Company's brand, BharatMatrimony.com and other matchmaking brands such as CommunityMatrimony.com and EliteMatrimony.com are well- established in India.

Matrimony.com reported consolidated net profit of Rs 43.79 crore in the year ended 31 March 2017 (FY 2017) compared with net loss of Rs 75.07 in FY 2016. Revenue from operations rose 14.91% to Rs 292.82 crore in FY 2017 over FY 2016.

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To build e-licensing system under Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program

The Ohio Department of Commerce has selected Presistent Systems to design and build the e-licensing system for tracking various industry licenses required by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. The systems, expected to go live in early 2018, will integrate with the State's large e-licensing platform as well as the State's payment gateway (CBOSS). Persistent will leverage its collaborative development center in Dublin, Ohio to set up the team.

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S H Kelkar and Company gained 2.58% to Rs 264 at 10:15 IST on BSE after the company announced that its board of directors approved acquisition of VN Creative Chemicals.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 12 September 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 63.99 points, or 0.2%, to 32,222.65. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 81.97 points, or 0.51%, to 16,119.06.

On the BSE, 2,209 shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volume of 20,761 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 267.40 and a low of Rs 262 so far during the day. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 361.90 on 4 January 2017. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 236.60 on 31 August 2017.

The stock had dropped 3.14% in three sessions to settle at Rs 257.35 yesterday, 12 September 2017, from a close of Rs 265.70 on 7 September 2017.

The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 12 September 2017, gaining 3.13% compared with the Sensex's 3.03% gains. The stock had, however, underperformed the market over the past one quarter, declining 11.09% as against the Sensex's 3.42% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market over the past one year, dropping 14.76% as against the Sensex's 13.42% rise.

The mid-cap company has equity capital of Rs 144.62 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

VN Creative Chemicals (VNCC) is into the business of aromatic chemicals and has acquired MIDC leasehold land at Mahad in Maharashtra alongwith manufacturing facility constructed theron for Rs 13.59 crore. The purpose of acquisition is to acquire control of land and manufacturing facility owned by VNCC.

The investment is part of the earlier envisaged strategic cost saving initiative in the overseas fragrance division, which will allow the company greater flexibility in backend manufacturing operations and leverage its existing presence in a low cost and high quality centre like India.

The company expects to execute the initiative by end of this fiscal and showcase higher operational efficiency in the fragrance division from FY 2018-19 onwards. VNCC has been incorporated recently and is yet to commence business operations.

VNCC acquisition is targeted to close in September 2017. The acquisition would be acquiring 100% share capital at face value to be paid in cash. Requisite approvals and consents in connections with the acquisition have been obtained.

S H Kelkar and Company's consolidated net profit fell 2.5% to Rs 26.79 crore on 8.1% decline in net sales to Rs 233.92 crore in Q1 June 2017 over Q1 June 2016.

S H Kelkar and Company along with its subsidiaries is engaged in the manufacture, supply and exports of fragrances (including aroma ingredients) and flavours.

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At least two Egyptian soldiers and five militants were killed on Wednesday when security forces foiled a terror operation in the restive North Sinai Province bordering Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, the Egyptian military said.

"One of the extremists wearing an explosives belt attempted to break into a military checkpoint, but the forces were alert and they killed him and directly dealt with his fellows," Military Spokesman Tamer al-Refaay said in a statement.

The clashes came two days after a massive terror operation in North Sinai's city of Arish left 18 policemen dead, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Sunday, police said they killed 10 in Giza Province near the capital Cairo, adding that they were extremists escaping from North Sinai and preparing for carrying out a number of terror operations.

Egypt has been suffering a wave of terror activities that killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers since the military toppled former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year rule and his currently-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Terror attacks in Egypt used to focus on police and military personnel in North Sinai, before spreading nationwide and targeting the Coptic minority, with most of them claimed by a Sinai-based group loyal to the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian military and police have killed hundreds of militants and arrested a similar number of suspects as part of the country's anti-terror war declared by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the army chief then, following Morsi's removal.

--IANS

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet US President Donald Trump next week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York, an official said on Wednesday.

The Palestinian leadership remains worried about "the unclear position of the American administration, especially with regards to the settlement activity and the two-state solution", Fatah Party Spokesman Nasser Al-Qudwa told reporters at a press conference here.

It remains unclear whether the Abbas-Trump meeting would speed up the ongoing peace process, after US envoys have held a series of meetings with both Israeli and Palestinian officials since Trump took office in January, Xinhua news agency reported.

The current movements in the UN corridors are meant to confront counter-movements by Israel and it's international allies, such as their efforts to change the mandate of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and become a member of the Security Council, Al-Qudwa, also commissioner of and Culture, said.

"I anticipate a serious defeat for Israel in the case of its candidacy for membership at the Security Council," he said.

Israel has been trying to secure a seat at the UN Security Council since 2000, by getting votes of at least one third of the 193-member council.

Palestinian diplomacy has been focusing on lobbying against the candidacy of Israel by bolstering ties with geographical blocs in the UN, particularly the African bloc which has nearly 60 member-state votes.

The next elections for the UN Security Council membership will be held in July 2018, 10 members to be elected next to five permanent members: China, the US, Russia, France and Britain.

--IANS

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday filed a chargesheet against the woman director of a Dubai-based company in a money laundering case related to AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

The chargesheet was filed before Special Judge Arvind Kumar, who listed the matter for further hearing on September 19.

The ED has chargesheeted Shivani Saxena under various charges dealing with Prevention of Money Laundering Act. It is the second supplementary chargesheet filed in the case.

The ED in June last year filed first supplementary chargesheet against British Christian Michel James, Delhi-based Media Exim Pvt Ltd and its Director R.K. Nanda and former Director J.B. Subramaniyam in its ongoing money laundering probe in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

The first chargesheet was filed in the case in November 2014 against businessman Gautam Khaitan, his wife Ritu, Chandigarh-based firm Aeromatrix and two alleged Italian middlemen Guido Ralph Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

The chargesheet disclosed that the three alleged middlemen managed to make inroads into the Indian Air Force to influence and subvert its stand regarding reducing the service ceiling of helicopters from 6,000 metres to 4,500 metres in 2005 after which AgustaWestland became eligible to supply a dozen helicopters for VVIP flying duties.

Shivani, wife of Rajeev Shamsher Bahadur Saxena, a resident of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, was arrested on July 17.

Public Prosecutor Navin Matta told the court that there is enough evidence to initiate proceedings against her.

The ED has alleged that Shivani and her husband Rajeev are partners and directors in Dubai-based companies UHY Saxena and Matrix Holdings Ltd, through which proceeds of crime were routed and used in buying the immovable properties and shares.

According to the agency, Britain-based AgustaWestland International Ltd paid 58 million euros as kickbacks, through Tunisia-based Gordian Services Sarl and IDS Sarl, who transferred the money to Mauritius-based Interstellar Technologies Ltd in the guise of consultancy contracts and this, in turn, sent the money to these two Dubai companies.

Saxena was the second accused arrested by the Directorate in the case. In 2014, the agency had arrested lawyer Gautam Khaitan for his alleged role in routing the kickbacks in the purchase of 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopters. Currently Khaitan is out on bail.

The case is based on the investigation being conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation, which had also arrested former IAF chief S.P. Tyagi and two others in connection with the case in 2016.
Airports in Andhra Pradesh have registered 16 percent growth in passenger traffic this year, it was announced on Wednesday.

The airports handled 17.42 lakh passengers in April-August this year, against 15.05 lakh during the same period last year, it was revealed at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu here on Wednesday to review infrastructure.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister's office, the air connectivity will further improve in coming months with the introduction of more flights.

From October, non-stop Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) flights will commence from Visakhapatnam to Jagdalpur and from Kadapa to Vijayawada.

Under RCS, Kadapa is connected to Hyderabad and will be connected to Vijayawada by TruJet and Chennai by TruJet and Air Odisha. Visakhapatnam will be connected to Jagdalpur by Air Odisha.

Zoom Air has proposed operations on Delhi, Pune, Vijayawada, Mumbai, Surat routes from October. The government is currently pursuing the slot at Mumbai airport for Zoom Air and SpiceJet, it said.

International operations will be launched at Tirupati and Vijayawada and for this the approvals for the customs and immigration have been received. The airlines will be finalised soon.

The Chief Minister suggested that an airport near Anantapur will be a good idea as it will provide good connectivity to Amaravati and Bengaluru.

The ports traffic in all the state witnessed an overall growth of 8 per cent.

The meeting was also informed that that the tenders for the Natural Gas pipeline from Kakinada to Visakhapatnam for 180 km were received from four qualified bidders. The laying of the pipeline will commence next month, and will be completed by December 2018.

Officials said 12 waste-to-energy plants with a total capacity of 70 MW were commissioned.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress on the logistics and energy universities in Kakinada and Anantapur respectively.

It was also decided that AP State Fibernet Limited will commence functioning next month. The target of one lakh AIPTV boxes will be achieved by the month-end. More than 51,000 boxes had already arrived.

SpaceAce Architects, Planners and Designers presented their proposal for Science City in Tirupati. They proposed seven museums, representing the seven hills and paying a tribute to seven of the best architects in the world.

The seven museums will be: Museum of Arts & Science, Museum of Air, Space & Defence, Children's Museum, Media Museum, Museum of Transport, Museum of Human Evolution & Anthropology and Indoor Rainforest & Museum of Biodiversity.

--IANS

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Amid frenzied drum beats and a shower of flower petals, BJP President Amit Shah on Wednesday visited a party activist's house here for lunch and interacted with his family.

On the final day of his three-day tour of the city, Shah, accompanied by other national and state Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, reached the house of Manas Sen on Lock Gate Road in north Kolkata's Cossipore.

Hundreds of BJP activists and other curious onlookers gathered outside 46 HR Lock Gate Road since morning to have a glimpse of their leader, who is making all efforts to connect with the grassroots level of the party in Bengal where the BJP is planning to make fast inroads.

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Shah ate rice, dal, potato and parwal fries, vegetables, papaya chutney, salad and sweets on an earthen plate with state BJP president Dilip Ghosh by his side. The party's national General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and national Secretary Rahul Sinha were also present.

Visibly ecstatic about the BJP chief's visit, Sen's family members said they were happy that Shah liked the arrangements and thanked him for listening to their woes.

The family are old supporters of the BJP.

"He liked the food. We arranged a complete Bengali platter for him. He tried all the dishes. We are very happy and honoured by his visit," said Sen's elder sister, who cooked the food along with other women in the house.

Sen, who works in the sales department of a private retail store, said Shah inquired about the party's local infrastructure and asked him to get in touch with the party leadership in case of any problems.

"He asked me about the party's local infrastructure and how it is functioning in the area. I told him it is improving in spite of the obstacles. I am sure the enthusiasm among the local BJP supporters would increase after his visit," he claimed.

During his last visit to the state, Shah had lunch in the house of a Dalit couple in north Bengal's Naxalbari and also visited the residence of a sugarcane seller in Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee's constituency in South Kolkata's Bhawanipore.

--IANS

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Amnesty International on Wednesday urged the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir government to immediately ban pellet-firing shotguns in the Kashmir Valley as it has been responsible for blinding and traumatising hundreds of people.

In a briefing here themed 'Losing Sight in Kashmir: The Impact of Pellet-Firing Shotguns', the international human rights organisation called the government irresponsible as authorities continue the use of pellet shotguns despite being aware of the damage they do.

Stating that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech said that change in Kashmir will not come from guns or abuses, Amnesty said that if the government truly meant this, they must end the use of pellet-firing shotguns, which have caused immense suffering in Kashmir.

"Authorities claim the pellet shotgun is not lethal, but the injuries and deaths caused by this cruel weapon bear testimony to how dangerous, inaccurate and indiscriminate it is," said Aakar Patel, Executive Director at Amnesty International India.

During the briefing, Amnesty presented 88 cases where the victims had lost their eyesight due to the metal pellets fired from pump-action shotguns used by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force between 2014 and 2017.

According to the global body, people injured by pellet guns have faced serious physical and mental health issues, including symptoms of psychological trauma.

School and university students who were hit in the eyes said that they continue to have learning difficulties. Several victims who were the primary breadwinners for their families fear they will not be able to work any longer. Many have not regained their eyesight despite repeated surgeries.

"In some cases, those injured by pellet guns still have the metal pellets lodged in their skulls. Doctors have been afraid to remove the pellets, fearing that it will affect eyesight, but they are not sure what the long-term effects will be," said Zahoor Wani, Senior Campaigner at Amnesty International India.

Wani said the state government has done little to support those injured and disabled by this weapon.

Amnesty International has also urged the state to initiate prompt, independent and impartial civilian investigations into all incidents where the use of pellet-firing shotguns led to deaths or injuries.

This investigation will establish if arbitrary or excessive force was used, and if sufficient evidence is found then prosecute those suspected of responsibility in civilian courts.

--IANS

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A security officer of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) was found dead here in the early hours of Wednesday, police said.

A senior police officer told IANS that deceased Sumer Singh, who was a security officer with the Azadpur APMC in north-west Delhi, was found dead near the APMC building at around 5.30 a.m on Wednesday.

The officer said the body was taken to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital for autopsy, adding that several wounds were found on the body of the victim.

Another police officer privy to the case told IANS that the death was caused due to bullet injuries.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Milind Mahadeo Dumbere, however, did not confirm whether Singh actually died due to bullet injuries, saying they were waiting for the autopsy report to establish the cause of death.

--IANS

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Rome, Sep 13 (IANS/AKI) A 20-year-old Belgian tourist on Wednesday claimed an Israeli tried to rape her on the steps of one of Rome's most famous churches, the Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli, above the central Piazza Venezia.

Three police officers on duty at Rome's Campidoglio town hall intervened when they head the Belgian woman screaming at around 4 am and took her and the 26-year-old Israeli in for questioning. Police also interviewed several people who had spent the evening drinking with the Belgian woman and the Israeli in a nearby Irish pub.

The Belgian tourist said he had chatted to the Israeli at the Irish pub and he told her he worked at Rome's Fiumicino airport. The pair then took a walk to the nearby Piazza dell'Aracoeli and when they began to walk up the stairs to the basilica, the Israeli began trying to kiss the Belgian and to rape her, she told police.

Just days earlier, a 23-year-old Bangladeshi man was arrested for trying to rape a 19-year-old Finnish babysitter near Rome's central Termini railway station

The Bangladeshi allegedly attacked the Finnish woman, hit her over the head with a large rock and stole 40 euros from her early on Sunday after offering to give her a lift home in his car when she couldn't find a taxi.

--IANS/AKI

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The CPI-M's West Bengal State Secretariat on Wednesday recommended summary expulsion of party MP Ritabrata Banerjee on charge of serious breach of party discipline, sources said.

The recommendation, however, was not publicly announced as it has to be ratified by the party Central Committee, the sources said.

Communist Party of India-Marxist State Secretary Surjya Kant Misra refused to give details.

"You will come to know about the decision when it is publicly announced at the appropriate time. I have seen a lot of people come and go," he said.

The move came after the parliamentarian, in an interview with a television channel, had taken a dig at the party leadership and accused the leadership of being anti-Bengali.

Rajya Sabha MP Banerjee has courted controversy in the past. He was suspended by the party on June 2 for three months over his alleged lavish lifestyle, being accused of spending Rs.69.25 lakh on travel expenses in a year.

The CPI-M West Bengal state committee had in August recommended punitive action against party Rajya Sabha member over lifestyle-related allegations. Mishra had said the three-member commission formed to look into the allegations found basis in the charges, though the final decision would be taken by the Central Committee.

The party had in February issued a "public warning" to Banerjee for threatening a party supporter who had raised questions in the social media about the source of funds of the young leader's expensive watch and pen.

--IANS

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Formula One's Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas signed a one-year contract extension to remain with Mercedes until the end of 2018, the Silver Arrows announced on Wednesday.

Bottas joined Mercedes in early 2017 to replace the 2016 world champion German Nico Rosberg, who had announced his retirement just days after winning his maiden and only title, reports Efe news agency.

"Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport is pleased to announce that it has agreed a new deal with Valtteri Bottas for the 2018 Formula 1 season," the team said in a statement.

The 28-year-old Bottas is currently in the third spot on the 2017 Driver Standings with 197 points.

"This season alone, Valtteri has so far secured nine podiums - equalling the number of podiums he scored in his Formula 1 career before this season," the team highlighted.

Bottas said he was delighted to extend his contract with the defending champion.

"I am honoured and proud to continue to work with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport in 2018 and to remain part of the Mercedes family," Bottas said.

"Together, we continue to grow stronger day by day, and by keeping up our hard work I believe the sky is the limit," he added.

--IANS

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The Election Commission has announced the bypoll for Vengara assembly constituency in Malappuram in Kerala on October 11, officials said on Wednesday.

The by-election became necessary after sitting legislator and top top Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader P.K. Kunhalikutty vacated the seat after he was elected from the Malappuram Lok Sabha constituency in April this year.

In the 2016 assembly polls, Kunhalikutty humbled his nearest rival candidate of the CPI-M led Left Democratic Front by 38,057 votes, one of the highest margins in the state.

In this year's Lok sabha by-election, he increased his margin from the constituency, which comes under the Malappuram Lok sabha constituency to 40,529 votes.

"Our aim is to ensure that our candidate wins with a bigger majority than before, which is not going to be a tough thing. I am also free now for the campaign," said Kunhalikutty.

The IUML began its campaign last week, even before the poll date was announced, with the entire top brass of the Congress-led UDF arriving for the first election convention.

The ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) is yet to announce its candidate.

September 22 is the last date of filing nominations.

--IANS

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The government cannot change fuel prices on a knee-jerk basis, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday on a day when stocks of state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) tanked by as much as eight per cent following recent hikes in transport fuel prices.

"The government cannot change fuel pricing on a knee-jerk basis," Pradhan told reporters here, noting that global crude oil prices had recently gone up as much as 15 per cent owing to production being hit in the US owing to the impact of multiple hurricanes.

"The government will not interfere in the day-to-day functioning of the OMCs... for the last three years, the pricing mechanism has been linked to the market," he said.

The Petroleum Minister said that while hurricanes Irma and Harvey had hit refinery production in Texas, USA, by as much as 13 per cent, he expected global crude prices to ease in the near future.

He said the international prices of petrol and diesel have recently gone up by 18 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.

The Indian basket of imported crude oils gained nearly $3.50 a barrel during last week even as petrol prices in the country touched their highest levels since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office three years ago, official data showed on Monday.

The Indian basket, comprising 73 per cent sour-grade Dubai and Oman crudes, and the balance in sweet-grade Brent, closed trade on the weekend on Friday at $53.63 per barrel. The oil basket had gained over a dollar at the start of last week on Monday to close at $51.34 for a barrel of 159 litres.

Meanwhile, under the daily revision of fuel prices, petrol in Mumbai on Monday cost Rs 79.41 a litre, breaching the level it last touched in August 2014. Petrol per litre on that day cost Rs 70.30 in Delhi, Rs 73.05 in Kolkata and Rs 72.87 in Chennai.

Petroleum products do not come under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and prices vary at locations according to state taxes.

"GST is the only way to have a rational price mechanism for petroleum products.. the industry has been demanding it and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley (who heads the GST Council) is very interested to have it," Pradhan said, pointing to the substantial difference in prices between Delhi and Mumbai, for instance, on account of local taxes.

Pradhan also said that the decision on reducing the cess on petroleum products rests with the Finance Ministry, adding that this revenue, however, allowed the government to increase social sector spending.

With crude oil prices plunging last year, the government levied cess on petrol in order to mop up extra revenue for the exchequer.

--IANS

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Catalan police on Tuesday evacuated the Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona as part of an "anti-terrorist operation" following a bomb scare which later turned out as false alarm.

Experts belonging to Spanish bomb disposal unit TEDAX were called to the scene to examine a van which was parked close to the site, Xinhua news agency reported.

The announcement was made at around 8:30 p.m. local time after the police evacuated the symbol of Barcelona and closed its metro station.

The police tweeted, "as part of an anti-terrorist operation, we are carrying out checks and have sealed off the area," adding that the streets "Provenca, Rosello and Sardenya " had been closed and advising people likely to pass the area to find an alternative route.

The evacuation coincided with FC Barcelona's debut in the Champions League under strict security measures with the police asking for "patience" from supporters.

It is thought that the Sagrada Familia was one of the targets originally chosen by the perpetrators who carried out the August 17 attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils in which 16 people lost their lives.

Barcelona is on Level 4 on the level of threat for terrorist attack, the report said.

--IANS

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When Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and wife were on their way to Sabarmati Ashram, Himanshu Sitapara, all of 25, was getting getting police phone calls and visits from police to ensure he remained at home in Viramgam in Ahmedabad district. So was Kirit Rathod of Navsarjan Trust which works for and with Dalits.

It took three days for Himanshu to file an FIR alleging abuses by a senior HR Department staffer over his Dalit identity after he was denied a job in the Japanese firm Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd in Vithalapur village, 22 km from his hometown Viramgam.

Himanshu, backed by Rathod and other Dalits, want the officer at the Vithalapur plant arrested and action against a police sub-inspector who was reluctant to take his complaint on September 9 and for two more days.

They had threatened that if action was not taken, the Dalits from the region would show black flags against Prime Minister Abe.

Himanshu said: "I want action. For me, more important than the abuses on my caste which I am accustomed to is the loss of my job. I provided all the documents and everything but I was driven out because I could not pay the bribe (the HR officer) was demanding.

"I can't move out and so also Kiritbhai. We want to express our protest before the Japanese Prime Minister, but the police are ensuring we don't. There is pressure on our people that we had it if we try anything."

Hired for his ITI diploma in welding and cutting, Himanshu got the job at the Honda plant as a technical assistant but was asked to pay Rs 5,000 to the HR officer.

"When I told him I didn't have that kind of money, he started abusing me... He used Gujarati expletives... He drove me out and asked me to find a sweeper's job somewhere which, according to him, suited me better."

The police have started investigations under a Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Scheduled Castes/Schedules Tribes cell and invoked the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Section 504 of the Indian Penal Code.

--IANS

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Defence establishments in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab have been put on a high alert after intelligence inputs that a Pathankot style attack may take place.

Informed sources said there were inputs of around eight Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, who infiltrated into India, had headed towards Punjab.

The intelligence inputs said the terrorists may be targeting army and air force installations in Jammu region and Punjab to carry out a Pathankot-style attack, following which all bases have been asked to be on high alert.

On January 2, 2016, an Indian Air Force base in Pathankot was attacked, leaving seven security personnel and a civilian dead and 37 security personnel and one civilian injured. All four terrorists, who were from Pakistan, were killed.

After the Pathankot attack, the biggest attack on an army establishment came at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, 2016, when four heavily-armed terrorists attacked the army camp there, leaving 19 soldiers dead. The Uri army camp had also come under attack on December 5, 2015, when 8 soldiers and three policemen were killed, along with six militants.

Again on November 29, 2016, seven army personnel, including two officers, were killed in Nagrota after suicide bombers armed with guns and grenades stormed the military base near Jammu. Three attackers were also gunned down on the base campus, while three other militants died in a shootout with security forces near the International Border with Pakistan.

--IANS

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An intensive challan drive will be started in the city from Monday against unauthorized parking and encroachment of roads, an official statement from the Lieutenant Governor's office said on Wednesday.

Lt Governor Anil Baijal directed Special Commissioner of Traffic Police to start an awareness campaign on unauthorized parking and encroachment on roads from Thursday, so that citizens would be aware about fines which they will have to pay in case of violations.

"An intensive challan drive will be started from Monday," the statement said.

The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Baijal to review the status of encroachment removal and road blockage on 29 traffic corridors in Delhi.

Urban Development Minister Satyendar Jain, Chief Secretary M.M. Kutty and other senior officers were present at the meeting.

Challans (traffic tickets) will be issued based on weight of the articles seized, according to the statement.

Baijal urged officers that all types of encroachments should be removed from the 29 identified stretches, as directed by the High Court.

Baijal also directed traffic police to strictly enforce 'no parking' on declared stretches.

--IANS

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American DJ, record producer and musician Niles Hollowell-Dhar, popularly known as DJ KSHMR, will tour six cities across India starting from October 20.

Promoted by Percept Live, he will be performing in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

The artiste, of Kashmiri descent currently living in California, ranked No. 12 in a list of the world's top 100 DJs released by DJ Mag last year.

"I attribute a large part of my success to India and the country has always held a special place in my heart. This is my first tour in India -- a homecoming of sorts and a moment I've long waited for. I plan to give people an experience that reflects just how important it is to me," DJ KSHMR said in a statement.

KSHMR will donate proceeds of his New Delhi event titled "KARMA" to the charity Child Rights And You (CRY) that works for the welfare of underprivileged children through dignity, justice and equity for all.

"Having CRY a part of this show is a huge honour for me because they address poverty at its brunt -- the children. They are the window of time through which we may leave some good beyond our own," added the artiste, who has tracks like "Secrets", "Bazaar" and "Megalodon" to his credit.

The artiste, who also headlined this year's Ultra Music Festival in Miami, will perform at India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida, on October 20, E-Zone, Bengaluru, on October 21, VGP Beach Resort, Chennai, on October 22, Aquatica, Kolkata, on October 27, HITEX Exhibition and Convention Centre, Hyderabad, on October 28, and Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai, on October 29.

KSHMR has worked with artistes like Enrique Iglesias, Robin Thicke, Selena Gomez, R3hab, Tiesto, Carnage, DVBBS, Borgeous, Dimitri Vegas Like Mike and Bassjackers, among others.

Karan Singh, Global CEO at Sunburn, said: "KSHMR is an act like no other. Right from the curation of his sets, to the grand visuals that he incorporates that come together to make a truly multi-sensory experience.

"We had a phenomenal turnout and response last New Year's Eve when KSHMR headlined the finale set at Sunburn 10. Taking it a notch higher this year we are curating a-one-of-a-kind arena tour that will bring to life an unparalleled live music experience and a memorable one for all attendees," he added.

--IANS

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The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Wednesday saying that the EU and India are the world's two largest democracies, jointly committed to the promotion of peace, stability, security, prosperity and social justice, and calling for a stronger and deeper partnership between them.

It also highlighted potential areas for closer cooperation, such as trade, security, the fight against terrorism, migration and mobility, the transfer of technology, culture, climate change, development, energy, water and data protection.

The resolution notes that the EU is India's largest trading partner and urged both parties to conclude free trade talks, in motion since 2007, as soon as possible. European and India citizens could benefit from this agreement, as it could also help to fight poverty and promote the respect for human rights, it said.

The EU Parliament, however, voiced concern "about the effects on freedom of expression and association of the current Indian law on foreign participation in the funding of NGOs" and notes that "caste-based discrimination continues to be a source of abuse".

It also called for the restart of EU-India human rights dialogues, which have not taken place since 2013.

The resolution on EU's political relations with India was adopted by 520 votes to 73, with 86 abstentions.

The rapporteur of the resolution, Cristian Dan Preda said: "The European Parliament fully supports a truly strategic partnership with India, as the full potential of this relationship has not been developed. Trade, the fight against terrorism and radicalisation, reducing conflicts and increasing prosperity in Asia are some of the areas to be pursued."

--IANS

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A solar power plant commissioned by a French firm with an outlay of 4 million euros was inaugurated by French Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler in a Uttarakhand village on Wednesday.

The plant strengths India's ambitious plans to achieve optimum renewable energy targets.

The plant, built by Technique Solaire in Maheshwari village in Haridwar district, would generate 5.5 MWp, which is the equivalent of the local electricity consumption of 13,500 inhabitants.

"The project embodies the strength of Indo-French cooperation in the solar energy sector and the ability of French companies to deliver," a statement quoted Ziegler as saying.

"With a cumulative capacity of around 650 MW installed across India, French companies are committed towards becoming one of the major actors of the solar revolution going on in India," he said.

France actively supports India's programme for developing renewable energy, which is a key tool in the common combat against climate change.

Several French companies are committed to contributing to the development of non-fossil fuel energies in India.

JLTM Energy India Pvt Ltd., the Indian subsidiary of Technique Solaire, was awarded the project, spread over 25 acres, in Maheshwari in October 2015.

The company has evolved a model that makes local farmers stakeholders in the project, providing them the added benefit of a yearly income from the plant.

With this first success, and the ambition of the Indian government to develop solar energy with a goal of 100 GW by 2022, Technique Solaire intends to develop more than 200 MWp of projects in India in two to three years.

--IANS

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Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar announced on Wednesday that the 50th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held in a new convention centre with 10 screening halls.

Parrikar told reporters that the state cabinet on Wednesday had approved the construction of the proposed convention centre on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis.

"We would like to have the film festival in a complex of its own for its 50th edition (in 2019). The convention centre will be 5,000 to 6,000 seater. That will be phase one," Parrikar said, adding that the centre will also have 10 screening halls.

The second phase, the Chief Minister explained will involve construction of three, four and five star hotels in the convention centre complex of around 1,000-room capacity.

Ever since the festival was permanently relocated to Goa in 2014, film screenings have been held at a multiplex in Panaji, where local and international delegations have repeatedly complained about lack of space for the 8,000-10,000 film lovers, who descend on the state during the annual event.

This year the IFFI will be held from November 20-28.

--IANS

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Filmmaker Hansal Mehta had a fan moment with French star Denis Menochet at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival 2017 (TIFF) here.

The director, whose film "Omerta" was premiered at the festival and received an overwhelming response by the audience, on Tuesday shared a photograph of himself along with Menochet.

"Fan moment at TIFF 17. With the amazing Denis Menochet," Mehta captioned the image.

Menochet is known for his performance in films like "Inglourious Basterds" by Quentin Tarantino, "Robin Hood" and "The Adopted" among many others.

"Omerta", which stars Rajkummar Rao in the titular role, tells the story of infamous British-born terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, also popularly known as the man responsible for the 2002 kidnapping and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.

--IANS

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A senior IPS officer arrested by the CBI, along with seven other policemen, over the custodial death of an accused in the sensational gangrape and murder of a scool girl in the district, was hospitalised on Wednesday, an official said.

Inspector General (IG) Zahur H. Zaidi, who was heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the gangrape-cum-murder case, was admitted to the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) as he complained of chest pain, a senior police official told IANS.

He said that after undergoing tests, he was advised hospitalisation.

Zaidi, who was earlier heading the SIT probing the gruesome crime, is currently in judicial custody, along with seven other police personnel, on charges of negligence of duty, which allegedly led to death of one of the accused in police lock-up.

They were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the investigation on August 29.

Police said the 16-year-old victim girl was offered a lift in a vehicle by the accused on July 4 when she was returning home from school in Kotkhai town, 56 km from the state capital.

On the way, they raped and murdered her in a nearby forest. Her naked body with injury marks was found two days later.

The arrested persons are prime accused Rajinder Singh, who offered her the lift, Ashish Chauhan, Subhash Bisht, Deepak Kumar, Suraj Singh and Lokjan. They are believed to have been drunk at the time of committing the crime.

The autopsy report mentioned injuries on the girl's body.

However, a new twist in the case came after Rajinder Singh allegedly murdered fellow accused Suraj Singh in the police lock-up in Kotkhai on July 19.

Following the gangrape of the girl, people held massive protests in the state. The family of the victim alleged that the "real culprits" from high-profile families, had gotten away "scot free".

Later, on the plea of the state government, the state High Court recommended a CBI probe into the case.

--IANS

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The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to resume on Wednesday hearing in the case of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by Pakistan.

The judicial body of the United Nations had earlier fixed time limits for the filing of the initial pleadings in the case.

The court had fixed June 13, 2017, September 13 and December 13 as dates for India to file its documents and for Pakistan to file counter-documents. The order was made after taking into account the views of the parties, said an ICJ statement.

Jadhav was awarded capital sentence by a Pakistan military court for espionage.

India challenged the verdict in the top UN court, accusing Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention by failing to provide Jadhav with consular access which it said was in breach of international human rights laws.

Delhi also appealed to the court to impose emergency measures for Jadhav's execution to be suspended until the legal battle in The Hague concludes.

On May 18, the ICJ ruled that Jadhav must not be put to death by Islamabad until the ICJ has had enough time to pass the final judgement in the case, and ordered a stay against the execution.

Pakistan says Jadhav was arrested during a counter-intelligence raid in Balochistan in March 2016.

He "confessed" to being a spy for India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in a video released by Pakistan.

--IANS

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India and Belarus have condemned terrorism in all its forms while calling for an early adoption of the India-initiated Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN.

A joint statement issued following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko here on Tuesday said that both sides "condemn any form of terrorism and extremism and demonstrate their commitment to strengthening global security".

"They affirm their support for an early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that will advance and strengthen the framework for global cooperation and reinforce the message that acts, methods and practices of terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances, regardless of their motivation, in all their forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomsoever they are committed," it stated.

"Belarus strongly condemns acts of terrorism against India resulting in loss of precious innocent lives."

According to the statement, both sides stressed that "terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought and terrorist safe havens rooted out in every part of the world".

"India and Belarus are committed to strengthen cooperation against threats from globally designated terrorists irrespective of their origin," it stated.

It said that India and Belarus have a shared commitment to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

"In this context, Belarus welcomes India's application for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and believes that India's admission into the group would strengthen global non-proliferation objectives."

The two countries also pledged to work together to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems and to deny access to such weapons by terrorists and non-state actors.

They would also "work closely in relevant international fora against drug trafficking and transnational organised crime, including trafficking in persons, illegal smuggling of migrants, as well as emerging crimes like, among others, trafficking in human organs and trafficking in cultural property".

--IANS

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The inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would by no means have access to Iran's classified information, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday.

Based on the Additional Protocol, the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the framework of cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog can only inspect Iranian sites built for nuclear activities, Zarif was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

He made the comments as a respond to the recent remarks of the IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano who said that his agency does not distinguish between civilian or military sites in its inspections and would ask Iran for access when necessary.

None of the IAEA inspections could be used as an excuse for an access to Iran's classified information, Zarif stressed.

He also noted that the UN nuclear agency has already verified there has been no undeclared nuclear activities in Iran.

Iran and six world powers, namely Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the US, reached an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue in July 2015, which put Tehran on the path of sanctions relief, with more strict limits and monitoring on its nuclear program.

--IANS

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Iran has signed preliminary agreements with Syria to repair the power grid in Aleppo city and the provinces of Latakia and Dayr al-Zawr in the Arab state, media reports said on Wednesday.

The contracts, worth several hundred million euros, were signed during Syrian Electricity Minister Mohammad Zuhair Kharboutli's visit to Tehran on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

The agreements include building a power plant in the coastal province of Latakia with a capacity of 540 MW and restoring the main control centre for Syria's electricity grid in the capital Damascus, Press TV said.

Iranian companies will also rehabilitate a 90-MW power station in Dayr al-Zawr province, and another in the Homs province.

The contracts further involve the establishment of five gas turbines, each with a capacity of 125 MW in in Baniyas.

Iran has already assured Syria to expand its cooperation to construct water and sewerage facilities in the Arab country.

"We are glad that good news is coming out about the situation in Syria these days, and the terrorists are facing defeat and complete elimination," Iran's Energy Minister Sattar Mahmoudi said during the signing ceremony.

"The message of Iran's Ministry of Energy is to restore light to the houses of the Syrian people, while the terrorists and their supporters have had no message other than darkness and terror for the Syrian people in the past few years," he said.

According to Iran's Energy Ministry, Iranian firms are already involved in a series of electricity generation projects worth $660 million in Syria.

In May 2013, Iran agreed to provide Syria with a $3.6-billion credit line for imports of goods and commodities and implementing civilian projects.

--IANS

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Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan on Wednesday said he won't be able to attend the national seminar against communal fascism due to his commitment to television reality show "Bigg Boss".

The seminar, to be organised by the Keluettan Study and Research Centre, will take place on Saturday in Kozhikode, and will be attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

"Embarrassing. Was not asked for Calicut meeting with Kerala CM. I am at 'Bigg Boss' all Saturdays till October. Best wishes for the function," Haasan tweeted on Wednesday.

As the host of the Tamil version of "Bigg Boss", Haasan is expected to be present in the house every Saturday and Sunday.

Earlier this month, Haasan had held talks with Pinarayi and had told reporters that they had also discussed the state of politics in Tamil Nadu.

When he was asked about his plans for any political affiliation, Haasan had clarified that his colour is definitely not saffron.

Over the last few months, Haasan has been very vocal about the current state of politics in Tamil Nadu, amidst rumours that he has plans to float his own party.

On the career front, he awaits the release of Tamil spy thriller "Vishwaroopam 2".

--IANS

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President Ram Nath Kovind will arrive here on Thursday on a two-day visit, his first since ascending to the highest constitutional office in the country.

He will also visit his home town during the visit. Elaborate arrangements are being made in the state capital to receive the President and security has also been beefed up.

The President will arrive in a special Indian Air Force plane at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport here around 3 p.m. on Thursday where he will be received by Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and some Ministers.

He will be driven straight to Raj Bhawan where he would briefly rest and then go to the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan where the state government has organised a public felicitation event for the President, who hails from Kanpur rural.

More than 1,500 people have been invited for the function, an official said.

Breaking protocol, Kovind will drive to the 5, Kalidas Marg residence of Adityanath at night for dinner.

He will meet dignitaries and other people from the political spectrum on Friday before leaving for Kanpur in the afternoon in a chopper. The President will return later in the evening to Lucknow and then fly back to New Delhi.

The last time Kovind was in town was on June 25 as the National Democratic Alliance presidential nominee.

--IANS

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Protesting against a bouquet of issues in West Bengal including corruption, communalism, price rise and attack on women, 18 Left Front organisations on Wednesday organised a march to city police headquarters at Lalbazar but were stopped midway by police.

A six-member delegation of the Left Front leaders later went inside, where they submitted the deputation to a senior city officer as the city Police Commissioner was not available.

Lalbazar, situated at central Kolkata, was turned into a fortress with police personnel deployed both at the in and out gates to avoid any untoward incidents.

Police set up two barricades on the nearby Ganesh Chandra Avenue crossing and placed water cannons to stop the rally. Several senior officers and Rapid Action Force personnel were also deployed to keep a tab of the situation.

However, no police action was needed as the rally led by the Left Front Chairman Biman Bose and CPI-M State Secretary Surjya Kanta Misra neither made any attempts to break barricades nor resorted to any form of violence that was witnessed during the Front's march to state secretariat rally in May.

"Today we rallied in protest of the growing unemployment, corruption and communal hostility in West Bengal. We also demanded the arrest of the corrupt party leaders of the state ruling party who are convicts in Narada and Saradha scams," CPI-M leader Rabin Deb told IANS.

"Our delegation led by Niranjan Chatterjee, convener of Left Front Kollata district went to meet Police Commissioner Rajib Kumar but but he was not available. We had to give deputation to Additional Commissioner of Police Supratim Sarkar," he said.

Deb also alleged that several of their activists are being heckled in false cases and the democratic environment in the state is getting disrupted.

"We demand the release of hundreds of left activists who are suffering in jail in false cases," he said.

Deb said a meeting of all the left parties would be called after the Durga Puja and a political gathering would be organised on November 3.

--IANS

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Madhya Pradesh Minister Narottam Mishra, disqualified by the Election Commission for filing wrong expenditure accounts, on Wednesday told the Delhi High Court that there was no evidence he had paid for news published in newspapers during 2008 assembly elections.

On June 24, the EC had disqualified Mishra for three years for filing wrong accounts of election expenditure relating to articles and advertorials in the media during the 2008 Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, rendering his election from Datia assembly constituency void.

A division bench of Justice S. Ravindra Bhat and Justice Sunil Gaur was told by Mishra's counsel that the news published in dailies were not paid for and that newspapers concerned had said they themselves published the reports.

The bench was hearing an appeal by the Bharatiya Janata Party leader to challenge the July 14 order of a single Judge of the High Court, which had upheld the EC decision to disqualify Mishra.

The EC's disqualification order came on a complaint in 2009 by Congress legislator Rajender Bharti, who had unsuccessfully contested against him from Datia assembly constituency.

Mishra had contested the EC decision on grounds of inordinate delay in the matter and alleged absence of evidence that he authorised paid news articles.

Mishra's counsel said a show-cause notice was issued to him by the EC on January 15, 2013, for an occurance of 2008. The EC took action against him after four years in 2017, he added.

The counsel contended that the complainant must first prove that paid news was published in newspapers, adding that a committee formed to investigate the matter had no evidence against him.

The next hearing will be held on September 21.

The matter had reached the High Court after the Supreme Court on July 12 transferred the case to it for expeditious decision before the July 17 presidential poll.

Mishra had sought an interim stay on the single Judge's order that upheld the EC order as a last-ditch attempt to vote in the presidential election. He, however, could not cast his ballot.

--IANS

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Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh on Wednesday said no ransom was paid for the release of Kerala Catholic priest Tom Uzhunnallil.

The priest, who was abducted by the Islamic State (IS) terrorists from Aden in March last year, was brought to Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman on Tuesday. He has reached the Vatican, said a Church spokesperson on Wednesday.

"No ransom was paid and the reason why Oman got into the efforts for release is... when direct efforts do not yield results, indirect measures are adopted and what's important is to solve the problem," Singh said while addressing the media here.

On a question when the priest is expected to return to India, the Minister said: "He (Tom) will have to decide that."
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued notice to over 1,200 NGOs across the country asking them to submit expenditure details of the last four or more years, suspecting them for violating foreign funding norms that may lead to cancellation of their licences to receive foreign funds.

The ministry's step, taken on September 8, was part of its crackdown against foreign-funded Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) across the country, official sources said on Wednesday.

"It is alleged that the NGOs violated the stringent laws of on foreign fundings. The NGOs were earlier cautioned over the issue. Ministry of Home Affairs issued notice to 1,222 NGOs and asked them to provide the bank account details in which they receive foreign funds," the sources said.

The list of defaulters included Sri Ramakrishna Math, Ramakrishna Mission, Indore Cancer Foundation Charitable Trust, Madani Darut Tarbiyat and Coimbatore Christian Charitable Trust.

In July, the Union Home Ministry issued notice to 5,922 associatons because they failed to upload their annual returns under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, despite being given adequate opportunities to do so.

The registration of NGOs can be cancelled under Section 14 of the FCRA on violation of law, a Home Ministry official said.

Associations that receive foreign funds are required to submit their annual return for every financial year beginning on April 1 within nine months of closure of the financial year.

--IANS

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Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said that enhanced defence ties between Pakistan and Australia could act as an impetus for broader cooperation, especially in the fields of education, investment and regional connectivity.

The army chief's remarks came during his meetings with the Australia's civil and military leadership during a two-day official visit to Canberra.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gen Qamar held meetings with Australian Senate's Committee for Foreign and Defence Affairs head Senator David Fawcett, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshall Mark Binskin and Air Chief Air Marshal Gavin Davies.

Australia appreciated Pakistan's contributions and achievements in the War on Terror and acknowledged sacrifices of the Pakistani nation and its army, the military's media wing added.

Gen Bajwa also interacted with the dignitaries at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and the Office of National Assessment, both of which advice the Australian government on myriad policy issues.

--IANS

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said his country is willing to set up joint patrols with Afghanistan to combat militants along their porous border.

His remarks came weeks after US President Donald Trump called on Pakistan to do more to eliminate militant sanctuaries, a long-standing demand by Washington.

"We are open for joint patrolling, we are open for joint posts" along the border with Afghanistan, Abbasi was quoted as saying by Dawn online on Wednesday.

"We will put up a fence there; the Afghans are welcome to put up another fence on their side," he said.

The Prime Minister denied Pakistan was harbouring militants, insisting it was "fighting agents of chaos". He said Afghanistan in turn needed to do more to fight terrorism against Pakistan.

"If you want statistics, there is much more happening across the border from Afghanistan than anything that happens from Pakistan into Afghanistan."

"All the criminal elements we are fighting are based in Afghanistan," Abbasi said.

Trump called on Pakistan to eliminate militant sanctuaries in a speech last month laying out a new South Asia strategy to try and win the 16-year-old war in Afghanistan.

Abbasi said his government had yet to receive any specific demands from the Trump administration, adding that Pakistan would act on any information shared by US authorities.

He denied that Pakistan supported militant groups as he batted away suggestions that Trump's comments would upend relations between the Cold War allies.

"We don't think the Pakistani-US relationship will be defined by Afghanistan," the Prime Minister said.

"This relationship (is) 70 years old (and) cannot be redefined by one issue or it should not be redefined by one issue," Abbasi said.

When asked about US plans to get tough on Pakistan and cutting billions of dollars worth of military and financial aid, the Prime Minister said: "We have nothing to hide, as a general rule you do not punish allies. We are open (with the US). We are transparent."

Abbasi said that the US had not clarified some of the perceptions that were created after Trump's policy statement on Afghanistan and South Asia.

--IANS

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The Pakistan Supreme Court on Wednesday began hearing an appeal by deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif against his disqualification on grounds of dishonesty.

On July 28, Sharif had been disqualified by the country's top court for not declaring income from his son, following investigations into the Panama Papers.

"Five judges of the Supreme Court today have begun hearings of the appeal presented by Sharif, his children and Finance Minister Ishaq Dhar," judicial spokesperson Mohamed Ishtiaq told Efe.

The spokesperson said that one of the points in Sharif's appeal was that two of the five judges that had issued the disqualification verdict had in an earlier sentence found him guilty.

"How can they disqualify him on two occasions on different grounds? This is the defence's question," said Ishtiaq.

Asif Saeed Khosa, who leads the five-judge bench in the appeal - the same five judges that disqualified him - argued that the content of the sentence was different but both reached the same conclusion, according to Dawn.

Sharif's lawyer Khawaja Haris claimed that the trial was not a fair one as his client did not get an opportunity to explain himself before the court.

At the same time, an anti corruption court on Wednesday issued a summons for Sharif and his children Hasan, Husain and Maryam to appear before it on Tuesday regarding three cases related to ownership of property at an exclusive zone in London; the creation of the firms Azizia Steel and Hill Metal; and the Flagship investment firm, as well as another 15 companies.

Besides disqualifying the three-time Prime Minister, the Supreme Court ordered the National Accountability Bureau, an anti-corruption body, to file cases against Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

On July 28, Sharif was dismissed by the Supreme Court and stepped down after a probe into the Panama papers scandal revealed he had not declared income received from a firm owned by his son in Dubai.

The Panama Papers revealed in April 2016 that three of his four children had set up offshore companies in the British Virgin Islands through which they owned property in London, leading the top court to order an investigation after a year of protests by the opposition.

--IANS

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An engineered mattress with some personal messages from Indian citizens will be delivered to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials at mattress brand Wakefit have said.

Wakefit has come up with a campaign as part of which it will send its special "Make in India" mattress to Modi, said a statement.

The mattress will be accompanied by messages collected from every corner of the country.

According to the statement, the campaign is aimed at serving as a bridge between the over one billion Indians and their leader. The messages are aimed at providing Modi with a wide variety of inputs that can help with policy formulation and administration.

"India is a country of dichotomies -- many religions, many cultures, many aspirations, many professions, many states -- but underneath it all we are simply Indians...

"So we thought of sending him messages of oneness and unity from across the country along with our flagship mattress," Ankit Garg, co-founder of Wakefit, said in the statement.

--IANS

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Amid the Gulf diplomatic standoff, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, the media reported on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and means to strengthen and develop them, as well as topics of common interest, Xinhua reported.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed a boycott on it in early June, accusing the tiny gas-rich country of supporting terrorism and seeking closer ties with Iran, a Saudi rival.

They initially gave Doha a list of 13 demands, including scaling back ties with Iran, shutting down the Al Jazeera network and ending Turkey's military presence in the country.

Qatar has strongly denied the charges against it and refused to accept any of the demands.

Since the start of the crisis, Qatar and Turkey have come closer together, as the latter opened a new land trade route via Iran to Qatar and transported goods, including food products, to the boycotted country.

In July, Turkey sent a 25-member Turkish artillery unit to Qatar, adding to 150 troops already there.

In August, Turkey and Qatar carried out a joint military exercise called "Iron Shield", which included training of leaders to assess and control the situation on the ground, as well as strengthening coordination between the two sides.

--IANS

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Kerala Catholic priest Father Tom Uzhunnallil, rescued from Islamic State terrorists who had abducted him in Yemen in March last year, has reached the Vatican, a Church spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Uzhunnallil, kidnapped from a care home in Aden, was brought to Muscat on Tuesday after 18 months in captivity.

Speaking to the media, Father P. Varghese, spokesperson of the congregation to which Uzhunnallil belongs, said on Wednesday that it would take a while for the rescued priest to return to India.

"The reason he was flown to Vatican is because the head of the congregation (Celestin) to which he belongs is based there.

"Moreover, the need of the hour now is rest and recuperation for Uzhunnallil, as his health has to be taken care of," said Varghese.

The arrival of Uzhunnallil in the Vatican was also confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Uzhannallil is an employee of the Vatican.

The latest pictures of Uzhunnallil showed him clean shaven. His first picture soon after his arrival in Muscat on Tuesday showed him with long hair and a flowing white beard.

The release of the Catholic priest became a reality after the arrival of a papal representative to Oman in August and his meeting with the King of Oman, who took the lead in ensuring the rescue.

In March 2016, militants had barged into the care home for the elderly set up by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in Yemen's Aden and shot dead many people, including four nuns, among whom one was from India.

They had then taken the Catholic priest away. Since then, other than a few videos released from time-to-time, there has been no news of Uzhunnallil's whereabouts.

--IANS

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Even though premium segment player Apple has moved a notch up to the "super premium" category with the iPhone X, its bid to grab a bigger chunk of the Indian market won't be easy, with the popular Samsung Galaxy S8 firmly in place and the Galaxy Note 8 set for a massive landfall.

To be made available on November 3, iPhone X will cost Rs 89,000 (64GB) variant while the 256GB version will cost Rs 102,000.

In the January-June quarter of 2017, Apple sold 3,00,428 units of iPhone 7 and 2,06,292 units of iPhone 7 Plus. In the same period, Samsung sold 1,22,000 units of S8 and 1,40,000 S8 Plus, according to the data provided by Cybermedia Research.

Now, over 2.5 lakh people have registered to buy the Rs 67,900 Galaxy Note 8 device -- also launched on September 12 in India -- which would be available starting September 21.

"Although iPhone X is the real competition to Samsung, we must keep in mind that Samsung currently has two successful flagships with them -- with Galaxy S8 (doing well) and Note 8 (just launched with huge pre-orders). This makes the super-premium end of smartphone market very interesting for the next two quarters or so," Navkendar Singh, Senior Research Manager at IDC India, told IANS.

According to Singh, the high pricing of the iPhone X will ensure that only a very serious and real Apple fan will buy it.

"However, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, with a similar design -- but premium build and lower pricing -- will probably appeal to iPhone 6s/7 users who were waiting for an upgrade. These two models should be the volume drivers for Apple, with iPhone X acting as a flagship at the super-premium end," Singh explained.

When it comes to Chinese brands in India, Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo now have a combined market share of 54 per cent in the second quarter this year, up from 51 per cent in the first quarter, says the "Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker" report by IDC.

Samsung continues to be India's top smartphone brand with 24 per cent market share. Apple, with its premium portfolio, has nearly three per cent market share by volume and 11 per cent share by value in the country.

According to Narinder Kumar, an analyst at Cybermedia Research, in terms of significant business contribution, shipments of iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 5S declined sequentially by 59 per cent and 57 per cent, respectively, in 2Q 2017.

"Personally, I never see a Samsung versus iPhone competition. The iPhone community is primarily for iPhone and won't shift to another phone -- and moving to Samsung means the big decision of coming out of the iOS ecosystem," Faisal Kawoosa, Principal Analyst, Telecom and ESDM, CMR, told IANS.

For him, the battle in the premium segment is now between iPhone and Samsung premium models like the Note 8.

"The trend will continue to be so for now; iPhone fans will upgrade only to an iPhone, and those looking for a premium option within Android, will go for Samsung," he added.

Tarun Pathak, Associate Director, Mobile Devices and Ecosystems, Counterpoint Research, expects initial sales to be high with the Apple user base upgrading to its new devices irrespective of pricing and specs.

"However, Apple will have its task to cut out to acquire Android users in the premium segment when both the S8 and Note 8 likely to give strong competition to the company in India," Pathak told IANS.

From the strategy point of view, he said, iPhone X is a good move from Apple, initiating a new design form factor that can be further leveraged in successive iterations.

iPhone X and iPhone 8 can co-exist and won't be a threat to one another.

"These models can definitely co-exist as we have seen that Apple has lately moved away from single new model per year to multiple models playing at multiple price points, which is really an attempt to drive volumes and gain more share," Singh noted.

iPhone X has some hugely incremental features compared to the present iPhones, like less-bezel, facial-recognition system, wireless charging, animoji, etc.

"That should excite the staunch iPhone base looking for an upgrade. This segment is not price-sensitive and I don't see price out of expectations range. So, iPhone X should be doing good numbers, though not of the volume of mass market models or brands," Kawoosa added.

One should also not forget that, though primarily a premium segment player, Apple is slowly opening up new avenues -- like the Bengaluru-assembled iPhone SE (32GB) at Rs 26,000 -- to expand its presence in India, a price-sensitive market with a gigantic user base scouting for devices in the Rs 15,000-Rs 30,000 range.

(Nishant Arora can be contacted at nishant.a@ians.in)

--IANS

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General Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak has said he wants to promote "meaningful and credible" negotiations for reforming the Security Council despite various strong views on the proposals.

Speaking to reporters after his inaugural address to the General Assembly on Tuesday, Lajcak said that under his stewardship "the process will continue and I wish to see a credible process with a meaningful outcome."

The process has stalled for more than two decades because of differences between UN members on how to proceed with the reforms, especially on the issue of adding permanent members.

"I have been in touch with many groups of countries which are expressing strong views with regard to these particular issues," Lajcak said.

The UNGA President visited India in August and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for wide-ranging talks.

India is heavily invested in the reform process as it aspires to a permanent membership of the Security Council, the highest decision-making body of the UN.

On the UN's counter-terrorism strategy, Lajcak said that he would support the efforts of the newly appointed Under Secretary-General Vladimir Ivanovich Voronkov to streamline the UN agencies dealing with counter-terrorism.

"There are 38 different agencies that have counter-terrorism as part of their portfolio," Lajcak said. "So his ambition is to streamline that."

The General Assembly voted unanimously in June to create the Office of Counter-Terrorism to coordinate the scattered efforts of the UN in combating terrorism and Voronkov was appointed by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to head it.

In his inaugural address to the 72nd session of the General Assembly, Lajcak said that reforming the UN would be a major task for the session.

"Reforms will, indeed, mean something new," he said. "They will allow the UN to work in a way it never has before."

The UN has been evolving over the years and while it has been a continuous process, it must now be approached "with a fresh outlook," he said.

Next week US President Donald Trump is to host a summit on reforming the UN.

Among the other highlights of the current session, Lajcak said would be negotiating an international agreement on migrations and the signing of an agreement on eliminating sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping.

He said Member Nations will also start signing the first agreement on the elimination of nuclear weapons that was adopted by a vote of more than 122 UN members in July.

India has said that it will not sign the treaty and boycotted the conference to prepare the treaty.

New Delhi maintains that the Conference on Disarmament is the right forum for such a treaty.

All the other nuclear-armed countries - Britain, France, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia and the US -- are also boycotting the treaty for a variety of other reasons.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)

--IANS

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The US Congress has urged President Donald Trump in a joint resolution to publicly condemn white supremacists and other hate groups and address the threats posed by them.

The Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted the resolution on Tuesday, which was the first congressional response to the violence on August 12 in Charlottesville, Virginia, Efe news reported.

On that day, a neo-Nazi killed a woman and injured at least 20 others when he drove a vehicle into a group of counter-protesters who were demonstrating against the white supremacists in Charlottesville.

The resolution condemned "the racist violence and domestic terrorist attack", and rejected white nationalism, white supremacy, and neo-Nazism "as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values that define the people of the United States".

The Congress also urged Trump to "speak out against hate groups that espouse racism, extremism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and white supremacy".

It also urged his administration to "use all available resources" to "address the growing prevalence of those hate groups in the US".

Trump first blamed "many sides", and avoided condemning the white supremacist groups as being responsible for the August 12 incident.

The President took almost 48 hours to speak out against the neo-Nazis, white supremacists and the Ku Klux Klan, who were all present in Charlottesville on that day.

He initially responded to the incident by saying there were "two sides to a story" and that there were "some very fine people" on both sides.

The resolution adopted in the US Congress has been passed to Trump, who then has to decide whether to sign it or not.

--IANS

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Actress Tamannaah Bhatia on Wednesday said she considers it her good fortune to be working with ace lensman PC Sreeram, known for his work in films such as "Ok Kanmani" and "Shamitabh", for an upcoming yet-untitled Telugu film.

In reply to Sreeram's tweet where he said working with her has been a delight, Tamannaah wrote: "I still can't forget my first Tamil ad film I shot with you sir. It's my good fortune to shoot with you for this film."

The film, also starring Kalyanram, is being directed by Jayendra, who returns to direction after six years.

This project marks Sreeram's return to Telugu filmdom after five years. His last outing in the language was Nithiin-starrer "Ishq".

Sreeram's upcoming project is Akshay Kumar-starrer "Padman", which marks his fifth collaboration with R. Balki.

--IANS

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A 22-year-old man has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the attack on a kabaddi player following a dispute over scores in a match in southeast Delhi's Ambedkar Nagar, the police said today.

Amit, a member of the Gaurav Jharera gang, was arrested from DDA Park, Madangir, yesterday on the basis of a tip-off, they said.

The pistol, which was used to shoot the player, and two live cartridges were seized from the accused.

Amit and his friend, a juvenile, were on Sunday watching a kabaddi match between Dakshinpuri's Block C and Block 20 when a dispute arose between the two teams over the scores.

The duo joined the melee. When 18-year-old Avinash, a member of the 20 block team, raised his voice, the accused started threatening him.

Amit's friend opened fire on Avinash. The bullet grazed his skull. The accused ran away after firing three shots in the air to scare those present there, the police said.

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At least 12 children fell ill after consuming candies, apparently laced with narcotic substances, given to them by four unidentified persons here in Chhattisgarh, police said.

The police have launched a search for the four men based on statements and description given by the children.

The kids, aged between 3 to 8 years, from Khamtarai village under Sarkanda police station limits, were admitted last night to the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences here after they complained of abdominal pain and vomiting, CIMS dean P K Patra said today.

Of them, 11 were discharged this afternoon after their condition improved, while a girl, identified as Akansha (8), was kept under observation, he said, adding she is expected to be discharged by tomorrow morning.

Prima facie it seems the children consumed food items which either contained narcotic substances or were infected with fungus, Patra said, adding further examination was underway in this connection.

As per preliminary investigation, four unidentified men, with their faces covered, came in two cars last evening in Khamtarai and distributed white-coloured candies and powder to children who were playing in the locality.

The men distributed the candies as 'prasad' to the kids and left the spot, a senior police official said.

At around 9 pm, the children complained of abdominal pain and started vomiting following which they were shifted to the CIMS, he said.

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Five persons, including two BSF jawans, were injured in firing and shelling by Pakistani troops in violation of ceasefire along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting forces here to retaliate.

The Pakistan Rangers today resorted to small arms firing on Brahman Bella and Raipur Border out Posts (BoPs) along the IB in Pargwal sector of Akhnoor belt in Jammu district from 1515 hours today, a police officer said.

They fired mortar shells along the IB, forcing the BSF to retaliate, resulting in exchange of fire, he said, adding that so far, there is no loss of life or injury to any one.

In another incident of ceasefire violation, Pakistan Army resorted to firing and shelling on Indian posts along the LoC in Mankote, Sabjian and Digwar forward areas in Poonch since 1500 hours, another police officer said.

Three civilians and two BSF Jawans suffered injuries, he said, adding that heavy exchange of fire were taking place.

This is fourth ceasefire violation in past five days.

Earlier, on September 1, an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) of the Border Security Force, Kamaljit Singh, sustained bullet injuries due to enemy fire from across the LoC while he was deployed at a forward post in Krishna Ghati Sector in Poonch. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Incidents of ceasefire violation by Pakistan have increased this year.

Till August 1, there were 285 such violations by the Pakistan Army, while in 2016, it 228 for the entire year, according to the Army figures.

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Three Nigerian students were today arrested by the city police on charges of possessing psychotropic drug substance cocaine.

Police said Ameachi Okafor (29) from Lagos, Kenneth Nwabunwane (24) and Victor Chinweuba (25) from Anambra, studying in a college here, were picked up from their residence at Ramamurthynagar with the drug.

The trio were looking for clients to sell the substance when they were caught, police said.

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The Aadhaar enabled transactions is expected to digitise nearly 8 crore disbursements and 90 crore repayments annually in the micro finance industry, a report today said.

Even as digitisation continues as a back-end process, financial products in the Indian micro finance industry are high on human touch, involving cash based disbursals and repayments, The Bharat Microfinace Report 2017 said.

"Digitising cash based operations has the potential to bring a host of benefits to MFIs (micro-finance institutions). It mitigates cash carrying risks and improves operational efficiency by saving time for frontline staff," the report said.

The Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS) and the NPCI's *99# service have made digitisation of cash based operations possible in which customer's Aadhaar numbers are collected and sent to disbursing bank for onward direct credit to account using APBS system.

"With this it is expected that the 80 million annual disbursements and the over 900 million repayment transactions will be digitised," the report said.

An endeavour of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), it aims to popularise this process with the MFI industry across the country, the report said.

"To ride along with current digital payments revolution, MFIs have to take a step ahead and digitise the industry as it will take the digital revolution to the last mile customer of the country as MFIs have a good rural outreach and working closely with more than 40 million rural women," it said.

Digitisation will help MFIs to cut operational cost, transit risk as well as connect rural mass to digital banking.

India's micro-finance industry grew by about 18 per cent in year ended March 2017 to over Rs 46,000 crore, excluding small finance banks that moved from being MFIs to SFBs, as per the report.

On the challenges faced by the industry during last fiscal, the report said demonetisation was a reality check for MFIs to mange organisational stress as businesses of their clients were disrupted in near term after demonetisation.

"MFIs which have significant exposure in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Karnataka continue to experience problems in their loan portfolios," as per the report.

In 2015-16, six MFIs--Equitas, Ujjivan, ESAF, Suryoday, Utkarsh and Janlakshmi, graduated to small finance banks.

On the geographical mix, MFIs operates in 29 states, 4 union territories and 563 districts in India.

In all 21 MFIs with a large outreach operates in more than five states, of which 4 leading operate in more than 15 states.

Of this, 34 per cent (57) are in two to five states, while 54 per cent (90 MFIs) have confined their operations only to one state.

Supported by NABARD, the report is an annual feature of The Association of Community Development Finance Institutions commonly referred as 'Sa-Dhan'.

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The All Assam Students Union (AASU) today staged a demonstration outside the Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) at Namrup, in Upper Assam's Dibrugarh district, demanding immediate setting up of the fourth unit of the plant.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised in his pre-poll speeches that setting up of the fourth unit of the plant would be a part of his government's first 100-day agenda but this is yet to happen", AASU General Secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi told PTI.

The Cabinet had also approved the proposal and technical bidding for the setting up of the plant had also been initiated but following protests against alleged plans to hand it over to private parties, it was stopped, he alleged.

The AASU held a protest outside the main gate of BVFCL today and will send a memorandum to both the Prime Minister and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urging them to ensure that the process for setting up the plant starts immediately.

"When Sonowal was the Union Minister, he seriously pursued the setting up of the fourth unit and now as the chief minister, we urge him to take up the initiative again", Gogoi said.

AASU would continue with its agitational programme till the process for setting up of the fourth unit does not begin, he added.

The Centre had cleared a plan for setting up of the Rs 4,500-crore ammonia-urea plant at Namrup with a capacity of 8.64 lakh metric tonnes on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis via a joint venture.

In the proposed joint venture (JV), the Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) and Assam Government were to have 11 per cent stake each and the Oil India Limited (OIL) 26 per cent equity holding.

The remaining 52 per cent was to be with either private or public sector companies, which would have been inducted through a competitive bidding process.

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Union minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir today inaugurated Rs 1.57 crore worth CCTV project along the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border.

The project has been sponsored by the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund of BJP's east Delhi MP Maheish Girri. It involves installation of 32 CCTV cameras along the areas under his constituency, bordering Uttar Pradesh.

Ahir lauded Girri's initiative, while stressing the need for safety of women, children and elderly.

"The network of the CCTV cameras under the project covers a radius of 10 kms under Vivek Vihar and Mayur Vihar police stations," the BJP MP said in a statement.

The CCTV cameras have been installed on Chaudhary Charan Singh Marg and Delhi Noida Link Road. Control rooms have been set up in Vivek Vihar and Mayur Vihar police stations to examine movement of suspected elements across the border, it said.

Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, other senior police officers and BJP MLA O P Sharma were also present on the ocassion.

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National carrier Air India plans to take short-term loans of up to Rs 3,250 crore to meet "urgent working capital requirements", according to a document.

The disinvestment-bound airline, which is staying afloat on taxpayers' funds, expects to get the central government's guarantee for the proposed borrowings shortly.

As part of efforts to revive the loss-making Air India, a ministerial panel is working on the modalities for strategic disinvestment of the carrier and its five subsidiaries.

Against this backdrop, the airline seeking short-term loans assumes significance as it implies possible funds crunch.

In a tender document issued today, the carrier said it is "looking for government guarantee backed INR short-term loans totalling up to Rs 3,250 crore in the first phase to meet its urgent working capital requirements by September 25, 2017".

The tenure of the loan will be one year and the amount is proposed to be drawn in two or three tranches.

A senior official said the airline is already facing "cash deficit" and the loans will help in meeting immediate capital requirements.

"The Government of India guarantee, which is expected shortly, will be valid for a period of one year or till the date of disinvestment," the document said.

Banks have been asked to submit their financial bids by September 19, indicating the amount of government-guaranteed short-term loans they are willing to offer.

Under a turnaround plan approved by the previous UPA regime, Air India is to receive up to Rs 30,231 crore from the government subject to meeting certain performance thresholds. The 10-year bailout package began from 2012.

So far, the embattled carrier has received around Rs 26,000 crore under the package.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its in-principle nod to the strategic disinvestment of the airline -- which has a debt burden of more than Rs 50,000 crore -- in June this year.

Subsequently, an Air India-specific alternative mechanism was set up to guide the process. The ministerial group is looking into treatment of Air India's unsustainable debt, hiving off of certain assets to a shell company, demerger and strategic disinvestment of three profit-making subsidiaries, among other aspects.

Last month, the ministerial panel decided to appoint transaction advisors for Air India disinvestment.
The CBI has summoned Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, in connection with its probe into the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to the Aircel-Maxis deal in 2006.

Karti has been asked to appear before the agency tomorrow, CBI sources said.

According to the CBI charge sheet submitted in a special court, Mauritius-based M/s Global Communication Services Holdings Ltd., a subsidiary of Maxis, had sought approval for an investment of USD 800 million in Aircel.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) was competent to grant the approval.

"However, the approval was granted by the then finance minister. Further investigation is being carried out into the circumstances of the FIPB approval granted by the then finance minister. The related issues are also being investigated," it had said in 2014.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy claimed that the former finance minister had given FIPB clearance to a deal that should have been referred to the CCEA, headed by the prime minister, as it alone was empowered to clear foreign investments of over Rs 600 crore.

P Chidambaram, who was examined by the agency in connection with the case in 2014, had issued a statement this year, saying the FIPB approval was granted in the "normal course of business".

He had said the FIPB consists of five secretaries and that they examine the cases and recommend approval or rejection.

They "apply the rules/guidelines" and submit each case to the CCEA or the finance minister depending upon the value of the investment, he had added.

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Amnesty International India today sought an immediate ban on the use of pellet guns as a crowd- control measure in Kashmir, asserting that violence in any form, including stone-pelting, was not acceptable.

The rights body released a report, "Losing Sight in Kashmir - The Impact of Pellet-Firing Shotguns", here and urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to initiate a prompt, independent and impartial probe into incidents, where the use of pellet guns led to deaths or injuries.

The report named 88 people, who were injured by pellets fired by security forces to quell protests in the Valley between 2014 and 2017.

Of them, 31 suffered injuries to both the eyes, with two of them losing their vision completely, the report said.

Speaking on the occasion, the executive director of Amnesty International India, Aakar Patel, demanded that the central and state governments ensure "the weapons are used in line with international human rights standards".

"Pellet guns are only used in Jammu and Kashmir and not anywhere else in India. We have raised the issue with the government and it has assured us that they will be used only in extreme situations. We were told that the government understands that the damage caused by pellets is disproportionate," he said.

Patel said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Independence Day speech last month, had conceded that change in Kashmir will not come from guns or abuses.

"If the government truly meant what it said, it must end the use of pellet-guns," he said.

The executive director condemned stone-pelting too. "We are against any form of violence, but that does not mean that if people resort to stone-pelting, they should be blinded," Patel told reporters, adding that if investigation suggest use of arbitrary force, the suspects should be tried in civil courts.

He said apart from the civilians, about 16 security personnel suffered pellet injuries, to emphasise that such weapons are inherently indiscriminate and their use can hurt police and armed forces personnel.

The report also recommended full reparation in line with international standards of those injured by pellets and the families of those who were killed.

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A security officer of Azadpur's agricultural produce market committee was found dead in the early hours today, the police said.

Sumer Singh (53) was found dead near the APMC building around 5.30 am, they said.

Singh, posted as assistant security officer, had the job of regulating the entry of trucks in the market. He had been working with the APMC since 1984, the police said.

Some locals claimed that Singh, a former national-level wrestler, had an argument with someone this morning.

A few minutes later, people claimed to have heard a "cracker-like sound" and saw Singh collapsing. He was rushed to Babu Jagjivan Ram Hopsital where he was declared brought dead.

It is suspected that he was shot dead. However, DCP Northwest Milind Mahadeo Dumbere said it cannot be said with certainty at the moment that he was shot dead.

They are awaiting the post-mortem report to ascertain the cause of death, he said.

The police said they are probing all angles including Singh being killed by alleged robbers.

Later, Delhi Development Minister Gopal Rai announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family of Sumer Singh.

The Delhi Agriculture Marketing Board has been asked to provide the compensation, a government official said.

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The All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU), the apex students body of the state today opposed the Centre's decision to grant citizenship to all Chakma and Hajong refugees living in the North East.

"The decision of the Centre will spark social unrest in the state and we will oppose granting of citizenship to them (Chakma and Hajong refugees) within the territory of the state," AAPSU general secretary Tobom Dai told reporters here.

"If they are granted citizenship, the future of the indigenous tribal population will be at stake and will change the demography of the state," Dai said.

"The refugees have already outnumbered the local population especially in Diyun and Bordumsa areas under Changlang district and with granting of citizenship they will get political rights in the state," Dai said.

"We will launch rigorous mass movement in the state against the Centre's illogical decision and will finalise our modus operandi in a day or two," the AAPSU leader added.

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An assistant sub-inspector of the Punjab Police was today arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 in Jalandhar district, a vigilance bureau spokesman said.

ASI Avtar Singh, posted at Shahkot police station in Jalandhar district, was arrested while accepting Rs 10,000 from complainant Mangal Singh for not implicating him in a criminal case, he said.

The complainant told the bureau that the ASI had demanded Rs 25,000 from him, the spokesperson said.

"A trap was laid and the ASI was arrested when he accepted the bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses, he said.

A case has been registered against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act and further investigation is underway in the matter, the spokesperson said.

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A multi-agency clampdown has begun on to tackle the black money menace wherein the role of auditors has come under the scanner for alleged connivance in facilitating illegal transactions.

The auditors' role is also being looked into for not raising the red flag as several cases have come to the fore, including at listed companies, for alleged mismatch in financial statements, sharp erosion in net worth, siphoning off funds to group and promoter entities, sources said.

Stepping up the vigil, the corporate affairs ministry, as well as Sebi and other regulatory authorities, are keeping a close tab on activities carried out by .

Sources said regulatory agencies are examining the role of auditors to ascertain whether they were also involved in suspected illegal activities.

The ministry as well as Sebi are closely looking at the functioning of auditors in various companies, especially those that have not been carrying out business for long. After a detailed analysis, the authorities would decide on the next course of action, sources added.

Auditors, who have greater responsibilities under the Act, 2013, are required to ensure that financial statements of a company are proper and can red flag dubious transactions.

As part of larger efforts to fight illicit fund flows and tax evasion, the ministry has already struck off the names of over two lakh companies from the records and further action is expected.

Besides, Sebi has taken against 331 listed entities that are suspected . While the watchdog had imposed strict trading restrictions on these scrips, curbs have been eased in some cases after the companies went on appeal against Sebi's move.

On Tuesday, the government said more than 1.06 lakh directors would be disqualified for their association with shell companies.

The ministry, which is implementing the companies law, has also identified professionals, chartered accountants, company secretaries and cost accountants associated with the defaulting companies.

Besides, such people "involved in illegal activities have been identified in certain cases and the action by professional institutes such as ICAI, ICSI and ICoAI is also being monitored", an official release said on Tuesday.

Separately, authorities are looking at the possibility of having stricter scrutiny of global auditing firms to make them more accountable with such auditors coming under the lens in various corporate misdoings.

A big area of concern pertains to the big guns seeking to wash off their hands whenever their names crop up in any accounting wrong-doing while their delaying tactics in the name of jurisdiction have also been noticed, an official had said earlier.

While the existing legal framework provides for stringent provisions for auditing activities, there is no specific system in place when it comes to overseas audit firms.

While discussions on having tighter regulations for foreign audit firms are going on, the ministry is already examining the recommendations of the 3-member expert panel on various issues related to audit firms amid concerns over certain practices circumventing regulations.

The expert panel, headed by Teri Chairman Ashok Chawla, had submitted its report in March this year.
An Australian national was arrested from Chamoli district after being allegedly found in possession of a satellite phone, banned in India, a senior police official said today.

Stuart Ian Scott, who hails from Queensland, Australia, was arrested from Alkapuri area of Badrinath yesterday after he was found carrying the phone, Chamoli Superintendent of Police (SP) Tripti Bhatt said.

A case has been registered against Stuart under Indian Telegraph Act at the Badrinath police station, Bhatt said.

Earlier, a man from New Zealand was arrested from Badrinath in Chamoli district for not having a legal passport, she said.

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Bharti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bharti Enterprises, today signed a pact with the Punjab government to jointly build over 50,000 toilets for rural households in Amritsar district.

Bharti Foundation will be collaborating with the Punjab government under the 'Satya Bharti Abhiyan', Vijay Chadda, CEO, Bharti Foundation, said here.

Under the pact, Bharti Foundation will join hands with the Punjab government and provide financial assistance for the construction of 20,000 toilets in four blocks Chogawan, Majitha, Ajnala and Harsha Chhina with an investment of up to Rs 30 crore, he said.

The remaining 30,000 plus toilets will be provided by the Punjab government in five blocks Attari, Jandiala, Rayya, Tarsika and Verka, he said.

On completion, the joint initiative will impact over 2.5 lakh individuals.

The MoU was signed by Chadda and Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Head of Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, Punjab government.

The initiative will be supported by grants from two group companies -- Bharti Airtel Limited and Bharti Infratel Limited, Chadda said.

'Satya Bharti Abhiyan' is a private sector-supported intervention designed to contribute to Government of India's 'Swachh Bharat Mission'.

It was launched by Bharti Foundation in August 2014 as a response to the call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging corporates to join the government's efforts in sanitation and health under the 'Swachh Bharat Mission'.

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Actor Brie Larson said she is impressed with Marvel Studios as despite being a huge company they nurture every story with utmost care.

The 27-year-old actor, who features as Captain Marvel in the MCU's upcoming film, said she is excited to step into the shoes of a titular hero, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"That's one of the things that I'm so impressed with at Marvel - is that although they are this big company, at the same time their stories are really character driven and they care a lot about the journey of these characters and they understand that these films are a metaphor for the things that are very real in our lives.

"There's been a lot of talk about it, they're really open to the things I have to say about it, and it's super collaborative. It feels like any other job at this point, which is really wonderful," Larson said.

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The British government said today that it would continue its close cooperation with the European Union on security, months after suggesting security could be used as a bargaining chip in Brexit negotiations.

"What the UK is offering will be unprecedented in its breadth, taking in cooperation on diplomacy, defence, security and development, and depth, in terms of the degree of engagement that the UK and the EU should aim to deliver," the government said in a policy paper.

"The UK is unconditionally committed to maintaining European security," it said.

The government emphasised that "NATO will continue to be the cornerstone" of its security upon leaving the EU in March 2019 but that Britain would seek a UK-EU relationship that is "deeper than any third country partnership".

"The UK and the EU should have regular close consultations on foreign and security policy issues, with the option to agree joint positions on foreign policy issues," it said.

The Guardian newspaper said the latest paper "strikes a more positive note about EU defence and foreign policy matters than expected".

Prime Minister Theresa May warned in March -- after triggering Article 50 and starting the divorce proceedings -- that failing to reach a new trade deal once Britain leaves the bloc could damage cooperation against crime and terrorism.

The government denied it was implying a threat, saying it was a fact that unless Britain agreed to continue its security cooperation projects, including with the Europol law enforcement agency, then it would leave them after Brexit.

Speaking on BBC radio today, Defence Minister Michael Fallon said the paper "isn't a negotiating strategy".

"What we are doing -- and everybody has asked for this -- is to set out how we see the new partnership the day after Brexit."



"We want to fight terrorism together. It's vital. We are not making threats," he said.

The position paper -- the twelfth to be released by the British government -- does not mention cooperation on cross- border crime or whether it will remain a member of Europol.

The UK government said today that the next round of Brexit negotiations had been delayed a week and would now start on September 25.

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Britain today announced an extra ?25 million ($33.2 million, 27.2 million euros) in aid for its territories in the Caribbean that have been devastated by Hurricane Irma.

The funds were announced as Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson visited the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla, pledging "our absolute commitment" to Britons there.

"Today I'm announcing an additional ?25 million to support the recovery effort, further to the ?32 million of assistance I announced last week," Prime Minister Theresa May told the House of Commons.

More than 1,000 military personnel are now in the region, with another 200 due to arrive within days, along with more than 60 police officers, she said.

May -- facing criticism of the British response -- insisted that her government's reaction had been "speedy."



"The devastation that has taken place means there will be a significant need for reconstruction in those British Overseas Territories," she said.

"We will be working with our overseas territories to ensure we are able to see those countries actually brought to life once again, and people able to have an economy and a good life there."



Speaking to the Press Association agency en route to the Caribbean, Johnson said: "What they're seeing is an unprecedented UK response, but I want to stress it is not just for the short-term, we are going to be there for the long term as well."



The chief minister of Anguilla, Victor Banks, told the Press Association that the bill to repair his island's infrastructure alone could reach ?1 billion.

Nine people were killed in the British territories in the hurricane out of a total of at least 50 dead in the region.

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British Prime Minister Theresa May will travel to Italy next week to make a major speech on Brexit, Downing Street said.

"On Friday, September 22, the prime minister will give a speech in Florence to update on Brexit negotiations so far," her spokesman said.

"She will underline the government's wish for a deep and special partnership with the European Union once the UK leaves the EU."



Asked about the choice of venue, he said: "The prime minister wanted to give a speech on the UK's future relationship with Europe in its historical heart.

"The UK has had deep cultural and economic ties spanning centuries with Florence, a city known for its historical trading power.

"As the UK leaves the EU, we will retain those close ties. As the prime minister has said many times, we are leaving the EU not Europe."



May gave formal notification to Brussels of Britain's intention to leave the 28-nation bloc in March, starting the two-year countdown to Brexit.

But negotiations with the EU are proceeding slowly, as both sides grapple over the extent of Britain's financial obligations, the rights of European citizens and the issue of the Irish border.

The British government announced Tuesday that the fourth round of talks, which were due to start next week, had been postponed until September 25.

The decision was taken by "both sides" to allow more time for consultation, with the aim of giving negotiations "the flexibility to make progress", a spokesman said.

European Parliament Brexit chief Guy Verhofstadt said last week that the talks could be delayed because of an "important intervention" from May.

Her spokesman said: "The prime minister has said that she would provide updates on how the negotiations were going and be engaged in an ongoing conversation with Europe, and that's what she's doing.

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Union Minister on wednesday slammed attempts to brand India as a "villain" on the Rohingya refugee issue, saying it was a "calibrated design" to tarnish the country's image.

The Union minister of state for home's comments came two days after UN human Rights Chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein flayed any attempts by India to deport Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Rijiju said criticism of India on the Rohingyas, who have entered India illegally, undermines the country's security.

This chorus of branding India as villain on Rohingya issue is a calibrated design to tarnish India's image. It undermines India's security.  (@KirenRijiju) September 13, 2017

The central government is planning to deport Rohingya Muslims, who have come to India due to alleged persecution in Myanmar, as it considers them as illegal immigrants.

Rijiju had earlier said the Rohingyas were illegal immigrants and stand to be deported.

He had also said that India has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

The Minister had said no one should try to "demonise" India as a country hostile to refugees as it is not going to "throw" the Rohingyas into the "ocean" or "shoot" them but will follow due process of law before their identification and deportation.

The issue came to the fore after the Union home ministry in July had said illegal immigrants like the Rohingyas pose grave security challenges as they may be recruited by terror groups, and asked state governments to identify and deport them.

The ministry told all state governments that the infiltration of Rohingyas from Rakhine state of Myanmar into Indian territory, especially in recent years, besides being a burden on the limited resources of the country also aggravates security challenges posed to India.

The government told Parliament on August 9 that according to available data, more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the UNHCR, are presently staying in India.

However, some inputs indicate that around 40,000 Rohingyas are staying in India illegally and the Rohingyas are largely located in Jammu, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today urged Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi to end the violence which has seen nearly 380,000 Rohingya Muslims flee to neighboring Bangladesh.

During a phone call, Trudeau stressed Suu Kyi's role as a "moral and political leader" for the nation, as he voiced his "deep concerns over the situation in Rakhine state for Rohingya Muslims," his office said in a statement.

According to human rights organizations, 379,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar so far amid the army's ongoing violent response to attacks by Rohingya militants in Rakhine state last month.

Trudeau called upon Myanmar's military and civilian leaders to "take a strong stand in ending the violence, promoting the protection of civilians and promoting unimpeded access for the UN and international humanitarian actors."



The UN has described the army's violent crackdown as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing", and called for "immediate steps" to end the violence today.

Suu Kyi, an honorary citizen of Canada and Nobel laureate, has been criticized for her ambiguous position on the Rohingya crisis.

At a press conference late today, government spokesman Zaw Htay announced Suu Kyi will address citizens next week with a message of peace and national reconciliation.

The Myanmar leader has cancelled a trip to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly to tackle the crisis unfurling at home.

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Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy today accused the BJP-led Union government of pursuing "injurious" economic policies that have forced farmers to commit suicide and caused heavy losses to his government.

Narayanasamy, at a demonstration called by alliance partner DMK against the Union government's decision to impose NEET-based selection of students for medical courses, said the heavy losses Puducherry suffered was mainly due to the Centre's policies such as the Goods and Services Act (GST).

The senior Congress leader also criticised the sudden demonetisation of high-value currency in November last year, which had led to chaos across the country.

He said the Union government's "injurious policies" had been "chiefly responsible for suicides of farmers" across India. "The implementation of the GST from July led to serious setback in revenue flow to Puducherry."



On the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), he said the decision has led to confusion among students.

He demanded that "Education", now under the 'Concurrent List' in the Constitution, should be brought under the 'State List'.

"We have sought exemption of Puducherry from NEET by adopting a resolution in the assembly. We have also submitted a draft bill on the subject to the Centre. Both the resolution and the draft bill were gathering dust and no action had been taken on our plea for exemption of Puducherry from NEET", he said.

Narayanasamy said the demonstration was organised in keeping with the announcement of the DMK working president and leader of opposition in Tamil Nadu assembly M K Stalin.

Convener of DMK Puducherry unit R Siva MLA said the protest was only the first of a series of agitations to come.

Accusing Lt Governor Kiran Bedi of blocking the Congress government's welfare schemes, he warned of protests against her.

PCC president and PWD minister A Namassivayam, Deputy Speaker V P Sivakolundhu, leaders and workers of the Congress DMK, CPI, CPI (Marxist), VCK, Manidha Neya Makkal Iyakkam, Dravidar Kazhagam and a number of student bodies participated in the protest.

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The Centre today said it has taken up highway projects worth Rs 34,100 crore to decongest the national capital and sought Delhi government's support in expediting the work.

Chairing a high-level meeting on 'Projects on Decongestion of Delhi, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said a comprehensive exercise for decongesting arterial road network of national highways connecting NCT Delhi was on.

He further said that projects were being expedited and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken up comprehensive development and decongestion of NH-1, NH-8 and NH-24. The NH-1, NH-2, NH-8, NH-10 and NH-24 converge in Delhi.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan said, "The Centre has taken up projects worth Rs 34,100 crore to decongest Delhi that includes Rs 6,000 crore project on NH24."



He also sought cooperation from the Delhi government, saying the Centre's approach is positive in developing the arterial network and the state government should come forward and cooperate.

Other stakeholders like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have assured their full support in the initiative, he said.

Reviewing the projects during the meeting it was felt that for complete decongestion, interconnectivity among National Highways need to be improved for which a few more roads are required to be developed, officials said.

The issues pending with the Delhi government included permission to fell trees for Dhaulakuan junction as it required cutting of 1,900 trees.

The Delhi government was also asked to expedite land acquisition for Dwarka Expressway.

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Hospitality firm on Wednesday said China Lodging Group has signed an agreement to invest $10 million (over Rs 63 crore) as equity in the company.

had recently raised $250 million in a funding round led by Softbank Vision Fund.

As per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a partnership will combine the technical strengths and operational expertise of with China Lodging Group's extensive coverage and strong development capability in China, OYO said in a statement.

Commenting on the pact, OYO founder & CEO Ritesh Agarwal said: "We are very excited about this partnership - both in terms of potential opportunities and existing synergies through our complementary strengths and capabilities."

"The MoU signifies the shared aspirations of China Lodging Group and OYO to explore growth opportunities in the global hospitality industry and to create synergies by working together," China Lodging Group CEO Jenny Zhang said.

Under the terms of the pact, China Lodging Group and OYO will explore initiating knowledge and technology sharing projects of mutual interest to enable a co-learning opportunity in the fields of technology and hospitality among other things, the statement said.

This could include an exchange programme for employees, sharing of technology and intellectual property, it added.

"The partnership is also expected to leverage benefits from economies of scale, not limited to, sourcing and procurement and joint loyalty programmes", the statement said.

OYO currently operates in over 230 cities across India, Malaysia and Nepal. China Lodging Group Ltd is a leading hotel operator and franchisor in China.
China and Russia have assured Pakistan at the diplomatic level that they would veto any US move in the United Nations to slap economic sanctions on Islamabad over failure to eliminate terror safe havens, according to a media report on Wednesday.

The ties between Pakistan and the US deteriorated after US President in August criticised Islamabad for providing safe havens to terrorists.

The Express Tribune and its sister publication Daily Express reported that the US has hinted at imposing sanctions on Pakistani officials allegedly having links with militants.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had warned on Monday that any targeted sanctions against Pakistani officials would not help in US counter-terrorism efforts.

The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has been in contact with two veto-wielding powers - China and Russia - who have opposed the American policy of putting undue pressure on Pakistan.

The two key world players have assured Islamabad of every possible support at all forums, it said.

Pakistan would also approach other Western nations, especially France and the United Kingdom, to drive home its viewpoint, according to report.

Islamabad-based diplomatic sources told Daily Express that foreign policy wizards, security officials and top government functionaries have been brainstorming to chart out new policy vis-a-vis Washington.

It has been decided that Pakistan would phase out its dependence on the United States. And high-level contacts with Washington would be restored only after the Trump administration acquiesced to assuage Pakistan's legitimate concerns on the new US strategy for Afghanistan and beyond.

There has been no top level contact between Trump's aides and Pakistani officials since the inauguration of the new US strategy, though US Ambassador David Hale has met senior Pakistani civil and military leaders in an attempt to soothe frayed tempers in Islamabad.

Pakistan has started approaching key and regional players to garner their support in the wake of scathing criticism from President Trump. In this context,



Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has already launched a diplomatic offensive to garner support for Pakistan. He travelled to China, Iran and Turkey this week.
China and Russia will not allow the US to overthrow the regime of North Korean dictator Kim Jong- un with crippling sanctions as it will affect their national interests and jeopardise the regional strategic balance, according to a Chinese expert.

The UN Security Council on Monday unanimously passed a US-drafted resolution that imposes strongest sanctions ever on North Korea, including restricting its oil imports and banning textile exports, to curb the reclusive nation's nuclear programme.

"The US and its allies Japan and South Korea hope to suffocate North Korea and overturn its regime through economic and military pressure, but this will not work because China and Russia will not accept this, as it will affect their national interests and jeopardise the regional strategic balance," Lu Chao, a Chinese expert on Korean studies at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, was quoted as saying by the state-run Global Times.

Reports from China-North Korean border said China has amassed troops to prepare for any eventuality and even held periodic exercises envisaging different scenarios.

Though critical of North Korea's nuclear tests, China regards it as a buffer state and close-ally.

"Oil exports to North Korea will drop by nearly 40 per cent, a huge blow to its energy supply," Lu said, reacting to the new round of sanctions by the UN following North Korea's hydrogen bomb test.

An oil pipeline that supplies 90 per cent of North Korea's crude has been excluded from the latest UN sanctions against Pyongyang in part for one very practical reason: once China turns it off, it can't be easily turned back on again, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post said today.

The Dandong-Sinuiju pipeline connecting both the countries, delivers more than half a million tonnes of crude oil to North Korea a year. Yet the supplies were explicitly excluded from the resolution passed by the UN Security Council on Monday in response to Pyongyang's sixth nuclear test.

The exemption reflected Beijing's unwillingness to drive Pyongyang to even greater desperation, experts said.

Liu Ming, a North Korean affairs analyst from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said technical factors with the pipeline were real and "could not be ignored".

"The crude oil transported via the Dandong-Sinuiju pipeline contains a high proportion of wax. If the flow of oil slows or stops, the pipeline becomes blocked, which in turn is expensive to repair. The pipeline can even be damaged beyond repair in extreme cases," Liu told the Post.

The pipeline, also called the Friendship Oil Pipeline, runs for more than 30 km from storage facilities in the Chinese border city of Dandong to an oil depot in Sinuiju in North Korea.

The UN has banned textile imports, including fabrics and partially completed apparel, beginning 90 days from the adoption of the resolution.

"North Korea will lose USD 700 million to USD 800 million a year from the textile ban. And it will also affect some Chinese and foreign companies in Shanghai as well as border cities since they offer materials to North Korean companies for processing," Jin Qiangyi, director of Yanbian University's Asia Research Centre was quoted by the report.

Reports also said Chinese banks have started imposing restrictions on North Korean accounts and transactions.

Data from China's General Administration of Customs show that North Korea exported USD 260 million in textile products to China from January to July, or 44 per cent of its total exports to China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang yesterday said that while Beijing is calling for complete implementation of the latest UN resolution on Pyongyang, it will never allow war or chaos in the Korean Peninsula.

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China's first cargo spacecraft, Tianzhou-1, completed an automated fast-docking with experimental space lab Tiangong-2, currently in orbit.

Controlled from Earth, Tianzhou-1 began to approach Tiangong-2 at 5:24 PM yesterday and it took six and a half hours to complete the fast-docking with the space lab.

It was the third docking between the two spacecraft using fast-docking technology. Previously, it took about two days to dock.

Chinese scientists are using experimental space lab to master the docking technology for its permanent space station expected to be ready by 2022.

China aims to build a permanent space station rival to Russia's Space Station, Mir. It is expected to orbit for at least 10 years, and the debut of the cargo ship is important as it acts as a courier to help maintain the space station.

The experiment tested the cargo spacecraft's capability of fast-docking, laying a foundation for future space station building.

Tianzhou-1 was launched on April 20 from south China's Hainan Province, and it completed the first and second docking with the orbiting Tiangong-2 space lab on April 22 and June 19, respectively.

The cargo spacecraft will conduct the third refuelling of the space lab before returning to Earth.

The two spacecraft completed their first in-orbit refuelling on April 27 and their second in-orbit refuelling on June 15.

China is the third country, after Russia and the United States, to master refuelling techniques in space, which is crucial in the building of a permanent space station.

Tiangong-2, which was sent into space on Sept 15, 2016, is China's first space lab "in the strict sense" and a key step in building a permanent space station.

Cargo ships play a crucial role maintaining a space station and carrying supplies and fuel into orbit.
The Ludhiana city unit chief of the Congress, Gurpreet Gogi, was today arrested by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in connection with a two-year-old rail traffic blocking case.

He was later released on bail, an RPF spokesperson said.

Gogi was taken into custody by the RPF from his residence at Ghumar mandi locality here.

After his release, Gogi termed his arrest as a "political vendetta".

The spokesperson said a case was registered against Gogi who was leading a protest by Congress workers on May 2, 2015.

It is the fourth arrest by the Ludhiana unit of the RPF in last three months in similar offences, the spokesperson said.

He added that others who were arrested belonged to different political and social outfits.

Congress party activists had blocked the rail traffic near Gurudwara Dukh Nivaran on that day.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Congress today hailed the victory of its student wing NSUI in the DUSU polls, saying it is a reflection of the changing atmosphere in the country as the youth have taught the saffron brigade a lesson after being "misled".

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari accused the RSS- affiliated ABVP of indulging in malpractices in the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) election and said the party's student body has all its options open if the DU authorities "do not mend their ways".

The National Students Union of India (NSUI), which won the posts of president and vice president of DUSU, has also accused varsity authorities of malpractices due to which the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) won two of the posts.

Delhi University authorities had earlier rejected the nomination papers of the NSUI presidential candidate Rocky Tusheed who contested after the intervention of the Delhi High Court and won today with a big margin.

"This is not the only instance (where NSUI won in student elections). The atmosphere in the country is changing. Those who misled the youth, The youth are today teaching them a lesson. The NSUI won the Panjab University election and prior to that in Rajasthan University the NSUI sounded the victory bugle. It is a reflection of the changed atmosphere in the country," Tewari said.

In the past there has never been an incident where nominations have been cancelled in students' polls and one has to move the court to get them restored. This is the manifestation of subversion of varsities by the BJP-led NDA government, he claimed.

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The 'creamy layer' ceiling for OBC reservation has been raised to Rs 8 lakh from the existing Rs 6 lakh per year, according to an official order issued on Wednesday.

This means that children of persons having a gross annual income of Rs 8 lakh or above for a period of three consecutive years would fall under the creamy layer category and would not be entitled to the benefit of reservation available to Other Backward Classes.

"It has now been decided to raise the income limit from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per annum for determining the creamy layer among the Other Backward Classes," the order issued by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said.

In 1993, the limit was kept at Rs 1 lakh. It was raised thrice -- to Rs 2.5 lakh in 2004, Rs 4.5 lakh in 2008 and Rs 6 lakh in 2013.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had on August 23 announced that the Union Cabinet had been formally apprised of the decision to increase the limit for central government jobs.

He had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hinted in Assam that the bar defining creamy layer would be raised.

The Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry had proposed that OBC families which earn more than Rs 8 lakh per year should be under the creamy layer category.

"These measures are part of the government's efforts to ensure greater social justice and inclusion for members of the Other Backward Classes," an official release issued recently said.

The government has already introduced in Parliament a bill to provide Constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes.

It has also decided to set up a commission, under Section 340 of the Constitution, to sub-categorise the OBCs so that the more "under-privileged" among them can avail the benefit of reservation for government jobs and seats in educational institutions.
The Haryana Cabinet today on compassionate grounds decided to provide a government job to a woman whose father died during Operation Pawan in 1989.

Rohtash Singh's daughter Jaswanti Devi has been provided the position of clerk, an official release said.

The post was offered by relaxing the norms of a policy that gives employment in Class III and IV grade jobs to a dependent of an Army or a paramilitary personnel from the state who died in the line of duty, it said.

Singh died during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka on May 14, 1989, the release said.

A decision to this effect was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here.

The woman was 12 years old when he father died. Now, she has requested the government go give her the appointment as per the policy, the release said.

She holds MA and B.Ed degrees, and is eligible for the post of clerk. The present government has so far made 152 appointment under the policy, it said.

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Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit chief Sat Sharma today said the days were not far when Kashmiri Pandits would return to their homes with dignity and honour.

Speaking at a function organised by the BJP to pay homage to Pandit Tika Lal Taploo, first Kashmiri Pandit who fell to the bullets of terrorists in 1989, Sharma assured that his party would help the displaced in mitigating their miseries.

"Those days are not far when the displaced people will return to their Kashmir with dignity and honour. The BJP will leave no stone unturned in solving the problems of the hapless people who were forced to leave the Valley," he said.

BJP General Secretary Ashok Koul recalled the days when he worked with Taploo in Srinagar and said he was a "nationalist par excellence".

MLCs Surinder Ambardar and Girdhari Lal besides senior functionaries of 'Kashmir Displaced District' paid rich tributes to Taploo and other martyrs.

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The Delhi High Court today summoned the trial court records of a criminal defamation case filed against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia.

Justice I S Mehta called for the case records while hearing a plea by the two AAP leaders challenging a trial court order summoning them as accused in a defamation complaint filed against them by an advocate.

The two leaders, along with Yogendra Yadav, were put on trial last month by the lower court which is slated to frame defamation charges against them tomorrow in the case.

The high court, which listed the matter for further hearing on December 20, also observed that the complainant advocate does not have any direct evidence in the case.

It observed that the magistrate should have first satisfied in himself whether a defamation case was made out.

Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing for Kejriwal and Sisodia, argued that there was no direct evidence against them and the complainant's entire case was based on a press release issued by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and some articles.

"This provision (defamation) has become a joke and (there is a) need to control this," she said.

She argued that the magistrate should not have entertained the complaint filed by advocate Surender Sharma as he had gone to court only with documents of AAP press release and newspaper clippings and that he has "not come to the court with clean hands".

She said Sharma was aggrieved by headlines in the media and had not made them an accused, while the AAP leaders had no role in it.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the two AAP leaders, who sought quashing of the criminal defamation complaint filed by the advocate.

Besides Kejriwal and Sisodia, the complainant has also named Yogendra Yadav in his complaint.

Yadav was a member of the National Executive of the AAP until 2015 when he was expelled for alleged anti-party activities. Later, he floated his own party Swaraj India.

Sharma had alleged that in 2013, he was approached by AAP volunteers who had asked him to contest the Delhi assembly elections on a party ticket, saying Kejriwal waspleased with his social services.

He filled up the application form to contest the polls after being told by Sisodia and Yadav that AAP's Political Affairs Committee had decided to give him theticket. However, it was later denied to him.

On October 14, 2013, the complainant claimed, articles inleading newspapers carried "defamatory, unlawful and derogatory words used by the accused persons" which, he said, hadlowered his reputation in the Bar and the society.

Opposing the complaint, the AAP leaders submitted that cancellation or allotment of an election ticket is the prerogative of the party.

"Party had asked him if any cases were pending against him, to which Sharma had said nil. Later it was found that several case were pending against him and he had concealed this information.

"Kejriwal did not issue any press release against Sharma. The party had issued the press release. So no defamation case made out against Kejriwal," the counsel for the two submitted.

The trial court, which had sought their presence before it in the matter, had granted bail to Kejriwal, Sisodia and Yadav after they had appeared before it.

The summonses were issued on the complaint for the alleged offences of defamation and common intention under the IPC,with the trial court saying there was prima facie material to summon the accused.

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Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal today directed the traffic police to launch an intensive 'challan' drive against encroachments on the city's roads from next week.

Fines will be imposed on violators as per the Motor Vehicles Act as well as Delhi Municipal Act.

According to the L-G's office, before the launch of the drive traffic police was directed to start a four-day awareness campaign regarding unauthorised parking and encroachment on roads from tomorrow.

The decision was taken at a meeting held by the Lt Governor to review the status of action for removal of major encroachments and road blocks on 29 major traffic corridors in the city.

The meeting was attended by Delhi Urban Development Minister Satyendar Jain, Chief Secretary M M Kutty and other senior officers.

"The L-G directed municipal bodies and traffic police to carry out joint drives in each zone. It was decided that fines will be imposed on the violators as per the MV Act as well as DMC Act," the L-G's office said in a statement.

It also stated the the Lt Governor has directed Special Commissioner (traffic) to start an awareness campaign regarding unauthorised parking and encroachment on roads from September 14 so as the people are made aware about challan which they have to pay in case of violations.

"An intensive challan drive will be started from Monday (September 18). It was apprised that such challans based on the weight of the articles seized (under DMC Act), and based on the orders of the NGT will be deterrent in nature," the statement also stated.

Baijal stated that the removal of encroachments will be the responsibility of the respective municipal corporations as laid down in the statute.

He also directed all the municipal commissioners to submit weekly reports regarding removal of encroachments in their respective zones.

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Nearly 2,000 workers belonging to several political parties, barring AIADMK and BJP, today staged a demonstration here and in Tirupur seeking exemption for Tamil Nadu from NEET, police said.

While 1,000 cadres of various political parties including the DMK took part in the protest here, 800 activists participated in the demonstration held in Tirupur, they said.

Led by DMK, the workers raised slogans against the Centre for working against social justice and also Tamil Nadu government for not criticising the steps taken by the Centre.

District leaders of Congress, CPIM, CPI, VCK, and Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhakam participated in the demonstration.

Protests had erupted in Tamil Nadu soon after Anitha, daughter of a daily wage earner, allegedly hanged herself at her house in Ariyalur district on September 1.

She was reportedly upset after reports emerged that Tamil Nadu would not be exempted from the ambit of National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test.

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AIADMK leader TTV on Wednesday alleged that the ruling faction led by K Palaniswami was threatening to file false cases against his loyalists MLAs, who are camping in Karnataka, if they did not support the chief minister.

The beleaguered leader, whose appointment as the AIADMK's deputy general secretary was declared invalid at the party's general council meeting yesterday, alleged the TN government sent policemen to Karnataka who "threatened to file false cases against our MLAs".

Since September 10, a majority of Dhinakaran's loyalist MLAs are putting up in a resort in Karnataka's Coorg district.

has the support of 21 MLAs.

"They (MLAs) are being intimidated by sending police personnel... They are being asked to support Chief Minister Palaniswami," he alleged.

said the MLAs told him that 30 Tamil Nadu police personnel, led by five DSPs, visited their resort yesterday.

Policemen were there today as well, he said.

Dhinakaran also alleged that the ruling camp was "nudging" his loyalist legislators, through police, to support the Palaniswami government by offering monetary inducements.

The MLAs would file a complaint with the Karnataka Police in connection with the matter and "we will move court seeking action against (Tamil Nadu) police and the chief minister", he said.

Meanwhile, former minister and Dhinakaran loyalist MLA V Senthil Balaji told reporters in Coorg that Tamil Nadu police personnel came to his room in the resort and asked him "to talk to the chief minister".

He alleged they told him that if he did not do so, a case would be slapped against him and he would be arrested.

Balaji alleged he was offered monetary inducement to switch over to the Palaniswami camp.

Dhinkaran said former minister and his supporter P Palaniappan has left Karnataka to reach Tamil Nadu.

The MLA is facing a case for allegedly abetting the suicide of a contractor.

"I have got information that Palanipappan has approached court," he said and asked the media to not "speculate" that the MLA was to be arrested.

"Disseminate the truth," he said.

On yesterday's executive committee and general council meet held by the Palaniswami-Panneerselvam camp, he said "There was no legal sanction for the meeting. They are not general council members, they are Palaniswami and Panneerselvam's people."



He reiterated that the general council meeting could not be convened without the permission of party general secretary V K Sasikala.

The jailed leader's appointment as general secretary was annulled yesterday by the ruling camp.
AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran loyalist and MLA P Palaniappan has moved the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a case of alleged abetment to suicide against him.

Palaniappan's petition is expected to come up for hearing before Justice P N Prakash tomorrow.

Apprehending arrest, Palaniappan, a former higher education minister and a legislator representing Pappireddipatti constituency, has sought advance bail.

The matter relates to the suicide of K R Subramaniam, a civil works contractor on May 8 this year at his residence in Mohanur near Namakkal.

The 58-year-old contractor, who had executed several projects state government projects, was found dead under suspicious circumstances.

A letter purportedly written by the contractor, which was found later, blamed his business rivals for his decision to end his life.

Before committing suicide,Subramaniam had reportedly sent letters to 13 people by post, including some police officers. In the letters, he had mentioned the reasons behind his decision to kill himself.

A few months ago, Subramaiam's residence was raided by Income Tax officials alongside the premises associated with Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar.

The raids were related to alleged tax evasion in the wake of allegations of bribing of voters in the run up to the RK Nagar bypoll, which was later cancelled.

Subramanian had appeared before tax authorities here to answer questions in connection with the tax evasion probe.

The suicide case is being probed by the CB-CID of Tamil Nadu police.

Palaniappan had appeared before CB-CID officials in July at Namakkal for questioning.

A team of Tamil Nadu police had yesterday visited the Coorg resort in neighbouring Karnataka looking for Palaniappan to question him in the case. The former Minister's whereabouts are not known immediately.

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A duo from here was today booked for allegedly cheating a candidate by not offering him training under the Prime Minister's skill development programme, police said.

As per complaint filed by the candidate yesterday, an advertisement was floated on a social media group by one 'Kalyan Vikas Manch' that training would be imparted under the 'Prime Minister's skill development programme', a senior police official said.

"It was mentioned that the aspiring candidates should contact Avinash Kalambkar and Hemangi Chowdhary. It was also stated that training would be provided in various fields," the official said.

According to him, the candidate initially paid Rs 35,000 and later Rs 12,500 but his training did not begin.

The complainant enquired but got evasive replies, he said.

The complainant claimed that the duo has also cheated two others in a similar manner. The candidates and the two others were together duped of Rs 1.16 lakh by not offering them training under the Prime Minister's Skill Development Programme, police said.

A case under section 420 (cheating) of the India Penal Code has been registered at the Kolsewadi police station and a probe is on, the official said.

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The Netherlands has stripped four jihadist fighters of their Dutch nationality under tough new anti-terror legislation, a top minister announced today.

"These four persons have joined a terror organisation in a conflict area," Safety and Justice Minister Stef Blok said in a statement.

"They have been declared undesirable aliens which means that it is no longer possible for them to travel to The Netherlands or any other Schengen country," Blok said, referring to Europe's passport-free zone.

Although Blok did not name the four men, Dutch media listed them as "known Syria travellers Driss B., Noureddin B., Anis Z. And Hatim R."



Driss B. And Noureddin B. Were sentenced last year and Anis Z. And Hatim R. In 2015 to six years each in absentia for being members of a criminal terror organisation.

The four had previously travelled to Syria to join jihadist fighters including the Islamic State group, local reports said.

Their current whereabouts are unknown.

"This includes Driss B., who is doubted to still be alive," national agency ANP reported.

The Netherlands in March approved tough new legislation that gives the government the power to take away citizenship, even if a person has not been convicted of a crime.

The law has been criticised by opposition parties including Prime Minister Mark Rutte's outgoing junior Labour coalition partner because it can only be applied to people with double nationality.

Wednesday's decision still has to be approved by a judge, the Dutch government said. It was not known what other nationality the four men hold.

Some 280 Dutch citizens are believed to have travelled to join jihadist groups in Syria and Iraq since 2011.

About 190 remain there but "there are probably still a number of Dutch jihadists who want to join the IS group or others in the Middle East," the Dutch anti-terror agency NCTV said in its latest report.

Although the country been spared from the wave of attacks that has hit some of its neighbours such as Belgium, France and Germany as well as other countries "jihadists regard The Netherlands as a legitimate target," the NCTV said.

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Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deua has violated the poll code by expanding his cabinet few days before the third phase of the local polls but the Election Commission has no authority to take action against him, the country's top election official said today.

Chief Election Commissioner Awadhi Kumar Yadav said the commission's attention has been drawn towards the recent cabinet expansion, but it has no authority to take action against the prime minister.

"We can only suggest him," he said, speaking at a function here.

He, however, said the election body would take action against those who tried to lure voters by organising feasts during the third phase of local level elections slated for September 18.

He warned that the nominations would be scrapped if any candidate was found involved in organising feast during electioneering.

There were reports that various political parties were organising feast in the southern Nepal districts for luring voters.

"We have heard that the candidates have been spending a huge amount of money on the elections, but we have not found any proof yet. If we receive photos as a proof, we will take action against them on the spot," he said.

Prime Minister Deuba on Monday expanded his Cabinet for the fifth time since June, inducting four more ministers to take its strength to a record 54, and evoking criticism from the poll panel.

Deuba inducted three ministers and a minister of state from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (Democratic). With the new inductees, his Cabinet became the largest in Nepal's history.

The Election Commission had expressed its dissatisfaction over the Cabinet expansion. The EC had said in a statement the expansion was against the code of conduct of Provincial Assembly and House of Representatives.

The 71-year-old leader in June became the prime minister for the fourth time, succeeding Maoist leader Prachanda, who resigned from the position as part of a power-sharing deal.

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Former chief pharamacist of the BRD Medical College today surrendered in a city court in connection with the child deaths in the state-run hospital here last month and was remanded in judicial custody.

With this, seven of the nine accused named in the FIR have been held.

"Gajanan Jaiswal, former chief pharamacist of BRD Medical College, today surrendered in the anti-corruption court. The court sent him to 14-day judicial custody," circle officer of Cantonment police station area Abhishek Singh told PTI.

The remaining two against whom non-bailable warrants have been issued are oxygen gas suppliers Uday Pratap Singh and Manish Bhandari.

The Uttar Pradesh Police had yesterday arrested clerk Sanjay Tripathi of the BRD Medical College. Tripathi was also sent to a 14-day judicial custody.

Another clerk Sudhir Pandey was arrested near Khajanchi Chowk area last week.

Earlier, Dr Satish, the former head of the anaesthesia department, had surrendered in the anti-corruption court here.

On September 2, ex-chief of the encephalitis wing in the hospital Dr Kafeel Khan was arrested, while the Special Task Force of UP police had arrested ex-principal Rajiv Mishra and his wife Purnima Shukla on August 29.

Mishra was suspended as principal of the medical college on August 12 after the deaths were reported. He had resigned the same day taking moral responsibility.

A committee headed by Chief Secretary Rajive Kumar probing the Gorakhpur tragedy had recommended initiating criminal action against Mishra, Dr Satish, Dr Khan and Pushpa Sales, the supplier of oxygen cylinders.

More than 60 children, mostly infants, had died at the hospital within a week last month.

There were allegations that the deaths occurred due to a disruption in oxygen supply over unpaid bills to the vendor.

The state government had vehemently denied that shortage of oxygen led to the deaths.

Mishra was accused of sitting over the issue of payments to the vendor supplying oxygen to the hospital.

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A man was injured in an explosion in his shop in Howrah district today, police said.

The incident took place at the Teen Kapati Pool under the jurisdiction of Manikpur police station today evening when he was closing the shop, a police officer said.

Komer Ali, the shop owner, was admitted to the Uluberia hospital with severe burn injuries, the officer said. "We have started an investigation," the officer said.

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Father Tom Uzhunnalil's release from the captivity of the Islamic State was made possible at the end of "extremely complicated diplomatic efforts" by India, Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam said here today.

He said hectic diplomatic efforts were made at various levels, including at the level of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Minister Sushma Swaraj, to bring the priest back to safety.

"The release of Father Uzhunnalil was made possible at the end of extremely complicated diplomatic efforts," Alphons said.

He acknowledged the help that India received from many countries, including Oman and Saudi Arabia, for the mission.

The Catholic priest from Kerala was rescued in Yemen yesterday, 18 months after he was abducted by Islamic State terrorists during a deadly attack on a care home in the port city of Aden in the war-ravaged country.

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A forum today raised a stink over alleged misuse of land by the Delhi Metro, which was vehemently denied by the corporation.

Jagdeep Rana, a confidante of sacked Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, told a press conference that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) leased out a prime piece of land in west Delhi to a property developer "circumventing rules".

"The land was provisionally given to the DMRC by the Delhi Development Authority to build a depot. The DMRC had not even registered its agreement with the developer and has not been paying any taxes to the government despite earning crores as revenue," Rana said.

Responding to the charges, the DMRC said the property development activity in the said case has been dealt as per prevalent rules and regulations.

"The DMRC strongly denies the allegations on the above subject as the land has been taken over formally from the duly authorised agency with full authority for utilisation of the land for property development which is an activity necessitated as per government directives.

"The necessary 'No Objection' certificates from the concerned authorities have been obtained by DMRC including DDA. It may also be mentioned that a transparent process of bidding was adopted while fixing up the agency which has developed and is operating the mall at the said premises," it said.

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A young woman blew herself up today in Cameroon's far north, killing four people and injuring another in an area frequently targeted by Boko Haram jihadists from neighbouring Nigeria.

The attack happened in Sandawadjiri, just 15 kilometres (10 miles) from Nigeria's northeastern border, a security source in Yaounde said, adding that "a young woman blew herself up" in front of a mosque.

The attack and the toll were both confirmed to AFP by a security source in the region.

The Far North region, which borders Nigeria, has seen a resurgence in attacks blamed on Boko Haram after months of relative calm.

According to Amnesty International, Boko Haram attacks since April have killed nearly 400 people in Nigeria and Cameroon -- double the figure of the previous five months -- of which 158 were in Cameroon.

It said the surge in deaths was due to an increase in the number of suicide attacks.

At least 20,000 people have been killed in violence since 2009 and more than 2.6 million people have been left homeless.

The group seeks to establish a hardline Islamist state in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north.

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French Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer has touched off a public debate about banning phones in schools as he seeks to implement a campaign pledge by President Emmanuel Macron.

In an interview with Express magazine, the minister suggested that pupils might be asked to deposit their phones in secure boxes when arriving at school or for classes.

"At our cabinet meetings, we drop our phones in lockers before sitting down together. It seems to me that this should be possible for any human group, including classes," he said in the interview published Tuesday.

Macron, a 39-year-old centrist, put banishing mobile phones from all primary and secondary schools in his manifesto ahead of his election victory in May.

Experts and trade unions have pointed out that using mobile phones in class is already outlawed in France, even though research shows that many pupils confess to having broken the rules.

Some teachers view phones as a source of a distraction and indiscipline which can be used for cyberbullying at school, while others believe they can be harnessed for educational purposes -- under strict control.

One of the biggest groups representing parents of French school children, known as Peep, said it was sceptical that a ban could be implemented.

"We don't think it's possible at the moment," the head of Peep, Gerard Pommier, told reporters today.

"Imagine a secondary school with 600 pupils.

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French Ambassdor to India Alexandre Ziegler today inaugurated a 5 MW solar plant at Maheshwari village near Bhagwanpur in Haridwar district.

Developed by a French company, Technique Solaire's Indian subsidiary, JLTM Energy India Pvt Ltd,the plant came up in three months at an investment of approximately Rs 27 crore (4 million euros), Technique Solaire India Director Manu Bishnoi told PTI.

The commissioning of this solar power plant confirms Technique Solaire's position among leading French players to succeed in setting up projects in India.

"This is the first project completed by a French company in the Indian solar market and demonstrates the ability of Technique Solaire and its team to implement solar projects in a complex and highly competitive international environment.

"With this first success, and the ambition of the Indian government to develop solar energy with a goal of 100 GW by 2022, Technique Solaire intends to develop more than 200 MWp of projects in India in the coming 2-3 years.

Created in 2008, Technique Solaire specializes in the development, financing, construction and operation of renewable energy projects especially solar and biogas.

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The Goa Congress today accused the BJP-led state government of "failing" to fulfil the assurances given on the floor of the House during the monsoon session of the Assembly.

The opposition party said they would decide their next course of action after one month.

At a meeting held here yesterday, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) took stock of the assurances made and fulfilled by the government.

"Majority of the assurances given on the floor of the House by the ruling benches were not fulfilled. We realised that apart from Governor's assent to the bills like amendment to the Agriculture Tenancy Act and Goa Preservation of Trees Act, no other promises are realised," Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar said today.

The Goa Preservation of Trees Act was amended recently to declassify the coconut tree as "tree" from its earlier definition of "palm".

The Tenancy Act was amended bringing back the related cases from court to mamlatdars.

Kavlekar admitted that the delay in fulfilling the assurances could be due to the poll code which was in force ahead of the Panaji and Valpoi bypolls held last month.

"We are giving one month's time to the government to fulfil the assurances. However, if they fail, we will decide on our future action," he said.

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The government has imposed an antidumping duty of up to USD 60.35 per tonne for five years on a chemical used in fertiliser industry from four countries -- Russia, Indonesia, Georgia and Iran.

The move would help guard domestic players from below- cost imports of 'ammonium nitrate' from these countries.

Deepak Fertilizers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd and Smartchem Technologies Ltd had jointly filed an application before the Directorate General of Antidumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) for initiation of the antidumping investigations.

The finance ministry imposed the duty after the DGAD in its finding concluded that the product has been exported to India from these four countries below its normal value, resulting in dumping.

The government, after considering the findings of DGAD "hereby imposes" the antidumping duty, the department of revenue said in a notification.

DGAD, under the commerce ministry, has recommended imposition of the duty on the imports.

The duty ranges between USD 11.42 to USD 60.35 per tonne.

"The anti-dumping duty imposed shall be effective for a period of five years (unless revoked, superseded or amended earlier)," it said.

Countries initiate anti-dumping probes to determine if the domestic industry has been hurt by a surge in below-cost imports.

As a counter-measure, they impose duties under the multilateral World Trade Organization (WTO) regime.

Anti-dumping measures are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry. They are not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in cost of products.

India has initiated maximum anti-dumping cases against below-cost imports from China.

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Union minister V K Singh today said the government will follow its policy for refugees to tackle the Rohingya issue.

"The government will go according to the policy to deal with refugees ... When the situation is good enough for them to return to their country," he told reporters here.

Nobody wants to stay as a refugee, the minister of state for external affairs said.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju had on September 5 said the Rohingya were illegal immigrants and stood to be deported.

The Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority, are regarded as illegal immigrants in Myanmar. Thousands of them have fled to Bangladesh and India.

Around 40,000 Rohingya Muslims have settled in India, and nearly 16,000 of them have received refugee documentation, according to the United Nations.

UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein had yesterday accused Myanmar of waging a "systematic attack" on the minority.

On the freezing of assets of mob boss Dawood Ibrahim by the UK, Singh said: "We do not want to let the cat out of the bag."



Asked if India was hopeful of bringing backformer Naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on the charge of espionage, he said some matters were being handled "very delicately and there is no point in putting out anything till things solidify".

India had on May 8 taken the Jadhav case to the International Court of Justice, accusing Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention and conducting a "farcical trial".

The ICJ had stayed the execution of Jadhav.

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The Haryana police will soon interrogate Dera Sacha Sauda chairperson Vipassana Insan in connection with the violence that had broken out in Panchkula and Sirsa following the sect head's rape conviction.

Vipassana is one of the likely successors of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

"Sirsa police will soon ask Vipassana Insan to join the investigation," Haryana DGP B S Sandhu said here today.

The police said it was making efforts to nab Ram Rahim's confidant and adopted daughter, Honeypreet, and key Dera functionary, Aditya Insaan who they believed are still in the country.

"We have sent police teams to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to track them. We are presuming that they are hiding somewhere in the country," said Sandhu, adding that a lookout notice against them was also issued following apprehensions that they might try to "escape the country".

Efforts to trace Honeypreet were initiated after the questioning of Surinder Dhiman Insan, another sect functionary who was arrested on charges of instigating violence, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to facilitate the Dera chief's escape after he was convicted of raping two disciples.

The Haryana police had earlier conducted raids at various places and police teams were sent to various locations, including Mumbai and the Nepal side. It was also in touch with the police of other states.

Three Punjab police officers, who were deployed to provide security to the Dera chief, were also arrested last week for conspiring to free Ram Rahim after his conviction.

"Three Punjab cops have been taken into custody and we have issued notices to five other cops, asking them to join investigation," Sandhu said.

The DGP said that several vehicles that were a part of the cavalcade of Dera chief on August 25 were impounded. "Notices have also been sent to the owners of remaining vehicles," he added.

Violence erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana and parts of Punjab and Delhi on August 25 following the conviction of Ram Rahim. The mayhem left 35 dead in Panchkula and six in Sirsa.

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The Delhi High Court today asked the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to unblock the academic entry of a former students union president after he deposits a fine Rs 20,000.

The fine was imposed on him for 'unlawfully confining' top officials during a protest in the university last year.

The court, in an interim order, asked the student leader, Mohit Pandey, to pay the fine amount and immediately shift from the JNU hostel after the university's counsel did not object to it.

"Petitioner (Pandey) is ready to abide by the punishment. Respondent (JNU) has no objection to the interim order. Petitioner is directed to pay Rs 20,000 fine and to immediately shift from the hostel.

"On doing so, his academic entry will be unblocked and will be supplied the academic documents. He be also enrolled in the current academic year," Justice Indermeet Kaur said.

The court also issued notice to JNU on the petition challenging the university's decision holding him guilty and imposing the fine and listed the matter for December 8.

During the hearing, senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for Pandey, argued that there was non-compliance of rules of natural justice in the conduct of inquiry held against the student.

She said Pandey had sat on a 'dharna' outside the vice chancellor's officer and as a punishment, he was asked to pay a fine of Rs 20,000 and shift from the hostel.

The counsel said now he was ready to pay the fine amount.

JNU's counsel Monika Arora and Harsh Ahuja said that in June, the JNU administration had identified six students, including Pandey, guilty of 'unlawful confinement' of the Vice Chancellor (VC) and other top officials during a protest in October 2016, which was held to seek justice for the missing student Najeeb Ahmad.

They said that the act of illegal confinement was a serious offence for which the univesity had imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 each on them and ordered transfer of hostels.

However, Pandey had refused to pay the fine on the ground that the amount was exorbitant and it was done to shut their voice against the administration.

Najeeb, a first-year MSc Biotechnology student, has been missing from the Mahi Mandavi hostel in JNU since October 16, 2016.

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The Delhi High Court has issued a contempt notice to a former Director of Education for disregarding its 2014 order relating to relaxation of age for appointment of special educators in the city schools.

A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli initated the proceedings on its own against the former director of education of Delhi when it was informed that despite court's July 2014 order, the officer had rejected a candidate's request for age relaxation for appointment as special education teacher in September 2014.

"In our view, prima facie, the order dated September 17, 2014 has been passed in complete disregard and disobedience of our decision dated July 10, 2014... Accordingly, we take suo motu cognisance of the situation and issue notice to .... To show cause as to why proceedings for civil contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act be not initiated against her," it said.

The bench also asked the Lieutenant Governor to consider the matter in three weeks as it has been pending for long.

The court had in July 2014, asked the Delhi government to consider relaxing age norms of candidates while recruiting special educators in schools here.

The order had come plea of special educators who were rejected for the post of Special Educator (Primary) in various MCD schools on account of being over-aged.

Advocate Ashok Agarwal, appearing for one such educator, told the court that despite its 2014 order, the plea of the teacher for relaxation of age had been rejected.

The bench said, "the power of age relaxation vests in the LG. After the passing of the judgment dated July 10, 2014, whereby the GNCTD was directed to consider the petitioner's request for grant of age relaxation, the matter should have been placed before the LG. The same has not been done and the request of the petitioner has been rejected by the Director of Education without even placing the matter before the LG."



The court, however, acceded to the request made by additional standing counsel of Delhi government, Sanjay Ghose, to place the matter before the LG for his consideration in view of its 2014 judgement.

"Considering the fact that the matter has been hanging fire for a long time, we request the LG/administrator to bestow his consideration with the next three weeks," it said.

The court made it clear that in case it does not receive the decision before October 10, the next date of hearing, the matter shall proceed.

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The Madras High Court today pulled up a section of Tamil Nadu government teachers who are on strike, saying it affected students.

The court then directed the state government to file a report by September 14 on the steps taken to end the protests.

Justice N Kirubakaran made the observations on a petition by advocate A P Suryaprakasam, seeking a direction to the state government to form an expert committee to prepare students who scored low marks in NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) and provide them moral support.

In his order, the judge said, "Only five government school students from the state have managed to secure medical seats and protesting teachers should should feel ashamed of this fact."



"They should know the responsibility of their duty... such persons cannot involve in strikes," he said.

The petitioner submitted that the student community is not only in a state of shock, but also felt let down by the state and central governments.

He said it would therefore be appropriate and the need of the hour that those state syllabus students who had lost the opportunity of joining medical colleges along with future aspiring students, be counselled by their class teachers or any other school authorities to prevent tragedies such as Dalit student Anitha's suicide.

Anitha, daughter of a daily wage earner, allegedly hanged herself at her house in Ariyalur district on September 1 after she learned that the state was not exempted from the ambit of NEET.

The petitioner alleged that in several government schools, teachers are absenting themselves and not taking classes.

He cited the example of the Panchayat Union Middle School at Siruveliyanallur in Cheyyar, where the headmaster was absent continuously and not taking classes for more than three months, compelleing the villagers to lock the school.

When the matter of the strike came up, special government pleader T N Rajagopalan informed the court that the headmaster has been suspended and a charge memo issued to him on August 24.

The court asked the government why biometric system should not be introduced in state-run schools to prevent unauthorised absenteeism and whether it was viable to install CCTV cameras in schools to verify attendance of teachers.

Observing that equally committed, devoted and sincere teachers are also working in government schools and their contribution need to be highly appreciated, the court said it was only concerned with the erring teachers.

Noting that a section of teachers have been boycotting classes from this month, thereby spoiling the education of poor students, the court sought information from the authorities concerned on the number of teachers unions striking without attending classes, among others.

It asked if retired teachers were also functioning as office bearers of the teachers unions, whether private school teachers are participating in the strike or only a section of government and aided school teachers alone were doing so.

The court also sought to know how many schools were affected due to the strike and what steps the government had taken to prevent the teachers from boycotting the work.

The judge then posted the matter to September 14.

The Joint Action Council of Teachers Organisations and Government Employees Organisations (JACTO-GEO) had given a call for the strike from September 7 to press for their demands, including restoration of the old pension scheme.

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The Himachal Pradesh government has lifted the ban on registration of auto-rickshaw imposed in certain areas with immediate effect.

Transport ministerG S Bali said here today the decision will help unemployed youths in the state.

"The government has lifted the ban on registration of three-wheeler rickshaw imposed on certain areas with immediate effect so that the unemployed youth could be benefited," he told a press conference.

He, however, said the vehicles must be environment friendly.

He said when he took the office as transport minister in 2013, there were only 1,633 Himachal Pradesh Transport Corporation Buses (HPRTC) in the state, and most of them not in good condition.

The ministry had to spend Rs 450 crore on their repair and Rs 351 crore on clearing the liabilities, he said.

"Now as the present government has almost completed its 5 years tenure the total number of HRTC buses available are 3200. The corporation purchased 2,000 new buses during last five years including 150 (Volvo/Scania} buses," he said.

Some of the buses were phased out.

"We are starting a new bus service in eachvidhan sabha of Himachal which will keep on covering the constituency throughout the day," he said.

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A mid-career interaction between IAS, IPS and Indian Forest Service officers with the armed forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) was conducted by the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy at the Maritime Warfare Centre, naval base here.

Rear Admiral R J Nadkarni, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command (SNC) inaugurated the three-day event, heldfrom September 11 to September 13.

'Growing maritime challenges in the 21st century' was the central theme for the interaction,a Defence release said here.

A large number of Naval and civilian officers, including Ernakulam District Collector Mohammad Y Safirulla and P Vijayan, IG,interacted with the participants who had come from different parts of the country.

The interaction included a visit to naval ship 'INS Sharda' and various operational and training establishments at Kochiand discussions on a variety of topics like historical perspective of national maritime security & the military value system, Challenges to effective policing in India, Difficulties associated with functioning of civil services.

Discussions on subjects including disaster management in India: Civil Military co-ordination, Coastal Security: Challenges for Coastal State Civil Administration, Current maritime issues, Naval safety organisation, Naval operations, Inter services co-operation and Submarine warfare etc were also held on the occasion.

Such interactions are likely to benefit both the armed forces and the civil service officers by mutually learning from each other's strength and also by imbibing the best practises from each other's work culture, ethos and customs.

The interaction was co-ordinated by the Maritime Warfare Centre, Kochi, headed by Commodore N Anil Jose Joseph, the release added.

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India is willing to bear nearly 65 per cent cost of the 5,000-mw Pancheshwar multi-purpose project in Nepal that will make the latter power surplus and control floods, an official said.

The assurance came after Nepalese Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay called on Union Minister for Water Resources and River Development Nitin Gadkari today. Gadkari also holds road transport and highways portfolio.

"During the course of the meeting on infrastructure related projects, 5,000 mw bi-national Pancheshwar multi- purpose project dominated the discussion. Keen on its implementation, the minister (Gadkari) on behalf of the government expressed willingness to bear about 65 per cent of the project cost," a ministry official told PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba have shown interest in reviving the two- decade old Rs 30,000-crore project and officials have been asked to prepare a detailed project report.

"Gadkari told Upadhyay that the project will make Nepal a power surplus nation and it can sell the excess electricity to India. Besides, the project will tremendously benefit both the nations by controlling floods in the areas," the official added.

The project is also seen to irrigate vast tracts of land.

According to the official, while India is willing to bear about 65 per cent of the project cost, it is expecting electricity sharing on a 50:50 basis.

The reachout to Nepal in on the lines of similar support for Bhutan for its hydro power projects.

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India ranks 128th in terms of meeting the UN's health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, with low scores on air pollution, sanitation, hepatitis B and child wasting, according to a global health review published in The Lancet today.

The Global Burden of Disease study provides new estimates on where the world currently stands in terms of meeting these goals, showing that while some countries have made significant improvements, much progress is needed.

The study is the first comprehensive analysis of trends from 1990-2014 and projections to 2030 for 188 countries.

The analysis also ranks countries on an overall health- related SDG index.

Singapore, Iceland and Sweden were the highest performing countries in terms of the overall health-related SDGs. Somalia, Central African Republic, and Afghanistan ranked lowest.

The UK was ranked 10th but, in comparison to other countries, performed poorly on indicators of child sexual abuse, alcohol use, smoking prevalence and child overweight.

The US ranked 24th and performed poorly on indicators of suicide mortality, child sexual abuse, alcohol use and homicide.

China ranked 74th with low scores on air pollution, road injury, poisoning and smoking. India ranked 128th with low scores on air pollution, sanitation, hepatitis B and child wasting.

Wasting, also known as wasting syndrome, refers to the process by which a debilitating disease causes muscle and fat tissue to "waste" away.

On the basis of past trends, more than 60 per cent of countries are projected to meet targets on under-5, neonatal and maternal mortality and malaria, and fewer than five per cent of countries are projected to meet targets on road injury mortality, childhood overweight and tuberculosis.

Established in 2015, the SDG framework is in its infancy. The findings should help shape policies and investment in order to address long-standing and emerging health challenges.

The SDGs include 232 individual indicators to monitor 17 goals and 169 targets, ranging from energy, climate change, economic growth, health and education.

The study, part of the Global Burden of Disease enterprise coordinated by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington in the US, estimates progress for 37 out of 50 health-related indicators included in the SDGs, as well as an overall health-related SDG index.

Some indicators saw significant improvements, including in some low and middle income countries. For instance, Cambodia, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, Laos, Turkey and China recorded the greatest improvements on the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) indicator between 2000 and 2016.

The researchers identified policies that may have helped achieve progress, for instance China expanded its health insurance scheme to rural populations and unemployed urban residents in the 2000s and followed with further reforms in 2009-10, and Cambodia's health reforms from 1990 onwards have laid the way towards national health planning.

"China, Cambodia, and many other middle and low-income nations deserve recognition for improving their citizens' lives, as evidenced by impressive improvements in under-5 mortality, neonatal mortality, vaccine coverage, maternal mortality, and malaria," said Christopher Murray, Director of IHME.

"At this juncture, the global health community must be vigilant in accelerating progress toward and donors must remain committed to achieving the SDGs," Murray said.

Only seven per cent of countries were projected to meet the target on HIV/AIDS, and no country was projected to reach the SDG target on tuberculosis.

A number of targets remained out of reach for most countries, with a total of 11 targets projected to be met by less than five per cent of countries, including on childhood overweight, suicide mortality, and road injury mortality.

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India on Wednesday submitted its written pleadings to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is hearing the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a retired Indian navy officer sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court allegedly for espionage and subversive activities.

The ICJ has suspended the death sentence of Jadhav pending final judgement by it after India moved the court in May, requesting immediate suspension of the sentence.

"India has, today, submitted its Memorial (written pleadings) to the ICJ in the Jadhav case involving egregious violation of Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 by Pakistan. This is in furtherance of our application filed before the Court on May 8, 2017," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Pakistan claims to have arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan in March last. However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had legal business interests after retiring from the navy.

On May 8, India moved the ICJ for instituting proceedings against Pakistan for violations of the Vienna Convention "in the matter of the detention and trial of an Indian National, Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav", sentenced to death in Pakistan and requested immediate suspension of the sentence of death awarded to the accused.

After discussing with both India and Pakistan, President of the ICJ Ronny Abraham, asked India to make its submission by September 13. He also asked Islamabad to make its counter- submission by December 13 before the UN court starts hearing the matter.

"... At a meeting held by the President of the Court with the Agents of the Parties on 8 June 2017...The Agent of India requested that each Party be granted a period of four months for the preparation of its pleading; and whereas the Agent of Pakistan indicated that periods of two months would be sufficient," the ICJ said.

"Taking into account the views of the parties, the Court fixes the following time-limits for the filing of the written pleadings -13 September 2017 for the Memorial of India; 13 December 2017 for the Counter-Memorial of Pakistan; and Reserves the subsequent procedure for further decision," it added.
India will send a consignment of humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh tomorrow for Rohingya Muslims, days after Dhaka briefed New Delhi about the problems faced by it due to the influx of refugees from Myanmar following the ethnic violence in the Buddhist-majority nation.

Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi Syed Muazzem Ali had met Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar last week and discussed the issue of Rohingyas in detail.

"An Indian aircraft will carry the first consignment of humanitarian assistance tomorrow...It will land at Chittagong airport at 11 am," an Indian High Commission spokesman told PTI.

Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla would hand over the relief materials to Bangladesh's Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, the spokesman added.

Bangladesh, which is facing a big influx of Rohingyas from Myanmar, has called on the international community to intervene and put pressure on Myanmar to address the exodus.

According to the UN estimates, over 379,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state into Bangladesh since August 25 when fresh wave of violence erupted.

According to media reports, the violence began when Rohingya militants attacked police posts in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state.

Rohingya residents - a stateless mostly Muslim minority in a Buddhist-majority nation - allege that the military and Rakhine Buddhists responded with a brutal campaign against them, according to the reports.

Bangladesh had earlier said the new influx of Rohingya refugees is an unbearable additional burden on the country which has been hosting around 400,000 Myanmar nationals who had to leave their country in the past due to communal violence and repeated military operations.

Quader had said on Sunday that Bangladesh needed "crucial" Indian support in handling the crisis.

"The entire world today is worried with the Rohingya issue (and) their (India's) concern and stand beside us is very crucial at this moment," he had said.

Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali, at a media briefing on the same day, however, referred to the Indian concern about the crisis.

A "deeply concerned" India last week asked Myanmar to handle the situation in the Rakhine state with "maturity and restraint" while focusing on the welfare of the civilian population along with that of the security forces and asserted that it was imperative that violence ends there.

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The Maharashtra government today appealed to banks and financial institutions to invest in the ambitious Nagpur-Mumbai expressway.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the appeal while addressing a meeting of representatives of banks and financial institutions at a five-star hotel here.

The project, also called Samruddhi Corridor, is a 700- km expressway connecting Mumbai with Nagpur.

During the meeting, Fadnavis also answered questions asked by the representatives. The queries related to farmers' opposition to land acquisition for the expressway and their agitation, the project being challenged in court, bidding process and financial planning, among others, an official from the Chief Minister's Office said.

Fadnavis told the participants the project has the capacity to change the scenario of the 10 districts of Marathwada and Vidarbha through which it will pass.

He said international companies will set up their industries along the corridor and 24 smart cities proposed along the route will become hubs of development.

"As Samruddhi Corridor aims to bring prosperity for farmers, bankers should come forward and extend a helping hand to the project," Fadnavis said.

Officially called the Nagpur Mumbai Super Communication Expressway (NMSCE), the project is estimated to cost Rs 46,000 crore and will pass through Nagpur, Buldhana, Amravati, Wardha, Washim, Thane, Aurangabad, Akola, Bhiwandi and Nashik districts.

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Italy's new ambassador arrived in Egypt today more than a year after his predecessor was recalled over the abduction and murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni, officials said.

The officials at Cairo airport said Giampaolo Cantini arrived on a flight from Rome.

An Italian embassy official could not confirm Giampaolo Cantini had landed in Cairo but said the envoy should "arrive today".

In August, Italy announced it would send an ambassador back, 15 months after withdrawing the previous one to protest the slow pace of a probe into Regeni's murder.

Italy has rejected multiple theories suggested by Egyptian investigators, including a road accident, a botched crime or a personal vendetta, and always insisted those responsible be found and brought to justice.

The Italian press and western diplomats in Egypt suspect members of Egypt's security services of having abducted, and fatally tortured Regeni, a 28-year-old doctoral student who was writing about trade unions in the country.

An Italian autopsy showed Regeni's body was covered with cuts and his bones were broken, indicating he had been hit with "fists, batons and hammers".

Egyptian officials today said police had arrested a lawyer whose human rights group opposes enforced disappearances and is linked to the defence of Regeni's family.

Ibrahim Metwally was detained on Sunday at Cairo airport on his way to the Swiss city of Geneva, where he was to take part in a meeting on enforced disappearances, his group said.

Prosecution officials said he had been remanded in custody for two weeks on suspicion of "dealing with foreign parties" and "spreading false news".

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie today paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram where his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi played the guide as he showed them around the place.

The trio arrived at the Ashram at around 4:30 p.M after holding an 8-km road show from the city airport.

Abe and the first lady then took a round of different wings of the Ashram, where Gandhi lived for about 12 years with his wife Kasturba, guiding the non-violent struggle for freedom from colonial rule.

"Love and Thanks", Abe wrote in a short message in Japanese on the visitors' log book which was also signed by his wife.

The couple, dressed in traditional Indian attire, went inside 'Hriday Kunj', the small house where Gandhi lived, and had their photographs clicked with a 'charkha' (spinning wheel), which was emblematic of India's quest for self- reliance during the freedom struggle.

Modi, Abe, and the Japanese first lady then paid floral tributes at Gandhi's statue.

Like a courteous and indulgent host, Modi showed the couple around the ashram.

The three sat for a while by the Sabarmati Riverfront on the backside of the Ashram.

Modi showed them the statuettes of Gandhi's famous 'three monkeys' that symbolised his philosophy of peace and tolerance, with one of them covering its eyes, the second its mouth, and the third its ears in the gesture of "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil".

The three wise monkeys, also called mystic apes, are said to have their origin in Japan in the 17th century.

They spent nearly 25 minutes at the ashram before visiting an iconic medieval era mosque-- Sidi Saiyyed--an architectural marvel located in the eastern part of the world heritage city.

The 16th century mosque is known across the world for its intricate stone lattice work locally known as 'jalis'. The mosque is popularly called 'Sidi Saiyyed ni Jali'.

Modi took the couple on a brief tour of the mosque and explained to them the importance of the heritage monument built in 1573.

The iconic 'jali' on the wall of the mosque is the official logo of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

Ahmedabad became the first city in the country to be included in the World Heritage City list by UNESCO in July this year.

The leaders then headed to the nearby 'Agashiye' restaurant for dinner in the old city area.

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Naresh Goyal-owned Jet Airways may participate in the second phase of bidding for regional flights under the central government's UDAN scheme, but the final decision will depend on the "economics" of operations.

The second round of the bidding for RCS routes had commenced from August 24 last month and the winners for this phase are to be announced by November-end.

"We evaluate this (participation in UDAN scheme) consistently. We would evaluate and depending on the economics available, we will decide on the second round of bidding," Jet Airways Chief Financial Officer Amit Agarwal said during during a post-earnings analysts call here.

Significantly, airline chairman Naresh Goyal had, at the company's 25th annual shareholders' meeting this week, said that aviation and connectivity nationwide is expected to witness further impetus due to the Government's Regional Connectivity Scheme.

Goyal's Jet Airways, along with budget carrier IndiGo and a few other domestic carriers, had not bid for the first round of the scheme, in which five air operators, including Air India and SpiceJet, have been mandated to fly on 128 regional routes, connecting 70 unserved and under-served airports.

During the analyst call today, Agarwal also said that Jet Airways had no plans to opt out of any routes between India and the Gulf, despite the persisting "weakness" in the markets there.

"The weakness in the Gulf market, which accounts for 20 per cent of the airline's total international capacity, continues...There is no one specific route that we would like to take out at this juncture, because we continue to evaluate all routes at all points of time and depending on the full year structure on pulling out a route or not," Agarwal said.

"The short-term optimisation is not the right thing, but we continue to optimise continuously," he added.

Agarwal also said that the airline is open to deploy a wide-body aircraft on a route, which is currently being catered by a narrow body and an ATR operations could be converted into a bigger single-aisle plane, depending upon the demand on that particular route.

Jet Airways has phased out more that Rs 2,700 crore debt from its books, which currently stands at Rs 8,000 crore, and shaving it off further will remain a focus area for the airline.

"This (reducing debt) clearly reflects that the cash flow generation as well as improvement in finding ways to reduce the debt has been the focus and will continue to be the focus," he said.

He, however, said that the debt from the books can't be wiped off overnight and that "the focus continues to be that will take all the cash flow generation and deploy it towards de-leveraging and reducing debt on the balancesheet.
Prominent academic institutions like JNU, Delhi University, IIT Delhi, ICAR besides Supreme Court Bar Association are among several hundred organisations barred by the Centre from receiving foreign funds.

The registration of these institutions under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) has been cancelled by the Union Home Ministry as these have failed to file their annual returns for five consecutive years.

No organisation is allowed to receive funds from abroad unless it is registered under the FCRA. It is mandatory under the law for such organisations to submit income and expenditure statement to the government annually else their registration is cancelled.

Among the institutions whose FCRA licence have been cancelled include Jawaharlal Nehru University, University Of Delhi, Indira Gandhi Open University, Indian Institute Of Technology, Delhi, Panjab University, Indian Council Of Agricultural Research, Gargi College, Delhi and Lady Irwin College, Delhi, according to the documents accessed by PTI.

Other organisations whose FCRA registration were cancelled include Supreme Court Bar Association, Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, Gandhi Peace Foundation, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, School Of Planning & Architecture, Delhi and FICCI Socio Economic Development Foundation.

The Doon School Old Boys Association, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Delhi, Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, Dr Ram Monohar Lohia International Trust, Co-ordinating Voluntary Adoption Resource Agency have also been barred from receiving donations from abroad and their FCRA registrations cancelled.

The FCRA registration of the Bombay Diocesan Society, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bangalore, Shri Mahatma Gandhi Charitable Trust, Gujarat and Sri Satya Sai Trust were also cancelled by the home ministry.

The action came after the organisations failed to file the returns for five consecutive years, 2010-11 to 2014-15, despite serving repeated notices, a home ministry official said.

In May, as a one-time measure, all NGOs were given an opportunity for one month to file their missing annual returns by June 14 without paying any penalty. Email and SMS alerts were also sent to them regularly for one month beginning mid- May, the official said.

The organisations were asked to furnish their replies, if any, by July 23, failing which, the ministry had said, it would be presumed that they have nothing to say and action as proposed would be taken as per FCRA.

According to the FCRA, the renewal of registration for receiving foreign funds cannot be granted unless the annual returns are uploaded on the FCRA website by the organisation.
With actor Kamal Haasan indicating a growing interest in politics, the CPI(M) is planning to invite the popular star to a session at its mega congress slated for next year, party sources here said.

Haasan, who is in touch with CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, may be asked to join an open session, to which outsiders are invited, and a public rally held on the last day of the congress, the sources said.

The party congress -- convened once in three years -- is scheduled to be held next April in Hyderabad.

The actor met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is also a CPI(M) politburo member, earlier this month in what was described by the party as a courtesy call.

"I can tell you one thing, my colour is definitely not saffron. Most of the leftist are my heroes," Haasan had said after the meeting.

The 62-year-old actor had said he had been a part of the film industry for 40 years, but added, "I want to be in the middle of things and not take sides".

CPI(M) sources indicated Haasan could be among the invitees who join the open session and the rally.

"Like many other intellectuals and artistes, Kamal Haasan can also be an invitee to the open session in the coming party congress," said the source.

Reports suggested that Haasan, who has often been critical of the two major parties of Tamil Nadu - the AIADMK and DMK -- may soon float a political party.

The actor of such films as 'Hey Ram' and 'Vishwaroopam' has been in touch with Yechury and also expressed a desire to meet him, the sources said.

Haasan had sent a congratulatory message to Yechury when the ex-MP recently won a Best Parliamentarian Award, instituted by a media group.

"Every well-meaning person would like to come towards the CPI(M). We are in touch with all these people," Yechury told PTI when asked about a possible alignment with Haasan.

He added that Haasan had to first voice his political intention.

"We will have to wait and see his political declaration first," he said.

Asked if his party would form a front like it had done earlier with other like-minded parties, Yechury said, "Talks are still on but it will not be an electoral front but a well- meaning front".

The sources pointed out that others such as directors Shyam Benegal and Girish Karnad had been invited to the party's open sessions and rallies in earlier conferences.

The party congress is held once in three years to chalk out the CPI(M)'s political and tactical line. The party also elects new members to its central committee, the most powerful body of the party, at the congress.

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: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today called for separate IAS, IPS, IFS cadre for the state at a meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.

Presently, the state is under the combined AGMUT cadre which is a joint cadre for serving Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and all the Union Territories.

"Officers of the AGMUT cadre serve for short tenures of 2-3 years depending on the officer's seniority. Lack of institutional memory, adhocism in policies and programs and the resultant latent chaos are some of the adverse effects," Khandu reasoned.

He also discussed various issues pertaining to the home department of the state, an official release here said.

Singh assured all possible help and support to the state government, it added.

Khandu further said that in the absence of a dedicated bureaucracy, the state has so far not been able to rise to its full potential.

"Therefore, in the interest of development of the state, it is felt that a dedicated bureaucracy will bring continuity in administration.

Separation of Arunachal Pradesh from AGMUT is therefore, a genuine and urgent need of the hour," Khandu said and advocated for a separate cadre for the state.

The chief minister, during another meeting with Minister of State for Personnel and Training, Jitendra Singh also made the same plea, the release said.

The Home Minister and Jitendra Singh both assured to examine the matter.

In the course of discussion with Jitendra Singh who is also he minister of DoNER, Khandu referred to the matters pending with the ministry and requested him for early sanctioning of the projects.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju also accompanied the chief minister during the meeting, the release added.

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Stepping up its probe into the kidney transplant racket busted at a charitable hospital in the district, the Uttarakhand Police today freezed nine bank accounts of persons whose names have cropped up in connection with the case.

The accounts freezed by the investigating team are with different banks and belong to Dr Amit Kumar and Dr Akshay Kumar of the hospital, and Anupama Chaudhry, wife of Rajiv Chaudhry who ran the hospital on lease, SSP Nivedita Kukreti said.

Altogether, Rs 74,50,000 have been found in these accounts and the bank authorities concerned have been asked to stop all transactions related to these accounts, she said.

"Five of these bank accounts belong to Amit Kumar, one to Akshay and three to Anupama," the officer said, adding the bank branches are located in Mumbai and Gurgaon.

Two persons whose kidneys were removed and two others who were kept waiting at the hospital to undergo the surgery have recorded their statements with the magistrate, police added.

The state policehad yesterday issued lookout notices against seven persons, including doctors, in the case.

Police sources said illegally removed kidneys at the Gangotri Charitable Hospital were being transplanted to affluent people from Gulf countries like Oman in return for hefty sums of money.

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A court here today acquitted Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) chief Harminder Singh Mintoo in a 2010 hawala case involving the alleged funding of a failed terror plot to target the Nabha LPG bottling plant.

Mintoo was also among the six inmates involved in the sensational Nabha jailbreak in November last year.

Police's claim that Mintoo had funded explosive that were found from two persons at Nabha fell flat in the court of Additional Sessions Judge R S Hundal.

Mintoo is currently lodged in the Patiala central jail and was produced through video-conferencing in the court.

Two cases were registered against Mintoo at the Sadar police station, Nabha. He was acquitted in the bomb planting case by the Patiala court in May this year and the second pertained to the hawala money for the same mission.

He and five other inmates had escaped from the Nabha jail on November 27, last year. Mintoo was the first among them to be arrested after their escape.

Mintoo still faces 11 cases across Punjab. He was arrested from the Delhi airport in 2014 after he returned from Malaysia.

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President Ram Nath Kovind will pay a two-day visit to Uttar Pradesh beginning tomorrow, during which he will attend several programmes including those being held to commemorate B R Ambedkar and RSS icon Deen Dayal Upadhyay.

This is Kovind's first visit to the state after assuming the high office.

As per the schedule, on the first day the president will pay tributes to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar at the Ambedkar Mahasabha here. He will also attend a civil reception programme at the Indira Gandhi Pratisthan, officials said.

Later, he will attend a dinner at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's official, 5, Kalidas Marg, residence.

On September 15, the president will meet some people at the Raj Bhavan and before leaving for Kanpur he will pay tributes to Deen Dayal Upadhyay at the 'Smriti Vatika' here, the officials added.

In Kanpur, Kovind will participate in a 'Swachhta hi Sewa' programme.

"The president will visit Ishwariganj village in Kalyanpur at 2.30 pm on September 15. Ishwariganj was recently declared open-defecation free," Kanpur District Magistrate Surendra Singh said.

"He will launch the 'Swachhta hi Sewa' (Cleanliness is Service) programme from the village and honour five people who played a major role in making Ishwariganj an open-defecation free village," he said.

There was no word on whether Kovind will visit his ancestral Paraunkh village in the adjoining Kanpur Dehat district.

The president will inaugurate a Solid-Liquid Waste Management Scheme here and distribute tri-cycles meant for carrying garbage among 'safai' workers.

UP Governor Ram Naik and Adityanath will also be present at the event.

"After becoming the president, this is his first visit to Kanpur. The entire city is being decorated with flowers," BJP leader Surendra Maithani said.

He added that the president would also visit the residence of RSS leader Ishwar Chandra Gupta in the Tilak Nagar area of the city. Elaborate security measures had been made view of the high-profile visit, officials said.

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The Jammu and Kashmir vigilance department has registered a case against nine people, including a former revenue secretary and members of a trust run by the earstwhile royal Dogra family, in connection with an alleged multi-crore land scam, officials said today.

The move, however, was strongly opposed by the Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust which termed it as "an unfortunate attack on minority religious institutions and its properties".

The department found that the Trust used a forged report and leasedout a 75-acre government land to seven private businessmen at a cost of Rs 2.90 crore.

A case has been registered against Sachin Dev Singh, then assistant commissioner revenue, Jammu, other officials of the revenue department and members of the Dharmarth Trust.

They have been charged for corruption, forgery and criminal conspiracy, an official spokesman said.

Vigilance department officials carried out searches at several locations in Jammu and Rajouri and seized documents related to the case, the spokesman added.

In a statement, issued tonight, the Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust strongly opposed the the State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) action, saying the act seems to be an unfortunate attack on minority religious institutions and its properties.

"The act of defamation against the ancient Dharmarth Trust created by ex-rulers, the Maharajas is believed to be based on false information and instigated by those having certain vested interests in creating this controversy", a Trust spokesperson said.

Run by the erstwhile royal Dogra family, the Trust was founded in 1846 by Maharaja Gulab Singh to maintain temples and other properties associated with them in Kashmir, Jammu, Himachal Pardesh, Haridwar and Varanasi.

Refuting the allegation as "unlawful", the spokesperson said that the SVO or other authorities concerned should have at least gone through the basic facts and existing laws and regulations before initiating such actions.

"The land property at Nandani, near tunnel, is purely proprietary of Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust from the period of Maharajas," he said.

This property stands granted to Rani Pathani wife of late Raja Ram Singh and the same was subsequently transferred to Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust Department in 1935 through a royal command by Maharaja Hari Singh and has been managed and controlled continuously till date by the Trust, he added.

It is worth a mention here that the Temples and Dharmarth Trust properties of J&K State and outside were reserved and were out of the government and legislative assembly upon which Ain-e-Dharmarth stands, as reflected under all state laws, he said.

"Keeping in view these facts, including J&K High Court Division Bench judgement, the Dharmarth Trust refutes these allegations and believes that the action by the SVO and other departments in unlawful, the spokesman said in the statement.

He said that the trust shall take all necessary legal measures to protect its interests in this regard.

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Lawyers today submitted a memorandum to West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi demanding immediate steps for filling up vacant posts of judges at the Calcutta High Court.

The memorandum by the Bar Association of the high court sought the governor's intervention to urgently address the problem and "appropriate steps to fill up all vacant posts of judges of this high court as per its sanctioned strength."



"While the sanctioned strength of judges at the Calcutta High Court is 72 there are at present only 31 judges," Bar Association president Uttam Majumdar said.

This number will dwindle to 25 in December after the retirement of some more judges, he said.

"In the last three years no judges were appointed in High Court, Calcutta, except one," the memorandum said.

A large number of lawyers marched from the high court to the Raj Bhavan, where their representatives submitted the memorandum to governor Tripathi.

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The CPI(M) led Left Front today took out a rally here and submitted a memorandum to Kolkata Police urging them to stop harassment of Left workers and ensure safety and security of women in the city.

The Left Front leadership led by Left Front chairman Biman Bose, CPI(M) state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra led the rally that started from Subodh Mullick Square to Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar.

Mishra alleged that police is unable to arrest the real culprits but is very active while filing false cases against CPI(M) and Left cadres.

"This trend has to stop or else we will launch a much bigger movement in days to come. The police has to ensure safety and security of the women in the city," Mishra said.

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Actors Jane Lynch and Andrew Rannells have been roped in to guest star in the revival of "Will and Grace".

The two stars are set to appear on the same episode, which begins production this week, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The details of their characters are being kept under wraps.

The duo joins the previously announced guest stars including Tony winner Ben Platt, as well as returning faces Harry Connick Jr, Minnie Driver and Bobby Cannavale.

The show is set to return 11 years after it went off air, with all four series stars - Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally and Sean Hayes, reprising their roles.

The 16-episode first season premieres September 28. The comedy has already been renewed for a second season at NBC.

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French President Emmanuel Macron and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson travelled to the hurricane-hit Caribbean, rebuffing criticism over the relief efforts as European countries boost aid to their devastated island territories.

Macron's plane touched down in Saint Martin as anger grew over looting and lawlessness in the French-Dutch territory after Hurricane Irma.

"He needs to come to look around, so that he realises the horror here," local resident Peggy Brun told AFP.

Speaking in Guadeloupe earlier, Macron said the government began preparing "one of the biggest airlifts since World War II" days before Irma hit today.

"Now is not the time for controversy," he said, adding: "Returning life to normal is the absolute priority."



The French, British and Dutch governments have faced criticism for failing to anticipate the disaster, with an editorial in The Telegraph newspaper calling the response "appallingly slow."



Touring Saint Martin, Macron was at times jeered by people waiting for aid supplies or hoping to catch flights for France in order to escape the devastation across the island.

"We've been here since six in the morning and we're still waiting, under a blazing sun," said one woman in a crowd of people hoping to leave as soon as possible.

Another woman asked: "Why are you here?"



But Macron said that "everybody who wants to leave will be able to," with officials saying that about 2,000 of the 35,000 residents on the French side of Saint Martin had already left in recent days.

Also yesterday, police officials said that commercial flights would resume today at the Saint Barthelemy airport.

Johnson arrived yesterday in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, where he met with some of the nearly 1,000 military personnel sent to bolster relief efforts and security.

He was also expected to visit the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.

"The UK is going to be with you for the long term," Johnson had told residents in a video message.

He has dismissed the criticism as "completely unjustified," calling the relief effort "unprecedented."



King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands is already in the region, which bore the brunt of one of the most powerful storms on record.

He toured Sint Maarten, the Dutch section of the island, on Monday, before meeting residents on Saba island today. He was set to travel on to Sint Eustatius, which suffered severe damage.

The Dutch Red Cross has raised 3.2 million euros ($3.8 million) for the devastated islands in under a week.

Dutch Major-General Richard Oppelaar said 200 tonnes of aid had been delivered, while 750 people have been evacuated from Sint Maarten.

"The security situation remains precarious, but seems to steadily be improving," he said. "We are trying our best to act in situations (of looting), and have had several people detained."



A detention center at Point Blanche that holds about 130 prisoners was badly damaged but no detainees escaped, Dutch officials said.

British junior foreign minister Alan Duncan said 100 prisoners escaped in the British Virgin Islands during the hurricane.

The death toll from Irma stood at more than 40.

Fifteen were killed on Saint Martin and neighbouring Saint Barthelemy, 10 in Cuba, nine in the British Caribbean islands, four in the US Virgin Islands, two in Puerto Rico, one in Barbuda and one in Haiti.

Islanders have complained of a breakdown in law and order and widespread shortages of food, water and electricity.

A mother picking up her daughter, a survivor who flew to Paris on Monday, said government help was non-existent on Saint Martin.

"They gave us phone numbers but they didn't work. Only social media and solidarity worked," said the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"People were left to their own devices. They had to set up militias and take turns defending themselves" against looters, she said.

"All the gangs came to the French side... With guns and machetes. It's unbelievably chaotic."



Briton Claudia Knight said her partner Leo Whitting, 38, was stranded on Tortola, one of the British Virgin Islands.

"Everyone's turned feral and no one's going out without being armed... It's turning really nasty," she told the Press Association agency.

"Leo carries a knife with him."



The Dutch king spoke of his horror at what he found.

"Even from the plane I saw something I have never seen before," he told public newscaster NOS.

"I have seen proper war as well as natural disasters before, but I've never seen anything like this."



The British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean are highly dependent on aid, making them what The Times called "an expensive legacy of empire."



In France, opposition figures have accused Macron's fledgling government of bungling the response to the disaster.

Radical leftist Jean-Luc Melenchon has called for a parliamentary inquiry and far-right leader Marine Le Pen said the government had left islanders to "fend for themselves."



There has also been criticism of the Dutch response.

"They reacted far too late. The French were much quicker on Saint Martin to evacuate people," tourist Kitty Algra told Dutch newspaper AD.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said he was prepared to meet the opposition for talks brokered by the Dominican Republic and former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero.

"Zapatero and President (Danilo) Medina know very well that I have been a promoter of this dialogue and I accept this new day of dialogue," the president said yesterday during a cabinet meeting broadcast on television.

The opposition announced in turn that it would hold a meeting on today with the Dominican president.

"It has been decided to send a delegation to meet with President Medina to present the objectives of the national democratic struggle," the opposition coalition Democratic Unity Roundtable said in a statement.

Venezuela's deep economic and political crisis has caused food and medicine shortages, deadly unrest and calls for Maduro to quit.

Clashes with security forces at anti-government protests have left some 125 people dead since April.

Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian raised the possibility of a resumption of talks in the Dominican Republic.

In a statement published after his meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, Le Drian welcomed what he called "good news," expressing hope the move would "result very quickly in concrete gestures on the ground."



A month of talks late last year between Maduro's government and the opposition collapsed in mutual recrimination.

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The Maharashtra government has agreed to allot 0.9 hectares of land at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) here for a station for the proposed Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train with certain conditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe would lay the foundation stone of India's first bullet train project in Ahmedabad tomorrow.

A Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Maharashtra Home Department on September 12 said the state has set a condition that the cost of the land at BKC should be considered a part of Maharashtra's preliminary share of Rs 125 crore for the project.

The Maharashtra government also wants the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAICA) to fund the Mumbai-Nagpur bullet train project on the same terms as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project, an official in the Chief Minister's Office said here.

The GR said that construction of railway station for the bullet train at BKC should not adversely affect construction of the proposed International Financial Services Center (IFSC) in the area and its financial viability.

Further, the state wants the Centre and Railways to ensure that entry and exit of the bullet train station are within the 0.9 hectares plot.

The GR also said that the railway ministry should first examine the suitability of an alternative site recommended by the state at BKC. Only if that site is found unsuitable, then the present 0.9-hectare plot should be considered, it said.

The government has already approved allocation of 50.31 hectares of land at BKC for the IFSC.

Of the 508-km route and 12 stations of the bullet train, 120 km and four stations will fall in Maharashtra.

It is expected to cut the journey time from the current six hours to two hours.

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Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal today asked Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to make security measures suggested by police and other stakeholders mandatory for recognition of schools in the city.

The LG also directed the Delhi Police to waive verification charges for private schools in order to incentivise the process.

Baijal also asked all departments and stakeholders to work together to ensure a "safe and secure environment" in schools in Delhi.

The directive comes amid increased concerns over the safety on school premises after the killing of a seven-year- old student in Gurugram's Ryan International and alleged rape of five-year-old girl at her school in Delhi's Gandhi Nagar.

"The LG has suggested to the deputy CM that the security measures listed by the police along with measures suggested by other stakeholders like DCPCR, CBSE be considered for inclusion as a set of binding requirements for grant and continuation of recognition of schools under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules," the LG office said in a statement.

In the letter to Sisodia, Baijal stressed that the safety and security of children cannot be compromised and has to be an essential condition to allow running of schools in Delhi.

On September 11, the government had ordered schools to install CCTV cameras covering their entire premises and complete police verification of their non-teaching staff within three weeks.

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A 43-year-old man was today apprehended by the CISF for entering the Delhi airport allegedly using a fake travel ticket to see his children off.

I Ahmad was apprehended at about 3:30 am when the CISF personnel, deployed for airport security, found him roaming suspiciously inside the Terminal-3 (T3) building of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), a senior official involved in the airport security said.

Ahmad told the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel that he had entered the terminal to see his children off, who were travelling to Abu Dhabi, the official said, adding he told them that he used a cancelled ticket to enter.

The man was subsequently handed over to the police, he said.

Entering airport terminal without a valid ticket is illegal under Indian aviation rules.

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A 22-year old Manipuri man who had gone to attend a musical concert of a popular band in Noida on September 8 remains missing for the fifth day today, family sources said.

Pravish Chanam arrived in the national capital on the midnight of September 7 and had halted at his friend's place that night, his elder brother Ravikanta Chanam said.

Pravish was to attend a concert of popular band 'The Chain Smokers' in Noida the following day.

After he went missing from September 8, his elder brother filed a missing report at Knowledge Park police station at Noida in Gautam Buddha Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh on September 9.

Family sources said that a high-ranking police officer of Gautam Buddha Nagar district had told them that CCTV footages at the entry gate of the venue, where the concert was held, showed a person being escorted by an unidentified woman and that the person "seemed to be Pravish", but she was not sure.

The police officer had also said that based on Ravikanta's account, Pravish was last seen by his friends at around 9.30 pm on September 8, family sources said.

Another complaint has been registered at North East Cell based in New Delhi on September 11 last, family sources said.

However, Nodal Officer of the North East Cell in Delhi said, the site where the incident happened was not within its jurisdiction, family sources said.

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The DU student union elections' posters pasted on public walls has drawn the ire of the South Delhi Mayor who today warned that legal action would be taken against offenders if such acts are repeated.

The results for the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) polls were also announced today, capping weeks of campaigning.

Typical students union election posters, bearing names of candidates in colourful and huge font-size against a white background, become a common sight every year during the poll season, with walls of many public buildings and flyovers splattered with them.

South Delhi Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat expressed "deep concern" over such acts of defacement of roadside structures and flyovers, and took the lead and herself removed them.

"The posters pertaining to DUSU election campaigns were found to be pasted in different parts of the city, spoiling the city's look. The pasting of posters on public walls also amount to violation of the Delhi Prevention of Defacement Act," the South Delhi Municipal Corporation said.

A large number of such posters were also found pasted on the walls of the Defence Colony flyover, it said.

Sehrawat accompanied by SDMC's Education Committee chairman Sunil Sehdev and a number of councillors were joined by local people for removal of posters.

The Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007, seeks to curb the menace of defacement of property that can invite imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with a fine which may extend to Rs 50,000, or with both.

Issuing a stern warning, Sehrawat said, "There should be no such repetition. Legal action will be taken against persons found involved in such acts."



The Congress-backed NSUI today made a resounding comeback in the Delhi University, wresting the crucial posts of president and vice-president in the students' union from the RSS-affiliated ABVP.

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MetLife today said it has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) in Asia, including India.

As per the agreement, MDRT will provide participation and support for the ongoing education, exchange of marketing and sales practice and skills development for MetLife Asia's financial services professionals and MDRT members in the Asia Pacific region, a release issued here said.

"We have over 45,000 career agents in Asia and they, together with our other sales professionals play an important role in supporting our customers in their choices. Partnering with MDRT is an excellent way to provide our sales professionals with the tools and ongoing learning and development opportunities," MetLife Asia Chief Distribution Officer Bharat Kannan SVP said.

----



Ola launches Partner World for all Driver Partners' needs



Mumbai: Ride-sharing app Ola today announced the launch of Ola Partner World (OPW), a one stop shop for all needs of driver partners registered on the platform.

Ola Partner World will cater to their various professional and personal needs in facilities, spread over 20,000 square feet,



The first Ola Partner World was piloted in Bengaluru earlier this month for select driver partners and has now been opened up to all partners. Ola plans to extend such a facility to other cities in the country over the course of this year, it said in a statement here.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived here today on a two-day visit with a packed agenda that includes the laying of foundation stone for India's first bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Abe, who is accompanied by his wife Akie, with his characteristic hug at the airport this afternoon.

Immediately after the welcome ceremony, Abe, his wife, and Modi set-off on an 8-km roadshow in an open-roof jeep for the Sabarmati Ashram where apostle of peace Mahatma Gandhi spent considerable time of his life.

Abe, who was in a formal suit when he arrived at the Ahmedabad airport, wore kurta-pyjama and a blue Nehru jacket, while his wife donned red salwar-kameez and a white stole to Sabarmati Ashram.

The two leaders repeatedly waved to the crowds that lined up the streets as performers presented traditional dance enroute.

At the Sabarmati Ashram set up by Mahatma Gandhi, Abe and his wife paid homage to the Father of the Nation.

Modi was seen explaining to the visiting dignitaries the significance of the spinning wheel, which became emblematic of India's quest for self-reliance during its non- violent struggle for freedom from imperial rule.

It was for the first time that Modi held a joint road show with a visiting head of government of a foreign country, reflecting the close bonding he shares with Abe.

As the cavalcade moved on, cheering crowds were seen waving Indian and Japanese national flags.

The road show, designed to showcase India's cultural diversity, saw artistes from several states performing on 28 stages erected by the roadside.

They performed folk dances in traditional attires, while at several places along the way people in customary Japanese ensemble carrying parasols were also seen breaking into a jig to welcome the visiting dignitaries.

The road show, which began from Ahmedabad airport ended at the Sabarmati Ashram after traversing nearly eight kilometres.

Tomorrow, Abe and Modi will lay the foundation stone for the high-speed train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai which is expected to be completed by 2022. The train would cover the distance of over 500 km in around two hours.

Japan has extended a soft loan for the ambitious project conceptualised by Modi.

The two leaders will hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar after which agreements will be exchanged. Later, an India-Japan business plenary meeting will be held.

Fifteen agreements will be signed for investments in Gujarat during the visit of the Japanese prime minister, Gujarat chief secretary J N Singh had said yesterday.

Abe's spouse will be visiting a number of places including an NGO -- Blind People's Association.

Modi had hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife in Ahmedabad in his home state Gujarat in September 2014.

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Boosting cooperation in defence and security is likely to be a major focus area when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe hold the annual summit talks tomorrow in Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

There may be specific discussions on long-pending Indian proposal to buy the US-2 amphibious aircraft from Japan and joint development of military equipment to further deepen the defence ties in sync with strategic partnership between the two countries, official sources said.

The annual Indo-Japan summit is taking place amid escalating tension in the region in the wake of the nuclear test by North Korea and China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, and Modi and Abe are expected to deliberate on them.

Ahead of Abe's visit here, the India-Japan annual defence ministerial dialogue had taken place in Tokyo during which co-production of military equipment, dual use technologies and New Delhi's proposal to buy the the US-2 ShinMaywa aircraft were discussed.

Last year, China had reacted angrily to reports that Japan plans to sell weapons to India at cheaper prices, saying that such a move is disgraceful.

There are indications that the joint statement by the two countries after Modi-Abe talks will have certain components relating to defence cooperation.

At the defence dialogue, the two sides had also agreed to commence technical discussions for research collaboration in the areas of Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Robotics.

Modi and Abe are expected to deliberate on cooperation in the nuclear energy sector as well.

A landmark civil nuclear deal between the two countries providing for collaboration between their industries in the field had come into force in July.

The nuclear cooperation agreement was signed last November during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo.

The deal allows Japan to export nuclear technology to India, making it the first non-NPT signatory to have such a deal with Tokyo



There was political resistance in Japan - the only country to suffer atomic bombings during World War II - against a nuclear deal with India, particularly after the disaster at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in 2011.

Japan is a major player in the nuclear energy market and an atomic deal with it will make it easier for US-based nuclear plant makers Westinghouse Electric Corporation and GE Energy Inc to set up atomic plants in India as both these conglomerates have Japanese investments.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight hosted dinner for his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie at famous 'Agashiye' restaurant, known for its elegance and kosher Gujarati cuisine.

Modi played a perfect host to Abe and the first lady at the terrace restaurant, a boutique heritage hotel in the old city.

The iconic hotel offers a view of the city's heritage spots including the 'Siddi Sayeed Ni Jaali' mosque the Abes visited earlier in the day. It is located in the vicinity of the main heritage attractions like Bhadra Fort, Juma Masjid and Manek Chowk.

After visiting the 16th century Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in evening, Modi and the Abe couple took a brief tour of the heritage hotel property and enjoyed the a performance of musical instrument 'Jal Tarang'.

Though the hotel is famous for offering traditional Gujarati food, the menu for the Japanese premier and his wife was mostly kept under wraps.

The Japanese first couple is on a two-day India visit which would be limited to Gujarat, Modi's home state.

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Mughal emperors were not our ancestors but looters and the Uttar Pradesh government would change the syllabus accordingly to reflect this, Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said today.

The minister, however, made an exception for the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar who he said was a "good ruler" as he had supported Mangal Pandey, the hero of India's first war of independence.

"Mughal rulers were not our ancestors but looters. We consider Mughal rulers who did wrong acts as looters. Those who have done good work, we praise. Babar and Aurangzeb were looters. We do not oppose Bahadur Shah Zafar as he extended support to Mangal Pandey," Sharma told reporters here.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited his mausoleum in Yangon because he was a "good ruler".

The deputy chief minister, who was on a private visit to Jaunpur, added, "We honour all religions. Apart from worshipping gods and goddesses, I also visit mazaars, gurudwaras and churches."



He said the government planned to bring "necessary changes" in the school syllabus.

"If Akbar had done any good work, it will remain in pages of history. It will be historians who will decide what place Akbar gets," he said.

"A culture where a son kills his father for the throne or the hands of Taj Mahal builder are chopped off cannot be our culture. Our culture honours artistes and scientists. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is credited for the successful nuclear test, and we honoured him."



Asked to comment on the murder of a child in a Gurgaon school, Sharma said, "The UP government is going to frame some rules. If any such unfortunate incident happens, then the school management will be held responsible.

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In the wake of murder of a seven-year-old boy at Ryan International School in Gurgaon, the city police are going to review the security guidelines issued to schools.

"The Mumbai police have already issued guidelines to schools. After the incident in Gurgaon, we are going a step ahead and will review these guidelines," city police commissioner Datta Padsalgikar said today.

For this, police will gather feedback from parents, Parents-Teachers Associations and school administrations, he said.

"We will discuss various aspects of safety and security of children and will issue fresh guidelines to schools," Padsalgikar said.

A Deputy Commissioner of Police-level officer who looks after the issues related to women, children and elderly persons will be the nodal officer for this exercise, he said.

"We will issue the revised security guidelines at the earliest," the commissioner told PTI.

Padsalgikar mentioned that two years ago, the city police launched 'Police Didi' initiative, where a woman police officer visits schools regularly and talks to students of classes up to std IV about safety precautions.

This has led to prevention or early detection of crimes against children at many places, the commissioner said.

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Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today sought a professional and expenditure audit of the Rajya Sabha TV as he pitched for framing an action plan to expand the channel's reach, a source said.

The Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV) is owned and operated by the upper house of Parliament. Naidu is the chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

During a one-and-a-half-hour-long review of the Rajya Sabha TV, Naidu made queries regarding reach of the channel, manpower utilisation, expenditure under various heads, mandate of the channel and its content, the source said.

"He directed that a comprehensive professional and expenditure audit may be undertaken," the source added.

The vice president also suggested that RSTV should be able to quantify the reach of the channel (viewership), besides having systems for feedback on and evaluation of the content.

Naidu also called for efforts to expand RSTV's reach with a clear plan of action, the source said.

He also suggested exploring the possibility of a synergy with Prasar Bharati, which runs Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR), through sharing of content.

Rajya Sabha Secretary General Desh Deepak Verma, Prasar Bharati CEO and RSTV Acting CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati and senior professionals of RSTV attended the review meeting.

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BJP MP from Maharashtra Nana Patole today claimed that he had never made any statement against Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the party.

Patole, MP from Bhandara-Gondia, was in the last week for his reported statement criticising Modi's functioning style.

"I have never spoken against the PM or the party. I will continue to put my stand in Parliament," Patole said, speaking to reporters at the state secretariat today after meeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The party has internal democracy, he maintained, adding "we are allowed to express our view freely".

The MP said he is opposed to requirement of online registration by farmers to avail of Maharashtra government's loan waiver scheme.

"Devendra and I joined politics at the same time. I am happy with him. But I am not happy with the system adopted by him to grant the loan waiver. Farmers are facing difficulties in filling up the forms, so I am opposing it," he said.

Patole took exception to revenue minister Chandrakant Patil's claim that some 10 lakh 'bogus farmers' were found after the government announced the loan waiver.

"The procedure of filing applications is still going on. The system cannot accept forms if farmers do not mention their '7/12' extract (property card) details. Once the process is over, forms will be scrutinised and then the government will come to know if there are bogus farmers," Patole said.

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The National Green Tribunal has directed the Centre and the Delhi government to prevent any encroachment from coming up in the eco-sensitive Central Ridge area near the Birla temple here, where several illegal religious structures have been demolished.

A bench comprising Justice Jawad Rahim and expert member Ranjan Chatterjee asked the Ministry of Urban Development and the Delhi government to keep a strict vigil so that there is no unauthorised occupation of the land in the future.

"At that stage, we would only direct Respondents No 2 (Ministry) and 3 (Delhi govt) to keep an eagle's vigil to ensure that after a passage of time respondent No 6 (Sanatan Dharma Sabha Laxmi Narayan Temple Trust), or for that matter, any other party does not start re-encroaching upon the said area which has been got cleared after a lot of difficulties.

"Care has also to be taken that under no circumstances, this place is misused as a parking lot, which was the situation earlier. The construction debris which is likely to be left behind after the demolition, needs to be removed fully to restore the ridge to its earlier position," the bench said.

The green panel also directed the Delhi Police to ensure that Sanatan Dharma Sabha Laxmi Narayan Temple does not re- occupy this area or some other area unauthorisedly in future.

"It is clearly evident that prevention is better than cure and environment which is the silent spectator is constantly suffering at the hands of parties who encroach and misuse forest land for non-forest purpose and the apathy of the government departments indirectly helps the encroachers," the tribunal said.

Earlier, the Delhi government had told the NGT that it has demolished illegal structures inside 7.5 acres ridge land on January 4.

The structures demolished were "Prachin Mahamai temple along with platforms, four jhuggis and two chabutara". The service road running parallel to Birla Mandir was left as the representative of Land and Development Office contended that this was part of the temple, it said.

The judgement was pronounced on an execution petition filed by city resident K C Bhargava and others seeking implementation of tribunal's March 3, 2015 order directing demolition of the illegal structure.

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Actor Nicolas Cage is set to star in an action film "Primal", to be directed by veteran stunt coordinator Nick Powell, who is known for his works in films like "The Bourne Identity" and "X-Men: The Last Stand".

The film, about a big game hunter Frank Walsh (Cage) on a deadly trip hauling exotic animals, is penned by Richard Leder, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Production on the film is set to begin on October 23 in Puerto Rico.

It will be produced by Daniel Grodnik for Wonderfilm, while Michael Becker will serve as executive producer.

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Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar has resigned from the board of Dewan Housing Finance Corporation (DHFL) as independent director post his appointment at the government think tank.

"Dr Rajiv Kumar as independent director on the board of the company since August 7, 2015 has expressed his desire to resign from the position of an independent director vide his letter dated September 4, 2017 due to his appointment as Vice Chairman Niti Aayog," DHFL said in a regulatory filing.

DHFL said the board of directors of the company have accepted his resignation with effect from September 11, 2017.

Kumar, an economist took over as the Niti Aayog vice chair from September 1, replacing Indian-American economist Arvind Panagariya who returned to academia in the US.

Earlier, Kumar also served as chief economist at industry body Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), besides holding senior positions at the Ministry of Finance and Manila- headquartered multi-lateral funding agency Asian Development Bank.

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North Korea vowed today to accelerate its weapons programmes in response to "evil" sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council following its latest and most powerful nuclear test.

The respected 38 North website in the US raised its estimate for the yield from the explosion, which Pyongyang says was a hydrogen bomb small enough to fit onto a missile, to around 250 kilotons -- more than 16 times the size of the device that devastated Hiroshima in 1945.

The detonation, Pyongyang's sixth nuclear blast, prompted global condemnation and came after it carried out two intercontinental ballistic missile launches in July that appeared to bring much of the US into range.

The UN Security Council unanimously imposed an eighth set of sanctions on the North Monday, banning it from trading in textiles and restricting its oil imports, which US President Donald Trump said was a prelude to stronger measures.

The resolution, passed after Washington toned down its original proposals to secure backing from China and Russia, came just one month after the council banned exports of coal, lead and seafood in response to the ICBM launch.

The North's foreign ministry condemned the new measures "in the strongest terms", calling them a "full-scale economic blockade" driven by the US and aimed at "suffocating" its state and people.

It was "another illegal and evil 'resolution on sanctions' piloted by the US", it said in a statement carried by the official KCNA agency.

"The DPRK will redouble the efforts to increase its strength to safeguard the country's sovereignty and right to existence," the ministry said, using the abbreviation for the North's official name.

But the South's unification ministry described the statement as "the most low-key form of response from North Korea to UN Security Council resolutions".

Seoul conducted its first live-fire exercise of its new long-range Taurus missile in response to the nuclear test, its Air Force said.

The German air-to-surface weapon was capable of precision strikes on key North Korean facilities even if launched from the central part of the South, it added.

The US and its allies argue that tougher sanctions will pile pressure on North Korea to negotiate an end to its weapons programmes but experts are sceptical.

US President Donald Trump said the latest measures were a "very small step - not a big deal" that must lead to tougher measures.

"Those sanctions are nothing compared to ultimately what will happen," Trump said, but added that it was "nice to get a 15 to nothing vote".

The North says it needs nuclear weapons to protect itself from "hostile" US forces and analysts believe Pyongyang's weapons programme has made rapid progress under leader Kim Jong-Un, with previous sanctions having done little to deter it.

Government estimates of the yield from its sixth nuclear test vary from South Korea's 50 kilotons to Japan's 160, but 38 North, which is linked to Johns Hopkins University in the US, raised its estimate to "roughly 250 kilotons", in line with upward revisions for the magnitude of the resulting tremor.

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The Centre today said no ransom amount was paid to abductors for the release of Father Tom Uzhunnalil and underlined that the Ministry of External Affairs "works quietly without noise, but ultimately gets the work done".

The Keralite priest was abducted by Islamic State terrorists during a deadly attack on a care home in the port city of Aden in war-ravaged Yemen on March 6, 2016. At least 15 people at the old-age home were killed in the attack.

"Release of Father Uzhunnalil yesterday underlines one thing that the Ministry of External Affairs works quietly and without noise, but ultimately gets the work done," Union Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told a press conference here.

The Union minister said "no" when asked whether any ransom was paid for the release of the priest.

"We know the type of criticism that had come couple of times when Father Uzhunnalil disappeared in Yeman. We are very happy that he has come back safely and I'm sure people will appreciate that we were able to get him out safe and sound," Singh added.

On the role played by Oman, Singh said various methods were adopted to tackle a problem.

"If a direct method failed to yield results, indirect methods are adopted and the aim is to get the problem solved," he said.

Asked whether Uzhunnanlil contacted any Indian officials to thank the government following his release, Singh said, "I'm quite sure that he will do it after he gets back from the Vatican."



It was for the priest to decide when he would come to India, Singh said responding to a question.

A video of Uzhunnalil had surfaced in December last year in which he appealed to the government to free him.

In the clip, Uzhunnalil was seen saying, "If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously. I'm from India. I'm perhaps not considered of much value."



In July, Union minister Sushma Swaraj had taken up the the issue of Uzhunnalil's abduction with the Deputy Prime Minister of Yemen and requested him to secure the release of the priest.

Last year, Swaraj had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has spoken to various countries so that the the priest could be released.

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India today said no ransom was paid for the release of Keralite priest Father Tom Uzhunnalil from the captivity of Islamic State militants in Yemen and that "extremely complicated" diplomatic efforts were undertaken to secure his freedom.

The Catholic priest from Kerala was rescued in Yemen yesterday, over 18 months after he was abducted by Islamic State terrorists on March 6, 2016 during a deadly attack on a care home in the port city of Aden in the war-ravaged country. At least 15 people at the old-age home were killed in the attack.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj thanked Oman and Yemen for the release of the priest. "India thanks Oman. India thanks Yemen," she said.

Swaraj also said that Father Uzhunnalil spoke to her from Vatican and profusely thanked the Government of India, especially the prime minister for efforts to rescue him. He also conveyed his thanks to the Governments and people who helped in his rescue mission, the minister said in a series of tweets.

Referring to the release of the priest, Union Minister V K Singh told reporters that the Ministry of External Affairs "works quietly without noise, but ultimately gets the work done."



"Release of Father Uzhunnalil yesterday underlines one thing that the Ministry of External Affairs works quietly and without noise, but ultimately gets the work done," said Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs.

The minister said "no" when asked at the conference in Thiruvananthapuram whether any ransom was paid for the release of the priest.

"We know the type of criticism that had come couple of times when Father Uzhunnalil disappeared in Yemen. We are very happy that he has come back safely and I'm sure people will appreciate that we were able to get him out safe and sound."



On the role played by Oman, Singh said various methods were adopted to find a solution.

"If a direct method failed to yield results, indirect methods are adopted and the aim is to get the problem solved," he said.

It was for the priest to decide when he would come to India, Singh said responding to a question.

Another Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam, who hails from Kerala, said hectic diplomatic efforts were taken at various levels, including at the level of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Minister Sushma Swaraj, to bring the priest back to safety.

"The release of Father Uzhunnalil was made possible at the end of extremely complicated diplomatic efforts," Alphons said in Kottayam.

He acknowledged the help that India received from many countries, including Oman and Saudi Arabia, in fulfilling the mission.

Alphons said this in response to questions related to the role of the Indian government in getting the release of the abducted priest.

In her tweets, Swaraj said that Father Uzhunnalil has also conveyed his thanks to the people of India for their concern and prayers for his release.

A video of Uzhunnalil had surfaced in December last year in which he appealed to the government to free him.

In the clip, Uzhunnalil was seen saying, "If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously. I'm from India. I'm perhaps not considered of much value."



In July, Union minister Sushma Swaraj had taken up the issue of Uzhunnalil's abduction with the deputy prime minister of Yemen and requested him to secure the release of the priest.

Last year, Swaraj had said Prime Minister Modi himself has spoken to various countries so that the priest could be released.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India today said no ransom was paid for the release of Keralite priest Father Tom Uzhunnalil from the captivity of Islamic State militants in Yemen and that "extremely complicated" diplomatic efforts were undertaken to secure his freedom.

The Catholic priest from Kerala was rescued in Yemen yesterday, over 18 months after he was abducted by Islamic State terrorists on March 6, 2016 during a deadly attack on a care home in the port city of Aden in the war-ravaged country. At least 15 people at the old-age home were killed in the attack.

Referring to the release of the priest, Union Minister V K Singh told reporters that the Ministry of External Affairs "works quietly without noise, but ultimately gets the work done."



"Release of Father Uzhunnalil yesterday underlines one thing that the Ministry of External Affairs works quietly and without noise, but ultimately gets the work done," said Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs.

The minister said "no" when asked at the conference in Thiruvananthapuram whether any ransom was paid for the release of the priest.

"We know the type of criticism that had come couple of times when Father Uzhunnalil disappeared in Yemen. We are very happy that he has come back safely and I'm sure people will appreciate that we were able to get him out safe and sound."



On the role played by Oman, Singh said various methods were adopted to tackle the problem.

"If a direct method failed to yield results, indirect methods are adopted and the aim is to get the problem solved," he said.

Asked whether Uzhunnanlil contacted any Indian officials to thank the government following his release, Singh said, "I'm quite sure that he will do it after he gets back from the Vatican."



It was for the priest to decide when he would come to India, Singh said responding to a question.

Another Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam, who hails from Kerala, said hectic diplomatic efforts were taken at various levels, including at the level of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Minister Sushma Swaraj, to bring the priest back to safety.

"The release of Father Uzhunnalil was made possible at the end of extremely complicated diplomatic efforts," Alphons said in Kottayam.

He acknowledged the help that India received from many countries, including Oman and Saudi Arabia, in fulfilling the mission.

Alphons said this in response to questions related to the role of the Indian government in getting the release of the abducted priest



A video of Uzhunnalil had surfaced in December last year in which he appealed to the government to free him.

In the clip, Uzhunnalil was seen saying, "If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously. I'm from India. I'm perhaps not considered of much value."



In July, Union minister Sushma Swaraj had taken up the issue of Uzhunnalil's abduction with the deputy prime minister of Yemen and requested him to secure the release of the priest.

Last year, Swaraj had said Prime Minister Modi himself has spoken to various countries so that the priest could be released.

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The Congress-backed NSUI today made a comeback in the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU), wresting the crucial posts of president and vice president from the RSS-affiliated ABVP, and dubbed it as a victory of liberal values.

The ABVP, which has held sway in the DUSU since 2013, was dealt a blow as it won only the posts of secretary and joint- secretary, in an election dominated by debate on nationalism and free speech.

The Congress promptly hailed the victory as a triumph of "liberal values" and a "wake up call" for the prime minister. Its students' wing, the NSUI, also contested the result for the joint-secretary post and said it would move the court.

Party vice president Rahul Gandhi thanked the students of Delhi University for reposing faith in the "Congress ideology".

Rocky Tusheed of the NSUI (National Students' Union of India) bagged the president's post defeating ABVP's Rajat Choudhary by a margin of 1,590 votes. The NSUI had held the president's post last in 2012.

"Congratulations @nsui on an outstanding performance in #DUSUelection2017. A triumph for liberal values on campus. #NSUIwinsDU Proud of you!," senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted.

Interestingly, the university poll panel had cancelled Tusheed's candidature over records of certain "disciplinary action" against him. The NSUI moved the Delhi High Court which granted him an interim relief.

The vice-president's post went to NSUI's Kunal Sehrawat who defeated Paarth Rana of the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) by a slender margin of 175 votes.

Nearly 43 per cent of the 1.2 lakh-strong electorate voted yesterday in the polls, where the Ramjas College violence and the subsequent debate on nationalism and free speech had dominated the campaign.

ABVP's Mahamedha Nagar, who was allegedly involved in the Ramjas College violence of February 21, and Uma Shankar won the posts of secretary and joint-secretary by margins of 2,624 and 342 votes respectively.

The result had its share of drama with NSUI supporters protesting outside the counting centre demanding the votes for the joint secretary's post be recounted. No recounting took place, however.

All India Congress Committee's NSUI in-charge Ruchi Gupta said a complaint has been filed with the university's grievances committee on the issue.

"We will also be approaching the court," Gupta said.

DU elections, unlike polls in the Jawaharlal Nehru University, has never been ideologically polarised and is more known for the rampant abuse of money and muscle power. The recently concluded JNUSU polls was swept by the left.

However, the circumstances were a little unusual this year. On February 21, ABVP supporters had disrupted a seminar on 'Culture of Protests' in Ramjas College protesting against invites to JNU student activists Shehla Rashid and Umar Khalid.

The next day, North Campus had turned into a battle ground with activists of ABVP targeting a protest march led by students from left-affiliated AISA, and the NSUI, leaving several, including teachers, journalists and policemen, injured.

Later, Gurmehar Kaur, a student of Lady Shri Ram College, had emerged as the pivot of the swirling debate after she made a series of posts on social media against campus vigilantism, attracting a vicious onslaught by right-wing trolls.

"Congratulations to every DU student, you've reclaimed your university back. You've proved violence and hooliganism will not be tolerated!," she tweeted today.

Another highlight of today's verdict was the inclination of the students towards NOTA (None of the Above) option. Overall, over 29,000 students pressed the NOTA option. With 9,028 votes, the NOTA was the third most-voted option for the polling for the joint secretary's post.

In the presidential panel, AISA's candidate Parul Chauhan secured fourth place with 4,895 votes, even short of 5,162 votes polled for NOTA. The left body came third in the posts of vice president and secretary.

Last year, the ABVP had bagged three posts while the NSUI had won the post of joint secretary, with which it had registered its presence in the DUSU after a gap of two years when the right-wing body enjoyed undisputed dominance.

The last time NSUI was in a leadership position in the DU was in 2012, when the Congress-led UPA government was in power. In 2013, a year before the BJP swept to power, the ABVP decimated the Congress-backed body by clinching three seats.

The Delhi University students' union has given rise to a number of prominent politicians belonging to parties across the spectrum, including BJP's Arun Jaitley, Vijay Goel, Nupur Sharma; Congress' Ajay Maken. Alka Lamba, an AAP MLA, had also won the president's post contesting as an NSUI candidate.

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Odisha assembly today passed four bills including the much-awaited Odisha Land Rights to Slum Dwellers Bill, 2017 which will provide land to slum dwellers residing in Municipalities and Notified Area Councils (NACs) of the state.

Introducing the Odisha Land Rights to Slum Dwellers Bill, 2017 in the Assembly, Housing and Urban Development Minister Niranjan Pujari said it is a historical decision of the state government to provide land and housing units to the urban poor living in different slums.

Stating that the demographic shift from rural to urban areas has been a continuous process for past several decades, Pujari said the shortage of affordable space has resulted in persons occupying large chunks of government land in urban areas.

As per the 2011 census, 23.1 per cent of the urban population which is one out of five urban households, live in slum areas, the minister said.

Therefore, the minister said, it was felt by the government to enact a separate legislation to provide for assigning land rights to identified slum dwellers, for development, rehabilitation and upgradation of slums in Municipal Council areas and NACs.

Welcoming the legislation, Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra of Congress said that the bill will help the poor people, who are residing in the slums.

BJP member Rabi Nayak also praised the move. He, however, said the government should not use this for political gain of the ruling party.

Earlier in August, Odisha cabinet had approved the proposal to provide land rights to the slum dwellers.

The urban poor in slum will get land rights for residential use which is mortgageable and non-transferable. In corporate areas, limited transferable rights will be given.

Other Bills which were also passed in the Assembly today are The Odisha Sales Tax (Settlement of Arrears) Amendment Bill, 2017, The Odisha Motor Vehicle Taxation (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and The Odisha Agricultural Produce Markets (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

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Sri Lanka will operationalise a dedicated office from September 15 to trace around 20,000 people who disappeared during various conflicts in the country, including the three-decade-long brutal civil war with the LTTE.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday signed the gazette notification for the operationalisation of the Office of the Missing Persons (OMP), which will start functioning from Friday.

Relatives or the family of the missing person could lodge a complaint with this office, officials said.

Around 20,000 people have been missing due to various conflicts including the 30-year-long separatist war with Lankan Tamils in the north and east which claimed the lives of at least 100,000 people.

The OMP Act, signed by the President in July this year, states "the findings of the OMP shall not give rise to any criminal or civil liability".

It is not a law enforcement or judicial agency but a truth-seeking investigative agency, a government statement said.

"Happy for all victims. Now, to make it work," Mano Tittawella, government's top reconciliation official said.

Sri Lankan government has been facing a global pressure to set up the much delayed Office of the Missing Persons.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which led the separatist war for a separate Tamil homeland, was crushed by the Lankan military in 2009.

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A suspected overground worker of Hizbul Mujahideen, who was allegedly motivating and instigating youths to join militancy, was today arrested in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, police said.

Ishtiaq Ahmed Wani, a resident of Goushbugh Pattan area of the district,who was at large and wanted for motivating and instigating young boys to join Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) was arrested, a police official said.

He said due to continuous pressure and encounters by police and other security agencies, most of the militants, who were active in north Kashmir, have been neutralised, due to which the controllers of HM from across the Line of Control (LoC) and within the valley are trying to accelerate the recruitment process in the area.

The official said recently the Baramulla police saved 10 boys, meant to be inducted into militant ranks, from the clutches of the militants were handed over to their parents.

Out of these 10 boys, four were motivated by Wani to join militant ranks of HM, the official said.

He said a case has been registered and an investigation is underway.

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A Palestinian attempted a stabbing today at a bus stop near an Israeli settlement on the outskirts of the flashpoint West Bank city of Hebron and was shot by a soldier, the army said.

The Palestinian was wounded and taken for medical treatment, Israel's army said in a statement. No further details were given on the person's identity or condition.

No other injuries were reported in the incident at the Elias junction near the Kiryat Arba settlement in the occupied West Bank.

Kiryat Arba is located next to Hebron, where several hundred Israeli settlers live in the centre of the city in constant tension with some 200,000 Palestinians.

A wave of unrest that broke out in October 2015 has killed at least 294 Palestinians or Arab Israelis, 47 Israelis, two Americans, two Jordanians, an Eritrean, a Sudanese and a Briton, according to an AFP toll.

Israeli authorities say that most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks.

Others were shot dead in protests and clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip.

The violence had greatly subsided in recent months, but tension around the highly sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City saw a spike in July.

Jewish high holidays beginning later this month have also led to increased tensions in the past.

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Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan today demanded a thorough investigation into the brutal killing of a seven-year-old student of Ryan International Schoolin Gurgaon.

The consumer affairs minister, who visited the boy's residence in Maruti Kunj area, said schools should have adequate security measures in place.

He said he had spoken with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar who assured him that if the family was not happy with the Gurgaon Police's probe within a week, the case would be handed over to the CBI.

"I have also spoken with HRD Minister Prakash Javedkar about the security arrangements in schools. The schools have been directed to hire more women employees in all secondary- level schools," he said.

Paswan expressed his condolences to the grieving parents and assured them of a fair probe, saying the Haryana government was taking the matter very seriously.

He also assured them of all support.

Paswan said the boy's father had told him that he lost his only son and he did not want other family to bear this pain.

The father said the school management and its top officers should also be held accountable for the crime, the Union minister added.

The Class 2 student was found with his throat slit in a school washroom on Friday and bus conductor Ashok Kumar was arrested in connection with the crime.

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Philippine lawmakers have moved to cut the budget of the nation's human rights commission to $20 and impeach the Supreme Court chief justice in what critics on today labelled part of a slide towards dictatorship under President Rodrigo Duterte.

The twin votes in the House of Representatives added to a growing climate of fear that Duterte is determined to silence anyone critical of his war on drugs, which has claimed thousands of lives and led rights groups to warn of a crime against humanity.

Duterte directly drew a link between Tuesday night's vote to cut the Commission on Human Rights' annual budget from 678 million pesos ($13 million) to 1,000 pesos and its investigations of the drug war killings and related criticism by its chairman.

"He had it coming," Duterte told reporters late Tuesday, referring to commission chairman Jose Gascon.

"They only gave him 1,000 pesos (about $20) because Congress is angry."



The commission is one of several independent government bodies set up by the constitution to check the power of the executive branch, which controls the country's police and military forces.

The Supreme Court is meant to be another safeguard.

Duterte's allies in the lower house's justice committee on Wednesday also voted to impeach its chief justice after determining corruption allegations against her had substance.

The chief justice, Maria Lourdes Sereno, has been another critic of the drug war.

She wrote Duterte a letter last year expressing concern over him publicly naming seven judges as being involved in the drug trade, warning it made them vulnerable to being killed.

Duterte responded by threatening to declare martial law if Sereno continued to interfere in his drug war.

Should the entire house endorse the justice committee's findings against Sereno, the Senate would convene as an impeachment court.

The Senate still has to review and endorse the vote to slash the rights commission's budget.

The Senate is also dominated by Duterte allies, but it has proved more independent than the lower house and it could still over-rule the moves against the rights commission and Sereno.

Nevertheless, critics warned of authoritarian rule under Duterte -- a self-described socialist who has repeatedly praised late Filipino dictator Ferdinand Marcos and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"This leads us on a direct path to dictatorship," Senator Francis Pangilinan, leader of the Liberal Party, the country's main opposition group, said in response to Tuesday's vote.

Teodoro Casino, a former House member representing the left wing Bayan Muna party, expressed similar sentiments when commenting on the move against Sereno.

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The Patna High Court today dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a CBI probe into the multi-crore Srijan scam related to fraudulent transfer of government money into the account of a Bhagalpur NGO.

The PIL was filed before the CBI took over the probe into the Srijan scam on August 26.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice A K Upadhyay dismissed the PIL after a brief hearing.

The PIL filed by Diwakar Yadav had sought a CBI probe into the scam related to fraudulent transfer of government money into the account of 'Srijan' over a period of time.

Advocate General Lalit Kishore told the court that the state government has already handed over the probe to a central investigating agency and the inquiry is in progress.

After this the bench dismissed the PIL.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was the first to bring the scam into the public domain on August 9 last.

RJD President Lalu Prasad has been alleging the involvement of the chief minister and deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi in the scam and demanding that the CBI probe be monitored by Supreme Court.

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President Ram Nath Kovind will pay a two-day visit to Uttar Pradesh beginning tomorrow, during which he will attend several programmes in the state capital and Kanpur.

This is Kovind's first visit to the state after assuming the high office.

The president will arrive in Lucknow tomorrow afternoon and attend a programme at the Indira Gandhi Pratisthan, a senior administration official said.

Later, he will attend a dinner at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's official 5 Kalidas Marg residence.

On September 15, the president will meet some people at the Raj Bhavan, before leaving for Kanpur to participate in a 'Swachhta hi Sewa' programme.

"The president will visit Ishwariganj village in Kalyanpur at 2.30 pm on September 15. Ishwariganj was recently declared open-defecation free," Kanpur District Magistrate Surendra Singh said.

"He will launch the 'Swachhta hi Sewa' (Cleanliness is Service) programme from the village and honour five people who played a major role in making Ishwariganj an open-defecation free village," he said.

However, there was no word on whether Kovind will visit his ancestral Paraunkh village in adjoining Kanpur Dehat district.

The president will inaugurate a Solid-Liquid Waste Management Scheme here and distribute among safai workers tri-cycles meant for carrying garbage.

UP Governor Ram Naik and Adityanth will also be present in the programme.

BJP leader Surendra Maithani said, "After becoming the president, this is his first visit to Kanpur. The entire city is being decorated with flowers."



Maithani said that the president would also visit the residence of RSS leader Ishwar Chandra Gupta in Tilak Nagar area of the city.

The district magistrate said elaborate security measures were being taken in view of the high-profile visit.

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President Ram Nath Kovind will arrive here on September 15 on his first visit to Uttar Pradesh after assuming the high office, during which he will participate in a 'Swachhta hi Sewa' programme.

"The president will visit Ishwariganj village in Kalyanpur on September 15 at 2.30 pm. Ishwariganj was recently declared open-defecation free," Kanpur District Magistrate Surendra Singh said.

"He will launch the 'Swachhta hi Sewa' (Cleanliness is Service) programme from the village and honour five people who played a major role in making Ishwariganj an open-defecation free village," he said.

However, there was no word on whether Kovind will visit his ancestral Paraunkh village in adjoining Kanpur Dehat district.

The president will inaugurate a Solid-Liquid Waste Management Scheme here and distribute among safai workers tri-cycles meant for carrying garbage.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth will also be present in the programme.

BJP leader Surendra Maithani said, "After becoming the president, this is his first visit to Kanpur. The entire city is being decorated with flowers."



Maithani said that the president would also visit the residence of RSS leader Ishwar Chandra Gupta in Tilak Nagar area of the city.

The district magistrate said elaborate security measures were being taken in view of the high-profile visit.

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As many as 300-400 people from different walks of life today protested outside the Myanmar Embassy against the alleged persecution of Rohingya Muslims.

Protesters from various organisations, educationists, sociologists etc. Had gathered outside the embassy around 2 pm today and after a few speeches and sloganeering, dispersed around 4.30 pm, police said.

The central government is planning to deport Rohingya Muslims, who have come to India from Myanmar, as it considers them illegal immigrants.

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BJP's Punjab unit said today it will hold state-wide protests over the "ineptness" of Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh's government on Saturday, the day the Congress leader completes six months in his office.

Punjab BJP secretary Vineet Joshi said the party will "highlight the failures" of the state government during the protests.

He said farmers, youths, Dalits, businessmen, ex- servicemen, and students were feeling betrayed by Singh's government. The BJP leader, however, did not produce any evidence to support his allegations.

"The protests are being carried out against the ineptness of Capt Amarinder Singh government which has failed on all fronts," he alleged.

Joshi said the BJP has decided to "expose" the Congress government on September 16.

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Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will visit Turkey tomorrow to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his first visit abroad since the start of a diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia, Ankara said.

Al-Thani will hold talks on "bilateral ties and regional as well as international developments," the Turkish presidency said.

Erdogan has been a major supporter of Doha since Qatar was left diplomatically and economically isolated by the standoff instigated by its giant neighbour.

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut ties with Qatar accusing it of backing extremism and fostering ties with their Shiite rival Iran.

Doha, however, denies the claims.

Erdogan has strongly spoken out against the sanctions applied by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt against Doha.

In a show of solidarity, Turkey has also sent cargo ships and hundreds of planes loaded with food products to break the embargo on Doha.

After visiting Turkey, the emir is due to visit Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, his first trip to a western capital since the crisis began.

Erdogan in July embarked on a regional tour of the Gulf countries, with visits to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar in a bid to diffuse the crisis.

But his visit ended without any sign of a breakthrough.

Today, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah was due to meet with Erdogan at his presidential palace in the capital Ankara.

Erdogan has voiced support for Kuwait's mediation efforts, in an indication that Ankara sees the emirate as the key to resolving the crisis.

Over the last years, Qatar has emerged as Turkey's number one ally in the Middle East, with Ankara and Doha closely coordinating their positions on a number of issues including the Syria conflict where both are staunch foes of President Bashar al-Assad.

Ankara has built a military base in Qatar and reportedly deployed around 200 troops. The closure of the base was one of the conditions laid by the Saudi-led bloc for the lifting of the sanctions, which was rejected by Doha.

But Turkey also does not want to wreck its own relations with regional kingpin Saudi Arabia and its hugely powerful new Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

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The government today asserted in the Delhi High court that controversial businessman Moin Akhtar Qureshi's questioning of his arrest was an "abuse" of the legal process as there were serious charges of hawala transactions against him.

The government refuted the allegations of the meat exporter that he was unauthorisedly detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case saying he was arrested under statutory provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

It sought dismissal of his habeas corpus plea before a bench of justices Siddharth Mridul and Nazmi Waziri saying he was not unauthorisedly deprived of his personal liberty and remanded to ED custody by a competent trial court.

A habeas corpus plea is a petition which is filed to ensure a person under arrest is brought before a court which will determine whether the detention is legal.

Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and ED, argued that under the garb of habeas corpus, Qureshi was challenging the remand order passed by a trial court and seeking quashing of FIR.

"It is not unauthorisedly depriving personal liberty of a person. He was arrested after using the statutory provision under the PMLA. There are serious allegations of hawala transactions against him.

"Its an abuse of the process of law. When there is an arrest memo, its not unauthorised detention," the ASG and central government standing counsel Anil Soni contended.

The bench said it is a constitutional imperative that when a person is arrested, he is informed of ground of arrest.

"We want to know what is the judicial view on the expression 'grounds of arrest' and what would consist informing a person of grounds of arrest.

"This is what concerns us. It is only informing him by showing the grounds or is it by giving a copy of it. Is it sufficient to only inform him in order to comply with the constitutional imperative," the bench said.

On being asked by the bench whether Qureshi was informed about the grounds of arrest and in what manner, Mehta replied in affirmative and said he was informed by showing the grounds. He has also put his signatures on that document.

Advocate R K Handoo, appearing for Qureshi, maintained that he was not informed about the grounds of arrest and also sought interim bail for his client.

The submission of Centre opposing the interim bail found support from the bench, which said his regular bail plea was pending before the trial court and he cannot seek two reliefs from two courts simultaneously.

To this, Qureshi's counsel submitted that his regular bail plea before the trial court shall not be pressed till the next date of hearing here.

The court granted time to the counsel to enable him examine the law on the issue of informing a person of grounds of arrest and posted the matter for October 12.

The Centre, in its counter affidavit opposing Qureshi's petition, said it is a settled law that a writ habeas corpus cannot be granted when a person is committed to jail custody by the competent court by an order.

The bench had earlier asked the Centre to inform it whether the messages sent on BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) can be read as evidence after the Supreme Court's judgement declaring the right to privacy a fundamental right.

According to the ED, Qureshi was arrested on the basis of BBM messages exchanged between him, former CBI chief A P Singh and several persons accused in other criminal cases.

Qureshi was arrested on August 25 and sent to ED custody by the trial court the next day for thorough probe in the case against him and others. He is presently in judicial custody.

The agency had claimed that "the witnesses have confirmed in their statements that they have delivered crores of rupees for Qureshi and his associates through his employees and one of the witnesses has stated that nearly Rs 1.75 crore have been exported by the accused from him and his friend in lieu of the help provided to him in a CBI case."



Qureshi has been questioned several times in the past by ED which is probing his role following the registration of two FIRs under the PMLA, it has said, adding that he was arrested in connection with offence alleged in the last FIR in which former CBI chief Singh has also been named.

The earlier PMLA case against Qureshi was lodged by the ED in 2015, based on an I-T prosecution complaint, it said.

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Romania's coast guard today rescued more than 150 migrants from Iraq and Iran, including 56 children, from a ship in distress on the Black Sea, on what is becoming a favored route for migrants trying to reach Western Europe.

The rusty ship was towed to the Black Sea port of Constanta, some 250 kilometres east of Bucharest, before dawn.

Revising its initial count, the coast guard said it found 157 migrants from Iran and Iraq who had "intended to illegally enter our country." Some migrants received medical treatment.

Authorities initially spotted the ship outside Romanian territorial waters early yesterday. It sent a distress signal and two coast guard boats were dispatched, but high waves and winds hampered rescue efforts before the ship was eventually towed to port.

Fabian Badila, a border police spokesman, said the migrants would be taken into custody and then moved to government-run migration centers in Romania.

He said the border police had an efficient surveillance system which could detect vessels trying to illegally enter Romanian territorial waters.

Migrants are increasingly using the Black Sea route from Turkey to reach Romania.

Last weekend, coast guard forces from Romania and Bulgaria intercepted 217 migrants in the Black Sea in two boats who were suspected of trying to illegally enter Romania.

Any new influx of migrants through the Black Sea could further exacerbate political strains within the European Union over the issue.

Krzysztof Borowski, a spokesman for the European Union's border agency, Frontex, told The Associated Press that smugglers are attempting to "revive the route," which as recently as 2014 had been used by some 430 migrants.

Since then the numbers have fallen as other routes via Turkey into Greece became popular. In 2015, 68 migrants used the Black Sea route, and in 2016 only one, Borowski added.

Metin Corabatir, who heads the Ankara-based Research Center on Asylum and Migration, said he believed the Black Sea was unlikely to become a major route because the sea is too rough and the period for safe crossings is very short.

There are also allegations that Bulgarian, and also Romanian authorities have mistreated migrants, with reports of beatings and forced expatriations.

Romanian border police told The Associated Press illegal migration has increased this year with 4,200 cases of Afghan, Iraqi, Syrian, Pakistani and Iranian citizens trying to enter or leave Romania. That's up sharply from 2016 when there were 1,624 attempts.

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As part of its initiative to facilitate dialogues between different communities and foster amity, the Russian Centre of Culture in Kolkata is organising an all-faith meets here.

Vice-Consul and Head of the Cultural Department, Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Kolkata, Yuri V Dubovoy told PTI, "We believe holding dialogue between different religious groups is very important to know each other's points."



The Russian Centre of Culture called the first such all-faith meeting here at Gorky Sadan yesterday.

Asked why the Russian Centre of Culture was holding such meets, Dubovoy said, "Russia is a multi-religious, multi-cultural society like India. We have some regions in our country where Buddhists, Muslims are majority. In this way, we share many things common with India."



The Russian Centre of Culture will hold similar meetings in future, the Vice-consul said.

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The staff of Ryan International School in suburban Kandivali here were questioned by the Haryana Police for the second day today in connection with the death of a boy at a school run by the group in Gurgaon.

Two officers, part of an SIT formed by the Haryana Police, also went through the school records, said a senior official of Mumbai Police.

However, no member of the Pinto family which controls the group, was questioned, he said.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court today extended the interim protection from arrest granted to the trustees of Ryan International Group, till tomorrow.

Father of the 7-year-old victim opposed their anticipatory bail pleas.

Pradhuman Thakur was found dead in a toilet at Ryan International School in Gurgaon on September 8.

Ryan group's CEO Ryan Pinto and his parents-- Augustine Pinto, founding chairman of the group, and Grace Pinto, its managing director--have filed pre-arrest bail applications in the Bombay High Court.

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The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) 'Core Committee' will discuss preparation for the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha by-poll and prevalent political situation in the state at a meeting here on September 18.

SAD secretary and spokesman Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said the meeting will deliberate on strategy to be adopted for the poll, preparations and duties to be assigned to leaders.

The 'Core Committee' of the SAD is apex decision-making body of the party.

He said that after the meeting, the party leadership will meet senior leaders of the BJP to finalize proposals in this regard.

Cheema said SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal will address meetings of leaders and workers of different assembly segments falling under the Gurdaspur Parliamentary Constituency on September 21 and 23.

The Gurdaspur Parliamentary seat by-poll was necessitated due to the death of sitting BJP MP Vinod Khanna recently. It is slated to be held on October 11.

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The Delhi government will write to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, seeking transfer of the case of sexual assault of a five-year-old schoolgirl in Gandhi Nagar from local police to the crime branch for a "fair probe", an official said today.

The move comes after Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain received complaints through Gandhi Nagar MLA Anil Bajpai about alleged "inaction" by the authorities concerned.

"The home minister will write to the Lt. Governor demanding transfer of the rape case from local police to the Crime Branch of Delhi Police for fair investigation," a senior government official said.

The girl was allegedly raped by a peon inside the premises of a private school in Shahdara here. The accused has been arrested.

The government recently ordered a magisterial probe into the alleged sexual assault of the five-year-old girl. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Sarita Vihar) is expected to submit his report in next one or two days.

Following the incident, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had on September 11 ordered schools to install CCTV cameras covering their entire premises and complete police investigation of their non-teaching staff within three weeks.

The directive came amid increased concerns over the safety on school premises after the killing of a seven-year- old student in Gurugram's Ryan International School.

"All schools, whether government-run or private, will have to mandatorily install CCTV cameras in classrooms, washroom area and playgrounds as well.

"Schools have been asked to conduct police verification of all their non-teaching staff be it sanitation workers, security staff or drivers, within three weeks," Sisodia had said.

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Prices of select edible rose by up to Rs 100 per quintal at the wholesale oils and oilseeds market today on persistent buying by vanaspati millers and retailers against restricted supplies from producing belts amid firm trend overseas.

Castor oil, in the non-edible section, also strengthened due to increased offtake by consuming industries.

Traders said increased buying by vanaspati millers and retailers against fall in arrivals from producing belts and firm trend overseas, mainly attributed the rise in select edible oil prices.

Meanwhile, India, the world's leading vegetable oil buyer, imported 13.61 lakh tonnes of the commodity in August, up about 21 per cent from the year-ago period, industry body SEA said.

In August 2016, vegetable oil imports stood at 11.26 lakh tonnes. The country largely imports palm oil, which constitutes over 60 per cent of the total shipments.

In the national capital, groundnut mill delivery (Gujarat) and mustard expeller oils moved up by Rs 100 and Rs 50 to Rs 8,000 and Rs 7,950 per quintal respectively.

Palmolein (RBD) and palmolein (Kandla) oils advanced by Rs 50 each to Rs 5,950 and Rs 6,000 per quintal respectively.

Soyabean refined mill delivery (Indore) and soyabean degum (Kandla) oils followed suit and traded higher by a similar margin to Rs 6,900 and Rs 6,500 per quintal respectively.

In the non-edible segment, castor oil too edged up by Rs 100 to Rs 9,200-9,300 per quintal.

Following are today's quotations (in Rs per quintal):



Oilseeds: Mustard seed Rs 2,950-3,050 and Groundnut seed Rs 2,150-2,900. Vanaspati Ghee (15-litre tin) Rs 800-1,000.

Edible oils: Groundnut Mill Delivery (Gujarat) Rs 8,000, Groundnut Solvent Refined (per tin) Rs 1,450-1,550, Mustard expeller (Dadri) Rs 7,950, Mustard Pakki Ghani (per tin) Rs 1,300-1,345, Mustard Kachi Ghani (per tin) Rs 1,350-1,450, Sesame Mill delivery Rs 7,700, Soybean Refined Mill Delivery (Indore) Rs 6,900, Soybean Degum (Kandla) Rs 6,500, Crude Palm Oil (Ex-Kandla) Rs 4,800, Cottonseed Mill Delivery (Haryana) Rs 6,400, Palmolein (RBD) Rs 5,950, Palmolein (Kandla) Rs 6,000 and Coconut (per tin) Rs 2,050-2,100.

Non-edible oils: Linseed Rs 8,750, Castor Rs 9,200-9,300, Neem Rs 5,350-5,450.

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The Civil Aviation Ministry has selected Shillong Airport as the hub of the Regional Connectivity scheme in the North East region, a top official of the North Eastern Council (NEC) said today.

The decision to select Shillong Airport as the hub of Regional Connectivity scheme in the North East region connecting - Aizawl, Silchar, Dimapur and Imphal was taken at a high level meeting of the Ministry of Civil Aviation in which representatives from all NE states were present, NEC secretary Ram Muivah.

"What I have come to know in the meeting is that Shillong will be the Hub for Regional Connectivity Scheme and they had already selected airlines to operate from Shillong to Aizawl, Shillong to Silchar, Shillong to Imphal, Shillong to Dimapur," Muivah told PTI in an interview.

He said it was also decided in the meeting that Alliance Air, which was flying on viability gap funding provided by the NEC, will continue to fly till March 2019.

"Alliance Air requested extension of lease for a little longer period as they do not get aircraft for 3-4 months... So now we have decided that they can lease one more and the period will be up to March 2019," Muivah said.

He said once they get another aircraft, the Alliance Air will also will fly to Dibrugarh and Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh and in the second phase, they have agreed to fly to Silchar, Imphal Guwahati and Dimapur.

Alliance Air, a regional arm of Air India, connects Shillong, Lilabari and Tezpur in Assam to Kolkata.

As of now, the NEC secretary said, the passengers flying Alliance Air has increased substantially and the viability gap funds has reduced from the previous Rs 47 crore to just about Rs 32 crore.

Muivah also informed that the successful bidder to expand air connectivity in the region was AAA Aviation Private Limited which is likely to operate its aircraft in a few selected airports in the region for which the NEC will provide the viability gap funds.

"AAA Aviation was selected but they took a long time to get the necessary permit from the Civil Aviation Ministry and now that permit, they have to purchase the aircraft," he said.

Representatives from the company and the Ministry have jointly inspected the aircraft in Brazil and I am told that Aircraft is arriving on October 10, he said.

While the RSC was supposed to kick start from September 1 this year, delay was on the part of that private company and Civil Aviation Ministry, Muivah said.

"That is what they wrote to me officially and requested me to extend the tender period and we have forwarded accordingly to the ministry for approval and they have already paid Rs 22 crore in advance to that company in Brazil for that aircraft," he said.

"The company have already started recruiting pilots and staffs I have seen their advertisement in the newspapers," Muivah added.

The NEC will incur an expenditure of around Rs 12 crore annually for AAA Airlines.

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Six persons, including officer-in-charge of a police station, were seriously injured when a group of unidentified people attacked the BJP office at Nalchhar, about 10 km from here, police said.

"At about 5 pm today, a group of miscreants attacked the BJP office in which six persons were seriously injured. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Melaghar police station, Manindra Debnath, was also injured when he tried to stop the miscreants," Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Sonamura, Babul Das told reporters.

Of the six injured persons, two were shifted from Melaghar hospital to Agartala Government Medical College, about 40 km from here as their condition were stated to be critical, the SDPO said.

The police, however, did not disclose the identity of the injured persons other than the OC of Melaghar police station.

The secretary of BJP Sipahijal district unit, Biswajit Das claimed that BJP district unit president Ratan Das and four other party workers were injured in the attack.

He alleged that activists of the ruling CPI-M and the SFI took out a victory procession after the result of college student council elections and attacked the BJP office.

Police said that BJP workers blocked the Sonamura- Agartala road at Nalchhar to protest the attack on party office.

BJP sources said, party's national general secretary, Ram Madhav, who is now camping at Agartala has left for Nalchhar.

Student council elections in 22 government degree colleges in Tripura were held yesterday and the results were announced last night.

The Students Federation of India (SFI) and the Tribal Student Union (TSU), the two student wings of ruling CPI-M secured 751 seats out of the total 778 seats and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) secured only 27 seats.

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday favoured an audit of government funds meant for providing shelters to the urban homeless, saying the money was not being spent by the states and the homeless people remained the sufferers.

The apex court, while suggesting an audit of the money disbursed by the Centre to the states for a scheme under the Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), said it could "possibly" be done by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and observed that these funds, which are meant for a specific purpose, should not be diverted.

It said such an audit was necessary as the apex-court appointed committee, set up to verify the availability of such shelters and headed by former Delhi High Court judge Justice Kailash Gambhir, would not look into this aspect.

Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Centre, told a bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta that the unspent amount by states for the previous period stood at Rs 412 crore, while Rs 228 crore was released by the Centre for 2017-18.

"One thing is that you (Centre) give money and the states does not spend it. For 2017-2018, you have given Rs 228 crore. You tell the states that we are giving you money and you are not spending it. So why should we give you more money," the bench said.

"The money is not spent by the states and the sufferers are the homeless people. How can you ensure that the money is spent? It should not be diverted as the money has been given for a specific purpose," the court said.

During the hearing, Kumar told the bench that the Centre was contributing 60 per cent of the funds for the scheme, while the remaining amount was borne by the states. For Jammu and Kashmir and north eastern states, the ratio was 90 by the Centre and 10 per cent by the states.

"Audit is necessary. The committee is not going to audit the account," the bench said, adding, "it can possibly be done by the CAG."



The bench also asked the solicitor general that 790 cities were covered under the scheme and monitoring of all these cities would tentatively not be possible.

"We could do two things. One way of doing it is to ask the high courts to look after their states. The second option is that instead of asking the high courts, we can look into it," the bench asked Kumar.

Responding to this, the solicitor general said keeping in view the magnitude of implementation of scheme in 790 cities, the option of asking the high courts appeared to be better as they could also have the assistance of the state and the district legal services authority.

He said he would assist the apex court on the issues asked by the bench, including that of auditing of money.

The court fixed the matter for hearing on October 13.

The apex court had last year slammed the Centre and state governments for the lackadaisical approach in providing shelters to the poverty-stricken in urban areas despite the availability of sufficient funds.

It had also observed that the mission of the NULM scheme "remains a distant dream even after lapse of a long period."



The NULM was launched in September 2013 to reduce poverty and vulnerability of urban poor households.

The Centre had earlier told the court that an amount of Rs 1,000 crore, released under the NULM, does not pertain only to urban homeless but to other activities also.
Hundreds of students today staged a protest in Naushera sector of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir against the mysterious death of a boy five days ago, officials said.

Himanshu Sharma, a class 10 student, was found unconscious shortly after leaving for his school in the field and was rushed to a local hospital where he was declared brought dead by the doctors.

Students of various schools boycotted their classes and staged a demonstration at village Sari in the town, demanding an investigation into the sudden death of the boy, they said.

The officials said the students dispersed off peacefully following an assurance by senior civil and police officials that police has started inquest proceedings in connection with the death of the boy and investigations are on.

Station House Officer (SHO) of Noushera police station K K Raina, when contacted, confirmed protest by the students and said the postmortem report of the deceased is awaited.

"Three doctors conducted the autopsy of the boy after his death but the report is awaited," he said.

Meanwhile, state unit of Congress demanded an impartial investigation into the death of the student, a resident of Gagrote village.

"The people of the area have been agitating for high- level investigation into the mysterious death of the student. Government should constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a senior officer of integrity to bring out the truth in the incident," Chief spokesperson of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Ravinder Sharma said in a statement here.

He said the students held the protest suspecting "foul play" behind the death of their classmate.

"The police administration should immediately respond to the situation and order a time-bound investigation," Sharma said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
To foster "patriotism", students at government schools in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh would be instructed to answer the daily roll call with 'Jai Hind' from the next month.

"Students say 'yes sir' or 'yes madam' or 'present' during the roll call. What good do these English acknowledgements achieve? I have asked the principals of government schools in Satna to direct the students to say 'Jai Hind' from October 1," School Education Minister Vijay Shah told PTI today.

"After this experiment works in Satna, we will send a proposal to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to introduce 'Jai Hind' during roll calls in all the 1.22 lakh government schools in Madhya Pradesh," he said.

"Jai Hind chants will foster love for the country and patriotism," the minister said, noting that the Army and para-military personnel use 'Jai Hind' as a greeting.

Shah also said that the national flag is being hoisted daily at government middle and high schools (from class VI to XII) for over a month in Madhya Pradesh now.

"This daily exercise is going to be replicated in primary schools too," he said.

"We have also sent an advisory to private schools affiliated to the MP Board of Secondary Education that they may hoist the national flag daily," the minister added.

"We have also prepared a proposal for clearance of gram panchayats to name schools in villages after the local army martyrs," Shah said.

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August 31, 2017

A young Iranian cleric lit social media on fire with claims that a censorship committee blocked his speech to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a recent visit with clerics.

Hojat al-Islam Heydar Abbasi, a former student official with Basij Organization, took to his Telegram account to publish the text of his speech that he says caused him to be eliminated as one of those who was to deliver a speech to Khamenei. Abbasis speech, which was never delivered, first begins with some of the positive outcomes of the Iranian revolution. However, it quickly dives into his many criticisms.

Abbasi complained of the governmentalized nature of student groups that he says have a top-down aspect, whereas the revolution had always aspired to have the peoples participation. He wrote that this tiered system has made the people secondary to the state and government.

Abbasi also wrote that there is a new trend in interpreting the role of the supreme leader, which he framed as wanting to please the leader. He wrote that this frame of thinking automatically ostracizes anyone who wants to criticize the leader. He asked rhetorically, In the seminaries and universities, shouldnt the environment be free in order to think about the issues of the revolution? Are all the intellectual activities correct only when they are limited to the statements of Imam [Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini] and yourself?

He discussed the issue of corruption and elitism in both elected and appointed positions in the government, and he asked Khamenei what his views on them were.

After the text of the speech went viral, Abbasi added information about the censorship process while following up on Telegram. He said there was a committee specifically designed to review the text of those who were to deliver a speech to Khamenei, adding that the committee was opposed to any type of critical or questioning text in the speech.

Abbasi wrote that this committee made both general and specific editorial requests of the text and did not present clear criteria of what was acceptable and what was not. He wrote that the only general criteria explained to him by some of the committee members was to speak in a way that Agha [Khamenei] would like.

In response to Abbasis claim of censorship, many people on Twitter shared clips of an older Khamenei speech in which he discussed criticisms addressed to him. Do not think that I become upset when I hear such things [criticisms], Khamenei said. For if these things were not said, I'd become upset. He continued, I welcome criticism. And many do. There is a great deal of criticism.

Some Iranian Twitter users brought up Khameneis recent meeting with President Hassan Rouhani and his new administration. In the meeting, Khamenei urged Rouhani to listen to the voices of criticism. Iranian Twitter accounts used the hashtag Agha would like it to share various criticisms of the censorship process and other social and political issues in Iran.
A teen couple in Pakistan were electrocuted to death allegedly by their own families on the order of a tribal council after they eloped, in the latest case of honour killings in the country.

Authorities exhumed the bodies of the 16-year-old girl and her 18-year-old lover in Karachi's Ibrahim Hyderi area and the post-mortem conducted today confirmed that they were killed with electric shocks, police officer Amanullah Marwat said.

"The boy and the girl had eloped last month from their home in Ibrahim Hyderi but their families reached an agreement and persuaded them to come home, assuring marriage," he said.

However, when the youngsters returned home, the matter was taken to the tribal council by their families.

A tribal council of elders of the ethnic Pashtun community ordered that they both be killed by electric shocks.

"The post-mortem has confirmed they were killed with electric shocks. The boy was given electric shocks to his head and chest," Marwat said.

Kamal Shah who runs the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum in Ibrahim Hyderi which is home to the fishermen community said they had brought the matter to the notice of the police after learning about the honour killing case.

"The two were apparently tied to a wooden charpoy and given electric shocks. The boy was killed by his father and uncle and the girl by her father and uncle," Shah said.

Another senior police official said that some members of the council had been arrested but the main elders are absconding.

Karachi, a metropolitan city, is a home to many ethnic groups with Pashtuns residing in different areas of the city in large numbers.

Although tribal council of elders giving their verdict on disputes and honour cases is common in Pakistan's tribal areas this tradition is also followed among Pashtun communities living in Karachi.

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The Telangana government has decided to make Telugu a compulsory subject in both public and private institutions in the state from Class I to XII.

In another major decision, the state government has decided that all the public and private establishments and institutions in Telangana should display their organisation's names in Telugu on their signboards.

"The CM has instructed all the educational institutions in the state, both private and public, to teach Telugu as a compulsory subject from 1st to 12th standard," a release from Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's office said last night.

Rao made it clear that only those educational institutions that teach Telugu as a compulsory subject will be given recognition and permissions to function, it said.

For those opting for Urdu, it should be offered as an optional subject, according to the release.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today welcomed the government's decision to make Telugu a compulsory subject.

"I welcome the decision of the Telangana government to make Telugu a compulsory subject from first to 12th standards," Naidu said on a social networking site.

He expressed hope that other state governments would also take steps for promotion of mother tongue of their respective states.

"Other states must emulate the example of Telangana government in according priority to mother tongue," he said.

Naidu, who often spoke about his love for Telugu, expressed hope that the Andhra Pradesh government would take a similar decision at the earliest.

"I hope, Andhra Pradesh government will take a similar decision at the earliest," he said.

The chief minister of Telangana has asked the Sahitya Academy to prepare a syllabus for the Telugu subject to be taught to students of primary, secondary and higher and intermediate classes.

The syllabus fixed by the Sahitya Academy will be taught in all the educational institutions, the release said.

"The syllabus should be framed and textbooks should be printed at the earliest. The syllabus fixed by the Sahitya Academy will be taught in all the educational institutions and they are not expected to print textbooks and teach syllabus according to their whims and fancies," it said.

The government will be strict in implementing the policy that Telugu is taught as the compulsory subject and only the syllabus framed by the Sahitya Academy is taught, the chief minister said.

The government also said that "All the public and private establishments and institutions in Telangana should display their organisation's names in Telugu on their signboards."



"It is up to them to write their firm's names in other languages too. The CM has decided to pass resolutions on these two issues at the state cabinet meeting," the release said.

Welcoming the steps for promotion of Telugu language, the main opposition Congress' deputy leader in Telangana Legislative Council, P Sudhakar Reddy, however, said linguistic minorities must be kept in mind in the implementation of the policy.

"Telugu must be promoted. But, linguistic minorities need to be kept in mind. Moreover, it is better if the state government convenes an all-party meeting to discuss the issue. It should not be a unilateral decision," Reddy told PTI.

(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.)
More than 15,000 people were evacuated today from several shopping centres, universities and train stations in Moscow after a series of bomb threats, Russian media reported.

A source in the emergency services told state-run TASS agency that over 30 prominent locations including the famed GUM shopping centre on Red Square were temporarily emptied after anonymous telephone threats.

Interfax agency cited a source as saying that over 15,000 people around the sprawling city were evacuated.

Neither the emergency services in Moscow nor the police could immediately confirm the incidents to AFP.

A representative for GUM told AFP that employees had been allowed back inside the building.

The spate of threats came after two days of similar calls caused disruptions in cities across Russia, with the state-run RIA Novosti service reporting some 45,000 people were evacuated nationwide.

No bombs were found at any of the locations.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov today said the country's intelligence services were investigating the threats.

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Indian-American Raj Shah, a well known aide of Donald Trump, has been appointed to a key position by the US President in his communications team, the White House has said.

Shah, 32, was one of the few handful aides of Trump who landed in the White House within hours of the billionaire tycoon's swearing in as the 45th US President on January 20.

He formerly served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Communications Director. In April, Shah was identified as one of the three West Wing Power Players in the White House along with Hope Hicks and Eli Miller.

"Raj Shah will serve as Deputy Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary," the White House said in a statement yesterday.

Trump also appointed his confidant Hope Hicks as his Communications Director. Hicks previously served as Assistant to the President and Interim Communications Director.

Mercedes Schlapp, a Fox contributor and columnist for The Washington Times, will serve as Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications.

Trump also appointed Steven Cheung as Director of Strategic Response.

Shah was head of the Opposition Research in the Republican National Committee before he moved to the White House. He had led a team of experts to carry out research against Trump's presidential rival Hillary Clinton. He was behind all the anti-Clinton campaign during the presidential polls.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Shah's parents are from Gujarat and had migrated to the US in 1980s.

His father, an engineer by profession, moved to Mumbai at a young age while his mother hails from Bhujpur in Kutch.

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President Donald Trump blocked attempts by a Chinese state-owned firm to acquire an American semiconductor manufacturer, saying this posed a threat to US national security.

The acquisition of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation, a publicly-traded Oregon company, by Chinese-owned Canyon Bridge Fund could endanger the US government's use of sensitive products the company produces, the Treasury Department said in a statement yesterday.

The Trump administration has adopted an aggressive stance towards China on trade and national security matters, launching wide-ranging investigations into the national security ramifications of Beijing's trade in aluminium and steel.

Trump has the authority to block foreign investments he deems national security threats through the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States, an interagency committee.

In the case of Lattice, CFIUS and the president decided "the transaction poses a risk to the national security of the United States that cannot be resolved through mitigation," the Treasury said in a statement.

The decision prohibited Canyon Bridge, its partner Yitai Capital and Yitai's parent, the China Venture Capital Fund Corp (CVCF), from purchasing the US firm, which serves the consumer, communications and industrial markets.

Treasury said the deal posed a national security risk due to Beijing's support for the transaction, the potential transfer of intellectual property to the foreign investors, and the importance of the semiconductor supply to the US government, including Lattice's products.

Lattice manufactures programmable logic devices, which are semiconductors that can be programmed to provide functions similar to chips, the statement said.

Trump personally intervened in the process after the companies appealed to him directly to overrule the CFIUS ruling, according to The Wall Street Journal.

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Two drug peddlers were today arrested with contrabands of narcotics in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Acting on a tip-off, police arrested one Khaginder Singh of Nepal and recovered 47 grams cannabis from his possession in Samba, a police official said.

In another incident, police arrested one Tilak Rajat Nehalki in Bari Brahmana and recovered one kilograms of Poppy from hispossession, police said.

A case has been registered against both the persons and an investigation is underway, they said.

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A newborn boy was found abandoned near the Ambala court complex here today, police said.

A lawyer, who was out for a walk, noticed the child, they said, adding the about two-day-old baby was admitted to the children's ward at the Ambala City Civil Hospital.

A team of child welfare council visited the hospital and offered assistance to the hospital authorities for the treatment of the child, police said.

Police are yet to identify the parents.

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Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha's (BJYM) district president, a BJP corporator and their two associates were arrested for allegedly extorting money from a trucker by posing as government officials, police said today.

The BJYM district president Bhupendra Singh Bhimawat, BJP corporator of Manasa Nagar Panchayat Girija Shankar Sharma, and their two other associates, identified as Sunil Gaud and Mohit Gwala, were arrested last night based on a complaint lodged by a truck driver from Rajasthan.

"After the complaint, which was received on Dial-100, a police team arrested Bhimawat, Girija Shankar Sharma and the two others last night from a road that connects to Mhow- Naseerabad highway," Superintendent of Police (SP) Tusharkant Vidyarthi said.

They were booked under section 384 (extortion) and 34 (criminal acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC, he said.

City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abhishek Deewan informed that the complainant, Dungaram, said the incident occurred when he was bringing mining produce from Dabok and going towards Ratlam.

The complainant said that some persons, posing as the mining officers, asked him to produce royalty receipt of the produce he was carrying in the truck. Later, the accused threatened him and asked him to cough up Rs 5,000, he said.

"They allegedly also beat up the driver and snatched Rs 3,500 from him. In the meantime, someone made a call to Dial-100 service of the police informing about the incident," he said.

The police team reached the spot and arrested the accused, he added.

Meanwhile, the district BJP president Hemant Harit said that he has informed the party's state leadership about the incident.

"I have apprised the party's state leadership about the arrest of BJYM district president and party corporator. The party would take further action in this connection," he added.

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The remains of about 20 victims from Bosnia's 1990s civil war, most likely Bosnian Muslims, have been exhumed from two newly-discovered mass graves, the Missing Persons Institute said today.

One of the graves was discovered in the mountainous area of Koricanske Stijene in central Bosnia, where more than 200 civilian men were executed by Serb forces in August 1992 following their eviction from a northwestern region.

It marked one of the most brutal episodes in the inter- ethnic conflict, which lasted from 1992 to 1995 and left around 100,000 people dead.

At the end of the war, 31,500 people were reported missing. Since then, the remains of 25,000 victims have been exhumed from hundreds of mass graves, according to the Bosnian institute, leaving 6,500 unaccounted for.

"Since the beginning of the exhumation at Koricanske Stijene on September 7, about 30 clusters of human bones have been exhumed, essentially incomplete skeletons," said Lejla Cengic, a spokeswoman for the institute.

She said identities would be determined by DNA testing, adding that the 30 clusters did not necessarily correspond to the remains of the same number of people.

Five previous exhumations in the same area, between 2003 and 2013, recovered the remains of 117 victims and the search is still ongoing for 98 others, Cengic said.

The second mass grave was uncovered in the eastern region of Vlasenica.

"Exhumation work began on Tuesday and so far we have discovered the complete skeletons of 10 people. We believe they're Bosnian Muslim victims killed in 1992," she said.

According to the country's victims' associations, 2,600 Bosnian Muslims from Vlasenica were killed during the conflict.

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The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) has asked Vikram Bakshi, the estranged partner of McDonald's in India, to sell his stake in the JV firm CPRL to the US-based fast food chain, said sources.

In its 2:1 majority award, the arbitration panel has asked Bakshi to transfer his 1,45,600 shares in the 50:50 joint venture Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL) to McDonald's India at a fair valuation in accordance with their JV agreement, they said.

The LCIA directed appointment of independent experts to determine fair market value for McDonald's to buy out Bakshi's stake, they added.

The international arbitration tribunal in London has also rejected Bakshi's claim that McDonald's India did not validly terminate the JV.

The CPRL, a JV between Vikram Bakshi and McDonald's India Pvt Ltd (MIPL), operates 169 McDonald's restaurants in north and east India. Of these, 43 outlets have been shut.

As part of the licence termination, CPRL was asked to stop using McDonalds's name, system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, with effect from September 6.

The LCIA also noted that all shares held by Bakshi are liable to be transferred and registered in McDonald's India upon payment of price determined in accordance with the methodology set out by the JV agreement, according to sources.

The arbitrator appointed by McDonald's and the Chairman, who was selected jointly by the both parties, have ruled in favour of McDonald's India, while Bakshi's nominee had a dissenting opinion, they added.

The LCIA has also rejected Bakshi's relief seeking a declaration that the JV agreement remains in force and effect, they said.

It has also asked Bakshi to cooperate with McDonald's in obtaining all approvals under applicable law.

Commenting on the development, a McDonald's spokesperson said: "We are pleased with the decision by the Tribunal in what has been a protracted legal dispute with a former partner. Our intention now is to take the appropriate steps to enforce the award, which we believe is right for the business and our customers."



There were, however, no immediate comments from Bakshi.

Bakshi is at loggerheads with McDonald's since 2013. Later, he had approached the NCLT after McDonald's removed him from the post of MD of CPRL in 2013. In July this year, the tribunal restored him to his position.

It was challenged by McDonald's in the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) where the appeal is pending.

Simultaneously, Bakshi also challenged the termination of franchise licence by McDonald's at the NCLAT but was refused any interim relief. Both the appeals filed by the parties are listed for hearing on September 21.

As part of the license termination, CPRL was asked to stop using McDonalds's name, system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, with effect from September 6.

Except the 43 outlets in the national capital that were shut in June due to non-renewal of eating house licences, the remaining ones continue to operate.

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The United Nations have appealed to the entire international community to keep the political differences aside and support the ongoing humanitarian efforts to help Rohingya Muslim refugees.

"We have made very clear our concern at the ongoing tragedy of the Rohingyas, people who have been forced to leave their homes. The reports we're getting, the pictures all of us are seeing are heart-breaking to say the least," Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson to the UN Secretary-General told reporters at his daily noon conference at the UN headquarters in New York.

"I think the entire international community should support the ongoing humanitarian efforts, regardless of politics. These are people in need. These are very vulnerable people who have crossed the border, who've, as we said, are hungry and are malnourished and deserve to be helped," he said.

The spokesperson was responding to a question on role of regional players in helping Rohingya refugees.

"Are youdisappointed that major regional players, including in India, in particular, have actually sort of made their stand about this Rohingya crisis very clear and actually not come out and supported when their support could have been quite crucial?" he was asked.

United Nation's humanitarian wing, he said, have done emergency planning for about 300,000 Rohingya refugees.

"That number has now definitely crossed that line. We are urgently appealing for more funds," he said.

"Whether it's UNHCR, WFP and other agencies, (we) are trying to get as much aid into the country as quickly as possible. Obviously, from what we've read out, we haven't been able to reach all the people that we need to.

"The added challenge is that a lot of people are crossing the border, going to makeshift settlements, or otherwise living outside more organised structures, which could make it easier for us to reach them," he said.

Dujarric said the government of Bangladesh has asked the UN to help establish a new camp to house the newly arrived refugees.

A flight chartered by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR) carrying emergency aid - such as shelter materials, sleeping mats and other supplies - for Rohingya refugees has landed in Bangladesh.

The cargo has been loaded onto trucks which will bring the supplies to the refugee camps at Cox's Bazar.

A second flight, donated by the United Arab Emirates, has also landed in Bangladesh, carrying some 2,000family tents.

The supplies in both flights will help 25,000refugees, and further flights are planned so that 120,000people can be reached in total.

For its part, WFP is concerned about the health of women and children who are arriving in Bangladesh hungry and malnourished.

WFP has been providing food to some 70,000people as they arrive in Cox's Bazar and to nearly 60,000people living in camps and makeshift settlements in the region, he said.

Across the border in Myanmar, UN continue to be concerned about reports of violence, fires and displacement of tens of thousands of people in Rathedaung township in Rakhine State.

"Most aid activities on the part of UN agencies and international non-governmental organisations across northern Rakhine remain either suspended or severely interrupted, although some assistance is being delivered by the government and through the Red Cross," he said.

"The UN and its partners continue to offer support to the government to meet the needs of all affected communities and are liaising with authorities to resume humanitarian operations as soon as possible," the UN Spokesperson said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The UN has appealed to the international community to keep aside politics and support the ongoing humanitarian efforts to help Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar.

The Rohingyas are a Muslim minority that live in the Buddhist-majority state of Rakhine, and they have experienced decades-long persecution in Myanmar, which - since gaining independence in 1948 - has refused to recognise the group as citizens.

The latest calamity was spurred when Rohingya militants attacked dozens of police posts and a military base on August 25.

The state military responded with a counter-offensive, burning down villages and driving out civilians, whose population is estimated to be around 1.1 million.

The Rohingya crisis from Myanmar has caused more than 300,000 to flee Myanmar.

Expressing concern over the situation, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson to the UN Secretary-General said: "The reports we're getting, the pictures all of us are seeing are heart-breaking to say the least."



"I think the entire international community should support the ongoing humanitarian efforts, regardless of politics. These are people in need. These are very vulnerable people who have crossed the border, who've, as we said, are hungry and are malnourished and deserve to be helped," he said.

The spokesperson was responding to a question on role of regional players in helping Rohingya refugees.

"Are youdisappointed that major regional players, including in India, in particular, have actually sort of made their stand about this Rohingya crisis very clear and actually not come out and supported when their support could have been quite crucial?" he was asked.

The United Nation's humanitarian wing, he said, has done emergency planning for about 300,000 Rohingya refugees.

"That number has now definitely crossed that line. We are urgently appealing for more funds," he said.

"Whether it's UNHCR, WFP and other agencies, (we) are trying to get as much aid into the country as quickly as possible. Obviously, from what we've read out, we haven't been able to reach all the people that we need to.

"The added challenge is that a lot of people are crossing the border, going to makeshift settlements, or otherwise living outside more organised structures, which could make it easier for us to reach them," he said.

Dujarric said the government of Bangladesh has asked the UN to help establish a new camp to house the newly arrived refugees.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed the outgoing president of the General Assembly as the first special envoy for the oceans, seeking to galvanize efforts to protect the world's seas.

Peter Thomson played a leading role at the first-ever UN conference on oceans in June. The 193 UN member states issued an urgent call for action to reverse the decline in the health and productivity of the world's oceans.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced Thompson's appointment yesterday, saying the former ambassador for Fiji will promote action to implement the conference recommendations.

Thomson told reporters the major challenge facing the oceans is the change in climate, which affects the seas and the air that all people breathe. In his words, "accumulated human activity is putting us out of balance.

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The US Chambers of Commerce has asked the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to swiftly confirm the nomination of Kenneth Juster as the next Ambassador to India to advance America's commercial interests.

US President Donald Trump had recently nominated Juster to the top post, which has been laying vacant since January 20.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is yet to schedule his confirmation hearing.

"On behalf of the US Chamber of Commerce's US-India Business Council (USIBC), I urge the committee to expeditiously take up and approve the nomination of Kenneth Juster to serve as the United States Ambassador to India," Myron Brilliant, head of the international division of the trade body said in a letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In his letter dated September 8, Brilliant said the Chamber commends the Trump administration on the recent successful engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the bilateral summit two months ago.

"We welcome the important outcomes of that meeting, particularly the approval of the sale of US-made drones.... In addition, we applaud the goal of expanding business and trade ties between our two countries," he said.

The US, he argued, must build on the momentum of the Modi visit by moving quickly to confirm Juster to serve as US Ambassador to India.

"His distinguished career in government, business, and law serves as outstanding preparation for this critical role, and he has a rare level of experience in US-India relations," he wrote.

"Further, the US Embassy in New Delhi has been functioning without an ambassador since January, making it more difficult to advance US commercial interests. This vacancy is especially challenging as we continue to encourage the Government of India to undertake additional economic reforms," Brilliant said.

"Confirming Mr Juster to serve as US Ambassador to India expeditiously would underscore the importance of the US-India bilateral relationship," Brilliant said in the letter.

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Embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya is set to return to court in London on Friday for a hearing in his ongoing extradition case over economic offences in India.

The 61-year-old businessman is out on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard on behalf of the Indian authorities in April.

He had been exempt from appearing before Westminster Magistrates' Court for case management hearings by Chief Magistrate Emma Louise Arbuthnot before his trial begins on December 4.

However, his legal team had indicated to the court that Mallya, wanted in India over a default on loans worth around Rs 9,000 crores to his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, likes to be present at the hearings.

"All matters are on track," official sources had confirmed to PTI in reference to the timeline set by the court for the Indian authorities- represented by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) - to provideMallya's defence team with adetailed opening note on the case.

The defence response from Mallya's legal team on the paperwork was to have been completed this week.

The CPS, arguing on behalf of the Indian government at the last hearing on July 6, had told the court that they had "excellent cooperation" with the Indian authorities in the case and had sufficient material to establish a prima facie case forthe extradition of the UB Group chief.

"We havecompleted a review of materialsand I am happy to state that we have hadexcellent cooperation with the Indian authorities in this case. We are ready and willing to proceedand would invite the court to fix a hearing date at the earliest," CPS barrister Mark Summers had said.

The judgeagreed with the CPS to "progress with some rigour" and set December 4 as the start date for a final hearing in the case.

If the Chief Magistrate rules in favour of extradition at the end of the trial, the UKhome secretary must order Mallya's extradition within two months of the appropriate day.

However, the case can go through a series of appeals before arriving at a conclusion.

India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 1992 and in force since November 1993,under which recently a Bangladeshi wanted in the UK on murder charges was to be extradited from India.

MohammadAbdulShakur is accused of murdering his wife Juli Begum and two daughters in the UK in 2007 before fleeing the country. He was arrested in Assam and his repatriation to the UK was delayed due to an ongoing court case in New Delhi.

Another extradition request under the treaty involved Ashok Malik, which was withdrawn by the Indian authorities last month after Malik offered to return to face the Indian justice system voluntarily.

Malik, the exact charges against whom are not known, was expected to appear at a hearing in a Delhi court this week.

So far only one successful extradition has taken place from the UK to India under the treaty - that of Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post- Godhra riots of 2002.

According to the last government statement in the Rajya Sabha, the other Indian extradition requests pending with the UK include fugitives Rajesh Kapoor, Tiger Hanif, Atul Singh, Raj Kumar Patel, Jatinder Kumar Angurala, Asha Rani Angurala, Sanjeev Kumar Chawla and Shaik Sadiq.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today chargesheeted two Dubai-based firms and one of their directors in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal related money laundering case.

In the supplementary charge sheet filed before Special Judge Arvind Kumar, the ED named Shivani Saxena, currently in judicial custody, as an "active" director of Dubai-based M/S UHY Saxena and M/S Matrix Holdings.

Both the companies have also been chargesheeted by the agency under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The court has put up the final report for consideration on September 19.

Saxena was arrested by the ED on July 17 from Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

The final report also mentions the name of her husband Rajiv Saxena, who is also one of the directors in both these firms and has been evading ED summons to join the probe.

However, he has not been arrayed as an accused so far and the agency said that another supplementary charge sheet may follow.

Saxena and her husband are residents of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, an archipelago which is home to the most expensive properties in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the report said.

It alleged that the two Dubai-based firms were the entities "through which the proceeds of crime have been routed and further layered and integrated in buying the immovable properties/shares among others" in this case.

The agency claimed that its probe found that AgustaWestland, United Kingdom, had "paid an amount of Euro 58 million as kickbacks" through two Tunisia-based firms.

"These companies further siphoned off the said money in the name of consultancy contracts to M/s Interstellar Technologies Limited, Mauritius and others which were further transferred to M/s UHY Saxena and M/s Matrix Holdings Ltd, Dubai and others," the charge sheet said.

The ED had also claimed that Rajiv was the "beneficial owner of Ms Interstellar Technologies Limited, Mauritius".

It alleged that both the Dubai companies of the couple "received the proceeds of crime in their respective Dubai bank accounts" from the Mauritius-based firm.

The ED, in this case, had also arrested Delhi-based businessman Gautam Khaitan who is currently out on bail.

The probe in the deal had gathered pace after a Milan (Italy) court in April 2016 had sentenced Italian defence and aerospace major Finmeccanica's former chief Giuseppe Orsi and AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini on corruption charges in the sale of these helicopters to India.

The Milan court order also mentioned the name of former IAF chief S P Tyagi at several points.

After this, the ED and the CBI began a fresh round of questioning of the accused in this case and collection of further evidences.

The ED had registered a PMLA case in 2014 and named 21 people, including Tyagi, in its money laundering FIR.

On January 1, 2014, India scrapped the contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks to the tune of Rs 423 crore paid by the firm for securing the deal.

In June last year, the agency had filed a 1,300-page charge sheet in the case, alleging that British national and alleged middleman Christian Michel James had allegedly received Euro 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from M/S AgustaWestland as "kickbacks" paid by the firm to execute the deal for sale of 12 helicopters to India in favour of the firm in the "guise" of genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country.

James is one of the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case, apart from Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by ED and CBI.

Both the agencies have also notified an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) or a global arrest warrant against James after a court had issued an NBW against him.

The present complaint delved into the alleged detailed role of James in the deal, his multiple visits to India and his transactions. The first complaint in the case was filed in November 2014.

Former IAF chief S P Tyagi was granted bail on December 26 last year while his cousin Sanjeev Tyagi and lawyer Gautam Khaitan were granted the relief on January 4 by the court in a separate case filed by CBI in connection to the same deal. The CBI had arrested all the three accused on December 9 last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
For the first time, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini will host a Diwali celebration at his palace as part of his efforts to bring about social cohesion amid recent tensions between the Indian and Zulu communities.

The celebrations on October 7 will be co-hosted by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, headed by South African- Indian businessman Ishwar Ramlutchman, who has been anointed a Prince of the Zulu nation by the 69-year-old Zwelithini.

The four-hour afternoon programme at the palace in rural Nongoma will include cultural song and dance items from both the Hindu and Zulu communities.

"During Diwali there is an air of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere and this festival brings about unity. It instills charity in the hearts of people, they embrace one another with love and Diwali is a great unifying force," Zwelithini said as he called for all South Africans to celebrate Diwali together.

"All communities should respect one another despite our religion or nationality. This event is very historic as it's the first Diwali celebrations that are going to take place at the royal palace. As the monarch, I am delighted to celebrate Diwali together with my people of my Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal, especially my Hindu brothers and sisters," the King said in a statement.

Zwelithini has made a concerted effort to bring about reconciliation as some sections in the Black community continue to charge Indians, who make up a large section of the region's population, of exploitation of the indigenous communities.

Last year, Zwelithini visited for the first time in 40 years the Grey Street Mosque in Durban, a national heritage site which was built by the first Indian settlers who arrived from India in 1860.

The area of the King's jurisdiction is home to one of the largest Indian-origin communities outside of India.

According to some unofficial estimates, half a million India-origin people reside in the region.

Ramlutchman said Diwali was a symbol of hope for all South Africans to unite as one nation.

"We need to come together to celebrate the rich heritage that our forefathers have kept alive since they arrived in South Africa in 1860. I salute His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu for celebrating Diwali at the Usuthu Royal Palace. This is a milestone in the history of the Zulu monarch and our country at large. I urge all communities to come join us during this festival," Ramlutchman said.

During a courtesy call to the King by Indian diplomats late last year, the monarch had reaffirmed that the Indian and Zulu South Africans could work together for the benefit of the entire population of the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Air Berlin was forced to cancel flights for a second day on Wednesday after pilots again called in sick in unusually high numbers, potentially complicating efforts to rescue the insolvent carrier.

Air Berlin, Germany's second-biggest airline, is set to be carved up, most likely among several buyers, with binding offers due this Friday.

The airline filed for bankruptcy protection last month after its biggest shareholder, Etihad Airways, withdrew funding following years of losses.

However, those losses are mounting as more plans are grounded. Air Berlin said it had cancelled 32 flights on Wednesday after around 150 pilots called in sick. On Tuesday, Air Berlin had scrapped about 100 flights.

Some short-haul flights at Lufthansa's budget airline Eurowings are also affected because it leases 33 planes with crews from Air Berlin.

Air Berlin has already said the cancellations threatened its existence and could force it to shut down, jeopardising negotiations with potential investors and costing it several million euros a day.

Both management and unions have called on staff to return to work to keep the business going so that talks can succeed.

LUFTHANSA LOOMS LARGE

Air Berlin said in an internal memo that after some pilots returned to work on Wednesday, it hoped for stable operations on Thursday.

A 150 million euro ($180 million) government loan is helping to keep it going. Should the airline be grounded, its take-off and landing slots will be divided up among rivals and staff will have to apply for jobs on new contracts.

German airline crews have in the past used sick leave to demonstrate concerns over job security and conditions, such as at TUIfly last year.

Pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) said it did not ask staff to call in sick and was surprised by the absences. Representative Markus Wahl said it was understandable members were worried because management had refused to talk about conditions for taking pilots into any new company.

Cancellation of long-haul routes after a lessor asked for planes to be returned is adding to uncertainty, he added.

Germany's biggest airline, Lufthansa, is seen in pole position to acquire large parts of its rival and a decision on the bids come could as early as Sept. 21, three days before a national election.

One source has told that Lufthansa is interested in as many as 90 of Air Berlin's planes. That number includes the 33 being used by Eurowings, five already leased to Lufthansa's Austrian Airlines as well as planes used by Air Berlin subsidiary Niki, the source said.

Thomas Cook's German carrier Condor is preparing a bid for parts of Air Berlin, another source said, while media reports said easyJet may want up to 40 planes.

Aviation investor Hans Rudolf Woehrl said he had submitted a bid for the whole of Air Berlin while German family-owned logistics company Zeitfracht has also expressed interest.

Air Berlin has also attracted buyer interest from China's LinkGlobal Logistics. German newspaper Bild reported on Wednesday.

($1 = 0.8346 euros)

(Reporting by Sabine Wollrab and Klaus Lauer; Writing by Maria Sheahan and Victoria Bryan; editing by Jason Neely/Keith Weir)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Sue-Lin Wong

DANDONG, China (Reuters) - The United Nations may have failed to slow North Korea's weapons programmes, but the country's economy is already showing signs it is feeling the squeeze from the ongoing clampdown on trade, including a curb on fuel sales by China.

The latest sanctions agreed on Monday by the U.N. Security Council ban the export of textiles from North Korea, one of its few substantial foreign currency earners. They also capped imports of oil and refined products, without imposing the full ban the United States had sought.

Chinese traders along the border with North Korea and some regular visitors to the isolated country said scarcer and costlier fuel, as well as earlier UN sanctions banning the export of commodities such as seafood and coal, are now taking a toll.

"Our factory in North Korea is about to go bankrupt," said an ethnically-Korean Chinese businessman in Dandong who sells cars refurbished at a factory in North Korea. He declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the situation.

"If they can't pay us, we're not going to give them goods for free," he said, referring to his North Korean customers.

A trader at another auto-related businesses in Dandong said cross-border trade had been hurt over the past few years, which he attributed to sanctions and less access to petrol. Several Chinese traders told the sanctions had stymied North Korean businesses' ability to raise hard currency to trade.

"Last month sales were really bad, I only sold a couple of vehicles," said the Chinese trader who sells new trucks, vans and minibuses to North Korea. "In August last year, I sold tens of vehicles and I thought that was bad."

On top of the sanctions, some traders said Chinese officials have stepped up efforts to curb smuggling across the border, a key source of fuel in the northern parts of North Korea.

And Chinese bank branches in the northeast have curtailed doing business with North Koreans, according to branch staff.

FUEL PRICES SURGE

Still, North Korea has made strides in increasing its economic independence and not all traders or observers agreed the international pressure was having a major economic impact.

Many residents, long accustomed to restrictions and shortages, were most concerned about the risk of already tight fuel supplies being cut further, said Kang Mi-jin, a North Korean defector in Seoul who reports for the Daily NK website.

"If the U.S. were to say they plan to bomb Pyongyang, North Koreans wouldn't care less. But if China says they are considering slashing oil exports to North Korea because of missile or nuclear tests, North Koreans would absolutely freak out," she said.

reported in late June that state-run China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) had suspended sales of gasoline and fuel to North Korea over concerns it would not get paid, and Chinese customs data showed that gasoline exports to the North had dropped 97 percent from a year earlier.

Petrol and diesel prices in North Korea surged after the cut and have almost doubled since late last year. In early September, petrol cost an average of $1.73/kg, compared with 97 cents last December, according to data from the defector-run Daily NK.

"The cost of living has gone up, the price of petrol has risen and there are fewer cars on the streets," a foreign resident of the North Korean capital told . The only thing that had become cheaper was coal, he said, after China banned North Korean coal imports earlier this year.

Some of the scarcity of oil products and higher prices may have been caused by hoarding in anticipation of a clampdown on supply.

North Korea cancelled an air show scheduled for this month in the coastal city of Wonsan, citing "current geopolitical circumstances". Several Chinese traders said they believed it was because the military is saving aviation fuel.

The new UN resolution imposes a ban on condensates and natural gas liquids, a cap of 2 million barrels a year on refined petroleum products, and a cap on crude oil exports to North Korea at current levels.

OIL NOT BOMBS

North Korea uses far less crude than during its industrial heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. After cut-price supplies from China and the Soviet Union ended following the Cold War, consumption dropped from 76,000 barrels per day in 1991 to an estimated 15,000 last year, according to the EIA.

The use of small-scale solar has become widespread in the North, with many apartment balconies dotted with panels providing power for cooking and lighting.

China has not disclosed crude exports to North Korea for several years but industry sources say it supplies about 520,000 tonnes of crude a year to North Korea through an aging pipeline.

The pipeline already operates at the minimum level for which the waxy crude from China's Daqing oil fields can flow without clogging, according to a senior oil industry source.

Chun Yung-woo, a former South Korean envoy on the North Korean nuclear issue, said the North could endure for a year or two without oil imports.

"North Koreans are so used to living in harsh economic conditions that they would just get by for at least one year even if the oil ban is adopted, rationing the existing stockpile among top elites at a minimum level and replacing cars, tractors, equipment with cow wagons, human labour etc," he said.

"They would also manage to produce oil from whatever resources are available, whether it be coal, trees or plants."

(Additional reporting by Chen Aizhu in Beijing and Heekyong Yang and Hyonghee Shin in Seoul; Editing by Tony Munroe and Lincoln Feast)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Ruma Paul

DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh will sign a 15-year deal with Qatar's RasGas Co to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) starting in 2018 as the South Asian country turns to the supercooled fuel to fill a domestic supply gap for power generation, two officials told .

The deal will be signed on Sept. 25 in Qatar, said Mohammad Quamruzzaman, managing director of the Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Co, a unit of state-owned oil firm Petrobangla.

Under the deal, RasGas will supply 1.8 million tonnes a year of LNG for the first five years and 2.5 million tonnes a year for the next 10 after that, the Petrobangla officials said.

The deal is Bangladesh's first LNG import agreement and will help to cover the country's domestic natural gas shortfall. The contract with the world's biggest LNG exporter underscores the rise of South Asia as a new market for the fuel.

The deal is for less gas than the 4 million tonnes a year Bangladesh agreed to take in a 2011 memorandum of understanding with state-owned RasGas, since it instead plans to take more spot cargoes amid a supply glut that has lowered prices.

In June, Rupantarita Prakritik Gas posted a notice on its website looking to shortlist suppliers of LNG spot cargoes starting in 2018.

"We have got a huge response ... about 40 companies showed their interest to supply LNG," Quamruzzaman said.

Bangladesh's first floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), supplied by Excelerate Energy of the United States, is to be commissioned by April 2018. Its second, supplied by the country's own Summit LNG of the Summit Group, is due for commissioning by next October.

Bangladesh is also looking to add two additional floating LNG terminals next year.

Bangladesh, a country of more than 160 million people, could import as much as 17.5 million tonnes of LNG a year by 2025, Nasrul Hamid, Bangladesh's state minister for energy and power, told last month.

The country's own gas reserves are depleting at the same time it is seeking to almost double its power capacity to 24,000 megawatts by 2021. Bangladesh is planning to tap the currently cheap and plentiful global LNG supplies and invest heavily in importing the fuel.

South Asia is emerging as a hotspot for LNG, with Pakistan and Bangladesh set to join India as major consumers and help ease the oversupply that has dogged the market for years.

Asian spot LNG prices have fallen 70 percent from an early 2014 peak to $6.40 per million British thermal units.

(Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Tom Hogue)

(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.)
Ericsson's Indian subsidiary has filed insolvency petitions against Reliance Communications and two of its to recover unpaid dues, the Indian mobile operator said in a stock exchange filing on Wednesday.

The Swedish telecoms equipment maker, which signed a seven-year deal in 2014 to operate and manage Reliance Communications' nationwide network, is seeking a total of Rs1,155 crore ($180 million) from the three companies, the filing said.

Reliance Communications said it planned to challenge the insolvency petitions. The filing said the Ericsson case would go before the National Company Law Tribunal, the designated court for bankruptcy cases in India, on Sept. 26.

"Ericsson has done this as a last resort in order to resolve an issue regarding debt that Reliance owes to Ericsson for services provided under a contract. As the legal process is ongoing, we don't have any further comments at this point," the Swedish company said.

The petitions come as the Indian phone company controlled by billionaire Anil Ambani races against time to seal deals to sell a stake in its tower assets to Canada's Brookfield and to merge its mobile services business with rival Aircel.

Reliance Communications reported its third quarterly loss in a row last month and is trying to find ways to cut its debt after creditors gave it a reprieve on loan repayments until the end of 2017.

The Brookfield and Aircel deals are expected to reduce its debt burden by Rs 25,000 crore. Ambani said at the time of the loan reprieve that he expected to complete the deals by September.

The company's losses are, in part, a result of competition from free voice and cut-price data plans offered by Reliance Jio Infocomm, the telecom start-up backed by Ambani's elder brother and India's richest man Mukesh Ambani.

Ericsson is aiming to recover Rs 491 crore from Reliance Communications, 5.35 billion from Reliance Infratel and Rs 129 crore from Reliance Telecom, the filing said.

Reliance Communications shares closed 4 per cent lower on Wednesday before the filing was released, after local media reports said Ericsson had filed an insolvency plea.

India last year revamped its bankruptcy laws to help cut a record $150 billion in impaired bank loans. The rules allow financial as well as business creditors to trigger bankruptcy proceedings against a company which has defaulted on payments.
DUBAI (Reuters) - A mysterious Syrian wheat purchase signed last October with a little-known Russian trader has formally been called off, a government source has told .

War-torn Syria had sought 1 million tonnes of wheat from trader Zernomir to feed government-held territories and prevent bread shortages.

Wheat exporter Russia supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the country's six-year-old war and has helped the government with wheat aid.

But there was scepticism about the ability of Zernomir to deliver on the deal from the start.

"The deal was cancelled due to difficulties in banking operations and execution," the government source said.

A Russian agriculture ministry official had told the main problem was that the supplier lacked experience and had set the price too low.

State grain buyer the General Authority for Cereal Processing and Trade (Hoboob) instead signed contracts in February with local traders for around 1.2 million tonnes of Russian wheat.

"We now have within our hands a lot of the quantities from those contracts and we will also evaluate the situation and see whether we need to go back to the market through tenders," the source said.

Flat bread is a subsidised staple in Syria, where war is estimated to have killed several hundred thousand people and forced millions to flee their homes.

Hoboob has not named the Syrian firms that are helping it buy Russian wheat.

Russian customs data shows Russia supplied 125,200 tonnes of wheat to Syria in 2016/17, up from 47,000 tonnes in 2015/16.

Syria's strategic wheat reserves stand at six months' worth versus just 17 days of reserves last year, Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Minister Abdullah al-Gharb said last month.

(Reporting by Maha El Dahan; additional reporting by Polina Devitt in Moscow; editing by Christian Schmollinger and Jason Neely)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Fanny Potkin

London (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Wednesday after the International Energy Agency (IEA) said the global oil surplus was starting to shrink due to robust global demand and an output drop from OPEC and other producers.

By 1021 GMT, international benchmark Brent crude was up 27 cents, or 0.5 percent, at $54.54 a barrel.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 38 cents, or 0.8 percent, at $48.61 a barrel.

"Based on recent bets made by investors, expectations are that markets are tightening and that prices will rise, albeit very modestly," the IEA, which coordinates energy policies in industrialised nations, said in its monthly report.

"Demand growth continues to be stronger than expected, particularly in Europe and the U.S.," the IEA said, raising its 2017 global oil demand growth estimate to 1.6 million barrels per day from 1.5 million bpd.

The assessment echoed a report by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries forecasting higher demand for its oil in 2018 and pointing to signs of a tighter global market.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) also revised its 2017 and 2018 U.S. oil output forecast figures lower to reflect, in part, effects of Hurricane Harvey.

Commerzbank said in a note that the OPEC and EIA reports "came as a positive surprise and should really support prices."

"However, this also means that OPEC must not increase its production if the balance on the oil market is to be ensured. And yet this is hardly likely to happen," it said, saying OPEC states Libya and Nigeria had not agreed to production cuts.

Some worries about rising U.S. crude inventories persisted.

Industry group the American Petroleum Institute reported on Tuesday that U.S. crude inventories rose by 6.2 million barrels in the week to Sept. 8 to 468.8 million, nearly double analysts' expectations for an increase of 3.2 million barrels.

Analysts say U.S. stocks data may not give a full picture in coming weeks because of two major hurricanes - Harvey and Irma.

EIA inventory data is due out later on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Fanny Potkin in London and Aaron Sheldrick in Tokyo; Editing by Edmund Blair)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
in the angel and seed stages have fallen sharply this year as investors have turned cautious after the euphoria of 2015 and 2016 and are waiting for exits to rotate their money.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs on Tuesday announced that more than 1.06 lakh directors of shell companies will be disqualified as part of the stepped up war against black money. The move is a sequel to the ministry cancelling the registration of 2.09 lakh companies that have not been carrying out any business activity over a prolonged period.

These firms are suspected to have been used as shell companies for evading taxes and laundering black money. Besides, banks have been asked to freeze the bank accounts of these companies'. The ministry has identified 1,06,578 directors for disqualification under Section 164(2)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 as on September 12, 2017, an official release said.

Under Section 164, a director in a company that has not filed financial statements or annual returns for three financial years continuously would not be eligible for re-appointment in that company or any other firm for five years. Signalling that more regulatory action is expected, the ministry is further analysing the data of the 2.09 lakh firms available with the Registrar of Companies (RoCs) to identify the directors and the significant beneficial interests behind these entities.

Details of these directors pertaining to their background, antecedents and their role in the operations of these companies are also being compiled in collaboration with the enforcement agencies, the release said. Further, money laundering activities performed under the aegis of these companies are also under the scanner, the official statement said.

The ministry, which is implementing the companies law, has also identified professionals, chartered accountants, company secretaries and cost accountants associated with the defaulting companies. Besides, such people involved in illegal activities have been identified in certain cases and the action by professional institutes such as ICAI, ICSI and ICoAI is also being monitored.

The fight against black money shall be incomplete without breaking the network of shell companies. Possibility of using the shell companies for laundering the black money cannot be underestimated, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs P P Chaudhary said. According to the release, there are about 11 lakh companies with active status after deregistration of over 2.09 lakh firms.

The minister is also monitoring the situation emerging out of cancellation of registration of the companies and is holding regular meetings with officials of the ministry and various related organisations. These include Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), ROCs, Department of Financial Services, Indian Banks Association and other departments involved in the crackdown against defaulting companies.

"The disqualification under Section 164 of the Act is by operation of law. We are identifying the defaulting directors of these shell companies. My officers have assured me that by the end of this month, we would be ready with the relevant details of all defaulting directors of these shell companies,'' the minister said. He also said that the whole exercise would go a long way in creating an atmosphere of confidence and faith in the system paving the way for ease of doing business in India.
The initial public offer (IPO) of Matrimony.com, which runs online match-making portals, was oversubscribed 1.36 times on the second day of the three-day bidding on Tuesday.

The IPO, with an aim to raise over Rs 500 crore, received bids for 38,21,220 shares against the total issue size of 28,11,280 shares, data available with the NSE showed.

The portion set aside for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) was subscribed 83 per cent, non institutional investors 2 per cent and retail individual investors 4.97 times. Till yesterday, the IPO was subscribed 67 per cent. The company had on Friday raised nearly Rs 226 crore from anchor investors. The price band is Rs 983-985 per share for the IPO which will close today.

The IPO comprises fresh issue aggregating up to Rs 130 crore and an offer for sale of up to 37.67 lakh equity shares. Matrimony.com, which runs online match-making business under BharatMatrimony brand, among others, is expected to raise over Rs 500 crore.

Net proceeds from the issue will be utilised towards advertising and business promotion activities, purchase of land for construction of office premises in Chennai, repayment of overdraft facilities and general corporate purposes. Axis Capital and ICICI Securities are the book running lead managers to the offer. The registrar to the offer is Karvy Computershare Private Ltd.
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved hiving off mobile towers of state-run telecom firm Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) into a separate company.

There are around 4,42,000 mobile towers in the country, out of which BSNL owns more than 66,000.

"The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for hiving off mobile tower assets of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) into a separate company, fully-owned by BSNL," an official statement said.

An independent, dedicated tower company of BSNL with a focused approach will lead to increasing of external tenancies and consequentially higher revenue for the new company, it added.

"This approval authorises BSNL to monetise its telecom tower infrastructure with the formation of a separate subsidiary company," the statement said.

A tower infrastructure company owns the passive infrastructure asset and leases it to telecom service providers enabling them to minimise duplication of investments and economise on costs of operation and maintenance, leading to improvement in profitability.
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A preview of what promises to be an epic film about an important and troubled time in American history is coming soon to a local veterans post.

The Sam Young American Legion Post 620 will hold a one-hour preview of the PBSs latest documentary: the 18-hour Ken Burns and Lynn Novick film The Vietnam War, which airs nationwide beginning on Sunday, September 19.

The veterans post will view select excerpts from the film a week before it is broadcast, with doors opening at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 10 and the screening beginning at 1:45, said post member Joseph Mondello.

The screening will be followed by a question and answer session with veterans.

Community members, local schools and organizations are welcome to attend, said Mondello.

The post will preview the film on its 15-foot screen, he said. The post is in the process of creating a new auditorium space. He urged all to attend.

It is a way of honoring our Vietnam Veterans as we approach Veterans Day, and to experience some of Ken Burns film on the Vietnam War, said Mondello.

The screening will also be a chance to highlight the posts new stage, which they hope might play host to open mic nights, karaoke, musical performances and country dancing in the future.

Local veterans advocate and Vietnam veteran Pat Devine, of Theodore Korony American Legion Post 253, said he is planning on attending.

Most of the Vietnam Veterans are getting up there in age, said Devine. Hopefully, they will have a nice audience and get some good foodback and it will be positive.

Devine recalled his service in the mountain ranges of Vietnam, arriving in the war zone as a U.S. Marine when he was 19-years-old.

Devine said he was spared the sometimes inhospitable return to the United States that many Vietnam veterans faced because Throggs Neck was and is a very patriotic community where his service to his country was valued.

Ken Burns, who has made notable documentaries about the Civil War and World War II, as well as films on the U.S. National Parks and the Brooklyn Bridge, joined with filmmaker and longtime collaborator Lynn Novick for the 10-year project.

The film includes original interviews with 80 American, South Vietnamese and North Vietnamese combatants and civilians, according to materials provided by WNET.

It features original war footage, as well as music from the era and original music from Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and the Silk Road Ensemble featuring Yo-Yo Ma.

Ken Burns meaningful film, The Vietnam War gives context to a piece of history that touched us all, especially those who served in the military, said Neal Shapiro, CEO of WNET. WNET is proud to be sharing a preview of the film with veterans and the entire Bronx community at the Samuel Young American Legion Post.

The post is located at 1530 Hutchinson River Parkway.

Reach Reporter Patrick Rocchio at (718) 2604597. E-mail him at procc hio@c ngloc al.com . Follow him on Twitter @patrickfrocchio.
| BY Ricki Green |

A cluttered market and fragmented media landscape means that automotive brands must differentiate themselves more than ever according to Nielsen.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries data shows that Australia is one of the most competitive new car markets in the world. Australia has a total of 67 vehicle brands, in comparison with 51 in the US, 53 in the UK and 49 in Canada.

Nielsen Ad Intel spend indicates that TV remains the largest advertising investment for the automotive industry; with half of advertising spend for automotive brands allocated to metro and regional TV. Print advertising received one-fifth of total automotive advertising spend for the 2017 financial year.

Says Michael Brown, associate director at Nielsen: Its become a tough competitive landscape  data has shown that consumers are exposed to around 4,000 to 10,000 advertising messages a day, thus we are programmed to filter out most of those messages unless they resonate with us. This has left marketers asking, how do we differentiate ourselves from the rest, how do we win peoples hearts and minds and how do we remain top of mind?

An effective ad must have three things: memorability, strong brand association and a simple, clear message to cut through.

Says Brown: Breaking through the clutter has become even more difficult in the day and age of a multi-screening, multi-tasking world. The benefit of TVBE has allowed us to highlight to brands what they need to do to ensure they are breaking through the clutter and relating with consumers.

Their two successful retail campaigns  Toyota Means Business and Buyers Advantage  were significantly above the Nielsen Global benchmarks on memorability and brand association. Both these campaigns follow Nielsens creative and branding best practices.

Outside of the retail sector, automotive still makes up the second highest spending category across the main media channels despite the sector reporting a 7% decline in monitored advertising spend in the 2017 financial year compared to the previous financial year.
| BY Ricki Green |

Honda Australia has launched its first ever brand TVC via Leo Burnett Melbourne, celebrating Hondas innovative, human-centric philosophy.

The campaign titled Moving You demonstrates how Honda has always been one of the worlds most innovative and influential companies. It creates technology to help stroke victims walk again, powers our farming industry, uses robotics to assist us in everyday life, and designs boat motors, supercars and even jets.

Says Jason Williams, chief creative officer, Leo Burnett, Melbourne: Honda creates products that are centred around the people who use them. While other manufacturers obsess over what a product can do, Honda dreams about how it can seamlessly complement and advance our lives.

While Honda has told this story in other countries before, most Australians are unaware of how diverse and innovative Honda is as a company. The new 60-second commercial recognises Hondas long history of human-centred engineering that separates it from other car brands.

Stephen Collins, director, Honda Australia, said Hondas revitalisation has come on the back of a bold effort to reconnect with customers and build understanding of the diversity and uniqueness of Honda.

Says Collins: The new brand TVC really shows the breadth of the Honda business and our commitment to enrich peoples lives through the products we create and services we offer. The recent addition of our 5 Year Unlimited Kilometre Warranty is just another way we are committed to putting customers at the centre.

Directed by Michael Spiccia from Scoundrel with post effects by Blackbird, the spot opens with an intimate moment as a recovering stroke victim supported by a Honda Walking Assist Device embraces her partner once again. As an instrumental version of the iconic Eurythmics song Sweet Dreams builds, an orchestrated choreography of Honda technology gradually envelops the couple.

Scott McGregor, general manager, customer and communications, Honda Australia, said customers would see more from Honda in coming months as its revitalised brand messaging sweeps into customer consciousness across a range of media. This year is one of the busiest launch years in Honda Australias history  with 80 per cent of the Honda product portfolio being refreshed or completely new in 2017.

Says McGregor: The creative brief for this campaign was quite clear  putting the customer at the centre of everything we do  the Honda story is emotive and passionate, and we feel this campaign reflects this. This will play a key role in engaging a new generation of customers for Honda, because there is real substance behind what we are saying.

Mr. McGregor said the Power of Dreams was still at the core of the Honda brand, but it has been re-imagined via the new campaign.

The brand TVC has been rolled out alongside outdoor, digital, social and dealership POS.

Client: Honda Australia

General Manager, Customer & Communications: Scott McGregor

Brand Communications Manager: Ben Familton

Brand Communications Specialist: Melissa Spiers

Agency: Leo Burnett Melbourne

CCO: Jason Williams

Senior Creatives: Joe Hill / Garret Fitzgerald / Blair Kimber / Andrew Woodhead

Senior Agency Producer: Cinnamon Darvall

Group Account Director: Jaime Morgan

Director of Integrated Strategy: Ilona Janashvili

Production: Scoundrel

Director: Michael Spiccia

Producer: Ben Scandrett-Smith

Executive Producer: Adrian Shapiro

DOP: Danny Ruhlmann

Production Designer: Lucinda Thomson

Post Production:

Editor: Jack Hutchings  The Butchery

VFX & Supervisor: Nicholas Ponzoni  Blackbird

VFX Producer: Sam Hall  Blackbird

Sound Engineer: Stuart Welch  Nylon Studios

Soundtrack: Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart (Sweet Dreams)

Composer: Jesse Watt

Music Producer: Karla Henwood  Nylon

Music Supervision: Chelsea Ramsden  Nylon
| BY Ricki Green |

Initiative Australia has announced the appointment of Nick Durrant as the agencys national chief partnerships and investment officer, a new position at the agency under its cultural branding positioning.

Durrant has been at News Corp for the past two and a half years most recently as national general manager of trading. Prior to that he was national head of data and knowledge at Mindshare for five years and previously head of trading for Mindshare Sydney for two years. His new role at Initiative is a return to the Mediabrands group, as he worked at UM for six years leading the Johnson & Johnson and Coca-Cola accounts, as well as a media strategist on Unilever.

Says Melissa Fein, CEO, Initiative Australia: Nick will be a valuable leader for our agency teams and clients because of his top class experience in data-based strategy development, negotiation, business partnerships and implementation. We see his role as crucial as we focus on fusing data and analysis tools with our trading offering to deliver strong business outcomes for clients.

Durrant joins Initiative immediately and will be a member of the agencys national leadership group.
| BY Ricki Green |

CB Exclusive  McCann Worldgroups Pat Baron, chief creative officer, Australia and Heok Seong Ng, chief creative officer, Malaysia, will present a talk at Spikes Asia titled Is the Global Creative Idea Dead? Long Live Cultural Creativity, at 2pm Thursday 28th September.

Baron and Seong will discuss how globalisation, technology, social and economic development are rapidly colliding with traditional beliefs and answer how creativity manifests itself in a region as diverse as APAC, whilst gradually transforming culture. In a regional, and ultimately global industry, how do we learn to appreciate each others creativity without making every different offering totally homogeneous?

Says Baron: For brands to earn their way into local cultures and the everyday lives of people our cultural differences should be celebrated in todays globalised world.
| BY Ricki Green |

Racing Victoria has launched its 2017 Spring Racing Carnival campaign via newly appointed agency, By All Means. The campaign introduces a new creative platform for the brand that will run across digital, TV, social, print, radio, stadium media and outdoor for the Spring Carnival and beyond.

Says Marcia Allen, head of customer strategy and engagement, Racing Victoria: Racing holds something for everyone. Whether youre a punter, viewer, racegoer or owner, racing, and the Spring Racing Carnival in particular, has a very special appeal.

The Spring Racing Carnival which runs for three months across Caulfield, Moonee Valley, Flemington and a host of country clubs is the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing in Australia and attracts visitors and attention from all over the globe, generating well over $700 million in economic benefit for the state of Victoria.

Says Allen: The campaign reflects the inclusive nature of the Carnival and speaks to Racing Victorias vision of Racing for All. Were certain that it will drive not only attendance but, more broadly, engagement of the sport with our key customers.

Featuring last years Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne, the campaign utilises a host of racing personalities including Matt Hill wholl be calling his first Spring Carnival following the retirement of famed predecessor Greg Miles.

Says Ed Howley, co-creative director, By All Means: Its been a rewarding process: taking the strategic and creative response developed during a pitch forward at break-neck speed to meet the deadline of the first day of Spring. We feel the campaign is an exciting step forward for Racing Victoria.

By All Means was awarded the Racing Victoria business in June following a competitive pitch and will assist Racing Victoria in promoting the sport of thoroughbred racing year round.

Client: Racing Victoria

Chief Commercial Officer: Jane Ballantyne

Head of Customer Strategy & Engagement: Marcia Allan

Marketing and Events Manager: Natasha Prendergast

Senior Marketing Coordinator: Rebecca Moffat

Digital Services and Innovation Manager: Nik Shetty

Marketing Coordinator: Brigid Moloney

Creative: By All Means

Co-Creative Director/Director: Toby Cummings

Co-Creative Director/Director: Ed Howley

Managing Director: Mat Cummings

Planning Director: Frank Bethel (Forward Scout)

Planner: Duncan Bell (Forward Scout)

Account Manager: Aleksandra Czajkowski

Art Director: Jacob Redding

Copywriter: Shannon Crowe

Artwork: Joanne Gerace

Content: Michael Bainbridge

Production Company: By All Means

Producer: Tracy Proposch

Production Manager: Fiona Herman

DOP: Simon J Walsh

Post: Marty Gilchrist (Puffin)

Colourist: CJ Dobson

Sound Design: Paul Baxter (Baxter Sound)

Casting Agent: Two Divas

Stills Producer: Veronica Moore

Photographer: Lindsey Fisette (Miss Bossy Boots)

Stills Stylist: Phillip Boon

Stills Hair and Makeup: Kate Radford

Racing Talent Photographer: Jesper Nielsen (Miss Bossy Boots)

Retoucher: Dave Mercer
What are our leading businesswomen doing at 6am? What's the one quote they live by? And how do they make sure their staff are still motivated at at the end of a long day? We asked the five winners of the 2017 Canberra Women in Business awards about the unusual habits that contribute to their incredible business success.
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THIS WEEK IN CAPE BRETON: Raising the peace flag, reviewing future plans for Centre 200 and more

SYDNEY  During a time of conflict around the world and with racial tensions on the rise in many parts, its clear there are those who want to find a bright, positive light wherever they can. Over the next several days, the YMCA of Cape Breton will ...
Prints by Reginald Gammon that explore aspects of African American life and history. Runs through 9/30.

Reginald Gammon (1921-2005), originally from Philadelphia, moved to New York City in 1951. He taught in the New York public schools and for 21 years at Western Michigan University. When he retired to New Mexico in 1992 he became active in the arts scene here. Gammon's paintings and prints often explore aspects of African American life and history. He was a member of the black artists' collective, Spiral, with Romare Bearden, Norman Lewis, Hale Woodruff and Emma Amos, among others. He was an avid jazz fan and saw many concerts in New York. Gammon made his own bold interpretations of such artists such as Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong and Lester Young performing. The expressiveness of his lines and color suggest the sounds and cadences of the performances represented on these silent sheets of paper. The juxtaposition of his sensuous nudes with the jazz portraits in this exhibition reflect the multisensory element of jazz syncopation. Gammon once said, "The human physiognomy is as great a landscape as you can find or as great a still life as you can find." These prints were created at New Grounds Print Workshop & Gallery in Albuquerque located just blocks from the Outpost. Gammon was a founding member of New Grounds in 1996. While in New York the artist had worked as a commercial artist, painter and printmaker. Known mainly as a painter, Gammon revived his interest in making prints when he moved to Albuquerque. In 2007-8 New Grounds Gallery and the Albuquerque Museum and the African American Performing Arts Center held exhibitions to honor Gammon and his legacy. In 1997 Gammon showed in the original Inpost Artspace Gallery at the old Outpost on Morningside Dr. Dr. Kymberly Pinder, Dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico has the curated this show on the 20th Anniversary of Gammon's last Inpost Artspace show. FREE!
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.
A Matter of Faith Lessons from the Heart

Our society is filled with hundreds of oftentimes competing beliefs about life, culture, likes and dislikes, and faith, just to...

We are not alone Lessons from the Heart

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What...
Seat has suggested that it could make Cupra its official performance car sub-brand.



During discussions with Autocar at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Seat boss Luca de Meo kept his cards close to his chest when discussing the potential for a standalone Cupra brand. However, he did indicate than an announcement could come at 2018s Geneva Motor Show.

I think there is potential to develop that domain of the brand. In the past Seat has been one dimensional. Cupra gives us opportunity to have another dimension, he added.

Seat only Cupra-branded variant is a performance version of the Leon but in the not too distant future, an Ateca Cupra will become a reality.

Despite this, the Spanish carmaker did recently file a trademark for a dedicated Cupra logo as it seemingly looks to extend the name throughout the Seat range.

Beyond registering a Cupra badge, Seat recently filed trademark applications for the names Tango, Salsa and Bolero, names formerly used by three sporty Seat concepts from years gone by. It is entirely possible they could be resurrected and form part of the Cupra brand.

PHOTO GALLERY
Honda brought the new Euro-spec CR-V at Frankfurt in a Hybrid prototype form, previewing its first SUV to be offered with a hybrid powertrain in Europe.



Although the company didnt share any figures of the Intelligent Multi Mode Drive hybrid system, it did say that it combines a 2.0-liter i-VTEC petrol with an electric motor and a separate electric generator motor.

The transmission is a single fixed-gear ratio unit that directly connects the moving components for a smooth transfer of torque within the system. There are three driving modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive.

In EV Drive, the electric motor is being fed solely by the battery pack. When in Hybrid Drive, the petrol engine supplies its power to the electric generator motor which in turn feeds the electric motor and sends any excess power from the combustion engine to the battery pack. Finally, Engine Drive allows the petrol engine to send its power directly to the wheels, with the electric motor acting as a power booster if needed.

The hybrid version of the new Honda CR-V will be joined by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC turbo unit, once the model hits the European market in 2018. Honda has also confirmed that the new generation CR-V will not be offered with a diesel powertrain in Europe.

PHOTO GALLERY
The Commerce Department has postponed its final determinations for the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations into softwood lumber imports from Canada until Nov. 14.



The Commerce Department has postponed its final determinations for the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations into softwood lumber imports from Canada until Nov. 14.

The decision, which was made by the department on Monday, gives both the United States and Canada more breathing room to work out a new agreement to this long-smoldering trade spat.

I remain hopeful that we can reach a negotiated solution that satisfies the concerns of all parties, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. This extension could provide the time needed to address the complex issues at hand and to reach an equitable and durable suspension agreement.

Under U.S. law, Commerce may postpone an antidumping duty final determination for up to 135 days after the publication of the preliminary determination. Further, because Commerces countervailing duty investigation has been aligned with its antidumping investigation, that final determination will also be announced at the later deadline.

Both sides hope to finalize a new softwood lumber agreement before settling into what are expected to be difficult negotiations to update the North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In early August, the Canadian government proposed to cap its share of the U.S. lumber market to 30 percent, but the U.S. Lumber Coalition, which represents U.S. lumber interests in this trade dispute, rejected the proposal. Disagreement also remains on how U.S. softwood lumber producers will respond to shortfalls in the domestic supply chain under a 30 percent import cap from Canada.

On April 28 and June 30, respectively, Commerce published its preliminary determinations in its latest countervailing and antidumping investigations of softwood lumber from Canada. In response, the Canadian government said Commerces preliminary determinations are based on a flawed rationale, and warned that if the duties are applied, they will cause economic harm to workers on both sides of the border.

The U.S. International Trade Commissions (ITC) is currently conducting a parallel investigation to determine if the American producers are harmed by Canadian softwood lumber exports. If Commerces final determinations are affirmative, and the ITC makes an affirmative final injury determination, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders. If the ITC does not find that U.S. producers have been harmed, then the investigations will end, and no duties will be collected.

The 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA), which according to the Canadian government provided stability and predictability for industry on both sides of the border, expired on October 12, 2015. However, U.S. and Canadian softwood lumber interests have occasionally accused each other of abuses throughout the SLAs duration.
The 2018 SsangYong Rexton has officially touched European soil, at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, after being presented in full at Seoul, this spring.



Its arrival at one of the largest automotive events of the fall is not a coincidence, as the Korean automaker is getting ready to launch it internationally, before the end of the year, after it already arrived at dealers in its homeland, where it is known as the G4 Rexton.

Inspired by the LIV-2 Concept, the new generation SsangYong Rexton has a modern design, which brings it in line with the rest of the family. Its cabin is focused on passenger convenience and load space, and can take in up to 7 occupants. At the same time, drivers will come to appreciate some of its amenities, such as the 9.2-inch screen for the infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, navigation, and dual-zone climate control, among others.

SsangYong have also equipped their challenger to the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan X-Trail with autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and high beam assist.

UK residents will be able to order the SUV starting from next month, with prices ranging between 27,500 ($36,413), for the base EX manual gearbox model, to 37,500 ($49,654) for the range-topping Ultimate, equipped with an automatic transmission.

PHOTO GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz will introduce an innovative new navigation system within the next six months that can pinpoint any location on worth using a combination of just three words.



Typically, GPS systems determine locations via complex GPS coordinates. However, a startup company dubbed what3words has created a system that assigns a three-word combination to every point on Earth. Enter those three words in a navigation system and the software will instantly display the location.

To create the system, what3words divided the world into 57 trillion squares measuring three meters by three meters and assigned three words to each square. In total, there are 25,000 words used in a variety of combinations to denote every specific location on the planet.

For example, dragon.luck.soap denotes the location of One World Trade Center in New York. A random piece of desert just east of Yemens capital city of Sanaa is known as confederate.defies.wrongdoing. Even random pieces of oceans are recognized. For example, blonder.butane.ejectors is an area near the Maldives. The system is available in 14 languages.

In a statement, vice president digital vehicle & mobility of Daimler, Sajjad Khan said With what3words easy address entry method, were adding another logical element to our navigation system. You can enter your destination by speaking just three words and are then guided there to within an accuracy of nine square meters. Anywhere in the world. All I can say is: simple.ingenious.innovative.

By the way, simple.ingenious.innovative is a nine square meter piece of ocean south of Taiwan.

Have some fun with the 3 word map here.

PHOTO GALLERY
Yes, another new entry in the sub-compact SUV segment, this time coming from Seat with the new Arona.



The Arona is Seats version of the VW T-Roc as both cars are based on the same modular platform which in turn is also used in the latest Seat Ibiza and VW Polo superminis.

The new Spanish SUV takes the design of the new Ibiza and uses it rather successfully for its own purpose, creating a shape that can be described as subtly dynamic, which is after all Seats way of penning cars these days.

The new Seat Arona is also the second SUV of the Spanish brand, following the bigger Ateca and waiting for the reveal of the big one, which has yet to be named.

A wide range of efficient engines will be offered to suit every taste, starting with the 1.0-liter TSI in two versions -95PS and 115PS-, while a 1.6-liter TDI diesel engine will also be available, again in two flavors -95PS and 115PS. The faster FR version will be powered by the 1.5-liter TSI with cylinder deactivation and a punchier 150PS output.

PHOTO GALLERY
Two men aged in their 70s have been killed while testing a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat at an airport in Colorado.



According to the Chaffee County Sheriffs Office, on Sunday, the two men were speed-testing the 707 hp muscle car at the Central Colorado Regional Airport in Buenva Vista when they shot off the end of the runway.

Investigation of the incident revealed that the passengers were test

driving a 2016 Dodge Challenger Hellcat and had permission by airport

personnel to do so, said the sheriffs department.

Police report that Lynd Fitzgerald, aged 71 and Roger Lichtenberger, aged 76, hurled past the runway and kept driving for 314 feet. Investigators then discovered the Hellcat soared through the air over a ravine before hitting the ground, flipping multiple times over a second ravine and ultimately landing on its wheels 650 feet beyond the end of the runway.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze said They were just test-driving this car. They went a little too fast. I dont want to surmise.  They probably got to the end of the runway and, at that speed, didnt realize they were there so fast. And they lost control. It was just too high a speed and they got to the end of the runway.

PHOTO GALLERY
Disney-Pixar has released a new trailer for its Day of the Dead-themed Coco, revealing a broader range of characters and locales than previously seen.

Coco follows the story of Miguel, who dreams of becoming a famous musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, despite his familys baffling generations-old ban on music. The trailer above reveals a spoiler that I dont recall being part of earlier trailers, which is that de la Cruz is actually Miguels great-great-grandfather.

The new trailer also sets up the basic conflict, which is that Miguel has until sunrise to find his great-great-grandpa or he permanently becomes part of the Land of the Dead. He finds him in the trailer, but whether he makes it out of the Land of the Dead appears to be the films big question. The last shot of the trailer, which lasts for less than a second, shows Miguel playing the guitar in full skeleton form, so perhaps he doesnt make it out.
Photo: UBC Okanagan World-renowned psychologist Ed Diener

What is it that makes you happy?

World-renowned psychologist Ed Diener says there is a lot more to happiness than simply being able to recognize it.

The science of subjective well-being, happiness, life satisfaction, and positive feelings has grown enormously in the recent decade, says Diener. We now understand some of the most important factors influencing people's happiness, such as their temperament, the characteristics and policies of happy societies, and supportive social relationships.

During his presentation at UBC Okanagans Distinguished Speaker Series on October 5, Diener will describe the habits and attitudes people can develop to increase their own happiness.

Diener will discuss how his findings will help improve health and longevity, superior work performance, lasting and supportive relationships, and even international policy decisions.

This event is free and open to the public, but online pre-registration is required. To register visit www.speakers.ok.ubc.ca or call 250-807- 9950 for tickets.
Photo: The Canadian Press Patrick Fox of Burnaby, B.C. is shown in this undated handout image. A British Columbia man convicted of criminally harassing his ex-wife says she and her fiance insulted and taunted him in emails for years before he created a revenge website targeting her. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Patrick Fox MANDATORY CREDIT

A British Columbia man convicted of criminally harassing his ex-wife says she and her fiance insulted and taunted him in emails for years before he created a revenge website targeting her.

Patrick Fox presented 700 pages of emails, dating back to 2011, during his sentencing hearing on Tuesday in B.C. Supreme Court. Crown counsel Mark Myhre objected to allowing many of the emails on the record, saying they were irrelevant to the case.

Fox alleged the emails contained threats to deport him from the U.S., where he lived at the time, and to revoke access to his son. His ex-wife Desiree Capuano provoked him into creating the website, he argued.

"Ms. Capuano was subjecting me to her misconduct for years before finally the tables started to turn in 2013 or 2014 when I came to Canada, at which point she began to lose this fight and then she started asking people or the police for help," he said.

"Prior to that, she had no issues at all doing whatever she wanted to me or causing me whatever harm she felt was appropriate."

Fox was found guilty by a jury in June of criminally harassing Capuano through threatening emails and the website, which maligned her as a white supremacist, drug addict and child abuser. He also posted private photos and her phone number and address.

He has been in custody since his arrest last year and is representing himself in court. Justice Heather Holmes allowed him to go through the emails as she decided which would be admitted and which would not.

Fox argued that emails sent before 2014 were relevant because they shed light on his mental state when he created the website.

"I think that's something that was grossly overlooked throughout the trial process in this matter, by presenting only emails that began in 2014, it completely ignored the two years of Ms. Capuano doing the exact same thing to me."

At one point, Fox alleged Capuano had "victimized" him, but he quickly retracted the comment.

Myhre told the judge that many of the emails don't apply to the case, including those that pre-date the website and those sent by Capuano's fiance. They don't cast Fox in a particularly good light, he added.

"They amount to nothing more than petty squabbling ... and just don't possibly amount to the kind of thing that might be considered provocation into a kind of campaign of criminal harassment," Myhre said.

The emails were entered as exhibits but were not read aloud or provided immediately to reporters.

Fox has also submitted a cached copy of Capuano's Facebook page to the court and audio recordings of radio and television interviews she conducted. He said a CBC story in February 2016, which prompted widespread media coverage in Canada and the U.S., made him look like a "monster."

He said Capuano's "false claims" and negative media attention cost him his job, friends and business associates.

Capuano has also filed a lawsuit against Fox alleging defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, intimidation and interference in business relationships. She is seeking damages and an order requiring Fox to take down the website.

None of the allegations contained in the notice of civil claim has been proven and Fox has not yet had an opportunity to respond. A court order directed the BC Sheriff Service to serve Fox with the lawsuit on Tuesday.

The sentencing hearing is expected to continue through Wednesday.
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Photo: Contributed

Microsoft is "very bullish" on Vancouver and is lobbying the federal and provincial governments to make increased investments in what it sees as a city with a bright future as a technology hub, the company's president said Tuesday.

"We have made clear that we think of Vancouver as a second home," Microsoft president Brad Smith said in an interview at the Cascadia Innovation Corridor Conference in Seattle.

"We're growing and I would hope that we'd have continuing opportunities to grow in Vancouver."

The Washington-based technology company anticipates growing beyond the 750 jobs it initially expected to create in Vancouver when it opened its Microsoft Canada Excellence Centre in June 2016, he said.

The centre, now known as Microsoft Canada, currently employs 800 workers across product development, sales and marketing, and retail and office work, said a spokesman.

Smith said he sees continuing opportunities to grow in the city and doesn't see a cap to the number of jobs the company could create there.

He stopped short of saying the company could open a second headquarters in the city, but said "it makes sense" for Vancouver to set it sights on wooing Seattle-based tech giant Amazon.com Inc. to open its proposed second headquarters there.

The ecommerce giant announced this month that it is seeking to build a second headquarters in North America. Expected to be equal to its Seattle campus, the new headquarters would likely require a US$5 billion investment in construction and up to 50,000 jobs, the company said.

Smith said only Amazon knows what location will work for its company, but stressed that Vancouver "is a great home for technology and technology companies."

The Microsoft president is one of the biggest proponents of the Cascadia Innovation Corridor  an agreement signed by B.C. and Washington state nearly one year ago to grow high-tech industries and strengthen collaboration across the region.

In May, Microsoft hosted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Microsoft CEO Summit and raised the issue of making an innovation supercluster within Vancouver and B.C.

The federal government is committing $950 million to a supercluster program that will give funding to up to five industry-led consortia in a wide variety of sectors, including clean technology, and health and biosciences.

"I think the reaction from the Ottawa delegation was that they hadn't expected to travel to Seattle and hear a pitch that was basically sounding like it was coming from the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce," Smith said.

He's also pushing for Canada to help ease transportation between Seattle and Vancouver, hoping regular seaplane service will begin between the two cities next year.

"Frankly there was little reason not to have it in place this year," he said. "I think it's not unreasonable to say we need to move faster in getting that done."

Longer-term, he wants to see a high-speed rail system between Vancouver and Seattle. Washington state has budgeted funds for a feasibility study and Microsoft has donated US$50,000 toward the study.

"We're hopeful that there will now be some participation in that on the B.C. and Canadian side of the border."
Photo: BC Wildfire Service

Rain has allowed firefighters better access to fires, but large wildfires will continue to burn until the first snowfall.

Ryan Turcot, fire information officer with the BC Wildfire Service, said the weather over the past couple of days has been co-operating with firefighting efforts more than it has been all year.

Fire season is not over yet but we have started to see cooler temperatures, some degree of precipitation in the Cariboo Region so we are achieving better progress in some of these fires, he said.

One such example is the Elephant Hill wildfire which has now been 60 per cent contained.

With some of these larger fires, quite frankly, they are going to still be burning to some extent until snow hits the ground, said Turcot.

As the weather turns to more fall conditions, fire danger will lessen across B.C.

We see that the potential for more new fires starting will drop and the potential for those new fires to behave aggressively will drop, he said.

Turcot said the BC Wildfire Service is expecting more showers after Thursday to move in a southwesterly direction which will give some relief to fires burning in the Southeast Fire Centre area.

We dont want the public to become complacent yet, there is still a very real fire danger out there," Turcot said. "Yes, we are starting to see more rain and cooler conditions but there are still campfire bans in place across many places in the province and they are in place for a reason.
Photo: Cecelia Louis-Ralston

Ten parachute firefighters with the B.C. Wildfire Service remain atop K Mountain near Keremeos, mopping up a seven hectare wildfire.

Fire information officer Max Birkner says the fire hasnt grown in the last few days, and it showing rank one and two behaviour: some portions of active ground fire and smouldering.

They are primarily doing mop up activities now so they are patrolling and identifying hot spots and putting those areas out where it is safe to do so, he said.

The fire sparked in the dead of night of Sept. 7, startling residents of Keremeos, who could clearly see the fire burning near the summit of K Mountain.

The extreme terrain has made it impossible for anything but para-attack crews and the occasional tanker to reach the blaze, which is burning on rocky slopes well far away from buildings.

It's not known how the fire started, but there are hiking trails in the area.
Photo: CTV Laura Letts-Beckett

A 12-person jury must now decide if Peter Beckett deliberately killed his wife.

Laura Letts-Beckett, an elementary school teacher near Westlock, Alta., north of Edmonton, was vacationing with her husband on Upper Arrow Lake on Aug. 18, 2010, when she drowned during an early evening fishing trip.

The death was initially believed to be a tragic accident, but Peter Beckett, a former New Zealand city councillor who married Letts-Beckett in 2003, was charged with first-degree murder the following summer.

Beckett's Kelowna Supreme Court trial began on Aug. 21, and concluded with the Crown's closing submissions Tuesday.

Crown prosecutor Iain Currie called Beckett's own statement to police, given just hours after the death, the most important piece of evidence in the case.

Beckett told police his wife, who was sitting at the front of their Zodiac boat without a life jacket, fell into the lake, and his fisherman's instinct kicked in, forcing him to reel in his rod as the boat drifted past her, before he attempted a rescue.

Can you imagine yourself in a circumstance where you would not reach out to help? Currie posed to the jury. Try to form that picture in your head in a way inconsistent with murder. I suggest that that is impossible to do.

Currie also highlighted that Beckett did not throw his wife the lifejacket that was sitting in the boat, or reach out to her with the fishing rod in his hand, or the fishing net near him.

His wife didn't fall in unexpectedly, his wife fell in because he pushed her, Currie said. He didn't rescue her because he wanted her to die.

Currie said that in the context of the circumstances of Letts-Beckett's death, the fact that the couple bought a $200,000 accidental death insurance policy two months prior, is evidence of Beckett's motive.

Following Justice Alison Beames directions Tuesday afternoon, the jury began their deliberations.

In her directions, Justice Beames informed the jury that if they can't come to a unanimous decision, she will be forced to declare a mistrial.

Beckett would not be blindsided by such an outcome, as his four-month trial in Kamloops in 2016 resulted in a hung jury, with just one juror dissenting from the other 11. The findings of the majority of the jurors in that trial is unknown.

Beckett's second trial in Kelowna almost didn't make it to completion on two occasions, the details of which were previously protected under a publication ban.

On the third day of trial, Beckett's defence lawyer, Marilyn Sandford, applied for a mistrial, based on testimony from Beckett's former cellmate, who said Beckett had asked him to take care of several witnesses involved in the case.

Sandford argued parts of the cellmate's testimony had been previously deemed inadmissible, specifically the plans to torch Letts-Beckett's parents' home and take out another witness MVA-style, which presumably refers to a motor vehicle accident.

A week after Justice Beames ruled against the mistrial application, following the completion of the Crown's case, Sandford made a directed verdict application, asking the judge to dismiss the case due to a lack of evidence.

Justice Beames dismissed this application as well.

Beckett, along with Letts-Beckett's parents and aunt who sat in on Tuesday's proceedings, now wait for the jury's decision, which could come at any time.
Photo: Contributed

Police say a man is dead following an assault in Nanaimo, B.C.

RCMP Cpl. Jon Stuart says a man was found injured in an apartment building on Monday night.

The man, whose name has not been released, later died of his injuries.

Stuart says no arrests have been made, but police believe the attack was an isolated incident.

He says the investigation is in its infancy and officers are pursuing a number of leads.

If the death is confirmed a homicide, it would be the third in Nanaimo this year.
Photo: Thinkstock.com

Canopy Growth Corp. has signed an agreement with AusCann Group Holdings Ltd. to be its exclusive supplier of medical cannabis for the Australian market.

Canada's largest licensed cannabis producer says it will start with the transfer of a range of medicines for research and commercialization in Australia.

The deal allows Canopy to pursue other Australian opportunities.

The agreement follows a partnership deal last year that saw Canopy take stake in AusCann in exchange for expertise in a number of areas including production, quality assurance and operations.

It is the second international deal announced by Canopy this week.

On Monday, Canopy signed a deal to provide certain marijuana strains and seeds to Spanish pharmaceutical producer Alcaliber.
Photo: The Canadian Press Fred Cromer, President of Commercial Aircraft at Bombardier Aerospace.

New details are emerging about the high-level, backroom wrangling around Boeing Co.'s dispute with Bombardier, which is quickly becoming an international dog fight.

The Trudeau government revealed Tuesday that it held secret talks with Boeing in hopes of convincing the U.S. aerospace giant to drop its case against Bombardier at the U.S. Commerce Department.

The revelation came amid word the British government has been lobbying U.S. officials in support of Bombardier, which employs about 5,000 people at an aerospace manufacturing plant in Northern Ireland.

That includes a call on Sept. 5 to President Donald Trump from British Prime Minister Theresa May, who will likely discuss the dispute with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when she visits Canada next week.

"This is a commercial matter, but the U.K. government is working tirelessly to safeguard Bombardier's operations and its highly skilled workers in Belfast," said a British government spokesperson.

"Ministers across government have engaged swiftly and extensively with Boeing, Bombardier, the U.S. and Canadian governments. Our priority is to encourage Boeing to drop its case and seek a negotiated settlement with Bombardier."

Speaking in St. John's, N.L., Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canadian and British officials "are as one" when it comes to supporting Bombardier in its dispute with Boeing.

News of the secret talks between Canada and Boeing, as well as the U.K.'s surprise involvement, highlight the broad scope and importance of the dispute, which until now has gone largely overlooked.

Fred Cromer, president of Bombardier's commercial aircraft division, welcomed the show of support from Britain during a news conference in Montreal.

"For me, having that kind of support is important because it speaks to sort of the heart of the issue, which is jobs, innovation and international supply chains," Cromer said.

"The fact that the U.K. government is supporting us is good news."

Jerry Dias, president of Unifor, Canada's largest private-sector union, met Boeing officials in Washington on Tuesday to urge them to drop the case against Bombardier.

"The workers are caught in the crossfire as this ongoing dispute continues to put thousands of jobs at risk," he said in a statement.

Yet these moves, which follow Liberal threats to scrap the planned purchase of 18 "interim" Super Hornets from Boeing because of the dispute, appear to have done little to resolve the matter.

Like the British, Canada had hoped to convince Boeing to drop its complaint that Bombardier is selling its CSeries jets at an unfairly low price to Delta Airlines with help from government subsidies.

But the Liberal government's talks with Boeing broke down last month when, according to Canada's ambassador to the U.S., David MacNaughton, the company decided to stop negotiating.
Photo: Interior Health

Two-thirds of households are setting aside money for retirement, taking advantage of either a registered pension plan, an RRSP or a tax-free savings account, Statistics Canada said Wednesday as it released the latest batch of numbers from the 2016 census.

Of 14 million households, 65.2 per cent made a contribution in 2015  the most recent year for which data was available  to one or more of the three major savings vehicles, an apparent counterpoint to the prevailing narrative that too many Canadians take a cavalier approach to retirement.

Different generations took different approaches: Major income earners aged 35 to 54 were prone to make use of registered pension plans and RRSPs, while those younger than 35 and those older than 54 were more likely to contribute to a TFSA.

Or, in Statistics Canada's words: "Participation in savings plans followed strong life-cycle patterns."

It's the first time the census has probed the question, taking advantage of tax data to paint a more accurate picture of just how seriously Canadians take it  a picture which experts say has long been distorted by suspect data and aggressive investment marketing.

"I think things in general are still in pretty good shape when it comes to preparing for retirement," said Fred Vettese, chief actuary at Morneau Shepell in Toronto.

"For the most part, when you look at middle-income Canadians they are saving. So one of the problems with the statistics is that they end up being misleading."
Photo: UofW

The B.C. government says it has opened a Trade and Investment office in Seattle geared at expanding the province's trade network in the U.S. and attracting investment into British Columbia.

B.C.'s Deputy Jobs Minister Fazil Mihlar announced the opening at the Cascadia Innovation Corridor Conference in Seattle Tuesday evening, saying Troy DeFrank, former trade commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle, was appointed as the office's director.

A ministry spokeswoman said the office is already open and the government has invested $800,000 into it and a similar office in Silicon Valley, scheduled to open this fall.

The ministry said in a statement that the Seattle office will help connect B.C. companies with venture capitalists, skilled tech workers and strategic partners.

Jobs Minister Bruce Ralston said in a statement that the office will "deepen the tech talent pool to mutually benefit companies on either side of the border."

The province already has trade and investment representatives around the world in Japan, South Korea, India, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Europe and the U.S.
The trade association on Tuesday told the International Trade Commission (ITC) its members are financially harmed by imports of Canadian softwood lumber, but Canadas largest lumber producer begs to differ.



The U.S. Lumber Coalition, a trade association representing numerous sawmills and woodland operators throughout the country, told the International Trade Commission (ITC) on Tuesday that its members are financially harmed by imports of Canadian softwood lumber.

While Canadian producers enjoy massive government subsidies, their abuse of the U.S. trade laws results in lost profits, and lost ability to expand and grow production and jobs in the United States, said coalition spokesman, Zoltan van Heyningen, in a statement related to the ITC hearing. As long as Canadian producers continue to ignore U.S. trade laws to suppress prices and capture growth in the American market, the U.S. government must level the playing field for U.S. workers by enforcing our laws.

The problem is simple, Canadas provinces allow lumber companies to harvest trees from government timberlands at rock-bottom bargain rates, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., told the ITC. This incentivizes Canadian producers to cut more trees, to produce more lumber, and then to sell that lumber at cheap rates in the United States.

Wyden argued that American lumber companies are some of the most efficient and competitive in the world. But over time these market-distorting Canadian practices have unfairly harmed U.S. producers and eroded their ability to compete. Subsidies artificially inflate Canadian company profits and insulate Canadian mills during market downturns.

Mark Feldinger, senior vice president of energy, environment, transportation and sourcing for Canfor Corp., said U.S. mills overstate the benefits of Canadian lumber mills being able to harvest timber from government lands. In fact, Canadian mills, particularly in British Columbia, have been forced to close in recent years due to lack of timber from the near 15-year-old outbreak of Mountain Pine Beetle which has destroyed millions of hectares of pine forest.

Mill closures are a fact of life in BC and Alberta and a direct consequence of diminishing fiber supply, he said. I would add that during the Great Recession, the BC Interior curtailed more sawmill capacity and production than any other region in North America.

Feldinger noted that since 2006, Canfor has made significant investments in lumber mill operations in the U.S. Southeast where it now operates 11 sawmills which employ 1,345 U.S. workers, while Canadian mills faced closures.

Frankly, I dont know how my colleagues testifying earlier today who produce SYP (southern yellow pine) can possibly claim that they are injured at all given the current operating profits that we and they are making, or that they somehow lack the cash flow to make additional investments, Feldinger said. That certainly is not our experience. Our management is extremely pleased with the results from Canfors U.S. operations, which have far outperformed our Canadian operations over the past few years because of lower cost of timber in the South and because U.S. mills are closer to the U.S. market.

The United States and Canada are attempting to reach a new softwood lumber trade agreement that works for the industry on both sides of the border.

Any new agreement must offset the harmful effects of subsidized Canadian lumber being dumped in the U.S. market. A successful trade deal with a clean quota will give the U.S. industry the opportunity to invest and grow, allowing us to compete on a level playing field with the Canadian industry, van Heyningen said.

In April, the Commerce Department ruled that Canada subsidizes softwood lumber production, resulting in harm to the U.S. lumber industry. The department followed in June with another ruling that Canadian exports of softwood lumber are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

The decades-old U.S.-Canada lumber trade spat has also been a point of tension during the current North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation rounds.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A new report by the Centre for International Governance Innovation is questioning the need for new pipelines to carry oilsands production to tidewater for export.

Jeff Rubin, a senior fellow at the centre and a former chief economist at CIBC, says in the report that the claim that additional pipeline capacity to tidewater will unlock higher prices is not corroborated by either past or current market conditions.

Rubin says overseas markets pay even lower prices for bitumen than in North America, so there is no economic case for additional pipeline capacity to tidewater or expanded oilsands production. He says international commitments to reduce global carbon emissions over the next three decades will also reduce the size of future oil markets.

The report follows a move by TransCanada to ask the National Energy Board to put its application for the 4,500-kilometre Energy East pipeline on hold after the regulator said it would consider indirect greenhouse gas emissions in evaluating the pipeline.

Rubin recommends the National Energy Board consider a rapidly decarbonizing global economy as the base case when modelling future oil demand and use the heavy oil price benchmark Western Canadian Select when evaluating projects.

His report also noted that pension plans need to stress test their long-term investments in the oilsands against expected declines in global consumption.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Self-driving cars may not hit the road in earnest for many years - but autonomous boats could be just around the pier.

Spurred in part by the car industry's race to build driverless vehicles, marine innovators are building automated ferry boats for Amsterdam canals, cargo ships that can steer themselves through Norwegian fjords and remote-controlled ships to carry containers across the Atlantic and Pacific. The first such autonomous ships could be in operation within three years.

One experimental workboat spent this summer dodging tall ships and tankers in Boston Harbor, outfitted with sensors and self-navigating software and emblazoned with the words "UNMANNED VESSEL" across its aluminum hull.

"We're in full autonomy now," said Jeff Gawrys, a marine technician for Boston startup Sea Machines Robotics, sitting at the helm as the boat floated through a harbour channel.

"Roger that," said computer scientist Mohamed Saad Ibn Seddik, as he helped to guide the ship from his laptop on a nearby dock.

The boat still needs human oversight. But some of the world's biggest maritime firms have committed to designing ships that won't need any captains or crews  at least not on board.

The startup has signed a deal with an undisclosed company to install the "world's first autonomy system on a commercial containership," CEO Michael Johnson said this week. It will be remotely-controlled from land as it travels the North Atlantic. He also plans to sell the technology to companies doing oil spill cleanups and other difficult work on the water, aiming to assist maritime crews, not replace them.

Johnson, a marine engineer whose previous job took him to the Italian coast to help salvage the sunken cruise ship Costa Concordia, said that deadly 2012 capsizing and other marine disasters have convinced him that "we're relying too much on old-world technology."

"Humans get distracted, humans get tired," he said.
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As'ad's Bio

As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants.
By of the

Plans to redevelop a former hospital on Milwaukee's near west side, later used for county offices, are proceeding.

Developer Richard Wiegand plans to begin renovations by year's end on City Campus, a three-building complex south of W. Wells St., between N. 27th and N. 28th streets. Milwaukee County has moved offices out of the City Campus buildings, which are largely vacant, and is selling the properties to Wiegand for $272,000.

Wiegand said Thursday he will complete his purchase of the buildings within the next few weeks.

Wiegand, who operates the Ambassador Hotel, 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., and other neighborhood commercial properties, plans to start by gutting the nine-story former hospital building.

He hasn't yet determined its future use.

He also plans to renovate two neighboring historic properties, a five-story office building and two-story storefront building, into street-level commercial and upper-level offices totaling about 40,000 square feet.

Wiegand will likely delay work on the two-story building until determining whether he can obtain federal and state historic preservation tax credits to help finance that project.

The future office tenants at the smaller buildings will include the county's Housing Division; Wiegand's firm, Wiegand Enterprises LLC, and Avenues West Association, a nonprofit neighborhood improvement group.

Wiegand initially planned to demolish the nine-story building. He decided to preserve it after determining the building's structural soundness.

As a result, county funding for the City Campus demolition and environmental cleanup was reduced from $2.5 million to $1.7 million.

The remaining $800,000 was instead placed in an economic development fund, which is being matched with $800,000 from Near West Side Partners Inc., a nonprofit group formed this year by Marquette University, Harley-Davidson Inc., Aurora Health Care Inc., MillerCoors LLC and Potawatomi Business Development Corp.  all major neighborhood employers.

The fund will be used to buy and restore properties, develop small businesses, and do other activities to promote neighborhood stability and economic growth.

The development fund agreement was signed Thursday by the group's president, Rana Altenburg, Marquette vice president for public affairs, and County Executive Chris Abele.

Abele told people attending the signing ceremony that he plans to sell other surplus county properties and use the proceeds for economic development efforts.

"This shows it can be done," Abele said.

Near West Side Partners is funded in part through a business improvement district, which collects annual special assessments from commercial property owners in the area.

Those funds are used for facade improvements, increased security, marketing and other area activities.

The district's expansion was approved last week by the Common Council.

Its borders are now I-43 on the east, Highway 41 on the west, I-94 on the south, and W. Vliet St., west of N. 27th St. and W. Highland Blvd., east of N. 27th St., on the north.

The area is "ground zero" for central city development efforts, said Keith Stanley, executive director of Avenues West and Near West Side Partners.

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"It's a very sad day," said Liberal Senator Mr Wallace. "The LNP has lost a great trooper. He was one of life's gentlemen."

By the time he passed away on Monday after a long battle with dementia, former MP for Mooloolah and Landsborough Shire councillor, Bruce Laming, had not only established his own legacy but had helped nurture those of his son Andrew, the Federal Member for Bowman, and many prominent Queensland politicians.

Mr Laming would eventually play a role in the shaping of some key players in conservative politics in Queensland.

MAROOCHYDORE - Bruce Laming launched his career in public life at 42 off the back of a kaleidoscope of life experiences, including service as a kiap in Bougainville and the Papua New Guinea highlands.

Former Queensland deputy premier Joan Sheldon said Mr Laming had been a fine man who had served his party loyally and had done a wonderful job for his constituents.

Former Queensland attorney-general Jarrod Bleijie recalled a man he described as a statesman of the LNP. He said the Laming home had been a great venue for young LNP members to meet.

"He was a real influence on us and up until recently attended functions and offered support," Mr Bleijie said.

Mr Laming arrived on the Sunshine Coast in the early 1970s following a career that ranged from the Snowy Mountain scheme, the Mount Isa mines, wool-classing in Tasmania and four years patrolling in Bougainville and the highlands of Papua New Guinea.

He and his wife Estelle built a waterfront home in Kawana in 1975 and went on to raise three children.

He successfully ran for Landsborough Shire Council in 1980 and stood down after a single term and ran a massive campaign against Labor toll roads to win the new seat of Mooloolah, going on to serve as his party's whip, housing and public works spokesman and eventually deputy speaker.

In 2001 after being ordered by his party to put One Nation last on the ballot paper, he suffered a 19% swing that lost the Liberals lose their second safest seat to Labor.

Out of politics he remained connected to the community as a life member at Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club and as rear-commodore at Mooloolaba Yacht Club.

He graduated as a Bachelor of Arts at the University of the Sunshine Coast and in 2009 won the Australian Writers' Fellowship best short story at his first attempt.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is officially throwing her support behind an effort to reshape the American health care system.

Gillibrand, D-N.Y., announced Tuesday that she will cosponsor U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders' "Medicare-for-all" bill, which would allow every American to enroll in the single-payer insurance program.

Medicare is currently available for individuals who are at least 65 years old or those under 65 who receive Social Security disability benefits.

Sanders, an independent from Vermont who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016, plans to formally introduce the Medicare for all bill Wednesday.

Gillibrand will be an original cosponsor of the legislation in the Senate.

Health care has been a major topic at Gillibrand's town hall meetings across New York. She held a forum at Syracuse University in July and mentioned her support for Medicare for all.

While she has publicly stated her support for single-payer health insurance, cosponsoring Sanders' bill is more of a formal step.

"As I've been traveling around New York, the number one thing I keep hearing from New Yorkers is that people are very worried that their health care is still too expensive," Gillibrand said Tuesday. "Under the health care system we have now, too many insurance companies continue to value their profits more than they value the people they are supposed to be helping. It's time for something better."

She added, "So I'll be fighting with Bernie  and I hope with all of you  to pass Medicare-for-all and finally give every American access to affordable, good quality health care."

Gillibrand has long supported single-payer health insurance. Dating back to 2006 when she first ran for Congress, she endorsed the idea of allowing anyone to buy into Medicare.

When Democrats were drafting health care legislation in 2009, Gillibrand backed a public option. The final version of the measure, the Affordable Care Act, didn't include a public option when it was signed by President Barack Obama in 2010.

The Sanders' Medicare-for-all bill will include a provision written by Gillibrand that establishes a not-for-profit public option during the four-year transition period to the single-payer system.

"This would create an affordable, public health care plan that's available to any American to purchase through the already-existing insurance exchanges," she said.

The timing of the Medicare-for-all push comes as Republicans in Congress continue to push for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Attempts to dismantle portions of the bill have failed, but House and Senate GOP leaders remain committed to eliminating the law known as "Obamacare."

Sanders' Medicare-for-all bill won't pass in the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans. A similar bill has been introduced in the House and has 117 cosponsors  all Democrats.
Internationally televised, Emmy-nominated television show Fishing University will soon make Cookeville-Putnam County home, filming two episodes to air in 2018 and featuring not only area lakes, but local dining, activities and attractions. The film crew, along with hosts/fishing legends Charlie Ingram and Ray Brazier, will arrive in late October, fishing and filming on area lakes with Center Hill Lake already confirmed.

Fishing University holds a viewership of more than 63 million households, airing in all 50 states as well as in 51 additional countries.

The Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau is serving as point for the project, viewing it as strategic marketing opportunity to reach a target audience of potential guests seeking an outdoor travel destination.

When Fishing University reached out to us with their proposal, we knew it would be a natural fit to accompany our other marketing and advertising efforts for 2018, said Zach Ledbetter, vice president of visitor development for the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau. We will not only be able to put a spotlight on the world-renowned fishing opportunities in our region, but also feature the community, culture and activities that guests can experience while visiting.

"Fishing University filming on beautiful area lakes is an exciting opportunity for Putnam County and the state, said Kevin Triplett, commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. This is a testament to the natural assets we have for professional and hobby anglers alike. They can wet a line in more than 50,000 miles of rivers and streams and a half-million acres of lakes. Being featured on Fishing University features those assets, exposes scenic outdoor destinations and gives visitors a chance to explore communities along the water. We are thrilled they have chosen Tennessee and Putnam County.

Within each 30-minute episode of the show, a 90-second promotional spot will be included. The spots will be created to mirror marketing efforts of the visitors bureau. Hosts Ingram and Brazier will also include numerous mentions of their location during each show.

In addition to filming promotional spots and fishing, the hosts and film crew will also present a one-hour program at local schools to share with area youth the importance of attaining an education and the outdoor career options available to them. The session will offer a Q & A time with discussion of majors such as communications, marketing, biology, wildlife management, and animal husbandry. Each school will have a 2-minute segment within the show.

We are proud to welcome Fishing University to Putnam County, said Ben Prine, chairman for the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau. Coverage such as this will be seen by an audience of anglers that travel and have expendable income which will be good from both a branding and economic impact perspective.

The competitive fishing show is packed with how-to tips and tricks of the trade, making it popular among competitive amateur and professional anglers. Viewers of World Fishing Network and the Outdoor and Sportsman Channels tend to spend more time on the water and are more active consumers than those of competing networks.




CAP Air Crew in Puerto Rico. Major Gary Fiser is second from the right Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 being fueled for mission Major Fiser flew to Puerto Rico on this U. S. Air Force Clipper C-40 Previous Next

Major Gary Fiser, a resident of Signal Mountain and volunteer member of the Civil Air Patrol, answered the call from CAPs Tennessee Wing headquarters last week and was flown to Puerto Rico to assist in photographic reconnaissance missions at the request of FEMA.

Leaving Chattanoogas Lovell Field early on Friday morning, he and the Tennessee Wing Group 2 Commander, Captain Deming Gray, flew one of CAPs Cessna 182s to Tyndall Air Force Base near Tallahassee, Fl. From there Major Fiser boarded a Boeing C-40 Clipper, a military version of the Boeing 737 operated by the U. S. Air Force and was flown, along with five other CAP members, to Isla Grande Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Major Fiser said the locals were very gracious and made him, and the other five members of the mainland based team feel welcome. Major Fiser said The squadron there is small, and many of the members had already been tasked with disaster relief and tending the needs of other storm victims. They really appreciated our efforts there.

While there, Major Fiser was tasked to an aircrew and served as airborne photographer for two days of photographic reconnaissance flights, capturing digital photographs of the storm damage on some of the islands around Puerto Rico including St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Vieques, and some of the less inhabited islands. Once the images were captured, processed and delivered to FEMA, the mission was complete, and on Monday he was flown back to Tennessee.

Major Fiser said The islands of St Thomas and St John were hard hit by the hurricane, and most of the buildings were severely damaged or destroyed. The islands of St Croix and Vieques also sustained damage, though not as extensively. Please continue to keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers.

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Forces Total Force. In this role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 aircraft, performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually.

CAPs 57,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. CAP also plays a leading role in aerospace/STEM education, and its members serve as mentors to 24,000 young people participating in CAPs Cadet Programs. Visit www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.

Major Fiser has been a member of CAP for more than a decade, and has served as the Choo Choo Squadrons commander, and is currently our Group 2 Safety Officer, said Captain Deming Gray, Tennessee Wings Group 2 Commander. In addition to being a qualified mission pilot and airborne photographer, he frequently serves as mission safety officer, responsible for the safe execution of many of our search and rescue exercises. He is clearly a valuable member of our organization, and a fine example of the volunteer spirit of Tennessee.

Major Fiser is a local real estate investor and builder working in the Chattanooga area.




A Boeing 747 burns one gallon of jet fuel each second. A recent analysis from researchers at the University of Illinois estimate that this aircraft could fly for 10 hours on bio-jet fuel produced on 54 acres of specially engineered sugarcane.

Plants Engineered to Replace Oil in Sugarcane and Sweet Sorghum ( PETROSS ), funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E), has developed sugarcane that produces oil, called lipidcane, that can be converted into biodiesel or jet fuel in place of sugar that is currently used for ethanol production. With 20% oil - the theoretical limit - all of the sugar in the plant would be replaced by oil.

"Oil-to-Jet is one of the direct and efficient routes to convert bio-based feedstocks to jet fuel," said Vijay Singh, Director of the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory. "Reducing the feedstock cost is critical to improving process economics of producing bio-jet fuel. Lipidcane allows us to reduce feedstock cost."

This research analyzed the economic viability of crops with different levels of oil. Lipidcane with 5% oil produces four times more jet fuel (1,577 liters, or 416 gallons) per hectare than soybeans. Sugarcane with 20% oil produces more than 15 times more jet fuel (6,307 liters, or 1,666 gallons) per hectare than soybeans.

"PETROSS sugarcane is also being engineered to be more cold tolerant, potentially enabling it to be grown on an estimated 23 million acres of marginal land in the Southeastern U.S.," said PETROSS Director Stephen Long, Gutgsell Endowed Professor of Plant Biology and Crop Sciences at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois. "If all of this acreage was used to produce renewable jet fuel from lipid-cane, it could replace about 65% of national jet fuel consumption."

"We estimate that this biofuel would cost the airline industry $5.31/gallon, which is less than most of the reported prices of renewable jet fuel produced from other oil crops or algae," said Deepak Kumar, a postdoctoral researcher at Illinois, who led the analysis.

This crop also produces profitable co-products: A hydrocarbon fuel is produced along with bio-jet fuel or biodiesel that can be used to produce various bioproducts. The remaining sugar (for plants with less than 20% oil) could be sold or used to produce ethanol. In addition, biorefineries could use lipidcane bagasse to produce steam and electricity to become self-sustainable for their energy needs and provide surplus electricity, providing environmental benefits by displacing electricity produced with fossil fuels.

PETROSS (Plants Engineered to Replace Oil in Sugarcane and Sorghum) is a research project transforming sugarcane and sweet sorghum to naturally produce large amounts of oil, a sustainable source of biofuel. PETROSS is supported by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), which funds initial research for high-impact energy technologies to show proof of concept before private-sector investment.
Five Minutes With Damien Geter Audio Article Vocalist, composer and Richmond Symphony artist in residence Damien Geters musical roots sprouted when he was a boy in the Matoaca District of Chesterfield County, where he was raised and...
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As Florida residents fled Hurricane Irma over the weekend, some Tesla owners got a little surprise from the auto maker to help them get out of the danger zone.

On Saturday, Tesla began pushing a software update that increased the battery capacity of some Model S sedans and Model X SUVs. All the cars that received the update belonged to those living in what emergency officials had identified as the evacuation area.

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The real-time update extended the range of the cars by unlocking previously inaccessible battery power, meaning the vehicles could now go farther on a single charge. The change will not be permanent; Tesla said the temporary upgrade will be reversed on Sept. 16, presumably once the immediate danger has passed.

The decision reflects a key distinguishing feature of Tesla's business, one that could divide consumers as they think about the future of car ownership.

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The Model S and Model X vehicles updated on Saturday were all built with a 75 kilowatt-hour battery. At full capacity, that's enough for a Model S to travel roughly 250 miles.

When those cars were first sold, Tesla gave customers the option of a lower-capacity battery at a more affordable price, and some decided to take the savings rather than purchase the full, 75-kWh battery.

But downsizing didn't mean replacing the big battery with a physically smaller one; it just meant using a bit of computer code to restrict how much of the battery the car could access. If they wanted, they could later have Tesla lift the software lock by paying an additional fee, which can run into the thousands of dollars.

What happened this weekend is that Tesla temporarily lifted that software lock at no cost, after receiving requests for help from customers whose cars were stuck in Hurricane Irma-related traffic.

The decision highlights one of the most innovative aspects of owning a Tesla. The company's ability to add range instantly to a vehicle, using software, is something no conventional car can achieve. You can't simply make a gas tank bigger at the click of a button.

This isn't the first time Tesla has used wireless software updates to expand a car's capabilities. The total value of all the optional software upgrades Tesla now offers adds up to tens of thousands of dollars, according to some estimates. Nor is the concept of software-unlocks a novel one; from video-game expansion packs to premium Spotify subscriptions, software is now commonly used to expand the range of features available to us in other products.

What makes this use of the software key so interesting is that, for many consumers, this is the first time they've seen the practice extended to their cars. It forces us to think a bit differently about what it means to truly own a vehicle.

Tesla's decision to offer lower-priced cars with certain performance compromises could be viewed as expanding consumer choice and giving users flexibility. At the same time, because the underlying hardware remains the same no matter what level of software you've purchased, you could say that Tesla has locked the full potential of its vehicle behind an arbitrary paywall.

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This is a paradigm shift. When you buy any other car, you get its full capabilities. In many cases (though less so now than in decades past) you can open up the hood and tinker with everything yourself. This has historically been the way we've thought about buying a car. When you roll it off the lot, it's really yours -- you get the whole thing, and you can basically do with it whatever you want.

In Tesla's case, it's not quite the same. There is a community of amateur hackers who poke around inside their cars and sometimes make fascinating discoveries, but the company has a significant degree of control over the vehicles even if it doesn't exercise it all the time. As we've seen, Tesla can remotely install new software, including code that enables and disables features unilaterally.

This can be a gift, when getting caught with the "wrong" feature package risks putting you in a hurricane's way. At the same time, it highlights the tremendous power your car company can have over you, not to mention whether it's consumer-friendly for a company to charge you thousands of dollars to access hardware that takes just a few keystrokes to turn on. The debate has already taken off on Reddit.
Indignation over Equifax's massive customer data breach is sparking calls for a crackdown on that company and the credit reporting industry. Unfortunately, the odds of that happening are between slim and none.

Yes, some influential lawmakers are livid and demanding action. They're using the Equifax debacle in a push to punish and change a sector that's long been vilified by thousands of unhappy consumers.

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Yet without the support of a Republican-led Congress and White House, which both prefer dumping financial industry regulations to crafting new ones, there's little reason to anticipate approval of more muscular consumer protections.

Already, Wall Street knows the score. Investors expect Equifax to get a slap on the wrist, in the form of a fine, and then it's back to business as usual.

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"It is highly likely that the company will have to pay a substantial fine, but historically, fines for these matters have been manageable," wrote Brett Horn, a Morningstar senior equity analyst, in a Friday report on Equifax.

If past is prologue, the U.S. credit bureau business doesn't have to fret much about a regulatory invasion, despite the Equifax uproar.

The U.S. government tends to be reactive  not proactive  when dealing with what is an oligopoly of three big players: Equifax, Experian and Chicago-based TransUnion.

In recent years, the Federal Trade Commission has sued all three nationwide credit reporting agencies for nearly $3 million in civil penalties, according to the FTC's website.

That's a mere $3 million sliced three ways over time.

It's like getting a ticket for jaywalking.

These credit reporting agencies don't work directly for you and me.

Instead, they sell their wares to banks and other companies seeking sensitive financial information and credit scores on customers applying for mortgages, auto loans and other types of credit.

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The Equifax computer breach, which affects about 143 million consumers, is emboldening authorities at the federal and state level to push for more consumer rights.

One storyline emerging in the Equifax drama is the curtailing of mandatory arbitration clauses.

In July, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said financial players under its jurisdiction, including credit reporting agencies, should not be allowed to prevent customers from joining class-action lawsuits.

The watchdog agency says consumers have a right to participate in such legal actions despite having already entered into a basic user agreement  the fine print most of us never read  with a credit rating agency or other financial service company that requires the arbitration of disputes.

The bureau's idea is to give consumers a choice of using arbitration or the legal system.

House Republican lawmakers quickly voted to kill that rule and the measure  backed by the White House  is now before the Republican-controlled Senate, which is expected to soon vote on the matter. Before the Equifax breach, overturning the CFPB's ruling was considered likely, but now it's more of a toss-up.

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Nonetheless, don't be surprised if Senate Republicans find a way to go along with the House's decision  even if it means cooking up a procedural detour to table the actual vote until the Equifax scandal dies down.

Why such a cynical view? Two words: Wells Fargo.

The California-based bank continues to disclose more fraudulent customer accounts  now over 3 million and counting. While the scandal unfolds, congressional Republicans are working hard to diminish consumer protections by drastically undercutting the CFPB's independence and funding.

With Wells Fargo as a backdrop, it's difficult to envision how the Republican congressional majority is going to step up, especially regarding the repeal of mandatory arbitration.

Not only does the credit reporting oligopoly depend on the arbitration dodge, so do other industries that require similar customer restrictions, including credit cards, airlines, cell phone providers, pay TV and many more.

That's a lot of vested interests, and campaign supporters, for Congress to confront and tick off.

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In Illinois, a Democratic-sponsored bill was introduced Wednesday to make credit freezes free for residents of the state in hopes of hindering new account identity theft.

Seven states already have laws making credit freezes free, but if this initiative passes the General Assembly, it could be tough for pro-business Gov. Rauner to sign into law.

As of last February, the credit reporting industry tallied approximately 185,700 consumer complaints, reports the CFPB, which has tracked such data since 2012.

The most common problem reported is inaccurate information on individual accounts along with the inability to get mistakes corrected.

Now, we get to deal with getting hacked.

Wall Street is right.

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Chances are that Equifax will get slapped with a fine, suffer an executive suite shake-up and be pressured by its corporate customers to beef up its security and systems.

That's probably where it will end  until the next humongous data breach occurs and we get outraged all over again.

roreed@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @reedtribbiz
MINNEAPOLIS  HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines are teaming with Target to roll out a new home and lifestyle brand.



The partnership was announced Tuesday afternoon to more than 12,000 Target employees attending the Minneapolis-based retailer's fall national meeting. The couple behind the show "Fixer Upper" appeared on stage at the employee event to relay the news.



The new brand, Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, will be exclusive to Target. It will launch Nov. 5 and will be a multiple-year partnership unlike Target's limited-time collaborations with celebrities and designers such as Victoria Beckham.



"We've always dreamed of working with a retailer to create a collection that could reach more people at a more affordable price point," Joanna Gaines said in a statement.



The brand is one of a dozen-plus exclusive brands Target will roll out over the next two years as part of its strategy to revive sluggish sales. It already has introduced two new clothing lines  A New Day, which will replace longtime brands Merona and Mossimo, and the men's clothing line Goodfellow & Co. It's also adding an affordable wine brand, a modern decor home line and a new athleisure brand.



"Partnering with Chip and Joanna to create a modern farmhouse collection available only at Target allows us to offer an aesthetic we know our guests will love, and the quality and affordable prices can't be beat," Mark Tritton, Target's chief merchandising officer, said in a statement. "That's the magic of Target, and we can't wait for our guests to enjoy this collection for years to come."



Magnolia is the brand the couple use at their retail, dining, real estate and bed-and-breakfast businesses in Waco, Texas. It is a play off the name of their property, Magnolia Farms. The couple also license a line of furniture at Hom Furniture stores.



The line for Target will include more than 300 items in tabletop, home decor and giftables. Most of the items will be under $30.



Target flies in store managers and other employees from around the country for its annual meeting to energize them for the upcoming holiday season. In between presentations from Target's top executives, big-name musicians, including Demi Lovato, Rachel Platten, Fantasia and the X Ambassadors, also entertained the crowd.



The new brands are part of a broader strategy of Target's to strengthen its brick-and-mortar stores. The retailer also is renovating stores and lowering prices.
Chicago-based credit company Transunion is having difficulty keeping up with customer demand after Equifax's massive hack. (courtneyk / Getty Images/iStockphoto)

TransUnion continued to have problems with its website Wednesday, a day after the Chicago-based credit reporting bureau acknowledged that service had been subpar for worried consumers seeking help in the wake of the Equifax data breach.

TransUnion Chief Financial Officer Todd Cello told analysts Tuesday that the company's call centers and website quickly became "overwhelmed" after Atlanta-based rival Equifax disclosed a data breach affecting as many as 143 million Americans.

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TransUnion's call centers remained open over the weekend  they're usually closed  and the company also hired an outside contractor to help handle inquiries.

But Cello said that even by Tuesday "the response times and the abandon rates on the calls are still not where we'd want them to be."

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As of late Wednesday morning, consumers flocked to Twitter to express their frustration.

"#Transunion credit freeze system is down following #equifaxbreach Maybe they don't want millions of people opting out of their system?" tweeted @alexsheshunoff.

Meanwhile, personal finance writer Lynnette Khalfani-Cox tweeted: "My SS#/data got breached in #equifaxhack. @Equifax & @TransUnion can you both please FIX YOUR WEBSITES TODAY so I can do a #creditfreeze?!!"

In response to requests for comment Wednesday, TransUnion spokesman David Blumberg reiterated Cello's statements on the steps the company has taken to deal with "the unprecedented number of consumers contacting us," including "adding agents, keeping our call center open through the weekend and authorizing overtime."

"We encourage consumers to visit ... www.transunion.com/equifax-data-breach-faqs ... for more information on how to protect their identity," Blumberg added in an emailed statement.

Ramping up service will hit TransUnion's bottom line.

The added cost is "significant enough that we're watching it closely," Cello said at Barclays Global Financial Services Conference. "But the priority is now to make sure that we're helping the consumer through this time, so we're ultimately not sparing any expense."

At this point, TransUnion doesn't believe that it has been subjected to a similar cyberattack, Cello said.

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"We recently had a firm in that tried to penetrate our network," Cello said. "And then the learnings that we got out of that  we're always making course corrections."

On Monday, Equifax blamed Hurricane Irma for anticipated longer wait times at its call centers in the wake of the breach. Equifax said Friday that it tripled its call center team to more than 2,000 agents and that it continued to add agents.

byerak@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @beckyyerak
Paul Pater, an Illinois Nurses Association co-chief steward, explains the impact of the new tentative contract that he and other nurses reached with the University of Illinois Hospital, Sept. 13, 2017, in Chicago's Illinois Medical District. (Alyssa Pointer/Chicago Tribune) (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

The University of Illinois Hospital and about 1,200 of its nurses reached a new contract agreement early Wednesday, averting a planned strike.

The nurses had planned to picket in front of the hospital Wednesday, but the hospital and nurses, represented by the Illinois Nurses Association, reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract.

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"We are pleased that the INA has agreed not to pursue a one-day strike today as we work together with our nurses to ensure our patients' continued care and safety," said David Loffing, chief operating officer for the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, in a note posted on the system's website Wednesday.

It was expected that all but about 213 of the 1,200 nurses would strike Wednesday. A Cook County Circuit judge ruled last week that those 213 nurses, working in certain critical units, couldn't strike, after the hospital said that patients could be in danger if those nurses walked off the job.

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The agreement must still be ratified by the nurses and approved by the University of Illinois' board of trustees.

The union and hospital had been negotiating a new contract for months, disagreeing about issues including pay, job duties and working conditions. The union and hospital reached a similar eleventh-hour agreement about three years ago during negotiations over the last contract.

Nurse Anna De Los Santos appears jubilant Sept. 13, 2017, as she walks across the street to a Illinois Nurses Association tent providing free breakfast outside of the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago's Illinois Medical District. Nurses reached a tentative contract deal with the hospital early in the morning, averting a strike. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

lschencker@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lschencker
The Fulton Market District sign near Halsted Street welcomes patrons to the area's restaurants and bars and increasingly office workers as well. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Advertising giant WPP Group plans to move its Chicago offices to a proposed building in the Fulton Market district in a major deal that further cements the former meatpacking hub as an office market.

WPP has leased 253,000 square feet from developer Sterling Bay, which plans to put an office building on land it owns on Green Street along the edge of Halsted Street and the Kennedy Expressway, WPP confirmed.

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The deal means another big office building is coming to the fast-changing area, with this one expected to exceed a half-million square feet. WPP, which has 2,000 Chicago employees, said it plans to move to Fulton Market in 2020.

It is the fourth-largest office lease in downtown Chicago in 2017.

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WPP plans to consolidate in the building offices from multiple downtown properties, including the neighboring Merchandise Mart and River North Point.

It's unclear exactly how large a building Sterling Bay is planning on the site, but it's believed to be at least 500,000 square feet. Sterling Bay managing principal Andy Gloor declined to comment.

London-based WPP is the world's largest advertising company, with a roster of agencies in Chicago that includes Ogilvy & Mather, J. Walter Thompson, GroupM and Wunderman.

WPP said the new space will allow employees from different agencies to work together. WPP recently completed a similar consolidation in Shanghai and plans shared offices in Madrid and Amsterdam.

WPP is the latest big tenant Sterling Bay has coaxed to the area in recent years, as the district has shifted from meatpackers and food wholesalers to office tenants, high-end restaurants, boutique hotels and retail shops.

Sterling Bay brought Google's Midwest headquarters to a redevelopment of a former cold storage building, and the Chicago developer is building Oak Brook-based McDonald's future headquarters nearby. Sterling Bay is close to completing its Fulton West office development, where tenants include online employment website Glassdoor and the North American headquarters of vacuum cleaner maker Dyson.

"It's another huge boon for the neighborhood," said Jack McKinney Jr., an office leasing broker at Cushman & Wakefield who is not involved in the WPP deal. "It adds another really respected corporate name to a growing list of respected corporate names. I don't know that the neighborhood needed further validation, but it bolsters its exposure and appeal as a place where progressive office tenants can find a home outside the Loop."

The lease is believed to be large enough for Sterling Bay to kick off construction just east of the former Coyne College building at Green and Wayman streets. Sterling Bay bought the two-story building and development land from the trade school for $25 million in July 2016.

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WPP was represented by Todd Lippman and Lisa Konieczka of CBRE.

Sterling Bay also owns several other existing buildings and development sites in Fulton Market.

Outside of that area, Sterling Bay is close to completing an approximately $680 million acquisition of the two-tower Prudential Plaza office complex near Millennium Park. The firm on Wednesday unveiled plans for a $10 billion redevelopment of the former A. Finkl & Sons steel plant and neighboring land along the Chicago River on the North Side, which it is calling Lincoln Yards.

rori@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @Ryan_Ori
If you were going to map your life through restaurants come and gone, where would you begin?

I'd begin with Ed Debevic's.

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In the mid-1980s, when I moved to Chicago, it was a new retro diner on the shabby edges of the gentrifying River North neighborhood, not fancy but trendy, and Chicagoans raved about it.

Have you been to Ed Debevic's? You've got to go to Ed Debevic's. You're gonna love Ed Debevic's.

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A friend who followed the tides of restaurant popularity more ardently than I did finally took me there, and though it wasn't a place I felt compelled to return to often, the buzz was infectious.

Ed Debevic's is gone now  demolished a couple of years ago to make way for a high-rise  but because it was the first "hot" Chicago restaurant I ever went to, it retains a significant spot on my life-through-restaurants memory map.

I started thinking about restaurants as a way to chart your life after reading a list of those that have closed in Chicago recently, or are about to.

Tru, mk, 42 Grams, Dixie, Perez, the Melrose Diner, Harold's Chicken Shack No. 2.

Those are just a few on a long list. Some were never the kind of hot spot that drew people from all over, but many were popular, if only in the neighborhood. Some didn't last long, but others did. For somebody, somewhere, they all probably represent a dot on a life-through-restaurants map.

Our early memories tend to be more vivid than ones acquired later in life, which may explain why I remember the restaurants from my first Chicago years more than recent ones.

There was Periwinkle, a cafe on Lincoln Avenue, back when that stretch of Lincoln, a little north of Fullerton Avenue, was full of bars and bookstores. The room was cozy, the food was good and the wait for lunch on the weekends could be ridiculous.

But Periwinkle, like the nearby bookstores, is in the restaurant graveyard, along with another of my early favorites, Jerome's.

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With its big, tree-shaded deck on North Clark Street, Jerome's was pleasant, affordable and often packed. That space has seen several reincarnations since and it's doubtful that the current clientele have ever heard of Jerome's.

Also prominent on my early Chicago restaurant memory map is Cafe du Midi, a tiny French place in Bucktown, which back then was a much more ragged neighborhood. Sitting under the tin ceiling, near the small wooden bar, with French songs in the air, felt like a trip to Paris.

In the years since, several hot restaurants have passed through that space on Damen Avenue. Another one recently moved in. The previous one lasted all of four years.

Pets live longer than a lot of restaurants.

Marche. Spago. Blackhawk. Como Inn. Tomboy. Hot Doug's. Hat Dance. Tizi Melloul. Cafe Bernard. Brasserie Jo.

Those are a few of the names people offered when I asked them to remember their first "hot" Chicago restaurant. R.I.P. to them all.

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"The first 'hot' Chicago restaurant I remember was Gordon," said Phil Vettel, the Tribune's longtime restaurant critic. "It was getting attention from local and national press (Metropolitan Home was particularly enamored of the restaurant), and a Tribune editor took my wife and me there for a wedding present. Gordon was on Clark Street, in what was then a fairly skeezy part of River North, and the dicey surroundings added to the thrill.

"I still remember the plaster-fist curtain tiebacks, the naughty artwork in the restrooms, and chef John Terczak's softshell crab in raspberry sauce (nouvelle cuisine was all the rage)."

Nouvelle cuisine is now passe, farm-to-table is all the rage, and like so many hot restaurants, Gordon is a place I never got around to. It did, however, last an impressive 22 years.

If many hot restaurants come and go as fast as celebrities, a few endure.

Angelina Ristorante, Shaw's Crab House, R.J. Grunts, La Villa Restaurant, La Creperie. They're among the restaurants people mentioned when I asked for memories of their first hot restaurant, and all have survived.

I encourage you to take your own trip through the restaurants of your past. Trade tales. It's a good way to tour where you and the city have been.

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mschmich@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @MarySchmich
Several attorneys with connections to the Auburn area have recently been honored in publications that highlight top lawyers.

Auburn native Katherine Ritts Schafer, an attorney with Syracuse-based Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC, has been placed on the 2017 Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for employment and labor law. This peer-selected list honors lawyers 40 years old and younger or those practicing law less than 10 years. Ritts Shafter represents private and public sector employers in a variety of industries related to issues such as employment discrimination and workplace harassment, wrongful discharge, civil rights litigation, employee discipline and layoffs, personnel policies, employee handbooks, employee and separation agreements, labor arbitration, unfair labor practice charges, collective bargaining and wage and hour issues.

Auburn native Ray DAgostino, an attorney with the Syracuse firm of Hancock Estabrook, LLP, was included in the publication The Best Lawyers in America as a top attorney in health law. DAgostino has been on this list each year since 1997. Formely chair of the firms Health Law Department, he represents hospitals, including Auburn Community Hospital and several others in central New York.

On the same list is another Hancock Estabrook attorney, Auburn resident Catherine Diviney, also in the area of health law. Diviney is a member of the firms executive committee who represents hospitals, nursing homes and physicians.

John P. McLane, of the Auburn firm Boyle & Anderson P.C., made the latest The Best Lawyers in America list in the area of trusts and estates. McLane has been included in the publication since 2013.
Since its launch in 2001, the Yellow Tail line of wines has hopped smartly to the front of the affordable wine pack. The brand's colorful wallaby-festooned label has spawned so many animal-themed wannabe's that a name for a whole new wine genre was coined: "critter wines."

Almost a decade old, Yellow Tail has become the most powerful Australian wine brand in the world, according to the Power 100 report of Intangible Business, a British consultancy firm. Yellow Tail ranks fourth among wine brands in the report, 34th in an overall ranking of alcoholic drink brands.

Yellow Tail is the No. 1 imported wine in the United States, according to the brand owners, Casella Wines. Thanks to Yellow Tail's success around the world, Casella has morphed from a small family operation into the country's second largest wine operation.

Yet, success doesn't always bring respect. People willing to dismiss Yellow Tail as amiable plonk may not realize that the brand has won numerous awards in wine competitions worldwide and that the Casella family offers various quality tiers for Yellow Tail, of which the reserve line is available in the United States.

John Casella, the winery's managing director since 1994, gets the credit for putting Yellow Tail and its iconic yellow-footed rock wallaby on the wine map in Australia and around the world. Here, in an e-mail exchange, he talks about reasons for the brand's success:

Q Yellow Tail is best known for its inexpensive line of wine in the United States and, I'm assuming, in most of the rest of the world too. While it's been an enormous money-maker, has that line, and the resulting image, hindered growth of your higher-quality lines?

A No, quite the contrary. Many consumers associate Yellow Tail with a sure value, a wine that is consistently very good at an affordable price. And that's true with all Yellow Tail product lines. Consumers also tell us that they are willing to spend more for different occasions, and they are really interested in a premium offering from Yellow Tail. That's where the reserve line comes into play: It gives them a way to access a premium wine offering with a more sophisticated and more complex flavor profile, yet it comes from a brand that they are familiar with, so there's a reassurance factor.

Q What's the biggest misconception about Yellow Tail? How do you address that?

A That Yellow Tail's success and popularity is only due to a cute, eye-catching label and good marketing. We address it by staying true to our core principles, and one of the most fundamental ones is never compromising on quality, and never selling a product that we are not proud of. We go to great length to make sure that Yellow Tail is consistent from year to year and from bottle to bottle, and that it delivers against our consumers' expectations. The label and marketing can help to generate trial, but if the quality of the product does not meet or exceed consumers' expectations, they will not come back, and that's not a long-term winning proposition.

Q Think of American wine drinkers. What should they know before going out shopping for a bottle of Australian wine?

A Price does not necessarily equal quality. Try a number of different varietals and go back to the ones that give you the most satisfaction. Look for wines that source grapes from multiple regions. For example, the Yellow Tail reserve range offers consistency year after year as we source our fruit from multiple wine regions across South Eastern Australia rather than solely from one region that may not have experienced a good vintage. Not all brands are the same and there is a difference inside the bottle, so let your personal experience guide you.

Q There's been a big slump in sales of Australian shiraz. Why has that happened?

A A combination of consumers wanting to branch out and experiment with different wine varieties/styles as well as the rise of popular varietals such as Argentinean malbec  an increasingly popular varietal at an affordable price point.

Q Are there pockets in the syrah/shiraz market that offer cause for optimism?

A Most definitely, particularly those from the cooler climate regions such as the Grampians, Eden Valley, Orange and Heathcote. The shiraz coming out of these regions is more aromatic and delicate  a finer style than those found in other regions.

wdaley@tribune.com

Yellow Tail linesAvailable lines in the U.S. (prices are approximate):

Yellow Tail: Cabernet sauvignon; chardonnay, available either oaked or unoaked; merlot; pinot grigio; pinot noir; riesling; rose; sauvignon blanc; shiraz; cabernet-merlot; shiraz-cabernet; shiraz-grenache. (The moniker, "Tree-Free" on the unoaked chard was coined by Jared Kendall of Baton Rouge, La., winner of a Facebook naming contest.) Price: $8

Sparkling: Sparkling rose; sparkling white. Price: $10

Reserve: Cabernet sauvignon; chardonnay; merlot; pinot grigio; shiraz. Price: $12
Lamb shanks with roasted onions is a homey dish that Sol Danino would serve to family for Rosh Hashana. (Food styling by Mark Graham.) (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune )

A fresh approach to Rosh Hashana (the observance begins at sundown Sept. 20) brings lamb to the table, a Sephardic family custom from Shoshana (Shoshy) Mor and her older brother Yoram Danino, who now live in Skokie. They were born and raised in Israel on Moshav Mivtahim, a collective farm where their parents, Sol and Yosef Danino, had found a safe home a long way from the anti-Semitism and hatred from Arab neighbors in their native Morocco.

Why lamb? "That's what was there, lamb and goats, raised by Arabs in nearby Gaza," said Sol Danino. "We would get a few of them at 2 to 3 weeks old, mix powdered milk with water, feed them through a nipple slipped on top of a beer bottle."

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When the young were weaned, Yoram Danino's job was to walk them on a long rope, then tie the animals to a stake he put in the weeds. Before leaving for school, he filled a bucket of water, leaving the animals to walk around, still tied to the post.

Over many phone calls to her mother, Sol, in Israel, Mor translated their conversations for me. "Lamb was the cheapest way to feed a family and get as much meat as possible. It was nothing to do with the Torah," referring to the Book of Genesis and the binding of Isaac, a story read on Rosh Hashana about Abraham's intended sacrifice of his son. A ram caught in a thicket appeared, and it was sacrificed instead.

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Ashkenazim in America do cook lamb for Rosh Hashana, but it depends on their tradition, explained Joan Nathan, the doyenne of worldwide Jewish cooking, in an email. "Many Conservative and Orthodox Jews won't cook lamb, especially roast lamb, as it reminds them of the destruction of the first temple. However, it is not a law and loads of Jews, even Conservative ones, are now making it for the holidays."

"The shochet (rabbi)  he always looked like an old man to me," said Danino as he reconstructed the killing of the lamb, a scene he had witnessed more than 50 times.

You might cringe all the way through each beat of a kosher kill, and I probably did, yet Danino was unfazed, and talked about his appetite  for the intestines or a barbecued tail. His eyes widened. "A big round tail."

"And full of fat," his sister Mor chimed in.

"The most delicious dish, it's called the ... the ..." He faltered for the English translation.

Knowing they ate the whole animal, I offered up "stomach?"

"Yes! Stomach! Where all the food they just ate sits," Danino was excited.

Again, Mor's words caught other details. "But it's washed out in water before you eat it."

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On the eve of Rosh Hashana, they had fish first, then bone-in lamb, their version of osso buco, served with rice and small potatoes. For lunch the next day, the lamb was barbecued and served with couscous made from scratch.

Although a lamb's tail might not make it to your holiday table this year, perhaps the shanks would offer a delicious change from brisket?

Peggy Wolff is a freelance writer.

Moroccan-style lamb shanks

Prep: 40 minutes

Cook: 2 hours, 30 minutes

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Makes: 6 servings

When the family lived in Israel, Sol Danino served lamb for the first night of Rosh Hashana, Erev Chag, and for lunch the following day. Since there was no freezer, every part of the animal was used, providing enough meat for the two-day holiday, intestines for casing some ground meat pieces, internal organs such as the heart and liver, and skin for a drum called darbuka.

1/4 cup vegetable oil

6 lamb shanks, about 14 ounces each, bone-in, don't trim fat

Salt to taste

6 large onions, sliced

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3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/2 tablespoon turmeric

1/2 tablespoon white pepper

3 tablespoons granulated beef bouillon or 9 instant beef bouillon cubes

1/3 cup blanched, sliced almonds without skins

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1 Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place a wide skillet on medium to medium-high heat; coat the bottom with the oil. Season the lamb shanks generously with salt. In two batches, sear both sides of the lamb shanks, 3-5 minutes per side.

2 Transfer the meat to a platter, leaving the liquid in the pan; cook the onions on medium until golden brown, about 18 minutes.

3 Mix brown sugar, spices and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl; stir the mixture into the onions; add the beef bouillon. Mix well.

4 Using two ungreased baking pans, layer each in this order: a thin layer of onions on the bottom, then lamb shanks, then top with more onions. Cover with foil. Bake until lamb is tender, 2 hours.

5 To toast almonds, spread them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in the oven until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle over the shanks before serving.

Nutrition information per serving: 601 calories, 27 g fat, 7 g saturated fat, 181 mg cholesterol, 26 g carbohydrates, 13 g sugar, 62 g protein, 1,406 mg sodium, 4 g fiber

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Variation: Braising

In the test kitchen, we also had good results braising the lamb. To do so, in step 4, use 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth instead of the buillion. Pour the onion mixture into a large Dutch oven. Add the lamb shanks. Bake, covered, at 300 degrees until lamb is tender, about 2 1/2 hours.

Tinzia is a dish of dried fruit, in this case figs, prunes, apricots and raisins, seasoned with spices and simmered until tender and flavorful. (Food styling by Mark Graham.) ( Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune )

Tinzia (aka tinziya)

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: 40 minutes

Makes: 8 to 10 servings

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Shoshy Mor makes this side dish at Rosh Hashana to serve with lamb. In Israel, it's a very popular sweet dish served at other celebrations, like weddings.

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 large or 3 medium onions, sliced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup dried figs

1 cup prunes

1 cup dried apricots

1/2 cup dark raisins

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1/2 cup golden raisins

3 tablespoons brown sugar

3/4 cup sweet, red dessert wine, such as port

1 cup sliced, blanched almonds

1 Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, about 2 minutes. Add the onions; cook, stirring until they become translucent, about 2 minutes.

2 Add the salt, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon and nutmeg; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in the figs, prunes, apricots and both kinds of raisins. Cook and stir, about 2 minutes. Add the brown sugar and wine; heat to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pan and cook until the liquid is mostly evaporated and the fruit is soft, 30 minutes.

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3 Serve at room temperature, sprinkled with the almonds.

Nutrition information per serving (for 10 servings): 290 calories, 11 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 50 g carbohydrates, 34 g sugar, 5 g protein, 242 mg sodium, 6 g fiber

This beet and orange salad, garnished with pistachios, comes from Joan Nathans King Solomons Table. She likes to serve it at Rosh Hashana. You are supposed to serve at least seven vegetables for the new year, including beets, she writes. (Food styling by Mark Graham.) (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune )

Moroccan beet and orange salad

Prep: 1 hour, plus resting time

Cook: 1 hour

Makes: 8 to 10 servings

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This tasty side dish from Joan Nathan's latest cookbook, "King Solomon's Table," is a bright and colorful salad she loves to serve at Rosh Hashana. "According to the Gemara," Nathan writes, a component of the Talmud written in the year 200, "you are supposed to serve at least seven vegetables for the new year, including beets." If you can find the candy-striped Italian Chioggia beets at your farmers market, they are beautiful and don't bleed red.

6 to 8 medium beets

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 to 3 navel oranges

Juice of 1 lemon

2 cloves garlic, minced

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1 teaspoon ground cumin, or to taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons chopped green pistachios

1 Heat oven to 350 degrees. Rinse the beets, rub them with the olive oil, wrap them in foil and put them on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast them until tender when poked with a fork, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and allow to cool. When cool enough to handle, peel the beets and cut into bite-size pieces.

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2 With a sharp knife, cut off the tops and bottoms of the oranges. Slice off the peel and the white pith, and cut in between the white membranes to extract individual segments.

3 In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in the olive oil, then toss with the beets. Let sit for a few hours at room temperature. Just before serving, add the orange segments, and sprinkle with the parsley and pistachios for color.

Nutrition information per serving (for 10 servings): 118 calories, 9 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 9 g carbohydrates, 6 g sugar, 2 g protein, 158 mg sodium, 2 g fiber






As wine production goes, no one is going to catch up to California anytime soon (or even in the distant future), but one state  perhaps one that might surprise you (New York)  has enjoyed time recently in the No. 2 and 3 spots, trading runner-up honors in various years with Washington.

In either spot  2 or 3  New York is a state that produces a great deal of wine compared with most others, and because of where it is situated (ie, the northeast), it has a winemaking history that dates back centuries. Although New York wines are not readily available all across the country, they are worth getting to know.

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New York state has been blessed with many things, but one of them is not California sunshine. Nonetheless, the state does get plenty of sun and has been able to produce red wines with success, even as it continues to turn out its more-famous whites, notably its sought-after rieslings in styles ranging from crisp and dry to sweet. New York also turns out some good versions of chardonnay. More whites than reds are produced in New York, but don't count out the reds before you try them. Some have been turning heads for years. We're talking about merlot, cabernet franc, pinot noir and, to some extent, cabernet sauvignon.

These, of course, are all traditional wine grapes  both white and red  but New York also has a history with native and hybrid grape varieties. Among those, the white grape seyval blanc leads the way. Two other white hybrids, vidal blanc and vignoles, are stars in many of the state's notable dessert wines, which are produced both with late-harvest grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea (aka "noble rot"), and as ice wines. In the case of the latter, ice-capped grapes are picked well into the wintertime. Not surprisingly, considering New York's generally cooler climate, the state also produces good sparkling wines.

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Wine styles aside, three regions stand out among the rest: Finger Lakes, Hudson River and Long Island. Named for the long and narrow deep-water lakes that resemble their namesake, the Finger Lakes region is the largest wine region in the state, and home to the New York Wine & Culinary Center. It is also the highest-producing region and perhaps the most well-known. Riesling is the prized grape variety and wine style there, but the area's sparkling wine is also renowned. Rose, too. Other notable styles include pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet franc and viscous, nectary ice wines.

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

There are more wineries in the Finger Lakes region than any other region in New York, and the majority of them are clustered around the area's four central lakes: Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga. Within the region, there are three official appellations, including the Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area), Cayuga Lake AVA and Seneca Lake AVA. All of this lies southeast of Rochester and southwest of Syracuse, in the western half of the state.

The Hudson River region, which includes the Hudson River AVA, is home to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and scores of farms and other culinary producers. As such, it occupies a distinguished position in the country's culinary tradition. No one should be surprised then that this area north of New York City also turns out good wine  or that it is home to the oldest winery in the United States. That operation, Brotherhood Winery, was established in 1839. (There's some bar trivia for you.) Chardonnay is one of the most successful grapes being produced in the Hudson River AVA today.

More than just an extension of New York City, a collection of middle-class suburbs and a bevy of beachy mansions, Long Island is also home to several dozen wineries. It all began there in 1973, when the first vineyard was planted about a two-hour's drive from Manhattan. Now, the Long Island region, which enjoys a maritime climate, is home to three distinct appellations: the Long Island AVA, the Hamptons AVA and the North Fork AVA  all on the eastern end of the island (and yes, that's the end where those celebrity mansions are). The region turns out good wines in a wide variety of styles, from sauvignon blanc to cabernet sauvignon, with lots in between.

West of the Finger Lakes, the Lake Erie region is named for yet another lake, but you already knew about that one. The Lake Erie AVA sprawls beyond the New York border and also includes portions of Pennsylvania and Ohio (two other top 10 wine-producing states, believe it or not). The Niagara Escarpment region, which is also an AVA, was established in 2005. It hugs the southern shoreline of Lake Ontario in the western reaches of the state. Finally, the fledgling Champlain Valley of New York region and AVA received its official appellation status in 2016. It is home to a handful of wineries, at this point, and runs parallel to the Vermont border all the way north to the border the U.S. shares with Canada.

Wine can't do well just anywhere, but when the conditions are right, as they can be in many spots in New York, it can do quite well. The wines that come from the Empire State are worth your attention.

food@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @pour_man






The artist Christo talks about his 1969 wrap project at the Museum of Contemporary Art when the museum was still on Ontario Street. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

Christo appears on the broad steps of the Museum of Contemporary Art, caught for a moment against the glassy facade, amid a clot of tourists as he reaches the door. Through the glass he catches the eye, his lavender shirt with its crisp white collar, visible in a neat triangle beneath his khaki safari jacket. His shoes are well-polished black oxfords, stylish in spite of his age. His hair, white at 82, waves like an unruly flag, a signature nod to some other-ness  a person you might pass on the street and wonder about: Eccentric academic? No. Film director? Perhaps.

The obstruction passes, and he is met by museum staff who shepherd him behind the scenes, a benevolently amused honored visitor, passing through a momentary blockage.

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Christo  who with his late wife, Jeanne-Claude, is best known for creating iconic works of environmental art such as 2005's "The Gates," in New York's Central Park, or 1985's "The Pont Neuf Wrapped," in Paris  is visiting the MCA to commemorate the museum's 50th anniversary and one of his first large-scale works in the U.S., "Wrapped Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago" in which he wrapped the MCA in canvas, completed in a blustery January when the museum was still in its infancy.

Yet, though reminiscence is in order, Christo is in forward motion  and perhaps more relevant than ever. "Artist is not a profession," he says, "it's an existence."

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Last year, his "Floating Piers" project on Lake Iseo, Italy, drew 1.2 million visitors. "Watching the reactions of the people," says gallery owner Isabelle Bscher, "it was like Jesus walking on the water or something  it was incredible." Bscher's Galerie Gmurzynska is offering original Christo drawings of the wrapped MCA project, never shown in Chicago before, at this week's Expo Chicago. They are expected to sell for $450,000 to $850,000  the artist finances his projects through sales of such work, never accepting commissions.

"We have to be sincere to ourselves," he says, "and so we never do commissioned work and I'm very radical in that way. It makes many people in the art milieu think I'm crazy. But I'm not crazy, it's my artistic freedom."

In January, in the midst of an outcry over the Trump administration's planned slashing of arts and humanities funding, he exercised that freedom by quietly posting a note on his website announcing that he was pulling out of a project he had been working on for 20 years. Though he insists he had lost interest in the project, which involved stretching fabric panels over the Arkansas River in Colorado, he notes that "the project was all on federal land, you know. And I wasn't going to deal with the new administration." Other artist protests may have been louder, but Christo's felt significant. By some measures, the project was tantalizingly close to realization. And the artist's investment in it had already reached $15 million.

"Some artists were protesting to get publicity or attention for themselves," says Bscher, "but he was very elegant with what he did. He is a very refined person, like an Old World gentleman."

Still, "Christo was very upset," says Scott Hodes, Chicago attorney and Christo's legal adviser and close friend since 1964. "He feels very strongly that art is imbued in our society, it's what helps us hang on to our humanity. And when he saw what the administration was doing, he said, 'I can't do this anymore.'"

Publicly, Christo declines to elaborate on the politics of his decision. "All interpretations are legitimate," he says, adopting a sly version of the artist's classic response. "People can interpret my decision any way they like and it is legitimate." But in removing the work itself, he has left in its place a different kind of art  that of a resounding, pointed silence.

"I escaped from a communist country (Czechoslovakia)," Christo says, talking on the phone from the building in Manhattan where he and Jeanne-Claude lived since they arrived in the U.S. in 1964. "And I will never give up one millimeter of my freedom." He owns the building, which the couple, who spent three years in the U.S. illegally, bought after Christo became a U.S. citizen in 1973. It houses his studio (on the fifth floor, a walk-up) and living space. He works standing, with no assistant, completing the drawings, collages and models that give shape to his monumental ideas. He has refused to add an elevator.

Those who know him understand his fiercely independent, exacting nature, and rely on the accompanying twitch of wry humor. Hodes, who met the artist not long after he and Jeanne-Claude moved to New York, considers Christo a brother and remembers the pair in 1964 as "this incredible couple. And she was a gorgeous woman." Charmed, he assisted them with an immigration question, and "that was the start of a friendship that's still going strong over 50 years later," he says.

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Hodes' life as a corporate attorney was changed in 1968, when he got a call from Jeanne-Claude asking for help with a Chicago project  the wrapping of the MCA. Born in Bulgaria and freshly arrived from Paris, Christo spoke hardly any English, yet the artists and their young attorney plunged into the murky world of Chicago city government. "First," Christo says, "we had to get approval from the Fire Department. There was always something with the Fire Department."

Concerns about the canvas that would cover the museum were eventually set aside, and with Hodes' help, the necessary permissions were granted. In January 1969, Christo began wrapping the museum building with heavy, dark canvas, securing it with ropes. "It made very gothic folds," he says. "I was very excited to do this project in the winter, because I was thinking to have a snow, so the snow would come down in the folds of the fabric. And we had a snow, it made a beautiful effect." Inside the museum, the artists used painters' canvas drop cloths to cover the floor and a staircase, enveloping the space.

Reactions ranged from astonishment to confusion. "I had never been involved in anything like this before," says Hodes, who has handled legal matters for every Christo and Jeanne-Claude project since, "but I was thrilled. And I'm sure people must have thought, 'What is that artist doing?'"

Chicagoans had to remove their shoes before walking around inside.

"In the evening when the guard tried to be sure that nobody remained in the museum," Christo says, "the fabric was making it a very silent and very pristine space, and he went down the stairway and he found a young couple making love in the drop cloth." He pauses: "That project was very inspirational."

Christo and Jeanne-Claude have often pointed out that the palette of materials they draw on in creating iconic environmental works has enormous range: Fabric, construction materials, people and even the governmental gears of approval processes, public meetings, environmental impact studies. "My art is involving everything," says Christo. "Much more than any other artist, my art is involved with the real world, with politics and real governors, senators, parliamentarians. I am probably exposed to the real world much more than any other artist." He is particularly proud that his proposal to wrap Germany's Reichstag, which houses that country's parliament, was approved in 1995 over the objections of powerful chancellor Helmut Kohl. "No other artist can say that."

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"For many many months, sometimes 25 years, the work physically does not exist," says Christo, "but already has a participatory public. 'The Gates' (in Central Park, which was realized in 2005) took 26 years, for 26 years people were thinking about that project, it will be beautiful, be ugly. We like to have that energy to carry the work."

"In so many ways, what Christo has to deal with is all bureaucracy," says MCA chief curator Michael Darling. "It's a lot of dealing with these bureaucratic hurdles to be able to do these projects." But, he adds, "Social awareness of all kinds is what gives art power and strength. It binds the artist to the general public. It's when artists become too hermetic and cut off from common experience that I worry. His work has developed in such a way that it's more open and inviting over time."

It's true: More recent projects such as "The Gates" and 2016's "Floating Piers" beckoned visitors almost irresistibly, leaving an impression of wonder. In a document on their website written by Jeanne-Claude before her death from a brain aneurysm in 2009, she adds to the list of the artists' materials "the quality of love and tenderness that human beings have for what does not last.  For instance, if someone were to say, 'Oh, look on the right, there is a rainbow,' one would never answer, 'I will look at it tomorrow.' "

"This is something very basic, but very important," says Christo, "that our projects happen once in a lifetime. That one moment happens, you cannot experience it unless you are there. It's one moment. Like our life."

cdampier@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @csdampier

[ Related: Expo Chicago is back, and, according to Tony Karman, more necessary than ever  ]

[ 10 must-see galleries at Expo Chicago  ]







Watch the latest movie trailers.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
A press release describes a story of five college pals who return to the summer home of their youth for their scientist friends funeral. Grief turns to terror when they realize their reunion is not at all what it seems.

Film locations will be in Evanston, Fox Lake, Ingleside and Wonder Lake. In addition to Preston, the cast includes local theater actors such as Rusty Schwimmer, Steppenwolf ensemble member Robert Breuler, Roslyn Alexander and Tim Decker. Screenwriter-co-star Kofoed is a theater actor with Broadway credits that include Proof and Night Must Fall.

The press release also made note of the films gender and racially diverse cast and crew, adding that we intend to do out part in encouraging balance in Hollywood.
A movie for the difficult domestic partner in all of us, "Mother!" will surely blow some people's minds while alienating a healthy share of moviegoers just for sport, the way the hit of the moment, "It," wouldn't be caught dead trying.

Paramount Pictures can try to make "Mother!" look like a straight-up horror film all it likes. But at heart it's a wormy, increasingly outlandish portrait of a creative artist in torment, hard to live with when suffering from writer's block and considerably worse after it passes.

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In earth tones and paranoiac increments writer-director Darren Aronofsky delivers a damning critique of the artist/muse arrangement, even as he admits to its old-fashioned patriarchal simplicity. As tough as Aronofsky's being on himself here, while whipping up a pretty interesting fever dream of a movie, he appears to be sorting through some personal relationship matters throughout. As one critic said coming out of the Chicago screening: It'd be very interesting to hear a Blu-ray commentary track from Aronofsky's ex, Rachel Weisz.

Aronofsky and his "Mother!" leading lady, Jennifer Lawrence, are now a couple, so that's bound to stoke an extra element of interest in the film. Like Mia Farrow in "Rosemary's Baby," Lawrence is the audience conduit here, reacting (though without Farrow's bug-eyed hysterics; Lawrence's eyes do not bug) to the escalating weirdness in and around a couple's old farmhouse under renovation after a mysterious fire. The house sits in the middle of a bucolic nowhere. This is Eden, "Flip or Flop" division.

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Nobody has first or last names in Aronofsky's elemental fairy tale. Lawrence plays "Her" or "Mother," the wife, the poet's muse and the domestic goddess creating, as she says, a "paradise" for their life together. This is the first of many biblical inferences in "Mother!"

He, or "Him," is played by Javier Bardem. The opening minute puts him in the power position: We see a woman, burning alive; a charred house; a diamond pulled from the ashes and placed, by Bardem, on a display stand. What is this shiny thing?

Then we're into the story proper. It's morning. Things are cordial but a little off with Him and Her. He's preoccupied with the work he isn't doing, and hasn't shown any interest in lovemaking lately. "You've been working so hard," she says, sympathetically but warily. "Yeah, right," he replies.

An unexpected visitor arrives, played by Ed Harris. He's looking for a bed and breakfast. There's a hospital nearby; this man claims to be a doctor. The character seems to have wandered over from an Edward Albee play. ("Mother!" plays like a mashup of "A Delicate Balance" and "The Play About the Baby," thrown into a farmhouse edition of "Rosemary's Baby.") The man turns out to be an ardent fan of the husband's published poetry. Michelle Pfeiffer soon appears at the front door as the visitor's tart-tongued, callously inquisitive wife. She's very funny here; it's her best role and best work in years.

More strangers arrive. The grown sons of the characters played by Pfeiffer and Harris, played by real-life brothers (Domhnall and Brian Gleeson), appear one after the other, squabbling over a family will, complaining about who loved whom more from the beginning. (Bible reference alert!) From there we're in full-on spoiler territory, though "Mother!" can't be described as a mystery, exactly: It's a sweaty depiction of a relationship coming apart in nervously compressed, speeded-up time.

Visually the movie stays close to Lawrence's face (in close-up for roughly half of the slightly protracted two-hour running time). Aronofsky and his ace cinematographer, Matthew Libatique, counter the close-ups with behind-the-shoulder shots  you may remember the technique from Aronofsky's most conventional picture, "The Wrestler" with Mickey Rourke  restricting our point of view so that we see what the wife sees, in little swish pans left and right. When the guests start arriving we never get a consistent sense of where they are in the old house, or what they're up to.

I'd see "Mother!" again just for sound designer Paula Fairfield's array of whooshing and whumping noises, accentuating every door that opens and closes. Editor Andrew Weisblum sharpens the edges of even the simplest dialogue sequences, though much of the picture ditches dialogue altogether.

Aronofsky wrote the script in a quick burst, and it plays that way. He's enough of a writer to send his angst flying in all directions. The movie's grandiose and narcissistic and, in quick strokes, pretty vicious. In his biggest hit to date, "Black Swan," the fantasy/reality games were nice and simple: Is the ballerina imagining things, or not? "Mother!" starts that way but goes crazier.

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The poster image for "Mother!" depicts Lawrence's face as a disintegrating statue, a mythical Galatea to Bardem's Pygmalion. I'm not sure if the movie is a love letter or a write-off, but Lawrence and company inhabit the florid absurdity with fierce commitment. The inevitable disappointing CinemaScore exit polls aside, it's worth seeing  if you don't mind a little insanity in escapism that offers no escape, only the promise of a new fairy tale on another page.

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

mjphillips@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @phillipstribune

"Mother!"  3 stars

MPAA rating: R (for strong disturbing violent content, some sexuality, nudity and language)

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Running time: 2:01

Opens: Thursday evening

[ RELATED: From 2010, the Tribune's Michael Phillips reviews Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan"  ]

[ From 2014, Tribune review of Aronofsky's wacko religious epic "Noah"  ]

[ Report from Venice film festival, where "Mother!" made its world premiere  ]







Watch the latest movie trailers.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
Abdul Wali Muhammad (formerly known as Eric P. Saunders) says Chance the Rapper's song "Windows" from his 2012 debut mixtape "10 Days" samples Muhammad's song, "Bridge Through Time," without permission. (Chicago Tribune Graphics) (Chicago Tribune)

Chance the Rapper is being sued for copyright infringement by a New York lawyer and jazz musician who claims the Chicago rapper sampled a "significant portion" of his work on the song "Windows" without permission.

Abdul Wali Muhammad filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday in Chicago accusing the rapper of "blatant and willful infringement" of the copyrighted song, "Bridge Through Time" on "Windows," a song from Chance the Rapper's 2012 debut mixtape "10 Day."

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Muhammad has asked a federal judge to order Chance, whose real name is Chancelor Bennett, to stop "copying, distributing, performing, selling or offering to sell" the song.

Lonnie Liston Smith recorded "Bridge Through Time" in 1980 and released it on Columbia Records. His version of the song has been sampled by at least 13 artists, including Jay Z and Big K.R.I.T., according to www.whosampled.com/.

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Muhammad composed "Bridge Through Time" and registered the copyright on May 21, 1979, according to the lawsuit. His attorney claims he contacted Chance's legal team in May about copyright infringement but that "Chance failed and refused to take any action to halt access to the infringing song."

A lawyer for Chance the Rapper did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Chance initially self-distributed the "10 Day" mixtape by passing it around to friends on the street. It has never been for sale but was mistakenly uploaded to iTunes and Apple Music in January, according to online journal Pitchfork. The rapper promised it would be taken down, and tweeted that "10day was fraudulently put on iTunes and applemusic. It'll be down shortly. 10day and acid rap will always be inclusive, elusive and free."

10day was fraudulently put on iTunes and applemusic. It'll be down shortly. 10day and acid rap will always be inclusive, elusive and free  Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) January 8, 2017

Chance the Rapper won three Grammy awards in February and headlined Lollapalooza in August. His 2016 album "Coloring Book" was the first album to debut on the Billboard 200 chart based entirely on streams.

The complaint describes Muhammad, formerly known as Eric P. Saunders, as a jazz musician, composer and bandleader who has performed with several musicians and who has scored for television. He now practices criminal and civil rights law in New York.

nmoreno@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @nereidamorenos

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 126 Woody introduces the gang to a homemade spork toy with self-esteem issues in "Toy Story 4." Read the review. (Pixar / AP)
Vic Mensa performs at the Perry's stage during Lollapalooza 2017. (Roger Morales / Hoy)

Riot Fest returns to Douglas Park this weekend with dozens of bands arrayed across five stages over three days. Here's a quick guide to some of each day's highlights:

Friday

Tobacco, 12:35 p.m., Riot Stage: The Black Moth Super Rainbow alum goes into full-on freak-out mode on his analog-synth-soaked solo material.

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Saul Williams, 2:45 p.m., Rise Stage: Poet, activist, actor and a rabble-rousing genre-mixer with a political edge.

Vic Mensa, 7:25 p.m., Rise Stage: The gifted MC brings a potent political and personal perspective to his music, from "16 Shots" to "Memories on 47th Street."

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Nine Inch Nails, 8:30 p.m., Riot Stage: Trent Reznor is in the midst of a trilogy of EP releases as he revives his machine-rock behemoth.

Saturday

Peaches, 2:35 p.m., Riot Stage: The feminist provocateur combines dance beats with biting humor and wicked attitude.

Shabazz Palaces, 3:15 p.m., Radicals Stage: The Seattle duo, an offshoot of Digable Planets, injects hip-hop with psychedelic invention.

The Regrettes, 6 p.m., Heather Owen Stage: Lydia Night put her stamp on feminist rock with the anthemic "A Living Human Girl."

At the Drive-In, 7:40 p.m., Roots Stage: The reunited Texas avant-punks released their first album in 17 years earlier this year.

Wu Tang Clan, 8 p.m., Radicals Stage: The hip-hop collective has been more notable for its intergroup fussing and fighting lately than its music, but its '90s classics endure.

Queens of the Stone Age, 8:45 p.m., Riot Stage: Josh Homme puts new spark in his twisted stoner-rock musical cocktail on recent album "Villains."

Sunday

Beach Slang, 12:40 p.m., Riot Stage: James Alex and his heart-on-sleeve declarations of lost innocence fight for air over clanging guitars and drums.

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Dessa, 2 p.m., Rise Stage: The Minneapolis MC is a genre-blurring poet.

The Orwells, 3 p.m., Rise Stage: Come for the stage antics, stay for the songs of this steadily improving Chicago band.

Versus, 4 p.m., Heather Owen Stage: Among the more distinctive bands to emerge during the alternative-rock era, with sharp songwriting and whisper-to-roar guitar dynamics.

Cap'n Jazz, 4:25 p.m., Riot Stage: Influential '90s emo band amid one of its periodic reunions.

TV on the Radio, 6 p.m., Rise Stage: The ever-inventive Brooklyn band is due for a new album. Could this set be a preview?

Prophets of Rage, 7:40 p.m., Roots Stage: Chuck D, Tom Morello and company will bring the noise and the protest songs.

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Jawbreaker, 8:45 p.m., Riot Stage: Another coup for the festival, which played a role in prompting this pioneering '80s emo band to reunite after two decades on the sidelines.

Greg Kot is a Tribune critic.

greg@gregkot.com

Twitter @gregkot

[ Riot Fest announces late night shows  ]

[ Queens of the Stone Age host DJ set at The Owl after Riot Fest  ]

[ Chicago's top fall concerts  from Riot Fest to Jay-Z  ]







Watch the latest movie trailers.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago attracted more than 500 guests to its 16th annual Gala of the Arts on Sept. 8. Themed "Shine Like a Diamond," the event was held in Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom to support the organization's emergency assistance programs that provide food, clothing and shelter to nearly 1 million people annually.

During the reception, attendees shopped a silent auction and art show that featured photographs, paintings, bronzes and glassware from 18 locally and nationally recognized artists. The artists, who donated 50 percent of their sales that evening, included Cousandra Armstrong, Dennis Downes, Thomas Gianni, Clara Harmelin and Nicole Mauser, to name just a few. A raffle, won by lucky guest Paul Hackel, featured a 1-carat diamond ring donated by Marshall Pierce & Co.

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Emcee Allison Rosati from NBC-5 introduced Monsignor Michael Boland, president of Catholic Charities, calling him "our shepherd who makes CC what it should be, a family reaching out to neighbors and helping one another." Boland acknowledged co-chairs Gerry and Heide Kenny, along with vice co-chairs Kristina and Dennis Kelleher, presenting them with plaques for their support.

The Mandatum Award, the most prestigious honor awarded by Catholic Charities, was presented to the Glunz family, who have been supporters since 1975. The Very Rev. Ronald Hicks and Boland presented the award to family members, calling them a "living example of fulfilling Christ's mandate to serve the poor through sustained acts of charity."

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Louis Glunz III accepts Mandatum Award, the non-profit's highest honor, on behalf of his family at Catholic Charities' Gala of the Arts.

More than 50 family members were present, including John Glunz, Barbara Glunz Donovan, Joseph Glunz, Louis J. Glunz III and Patricia Spencer. Louis Glunz, president of Louis Glunz Wines, and founder and chairman of Regis Technologies, accepted the award on behalf of his family and spoke passionately about its continued involvement.

Rosati talked about the reach of the Emergency Assistance Department's services. In the past three years, it has provided almost 5 million meals through a network of city and suburban emergency food pantries. And in the last four years, the nonprofit has responded to nearly 800,000 requests for one-time financial assistance and temporary shelters for individuals and families.

A video presentation, titled "100th Anniversary: A Century of Hope," was narrated by Boland and followed the history of the charity, which began in 1917 under the direction of Cardinal George Mundelein. The organization began as a fundraising arm for the ministries of the church but evolved into a social services provider helping those in need.

Carol Builder, a longtime supporter and 2013 Mandatum Award honoree along with her husband, Michael, shared her thoughts about the charity she calls "her passion." "They will take care of you no matter what your problem. Whether you're homeless, lost a job, are an unwed mother or have an addiction," she said. "Whatever your problem may be, regardless of race, creed, color or religion, Catholic Charities' Emergency Services will help you."

Following dinner and the program, guests enjoyed Super Diamond, a Neil Diamond tribute band.

More than $300,000 was raised to support the emergency assistance arm of Catholic Charities, one of the largest private, nonprofit social service agencies in the Midwest.

Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.

More coverage: Find more photos and events at www.chicagotribune.com/candidcandace. Visit Candid Candace's website at www.candidcandace.com, or follow her on Twitter @CandidCandace.

[ Frankie Knuckles benefit honors 'godfather of house music'  ]

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Then-CDC Director Tom Frieden works in his Atlanta office during the Ebola epidemic in 2014. (Michel du Cille / The Washington Post)

Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is starting a new initiative to tackle some of global health's thorniest issues: cardiovascular disease and epidemics.

Frieden, a former New York City health commissioner who spent seven years leading the CDC during the Obama administration, said he chose those two issues based on his "unique vantage point of surveying the world and seeing where there were areas that really are at a tipping point." Strategic investment and action in each of these areas can make substantial differences, he said.

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The $225 million initiative, called Resolve, announced Tuesday in New York, aims to reduce the global burden of heart disease and stroke, the world's leading causes of death. It also will focus on helping low- and middle-income countries fight infectious disease epidemics by strengthening laboratory networks so emerging threats are identified promptly, and training disease detectives to track and investigate disease outbreaks, including those that circulate in animals and jump to humans.

Frieden led the CDC longer than any director since the 1970s. Some of the major disease outbreaks that took place during his tenure include the 2009 global H1N1 swine flu pandemic, the deadly respiratory virus known as MERS, and the Ebola and Zika epidemics.

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Resolve will be housed in a New York-based public health nonprofit organization called Vital Strategies, which operates in more than 60 countries.

The initiative's five-year funding is coming from some of the biggest names in global public health: Bloomberg Philanthropies ($100 million), the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative ($75 million) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation ($50 million).

"I hope five years from now we'll look back and see this was the inflection point for rapid progress in preventing global cardiovascular disease deaths and improving epidemic preparedness," Frieden said. "In a few years, we hope that blood pressure control, sodium reduction, elimination of trans fats and strong public health systems will have become the new normal."

Cardiovascular disease causes about 18 million deaths per year, an estimated 31 percent of all deaths worldwide. In lower-income countries, nearly half of those deaths are in people younger than 70, Frieden said.

Progress has stalled because "there is virtually no money going into this space," he said. "Globally, very few countries are reducing sodium or trans fat or treating high blood pressure effectively."

But with proven strategies, the initiative aims to save more than 100 million lives over 30 years, he said.

In the United States, progress has also slowed in preventing stroke deaths, according to a CDC report last week. The report did not identify the reasons for the slowdown, but other studies have pointed to increased numbers of Americans with stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.

Global health security was a top priority for the Obama administration, which created a partnership in early 2014 to prevent deadly outbreaks from spreading, and sought to help countries bolster their capacity to detect and monitor infectious diseases in the wake of the Ebola epidemic.

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Although the collaboration has resulted in more than 50 countries posting public "report cards" about their readiness to battle epidemics, "the fact is, most countries are still not prepared and there is limited progress in closing the gaps that have been identified," Frieden said. "The world now needs to step up and accelerate these countries to close those gaps."

Bill Gates, co-chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, said: "While our foundation typically focuses on infectious diseases because they disproportionately affect the world's poorest, we are increasingly concerned about the growing rate of cardiovascular disease in low- and middle-income countries."

Resolve will also support and work closely with the World Health Organization, the Bloomberg School of Public Health at the Johns Hopkins University, the CDC, the World Bank and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

As CDC director, Frieden was often frustrated by the months-long delays in securing critical funding for pressing public health emergencies, such as Zika.

"One of the things that makes me particularly gratified to have this opportunity is the ability to move quickly" and the freedom to choose where to work and with what organizations, he said.

The initiative will have about 10 to 15 staff members in New York City, but also will be able to draw from Vital Strategies' staff of 100 people in Manhattan and 300 people globally.

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A New York native, Frieden is once again working closely with his old boss, former mayor Michael Bloomberg, who supported many of the high-profile public health campaigns Frieden started as head of the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. During Frieden's tenure, the number of smokers dropped significantly, and New York City became the first place in the United States to eliminate trans fats from restaurants and require certain restaurants to post calorie information.

The design of the Resolve initiative will be similar to the program Bloomberg Philanthropies began a decade ago to reduce tobacco use.






The Auburn Police Department will host another Coffee with a Cop event to give residents an opportunity to meet officers and address any concerns.

This summer, Auburn Police Chief Shawn Butler said he introduced the idea to build a more positive, trusting relationship with the community. He said the event lets citizens sit down with police in a casual, neutral setting, which provides both parties a chance to get to know one another.

The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Play Space in downtown Auburn. Butler said the venue at 63 Genesee St. is perfect for families, as it will allow parents to meet with the officers while children can explore and play.

"Join your neighbors and police officers for coffee and conversation," Butler said in a press release. "No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood."
Ted Cruz's Twitter account briefly liked a hardcore pornography video Monday. His spokeswoman, Catherine Black, later said the offensive tweet was removed by Cruz's staff. (Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP)

Ted Cruz (or one of his staffers) liking Twitter porn hardly makes me clutch my pearls.

Sure, it seems odd, given Cruz's past defense of a Texas sex toy ban, in which he argued "there is no substantive-due-process right to stimulate one's genitals." But are we truly surprised when public figures' sexual proclivities don't square with their sexual politics?

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We're not.

What's worth talking about  while we're on the subject  is the ease with which we can access online porn. And by we, I don't mean congressional staffers. I mean kids.

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The American College of Pediatrics calls pornography exposure for children and adolescents "almost ubiquitous." Statistics are tough to nail down  kids are loath to admit watching porn; porn sites are loath to admit kids can gain access  but the American Psychological Association estimates 42 percent of internet users ages 10 to 17 view online porn in a year  with about two-thirds saying they arrived there unwittingly.

As the Cruz fiasco reminds us, people are curious. They type, they click, they  whoa!  watch. That's especially true for adolescents, who may turn to Google with a question about some lingo or a body part and suddenly: Bam. Porn.

It's one of the reasons we should be doubling down early and often with comprehensive sex education in schools. Denying adolescents fact-based information about sex doesn't quell their appetites. It simply sends them to the internet.

(Another reason is that comprehensive sex ed is linked to fewer teen pregnancies, lower rates of sexually transmitted infections and delayed initiation of sexual activity.)

Kids who glean their sex ed from porn can end up with an unhealthy body image and a warped impression of what a sexual relationship actually entails. And if porn is their first (and for a long time only) impression of sex, it can be a tough impression to undo.

A lot of experts recommend talking to your kids about porn proactively  i.e. not just after you catch them viewing it.

One of my favorite primers is from psychologist Lisa Damour in The New York Times, who acknowledges that a family's individual values will dictate what such a conversation entails, but offers some clear guidance for getting started:

"There's no harm in saying: 'I know that a lot of kids are looking at porn online, but I'm hoping you won't. Sex can be mutual, loving and fulfilling and it can be dark, offensive and destructive. What you see in pornography is almost always the wrong kind of sex, and I don't want you getting the impression that that's what sex is all about.'"

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She also writes: "You may want to take up the unfortunate reality that many portrayals of sex  however distasteful or disturbing  can still be titillating. You might say: 'There's another reason I don't want you looking at pornography. People often find that they're turned on by stuff that they don't feel good about watching. I wouldn't want for you to be in the position of having your body react to something your head knows is wrong.'"

I'm also a big fan of Amaze's animated video "Porn: Fact or Fiction."

Amaze is a nonprofit organization that offers sexual health information  often in the form of videos  for children, adolescents, parents and educators. The "Porn: Fact or Fiction" video is less that two minutes long but manages to pack in a handful of essential messages, including, "Porn might make you think that being sexual with another person has nothing to do with having an intimate, trustful or respectful relationship." And, "Pornography often shows women as only existing to give men pleasure." (Fair warning: The animation is fairly explicit.)

If there's a key takeaway from porn showing up on Ted Cruz's Twitter page, it's that his college roommate is the screenwriter behind two of "The Hangover" movies.

Just kidding. It's that porn is never more than a click away and no amount of moralizing is going to reduce its ubiquity or its lure.

Adults can do with that what they will. But our kids deserve our help avoiding porn, and that means spelling out the downsides and offering fact-based, nondegrading information in its stead.

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hstevens@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @heidistevens13

[ Related: Press pause on your outrage over Teen Vogue's anal sex tutorial  ]

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Former President Barack Obama delivers a speech July 1, 2017, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Starting next month, the Obama Foundation will begin a series of one-day training sessions and also will host a summit aimed at promoting civic engagement among students and young adults, officials said on Sept. 12, 2017. (Achmad Ibrahim / AP)

Starting next month, the Obama Foundation will begin a series of one-day training sessions and also will host a summit aimed at promoting civic engagement among students and young adults, officials said Wednesday.

In a video, former President Barack Obama said the programming, along with the creation of a fellowship program and the incorporation of his My Brother's Keeper Alliance into the foundation, is his way of grooming the next generation to "change the world."

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"We're bringing together hundreds of leaders from all around the world for a hands-on exchange of ideas in my hometown," Obama says in the video, which was posted to the foundation's website and emailed to followers Wednesday morning.

"The summit will be a place to gather and learn from one another, and then go back to your communities to lead others in the hard work of change. And it will also help guide our foundation as we continue to design programs that will connect and support the next generation of young leaders here in the United States and around the globe."

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The announcement comes just one day before the foundation's top brass will meet with the public for the first time to discuss how the Obama Presidential Center will look and what it will offer.

"We're going to be focusing like a laser beam on this idea of active citizenship, to give people, organizations and communities the skills and the tools that they need to actively engage in positive change," foundation CEO David Simas said.

"Change doesn't happen when someone from above says this is going to happen  it's bottom up.  Everything we do is about a person saying, 'How can I move my community forward, how can I engage in positive and lasting change?'"

While the center is intended as a place where community leaders will be trained, the foundation has faced a torrent of criticism from local activists who say they have not been included in the planning process.

Some have complained the foundation has contradicted part of its core mission because members have not attended community meetings organized by residents who live near the center's Jackson Park site.

And while recent bids for construction of the center included ambitious goals for hiring local workers, some community leaders want a community benefits agreement offering guarantees on local hiring and the preservation of affordable housing.

Obama has said he wants the center to focus on promoting the work of grass-roots organizers who are trying to improve their communities one block, one neighborhood at a time.

When Obama returned to Chicago in April during his first public event after leaving the White House, he told a group gathered at the University of Chicago that he learned how to be effective as a leader on the South Side.

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"This community gave me more than I was able to give in return," he said. "This community taught me that ordinary people, when working together, can do extraordinary things."

In some ways, the foundation's new programming builds upon Chicago's long history of civic engagement and carries that local framework, shaped by people like Saul Alinsky, to a national audience, said Dick Simpson, a political science professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a former alderman.

"About 50 to 55 percent of citizens are engaged in political elections," Simpson said. "That means about 45 percent are not participating  there is a crisis in a crucial moment. The Obama programming is trying to respond to that crisis.

"Studies show, if young people learn to vote, they become lifelong voters," Simpson said. "If they become active in community organizing, they participate for the rest of their lives. If they don't get involved younger, it's much harder to get them active."

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The foundation's first training day is scheduled for Oct. 14 and will include 150 adults ages 18 to 24. There will be other training sessions later in the year in Boston and Tempe, Ariz., Simas said.

The foundation's first national summit is scheduled for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, and there are plans to bring dozens of leaders and organizers from around the country together to exchange ideas and explore creative solutions to problems.

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The Obama Foundation Fellowship will be awarded in February and will bring together about 20 organizers four times a year to meet, network and use the foundation's name and resources to amplify their individual work. And My Brother's Keeper will continue to focus on building mentoring relationships for African-American boys and tackling violence, particularly in Chicago, Simas said.

Construction on the center isn't expected to start until 2018, but through the programming, the foundation wants to engage audiences now, Simas said.

"In the past you build the facilities and then figure out what the programming will be," Simas said. "The Obamas have a clear vision informed by the input of thousands and thousands of people of what it will look like. But essentially, the facilities are in service of the vision, not vice versa. This is why the president and first lady want to begin programming right off the bat, rather than wait."

lbowean@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lollybowean
Juan M. Granados (left) was named a person of interest by Glen Ellyn police in a woman's death. He was last seen driving a black, four-door 1992 BMW 325i with Illinois license plate L655003. (Glen Ellyn police)

Glen Ellyn police are investigating the apparent homicide of a 36-year-old woman found dead in her apartment Sunday morning.

The woman's body was found when officers were conducting a well-being check at her apartment at 19 Briar Street around 11:30 a.m. Sunday after family members told police they had not seen her since Friday, according to a news release from Glen Ellyn police.

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Authorities didn't immediately release the woman's identity or her cause of death.

Police are searching for a person of interest, Juan M. Granados, who they say may have been the last person to see the woman alive. He was last seen driving a black, four-door 1992 BMW 325i with Illinois license plate L655003. Hey may be on his way to Mexico, police said.

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"It is unknown what, if any, involvement Granados may have in the case," a statement from police said.

Further details were not immediately available. The DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force is assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the case should contact the Glen Ellyn Police Department, 630-469-1187.

mmanchir@tribune.com
Richard Stephenson, founder of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, left, and his ex-wife, Alicia Stephenson, head into the McHenry County Courthouse on Oct. 17, 2016. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

The ex-wife of the multimillionaire founder of Cancer Treatment Centers of America will net about $27,500 a month in alimony after taxes  far less than she was seeking in a long and bitter court battle.

Alicia Stephenson also will receive a tax-free lump-sum payment of about $6.5 million, according to a McHenry County judge's ruling that was handed down Wednesday morning. And while the monthly maintenance number was significantly short of the $400,000 a month she was seeking, it was more than the $9,000 her ex-husband, Richard Stephenson, suggested she should get.

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The legal decision comes 26 years after the Stephensons were married in a lavish ceremony at his Barrington Hills mansion, 10 years after their breakup and eight years after she filed for divorce.

Despite the years that elapsed, the former husband and wife were unable to reach a settlement outside court, so the case went to trial last year, with testimony revealing minute details about the Stephensons' high-flying lifestyle. A "lifestyle analyst" testified that Alicia Stephenson needed $5 million per year to maintain the standard of living she'd become accustomed to during the marriage.

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In his written ruling, Judge James Cowlin said the former couple "certainly enjoyed the lifestyle of the rich and famous."

But the judge said he "finds it unnecessary for Richard to fund purchases" that would allow her to maintain that level of opulence.

Still, Cowlin awarded Alicia Stephenson a Porsche, jewelry, two motorcycles, a Santa collection and a 401(k) fund. She will be paid $55,000 a month in maintenance, but that amount drops to about $27,500 after taxes. The lump-sum payment is the amount Cowlin determined Alicia should receive as her share of 10 financial assets that the former couple had agreed were jointly held.

Alicia Stephenson will also receive a one-time payment of $450,000 to be used for housing, as was set forth in a prenuptial agreement she signed and which was upheld in court as valid, though the amount was adjusted for inflation.

Neither Richard Stephenson, 77, nor Alicia Stephenson, 52, was present in court Wednesday. Alicia Stephenson's attorney could not immediately be reached, but a spokesperson for Richard Stephenson released a statement: "We are pleased with the court's ruling today and believe this fair decision will allow the parties to put this matter to rest. From the beginning, we have sought to bring this private matter to a close and believe this decision does just that."

The fight over finances has at times boiled over into acrimony in court between the two camps. Richard Stephenson's attorneys asserted Alicia Stephenson was merely "along for the ride" during the marriage.

Alicia, who was a teenager when she met Richard, said she played an important role in his health care empire and supported him and his family. At the time they met, Alicia worked as a salesclerk, and she later got an associate degree in fashion merchandising. Eventually, she became involved in her husband's business and nonprofit fundraising.

"I loved him," she testified. "I still do. I'm only looking for an equitable settlement. I am not a gold digger."

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In his ruling, Cowlin acknowledged the time Alicia Stephenson spent during the marriage raising the couple's daughter and her lack of outside employment during the marriage, per the prenuptial agreement.

The judge cited her help with her husband's growing enterprise, including her role in the foundation, for which she was paid a $100,000 salary.

"There was no time for a separate career for Alicia, although her work with (the foundation) provided valuable experience," the judge wrote.

But the judge also noted that, since the separation, Alicia Stephenson has not sought to earn a college degree or find a job to support herself.

"The court finds Alicia had the opportunity to begin acquiring appropriate training and education for further employment ... and failed to do so," Cowlin wrote.

He also said Alicia Stephenson couldn't "duplicate" the lifestyle she enjoyed during the marriage, which included flying in private jets for vacations to the Super Bowl, Caribbean and a Colorado mountain retreat. A jeweler estimated Richard Stephenson spent more than $4 million buying his wife jewelry over the years.

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"The evidence suggests that Richard and Alicia combined business with pleasure whenever possible," Cowlin wrote. "Money for expenses was never an issue and the funds were provided by Richard through his business empire. Whether it be shopping, travel by private jet, purchase of cars or redecorating, Alicia was provided adequate funds. The parties certainly enjoyed the lifestyle of the rich and famous."

Alicia Stephenson was receiving about $66,000 a month in payments as a temporary agreement as the court case plodded along. She had indicated she'd hoped to have enough money to buy watercraft, a home and condo, motorcycles and high-end furnishings, as well as a personal assistant.

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The prenuptial agreement Alicia Stephenson signed limited what she can get, but left maintenance payments to be decided. A former Cancer Treatment Centers executive testified that Richard boasted that his ex-wife "would not be able to get anything" in the divorce.

Maintenance payments are often calculated to be paid by the higher wage earner to keep an ex-spouse in the lifestyle to which he or she is accustomed.

The marriage was formally dissolved last year, but the finances remained to be addressed.

Much of his finances have remained secret during the trial, but an accountant testified that Richard Stephenson claimed income of more than $157 million in 2007, and $54 million in income the following year.

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Amanda Marrazzo is a freelance reporter.

rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @RobertMcCoppin
Leonard Gipson is among 15 people on whose behalf a court petition was filed Sept. 12, 2017. It seeks to overturn their criminal drug convictions, alleging that Chicago police officers framed them. ( Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune )

Shortly after making bond on a 2003 drug case, Leonard Gipson filed a complaint with the Chicago Police Department alleging Sgt. Ronald Watts framed him because he'd refused to pay "protection" money.

It was an allegation being made with alarming frequency by those living in the South Side housing projects where Watts and his tactical team regularly patrolled. But like the others, Gipson's complaint went nowhere.

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Four months later, with his drug case pending, Gipson was visiting his girlfriend in the Ida B. Wells complex when he again ran into Watts, who had been notified of the complaint against him.

"Let me see if you can bond off on this," Watts said to Gipson before handcuffing and planting 28 grams of heroin on him, Gipson alleged in a court filing. After two years in jail awaiting trial, he pleaded guilty on the advice of his attorney, who noted it was his word against the police.

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On Tuesday, a court petition filed on behalf of Gipson and 14 others seeks to overturn their criminal drug convictions, alleging that Watts and his crew framed all of them between 2003 and 2008.

Watts and an officer under his command were sent to federal prison in 2013 for stealing money from a drug courier who'd been working as an FBI informant.

In 2013, former Chicago police Sgt. Ronald Watts  who had operated for years amid a lengthy police Internal Affairs Division probe as well as investigations by the Cook County states attorneys office and FBI  was sentenced to 22 months on relatively minor federal charges. ( Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune )

Since last year, the Chicago Tribune has written several front-page stories detailing the mushrooming scandal over Watts' nearly decadelong run of corruption. Five people have had their convictions thrown out, and two officers who alleged they were blackballed for trying to expose Watts' corruption years ago won a $2 million settlement to their whistleblower lawsuit.

Watts has repeatedly been accused of forcing residents and drug dealers alike to pay a "protection" tax and putting bogus cases on those who refused to play ball.

In case after case, when Watts' targets complained  either to the Police Department or in court judges, prosecutors, and internal affairs investigators all believed the testimony of Watts and his fellow officers over their accusers, records show.

Tuesday's petition, filed in Cook County criminal court, also highlight a broken system of police discipline that allegedly protects bad officers like Watts and punishes those who tried to blow the whistle on his corruption.

Despite mounting allegations, Watts continued to operate for years amid a lengthy police Internal Affairs Division probe as well as investigations by the Cook County state's attorney's office and FBI, according to court records. When Watts was finally caught, it was on relatively minor federal charges, and he was given a break at sentencing by a federal judge who talked tough but in the end handed him only 22 months behind bars.

Meanwhile, at least seven other officers who were part of Watts' team are still on the force, including one who has since been promoted to sergeant and another who was found by a jury earlier this year to have shot a teen in the back without justification.

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Attorney Joshua Tepfer, who filed the petition Tuesday on behalf of the 15 defendants, said all of the convictions rested on the word and credibility of the arresting officers  credibility that has now been destroyed.

"I don't know how anyone can look at this and say they would still be confident putting any of these officers on the stand," Tepfer said. "They lied in court. They lied to police investigators. They fabricated police reports over and over again, backing up Watts and contesting the claims of the petitioners...Why are they still on the street making arrests?"

In an emailed statement, Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi declined to comment specifically on the allegations in the petition but said joint investigations by the FBI and Internal Affairs were conducted and "criminal charges were brought against all individuals who were accused of wrongdoing."

"There is no tolerance for misconduct or criminal activity within the Chicago Police Department," Guglielmi said.

The Cook County state's attorney's office said in an emailed statement Tuesday night that its Conviction Integrity Unit continued to review "Watts-related matters" on a case-by-case basis and appropriate action will be taken "where we have concerns about the quality and sufficiency of the evidence."

Among the petitioners in Tuesday's filing was Lee Rainey, who complained to the police Office of Professional Standards that members of Watts' team had planted heroin on him during an arrest in May 2003.

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Records included in the petition show OPS assigned Watts to investigate the complaint even though Rainey had alleged that it was Watts who directed the frame-up. In his reports, Watts claimed that Rainey could not be reached to follow up on the allegations and had "shown no interest" in signing a sworn affidavit. He closed the investigation as unfounded in February 2005, records show.

Another man, Taurus Smith, was 17 years old at the time he claimed Watts had him falsely arrested on a narcotics charge. Shortly after he bonded out, Smith's mother took him to file a complaint with OPS. The next day, Watts and two other officers confronted Smith outside a building at Ida B. Wells, where Watts made it clear that he knew the teen had dared complain, according to Smith's sworn statement in the petition.

"Watts had his service weapon on his waist and another gun in his hand," Smith said in the statement. "He said to me, 'This is grown man s.' ... He then threatened he would plant the gun on me if I didn't leave it alone."

Smith said he again reported the incident to his mother, who told him they were going to have to move. Weeks later, they packed up and left the Ida B. Wells complex for good, he said.

Another man named in the petition, Phillip Thomas, represented himself in his two-day jury trial on heroin charges in 2007 and confronted several members of Watts' crew on the witness stand, records show.

At one point, he tried to elicit testimony that Watts and another officer, Alvin Jones, had physically abused him during the arrest.

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"Did you hear the sound when they slapped me all upside the head, asking me to give people up?" Thomas asked Officer Elsworth Smith, according to a trial transcript.

"No," Smith replied.

Thomas was found guilty after the officers testified they saw him put drugs in a hole in the wall of the housing complex, records show.

Jones, who was investigated by the FBI for his role in Watts' crew but never charged, has since been promoted to sergeant in the Wentworth District, where Watts' tactical team operated, records show.

Neither Jones nor Smith could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Gipson, now 36, said in his sworn statement that everyone in the neighborhood knew of Watts' reputation as a crooked police officer. Watts had personally warned him that if he didn't pay his street tax, Gipson said, "I would go to jail every time he ran into me."

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In January 2003, Gipson was driving to pick up his kids to take them to school when Jones and Watts pulled him over, according to his statement. They handcuffed him and took him back to the Ida B. Wells building at 527 E. Browning Ave., where Watts pulled a bag of drugs from his pocket and said, "These are yours," according to Gipson's account.

Records show Gipson filed his complaint to OPS that February, telling an investigator over the phone that Watts had long threatened to plant drugs on him. The complaint was handled by then-Lt. James Spratte, who at the time was Watts' supervisor in the police Public Housing section, according to records submitted with Tepfer's petition.

Spratte's summary report showed he tried several times to contact Gipson by phone but was unsuccessful. When he went out to the address supplied by the complainant, it turned out to be a vacant lot, Spratte said.

Meanwhile, Watts denied the allegations, saying they were an attempt by Gipson to "discourage further aggressive narcotic investigations into the offender," records show. Spratte closed the investigation on Feb. 17, 2003, finding the allegations unsustained.

Years later, Spratte's name would surface in a federal lawsuit brought by whistleblower police Officers Shannon Spalding and Daniel Echeverria, who alleged top department brass conspired to punish them for bringing Watts' corruption to light.

In a January 2015 affidavit filed as part of that suit, Officer Michael "Mickey" Spaargaren said he was a part of Watts' team and confronted the sergeant after noticing that drugs and cash they'd seized in raids had not been inventoried. Spaargaren said Watts went ballistic, threatening to "make a case" on him and ruin his career.

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"The projects are dangerous, be careful. You won't make it out alive," Spaargaren quoted Watts as saying.

When Spratte got word of the dust-up, he called Spaargaren into his office and demanded to know whether he'd gone to Internal Affairs with his concerns, according to Spaargaren's affidavit. Spratte allegedly told Spaargaren he was transferring him immediately to a different unit and that if he did go to Internal Affairs, he would make his life "miserable."

"You better keep your mouth shut," Spaargaren said Spratte told him, according to his sworn statement. "You don't want to lose your life over this. If you report a sergeant to IAD, how long do you think you'll last?"

Fearing for his life, Spaargaren took a year-and-a-half leave of absence from the force. When he came back, he was assigned to a different district and had no more interactions with Watts or his crew, he said.

Reached by phone Tuesday, Spratte, who has since retired, said he'd never seen Spaargaren's affidavit before the Tribune sent him a copy. He emphatically denied the conversations with Spaargaren ever took place and said if someone had come to him with allegations like that he would have immediately launched an investigation.

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"It never happened," Spratte said. "Never in a million years. The only conversation I had with Mickey was when he came to my office to talk about taking a leave of absence to focus on a side business he had. It was completely cordial."

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Gipson, meanwhile, tried to fight his drug charges in court, but after a Cook County judge sided with the officers and denied his motion to suppress evidence, he had little option but to cut a deal. He pleaded guilty to both counts in exchange for four months in boot camp.

But it wasn't over for Gipson. In August 2007, two years after his release from custody, he was leaving his girlfriend's house in Ida B. Wells when Watts spotted him and asked, "Do you have something for me?" according to Gipson's affidavit.

Gipson left the building, but when he came back a short time later, Watts and several members of his team surrounded him, he said. Watts took a bag of drugs out of his pocket and said, "These are your drugs, hard-ass," then handcuffed Gipson and took him into the station, according to Gipson's statement.

Court records show Gipson pleaded guilty to heroin possession and received four years in prison. His only criminal convictions are the three cases involving Watts, according to the records.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @jmetr22b
Tereasa Martin, mother of 19-year-old Kenneka Jenkins, talks about the circumstances surrounding her daughter's death Sept. 10, 2017. Jenkins was found dead in a walk-in freezer at a Rosemont hotel where she had gone for a party with friends and had been missing for a day, her family said. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune) (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Just about everyone thinks they know what happened to Kenneka Jenkins.

More than 4 million people across the world have watched a Facebook video purportedly shot in a Rosemont hotel room where Jenkins was partying Friday night. Though the audio is often garbled and the visuals unclear, many are convinced the video shows something nefarious.

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In response, a Missouri activist has posted videos condemning what he considers to be a slipshod response from authorities. A Virginia college student has launched a petition urging criminal charges against Jenkins' friends. And an audio engineer from the Southwest has posted an analysis of a Facebook video that he says suggests Jenkins met with foul play.

The online buzz has mounted as authorities have kept quiet about the case, releasing few officially confirmed facts. Within that information vacuum, many are convinced that Jenkins, 19, was the victim of a crime at Rosemont's Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare hotel, and that hotel staff and local police did not respond appropriately to her mother's pleas for help.

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"I feel they did that family like that solely because they were black," said Raymond Ivy, 59, a Charleston, Mo., activist who has posted several videos about the case. "And I feel if they had acted earlier, there's a great possibility that young lady would still be alive."

Experts say the impassioned online response to Jenkins' mysterious death highlights several trends in the age of social media: the rapid spread of alternate theories when facts are few; the immense power of video; and the irresistible lure of amateur detective work.

"Social media are the psychics of our era," said John DeCarlo, a criminal justice professor at the University of New Haven in Connecticut and a former police chief. "We used to get people coming forward at a crime scene saying, 'I'm a psychic; I can tell you what happened.' This is basically the same thing in 2017."

Authorities say Jenkins was found dead early Sunday in a walk-in freezer at the Crowne Plaza, nearly 24 hours after her family last heard from her. Rosemont spokesman Gary Mack said late Tuesday that police are not treating it as a homicide.

"It is still a death investigation because of no evidence that points to it being a homicide  any credible evidence," he said.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 34 Demonstrators rally outside the Crowne Plaza Sept. 9, 2018, the one-year anniversary of the death of Kenneka Jenkins, who was found dead inside a freezer at the hotel in Rosemont. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

A spokeswoman for the medical examiner's office sent two emails to journalists Tuesday reiterating that the cause and manner of death have not been determined and that it will likely take several weeks before those things are known.

When asked why the reminders were sent, the spokeswoman replied: "There has been inaccurate information circulating."

With authorities releasing few details about the case, most of the narrative has come from Jenkins' mother, Tereasa Martin.

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She says Jenkins' friends called her at 4 a.m. Saturday saying Jenkins had gone missing after partying in a hotel room. When Martin arrived at the Crowne Plaza an hour later, the staff told her she needed a missing persons report before they could start looking.

When she obtained one that afternoon, the hotel staff searched public areas and the floor where Jenkins was last seen, finding nothing. A second search didn't come until police spotted Jenkins on security video, Martin said.

Hours later, Jenkins' body was finally found in a freezer. She was pronounced dead just before 1 a.m. Sunday.

With official information lacking, public attention has fixed on the 6-minute Facebook video allegedly shot inside the room. Jenkins is not clearly visible, though some believe they can see her in the reflection of another person's sunglasses.

The audio, too, seems inconclusive, with several people talking over each other and loud music sometimes playing in the background. But many commenters have said they hear Jenkins' friends planning to do her harm.

An audio engineer who lives in the Southwest, challenged by a friend to find intelligibility in the chatter, ran the audio through an equalizer and eliminated certain frequencies. Though the result is not crystal clear, he says it sounds like people in the room are discussing a sexual assault; a video in which he dissects the track has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times.

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"I don't know for sure what happened," the man told the Tribune, asking that his name and home state not be used for fear of getting entangled in the case. "But just based off the audio that was given to me, somebody in that room knew (something bad) was going on, and nobody was doing anything."

A Facebook spokeswoman said the company reviewed the video after it went viral and determined it wasn't "celebrating crime," thereby rendering it permissible under company policy. Facebook isn't proactively blocking comments, even those that are threatening, because only users can report abusive comments, she said.

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Mack said police are examining social media as part of their investigation. Steve Jones, a professor of communications at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said that's a standard part of modern police work, though it does complicate the job.

"If they're searching social media for clues, they now have a much larger haystack than they did before, and how do they manage that?" Jones said. "It's one thing to round up the surveillance video that's out there; it's another thing to try to get video from the phones of everybody that was there."

Jasmine Gibson, 18, a student at Old Dominion University in Virginia, has seen enough to be convinced. After watching the video and concluding that it showed Jenkins' friends plotting against her, Gibson created an online petition calling on authorities to criminally charge the friends. As of Tuesday evening, it had attracted almost 18,000 supporters.

Like others, Gibson believes the initial police response was inadequate, a fate she said often befalls black crime victims. But her interest in the case was also fortified by Jenkins' age and the thought of a young woman possibly betrayed by her friends.

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"That's where it hit a lot of people," she said. "You can't necessarily trust the people who are with you. This could have happened to anybody."

jkeilman@chicagotribune.com

kdouglas@chicagotribune.com
A student studies under a tree at the main Quad with the Foellinger Auditorium in the background, at the University of Illinois campus in Urbana, Wednesday, Aug., 12, 2015. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

Barely removed from a two-year state budget stalemate, Illinois' public universities are continuing to feel the sting.

Enrollment at many of the state's public universities dropped this year, particularly among new freshmen wrestling with where to commit for their college educations, data released this month show.

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And the closely watched university rankings from U.S. News & World Report published Tuesday showed declines as well, with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaignthe crown jewel of the state university systemdropping eight spots from last year, from 44 to 52.

Many university leaders have pointed to the unprecedented budget battles in Springfield, which starved public universities of state funding, as a critical factor in the declines. Illinois had operated without a budget since July 2015 until the Democratic-controlled General Assembly overrode Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of a spending plan and tax increase on July 6.

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But by then, many students had already decided where to attend college. And for many, it wasn't in the state university system.

"I don't think there's any question there's a connection," said Peter McPherson, president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in Washington, D.C. "The state funding situation was in the papers every day for months and months. It goes to public confidence in the institutions."

 First-time freshmen enrollment at Western Illinois University dropped 21 percent this year, despite remaining relatively stable following the first year of the budget impasse. Western has 1,206 first-year students in 2017, down from 1,527.

 Eastern Illinois and Southern Illinois at Carbondale also saw double-digit declines in incoming freshmen classes, which were similar to their decreases from last fall.

 Illinois State's freshmen enrollment dropped 9.3 percent to 3,352 students. Last year, the Normal-based school had its largest first-year class in decades, at 3,694.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 12 (Tribune Graphics)

The numbers  which continue years of falling enrollment in public universities throughout the state  came as little surprise to school leaders.

"Students and parents were concerned about public higher education in Illinois, and many made their college decisions before the budget impasse resolved," Jack Thomas, president of Western Illinois University, said in a statement.

That certainly was the case for Bill Riddle of Elmhurst, whose daughter chose Kalamazoo College in Michigan over two other schools, including U. of I. Riddle said the budget impasse was not the only reason his daughter went out of state, but it weighed on him as a parent.

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"I did feel like the state was showing such a poor overall commitment to financing their higher education, so it definitely made me feel like we would know what we were getting with a private school going in," Riddle said. "We were confident that with the endowment and the financial situation of a private school, I could depend on it for the four years she would be at school. One less thing to worry about."

The University of Illinois does not release its enrollment figures until Wednesday, but its chancellor acknowledged the profound impact of the budget impasse in response to the school's drop in the U.S. News rankings.

"Given the financial challenges facing higher education over the past 25 months, our focus has been on protecting our students' Illinois experience and ensuring their success," U. of I.'s chancellor, Robert Jones, said in a statement.

Jones cited other measurements, like how many existing students graduated and how many freshmen returned for their sophomore years, as positive signs, despite class sizes increasing slightly.

Throughout the impasse, the only state money public universities received arrived through two stopgap bills in April and June 2016. That total comprised around 80 to 90 percent of a typical year of funding, which schools then had to stretch out over two years.

With the new budget, universities are slated to receive about $1.1 billion, 10 percent less funding than what schools received in 2015, the last year for a state spending plan.

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It also provides $560.5 million to cover costs from the 2016-17 school year, essentially bringing schools in line with normal funding levels. The budget does not provide additional dollars to make up for the first year of the budget impasse and leaves schools with sizable holes in their finances.

Students and parents were concerned about public higher education in Illinois and many made their college decisions before the budget impasse resolved.  Jack Thomas, president of Western Illinois University

U. of I., for instance, was shorted $467 million during the 2015-16 school year. Other schools, most of which receive around one-fourth to one-third of their revenue through the state, lost out on tens of millions of dollars. The prolonged lack of funding led to layoffs, furloughs, program cuts and credit downgrades.

"What students often want is certainty," said Rob Anderson, president of State Higher Education Executive Officers Association in Boulder, Colo. "If they've seen a pattern of decline and resources, they have to wonder what this means  one, for their cost but also for their academic and overall student experience."

The result is that many families had to rethink their plans, he said.

"Some students who are in state and might not consider anything out of state might start to take a hard look at some other options, particularly if they think they're going to get more of that certainty moving forward," Anderson added.

The declines in enrollment were particularly acute among first-time freshmen.

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Southern Illinois at Carbondale's first-time freshmen count fell 18 percent, from 1,611 to 1,319. Total enrollment dropped about 9 percent to 14,554 students. New freshmen at SIU in Edwardsville fell about 7 percent to 1,797.

Eastern's first-time freshmen dropped 14.2 percent, from 739 to 634. Overall enrollment shrank about 5 percent, to 7,030 students.

Beyond the effect of the budget impasse, Eastern officials also highlighted statewide drops in the numbers of high school graduates and college enrollment as hurdles in attracting students to Charleston.

"However, it's clear that EIU's enrollment cycle was adversely impacted by the state's recent budget instability, and we've heard anecdotally that the implementation of the federal travel ban created concerns that likely impacted our international student recruitment efforts as well," said Josh Norman, Eastern's associate vice president for enrollment management.

By contrast, Northern Illinois in DeKalb and Northeastern Illinois in Chicago managed to slightly increase their new freshmen classes over last year.

NIU has 1,852 first-time freshmen this year, up 2.8 percent over last year and reversing a six-year downturn in that category. NEIU has 829 new freshmen, a 3.5 percent increase over last fall, according to preliminary data.

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Even with those gains, overall enrollment fell at both schools: down 5 percent at NIU and 5.8 percent at NEIU.

But there is a prospect of a turnaround, Northeastern's interim president said.

"With the state's budget crisis behind us, we are starting to see an uptick in the demand among new prospective students for higher education at Illinois public universities like Northeastern," Interim President Richard Helldobler said in a statement.

Chicago State also grew its freshmen class this yearfrom 86 to 149though total enrollment fell 11.4 percent from 3,578 to 3,171.

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Governors State University data on first-time freshmen were not yet available. Total enrollment fell about 11 percent, from 5,819 to 5,185.

The budget impasse only exacerbated what has been broader structural changes in the state university system.

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From 2007 to 2016, Illinois public university enrollment has shrunk by more then 14,000 students, according to Illinois Board of Higher Education data. Several schools have lost between 23 and 53 percent of their student populations in the last decade.

University officials agree that while the budget crisis is over for now, it will take years to neutralize the harm it caused  and only if no other funding crises occur in the near future. Education policy experts say state leaders should heed the signs of falling enrollment as their cue to reinvest in higher education in Illinois.

"It's turning a fairly large ship," State Higher Education Executive Officers Association's Anderson said. "Students right now are making their enrollment decisions for next fall. Some will feel bolstered and might want to choose an Illinois college where they wouldn't before, and others might want to see how this trend plays out."

drhodes@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @rhodes_dawn
People walk on the University of Illinois at Chicago campus on Feb. 12, 2014. UIC added more than 700 new freshman students to the rosters in the 2017-18 school year  a 23 percent increase over 2016-17. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

Fighting off enrollment declines at the state's public universities, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign posted a modest increase this fall to set a record for its total student enrollment, according to data released Wednesday.

Even more striking was the sharp increase at one of its sister campuses, the University of Illinois at Chicago, which posted the biggest percentage gain in freshman enrollment among the state's 12 public universities this fall.

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But the U. of I. system's third campus, in Springfield, was not immune to what many university leaders said were pressures brought about by the state's budget impasse. Total enrollment there dropped 9 percent, university figures show.

Overall, the University of Illinois system grew its collective enrollment by 2.9 percent, to 83,321, adding more than 2,300 students to last year's record total.

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Propelling the increase was the Near West Side campus, which had 4,064 new freshmen, about 700 more than last year  a 23 percent increase that accounts for more than half of the overall enrollment jump.

That is a marked improvement over 2016, when total enrollment in Chicago went up but freshman numbers dropped more than 5 percent.

Illinoisans were the majority of UIC's new freshman students, Chancellor Michael Amiridis said.

"We're very excited," he said. "It's a vote of confidence for us, from the students and their families; it's a vote of confidence for the quality of the institution and the education we provide; and it's a vote of confidence for Chicago."

Amiridis cited an emphasis on campus visits for prospective students and the promotion of the university's location in a dynamic, urban setting as two reasons for the increase.

The trends continue to establish the University of Illinois system  which is in the midst of a campaign to increase enrollment by 15 percent by 2021  as the broader exception to widespread enrollment declines throughout the state's public universities.

Those dips grew especially stark in the two years the state grappled with an unprecedented budget impasse that deprived universities of state funding.

Beyond the University of Illinois system, the nine other state universities recorded total enrollment decreases as large as 11 percent, according to data released this month. New freshman enrollment dropped as much as 21 percent.

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And not all parts of the University of Illinois system avoided declines.

New freshman students at Urbana-Champaign dipped slightly, from 7,592 to 7,518, though last fall's freshman class was the largest in institutional history.

Urbana-Champaign also did not record gains in the number of Illinoisans enrolling, which is a key demographic in the system's growth campaign. Fewer freshmen this year were Illinoisans  5,507 versus 5,664  and Illinoisans also made up a smaller proportion of the incoming class: 73.2 percent versus 74.6 percent. According to the news release, Urbana-Champaign admitted 400 more Illinois applicants this year.

"Competition from schools outside of the state with generous scholarship awards appears to be the most significant factor in the decision not to enroll at Illinois," the news release states.

Springfield mirrored the kinds of declines seen at other state schools this fall: a 7.3 percent drop in new freshmen, an 18 percent dip in graduate enrollment and a nearly 9 percent decrease in total enrollment, from 5,428 to 4,956.

Undergraduate enrollment in Springfield decreased less than 1 percent, data show.

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"We were expecting the decline in our graduate student numbers this year," Springfield Chancellor Susan J. Koch said in a statement. "The university had a record level of graduates last year and concerns from international students regarding whether their visa status could change contributed to the decline, an impact seen widely across the country this year."

The university system has also aimed to increase numbers of under-represented minorities. The number of Latino students at Urbana-Champaign grew to 995 from 932, while the number of black students fell to 500 from 548.

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U. of I. increased its number of international students in the freshman class, from 1,039 to 1,116, and slightly grew its proportion of first-generation college students in the freshman class, to about 22 percent.

Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones praised the diversity of the new freshman students.

"We are extremely proud that Illinois continues to be a university that provides access to such transformational educational experiences on such a massive scale," Jones said in a statement. "To us, that is the land-grant mission in action."

President Tim Killeen said university leaders are eager to move past the budget debacle and plan to step up their advocacy for stable operational and capital funding in the state legislature.

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"I think there are a lot of lessons learned from the last couple of years, and lesson one is let's not do this ever again," Killeen said. "Let's build up on our assets. Now's the time. We've seen what happens when you don't and do the reverse. This is the time to invest in higher education."

drhodes@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @rhodes_dawn
Chicago police Wednesday night released a surveillance photograph of two people who pushed an 80-year-old woman into a bush in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and ran off with her purse.



Police said the two men robbed the woman around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday in the 1400 block of West Lill Street. Police had earlier said she was robbed near 1400 W. Altgeld St., which is one block south of Lill.



The woman was walking to her home when the two knocked her down into bushes, grabbed the purse off her arm and fled through an alley, police said. The purse had cash and personal items in it.

The surveillance photo shows two young men, apparently running through an alley -- a city garbage can is shown in the background -- one of them holding something that looks like a small, white purse.

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Police, who earlier had said that one of the two might be as young as 12, released revised descriptions of the robbers with the surveillance photo, saying both robbers were possibly in their 20s. One was described as a black or Hispanic man, possibly in his 20s, standing 5-foot-3 to 5-foot-5, with dark facial hair, wearing a dark T-shirt, faded blue jeans and black gym shoes. The second was a black man, possibly in his 20s, standing about 6 feet tall, wearing a white tank top, faded blue jeans and white gym shoes. The second man is seen in the photo with what appears to be a purse; his pants are riding low enough to show gray underwear.

Anyone with information about the robbers is asked to call Area North detectives at 312-744-8263.
Jason Gonzales, left, alleges that House Speaker Mike Madigan put up "two sham candidates with Hispanic last names to split up the Hispanic vote" to defeat him in the March 2016 primary. (AP photos)

A lawsuit brought by a former primary challenger to Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan can continue after a federal judge ruled Wednesday he'd previously overlooked allegations that Madigan used his authority and influence to damage and discredit his opponent.

Jason Gonzales alleges that the veteran South Side lawmaker put up "two sham candidates with Hispanic last names to split up the Hispanic vote" in order to defeat him in the March 2016 primary, according to the ruling.

By allowing the suit to move forward, Judge Matthew F. Kennelly cleared the way for Gonzales' lawyers to seek Madigan's campaign records, emails and other documents. The longtime House speaker and chairman of the state Democratic Party also could be compelled to sit for a sworn deposition as part of that process, said Tony Peraica, Gonzales' lawyer.

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"We're gonna check every crevice," said Peraica, a former Republican member of the Cook County Board who ran for chairman. "It's going to be wonderful."

The decision also indicates an interest in digging into the time-honored tradition of placing sham candidates on a ballot.

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Madigan spokesman Steve Brown did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

When Gonzales first filed his suit last year, Madigan said it was "without merit" and suggested that Gonzales had been put up by the speaker's political nemesis, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner .

"Gonzales' losing campaign against me last spring was funded with more than $1 million from supporters and allies of Governor Bruce Rauner," Madigan said in a statement at the time. "Voters of my district soundly renominated me based on my strong record of service, giving me more than 65 percent of the vote, and they emphatically rejected Jason Gonzales because they knew he couldn't be trusted."

Gonzales lost the March 2016 primary to Madigan, who then coasted to victory in November. The district is overwhelmingly Democratic and therefore does not have competitive general elections.

Gonzales' original lawsuit also alleged that Madigan and others had defamed him by publicizing information about Gonzales' criminal history, which had been expunged after a pardon by former Gov. Pat Quinn. Those allegations were dismissed in June.

Gonzales then petitioned the court to reconsider its ruling, and it was through that process that Kennelly concluded that the court had read his petition "too narrowly and that Gonzales has in fact adequately alleged that Madigan's conduct in this case involved power and authority he had by virtue of his official positions."

Gonzales alleges that the speaker used several campaign funds under his control to inform voters of Gonzales' criminal past.

"And perhaps more importantly, he also alleges that Madigan used resources available to him due to his position as a state representative and Speaker of the House  including political favors, control of campaign funds, and precinct captains  to discredit Gonzales," Kennelly wrote in his decision.

Among those allegations, Gonzales says Madigan recruited "two sham candidates with Hispanic last names to split up the Hispanic vote," according to the ruling. He alleges that Madigan then used his influence to get a job for one of those candidates in the office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan , who is the speaker's daughter. It's an allegation that the court "overlooked" in its previous dismissal of Gonzales' case, Kennelly wrote.

Eileen Boyce, a spokeswoman for Lisa Madigan, said the candidate named in the lawsuit has never worked for the attorney general.

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Citing precedent set in a 1973 case involving a Democratic primary for a state Senate seat, Kennelly notes that, "Gonzales alleges that defendants registered these sham candidates to split up the Hispanic vote and prevent the election of a Hispanic representative. This is sufficient to allege purposeful discrimination."

Gonzales called it a "critical day" for both him as well as other candidates who are thinking about challenging Madigan's decadeslong reign as House Speaker.

"I just want to say, it's time for Mike Madigan to retire," Gonzales said. "He's been in office now for 46 years. He's done so much damage to our state that it's almost beyond repair, though we still have hope. But he needs to go. I can tell you that someday Mike Madigan will leave Illinois politics, either in handcuffs or a coffin or I will beat him."

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

kgeiger@chicagotribune.com
A Syracuse woman was arrested Tuesday after she tried to smuggle drugs into Auburn Correctional Facility, state police said.

Ahnaysia R. Davis, 22, went to ACF Tuesday afternoon to visit an inmate. While she was there, corrections officers discovered she had synthetic marijuana that she planned to give to an inmate. The Department of Corrections called state police to make the arrest.

Davis was charged with first-degree promoting prison contraband, a class D felony, and second-degree reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor. She was also charged with violating the state sanitary code for possessing the synthetic marijuana.

Davis was arraigned Tuesday in Aurelius Town Court and remanded to Cayuga County Jail on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond. She was scheduled to appear in Auburn City Court Tuesday.
A boisterous rally outside the Thompson Center took aim at Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and her push for a Cook County soda pop tax. Preckwinkle countered at a more sedate news conference at Provident Hospital. (Lou Foglia / Chicago Tribune) (Lou Foglia / Chicago Tribune)

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Tuesday she's "got some work to do" to prevent the controversial soda tax from being repealed  an acknowledgment that came a day before opponents file a measure to erase it from the books.

The two-term board president has a thin margin to work with. The November vote to approve the penny-an-ounce tax on sugar- and artificially sweetened beverages was 8-8, with Preckwinkle breaking the rare tie with one commissioner absent. That means just one more "no" vote on the 17-member board could bring repeal.

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Even if that happened, Preckwinkle could veto the repeal measure. It would then take a supermajority of commissioners to override, which could be a difficult benchmark for opponents to reach.

All of that could be on hold until October, however. Preckwinkle said Tuesday she expects the repeal measure to be referred to the Finance Committee, which means it would follow normal procedure and not be considered until next month. That was a sign Preckwinkle thinks that opponents don't have the nine votes needed to suspend the rules and take an immediate vote on repealing the tax.

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But she was less certain about the tax's long-term prospects. Asked if she'll have the votes to block a repeal in October, Preckwinkle said she thinks "we've got some work to do in the next month, to talk to people ... about what exactly county government does, where the money goes.

Preckwinkle has long maintained that the tax, which is expected to raise more than $200 million a year, is needed to avoid layoffs of doctors and nurses in the health system and state's attorneys, public defenders and jail guards who work in the criminal justice system. Combined, those two systems account for 87 percent of a $4.9 billion budget.

Even as Preckwinkle continues her public push to defend the soda tax, two commissioners who voted for it last fall said Tuesday they had yet to make up their minds on repeal.

Commissioner John Daley, D-Chicago, a Preckwinkle ally who is chairman of the Finance Committee, said he was still weighing his options.

"I'm willing to listen to both sides," Daley told the Chicago Tribune, adding that the repeal measure needed to first be sent to his committee so a financial analysis of repeal could be done before a vote. "I've been hearing from my community. They're upset."

Commissioner Edward Moody, D-Chicago Ridge, sounded similar themes. "We're going to give each side due course," he said. "I've been receiving a lot of calls, been meeting with a lot of the constituency, and I'm going to go from there."

Commissioners Dennis Deer and Luis Arroyo Jr., both Chicago Democrats who repeal proponents are targeting, did not return calls. Arroyo voted for the tax, and Deer recently was appointed to replace the late Robert Steele, who absent during the November vote.

As repeal supporters and backers worked behind the scenes, the public debate continued. Commissioner Richard Boykin, D-Oak Park, laid out a 10-point plan to cut county spending that he said would eliminate any need for the tax.

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"Toni Preckwinkle and this unfair pop tax must go, and they must go right now," said Boykin, who voted against the tax and is mulling a primary challenge to Preckwinkle next March.

His comments came just before he joined tax opponents at a boisterous rally outside the Thompson Center, where Preckwinkle and billionaire New York businessman Michael Bloomberg were cast as the architects of a regressive tax that must be overturned to protect county residents and businesses.

The crowd of more than a hundred was packed with people wearing shirts emblazoned with the logos of various soft drink distributorships and the AMC movie theater chain. Commissioner Jeffrey Tobolski, D-McCook, argued the tax will force them to lay people off because of declining sales.

"Where are all my friends from Coca-Cola? Let me hear you," Tobolski said, before going on to call out "friends from" Dr Pepper-Snapple and Pepsi. "You work in good-paying jobs with benefits. ... It's very unfair for someone to try and come to take that away."

The crowd booed mentions of Bloomberg, who has committed $5 million for TV ads backing the tax and pledged to spend "whatever it takes" to support commissioners who voted for it.

Commissioner Sean Morrison, R-Palos Park, a repeal sponsor, asked the crowd if it believed Preckwinkle's argument that the tax is about public health.

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"Do you believe this?" Morrison asked. "Go home, Bloomberg. Stick in New York. This is Chicago, Mike."

Preckwinkle countered all that with her more sedate news conference at Provident Hospital, where she said it costs the public health system $200 million a year to treat diseases associated with sugar consumption. It was a point she also was making privately to commissioners with a district-by-district breakdown of the costs.

Elissa Bassler, executive director of the Illinois Public Health Institute that backs the tax, offered some backup.

"The argument being made again and again by opponents is that this tax is all about money, not about health," Bassler said. "Well, of course it's about funding government services. What tax isn't? Who said it wasn't? This tax is also about health, taxing a product that contributes nothing but to disease."

hdardick@chicagotribune.com

jebyrne@chicagotribune.com
Hurricane Irma leaves debris and destruction in its wake on St. John, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Anthony Faiola / The Washington Post)

CRUZ BAY, U.S. Virgin Islands  The Asolare restaurant is gone, practically blown off its cliff, along with its world-famous carrot ginger soup. The facade of Margarita Phil's is a junkyard of yellow and vermilion planks. Multimillion-dollar homes and aluminum huts alike lay in ruins.

On the island of St. John, that was only Irma's beginning. Once a lush gem in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a chain steeped in the lore of pirates and killer storms, this 20-square-mile island is now perhaps the site of Irma's worst devastation on American soil.

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Six days after the storm - some say several days too late - the island finally has an active-theater disaster zone. Military helicopters buzz overhead and a Navy aircraft carrier is anchored off the coast, as the National Guard patrols the streets.

The Coast Guard is ferrying the last of St. John's dazed tourists to large cruise ships destined for Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico. More than a few locals, cut off from the world with no power, no landlines and no cellular service - other than the single bar you might get above Ronnie's Pizza - are leaving, too, some of them in tears.

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The streets of Cruz Bay, the largest town of this island of roughly 5,000, were a bizarre tableau of broken businesses and boats on sidewalks. Beyond belief, the Dog House bar had not only a generator but satellite TV, and folks streamed in and out, some stepping over debris holding beers.

A drive up formerly picturesque mountain roads reveals a landscape of such astonishing devastation that it looks as if it were carpet-bombed. Entire houses have disappeared. Others are tilting on their sides. Horizons of waxy-green bay leaf trees on jade-colored hills have turned to barren wastelands, as if the world's largest weed whacker had hedged the entire island.

"Hurricanes? We've been through hurricanes - lots of them. But nothing, nothing, like this," said Jerry O'Connell, a Chevy Chase, Maryland, native turned St. John developer.

And that's just damage from the weather.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 84 A sailboat is pushed up between two buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, in Key West, Fla. (Chris O'Meara / AP)

In the days following the storm, lawlessness broke out - here and on other Caribbean islands. Thieves hit a string of businesses. Houses were burgled, entire ATM machines stolen.

In the information vacuum after the storm, rumors flew like Irma's raindrops. Prisoners had broken free on nearby Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands, seized guns and formed armed gangs.

Left largely unprotected and with no way to call the police, some locals began sleeping in shifts. One local blogger, Jenn Manes, called for help on her island blog - help that finally arrived in force Monday. Others jumped on her for sullying the island's name, because tough times can bring communities together, but they can also divide.

"I know some people were not happy with my telling the truth - that I was scared, that people here were scared," said Manes as she lined up Tuesday to catch a Coast Guard boat off the island. "It doesn't mean I won't be back. We're going to rebuild."

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On late Wednesday morning when Irma hit, the Virgin Islands, a haven for cruise ships and those in search of a good pina colada, were supposed to get lucky. A former Danish colony purchased by the United States in 1917, the small island cluster had had more than its fair share of cyclones. Their names read like a litany of salty villains: Marylyn, Irene, Hugo.

Irma was supposed to veer to the north, or so thought Joe Decourcy, a Canadian businessman who moved to St. John in 2001. Instead, the storm slammed the island at full intensity, its Category 5 winds of 150 mph racking it from coast to coast. Irma also hit neighboring St. Thomas, devastating the local hospital and homes and businesses across the island. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, only St. Croix was largely spared.

Decourcy, owner of Joe's Rum Hut, holed up that night in the formidable villa of a friend. Even the multimillion-dollar home could not hold Irma back. They sheltered on the first floor after second-floor windows were sucked out, causing massive flooding.

"The pressure was insane. It felt like our heads were going to explode," he said.

When the slow-moving storm cleared, Decourcy emerged with other shell-shocked locals to post-apocalyptic scenes of shattered homes, of cars, boats and sides of homes in the street. "We walked around like 'The Walking Dead,' " he said.

A sailboat named Windsong had landed in the street in front of Joe's Rum Hut. Islanders quickly banded together, he said, sharing food, supplies. But by Friday, the "vibe," he said, "started to change."

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The island was virtually cut off. No cell reception. No power. No WiFi. It also meant there was no way to call the island's police, and some began to realize it.

Friday morning, Decourcy arrived to start cleaning up in earnest, only to discover the chains to the bar had been cut by bolt cutters. Inside, the registers were smashed open, the safes ajar. He had banked the bar's cash before the storm. But who knew what else was missing - he did not have the stomach to do an inventory.

At least four other businesses in a mall he runs also were hit. A gas station was robbed, as was Scoops, the island's ice cream parlor. The burned-out husk of an ATM and safe, which thieves apparently tried to open with a blowtorch, sit in the town's police station.

Many residents were outraged it took so long for the National Guard to arrive.

"No structure, no police presence, no National Guard," Decourcy said. "It got really tense, to the point where business owners were asking, 'How do I get firearms? How do I get off the island? Are they coming for us?' I mean, this is supposed to be U.S. territory. And yet people were just running around breaking into residences and stores."

Devida Damron, 38, a 10-year island resident who works at the local veterinary clinic, was leaving St. John on Tuesday with her boyfriend and her dog, French Fry. She said she saw a man with a machete in the street Friday yelling, "It's looting time."

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At the same time, a cluster of do-gooders, mostly launching from the Puerto Rican coast, were starting to ferry the old and infirm off St. John. Nils Erickson, a 42-year-old Gaithersburg, Maryland, native and part time St. John resident, rushed down Friday after he began hearing pleas from islanders on a Facebook page.

"People were begging for help," he said.

With the aid of a local boat company, a GoFundMe account and credit cards to finance the rest, Erickson began running supply mission and evacuations. Since Friday - three days before large-scale official efforts - they managed to get 600 people off the island.

So many boats came to aid that the locals began to call it the "Puerto Rican Navy."

"It was our own Dunkirk," said Sgt. Richard Dominguez of the Virgin Islands Police Department. "They took their own boats before official means were available. They didn't wait."

Kenneth Mapp, I, governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, insisted in a telephone interview that there had been no pillaging at all on St. John, despite evidence to the contrary.

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"I am sympathetic, and I understand the people's fear and desire for more resources on the island as quickly as possible," Mapp said. "But there was no looting, no abuse of folks."

President Donald Trump, Mapp said, called him Monday and was due to survey the Virgin Islands damage this week. He would find, the governor said, an efficient response. Those in dire need of assistance were carried off St. John and St. Thomas by authorities via helicopter. On Monday and Tuesday, the bulk of stranded tourists - some 3,500 - were rescued by two massive cruise ships. And the emergency WiFi service was up and running Tuesday.

Mapp conceded that it may take "months, months, months" before power is restored to the island but said the delay in mobilizing the National Guard to St. John was unavoidable. The harbor was filled with overturned boats, making landings difficult. He managed to get to the island himself, he said, via helicopter.

"It's a matter of deployment of assets," he said. "This was a Cat. 5 event."

And yet, the citizens here are indeed pulling together. The Dog House is offering free food. Meaghan Enright, 34, a marketing manager on the island who suddenly finds herself jobless, has found a new reason for being the de facto relief organizer.

"St. John has a singular ability to pull together in a crisis," she said.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.  President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will visit Florida on Thursday to survey damage from Hurricane Irma.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the president's visit during Tuesday's press briefing.

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Melania Trump revealed on Twitter that she would travel with the president.

"My concern continues for all impacted by the hurricanes. Will fly to #Florida on Thursday w @potus to survey the damages from #HurricaneIrma," said a post on Melania Trump's official Twitter account.

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Trump owns Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach and three other properties in Florida. He recently made two trips to Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

The White House has not revealed where the Trumps will visit in Florida. Most of the state experienced some impact, with Gov. Rick Scott on Monday saying the Keys appeared to be hardest hit.

Scott and U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., praised the Trump administration's response to Irma.

"I can tell you the White House has been outstanding. I talked to President Trump three times (Sunday)," Scott said Monday in Opa-Locka.

Ros-Lehtinen, who has often criticized the president, said the coordination between the federal government and state and local officials was a vast improvement from Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

"It's been  no pun intended  a sea change in a positive way," Ros-Lehtinen said Monday.
New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner, right, introduces one of the speakers at a meeting of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity on Sept. 12, 2017 in Manchester, NH. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, center, and former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, left, also attend. (Holly Ramer / AP)

President Donald Trump's "election integrity" commission, a source of roiling controversy since its inception, convened here Tuesday amid fresh discord over an unfounded assertion by its vice chairman that the result of New Hampshire's Senate election last year "likely" changed due to voter fraud.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (R) largely defended an article he wrote that was published by Breitbart on Friday in which he pointed to statistics showing that more than 6,000 people had voted in a close election here using out-of-state driver's licenses to prove their identity. He suggested that was evidence of people taking advantage of New Hampshire's same-day registration and heading to the Granite State to cast fraudulent votes.

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New Hampshire only requires voters to state their "domicile," a looser standard than residency, and college students and others routinely vote without state-issued driver's licenses.

Kobach's article has been rebuked by election experts and among those who criticized his argument was New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner (D), a fellow commission member and host of Tuesday's meeting of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. After an organizational gathering in July, the panel is holding several meetings around the country.

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Gardner said the distinction between residency and domicile requirements is complicated and is one that his state is working on. But Gardner defended the Senate election result as "real and valid" and said Kobach's article - which appeared in Breitbart, the publication led by Stephen Bannon, the recently ousted White House chief strategist - showed why the commission needs to be more careful about its assertions moving forward.

Gardner noted that Kobach said at the previous meeting there should be no "preordained" or "preconceived" notions about what the group will conclude after studying data and hearing from experts.

"That is something that we all need to stay focused on," Gardner said. "I hope we all learn from this."

Another Democrat on the commission, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, called Kobach's Breitbart piece "reckless" and said he shouldn't be comparing requirements for voting and obtaining driver's licenses. Doing so, he said, is "almost as absurd as saying if you have cash in your wallet that's proof that you robbed a bank."

Kobach told fellow commissioners Tuesday that he was still wrestling over his word choices and conceded there was no way to know for certain whether Democrat Maggie Hassan's election to the Senate was illegitimate.

"It's a very difficult issue to condense into a short article," Kobach said of his Breitbart piece.

The commission - which heard several hours of testimony Tuesday about voting trends, allegations of voter fraud and ways to manipulate electronic voting machines - was spawned from Trump's baseless claim that illegal voting cost him the popular vote in the November presidential election against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump named Vice President Mike Pence as chairman, but he has largely ceded leadership of the commission to Kobach, who has pursued cases of voter fraud in Kansas and is now running for governor.

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Democrats in Washington have derided the commission as a waste of resources targeting a problem that is not remotely as prevalent as Trump has suggested.

During a floor speech in the Senate on Tuesday, Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., called the commission "a punishment in search of a transgression that never happened" and said its real purpose is to tamp down Democratic turnout in the future.

The commission faced widespread pushback from an initial request to states to obtain voter information, including from some Republican officials, who questioned its reach. And a federal judge last month tore into the commission for reneging on a promise to fully disclose public documents before its first public meeting.

Democratic senators have also voiced frustration that the commission has not responded to requests for information from lawmakers with oversight responsibilities. A letter Tuesday from Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., accused the commission of "failing to comply with standards set forth by the laws that govern presidential advisory commissions."

The latest controversy over Kobach's article emerged days before the scheduled meeting here at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.

In a statement issued Tuesday before the meeting, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., chastised Kobach for using "deceptive and irrelevant data to rehash the same false claims that have been debunked time and time again by independent analysis and by members of both parties in the Granite State."

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"Granite Staters are not gullible or naive, and we do not appreciate those who impugn the integrity of our state's voting systems based on unsubstantiated accusations," she wrote.

Since Friday, Gardner - one of five Democrats on the 12-member commission - has faced calls to resign from the commission from fellow Democrats, including Shaheen.

At the outset of Tuesday's meeting, he said he considered it his civic duty to continue serving.

"New Hampshire people are not accustomed to walking away or stepping down from their civic duty, and I will not either," Gardner said.

Alan King, another Democrat on the commission, skipped Tuesday's meeting, citing a conflict. In a phone interview, King, a probate judge in Alabama, said he told Pence's staff that he would be unavailable for three days in September, including Tuesday.

"They've known this since July," King said. "But I get it. I'm just one person."

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King, who has voiced strong skepticism about Trump's voter fraud claims, said he had heard a lot of "pushback" about his service on the commission but plans to continue participating "as of right now."

"As long as I believe I have a voice for truth I plan to continue to serve," he said. "But I have a serious question about whether differing views are welcome."

More than a dozen invited witnesses addressed the commission on Tuesday, including John Lott, an independent researcher and Fox News commentator, who argued that a background check system for gun purchases, could be used to screen new voters.

Lott said that the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) flags many of the same concerns that could disqualify voters. Democrats have praised the system, he said, and Republicans are eager to have tighter controls against voter fraud.

"It might be a solution that might please both sides," Lott said.

Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, also made a presentation to his fellow commissioners, detailing a database that he said showed 1,071 proven incidents of election fraud.

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The value of the database has been disputed by the Brennan Center for Justice, a New York-based law and policy institute, which said in a recent analysis that it "substantially inflates and exaggerates the occurrence of voter fraud" and that most cases are more than five years old.

Commission members were greeted here Tuesday morning by several dozen protesters holding signs and chanting, "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Trump's sham commission has got to go."

Among those to address the group outside the college was Jason Kander, the former secretary of state of Missouri.

"This commission was formed to justify the biggest lie a sitting president has ever told," Kander said. "They should be ashamed of themselves."
The headline seems designed to convey maximum despicability: "Two Ex-Googlers Want To Make Bodegas And Mom-And-Pop Corner Stores Obsolete."

The story gets worse from there. Not only does a former technology project manager named, of all things, Paul McDonald want to replace small brick-and-mortar retailers with even smaller five-foot-wide boxes that look like they came out an Ikea catalogue. He and his co-founder are also calling their venture "Bodega," and its logo is a cat (an animal seemingly ubiquitous in New York corner stores' aisles).

"The vision here is much bigger than the box itself," McDonald said of his project. "Eventually, centralized shopping locations won't be necessary, because there will be 100,000 Bodegas spread out, with one always 100 feet away from you."

Cue the online outrage.

Bodegas - or corner stores, or minimarts, or whatever you want to call them - stand for everything Silicon Valley does not. Their whole point is that they're run by individuals. The charm that comes from rogue felines sunning themselves in their windows or sashaying down the home goods lane is all about the absence of corporatism.

Representatives of the characterless are attempting to destroy something central to a neighborhood's character. And they're doing it by co-opting the names and symbols that sum that character up so well. Worse still, if their project is a success they will likely put many immigrants (some whose fathers or grandfathers helped popularize the term "bodega" in the first place) out of work. Might as well call the invention a "Gentrification Box," one person suggested.

All true, and all upsetting. But Bodega isn't just an insulting idea. It's also a bad one. Though community stores' idiosyncrasies will keep customers coming back, there's more to it. The inability of Bodega's founders to appreciate the value of the unique has led to a bigger flaw in their business model.

"Each community tends to have relatively homogenous tastes, given that they live or work in the same place," McDonald told the site that brought his venture into the Web's wrathful eye. That, he thinks, will allow Bodega to customize its offerings from location to location so residents have exactly what they need in one soulless mechanized container. There's a good chance he's wrong.

As someone joked on Twitter, "They have the nerve to call this bodega and I don't see any beef sticks, condoms, headphones, combs or a cat!" Exactly. I went to my local corner store this morning and purchased sour cream and onion Pringles and a single serving of grapefruit juice. I had never done this before, and I doubt it is a regular activity for anyone in my building. But those chips and that drink were exactly what I wanted to buy, and I knew my Metro K would have them.

A box the size of a not-quite-satisfactory pantry cannot possibly contain all of a community's necessities, because, thank the Lord, we do not live in a creepy world where citizens within a certain geographic location all have the exact same desires every single day. At the moment, McDonald's startup also does not appear to offer the alcohol and tobacco products central to a bodega, which could cause an additional roadblock.

In essence, Bodega has invented a particularly polarizing vending machine. Those have existed since literally the 1st century, when an Alexandrian mathematician discovered a way to charge people for holy water in temples. Tobacco-dispensers appeared in English taverns in the 1600s, and in the 1880s coin-operated commercial machines allowed people to buy products from stamps and postcards to Tutti-Frutti gum. When credit-card scanners made their way onto vending interfaces in the early 2000s, vending machines started selling high-ticket items such as iPads and digital cameras. Some machines make hot dogs, and one in Singapore even offers - really - Lamborghinis. None of this has stopped people from going to the Apple Store, the auto-dealership or even the ice-cream truck.

So if shoppers agree with the exercised throngs on Twitter that Bodega the start-up should not replace bodegas the storied neighborhood institutions, they can at least take solace in the reality that it probably won't.

Washington Post

Molly Roberts works in The Washington Post's opinion section.
Has Chicago's notorious weather suddenly become its biggest asset? Does the city of wind chill and blizzards actually have the climate that somebody would pay $5 billion for?

The somebody is Amazon, which has announced that it plans to build its second headquarters somewhere in North America. The prize is eye-catching  potentially 50,000 jobs and $5 billion in investment. Cities, including Chicago, have stampeded to join the race.

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Amazon has listed some of the things it wants  a big city, a good business climate, a smart labor force. But the biggest factor has been left unsaid. Climate change has simply made many cities too risky.

In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Amazon has to ask itself: How can it ensure its new headquarters are safe when the next megastorm ravages a great American city?

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Chicago stands alone in offering much of what Amazon wants while avoiding the one thing it can't accept  citywide devastation. Chicago, like every place on Earth, faces clear and real impacts and challenges from climate change. But the challenges to many other cities are simply much worse.

Admittedly, this is an awkward conversation, particularly now. It sounds like Chicago is exploiting the misery of Houston or Miami. Well, that's one way of putting it. But it seems fair to point out that Amazon would be rash to ignore the growing threat of climate change and Chicago would be wise to note that it is a haven from this threat.

Jeff Bezos has built Amazon with a maniacal focus on "long-term thinking," one of the four guiding principles that drive the company. In the very long term, a stronger effort to prevent risk from storms enhanced by climate change is vital. But Amazon's proposal notes that it is thinking "beyond 2027," and in that time frame, climate change and these storms are going to get only worse.

This is the cold calculation that Amazon must now make.

In looking toward and beyond 2027, truly dangerous risks are found in cities across the country, including some bidding for that Amazon bonanza.

Coastal cities face extraordinary threats from sea level rise and from water-driven hurricanes. The World Bank ranked cities at the highest economic risk from climate change-related flooding. Five of the top 10 are in the United States: Miami, New York, New Orleans, Tampa and Boston.

Climate risk extends beyond sea levels and storms. Drought and heat, for instance, will plague the nation. A recent study in Science magazine, analyzing economic risks from climate change, found the greatest risk comes from deaths caused by heat waves. The Southern United States will suffer the most. Chicago won't escape  no place will  but places that are already hot will suffer disproportionately.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 84 A sailboat is pushed up between two buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, in Key West, Fla. (Chris O'Meara / AP)

Chicago's position is instructive. The city suffered a deadly heat wave in 1995, but in the decades since, it has worked to become more resilient to heat. Measures from community outreach to neighborhood cooling centers are in place.

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In other words, heat waves, like blizzards, will happen here again. But the city knows how to handle heat and snow, and keep running. No seacoast city plagued by hurricanes can say that.

Neither can any West Coast city astride an earthquake fault line. No company wants to put 50,000 of its employees in a city that might be hit by the next Big One. Already, more and more companies are putting data centers here, because they know they are supersecure.

The word is beginning to get around. Weather.com listed the 25 cities most likely to be affected by climate change. Chicago wasn't on the list. But it was on a New York Times list of the best American places to live to avoid the threats of climate change.

In a world fixated on climate change, Chicago is more than just a safe haven. In its announcement, Amazon said it was the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in 2016. In driving down carbon emissions, Amazon will find a forceful partner in Chicago, a city that is committed to the Paris climate goals and to powering its operations with renewable energy.

As everyone knows, Chicago's biggest problem is human, not climatic. It is a city split between the high-tech talent that Amazon wants and the despairing young people caught in the warfare that plagues its poorest neighborhoods. Well, Jeff Bezos loves a challenge. As Amazon hires its team, it can offer partnership and pathways to the many Chicagoans left behind. If Chicago can solve Amazon's problem, perhaps Amazon can be a player in solving Chicago's epidemic of violence and inequality.

Amazon's Oct. 19 proposal deadline is rapidly approaching. The selected city must check the main boxes that Amazon requires. Chicago is doing that right now.

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In this world of turbocharged storms, however, an unwritten factor has seeped into the discussion.

Is the city at risk?

In choosing Chicago, Amazon will answer that question now while it works to ensure that more cities check that box in the future.

Karen Weigert, a senior fellow on global cities at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, served as Chicago's first chief sustainability officer from 2011 to 2016. Richard C. Longworth, a former Tribune correspondent, is a distinguished fellow at the council.
I, as every citizen should be, am very concerned about the recent disclosure of the catastrophic security breach at Equifax. Although we do not know where accountability (and lawsuits) will ultimately go, I believe there is one area where the state government should immediately take action. Currently Equifax and the other bureaus charge a $10 fee for freezing and unfreezing credit reporting for people who aren't yet victims of identity theft. (Although Equifax is waiving its fee until Nov. 21.)

For a married couple with ties to the three major credit bureaus, not even considering children, that is up to $60 to freeze or unfreeze credit each time. Currently, states such as Indiana (got us again) and Maine do not allow the bureaus to charge anything, based on information on the bureaus' websites. That should clearly be the case in Illinois, and should be enacted by the state government now, given the situation created by Equifax.

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 Walter Grom, Sleepy Hollow
Four vans carrying 43 animals displaced by Hurricane Harvey arrived at Paws Medical Center in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago Sunday Sept. 3, 2017. The animals will be checked out for health issues and eventually put up for adoption. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

In the past few weeks, we've seen horrible destruction and devastation to cities in Texas and Florida. But, we've also seen incredible resilience and a constant flow of human decency and selflessness.

Here are some Chicago organizations and establishments that are working to provide aid to those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

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PAWS Chicago

1997 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-935-7297

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When flood waters rise and homes are evacuated, pet owners often have no option but to give up their cats and dogs. PAWS Chicago is partnering with the Houston Bureau of Animal Control (BARC) to give these furry friends a home in the wake of disaster. Four rescue vans from PAWS have been dispatched to affected areas to bring these recently-forfeited pets to Chicago and help them find new forever homes. To donate to these effortsor offer to foster a misplaced petvisit pawschicago.org.

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

Timothy O'Toole's Pub

622 N. Fairbanks Ct. 312-642-0700

Drinking for a good cause is the best kind of drinking. Head to Timothy O'Toole's through the end of the month to support disaster relief efforts by purchasing Budweiser, Bud Light or Michelob Ultra Brew beers. For each beer purchase, the pub will donate $1 to disaster relief and Anheuser-Busch and Lakeshore Beverage will match each donationmaking a $2 donation as a result.

Trader Todd's

3216 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-348-3250

Trader Todd's is known for its late-night karaoke sessions, but now it's working to provide relief to the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.This Lakeview staple is changing the name of its Hurricane cocktail to the "Hurricane Relief," with $2 donated to the American Red Cross and Gulf Coast Humane Society.

@shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com

[ Looking for more to do in Chicago?  ]
Nearly eight months after the top administrator in Lake Barrington resigned, village officials named a new village administrator who was serving as trustee following years of work with area public works departments, officials announced Wednesday.

Effective Oct. 10, Karen Daulton Lange will begin her new job as village administrator for Lake Barrington. Before being named to the position, Lange was acting as a village trustee on the Lake Barrington Village Board and also chaired the village's roads and infrastructure commission, village officials said in a news release.

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She currently works as village engineer and assistant director of public works for Hanover Park, and she previously worked in engineering roles for Arlington Heights and Downers Grove, officials said. Lange also brings some private-sector experience, having worked for various municipal engineering firms, officials said.

"As a longtime resident of the community, I am proud to call Lake Barrington home," Lange said in the release. "I look forward to working with residents and village officials in building upon the village's long standing vision of being a premier place to live and raise a family."

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Lange replaces longtime village administrator Chris Martin, who resigned abruptly during the middle of the work week in early January after 12 years in the position. Village officials at the time commended Martin for his service, noting how he left the job to "pursue other opportunities."

In early February, Lake Barrington officials selected William Balling as acting village administrator while starting a search to find a full-time village administrator. Balling previously worked as the village administrator in Buffalo Grove for 29 years.

Balling's government consulting firm, WRB LLC, also conducted the three-month search earlier this year to find Martin's full-time replacement.

Lange was selected after being one of four finalists for the position, village officials said. Balling will continue acting as interim village administrator until Lange starts the position in early October.

Throughout the search, Lange, who was acting as a village trustee, rescued herself and was not present for any village board discussions related to the search for a full-time village administrator, officials said.

"With her extensive municipal experience and her proven track record in project management, Karen is the perfect choice to further promote Lake Barrington as an oasis of gracious, countryside living where people and businesses can prosper and grow," Village President Kevin Richardson said in the news release.

Lange also has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois  Chicago and a master's degree in information systems from Roosevelt University, officials said.

tshields@pioneerlocal.com

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Twitter @tshields19
One of the men responsible for a clown terrorizing a nation is heading to Wells College.

Screenwriter Chase Palmer, whose recent credits includes the recent film adaptation of Stephen King's "It," will be speaking at the Aurora college at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20. The free talk will be held at the de Witt Lecture Hall (106), Zabriskie Hall.

Palmer is listed as one of the primary writers of the box-office smash, though he co-wrote an earlier version of the script with "Beasts of No Nation" filmmaker Cary Fukunaga.

Also a director, Palmer's other work includes the short films "Shock and Awe" and "Neo-Noir," which were shown at venues like the Sundance Film Festival and the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Visit wells.edu or call (315) 364-3266 for more information.
State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, and Sen. Pat McGuire, D-Joliet, listen to members of the Will County board's Legislative and Policy Committee Tuesday, who urged state leaders to work together. ( Susan DeMar Lafferty/Daily Southtown )

While four Illinois legislators gave their views on the state's first budget in two years, and took mild jabs at each other, Will County officials told them they are tired of rhetoric in Springfield and urged the lawmakers to work together.

"People are tired of hearing your rhetoric over and over. Just negotiate, get it done, and work together, instead of stigmatizing the other side as the bad guy," said County Board member Mike Fricilone, R-Homer Glen.

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"I would like to hear mature conversation for once out of Springfield, where we are not sitting on separate sides but actually communicating with each other," said Board member Ray Tuminello, R-New Lenox.

State leaders were invited to the board's Legislative and Policy Committee meeting Tuesday to provide a recap of what is going on in Springfield and to hear how the state's budget has impacted the county.

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The 90-minute session was attended by state Sens. Pat McGuire, D-Joliet, and Sue Rezin, R-Morris, and state Reps. Margo McDermed, R-Mokena, and John Connor, D-Lockport.

McDermed said that as a member of the minority party, she "had nothing to do with the budget."

"How it was put together? I have no fricking clue," she said. "What are the details? Who the hell knows."

"There is nothing about the budget that I think is correct for our future. It doesn't deal with what we should have dealt with  any of the issues that will change our trajectory," she said, explaining why she voted against it.

McGuire defended the budget and income tax increase as necessary to provide funding for education and human services. There were $3 billion in cuts; every agency took a 5 percent cut, and higher education was cut 10 percent, he said.

"With its warts and all," it is the bipartisan budget that was put together by Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, and former Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, McGuire said.

The income tax increase was not enough, but only takes money from middle classes and uses it to expand government, Rezin said, adding that the budget is still $1.3 billion out of balance.

She opposes a progressive tax hike because "that's like giving a blank check to a state that cannot control its spending," she said.

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The state has to increase jobs and enact reforms that reduce the costs of doing business and living in the state, Rezin said.

"This was, by far, the most difficult year we've had," the seven-year legislator said.

Connor, D-Lockport, who was appointed to the legislature in late June, when Rep. Emily McAsey resigned, said not having a budget was "absolutely no good for the people of Illinois."

He said he supported the budget because without it, the state was paying $800 million in debt service.

"Instead of talking politics," Illinois leaders need to look at what has worked for other states that dug themselves out of a hole, he said.

In his first three months in office, only one Republican reached out to him, he said, and there has not been a lot of functions where people can talk in a relaxed setting.

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Reaching across the aisle "needs to happen," Connor said.

County board members did not mince words as they let their legislators know that they were tired of politics as usual.

Fricilone said the state's budget results in a loss of at least $2.4 million to Will County.

"That's not politics, just facts," he said, adding that every municipality, township and county will lose money.

"You can't hide behind budget that takes money away from us and say you are balancing your budget. Why don't you take the brunt of it? Make it transparent to us and to the public. By reducing our revenue, you are defunding our programs," Fricilone said.

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The 32 percent income tax increase, will be "much higher" when all these losses come to fruition, he said.

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Tuminello said that despite the fact that Illinois has the largest inland port, access to a network of highways, fresh water, utilities and a workforce, there is a "negative migration" in the state.

"This is simply due to one thing  politics under the dome in Springfield," he said. "You continue to subsidize the sins of the past on the backs of local government. We all have the same customers."

"Individuals in Illinois are tired of waking up to another bill and less on their paychecks. People would love to see you not worrying about next election, but worrying about the people in your district," Tuminello said.

Board member Tim Kraulidis, R- Joliet, asked, "Are you not getting across the aisle because of leadership? If so, what are you doing to solve it? Where is your backbone?"

slafferty@tribpub.com

Twitter @SusanLaff
Palos Township trustee Sharon Brannigan has apologized for Facebook comments about Middle Eastern immigration that have sparked protests demanding her resignation. (Zak Koeske / Daily Southtown)

I think the situation involving embattled Palos Township Trustee Sharon Brannigan is beginning to take on the characteristics of a stalemate.

For three months, protesters have been showing up en masse to Palos Township's monthly meetings. About 100 people turned out Monday night, with many calling for Brannigan's resignation over comments deemed offensive to Muslim-Americans.

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To find out whether Brannigan has changed her mind about remaining a trustee, I phoned her Tuesday at work.

She answered the phone, and I asked if she intended to continue serving as an elected official representing the citizens of Palos Township.

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"We're still on the same page," she said.

I asked what she meant by that.

"Nothing's changed," she said. "You need to not call me at work. I appreciate that," and the call abruptly ended.

If Brannigan, 55, of Palos Heights, continues to resist calls to resign, I wondered, what should Palos Township residents expect in the months ahead?

Brannigan was re-elected to her second four-year term in April. Protests could conceivably continue at monthly township meetings into 2021.

If that happens, I think the township will have to do a better job accommodating the large numbers of citizens who want to attend meetings and exercise their rights to be heard.

You could say the right to free speech is at the heart of the issue. Some Brannigan supporters say she was exercising her First Amendment rights when she posted on Facebook that undocumented Muslims were overwhelming Palos-area public schools, creating a burden for taxpayers.

"Don't let the protesters get to you! Too many people think they can impose their views on others by whining and complaining! Stand up for free speech," Kathleen Sawicki commented Tuesday on the Daily Southtown's Facebook post of an article about the controversy.

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Brannigan has since removed her Facebook page but has not apologized for her comments about Muslim-Americans.

I think the lesson is that actions have consequences. Brannigan is free to express her views, and protesters are free to say she should no longer hold public office.

"No one is suggesting that she does not have the right to her beliefs or to speak her mind," Danielle Marie said on the Southtown's Facebook post. "They just don't want her sitting on their township board."

I think it's important to note that while Brannigan is free to express her opinion, some dispute the factual accuracy of her comments about the impact of Muslim-Americans on public school enrollment.

Terry Heafey, an elected Palos School District 118 trustee, believes Brannigan has falsely characterized the situation.

"Brannigan's efforts to undermine the community's confidence in our residency process without fact or evidence using the lever of bigotry is disgraceful," Heafey said in July.

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Other consequences of Brannigan's expression of her views include increased pressure on others to call for her to step aside. Some protesters say township officials and others are complicit in tolerating hate speech by not publicly joining the calls for Brannigan's resignation.

The political pressure has produced at least one outcome. Brannigan in July resigned from her post on the Cook County Commission on Women's Issues shortly after Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle called for her to resign from the panel.

Could pressure from other political leaders compel Brannigan to vacate her seat on the township board? On Tuesday, I contacted Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison (R-17th) of Palos Park. He's also chair of the Cook County Republican Party.

My inquiry requested his reaction to calls for Brannigan's resignation, but I did not receive a response.

I similarly reached out to the Illinois Republican Party and state chairman Tim Schneider, who served as a Hanover Township trustee for 13 years and also was the township highway commissioner. Schneider (R-15th) is now a commissioner on the Cook County Board. I received no response.

Nor did I hear back from Palos Township Supervisor Colleen Grant-Schumann. I wanted to ask how she feels now about calls for Brannigan's resignation, as well as criticism that the township board is failing to adequately accommodate people wanting to attend its meetings.

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On the first point, Grant-Schumann has previously said she "could not take responsibility" for how Brannigan chooses to express her views.

On the second point, the Southtown reported Grant-Schumann opened Monday's meeting by saying the township had applied to hold the meeting at other locations, including schools, but was denied.

The township intended to conduct Monday's meeting in a parking lot, the Southtown reported. The meeting was moved inside, despite Grant-Schumann's previous concerns about safety. She cited potential fire code violations as one reason for the cancellation of the August meeting.

Illinois law clearly states that public bodies must accommodate people who want to attend their proceedings.

"All meetings required by this Act to be public shall be held at specified times and places which are convenient and open to the public," the Open Meetings Act states.

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I reached out to representatives of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office to ask if they have fielded any complaints regarding the situation in Palos Township.

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"We have received a request for review related to a meeting in July," press secretary Annie Thompson told me Tuesday. "The allegations pertained to lack of access and public speakers not being allowed to speak. The complaint is under review."

So long as Brannigan refuses to resign, I expect protesters are likely to continue attending township meetings. The township is legally obligated to accommodate them. I think holding a public meeting in a parking lot is ridiculous.

It seems to me that if Brannigan chooses to remain on the board, large turnouts at monthly meetings are the "new normal."

Under Grant-Schumann's leadership, township officials must take steps to accommodate citizens who wish to attend their meetings and ensure the township complies with state law.

tslowik@tronc.com

Twitter @tedslowik
Davis McCarty of Chicagos scale model of the sculpture he is making for the city of Elgin. (Davis McCarty)

The mural being painted on the southeast corner of the Hemmens Cultural Center appears to be divinely inspired.

The hands bear a bit of resemblance to God's hand on the right almost touching Adam's hand on the left as in Michelangelo's masterwork, "The Hand of God," a fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

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"While I was sketching out ideas for the work, my husband noticed that what I had drawn looked like (The Hand of God). That wasn't the original intention, but it's fun to work with the idea," artist Joanna White of Countryside said.

White is one of three artists whose works will be unveiled in late October during the city-sponsored Art Harvest.

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In June, the City Council unanimously approved a public art plan put together by the city's Cultural Arts Commission. Part of that plan is to set aside $15,000 of the commission's annual budget for a sculpture and a mural this year and in ensuing years. For 2017, the commission's budget is $127,000, according to Amanda Harris, Elgin staff liaison to the commission.

The commission began taking applications for the works in March and April and received four submissions for sculptures and seven for murals, Harris said, with applications coming from Illinois and four other Midwestern states. White said she found out about Elgin's effort from the Creative Arts Resource Network, applied in April and heard back at the end of July.

The information artists provided about their pieces was rated on a list of factors, with the three highest scores in each category moved along for the next step. Harris said that step was for city staff, including engineering and public works, to look over the designs for the feasibility of their installation. Past that, staff recommendations headed back to the commission, which made its final decisions at its July meeting.

White is being paid $5,300 for her mural, while Nathan Pierce of Missouri will receive $5,100 for a sculpture and Davis McCarty of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood will get $5,489 for his sculpture. Pierce could not be reached for comment.

"Davis' piece is going on the southernmost pedestal under the lit canopy on Riverside Drive," Harris said. "Nathan's piece is going on the area just at the turn on Riverside Drive before it meets Douglas, right by the splash pad. It's a hard area to describe, but there is a section that is set up with plants in it, and in front of that is a smaller section that will be filled with concrete to accommodate the piece."

McCarty had one of his pieces, "Pulse Portal," set up at center camp at the Burning Man gathering in Nevada in 2016.

"It ushered people into the (Burning Man) experience," McCarty said.

That 16-foot tall, geometric arch uses a material NASA developed for windows that didn't meet its purposes, "but it looks amazing for art," McCarty said. The material reflects the spectrum of light in a way that it will look different to people at different heights and angles.

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McCarty is using the same material for his Elgin work, "1883 Express," which he said is an homage to the settling of Elgin. The 7-foot-tall work will stand on a 3-foot pedestal, McCarty said.

McCarty is working on the Elgin piece in his Chicago studio at the same time he readies a 16-foot spire that will go up in Chicago's Beverly Neighborhood in mid-October. The pieces are being fabricated and test-built in house, and will be flat packed and crated to be brought to build in their respective public spaces. The work for Elgin will take 3 to 4 days to install, McCarty said.

McCarty is familiar with Elgin, having worked in marketing and creative for Schuman Cheese off Randall Road for about five years.

"It's a beautiful town," McCarty said.

The work White is creating in Elgin will be her third piece of public art. She has a mural in in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood entitled "Let's Bring the Birch Trees Back to Rogers Park." An untitled mural in Chicago's Wicker Park has been painted over, she said.

The Wicker Park piece was designed as a wanted poster for labor activist, 8-hour workday advocate and anarchist August Spies. Spies was one of eight men arrested in the aftermath of Chicago's Haymarket Square Riot in 1886, tried and hanged as a co-conspirator. The gathering started as a labor rally at which someone threw a bomb, then gunfire ensued resulting in injuries and deaths including of police officers. Authorities claimed Spies' words incited the riots and led to the violence.

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White said that the Spies piece is an example of how her art can be interactive, as her hope is it encouraged people to find out more about Spies, the Labor Movement, the Haymarket Riot and the trials.

The same is true of her Elgin's work, entitled "Which Way?" and its allusion to Michelangelo.

"Some will get that, and others can learn about it," White said.

Unlike Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel paintings, White said her Elgin mural is being done in vibrant colors including yellow, orange and green. Her intention is to incorporate the work into the environment in which it stands as well as to draw in viewers who are welcome to pose with it.

White also works on sets and teaches scenic design at The Theatre School at DePaul University and has worked with Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre. With children at home, her schedule is such that she intends to be out painting in Elgin on Fridays, weather willing.

"This is art that has a sense of community," White said of her Hemmens creation. "It's something people can be comfortable with."

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mdanahey@tribpub.com
When street repairs in downtown Hinsdale made a family-owned coffee shop nearly inaccessible, an opportunity arose to introduce the shop to new customers and to give commuters a convenient cup of java.

The Hinsdale Village Board just extended Cafe La Fortuna's temporary use of the downtown Metra station for another two months.

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The cafe at 46 Village Place  a narrow one-way street that runs from Hinsdale Avenue to First Street  is a low traffic area under the best circumstances.

But with the street torn up this summer and workers grinding away in the early morning hours, the shop's peak business hours, it required a determined effort to reach, said Angela Garcia, who owns the business with her husband, Alejandro.

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Construction was scheduled on half the street at a time, so people could still come down Village Place and frequent the businesses there.

But the Garcias decided to close the cafe for the week the construction was at its peak.

As an alternative, the village offered to let the cafe operate a temporary stand at the Metra station, 21 E. Hinsdale Ave. The Village Board had wanted Casa Margarita, the Mexican restaurant that rents space in the train station, to be open for breakfast.

So from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, Cafe La Fortuna serves brew coffees, cafe con leche, cafe de olla and iced tea, plus snacks such as muffins, granola bars and banana bread.

"It's a real simple menu," said Angela Garcia.

Still, it's a lot of work to move and set up equipment each morning , she said, but it's more convenient for their regular customers who were used to stopping at the cafe for their morning brew.

It also introduces Cafe la Fortuna to potential new customers who may never have walked down Village Place.

"It's a place for customers to sample our coffee," Alejandro Garcia said.

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kfornek@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @kfDoings
A former Lake County sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty to criminal contempt of court charges Wednesday for lying under oath during a misdemeanor DUI hearing last year in Lake County Circuit Court.

As a result of the plea, the state dropped felony perjury charges against 28-year-old Justin Hill, of Kenosha, and he was sentenced to a 90-day jail term that was stayed as long as he completes other conditions of his sentence.

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Hill also was sentenced to a period of conditional discharge during which he must perform 100 hours of community service, pay a $500 fine and donate $500 to Lake County CrimeStoppers.

The sentence was handed down by Kane County Judge David Kliment after Lake County judges recused themselves from the case because the charges stemmed from proceedings in Lake County Circuit Court.

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According to prosecutors, Hill was charged for lying under oath while he was being cross-examined by the defendant in the misdemeanor DUI case, in which the defendant was acting as his own attorney.

Defense attorney Thomas Briscoe said after the plea deal that Hill admitted he lied about whether he had contacted or attempted to contact the defendant in the case prior to the DUI hearing.

Briscoe said that Hill maintains he lied to protect an informant or informants related to another case he was doing on his own without the knowledge of the Lake County sheriff's office.

Sheriff's office spokesman Sgt. Christopher Covelli said Wednesday that Hill's position as a deputy was terminated June 2.

Briscoe also said after the case's resolution that Hill's intentions were good, but he made a mistake by lying on the stand.

"He was a good deputy. He was a decorated veteran with an impeccable service record while working at the sheriff's office (prior to the offense)," Briscoe said. "He was trying to do something he believed to be for the greater good. He just used the wrong methods."

Assistant State's Attorney Scott Hoffert, who prosecuted the case, declined to comment on the plea deal Wednesday.

The case against Hill stemmed from a misdemeanor DUI hearing that took place in Nov. 2 of last year. He was indicted and pleaded not guilty to three felony charges of perjury this May.

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According to officials with the Lake County sheriff's office, Hill turned himself in the day the indictments were announced and has remained free from custody after posting bail.

Sheriff's office officials said inconsistencies were allegedly discovered in Hill's testimony during a Nov. 2 civil court DUI hearing on the potential statutory summary suspension of a DUI defendant's driving license.

Jim Elliot, deputy chief of the sheriff's Office of Professional Standards, has previously said that following an investigation by that office, Hill was placed on administrative leave and relieved of his police powers.

Elliot said the results of the internal investigation were turned over to the state's attorney's office, which then presented the facts of the investigation to a grand jury, resulting in Hill's indictment.

Hill was hired as a sheriff's deputy in September 2014, according to sheriff's officials, and previously had served as a sheriff's office court security officer for about two years prior to that.

Briscoe said Hill is a decorated veteran who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

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jrnewton@tribpub.com

Twitter @jimnewton5
Superman: Ultimate Flight was shut down Saturday at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee for a short time after a 50-year-old Chicago man collapsed after exiting the roller coaster and later died at a hospital.

Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper said Scott Barnes was walking with friends after the ride, said he wasn't feeling well and then collapsed.

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Cooper added that Barnes died at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville of a "natural death," and there was no autopsy because Barnes' personal physician signed the death certificate at the hospital.

Tess Claussen, communications manager for the popular park, said a man collapsed Saturday evening in the walkway exiting the ride. There are warning signs posted near all ride locations warning people with medical conditions to be aware.

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"Our emergency medical team and Gurnee Fire Department responded immediately," she said in an email.

Claussen added that the ride was closed for a full inspection and cleared by the state to reopen.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our guest during this difficult time," Claussen added in the email.

Barnes was a digital content specialist with the American Medical Association (AMA), specializing in search engine optimization (SEO) as an editor, according to Josh Zembik, director-median and editorial for the AMA.

In a company statement, Zembik said, "Scott was a dedicated, hard-working, and beloved member of the AMA family. We are all stunned and saddened by his sudden passing. Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this incredibly difficult time."

Barnes is survived by his siblings and is well known as a photographer, according to his obituary, which added that he was a graduate of Indiana University and Michigan City Rogers High School in Indiana. He was an editor for Wiley Publishing.

Superman: Ultimate Flight opened in April 2003 at Great America. Designed by the Swiss firm Bolliger & Mabillard, the ride climbs to the top of a 115-foot lift hill, reaches a top speed of 52 mph and proceeds through loops and turns. Riders are locked into the harness of a hinged row of seats that allows them to experience the coaster in a face-down position.

fabderholden@tribpub.com

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Chicago is among the cities elbowing up to compete after Amazon officials announced plans to build a second headquarters to pair with its original campus in downtown Seattle, seen here in April 2017. (Elaine Thompson / AP )

There's nothing like a gold rush to get the engines of commerce revving.

In the case of Amazon's search for a second headquarters, economic development folks across the nation are turning into prospectors of old heading to California and Alaska, or even the gold fields of the Amazon Basin in Brazil.

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The online retail behemoth, which is on target to sell us everything we may or may not want or need, is in the market to build a second headquarters  at a cost estimated at $5 billion  someplace other than rainy Seattle, the site of its current HQ.

How a second headquarters works with duplication of services and employees, along with economies of scale and paying taxes and construction costs for a campus to house some 50,000 workers, is beyond the dynamics of my collegiate economics class.

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Amazonians must know what they're doing because, well, they're Amazonians. So far, they've just done everything right with their business model, which we have embraced as a place to shop from the comfort of our offices.

The ubiquitous company earns billions of dollars annually. Amazon stock is at heady heights. A carbon copy of its Seattle headquarters obviously is the way to kindle even more greatness.

Normally, Illinois would be a player in the Amazon search for a second headquarters site, whose location will be announced within the year. Especially the Chicago region, which meets much of the criteria the company has outlined for its expansive project: An urban/suburban area with more than one million residents, shovel-ready properties, proximity to major airports and transportation networks, diverse cultures.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Bruce Rauner already are pitching woo to Amazon. However, Amazon has a caveat. The company wants an area which has a business-friendly environment.

Guess their real estate searchers can skip Illinois, as have other national and international firms recently seeking to expand. While Deerfield snared Caterpillar's new headquarters this year, it was an in-state transfer that had similar transportation and siting needs as Amazon.

Last week, USA Today handicapped which locations might be in the hunt for the Amazon expansion and quickly dismissed Chicago: "High taxes. Regulatory thicket. Tough worker competition." The near two dozen contenders the paper listed  from Nashville to Dallas to Boston to Atlanta  all had pros and cons that Amazon executives certainly are weighing.

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Not on the paper's list, though, was Milwaukee, a mere 40 miles north of here. Wisconsin, which enticed Foxconn and its high-tech manufacturing plant and some 3,000 jobs to a site to be named later in the southeast corner of the Badger State, has become an economic development contender.

It has a stable state government, a progressive bent and welcomes new businesses. Wisconsin officials, too, are willing to pony up tax incentives and infrastructure improvements to welcome new business. You can do that when you don't owe billions in pension liabilities and wrestle every other year with spending issues, as does Illinois, even with those high business and personal taxes.

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Wisconsin has had far more success in getting companies to move to America's Dairyland. Wisconsin was Amazon's first choice for its huge fulfillment center off Interstate 94 in Kenosha County. Illinois has a smattering of Amazon warehouse sites, including one in Waukegan.

So, let the bidding war begin for Amazon's second North American home, a hint that perhaps areas in Canada are under consideration. Don't be surprised if Illinois is again a bridesmaid for a major corporate undertaking and Wisconsin grabs the bouquet.

Charles Selle is a former News-Sun reporter, political editor and editor.

sellenews@gmail.com

Twitter @sellenews
Four people have pleaded guilty to participating in a nationwide telephone fraud and money-laundering scheme that involved a network of India-based call centers that counted 16 Naperville residents among its victims, according to Naperville police and federal authorities.

Nisarg Patel, 26, most recently of Flemington, N.J.; Dilipkumar R. Patel, 30, of Ocala, Fla.; and Rajesh Kumar, 39, of Mesa, Ariz., pleaded guilty Friday to individual counts of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering offenses, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Texas in Houston.

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Dipakkumar S. Patel, 38, most recently of Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in a related case in Georgia to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, the release stated.

The four men participated in "a complex scheme" involving call centers in Ahmedabad, India, according to the release.

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Naperville police Cmdr. Lou Cammiso confirmed the men and others impersonated officials of the IRS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. They claimed their victims owed back taxes and threatened them with fines, imprisonment or deportation if they failed to pay, Cammiso said Tuesday.

In Naperville, 16 residents lost about $88,000, Cammiso said.

A detective assigned to investigate the local crimes soon realized "they were all related to this huge, ongoing federal case involving the same suspects," Cammiso said. The detective "worked on this case with (federal investigators) for about three years," he said.

The scam operators used information they obtained from "data brokers" and other sources, the release stated. Those who agreed to pay "were instructed how to provide payment, including by purchasing stored value cards or wiring money."

Call center operators would then "turn to a network of 'runners' based in the United States, to liquidate and launder" the stolen funds, according to the release.

Nisarg Patel, for example, was a runner between June 2013 and December 2015, the release stated. He communicated with scam participants in India via telephone, email and WhatsApp text messaging, and earned commissions for the funds he laundered, putting some of the money into personal bank accounts.

Dipakkumar Patel served as a runner for in the Chicago area and elsewhere, according to the release. He "purchased money orders (with the stolen funds) and deposited them into various bank accounts as directed."

Authorities said the scheme involved a total of 56 people and five India-based call centers.

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Hoffman Estates police and investigators from the U.S. Attorney's Office Northern Illinois District participated in the probe, as did authorities in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas, according to the release.

wbird@tribpub.com
Justin Plackowska, left, and Olivia Dworakowski were murdered in Naperville in 2012. Elzbieta M. Plackowska is charged with their murders. Her trial is expected to begin Tuesday. (Handout / WGN-TV)

Attorneys argued over whether a Naperville woman suffered a mental break or was aware of her actions as her trial in the killings of her young son and a child she was baby-sitting started Tuesday in DuPage County court.

Opening statements and the first witnesses were called in the trial of Naperville resident Elzbieta Plackowska, 45. She is facing a 12-count felony indictment for the first-degree murders of her son, Justin, 7, and Olivia Dworakowski, 5, at the Naperville condo where Olivia lived with her mother.

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Plackowska, who allegedly stabbed each child more than 100 times and killed her pet dog as well as the Dworakowkis' dog, is mounting an insanity defense.

Assistant Public Defender George Ford told Judge Robert Miller, who is presiding over the bench trial, that Plackowska suffered a psychotic break on the night of Oct. 30, 2012, sparked by the death of her father earlier that month.

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"She was killing what had been pursuing her for weeks  the devil," Ford said.

But Assistant DuPage County State's Attorney Mike Pawl said Plackowska's actions were those of a "bitter, angry, narcissistic, self-centered" woman.

Plackowska, the prosecutor said, had quarreled with her husband and was resentful over having to clean houses to make ends meet. Her actions on the night of the killings undermine her insanity defense, Pawl said.

"The evidence will show a defendant who will do and say anything to avoid responsibility," he said.

Olivia's mother, Marta Dworakowski, was the trial's first witness. She described how she had met Plackowska a few months earlier through an ad in a Polish-language newspaper. The single mother worked as a nurse at a dialysis lab and needed someone to watch her daughter.

Both she and her former husband met Plackowska and her family, Dworakowski said, and her daughter came to love Plackowska and called her "Auntie Magda."

Plackowska "said she would treat Olivia like her own child," Dworakowski testified.

But Dworakowski said by Oct. 30, she was not happy with Plackowska and was planning to look for another baby sitter.

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On the night of the stabbings, Dworakowski testified that she was concerned when she arrived home from work around 10 p.m. and did not see Plackowska's car parked in the Quin Court cul-de-sac. Dworakowski said couldn't enter her condo because a door lock that normally wasn't used had been engaged.

She said she drove to Plackowska's residence, repeatedly trying to call her, and then banging on the door. She then called police, who went to the Dworakowski home and entered to find the dead children and dogs. Plackowska was taken into custody that night at the home of a family friend.

The trial will continue Wednesday and is expected to last about two weeks.

Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter for The Tribune.
An Auburn-based certified public accountant was among the honorees at an H.D. Vest Financial Services event recognizing the group's top advisers from across the nation.

Daniel Cuddy was honored by H.D. Vest at the Texas-based company's Premier Advisers' Forum hosted 27-30 in Palm Beach, Florida. Seventy-five were recognized as H.D. Vest's top performing advisers nationwide.

In a press release, Cuddy called it an honor to attend the forum.

"I found the event to be a great resource for networking with peers from across the country and to meet firsthand with H.D. Vest executives, while also learning from industry experts in the field," he said.
Cellist Matthew Nix is Maine South High School's new orchestra director.

Nix, a Michigan native, was most recently the director of orchestras at Farmington High School in southeast Michigan, and prior to that, directed the orchestra program at Liverpool High School near Syracuse, N.Y.

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In addition to teaching, Nix has played with professional ensembles, including the Flint Symphony Orchestra in Flint, Mich., and the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra.

Q: What brought you to Maine South?

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A: What brought me here is the quality of the orchestra programs in the Chicago area. They are well-known in the country. A friend of mine forwarded me the job opening at Maine South and suggested I apply.

Q: When did you begin playing the cello?

A: I started at the age of 10 in public school. I was raised in a town called Davison, Michigan [a suburb of Flint], and I was lucky enough to be a student at one of three schools in the county to offer an orchestra program. What most people don't realize is, only 14 percent of public schools across the country have orchestra programs. I was incredibly lucky to have that growing up. I chose the cello because I loved the sound; it drew me from the start.

Q: How many students are part of Maine South's orchestra program?

A: Right now we have about 80 students enrolled.

Q: How does that compare to your previous school?

A: My previous school had over 100 students enrolled in orchestra and had about 1,200 kids. I was really proud that 8 or 9 percent were enrolled. One of my goals here at Maine South is to raise that percentage. We have about 2,400 kids at Maine South, and roughly 3.3 percent of kids are in orchestra. I'd like to see that number double in about four years.

Q: What do you want the community to know about Maine South's orchestra program?

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A: The students and families in this program are extremely committed to making great music and serving our community. I would ask the community to support the fine arts programs because we put on some really fantastic things here.

Q: What is some of your favorite music to listen to?

A: When I'm not teaching or playing classical music, I love contemporary pop music. I like dance music, and I listen to a little bit of hip hop lately too. I try to expand my horizons every day.

Q: What are you listening to currently?

A: I've been really taken up with Demi Lovato lately, like, in the last five days. [Laughs] . I've [also] been listening to a little bit of an album called "Urban Flora," by Alina Baraz and Galimatias. It's just a great album.

jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com

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Twitter: @Jen_Tribune
Emergency personnel look at a car that crashed into a house on Valparaiso's north side early Wednesday. (Porter County Sheriffs Dept. / Post-Tribune)

Two people were airlifted to a Chicago hospital and another was arrested on a series of drunken driving charges after police said a car crashed into a home on Valparaiso's north side early Wednesday, a release said.

Valparaiso police responded at 1:05 a.m. Wednesday to a crash off of Vale Park Road and found a trail of damage just east of Calumet Avenue. The trail ended where a vehicle crashed through two fences, coming to a stop inside a home in the 1500 block of Aster Avenue, according to a release.

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Police said a 45-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman were trapped inside the home in their bedroom. Valparaiso Fire and EMS freed the pair and they were airlifted to a Chicago hospital. Their conditions were not immediately known Wednesday morning, and police did not identify them.

Police identified the driver of the car as Ivoree Richardson, 27, of Valparaiso, who was transported to Porter Regional Hospital for medical treatment before police took her to Porter County Jail, a release said.

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Police said her blood alcohol content was .434 percent, more than five times the legal limit of .08 percent, a report said.

She was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury; a felony charge of operating while intoxicated with a prior conviction; operating while intoxicated while endangering others; and operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content over .15 percent, a release said.

Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
As the roster of summer festivals in northwest Indiana comes to a close, the fall fairs are just beginning.

Griffith's annual Rock 'n' Rails Music & Street Festival recently lined five blocks of Broad Street in the downtown area for the first autumn weekend of 2017.

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"Each year, we come every one of the four days this is open," said Kaye Martin of Merrillville, as she ate lunch on the second day of the fest. "My husband and I both grew up in Griffith and it's fun to see how the downtown keeps going."

Many of the retail stores were open during the festival, so attendees could add shopping to their list of to-dos.

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Highland friends Patrice Tintari and Mary Ann Rastovsky stopped in at Lady's Gourmet Popcorn, which recently moved from a smaller location down the street. "This is our first time at this festival," said Tintari, as she tasted a sample of cheddar cheese/caramel mix. "We were told about this popcorn place, so we made this our first stop. Now we'll visit the booths and do some shopping."

Dozens of vendors were lined up and down Broad Street, offering everything from hair braids and dresses to bean bag games, with much in between.

The usual food items were available  pulled pork sandwiches, funnel cake, fresh lemonade, etc. And for those wanting to try a healthy path, grilled rabbit and fresh fruit also were on the menu of some of the food vendors.

"I've never tried rabbit, but I'm up for it," said Larry Larken of Merrillville, as he contemplated adding it to his already full plate. "Who knows? I may like it."

And just like any festival worth its salt, there were many things to do for all ages.

Local band Bonfire kept the audience entertained each day and there was a special section reserved for children

Bounce houses, complete with lively music, games and a barrel ride sponsored by the Griffith Historical Society were on the agenda.

"The kids absolutely love this train ride," said Lara Lee Pennington of Hammond, as she bought tickets for her two sons. "We look forward to it; it's always our first stop when we get here."

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Since her family of four arrived early, Pennington said they would be able to take their time tasting their favorite foods. "Festivals are the best  such a big choice of things to eat," she said, with a laugh. "Who doesn't like this this?"

Also on the schedule was the 4th Annual Car Show fundraiser for the Griffith Fire Department.

"This is our best year yet," said volunteer Barb Stelk, as she lined up the tall trophies to be awarded. "We've registered 234 cars."

And the Griffith Animal Control also made an appearance at the festival, bringing five dogs from their shelter.

"This was a great idea, everyone loves to see the dogs, especially the kids," said Donna King of Hammond. "We brought home our two dogs from a rescue shelter two years ago; and I believe it's true that the animals are so grateful for a new home  and that's why they make wonderful.

Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos will visit Gary on Friday afternoon, according to Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson.

A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Education declined to release DeVos' full schedule in Indiana. He said it planned to release that information Thursday afternoon.

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On Wednesday, a spokesman for Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick said he was not aware of DeVos' visit and did not expect McCormick to be in Gary on Friday.

DeVos' visit is expected to include the 21st Century Charter School in the afternoon.

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Freeman-Wilson said in a text message to the Post-Tribune that she plans to be there to greet DeVos "just briefly."

Earlier this year, then-21st Century Charter School student Raven Osborne gained national attention after she graduated at the same time with a high school degree and bachelor's degree from Purdue University Northwest.

The trip is part of DeVos' nationwide "Rethink School" tour, where DeVos aims to "showcase creative ways in which education leaders are meeting the needs of students in K-12 and higher education," according to a press release.

Other stops this week include Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Indiana, according to the statement.

DeVos, of Michigan, was appointed as U.S. Education Secretary in January by President Donald Trump. Prior to that, she spent more than two decades advocating for school choice programs, which give students and parents an alternative to traditional public school education.

Betsy and Dick DeVos founded the Great Lakes Education Project, a school-choice advocacy organization in Michigan that includes a political action committee. As part of Michigan's bailout of the Detroit school district last year, the group and others with ties to the DeVos family successfully fought a proposal that would have created a commission to make decisions about opening schools, including publicly funded charters. It was blocked in the state's Republican-controlled Legislature.

"The answer isn't bigger government," she said at a Trump post-election rally last December. "The answer is local control. It's listening to parents  and it's giving more choices."

Around the country, enrollment in charter schools grew from about 448,343 in 2000 to about 2.5 million in the 2013-14 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

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The Associated Press contributed.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

mcolias@post-trib.com

Twitter @meredithcolias
A religious marking on an interior wall remains Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, at Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Merrillville. (Joe Puchek / Post-Tribune)

It's been a bittersweet week for parishioners at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Merrillville as many stopped for one last look at the old church as it is razed.

John Monteen, who watched Tuesday as the north wall of the century-old church building in the 5885 Harrison St. came tumbling down, landing in a pile of bricks and steel to be recycled later.

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"It's like watching a relative die," Monteen, a Merrillville resident and current parishioner, said. "Everyone is having some reaction, some are almost in tears."

Parishioner John Kadelak, of Merrillville, walked around the fenced off church Tuesday morning, pointing to the large stone near the flagpole that was donated in 2012.

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The view from the front hides the destruction on the north side and back. The front, Kadelak said, should come down Thursday.

Monteen, whose wife, Laura Monteen, is the music director at the parish's adjacent current church building, said the stately red brick building built in 1916 had to come down.

"It was getting to be very much a hazard," he said.

Monteen was joined by a steady stream of current and former parishioners, who came to say goodbye to the building they remembered fondly, take pictures and videos, and hopefully obtain one of the bricks as a memorial.

"This breaks my heart. It's harder to watch than I thought it would be," said Cindy Ghione, a former parishioner now living in Delaware.

She retrieved 20 bricks, which she said she would hand out to individuals who graduated in Andrean High School's Class of 1977.

"They were so sweet and nice. They gave me the bricks," Ghione said of the workers with Wreckon Specs, of Evanston, Ill., who are doing the demolition work.

Terri Kopil, a Merrillville resident, but not a parishioner, parked on Harrison Wednesday morning and took photos of the church. She said she was sending them to her brother, the Rev. Mick Kopil, a parish priest in Wanatah.

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Lori Schilling-Joyce, a Lakes of the Four Seasons resident and former parishioner, also left with some bricks.

"It's really memories for us," she said of her family.

She said her family helped obtain the stained glass windows for the old church and a former pastor was godfather to her father, Fritz Schilling.

The church, located at 5885 Harrison St., has been vacant since 2004, when it was determined that there was a structural problem that couldn't be fixed, the current pastor, the Rev. James Meade, said.

Monteen said at that time, the woodwork and chandeliers were removed from the old building and moved to the adjacent current church building, which was once the Fidelis Hall. He said while most of the stained glass windows were sold, a few are now in the current church, as well.

John Gipson, with Wreckon, said the crew will be at the site for about a month, continuing with demolition and salvaging bricks, steel and other materials that he said could be recycled. He said the towers would come down some time next week.

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Meade said once the demolition is complete, the site will be filled and perhaps become a grassy area.

While some people watching the demolition Monday called the day sad, and the demolition a shame, others took a more positive view.

Current parishioner Liz Bushemi said she's sorry to see the old building come down, but realizes it's a hazard and could not remain standing any longer.

"Our parish is very much alive and well," she said, pointing out that a parish is its congregation, not a building.

Monteen said there is a positive side to the demolition.

"It will improve upon our visibility. People will now be able to see the new church from the street," he said.

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The 101-year-old church building was the second to house Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Bushemi said. She said the first church building for what she believes is Merrillville's oldest Catholic church was a log cabin built in 1863.

Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
In this Sept. 1, 2017 file photo, a woman joins a rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program, outside the Edward Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed a lawsuit on Monday against the Trump administration over its decision to end a program that protects young immigrants from deportation who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children or by parents who overstayed visas. (Damian Dovarganes/AP )

Tragically, Donald Trump has managed to do that which eluded Barack Obama: Fulfill his campaign promises on immigration.

Last week, Trump announced that he would end the always-explicitly-temporary Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. He also suggested that Congress act within the next six months to enact permanent legislation.

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While it may be satisfying to proclaim, as many immigrant-rights leaders and their allies have, that Trump's move was "evil," "cruel" and "the worst decision Trump has made," doing so ignores the fact that the groundwork was laid by someone else.

For starters, a quick recap of how DACA came to be.

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In 2010, President Obama failed to gather the five Democratic holdout votes that would have passed the full DREAM Act, which included a path to citizenship.Then, in late May 2012, Obama issued his executive action on DACA, overruling long-standing objections (on the grounds of constitutionality) by his Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano  who, ironically, is now suing the Trump administration for violating administrative procedures and due-process requirements by abruptly ending the program. When DACA was announced in the middle of Obama's re-election campaign, it was seen as a patronizing half-measure since the president had spent all of his limited political capital on passing the Affordable Care Act.

There was also widespread misunderstanding and misinformation within the Latino community. Many believed that the actual DREAM Act, or another type of amnesty, had become law with the stroke of Obama's pen.

By late October, news agencies were reporting that some Hispanics who might have considered voting for Mitt Romney based on their views about economic issues were turning toward Obama because of his support of the DREAM Act and immigrant rights in general.

Sure enough, Obama coasted into his second term with the help of Hispanic voters. He eventually left office with Latinos primarily remembering him as the "deporter in chief."

The truth is that although DACA's revocation is terribly upsetting for the hundreds of thousands of unlawfully present immigrants and their families, we all knew this day would come.

This doesn't necessarily make the situation any easier, but it does no one any good to push the myth that young people are suffering solely at the hands of Republicans and a president who was specifically elected to rid the country of as many immigrants  legal and not legal  as possible.

Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

If we've learned anything in the last five years, it is that making angels or demons of political opponents isn't productive.

Interestingly, this idea of not vilifying or beatifying is being exemplified by the very people who have most benefited from being portrayed as saintly. DACA beneficiaries and other unlawfully present young immigrants are increasingly speaking out against their model minority status within the larger universe of the illegal immigrant population.

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In a column for The Washington Post, Ph.D. student and undocumented immigrant Joel Sati wrote, "Though well intentioned, lauding the Dreamers has the unintended effect of juxtaposing these 'good,' 'deserving' immigrants with the 'bad' ones  those with, say, a drug charge from years back  who deserve nothing but deportation and marginalization. Narratives of childhood innocence and economic contribution constrict the movement at a time when it needs to include all 12 million (undocumented immigrants). And supporting DACA has allowed the liberal elite to feel good about ostensibly doing something pro-immigration when, in fact, it hurts our struggle."

In an op-ed for The New York Times, author Masha Gessen stated: "If immigration is debated only in terms of whether it benefits the economy, politicians begin to divide people into two categories: 'valuable' and 'illegal.' When countries make people illegal, the world comes apart. When we agree to talk about people as cogs, we lose our humanity."

We truly have lost our humanity when we give in to hyperbole and refer to an opposing party as "evil" and "monstrous"  even when leaders like Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, declare (falsely) that DACA recipients are by and large gang members and drug smugglers. But how different are those who idealize only certain members of a population of unauthorized immigrants?

This country will never reconcile its immigration issues, much less decide who gets to stay and who must go, if it can't acknowledge that immigrants are like all other Americans: varied, different and not easily lumped into categories that accurately quantify their worth to our community.

Esther Cepeda is a columnist for the Washington Post.
Adam Frisch keeps calm waiting for all ballots to be counted in CD-3
PHOENIX -- Proof that a statement is "substantially true" is enough to escape being found guilty or libel or slander, the state Court of Appeals has ruled.

In a detailed decision on First Amendment rights, the judges said that someone being sued for defamation "need not prove the literal truth of every detail" of the statement at the heart of the litigation. Instead, they need to show only "that the statements are substantially true" to have the case dismissed.

"Slight inaccuracies will not prevent a statement from being true in substance, as long as the 'gist' or 'sting' of the publication is justified," wrote Judge Paul McMurdie for the three-judge appellate panel, relying on earlier court precedent.

What that means, McMurdie said, is that when the underlying facts are not in dispute, it is up to a court to determine if publishing the literal truth "would have made a material difference to a reader" as compared with the substantial truth. And if there is no indication that is the case, the court concluded, the case has to be thrown out.

Potentially more significant, the ruling affirms the authority of judges to toss such cases without defendants having to go through the time -- and legal expense -- of a full-blown trial.

"We place a higher burden on the plaintiff to show a triable issue because the expense of defending a meritless defamation case could have a chilling effect on free speech," he wrote.

This case surrounds a dispute going back three years between two firms that collect signatures for candidates and ballot measures.

In 2014 Sign Here Petitions, a limited liability company, was working to place a zoning referendum measure on the Phoenix city ballot. It failed after the city clerk disqualified close to 40 percent of the signatures, at least in part because Sign Here used two convicted felons, who are ineligible to circulate petitions, to gather signatures.

Citizens for Fair Dealing had agreed to pay about $71,000 for the work. But the committee withheld about $17,000 of that because of performance issues.

Andrew Chavez, managing member of Petition Partners, posted a series of comments on his Twitter account about the effort, including statements that the other company was "in hot water for using felons," and another that said that "a third of the signatures being collected by Sign Here Petitions are suspected of being collected by felons. Bad gets worse on #phx referendum."

In filing an appeal, Paul Weich, the attorney for Sign Here, argued that Chavez's statements were "substantially false" and that the trial judge should not have thrown out the lawsuit.

McMurdie said the Arizona Constitution is clear.

"Every person may freely speak, write, and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right," it reads. More significant, McMurdie said that is broader than the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which simply protects individuals against government action.

He said that clearly makes the truth of any contents "a complete defense" against charges of defamation. But McMurdie said was not necessary for Chavez to prove that everything he posted was precisely true. He said even inaccuracies do not make someone guilty of defamation if they have no real bearing on the issue.

"Sign Here provided no evidence that the inaccurate statements caused it damaged beyond what otherwise resulted from its own inability to deliver the sufficient number of valid signatures," the judge wrote. Even if the comments that Chavez posted were more precisely accurate, McMurdie said, it would have made no difference.

"Any damage to Sign Here's reputation arose from its own inability to collect enough valid signatures to place the referendum on the ballot and to fulfill the terms of its contract, for which it was paid a substantial amount of money," the judge said. "Because it is not disputed that Sign Here contracted to deliver at least 16,987 valid signatures for the payment of approximately $71,000, and because two of the collectors were in fact convicted felons unauthorized to collect signatures, the gist of Chavez's statements were accurate."

McMurdie said it's the same standard that applies elsewhere, including newspapers.
WASHINGTON  Gun-control advocates blasted a hunters rights bill in a House hearing Tuesday, calling it little more than a cowardly attempt to ease restrictions on silencers and armor-piercing bullets being pushed by the gun lobby.

The Sportsmens Heritage and Recreational Enhancement, or SHARE, Act includes 18 proposals to ease restrictions on hunting on federal lands, increase access to shooting ranges and make it easier to transport guns and bows across state lines, among other measures.

But the silencer and armor-piercing bullet proposals corrupt  what should have been a good piece of legislation, said Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, at House Natural Resources Committee hearing on the bill Tuesday.

The hunters I know dont use armor-piercing bullets and they dont use silencers, Grijalva said.

Supporters of the bill disagreed, saying there are legitimate reasons to use silencers when hunting, which can keep from disturbing others who may be nearby and can protect a hunters hearing.

You shouldnt have to injure your hearing to exercise your constitutional right, said Christopher Sharon, CEO of Hope for Warriors, in testimony Tuesday. He said those trying to protect their hearing would benefit from the use of silencers and that earplugs arent that good.

Sharon, whose organization serves veterans, said the bill would simply make it easier for law-abiding people to protect their hearing.

Preserving what remains of our heroes hearing, while still giving them the opportunities to live a full life is our goal, he said. The use of silencers is a tool for many who seek to continue to hunt or reconnect with nature.

The bill includes sections making it easier for good Samaritan groups to help with search-and-rescue missions on federal lands, extending the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and allowing the use of lead shot and lead fishing tackle under some circumstances.

Tucked between a provision that would take the gray wolf in the Great Lakes region off the endangered species list and another that would extend the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act are the sections that drew most of the attention Tuesday, or silencers and ammunition.

David Chipman, a senior policy adviser for Americans for Responsible Solutions, said the silencer proposal was originally its own bill, the Hearing Protection Act, but the language was rolled into this bill because it would not have passed on its own.

He called it troubling  when you take a piece of legislation like the Hearing Protection Act that cant get traction in other bodies that deal with criminal justice issues and you try to slip it into another bill and you hope that no one shows up and no one sees that its coming.

American politics works best when its transparent; everyone can see whats going on and we can have an honest and open debate, Chipman said.
The Coconino County Sheriffs Office Is searching for a 17-year-old girl missing since Aug. 30.

Phoenix Venezia-Phillips was last seen at a bus stop in Flagstaff and is believed to have friends in the Flagstaff and Phoenix area.

She was last seen wearing black and white loose pants with a sweater. She was carrying a purple backpack and has a nose ring in her left nostril.

Law enforcement believe she could be connected to a pre-2001 green Chevy Suburban with the license plate number CAX0536.

If you have any information please call the sheriffs office at 928-774-4523 or 1-800-338-7888.

You can also confidentially call Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
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The latest issue of China Briefing Magazine, titled Chinas Investment Landscape: Finding New Opportunities, is out now and currently available to subscribers as a complimentary download in the Asia Briefing Publication Store.

In this issue:

The New Investment Catalogue and Negative List

Investing in Free Trade Zones

The Business Reform Agenda

Chinas foreign investment landscape has experienced pivotal changes this year.

At the start of 2017, in the face of rising protectionist sentiment in the US and EU, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Chinas commitment to international trade and globalization in a much publicized speech in Davos. Policymakers in China then supported this rhetoric with a number of investment-friendly reforms throughout the year.

China liberalized a number of industries previously restricted to foreign investment, introduced the countrys first nationwide negative list to guide foreign investment, nearly tripled its free trade zones (FTZs) from four to 11, and introduced a variety of administrative reforms to improve the ease of doing business.

The Middle Kingdom can still be a challenging place to do business. Foreign businesses and governments often lament allegedly unfair industrial policies, uneven market access for foreign investors, and an increasingly unwelcoming business environment. However, China continues to grow. Its economy has outperformed expectations, growing at 6.9 percent through the first half of the year, and with the latest batch of reforms, more industries are open to investment than ever before.

In this issue of China Briefing magazine, we examine how foreign investors can capitalize on Chinas latest FDI reforms. First, we outline new industry liberalizations in both Chinas FTZs and the country at large. We then consider when an FTZ makes sense as an investment location, and what businesses should consider when entering one. Finally, we give an overview of Chinas latest pro-business reforms that streamline a wide range of administrative and regulatory measures.

China has experienced many changes during our 25 years of service in the country. In 2017, we are dedicated to helping strategic investors find new opportunities in the maturing economy, and its attendant reform environment.



About Us China Briefing is published by Asia Briefing, a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. We produce material for foreign investors throughout Asia, including ASEAN, India, Indonesia, Russia, the Silk Road, and Vietnam. For editorial matters please contact us here, and for a complimentary subscription to our products, please click here. Dezan Shira & Associates is a full service practice in China, providing business intelligence, due diligence, legal, tax, IT, HR, payroll, and advisory services throughout the China and Asian region. For assistance with China business issues or investments into China, please contact us at china@dezshira.com or visit us at www.dezshira.com

Dezan Shira & Associates Brochure

Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing legal, tax and operational advisory to international corporate investors. Operational throughout China, ASEAN and India, our mission is to guide foreign companies through Asias complex regulatory environment and assist them with all aspects of establishing, maintaining and growing their business operations in the region. This brochure provides an overview of the services and expertise Dezan Shira & Associates can provide.

An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2017

This Dezan Shira & Associates 2017 China guide provides a comprehensive background and details of all aspects of setting up and operating an American business in China, including due diligence and compliance issues, IP protection, corporate establishment options, calculating tax liabilities, as well as discussing on-going operational issues such as managing bookkeeping, accounts, banking, HR, Payroll, annual license renewals, audit, FCPA compliance and consolidation with US standards and Head Office reporting.

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.

Dezan Shira & Associates
The UK has been in the business of negotiating free trade, or what were previously known as Treaty Agreements with China since 1842. The Commonwealth of Nations, meanwhile, has its roots way back in 1887, when the first of several British Imperial Conferences was held in London. These roots are of interest, as despite subsequent negative historical coverage, and much hand wringing among the politically correct, the British Empire ultimately led to the creation of modern India, Hong Kong, and mainland China. Without British influence at that time, these countries and territories would not be in the same format as they are now.

The first Treaty Agreement the UK had with China, the Treaty of Nanjing, covered the following clauses as concerns trade (others dealt with war reparations and other unfair impositions upon China, however for the purposes of this article, I concentrate purely on the trade aspect and leave the political material elsewhere). The Treaty of Nanjings trade clauses fundamental purpose was to change the framework of foreign trade imposed by the previous trade agreement, known as the Canton System, which had been in operation since 1760  some 82 years  and had not been negotiated directly by the British government, but by appointed agents (The British East India Company). Those 82 years even then were a long time in underlying trade protocols between two large economies, even if one was the dominant world power.

The treaty abolished the former monopoly of the Cohong, and their Thirteen Factories, essentially joint ventures, in what is now Shamian Island in Guangzhou. The Cohong were a group of Chinese merchants, and the factories foreign-invested enterprises who were licensed to do business in China exclusively via the Cohong.

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Instead, in addition to Guangzhou, four additional Treaty Ports were opened up for foreign trade, namely Xiamen, Fuzhou, Ningbo, and Shanghai. The need for Cohong merchants was also abolished, leaving foreign traders free to do business with whomever they wished. (The Guangzhou Cohong merchants must have been livid). The treaty also stipulated that trade in the treaty ports should be subject to fixed tariffs, which were to be agreed upon between the British and the Chinese governments.

Other clauses within the Treaty dealt with the subject of Hong Kong, which was added as something of an afterthought. Hong Kong island was included as a place to provide British traders with a harbor where they could careen and refit their ships and keep stores for that purpose. It was granted in perpetuity, with subsequent amendments to the treaty adding in leases to adjoining territories in Kowloon, and later the New Territories, including additional islands and parts of the Chinese mainland until the lease expiration of these additions in 1997.

In fact, once one takes out the colonial aspect and other unfair and one-sided articles of the 1842 Treaty of Nanjing, China and the UK had in effect signed off on a free trade agreement, with tariffs set by both governments, and a free trade bonded zone, namely Hong Kong island.

The purpose I point out news that is so antiquated as far as prototype China-UK free trade agreements are concerned is that China and the UK have a lot of common ground and experience in working together on such matters. That is relevant in three areas today. Firstly, as the UK will, in the event of Brexit, need to renegotiate a free trade agreement directly with China; secondly, as EU negotiations with China have stalled, and terms have still not been agreed upon some 10 years after the commencement of talks. Mid-19th century Britain, in effect, was more effective at dealing with China than the EU is today, meaning the UK has a lot to look forward to in re-joining its past when it comes to modern China.

The third area deals with the role of multilateral institutions, and for that we must reexamine the nature of the (British) Commonwealth of Nations as well as look at modern Chinas position on similar institutions of today. The Commonwealth of Nations (formally the British Commonwealth) traces its establishment back to 1926, although in reality a loose arrangement between member nations of the then British Empire had been connecting via London for the previous two centuries. Today, the body represents 20 percent of all global trade, and is headed up by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Commonwealth of Nations

Population: 2.2 billion

GDP: US$14.6 trillion

GDP Growth Rate: 7.1%

GDP Per Capita: US$6,222

Members: 53 nations

It may surprise many that the Commonwealth of Nations has been outstripping the EU in three determinants: population size, the size of the economy, and economic growth rate. These figures are from material recently published by World Tracker as well as the IMF, World Bank, and United Nations.

The graphic below shows the estimated population trends for the Eurozone compared with the Commonwealth for the 2016-2050 period. As can be seen, population growth in the Commonwealth alone is expected to rise by over 30 percent for this period, whereas the Eurozone population is expected to fall by 1.9 percent.

This graphic compares the Eurozone, EU, and Commonwealth from a market share of world GDP perspective, and shows the Eurozone and EU compared with the Commonwealth share of world real GDP.

This final graphic shows the GDP growth in the Commonwealth has accelerated over the post 1973 period in sharp contrast to the EU, where the growth rate has been falling gently from an average of 3.6 percent in the 1970s to 1.7 percent in the past five years.

It may at this point be prescient to acknowledge that the British public, when faced with demographic votes concerning their future within the EU, may be smarter than Brussels had reckoned. The Commonwealth of Nations collectively is in rude health. What is missing, however, remains the British commitment to the Commonwealth of Nations as a driver for future UK growth and prosperity. This entails a great deal of negotiation and agreement between Commonwealth members, and especially as concerns the legalities and trade issues concerning collective rights among members, in addition to the imposition of common systems. Such a task would be a bonanza for Commonwealth IT and e-commerce experts, and could bring tremendous rewards for Commonwealth members as a whole.

However, the Commonwealth of Nations is considered deeply unfashionable and almost persona non grata by many British politicians and civil servants today. That is an attitude completely at odds with contemporary China and much of Asia, and is fast becoming outmoded in the modern era reshaping global diplomacy and politics. China, for example, has made giant strides in the last decade or so with its Shanghai Co-Operation Organization a political and dialogue entity that counts India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, and Uzbekistan as full members with China, and includes as observer nations Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia. Bangladesh, Egypt, and Syria have also applied for this status. Dialogue partners include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey, with applicants including Iraq, Israel, Maldives, Ukraine, and Vietnam. ASEAN, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Turkmenistan, and the United Nations are all Guest Attendees.

Russia, too, has its Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia and sits effectively between China and Europe. The EAEU has the capability to bring Chinese goods right to the borders of the EU, and its trade has been increasing. In many ways, the EAEU effectively acts as Chinas OBOR Free Trade Area, and especially so when its own negotiations with it come to fruition

ASEAN is the Southeast Asian bloc comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and celebrates its 50th birthday this year. It conducts annual trade of some US$230 trillion. Five of the ASEAN nations have very strong historical connections with the UK.

There are several other examples, such as the Economic Union of West African States, the Arab League, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), all of which contain countries with long standing ties to Britain.

China meanwhile has been re-inventing the wheel somewhat and has been active in promoting loose regional co-operative blocs, less formal in manner but nonetheless useful. Some include EU members, such as Chinas grouping of the 16+1, an informal European-China bloc that includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. This grouping even has its own 10 billion investment fund, known as the China, Central & Eastern Europe Investment Co-Operation Fund, based in Luxembourg.

China has been motivating and incentivizing these nations to become prepared for new technologies and to act as a gateway for Chinese goods to enter Europe as well as for European goods to be prepared for the Chinese market. It is of interest to note, for example, that while Chinese-owned Volvo has announced it will only produce electric and hybrid cars from 2018 (a claim subsequently just taken up by Indian-owned Jaguar Land Rover), electric vehicle manufacturers in Romania and Bulgaria have recently been invested in by the new breed of Chinese auto investors. Volvo, meanwhile, remains a European brand  as does Jaguar and Land Rover with Britain. China is investing in and generating new technologies from Europe.

Going the other way in terms of future trade, it should also be remembered that China has a market of close to one billion online consumers and a middle class of some 500 million. They want to buy. The country is also energy poor and agriculturally poor  China possesses 20 percent of the global population but occupies just five percent of globally available arable land. This is why it has been developing its own trade institutions and initiatives to develop these, such as the One Belt, One Road project.

RELATED: China  UK Trade: The Effects of Brexit

The UK is on the right side of history, as long as it combines several development strategies together. They may not be historically happy or even currently politically correct; however, Empire was from a different nation to contemporary Britain. Hong Kong, signed off to the UK in 1842, has been a Chinese possession now for 20 years. That long-term China trade experience, deeper and more involved than that of most other nations, can be called upon in the spirit of free trade  after all, the Chinese arent getting anything out of the EU or the US right now. This, coupled with a British commitment to revitalize the Commonwealth of Nations, and bring those 53 member countries closer to China is a task that Britain alone is uniquely poised to provide.

The recent establishment and growth development of trade and dialogue blocs across Asia from ASEAN through to the EAEU, and the multilateral free trade agreements they have and are about to enter into is a way ahead. Britain has the Commonwealth of Nations, and a long history with China. It is unthinkable that todays Beijing mandarins would stand idly by and let an asset such as the Commonwealth be forgotten and pushed out of sight. They would not, and their engagement in developing institutions and free trade illustrates the way ahead. In Britain, constructive debate on revitalizing the Commonwealth, mobilizing its members, and getting involved with Eurasia should be the starting point for a new British manifesto with engaging with China, and the new emerging partners that come with OBOR.

Chris Devonshire-Ellis is the Founding Partner and Chairman of Dezan Shira & Associates, and Publisher of the Asia Briefing series of titles. The practice assists foreign governments and MNC businesses develop an Asian strategy throughout their 28 offices across China, India, the ASEAN nations, Russia, and the OBOR countries, including research, due diligence, legal, tax, and operational advisory services. 2017 is the firms 25th anniversary. Chris is also the author of the well-received book Chinas New Economic Silk Road, featuring profiles of all the participating nations as well as discussions and commentary on Chinas OBOR plans. The Kindle version can be purchased for US$9.99 here. Chris may be contacted via info@dezshira.com or kindly visit the practice website at www.dezshira.com

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A still from "A Dream of Red Mansions". [Photo/Xinhua]

The English-version opera of the Chinese classic "A Dream of Red Mansions" has come to China, after wowing the Western audiences last September in San Francisco.

It was no doubt a daunting attempt by the San Francisco Opera. The production is now under close scrutiny of Chinese audience who hold the original novel dear to their hearts. Although watching the opera in English may prove to be a challenge for some.

In its first leg, the opera was staged at Poly Theater in Beijing on September 8-9 before embarking on a tour to the capitals of central Hunan and Hubei provinces.

The Chinese literary classic "A Dream of Red Mansions" has been adapted into TV series, movies, stage plays and regional operas. But never has it been adapted into a Western opera sung in English.

Originally produced for the audience in the US, the opera avoids sketching an all-inclusive story to represent the novel, which has total of 120 chapters.

It chooses instead to focus on the ill-fated love of the main characters Bao Yu and Dai Yu, against the backdrop of the fall of a prominent family during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

"Chinese story, or Western story... We're all humans. So we have something in common. We all want to be loved, all want to love. So from that point of view, there's no difference. It's just a story that happens in China, or in ancient China," said Bright Shen, composer and librettist of the opera.

The four hundred characters depicted in the novel have been pared down to just seven, which might come as a shock to Red Chamber fans, but director Stan Lai says the opera still retains the essence of the novel.
China is expected to import 30 million metric tons of crude oil from Russia annually starting from next year through two transmission pipelines between the two countries, in the latest step to guarantee China's energy diversification.

Construction of the infrastructure for the major line of China's second Sino-Russian crude oil transmission pipeline will be completed by the end of this month, said Hu Weijun, chief engineer of Jiagedaqi section of the project.

Repeated tests will be conducted for two months until the pipeline goes into service at the beginning of next year, he said.

The 941.8-kilometer pipeline, from Mohe county to Daqing, Heilongjiang province, has the capacity to transmit 15 million tons of crude oil annually.

Analysts said Russia has been a major source of crude for China, and the pipeline is the latest example of energy cooperation between the two countries, which will help ensure China's energy diversification.

Han Xiaoping, chief information officer of China Energy Net Consulting, said China and Russia complement each other as producers and exporters, as China is the world's second-largest energy consumer while Russia is the world's top oil producer.

Li Li, energy research director at ICIS China, a consulting company providing energy market analysis, agreed, adding that the security of pipeline transmission is much greater than that of shipments by sea, and the pipeline will ensure a stable energy supply to China.

Zhang Guobao, former director of the National Energy Administration, said the pipeline, together with the China-Myanmar oil pipeline and the China-Kazakhstan oil pipeline, will help diversify China's oil imports.

According to Hu, the biggest challenge is the extreme cold, with temperatures as low as minus 40 C.

The first 1,000-km pipeline, originating in the Russian town of Skovorodino in the Amur region, enters China at Mohe and terminates at Daqing, and it went into service in January 2011.

It has delivered 104.92 million tons of crude oil so far from Russia, according to Heilongjiang Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau on Sept 9.

According to China National Petroleum Corp, China's largest oil producer and supplier, the nation consumed around 560 million tons of crude oil in 2016, of which 65 percent was imported, and both oil consumption and the proportion imported will continue to rise.
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The University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences held its unveiling ceremony in Beijing Tuesday, welcoming its first 392 undergraduates.

The students will study seven majors in four schools, focusing on Marxism, humanities, economics and international relations.

The university, dubbed China's youngest university, is affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). It was founded with the combined resources of the CASS Graduate School and the China Youth University of Political Studies.

The university said it planned to adopt teaching methods such as tutoring, sending students overseas and encouraging research.

It also plans to recruit its undergraduates to pursue postgraduate studies

The campus is located in Beijing's suburban district of Fangshan.
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China's first commercial quantum private communication network has been completed in Shandong Province, local government said Tuesday.

The network is exclusively for 242 Party and government users in the provincial capital of Jinan. Hundreds of pieces of equipment connected by hundreds of kilometers of fiber optics were installed within five months.

Based on decoy-state quantum key distribution and trusted relay groups, the network provides secure telephone and data communication services.

The network is expected to be connected to the Beijing-Shanghai quantum communication network.
Fujian Higher People's Court on Tuesday overturned the convictions of five men for a murder case 14 years ago.

Miao Xinhua was sentenced to death by the Intermediate People's Court of Ningde City, Fujian, in August 2005 for murdering a woman, while another four received prison terms ranging from three to eight years for the crime of concealing the murder by helping Miao dismember the body and destroy evidence.

Miao Xinhua (left) and his brother, Miao Xinrong, walk out of a local court in Nanping, Fujian province, after their murder conviction was overturned by the Fujian High People's Court on Tuesday. The two men had been wrongly accused, along with three other family members, in the killing of a woman in 2003. [Photo/China Daily]

They had their convictions overturned as the higher court ruled that the previous convictions were based on insufficient evidence and unclear facts.

In April 2003, a woman was found murdered and her body parts were found in an abandoned house in Ningde City. Miao Xinhua, the woman's former boyfriend, was soon identified as a suspect and detained.

In April 2006, Fujian Higher People's Court upheld the verdict but gave Miao a two-year reprieve.

As Miao and other suspects continued appealing, the higher court re-heard the case in July 2017 and revoked the original verdict on Tuesday.

This is the latest wrongful murder verdict to be corrected as China works to improve judicial justice and transparency.

One high-profile case was that of an 18-year-old man named Huugjilt who was executed in 1996 for the rape and murder of a woman. He received a posthumous pardon in 2014 after a serial rapist and killer admitted to the crime.
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Chinese authorities are reportedly preparing to start construction on what will be the world's largest quantum research facility, reports the South China Morning Post.

The facility is reportedly being built in Anhui's provincial capital, Hefei. It's to be home to research into new technologies.

The report suggests the scientists will be working on the development of "quantum metrology," a process which could help improve submarine's stealth operations.

Submarines equipped with a quantum navigation system should - theoretically - be able to operate underwater for more than 3 months without having to surface to receive satellite positioning signals.

The South China Morning Post is also reporting the facility in Hefei will be used to develop a quantum computer capable of decoding encrypted messages within seconds.

Developers will be invited to bid for the contract later this month. Construction is expected be completed by 2020.
People place flowers on plates on which the names of 9/11 victims were inscribed around the South Pool at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York, the United States, on Sept. 11, 2017. People paid their tributes here on Monday to mourn the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks which happened 16 years ago and claimed thousands of lives. [Xinhua ]

It is tempting for scholars of international relations to anticipate future developments. Drawing on the study of history and their own research they attempt to elaborate on patterns on how world politics could evolve.

Francis Fukuyamas book The End of History after the demise of the Soviet Union has been perhaps the most characteristic case during the new world order. Seeing that the U.S. remains the only superpower and the bipolar structure collapsed, the famous intellectual thought that Washingtons superiority might not be challenged any longer.

Fukuyama was only partly correct. It was not another power  like the Soviet Union  which confronted the U.S. after 1989 indeed. Another asymmetric rival emerged though.

A group of unpredictable terrorists was determined to support its cause by all means and struck the superpower at an unprecedented scale. The terror attack on September 11, 2001 (9/11) spread death and pain in the U.S. and shocked the planet. It also marked the beginning of a new era of terrorism in a globalized world and required an immediate response.

Even after 9/11, the military strength of the U.S. was incomparable. However, this military strength could not necessarily guarantee political victories. We saw this in Afghanistan and Iraq where Washington decided to wage its fights against terror.

More importantly, by deciding to initiate a military coalition without UN legitimization to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein, the U.S. confirmed its ability to follow the path of unilateralism in world affairs. Ironically, this decision paved the way for multilateralism.

The American image in the world was tarnished, a rising number of countries and scholars were vocal on the need of international cooperation and the continuous bloodshed in the Middle East led the successor of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, to reconsider the foreign policy priorities of his country.

On the whole, Obama refrained from taking unilateral decisions and improved the collaboration capacity between the U.S. and its partners. But, in essence, he failed to eradicate terrorism. Terrorists almost received a message by Obama that Washington would not militarily intervene against them. They thus found room and certainty to plan their actions without serious obstacles.

This is how the Islamic State  practically taking the place of al Qaeda  became the new threat. When finally Obama decided to respond against the terror organization in Syria and Iraq, a serious problem already existed. Fighters of the Islamic States were strong opponents in the Middle East and potential perpetrators of terror attacks in several world cities.

Eight years of the Obama administration passed and Donald Trump became the new American president. The 16th anniversary of 9/11 finds him ready to annihilate terrorism, but the world does not always look safe.

Although current security dilemmas are as significant as they were in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the period of American unilateralism or unquestionable hegemony is almost over.

Other countries such as China and Russia play a critical role in world affairs. With emphasis on China, a country which has encountered the thorn of terrorism, its progress since 9/11 has been remarkable. Its peaceful development  and particularly its economic rise along with its contribution to international organizations  is widely acknowledged. China has naturally upgraded its position in the globalized world and is taking initiatives at the foreign policy level.

As already said, it is tempting to anticipate future developments. It is wiser to avoid predictions and focus on current trends. The establishment of a multipolar or an apolar world does not constitute a prophecy but a reality. And here China has a say which could not have been foreseen when al Qaeda hit the U.S. It is not surprising that Donald Trump has regularly held telephone conversations with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to discuss important international challenges.

The 16th anniversary of 9/11 reminds us how terrorism can change politics and ordinary life. The tribute to the victims is essential as well as the continuous providing of support to injured people and their families.

Also, the lesson learned sixteen years later is that the complexity of world problems should not lead to unilateral policy choices. Xi reiterated his commitment to multilateralism speaking during the recent Xiamen BRICS summit. This observation becomes timely as traditional wars can be nowadays complemented with wars without blood  cyber-attacks  a method carefully studied by terrorists.

George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm
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People in Venezuela [File photo]

Fighting for economic survival while battling real threats of external military intervention, Venezuela has announced its looking east to fend off crippling Western economic sanctions -- and hopefully forever eliminate its costly over-dependence on heavy oil exports to America.

China and Russia have both opposed the latest round of sanctions announced by the U.S. against Venezuela, which, however, do not affect Venezuelas crucial supply of one-third of American oil imports.

Yet, it does include a ban on any new oil deals between American entities and Venezuelas dominant State oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), while also preventing its subsidiary CITCO Petroleum, which operates in the U.S., from transferring its earnings to Caracas.

CITCO, whose dwindling finances were recently bolstered by a major Russian loan, operates three refineries in the U.S. employing nearly 4,000 people in Illinois, Louisiana and Texas.

It was the only oil company operating in the country to give millions of dollars worth of free heating oil to millions of American citizens after all the main domestic companies ignored a recent urgent appeal for assistance to overcome a lengthy cold snap  and is now again offering to assist victims of Hurricane Harvey, especially in Texas.

Washington insists the latest sanctions will force political concessions  especially to the U.S.-backed opposition  from the Nicolas Maduro administration. However, both Beijing and Moscow have said that the sanctions will only worsen the internal situation.

Ahead of an impending State visit to Russia by the Venezuelan president, Caracas says it will be entering into more deals with major Russian oil companies (like Gazprom and Rosneft) that will increase the Russian stake in Venezuelan oil production and ownership.

Russia is already a minority partner in several Venezuelan companies operating in the Orinoco oil belt (the worlds largest oil reserve), while the two countries are also planning to develop more wells elsewhere.

Gazprom Bank, Russias third largest, is also the largest investor in infrastructure projects in Venezuela.

The same applies to China National Oil Company (CNOC), already significantly involved in several major joint venture deals with PDVSA, and construction of a Venezuelan refinery in China to supply the Chinese and Asian markets.

China is also expanding its share and interests aimed at strengthening its drilling and production capacities and reviving operations in an increasing number of new drilling and production operations in Venezuela.

With China and Russia already fully on board, Venezuelas next big dream will be to attract India, its next biggest oil market, to get on board as well.

The distant South American and Caribbean state has been the third largest supplier of crude oil to India, and 10 to 12 percent of its overall exports are going to that particular market.

But Venezuelas money problems, brought about by recent falls in world oil market prices, have seriously diminished PDVSAs ability to deliver up to level of its earlier volumes, severely reducing the value of overall Venezuelan oil supplies to India.

The latter was forced to decrease its dependence on Venezuelan crude and increase imports from African and Middle East suppliers.

However, of late, there have been signs of a possible revival in the Venezuela-India oil business, with a subsidiary of Indias Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) keenly eyeing investment in a major PDVSA subsidiary.

If Caracas is able to persuade New Delhi to substantially revive Indian public and private interest and investment in Venezuela, it will definitely be a very welcome boost in Caracas efforts to realign crucial oil exports and stabilize its trade with more reliable partners.

Earl Bousquet is a contributor to china.org.cn, editor-at-large of The Diplomatic Courier and author of an online regional newspaper column entitled Chronicles of a Chronic Caribbean Chronicler.
On July 7, 2017, President Xi Jinping presides over the BRICS Leaders Informal Meeting in Hamburg, giving introductory remarks and a summary speech. President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, President Michel Temer of Brazil, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India are also present. [File photo]

In June, foreign ministers from the five BRICS countries convened in Beijing for their annual meeting. A decade ago, Brazil, Russia, India, and China pioneered a new model of cooperation between emerging market countries in response to multi-polarization and globalization. This year, the beginning of the second decade of the association, China assumed the BRICS presidency. The emphasis at the latest BRICS meeting was, therefore, how China could work with other BRICS countries to deepen partnerships and build a better future.

A fruitful decade

Over the past 10 years, cooperation between BRICS countries has increased steadily under the guidance of their leaders. Focal areas include political security, economy and finance, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges; substantial progress has been made in these areas. Thanks to the efforts of all parties, BRICS cooperation has grown from a seed into a towering tree, taking on a conspicuous role in international affairs.

According to data from the International Monetary Fund, the combined share of BRICS countries in the world economy has risen from 12 percent to 23 percent, and their contribution to global economic growth now exceeds 50 percent. As the world economy has yet to fully recover, the five countries also face development challenges. They nevertheless have retained good growth momentum in comparison with other countries.

So far, an all-round, wide-ranging and multi-level dialogue and cooperation mechanism has been established between the five countries, including the BRICS Leaders Meeting, regular meetings of foreign ministers, the meetings of BRICS High Representatives for Security Issues, the BRICS Business Council, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group, the BRICS Expert Working Group on Cyber-Security and exchanges and cooperation between their respective policies. Whats more, BRICS countries have put in motion a mechanism for meetings of their envoys with multilateral organizations in New York, Geneva and Vienna, which allows them to align their stances and speak in one voice on major international and regional issues.

Last April, Chinas Ambassador to the UN, Liu Jieyi, delivered a speech at the High-level SDG Financing Lab on behalf of BRICS, articulating the groups support for sustainable development. This is just another example of how BRICS plays its due role in international affairs. Meanwhile, a multitude of people-to-people and cultural exchanges are conducted between the five countries, strengthening the bond between their peoples and consolidating the public foundation for further cooperation.

Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are going through similar development stages, facing similar historical missions, and have the same development goals. It is natural for them to pull together, and this grouping can boost world peace and stability, help build democratic international relations, promote a multi-polar world, and better protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

These remarkable achievements over the past decade have illustrated the strong endogenous drive and huge potential of BRICS cooperation, which is expected to continue to strengthen and cover a full spectrum of issues.

Innovative cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the BRICS cooperation as an innovation, saying that it transcends the old pattern of political and military alliances, and pursues partnerships rather than alliances. It breaks free from the obsolete thinking of ideological segregation, and blazes a trail for mutual respect and common progress. It also surpasses the old mindset of the zero-sum game, and practices a new concept of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The BRICS cooperation mechanism has been in existence for 10 years and BRICS members have focused on development, which not only benefits the people of the five countries but also offers a recipe for the world to address food and security problems. BRICS countries are a community of shared interests and future, Xi concluded.

The foreign ministers of BRICS countries had constructive discussions on the groups development over the next decade and more during the June meeting. They agreed that the five countries should take on the role of stabilizer for regional and international crises. BRICS members hold similar or identical opinions on a number of regional and international issues, and have been a vital force in defending world peace and justice. They have stressed their support for the UNs pivotal role in managing international affairs, and for seeking political solutions for hot-spot issues. They will continue to defend the authority of international laws in handling international affairs, and join hands to cope with the challenges facing all of humanity, including terrorism and climate change.

The foreign ministers agreed that BRICS cooperation should accelerate the transformation of international order, contribute to the construction of a multi-polar world, promote democratic international relations, as well as create a fair and just international order and system. BRICS is committed to establishing a community of shared future for humankind by contributing creative thoughts and plans towards the common prosperity of human society.

Under the global circumstances defined by, more than anything else, changes and snafus, the priority of all BRICS members is to maintain domestic stability and development, and thereby foster a wholesome international environment, and nudge the international order towards greater justice and fairness. BRICS is a fledging but promising mechanism, and BRICS cooperation reflects the shared wish of emerging economies as well as the new demands of international relations. It stands in sharp contrast to the Cold War mentality.

The BRICS countries have similar experiences in history, the same development status, and shared goals for the future. Following the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win results, their cooperation has shown great vitality, pressing ahead steadfastly.

Working for new international relations

The year 2017 is another milestone in the development of BRICS. In its capacity as the rotating president, China will, together with the other four countries, usher BRICS cooperation into its second decade. To pursue greater success for this period, the group will, among other measures, strengthen the three cooperative pillars  political security, economy and finance, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges  open up more areas of cooperation, expand the BRICS Plus dialogue, and build extensive partnerships.

Politically, China stands by the principle of dialogue rather than confrontation, and partnership rather than alliance, espousing the policy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness in developing relations with neighboring countries. It will work with other Asian countries to forge a community of a shared future, and conduct cooperation in various areas and at various levels to promote a confluence of interests. Upholding friendship and justice and pursuing the greater good, China will emphasize unity and cooperation with other developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, building a cooperative framework with all developing countries and regions and thereby elevating the cooperation between developing countries to a new level.

Economically, China will advance inclusive development. It already contributed to the world economy through its stabled, sustained growth in the new normal stage. It helped set and implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through its across-the-board participation in the negotiations and cooperation on a range of global issues under the UN framework. China promotes interconnectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative, which has already yielded several major cooperative projects of mutual benefit.

It is also vigorously pushing ahead with international cooperation on productivity, having already extended it to four continents  Asia, Africa, Europe, and America  to share its development fruits with more countries and regions. China helped improve global economic governance by co-founding the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Silk Road Fund, and the New Development Bank.

China is calling for a new type of international relations based on win-win cooperation by seeking common ground while shelving differences, and expanding consensus and dissipating divergence. To achieve this goal China proposes more communication and coordination on major international issues and an increased supply of public products for world peace, stability, and prosperity. By establishing partnerships with countries across the world, China, in the spirit of win-win results, has stepped up practical cooperation in various areas and increased in-depth exchanges with different countries, peoples and cultures, which boost mutual understanding and lead to the construction of a community of shared future for humankind.

All BRICS countries are aware that their cooperation, like a boat sailing against the current, must keep forging ahead, or it will slip backwards. On the shoulder of the achievements of its first decade, the group is expected to roll out more substantive measures to form a new type of international relations over the next 10 years.

During the ninth BRICS Summit, to be held in Xiamen in September, a meeting is scheduled between emerging market nations and developing countries. The mission of BRICS is to promote solidarity and cooperation between these countries, and make incessant efforts to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The facts have proved and will continue to prove that BRICS works for the interests of all emerging markets and developing countries instead of just those of the five countries themselves.

The group will promote the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, advocating a cooperative model that accommodates different social systems and cultures, and aims to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results for different development patterns. The new international situation demands close coordination and cooperation between BRICS countries in dealing with global challenges.

We believe that, through their joint efforts, the cooperation between BRICS countries will better serve the well-being of their peoples, boost their international standing and influence, and create a brighter future for humankind.
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Qatar has officially become an approved destination for Chinese tourists, following the signing of a bilateral agreement between Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) on Tuesday, Qatar news agency (QNA) reported.

The agreement grants Qatar an "Approved Destination Status (ADS)," allowing it to receive Chinese tourists and hold tourism promotional activities within China, QNA reported.

The signing aims to guarantee safe and reliable tourism services for Chinese customers, from both local travel agencies and international tour operators, said Li Jinzao, Chairman of CNTA.

He noted that the Qatari tourism sector made great strides, and Chinese travelers will find fulfilling experiences and a high level of service in Qatar.

Qatar's ambassador to China Sultan Salmeen Al-Mansouri said Qatar has been watching the Chinese outbound tourism market grow by leaps and bounds over the past few years, reaching 135 million travelers in 2016.

Al-Mansori added that with growing interest from Chinese tourists to venture and explore the Arab world, this is a great opportunity to build new bridges between the two countries.

This agreement also boosts Qatar's support for the Belt and Road Initiative, as Qatar was one of the first countries to express support, he added.

Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development Officer at QTA, added that "we are excited to work with our partners in the tourism industry to offer our renowned hospitality to our Chinese guests. We look forward to welcoming visitors as they discover our cultural heritage and natural treasures."

Qatar is home to Qatar Airways, the award-winning five-star airline and the World's Best Business Class Airline in the 2017. The national carrier flies directly to six destinations in Chinese mainland, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Hangzhou.
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Photo taken on Sept. 11, 2017 shows the United Nations Security Council voting on a resolution on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at the UN headquarters in New York. [Photo/Xinhua]

Pyongyang will take measures to retaliate against new UN Security Council sanctions to plunge the United States into the "most difficult situation" in its history, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) ambassador to Russia, Kim Hyun Joong, said Tuesday.

"Since the United States has thrown a comprehensive challenge to our country in all areas, including political, economic and military, we are ready to respond resolutely to this, and this is the firm and unshakable will of our army and our people," Interfax news agency quoted him as saying at a press conference.

On Monday, the Security Council unanimously voted for a resolution toughening sanctions against the DPRK, cutting its oil supply by almost 30 percent, banning all its textile exports worth 800 million U.S. dollars and remittances of DPRK laborers from abroad.

The ambassador said that Pyongyang rejected and condemned the "illegal" resolutions of the UN Security Council, which he says has been turned into a "tool" by Washington with the aim to "isolate and strangle" the DPRK.

He said the DPRK "was ready to solve this problem with countermeasures," without offering any specifics.

Meanwhile, the ambassador said that the DPRK would not stop its nuclear program in spite of the sanctions.

"We have developed and are improving our nuclear weapons as a means that can further deter a hostile policy by the U.S. and protect peace on the Korean Peninsula from the danger of a nuclear war," he said.

On Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that China supports the latest resolution by the UN Security Council, noting that it reflects its stance in safeguarding peace and stability, advancing denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and upholding international non-proliferation.

"The Chinese side hopes that this resolution will be implemented comprehensively and completely," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.
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Tatsuyoshi Takashima, the senior corporate adviser at Dentsu Inc, takes a ride on a shared bicycle in Shanghai between talks by media professionals on Monday. [Photo/China Daily]

As the 45th anniversary of the normalization of ties between Beijing and Tokyo arrives amid a relationship that remains strained, media from the two neighbors discussed ways to break the impasse.

Yasuhiro Tase, a famous independent media professional in Japan, said at the 12th China-Japan Media Professional Talks, which began in Shanghai on Monday and end on Wednesday, that he had tried to do objective reporting on China since the normalization of ties in 1972.

Born in 1944 in Heilongjiang province as the son of a Japanese soldier, Tase and his mother were helped a lot by local Chinese people during their stay in China, despite the war between the two nations.

He said that every week during business trips around Japan, he saw many Chinese tourists. "At first I thought they were here for shopping, but after talking I found many Chinese visitors go to places that even Japanese people do not know. They like Japan very much and found the places on the internet. That was an important discovery."

However, Tase found that there are not many Japanese visitors in major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

"Why is that? Is there something wrong with the Japanese media's reports on China?"

He said China's development is very quick in terms of innovation and Japan can learn a lot from China.

But Japanese media reports on China still focus on negatives, such as air pollution. "Against such a background, it is not surprising to see a limited number of visitors," he said.

Aya Igarashi, editorial writer of the Yomiuri Shimbun, said before she left the position of China correspondent in April, she wrote a report about Ofo, the Chinese shared-bike company.

"That was the focus of China, what was happening in China. I wanted to bring the reality to Japanese readers, as my last report sent from China."

Wang Xiaohui, editor-in-chief of China.org.cn, said for cooperation among the two nations to improve, as times change, the media need to adjust their focus and attitudes.

"Besides, we need to consider cooperation through new channels," he said, noting that young people, both in China and Japan, are quitting traditional media and getting information from mobile portals.

"I believe difficult days between China and Japan will pass," Chai Lu, a CCTV presenter, said. "The question is, what role we media professionals want to play in the process? And what do we want to leave in our career memories?

"If we are committed to the profession, I think it is of great significance for my career to do Japan reports at such a time. I want to witness the relations advance to warm days."

Presided over by China's State Council Information Office and the executive committee of the Japan-China Media Professional Talks, the annual seminar is hosted alternately by the two nations.

Talks this year focused on youth exchanges and bilateral, pragmatic cooperation on areas such as technology and the aging society.
 Flash

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the UN Security Council's fresh sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were just another "very small step."

"We think it's just another very small step, not a big deal," said Trump before meeting with visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

"I don't know if it has any impact," said Trump. "But those sanctions are nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen."

The UN Security Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution to impose fresh sanctions on the DPRK over its nuclear test on Sept. 3 for violation of previous Security Council resolutions.

This is the eighth time for the United Nations to slap sanctions on Pyongyang since it carried out the first underground nuclear explosion in 2006.

The new sanctions severely restrict oil imports, and ban all its textile exports worth 800 million U.S. dollars and remittances of some 93,000 DPRK laborers from abroad.

After the vote on the resolution, several ambassadors to the UN said the severity of the sanctions was designed not so much as to hurt the DPRK but help it see negotiations are only way out of the Korean Peninsula nuclear crisis.

"We are now acting to stop it from having the ability to continue doing the wrong thing. We are doing that by hitting North Korea's (DPRK's) ability to fuel and fund its weapons program. Oil is the lifeblood of North Korea's (DPRK's) effort to build and deliver a nuclear weapon," U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said.

"Today's resolution reduces almost 30 percent of oil provided to North Korea (DPRK) by cutting off over 55 percent of its gas, diesel, and heavy fuel oil," the U.S. envoy said. "Further, today's resolution completely bans natural gas and other oil byproducts that could be used as substitutes for the reduced petroleum. This will cut deep."

Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi called for calm as the "situation on the Korean Peninsula remains complex and grave."

"All relevant parties must be cool-headed and avoid rhetoric or action that might aggravate tension," Liu said.

He urged the DPRK to heed the aspirations and will of the international community, abide by relevant Security Council resolutions, refrain from any more missile launches or nuclear tests, and return to the track of denuclearization.

He said that the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China and the idea of a step-by-step approach proposed by Russia formed a roadmap for the settlement of the issue.
Reuters

Michael Kahn, Warren Strobel

PRAGUE/WASHINGTON, Sept 13 (Reuters)  Police and spy chiefs from China to the Middle East, a Ukrainian oligarch and a former president of Panama are among the people a coalition of human rights groups wants targeted for sanctions under an expanded U.S. law aimed at curbing rights abuses and corruption worldwide.

The coalition, in documents to be made public on Wednesday, submitted 15 cases to the U.S. State Department and U.S. Treasury, urging them to investigate using the law, called the Global Magnitsky Act.

The law, which then-President Barack Obama signed in December 2016, expands the scope of 2012 legislation that froze the assets of Russian officials and banned them from traveling to the United States because of their links to the 2009 death in prison of a whistleblower, Sergey Magnitsky.

The cases we have elected to highlight come from every region of the world, and involve horrific stories of torture, enforced disappearance, murder, sexual assault, extortion and bribery, the coalition of 23 groups said in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

The groups said their information came from first-hand accounts of victims and their attorneys, investigative journalism and reports by non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

(here)

Police chiefs, public prosecutors and heads of security services in Bahrain, China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Central Asian countries where prisoners were tortured, executed or died in custody are on the list compiled by the groups, which are coordinated by Washington-based Human Rights First.

Among them are Chinese Deputy Minister of Public Security Fu Zhenghua and Beijings Municipal Public Security Bureau deputy head Tao Jing. The groups accuse the two officials of bearing command responsibility for actions of forces under their control in the torture and 2014 death of human rights activist Cao Shunli.

Caos lawyer has said she was denied medical treatment until she was seriously ill, which the Chinese government denies.

Dmitry Firtash, a Ukrainian oligarch indicted by a U.S. court in 2013 on bribery and other charges, is on the list. He denies wrongdoing and is fighting extradition from Austria. Another target is former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli, who is jailed in Florida facing extradition to Panama on charges he conducted illegal surveillance and stole state funds while in office. Martinelli has repeatedly denied the charges.
By Jamie Freed, Praveen Menon, A. Ananthalakshmi, Reuters | Sep. 13, 2017

Malaysia Airlines will announce a deal to buy eight widebody Boeing 787 jets during the visit of Prime Minister Najib Razak to the United States, two industry sources said on Tuesday.

The deal, worth more than US$1.8 billion at list prices, is expected to be one of the announcements that will be made after Najib meets with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, the sources said.

The United States was Malaysia's third-largest trading partner in 2016. The meeting with Trump is critical for Najib, who is looking to raise his standing globally, and in Malaysia, where he is expected to call general elections in the coming months.

An international graft probe by the United States and several other nations into state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) has hurt Najib's popularity. With the U.S. visit, Najib is hoping to put the 1MDB scandal behind him.

Najib is scheduled to witness a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between Malaysia Airlines and Boeing, according to a schedule of the Prime Minister's events in Washington reported by Malaysian media outlets.

The two sources said Malaysia Airlines considered buying Airbus A330neos before settling on the 787 order. Aircraft manufacturers typically give discounts to list prices.

Malaysia Airlines said it would not comment on reports that are speculative in nature. Boeing and Airbus declined to comment. The sources did not want to be named because the discussions were private.

Brendan Sobie, chief analyst at independent aviation research firm CAPA Centre for Aviation, said the timing of the order alongside Najib's visit raised concerns of potential political influence over the purchase.

"This has happened before with Malaysia Airlines - and other airlines in this region for that matter - where the government has decided to buy an airplane that wasn't really required," Singapore-based Sobie said. "I think in this case the 787 is required anyway. But now that it is a political thing there are questions."

Malaysia Airlines has been transforming its operations under two consecutive non-Malaysian bosses as it recovers from two tragedies in 2014, when flight MH370 disappeared in what remains a mystery and flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine. The carrier is targeting a return to profit next year.

Malaysia Airlines Chief Executive Peter Bellew said in June the carrier was in early negotiations with Airbus and Boeing for the purchase of 35-40 new long-range jets.

CAPA analyst Sobie said the airline needed widebodies for growth, as well as to replace ageing A330 aircraft over the next several years, making eight aircraft a smaller than expected order.

In the eight months ended August 31, Boeing announced 426 net orders compared to 215 at Airbus.
Evening rush hour in Beijing. The city plans to cut the amount of cars through legalization. Photos Provided To China Daily

For those who are familiar with China's laws and efforts to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases, the document issued by 15 central ministerial departments that says gas mixed with ethanol will be used to fuel vehicles nationwide by 2020 should not come as a surprise, because it will facilitate the shift from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Ethanol mixed with gas, or ethanol gas, is being used in 11 provinces on a trial basis and research to develop better technology in this regard has been going on for years. Which means the decision to use ethanol gas to fuel vehicles across China by 2020 is based on what has already been achieved in developing the technology to produce the needed volume of ethanol and to promote the shift to clean energy.

Besides, studies are supposedly on to prepare a timetable for phasing out the manufacturing and sales of gas-powered vehicles in the future. The phase-out process is likely to be accompanied by a likely increase in the use of electric vehicles, which could take years because electric cars are expensive and there are too few charging points to meet the rising demand.

Before those goals are realized, however, the use of ethanol gas in vehicles could reduce harmful tailpipe emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen.

China has about 200 million registered vehicles, and the greenhouse gases they emit are major contributors to air pollution. And it is to reduce these emissions that the government has been promoting new energy vehicles, by subsidizing their manufacturing costs and issuing favorable sales policies since 2010. That more than 1 million new-energy vehicles had been sold in China by the end of last year, making it the country with the highest number of such cars, speaks volumes of its green efforts.

In the first half of this year, China sold 123,000 electric vehicles, the most in the world and almost twice as many as the 64,000 in the United States, and it was also home to nine of the top 20 selling brands in the world.

The use of ethanol gas to fuel cars, therefore, should be seen as a phase that would pave the way to realizing the grander design of having only eco-friendly vehicles on China's roads. The shift to ethanol gas could also help China in upgrading its clean energy policy to meet the commitments it made at the 2015 Paris climate change conference and set an example for other countries to follow.






China is expected to open its market soon for seafood imports from Peru soon amid the two countries' joint efforts to upgrade their free trade agreement in line with the consensus reached by their leaders, said the Peruvian ambassador to China.

Peruvian Minister of Production Pedro Olaechea will come to Shanghai to participate at the Conference of Quality Fair on Sep 16, and during his visit, the two countries will sign a protocol to allow the access of Peruvian seafood to China, Ambassador Juan Carlos Capunay told China Daily in an exclusive interview on Friday.

"We have lobsters, we have giant calamari, we have shrimps, we have a number of products. We have big production. I am sure we will have very good improvement in the export of seafood to China," he said.

The protocol is a move to implement the consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski during President Xi's state visit to Peru in November last year. The two sides agreed to upgrade their free trade agreement signed in 2009.

China is now Peru's biggest trade partner, export market and source of imports. Bilateral trade between reached about $17 billion last year.

According to the ambassador, currently there is only very small amount of Peruvian seafood being exported to the Chinese mainland, and it is mainly frozen.

Noting that the China Eastern Airlines opened a new air cargo route to Peru last year mainly for fruit transportation, the ambassador said that the flight will make it more convenient for Peru's seafood export to China.

"The seafood will arrive here fresh in 30 hours, not two months as it takes through the ship," he said.

China is currently the biggest buyer of Peru's fish meal, and about 70 percent of the South American country's fish meal exports are consumed by China.

The ambassador said that the two countries have kept expanding free trade in the past years. For example, China opened its market for Peru's avocados in 2015 and blueberries last year, while Peru is making the arrangement for the access to the Peruvian market of Chinese apples and pears.

"It is a win-win relationship. We will have access to the Chinese market for Peruvian seafood, and China will have access to the Peruvian market for apple," he said, adding that the two countries are looking forward to an economic complementarity.

Mentioning that China and Peru signed 18 projects of investment, mostly for mining and technology sectors, during President Xi's visit last year, the ambassador said that the "new concept" of the economic relation is oriented to consolidating a win-win relationship.
MINSK - The first Belarusian companies start frozen beef export to China, the Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry said on Tuesday.

Two Belarusian companies, OAO Mogilev Meat Packing Plant and Veles-Meat, have been opened for deliveries of beef to China, head of the Foreign Trade Department of the ministry Aleksei Bogdanov told local media.

Belarus also constantly invites Chinese business delegations to work out delivery logistics, discuss meat cutting specifics and analyze the taste preferences of consumers, Bogdanov said.

Eight Belarusian meat processing companies have been certified to export beef to China.

In 2017, Belarus will export $20 million worth of beef to China. A protocol of intent on beef export to China has been signed between Chinese companies and Belarusian enterprises.
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei Darussalam's Sultan, visits the 14th China-ASEAN Expo, which opened on Tuesday in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Xia Wenning/for China Daily]

Nation to push industrial capacity cooperation with regional partners

China and ASEAN member countries expressed support on Tuesday for closer economic and trade cooperation in a wide range of sectors, ranging from traditional industrial capacity to high-tech innovation.

Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli said at the opening ceremony of the 14th China-ASEAN Expo that the country is ready to synergize the strategies to speed up regional economic integration, in order to inject impetus into global economic growth.

The country will press ahead with industrial capacity cooperation with partners from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in such fields as "clean energy, modern communications, cement, electricity, and iron and steel", Zhang said.

"China's cost-effective equipment technology transfer, well-trained personnel and financial support can enable us to find more competitive edges jointly with ASEAN countries."

The expo opened on Tuesday in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

The expo was attended by leaders from 10 ASEAN countries, as well as high-level officials from Kazakhstan. For the first time, the event is hosting leaders representing nations beyond the China-ASEAN region.

"We need to keep abreast of the new trend of cutting-edge technologies including intelligent manufacturing, Internet Plus, digital economy and shared economy," said Zhang.

One example is cyber connectivity. Zhang said China will work with ASEAN members to boost the development of cross-border cyber and other communication networks, and accelerate the building of an information harbor between the two sides.

Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei Darussalam's Sultan, said China's proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative can help meet global challenges such as anti-globalization and trade protectionism.

Key areas for future cooperation, he said, are infrastructure investment, trade, investment, and most importantly, people-to-people interaction.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen said the annual expo and other cooperation mechanisms will help China, ASEAN countries, and even Asia at large, become a very attractive and competitive region.

Official data show China is ASEAN's largest trading partner. ASEAN is China's third-largest partner, and the major destination of overseas Chinese investment.

China will upgrade the free trade agreement negotiations under the Belt and Road Initiative, and sign more agreements for currency swaps, investment promotion and protection, and expand yuan settlement, Zhang said.

The country is also striving to boost imports from ASEAN members. Zhang welcomed them to participate in China's first international import expo, which is scheduled to take place next year.
Jamie Dimon, chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co, reacts during the Europlace forum in Paris, France, July 11, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon slammed bitcoin on Tuesday, saying the digital currency is "a fraud" that will eventually blow up.

Addressing the Delivering Alpha conference presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor, Dimon called bitcoin "a fraud." "It's just not a real thing, eventually it will be closed," he added.

In a separate conference earlier Tuesday, Dimon said bitcoin mania is reminiscent of the tulip bulb craze in the 17th century.

"It's worse than tulip bulbs. It won't end well. Someone is going to get killed," he said.

Dimon said he would not allow JP Morgan traders to trade bitcoin, noting that "it's against our rules and they are stupid."

The bitcoin fell after Dimon's comments. It traded at around $4,174 as of 5 pm on Tuesday.

The price of Bitcoin has soared by 330 percent so far this year. Some analysts even see the price surging to $6,000 next year.

According to a recent survey by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, bitcoin is now considered as the "most crowed trade," meaning investors believe there are too many people on the buying side and it could result in a bubble burst.

Chinese authorities last week ordered a ban on Initial Coin Offerings, a nascent form of fundraising in which technology start-ups issue their own digital coins, such as bitcoin, to investors to access funds as the rapidly expanding market spawned concerns over financial risks.
Parked shared bikes on a street in Luoyang, Henan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

NINGBO - China's bike-hire companies have 16 million bikes on streets and employ about 100,000 people, according to the State Information Center(SIC).

The SIC released a report on the bike-hire industry at an intelligent cities expo in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on Saturday.

According to the report, each day around 50 million rides are taken, so each bike is used around three times on average.

As of the end of June, there were 106 million shared bike users in China, accounting for 14.1 percent of all internet users.

The report said of the 100,000 jobs, 70,000 were newly created during H1, about one percent of new jobs in urban areas during the period.

There are about 70 app-based bike-hire companies in China.

With leading market players such as Mobike and ofo expanding, both domestically and abroad, authorities have been firm in regulating the industry.

A guideline released in August stipulated that users must register under their real names, and providers are banned from offering services to children under the age of 12. Governments were advised to improve bike lanes to ensure safety for riders.

Wuhan city announced last week that it would mark off or build about 2,500 km of bike lanes in downtown areas.
BEIJING - Those who worry about the state of the Chinese economy can relax, as recent economic indicators suggest the good times are back.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is scheduled to release its macro-economic indicators for August later this week. Market analysts say that good numbers should emerge as demand in the real economy recovers.

The value-added of industrial output is expected to rebound in August after extreme weather disrupted production in July, according to an Industrial Securities report.

The view is supported by high coal consumption, furnace use and industrial sales over the past few months, the report noted.

Zhu Jianfang, chief economist with Citic Securities, estimated the value-added of industrial output would increase 0.1 percentage points from July to 6.5 percent in August, citing a lower comparison basis.

Consumer spending, which contributes over 60 percent of China's growth, is likely to have remained stable in August.

Consumption will grow 10.5 percent year on year in August driven by sales of home appliance and summer tourism, but tempered by falling sales of real estate and automobiles, according to Lian Ping, chief economist with the Bank of Communications.

A cooling property market will produce a chain effect in the consumer market, which is the major variable in the consumption data in the short term, Zhu Jianfang said.

Analysts diverged on the development of fixed-asset investment.

Zhu Jianfang expects investment to pick up by 0.1 percentage points to 8.4 percent on the back of a strong rebound in manufacturing investment.

However, Lian Ping expects investment growth to ease to 8 percent due to weakening investment momentum.

Although investment has lost steam in the short term, analysts say it has room to strengthen.

Liang Hong, chief economist with the China International Capital Corporation, said manufacturing investment would rise after more industrial capacity was released on recovering demand.

Progress in the upgrading of consumption and investment will need more manufacturing investment, she added.

China's economic performance has been generally stable with better momentum, which will stay unchanged during the rest of the year, said NBS spokesperson Mao Shengyong in August.

The central parity rate of the Chinese currency, the yuan, strengthened for 11 consecutive working days until Monday, reinforcing optimism in the real economy.

James Daniel, assistant director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the International Monetary Fund, commended China's reform agenda, noting that overcapacity had been reduced, and the local government borrowing framework improved.

China's economy expanded 6.9 percent in the first half of the year, well above the government's yearly target of 6.5 percent. The economy grew 6.7 percent in 2016.
ZHENGZHOU - The first shipment of frozen meat imported from New Zealand arrived in Central China's Zhengzhou city, Henan province, on Monday.

The shipment, 13 tons of nine different types of meat, departed Tauranga Port on Aug 8 and arrived in Qingdao Port on Sept 2 before being transported by refrigerated truck to Zhengzhou.

Zhengzhou is home to China's first inland port for imported meat. The port follows a 7-day-24-hour working system, which slashes inspection time to seven to ten days from 30 days in coastal ports.

The Chinese government reached an agreement with New Zealand in March on importing frozen meat. The shipment was the first imported by an inland port.
A woman rides Mobike's shared bike in Manchester, UK, July 7, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Mobike has become the latest company to release its dockless bikes on the streets of London.

The Beijing-based bike-hiring company rolled out the first of 750 bikes in the West London borough of Ealing on Tuesday, joining four other new arrivals taking on existing schemes.

The company's silver and orange bikes can be picked up and parked without the use of a dock. Riders unlock a bike by scanning a QR code with the Mobike app, which is available on Android and from the Apple Store.

New users pay a promotional deposit of 29 pounds ($38.50), and rides cost 50 pence for 30 minutes.

The launch saw Mobike competing against rival Chinese company Ofo in a British city for the first time.

Ofo introduced 200 of its yellow bicycles in Hackney, East London, last week after launching its United Kingdom operation in Cambridge earlier this year. Mobike has had a presence in Manchester since June.

The two companies are key players in China's famed "bike wars", with dozens of bike-sharing rivals competing for market share in hundreds of cities across the nation.

Firms from other countries have also entered the London market.

Singapore-based oBike rolled out hundreds of cycles in Wandsworth, London, while Irish firm Urbo will put 250 bikes in the capital's Waltham Forest.

Companies have targeted London boroughs that are not well-served by the Santander Cycle docked bike scheme.

"Ealing had wanted the Santander Cycles for quite some time, but it's quite far out (from central London) and they are expensive to put in place," said Steve Pyer, UK general manager for Mobike. "We just had to make sure that all the approvals with the council were in place, and that we had set up the preferred locations for the bikes."

Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said he sought assurances the bikes would not clutter public areas, a problem that currently plague many Chinese cities.

"I was very enthusiastic about the concept," said Bell."I felt it had more flexibility than a docking cycle hire scheme. Equally, I was concerned about all those pictures you see on social media of mountains of discarded bikes, so parking was the key issue."

Mobike has GPS trackers on all of its cycles and hopes "geo-fencing" will encourage users to deliver bikes back to high-use areas.

Users who fail to park bikes in designated parking spaces highlighted on the Mobike app will incur penalties and future rides may be more expensive.

Pyer said that location data will also be shared with the council to aid decisions on new infrastructure.
CHENGDU - Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the 22nd General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which opened Wednesday, saying he hoped for greater development of global tourism.

"The UNWTO plays a positive role in advancing global tourism development and strengthening international cooperation on tourism," the president said. "We hope all nations take the opportunity of this meeting and work together to push for greater development of global tourism."

He called tourism a significant channel of communication between different countries and cultures, an effective tool of creating economic growth and jobs, and an important industry to improve people's lives.

China highly values tourism, which has contributed over 10 percent of its national economy and employment, according to Xi.

Xi estimated that Chinese tourists will make 700 million outbound trips in the coming five years.

"The country also warmly welcomes inbound tourists, with its long history, rich culture, beautiful scenery and diverse folk customs," Xi said.

The meeting, scheduled for Sept 11-16 in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, gathered senior tourism officials and senior representatives worldwide to discuss how tourism can contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Assets Under Management (AUM) of Private Equity (PE) firms and privately offered funds exceeded 10 trillion yuan for the first time. [Photo/VCG]

The Assets Under Management (AUM) of Private Equity (PE) firms and privately offered funds exceeded 10 trillion yuan for the first time, China Fund News reported on Wednesday.

The real payment of AUM of PE firms and privately offered funds rose to 10.21 trillion yuan ($1.56 trillion) by the end of August, the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC) revealed.

The number of private equity firms has risen to 20,652 by the end of August, an increase of 542, compared with one month earlier. In addition, the number of privately offered funds has increased to 60,688, 1,954 more than that in July, the AMAC data showed.

The total number of employees in these private equity firms currently stands at 228,900 and 164,900 people have registered in a professional system, accounting for 72.04 percent of the total, the report said.

Private equity firms are mainly based in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing, with 4,324 firms in Shanghai, 4,092 in Shenzhen and 3,922 in Beijing, AMAC data revealed.

In terms of scale, China's private equity firms and privately offered funds match publicly offered funds, which was 10.68 trillion yuan by the end of July, the report said.

Typically, investors of private equity firms include insurers, government-backed funds, corporates and wealthy individuals.

According to a report of China-Venture Group, there were 589 private equity deals in the first half of this year and their investments totaled $28.3 billion, up 4.5 percent year-on-year.

China's mass innovation and entrepreneurship programs are the major forces for the robust development of China's private equity funds, contributing to nearly 62 percent of the total PE scale, China Fund News reported.

China's innovation and entrepreneurship initiative began in 2014 and in July, the State Council, China's Cabinet, released a guideline that the government will encourage State-led investments as well as private investments in startups, especially those in the high-tech sector,to help finance innovation.
CHENGDU - Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, has joined other cities in refusing to allow any more so-called shared bikes on the streets.

Chengdu has far too many of these bikes already, causing parking chaos and obstructing crowded areas such as bus and subway stations, according to Chengdu Municipal Commission of Transport.

The city has designated more than 1,000 parking zones for the bikes, with more planned.

Nie Bin, chief engineer with the commission, said Chengdu experiment with electronic fences and multi-storey bike parking before the end of this year.

In the meantime, a supervisory platform will ensure real-time data helps operators put their bikes where they are most needed.

"By analyzing travel data, the government can improve the public transport network," said Nie.

China now has around 70 bike-sharing brands, with more than 16 million bicycles on the streets nationwide and 130 million users, according to the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan have already put the brakes on the scheme.
CHENGDU - Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Yang on Wednesday called on countries to help unleash the potential in tourism growth in developing countries.

Wang made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 22nd session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan and the economic center of western China.

Wang said China will continue to support tourism development in developing countries while urging rich nations to help developing countries reach balanced development in global tourism.

The Chinese vice-premier also said China is ready to align the Belt and Road Initiative with related plans in developing countries to help promote local tourism, which he said has been a bottleneck to their tourism development.

The China-proposed initiative aims to build infrastructure and trade networks along ancient trade routes in a bid to spur economic growth in participating countries.

More than 1,000 delegates, including tourism ministers from more than 130 countries attended the opening ceremony. Of the tourism ministers, 36 are from Africa.

"Africa is an increasingly important force in the global tourism market. The continent is rich in cultural resources," Abdoulaya Ndiaye, assistant to UNWTO official responsible for Africa, told Xinhua.

In a congratulatory message read by Wang at the opening ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping wished the biennial UNWTO event a great success, and stressed that tourism is an "important channel" for mutual learning and cultural exchanges between countries as well as an "important industry" for promoting growth, creating jobs and improving people's livelihoods.

UNWTO chief Taleb Rifai said at the opening ceremony that countries should use tourism as an opportunity to address global challenges in order to enable the sector to contribute more to global growth and peace.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed in a congratulatory message the hope that the tourism conference, held during the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, will "chart the sector's course in helping to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

On Wednesday, tourism ministers also discussed issues related to sustainable development and the role of tourism at an open-door session. In addition, ministers from countries along the Belt and Road met and discussed enhancing cooperation in tourism development.

UNWTO has currently more than 150 members. The Madrid-based organization will also produce its next secretary general at the global tourism gathering that will last through Sept 16. The last session of UNWTO general assembly was held in Medellin, Colombia.
Workers install a battery into an electric car in the factory of JAC Motors, a domestic car company based in Hefei, Anhui province. [Zhang Dagang/for China Daily]

Automakers will move aggressively to start building hybrids, electric power vehicles

With China announcing a plan to eventually end the production and sale of vehicles powered entirely by fossil fuels, domestic and foreign-owned automakers are expected to be even more aggressive in developing electric and alternative vehicles for the world's largest car market.

Xin Guobin, vice-minister of industry and information technology, said at an international forum on automotive industry development in Tianjin that the ministry is studying when to ban the production of cars that use only traditional fuels.

The vice-minister did not release a specific date when such a ban would occur, according to Xinhua News Agency.

In April, General Motors Co said it would launch 10 types of electric and gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles in China by 2020. Last month, GM introduced the two-seat E100 from GM's Chinese joint-venture brand, Baojun, and costs around $5,300. It has a range of 153.6 kilometers per charge and a top speed of 99.2 kph.

Ford Motor Company said last month that it was exploring a joint venture with electric car maker Anhui Zotye Automobile Co to build a new brand under which the electric vehicles will be sold. Both firms will hold a 50 percent stake in the JV, it said

Other auto producers such as Tesla Inc, Volkswagen AG, Honda and Nissan Motor Co also have announced aggressive plans to make and sell electric vehicles in China.

Among domestic manufacturers, Warren Buffett-backed BYD led in sales in the first seven months of this year, delivering 46,855 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, according to the China Passenger Car Association.

"Chinese authorities are looking to fast track new energy vehicle (NEV) sales, but despite subsidies the growth in volume in the NEV segment amounts to just around 1.8 percent of the total vehicle market in China so far this year. The authorities are beginning to look for tougher and more stringent ways to strengthen the NEV segment," wrote Namrita Chow, principal automotive analyst of IHS Markit, in an email.

Noting the lack of a specific timetable for the phasing out of fossil-fuel powered vehicles, Chow said "at this point in time it is just rhetoric regarding the complete ban of (internal combustion engine) vehicles in China, there is no time line and no policy implying this is at all imminent."

Arthur Wheaton, an automotive expert with Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, said that because Chinese auto market is the largest in the world, all global auto companies will make an attempt to meet whatever policies are in place to continue in the market.

"The policy of outlawing all internal combustion engines for sale in China would be extremely challenging," he said in an email.

SAIC, BAIC, Geely and Changan are among the Chinese auto companies that could capitalize if the ban is implemented, said Wheaton.

Those companies and others have significant partnerships with global manufacturers and their joint-ventures would be crucial in ramping up capacity to meet the needs, he added.

Still Wheaton doesn't anticipate a ban happening anytime soon.

"I am pessimistic this policy will be implemented fully for decades. I think the phasing in of increasing (the) number of electric vehicles is more likely and the slower pace would help Chinese auto makers build expertise to meet the demand gradually with help from their joint-venture partners," said Wheaton.

France and the United Kingdom announced in July they will stop sales of petrol and diesel automobiles by 2040 as part of efforts to reduce pollution and carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.
Chery Auto's showroom opens to public during press day at Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday. [Photo/China Daily]

Chery and Great Wall unveil compact SUVs aimed at European, US markets

In the past, Chinese automakers may have regarded major international auto events as means to raise their profile beyond their home market, but now it seems they have more practical aims.

With China planning to adopt one of the world's strictest standards on vehicle emissions to reduce air pollution, carmakers have to produce mass production models that meet standards at home and abroad.

At this year's Frankfurt Motor Showor 2017 IAA- two private automakers from China, the world's largest auto market, presented new models seeking export markets.

Chery Automotive is one of China's most successful homegrown carmakers which for 20 years has been building up to launching its first global car.

Cheryalso China's leading vehicle exporter -announced it will start an all-new model line of passenger cars globally, with plan for sales in Europe within the next few years under a nameplate EXEED.

The automaker said the first model to go on sale across Europe will be a compact sport utility vehicle, called EXEED TX, which was revealed in Frankfurt on Tuesday.

Chery said it is evaluating the sales opportunity in key markets ahead of setting up a European sales operation in cooperation with the company's import and distribution partners.

The company said it plans to sell a range of hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles.

It is also planning to establish new research and design facilities in Europe.

Also presenting in Frankfurt is Great Wall Motor, China's largest SUV producer.

It unveiled six SUV models under its high-end brand Weyfour of them made their global debut, including a concept one. All are new-energy models.

Great Wall Chairman Wei Jianjun said: "Not only in China, I believe the Chinese brands will perform very well in the world."

He said Wey will enter the North American market in 2021 with two or three mid-size or compact SUV models. The company also plans to build factories to manufacture the cars locally. It is currently searching for locations.

Zhang Yu, managing director of Shanghai-based consulting firm Automotive Foresight Co, said he believes Chinese auto makers are more confident with their products, because of the improved performance of made-in-China vehicles in tests, as well as the upcoming National VI emission standard, which is stricter than Euro 6.

"This time is the real action," Zhang said.

The implementation of new emissions standards in 2019 and 2020 means automakers must produce cars suitable not only for China, but also for Europe and the United States.

However, Zhang said he thinks it will not be easy for them to build a distribution networks in Europe.

Peter Hage, founding partner at auto consulting firm Districom Group, said the main challenge that Chinese automakers facing in overseas markets is building fully international brands and distribution networks in the US and Europe.

Also, the efficient longterm management of increasing complexity across product development, new technologies, international expansion will be a major challenge, Hage said.

"Different customer expectations must be met in terms of vehicle design, quality and performance, as well as overall customer experience management," he added.
Audiences sit on "floating platforms" during a TV program about artificial intelligence at a China Central Television studio in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

Finding the right staff is the biggest challenge as Chinese companies expand the artificial intelligence frontier and compete globally

Gao Jianqing was searching for the job of his dreams nearly 11 years ago.

Fresh from graduating at the School of Computer and Information at Hefei University of Technology, he was looking to break into the artificial intelligence industry.

It was a challenging period, a brain-teaser as complex as AI.

"Back then, artificial intelligence was not a subject that cropped up," Gao recalled about his time after leaving college in East China's Anhui province.

"It would take many years before AI became a hot topic like it is today. Most of my classmates chose to work for the booming internet and software sectors instead of choosing AI-related jobs," he added.

Gao finally found the right opening to go with his passion for voice recognition technology and joined iFlytek Co Ltd in 2006.

The fledgling firm had an AI research institute and was at the forefront of voice recognition development, as well as being in Anhui province.

Since then it has developed into one of Forbes' Most Innovative Growth Companies in Asia with a core business which includes speech technology research, development and marketing of software applications, system integration and hardware products.

"During the past decade, the number of AI employees at the institute has grown at a high rate," said Gao, 34, who is now vice-president of iFlytek's AI research institute.

"We have around 500 staff in AI research institute, up from 15 in 2005," he added.

Last month, the Shenzhen-listed company reported that revenue in the first half of the year increased 43.79 percent to 2.1 billion yuan ($324 million) compared to the same period in 2016.

Gross profit came in at 1.03 billion yuan during the first six months, a jump of 46.99 percent.

But net profit dropped 58.11 percent to 107.28 million yuan as the firm invested heavily on expanding its operation.

Part of that included an aggressive hiring policy to attract the brightest and the best to work on smart voice technology projects and other AI ventures.

In the past few years, iFlytek has even set up a series of research labs with domestic and overseas universities and institutes.

These include the Tsinghua University in Beijing, the University of Science and Technology of China in Anhui province, the Harbin Institute of Technology in Heilongjiang province and York University in Canada.

"Collaboration is of mutual benefit to our company and the academic world," Gao said. "We offer business insight and data, while the schools provide cutting-edge research and expertise.

"During the cooperation process, we work together to train talented people in new AI-related skills," he added.

IFlytek is only one company among an array of high-tech firms looking to hire artificial intelligence engineers in China.

With big data and mobile internet technology sectors booming, the country has quickly developed a thriving AI industry.

But finding the right people has been crucial to its success and vital for its future development.

Many of China's big internet players are looking at overseas options to stay one step ahead of the competition.

Tencent Holdings Ltd, known for its popular messaging service WeChat and gaming sites, announced in May it would open a research lab in the United States city of Seattle.

Heading the operation will be former Microsoft research scientist Yu Dong.

"We hope the AI facility will not only be a laboratory, but also a connector to bring together the world's leading talent," said Zhang Tong, director of Tencent's core AI lab and former big data director at Baidu Inc.

In many ways, Tencent is following in the footprints of Baidu. The Chinese search engine rolled out an AI lab in Silicon Valley nearly three years ago and has since set up a second facility.

Chinese ride-hailing company Didi Chuxing has a research operation in the same area.

Naturally, signing up exceptionally talented professionals for the next wave of R&D in artificial intelligence has become a priority.

A report by networking site LinkedIn showed that out of a total of 1.9 million technical AI professionals in the world only 50,000 work in China.

Up to 850,000 are employed in the United States, which still dominates the sector, the report revealed.

But apart from the US, China has the greatest market potential, Wang Di, vice-president of technology at Linked-In China, pointed out.

Gao, of iFlytek, tended to agree with that view.

"There are sufficient AI-related professionals in terms of image recognition coming from domestic colleges and universities," he said.

"And many leading global researchers also have Chinese backgrounds, which will help us recruit them," he added.
Young visitors interact with a robot at the 2017 World Robot Conference in Beijing themed "Win-Win Collaborative Innovation Toward the Building of an Intelligent Society". [Photo/China Daily by Wang Zhuangfei]

China is beefing up efforts to attract highly-skilled professionals to work in AI as companies across the world scramble to get an edge in this cutting-edge field.

A report released by Hays showed that Chinese mainland enterprises have stepped up plans to hire staff involved in the artificial intelligence industry from the United States and Europe.

Many firms were offering the right candidates lucrative packages, including a 50 percent salary rise to relocate to China, the global recruitment agency stated.

"We are seeing significant government and private investment in AI across natural language processing, computer vision, speech recognition and data science," said Simon Lance, managing director for Hays Greater China.

Earlier this year, the government launched plans to invest heavily in research programs.

The aim is to turn the country's AI sector into an industry worth more than 150 billion yuan ($22.15 billion) by 2020, 400 billion yuan by 2025, and 1 trillion yuan by 2030.

"As a result, employers in the artificial intelligence space are becoming particularly competitive in their efforts to attract top people," Lance added.

But China faces key challenges and a skill gap compared with the US.

A major problem is that the country lags behind the world's biggest economy when it comes to employment numbers.

"China's AI talent (pool) is only half that of the United States, which may (hinder) future development of (the) AI industry (here)," a report from the Tencent Research Institute stated.

The survey, conducted by a division of internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd, showed China had 592 artificial intelligence companies with nearly 40,000 employees by June, 2017.

In comparison, the US had 1,078 AI businesses with more than 78,000 employees.

The US is also ahead in four key employment areas, including processor and chips, and machine learning applications, as well as natural language processing and smart drones.

More than 20,000 people work in the natural language sector in the US compared to China's 6,600, the Tencent report highlighted.

Studies also found that Chinese AI staff are concentrated in sectors such as automated vehicles and smart medical treatment.

In the US, the focus is on wider sectors, including the chip industry, big data and storage, as well as technical areas such as image identification and robotics.

Research in automated vehicles was also pioneered there.

"One of the reasons that China lags behind the US in AI is because it started much later", the Tencent report stated.

Among the world's top 20 universities for artificial intelligence research, 16 are in the US, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University, according to the American National Science and Technology Council.

Not one Chinese university made the list.

"Up until now, China has not established a system to cultivate talent in AI," said Yu Youcheng, deputy secretary-general of Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence.

"For example, artificial intelligence science and technology have not been set up as a first-level discipline," Yu added. "This may lead to the loss of core AI talent."

But the problem can be fixed by putting the right pieces of the jigsaw together.

"We should work to develop an ecological chain in the AI field," Yu said. "This would combine AI talent cultivation, technology standards and products and applications.

"But (doing this we can) transform and upgrade the whole industry," Yu added.

Cheng Yu contributed to this story.
Young college graduates work on artificial intelligence projects at a startup in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Working in AI, or the artificial intelligence industry, can be a learning experience which will take you to the frontier of technology.

To acquire and then hone those skills, Zhang Tong enrolled in an AI online training program from educational platform BitTiger.

The 27-year-old electronic circuit researcher was looking for a new challenge but needed to go back to virtual school. "I'm preparing for a new career in AI, so I started with structured learning," said Zhang, who lives in Beijing. "The course includes computer vision and natural language processing.

"A top researcher in the industry has guided me through the process and I've learnt practical AI skills," he added. "Now I have a better understanding of what tech firms are looking for."

Zhang is not alone in his AI quest as there are tens of thousands of IT wannabes signing up to online educational programs staffed with university professionals.

Still, BitTiger is slightly different as it provides practical skills from industry experts .

Founded in 2015, the online Silicon Valley startup caters for Chinese professionals who want to expand their expertise in software development.

"With the booming internet sector, demand for coding skills, AI and other related fields is skyrocketing," said Su Mingche, co-founder of BitTiger. "We believe people will gradually take lifelong study as a habit."

The platform offers training courses for members on a variety of topics, including AI, big data, coding and business analysis.

Offline lectures conducted by experienced HR executives from leading tech firms, such as Yahoo, are also provided by the platform.

Online three-month courses cost about $5,000 and they are usually broken down into two-hour audio lessons.

Business has been brisk for BitTiger with sales reaching more than $600,000 a month, according to Su, who did not disclose further financial details.

The platform now has more than 40,000 registered members with about 80 percent Chinese clients based in North America, particularly the United States.

At least 10 percent of the platform's members are in China. "We will keep focusing on the Chinese market this year and in 2018 before developing the English sector," Su said.

But then the market for online IT education is taking off, Lu Yanxia, a research manager at IDC China, stressed.

"As more tech giants gear up for expansion in AI, the competition (for staff) will become fierce," Lu said. "Recruiting top AI talent will be a key strategy for most tech companies."

Su was quick to agree with that assessment.

"We have already developed a series of courses for AI training," Su said. "Up to half are related to that sector. In the future, we will further develop this program."
JINAN - China's first commercial quantum private communication network has been completed in Shandong province, local government said Tuesday.

The network is exclusively for 242 Party and government users in the provincial capital of Jinan. Hundreds of pieces of equipment connected by hundreds of kilometers of fiber optics were installed within five months.

Based on decoy-state quantum key distribution and trusted relay groups, the network provides secure telephone and data communication services.

The network is expected to be connected to the Beijing-Shanghai quantum communication network.
A newly established international tourism organization initiated by China is expected to push the global tourism industry forward and further facilitate cooperation around the world, insiders said.

Gino Andreetta, chief executive of Club Med Greater China, said the World Tourism Alliance initiated by China will play a leading role in the development of the world tourism industry and also will contribute to the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Tokozile Xasa, tourism minister of South Africa, said he believed the alliance would connect the tourism industry around the world by offering a good platform for them to cooperate and share the experience of developing tourism with each other.

They spoke as the World Tourism Alliance was officially set up on Tuesday in Chengdu, Sichuan province, where the 22nd General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization is being held.

Premier Li Keqiang sent a congratulory message to the inauguration ceremony of the World Tourism Alliance.

According to Duan Qiang, the newly elected first chairman of the alliance, it was proposed by the China Tourism Association and is a nongovernment, nonprofit organization for tourism consultation and cooperation.

"Following the vision of 'better tourism, better world' and the objectives of promoting development and poverty alleviation, the alliance aims to enhance international exchanges and cooperation in the global tourism community," he said.

He said the alliance has 89 founding members, many of which are tourism associations, enterprises, think tanks and research institutes.

More than 60 percent of the members are from overseas. The headquarters and secretariat of the alliance are based in Beijing.

Duan, who also serves as president of the Beijing Tourism Group, one of the biggest tourism enterprises in China, said the establishment of the China-proposed tourism alliance is a "natural outcome", as the country is becoming increasingly influential in the development of the world tourism industry.

According to a report on travel and tourism competitiveness released by the World Economic Forum in April, China, ranked 15th among the 136 countries and regions involved in the rating, has become the largest tourism market in the world and is making greater contributions to the development of tourism worldwide.

Li Jinzao, director of the China National Tourism Administration, said that in an era when the tourism industry worldwide faces opportunities as well as challenges, nongovernmental organizations have been a major force in the global tourism governance system.

"The establishment of the alliance is one of the milestones in the history of world tourism," he said.

"I hope that the World Tourism Alliance will get involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, so the tourism industry in China will take the opportunity to deepen cooperation with countries involved in the initiative," he said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency commended China's efforts and accomplishments in nuclear security after conducting its first nuclear security advisory mission to the nation, according to the China Atomic Energy Authority.

The two-week International Physical Protection Advisory Service mission, from Aug 28 to Saturday, reviewed the legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear security as well as the physical protection of nuclear material and facilities.

An eight-member expert team led by Joseph Sandoval of the United States' Sandia National Laboratories visited Fangjiashan Nuclear Power Plant, part of the Qinshan Nuclear Power Station in Zhejiang province, to examine security arrangements and observe physical protection measures.

The experts also met with officials from several Chinese government bodies involved in nuclear security such as the China Atomic Energy Authority, National Nuclear Safety Administration and Ministry of Public Security.

The international agency has carried out 78 of the protection missions in 48 member states since 1995. This was the first in China, it said.

The China Atomic Energy Authority said on Tuesday that a report by the experts highly approves of the Chinese government's continuous efforts to strengthen nuclear safety, to boost the sustainable development of the nuclear power industry and to help establish a global nuclear security system.

The report identifies the positive roles played by the State Nuclear Security Technology Center and its subsidiary, the Center of Excellence on Nuclear Security, in enhancing China's nuclear security capability and supporting regional and global cooperation in the field, officials at the China Atomic Energy Authority said.

"A strong commitment to nuclear security is a must for any state that uses nuclear power for electricity generation and that is planning to significantly expand this capacity by constructing new power reactors," said Muhammad Khaliq, head of the international agency's nuclear security of materials and facilities section. "China's example in applying IAEA nuclear security guidance and using IAEA advisory services demonstrates its strong commitment to nuclear security and its enhancement worldwide."

The report notes that along with the rapid growth of China's nuclear power sector, challenges have emerged when it comes to the country's nuclear security mechanism and management.

It suggests that the Chinese government accelerate the making of laws and regulations to better govern this sector.

Deng Ge, director of the State Nuclear Security Technology Center, said the IAEA mission would help China strengthen its nuclear security since the nation could learn from other countries' successful experience and find out its weaknesses for rectification.

Deng added that the mission's report can help the international community understand China's contributions to the global nuclear security system and also offer China's best practices to other nations.
Miao Xinhua (left) and his brother, Miao Xinrong, walk out of a local court in Nanping, Fujian province, after their murder conviction was overturned by the Fujian High People's Court on Tuesday. The two men had been wrongly accused, along with three other family members, in the killing of a woman in 2003.Chen Leizhu / For China Daily

A man sentenced to death for homicide 14 years ago was acquitted on Tuesday because of "insufficient evidence" after a retrial in Fujian province.

Miao Xinhua, 40, was convicted in 2004 of killing a woman in Ningde and then chopping up the body. Four of his relatives, including his father, were also jailed for supposedly helping to cover up the crime.

Yet judges at the Fujian High People's Court exonerated all five, saying the original verdict was based on "unclear facts and insufficient evidence".

Mao Lixin, the lawyer representing Miao, said his client's first task upon release will be to help his family arrange a funeral for his father, who died last year. He will also begin the process of applying for state compensation.

Police claimed at the first trial that all five had confessed during interrogation, but Mao said none of the men confessed in court or entered a guilty plea.

"Their confessions were obtained illegally, because each one was not the same, or was inconsistent," he said, adding that officers may have used torture during the interrogations.

At his first trial at Ningde Intermediate People's Court, Miao was found guilty of strangling the victim, surnamed Yang, during a quarrel on April 6, 2003, and then chopping her into seven pieces with help from his father, Miao Deshu, and his brother, Miao Xinrong.

It was said at the first trial that the body parts were put in a plastic bag and transported by tractor by the three men along with Miao Xinguang, another brother, and the accused killer's uncle, Miao Jinjia, to a shabby house in Fujigang village.

Miao Xinhua was sentenced to death, while the others were given prison terms ranging from three to eight years. All five appealed the verdict.

In 2006, the high court upheld Miao Xinhua's conviction but reduced his sentence to death with a two-year reprieve. The other sentences remained unchanged. Further appeals resulted in the high court agreeing in 2016 to retry the case, and the hearing was held on July 28.

Mao, the lawyer, was thrilled when his client was declared not guilty.

"This shows the country's progress in the rule of law and also exemplifies the principle of not handing down punishments in doubtful cases," he said.

Prosecutors could not prove that "hairs collected in a bathroom at Miao Xinhua's home belonged to the victim Yang, and investigators didn't find any fingerprint or footprint from my client at the crime scene", he said.

Ji Chunwei, a criminal lawyer and a former forensics officer from Guangdong province, said the acquittal showed that judicial authorities have given more weight to physical evidence than to oral confessions.

"The best way to root out such wrongful convictions is to make everyone involved in a case - including the judge, prosecutor, police officers and lawyers - uphold the accuracy of evidence and effectively enforce legal principles," he said.
HR executive says medical exam may be proposed to screen for pregnancy

An incident in which a woman announced her pregnancy after three days on a new job - and then quit immediately after her maternity leave expired - triggered online discussions and comments that such incidents may create barriers for women in job hunting.

Zhejiang Jinxun, a private internet technology company based in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, told Ningbo Evening News on Sept 6 that a job applicant who claimed in an interview to be single and said she didn't plan to get married in the near future announced that she was pregnant shortly after being hired. She asked for sick leave frequently during pregnancy, and resigned when her 128-day maternity leave ended, the company said.

Zhang Hai, the general manager, told the newspaper that he believed the woman, who was hired as a secretary, was intentionally deceptive to guarantee her income and social security during pregnancy and maternity leave. The law prohibits any employer from firing a woman for being pregnant or who is breastfeeding.

When asked about the matter on Tuesday by China Daily, the company declined to comment and refused to give the woman's contact information.

China Central Television started an online poll on its WeChat subscription service on Tuesday, and 40 percent of respondents said the woman's behavior was dishonest and should be condemned, as it may cause employers to be suspicious of all female employees of childbearing age.

Only 8 percent of the total 22,500 respondents said the woman's behavior was justifiable because money is needed to bring up a child.

"No wonder the company required me to sign an agreement that it will discontinue the work contract with me if I get pregnant within two years. Such incidents will put women at a disadvantage in looking for jobs and getting promotions," one internet user from Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, commented on Sina Weibo.

Huang Qi, vice-chair of the Shanghai Bar Association, said that the woman didn't break the law.

"No matter when a woman gets pregnant, whether it was planned or accidental, whether before being employed, shortly afterward or many years later, she is protected by law," Huang said.

But in fact, there are many occasions that women encounter unfairness in the workplace, according to some senior human resource executives.

"We used to ask female job applicants, 'Do you have a child?', which was changed to 'How many children do you have?' after the universal second-child policy was adopted," said a man who worked for a decade as a recruitment manager at a State-owned enterprise in Shanghai.

"From the employer's side, we prefer women with a continuous career plan without disruption by pregnancy, especially when they are recruited for leadership positions," he said on condition of anonymity.

Another human resources executive, who also insisted on anonymity, said some businesses arrange health checkups with a chest X-ray before offering a job to a female candidate.

"If the candidate says it's not convenient to have a health checkup, the company may find excuses not to sign the work contract with her" because it suspects the woman is pregnant, she said.

"I suggest women try to have a child after working at a company for a few years, which seems reasonable and decent," she said.

Chen Yandi, founder of Hand-In-Hand, a Shenzhen-based NGO dedicated to protecting female workers' rights, said women are encouraged to fulfill their job duties as usual during pregnancy if their health allows, and the government can apply tax reductions to companies based on the number of employees who gave birth in a year.

"But in this case, I don't think the public can judge the woman before hearing her personal story," she said.
Chinese authorities are reportedly preparing to start construction on what will be the world's largest quantum research facility, reports the South China Morning Post.

The facility is reportedly being built in Anhui's provincial capital, Hefei. It's to be home to research into new technologies.

The report suggests the scientists will be working on the development of "quantum metrology," a process which could help improve submarine's stealth operations.

Submarines equipped with a quantum navigation system should - theoretically - be able to operate underwater for more than 3 months without having to surface to receive satellite positioning signals.

The South China Morning Post is also reporting the facility in Hefei will be used to develop a quantum computer capable of decoding encrypted messages within seconds.

Developers will be invited to bid for the contract later this month. Construction is expected be completed by 2020.
Five universities from the Chinese mainland have been ranked among the world's top 50 universities for student employability.

The latest edition of Quacquarelli Symonds Graduate Employability Rankings listed China's Tsinghua University in 10th place, followed by Peking University in 23rd.

Tsinghua was the best performer in south Asia, ahead of Japan's University of Tokyo(14th) and the University of Hong Kong (20th).

Other Chinese mainland entrants in the top 50 include Fudan (27th), Zhejiang University (38th), and Shanghai Jiaotong University (46th).

In all, 37 Chinese universities were ranked within the world's top 500five from the Chinese mainland, six from Taiwan, and six from Hong Kong.

The results show Chinese universities are providing global and national economies with skilled, high-achieving graduates.

"Chinese universities have excelled in producing talents that are increasingly globally competitive," said Zhang Yan, China director at QS Intelligence Unit. "In the future, with strength in different disciplines, Chinese universities should work more closely with employers in different parts of the world, in areas of research and development, employability and entrepreneurship."

Zhang said she believes it could help further enhance the global competitiveness of students, cultivating more future leaders for China and the world alike.

Quacquarelli Symonds, a global higher education analyst and career advice specialist, named Stanford in the United States as the world-leader, followed by the University of California, Los Angeles and Harvard University.

US universities take five of the top-10 placesand 31 top-100 placeswhile the UK universities of Cambridge (6th) and Oxford (8th) were ranked most highly by employers.

Each institution's score was compiled using five indicators- alumni outcome, employer student connections, employer reputation, partnerships with employers and graduate employment rate.

Hannele Niemi, professor of education at the University of Helsinki, commended the Chinese universities' progress.

"The investments that China has allocated to higher education have had an impact," Niemi said. "China has also decisively made high efforts for promoting international cooperation."

Out of 600 universities considered in this year's rankings, 500 of them are published, compared with 300 universities considered last year and 200 published.
Li Lejun (Right) picks up a seriously ill boy. [Photo from Web]

A taxi driver in Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou province, has touched the hearts of many with his efforts of trying to save a severely ill child.

When Li Lejun was driving in Guiyang on July 30, he pulled over to help a couple of people anxiously trying to hail down a taxi. One of the them held an unconscious child in the arms. The boy had a pale face and unusual skin tone.

On the way to hospital, Li was told the boy had a blood disease and was at risk of falling into coma. In the race against the time, Li double-flashed the headlights and ran three red lights.

However, despite the efforts of Li, the child stopped breathing and died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

"Maybe the boy would have been saved if I have driven faster," Li said while crying.

After verifying the situation, the local traffic police did not punish Li for running traffic lights.
A male long-nosed monkey sits on a tree branch at Guangzhou-based Chimelong Safari Park, Sept 13, 2017. [Photo by Qiu Quanlin/chinadaily.com.cn]

Six proboscis monkeys, also known as long-nosed monkeys, have been introduced from Indonesia to a safari park in Guangzhou, the capital of South China's Guangdong province.

The six monkeys, two males and four females from two families, are currently under a 30-day quarantine period at the Guangzhou-based Chimelong Safari Park.

"They are now in healthy condition and will be meeting visitors soon," said Yang Huohai, deputy director of Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.

The reddish-brown proboscis monkey, with an unusually large nose, is mostly endemic to the Southeast Asian island of Kalimantan. It is considered endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with its population reduced by more than 50 percent in the past 40 years due to habitat loss.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the world's largest non-profit environmental protection organization, there are only about 1,000 proboscis monkeys in the world.

"Illegal killing and devastating forest have been blamed for the loss of the endangered species in Southeast Asia," Yang said.

qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn
A man and a woman have a date in a public matchmaking event in Anyang, Henan province on June 22, 2014. [Photo/IC]

Dating websites fail at verifying personal profiles as they claimed and people who work there blew the whistle on matchmaking fraud, The Beijing Times reported on Wednesday.

Dating websites are in the spotlight as Su Xiangmao, 37-year-old tech entrepreneur and multimillionaire committed suicide on Tuesday after he was scammed by his former wife, who he met from jiayuan.com, a well-known dating website in China.

In his suicide note, he claimed he and his wife were VIP members of a dating website with verified personal profiles made by website, according to early report. But he later found that information about his wife didn't check out and she scammed him for over 10 million yuan in months.

The paper reported that dating websites require people to register with a real name and ID, but information, like age, education or marital status and salary, can be easily altered.

After signing up with basic information, people can offer more personal data, like an academic certificate or property certificate, to have them verified so it will help them get more attention from other members, increasing their chances of making a match.

The dating sites claim they have several technology protections to verify information, including real-name registration, vetting and system where members can complain or report someone with fraud profile.

However, those protections seem to be not working at all, the paper said.

A reporter from The Beijing Times signed up on jiayuan.com and baihe.com successfully with a fake ID with wrong ID number and random mug shot.

He also had no difficulties in changing his information, like academic background, profession, marital status and salary right after signing up, without further verification.

Jiajia, not her real name, a member of jiayuan.com, believes in verified profiles, saying she cares very much if other members have verified information.

"I won't send any message to a man without any verified personal info," she said.

However, Chen Wei, an attorney with Beijing Yingke Law Firm, said, "Dating websites have no access to the Ministry of Civil Affairs' marriage registration database, nor the Ministry of Public Security's ID database, so there is no way they can verify the most basic personal information, including a person's real name, age or marital history."

It seems there's a huge loophole in dating websites' vetting systems.

But it's just a start. More hoaxes are waiting.

A woman in the paper's story, who only gives the name Xiaoqing and who worked for two popular dating sites, including jiayuan.com, for over two years, explained how they exploit their clients.

She gets a commission fee from individuals who sign up with the matchmaking service

"I will get more salary if I can invite more online clients to sign up for a contract for matchmaking service," she said.

She said they have a template for clients saying someone's interested in them, no matter if it's true and they want to meet up or there's an event where there will be many people.

"We say all the fantasies for potential clients to show up at our event. Then our matchmakers will approach them individually to persuade them to sign up for our matchmaking service at the event," she said.

The matchmaking service costs range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan and promise to find clients a certain amount of ideal dates in a certain amount of time. If the clients don't like who they meet, recommended by the service, the service will keep looking until they are satisfied.

It sounds fair. But actually it's common when matchmakers think some clients are too picky or hard to sell, they will ask their friends to fill in - just to fulfill the contract, rather than find the potential right person, according to The Beijing Times.

They usually show up for dates but are barely willing to talk about themselves and disappear with some excuses and never reply to any calls or messages from their dates. Some clients put the dots together, thinking it's a scam when they received calls from their disappearing dates defending their matchmakers after complaints are made.
More grassroots delegates to attend CPC national congress

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-09-13 20:12

KUNMING -- Wang Donglin is honored to be elected as a delegate to attend the national congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) this year.



Wang, 29, works for Beiya Mining Company in the county of Heqing in southwest China's Yunnan Province. For the past ten years, he has led his colleagues to improve the company with hard work.



"I really cherish this opportunity to attend the 19th National Congress of the CPC," Wang said. "Before going, I will solicit opinions on the frontline."



The upcoming session, which will start in Beijing on Oct. 18, will see a higher percentage of grassroots delegates working on the frontline. The meeting will discuss and set the future direction for the Party and state, as well as elect a new central leadership.



The CPC national congress takes place once every five years. The delegates are not full-time and have jobs from all walks of life, including state leaders, officials, workers, farmers and teachers.



These frontline workers must account for no less than one-third of the delegates, representing provincial level regions, the central financial sector and centrally-administered enterprises in Beijing, which all increased frontline attendance compared to the 18th CPC National Congress.



More focus on grassroots delegates represents the change in Party membership. Party authorities approved 1.965 million new candidates in 2015, of whom 977,000 were frontline workers, such as industrial employees, farmers, herders and migrants.



Yang Fu, a Party official and colleague of Wang's, said that Wang was a great representative of frontline members as he worked hard and helped other colleagues gain expertise.



"After work, Wang often teaches others what he has learnt at work and shares his experience with other colleagues," Yang said.



In the past few years, Wang has submitted 60 proposals about company production.



"He greatly contributed to the company's capability, equipment maintenance and work efficiency," Yang said. "His hard-working spirit, perseverance and sense of responsibility are what make him a truly outstanding CPC member," Yang said.



Zhang Fakui, an official with the Heqing local government, said that Wang's election as delegate to the upcoming session showed that Party delegates cover an extensive range of areas.



"It means that the Party truly listens to opinions from all walks of life," Zhang said.
Sino-Russian university alliance established

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-09-13 20:59

SHENZHEN -- The Sino-Russian comprehensive university alliance was established Wednesday in the south China city of Shenzhen.



Forty Chinese universities, including Beijing's Peking and Tsinghua universities, and 20 Russian universities, including Lomonosov Moscow State University, joined the alliance, which aims to strengthen exchanges in modern teaching methodology, scientific research, cultural and social activities.



A joint declaration was released on July 5 between Peking University and Lomonosov Moscow State University to establish the alliance.



Nearly 100 university presidents from both countries participated in a forum on Wednesday, discussing topics such as talent cultivation, research cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Xi, Putin send congratulatory messages to first China-Russia university

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-09-13 21:03

SHENZHEN -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday both sent congratulatory messages to celebrate the inaugural semester of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, the first joint Sino-Russian university.



Xi said that education is a major impetus for the development of a country and a key bond to promote exchanges between different peoples.



There has been close contacts between universities from both countries in recent years, as China and Russia have undertaken in-depth cooperation in education, said Xi, adding that the cooperation has played a positive role in promoting mutual understanding between the two peoples as well as the development of the Sino-Russian comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.



"Under an agreement reached by President Putin and I, the establishment of Sino-Russian Shenzhen MSU-BIT University is an important achievement in bilateral cultural and people-to-people exchanges and is of great demonstration significance," said Xi in the message.



He encouraged education officials and teachers from both countries to look to each other's advantages and the potential for cooperation to speed up the future development of the university, build a high-level university and train top-quality talent, thus contributing to Sino-Russian educational cooperation and bilateral friendship.



Calling educational cooperation a key component of the Russia-China strategic partnership, Putin said in his message that direct contact between universities in both countries has expanded year by year; the scale of student exchanges has been improved and high school students from both countries have formed a tradition to have holiday in the other country's national resorts.



He said he believes that the Russia-China university, founded on the basis of two well-known universities from Beijing and Moscow, will further enhance friendship and understanding between the two peoples and that graduates from the university will become sought after in Russia, China and around the world.



Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, located in the south China city of Shenzhen, is a university jointly founded by the Shenzhen municipal government, Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) and Russia's Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU).
Mainland spokesman stresses one-China principle when commenting Taiwan's int'l activities

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-09-13 21:25

BEIJING -- Taiwan's participation in activities held by international organizations should be based on the one-China principle, a spokesman from the Chinese mainland said at a press conference Wednesday.



An Fengshan, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, was responding to a question on Taiwan during the regular session of the United Nations General Assembly.



An reiterated that the mainland's major policies towards Taiwan remain unchanged.



"We will continue to adhere to the '1992 Consensus' which embodies the one-China principle, ensure the common political foundation for peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, oppose 'Taiwan independence' and protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity," An said.



Concerning Taiwan's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Vietnam in November, An said it should be handled in accordance with the one-China principle and the memorandum of understanding among members of the APEC.



Only by upholding the one-China principle can cross-Strait relations return to the path of peaceful development to the benefit of compatriots across the Taiwan Strait, An said.



Regarding concerns that Taiwan will develop nuclear weapons, An said he has not identified the source of the information, stressing that the mainland is firmly opposed to such ideas.



Responding to a question on the United States' plan to resupply its warships off the coast of Taiwan from 2018, An said that "we resolutely oppose any official contact and military links between the US and Taiwan."



The spokesman added that various activities will be held to mark the 30th anniversary of cross-Strait exchanges.
President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Beijing on Wednesday. WU ZHIYI / CHINA DAILY

Infrastructure, health and defense affairs are among highlights of the cooperative documents signed following the meeting on Wednesday between President Xi Jinping and Brunei's visiting Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

During their meeting, Xi said the two countries should reinforce the exchange of governing experience, the synergy of their development strategies as well as pragmatic cooperation in various fields.

Both countries should strengthen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure construction, energy, halal food, agriculture, fisheries and digital economy.

Hassanal, who is both the sultan and prime minister, said his country supports the Belt and Road Initiative and it will continue honoring the one-China policy.

Brunei welcomes Chinese enterprises making investments and developing business there, and the country is ready to further maintain high-level contacts with China and expand cultural exchanges.

Hassanal was making his second state visit to China  the first was in 2013.

Wednesday's talk was amicable, and the outcomes were fruitful, said Xiao Qian, director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of Asian Affairs.

Speaking about the South China Sea, Xi said the current situation is increasingly stable and cooling, and it shows a positive momentum of development.

China is ready to work with parties concerned, including Brunei, to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, Xi said.

Brunei is ready to work with China to champion peace and stability in the South China Sea and continue to nurture the ties between ASEAN and China, Hassanal said.

Before arriving in Beijing, Hassanal attended the 14th China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

China appreciates Brunei pushing forward the development of the China-ASEAN relationship, Xi said.

China is willing to strengthen the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the development plans of ASEAN, promote and upgrade their ties and boost the buildup of the ASEAN Community, Xi said.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn
President addresses letter to UN organization meeting in Chengdu

UN World Tourism Organization assembly attendees look over promotional products in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Wednesday. [Photo by AN YUAN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE]

China, with long history, rich culture and beautiful scenery, welcomes tourists from all over the world, President Xi Jinping said in a congratulatory letter to an international tourism meeting on Wednesday.

"Tourism is an important channel for different countries and cultures to communicate with each other, an effective way of developing a country's economy and a key industry to improve people's lives," he said in the letter to the 22nd General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

The biennial officially kicked off on Wednesday in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. Activities started on Monday and the event runs through Saturday.

More than 1,000 representatives from 130 countries and regions are attending the meeting to discuss using sustainable tourism as a development tool and reinforcing Belt and Road tourism cooperation.

Xi said China pays great attention to the development of the tourism industry, which accounts for more than 10 percent of the country's economy and employment. In the next five years, Chinese tourists will make 700 million outbound trips.

He said the UNWTO plays a positive role in promoting the development of global tourism and strengthening international tourism cooperation.

"We hope all nations can utilize the opportunities of the meeting and push the tourism industry globally for greater development together," he said.

Vice-Premier Wang Yang, who attended the meeting, said China joined the UNWTO in 1983. Tourism has grown from a marginal to a major industry for the country's economy during the past three and a half decades, Wang said.

But China is not a "tourism power" yet, he said, and needs further development through expanded, deepened cooperation.

Taleb Rifai, secretary-general of the UNWTO, said China has become a world leader in all paths of life over the past decade and tourism is no exception.

"It is very inspiring to see China's commitment to international cooperation and tourism at the highest level," he said.

Li Jinzao, director of China National Tourism Administration, said the Belt and Road Initiative has created a larger tourism market among countries involved. There were at least 25 million tourist trips between China and other countries involved in the initiative in 2014 alone.

An initiative for tourism cooperation among nations involved in the initiative was formed during the meeting to improve tourism facilitation and quality and to face challenges and risks together.

"The Chengdu initiative sets out how we can harness tourism's potential and share our resources through large-scale partnerships to create a better future," Rifai said.




Prosecutors in China will strengthen intelligence sharing and joint investigation cooperation with the International Association of Prosecutors to hunt down corrupt Chinese fugitives who remain at large abroad, a senior official from the Supreme People's Procuratorate said on Wednesday.

"We are working closely with our counterparts from anti-corruption departments of IAP members to expand law enforcement cooperation and improve the capabilities and effectiveness of agencies to catch the fugitives and confiscate their illicit assets," Procurator-General Cao Jianming told China Daily in an exclusive interview.

Figures provided by the Supreme People's Procuratorate show that since October 2014, when prosecuting departments in China launched the special action to capture such fugitives and recover their illegal funds, 174 corrupt officials have returned to face trial, with 1.9 billion yuan ($291 million) in illegal funds confiscated with the judicial assistance of foreign agencies.

Cao said they will start procedures to recover ill-gotten funds from suspects who have escaped overseas. "We will take measures to collect solid evidence and initiate in a timely manner the recovery procedure to cut off the fugitives' economic support."

In recent years, a large number of corrupt Chinese officials and directors from State-owned companies have escaped to some Western countries, such as the United States and Canada, to avoid punishment through a lack of bilateral extradition treaties or differences in the legal systems, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Moreover, they have transferred hundreds of millions of yuan in illegal assets to foreign accounts through money laundering and underground banks, it said. According to China's top anti-graft watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, more than 900 corrupt fugitives are still abroad, many of them hiding in Western countries.

Cao said officials have taken effective steps with Western law enforcement authorities, and there have been some achievements in the pursuit of fugitives and the return of their illegal gains.

He said Chinese prosecutors made full use of conventions and treaties to ask foreign prosecutors to inquire and freeze the fugitives' illicit assets sent abroad, as well as to repatriate the suspects.

Moreover, they have worked closely with international anti-money-laundering organizations to monitor and trace the suspicious overseas remittances and provide intelligence and evidence to judicial authorities for further investigation.

"Although progress has been made, more law enforcement cooperation is still needed to solve the problem," Cao said.

He said they will expand law enforcement cooperation channels with foreign governments to fight cross-border corruption crimes while enhancing communication and conducting joint investigations on some major and individual cases.

"Apart from enhancing judicial cooperation, the most important issue is to take measures to prevent the corrupt officials from fleeing, such as tightening the management of officials' passports or border control, which serves as a deterrent," said Huang Feng, a law professor at Beijing Normal University.

To date, the Supreme People's Procuratorate said it has signed more than 130 cooperation agreements or memorandums of understanding with authorities from 98 countries. Between 2012 to 2017, it has handled 600 international criminal judicial assistance cases, it said.
Parents take their kids to a bookstore in Yangzhou to select reading materials for the new semester. [Photo/VCG]

SAN FRANCISCOA new study shows that home literacy activities help children build long-term study and executive function skills, thus providing them with tools for lifetime success. To collect a range of ages and school experiences, the study followed two groups of students in public elementary schools near the University of Washington campus: one cohort from first to fifth grade, the other from third to seventh grade.

In all, 241 families participated over five years, completing annual questionnaires about how their child felt about reading and writing at home, whether for assignments or just for fun, what kinds of activities they engaged in at home, and what kind of help parents provided.

As the study was carried out by UW researchers and detailed in a paper published in the Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation, the demographics of both cohorts reflected neighborhoods around the university: About 85 percent of students were white or Asian American, and three-fourths of parents had a bachelor's or advanced degree.

Nicole Alston-Abel, a Federal Way Public Schools psychologist who conducted the study while pursuing her doctorate at the UW, noted that a more diverse pool would be illuminating from a research perspective, but the basic message would remain the same.

"The takeaway is still the importance of having a parent involved in developing the habits and models a child needs to be successful," Alston-Abel was quoted as saying in a news release from the university in US Pacific Northwest. "It doesn't matter what socioeconomic status you come from."

Alston-Abel analyzed data collected by co-author Virginia Berninger, UW emeritus professor of education, who sent home questionnaires asking parents if, and how, they helped their children with reading and writing. Alston-Abel, a former primary teacher, then compared the responses with students' academic performance.

The study speaks to the need for a collaborative effort between parents and teachers, Alston-Abel says.

One way for parents to help is to engage a child in writing at home through journals, even an email or thank-you note, and another way is to look for specific skills to help develop, such as spelling or reading comprehension, but pull back when the child appears able to accomplish more independently.
A total of 425 million grants totaling 700 billion yuan ($107 billion) were made to students from 2012 to 2016, the Ministry of Education announced on Sept 6. The sum increased from 112.6 billion yuan in 2012 to 168.9 billion yuan in 2016, an increase of nearly 50 percent.

The growing number of grants is just one aspect of improving educational equality.

The General Office of the State Council moved to control the dropout rate of students with the grants.

By 2020, the percentage of students who drop out of school during the nine-year compulsory education period is set to fall to less than 5 percent.

The dropout rate stood at 6.6 percent in 2016. And most of those who dropped out come from rural areas, particularly border and ethnic-group regions, where poverty is a major factor, according to the ministry.

Support for rural teachers acknowledges that remote and poor areas in central and western regions are the weakest links in the education system.

Information technology can make more high-quality educational resources accessible to rural schools, which have been improved to make them more attractive to students.

Poverty relief work is also stemming the number of students who drop out of school for financial reasons.

Support is available to students with financial difficulties and those with disabilities or with disabled parents.

The ministry is also seeking more investment in education, better school buildings and more boarding schools for rural students with transportation problems.

Meanwhile, employers are not allowed to hire children under the age of 16 and parents or guardians of school-age children must make sure that students finish compulsory education, or be held accountable under the Compulsory Education Law.

In higher education, quotas are reserved specifically for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. China's elite universities have been told to reserve vacancies for 63,000 students from disadvantaged rural areas in their 2017 enrollment.

The best universities are included in another program to ensure no less than 2 percent of their students come from disadvantaged rural areas.

These programs have already made a difference. At Renmin University, the percentage of freshmen from rural areas increased from 14.7 percent in 2011 to 18.6 percent in 2016.
U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos will visit Midland University's Omaha campus Wednesday before coming to Lincoln Thursday to see the Lincoln Public School's science focus program.

As part of her "Rethink School" tour, DeVos went to two Wyoming schools Tuesday and planned to head to Colorado Wednesday.

After visiting two Colorado schools, she will head to Omaha, where she will visit the Midland campus at 11213 Davenport St., according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Education.

The university based in Fremont  where U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse was president until he was elected to the Senate  opened the Omaha campus in May.

The campus, near TD Ameritrade headquarters in west Omaha, offers a Master of Business Administration program and includes a "collaborative space where students can work, cafe areas for community events, and office spaces that could serve as startup homes to local small businesses," according to the Midland website.

The campus also offers a program for para-educators to earn teaching degrees.

DeVos will be there from 6-6:50 p.m.

The U.S. Department of Education has yet to announce her Thursday schedule, although LPS officials on Tuesday did confirm DeVos' planned visit.

DeVos will tour the district's zoo school and meet with students and staff members.

Our school district looks upon this visit as an exciting opportunity to share information about our Science Focus Program -- and our fine Lincoln Public Schools public education system -- with the U.S. Secretary of Education, said LPS Superintendent Steve Joel in a statement. The students at Lincoln Public Schools have a wide variety of options and possibilities for their public education: through a rich array of LPS programs, as well as partnerships with local business and industry, higher education institutions, and private and parochial schools.

The zoo school is 20 years old, the first of what grew to be four focus programs at LPS. Two of those, technology and entrepreneurship, were folded into The Career Academy when it opened on the Southeast Community College campus.

This year, 105 students attend zoo school, and 130-150 apply each year, according to LPS. The school has two science teachers and one teacher each for math, social studies and English. Students who attend remain a part of their home high schools but spend three 90-minute blocks at the zoo school each day beginning at 10:10 a.m.

Speakers, field trips and research trips are a big part of each class, and students complete portfolios at the end of each semester to show what theyve learned. Wednesdays are focus days, where students work on research and portfolio projects.

The Lincoln Childrens Zoo will be closed Thursday to accommodate the DeVos visit.

DeVos, a former Republican Party chairwoman in Michigan, is a longtime supporter of school choice and a force behind the spread of charter schools in her home state. Her nomination by President Donald Trump and narrow confirmation in the Senate drew spirited protests.

Lincoln Police Capt. Mike Woolman said LPD is working with the U.S. Marshals Service and will find a place where protesters or other onlookers can legally and safely gather during Devos' visit.

We want to protect peoples rights of freedom of speech and their right to protest, he said.

The group Suit Up Nebraska-Lancaster County, which has about 800 followers, has issued a call to action on Facebook for people to gather on the west side of 27th Street across from the zoo on Thursday to show their support for public schools.

There was a lot of chatter on the Facebook page and people wanted something organized," said Deb Levitov, the group's co-chair. "We decided to show support for public schools and get the message to DeVos that public schools are important and strong in Nebraska.

During her visit to Woods Learning Center in Casper, Wyoming, on Tuesday, about 30 protesters stood on a hill outside the school. They brought teddy bears in an apparent reference to a comment DeVos made during her confirmation hearing about some schools in Wyoming possibly needing guns to protect themselves from grizzlies.

DeVos praised Natrona Countys policy that allows students to attend any school in the county and urged educators to move away from what she called an outdated model for educating students, according to the Casper Star-Tribune.

Woods Learning Center is a 26-year-old program where multiple grade levels learn in the same classroom and a group of teachers run the school instead of a principal, the Star-Tribune said.

"Open enrollment gives families the opportunities to find the schools that are best for them and their children," she said in her speech. "Students, your parents know you best. And they are in the best position to select the best learning environment for you."

DeVos also visited St. Stephens Indian School on the Wind River Reservation Tuesday.

She will visit Firefly Autism House in Denver and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, before coming to Omaha on Wednesday. Her tour also includes stops in Kansas, Missouri and Indiana.
A tattoo artist is working on creating a pattern on a visitor's arm during a tattoo expo held this month in Shanghai. [Photo by DOMINIC MORGAN/CHINA DAILY]

Chinese are getting inked up in record numbers as the social stigma attached to body art fades in the country. Dominic Morgan reports in Shanghai.

It was not just the number of people, but also the diversity of people in the room that was striking.

Just a few years ago, a tattoo expo in Shanghai would have been a niche event at bestassuming the organizers would even have been able to get a license to hold it.

But over Sept 1-3, tens of thousands crammed into the Shanghai International Fashion Center to attend the Tattoo Extreme & Body Art Expo.

When Taiwan-based Tattoo Extreme magazine organized its first expo in Shanghai in 2015, it attracted around 5,000 visitors.

This year, more than double that number came just on Sept 2, according to Chen Hsiao-yung, the magazine's events officer.

Despite the event's "extreme" pretensions, this was far from a hard-core crowd, the curious students and couples clutching Starbucks cups far outnumbering the goths and punks in the hall.

Such a sight is all the more surprising when you consider that tattoos were banned in China as late as the 1970s, and that the People's Liberation Army only started accepting tattooed recruits in 2011.

But as the expo showed, social norms are changing fast in China.
China and Russia should come up with new ideas and proposals for further practical cooperation, Vice-Premier Wang Yang said this week in Russia.

Wang made the remark during his five-day visit to Russia, which began on Monday.

He met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok during the third Eastern Economic Forum on Wednesday.

Wang said the rapid rise of the Russian economy, the stability of Russian society and the development of Russia's Far Eastern Federal District provide energy for Russia's economic development.

"The cooperation between China and Russia has become closer than ever in all aspects," he said.

Putin gave Wang a warm welcome and congratulated him on the success of this week's BRICS Summit in Xiamen, Fujian province.

Putin said he had a fruitful conversation at the summit with President Xi Jinping. Both governments have started to work together on the agreements reached by the two leaders, he said.

Wang participated in the chairmen's meeting of the joint commission for regular meetings between the Chinese and Russian heads of government, held on Monday and Tuesday, and he met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.

Wang said China remains Russia's largest trading partner and their cooperation in investment and infrastructure interconnectivity are expanding steadily.

He said major programs of strategic importance are advancing, including the Yamal liquefied natural gas exploitation project, wide-body airliner production, and construction of a cross-border railway and highway bridges.

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn
Students examine green pepper, a vegetable that has been taken to outer space for scientific experiments.Provided To China Daily

EDINBURGH - Leading space scientists from Britain and China signed a partnership agreement early this month to promote and strengthen both sides' space education and space-culture activities.

Under the memorandum of understanding, a new virtual center will be established to lead space education and space-culture activities between the two countries.

The center will be led by Britain's National Space Academy and a consortium of Chinese laboratories. In the areas of culture and education programs, it will be supported by the University of Nottingham.

The new virtual center partnership will serve as a platform for Sino-British space-education and cultural leadership, which can then be expanded to include participation from other space agencies and new space programs or agencies in the developing world.

"We hope to accelerate the development in this area and in the future expand the program into other developing countries, so as to nurture more talent in space science," says professor Yu Junsheng from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. Yu is the consortium's leading scientist.

For the first stage of this partnership, the team aims to select 100 primary and middle schools in China, Britain and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative to carry out a trial run of the education program, Yu says.

While the center will help spread space education across China, British students and teachers will be offered the chance to participate in summer school programs, including visits to China's astronaut-training and launch centers.

And Britain-China education experiments will be developed to fly in China's space program, according to the UK National Space Academy.

This new center will give British teachers, students and researchers new opportunities to work in partnership with one of the world's most ambitious space programs, says professor Anu Ojha, director of the academy.
Under extensive public pressure, Taiwan education authorities decided on Sunday to limit the contents written in classical Chinese to the original 44 percent to 55 percent in the new Chinese textbooks to be used in senior high schools from 2019. The proportion of classical Chinese was originally confirmed by authorities in charge of the island's Chinese textbooks, but when it was submitted to the education authorities, it was lowered to 30 percent, and the number of articles in classical Chinese previously listed as "key points" for higher-grade entrance exams, too, was reduced. Taiwan residents see the move as a step toward reducing the value of ancient Chinese culture or an attempt to separate Taiwan from its roots.

After the absurd revisions were made public, people from various walks of life submitted petitions and organized protests, demanding the island's education authorities abandon the plan. More than 50,000 people signed the petitions launched by some scholars on the island.

After winning the leadership election on the island, the Democratic Progressive Party has made public its "Taiwan independence" agenda through a series of moves. But all such moves to delink Taiwan from traditional Chinese culture and push for its "cultural independence" have been foiled by Taiwan compatriots in the pastas they will be in the future.

According to some scholars in Taiwan, articles in classical Chinese in Chinese textbooks are particularly important, because they carry the essence of thousands of years of Chinese culture. "Without these classical works, we will become people without a cultural memory and this is unimaginable," one scholar said. Chinese culture is the only uninterrupted culture in the world, and the preservation of such classical Chinese works plays an important role in continuing and carrying forward the ancient civilization and culture.

Since education is inseparable from culture, the move to separate the island's education from traditional Chinese culture will lead its people nowhere. The DPP-led Taiwan authorities should not pursue their "ulterior political" motives of separating the island from its civilizational and cultural roots by depriving the next generations of the knowledge about classical Chinese language and culture.

-Xinhuanet.com


Sava (center) with his chinese english teachers. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

I was waiting with dread for the age at which I reached the hard phase of my life, retirement. Some may argue that it is the time during which one can enjoy life but it is my prerogative to dispute their claim.

Most Canadians, I think, look forward to retirement as much as they anticipate a visit to the dentist for a root canal operation, a very painful surgery.

They are aware of the fact that at one future point, their dear children, tired of handling the responsibility of taking care of them, will put them in retirement or senior citizens homes. They will spend the rest of their lives waiting to die while being bored to death.

It is a well-known fact that 60 years is the retirement age for men in China while 55 is its counterpart for women. From the above description, one can deduct the reasons behind my being petrified of reaching the age of 60.

Being an active individual who abhors being idle, I dreaded the thought of having to sit at home and wait to die. Fortunately, for me, an event took place in 2010 that played a major role in changing my attitude about life in general and retirement in particular.

I was teaching at a high school in Xingtai, Hebei. As Mother's Day approached that year, I decided to hold a party for the students and their parents, if it was possible for the fathers to attend but I recommended that their mothers ought to come too.

With the help of the Chinese and foreign teachers, I planned to hold a contest for the most thoughtful and original gift that a student can create for his or her mom to present to her during the party.

To be frank, I was skeptical pertinent to the possibility of persuading my students to inform their parents about the party. However, I was pleasantly surprised that most of the parents took time off their busy schedule to come.

My plan included permitting each student to stand up in front of the class and freely express his or her feeling toward his or her mother. Some of my students were considerate enough to make their speeches in both English and Chinese. For those who obliged by giving their speeches in English, Chinese English teachers acquired the much-needed spirit of generosity to handle the task of translation.

I observed in awe as my shy students got rid of their timidity to stand elegantly while they eloquently and emotionally expressed their genuine love for their mothers while the mothers could not hold back their tears from being overjoyed by the tender words of their children.

Frankly, I could not hold back my own tears of feeling extremely proud of my students and also both the management of the school and their teachers. Furthermore, I was set for another surprise when I asked the students to present their handmade gifts to their mothers while all teachers attempted to select the most creative and original gift.

I was deeply moved by their creativity that I decided to award each student a symbolic monetary gift.

At the end of the events, most parents expressed their gratitude to all of us, which affected me to the degree that I promised to repeat the event as long as I would be teaching at the school or other schools.

The management of the school promised to emulate my kind gesture at future festive events at the school regardless of my whereabouts.

On that night, on my way home, I was on cloud nine feeling the emotional fulfillment of being a participant in bringing my students and their families closer together.

I do believe that one must be granted the privilege to pose the following question: "How did China and Chinese change the course of your life through one event?" Of course, I would be more than delighted to oblige and satisfy their curiosity.

That night, I made a solemn promise to myself, that as long as there is blood running in my veins, I will exert every possible effort to find a teaching position, even if on a voluntary basis. I also took a vow to use my future teaching assignments to make a positive difference in the lives of my students.

That night changed my attitude toward life in general and retirement in particular. I realized that I don't have to stay home. I can share my knowledge with my students through teaching at schools, privately or through voluntary work.

Without the generosity of China and its distinguished citizens, I would not have had the opportunity to teach and subsequently the party would not have taken place and I would be terrified of retirement and its boredom.

After that event, in the last five years, I was fortunate enough to land teaching positions in provinces that have 65 as the age limit.

I am certain that I will never be complacent sitting home. Instead, I will continue to make positive differences in the lives of the Chinese people through my teaching and writing.

Finally, I must acquire sufficient grace to express my eternal gratitude toward the Chinese people for their generous spirit that welcomed me to be a part of their society. I also would like to thank China Daily for giving me the opportunity to write this article.




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. KCNA via Agencies

The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea vowed on Wednesday to accelerate its weapons program in a tit-for-tat reaction to the evil sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council on Monday in response to its sixth and strongest nuclear test on Sept 3. The DPRKs response is a step in the wrong direction and will further isolate it from the international community.

The Security Council sanctions against the DPRK include a ban on the countrys textile exports and restrictions on crude oil imports.

The Security Councils ninth package of measures against the DPRK since 2006 came amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and high vigilance by all parties concerned. Reports say the United States, whose Pacific territory Guam is under the perceived threat of Pyongyangs intercontinental ballistic missiles, considerably watered down its draft sanctions resolution demanding a complete oil embargo and a partial naval blockade to win the support of China and Russia.

The motives of Washington, however, go beyond avoiding a Chinese or Russian abstention from a UN resolution. The US oil embargo proposal is an attempt to make the Washington-Pyongyang dispute, a focal point of the DPRK nuclear program, Beijings exclusive problem, as China is the DPRKs biggest oil supplier.

And even if China does not veto such a full ban, Russia, another major oil supplier to the DPRK and also a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is not likely to support it.

The ban on DPRKs textile exports, reportedly the second-most important source of income for the country, might make a difference. The latest sanctions ban the export of oil condensates to the country and cap refined petroleum exports at 2 million barrels a year, cutting by half the existing export levels.

The nuclear ambitions of Pyongyang are posing a serious security threat to the international community, including China. Its insistence on continuing its nuclear program and developing ICBMs is scaling down the room for strategic maneuvering and consuming Chinas diplomatic resources to no avail.

As a responsible power, China always fulfilled its responsibility of making the best efforts to ease tensions on the peninsula. On the occasions that China has agreed to the sanctions against the DPRK, it has done so to help Pyongyang return to the right track and has always taken into account the livelihoods of the ordinary people in that country.

Pyongyang may not be a stranger to economic sanctions, but this time it faces a moment of truth. Not only do the fresh sanctions touch upon its oil imports and textile exports, they could also entail increasing diplomatic pressures. Mexico and Peru, for instance, have expelled the DPRK ambassadors to the two countries over its nuclear test. And the UN economic sanctions could well be the last of their kind should the DPRK snub them.

More importantly, neither the DPRKs betting on its nuclear prowess nor the controversial anti-missile battery of the US and the Republic of Korea will be good options to achieve absolute security on the peninsula. Its high time the related parties heeded Chinas suggestions on dual suspension  Pyongyang suspends its nuclear and missile tests in exchange for the US and the ROK suspending their joint military drills  and resumed talks as soon as possible.

Sun Xingjie is the deputy dean of the School of International and Public Affairs, Jilin University. The article is an excerpt from his interview with China Dailys Cui Shoufeng.
The 134-year-old Chicago Stock Exchange now handles about 0.5 percent of US stock trading.[file photo]

The US government says it welcomes foreign investment, but its paranoia in politicizing and fearmongering of Chinese foreign direct investment is again on display this month.

The Securities and Exchange Commission issued a freeze on Aug 9 to put an indefinite hold on a $20 million acquisition of the Chicago Stock Exchange by a group of buyers led by Chongqing Casin Enterprise Group.

The decision was made after some US Congressmen voiced concern over the national security threat of the deal, despite the fact that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) okayed the transaction in December.

No wonder the lead of a Wall Street Journal news article on Monday reads like this: The Chicago Stock Exchange is a relic of history, trading less than 0.5 percent of US stocks and in such straits that it has been looking for a buyer. That isn't how US officials see it."

Robert Reed, a columnist at the Chicago Tribune, was more explicit in his column last month, titled "Time to OK Chinese investors' controversial Chicago Stock Exchange deal".

In the article, Reed hoped the SEC doesn't cave to the oversized political anxieties that Chinese government is behind the buyout and could use the exchange to launch cyberattacks or game the US financial markets.

He said if given the go-ahead, this deal promises to be a plus for the local economy and a needed lift for the Chicago Stock Exchange. Members of the Chicago City Council also supported the deal.

Reed believes that it would be a big mistake to slam the door on the deal "because of unspecified and broad-based suspicions about Chinese government influence or venality".

The paranoia exhibited over the Chicago bourse deal was one of the many in recent years. Two months ago, Reuters cited an unreleased Pentagon report warning that China is skirting US oversight and gaining access to sensitive technology through transactions that currently don't trigger CFIUS review. US lawmakers are drafting legislations that would give CFIUS more power to block foreign technology investments.

In February last year, Republican US Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa charged that the acquisition of Swiss agribusiness firm Syngenta by ChemChina would threaten US food security, and the Obama administration complied. Later no plausible threat could be found and the deal went through.

In 2012, President Obama personally intervened to block the acquisition of wind farms in Oregon by Chinese-owned Ralls Corp, citing its proximity to a military facility.

In the same year, a House Intelligence Committee report described Huawei and ZTE, two Chinese telecom equipment giants, as posing national security threat. To many in the US, the sheer fact that Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei once served in the People's Liberation Army is enough evidence for such an accusation.

If such US paranoia could be justified, the Chinese government should look into major US companies to see if any of their founders and top executives have served in the US military or intelligence agencies. The close ties to US military by firms like the General Electric, Honeywell, Boeing should be sufficient reason to blacklist them for investment in China.

In 2010, MasterCard, VISA, PayPal, the Bank of America and Western Union, under US government order, blocked banking service for WikiLeaks after it published US government documents. Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, called these institutions "instruments of US foreign policy."

If this is the case, should the Chinese government conduct extra scrutiny as they seek growing presence in China to make sure that they won't disrupt the Chinese market under any circumstances? And this is a serious national security issue.

The author is deputy editor of China Daily USA.
Shortages pose major challenges in Africa, chief of program says

Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibe speaks during a press conference to present UNDAIDS's latest figures on the AIDS epidemic at the Paris City Hall on July 20, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

The head of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS has called on China to boost prevention and control in Africa by encouraging the country's drugmakers to open production hubs on the continent.

Michel Sidibe, executive director of UNAIDS, said the central government should use the China-Africa Development Fund to mobilize key pharmaceutical companies to invest in manufacturing hubs covering many African countries, which will help create a "viable and sustainable" market.

At the same time, medicines for HIV and AIDS produced in China and used by Chinese should be prequalified by the World Health Organization for use in Africa, he added. "We need to create a policy space to make sure those products can be prequalified by the WHO. That is one of the major challenges for the African countries to have easy access to these medicines," said Sidibe, who also is under-secretary-general of the United Nations.

Shortages of drugs and grassroots healthcare workers pose a major challenge for the control and prevention of HIV/AIDS in Africa, he said, while China also has experience and knowledge in the field that can be passed on.

"Ninety-seven percent of the medicine consumed in Africa is from other continents," Sidibe said. "We are happy that we have a very good relationship with the Chinese."

President Xi Jinping proposed intensifying cooperation with Africa in a number of areas, including industrial development, agriculture, finance, poverty alleviation and healthcare, at the 2015 summit of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation in South Africa.

According to a 10-point action plan, the central government will encourage Chinese enterprises to collaborate with Africa in drug research, development and production, and encourage them to produce drugs in Africa to aid the sustainable development of the local pharmaceutical industry.

Globally, countries are making unprecedented progress in the control and prevention of HIV. For the first time, the world has more people with HIV receiving treatment than people waiting for treatment, and for the first time, HIV transmission from mother to babies is under control.

Moreover, China is committed to improving public health services, Xi said, noting that government health expenditures have increased by 80 percent over the past 10 years, and that it is helping to provide wider access to health services.

wangxiaodong@chinadaily.com.cn
China's growing appreciation for whisky has contributed to a surge in visits to Scottish distilleries.

The number of visitors to Scotland's whisky distilleries reached an all-time high of 1.7 million in 2016, an increase of eight percent on the previous year, according to the Scotch Whisky Association.

More than half of Scotland's 123 Scotch whisky distilleries are open to the public.

Diageo, one of the world's largest producers of spirits, saw the strongest growth in visitors from China with a rise of 154 percent in admissions.

But while Chinese tourist numbers remain fewer than those from key markets of Germany, the US and France, visitors from China spend nearly a third more.

"Scotch is not only Scotland's most valuable export industry, it is the world's most popular spirit, attracting thousands of international visitors every year," said Ewan Andrew,Diageo's Scotland director. "The Scotch Whisky Association's latest annual survey found that visits have increased by almost a quarter since 2010."

Scotch tourism is also going down well for visitors from Russia; the country was highlighted as an emerging market with numbers up 146 percent year-on-year with an average spend similar to that of Chinese visitors.

Andrew said that as demand for premium products and interest in whisky grows in China and Russia,"tourists from these countries are visiting distilleries not only to purchase whisky straight from the distillery, but to discover the expertise and craft that goes into making every bottle".

In the last 12 months, the number of tourists visiting Diageo's 12 distillery visitor centers in Scotland exceeded 400,000, which is more than double what it was 8 years ago.

Whisky continues to gain popularity in Asia, driven in part by rising middle-class incomes in China.

The company estimated that more than one hundred new whisky bars or collector's clubs opened last year in the world's second-largest economy.

Diageo said the heritage, provenance and craft credentials of whisky are important factors for whisky lovers from China and their thirst for the spirit is shown through knowledge and a desire to refine their appreciation.

According to Diageo's 2017 report, net sales to China rose 25 percent, with whisky sales up 5 percent, driven by brands such as Johnnie Walker, The Singleton and other malts.

"Scotch in China is doing very well and we're growing market share in scotch,'' said Ivan Menezes, chief executive officer of Diageo. "Our focus is on superpremium scotch. So Johnnie Walker, Blue Label and malt is where we see the strategic growth as I look at the next few years."

China is currently the single largest alcohol market in the world.
Liu Xiaoming (middle), China's ambassador to the United Kingdom, joins models, seamstresses and organizers after the Weaving a Dream fashion show at the Chinese embassy in London on Monday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The craft of seamstresses from Guizhou province in the Southwest of China was in the spotlight at a fashion show hosted at the Chinese embassy in London.

The 45 pieces of clothing at the Weaving a Dream event were a fusion of Western fashion and Eastern motifs inspired by traditional embroidery from the mountainous region.

The clothes were decorated with floral embroidery stitched by ethnic Buyi seamstresses.

The idea of showcasing the craftsmanship of the seamstresses came from Xia Hua, chairperson of China's Eve Group, and Barbara Judge, an American-British businesswoman and chairman of the Institute of Directors.

Xia and Judge established B&H, a project that aims to improve the lives of Chinese women in remote regions by supporting their handicraft.

"We can truly help these seamstresses to eventually change their lives," Xia said. "The most important reason for coming to the UK this time is that there are so many creative designers here, and I sincerely hope that they can cooperate with our embroiderers. The most important thing about taking Chinese culture overseas is that we can show our own beautiful products with our unique aesthetic attitudes, and such products should have commercial value."

Xia and Judge also hope to provide a platform for Sino-UK cultural exchanges and cooperation.

Judge said: "We can show the world that this culture, this craftsmanship, has been preserved over all these years, and we can make it a sustainable model so that we can support the ladies. People understand how beautiful Chinese art is, and how wonderful the history is, and how it is the right time to bring the UK and China closer together."

Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the UK, said the fashion show offered a great opportunity to Chinese seamstresses to step out of the remote mountains where they live and to share their stories.

"The younger generation of seamstresses is working hard to keep the Buyi minority traditions alive, including unique embroidery techniques, folk crafts and costume-making  They are here to demonstrate the beauty and appeal of their very unique culture," Liu said.

The ambassador said he believes the seamstresses dream represents the aspiration and efforts of the people of Western China to shake off poverty and build better lives.

"Guizhou is a relatively poor province in China," he said. "But this special skill can not only save our traditional crafts, but alleviate poverty. It's a win-win situation."

He added that the fact that the seamstresses are able to weave in London is a great accomplishment from the exchanges and mutual learning between Eastern and Western civilizations.

On Tuesday, Hu Pinghua, the wife of the Chinese ambassador, hosted an exhibition of traditional handicraft from the deep mountainous region at their residence to share the exquisite embroidery and remarkable story of the seamstresses with a group of British and Chinese guests.

Li Wensha in London contributed to this story.
Beijing is calling for full implementation of the latest UN Security Council resolution on Pyongyang and said it will never allow war or chaos on the Korean Peninsula.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the remark on Tuesday after the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2375 on Monday to respond to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's sixth nuclear test, conducted on Sept 3.

The resolution's measures include limiting oil supplies to the DPRK and banning the country's textile exports.

Also in the resolution, the Security Council calls for "a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the situation "and resumption of the Six-Party Talks. It underlines the need to "ensure lasting stability in Northeast Asia at large".

Geng voiced China's support for the resolution, and took note of the resolution's call for peaceful solutions. "China hopes that the contents of resolution 2375 will be implemented in a comprehensive and complete manner," he said.

Geng reiterated China's commitment to denuclearization of the peninsula, upholding the peace and stability of the peninsula and resolving the peninsula's nuclear issue through dialogue and consultation.

He called for all parties to take effective measures to reduce tensions and resume talks. The DPRK should observe the Security Council's resolutions and stop nuclear and missile programs, while the United States and the Republic of Korea should avoid action that will further complicate the situation, Geng said.

"The Korean Peninsula issue must be resolved peacefully. Military solutions will lead us nowhere and China will by no means allow the peninsula to descend into war and chaos," Geng said.

He urged all parties to "give positive consideration" to China's proposals of "suspension for suspension "and the "dual-track approach", which are "practical and viable ways to address the Korean Peninsula issue". Geng also reiterated China's resolute opposition to the US deployment of the THAAD antimissile system in the ROK.

Huang Youfu, a researcher of Korean history and culture at Minzu University of China, said sanctions are not an end in themselves, and eventually the Korean Peninsula issue needs to be peacefully solved through negotiation.

Huang said China has been working hard to solve the issue, such as advocating Six-Party Talks, and other parties, including the DPRK and the US, should also work for a peaceful solution.
Steve Daines (2nd L), a senator from US state of Montana, and Cui Tiankai (1st L), Chinese Ambassador to the United States, speak with Fred Wacker and other cattle ranchers at the Morgan Ranch House, near downtown Bozeman, Montana, the United States, on Sept 8, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

BOZEMAN, United States - "We're very excited that China removed a ban on US beef imports," said Fred Wacker, a third-generation rancher of Miles City in the northwestern US state of Montana, where there're about three heads of cattle for every person.

Two months ago, as part of the 100-day action plan to boost economic cooperation between the United States and China, the two countries reached a deal to reopen Chinese markets for US beef.

China banned US beef imports in 2003 amid concerns over mad cow disease. After the lifting of the ban, ranchers in Montana like Wacker are eager to tap the huge potential of Chinese markets, which have around 300 million middle class consumers.

However, Montana currently doesn't have a large processing plant to handle beef exports to China. Most US meat producers that have been approved to export beef to China are located in the Midwestern states of Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas.

Wacker, vice-president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, said it would cost him about $80 a head to send cattle to feedlots and processing plants in the Midwest, so as to ship beef products to China and other overseas markets. He would like to build a world-class processing plant in Montana.

"We have the land, we have the cattle, we have the quality, we have the water," Wacker said, "We have the interest in putting in a major processing plant here, and we also have very high-quality products."

But Wacker couldn't build the multi-million dollar infrastructure on his own. "We need a partner who is interested in Montana. We need a partner who would take a look and be a major buyer of our plant," he said, hoping Chinese companies could have interests in the deal.

"It's a really smart place for China to put in investment and to partner with Montana to have a really good packing industry and processing plant here," Wacker said, arguing that would help bring down logistic costs and guarantee stable supply of high quality beef to China, a win-win deal for both sides.

Wacker's proposal was well received at a roundtable meeting on Friday between a Chinese delegation and Montana farmers and ranchers, hosted by US Senator Steve Daines at the Morgan Ranch House, near downtown Bozeman, Montana.

Officials and staff from China's embassy in the United States, China General Chamber of Commerce - USA, and Bank of China (USA) all offered advice for identifying potential Chinese companies to partner with Montana on the processing plant and build brand awareness.
The European Union will continue its work to find a political solution to the Korean Peninsula crisis mainly triggered by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear test, said the bloc's foreign chief on Tuesday.

Federica Mogherini, vice-president of European Commission in charge of the bloc's foreign affairs, security and defence, addressed the European Parliament plenary, hours after the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to impose fresh sanctions on DPRK over its nuclear test on Sept 3, which violated the previous Security Council resolutions.

"Of course, sanctions are not a goal in themselvesour objective is not the pressure alone, but to open the political path for a solution of the crisis," said Mogherini. "And the European, economic and diplomatic pressures are always aimed at opening channels for credible, meaningful and fruitful dialogue."

To bring the DPRK back to the negotiation table, Mogherini said she has been working closely with key players such as China, Russia, the United States and Japan to achieve international unity in solving the crisis.

China has put trust on European Union to help solve the crisis as well. In recent days, President Xi Jinping has called German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, exchanging views on the crisis, before the UN Security Council made the decisions of more severe sanctions including control of crude oil import.

Mogherini said EU will continue the discussion it launched last week on additional European sanctions, to complement the action decided by the Security Council and put maximum pressure on the DPRK.

But she also said that the union will continue to work to open a credible political path toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. "It will be one of the core issues of my agenda in New York next week, at the UN General Assembly ministerial week," said Mogherini.

Men Jing, professor of College of Europe in Belgium, said European Union has some advantages in helping mediate the crisis because crisis intervention is high on its global agenda, it has experience in dealing with crisis and some countries have transitional relationship with the DPRK.

"I think the countries in the East Europe, such as Poland can play a role in helping offer solutions to the nuclear crisis," said Men. "But we must realize that the Korean Peninsula crisis is highly complex."

In her address, Mogherini also said that European Union has seven member states that have embassies in the DPRK and some member states run humanitarian programmes in the country.

"When I say diplomatic channels, I mean a system of mediation of diplomatic talks that can guarantee a credible engagement. Because talks for talks are not necessarily a good idea," said Mogherini. "What we need is to create the conditions in the international community with all our partners, including with the European Union, to create the conditions for credible and meaningful diplomatic negotiations."

Mogherini's speech was highlighted at the European Parliament's plenary held in France's Strasbourg from Monday to Thursday. On Wednesday, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will give his annual state of union address to present his ideas on the future of Europe.
A flower and US flag rest next to names at the south reflecting pool at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum as the Tribute in Light shines over lower Manhattan on the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York City, US, September 11, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW YORK  Americans commemorated 9/11 on Monday with tear-streaked tributes, a presidential warning to terrorists and appeals from victims' relatives for unity and hope 16 years after the deadliest terrorist attack on US soil.

Looking out at the solemn crowd at ground zero, Debra Epps said she views every day as time to do something to ensure that her brother, Christopher Epps, and thousands of others didn't die in vain.

"What I can say today is that I don't live my life in complacency," she said. "I stand in solidarity that this world will make a change for the better."

Thousands of family members, survivors, rescuers and others gathered for the hourslong reading of victims' names at the World Trade Center, while US President Donald Trump spoke at the Pentagon and Vice-President Mike Pence addressed an observance at the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Elsewhere, thousands of Americans marked the anniversary with service projects. Volunteer Hillary O'Neill, 16, had her own connection to 9/11: It's her birthdate.

"I always feel a sense of responsibility to give back on the day," O'Neill, of Norwalk, Connecticut, said as she packed up meals in New York City for needy local people and hurricane victims in Texas and Florida.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed when planes hijacked by terrorists hit the trade center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville on Sept 11, 2001, hurling America into a new consciousness of the threat of global terrorism.

Reflecting on a tragedy that still feels immediate to them, victims' relatives thanked first responders and the military, worried for people affected by Hurricane Irma as it continued its destructive path as a tropical storm and pleaded for a return to the sense of cohesiveness that followed the attacks.

"Our country came together that day. And it did not matter what color you were or where you were from," said a tearful Magaly Lemagne, who lost her brother, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officer David Lemagne. She implored people to stop for a moment and remember all the people who gave their lives that day.

"Maybe then we can put away our disagreements and become one country again," she said.

Trump, a native New Yorker observing the anniversary for the first time as the country's leader, assured victims' families that "our entire nation grieves with you" and issued stern words to extremists.

"America cannot be intimidated, and those who try will join a long list of vanquished enemies who dared test our mettle," the Republican president said as he spoke at the Pentagon after observing a moment of silence at the White House.

When America is united, "no force on earth can break us apart," he said.
Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program will soon be available on TV and online. To help the audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

The following is a selection of keywords related to China's foreign policy and their explanations:

AIIB

The Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was officially established in December 2015 and opened for business in January 2016. It prioritizes investment in energy, power generation, transportation, rural infrastructure, environmental protection and logistics in Asia.

Among its 80 members, China is the bank's largest shareholder with 27.5 percent of voting rights.

As of July this year, the AIIB has approved a total of $2.8 billion in loans for 17 projects.

On July 18, S&P Global Ratings announced it had assigned AIIB "its highest possible rating and a stable outlook," following top-notch credit ratings from Moody's on June 29 and Fitch on July 13.

SILK ROAD FUND

Designed to finance the Belt and Road Initiative together with the AIIB, the Silk Road Fund was established in Beijing on Dec 29, 2014, following Chinese President Xi Jinping's announcement on Nov 8 that China would contribute $40 billion for this purpose.

The fund, jointly backed by China's foreign exchange reserves, China Investment Corp., Export-Import Bank of China and China Development Bank, will support infrastructure and resource development and industrial cooperation in countries along the Silk Road.

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Xi in 2013, comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes.

BRICS NDB

The Shanghai-based New Development Bank was founded by BRICS, which is made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, during the bloc's sixth summit in Fortaleza of Brazil in July 2014 and formally opened in July 2015, with an initial authorized capital of 100 billion dollars.

It was created with the objective of financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries, as well as other emerging economies and developing countries.

The bank approved its first series of loans worth $811 million in April 2016.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (L) addresses the opening of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept 12, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

UNITED NATIONS - Miroslav Lajcak, the new president of the UN General Assembly, on Tuesday declared the opening of the 72 session of the decision-making body of the United Nations.

In his opening speech to the first plenary session, Lajcak outlined his priorities for the year ahead: people at the center of work, balance of interests, quality of work and transparency.

"Sometimes the work of the United Nations can be very complex. But the reason for its establishment was simple: the United Nations was created for people. Its job is to help people who are striving for peace (to have) a decent life on a sustainable planet," he said.

He also highlighted the important upcoming events: an inter-governmental compact on migration, a high-level meeting on sustainable peace, the signing of a treaty on the elimination of nuclear weapons, a high-level meeting on sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as UN reform.

He stressed the importance of multilateralism. "I have always believed strongly in the power of multilateralism. This belief will be tested from time to time during the 72nd session, but ultimately I am confident that it will be reaffirmed."

The General Assembly is one of the six most principal organs of the United Nations, the only one in which all member states have equal representation.

The assembly has powers to oversee the budget of the United Nations, appoint the non-permanent members to the Security Council and make recommendations in the form of General Assembly resolutions.
Photo taken on Sept 11, 2017 shows the United Nations Security Council voting on a resolution on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at the UN headquarters in New York. UN Security Council on Monday imposed new sanctions on the DPRK over its latest nuclear test. [Photo/Xinhua]

MOSCOW - Pyongyang will take measures to retaliate against new UN Security Council sanctions to plunge the United States into the "most difficult situation" in its history, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) ambassador to Russia, Kim Hyun-joong, said Tuesday.

"Since the United States has thrown a comprehensive challenge to our country in all areas, including political, economic and military, we are ready to respond resolutely to this, and this is the firm and unshakable will of our army and our people," Interfax news agency quoted him as saying at a press conference.

On Monday, the Security Council unanimously voted for a resolution toughening sanctions against the DPRK, cutting its oil supply by almost 30 percent, banning all its textile exports worth $800 million and remittances of DPRK laborers from abroad.

The ambassador said that Pyongyang rejected and condemned the "illegal" resolutions of the UN Security Council, which he says has been turned into a "tool" by Washington with the aim to "isolate and strangle" the DPRK.

He said the DPRK "was ready to solve this problem with countermeasures", without offering any specifics.

Meanwhile, the ambassador said that the DPRK would not stop its nuclear program in spite of the sanctions.

"We have developed and are improving our nuclear weapons as a means that can further deter a hostile policy by the US and protect peace on the Korean Peninsula from the danger of a nuclear war," he said.

On Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that China supports the latest resolution by the UN Security Council, noting that it reflects its stance in safeguarding peace and stability, advancing denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and upholding international non-proliferation.

"The Chinese side hopes that this resolution will be implemented comprehensively and completely," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.
Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program is now also available on TV and online. To help audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

The following is an anecdote from the TV series related to Chinese President Xi Jinping's foreign visits over the past five years:

Xi made 28 foreign trips to 56 countries and major international and regional organizations on the five continents, flying an accumulative 570,000 km and spending 193 days on foreign visits.

Since he took office in March 2013, Xi has comprehensively elaborated China's views concerning security, development and global governance, and actively pushed for the reform of the global governance system.

China successfully promoted the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Silk Road Fund and the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), helping drive the international economic governance system in a more just and reasonable direction.

China's sound and effective plans have greatly enhanced its international influence and appeal, as the world has never been so eager to hear China's voice and apply its wisdom to find solutions to problems as it does now.

Over the past five years, globetrotting Xi has never stopped narrowing the distance between China and the world. He once said humorously that although foreign trips are "extravagant" for costing much time, they are necessary.

Although every trip had a packed agenda, Xi was glad to spare time to visit more places, arrange more meetings, and participate in more activities. As a result, his trips were usually scheduled to the minute.

Zhou Yu, an interpreter with China's Foreign Ministry, said Xi usually had no time to eat during his foreign trips. "Once, the President totally had no time to have supper. One guard of the President passed me a box of biscuits at a slot between two bilateral (events), saying 'please give it to the President while you are in the vehicle, and let him have several pieces to fight hunger.'"

Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee with Xi at the core, Chinese diplomacy has accomplished a great deal and successfully forged a major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said.

China is walking toward the center of the world arena with a more confident and open manner, which is different from the traditional big powers, Wang said, adding that China has not only maintained a favorable external environment for its own development, but also continued making contribution to world peace and development as well as mankind's prosperity and advancement.
Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program is now also available on TV and online. To help audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

The following are a set of numbers related to China's participation in the United Nations' peacekeeping missions:

* 2,500 -- Currently there are some 2,500 Chinese peacekeepers serving in 10 UN missions across the globe, making China the top contributor of peacekeepers to the UN.

* 2 -- China is also the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping funds.

* 8,000 -- China pledged in 2015 to set up a standby peacekeeping force of 8,000 troops and the first such peacekeeping team of 300 troops was enlisted by the UN in July 2017.
Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program will soon be available on TV and online. To help the audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

The following is a selection of keywords related to China's foreign policy and their explanations:

The Belt and Road Initiative comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes.

In a speech titled "Promote People-to-People Friendship and Create a Better Future" delivered at Kazakhstan's Nazarbayev University on Sept 7, 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time proposed building the Silk Road Economic Belt.

On Oct 23, 2013, Xi delivered a speech titled "Constructing Jointly the China-ASEAN Community of Common Destiny" at Indonesia's Parliament, and for the first time proposed building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

The proposed Silk Road Economic Belt is considered the longest economic corridor in the world, potentially the most dynamic, which connects the Asia-Pacific region in the east with developed European economies in the west.

Meanwhile, the proposed 21st Century Maritime Silk Road envisions a network of interconnected markets linking the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, South Asia, West Asia, North Africa and Europe, and a strategic partnership for the South China Sea and the Pacific and Indian oceans.

-- The spirit of the Silk Road is embodied in solidarity and mutual trust, equality and mutual benefit, inclusiveness, a disposition to learn from each other and cooperation in finding win-win solutions.

-- The Silk Road Fund was established in Beijing on Dec 29, 2014, following Xi's announcement on Nov 8 that China would contribute $40 billion for this purpose. The fund will support infrastructure and resource development and industrial cooperation in the countries on the land and sea Silk Roads.

-- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, established in 2015, is a regional intergovernmental development institution focused on supporting infrastructure development. It is the first multinational financial institution sponsored by China. As of the end of March 2017, the bank's membership had reached 70, second only to that of the World Bank.

-- The Steering Group for the Belt and Road Initiative has been established at the national level to study important issues related to planning, policy and projects, and to provide guidance and coordination in the implementation of the initiative.

-- In his speech at Kazakhstan's Nazarbayev University on Sept 7, 2013, Xi proposed building the Silk Road Economic Belt by a five-pronged approach: promoting policy coordination, road inter-connectivity, unimpeded trade, currency convertibility, and closer people-to-people ties.

-- By the end of 2016, over 100 countries and international and regional organizations had expressed an interest in participating in implementing the initiative, and more than 40 of them had signed cooperation agreements with China thereon.

-- Since 2013, China has invested more than $50 billion in countries on the Belt and Road. In 2016 alone, direct investment reached $14.5 billion, or 8.5 percent of China's total outbound investment.

-- China signed $126 billion worth of new contracts for projects in countries on the Belt and Road in 2016, up 36 percent year on year.

-- China's trade with countries on the Belt and Road rose 0.5 percent year on year to 6.25 trillion yuan ($906.3 billion) in 2016.

-- As of the end of 2016, Chinese businesses had built 56 economic and trade cooperation zones in more than 20 countries on the Belt and Road, with the total investment exceeding $18.5 billion, generating nearly $1.1 billion in tax revenue and creating nearly 180,000 local jobs.

-- China has industrial capacity cooperation systems with nearly 20 countries. Notably, China and Kazakhstan have signed agreements on 51 major cooperation projects worth $27 billion.

-- China has signed more than 130 bilateral and regional transport agreements with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative to improve inter-connectivity.

-- China-Europe express freight trains have covered 28 cities in 11 European countries since being launched in 2011. More than 3,500 trips have been made so far, and the figure is planned to rise to 5,000 a year by 2020.

-- The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, one of the six economic corridors envisaged by the Belt and Road Initiative, has seen rapid progress, with major highway, railway and port projects under way.

-- Construction has started or neared completion on other large transport infrastructure projects on the Belt and Road, including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway in Indonesia and the Mombasa-Nairobi railway in Kenya.

-- As of the end of 2016, China had signed more than 300 intergovernmental agreements and implementation programs on cultural exchange and cooperation with countries on the Belt and Road.

-- China has set up an official Silk Road scholarship and held cultural events and art festivals with Belt and Road countries.

-- The ancient Silk Road was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2014, and a joint application has started for the inclusion of the Maritime Silk Road.
Would you rather have super strength or super speed? The ability to fly or be invisible?

Rocky Mountain College professor Dr. Aaron Rosen will discuss these topics and more at his lecture entitled The Anti-Hero in Contemporary Comics on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Yellowstone Art Museum. This event is free for YAM museum members or included with regular admission price.

Today's graphic novelists have created protagonists who are more often anti-heroes than heroes, winning us over by communicating their fears and frailties instead of exercising their superpowers. What can we learn from these anti-heroes? Maybe the true feat isn't catching villains but confronting our demons.

Rosen began his career teaching at Yale, Oxford and Columbia universities. He has held various honorary posts, including Visiting Professor at University College Utrecht. He received his doctorate from the University of Cambridge and was a visiting scholar in Berkeley.

Rosen has written widely for scholarly and popular publications, and provides commentary for BBC Radio and other outlets. He is the author of "Imagining Jewish Art" and "Art and Religion in the 21st Century," named one of the best books of 2015 by The Times.
Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program will soon be available on TV and online. To help audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

The following is a set of numbers related to people-to-people exchanges:

* 10,000 -- China will act to enable access to satellite TV programs for 10,000 African villages.

* 300 -- More than 300 sinologists worldwide have since 2013 benefited from China-hosted symposiums on Sinology and contemporary China as well as China-sponsored research projects for young sinologists.

* 60 -- The sinologists were from more than 60 countries.

* 131 -- A total of 131 countries have, by the end of July 2017, signed agreements with China on various kinds of mutual visa exemptions.

* 64 -- Chinese citizens holding national passports in overseas trips can enjoy visa exemption or visa upon arrival in 64 countries and regions.
Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program will soon be available on TV and online. To help the audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

The following is a selection of remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

-- "Civilizations have become richer and more colorful with exchanges and mutual learning. Such exchanges and mutual learning form an important drive for human progress and global peace and development." (Speech at UNESCO Headquarters in 2014)

-- "As president, I was told by some respected senior persons that China's head of state should not lose the Chinese civilization and culture of 5,000 years but pass them on to next generations." (Remarks delivered when holding discussions with German sinologists, faculty representatives of Confucius Institutes and student representatives of Chinese language learning in Berlin in 2014)

-- "The Chinese TV series 'A Beautiful Era of a Daughter-in-Law' is gaining popularity in Tanzania. It helps the Tanzanian people know about the happiness and sadness of Chinese people." (Speech delivered at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center in 2013 in Tanzania)

-- "China will build five cultural centers in Africa and provide satellite TV reception to 10,000 African villages." (Speech during the opening ceremony of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2015)
Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program is now also available on TV and online. To help audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

The following is a set of numbers related to China's participation in global anti-corruption efforts:

* 3,051 -- As of the end of May, 2017, China captured 3,051 fugitives from overseas through operations such as "Sky Net".

* 90 -- China's anti-corruption campaign has nabbed fugitives from more than 90 countries and regions.

* 43 -- As of the end of July, 2017, China arrested 43 people on the Interpol's red notice list.
Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program will soon be available on TV and online. To help audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

The following is a set of numbers related to Chinese President Xi Jinping's busy and fruitful foreign visits:

7 -- Xi and US President Donald Trump had an in-depth tete-a-tete for over seven hours at the seaside Mar-a-Lago resort in the US state of Florida during Xi's two-day visit in April, 2017, setting the course for China-US relations.

4 -- China and the United States established a four-pronged dialogue mechanism during Xi's Mar-a-Lago visit, namely, the comprehensive economic dialogue, the diplomatic and security dialogue, the law enforcement and cybersecurity dialogue and the social and cultural issues dialogue.

10 -- China and the United States reached 10 consensuses on agriculture, finance, energy and other areas during Xi's Mar-a-Lago visit.

11 -- Xi paid an 11-day visit to Europe from March 22 to April 1, 2014, setting a "landmark" in EU-China ties.

4 -- Xi visited four countries -- the Netherlands, France, Germany and Belgium -- during his fast-track visit to Europe in the spring of 2014.

84 -- Xi participated in 84 formal activities during his 2014 Europe trip. He attended the third Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, visited the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris and the headquarters of the European Union in Brussels.
Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program will soon be available on TV and online. To help the audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

The following is a selection of remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and others about China's relations with major countries.

Xi Jinping, Chinese President

"There is no such thing as the so-called Thucydides trap in the world. But should major countries time and again make the mistakes of strategic miscalculation, they might create such traps for themselves."

"We want to deepen mutual understanding with the US on each other's strategic orientation and development path. We want to see more understanding and trust, less estrangement and suspicion, in order to forestall misunderstanding and miscalculation." (Speech on China-US relations at a welcoming dinner in Seattle, the United States, Sept 22, 2015)

Xi Jinping, Chinese President

" ... the vast Pacific Ocean has enough room to accommodate the development of the two major countries, namely China and the United States." (In meeting with former US President Barack Obama, at Annenberg Retreat, California, the United States, June 7, 2013)

Xi Jinping, Chinese President

"For that, we need to build four bridges for peace, growth, reform and progress of civilization, so that the China-EU (European Union) comprehensive strategic partnership will take on even greater global significance." (Speech at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, April 1, 2014)

Xi Jinping, Chinese President

"Now China the lion has awakened, but it is a peaceful, amicable and civilized lion." (Speech at the meeting commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations, Paris, France, March 27, 2014)

Vladimir Putin, Russian President

"Mr Xi Jinping devotes much of his personal attention to the development of Russia-China relations. He is a very good friend and a reliable partner." (Moscow, June 23, 2016)
President Xi Jinping, right, meets with US President Donald Trump during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, on July 8, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

The top diplomats of Beijing and Washington vowed that the two countries will work together to ensure US President Donald Trump's first visit to China yields "fruitful results", according to a statement delivered by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

In his meeting with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Washington on Tuesday, China's State Councilor Yang Jiechi said Beijing is ready to work with Washington to push Trump's state visit to China, scheduled for "within this year", to attain positive outcomes.

Trump is likely to visit China in November, when he also is set to attend the US-ASEAN summit and the East Asia summit in the Philippines, as well as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Vietnam, Reuters reported early on Tuesday, citing an unidentified US official.

The report also said Tillerson and Yang were expected to discuss the details of the president's China trip at their meeting.

A statement issued after the meeting by the Foreign Ministry did not reveal further details but quoted Tillerson as saying Trump is very much looking forward to the state visit and to plan with President Xi Jinping the future development of the Sino-US relationship.

Tillerson also said that following the inaugural high-level dialogue on diplomacy and security, which took place in Washington in June, and the high-level dialogue on the economy in July, the US is ready to work with China on the first high-level dialogue on social and cultural issues and the dialogue on law enforcement and cybersecurity.

The US is ready to ramp up exchanges and coordination on international and regional issues, and make Trumps visit to China productive, Tillerson said, the statement said.

The four dialogues are part of the four-pronged high-level dialogue mechanisms set up by the presidents during their meeting at Mar-a-Lago in Florida in April.

Yang said that maintaining the good momentum of China-US relations is in the interests of both countries and with the common aspirations of the international community.

He said the two countries should build on the consensus reached by the two presidents and promote a healthy and stable development of the bilateral relationship.

Also, the two sides should strengthen exchanges at high and various levels, expand mutually beneficial cooperation on various areas, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and manage and control their differences in a constructive fashion, Yang said.

huanxinzhao@chinadailyusa.com
Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program will soon be available on TV and online. To help the audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

The following is a selection of remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and others about China's diplomatic philosophy.

Xi Jinping, Chinese President

"More than 7 billion people inhabit the planet Earth. We in the same boat should keep watch and help each other to achieve common development."

"We Chinese people seek to realize the Chinese dream, a great revitalization of the Chinese nation, and also wish that the dreams of people of all countries will come true." (2014 New Year Message, Beijing, Dec 31, 2013)

Xi Jinping, Chinese President

"All countries should join hands in building a new type of international relations featuring cooperation and mutual benefit." (Speech at Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Moscow, March 23, 2013)

Xi Jinping, Chinese President

"In the interest of peace, China will remain committed to peaceful development." (Speech at V-Day commemoration, Beijing, Sept 3, 2015)

Xi Jinping, Chinese President

"China's proposition is: build a community of shared future for mankind and achieve shared and win-win development." (Speech at the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland, Jan 18, 2017)

Xi Jinping, Chinese President

"China's development has been possible because of the world, and China has contributed to the world's development. We will continue to pursue a win-win strategy of opening-up, share our development opportunities with other countries and welcome them aboard the fast train of China's development." (Speech at the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland, Jan 18, 2017)

Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister

"General Secretary Xi Jinping has stressed that China must pursue a major-country diplomacy with its own characteristics, which must illustrate salient Chinese features, a Chinese style and Chinese confidence."

Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister

"In a way different from traditional major countries, China is striding towards the center of the world stage with more confidence and openness. While building an external environment conducive to its own development, it is also making increasingly significant contributions to world peace and development, as well as the prosperity and advancement of all humankind."
Students examine green pepper, a vegetable that has been taken to outer space for scientific experiments. Provided To China Daily

EDINBURGH - Leading space scientists from Britain and China signed a partnership agreement early this month to promote and strengthen both sides' space education and space-culture activities.

Under the memorandum of understanding, a new virtual center will be established to lead space education and space-culture activities between the two countries.

The center will be led by Britain's National Space Academy and a consortium of Chinese laboratories. In the areas of culture and education programs, it will be supported by the University of Nottingham.

The new virtual center partnership will serve as a platform for Sino-British space-education and cultural leadership, which can then be expanded to include participation from other space agencies and new space programs or agencies in the developing world.

"We hope to accelerate the development in this area and in the future expand the program into other developing countries, so as to nurture more talent in space science," says professor Yu Junsheng from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. Yu is the consortium's leading scientist.

For the first stage of this partnership, the team aims to select 100 primary and middle schools in China, Britain and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative to carry out a trial run of the education program, Yu says.

While the center will help spread space education across China, British students and teachers will be offered the chance to participate in summer school programs, including visits to China's astronaut-training and launch centers.

And Britain-China education experiments will be developed to fly in China's space program, according to the UK National Space Academy.

This new center will give British teachers, students and researchers new opportunities to work in partnership with one of the world's most ambitious space programs, says professor Anu Ojha, director of the academy.

Xinhua
Singapore's President-elect Halimah Yacob and her husband Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee address supporters before leaving the nomination centre in Singapore, Sept 13, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

SINGAPORE - A former speaker of Singapore's parliament, Halimah Yacob, was set to become the city-state's first woman president after other candidates did not qualify for the contest, local media The Straits Times newspaper reported on Monday.

The country's Presidential Elections Committee issued only one certificate of eligibility to Halimah which allowed her to contest the election, the Straits Times reported on its website, and Halimah had gone to the Elections Department to take the certificate.

In this way, Halimah will be declared Singapore's eighth president and the first female one shortly after nominations close at noon on Wednesday.

The largely ceremonial post had been reserved this year for candidates from the ethnic Malay minority.

Singapore's Presidential Election 2017 requires candidates to have a certificate of eligibility, and a community certificate stating that he or she belong to the Malay community.

Xinhua/AP
People walk out after the US Supreme Court granted parts of the Trump administration's emergency request to put his travel ban into effect immediately while the legal battle continues, in Washington, US, June 26, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - The US Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a brief emergency order allowing the Trump administration to keep travel ban on most refugees while the legal battle over the ban continues.

The order effectively reversed part of a federal appeals court ruling that had lifted the travel ban's restrictions on the nation's refugee program.

It took a vote of five justices to grant a stay application until further notice, according to the local media reports. The Supreme Court justices did not explain their reasoning in their one-paragraph order.

In its opinion last week, the Ninth Circuit of Appeals Court based in San Francisco ruled against the Trump administration, saying refugees should be allowed to enter the United States if they are covered by an admissions agreement between the US government and a refugee resettlement agency.

Under the federal appeals court's ruling, roughly 24,000 vetted refugees should be able to enter the United States. They will now be ineligible for entry.

The appeals court had also rejected the Trump administration's bid to bar the US entry from six Muslim-majority countries by people with grandparents, uncles, aunts and other relatives in the United States.

The Trump administration did not challenge that part of the ruling, and the Supreme Court did not address the question in its Tuesday order, said a New York Times report.

The Supreme Court handed the Trump White House a partial win in June when it allowed the administration to temporarily block people from six Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States, while carving out an exemption for people with a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the country.

Under the US travel ban, people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, are denied entry to the country for 90 days, while all refugees are banned from entering the country for 120 days so as to give the Trump government time to assess vetting procedures.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on Trump's overall travel order on Oct 10.
A California woman suspected of making and passing fake money throughout Montana denied federal charges on Tuesday in Billings.

Misty Nicole Marcum, 38, of Bakersfield, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging her with counterfeiting and with passing counterfeit money during an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan.

The indictment accuses Marcum of making about 427 fake $100 bills from about May 2015 to June 2016 in Billings and Bozeman and of passing the counterfeit bills at Billings, Laurel, Columbus, Big Timber, Livingston, Judith Gap, Bozeman, Belgrade, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Missoula and Hamilton.

If convicted, Marcum faces a maximum 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Cavan ordered Marcum to remain in custody pending trial. The case will be heard by U.S. District Judge Susan Watters.
A general view of the cemetery where the Belgian mayor Alfred Gadenne was found dead in Mouscron, Belgium, Sept 12, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

A picture of the Belgian mayor Alfred Gadenne is displayed in the administrative center in Mouscron, Belgium, Sept 12, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

MOUSCRON, Belgium - A Belgian teenager who blamed the local mayor for his father's suicide after he was fired from a town hall job has confessed to slashing the politician's throat in a cemetery on Monday night, public broadcaster RTBF said.

The murder of Alfred Gadenne, 71, the mayor of Mouscron and a former lawmaker in the regional parliament, has shocked the country, with the prime minister expressing his "horror".

The public prosecutor told Reuters that a man was under arrest after giving himself up to police at the scene after dark in Mouscron, an industrial border town of 57,000 close to the French city of Lille. He declined comment on media reports.

RTBF, citing sources including the suspect's lawyer, said he was 18 and told police he was avenging his father, who killed himself two years ago after losing his job as a local council employee. A box-cutter was found at the scene, where the young man had calmly called police to attend around 8 pm.

Gadenne, a conservative whose death prompted tributes from across the national political spectrum, acted as caretaker for the cemetery next to his home and was killed after going there to lock up for the night, as he did every evening.

Media reporting of this spare-time occupation during his decade as mayor had allowed the suspect to find Gadenne alone, RTBF said. It added that the man waited until he reached the age of majority so his mother, also a municipal employee, could not be held liable for his actions under Belgian law.

Mourners left flowers at the cemetery gates and visited the town hall to sign a book of condolence for the mayor.

Reuters
The European Union will continue its "work of pressure" aiming to create a political solution to the Korean Peninsula crisis that was mainly triggered by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear test, said the bloc's foreign chief on Tuesday.

Federica Mogherini, Vice-President of the European Commission, addressed the European Parliament plenary hours after the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to impose fresh sanctions on the DPRK over its nuclear test on Sept 3, in violation of previous Security Council resolutions.

"Of course, sanctions are not a goal in themselves ... our objective is not the pressure alone, but to open the political path for a solution of the crisis," said Mogherini. "And for the Europeans, economic and diplomatic pressures are always aimed at opening channels for credible, meaningful and fruitful dialogue."

To bring the DPRK back to the negotiation table, Mogherini said she has been moderating closely with key players such as China, Russia, the United States and Japan to achieve international unity in solving the crisis.

China has put trust in the EU to help solve the issue as well. In recent days, President Xi Jinping has called German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, exchanging views on the crisis, before the UN Security Council made the decision to level more severe sanctions, including controls on crude oil imports.

Mogherini said the EU will continue the discussion it launched last week on additional European sanctions, to complement the action decided by the Security Council and put maximum pressure on the DPRK.

But she also said that the union will continue to work to open a credible political path toward the de-nuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. "It will be one of the core issues also of my agenda in New York next week, at the UN General Assembly ministerial week," said Mogherini.

Men Jing, professor of College of Europe in Belgium, said European Union has some advantages in helping mediate because crisis intervention is high on its global agenda and it has a wealth of experience in international diplomacy.

"I think countries in Eastern Europe, such as Poland, can play a role in helping offer solutions to the nuclear crisis the Korean Peninsula," said Men. "But we must realize that the Korean Peninsula crisis is highly complex."

In her address, Mogherini pointed out that the European Union has seven member states that have embassies in the DPRK and it has humanitarian programs running in the country.

"What we need is to create the conditions in the international community with all our partners, including with the European Union, to create the conditions for credible and meaningful diplomatic negotiations," she said.

fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
People stand near the evacuated Kievskaya railway station in Moscow, Russia, Sept 13, 2017 in this still grab taken from a video footage. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSCOW  Dozens of landmark buildings and transport hubs in Russia have been evacuated because of fake bomb threats made by unknown telephone callers.

Citing security service officials, Russian media said up to 30,000 people were ordered to leave major buildings in Moscow on Wednesday and reported that about 45,000 people in dozens of cities across Russia had been affected on Monday and Tuesday.

The hoaxers' targets have included GUM, the flagship department store on Red Square that faces the Kremlin, as well as railway stations, airports, shopping centers, universities, hospitals and hotels.

The identity of those making the calls remains a mystery and Russian officials have not offered any explanation for the threats.

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, declined to comment Wednesday when asked about the anonymous phone calls.

AP
China urged all relevant parties on Wednesday to remain rational and calm and to avoid activities that may further intensify tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the remark after Pyongyang condemned and categorically rejected the latest United Nations Security Council resolution imposing extra sanctions in response to its Sept 3 nuclear test.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement that the resolution is an infringement on its legitimate right to self-defense and aimed at "completely suffocating its state and people through full-scale economic blockade", Reuters reported.

"The DPRK will redouble efforts to increase its strength to safeguard the country's sovereignty and right to existence and to preserve peace and security of the region by establishing practical equilibrium with the US," Reuters quoted the official KCNA news agency as saying.

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a new resolution on Tuesday imposing new sanctions on Pyongyang, including limiting its oil imports, banning its textile exports and restricting overseas firms from hiring DPRK citizens.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the sanctions were "just another very small step" and "nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen".

Also on Wednesday, the Republic of Korea Air Force said it had successfully conducted its first live-fire exercise for Taurus, a long-range air-to-surface missile for precision bombing, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Ruan Zongze, executive vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the escalating tension on the Korean Peninsula is unsustainable and there must be a way to stop it.

"The priority now is to cool down and put a brake on the current situation. The US, ROK and DPRK should create the necessary conditions for contact and dialogue," he said.

Zhou Jin contributed to this story.

mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday blocked a Chinese-backed investor from buying chipmaker Lattice Semiconductor Corp.

"Consistent with the administrations commitment to take all actions necessary to ensure the protection of US national security, the president issued an order prohibiting the acquisition," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

Canyon Bridge Capital Partners planned $1.3-billion acquisition of Semiconductor Corp was one of the largest attempted by a Chinese-backed firm in the US chip sector and was the first announced deal for the Palo Alto, California-based firm, which launched last year with a focus on technology investments.

Portland, Oregon-based Lattice makes chips known as field-programmable gate arrays, which allow companies to put their own software on silicon chips for different uses. It no longer sells chips to the US military.

It was just the fourth time in a quarter century that a US president has ordered a foreign takeover of an American firm stopped because of national-security risks.

The Trump administration has maintained the USs tough stance against Chinese takeovers of American businesses even as it seeks Chinas help to resolve the DPRK nuclear crisis. Other Chinese deals under review include MoneyGram International Inc.s proposed sale to Ant Financial, the financial-services company controlled by Chinese billionaire Jack Ma.

The government is also examining an agreement by Chinese conglomerate HNA Group Co. to buy a stake in SkyBridge Capital LLC, the fund-management company founded by Anthony Scaramucci, who was briefly Trumps White House communications director.

Trump said in an executive order that Lattice and Canyon Bridge shall take all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the proposed transaction, within 30 days.

Bloomberg, Reuters
US leader is expected to make his first China state visit in November

The top diplomats of Beijing and Washington vowed that the two countries will work together to ensure US President Donald Trump's first visit to China yields "fruitful results", according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

In his meeting with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Washington on Tuesday, China's State Councilor Yang Jiechi said Beijing is ready to work with Washington to make sure Trump's state visit to China, scheduled for this year, attains positive outcomes.

Trump is likely to visit China in November, when he also is set to attend the US-ASEAN summit and the East Asia summit in the Philippines, as well as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing an unidentified US official.

The report also said Yang and Tillerson were expected to discuss the details of the president's China trip at their meeting.

A statement issued after the meeting by the Foreign Ministry did not reveal details but quoted Tillerson as saying Trump is very much looking forward to the state visit and to planning with President Xi Jinping the future development of the Sino-US relationship.

Tillerson also said that following the inaugural high-level dialogue on diplomacy and security, which took place in Washington in June, and the high-level dialogue on the economy in July, the US is ready to work with China on the first high-level dialogue on social and cultural issues and the dialogue on law enforcement and cybersecurity.

The US is ready to ramp up exchanges and coordination on international and regional issues, and make Trump's visit to China productive, Tillerson said, according to the statement.

The four dialogues are part of the four-pronged high-level dialogue mechanisms set up by the presidents during their meeting at Mar-a-Lago in Florida in April.

Yang said maintaining the good momentum is in the interest of both countries and in line with the aspirations of the international community.

Yang said the two countries should build on the consensus reached by the two presidents. He said the two sides should strengthen exchanges at different levels, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and manage and control their differences in a constructive fashion.

Li Haidong, a professor at the Institute of International Relations at China Foreign Affairs University, said Yang's visit was to consult and communicate on the agenda for the coming meeting between the two heads of state.

He said a major concern will be how to manage their differences on controversial issues in the China-US relationship, while both sides ensure their meeting is a success.
Billings voters will decide between Bill Cole and Jeff Essmann on the Nov. 7 mayoral ballot, according to final unofficial results from the Yellowstone County Elections Office.

Cole garnered 7,826 votes, or 32.6 percent, while Essmann garnered 6,502 votes, or 27 percent.

Randy Hafer finished third, with 4,545 votes, or 18.9 percent.

Danielle Egnew was fourth, with 2,032 votes, or 8.5 percent.

With 1,999 votes, or 8.3 percent, Angela Cimmino finished fifth.

Danny Sandefur finished sixth. He garnered 754 votes, or 3.1 percent.

Paul Bledsoe, who dropped out of the race, received 309 votes, or 1.3 percent.

Cole is an attorney and the former chair of the Billings Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Essmann is the former chair of the Republican party for Montana and a former state representative.

"This has been quite a night," Cole said minutes after election results had been posted. "The whole campaign has been a great adventure, and I'm honored and humbled to have received the overwhelming support I did tonight."

"I'm happy the people of Billings engaged in the election process with a record turnout," Essmann said.

The elections office reported 43.4 percent voter turnout, with 24,228 of the city's 55,840 registered voters casting a ballot. Before Tuesday, the record voter turnout for a city primary election was 20,966, in 2009  the last time there was an open mayor's seat.

"Obviously we've got two strong competitive candidates going forward," Essmann said. "I think the primary election served its purpose bringing forth new ideas."

Cole said the primary results "show that our friends and neighbors want a city they can be proud of, and they want to have a conversation about what Billings will look like. I don't have all the answers, but the results show that a large percentage of Billings is not afraid to dream big."

Essmann said particular credit should be given to the two women in the mayor's race  Cimmino, for her eight years of work on the city council, and Egnew, for her ideas about communicating to constituents via informational videos. Hafer and Sandefur also contributed ideas that can help the city move along, he said.

"I think whoever wins should be implementing some of these ideas," Essmann said. "The work begins (Wednesday)."

Cole said the main message he took away from the primary campaign is that "Billings wants to build a unique identity and quality of life to attract young people and allow us to compete with Denver, Seattle, Boise and Bozeman."

"This campaign has brought out the best in all the candidates," Cole said. "All the candidates were very positive  including Jeff."

The Billings mayor is a nonpartisan office. The job pays $9,600 annually.

Voters pared down the list of remaining Billings City Council candidates from 15 to 10. Two candidates from each of the citys five wards will square off on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Ward 1

Incumbent Mike Yakawich and challenger Charlie Smillie both advanced after Josh Kostelecky dropped out of the race.

I am grateful for the trust and support I have received at the doors, in emails, texts, phone calls and even post mail, Yakawich said in an emailed statement. I look forward to continuing this trust and support to Nov. 7 and beyond.

We are really excited to move on, Smillie said. We know we have a hill to climb, because Mike is really established in the community and is well known. We are going to talk to folks as much as we can about keeping our promises and finding out what needs to be done.

Were excited for the next phase, because we think this is winnable, Smillie said.

Ward 2

In the race to succeed Cimmino, whos term limited on the council, Frank Ewalt and Roger Gravgaard advanced, turning back a challenge by Tajin Perez.

Gravgaard said he was celebrating by lying in bed with a sinus infection.

The celebration here is pretty tame, he said. Im happy to be moving on, but I can see that I need to get my message out a little more clearly to people. Thats what I plan to do in the coming weeks.

Ewalt said hell spend the next few weeks knocking on doors. I have to get down to the grassroots, meet the people and find out where they are coming from. I guess Ill wear out another pair of shoes. Im just happy Ive got that many people who have faith in me.

Ward 3

Two-term councilman Rich McFadden will be succeeded by one of two women, Nadja Brown or Denise Joy. Former council member Michael Larson and a fourth challenger, Tyler Starkweather, did not reach the November ballot. Russell Rowland dropped out of the race.

Brown said she was pleased, surprised, humbled and honored by the constituents of Ward 3. She plans on doing a lot more door-to-door knocking to see what we can change to keep Billings moving forward. Im happy and proud to be still standing tonight.

Joy said she knocked on so many doors during the primary that I felt like my message was being received by the voters. I felt like people heard me, and I sure heard them. At first I didnt want to knock on doors, because it was difficult to walk up to total strangers. But I got past that, because its the best way to get feedback on what people feel like is important.

Ward 4

Penny Ronning and George Blackard advanced in the race to succeed Councilman Al Swanson, who decided not to seek a second term. Rick McIntyre dropped out of the race earlier.

Im grateful for the numbers Im seeing tonight, Ronning said, and I really congratulate everyone else that made it through to the general election.

She said she was grateful to Blackard, who took the lead on keeping this campaign season positive and respectful. Thats my goal moving forward, that we continue to maintain respect and continue respectful conversations.

Blackard called upcoming face-to-face contact with voters important and thats the way to go. Among the issues he plans to focus on is the limits of the city council  what they can and cant do, and what I think our government should be involved in.

The city is here to provide services, he added. Its not here to legislate social issues. Thats not what their job is.

Ward 5

Incumbent Shaun Brown received 244 fewer votes than challenger Dennis Ulvestad. The primary eliminated Rhonda Whiteman and Alex Clark.

Im feeling really good, said Ulvestad, a member of the Zoning Commission making his fourth try at a seat on the council. I think the reason I took the majority of votes is because of my experience of over 11 years in local government, which helped me get one step closer to the city council.

He credited the work of his campaign manager, Lori Johnson. Without her efforts, I wouldnt be where Im at today, he said.

Brown said his second-place showing delivered this message: Now I know I have to get out there and start working.

Ulvestad certainly knows how to campaign, Brown said. I am going to have to get out there and start campaigning hard. I will have to hit the road and get it done.

Municipal Court judge

Judge Sheila Kolar, the only candidate, received 18,987 votes, or 97.6 percent.
A proposed measure in California would criminalize abortion and treat it as first degree murder.

Proponents of the measure are working to get it on the November 2018 ballot so that citizens can vote on it.

According to Fox News Los Angeles affiliate station, the measure would make abortion a criminal offense, even in the cases of rape, incest, and when the life of the woman is in danger. The measure would also expand the definition of abortion to include some forms of birth control, medical research, and in vitro fertilization.

Daniel Ehinger, who is spearheading the initiative, has announced that supporters of the measure have been cleared to begin collecting signatures so that the measure can be put before voters in November.

"We received our circulating title to gather signatures and work to get Abolishing Abortion on the November 6th, 2018 ballot through a state ballot initiative that would amend our constitution. Please pray for our efforts," Ehinger wrote in a Facebook post.

Although Ehinger and other supporters of the measure have made headway in their cause, it is unlikely the initiative would maintain traction in liberal-leaning California, even if Ehinger is able to collect enough signatures to get it on the ballot.

The Secretary of States office in California has said that the measure would eliminate "a womans state constitutional privacy right to terminate a pregnancy, and to use certain birth control methods."

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: September 13, 2017
If President Donald Trump really was pro-life, Pope Francis said on Monday, then Americas chief executive wouldnt end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

If he is a good pro-life believer, he must understand that family is the cradle of life and one must defend its unity, the pontiff told reporters. Separating children from their parents isnt something that bears fruit for either the youngsters or their families.

This stance shouldnt surprise anyone, as one of the distinctive features of Catholic theology is whats been described as a consistent ethic of life. In other words, protection and preservation at all stages of life. Thats why the Catholic churchs seamless garment condemns abortion, the death penalty, assisted suicide, and embryonic stem cell research.

[Editors note: CT has reported how many evangelicals feel the same. Leaders have advocated for life not only around abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty, but also related to refugees, the elderly, and #BlackLivesMatter.]

But almost no Americansincluding Catholics and evangelicalshold to a consistent ethic of life, according to the General Social Survey (GSS).

For my analysis, I relied on three questions asked by the GSS, the gold standard of social science research due to its massive sample size, large question set, and 40 years of data. They were:

Please tell me whether or not you think it should be possible for a pregnant woman to obtain a legal abortion if: The woman wants it for any reason? (Favor/Oppose) Do you favor or oppose the death penalty for persons convicted of murder? (Favor/Oppose) Do you think a person has the right to end his or her own life if this person: Has an incurable disease? (Yes/No)

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I had the privilege or reading a pre-release version of "God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church." Here are 20 quotes from the book, which you should pick up.
(UPDATED) Arab Christian leaders react to Bahrain Declaration, which builds upon Marrakesh and Jakarta efforts by Muslim leaders.

|

Image: Simon Wiesenthal Center

Prince Nasser bin Hamad al Khalifa greets Bahrain Coptic bishop.

The cause of religious freedom received a significant boost from the Muslim world today. The island Kingdom of Bahrainconnected by bridge to Saudi Arabiahas declared freedom of choice to be a divine gift.

We unequivocally reject compelled observance, states the Bahrain Declaration for Religious Tolerance, released September 13 in Los Angeles with Muslim, Christian, and Jewish leaders in attendance. Every individual has the freedom to practice their religion, providing they do no harm to others, respect the laws of the land, and accept responsibility, spiritually and materially, for their choices.

Prince Nasser bin Hamad al Khalifa of Bahrain signed as an official envoy of the Gulf nations king. Johnnie Moore, a board member of the National Association of Evangelicals, and Rabbi Marvin Heir of the Simon Wiesenthal Center also participated, joining ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Israel.

The King is acting decisively, courageously, and seriously, Moore told CT, also noting Bahraini sponsorship of a religious tolerance center in the capital city of Manama as well as sponsorship of a chair in religious coexistence at La Sapienza University in Rome. The declaration goes farther than any similar document that Im aware of.

Individual religious freedom is just one of the five points asserted in the declaration.

Preaching hatred and violence in the name of God is condemned as a desecration of his name. Suicide bombing, sexual slavery, and the abuse of women and children are specifically disowned.

Any act that is found morally repugnant by the vast majority of mankind and is insulting ...
Many churches in the Caribbean islands are presumed destroyed by Hurricane Irma, the deadly storm currently making its way through Florida.

At least four churches in Antigua and Barbuda and a dozen on St. Martin were flattened by the Category 5 hurricane last week, according to Emerson Boyce, secretary general of the Evangelical Association of the Caribbean (EAC).

Boyce, who is located in Trinidad and Tobago, has struggled to reach major Christian leaders in Irmas path to confirm the extent of the damage among the evangelical community across the Leeward Islands.

Pentecostal and Full Gospel churches are the biggest Protestant groups in the hardest-hit islands, where Christians make up 75 percent or more of the population. (There are no seminaries or Christian colleges on the affected islands; most training in the region comes out of Jamaica, Barbados, or Trinidad and Tobago.)

I want to thank God. Despite all thats happening globally, there is still a Christian presence ...

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GREAT FALLS  Officials have released the name of a 25-year-old man who was shot in Great Falls after reportedly brandishing a weapon at a Great Falls police officer.

Fergus County Coroner Dick Brown said Wednesday that Thomas Jordan Addison of Great Falls died late Monday. Officers had responded to a report of a burglary when they encountered Addison.

Police Chief Dave Bowen said Addison ran away, but then brandished a weapon, leading an officer to shoot him.

Bowen said Wednesday the officers directly involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

Addison's body was taken to Billings for an autopsy. Brown will oversee the inquest into Addison's death when it is scheduled.

State Department of Corrections records indicate Addison had convictions for a 2011 burglary in Cascade County and a 2013 escape.
Christianity Today Wins Excellence in Religion Reporting Awards



CAROL STREAM, Ill., Sept. 13, 2017 /



Christianity Today won first place for Excellence in Magazine Overall Religion Coverage. Editor in Chief Mark Galli shares, "It's always encouraging to be recognized for excellence, but it's especially gratifying to hear it from a stellar journalistic organization like the Religion News Association. Our news team, headed by Jeremy Weber, does incredible work, and I'm glad they are increasingly being recognized for it by their peers."



Jeremy Weber also personally won first place for Excellence in Magazine News Religion Reporting for recent global feature stories reported from



Christianity Today



A full list of the Religion News Association's 2017 awards can be found at the



is a nonprofit, global media ministry centered on Beautiful Orthodoxystrengthening the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel. Reaching over five million people monthly with various digital and print resources, the ministry equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God.



Share Tweet Contact: Cory Whitehead, 630-260-6200 ext 4220, cwhitehead@christianitytoday.com CAROL STREAM, Ill., Sept. 13, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- Christianity Today won two top awards showcasing religion journalism excellence at the Religion News Association's annual awards banquet in Nashville, Tennessee on September 9, 2017.Christianity Today won first place for Excellence in Magazine Overall Religion Coverage. Editor in Chief Mark Galli shares, "It's always encouraging to be recognized for excellence, but it's especially gratifying to hear it from a stellar journalistic organization like the Religion News Association. Our news team, headed by Jeremy Weber, does incredible work, and I'm glad they are increasingly being recognized for it by their peers."Jeremy Weber also personally won first place for Excellence in Magazine News Religion Reporting for recent global feature stories reported from Iraq/Greece Lebanon , and India . Weber reflects on the award, "It's an honor to be recognized for our hard work by the best professionals in the business. But it was also an honor to tell in-depth stories about two of the world's most urgent crises: refugees and religious freedom. We hope that this award draws new attention to those stories and thus to the millions of people facing such troubles."Christianity Today increasingly is seeking to bring to its readers unique, on-the-ground reporting from the church abroad. Galli states, "Readers consistently tell us they appreciate this 'front-row seat' to what God is doing around the globe. It's important to learn from our global Christian family how God sustains and grows his church."A full list of the Religion News Association's 2017 awards can be found at the association's website Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry centered on Beautiful Orthodoxystrengthening the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel. Reaching over five million people monthly with various digital and print resources, the ministry equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God.
Christian Nonprofit Reaches Milestone of 7,000 Projects Worldwide Contact: April Kelsey,

757-827-6704



HAMPTON, Va., Sept. 13, 2017 /



The achievement is especially meaningful considering that ICM has historically maintained a U.S.-based staff of less than 50 employees. Founded in 1986 by Dois Rosser, Jr., ICM maximizes its impact by forming reciprocal partnerships with indigenous ministries already established and operating in some of the most destitute regions of the world. To date, ICM has worked in 86 countriesyet its home office occupies a small building in Hampton, Va.



ICM helps Christians in developing nations by enabling them to build permanent churches and supplying them with Bible study materials in their language. In addition to funding the construction of 7,000 churches, ICM has also worked with partners to translate its unique Bible study curriculum into 43 languages for both print and audio. This work has led to about 33,000 new congregations being established in the field. Even more astonishing, ICM promises donors that every designated gift is put 100 percent toward project costs.



"It has been incredible to see the exponential growth of ICM in recent years," says CEO Janice Allen. "Only a few years ago, we were building about 400 churches per year. This year, we're looking at doing 800. When my father first started this ministry, we were doing one or two churches per year. We never imagined we would get to this level, reaching people in places that have never heard the name of Jesus."



The 7,000th project will help a congregation in Laos rebuild their church that was recently burned to the ground in an act of persecution. The pastor says a local governor and his officials started the fire in the middle of the night after they failed to intimidate the congregation into recanting their faith.



ICM was founded to help Christians in places where they are considered a minority, impoverished, or marginalized. In countries where a permanent house of worship conveys legitimacy of ones religious beliefs, a brick-and-mortar church building can actually be a lifeline to Christians facing violent persecution. The churches also become training sites for new pastors, who then take Christianity into places foreign missionaries could never reach.



"We think the work of ICM is cutting edge," says founder Dois Rosser. "We are blanketing nationsputting a church within walking distance of every person on earth. [The 7,000 milestone] means we are reaching that goal of blanketing 86 nations. We know of no other ministry achieving this goal."



ICM plans on celebrating more milestones in the future. It is working toward a goal of building 10,000 churches by 2020.



Share Tweet Contact: April Kelsey,757-827-6704HAMPTON, Va., Sept. 13, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- International Cooperating Ministries (ICM) in Hampton is celebrating as it undertakes its 7,000th project to aid Christians in the developing world.The achievement is especially meaningful considering that ICM has historically maintained a U.S.-based staff of less than 50 employees. Founded in 1986 by Dois Rosser, Jr., ICM maximizes its impact by forming reciprocal partnerships with indigenous ministries already established and operating in some of the most destitute regions of the world. To date, ICM has worked in 86 countriesyet its home office occupies a small building in Hampton, Va.ICM helps Christians in developing nations by enabling them to build permanent churches and supplying them with Bible study materials in their language. In addition to funding the construction of 7,000 churches, ICM has also worked with partners to translate its unique Bible study curriculum into 43 languages for both print and audio. This work has led to about 33,000 new congregations being established in the field. Even more astonishing, ICM promises donors that every designated gift is put 100 percent toward project costs."It has been incredible to see the exponential growth of ICM in recent years," says CEO Janice Allen. "Only a few years ago, we were building about 400 churches per year. This year, we're looking at doing 800. When my father first started this ministry, we were doing one or two churches per year. We never imagined we would get to this level, reaching people in places that have never heard the name of Jesus."The 7,000th project will help a congregation in Laos rebuild their church that was recently burned to the ground in an act of persecution. The pastor says a local governor and his officials started the fire in the middle of the night after they failed to intimidate the congregation into recanting their faith.ICM was founded to help Christians in places where they are considered a minority, impoverished, or marginalized. In countries where a permanent house of worship conveys legitimacy of ones religious beliefs, a brick-and-mortar church building can actually be a lifeline to Christians facing violent persecution. The churches also become training sites for new pastors, who then take Christianity into places foreign missionaries could never reach."We think the work of ICM is cutting edge," says founder Dois Rosser. "We are blanketing nationsputting a church within walking distance of every person on earth. [The 7,000 milestone] means we are reaching that goal of blanketing 86 nations. We know of no other ministry achieving this goal."ICM plans on celebrating more milestones in the future. It is working toward a goal of building 10,000 churches by 2020.
Does God Exist? Author pulls the rug out from under modern day atheism, delivers complete defense of the existence of God



Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276,



SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2017 /



Feser, an associate professor of philosophy at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, California, has been called by National Review "one of the best contemporary writers on philosophy." FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD certainly lives up to that premise, delivering extensive explanations of the proofs of a divine being while hitting back on common arguments made against those proofs.



Opening as the top seller in the Atheist book section of Amazon.com, FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD is establishing itself as the definitive defense of the existence of God, and giving atheists something on which to work.



Feser gives an ambitious and complete a defense of traditional natural theology as is currently in print, aiming to vindicate the view of the greatest philosophers of the past  thinkers like Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Aquinas, Leibniz and many others  that the existence of God can be established with certainty by way of purely rational arguments. The FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD thereby serves as a refutation both of atheism and of the fideism that gives aid and comfort to atheism.



Feser explains and summarizes the five proofs, and reveals the divine attributes and the thinking behind each one. He also refutes specific arguments of atheists in a comprehensive Q-and-A format.



"A watershed book," says Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary, about the FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. "Feser has completely severed the intellectual legs upon which modern atheism had hoped to stand."



For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview with Ed Feser, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or

Share Tweet Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276, KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- In a world that is increasingly attempting to declare that there is no God, Christians need to be equipped to defend the existence of the Creator, and do so convincingly and persuasively. Edward Feser's new book, FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, delves into this topic in ways that appeal to both laymen and academics digging for something a little deeper.Feser, an associate professor of philosophy at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, California, has been called by National Review "one of the best contemporary writers on philosophy." FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD certainly lives up to that premise, delivering extensive explanations of the proofs of a divine being while hitting back on common arguments made against those proofs.Opening as the top seller in the Atheist book section of Amazon.com, FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD is establishing itself as the definitive defense of the existence of God, and giving atheists something on which to work.Feser gives an ambitious and complete a defense of traditional natural theology as is currently in print, aiming to vindicate the view of the greatest philosophers of the past  thinkers like Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Aquinas, Leibniz and many others  that the existence of God can be established with certainty by way of purely rational arguments. The FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD thereby serves as a refutation both of atheism and of the fideism that gives aid and comfort to atheism.Feser explains and summarizes the five proofs, and reveals the divine attributes and the thinking behind each one. He also refutes specific arguments of atheists in a comprehensive Q-and-A format."A watershed book," says Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary, about the FIVE PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. "Feser has completely severed the intellectual legs upon which modern atheism had hoped to stand."For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview with Ed Feser, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com ) of Carmel Communications.
Best Selling Christian & Messianic Author Challenges Israeli Sanhedrin Over Ban of Messianic Marriages Contact: Bob Darling,

262-222-5406



GRAFTON, Wis., Sept 13, 2017 /



The Sanhedrin has ruled that it will not allow Jewish Rabbis to conduct Messianic Jewish weddings. Messianic Jews are Torah observant believers in the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ). Ken Mentell, the author of the best sellers, "The Elijah Calling" and "Elijah vs Antichrist" has sent free copies of his "Restoring Truth" series to the Rabbinic Judges that serve on the Sanhedrin in Israel in rebuttal of this judgment.



Based upon the Sanhedrin's comments it would appear that they have determined that Jews and those who observe the Torah while believing in Jesus Christ, are no longer Jews and do not qualify to have a Jewish Rabbi conduct wedding ceremonies. This turns believers in Jesus Christ from fully participating in Israeli society and essentially turns them into second class citizens...if citizens at all. By the Sanhedrin's spokesman's words they make Messianic Jews & Hebrew Roots Believers sound more like interlopers.



This story was covered by the Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, and Worldnet Daily. Joseph Farah talked with the Spokesman for the Sanhedrin and their representative stated, "If one accepts the principle that Christians should be Christians and Jews should be Jews, then it follows that Christians who are trying to pass as Jews are doing something deceitfully. One can be a Christian in Israel and keep Passover, Tabernacles, go to a Synagogue and keep Kosher. But if they want to be registered as a Jew and mingle with Jews while retaining Christian beliefs and often wishing to share this with their neighbors, this is seen as a deceitful form of missionizing."



Essentially the Sanhedrin is saying that if you follow in the same footsteps of Jesus and observe as the Bible says He observed, then you are being deceitful and pretending to be a Jew while "deceitfully" being a Christian.



Ken Mentell's series evaluates the historical and scriptural facts of what first century Christians believed and observed. He says, "Rabbinic Judaism (Pharisaism) did the same thing to first century Christians as the Sanhedrin just did to modern believers and required that those who follow Jesus Christ and their example remain separate from true Jews."



"The Elijah Calling" provides a simple guidebook for the Sanhedrin to evaluate if Christians need to be separate from Rabbinic Jews and if Torah observant Christians are false pretenders or Authentic Jews. The question remains if the Sanhedrin will actually read the books or continue to operate under 2,000 years of Oral Tradition on how to treat Christians. Read "The Elijah Calling" and "Elijah vs Antichrist" on Amazon to stay current on this issue before the Sanhedrin. It answers 2,000 years of confusion and explains how to reconcile Jews and Christians. (



Share Tweet Contact: Bob Darling,262-222-5406GRAFTON, Wis., Sept 13, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- Best-selling Christian and Messianic author of the "Restoring Truth" Series ( a.co/860doam ), is challenging the State of Israel's Sanhedrin (Rabbinic High Court of 70 leading Rabbis) who handle religious judgments for Jewish believers.The Sanhedrin has ruled that it will not allow Jewish Rabbis to conduct Messianic Jewish weddings. Messianic Jews are Torah observant believers in the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ). Ken Mentell, the author of the best sellers, "The Elijah Calling" and "Elijah vs Antichrist" has sent free copies of his "Restoring Truth" series to the Rabbinic Judges that serve on the Sanhedrin in Israel in rebuttal of this judgment.Based upon the Sanhedrin's comments it would appear that they have determined that Jews and those who observe the Torah while believing in Jesus Christ, are no longer Jews and do not qualify to have a Jewish Rabbi conduct wedding ceremonies. This turns believers in Jesus Christ from fully participating in Israeli society and essentially turns them into second class citizens...if citizens at all. By the Sanhedrin's spokesman's words they make Messianic Jews & Hebrew Roots Believers sound more like interlopers.This story was covered by the Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, and Worldnet Daily. Joseph Farah talked with the Spokesman for the Sanhedrin and their representative stated, "If one accepts the principle that Christians should be Christians and Jews should be Jews, then it follows that Christians who are trying to pass as Jews are doing something deceitfully. One can be a Christian in Israel and keep Passover, Tabernacles, go to a Synagogue and keep Kosher. But if they want to be registered as a Jew and mingle with Jews while retaining Christian beliefs and often wishing to share this with their neighbors, this is seen as a deceitful form of missionizing."Essentially the Sanhedrin is saying that if you follow in the same footsteps of Jesus and observe as the Bible says He observed, then you are being deceitful and pretending to be a Jew while "deceitfully" being a Christian.Ken Mentell's series evaluates the historical and scriptural facts of what first century Christians believed and observed. He says, "Rabbinic Judaism (Pharisaism) did the same thing to first century Christians as the Sanhedrin just did to modern believers and required that those who follow Jesus Christ and their example remain separate from true Jews.""The Elijah Calling" provides a simple guidebook for the Sanhedrin to evaluate if Christians need to be separate from Rabbinic Jews and if Torah observant Christians are false pretenders or Authentic Jews. The question remains if the Sanhedrin will actually read the books or continue to operate under 2,000 years of Oral Tradition on how to treat Christians. Read "The Elijah Calling" and "Elijah vs Antichrist" on Amazon to stay current on this issue before the Sanhedrin. It answers 2,000 years of confusion and explains how to reconcile Jews and Christians. ( a.co/860doam
Foundation for Moral Law Defends Persecuted Christian Baker Contact: John Eidsmoe, Foundation for Moral Law, 334-262-1245, info@morallaw.org



MONTGOMERY, Ala., Sept. 13, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Foundation for Moral Law, a Montgomery nonprofit corporation dedicated to the defense of the Constitution as written and intended by its Framers and to the free exercise of religion, has filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court in defense of a Colorado bakery and its owner.



A gay couple filed a complaint against Masterpiece Cakeshop for its refusal to create a custom-decorated cake for their wedding. Owner Jack Phillips refused their request because as a Christian he could not endorse what God declares to be sin. He was willing to serve homosexuals generally, but believed that baking a wedding cake would send a message of approval of same-sex marriage. The Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that Phillips must fulfill the couple's request. Masterpiece sought review in the U. S. Supreme Court which accepted the case. The Foundation has filed an amicus brief urging the High Court to rule that Masterpiece is protected by the Free Exercise and Free Speech Clauses of the First Amendment.



Foundation President Kayla Moore said concerning the case: "The Foundation is proud to stand with Masterpiece and its owner, Jack Phillips. He is a sincere Christian who is being faithful to the Word of God."



Foundation Senior Counsel John Eidsmoe added: "The choice of the name 'Masterpiece' for the bakery demonstrates that Mr. Phillips regards his cakes as artistic expression. The First Amendment's express protections for speech and religion should not be eclipsed by a so-called right that is a recent invention of the Courts. Hate is not a family value, but moral conviction is not hatred."



The United States Department of Justice headed by Attorney General Jeff Sessions has filed an amicus brief on behalf of Masterpiece.



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While the recent dream job listing involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency was a hoax, FEMA is looking to hire people in the near future.

The agency will pay about $14 to $34 per hour, depending on the position. They are searching for medical personnel, civil engineers, graphics specialists, nurses and crisis counselors, among other roles.
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With a soft, modern design, amenities like zero-gravity pedicure chairs and the kind of high-brow, eco-minded products stocked in a luxury hotel bathroom, Dallas-born Hiatus Spa & Retreat has arrived in Houston.

Serving a clientele that believes proper skin care requires regular maintenance, the Tanglewood day spa features 14 treatment rooms and offers members an unlimited number of signature services at $69 each and discounts on its other services. There are more than 50 services on the menu, including cheekily named facials like The Perfectionist, The 29 Again and The Fine-Tune, plus body, nail and massage services.
An Idaho man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for robbing a Green River bank in 2013, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Tuesday. He had already been serving time in state prison for a bank robbery later in the same year.

A jury convicted Donald Alexander Sheriff, also known as Donald Sample, 60, of Pocatello, Idaho, on June 30 of bank robbery and using a firearm during a violent crime, both federal felonies.

Sheriff was sentenced Sept. 5 to 23 years for the robbery charge and seven years for the firearm charge. He will begin serving the sentence for the gun charge after completing the robbery sentence.

Sheriff robbed the Wyochem Federal Credit Union in June 2013, making away with more than $175,000.

On June 1, 2013, Sheriff hid near a door of the credit union wearing latex gloves, a fake beard and an earbud transmitting police scanner chatter. When a credit union teller approached the door, he threatened her with a gun and ordered her to deactivate the credit union's alarm and open the vault.

After taking the money, Sheriff tied the teller up and left within 10 minutes.

Sheriff was caught late that August with earbuds, latex gloves, a fake beard and about $8,000 in cash following a bank robbery in Afton. He later pleaded to state charges in relation to that crime and was sentenced to 20 to 35 years in state prison. He began serving that sentence in 2014.

Sheriff was convicted of robbing 10 banks in the 1980s. He was released from his prison sentence on those charges in 2008 and successfully completed parole in 2011.
Linsay Radcliffe's mother passed on two important life lessons from an early age: A good hat not only prevents sun damage, it is timeless in its style. Today, Radcliffe, 33, has amassed an impressive hat collection, mostly gifts from her mom. When packing for a trip to Italy with her husband last year, she was surprised how difficult it was to find proper luggage to transport two of them - one for the city and one for the beach.

"I ended up using a cardboard storage box," she says.
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When Texas' Bay Area was under water after Hurricane Harvey, thousands of Texans banded together to help each other get to safety, including Raz Halili and his cousin Gezim.

The two San Leon natives rescued people in Port Arthur after Harvey flooded a large part of southeast Texas with up to 50 inches of rain. Among the people they rescued was Teiranny Decuir on Aug. 30.

MORE PROTECTION: Coastal barrier takes on new urgency in wake of Harvey

Decuir was so impressed with the cousins' hearts - and good looks - that she told her friend Ariel Marie, 27, about her rescue experience.

Now Playing: Houston pulls together to face Hurricane Harvey. Video: David Funchess/Houston Chronicle

"She told me, 'I don't know where he came from, but he was so fine,'" Marie told Chron.com about Raz Halili. "She then sent a photo of him and I thought, I have to tell this guy how fine he is - for him to come to Port Arthur and help people, he needs a proper thank you."

So on Sept. 5, Marie shared the photo her friend sent of Raz on Facebook with a message expressing her appreciation.

Within a few days, the post went viral with over 2,600 shares and 2,400 comments. Many of the comments were links to Raz's social media pages and encouraging Marie to "go find him."

INTERNET GEM: Nun with chainsaw becomes hero after Hurricane Irma

Through further investigation, it was discovered that Raz does indeed have a girlfriend and Marie sent both of them messages on social media to clarify her intentions.

"At first I think he thought it was weird. It wasn't to be a #StalkerBae, but to just thank him," Marie told Chron.com. "I let both of them know that I wasn't trying to stalk him, but just to let him know that I appreciate him in rescuing people.

"My grandmother says, 'Give me my flowers while I can still smell them,' and he did that. There was a need and he acted and we really appreciate his heart," Marie said.

After news of Raz's rescuing good looks hit social media, many people started sharing their opinions on the matter.

LOCAL IMPACT: How Hurricane Harvey impacted Buffalo Bayou

"It's been a bit funny. I saw what she was doing and I appreciate the humor in it," Halili told KTRK. He also told the station that as a first generation American, he wanted to give back to the community that has treated his family, who are originally from Albania, so well. That is why he and his cousin went out to help people during Harvey, KTRK reports.

Chron.com has reached out to the Halili cousins for comment, but have yet to hear back. Once we do, we'll update this story with their comments.

Oh, and fun fact, Raz now has a Facebook fan page, but Ariel wasn't the one who created it, though she finds it hilarious.
Travel sparks the tastebuds, and that's what happened to chef Greg Martin of Bistro Menil in Montrose. A half dozen trips to Spain over the past several years  to San Sebastian, Barcelona, Madrid  inspired Martin to introduce a variety of Spanish flavors and dishes to his new fall/winter menu that debuts this week, Sept. 16.

READ ALSO: Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina grilling up in Tex-Mex in The Woodlands

Spanish ham, olives, olive oils, peppers, and a new cache of Spanish wines will go on the menu. Diners will find dishes such as patatas bravas, padron peppers, and duck and oxtail risotto as well as new bistro entrees including Quiche Lorraine, New York strip steak with truffle butter, and truffled potatoes. These dishes can be paired with new wines such as albarino and mencia from the Galicia region and red blends from Catalonia. Martin personally selected the new featured wines which are sold by full bottles, half, and quarter. There are also six cask wine offering providing affordable choices from around the world.

There are also new American salad offerings, and new happy hour, dessert and brunch items.

Bistro Menil, 1513 W. Alabama, 713-904-3537; bistromenil.com. Open Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Special happy hour is offered daily from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and brunch Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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It was a kitchen table conversation between a widow and a prosecutor that finally laid to rest the cold-blooded murder of Harris County Deputy Sheriff Darren Goforth.

Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon described the moment on Wednesday in an interview after presenting a guilty plea at a court hearing that would send Goforth's killer, Shannon Miles, 32, to prison for life without parole.

Alone with Kathleen Goforth in the kitchen of the family's Houston home in recent weeks, Ligon said he laid out the case against Miles.

The brutal ambush of her husband at a gas station in August 2015 had been caught on surveillance video as he was shot repeatedly in the back of the head.

The investigation had problems, but they were nothing insurmountable for an experienced team of prosecutors. And there was a defendant who would probably be sentenced to death and, because of his history of mental health problems, never be executed.

"She said it was a no-brainer," Ligon said. "She made an incredibly compelling case that I had never thought I'd be as open to as I was. She wants today to be the last day that her name, or her kids' names, are associated with this case. She does not want to live with one foot in the cemetery. She wants to live the rest of her life with her kids and with the memory of her husband."





Now Playing: Police investigate the death of Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth. Residents hold vigils at the scene of the shooting and show their support for law enforcement. (Jon Shapley) Video: Houston Chronicle

After the brief plea hearing Wednesday in state district court, the widow broke down in tears as she explained that it was mercy for her children, not Miles, that led her to sign off on the controversial plea deal.

"Mine and Darren's two children have been spared. They will not have the backdrop of their lives, for the next 10 to 25 years, being court dates, trials and appeals," she said, standing before a bank of reporters. "They won't have that inflicted upon them and that is merciful. It's compassionate and it's the right thing to do."

As she held up the last photos taken of her children with their dad, she briefly exposed tattoos on her left forearm memorializing her husband's life.

"I know that Darren would approve with how this has played out, because his primary concern would be what it always was: Ava and Ryan," she said. "And that's how I want him remembered  as a man who loved his family."

The plea deal ends two years of national headlines that began when Miles gunned down Goforth, 47, next to his patrol car in a north Harris County gas station.

On Wednesday, law enforcement officers of every stripe filled the ceremonial courtroom of the civil courthouse as Miles appeared in a bright yellow jail uniform before state District Judge Susan Brown.

Miles said little except that he was guilty and that he understood he would be sentenced to life without parole.

The plea bargain, which was anticipated to upset members of the law enforcement community, came in part because of Miles' lengthy history of mental health issues has stymied the case. He has been in and out of state mental hospitals since being arrested days after the shooting. He also spent several months in a mental health facility in 2012.

"He's an episodic psychotic and schizophrenic," said defense attorney Anthony Osso. "He has no memory of that day in his life."

Osso, who spent months with attorney Charles Brown meeting with Miles, put together a large packet of mitigating circumstances to try to convince to prosecutors not to seek the death penalty.

Experts said when Miles is medicated, as he was Wednesday, he is competent and can make decisions. When he does not take the medication, he is not. So, Osso said, prosecutors were likely to face an uphill legal battle to keep him medicated long enough to execute him.

It was a realization that prosecutors agreed with.

"The state's experts all came to the same conclusion, the likelihood of executing a mentally incompetent man was almost zero," Ligon said. He said he was convinced that Miles has some "crossed wires" and the difference was "an organic disabilitya God-given wire crossing if you willas opposed to a drug-induced crazy guy."

"I can kill a drug-induced crazy guy and, frankly, that's what I thought I was getting when I started," he said. "It's different when you have a true mental deficiency."





RELATED: Ted Cruz blamed Obama for deputy's death

Ligon took over the case with Galveston County District Attorney Jack Roady in April after Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg recused her office because at least one of her top lieutenants had represented witnesses in the case.

Ligon credited Ogg with offering to shoulder some of the expense of what could have been a multimillion-dollar prosecution.

"To her credit, when I called her, Kim Ogg said, 'Give me the numbers and I'll get you the money,'" he said. "Everyone bent over backwards to make this happen."

RELATED: How the killing of Darren Goforth sparked a sec scandal

After the brief hearing, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Goforth would be immortalized as a deputy sheriff.

"He will always be remembered for his service, his bravery, and his sacrifice," Gonzalez said. "Today, the Goforth family and the Harris County Sheriff's Office family are pleased to learn that justice will be served upon Deputy Goforth's killer."

David Cuevas, the president of the Harris County Deputies Organization agreed.

"Our hearts and prayers go always to Kathleen Goforth and her family," he said. "Justice has been served in this case."

The mechanics of a plea deal Wednesday were problematic because the main criminal courthouse, which has secure access for defendants, is closed because of record flooding from Hurricane Harvey.

Sheriff's deputies had to securely move Miles from the Harris County jail to the top floor of the Harris County Civil Courthouse.

Plans for a plea deal were tenuous because of worldwide publicity and outrage about the ambush, which was considered an easy case because of the surveillance video. Ligon said he took the case, expecting to seek the death penalty under Texas law that allows for execution if a peace officer is intentionally killed in the line of duty.

On Wednesday, he discounted several issues that had arisen as the case has progressed, saying that he and his team could have successfully navigated them in front of a jury.
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Authorities have reported a third drowning in west Houston caused by Harvey-related floodwater.

All three fatalities happened at addresses along Buffalo Bayou that are south of Interstate 10 and west of the 610 Loop.

The latest, Robert Arthur Haines, 71, died Sept. 3 inside a Memorial-area "flooded residence" in the 700 block of Langwood, according to a report issued Tuesday by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

FULL COVERAGE: Read the latest on Harvey's impact along the Gulf Coast

The report on Tuesday brings Harris County's official storm death toll to 34. More than 70 people have died or are feared dead from Hurricane Harvey in the Houston region and beyond.

Now Playing: A 25-year-old Houston man died Tuesday after he was electrocuted by a live wire in floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey while trying to check on his sisters trapped cat, according to his family Video: People

Though much of Houston has dried out, some westside neighborhoods near Buffalo Bayou remain plagued by standing floodwater.

After previous attempts hampered by flooding, the HPD dive team on Friday recovered Haines' body. The one-story, brick house near Terry Hershey Park still had about four feet of water inside.

Kirby Haines, 33, believes his father's demise may have happened more than a week earlier.

The two last talked around 3 p.m. Aug. 27  the Sunday of the storm  as waters rose in Buffalo Bayou.

Kirby Haines said his dad mentioned a problem with his cell phone charger and they agreed to talk on the internet-connected home phone. Overnight, the elder Haines left two voicemail messages, about a half-hour apart, that his son received the next morning.

Those recordings said the water was rising and had reached a couple of feet high, but informational and not life-threatening, Kirby Haines said.

The son tried all day Monday morning to reach his dad on both phones, but to no avail. The devices could have been under water by then.

"He was supposed to have a caretaker with him," Kirby Haines said. "That's why we think my dad died alone. There was no one there to save him."

UNSAFE WATER: Some Houston-area residents still need to boil water

Officials began opening the Addicks and Barker reservoirs early Aug. 28. Most of the water flowed into Buffalo Bayou and likely contributed to water rising higher in the home.

The house had a history of minor flooding from bayou overflow in the dozen years Robert Haines had lived there, which is one reason why the voice mails didn't register as dire.

His father, retired after decades as a stock broker, had been obsessive about storms.

"He would watch the Weather Channel for many hours a day and talk about the weather," Kirby Haines said. "Any sign of not-sunny weather in Houston and he would start to panic."

That's the second reason why Kirby Haines didn't think his father's life was in jeopardy. The third, his son said, was a mental decline in recent years that was believed to be mild dementia, substance abuse or a combination of both.

"My dad is a survivor. He was in the Vietnam War," Kirby Haines said. "My dad was the most persistent person and to think he drowned is just incredible to me."

Relatives await the autopsy's toxicology report.

The elder Haines, a grandfather, retired from financial advising in 2011, his son said. HPD suspected the death early last week, but didn't pull the body out until Sept. 8. The storm-related death was reported to the morgue Sept. 3 and confirmed Tuesday, institute spokeswoman Tricia Bentley said.

"This severe weather, the water in the house and the caregiver not being there  did he just give up on life?" Kirby Haines wondered aloud. "I try not to think about it because there is no answer."

Last week, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences reported two other Memorial-area drownings related to Harvey.

Cathy Harling Montgomery, 71, was found Thursday in a "residence with flood damage" in the 12600 block of Memorial. She lived in the Pines Condominiums, which is behind Memorial City Mall and west of Piney Point Village.

Jill Renick, the Omni Hotel's spa manager, vanished during the storm's early downpours and was missing for 11 days.

The 48-year-old's body was located near an elevator, according to a statement released Friday by HPD. Renick was found after multiple searches of the luxury hotel by the HPD dive team and the Houston Fire Department. The unsuccessful efforts were impeded by flooding, HPD reported.
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One of the burning behavioral issues affecting some Houston-area high schools in 2016 involved drugs.

Nearly 50 percent of the top 30 high schools with the highest percentage of drug-related incidents belonged to the Fort Bend and Houston Independent School District (HISD), according to an analysis conducted by Chron.com using data obtained from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

At the top of the list was Cypress-Fairbanks' Windfern High School with 17 percent of all its behavioral incidents (102) being drug-related. Windfern opened in 1995 to educate "young adults with tough circumstances," the school states on its website.

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BUSTED: Houston-area high schools with the most behavioral issues

"Cypress-Fairbanks ISD takes all disciplinary referrals very seriously, especially those that have to do with the health and welfare of our students," assistant superintendent Nicole Ray told Chron.com in a statement. "Any concerns brought forward are addressed immediately and always with the best interest of our students in mind. We provide numerous services and outreach programs for any student struggling with the challenges of life, including drugs or alcohol to ensure assistance is available to support their safety and well-being."

Fort Bend's Ridge Point High School occupied the third spot on the list with 10 percent of its 172 behavioral incidents being drug-related. HISD's Lamar High School ranked fifth with 8 percent of its 437 behavioral incidents in 2016 involving drugs.

In a statement provided to Chron.com, Fort Bend spokeswoman Amanda Bubela said that students found possessing, selling or using drugs will receive appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the student code of conduct.

"But just as importantly, we also have counselors, social workers and partnering agencies that work with students who are referred to them due to substance use and abuse issues," Bubela added. "These supports are provided at both the district's DAEP (District Alternative Education Placement) campus as well as our 11 comprehensive high schools."

A request for comment was placed with HISD.

THE TOP: Ranking the Houston high schools with the best teachers

The overwhelming majority of the behavioral incidents at all the schools analyzed were code of conduct related. For example, the school with the most drug-related incidents in 2016 was Alief ISD's Taylor High School with 100. Of the 2,002 total behavioral incidents at Taylor last year, 1,517 of those were code of conduct related (which represents 76 percent of all its incidents).

The largest school to make the drug list was Galena Park's North Shore Senior High School with 4,992 students. Those students were responsible for 2,926 behavioral incidents, of which 94 were drug-related.

Swipe through the slideshow above to see where your high school stacked up in terms of drug issues.
Hurricane Harvey may be long gone, but dangers brought on by the storm linger.

A Harris County Drinking Water Advisory map shows which areas of Houston have unsafe drinking water. According to the map, there are still a few areas dotting Houston where officials urge residents to boil water.
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AUSTIN -- Attorney General Ken Paxton filed lawsuits Tuesday against three businesses that allegedly inflated prices on fuel or hotel rooms as Hurricane Harvey battered Texas.

The state alleges Robstown Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Best Western Plus Tropic Inn, charged almost three times its normal room rate the weekend Harvey hit. The hotel is located about 20 miles inland from Corpus Christi. The average price for a queen or king room was $108 per night on the two weekends prior to Hurricane Harvey making landfall, according to the state's complaint.

After a state disaster has been declared, as Governor Greg Abbott did on Aug. 23, Texas law prohibits selling essentials such as fuel, food, medicine and other necessities at an "exorbitant or excessive price." It also applies to services like towing and lodging.

READ ALSO: Lost your gun license during Harvey? There's good news

On Aug. 26, the Best Western Plus Tropic Inn charged nearly $290 per night for a room. The state alleges that a guest questioned the charge and recorded a clerk who admitted that $290 was not the normal charge but said other guests were being charged the same rate. Another employee allegedly said the high rate was due to "the weather."

A spokeswoman with Best Western said it has severed its relationship with Robstown Enterprises.

"Best Western was founded on the principles of honesty, integrity, compassion, and service. We were deeply offended and saddened by the actions of this hotel," said Courtney McCurry, the spokeswoman. "This hotel's actions are contrary to the values of Best Western. We did not and do not tolerate this type of egregious and unethical behavior."

READ ALSO: Walmart food trucks are handing out free food in Houston suburbs

Robstown Enterprises did not respond to a request for comment.

The state also alleges that Bains Brothers, owners of a Texaco-branded gas station in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and Encinal Fuel Stop, a Chevron-branded gas station outside of Laredo, charged an exorbitant amount for gas.

The Bains Brothers allegedly charged $6.99 a gallon for regular unleaded gas on Aug. 31 at two of its gas stations near Dallas. The state alleges that in some cases the clerk refused to give customers receipts. One customer began fueling her car when she discovered that 12 gallons of gas cost her $85. After requesting a refund, the state alleges the clerk told her, "it is what it is."

READ ALSO: Satellite photos of Houston show extreme damage from Harvey

Encinal Fuel Stop allegedly charged $8.99 to $9.99 a gallon for gas.

Bains Brothers and Encinal Fuel Stop did not respond to a request for comment.

Paxton said his office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute cases arising from Hurricane Harvey.

Its unconscionable that any business would take advantage of Texans at their most vulnerable  those who are displaced from their homes, have limited resources, and are in desperate need of fuel, shelter and the basic necessities of life, Paxton said in a written statement.

READ ALSO: Lone Star corn maze changes design to 'Texas Strong'

The attorney general's office has received more than 3,000 Harvey-related price gouging complaints. Under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, price gouging can carry civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation and up to $250,000 per violation for victims over 65 years old.

To report fraud or price gouging, consumers can call the attorney general's Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 621-0508, email consumeremergency@oag.texas.gov, or file a complaint online at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/file-a-consumer-complaint.
The outside world might never have heard about the suspected massacre if not for some barroom boasting by a group of miners fresh from working an illegal gig in the Amazon jungle.

The garimpeiros had bragged that they'd come across members of a reclusive, uncontacted Amazonian tribe near Brazil's border with Peru and Colombia, authorities say.

The tribe members were greater in number - there were as many as 10 - but the gold miners said they'd gotten the better of them and killed the entire lot, said Carla de Lello Lorenzi, communications officer for Survival International in Brazil.

The miners cut the tribe members' bodies so that they wouldn't float, Lorenzi said, then dropped them into the Jandiatuba River.

The miners had collected tools and jewelry from the indigenous dead, corroborating their story.

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An unidentified person who overheard the story was disturbed by it, recorded the miners' conversation and turned the audio over to authorities. They have since launched an investigation into what, if confirmed, would be one of the largest mass murders of uncontacted people in decades.

Advocates for stricter protective measures say the suspected massacre is evidence that the Brazilian government isn't doing enough to safeguard the more than 100 vulnerable tribes that have never made contact with the outside world - and have no desire to.

"If these reports are confirmed, [Brazilian President Michel Temer] and his government bear a heavy responsibility for this genocidal attack," said Survival International's director, Stephen Corry, who said the government has slashed funds for an agency that protects the tribes, leaving them "defenseless against thousands of invaders - gold miners, ranchers and loggers - who are desperate to steal and ransack their lands."

"All these tribes should have had their lands properly recognized and protected years ago - the government's open support for those who want to open up indigenous territories is utterly shameful, and is setting indigenous rights in Brazil back decades."

According to the New York Times, the government closed five of the 19 bases it uses to monitor uncontacted tribes and prevent incursions by miners and loggers.

Three of the closed bases were in the Javari Valley, home to more uncontacted tribes than anywhere else on Earth.

For obvious reasons, little is known about the indigenous group involved in the suspected killings.

Locally, Lorenzi said, they're known as Fleicheros, or "the ones who throw arrows," but their language and customs - and how they interact with at least two other uncontacted tribes in the immediate area - remain a mystery.

But the tribe members are not the only people in that part of the Amazon, Lorenzi said. It is illegal to mine there, but prospectors have brought earth-moving equipment to the area, leaving giant craters that can be seen from the sky.

They also bring violence, according to the government, which says garimpeiros are responsible for threats, child prostitution and killings.

Even their nonviolent presence in the protected lands can be dangerous to uncontacted tribes, which lack the immunity to fight the diseases that miners and loggers bring.

Any contact can be contentious and even violent, with the uncontacted usually getting the worst of it because, as Lorenzi told The Post, "it's usually bows and arrows against guns."

Details about those contacts remain hazy, because they involve two groups of people unlikely to speak to authorities.

Still, tales of the worst violence sometimes gets out. Survival International documented the story of Marisa Yanomami and Leida Yanomami, survivors of the Haximu massacre in 1993:

'The gold-miners killed our brothers and sisters and also killed our father with machetes; some of them were killed with guns," they told the organization. "After the first 10 people died, at the start of the war, we moved to another place to hide and stayed in our shabono (communal house), but the next day, the miners appeared again."

In a statement on its website, the Brazilian National Indian Foundation, or Funai, said it had prompted the federal public prosecutor's office to investigate the most recent allegation.

The government has also trumpeted its latest operation against incursions into protected lands. In August, it shut down an illegal-mining operation. Soldiers destroyed four dredging machines and fined mining operators $1 million for environmental crimes.

Investigations are tough undertakings. The site of the suspected killing, for example, is a 12-hour trek by boat during the dry season. And it involves a group of people with their own language and a centuries-long wariness of outsiders.

Even the details of the killing are sketchy, Lorenzi said. And the vacuum of information speaks to another fear advocates have: that these types of violent interactions happen a lot more frequently than is reported.

"That's highly probable, yes, because it's so difficult to document," she said. "It's the uncontacted versus illegal miners who think they can get away with anything.

"Unfortunately, a lot of the time they do."
All students and staff at Natrona County High School are safe after a brief lockout Tuesday afternoon instituted after reports that a student had a gun in the area, police said.

When police arrived at the high school, they saw the student's vehicle on Spruce Street and stopped it, but no gun was found. Another vehicle was pulled over as well, although its relation to the incident is unclear.

The high school was placed under a "precautionary lockout," according to the district. The lockout was lifted at about 3:45 p.m. A student confirmed in a text message that students were being released from the building.

Spruce was closed north of CY Avenue, and traffic was being diverted west onto 11th Street for at least 30 minutes. It was reopened by 4:15 p.m.

Some of the teens left the scene on foot, but at least one was still detained in the back of a police vehicle as of 4:15 p.m.

District spokeswoman Tanya Southerland directed questions to police.

"NCSD's first priority is student and staff safety," Southerland said in a statement.

In a lockout, entrances to the building are locked, but activities inside continue as normal. In a lockdown, teachers also lock the doors of classrooms.

The district said all after-school activities will continue as normal.
Houston ISD administrators are proposing extended school days during the first semester for 11 campuses that haven't yet opened due to damage from Hurricane Harvey.

The district's school board will consider the plan at its meeting Thursday. The extended days would help the 11 schools meet a state law that requires 75,600 minutes of instruction per year.
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This October, students hurt by Harvey will find a little relief knowing their SAT registration fees will be waived.

The College Board, a company that runs standardized tests like the SAT and ACT for university acceptance, said it would remove the $60 fee required for taking the exam.

"We recognize this is an incredibly challenging time as you work to recover from the storm," The College Board said in a Monday news release. "We are taking this step to support students and families who are struggling as a result of the hurricane."

ENCOURAGING WORDS: New Orleans to Houston: 'We're with you'

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The free SAT will apply to students whose homes are within FEMA disaster-designated counties in Texas. This includes Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria and Galveston counties.

The College Board will also provide a full refund for students already registered for the October SAT.

"We hope this measure can ease some worry for students and help their college-going plans proceed as smoothly as possible," The College Board said. "Our thoughts are with those affected by the recent hurricanes, and we hope for the safety of people in the affected areas."

LAW SCHOOL: University of Texas among top schools to produce federal judges and attorneys

The full list of counties where The College Board will offer free SAT registration is:

Aransas, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Lee, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Refugio, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Tyler, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Wharton.

See Houston schools with the highest SAT scores above.
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Thousands of mourners bid farewell Wednesday to Houston police Sgt. Steve A. Perez, praising as a "hero" the dedicated officer who died in the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey while trying to help others struggling in the storm.

Honor guards, a riderless horse, a helicopter fly-over and a last radio call marked the traditional law enforcement service for the veteran officer in the city's first public expression of grief since the catastrophic storm hit Aug. 26.

"His legacy is the legacy of what Texas law enforcement is all about," said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who joined other dignitaries from across the region in speaking at the funeral. "He is a true Texas hero. He served God until the very last day. ... He is an example for all Americans and to people all across the globe."

Perez, 60, drove into high water near Beltway 8 and the Hardy Toll Road while trying to get to work early in the morning of Aug. 27, after driving for hours trying to get into downtown Houston at the height of the rains that inundated the city. His body was found days later.

Now Playing: Thousands of mourners bid farewell Wednesday to Houston police Sgt. Steve A. Perez, praising as a "hero" the dedicated officer who died in the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey while trying to help others struggling in the storm. Video: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said Perez's death was symbolic of all the sacrifices Houston made as it bore the brunt of the storm.

"When he drove into the water that morning, God was there to catch him," Acevedo said. "He served as an absolute testament of the excellence of the men and women in blue."

He made a pledge to Perez's widow, Cheryl, and their children, Maverick and Sabrina.

"We're here with you," he said. "We're here for you, and you'll never be alone, I promise."

The son of a firefighter, Perez was born in Los Angeles and grew up in San Antonio. He served in the U.S. Army and spent 34 years working as a Houston police officer, working in the juvenile and northwest divisions before being promoted to sergeant in 1992.

He died days short of his 61st birthday.

"He ran his race," Mayor Sylvester Turner told the standing-room-only crowd of more than 1,700 mourners at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on St. Joseph's Parkway in downtown Houston. "He was faithful and he finished his course."

Maverick Perez described his father as a man with an impeccable work ethic and a deep faith.

He and his sister bragged to their friends about their dad's job as a policeman. But as they got older, they became more aware of the dangers of the profession, he said.

"We lived every day with fear, him leaving work and never returning," Perez said. "We knew our father was doing something big. He had a calling, the calling to protect and serve the great City of Houston."

Among the mourners was Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Houston City Council members and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. Members of the Thin Blue Motorcycle Club showed up to honor the fallen officer, as did officials with the Texas Municipal Police Association.

Outside the church, two fire trucks made an archway with their ladders extended, as an American flag waved and strains of somber music played from speakers.

As they so often do when a comrade dies in the line of duty, officers came from across the country, from as far away as California, New York, Detroit, from Mobile, San Antonio and Dallas, to show support.

"We are just thinking about his family," said Cedar Park Police Officer Rodney Wilk, one of four officers from the North Texas police department who had traveled to Houston for the funeral.

Perez's death was the sacrifice that can come with serving in law enforcement, Wilk said, calling the sergeant's death a "terrible tragedy."

"He easily could've stayed home that night," he said. "But he chose to go out to take care of his subordinates and the citizens of Houston."

A long line of officers filed into the church sanctuary just after 9 a.m.

"It's just hard to believe," one officer said.

After the service, mourners filed out onto the closed street, surrounding Perez's family, who sat in chairs in the middle of St. Joseph's Parkway facing the sergeant's flag-draped coffin.

The mayor presented Cheryl Perez a flag of the city. Acevedo presented her with the American flag that had covered her husband's coffin. Abbott presented a Texas flag, drawing Perez's wife and daughter each into an emotional embrace.

Across the street from the Co-Cathedral, a line of onlookers watched.

Angela DeCoo, 47, had driven in from Spring Branch to pay her respects.

"This family is forever changed by the flood," she said. "It's taken away so much from everybody."

At 11:46 a.m., a flight of helicopters peeled across a cloud-cluttered sky, one peeling north and away. A minute later, three cracks of gunfire ripped across the landscape. Buglers played Taps and a color guard retired the colors.

The pallbearers lined up to take Perez's coffin away to a private burial.
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A student found and took down posters supporting white supremacists on the University of Houston main campus Wednesday.

Micheal Leone called the posters "neo-Nazi propaganda" that came from Vanguard America, a white supremacist group, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

ONLINE DATING: Bumble, OK Cupid are banning white supremacists for hate speech

"I will do everything in my ability to stand up for my self and peers targeted by this terrorist group and will be demanding in person that our schools administrators do the same," Leone wrote in a Wednesday Facebook post. "We can't allow this to be a new normal. We cannot let our school get a reputation as a safe recruiting ground for neo-Nazis."

Leone told Chron.com that he took down approximately 30 posters.

"I'm not going to let U of H, one of the most diverse campuses in America, get a reputation as a safe space for Nazis and fascists to come and recruit people," he said. "This group is a very dangerous threat that students should take seriously."

Representatives with UH said they are aware of similar posters at university campuses across Texas.

"We respect the constitutional right to freedom of expression. However, many of the signs have been taken down not based on content but because they were posted in locations where they are prohibited under the university posting policy," the university said in an email.

TRUMP CONTROVERSY: White House says ESPN should fire Jemele Hill over Trump 'white supremacist' tweet

Leone said the posters are a safety issue and shouldn't be protected under the First Amendment.

"We shouldn't be tolerating it. You can't advocate for terror and genocide and call it free speech," Leone said.

Vanguard America is known for "recruiting young men and has engaged in unprecedented outreach efforts to attract students on American campuses," according to the ADL. The group is also known for opposing multiculturalism and believes America is an exclusively white nation.

Leone plans to speak about the posters at the university's student government association meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

Chron.com reached out to the university's SGA and Vanguard America for comment.
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More than a dozen businesses across Texas have been busted for substituting alcohol or refilling bottles so far this year.

The county with the most offenders was Harris, with six, according to data obtained by Chron.com from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

The Houston strip club Moments, on North Freeway, received the largest fine, $1,800 in January for refilling. The business also received a suspension or civil penalty, which usually happens to businesses that have committed the same offense more than once within a few years, TABC spokesman Chris Porter told Chron.com.

TOO YOUNG: Houston businesses busted by TABC this summer for selling alcohol to minors





Refilling is the illegal practice of refilling a bottle of alcohol with that same or a different type of drink, Porter said. Twelve businesses in Texas were cited for refilling in 2017. Two other businesses were penalized for brand substitution, which is when a patron is served a different type of alcohol than they ordered, Porter said.

It is unclear how each business was found to be refilling or substituting, though Porter added that it's not uncommon for employees and customers to call TABC with information. Competing businesses have also called TABC to alert them to both offenses.

Whiskey Cake had two of its locations cited by TABC this summer because they were repurposing empty whiskey bottles for water and tea service, vice president of operations Scott Sharrer told Chron.com Thursday morning. This was a common practice at all six Whiskey Cake locations for years in its effort to reduce their carbon footprint. Despite previous visits from TABC at Whiskey Cake locations, the commission only decided to cite the restaurants this summer, Sharrer said.

Whiskey Cake no longer repurposes whiskey bottles.

Swipe through the slideshow above to see what Texas businesses were cited by TABC for substituting or refilling this year.
As displaced residents struggle to rebuild their lives and homes, many are facing heightened financial burdens in post-Harvey Houston. Some locals are struggling to afford even basic healthcare.

San Jose Clinic, a 95-year-old institution that offers affordable healthcare for low-income uninsured patients, is seeking support from the public to help those affected by Harvey.

MISSING PETS: NRG is sheltering pets that were misplaced in Harvey's wake

The institution generally offers medical, dental and pharmaceutical assistance to low-income families. Under ordinary circumstances, they require prospective patients to have a valid form of identification, proof of address, earn less than, or equal to, 250 percent of the federal poverty level and not be eligible for health insurance coverage.

More Information San Jose Clinic Where: 2615 Fannin More information: sanjoseclinic.org/harveyrelief See More Collapse

However, given the difficult circumstances resulting from Harvey, they are currently waiving those eligibility requirements and "seeing anyone in need of care."

"We have also waived the patient contributions to remove this burden for the time being," a spokeswoman said.

The Midtown clinic was among the first places to reopen following the devastating flood. It began operating as early as Aug. 31, with the intention of helping those in desperate need of medications and medical services.

"Generosity and compassion are key elements of the San Jose Clinic mission," Paule Anne Lewis, president and CEO, said in a prepared statement. "It was second-nature for us to open our doors even wider and waive patient fees as we come together to pull through after this trying time. San Jose Clinic is now here for anyone in our community that finds themselves in a precarious situation and in need of medical, dental, or pharmaceutical care."

HOUSING: Some Houston-area residents are offering their houses for free stays to those affected by Harvey

"Thousands are now struggling to avoid economic instability after going unpaid for time spent waiting out or recovering from Harvey, including our patients," Lewis explained. "So, even before floodwaters began to recede, San Jose Clinic was connecting with local authorities and many aid groups to provide the utmost possible support for those who depend on us as well as the wider community."

The clinic is also doubling as a distribution site for donated supplies and is welcoming corporate donations of medical, dental, and pharmaceutical supplies, as well as volunteer bilingual healthcare providers. Americare and Project Hope are onsite with volunteer healthcare providers, as well as others who are distributing their donations and other goods to various sites in need.

For more information or to make a donation, head to: sanjoseclinic.org/harveyrelief
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WASHINGTON - Tens of thousands of former students who say they were swindled by for-profit colleges are being left in limbo as the Trump administration delays action on requests for loan forgiveness, according to court documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The Education Department is sitting on more than 65,000 unapproved claims as it rewrites Obama-era rules that sought to better protect students. The rewrite had been sought by industry.

The for-profit college industry has found an ally in President Donald Trump, who earlier this year paid $25 million to settle charges his Trump University misled customers. And it's yet another example of the Trump administration hiring officials to oversee the industries where they had worked previously.

In August, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos picked Julian Schmoke, a former associate dean at DeVry University, as head of the department's enforcement unit. She also has tapped a top aide to Florida's attorney general who was involved in the decision not to pursue legal action against Trump University to serve as the agency's top lawyer. More than 2,000 requests for loan forgiveness are pending from DeVry students.

Six months to decide

The Obama rules would have forbidden schools from forcing students to sign agreements that waived their right to sue. Defrauded students would have faced a quicker path to get their loans erased, and schools, not taxpayers, could have been held responsible for the costs.

Now, in a filing in federal court in California, acting Undersecretary James Manning says the department will need up to six months to decide the case of a former student at the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges and other cases like hers. Sarah Dieffenbacher, a single mother of four from California had taken out $50,000 in student loans to study to become a paralegal, but then couldn't find a job in the field, defaulted on her debt and could face wage garnishment.

"ED will be able to issue a decision with regards to Ms. Dieffenbacher's Borrower Defense claims within six months, as part of a larger group of Borrower Defense decisions regarding similar claims," Manning wrote to the court on Aug. 28.

Department spokesman Liz Hill said the agency is working to streamline the process and resolve the claims as quickly as possible. "Unfortunately, the Obama administration left behind thousands of claims, and we will need to set up a fair and equitable system to work through them," she said.

She said students with claims pending are not required to make payments on their loans.

But Alec Harris, a lawyer with Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School who is representing Dieffenbacher, said the delay could put his client and her children on the street.

"This is a Department of Education that has seemingly sided with industry and stacked the deck against former students of predatory for-profit schools every step of the way," Harris said.

Reid Setzer, government affairs director for Young Invincibles, an advocacy and research group, said the department's delay is harming thousands of students.

"It's kind of ridiculous," Setzer said. "There have been massive delays since the change of administration."

Obama took tough stance

The Obama administration went hard after for-profit colleges that lured students into taking big loans with false promises. Chains including Corinthian Colleges and ITT Technical Institute were forced to close, and Obama's Education Department approved about $655 million in loan cancellations for their students.

Under DeVos, no claims have been approved since she came to office seven months ago, according to Manning's July response to questions from Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, who is part of a group of lawmakers pressuring her to accelerate the process. The department is in the process of discharging loans for claims that had been approved by the previous administration.

Among the claims still pending are more than 45,000 filed by Corinthian students and over 7,000 by ITT students.
CASPER, Wyo.  Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos praised Natrona County's policy of school choice Tuesday in Casper while urging nationwide educators to move away from what she called an outdated model for educating students.

"It's time to rethink schools," she said. "For far too many kids, this year's first day back to school looks and feels a lot like last year's first day back to school. And the year before that, and the generation before that, and the generation before that."

DeVos walked through the doors of Woods Learning Center in central Casper on Tuesday morning to a chorus of boos from the more than 30 protesters standing on a hill outside the building. It's her first stop on a six-state, Midwest and Western "Rethink Schools" tour. Officials said the visit has been in the works for a couple of weeks but became concrete late last week. Rita Walsh, the vice-chairwoman of the school board, said she learned of the visit Monday.

DeVos chose the Natrona County School District  and Woods Learning Center in particular  because of its innovative approach. Natrona County is a district of choice, meaning students have the opportunity to attend any school in the county. Woods Learning Center, meanwhile, features a 26-year-old program in which multiple grade levels learn in the same classroom and a group of teachers run the school, instead of a principal. Students also have a say in what they learn.

"The people here have begun to rethink school in a really significant way and are really looking to meet the needs of students wherever they are," DeVos told reporters.

Max D'Onofrio, spokesman for Sen. Mike Enzi, said the senator's office "helped provide a bit of of local knowledge, background, and contact information for Wyoming schools." But he said the selections were based off the department's own work in the state and Enzi did not recommend Woods.

It isn't DeVos' first time talking about Wyoming schools. During her confirmation hearing earlier this year, she famously said some schools here may need guns to protect themselves from bears. On Tuesday, protesters brought teddy bears, and Casper resident Cheryl Parlett carried a sign that said "Yogi Bear says no to guns."

DeVos toured several classrooms at Woods, spending time with fourth- and fifth-graders as they circled up and talked about how they were feeling. Then she walked to a kindergarten and first-grade classroom, where students were making cats out of colored paper.

After DeVos left, one girl  who looked apprehensively at the cameras and adults crowding the back of the classroom  whispered to her friend, "She actually talked to us."

At her speech later Tuesday morning, she praised Natrona County School District for recognizing that different students have different needs.

"Open enrollment gives families the opportunities to find the schools that are best for them and their children," she said in her speech. "Students, your parents know you best. And they are in the best position to select the best learning environment for you."

In which direction DeVos thinks schools need to move is unclear, other than away from the current system, which she derided as an outdated model from Prussia ("Can you find Prussia on a map?" she asked).

DeVos  previously a Michigan-based philanthropist who strongly supported voucher programs and charter schools  didn't mention those programs during her speech. But she said many educators are stuck in old ways of teaching students, with rows of desks and a teacher at the front of the class.

"Today, there is a whole industry of naysayers who vow to defend something they call the education system," she said. "What's an education system? There's no such thing. Are you guys systems? No, you're individual students."

She added that teachers and parents know more about student needs than "so-called education professionals who are often staunch defenders of the status quo."

In an interview with media after the speech, DeVos was asked whether she thought a voucher program or charter schools were viable in a small, rural state where half of the districts have less than a thousand students, and many have less than 500. She said that all districts  even small ones  sometimes need to take a step back and evaluate what's working and what isn't.

"I always think that having more choices for parents to make to really find the right education for each of their children is really important," she said. "And it's also up to the people of every state to decide how that happens. But what is not negotiable is the notion that every child should have an equal opportunity to get a great education."

After DeVos left, the remaining protesters specifically criticized DeVos' past support for vouchers and charter schools. Jane Ifland, the coordinator for progressive group Indivisible Casper, was holding a sign that said "rethink vouchers."

She called the voucher program a "profound anti-American concept" and that tax dollars in America should support public education, rather than private institutions.

Ifland also took issue with DeVos' recent decision to re-examine how sexual assault investigations are handled on college campuses, apparently with an eye toward respecting the rights of the accused. While details of the review and what DeVos wants the new system to be remain unclear, DeVos has called sexual assault investigations -- which were altered and the burden of proof lowered under the Obama administration  a "failed system."

During a press conference with media at Woods, DeVos said it was a tough issue but that "the reality is that the current system doesn't do right for all students and by all students, and we need to get it right for all students."

DeVos traveled to the Wind River Reservation and St. Stephens Indian School on Tuesday afternoon. Her tour will also include stops in Lincoln, Nebraska; Missouri, Indiana, Kansas and Colorado.
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SEOUL, South Korea - The last time South Korea is known to have plotted to assassinate the North Korean leadership, nothing went as planned.

In the late 1960s, after North Korean commandos tried to ransack the presidential palace in Seoul, South Korea secretly trained misfits plucked from prison or off the streets to sneak into North Korea and slit the throat of its leader, Kim Il Sung. When the mission was aborted, the men mutinied.

Now, as Kim's grandson, Kim Jong Un, accelerates his nuclear program, South Korea is again targeting the North's leadership. A day after North Korea conducted its sixth - and by far most powerful - nuclear test this month, the South Korean defense minister, Song Young-moo, told lawmakers in Seoul that a special forces brigade he described as a "decapitation unit" would be established by the end of the year.

The unit, officially known as the Spartan 3000, has not been assigned to literally decapitate North Korean leaders. But that is clearly the menacing message South Korea is trying to send.

Now Playing: South Korea confirmed traces of radioactive xenon gas on Wednesday from the North Korean nuclear test that took place in early September. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland). Video: Buzz 60

Song said the unit could conduct cross-border raids with retooled helicopters and transport planes that could penetrate North Korea at night.

Rarely does a government announce a strategy to assassinate a head of state, but South Korea wants to keep the North on edge and nervous about the consequences of further developing its nuclear arsenal and pressure Pyongyand into accepting President Moon Jae-in's offer of talks.

"The best deterrence we can have, next to having our own nukes, is to make Kim Jong Un fear for his life," said Shin Won-sik, a retired three-star general.

More for you International net encircling North Korea tightened with speedy...

South Korea has now introduced three arms-buildup programs - Kill Chain; the Korea Air and Missile Defense program; and the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation initiative, which includes the decapitation unit.

As word of South Korea's new assassination plans has spread, Kim has used his deputies' cars as decoys to move from place to place, South Korean intelligence officials told lawmakers in June.

Meanwhile, North Korea appears to be stepping up efforts to secure bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which could be used to avoid trade restrictions including new sanctions approved by the U.N. Security Council on Monday.

Hackers from Kim Jong Un's regime are increasing their attacks on cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea and related sites, according to a new report from security researcher FireEye Inc. They also breached an English-language bitcoin news website and collected bitcoin ransom payments from global victims of the malware WannaCry, according to the researcher.

Kim's apparent interest in cryptocurrencies comes amid rising prices and popularity. With tightening sanctions and usage of cryptocurrencies broadening, security experts say North Korea's embrace of digital cash will only increase.

Treasury Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing Marshall Billingslea displayed satellite photos to demonstrate North Korea's deceptive shipping practices. He focused in particular on how it masks exports of coal that were banned in August after the North tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles.

In one example, a North Korean ship registered in St. Kitts and Nevis was said to have sailed from China to North Korea, turning off its transponder to conceal its location as it loaded coal. The ship then docked in Vladivostok, Russia, before finally going to China to presumably unload its cargo.

China accounts for 90 percent of North Korea's external trade.
AUSTIN -- Immigration advocacy groups are raising alarms about at least nine people that they say were improperly detained at a Texas border crossing this week after they told border patrol officials they were recipients of legal status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program - or DACA.

In a conference call with reporters, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and other groups said they fear what happened at the Falfurrias checkpoint on U.S. Highway 281 north of McAllen was the result of the Trump Administration's decision last week to end the DACA program.

Earlier this month, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end of the DACA saying it would stop in March. The program has allowed almost 800,000 people who were brought into the country illegally as children to live and work here.

Julieta Garibay, of United We Dream, called the incident on Monday at the checkpoint plus the DACA decision "worrisome." and said there is fear that people could be getting detained at other checkpoints and it is just not being reported.

"It could be happening at more checkpoints," Garibay said, though she could not confirm that it is happening elsewhere.

Juanita Valdez-Cox, executive director of LUPE, said Congress needs to intervene immediately and make sure the Trump administration isn't intentionally targeting DACA recipients even after Trump himself seemed to assure in Tweets that they had nothing to worry about.

"We need to make sure this is stopped immediately," Valdez-Cox said.

U.S. Border Patrol officials confirmed they encountered nine people at the Falfurrias checkpoint on Monday who claimed to be enrolled in DACA but did not say how long they were held.

"Agents validated their claims by reviewing and verifying their documents," a spokesman said in a statement sent to the Chronicle. "The individuals were then released to proceed with their journey, consistent with established policies and procedures."

ACLU officials refused to say if they were going to sue the government on behalf of those detained.

Astrid Dominguez, of the ACLU of Texas, would only say that the group is continuing to monitor the situation.

Abraham Diaz, a Texas DACA recipient, said it's clear to him what is happening.

"They are trying to scare us," Diaz told reporters.

But he said the incident will not stop him and others for fighting for DACA recipients.

"We are going to continue to fight for our community," he said.
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AUSTIN -- Texas Republicans claimed victory Wednesday after the U.S. Supreme Court just hours earlier blocked two lower court rulings that required the state to redraw some congressional and state House districts because the boundaries drawn by the legislature discriminated against minorities.

At the same time, attorneys and advocates for minority and civil rights groups fighting the maps vowed to make the victory only temporary, predicting they will win when the entire high court hears the case.

This seems certain: Next year's elections will almost certainly be conducted under the current maps drawn by the GOP-controlled legislature.

Late Tuesday, a divided U.S. Supreme Court granting a request from Texas that it not be forced to draw new districts until the high court hears arguments about the lower court decisions that could have impacted next springs primary elections.

A San Antonio federal court had invalidated the boundaries of two of Texas' 36 congressional seats (Districts 27 and 35) and nine of Texas' 150 House seats, in Dallas, Nueces, Bell and Tarrant counties.

In a one-paragraph order, the justices gave no reasons for their 5-4 decision. But liberal justices -- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan -- noted that they would not have agreed to Texas' request.

Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican former legislator who sought the high court order, applauded the decision.

"The Supreme Court confirmed what the rest of us already knew: Texas should be able to use maps in 2018 that the district court itself adopted in 2012 and Texas used in the last three election cycles," he said Wednesday. "In 2012 the Supreme Court ordered the district court to adopt lawful maps, and we believe it did so. We are eager to proceed with this case in the high court."

State Rep. Rafael Anchia, chairman of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus that is the lead plaintiff in the case to overturn the current maps, said the decision is only temporary.

"We look forward to seeking justice before the highest court in the land. After nine findings of intentional discrimination by bipartisan federal judges, SCOTUS has the opportunity to protect Texas voters," he said. "MALC believes in the motto that is inscribed above the Supreme Court building  'Equal Justice Under Law'."

The caucus' attorney, Joe Garza of San Antonio, said he was not surprised by the order. "Maybe it's better to have this discriminatory plan in front of the court and have the state of Texas try to defend it sooner rather than later," he said.

Chad Dunn, the Texas Democratic Party's general counsel, said he believes the evidence of discriminatory intent is so strong, the Supreme Court will agree. "Getting a final resolution to this matter, that has essentially been pending since 2011, is a step in the right direction," he said.

Allison Riggs, senior voting rights attorney for the Southern Coalition for Social Justice and attorney for plaintiffs in the case, predicted the Tuesday decision will be overturned. "We are optimistic that on full appeal these unconstitutional districts will be struck down once and for all, " she said.

Matt Angle, a Democratic strategist in Texas, echoed that sentiment.

"Current Texas Republican leaders see vote suppression and overt hostility to the growing minority population in Texas as key elements to hold power and to avoid accountability, he said Wednesday.

"The Supreme Court did not rule on the substance of the challenges to the discriminatory redistricting plans, but simply stopped any further action on maps until the Supreme Court decides whether or not to formally review the district court decision and hear arguments for and against it," Angle added.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who defended the maps as attorney general, had earlier predicted Tuesday night's victory.

"These issues (in the congressional redistricting case) have been ruled on previously, and we won at the Supreme Court,"Abbott said in an earlier statement. "We anticipate winning on appeal."

Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, said that given the stakes, the Supreme Court's decision was not surprising.

"Typically the courts are very careful not to disrupt ongoing elections or redraw districts in a way that confuses voters and impacts the outcome of an election," Cornyn said. "I suspect that was part of the rationale."

In 2012, the state was forced to postpone primary elections because of court challenges over the maps drawn the year before.

The legal challenges contend that the maps drawn by the Republican-controlled legislature intentionally dilute minority voting power by cramming them into a single district, or splitting them up across too many.

The state has been operating under temporary court-ordered maps drawn for the 2012 elections and adopted by the Legislature in 2013.

Weeks ago, a three-judge federal panel in San Antonio invalidated some of those districts, finding they violate the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. Voting Rights Act.

The panel ruled that Texas' Congressional District 27, now held by Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, and District 35, now held by Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, were drawn with discriminatory intent aimed at diluting minorities' voting strength.

Kevin Diaz contributed to this report from Washington.
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The largest diaspora in American history never had to happen. More than 3.5 million people in the heartland were permanently displaced because we were under the mistaken impression that technology could outsmart the laws of nature and that we could pilfer unlimited fortunes from the earth without concern for the climate.

Nearly 80 years after John Steinbeck published "The Grapes of Wrath," we still refuse to learn the lessons of the Dust Bowl, and as a result, another entire region again is imperiled. If we continue to ignore the facts, if we treat every 500-year storm as a "natural" disaster and any criticism of the oil and gas industry as an assault on our "way of life," the people of the Gulf Coast will have no option other than permanent evacuation.

"If the coast continues to regularly experience these massive storms and torrential rain events, there will likely be another great migration," Caroline Fayard, a New Orleans lawyer and former Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, has warned. "And right now, it's something our country's infrastructure could not handle easily. Our infrastructure is broken, and as both a consequence and a symptom, we're more interested in building new than in building smart."

I was born in Louisiana, which I proudly call home. But like millions of others, I was actually raised as a citizen of the Gulf Coast. As a kid, every summer, my family would haul as much as we could fit into our minivan for a week at the beach in either Alabama or the Florida Panhandle. On Aug. 29, 2005, when Katrina made landfall, I was living in a one-bedroom apartment off of Allen Parkway in Houston, a city I grew to love as an undergraduate at Rice University. I watched the news and wept for the people of New Orleans from Griff's in the Montrose, along with a classmate from Lake Charles and a professor from Shreveport. Twelve years later, I followed Harvey's devastation from my home in New Orleans.

There are lessons that Houston must draw from New Orleans. You'd be hard-pressed to find a New Orleanian who would describe Katrina as a "natural" disaster, because more than anything else, Katrina was a failure of the federal government's levee system. Houstonians must be similarly dogged in how they characterize Harvey. When the government allows developers to build subdivisions in the middle of man-made reservoirs, you can't just blame Mother Nature when those subdivisions flood. We should have seen this coming.

We also should have anticipated the problems that could occur by allowing oil, gas and chemical companies to construct plants in low-lying areas and communities so prone to flooding and isolated from robust regulation.

Russel Honore, the retired Army lieutenant general who commanded the federal government's relief efforts after Katrina, is unsparing in his assessment.

"This is not a 21st century government they have over there," Honore told me. "There's an old saying about your greatest strength becoming your greatest weakness. Houston's greatest strength was unrestricted growth, but now, it's their greatest weakness because they put blacktop on almost every square inch of ground."

But there's plenty of other lessons to be learned from New Orleans after Katrina.

Houston is about to be the global epicenter of the urban planning market. Don't squander your resources on those who substitute gloss for substance. Don't overuse the word "resiliency." Don't allow the oil and gas industry or real estate developers to pay for your plans. Hire local. Don't privatize your public school system. And enact zoning laws, for crying out loud.

Here's the most important lesson: Don't look to Louisiana as your primary template or your experienced guide. We got more wrong than we got right, and Katrina was a vastly different and far deadlier storm.

We need you to lead, Houston - like President John F. Kennedy once told your city - not because it is easy, but because it is hard.

Lamar White Jr. is the publisher of The Bayou Brief, a Louisiana-based online news outlet.
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.
Droughts. Firestorms. Crashed commodity prices. Coal fired energy plants shutting down. Stores on main street closing. One doesnt have to look far to see Montanans suffering. When the governor proposes tax increases (revenue enhancers) as a preferred solution for governments current shortfalls, I find myself unconvinced that a tax hike is the right answer today.

For me, tightening the governments purse strings is the place to begin.

Yes, cutting spending is hard. Ask the cattleman whose calf crop is worth 50 percent; or the rancher whose hay burned; or the farmer faced with drought crops that sell for low prices; or the mainstreet businessman whose customers now have little money to spend; or the employee whose job was eliminated.

These private sector Montanans have no choice but live within their means.

Because cuts impact government employees (good people hired to do a job) and the government services many rely upon, the easiest answer for government is always tax someone and get more money. If the resource economy were booming, asking Montanans to share a little more with schools, nursing homes, and prisons might be in order. However, today that someone facing a tax increase is likely a Montana business or individual already struggling to survive.

Montana law provides the governor with a reduction mechanism, where, if state revenues (taxpayer dollars) come in low, he can mandate government spending cuts. The governor has begun this process. I recognize this is challenging as state dollars are primarily spent on education, incarceration and medication. Moreover, when facing cuts, these agencies are adept at pointing elsewhere and arguing that their section is already too lean. Nonetheless, it is the governors job to lead here.

Why is revenue unpredictable? Growing revenue volatility is the harsh reality in Montana as state government is dependent upon highly volatile income taxes (local government uses property taxes). A natural-resource-based state like Montana can expect income taxes to drop when commodity prices fall and/or there is drought. In addition, there has been a reduction of capital gains taxes collected (folks cashing out stocks) and a deferral of business income tax receipts as payers wait to see if the Trump tax package has legs. As these factors mitigate, it is likely that income tax receipts will improve. People in Montana save when times are good and tighten the purse strings when times are hard.

Last session, I passed legislation to ensure that government had to play by these same rules, which helps with this volatility. But, as this mechanism is new, its worth can only be evaluated in a future crisis.

As to the political blame game, I too wish the revenue had come in higher and/or that Gov. Steve Bullock had reacted sooner to previous shortfalls thus preserving Montanas $300 million reserve to mitigate todays crisis. This is not the case.

The reality: Today, the governor has a choice. Times are tough. Will he tighten the purse strings or will he ask for more taxes?

From my perspective, the governor needs to do the job the law authorized and cut government expenditures to a level that reflects what Montanans can currently afford. He needs to work to propose cuts that impact services on the ground the least. He needs to select cuts that have the lowest impact possible on current government employees. In these tough times, he needs to be fiscally prudent and make the difficult decisions expected of a leader.

While Montana has little choice other than step up and pay its share of the fire bill, I would hope that the smoke-filled air will prompt the passage of policy reforms supporting the wise harvest of timber, rather than the current political reality where lack of responsible harvest becomes the basis for unstoppable firestorms.

Currently I pray for rain and hope for a bump in the price of commodities. I will not support permanent tax increases during these down times. I remain hopefully, as most Montana families do, that next year will be a better one for my district, for Montana and for this nation.

Sen. Llew Jones is the chairman of the Senate Finance and Claims Committee.
Copiii cu nevoi speciale din Stefan Voda au conditii de reabilitare mai bune, datorita UE si Fundatiei Soros Moldova
A lawyers request for more than $1 million in attorneys fees was rejected by a federal judge in Pennsylvania.

Bernie Clemens sued New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company for bad faith in federal court. The case went to trial in late 2015 over an alleged delayed payment of a car crash claim. The plaintiff was awarded $100,000 in punitive damages by the jury. While the award was appealed, the lead plaintiff counsel, Michael Pisanchyn, filed a bill of costs that amounted to well over $1 million in attorneys fees, interest and costs. Plaintiffs counsel detailed the billing as follows: $48,050 for the underinsured motorist (UIM) claims, $827,515 on the bad faith claim, $27,090 for the preparation of the petition for attorneys fees, as well as an additional amount of $175,630.70 as interest.

This was on a claim that had a total award of $25,000. According to the court, $25,000 was for settlement on the UIM claim and the $100,000 was the punitive damages verdict.

The judge noted that the plaintiff lead attorneys actions during trial required that he be admonished multiple times.

The bill was scrutinized by the judge who noted that, The plaintiffs counsel billed approximately 2,583 hours for working on this case alone. Assuming an eight-hour billable work day, this would mean that the plaintiffs counsel worked on nothing else but this case, every day, for approximately 323 days.

The judge noted that it is completely within the trial courts decision to assess attorneys fees, costs and interest.

In ruling on the request, the judge calculated interest at $4986.58 instead of the $175,630.70 plaintiffs counsel was seeking.

With respect to the attorneys fees, the court chose to determine reasonable fees by using the lodestar method  multiplying the number of hours reasonably expended on the litigation multiplied by a reasonable hourly rate.

Plaintiffs firm did not keep track of time spent on tasks for this case, so co-counsel was designated to reconstruct over six years of work and time spent on the case. She did this by guessing, according to the facts stated in the ruling. Attorney and paralegal hours were reduced significantly on both the bad faith and UIM claim.

After careful analysis, the petition for attorneys fees was granted in part and denied in part. The only award was in the amount of $4986.58. The rest of the plaintiffs request in its petition were denied. The judge went so far as to report the lead counsels actions in the case to the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Businesses risk employment practices claims if they dont stay on top of changing state and municipal employment laws, according to Chris Williams, Employment Practices product manager for Travelers.

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In an interview with Claims Journal, Williams says firms with multiple locations face different laws on minimum wage, family medical leave and even limits on interview questions that could be deemed discriminatory.

Williams cites examples of the various laws employers face.

In certain counties, employers that have a certain threshold of employees cant ask job applicants during their initial interview if they have been convicted of a crime.

The premise behind those statutes is asking for criminal backgrounds is potentially discriminatory to minority workers, said Williams.

Another example are minimum wage laws. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. However, California employers with 25 employers or fewer have a $10.00 per hour minimum wage, employers with more than 25 employees are subject to a $10.50 per hour minimum wage.

There is also the federal Family Medical Leave Act. According to Williams, it obligates covered employers to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.

That raises the questionwho is a covered employer. Its an employer with 50 or more employees and 20 or more work weeks in the preceding year, said Williams.

Federal law is pretty straight forward, he said. Employers have a harder time dealing with different state and municipal laws.

Theres different standards and different thresholds that apply which can make operating as a larger employer across state lines particularly challenging, said Williams.

He said certain states provide more protections for workers. For example, the state of Massachusetts doesnt allow employers to ask job applicants for salary history.

The notion behind that is that if employers rely on salary history, if a woman or a minority worker was paid less historically then a male, that would just perpetuate that discriminatory pay practice, Williams explained.

Other states are passing laws preventing the passage of local ordinances. Arkansas and Tennessee passed state statutes preventing cities and towns from passing laws protecting LGBT workers.

One reason businesses need to stay on top of changing employment laws is to avoid costly litigation.

If an employer is sued for a violation of an employment practices liability issue, like discrimination, retaliation or wrongful termination, its not uncommon for the legal fees, the defense expenses alone to reach $200,000, Williams said.

The Employment Practices Liability Jury Awards Trends and Statistics study examined verdicts between 2009-2013. It found that the average verdict for these types of cases was $397,132. That doesnt include plaintiffs fees or defense expenses, Williams added.

Plaintiffs fees are typically more than defense expenses, he said.

Its not uncommon to get a verdict thats close to a million dollars, Williams said.

Besides cost, he added that employment practices litigation is an arduous process.

Williams recommends employers have a monitoring system in place to review changes in local and state laws. In addition, internal policies need to be reviewed as laws change to ensure compliance. Lastly, employers need to focus on risk when expanding into new states and municipalities.
Aid rushed in to hurricane-scarred Florida early Tuesday, residents began to dig out, and officials slowly pieced together the scope of Irmas vicious path of destruction across the peninsula.

Even as glimmers of hope emerged from parts of the state forecasters once worried would be razed by the storm, the fate of the Florida Keys, where Irma rumbled through with Category 4 muscle, remained largely a question mark. Communication and access were cut and authorities dangled only vague assessments of ruinous impact.

Its devastating, Florida Gov. Rick Scott said after emerging from a Monday fly-over of the Keys.

A Navy aircraft carrier was due to anchor off Key West to help in search-and-rescue efforts. Drinking water supplies in the Keys were cut off, fuel was running low and all three hospitals in the island chain were shuttered. The governor described overturned mobile homes, washed-ashore boats and rampant flood damage.

A stunning 13 million people, two-thirds of the third-largest states residents, plodded on in the tropical heat without electricity, and nearly every corner of Florida felt Irmas power. In a parting blow to the state before pushing on to Georgia and beyond, the storm caused record flooding in and around Jacksonville, causing untold damage and prompting dozens of rescues. It also spread misery into Georgia and South Carolina as it moved inland with winds at 50 mph, causing flooding and power outages.

Six deaths in Florida have been blamed on Irma, along with three in Georgia and one in South Carolina. At least 35 people were killed in the Caribbean.

More than 180,000 people huddled in shelters in the Sunshine State and officials warned it could take weeks for electricity to be restored to everyone.

How are we going to survive from here? asked Gwen Bush, who waded through thigh-deep floodwaters outside her central Florida home to reach National Guard rescuers and get a ride to a shelter. Whats going to happen now? I just dont know.

The governor said it was way too early to put a dollar estimate on the damage.

During its march up Floridas west coast, Irma swamped homes, uprooted trees, flooded streets, snapped miles of power lines and toppled construction cranes.

Around the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, where Irma rolled through early Monday, damage appeared modest. And the governor said damage on the southwest coast, including in Naples and Fort Myers, was not as bad as feared. In the Keys, though, he said there is devastation.

Its horrible, what we saw, Scott said. I know for our entire state, especially the Keys, its going to be a long road.

He said the Navy dispatched the USS Iwo Jima, USS New York and the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln to help with relief efforts.

Emergency managers in the islands declared Monday the Keys are not open for business and warned that there was no fuel, electricity, running water or cell service and that supplies were low and anxiety high.

HELP IS ON THE WAY, they promised on Facebook.

The Keys are linked by 42 bridges that have to be checked for safety before motorists can be allowed in, officials said. The governor said the route also needs to be cleared of debris and sand, but should be usable fairly quickly.

In the Jacksonville area, close to the Georgia line, storm surge brought some of the worst flooding ever seen there, with at least 46 people pulled from swamped homes.

The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office warned residents along the St. Johns River to Get out NOW.

If you need to get out, put a white flag in front of your house. A t-shirt, anything white, the office said on its Facebook page. Search and rescue teams are ready to deploy.

A tornado spun off by Irma was reported on the Georgia coast, and firefighters inland had to rescue several people after trees fell on their homes.

A tropical storm warning was issued for the first time ever in Atlanta, and school was canceled in communities around the state. More than 1.5 million customers were without power Monday night in Georgia.

Irma, weakened to a tropical depression, is expected to push into Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee over the next two days.

People in the heavily populated Tampa-St. Petersburg area had braced for the first direct hit from a major hurricane since 1921. But by the time Irma arrived in the middle of the night Monday, its winds were down to 100 mph (161 kph) or less.

When that sun came out this morning and the damage was minimal, it became a good day, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said.

(Ferguson reported from Jacksonville. Associated Press writers Seth Borenstein in Washington; Terry Spencer in Palm Beach County; Gary Fineout and Joe Reedy in Tallahassee; Jay Reeves in Immokalee; Terrance Harris and Claire Galofaro in Orlando; and Jason Dearen, Freida Frisaro, Curt Anderson and David Fischer in Miami contributed to this report.)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP)  "One more thing." With that phrase, Apple paid homage to its late co-founder Steve Jobs for the 10-year anniversary of the iPhone on Tuesday when it unveiled its latest  and, at $999, its most expensive  new version of the device, the iPhone X.

CEO Tim Cook called it "the biggest leap forward" since the first iPhone. ("X" is pronounced like the number 10, not the letter X.) It loses the home button, which revolutionized smartphones when it launched; offers an edge-to-edge screen; and will use facial recognition to unlock the phone.

Apple also unveiled a new iPhone 8 and a larger 8 Plus with upgrades to cameras, displays and speakers.

Both iPhone 8 versions will allow wireless charging, a feature thought to be limited to the anniversary phone. Many Android phones, including Samsung's, already have this.

Highlights from the event:

STEVE JOBS HOMAGE

This is the first product event for Apple at its new spaceship-like headquarters in Cupertino, California.

The event opened in a darkened auditorium, with only the audience's phones gleaming like stars, along with a message that said "Welcome to Steve Jobs Theater." A voiceover from Jobs, Apple's co-founder who died in 2011, opened the event before CEO Tim Cook took stage.

"Not a day that goes by that we don't think about him," Cook said. "Memories especially come rushing back as we prepared for today and this event. It's taken some time but we can now reflect on him with joy instead of sadness."

NEW WATCH

Apple's latest Watch has built-in cellular service. The number on your phone will be the same as your iPhone. The Series 3 model will also have Apple Music available through cellular service.

"Now, you can go for a run with just your watch," said Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer and in charge of Watch development.

Apple is also adding more fitness features to the Watch, and says it is now the most used heartrate monitor in the world. Now, Apple Watch will notify users when it detects an elevated heart rate when they don't appear to be active. It'll also detect abnormal heart rhythms.

The Series 3 will start at $399. One without cellular goes for $329, down from $369 for the comparable model now. The original Series 1, without GPS, sells for $249, down from $269. The new watch comes out Sept. 22.

APPLE TV GETS UPGRADE

A new version of the Apple TV streaming device will be able to show video with sharper "4K" resolution and a color-improvement technology called high-dynamic range, or HDR.

Many rival devices already offer these features. But there's not a lot of video in 4K and HDR yet, nor are there many TVs that can display it. Apple TV doesn't have its own display and needs to be connected to a TV.

Apple said it's been working with movie studios to bring titles with 4K and HDR to its iTunes store. They will be sold at the same prices as high-definition video, which tends to be a few dollars more than standard-definition versions. Apple said it's working with Netflix and Amazon Prime to bring their 4K originals to Apple TV, too.

The new Apple TV device will cost $179 and ships on Sept. 22. A version without 4K will cost less.

IPHONE X DETAILS

Apple is releasing a super-premium iPhone with a super-premium price tag, starting at $999.

While Apple is continuing to update its existing, cheaper models, the new iPhone X  pronounced like the number 10  will have a screen with higher resolution and "OLED" technology for richer colors.

It will also lose a distinct home button to make more room for the 5.8-inch display, which is slightly more than the Plus model's 5.5 inches. The features are similar to what Samsung offers.

The new design will enable new ways to interact with the phone. Instead of pressing the button to get the home page, you swipe up instead.

Apple is also offering the ability to unlock the phone with facial recognition rather than a fingerprint or passcode. Though some Android phones offer this, Apple is adding sensors to improve performance and says it worked with mask designers during testing to improve security. An executive initially failed to unlock the phone this way in a demo Tuesday, though.

The new phone, which is coming Nov. 3, will also permit animated emojis that mirror your facial movements and promises two more hours of battery life than what's in the current iPhone 7.

Such an iPhone has been widely anticipated for the iPhone's 10th anniversary and comes just weeks after Samsung unveils its own super-premium phone, the $930-and-up Galaxy Note 8.

IPHONE 8

Apple is refreshing its lineup of iPhones with camera, display and speaker improvements.

The new phones promise to shoot pictures with better colors and less distortion, particularly in low-light settings. The display will adapt to ambient lighting, similar to a feature in some iPad Pro models. Speakers will be louder and offer deeper bass.

The new iPhone 8 will keep its predecessor's size  4.7 inches  but have a higher starting price of $699, up from $649. The 5.5-inch iPhone 8 Plus starts at $799, up from $769. The new phones come out Sept. 22

Apple is bucking its traditional naming convention by calling the new phones iPhone 8 rather than 7S. The S designation might have given consumers the impression that the new phones are mere incremental updates from the current iPhone 7.

The Plus version will continue to have two camera lenses and now has the ability to optimize lighting as you shoot.

Both versions will allow wireless charging, a feature thought to be limited to the anniversary phone. Many Android phones, including Samsung's, already have this.

FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY

Apple watchers say the company's new Face ID technology could help revolutionize facial recognition and bring it to the mainstream.

Too often, people have been able to fool such technology by wearing masks or printing out photos of faces.

But Apple's iPhone X projects infrared dots on faces to create a 3-D facial model. That enables it to confirm a warm-blooded person is looking at the phone.

Artificial intelligence expert Amarjot Singh, a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, says Apple's new sensors, along with a neural-engine chip, takes the technology a step further by combining what researchers have been working on all in one place.

Apple Senior Vice President Phil Schiller says only 1 in a million people could unlock another person's phone with their face.

Shaun Moore, CEO of San Francisco-based facial recognition startup TrueFace.ai, says Apple's entry into the field will help bring awareness to facial recognition and help people view it as a viable solution to everyday problems.

AUGMENTED REALITY

Gartner analyst Brian Blau says the iPhone X's augmented reality features will change the way people use apps and give app developers new, "cool things" to do.

Apple on Tuesday showed off a simple use for this new, sophisticated camera technology with "animoji." Those let people animate emoji characters with their facial expressions.

Blau says this  showing off a new technology with something that everyday people can use and understand  is what Apple does best.

The analyst also praised for the extended battery life for the phone, saying that's not something that often comes with new smartphones.

The leaks and rumors leading up to Tuesday's showcase at Apple's Cupertino, California, headquarters meant there were few surprises at the event. But Blau says you could tell this was a special event for Apple, which honored is late co-founder Steve Jobs in the theater named after him.
AKRON, Ohio -- Akron Municipal Court Judge Kathryn Michael announced she will perform weddings from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the Akron Civic Theatre.

Couples are welcome to wear Halloween costumes during the ceremony.

Appointments are first come, first served and must be scheduled and paid for before Oct. 31. Time slots will not be added once all appointments are booked.

Couples must obtain a marriage license from Summit County Probate Court prior to the ceremony.

A cash-only ceremony fee must be paid in advance at the Akron Municipal Court Clerk's Office in room 837 of the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center, located at 217 S. High St.

The fee is $25 for residents in the court's jurisdiction, which includes Akron, Fairlawn, Bath, Richfield, Springfield Township, Lakemore and the Summit County portion of Mogadore. The fee is $40 for those who reside outside the jurisdiction.

After paying the fee, couples should take their receipt to room 901 in the Stubbs building to secure a time slot for their ceremony.

The success of the inaugural event last year inspired the Akron Municipal Court to offer Halloween weddings again in 2017.

Akron Civic Theatre, located at 182 S. Main St., donated its space for the Oct. 31 event.

Couples should use the theater's Main Street entrance on the day of the ceremony. No professional photographers are permitted, but each couple will be provided with digital images of the ceremony, courtesy of the court.

For more information regarding scheduling, contact the court's Chief Service Bailiff Patricia Williams at 330-375-2592.

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.
CANTON, Ohio -- When asked about his time in the Navy, Steve Walker describes it as a pivotal time for him, which is precisely why he chose to pay homage to it in his second and most proud ink.

Walker's tattoo, done at Hammer's Tattoo and Piercing in Canton, is one of five finalists vying for the title of Best Tattoo in Greater Cleveland. You are invited to vote hourly through Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. in the poll below.

A live reveal announcing the winner will take place on cleveland.com's Facebook page next week.

Name: Steve Walker

Age: 53

Hometown: Medina

Tattoo parlor: Hammer's Tattoo and Piercing in Canton

Tattoo artist: Patrick Buckohr

When was your tattoo done: September 2016

What was the inspiration for the tattoo: Walker is a veteran of the United States Navy and wanted to pay tribute to the ship on which he served. He saw a flag tattoo and it sparked his idea to get his tattoo.

How many tattoos do you have: 2

Was getting a tattoo what you expected: "The pain isn't bad," said Walker. "It's like getting pinched." He also noted his more intricate tattoo took significantly longer.

Do you plan on getting any more: He has no immediate plans but is open to the idea.

What advice would you give someone getting their first tattoo: "Definitely consider it, sleep on it, don't do it impulsively, you're going to live with it forever," said Walker.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An Indiana man who killed two Parma residents in 1992 is set to be executed Wednesday.

Otte, 45, has been in prison for the past 25 years. Wednesday will bring a sense of finality for the families for his victims, but also comes in the midst of legal challenges to the death penalty here and in other states.

He was moved Wednesday to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, where the state has its "death house." He will get his last meal and, before being executed, will get a chance to make a statement about his crimes.

Otte, as with all inmates on death rows nationwide, has tried multiple times to appeal his convictions and sentence. All of his challenges have been rebuffed.

The last person to be executed in Ohio was Akron child killer Ronald Phillips in July. His execution was the first one in more than two-and-a-half years. Ohio stopped executing prisoners after it took killer Dennis McGuire an unusually long time to die. McGuire was seen snoring and snorting from a previously unused drug combination.

Phillips was executed using a new three-drug combination, and witnesses said he died without complications.

The last person from the Cleveland area to be executed was Harry Mitts Jr. in September 2013. He killed his neighbor and Garfield Heights police Sgt. Dennis Glivar in 1994.

The Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics said inmates executed in 2013 -- the last time such numbers had been published -- had been on death row for an average of 15 1/2 years. Otte has waited for about a decade more than the average death row inmate.

Otte's crime

Otte shot Robert Wasikowski, a worker for the city of Broadview Heights, in the head after talking his way into the 61-year-old man's apartment on Feb. 12, 1992 at the Pleasant Lake apartment complex in Parma. Otte said he wanted to use Wasikowski's telephone. After shooting Wasikowski, Otte took $413 and left.

The next day, Otte killed Sharon Kostura, a 45-year-old American Greetings employee, after he forced his way into her apartment at the same complex. He then stole $45, Kostura's car keys, and her checkbook.

A three-judge panel, which presided over Otte's trial in lieu of a jury, found Otte guilty of two counts of aggravated murder and other crimes later that year. He received death sentences for both killings in October 1992.

No more delays

The best Otte has been able to do as he challenged his convictions and sentence is to delay his execution as a federal magistrate judge ruled in his and other inmates' favor when they argued that the state's combination of lethal-injection drugs was unconstitutional.

An appeals court later overturned the magistrate judge's decision, and Otte's execution was allowed to go forward.

On Friday, Dayton federal magistrate Judge Michael Merz declined to delay Otte's execution any further, rejecting arguments that the drugs the state will use will render Otte deeply unconscious before dying.

The 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals in Cleveland also rejected a request from Otte's attorneys to declare Ohio's death penalty unconstitutional. The attorneys cited a Kentucky judge's decision that said that state's law allowing executions for those who were under 21 years old when they committed their crime was a disproportionate punishment.

Otte was 20 years old when he killed Wasikowski and Kostura. A Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court judge dismissed the challenge last week.

He also argued for clemency from the Ohio Parole Board and Gov. John Kasich. He said his life should be spared because he was repeatedly bullied as a child. That bullying led to drug and alcohol use and depression, which led him to commit his crimes, his lawyers argued.

The parole board rejected that argument and others, saying he had a good upbringing with a loving family. Kasich upheld that ruling on Sept. 1.

Victims' families want closure

Members of Wasikowski and Kostura's families will be in Lucasville Wednesday to witness Otte's execution.

For them, Otte's execution has finally arrived, following a 25-year wait. A lot has changed in the interim. Family members have grown up, had kids of their own or even died.

Still, as the execution date nears, the feelings and memories of 1992 have become more vivid for them.

Laurie Wasikowski, Robert Wasikowski's youngest daughter, said her father was "super dad for us" and a caring person to his many friends. Before his murder, he had plans to retire, Laurie Wasikowski said.

When asked why Otte should die rather than serve the rest of his life in prison, Laurie Wasikowski said "if the judge would have given him life without the possibility of parole, it would have been over.

"Because he got the death sentence, it's not over and it's still lingering and we still know it's something that's not finished," Laurie Wasikowski said. With the execution arriving, the family knows "it's finally going to be over."

Rhonda Rogers, Kostura's niece, said her aunt did not have children of her own but that "growing up, there was never a Christmas morning without my aunt there."

She said she is also looking for closure.

"I just want it over with," said Rogers, who was 17 years old when her aunt was murdered. "I'm not taking pleasure in somebody's impending death. He murdered two people and now he's going to pay for it. It's just very unfair that you can take the life of two innocent people for no reason and still be alive. It's crazy."

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- "Star Wars" fans, you're going to have to wait a bit longer for Episode IX.

Following Tuesday's announcement that J.J. Abrams, who directed 2015's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," is returning to the franchise to write and direct the final chapter in the sequel trilogy, Lucasfilm announced the movie's release date is being pushed back to December 20, 2019.

Guy Ritchie's live-action "Aladdin," which previously held that slot, will now take Episode IX's original opening date of May 24, 2019. The musical about a "street rat" who woos a princess with the help of a genie stars Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott.

"Aladdin" is one of four classic Disney animated classic movies to be given the live-action treatment scheduled for 2019. The others are "The Lion King," "Mulan" and "Dumbo."

"Star Wars" Episode IX, by the way, will be preceded by two more films-- "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" on Dec. 15 and the untitled Han Solo movie set for May 25, 2018.
LUCASVILLE, Ohio -- An attorney for Gary Otte, a man put to death Wednesday for killing two people in Parma in 1992, said she saw signs that her client experienced pain as the execution team injected him with a sedative, the first of three-drug combination.

Carol Wright, the supervising attorney for the Columbus Federal Public Defender's Office's capital unit, watched Otte's execution from the viewing area of the state's death house. The execution was carried out Wednesday morning at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, and Otte was pronounced dead at 10:54 a.m.

Wright said Otte's movements and actions as he received midazolam, a sedative, indicated to her that Otte felt "pain or sensations" as he was about to die.

Her statements on what she saw mirror legal arguments she and her team have made that say midazolam does not render inmates deeply unconscious, and its use in executions could lead the state to violate an inmate's constitutional right.

Otte's stomach raised and lowered several times after the execution team began the injections. That stopped after several minutes, presumably when the execution team gave him a paralytic drug. Then the execution team gave Otte a drug that stopped his heart.

Wright said the stomach movements were abnormal and evidence that Otte was struggling to get air. She also said Otte was crying.

She said she saw these reactions and got out of her seat to call Dayton federal magistrate Judge Michael Merz, who presides over litigation brought by death row inmates challenging the state's use of the three-drug combination in executions.

That caused another problem, Wright said.

"They would not allow me to leave the room until several minutes passed," Wright said of the staff in the death house, adding that protocol says she should be allowed to leave immediately.

A staff member eventually let Wright out, and she called the prison's waiting room so one of her colleagues could reach Merz on the phone.

"It was my hope to alert the court to what I believed was a constitutional violation," she said.

That took several more minutes, and by the time Merz was on the line, it appeared the execution team had already given Otte the second injection. She told Merz that the stomach movements stopped and she did not see any more tears, and Merz declined to intervene.

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction spokeswoman JoEllen Smith said department staff handled Wright's request to leave the room appropriately. Smith said in an email that "we followed proper security protocol, and once her identity and intention was verified she was given permission to exit the room."

The whole process led Wright to believe that the state's execution team was ill-prepared and made mistakes.

The state disagreed.

"The execution was carried out in compliance with the execution policy and without complication," Smith said.

Otte, 45, of Terre Haute, Indiana, was executed for robbing and murdering Robert Wasikowski, 61, and Sharon Kostura, 45, in February 1992. He's the second Ohio inmate executed this year.

Merz declared Ohio's latest execution protocol unconstitutional in January, but a federal appeals court overturned his ruling.

The state used this protocol after it had problems during the execution of death-row inmate Dennis McGuire in January 2014. McGuire was executed with a previously unused drug combination.

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Dozens of Case Western Reserve University students and staff members asked a federal prosecutor to review a deadly police shooting involving a law student from the United Arab Emirates.

The letter, which was sent Wednesday and is signed by 57 law school students and staff members, questions why Hudson police officer Ryan Doran's drew his gun and threatened to fire in the moments before the Dec. 4 shooting of Saif Nasser Mubarak Alameri. The letter also says Alameri's ethnicity might have played a role in his death.

"The officer's choice appears to be based on his unreasonable and unprofessional desire to get the situation resolved quickly and, possibly, on unreasonable fears and stereotypes," the letter says. "Officer Doran's choice resulted in the use of improper policing techniques and the extra-judicial death of Saif."

A Summit County grand jury last month decided not to bring charges against Doran, who shot Alameri five times during a struggle in a wooded area near Hudson Aurora Road.

The Emirati Embassy said last month that it was "deeply disappointed" by the grand jury's decision not to bring charges against Doran. The embassy is reviewing other legal options, a spokesman said in a statement.

The Case Western students and staff members' letter questions Doran's account of the deadly shooting and asks Justin Herdman, who was confirmed last month as the new U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, to review the incident.

The students and staff members who sent the letter acted on their own, rather than on behalf of the Case Western Reserve University or its law school, a university spokesman said.

Law school professors Lewis R. Katz, the director of the foreign graduate studies program, and Michael J. Benza, a senior instructor, also asked Herdman to review the shooting in the days after the grand jury's decision.

Doran's attorney, Dominic J. Vitantonio, previously said the law school professors included "extremely reckless and irresponsible speculation" in their letter to the federal prosecutor. Vitantonio also dismissed the claim that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation's review of the shooting was "flawed."

Vitantonio did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new letter.

A U.S. Attorney's Office spokesman said Wednesday that the letter will be reviewed, as are all requests from the public.

It's unclear whether the U.S. Attorney's Office will review the shooting. Herdman told cleveland.com that he's been given no directives, but U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has suggested the Justice Department will pursue fewer lawsuits against police departments and officers accused of violating civil rights.

Doran drew his gun while investigating a report of a man who ran from a car crash on the Ohio Turnpike near Interstate 480. Investigators later determined Alameri drove his car at least 112 mph when he sideswiped another car and flipped his car onto its roof.

Doran said he ordered Alameri to "get down" and threatened to shoot him because he wanted to quickly resolve their confrontation in the woods, according to investigative records released by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. But the letter criticizes that approach.

"[Doran] stated it was best to escalate force to get the incident resolved quickly," the letter says. "This mindset and approach exemplifies a blatant disregard of best policing practices and the sanctity of human life."

The letter also says Alameri may have been disoriented from injuries he suffered in the car crash, making it difficult to respond coherently when an armed police officer approached him in the woods.

Doran told investigators that Alameri, who was unarmed, attacked him in the woods. Doran said Alameri knocked him to the ground, choked him and grabbed at his gun, according to the BCI investigative records.

The letter questions how an armed police officer lost control of the situation.

"The unanswered questions raise serious doubts in our minds whether the officer's conduct was objectively reasonable under the circumstances he admittedly knew at the time," the letter says.

The letter also says Doran may have known Alameri was Middle Eastern before Doran entered the woods.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section.
Gov. Doug Burgum on Tuesday announced the creation of a new task force to improve public education in the state.

Burgum's Innovative Education Task Force will identify ways to enhance K-12 education by promoting new, creative methods of teaching. The group will meet over a 15-month period and provide recommendations to the governor and the state Legislature.

"In January, at the State of the State (address), I made a very strong statement where I said that I believe North Dakota could lead the nation in transforming education," Burgum said Tuesday. "And here we are less than nine months later, and I feel even more strongly than ever that this is true, and I do in part because of all the people that are standing here together on a stage that are committed to the same goal."

Burgum was joined at the state Capitol Tuesday by State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and other educational leaders, including Nick Archuleta, president of North Dakota United, and Aimee Copas, executive director of the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders. Sens. Erin Oban and Donald Schaible also joined the governor in announcing the creation of the new task force.

"We need to hear from task forces like this at the state level as we move forward and really try to embrace the vision of Superintendent Baesler and Gov. Burgum on where were taking education in the future," said Oban, who chairs the interim education policy committee.

Burgum said there need to be changes to the current way education is delivered in the state to better align with a 21st century economy and the rapid advancement of technology. The task force was originally announced in June at the Governors Summit on Innovative Education at Legacy High School in Bismarck.

"The current educational system that we have today ... is really at a crossroads. Were faced with both an unprecedented set of challenges, in terms of how education is delivered, but were faced with even a greater set of opportunities to really transform how we change our educational system and our approaches to meet the needs of the 21st century economy," Burgum said.

Baesler applauded the governor's new task force and said North Dakota is well-positioned to rethink the way education is delivered in the state. Examples include creating more more project-based learning opportunities and hands-on teaching.

"I'm very excited to see how this innovative task force will better inform our work for our students of North Dakota," she said.

The task force is accepting applications for 11 to 15 members, who will represent a cross-section of people across North Dakota, including educators, those involved in youth development, business and community leaders. Both Baesler and Burgum will serve as ex-officio members. The group will first meet Oct. 12.

For more information and to apply, visit the "Boards" section at www.governor.nd.gov.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - A Chagrin Falls resident on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Equifax, which announced last week that a security breach exposed 143 million U.S. consumers' personal information.

Chagrin Falls resident Barbara Torrey filed the lawsuit "individually on behalf of all others similarly situation" in the wake of the massive data breach. A federal judge must determine whether to designate the complaint as a class-action lawsuit.

Equifax, a credit reporting agency based in Atlanta, said U.S. consumer names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and driver's license numbers were exposed from May to July. Credit card numbers for 209,000 consumers were also accessed, according to the Associated Press.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern Ohio says the breach constituted a violation of state consumer laws and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. It seeks reimbursement for any damages, including the money consumers spent on credit repair and monitoring services in the wake of the data breach.

Cleveland attorneys from the firms Novak LLP and Cohen, Rosenthal and Kramer LLP are representing the plaintiff, the lawsuit says. Attorney Williams Novak of Novak LLC declined to discuss the lawsuit in detail, other than to note the data breach affected millions of consumers.

"There are 143 million people who have been affected by the breach, so it's not difficult to find someone who's affected," Novak said.

An Equifax spokeswoman declined to comment on the lawsuit but released a brief statement Wednesday evening.

"We cannot comment on pending litigation, but want to reassure consumers that we are remaining focused on helping them to navigate this situation and providing the best customer support possible," the spokeswoman said in the statement. "We are listening to issues consumers have experienced and their suggestions, which are helping to further inform our actions as we continue to improve this process."

Equifax's failure to protect personal information left consumers vulnerable to credit harm and identity theft, the lawsuit says.

"Equifax failed to take adequate and reasonable measures to ensure its data systems were protected against theft, ignored warnings and previous indications that hackers had breached its systems and failed to take actions that could have stopped the breach," the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit says that Equifax chose not to invest in stronger technological safeguards against data breaches to strengthen its own bottom line.

"Equifax could have and should have substantially increased the amount of money it spent to protect against cyber-attacks but chose not to," the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit was filed two days after Equifax backed off an arbitration clause, which the company said prohibited consumers from filing class-action lawsuits. Dozens of class-action lawsuits have been filed across the U.S. against the company in the past two days, according to USA Today.

Equifax created a website where consumers can find out if their personal information was compromised in the data breach. Consumers can also sign up for credit monitoring and identify theft protection.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland State University and the Cleveland Clinic are working together to offer enhanced access to bachelor's degrees for working nurses, while addressing the nursing shortage in Northeast Ohio.

CSU will offer a blended degree program for a bachelor of science in nursing for registered nurses working at the Clinic. It will be designed to allow nurses to get their degrees while working full time and will include online courses and classes taught by CSU faculty at Cleveland Clinic facilities. Students will be eligible for Cleveland Clinic's Tuition Reimbursement program.

"By 2020, Northeast Ohio will need at least another 3,500 nurses, including numerous nurse managers with advanced degrees, to care for the rapidly aging local population," Timothy Gaspar, dean of the School of Nursing at CSU, said in a statement. "This partnership addresses many of the barriers working nurses face in completing bachelor's degrees and will provide our region with the qualified leaders we need to meet the growing demand for quality health care."

The Clinic has been recognized as a great place to work due to benefits such as tuition reimbursement, executive chief nursing officer Kelly Hancock said.

"It's important for us to help our nurses continue developing in their careers," Hancock said.

CSU and Cleveland Clinic will seek to admit 30 students per year into the program, and classes will begin in January. The collaboration builds on similar programs CSU has created with University Hospitals and the MetroHealth System, and Gaspar hopes they will serve as a model for other nursing schools across the country.

"As one of the largest undergraduate nursing schools in the State of Ohio, CSU is dedicated to working with our health care partners to develop innovative models to address the educational and health care needs of the region," Gaspar said.

During the past 45 years, CSU and the Cleveland Clinic's longtime partnership includes numerous research collaborations between CSU faculty and Cleveland Clinic scientists, multiple internship programs for students as well as joint doctoral programs in regulatory biology, clinical-bioanalytical chemistry and applied biomedical engineering and a joint master's degree in health professions education.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland's nonpartisan primary election for mayor attracted two types of voters to East Side polling stations Tuesday afternoon - those looking for new leadership and those who wanted to keep incumbent Frank Jackson.

Voters who were looking for change and were willing to share their choice with cleveland.com most often said they had voted for either City Councilman Jeff Johnson or City Councilman Zack Reed.

Absentee vote totals tallied by the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections showed Jackson leading with 43.3 percent of the ballots, followed by Reed with 18.9 percent and Johnson with 16.7 percent. Six other candidates are in the field.

The top two finishers in the primary will face each other in the Nov. 7 general election.

Several West Side voters who spoke with cleveland.com were casting their ballots for Jackson or nonprofit executive and restaurateur Brandon Chrostowski.

Cuyahoga County Board of Elections officials said after polls closed that the turnout across Cleveland was about 13 percent.

In the city's Hough neighborhood, Reed's safety message was important to voter Teia Todd.

"He could be the person to clean up our streets," she said, adding that she's not sure if she'd vote for Jackson in the general election if her candidate doesn't make it through the primary.

Robert Shepherd chose Johnson for his safety-first message. He also believes Johnson could bring meaningful jobs to the neighborhoods that need them most, not just downtown.

In the Lee-Harvard area in the southeastern corner of the city, voter Tonya McCallep cast her ballot for Reed because of his presence in the community.

"He seems to be out and about," she said. Her companion, who didn't wish to give his name, echoed McCallep's reasoning and said he voted for Reed, too.

Mike Robertson voted in Ward 2, the city's Mount Pleasant neighborhood, and cast his ballot for Johnson simply because he believes the city needs fresh leadership.

Johnson and Reed weren't the only candidates East Side voters supported, of course. Frank Jackson's supporters, such as Vickie Jackson and John Williams, think the mayor is doing a great job.

"I feel like I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't," Vickie Jackson said, referring to the idea that she didn't love everything Jackson has done, but he's her "only choice."

Williams, a Cleveland police officer, didn't see how plans for increased policing, such as the one proposed by Reed, would be feasible.

"I like what [Jackson] is doing now. I don't want to see someone else come in and start all over," he said.
EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio - Brandon King is a step closer to remaining mayor of East Cleveland.

King on Tuesday won the Democratic primary in East Cleveland, with 44.3 percent of the vote. King will continue to defend his seat in November against activist Devin Branch, who is running as a Green Party candidate.

King beat out three other candidates for the nomination: former Councilman Mansell Baker, school board President Una Keenon and community leader Dana Hawkins Jr.

Keenon, the runner-up with 30.3 percent of the vote, formerly served as East Cleveland's judge.

About 1,760 people voted in the primary.

Hawkins received 2.4 percent of the vote and Baker received 23 percent.

King became mayor in December after a contentious recall election ousted Mayor Gary Norton Jr. and council President Thomas Wheeler.

That election created more instability in the broke inner-ring suburb.

Norton's recall led to two vacancies on City Council, which council members Barbara Thomas and Nathaniel Martin filled with Branch and Kelvin Earby. King decided those appointees were "unlawful," claiming there weren't enough members to choose the members. He then appointed his own: Christopher Pitts and Ernest Smith.

A lawsuit regarding the appointments is now in the Ohio Supreme Court. The Ward 3 seat and two at-large seats, currently held by Pitts, Smith and Martin, are up for reelection in November.

Though the city of 18,000 is in a state of fiscal emergency, King has pivoted away from Norton's strategy of trying to merge the city with Cleveland or declare the city bankrupt. Instead he and the rest of the Democratic candidates want to focus on economic development.

For King, this means trying to work with neighboring areas such as University Circle to bring new housing and businesses to East Cleveland.

King did not immediately return a call for comment Tuesday night.
KENT, Ohio - Kent State University will hold a grand opening of new Integrated Sciences Building from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Friday.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will include a reception and tours of the new building and renovated spaces in the late 1960s-built Cunningham, Smith and Williams halls - which were part of a $95 million upgrade to the university's Science Mall.

Construction of the $40 million Integrated Sciences Building, designed by Ayers Saint Gross and built by Turner Construction, started in October 2015 and was completed this summer.

The university expects the building will receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver sustainable design certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for the building.

The 66,000-square-foot, open design building houses classrooms, instructional labs, research lab space and faculty offices for the departments of chemistry and biochemistry, biological sciences and physics.

Located adjacent to Summit Street, the building, which features a primarily glass facade, wraps around and connects to the existing Williams Hall in the Science Mall. It has 13,500 square feet of unfinished space on the basement level for future research labs.

The building is the final project of Kent State's campus upgrade, which included new buildings and new spaces.

For more information about Kent State's College of Arts and Sciences, its new building and renovations, visit kent.edu/cas.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A nun who is a well-known advocate against the death penalty took to Twitter on Tuesday, imploring Ohio Gov. John Kasich to halt the scheduled execution of convicted killer Gary Otte on Wednesday morning.

Sister Helen Prejean sent out several tweets Tuesday evening, arguing that Otte has an IQ of only 85 and suffers from "severe mental illness."

"The death penalty is supposedly reserved for the 'worst of the worst,'" Prejean said in one of the tweets. "Gary Otte is an impaired, damaged man, not the 'worst of the worst.'"

Prejean said it's possible to remember Otte's victims, Robert Wasikowski, a worker for the city of Broadview Heights, and Sharon Kostura, a 45-year-old American Greetings employee, without killing Otte.

"You can stop this cycle of violence, Gov. John Kasich," she said. (The full thread can be read below.)

Otte shot Wasikowski, 61, in the head after talking his way into the man's apartment on Feb. 12, 1992, at the Pleasant Lake apartment complex in Parma. Otte took $413.

The next day, Otte killed Kostura after he forced his way into her apartment at the same complex. He stole $45, Kostura's car keys and her checkbook.

A three-judge panel, which presided over Otte's trial in lieu of a jury, found Otte guilty of two counts of aggravated murder and other crimes later that year. He received death sentences for both killings in October 1992.

Otte's lawyers recently argued to the Ohio Parole Board that his life should be spared because he was repeatedly bullied as a child and that bullying led to drug and alcohol use and depression, which led him to commit his crimes.

The parole board rejected that argument and others, saying he had a good upbringing with a loving family. Kasich upheld that ruling on Sept. 1.

Lawyers for Otte on Tuesday filed a motion with the Ohio Supreme Court hoping to delay the execution so they can argue that he was too young at the time of the crimes to be put to death. Otte was 20 when he killed Wasikowski and Kostura.

The last-ditch request to the Ohio Supreme Court came a few hours after a lower court rejected an appeal.

Late Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a last-minute request from Otte to delay the execution.

Prejean is a Roman Catholic nun based in the Congregation of St. Joseph in New Orleans. She is a nationally known opponent of the death penalty and in 1993 published "Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty". In 1995 it was released as a movie starring Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn.

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section.
WASHINGTON - Ohio members of Congress want the Trump administration to examine whether government-subsidized airlines in the Persian Gulf are costing jobs in the United States by unfairly competing with U.S. airlines for international routes.

They say Qatar Airways, Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have received more than $50 billion in subsidies since 2004 from the governments of Qatar and United Arab Emirates, which has let them expand at the expense of U.S. airlines.

"Each long-haul route lost as a result of subsidized Gulf carrier competition causes the displacement of over 1,500 American jobs," said a letter that nearly all of Ohio's U.S. House of Representatives members sent to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Tuesday.

The letter asks them to examine whether the subsidies violate "Open Skies" agreements the United States signed with Qatar and UAE that barred either government from interfering with airline decisions on routes, capacity and pricing.

285 members of Congress across 42 states agree: the US gov't must ensure that airline competition is fair. #OpenSkies pic.twitter.com/mrn6uSnsBW  Open and Fair Skies (@OpenFairSkies) September 8, 2017

"American trade agreements must work for American workers," concludes the letter, which was circulated by Holmes County GOP Rep. Bob Gibbs and Toledo Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur. "If left unaddressed, the subsidies could jeopardize aviation in our state and we ask your enforcement of Open Skies agreements to ensure the future of aviation in the United States."

Both Ohio's U.S. senators sent separate letters asking Chao and Tillerson to address the issue.

"If more and more foreign carriers add subsidized routes into the United States, it would ultimately shift passengers away from American carriers and reduce service to domestic hubs and to the smaller communities they serve," said a letter that Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown sent with a bipartisan group of colleagues in July.

Dispute has lasted for years

An organization that American, Delta and United Airlines formed with several unions has spent several years lobbying the federal government to demand that Qatar and UAE stop subsidizing the airlines, said a spokesman for the Partnership for Open & Fair Skies airline group.

The domestic airline group says the subsidies let the Gulf airlines drive prices as low as they want on coveted routes, and gain a monopoly after other carriers drop out. In addition to competing for traffic to and from their own countries, the Gulf airlines compete for traffic to other areas, like Africa and India, by routing flights through their own hub airports.

The Obama administration initiated informal talks with UAE and Qatar and solicited public comments on the issue but took no formal action. The U.S. airlines hope they'll fare better with Trump.

"From his very first day in office, President Trump made clear his commitment to ensuring our trade deals are fair, enforced and benefit the American worker," said a statement from partnership spokeswoman Jill Zuckman."Addressing the Gulf carriers' massive trade cheating is exactly the sort of issue that fits with these goals. We look forward to working with the President to restore fair competition to global aviation and to protect American jobs."

Disrupting #OpenSkies agreements would keep America's economy from gaining altitude. Get the facts: https://t.co/FsmtIIv1yj pic.twitter.com/kOrFZJJNLw  Open Skies Coalition (@USA4OS) September 6, 2017

Smaller U.S. carriers support the Gulf airlines

The Gulf airlines deny unfair competition claims, and accuse the "Big Three" airlines of "a transparent (and concerted) attempt" to block the introduction of air service options that offer an alternative to their own.

A Qatar Airways filing with the U.S. Department of Transpiration said the carriers are faulting them for getting the same sort of "support that US carriers have themselves received for decades, and items that never have been viewed as a form of subsidy."

"Consistent with this approach of collectively seeking to eliminate competition, they now wish to suppress competition from Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways," said a filing from Ethihad. "There is a lot of bluster in the Big Three Carriers' claims."

Another group of U.S. air carriers - Atlas Air Worldwide, FedEx, Hawaiian Airlines, and JetBlue Airways - backs the Gulf airlines and says American, Delta and United are "seeking to restrict competition, against the interests of other U.S. airlines, the U.S. travel and tourism industry and U.S. consumers."

The organization formed by the smaller U.S. airlines - called U.S. Airlines for Open Skies - also disputes the legacy carriers' claims that they've been hurt by competition from the Gulf carriers.

"Contrary to their claims of job loss, the legacy carriers have hired more than 12,000 new employees during the last four years," said a letter the organization's members sent Chao in February. "Meanwhile, their operating profits have reached record levels, nearly tripling on average since 2007."
LUCASVILLE, Ohio -- The state of Ohio executed Gary Otte on Wednesday morning, more than 25 years after he robbed and murdered two people at a Parma apartment complex.

Otte, 45, of Terre Haute, Indiana died at 10:54 a.m. by lethal injection in the state's "death house" at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville. There appeared to be no complications with the execution, which took about 15 minutes to complete.

Prison officials strapped the heavyset, balding and goateed Otte to a gurney, with his head in full view of the families of his victims. Otte's stomach moved up and down for a few minutes as the execution team began its series of three injections.

He stopped moving at about 10:44 a.m.

He laid still for another eight minutes before a member of the execution team walked in and checked his heartbeat. The coroner then entered the chamber and Otte was pronounced dead two minutes later.

Otte was convicted in 1992 and sentenced to death for robbing and killing Robert Wasikowski, 61, and Sharon Kostura, 45, at a Parma apartment complex in February of that year.

The victims' family members sat in the viewing area to watch as Otte took his final breaths. Otte's witnesses were his attorneys, spiritual advisers and a nurse.

The reactions of the victims' family members, which included Wasikowski's daughter and brother and Kostura's sister, brother-in-law and niece, were mostly muted. Wasikowski's daughter shook through much of the execution and appeared concerned as she was first led to her seat that Otte could see her in his final moments.

As a last statement, Otte gave a thumbs up to his witnesses and said, "I'd like to profess my love for my family," who visited him at the prison on Tuesday and Wednesday but did not witness his execution.

He then said "I'm sorry" to the victims' families.

Otte then sang three verses of the gospel song "The Greatest Thing" and closed with a Bible verse: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing. Amen."

Wasikowski and Kostura's family members did not make a statement following the execution.

Otte spent Tuesday evening visiting with his loved ones and his attorneys, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction spokeswoman JoEllen Smith said. He did not sleep and spent the night on the phone, talking with friends. His mood was described as emotional, but he was also in good spirits, Smith said.

He was served his last meal of burgers, fried food, ice cream and donuts on Tuesday evening, after visits by his parents and his attorneys. Around midnight, prison guards removed his cheese sticks, string cheese and ice cream, which were all part of his requested special meal, Smith said.

On Wednesday morning, he again visited with his parents and prayed, Smith said, giving them a hug through prison bars one last time. He met with his spiritual advisers, again with his attorneys and talked with a friend on the phone. He also sang.

Otte took a shower before his execution but did not eat the breakfast served to him.

Like many inmates before him, Otte and his supporters tried their hardest to halt his execution. He waged a series of legal challenges to Ohio's methods of execution and death penalty statute. All were denied, with the latest ruling coming by the Ohio Supreme Court less than two hours before his death.

The Ohio Parole Board and Gov. John Kasich rejected Otte's arguments that his life should be spared because he was repeatedly bullied as a child. That bullying led to drug and alcohol use and depression, which led him to commit his crimes, his lawyers argued.

The parole board said in February that Otte had a good upbringing with a loving family.

Meanwhile, opponents of the death penalty implored Gov. John Kasich and the state in the days and hours leading up to Otte's execution to intervene and call it off.

An attorney for Otte later said his stomach movements and the appearance of tears by his eyes during the execution showed that Otte was in pain after being injected with a sedative. The attorney is part of a team challenging the state's use of the sedative, called midazolam, saying it doesn't render a patient sufficiently unconscious as to not feel severe pain.

Otte was the 55th person the state has executed since it restarted the death penalty in 1999.

Otte, in a letter to Splinter News, blamed the actions that led to his imprisonment and fate on a crack cocaine addiction.

"I took personal responsibility for my life and became accountable for my future actions," Otte wrote in his letter. "I've become a new person through this life giving application. The fears I once operated from have vanished through my reliance on God for all my support.

"I am no longer defined by my past failures, but by God's love."

Otte is the second death row inmate the state has executed this year. Akron child killer Ronald Phillips died by lethal injection in July. Phillips' execution came after the state stopped putting inmates to death for more than two-and-a-half years, after the execution team had problems as inmate Dennis McGuire died in January 2014.

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section.
SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio - Shaker Heights Mayor Earl Leiken and the founders of what could be Cleveland's first electric vehicle car-sharing service on Tuesday dedicated the city's second electric vehicle charging station behind the Dealership co-working space, formerly the Shaker LaunchHouse, 3558 Lee Road, during National Drive Electric Week.

"Shaker Heights is very involved in doing everything we can to join in the effort to reduce climate change," Leiken told the small group of visitors and city officials. "When the president pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord, we joined the Paris Climate Accord."

Michael Peters, chief executive of REV Community Car Share, says the station makes Shaker Heights second only to South Euclid in the number of public electric vehicle chargers. South Euclid has eight charging stations at Oakwood Commons shopping center, 1976 Warrensville Center Road.

That's important because he and Ken Hejduk, chief operating officer of REV Community Car Share, are trying to encourage a network of charging stations around Greater Cleveland before launching their service in the spring.

They hope to have a fleet of 20 all-electric Fiat 500e hatchbacks available for rental at 10 charging stations throughout Cuyahoga County. The cars have a range of about 80 miles on a single charge, enough to drive to a doctor's appointment or to work if your car breaks down.

"Shaker Heights is the perfect community to embrace electric vehicles, and this location, a short walk from the Lee Road Rapid Station, allows EV owners to top off their charge while working at The Dealership, visiting the public library, shopping at Heinen's, or having lunch or dinner at one of the nearby restaurants," Peters said, in a statement.

He said the Fiat has become his family's primary vehicle since he figured out that a trip to Costco costs $3 in gas in his SUV or $1.20 in his diesel, but only 60 cents worth of electricity in the Fiat.

Lakewood, which is also exploring building EV charging stations, is inviting electric vehicle owners as well as those interested in owning one to a National Drive Electric Week event from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Beer Engine, 15315 Madison Ave.

Nick Fedor, executive director of the Shaker Heights Development Corp., said they played a small role in what was a community-wide collaboration. The Bosch Power Xpress charging station at the Dealership was donated by Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc., and engineered and manufactured in Northeast Ohio. "We just supply the electricity and the wall to mount it on," Fedor said.

Hejduk said: "The Dealership, fittingly, is the perfect place for an electric vehicle car share startup. We've had great support from the city, Shaker Heights Development Corp. and Bosch, and we look forward to working with other cities and community development corporations to expand this network."
The four Democratic candidates for governor face off in Martins Ferry, Ohio and talk about jobs, jobs and jobs. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson easily makes it through Tuesday's primary, but faces a challenge from Councilman Zack Reed in the November election. Today's Ohio Politics Roundup is brought to you by Mary Kilpatrick.

Democrats debate: The four declared Democratic candidates for Ohio governor had a coming out party of sorts as they debated on Tuesday in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Former state Rep. Connie Pillich, former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley and former state Sen. Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni all "tried to jockey for the 'outsider' position," notes cleveland.com's Seth A. Richardson. And all focused heavily on jobs. But two other possible major candidates - TV personality Jerry Springer and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray - were noticeably absent, still apparently wrestling with the decision of whether to run.

It's Jackson vs. Reed: Cleveland City Councilman Zack Reed emerged as the top challenger to Mayor Frank Jackson in the city's primary election on Tuesday. The two will face off in the Nov. 7 election. Cleveland.com's Robert Higgs breaks down the race, and Cleveland.com's Andrew J. Tobias looks ahead to Jackson's challenge in November.

Comeback kids: Two former Cleveland councilmen trying to regain their seats - Joe Jones and Eugene Miller - got enough votes in the primary to advance to the November election. Tobias has the details. And as Higgs reports, all council incumbents survived the primary.

Who showed up - or didn't: Cleveland.com's Jane Morice found that few voters had turned out by Tuesday afternoon at polling stations in Cleveland and five other Cuyahoga County communities that had primaries.

About those other primaries... Cleveland.com's Emily Bamforth has the results from the other Cuyahoga County contests, including East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King's win in the city's Democratic primary and several suburban races.

Trump cuts? Not exactly: Congress is trying to prevent deep cuts to medical research federal funding, which helps pay for jobs and innovation in Northeast Ohio, cleveland.com's Stephen Koff reports.

President Donald Trump pushed for the cuts earlier this year. But Congress is moving in a different direction.

"Last Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved spending $36.1 billion for the National Institutes of Health, or $2 billion more than this year's allotment," Koff writes. "That includes a $169 million hike for the National Cancer Institute. This followed a $35.2 billion recommendation in July for NIH from the House Appropriations Committee, a $1.1 billion increase."

These moves sharply contrast to what Trump wanted -- the president asked Congress to cut the NIH by 21 percent.

Abortion legal fight: "Government attorneys on Tuesday asked the Ohio Supreme Court to override lower court rulings and uphold the state Health Department's order to shut down Toledo's last abortion clinic," the Associated Press reports. "A lawyer for the clinic told the court that the state is trying to prevent women in northwestern Ohio from seeking legal abortions and is putting them at greater risk. The case involves one of several restrictions Ohio lawmakers have placed on abortion clinics in recent years."

"The Ohio Department of Health issued an order in 2014 to close Capital Care of Toledo because the clinic didn't have a patient-transfer agreement with a local hospital," the AP writes. "Such agreements were mandated, and public hospitals barred from providing them, under restrictions Ohio lawmakers passed in 2013. The University of Toledo Hospital, which is public, withdrew from its transfer arrangement with Capital Care after the law passed. The clinic sued and won in the lower courts, which ruled the restrictions were unconstitutional. Judges have allowed the clinic to continue operating as the legal dispute carries on."

Unfriendly skies: "Ohio members of Congress want the Trump administration to examine whether government-subsidized airlines in the Persian Gulf are costing jobs in the United States by unfairly competing with U.S. airlines for international routes," cleveland.com's Sabrina Eaton reports. "They say Qatar Airways, Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have received more than $50 billion in subsidies since 2004 from the governments of Qatar and United Arab Emirates, which has let them expand at the expense of U.S. airlines."

Nearly all of Ohio's House members signed a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Tuesday, asking them to examine whether the subsidies violate "Open Skies" agreements the United States signed with Qatar and UAE that barred either government from interfering with airline decisions on routes, capacity and pricing.

Thanks, guys: "The American Action Network today launched an ad thanking Reps. Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township, and Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, for their support of tax reform," Columbus Dispatch reporter Jessica Wehrman writes. "The two are far from ideological soul mates: Tiberi is a key member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the chair of a new caucus targeted at more business-oriented Republicans, while Jordan is a key member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus. But the group, viewing both as influential in their own ways, is airing ads aimed at both members."

"It's a $2.5 million TV ad campaign that is airing, in total, in 23 congressional districts, including Jordan's western Ohio district and Tiberi's central Ohio district," Wehrman writes. "In all, the American Action Network, which is headed by Corry Bliss, the manager for Sen. Rob Portman's successful 2016 campaign, has spent $7.5 million since early August in ads urging Congress to pass tax reform. The ad campaign has also included radio and digital ads, a mail campaign and, in some congressional districts, mobile billboards."

RNC in Ohio: The Republican National Committee announced Rob Lagergren as the new state director for Ohio. He's a graduate of Wright State University, according to his Linkedin profile. He previously worked for the Michigan Republican Party and the Ohio Republican Party.

No taxes: State Rep. Niraj Antani, of Miamisburg, is starting a new tax reform organization with Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform.

Ohioans for Tax Reform will advocate against tax increases and push for tax cuts and reform.

Child marriage: Lawmakers are considering changing Ohio's marriage laws after an investigation by the Dayton Daily News found young teenagers marrying with parental and judicial consent, Dayton Daily News reporter Laura A. Bischoff writes.

A Dayton Daily News investigation "found thousands of girls age 17 or younger got married in Ohio between 2000 and 2015, including 59 who were 15 and younger. Several other states have already passed reform measures or are considering them," Bischoff writes.

Ohio permits girls 16 and older and men 18 and older to marry -- but the law allows younger teenagers to marry with parental and judicial consent.

"State Rep. Jeff Rezabek, R-Clayton, said he'll soon meet with Republicans and Democrats who expressed interest in reforming the law but exactly how the reforms might take shape remains to be seen," Bischoff writes. "Lawmakers will want to study data and trends on child marriage in Ohio and across the nation, he said."

Curing diseases: "An Ohio lawmaker says he has a plan to offer multibillion-dollar rewards to individuals or companies who do what the world hasn't seen for a good 50 years: cure a major disease like cancer, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's," Columbus Dispatch reporter Jim Siegel writes. "With House Republican leadership at his back, Rep. Jim Butler, R-Oakwood, on Tuesday proposed having Ohio take the lead in creating a new multi-state compact that would offer billions in cash prizes to those who develop actual cures for major diseases."

"States would pay for the prizes based on the money saved over five years from having the disease cured. For example, Butler said, curing Alzheimer's could mean a prize of $12 billion to $25 billion, which states would fund through five years of savings on the disease, particularly through Medicaid," Siegel writes.

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Democratic U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp announced Wednesday she is running for re-election in 2018, a decision she says was cemented the night before while attending a dinner with President Donald Trump.

I really felt last night that theres an opportunity to do some good bipartisan work, Heitkamp said in an interview with The Bismarck Tribune. If I didnt think I was getting things done, I dont know that Id want to stay here.

Many Republicans, including opponent state Sen. Tom Campbell, said her announcement was not surprising, citing the $3 million shes raised in campaign funds. Heitkamp said she made her announcement Wednesday to answer the questions shes been getting about her plans.

A lot of people speculated, Shes already made up her mind. That's not true, Heitkamp said. I dont think preparation is equal to decision.

Heitkamp, North Dakotas only Democrat to hold statewide elected office, has held the Senate seat since 2013 after narrowly defeating Republican Rick Berg.

Heitkamp has been in the national spotlight recently, last week flying on Air Force One with Trump to Mandan, where the president brought her on stage during his speech and called her a good woman.

She was one of three Democrats invited to the White House on Tuesday night to discuss tax reform.

Id love to see a broad, bi-partisan tax reduction bill that really provides benefits to the middle class, Heitkamp said.

She cited her efforts to support lifting the oil export ban, responding to concerns about the opioid crisis and fighting to improve lives for Native American children as some of her accomplishments.

We have a pretty good record and Id like to continue that work because theres so much more to do, Heitkamp said.

Kelly Armstrong, chairman of the state Republican Party, said he thinks Heitkamp is going to have a tough time explaining some of her votes to North Dakotans. Specifically, he mentioned Heitkamps vote against repealing methane emissions, which many criticized as a vote against the energy industry.

Heitkamp said, at the time, her vote was influenced by the position of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, which would have been most affected by the rule.

Campbell, of Grafton, is the only Republican who has announced hes running, but several are rumored to be considering the race.

Armstrong said state Sen. Rick Becker, of Bismarck, is considering a run and Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., is still determining what his course of action will be.

What Kevin decides to do will drive, I think, a lot of other things, Armstrong said.

Armstrong said he hopes Republicans have five or six people seeking the seat to energize voters.

Energy drives turnout, and if we turn out Republican voters in North Dakota, we should be able to beat Sen. Heitkamp, he said.

Barbara Headrick, a political science professor at Minnesota State University Moorhead, said it will be interesting to see if the national Republican party tries to push for a particular candidate because it is a targeted seat.

Given that North Dakota is a Republican state, I expect it will be close, but Heitkamp has the advantages that come with incumbency and an overall good reputation in the state, she said.

Headrick added that she doesnt think Heitkamps willingness to work with Trump on tax reform will hurt her with Democrats.

You may hear a few grumble, but who else do they have that can win this seat? Headrick said.

North Dakotas Democratic-NPL Party is thrilled that Heitkamp is running for re-election, said chairwoman Kylie Oversen, calling her a consensus builder who fights for whats right regardless of party affiliation.

In the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has been a staunch advocate for North Dakota, a powerful voice for our families and a tireless fighter for rural America, Oversen said in a statement.

Dustin Peyer, a wildlands firefighter and Driscoll resident, also has announced hes running as a Democrat for the Senate seat.

Peyer said Wednesday hes glad Heitkamp stepped into the race. But he was critical of the out-of-state campaign funds that Heitkamp and other members of North Dakotas Congressional delegation receive.

I believe its time we have more candidates who are people-funded and people oriented, Peyer said.

Campbell, who said he spent 100 hours campaigning around the state last week, said hell support Trumps agenda 100 percent of the time.

I feel shes sided with her liberal Chuck Schumer Democratic Party so often, Campbell said. I just feel that when you get somebody conservative like me youll know where Im always standing.

Heitkamp declined to comment about Campbell, saying shes focused on what shes done for the people of North Dakota and what she intends to do if re-elected. Heitkamp, a former North Dakota attorney general and tax commissioner, lost a race for governor in 2000 against Republican John Hoeven, who now serves in the Senate.

After making her announcement, Heitkamp said her primary job is serving in the Senate.

This isnt OK, now I go home and campaign, she said. I still have a job to do and we arent going to let up at all.
Ohio's manufacturing workers made their voices heard in the last election. Since Election Day, their concerns and priorities have driven the agenda in Washington, D.C., in Congress and in the White House. As a result, manufacturing workers are energized about the future -- optimistic about the direction of our rapidly modernizing industry and thankful to have a champion in the White House.

But one recent development in our nation's capital should have manufacturing workers deeply concerned: the nominee to be president and chairman of the U.S. Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank. This one appointment could jeopardize billions of dollars in manufacturing sales and millions of jobs.

The nominee in question is Scott Garrett, a defeated former congressman from New Jersey. When in Congress, he made it his mission to destroy the Ex-Im Bank. In fact, as a congressman, Garrett voted to kill the Ex-Im Bank every chance he got -- more than a dozen times in all. He urged his colleagues to "keep the Export-Import Bank out of business."

Jay Timmons leads the National Association of Manufacturers.

Yet, Garrett wasn't just voting against some do-nothing federal agency. He was voting against millions of manufacturing workers and their jobs. He was voting to send American jobs and wealth overseas.

The Ex-Im Bank helps manufacturers large and small get the financial tools they need to sell their products to customers in other countries while securing jobs at home.

The Ex-Im Bank has facilitated $2 billion in export sales from Ohio since 2012, supporting 11,934 manufacturing workers. Nationally, it secured 1.4 million jobs for American manufacturing workers over the past eight years.

Manufacturing workers simply can't be confident that the Ex-Im Bank will be as strong and supportive as it could be with Garrett at the helm. And why should they be? This is a politician who tried over and over again to shut down the agency and destroy this essential tool for manufacturers. Why should anyone believe that his positions will change, that a former enemy of the agency will now become its hero?

President Donald Trump has offered a strong manufacturing agenda -- bold tax reform that will secure jobs for manufacturing workers, regulatory relief that will allow manufacturing companies to expand and support their communities and infrastructure investment that will keep our families safer and get our products to customers faster.

Garrett as leader of the Ex-Im Bank does not fit with this agenda. Through his opposition, he has shown that his own political ideology comes before the livelihoods of manufacturing workers and their families.

As President Trump knows, manufacturers' decisions to invest and create jobs are motivated largely by our confidence in our future -- confidence that there will be customers and demand for the products we make.

That confidence depends on a strong and fully functional Ex-Im Bank. Unless Garrett wants to undermine manufacturers' confidence and President Trump's manufacturing agenda, he needs to step aside. If he really wants to go back to Washington that badly, then he should look for a different job -- one that he is qualified to do. This is not that job.

If there are smart reforms that can be made at the Ex-Im Bank, that's fine. But Garrett's record indicates he has no appetite for smart reforms. It's an all-or-nothing game for him, and he has no interest in the facts. He ignores the fact that the Ex-Im Bank is transparent and accountable and returns a profit to the U.S. Treasury -- actually saving taxpayers money.

Most importantly, the Ex-Im Bank is the most effective tool to level the playing field when we're competing against other countries for business deals. At least 85 foreign government export-credit agencies -- other countries' versions of the Ex-Im Bank -- are working aggressively to support their manufacturers. Manufacturing workers in the United States should not be at a disadvantage to those in China or Germany, for example, just because Garrett has an ax to grind.

That is why we are going to keep speaking out until the Senate rejects this nomination or Scott Garrett is removed from consideration. American manufacturing workers' jobs should be placed above Scott Garrett's own ambitions.

Eric Burkland is president of the Ohio Manufacturers' Association. Jay Timmons is president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers.

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PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A 72-pound Shar-Pei attacked a U.S. Postal Service carrier Friday, according to Parma Heights police.

The attack happened just after 2 p.m. on York Road near Blossom Avenue.

The dog bit the 53-year-old mail carrier on the arms, a hand, his ankle and his chin, police said. His current condition wasn't immediately available.

William Rivera, of Parma Heights, claimed ownership of the dog and police issued him a citation, court records show. He is scheduled to make a court appearance Thursday in Parma Heights Mayor's Court.

The mail carrier told police that he walked across the front lawn before the incident. A woman came out of the house just as the carrier reached the neighboring lawn. The dog ran out the door and chased him, the report says.

The man back peddled and sprayed the dog with Mace. He emptied out the canister but the dog kept coming toward him, the report says.

The carrier tripped on a tree and fell backward. The dog bit him, the report says.

The woman said she left the home to walk to her vehicle in the driveway when both dogs got loose. She tried to pull the Shar-Pei back but couldn't control him, the report says.

She screamed for help as the dog attacked the man, the report says. Her husband, Rivera, picked up the dog and took it to the home, the report says.

Rivera was ordered to keep his dog quarantined. The dog has no other history of attacking people, the report says.

The mail carrier could not be reached for comment.

Since Oct. 1, 2016, 170 greater Cleveland mail carriers have experienced dog attacks, USPS spokesman David Van Allen said. One hundred and thirty four of the attacks resulted in dog bites and 36 of the attacks resulted in injuries such as tripping, falling trying to escape and other incidents.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section.
The Treasury Department's Office of Inspector General is probing Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's use of a government airplane to inspect the nation's gold reserves at Fort Knox Bullion Depository in Kentucky from where he viewed the solar eclipse Aug. 21.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is under investigation by his departments Office of Inspector General over his use of an Air Force plane to fly him to inspect the nations gold reserves at the Fort Knox Bullion Depository in Kentucky, from where he viewed the solar eclipse.

Treasury OIG general counsel Rich Delmar confirmed to Coin World that a probe was underway.

In response to inquiries received from members of the public, we are reviewing the circumstances of the Secretarys August 21 flight to Louisville and Ft. Knox, to determine whether all applicable travel, ethics, and appropriation laws and policies were observed, according to a statement Delmar provided by email. When our review is complete, we will advise the appropriate officials, in accordance with the Inspector General Act and established procedures.

Accompanying Mnuchin on the military aircraft was his wife, Louise Linton, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

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The single-day trip included a stop in Louisville for a Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Mnuchin, along with McConnell and two other Kentucky elected officials, U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., and Kentuckys Republican governor, Matt Bevin, inspected the gold bars stored inside one of the vaults at the bullion depository. The site of the depository also provided a vantage point for Mnuchin, McConnell and others to witness the eclipse.

Other than the Treasury OIG staff, Treasury Department officials did not respond to Coin Worlds inquiries for comments.

A Treasury Department spokesperson is cited in a Washington Post article that claims the Treasury department sought approval from the White House for the use of the aircraft, and that Mnuchin personally reimbursed the federal government for his wifes travel expenses.
Casey Jacobson received a call from her dad on Sept. 6 that concerned her.

Her sister, Julia, hadn't spoken to him since Sept. 1  unusual, considering she called her father in Bismarck every day from San Diego.

Messages to her sister's friends and workplace began to point to something not right, Casey Jacobson said.

"I knew since she hadn't talked to anyone in her family and her good friend and she hadnt been communicating with anyone at her job that something was wrong," she said.

On Sept. 6, Jacobson's family filed a missing person report with San Diego Police. The next morning, police found her company car abandoned about a half-mile from her home in Normal Heights, San Diego. The car was unlocked with its windows rolled down to different levels.

"Based on the fact the car was found in that location, we don't believe she took off on her own," Casey Jacobson said. "We think something bad happened to her."

Julia Jacobson, 37, an Army veteran, was reported as last seen around 6:30 a.m. Sept. 2, at a 7-Eleven in Mission Hills, San Diego.

Video footage clocks Julia Jacobson's last sighting at 8 p.m. Sept. 2 in Ontario, Calif., said Lt. Mike Holden, of San Diego Police.

Her dog, Boogie, last seen with her then, is also missing.

Julia Jacobson's last contact was reportedly a text message to a friend about an hour later that night, Casey Jacobson said, reading, "Palm Springs today, Big Bear tomorrow."

"Big Bear" is likely in reference to a ski resort, she added.

"That's what she said. We don't know if she was there," Casey Jacobson said. "We don't know if she sent the text. We don't know."

Holden said investigators do not know where Jacobson may be, may be headed or if she is in danger.

"We have no idea and that's the tricky part about missing persons' investigations," he said. "We try to track someone's whereabouts by using the public's help and anyone calling in tips."

Casey Jacobson said her sister was transitioning to a new job at the time of her disappearance.

A Facebook page, "Help Find Julia Jacobson-San Diego Missing Person," is active, as is a GoFundMe account for the family's travel expenses and search costs. The account had raised more than $3,500 of a $20,000 goal as of noon Tuesday.

Casey Jacobson said her family has been in touch with North Dakota's congressional delegation, including Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, N.D.-D, and Rep. Kevin Cramer, N.D.-R. Friends and others have also offered support, she said.

Searching for her sister has been difficult, with family here in Bismarck and knowing few people in San Diego, according to Casey Jacobson.

Holden said police have eliminated Julia Jacobson's estranged husband as a person of interest and continue to search for her.

"Once we locate her, that will obviously give us some answers on how to proceed next," he said.

Julia Jacobson is white with blonde hair and brown eyes and weighs 150 pounds. Anyone with information may call Casey Jacobson at 701-400-9924 or San Diego Police at 619-531-2277.
Westerly winds brought thick, fog-like smoke from Montana wildfires into the Bismarck-Mandan area and most of western North Dakota on Wednesday.

The smoke brought with it air quality issues, prompting the North Dakota Department of Healths Division of Air Quality to categorize the air as unhealthy, which means people should stay indoors. Local meteorologists expect smoky conditions to continue, though it shouldn't be as bad as Wednesday.

Its always hard to tell, said National Weather Service Bismarck meteorologist Alex Edwards. Smoke likes to stick around in valleys  Its more waiting and seeing.

Bismarck Public Schools canceled outdoor recess on Wednesday and limited the duration of its after-school activities. Dickinson Public Schools also moved recess and all sports practices inside on Wednesday.

The local hospitals in Bismarck reported several people came in with smoke-related symptoms, but there was not a huge spike in hospital visits; two patients went into the CHI St. Alexius Health Mandan Medical Plaza, and a higher than usual number of patients were seen at Sanford Health for respiratory illnesses that could be due to smoke in the air, according to spokespeople for both hospitals.

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, the western and central half of the state was colored red, or unhealthy, on a map signifying current air conditions.

Chuck Hyatt, manager of the data collection and analysis group with the division air quality, said particulate matter, components of wildfire smoke or fine particles that can move deeply into your lungs, from Montana wildfires began dropping to ground level late Tuesday evening.

Health officials urged residents to avoid exposure outdoors when pollution levels are high. Stay inside a building or store that has an HVAC system set to recirculate, and set the air-conditioning system in a vehicle to recirculate, as well. If outside, wear a NIOSH-approved respirator mask, which can be found on the Health Department's website.

The Health Department updates air quality hourly at www.ndhealth.gov/AQ/.

The thing about wildfire smoke is it affects different people in different ways, Hyatt said, adding that some symptoms include trouble breathing and dry throat. If people feel like the smoke is affecting their health, we recommend that they talk to their family physician that knows their health history and get recommendations on what to do from them.
Editorial

Military-industrial complex demands infinite warfare

Fifty-six years ago retiring US President Eisenhower warned about the military-industrial complex, an amalgamation of an immense military establishment and a permanent arms industry of vast proportions that exercised unwarranted influence over government policy, consumed an enormous proportion of the US federal budget, and dictated intellectual research so that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite.

No left-winger, Eisenhower said the US was facing a hostile ideology  global in scope, atheistic in character, ruthless in purpose and insidious in method. Thats how he saw communism, yet his words describe precisely the US military-industrial complex.

Eisenhower advocated disarmament, with mutual honour and confidence, and the resolution of disputes not with arms but with intellect and decent purpose. But he would have surely been appalled by the vice-like grip of the military-industrial complex on current foreign and domestic policy, its insatiable consumption of government funds and the resulting impoverishment of US citizens.

President Trump says the US will boost its military involvement in Afghanistan, and refuses to say how long it will remain there. After 16 years, the US now faces never-ending warfare in Afghanistan. Thats a brilliant result for the military industrial complex, but a disaster for the people of the US and Afghanistan.

Several years ago the US national debt passed one trillion dollars, which someone described as: a one-dollar sign with 12 zeros behind it! Every year the US sinks further into debt, borrows more, and makes temporary arrangements to fund pensions, medical and welfare services and other federal programs, while its military expenditure continues to grow.

Last weeks agreement between Trump and the Democrats, which aimed at limiting the US debt, is likely to involve reducing the already threadbare US social welfare programs rather than cutting military spending.

Australia has been an ally in every major US military conflict since WW2. After Trumps recent announcement committing the US to a virtually endless war in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Turnbull offered Australias military assistance for as long as necessary.

He stated: ... you should expect it to be very long term ... Additional resources [may be] deployed to Afghanistan but I dont want to speculate on it.

The coalition government has also offered military assistance to the government of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, whose anti-drug policies have resulted in the summary execution of more than 12,000 citizens over 14 months. Foreign minister Julie Bishop did not raise the issue of human rights during a recent visit.

Under the agreement Australia will train Philippine soldiers for military operations against ISIS in Mindanao, where Australian mining corporations are operating.

The terrorist group has found ready supporters there because the Philippines is an ally of the US, whose brutal military intervention in the Middle East has led to the creation of ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

The Turnbull government denies that Australian forces would be involved in direct combat, but the RAAF is already using two spy planes to gather information on ISIS, which has described Australia as the US regional guard dog.

The US is also likely to appoint former Admiral Harry Harris as ambassador to Australia. Harris has adopted an extremely confrontational approach to navigation in the South China Sea, and advocates an increase in US missiles directed at the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army.

One Chinese newspaper described him as the most prejudiced and Cold War-minded chief of all US Pacific commanders since WW2.

Turnbull has joined the US in calling for further sanctions against the DPRK (North Korea), including banning cross-border oil supplies. A Chinese official subsequently referred to someone pointing fingers while stabbing [you] in the back.

And an enormous proportion of Australias federal budget is now going to defence, including multi-billion dollar purchases of submarines and supersonic aircraft. Overseas weapons manufacturers, including the Israeli corporation MBDA, are now jostling for the chance to supply missiles for the Australian Armys 225 new combat vehicles and 400 new armoured personnel carriers.

Australia is sinking into a military morass. We must stop being the toady of Uncle Sam, end our offensive operations at his behest, and enter the international struggle for peace. If we dont, well join the US as a prisoner of the military-industrial complex, doomed to poverty and never-ending war.
CPA statement

Reza Shahabi, Iranian trade unionist on hunger strike

The Communist Party of Australia condemns in the strongest possible terms the treatment of trade unionist Reza Shahabi currently on hunger strike in the Rajai Shahr Prison in Iran.

Reza Shahabi is a member of the board of directors of the Union of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company. He and other members of the union are persecuted and imprisoned for their vital work of creating an organisation independent of government and employers in order to serve its own members. For this reason Reza Shahabi and others have been fired, imprisoned and beaten.

Reza Shahabi was arrested in 2010 and sentenced to five years in prison. While serving his five-year sentence, Shahabi was again called to court and sentenced to an additional year in jail.

Due to the physical harm caused by violent treatment in prison, he had to undertake two surgical interventions to his neck and waist. While his medical leave from jail was ordered by his doctors, the security forces and judicial authorities who oversaw the illegal proceedings against him considered the entire period of medical leave for Reza Shahabi to be an absence from jail and that he should now remain in prison for another 968 days.

Reza has been on hunger strike to protest against this unlawful and unfair ruling. This brave trade unionist, who is a bus driver and a board member of the Union of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, has been on hunger strike since August 9, 2017.

The Communist Party of Australia adds its voice to the many others across the world demanding the immediate release from prison of Reza Shahabi and an end to the persecution of trade unionists in Iran.
Our class history

When I first planned to emigrate to Australia because I was so sick of the snobbery and class system in England, I remember my cousin from Perth telling me that Australia didnt have a class system. Thats how politically ignorant he was.

With capitalism there can only be two main classes  those who own the means of production and employ labour to make a profit, and those who own no means of production, having nothing but their labour to sell.

Im glad I came because its been another lesson in how the ruling elite operate to protect their ownership and power systems and, although Australia doesnt seem to have such a dyed-in-the-wool class system as the UK, here its based on wealth and it is well and truly in existence in the 21st century. In fact, it is reverting to the times of Dickens in terms of inequality.

Manning Clark, in his 1976 Boyer Lecture presentation A Discovery of Australia, said:

In the nineteenth century Australians enjoyed the reputation of being in the vanguard of human progress; they were often the pioneers in the introduction of bourgeois democracy, and rather boastful about it. By contrast, in the twentieth century Australians seem to have missed the bus carrying humanity into the future. We had the institutions and the values to promote the use of parts of our country as quarries for foreign powers, but neither the institutions, nor the inclination, nor the belief to make our country a paradise for the people.

Looking at the way Australia was settled to some extent explains how this has happened, but what I cant understand is why it has been allowed to happen. The origins of capitalism here are unique. People were transported into what started as a military prison, initially containing few capitalists, no free labour and no peasants, but within a generation the colony became essentially capitalist with a growing free labour market and an emerging peasantry.

And heres where Australian history begins to echo what has happened in the United Kingdom over the centuries; dispossession and land seizure  no doubt in the name of whoever was sitting on the throne at the time, or his sidekick, God! What should be called stealing but is called colonisation and which, in the eyes of the colonisers, is for the greater good. This has happened all over the world. When colonising countries the officer class of the occupying armies forms the nucleus of the landed oligarchies who then develop into nascent capitalists. In this way, the capitalist class structure has successfully been transplanted, colonising a country using time-honoured methods:

Destruction of the Indigenous society; seizure of the means of production; capital accumulation; formation of social classes; the use of state power; imperialism and racism.

To paraphrase Marx, with capitalism there can only be two main classes  those who own the means of production and employ labour to make a profit, and those who own no means of production, having nothing but their labour to sell.

In the beginning of Australias colonisation, the means of production was the land. Therefore the native people had to be driven off their land, and as always capitalism was created by force i.e. state power. Once that has occurred the next phase was to encourage lots of people to migrate and work for the people who got here first.

Australia has always been beholden to its political overmasters in England who, for a long while controlled the purse strings, e.g. look what happened to Australias trade when they joined the European Common Market.

But going even further back the first slump was caused when the Yankees kicked the Brits out and stopped buying British cloth, made from Australian wool. Government revenue was affected so who had to pay  the squatters in the form of licence fees for their land. This brought about an emergent political dominance by the colonial ruling class, which has always seen the function of government to provide as much assistance to private capital as possible i.e. to themselves! Sound familiar?

By the mid-19th century came a rising middle class  doctors, lawyers, senior bureaucrats, businessmen, farmers and gold miners, and radical elements of these middle classes combined with working-class urban forces and some liberal elements among merchants and landowners to advocate for popular democracy. This was the time of the Eureka uprising. It was also a time of blatant racism because of the number of Chinese arriving on the gold fields. But there were also other sources of division which weakened the working class  ethnic and religious difference.

So in brief, for 40 years from the middle of the 19th century Australia experienced a boom time when the population was small and there was work for everyone and by the end of the century a rural petty bourgeoisie was emerging and class alignments were changing. There were growing bush workers unions, such as the forerunners of the Australian Workers Union (AWU) and rural labour in Australia was far better organised, with the average income per head one of the highest in the capitalist world.

In the 1880s there was a growth of class consciousness and an upsurge in union militancy which felt the full force of state power during the slump in the economy in the 1890s. As is typical of capitalism, the slump was caused by over-borrowing unrelated to export growth or import replacement (sound familiar?) and over-production of wool (not iron ore) for a declining world market. This decimated the unions but led to political action which saw the formation of the Labor Party.

Nothing seems to change, as can be seen from this quote from Thomas Mores Utopia (1516):

I can perceive nothing but a certain conspiracy of rich men, procuring their own commodities under the name and title of the Commonwealth. They invent and devise all means ... first how to keep [what] they have unjustly gathered together; and next how to hire and abuse the work and labour of the poor for as little money as may be, and oppress them as much as they please.

This is a very broad-brush potted version of Australian political and class history, but I think it paints a picture describing how weve reached the state of society today, which is still a case of the ruling class trying to screw the workers. A case of not forgetting history as it has a habit of repeating itself if we do.
Charlottesville

Trump must go

The racist, fascist demonstration in Charlottesville was in fact an uprising by the far right. These Hitler brownshirts came to Charlottesville fully prepared to intimidate and terrorise peaceful citizens. They came not to hold a rally; they stormed into town in full military gear, armed to the teeth. Photos show many carrying AK-47s as well as pepper spray, bats, and clubs. This was an armed uprising designed to see how far they could go and to incite similar actions across the country. It is reminiscent of the Beer Hall Putsch by Hitler in the 1920s.

The gathering was billed as a Unite the Right rally. It should have been called a Unite the racist whites rally. The most racist and hate-filled elements of American society saw it as an opportunity to congregate to consolidate support for the administration of the demagogic Trump.

The racist Charlottesville uprising, led by a motley horde of white supremacists, including the KKK and Nazis, began on August 11, when hundreds of racists marched through the University of Virginia campus carrying torches and chanting Nazi slogans. The torches were also used as weapons.

A counter-demonstration, in opposition to the fascists, was organised by a broad coalition of anti-racist forces.

On August 12, James Fields, a 20-year-old white male, drove his car, at high speed, into this counter-demonstration killing a young white woman, Heather Heyer. Heyer gave her life fighting racism. Many others were injured, five critically.

The right-wing gathering was sparked by the impending removal of a statute of Robert E Lee, commander of the Confederate forces in the Civil War. It drew participants from near and far. In fact, Fields, the driver of the car that killed the counter-demonstrator, was from Ohio.

Police stood by

The police knew ahead of time that these rabid racists were converging on this small town for a gathering of hate and violence. Reports are that there was very little police presence in the area, no roads had been blocked, and there was no real attempt to keep the opposing demonstrations from clashing. There was no real attempt to stop attacks by the racists on peaceful demonstrators, who had to defend themselves.

Contrast this with the way nationally oppressed people of colour are treated when they are lawfully demonstrating. For example, Native Americans in North Dakota were subjected to war crime attacks by vicious militarised police. But in Charlottesville, the despicable purveyors of hate were, comparatively speaking, allowed a free rein.

Further, it has now been revealed, via video footage taken by a volunteer with the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, that a white supremacist thug actually shot at the counter-demonstrators in Charlottesville. He fired his gun in the direction of a Black counter-protester. The shooter then leaves the scene, joining other racist protesters walking past the watchful eyes of the police, who, shockingly, took no action at the time.

After Heather Heyers murder, the head of the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan of North Carolina, Justin Moore, bragged he was glad the girl was killed. Moore stated: Nothing makes us more proud at the KKK than we see white patriots such as James Fields, Jr, age 20, taking his car and running over nine communist anti-fascists, killing one (expletive) lover named Heather Heyer. The recorded message went on to say James Fields, Hail Victory! Its men like you that have made the great white race strong.

The KKK message is clearly an incitement to further violence and murder. This type of virulent racist rhetoric has not been heard since the civil rights days of the 1960s, when racists in the Deep South committed barbaric murders in the name of white supremacy.

On the national level, some politicians have characterised these Nazi-sloganeering advocates of white rule, these hucksters of Hitler salutes, these jackals of spewed hate, as traitors to the country. The allegiance of these traitors in World War II, the great war against Fascism, would have been with Hitlers Germany. Traitors they are and as traitors they must be treated!

In the meantime, after remaining silent for two days, Trump condemned hatred, bigotry, and violence coming from many sides. The hatred, bigotry, and violence came only from one side  the side of racism exhibited by the fascists. Former Vice-President Joe Biden chimed in with, There is only one side, not many sides. Trump subsequently condemned the Klan and neo-Nazis, but only a day later back-pedalled and again said both sides were responsible for violence, much to the satisfaction of Klan leader David Duke.

Movement for impeachment gains momentum

On August 18, US Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee announce that he was filing articles of impeachment against Trump for his comments about the white supremacist violence in Charlottesville.

He said after watching TV coverage of the white racist rallies, he was reminded of the Nazi atrocities against Jews in 1930s Germany. Cohen compared the violence to Kristallnacht, the anti-Jewish assaults and attacks of glass-breaking vandalism on November 9 and 10, 1938. Cohens move for impeachment will join those of Democrats Brad Sherman and Al Green, both of whom introduced articles of impeachment in June.

A movement on the lunatic fringe in the South advocates that the South should break away from the US again. The right-wing march on Charlottesville dovetails with this movement. As a Native writer, residing in the birth state of the Klan and living only a short road trip from the birth town of that noxious terrorist organisation, I am enraged when these crackpot ideologues proclaim that the South is White Mans land. I must most vehemently remind them that the South is Indian land, illegally and forcibly taken from its rightful and first inhabitants, as is every inch of this country.

I must echo a statement made by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe to the racist white marchers: There is no place for you in America. Some of the white supremacists carried signs that read We will not be replaced. I would propose, instead of being replaced, how about being repatriated? Repatriation to the European country of their ancestral origin would suit Native America just fine.

But until that time, by our active opposition we must smash racism and incipient fascism in this beautiful land where it has no place. Trumps demagogic ascendancy has brought the vermin out of the woodwork, the rats out the sewer, the nauseous scum out of the stench-ridden landfill  out of their hiding places, so the better to be dealt with.

As the contradictions are brought into sharper focus, the battle lines can be drawn to ensure victory by the long oppressed. The day of reckoning can be finally realised by a people united to stop racism and fascism in its gore-laden tracks and send its purveyors back to their holes in the ground, there to expire in the ignominious passing that is so richly deserved.

In communities across the nation, demonstrations and rallies are being held rejecting the racist and fascist movement aided and abetted by Trump and his cohorts. So far, Donald Trump is the only president in US history to be openly praised by the most racist and hate-filled organisations in the country. The time is long overdue for the KKK to be classified as a terrorist organisation by the government. The immediate next step is the removal of the national purveyor of hatred and bloodshed who resides in the Executive Office of this nation. Trump must go! Immediate impeachment is on the table!

Peoples World
Georgi Dimitrov

Against Fascism and War

On August 2, 1935, Georgi Dimitrov delivered to the 7th Congress of the Communist International his report Against Fascism and War. Hitlerism had come to power in Germany two years earlier and had launched a savage offensive against the German working class.

Hitler made clear the aggressive intentions of the German capitalist ruling class and their aim of world domination. The Nazis were backed by the big monopoly companies and banks. Racism became official government policy.

Georgi Dimitrov had already become a world figure because of his fearless exposure of the Nazi leaders at the Reichstag fire trial: the provocation instigated by the Nazi regime to justify their repressive measures.

Dimitrovs report had a worldwide influence in rallying the people of many countries to the danger of fascism. It is timely to recall the main ideas contained in the report because of the new danger of fascist trends in a number of countries, including Australia. The ideas in the report remain valid today

Dimitrovs speech, given on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Communist International, described fascism as the open terrorist dictatorship of the most reactionary, most chauvinistic and most imperialist elements of finance capital.

He said that Fascism comes to power as a party of attack on the revolutionary movement of the proletariat, on the masses of the people who are in a state of unrest; yet it stages its accession to power as a revolutionary movement against the bourgeoisie on behalf of the whole nation and for the salvation of the nation.

Nevertheless, fascism is a most ferocious attack by capital on the toiling masses; it is rabid reaction and counter-revolution and the most vicious enemy of the working class and of all the toilers.

Dimitrov warned that whoever does not fight the reactionary measures of the bourgeoisie and the growth of fascism at these preparatory stages is not in a position to prevent the victory of fascism, but, on the contrary, facilitates that victory.

The report asked: Can the victory of fascism be prevented? Dimitrov answered Yes!

In the first place, this depends on the militant activity of the working class, on its fighting unity in combatting the capitalist offensive.

Secondly, it depends on the existence of a strong revolutionary party, correctly leading the struggle of the working people against fascism.

Thirdly, said Dimitrov, it depends on a correct policy by the working class towards the intermediate strata such as non-monopoly farmers, professionals, intellectuals and the self-employed, adopting a patient attitude, winning them over to the struggle against fascism.

Fourthly, it depends on whether the politically conscious working class exercises vigilance and takes action at the proper time, It must not allow fascism to catch it unawares, it must not surrender the initiative to fascism, it must inflict blows on the latter before it can gather forces, said Dimitrov.

Most essential was a united front of the working class, the unity action of the workers in every factory, in every district, in every region, in every country, all over the world.

The establishment of unity action by all sections of the working class, irrespective of their party organisational affiliation, is necessary even before the majority of the working class is united in the struggle for the overthrow of capitalism and the victory of the proletarian revolution.

The Communist International attaches no conditions to unity of action except one, and that elementary condition acceptable for all workers, viz, that the unity of action be directed against fascism, against the offensive of capital, against the threat of war, against the class enemy.

Dimitrov went on to say that the defence of the immediate economic and political interests of the working class, the defence of the working class against fascism, must form the starting point and main content of the united front all capitalist countries.

The issues for such joint struggle were the demand to shift the burden of the crisis on to the shoulders of the ruling class, defence of the gains and rights of the working people and the existing bourgeois-democratic liberties, and opposition to the approaching danger of imperialist war.

Dimitrov also called for a broad peoples front against fascism, with a united front of the working class as Its leading core.

He said that the success of the struggle against fascism was closely connected with the establishment of a fighting alliance between the working class on the one hand and the working farmers and urban petty-bourgeoisie on the other.

He pointed out that, together, these forces constituted a majority of the population in every industrialised country. Dimitrov stressed that it was particularly important for the working class to defend the demands of the intermediate strata, particularly the working farmers.

Speaking about the ideology of fascism, Dimitrov said: Many comrades did not believe that so reactionary a variety of bourgeois ideology as the ideology of fascism, which in its stupidity frequently reaches the point of lunacy, was capable of gaining a mass influence at all. This was a great mistake.

Dimitrov devoted a whole chapter of his report, to the role of the communist parties in the struggle against fascism. In Australia, this section has often been overlooked and its importance for the success of a united front of the working class underrated.

Dimitrov pointed out that in the struggle for the establishment of the united front, the importance of the leading role of the Communist Party increases extraordinarily. Only the Communist Party is at bottom the initiator, the organiser and the driving force of the united front of the working class. The communists should strengthen their own ranks in every respect.

In working for the formation of the united front against fascism, Dimitrov warned against adopting sectarian attitudes. Sectarianism, he said, finds expression particularly in over-estimating the speed at which they are abandoning the positions of reformism, in attempts to leap over difficult stages and over complicated tasks of the movement. Methods of leading the masses have in practice been frequently replaced by the methods of leading a narrow party group.

Dimitrov also warned against the danger of right opportunism which, he said, will increase in proportion as the wide united front develops.

He pointed out: A successful struggle for the establishment of the united front imperatively demands constant struggle in our ranks against tendencies to depreciate the role of the Party, against legalist illusions, against reliance on spontaneity and automatism.

Dimitrov said that the party must be a militant party, a revolutionary party, capable of leading the working people in the struggle for power and capable of orienting itself in the complicated problems that arise.

The struggle against fascism in the 1930s and 40s failed to prevent the Nazis from plunging the world into the bloodbath of the Second World War. Only in the crucible of war did an alliance come into existence which defeated Nazism militarily. It cost 50 million lives, however.

Dimitrovs report has never lost its relevance. However, the present danger of nuclear war and the emergence of militarist and fascist tendencies in a number of countries makes this relevance even more pressing.

This time the price of failure to stop the dangers in time will be unimaginably greater than in World War II.

This article appeared in the Guardian, July 10, 1985

Peter Symon was General Secretary of the CPA
Korea

What the media isnt telling you

Heres what the media isnt telling you about North Koreas recent missile tests.

Last week the DPRK fired a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japans Hokkaido Island. The missile landed in the waters beyond the island harming neither people nor property.

Japan, South Korea and the US have been engaged in large scale, joint-military drills on Hokkaido Island and in South Korea.

The media immediately condemned the test as a bold and provocative act that showed the Norths defiance of UN resolutions and contempt for its neighbours. President Trump sharply criticised the missile test saying:

Threatening and destabilising actions only increase the North Korean regimes isolation in the region and among all nations of the world. All options are on the table.

What the media failed to mention was that, for the last three weeks, Japan, South Korea and the US have been engaged in large-scale, joint military drills on Hokkaido Island and in South Korea. These needlessly provocative war games are designed to simulate an invasion of North Korea and a decapitation operation to remove (ie: Kill) the regime. North Koreas supreme leader, Kim Jong-un has asked the US repeatedly to end these military exercises, but the US has stubbornly refused. The US reserves the right to threaten anyone, anytime and anywhere even right on their doorstep. Its part of what makes the US exceptional. Check out this excerpt from an article at Fox News:

More than 3,500 American and Japanese troops kicked off a weeks-long joint military exercise Thursday against the backdrop of an increasingly belligerent North Korean regime. The exercise, known as Northern Viper 17, will take place on Hokkaido  Japans northern-most main island  and will last until August 28 ...

We are improving our readiness not only in the air, but as a logistical support team, Colonel R Scott Jobe, the 35th Fighter Wing Commander, said in a statement. We are in a prime location for contingency purposes and this exercise will only build upon our readiness in the case a real-world scenario occurs. (US, Japanese troops begin joint military exercise amid North Korea threat, Fox News 10/08/2017)

The missile test (which flew over Hokkaido Island) was conducted just hours after the war games ended. The message was clear: The North is not going to be publicly humiliated and slapped around without responding. Rather than show weakness, the North demonstrated that it was prepared to defend itself against foreign aggression. In other words, the test was NOT a bold and provocative act (as the media stated) but a modest and well thought out response by a country that has experienced 64 years of relentless hectoring, sanctions, demonisation and sabre rattling by Washington. The North responded because the Washingtons incitements required a response. End of story.

And the same is true of the three short-range ballistic missiles the North tested last week. (Two of which apparently fizzled out shortly after launching.) These tests were a response to the three week-long joint-military drills in South Korea which involved 75,000 combat troops accompanied by hundreds of tanks, armoured vehicles, landing craft, heavy artillery, a full naval flotilla and flyovers by squadrons of state-of-the-art fighters and strategic bombers. Was the North supposed to sit on its hands while this menacing display of brute military force took place right under its nose?

Of course not. Imagine if Russia engaged in a similar operation over the border in Mexico while the Russian fleet conducted live fire drills three miles outside of San Francisco Bay. What do you think Trumps reaction would be?

Hed blow those boats out of the water faster than you could say Jackie Robinson, right?

So why the double standard when it comes to North Korea? Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

North Korea should be applauded for showing that it wont be intimidated by the schoolyard bully. Kim knows that any confrontation with the US will end badly for the North, even so, he hasnt caved in or allowed himself to be pushed around by the blustering, browbeating thugs in the White House. Booyah, Kim.

By the way, Trumps response to the missile test was barely covered in the mainstream media, and for good reason. Heres what happened two days later:

On the Wednesday, a US-led flight-group of F-35B fighters, F-15 fighters and B-1B bombers conducted military operations over a training range east of Seoul. The B-1Bs, which are low-altitude nuclear bombers, dropped their dummy-bombs on the site and then returned to their home base. The show of force was intended to send a message to Pyongyang that Washington is unhappy with the Norths ballistic missile testing project and is prepared to use nuclear weapons against the North if it fails to heed Washingtons diktats.

So, Washington is prepared to nuke the North if they dont straighten up and do as they are told?

It sure looks that way, but who really knows? In any event, Kim has no choice but to stand firm. If he shows any sign of weakness, he knows hes going to end up like Saddam and Gaddafi. And that, of course, is whats driving the hyperbolic rhetoric; the North wants to avoid the Gaddafi scenario at all cost. (By the way, the reason Kim has threatened to fire missiles at the waters surrounding Guam is because Guam is the home of Anderson Airforce Base which is the point-of-origin for the B-1B nuclear-capable bombers that have been making threatening flyovers on the Korean Peninsula for some time now. The North feels like it has to respond to that existential threat.

Wouldnt it help if the media mentioned that fact or does it better serve their agenda to make it look like Kim is barking mad by lashing out against the totally innocent United States, a country that only seeks to preserve the peace wherever it goes?

Give me a break!

It is so hard to find anything in the media that doesnt reflect Washingtons bias and hostility. Surprisingly, there was a pretty decent article on CBS News last week written by a former Western intelligence officer with decades of experience in Asia. Its the only article Ive found that accurately explains whats really going on beyond the propaganda. Check it out:

Prior to President Trumps inauguration, North Korea made it clear it was prepared to give the new US administration time to review the policy and come up with something better than President Obamas. The only wrinkle was that if the US went full-steam ahead with its annual joint exercises with South Korea (especially if that were accompanied by more talk of decapitation and more flights of strategic bombers over the Korean peninsula), the North would react strongly.

In short, the US did, and the North reacted.

Behind-the-scenes contacts went up and down, but couldnt get traction. In April, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un paraded new missiles as a warning, to no effect. The regime launched the new systems, one after another. Still, Washingtons approach didnt change.

Okay, so now we know the truth: The North gave it their best shot and came up snake eyes, mainly because Washington doesnt want to negotiate, theyd rather twist arms (Russia and China), tighten the embargo and threaten war. Thats Trumps solution. Heres more from the same piece:

On July 4, after North Koreas first successful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch, Kim sent a public signal that the North could put the nuclear and missile programs on the table if the US changed its approach.

The US did not, so the North launched another ICBM, very deliberately deeming it a warning to the US that they were to be taken seriously. Still, more B-1 bombers flew over the Peninsula, and the UN Security Council passed new sanctions. (CBS News)

So, the North was ready to do some serious horse-trading, but the US balked. Kim probably heard what a wheeler dealer Trump was and figured they could work something out. But it hasnt happened. Trump has turned out to be a bigger bust than Obama, which is pretty bad. He not only refuses to negotiate but he also delivers bellicose threats almost every day. This isnt what the North was expecting. They were expecting a non-interventionist leader who might be receptive to a trade-off.

The current situation has left Kim with no good options. He can either cave in and terminate his missile program altogether or increase the frequency of the tests and hope that they pave the way for negotiations. Kim chose the latter.

Did he make a bad choice?

Maybe.

Is it a rational choice?

Yes.

The North is betting that its nuclear weapons programs will be valuable bargaining chits in future negotiations with the United States. The North has no plan to nuke the west coast of the United States. Thats ridiculous! That doesnt accomplish anything. What they want is to procure security guarantees from Washington, lift the embargo, normalise relations with the South, extricate the US from the political affairs of the peninsula, and (hopefully) end the irritating and endlessly provocative 64-year US occupation.

Yankee go home.

Bottom line: The North is ready to deal. They want negotiations. They want to end the war. They want to put this whole nightmare behind them and get on with their lives. But Washington wont let them because Washington likes the status quo. Washington wants to be a permanent feature in South Korea so it can encircle Russia and China with lethal missile systems and expand its geopolitical grip bringing the world closer to nuclear Armageddon.

Thats what Washington wants, and thats why the crisis on the peninsula will continue to boil.

Counterpunch
Culture & Life

The real rogue state Part 2

See Part 1, Guardian #1791

Continuing our saga as to which country is the real rogue state. In this instalment, which is by no means exhaustive, we will deal mainly with the 1960s.

The US  an interfering bully on a global scale.

North Korea, which is routinely given the rogue state designation by the capitalist media, has never tried to assassinate the leader of another country. The USA, on the other hand, between 1959 and 2000 made over 600 (six hundred!) attempts to assassinate Cubas leader, Fidel Castro, using everything from exploding cigars to poison pills hidden in a cold-cream jar.

Documents released under the Clinton administration confirmed that on one occasion, aware that Castro was a keen scuba-diver, the CIA invested in a large volume of Caribbean molluscs with the intention of finding a shell big enough to contain a lethal quantity of explosives. The idea was that the molluscs would be painted in vivid colours to attract Castros attention while diving.

In 1959, the US took part in the so-called Bangkok Plot, a conspiracy to topple Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia who was considered in Washington to be too friendly towards China with which he had established relations. Sihanouks intelligence services discovered details of the plot and the conspiracy was crushed.

In 1960, the national liberation movement in the Belgian Congo led by Patrice Lumumba succeeded in gaining independence for the country. Belgian imperialism conspired with their US counterparts to destabilise the new regime which was once again deemed too left-wing. Belgium sent troops to protect Europeans and two areas of the country, Katanga and South Kasai, seceded with Belgian support. Prime Minister Lumumba called for assistance from the Soviet Union, the US (and Belgium) engineered a coup by army leader General Mobutu, Lumumba was murdered and around 100,000 people are believed to have also been killed during the crisis.

In 1961, still convinced that all that was necessary to overthrow Communist tyranny was for some stout fellows to proclaim we are here to liberate you and the oppressed people would rush into the streets to start a revolt, the CIA arranged for a contingent of anti-Communist Cuban exiles to land in Cubas Bay of Pigs. The invasion was serious but was promptly suppressed by the Cuban army with the full support of the Cuban people, to the confusion of the CIAs strategists. After this fiasco, an angry President Kennedy established a new intelligence agency to provide an alternative source of intelligence to that provided by the CIA.

However, as early as March 1960, the US had initiated another covert operation against Cuba called Operation Mongoose. It was put into effect immediately after the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion.

In the words of Harvard historian Jorge Dominguez: Operation Mongoose was a secret program against Cuba aimed at removing the Communists from power, which was a prime focus of the Kennedy administration. A document from the US State Department disingenuously confirms that the project aimed to help Cuba overthrow the Communist regime, including its leader Fidel Castro, and it aimed for a revolt which can take place in Cuba by October 1962. They had obviously learnt nothing from the Bay of Pigs fiasco. US policymakers also wanted to see a new government with which the United States can live in peace, as though the Cuban government was the one carrying out military assaults and acts of terrorism.

The democratic election of historian and writer Juan Bosch, as President of the Dominican Republic in February 1963, alarmed the USA as well as pro-US business magnates in the Dominican Republic. While Bosch had been exiled from the Dominican Republic, he had aroused the fears of the US administration by spending time in countries like Cuba and Venezuela, developing his ideas.

US fears were quickly realized as Bosch undertook progressive steps the Dominican population had never known before (or since), initiating plans to reduce poverty, declaring labour rights, strengthening unions, rights for farmers, and so on. Predictably, Bosch was declared a Communist and less than seven months after his election, a group of army commanders, with crucial US support, expelled Bosch from the country.

Another country to come under the watchful eye of an interfering US government was Brazil. Considering its vast size and abundant natural resources, Brazil should long have been one of Latin Americas richest countries. Instead, its people have been repressed and brutalised by successive military dictatorships as the USA  the great superpower of the region  sought to maintain absolute control over the hemisphere.

In September 1961, left-wing nationalist Joao Goulart became the nations democratically elected president, and began implementing progressive structural reforms in the country, spreading panic in the Kennedy administration. Kennedy began preparing the groundwork to oust Goulart, a process continued after Kennedys assassination. His successor as US president, Lyndon Johnson, was hell-bent on ensuring Brazil did not become the China of the 1960s. In 1964, less than five months into Johnsons presidency a coup toppled Goulart with crucial CIA funding and arms. Brazil was placed under a neo-Nazi dictatorship that tortured its people for over 20 years.

On February 24, 1966, the government of Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana was overthrown through a military and police coup detat. The files of the US Central Intelligence Agency declassified in 1999 showed that the USA had been trying to bring about the overthrow of President Nkrumah since 1964. President Nkrumah was seen as an ally of the Soviet Union and the Socialist countries of Eastern Europe. The CIA- backed coup was the culmination of this effort.

The sixties ended as they had begun, with the US interfering in other countries internal affairs, overthrowing elected governments to please US business interests and installing and supporting hideously brutal dictatorships wherever popular movements threatened US hegemony. Behaving, in short, as a rogue state.

Part 3, the real rogue state rampages across the 1970s.
This post diagnoses what went wrong with Equifax and proposes a solution: a public utility regulation regime for consumer reporting agencies in which the CRAs would be restricted in their ability to pay dividends and executive compensation unless they meet certain performance metrics in terms of reporting accuracy, dispute resolution, and data security. Here goes:

If were going to have any chance of fixing things with Equifax and other consumer reporting agencies (CRAs), we have to first diagnose what went wrong. Lets start by keeping in mind that CRAs are essential utilities for consumer credit markets. Consumer credit markets depend on the integrity of the data collected by the CRAs, and part of that data integrity is its security, as with data stolen by a CRA its possible to open false accounts.

On the simplest level the problem here is a theft (lets call this hacking what it is), and Equifax is itself a victim. The problem here isnt poor Equifax, however, but that there are huge externalities from the theft. If it were just Equifaxs internal operating plans or the secret sauce for the Vantage score that were stolen, the hacking wouldnt be a matter of public policy concern. But it was consumer records that were stolen, and that means theres a huge externality from the theft. First, theres just a loss of consumer privacy, but second, and more alarming, is that those records can be used to create fraudulent accounts, which will potentially harm consumers credit in the future.

Now notice that this hacking is different from that of say Target. When Target suffered a data security breach it lost customer records. Equifax didnt lose customer records. It lost consumer records. Thats an important distinction, and it goes to the heart of the problem with the CRAs. Consumers can, in theory, avoid harm from a data security breach at a merchant by not doing business with the merchant. Moreover, if a consumer believes that a merchant hasnt been responsible in handling data, the consumer can withhold future business from the merchant.

To be sure, its very hard for consumers to evaluate data security at businesses, and few consumers are likely to make purchasing decisions based on merchant data security. But its at least theoretically possible with regular merchants. Its not possible for a consumer to withhold business from a CRA because the consumer does not have a business relationship with the CRA. And this is the key problem: we have a consumer financial services market in which consumers cannot vote with their pocketbooks. Credit reporting isnt the only market like thisconsumers cant choose their loan servicers or debt collectorsand those markets too have lots of problems because competition isnt forcing better treatment of consumers. That means, among other things, that there is no punishment in the market for failing to take care of consumer records. So lack of consumer-market competition is problem 1 with CRAs.

Problem #2 is that CRAs are huge hacking targets. When Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks, he replied incredulously, Because thats where the money is. Thats the problem today. Consumer data, particularly payments data, but also credit histories, is readily monetizable. That makes anyone sitting on such data target for hacking. CRAs are sitting on massive lodes of consumer data because theyre able to do so. Consumers cant stop em because consumers dont own the data they produce. But this means we have a bunch of very tempting targets with limited incentives to take care about protecting that data (or ensuring that it is 100% accurate).

So what can we do with these problems? Lets start with this. Were not going to get rid of hacking. We can enact a Bloody Code or the like, but its not going to stop hacking, especially as it can increasingly be done internationally. Instead, we need a system that incentivizes CRAs to take the appropriate level of care. That means that the CRAs need to internalize the costs of the externalities that are produced when they are hacked as they are the least cost avoider of the hacking. How can we do that?

Let me start with what I think wont work: an ex post liability regime. There have been calls to increase CRAs liability for breaches and/or inaccurate consumer files. Im all for that, but I dont think an ex post liability regime will ever be enough to sufficiently change CRA behavior, especially as a host of procedural problems will continue to bedevil consumer litigation. There will never be complete cost internalization by CRAs even with a much stronger ex post liability regime.

Instead, I think we need to consider moving to a public utility regulation regime for CRAs. What I have in mind is a system in which the CRAs ability to pay dividends to shareholders and to dole out executive compensation would be restricted and tied to their meeting various performance standards relating to consumer file accuracy, dispute resolution, and data security.

Public utility regulation is far from perfect, but were looking at a situation here in which there is no market discipline because CRAs do not have consumer relationships. Private discipline through ex post liability under-deters. And a command-and-control regime of public liability also under-deters (look how well its worked for stopping problems like Wells Fargo). Theres no disclosure regulation tweak or even set of substantive rules that are likely to fix things. Instead, if we want to ensure a minimal level of consumer welfare effects we will have to mandate those levels and tie the CRAs ability to pay shareholders and executives to performance on metrics that affect consumers. CRAs profit off of consumer data because and solely because the law tolerates it. Theres no natural right to this data. Instead, the law permits CRAs to gather and sell the data. Its quite reasonable to qualify that right with a regulatory system that ensures cost internalization.

I recognize that this would take major legislative change. So for those of you who want to play small ball, there are some more targeted fixes that are long overdue. For example, just as consumers have a statutory right to a free annual credit report, they should also have a right to place credit freezes on their accounts for free. State law in a number of states regulates credit freeze fees, but allows fees to be charged. Thats ridiculous. Freezes should be free in all circumstances. Second, federal law really ought to require that all consumer data be stored and transmitted solely encrypted formats. That should be a non-brainer.

So thats my proposal: create a public utility type regime for regulating CRAs. Id do this as a board under the CFPB, sort of like PCAOB or the MSRB under the SEC, but that sort of detail seems secondary to recognizing that we need a public utility regime for CRAs.
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Tech Data Reopens Offices, Fully Restores Business Operations After Hurricane Irma

Michael Novinson

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Tech Data's headquarters and eBusiness tools are back up and running following the devastation from Hurricane Irma.

The distributor's website is once again operational with an announcement that Tech Data is now transacting through all order sources. Tech Data's systems came back Tuesday night after extensive work with local utility companies, power companies and network providers, according to a company spokesman.

The distributor's core ERP system and StreamOne, XML, EDI and shop.techdata.com ordering tools went down late Sunday when Irma struck Florida, the spokesman said.

[RELATED: Tech Data Website, eBusiness Tools Offline Following Hurricane Irma]

The company also reopened its Clearwater, Fla.-based headquarters and Miami-based Latin American export office following widespread power and communication utility outages. Many other companies in the Tampa area found themselves in the same situation as Tech Data as far as connectivity was concerned, the spokesman said.

Tech Data said it is quickly working with its channel partners to quickly process any outstanding backlog. The distributor had its sales team and others working on the backlog Tuesday prior to getting back online, the spokesman said, which gave Tech Data a good start in getting those orders processed.

The distributor's dual data centers never went down during Hurricane Irma and were running on generators since the storm hit, according to the spokesman. The data centers came back online once service was restored.

Tech Data was putting a disaster recovery plan into effect Tuesday that would have involved using out-of-state resources to resume operations, the spokesman said. However, service to Tech Data's primary sites was restored before the distributor had to go that route.

It's too soon to say whether the outage will have a material impact on Tech Data's earnings for the current quarter, which ends Oct. 31, the spokesman said.

The spokesman told CRN Tuesday that the company had robust disaster recovery plans prior to the storm, but that they were complicated by the lack of network connectivity. The network connectivity issues also resulted in some Tech Data employees losing remote access to their work email, the spokesman said.

The distributor expected its connectivity issues to be resolved after network service providers addressed the needs of area hospitals and military installments, according to the spokesman.

Tech Data's Clearwater headquarters was without power or air conditioning early Tuesday due to an impact to the company's HVAC unit, the spokesman said. Although the office was closed Tuesday, a small, customer-facing unit was in the office.

The distributor's Miami office suffered wind damage to the exterior, the spokesman said, and Tech Data was waiting on systems to be restored before opening the office.

The distributor services countries in Latin America and the Caribbean without a brick-and-mortar presence out of its Miami office, and the site is home to both legacy Tech Data and Technology Solutions employees, according to the spokesman.

Utility workers restored electricity to more than 2 million Florida customers Tuesday, but that still left 5 million households in the dark following Hurricane Irma. Roughly half of Florida's 10.5 million customers were without power Tuesday night, down from 62 percent of customers the night before.

Irma hit the Florida Keys on Sunday as a Category 4 storm, destroying 25 percent of homes in the area, according to FEMA Administrator Brock Long. The hurricane resulted in severe flooding in Northeast Florida, as well as 23 fatalities in the U.S.
Internet of things News

Armis: Bluetooth Vulnerability Leaves 5 Billion IoT Devices Open To 'BlueBorne' Malware Attack

Lindsey O'Donnell

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A newly-discovered vulnerability is leaving over IoT devices open to a Bluetooth cyber attack dubbed "BlueBorne," according to IoT enterprise security company Armis.

Armis, which announced the vulnerability on Tuesday, said that as many as five billion Android, iOS, Linux and Microsoft devices could be left vulnerable  meaning that hackers could take over the devices, spread malware, or gain access to critical data and networks.

"This exploit allows individuals to take over the device via Bluetooth, and it takes place at the implementation level, not the protocol level, meaning that no pairing is required," Michael Parker, vice president of marketing at Armis, told CRN. "That means the attacker can come into a device unnoticed by users and it's not stoppable by firewalls or endpoint protection."

[Related: Symantec Warns Of Hackers Gaining 'Operational Access' To North American Power Grids]

Armis said that BlueBorne is "the most serious Bluetooth vulnerability identified to date," because the exploit can take place at the implementation level as opposed to the protocol level  meaning that the vulnerabilities bypass authentication methods and enable hackers to overtake the device completely.

Most devices with Bluetooth capabilities  such as smartphones, smart TVs, and automobile audio systems  are vulnerable to the attack, said Parker.

Ben Seri, head of research at Armis, said there are two ways attackers can use to exploit the devices. They could connect to a target device in an undetected manner before remotely executing code on the device so that they could take full control of a system. Also, they could create a "Bluetooth Pineapple" to sniff out traffic being sent Bluetooth devices, hijack this connection, and redirect traffic.

According to Armis, Google and Microsoft are releasing updates and patches starting on Tuesday, while other vendors are preparing patches "in various stages of being released."

However, Parker said that up to 40 percent of the 5.3 billion impacted devices probably would not be patchable  mainly because they are IoT devices, like smart refrigerators, that cannot be easily updated.

Right now, Armis said that users could disable Bluetooth to protect their connected devices while waiting for the patch.

Bill Frank, vice president of Security Services at INN04, a Boston, Mass.-based Armis partner, said that the channel's assessment capabilities could help an organization detect these types of vulnerabilities. Ultimately, he said, it is up to the manufacturers to provide patches, as well as the customers to upgrade their connected devices, to avoid BlueBorne.

"The main issue with BlueBorne is that in the past it's been hard to compromise a smartphone, but now you only need to be near someone's phone and connect via Bluetooth," he said. "It will be awhile before all these devices are patched, but there will be some ramifications to this as it will put some pressure on the carriers to do updates and patches faster."
Security News

Security Channel Chiefs: Solution Providers Can't Just Dabble And Expect To Succeed In Security

Sarah Kuranda

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When it comes to the massive opportunity around security, solution providers need to double down, not dabble, top security channel chiefs said.

"Especially in the security field, being a jack of all trades is a challenge," said McAfee Head of Channels and Operations for the Americas Ken McCray. "There's too many different nuances that go into it. If you're looking to be very, very successful, it's about looking towards the future and specializing."

McCray, speaking at a roundtable discussion of top security channel chiefs hosted by CRN at XChange 2017 in Orlando, Fla., said the opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many solution providers, but that those who try to tackle the entire market will struggle. He said the most successful solution providers will specialize in one area of security and invest big, then expand from there.

[The State Of Security: CRN's 2017 Security Roundtable]

Fortinet Vice President of Americas Channels and Emerging Technologies Joe Sykora said one of the biggest mistakes he sees solution providers making in security is trying to do it all and sell every vendor line. The challenge, he said, is that they then spread themselves too thin and can't provide the expertise needed around high-stakes security technology.

"You have different levels of ranking operation maturity and that's where people make mistakes," Sykora said. "They think they can be everything and instead, they hire all these engineers, offer all these solutions, and they go out of business." Sykora said this problem is especially acute in the SMB and midmarket.

Sykora said solution providers can find plenty of success by specializing on one area of product or services, then going deep in their expertise around that area with customers.

Todd Weber, vice president of partner strategy and research at Denver-based solution provider Optiv Security, agreed, saying partners need "deep expertise" to be able show value. When at scale, he said that requires significant investment in resources, recruiting, training and knowledge management systems.

Weber said there are "certainly dangers for clients" who don't have solution providers with the right expertise to put proper controls and governance in place.

"Solution providers should consider partnering to provide more holistic solutions to clients," Weber said.

That specialization can also translate into more vendor investment. The security channel chiefs all agreed that they are focusing their partner investments on those who have a focused security strategy and double down with a smaller set of vendors.

"It's a self-fulfilling prophecy: The more they commit, the better they get at solving the customer's problem, selling the solution that they are trying to sell.  Then they get that counter-investment from the vendors as well because the vendors see that they've made that commitment," said Crowdstrike Vice President of Business Development, Alliances, and Channels Matthew Polly. "We commit to the partners who commit to us."

McAfee's McCray agreed, saying partners need to "get off the fence" when it comes to working with multiple vendors to secure that investment. He said companies like McAfee aren't looking to focus investments on partners who will quickly quote the competition to customers. By focusing on fewer, but deeper vendor partnerships, he said solution providers can get more investment from vendors and better focus their engineering and technical teams.

"[Partners] need to pick a vendor and they need to establish a relationship with that vendor and they need to go to war with us," McCray said. "Partners who are walking in with us one day and walking in with my competitor the next day  that's a problem for us. That's a resource drain on all of us and all of a sudden we've devalued the entire solution. For me, partners need to get off the fence and they need to pick the manufacturer and determine who they are going to go to market with." All the channel chiefs agreed.

Sophos Vice President of Global Channels Kendra Krause said she is seeing partners increasingly moving to this model, focusing their efforts on fewer, more strategic vendors in security.

"I think that's the trend that's happening. We're seeing more and more of that," Krause said. "The partners that are with us, are in with us."

Kevin Richards, managing director of security strategy for North America at Accenture, said he is also seeing clients themselves looking to have deeper specialty around security. Richards said customers progress through three phases of security: interest, understanding and action. He said customers often have the interest and willingness to act but are now looking to go deeper and have an understanding of security and the impact it can have across the business.

"I think the leadership and the boards of directors and the C-suite are becoming much more savvy. They don't have to understand how to configure a firewall or cryptography software, but they are getting a good understanding that this isn't just a bolt-on. This is integral to the success of their enterprise," Richards said.

For Accenture, which has invested heavily in building out its security practice and consulting business, Richards said that means tying together the security practice more tightly with the company's other IT and digital transformation projects. He said he only expects that trend to grow as more customers look to double down on security.

"It's moving in the absolute right direction. We will see how quickly it continues to go on," Richards said.
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A Croydon MP has urged banking giant Barclays to reconsider its plans to close a branch in Thornton Heath.

Steve Reed, the Labour MP for Croydon North, has admitted he is very concerned after Barclays announced it will close the branch on Brigstock Road last month.

It is due to close on December 1, the bank has said.

In a letter sent to Barclays, which was published on his website, Mr Reed has urged the bank to reconsider its decision.

He said: Many of my constituents have contacted me with their concerns about your plans to close the Barclays bank in Thornton Heath.

I am very concerned that this would leave Thornton Heath without any bank at all.

"This would have a negative impact on the entire High Street, but in particular it would affect elderly and disabled residents who are uncomfortable with online banking and find it hard to travel to other parts of the borough.

Thornton Heaths Barclays is often very busy, showing the high level of demand for a physical bank in the area.

"Your decision is particularly disappointing as it undermines the work being led by Croydon Council to regenerate Thornton Heath High Street.

I hope that you will reconsider your plans and keep this branch open at the heart of an area that needs you there.

As well as the Thornton Heath branch closing, it was also announced that the branch on Lower Addiscombe Road, in Addiscombe, would also close.

Paul Turpin, community banking director for Barclays in south London, told the Advertiser last month that the decisions to close the branches were "not taken lightly".

He said: "We hope the availability of other local branches and access to the services at the nearby post office, along with our range of digital channels will help to ease the transition for our customers."

In an official statement sent to the Advertiser, Barclays said customers would be able to perform all transactions at their local post office, a result of a recent government initiative and that all staff currently employed in the two branches will be offered other positions locally.

All customers affected will be sent letters regarding the forthcoming closures and posters will be displayed in the respective branches, Barclays said.

Before the closures, the bank will be running "tea and teach" sessions within the branches, where customers can ask any questions they may have and staff can educate them on alternative banking methods.
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A dad-of-one who used to daydream about owning the perfect coffee shop during business meetings has turned his dreams into reality by opening a new cafe near South Norwood station.

Gary Thomas, who works as a security consultant, came up with the idea of opening Cafe Mimosa, on Station Road, as a result of frequently having to work in coffee shops for his job.

He said: Lots of what I do is based around meetings held in coffee shops and when you meet in places that are great and some that are not so great, you start thinking about what it would be like to have your own place.

It was all just a pipe dream at first when I started thinking about what my ideal cafe would look like, but then I realised that it was not beyond me to do this  and when this unit came up in this location it was just too good a chance to miss.

I think this area really needed something like this. I wanted to create somewhere relaxing for anyone and everyone to come and visit - a welcoming haven where people could meet.

Its very exciting to see it open  Im like a kid with a new toy.

(Image: by Grant Melton)

The cafe, which opened on Monday (September 11), serves coffee favourites including Americanos, lattes and cappuccinos, all brewed in south London by Coburg Coffee Company, as well as a range of herbal teas and soft drinks.

Also on the beverage menu is an indulgent iced drink called an Island Oasis  which is ice blended with a choice of flavours and topped with whipped cream and flavoured syrup.

If you can imagine a flavour, we can make it, explained Gary.

So far weve made vanilla iced coffee, fruit blend, caramel and lemon sorbet flavours.

In the next few weeks, Gary hopes to switch from disposable coffee cups to reusable bamboo ones in a bid to cut down waste.

For food, you can customise your own fillings for sandwiches served in either a baguette, a panini or artisan bread.

(Image: by Grant Melton)

If you fancy something sweet, a range of freshly-baked pastries and two handmade cakes  fruit cake and Victoria sponge  are also on offer.

Gary explained that although the menu is fairly small at the moment, he is likely to expand it based on what customers tell him they would like to see added.

Its early days right now so we are focusing on getting the best flavours from our fresh produce  like buffalo tomatoes, rocket and red onion  before expanding the menu based on how busy we are, he said.

Its very much a place to come and relax and have a snack rather than somewhere with a full kitchen serving cooked breakfasts.

In the coming weeks, Gary, 56, hopes to add indulgent Belgian waffles with maple syrup to the menu in a bid to bring back memories from his business trips to New York and satisfy sweet-toothed customers.

But he explained how the experience of eating at Cafe Mimosa is as much about the decor and atmosphere as it is about the coffee.

(Image: by Grant Melton)

The stunning decals on the turquoise walls were created by his German wife, Monika Gollasch, and the logo and owl window display were designed by his 13-year-old daughter Isabel.

Gary said: Coffee shop decor can be very cliche, so we decided that instead of hanging pictures on the wall, we could envision the walls as a story book trip of our last outing in Munich and make it more personal  each of the people has a story and the old lady with glasses is actually our former landlady.

Shes 92 and shes thrilled that shes been immortalised on the wall of a south London coffee shop.

Its been very much a collective effort with all of us paying a painstaking amount of attention to detail - but so far the response has all been positive and people seem to enjoy having the new cafe here.

Cafe Mimosa is open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays, 7am to 8pm on Saturdays and 8am to 8pm on Sundays, but these times may change after a month or so as staff learn when the busiest times are.

For more information, search for @cafemimosa_se25 on Twitter.
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Staff at a New Addington primary school have been criticised by Ofsted for "not doing enough" to ensure pupils know racist language has no place in schools or the community.

Worrying details in a recently published report reveal records of "several incidents" of pupils at Rowdown Primary School using racist language.

The report adds that "bullying" and "derogatory language" occurs at the school, but it is "dealt with and resolved swiftly".

Rowdown Primary School, which is part of the Fairchildes Academy Trust, was judged to be rated "requires improvement" by Ofsted in all of the areas assessed.

It has been told by the education watchdog to raise its standards and "rapidly" improve the quality of teaching.

Senior staff at the school insist measures are already in place to raise standards at the Calley Down Crescent school - following the checks which were carried out in June.

Inspectors were also particularly critical about the "below average" attendance levels - and pointed the blame at "some parents who continue to take their children out of school on holiday during term time".

Ofsted inspectors also said during their visit to the school a "small number" of pupils used "unpleasant language".

The report added: "Pupils say they understand that bullying and derogatory language are hurtful and should not be tolerated.

"They report that both occur but are generally dealt with and resolved swiftly.

"School records also show several incidents of racist language, all of which were addressed, which supports the pupils views.

"Assemblies regularly focus on each aspect of fundamental British values, with further support through personal and social education.

"Pupils are taught about the customs and practices of other faiths.

"However, leaders and staff are not doing enough to ensure that pupils understand that racist language has no place and should not be tolerated in school or in the wider community."

Ofsted also highlighted concerns about the "quality" and "consistency" of teaching at Rowdown.

The report, published on Monday (September 11), added: "School leaders have not taken robust enough action to ensure that teaching challenges the most able pupils.

"Consequently, few pupils work at greater depth in reading, writing and mathematics."

The report adds: "The progress of children is not consistently good across the early years.

"This is because teaching varies and does not challenge routinely the most able children.

"Most pupils behave well, but the school is not always proactive enough in ensuring that its values are promoted and understood by all.

"Some unpleasant language is used by a small number of pupils."

Ofsted praised the school's academy trust for showing "support and expertise" to improve the quality of teaching, leadership and governance.

The report said in order for Rowdown to maintain the drive to raise attendance levels, it needs to make it "clear to parents the importance of the regular attendance of their children and also that term-time holidays are not acceptable".

Last month it was revealed by the Advertiser that the then head teacher, Linda Shute, had stepped down from her role after more than a decade in the job.

Ros Sandell, who is the executive head teacher of the Fairchildes Academy Trust, said Rowdown is still recruiting for a new head teacher - however Katy Doe has been appointed as "acting head of school" in the meantime.

Ms Sandell added: "We are confident in her ability to lead the school at this time and news of her appointment has been received very positively by parents, pupils and staff alike."

Before the school converted from a community school and became an academy three years ago, it received a "requires improvement" rating from Ofsted in 2013.

According to the government's website, the number of pupils at the school meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths is 43% - the local authority average is 55% and England average is 53%.

The Advertiser asked to speak with Mrs Doe or Ms Sandell about specific points of the Ofsted report, however RoseAnne Ellis - who is the chair of trustees on the Fairchildes Academy Trust - instead emailed over a statement reacting to the report.

She said: "We welcome the Ofsted report, and are pleased that the inspectors recognised the progress which the school has made since joining the Fairchildes Academy Community Trust.

"We are encouraged that the areas requiring improvement noted by the inspectors were already in the school development plan for the coming year.

"The schools post-inspection action plan will help us to move these improvements forward swiftly.

"The school has been on a journey of improvement since joining the Trust and the inspectors recognised the progress made in aspects of teaching and learning, in the pupils behaviour in lessons, in our support for vulnerable pupils and in school governance, all of which have been key areas of development.

"We are acutely aware that further improvement is required in increasing the pace of change, and levels of challenge for pupils in order to further improve outcomes.

"However, we are greatly encouraged by this summers Key Stage 2 results and our Early Years childrens progress, both of which were much better than in previous years.

"We aim to build on this success to give all our children opportunities for the best possible achievement in the future."

*Are you a parent of a pupil at Rowdown Primary School? Does this report concern you? Do you think it is a fair reflection on Rowdown? Get in touch by emailing your views to thomas.mackintosh@croydonadvertiser.co.uk or call the newsdesk on 01737 305569.
FARGO  Ashton Matheny, boyfriend of the slain Fargo woman, Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, now has full legal custody of their baby girl, Haisley Jo.

A Cass County District Court judge on Tuesday dismissed the order that had placed the baby in protective custody of Cass County Social Services after she was found in the possession of one of the suspects charged in the case.

Its amazing  its all over with finally, Matheny said Tuesday. Ive been here almost a month fighting for my daughter. Its been the toughest month of my life.

The child had remained in protective custody awaiting results of DNA tests that were conducted to determine whether Matheny and LaFontaine-Greywind were the parents. Matheny reported on Monday that he had received word that the tests had confirmed that fact.

LaFontaine-Greywind, 22, disappeared on Aug. 19, while eight months pregnant. She had gone upstairs in her north Fargo apartment building to help a neighbor who asked her to model a dress that the neighbor was sewing. She never returned.

On Aug. 24, police raided the apartment where she was last seen. They found a newborn baby and arrested one of the tenants, Brooke Lynn Crews. Her live-in boyfriend, William Henry Hoehn, was arrested soon after. The suspects told police that the baby belonged to LaFontaine-Greywind.

Remarkably, the baby was healthy and has experienced no significant health problems. It is unknown when the baby was born or how she was born  whether she was born naturally, induced early, or taken from the mother violently.
BRIDGEPORT  The citys health director will host an educational water forum for residents later this month to discuss initiatives and conservation efforts.

Maritza Bond, Bridgeports health director, will host the forum on Monday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. alongside officials from The Environmental Protection Agency, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Bridgeport Lead Poisoning Prevention and Aquarion Water Company.
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BRIDGEPORT  City police are looking to identify three men who they say pistol-whipped a gas station employee during a robbery late Monday night.

Police responded to the BP Gas Station at 3725 Madison Avenue around 11:36 p.m. Monday for a report that three armed males robbed the gas station. Police said the suspects pistol-whipped the clerk in the head during the robbery and fled behind Goodfellas Pizza, located at 3741 Madison Avenue.
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New Englands largest energy provider has sent assistance to Florida to help restore power to the state after Hurricane Irma.

Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida on Sunday morning and more than 2 million residents were still without electricity on Wednesday, according to the Florida Power & Light Companys website. Power is expected to be restored on Floridas east coast by Sunday and west coast customers by Sept. 22, the utility said.

(There is a) possible exception of areas impacted by tornadoes, severe flooding and other pockets of severe damage, Florida Power & Lights website said.

A news release from Eversource said the company sent crews from Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire to help with power restoration efforts. A convoy of 70 vehicles, including the companys mobile command center, headed south to Florida on Saturday.

(They) drove through flash flood warnings, tornado warnings and tropical storm warnings before arriving in Florida to check in with the states largest power company, Florida Power & Light Company, according to the news release.

The convoy from New England made a scheduled stop in Virginia on Sunday to service the trucks and prepare for the work ahead.

The 100 employees sent to Florida arrived Tuesday and the restoration work was set to begin Wednesday, Eversource said. Workers received specific assignments to repair the widespread damage done to the states energy system as Irma tore through the area.

Eversource Incident Commander Marc Geaumont said the damage was extensive and the repairs would be challenging.

Were proud to join crews from throughout the country for this restoration effort, Geaumont said. We are all committed to working throughout the days and nights in the coming weeks to help get the lights on for customers here in Florida.

The news release said Eversource sent as many crews to Florida as possible and ensured enough resources were available to maintain order in New England.

Beyond just physical support, Eversources call center has provided support to Tampa Electric Co. by responding to outage calls from its customers.

Geaumont said the energy industry has a mutual aid network that has been helpful to New England.

In the past when we needed help, crews from all over the East Coast, including Florida, have assisted with our restoration efforts, Geaumont said. Were proud to provide aid to our utility partners that have readily supported us in previous storms.
ANSONIA  A former corporation counsel for Ansonia and Derby turned himself in to police Tuesday after being advised there was an active warrant for his arrest for an alleged drunk-driving accident that took place July 29 on Franklin Street.

On that day, Kevin Blake, a 57-year-old lawyer who lives on Birchwood Drive, struck a legally parked car, and was taken to Griffin Hospital with possible head injuries, police said.

Lt. Patrick Lynch said a search warrant was obtained for Blakes medical records, which showed his blood alcohol content was .22  nearly three times the legal limit in Connecticut.

Blake was charged with driving while under the influence and released on a $500 bond pending a Sept. 26 appearance at Superior Court in Derby, police said.

Blake served as corporation counsel for Ansonia under Mayor James DellaVolpe. When DellaVolpe lost the 2013 mayoral election to Republican David Cassetti, Blake was let go. Weeks later he was hired as corporation counsel by Derby Maor Anita Dugatto, but was replaced after a few months.

Im sorry to hear that, Dugatto said of Blakes situation during her successful campaign Tuesday for Derbys Democratic mayoral nomination. Its unfortunate.

In August, Blake was nominated by Ansonia Democrats to run for aldermen in the 7th Ward during Novembers municipal elections. He previously served as an Ansonia alderman.

Neither Blake nor Ansonia Democratic leaders returned calls or emails this week about Blakes status in the November election. He is currently employed as a personal injury lawyer for the Jonathan Perkins law firm in Bridgeport, according to the firms website.

According to police, a witness said he heard the July crash and spoke to Blake, asking the driver if he had been drinking.

He said yes, the witness is quoted as saying in the police report. He got out of the car and was staggering all over and slurring his words very bad.

A police officer also described smelling alcohol on Blakes breath, seeing him swaying back and forth and slurring his speech. Airbags were deployed on the passenger side of Blakes Honda SUV which struck an unoccupied Ford Fusion. No standardized field sobriety test was conducted on the scene because of possible head trauma, according to the police report.
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STRATFORD  Democrat Stephanie Philips and Republican Laura Hoydick won their primaries to get the endorsements of their respective political parties Tuesday.

Both were favored to win. Philips is a former member of the Town Council and is the chairwoman of the Democratic Town Committee. Hoydick is the popular state representative from the 120th Assembly District.

Philips was in a three-way race, facing former DTC Chairman Len Petruccelli and the 2013 Democratic mayoral hopeful, Joe Paul. The final unofficial vote was: Philips, 1,261; Petruccelli, 357; and Paul, 480.

Hoydick, the GOP-endorsed candidate, was being challenged by former Republican councilwoman Sandra Zalik. The unofficial tally gave Hoydick the victory by 1,385-315.

Mayor John Harkins, a Republican, announced back in March that he wouldnt seek re-election to a third four-year term.

Both Paul and Zalik have said theyll be appearing on the ballot on November as unaffiliated candidates.

Primary day was a complicated affair in Stratford, where 19 people were waging primary battles in most of the 10 council districts.

District 1

One of the more closely watch races was in District 1, where incumbent Democrat Beth Daponte was being challenged by John Rich and newcomer Bieu Tran, who pulled out a surprising victory. Rich is in the wing of the party that supports Philips.

In that race, the result were: Tran, 154; Daponte, 128; and Rich, 93. Daponte was a mayoral hopeful four years ago, but she lost a primary bid to Joe Paul.

Meanwhile, Republicans in District 1 had to choose between party-endorsed candidate Chris Pia and his challenger, Mark T. Scheck. Scheck is in the sparsely populated anti-Harkins wing of the party and is philosophically more closely aligned with the Philips zero tax increase camp of the Democrats.

Scheck was even behind a Recall Beth effort a couple years back, one that didnt get much farther than the lawn sign stage.

The results in that primary was Pia 263, Scheck 87.

District 2

In the 2nd District, Democratic incumbent Scott Farrington-Posner was being challenged by Neil Sherman. Farrington-Posner, the favorite, was backing Paul in the mayoral race while Sherman was behind Petruccelli.

In that race, the unofficial result was Farrington-Posner 139, Sherman, 57.

District 3

The incumbent in District 3, Democrat Wali Kadeem, was facing a primary battle against Dion Francis. Kadeem is in the Philips wing of the party while Francis is more closely aligned with Petruccelli.

The result in that race was Kadeem 215, Francis, 144.

District 4

A strange and uncomfortable primary battle for Democrats played out for the District 4 council seat, as incumbent Democrat David Harden faced a challenge from his ex-wife, Indiana Susana.

The couples divorce was granted by the courts on April 11. Susana is the Philips camp and Harden was aligned with Petruccelli. The unofficial result was Harden 90, Susana, 70.

District 5

In this Democratic primary, incumbent Councilman Greg Cann faced John Dempsey, an old hand in Stratford politics.

The unofficial results were Cann 123, Dempsey, 40.

District 6

This race pitted Democratic incumbent Philip Young against Prez Palmer, who was a State Senate hopeful in 2016.

The unofficial result was Palmer 99, Young, 68.

District 7

The incumbent, Marianne Mitzi Antezzo, an outspoken critic of Mayor Harkins, was waging a primary against the party-endorsed candidate and former cop Bill Perillo. The unofficial tally in that race had Perillo on top, 217-74.

District 10

This Democratic race had incumbent Tina Marie Manus up against challenger Matthew Light. Manus is in the Philips camp while Light is in the Petruccelli fold.

The preliminary results were Manus 179, Light, 50. Interestingly, Manus collected more votes in her district than did Republican did mayoral primary winner Hoydick.

Other municipalities in the region that had primaries on Tuesday included Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Stratford, Ansonia, Derby, Hamden, Newtown , Norwalk, Greenwich, Guilford, Redding, West Haven and Westbrook. In all, 32 cities and towns in Connecticut staged primaries.
WASHINGTON  Sen. Richard Blumenthal has cast his lot with the Democratic Partys progressive wing on a key issue, signing on to Sen. Bernie Sanders Medicare for All measure unveiled Wednesday.

Health care should be a right, and not a luxury, Blumenthal, D-Conn., said at a Capitol Hill rally to unveil the Sanders bill. Access to this basic right is as American as our flag.

Blumenthal pledged to hold a series of hearings around Connecticut to gauge public reaction to universal Medicare.

At the rally, Blumenthal joined a list of Senate liberal Democratic all-stars who are backing the Sanders approach. Among them: Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Kirstin Gillibrand, D-N.Y.

Other Connecticut Democratic lawmakers have either looked askance at the Sanders bill or said they were mulling it over.

Sen. Chris Murphy is still reviewing the legislation, spokeswoman Laura Maloney said earlier this week.

Murphy is working on his own proposal, which would make Medicare an option for all customers on current Obamacare exchanges. It could be ready in the coming weeks, Maloney said.

A spokesman for Rep. Jim Himes referred to a series of tweets on the subject that Himes wrote in June.

Speaking for myself, this is the kind of massive change that requires serious and thoughtful consideration: hearings, town halls, SCORE, he said, referring to the scoring typically done by the Congressional Budget Office that determines how much a piece of legislation will cost and what the impact will be.

Sanders unveiled the proposal Wednesday as Congress continued to grapple with the aftershocks of Republican failure to pass their own substitute for Obamacare.

No less than five separate measures are now or soon to be under consideration by Congress, including a repeal-Obamacare bill from Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., that redistribute Obamacare money to states in the form of block grants. Their measure won praise from President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

The narrow Senate defeat of the previous GOP bill in July left President Barack Obamas signature legislative achievement hanging by a thread, underfunded by a Republican-controlled Congress but still the only game in town.

Medicare for All, if enacted, ultimately would replace Obamacare. It also could signal the end of the core of employer-provided health insurance, which covers 49 percent of Americans nationwide, 52 percent in Connecticut

As the name implies, the measure would make a Medicare-type government system available to all Americans. Medicare now provides government-subsidized health care to more than 55 million, the vast majority of them over age 65.

Republicans have castigated it as the ultimate in government-run health care. Critics have cited a study by the non-partisan Urban Institute projecting it would cost the U.S. government $32 trillion over 10 years.

Taxes could rise astronomically for individual households, but might be offset by lower or no premiums and reduced health-care costs overall.

Sanders himself has conceded his bill has little chance in the GOP-dominated Congress, telling NPR the purpose is to inject a single-payer system into the health-care debate on Capitol Hill.

In endorsing the Sanders plan, Blumenthal insisted he wanted to see the current Obamacare markets stabilized as part of a gradual transition.

Asked whether the looming prospect of Medicare for All would actually destabilize the health-insurance markets further, Blumenthal said this week that it was possible to accomplish both in sequence.

Just because you know youre going to buy a new car doesnt mean you dont fill the gas tank or fix a flat on the car you have now, he said.

dan@hearstdc.com
WESTPORT  A failed dine and dash attempt led to charges against a Fairfield man, police said.

Westport police responded to Sakura Japanese Restaurant at 8 p.m. Friday on reports of an intoxicated customer who had fled the establishment without paying his bill of $61.63.

Shortly after the call, police located a white Jeep with New York license plates nearby on Myrtle Avenue, which fit the descriptions provided by restaurant employees.

In the vehicle, police found 40-year-old Scott Snelwar, who police said smelled heavily of alcohol and had glossy, bloodshot eyes.

When Snelwar was pulled out of the car to perform a field sobriety test, police say he swayed and struggled to stand up straight, reports said.

The Fairfield resident then went on to fail the sobriety tests, which resulted in his being arrested and being charged with operating while under the influence and sixth-degree larceny.

Snelwar was released after posting a $1,000 bond, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 18.

ptomlinson@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2570; Twitter: @Tomlinson_PE
SOUTH DAKOTA  Fire crews are battling a wildfire that was caused by lighting Monday afternoon in Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.

The Rankin Fire has burnt an estimated 300 acres and is located in the northern part of the park near the Highland Creek Trailhead. It is currently zero percent contained.

The fire was reported just before 2 p.m. Monday and is burning toward the south, in steep, rocky terrain fueled by grass and timber.

A Type III incident management team is overseeing the work of approximately 85 firefighters and and aerial attack.

Crews worked throughout the night burning out the southern portion of the fire according to Great Plains Fire Dispatch but now the incident commander is concerned about the current south winds and crews are working now to secure the northern portions or the fire.

September and October are historically when we have the biggest fires in the park, said Park Superintendent Vidal Davila in a press release. We encourage everyone to be extra cautious with their outdoor activities due to the hot and dry conditions we are experiencing.

Currently the only closures are the northern segment of NPS 5 and all backcountry hiking trails north of Wind Cave Canyon.

The park visitor center remains open with cave tours leaving from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the day.
FARGO  An online petition calling for the condemnation and demolition of the north Fargo apartment building where the slain Fargo woman, Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, lived and was last seen alive, is stirring up controversy.

The petition, posted to change.org, was created on Friday by a concerned neighbor. As of Tuesday afternoon, it had 2,250 supporters. The creator had removed the full petition, and said that the petition and results would be mailed to the city of Fargo.

The building has been a constant menace to the neighborhood, the petition said. The police are always over at the building. City code violations. Owner refuses to do anything to improve the visible looks of the building until the City of Fargo forces him to.

The three-floor, seven-unit apartment building at 2825 9th St. N. is owned by CW Investments of Fargo. Christopher Owens, a Farmers Insurance agent in Fargo, is listed as the registered agent for the company. The building was constructed in 1960.

When contacted about the petition, Owens said, I have no response.

Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney said on Tuesday that the city could not condemn and demolish a building merely because a petition asked the city to do that. He said a building could only be demolished by the city if it suffered from blight and was a hazard. That normally only happens with abandoned buildings, he said.

Opinion about whether the apartment building is a problem property varies. Fargo police have been called to the property 29 times in the last year, though 10 of those calls have come since LaFontaine-Greywind disappeared and some are related to that case.

Six of the calls have been for domestic or other disturbances, three for narcotics and two for unspecified abuse. One required K-9 officers. A call for a suicidal person in March 2017 came from the apartment occupied by Brooke Lynn Crews and William Henry Hoehn, the two suspects charged with conspiring to murder LaFontaine-Greywind and conspiring to kidnap her baby.

But Bruce Taralson, inspections administrator for the city of Fargo, said, I dont recall issues with that building. He said the city did receive a complaint from a tenant of the building in July 2016, but all nine violations were corrected by the building owner. He said the owner had the entire exterior of the building repainted in response.

Grant Larson, director of environmental health for Fargo Cass Public Health, said his agency has received no complaints about the property since 2008. His department handles complaints for tall grass, weeds, garbage, excessive animal waste and similar problems.

A couple who own a house across the street from the apartment building, however, characterized the property as a nuisance. They said they supported the petition.

I would like to see it gone for any number of reasons, not just the sad events that happened there, said Rosalie Johnson. There always seems to be something going on there, police called for one reason or another. It smells, and its dirty.

Her husband, Gerald Johnson added: The landlord is one of those slumlords. He takes the money and doesnt do anything. Its a problem building.

The online petition angered Christipher Smokey Miranda, a resident of the apartment building.

I think its ridiculous, he said. I think we should focus on making a memorial for Savanna rather than the rest of this. People are making really absurd and hateful comments about the rest of us who live here.

He added: We have to have a place to live. My girl is disabled. Im having surgery tomorrow. We live in low-income housing. Theres nowhere else for us to go.

Joe and Norberta Greywind, parents of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, and their children moved out of the building over the weekend, according to a family member.
MICHAEL GORDON

The charlotte observerSeptember 1, 2017An international investigation has picked up speed into whether a controversial Rutherford County church operated a human-trafficking pipeline with its South American congregations, U.S. Attorney Jill Rose says.Word of Faith Fellowship in Spindale has been the target of government probes in the past over whether it has mistreated children in its care or subjected its members to beatings and other abuse to expel sins, including homosexual demons.But Rose says an ongoing investigation into how the church treated immigrants from its two Brazilian missions has gained traction in both countries.We and our Brazilian counterparts are making great progress in this case, she told the Observer. Rose declined to elaborate, saying she cant discuss an ongoing investigation.The basis of the investigation was detailed in a July report by the Associated Press, which alleged that church pastor Jane Whaley and other Word of Faith leaders operated a human pipeline that brought hundreds of young Brazilians to North Carolina over the past two decades. Most were members of Word of Faith congregations in Brazil.Those who came were forced to work long hours for businesses owned and operated by church members for little or no pay. Many of the Brazilian women served as babysitters or helped in the churchs school, according to AP interviews with 16 former Brazilian members of Word of Faith.The Brazilians told AP they were often physically or verbally assaulted. The reporters also reviewed police reports and formal complaints lodged in Brazil about the churchs harsh conditions.In some cases, according to the AP reports, some of the Brazilians were forced into arranged marriages so they could stay permanently.They kept us as slaves, one former Brazilian church member said. How can yo do that to people  claim you love them and then beat them in the name of God?In July, 10 former church members said they had been contacted by federal authorities investigating reports of abuse, forced labor and visa fraud, the AP said. No charges have been filed.A spokesman for the Charlotte law firm of Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, which is representing Whaley in connection with the federal probe, said its own investigation indicates that the churchs Brazilian missions have been mischaracterized in media reports.In a July statement released after the AP report, Word of Faith leaders said they were appalled by allegations that Brazilian congregants had been enslaved.It is ludicrous that people now claim they were in an abusive environment at our church but admit that they traveled from Brazil to the United States many different times, returning repeatedly to their place of alleged enslavement, the statement said.Rose has history with the church. Earlier in her career she was an assistant district attorney in a judicial district that included Word of Faiths home county of Rutherford. In 2014, as an assistant U.S. attorney, Rose interviewed several former church members who had accused Word of Faith of mistreating Brazilians, the AP has reported.Whaley and her husband started Word of Faith in 1979, building a diverse, financially successful but widely debated congregation in the North Carolina foothills. The church operates within a 35-acre compound and has its own security force. Critics say Whaleys absolute control extends to where people live and when married couples can have sex.The churchs distinctive practices, including a form of prayer known as blasting in which a church member is subjected to prolonged shouting and shaking to expel sinful impulses, have led to the church being called a cult.In June, the assault and kidnapping trial of a church leader, who was among a group congregants accused of assaulting Matthew Fenner to expel his homosexual demons, ended in a mistrial due to the misconduct of a juror.Fenner said he was leaving a prayer service in January 2013, when nearly two dozen people surrounded him in the sanctuary. He said they slapped, punched, choked and blasted him for two hours.The church leaders attorney said the allegations were untrue, and that Fenner wanted to punish the church for condemning his homosexuality.Michael Gordon: 704-358-5095, @MikeGordonOBS
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 ...
Pa. Dems could flip the House of Reps. Here's what that might mean
Just as Americans are coming together in the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, a man-made storm is brewing and the designated first responders are members of Congress.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced recently that the same lawmakers who seem to view compromise as a threat to their livelihoods have six months to rescue the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that applies to around 800,000 young people known as Dreamers who lack legal immigration status through no fault of their own.

President Barack Obama established the DACA program by executive order in 2012 after Congress failed to address what many now consider a humanitarian issue. President Donald Trump, who recently said he loves the Dreamers, wants Congress to find a legislative solution or he may revisit the issue later, which might be the best hope for Dreamers who could be deported to countries as foreign to them as to a rancher born and raised in western South Dakota.

House Speaker Paul Ryan did offer them a sliver of hope when he told reporters, "I think there's a serious humane issue here that needs to be dealt with." He added, however: But it's only fitting and reasonable that we also deal with some of the root causes of this problem. We're going to work with our members to find out where that compromise is."

But compromise is not part of the vocabulary of Republican lawmakers like Rep. Steve King of Iowa, who criticized Trump for not sending the Dreamers packing immediately.

South Dakotas Republican lawmakers  Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds and Rep. Kristi Noem  have not yet taken a public stand on the issue even though approximately 500 state residents are Dreamers, which is disappointing but not unexpected.

The Dreamers can now expect to become a focal point of the immigration debate that helped Trump get elected president. But these young people who consider themselves Americans are not the criminals that Trump referred to when he declared he would build a border wall that Mexico would pay for someday.

In order to be a Dreamer, participants must have no criminal record, prove they were brought to the U.S. before age 16 and be under 31 years old when the program was launched. They also must renew their permit every two years. These are people who follow the rules, serve in the military, attend college, pay their taxes and work in professional careers. One of the heroes of Houston who died was a Dreamer who drove more than 100 miles to rescue Hurricane Harvey victims.

Among those who support the program are 400 business leaders who asked Trump to preserve the program. According to a recent report from the Center of American Progress, 72 percent of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies employ Dreamers. Religious leaders, law enforcement officials, judges and Republican senators like Lindsey Graham of South Carolina support the program.

Three things are clear moving ahead if Congress fails to preserve the program in a timely manner or at all: The issue will further divide our country along racial lines; our illegal immigration problems will continue to exist; and opponents of reform will be galvanized and millions of Hispanic voters and others will be energized for the upcoming mid-term elections and beyond.

However, this shouldn't be a debate only about immigration policy. The Dreamers are real people with families here who deserve better from the place we like to call the greatest country in the world. Congress needs to put people ahead of politics this time.

 Rapid City (S.D.) Journal
For years, the tinpot socialist revolutionary John McDonnell was rightly a marginalised figure in British politics.

His inflammatory rhetoric and extreme views meant he was on the wild, outer fringes of the far-Left as the Labour MP for the London seat of Hayes and Harlington.

But he is no longer in the political wilderness where he belongs. Due to the astonishing rise of his closest ally, Jeremy Corbyn, McDonnell has a central role at the heart of our national life.

Due to the astonishing rise of his closest ally, Jeremy Corbyn, Labour deputy leader John McDonnell has a central role at the heart of our national life says Leo McKinstry

He is not only the Shadow Chancellor but also the chief architect of Labour policy  the ruthless puppet-master pulling Corbyns strings.

Backed by an increasingly angry, self-righteous alliance of Left-wing activists and trade unionists, he is now doing his best to undermine Britains long-established parliamentary democracy with his sinister destructive creed.

Menace

Never in recent British history has there been a more dangerous MP. McDonnells whole approach is laced with menace and zealotry.

This is a man who, in the past, has talked of honouring IRA terrorists and of garrotting a government minister. He once said hed like to travel back in time and kill Margaret Thatcher  although he later apologised for the comment. More recently, he said Grenfell Tower fire victims were murdered by political decisions.

Most disturbingly, like the worst kind of totalitarian radical, he loathes the concept of democracy, preferring governance by a revolutionary cadre.

He is not only the Shadow Chancellor but also the chief architect of Labour policy  the ruthless puppet-master pulling Corbyns strings

As a Mail investigation revealed yesterday, McDonnell told a Left-wing gathering in December 2013 of his belief in socialist insurrection.

Parliamentary democracy doesnt work for us, elections arent working for us, he declared, adding that we want to bring down the Government by whatever mechanism we have. The weapons of this insurgency, he explained, could include mass demonstration and strikes to bring this country to a standstill.

That was almost four years ago, but McDonnell has not changed despite his rise to Labours front rank.

Behind the veneer of moderation he occasionally adopts, McDonnell is still preaching the gospel of socialist revolt.

During the summer, he spent months at rallies and on picket lines, calling for protests to drive the Tories from office.

In one appearance, at the Bakers Union, he said he wanted to see a million demonstrators on the streets. In another, at Goldsmiths College in London, he gleefully pronounced, in his usual demotic manner, that it was already kicking off, and he hoped that in the near future co-ordinated street action by thousands of people would close off Parliament Square.

What is so depressing about such calls for strikes and extra-parliamentary agitation is that McDonnell is betraying the tradition of Labour.

Never in recent British history has there been a more dangerous MP. McDonnells whole approach is laced with menace and zealotry

Chaos

Until Corbyn, all Labour leaders  from Ramsay MacDonald to Ed Miliband  believed in democracy and parliamentary governance.

Indeed, so deep was Clement Attlees faith in parliamentary democracy that in 1948 he made boundary changes, even though they damaged Labours election chances.

It was the responsible thing to do, he said with his usual integrity.

Tragically, today, we are witnessing the opposite approach, with senior Left-wing politicians and trade union leaders eager to exercise their muscle for partisan political interests.

In place of persuasion, the Left, under Corbyn and McDonnell, now relies on intimidation and threats of chaos. We have seen that at this weeks TUC Conference, where the air has been filled with venomous talk of how to extract more taxpayers money for public sector workers.

In place of persuasion, the Left, under Corbyn and McDonnell, now relies on intimidation and threats of chaos. We have seen that at this weeks TUC Conference, where the air has been filled with venomous talk of how to extract more taxpayers money for public sector workers

On Monday, comrades passed a resolution calling for a nationwide campaign of industrial action if the Government fails to give a 5 per cent pay rise to public-sector workers, even though the bill would amount to 9 billion a year.

The Governments announcement yesterday that the 1 per cent public sector pay cap will be lifted, starting with more generous settlements for the police and prison officers, merely inflamed the mood of rebellion.

We have to discuss how we use the opportunity to inflict a major industrial and political defeat on the Government, said Matt Wrack, the leader of the Fire Brigades Union.

Democracy means little to these self-appointed troublemakers. Many do not even have a shred of democratic credibility themselves.

For example, Unite leader Len McCluskey was re-elected this summer on a turnout of just 12 per cent of his members. Sally Hunt, of the University and College Union, was re-elected general secretary this year on a turnout of 13 per cent.

Even worse, hardline Left-winger Kevin Courtney was elected general secretary of the National Union of Teachers on a turnout of just 10 per cent. Just 6 per cent of the 334,000 eligible members voted for him. Yet these are the same men and women who shriek about Theresa May not having a mandate to govern  even though the Tories received 42 per cent of the vote in the election.

Thanks to McDonnell, the Left and union bosses, there is a whiff of anarchy in the air. With the political atmosphere so febrile and the Tories lacking a Commons majority, the comrades see the chance to cause mayhem.

Thanks to McDonnell, the Left and union bosses, there is a whiff of anarchy in the air. With the political atmosphere so febrile and the Tories lacking a Commons majority, the comrades see the chance to cause mayhem.

Already, the number of strikes is on the increase. In 2016, the number of working days lost to labour disputes was 322,000  almost double the total of 170,000 in the previous year.

Predictably, the vast majority of unrest was in the public sector, where union power now lies. Forty-five days were lost per 1,000 employees, compared with just three days per 1,000 in the private sector.

Of course, the unions have nothing like the power they once enjoyed. Their membership has halved since 1979, and just 13 per cent of private sector workers are unionised.

But through their monopolistic grip on public services, they can still inflict misery, as we have seen with recent rail strikes and the junior doctors stoppage last year.

The Corbynites disdain not just democracy, but also the rule of law. There is every indication that, in their bid to damage the Tories, the militants are happy to break the law by ignoring the Trade Union Act 2016.

Until Corbyn, all Labour leaders  from Ramsay MacDonald to Ed Miliband  believed in democracy and parliamentary governance.Once, Labour was the authentic voice of working people. Now, it has become a vehicle for dangerous ideologues, law-breakers and enemies of democracy

Strikes

It stipulates that strikes are only legal if they are backed by a turnout of 50 per cent of a unions eligible members, with the majority voting in favour.

In respect of public services, at least 40 per cent of members have to back any industrial action. Yesterday, Mr McCluskey defiantly said that co-ordinated public sector strikes, even to the point of illegality, were very likely and very much on the cards.

Claiming that the unions are victims of the Tories, he said: If the Government have pushed us outside the law, then they will have to stand the consequences.

He was backed by Shadow Justice Minister Richard Burgon, a Corbyn loyalist who refused four times on Radio 4s Today programme to deny Labour backs illegal strikes.

This is an outrageous position for a supposedly democratic movement.

Once, Labour was the authentic voice of working people. Now, it has become a vehicle for dangerous ideologues, law-breakers and enemies of democracy.
A woman who gave birth to a phenomenal six-kilo newborn baby boy in January has shared pictures of her son - seven months after his delivery made headlines around the world.

Nina Tassell, from Perth, gave birth to Judah Kai on Australia Day this year, his staggering weight even defying the belief of the midwives in the hospital.

Now seven months on, Nina has told Daily Mail Australia her son, who now weighs nearly 10kg, gets on swimmingly with his three brothers, has already outgrown countless baby clothes and is now wearing toddler-size nappies.

Nina Tassell, from Perth, gave birth to Judah Kai (pictured) on Australia Day this year, his staggering weight even defying the belief of the midwives in the hospital

The mother delivered the whopping 6kg boy in the foyer of her home

Judah (pictured) stunned nurses when he came out a staggering 6kg and 59cm in length

'We knew he'd be big because my other three boys were quite large when they came out,' Nina said.

'But I am just glad I had no idea how big he was going to be! I probably would have been too scared to go into labour.'

Judah arrived at a healthy 5.95 kilos, compared to the average 3.3 kilos, and measured 59cm, 8cm longer than the average length.

But surprisingly Nina says the delivery wasn't too much more painful than her previous three births, and it was only when Judah was weighed did she realise just how unconventionally large he was.

Nina has shared photos of her son Judah nearly eight months after his birth made headlines

It was only when Judah was weighed did she realise just how unconventionally large he was

Nearly eight months have passed since Judah was born and he is now wearing toddler-size nappies and has outgrown newborn clothes

'When he was weighed the nurse actually weighed him again because she genuinely thought the scales were broken,' she said.

At nearly eight months old, Judah is now a very 'smiley' boy who adores his siblings and already has two teeth.

'He can't even crawl yet but he's in toddler size nappies and size zero clothes,' Nina laughed.

Size zero usually caters for children aged around a year old.

Judah is now a very 'smiley' boy who adores his siblings and already has two teeth

'He can't even crawl yet but he's in toddler size nappies and size zero clothes,' Nina laughed

'We knew he'd be big because my other three boys were quite large when they came out,' Nina said

'Everyone who comes to see him says he looks normal size, only when you place him next to a baby of the same age do you realise how big he is.'

Being the last of her four boys, Nina says Judah suffers from 'fourth child syndrome' - meaning she doesn't obsessively weigh her son as much as she did her first several children.

'I've got four kids under six now so my hands are a bit full too,' she added.
A woman who suffered the heartache of multiple miscarriages is convinced that taking the simple hormone progesterone helped her to finally become a mother.

Rebecca Woodcock, 37, from Stafford, had discovered the 'controversial' drug during research after she experienced the loss of four babies over the course five years.

Heartbroken and 'desperate to become a mother', Rebecca sought a second opinion and was told she had a 'septum' - an upside-down, triangular shaped piece of tissue which divided her uterine cavity and which can play a part in recurrent miscarriages.

Rebecca had an operation to remove it and continued using the progesterone and fell pregnant with her three-year-old son Henry.

The mother was convinced of the power of the drug when she then stopped using it and had another miscarriage - only when she resumed her doses did she fall pregnant again with her second child Matilda, now three months.

She believes the drug - which is prescribed to women who experience recurrent miscarriage - was the 'key' and urges any other women who have suffered similar problem to seek it out a second opinion whatever the cost.

Rebecca Woodcock, 37, from Stafford experienced the heartache of four miscarriages before she became a mother to two children. Above, pictured with her son Henry, three

Progesterone itself, said to be 'oestrogen's cousin' or the 'relaxing hormone', is thought to help to maintain pregnancy, helping to keep the uterus muscle relaxed and boosting the body's immune system.

On the NHS, progesterone is typically only given to women who've had 'recurrent' miscarriage - described as three or more losses in a row.

WHAT IS PROGESTERONE? Progesterone is prescribed to women who experience recurrent miscarriage. Said to be 'oestrogen's cousin' or the 'relaxing hormone', is thought to help to maintain pregnancy. It is not typically prescribed on the NHS in the UK unless a woman has three or more miscarriages in a row. Advertisement

Shunning the NHS to go private

Rebecca, who opted to go private, explained: 'I know there's some debate about the use of progesterone, and that it's a controversial subject.

'Compared to countries like France or Italy, women in the UK have to jump through so many hoops just to get it.

'But I was lucky enough to have been prescribed it at a private fertility clinic following my recurrent miscarriages, and I'm convinced that progesterone really helped.

'It's too much of a coincidence for it not to have done. And I'd urge other women in my position to explore that option for themselves.'

The project manager says that despite the UK lagging behind the rest of Europe when it comes to prescribing progesterone to women who experience recurrent miscarriage, she suspects it played a key role in her welcoming healthy children into the world.

Henry, with his three-month-old sister Matilda, were born after Rebecca sought a second opinion on her fertility treatment

Reasons for miscarriage

Rebecca suffered her first miscarriage in November 2011, when she was nine weeks pregnant, and in February 2012 Rebecca miscarried once more.

FERTILITY TIMELINE Nov 2011: Rebecca suffered her first miscarriage Feb 2012: She went through a second painful miscarriage. Sought NHS advice but unhappy with the plan to hold back a thorough examination, Rebecca went private. Dec 2012: Operation to remove her septum and fibroids, miscarried a third time. Began taking progesterone and then fell pregnant in June 2013. Jan 2014: Gave birth to son Henry, and stopped taking progesterone. 2016: Suffered a fourth miscarriage and was advised to go back on progesterone. Oct 2016: Conceived baby Matilda, and gave birth to her in June 2017. Advertisement

Following ultrasound scans, Rebecca learned she had a bicornuate, or 'heart-shaped' uterus and 'fibroids' - small growths that develop in or around the womb - with both conditions potentially contributing to the risk of miscarriage.

At this point Rebecca was told that a more thorough examination of her reproductive system would only be authorised if she miscarried for a third time.

But, unhappy with that plan, Rebecca decided to leave NHS care and seek advice from leading UK consultant gynaecologist Luciano Nardo, Clinical Director at the Reproductive Health Group in Daresbury, Cheshire.

'Desperate to become a mother'

It was under Mr Nardo's care that Rebecca also learned she had a septum in her uterus - an upside-down, triangular shaped piece of tissue which divided her uterine cavity and which can play a part in recurrent miscarriage.

Rebecca explains: 'There's no blood supply to the septum, so if the embryo attaches there it won't survive. It also means there's less room in the womb for the baby to grow.'

She went on to have operations to remove the septum and fibroids. And when Rebecca miscarried for a third time in December 2012, Mr Nardo also took the decision to prescribe progesterone tablets.

She reveals: 'By this point in time, the need for me to become a mum was becoming all-consuming.

'I was desperate. Once you've decided that the time is now, you just will for it to happen.'

After Rebecca had an operation to remove her fibroids and septum she was successful in falling pregnant

PROGESTERONE STUDY IN US In January this year, new research from the Yale School of Medicine, in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Chicago, USA, examined the role of progesterone in helping mothers to carry a pregnancy successfully to term. Lead researcher Dr. Mary D. Stephenson examined 116 women who inexplicably lost two or more pregnancies between 2004-2012, at more than 10 weeks into their pregnancies. Some of the women were administered 100-200 milligrams of progesterone every 12 hours. And in the group who received the treatment, the pregnancy success rate jumped from six percent to 69 percent after progesterone administration. Dr Stephenson said: 'We are very pleased to find that these results reinforce the evidence that progesterone could be a very beneficial, inexpensive, and safe treatment for many women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss.' NHS figures suggest about 20 per cent of pregnancies miscarry in the first three months and many women who lose these babies do go on to have successful subsequent pregnancies. Advertisement

To her utter joy, Rebecca fell pregnant with Henry in June 2013 - she celebrated the moment with her partner Mark Bishop before telling her doctor Mr Nardo.

He recommended she keep taking progesterone, high-dose folic acid, and low-dose aspirin, for the first three months of her pregnancy, as well as having blood-thinning injections for the first 12 weeks.

Becoming a mother - twice

After a nervous wait she gave birth to Henry in January 2014 via caesarean section at Stoke University Hospital but was desperate to provide a sibling for her son.

As if to illustrate the potential power of progesterone, when Rebecca suffered a fourth miscarriage in 2016, it came during a time when she had not been taking the hormone.

Rebecca fell pregnant with Matilda in October 2016, only after she resumed taking progesterone following a fourth miscarriage

When she did resume, her gorgeous baby girl Matilda - who Henry dotes on - was conceived in October 2016 and was born in June this year.

A grateful Rebecca reveals: 'If I could give any advice, it would be to stay strong and not lose faith. There are people like me who've had four miscarriages and who know have two happy, healthy children.

'There's always hope. Keep trying.

'I'm convinced that, as well as the expertise and care from Mr Nardo, was one of the biggest factors in my success.'

Mr Nardo said of Rebecca's amazing story: 'It can be difficult within the NHS to get investigations into miscarriage initiated until a patient has experienced this three times or more.

'It hasn't yet been conclusively proved that taking progesterone helps but there have certainly been studies that have suggested it can be a factor.'
A hairdresser who was warned to give up her job because of severe eczema on her hands cured the condition in just two weeks with a 3.99 baby cream.

Nicole O'Dwyer, 21, from Tipperary, Ireland, has suffered from chronic eczema on her hands since birth and tried countless products on prescription including steroid cream and emollient moisturisers.

Frequently having her hands in water and using hair products made her condition even worse, and she was in constant agony.

But in July Nicole's dad Kieran suggested she should try 3.99 Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser, after he read about the product online.

Nicole started applying the cream regularly, and within two weeks her eczema had disappeared, leaving her able to carry out her job without any problems.

Nicole O'Dwyer, 21, from Tipperary, Ireland, pictured with her boyfriend Sean Breen, has suffered chronic eczema on her hands since birth

The trainee hairdresser's condition got worse from immersing her hands in water all day long, but

Nicole said: 'I have suffered with eczema for as long as I can remember. I have been going to appointments with doctors and dermatologists since I was a child and I have tried everything.

'I've used steroid creams and emollients but I have never been able to get rid of the eczema. It has always flared back up.

'I love my job as a hairdresser but it left my hands in agony. I am still a junior so the majority of my job involves washing hair.

'Every time I came home from work I'd have to smother my hands in steroid cream and wear gloves to help it absorb quicker. I was in so much pain but I didn't want it to get in the way of my job. I just tried to get on with it.'

Even though she smothered her hands in steroid cream every day after work, Nicole was still in agony (left). But after using Childs Farm cream her condition cleared up within two weeks (right)

Nicole gave up hairdressing for a year on the advice of her dermatologist but returned as she loved the job so much

Nicole enrolled at hairdressing college in 2013, but her hands became even more dry and painful as they constant use of water and products irritated the skin.

WHAT IS ECZEMA? Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. Atopic eczema is more common in children, often developing before their first birthday. However, it may also develop for the first time in adults. Eczema causes the skin to become itchy, dry, cracked, sore and red. Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread red, inflamed skin all over the body. From NHS UK Advertisement

During an appointment with a dermatologist, Nicole was advised to give up hairdressing due to her eczema and even gave up her job for a year to work in retail.

But she was so keen to return to hairdressing she got another job in a salon even though it left her in agony.

'When the dermatologist advised me to give up hairdressing I was heartbroken,' she recalled.

'She said I couldn't keep putting my hands in water and hair products because of my eczema. I was absolutely devastated because I love my job and it's all I've ever wanted to do.'

Thankfully her father Kieran came to the rescue after reading about Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser, a British brand that uses naturally derived ingredients to produce mild products that care for the skin and hair of newborns, babies and children.

The products are suitable for adults too, and within two weeks Nicole was cured.

THE CURE: CHILDS FARM BABY MOISTURISER According to Boots, the cream is so mild and gentle it is suitable for newborns and babies with sensitive skin and even newborns and babies with eczema prone skin Over 98 per cent of the cream is naturally derived ingredients and it is free from parabens, SLSs, mineral oils and artificial colours It is clinically tested and user trialled and dermatologist tested and approved According to Boots, 10/10 parents would recommend the paediatrician-approved cream to other parents of babies with sensitive skin and babies with medically diagnosed eczema Advertisement

'The eczema on my hands had cleared up completely. I couldn't believe it,' she said.

'I'm currently applying the cream four times a day and the eczema hasn't come back so far. I'm absolutely blown away by the results.'

Nicole is not the first to benefit from the company's products.

Earlier this year, Paige Sweeney, 23, from Nottingham described how it started to cure her daughter Evie's eczema within a matter of days.

The toddler would wake up every night, scratching herself until she bled, and Paige spent two years going back and forth to dermatologists trying to find a cure, and she was prescribed a range of antibiotics and steroid creams.

Nicole and her friend Lauren on a night out. The trainee hairdresser said the job is all she's ever wanted to do
Britons are lucky that most foreign countries include English translations on their restaurant menus, road signs and even food labels.

But they aren't always entirely accurate and sometimes can go horribly (but hilariously) wrong when words and phrases get lost in translation - as these comical images show.

Travellers have taken to Bored Panda to share a selection of mind-boggling mistranslations that left holidaymakers in stitches.

One seemingly rude sign appears to advertise 'anus perfume', while another warns hotel guests: 'do not cry'.

The badly translated signs, labels and menu items may have been innocently misspelled, but many come off as totally bizarre - and sometimes even suggestive.

Treat that high maintenance chick in your life to some 'hair bottox' - she'll be thrilled...

Not sure where to start with this sign that has managed to get confused over poultry and parenting

Taking things very literally, even including quote marks for some bizarre reason

This restaurant apparently serves 'adultdress meat' as one its dishes... that could get you into trouble

This holiday maker was slightly confused when getting to the airport's 'arrival hole'

Special Womem: This sign couldn't get any more confusing or jumbled if it tried

Not sure this flavour would catch on over here... cream milk with coconut humans?

Visitors to a zoo in Spain giggled at this very strange looking flamingo on the sign

Just in case the passengers in this airport get hungry and develop a taste for inedible objects, this airport has it covered

Ice cream in unexpected places: this restaurant got the dessert menu a little muddled up!

That will put you off your nuggets: This sign certainly does not beat around the bush

Very unfortunate for anyone called 'Paul' coming for dinner at this hotel's buffet

Evil saloon: This looks like a poorly chosen name for a villain's secret lair. A quick Google search would have saved so much time

This shop should probably have checked this before getting it put in neon writing above the window

DO NOT CRY: Not the most sensitive approach to someone's feelings perhaps

Always remember not to drop your butt in the toilet bowl, this can lead to difficulties

Mixed messages: The owners of this pool in France should have checked this before securing it to the wall

Christmas is coming, although family members may not be thrilled to receive anus perfume

Interesting choice of taste: Pringles have released a new flavour

You'd of thought they might have checked an English dictionary before putting the sign up

They must still be having troubles with the water supply
A grandmother has defied the odds to give birth at the age of 51.

Lynn Cooper, from the Gold Coast, welcomed her baby son into the world in May with her 34-year-old husband Brad, who she met online more than 10 years ago.

The mother - who has three daughters from a previous relationship - shares two children with Brad - daughter Mia, aged three, and baby Harrison.

Appearing on A Current Affair, Mrs Cooper - who had her first child when she was 30 years old - revealed how she wanted to become a mother again after getting married a second time around.

Scroll down for video

Lynn Cooper (pictured with second husband Brad and their baby Harrison) defied the odds to give birth at the age of 51

After tying the knot, the couple - who have a 17 year age gap - decided to start their own family when Mrs Cooper was 47.

But when the pair met with IVF specialists, the mother said she was turned away.

'They said you're well over your age, we don't do anything that old,' Mrs Cooper told the Channel Nine program.

Determined to have children, the couple found a doctor who was willing to help - and after her second around of IVF, she fell pregnant.

'I actually breezed through it... I didn't have any problems, everything ran smooth' Mrs Cooper said.

The 51-year-old grandmother welcomed her baby son Harrison (pictured) into the world in May

The Queensland couple - who have a 17 year age gap - met online more than 10 years ago

After tying the knot, the couple decided to have children of their own - so they turned to IVF

Two years after giving birth to Mia, the couple decided to give their daughter a sibling to play with so they turned to IVF again.

And against all odds, Mrs Cooper - who has 10 grandchildren from her older children - fell pregnant again.

'They were a little bit astonished because they couldn't believe that,' she said.

'Who thought being pregnant at 51 and having a child, it's an absolute miracle. It's never too late to be a mum.'

The mother-of-five - who had her first child at the age of 30 - now feels her family is complete

The couple said all up, they spent more than $40,000 on IVF treatments.

The mother-of-five said she now feels her family is complete - and has not plans of trying for a third child with Brad.

'You're only as old as you feel... I will always stand by my kids,' she said.
Open Mic: A Birders Exchange Success Story

At the Mic: Alexander Alvarado

=====

March 2011.

I was finishing my first tour with a group from USA when a company called High Lonesome Bird Tours hired me to be with them. My emotions were very high after my first experience birding with 10 people. The day after I met a guy from Spain who works in Bolivia, and I was telling him that all I needed was birding equipment to push the birding to young people and any others who were interested. He said to me that I should look for help on internet, and that there is an organization called ABA and they have a program where they cooperate with people who have ideas like mine.

After the conversation I went to a computer and found it was true. There was a program supporting people as me, that was Birders Exchange. So I filled up an application and send it to a lady called Betty Petersen, she replied to me the next day and she said yes, we can help you. Just give us an address in the USA where we can send you equipment and books.

I could not believe it! After being out for about 10 days enjoying people and birds I was accomplishing such cooperation. So I considered this as my Big Year! It took me a while to find someone who would bring the equipment but 3 months later, I got in touch with some friends in Maryland and they helped out! My first day with the scope I went to Rio Copan nearby my home and I had fabulous views of many great birds. I received a Kowa Scope and tripod, Bushnell Binoculars, and a Honduran Bird Book. I considered this the most special gift I ever received in my life!

I repeated this in my mind many times  how someone who doesnt know me can do this for me  so I wrote Betty giving thanks for the special package. I think that Birders Exchange is a great idea to give people the opportunity to enjoying birds and wildlife. I am sure this is changing lives as it did with me. After a few years I had nice experiences with birds and I had improved my equipment. That first Kowa scope ended in local birding club in western Honduras. My binoculars went to a teacher who used birds to increase awareness to preserve forest. The book its in a special place at Home. A couple of years ago I met Jeff Gordon and Liz Gordon, the President of ABA. He came to Honduras and I told them about my experience with Birders Exchange and they gave me the sad news that Betty was gone. I felt very bad because I wanted to know her. I am pretty sure she is in a better place as she deserves for her kindness.

While I had the equipment I went to probably 40 or 50 schools with an educational project and a message that we must protect the Scarlet Macaws and all birds around Copan. This opened the window to meet more conservation people in Honduras and know more about biodiversity in my country.

Today I can say Thanks Birders Exchange!

=====

Alexander Alvarado is a bird tour guide in Honduras. To learn more about the work that Birders Exchange does in Honduras and around the Americas or to donate optics, books, or other equipment, see our website.
A mother of eight children has spoken out about her difficult experience having a baby at the tender age of 15.

Sharon Jabbour was barely in high school when she fell pregnant with her first child in 1999 - a little miracle the now 34-year-old reveals she was encouraged to abort and judged heavily for having.

'There are looks of shock and disappointment everywhere you turn, staring, whispering and shaking of heads. This is how I remember being treated as a young mother,' Melbourne mum Sharon wrote on the blog Tsunami Project.

Sharon Jabbour (pictured with her daughter) fell pregnant when she was only 15 in 1999

The now 34-year-old has spoken out on the difficulties of being a teenage mother (pictured right with her daughter Symonne)

'Most told me I was too young and that I should do the right thing and abort. That was never an option for me.'

While her peers were doodling notes in class or going through the perils of puberty, Sharon was hiding her burgeoning baby bump from disapproving stares.

'I would intentionally wear bigger clothes to hide my growing belly because I felt embarrassed,' she recalled.

'It worked until I was pushing my baby in a pram  then there was nowhere to hide.'

The school-aged mum gave birth to her daughter, Symonne, two months after her 16th birthday and describes the moment as 'love at first sight'.

Sharon went on to have seven more children with her partner Ramsey (pictured at their wedding in 2011)

The school-aged mum gave birth to her daughter, Symonne, two months after her 16th birthday and describes the moment as 'love at first sight' (Symonne pictured with her youngest)

Despite her youth and the difficulties that lay ahead, Sharon says she immediately knew she wanted a big family with the father of her child.

The business owner and her now-husband Ramsey share eight children - Symonne, 18, Celinna, 15, Tifinney, 13, Sebastian 12, twins Alesha and Ethan, 10, Amaliyah, four and Aliyrah, two.

Sharon also acknowledges the social and financial setbacks adolescent pregnancy can often trigger, but says she is proud of the empire she and her husband have built.

'Both Ramsey and I are 34, we own our house, we have two cars, two businesses, and I work full time,' she said.

'I am living proof that being a young mum does not mean your life is over, or that you will never become anything. You become what you are willing to work for.'

The business owner and her husband Ramsay now share eight children - Symonne, 18, Celinna, 15, Tifinney, 13, Sebastian 12, twins Alesha and Ethan, 10, Amaliyah, 4 and Aliyrah, 2

She also says there are many perks that come with being a young mum, including developing real friendships with her children.

'Some kids are embarrassed to be with their parents, but because I am a lot younger I have been able to cement a strong relationship with them,' Sharon told Daily Mail Australia.

'My eldest daughters are so happy to have me come out with them and link arms with me whenever we're at the shops.'

Sharon now works as a manager for a data-marketing company and runs her online business, Lullabye Baby.

'Some kids are embarrassed to be with their parents, but because I am a lot younger I have been able to cement a strong relationship with them,' Sharon told Daily Mail Australia

The busy mum says she works hard to ensure her children are given the best opportunities in life and encourages them to pursue education.

'I have always been very open and honest with my children, I have explained that having children while youre young is hard, your life gets put on hold as you become responsible for another human beings life, and that my upbringing was very different from theirs,' Sharon adds.

'But it's not right that young mums are unfairly categorised either. There are so many out there, like me, who put their heart and soul into raising their kids.'
Unlike the clothes, you don't have to wait until the weather warms up again next year to try the beauty trends seen on the spring 2018 runways this New York Fashion Week.

And if you like shiny things, you're going to want to experiment with the fresh-from-the-runway, glitter, crystal, gold-leaf and shimmer-adorned looks that we've rounded up here ASAP.

Whether you're the type who reserves the glitz for Saturday nights and holiday parties or one who fancies herself a beauty risk-taker that will try any trend once, you'll find the perfect way to add some sparkle below.

More is more: Model Jasmine Sanders, 26, shined at Jeremy Scott's spring 2018 show with crystals under her eyes and glitter dripping from her nails

Twinkle, twinkle: Bella (left), 20, and Gigi Hadid (right), 22, played the role of glistening flower children in Anna Sui's show on Monday

THE RULES OF WEARING GLITTER MAKE-UP Contrast glittery elements by keeping the rest of the face matte and neutral, meaning minimal other make-up

To keep eye glitter from falling onto your cheeks, press it into a layer of creamy shadow and place a tissue under the area during application

To successfully remove glitter make-up, use an oil-based cleanser (which can break down stubborn product) like MAC Cleanse Off Oil Advertisement





Make-up legend Pat McGrath created a subtle yet unique eye look backstage at Anna Sui's hippie-inspired show by applying a thin vertical line of glitter from the upper lash line to the brow and then another one just below the center of the bottom lash line. She also applied the pigment (which was a mix of gold and iridescent white shades from her forthcoming Mothership I: Subliminal Eye Palette) to the inner corners of the eyes.

'We captured this mood with glistening, nuanced eyes that conjured the flower childrens optimistic allure,' Pat revealed.

A more intense glittery eye look was spotted backstage at Libertine, where make-up artist Katie Jane Hughes and her team applied a silver pressed powder (Too Cool For School Glam Rock Urban Shadow in #10 Metallic Chic) in the center of models' eyelids and a touch of orange glitter to the inner corners of the eyes.

'It's like my dream smoky eye, honestly,' said Katie. 'The look for the eye was all about playing with shadows, enhancing the shadows and capturing the light.'

The eye make-up at Carmen Marc Valvo and Philipp Plein will appeal to fans of the mermaid beauty craze; at both shows, models wore twinkle-topped aqua blue eyeshadow.

Grunge and glitter: Make-up artist Katie Jane Hughes said she wanted the eyeshadow at Libertine to look like the moon reflecting off of the ocean

Mermaid vibes: The mythical creature-inspired beauty trend continued its reign on the runways of Carmen Marc Valvo (left) and Philipp Plein (right)

Glitter, however, isn't the only way to shine.

At Zimmermann, flecks of gold leaf were applied to outer corners of models' otherwise bare eyes, and at Jeremy Scott, three crystals were placed below each model's eyes for a 'futuristic twist'.

A roster of models that included the likes of Adriana Lima, Joan Smalls and Taylor Hill were slathered in highlighter from Rihanna's new Fenty Beauty make-up line at where else but Rihanna's Fenty x Puma runway show.

A team led by James Kaliardos layered shades of the collection's Killawatt Highlighters and Shimmer Sticks to 'ignite' cheekbones and eyes.

According to the brand, 'the focus of the look pivots around transparent layers of highlight to achieve multidimensional color unique to each girl and her skin tone.'

Shine bright: Gold leaf and layers of highlighter were used to make models like Hareith Paul (left) and Adriana Lima (right) glow on the runways this season

Nails are accessories too: The Swarovski crystal-dotted manicures at Area complemented the flashy sunglasses worn on the runway

Out of this world: Nail pro Miss Pop used spirit gum to get the glitter to stick to models' fingers at Jeremy Scott

Nail artist Naomi Yasuda used 6,000 Swarovski crystals to get manicures show-ready backstage at Area.

The crystals were applied over a metallic blue polish in two parallel lines down the center of each nail. The look matched the embellishments on the sunglasses and earrings worn on the runway.

A more DIY approach was taken at Jeremy Scott, where CND Creative Ambassador Miss Pop dusted silver cosmetic glitter from the cuticles to the knuckles (she said you can use spirit gum or eyelash glue to get the glitter to stick) to make the nails look like bright comets.
Girls at all Victoria state schools will no longer be forced to wear dresses and skirts, and instead will be given the choice of shorts or pants as well.

Education Minister James Merlino said the changes make 'common sense' and that schools had to provide options 'as far as practicable'.

'It's a relatively minor change to ensure that our expectation is that every school does provide the option of shorts and pants for girls,' Merlino told 3AW on Wednesday.

Girls at all Victoria state schools will no longer be forced to wear dresses and skirts, and instead will be given the choice of shorts or pants as well (file photo)

Merlino said that he was considering options to 'ensure' that girls at all government schools would be provided the freedom to choose.

'While the vast majority of schools already offer the option of female students wearing shorts or pants, it is something I would expect all government schools to do,' he told the Herald Sun.

Merlino added that all schools 'must adhere to human rights and anti-discrimination requirements'.

The education minister's changes come just a week after one 11-year-old Perth girl convinced her state to change the dress code policy at public schools.

Sofia Myhre, from Perth, called on Education Minister Sue Ellery to consider amending Western Australia's dress code to allow girls to wear shorts to school.

The Wembley youngster revealed her school recently changed the outdated uniform policy - meaning girls are no longer restricted to wearing dresses or skirts.

Education Minister James Merlino said the changes make 'common sense' and that schools had to provide options 'as far as practicable' (file photo)

Sofia Myhre (pictured with her mother Krystina) who wanted to wear shorts to school has won her battle to change the uniform policy in Western Australia after penning a candid letter

And following her passionate plea, public schools across the state will now offer girls the option to wear shorts and pants.

'I thought it was unfair that my brothers got to wear shorts when they wanted to and they could play sport freely,' little Sofia told 7 News.

Her mother Krystina Myhre said the move to change the dress code is 'one step closer to equality for women'.

In her daughter's letter to the education minister, Sofia revealed she was previously not allowed to wear shorts to school unless they were playing sports.

'I don't like wearing skirts to school,' she wrote.

'I think it's really unfair that my brothers have been allowed to wear shorts all through primary school. I haven't been allowed to except when I have sport.

'The dresses are even worse but at least you don't have to wear them!''

The 11-year-old called on Education Minister Sue Ellery to consider amending Western Australia's dress code to allow girls to wear shorts to school

The Wembley youngster revealed her school recently changed the outdated uniform policy - meaning girls are no longer restricted to wearing dresses or skirts

'I really love kicking the footy, netball and doing handstands at recess and lunch. It is annoying doing these things in a skirt.'

Little Sofia said she feels happier after her school made the decision not to limit students to wearing only dresses or skirts.

'I am very happy about this,' she wrote. 'I want you to know that we feel more confident now. I think it should be a new rule for every schools so it's fair for everyone.'

The education minister - who recently met with Sofia and her mother - has since asked the department to amend the state's dress code.

'In 2017, we want 11-year-old girls to be active at school, we want to encourage them to be active,' Ellery told 7 News.

'And if they feel uncomfortable doing that in a skirt, we should give them the option of shorts.'
With student debt in Australia now reaching more than 20 billion dollars, many female students are now turning to sugar daddies to help them fund their education and find success in prominent careers.

A new study conducted by sugar baby dating site Seeking Arrangement found that Australian women studying business are the most likely to turn to a generous and wealthy benefactor to lean on.

Using keyword data from profiles on the site, it was also found the nursing students were the second most common followed closely by those majoring in communications.

Some of the most niche and highly regarded majors also made the list, with women studying psychology, biology/biological sciences and political science also taking out places four to six.

With student debt in Australia now reaching more than 20 billion dollars, many female students are now turning to sugar daddies to help them fund their education and find success in prominent careers

A new study conducted by sugar baby dating site Seeking Arrangement found that Australian women studying business are the most likely to turn to a generous and wealthy benefactor to lean on

What is a sugar daddy? A rich older man who lavishes gifts on a young woman in return for her company or sexual favours. Advertisement

The final three majors in the top 10 were visual and performing arts, education and philosophy.

More students are turning to sugar daddies every day for financial assistance, with 42 per cent of sugar babies on the site currently at university - the decision described by the site as a 'proactive' one.

'With the global economy shifting, we are seeing an increase in young innovators who want to study business,' Founder and CEO, Brandon Wade, said.

'To relieve some of the associated financial burdens, a staggering number of these students look to sugar daddies.

Using keyword data from profiles on the site, it was also found the nursing students were the second most common followed closely by those majoring in communications

Some of the most niche and highly regarded majors also made the list, with women studying psychology, biology/biological sciences and political science also taking out places four to six

Top 10 majors of Australian sugar babies 1. Business 2. Nursing 3. Communications Studies 4. Psychology 5. Biology/ Biological Sciences 6. Political Science 7. English Language & Literature 8. Visual & Performing Arts 9. Education 10. Philosophy Advertisement

'Just like operating a business, education doesn't come free.'

Earlier this year, it was found that about 100,000 Australian university students were paying for shopping trips, beauty treatments and nights out with the help of sugar daddies they'd connect with online.

It was revealed at the time that the number of women signing up to be a sugar baby grew in 2016, with Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology leading the way with 92 new members.

The site allows sugar babies to be financially compensated for spending time with older men who have an income of over $200,000. It insists there is no pressure for the women to have sex with their Sugar Daddy.

More students are turning to sugar daddies every day for financial assistance, with 42 per cent of sugar babies on the site currently at university - the decision described by the site as a 'proactive' one

'To relieve some of the associated financial burdens, a staggering number of these students look to sugar daddies,' Founder and CEO, Brandon Wade, said

Speaking previously to Daily Mail Australia, Sydney-based university student Katie Play, 22, said she was treated to extravagant dinners, designer handbags and money left over to save up for a house.

The third year law student signed up to the site 'as a joke' but later found two sugar daddies, the first in his late thirties and the second, 32.

She was given a $500 weekly allowance - enough to buy her law text books, buy a new car, and pay for all her living expenses - and is also lavished with gifts on the side, including thousand-dollar rings and designer handbags

'There's a misconception that Sugar Babies aren't goal oriented, but look at me, I'm a focused a dedicated student. There are a lot of misrepresentations,' she said.
A mother-of-two from Melbourne left her successful fashion career behind to investigate Australia's darkest true crime stories for a leading Australian crime podcast.

Anna Priestland, 39, works for Case File as a researcher and writer after a 18 year long fashion design career.

'I was listening to Case File one day and was discussing everything with my brother and he just said "why don't you email him and see if there's a role for you?" so that's what I did,' Anna told Daily Mail Australia.

'I sent the host an email and said "I don't have any experience but I'm wondering If I could be some kind of assistance to you?".'

Anna Priestland, 39, (pictured) works for Case File as a researcher and writer after having an 18 year fashion design career

Anna explained that she was an avid listener of Case File since the podcast series began.

'It wasn't until last year that something clicked in me, I wasn't feeling it [fashion design] anymore, something changed in me.

'My passion was researching true crime and I thought I might as well give it a go, with a fashion career behind me I had nothing to lose.'

Anna explained that she was an avid listener of Case File since the podcast series began

She said that the host of the podcast, who remains anonymous, often receives requests like this but he chose to take a chance on Anna.

'At the time I was surprised that someone with no experience could have a go and at the end of the day I was the right fit.

'It's evident to me now it takes the right kind of person to do the role.

'You need to not just have a love of the genre, you need to have a certain sensitivity to the fact that these are stories about real people and their stories are tragic. Its a balance that we focus on everyday.'

Anna can't pinpoint the exact moment her love for true crime started.

Anna can't pinpoint when exactly her love for true crime started as she's loved it for as long as she can remember

'I used to watch crime shows with my mum when I was younger and I've watched Law and Order for as long as I can remember,' she said.

'Any documentaries based on true crime I was the first person to watch it, it's always just been something that I'm interested in.'

For Anna it's more about the investigation and the mysterious side of a case that has her interested, as opposed to the crime itself.

It's the nuances and details of a case that keep her coming back for more.

Originally, Anna went from high school to study police studies because her end goal was to study forensics.

The victims of the Wanda Beach murders - 15-year-old friends Christine Sharrock and Marianne Schmidt, is one of the many cases Case File covered

She was 17 when she started and only managed to get a year and a half into it before deciding to leave.

'I realised a life time career in forensics wasn't for me, I didn't have the stomach for it.

'Maybe it was an age thing and maybe I wasn't ready but I then switched pretty suddenly to fashion and was working in London,' she said..

Roughly six or seven years ago while she was still working in fashion Anna went back to study criminology part time on her weekends but she didn't know what she wanted to do with it.

Search teams scour Saddleworth Moor in 1965 looking for the first three victims of murderer Ian Brady, another case the podcast has covered

'I did it for fun if I'm honest... I don't think there's a correlation between my fashion career and this career... I just think true crime transcends all different kinds of people young and old.

'Some people are there for the intrigue and trying to work out what happened and other people are interested in why people do the things that they do. People are interested in it for so many different reasons.

'It's even more enticing when there's not much information because people want to know what happened. They get invested and want to see justice.'

Earlier this year Anna researched and wrote a five part series called The East Area Rapist and Original Nightstalker.

Earlier this year Anna (pictured) researched and wrote a five part series called The East Area Rapist and Original Nightstalker

The series is about an unidentified person in California who raped 50 people and killed 12 from 1976 through to 1986.

'I interviewed a lot of police from the past and present on that case, I also interviewed survivors and family members of those that didn't survive,' she said.

'I personally felt invested in that, especially because it's still unsolved. It feels like something that really should be much more well known around the world than what it is.

'It's a huge case and it seems crazy that it's not solved, and that's not necessarily through bad policing or anything, they have the DNA evidence they just have to attach it to someone.'

She said that the amount of people whose lives would be changed if the murderer was found is a 'phenomenal thing'.

Hundreds of volunteers searched Saddleworth Moor (left and right) to find the children who were killed

'That case has really stuck with me and I keep in touch with that case all the time. I'm really invested in it and it's one that I think about quite a lot.'

Anna explained that the DNA from the case has been run through every system imaginable but it's very intrinsic.

'If that person who the DNA belongs to has died then there's no longer the chance of them leaving DNA and getting caught for another crime.

'Or if that person has no family, they didn't have any kids or they were the youngest in the family, then there's less likelihood that their families DNA would come up in the system, which just makes it more and more difficult.'

She understands that some people may not understand the complexities of how it all works and reiterated that it's all a lot more complicated than we may think.

Police chief Arthur Benfield addresses his staff during the huge hunt for the bodies of the children murdered by Ian

Each case is carefully researched before becoming an episode but the extent of research varies from case to case.

'Some cases entail working with people involved in the case, sometimes interviewing, for example, a cold case detective from the USA or speaking with someone on a local case who was maybe involved at the time.

'Or it can be as simple as reading every court record, police interview, article, book or piece of info on a case and telling our own story based on the facts.'

They strive for weekly episodes so often have to balance the cases that they're working on.

'But being such a small team, we have taken a few weeks recently just to build up our content and plan out the rest of the year.'

The Case File team come together to decide which cases they are going to work on and also receive requests from listeners.

'We also have our own cases which we personally would like to cover for whatever reason.

'In order to write the best script you can, you have to have a connection with that story in some way, even if its just a gut feeling that you can do the story justice.'
Libby Hill is a wife, a mother, a journalist and - like thousands of other women in Australia - she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Canberra woman also is one of many who shed a tear after the passing of Connie Johnson, a source of inspiration for those who suffer from the wretched illness.

Despite never meeting Connie, Libby says she felt a 'deep emotional connection' to her, and was even mistaken for the Love Your Sister charity founder while out shopping.

Libby Hill (pictured) suffers from breast cancer and says she was once mistaken for Connie Johnson while shopping in Canberra

The mother-of-two says she was 'flattered' and counts the late Connie Johnson as an inspiration

'A few months ago I was shopping in the Canberra Centre and some lovely strangers mistook me for Connie Johnson,' Libby, who was diagnosed last year with grade three triple negative breast cancer, said.

'I did look a bit like her. We all have a similar face, us chemo patients. It's the drugs that do it to us.

I never met Connie but I spent all last night crying for her and her family and for all of us living with the fear of leaving our children behind too soon.'

Libby, who is a mother to two young girls, candidly shares her treatment journey online and is a strong advocate for cancer research support.

bby says she felt a 'deep emotional connection' to Connie (pictured with her children)

'I never met Connie but I spent all last night crying for her and her family and for all of us living with the fear of leaving our children behind too soon,' Libby said

The mother-of-two candidly shares updates on her treatment via her Instagram

In July Libby had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction and is 'still getting better every day.'

And after Connie's tragic passing, the Canberra mum made a call for mourners to swap their social media gestures for real-life action.

'Since Connies death last Friday, my social media feed has become splattered in red hearts,' Libby wrote for news.com.au.

'Well-meaning people are posting a single heart emoji in memory of Connie and to raise awareness of breast cancer.'

In July Libby had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction and is 'still getting better every day.'

After Connie's tragic passing, the Canberra mum made a call for mourners to swap their social media gestures for real-life action

Instead, Libby - who said 'I was flattered to be compared to Connie... the way she lived inspired me' - went on to say those who want to help should take proactive steps to help others suffering from the deadly disease.

'Instead, reach out to other people who have cancer, donate to cancer research or check yourself for warning signs,' she advises.

'I want a cure for cancer. My family has already suffered enough from cancer. I dont want my daughters Lily (6) and Stella (4) to live in fear of cancer.'

Connie Johnson lost her battle with breast cancer on Friday, after fighting the illness for seven years.

The sister of Gold Logie winner Samuel Johnson fought hard while suffering, and raised millions for her foundation Love Your Sister.

'I am inspired by Connie and Samuel Johnson and what they have started through Love Your Sister. I think the work they have done is so important and I dont want to sit back and hope that someone else finds a cure for cancer. I want to help,' Libby said.

Connie Johnson (pictured) died last Friday following a long battle with breast cancer
A woman has confessed how her husband is often mistaken for her father  because he's double her age and older than her parents.

Despite the huge age gap, Lucy Nagle, 30, thought Roy, 60  who she married last summer  was just the ticket when they met in late 2013, working as bus drivers for First.

Lucy, of Uxbridge, west London, had just come out of a five-year relationship and was not looking for a partner but, over time, their friendship blossomed into love.

'I know there's a stigma about age gaps, but when I first started to fancy Roy, I was more worried about being mucked about than I was about his age,' she recalled.

'Once I realised I had feelings for him, I wanted something serious, and wondered if he could be the one.'

Lucy Nagle, 30, from Uxbridge, married Roy, 60, last summer after meeting working for a bus company. He may be older than her parents but they're very accepting of the relationship

Despite the huge age gap, Lucy thought Roy was just the ticket when they met working as bus drivers for First

Her one major concern was having her parents' approval. She said: 'Eventually, I told him he could meet my parents and if they didn't approve, then we couldn't progress.'

Thankfully, although Roy is older than Lucy's parents - Simon Wilson, 56, and Karen Wilson, 55, they got along famously with him. The couples even enjoyed a holiday together in Tenerife in 2015.

Lucy, who now wants to start a family with Roy, admits not everyone is as accepting.

'To me, age is just a number, but Roy and I do get looks, especially when we kiss,' she said. 'We try and laugh it off, but it does get frustrating.

'Roy is still the life and soul of the party - and the last one standing on a night out. In his head, he still thinks he's 21.'

Roy proposed to Lucy, who had never been out with an older man before, in 2015  two years after they started dating.

She recalled: 'I was in the bathroom and Roy was downstairs talking to my dad. 'My sister had overheard him asking permission to marry me and came bounding upstairs, with a glass of champagne.

'She said, 'When you go back downstairs, Roy is going to ask you to marry him.' 'I was really nervous, but I went down and he proposed.'

Her one major concern was having her parents' approval but although Roy is older than Lucy's parents - Simon Wilson, 56, and Karen Wilson, 55, they got along famously with him. The couples even enjoyed a holiday together in Tenerife in 2015, pictured

Discussing how she felt when they first met, she said: 'Once I realised I had feelings for him, I wanted something serious, and wondered if he could be the one'

A year into married life, the couple are desperate to start a family  although the road to parenthood has been paved with problems

Lucy admitted she was apprehensive about breaking the news of her engagement to her friends, but, luckily, everyone was very supportive.

She added: 'When I first started dating Roy, there were lots of questions about what I was doing with him, but as soon as he met everyone, he won them round.'

The pair tied the knot in May 2016, even hiring a red London bus for their wedding party to travel on - paying homage to how they met. Now, a year into married life, they're desperate to start a family  although the road to parenthood has been paved with problems.

After months of trying with no luck, Lucy and Roy went for fertility tests, which revealed that she suffered from polycystic ovary syndrome, where a hormonal imbalance causes cysts to grow on her ovaries.

Doctors warned her the condition would make it difficult for her to conceive naturally but, because Roy has four children from a previous marriage, the couple are only entitled to a limited amount of fertility treatment on through the Health Service.

Now the couple, pictured on their wedding day, want to start a family together but doctors warned her that her polycystic ovary syndrome condition would make it difficult for her to conceive naturally

According to NICE guidelines, women under 40 should be offered three cycles of IVF treatment on the NHS if they've been trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for two years, or if they have not been able to get pregnant after 12 cycles of artificial insemination.

However, if one party already has children, it is up to the local Clinical Commissioning Group to determine how much  if any  treatment to fund. 'I've only been allowed two rounds of Clomid fertility drugs and three injections to force ovulation,' said Lucy.

'So far, nothing has happened, but it's a case of waiting and seeing. 'I never thought about kids before meeting Roy, but I'd love to have a family with him. When I go out shopping and see baby clothes or pregnant women, I think, 'What have I done wrong that I can't have this too?'.

If the fertility treatment provided by the NHS fails, Lucy and Roy will have no choice but to fundraise for further private treatment.

She continued: 'We're working our socks off, but we've estimated we need to save around 6,000. We need to make sure we have enough, as it's not the kind of thing you can stop half way through. 'It's difficult, as I don't know how long Roy has, fertility-wise, or how long it'll take us to save.

'We're facing a race against time.' Roy said: 'The first time I saw Lucy, I fell in love. I was worried about chasing her because of the age gap, but I persisted and here we are married. Lucy's family have accepted me, and I have an amazing relationship with all of them. I never thought I could be this happy. Lucy is an amazing person  she always puts others first and I'm extremely proud to call her my wife.'
Saira Khan revealed that she and her husband sought sex therapy because there was a 'real issue' - but her sex life has been 'fantastic' ever since.

When debating 'should you have sex when youre not in the mood to please your husband?' with her fellow Loose Women panelists, Saira responded: 'My husband does not need a regular MOT and service, hes not a battered old car.'

Saira admitted that there was a 'real issue' in the bedroom that she didn't understand at first so she and husband Steve sought sex therapy, which she credits for overhauling their bedroom antics.

The comments come after the presenter last year revealed she'd told her husband he could sleep with another woman because she'd lost her sex drive.

Saira Khan looked radiant as she went makeup free at the ITV studios armed with a coffee and shopping bags on Wednesday morning. Speaking candidly on today's show, she admitted therapy spiced things up for her in the bedroom following a lovemaking ban after losing her drive

She explained: 'I went to therapy and I took Steve with me as well and it could be hormones or things that come to an end. Since that day, our sex life is fantastic.

'The fact I mentioned it on TV was a cry for help. If I had not come out I think my marriage wouldve broken up.

'Please ask for help.'

Saira Khan broke down on Loose Women last May as her husband denied the couple were in an 'open relationship' - saying that he would never even consider sleeping with another woman.

Their appearance on the ITV show came after Saira's revelation earlier that week that she had given Steven Hyde permission to cheat on her due to her lack of libido.

But her husband of 11 years said he was 'devastated' and 'heartbroken' at the very suggestion - and said his wife should know that he would stand by her during this time.

Saira admitted that there was a 'real issue' in the bedroom so she and husband Steve sought sex therapy

Explaining the reasons for her loss of libido, Saira said: 'I have put the pressure on myself. I'm a working mum, I'm a daughter, I'm a friend, I'm a parent.

'There's a lot of pressure and i want to do everything well. When the pressure is there I think this (gesturing to her groin) shuts down.'

'When I talked about this it feels like a heavy burden has been lifted, it feels lighter.' She also thanked fans and viewers for talking about the 'taboo subject'.

The Loose Women star, 47, looked casually chic as she arrived at the ITV studio ahead of her stint on the show, in which she discussed her sex life with her co-stars.

Clutching a coffee, Saira appeared in high spirits as she arrived toting a huge Oliver Bonas shopping bag.

Her appearance on the show comes after the Muslim star said she'll never stop wearing bikinis or standing up to extremists in a fiery rant.

Saira, 47, previously posted a bikini snap on Instagram in response to a preacher who said it was a sin for Muslim women to pluck their eyebrows - inviting the woman who made the remark to 'kiss my [bottom]'.

The Loose Women star, 47, looked casually chic as she arrived at the ITV studio

Clutching a coffee, Saira donned a trendy green parka jacket. She appeared in high spirits as she arrived toting a huge Oliver Bonas shopping bag

Her defiant post attracted a flood of comments, including one that said 'if you value your life keep the f*** out of Islam', which Saira publicly reported to police via a Tweet.

Today the mother of two revealed her husband Steve Hyde pleaded with her to 'let it go' over fears for the safety of their children, but said she 'can't not speak up'.

She said on the show she would continue to wear bikinis and be a positive role model for Muslim women.

Saira had been on holiday last month when she discovered that a Muslim convert said women are committing a sin by plucking their eyebrows.

Saira Kahn went on a passionate rant on today's Loose Women, saying she wouldn't be silenced by Muslim trolls

Saira posted this risque bikini picture on Instagram, telling Muslim extremists to 'kiss my bottom'

After being contacted by a fellow Muslim woman who said her husband had banned her from working in a salon, Saira said she felt compelled to speak out.

She said: 'I could not believe what I was hearing , here was a woman, of all the things you can preach that's going on in the name of our religion, she chooses eyebrows, and actually makes women feel bad about themselves.

'"It's a sin," she said so I posted that in defiance, saying you are a prehistoric dinosaur for coming out with things like this.'

Saira received the 'worst, vile comments', including death threats, for her defiant post.

At the time a troll, posting under the handle @silverbengle, commented on Saira's Instagram telling her to stay out of Islam if she wanted to live.

They posted: 'Keep your f****** mouth shut! Your not a Muslim nor do you represent anything to do with Islam!!! Your white masters have given you what you desire as a sell out reporter!!! If you value your life keep the f*** out of Islam [sic].'

Saira said her husband warned that extremist 'nutters' could harm their children Zachariah and Aamara, and begged her to 'let it go'.
It's been two years since Vicky Balch lost her leg in the horrific Alton Towers rollercoaster crash in 2015, and she's been determined to move on ever since.

But a split-second brush with death when the brakes failed on the car she was driving through Vietnam brought the memories of that nightmare day flooding back.

The 22-year-old, from Preston, had embarked on a 900-mile journey across the south east Asian country along with five others with physical disabilities, as part of a challenge filmed for the BBC documentary Without Limits.

On their first day the car began to struggle in the heat, and as they climbed a steep mountain it quickly lost power and veered dangerously towards the safety barriers that lined the verge.

Quick-thinking Vicky - who was so badly injured in the crash at the Staffordshire theme park her right leg had to be amputated at the knee - managed to bring the car to a stop.

But the instant she knew she was safe she broke down in tears as memories of the Smiler crash - in which four other people were seriously injured - rushed over her.

'It just brought a lot back,' she told cameras.

Vicky Balch (right) was behind the wheel of the car that was taking the group up a steep mountain

But in the heat the car struggled and lost power. Vicky managed to remain calm as the car's brakes failed and veered towards the safety barrier

After she brought the car to a safe stop, Vicky - who lost her leg in the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash in 2015 - broke down as it 'brought it all back'

Vicky was one of five people injured on the ride 'The Smiler' at Alton Towers when two of the cars crashed into each other in June 2015

An emotional Vicky explained: 'I was losing control, because it was so steep there was a corner.

'If the barriers hadnt stopped us we would have gone over the edge. It was like what if.

ALTON TOWERS SMILER CRASH 2015 In 2015 Vicky was on the 'Smiler' ride when a part of the roller coaster crashed into the back of a stationary car at 50mph. The trapped ride-goers had to wait more than four hours to be freed from the crumpled carriage while rescue workers battled to reach them as they sat 25ft up in the air at an angle of about 45 degrees, pinned in by the mangled metal. Balch was one of five people seriously injured and had to have her right leg amputated at the knee. Alton Towers's operator Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd was fined 5m over the collision after Stafford Crown Court heard how the Smiler was operated in winds that were too strong. Advertisement

'It was overwhelming and I think that just brought everything back up to the surface.'

Vicky was in the car with Mary Russell, who was born with the most common type of dwarfism, and Olympic wheelchair rugby captain Steve Brown, who was paralysed from the chest down 12 years ago, as they all travelled along the Ho Chi Minh trail.

Steve admitted he was amazed by how calm the former dancer stayed, while Mary shouted in panic from the back seat.

Although the moment shook Vicky - who has swapped her blonde locks for a darker shade - she later got back behind the wheel, undeterred and determined to continue the journey.

'I love driving. If I didnt do it now I probably wouldn't,' she says.

Vicky has said she took part in the journey in a bid to prove she can live a normal life, and be 'more than the girl from Alton Towers'.

Vicky was in the car with her team members Mary Russell and Steve Brown, who both comforted her after the near-death moment

Vicky said she wanted to take part in the programme in a bid to prove she was no longer 'the girl from Alton Towers'

Vicky seen arriving at Stafford Crown Court in 2016, as the parks operator Merlin appeared in court today over the rollercoaster crash

She says: 'Ive been wrapped in cotton wool since the accident, so its nice to be the independent person that I am.'

'I have a really big thing about being in control because I wasn't in control in the accident.'

She is part of a team, which also includes Andy Slade, the UK's fastest one-armed man on a motorbike, aiming to be the first group of disabled people to enter Hang Chuot, or Rat Cave - a stunning natural alcove that is notoriously difficult to reach.

It involves climbing up steep rock and hillside, before clambering down into the cave - all of which puts the group to the test.

Without Limits airs Thursday on BBC One at 8pm
The Duchess of York praised the 'courage' of young cancer patients as she and her daughter visited a children's hospital in Liverpool.

Sarah Ferguson was joined by her youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, 27, at Alder Hey Hospital on Wednesday, where mother and daughter met with staff and patients on the Teenage Cancer Trust Ward to mark the unit's second anniversary.

Eugenie, 27, who like her mother is an honorary patron of the trust, had taken time off work to visit the hospital, the Duchess said.

The 57-year-old mother-of-two, who has been working with the Teenage Cancer Trust since 1990, told young patients in a speech that they had taught her 'kindness', 'forgiveness', and to 'never give up'.

Princess Eugenie and her mother Sarah Ferguson wear matching smiles during a visit to the Teenage Cancer Trust ward at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool

Caring: The Duchess of York and her daughter met with young patients on the cancer ward

Fergie said both Eugenie and her sister Princess Beatrice, who was unable to join them as she was in America, had been to visit teenage cancer units on their 18th birthdays.

The Duchess said: 'I think it was really important in order that the girls understand what all of you young people go through and how we can help.'

Princess Eugenie said: 'I think it's so important to come here and learn.

'To come and experience that from as a teenager, when I was 18, but also to hear all the amazing things these units have done for teenagers and for the way you have outlook on your diagnoses.'

The Duchess, 57, opened the Teenage Cancer Trust's first specialist cancer unit in 1990 and has attended almost all of the charity's 28 new unit openings.

Sorrel Parkin, 17, smiles for the camera flanked by Princess Eugenie, left, and Fergie, right

Addressing patients and their parents, she said: 'Young adults, or sufferers from teenage cancer, it was you all who taught me so much.

'You taught me forgiveness, you taught me kindness, you taught me never to give up, courage in facing adversity.'

The unit, which opened on the new hospital site in 2015, includes a social space with a home cinema system, pool table, jukebox and breakfast bar.

Director of fundraising and marketing at Teenage Cancer Trust, Kate Collins, said: 'It was a pleasure seeing our honorary patrons bring so much fun and positivity to the young people they met today, helping us celebrate the incredible support provided at this unit.

'Right now, for every young person with cancer that we reach, there's another we can't.

'We're determined to change that. We urgently need to raise more funds so we can expand our team of Teenage Cancer Trust nurses so we can support all young people with cancer who need us.

'The commitment and support of our honorary patrons is so important in helping us move towards this goal.'

Louise Shepherd, chief executive of Alder Hey Children's Hospital, said: 'It was an honour to welcome the Duchess of York and HRH Princess Eugenie to join in the celebrations here at Alder Hey and meet some of our young patients.'
Last week FEE published an essay by economist Dierdre McCloskey titled The Core of Liberty is Economic Liberty. McCloskey writes,

[E]conomic liberty is the liberty about which most ordinary people care. True, liberty of speech, the press, assembly, petitioning the government, and voting for a new government are in the long run essential protections for all liberty, including the economic right to buy and sell. But the lofty liberties are cherished mainly by an educated minority. Most peoplein the long run foolishly, truedont give a fig about liberty of speech, so long as they can open a shop when they want and drive to a job paying decent wages.

In my recent book, Foundations of a Free & Virtuous Society, I argue much the same thing. However  and I dont think McCloskey would disagree  I point out that, from the economic point of view, all social liberties can be understood as expressions of economic liberty:

[W]ithout free markets, rightly understood [as open markets], we wouldnt have freedom in society at all. What is freedom of speech if not a free market of speech? What is freedom of the press if not a free market of publication? What is freedom of religion if not a free market of religion? What is democracy if not a free market of politics?

Of course, many in the liberal tradition would be quick to point out that such freedom is not absolute:

The British lord and Roman Catholic John Acton once remarked that the Catholic notion of liberty is not the power of doing what we like, but the right of being able to do what we ought. Similarly, Benjamin Franklin said that only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.

That qualification noted, I think it is worthwhile to furthermore ask not simply What is the core of liberty? but Where can the core of liberty be found?

At first, it might appear that these are just two ways of putting the same question. They are not. Historically and developmentally  though not without exceptions  economic liberty is usually one of the last that a civilization embraces (the other late-comers being press freedom and full democracy).

The typical first-comer is religious liberty. As I wrote a few years ago for Public Discourse, A country that values and protects religious liberty offers fertile soil for economic liberty to flourish.

I continued to note,

Religious bodies and organizations cannot be considered free from government restriction without private property rights, freedom of exchange, and equal treatment before the law. Granting such rights certainly does not equate to liberalizing an entire economy, but it can be an important first step.

Indeed, we could add freedom of speech and press to that list as well. Societies that respect religious liberty create a sphere in which all other social liberties are present as well.

While the logical core of liberty in society may be best understood through an economic lens, the history of liberty suggests that the spiritual core of liberty flows from the nature and rights of conscience. As Acton once defined it, Liberty is the reign of conscience.

The Roman Catholic saint Pope John Paul II understood this well, writing in 1991,

[I]t is necessary for peoples in the process of reforming their systems to give democracy an authentic and solid foundation through the explicit recognition of [human] rights. Among the most important of these rights, mention must be made of the right to life, an integral part of which is the right of the child to develop in the mothers womb from the moment of conception; the right to live in a united family and in a moral environment conducive to the growth of the childs personality; the right to develop ones intelligence and freedom in seeking and knowing the truth; the right to share in the work which makes wise use of the earths material resources, and to derive from that work the means to support oneself and ones dependents; and the right freely to establish a family, to have and to rear children through the responsible exercise of ones sexuality. In a certain sense, the source and synthesis of these rights is religious freedom, understood as the right to live in the truth of ones faith and in conformity with ones transcendent dignity as a person. (Emphasis added.)

This has always struck me as somewhat paradoxical since I first read it. After all, without life, one cannot have any other rights or liberties. In that sense, the right to life is the most fundamental. But because the pope had a broad understanding of what that right entailed, he comes to the conclusion that religious freedom is the source and synthesis of these rights.

It was from religiously liberal (for its time) British America that the first modern democracy  complete with freedom of press, speech, and assembly  was born. Yet it still struggled to respect the right to life in many areas, slavery being the worst failing in this regard.

The right to life, being all-encompassing, is perhaps more the goal or telos of liberty than its seed or core. It was the basis by which Acton thought historians had a duty to judge figures of the past and call out every instance of the corrupting tendency of power.

Acton believed this because, being a Whig and a Christian, he expected the history of liberty to progress in a positive direction. No doubt he would have been disheartened by the twentieth century, but he was a good historian and knew that history is messy, to put it lightly.

Yet, at least on McCloskeys account, that conviction has proven faithful, despite the horrors of recent memory:

The liberal plan of equality, liberty, and justice made masses of people bold. Make everyone free, it turned out (the experiment had never been tried before on such a scale), and you get masses and masses of people inspired and enabled to have a go. I contain multitudes, sang the poet of the new liberty. And he did. He and his friends had a go at steam engines and research universities and railways and public schools and electric lights and corporations and open source engineering and containerization and the internet. We became rich by giving ordinary people their economic liberty.

For the sake not merely of material enrichment, but spiritual, we ought to continue the expansion of economic liberty today. For the sake of economic liberty, and moreover for the right to life, we ought to support the reign of conscience as well.



Image: Portrait of Lord Acton. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain.
Rumours of an impending engagement heated up even further last week when Meghan Markle gave a gushing interview to Vanity Fair about her love for Prince Harry.

And now the Suits star, 36, is said to have achieved another important milestone in her relationship with the Prince - meeting his grandmother the Queen.

According to a report by Us Weekly, the actress was introduced to Her Majesty on 3rd September at Balmoral while the couple were visiting Prince Charles at nearby Birkhall.

'It went well,' a source close to Harry reportedly told the magazine. 'It'll no doubt be the first of many encounters.

'She fits perfectly into the family. The difference in backgrounds means absolutely nothing.'

Us magazine has reported that Prince Harry has finally introduced Meghan to his grandmother during a visit to Balmoral on 3rd September

The Suits star reportedly impressed Her Majesty and fitted into the royal family 'perfectly', according to a source

The visit followed the couple's romantic getaway to Botswana to celebrate Meghan's 36th birthday, with the couple travelling north following their arrival back in the UK.

Harry apparently decided it was the perfect time to pay a visit to his father and grandmother as he hadn't yet been to Scotland where the Queen is usually joined by family members as she enjoys her summer holiday.

An introduction to his grandmother was the final step in making Meghan a permanent fixture in the family.

Reports suggest that the actress has already been introduced to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and is said to have forged a friendship with Princess Beatrice and her sister Eugenie.

Meghan was introduced to the Queen after a year of dating Harry, adding fuel to rumours the couple are set to announce their engagement

She's also said to get on well with Prince Charles and Camilla who she's met on several occasions.

Meghan's introduction to the monarch has come about a lot more speedily than her potential future sister-in-law Kate's.

The Duchess of Cambridge was dating Prince William for five years before she met the royal at the wedding of Peter Phillips in 2008.

But with Meghan and Harry both in their 30s it's unlikely they will spend years dating before settling down.

Something to smile about? Harry suggested the trip to Scotland after the couple spent a romantic holiday in Botswana celebrating Meghan's birthday

While it was five years before Kate was introduced to the Queen, Meghan has met the monarch after just 12 months of dating Harry

Last week Meghan dropped the strongest hint yet that an engagement is imminent when she opened up about the relationship for the first time in an interview with Vanity Fair.

Speaking to contributing editor Sam Kashner, Meghan said: 'Were a couple. Were in love.

'Im sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time.'

Addressing their need for privacy, the actress added: 'This is for us. Its part of what makes it so special, that its just ours. But were happy. Personally, I love a great love story.'

When asked how she felt about the media frenzy that erupted after their relationship was revealed last year, Meghan replied: 'It has its challenges, and it comes in waves  some days it can feel more challenging than others.

'And right out of the gate it was surprising the way things changed. But I still have this support system all around me, and, of course, my boyfriends support.'

She added: 'I can tell you that at the end of the day I think its really simple. Were two people who are really happy and in love.'
The stunning brunette in the gold sequinned gown and green velvet gloves wouldnt look out of place in a high-end fashion advert.

A smile plays on her scarlet lips as she holds a glittering evening bag, a string of diamonds sparkling tantalisingly on her decolletage.

So whose wares is she wearing? A couture dressmaker, perhaps? A dazzling but unaffordable jeweller? Or is it from the latest designer, fresh off the catwalk?

In fact, every item of clothing in the shot, from her elegant stilettos to the chic feathered hat, comes  quite unexpectedly  from Oxfam, the charity shop which has been a High Street staple for 75 years.

Often associated with tired, dusty old clothes found in attics, or bequeathed in wills, most of us think of it as cheap, cheerful but ultimately uninspiring.

This season, its chic to wear metallic from top to toe. LEFT: Silk top, 2, gold skirt, 12, Oxfam RIGHT: Silver camisole, 80, selfridges.com, gold pleated skirt, 35, marksand spencer.com

Not in a million years would most of us pop to our local Oxfam shop (there are 700 dotted up and down the country) to dig out a dress for that wedding, the perfect pair of autumn boots or a new jacket to pep up our work wardrobe.

But all that could be about to change. And, according to fashion experts, its about time.

For Oxfam has transformed its fashion image from that of a shabby secondhand shop to a treasure trove of on-trend garments which outshine High Street favourites.

While still relying on donations, the charity has started targeting fashion-conscious shoppers by focusing on trends, reorganising its shops and putting out glossy adverts (hence the stunning brunette in shimmering gold) and window displays.

Keep your eyes peeled in charity shops for party dresses in this seasons shades of blue, berry colours and dark green. LEFT: Ghost dress, 70, gold clutch, 7, both Oxfam. RIGHT: Blue maxi dress, 120,phase-eight.com, gold clutch, 32.90, kurtgeiger.com

High-end labels and specialist garments such as bridalwear and occasionwear are now sold in boutiques rather than shops, and in-store labels have been changed to say pre-loved rather than secondhand  a subtle change which plays on the prevailing fad for vintage fashion.

Theres also a hip new website, which boasts 100,000 pieces, from Reiss blouses to Karen Millen dresses and handbags by Osprey and Coccinelle from 5.99.

Visitors can browse by brand, size or colour, order and pay online and even return unwanted clothes for free  making the experience identical to a splurge on Net-a-Porter or Asos, but without the post-shopping guilt at spending so much.

Oxfam even hosted its own show at London Fashion Week this year, featuring model-of-the-moment Stella Tennant and supermodel Erin OConnor. Vogue contributing editor Bay Garnett spent months scouring Oxfams warehouses for the donated outfits, which drew gasps and applause from a star-studded crowd.

This autumns statement dress for the office is red. Look for styles above the knee, or get a longer dress from the bargain bin and take up the hem. Ingenious! RIGHT: Red dress, 20, Oxfam LEFT: Dress, 24, dorothyperkins.co.uk

We know shoppers are discerning, so we only sell high-quality, desirable clothes, explains Oxfams Emma Fabian.

We want our clothes to make you feel good, so theyre super-stylish, glossy and individual, and the shopping experience is stress-free.

Theres the added advantage of knowing youre not going to turn up to a party and find someone wearing exactly the same dress. And youre raising money for a really good cause.

One womans cast-offs, it seems, can be anothers new autumn wardrobe. So, can you tell the Oxfam clothes from these High Street pieces?

A classic trench coat never dates, so one womans reject is another womans stylish steal RIGHT: Trench coat, 65, Oxfam LEFT: Coat, 285, reiss.com

Blazers are pricey, so look out for second hand ones, particularly in white, which will update a Breton T-shirt and wideleg trousers. LEFT: Giorgio Armani blazer, 50, Breton top, 7.50, green trousers, 12, Oxfam RIGHT: Blazer, 185, reiss.com, Breton top, 28, crewclothing. co.uk, green trousers, 25, asos.com

Styling: Emily Monckton and Isabella Nikolic

Photographer: Natasha Pszenicki

Hair & Make-up: Virna Baillie

Model: Rebecca Pearson at MOT models
A 12-year-old boy has been left fighting for his life after contracting a severe case of the flu that led to a blood infection.

Caleb Logan, from Brisbane, told his parents that he had a sore throat in July this year, which the doctors thought was simply viral.

Only days later, he was needing a machine so that he could breathe.

'I was so scared, I was terrified,' Caleb told Seven News about his sudden deterioration.

12-year-old boy, Caleb Logan, (pictured) was left fighting for his life after contracting a severe case of the flu that led to a blood infection

Caleb Logan, from Brisbane, told his parents that he had a sore throat in July this year, which the doctors thought was simply viral

Caleb was diagnosed with influenza B and sepsis and due to the risk of his organs shutting down he was put in an induced coma.

'We were told that we had to prepare ourselves, the next 24 to 48 hours were critical and that he may not make it through the night, just from a simple cold,' his mother Rachel said.

Now his parents want to warn others about the dangers of sepsis and how it has the potential to kill healthy children in hours.

Caleb was diagnosed with influenza B and sepsis and due to the risk of his organs shutting down he was put in an induced coma

Sepsis develops when the immune system releases chemicals into the bloodstream to fight an infection but instead causes inflammation throughout the entire body.

Due to the symptoms being flu-like it is difficult for people to pick up on the disease, often knowing something is wrong when it's almost too late.

Caleb's story is almost identical to the story of 14-year-old Mercedes King, whose condition at Lady Cilento Children's Hospital has now been changed from critical to stable.

Mercedes King (pictured) whose condition is almost identical to Caleb was rushed to hospital after she was struck down with an unidentified bacterial infection

Mercedes King went to bed feeling a little sick on August 30. However, by 3am the next day she was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.

Due to her condition, equipment was flown in to keep her alive and when she was in a stable condition she was flown to Brisbane with her mum by her side.

Doctors have since confirmed Mercedes has influenza B, pneumonia, sepsis and an unidentified bacterial infection.
New CDC figures reveal another significant increase in drug overdose deaths - a bleak sign that efforts to control the epidemic are failing.

The number of Americans who died in 2016 and the first months of 2017 from a drug overdose hit 64,765, which is up more than 10,000 from the same figure from 2015.

Territories that had the steepest increases in overdose deaths were Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland and North Dakota. And only nine states saw their rates decrease from 2015 to 2016.

The figures are consistent with the grim findings of recent reports that reflect the seriousness of America's opioid crisis, which President Trump has deemed a 'national emergency'.

Experts are blaming the rise on a lack of education about opioids and inaccessible treatment options.

They are also warning that the crisis is likely going to get worse before it gets better because - no matter what measures states take now to decrease drug overdose death rates - the epidemic has already taken effect.

New CDC data have revealed that the rate of overdose deaths in the US rose more than 20 percent from 2015 to 2016 despite preventative measures to bring the rate down (Source: CDC)

The CDC's new report confirms that drug overdose deaths now kill more Americans than fatal illnesses such as influenza and pneumonia - which, combined, kill about 57,000 people - suicide, which claims around 44,000 lives annually.

Other CDC data have shown that the overdose rate for teenagers, specifically, is growing for the first time since the 2000s.

The territory that lost the most residents to drug overdoses in 2016 was Florida, where 5,199 people died from them between February 2016 and February 2017.

But the territory that saw the largest increase in overdose deaths between 2016 and 2017 was the District of Columbia, which saw a 128.8 percent increase.

However, states that saw increases like these are not necessarily doing anything wrong in their attempts to help residents who are hooked on opioids, according to Dr Cheryl Healton, Dean at NYU's College of Global Public Health.

'That has to do with how long they've had the epidemic,' Dr Healton said.

And, conversely, 'just because the rate went down doesn't mean [a state is] doing things right'.

She explained that it takes time for an epidemic to run its course.

Regardless of the measures a state is taking to lower its overdose death rate, if a large number of its residents got hooked before it started taking these measures, it is likely that a large number of them will die.

This means that even if a state's overdose death rate is going up, it could still be making a strong effort to control it.

And one reason for a state's overdose death rate going down could have simply been low population, Dr Healton said.

The number of fentanyl overdose deaths in America's largest cities rapidly increased between 2014 and 2016, as the synthetic opioid's role in the drug crisis continues to grow

WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INCREASED RATES OF OVERDOSE DEATHS IN US CITIES? The rate of deaths in cities related to man-made narcotic fentanyl shot up 600 percent from 2014 to 2016, with the steepest increases seen in New York, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Cleveland. Fentanyl can be 50 times stronger than heroin. Experts have said that often times people who think they are purchasing heroin are actually purchasing fentanyl, which has contributed to the rise in fentanyl-related deaths. Fentanyl is supplied to people in the US by online orders from China as well as drug trafficking from Mexico. 'The supply lines for fentanyl and heroin are often essentially the same. Heroin traffickers who travel to the Southwest border to purchase heroin now also purchase fentanyl from the same Southwest border sources of supply,' the DEA has said. The agency has also pointed out that the drug is wildly profitable for traffickers. Traffickers can buy a kilogram of the drug in powder form from a Chinese supplier for a few thousand dollars. From there, they can create from that one kilogram hundreds of thousands of pills and sell the counterfeit pills for millions of dollars. Advertisement

Dr Healton said that the spike in deaths is, in part, a reflection of a lack of education.

'We are doing absolutely nothing to educate the American people broadly. There needs to be mass communication,' she said.

She added: 'The education curve has not happened and it needs to happen.'

Dr Healton thinks that a full-fledged anti-opioid campaign needs to be initiated in the US.

Another factor that contributed to this rise is dangerous marketing tactics, she said.

Dr Healton explained that pharmaceutical companies that produce prescription painkillers such as OxyContin label opioids as non-addictive when the reality is that they are highly addictive.

This confusion about whether or not they are easy to get hooked on has led doctors to over-prescribe them because they think they are harmless.

Dentists in particular are to blame because they prescribe painkillers routinely after patients undergo minor dental procedures, Dr Healton said.

She added that doctors do this even when less-harmful and less-addictive medications exist that could also do the trick, saying: 'We're not utilizing other methods. They should try something else first.'

The price of painkillers produced by pharmaceutical companies has also contributed to the problem.

Dr Healton explained that after a person gets hooked on opioids - which does not take long - the doctor who prescribed the drugs to them will usually sense this.

When they do, they will stop writing prescriptions for opioids for the addicted patient, which will in turn cause the person to seek out the medications to satisfy their cravings elsewhere.

This leaves them with two options: paying at least $50 per pill for the medications they have been taking or turning to illicit versions.

Dr Healton said: 'Providers stop prescribing. The pricing of opioids has driven people to street heroin.' She added that heroin is usually 10 percent of the cost of prescription drugs, so it is the more attractive option.

And recent reports confirm this: the CDC's new figures come on the heels of an analysis that showed that the rate of deaths caused by synthetic opioid fentanyl in American cities grew more than 600 percent between 2014 and 2016.

Above all people need to realize that, if they are hooked, help is available, Dr Healton said.

She explained: 'The most important thing is availability of treatment alternatives. Treatment is effective.'
Thousands of people with diabetes are to get NHS access to a life-changing device which spells an end to painful finger pricks.

Health bosses last night announced the Freestyle Libre patch will be available on NHS prescription for the first time.

The device, a sensor the size of a 2 coin, automatically reads blood sugar levels from the cells just below the skin and sends it to a smartphone.

It means patients no longer have to subject themselves to the frequent and painful finger pricks currently required to monitor glucose levels.

Thousands of people with diabetes are to get NHS access to a life-changing device which spells an end to painful finger pricks (file photo)

Major studies have shown the technology significantly improves the patients health because they have much better information about blood sugar peaks and troughs, and so are better able to manage their condition.

The system has been available privately in the UK since February 2016, at the cost of 96 a month.

At least 20,000 people are estimated to have already used the system.

But hundreds of thousands of more people could benefit from November 1, when it becomes available on the NHS.

The decision was last night welcomed by health ministers, doctors and health charities.

Not all areas will offer the system - the decision as to whether to provide it free of charge is down to each local NHS clinical commissioning group.

Health bosses announced the Freestyle Libre patch will be available on NHS prescription for the first time (file photo)

But the decision by the NHS Business Services Authority to put the device on the NHS tariff means areas that want to make it available on prescription will be able to do so for the first time.

Experts called for officials to make it available as widely as possible.

The device is particularly valuable for people with type 1 diabetes - an autoimmune disease which means the body cannot produce its own insulin, stopping proper regulation of blood sugar.

The type 1 form affects 400,000 people in Britain, usually first striking in childhood or adolescence, and everyone with the condition has to constantly monitor their blood sugar levels to check whether they need an insulin injection.

It is thought to be especially useful for parents of children with type 1 diabetes, who are able to collect data from the patch by swiping it with a smartphone, even when their child is asleep.

And when they are at school they can monitor it remotely, because if a teacher or nurse swipes the patch the data is automatically sent to their phone.

The device could also help the 25 per cent of patients with type 2 diabetes who are insulin dependent, who total roughly 1 million in the UK.

The system works by a 35mm-wide patch which is placed on the back of the upper arm.

A tiny filament - the width of three human hairs - goes through the upper level of the skin and reads the glucose levels in the substance between skin cells.

The information is transferred from the patch to a smartphone via a flash sensing system the same technology used for Oyster travel cards and contactless card payments.

Each patch lasts two weeks before it is replaced.

Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: Todays announcement is fantastic news - not since the transition from urine testing to finger-prick testing has there been such potential to transform the lives of people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes through technology.

Flash glucose monitoring can free people living with diabetes from the pain and rigour of frequent finger-prick testing, and puts them in greater control of their condition.

In doing so, it has the potential to help prevent a host of devastating long-term complications. Todays decision is testament to the commitment of campaigners, clinicians and policy makers to making this technology available.

Karen Addington, UK chief executive of JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity, added: Newer technologies can make daily life with type 1 diabetes much easier. Each and every person with type 1 diabetes who wants this technology, and would benefit, should receive it.

Health minister Lord OShaughnessy said: Living with diabetes can be difficult and stressful which is why this government is working hard to ensure patients have access to a wide range of appropriate products and treatments to help them manage their condition.

With Freestyle Libre now available on the NHS, patients have an exciting and innovative option to consider to help monitor their condition and prevent any long term complications.

An NHS England spokesman added: We are always keen to see new and innovative products that can improve the care patients receive.

Its good to see the Freestyle Libre now being listed on the drug tariff after review by the Department of Health and it could have a positive impact for those patients who it is deemed appropriate to provide this to.
The heart-warming moment a deaf baby heard the voice of her mother for the very first time has been caught on camera.

Lexi Daniella, from Richmond, Virginia, who has been unable to hear properly since she was born three months ago, was given hearing aids.

Despite being confused when the gadgets squeaked as they were placed on her ears, they instantly worked - and the results were 'incredible'.

The infant, known as 'Dani', quickly adjusted to her newly-found hearing capabilities and can be seen beaming from ear to ear.

Being called a beautiful girl by her mother, Francisca Umana, roused an infectious smile from Dani - who became transfixed to her voice.

Ms Umana, whose age is unknown, said: 'It was such an incredible moment to see her smiling and responding to my voice.

'She'll cry now when she hears loud noises, and sometimes even when I talk to her.

'Our family was so overwhelmed when we showed them the video, many of them couldn't hold back the tears.'

Lexi Daniella, from Richmond, Virginia, who has been unable to hear properly since she was born three months ago, was given hearing aids. Despite being confused when the gadgets squeaked as they were placed on her ears, they instantly worked

The infant, known as 'Dani', quickly adjusted to her newly-found hearing capabilities and can be seen beaming from ear to ear. Being called a beautiful girl by her mother, Francisca Umana, roused an infectious smile from Dani - who became transfixed to her voice

COCHLEAR IMPLANTS: THE FACTS Cochlear implants have an external sound processor and internal parts, including a receiver coil, an electronics package and a long wire with electrodes on it called an electrode array. The external processor takes in sound, analyses it and then converts it to signals that are transmitted across the skin to an internal receiver-stimulator, which sends the signals along the electrode array into a part of the inner ear called the cochlea. The signal is then sent to the brain along the hearing nerve as normal. This means cochlear implants are only suitable for people whose hearing nerves are functioning normally. Whereas hearing aids amplify sound so they can be detected by damaged ears, cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Signals generated by the implant are sent via the auditory nerve to the brain, which recognizes the signals as sound. Advertisement

When did doctors diagnose her?

When Dani was born partially deaf in June, the family were told that her lack of hearing was probably due to a fluid build-up in her ear.

Doctors blamed the C-section, which they said caused fluid to congregate in the ear. During a normal birth, these fluids are pushed out.

But after a few more weeks passed, Ms Umana became more concerned. Tests eventually showed Dani had suffered severe hearing loss.

But they are unsure why she is deaf

The cause of her problem is still unknown, as her family began teaching her a few signs to communicate with before trying the hearing aids.

They offer her the chance to hear sounds louder and clearer.

But if she is to hear speech at a normal level in the future, she will need to get a Cochlear implant, doctors say.

Cochlear implants are small hearing devices fitted under the skin behind the ear during surgery to help people understand speech.

It also allows people to recognise warning signals, understand their environment and enjoy conversations with people.

Giving her every chance to succeed

Ms Umana added: 'Until then, we will continue learning and teaching her sign language, to ensure she has every chance to succeed in life.

'She had always tried to talk back when she saw my mouth moving, but knowing she couldn't actually hear the sound of my voice was heartbreaking.'
The daughter of an actress starring in a West End play has spent four years waking up every morning believing she is in France.

In 2013 Tansy Smethurst, 13, from Greenwich, south-east London, was on holiday with her family, including her mother Rakie Ayola - who plays Hermione in the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play - when she developed spots on her body and was rushed to hospital.

Scans revealed the teenager had a brain cyst, known as Neurofibromatosis type 1, which she had removed only to develop a serious infection that has left her with severe memory loss.

Four years later and despite undergoing 12 operations, Tansy can still only remember up to the day before she went on holiday and constantly bombards her devastated family with the same questions.

Rakie, 48, said: 'She still has memory issues, for example when we drive to see family in Wales she will ask several times on the journey where we are going.

'There are moments when someone asks how you are and you burst into tears.'

'Hermione Granger's daughter' wakes up every morning thinking she is in France

WHAT IS NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 1? Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition that affects one in 3,000 people in the UK to some extent. It is caused by a genetic mutation that affects nerve tissue growth. Around half of cases are inherited from a parent and the remainder occur spontaneously. Early symptoms include flat brown birthmarks, and lumps and bumps in unusual places. It is also associated with mild learning difficulties. Most people with NF1 are otherwise healthy and live to a normal life expectancy. There is no cure. Surgery can be performed to remove the benign growths. Source: The Neuro Foundation Advertisement

'If something new happens she struggles'

Rakie said: 'She couldn't even remember her hospital room.

'Once she was up and walking she would go to the bathroom and come back and not recognise her room - even though hers was the one decorated with balloons and the room next door was empty. She had no clue.

'I noticed one time she only identified her room because my coat was there and she remembered my coat.

'Even now, if something new happens she struggles. Routine is very good for her.

She said: 'As she gets older it becomes more apparent that she has challenges with cognitive skills.

'She still has some memory issues, for example when we drive to see family in Wales she will ask several times on the journey where we are going.'

Teenager endures 12 operations

Rakie said: 'I'd never heard of the condition before Tansy was diagnosed.

'Tansy is very well now but from August to December 2013 she had 12 brain surgeries. She was so brave.

'We thought the spots were due to having a dual heritage, I'm black British and Adam (Tansy's father) is white.

'We never thought it could be a sign of a genetic disorder.'

After having an operation to remove the cyst, Tansy developed a serious infection and was left with severe short-term memory loss.

She was also diagnosed with the genetic disorder NF1, which causes benign tumours to develop on nerve endings throughout the body.

Tansy Smethurst got an infection after having a brain cyst removed, causing memory loss

'It hits you unawares in all sorts of ways'

Tansy was referred to Guy's Hospital, where her parents discovered more details of her condition.

Rakie said: 'Things started to slot into place after that. At primary school Tansy had been tested for dyslexia, but the results came back that although she didn't have dyslexia, she had some difficulties with comprehension.

'It linked into the learning difficulties that are another potential symptom.

'We had to cope. There are moments, particularly when you least need it such as on the school run when someone asks how you are and you burst into tears.

'It hits you unawares in all sorts of ways. I was emotional and angry too.

'I was angry at a lot of people, angry at the nurses, I was constantly apologising and crying too.'

Tansy had to endure numerous surgeries after her diagnosis, each of which left her delirious and unable to remember beyond the day before she went on holiday to France.

Yet, despite her ongoing memory problems, a recent scan revealed Tansy has largely recovered.

The pair are supporting Jeans for Genes day on September 22.
A 23-year-old man was left unable to get an erection after he was scratched by a cat, a bizarre case study has revealed.

The unidentified patient, from Belgium, was injured by the claws of a feline in his own home - but it is unknown how.

As well as the inability to make love, he endured pain in his testicles, a fever and intense sweating at night before visiting hospital.

Doctors discovered he had 'cat-scratch disease' after various tests. It is caused by bacteria called Bartonella henselae found in the mouth and claws of cats.

It causes fever, fatigue, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. In extreme cases it can even cause deadly brain swelling and heart infections.

A course of antibiotics cleared up the infection and the man's erection returned.

The unidentified patient, from Belgium, was scratched by a cat in his own home (stock)

Why did it cause erectile dysfunction?

The infection's link to erectile dysfunction has been relatively scarce until the new case, revealed by doctors in BMJ Case Reports.

They were unable to state how the bug caused his loss in erection ability, however, pointed to previous cases that triggered facial paralysis.

They said this same biological mechanism could have triggered his erectile dysfunction and testicular pain.

On further questioning, it was confirmed that the patient was recently scratched by a young cat at home, experts wrote.

Doctors at the Clinique Saint-Pierre Ottignies, a hospital 40 minutes south of Brussels, gave the patient a course of antibiotics for three weeks.

'The symptoms quickly vanished and he fully regained his erectile function,' the team of medics said in the journal.

'In this case the patient was unable to provoke erection despite his will even during periods of calm symptoms.'

How prevalent is cat scratch disease?

Official figures suggest around 12,000 Americans succumb to cat scratch disease each year. It is unsure how many Britons develop the infection.

Watchdogs have previously warned that cat bites and scratches can be 'devastating in terms of infection and permanent disability' if left untreated.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE BITTEN Clean the wound immediately by running warm tap water over it for a couple of minutes, even if the skin does not appear broken. Remove any dirt or foreign objects from the wound. Encourage the wound to bleed slightly by gentle squeezing (unless already bleeding freely). If there is heavy bleeding, place a clean pad or sterile dressing over wound and apply pressure. Dry the wound and cover with a clean dressing or plaster. Seek medical advice unless the wound is very minor. For severe wounds, go to A&E. Advertisement

While dogs are responsible for the vast majority of animals bites, ones from cats are twice as likely to become infected, it is believed.

Why are cat bites more serious?

Felines tend to create puncture wound, injecting bacteria deep into human tissue. But dogs cause a more open wound with tissue damage.

It comes after a study in December revealed that owning a cat could have some serious implications on your sexual preferences.

The research, by scientists at Charles University in Prague, suggested that having a pet cat could be linked to a love BDSM.

This is because Toxoplasma gondii - a common feline brain parasite that causes toxoplasmosis in humans - has been linked to sexual arousal from fear and danger.

Official figures show that around 350,000 Britons suffer such infections every year. More than 30 million Americans carry the bug.

A woman nearly licked to death

The new case follows the tale of an elderly British woman who became critically ill after her dog licked her and triggered sepsis.

The unidentified patient, 70, ended up in intensive care with multiple organ failure after contracting a rare infection from her Italian greyhound.
Google's screening tool that enables people to check online whether they are clinically depressed could do more harm than good, one expert has warned.

Last month, the tech giant released a self-assessment quiz, called the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which pops up as a result for the search query 'Am I depressed?' on a computer or cell phone.

Google developed its test in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) but one professor claims that the quiz could just lead to over-treatment of depression amid the US's opioid epidemic.

He warns the tool's development was funded by major drug company Pfizer, which profits from the sale of antidepressants.

When you type 'depression' into Google on your computer or mobile phone, it gives you the option to take its new screening test

Google and NAMI both stressed that the results of their test are not an actual diagnosis.

The quiz asks questions about how frequently the respondent feels down, what their energy levels, sleeping and eating habits are like, and if they have had recent thoughts of suicide.

It returns a numeric score and is meant to help users determine when to seek help, and to provide some basic information they can take to their health care professionals for reference.

But Simon Gilbody, professor of psychological medicine at the University of York, warned that the test has a high likelihood of returning false positives.

Writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), he claimed that many of the answers the test would identify as warning signs were actually 'transient psychological distress, which will remit without treatment.'

He also expressed concern that the test could misidentify other disorders or mental health issues as depression.

This tool asks questions such as the frequency with which people feel down or depressed, energy levels, sleeping patterns, appetite, level of interest in things or suicidal thoughts.

It takes an average of six years for a person to be diagnosed with depression. One of the goals of the test is to shorten that gap.

Google and NAMI have stressed that the test should not replace diagnosis by a qualified mental health professional, and argue it will help people seek help more quickly.

Google has also said users will not have their answers logged by the company and will not be targeted by advertising related to depression.

Gilbody warns that depression screening is generally inadequate, even in most health systems - let alone online - and are not recommended in the UK.

However, less than a week ago, the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) published a final recommendation that clinicians screen all adults for depression.

'The USPSTF found convincing evidence that screening improves the accurate identification of adult patients with depression in primary care settings, including pregnant and postpartum women,' the recommendation says.

Google is driving people quicker down the path to big pharma David Gilbert, director of InHealth Associates

But it does caution that screening should only be done 'with adequate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up.'

In the BMJ's 'Head to Head' section, another expert refuted many of Gilbody's concerns.

He argued that in an age where blood pressure and blood sugar levels can be tested at home, it's high time we have tools to gauge our mental health too. Duckworth saw the PHQ-9 score as a good potential basis for standardizing metrics of mental health care.

Since Google does not recommend a treatment when the test is completed, and the score is not a formal diagnosis, Duckworth dismissed these concerns.

Instead, the test 'is intended as widespread education to prompt informed conversations with clinical professionals to suggest potentially helpful resources,'he wrote.

Can the test and its makers be trusted?

Gilford claims that 'it is likely that screening programs will add to the upward trend in antidepressant prescriptions (which have the greatest year on year increase of any drug class).'

Gilford is undoubtedly not alone in his concern that antidepressants are over prescribed.

A number of common antidepressants, including Xanax, Restoril, and diazepam, 9formerly known as Valium) are benzodiazepines, a family of drugs that greatly increase the risk of death when taken with opioids.

Xanax is made by Pfizer, who Gilbody claims was involved in the development of the tool.

David Gilbert, director of InHealth Associates echoed concerns about Pfizer's involvement.

'Google is driving people quicker down the path to big pharma. Remember,Pfizer funded the development of the tool,' he wrote in Head to Head.

In fact, Pfizer did own the copyright to the PHQ-9 tool, but this is no longer the case, according to Patient.info.

Gilford expressed concern about privacy and misuse of data from the test, as have a few others.

'Historically, the boundaries between pharmaceutical advertising and patient information are also blurred by the presence of online disease awareness campaigns sponsored by industry,' he wrote.

Duckworth, on the other hand, felt confident in Google's promise that no user data from the test would be kept or used for targeted marketing.
Basic mistakes: Northern Rock boss Adam Applegarth borrowed short and lent long

The run on Northern Rock a decade ago was a consequence of bad banking. Disgraced chief executive Adam Applegarth and his team were ignorant of the principles which guided sound banking for generations. They borrowed short on the money markets and lent long.

The traditional relationship between income and the size of mortgages was ignored and they came up with the crazy 125 per cent deal.

When customers failed to meet even the Rocks loose criteria, details were passed to the sub-prime lending unit at Lehman Brothers.

Given all of this one can almost understand the reluctance of then Bank of England governor Lord King to bail out a badly-run lender and customers who had no idea of the risks they were taking.

A decade later there are real questions as to whether the lessons have been learned. Enforcement may have been improved with prudential regulation returned to the Bank of England, but do banks have sufficient capital? This is particularly relevant given the return of irresponsible lending.

As Royal Bank of Scotlands finance chief Ewen Stevenson noted in New York this week, half of the customers with zero rate credit cards are ignorant of the penal rates they will incur when they come off the teaser deals.

Drivers have were lured last year into buying a record number of 8.2m new vehicles by personal contract plans. But many purchasers will be ignorant of the annual percentage rate of interest and penalties which can occur at the end of the contract which can wipe out the original equity.

Meanwhile, JP Morgan estimates that the market for complex financial securities, at the core of the crisis of a decade ago, has grown 160 per cent in the past three years. Here in Britain some 30billion of such loans have been bundled up and sold on.

There is also evidence that finance is not reaching where it is most needed. In spite of Help To Buy, 54 per cent of housebuilders report that the biggest constraint on new home construction is lack of finance.

The idea that the system has been fixed and so the brakes can be taken off the banks is sheer foolishness.

If the authorities really wanted to make the banks safer they would require them to hold a much larger capital cushion  perhaps as much as 20 per cent  and exclude funny money from the calculations. Suppressing the animal spirits creates its own risks.

But ten years after the failure of the Rock the lessons of indiscriminate lending have not been learned.

Darkening Sky

James Murdoch will be none too pleased by the latest setback for 21st Century Foxs 11.5billion bid for the 61 per cent of Sky that the company does not already own.

Culture and Media Secretary Karen Bradley has, in effect, overruled regulator Ofcom and is preparing to refer the deal to the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) on grounds of media standards.

The CMA has already been tasked to tackle the deal on competition grounds.

The likely referral comes after a sustained campaign by former Labour leader Ed Miliband and Lib Dem leader Vince Cable to stop the deal in its tracks.

They argue that Fox is not a fit owner of Sky given allegations of sexual harassment and perceived political bias. There must be a real chance now that James Murdoch, as chief executive of Fox, may decide that the hassle of dealing with Britains political pygmies has become too much and pulls the offer.

Putting aside questions of media plurality, Skys minority investors have reason to be cautious of Fox bearing gifts.

It should not be forgotten that much of the cash which 21st Century wants to use to buy Sky comes from money raised when it sold stakes in Sky Deutschland and Sky Italia to the London quoted company.

Sky is a brilliant, innovative contributor to Britains media landscape.

But outside shareholders, who have borne a great deal of the risk, need to be alert to the Murdoch empires taste for inter-company transactions.

Glistening export

The contribution of Britains world leading architects to Britains trade in services is not widely recognised.

Last nights launch of next-generation Apple products was held at the groups remarkable glass campus in Cupertino, California, which comes courtesy of Foster+Partners.

At the peak of Cupertino construction, Foster employed 250 of its people on site. It is also responsible for the design of several of the high-gloss Apple Stores.

Bravo.
Today, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is unveiling his legislation for a single-payer healthcare system. Here is what you should know about single-payer systems and Sanderss proposal:

What is single-payer healthcare?

In a single-payer healthcare system, the government pays for all medically necessary service for of all citizens, regardless of income or ability to pay.

Does the U.S. have a single-payer system?

In the U.S. most citizens over the age of 65 and people under 65 who have specific disabilities qualify for the single-payer system know as Medicare. The expansion of this single-payer system to all citizens is sometimes referred to as Medicare for all.

The state of Vermont also attempted to create a single-payer system but scrapped the idea in 2014. As Sarah Kliff explains, budget analysts realized Vermont would need an additional $2.5 billion in tax revenue to pay for the system. That would have required raising the payroll tax by 11.5 percent and income tax by 9 percent.

Isnt the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) a single-payer system?

No. Obamacare is an expansion of government requirements to cover previously uninsured people. Obamacare does not collect money that is paid directly to medical providers but instead relies on currently existing private insurance companies.

What is Sanders single-payer proposal?

Sen. Sanders has introduced the Expanded & Improved Medicare For All Act. The purpose of the legislation is To provide for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents, improved health care delivery, and for other purposes.

Currently, Sanders has 15 Senate Democrats as co-sponsors for the bill.

What benefits would be covered under Sanderss single-payer plan?

Everyone living in the U.S. would receive by mail a Medicare For All Program Card after filling out a 2-page registration form. All medically necessary services would be covered, including at least the following:

(1) Primary care and prevention.

(2) Approved dietary and nutritional therapies.

(3) Inpatient care.

(4) Outpatient care.

(5) Emergency care.

(6) Prescription drugs.

(7) Durable medical equipment.

(8) Long-term care.

(9) Palliative care.

(10) Mental health services.

(11) The full scope of dental services, services, including periodontics, oral surgery, and endodontics, but not including cosmetic dentistry.

(12) Substance abuse treatment services.

(13) Chiropractic services, not including electrical stimulation.

(14) Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).

(15) Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.

(16) Podiatric care.

How would the law determine what medical practices qualified and what prices would be paid?

According the bill, the benefits would be available through any licensed health care clinician anywhere in the United States that is legally qualified to provide the benefits.

Additionally, no deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing would be imposed with respect to covered benefits.

No institution may be a participating provider unless it is a public or not-for-profit institution. Private physicians, private clinics, and private health care providers would be allowed to continue to operate as private entities, but would be prohibited from being investor owned.

It would be illegal for a private health insurer to sell health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this Act. Health insurance coverage would still be legal for additional benefits not covered by this Act, such as for cosmetic surgery or other services and items that are not medically necessary.

Reimbursement fees and salaries would be determined by the government after close consultation with the National Board of Universal Quality and Access and regional and State directors. Initially, the current prevailing fees or reimbursement would be the basis for the fee negotiation for all professional services covered under this Act.

The prices to be paid each year under this Act for covered pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and medically necessary assistive equipment would be negotiated annually by the Program.

How would this program be paid for?

Mostly by increased taxes, though the amounts have not been outlined. The proposed taxes include:

 Increasing personal income taxes on the top 5 percent income earners.

 Instituting a modest and progressive excise tax on payroll and self-employment income.

 Instituting a modest tax on unearned income.

 Instituting a small tax on stock and bond transactions.

How much would Sanderss Medicare For All plan cost?

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) hasnt yet scored the bill, but it is estimated to cost nearly $1.4 trillion a year.

To put that into perspective, thats more money than the combined annual budgets for the Dept. of Agriculture ($133 billion), Dept. of Commerce ($9.28 Billion), Dept. of Defense  military programs ($516 billion), Dept. of Education ($60.2 billion), Dept. of Energy ($26.7 billion), Dept. of Homeland Security ($42 billion), HUD (35.8 billion), Dept. of the Interior ($13.2 billion), Dept. of Justice ($31 billion), Dept. of Labor ($44.8 billion), Dept. of State ($25.4 billion), EPA ($7.65 billion), NASA ($16.9 billion), and all international assistance programs ($23.3 billion).

Also, the total revenue taken in federal taxes is $3.21 trillion a year. To add another $1 trilliona 31 percent increasewould require raising taxes on nearly every American.

Is there a chance this single-payer bill could become law?

No, at least not while the Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House. And even if the Democrats were to regain control of Congress in 2018 its unlikely theyd have the votes within their own party to pass the bill.
Breakdown: AA executive chairman Bob Mackenzie was sacked after a punch-up

Plans for the AA to merge its insurance business with Hastings have been called off.

The firms had preliminary talks but they have ended, Hastings said in a statement yesterday.

On Monday it emerged that the plans sparked a row among the AA board that ended in executive chairman Bob Mackenzie being sacked after a run-in with the head of the insurance division, Mike Lloyd, during a company away day.

Hastings yesterday confirmed it did have preliminary discussions with the AA regarding a potential partnership with its insurance division, which have ceased.

The AA said it regularly reviews all strategic options, including whether a spin-off of any of its business lines would unlock further value and be in shareholders interests.

Last month the group also lowered its full-year forecasts and said its performance in the first half of the financial year, which started in February, had been hit.
Balancing act: Chancellor Philip Hammond is under pressure to win back voters

BUDGET DAY The next Budget will be on Wednesday, November 22, the Chancellor has announced.

Philip Hammond confirmed on Twitter the date he will set out his tax and spending plans.

The Chancellor said the Budget was an opportunity for the Government to set out our thinking on how to keep the economy strong and resilient and fair  an economy that works for everyone.

He will come under pressure to offer policies aimed at winning back voters who deserted the Tories in Junes general election.

DIGITAL CALL Ministers will today be urged by Vodafone to create digital enterprise zones across the UK in a bid to boost technology companies.

Research carried out by the British telecoms giant said the zones could be used for testing new technologies such as 5G mobile internet and provide tax incentives to those who installed fibre broadband to the premises or invested in other infrastructure.

DISEASE DEVICE Respiratory disease specialist Circassia Pharmaceuticals has launched a device called Niox Vero, which can detect a chronic infection called primary ciliary dyskinesia, across Europe.

Around 50,000 Europeans are estimated to have the disease, which causes constant nasal congestion and a chronic cough.

SPRINKLER DEAL Niche services provider Premier Technical Services Group has bought a Bury-based building sprinkler installation and maintenance firm for up to 2.5million.

Premier Technical will pay an initial 1.3million for UK Sprinklers, with the rest of the cash being paid as profit milestones are reached.

SHIP SHAPE Engineer Rolls-Royce has revealed plans for an autonomous ship that can travel 3,500 nautical miles  roughly the distance from the United States to France.

The vessel will be able to travel at speeds above 25 knots and can be used for missions such as detecting mines.

SLICK SALES Newly London-listed oil and gas services company Ades International has announced a 46 per cent increase in revenues for the first half of the year, to 66million.

Profits were down 6 per cent to 12.8million, partly due to the impact of listing costs. Bosses said higher revenues were driven by growing operations in Saudi Arabia and new projects in Algeria.

STRIKING GOLD Russia-focused gold miner Petropavlovsk, which has recently ousted its founder Peter Hambro, said revenues are up 20 per cent to 229million, with a 19 per cent increase in production and 5 per cent increase in average gold price.

Profit for the half-year is up 30 per cent from 66million to 86million.

PLANE PLANT American airplane maker Boeing has started building its first European manufacturing facility in the Sheffield Business Park.

The 6,200 square foot building, due to open in late 2018, will make parts that help move the flaps on the wings Boeings aeroplanes.
Customers queue to withdraw their savings outside a Northern Rock branch in 2007

When David Kirsch queued with hundreds of others to take his money out of Northern Rock a decade ago, he didn't realise that banking as he knew it was about to change for good.

David, 82, was the last person to be served on September 14, 2007, at his local branch in Golders Green, North London.

He'd waited in line for around two hours  and after serving him staff shut the door and turned everyone else away. 'Lots of people were panicking  I was lucky to get in,' he says.

'I only planned to take out the amount that was over the limit protected by the Government, which was 35,000 at that time. But I was told it was all or nothing, so I asked for all of it to be transferred to another bank.'

David, a retired accountant, says many in the queue were unaware of how bad the situation was.

'I remember a dear old lady, barely able to walk with a stick queuing to make a deposit,' he says. 'She was being very vocal about how it was all a fuss about nothing.'

David now banks with another High Street name. 'I am sure our bank will not fail and have no worries about having our savings held there,' he says. 'The real issue is the terrible savings rates offered by banks  but that's another story.'

In the years that followed these desperate scenes outside Northern Rock branches many historic names, such as Alliance & Leicester, Bradford & Bingley and Britannia disappeared from the High Street for ever as they were taken over by larger institutions or bailed out by the Government.

Branches were shut in a bid to save cash and thousands of bank workers lost their jobs.

Today there are an estimated 8,978 branches across the UK, compared with 12,270 in 2007.

Many of those shut were the last branch in town, leaving around 1,500 communities without a bank.

Carol Purvis, 81, refuses to bank online because she is worried about fraud

This means thousands of elderly customers in rural areas must now travel miles to their nearest branch to deposit cheques and pay bills. And more still are closing  around ten branches every day.

Brian Brown, head of insight at financial information business Defaqto, says: 'The Northern Rock collapse marked the beginning of a new era.

'Since then there has been a massive reduction in the number of branches as banks and building societies had to cut costs, with customers increasingly being pushed towards digital banking.'

At the time of Northern Rock's demise, new technology was beginning to emerge that would transform the way we spend and manage our money today.

In June 2007  a couple of months before the run on the bank  the then Apple boss Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone in San Francisco.

It took several more years for smartphones to become commonplace, and in 2011 UK customers were able to download the first banking app from First Direct.

Today. nearly 20 million of us regularly use smartphones to manage our bank accounts.

David Kirsch and his wife Jo, 79, rarely have cause to step into a bank branch today.

'We do everything online,' he says. 'Our income from pensions is paid into our accounts automatically and anything else we need to do is done on the computer.' But not everyone is comfortable with the shift to the internet.

Carol Purvis, 81, refuses to bank online because she is worried about fraud. Fortunately, she still has a Lloyds Bank near to where she lives in Rowlands Gill, Tyne & Wear, but it's a lot quieter than it used to be.

Carol says she misses the days when the Post Office she ran with her late husband, Ron, was a hive of activity at the centre of village life.

'On a Thursday, there would be queues of people coming to pick up their pensions and maybe a packet of Pontefract liquorice, too. The customers would talk to me about their children and I'd even be invited to their weddings.

'Now everything is paid directly into people's accounts and they pay all their bills online, we have lost some of those interactions.'

The way we spend our money has also changed dramatically over the past decade. We are now so comfortable with paying by plastic that card payments are predicted to overtake cash by the end of next year, according to the trade body Payments UK.

It was also in 2007 that Barclaycard launched the first contactless payment card, OnePulse, allowing customers to tap and pay on the London Underground and in 6,000 shops around the country.

Today around two-thirds of shoppers tap and spend at 450,000 contactless terminals in the UK.

l.milner@dailymail.co.uk
A 20-year-old Marine disguised himself in a pirate costume to surprise his mother on her birthday after he had been away for nine months.

Lance Corporal James Williams, originally from San Diego, had been stationed in North Carolina.

He showed up at Pirate's Dinner Adventure in Buena Park, California, for his mother's 39th birthday. The popular spot hosts live shows with a 250,000 'indoor lagoon'.

When Tamara Williams was called up on stage to receive a birthday gift, her son was behind her dressed as a pirate and wearing a large floppy hat to hide his face.

A host standing next to her told her to take a box from the pirate kneeling behind her.

'The pirate behind you will give you your gift,' the host can be heard saying in a video clip.

The host at the pirate-themed restaurant in California told Tamara Williams that the pirate behind her would give her her birthday gift

While Tamara poses with the present from her son, James Williams takes off his disguise

Tamara is initially too distracted to notice her real present standing next to her

When she sees him she screams: 'Oh my God' and gives him a massive bear hug

While James is still wearing the hat, his mom opens a box and sees a picture of her son and a note that reads: 'I love you Mom. Happy birthday. Love, James.'

Tamara happily displays the gift from her son to the crowd, and at first doesn't even notice James taking off the hat.

James steps up next to his mother and says: 'Happy birthday.'

James(center) poses with his mom (right) and another family member in his military uniform

James has been stationed in North Carolina for the past nine months

Tamara yells 'Oh my God' and immediately hugs her son while the crowd cheers.

The plot had been orchestrated by James and Tamara's sister Wendy Compton. Wendy got in touch with the restaurant, who were more than happy to help facilitate the surprise.

Before the show, Williams told KTLA 5: 'I know she's going to get emotional. She's going to cry for sure.'

James will be home for 10 days before returning to North Carolina for duty.
The statue of Christopher Columbus in Central Park was vandalized on Tuesday with blood-red paint on his hands and the words 'Hate will not be tolerated' on the pedestal.

The defacer also left an ominous note at the bottom of the seven-foot-tall bronze statue that reads: '#somethingiscoming'.

A Central Park Conservancy employee came across the painted-on statue around 7am Tuesday and immediately called the police, the New York Post reported.

The statue is located in the southern portion of the park at the foot of The Mall walkway near Center Drive.

Someone vandalized a statue of Christopher Columbus in Central Park on Tuesday with blood-red paint on the hands and the words 'Hate will not be tolerated' on the pedestal

A piece of paper was also attacked to the pedestal that said: 'Save your soul' - again with the hashtag '#somethingiscoming'.

The messages likely refer to the failed explorer's legacy of rape and murder of native people when he landed in America, thinking he toured the world and reached India.

Shari Berger said the vandalism didn't surprise her.

'It reflects a lot of what's going on in the world right now, it's about the unrest in the world,' the 54-year-old told the Post as she was walking her dog.

However, Berger said the graffiti bothered her because 'it's not positive, it's destructive.'

Another New Yorker, Sallyanne said the vandalism didn't bother her, and that it was an act of free speech.

'I'd rather see that [free speech] than violence,' the 35-year-old from Brooklyn explained.

'We're reflecting on our past and terrible things that happened.'

But to Lois Hammett, a tourist from Tennessee walking through the park, the sight of vandalism in an otherwise beautiful park was 'disgraceful.'

'That's the first thing I've seen in New York that makes me feel saddened and angry,' Hammet said.

'We have legal ways of protesting.'

Central Park Conservancy employees quickly removed the graffiti with acetone on Tuesday morning, and one was overheard saying that the red paint on Columbus' hands might be hard to remove. The statue is pictured left before the vandalism occurred

Central Park Conservancy employees quickly removed the graffiti with acetone on Tuesday morning, and one was overheard saying that the red paint on Columbus' hands might be hard to remove.

The conservancy is a nonprofit that oversees maintenance in the park.

Monuments named after the controversial 15th century explorer have become a topic of contention all around the United States amid a national debate about statues honoring infamous figures.

The debate got even louder in August when a white supremacist ran his car into a crowd of people protesting a white power march in Charlottesville, Virginia. The white power march was in protest of the removal of a statue of the infamous confederate leader Robert E Lee.

New York City mayor Bill de Blasio put together a commission to review and recommend removal of any monuments deemed oppressive in light of the protests.

One of those statues is the 76-foot structure honoring the failed explorer in the center of the roundabout at Columbus circle.

City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito has urged for that one to be taken down.
A Hollywood investment company is asking an appeals court to reopen a fraud lawsuit against U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, claiming he helped swindle the investors out of millions of dollars as part of a Ponzi-like scheme 2015.

RKA Film Financing claims Mnuchin and other senior leaders at Relativity Media misled it into investing $81million into Relativity's financially troubled movie funding division.

Relativity then allegedly used the money to pay off salaries and other personal expenses rather than investing in films before declaring bankruptcy in 2015.

A New York judge previously tossed the case against Mnuchin  the former co-chairman of Relativity's board  in June, saying there was no evidence he was aware of the alleged fraud.

But RKA is appealing that decision and is asking the court to restore Mnuchin as a defendant.

RKA Film Financing has asked an appeals court to reopen a fraud lawsuit against Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (pictured), claiming he helped swindle $81million out of investors when he was co-chairman at Relativity Media

The appeal threatens to revive scrutiny over the Treasury Secretary's business practices during his time in the private sector.

Mnuchin was criticized by Democrats for controversial investments, including his involvement with Relativity, during his confirmation hearing last February.

RKA argues in court documents that Mnuchin 'knew that Relativity was a failing enterprise' but allowed the company to misrepresent its finances to RKA while he was serving on Relativity's board. It said he also engaged in 'repeated misrepresentations' in order 'to misappropriate millions of dollars from unwitting investors.'

RKA claims Mnuchin  who invested $50million in Relativity and was friends with the company's owner  was aware the film studio was using its film funding division to pay off general operating expenses such as salaries and bonuses.

But the company claims he kept his mouth shut so that Relativity could continue operating and pay back Mnuchin's $50million investment before it declared bankruptcy.

'Mnuchin knew this to be false and misleading, yet never disclosed same to RKA,' said RKA in documents filed with the New York appeals court on Aug. 11.

'Worse, as Co-Chairman of Relativity's Board of Directors and playing a key role in attracting and obtaining further funding for Relativity, Mnuchin knowingly and willingly allowed Relativity to continue making material misrepresentations to RKA.'

RKA claims Mnuchin  who invested $50m in Relativity 'knew it was a failing enterprise' and was aware it was using its film funding division to pay off salaries and debts. The former Wall Street executive was hand-picked by Trump (pictured together) and sworn in in February

RKA said it initially invested in Relativity's film financing division after being told by the company that this was a 'low-risk' investment that would solely fund advertising expenses for major upcoming films.

Instead, RKA claims its money was used to 'pay salaries and bonuses of Relativity personnel, its contractual debts, and its other general corporate expenses,' and to 'allow other investors to decrease their financial exposure in the event of Relativity's financial demise.'

The investment also 'provide[d] Relativity a lifeline to continue operations and attract more unwitting investors,' said RKA.

The company said Mnuchin was aware of Relativity's financial problems through his own due diligence as an investor and his position as board co-chairman. RKA said the law firm Jones Day gave Mnuchin an assessment of the company's financial situation in 2014.

'Years of involvement in Relativity and multiple rounds of due diligence provided Mnuchin a clear window into how Defendants [operated the film advertising division],' said RKA. 'Relativity's Board, including Mnuchin, was intimately involved in the Company's financial decisions.'

'[T]he court below erred because it failed to consider that Mnuchin's knowledge of and participation in the fraud can be inferred through Mnuchin's position as Co-Chairman of Relativity's Board while the fraud was ongoing,' the company added.

RKA argued that Mnuchin's insight into the company went beyond business. He reportedly had a close relationship with CEO Ryan Kavanaugh (right), who is being sued by RKA as well

Mnuchin was on Relativity's board and has been credited as an executive producer in blockbusters such as Suicide Squad and American Sniper. Pictured: Mnuchin with his former wife Heather and actor George Clooney

RKA argued that Mnuchin's insight into the company went beyond business. He reportedly had a close relationship with Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh, who is being sued by RKA as well.

'Mnuchin's unique vantage was also made possible by his longstanding personal and professional ties to Relativity's CEO (Defendant Ryan Kavanaugh), who considered Mnuchin a trusted advisor and friend,' said RKA.

Kavanaugh was also sued in January for fraud by Relativity's former president, Adam Fields, who claimed the money problems at Relativity were so dire that the company's office was used to film porn movies.

Mnuchin has previously denied RKA's allegations, calling the claims 'frivolous' and claimed he had no involvement with RKA's investment.

'RKA never once spoke with, corresponded with or otherwise dealt with Mr. Mnuchin,' said Mnuchin's then-spokesman Barney Keller in February. 'RKA's allegations are preposterous, don't deserve coverage...and Mr. Mnuchin's inclusion in this complaint is gratuitous and insulting.'

Mnuchin asked to be dismissed from the lawsuit in March, and a New York Supreme Court judge granted his request in June.

'RKA does not sufficiently establish that Mnuchin was aware of the alleged misrepresentations and their implications. Mnuchin's personal friendship with Kavanaugh is insufficient to establish awareness or liability,' said the judge.

Vice President Mike Pence officiated the wedding of Mnuchin and his third wife Louise Linton on June 24, in Washington DC (pictured). The 36-year-old actress wore a custom Ines Di Santo gown and her wedding ring and earrings were by Martin Katz

The newly married woman came under fire last month for posting a photo on Instagram, tagging her luxury clothing, worth more than $4,000 (left). She fired back at a woman who made a scathing comment about the trip (right)

Mnuchin resigned from Relativity's board on May 29, 2015 and pulled out his $50million investment the next day.

Two months later Relativity declared bankruptcy, defaulting on other investments. During his confirmation hearing, Democrats suggested that Mnuchin was given an inside deal.

'[Mnuchin's company] OneWest pulled out $50million, emptying several Relativity accounts, including one earmarked for guild expenses that included wages for contractors and tradesmen,' said Sen. Ron Wyden at the hearing. 'Mr. Mnuchin bailed out just before the studio declared bankruptcy.'

Other remaining defendants in the RKA lawsuit include Colbeck Capital Management LLC, Colbeck Capital, LLC, Colbeck Partners IV, Jason Colodne, Jason Beckman, David Aho, Ramon Wilson, Andrew Matthews, Greg Shamo and Tucker Tooley, according to the August court filing.


Police say Adriel Holloway then fled the scene of the crash, leaving his critically injured son behind

A Cincinnati father is accused of leaving his 10-year-old son to die in the car that he crashed.

Cincinnati police announced Tuesday that 27-year-old Adriel Holloway was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident.

His son Aryionte Grace-Holloway was sitting in the front seat and wasn't wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The air bag did not deploy at the moment of impact.

Holloway was allegedly driving with his son in Cincinnati on August 1 when the car went off the road and struck a tree.

Police say Holloway then fled the scene of the crash, leaving his critically injured son behind. Excessive speed and impairment were factors in the accident, police told Fox 19.

Aryionte Grace-Holloway died in the hospital Sunday six weeks after the August 1 crash

Aryionte Grace-Holloway, 10, was sitting in the front seat and wasn't wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash

Six weeks later, the 10-year-old died Sunday at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

Witnesses stopped Holloway from fleeing before police arrived. He was hospitalized in fair condition.

The mother of Aryionte, Brianna Smith, told WCPO: 'He always kept that smile.'

'He loved his brothers and sisters.'

No attorney was listed for Holloway in court records.
Two more Americans have been confirmed to be affected by unexplained health attacks against US diplomats in Cuba, the United States said Tuesday, raising the total number of victims to 21.

A spate of 'sonic' attacks between November 2016 and August 2017 left diplomats in Cuba suffering from severe health problems.

Some lost their hearing and others suffered mild brain injuries as a result of the undetected attacks which authorities fear took place at their homes or nearby.

The additional two individuals appear to be cases that were only recently reported but occurred in the past.

A spate of attacks between November 2016 and August 2017 left 21 diplomats in Cuba suffering from severe health problems

The State Department said no new, medically confirmed 'incidents' have taken place since the most recent one in late August.

Earlier this month, the US disclosed there had been an incident in August after previously saying the attacks had stopped in April 2017.

It's possible the number could grow even higher as more cases are discovered.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the US continues to assess American personnel.

The US citizens affected were members of the American diplomatic community, the US said.

Officials have said previously that the incidents, deemed 'health attacks' by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, affected diplomats posted to the Embassy in Havana along with family members who live with them.

The US didn't say how serious the newly disclosed incidents were. But the State Department said it was providing 'the best possible medical evaluation and care' throughout the ordeal, including aid from a medical officer on staff at the embassy.

The union representing American diplomats has said mild traumatic brain injury is among the diagnoses given to some diplomats victimized in the attacks.

The American Foreign Service Association has said permanent hearing loss was another diagnosis, and additional symptoms had included brain swelling, severe headaches, loss of balance and 'cognitive disruption.'

In fall 2016, the US diplomats reportedly began suffering unexplained losses of hearing. After an investigation, officials concluded that the diplomats had been attacked with an advanced sonic weapon that operated outside the range of audible sound (Pictured, the US Embassy in Havana in December 2015)

The evolving US assessment indicated investigators were still far from any thorough understanding of what transpired in the attacks, which started in the fall of 2016. The U.S. has described them as unprecedented.

As the bizarre saga has unfolded, the US has encouraged its diplomats to report any strange physical sensations.

The embassy in Havana reopened in 2015 after decades of hostility between the US and Cuba.

Diplomats complained of symptoms including severe headaches and dizziness.

They are believed to have taken place either inside or near their residences.

So it's unclear whether some symptoms being attributed to the attacks might actually turn out to be unrelated.

Notably, the Shas avoided accusing Cuba's government of being behind the attacks.

The United States did expel two Cuban diplomats, but the State Department emphasized that was in protest of the Cubans' failure to protect the safety of American diplomats while on their soil, not an indication the US felt that Havana masterminded it.

US investigators have been searching to identify a device that could have harmed the health of the diplomats, believed to have been attacked in their homes in Havana, but officials have said no device had been found.

The embassy in Havana reopened in 2015 after decades of hostility between the US and Cuba.
The family of a Melbourne woman missing for four days has made an emotional plea for her to contact them or come home.

Kayla Steffen, 24, was last seen by her housemates at their Altona North home early on Friday morning and police are concerned for her welfare because she has a medical condition.

The woman's sister Phoebe Steffen says her sibling, an amateur artist, seemed 'a bit distressed' before disappearing but it was 'nothing out of the ordinary'.

'She's my best friend, she's the closest person to me and I don't know what I'll do if I don't see her,' she said in tears on Tuesday.

Scroll down for video

Melbourne woman Kayla Steffen (pictured), 24, disappeared from her home early on Friday

Kayla's mother Jo (centre) and sister Phoebe (left) made an emotional plea for her to return

Ms Steffen begged her sibling to make contact with the family.

'If, for whatever reason, you don't want to come home, please just give me some sort of sign or something that you're okay,' she said.

The missing woman's mother, Jo Deppeler, described her as funny, beautiful and caring.

'Our daughter's gone missing and I don't know where she is. There's no words to describe how that feels,' she said.

In an emotional Facebook post, Jo said she was worried sick over her daughter's disappearance and has pleaded with the public to help locate her.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, sister Phoebe (left) said: 'There's no way that she would just take off and not tell us. She would never leave us'

The missing woman's mother, Jo Deppeler, described her as funny, beautiful and caring (police seen searching)

Speaking on the Today show on Wednesday morning, Jo said: 'We just don't understand what's happening. We can't sleep, we can't eat.'

'She's never done anything like this before. I know there must be something that's keeping her away,' sister Phoebe added.

'There's no way that she would just take off and not tell us. She would never leave us.'

Kayla is described as 165cm tall, medium build with long-brown hair featuring purple streaks.

Victoria Police are not treating Kayla Steffen's disappearance as suspicious but urged anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
The number of rough sleepers has rocketed by 134 per cent in the last seven years, according to the public spending watchdog.

The Government has failed to do enough to tackle the crisis, according to the National Audit Office (NAO) report, which says welfare reforms are partly responsible.

Over the last six years, there has been a 60 per cent rise in households in temporary accommodation, including 120,540 children, it found.

The number of rough sleepers has rocketed by 134 per cent in the last seven years, according to the public spending watchdog

An overnight count last year recorded 4,134 rough sleepers - a 134 per cent rise since the Conservatives took power in 2010.

But the Government claimed it has provided a strong safety net and that welfare reforms have restore[d] fairness to the system.

The NAO report found that the ending of private sector tenancies was the main cause of homelessness in England, with a threefold increase in numbers since 2010/11.

The costs of renting in the private sector have gone up at the same time as household incomes from benefits, including housing allowance, have been cut, it said.

Local housing allowance reforms are likely to have contributed to making tenancies for claimants less affordable and are an element of the increase in homelessness, the NAO said.

All forms of homelessness have increased significantly and are costing more than 1billion a year to deal with.

But the Department for Communities and Local Government has continued to use a light touch approach to the issue despite the clearly growing problem, the NAO added.

Auditor General Sir Amyas Morse said: Homelessness in all its forms has significantly increased in recent years, driven by several factors.

The Government has failed to do enough to tackle the crisis, according to the National Audit Office (NAO) report, which says welfare reforms are partly responsible

Despite this, Government has not evaluated the impact of its reforms on this issue, and there remain gaps in its approach.

It is difficult to understand why the department persisted with its light touch approach in the face of such a visibly growing problem.

The Department for Work and Pensions has been unable to assess the impact that changes to local housing allowance have had on homelessness, the NAO said.

It appears likely that the decrease in affordability of properties in the private rented sector, of which welfare reforms such as the capping of local housing allowance are an element, have driven this increase in homelessness, the report states.

Despite this, the government has not evaluated the impact of its welfare reforms on homelessness, or the impact of the mitigations that it has put in place.

Over the last six years, there has been a 60 per cent rise in households in temporary accommodation, including 120,540 children, it found

NAO analysis found private sector rents in London have gone up by 24 per cent since 2010 - eight times the average rise in earnings.

Across England costs have gone up by three times as much wages, except in the North and East Midlands.

Labours Meg Hillier, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, said: It is a national scandal that more and more people are made homeless every year.

The Department for Communities and Local Governments light touch approach clearly isnt working.

Local Government Association housing spokesman Martin Tett said: Rising homelessness is a huge challenge for councils, which are having to house the equivalent of an extra secondary schools worth of homeless children in temporary accommodation every month.

NAO analysis found private sector rents in London have gone up by 24 per cent since 2010 - eight times the average rise in earnings

The net cost to councils of doing this has tripled in the last three years, as they plug the gap between rising rents and frozen housing benefit.

The chief executive of homelessness charity Shelter, Polly Neate, said: The NAO has found what Shelter sees every day - that for many families our housing market is a daily nightmare of rising costs and falling benefits which is leading to nothing less than a national crisis.

Thats why we are calling on the Government to act now, in this years Budget, to end the freeze on housing benefit and to commit to building decent homes at affordable rents. Without this action this is a crisis which will only get worse.

A Government spokesman said: Tackling homelessness is a complex issue with no single solution, but this Government is determined to help the most vulnerable in society.

The spokesman said that 550million was being invested until 2020 to address the issue and implement the Homelessness Reduction Act.

However, the spokesman insisted that welfare reforms restore fairness to the system and offer a strong safety net for the most vulnerable.
Following Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, price gouging has become a hot topic of conversation. The prices of water, gasoline and hotel reservations in places affected by the hurricanes have skyrocketed.

Airlines are also facing criticism for their heightened prices, many people claiming that airlines are taking advantage of customers. In a new article published on News-Press in Fort Myers, Florida, Victor Claar, associate professor of economics at Florida Gulf Coast University, suggests that rise of airline ticket prices may not be wholly due to price gouging. Airlines always charge high prices for last-minute tickets. According to one recent study, anyone trying to buy a ticket within 21 days of travel is likely to be charged the highest possible price.

Fortunately, there is a ceiling to the prices airlines can charge and some airlines are even choosing to reign in ticket prices in the face of hurricane Irma.

Also in response to the controversy surrounding price gouging, Senior Editor at the Acton Institute, Joe Carter, was quoted in a New York Times article by Andrew Ross Sorkin, as Joe aptly explained the ethics of price gouging in an article published last week. You can read Joe Carters full article here and Victor Claars full article here.
Disgraced politician Rod Blagojevich has spoken out from behind bars for the first time, five years after he began his sentence for corruption.

The former Governor of Illinois was arrested in 2008 and later sentenced to 14 years in prison for trying to sell President Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat in exchange for political favors.

In interviews with Chicago magazine and NBC 5 Chicago, he opened up about what has kept him going during his time locked up at the Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood in Colorado.

More than five years after being sent to prison, disgraced politician Rod Blagojevich, 60, is speaking out for the first time. The former governor of Illinois (pictured with wife Patti in December 2011) was arrested in 2008 and later sentenced to 14 years for corruption after he attempted to sell President Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat in exchange for political favors

Blagojevich says he sees his family on average three times a year. 'What sustains me during this very difficult long hard trial is the love I have for my children and my wife Patti,' he said (From left to right: Blagojevich, daughter Amy, wife Patti, and daughter Annie in May 2010)

The 60-year-old has never admitted guilt for his crimes.

During his original trial chose not to plead guilty, which left him vulnerable to a longer sentence. But he insists he made the right decision.

'I chose to fight and not to surrender and to endure all that has come because, what other choice did I have?' he told Chicago.

'I firmly believe that I never crossed any lines in seeking to raise campaign contribution I believed I knew what the law was and that I followed it.'

Showing little sign of remorse, Blagojevich insists he does not hate 'the people who have done this to me'.

'Do you realize I have twice been given a longer prison sentence than Al Capone?' Blagojevich said to NBC 5.

'I've been given a prison sentence by the same judge who gave a mafia hit man...He acknowledged under oath [he was] a contract killer...My judge gave me a longer sentence than him.'

After 32 months in the low-security facility, he has since been transferred to minimum security and said he's been able to make a life for himself.

Blagojevich, who is nicknamed 'Gov' in prison, has worked in the kitchen mopping floors, taught history classes to fellow inmates, and is now an orderly, where he makes $8.40 an hour.

'My jurisdiction was once all of the State of Illinois. Now I've got two hallways to clean,' he told Chicago.

'I feel like I was a very good governor, and now I feel like I'm doing a pretty good job on those floors.'

Blagojevich (left in May 2010, and right in June 2010) has never admitted guilt for his crimes and chose to plead not guilty during his original trial, which could have landed him a lesser sentence

Blagojevich, who is nicknamed 'Gov' in prison, has worked in the kitchen, taught history classes to fellow inmates, and is now an orderly, where he makes $8.40 an hour. He says he feels more connected to his faith, exercises regularly and has even made new friends (Pictured, Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood in Colorado)

He says he feels more connected to his faith, exercises regularly and has even made new friends. But perhaps most notably, his once dark brown hair has turned into a mane of silver.

Of course, there are still difficulties - namely, missing his two daughters, Amy and Annie, and his wife, Patti. Blagojevich sees his family on average three times a year.

'What sustains me during this very difficult long hard trial is the love I have for my children and my wife Patti,' he said.

But despite the struggles, Blagojevich says he's optimistic about the future.

'Even if the world misunderstands you, criticizes you and say you're crazy, take a stand,' he said. 'Because you know what the truth is. And when you do it, my experience tells me, trust in God.'
The Nutters packaging features three confused-looking nut characters with open mouths, crossed-eyes and part of their heads missing

Poundland is being pushed to remove a new range of sweets called 'Nutters' over concerns they stigmatise people with mental health problems.

The chocolate-covered peanuts - which are reminiscent of M&Ms - have been attacked as insensitive after they went on sale at the budget store's 896 outlets.

Their packaging features three confused-looking nut characters with open mouths, crossed-eyes and part of their heads missing.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb, whose son Archie has mental health problems, told The Sun the sweets need to be 'quickly withdrawn'.

The MP added: 'There is a stigma attached to mental health and we need to be careful about the way we talk about it.'

Dr Sophie Dix, from the charity MQ: Transforming Mental health, and psychologist Dr Rick Norris also criticised Nutters.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb, whose son Archie has mental health problems, said the sweets need to be 'quickly withdrawn'

Poundland said it is 'saddened' that the product had offended people and promised to 'assess this line'

Poundland, meanwhile, said it is 'saddened' that the product had offended people and promised to 'assess this line'.

It comes a month after the store, which had an operating income of 56.9 million last year, claimed that the Toblerone is not distinctive enough to be a trademark.

The Twin Peaks bar came under fire amid accusations it was too similar to a Toblerone bar

The new Toblerone bar in the background, compared with the Twin Peaks bar in front, by Poundland

The company was defending the launch of its own chocolate bar called 'Twin Peaks' - which was similar to the Toblerone.

The launch of the product was delayed after Mondelez, the makers of Toblerone, threatened legal action over the copycat chocolate treat.
Two expectant mothers went into emergency labor at the same Burger King parking lot in Denville, New Jersey over the weekend.

Denville police officers say they responded to the first 911 call around 7:30 p.m. Friday about a woman experiencing contractions after she and the father were forced to pull their car over amid heavy traffic en route to St. Clare's Hospital.

According to local newspaper, the Daily Record, the traffic backup was a result of a fatal car crash that took place earlier that day on Route 80 West in Roxbury.

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Two babies were born back-to-back in a Denville, New Jersey Burger King parking lot

The department shared the heartwarming news to the public on social media Tuesday

Police and first aid responders assisted the woman as she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

Around 8:30 p.m. the next evening, another couple reportedly pulled into the Burger King parking lot after the expectant mother went into labor during the pair's drive to the Morristown Medical Center.

The backseat delivery was a success, and mom and baby boy are said to be doing well.

'I don't want to speak for the first aid squad who played a large part in the first birth, but the police officers are quite simply just happy that they could be of assistance to both of the families,' Police Capt. Keith Partin said, according to the newspaper.

The first incident happened Friday evening. A woman was experiencing contractions after she and the father were forced to pull their car over amid heavy traffic en route to St. Clare's Hospital

Just the next evening, another couple reportedly pulled into the Burger King parking lot after the expectant mother went into labor during the pair's drive to the Morristown Medical Center

The department since shared the heartwarming news to the public on social media Tuesday.

'Watch tonight for coverage of our officers assisting in the birth of 2 babies in 25 hours in the Burger King Parking lot,' the tweet read.

In yet another bizarre Burger King incident from 2014, the dubbed 'Burger King Baby,' who was abandoned in a Pennsylvania restaurant's bathroom at birth, reunited with her mother after 27 years.

Katheryn Deprill announced to Facebook back in March 2014 she was in a state of 'pure joy' after the pair finally met again following Deprill's Facebook quest earlier that month.

'Looking for my birth mother. ... She abandoned me in the Burger King bathroom only hours old, Allentown PA. Please help me find her by sharing my post,' Deprill wrote in the post at the time.

Back in 2014, the dubbed 'Burger King Baby' Katheryn Deprill (right) met up with her birth mother (left) after she abandoned her in a Pennsylvania restaurant bathroom

Her mother, who was unnamed, reportedly came across the post after it went viral on social media and several news outlets.

The mother met with an attorney who arranged the pair's first meeting since birth.

'She is better than anything I could've ever imagined. She is so sweet and amazing. I'm so happy,' said 'Burger King Baby' Deprill.

The pair have since reconnected and made up for decades of lost time and memories.

'I got the hug that I had wanted for the last 27 years, and that broke the ice,' Deprill said.

'I asked if I could have it, and she said, 'absolutely,' and just held her arms open, and the rest is history.'
A missing couple are feared dead after a woman accidentally accelerated into a New Zealand lake while her husband was teaching her how to drive.

Avnell Ram, 25, and his wife Sheetal Ram, 30, are believed to have drowned after disappearing in a lake in Haswell's Westlake Reserve, south-west of Christchurch, on Tuesday, according to Stuff.co.nz.

Their bodies are expected to be retrieved by police on Wednesday morning.

Avnell Ram, 25, and his wife Sheetal Ram, 30, (pictured) are believed to have drowned after disappearing in a lake in Haswell's Westlake Reserve, south-west of Christchurch, on Tuesday

It is believed Mrs Ram was learning how to drive in the carpark (pictured) when she accidentally hit the accelerator and drove the car into the lake

Witnesses said they saw the couple, who have a five-month-old daughter, in the carpark around 5.45pm.

Jordan Fleming, who was walking his dog in the area, told the publication he spotted a woman sitting in the driver's seat of a red hatchback and a man standing outside the car door.

'It looked like the man was trying to open the door or communicate to the lady and I heard the accelerator go and that's when the car went off the bank, down the hill into the lake,' he said.

'Then the man went into the water and swam after the car and then the car sunk.'

'He swam down and came back up a couple of times; then it would've been about the fourth time he went down and didn't come up. So there's currently two people in this lake.'

Witnesses said they saw the couple, who have a five-month-old daughter, in the carpark around 5.45pm

Mr and Mrs Ram (pictured) moved from Fiji to New Zealand a couple of years ago after marrying in February 2016, family members said

A friend of the couple revealed Mrs Ram recently got her learner driver license and claimed she accidentally pressed her foot on the accelerator instead of the break, causing the car to launch into the water.

Police said numerous witnesses jumped into the water to help but couldn't reach the car.

Mr and Mrs Ram moved from Fiji to New Zealand a couple of years ago after marrying in February 2016, family members told Stuff.

Their infant daughter is being cared for by her grandmother.
Australians are being stopped at airports under suspicion they are heading for conflict zones as authorities fight the creation of a pathway for Islamist extremists.

The government is worried that nearby southern Philippines will be a hot spot for ISIS fighters, with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop saying it could be a consequence of the retaking of Mosul and al Raqqa in the Middle East, according to The Australian.

We are concerned that should they survive, our fear is they will seek to come back to our region.

Australians are being stopped at airports under suspicion of travelling to conflict zones (pictured are Syrian government forces in Deir Ezzor)

More than 200 Australian jihadists have travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight in the Middle East (pictured is food being delivered in Deir Ezzor, Syria)

Immigration and Border Force statistics show 17 passengers have been stopped while trying to fly out of Australia (stock image)

Department of Immigration and Border Force statistics show 17 passengers have been stopped by security from flying out of Australia.

A Department of Immigration and Border Force spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia they are working to identify people who pose a threat as a result of travelling to and from conflict zones.

'The Australian Border Force has proven success in addressing the threat posed by individuals seeking to join the fight in the Middle East and we are deploying these same strategies in response to the conflict in the Philippines, and returning foreign fighters more generally.'

Border officials are looking for the signs of jihadi tourism including broken travel itineraries, late bookings, scrubbed phones and cash tickets.

It is assumed many of those stopped would have boarded flights once they had been questioned.

The fear of Islamic extremists using Australia as a means of travelling to the Philippines comes after Attorney General George Brandis labelled the ISIS presence in the area as a terrorist group.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the Philippines could become a hot spot for jihadists

There is a fear of Islamic extremists using Australia as a means of travelling to the Philippines (stock image)

More than 200 Australian jihadists have travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight in the Middle East.

Australian Air Force planes have been conducting surveillance over parts of the Philippines, and last month Australian Secret Intelligence Service boss Nick Warner met with the country's controversial president Rodrigo Duterte.

According to The Australian, border officers have been busy changing their systems in order to identify extremists travelling to the Philippines and the Middle East.

Australian Secret Intelligence Service boss Nick Warner met with Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte (pictured)
A firm charged with looking after the financial affairs of the vulnerable has been shamed by a judge amid claims that dozens of clients lost thousands of pounds.

Matrix Deputies is at the centre of allegations that more than 50 people may have lost their savings, as well as claims the firm took a fee when selling clients homes.

The company handled bank accounts, savings and property of those too ill to run their own affairs after being recommended by a council.

But a judge has now ordered an inquiry into amounts that may have disappeared.

A judge at the High Court (pictured) ordered Matrix Deputies to pay more than 250,000 to Enfield Council to pay for an investigation into alleged missing funds of the firm's clients

She stripped Matrix of its powers to act for clients and ordered the firm to pay over 250,000 to Enfield Council in north London to cover the cost of an investigation.

Documents made public by the Court of Protection show Matrix was invited to take over the affairs of vulnerable people living in Enfield. Although the councils reasons for using the firm are unknown, staff may have been anxious to see care home bills paid.

One of the services Matrix offers is supporting our clients to meet their financial obligations, for example, payment of social care charges.

Under the Mental Health Capacity Act, it was able to act as a deputy managing the financial affairs of its clients.

A deputy must be approved by the Court of Protection  a branch of the High Court  and will take decisions for someone who may be ill, suffering from dementia, or with learning difficulties, typically in cases where the person at risk does not have close family to help.

Deputies must act in the interests of clients and may charge reasonable fees. Until the Matrix case, nobody expected companies to be formed to act on behalf of large numbers of people.

Matrix Deputies looks after the financial affairs of the vulnerable and is at the centre of allegations that more than 50 people may have lost their savings (file photo)

The firm was legally responsible to the Office of the Public Guardian, which brought complaints against it to the Court of Protection. The 52 people said in court to have been at risk of financial abuse were vulnerable individuals living in Enfield.

Among the allegations levied against the firm is that it held all its clients funds in one account that was marred by unexplained discrepancies.

It is said to have charged excessive fees, to have displayed conflicts of interest and to have failed to comply with court orders demanding information.

The allegations have been detailed in a Court of Protection ruling made public by Judge Carolyn Hilder. She said the firm had claimed there was a distinction between financial abuse and fraud and that it had been responsible only for failures of administration.

But she said the admitted breach of duty is a very serious matter. Among the allegations accepted by Matrix is that it sold three homes belonging to clients and the firm then received 0.5 per cent of the value back from estate agents.

Judge Hilder said this was a clear system of financial benefit ... at the expense of persons to whom they owed fiduciary duties. The firm also accepted there were errors in spending on behalf of clients that amounted to more than 30,000.

Despite the questions over what happened to large sums of money for which Matrix was responsible, no police probe has been launched.

Enfield council said it would ensure anyone who lost money would get back every penny, and that it has already recouped the vast majority. A spokesman said: Matrix Deputies Ltd were identified by Enfield council, following a procurement exercise, as a company that could provide deputyship to vulnerable adults.

If we find out a resident has been left out of pocket as a result of the actions of Matrix...we have court approved arrangements in place to recoup that money.

Matrixs company director Maku Pankhania said: I have got nothing to add.
Qantas Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce's pay packet for the last financial year has blown out to a whopping all time high thanks to a rapid boom in profit and stock levels.

Mr Joyce's exact earnings for 2016-17 will be disclosed in an annual report this week but he's expected to have raked in a record $25 million.

That's almost double of the $13 million he earned in the 2015-16 year.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce's pay packet for the last financial year has blown out to a record $25 million, almost double the $13 million he made the previous year

He will have picked up just under the combined earnings of the national big four bank CEOs, and roughly about three times more than the average Australian wage.

The giant monetary blowout is a reflection of the company's significant growth since it suffered a major $244 million loss in the 2011-12 financial year, when Mr Joyce made the shock decision to ground its entire fleet.

The commercial giant has since been well and truly revived, with it's 2013-14 loss of $2.84 billion an incredibly stark contrast to it's recorded $1.4 billion profit for the latest year.

Its stock prices are a clear sign of the company's prosperity, having hit the depths of about $1.40 in 2014, and now peaking at $5.70.

The $3.25 million worth of vesting shares awarded to Mr Joyce 2014 went from being worth $4.5 million back then, to now a staggering $18.6 million.

The massive return will make up the most-part of Mr Joyce's overall cheque, with the rest of his pay maxing out at just more than $2 million.

Bonuses will bump the Irish-born businessman's total pay up to $25 million and it's possible it could be even higher.

The giant monetary blowout is a reflection of the company's significant growth since it suffered a major $244 million loss in the 2011-12 financial year

The commercial giant has since been well and truly revived, with it's 2013-14 loss of $2.84 billion an incredibly stark contrast to it's recorded $1.4 billion profit for the latest year

The company's shares have also quadrupled from $2.5 billion to a remarkable $10 billion since 2014.

It's not quite the same story for Commonwealth Bank CEO Ian Narev, who copped a 20 per cent pay cut to his $12.3 million salary following the business's money-laundering scandal.

Shareholders are also unlikely to be impressed with stock prices having plummeted in the wake of the scandal being highly publicised.

Mr Narev announced he would retire by the end of 2018, just days after receiving news of his significant salary cut.
An alarming number of underage girls, some as young as nine, have been forced to marry older men in Australia.

In just two years, 57 children were described as 'at risk' of being married against their will, according to Federal Police documents seen by Seven News.

All 57 underage girls were in New South Wales: 51 in Sydney, two in Murrumbidgee, one in the Hunter, another in Illawarra and two more on the Mid North Coast.

In some cases girls have been taken overseas and forced to wed adult men, leaving Australian authorities unable to act or prevent the marriages.

An alarming number of underage girls, some as young as nine, have been forced to marry older men in Australia (pictured, a child marriage performed in Melbourne by imam Ibrahim Omerdic)

In just two years, 57 children were described as 'at risk' of being married against their will, according to Federal Police documents (stock image)

One girl was 'held against her will' and 'forced to marry' while another report revealed allegations of forced marriage 'at the end of the school year,' according to the documents.

Some children, including two sisters from Liverpool in Sydney's west, were flown overseas and 'exploited'.

'We need friends to come forward and say ''you don't have to do this'',' Family and Human Services Minister Pru Goward said.

'No wonder they feel such enormous pressure - a poor little nine-year-old - to have to struggle with her parents.

One girl was 'held against her will' and 'forced to marry' while another report revealed allegations of forced marriage 'at the end of the school year' (stock)

Family and Human Services Minister Pru Goward (pictured) said: 'We need friends to come forward and say ''you don't have to do this'''

'[If people] choose to turn the other cheek... we will end up with a continuation of forced marriages.'

The revelations come after a 34-year-old Muslim man was arrested for marrying a 14-year-old girl in Melbourne last year.

The imam involved, Ibrahim Omerdic, was spared jail after being found guilty of unlawfully solemnising the marriage.

Halal businessman Mohamed Elmouelhy (pictured) says Muslim men are often treated worse than paedophiles

In June a Lebanese man, 31, was arrested after allegedly abducting an 18-year-old girl from her bedroom and taking her to a home in Lakemba to be married by a sheikh.

Controversial halal businessman Mohamed Elmouelhy has claimed Muslim men who marry teenagers are treated worse than paedophiles.

Daily Mail Australia contacted the Australian Federal Police and Family and Community Services for comment.
A toddler has had his eyeball and face scratched by an aggressive magpie at the same park where another young boy almost lost his eye in a bird attack.

Three-year-old Bodee White was swooped by a magpie about 10.30am on Sunday at Whiteman Park in Perth.

Bodee was looking at ducks in the same area of the park where one-year-old Jacob Gale was attacked, also on Sunday.

Three-year-old Bodee White was swooped by a magpie about 10.30am on Sunday at Whiteman Park in Perth

Bodee's eye and face was seriously scratched in the attack (injuries pictured)

While Bodee's vision was not affected, he will need to apply cream to his eye for the next week to prevent further infection

Bodee's mother Rebecca White (left) said she was terrified for her son (right)

Jacob suffered a serious puncture to his eye when he was swooped by a magpie.

Bodee's mother Rebecca White said she was terrified for her son.

'All of a sudden it flew his face and scratched his face and scratched his eye and he obviously got very distressed and started screaming,' she told PerthNow.

'That's when the magpies came back a second time and my mum managed to swat it away with her bag. It was more of a flapping motion towards his face.'

The toddler was rushed to hospital. While Bodee's vision was not affected, he will need to apply cream to his eye for the next week to prevent further infection.

Wildlife biologist Bill Bateman told the publication magpies were aggressive at this time of year because they were breeding.

'It is usually the males that get aggressive when there are eggs and their young in the nest,' Dr Bateman said.

Jacob (pictured) suffered a serious puncture to his eye when he was swooped by a magpie

Three-year-old Bodee White was swooped by a magpie about 10.30am on Sunday at Whiteman Park in Perth (pictured)
Hollywood star Rebel Wilson has been handed Australia's biggest ever defamation payout following her bitter legal dispute with 'bully' publisher Bauer Media.

On Wednesday a Victorian Supreme Court judge awarded the Pitch Perfect star more than $4.5million, which she previously said she will give to charity.

Wilson, 37, proved to an all-female jury in June that the Woman's Day, Australian Women's Weekly, OK! and NW magazine publisher defamed her in eight articles published in May 2015.

The articles claimed she was a serial liar about her real name, age and childhood so she could make it in Hollywood.

Hollywood star Rebel Wilson (pictured at a previous court appearance) has won more than $4.5million compensation for being defamed by 'bully' publisher Bauer Media

Wilson won $650,000 in general damages and $3,917,472 in special damages for opportunities in movie roles she lost because of the articles.

Justice John Dixon said a substantial amount was required to 'vindicate' Wilson after her reputation as an 'actress of integrity was wrongly damaged'.

The publisher acted in an 'orchestrated' fashion to sell more magazines and increase circulation, the judge said.

The actress had sought $5.893million in special damages and $1.2million in general damages, bringing the total claim to $7.093million.

Bauer Media branded the special damages claim 'extraordinarily large' and made on the 'most tenuous of bases'.

On Wednesday a Victorian Supreme Court judge revealed the payout figure, which the Pitch Perfect star (pictured in June) said she will give to charity

Defence barrister Georgina Schoff QC said Wilson was not entitled to special damages because she had failed to prove the articles caused her financial losses.

Bauer Media lawyer Adrian Goss said the publisher was considering the outcome.

'Bauer Media has a long history of delivering great stories to our readers and we have a reputation for developing some of the best editorial teams in this country. This is what we are focused on,' he said in a statement.

'It is about continuing to do what we do best and that is delivering great content to more than 85 per cent of Australian women across the country via our iconic portfolio.'

Wilson has pledged, via Twitter, that any money she wins will be donated to a charity, scholarship or invested into the Australian film industry.

'Re my defamation case win, any $'s I receive will go to charity, scholarships or invested into the Aussie film industry to provide jobs,' she wrote.

The tweet was quickly followed with another which read: 'I take being a role model very seriously'.
Judge Nicholas Dean QC (pictured) urged the Government to speed up prosecutions which often take several years to reach court

Britain's benefit cheats should be forced to pay back the cash they've conned out of the system sooner, according to a top judge.

Judge Nicholas Dean QC urged the Government to speed up prosecutions which often take several years to reach court.

He said such long delays made it more difficult to send fraudsters to prison, 'even though they may deserve it', which was 'bringing disrepute to the justice system'.

The judge spoke out as he sentenced benefits cheat Bharaj Rawji, who pocketed 24,000 in state hand-outs to which he was not entitled.

He failed to declare that at the time he had around 16,000 savings in his bank account.

Now Rawji, 57, has been ordered to re-pay the cash at 120 a month from his current benefit payouts.

But passing sentence Judge Dean told Leicester Crown Court it could take up to 20 years to re-pay under that payment plan. He said repaying ill-gotten gains over such a long period had 'very little impact'.

He called for the authorities to take a 'proactive' approach to getting the money back from defendants' assets before they disappear.

And he said he was 'constantly astonished' by the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) 'lack of enforcement in such cases'.

Judge Dean told the court Rawji was first interviewed in April 2015 and the case should have taken no more than six months to reach court.

But he added: 'These prosecutions are routinely delayed upwards by two years.'

He warned there could come a time when the courts could be reluctant to proceed with cases involving unreasonably long delays.

'I urge the DWP to think about what they want to get out of these cases, and take a more proactive stance when it comes to recouping money,' he said.

'One of the consequences of so much delay (in bringing cases to court) is it's difficult after so much time to send someone to prison, even though they may deserve it.'

The court was told the 16,000 Rawji had had in savings between September 2011 and August 2014 had since disappeared.

Rawji of Belgrave, Leicester, admitted seven counts of benefit fraud, relating to dishonest claims for Job Seekers' Allowance, employment support allowance, housing benefit and income support payments, totalling 24,294

The judge said: 'One might think their (the DWP) principle concern would be to recoup money that has been lost'. Pictured: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Gauke

He was handed an eight month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

Judge Dean said of the defendant: 'He should feel a real sense of shame and it should be a real punishment for him - whether or not he does is a different matter.'

'This sort of rank dishonesty causes a great deal of loss to the state and brings into disrepute people who genuinely claim benefits,' he told Rawji.

'You should be held up in your local community as someone who has acted in this profoundly dishonest way.

'In truth, the punishment would be to pay it back quickly.

'I don't believe you have no assets and it might mean confiscation proceedings will result in more being recouped.'

The judge said: 'You've previously been in trouble for trademark offences, when you were trading dishonestly in items of clothing with designer labels, that typifies you're a dishonest man.

'Now you've claimed benefits to the tune of 24,000 when you falsely declared you did not have savings when you did.'

Judge Dean also said: 'During the period on the indictment he had at least 16,000 in his bank account (which has since gone).

'One might think their (the DWP) principle concern would be to recoup money that has been lost.

Judge Dean made the remarks while passing sentence at Leicester Crown Court (pictured). He said repaying ill-gotten gains over a long period had 'very little impact'

'The courts have powers and assets can be frozen. I'm constantly astonished by the lack of enforcement in such cases.

'People in his (the defendant's) position typically dispose of assets because they know that getting the money back will take 20 years and will have very little impact upon them and cause them little or no hardship.

'He must have assets, he's been working, albeit illegally, selling clothing bearing false labels.'

Rawji will now have to declare any assets he has to the court, pending a possible proceeds of crime hearing to obtain re-payment.

Almas Ben-Aribia, prosecuting, said the defendant committed the offences after he separated from his partner, when he claimed 15,500.

He had allowed his partner to claim just under 9,000 benefits whilst concealing he had savings which would have made him ineligible to claim. His partner is not being prosecuted.

Amar Mehta, mitigating, said the defendant no longer had his former savings and was no longer able to work for medical reasons - a heart problem.

He said Rawji was also a carer for his wife, who suffered from ill health.
An Islamist extremist who supports the killing of ex-Muslims has been invited to speak at Australia's most prestigious university on the existence of God.

Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Uthman Badar is appearing at the University of Sydney's Footbridge Theatre on Thursday night as part of a debate with atheist activist Dr John Perkins, who lost a relative in the 2002 Bali bombing.

The Sydney University Muslim Students' Association, who are the event organisers, described Mr Badar in glowing terms, only six months after Daily Mail Australia caught him on camera declaring capital punishment was an appropriate punishment for those who left Islam.

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Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Uthman Badar supports capital punishment for ex-Muslim apostates

'His arguments are quick, sharp and straight to the point - a must see at the debate this upcoming Thursday,' it says on its Facebook page.

Dr Perkins, who is also the president of the Secular Party of Australia, is going head to head with Mr Badar on the topic of whether science disproves the existence of God.

The economist said he feared for his safety but wanted to challenge Mr Badar on his policy of killing ex-Muslims and taking a literal interpretation of Islam.

'I'll ask him to renounce violence and I presume he won't,' Dr Perkins told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

'He's very close to the edge of the law in advocating violence.'

Secular Party of Australia president John Perkins, an atheist, is worried for his personal safety

Dr Perkins, whose distant cousin Robert Thwaites was killed in the 2002 Bali bombings, is hoping the University of Sydney provides security, after he had to be escorted from the University of Western Sydney during a previous debate with Mr Badar.

'I hope they provide it,' he said. 'I'm not unaware that my own personal safety may be at risk.'

Mr Badar is a controversial figure who speaks on behalf of Hizb ut-Tahrir, which has a constitution calling for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate based on Sharia law.

Hizb ut-Tahrir debater Uthman Badar wants a global Islamic caliphate based on Sharia law

The Sydney University Muslim Students' Association is organising the debate on Thursday

In March, he told a forum in Bankstown in Sydney's south-west that ex-Muslims deserved death.

'The ruling for apostates as such in Islam is clear, that apostates attract capital punishment and we don't shy away from that,' Badar said in the presence of children.

An apostate is someone who decides to leave Islam.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is so extreme it is banned in a range of Muslim-majority nations, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, along with The Netherlands and Germany.

Uthman Badar (left) and Wassim Doureihi are regarded as people who take Islam literally

However, Australian Attorney-General George Brandis has declined to ban the group in Australia on the grounds they haven't committed any violence atrocities in Australia.

Dr Perkins said Hizb ut-Tahrir was an example of a Muslim group that took a literalist interpretation of the Koran.

'I want to make the point that although they're called extremists, they are simply representing a literal interpretation of Islam,' he said.

'The idea that Islam is a moderate religion is completely false, is a fabrication.

'What they represent is actually the authentic Islam: Islamic State and Hizb ut-Tahrir are what you get.'

He is being joined by Secular Party of Australia vice president Ian Bryce.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the University of Sydney for a response.
A New York City Council candidate who lives in lower income housing has been elected as the Democratic nominee for her district after controversy surrounded now-deleted online photos showing her husband sailing on his wealthy father's yacht.

Carlina Rivera will now be the nominee for the District 2 City Council seat to represent neighborhoods including parts of the East Village, Gramercy and the Lower East Side.

The race was called for Rivera shortly after the polls closed on Tuesday since she secured the nomination with 64 per cent of the vote. Now as the democratic nominee, she is currently facing an uncontested race for the council seat in the general election on November 7.

But hours earlier before the polls closed Tuesday, the New York Post reported photos showing her husband, James Rogers, on his father's yacht during racing competitions were deleted from social media.

Her husband's father, William Rogers, is a retired corporate lawyer who oversaw acquisitions and deals involving amounts as high as $100billion, according to his company bio.

Victory: Carlina Rivera (above) has been elected as the Democratic nominee after controversy surrounded now-deleted online photos showing her husband sailing on his wealthy father's yacht. The couple currently live in low-income housing

Rivera (left), apparently had the photos deleted from social media that showed her husband, James Rogers (right), sailing on his wealthy father's yacht named Big Boat in 2013, 2015 and as recent as May

The now-deleted photos (above) showed Rogers, who is the Community Board 3 Chairman, racing in local boating competitions with his father, William Rogers

The online post showed Rivera's husband serving as a crew member on his father's yacht named Big Boat in 2013, 2015 and as recent as May, the Post reported.

During her election, Rivera, who is a New York native, faced questions about her eligibility to live in Section 8 housing due to her salary as a council staffer and her husband's numerous assets.

According to the Post, those assets include her husband's ownership of an apartment in the Lower East Side.

Last year, as an aide to Council member Rosie Mendez, Rivera earned a $52,000 salary.

Her husband owns an apartment on Grand Street, which he rents out, has a small family trust and co-owns a coffee business.

During her election, Rivera (left) faced questions about her eligibility to live in Section 8 housing due to her salary as a council staffer and her husband's numerous assets. James Rogers is pictured right with his parents

Rivera (above) has said in the past that they would leave the Section 8 housing unit if she wins the council seat, which is being vacated by her former boss Rosie Mendez. The salary for the Council seat is $148,500 yearly

Instead of living in the apartment he owns, the couple lives in the federally subsidized housing that she qualified for years ago.

The housing unit also does not kick tenants out whose incomes have surpassed the initial eligibility rate.

According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the qualifying income is now at $61,050 for a two-person household.

Rivera, who would earn a salary of $148,500 salary if she wins the election, and her husband will continue to qualify for that housing until their combined income surpasses $110,000.

At that point they'd have to pay market rate of $2,774 with no taxpayer subsidies for as long as they choose to live in the housing unit.

She has said in the past that they would leave the Section 8 housing if she wins the council seat, which is being vacated by Mendez.

'It's sad to see last-minute Trump-style mudslinging attacking a qualified female candidate by going after her husband,' Rivera campaign spokesman Matt Rey told the Post.
Labour grandee Frank Field has accused his own party and Tory rebels of using guerrilla tactics in an attempt to block the Brexit bill.

The MP for Birkenhead is proposing his own bill in a bid to help the Government leave the EU and accused the rebels of betraying voters.

He told the Daily Telegraph: 'The Bill is huge, and therefore gives a massive opportunity to those who say they accept the referendum decision but whose aim is to mess it up big time.

Former minister Frank Field (pictured) has accused his own party and Tory rebels of using guerrilla tactics in an attempt to block the Brexit bill

Jeremy Corbyn was in the Commons to see seven of his MPs defy his order to vote against the bill

'The bill that I propose will allow the Government to get on with the business of negotiating properly and stymie the guerrilla warfare campaign against implementing the wish of the British people to leave Europe.'

It comes after Theresa May hailed an 'historic' moment on Monday night after Labour failed to defeat the government in the first vote on the Withdrawal Bill.

The crucial legislation was comfortably given its second reading in the Commons by a margin of 326 to 290 - a majority of 36.

Seven Labour MPs defied Jeremy Corbyn's order to oppose the bill, making clear during a near-nine hour debate that they were determined to implement the result of the referendum.

Mr Field was joined by six other rebels including veteran left-winger Dennis Skinner.

Caroline Flint abstained saying the legislation was 'necessary' and she wanted it to continue.

Caroline Flint insisted she would be ignoring Labour's three-line whip to abstain so the legislation can proceed

The crucial legislation was comfortably given its second reading in the Commons by a majority of 36

Mrs May is facing a rebellion of her own after diehard Conservative Remainers threatened to team up with Labour to force ministers to give MPs a veto on the final Brexit deal.

THE LABOUR REBELS WHO BACKED THE BREXIT BILL Seven Labour MPs rebelled by voting for the EU Withdrawal Bill's second reading. They were: Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley), Frank Field (Birkenhead), Kate Hoey (Vauxhall), Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North), John Mann (Bassetlaw), Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton). Others, such as Caroline Flint (Don Valley), chose to abstain. Advertisement

Remain-supporting MPs geared up for an autumn of guerilla warfare by tabling a blizzard of amendments to the Governments legislation.

Within hours of the flagship EU Withdrawal Bill clearing its first parliamentary hurdle, 59 pages of amendments were put down by critics of Brexit.

Ex-attorney general Dominic Grieve, who has emerged as a key figure among Tory rebels, said he was prepared to join with Labour to defeat the Government unless ministers made a string of concessions.

Mr Grieve said the Government appeared to be in listening mode. But he added: If it doesnt [listen] then it risks being defeated in the House of Commons. I think that has to be a real possibility.

He insisted he accepted the referendum result, but added: I believe leaving the EU is a great and historic mistake.

Mr Grieve, who tabled 16 amendments to the Bill, said the new legislation puts far too much power in the hands of the executive and MPs would now go through it with a fine-tooth comb.

His amendments include a proposal backed by nine Tory MPs that would require the Government to hold a binding vote on the Brexit deal before it was agreed.

Some MPs hope the move could force Theresa May back to the negotiating table, but it could also see Britain crash out of the EU without a deal.
The Balinese housekeeper who had her feet hacked off with a machete by her jealous husband says he attacked her in a drunken rage but took her to the hospital after feeling remorseful.

Putu Careen revealed the details of the vicious attack to Daily Mail Australia which occurred in front of her nine-year-old son last week.

Mrs Careen said her partner returned home at 4:30am as she was about to go and visit her sick father.

'He came in a little drunk and angry at me. He hit me and then took a machete (to) my legs in bed,' Mrs Careen told Daily Mail Australia.

'I wake up and fall on the floor... then I tried to run... but fell in front of the door and he slashed again.'

An Australian man's housekeeper in Bali has had her feet hacked off with a machete, with claims her husband attacked her because he thought she had been unfaithful

Putu Careen (left) had her feet hacked off with a machete by her husband (right) when he came home drunk early on Tuesday morning last week

Pictures obtained by Daily Mail Australia show Putu Careen's limbs post surgery with her right extremity sewn back on by doctors, who are confident it can be saved

Mrs Careen told Mr Lee she could not make it in to work because she had 'cut her foot' - after her husband allegedly hacked her limbs off with a machete in a jealous rage

'He came in a little drunk and angry at me. He hit me and then took a machete (to) my legs in bed,' Mrs Careen told Daily Mail Australia

Mrs Careen said she struggled out onto the road in front of their house, screaming for help.

'There's no one there at that time, there is only my son, Yoga, who saw the incident,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'He pulled my clothes on and wanted to take me but couldn't.'

Mrs Careen then says her husband wrapped her hemorrhaging legs with cloth, realising the potentially fatal damage he had done to his wife.

'My husband tied my feet with a cloth and took me to the nearest hospital by riding a motorbike. I feel my feet dragged over the top of the motorcycle,' she said.

Mrs Careen (left) then says her husband (right) wrapped her hemorrhaging legs with cloth, realising the potentially fatal damage he had done to his wife

Putu Careen was allegedly attacked on Tuesday evening as her two young children watched in horror

'If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Putu (pictured), you would know that she is honestly one of the most genuinely kind and caring people you could ever meet,' Mr Lee said

She told Daily Mail Australia he has been abusive to her in the past 'after he drink' and her children are living with her family.

'My children good, they now stay at my village with my family.'

Mrs Careen says her husband remains in jail, and she doesn't know what she wants to happen to him. When asked if she would like him to be sent to prison, Mrs Careen told Daily Mail Australia 'maybe, but not for long.'

'He still have children,' she said.

Mr Lee says the victim had both her feet 'sawn-off with a machete'. Their children, aged nine and 13, were allegedly present at the time of the incident

Pictures obtained by Daily Mail Australia show Putu Careen's limbs post surgery with her right extremity sewn back on by doctors. They are confident it can be saved and have its movement restored.

Rohan Lee, who moved to Canggu from Perth two years ago and has employed Ms Careen for two years, told Daily Mail Australia doctors were hopeful because the right foot had not been completely severed.

'Her right foot was only hacked off three-quarters of the way, during the attack, so we're hoping that it can be saved,' Mr Lee said.

'It isn't a definite, but we are hoping for the best. Hopefully it will heal and with the help of some rehabilitation she at least might save one foot.'

Mr Lee created a GoFundMe page to help Putu Careen pay for her exorbitant medical bills after she was attacked by her husband.

Mr Lee has been in constant communication with the victim since the incident last week, exchanging messages and visiting the mother in hospital.

'Initially, Putu messaged me to tell me she couldn't come to work because 'she had cut her foot' ... that's all she said, she didn't elaborate or anything. I told her 'sure no problem, get better I'll see you in a few days',' Mr Lee told Daily Mail Australia.

'The next day her friend arrived at my front door, he was noticeably upset and he told me the whole story and showed me the graphic photos on his phone. I was in absolute shock, I felt sick to my stomach.'

Rohan Lee (pictured) created a GoFundMe page to help Putu Careen pay for her exorbitant medical bills after she was allegedly attacked by her jealous husband

Mr Lee told Daily Mail Australia he 'can't believe how strong she's been' and that he wasn't surprised she didn't tell him of the attack.

'I think she didn't want to worry us. She sent similar messages to some of my friends who she works for as well.'

Images of the scene show vast amounts of blood on a tiled floor inside the house, with further large stains in what appears to be a courtyard. A large blade was found on a chair near the pools of blood.

Mrs Careen can be seen writhing in pain in a picture taken from an emergency room, with both of her legs heavily bandaged.

Images of the scene show vast amounts of blood on a tiled floor inside the house, with further large stains in what appears to be a courtyard. A large blade was found on a chair near the pools of blood

Despite the severity of her injuries, Mr Lee (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia surgeons are confident they could still save her right foot

Despite the severity of her injuries, Mr Lee told Daily Mail Australia surgeons are confident they could still save her right foot. She has since undergone operations to have the limb re-attached.

'Thanks to everyone's generosity, some great surgeons and a successful operation yesterday, the doctors are confident that they might be able to save her right foot,' he said.

'It isn't a definite, but we are hoping for the best. Hopefully it will heal and with the help of some rehabilitation she at least might save one foot. Her right foot was only hacked off three-quarters of the way, during the attack, so we're hoping that it can be saved.'

Mr Lee says she does not have the money to pay for her medical bills, to source prosthetic legs or undergo appropriate rehabilitation, and is appealing for donations to help Mrs Careen who he describes as 'one of the most genuinely kind and caring people you could ever meet.'

'I showed her some photos of prosthetics when I was with her in the hospital last,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'She was excited about them and asking how they worked.'

Mr Lee says Mrs Careen is remaining positive and has been smiling and laughing from her hospital bed

Rohan Lee (pictured), who moved to Canggu from Perth two years ago, employed Mrs Careen for two years and has created a GoFundMe page to help pay for her medical bills and support her children while she recovers

The Perth-native says he was unaware of any marital problems that may have been occurring between Mrs Careen and her husband, but says her friends were aware of his abuse.

'Some of the girls knew about him being abusive but it came as a shock to me. It's only after the incident that people have opened up to me about him,' Mr Lee said.

'That he wasn't a nice person, he would take money from her. There are a lot of rumours that I'm hearing right now.'

The GoFundMe page has now received nearly $70,000 in donations and the generosity of family, friends and even total strangers has left her in 'high spirits', smiling and laughing from her hospital bed.

'It was so remarkable to see for someone in her situation and was such a testament to the amazing woman and mother that she is.'

You can donate to the GoFundMe page and help Putu Careen here.
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Hurricane Irma evacuees are returning to Florida to find their homes ripped apart and flooded by the devastating storm - and millions face a long road of recovery ahead.

Aerial footage from around the state reveals the sheer damage residents face, as roofs tore off buildings, mobile homes toppled over, and trees uprooted and smashed into houses during the massive storm.

Irma killed 12 in Florida, in addition to four in South Carolina and two in Georgia as it carved a path through the Unites States over the last week. At least 37 people in the Caribbean were killed by the storm.

More than 20,000 troops and five naval ships have descended on the region to help with relief efforts and carry out search-and-rescue missions.

While nearly all of Florida was engulfed by the 400-mile-wide (645-kilometer) storm, the Keys - home to about 70,000 people - appeared to be the hardest hit with 90 per cent of homes destroyed or damaged.

'I don't have a house. I don't have a job. I have nothing,' said Mercedes Lopez, 50, whose family fled north from the Florida Keys town of Marathon last Friday and rode out the storm at an Orlando hotel, only to learn their home was destroyed, along with the gasoline station where he worked.

'We came here, leaving everything at home, and we go back to nothing,' Lopez said.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are visiting Florida on Thursday to survey damage across the state.

Overflight over Lower Florida Keys with Us Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) showed entire mobile home parks destroyed

Mobile homes and RVs were flipped, turned on their sides, and pushed away from the shore in the Florida Keys during Hurricane Irma

Images from the Lower Florida Keys show debris strewn across lawns and roads in mobile home parks. Up to 10,000 residents stayed in the Keys during Hurricane Irma

Overflight of the Lower Florida Keys with US Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) which flew State of Florida Dept of Transportation Engineers inspecting Florida Keys bridges and found all bridges to be secure and safe to travel Hurricane Irma aftermath, Florida

Some areas of the Lower Keys, like the home pictured above, were left very damaged. FEMA said 25 per cent of homes on the islands were completely detroyed

Meanwhile, business is usual for some people in Florida. Pictured above, a woman suntans amongst debris on Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on Tuesday after Hurricane Irma passed the area

Pastor Louicesse Dorsaint stands with his wife Maria Dorsaint in front of their church, Haitian United Evangelical Mission, which was damaged by flooding from Hurricane Irma in Immokalee, Florida

Maria Dorsaint stands outside a friend's house, which was damaged by flooding after Hurricane Irma in Immokalee, Florida, on Tuesday

A man carrying a paddle prepares to leave flood waters in his neighborhood caused by Hurricane Irma in Middleburg, Florida, on Tuesday

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard operate during rescue missions in flood waters caused by Hurricane Irma in Hastings, Florida

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press with First Lady Melania Trump before they depart the White House in Washington, DC, on September 14, 2017 for Florida

Glimpses of Irma's economic toll were emerging, with Florida saying 31 state agencies had already amassed nearly $250 million in preparation and recovery expenses.

The number of people without electricity in the steamy late-summer heat dropped to 9.5million on Tuesday - just under half of Florida's population.

Utility officials warned it could take ten days or more for power to be fully restored. About 110,000 people remained in shelters across the state.

The Florida Keys were largely evacuated by the time Irma barreled ashore on Sunday as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of up to 130 mph (215 km/hour).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says about 90 per cent of the Keys residents are coming home to property damage.

That includes a heart breaking 25 per cent of homes that have been completely destroyed on the archipelago.

Drone footage released by the Collier County Sheriff's Office reveals the damage that Naples, Florida, is facing in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma

Irma killed 12 in Florida, in addition to four in South Carolina and two in Georgia as it carved a path through the Unites States over the last week. At least 37 people in the Caribbean were killed by the storm.

More than 20,000 troops and five naval ships have descended on the region to help with relief efforts and carry out search-and-rescue missions

While nearly all of Florida was engulfed by the 400-mile-wide (645-kilometer) storm, the Keys - home to about 70,000 people - appeared to be the hardest hit. Naples, Florida, is pictured above

Drone footage from Naples, Florida, shows toppled trees, flooded streets, and ripped off roofs across neighborhoods in the city

Roads seen in the drone footage of Naples, Florida, are still so flooded that they look almost like rivers separating houses across the street from one another

Christian Treadwell carries personal belongings in floodwaters caused by Hurricane Irma in Middleburg, Florida, on Tuesday

Matthew Cercy, left and Corey Rivera take a swim in flood waters on Thunder Rd. caused by Hurricane Irma in Middleburg, Florida, on Tuesday

Mike Gilbert (left) hugs his daughter Brooke (right) while looking at a destroyed three-story condominium building after Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys in Islamorada, Florida

Residents navigate floodwaters caused by Hurricane Irma on Tuesday in Middleburg, Florida, United State

People prepare to cook on an open fire after Hurricane Irma hit the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami, Florida, on Tuesday

A man cheers just as power is restored to his house after Hurricane Irma struck the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami, Florida, on Tuesday

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk to Marine One at the White House in Washington, Thursday, September 14, 2017, for a short trip to Andrews Air Force Base and then on to Fort Myers, Florida to meet with citizens impacted by Hurricane Irma

Another 65 per cent of homes have sustained at least some damage. Authorities began allowing re-entry to the islands of Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada two days later for residents and business owners only.

The extent of the devastation took many by surprise.

'I expected some fence lines to be down and some debris,' said Dr. Orlando Morejon, 51, a trauma surgeon from Miami as he hacked away at a tree blocking his Islamorada driveway. 'We were not expecting to find someone else's sailboat in our backyard.'

The walls of nearby trailer homes were left ripped wide open, exposing insulation and the sodden interiors of bedrooms and kitchens to the elements.

A short distance away, the scent of decaying seaweed hung heavy in the air as Brooke Gilbert, 15, stood with her younger sister staring at the jumble of concrete and twisted metal left from the three-story condo that was their family's getaway home.

'There's the couch right there,' she said. 'I recognize the clothes in that closet. They belong to my grandmother.'

Donald Trump clenches his fist as his wife stands next to him in a pair of sunglasses ahead of their trip south to Florida

Boats, cars and other debris clog waterways in the Florida Keys two days after Hurricane Irma slammed into the state

Drone footage from Key West shows debri covering roads and boarded up windows in the southern most part of the island, which remains closed

Docks were knocked into the water and trees were uprooted by Hurricane Irma in a neighborhood near Marathon, Florida

Sunken boats are seen into water after Hurricane Irma at the Prime Marina Miami in the Coconut Grove neighborhood in Miami

Mobile homes damaged by winds from Hurricane Irma at the Marathon Airport, in Marathon, Florida, located in the Keys

Allie Sheehan pulls wet blankets out of a travel bag as she and the Sheehan family clear items out of their flooded home in the Robin Lane neighborhood of Gainesville, Florida

A sign the Pena family put in a tree at the entrance of the Hills of Santa Fe neighborhood, in Gainesville, Florida. During Hurricane Irma water from the Meadowbrook Golf Course rushed over a hill behind the Pena's home and flooded the home with about six feet of water

In Jacksonville, Florida, Jen Gilreath and Cameron Brainard lost everything on the first floor of their San Marco home - furniture, food and a 100-year-old leather-bound Bible from Gilreath's great-grandmother.

'It's devastating, everything's gone,' said Gilreath, a 33-year-old bartender.

The water that poured in higher than their knees slowly drained out, and their apartment now smells like sewage and mildew. The flood consumed their Ford Explorer, their only working car, which no longer will start. They have two cats, a young son, a roommate and a pit bull.

'We have no place to go,' Brainard, 34, said

Parts of Florida have inched back toward normal with workers restoring power, clearing roads and replenishing gas supplies as teams scoured the state's southernmost islands and authorities warned of mass devastation.

But flooded streets remained across Florida, and the count of damaged and totaled homes ticked upward even as some curfews were lifted and flights resumed.

One of the chief hardships endured by many Floridians in the storm's aftermath was difficulty staying cool in the absence of air conditioning, ice and even natural shade from trees knocked down or stripped bare of foliage.

'I just pour water on my head a few times a day,' said Lydia Grondin, 29, of Fort Lauderdale.

Hurricane Irma's powerful winds sheared off the side of this Cudjoe Key home exposing the inside in Cudjoe Key, Fla, pictured Tuesday. Cudjoe Key was ground zero for Hurricane Irma's eye hitting the Florida Keys

A local resident reacts on Tuesday as she sees the damage on her home after Hurricane Irma struck Florida, in Islamorada Key

Remnants of a mobile home destroyed by Hurricane Irma are scattered at Venture Out Condominium Community in Cudjoe Key, Fla

A sailboat is pushed up between two buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Tuesday in Key West

A destroyed home after Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys in Marathon. Many in the area remain under a dawn to dusk curfew

Cars line up to return to the Florida Keys on Tuesday in Homestead, Florida. Parts of the lower Keys are still inaccessible because a road was wiped out during the storm

Power disruptions caused more serious dilemmas for others.

Vince Napoli, 83, a retired computer sales manager, said a fallen tree knocked out electricity to the medical building near his home in Boca Raton where he undergoes kidney dialysis, forcing his wife to drive him 20 miles (32 km) south to Fort Lauderdale for treatment on Tuesday.

Florida's largest city, Jacksonville in the northeastern corner of the state, was still recovering from heavy flooding on Tuesday.

While damage across Florida was severe, it paled in scope to the devastation wrought by Irma in parts of the Caribbean, which accounted for the bulk of Irma's fatalities.

The hurricane destroyed about one-third of the buildings on the Dutch-ruled portion of the eastern Caribbean island of St. Martin en route to Florida, the Dutch Red Cross said on Tuesday.

Cruise ships that extended their voyages and rode out the storm at sea began returning to port in Florida with thousands of passengers.

'We've got a lot of work to do, but everybody's going to come together,' Florida Gov. Rick Scott said. 'We're going to get this state rebuilt. This state is a state of strong resilient people.'

Traffic is seen traveling south on Interstate 95 in Brunswick, Georgia on Tuesday after Hurricane Irma passed through the area

A police officer directs motorists at a checkpoint as Florida Keys residents return to their homes in the upper keys on Tuesday

More than half the state is still without power, meaning there won't be air conditioning when the weather turns deadly hot this week

Wednesday is also shaping up to be a scorcher across Florida, with temperatures nearing the 90s

Despite lack of electricity, most Floridians were just happy they were finally able to return home on Tuesday, after several nights holed up in shelters or with friends and family.

Carin and David Atkins of Pinecrest, Florida, were waiting out Irma on Monday, planning to leave their Atlanta hotel Tuesday morning to head back down the Florida peninsula with their children, Molly and Thomas.

The Atkins said they have hotel reservations near Cape Canaveral, more than halfway back to their home outside Miami.

'I've called to confirm they have power,' David Atkins said, adding that some businesses near their home have power as well.

Carin Atkins said they can live without power at home for several days, recalling that they went 47 days without power after Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

They evacuated, she said, only because of the threat of rising water from a storm surge that didn't reach to their home.

Other evacuees still aren't as sure of their return.

A damaged house on Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida is pictured above on Tuesday

A boy walks amongst debris on the beach after Hurricane Irma passed the area in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, U.S., on Tuesday

Local residents walk down a street that was flooded after the passing of Hurricane Irma in Immokalee, Florida on Tuesday

Boats, cars and other debris clog waterways in the Florida Keys on Tuesday, two days after Hurricane Irma slammed into the state

Damage from Hurricane Irma is seen at Caloosa Cove Island Store in Islamorada, Florida, on Tuesday

Boats, cars and other debris clog waterways in the Florida Keys on Tuesday, two days after Hurricane Irma slammed into the state

NA A man shops in a Naples, Florida supermarket on Tuesday, one of the few open, with limited electricity and food two days after Hurricane Irma swept through the area

Floridians will have to make due with non-perishable food while millions are still without power

A submerged mobile home community stands in Fort Myers on Tuesday, two days after Hurricane Irma swept through the area

A neighborhood remains flooded by Hurricane Irma on September 12, 2017 in Bonita Springs, Florida

Carolyn Cole removes belongings from her flooded home in Bonita Springs, Florida on Tuesday

Much of Cole's home was still under water as she returned home on Tuesday to gather up her most prized possessions

A boat is seen on a highway as local residents return to Plantation Key, Florida on Tuesday

Local residents walk along a destroyed trailer park in Plantation Key, Florida on Tuesday

Palm trees appears to weather the storm rather well at the mobile home park in Plantation Key

The entire Florida Keys were under mandatory evacuation during Hurricane Irma, which made landfall in the island chain on Sunday

A destroyed trailer park is seen in Plantation Key, Florida on Tuesday after Hurricane Irma struck the island

Bonita Springs, Florida is seen above in a Monday afternoon photo provided by DroneBase

Alfonso Jose pulls his son Alfonso Jr., 2, in a cooler with his wife Cristina Ventura as they wade through their flooded street in Bonita Springs, Florida on Tuesday

Irma will continue to pelt parts of the south with rain on Tuesday

HURRICANE IRMA CLAIMS 52 LIVES U.S. - 14 FLORIDA Monroe County: A man died after losing control of his truck, which was carrying a generator, in heavy winds.

A man died after losing control of his truck, which was carrying a generator, in heavy winds. Hardee County: Joseph Ossman, 53,a sergeant with the Hardee Correctional Institute, was heading to work Sunday morning when he collided head on with the vehicle driven by Sheriff's Deputy Julie Bridges, 42, who was heading home from a night shift.

Joseph Ossman, 53,a sergeant with the Hardee Correctional Institute, was heading to work Sunday morning when he collided head on with the vehicle driven by Sheriff's Deputy Julie Bridges, 42, who was heading home from a night shift. Orlando: Heidi Zehner, 50, was driving on a highway near Orlando Sunday night when she lost control of her SUV and hit a guardrail.

Heidi Zehner, 50, was driving on a highway near Orlando Sunday night when she lost control of her SUV and hit a guardrail. Winter Park: Brian Buwalda, 51, was electrocuted by a downed power line on Monday

Brian Buwalda, 51, was electrocuted by a downed power line on Monday Tampa: Wilfredo Hernandez, 55, died when the chain saw he was using to clear trees in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma became entangled in a branch, causing it to kick up and cut his carotid artery.

Wilfredo Hernandez, 55, died when the chain saw he was using to clear trees in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma became entangled in a branch, causing it to kick up and cut his carotid artery. Miami-Dade County: A person died of carbon monoxide poisoning from using a generator the wrong way GEORGIA Worth County: The body of a 62-year-old man who climbed a ladder behind his home was found under debris on the roof of his shed

The body of a 62-year-old man who climbed a ladder behind his home was found under debris on the roof of his shed Sandy Springs: A man in his 50, was killed just outside Atlanta when a tree fell on his house

A man in his 50, was killed just outside Atlanta when a tree fell on his house Forsyth County: Woman died when a tree fell on a vehicle in a private driveway SOUTH CAROLINA Abbeville County: Charles Saxon, 57, died when he was struck by a tree limb while clearing debris from his home in Calhoun Falls amid wind gusts of 40 mph

Charles Saxon, 57, died when he was struck by a tree limb while clearing debris from his home in Calhoun Falls amid wind gusts of 40 mph Columbia: City worker Arthur Strudwick, 48, a city worker, died Monday night when he drove his car off the road during heavy rains

City worker Arthur Strudwick, 48, a city worker, died Monday night when he drove his car off the road during heavy rains Columbia: Zhen Tain, 21, crashed his Ford Mustang while driving east of Columbia Monday afternoon. The vehicle hit another car and then flipped.

Zhen Tain, 21, crashed his Ford Mustang while driving east of Columbia Monday afternoon. The vehicle hit another car and then flipped. Sumter County: William McBride, 54, died of carbon monoxide poisoning while running a generator inside his mobile home with only a single window cracked for ventilation Elsewhere in the Caribbean - 38 Anguilla - 1 Barbados - 1 Barbuda - 3 Cuba - 10 French West Indies - 11 Haiti - 1 Puerto Rico - 3 St. Maarten - 4 U.S. Virgin Islands - 4 Columbia, South Carolina city worker Arthur Strudwick, 48 (pictured), died Monday night when he drove his car off the road during heavy rains Joseph Ossman, 53 (right), a sergeant with the Hardee Correctional Institute, was heading to work Sunday morning when he collided head on with the vehicle driven by Sheriff's Deputy Julie Bridges, 42 (left), who was heading home from a night shift. Advertisement

Stephanie Clegg Troxell was near Nashville, Tennessee, where her family caravan includes three cars and a trailer, five adults, five children, 13 dogs, three mini-horses and a pet pig. The trek from New Port Richey, Florida, north of Tampa Bay, took more than 17 hours, beginning last Wednesday.

Troxell said her husband stayed behind and now is working with friends to remove a tree that fell on the roof of their house. They also had no power.

PRESIDENT TRUMP TO VISIT FLORIDA THURSDAY The White House says President Donald Trump will visit hurricane-stricken Florida on Thursday. Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders did not announce the specific location or locations. Trump said earlier this week that he would visit the state 'very soon.' Trump visited Texas and Louisiana after Hurricane Harvey struck both states in late August. He also plans to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, where four died during the storm. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp said Tuesday that the visit would take place in about a week, but gave no further details. Advertisement

'We don't know when we're leaving and now there's another hurricane coming,' Troxell said, referring to Jose, which was offshore. 'I'm trying to sneak out when it's not 30 miles per hour-plus winds.'

In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Rea Argonza was worried about money as she mapped out her return plans.

'Staying here, it's been like a financial strain,' said Argonza, who traveled with her husband and five children from St. Augustine, Florida, to two hotel rooms 500 miles away near the Wake Forest University campus.

'We're up to almost a thousand dollars now. I do believe this whole expedition is going to be almost $3,000.'

One area still not accessible is the lower Florida Keys, where officials continue to carry out tests to make sure the bridges are safe to drive on.

That includes the most distant and populous island in the chain, Key West.

Scott said Tuesday that officials continue to check the 42 Overseas Highway bridges that link the Florida Keys together. He said none appear seriously damaged but that 'we're not sure that on the bridges we should be putting on significant weight.'

However, parts of the upper Keys, including Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada, are now accessible to returning residents who got their first glimpse of the damage on Tuesday morning - and what they saw was not good.

While nearly all of Florida was engulfed by the 400-mile-wide storm, the Keys appeared to be the hardest hit. Drinking water was cut off, all three of the islands' hospitals were closed, and the supply of gas was extremely limited.

FEMA Administrator Brock Long says the Keys 'took the brunt of the hit' a and it will take time to survey the damage there before residents there can return.

'Basically every house in the Keys was impacted,' he said.

Angelina Ventura, left, and Jose Gonzalez retrieve belongings from their flooded home in the wake of Hurricane Irma in Bonita Springs, Florida on Tuesday

In this Monday afternoon photo provided by DroneBase, an aerial view of Bonita Springs, Florida, is seen

Jose Lopez and Judy Madujano put their son Jose Jr, 1, into a splash pool as they retrieve belongings from their flooded home following Hurricane Irma in Bonita Springs, Florida on Tuesday

Jose Encarnacion pulls a chicken out from a cage as he retrieves belongings from his flooded home following Hurricane Irma in Bonita Springs, Florida on Tuesday

A ceiling in a home is collapsed after being struck by a falling tree on Tuesday in Signal Mountain, Tennessee

Eleanor Knauff plays with a butterfly net in front of a fallen tree in the yard of her Signal Mountain, Tennessee home on Tuesday

Sandra Guzman is pictured with her daughter Maria Valentine Romero in their mobile home which now has a tarp instead of a roof after the passing of Hurricane Irma in Immokalee, Florida on Tuesday

In a news conference Tuesday, Long says of Monroe County: 'A majority of the homes there have been impacted in some way' with homes destroyed or damaged.

An aircraft carrier was positioned off Key West to help in the search-and-rescue effort. And crews worked to repair two washed-out, 300-foot sections of U.S. 1, the lone highway from the mainland, and check the safety of the 42 bridges linking the islands.

While the Keys are a popular vacation destination, there's also a lot of poor people who live there.

The string of tropical islands that stretch south from Florida, connected by bridges, are home to about 70,000 people, with about 13 percent living in poverty.

That means that the damage will have a huge impact on their lives, for weeks, months and years into the future.

Stephanie Kaple runs the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless, an organization that helps prevent homelessness by paying emergency rent, air conditioner repairs and medical bills for community members in need.

Greg Garner, in back, embraces neighbor Linda Nettles on Tuesday in front of his long-time family home in Sullivan's Island, South Carolina after Tropical Storm Irma hit the area

Garner's family home lost part of its roof in the disastrous storm

A dock is mangled on Tuesday after Tropical Storm Irma hit Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Isle of Palms, South Carolina residents inspect storm surge damage done inside the Wild Dunes resort on Monday

Kevin Wilson, from Greenville, South Carolina, walks over damage done to the Grand Pavilion in the Wild Dunes resort after Tropical Storm Irma hit the Isle of Palms on Monday

Family members walk down the beach on the Isle of Palms on Monday as boardwalks are damaged after Tropical Storm Irma

She said that despite support from the United Way and Monroe County, those funds, post hurricane, will soon be running out.

Corey Smith, who rode out the hurricane in Key Largo, said Tuesday that the power is out on the island, there's very limited gas and supermarkets are closed.

Piles of brush and branches are blocking some roads. The UPS driver said he fears an influx of returnees could overwhelm what limited resources there are.

'They're shoving people back to a place with no resources,' he said by phone. 'It's just going to get crazy pretty quick.'

Still, he said people coming back to Key Largo should be relieved that many buildings avoided major damage.

Authorities were stopping people to check documentation such as proof of residency or business ownership before they're allowed back into the Upper Keys.

An uprooted tree that slashed a trailer in half in the wake of Hurricane Irma is pictured at a mobile home park in Kissimmee, Florida on Tuesday

]Waist-deep in floodwater, Shelly Hughes reacts as she gets her first look at the inside of her flooded camper at the Peace River Campground in Arcadia, Florida on Tuesday

Shelly Hughes reacts as she gets her first look at the inside of her flooded camper at the Peace River Campground on Tuesday

Vilano Beach, Florida residents look at a collapsed coastal house on Tuesday

A home is completely destroyed, cut in half by a falling tree, while another is mostly unscathed at a mobile home park in the wake of Hurricane Irma in Kissimmee, Florida on Tuesday

People walk under a downed tree in a Bonita Springs, Florida community on Tuesday

People wait in line outside of a Fort Myers, Florida hardware store on Tuesday, two days after Hurricane Irma swept through the area

Bryan Cubias shops in a Miami, Florida store that doesn't have power on Tuesday, two days after Hurricane Irma passed through the area

People exit a Fort Myers, Florida hardware store on Tuesday, two days after Hurricane Irma swept through the area

County officials announced that one of three shuttered hospitals on the island chain was reopening.

Irma has weakened to a tropical depression and is was swirling over the Alabama-Mississippi border Tuesday afternoon.

At least 18 deaths in the U.S. have been connected to Irma, and 37 in the Caribbean. Twelve of the U.S. deaths happened in Florida, two in Georgia and four in South Carolina.

In Monroe County, Florida, a man died after losing control of his truck, which was carrying a generator, in heavy winds. Three of the other deaths were also vehicular.

In Hardee County, a sheriff's deputy Julie Bridges, 42, crashed head on with the car driven by Corrections Officer Joseph Ossman, 53.

Heidi Zehner, 50, was driving on a highway near Orlando Sunday night when she lost control of her SUV and hit a guardrail.

A worker uses a pressure cleaner to wash the exterior of the Colony Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida on Tuesday, after Hurricane Irma passed through the area

Florida Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Jeremy Commander address troops from Delta Company, 1st Battallion, 124th Infantry, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team before departing the Miramar Barracks for the Florida Keys on Tuesday

Maria Soto and Michael Perez return to their home in Miami Beach, Florida on Tuesday for the first time after seeking shelter in a friend's home during Hurricane Irma

A local resident observes the remains of a Sunoco gas station in the wake of Hurricane Irma in Kissimmee, Florida on Tuesday

In Winter Park, Florida, Brian Buwalda, 51, was electrocuted by a downed power line on Monday.

Wilfredo Hernandez, 55, died in Tampa when the chain saw he was using to clear trees in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma became entangled in a branch, causing it to kick up and cut his carotid artery.

And in Miami-Dade County, a person died of carbon monoxide poisoning from using a generator the wrong way.

The body of a 62-year-old man who climbed a ladder behind his home was found under debris on the roof of his shed in southwest Georgia, where winds topped 40 mph, Worth County sheriff's spokeswoman Kannetha Clem said. His wife had called 911 saying he'd had a heart attack.

'He was lodged between two beams and had a little bit of debris on top of him,' Clem said. 'He was on the roof at the height of the storm.'

Another man, in his 50s, was killed just outside Atlanta when a tree fell on his house, Sandy Springs police Sgt. Sam Worsham said.

Bill Quinn surveys the damage caused to his trailer home in Islamorada, in the Florida Keys, on Tuesday

Debris from trailer homes destroyed by Hurricane Irma litters the Seabreeze Trailer Park in Islamorada, in the Florida Keys, on Tuesday

A damaged home sits in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Tuesday in Key West, Florida

Shingles are ripped off the roofs of homes in Key West, Florida on Tuesday after Hurricane Irma

And a woman died when a tree fell on a vehicle in a private driveway, according to the website of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.

Charles Saxon, 57, became South Carolina's first recorded death when he was struck by a tree limb while clearing debris outside his home in Calhoun Falls amid wind gusts of about 40 mph, according to a statement from Abbeville County Coroner Ronnie Ashley.

The former hurricane remained an immense, 415-mile wide storm as its center moved on from Florida Monday afternoon, giving its still-formidable gusts and drenching rains a far reach.

Some 540,000 people were ordered to evacuate days earlier from Savannah and the rest of Georgia's coast.

Irma sent 4 feet of ocean water into downtown Charleston, South Carolina, as the storm's center passed 250 miles away. City officials urged residents to stay off the streets.

In Atlanta, people nervously watched towering oak trees as the city, 250 miles inland, experienced its first tropical storm warning.

A roof is damaged on a building in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Tuesday in Key West, Florida

This photo shows Duval Street on Tuesday in Key West, Florida

House boats, some damaged from Hurricane Irma, sit in a marina on Tuesday in Key West, Florida

Senior Chief Naval Aircrewman Xipetotec Thorngate searches Key West during a reconnaissance mission from an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter over Key West, Florida

Damaged homes sit in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Tuesday in Key West, Florida

Roofs in a mobile home park are damaged from Hurricane Irma on Tuesday in Key West, Florida

Water from the nearby Peace River floods the Peace River Campground in the wake of Hurricane Irma on September 12 in Arcadia, Florida

Dirty water surrounds clean water in the Gulf of Mexico in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma near Fort Myers, Florida on Tuesday

Debris from Hurricane Irma is pushed up against a sea wall in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Tuesday in Key West, Florida

A weather station has some roof damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Tuesday in Key West, Florida

Debris is washed against a sea wall in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Tuesday in Key West, Florida

Communities along Georgia's coast were swamped by storm surge and rainfall arriving at high tide Monday afternoon. On Tybee Island east of Savannah, Holland Zellers was grabbing a kayak to reach his mother in a home near the beach.

'In the street right now, the water is knee-to-waist deep,' Zeller said.

Tybee Island City Manager Shawn Gillen said waters were receding quickly, but many of the 3,000 residents' homes were flooded.

'I don't think people who have lived here a long time have ever seen flooding this bad,' Gillen said.

The tidal surge sent damaged boats rushing more than three blocks onto downtown streets in St. Marys, just north of the Georgia-Florida state line, St. Marys Police Lt. Shannon Brock said.

Downtown Atlanta hotels remained full of evacuees. Many milled about the CNN Center, escaping crowded hotel rooms in search of open restaurants. Many were glued to storm coverage on the atrium's big screen. Parents pointed out familiar sites, now damaged, to their children.

'We've been here since Friday night, and we're ready to go home' to Palm Beach County, Florida, Marilyn Torrence said as her 4-year-old colored.
A new ad released Tuesday on behalf of Jersey City mayor, Steven Fulop, imitates New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's controversial 'Day at the Beach' from back in July.

The ad, which covers details on the slew of projects the city is currently working on, used the phrase to retract the variety of tasks being completed, such as new 'schools, farmer's markets, parks and playgrounds, (affordable) housing, summer jobs, new businesses,' etc.

The mayor kicks off the video saying, 'I'm Steve Fulop and they used to say politics in New Jersey is no day at the beach, until suddenly it was ... Instead of more negative politics, this is a way to show you what we're getting done,' he said, before whipping out the beach chair prop.

Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop pokes fun at Gov. Chris Christie's beach day in new ad

The purpose of the ad is to inform the public of the new projects the city has been working on

'I'm Steve Fulop and they used to say politics in New Jersey is no day at the beach, until suddenly it was,' the mayor said at the beginning of the video

Fulop, 40, who was elected Jersey City's mayor back in 2013, since took to Twitter following the ad's release, writing, 'Our 1st commercial of the campaign season. 'Day At The Beach' (not starring Gov Christie).'

He added, 'Ha. we considered whether poke fun or not.... but then decided 'ehh, let's just do it. It was ridiculous to be on the beach.'

The infamous aerial snap of Christie and his family was captured July 2 after Christie announced to the public several major beaches would be closed for the holiday amid a major budget standoff.

Fulop imitates the aerial photograph of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at the beach

In this Sunday, July 2, 2017, photo, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, right, uses the beach with his family and friends at the governor's summer house at Island Beach State Park in New Jersey

Christie was photographed chilling with loved ones at Island Beach State Park in Ocean County shortly after making the announcement.

Christie received widespread backlash for his hypocritical outing. One Freehold, New Jersey resident called it a 'slap in the face' at the time.

'Taxpayers can't use the parks and other public sites they pay for, but he and his family can hang out at a beach that no one else can use?' Mary Jackson inquired, while walking through a mostly empty downtown near the Capitol in Trenton.

Christie also defended the sensational photograph, suggesting that he was simply following through with initial plans to visit the governor's mansion, despite the state's budget agreement.

'[The Star-Ledger] actually caught a politician being where he said he was going to be with the people he said he was going to be with, his wife and children and their friends,' he said in a statement to Fox 5.

'I am sure they will get a Pulitzer for this one. They caught me doing what I said I was going to do with the people I said I was going to be with.'

Fulop said the city has been working to create several new positive projects recently
A fundamentalist Muslim preacher who covers her face with a burqa has called on Islamic women to come to her lecture so she can see all their 'beautiful faces'.

Islam convert Umm Jamaal ud-Din has made a two-minute video promoting an upcoming conference that's being held at a western Sydney racecourse.

'Im really excited to be speaking at this years Sydney Twins of Faith conference and dearest sisters, Im really looking forward to seeing all of your beautiful faces there,' she told her Facebook followers with her face covered except for her eyes.

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A Muslim preacher in a burqa says she is looking forward to seeing 'all of your beautiful faces'

The daughter and granddaughter of lay Christian preachers, who converted to Islam in 1989, told a room full of women last month it was sinful for them to pluck their eyebrows.

'You're still falling into a major sin whatever you like to call it yourself,' she said in a YouTube video for her followers.

'You can say as many things that Allah makes haram, like plucking the eyebrows.

'What do the girls say? 'I'm just cleaning, I'm not plucking I'm cleaning.'

'That sounds great, doesn't it?

'Clean shaven. Sounds great but it's haram. Names of things don't change the reality.'

Umm Jamaal ud-Din is a keynote speaker at a Sunni fundamentalist conference in Sydney

She is a keynote speaker at the Twins of Faith conference being held on September 24 at Rosehill Racecourse - a venue that promotes gambling, which is forbidden in Islam.

It is being organised by the Sunni fundamentalist AlKauthar Institute, with speakers exploring the idea of 'dunya', an Arabic term describing earthly pleasures.

They have promoted the conference in a video featuring a man in a grey hoodie who sees sin wherever he looks in 'Sin City galore' Sydney.

'You look left it's haram. You look right it's haram. You look ahead and it's haram,' the video says with subtitles.

'The solution? Lower your gaze, brother. Fear Allah.'

The video promoting the conference denounces Sydney as a city where people have sex before marriage and children attend mixed-gender schools.

The Twins of Faith conference organisers have made a video denouncing 'sinful' Sydney
A former office worker turned tattoo addict has covered 90 per cent of his body  including his eyeball  in more than 100 huge inkings to treat his chronic pain syndrome.

Tattboy Holden, who changed his name legally in 2014, claims he was left bed bound and in pain day and night after suffering side effects from a routine operation in 2000.

But despite it being widely considered painful, the 48-year-old found relief in going under the needle  and has since invested nearly $100,000 AUD and 1,000 hours in body modification.

Colourful character Tattboy, from Adelaide, Australia, admits his head to toe inkings are a stain on his mainstream job prospects  leaving him unemployed  and have even seen him branded a criminal.

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Adelaide man Tattboy Holden, 48, took to 'pain distraction' therapy to cope with permanent nerve damage he was left with after having an operation in 2000

'If the tattoo is big enough, it distracts the pain for about a day. It still hurts, but its on your terms,' Tattboy said of his tattoo accumulation

But the former credit officer has no regrets about turning his body into an artwork since his health fell apart  and is planning to keep going to make his mark on the world.

Tattboy said: 'I was on some medication that gave me side effects and I needed an operation.

'After a few operations I was left with nerve damage that cannot be repaired.

'I had already had some tattoos in the past, but through the course of this I found tattoos were a form of pain therapy. I call it pain distraction. I look forward to it.

Tattboy changed his name legally in 2014, claims he was left bed bound and in pain day and night after suffering side effects from a routine operation in 2000

He formerly worked as a credit officer but has his sights on now becoming a DJ

'If the tattoo is big enough, it distracts the pain for about a day. It still hurts, but its on your terms.

'The chronic pain returns eventually, but its a release.'

Tattboy first fell under the spell of inkings as a child when he became fascinated with tattoos but waited until Australias legal age of 18 to take the plunge and go under the needle with an eagle on his arm  a coming-of-age symbol.

Over the course of the next 13 years he got some more work done, but it wasnt until a cruel twist of fate left him struggling with pain that he decided to take his obsession this far.

Tattboy admitted his head to toe inkings were a stain on his mainstream job prospects, leaving him now unemployed

He first had an eagle inked under his arm as an 18 year old, and has since been hooked on covering his body with meaningful markings

He is proud almost every part of his body is marked - including his manhood and his right eye, which is coloured red after his surname and love of Holden cars.

Tattboy said: 'I decided to get fully covered. Thats my goal. Its a long journey it will take me all my life. Id probably never say Im finished.

'You can always start over. Some parts of my face have three layers. Id never really say Im finished.

'The skin between my eyelids and nose is probably the most painful. It feels like eye surgery, your eyes just pour water. Lips felt like razorblades. And my c**k hurt, obviously.'

His bodily 'decoration' spans to having his tongue split and transdermal bolts implanted into his head

Almost every part of his body is marked - including his manhood and his right eye, which is coloured red after his surname and love of Holden cars

Tattboys body paints the picture of an extraordinary life  from a car on his back as a reminder that he was held hostage for by armed bandits, to a rainbow on his calf that pledges support for equality.

And it doesnt stop there: he had his tongue split  known as bifurcation  and transdermal bolts implanted into his head in his quest for self-decoration.

But Tattboys inkings have even seen him be mistaken for a criminal more than once and he admits his love of tattoos have been damaging for his career.

Each piece is significant in its own way, from a car on his back as a reminder that he was held hostage for by armed bandits, to a rainbow on his calf that pledges support for equality

His tattoos however have had him mistaken for a criminal more than once and he admitted his love of tattoos had been damaging for his career

He now hopes to find work as a DJ and is set to star in an upcoming horror flick, but admits it will be a challenge to return to the corporate world anytime soon.

Tattboy said: 'I used to have a very sought-after car. One night I was ambushed for it and held hostage for about seven hours. I had to sell it after I escaped, but I got it on my back to remember.

'My most recent in June this year is a rainbow on the back of my leg. Ive been through some storms, but this represents brighter days ahead. Its also in support for gay marriage equality.

He's pledged to continue until his body is completely covered: 'Thats my goal. Its a long journey it will take me all my life. Id probably never say Im finished,' he said

He's not scared of changing his mind or making mistakes either: 'you can always start over. Some parts of my face have three layers'

'I have definitely been mistaken for a criminal and even a standover man once, but the tides are changing. People are becoming more accepting.

'It has definitely spun my life in a different direction. I might not be able to work in an office again, but I would be open to doing it with the right boss and a way to manage my pain.

'But I havent got a boss to tell me what to do, and thats fine with me.'

'My most recent in June this year is a rainbow on the back of my leg. Ive been through some storms, but this represents brighter days ahead. Its also in support for gay marriage equality'

He said he'd still be be open to returning to working in an office: 'I would be open to doing it with the right boss and a way to manage my pain'

TATTBOYS TATTOO OBSESSION: IN NUMBERS

More than 100 inkings covering 90% of his body (he has lost track of the exact number).

Almost $100,000 AUD spent on all his body modifications (again, he has lost track of the exact figure).

1,000 hours of body modification in total.

Changed name legally to Tattboy Holden in 2014.

One of Australias most tattooed men.
Miami-area police have arrested more than 50 suspected looters during and after Hurricane Irma, including 26 people who allegedly broke into the same Walmart.

City officials on Tuesday lifted a local 7pm to 7am curfew that had been in place since Sunday.

As normality began to return, police commanders said officers would work 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, to discourage any more criminality.

'I said we would not tolerate criminal activity or looting or anybody who takes advantage of our residents,' Deputy Chief of Police Luis Cabrera said at a news conference. 'I was not joking.'

Miami area police arrested more than 50 suspected looters during and after Hurricane Irma, including 26 people who were accused of breaking into a single Walmart

The Walmart incident took place on Saturday night at a store in north Miami. 'I said we would not tolerate criminal activity...I was not joking,' said Deputy Chief of Police Luis Cabrera

The Walmart incident took place on Saturday night at a store on the north side of Miami, said Miami-Dade Police Department spokesman Alvaro Zabaleta.

Six men were arrested on Monday and accused of breaking into stores at the Midtown Miami shopping complex before making off with merchandise that included shoes, bags and laptops.

The looting attempts spanned the city, said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, from the well-heeled Brickell and downtown neighborhoods to the low-income Liberty City and Little Haiti areas.

'I think it's despicable that anyone would try to take advantage of the fact that we're in a vulnerable state,' Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez said.

'You have to be heartless to prey on individuals, businesses and people in this time of need,' Miami Commissioner Frank Carollo said. 'This is a time for all of us to come together and we, in the city of Miami and police department, will not tolerate it.'

Officers have also been busy trawling roads that can be perilous for motorists because power cuts shut off traffic lights at intersections and streets have accumulated shredded vegetation spread by the storm's powerful winds.

'We have never experienced, not even with Hurricane Andrew, the amount of trees that are downed in the city,' Mayor Regalado told the news conference. Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in 1992.

Since Irma began bearing down on the state late last week, authorities have been warning any would-be looters against taking advantage of the situation.

Six men were arrested on Monday and accused of breaking into stores at the Midtown Miami shopping complex before making off with merchandise that included shoes, bags and laptops, much of which has been recovered (above)

Miami police posted a photo on Facebook of several accused looters sitting in a jail cell with the caption: 'Thinking about looting? Ask these guys how that turned out. #stayindoors'

Rick Maglione, the police chief of Fort Lauderdale, about 30 miles north of Miami, told residents to stay home during the storm and look after their loved ones.

'Going to prison over a pair of sneakers is a fairly bad life choice,' Maglione said in a statement.

To prove just that point, Miami police posted a photo on Facebook on Sunday of several accused looters sitting in a jail cell with the caption: 'Thinking about looting? Ask these guys how that turned out. #stayindoors.'
A photographer who spent a night in an Egyptian prison cell after he was caught taking pictures of a nude model inside a temple claims his art wasn't disrespectful.

Belgian nude model Marisa Papen, who describes herself as a 'free-spirited and wild-hearted expressionist', travelled with Australian photographer Jesse Walker to North Africa for a shoot at some of the most famous landmarks of ancient Egypt.

The pair bribed young men patrolling temples in Giza, but were both imprisoned for creating 'porn' when four security guards spotted Papen posing naked.

The Belgian stands at the entrance of a temple in Egypt. Moments later, four security guards spotted them in Luxor, both Papen and her photographer Jesse Walker were arrested and locked up

Walker said security guards assumed the pair were shooting porn because they associate nudity with pornography

'It was my fifth time over there in Egypt. So I'm very well aware of the culture over there. It's a place that I'm very close to and I feel very drawn to,' Walker told Nine.

'It's no disrespect to the Egyptian culture because I love the country so much. I do this for the love of art and I do this to get that imagery that no one else can get.

Walker said the guards mistakenly thought he was shooting pornographic material, when he was in fact creating a visual project for his Enki Eyewear company.

'They thought we were shooting porn because they associate any nudity with porn. They said to Marisa 'why have you got dirt on your knees?' he told the publication.

Walker told Daily Mail Australia he did not mean to disrespect Egypt; a country he loves and hopes to one day visit again.

Belgian nude model Marisa Papen, who describes herself as a 'free-spirited and wild-hearted expressionist', pictured here outside a temple in Egypt before she was arrested

Papen (pictured) said: 'The last two years I have walked wild and free in at least 50 countries. Rarely do I end up in precarious situations. Until April this year, in Egypt.'

'We tried to explain them that we were making art with the highest respect for Egyptian culture, but they could not see a connection between nudity and art,' Papen said

Papen said: 'The last two years I have walked wild and free in at least 50 countries. Rarely do I end up in precarious situations. Until April this year, in Egypt.'

The nude photo model, from the Flanders region of Belgium, met up in Cairo with photographer Walker who flew in all the way from Australia to do the shoot.

And even though the pair said they were aware of the cultural, political and religious differences between Egypt and the West when it comes to nudity, the adventure ended differently than they both expected.

Early in their trip during the first photoshoot near the famous pyramids of Giza, the two got into trouble.

They reportedly bribed a security guard to start the photoshoot when two other men showed up.

The nude photo model, from the Flanders region of Belgium, met up in Cairo with photographer Walker who flew in all the way from Australia to do the shoot

Marisa Papen's Egyptian photo shoot;\

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A nude photo model ended up in prison after she was caught doing a secret photoshoot inside one of Egypt's most ancient temples

Papen said: 'I was suddenly completely awake, like a cold shower at 5am in the morning.

'We tried to explain them that we were making art with the highest respect for Egyptian culture, but they could not see a connection between nudity and art.

'In their eyes it was porn, or something like that.'

In the end, Papen and Walker managed to stay out of trouble by bribing them with $25.

After Giza, the two travelled to Luxor to visit the vast temple complex of Karnak to shoot pictures with the theme of 'dance', which is where their trip unraveled.

When Karnak turned out to be even more guarded than the pyramids at Giza, Papen and Walker had to think of another plan for their shoot.

'The last two years I have walked wild and free in at least 50 countries. Rarely do I end up in precarious situations. Until April this year, in Egypt,' Papen said

They decided to hide in the complex just before closing time and to start with the photoshoot 'making pirouettes in Cleopatra's footprints' after all the other people had left.

Papen said: 'But you can guess what happened next. Busted, once again. And yes, this time we were in some serious trouble.'

Four security guards caught the two and brought them 'like two beaten dogs' to the local police.

Papen said: 'Without being able to share words, I made it clear to Jesse that he had to delete the images if he saw the tiniest opportunity.

'Otherwise we would be screwed, big time.'

The Egyptian police officers did not believe the two when they told them they were 'just testing the light' and 'did not take any pictures yet'.

The cops forced Walker to strip down to look for a second SD card, but could not find anything.

The duo were brought from one police station to the other and from court to a local cell and back.

Papen said: 'I knew that a prison in Egypt looks slightly different then in Belgium or any Westernised country but I had no idea what to expect before actually going in.

'The first cell we encountered was packed with at least 20 men, some were passed out on the floor, some were squeezing their hands through the rails, some were bleeding and yelling.

'I had never seen something like this before in real life. Jesse kept telling me, 'Marisa don't look' but there was no way not to look.'

The Belgian nude model pictured on the back of a horse with two pyramids peering over the sand in the distance. Having bribed young men patrolling temples in Giza, she narrowly avoided trouble and was able to strip off and pose for photographs

After several hours in horrendous conditions in jail Papen and Walker were brought in front of a judge.

Papen said: 'We kept playing the role of stupid tourists who had no idea dancing in skin-coloured underwear - we had to change up the story a little bit because otherwise we probably would have never gotten out - on Egyptian ground it wasn't allowed.

'Our judge was browsing with his big thumbs through these books that looked as old as the pyramids did.

'Eventually, he gave us a warning and told us never to do something so foolishly shameful ever again. We nodded simultaneously.'

Back in their hotel room, Walker even managed to recover the deleted pictures off the SD card with special software.

Thanks to her quick-witted reaction during her arrest, Papen is now able to proudly share her amazing story and Walker's magnificent pictures of the nude Egyptian photoshoot.

Papen said: 'I do think we created something Cleopatra would have been proud of.'
The U.S. Congress passed a resolution late on Tuesday calling on President Donald Trump to condemn hate groups after Trump was criticized for his response to the violence at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a month ago.

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously adopted the resolution, U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, said in a statement. The Senate approved the measure on Monday.

'Tonight, the House of Representatives spoke in one unified voice to unequivocally condemn the shameful and hate-filled acts of violence carried out by the KKK (Ku Klux Klan), white nationalists, white supremacists and neo-Nazis in Charlottesville,' Connolly said.

Hate groups: White supremacists were out in force in Charlottesville in August

The joint resolution, passed with the support of both Republicans and Democrats, will go to Trump for his signature.

Representatives for the White House did not respond immediately to an email seeking comment.

The Congressional resolution calls on Trump to condemn hate groups and what it describes as the growing prevalence of extremists who support anti-Semitism, xenophobia and white supremacy.

It also urges Attorney General Jeff Sessions to investigate acts of violence and intimidation by white nationalists, neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan and similar groups.

Trump alienated fellow Republicans, corporate leaders and U.S. allies and rattled markets last month with comments about the violence in Charlottesville, where white nationalists and neo-Nazis clashed with anti-racism activists on Aug. 12.

One woman, Heather Heyer, was killed and several people were wounded when a suspected white nationalist crashed his car into anti-racist demonstrators.

Under pressure: The unanimous call by both chambers is leveled firmly at the president

The Congressional resolution calls Heyer's death a 'domestic terrorist attack.' James Alex Fields, a 20-year-old Ohio man who authorities say drove into Heyer and other protesters, has been charged with second-degree murder and other criminal counts.

On Aug. 12, Trump denounced hatred and violence 'on many sides,' a comment that drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum for not condemning white nationalists.

White nationalists had gathered in Charlottesville to protest against the planned removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee, who led the pro-slavery Confederacy's army during the U.S. Civil War. Trump defended Confederate monuments last month.

At a rally in Phoenix on Aug. 22, Trump accused television networks of ignoring his calls for unity in the aftermath of the violence in Charlottesville.

'I didn't say I love you because you're black, or I love you because you're white,' Trump said at the rally. 'I love all the people of our country.'

The resolution also acknowledged the deaths of two Virginia State Police officers whose helicopter crashed as they patrolled the Charlottesville protest.
Two adults and a child died of carbon monoxide poisoning after the family used a generator inside their Florida home that was left without power due to Hurricane Irma, police say.

Firefighters with Orange County Fire Rescue in Orlando responded to the 911 call at 5.01pm on Tuesday to a residence on Eggleston Avenue, WKMG reported.

When emergency officials arrived, they found six people suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.

Orange County Sheriff's Office spokesman Jeff Williamson said that two people were dead inside the residence and a third made it outside, but died not long after escaping.

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Tragic: Two adults and a child died of carbon monoxide poisoning after the family used a generator inside their Florida home that was left without power due to the hurricane, police say (scene above)

Firefighters with Orange County Fire Rescue in Orlando responded to the 911 call at 5.01pm on Tuesday to a residence on Eggleston Avenue (scene above)

Three other victims found inside were rushed to Florida Hospital South for advanced life support. Their conditions are unknown at this time.

But Williamson said, '(they) are really not looking so good right now.'

'When the deputy walked into the house, he was just completely overcome with the smell of gas,' Williamson said.

He called the deaths a 'very tragic, tragic accident.'

The home on Eggleston Avenue did not have power after Hurricane Imra hit the Sunshine State on Sunday leaving millions without electricity.

Orange County Sheriff's Office spokesman Jeff Williamson (above) said that two people were dead inside the residence and a third made it outside, but died not long after escaping.

Three other victims found inside were rushed to Florida Hospital South for advanced life support. Their conditions are unknown at this time. But Williamson said, '(they) are really not looking so good right now.' (scene above)

Williamson said that three generations of family members lived inside the home.

Authorities have not released the names of the individuals who lived in the home as of Tuesday night.

The incident on Tuesday is just one of many around the state after Hurricane Irma knocked down power lines when the storm hit on Sunday, leaving millions without power.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs issued an urgent message for residents without power after the deaths: Generators should be used outside only.
The glamorous life of a woman who escaped from a Queensland prison with another female inmate has been revealed as the pair reach 41 hours on the run.

Tegan Simpson's social media shows the 24-year-old driving a black Mercedes, frolicking at the beach and going out with friends.

The selfie fan and fellow prisoner Abigail Graf, 21, have been missing since absconding from a 700 hectare open prison in Numinbah Valley, 100km south of Brisbane.

Authorities were alerted when the pair weren't marked as present during a routine headcount at 11pm on Sunday.

The glamorous life of Tegan Simpson (pictured), a woman who escaped from a Queensland prison with another female inmate on Sunday, has been revealed as the pair reach 41 hours on the run

Simpson's social media shows the 24-year-old driving a black Mercedes (pictured)

Simpson escaped alongside Abigail Graf (pictured), 21, who is on remand for assaulting police

Authorities were alerted when the pair weren't marked as present during a routine headcount at 11pm on Sunday.

As news of their escape reached media outlets, friends appeared surprised by Simpson's actions.

'Wow, didn't think she had it in her,' one man wrote on her Facebook.

The recently-dumped boyfriend of Simpson said on Tuesday he believes the pair are en route to the NSW border.

Joseph Milanov told News Corp he and Simpson had 'loved each other from day dot', but she had dumped him on the phone last week.

He believes she and accomplice Graf, 21, are headed for Mullumbimby - a small town just north of Byron Bay - and not even a 90 minute drive from the Numinbah Correctional Centre.

As news of their escape reached media outlets, friends appeared surprised by Simpson's actions (pictured)

Simpson (pictured), 24, escaped from Numinbah Correctional Centre. Her ex-boyfriend believes she is headed for Mullumbimby

Simpson posted several selfies (pictured) on Facebook up until mid-June

'I just want her to hand herself in, but obviously she's not really for that,' Mr Milanov said.

'[An associate] told me they were headed for Mullumbimby  I think it's in NSW. I don't even know what's there or why anyone would go there.'

Mr Milanov said the pair had been dating for some time, which included jail sentences for both of them.

'I went to jail and we were still together, but I found out she was playing up,' he said.

The pair had reconciled when Mr Milanov was released, but he says she called him from prison last week to break up with him.

She told him: 'Im done. Bye, before hanging up on him.

They were both being held at the 700 hectare open prison in Numinbah Valley, 100km south of Brisbane (pictured Tegan Simpson)

It is not yet known if the women knew each other prior to entering the open prison but they are not 'friends' on social media (pictured Abigail Graf)

Graf is on remand for assaulting police and Simpson was in custody for receiving stolen goods.

It is not yet known if the women knew each other prior to entering the open prison but they are not 'friends' on social media.

Graf is described as being 168cm tall and weighing about 61kg, with hazel coloured eyes and bleached blonde hair.

The 21-year-old has several obvious tattoos including one of an eye and teeth on her left arm, the 'A' anarchy sign on her left-hand ring finger, the word 'death' on her upper left leg, a graffiti tag on her left ankle and one of the word 'life' on her upper right leg

Simpson has multiple tattoos, including the word 'strength' on her face, and a skull and rose on her leg

The 21-year-old has several obvious tattoos including one of an eye and teeth on her left arm, the 'A' anarchy sign on her left-hand ring finger, the word 'death' on her upper left leg, a graffiti tag on her left ankle and one of the word 'life' on her upper right leg.

Simpson is similarly covered in ink with a tattoo of the word 'strength' over her left eyebrow, a rose behind her left ear, a full sleeve tattoo on her left arm, angel wings on her right inner wrist, a bow on her right hand, a phoenix bird on her lower left leg, a crown on her right foot as well as a skull, rose, lantern, eye and ladies face on her right leg.

She is about 163cm tall with dark brown hair and green eyes. According to Facebook the 24-year-old is single and originally from Goulburn, New South Wales.

Abagail Graf, 21, and Tegan Simpson, 24, (pictured) were reported missing at 11pm on Sunday

According to Facebook the 24-year-old is single and originally from Goulburn, New South Wales

Queensland police told Daily Mail Australia that the women are considered 'low risk' to the public but have been missing for two days now.

Queensland Corrective Services confirmed these details.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Queensland police told Daily Mail Australia that the women are considered 'low risk' to the public but have been missing for two days now
Berkeley Police now have permission to use pepper spray to repel demonstrators attacking officers and others during violent protests of the kind that have repeatedly hit the city this year.

The City Council voted the extra safety measure on Tuesday ahead of another planned speech Thursday at the University of California, Berkeley.

Officers were preparing for violence as soon as Thursday when conservative political commentator and former Breitbart editor Ben Shapiro appears on campus and again later this month when conservative figures have been invited to speak.

The city banned pepper spray in 1997 as a crowd-control weapon, though most law enforcement agencies permit officers to use it to disburse violent crowds, Berkeley police Chief Andrew Greenwood said.

Demonstrators clash during a free speech rally in Berkeley in August, as police in Berkeley, California say they need an additional weapon to combat violent protests that have hit the city

Riot police form a blockade during a rightwing No To Marxism rally on August 27, 2017 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Berkeley

Police officers in DC dispense pepper spray after a limousine was set aflame after the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President

Later this month, a conservative group says it plans to bring former White House adviser Steve Bannon to speak at the University of California campus along with former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos and politically conservative commentator Ann Coulter.

A Yiannopoulos appearance on campus in February was canceled for safety reasons when protests turned violent and spilled into downtown Berkeley. Protesters smashed windows of businesses and marred walls with graffiti.

Greenwood sought the permission during the emergency council meeting, saying it is preferable to batons and tear gas, which the city is allowed to use but disburses far wider than pepper spray.

The council rejected its use for crowd control Tuesday, but agreed to modify its ban and expand police powers to use it.

The council said pepper spray 'shall not be used as a crowd control technique to disperse a crowd or move a crowd,' the motion stated. 'Police may use pepper spray upon specific individuals within a crowd who are committing acts of violence upon police or others.'

Berkeley police carry small canister of pepper spray for use on individual suspects. But the police chief said officers need permission to use bigger canisters if necessary.

'It is a request made of urgency,' Greenwood said.

Both former White House Chief strategist Steve Bannon and conservative political commentator Ann Coulter have been invited to speak at the University later this month

Riot police bring out tear gas guns during a rightwing No To Marxism rally on August 27, 2017 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Berkeley

Pepper spray is used as anti and pro-Donald Trump protesters clash during competing demonstrations at Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park in Berkeley, Calif

Dozens of people lined up at City Hall to oppose arming Berkeley police with the larger canister of pepper spray, saying it is too easy for officers to use and has the potential to be used on peaceful protesters.

Some cities nationwide banned pepper spray after several high-profile incidents of police using it on peaceful protesters. An incident in which students at the University of California, Davis, were pepper-sprayed during a peaceful demonstration in 2014 led to a $1 million legal settlement for the protesters.

Ishmael Tarikh, a civil rights lawyer with the National Lawyers Guild, said police must issue a dispersal order before firing tear gas canisters. Tarikh said police don't have to issue a warning when using pepper spray.

'It's a blunt instrument used for a very precise problem,' he said.

Four political demonstrations have turned violent in Berkeley since February, prompting officers to come up with new strategies to control rowdy and sometimes dangerous crowds.

Berkeley police said they have not deployed tear gas at the other protests.

Police say they are struggling to balance free speech rights with preventing violence. Berkeley is facing a 'large, armed, coordinated group' at political events, Greenwood said.

'Our officers do not have the tools to address this threat,' he said.

Joseph Giacalone, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a former New York City police sergeant, said it would be advantageous for police to be able to use pepper spray during protests but tactical decisions should be made based on the conditions.

He said although tear gas and pepper spray often cause the same effects, shooting tear gas at a group of protesters often means spraying innocent bystanders and people frequently throw the cans back at officers.

'There are going to be bystanders in that crowd, and let's face it, the people you're trying to control come prepared for it. They have gas masks on,' Giacalone said.
Rugby great Israel Folau has been subjected to vile attacks on Twitter after declaring he was opposed to gay marriage.

The 28-year-old Wallabies international was simply expressing a view in line with his Pentecostal Christian faith.

'I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions, but personally, I will not support gay marriage,' he tweeted to his 114,000 followers on Wednesday.

Wallabies international Israel Folau (right with his fiancee Maria Tutaia) opposes gay marriage

The Pentecostal Christian has copped vile abuse for declaring his position on marriage

A man using rainbow emojis used a series of abusive words to denounce a Christian conservative

Folau, who is engaged to New Zealand netball international Maria Tutaia, was raised as a Mormon and switched to the Assemblies of God church with his family in 2011.

Despite that, the criticism on Twitter was personal, as campaigners against gay marriage express concern about religious freedom.

One man used rainbow emojis to voice his disagreement with the renowned rugby union fullback from western Sydney, who has also played professional rugby league and AFL.

'How does this affect you in the slightest? Everyone has a right to love someone,' one man said.

'What a selfish view. All respect for you is now gone.'

The Wallabies fullback has been forced to tackle abusive tweets after he declared his view

This man used a series of swear words to abuse Israel Folau for his conservative conviction

Another vile message on Twitter described Israel Folau as a 'bad human being' for his opinion

Another man, purporting to be a Wallabies fan, used a series of swear words to express his intolerance.

'Thanks for f***ing up my ability to cheer for you ya d***head,' he said.

Not to be outdone, one man declared Folau's personal view to be a reflection on him as a person.

'Good rugby player. Bad human being. What a shame,' he said.

One critic mocked Folau's religious conviction.

'God told me that acceptance and love are what she has tried to bestow upon us,' he said.

Wallabies star Israel Folau proposed to his fiancee Maria Tutaia, a New Zealand netball international, last year

One man on Twitter mocked Israel Folau's Christian faith with this vile response to him

This tweeter unkindly accused a committed Christian of not loving and respecting everyone

'Ignorance, stupidity and hate are works of the devil.'

Another man responded with a patronising message.

'No one will force you to have a gay marriage, Izzy,' he said.

Among the vitriol were a few words of support for an athlete expressing his personal convictions on a contentious social issue.

'He's entitled to his opinion like we all are,' he said. 'Got an issue? Vote 'yes'.

'Good on him for speaking his mind.'

This man tried being patronising to Israel Folau by saying he didn't have to marry another man

A rare supporter of Israel Folau on Twitter praised him for showing courage in the face of abuse

One tweeted summed up Folau's courage on Twitter.

'You got some balls, Izzy,' he said.

Not all Wallaby players oppose gay marriage.

David Pocock in 2011 declared he would delay marrying his fiance Emma Palandri until gay marriage was legalised.

The Australian Rugby Union also officially supports same-sex marriage, as does the National Rugby League, AFL and Cricket Australia.

Not all Wallabies are against gay marriage, with David Pocock a long-time supporter of change

Last month, he tweeted his support for redefining the Marriage Act and used a rainbow emojji to remind voters to update their electoral enrolment.

'Australian friends, one day left to check your enrolment,' he said on August 22.

The Wallabies' chief sponsor Qantas supports gay marriage, with chief executive Alan Joyce lending his support to the 'yes' case.

Ballots are being sent out to Australian households from this week, with voters having until November 7 to fill out and return their postal vote slips.
Pauline Hanson claims legalising gay marriage could lead to children being banned from calling their parents mum and dad.

The One Nation leader said students drawing pictures of their parents in class might be told to refer to them by their given names instead.

'Sorry you can no longer call that parent mum or dad because it is going to offend the children who don't have a mum or dad,' she told the Senate on Wednesday.

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Pauline Hanson claims legalising gay marriage could lead to children being banned from calling their parents mum and dad

The controversial MP declared she would ignore a majority 'yes' result of the upcoming postal vote because it wouldn't be reflective of the people's wishes

'So is it going to be "you must call that person [by their names]" and there is no longer mums or dads, it's no longer grandma or granddad?

'This is the impact that it's having in other places, so I've been told.'

Senator Hanson said voters should think of the children of gay married couples, who wouldn't get to vote on the issue.

She said they may one day say: 'You've denied us the right to a mum and dad.'

The controversial MP declared she would ignore a majority 'yes' result of the upcoming postal vote because it wouldn't be reflective of the people's wishes.

She also feared anti-vilification laws, which cleared parliament on Wednesday in an attempt to stamp out offensive campaign ads (pictured), would shut down free speech

Numerous ads like this one have popped up around Australia in the leadup to the postal vote

'I feel it's a sham, it's farcical and it's a waste of money... What a joke, what an absolute joke,' she said of spending $112 million on the poll.

Senator Hanson said the money would be better spent on family law system as people were committing suicide because it was in such disarray.

She also feared anti-vilification laws, which cleared both houses of parliament on Wednesday, would shut down the 'no' campaign and free speech.

The conservative firebrand then claimed many gay couples didn't want to get married so it was a small minority pushing their agenda.

She slammed gay couples for trying to 'take the word marriage' when they should instead compromise and accept it being called a civil union.

Senior Labor figure Penny Wong (second from left) delivered an impassioned speech to the Senate urging the prime minister to protect children like her own

'Australians are fed up with this, they are son sick of hearing about this constantly, they just want to move on because there are more important issues in this country,' she said.

Conservative crossbencher Cory Bernardi, who also opposed the vilification bill , warned there would be spurious claims from people claiming to be upset.

'This is essentially 18C on steroids to protect people from being upset,' he said, referring to race hate-speech laws he has fought to scrap.

He claimed it was 'wholly inappropriate' that Attorney-General George Brandis had responsibility for judging complaints, given he supported marriage equality.

Earlier senior Labor figure Penny Wong delivered an impassioned speech urging the prime minister to protect children like her own.

'How do you think it feels for children in same-sex families... to be told politely and courteously "actually you're not quite normal, your families aren't as good"?' asked Senator Wong, who is a parent in a same-sex relationship.

Senator Hanson said students drawing pictures of their parents in class might be told to refer to them by their given names instead

The new laws make it an offence to vilify, intimidate or threaten to cause harm to a person on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status or religious conviction during the survey.

The legislation was introduced on Wednesday morning and passed swiftly after the government and Labor agreed to the temporary safeguards.

Senator Wong lamented that those opposed to gay marriage were using 'odd, bizarre and unconnected things' to make their argument.

'They want to talk about our children, they want to talk about - what's the phrase - `radical gay sex education'.'

The legislation could not protect the LGBTI community from hurt, she said.
London's fire commissioner has called for sprinklers to be installed in all council tower blocks following the deadly Grenfell inferno.

Dany Cotton, who heads up the London Fire Brigade, said the disaster which left at least 80 people dead must be a 'turning point' for safety regulations.

It comes as it was revealed just two per cent of half of the UK's council and social housing are kitted out with full sprinkler systems.

A public inquiry into the cause of the blaze in west London launches tomorrow, and will also examine safety regulations, the refurbishment of the tower, including the plastic cladding in the building, and the actions of public bodies before and after the fire.

London's fire commissioner has called for sprinklers to be retrofitted in all council tower blocks following the deadly Grenfell blaze, pictured

The shocking figures were highlighted in a BBC Breakfast investigation into almost 2,000 tower blocks across 56 UK councils.

It also found 68 per cent of those properties have only one staircase as an evacuation route in case of fire.

Some 30 per cent of the blocks investigated had cladding, though not necessarily the kind blamed for the rapid spread of flames at Grenfell.

Ms Cotton told the BBC: 'I think Grenfell should be a turning point. I support retrofitting - for me where you can save one life then it's worth doing.

'This can't be optional, it can't be a nice to have, this is something that must happen.

'If that isn't one of the recommendations (of the Grenfell Tower inquiry) then I will be so very disappointed.'

By law sprinklers are compulsory in tower blocks taller than 100ft, but the ruling only came into force in 2007 and was not applied retroactively, meaning Grenfell, built in 1974, did not have to have them installed.

An initial report from the inquiry is expected by next Easter and the Department of Communities and Local Government has said it will consider retrofitting sprinklers based on the results of the probe.

Previously former leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council Nick Paget-Brown, who stepped down in the aftermath of the fire, said sprinklers were not fitted in Grenfell because 'residents did not want the disruption'.

The law made sprinklers compulsory in all tower blocks more than 100ft high in 2007, but it did not work retroactively, meaning it did not apply to Grenfell Tower, pictured, because it was built in 1974

Safety experts suggested sprinklers could have been installed in the 24-storey building for 200,000 during its 10million refurbishment.

But Mr Paget-Brown told Newsnight: 'There was not a collective view that all the flats should be fitted with sprinklers because that would have delayed and made the refurbishment of the block more disruptive.

'We are now talking retrospectively after the most enormous tragedy, but many residents felt that we needed to get on with the installation of new hot water systems, new boilers and that trying to retrofit more would delay the building and that sprinklers aren't the answer.'

He added safety advice the council was given in the event of a fire was to try to contain it within one flat so the emergency services could better deal with it.

Meanwhile other councils are looking at retrofitting sprinklers, including Croydon Council which is set to spend 10million on 25 high-rise blocks.

Croydon Council, in south London, has taken the decision to retrofit sprinklers in its 25 high-rise blocks at a cost of 10m.

In Wales, homes built from 2016 onwards must include the safety feature after reforms passed through the Welsh Assembly.

According to the BBC, research in the US showed deaths per thousands in fires were 87 per cent lower when buildings were fitted with sprinklers.

Research into 2,000 tower blocks across 56 UK councils found just two per cent were fitted with sprinklers (file picture)

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said: 'Public safety is paramount.

'Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Government established a comprehensive building safety programme to ensure a fire like this can never happen again.

'This included commissioning an independent review of building regulations and fire safety. We will consider this issue in light of the recommendations of this review and the findings of the Public Inquiry.'
Homes are under threat as out-of-control bushfires rage in the NSW Hunter Valley, one which was sparked by a burnt-out car.

The Rural Fire Service issued an emergency warning for Richmond Vale, outside Cessnock, at about 11am on Wednesday after the blaze broke containment lines.

More than 694 hectares of bushland has been burned, and weather conditions are set to worsen.

The fire jumped the main road into Kurri Kurri just after noon and, fanned by high winds, bore down on more homes.

Homes are under threat as out-of-control bushfires rage in the NSW Hunter Valley. This blaze broke out near Cessnock in the NSW Hunter Valley region

The Rural Fire Service issued an emergency warning for Richmond Vale, outside Cessnock, on Wednesday

A NSW Rural Fire Service firefighter looks on as fires rage across the NSW Hunter Valley region

The Richmond Vale fire jumped the main road into Kurri Kurri just after noon on Wednesday

The 'Thor' water-bombing aircraft is working with 90 firefighters to battle the blaze, the RFS said, along with three helicopters.

Firefighters are battling a separate out-of-control fire near Black Hill, east of Kurri Kurri, which was reportedly sparked by a burnt-out car.

The Richmond Vale Railway Museum had train carriages gutted and equipment destroyed by the fast moving fire, an employee said.

The emergency warning was lifted about 3.30pm on Wednesday but the RFS says the end of the day could be challenging as winds pick up.

The Richmond Vale Railway Museum had train carriages gutted and equipment destroyed by the fast moving fire

Fanned by high winds, the out-of-control fire was boring down on homes on Wednesday afternoon

Out-of-control bushfires continue to rage across New South Wales as temperatures soared on Wednesday

Temperatures in the mid-30s and strong northwesterly winds have created tough conditions for firefighters

The 'Thor' water-bombing aircraft is working with 90 firefighters to battle the blaze near Cessnock

Temperatures in the mid-30s and strong northwesterly winds have created tough conditions for firefighters and gusts are expected to increase to 85km/h before a cool change later on Wednesday.

'It's not the worst part of the day yet,' an RFS spokesman said.

'We'll see winds come from the southwest but, with no rain, all that means is a change in wind direction for us.'

On the state's mid-north coast, a 1662-hectare fire is moving east towards homes and the beach at Forster-Tuncurry.

A fire smoulders at Richmond Vale Railway Museum as a bushfire burns through Richmond Vale

A water bombing helicopter is seen fighting the bushfire at Richmond Vale on Wednesday

Gusts of wind are expected to increase to 85km/h before a cool change later on Wednesday

In Sydney, RFS units are working to bring a fire in Sydney's north back under control

Meanwhile, in Sydney, RFS units are working to bring a fire in Sydney's north back under control.

The Beacon Hill blaze, which began on Tuesday, was contained but flared up again on Wednesday. It was at a watch-and-act threat level at noon.

Total fire bans have been declared across swathes of the state.

The RFS declared a severe fire danger in four regions on Wednesday, including Greater Sydney Region, Greater Hunter, North Coast and North Western regions.

The Beacon Hill blaze, which began on Tuesday, was contained but flared up again on Wednesday

The blaze, in Sydney's north, was at a watch-and-act threat level at noon on Wednesday

Total fire bans have been declared across swathes of New South Wales as temperatures soar

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service declared a severe fire danger in four regions on Wednesday
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has tweeted a bloodied image of his godson claiming he was bashed for supporting gay marriage.

The picture shows Sean with a cut between his eyebrows standing on a Brisbane bus.

Mr Rudd, a church-going Anglican, accused Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of ignoring the potential for danger by going ahead with a same-sex marriage postal vote.

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd says his godson was bashed for supporting gay marriage

'So many warnings to Turnbull about what the postal vote could unleash,' he told his 404,000 followers on Wednesday afternoon.

'Now my godson Sean has been punched for standing up for marriage equality.'

A local marriage equality group on Facebook claimed Sean was punched on Tuesday after confronting a man who was pulling down rainbow flags from the Oxford Street roundabout in Bulimba.

Sean's mother Fleur told Shinead, the co-founder of the group that Sean was punched from below, striking his head and forcing it back before the man walked off.

Prior to the attack, Fleur said the man had been yelling: 'You know what I hate? F****ts! I hate f***ing f****ts!'.

Sean responded: 'That's okay, I don't like you'. The man reportedly then asked if Sean had called him a homophobe and when the 19-year-old responded that he had, the man hit him.

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd says his Liberal successor Malcolm Turnbull had ignored the dangers of violence by preceding with the postal vote on gay marriage

A spokesman for Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia officers were investigating the assault of a 19-year-old man who sustained a facial injury at 9am on Tuesday.

The former Labor leader, who hails from Queensland declared his support for gay marriage in 2013, during his second stint as prime minister.

The committed Christian and father-of-three has criticised Mr Turnbull, who also supports gay marriage, of jeopardising public safety as postal ballots are sent out to Australian households from this week.

Voters will have until November 7 to return their envelopes with a result expected to be declared by mid-November.
A Jetstar flight to Bali has been forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger passed out mid-flight.

Flight number JQ127 left Adelaide for Indonesia at 8am on Wednesday morning.

It had to land in Port Hedland, Western Australia, at about 10.50am after a passenger became ill.

A Jetstar flight to Bali has been forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger passed out mid-flight

The passenger was removed from the flight at Port Hedland airport and rushed to hospital.

The airline was not able to provide details on who the passenger was.

It is still unclear what the medical emergency was.

'A flight from Adelaide to Bali was diverted today after a passenger had a medical emergency on-board,' Jetstar said in a statement.

'We diverted the flight to Port Hedland and paramedics met the aircraft on arrival to transport the passenger to hospital.'

The flight has since departed and is set to arrive in Denpasar at 1.30pm local time.
A group of Brazilian gold miners who claimed to have slaughtered members of an indigenous tribe in the Amazon are being investigated by police.

The men had been overheard bragging about murdering ten members of a previously uncontacted Amazonian tribe in a bar near the Colombian border.

Brazilian police are now investigating their horrific claims after someone recorded their bar talk, as it is alleged the victims included women and children.

Ten members of an uncontacted Amazonian tribe were massacred by gold miners as they hunted for eggs along the river, according to a Brazilian government agency (file image)

Funai, the Brazilian government agency responsible for protecting the tribes, says members of the tribe were collecting eggs along the Amazon river when they came across the miners and were killed.

The miners then went to a bar in a town along the Colombian border where they bragged about the massacre and showed off a carved paddle which they claim was taken from them.

According to Survival International, a UK-based organisation campaigning for the rights of indigenous people around the world, much of the details of the allegations are unknown.

'It appears a significant number of the [Indigenous people] were killed by the miners, including women and children. And their bodies thrown into the rivers,' Jonathan Mazower, media director for Survival International, told CBA.ca

Agency workers say they miners boasted about cutting up the tribesmen's bodies and throwing them into the river, though later claimed 'it was kill or be killed'.

The miners are accused of killing the tribe members before bragging about it in a bar, saying they mutilated their bodies and dumped them in the Amazon (file image)

The massacre is believed to have happened in the Jarvai Valley last month, which is home to an estimated 20 tribes who have never had contact with the outside world

Funai has lodged an official complaint to the government over the issue, the New York Times reports, prompting authorities to open an investigation.

The incident is reported to have taken place last month in the Jarvai Valley, the country's second-largest indigenous reserve which is home to an estimated 20 out of 103 uncontacted tribes registered in Brazil.

While agency workers say there is substantial evidence that an attack took place, it could take some time to confirm the incident in the very remote region.

Survival International told the Times that, due to the small size of most of these tribes, it is likely a significant proportion of their population has been wiped out.

Police are now investigating the incident which took place somewhere near the Colombian border, but say it may take some time to confirm it

Funai accused the government of letting down indigenous groups by slashing funding to their agency, forcing them to close guard posts and cut staff.

This is not the first time that tribes have come under attack from outsiders.

Back in 2011 an entire tribe went missing after heavily-armed drug dealers managed to overrun a Funai outpost.

Agency workers later apprehended the smugglers and found a broken arrow in one of their backpacks, prompting fears that the tribe was wiped out.

Brazil has a policy of not contacting such tribes but working to prevent the invasion of their land to preserve their autonomy.
In his state of the EU address in Strasbourg today, the commission president skirted over the impact of Britain leaving the bloc

Top Eurocrat Jean-Claude Juncker dismissed Brexit today as he demanded all member states sign up to even closer ties.

In his annual state of the EU address, the commission president warned Britain that it would 'regret' leaving the bloc.

Mr Juncker insisted the 'wind is back in Europe's sails' as he boasted that countries were clamouring to do trade deals.

But Mr Juncker did not mention Brexit until the end of his speech - prompting cheers from the British delegation when he finally did so.

Ex-Ukip leader Nigel Farage, who is still an MEP responded: 'Thank God we're leaving - you've learnt nothing from Brexit'.

As he finally came to Britain's decision to quit the EU, Mr Juncker said: 'Brexit is not everything. It's not the future of Europe.'

In what appeared to be a pointed jibe, Mr Juncker opened his speech in English talking about the past. But he then switched to French to discuss his vision for the future.

The commission president seized on a recent economic uptick by EU states to say many of its difficulties were being overcome.

The last two years have been dominated by the Greek debt crisis, mass movement of migrants across the Mediterranean, and the Brexit vote.

Speaking at the EU parliament in Strasbourg, Mr Juncker said: 'The wind is back in Europe's sails...

'Let's make the most to catch the wind in our sails.'

Mr Juncker said the euro was 'destined to by the common currency of the entire union area'.

He said trade talks should be opened with Australia and New Zealand - insisting he wanted deals to be struck by the time he leaves office in 2019.

Mr Juncker showed his affection for commission vice president Frans Timmermans before delivering his address today

Mr Juncker insisted the 'wind is back in Europe's sails' as he boasted that countries were clamouring to do trade deals

Old foes Nigel Farage and Mr Juncker shook hands before the commission president delivered his speech today

Mr Juncker said he had 'agonised' over Europe and been through 'thick and thin' with the bloc.

NEW US AMBASSADOR SAYS TRUMP WILL BACK UK OVER BREXIT Donald Trump will back the UK over Brexit, the new US ambassador to London has said. Woody Johnson, billionaire owner of the New York Jets American football team, told a reception that Mr Trump would always put the UK at the 'head of the line'. The comment was a reference to the warning from Barack Obama that Brexit would mean the UK going to the 'back of the queue' for a trade deal. 'As far as the president is concerned, the United Kingdom, our most enduring ally, is always the head of the line,' Mr Johnson said. Speaking at the reception in London, Mr Johnson also sought to reassure critics of Mr Trump's presidency. 'Many of you do not know the president,' he told the reception organised by the Pilgrims of Great Britain. 'I have known him for over thirty years. He added: 'When you get to know him, you'll like him.' Advertisement

'The EU has achieved so much in this divided world, inward and outward peace... prosperity for many,' he said.

'Europe is about more than the single market.'

Mr Juncker mocked Donald Trump's campaign slogan as he painted the EU as the future of 'humanity'.

'Set against the collapse of ambition in the United States, Europe will ensure we make our planet great again. It is the shared heritage of all of humanity,' he said.

Mr Juncker said the EU should not 'annoy' citizens by 'nitpicking', but should concentrate on the 'big things' and leave the 'small things' to nation states.

Mr Farage described Mr Juncker's address as 'the most open, honest and truly worrying' speech he had heard in his time as an MEP.

'The message is very clear,' said Mr Farage. 'Brexit has happened, full steam ahead.'

Addressing the Parliament in response to Mr Juncker's speech, Mr Farage added: 'All I can say is, 'Thank God we're leaving'.

'You have learned nothing from Brexit. If you had given (David) Cameron concessions, particularly on immigration, the Brexit vote - I have to admit - would never, ever have happened.

'And yet the lesson you take is that you are going to centralise and move on to this very worrying, undemocratic union.'

The commission president seized on a recent economic uptick by EU states to say many of its difficulties were being overcome

Yesterday Theresa May was mocked by MEPs as 'out of her depth' after refusing to speak at the European parliament.

Philippe Lamberts, a Belgian who co-chairs the Green group, said the PM was at the 'very edge of her skills' and it was 'starting to show'.

He also jibed that Mrs May would have only 'further weakened the UK's position' if she had agreed to appear at the parliament.

The vicious barbs came as it was confirmed that the next round of Brexit talks will take place on September 25 - slightly later than had been expected.

The next round of talks between Brussels' chief negotiator Michel Barnier and Brexit Secretary David Davis had been due to begin on Monday in Brussels. Last week a row erupted when EU minutes revealed disparaging comments about the British team.

It is thought that Mrs May intends to make a major intervention before that date, potentially on September 21.

Mr Farage made sure his union flag was in pride of place when he arrived in the chamber today
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Relatives of an Italian family who died after falling into a volcanic crater have revealed that it was the couple's young sons who had asked to visit the mountain as an 'end of holiday' treat.

Parents Massimiliano Carrer, 45, and Tiziana Zaramella, 42, and their oldest son Lorenzo, 11, are believed to have suffocated after being overcome by the fumes at Solfatara, a dormant crater in Pozzuoli, near Naples. Their youngest son Alessio, aged seven, survived amid reports he was able to scramble to safety.

The couple have been described as a 'force of nature', as friends and family have gathered in their hometown of Fossalta di Piave, Venice, to try to make sense of the devastating tragedy.

Victims: Tiziana Zaramella, left, her husband Massimiliano Carrer, and their 11-year-old son Lorenzo (right) died after falling into a volcanic crater near Naples on Tuesday

Ms Zaramella, left, and Mr Carrer, right, and their oldest son are understood to have died of asphyxia, possibly because of hot gases, when they fell through the crater on the volcano

Mr Carrer, an engineer and Ms Zaramella, an airport worker, grew up in the same area and had been together since school, Italian media reports. Their grieving parents live just a few hundred metres from each other.

'The little ones wanted to see the volcanoes,' a female relative told Corriere Del Veneto.

'They had studied it at school, and their parents wanted to give them this gift on the last day.'

The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday, when Lorenzo walked into a prohibited area at Solfatara and stumbled into the 5ft crater. It is believed that the crater gave way under Mr Carrer and Ms Zaramella when they came to his rescue.

Horror: The victims can be seen spread out on the floor and covered in green blankets as men carry coffins towards them after the tragedy

Shocking: The devastating misfortune befell the family as they were enjoying the final day of their holiday before their young sons were due to return to school tomorrow

The tragedy is believed to have unfolded when the boy walked into a prohibited area at Solfatara near Naples in the country's south west

The steamy volcanic fields at Solfatara are scorching hot only a few inches below the surface and they are understood to have died of asphyxia, possibly because of hot gases.

However, the official cause of death will be determined by an autopsy.

The devastating misfortune befell the family as they were enjoying the final day of their holiday before their young sons were due to return to school on Wednesday.

Fire brigade spokesman Luca Cari said: 'Either there was a small explosion, or the ground simply gave way from their weight, and they fell into this hole. It was inside a fenced-off area.'

The accident happened at the Bocca Grande (Big Mouth), the largest of the fumaroles in the area, which the ancient Romans called the home of the God of fire. Men can be seen carrying the bodies away in coffins after the tragedy

The Solfatara volcano is one of many volcanic craters in the Campi Flegrei area, 20 12 miles west of Naples, which first opened up to tourists in 1900, according to its website. Pictured: The bodies are carried away by men who brought coffins

An 11-year-old boy and his parents have been killed after falling into a volcanic crater in Italy, it has emerged

The boy's mother, 42, and father, 45, tried to pull him to safety only for the base of the crater to collapse. They are understood to have fallen 5ft but it is not yet known whether they were killed by the fall or by toxic gas fumes. Three body bags were later pictured at the scene

Eyewitnesses reported arriving at the scene to find a young boy crying and asking for help. Emergency crews descended on the site within minutes.

The seven-year-old boy was said to be in great shock. The owner of a bar at the entrance to the volcanic site said he kept asking where his family was.

Diego Vitagliano said: 'I saw a child run crying, I did not think I was facing the worst tragedy of my life.

'I was at the Solfatara for work, along with other visitors we realised that something had happened and we approached the crater - still confessed the witness - I did not imagine what I would see.

'They pulled out two bodies, then pulled us away. I continue to think about that family and that poor baby crying and asking for help.'

Firefighters and police officers stand by an ambulance on the site where three people were killed after they fell into a crater in a steamy volcanic field in Pozzuoli, near Naples

The family, from Turin in northern Italy, fell 5ft. It is understood that toxic gas fumes at the volcanic site caused their deaths

Eyewitnesses reported arriving at the scene to see the young boy crying and asking for help. Emergency crews descended on the site within minutes

The accident happened at the Bocca Grande (Big Mouth), the largest of the fumaroles in the area, which the ancient Romans called the home of the God of fire

The tragedy unfolded at the Solfatara of Pozzuoli, to the north of Naples (shown) in Italy

THE MUD POOLS AND JETS OF GAS ABOVE ITALY'S SUPERVOLCANO The Solfatara of Pozzuoli is one of a sprawling constellation of ancient volcanoes that make up the Campi Flegrei supervolcano, an area north of Naples in south western Italy. The 33 hectare site, which Romans believed was the home of Vulcan, the god of fire, sits in a shallow volcanic crater and has become popular with tourists who flock to see mud pools, sulphurous fumes and emissions of steam. But the area the family was visiting is also known for a type of quicksand and is prone to crumbling, it has been reported. Solfatara's crater fields are scorching hot only a few inches below the surface. It last erupted in 1198 - but more recently the ground around Naples has shown signs that the wider supervolcano range may be preparing to erupt again. The Solfatara of Pozzuoli is one of a sprawling constellation of ancient volcanoes that make up the Campi Flegrei supervolcano, an area north of Naples in south western Italy Geologists monitor the area by checking temperatures and chemically analysing gases, determining that the fields had risen by about 30 centimeters (12 inches) over a decade. The wider Campi Flegrei crater was formed 39,000 years ago in a blast that threw hundreds of cubic kilometres of lava, rock and debris into the air. It was the largest eruption in Europe in the past 200,000 years, according to scientists. Campi Flegrei last erupted in 1538, though on a much smaller scale. However unrest since the 1950s has been causing a build-up of energy in the crust and making the volcano more vulnerable to eruption. Until now, scientists had thought that the energy needed to stretch the crust was lost after each period of unrest. The episodes of unrest are caused by the movement of magma around three kilometres below the volcano. An eruption becomes more likely when the ground has been stretched to its breaking point. This is because the molten rock can escape to the surface when the ground splits apart. But it is difficult to pinpoint when an eruption will occur, because even if the ground breaks, it is possible for the magma to stall before reaching the surface. Advertisement

The Solfatara volcano is one of many volcanic craters in the Campi Flegrei area, 20 12 miles west of Naples, which first opened up to tourists in 1900, according to its website.

Heavy rain in recent days may have also played a role by creating more openings in the volcanic fields surface.

The accident happened at the Bocca Grande (Big Mouth), the largest of the fumaroles in the area, which the ancient Romans called the home of the God of fire.

The ground at the site emits water vapours of 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit) and gases including poisonous hydrogen sulphide, the website said.

The area the family was visiting is also known for a type of quicksand and is prone to crumbling, it has been reported.

Vincenzo Figliolia, the local mayor, said he was 'upset' by the tragedy adding: 'I express my closeness from the community of Pozzuoli to the family of the victims.'
Aaron Zumwalt is accused of shooting his girlfriend

A Missouri man who is alleged to have accidentally shot his girlfriend told police a black man did it.

Aaron Zumwalt, who is awaiting trial for a string of other charges including two counts of rape, is suspected of inadvertently pulling the trigger which hit the unnamed woman in the hip.

But having taken her to Cox Hospital in Missouri, he told police a man he did not know appeared when he was in a house in Republic and shot his girlfriend.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Republic police, Zumwalt's girlfriend said she was sitting in a chair at a home with her boyfriend and another person when she heard a loud bang and felt a sharp pain in her right hip.

When she tried to stand up, she realized she was bleeding from below her navel and from her right buttock, according to the Springfield News Leader.

Then Zumwalt is accused of breaking down in tears and telling a detective he did not want to go to jail because he had a new baby on the way in three weeks.

He has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and making a false report.

After the shooting, he is said to have laid a floor mat down on the front seat of his 2003 Chevrolet Impala so no blood would seep into the upholstery.

Zumwalt is already a convicted felon, having pleaded guilty to theft and burglary in 2009.

Last year he was charged with two counts of rape, four counts of domestic assault and one count of sodomy for which he is awaiting trial.
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Five crew members are missing and seven more are being treated for injuries after a dredger collided with an oil tanker in Singapore waters on Wednesday morning.

The collision between the dredger and Indonesian oil tanker Kartika Segara occurred 1.7 nautical miles from Sisters' Island at around 12.40am local time.

The capsized Dominican-registered dredger was left partially submerged and an underwater search and rescue operation was underway on the vessel, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Of the 12 crew members on board, the seven injured were rescued by the police coast guard and taken to Singapore General Hospital at 2.45am.

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Capsized: A view of the Dominican-registered dredger JBB De Rong 19 after it collided in Singapore territorial waters, some 1.7 nautical miles south-west of Sisters Island

Tug boats are moving the dredger to an area near Pulau Senang off Singapore, as a search operation for five missing crew members continues

Four tugboats, three patrol craft, seven other vessels and a Super Puma helicopter were deployed to support the operations on the dredger, which was moved to near Pulau Senang, a small island south of the main island of the Singapore city-state. The MPA has told ships to look out for the missing crew and to navigate with caution near the collision site.

Seven of the Chinese nationals have been rescued by the Singapore Police Coast Guard but five crew remain still remain unaccounted for

WATCH: Capsized vessel near Pulau Senang. Collision between dredger and tanker happened 12.40am Singapore time pic.twitter.com/RpaSIX5rzu  Leong Wai Kit (@LeongWaiKitCNA) September 13, 2017

This incident has occurred just weeks after a similar deadly accident in the same area. In August, the USS John S. McCain and an oil tanker collided off Singapore, killing 10 U.S. Navy sailors.

The commander of the Japan-based U.S. 7th Fleet was replaced and a ship-by-ship review was ordered in the Navy following the collision. The cause of that collision is still under investigation.

WATCH: Divers are now conducting search and rescue work near Pulau Senang pic.twitter.com/023qcA9XdR  Leong Wai Kit (@LeongWaiKitCNA) September 13, 2017

Indonesian-registered oil tanker Kartika Segara reported damage to her starboard bow but is stable and none of the crew members on board are injured

Shipping lanes around Singapore are among the worlds busiest and its navigational challenges often include a narrow strait. The dredger, JBB De Rong 19 was transiting in a westbound shipping lane as it was entering Singapore, while the tanker was joining an eastbound lane to depart when they collided.

An investigation is ongoing.
American fast-food chain Taco Bell is set to grace the Australian market once again after failing twice before.

A new Taco Bell store is expected to be set up at Annerley, a suburb in Brisbane, Queensland in the near future.

The new chain will replaced the site where Sizzler, another American food chain was operating from before, News Corps reports.

Taco Bell which serves Mexican food is set to make a comeback to Australia (stock image)

Reports of the restaurant returning down under was further backed by a flyer going around looking for staff to work at the new restaurant, the publication reports.

The Mexican eatery was last in the Australian market in 12 years ago.

The chain's first foray into Australia was in the 80s but they pulled out after it was ordered to change its name, as it sounded similar to another Sydney eatery known as Taco Bell's Casa.

It returned in 1997 operating from Sydney's George Street but left in 2005, the publication reports without citing the reasons.

Pundits believe Taco Bell entry into the Australian market was to capitalise on the thriving Mexican food scene which has been growing rapidly in recent years.

Taco Bell which serves food such as burritos and nachos will be operated by Collins Foods Limited in Australia.
A married couple's furious row abroad a British Airways flight forced cabin crew to separate the pair and call armed police to met them at Heathrow.

The British husband and wife, who are in their early 30s, had a screaming match at 30,000ft during the flight from Los Angeles to Heathrow Airport yesterday morning.

Air stewards separated the warring couple, who were returning from a holiday in the States, in different parts of the lower deck of the Airbus A380.

Eyewitnesses claim the woman had bruising around her face and neck and both were kept separate until armed police met them as they touched down.

Air stewards separated the warring couple, who were returning from a holiday in the States, in different parts of the lower deck of the Airbus A380 (pictured)

After all other passengers were allowed to leave Flight BA282 - which landed at Terminal 5 - the officers warned the couple about their future conduct.

An airline source told The Sun: 'The couple were returning from holiday and were tanked up.

'They began screaming at each other and things very quickly got out of hand. It was a blazing row.

'It was terrifying for all other passengers and crew to endure this obscene behaviour. They were very sheepish on arrival in the UK.'

British Airways told MailOnline: 'The welfare of our customers and crew is always our priority.

'Police were called to meet the aircraft following a dispute between two customers.'

A Metropolitan Police spokesman added: 'Police were called at 07.43pm to Terminal Five, Heathrow airport following a report of a disturbance during a flight.

'Officers met the British Airways flight which had come from Los Angeles and landed at 10.10am. Two passengers were spoken to by officers. No arrests were made.'
A British fraudster wanted over a 850,000 romance scam is on the run with a Spanish conman.

Mark Acklom allegedly posed as a spy and a Swiss banker in a bid to seduce a 55-year-old divorcee from Bath, Somerset, before fleecing her out of her life savings.

He disappeared when his victim went to police and was thought to have gone on the run in Spain.

Today, it emerged he has been seen in Switzerland with Jose Estevez, another fugitive who is wanted by Spanish authorities for defrauding government departments in Vigo, a city in the north-west of the country.

On-the-run British fraudster Mark Acklom (right) was pictured another fugitive Jose Estevez in this picture obtained by Sky News

Acklom (left) is wanted for scamming a woman of her life savings. Estevez (right) defrauded local government in Spain. It is unknown whether the two knew each other before

According to Interpol, Estevez was behind the largest ever scam on the Galician treasury, after submitting 10million (11million euros) in false invoices.

A photo of the wanted pair sipping coffee together in Geneva was obtained by Sky News, who have been told Europe's lack of internal borders have turned the continent into a 'huge playground' for criminals.

Former Metropolitan Police border control officer Chris Hobbs told the channel: '[You've] got the whole of Europe in which to operate in, work in and hide in. And obviously you can't expect local police to know everybody who is wanted in Europe.

'They will know the odds of them actually being detected anywhere in Europe are pretty remote.'

Acklom, now 44, first tried his hand at fraud aged just 16. While studying in Eastbourne, he stole his father's gold Amex card, posed as a stockbroker and hired jets to fly his friends around Europe.

He even convinced a building society to give him a mortgage of nearly 500,000 which he used to buy a small mansion in London.

Estevez (left) and Acklom (right) have both been on the run for more than a year

Acklom is accused of scamming a divorcee out of 850,000 before disappearing in 2012

He was later jailed three times in Spain for a variety of fraud offences and used the name Marc Ros Rodriguez.

He then returned to the UK and, over the course of a year-long relationship, reportedly promised to marry Carolyn Woods and tricked her into handing over the huge sum of money.

Ms Woods said of their romance: 'He has a great presence and charisma, he exudes confidence and the air around him was electric. I was caught up in a whirlwind of excitement.

'One of the most extraordinary things he told me was that it was all a cover and he was an MI6 agent. It sounds very far-fetched, but he convinced me it was true.'

Carolyn Woods previously told how she was 'caught up in the excitement' of Acklom's claims

She added: 'I had just sold my house and I offered him a loan of 26,000. In the end I lent him everything I had.'

But before they could walk down the aisle, he vanished with the cash - leaving Ms Woods emotionally and financially ruined and on the brink of suicide.

The National Crime Agency's website states Acklom is 'wanted by Avon & Somerset Police on suspicion of fraud by false representation'.

Britain's most wanted conman: Mark Acklom Acklom has been on the Crimestoppers Most Wanted list for nearly a year, accused of fleecing a woman of her 850,000 life savings. He met Gloucestershire clothes shop boss Carolyn Woods, 57, in 2012 and over several years persuaded her to hand over her life savings The swindle was the culmination of a lifetime of fraud which began when he was just 16 and posed as a City stockbroker to secure a six-figure mortgage. Advertisement
A Chinese couple with seven daughters have allegedly spent more than 90,000 yuan (10,345) buying a son from strangers in order to carry on their family name.

The couple, named Mr and Mrs Chen by media, have been arrested and charged by the authority of Fengshun County in China's Guangdong Province.

According to a local report, the baby boy, just over a month old, had been abducted and sold to the couple, but Mr and Mrs Chen told the court that they had not been aware of the fact.

A local TV programme released a picture (above) which shows Mr Chen appearing in court. Mr and Mrs Chen, from Guangdong, China, have allegedly bought a son for around 10,000

The couple, from Shantou city, have seven daughters and they were desperate to have a son

The incident was revealed by a recent report from a programmed called 'Mingsheng 820' aired on the Meizhou Broadcasting and Television Station.

Mr and Mrs Chen had been married for 'many years' and were desperate to have a son because of their 'traditional mind-set', said the report.

They had been trying to have a baby boy. However, all of the seven children they have are girls and they are aged between two and 18, Mr Chen told a reporter from Meizhou TV.

Therefore, the couple decided to buy a son.

The couple were reportedly introduced by acquaintances to a family who had a baby boy 'for sale'. The family had been named the Wangs.

On November 24 last year, they travelled from their home in Shantou city to Fengshun County to meet Mr Wang and their potential son.

Mr Chen later claimed that Mr Wang had ensured them that the baby had not been abducted, but asked them to pay 92,000 yuan (10,586) as the 'nutrition fee'.

The picture released by the same programme shows an area in relation to the case. The couple live in Shantou city. They were said to travel to Fengshun County to buy the baby boy

It turned out that the baby, just over a month old, had been abducted. Eight people (pictured) have been charged by the Fengshun People's Court on suspicion of human trafficking

The couple paid the money and signed an agreement with Mr Wang before taking their son back to Shantou, Mr Chen added.

However, it is said that as soon as they arrived in Shantou, they were arrested by the police from Fengshun County. The couple were informed that the baby had been abducted and trafficked.

The report said the baby had first been sold by a couple from Yunnan to a person known as Peng. Peng later sold the baby to another person known as Wu.

It was Wu who sold the baby to Mr and Mrs Chen and gained a profit of around 6,500 yuan (748).

The Fengshun People's Court has brought charges on eight people involved in the case on suspicion of human trafficking.

Mr and Mrs Chen have also been charged with buying a child who was abducted.

The court is yet to announce a verdict on both cases.
Crowds of frenzied shoppers cleared shelves almost instantly as Aldi released its own homewares range.

Queues of bargain-hunters stretched through malls around Australia well before doors opened at 8:30am on Wednesday.

Anticipation turned to disappointment for many as some short-stocked stores ran out of the Style Your Room Special Buys range almost instantly.

Crowds of frenzied shoppers cleared shelves almost instantly as Aldi released its own homewares range (pictured is a popular armchair bought this morning)

Some took to social media to post photos of toppled displays (pictured) and told tales of punch-ups over pushing in

'It was pretty crazy ... too many people ... people were grabbing things and putting them aside for their friends,' said one shopper, confirming fears of 'black eyes' on social media (pictured)

The new range includes quilt covers, towels, rugs, cushions, armchairs, lamps, candles and wind-chimes.

Some items were sold out in no time, with the $99 grey Fabric Accent Arm Chair snapped up in 20 seconds at Sydney's Chatswood store, News.com.au reported.

One early riser, Kane from Sydney, arrived hoping to bring home one of the six chairs in stock.

'I need to rush in and get it or I'm in big trouble,' he said, with his wife expecting him to return with the prized piece of furniture.

Queues of bargain-hunters stretched through malls around Australia well before doors opened at 8:30am on Wednesday (pictured is stock at a Perth store this morning)

'It's my only job to come home with one ... so it should be fun with this crowd. I just need to run.'

Kane managed to get his hands on one of the chairs, but others were not so lucky.

John was hoping to buy two but ended up with only one despite showing up half an hour before doors opened.

'It was pretty crazy ... too many people ... people were grabbing things and putting them aside for their friends,' he said.

Anticipation turned to disappointment for many as some short-stocked stores ran out of the Style Your Room Special Buys range (pictured) almost instantly

Some shoppers took to social media to vent their frustrations (pictured) with one shopper saying an online store would be fairer

Some shoppers took to social media to vent their frustrations or boast about their bargains.

Carol Bowers posted a photo of a wicker outdoor set she got from Perth's Banksia Grove outlet.

Another posted a photo of a toppled display and told of punch-ups over pushing in.

Someone else complained on Twitter that stores were out of stock by 8:10am, suggesting an online store would be fairer to customers.

'We do our best to supply our stores with sufficient stock however, sometimes they sell out faster than expected due to their exceptional value and high quality' said Aldi (stock image)

The news comes less than a week after two families brawled over a three-seat corner wicker sofa at an Aldi store in Melbourne (pictured)

The news comes less than a week after two families brawled over a three-seat corner wicker sofa at an Aldi store in Melbourne.

An Aldi spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'ALDI Australia's Special Buys have become incredibly popular with Australian shoppers and are just one way we distinguish ourselves from other supermarkets.

'Our weekly Special Buys are ordered months in advance and are intended to be on sale for one week in a bid to keep our range fresh and interesting.

'We do our best to supply our stores with sufficient stock however, sometimes they sell out faster than expected due to their exceptional value and high quality.'
Chris Hatton, 58, was underneath the Ford Transit van and changing a tyre when it came off a jack he was using and fell on his chest

A grandfather was crushed to death by his 2.3 tonne camper van as he made checks to the vehicle ahead of a holiday with his partner, an inquest has heard.

Chris Hatton, 58, was underneath the Ford Transit van and changing a tyre when it came off a jack he was using and fell on his chest.

The former engineer from Northwich, in Cheshire, was discovered by a postman and informed Mr Hatton's neighbours, who then called the emergency services.

Firefighters freed Mr Hatton but he suffered fatal crush injuries and died ten days later in hospital.

An inquest in Crewe heard the tragedy occurred on April 11 as Mr Hatton, known as 'Flash', was making preparations to the van ahead of a camping holiday across the country with his 57-year-old partner Fiona Scoffham.

He was found by postman David Cook who began delivering to addresses around the area at 10am.

He said: 'I went to the other houses past the camper van that was parked at the curb side but didn't pay much attention.

'The previous day I noticed the male in the van spraying the interior. As I was walking down the path I heard a dull thud and the man shouted. I looked around to see where the noise came from and could see the man was trapped under the camper van.

'I could see legs sticking out from the front of the camper van. I could see his face and didn't know who he was. I could see that the front passenger wheel had been removed.

'I also noticed the car jack by the wheel hub. The jack was lying on its side. I couldn't see anyone else around. I formed the opinion the jack had fallen, crushing the male. I ran to the houses, it was extremely distressing.

'People started to come out running over to try and help. I noticed one woman who I believed was the wife. She was so distressed and was shouting his name "Flash". I noticed a male had rung the emergency services and there was nothing more I could do.'

Mr Hatton, pictured with his daughter Stephanie, died ten days later in hospital after being crushed by the Ford Transit van

Dominic Johnson, the boyfriend of Mr Hatton's daughter Stephanie, said: 'I parked the car behind where Flash was working on the van, he was on the far side.

'I went into the house and went upstairs, turned the bath on and sat on the bed.

'Then I heard Fiona screaming from outside. It took me about three times to realise it was Fiona and go and have a look. Fiona waved me outside, the postman was around the area. Fiona was next to the camper van and Flash was underneath.

'The postman found him and came and knocked on the door and got Fiona out. I saw him trapped underneath and told the lad next door to ring the emergency services and get the fire brigade and ambulance. When he was removed, he was unconscious.'

Mr Hatton had been making preparations to the van ahead of a camping holiday across the country with his 57-year-old partner Fiona Scoffham (pictured together)

Mr Hatton's condition appeared to improve after he was given CPR but he deteriorated and was transferred to the trauma unit at Wythenshawe hospital in Greater Manchester where he later died.

PC Christopher Colligan of Cheshire Police who investigated the cause of the accident said: 'It was the mechanical failure of the jack and the fact the jack was not suitable for the vehicle it was holding up. The motor camper van was a very heavy vehicle. It was mechanical error that led to and caused the injuries to Mr Hatton.'

Passing a conclusion of accidental death conclusion, Coroner Janet Napier, said: 'This appeared a perfectly OK day - and then became complete hell. You see these things on films but don't think it can ever happen to your loved ones.

The former engineer from Northwich, in Cheshire, was discovered by a postman and informed Mr Hatton's neighbours, who then called the emergency services

'Someone very quickly rushed over and luckily all the other people came and helped but this led to his death which was a complete disaster.

'There didn't appear to be any fault with that jack but it just was not stable enough and became dislodged which caused the damage. It must have been an agonising 10 days before he passed away.'

Following the inquest Mr Hatton's family said in a statement: 'Flash was always the "go to man" whenever anyone needed anything fixing and was truly well respected in the area. He had a huge amount of friends and he had a special place in his heart for all of them.

'There's a big hole in a lot of hearts right now and he will forever be missed and never forgotten.

'As a family we would like to send huge appreciation to postman David Cook for playing a huge part in making Flash stand more of a chance of survival.'
Outspoken Islamic sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi has slammed Sydney University for hosting a Hizb ut-Tahrir extremist who supports killing ex-Muslims.

The Adelaide-based imam and harsh critic of radical Islam took to Facebook to criticise the decision to allow Uthman Badar to take part in a debate.

'This is outrageous. And a step towards normalising extremism and potential terrorism,' he wrote.

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Outspoken Islamic sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi (pictured) has slammed Sydney University for hosting a Hizb ut-Tahrir extremist who supports killing ex-Muslims

The Adelaide-based imam and harsh critic of radical Islam took to Facebook (pictured) to criticise the decision to allow Uthman Badar to take part in a debate

Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Uthman Badar supports capital punishment for ex-Muslim apostates

'When Australian universities begin to tolerate and promote Islamic extremists who advocate for Sharia Law and executions, we know that our educational system has been infested by individuals and organisations who don't see the safety of Australians as the number one priority.'

'Instead of having this organisation [Hizb ut-Tahrir] banned, we have let them into our universities and provided them with a professional platform to spread their barbaric backward ideology.'

Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Uthman Badar is appearing at the University of Sydney's Footbridge Theatre on Thursday night as part of a debate with atheist activist Dr John Perkins, who lost a relative in the 2002 Bali bombing.

The Sydney University Muslim Students' Association, who are the event organisers, described Mr Badar in glowing terms, only six months after Daily Mail Australia caught him on camera declaring capital punishment was an appropriate punishment for those who left Islam.

Secular Party of Australia president John Perkins, an atheist, is worried for his personal safety

'His arguments are quick, sharp and straight to the point - a must see at the debate this upcoming Thursday,' it says on its Facebook page.

Dr Perkins, who is also the president of the Secular Party of Australia, is going head to head with Mr Badar on the topic of whether science disproves the existence of God.

The economist said he feared for his safety but wanted to challenge Mr Badar on his policy of killing ex-Muslims and taking a literal interpretation of Islam.

'I'll ask him to renounce violence and I presume he won't,' Dr Perkins told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

'He's very close to the edge of the law in advocating violence.'

Dr Perkins, whose distant cousin Robert Thwaites was killed in the 2002 Bali bombings, is hoping the University of Sydney provides security, after he had to be escorted from the University of Western Sydney during a previous debate with Mr Badar.

'I hope they provide it,' he said. 'I'm not unaware that my own personal safety may be at risk.'

Mr Badar is a controversial figure who speaks on behalf of Hizb ut-Tahrir, which has a constitution calling for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate based on Sharia law.

Hizb ut-Tahrir debater Uthman Badar wants a global Islamic caliphate based on Sharia law

The Sydney University Muslim Students' Association is organising the debate on Thursday

In March, he told a forum in Bankstown in Sydney's south-west that ex-Muslims deserved death.

'The ruling for apostates as such in Islam is clear, that apostates attract capital punishment and we don't shy away from that,' Badar said in the presence of children.

An apostate is someone who decides to leave Islam.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is so extreme it is banned in a range of Muslim-majority nations, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, along with The Netherlands and Germany.

Uthman Badar (left) and Wassim Doureihi are regarded as people who take Islam literally

However, Australian Attorney-General George Brandis has declined to ban the group in Australia on the grounds they haven't committed any violence atrocities in Australia.

Dr Perkins said Hizb ut-Tahrir was an example of a Muslim group that took a literalist interpretation of the Koran.

'I want to make the point that although they're called extremists, they are simply representing a literal interpretation of Islam,' he said.

'The idea that Islam is a moderate religion is completely false, is a fabrication.

'What they represent is actually the authentic Islam: Islamic State and Hizb ut-Tahrir are what you get.'

He is being joined by Secular Party of Australia vice president Ian Bryce.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the University of Sydney for a response.
Two of the three models at the center of senator Robert Menendez' bribery trial took the stand on Tuesday to testify about US visas he allegedly helped them obtain.

Ukrainian Svitlana Buchyk and Brazilian Rosiell Polanco gave evidence at a court in Newark about their dealings with Menendez, who is accused of granting official favors for his friend Saloman Melgen in return for gifts and campaign donations.

While Polanco accepted that the senator intervened after her visa was initially turned down, Buchyk denied Menendez had anything to do with her getting into the US.

Rosiell Polanco, a Brazilian model who came to the US in 2008, testified that her initial visa application was turned down - then accepted after Menendez intervened

Polanco (left and right) came to America at the request of Saloman Melgen, Menendez' friend who she was dating at the time, along with her sister Korall

'Nothing has to do with the senator, nothing,' she told jurors, according to NJ.com.

Buchyk said she had met Melgen at a bar in Spain 'a long time ago', and had heard him mention Menendez but only as 'his hermano, his brother.'

She testified that she did not know he was a senator until later, and only met him at a bar in Miami after she arrived in the US.

On that occasion she admitted Melgen introduced him as the person who helped her get the visa, but she believed he was joking.

Meanwhile Polanco, who applied to come to the US on a tourist visa in 2008 along with her sister Korall, told how she applied with the support of a letter from the senator to the consul general.

Ukrainian Svitlana Buchyk also testified on Tuesday, saying that Menendez had 'nothing' to do with her getting a visa and that she only met him after arriving in America

Menendez is also accused of procuring a visa for Juliana Lopes Leite, a model who was also dating Melgen at the time she arrived in this country in 2008

At her initial visa interview the interviewer did not properly review the paperwork, she said, and the application was turned down.

Polanco said she reached out to Melgen, who said he would speak with Menendez.

The model and her sister were then called for a second interview at a less busy time and went straight to the counter to have their application checked, she said.

The interviewer took a much more thorough look at their paperwork, and then granted their applications.

On Monday Mark Lopes, Menendez' former aide, also testified about Polanco's visa application, saying the Democrat senator had made an urgent request to speak with the US ambassador to Brazil about the issue.

The issue was so pressing it even appeared on an internal memo alongside issues such as 'Cuba Policy' and 'Pakistan/Afghanistan meeting', jurors were told.

Menendez accepts doing favors for Melgen (pictured), but claims this was done because they are close friends and not in return for payment

After Polanco's visa was granted, Lopes then wrote an email saying: 'In my view, this is only due to the fact that [Menendez] intervened.'

Menendez is also accused of trying to quash an FBI investigation into Medicade fraud that eventually saw Melgen convicted on 61 counts.

Prosecutors allege that he also tried to influence the Dominican government to change its port security system in a way that would benefit a business Melgen partially owned.

Lawyers for Menendez accept that he offered official help to Melgen, but say this was because of a decades-long friendship, and not in return for payment.

He could face 20 years in prison on the fraud charge if he is convicted. The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks.
Chilling video footage has emerged today showing Barcelona terrorist Younes Abouyaaqoub calmly walking away seconds after ploughing a van into crowds on the Ramblas murdering 14 people.

The 22-year-old was filmed by a terrified Spanish woman in the chaos immediately following the terror attack last month.

The woman walks through the Boqueria food market, yards from the Ramblas boulevard, as crowds flee in panic around her.

As she passes the terrorist, who is fleeing the scene calmly on foot, she asks: 'Do you know what happened?'

Chilling video footage has emerged today showing Barcelona terrorist Younes Abouyaaqoub calmly walking away seconds after ploughing a van into crowds on the Ramblas murdering 14 people

Abouyaaqoub (pictured) had driven his van along Barcelona's most famous Boulevard, killing 14 people including British-born Julian Cadman, aged seven, and injuring more than 100 more

Moroccan-born Abouyaaqoub, wearing a distinctive striped top and dark jeans, responds in Spanish: 'I don't know, what's happening over there' while pointing behind him.

He also appears to cover his face with his arm as he responds.

Seconds earlier Abouyaaqoub had driven his van along Barcelonas most famous Boulevard, killing 14 people including British-born Julian Cadman, aged seven, and injuring more than 100 more.

The terrorist left the area on foot and later carjacked Spaniard Pau Perez, 35, stabbing him to death and stealing his Ford Focus.

The footage was published today by Spanish television channel Antena 3.

Abouqaaqoub was part of a 12-man cell who brought terror to Barcelona on August 17 and 18.

Hours after the Ramblas attack, five other members of the gang ploughed into pedestrians in the nearby seaside town of Cambrils before they went on the rampage with an axe and large knives, stabbing one person to death.

Abouqaaqoub was part of a 12-man cell who brought terror to Barcelona on August 17 and 18

The five were shot dead by police.

Abouyaaqoub, originally from Mrirt in Morocco, was the subject of a massive police manhunt.

He was later tracked down by police and shot dead on 21 August 30 miles west of Barcelona.

Two other members of the cell were killed when they blew up a bomb factory in Alcanar, in the neighbouring province of Tarragona, the day before the Ramblas attack.

The cell had planned a much bigger attack, using vans packed with bombs to destroy targets including the famous Sagrada Familia basilica.

But their original plans were thwarted when they accidentally blew up their bomb-making factory.
A grandmother says her 3,750 Thomson holiday to Spain was ruined after she discovered her room at the four-star hotel overlooked a morgue.

Jackie Colbert, 60, says she and husband James were regularly greeted by the sight of bodies on stretchers and hearses outside their bedroom window.

Mrs Colbert, from Glasgow, said the issue was made worse due to the fact that her brother-in-law had recently died, causing her to experience flashbacks.

The couple filmed footage from their room at the Club Hotel Rui in Torremolinos, Costa Del Sol, which shows two orderlies wheeling a body under a white sheet.

Jackie Colbert, 60, says she and husband James were regularly greeted by the sight of bodies on stretchers (pictured) outside their bedroom window

Another video taken by Mrs Colbert shows a hearse arriving at the gates of the local hospital, named Maritimo Cita Previa, to pick up a body for a burial.

The grandmother-of-two claims she was forced to put towels up to obscure the view but could still hear 'trolleys rattling' each night.

She said: 'One night we were sat on the balcony when we heard this rattling noise at around 1am.

'I looked over and saw this body being wheeled into the building next to us. I couldn't believe it. It really unsettled me.

'I think it's just a complete lack of respect for those that have passed away and for guests to have to witness this.

'There was no mention of the morgue when we were booking the hotel, if there was I would have been a bit less shocked or I could have picked a different hotel.'

Jackie and James Colbert (pictured) claim they were forced to put towels up to obscure the view but could still hear 'trolleys rattling' each night

A hearse is shown arriving at the morgue (left). Picture right, the view of Maritimo Cita Previa hospital from the couple's balcony

She added: 'I can't get the thought of someone who has just passed away being wheeled into the morgue, in full view of holiday makers, out of my head.

'It was like they had been stripped of their dignity. I wouldn't like the thought of my family members being seen like that.

'I'm so glad my grandchildren weren't with me, I don't know how I would have explained to them what was going on.

'Some people do go on holiday to try and get over a bereavement and I believe that they could easily book into this hotel without realising what is nearby.

'We lost my brother-in-law in June and I would hate to think of him being wheeled in full view of tourists.'

Jackie arrived at the hotel on the August 13 after a week's cruise for her 60th birthday, having booked the package holiday through Thomson for 3,750.

Jackie arrived at the hotel, which is across the street from the Maritimo Cita Previa hotel (pictured) on the August 13 after a week's cruise for her 60th birthday

However she claims the view left her not wanting to use the balcony during her stay.

The former care worker decided to complain in-store on her return as a urine infection while away left her unable to cope with moving to a different room.

A spokesperson for Thomson said: 'We were sorry to hear about the customers' experience and would like to thank them for bringing this to our attention.

'Our customer service team is in direct contact with the customers and resort team to further investigate the issues and resolve the matter.

'Unfortunately as we were not made aware of customers complaint issue while they were away we were unable to offer a suitable resolution.

'We would always encourage our customers to speak to our destination team who are on hand should anyone have any concerns while on holiday.'
Dramatic police raids throughout Sydney on Wednesday saw three men and a teenager arrested as police uncovered $1million worth of drugs, as well as guns, cash and a police vest.

Video from Strike Force Bravi shows officers clothed in full face coverings and bulletproof vests barge open a front door in a quiet suburban street in Cabramatta.

The armed police stream through the door yelling 'police search warrant' repeatedly, before all goes quiet.

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Police were filmed bashing down a door in a quiet suburban street in Cabramatta on Wednesday as part of raids across Sydney (pictured)

More footage shows four men being arrested in Pyrmont.

The first two are seen being handcuffed and spoken to by undercover police before they are bundled into undercover police cars, and the second two are seen coming out of a nearby hotel, alongside uniformed police and being placed into a paddywagon.

The four men, aged 22, 21, 19 and 17, were taken to Surry Hills Police station, and the 22-year-old was later transferred to St Vincent's Hospital where he remains under police guard.

As part of the raids, police also carried out search warrants in Vaucluse, Surry Hills and Wakeley.

Police found $1million worth of drugs (left) during their raids throughout Sydney on Wednesday as well as an undisclosed amount of cash (right)

Two men were arrested by the water in Pyrmont by undercover police (pictured)

They seized an array of drugs, including more than a kilogram of MDMA, two kilos of methamphetamine, a litre of GHB as well as cocaine and heroin.

Officers also found a replica firearm, a sawn-off rifle and ammunition, as well as large quantities of cash and a NSW Police reflective jacket.

Both the 21-year-old man and 19-year-old man have been charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of drugs and other drug-related offences.

They were refused bail and faced Central Local Court later on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old teenager has been released without charge, though inquiries are continuing.

Police say their investigation is continuing, and they are expecting to make more arrests.
Police have offered 20,000 to catch the killer of a Holocaust survivor who was murdered 27 years after being liberated from a Nazi concentration camp - nearly half a century after her death.

Emmy Werner was found dead aged 68 by a chambermaid at Queens Hotel in Bayswater, west London, the day after a trip to the theatre in September 1972.

She had been strangled and suffered numerous injuries at the hands of an attacker, who police believe had been intending to steal from her as she slept.

Now detectives from the Metropolitan police's Special Casework Investigation Team have offered the five-figure sum in the hope it persuades new witnesses to come forward.

The Metropolitan Police have launched a new appeal for information on the murder of Holocaust survivor Emmy Werner, pictured, who was killed in London in 1972

Mrs Werner was born in Czechoslovakia and lived a comfortable life in the city of Brno until the German occupation in 1939, police said.

In 1942, she was transported with husband Albert and daughter Heddy to the Theresienstadt concentration camp near Prague, where tens of thousands of people were killed by guards, malnutrition and disease.

Months before the end of the war, Mr Werner was taken to Auschwitz, where he was killed in February 1945. Mrs Werner and her daughter, then 17, were liberated during the Allied advance that May.

Now, 45 years after her murder in London, detectives hope the fresh appeal could encourage people to come forward with information about her assailant.

Mrs Werner's granddaughter Carolyn Franks, 58, said: 'My grandmother was a vulnerable woman and no one should have to die like she did, especially after the trauma she had already endured.

'The effect on her close family continues to be a source of great sadness to us and we feel whoever killed her should be held to account.'

A 16-year-old boy was charged within weeks of Werner's murder, but was acquitted at a trial in February 1973.

The night before the attack, Werner had been to see a West End show at the Vaudeville Theatre in central London.

Mrs Werner, left and right with her grandchildren, survived the Theresienstadt concentration camp in her native Czechoslovakia during the Second World War

She is thought to have settled into bed at around 8.30pm, before the attack in the early hours of the morning, police said.

Officers hope to trace people who used to work in and visited the hotel in the 1970s, who were mostly of different nationalities, including German holidaymakers and Swedish staff.

Detective Inspector Susan Stansfield said: 'Although many years have now passed since Emmy's death, it remains particularly difficult for her family that she survived the horrors of the Holocaust yet died in such brutal circumstances. Emmy was 68 years old and was physically and mentally vulnerable due to her past.

'The hotel served a mixture of guests and employed a number of staff who were spoken to by police at the time.

She was found strangled at the Queens Hotel in Bayswater, pictured, in 1972 after she was attacked in her sleep

'However, with the passage of time, it is possible that the events of that night have since been discussed and there is information that could be really useful to our inquiry.

'Or maybe someone who was scared to speak to officers at the time might now feel able to come forward.

'Did you stay or work at the hotel or in the area of Inverness Terrace, west London, in the early 1970s? Has anyone told you anything in confidence that you feel you should now disclose to police?

'We would also be interested in speaking to the friends - one from the hotel and an Italian woman - who Emmy went to the theatre with that night in case they have any useful information.'
Prisoners have been caught red-handed trying to escape a Brazilian prison after one of them got stuck dangling from the ceiling.

Ten inmates were trying to flee from the Casa de Custodia in Teresina in the north-eastern Brazilian state of Piaui.

The jailbirds had somehow made a hole in the concrete ceiling of their cell and attempted to get through it until they were caught in the act by military police and prison officers.

Dangling: Prisoners are caught red-handed as one of them is left with his legs dangling as he tries to escape

The officers even had time to snap pictures one crook's legs dangling as he tried to desperately get through the hole.

Legal adviser of the Union of Penitentiary Agents of Piaui Vilobaldo Carvalho said the prison suffered from frequent breakout attempts partly because it was so overcrowded.

He said: 'Currently the House of Custody has 336 places and has 1,036 inmates, that is, 700 more than its capacity, basically triple.'

The convicts involved in the escape were isolated in another section of the prison and the escape hole was covered.

Caught in the act: The jailbirds somehow made a hole in the concrete ceiling of their cell during an escape attempt

Ten inmates are caught as they tried to flee from the Casa de Custodia in the north-eastern Brazilian state of Piaui

Military police and prison officers prevented the convicts from escaping when they arrived at the scene

However, it appears these escapes are not uncommon with this being the third attempted prison escape in less than a week in Teresina.

Two previous attempts were also stopped in the Irmaos Guido prison which is in the southern part of the city.

Local prisons boss Daniel Oliveira said: 'We are taking preventive action to prevent prisoners from causing disturbances. The prompt action of the custody team within our security planning was instrumental in stopping the attempted escape.'
A Qantas pilot has warned dangerous airport security loopholes are leaving us vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

Australian and International Pilots Association president and A380 pilot Murray Butt said there are problems with background checks on airport workers.

He claims airport employees such as baggage handlers and engineers are not subject to tests for explosives or required to go through X-ray scanners.

A Qantas pilot has warned of dangerous airport security loopholes leaving us vulnerable to terrorist attacks (pictured are workers on the tarmac at an Australian airport)

Australian and International Pilots Association president and A380 pilot Murray Butt said there are problems with background checks on airport workers (pictured is an airport worker)

'Below the aircraft a myriad of people, doing a myriad of jobs, from a myriad of backgrounds, are virtually getting no screening whatsoever,' he told A Current Affair.

While such workers are required to do background checks, problems checked those from overseas create potential vulnerabilities.

'Because of the inability to do criminal background checks in some of the other countries, it's not possible for them to find out what the background is of some of those people,' said Mr Butt.

In one case, a Sydney Airport employee from India reportedly lost his job at the check-in gates when his criminal record came to light.

Mr Butt (pictured) claims airport employees such as baggage handlers and engineers are not subject to tests for explosives or required to go through X-ray scanners

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon wants new rules ensuring airport workers go through the same checks conducted on passengers.

'The rules need to be changed so that if you actually have access to an aircraft, you have been screened and you've been screened in a way that all other passengers are,' Mr Xenophon said.

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon wants new rules ensuring airport workers go through the same checks conducted on passengers (pictured are passengers queuing to go through airport security)

The government has promised to address airport security in recent weeks, following an alleged terror plot to bomb passenger planes flying out of Australian airports.

Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton warned the threat to Australia will only increase in the wake of terror raids that led to four arrests.

The July raids let to calls for new restrictions on liquids, photo identification checks for passengers of domestic flights and full-body scans at all airports.
PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- What is usually a monthly business meeting for Singing River Health System Board of Trustees became an outlet for retirees and former patients of ousted neurologist Dr. Terry Millette to speak freely to the board about the state of their hospital system on Tuesday.

Issues of most interest to retirees were their pension, which is approaching three years in court, and how former hospital CEO Kevin Holland's successor should be chosen. Current patients' concerns centered around the type of service they receive from the hospital.

Lanie Ellifritt, a former patient of Millette, stood before the board and said she felt "thrown away" by the hospital.

"I have been in some of the best hospitals in this country -- I use to think Singing River was one of them, but right now, there is such a deep divide between you and us, that I don't know if it will ever be overcome," Ellifritt said.

"If an investigation isn't done to find out the inner-workings of what has been going on, you will lose," Ellifritt said to board members. "If something happens to me, I already told my husband to take me to George County -- he told me the same. Until we find out what happened, we will not be back to spend money at this hospital."

Membership of the board has changed since the bulk of the decisions cited by retirees and patients. Retiree Irby Tillman praised the board, while acknowledging the amount of work in front of them.

"Thank y'all for allowing us to speak -- history is being made here today," Tillman said. "When you pick a new CEO, we ask that you do not pick him in-house. You need an outsider who knows the ins and outs of this hospital. The livelihood of everyone in this room is good enough motivation to help us. I have faith in you."

Trustee meetings had chronically been closed to media and the public until Senate Bill 2407, proposed by Pascagoula Sen. Brice Wiggins and signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant to promote transparency.

As the retirees and patients spoke, trustees listened intently and took notes based on what was said.

SRHS spokeswoman Georgia Storey provided media with over 100 surveys from various patients at both hospitals praising the hospital for the service they have been provided.

"Tuesday's Community Forum hosted by our health system Trustees is a first, and will be an ongoing quarterly opportunity for our patients and community members to share their opinions with us. We're pleased with today's turnout and our trustees and leadership will follow up on every single concern that was shared today.

As a community based health system, nothing is more important to us than providing the highest quality care to our neighbors, and we remain committed to doing just that. It's our honor and privilege to serve thousands of patients every day across our two hospitals, emergency rooms, and clinics, and we pride ourselves on delivering the kind of care that every family expects for those they love."

In November of last year, Millette's relationship with the hospital ended after questions arose in his treatment of multiple sclerosis patients.
A prankster using a plastic snake toy on a fishing line to scare passersby copped a literal beating when his joke went wrong - by a passing off-duty police officer.

Sheldon Isitt had accidentally entangled Janice Dewar as she walked through his prank, which was set up at Lake Eildon at North Lakes, in Brisbane.

She turned and told him to 'p*** off' before storming away. But when she was out of sight, off-duty Senior Constable Andrew Barrett is seen approaching the man in video obtained by 7 News.

The officer comes up and talks with the prankster, before swinging at him, causing Isitt to fall back.

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An off-duty police officer was found guilty of assault occasioning bodily harm after punching a prankster twice in the face in Brisbane (pictured)

Barrett, 44, swings again, and though the video tilts towards the ground, Isitt can be seen falling back even farther.

The officer is then seen calmly walking away from the scene of the violence.

He was later convicted of assault occasioning bodily harm but fined only $4,000 for his crime.

Barrett was demoted from Senior Constable to Constable for his actions, but is still believed to be on active duty in the community.

Sheldon Isitt was dragging a plastic snake across a footpath with fishing line for a YouTube video but Janice Dewar became tangled in it

Ms Dewar, who was initially tangled in the prank, says Barrett acted appropriately considering the circumstances.

'I think he was protecting the community, she told 7 News.

'I wasn't the only one who got caught up in it, he was caught up in it first.'

Isitt was initially also found guilty of serious assault after the incident in 2014, and put on a good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded, but later had the charge dropped on appeal.
Rowan Sollitt, 19, killed himself 24 hours after he had been assessed as a low risk by counsellors, an inquest heard

A suicidal student who hanged himself at his halls of residence had been assessed as a low risk by counsellors just 24 hours earlier, an inquest has heard.

Rowan Sollitt, 19, a Manchester Metropolitan University first year, visited an 'open door' health and well-being service and told them 'the world would be better off if he was dead.'

The student also showed staff the cuts to his wrists from self harming but the teenager was sent away after a 10 minute consultation with a counsellor.

He was told he would be placed on a waiting list of up to seven weeks.

The following day Rowan who was studying computer science at Manchester Metropolitan University was found dead in his bedroom at New Medlock House by a plumber who had come to fix a faulty lightbulb.

At an inquest into his death a coroner criticised the university service for their 'naive' approach to mental health saying a 10 minute slot was not enough to determine what risk troubled student could pose to themselves.

Rowan, who grew up in a 360,000 farmhouse with his family in Denholme, near Bradford, has been described as an 'extremely intelligent young man'.

But he battled with depression after his family moved back to the UK following a stint living in Mexico.

He was said to have 'struggled to fit in,' secretly been self harming and was subsequently prescribed anti-depressants by his GP.

The youngster attended the walk-in service on November 30 last year where he filled out the form before seeing a counsellor to indicate their thoughts and feelings prior to the consultation.

The teenager was said to have indicated 'intrusive' thoughts and said he 'sometimes' made plans to end his life and believed 'the world would be better if he were dead - most of the time'

He said he 'often thought about hurting himself.'

Rowan's father Michael said he appeared excited about November but he he had battled depression and struggled with the death of his grandfather

Kathleen Matthews, a counsellor at Manchester Metropolitan university said: 'Rowan walked into the open door service and when he came he said he had a history of depression and he went on to say he had self harmed himself in the past.

'I asked him where he cut himself and he showed me his wrists. But he did not indicate that he wanted to kill himself and he had made future plans. For me to take the opposite view, he would have had to say to me or indicate that he was going to kill himself. If he had been a high risk the protocol would be to put him in a taxi to the hospital.

Rowan's family hope the much-loved 19-year-old's experience with mental health services will not be repeated for others

'There is a 10 minute slot for each patient and if the patient says they are not going to take their own life we have to just believe them. I don't think it is a naive view, we ascertain whether they are going to be safe when they leave the appointment.'

Yvonne Harris, the university's Head of Counselling, Health and Wellbeing said: 'That form is a standard form in the NHS. We ask the students to clarify these answers and if you don't feel you have time in those 10 minutes, you do something else'.

Earlier Rowan's father Michael, 49, told the Manchester hearing: '2016 was a very busy year - he had completed his A-levels and gained a place at university. He went to Leeds music festival and went on a family holiday to Dubai. Two weeks before leaving for university, Rowan seemed excited - he had picked out the clothes he was going to wear on the first day.

'But his grandfather died in November so Rowan came home to be with us and then went back to university as there was an event on with his friends. We had not been aware of any self harm, the only thing with Rowan was that he liked his independence and he liked to sort things out for himself and I think that is why he sought support.

'I don't think he wanted to trouble us and his intention would have been to get through it. We went to visit Rowan and went for lunch, he had an appointment with the doctor that afternoon, but we were not aware of this. We were laughing and talking about his dog and said he needed to come home for Christmas.

'We went shopping and then dropped him off in the afternoon and that was the last time we saw him.

'Even with the short space of time that he was at university he had friends and they would regularly come to stay with him, he was clearly interacting with people in the eight weeks or so that he was there.

'We can't change what has happened to Rowan, but maybe we can change things for future young people.

'There are 50,000 students at this university. There needs to be sufficient funding to help with mental health and welfare services.

'It's a traumatic transition from being at home to being by themselves'.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, Coroner John Pollard said: 'Rowan had been struggling with his mental health and very sensibly he tried to seek help to deal with these issues. But having gone to these people, he seems to have answered the questions and then everyone is satisfied that he is not an immediate risk to himself'.

Manchester Metropolitan University said in a statement: 'Our student support services are constantly under review and will do our utmost to learn from the loss of Rowan in the event that there are further enhancements that we can provide to support our students.'
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Ten years ago, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - a long-awaited universal framework to protect populations around the world who have suffered centuries of persecution.

The Declaration intends to protect 'the individual and collective rights' of the 370 million indigenous people living in more than seventy countries today.

These images, published to mark the anniversary, show indigenous peoples from around the world, including Aborigines in Australia, Inuits in Canada, and Native Americans in the United States in the 20th Century.

Two worlds collide: Three young native Americans reportedly pictured using a bicycle for the first time in 1938

Amazing history: An Inuit woman is pictured breastfeeding her two children in Canada in 1904

Celebrated: This collection of images of indigenous people from around the world, including these Native American women, has been released to mark the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

NATIVE AMERICANS

The systematic persecution of Native Americans dates back to Christopher Columbus's 'discovery' of the United States in 1492.

At the time of Columbus's arrival, it is estimated that some ten million people lived in the lands which now comprise the United States of America.

With the European invaders came conflict and disease, and by the end of the 19th century, less than 300,000 Native Americans remained in the United States. In some areas the native population had declined by as much as 98 per cent.

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was the first of many government forced removals of Native Americans from their homelands which would later be known as the Trail of Tears. Thousands of Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee people were 'relocated' to make way for white settlers between 1830 and 1850, and an estimated 13,000 to 16,000 died from disease and starvation during the 'death marches'.

An 1894 report from the United States Census Bureau estimated that some 30,000 Native Americans had been killed during the many conflicts known as the American Indian Wars, but states that 'the actual number of killed and wounded Indians must be very much higher than the number given... Fifty percent additional would be a safe estimate'.

Persecuted: Children believed to be members of a tribe of Canadian First Nations people are pictured in 1931

Rights: The systematic persecution of Native Americans dates back to the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492

The population of Native Americans is estimated to have been about ten million when the Europeans arrived, but by the end of the 19th century, less than 300,000 remained in the United States

In some areas of the United States, the native population declined by as much as 98 per cent from 1500 to 1900

Persecuted: An 1894 report from the United States Census Bureau estimated that some 30,000 Native Americans and Alaskan First Nations had been killed during the many conflicts known as the American Indian Wars

Anniversary: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted on 13th September 2007

This image claims to portray an igloo and Eskimo family standing outside it, taken at an unknown date

FIRST NATIONS OF CANADA

The indigenous people of Canada are comprise the First Nations, Inuit and Metis, and make up some 4.5 per cent of the national population - around 1.4million.

The colonisation of Canada has not been described as genocide to the extent of that of the United States, however there are several who argue that it should be.

The Indian Act of 1876 saw the birth of a boarding school system where some 150,000 indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in residential schools which were designed to help them 'assimilate' to western society.

It is estimated that some 6,000 children died while attending these schools, the last of which closed in 1996.

The government also implemented Eugenics laws, such as the Sexual Sterilization Act of Alberta in 1928, which saw thousands of First Nation women sterilized without their consent in order to 'protect the gene pool'.

It is estimated that one in four of the women sterilized under these laws were indigenous, despite only making up 2.5 per cent of the Canadian population at the time.

Aboriginal prisoners in chains, who were caught in the act of killing an animal near Wyndham, Australia, circa 1930

Indigenous Australians: Aboriginal tribesmen and women pictured in Queensland, Australia in 1895

Here first: A group of Aboriginal men are labelled 'native kangaroo hunters' in this photograph, taken in Queensland, Australia circa 1921

ABORIGINES

In Australia, the Aboriginal population is known to have been subjected to several systematic massacres during British colonization and decreased by 84 per cent in the first century of British rule.

In 1788, when the British arrived, the population is estimated to have been more than 770,000, a figure which was down to 117,000 by 1900.

It is estimated that some 20,000 indigenous Australians died during the so-called frontiers wars between 1788 and 1934, compared to about 2,500 European settlers.

While the contemporary makeup of Australia is the result of immigration from all over the world, the continent had been home to indigenous peoples for at least 40,000 years before the British arrived in 1788.

In the two centuries that followed, the Aboriginal population suffered severe discrimination and racism, and were even deprived the right of citizenship in Australia until 1948.

Incarceration is known to have been used by Australian authorities as a tool to weaken the Aboriginal people.

Police would be paid per indigenous prisoner, and they were often arrested for petty crimes such as cattle stealing or illegally killing wild animals.

Indigenous Indians: Bhutian men from Lachung in Sikkim, in north-east India, photographed at an unknown date

A Bhutian couple are seen drinking millet beer from a straw on their house terrace in Western Sikkim, pictured in the 1960s

Other images show the Bhutian people, the indigenous population of Sikkim, a northeastern state in India bordering China and Nepal. The Bhutian people are of Tibetan ancestry and as of the early noughties, the population is estimated to be around 70,000.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the UN's General Assembly on 13th September 2007 by a majority of 144 states in favour and four votes against, which came from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

However, these four nations have since reversed their position and are now in support of the declaration which has established a universal framework of standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of indigenous people around the world.

Closing his address at the 2016 UN Forum on Indigenous Issues, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stated that: 'While much has been achieved, much remains to be done. For example, conflicts on lands and territories of indigenous peoples, and the lack of inclusion of indigenous people's voices in peace processes remain a challenge.'
A registered sex offender in Missouri is a accused of repeatedly sexually abusing two young girls over the span of one month, police say.

Dave Saffeels, 57, was charged on Saturday with nine felonies, including child molestation, stemming from allegations that he assaulted the 11-year-old and a two-year-old girls between August and September.

Saffeels, of Springfield, previously spent eight years in prison for abusing a six-year-old girl in 2002.

Dave Saffeels, 57, was charged on Saturday with nine felonies, including child molestation, stemming from allegations that he assaulted the 11-year-old and a two-year-old girls

Police say the 11-year-old girl was repeatedly raped at Cox South Hospital, where the girl was visiting a woman who had just given birth to twins. Saffeels was also a visitor at the hospital.

When the pair were alone in the room, he took off the girl's shorts and raped her, police say in a probable cause statement obtained by the News-Leader.

A few hours later he returned and performed oral sex on the girl, police said.

The girl told police that she did not tell her mother or anyone else what had happened because she was scared.

Cox spokeswoman Kaitlyn McConnell says the hospital wasn't aware of the allegations at the time.

'We are fully cooperating with the Springfield Police Department and are taking this matter seriously,' McConnell told the News-Ledger.

Police said that a few weeks later, Saffeels raped the girl at her home while she was taking a shower.

Saffeels later told police that the 11-year-old girl had seen a picture of his penis on his phone, but he had not given the phone to her.

Police say the 11-year-old girl was repeatedly raped at Cox South Hospital (pictured), where the girl was visiting a woman who had just given birth to twins. Saffeels was also a visitor at the hospital

He described the 11-year-old as sexually provocative, saying she wore short shorts and often sat with her legs spread.

The registered sex offender is also accused of sexually abusing a two-year-old girl in a separate case from August.

Saffeel was at the girl's home toward the end of August and was left alone with the toddler when her mother decided to take a nap.

After Saffeels left, the mother noticed the girl's diaper was crooked, and when she tried to give the toddler a bath, the two-year-old started crying, covering her groin and saying 'ouch' and 'no'.

The mother called police and told them she was aware that Saffeels was a registered sex offender.

Saffeels was arrested by police on Friday during a traffic stop.

He was charged with furnishing pornographic material to a minor, three counts of statutory rape, three counts of statutory sodomy and one count of child molestation.

The 57-year-old is being held at Greene County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
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These shocking photographs show the skeletal state of British prisoners in Japan at the end of the Second World War.

Hundreds of emaciated servicemen who had been starved and brutally beaten by their captors were found by Allied troops following the fall of Japan in 1945.

Photographers were brought in to take pictures of the prisoners for use as evidence in any future war crimes trial.

The images show gaunt and haggard men whose bodies were reduced to skin and bone and some of their sadistic guards, including one known as the Black Prince and another dubbed the Mad Mongrel. They were both later hanged for their crimes.

Other horrific pictures show men being tortured at the camps.

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Shocking photographs have emerged showing the skeletal state of British prisoners in Japan at the end of the Second World War. Hundreds of emaciated servicemen who had been starved and brutally beaten by their captors were found by Allied troops following the fall of Japan in 1945

The rare images show this emaciated British prisoner of war on his back being tortured at an unnamed prisoner of war camp in Japan. The prisoners were starved and faced shocking abuse at the hands of their sadistic guards

Sadistic: A prisoner of war receives brutal treatment as he is held in a torture chair at one of the Japanese camps. During the war, Japan failed to follow the Geneva Convention rules of war governing prisoner treatment which led to tens of thousands of Allied POWs enduring barbaric conditions in which they were starved, brutalised and used as forced labour

Brutal: The images show some of the sadistic guards, including Lieutenant Usuki - known as the Black Prince (left) - and a Korean dubbed the Mad Mongrel (right). Usuki was known to hand out beatings to men who worked on the Death Railway in Burma and beheaded one British POW in full view of his colleagues for trying to escape. Both men were later convicted and executed for their crimes

Starving prisoners were pictured wearing false legs having undergone amputations, brought about either from being tortured or through contracting tropical diseases.

There are images showing some of the most brutal Japanese guards including the notorious camp commandment Lieutenant Usuki, who was known as the Black Prince.

He handed out beatings to men who worked on the Death Railway in Burma and beheaded one British PoW in full view of his colleagues for trying to escape.

Another depicted is Sergeant Seiichi Okada, who was dubbed Dr Death. He carried out water torture on the detainees which included pumping gallons of water into their mouths through a hose and then jumping on their swollen stomachs.

The collection also shows a notorious Korean guard called the Mad Mongrel. They were all later convicted of war crimes and were hanged.

Starving prisoners were pictured wearing false legs having undergone amputations, brought about either from being tortured or through contracting tropical diseases

Pictures show some of the artificial limbs used by British prisoners of war after losing arms and legs during their horrific time at Japanese camps

The images show gaunt and haggard men whose bodies were reduced to skin and bone. Photographers were brought in to take pictures of the prisoners to be used as evidence for any potential war crimes trial at the end of the war

Bizarrely, prints of the photographs could be purchased at the time by the prisoners of war from the Far East section of the Returned British Prisoners of War Association. Many of the men were left with skeletal frames or suffering from severe malnutrition

Bizarrely, prints of the photographs could be purchased at the time by the PoWs from the Far East section of the Returned British Prisoners of War Association.

An album of almost 50 of the images has now been made available for sale at auction.

Matthew Tredwin, of C&T Auctioneers of Ashford, Kent, said: 'The vendor used to own a military museum in North Yorkshire in the 1970s and '80s and he had all sorts of items donated to him including this album. The museum closed a long time ago.

'Some of the images are quite horrific. You hear stories of the brutal treatment many PoWs suffered at the hands of the Japanese but it's not often you see the horrors. They do give you an idea of what these men went through.

'A lot of men suffered terrible ordeals and beatings which resulted in limbs being damaged and deformed.

'One of these pictures show a large group of them with artificial limbs. It is a very interesting and rare grouping.'

During the war, Japan captured nearly 140,000 Allied military personnel from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States.

But it failed to follow the Geneva Convention rules of war governing prisoner treatment which led to tens of thousands of Allied PoWs enduring barbaric conditions in which they were starved, brutalised and used as forced labour.

Many were ordered to help construct railways, roads and airfields while others endured savage conditions in coal mines, shipyards and factories.

One of the most notorious examples was the construction of the Burma or Death Railway. Of the 60,000 Allied servicemen forced to work on the railroad, more than 12,000 died from maltreatment, sickness and starvation.

There were more than 140,000 white prisoners in Japanese prisoner of war camps. Of these, one in three died from starvation, work, punishments or from diseases for which there were no medicines to treat

A Japanese guard is pictured keeping a close eye on British prisoners. The Japanese Armed Forces captured Allied military personnel from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States in the Southeast Asia and Pacific areas

The ramshackle huts where skeletal British prisoners were forced to sleep in cramped conditions while they were held captive in Japan

About 36,000 POWs were transported to the Japanese Mainland to supplement the shortage of the work force, and were compelled to work at the coal mines, mines, shipyards and munitions factories

The POWs used the clothes that they had with them upon their arrival in Japan, and the camps provided some work clothes. Towards the end of the war, most POWs were dressed in rags

The images are being sold with a pre-sale estimate of 100 on September 18.

The Pacific War in the Second World War was fought over a vast area encompassing the Pacific islands and Southeast Asia.

It began in December 1941 when Japan invaded Thailand and attacked the British possessions of Singapore and Hong Kong as well as U.S. military bases at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and the Philippines.

More than 50,000 British forces personnel surrendered to the Japanese between the fall of Hong Kong in December 1941 and March 1942 when the vast territories of the Dutch East Indies surrendered.

A further 50,000 Allied troops were captured on 15 February 1942, when Singapore fell. These prisoners of war were used as slave labour by their captors over the next three and a half years; almost one in three died due to untreated disease, malnutrition and brutality. Many civilians were also interned and forced into labour.

While the war in Europe ended on May 8, 1945 (now celebrated as VE Day), Japans military leaders refused to accept surrender, despite the countrys isolation and the fact that their countrymen - and several thousand Allied POWs - were starving to death.

By the summer of 1945 a multinational Allied fleet had joined the vast US Navy in the Pacific ready to invade Japan.

After final warnings of dire consequences the United States unleashed an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6. Still Japan refused to accept unconditional surrender.

Three days later, on August 9, the second atomic bomb fell on Nagasaki. Only then did the Emperor intercede to bring the war in the Far East to an end on August 15, 1945, celebrated as VJ (victory over Japan) Day. Japan signed an unconditional surrender on September 2.
Amir Khan's estranged wife has fired the latest salvo in the online war of words between the feuding pair.

The boxer's marriage to Faryal Makhdoom broke down this year when they accused each other of cheating in an ugly Twitter spat.

The former couple have since been criticising each other online, with Faryal posting her latest barbed comments on Instagram and Twitter today.

Amir Khan's estranged wife Faryal Makhdoom appeared to fire the latest dig at her husband when she posted this message online last night

Despite claims laid against him by a beauty therapist at the weekend, Khan seemed relaxed as he shared videos of himself playing pool and chatting with his daughter on Snapchat

Beside a selfie of her in a grey leather jacket, she wrote: "If someone shows you their real colors, don't try to repaint them." #wordsofwisdom'

It came after she retweeted a message which said: 'Be careful of the ones who are the nicest. Snakes come in all shapes and sizes.'

Khan says he has filed for divorce from Faryal, who had a high-profile falling out with the boxer's family during their marriage.

The boxer meanwhile shared a number of videos with his followers on Snapchat, including one of him playing pool with a friend and chatting with the couple's daughter Lamaisah.

The warring couple (pictured, left, last year) married in 2013. Since their split, he has been linked to model Alyzeh Gabol (right)

Faryal says she is pregnant with a second child, but Khan questioned her claims during a video he posted online last week.

A friend of Faryal's claimed she had to go to a baby scan alone. She has since posted a baby scan photo online with the caption 'my angel'.

Khan has been linked to glamorous Pakistan model Alyzeh Gabol, 23, since his split from Faryal earlier this year.

It was claimed in a Sunday newspaper that he had also had sex with a beauty therapist during a tryst at an airport hotel last month.

Emily Volkova said the boxer later sent her WhatsApp messages calling her a 'dirt bag' and 'daft white slut'.
An Afghani asylum seeker who raped and murdered a German medical student tried to sell himself for sex with men in a gay bar hours before he launched his attack, a court heard.

Hussein Khavari is standing trial in the south-western German university city of Freiburg over the killing of 19-year-old Maria Ladenburger last October.

A court has been told that in the run-up to her death, Khavari went to a gay bar and tried to convince men to have sex with him for cash - even offering to drop the price when one declined.

Afghan migrant Hussein Khavari tried to sell himself for sex with men in a gay bar hours before he raped and murdered a German medical student, a court heard

According to German newspaper Bild, police officer Edgar P., who also appeared as a witness in the trial, said: 'He offered sexual services to one of the men on the gentlemen's toilet.'

He added that the person had rejected the offer even when Khavari lowered his price.

A bartender also told the court that Khavari did not appear to be 'the typical guest'.

It comes a day after reports emerged that he also allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl in his native country, local media reports.

While Khavari was locked up in investigative custody, he allegedly told a fellow prisoner that he carried out the rape in Afghanistan when he was just 14.

A Freiburg police officer confirmed the story to the district court during Khavari's trial, where he has admitted to killing Ms Ladenburger, whose father is a senior legal adviser to the European Commission in Brussels.

According to the police, the parents of Khavari made a settlement with the parents of the raped girl to keep the incident unreported.

It has also emerged that Khavari had been arrested and sentenced to ten years for attempted murder in Corfu in 2013 before coming to Germany seeking refuge in 2015.

Khavari threw a 20-year-old student 25 feet down a cliff on the island of Corfu in May 2013. The woman was severely injured but miraculously survived the ordeal.

Hussein Khavari (left), 22, has been charged with raping and murdering Maria Ladenburger (right), 19, in Germany

Police stand in front of the court in Freiburg ahead of a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy

Khavari did not report to parole officers after his early release from the Greek detention centre and authorities issued a search warrant for the Afghan migrant, but only in their own country.

German authorities criticised the Greeks for 'negligence', claiming that if they had known about Khavaris past, he would have been flagged when he applied for asylum and not allowed into the country, which in turn could have prevented the grisly rape and murder of Ms Ladenburger.

On Monday, Khavari broke down and asked for forgiveness at his trial in Freiburg District Court,Germany.

Khavari wept as he recalled how he smoked hashish the night he ambushed 19-year-old, admitting that he raped her and drowned her in the knee-deep water of a nearby river.

He said he took her to the water to wash her blood from his body and clothes and claimed the incident had destroyed his life.

He broke down in court and added: 'I want to apologize to the family of Maria'.

Reading from a statement he went on: 'I beg your pardon. I want to apologise to the family of Maria. I wish I could undo it. What I have done, I am sad for from the bottom of my heart '.

He says he dreams of what he did every day as he wiped tears from his face.

'I live with the agony of what I did and this torment destroys my life,' he added.

He was linked through his DNA to medical student Maria (pictured), who volunteered at various shelters that house migrants in her spare time in the university city of Freiburg

He claims he dragged her into the river 'because I wanted to wash her blood from me'.

Prosecutors dispute his account of the murder and say he planned it beforehand.

Khavari was born in Ghazni in Afghanistan and claimed to have been 16 when he arrived in Germany in 2015, because 'because the situation is better here for under age migrants.'

Ms Ladenburger, who was studying medicine at university, would helping out migrants in various shelters and homes in her spare time.

Her body was found in the Dreisam River in October 2016, less than one mile from the student accommodation where she lived.

The killing sparked frenzied new waves of hatred and fear of refugees.

Even the leader of the country's police union said her death would have been prevented had the open door asylum-seeker policy of Chancellor Angela Merkel been less lax than it is.

The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was to piggyback on the killer's arrest to highlight what it says are the dangers of unregulated immigration. It calls Maria a 'victim of Merkel's welcome culture.'

Sixteen days of hearings have been scheduled for the trial, with a verdict expected in December at the earliest.

The case continues.
A quad bike has been destroyed by a tank as the Ministry of Defence launch a crackdown on off-roaders who trespass on military training areas.

Operation Aston, in partnership with Wiltshire Council, aims to clamp down on illegal driving in the Salisbury Plain where dozens risk their lives trespassing.

The 147 square mile plot in the west of England is the largest training area in the UK.

Operation Aston, in partnership with Wiltshire Council, aims to clamp down on illegal driving in the Salisbury Plain where dozens risk their lives trespassing

Owned by the MOD, much of the land is either restricted to the public or closed off entirely because of the life-risking activities the army undertakes there.

The video, released by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, shows a tank crushing a comparatively tiny quad bike with its huge wheels.

After picking up the bike in its lethal pincer and dropping it like a rag doll, the tank runs over it numerous times as it disintegrates under the weight.

The battered bike is then dumped in a pile of rubbish.

The 147 square mile plot in the west of England is the largest training area in the UK. Pictured above, the tank destroying the quad bike

Owned by the MOD, much of the land is either restricted to the public or closed off entirely because of the life-risking activities the army undertakes there

Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Andrews, the MOD's senior safety officer for the site, said: 'We have crushed this vehicle to deter further illegal activities by bikers and quads in the future.

'We hope it will make people realise that we take illegal activity seriously. At 94,000 acres Salisbury Plain Training Area is a 'hotspot' for off-road activity.

'The Plain is first and foremost a military training area and the military are constantly participating in risk-to-life activities.

'When people disregard the rules and leave the Public Rights of Way and MOD roads, they can put themselves and others at risk and can also damage the fragile environment.'

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation, part of the Ministry of Defence, supports the armed forces by building, maintaining and servicing the infrastructure needed to support defence.

Their September newsletter encourages anyone who sees illegal trespassers on the Salisbury Plain to report it as 'antisocial behaviour' to police.

This includes illegal off-roading or motorbiking, drone use, poaching, hare coursing, petty theft, camping and kite flying.
Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber has called for the secret Profumo papers to be released after an appeal was refused over the case of affair 'pimp' Stephen Ward.

The English composer and impresario, 69, spoke out in an open letter after the Criminal Case Review Commission (CCRC) ruled that Ward, will not have his conviction reassessed by the court of appeal.

Lord Lloyd Webber is adamant that the opening of the sealed secret service and police files will clear Ward's name.

The campaign to clear the name of society osteopath Stephen Ward  the high-society fixer at the centre of the Profumo sex scandal  suffered a major setback. He is pictured with showgirl Christine Keeler in June 1963

Many believe Ward was scapegoated for the scandal which had threatened to bring down Harold Macmillans Government. It was sparked by the revelation that Secretary of State for War John Profumo (left) had an affair with Keeler (right) while she was allegedly sleeping with a Russian naval attache

In September 2013, Geoffrey Robertson QC had presented new findings to the CCRC.

Mr Robertson and his team hoped the new evidence would lead either to the case being quashed or Ward being granted a Royal pardon.

Many believe society osteopath Ward was scapegoated for the scandal which had threatened to bring down Harold Macmillan's Government.

It was sparked by the revelation that Secretary of State for War John Profumo had an affair with showgirl Christine Keeler while she was allegedly sleeping with Russian naval attache Yevgeny Ivanov.

Ward, who had a penchant for taking young women under his wing, introduced Profumo and Keeler at a pool party at Lord Astor's house two years earlier.

He was arrested in June 1963 and charged with living off Keeler and her friend Mandy Rice-Davies' immoral earnings.

Towards the end of his trial, Ward overdosed on sleeping pills and was in a coma on July 31 when he was found guilty. He died three days later.

Last Friday, the CCRC said it found no evidence that Ward's prosecution was politically motivated.

But it did accept that if Ward was still alive it could have 'been minded to refer the case to the court of appeal'.

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber (right, in 1969) has called for the secret Profumo papers to be released after an appeal was refused over the case of affair 'pimp' Stephen Ward (left)

In an open letter, seen by The Telegraph, Lord Lloyd Webber wrote: 'The Criminal Cases Review Commission has ruled that the conviction of Stephen Ward cannot be referred to the Court of Appeal as there were not sufficient public interest grounds and "Ward's case was a case of its time".

'If so, surely now there is no reason for the file on Ward and the Profumo scandal to remain closed until 2046?'

There are six Profumo Affair files in the National Archives at Kew, in South-West London, but only five of them are open for public inspection.

The bulging sixth, file 1/4140, containing the highly-sensitive information, is closed and will remain so until at least the year 2046.

Among the papers it contains are believed to be court documents from the Old Bailey, including certain depositions and witness statements that are likely to include information about people whose names were not brought up publicly during the trial.

Andrew Lloyd Webber believes the contents of the file are 'explosive'

Andrew Lloyd Webber believes the contents of the file are 'explosive'.

Speaking in 2014, he said: 'I can only say my source is totally reliable - it couldn't be more reliable.

'Of course, the person in question has not released any details to me, but is at a very high level indeed.'

In 2013 in the Upper House, Lord Lloyd Webber - made a Conseravtive peer in 1997 - rose on the red benches to declare: 'What concerns me is the fact that these files will be closed for a staggering 83 years (and) this gives rise to an awful lot of unhealthy speculation about who might be the individuals named within the files.'

A year later in Westminster, Business Minister Lord Ahmad refused requests for the secret file to be released, saying it contained sensitive information related to people still living.

Lloyd Webber said: 'We could speculate for ever about who and what is in this file, but that is so dangerous. Goodness knows where it could lead.

'The problem is it makes everyone wonder who on Earth it could be who needs that level of protection for that length of time. I can't believe that if I'd been involved, someone like me would receive protection like this.'

One name the unhealthy speculation thrown up in high places is Prince Philip.

Lord Lloyd Webber added: 'That's precisely what I mean about the dangers of having to speculate when everyone is so fed up with secrecy.

'All we know is that Ward and Prince Philip knew each other because he sketched Philip several times.

'The other interesting thing is why someone arrived and bought for cash all the Ward pictures of the Royal Family at an exhibition that took place before the trial. No one knows who it was, but the pictures have never been seen since.'

Ward was an enthusiastic and very skilled artist. He knew several members of the Royal Family, including Princess Margaret (who liked racy company), and also did drawings of the Duke and Duchess of Kent and the Earl of Snowdon.
A mother-of-three who had her neck broken by a falling tree as she shielded her three young children is now suing the city for $200million.

Anne Monoky Goldman, 39, had her 41-day-old son James strapped to her chest and was pushing sons Grant, two, and Will, four, in a double stroller when she was struck by the tree on the west side of Central Park back in August.

Attorney Jordan Merson, who is representing Ms Goldman, said she has been 'completely immobilized' by the accident, cannot breastfeed her youngest son, and will not be able to move her neck for the next two to three months.

Anne Goldman, 39, was walking in Central Park last month with her infant son James strapped to her chest and other two sons Grant (center) and Will (right) in a stroller when the tree fell

Ms Goldman managed to shield the children from the tree but suffered a broken neck and was taken to hospital in critical condition

Merson told NBC New York that Ms Goldman may never walk the same again even once her neck has healed, and will file a notice of claim against the city Wednesday.

Goldman, an editor for fashion brand Tory Burch, was strolling down West Drive near 62nd Street around 10am on August 15 when the tree fell.

Witnesses said there was a 'terrible noise' as the elm ripped away from its roots and toppled over, followed by a baby crying.

When emergency workers got to the scene, Goldman was fading in and out of consciousness, NBC reported.

She was taken to hospital for treatment, along with her sons. Grant suffered a fractured skull while James and will had cuts and bruises, though none of the injuries were deemed serious.

A month on from the accident Ms Goldman's lawyer says she is still immobilized, cannot breastfeed her son, and may never walk the same again

An initial report by the Central Park Conservancy, which maintains the park, suggests the trees roots had decayed and caused it to fall

Winds were mild on the morning in question, according to the National Weather Services, blowing a mere 0 to 3mph when the tree toppled.

A spokesman for Central Park Conservancy, which is responsible for maintaining the park, told the New York Daily News that the tree fell as the result of decayed roots.

Jordan Jacuzzi told the Daily News: 'There were no visible signs of decay or disease.

'The conservancy employs tree crews seven days a week who regularly inspect and maintain Central Park's nearly 20,000 trees according to industry standards.

'The safety of all 42 million annual visitors is our number one priority in the management of Central Park in partnership with NYC Parks.'
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos wants teachers and school leaders to move past the blackboards-and-desks model of schooling, with an eye toward better serving individual kids.

Schools, she said, have looked pretty much the same over the past five decades or so.

For far too many kids, this years first day back to school looks and feels a lot like last years first day back to school. And the year before that. And the generation before that. And the generation before that! That means your parents parents parents! she told students at Woods Learning Center in Casper, Wyo., according to prepared remarks. Most students are starting a new school year that is all too familiar. ... They follow the same schedule, the same routinejust waiting to be saved by the bell.

Thats not helping keep kids engaged, she added: Its a mundane malaise that dampens dreams, dims horizons, and denies futures.

The speech kicked off a six-state tour to highlight what it means to rethink education. DeVos didnt offer a ton of new specifics about how her department would help with that reinvention, beyond shining a spotlight on schools that she thinks are on the right track. And one of the more than 30 protestors outside urged her to Rethink Vouchers according to the Casper Star Tribune .

In her speech, without naming names, DeVos continued to do rhetorical battle with people who she says want to keep K-12 schools stuck in the past.

Today, there is a whole industry of naysayers who loudly defend something they like to call the education system. she said. Whats an education system? There is no such thing! Are you a system? No, youre individual students, parents and teachers.

She said some schools have been able to move past the old model.

Woods Learning Center in Wyomings Natrona County, where DeVos started her tour, is a teacher-powered school, with no principal. Its students dont get traditional letter grades. And kids can enroll in Woods through the districts open enrollment policy.

Students, your parents know you best, and they are in the best position to select the best learning environment for you, DeVos told the children.

She also likes that Woods emphasizes personalized instruction for each student.

Your personalized learning program rethinks school because it is structured around you. Each of your learning plans is developed for each of you, recognizing that each of you is different, and that you learn at your own pace and in your own way, DeVos said. Your success here at Woods is determined by what each of you are learning and mastering. Not by how long you sit at your desks. That is awesome, by the way.

Start Rethinking Schools

DeVos didnt delve into details, though, about just how her department might help schools begin to rethink instruction, other than, of course, by highlighting what she sees as good examples through the back-to-school tour.

President Donald Trumps budget proposal would cut two programs that schools might use to remake instruction. It seeks to zero out the main federal program for teacher training and get rid of a new block grant created under the Every Student Succeeds Act that districts can use for technology, which can enable personalized learning programs. But so far, the Trump-DeVos school choice proposals have fallen flat in Congress .

After her speech, DeVos took questions from kids. Unsurprisingly, none of them mentioned the proposed budget cuts, but one student asked how she planned to rethink schools.

DeVos said this will ultimately be up to educators, not Washington.

Im going to challenge teaching and leaders in school to start rethinking schools, because I dont have all the answers, she said. And the people I work with in Washington dont have all the answers. But Ill bet lots of teachers in lots of schools around our country have the answers.

This week, DeVos will be visiting private, public, and charter schools, as well as post-secondary institutions, in Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Her next stop Tuesday in Wyoming is St. Stephens Indian High School on the Wind River Reservation.

And on Wednesday, DeVos is planning to visit Firefly Autism House, an autism treatment program in Denver. From there, shell head to U.S. Air Force Academy, near Colorado Springs. And then shell visit Midlands University, in Omaha, Neb. The states Sen. Ben Sasse, a Republican, used to be the president of Midlands. Like the secretary, hes a huge fan of school choice.

You can read DeVos remarks here , and watch them below:

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
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A former passenger jet has been found in ruins at Bangkok's bizarre Boeing 747 graveyard - where planes appear to go to die.

These images capture the eerie aeroplane boneyard where three planes, a huge Boeing 747 and two McDonnell Douglas MD-82s, have been left to rot.

The pair of MD-82 jetliners, formerly operated by Orient Thai Airlines, are now at the mercy of the elements in Bangkok after a business venture to use them as a bar failed.

Wrecked: Eerie images and remains of Bangkok's bizarre Boeing 747 graveyard - where planes appear to go to die

These images capture the corpses of the abandoned areoplanes on the aeroplane boneyard

Lost: The inside of a huge Boeing 747 captured by 35-year-old Claudio Sieber, photographer from Switzerland

Abandoned: Aeroplane boneyard where three planes, a huge Boeing 747 and two McDonnell Douglas MD-82s, have been left to rot for no apparent reason

Sieber explains: 'I decided to go to the plane graveyard around sunset to catch a better light and shadow composite'

The former passenger jets lie in ruins at Bangkok tourist site and locals who live nearby charge tourists to access the ghostly site

The wasteland, which is situated in Ramkhamhaeng, eastern Bangkok, is occupied by several poor Thai families who live in small sheds next to the wreckages and act as gatekeepers - charging tourists to access the ghostly site.

Claudio Sieber, a Nomadic explorer and photographer from Switzerland said: 'I'm not really interested in tourist maps, instead I prefer to spend my time urban exploring off the beaten track.

'I decided to go to the plane graveyard around sunset to catch a better light and shadow composite.

'When approaching the gate, the family conquering the sight there told me to come back the next day so I circled the yard to find a hidden way in.

'For me, illegal admittance plays a certain role in urban exploring. Even though, it's not a big deal to pretend one doesn't know about the rules, I could explore the sight by myself with a bit of an adrenaline rush.'

Sieber says: 'I'm not really interested in tourist maps, instead I prefer to spend my time urban exploring off the beaten track'

The inside of the Boeing 747 captured by Claudio Sieber, a Nomadic explorer and photographer from Switzerland

The wasteland, which is situated in Ramkhamhaeng, eastern Bangkok, is occupied by several poor Thai families who live in small sheds next to the wreckages and act as gatekeepers

In March last year, 36-year-old Bangkok-based photographer Dax Ward also visited the unconventional site, frequently visited by tourists, to take a peek inside the stripped MD-82 jetliners.

Mr Ward, a technology teacher who refers to his photography as a hobby, explains: 'The planes were supposedly placed there few years ago by a foreign investor who wanted to create a special outdoor bar using the fuselage as a stage for the bands and service rooms for the bar crew.

'The project was a fiasco and the foreign investor left the site as it is.

'As far as I know, there are currently no plans to move them, although the land upon which they rest is quite expensive.'

The pair of MD-82 jetliners were formerly operated by Orient Thai Airlines and are now cut into sections

The MD-82 jetliners, formerly operated by Orient Thai Airlines, are now at the mercy of the elements in Bangkok after a business venture to use them as a tourist attraction failed

In March last year, 36-year-old Bangkok-based photographer Dax Ward visited the unconventional site to take a peek inside the stripped aeroplanes

As the registration numbers of the two planes have been painted over, it is hard to decipher when the planes were operated or retired.

The interiors of the plane have been mostly stripped away to reveal the bare bones of the giant crafts, but the carpeting, overhead bins and bathrooms remain intact.

Echoing the destruction of a plane crash, oxygen masks, safety manuals and other debris are also scattered about the hollowed out craft.

Echoing the destruction of a plane crash, oxygen masks, safety manuals and other debris are also scattered about the hollowed out craft

Mr Ward explains: 'The planes were supposedly placed there few years ago by a foreign investor who wanted to create a special outdoor bar using the fuselage as a stage for the bands and service rooms for the bar crew

'It is very eerie in the graveyard,' he says.

'There are children's toys and other personal objects scattered around, left by people who have stayed there for whatever reason, almost making it feel like a crash site.

'In Thai culture places like this are often seen as haunted, even if no one has actually passed away at the location.'

Visiting tourists are charged 300 baht (6.60) per person and the site is looked after by a lady who lives on the site with her extended family in some converted fuselages.

Ward added: 'Thailand is a country that flourishes with culture, and such dynamic cultures tend to also include a deeply-rooted spiritual dimension.

'It's is filled with ghost stories and superstitions regarding spirits and locations which are haunted by them.'

Mr Ward said: 'The project was a fiasco and the foreign investor left the site as it is - as far as I know, there are currently no plans to move them, although the land upon which they rest is quite expensive'

The interiors of the plane have been mostly stripped away to reveal the bare bones of the giant crafts, but the carpeting, overhead bins and bathrooms remain intact

Visiting tourists are charged 300 baht per person and the site is looked after by a lady who lives on the site with her extended family in some converted fuselages

He added: 'These can arise from someone actually dying on the site, especially from a violent self-inflicted death, or because they believe there are ghosts residing there to protect the place.

'These beliefs of a haunting can also arise simply because a place looks scary, which is why I think the graveyard would have such an image.'

Exploring supposedly haunted places might be too much to handle alone for some explorers, but Dax says he finds the experience almost meditative.

'I'm pretty happy exploring alone. Sometimes my girlfriend comes along with me and either takes photos herself or models.

'I think, although I really enjoy her company, being completely alone in certain places can be meditative and peaceful.

'Also, there is usually someone hanging around the locations, be it human or animal, so I am rarely completely alone.'

Mr Ward said: 'In Thai culture places like this are often seen as haunted, even if no one has actually passed away here'

He describes Thailand as being 'filled with ghost stories and superstitions regarding spirits and locations which are haunted by them'

He adds: 'These beliefs of a haunting can also arise simply because a place looks scary, which is why I think the plane graveyard would have such an image'

Delving into the depths of the aeroplanes was a refreshing experience for the photographer, who reflected on the rarity of the opportunity to see inside one.

He said: 'I'm not familiar with aeronautical design so it is interesting for me to see the different levels in the plane and to get a sense of it's actual size.

'It is a truly impressive feat in engineering and physics that allows for such large, heavy objects to be propelled through the sky at high speeds.

'Those of us that travel regularly get so used to aeroplane transit that we sometimes forget all that is involved in a single flight.'

Mr Ward notes: 'It is a truly impressive feat in engineering and physics that allows for such large, heavy objects to be propelled through the sky at high speeds'
House Intelligence Committee Democrats are sending corporate information to special counsel Robert Mueller that they say shows fired national security advisor Mike Flynn 'violated federal law.'

Flynn failed to initially disclose foreign contacts related to a 2015 trip to the Middle East to pursue a deal between financed by the Saudi government and backed by a Russian entity, the lawmakers say, citing letters they got from companies who were part of the deal.

The deal was to build nuclear power plants in the Middle East by partnering with Russia's nuclear power agency, and including meetings with Middle East officials to discuss it.

'It appears that General Flynn violated federal law by omitting this trip and these foreign contacts from his security clearance renewal application in 2016 and concealing them from security clearance investigators who interviewed him as part of the background check process,' wrote Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland Eliot Engel.

The Democratic lawmakers gathered information about ex National Security Advisor Mike Flynn's 2015 trip to the MIddle East

The lawmakers describe the deal as a 'joint U.S.-Russian, Saudi-financed program to build nuclear reactors in the Arab world.'

Flynn's amended disclosure to renew his security clearance revealed that he did consulting work as an advisor for X-Co Dynamics Inc./Iron Bridge Group.

The lawmakers state in the letter to the companies they contacted continued to get information from Flynn about the project from inside the White House.

'Your responses raise significant questions about whether General Flynn continued to communicate with you and others about this project after the presidential election, after Donald Trump was sworn in as president, and after General Flynn assumed the post of National Security Advisorwithout disclosing his foreign travel or contacts,' according to Cummings and Engel.

The American people deserve to know whether General Flynn was secretly promoting the private interests of these businesses while he was a campaign advisor, a transition official, or President Trumps National Security Advisor,' they add.

Reps. Elijah Cummings and Eliot Engel forwarded information about Flynn to special counsel Robert Mueller

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Robert Mueller is probing Russian election interference and possible obstruction of justice

'Since these violations carry criminal penalties of up to five years in prison, we are providing your responses to Special Counsel Robert Mueller,' wrote the lawmakers, who then released the letter.

The letter went to executives from X-Co Dynamics, ACU Strategic Partners, IronBridgeGroup Inc., IP3, and Flynn's consulting firm, Flynn Intel Group.

A Statement from Thomas Cochran of ACU confirmed that Flynn traveled to Egypt and Israel in 2015. It stated that Russia had expressed interest in building four reactors in Egypt and Jordan. It states that emails show Flynn was in contact with a top Jordanian official about the project.

Alex Copson, managing director for ACU Strategic Partners, wrote that Flynn got a check for $25,000 to compensate him for 'loss of income and business opportunities' for the trip, but Flynn apparently didn't cash it,' according to the letter.
Hillary Clinton says former FBI Director James Comey should have called her and asked about the emails on Anthony Weiner's computer in the final days of the campaign rather than writing to Congress.

Clinton retraced the litany of external causes she blames for her defeat in her first live interview since the election on 'Today' this morning.

As in her new memoir, 'What Happened,' Clinton puts Comey at the top of the list, citing his intervention, which ultimately uncovered nothing new, as the 'determining factor' in her loss to Donald Trump.

'It stopped my momentum. It drove voters from me,' Clinton said Wednesday.

The 2016 Democratic presidential nominee says she was 'stunned' when she found out that Comey was taking another look at her case. 'I was just dumbfounded. I thought what is he doing?'

'It stopped my momentum, it drove voters from me,' Clinton said of James Comey's decision to write Congress and inform lawmakers he was taking another look at her emails, only to later say nothing later that the FBI discovered nothing of importance

'This was not necessary. He could have called me up, he could have called others involved up and said, 'Hey can we look at this new stuff just to make sure it's stuff we've seen?'

Clinton says she would have told him, 'Absolutely. Have at it.'

'But no, he had to write letters to Congress, which immediately were leaked,' she told Today show hosts Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer.

The FBI had come into possession of a laptop which had Clinton emails because of an unrelated investigation into disgraced ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner, who is married to top Clinton aide Huma Abedin. The two are separated.

The cache ended up including Clinton emails that had gone to Abedin that ended up on Weiner's computer, which the FBI was looking at as part of its probe into Weiner's online contacts with an underage girl.

Clinton told Lauer and Guthrie that 'for that intervention, I would have won.'

She learned about it aboard her campaign plane.

'I was stunned to be honest. I didn't know what to think about it because I knew there was nothing there,' she said. 'I feel very strongly that he went way beyond his role in doing what he did,' Clinton said.

She said later in the interview that 'he was fired for the wrong reason' by President Trump.

'He should not have been fired for Russia,' Clinton said, going beyond what investigators have posited. 'He should have been disciplined, whether or not fired, that's not for me to say, but he should have been disciplined for the way that he behaved on the email investigation,' she said.

The 2016 Democratic presidential nominee says she was 'stunned' when she found out that Comey was taking another look at her case. 'I was just dumbfounded. I thought what is he doing?'

Clinton gave her first live interview since her defeat on the Today Show

Clinton claimed on NBC that Comey, Russia, sexism and voter suppression were the key factors in her loss, 'in addition to the mistakes I made.'

She continues to speak out about them, despite Democratic grumbling because they are 'things I think that are just as important today as they were a year ago.'

Pushed by Lauer to give her opinion on a charge that Trump's campaign colluded with Russia, with the knowledge of the candidate, to steal the election, Clinton said she cannot know if that's true. That's why there's an ongoing Department of Justice Investigation, she stated.

Clinton did, however, bring up Trump associate Roger Stone's claim on Twitter that her campaign chair, John Podesta, would some have his time in 'the barrel,' days before WikiLeaks released his emails. 'How would he have known that?' she said.

'If I had been elected and this had come to light  I would have stopped at nothing to make sure this never happened again to anybody,' Clinton said.

She also listed misogyny and sexism as reasons for her loss. She said she also made her own mistakes but outlined them in the book and didn't revisit them.

'Race is a much more motivating factor for voters than gender is,' she said, responding to a question posed by Guthrie about the election of Barack Obama.

After mentioning the 'mistakes that I made,' Clinton asked, 'What about endemic sexism and misogyny? What about the unprecedented action of the FBI director? What about the interference by an adversary nation to determine or tilt the outcome of our election? What about voter suppression?'

The media is also to blame, she argued. 'I personally believe that our press, which is such an essential part of our country, our democracy, has to take some hard look at how it covered what was the first reality TV candidate.'

A tidbit from the book that didn't get a second look in the interview: Clinton's criticism of Matt Lauer (right) in 'What Happened.' She bashed him for his handling of a candidate forum, where she felt he had been too soft on Trump and too abrasive with his questions for her

The Benghazi terror attack also came up. Clinton said that Republicans turned the tragedy into a 'political football' with the explicit intention of undermining her credibility, record and accomplishments.

EVERYONE CLINTON HAS BLAMED SINCE SHE LOST Clinton's round of TV interviews have added new culprits to those who Hillary Clinton says prevented her from being in the White House. So far those include: The FBI

James Comey, then FBI director

The Russians

Vladimir Putin

'Anti-American forces'

Low information voters

Everyone who assumed she'd win

Bad polling numbers

Obama for winning two terms

People wanting change

Misogynists

Suburban women

The New York Times

Television executives

Cable news

Netflix

Democrats not making the right documentaries

Facebook

Twitter

Wikileaks

Fake news

'Content farms in Macedonia'

The Republican Party

The Democratic Party

Women post-election protesters

Matt Lauer

Joe Biden

The media generally

Benghazi investigators

Voter suppression

*Note: Clinton told NBC on her book tour that 'some of it is my own doing' Advertisement

'I get why people will say, 'Well, hey, you know there's all this noise around her all the time,' and some of it is my own doing, I'm a person, I know that,' she said, 'but a lot of it is, for whatever reason, the idea among some, that, you know, I really do take seriously the threat posed from the right to this country, to our economic equality, to our civil rights.'

Clinton said, 'I take it really seriously. It's not just a political issue for me, and they are constantly trying to undermine me.'

A tidbit from the book that didn't get a second look in the interview: Clinton's criticism of Lauer in 'What Happened.' She bashed him for his handling of a candidate forum, where she felt he had been too soft on Trump and too abrasive with his questions for her.

Clinton wrote that she was 'ticked off' when NBC posed a question from a self-identified Republican Gulf War vet who wanted to know how she could be trusted 'when you clearly corrupted our national security?'

'NBC knew exactly what it was doing here,' Clinton says. 'The network was treating this like an episode of The Apprentice, in which Trump stars and ratings soar. Lauer had turned what should have been a serious discussion into a pointless ambush. What a waste of time.'

She goes on to deny reports that she marched off stage in a fury and broke a water glass.

'I can't say I didn't fantasize about shaking some sense into Lauer while I was out there,' she admits.

Lauer said this morning, by way of 'full disclosure,' that Clinton criticized him 'pretty soundly' in 'What Happened' in the second of two interview segments that she sat for on 'Today.'

Then he pivoted and asked: 'When it comes to the self-inflicted wounds...did you make enough mistakes yourself to lose the election without any of the other things you talk about?

'Well, I will say no, Matt,' Clinton responded. 'I don't think that will surprise you.'
Pablo Escobar's son smiles for a selfie with the son of the Colombian justice minister killed by the drug lord 33 years ago in a symbol of peace.

The Colombia narcoterrorist, who built a multi-billion dollar empire dealing cocaine, was responsible for the murder of thousands of people, including politicians, judges, journalists and rival traffickers.

Among those he ordered to be murdered during his reign of terror was Justice Minister Rodrigo Lara Bonilla in 1984.

He was gunned down in his car at the hands of an assassin sent by Escobar, in a scene shown in the Netflix show 'Narcos' about the drug kingpin's life.

Lara had been his fiercest critic in the government after he was expelled from the Colombian Congress.

The son of Pablo Escobar posed for a selfie with Jorge Lara (right), son of Rodrigo Lara Bonilla, who his father ordered to be murdered in 1984

Rodrigo Lara Bonilla (left) served as Minister of Justice and was assassinated by orders of Pablo Escobar (right) because of his work in prosecuting cocaine traffickers mainly belonging to the Medellin Cartel

The life of Pablo Escobar was the basis of Netflix TV show Narcos where the infamous crime lord is portrayed by Wagner Moura (pictured)

The drug lord and justice minister had sons of a similar age.

Since their fathers' deaths Juan Pablo Escobar and Jorge Lara have embarked on a reconciliation effort in the country once torn apart by the drugs trade.

They first met almost a decade ago and came together again in Cartagena, in the north of Colombia, during the visit from Pope Francis over the weekend.

Sebastian Marroquin, born Juan Pablo Escobar, captioned the photo: 'Peace is real. Thanks to Pope Francis for these moments of prayer in the church of San Pedro Claver of Cartagena, for peace, for reconciliation.

'Picture with Jorge Lara, son of the minister of justice Rodrigo Lara Bonilla (RIP), murdered by my father.'

In a previous interview Marroquin said: 'Running for office was my father's biggest mistake. For years, the country's elite tolerated him. But after he meddled in politics, they decided to destroy him.'

Sebastian Marroquin is the son of the infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar

From a poor family in the town of Medellin, in Colombia's north-east, Escobar grew up to become the world's most wanted men

Marroquin was only 17 when his father died in Medellin in 1993 after he was shot by Colombian National Police, one day after his 44th birthday

ESCOBAR'S SON SLAMS NARCOS Sebastian Marroquin has condemned Narcos for 'glorifying' his father's crimes. He said: 'Series about narcos have turned my father into a hero and given young people the idea that it is cool to be a drug trafficker.' Last year he listed 28 inaccuracies in the popular show on Facebook, calling it 'insulting'. He also defended his mother, saying she was not an accomplice to Escobar, as the series claims. Following his father's death at the hand's of Colombian police, Marroquin fled to Argentina aged 16 to start a new life. He went on to become a public speaker against the drug profligacy in Colombia. Advertisement

He was 17 when his father died in Medellin in 1993.

Lara, who was eight when his father was assassinated, said he originally sought revenge for his father's death.

He still seeks justice for his father's murder, but said he had made peace with Escobar's son.

Marroquin first met Jorga Lara in 2009 along with the son of Luis Carlos Galan, a presidential candidate who was also assassinated under Escobar's orders (in 1989).

He admitted he was 'surprised', saying 'reconciliation is not usually part of a Colombian's vocabulary.'

The architect was particularly moved when they told him: 'You were also a victim of Pablo Escobar.'

He said: 'I don't know if that's true. But if so, I'm the last person in Colombia who deserves any sympathy.'

'Nothing is more important than peace. I think it is worth it to really risk our lives and everything we have so that peace really happens in Colombia someday', he added.

'Drug trafficking destroyed my family. It gave us the world, and then it took it away.'

The story of Pablo Escobar, who became a billionaire through the production and distribution of cocaine, was the subject of the Narcos documentary on Netflix

Sebastian Marroquin, born Juan Pablo Escobar, (right) as he appeared in the Narcos TV show

Only eight months after taking the Ministry of Justice post, Rodrigo Lara Bonilla was gunned down in his car on the night of April 30, 1984 - the event was shown in the Narcos show, with Lara played by Mexican actor Adan Canto
A mother has slammed her son's school after the shoes she was certain complied with their strict uniform policy were deemed unacceptable.

Parents around Britain have been battling increasingly stringent uniform policies at UK schools since children returned to classes earlier this month.

Kellie McGowan, from Gloucester, splashed out on 50 for Kickers shoes for her son Colby, only to be told the 14-year-old would be put in 'isolation' if they are not replaced.

Kellie McGowan is the latest parent to hit out at what she sees as a over-zealous school uniform policy after her son was threatened with 'isolation' for wearing these 50 shoes into class

Severn Vale School in Quedgeley, Gloucestershire has a 500-word section on its website dedicated to what clothes pupils should and shouldn't wear, with images to show what is acceptable and what not.

Ms McGowan was told the Kickers shoes she bought were 'too much like trainers', but she insists she cannot afford yet another pair.

She said: 'I was told by the school I would have a week to replace his shoes or he will be put into isolation.

'These are part of the Kickers school shoe range and I have had confirmation from them that is the case.

'As a single parent I don't have another 50 to replace them. It is ridiculous.

'And why are the school spending money on shoes for children who turn up in footwear they say isn't correct?'

The school has a detailed uniform policy showing what shoes are okay and what not

Ms McGowan says she already works two jobs, one at a Screwfix store and another at a fish and chip shop, to pay the bills and cannot afford to waste money meeting the school's demands.

The school says three letters were sent out, with the first one in May, detailing the changes.

Ms McGowan has discussed the matter with the school and a resolution has not been reached.

Headteacher Richard Johnson said 'With regards to shoes, we told parents that we expected school shoes to mean school shoes; trainer-style shoes would not be acceptable.

'We also told parents that if a student came to school in unacceptable shoes we would replace them with a pair provided by the school. The overwhelming feedback from parents has been positive.

'Most have found that buying school shoes is significantly cheaper than buying branded trainer style shoes. They have also commented that the students look much smarter.'
The CIA will not release the porn collection it recovered from Osama Bin Laden's compound in Pakistan, its director has announced.

Despite pleas from the public and lawsuits which claim the public has a right to see the material, CIA Director Mike Pompeo revealed this week that the files will not see the light of day.

Hundreds of other pieces of evidence which were gathered from Bin Laden's Abbottabad compound after the mission in 2011 are to be released 'very soon,' he said.

'We will release all but, there's some pornography, there's some copyrighted material.

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The CIA will not release Osama Bin Laden's pornography stash which was recovered after he was killed in 2011. The evil Al Qaeda leader is seen above in 2001

'And everything but those items will be released in the weeks ahead,' Pompeo told Fox News on Monday during an interview to commemorate the 16th anniversary of 9/11.

The evidence that was gathered after SEAL Team 6 took out the Al Qaeda leader has been kept away from the public for six years.

It has been the source of debate among intelligence officials, some of whom wanted to keep it private, claiming it all served as 'operational' material and was classified.

Director Pompeo said on Monday that he was eager for it to be shared, but admitted some files will remain secret.

'I want to get these documents out. Once we are sure there's not classified material and once we are sure there's not things that we can't release.

'I want to make sure that the world gets to see them,' he said.

The pornography collection which belonged to the evil Al Qaeda leader and his soldiers has never been on the table.

Hundreds of pieces of evidence were gathered from Bin Laden's Abbottabad compound in Pakistan (above) after he was executed by a team of Navy SEALS in April 2011

There was no internet connection at the compound but videos found inside showing Bin Laden watching television show there were working TVs with playback functions

The televisions and pre-recorded porn, which officials describe as 'modern', were retrieved along with countless other items of evidence

In June, the CIA said it would not release the files due to the 'nature of their contents'.

Several FOI requests have been filed pleading for them to be released and in July last year, a lawsuit was filed against the Agency by the truth-seeking not-for-profit organization Judicial Watch.

Bin Laden's Abbottabad compound had no internet connection or computers but there were TVs inside.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo said on Monday that he wanted the world to see the files that were gathered from the mission

After the raid in April 2011, US officials revealed that an 'extensive' collection of pornography was found inside but they said they did not know whether the terrorist leader ever watched it himself.

They described it as being 'modern' and electronically recorded but gave no further detail about its contents.

Footage found inside the compound showed him watching television including shows of which he was the focus.

He was seen in one still from the video with a remote in his hand as he gazed at his own face on the monitor.

Despite being overtaken in global headlines about terror by the comparative newcomer ISIS, Director Pompeo said Al Qaeda still posed a threat to the US and that his agents are still hunting its leaders.

Watch the latest video at <a href="//video.foxnews.com">video.foxnews.com</a>

The CIA is still hunting key members of Al Qaeda including Bin Laden's son Hamza (seen left together before his death and right in a propaganda video as a young teenager)

Intelligence officials fear Hamza (seen left as a young teenager and right in an artist's impression of what he now may look like) is being groomed to become the terror group's next leader

Among them is Hamza Bin Laden, Osama's son who, it is feared, is being groomed to spearhead the terror group through a resurgence.

Intelligence suggests that Hamza is now around 24.

Director Pompeo said he was confident Hamza, who has not been found since his father's death, would soon be tracked down.

'I never want to underestimate Al Qaeda itself. There are still a lot of bad guys from the bad old days.

'My team even as we sit here, is working diligently to find them and bring them to justice. If I was them, I'd count my days,' he said.
The late night hosts went in hard on Ted Cruz Tuesday night in response to the Texas senator's Twitter account liking a hardcore porn video.

Jimmy Kimmel led the way on his ABC show, joking that the video of a stepmother walking in on her stepson and another girl having sex was to Cruz's liking because he is a 'family values guy.'

He went on to say that he did not think Cruz would have actually been watching the adult video, stating: 'I think he masturbates to poor people without healthcare.'

Kimmel later aired a parody ad he claimed was from a Cruz PAC that showed the politician's face and asked viewers: 'Is this the face of a man who masturbates?'

The ad then kept pausing to replace the selected photos, which showed Cruz's eerie smile or contorted face.

It ended with a voice-over that stated: 'Ted Cruz never masturbates. For America.'

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It's going down: The late night hosts all discussed Ted Cruz and his Twitter account liking a porn film that depicted a stepmother walking in on her stepson having sex (Jimmy Kimmel above)

Cruzing: Kimmel said Cruz liked the video because he is a 'family values guy' then said the Texas senator 'masturbates to poor people without healthcare'

'If he had done something this perverted during the campaign, he might be president right now,' joked the Jimmy Kimmel Live host at the top of his monologue.

'This is especially funny because he is the one who had a law banning sex toys. So he is a lot of fun.'

Kimmel then noted that the post was up for hours before a member of Cruz's team noticed it and thought to take it down.

'According to the spokeswoman, the tweet has been removed he is and being punished for being a very naughty boy,' said Kimmel.

'But I have to say, I love this stuff. Let's go through the possibilities of how the could have happened. I have four theories.

'One, someone on his staff was browsing porn on Twitter and accidentally liked it.

'Number two, his Twitter account was hacked.

'Number three, Ted himself was looking at the porn. His wife Heidi woke up and he accidentally hit the like button while he was trying get his pants zipped up.

'Or number four, Ted lost the presidential election. He's been bullied by Trump. He didn't get a cabinet position. He is tired of being the uptight person from Texas. Screw it. I watch porn in public right now. This is who I am.'

Kimmel then acknowledged that Cruz had blamed the incident on a staffer with access to his Twitter account in a statement earlier in the day.

That is when he joked: 'I really honestly don't think it was Ted Cruz. I don't think Ted Cruz looks at porn. I think he masturbates to poor people without health care.'

Face the facts: The ABC host then aired a parody ad that denied Cruz masturbates by showing photos of the politician with an eerie smile and contorted face (above)

Repeal and replace: 'Do you know what? Let's go ahead and use another picture,' said the voice-over as the photos was quickly replaced on the screen (Kimmel parody grab above)

The parody ad was then aired for the audience, which had the look and feel of the ones which millions of Americans watched during the campaign.

'Ted Cruz is hard at work for the people of Texas. Yet the liberal media is so desperate to undermine him they're claiming he liked a porn video on Twitter,' said the voice-over as images from MSNBC and CNN hosts talking about the porn incident flashed on the screen.

'For those who question Ted Cruz' character, we ask you, does this look like a man who watches porn on his phone?'

A photo was then put up of Cruz with a tight smirk on his face staring down at a camera.

'Do you know what? Let's go ahead and use another picture,' said the voice-over as the photos was quickly replaced on the screen.

'Is this the face of a man who masturbates ... wait, wait, hang on. Get the other.'

Then in quick succession three more photos went up and were quickly replaced in the ad.

'Do you really believe this Princeton-educated man is so unaware of how to indulge his sexual urges in a healthy way, he memorized the nail of a Twitter porn handle so he could come back later and watch the videos without following the account itself? No. You don't. Because it's not true,' said the voice-over.

'Ted Cruz never masturbates. For America.'

Kimmel then joked after the ad had finished: 'You know what Ted Cruz's porn name is? It's Ted Cruz.'

Don't ask, don't tell: 'When asked to comment on this story, Ted Cruz said, 'Don't come in here!'" joked James Corden, who later flashed a fake comment from Cruz (above)

Beat it: 'He's ignoring me because he's on his laptop,' joked Mindy Kaling, who claimed Cruz was in her dressing room when she stopped by Corden's show

James Corden also made Cruz the focus of his opening monolgue on his CBS show, devoting his entire first segment to the scandal.

'Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the show. I'm very excited about tonight's show. But, apparently, I'm not the only one who's excited. Texas senator Ted Cruz is coming under fire because, late last night, his official Twitter account liked a pornographic video,' the Late Late Show With James Corden host told the audience.

'So, if you ever meet Ted Cruz on the campaign trail, you might want to think twice before shaking that hand.'

He then added: 'Ted Cruz likes pornography. Sounds like Kim Jong-un isn't the only one who likes to shoot off his Cruz missile.'

Corden, like Kimmel, then joked about Cruz's physical appearance in photographs.

'It's crazy that this is the first time Ted Cruz has been caught looking at porn because, in every single photo, he looks like he just got caught looking at porn,' said Corden.

'When asked to comment on this story, Ted Cruz said, 'Don't come in here!''

Corden then pointed out Cruz had denied that he was the individual who had liked the tweet in question before stating that he believed it was 'obvious' that Cruz was responsible, and show have released a statement saying: 'You got me. I was having a wank.'

The British-born funnyman added: 'His approval rating would go up 50 points.'

Shock and awe: 'It's crazy that this is the first time Ted Cruz has been caught looking at porn because, in every single photo, he looks like he just got caught looking at porn,' said Corden (above)

Cruz even found his way into Corden's next segment about the new iPhone.

'They say the new iPhone battery is good for up to eight hours of secretly liking porn videos on Twitter,' said Corden in on bit.

Next he said: 'Apple revealed this new phone has all kinds of great new features such as increased battery life, an edge-to-edge screen and wireless charging.

'Then Ted Cruz was like, 'Yeah, but is it moisture-proof?''

He kept things going with the next line as well, stating: 'The iPhone X will have the sharpest, clearest video capability yet. The video is so clear, Ted Cruz will feel like he's right there in the room masturbating.'

Speaking about the developments in the new Apple Watch Corden said: 'It now has a feature that will let you know when your heart rate is elevated, but you don't appear to be exercising. It's called 'Ted Cruz mode.''

And finally, of the new facial recognition program on the Apple phone Corden said: 'It's so good, it'll even recognize Ted Cruz's orgasm face.'

The show then went to commercial but came back with a check on Mindy Kalling in her dressing room, and another Cruz bit.

'Who's hanging out in there with you?' asked Corden

'I've got Ted Cruz in here on Twitter, hang on, replied Kaling.

'Is he in the bathroom now?' inquired Corden.

'He's ignoring me because he's on his laptop,' she replied.

Hard pass: ''Ew, gross,' said the porn stars after hearing that Ted Cruz watched them,' joked Seth Meyers (above), calling it the 'second most embarrass thing' Cruz has liked

Just beat it: 'Some are wondering if he's going to hire a PR team to beat the scandal, but Cruz says he plans to beat it alone,' said Jimmy Fallon (above)

Over on NBC, both Set Meyers and Jimmy Fallon kept their bit relatively brief.

'Senator Ted Cruz's Twitter account last night liked a pornographic video about a woman who finds a couple having sex on her couch,' said Meyers on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

''Ew, gross,' said the porn stars after hearing that Ted Cruz watched them.'

He then added a little jab at President Trump, saying: 'That's right. Ted Cruz's Twitter account was caught liking a pornographic post last night.

'It's the second-most embarrassing thing Cruz has been caught liking.'

And on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the host said: 'Last night on Twitter, Ted Cruz's official account liked a pornographic video. The next time Cruz tries to reach across the aisle, the other senators will be like, 'No, thank you. That's good. We're good.''

He closed out by stating: 'That's right, Cruz liked a a pornographic video. Some are wondering if he's going to hire a PR team to beat the scandal, but Cruz says he plans to beat it alone.'

The only network host who did not weigh in was Stephen Colbert as he was in Los Angeles preparing to host the Emmy Awards this weekend and airing repeats.

The Daily Show also got in on the action, joking: 'Only Ted Cruz would seraph for pornography by typing in "sexual posts."'

Host Trevor Noah then called that the 'most generic, lame way' to search for porn.

'What else does he search? Uncovered swimsuit areas? Reproduction showing the outside parts?' asked Noah.

'I bet Ted Cruz doesn't even watch the porn for the sex, he just gets excited to see strangers going over to other people's house.'

He went on to joke that Cruz 'probably just gets off by hearing the doorbell ring,;' before simulating the face some make while having an orgasm.

Noah then took time to dismiss the outcry over the incident.

'It's not a scandal, everyone watches porn. it's part of being a normal human being. Which is exactly why we know Ted Cruz didn't do it,' explained Noah.

'He's pretending to like porn as a way to blend in with the rest of the human species. Nice try Ted.'

Noah then joked 'we know you got hacked.'
A 20-year-old student was left in a life-threatening coma after falling from his 7-foot-high loft bed at an Atlanta university in January 2015.

Clark Jacobs fractured his skull, developed a brain bleed and suffered a stroke after the fall at his Kappa Sigma fraternity house at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

His mother, Mariellen Jacobs, is now on a mission to change the university's policies regarding its unprotected beds.

Mariellen Jacobs pictured here with her son Clark Jacobs, who was left in a life-threatening coma after falling from his 7-foot-high loft bed at university

The tragic experience resulted in him fracturing his skull and being in a coma for three months

The 20-year-old has had to undergone physical therapy following the near death accident and had to learn to walk again

She shared her son's story on social media in an attempt to educate his fellow peers and explain the dangers of beds with no rails.

Speaking to CBS the mother said: 'It was horrible to watch. He was near death. The surgeon said he might not make it.'

'I didn't know if he was going to live. I didn't know if I was going to get my kid back.'

The fraternity student also developed a brain bleed. He is seen above in his hospital bed

She explained how she wanted to inform his fellow students about the incident as initially it was even something her son shrugged off.

Before the actual incident occurred, his mother said: 'The beds were quite high off ground. I remember saying, "Shouldn't we put something on there?" My son laughed, "I'm not going to roll off." No one thinks that.'

Mariellen said she wanted to change the 'stigma' around the issue: 'There's a stigma associated with a rail on a bed. You think, I haven't had that since I was four years old.'

Pictured here is a loft bed from the Atlanta university with rails attached to the side of it

He suffered a stroke and ultimately went into a coma. Clark had to undergo physical therapy at the Shepard Center in Atlanta but has now returned to university after missing four semesters

'Well, it's not a childish thing. One single roll, one time and you're out of that bed,' she said.

She is now determined to change the policies at the university, hoping to see rails attached on every loft bed after she started the non-profit Rail Against the Danger.

Thanks to the non-profit the university will now provide rails.

The college student experienced a series of injuries, pictured here with a black eye

In a statement on their official Rail Against The Danger website Mariellen wrote: 'As of January 1, 2017 every public campus in our great state of Georgia will be required to supply rails, free of charge to any student who requests them.'

'On top of that, two of our popular state colleges; Georgia State in Atlanta and Georgia College in Milledgeville, have already ordered and installed rails on their loft beds due to RADs efforts partnering with the University System of Georgia,' she concluded.

Clark, who has since been nicknamed Superman, had to undergo physical therapy at the Shepard Center in Atlanta and learn how to walk again but has now returned to university after missing four semesters.

Clark had to undergo physical therapy at the Shepard Center in Atlanta
A failed stock trader who is accused of murdering his estranged wife told police at the time of her death that he had pulled her out of the bathtub to resuscitate her, but his clothes were dry when officers arrived, court testimony has revealed.

Rod Covlin, 44, is accused of strangling his wife, Shele Danishefsky, who was found dead in the bathtub at her Manhattan apartment the day before she was planning to write Covlin out of her will in 2009, court papers claim.

Covlin called police less than hour after discovering the 47-year-old mother-of-two in the bathtub, and told officers that he had tried to revive her.

But according to testimony from Sgt Yadelie Sanchez, his clothes were dry when she arrived, meaning he must have changed after pulling her from the bathtub.

Roderick Covlin (left on Monday), 44, appeared stoic as he sat next to his attorneys in a Manhattan criminal court for his trial nearly two years after he was arrested and charged with the murder of his estranged wife, Shele Danishefsky Covlin (right)

His estranged wife was found dead in her bathtub one day before she was planning to cut Covlin (above in court on Monday) out of her will on New Year's Eve in 2009

The father-of-two (above center in court on Monday) is also accused of trying to set up a marriage between a Mexican man and their daughter, Anna, who was only 13 years old, prosecutors allege

'How did his clothing appear when you encountered him?' defense lawyer Derrelle Janie asked Sanchez in court on Tuesday, The New York Post reported. 'His clothing was dry, correct?

'Yes,' she answered, adding that Covlin told her and her supervisor that he found Danishefsky in the tub after receiving a panicked phone call from his nine-year-old daughter and rushing over to their apartment.

Sanchez said that Covlin offered a theory to police on how Danishefsky had died.

'She was trying to grab something, a piece of wood broke, and she landed in the bathtub and hit her head,' she recalled him saying.

She said Covlin appeared to be distraught and was shaking and gagging.

The detail about his dry clothing first appeared during a two-day hearing ahead of his trial.

Covlin (left) has been held without bond since his arrest in 2015 and faces 25 years to life in prison if he's convicted. The failed stock trader was less than two months away from inheriting half of his wife's (right) $4 million fortune until he was charged for her gruesome murder

The victim's sister, Eve Karstaedt (front left), was pictured heading into court on Monday along with her brother Philip Danishefsky (right)

His defense team argued that the information couldn't be used during the trial because the comments weren't made voluntarily.

When Covlin spoke to police at the Upper West Side apartment, the death wasn't yet a homicide and the apartment wasn't a crime scene, the prosecuting team countered.

An autopsy confirmed that a bone in Danishefsky's throat had been broken by force.

Colvin has pleaded not guilty to murder charges.

He was arrested in 2015 after his then-girlfriend went to the police and gave them the ammunition to indict him on the charges, after she said he 'made statements implicating himself' in the 2009 slaying.

He was arrested at the Scarsdale Metro North train station by three NYPD detectives and a representative from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office in 2015. At the time of his arrest, he was headed to his weekly visit with their kids, who lived with his parents.

Covlin has been held without bond for the last two years and faces 25 years to life in prison if he's convicted.

At the time of her murder, the couple was in the midst of a costly and nasty divorce when Anna, who was then-nine years old, found her mother submerged in the bathtub of their West 68th Street apartment (file above) in New York City

The failed stock trader was less than two months away from inheriting half of his wife's $4million fortune until he was charged for her gruesome murder.

The other half of the money is intended for Anna and Myles, who are each due $1million.

Shortly after his arrest, Covlin was accused of trying to set up a marriage between his daughter and a Mexican man in an attempt to collect his daughter's part of the inheritance when she was 13 years old.

The money has been being held in a trust due to a wrongful-death suit filed against the defendant in 2011, according to the New York Post.

Previous incidents where Covlin had been called an 'absolute pedophile' and a 'dirty bastard' by parents of underage girls he had contacted and poked on Facebook were also mentioned in court at the time.

Prosecutor Matthew Bogdanos also said Covlin 'falsely' reported Danishefsky for sexually abusing their three-year-old son Myles and that he lied to her work supervisor and said his ex-wife was a drug addict.

Covlin's attorney, Robert Gottlieb, called his client a 'desperate' man and said the marriage claim and the other issues Bodganos introduced had 'nothing to do with the murder allegations'.

Danishefsky was a money manager at UBS, part of a finance family in which she worked alongside her brother and father

Judge Wittner sided with the district attorney at the time.

Covlin and Danishefsky were in the midst of a costly and nasty divorce when Anna, who was then-nine years old, found her mother submerged in the bathtub of their West 68th Street apartment in New York City on New Year's Eve 2009.

Investigators initially thought she had slipped and fallen, striking her head. After her Orthodox Jewish family objected to an autopsy for religious reasons, the cause of her death was listed as undetermined.

Her body was later exhumed with her family's permission, and medical examiners concluded in April 2010 that she had been strangled.

Danishefsky was a money manager at UBS, part of a finance family in which she worked alongside her brother and father.

Covlin had been a trader and was a noted figure in the backgammon world, having helped found the US Backgammon Federation.

After years of marriage and the two children, their relationship was falling apart.

He had moved into an apartment across the hall in their Manhattan building, and they were embroiled in a bitter divorce, court papers show.
River Ridge High teacher Lyn Orletsky kicked two students out of her class because they were wearing t-shirts with President Trump's Make America Great Again slogan

A math teacher who kicked two students out of her class for wearing Trump t-shirts has been removed from her classroom.

River Ridge High School Principal Darrell herring sent a letter home to parents last Friday, saying Lyn Oletsky would not longer be teaching 'effective immediately'.

The school is assigning a substitute to take over the class while they search for a permanent teacher to take over the class.

It's unclear if Oletsky was fired or if she was assigned a different job within the school district.

The incident happened on August 31, when two of her students came to class wearing 'Make America Great Again' t-shirts.

Turning Point News obtained footage showing Oletsky telling the students to turn their shirts inside out.

'Just like you cannot wear a swastika to school... you cannot wear Make America Great Again like that,' she said in the footage.

Cherokee County School District spokeswoman Barbara Jacoby said the teacher was 'wrong' to have made the comments.

The school said Friday that Orletsky will no longer be teaching the class, but did not say whether she was fired

A substitute teacher is teaching the class until a permanent teacher is hired

'Her actions were wrong, as the "Make America Great Again" shirts worn by the students are not a violation of our School District dress code,' Jacoby said.

'The teacher additionally - and inappropriately - shared her personal opinion about the campaign slogan during class.'

The school principal immediately apologized to the students and the families.

The school said it couldn't comment on disciplinary action against a teacher but said the students would not be punished.

Orletsky is being abused on social media and online since the footage emerged.

She has also been inundated with poor ratings on ratemyteachers.com.

'Fascist who wouldn't let her students wear tshirts supporting President Trump,' one comment read.

Another said: 'Stop teaching this filth and clean up these schools.'
UPDATED

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and her team have been approving state plans for implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act at a fast and furious pace: Theyve announced approvals for 13 states and the District of Columbia over the past few weeks.

For those keeping score: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, North Dakota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont have gotten the green light so far. Massachusetts is still waiting on its approval. Colorado got feedback from the Education Department, and then asked for more time to get its revised plan in.

And Michigan is the biggest cliffhanger. The department originally told the state its plan had huge holes and might not be ready for review . Michigan submitted a revised plan, but its unclear if it will meet the feds standards.

The big ESSA onslaught is yet to come. Thirty-three states are scheduled to turn in their plans on Sept. 18, less than a week from now. (Hurricane-ravaged Texas gets extra time.)

So what did we learn from the first round of ESSA approvals? Here are some big takeaways.

1) The departments feedback on plans may not be as influential as youd expect.

The feds flagged certain issues with state plans. But by and large, states didnt make big revisions in those areasand got approved any way.

 For instance, Connecticut and Vermont got their way on measuring student achievement. Both states will be able to use so-called scale scores. Those help capture student progress as opposed to straight up proficiency rates, which is what many people including, at least initally, the departmentsaid ESSA requires. Connecticut in particular did not stand down on this issue, telling the department that, Websters dictionary defines proficiency not only as a state of being proficient, but also as an advancement in knowledge or skill.

 Tennessee will still get to use so-called supersubgroups, which combine different historically overlooked groups of students, such as minorities, English-language learners, and students in special education, for accountability purposes. Thats despite the fact that the department said this was a no-no in its initial feedback to the state.

In its revised plan, Tennessee promised to use both combined and broken-out subgroups in identifying schools for targeted improvement under the law. And the state provided some data to explain its reasoning behind having a combined black, Hispanic, and Native American subgroup. Tennesee argued that more schools would actually be identified as needing help using the supersubgroup approach than would be otherwise. That appeared to convince DeVos and her team, which gave Tennessees plan the thumbs-up in late August.

ESSA for the first time calls for states to factor into their accountability systems whether English-language learners are making progress in mastering the language. Its supposed to be a separate component in the accountability system. But Connecticut incorporates English-language proficiency into the academic growth component of its plan. The department told the Nutmeg State to change that. Connecticut instead provided some more information to explain its thinking, and that seemed to work for the feds.

2) States worked the hardest to fix their plans in the areas where the department pushed the most.

Louisiana, Delaware, and other states changed the way science factored into their accountability systems, at the behest of the feds. That was an issue the department clearly thought was importantit got flagged in numerous plans. (More on how you can use science in your ESSA plan and how you cant in this story .)

3) Some state plans may not be as ambitious as some ESSA experts would have hoped.

 Arizona got approved to give lower weight to the reading and math scores of students who have only been at a particular school for a short amount of time. Some experts worry that this could diminish the importance of kids from transient populationsincluding poor and minority students.

 North Dakota was told it needed to make sure that academic factorsthings like test scores and graduation ratescarried much greater weight than other factors, such as student engagement and college-and-career readiness. So North Dakota upped the percentage from 48 percent for academic factors to 51 percent, according to an analysis by Chad Aldeman, a principal at Bellwether Education Partners, who reviewed select plans. That may not be what Congress had in mind when it used the words much greater weight, he said.

The department also asked North Dakota to be more specific about how it would decide which schools fall below the 67 percent graduation rate, triggering whole-school interventions. The state decided to go with schools where the six-year graduation rate falls below that threshold. That wouldnt have flown under the Obama administrations regulations for the law, which Congress nixed.

4) Some things in plans are still TBD, even though plans themselves are already approved.

Illinois is planning to use a mix of school quality indicators, including school climate and chronic abseneteeism. But the state is also hoping to add another unspecified measure aimed at elementary and middle schools, and a fine arts measure. The Land of Lincoln still has to figure out the details on those indicators.

And states havent yet had to provide lists of which schools will be flagged as needing extra helpor what kinds of strategies theyll use to fix them. The lists of schools pinpointed for improvement wont come out until after the 2017-18 school year.

For the most part, [ESSA] hasnt been a wild, crazy laboratory of reform, on how to identify and improve schools, thats all sort of TBD, Aldeman said.

Want more on ESSA? We have an explainer on the law and takeaways from state plans here.

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
Black Lives Matter protesters at the University of Virginia targeted a statue of Thomas Jefferson on Tuesday night.

The monument, which sits just in front of the rotunda on the university's main quad was cloaked in black and decorated with signs that said 'Black Lives Matter' and 'TJ is a racist'.

Roughly 100 students were at the protest and helped adorn the statue, all the while chanting 'No Trump, no KKK, no racist UVA,' according to the Washington Times.

The protest came on the month-anniversary of the violent and deadly Unite the Right demonstration in Charlottesville over plans to remove a statue of Confederate general Robert E Lee.

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The statue of Thomas Jefferson at the University of Virginia was cloaked in black and decorated with signs that said 'Black Lives Matter' and 'TJ is a racist' by a group of protesters Tuesday night

Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819, and so his statue sits in the center of the main quad in front of the rotunda

'One month ago, we stood on the front lines in downtown Charlottesville as all manner of white supremacists, neo-Nazis an neo-fascists swarmed the area,' a speaker said to the crowd, according to the Daily Progress.

'Two months ago, the Ku Klux Klan rallied in their safe space, fully robed and fully protected by multiple law enforcement agencies who brutalized and tear-gassed peaceful counter-protesters.'

The rally was organized as a response to the university denying requests last month by the Black Student Alliance to ban white supremacists from campus and remove all Confederate plaques on the rotunda.

'We can and must condemn the violence of one month ago and simultaneously recognize Jefferson as a rapist, racist and slave owner,' the speaker, who was not identified, said at the demonstration.

'The visibility of physical violence from white supremacists should not take our attention away from condemning and disrupting more "respectable" racists that continue to control the structures that perpetuate institutional racism.'

The rally was organized as a response to the university denying requests last month by the Black Student Alliance to ban white supremacists from campus and remove all Confederate plaques on the rotunda

Roughly 100 students were at the protest and helped adorn the statue, all the while chanting 'No Trump, no KKK, no racist UVA,' according to the Washington Times

The University of Virginia has not yet responded to the demands of the protesters or commented on the statue's shrouding.

Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819 and was on the original governing board along with James Madison and James Monroe.

He also was the author of the Declaration of Independence and is widely considered to be one of the country's most important founding fathers.

Jefferson did, however, also leave behind a legacy of racism, characterized by his ownership of roughly 175 slaves and belief that blacks were the inferior race.

The protest came on the month-anniversary of the violent and deadly Charlottesville demonstration over plans to remove a statue of Confederate general Robert E Lee. Pictured a man makes a slashing motion across his neck towards counter protesters of the alt-right rally last month

Pictured is the Unite the Right rally on August 12 that resulted in the death of counter protester Heather Heyer, who was mowed down by a white supremacist who drove his car through the crowd

There are currently 718 confederate statues and monuments in the United States- and 300 are in either Georgia, Virginia, or North Carolina, according to a study by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

On August 12 there was a violent clash between a group of white supremacists and counter-protesters in Charlottesville.

The Unite The Right group showed up to protest the removal of confederate general Robert E Lee, which was commissioned in 1917 and built in 1924 - nearly 60 years after the end of the Civil War.

The protest ended when a white supremacist drove his car through a crowd of counter protesters, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer.
Fancy dress companies are selling Taliban 'terrorists' costumes on eBay which come with a fake bomb.

The tasteless costume comes with a dark brown waistcoat, a long beard and belt and is on sale for 32.99.

It was available to purchase just days after the Manchester Arena reopened following a suicide attack which killed 22 innocent music fans - including children.

Other items which were available to purchase from online included a Nazi officer costume, an escaped 'psycho' patient and a burqa outfit.

The adult Taliban 'terrorist' costume is available to purchase from Mad About Costumes for 32.99

The Tabliban costume is 'one size' and is available to purchase from Mad About Costume on the eBay site.

However, the online auction site told MailOnline today that they had 'removed the items from the site permanently'.

But the adult German Gestapo Officer costume was still available to buy from the Mad About Costume section on eBay today.

It comes with a black military belt, a red arm band, an officers hat, boot covers and is available in 'one size' for 44.99.

Another costume which is available to purchase is a German Gestapo officer outfit which costs 44.99

Earlier this week a photograph of Great British Bake Off host Paul Hollywood, 51, wearing a Nazi costume emerged.

The Bake Off judge said he was 'absolutely devastated' if the 14-year-old photograph of him dressed as a Nazi officer 'caused offence to anyone'.

MailOnline has approached Mad About Costume for comment.

An eBay spokesman said: 'We have removed these items from the site permanently.'
Australians are cheering on former occupants of their homes, claiming their failure to redirect their mail has left the new residents with extra votes in the same sex marriage survey.

Would-be voters took to social media to report their extra mail would finally be put to use, with one man claiming he had received seven extra votes.

'Big ups to the seven people that haven't changed their enrolment info and their vote mail came to my house,' he wrote on Twitter.

'My vote just evolved 7 times hahaha.'

One man claimed he would be voting an extra seven times in the same sex marriage postal survey because former residents of his house had not changed their enrolment details

Many praised the idea of using extra ballots to have a more powerful say in the survey

A woman responded she would be doing the same thing with extra votes sent to her home

He was cheered on by a woman who said she often received mail for previous residents, and would submit a yes vote for each extra postal survey form she received.

The pair were joined in their sentiments by another man on Facebook.

He said the 'beauty' of the Government's decision to spend $122million on a postal survey instead of putting the matter to a parliamentary vote, was found in the extra three votes he had received.

Commenters had mixed reactions to the idea, with some praising the original posters while others questioned if it amounted to voter fraud.

Last month, deputy statistician Jonathan Palmer told a Senate inquiry: 'You can't guarantee against theft in a postal process'.

Though the nature of the survey means electoral fraud is not possible, there are still some rules intended to keep the survey count above board.

One man on Facebook said the ability to vote multiple times due to the postal process was 'the beauty' of the non binding survey

Though the nature of the survey means electoral fraud is not possible, there are still some rules intended to keep the survey count above board - including laws against opening peoples mail and 'misleading the statistician' which can result in a fine of more than $2,000

The mailout of postal surveys on whether same sex marriage should be legalised began this week. The survey cost the Federal Government $122million and is non binding

Mr Palmer explained: 'It would be against the law to open someone else's mail, and there would also be penalties around misleading the statistician'.

The laws are, however, difficult to enforce. Authorities would need to know who opened the mail, be able to prove it was opened, and to prove who 'misled the statistician'.

The only real way authorities will be able to determine if a double vote has taken place will be if someone rings up to report they have not received their form or to ask for a new one.

In this case, a new form will be issued with a new barcode, rendering the previous survey form invalid.

If someone is caught misleading the statistician, they face a penalty of up to $2,100.
The ex-husband of a Houston realtor who vanished the day before Hurricane Harvey teared up as he appeared in court charged with her murder Tuesday.

Prosecutors say Steven McDowell, 44, told police that he strangled Crystal Seratte McDowell, 37, to death in the living room of his home, while their children - aged five and eight - were in the room next door.

Footage of McDowell in court showed him tearing up and apparently holding back his emotions as he went before the judge, Click2Houston reported.

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Steven McDowell, 44, looked tearful in court on Wednesday after police say he admitted strangling his 37-year old ex-wife, Crystal Seratte to death just before Hurricane Harvey hit

Crystal had set off from her new boyfriend's place to her ex-husband Steve's Houston home to collect their children, five and eight (all pictured), when she vanished on August 25

McDowell told police that although they were divorced in June, Crystal had been living in his home at the time of her murder, as her own place was being remodeled, ABC News 13 reported.

But she had been at the home of boyfriend Paul Hargrave on the morning of August 25 when she went to collect her children from McDowell's place, and vanished.

She and Hargrave had started dating three weeks before her death - which came the day before Hurricane Harvey was to hit Houston.

'I believe he knew exactly what he was doing. I think he knew the storm was coming in and this would help cover his tracks,' Hargrave said.

'I think I had a lot to do with his decision to do this and I can't help but feel responsible for that.'

Neighbor Doris Bell said that the couple had remained close even after the divorce. 'He was a great father,' she said. 'He had the kids all the time.'

Chambers County Sheriff's Office told ABC NEWS 13 on Saturday that they had developed nine people of interest in her disappearance.

But when McDowell was interviewed, he broke down crying, admitted to her murder and took them to where her body had been dumped in Chambers County woodland, they said.

Police said that after his arrest on Saturday, McDowell broke down in tears and confessed to strangling her while their kids were in the room next door

Her boyfriend Paul Hargrave (right) said he thinks her dating him was the motive for the murder, and that McDowell had hoped to blame her disappearance on the hurricane

However, police say it's still unclear what McDowell's motive for murdering his wife might have been.

'He is a little emotional, but he said very little,' Sheriff Brian Hawthorne said.

'He has been 100 percent cooperative. He was a person of interest as were others and every person involved, including Mr. McDowell, has been very cooperative.'

Crystal disappeared after leaving for McDowell's house on August 25. She missed several business appointments, prompting her uncle to report her missing the next day.

At the time, McDowell claimed she never showed up at his house to collect the children.

He also said he received a text message from her before she was due to arrive in which she described plans to take the children to Dallas to ride out the storm.

Four days after vanishing, her Mercedes was found submerged in flood water in the parking lot of a Motel 6.

Crystal's car (left) was found in floodwater on August 29. Police said they're still not clear on what Steve's motive might have been for the alleged murder

Crystal had just started a job as a realtor, working with her uncle, and seemed happy in life. Her body was left in woodland 20 miles from where her car was found

It was recognized by someone who had seen her family's frantic social media appeals to find her.

Her remains were discovered more than 20 miles away from her vehicle. A black bag containing her business paperwork was also found at Steve's house, police said.

The children had been staying with their father after Crystal's disappearance, and after a brief spell in the care of Child Protective Services, they have been placed with relatives from their mother's side of the family.

Hawthorne said that there is no evidence that the children saw the death, despite local rumors to the contrary.

According to her uncle, McDowell recently started working with him in real estate, and everything was falling into place.

'She said herself she was the happiest she had ever been in her life,' Jeff Walters said, adding that her parents died when she was 11, and after that she lived with him.

In the days before her disappearance, Crystal made teasing references to a happy new life on social media.

McDowell is being held on $500,000 bail.
He escaped a lengthy prison sentence for sexually assault, serving just three months behind bars for attacking an unconscious college girl behind a dumpster in 2016.

But Stanford swimmer Brock Turner has had his rapist reputation immortalized in a college law textbook.

The 22-year-old's mugshot appears next to the definition of 'rape' in Introduction to Criminal Justice and a brief description of his sensational arrest, conviction and sentencing is provided beneath it.

Stanford Swimmer Brock Turner's mugshot is used next to the definition of rape in a college law textbook

'Brock Turner, a Stanford student who raped and assaulted an unconscious female college student behind a dumpster at a fraternity party, was recently released from jail after serving only three months,' it reads.

'Some are shocked at how short this sentence is. Others who are more familiar with the way sexual violence has been handled in the criminal system are shocked that he was found guilty and served any time at all.

'What do you think?' authors Callie Marie Rennison and Mary Dodge go on.

Delighted by his association to the topic, one student shared a photograph of the page on Facebook last week after classes began.

'He may have been able to get out of prison time but in my Criminal Justice 101 textbook, Brock Turner is the definition of rape, so he's got that goin for him..' they said.

Turner was never convicted of rape but was instead found guilty of three counts of felony sexual assault.

He was arrested after being seen penetrating a drunk, unconscious girl with his fingers behind a dumpster on Stanford's University Campus in California.

The star swimmer was initially indicted with two counts of rape, two counts of felony sexual assault and one count of attempted rape. He denied all of them.

The rape charges were dropped during his trial but he was convicted of three counts of felony sexual assault in March 2016.

A student posted the photograph on Facebook after classes started last week

The book is Introduction to Criminal Justice, 2nd Edition. One of its authors, Callie Marie Rennison, is seen (right)

Turner, now 22, spent just three months in jail for sexually assaulting an unconscious girl behind a dumpster after a fraternity party at Stanford University in January 26. He is seen being released from custody on September 2, 2016

Before his release, Turner was forced to sign the sex offenders register (shown above)

He could have been jailed for up to 14 years, the maximum sentence in California, but instead was given just six months imprisonment and three years probation. Turner served just three of those months before being released last fall.

The sentence sparked outrage and was considered by many as proof of the justice system's unfair treatment of rape victims and abysmal handling of sexual assault cases.

Critics would like to see Judge Aaron Persky recalled over the decision

As part of the trial, Turner's victim, a 23-year-old who was not a student at Stanford but who was visiting, described the horrors of the legal system and how it had tortured her since the case was brought to light.

Turner's father fueled public fury when, in a letter to a judge begging him to spare his son jail, he described it as 'a steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action'.

'His life will never be the one that he dreamed about and worked so hard to achieve,' Dan. A. Turner wrote.

Turner became the face of the college campus sex scandal which engulfed the US last year and which continues to be fought over and challenged by activists across the country.

The judge who sentenced him was investigated for misconduct but was cleared and has defended his decision ever since he delivered it.

Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky said it was his duty to give first time offenders lenient sentences.

There are calls for the judge, who is a Stanford alumnus, to be recalled.
Eight people have died at a Florida nursing home which was left without power for days after Hurricane Irma, as police announce they are opening a criminal investigation into the deaths.

More than 100 people were evacuated from the Rehabilitation Center, in Hollywood, on Wednesday morning where residents were suffering from intense heat after the deadly hurricane.

Three residents were confirmed dead at the facility while two others died a short time after being rushed to the nearby Memorial Regional Hospital for treatment, Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said at a morning press conference.

Three others were pronounced dead later that day, officials said.

It is not yet clear whether the vulnerable residents died from heat exhaustion or another cause.

The center does appear to have had a back-up generator, according to a Rehabilitation Center employee.

Jean Lindor, who worked in the kitchens, told the Miami Herald that the a generator allowed staff to cook but was not used to provide the facility with AC.

Police are now conducting a criminal investigation into the deaths.

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Eight people are dead at a Florida nursing home after the building's air-conditioning broke down during Hurricane Irma (pictured: a patient is rolled out of the nursing home on a stretcher and taken to Memorial Regional Hospital)

More than 100 people were evacuated from the Rehabilitation Center, in Hollywood, on Wednesday morning (pictured)

Residents were suffering from intense heat and lack of power after the deadly hurricane wiped out the buildings electricity, and many had to be stretchered to hospital

Scenes outside the South Florida nursing home where eight people have died after the building lost power during Hurricane Irma

Hollywood Police Chief Tom Sanchez told WSN-TV: 'Right now the building has been sealed off. We're conducting a criminal investigation inside.

'We believe at this time they may be related to the loss of power in the storm. We're conducting a criminal investigation, not ruling anything out at this time.'

The eight victims have now been named as Bobby Owens, 84, Manuel Mario Medieta, 96, Miguel Antonio Franco, 92, Estella Hendricks, 71, Gail Nova, 71, Carolyn Eatherly, 78, Betty Hibbard, 84 and Albertina Vega, 99.

Sanchez said officers were now checking another 42 nursing homes throughout the city to ensure the elderly residents were OK as temperatures are expected to reach the 90s this week.

Many nursing homes cater to frail, and ill residents, who may rely on oxygen respirators or other medical equipment and medicine. It's unclear whether any of these were affected by the power loss.

Meanwhile, overnight temperatures hit 90F degrees last night.

The alarm was raised at 4am after the first resident was found dead in their bed. There is not yet an official cause of death but many elderly patients had been suffering from respiratory issues.

Fire crews and police were called out to the Rehabilitation Center in Hollywood Hills, Hollywood, Florida this morning (pictured is a fire truck outside the center)

Scenes outside a South Florida nursing home where eight people have died after the building's power and AC went down during Hurricane Irma

It is not yet clear whether the vulnerable residents died from heat exhaustion or another cause (Scenes outside the nursing home on Wednesday)

The assembled press outside the entrance to the Rehabilitation Center, which is opposite a hospital

Officials suspect heat may be to blame, but generators can also come with their own health risks.

Three people were found dead inside an Orlando home Tuesday from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning with a portable generator still running inside their home. Another person died in Daytona Beach on Wednesday from carbon monoxide poisoning from an electric generator.

Hollywood Fire Rescue and Police has confirmed that all 115 residents and staff have been evacuated from the Rehabilitation Center, in Hollywood Hills on Wednesday.

A City of Hollywood spokesman added that many of the residents were found in critical condition, some with trouble breathing.

Footage from the scene on Wednesday morning showed patients being rolled out of the nursing home on stretchers and taken to Memorial Regional Hospital.

The neighboring Larkin Community Hospital was also being evacuated, Local 10 reports.

Two residents were confirmed dead at the Rehabilitation Center, in Hollywood, (pictured) while three others died a short time after being rushed to the nearby Memorial Regional Hospital for treatment

Photos of inside the nursing home show a fairly basic set up with shared bedrooms which could have become unbearably hot at the temperatures increased without AC

At the Rehabilitation Center, Airstron employee Dave Long said he'd been calling Florida Power & Light for days to fix a fuse which appeared to have popped out during the hurricane - but to no avail.

'There's nothing we can do,' said a 'frustrated' Long. 'We've been calling and calling. It just doesn't seem to be going anywhere and I can't do anything until we get that fuse popped back in.'

A spokesman for Florida Power & Light (FPL) passed on his condolences to the residents of the Rehabilitation Center that had lost their lives, at a press conference this morning.

'Our deepest sympathies goes out to those who lost their lives,' he said, but said the tragedy 'does point to the need (for facilities) to have a plan in advance.'

He also urged any frail, elderly or vulnerable people who were currently without power, 'please go to a shelter or call 911, now.'

The spokesman added that FPL had met with city officials in March to determine which buildings should be listed as top critical facilities in the case of a hurricane. The Rehabilitation Facility was not among those listed.

Airstron employee Dave Long - who was called out to fix the problem - said he'd been calling Florida Power & Light for days to fix a fuse which appeared to have popped out during the hurricane (pictured is Hurricane Irma in Florida on September 10)

Irma battered Florida over the weekend leaving devastation in its wake (Debris covers parts of A1A as hurricane Irma lands in Delray Beach, Florida on September 10)

At least 18 people from Florida have died after Hurricane Irma swept through the state. Irma also claimed the lives of four in South Carolina and two in Georgia. At least 37 people were killed in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, around half of Florida's entire population were left without power.

Florida Power & Light say they have restored power to around 60 per cent of its 4.4 million customer base although utility services have warned it could take 10 days or more for power to be fully restored across the state.

The Florida Keys were the hardest hit as drinking water and power were cut off, all three of the islands' hospitals closed, and gasoline supplies limited.

About 110,000 people remained in shelters across the state.
A woman has told a court her boyfriend turned her cute dog into a Nazi after he trained it to give salutes and respond to videos of Adolf Hitler.

Suzanne Kelly, 29, said her partner Mark Meechan had recorded the pug, Buddha, responding to statements such as 'gas the Jews' and 'Sieg Heil' and put it on YouTube.

After complaints were made about the content, police were called in and he was arrested for allegedly committing a hate crime by uploading the 'M8 Yer Dugs a Nazi' video in April last year.

Suzanne Kelly (right, outside court earlier today) told a court her boyfriend Markus Meechan (left) turned her cute dog into a Nazi after he trained it to give salutes and respond to videos of Adolf Hitler

Miss Kelly was giving evidence at Airdrie Sheriff Court where Meechan, 29, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, has denied any wrong doing and insisted he only did it to annoy his girlfriend of three years.

Giving evidence at his trial, Miss Kelly, a customer service advisor, said: 'I came home from work one day and saw it because it had gone viral. He said "don't freak out, this video I have made has went viral".

'I was just annoyed that he had made my dog look like something evil because he is a lovely little dog.

'I know that these words were used in the context of the video but it did not make me feel anything towards Mark himself because I know what kind of person he is.

Suzanne Kelly (left), 29, said her partner Mark (right) had recorded the pug, Buddha (left), responding to statements such as 'gas the Jews' and 'Sieg Heil' and put it on YouTube

Markus Meechan's video of his girlfriend's dog Buddha who was taught to react to Nazi commands

'It is just not a very nice thing to say obviously.

'I didn't think about it being anything other than him annoying me, I didn't think it would have the effect that it did.'

She added: 'Mark has been unable to work because of it. It entered my mind that all different kinds of people could be upset by this. I have people talking to me that tell me they were concerned about the dog.

'People are obviously offended by what they are offended by. I did not want anyone to be offended.

Miss Kelly was giving evidence at Airdrie Sheriff Court where Meechan, 29, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, has denied any wrong doing and insisted he only did it to annoy his girlfriend of three years

Miss Kelly said: 'I was just annoyed that he had made my dog look like something evil because he is a lovely little dog'

'My dog is just this wee fat, squishy dog. I'm so used to him being cute and I carry him about like a baby and he was using it in the video to look like a monster.

'He made my cute wee dog look like a monster, Nazis are monsters.'

Under questioning, Suzanne Kelly said Meechan was not a racist and that Buddha responded to other commands because it knows it would get a treat as a result.

She said: 'I saw it as words that he was saying to get the dog to raise his paw.

'We shout random food words like cheese and ham at him and he'll lift his paw, I taught him that and Mark was just using it in this.

'But he has never expressed any anti-Jewish or anti-Semitic views, he is quite supportive of people and supports things like gay rights as well.

'He has never used these words other than in this video and I don't believe he was saying it because he was going to gas the Jews, but he was getting the dog to lift his paw and obviously the Nazi salute is racist.

'The video shocked me in the sense I was shocked to hear the words but I knew the context in which he meant it. It has been impossible to move on from this.'

The trial had earlier heard Ephraim Borowski, 66, director of the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC), label the video 'grossly offensive'.

Mr Borowski told the hearing he had lost members of his own family to the Nazis and insisted the Holocaust should not be joked about.

He added: 'I'm no historian but it is the marching signal of the Nazi storm troopers who contributed and supported the murder of six million Jews including members of my own family and I take this all slightly personally.

Prosecutors allege Meechan communicated material that would cause fear and alarm and stir up hatred on religious grounds by posting a clip which was 'anti-semitic in nature' to YouTube

'Material of this kind goes to normalise the anti-Semitic views that frankly we thought we had seen the last of.

'The Holocaust is not a subject for jocular content.'

Mr Borowski also told the court sections of the Jewish community in Scotland felt threatened by the video's contents and that the SCoJeC's website was bombarded with abusive comments in the wake of it emerging.

Prosecutors allege Meechan communicated material that would cause fear and alarm and stir up hatred on religious grounds by posting a clip which was 'anti-semitic in nature' to YouTube.

He also faces an alternative charge of posting a video on social media and YouTube which was grossly offensive because it was 'anti-semitic and racist in nature' and the prosecution claim it was aggravated by religious prejudice.

In the video the dog is seen perking up when it hears the statements and appears to lift its paw to the 'Sieg Heil' command in the video which has now been viewed over three million times

At the start of the clip he says: 'My girlfriend is always ranting and raving about how cute and adorable her wee dog is so I thought I would turn him into the least cute thing I could think of which is a Nazi.'

In the video the dog is seen perking up when it hears the statements and appears to lift its paw to the 'Sieg Heil' command in the video which has now been viewed over three million times.

It is also filmed watching a rally led by Hitler at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.

The court has also seen a second video where Meechan apologised for any offence the clips caused.

The trial before Sheriff Derek O'Carroll has been adjourned until November.
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Senior clergy joined politicians and mourners today for the funeral of the former Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor.

The cardinal, who became leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales in 2000 before retiring from his role in 2009, died on September 1 having suffered from cancer.

Around 1,200 mourners, including former Irish president Mary McAleese and Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, filed in to the Westminster Cathedral for a special mass today.

Around 1,200 people packed Westminster Cathedral today for the funeral of Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor (right)

The 85-year-old died on September 1 after a battle with cancer. His funeral heard he was prepared to acknowledge mistakes

Following the the mass, which was taken by the current Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Murphy-OConnor was buried within a vault in the cathedral below the 10th station of the cross.

The service was led by Archbishop Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the current Archbishop of Westminster

Representatives of other Christian churches including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and his predecessor Dr Rowan Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouth, took part in a procession, at which the Duke of Norfolk represented the Prince of Wales.

Archbishop of Cardiff George Stack paid tribute to a man who was 'a priest to his fingertips'.

He said: 'He was a gifted man who would have made a success of whatever career he chose.'

But he learned 'a huge lesson', the archbishop said, in an apparent reference to a controversy faced by Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor around how the church handled claims of child sex abuse.

Scores of clergyman who attended the service filed past the cardinal's coffin, which was placed in the centre of the church

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby (left), former Bishop of London Richard Chartres and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams (right)

The cardinal's funeral was attended by clergymen of many faiths, including the Greek Orthodox church

The service was attended by a number of politicians, including Conservative Jacob-Rees Mogg and his mother, Gillian

Archbishop Stack told mourners: 'He acknowledged his mistakes. He made no excuses. He said the most difficult words of all, 'I'm sorry'.

'He learned a huge lesson and proceeded to establish the most robust safeguarding mechanism possible, a model for other institutions. Humility and action were part of the robe that he wore.'

Addressing the congregation Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor's nephew paid tribute to his devotion to family.

Patrick Murphy-O'Connor, who said there were around 95 relatives at the funeral, added: 'Cormac was much-loved and he would do anything for his family.'

Following the the mass, which was taken by the current Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor was buried within a vault in the cathedral below the 10th station of the cross.

Tributes have been paid to Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor by Pope Francis and former prime minister Tony Blair since his death.
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The first body turned up in July of 1988, about 30 feet from the road on northbound Route 140 in Freetown, Massachusetts. A motorist who had stopped to relieve herself on the Sunday of the July Fourth weekend came upon the partially clothed, unrecognizable corpse, a bra around its neck  and investigators who soon arrived on the scene could tell the body had been there for months.

What they couldnt have guessed, however, was just how frequent such grisly discoveries were about to become.

That body, identified five months later in December 1988 as Debra Medeiros, marked the first in a series of killings that would come to be attributed to the New Bedford Highway Serial Killer. Nine women were found, two remain missing to this day  and the murderer has never been caught.

The deaths are the subject of a new book by journalist Maureen Boyle  who covered the cases nearly three decades ago  titled Shallow Graves: The Hunt for the New Bedford Highway Serial Killer, which forensically lays out the lives of the victims, the investigation and the suspects.

All these years, I kept on hoping I would have a different type of ending  that someone would be caught, that there would be a resolution to the case, Ms Boyle tells DailyMail.com. Now, were coming up on 30 years, I realized maybe the point of the book should be hopefully sparking someones memory  and perhaps someone will come forward now.

She adds: Nationally, I think that it has been forgotten  and that was the other reason for writing the book. It began fading from memory.

Debra Medeiros, left and Nancy Paiva, right, were the first two women discovered strangled and dumped near highways circling New Bedford, Massachusetts

The nine victims were found near highways around New Bedford between July 3, 1988 and April 24, 1989 - though two other women remain missing who are also believed dead

Robbin Rhodes, left went missing some time in March or April of 1988, while Debroh Lynn McConnell was last seen by her family in May; both their bodies were found by search dogs

Dawn Mendes, left, went missing on September 4, 1988, and her body was found in December off Interstate 195; Rochelle Clifford Dopierala was found the same month in a gravel pit about two miles from the interstate

It hasnt faded from memory in New Bedford, however  a former whaling town with a large population of Portuguese descent. Its a small and tight-knit community, and the killings struck a personal chord with residents.

Many people in the community knew someone who knew the victims; even though there was drug use involved and  the women had addiction issues, they were still viewed by most people as individuals, because people knew their parents or they knew a brother or sister or a cousin or they went to school with them. There was this mix of yes, the women were in very risky situations, but many people still felt a fear and unease because there was a personal connection to the individuals.

Most of the victims were struggling with addiction and were involved in prostitution; they left behind a total of 15 children between them.

Less than a month after Debra Medeiros was found, the second body turned up. Nancy Lee Paiva was discovered on the westbound side of Interstate 195 in Dartmouth on July 30 by two men on motorcycles. She had gone missing on July 7 but was only identified in December 1988. She was a mother of two girls who had been reported missing by her boyfriend, a man whose numerous run-ins with police made it significant that he would voluntarily walk into a station to make a report.

Still, however, the discovery of two bodies near highways around New Bedford in a month did not automatically raise fears of a serial killer. It was New Bedford Police Detective John Dextradeur who first raised red flags about the number of women with similar backgrounds that hed noticed had gone missing. He had spoken with Nancy Paivas boyfriend, and hed studied the cases of other missing women  and he went to the district attorneys office in September to make a pitch for a task force.

In addition to Nancy Paiva, there was Mary Rose Santos, a 26-year-old mother of two, who was dropped off on July 16 by her husband near the downtown bus station and last seen dancing at a bar five hours later. There was Sandra Botelho, also a mother of two and a heavy cocaine user, who left her apartment on August 11 at 11pm and never returned, as well as Dawn Mendes, 25, missing since September 4. He also believed three others could be at risk: New Bedford woman Robbin Rhodes, who was reported missing on July 28 but hadnt been seen since the spring; Cape Cod woman Rochelle Dopierala, a 28-year-old who hadnt been seen for some time; and New Bedford teenager Christina Monteiro, who hadnt been seen in months.

Detective Dextradeur had been relying on Rochelle to testify in a case in which a local attorney, Kenneth Ponte, had threatened a man with a gun  but she hadnt been seen for ages.

And his hunch regarding the women, sadly, turned out to be true; almost every woman on his list turned up dead along a highway, strangled and dumped.

The next body, though not on his list, turned up November 8. Debra Greenlaw DeMello, a 35-year-old mother whose wedding photos showed a beautiful, contented blonde before her life was ravaged by drugs, was found off the eastbound Reed Road ramp of Interstate 195 by a state highway crew. She had walked away from a prison work-release program in Rhode Island on June 18.

By the time of the discovery, district attorney investigator Bob St. Jean had already finalized plans to bring search dogs the area.

A couple of people in the office scoffed at the idea at first, Ms Boyle says. No one would question the decision now.

Dawn Mendes was found on November 29 on the westbound Reed Road ramp off Interstate 195 by a search dog. Then Debroh Lynn McConnell was found December 1 off Route 140 northbound in Freetown, also through a canine search.

Victim Debra Greenlaw DeMello, left, is pictured on her wedding day in a photo provided to media by family - the photo hung on her mother's wall for years; Mary Rose Santos, right, in a photo supplied by family to the media and Bristol County District Attorney's Office, was a married mother of two whose husband had no idea she was working the streets to help pay bills, friends told police

Sandra Botelho was the last woman found in the New Bedford Highway Serial Killer case

Rochelle Clifford Dopierala was found December 10 in a gravel pit along Reed Road, about two miles from Interstate 195, by people riding ATVs. She was last seen in late April of 1988 and was identified in December 1988.

Robbin L. Rhodes was found March 28, 1989 along Route 140 southbound in Freetown by a search dog. She was believed to have gone missing sometime in March or April of 1988. Days later, Mary Rose Santos was found March 31 along Route 88 in Westport by two boys. She was last seen July 16, 1988.

Sandra Botelho was found April 24 along Interstate 195 in Marion by a state highway crew. She went missing August 11, 1988 and was identified soon after she was found.

Sometimes, however, it took months to identify the bodies, as investigators were hampered by a lack of technology. Although this was only 30 years ago, the field of forensics was vastly different. This was before the days of widespread, automatic electronic access to fingerprint records. The computerized Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) was only introduced two years earlier in Massachusetts, though only a handful of local departments across the state were entering new fingerprints into it, the book explains  and the process was lengthy, with crime scene images of fingerprints enlarged five times before a technician had to trace the image by hand.

Authorities remove the ninth and final body found, later identified as Sandra Botelho, from the woods off Interstate 195 in Marion on April 24, 1989

Search dogs were brought in to investigate areas near highways based on the suspicion that more bodies had been dumped following the initial discoveries; the canines discovered three additional victims

Journalist Maureen Boyle, who covered the serial killing case nearly three decades ago, has written a new book about the unsolved killings - and says she wishes the book had a different ending with answers for families

That tracing was reduced and scanned into the AFIS computer and converted into data  and the process could take up to two hours.

Ms Boyle tells DailyMail.com: Once you take a look at it, as a whole, you realize: Oh, no wonder it wasnt solved  when you think of the lack of technology and the number of people involved and the delay in identifying people, the delay in finding bodies, the delay in people being reported missing. Its amazing.

State Troopers Maryann Dill and Jose Gonsalves were the lead investigators on the case; it falls within the remit of the state police to investigate unattended deaths. They pored over the lives of the victims, trying to establish links; all ticked the boxes for drug use and going to city bars where drugs were sold; not all the victims were known as working girls on the street. But when they began looking at shared acquaintances, they began to make some headway. One name kept popping up in interviews: Kenneth Ponte.

Ponte had represented Mary Santos in a civil case and helped her husband make flyers after her disappearance. He had worked for Nancy Paiva in a bankruptcy case, in addition to the fact that she once worked at his local neighborhood video-rental store. Dawn Mendes had once been spotted banging on the door of his home, where Rochelle Dopierala had also stayed. Missing woman Robbin Rhodes had once told her sister she was dating a lawyer, and that turned out to be Ponte.

Ponte was an eccentric character, a reformed heroin addict who cleaned up his act, went to law school and made a living with lower-level civil and criminal cases. He was known for his rumpled suits and heavy cocaine abuse, though he was designated as a deputy sheriff after donating to the Bristol County sheriffs election campaign  earning him a badge and, despite his record, a gun.

He was also, investigators were told, a bit weird.

The girls on the street told stories about his paranoia, how he would bring them to his house, bolt the doors and wouldnt let them leave. He didnt seem violent, just really strange. But that didnt stop the girls from going with him, and none of the girls considered pressing any charges. He did, after all, give them coke and didnt seem interested in sex.

Throughout the investigation, however, rumors of snuff films being made locally swirled, and one woman claimed Ponte had watched a pornographic video in which a woman being strangled looked dead.

The name of Kenneth C. Ponte, pictured in a 1970 mugshot from the New Bedford police department, kept coming up in the murder investigations, as prostitutes described how he would give them drugs, act strangely and refuse to let them leave the house

Trooper Kevin Butler holds a flashlight as Trooper Kenneth Martin examines the ground for evidence where the body of Robbin Rhodes was found on Route 140, this time in March 1989

State Trooper Jose Gonsalves walks to the scene with a bag for evidence where other investigators are examining the spot where the remains of Mary Rose Santos were found on Route 88 in Westport on March 31, 1989

Franklin Pina, the boyfriend of Nancy Paiva, is led from New Bedford Superior Court after testifying before the special grand jury on July 30, 1990; a savvy detective realized something was definitely amiss when Pina - who'd had run-ins with the law - turned up at the station to report his mother-of-two girlfriend missing

Reporters gather on the courthouse steps on August 19, 1990 to interview Kenneth Ponte, who had a habit of contacting the media to rant about how the authorities were hounding him

Kenneth Ponte's home in Port Richey, Florida, where he relocated in October 1988, three months after the first bodies were found in New Bedford; he eventually moved back to Massachusetts, where he died in 2010

He had moved to Florida in October 1988 and denied any involvement in the killings, and his behavior became increasingly bizarre. He accused authorities of hounding him and ruining his life, and he would often call the media to rant and rave. He was eventually charged with a single count of murder on August 17, 1990, in the death of Rochelle Dopierala. Investigators Dill and Gonsalves were uneasy with the decision.

There wasnt enough evidence to convict, Ms Boyle writes. There was no smoking gun; they had no eyewitness to any of the murders; they had nothing to link Kenny directly to any of the killings.

The murder charge was eventually dropped against Ponte on July 29, 1991, after a new district attorney was elected and a special prosecutor was brought in  who reviewed the evidence and decided that there was nothing tying Ponte to murder or to the disposing of a body. He felt that, if the case did go to trial, a judge would throw it out.

Ponte, however, had not been the only suspect. Another man, Tony DeGrazia, emerged during the course of the investigation. Working girls were talking about a man they feared, whod allegedly raped and choked them; he was identified by his distinctive, flattened nose.

Most of the girls on the street just knew to stay away from the guy who looked like a boxer, Ms Boyle writes.

DeGrazia came from a broken home and was deeply religious, regularly praying in church and attending Mass. But when police brought him in for a chat in April, he eventually admitted choking girls in the past but denied killing anyone. Police searched his house, taking away clothes and shoes as evidence, and DeGrazia never showed up for a scheduled polygraph on April 24, 1989.

The following month, a prostitute named Margaret Medeiros appeared before a special grand jury, telling them a man named Tony picked her up, then lunged at her when she asked for money up front.

He just lunged at my throat; and he tried to  you know, he was twisting my neck. He tried snapping my neck, she said.

And he told me what he was going to do to me like he did to the other b****es.

In May of 1989, Tony was charged with four counts of rape, six counts of assault and battery, and one count of assault with intent to rape.

All of the charges stemmed from attacks on six prostitutes from April 1988 to April 1989, Ms Boyle writes. It included the time span of the murders.

The family of Mary Rose Santos watches as her coffin is loaded into a hearse outside St. Joseph Church in Fairhaven

Tony DeGrazia, who was charged with raping prostitutes, was another suspect in the case; he killed himself in July 1991

Kenneth Ponte, right, was arraigned on a single count of murder on August 17, 1990 in the killing of Rochelle Dopierala - but the charge was dropped a year later when a special prosecutor determined that the case was not strong enough to bring to trial

Journalist Maureen Boyle, who wrote a new book about the killings, says that she 'just morally cannot fathom the idea that someone could get away with murder and get away with killing so many people'

He was eventually released on bail, hired an aggressive new lawyer and felt the charges would either be dropped or he would be acquitted. He started a stone business, got surgery to repair his nose and was living temporarily in the rectory of his church. But less than a year after being released on bail, he was again identified in an attack on a prostitute, allegedly trying to strangle her in his truck. He initially evaded arrest before turning himself in and was arraigned on charges of attempted murder and assault with intent to murder.

He killed himself in July 1991, and months later the charges were dropped because the defendant was dead.

Kenneth Ponte also met an ignominious end; he was found bloated and dead in 2010 on two stacked mattresses at his fetid home in New Bedford. He was 60 years old.

There has been no closure, however, for the families of the nine murdered women or the two who remain missing; the bodies of teenager Christina Monteiro and Marilyn Cardoza Roberts, another missing woman who was the daughter of a cop, were never found.

There have been several, general theories as to why the killings stopped, Ms Boyle says: One, that the person is in prison; two, the person is dead; three, the person moved out of the area  if the person moved, if they continued killing, no one knows.

The answer will only be known once the persons identified, unfortunately, she says.

I think, at this point, whatever attention can be brought to the case may be the only way that whoever killed nine, possibly 11, women can be identified  and if the individual is dead, well, people need to know that, Ms Boyle tells DailyMail.com. People need to know, yes, this is who did it, and you dont have to be looking over your shoulder anymore.

She adds: I just morally cannot fathom the idea that someone could get away with murder and get away with killing so many people.
A frail and elderly woman was sent flying after she was hit by a man driving a mobility scooter on the pavement.

CCTV footage of the shocking moment has been shared online by residents.

The clip was recorded outside a store on Chichester Road in Southend-on-sea in Essex on Saturday afternoon.

Sent flying: The elderly woman, who was towing a trolley, was knocked to the ground by the scooter

Essex Police are asking anyone with information to contact them on 101

In the video posted to Facebook, two men can be heard discussing the footage while watching it back.

Narrating the moment the mobility scooter driver comes close behind the woman, one of the men says: 'He didn't swerve at all.'

The video begins with the woman wearing a green coat and beige skirt struggling to pull a trolly while walking down the middle of the pavement.

Behind her, a man in a scooter travels in her direction.

The clip was shared on a Basildon crime social media group on Saturday, shortly after the incident happened.

Commotion: A group of passersby rushed to help the woman with the police and ambulance called to the scene

CCTV footage of the shocking moment has been shared online by residents

A spokesman for Essex Police said: 'We attended a collision between a pedestrian and a mobility scooter in Southchurch Road, Southend, just after 3.10pm on Saturday, September 9.

'The pedestrian, a woman aged in her 80s, did not require hospital treatment at the scene but was taken to hospital the following day for further checks. Enquiries are ongoing to establish whether any offences had been committed.

'Anyone with information is asked contact Chigwell Roads Policing Unit quoting incident 662 of 09/09 on 101.'

According to the Highway Code, mobility scooter users should give pedestrians priority on the pavement.

And a maximum speed limit of 4 mph is set for drivers. The average walking speed of an able-bodied person is 3 mph.

In the guide, it reads: 'You should give pedestrians priority and show consideration for other pavement users, particularly those with a hearing or visual impairment who may not be aware that you are there.

'You may need to reduce your speed to adjust to other pavement users who may not be able to move out of your way quickly enough or where the pavement is too narrow.'
The Ohio Supreme Court has decided to take up a case involving one of the largest online charter schools in the country, according to the Associated Press.

The legal fight over attendance numbers and $60 million in public money between the state of Ohio and the school, known as the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, has been steadily rising through the lower courts over the past year.

With more than 15,000 students, ECOT is the largest online charter school in the state. But that number is in dispute.

After an audit of software-login records, the Ohio Department of Education determined that ECOT was dramatically inflating the number of students attendingor in this case, logging intoits school.

An independent analysis by Education Week of ECOT login records and the results of the states audit underscores the discrepancy between the two. While Ohio law requires schools to provide students 920 hours per year of learning, the state found the average ECOT student spent 227 hours using the schools learning software.

Officials in Ohios department of education say they have only been able to find proof of 41 percent of ECOTs 15,000 students attending school full time. The agency subsequently determined that it had overpaid ECOT by about $60 million for students it didnt consider fully enrolled and has demanded the money back.

In its lawsuit, ECOT argued that state law only requires the school to offer 920 hours of learning opportunities, not necessarily that students actually participate. The school says the state violated their long-standing funding agreement and changed the rules midstream without giving the school time to react.

The school has also struggled with low graduation numbers. Last month, it announced plans to apply to become a dropout-prevention school, which would slacken some accountability requirements , according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Online education advocates everywhere are likely playing close attention to this case. As my colleague Benjamin Herold wrote for Education Week earlier this year:

Problems with low student attendance and engagement have cropped up in states such as Colorado, where an Education Week investigation found that just 1 in 4 students at the state's largest cyber charter used the school's learning software on a typical day. A handful of other states, including New Hampshire and Utah, have begun experimenting with a new approach, funding e-schools on the basis of course completion rather than on enrollment or attendance. "But the question of how best to track student attendance in online schools remains very much up for debate. Perhaps the only thing all sides can agree on is that policy and regulations have failed to keep up with e-schools' rapid growth."

ECOT and several other online charter schools in Ohio have also been under increasing scrutiny over claims of mismanagement and poor academic performance, which are persistently recurring themes in the online charter school sector nationally, according to a separate analysis by Education Week .

Related stories:

Photo: Bill Lager, center, founder of Ohios largest online charter school, the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT), speaks to hundreds of supporters on May 9 during a rally outside the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. The online charter school is in a legal dispute with the Ohio Department of Education over attendance-tracking practices used to determine state funding. Julie Carr Smyth/ AP
Robert E. Lee Elementary School was ravaged by a fire Tuesday evening in Tampa Heights.

The explosive flames occurred around 7pm, which is when firefighters rushed to the scene, according to Tampa Fire Rescue spokesman Jason Penny.

Officials don't believe the fire to be suspicious, however they are still investigating the cause of the inferno.

Scroll down for video

Tampa Fire Rescue crews work to fight a 3-alarm structure fire at Robert E. Lee Elementary School in Tampa, Florida

Robert E Lee Elementary Tampa Posted by Tampa Fire Rescue on Tuesday, 12 September 2017

According to CBS no-one was inside the building when the flames erupted and no injuries have been reported so far.

There are over 300 students and almost 50 members of staff who will have to be displaced after the fire caused the roof of the century-old building to fall in.

The fire comes after community controversy regarding the school's name, given it is the Confederate General's name from the American Civil War in 1862.

The explosive flames occurred around 7pm, which is when firefighters rushed to the scene, according to Tampa Fire Rescue spokesman Jason Penny

Residents pictured here overlooking the scene - no-one was inside the building when the flames erupted and no injuries have been reported thus far

More than half of the schools students are African-American, which has led the members from the Hillsborough County School Board to discuss a potential name change.

Robert E. Lee was the commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War.

The current controversy in the US regarding Confederate flags and monuments is the reason for the local debate regarding the elementary school that honors the Confederate general.

The building (pictured here) is almost a century old

Parents and students hope to rename it after African American historian Carter G. Wilson, according to News Channel 8.

In August Tulsa World submitted an online vote to their website, asking individuals whether they believe the name should be changed or not.

It currently stands at 4,725 people saying the name should change and 4,524 people saying it should remain the same.

No other information has been released regarding the board members' decision.

Firefighters made sure to block people off from the scene as they tried to tame the flames

The school, Robert E. Lee Elementary, pictured her pre-fire
David Dale, 30, of Reseda, was caught on camera stealing packages of bible camp items from a porch in the San Fernando Valley

The mail thief who was seen on home surveillance video smiling as he stole packages from a house in Northridge, California, was caught after a victim launched her own investigation.

David Dale, 30, was arrested less than 48hours after the victim posted video of the theft to her Facebook asking if anyone could identify the man.

Within hours of the post, Tadji Akhavan Smith found victims in the area that they believe was the work of the same man.

Dale may be responsible or at least 20 package thefts in the San Fernando Valley, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Dale is seen pulling into the driveway and stealing packages from a home in Northridge, California

Police arrested the man and found stolen items in his car. It's believed he has stolen packages from 20 other homes in the San Fernando Valley

Smith with was surprised to come home Saturday night to three missing packages on her doorstep that she knew were delivered.

Smith said the boxes were full of her personal notes and sermons from bible camp.

She checked the security footage and saw a gray Honda Civic pull up in her driveway, a man get out of the car, pick up the packages and drive away.

Smith posted the video to Facebook and in community groups. The post said: 'Got home from an amazing concert tonight to discover that three packages were stolen from our doorstep. Happened at about 4pm. Who knows this jerk?? Who can read the license plate?'

Tadji Akhavan Smith had personal notes and sermons from bible camp stolen from her porch.

She posted to Facebook and connected with two other victims

She gave all her investigative work to detectives and said they were 'as excited as I was' with the solid evidence

She was pleased to two fellow victims and even people who knew the suspect.

'(It was) everything you could ever hope for. And this was within 10 hours of just hitting the ground and doing the detective work,' Smith told CBS Los Angeles.

She gave all her investigative work to detectives and said they were 'as excited as I was' with the solid evidence.

Smith contacted detectives and gave them all the information she had gathered about the accused thief.

Police arrested Dale in a sting Monday night and found many stolen items in his car.

The department commended Smith for her great detective work, but remind others it's important to contact authorities first as to not muddle an investigation.

Smith has yet to retrieve her stolen items, but is glad 'I was able to help myself but also help all these other people that he had victimized as well.'
Reality TV star Jeremy McConnell faces painting and charity work as he begins community service next week for the brutal attack on his ex Stephanie Davis.

The 27-year-old, from Dublin, was handed a 20-week sentence, suspended for 12 months at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

After taking time out of the spotlight and returning to Ireland, he has now relocated to Cardiff.

He is now looking at undertaking tasks including decorating council areas, removing graffiti or working in a charity shop.

Reality TV star Jeremy McConnell (left) faces painting and charity work as he begins community service next week for the brutal attack on his ex Stephanie Davis (right)

The 27-year-old, from Dublin, was handed a 20-week sentence, suspended for 12 months at Liverpool Magistrates' Court

A source told the Daily Star: 'Jeremy has now moved to Cardiff and will start his community service next week.

'He's living with Make Or Break contestant and friend Richard Cull. They've been friends for a long time and Rich has help him through a difficult year.

'It's not yet known what he will be doing but it could be decorating of council-owned areas, removing graffiti or working in a charity shop.'

McConnell was ordered to pay 1,000 in court costs, 1,000 in compensation to Miss Davis and a victims surchage of 115.

His lawyer James Morris told the court last month 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.

McConnell was ordered to pay 1,000 in court costs, 1,000 in compensation to Miss Davis and a victims surchage of 115

'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.

She described the assault 'like something out of a horror movie', adding that McConnell threatened to smash a bottle over his head.

McConnell first met his former partner after they appeared together on Celebrity Big Brother

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.

McConnell had accused her of having affairs with her pregnant friend and with a fireman who lived nearby, the court was told

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.

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.
Hillary Clinton says the president's son's latest explanation for his meeting at Trump Tower with a Russian lawyer is an 'absurd lie.'

Donald Trump Jr. told Senate investigators he was assessing Clinton's 'fitness' for office when he agreed to see a Russian lawyer whom he'd been told had damaging information on the former secretary of state.

This was after he said in a statement that the meeting was about adoption, only to admit later, as his communications with a go-between were published, that he was seeking dirt on Clinton.

Clinton said this morning on Today of Trump Jr's new claim, 'It's ridiculous. It's another absurd lie to cover up what really was going on, which I hope we finally uncover and understand.'

Hillary Clinton says the president's son's latest explanation for his meeting at Trump Tower with a Russian lawyer is an 'absurd lie.'

Don Jr appeared before investigators last week on Capitol Hill to discuss his June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians, including lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya.

'To the extent they had information concerning the fitness, character or qualifications of a presidential candidate, I believed that I should at least hear them out,' he said in a leaked copy of his prepared remarks. 'Depending on what, if any, information they had, I could then consult with counsel to make an informed decision as to whether to give it further consideration.'

The president's son says, 'The meeting provided no meaningful information and turned out not to be about what had been represented.'

President Trump has vehemently denied having any dealings business or otherwise with Russia in response to charges that this campaign may have colluded with Vladimir Putin's government to sink Clinton.

Committees in Congress and a special counsel housed in the Department of Justice are looking at the veracity of those claims.

The topic came up as Clinton made the rounds this morning on television. She is promoting her election memoir, What Happened.

Clinton previously told USA Today that she is 'convinced' Trump's associates communicated with the Russian government and had 'an understanding of some sort.'

'I'm convinced of it,' Clinton said of collusion. 'I happen to believe in the rule of law and believe in evidence, so I'm not going to go off and make all kinds of outrageous claims. But if you look at what we've learned since, it's pretty troubling.'

Pushed by this morning by Today host Matt Lauer to say that Trump's campaign colluded with Russia with the knowledge of the candidate to steal the election, Clinton said she cannot know if that's true.

That's why there's an ongoing Department of Justice Investigation, she commented.

Donald Trump Jr. told Senate investigators he was assessing Clinton's 'fitness' for office when he agreed to see a Russian lawyer whom he'd been told had damaging information on the former secretary of state

Clinton did, however, bring up Trump associate Roger Stone's claim on Twitter that her campaign chair, John Podesta, would some have his time in 'the barrel,' days before WikiLeaks released his emails. 'How would he have known that?' she said.

'If I had been elected and this had come to light  I would have stopped at nothing to make sure this never happened again to anybody,' Clinton stated.

Clinton retraced the litany of external causes she blames for her defeat in her first live interview since the election on 'Today' this morning.

As in her new memoir, 'What Happened,' Clinton put former FBI Director James Comey at the top of the list, citing his intervention, which ultimately uncovered nothing new, as the 'determining factor' in her loss to Donald Trump.

'It stopped my momentum. It drove voters from me,' Clinton said Wednesday.

The FBI had come into possession of a laptop which had Clinton emails because of an unrelated investigation into disgraced ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner, who is married to top Clinton aide Huma Abedin. The two are separated.

The cache ended up including Clinton emails that had gone to Abedin that ended up on Weiner's computer, which the FBI was looking at as part of its probe into Weiner's online contacts with an underage girl.

Clinton says former FBI Director James Comey 'was fired for the wrong reason' by President Trump. 'He should not have been fired for Russia,' Clinton said, going beyond what investigators have posited

'He should have been disciplined, whether or not fired, that's not for me to say, but he should have been disciplined for the way that he behaved on the email investigation,' she said

Clinton told Lauer and co-host Savannah Guthrie that had it not been 'for that intervention, I would have won.'

She learned about it aboard her campaign plane.

'I was stunned to be honest. I didnt know what to think about it because I knew there was nothing there,' she said. 'I feel very strongly that he went way beyond his role in doing what he did,' Clinton said.

She said later in the interview that Comey 'was fired for the wrong reason' by President Trump.

'He should not have been fired for Russia,' Clinton said, going beyond what investigators have posited. 'He should have been disciplined, whether or not fired, that's not for me to say, but he should have been disciplined for the way that he behaved on the email investigation,' she said.

President Trump says he fired Comey because the law enforcement official was bad at his job, although he has also acknowledged that he had Russia on his mind when he did it.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said in the memo the White House leaned on to fire Comey that he 'cannot defend the Director's handling of the conclusion of the investigation of Secretary Clinton's emails.'

The reason he gave then: 'The director was wrong to usurp the Attorney General's authority on July 5, 2016, and announce his conclusion that the case should be closed without prosecution.'
President Donald Trump added a new plank to his urgent push to slash taxes on corporations and reform the tax code: the 'devastation' wrought by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Trump invoked the storms that battered Florida, leveled buildings in the Keys and left much of the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. John and St. Thomas uninhabitable.

'With Irma and Harvey devastation, Tax Cuts and Tax Reform is needed more than ever before. Go Congress, go!' Trump wrote on Twitter Wednesday morning.

He added in another tweet: 'The approval process for the biggest Tax Cut & Tax Reform package in the history of our country will soon begin. Move fast Congress!'

President Trump tweeted that with hurricane devastation, 'Tax Cuts and Tax Reform is needed more than ever before'

Congress quickly passed a relief bill in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, but that was considered a mere down payment on the massive storm, which caused widespread flooding in Texas in Louisiana.

Officials have yet to even put a number on the damaged caused by Irma, which leveled structures in the Florida Keys, up the Florida coast, and in Jacksonville.

The U.S. Virgin Islands of St. John and St. Thomas suffered widespread damage.

A Moody's estimate indicates the total price tag could hit $200 billion.

It wasn't immediately clear how a broad tax reform effort, sought in Congress for years, would provide immediate relief to those still without power or whose homes got destroyed.

President Trump invoked the devastating hurricanes to make the case for tax cuts

A beachfront home shows damage from Hurricane Irma on September 13, 2017 in Vilano Beach, Florida. Nearly 4 million people remained without power more than two days after Irma swept through the state

A jeep destroyed by hurricane storm surge water sits in a yard two days after Hurricane Irma slammed into the state on September 12, 2017 in Marathon, Florida. The Federal Emergency Managment Agency has reported that 25-percent of all homes in the Florida Keys were destroyed and 65-percent sustained major damage when they took a direct hit from Hurricane Irma

A list of principles released by the White House and leading Republicans stated agreement on small business tax relief, capital expensing, bringing back U.S. jobs, lower rates for 'American families,' and ' lower rates for all American businesses so they can compete with foreign ones.'

Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney told Fox Business Network a reduction to a top corporate rate of 15 per cent was still a top goal.

'Let's put it this way, we'll go to whoever will help us get it down to 15 percent. The president and I just talked not 15 minutes ago and he's adamant about this 15 percent rate,' Mulvaney said.

'Pointed out, accurately by the way, that even in China or certain companies the rate is 15 percent. So to think we could compete internationally at 20 and 25 percent is not sitting very well,' he said.

LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT: House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., center, accompanied by Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., tries to fix a sign on his podium after a cameraman bumped it during a news conference following a GOP caucus meeting on Capitol Hill, Wednesday

House Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, one of the key stewards of the House Republican health care overhaul legislation emerges from a House Republican Conference meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, July 28, 2017

He added: 'You switch from a business that encourages business to leave the United States to one that encourages businesses to come here. And that has an impact not on just things like the trade balance but on employment and economic growth. It's everything. So it's a big piece of what the President is pushing hard for today.'

Trump was set to host Democratic and Republican House lawmakers at the White House on Wednesday, seeking to build support across the political spectrum for tax reform that he said should include tax cuts for the middle class.

The Republican president, who has shown a new willingness to engage with Democrats in recent days, discussed tax plans over dinner on Tuesday with a small group of Republican and Democratic senators as he tries to push for rapid tax legislation.

DEVASTATION: A sunken boat is seen in Great Cruz Bay on St. John in the US Virgin Islands on Sept. 12, 2017. The island was hit hard by Hurricane Irma

Several senators who attended the dinner said in television interviews on Wednesday that Trump had been clear the tax package could not be focused on wealthy Americans.

Republicans control both chambers of Congress and the party's leaders have been trying for most of the year to come up with a detailed tax plan while ignoring the Democrats. Democrats have criticized their effort as aimed mostly at the rich.

'The president stressed that he wants this to be a middle class tax cut,' Republican Pat Toomey, one of the senators who attended the Tuesday dinner, told MSNBC.

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin told CBS News that Trump 'was adamant this is not a tax cut for the rich' and that the White House was 'very aggressive' on the need for a bipartisan plan.

The White House called the dinner 'highly productive,' saying in a statement it would 'spur constructive discussion.'

Boats, cars and other debris clog waterways in the Florida Keys two days after Hurricane Irma slammed into the state on September 12, 2017 in Marathon, Florida. The Federal Emergency Managment Agency has reported that 25-percent of all homes in the Florida Keys were destroyed and 65-percent sustained major damage when they took a direct hit from Hurricane Irma

What was once a gift shop and restaurant now lays in ruins on of St. John in the US Virgin Islands on Sept. 12, 2017. The island was hit hard by Hurricane Irma

Trump is promoting his goals of a simpler U.S. tax code with lower rates, including on corporate taxes, even as a detailed plan has yet to emerge from either the White House or Congress.

He was due to meet on Wednesday with 13 lawmakers from the House of Representatives, including eight Democrats and five Republicans. House Republican leaders were also expected to give their members an update on the tax reform effort, including a general timeline to pass a bill.

In Twitter posts early on Wednesday, Trump urged lawmakers act quickly.

'The approval process for the biggest Tax Cut & Tax Reform package in the history of our country will soon begin. Move fast Congress!' Trump wrote.

Trump reached a surprising deal last week with Democratic leaders on fiscal issues, blindsiding Republican leaders. That led to a bill that Trump signed on Friday extending the government debt limit for three months and providing about $15 billion in hurricane-related aid.
Two Loomis security guards stole 7million in cash from a Credit Suisse in a Heathrow Airport heist described as one of the biggest in British criminal history, a court heard.

Twenty eight bags of cash were taken from a van at the airport and have never been recovered.

Jurors were told it was an 'audacious' theft worthy of a Hollywood script called 'the Heathrow Heist' and a classic 'inside job'.

Van driver Mohammad Siddique, 31 and guard Ranjeev Singh, 40, are both charged with conspiracy to steal the cash belonging to the Swiss Bank, which was picked up by their Loomis intentional truck to deliver to the Bank of Ireland.

Loomis security van driver Mohammad Siddique, 31 and guard Ranjeev Singh, 40, are charged with conspiracy to steal 7million cash belonging to Credit Suisse that was collected at Heathrow Airport went missing after their vehicle (circled) was 'stolen and abandoned' nearby

Kingston Crown Court heard the pair collected the money from the British Airways cargo depot at around 8.30am on March 14.

Shortly after leaving the depot, Singh got out to go to the toilet, but when he came out Siddique had 'driven off with the 7million in cash'.

Instead of raising the alarm Singh waited for 20 minutes, 'nonchalantly smoked a cigarette' and then reported what had happened to colleagues in another van.

In the meantime it is alleged the 7million was being transferred from the Loomis security van into a second vehicle, which had been parked in a secluded road in Feltham days before the heist.

The jury were told the pair, along with others, staged the heist on the van and Siddique was found a few hours later 'tied up' in a remote area near Gerrard's Cross.

Prosecutor Sandip Singh QC said: 'It was 7million in cash stolen. It's an enormous amount, and I am going to use an American term which I like, it was a heist of 7million in cash.

'It was an audacious theft carefully planned and executed and you may think it would make a Hollywood movie script, they would call it the 'Heathrow Heist' if anyone wanted to write a script about it.

'It is one of the biggest in British criminal history, there have been bigger, but 7million in a significant amount.

'It was also an inside job, to use the colloquialism, and we say it had to be and inside job by these two defendants. They acted out their parts to the scripts they had already agreed.'

The prosecutor added: 'Also they staged the robbery and the prosecution say made it look like a robbery.

'And what happened to the money, the 7million? It vanished. Of course money doesn't vanish somewhere, it was hidden away somewhere, only the conspirators know. Police so far have not been able to find it.'

The 28 bags of cash weighed almost half a tonne.

The defendants were described as 'firm friends' and had requested to be partnered for their rounds, which was not usual protocol, but was agreed by Loomis.

The court heard all vans are tracked by the firm, and employees are not allowed to be on their own in the vehicle. If they are the alarm should be raised by their colleague and the van can be immobilised remotely by the control room.

Singh claimed he did not have his phone on him having left it in the van, however a phone without a SIM card was found in his inside jacket pocket during a police search.

Referring to Singh's delay in raising the alarm, the prosecutor said: 'All this was part of the plan. He had to do that so Saddique had time to get there for the money to be transferred into the other van.'

The alarm was eventually raised and Loomis staff and police tracked down the van, which had been immobilised, and found the money was missing.

Just after 11.15am Siddique was found lying in a secluded rural side road by a husband and wife who had seen a man lying down as they were driving by.

The prosecution allege both men took part in an 'inside job' and planned to make it look like their armoured van was hijacked. The money has never been recovered (file picture)

The husband got out and found Siddique saying, 'help me, help me'.

The prosecutor said: 'His hands were behind his back tied together with industrial black cable ties. His ankles were also secured with cable ties.'

The man was able to cut him free and Siddique was then questioned by detectives from the Met's flying Squad who took an initial account from him.

Mr Patel QC said: 'He admits his involvement. He said she was involved and took part in the offence, but this defendant says he was forced to do it.

'He said he had been approached by a black man at his home address.

'The man showed him a phone image of a burning house and said that would be yours.

'he had to go along because he had no choice as he had been threatened and his family had been threatened.'

Siddique also claimed the unknown man gave him a handset to use and gave him money to buy the white transit van he bought and was used in the heist.

He claimed the man told him to meet him in Feltham once he had the cash.

'He told him to get into the rear of the van and tie his own ankles with cable ties and get rid of his mobile phone,' said Mr Patel.

'His hands were then tied behind his back and he was driven by the black man to the location where he was found.'

The jury were told Rafaqat Hussain, 41, has already pleaded guilty to his part in the plot, and was described as one of the organisers, making arrangements with the two defendants and to make sure the 'money was squirrelled away thereafter'.

Referring to the plot itself Mr Patel QC said: 'It was planned, professionally over a number of weeks. It was not a spontaneous theft of the 7million.'

Siddique, of Slough, Berkshire, and Singh also of Slough, both deny one count of conspiracy to steal 7million from Credit Suisse.

The jury were told two others, Razvana Zeib, 34, and Garry Carrod, 34, were no longer part of the trial.

The trial continues.
A Vermont man has been jailed for 30 years for sexually abusing a six-year-old girl on a US Army base where they both lived.

Paul Kickery Sr, 68, was imprisoned last week after the girl, who is now 10, reported the attacks to a relative.

He was living on the Fort Leonard Wood base in Missouri with his son, Paul Kickery Jr, when he assaulted the girl repeatedly for a year between July 2013 and July 2014.

Kickery not only confessed to those attacks but also admitted molesting a 15-year-old while he lived in his native Vermont and also confessed to watching child pornography.

The attacks took place at Fort Leonard Wood US Army Base which is in between Springfield and Jefferson City, Missouri, between July 2013 and July 2014

He pleaded guilty to the aggravated sexual abuse of a child.

His conviction and sentencing were announced by the US Attorney's Office in Missouri on Friday.

According to its press release, he and the girl were known to each other.

No other information about how they knew each other is being released in order to protect the girl's identity.

Kickery's son, Paul Jr., was a member of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

He left the army earlier this year and is understood to have been deployed at least once during his service.
The self-styled Last King of the Cross John Ibrahim has a property empire worth $52.5million including houses, pubs and a macadamia farm.

Documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission show the Kings Cross identity made a correction to his date of birth.

Mr Ibrahim had told ASIC in 1997 that he was born on August 25, 1970 but updated it to June 20, 1968 less than two weeks before his home was raided.

A police search warrants, company documents, title deeds and Mr Ibrahim's personal identification documents were obtained by The Daily Telegraph.

The self-styled Last King of the Cross John Ibrahim (pictured) has a property empire worth $52.5million including houses, pubs and a macadamia farm

John Ibrahim has a property empire worth $52.5million including a mansion in Dover Heights

Documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission show the Kings Cross identity made a correction to his date of birth (pictured is Ibrahim's home)

The documents show the August raids, which smashed an alleged drug syndicate involving John Ibrahim's brothers Michael and Fadi, targeted 17 companies linked to him.

John Ibrahim was not charged over the raids and there is no suggestion he was involved in the alleged drug importation ring.

Mr Ibrahim or business partner Margaret Staltaro own properties in Dover Heights, Potts Point, Redfern, Petersham, Pokolbin and Byron Bay.

Mr Ibrahim (pictured, left) or business partner Margaret Staltaro (pictured, second left) own properties in Dover Heights, Potts Point, Redfern, Petersham, Pokolbin and Byron Bay

The documents show the August raids which smashed an alleged drug syndicate involving John Ibrahim's brothers Michael (pictured, left) and Fadi (pictured, right) targeted 17 companies linked to him

They include two homes on George Street in Dover Heights worth $8million and $3.5million, and properties in Potts Point could be worth $30million.

A vacant lot in Pokolbin is worth an estimated $270,000 and a macadamia farm in Byron Bay is valued at $1.45million.

Other properties are the $4.9million Norfolk Hotel in Redfern, and the $5million Oxford Tavern in Petersham.

The Oxford Tavern (pictured) in Petersham is part of Ibrahim and Staltaro's property empire

The Norfolk Hotel (pictured) in Redfern is part of Ibrahim and Staltaro's property empire

The Australian Federal Police obtained a restraining order from the Supreme Court three days after the police raids.

The order covers assets belonging to Michael and Fadi Ibrahim and cover Fadi's $8million home in Dover Heights and funds belonging to Michael.

Michael and Fadi are in a Dubai jail, and long-time friend of John Ibrahim Ryan Watsford was arrested in Sydney over the alleged drug smuggling operation.

These properties (pictured) in Potts Point are part of Ibrahim and Staltaro's property empire

This macadamia farm in north NSW (pictured) is also part of Ibrahim and Staltaro's property empire

The alleged scheme to import MDMA, ice, cocaine and tobacco into Australia was brought down thanks to a police asset known as MW1.

MW1 was introduced to Michael Ibrahim by Watsford, and worked his way to the top of the alleged syndicate, earning the trust of alleged kingpin Hakan Arif.
A 29-year-old debut novelist has been shortlisted for this year's Man Booker Prize for a book she began writing on her mobile phone on her way to work.

British writer Fiona Mozley is up for one of the world's most prestigious literary prizes for Elmet, described by judges as 'timeless in its epic mixture of violence and love'.

She sits alongside heavyweights like Scottish author Ali Smith and Mohsin Hamid for this year's award in a US-heavy list - and she is second favourite to win the 50,000 title at odds of 4/1.

The 29-year-old is studying at York University for a PhD in medieval towns and eco-politics and has a part-time job at the citys Little Apple Bookshop.

Mozley began writing Elmet, set in the copses of Yorkshire, on a train from York, where she had been visiting family and where she grew up, to London, where she was going straight to work.

British writer Fiona Mozley is up for one of the world's most prestigious literary prizes for Elmet, described by judges as 'timeless in its epic mixture of violence and love'

She sits alongside heavyweights like Scottish author Ali Smith (pictured) and Mohsin Hamid for this year's award in a US-heavy shortlist - and she is second favourite to win the title at odds of 4/1

Elmet wrote the first chapter as the landscape of her native Yorkshire whizzed past the window.

The author previously said that she kept her writing secret from friends because it spurred her on.

'I did not want to set myself up for a fall, I didn't want to expect it to be published,' the author, who has worked for a literary agency in London, previously told the Evening Standard.

'I thought, if I didn't tell my friends I was writing it I'd be more likely to finish. So I just got on with it.'

The result, Elmet, has been described as a 'forceful' and 'tremendously potent' first novel, which is 'also timely' on the 'doomed resistance to the encouragement of an ever more faceless world'.

Since the longlist was announced, Elmet's publisher, JM Originals, printed 13,000 copies but with the shortlist announcement it decided to make an additional 15,000.

Normally, titles on the JM Originals list have a print run of just 1,500.

Seen through the eyes of a child, Elmet is the story of a moody, philosophical bare-knuckle fighter who brings up his children 'in defiance of social norms'.

Heavyweight Arundhati Roy's second novel The Ministry Of Utmost Happiness - her first in 20 years - has not been shortlisted while British literary star Zadie Smith's Swing Time has also been dropped after making the longlist earlier this year.

Scottish author Smith has been shortlisted for the fourth time, this year for Autumn, a book 'in part about Brexit'.

Part of a quartet of books, it is the story of a dying man 'whose country seems to have changed after the Brexit vote'.

British-Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid completes the shortlist for Exit West, about the movement of large numbers of people across the globe in search of freedom and those 'caught up literally and metaphorically in crossfire'

US author Paul Auster's 4321 is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and civil rights movement

Half the authors on the shortlist - including the bookies' favourite to win, George Saunders (pictured) for Lincoln In The Bardo - are US authors

Emily Fridlund's History Of Wolves explores 'the effects of neglectful parenting' and the repercussions of childhood isolation and loneliness and is set in 'the austere wilds of Minnesota'

Judges said that it 'deftly questions what it means to be displaced in one's own country' and is a 'eulogy for lost time'.

Half the authors on the shortlist - including the bookies' favourite to win, George Saunders for Lincoln In The Bardo - are US authors.

Lincoln In The Bardo focuses on a single night and actual historical event in the life of a 'heartbroken' Abraham Lincoln, when he lays to rest his 11-year-old son in a Washington cemetery.

While readers 'might expect a book set in graveyard' to 'create a very dark world' the book was 'a great expansive torrent of a novel', judges said.

Judges dismissed controversy over the number of US names on the list, saying that the shortlist - recently opened up to US writers - was 'not about the nationality of the authors' but 'what is the best book'.

The other two US authors are Paul Auster for 4321, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and civil rights movement, and Emily Fridlund for History Of Wolves, which explores 'the effects of neglectful parenting' and the repercussions of childhood isolation and loneliness and is set in 'the austere wilds of Minnesota'.

British-Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid completes the shortlist for Exit West, about the movement of large numbers of people across the globe in search of freedom and those 'caught up literally and metaphorically in crossfire'.

Judges said that while the topics were varied, many of the books tackled parenting.

The winner of the shortlist, which features three men and three women, will be announced on October 17.
The Gainesville Police Department just got a little more popular - by sharing photos of their good-looking officers online.

The police department shared photos of their officers as they helped with recovery efforts in Florida following Hurricane Irma, and one picture got their fans a little hot and bothered.

A selfie of Officers Nordman, Hamill and Rengering quickly went viral as men and women went crazy over the cops' dashing good looks.

The Gainesville Police Department shared photos of their officers as they helped with recovery efforts in Florida, following Hurricane Irma, and one picture got their fans a little hot and bothered

The caption said they were 'getting ready to do some work.'

One woman wrote that she would like to turn herself in for the thoughts running through her head.

'Excuse me officer, I just robbed a store.. I need to be cuffed and frisked immediately' - every woman in Florida after seeing this post,' one woman wrote.

'I can't believe how many women are objectifying these poor, fine, young, strong, handsome, brave, sexy, delicious, virile, ovulation-inducing, mouth-watering, beefy.. I can't remember where I was going with this,' another comment read.

'Next post: 'Gainesville Jail can nolonger gold any more prisoners. Looking for neighboring facilities to house 224,454 female inmates brought in on repeat misdemeanors and self-citizen arrests. They refuse to pay bail or be released. please respond if you can help',' another commenter wrote.

Another woman said: 'Uhm, a court date is still a date right?!?'

Several commenters suggested that they should do a calendar to raise money for Hurricane Irma relief efforts.

The police department took the comments in stride, and laughed at many of the jokes that were made.

They even posted an update to warn commenters that two of the officers were married men.

The department said: '1. We are dying with the comments. You've actually made our chief blush with some of them.

'2. MRS. Nordman and MRS. Hamill have also enjoyed knowing how millions of women are going crazy over their husbands.

'3. We can confirm that Officer Rengering (far right with the amazing hair) IS SINGLE. 4. On another note, Officer Rengering is being placed into Cougar Prey Protective Care, similar to the witness protection program for his safety.

The Gainesville cops were so popular that the Sarasota Police Department followed suit, posting a photo on their own page

'5. Please do not call 9-1-1 and request this group respond to your 'incident'. 6. There WILL be a calendar. Thank you all for the hilarious comments...they have brightened our time up here.

'As for the calendar, we are going to try and do something fairly quickly and funds raised will go to Hurricane Irma recovery here in Florida.'

The Gainesville cops were so popular that the Sarasota Police Department followed suit, posting a photo on their own page.

'ATTENTION LADIES! Sarasota Police Department sent backup to this post!' the Gainesville Police Department said as they shared the photo.

The Sarasota police assured that Gainesville has 'nothing on us'.
Most parents like their public school and want to support teachers, whom they trust more than anyone else to make choices for education, a new poll by the American Federation of Teachers found. School choice initiatives ranked low on parents priorities.

The national poll , conducted by Hart Research Associates, surveyed 1,200 parents of public school studentsincluding 233 African-American parents, 371 Hispanic parents, and 196 parents of all races in 10 major cities. The final results were adjusted in weighting so that no group was overrepresented. The interviews were conducted online between July 24 and August 3.

Almost 40 percent of respondents identified as Democrats, 29 percent identified as Republicans, and 33 percent identified as Independents. Nearly half of the parents have a child who qualifies for the federal free/reduced lunch program, a marker for low-income households.

Seventy-three percent of respondents said their public school was excellent or good, 20 percent said it was adequate, and just 7 percent said their public school was not so good or poor.

Just over 70 percent of parents said they would prefer a good quality neighborhood public school for their children over the ability to have more choice of what schools they can send their children to. Separated by race, 76 percent of white parents wanted good neighborhood schoolscompared to just 60 percent of African-American parents and 66 percent of Hispanic parents.

When asked how to improve education, 80 percent of parents said efforts should be focused on ensuring that every child has access to a good public school in their neighborhood. Twenty percent said there should be more public charter schools and access to school vouchers to allow parents to send their children to private schools at public expense. (A recent Education Next poll found that public support for charter schools has fallen 12 percent from last year, although opposition toward school vouchers has softened.)

Most parents also disapprove of reducing spending on traditional public schools and using the funds to increase spending on charter schools, the poll found. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and President Donald Trump had included major school choice initiatives in their education budget proposal, despite also calling for a $9.2 billion cut. The Senate budget committee rejected both the funding cut and the school choice initiatives .

That agenda is completely at odds with what we are seeing with parents on the ground and what we see in this poll, Randi Weingarten, the AFT president, said on a press call, adding that the survey attempted to ask questions in a neutral way. I hope [DeVos], in her position as the secretary of education, as opposed to an ideologue or an advocate, actually starts listening to what parents and teachers and community advocates are saying. We need our public schools.

The AFT poll also asked parents their education policy agenda: 60 percent strongly approve of expanding access to career and technical education/vocational programs, 58 percent strongly approve of reducing class sizes, especially in the early grades, and 55 percent strongly approve of giving extra resources and support to turn around struggling neighborhood schools.

Parents most want their public schools to be safe and secure, to make sure students graduate with the knowledge and academic skills to succeed in college, and to develop students critical thinking and reasoning skills. Parents most want teachers to understand individual needs of each child and to care about children. When asked how to improve teaching, 73 percent of parents said to treat teachers like professionals, raise hiring standards, and give new and struggling teachers more support and training. The remainder of parents said schools should regularly remove poorly performing teachers from the classroom.

Seventy-nine percent of parents have confidence in public school teachers to have the right ideas for public schools, followed by principals and parent organizations. Only 38 percent of parents have confidence in their state legislatures to have the right ideas. DeVos and Trump tied for second-to-last place, with just 33 percent of parents saying they trusted the two to have the right idea for public schools. Only 23 percent of parents trust hedge fund managers to have the right idea for public schools.

Three-quarters of parents have heard at least a little about DeVos, and 44 percent of those who are familiar with the secretary disapprove of her performance. Twenty-three percent approve of the job DeVos is doing (the rest have no opinion).

Weingarten has long been outspoken in her criticism of DeVos. This summer, she called DeVos school choice proposals only slightly more polite cousins of segregation , which prompted some calls for the longtime union head to resign. DeVos embarked today on a six-state tour to see schools that are rethinking education"which Weingarten acknowledged on the press call with a pointed barb that some of us have been in schools for weeks already.
Paris Hall (pictured) told a court her job as a personal assistant was 'too important' to get public transport and begged a court to not take her licence away

A personal assistant found drunk next to her crashed Audi after drinking vodka begged a court not to ban her from the roads because her job was 'too important' to get public transport.

Paris Hall, 28, said she had already been disciplined by her bosses for being late into the office due to heavy traffic and said she feared a driving disqualification would cost her the job.

The single mother-of-one was breathalysed by police in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, after she had been out drinking vodka with friends.

Officers found her to be twice over the limit after a patrol spotted her stood next to the wreckage of her Audi A1 in the early hours of Sunday, February 19.

She was initially charged with drink-driving but the allegation was reduced to being in drunk in charge of a car after a friend came forward to say she had been behind the wheel as Hall was too drunk to drive.

At Manchester Magistrates Court, Hall admitted being drunk in charge of a vehicle but argued she should be excused a driving ban explaining disqualification would cause her to suffer 'exceptional hardship.'

She also said she was a 'good person - not one of those people who is always in these places.'

But magistrates denied her application and banned her for six months and said she should get the bus or train to work. She was also fined 266 plus 80 in costs and surcharges.

Earlier James Gore, prosecuting, said: 'Police saw the vehicle parked in a dangerous position in the road, smashed at the front, which the hazards lights flashing.

'The defendant was stood next to the car and she explained she was on her way home from a friends house.

'The officer found extensive damage at the front of the car and the defendant was drunk. She explained that she had been drinking vodka, but she had not been driving the car.'

Ms Hall, 28, (pictured) said she had already been disciplined by her bosses for being late into the office due to heavy traffic

Tests showed she had 75 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath.

Mr Gore added: 'She was initially charged with drink driving, but then a friend came forward and explained that she had been driving the car, but had to leave in a hurry when she learned that something was wrong with her daughter.

'She had a call from home to say her daughter was unwell so the friend and Miss Hall came home, with the friend driving the car.'

Hall, from Sale, Greater Manchester, who had a previous conviction for driving without insurance told the hearing: 'I work as a care worker on Saturdays and Sundays.

'I am also a personal assistant and team organiser for a company based in Manchester.

At Manchester Magistrates Court (pictured), Hall admitted being drunk in charge of a vehicle

'For my job I have to travel round the country to organise different events and make sure the necessary paperwork is filled out.

'I have to travel to London, Derby and all round Manchester. It's really important for me to drive to work for these events as I won't be able to receive childcare for my 9-year-old boy.

'I would have to leave at 7am and the childcare doesn't start until 8am. Nobody else can drive on my behalf because we work alone.

But JP Susan Craig told her: 'You have the ability to use public transport to get to work, and you can speak to your employees about going to these events.

'If you drive during your disqualification period, you could face custody.'

Motorists convicted of being drunk in charge do not face a compulsory ban and can often escape with 10 points on their licence.

Lawyers claimed they will have a defence to the charge if he can show that at the time of the offence there was 'no likelihood' of them driving the vehicle at the time.
A Chinese father has sold his seven-day-old daughter to alleged human traffickers in a maternity hospital.

The police told a Chinese news outlet that the man had established contact with the buyers online before the baby was born.

It's also said that instead of reporting to the police, staff at the hospital helped facilitate the deal by providing a fake birth certificate.

The incident was exposed in a recent report by Pear Video, a Chinese video news website.

The girl was seven days old when her father sold her in the hospital, according to the report.

A CCTV video shows that the incident occurred on March 14 this year.

According to the police, the father is from Xinyang, in central China's Henan Province, and he had wanted to sell the child before she was born for unspecified reasons.

CCTV footage shows an alleged human trafficker (circled) holding the baby girl after her father sold her in a hospital in Xinyang, central China's Henan Province

Three people traded the baby in the hospital. According to the police, the one on the far left was an alleged human trafficker and the one on the far right was the buyer of the child

He later found a suspected human trafficking group through QQ, a Chinese online chatting platform.

The group instructed the man to send his wife to the unnamed hospital to give birth.

Members of the group were also said to work with the hospital staff to obtain a fake birth certificate for the girl.

The deal was said to take place in the maternity hospital between the family of the baby girl and two human traffickers, known as Li and Song.

Apparently, the pair of alleged human traffickers sold the baby to a potential buyer in the hospital right after they bought her.

An officer revealed a video clip which showed one of the alleged traffickers meeting her customer.

Li and Song have been arrested by the police on suspicion of human trafficking.

Through the two suspects, the officers were able to arrest a group of nine suspected human traffickers. They have also saved five babies the group had bought.
A former administrative assistant to an Arkansas county official pleaded guilty to fraudulent use of a credit card after prosecutors accused her of using public money to buy $200,000 worth of personal items, including a tuxedo for her pet pug.

Kristi Goss, 44, was set to stand trial on Tuesday for six counts of fraudulent use of a credit cards, but instead she pleaded guilty on Monday.

Authorities accused Goss of fraudulently charging $200,000 to a Garland County credit card on purchases including the dog tuxedo, a diamond bracelet, tickets to Arkansas Razorbacks sporting events, sequined throw pillows and pet insurance.

Kristi Goss (pictured), 44, a former administrative assistant to an Arkansas county official pleaded guilty to fraudulent use of a credit card after prosecutors accused her of using public money to buy $200,000 worth of personal items, including a tuxedo for her pet pug

Authorities accused Goss of fraudulently charging $200,000 to a Garland County credit card on purchases including the dog tuxedo (file image), a diamond bracelet, tickets to Arkansas Razorbacks sporting events, sequined throw pillows and pet insurance

Goss had worked as an administrative assistant for Garland County Judge Rick Davis in Hot Springs until June 3, 2016, after dramatic discrepancies in the court's accounting came to light.

According to police, Goss racked up the bills in a spending spree that started in 2012 and continued until May this year, The Sentinel-Record reported.

Goss, who had worked at the county court since 2004, was responsible for paying bills and buying IT equipment using the credit card.

But on October 29, 2012 she paid off an Entergy electricity bill on the card - the first confirmed act of fraud in a long series of such, according to an affidavit.

Other payments include more than $4,400 of electric bills, more than $4,900 in phone bills, $975 Arkansas Razorback tickets, a $128.98 diamond bracelet and sequin throw pillows for $87.98, cops say.

She also bought the dog tuxedo for her pug for an unspecified amount at a time that coincided with her children's prom, prosecutors say.

Police also suspect she was funneling money away from other Garland County departments to pay off the bills.

Goss's final confirmed payment was on May 25, 2016, for an Amazon purchase, officials said.

Legislative auditor Jimmy Locke said at the time that 3,722 charges were made to the card between December 2012, when it was first obtained, and May 2016.

In total $162,598.12 of charges were confirmed as unauthorized, Locke said.

Goss (pictured July 2016) was also arrested shortly after she left her position at the court house. In July 2016, police allegedly caught Goss and her husband in possession of narcotics

Goss worked as an administrative assistant for Garland County Judge Rick Davis at this court house

Mary Culpepper, chief of staff and Goss's boss, told ASP special agent David Moss that 'some of the months did not match and the same statement was being used numerous times'.

Culpepper told investigators at the time that she'd signed off on just the first page of the credit card bill, without looking at the itemized bill, because she trusted Goss.

Shortly after the allegations surfaced, Judge Davis released a statement in which he distanced himself from Goss, saying: 'This ex-employee was one that I inherited.'

Goss was charged with six felony fraud counts - four involving amounts of more than $25,000 and two of more than $5,000 each, punishable by up to 10 years, but she opted to plead guilty at a pretrial hearing on Monday.

If she is convicted she could face a total of 100 years in prison, if the sentences run consecutively.

Goss was also arrested shortly after she left her position at the court house.

In July 2016, police allegedly caught Goss and her husband in possession of narcotics.

Goss will be sentenced for her fraud charges on November 22. A gag order prevents attorneys from speaking publicly about this case.
An adorable female kangaroo joey rescued from her dead mother's pouch has befriended the police officer who saved her.

Constable Nick Schmidt from Glenden, a mining town in Queensland, found the joey by chance on Tuesday after discovering its dead mother by the roadside.

The officer had came across a kangaroo who was struck by a car and had not survived.

Cute female kangaroo joey rescued by police officer in Glenden, Queensland on Tuesday

While Constable Schmidt was preparing to move the dead kangaroo from to the side of the road he suddenly saw a head popping out from the deceased mother's pouch.

To his surprise, the officer found the joey completely uninjured and alive in her dead mother's pouch.

He later found out that a joey can survived in such circumstances for up to 48 hours.

The joey was later collected and driven in the police car back to the Glenden police station where she was wrapped in a police jumper hoping it would mimic her mother's pouch.

A local wildlife rescue carer helped the officers with the joey.

Constable Schmidt said the joey would be properly cared for until she can be introduced to a mob of 'rescue kangaroos' and returned to the outback.
A Kentucky man made a public apology on Facebook minutes before shooting dead the mother of his infant child.

Ethan Reid, 24, from Scottsville, pleaded guilty to killing Kayla Hodges in Allen Circuit Court to a charge of murder-domestic violence on Tuesday The Daily News reports. There was no plea deal.

Prosecutor Clint Willis said he had planned to put Reid on trial because the victim's family didn't want a plea deal.

Ethan Reid, 24, pleaded guilty in Allen Circuit Court to a charge of murder-domestic violence for killing Kayla Hodges, the mother of his infant baby

Kayla's father is now raising his daughter's baby girl Evie Blu (pictured here), who was a mere 7-months-old when Kayla died

He made a public apology on Facebook minutes before the mother of his infant child was shot to death

'We were planning on going forward with the trial,' Allen County Commonwealths Attorney Clint Willis said.

'The victims family asked us not to do any plea offers so we didnt.'

He fatally shot 20-year-old Kayla Hodges last October at a Scottsville residence, the mother of his infant child.

Reid turned up at his mothers home, where Kayla was currently residing, armed with a rifle.

He arrived at the home armed with a gun and followed Kayla to the front door, before shooting her with a single-shot shotgun.

Reid and Hodges pictured here with their baby Evie Blu

Riley heard the gunshot so when she went to the living room she saw Kayla falling out of the front door.

Police say Reid posted an apology on a Facebook account shortly before the shooting.

It read: 'Sorry guys. I'm truly not this bad of a person. I've been pushed to this point over of time.

Reid (pictured here) turned up at his mothers home, where Kayla was currently residing, armed with a rifle and shot her

'I'm disappointed in myself too. I could have been so much more. It's so sad. I'm a terrible person overall.

'Learn from my mistakes. Just know this was never my intentions. I love all of you. I'm just not meant to be happy. Ever. I'm sorry. I love you all. Xoxo - Ethan Reid,' he concluded.

The victim's father, Byron Hodges, is now raising his daughter's baby girl Evie Blu, who was a mere seven-months-old when Kayla died.

'It still hurts every day,' he said. 'Shes always going to know who her mom is. Im going to try to raise her as her grandfather. I want her to know Im her grandfather and not her father.'

'Were just loving her. Thats the main thing we can do is just love her and show her love and attention and try to do whats best for her,' he continued.

Reid will be sentenced on November 29 this year.
This is the shocking moment two moped-riding thugs try to rob a biker on a busy ring road  before a car goes slamming into the back of them foiling their plan.

The attempted robbery is believed to have happened on the North Circular Road in Barnet, north London, and was captured on the bikers helmet camera.

The video shows one of the masked men get off the moped at traffic lights and approach the rider.

But after he fails to take control of the bike he jumps back on the moped  only to be sent flying by the silver car crashing into them from behind.

Two young men were captured trying to rob a biker on London's North Circular in Barnet

The shocking incident was captured on the biker's helmet camera and shared on Facebook

As the pair fail to rob the biker, a silver car goes slamming into the back of them, sending them flying

The pair manage to scramble back onto the vehicle and flee the scene.

The video of the ordeal was posted on the UK Theft Motorcycle Protest Facebook group, which aims to raise awareness of bike crime.

The capital has been plagued by moped-related crime, with masked youngsters terrorising unsuspecting victims across the city.

Last week terrified mother Nicola Scott was chased through the streets of Romford, Essex by two moped-riding thugs who ended up smashing her car window in with a hammer.

Mother-of-two Lynne Tanswell managed to escape a similar incident happening in Walthamstow, north east London, when she banged on the window a nearby van who drove her to safety.

The video was shared on The UK Motorcyle Theft Protest Facebook page and has racked up over half a million views

Taken by surprise, the masked men manage to scramble back on the moped and escape
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The A-list celebrities who starred in the telethon for those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have clocked up hundreds of thousands of air miles which have fuelled rising temperatures and helped create devastating storms.

Tuesday night's Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief included performances and messages from Beyonce, Justin Bieber, George Clooney, Cher and Leonardo DiCaprio.

They appealed to viewers to donate to help fund relief efforts after the disastrous storms hit the southern US.

But a MailOnline investigation has revealed the extent to which stars have contributed to the catastrophic weather phenomenons with their jet-setting lifestyles.

Justin Bieber is calculated to have travelled at least 136,000 miles in a plane over the last year, environmentalist DiCaprio is believed to have done more than 87,000 miles while fellow actor Clooney did 61,000 miles.

Carbon emissions from plane journeys such as the celebrities' cause the earth's temperature to heat and the resulting higher ocean temperatures lead to more powerful hurricanes. The higher temperatures over land and sea mean the storms generate more energy.

Bieber (who is thought to have travelled at least 136,000 miles in planes over the last year) is joined Gwen Stefani and Sofia Vergara on phone answering duties at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Heavy hitters: Cher and George Clooney were among the many stars who took part in the Hand In Hand hurricane relief telethon Tuesday night to help the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Clooney spent around 61,448 in the air since September last year, which included a long trip to Italy this summer. His total air time meant his carbon emissions from flying alone was 10.31 tonnes of CO2. Cher, meanwhile, appears to have flown within the US in a total of 6,546

Star studded: 'Tonight we want to help,' said Leonardo DiCaprio while Jamie Foxx added: 'We're here to raise money and lift some spirits'. DiCaprio, however, flew close to 87,609 miles on various business trips and jaunts around the world which burned up 14.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide

Hopeful: Beyonce, in a recorded message, stated that racial divisions, skin color and gender differences all disappear as people come together to help one another. Despite being pregnant with twins, she still managed to clock up 28,040 miles in 12 months - burning through 4.55 tonnes of CO2

Bieber was the biggest culprit, having flown on approximately 45 flights in the past 52 weeks.

His longest flight was from Australia to the UK at the beginning of July having been down under on his Purpose World Tour.

The 10,638-mile flight burned through a massive 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide alone in a year that stacked up against him in terms of his carbon footprint.

Trips to Germany, Dublin, Paris, Cape Town, Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro and to his homeland Canada meant he clocked up a staggering 136,947 air miles burning through 22.45 tonnes of CO2 since September 2016.

The average annual carbon dioxide emissions per person in America is 20 metric tons, compared to a world average of four tons.

This means without even considering the miles he chugs in his cars or the emissions caused by heating and cooling his many homes, Bieber is above the average consumption.

Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber performs for his purpose tour at DY Patil Stadium, Nerul, on May 10, 2017 in Mumbai, India. He has flown on approximately 45 flights in the past 52 weeks

Leonardo DiCaprio is seen left at the Cannes film festival while George Clooney, seen right, was pictured on board a boat in Italy

Staunch environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio has been jetting across the globe around twice a month in the past year.

The 42-year-old actor flew around 87,609 miles on various business trips and jaunts around the world which burned up 14.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

RISING GLOBAL TEMPERATURES Year Temperature increase (C relative to average temperature 1961-1990) 2016 0.77 2015 0.76 2014 0.58 2013 0.51 2012 0.47 2011 0.42 2010 0.56 2009 0.51 2008 0.39 2007 0.49 2006 0.51 2005 0.54 2004 0.45 2003 0.51 2002 0.5 2001 0.44 2000 0.29

His longest trip was his return journey from California to the south of France where he enjoyed the iconic Cannes film festival.

In April, DiCaprio joined thousands of climate change protesters in Washington DC to mark President Donald Trump's 100th day in office.

Large crowds gathered on Pennsylvania Avenue for the People's Climate March, an event that saw about 300 coinciding protests around the country, according to organizers.

The mercury rose to around 90F in DC, and protesters brought their own water bottles and sunscreen as they warned about the dangers of global warming.

Holding signs that read 'There is no planet B', and 'Make Earth Great Again', the protesters say they're objecting to the president's rollback of restrictions on mining, oil drilling and greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants, among other things.

George Clooney spent around 61,448 in the air since September last year which included a long trip to Italy this summer.

He is thought to have flown 4,265 miles from Toronto to Los Angeles to attend Tuesday night's Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief telethon at a cost of 720kg of CO2.

His total air time meant his carbon emissions from flying alone was 10.31 tonnes of CO2.

Meanwhile, despite being pregnant with twins, Beyonce still managed to clock up 28,040 miles in 12 months burning through 4.55 tonnes of CO2.

And at 71, Cher has been a relative homebird compared to the rest of her celebrity compatriots, only appearing to fly within the US in a total of 6,546.

The total emissions only takes into account the flights the celebrities have taken and is likely to be astronomic when driving, pollution from their concerts or films and the electric in their homes are considered.

TV benefit: Stevie Wonder kicked off the one-hour special that aired on all major networks, as well as on cable and online, with a rendition of Lean On Me with a gospel choir

The telethon was first announced amid the devastation from Harvey, it was expanded to raise money for victims of Irma, which struck parts of Florida.

Estimates from various groups have said that both hurricanes caused between $150 billion and $290 billion in damage to Texas and Florida.

More than 60 people died during Harvey and 12 deaths have been reported in the US from Irma.

In the first hour of the special, generous viewers opened their wallets and raised more than $14million for victims of the storms, according to Billy Crystal.

Stevie Wonder opened the special, which was broadcast on all major networks, by offering a prayer. In it, Wonder stated that love conquers division and asked that those who deny global warming wake up and open their eyes.

He then launched into the song Lean On Me with a gospel choir adding back-up vocals.

From there, other stars offered their own messages of hope and pleas of help to those watching.

Beyonce, in a recorded message, stated that racial divisions, skin color and gender differences all disappear as people come together to help one another.

She also warned that climate change and its impacts on the world are real.

'Natural disasters dont discriminate. They dont see if you're an immigrant, black or white, Jewish or Muslim, rich or poorWe're all in this together,' Beyonce said.

'Tonight we come together in a collective effort to raise our voices, heal our communities, lift out spirits and heal,' the Houston native added.

Harvey, which came ashore on August 25 as the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in more than 50 years, has displaced more than one million people and damaged some 200,000 homes in a path of destruction stretching for more than 300 miles.

Had a message: He offered up a prayer for unity and asked that those who deny climate change would 'open their eyes'

Celebrity volunteers: Behind the scene, stars such as (from left to right) Elizabeth Banks Eric McCormack, Tom Hanks, Justin Bieber, Sofia Vergara who were ready to answer phones and take calls

The phone bank was staffed by A-listers including (from left to right) Cher, Billy Crystal, Barbra Streisand, Stephen Colbert and Tyler Perry

Meanwhile in Florida, power outages affected almost five million homes, organizations and businesses, among them gas stations, which need the electricity to keep pumps working. It marks the largest power outage in Florida history.

In the Florida Keys, 25 percent of homes were completely destroyed and Jacksonville saw historic flooding with surge flooding hitting a record 5.57 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

In the city of Naples, where the airport recorded a 142mph gust  the highest recorded in Florida  city officials estimate the storm left behind approximately $100million in damage.

As music played, the camera panned to stars, including Oprah, Kate Hudson and DJ Kahled, waiting to take phone calls from people wanting to donate to the charities handpicked to benefit from the night's efforts.

Best friends Julia Roberts and George Clooney sat next to each to other. Meanwhile late night host Stephen Colbert rubbed shoulders with Barbra Streisand.

Helping out: Oprah Winfrey was enthusiastic about taking calls and donations

Kate Hudson kept busy taking calls in Los Angeles for the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

DJ Khaled brought along his young son to help out for the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Stars such as (from left to right) Josh Groban, Marcia Gay Harden and Jeremy Renner all helped out holding signs that read 'Call Me' or 'Donate Now'

Travis Scott sat next to Seinfeld's Jason Alexander at the Hand in Hand telethon

Following the cavalcade of celebrities, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx then explained what the evening was about.

'Tonight we want to help,' said DiCaprio, whose foundation donated $1million to the United Way Harvey Recovery Fund.

'We're here to raise money and lift some spirits,' said Foxx. 'When tough times hit this is who we are .... when we join together hand in hand.'

'Let's help lift victims out of the darkness,' DiCaprio urged.

Cher and Oprah Winfrey shared a story of heartbreak from Hurricane Harvey in Texas

Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman appeared from Nashville and shared another story of tragedy from the hurricane in Texas

The Pretty Little Liars co-stars took a photo with Luke Brian which Witherspoon posted to Instagram

Blake Shelton and Usher sang a duet of Stand By Me for the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Tori Kelly and Despacito's Luis Fonsi sang a bilingual version of Hallelujah for the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Justin Timberlake narrated stories from the floods for the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Oprah Winfrey and Cher, followed by Reese Witherspoon with Nicole Kidman, recounted horrific and tragic tales from the hurricane in Texas.

Usher and Blake Shelton then performed the hit Stand By Me together.

The special continued with a mix of live musical performances and tales of heartbreak from the communities most deeply affected by the hurricanes.

Justin Bieber came on stage to lead everyone in prayer.

'Donate, whatever you can, it doesnt have to be much  just whatever you can possibly give,' he told folks watching at home.

Justin Bieber appeared on stage to offer a prayer for those in need at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Tom Hanks was joined by wife Rita Wilson to encourage donations at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Diddy and Kerry Washington joined in the appeal for money at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Hilary Duff and Kelly Rowland got to chat as they prepared to answer calls at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Sam Smith beamed as he chatted to a potential donar on Tuesday evening

James Bond star Daniel Craig made his presence felt at the event on Tuesday

The Rock spoke about how his family had survived Hurricane Andrew that hit Florida in 1992, and said any donation, no matter how small, would make a difference.

'There are no strangers in the aftermath of a hurricane,' he said. 'No political parties, no agendasIts all about survival and coming together as one because thats all that matters.'

Will Smith spoke of the heroism of those who went to the aid of others when the hurricanes hit.

'In recent days, we've witnessed all kinds of American champions across our nation standing together hand in hand and facing down real danger,' Smith said.

'These American heroes have saved lives and restored faith in so many ways.'

Will Smith spoke of the heroism of those who went to the aid of others when the hurricanes hit

Selena Gomez also shared a recorded message at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Clooney reunited with his Ocean's Eleven co-star to urge folks watching Tuesday night's Hand In Hand telethon to dig deep into their pockets

Gwen Stefani and Dennis Quaid delivered a heartfelt message at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Jared Leto sported a Lone Star state T-shirt as he showed up to volunteer at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Robert De Niro joined Jon Stewart to remind viewers of the best of America.

'There are those who say we are a nation divided,' De Niro said.

But, Stewart added: 'We're sure of who we are and what matters - to help those in need and who we've never met.'

Harking back to the 16th anniversary of 9/11 on Monday, DeNiro recalled: 'We showed the world the enduring values that define us as a people.'

Robert De Niro joined Jon Stewart to remind viewers of the best of America and harking back to 9/11 said: 'We showed the world the enduring values that define us as a people'

The Rock spoke about how his family had survived Hurricane Andrew that hit Florida in 1992, and said any donation, no matter how small, would make a difference

The telethon aired live on the East Coast from 8 to 9 p.m. on all the main networks plus some cable channels, Twitter, YouTube and social media networks. During that time, more than $14 million was raised for hurricane relief.

The telethon will be repeated on the West Coast and the donation hotline will stay open through the night.

During the telecast, it was announced that Michael Dell of Dell Technologies and Verizon are covering the production costs.

Texan Matthew McConaughey helped close out the telethon from the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas

There followed a performance by George Strait with Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett

Celebrities joined in and performed live from New York Los Angeles and Nashville with a special finale from Texas.

Matthew McConaughey joined the telethon live from the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas.

He introduced a special performance by country legend George Strait who was joined on stage by Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett.

Demi Lovato, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and CeCe Winans ended the special with a rousing rendition of The Beatles' With a Little Help from My Friends

The final song was introduced by Tim McGraw and Faith HIll from the Grand Ole Opry

Lovato and Paisley shared a laugh on stage in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry

Luke Bryan and McGraw had time to catch up with each other at the Grand Ole Opry House during the telecast

Reese Witherspoon caught up with Randy Travis at the Grand Ole Opry

The one-hour show ended with The Beatles classic With A Little Help From My Friends delivered in rousing fashion on stage in Nashville by Demi Lovato, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and CeCe Winans.

To raise even more awareness, the stars took to social media to share snaps with each other to their fans who may have not been watching TV.

Sofia Vergara shared a photo where she basked in Oprah's glory, writing: 'I'm stalking @oprah while waiting to answer your call!!'

Basking in Oprah's glory: Sofia Vergara shared this photo to Instagram, writing: 'I'm stalking @oprah while waiting to answer your call!!'

Thankful: Lupita Nyong'o celebrated the early figure of $14 million raised, writing: 'Bruce Willis and I say thank you!'

Winning pair: Kerry Washington urged her 4.1 million followers to give a call as she sat with Jared Leo at the telethon

L-O-Leto: Jared shared a sillier snap with the Scandal star to Snapchat as he gave fans a glimpse behind the scenes

Up close and personal: Jared seemed starstruck by the Pretty Woman Julia Roberts herself, writing 'The one and only'

The (little) man of the hour: The Oscar winner had to get a snap with DJ Khaled and his adorable son Asahd

Squad: Lily Aldridge gave her 5.1 million Instagram followers a glimpse of her fellow Victoria's Secret model friend Karlie Kloss

Money moves: Nicki Minaj scanned the room as the celebrity pledges took phone calls from those donating via telephone
Security officers at the State Department's Benghazi consulate claimed this week that they were pressured to keep quiet about the lack of security at the compound before the 2012 terror attack in Libya.

Brad Owens and Jerry Torres, of Torres Advanced Enterprise Solutions, said they faced pressure from a government employee who reported to then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The pair told Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Tuesday that the government had scrambled to improve security at the consulate less than two weeks before the attack.

Brad Owens and Jerry Torres said they faced pressure from a government employee who reported to then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to stay silent over security concerns at the Benghazi consulate ahead of the terror attack in 2012

The men spoke to Fox News host Tucker Carlson as part of a segment on the five-year anniversary of the Benghazi attack

Watch the latest video at <a href="//video.foxnews.com">video.foxnews.com</a>

The consulate had hired a UK-based security contractor called the Blue Mountain Group over Torres in a bid to find a new security firm for the consulate.

The State Department awarded the job to Blue Mountain Group because they came in a four per cent lower bid than Torres, an American-based company.

'Blue Mountain U.K. is a teeny, tiny, little security company registered in Wales that had never had a diplomatic security contract, had never done any high threat contracts anywhere else in the world that we've been able to find, much less in high threat areas for the U.S. government,' Owens said.

Blue Mountain used a third company to hire unarmed guards for the consulate, and when the State Department saw the security was substandard, officials called Torres to takeover.

The organization was called and asked to take over a month before the terror attack.

Torres (right) said said a senior state official close to Clinton 'absolutely' silenced him and Owens (left) over concerns of lack of security

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the September 11, 2012 attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya, during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on January 23, 2013

Owens said this was seen as an 'admission of the mistake of choosing the wrong company'.

On August 31, Torres told the State Department that it would take three weeks to fix the consulate's security problems.

Twelve days later, on September 11, 2012, Islamic militants launched a 13-hour assault, which killed which killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens, foreign service officer Sean Smith and former Navy SEALS Tyrone Woods and Glenn Doherty.

Torres said said a senior state official close to Clinton 'absolutely' silenced him and Owens over concerns of lack of security.

Owens said that those 'who made the poor choices that actually, I would say, were more responsible for the Benghazi attacks than anyone else, they're still in the same positions, making security choices for our embassies overseas now'.

Torres echoed his colleague's sentiments, saying that the events leading up to the terror attack was 'bad decision-making from top to bottom'.
This is the moment an entire wedding was evacuated at The Grand Hotel in Brighton last Sunday due to a bomb threat - just as the bride and groom were due to exchange their vows.

Exclusive footage shows the moment sirens rang out as Gaby and Dan Rosehill stood under a chuppah - a Jewish wedding canopy - just two minutes into the ceremony.

Speaking to MailOnline today, Dan, 31, said at first he thought it was a prank - and joked it might have been 'divine intervention'.

'You couldn't write the timing of it with the alarm going off just as Gaby was walking up the aisle,' he added.

Gaby, 29, a digital marketing manager, said: 'We thought it was a routine fire alarm. Then the rabbi joked someone had burnt the potatoes.'

But the couple quickly realised it was no laughing matter when they were told police were contacted, at 4.30pm, with news of a bomb threat.

The pair and 218 guests were evacuated, and relocated to the Hilton Brighton Metropole, where they remained for five hours while the Army and police scoured the building.

This is the moment Gaby and Dan Rosehill's wedding ceremony came to an abrupt halt at The Grand Hotel in Brighton last Sunday when alarms sounded due to a bomb threat

'You couldn't write the timing of it with the alarm going off just as Gaby was walking up the aisle,' Dan, 31, told MailOnline

Exclusive footage shows the wedding party - including 218 guests - being evacuated and relocated to the Hilton Brighton Metropole. They stayed there for five hours while the Army and police searched the premises

Some guests assumed the wedding would be cancelled but the ceremony - and festivities - continued, thanks to some improvisation.

The video shows four men holding a sheet above their heads to form a makeshift chuppah, under which the couple stood.

And so, the bride walked down the aisle for the second time that day - and got to enjoy a second 'first dance'.

Eventually, they were allowed back to The Grand, and partied the night away on a slightly grander scale.

The pair were quizzed by officers about whether either of them had a jealous ex who might be out to ruin their big day.

At one point during the chaos, guests could be seen rallying around in good spirits, making the most of the situation.

Gaby said: 'I had a really tearful moment in the toilets with my sister and mother when I just thought, "This isn't how it was supposed to go" but I quickly pulled it together and the way everyone rallied round was amazing.'

Some guests assumed the wedding would be cancelled but the ceremony - and festivities - continued, thanks to some improvisation

In a room at the neighbouring Hilton Metropole, the couple were able to get married and share their first dance to the aptly titled track I Would Do Anything For Love by Meatloaf

Dan, a musician, said: 'It was upsetting. There were some disastrous things that happened during the day including the fact my father - who suffers from Parkinson's - didn't have his medication as it was left inside the hotel. It was a nightmare situation.'

And his brothers wife was forced to miss out on most of the celebrations because a babysitter they had booked wasnt allowed inside the building.

In a room at the neighbouring Hilton Metropole, the couple were able to get married and share their first dance to the aptly titled track I Would Do Anything For Love by Meatloaf.

Their wedding band didn't have their instruments so they used cocktail shakers and glasses as makeshift musical items.

Gaby said: 'We'd been planning meticulously for 18 months and just when you think you've thought of everything that can possibly go wrong'

The Rosehills' wedding band didn't have their instruments - which they'd had to leave at the Grand - so they used cocktail shakers and glasses instead

Gaby said: 'We'd been planning meticulously for 18 months and just when you think you've thought of everything that can possibly go wrong.

'The next thing we knew we had police saying it was a credible threat and even questioning us if we knew anyone who might have not wanted the wedding to go ahead.

'It was a bit of a race against time. Because we're Jewish we also had to have the ceremony before sundown. At one point I was afraid we wouldn't be able to get married.'

After their wedding day chaos, Gaby, a digital marketing manager, and musician Daniel headed off on their honeymoon to Tenerife

I kept wondering whether Id ever get to see the room where we had planned our wedding for the last 18 months... I had tears running down my face in shock.

I didnt want the guests to know I was upset but it kind of hit home it was going wrong when the photograph was taking pictures. I pulled it together though.

Sussex Police chief superintendent Lisa Bell said in a statement: 'It was important that this report was thoroughly looked into, and we are grateful for the patience and understanding of staff, guests, and people using the nearby car parks, whose afternoon and evening was disrupted.

'A comprehensive criminal investigation is underway to trace the person responsible for the call.

'We are not disclosing any details of the call, but certain lines of enquiry are being actively followed.'

After the day of drama, Gaby and Daniel headed off on their honeymoon to Tenerife where they are now taking it easy.

But even at the airport their luck didn't change. Dan thought their disastrous day might see the pair bumped up into business class, but the check-in assistant had other ideas.

'She told me not only was the flight fully booked, but we wouldn't be able to sit together and we embarked on our honeymoon sitting at opposite ends of the plane,' he said.

The iconic Grand Hotel was attacked by the IRA attack in 1984 during the Conservative party conference.

The blast killed five people, including Tory MP Sir Anthony Berry.

The wedding videographer used by the Rosehills was Mulhern Media.
A woman is suing Starbucks claiming its employees caused her dog's death and gave her horrific injuries by handing her hot tea in a cup with a loose lid.

Deanna Salas-Solano, 58, says she had to undergo surgery after being burned when tea spilled on to her torso and thighs at a drive-thru Starbucks in Denver, Colorado, in September 2015.

The woman's dog Alexander was in the car at the time and jumped on her lap when she screamed in pain, causing her to spill more of the drink.

It burned his fur and he later died in a veterinary hospital because of it, her lawsuit claims.

Salas-Solano is demanding at least $75,000 from the coffee giant, claiming it did not ensure safe premises for customers.

Deanna Salas-Solano, 58, is suing Starbucks, claiming it caused her horrific injuries and the death of her dog during an incident in September 2015

She claims that she was handed her Venti tea in a cup without a hot sleeve and that its lid was not fastened properly.

When she took it from the drive-thru employee on September 27, 2015, Salas Solano said it immediately burned her hands.

'The hot temperature of the cup began to burn her hands. Hot tea began to spill out of the cup through the unsecured lid and onto [her] body.

'She immediately experienced intense pain including on her stomach, legs and lap.

'At or about this time, she began screaming for help and writhing and moaning in pain.

'Her dog, named Alexander, jumped on to her lap. Tea spilled on to Alexander, causing the dog to yelp in pain.

'Alexander was taken to an emergency veterinarian hospital. [He] ultimately succumbed to the injuries caused by the tea, dying a short time later,' the lawsuit, which was filed in Denver on Monday, reads.

These are the injuries she says she was left with after Starbucks staff passed her a Venti tea without a properly fastened lid, causing it to spill on her leg and torso

Ms. Salas-Solano had to undergo skin grafts to treat the second degree burns she suffered

The woman's dog Alexander was burned when it jumped on to her, causing her to spill more of the drink. He died in hospital after suffering these burns

Another photograph shows Alexander's injuries. The dog died shortly afterwards in a veterinarian emergency room

The incident happened at the drive-thru Starbucks in Denver, Colorad, on September 27, 2015. Starbucks says surveillance footage proves its staff did no wrong but they have not released it

It includes graphic photographs of both the woman's injuries and the dog's.

The woman suffered second-degree burns and had to have skin grafts afterwards.

Ms. Salas-Solano has asked for is asking for at least $75,000

Shocking photographs show blistered skin on her thighs, torso and on the back of her legs.

Her attorneys claim the drink was too hot, that it was not served properly and that this particular Starbucks had been warned in the past for serving up scalding drinks without sleeves or lids.

The company denies their accusations and says surveillance footage of the incident will prove her wrong.

'We have video evidence that clearly contradicts the claims made by the plaintiff and believe they are without merit.

'We look forward to presenting our case in court,' it said in a statement.

Salas-Solano's attorneys would not comment on the case further when contacted by DailyMail.com.

They have not revealed what injuries the dog suffered which may have caused its death.
Tennessee Woman Charged With Attempted Murder for Alleged 'Warning Shots'

Police say that after Gerald Melton, a homeless man trying to sleep on a Nashville sidewalk, asked Katie Quackenbush to move her Porsche SUV, the two engaged in heated argument, Melton walked back to where he was sleeping, and Quackenbush followed him with a gun, shooting him twice in the abdomen and leaving him for dead.

Quackenbush's dad claims Melton threatened his daughter's life, and she was merely firing two "warning shots," "closed her eyes when she shot," thought she pointed the gun away from him, and "didn't know that she hit him." But could that alleged lack of intent be a defense to an attempted murder charge?

Premeditation & Knowledge

Apparently, Melton was disturbed by the exhaust and loud music coming from Quackenbush's Porsche at 3 a.m. in the morning. Quackenbush was in the vehicle when the altercation began, but exited the SUV, fired two shots at Melton, and left the scene. By her own account, Quackenbush and a friend decided to go to a restaurant, and only returned to find the friend's car surrounded by crime scene tape.

"She had no intention of killing him," asserted Jesse Quackenbush, the shooter's father and an attorney in Texas. But that might not matter under Tennessee law. While the state's the first degree murder statute requires proving premeditation to support a conviction, Tennessee's second degree murder statute merely criminalizes a "knowing killing of another." So prosecutors may need to only prove Quackenbush's knowledge of her actions, and not her intent.

Intent & Culpability

Her intent may come into play with Tennessee's attempt statute, under which someone can be convicted if they act "with the kind of culpability otherwise required for the offense," and

(1) Intentionally engages in action or causes a result that would constitute an offense, if the circumstances surrounding the conduct were as the person believes them to be;

(2) Acts with intent to cause a result that is an element of the offense, and believes the conduct will cause the result without further conduct on the person's part; or

(3) Acts with intent to complete a course of action or cause a result that would constitute the offense, under the circumstances surrounding the conduct as the person believes them to be, and the conduct constitutes a substantial step toward the commission of the offense.

But the Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled that a conviction for attempt requires just two main elements: "the culpability required for the attempted crime; and an act or acts in furtherance of the attempted crime." Leaving prosecutors with the burden of proving Quackenbush's knowledge and her actions.

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South Korea has carried out its first test of an air-launched cruise missile in a warning to Kim Jong-Un following the rogue's states nuclear test.

The Taurus missile fired from an F-15 fighter jet travelled through obstacles at low altitudes before hitting a target off the country's western coast on Tuesday.

It comes as South Korea found radioactivity in air samples collected days after the North's test on September 3, its sixth and most powerful to date.

The Taurus missile was fired from an F-15 fighter jet at a target off the country's western coast on Tuesday

The missile, manufactured by Germany's Taurus Systems, has a maximum range of 310 miles and is designed to avoid North Korean radar.

Shortly after the nuclear test, Seoul announced it reached an agreement with Washington to remove the warhead weight limits on South Korean ballistic missiles.

Under a bilateral guideline, these could be built for a maximum range of 497 miles.

A pre-emptive strike against Pyongyang's would be difficult to undertake, but it's widely seen as the most realistic of the limited military options Seoul has.

The North said its latest nuclear test involved a thermonuclear weapon built for its developmental intercontinental ballistic missiles that were flight tested twice in July.

The country is also developing solid-fuel missiles that could be fired from land mobile launchers or submarines.

It comes as South Korea found radioactivity in air samples collected days after the North's test on September 3, its sixth and most powerful to date. Pictured: The missiles approaching the target

The missile, manufactured by Germany's Taurus Systems, has a maximum range of 310 miles and is designed to avoid North Korean radar

It flew a powerful new mid-range missile over northern Japan last month while declaring more missile tests targeting the Pacific Ocean.

Following the test on September 3, xenon-133 isotopes were found in the air.

Those isotopes could show if the bomb tested on Sept. 3 was a plutonium or uranium device, according to the South's nuclear safety agency.

It said it also hasn't found traces of tritium, which accompany a test of a thermonuclear, or hydrogen, bomb.

North Korea did a poor job obscuring its first nuclear test in 2006, when xenon and krypton isotopes detected in the atmosphere allowed scientists to conclude that the country had used a plutonium-fuelled device.

The country has since improved the design of its nuclear tests to make radioactivity less detectable from a distance.

A pre-emptive strike against Pyongyang's would be difficult to undertake, but it's widely seen as the most realistic of the limited military options Seoul has. Pictured: The test rocket strikes the target
The BBC may style itself as a beacon of political correctness. But when it comes to gender balance and diversity, it is lagging far behind other broadcasters.

The Corporation is less likely to employ women than its major TV rivals, and less likely to promote them to senior positions, according to a major report by Ofcom published today.

It also does worse than other broadcasters when it comes to employing people from ethnic minorities, and lags behind Channel 4 on hiring people with disabilities.

The BBC is less likely to employ women than its major TV rivals, and less likely to promote them to senior positions, according to a major report by Ofcom published today

The findings fly in the face of claims by the Corporation that it leads the industry when it comes to diversity and gender equality.

They will also heap fresh pressure on the BBC, at a time when it is still reeling from the gender pay row which exploded over the summer, stoking concerns that the corporation is too 'male, pale and stale'.

The BBC was plunged into chaos in June after it was forced to reveal pay details of its most senior presenters and staff  exposing a shocking difference between the pay levels for male and female workers.

Many male presenters earned considerably more than the women who sit next to them, even though they appear to do the same job.

Audiences and staff alike were shocked by the absence of names like Newsnight host Emily Maitlis on June's BBC pay list released

Audiences and staff alike were also shocked by the absence of names like Newsnight host Emily Maitlis, who did not appear on the list because she earned less than 150,000 a year.

Director general Lord Tony Hall told staff at the time that the BBC still outpaced its commercial rivals.

'On gender and diversity, the BBC is more diverse than the broadcasting industry,' he said.

However, that claim has now been called into question following the damning findings by Ofcom.

The report - based on 2016 data supplied by the broadcasters - found that just 47 percent of BBC staff are women.

The Corporation lagged behind Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5's owner, Viacom - not to mention the general population, which is 51 percent female. Only Sky did worse in Ofcom's survey of Britain's five biggest TV broadcasters.

It was a similar story when it came to putting women in senior jobs at the BBC.

The Corporation has more women over the age of 40 than any of other Britain's big TV stations, but they are more likely to languish in relatively junior roles.

Just 39 percent of the BBC's senior managers are female, putting the Corporation behind ITV  where 42 per cent of senior staff are women - and Viacom, where almost half of the top jobs go to women.

Director general Lord Tony Hall previously told staff that the BBC still outpaced its commercial rivals on gender and diversity

The Ofcom report said: 'Employees of the BBC are increasingly likely to be male, the more senior their role. The BBC's Board and senior management employees together are 61 per cent male, and their mid-level management (three-fifths of the organisation overall) are 57 per cent male.'

The BBC's record on promoting staff from ethnic minorities to senior positions is similarly dismal. Around 13 per cent of the Corporation's staff are non-white - just behind the general population - but only six percent of top jobs go to people from ethnic minorities.

Ofcom chief executive Sharon White said yesterday the findings should be a 'wake-up call'

Sharon White, chief executive of the broadcasting watchdog, said yesterday that the findings should be a 'wake-up call'.

'We would have expected the BBC to be leading the industry and actually it is in the middle. The BBC is the UK's national broadcaster, it should be driving the rest of the industry. The public expects the BBC to represent them,' she said.

In a pointed remark  seen as an attack on Lord Hall - she added that broadcasters will only fix the problem if there is 'leadership right from the top'.

She also pointed out the stark contrast between the BBC's efforts to tackle diversity and those at Channel 4, which did far better than the other broadcasters when it came to numbers of women and recruiting people with disabilities.

A BBC spokesman said: 'Ofcom's report acknowledges its figures are from 2016 and that the BBC has since published more up to date evidence.

'We've been clear about our commitment to leading the way on diversity and our figures for 2017 show we have increased our representation across the board including in our female, LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender]; black and ethnic minority; and disability workforce.

'This shows the considerable progress we are making towards meeting our challenging targets by 2020, but like the rest of the industry we have more to do.'
A young father and veteran who lost all four of his limbs during his third tour in the Middle East has named his newborn son after the medics he credits with saving his life.

Staff Sgt. Travis Mills, of Hallowell, Maine, was critically injured on April 10, 2012, when an improvised explosive device went off after he set down his ammunition bag, causing him to lose portions of both arms and legs.

The 30-year-old runs a retreat in Maine for combat-injured veterans.

Dax Fieldyn Mills was born last month. He was named after Daniel and Alex, two medics that quadruple amuptee Travis Mills credits with saving his life

Travis Mills, 30, lost all four limbs when an improvised explosive device exploded during his third tour in Afghanistan on April 10, 2012

He says his son's name, Dax, is a mashup of the medics' names, Daniel and Alex. He says that without them, 'We would not be where we are today.'

Mills on Tuesday announced the arrival of Dax Fieldyn Mills on Facebook.

He posted: 'We would like you all to welcome our newest team member, Dax! We have been enjoying the past few weeks soaking in this time with our family of four!'

Mills shared this photo of Kelsey, Chloe, and Dax on Facebook. He said that Chloe was jealous Dax had 11,000 likes and wanted some of her own

Mills and his wife Kelsey have another child named Chloe (pictured). Chloe was born just a few months after Mills left for his third tour in the Middle East

'Dax was named in honor of the two medics, Daniel and Alex, who saved Travis' life on April 10, 2012. Without them we would not be where we are today and we are so excited to pay tribute to them with the name of our son!'

He and his wife, Kelsey, already have a daughter, Chloe. Dax was born last month. Chloe was born just months after Mills left for this third tour in Afghanistan.

The quadruple amputee was so sure he was going to die after the explosion that he sent a medic that tried to help him away.

He said: 'Get away from me, doc. You go save my men. Let me go. Save my men.'

Mills is one of just five soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan who survived losing four limbs. However, he maintains that he is no different from thousands of other wounded veterans.

'It's my story, but there are so many other guys out there like me,' he has said in the past.

Mills was hospitalized for 10 months after the explosion and underwent 19 months of rehab

Mills has met several politicians, including former President George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara

He was hospitalized for 10 months after the explosion and underwent 19 months of rehab. Mills has said he focused on getting out of the hospital as quickly as possible so he could see his family again - especially his daughter.

The veteran has now dedicated his life to helping other injured veterans.

Mills and his 28-year-old wife Kelsey run the Travis Mills foundation together. The foundation was created in 2014 and is dedicated to helping fellow veterans. An incredible fundraising drive raised $2.75million to make the foundation possible.

Mills' lakeside retreat hosted 57 injured veterans and their families for free this summer. Mills says the retreat shows participants how they can overcome disabilities to continue engaging in fun activities with their families.
A former psychiatric patient viciously punched four passers-by then attacked three police officers while screaming Allahu Akbar in Toulouse today.

The enraged man, 42, began beating shoppers in the French city at around 4pm before police who were only metres away swooped in.

The assailant kicked and punched the officers before they managed to contain and arrest him.

Attack: The man (pictured being arrested) continued to scream Allahu Akbar - Arabic for God is Great - as he was wrestled to the ground before bursting into tears

He continued to shout Allahu Akbar - Arabic for God is Great - as he was wrestled to the ground before bursting into tears.

Footage shows the man being handcuffed and lifted on to a stretcher before being taken hospital.

One witness said: 'We were chatting and he jumped on us. He first caught my son and then beat my daughter. We just ran.'

Two of the civilian victims were taken to the Toulouse-Rangueil hospital. Three injured police were cared for by firefighters. There are no deaths reported.

French police say the alleged perpetrator was released from a psychiatric hospital in April.
A mother and her baby girl had fled their home in Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma over the weekend, only to lose their lives in a car accident just hours after arriving at their family's home in Georgia.

Kaitlin Hunt, 28, was holding her three-month-old daughter, Riley, in her arms as she attempted to cross the street in Woodstock with a family friend when an SUV driven by a 17-year-old mowed them down.

According to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, the deadly incident took place just after 8pm on Saturday on Arnold Mill Road.

Heartbreak: Kaitlin Hunt, 28, pictured with her husband, Brandon, lost her life in a car crash, along with their 3-month-old daughter Riley

Evacuees: Brandon and Kaitlin Hunt had fled their home in Florida and traveled to Georgia on Saturday, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma

Baby Riley died that same night, and her mother succumbed to her injures on Tuesday evening, reported Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Family friend Kathy Deming, 61, was also injured in the accident but was slowly recovering in the hospital, according to a statement from the sheriffs office.

As of Wednesday afternoon, no charges have been filed in the deadly crash.

Hunt leaves behind her husband, Brandon. According to a GoFundMe page launched by a loved one, the couple were high school sweethearts who married in March 2016 and settled in Port St Lucie, Florida.

The description of the online fundraiser says that on Saturday, with Irma barreling towards Florida after leaving a path of destruction on a string of Caribbean islands, Kaitlin's mother and stepfather picked them up in Florida and drove them to their home in Georgia to get them out of harm's way.

The family were spending time together in downtown Woodstock when a Jeep Patriot operated by a 17-year-old girl from Atlanta slammed into the group and mowed down Kaitlin Hunt. Her baby girl was in her arms at the time.

Kaitlin was holding Riley in her arms when a Jeep smashed into them, killing the baby almost instantly. The mother was pronounced brain dead a couple of days later

Angel: Baby Riley was born to Kaitlin and Brandon Hunt just three month ago

Baby Riley perished almost immediately, according to the fundraiser description, while Kaitlin was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced brain dead.

'Brandon's whole life has been forever changed and will never be the same again. He lost his only daughter/child and the love of his life since High School,' the GoFundMe page read. 'It is possible, he may also go back to FL to find destruction of his home or possibly no home at all.'

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than $44,000 has been raised for the widower.
A man who carried his disabled mother to safety from the top floor of Grenfell Tower has claimed '35 or 40' people came up thinking they would be rescued by a helicopter but all died.

Farhad Neda and his mother Flora, 55, were the only survivors from the 23rd floor after the pair raced through smoky corridors strewn with bodies to safety.

Mr Neda said many residents came up to their floor during the blaze, claiming they had been ordered to do so by firefighters to prepare for a helicopter rescue.

Scroll down for video

Farhad Neda and his mother Flora, 55, were the only survivors on the 23rd floor during the disaster, which claimed at least 80 lives

The London Fire Brigade insists it does not use helicopters to conduct rescues during high-rise tower fires.

Mr Neda was widely praised for his heroic actions during the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

His mother had collapsed after inhaling fumes as the blaze surged upwards engulfing the block of flats.

The engineering graduate wasted no time and gripped his mother by the arm, threw her over his shoulder and completed the gruelling 240ft descent to safety.

After fleeing the building down the smoke-filled stairwell, both Mrs Neda and her son lapsed into a coma in hospital.

Tragically, Farhad's father, Saber, 57, a taxi driver, died after remaining on the top floor.

Mr Neda, 24, believes his father, who jumped from the building, stayed behind to help other neighbours.

He told Channel 4 News that as he trampled over bodies in the stairwell to escape he said to his mother, 'It's just the fire brigade's hoses that we're stepping on'.

Farhad Neda pictured while graduating after studying chemical engineering. He is pictured with his mother, Shakila, and father, Saber, who died in the blaze

Mr Neda told Channel 4's Jon Snow '35 or 40 people came up to their floor' during the inferno and claimed they had been ordered to by the fire brigade to prepare for a helicopter rescue.

They gulped fresh air from a 'two or three foot high air pocket underneath the smoke' as they made their way down to stay alive  something he describes as a 'miracle'.

After waking from an induced coma he discharged himself from hospital to find his missing father.

But he was told the 57-year-old taxi driver had died in the fire and that injuries were consistent with a fall from a height.

Tragically, Farhad's father, Saber, 57, a taxi driver, died after remaining on the top floor

In the interview broadcast last night , Mr Neda said he got home with this mother and father only thirty minutes before the fire started.

He said: 'We got ready for bed, and my mum came in saying there was a sort of burning smell.

'We didn't think much of it because the fire alarms weren't going off and we couldn't see the fire at all from the side because I believe the fire started from the other side of the building.

'While we were in the flat we were on the phone to other neighbours that had already made it out of the building or my school friends that lived around the tower.

'They were right next to the fire brigade and I asked them, "what's the fire brigade instructing us to do?" and they were just telling us "They're on their way up. They'll come and get you soon. Just stay in your flats'".

'But then we saw our neighbours from downstairs running up, looking worried, banging on the doors, telling everyone to get out.

'And when we asked them what was going on, they said "Theres a fire", and theres no way out. So thats the first we heard.'

Official who quit is still getting full salary The head of the organisation accused of ignoring Grenfell residents safety fears is still being paid his full salary, it was revealed yesterday. Robert Black resigned as chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO) in the aftermath of the deadly fire in June, but is still receiving full pay  believed to be six figures. A spokesman for KCTMO told The Guardian Mr Black was being paid while he continued to help it respond to multiple inquiries linked to the fire, including the public inquiry and the police investigation, which is examining possible corporate manslaughter. Yvette Williams, campaign co-ordinator of the Justice4Grenfell group, said: It is ludicrous and outrageous that he is being paid anything. No one else is being paid a salary to participate in the public inquiry Its the old boys network. Mr Black resigned as chief executive in June and said he wanted to concentrate on assisting with the investigation and inquiry. His precise salary is not known, but accounts filed to Companies House showed key management personnel shared 760,000 in salaries. Advertisement

Mr Neda trampled over bodies in the stairwell as people lay dying but told his mother, 'It's just the fire brigade's hoses that we're stepping on'. Pictured: Grenfell Tower burning on June 14

The London Fire Brigade insists it does not use helicopters to conduct rescues during high-rise tower fires. Pictured: Grenfell Tower on June 14

His mother Flora said: '35 or 40 people came up and they said the Fire Brigade told us you have to go up and we send for you helicopter rescue.'

'One of the Iranian ladies (who took refuge in her flat) spoke to her (own) son who said that he wanted to come take her away. She replied that this was not necessary as the helicopter was coming to take them away.'

Flora said she tried to persuade her husband Saber, 57, to leave with them

Flora said she tried to persuade her husband Saber, 57, to leave with them.

'I called to him so many times to keep away from the window. He was standing and watching the fire,' she said.

'And then my son took my hand and said "Mum you have to leave here". I called my husband and said "lets go". He said "Im behind you".

'And then we started walking and we went into the fire. The corridor was full of fire. We couldnt see anything. I went back and I said "Im not going, Im scared".

'I called to my husband but he didnt answer. I wanted to go back from the staircase to the flat to find him but he didnt answer me.

'My son didnt allow me to go back Too many people fell down. Too many people died. But we kept going down.'

A public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower disaster, which killed at least 80 people, starts tomorrow.

Grenfell Tower fire victim identified by her DNA, hears inquest A 27-year-old woman who died in the Grenfell Tower fire was identified by DNA. The remains of Amna Mahmud Idris were discovered on the 23rd floor - the second highest floor of the high-rise - following the devastating inferno on June 14, Westminster Coroner's Court heard. Coroner's officer Eric Sword said the provisional cause of her death was 'consistent with the effects of fire'. During the short hearing attended by family members, Westminster Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox opened and suspended the inquest pending the outcome of the public inquiry and police investigation. She said there has been 58 inquest openings and adjournments, adding that 60 victims have now been identified. 'Slowly and painfully we are still managing to achieve identifications which we are very grateful for,' she said. Dr Wilcox passed on her condolences to the family members. At least 80 people are thought to have died when flames engulfed the building. Advertisement

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson told Channel 4 News: 'The Grenfell fire was an unprecedented fire and due to the ongoing investigations we cannot go into details of what happened on the night.

'That said, we can confirm that we do not use helicopters to conduct rescues from high rise towers fires.'

MailOnline has contacted the London Fire Brigade for comment.
An unrepentant Bill O'Reilly insists he's glad to be out of the 'nasty TV business' as he claims he was only fired after the far-left and media plotted to 'destroy' him.

O'Reilly had been a ratings monster for Fox News during his two-decade tenure, but was forced out in April after it emerged five secret sexual harassment accusers were paid $13million.

Months later, he still seems bitter about the decision.

'Once you get a famous name, and once you're in the political arena, the combination is devastating,' he told the Hollywood Reporter in a lengthy interview, where he blamed the left and the media for 'attacking' him and plotting to 'destroy' him.

'If they can get you, they're going to get you. And so we warded it off for 20 years, and then finally, you know, all of this happened, and that was it.'

An unrepentant Bill O'Reilly insists he's glad to be out of the 'nasty TV business' as he claims he was only fired after the far-left and media plotted to 'destroy' him

But he remains unrepentant about the claims that got him fired, claiming the accusations are false, adding that 'stuff will come out.'

O'Reilly adds that he appreciated Donald Trump coming to his defense when the sexual harassment claims emerged as 'he has been in the same circumstance.'

'The press will take any allegation and make it a conviction,' he said.

O'Reilly insists he doesn't miss his Fox show, adding that he was 'under attack constantly for 16 years.'

'The business got really nasty,' he added. 'Once I became No. 1, once we passed Larry King, it was every single day.

Former Fox News television presenter Bill O'Reilly launched his new half-hour Internet show last month

'Then you have the business, you have the competition. I mean, you don't think those people are sad that I'm not sitting in that chair anymore, do you?'

In fact, he claimed that Fox News coverage had suffered without him.

'They're still a very strong brand... But I'm a different agent. I do things differently, and that's why we were very successful. When I watched the Harvey coverage on television, there was a sameness to it. And that would not have been the case on our show.'

O'Reilly, 67, was fired by Fox News earlier this year amid growing accusations he sexually harassed female colleagues.

Two of the women who received settlements after accusing O'Reilly of harassment, Andrea Mackris and Juliet Ruddy, stated that they believed he was masturbating when he called them up for unwanted phone sex conversations.

His ex-wife also claimed in court and divorce documents that O'Reilly had abused her, allegedly beating her and slamming her against a wall.

O'Reilly said he was glad Trump came to his defense in the weeks before he was fired (Donald Trump (L) and O'Reilly attend the game between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on July 30, 2012)

The news anchor still strongly denies the multiple claims. But while he seemed to accept being fired, O'Reilly said the method in which he was sacked was 'sad.'

'I'm not, you know, one of these guys that wants to hang on to the cliffs,' he said. 'You don't want me working for you, that's fine.

'But the way it was done, I'm over in Rome [on vacation]. My [legal] team was caught by surprise because we had an amazing amount of exculpatory stuff that we had presented. And it just  it was sad. That's the word, sad.'

He is now working on his own 'operation' to take on his 'declining' old employer.

The ousted Fox News star launched his comeback last month with a daily online show on his website for premium subscribers, originating from what he called a 'new prototype studio.'

He requested input from viewers for what he characterized as a 'sneak preview

The aesthetic of O'Reilly's new 'No Spin News' room is a far cry from his former Fox studio he called home for more than 20 years.

But O'Reilly's signature bombast and bluster appeared not to have eroded since leaving cable news in April.

O'Reilly was ousted from the O'Reilly Factor (pictured) on Fox in April in the wake of sexual harassment allegations

Among other topics, O'Reilly discussed President Donald Trump's 'fire and fury' comments about North Korea, a country he described as a 'pain in the butt for decades.'

O'Reilly has produced a daily podcast called the 'No Spin News,' which this video startup apparently builds upon, since he was fired from Fox News in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment.

He said his goal at the end of the program is to 'bring everybody into the annual Premium Membership fold and spread the word.'

O'Reilly claims his project is 'extremely lucrative... and that'll only grow.'

'I've got to feel the odds of success are high,' he says, 'because I don't need to do a project just for the sake of doing a project. I got plenty of stuff.'

He also claims he's fielded numerous offers to return to cable TV but hasn't decided on anything yet. One offer that was publicly made, and rescinded, was by One America News, after O'Reilly said he wasn't ready to commit to a long term project, he said.

However, his Fox firing is having an impact on his career in other ways.

The Nation Geographic Channel  which like Fox News is a 21st Century Fox company - pulled out of an adaptation of his historical book Killing Patton while it was in preproduction. O'Reilly is also working on another in the series, Killing England.
As the most powerful woman in the motor industry, Citroen boss Linda Jackson knows a thing or two about cars.

But that doesn't mean she doesn't get talked down and patronised by male forecourt salesmen.

Speaking to the Mail at the Frankfurt Motor Show, British Mrs Jackson, who became chief executive of the French car giant three years ago, told how she has been the victim of sexism in showrooms and how sales staff have ignored her.

Citroen boss Linda Jackson has revealed how she has been the victim of sexism in showrooms

The 58-year-old grandmother regularly goes on mystery shopping exercises to garages to see how rivals are selling cars.

Mrs Jackson said: 'You do learn a lot about how the customer is treated. Sometimes you go into a showroom with your husband and they just turn to your male partner and say, 'how would you like to spend your money?'

'This is what we need to change. We want to make it easier for anyone to buy a car.

'When women go into a dealership, they want to touch, feel and drive the car. They don't want hard pressure. It's not about being a woman. It's about how I would want to be treated as a woman.'

Mrs Jackson made waves in the car industry when she became not only the first female to be appointed as boss of a French motor firm, but also the first British chief.

Originally from Coventry, she joined the car industry almost by accident when she took a holiday job stapling invoices at Rover as a teenager.

She fell in love with cars and turned down a place to study teaching at Sussex Univeristy to stay on as an accounting clerk at the firm.

Within a decade she was named finance director of Rover in France in 1998, and began climbing through the ranks of the French motor industry.

Mrs Jackson made waves in the car industry when she became not only the first female to be appointed as boss of a French motor firm, but also the first British chief

She met her husband David while working at Rover, and he became her unoffcial research assistant.

She has three grandchildren from her step-children Adrian and Charlotte. She suffered tragedy when her husband died from cancer in the summer of 2014, months after she started as CEO at Citroen.

Mrs Jackson, who lives in Paris and has a house in Normandy, and is also a qualified ballet teacher, said: 'He still inspires me to go on. When I have little successes I say, 'thank you'.

Mrs Jackson, who lives in Paris and has a house in Normandy, is also a ballet teacher

'You either go on or you stay strong and survive. I had to rebuild my life. It's a lonely time  but it's lonely at the top anyway.'

She has been credited with creating a 'French Revolution' at Citroen by bringing her 'Anglo Saxon' approach to the company.

Having a British person at the helm of a French firm initially caused a stir - she despaired at the time-keeping of her French colleagues, while they were mystified by her tea-drinking.

But Mrs Jackson says both sides have now adapted, joking: 'Now when I go to our dealers they get the tea out.'

Last year Citroen sold 87,000 cars and vans in the UK and has around 2.8 per cent of the market. It recorded the highest sales volume for five years in 2016 across Europe, and in the same year sold 1.2million Citroen vehicles worldwide.

Earlier this year Mrs Jackson was named the 'most influential Briton in the global car industry', topping a poll of 50 leading UK male and female car executives operating at home and abroad in the annual Auto Express 'Brit List'. It was the first time a female executive has taken the top spot.

Mrs Jackson has previously told of her constant battle against sexism in the traditionally male dominated car industry. She has admitted that a woman having her job would have been imposisble to think of a decade ago.

'When I told people I was in the car industry they used to think I was a mechanic,' she has said. 'But being a woman, providing you do a great job everyone remembers you. Though it's not very politically correct to say it, I'm afraid.'
Four people were sickened at a pharmaceutical company in California, including a man who reportedly stopped breathing, after they ate a co-worker's shrimp casserole.

A San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokeswoman said a 60-year-old man collapsed outside Inovio Pharmaceuticals shortly after eating the casserole on Wednesday.

All four people fell ill immediately after eating the food their co-worker brought to the office.

Four people were sickened at Inovio Pharmaceuticals (pictured) in California, including a man who reportedly stopped breathing, after they ate a co-worker's shrimp casserole

According to local reports, the bystanders used a defibrillator and performed CPR on the man.

He was then transported to the Scripps Memorial hospital around 1.55pm. A second person also was taken by ambulance.

Officials said the man's condition is still unknown.

Two other Inovio employees found other people to take them to get medical treatment.

Though officials know the four people ate the shrimp casserole, it's unclear what was in the food that sickened the employees, but officials are still investigating. Authorities also have not released any information on the victims.

Inovio is a biotechnology company in Sorrento Valley that specializes in the use of immunotherapies to combat serious diseases. The company was founded in 1979.
A model forced to spend a night in an Egyptian jail after being caught posing nude in an ancient temple has said she is determined to keep up her 'yell for freedom' in conservative Islamic countries.

Belgian model Marisa Papen, who describes herself as a 'free-spirited and wild-hearted expressionist', travelled with photographer Jesse Walker to North Africa for a shoot at some of the most famous landmarks of ancient Egypt.

She was arrested after being caught doing a shoot at the Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor before being thrown in jail.

Belgian nude model Marisa Papen, who describes herself as a 'free-spirited and wild-hearted expressionist', pictured here outside a temple in Egypt before she was arrested

But speaking to The Sun, she said she wanted to 'go back to a time when women were queens'.

She added: 'That's why I want to go to all these countries where women are suppressed. Like I said it's a yell for freedom and I want them to see my message.'

The 25-year-old, who stresses she is fascinated by countries where women are 'suppressed', said she would love to pose by the wall in Palestine's West Bank and is planning to visit Iran, Iraq and Yemen.

But she said: 'The thing is I'm not trying to attack or offend any religion, I'm really trying to go back in time and show what the world was like before religion existed.'

Papen - from Paal, near Antwerp - also implied that she had to lie to the judge in Egypt to get out of the country.

She is also planning on heading in to the Congolese jungle in Africa.

The Belgian nude model pictured on the back of a horse with two pyramids peering over the sand in the distance. Having bribed young men patrolling temples in Giza, she narrowly avoided trouble and was able to strip off and pose for photographs

During her Egypt trip, she bribed young men patrolling temples in Giza and narrowly avoided trouble while just managing to strip off and pose for photographs.

But when four Egyptian security guards spotted them in Luxor, both Papen and Walker were arrested and locked up.

Papen said: 'The last two years I have walked wild and free in at least 50 countries. Rarely do I end up in precarious situations. Until April this year, in Egypt.'

The nude photo model, from the Flanders region of Belgium, met up in Cairo with photographer Walker who flew in all the way from Australia to do the shoot.

And even though the pair said they were aware of the cultural, political and religious differences between Egypt and the West when it comes to nudity, the adventure ended differently than they both expected.

Early in their trip during the first photoshoot near the famous pyramids of Giza, the two got into trouble.

They reportedly bribed a security guard to start the photoshoot when two other men showed up.

Papen said: 'I was suddenly completely awake, like a cold shower at 5am in the morning.

'We tried to explain them that we were making art with the highest respect for Egyptian culture, but they could not see a connection between nudity and art.

'In their eyes it was porn, or something like that.'

In the end, Papen and Walker managed to stay out of trouble by bribing them with 15.

After Giza, the two travelled to Luxor to visit the vast temple complex of Karnak to shoot pictures with the theme of 'dance', which is where their trip unraveled.

When Karnak turned out to be even more guarded than the pyramids at Giza, Papen and Walker had to think of another plan for their shoot.

They decided to hide in the complex just before closing time and to start with the photoshoot 'making pirouettes in Cleopatra's footprints' after all the other people had left.

Papen said: 'But you can guess what happened next. Busted, once again. And yes, this time we were in some serious trouble.'

Four security guards caught the two and brought them 'like two beaten dogs' to the local police.

The Belgian stands at the entrance of a temple in Egypt. Moments later, four security guards spotted them in Luxor, both Papen and her photographer Jesse Walker were arrested and locked up

Papen said: 'Without being able to share words, I made it clear to Jesse that he had to delete the images if he saw the tiniest opportunity.

'Otherwise we would be screwed, big time.'

The Egyptian police officers did not believe the two when they told them they were 'just testing the light' and 'did not take any pictures yet'.

The cops forced Walker to strip down to look for a second SD card, but could not find anything.

The duo were brought from one police station to the other and from court to a local cell and back.

Papen said: 'I knew that a prison in Egypt looks slightly different then in Belgium or any Westernised country but I had no idea what to expect before actually going in.

'The first cell we encountered was packed with at least 20 men, some were passed out on the floor, some were squeezing their hands through the rails, some were bleeding and yelling.

'I had never seen something like this before in real life. Jesse kept telling me, 'Marisa don't look' but there was no way not to look.'

After several hours in horrendous conditions in jail Papen and Walker were brought in front of a judge.

Papen said: 'We kept playing the role of stupid tourists who had no idea dancing in skin-coloured underwear - we had to change up the story a little bit because otherwise we probably would have never gotten out - on Egyptian ground it wasn't allowed.

'Our judge was browsing with his big thumbs through these books that looked as old as the pyramids did.

'Eventually, he gave us a warning and told us never to do something so foolishly shameful ever again. We nodded simultaneously.'

Back in their hotel room, Walker even managed to recover the deleted pictures off the SD card with special software.

Thanks to her quick-witted reaction during her arrest, Papen is now able to proudly share her amazing story and Walker's magnificent pictures of the nude Egyptian photoshoot.

Papen said: 'I do think we created something Cleopatra would have been proud of.'
As thousands of Floridians are still recovering from the wreckage of Hurricane Irma, one first responder made a pit stop for patriotism on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Joseph Schiavo, 42, is a Coral Springs firefighter and medic who was with his SWAT medical team leading rescue efforts on Monday when they came across an American flag on the ground.

'We saw the red, white, and blue all curled up laying on the ground, and just thought, "we can't leave it there",'Schiavo said.

That's when he got out of the BearCat armored vehicle, fully dressed in military attire, to rescue the flag from the rain and heavy winds.

Joseph Schiavo, 42, rescued an American flag while on a rescue mission to aide Hurricane Irma victims in Florida. He and his team saw the American flag on the ground on Monday, the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks

He's seen holding the red, white and blue up, a moment that he described as 'filled with pride'

The patriot is seen picking the flag up, shaking it off and holding it high above his head, a moment he described as filled with pride.

Schiavo added that 'it was an honorable thing to do' and 'it would be a disgrace to let it lay on the ground'.

The team of medics, firefighters and police officers will fly the flag in their SWAT vehicle as they continue their rescue efforts throughout Southern Florida.

Hurricane's Irma's death toll has risen to 65 and thousands are still without power after the category 5 storm ripped through Florida over the weekend.

Joseph Schiavo is a Coral Springs firefighter and medic who was with his SWAT medical team leading rescue efforts when they they stumbled upon the damp flag
William Burford has been charged with third-degree rape for assaulting an intoxicated Louisiana woman who was asleep on Friday pictured here in his mugshot

A police officer in New Orleans has been charged with third-degree rape.

William Burford, who is a New Orleans Police Department probationary officer, has been accused of raping an intoxicated Louisiana woman who was asleep on Friday.

The 20-year-old anonymous woman claims she was assaulted after a night of drinking, according to The New York Post.

The victim said she found the police officer in question on top of her when she was staying at the Kenner house after a night of drinking.

The woman said she knows Burford through mutual friends, as he was casually involved with her roommate.

Burford, the victim and her friend had spent the evening together on Friday at a bar.

The trio returned home around 4am to her friends house and the victim took herself to bed due to her intoxicated state.

However, she was shocked to find Burford on top of her with his legs on top of her legs, to which the police officer supposedly said: 'You can keep a secret, right?'

She claims she was unable to push the policeman off of her due to her intoxicated state and because he was heavy but she insists it was without her consent.

Burford (pictured here in uniform) has insisted the sex was consensual

Lt. Brian McGregor, from Kenner Police Department, told The Times-Picayune that his police department absolutely do not condone that kind of behavior.

'He knew she was intoxicated,' McGregor said. 'He thought it was okay. I don't know what led him to believe that.'

According to McGregor Burford, who has been suspended without pay, insisted the sex was consensual.

Burford (pictured here in another mugshot) posted a $25,000 bail and therefore was released Sunday from the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center

McGregor said the victim was impaired and unable to protect herself.

Police spokesman Beau Tidwell added: 'The allegations against Mr. Burford in no way reflect the values of the NOPD.'

Burford posted a $25,000 bail and therefore was released Sunday from the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.
Admitted sex offender Anthony Weiner and his estranged wife Huma Abedin arrived separately to appear before Judge Michael Katz at The Supreme Court of New York for a hearing over their divorce on Wednesday.

In the hearing, Weiner was visibly upset, huffing and puffing while Abedin remained mostly expressionless. The hearing was brief, a prelude to what could be a long and acrimonious proceeding, although the judge stated that both wanted to resolve the divorce amicably.

The hearing came just days before Weiner is scheduled to be sentenced for texting obscene material to a 15-year-old girl on September 25.

Abedin, 41, a close aide to Hillary Clinton, filed for divorce on May 19, the same day Weiner, 53, pleaded guilty to federal obscenity charges related to explicit messages he sent to the teenager.

The former political power couple's seven-year marriage was strained by Weiner's repeated 'sexting' relationships with numerous women, including a college student, a porn star and a Las Vegas blackjack dealer.

The divorce case is contested, as Abedin is seeking full custody of their 5-year-old son.

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Admitted sex offender Anthony Weiner and his estranged wife Huma Abedin appeared before Judge Michael Katz at The Supreme Court of New York for a hearing over their divorce on Wednesday (pictured)

Abedin remained mostly expressionless in court. The divorce case is contested, as Abedin is seeking full custody of their 5-year-old son

Abedin seemed to dominate the conversation when she sat next to the former congressman while keeping a cool expression, but Weiner could not match her poker face

Although Abedin stood by Weiner through recurrent sex scandals that destroyed his career, the final straw for their marriage was Weiner's months-long sexting relationship with a high school sophomore

During the hearing, Judge Katz acknowledged the two wanted to resolve their divorce amicably and added that he hoped to help them work something out that would work for their family.

He said: 'I certainly would encourage you to try to work out a plan together with your attorneys assistance.

'It certainly would be better for your son if you could do that. It would save you a lot of stress. Hopefully the financials can be worked out amicably as well.'

When the lawyers for the two parties went into a back room with the judge, the once happy couple moved to sit next to each other and talked quietly.

Abedin seemed to dominate the conversation while keeping a cool expression, at one point smiling, while Weiner could not match her poker face.

Both of their lawyers asked for privacy in the matter, but the judge allowed for a photographer to enter the courtroom because their attempts to keep their separation under wraps has not been successful.

Although they arrived separately, the two walked into the Manhattan courtroom together and then hurriedly left the building after 30 minutes, having a black car whisk them away.

Abedin stood by Weiner through recurrent sex scandals that destroyed his career but the final straw for their marriage was Weiner's months-long sexting relationship with a high school sophomore.

Both of their lawyers asked for privacy in the matter, but the judge allowed for a photographer to enter the courtroom because their attempts to keep their separation under wraps has not been successful

The judge acknowledged they wanted to resolve their divorce amicably and added he hoped to help them work something out that would work for their family

Abedin seemed to be able to keep her emotions in check and was composed during the hearing while Weiner walked into the room visibly upset

Although they arrived separately, the two walked into the Manhattan courtroom together and then hurriedly left the building after 30 minutes, having a black car whisk them away.

DailyMail.com first reported last September on Weiner's online affair with the teenager, during which he allegedly asked her to dress up in school girl outfits and participate in 'rape fantasies.'

The story prompted an FBI investigation into Weiner, when investigators stumbled across previously undisclosed emails from Clinton's private email server on Weiner's laptop.

The discovery led FBI director James Comey to reopen his investigation into Clinton's emails just days before the presidential election  a move Clinton has blamed in part for her election loss.

Abedin, who worked with Clinton for two decades and was a senior campaign aide, was said to be devastated after hearing the news.

'When we heard this, Huma looked stricken,' wrote Clinton in her new book What Happened. 'Anthony had already caused so much heartache. And now this.'

Abedin told Clinton: 'This man is going to be the death of me,' before bursting into tears.

Abedin is fighting for full custody of her son. Pictured: The parents walked their son Jordan to school on the first day of the school season on Friday

The couple met in 2001 when Weiner was a first-term congressman and Abedin was an aide to then-Senator Hillary Clinton. They were married at the Oheka Castle in New York in 2010

At one point, Abedin cracked a smile along with Weiner while their attorneys were in another room talking with the judge

Clinton said her long-time aide's anguish 'broke my heart' and made her determined to stand by Abedin despite the damage to her campaign.

The devastating revelation was one of many Abedin endured during her seven-year marriage to Weiner.

The couple first met in 2001 when Weiner was a first-term congressman and Abedin was an aide to then-Senator Hillary Clinton. Abedin was 25 at the time and already a seasoned Clinton insider, having worked for the former First Lady from the time she was 19.

Weiner has admitted he was interested in Abedin immediately, but said didn't ask her out to drinks until they bumped into each other that summer in Martha's Vineyard. The date didn't go well; Abedin ordered a cup of tea and quickly 'ditched' Weiner, according to his account.

But they reconnected romantically in 2007, after Abedin sent Weiner a flirty text message during the State of the Union to thank him for sitting next to Clinton at the speech.

'I appreciate you looking out for my boss,' she wrote.

Although Abedin stood by Weiner through recurrent sex scandals that destroyed his career, the final straw for their marriage was Weiner's months-long sexting relationship with a high school sophomore. Pictured: Weiner's texts to the young girl

Another of the inappropriate images Weiner sent showed him curled up with his then four-year-old son

At the time, Weiner was a rising star among House Democrats due to his combative style and regular appearances on cable news shows.

Abedin, meanwhile, was one of the closest confidantes to the woman who was expected to win the Democratic presidential nomination the following year.

Weiner and Abedin quickly cemented themselves as a political power couple and were engaged by 2009.

They married in 2010 in a lavish celebration at Oheka Castle on Long Island  a venue that runs $100,000 for the average wedding  with Abedin wearing a custom Oscar de la Renta gown and Bill Clinton officiating the ceremony.

But just one year later the couple's idyllic image would be shattered, when Weiner accidentally posted a photo of his underwear-clad crotch on Twitter while attempting to send it privately to a female college student.

The congressman deleted the photo and initially claimed his account was hacked.

But he eventually admitted that he had been sexting with numerous women, after several came forward to say they had exchanged explicit messages and photos with him.

In the midst of the controversy, Weiner resigned from Congress and said he was going to therapy to deal with sexual addictions.

Two years later, Weiner launched a political comeback with his campaign for New York City mayor. New Yorkers seemed poised to forgive his past transgressions, and the former congressman led in Democratic polls.

The girl who exchanges sexts with Weiner revealed her face on Friday. She is not being named because she is still a minor but her father gave permission for her face to be shown

But shortly before the primary election, news emerged that he had continued to send explicit text messages and photos to 23-year-old Sydney Leathers  causing Weiner's poll numbers to plummet and costing him the nomination.

In the 2016 documentary Weiner, which followed the former congressman throughout the mayoral campaign, Abedin looks alternately disgusted and distraught as news of her husband's affair went public.

'It's like living a nightmare,' she told the camera at one point.

Abedin finally announced that she was separating from Weiner last summer, after it was revealed that the former congressman sent another woman a lewd photo of his crotch while he was in bed with his 5-year-old son.

A few weeks later, DailyMail.com reported on Weiner's sexting relationship with a 15-year-old girl. Although the girl told Weiner she was in high school, the former congressman told her in messages that she made him 'hard' and said he wanted to 'bust that tight p***y so hard and so often that you would leak and limp for a week.'

The teenager said in an interview that Weiner would also chat with her on a video messaging program, during which he asked her to dress up as a school girl and talked about his 'rape fantasies.'

During the relationship, which started in January 2016 and carried on for several months, Weiner also sent her photos of him shirtless and posing provocatively.

There were reports that Abedin and Weiner were working to repair their relationship as recently as last spring. But that possibility was dashed on May 19, when Weiner appeared in a New York court to face federal charges

Investigators looked at Huma's laptop as part of their probe into her husband's affair. It crossed over into a separate FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server

The girl, who showed her face publicly for the first time last week, said she initially decided to come forward about Weiner because she was disturbed he had sent women photographs of him posing with his young son.

After the scandal broke, Weiner spent several weeks at a rehab center for sex addiction in Tennessee.

Although Abedin and Weiner were technically separated last summer, they continued to live together in their $3.3million Manhattan apartment.

There were reports that Abedin and Weiner were working to repair their relationship as recently as last spring. But that possibility was dashed on May 19, when Weiner appeared in a New York court to face federal charges.

Weiner pleaded guilty to sending obscene material to a minor, a charge that could land him in prison for up to 10 years when he is sentenced later this month.

He broke down in tears and apologized during the hearing, telling the judge that he has a sickness.

'I have a sickness but I do not have an excuse,' he told the court.

Although Weiner could face up to a decade in prison, his plea agreement makes it likely he will be sentenced to far less than that. Prosecutors have asked for him to be sentenced to 21 to 27 months, and Weiner's legal team agreed not to appeal any sentence below that range.

Abedin filed for divorce hours after the hearing.
Former waitress Zoe Clark, 22, was found dead despite being on an hourly watch

A student with an eating disorder was found dead despite being on an hourly watch at an NHS unit said to be plagued by staff shortages.

Former waitress Zoe Clark, 22, had endured a lengthy battle with her condition and was being treated by specialists at a secure centre in Exeter, Devon.

Weeks before her death, Miss Clark came out in support of several campaigns calling for an improvement in NHS care standards for patients with eating disorders.

She had signed one petition urging Prime Minister Theresa May to 'show your support for people battling an eating disorder and make a positive change happen.'

Her body was found on August 22 at 1.33am in her room at The Haldon, part of Wonford House Hospital. It is not clear when she was last checked on by nurses.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious but NHS officials have launched an investigation amid claims of chronic staff shortages at the centre, home to 20 patients.

Miss Clark had endured a lengthy battle with her condition and was being treated by specialists at The Haldon, part of Wonford House Hospital (pictured) in Exeter, Devon

An employee who works for Devon Partnership Trust, which runs NHS services in the area, said that staff had raised concerns about a lack of nurses.

They said: 'I am aware that staff have repeatedly raised concerns that the ward was unsafe due to insufficient staffing. It had been repeatedly flagged up by ward staff as a major risk factor.'

At the time of her death, Miss Clark was living at Cockwood, near Exeter, and was a former waitress at Cofton Holidays.

Her Facebook page has now been renamed Remembering Zoe Clark with many tributes paid to her.

One friend said: 'One of Zoe's best traits was her infectious laugh and humour, and her rugged determination.

'Zoe you fought and fought this insidious illness and, where possible, with wicked humour with exception. A stronger person would be hard to find.'

Paul Keedwell, director of nursing and practice at Devon Partnership Trust, said Miss Clark's death was the first of its kind at the unit.

He said: 'This is an extremely sad event and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family.

'It is the first time we have had a death on the Haldon Unit - which has an excellent reputation - and the staff team are understandably shocked and saddened.

'There will be an independent investigation into the incident and we have invited the family to participate in this process.

'While we don't want to pre-empt the findings of this investigation, it is important to reassure people that staff numbers and observation levels on the night in question were entirely as they should have been.'

The Devon NHS website says: 'The Haldon is the home of our specialist eating disorder service that helps treat people with severe eating disorders.

'Most people with an eating disorder will be treated in the community by their GP and community mental health teams, which is often sufficient for them to begin to make positive changes to their lives.

'However, some people may require admission to a specialist centre, like The Haldon, as part of their longer term care plan.

'Opened in 2006, The Haldon provides support and care for up to 20 patients at any one time.'

An inquest has been opened in Exeter and the results of a post-mortem examination are pending.

Miss Clark's parents Kevin and Gail yesterday said they did not wish to comment.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. Click here for details.
Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders slammed Hillary Clinton from the podium for a second day in a row, this time over the ex-Democratic nominee saying President Trump wasn't being a president to all Americans.

'I think that type of misunderstanding of who this president is and, frankly, a misunderstanding of what he's been doing is exactly one of the reasons Hillary Clinton is not the president,' Sarah Huckabee Sanders began.

'And is, instead, pushing a book with a lot of false narratives and a lot of false accusations and placing blame on a lot of other people instead of accepting it herself,' she said.

When a reporter followed up and asked the press secretary to pinpoint what parts of Clinton's new book, What Happened, were factually inaccurate, Huckabee Sanders made a blunt statement and moved on.

'I think probably the biggest one is any place in the book where she lays blame for the loss on anyone but herself,' Huckabee Sanders said.

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Once again White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders criticized Hillary Clinton saying her book promotes 'false narratives' because she should only be blaming herself

On The View Wednesday, Hillary Clinton said she was 'disappointed' in President Trump's performance thus far, though hoped he could learn to be a president for 'the entire country'

On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she thought Hillary Clinton's book tour was 'sad' as she's 'propping up book sales with false and reckless attacks'

Hillary Clinton holds up a copy of her new book What Happened. President Trump doesn't need to read it, his press secretary said Tuesday, because 'he's pretty well versed on what happened'

Wednesday marked day No. 2 of Clinton's book being out and the former secretary of state continued on in her media blitz.

On The View she remarked that she was 'disappointed' in what she had seen from Trump thus far, especially in his dealings with racial violence in Charlottesville.

'But I also hope  hope springs eternal,' Clinton remarked. 'I hope there can be a greater understanding of what it means to be president for the entire country.'

'People who voted for you, people who did not vote for you, people who are different from you,' she began ticking off.

That particular quote was what Huckabee Sanders was asked about today.

Yesterday she was simply asked, by Yahoo's Hunter Walker, if President Trump planned to read his ex-rival's book.

Huckabee Sanders didn't know.

'But I would think that he's pretty well versed on what happened,' she said, snarking at Clinton's book title.

'I think it's sad that after Hillary Clinton ran one of the most negative campaigns in history and lost, the last chapter of her public life is going to be now defined by propping up book sales with false and reckless attacks,' Huckabee Sanders said. 'And I think that's a sad way for her to continue.'

On Monday, Clinton had sat down with USA Today and said she believed there was Russia and Trump campaign collusion.

'There certainly was communication and there certainly was an understanding of some sort,' Clinton said. 'Because there's no doubt in my mind that Putin wanted me to lose and wanted Trump to win. And there's no doubt in my mind that there are a tangle of financial relationships between Trump and his operation with Russian money.'

'And there's no doubt in my mind that the Trump campaign and other associates have worked really hard to hide their connections with Russians,' the former secretary of state added.

Beyond this charge, Clinton labeled Trump a 'creep' in the book and said he made her 'skin crawl' when he got too close to her at the second presidential debate.

On The View Wednesday she expanded upon this story, saying her fill-in for Trump during debate practice, Philippe Reines, had practiced 'stalking' her onstage and 'saying really nasty things to me.'

While the White House has lashed out at Clinton for her anti-Trump remarks, a lot of the focus on her book has been because of her criticism of fellow Democrats.

She hit back at former Vice President Joe Biden who had suggested she hadn't made enough of an effort with working people, pointing out that he had stumped for her.

In her book and on her media tour she's lashed out at Sen. Bernie Sanders and his supporters for not fully coming into the Democratic Party's fold.

On an episode of the Pod Save America podcast, released Tuesday, Clinton talked about how much better she treated President Obama, after losing to him in the Democratic primary in 2008, than how Sanders and his ilk treated her.

'I didn't get anything like that respect from Sanders and his supporters,' she told the hosts, who had worked in President Obama's White House.

'And it hurt, you know, to have basically captured the nomination, ending up with more than 4 million votes than he had  but he dragged it out,' she said of her primary rival.

Democrats are split on whether Clinton should be airing out her party's dirty laundry.

A new Rasmussen Reports poll has 54 percent of Democrats saying she 54 percent saying there's still a future for her in public life, while another 36 percent said she should retire.

'The best thing she could do is disappear,' a former Clinton fundraiser told the Hill newspaper last week. 'She's doing harm to all of us because of her own selfishness. Honestly, I wish she'd just shut the f*** up and go away.'

That particular source's comments are more in line with the majority of the country  61 percent said she should retire  and Republicans like Huckabee Sanders, with 83 percent of GOP likely voters saying it's time to step out of public life.
FLUID LOGISTICS

Amazon currently operates two distribution centers in Mexico totaling more than 500,000-sq-ft.

Both are in Cuautitlan Izcalli in the state of Mexico, adjacent to the autonomous district of Mexico City, whose metro area is home to more than 20million people.

The new warehouse will be constructed about seven miles from the existing facilities. All are located along the so-called 'NAFTA' highway, an industrial belt that runs through Mexico's factory regions to the U.S. border.

The new facility is being built by industrial developer Fibra Prologis, according to sources familiar with the plans.

The Mexico-based real estate investment trust owns 34.2million-sq-ft of manufacturing and logistics space across Mexico. Prologis declined interview requests.

At 1millionsq-ft, the new facility would be able to distribute bulky products such as furniture, as well as small items like books and microwaves, a set-up Amazon uses in other foreign countries, said Marc Wulfraat, president of the logistics consultancy firm MWPVL International.

If about 85 percent of the space is used for small products - typical of a U.S. warehouse set-up - Amazon would be able to store 15million products and make up to 1million deliveries a day nationwide.

It would likely employ 2,000 to 3,000 people to handle the shipments, Wulfraat said.

The location could also serve as a distribution point for products going north to the U.S., added Saunders from GlobalData.

'Amazon is very fluid with its logistics,' he said. 'As long as that border is reasonably open, Amazon is very agnostic.'

MEXICAN RETICENCE ONLINE

Amazon's global operations stretch across 14 countries including Latin America's most populous nations, Brazil and Mexico.

That footprint fueled $11.5billion in net international sales in the second quarter, just over half the size of Amazon's North American sales.

Amazon's 2016 Mexico sales fell well behind the market leader, Argentina's MercadoLibre Inc, with $435million in sales, according to Euromonitor.

Still Amazon edged out No. 4 Wal Mart and was neck-and-neck with third-place Linio, a division of Berlin-based Rocket Internet.

All are fighting for loyalty from consumers largely unaccustomed to clickable shopping and wary of credit card and mail fraud.

'Much of the reticence of Mexican shoppers to make purchases online is uncertainty,' said Carlos Hermosillo Bernal, an analyst at Actinver. 'Will I get the product? Is it what was being offered? What guarantee do I have?'

That reluctance may fade as Mexico's middle- and upper-class millennials gain purchasing power.

Mexico City-based college student Daniel Arturo Munoz Castro, 20, said he has purchased board games, smartphone accessories and t-shirts on Amazon's app.

He appreciates the variety of products and ease of use, even though his father first thought it might be a scam.

'It's not like other web pages when you order things, and perhaps they don't arrive. It's very safe,' he said.

Still, Mexico's vast wealth disparity and cultural differences lead some analysts to doubt whether Amazon can replicate a U.S. shopping concept.

Amazon backed off from its investments in China, for example, after struggling to understand the local markets, said Gene Munster, managing partner at Loup Ventures.

'If they largely failed in China, why try in Mexico, Brazil or India? The answer is they haven't failed yet in those areas, and they may be able to right the ship,' he said.

TWEAKING TRADE RULES

If the U.S., Mexico and Canada raise the value of online purchases that can be imported duty-free as part of a modernized North American Free Trade Agreement, Amazon may be poised to reap rewards in Mexico.

The proposal, which is backed by U.S. trade representatives, would push the duty-free limit on imports to about $800 from thresholds of $50 in Mexico and C$20 ($16.5) in Canada.

That would give consumers in those countries an incentive to buy big-ticket products online from the United States, an idea that President Donald Trump has championed in his 'Buy American' agenda.

Mexican negotiators, however, are treading cautiously amid push-back from Mexican industries such as textiles and footwear.

'We have to find a middle point that does not damage our economies with extreme liberalization,' Mexico Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said at the conclusion of NAFTA talks in Mexico City early this month.

The next round is scheduled for Ottawa in late September.

International trade analyst Claude Barfield of the American Enterprise Institute anticipates that even a compromise is unlikely to dash Amazon's plans for Mexico.

'I can't imagine this would be a deal-breaker,' he said. ($1 = C$1.2152)
Michael Flynn Jr has been caught in the cross hairs of the ever-expanding Russia probe, NBC is reporting.

Four former and current officials told the network that Flynn Jr is being looked at as party of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into collusion between President Trump's campaign and the Russian government.

Flynn Jr served as chief of staff to his father, Mike Flynn Sr, at the Flynn Intel Group and traveled with him to Moscow in 2015. He continued to work with his father in the transition but was pushed out of Trump's orbit for spreading fake news.

Michael Flynn Jr has been caught in the cross hairs of the ever-expanding Russia probe, NBC is reporting

The White House declined to comment on the widening probe on Wednesday afternoon.

'I haven't had a conversation with him about that, but I'd refer you to outside counsel,' the president's press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, said.

The elder Mike Flynn worked at the White House briefly as the president's national security adviser. He was dismissed weeks into the Trump presidency for lying about the nature of his conversations with a Russian diplomat.

Michael Flynn Sr said he never discussed sanctions with the Russian ambassador to the United States in the transition. He changed his story after he was confronted by the Department of Justice.

President Trump said that he fired the retired lieutenant general for misleading the vice president - who'd claimed on national television after speaking to Flynn that sanctions didn't come up.

Flynn Jr, 34, was forced out of Trump world when he helped to spread a false rumor about Hillary Clinton.

A D.C. pizza shop had been accused without any evidence of running a child sex ring on Clinton's behalf. The conspiracy theory, known as Pizza Gate, led a deranged 28-year-old to 'self investigate,' bringing a rifle to the restaurant and firing it in a quest for answers.

Flynn Jr served as chief of staff to his father, Mike Flynn Sr, at the Flynn Intel Group and traveled with him to Moscow in 2015. He continued to work with his father in the transition but was pushed out of Trump's orbit for spreading fake news

Flynn Jr is being looked at as party of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into collusion between President Trump's campaign and the Russian government

No one was hurt during the incident. The man was arrested on assault charges.

After the incident, the younger Flynn tweeted: 'Until #Pizzagate proven to be false, it'll remain a story. The left seems to forget #PodestaEmails and the many coincidences tied to it.'

Flynn had a transition team email address, but the head of the transition, Vice President Mike Pence, said after the Pizza Gate scandal that he 'has no involvement in the transition whatsoever.'

NBC's revelation means that both Mike Flynns are now under federal investigation. Both are being probed as part of the Russia investigation.

Flynn the younger traveled with his father to Moscow to attend a dinner celebrating Russia Today, a Kremlin-funded news outlet. The Russian government paid for Flynn Sr, the former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, to attend the engagement.

The elder Flynn is also under investigation for half a million dollars of business dealings with the Turkish government. He was not registered as a foreign lobbyist at the time, though he retroactively turned in paperwork asking for the status.

His son was heavily involved in the operations of Flynn Intel Group, having served as chief of staff.

House Intelligence Committee Democrats also say they are sending corporate information to Mueller that they say shows Mike Flynn Sr 'violated federal law.'

Flynn failed to initially disclose foreign contacts related to a 2015 trip to the Middle East to pursue a deal between financed by the Saudi government and backed by a Russian entity, the lawmakers say, citing letters they got from companies who were part of the deal.

The deal was to build nuclear power plants in the Middle East by partnering with Russia's nuclear power agency, and including meetings with Middle East officials to discuss it.

'It appears that General Flynn violated federal law by omitting this trip and these foreign contacts from his security clearance renewal application in 2016 and concealing them from security clearance investigators who interviewed him as part of the background check process,' wrote Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland Eliot Engel in the new letter.
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The far northern tip of a remote Scottish island is up for sale after being uninhabited for almost 80 years.

The 98-hectare Fethaland croft, in North Roe, Shetland's most northerly village, has belonged to David Murray's family for more than 150 years.

It is on the market for 595,000 alongside three smaller, tenanted crofts, one of which has a four-bedroom family home.

The 98-hectare Fethaland croft, in North Roe, Shetland's most northerly village, has belonged to David Murray's family for over 150 years and has been uninhabited for 80 years. Fethaland, which is popular with walkers and tourists, boasts a rich heritage - with evidence of human settlement from prehistoric times - and incredible opportunities to see killer whales, puffins and ospreys

It is on the market for 595,000 alongside three smaller, tenanted crofts, one of which has a four-bedroom family home(pictured is the kitchen in the house on Hooplees croft). Owner David Murray blames health reasons for the sale. His father, Douglas Murray, was the last person to be born there, before moving to North Roe in 1944

Fethaland, which is popular with walkers and tourists, boasts a rich heritage - with evidence of human settlement from prehistoric times - and incredible opportunities to see killer whales, puffins and ospreys.

It includes the old fishing station which was established in the 15th and 16th centuries, which became 'the biggest in Shetland' before being abandoned in 1906.

Owner David Murray blames health reasons for the sale. His father, Douglas Murray, was the last person to be born there, before moving to North Roe in 1944.

The largest of the four crofts, or small arable farms, the Fethaland croft, is accessible only by a track leading from the end of the public road. It needs to be reached either on foot or with a 4x4.

It encompasses the north-most point of the mainland contains a number of archaeological sites, including an Iron Age house and a Viking quarry.

Mr Murray described the feeling of leaving Fethaland as 'heartbreaking', and expressed a preference for selling the entire estate as a whole.

Mr Murray described the feeling of leaving Fethaland as 'heartbreaking', and expressed a preference for selling the entire estate as a whole. Pictured is the four-bedroom house on Hooplees croft

The largest of the four crofts, or small arable farms, the Fethaland croft, is accessible only by a track leading from the end of the public road. It needs to be reached either on foot or with a 4x4. It encompasses the north-most point of the mainland contains a number of archaeological sites, including an Iron Age house and a Viking quarry

Mr Murray described the feeling of leaving Fethaland as 'heartbreaking', and expressed a preference for selling the entire estate as a whole. 'Fethaland itself is unimaginable - there's no place like it,' he said. 'The wildlife is just phenomenal. You quite often see killer whales, puffins, even ospreys.... I can't do it justice'

'Fethaland itself is unimaginable - there's no place like it,' he said. 'The wildlife is just phenomenal. You quite often see killer whales, puffins, even ospreys.... I can't do it justice.'

He said that the remains of 23 buildings are situated on the land, along with moorings for the boats.

A survey by Historic Scotland and Shetland Amenity Trust in 2010 found that a number of these structures were collapsing due to coastal erosion, with more thought to be at risk.

The peninsula is also part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, protected and administered by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Part of the 'North Roe Coast' site, this designation means that SNH's consent must be sought for any development, including erecting or removing structures or modifying any features.

A map showing the far northern tip of the remote island, which has been uninhabited for more than 80 years

Mr Murray said the remains of 23 buildings are situated on the land, along with moorings for the boats. A survey by Historic Scotland and Shetland Amenity Trust in 2010 found that a number of these structures were collapsing due to coastal erosion, with more thought to be at risk. The peninsula is also part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, protected and administered by Scottish Natural Heritage

Although it is uninhabited, Fethaland is a popular place for scenic walks.

The area is even explorable virtually, via a video-game style simulation in the Shetland Museum in Lerwick, which allows members of the public to 'walk' around the landscape and learn about its history.

SIC councillor for Shetland North, Andrea Manson, described the area as an 'outstanding piece of land', and called the news 'a marvellous opportunity'.

Neil Risk Solicitors, who are selling the site, said: 'Fethaland is known for its incredible scenery, and maritime and Viking history.

'Along with the other crofts it would be ideal for someone looking to experience rural living in arguably one of the most beautiful places in the UK.'

SIC councillor for Shetland North, Andrea Manson, described the area as an 'outstanding piece of land', and called the news 'a marvellous opportunity'. Neil Risk Solicitors, who are selling the site, said: 'Fethaland is known for its incredible scenery, and maritime and Viking history. Pictured is the living room of the four-bedroom house on Hooplees croft
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These are the faces of the desperate Rohingya refugees arriving in Bangladesh after fleeing from what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called ethnic cleansing in Myanmar.

Elderly women and young children were among those clambering for aid packages in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh after fleeing violence in nearby Rakhine State.

The secretary-general said there were 125,000 refugees in Bangladesh last week as he called on Myannmar's authorities to grant the Rohingya Muslims nationality or legal status so they could work, and get an education and health care. But he stressed that the number has since tripled 'to nearly 380,000'.

The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have longstanding roots in the country.

The UN chief told reporters today that Myanmar's government must also uphold the rule of law.

The international body said the army's violent crackdown was a 'textbook example of ethnic cleansing', and called for 'immediate steps' to end the violence.

Nobel laureate and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has cancelled a trip to the United Nations General Assembly to tackle the crisis unfurling at home.

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A desperate old woman reaches out her hand to receive aid after fleeing from Myanmar to Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh. Britain and Sweden are among the naitons urging the UN Security Council to call for an end to violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state that has driven at least 380,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. The secretary-general of the UN called on Myannmar's authorities to grant the Rohingyas nationality or legal status so they could work, and get an education and health care

Rohingya refugees carry an old man towards the shore of Naf river as people arrive by boats in Teknaf, Bangladesh. The UN said the Myanmar army's violent crackdown was a 'textbook example of ethnic cleansing', and called for 'immediate steps' to end the violence. Nobel laureate and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has cancelled a trip to the United Nations General Assembly to tackle the crisis unfurling at home

A group of refugees - including young girls - wait in a crowd for aid to be distributed in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have longstanding roots in the country

Refugees stretch out their hands in desperation as aid is handed out in Bangladesh. The influx of people has overwhelmed pre-existing refugee camps in Cox's Bazar district, and many new arrivals have been left squatting in makeshift shelters alongside roads or in fields

A young girl screams as crowds of refugees await the distribution of aid in Bangladesh. Myanmar's government regards Rohingya as illegal migrants from Bangladesh, even though many have lived in the country for generations

A woman carries a baby at the Cox's Bazar refugee camp in Bangladesh as hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims flee neighbouring Myanmar amid violence

Smoke billows into the air above Northpara village in Myanmar as seen from Bangladesh. Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been widely condemned for a lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of the crisis, denting the Nobel peace laureate's reputation. However Suu Kyi, Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades, has no control over the powerful military, which ran the country for 50 years before elections in 2015

Recent Rohingya arrivals are registered by the government in the Kutupalong camp in Bangladesh. The exodus began after a series of Rohingya militant attacks sparked a sweeping military response in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, which the UN rights agency said was a 'textbook example of ethnic cleansing'

A crowd of refugees can be seen waiting for the dispensation of aid in Bangladesh. Myanmar authorities have denied that the security forces, or Buddhist civilians, have been starting the fires, instead blaming the insurgents

Reports from refugees and rights groups paint a picture of widespread attacks on Rohingya villages in the north of Rakhine state by the security forces and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, who have torched numerous Muslim villages

Five women who won the Nobel peace prize have told Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi she has a personal and moral responsibility to defend the Rohingya people
A retired US Marine and former IBM programmer has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder after his stepfather said the 48-year-old man fatally shot his own mother in a New Hampshire, then walked away without uttering a single word.

Travis Frink, of Warwick, Rhode Island, appeared in court on Wednesday and was ordered held without bail in the slaying of his mother, 70-year-old Pamela Ferriere.

Ferriere, of Groton, was shot multiple times on Tuesday at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center's intensive care unit in Lebanon, New Hampshire, where she was being treated for a brain aneurysm. She was expected to be released Friday.

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Son charged: Travis Frink (left), 48, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder after police say he walked into a New Hampshire ICU and shot dead his hospitalized 70-year-old mother, Pamela Ferriere (pictured right in 2007)

witness: Frink's stepfather, Robert Ferriere (pictured above with Pamela in 2009), told police he watched his stepson shoot his mother in silence

Frink, dressed in a red shirt, was handcuffed and said nothing during the brief arraignment Wednesday in Grafton Superior Court in North Haverhill.

Prosecutor Jane Young asked that Frink have no contact with his stepfather, Robert Ferriere, who told police he saw Frink point a gun at his mother and fire several shots before silently walking away.

Defense lawyer Rebecca McKinnon agreed to the request. She declined to comment afterward.

A police affidavit says Frink told officers he went to the hospital for the purpose of killing his mother. No reason or motive was given.

At the time of her death, Mrs Ferriere was being treated for a brain aneurysm and she was expected to be released Friday

Cuffed: Frink, of Warwick, Rhode Island, stands with his attorney, public defender Rebecca McKinnon, during his arraignment in Grafton County Superior Court in New Hampshire on Wednesday

When Frink went to visit her Tuesday, his stepfather, Robert Ferriere, was in the room and he asked to spend some time with his mother, authorities said.

Ferriere asked his wife if that was OK and she indicated yes, the affidavit said. As he was leaving the room, he heard her shout or scream something, then turned and saw Frink pointing a gun at her, the affidavit said. After several shots were fired, Frink walked out of the room without saying anything, Ferriere told police.

Pamela Ferriere's nurse called 911, saying a visitor had pulled out a black handgun. When she saw the gun, the nurse ran and took shelter in a different room. She then heard two gunshots, followed by screams.

When asked about the shooting Wednesday morning by The Associated Press, Robert Ferriere said he had no idea why it happened.

'I'm not a mind reader,' he said, before hanging up.

Frink was taken into custody as he tried to leave the grounds of Dartmouth-Hitchcock, authorities said.

Panic: First responders, doctors, staff, patients, their family members and others wait near the main entrance of Dartmouth Hitchock Medical Center during an active shooter incident Tuesday

The shooting sparked panic at the hospital as employees and patients were evacuated into the parking lot. Frink was detained as he tried to leave the grounds of Dartmouth-Hitchcock

The affidavit said Frink also visited his mother earlier in her hospital stay. The nurse who called 911 told police she had been his mother's nurse for the past two weeks.

Frink suffered a devastating loss in 2013 when his ex-wife, Kathleen Frink, 39, and 3-year-old son, Ryan, were found dead inside a running car at an apartment complex in Rhode Island.

According to reporting by the Providence Journal, police said that when officers opened the door of the running car with fogged windows, they found the inside of the vehicle very hot and smelling of alcohol and vomit.

Officials said the body of Kathleen Frink was found in the driver's seat and the body of his son was found on the floor in the back of the car.

Frink is a veteran computer programmer who at one time had worked for IBM. He got engaged in December (pictured with fiancee, right)

Police suspected alcohol played in a role, but foul play was ruled out.

Court records review by the Journal indicated that Travis and Kathleen got married in 1997 and had four children together. In 2006, the husband filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

Frink's Facebook page shows he got engaged last December. His LinkedIn page includes a long list of positions in computer systems administration and technical support jobs for companies in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts, including IBM, Cigna and most recently, United Natural Foods.

Several of Frink's neighbors in Warwick said he mostly kept to himself. An uncle of Frink's said he was 'into karate.'

Tuesday's shooting sparked panic at the hospital as employees and patients were evacuated into the parking lot and a brief lockdown was ordered. People were told to avoid the area around the hospital, and traffic was stopped on a route leading to it.

Frink, a computer programmer, reportedly signed into the medical center's visitor center just after 1pm Tuesday

Joanne Conroy, the president of Dartmouth-Hitchcock, praised her staff for its response and said everyone had taken part in several active-shooter trainings in the past.

She said the medical center planned a town hall meeting for employees Wednesday to discuss next steps as workers recover from the 'traumatic event.'

Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said the 48-year-old Frink signed into the medical center's visitor center just after 1pm Tuesday and went to the intensive care unit. Soon after, Lebanon police received a call about shots fired in in the intensive care unit.

'The facts gathered to this point reveal that the purpose of Mr. Frink's visit to the hospital today was to kill his mother,' MacDonald said, adding that the crime scene was still being investigated and that more than one shot had been fired. 'No other patients, visitors or staff were physically injured as a result of the incident today.'

Frink was detained as he tried to leave the grounds of Dartmouth-Hitchcock, authorities said.

Rhode Island state police said the shooting suspect's car had Rhode Island plates so police in New Hampshire reached out to the state's Fusion Center, an information center under the command of the state police that also involves representatives from local, state and federal agencies. The center helped identify the suspect as a Rhode Island resident.

The motive for why train allegedly shot his mother Pamela Ferriere is not clear at this point
A man climbed onto the roof of a Los Angeles home and wouldn't come down for several hours on Tuesday until an 83-year-old resident scaled the building and threw him off.

Police tried to get the man down from Wilford Burgess's roof in La Puente, and after several hours without success, Burgess took matters into his own hands.

Cell phone video taken by La Puente resident Ashley Wrenn shows her grandfather approaching the intruder on the roof, grabbing him and shoving him off.

Grainy cellphone footage shows the man standing on the roof and refusing to come down. The homeowner Wilford Burgess takes matters into his own hands and climbs on the roof himself

Burgess approaches the man and wrestles him into a corner before throwing him off the roof

The sheriff's station got a call from someone at 6.34am that morning saying they were being followed, according to the police.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they saw a man jumping from roof to roof.

The man ended up on Wrenn and Burgess's roof. Crisis negotiators were called in to help get him down.

Wrenn said she woke up around 7am she heard the deputies yelling: 'We know where you are. We can see you', as the man stomped and ran on the roof.

Wrenn and a crisis negotiator both tried to convince the man to come down.

'I told him we don't want him hurt, just want him off the roof,' Wrenn said.

After the standoff had gone on for five hours, a neighbor grabbed a ladder and Burgess used it to climb onto the roof.

'My grandfather was so upset. [He] told him, 'You need to get down and off my roof,'' Wrenn told The Mercury News.

'He'd been up there too long,' Burgess told KTLA. 'I figured ... if they can't get him off, I can.'

Wilford Burgess, pictured, was tired of waiting for the man to come down and didn't think the police were going to be able to persuade him to after so many hours

Burgess cornered the man on the roof and threw him off. When he landed he damaged Wrenn's mother's car, she said.

The man was taken to a hospital for psychological evaluation after sheriff's deputies took him into custody.

'It was a crazy morning,' Wrenn said.

Wrenn said she isn't surprised her elderly grandfather did what he did.

'He's like the strongest person in our family. I mean, he keeps us all together ... it wasn't a surprise to us. That's papa,' she told KTLA, laughing.

It is not clear why the man was on the roof in the first place.
They sleep on mattresses crawling with bugs in tents without air-conditioning. There is no escape and they live in fear of revenge attacks.

Such is the lot of the foreign wives of ISIS fighters, and their children, who are being held in a desert camp in Iraq at a secret location.

Now, footage has emerged in which they vent their frustration, and their longing to go home.

'Most here came with their husbands. We didn't come here to fight or to kill. We came here to live,' one woman says in the video, taken by a reporter from RT.

Around 1,400 foreign wives and children of suspected Islamic State fighters are being held at a secret location in the Iraq desert

However, not all new arrivals at the camp feel the same way, as one of those being held explains: 'When we came here, one of the women with us blew herself up. The soldiers started shooting...'

Another whose jidahi husband had been killed says: 'I want to go home. I'm here by accident. I really want to go home. Please get me out of here.'

The Iraqi authorities are holding 1,400 foreign wives and children of suspected Islamic State fighters after government forces expelled the jihadist group from one of its last remaining strongholds in Iraq, security and aid officials said.

Most came from Turkey. Many others were from former Soviet states, such as Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and Russia, according to Iraqi army and intelligence officers.

'Most here came with their husbands. We didn't come here to fight or to kill. We came here to live,' one woman says in the video

The camp's location is being kept secret because aid workers and the authorities are worried about tensions between Iraqis, who lost their homes and are also living in the camp, and the new arrivals

Other Asians and a 'very few' French and Germans were also among them.

Most had arrived at the camp, which is run by the United Nations, since August 30, when Iraqi troops drove Islamic State out of Mosul.

The camp's location is being kept secret because aid workers and the authorities are worried about tensions between Iraqis, who lost their homes and are also living in the camp, and the new arrivals.

Many Iraqis want revenge for the harsh treatment they received under the extremists' interpretation of Sunni Islam they imposed in Mosul and the other areas they seized in 2014.

'The families are being kept to one side (of the camp) for their own safety,' an Iraqi military intelligence officer said.

Western officials are worried about radicalised fighters and their relatives coming home after the collapse of Islamic State's 'caliphate'.
Britons returning from Cuba have recounted their horror stories of getting caught up in Hurricane Irma.

Holidaymakers landing at Manchester Airport told of hiding in cellars and under sinks to escape the devastating category five storm, which struck the island on Friday.

Medical administrator Lizzie Pryde described her terror at seeing 10 to 15 feet of water outside her hotel room window before she was evacuated.

Jack Tipton, 22, a waiter from Leicester, and Stephanie Lockley, 35, a pub manager from Ruthin in Wales

Charles Andrews outside the Iberostar Playa Pilar hotel in Cuba after being hit by hurricane Irma. Photo taken by Clare Andrews

Jack Tipton sheltering with friends inside the Sol Palmeras Hotel in Cuba during hurricane Irma

The 32-year-old, from Stafford, was staying at the Iberostar Tainosin Varadero on the north of the island when storm brought 120mph winds.

She said: 'The power had gone from my room and there was water streaming down the walls.

'The windows were rattling and the water must have been 10 to 15 feet tall, even though the rooms were barely eight feet tall. We were so scared.

'The staff at the hotel were just brilliant. They evacuated us all.'

Joshua Ball, 28, an electronics worker from Leek, Staffordshire, was caught up in the storm with his wife, Lauren

The strongest storm to strike Cuba in more than 80 years ravaged infrastructure throughout the country, collapsing the power grid and damaging crops.

The hurricane killed at least 10 people including seven in capital Havana.

Shop assistant Sue Rushton, 46, from Chesterfield, was also on holiday when the storm struck. 'I was completely traumatised. It was just so frightening,' she said.

'The hurricane was just making a horrible rattling sound on all the windows. People had to hide under sinks and in their bathrooms.

'They evacuated everyone to the basement. We were expecting to fly back Friday the 8th but we had to stay till yesterday.'

Many of the holidaymakers were critical of Thomas Cook, claiming the tour operator gave them 'no information'.

Robert Cherrington, 47, school passenger escort, from Wolverhampton, said: 'Everyone was just terrified. We all had to stay in our rooms.

'The hotel staff all kept us safe. As the storm hit we just felt completely stranded there.

Sue Rushton said: 'The hurricane was just making a horrible rattling sound on all the windows. People had to hide under sinks and in their bathrooms'. Pictured: Guests gathered inside their hotel in Cuba

Charles Andrews, 40, from Essex, said: 'I was on my honeymoon and it completely ruined.' Pictured right: Thomas Rushton and Emma Roberts

Steph Lockley (second from left) with Darren Parry, Katelyn Knights and Kelias Simmonds at Manchester Airport after arriving back from her holiday in Cuba

Medical administrator Lizzie Pryde and Robert Cherrington, 47, school passenger escort, from Wolverhampton

'The Cuban authorities promised us food on the plane but Thomas Cook said they couldn't do that when we got on board.

'There was just a lot of frustration. We spent the best part of 14 hours in the airport with just a sandwich and a drink.

'Thomas Cook said they couldn't get us back before the hurricane hit on advice of the government  they thought it was better to leave us in Cuba. It was all just so frustrating.'

Steve Walker, 62, building inspector from Wolverhampton, said: 'I'm a diabetic and I was stranded without insulin  that was my worry.

'The Thomas Cook rep said she'd rang for an ambulance but it never came. My concern now I'm home is to get some insulin as quick as I can.

A photograph taken by Clare Andrews outside the Iberostar Playa Pilar hotel in Cuba after being hit by hurricane Irma

Two photographs taken by Thomas Rushton from inside the Blau Varadero hotel in Cuba

'We were just stranded with no information. Thomas Cook gave us no information.'

Stephanie Lockley, 35, a pub manager from Ruthin in Wales, said: 'It was terrifying what was going on. It was just so scary.

'Windows were coming in with the wind blowing. We had to put toilet roll in the windows to stop everything rattling.

Duncan Stewart and Liz Stephan at Manchester Airport after arriving back from her holiday in Cuba

'The rep and staff were brilliant. Some other people are still out there and I'm terrified for them.'

Others told of struggling to contact terrified relatives back home after the storm struck.

Joshua Ball, 28, an electronics worker from Leek, Staffordshire, said: 'We were on our honeymoon and there was a point where I sent a text home saying 'I love you all' because I didn't think I was going to make it.'

Charles Andrews, 40, from Essex, said: 'I was on my honeymoon and it completely ruined. My mum was worried because she didn't know if I was dead or alive.

'Thomas Cook were feeding the wrong information. They were saying we were all okay when we were in the middle of a category five storm.

'My mum was crying and when my internet came back on I had loads of text messages just asking 'are you alright, are you alright?'

Lizzie Pryde (second from right) with Joe Pryde,Georgina Fuller, Sean Fuller, Brandon Merthins and Emily Jarvis at Manchester Airport

A photograph taken by Darren Parry outside the Iberostar Tainos Cubain Cuba during hurricane Irma

Jack Tipton, 22, a waiter from Leicester, said: 'We were stranded for 13 hours in the airport with nothing but a sandwich and a bottle of water. I'm just so mad.'

Paula Williams, 52, a care worker form the Wirral, said: 'My daughter called me and she said with all the noise she thought she was going to die.

'She was crying down the phone just thinking she was dying. I think she's just traumatised.'

Thomas Cook said: 'The safety of our customers is our first priority and we understand what a distressing experience this is for them.

We worked with the authorities to keep everyone in hotels that are built to withstand a hurricane.

'We flew out a special assistance team to provide extra support to our teams on the ground and are doing all we can to keep our everyone informed and bring them home as soon as possible.

We've sent out 66 members of our special assistance team to provide additional on-the-ground support, and we've put our reps in as many hotels as possible, focusing on where the most customers are.

'Along with SMS and email updates, we are doing all we can to keep everyone informed and to get them home safely as soon as possible.

'Our customers in Varadero, including those who were evacuated from the Cayos as part of the Cuban government's hurricane evacuation procedure remain in hotels with no customers required to stay in the island's hurricane shelters.

'We are grateful to our customers for their patience during what is a concerning time for many.'
Robert Redford blames President Donald Trump's shocking election win last year on America losing its 'moral foundation.'

'We let him come to where he is,' Redford said during an interview with Esquire magazine published on Wednesday. 'Hes our faultthats how I see it.'

The 81-year-old actor, who is promoting his latest film -Our Souls at Night- lamented the fact that the discourse in America today has gotten so toxic, it created room for a figure like Trump to emerge as a plausible President.

Robert Redford receives the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award during the 74th Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2017 in Venice, Italy

'Politics right now is in a very dark place, and I think the only place for me is to do what I domake films, create art, watch it as it evolves,' he said.

'Right now its like Humpty Dumpty sitting on a wall, and a great fall is happening. The behavior seems to be really dumb.'

At times, Redford struck a measured and insightful tone, questioning America's ability to self-reflect and how the country has arrived at its current juncture.

'Im not so interested in blaming him; thats being done enough by others. Im more interested in: How did this happen?'

'Weve lost our moral foundation,' Redford continued, 'which allows us to go this far over. So I dont blame him. I just think he is what he is. Were the ones who let that happen. We should be looking at ourselves.'

Robert Redford said he blames America losing its moral foundation for President Donald Trump's election victory last year

Redford also slammed Congress, bristling at what he believed was the legislative body's lack of respect for the American people.

'They assume that youre dumb; they can take advantage of you being dumb,' Redford said.

'I find that offensive. It insults our intelligence. Theyre playing us for dumb and theyre being dumb in doing it.'

Redford, however, was optimistic about the future, putting faith in the notion that today's political landscape will evolve.

'I have faith in the pendulum swinging. Right now its so far against the wall that it cant go any farther; its gonna start to swing back. Thats my optimism.'

Asked what he would say if he had a personal meeting with the commander-in-chief, Redford replied: 'Quit. For our benefit.'
The president will sign a resolution legislators passed unanimously in the House and Senate this week condemning white supremacists, neo-Nazis and the KKK.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump 'looks forward' to putting his name on the document once it lands on its desk, which should happen soon.

Trump sat down with Sen. Tim Scott, the only black Republican in the U.S. Senate, earlier this afternoon for a conversation on race relations and Charlottesville.

Scott said the Republican president ceded his 'moral authority' after the race riot when he claimed that their were 'fine people on both sides' of the clash at a white nationalist rally that left one protester dead.

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President Trump sat down with Sen. Tim Scott, the only black Republican in the U.S. Senate, earlier this afternoon for a conversation on race relations and Charlottesville

Trump later said that 'many sides' were responsible for the violence at the rally, angering Republicans and Democrats in the national spotlight.

Rather than apologize for his comments, Trump doubled down at a campaign rally, where he contended that he'd forcefully denounced racial hatred and the media was cherry-picking his statements.

'We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides, on many sides,' Trump initially said. 'It has been going on for a long time in our country -- not Donald Trump, not Barack Obama. It has been going on for a long, long time. It has no place in America.'

Trump did not mention white supremacists at all in his remarks, causing an uproar.

Asked today whether Trump feels, after speaking with Scott, that he should have more boldly condemned white nationalism, Sanders said the president has nothing to be sorry for.

'The President was clear in his initial statement that he condemned hatred, bigotry, racism of all forms. He continues to stick to that message. Hes been very consistent in that fact. He and the Senator talked about that and discussed that, and agreed that that was the appropriate place to be,' she said.

In an appearance on CBS Sunday show Face the Nation just after the attack, Scott had said, 'Its going to be very difficult for this president to lead if, in fact, his moral authority remains compromised.'

He declined to criticize Trump further when he spoke to reporters after his visit with the president at the White House today.

'I think I was clear before we met and I was clear while we met,' the South Carolina senator told USA Today, leaving his disagreement with Trump the past.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said during her daily briefing that Trump and Scott spoke about 'potential solutions moving forward to bring the country together'

Scott said of the conversation, 'We discussed everything from legislative remedies for those living in poverty, to the incident in Charlottesville, to some of the other issues that are important  diversifying staff.'

An official White House readout of the meeting said they talked about the Trump administrations 'relationship with the African American community, the bipartisan issue of improving race relations, and creating a more unified country.

'President Trump remains committed to positive race relations and looks forward to continuing the dialogue with Senator Scott, the African American community, and leaders from diverse communities across the country, all of which have a wealth of perspectives and experiences with respect to this issue.'

Sanders said during her daily briefing that Trump and Scott spoke about 'potential solutions moving forward to bring the country together.'

Scott was 'not at all' fixated on his displeasure with the president's Charlottesville comments, she said.

'They talked about it pretty in depth, but the focus was primarily on solutions moving forward,' she stated. 'And that was what both people came to the meeting wanting to discuss, is what we can do to bring people together, not talk about divisions within the country.'

Democrats on Capitol Hill had pushed last month for an official censure of the president over his Charlottesville remarks. Republicans agreed to a resolution blasting white nationalist groups.

The legislation cleared the Senate on Monday and the House on Tuesday and heads to Trump now.

In the bipartisan statement, that assault that took Heather Heyer's life is pointedly referred to as a 'domestic terrorist attack.' The KKK and neo-Nazis are also called out.

Lawmakers ask Trump personally to 'speak out against hate groups that espouse racism, extremism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and White supremacy' in the declaration.

They also call on him to use 'all resources available' to 'address the growing prevalence of those hate groups in the United States.'
UK territories devastated by Hurricane Irma cannot tap into the 13billion foreign aid budget because they are too wealthy.

International rules mean Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos islands cannot get handouts despite being flattened by the storm.

Set by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the rules are blamed for hampering the relief effort in the islands.

India and China, which have booming economies, would be poor enough to receive help, however. North Korea is also on the OECDs approved list.

Ruins: The scale of the hurricane's power can be seen in this aerial picture of a town in the British Virgin Islands

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson visited the islands yesterday to meet survivors and survey the damage. He flew out after French president Emmanuel Macron and the Dutch king visited their citizens in the region

British relief efforts have been criticised as absolutely pathetic in comparison with those of France and the Netherlands. Mr Johnson promised more cash

The Government has committed 57million for disaster relief for islands hit by Hurricane Irma  but this must be found from separate funds and Whitehall departments.

One minister said the islands could have received five times as much cash had they been allowed official foreign aid. Downing Street said Theresa May was frustrated by the international rules.

The booming economies and despotic regimes we give aid Britain sends foreign aid to several countries with booming economies, including India, which has sent a mission to Mars and is the worlds fastest growing foreign economy, and China, which spends billions on a space programme. We also send aid to despotic regimes which are accused of human rights violations, including North Korea and Venezuela Among the controversial projects for these countries that have been funded by foreign aid are: Smoking in China Foreign aid provided a 133,584 grant to Sun Yat-Sen University for a project looking at how to reduce smoking amongst migrant workers in factories in Guangzhou, China. Cutting sugary drinks in India The Public Health Foundation of India received 121,403 to explore how schools could reduce the consumption of sugary drinks. Keeping homes in India cool Loughborough University was awarded 537,717 for a study on environmentally friendly ways to keep Indian houses cool. Venezuela British aid money has been spent on training elements of Venezuelas brutal security services. Nearly 6million has been sent to the oil-rich country in the past four years, with 160,000 funding training. North Korea The despotic regime has received more than 4million in British foreign aid in the past six years. Advertisement

Tory MP Philip Davies said: It is absolutely ridiculous that we cannot use any of our bloated overseas aid budget to help British overseas territories devastated by the hurricane.

You couldnt make it up that an overseas territory doesnt qualify for overseas aid. Surely the Government will see sense and stop this madness and take control of taxpayers money and spend it on our priorities.

A ministerial source said: It is totally mad. We have a 13billion development budget, but the definition of how we can spend it is ridiculous.

The rules do not allow development spending on these islands because they are not considered poor enough. Well, they bloody well are now.

It is completely immoral and a lot of people are saying we should just ignore the rules and spend the money.

The three British overseas territories were in the path of the monster hurricane, which claimed scores of lives and left thousands homeless.

British relief efforts have been criticised as absolutely pathetic in comparison with those of France and the Netherlands. But Mr Johnson has promised more cash. Pictured: A Royal Marine hands out water in Road Town, British Virgin Islands

Hurricane Irma left Anguilla devastated, with swathes of the island left uninhabitable

Images, provided by the NASA Earth Observatory, shows Caribbean islands looking a vibrant green (top), while a second - captured after the hurricane (bottom) - shows the territory is coloured brown. The islands, from left, are St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola and Virgin Gorda

The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, talks to residents on the British Virgin Islands after Irma hit the Caribbean

Devastation: Boris surveys the massive amount of damage done to the Caribbean island of Anguilla during the Category 5 Hurricane Irma

Villages on Providenciales (pictured) in the Turks and Caicos islands were devastated by the force to Hurricane Irma

A picture provided by the British Ministry of Defence shows cars that have been turned to wrecks by Hurricane Irma on the British Virgin Islands

A Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules transport aircraft touches down on the Turks and Caicos Islands to deliver aid after the Overseas Territory was battered by Hurricanes Irma and Jose

A C-17 aircraft at Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown, Barbados, sent by the British Government to deliver aid to the Caribbean in the wake of the devastating storms

Royal Marines from from 59 Commando Squadron have been tasked with helping to clean up Tortola in the British Virgin Islands after the area was destroyed by Hurricane Irma

Luxury yachts are still piled on top of each other in marinas in Road Town, on Tortola - part of the British Virgin Islands. There have been reports of looting in the area

An aerial photograph of the Turks and Caicos islands taken by a Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules transport plane

Soldiers on patrol in Road Town meet locals after the devastation of Hurricane Irma

Tory MP Philip Davies blasted the news Britain cannot use its foreign aid budget on the territories. He said: It is absolutely ridiculous that we cannot use any of our bloated overseas aid budget to help British overseas territories devastated by the hurricane'. Pictured: A Royal Marine speaking with a local on the British Virgin Islands

Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo. Pictured: Supplies being unloaded from a plane in Barbados

Known as Official Development Assistance, foreign aid is supposed to help the poorest countries fight poverty and fund development.

Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos are deemed too wealthy, according to strict criteria set by the OECD. Repairing damage in the region also does not qualify for aid.

Yet foreign aid has been used to cut smoking in China and keep homes in India cool. Both countries have space programmes and nuclear weapons.

DAILY MAIL COMMENT If ever there was proof of the insanity of Britains 13billion aid spending, it came with yesterdays news that none of that money will be available to the thousands of poor subjects of the Queen whose lives have been destroyed by Hurricane Irma. Though more than 4,000 miles from the UK, these are all but our people. How can we deny them our money, in their hour of critical need, at a time when we dish it out so freely to mega-rich India and China? Advertisement

Aid money has also been spent on an Ethiopian version of the Spice Girls and a project to create a 3D model of a Tunisian palace. All these schemes met the definition of aid spending.

A Government source insisted it was absolute nonsense to claim that OECD rules had been a factor, adding: The response to Irma would have been the same and just as quick.

However, a source said officials were looking at how overseas aid rules applied to natural disasters. Nigel Evans, a Tory member of the International Development Committee and Tory MP for the Ribble Valley, said: This is an international disaster requiring immediate aid. This ticks all the boxes. Bureaucrats can argue as much as they like but this is an humanitarian crisis that has cost lives and peoples livelihoods.

The UK has committed to spend 0.7 per cent of gross national income on aid since 2013. This was made law in 2015 under David Cameron, but Theresa May promised to look again at the definition after criticism of a budget that has now hit 13billion.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson visited the islands yesterday to meet survivors and survey the damage. He flew out after French president Emmanuel Macron and the Dutch king visited their citizens in the region.

British relief efforts have been criticised as absolutely pathetic in comparison with those of France and the Netherlands. Mr Johnson promised more cash.


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Lucky to be alive, 153 migrants land in Romania yesterday after being rescued from an overcrowded boat that threatened to capsize in the Black Sea  the perilous new route into Europe.

The pre-dawn drama, in which 53 children were saved, fuelled fears that the crossing from Turkey to eastern Europe was becoming increasingly popular with unscrupulous North African traffickers.

At least 627 migrants have been caught in rickety vessels heading to Romania this year  almost ten times the number intercepted over the past two years.

Experts believe the total is soaring as other nations crack down on the routes migrants traditionally take across the Mediterranean to Italy and Greece.

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Members of Romania's border police carry a baby, in the Black Sea port of Constanta, Romania, early on Wednesday morning, as others wait on a boat to be unloaded

More than 150 migrants from Iraq and Iran, of which were 53 children, from a ship in distress on the Black Sea, on what is becoming a new route for migrants trying to reach Western Europe

The Libyan coastguard has increased patrols of the Med and aid groups have suspended dangerous rescue missions.

But the Black Sea is more dangerous, with colder water, higher winds and stronger currents. In fact, until recently people smugglers rarely used the crossing, with just one person arriving last year.

Krzysztof Borowski, of Frontex, the EU border protection agency, said conditions in the Black Sea were often more hazardous than the Mediterranean, adding: Migrants are in bigger danger, especially if they take smaller vessels. It is a rough sea and a difficult one to cross.

Razvan Samoila, of the Romanian aid group Arca, said: The Mediterranean is not like the Black Sea. In the Black Sea, you dont know what will happen in 20 minutes. These migrants who took this route on the Black Sea must have experienced a very hard journey.

Many of those rescued yesterday were Iraqi. They sent a distress signal when the sea suddenly became stormy, with gale-force winds churning up 10ft waves that could have capsized their vessel. Two Romanian coastguard boats towed the ship to the port of Midia, 150 miles east of Bucharest, shortly before dawn.

The Libyan coastguard has increased patrols of the Med and aid groups have suspended dangerous rescue missions

Migrants are assisted off their boat by border policemen. Until recently people smugglers rarely used the crossing, with just one person arriving last year

Cristian Cicu, of the Romanian coastguard, said: The sea had been very agitated, with waves of up to three metres.

These people were in a very dangerous situation and risked either drowning or seeing their boat sink. Romanian authorities have dealt with a series of similar incidents in recent months. On September 3, 87 migrants were plucked from the Black Sea en route to Romania from Turkey.

Some 68 were stopped on August 21, days before 150 Syrian refugees were found boarding a Turkish fishing boat bound for Romania, and on August 13, 69 asylum seekers were caught in the countrys waters.

Experts fear that Romania is ill-prepared for the rising influx. Until now, very few migrants have considered using the country to get into Europe because it is outside the Schengen free-movement zone.

But Romania does have a border with Hungary, which is part of the Schengen area, and it has become a more attractive option as other routes are more heavily policed.

Romanian border police have reported a big spike in the number of people caught trying to cross their borders illegally.

Romanian border police staff monitor sea surveillance equipment on their computers inside a Black Sea port building

Romanian authorities have dealt with a series of similar incidents in recent months

From January to July 2,800 people, mostly Iraqis, were stopped, up from 1,634 in 2016.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) warns that Spain is also becoming a popular destination.

A daily influx of boats brought 8,385 migrants to Spain this year between January 1 and August 9, compared with 2,476 over the same period in 2016.

The IOM has warned that the flow of migrants entering Spain from North Africa could turn in to a big emergency because of the sheer number of vessels.

Hundreds of thousands have crossed the Med in the past few years. But in July the number of migrants who travelled from Libya to Italy halved, falling to 11,459 from 23,524 in June and 23,522 in July last year.

It emerged this year that the EU naval mission to stop mass migration into Europe had largely failed to stop the flow as new routes are found  and has even increased deaths.

The 15.2million operation, which includes the UK, has destroyed a number of migrant vessels, forcing smugglers to transport refugees in unseaworthy boats and dinghies instead.
The brand new iPhone X has been heralded as the most groundbreaking and technologically advanced since the first iPhone was unveiled in 2007.

But one of the key new features, the Face ID recognition software which allows users to open their phone by scanning their face, has sparked privacy fears.

Experts warned that the new technology has the potential be abused by thieves, forcing iPhone X owners to unlock their phones to steal information and wipe them to sell, or even an abusive partner wanting to look through their spouses' messages.

It could also potentially allow police to unlock phones of suspects to find incriminating evidence, without having to get a court to try and force them to hand over their passcode.

Even if you dye your hair, put on a hat, wear glasses, or change your appearance in other drastic ways, the device will still recognize your face. Apple even worked with Hollywood filmmakers to be sure it can't be fooled by photographs or masks

'Exacerbating this is the question of whether we have any expectation of privacy to our face,' Georgetown University Law Center on Privacy & Technology Associate Clare Garvie, who specializes in facial recognition technology, told Privacy Tech.

'Some courts have been willing to permit law enforcement to compel a fingerprint unlock of a phone; they will be all the more likely to permit compelling a face unlock. And unlike TouchID, which allows us to enroll just one of our 10 prints, we only have one face,' Garvie said.

The technology throws up many similar concerns as to when Apple launched its fingerprint technology on earlier iPhone models.

But with Face ID, there is also the concern the scan can normalize facial recognition software - and unlike the iPhone which only stores information about its user's face on the phone itself - other applications could have far greater privacy concerns.

To unlock the phone, users can use facial recognition, which Apple calls Face ID. It will 'learn' your face, so every time you glance at the iPhone, it detects your face - even in the dark

'If you were wondering what humanity would do when given access to the most advanced facial recognition technology, here it is,' Craig Federighi said before showing off a talking poop

Garvie warns they could soon include as routine 'surveillance by law enforcement, customer monitoring by retail outlets, face recognition apps that permit strangers to identify you from your social media presence, and more.'

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden even added his own two cents on the new tech, tweeting: '#FaceID. Good: Design looks surprisingly robust, already has a panic disable. Bad: Normalizes facial scanning, a tech certain to be abused.'

The Fifth Amendment protects citizens from being forced to divulge their passwords if it will incriminate themselves.

But ever since Apple introduced Touch ID, legal experts have argued that biometric evidence such as blood, DNA, and fingerprints do not count as testimony against ourselves.

Last May, a Los Angeles court ordered the girlfriend of an Armenian gang member to unlock a cellphone with her fingerprint.

Paytsar Bkhchadzhyan, 29, whose boyfriend is Sevak Mesrobian - listed on a probation report as a member of the Armenian Power gang - was arrested and records show that some 45 minutes after she'd been taken into custody, a federal judge signed off on a warrant for Bkhchadzhyan to press her finger on the iPhone. By 1 pm, an FBI agent had secured her print.

Beyond classifying the search as part of an ongoing investigation, authorities aren't saying why they wanted her to unlock the phone.

Yet regular passcodes are protected. In September, 2016, a court in Pennsylvania confirmed that the Fifth Amendment prohibited them from forcing a defendant to divulge his passcode in an insider trading case involving two ex-employees of credit card company Capital One.

Following months of anticipation, Apple has finally unveiled the rumored iPhone X. As rumored, the $999 (999) 'anniversary' device doesn't have a home button and features a 'notch' at the top

Apple hopes to address the privacy concerns around Face ID and its fingerprint technology in its latest operating system update for its new models.

An 'Emergency SOS' feature will allow iPhone owners to temporarily disable TouchID and Face ID by rapidly hitting the power button five times.

This means that users could not be forced to unlock their phones by attackers or thieves if they act fast enough. On activation, the Emergency SOS feature will send a message to the user's saved emergency contacts, and also shares their location,The Verge reported.

The iOS 11 operating system is expected to be released alongside the iPhone 8 in September.

The $999 'anniversary' device iPhone X was unveiled alongside the 8 on September 12.

The X also features an OLED edge-to-edge display, facial recognition software, and new AR emojis you can control with your face inside iMessage.

Philip Schiller, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing for Apple, explained how the phones were unlocked with Face ID: 'Nothing has ever been so simple. This is the future of how we'll unlock our phones.

ENCRYPTION, PRIVACY AND THE FBI: WHY COOK WOULDN'T BUDGE ON A 'BACKDOOR' Apple CEO Tim Cook said previously that he won't weaken the unbreakable encryption technology on Apple products Unlocking phones using fingerprints and encrypted messaging have remained controversial issues since Apple launched TouchID in 2014. Apple CEO Tim Cook said previously that he won't weaken the unbreakable encryption technology on Apple products to allow the US government to access iMessages because it could actually damage national security. Cook said he will not create a 'back door' for the government unless Apple is served with a warrant. Apple's encryption technology makes it impossible for anyone but the intended recipient to see a message and it's so strong even the company can't get to communications. Ex-FBI Director James Comey, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and others had all called for Apple and other tech companies to create ways to access messages sent by suspected criminals. Apple's encryption technology makes it impossible for anyone but the intended recipient to see a message and it's so strong even the company can't get to communications View More: Previews News | 60 Minutes News | Live News | More News Videos Cook explained that his stance on the powerful encryption doesn't just come down to the issue of privacy versus national security and that since 'we're America' that 'we should have both'. Cook said: 'If the government lays a proper warrant on us today then we will give the specific information that is requested. 'Because we have to by law. 'In the case of encrypted communication, we don't have it to give. 'And so if like your iMessages are encrypted, we don't have access to those. The Apple CEO added: 'There have been people that suggest that we should have a back door. 'But the reality is if you put a back door in, that back door's for everybody, for good guys and bad guys.' Advertisement

The Face ID will 'learn' your face, so every time you glance at the iPhone, it detects your face - even in the dark.

Even if you dye your hair, put on a hat, wear glasses, or change your appearance in other drastic ways, the device will still recognize your face.

It uses a new TrueDepth camera system that includes an infrared camera and works by projecting infrared dots out onto your face, which feeds information back into an AI computer to create a model of the face to check it time.

IPHONE X FEATURES - Available in space grey and silver - No home button - swipe up from the bottom to unlock or to go home from an app or to multitask - 'Face ID' that allows users to unlock the phone by looking at it - Qi and AirPower wireless charging that lets you charge multiple devices at once - 'Screen tap' unlock - Edge to edge display with glass on both sides of the device - Super retina display using OLED technology - highest ever pixel density in an iPhone - Dual 12 megapixel cameras and dual-optical image stabilisation - Tuned for augmented reality capabilities - Portrait lighting that uses machine learning to touch up photos - A11 bionic chips with six cores, can be 70 per cent faster than the previous A10 chip Advertisement

Schiller said: 'This happens in real time, and invisibly.'

The built in chip that controls Face ID is built with a neural engine, allowing it to execute 600 billion operations per second.

While you might think that Face ID could be tricked by a photo, Schiller reassured that this wasn't the case.

He said: 'We worked to make sure it can't be fooled by photographs, and worked with Hollywood teams to make sure masks don't even work.'

Face ID will also work with Apple Pay, as well as third party apps.

Another new feature in the iPhone X is animoji - 3D animated emoji that you can control with your face.

The animoji work by tracking more than 50 facial movements and replicating these in your choice of dozens of animal emoji.

Unfortunately, when Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering, came on stage to demonstrate the Face ID, it didn't work on first attempt, and he was forced to revert to a backup phone.

But when he showed the animojis in action, he joked: 'If you were wondering what humanity would do when given access to the most advanced facial recognition technology, here it is,' before showing off a talking poop.

The iPhone X also has an all new OLED display called the 'super retina display' that, on the diagonal, is 5.8 inches. It is dust and waterproof at a microscopic level and has over two million pixels - the highest resolution and pixel density ever seen in an iPhone.
Jurors in the Holly Bobo murder trial on Wednesday heard emotional testimony from the man who found her skull more than three years after her disappearance, and were shown some of the victim's personal belongings, including a pair of pink underwear, an asthma inhaler and a tattered purse.

On Day 3 of the high-profile trial of Zachary Adams, 33, in Savannah, Tennessee, the prosecution called to the stand a string of witnesses, among them law enforcement officials, friends and residents who helped search for the 20-year-old nursing student after she had gone missing in April 2011.

The highlight of the day's proceedings was testimony from Ernest 'Larry' Stone, who took the stand to tell the court about the day he discovered Bobo's skull while scouring the Decatur County woods in search of ginseng, more than three years after she had vanished without a trace from her home in Parsons.

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Gerald Stephens looks up on the screen at a photograph of a pair of pink panties that he found while searching for Holly Bobo, during day three of the Holly Bobo murder trial Wednesday

Material evidence: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Laura Hodge shows members of the jury an inhaler (left) and a purse (right) that was found in the woods in 2014. Both items were later identified as belonging to Holly Bobo

Holly Bobo was a 20-year-old nursing student when she disappeared from her home in Parsons, Tennessee, on April 13, 2011

On September 7, 2014, Stone said he was hunting for ginseng roots with his cousin when he said a feeling came over him prompting him to turn around, reported the Jackson Sun.

'That's when I found what I found he said,' tearing up.

'I looked at him [cousin] and said, "Please tell me thats one of those things they use in school, and thats not real,' Stone said.

'I said, "You know who that could be," and he [cousin] said, "Who do you think it is?' Stone said. 'I said, "I think this is Holly.'

Forensic experts with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrived at the scene the following day and were able to locate multiple items believed to have belonged to Bobo, including a purse containing car keys and makeup, a bag of pencils and pens, an inhaler and a pair of hoop earrings.

Additional human remains, including a jaw bone, teeth and ribs, were also discovered scattered around the woods.

The medical examiner who performed autopsy on Holly Bobo's remains said from the witness stand that a hole near the back of the skull was consistent with a gunshot wound.

He added it appeared Bobo was shot in the back of the head at a close range with a a .32-caliber gun.

The court also heard from Gerald Stephens, who joined the search effort a short time after Bobo's disappearance and discovered a pair of pink underwear near the side of the road in Yellow Springs.

Key testimony: Ernest 'Larry' Stone testifies that he had found Bob's skull in the woods in Decatur County in 2014 during Zachary Adam's murder trial Wednesday

A photo of Bobo's cranium is shown in court during Day 3 of Zachary Adams' trial Wednesday

State prosecutor Jennifer Nichols, right, walks back to her seat with a lunchbox belonging to Holly Bobo after Jon Graves, left, identified it as what he found in 2011

A short distance away, a crumpled up piece of paper caught Stephens' eye.

'The first thing I saw was the name and address, Holly Bobo, on the top left corner of the page,' Stephens said.

In the course of the proceedings, jurors were shown photographs of Bobo's skull in the forest and her pink, lacy panties. Prosecutors also presented as evidence a polka-dot luncbox with the letter 'H' embroidered on its side, which witness Jon Graves said he had found in a remote creek just days after Holly was reported missing.

On Day 2 of the trial on Tuesday, the jury heard explosive testimony from the accused killer's ex-girlfriend, who said from the stand that Adams had threatened to do to her what he had done to the slain nursing student.

Rebecca Earp, who had dated the defendant for more than two years, recounted for the jury how he turned to methamphetamine and morphine.

She said that had occurred after his grandmother passed away and said that their relationship was punctuated by frequent fights and threats of violence on the part of her quick-tempered boyfriend.

On the morning of April 3, 2011 - the day of Holly Bobo's disappearance - Earp said Adams kissed her on the head and left after telling her he was going to haul scrap metal, but she did not believe him.

Damning testimony: Rebecca Earp testified on Tuesday that her then-boyfriend, murder suspect Zachary Adams, threatened her just days after Holly Bobo's disappearance. He said he would tie me up just like he did Holly Bobo and no one would ever see me again, she said

He later called her from his brother's phone, which she said was unusual. When he came home that afternoon, Earp said she observed what looked like fingernail scratches on his neck and arms.

While watching a TV news report about the missing 20-year-old Bobo, Earp said Adams and his friend laughed and said police would never be able to find her.

When a couple of days later Earp confronted Adams about his activities on the morning the nursing student had gone missing and tried to break up with him, she said her boyfriend invoked Bobo's name while threatening her with violence.

He said he would tie me up just like he did Holly Bobo and no one would ever see me again, she said, according to reporting by NewsChannel 5.

Adams, 33, has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping, raping and killing Bobo, who was 20 when she disappeared from her home in Parsons on April 13, 2011.

Her remains were found 3  years later in woods not far from her home in Decatur County, about 100 miles southwest of Nashville.

Crime scene: Forensic experts recovered DNA evidence matching Holly Bobo in this carport

A bloodstain is seen next to a black Ford Mustang in the Bobo family's garage after her killing

The blood collected from the garage matched Holly Bobo's DNA evidence, according to expert testimony

Gerald Stephens looks up on the screen at a photograph of a pair of pink panties that he found while searching for Holly Bobo

During her two-hour testimony Tuesday, Rebecca Earp also told the court about one instance in which Adams claimed that a blue Tupperware container held the remains of the missing woman. She said her boyfriend quickly changed his story and told her the plastic receptacle actually contained the remnants of meth.

Under cross-examination, Adams' defense team tried to discredit the prosecutions star witness by calling attention to Earps 'foggy' memory, the various conflicting statements she had given police and the fact that she and Adams had both been drug addicts.

When asked by defense lawyer Jennifer Thompson why, if she was in possession of incriminating information about her boyfriend, she failed to contact the authorities to claim a $250,000 reward that was being offered in the Holly Bob case, Earp replied, 'I was scared,' reported the Jackson Sun.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Lawrence James holds up a petri dish containing DNA evidence collected on the day Holly Bobo was reported missing

Holly's father Dana (L) and brother Clint (R) testified on Monday. Clint was the last person to see her alive and watched as she walked into the woods behind their home with a man he thought was her boyfriend

Karen Bobo, 56, sobs on the stand as she testifies at the trial of her daughter Holly's accused murderer on September 11, 2017, in Savanna, Tennessee

Bobo's brother testified Monday that he saw his sister and a man in the carport before they walked together into woods next to the family's home. Clint Bobo said he saw blood in the carport, but he did not know where it came from.

The blood found in the carport is the first forensic evidence related to Holly Bobo presented at Adams' trial. The blood evidence suggests a struggle may have taken place. It was tested to determine not only if she was bleeding, but also to pinpoint whether the person who kidnapped her also was bleeding.

On Tuesday, the jury heard from Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Lawrence James, who testified that blood collected from the carport at Bobo's home matched her DNA.

'There was a good amount of blood at the scene,' James said.

Prosecutors say Adams, 33, took Bobo from her home, drugged her, raped her and killed her. Two other men, Jason Autry and Adams' brother, John Dylan Adams, also face charges of kidnapping, rape and murder in the case. Their trials have not been set.

James, a forensic scientist, said one of five blood samples taken from the floor of the carport next to Bobo's car yielded a complete DNA profile.

Jason Autry (L) and John Adams (R) were also both charged in the killing. Autry received immunity in exchange for testifying against Zachary Adams. His brother John denies any involvement and has not yet received a trial date

James said that complete profile matched Bobo's DNA, which he had taken from underwear recovered from a hamper in the house. Two samples yielded partial profiles, and they also matched her DNA, James said. He was unable to build a profile from the two other samples.

Bobo's disappearance led to a massive search of the fields, farms and woods of West Tennessee. Her case received national attention, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said it was the most exhaustive and expensive investigation the agency ever conducted.

Judge C. Creed McGinley moved the trial from Decatur County to neighboring Hardin County to secure an unbiased jury.

Adams, who has a criminal record that includes drug possession and assault, faces the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder.
The mayor said afterwards that it was important that the residents who live in the community have a say in who represents them

Tuesday also saw a contentious debate between residents before the vote

The College Park City Council decided to allow undocumented immigrants a say in who represents them in local government

A city in Maryland extended voting rights to non-citizens of the US

A city in Maryland has voted to allow residents who are not US citizens to cast a ballot in local elections.

The College Park City Council along with six other towns will allow undocumented immigrants and legal permanent residents a vote in future municipal elections.

The decision was made following a postponement late last month when one unnamed city council members received a 'very serious threat' over the phone right before the vote.

The College Park City Council in Maryland decided to allow undocumented immigrants a say in who represents them in local government on Tuesday

The Mayor of College Park City, Patrick Wojahn, also said he received a number of angry phone calls prior to the decision, noting that many of the callers were not residents of the city.

The debate before Tuesday's vote was also very contentious, with dozens of people waiting to speak on the matter.

'Although you come up here and you say that there are hundreds of citizens and residents of College Park that are for this charter, I can tell you that there are thousands against it,' one person who was against non-citizen voting told the committee.

Todd Larson, who supported the proposal, said standing up for the most vulnerable in the community should be embraced as a matter of principal.

'The reality is allowing all people to vote in municipal elections is going to make College Park more inclusive, and that has been the history of voting rights expansion in the United States and what has happened in our neighbors in Maryland who have expanded voting rights to non-US citizens.'

Mayor Patrick Wojahn (pictured) said afterwards that it was important that the residents who live in the community have a say in who represents them

The vote was postponed a month after a threatening phone call was place to an unidentified council member

Following the decision, Wojahn explained that the measure was a way for unrecognized residents to have in representative government.

'There are people who have been in this city for decades,' Wojahn told FOX DC5, 'who contribute in many different ways.

The mayor said that these residents are 'paying taxes, volunteering on committees, being apart of the civic association who are not able to vote because of their citizen status and some of these folks don't have any legal path to citizenship.'

'[This] would be giving them an opportunity to have a voice in who their representatives are, who's governing their city.'
100917BOUGAINVILLES WHOLESALER SUFFERS THROUGH A FIRE

By Aloysius Laukai

Bougainvilles big wholesaler and distributor and local company JOMIK Trading lost its ware house and office in a fire that gutted two of its buildings and other two nearby buildings last Saturday evening the 9th of September 2017 in Buka towns Back Street.

The fire started at about 7pm in the evening and by 9pm two of Jomiks buildings were fully alight and there was nothing that the company workers and neighbours could do without a fire service in Buka town.

The other two houses were a building owned by former Police Officer, PETER MASIKE who built this house as his retirement home and was rented to Island TV and Maino Trading a local trader who had just taken that building and fully packed with cargoes to be opened on Monday the eleventh of September.

According to eye witnesses, fire started from the former plant hire office and spread very quickly spread to its big steel building warehouse just opened in 2015 and built by a Philippine company.

The building where the fire started was built at around 2009 and was built so close to the Peter Masike building which was where New Dawn FM a local Community Radio started its operating in 2008. That building was built at around the late 1990s and was used first by LIMA Trading as a wholesaler and taken over by Tambolema Trading in 2002, when Lima Trading left Buka to operate in Buin, South Bougainville.

Tambolema Trading and New Dawn FM moved out of the MASIKE building in January,2010 after operating there for eight years.

According to PETER MASIKE this was his only investment and could not believe what had happened as it happened very quickly and he could not do anything to save his building. The could have burnt other buildings if some courage volunteers did not stood up and made sure the fire did not spread to other nearby buildings. In this particular area and within most of Buka town the buildings were built very close to each other.

The Buka Town Manager, EDDIE KENAI told news reporters that the ABG is to be blamed for what has happened because it does not have a Physical planning Board and a building board and also has not established a Fire Service in Buka although a MOU with the PNG FIRE SERVICE was signed some years back.

And just last week New Dawn FM talked to fire service staff who carried out a survey on the risk of a fire for the Buka town and surrounding suburbs of Kokopau, Sohano, Kubu and Hutjena.

They said from a table between 0 and Ten, Buka town was at Ten as a risky area in terms of a fire risk area.

Town Manager called on the ABG to quickly set up the Physical Planning board to make sure buildings are approved for standard and quality and also looking at the space between buildings.

He said that because of the non-availability of these institutions people are building houses wherever they want to.

Meanwhile another wholesaler and owner of Buka Enterprises and Lankaessa Trading, MRS JOSEPHINE NAKIN told New Dawn FM that this was a sad day for Bougainville as this took many years for the HUMA family to come to this stage and losing assets such as these were very painful indeed.

She predicted that the BSP Bank will be running short on cash now as the Chinese businessmen do not bank their daily takings.

Meanwhile, fire at these buildings are still burning and with the continuing drought throughout Buka island people have been asked to take extra precautions and not start a fire un-necessarily.

The png fire service has already appointed a Inspector to be stationed in Buka and would be operating from the Disaster office in Kubu.

He was just waiting for the Housing Allocation committee to identify and allocate him a house for him to start work immediately.

One important question that these Government Departments have been asking was when the ABG will decide on the location for its headquater to make sure they dont built and are told to move again to another location.

That would be a waste of time and money.

So far the gazetted location is Arawa in Central Bougainville but to date the ABG has not made any move yet.

One thing for sure is that BUKA TOWN has no space for expansion, Arawa town was taken over by villagers and including landowners and the only location with land readily available is Buin in South Bougainville which according to the new member for South Bougainville, TIMOTHY MASIU will be the first City on Bougainville.

He is already talking of developing the Kangu Border post as the JAYA PURA for Bougainville allowing business to bloom at the border area between Bougainville and the Solomon islands.

Work has already started on sealing the Buin to Arawa highway starting from the Kangu beach overlooking the Solomon islands.

Locations for the International airport at Kihili and the International wharf at Tonolei Harbour have already been identified.

Ends


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Prince George was back in class today and Prince William admitted his son has had a 'very interesting week' after a female suspected stalker was arrested for attempting to break into his 20,000-a-year prep school twice in 24 hours.

The 40-year-old woman was detained by undercover police officers yards from the gates of Thomas's Battersea yesterday afternoon.

The future king was swept into school in a convoy of blacked-out Range Rovers this morning - but without his father who was visiting Merseyside and his pregnant mother who is battling extreme morning sickness.

Speaking to cancer patient Pagan Tordengrav, 55, at Aintree Hospital, William said the Duchess of Cambridge was doing 'very well', adding: 'And George is at school. It's been a very interesting week.'

Teachers at George's school were on red alert after the same woman had been able to briefly talk her way into the building posing as a legitimate visitor a day before her arrest.

She escaped when challenged by staff but was spotted again loitering nearby triggering her arrest on suspicion of attempted burglary.

The woman is being questioned at a southLondon police station today and one line of inquiry is that she is a 'fixated individual' who has become obsessed with the glamorous Royal couple.

Scroll down for video

These exclusive pictures reveal the moment police arrested the woman as she sat outside Queenswood restaurant in Battersea Square with two men, one believed to be an undercover police officer

Prince George had his first day at Thomas's Battersea School last week - he was back in school today after the security scare

Speaking to cancer patient Pagan Tordengrav, 55, on Merseyside, William said George had 'a very interesting week' at school

A major review was launched last night following a scare experts have called an 'unacceptable breach of security'

The prince, four, who is third in line to the throne, was not present at the time of either security scare because as a new starter he leaves at lunchtime.

Today he arrived in a black Range Rover driven by an unknown man and with a female passenger. The gates to the courtyard were briefly lifted to allow the prince into school before the 4x4 drove away.

George's car was tailed by a second Range Rover which appeared to be driven by a plain clothes police officer. His parents did not appear to be there.

Parents remained tight-lipped about the security scares.

One parent said: 'The school have been very clear. We have all been told not to say anything or talk about anything.' Others ignored questions about safety at the school.

The woman was sitting outside Queenswood restaurant in Battersea Square with two men, one believed to be an undercover police officer, when the arrest operation began.

At 2.20pm, an unmarked police car sped into the square followed by a police van which stopped outside the restaurant.

Three police officers, two male and one female, spoke briefly to the woman. She was then searched by the female officer before stepping into the back of the van.

She remained composed throughout and did not remonstrate with the officers.

One eyewitness, who was eating at the restaurant, said: 'She was just sitting there really quietly with two men in ordinary clothes either side of her. She was completely calm and passive. She seemed completely unfazed.'

Commanders at the Metropolitan Police's Royalty and Specialist Protection Unit launched an immediate review of the security operation surrounding his studies.

William told Teresa Jones, 87, from Kirkby: 'George has been really easy. He hasn't said 'have I got to do this for the rest of my life?''

But the incident will raise fears of what could have happened had the woman been a terrorist.

One former senior officer last night described the shocking breach as 'very worrying', but added: 'Schools are not fortresses.'

Prince William revealed today that his son, Prince George, hadn't realised yet that he had to go to school everyday.

And he admitted that his feisty young daughter, Princess Charlotte, would be 'trouble' when she is older.

Taking to elderly patients in the frailty assessment unit of Aintree University Hospital, in Liverpool, the second in line to the throne discussed his son, four, who started Thomas's School in Battersea last week.

He told Teresa Jones, 87, from Kirkby, 'George has been really easy. He hasn't said 'have I got to do this for the rest of my life?''

When she congratulated him on his children, he said 'George rules the roost but Charlotte's not far behind.'

He told other patients it had been an 'interesting week' -- as well as George starting school last week, his wife Kate had been forced to announce she was pregnant with their third child several weeks early after developing acute morning sickness.

And yesterday a woman was arrested at George's school in a major security alert.

Of the first day, William told Teresa, 'Most of the parents were in floods of tears. The kids were all fine.'

The 40-year-old woman was detained by undercover police officers yards from the gates of Thomas's London Day School in Battersea, south-west London

At another bedside, he sat next to Edna Dagnall, 75, who is recovering from a fall that injured her leg, who said she hoped his new baby would be a boy. He told her, 'George started school -- we are all seeing how long that lasts before he doesn't want to go!'

Earlier, in the major trauma room he sat down joked with a heavy metal fan that his daughter Princess Charlotte will be 'trouble when she's older!'

Cancer Patient Pagan Tordengrave, 55, welcomed him with a handshake and a cheery 'Prince of Hearts!'

When he apologised for interrupting the work and peace of the trauma room she said, 'It's a pleasure. You are one of the nicest men on the planet.'

It is understood that the Duchess of Cambridge was included in the early planning for the visit to the Liverpool emergency unit that has undergone a 35 million refit morning but she is still poorly with severe morning sickness

When Pagan asked how Kate was, he seemed to suggest she's improving. He said, 'She's very well thanks. George started school -- it's been an interesting week.' Pagan said the little prince looked like his dad and then asked about the youngest member of the family, Charlotte, two.

'She's going to be trouble when she's older -- all fathers say that.'

As she made a heavy rock hand sign, he asked if she was into rock. When she said Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, the prince smiled and said he was more 'soft rock,' and Linkin Park were among his favourites. Pagan, who was with boyfriend Graham Lee, 50, apologised for her look as she lay on the hospital bed. 'You look beautiful,' William told her, charmingly.

His son Georg only started his studies last Thursday when he was photographed being dropped off at the school by his father, the Duke of Cambridge.

The Duchess of Cambridge, who is pregnant with her third child and has been suffering from a severe form of morning sickness, told parents she will meet them at the gates when she, too, is able to do the school run.

The security incident involving the woman began unfolding on Tuesday afternoon.

It is understood that she attempted to gain access to the school by posing as a visitor, possibly with a pre-booked appointment.

But she quickly left the building, which opens directly onto a busy road, after being challenged by a member of staff. It is unclear how far inside she got.

Shortly before 2pm yesterday the woman was seen again in a small leafy square a short distance from the school gates.

Police were alerted and she was held by plainclothes officers until uniformed colleagues arrived to search and arrest her.

One eyewitness, who was eating at Queenswood, in Battersea Square, said she was alerted by two 'very agitated' teachers wearing distinctive name badges standing outside.

She realised that a woman had been made to a sit at a table at an adjacent cafe and was surrounded by two men in civilian clothes.

'She seemed very placid, completely unfazed by what was going on,' she said. 'She was silent and did not exchange anything with police at all. She had light dark hair in a ponytail and had a rucksack-type bag over her shoulder.

'A woman officer arrived and searched her and then she stepped into the back of the police van.

'There were several Thomas's staff wearing name badges who looked very agitated. I saw them being shown some passports or a passport. It made me think the woman could be from overseas.'

The woman was being questioned on suspicion of attempted burglary at a south London police station last night. Her mental health will be assessed.

One line of inquiry is that she is a 'fixated individual' who has become obsessed with the glamorous Royal couple.

Many security experts believe such people pose a greater threat to the Royal Family than terrorists because they are often unpredictable loners.

Prince George, third in line to the throne, is dropped off by William as he arrives at the the 18,000-a-year school last week

Questions were raised over security at Thomas's earlier this month after a woman was able to video herself walking inside it.

Battersea resident Sarah Burnett-Moore, 54, filmed inside the 18,000-a-year school while it was being refurbished over the summer. It appears she was able to enter the premises via the same iron gate and main door after they were left open by contractors.

She said she could have walked in with a home-made bomb and many neighbours of the school are concerned about the security implications of the royal pupil.

Residents said they are concerned that security at the school is not adequate for the high-profile pupil. One mother, aged 39, said: 'Incidents like this make us all scared. Prince George shouldn't go here. None of the mums around here want him to go to the school because it's putting us locals and our children under threat.

Prince George arrives for his first day of school with his father Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, as they are met head of the lower school Helen Haslem

'The school needs better security and gates. Anyone can walk in. I walk past and can just walk inside whenever I like if I wanted to.'

In contrast another woman added: 'I didn't feel safe before, but now Prince George is at the school I actually feel a lot safer. It means there is more heightened security than there was before.

'I was mugged just down the road and it's one of those places that is one extreme to the other.'

Chris Phillips, the former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, said 'It does not surprise me,' he said. 'Schools are public places, they have never been fortresses,' he added.

'It's very worrying when you get incidents like this. But don't forget Buckingham Palace has had a number of break-ins and that is pretty much a fortress. Whenever George is there are usually armed police there too.'

He added that the duke and duchess must balance leading ordinary lives with their security.

Scotland Yard said: 'Police were alerted and officers attended immediately after the issue came to light. We are working with the school to review its security arrangements after the incident.'

A Thomas's spokesman said: 'We are unable to comment due to the ongoing police investigation into this incident.'

What if it had been a terrorist? Ex-royal protection officer KEN WHARFE says there's no excuse for the unacceptable security breach at George's school

By Inspector Ken Wharfe, former royal protection officer

That an intruder can walk in to Prince George's school from the street before being challenged raises serious and urgent questions, writes Inspector Ken Wharfe

This was a completely unacceptable breach of security. That an intruder can walk in to Prince George's school from the street before being challenged raises serious and urgent questions.

It doesn't matter how long the person was on the premises. What counts is how far they penetrated  and no one should be allowed to get access to any part of the school building. It's as simple as that.

The fear of someone roaming inside Thomas's does not bear thinking about. Thankfully on this occasion the intruder was intercepted before she could go any further. But suppose it had been a terrorist intent on killing? By then it would have been too late. That this person was able to reach reception was far too close for comfort.

For royalty protection, however, this is a wake-up call. George has been at the school only five days and already elaborate plans to protect him have been compromised.

Before I became personal protection officer to Princess Diana, my task was to head the security around William and Harry. It therefore fell to me to ensure William's safety at school when he began at Wetherby Prep in Notting Hill in 1987 at the same age George is today.

I understand that the template we developed there three decades ago is very much the one that has been adopted by those whose job is to guard Prince George.

Which raises the question: how could things have gone so wrong? It is only fair to point out that Thomas's, with nearly 600 pupils, is different from Wetherby, which was then a small school with far fewer children.

William appreciated the low-profile policing that accompanied him throughout his school days and wanted it to be replicated for George. This means no burly bodyguard in the classroom or an officer with him every time he wants to make a call of nature.

Had there been a suggestion from officers, for example, to post police outside the school gates, I know William would have vetoed it. He not only wants his son to have as normal a school experience as is possible, but also his school mates  which means keeping the protection low key.

No one should be allowed to get access to any part of the school building. It's as simple as that, writes Inspector Wharfe

But that is no excuse for the kind of breaches that happened not once this week, but twice.

Unfortunately the world is a far more dangerous place than it was 30 years ago. We live in an era of unpredictable international terrorism that can strike at any time. The publicity for an attack on a member of the royal family would be incalculable.

It means those guarding the prince, even at school, cannot afford to ever let things slip. They must be prepared for terrorists and those sad individuals with dangerous fixations about the royals.

At Wetherby we had a strict and successful routine. Long before either William or Harry, when he later joined him, arrived each morning, a specialist with a sniffer dog searched the school. This happened every day. Only when they were satisfied the school was safe was I signalled and we left Kensington Palace for the short drive to Wetherby. Inside the school I set up an operational room where my colleagues and I were based.

I understand this has similarly been done at Thomas's, where CCTV pictures of George's classroom are relayed to his officers, whose room is close enough for them to respond to an incident in seconds. There are also elaborate alarms in place.

Because the terrorist threat is so much higher now, I believe George has a team of four close protection officers guarding him on a daily basis. It is likely there may also be back-up provided by police in the local Battersea area. If so, questions must be asked about securing the perimeter of the school.

No one wants to see the royals cocooned in the kind of security bubble that surrounds figures such as the US President, but also nobody wants to see any member of the royal family at risk from the deranged or from terrorists.

Something clearly went wrong yesterday. Mercifully there were no consequences. But changes in protecting George will have to be made.
Billionaire mogul Richard Branson has spoken of enjoying a 'more positive day' on the British Virgin Islands as more aid arrives after the devastating Hurricane Irma smashed into the Caribbean territory.

The Virgin boss, who owns Necker Island, welcomed the arrival of British Armed Forces but also praised his own team as they provide aid themselves.

He and his son Sam have been on Virgin Gorda today in the hope of clearing the island's runway so planes can start coming in directly.

The Virgin boss, who owns Necker Island, welcomed the arrival of British Armed Forces but also praised his own team as they provide aid themselves

He and his son Sam have been on Virgin Gorda today in the hope of clearing the island's runway so planes can start coming in directly. Pictured: His team carrying supplies

Mr Branson also said the governor of Puerto Rico - a US territory - had sent a plane packed with supplies to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands

He wrote on his blog: 'Our aid boats have arrived and food, water and essential supplies have been unloaded by the team, who are very tired but in great spirits. Some marines have arrived in Virgin Gorda and we hear more are on their way.'

Branson, who weathered the lethal storm in his wine cellar, also praised the resilience of the islands' locals - four of whom were killed by the storm.

'We heard somebody say "It's Irmageddon around here!",' he said. 'It made us smile. Everyone is pulling together and spirits are improving. More help is needed, but it feels like the tide is turning.'

He added: 'I spent the day going around meeting individual families on Virgin Gorda. The resilience of the Caribbean people is just incredible. One family I met had their entire house blown away during the hurricane.

'They raced to take shelter in another house, which promptly got blown away as well. They gathered their children to crouch down next to a wall for shelter, but then the wall crumbled. Finally, they found shelter in the bottom of a cistern and saw out the storm.'

Mr Branson also said the governor of Puerto Rico - a US territory - had sent a plane packed with supplies to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.
Spice is so rife in Britains jails that inmates are now twice as likely to be addicted to the drug when they leave than before they enter, an expert has warned

Spice is so rife in Britains jails that prisoners are now twice as likely to be addicted to the drug when they leave than before they enter, a leading expert has warned.

Dr George Ryan, of Public Health England, said spiralling use of the drug  a potent form of synthetic cannabis - was behind an explosion of violence in prisons, causing deaths, bullying and violence.

Dr Ryan, a Government advisor, warned that it was relatively easy for prisoners to smuggle in spice as it was a liquid which could be sprayed onto regular tobacco  which most prisons allow. It can even be sprayed onto a piece of paper the size of a thumbnail, to be smoked later.

He revealed that urine tests carried out in 10 prisons in north west England had showed around 8 per cent of prisoners tested positive for spice on arrival but 16 per cent were positive on release.

By contrast, levels of other drugs like cannabis, cocaine and heroin all dropped dramatically during prison sentences. Just one in 100 prisoners tested positive for cocaine on release compared to one in four on arrival.

Speaking at PHEs conference at Warwick University, Dr Ryan said: Perhaps the most alarming statistic of all is that prisoners are twice as likely to use spice when they leave prisons as when they arrive.

So, effectively, use of spice doubles when people are incarcerated.

Prison officers warn use of the drug is at epidemic levels. In July, a two-day riot linked to a jump in supplies of the drug took place at The Mount prison (above) in Hertfordshire

Its a very potent drug so people get a lot more bangs for their buck. It remains a very affordable drug in prison for some people. Higher potency forms increase the risk of people becoming dependent.

Spice is not one single drug but the name for a group of similar chemicals known as synthetic cannabinoids designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. The drugs were sold as legal highs but were banned last year.

Experts say newer versions are stronger and more unpredictable. The highly addictive drug can leave users in a zombie-like state or trigger psychotic episodes.

Spice is attractive to prisoners because it is cheap and was previously hard to detect  effective tests have only recently been developed.

Until May last year there were no sanctions for prisoners possessing spice in jail, but the law now says offenders caught with the drug could face up to two further years in custody and a fine.

But prison officers warn use of the drug is at epidemic levels. In July, a two-day riot linked to a jump in supplies of the drug took place at The Mount prison in Hertfordshire.

Home Office figures show two thirds of all prison drugs seizures are for so-called new psychoactive substances, of which 99 per cent are spice.

In the first 10 months of 2015, officers at HMP Forest Bank, near Manchester, seized 4.4kg of spice  39 times more than the 114g of cannabis and 210 times more than the 21g of heroin seized over the same period.

Dr Ryan said the wide use of spice could explain an increase in violence in prisons, as potent strains could leave up to 10 or 12 prisoners needing hospital treatment in a day.

The highly addictive drug can leave users in a zombie-like state or trigger psychotic episodes (file photo)

He said: You have the toxic combination of wide-ranging effects and high, variable and unpredictable potency. In a closed environment like a prison its particularly challenging.

Each [hospitalised] prisoner is accompanied by a minimum of two people as an escort - that would lead to a meltdown with already over-worked staff brought to breaking point.

Other prisoners who have done nothing wrong will be confined to their cells due to staff shortages and will be rightly frustrated, aggrieved and angry This level of dissatisfaction will lead to prisoners being volatile and probably is the explanation for some of the disorder we are seeing in our prisons over the past 12 month or so.

Spice is currently only considered a serious problem in male adult prisons, although there have been some incidences of its use in youth offender and women s prisons.

Prisons and Probation Ombudsman figures show 79 people known or strongly suspected to have been using spice or similar new psychoactive substances died in prison between June 2013 and September last year.

Two of the deaths were murders, while 56 were caused by prisoners fatally injuring themselves while high on the drug.

Earlier this year, the prisons ombudsman, Nigel Newcomen, described the drugs as a scourge in prison.

A Daily Mail investigation published earlier this month revealed police callouts for incidents linked to spice use had almost doubled in the first three months of 2017, with some cities experiencing around six incidents every day.
A Transylvania University student claims her former classmate is targeting her for deportation by outing her as an undocumented immigrant then encouraging people to report her over Facebook.

Paola Garcia, 21, is a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Her fellow student at the Lexington, Kentucky school Taylor Ragg, posted a screenshot of Garcia's profile with a 'not my president' header inside the anti-immigrant 10th Crusade Enthusiast page.

He captioned it: 'Everyone go report this illegal at my school bragging about breaking the law.'

Paola Garcia, 21, uploaded a six-minute-long video responding to Taylor Ragg's post that appeared to encourage people in the 10th Crusade Enthusiast Facebook page to report her

Hours after the story broke, the university sent an email to BuzzFeed News saying Ragg is no longer enrolled at Transylvania University.

University Vice President Michele Gaither Sparks said she could not comment on the specifics for privacy purposes.

Garcia posted a somber six minute response on YouTube Sunday and blamed President Donald Trump for emboldening racists.

Trump said he plans to end the Obama-era initiative DACA in six months if the Republican majority congress does not pass it into law.

DACA blogs immigration services from deporting the children of undocumented immigrants. In the video, Garcia said she moved

In the video, Garcia said she moved to the United States when she was two years old and has lived here for 19 years.

She said she has received threats from people because of Ragg's post, including one of someone filling out a tip sheet to Homeland Security.

Garcia informed Transylvania University that she believed Ragg violated the non discrimination policy.

Garcia informed Transylvania University that she believed Ragg violated the non discrimination policy, which protects ethnicity and citizenship-incited discrimination

The school's policy states: 'Transylvania University is committed to ensuring that the institution is free of harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief or veteran's status or any other category protected by applicable state or federal law or local ordinance.'

Garcia told the Lexington Herald Leader that President Seamus Carey initially thought Ragg was making a 'suggestion' about how to respond to her profile, which was not a violation of the policy.
Australians have been urged not to post a picture online of their same-sex marriage survey revealing the form's barcode because it could jeopardize their vote.

Numerous people published images of their form - some including their address and unique barcode - to social media this week as the survey arrived in household mailboxes.

By doing so, they risk their vote being tampered with by a stranger who spotted it online, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has warned.

The barcode is used to ensure no one can respond to the survey multiple times and is used to register the form when it is returned, a spokesman told The Sydney Morning Herald.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has urged people not to post a picture online of their same-sex marriage survey (pictured) revealing the form's barcode because it could jeopardize their vote

Numerous people published images of their form - some including their address and unique barcode - to social media this week as the survey arrived in household mailboxes

The ABS' warning comes after a slew of Australians went online to cheer on former occupants of their homes, claiming their failure to redirect their mail has left the new residents with extra votes (pictured)

It is possible a stranger could replicate the barcode, alter the person's response and return it before the correct individual can.

If the fraudulent survey is received first, their response is counted instead.

The ABS' warning comes after a slew of Australians went online to cheer on former occupants of their homes, claiming their failure to redirect their mail has left the new residents with extra votes.

Would-be voters said their extra mail would finally be put to use, with one man claiming he had received seven extra votes.

'Big ups to the seven people that haven't changed their enrolment info and their vote mail came to my house,' he wrote on Twitter.

'My vote just evolved 7 times hahaha.'

If a stranger spots the barcode online, they can alter the person's response and return it before the correct individual can, the ABS warned

In another instance, a photo claiming to show how the supposedly secret same-sex marriage postal vote can be seen through the envelope created controversy online (pictured)

He was cheered on by a woman who said she often received mail for previous residents, and would submit a yes vote for each extra postal survey form she received.

The pair were joined in their sentiments by another man on Facebook.

He said the 'beauty' of the Government's decision to spend $122million on a postal survey instead of putting the matter to a parliamentary vote, was found in the extra three votes he had received.

Commenters had mixed reactions to the idea, with some praising the original posters while others questioned if it amounted to voter fraud.

Many praised the idea of using extra ballots to have a more powerful say in the survey

A woman responded she would be doing the same thing with extra votes sent to her home

In another instance, a photo claiming to show how the supposedly secret same-sex marriage postal vote can be seen through the envelope created controversy online.

The image appears to show a gay marriage vote form with the 'no' box ticked being illuminated through the envelope with a torch.

The photo began circulating on social media after a concerned voter saw the image pop up on his Facebook news feed.

'So we wasted $122 million on a survey where a torch can reveal the answer through the reply envelope it came with.'

The person who posted the photo said they would 'be voting yes... if it will even be counted now after this stuff up'.

Last month, deputy statistician Jonathan Palmer told a Senate inquiry: 'You can't guarantee against theft in a postal process'.

Though the nature of the survey means electoral fraud is not possible, there are still some rules intended to keep the survey count above board.

One man on Facebook said the ability to vote multiple times due to the postal process was 'the beauty' of the non binding survey

Though the nature of the survey means electoral fraud is not possible, there are still some rules intended to keep the survey count above board - including laws against opening peoples mail and 'misleading the statistician' which can result in a fine of more than $2,000

The mailout of postal surveys on whether same sex marriage should be legalised began this week. The survey cost the Federal Government $122million and is non binding

Mr Palmer explained: 'It would be against the law to open someone else's mail, and there would also be penalties around misleading the statistician'.

The laws are, however, difficult to enforce. Authorities would need to know who opened the mail, be able to prove it was opened, and to prove who 'misled the statistician'.

The only real way authorities will be able to determine if a double vote has taken place will be if someone rings up to report they have not received their form or to ask for a new one.

In this case, a new form will be issued with a new barcode, rendering the previous survey form invalid.

If someone is caught misleading the statistician, they face a penalty of up to $2,100.
Theresa May will travel to Florence next Friday to deliver an update on Brexit negotiations amid fears they are close to stalling

Theresa May will try to break the deadlock in the Brexit talks next week with a major speech setting out her vision for a new deal with the EU.

The Prime Minister will travel to Florence next Friday to deliver an update on Brexit negotiations amid fears they are close to stalling.

Mrs May will confirm that Britain is to leave the EU in March 2019. And she will state that the existing system of free movement will end on that day.

But she is expected to strike a more conciliatory tone on the controversial issue of the divorce bill, which Brussels is demanding before any talks on a future trade deal can begin.

Ministers have rejected demands from Brussels for a payment of 90 billion.

But sources said the Prime Minister is considering a proposal from French President Emmanuel Macron that would see the UK continue to pay into the EU budget during a two-year transitional deal.

This would involve the UK handing over around 35 billion over two years. It would also help avoid the EU having to fill a black hole in its existing budget which runs until the end of 2020.

Former Brexit minister Lord Bridges yesterday urged Mrs May to accept the compromise proposal.

The Tory peer, who quit the government after the election, said Mrs May should make it clear that any transitional deal will be completed by the end of 2020.

He warned that a lengthy transition would be a gangplank into thin air, increasing uncertainty and fuelling suspicion that it would be a means to stay in the EU permanently by stealth.

But he added: We should make it clear that we are willing to continue to contribute to the EU budget as we cross the bridge - in other words, between March 2019 and the end of 2020.

This would help us to address the EUs concern that our withdrawal blows a hole in their budget, we would be honouring commitments that we have made for the rest of the EUs budgetary period, and then the EU would need to justify why we must contribute more than this.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said this week that the transitional period while Britain exits the EU would look a lot like the status quo.

Senior Tories hope the timing of the speech, a week before the start of the Conservative conference, will prevent Brexit overshadowing the annual gathering of the Tory faithful in Manchester.

But the main aim of the speech is to try to break the impasse in the negotiations with Brussels.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said this week that the transitional period while Britain exits the EU would look a lot like the status quo

Ministers want to open talks on a new trade deal with Europe next month.

But the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier warned this month that sufficient progress on key areas, including the divorce bill, had not yet been made. Former European Council president Herman van Rompuy said last week that the chances of moving to the second phase of negotiations next month were in the neighbourhood of zero.

Mrs May will use her speech to point to progress on key issues such as the rights of EU citizens and the vexed question of the Irish border. But she will warn it is essential for both the UK and the EU to press ahead with trade talks in order to ensure a smooth exit.

The fourth round of formal talks, which was due to begin on Monday, has been delayed for a week, with many in the EU believing Mrs May is planning to use her speech to make a new offer to Brussels.

Downing Street declined to discuss the content of Mrs Mays speech, saying only that she will give an update on Brexit negotiations so far and will underline the Governments wish for a deep and special partnership with the European Union once the UK leaves the EU.

Explaining her choice of venue, the PMs spokesman said: The PM wanted to give a speech on the UKs future relationship with Europe in its historical heart. The UK has had deep cultural and economic ties spanning centuries with Florence, a city known for its historical trading power.

As the UK leaves the EU we will retain those close ties. As the Prime Minister has said many times, we are leaving the EU, not Europe.

Meanwhile, Mr Hammond last night insisted that Britain would not accept any effort to Brussels to use Brexit to sideline the City.

The Chancellor said he accepted the European Union had legitimate concerns about the supervision of financial markets in London which provide services across the continent.

But he warned that those concerns must not be used as a smokescreen to support EU financial centres at the expense of the UK.

Let me be clear, we will not accept protectionist agendas, disguised as arguments about financial stability, he told an audience in the City.
Energy giants are warning the nations electricity supply could fail unless they are given power to decide when and how electric cars are charged.

The industry is concerned that the mass adoption of electric cars could put an enormous strain on the national grid.

As a result, they want the introduction of technology that means they can turn car charging systems off when demand from homes and businesses is high.

In theory, this could mean that a family leaving the car on charge overnight ahead of a long journey could find the battery is unable to get them to their destination.

The energy industry is concerned that the mass adoption of electric cars could put an enormous strain on the national grid (file photo)

Sales of plug-in cars have increased by 716per cent over the past two years and the Government has announced plans to phase out sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040.

Energy UK, the trade body for Britains power companies, is backing a speedy switch from conventional engine vehicles to those run on electricity and battery power.

The change will deliver a bonanza for the firms in terms of demand and profits. However, the organisation says there are potential risks to the network that will have to be managed.

It pointed to a recent report from the My Electric Avenue Project, which identified that voltage issues are created where a number of customers charge their electric vehicles simultaneously.

Essentially, its experts found that new power supply cables would be needed in many parts of Britain to ensure the lights stay on and the system can cope when anything more than 40per cent of customers in an area are trying to charge electric cars at the same time.

Energy UK said power companies would prefer to have the right to turn off car charging systems at times the network is under pressure rather than have to pay to install new power cables to cope with demand.

In a report published today, they state: Electric vehicles (EV) create new electricity demand, which energy retailers, generators and network companies need to predict in order to ensure that the energy system continues to provide reliable services to customers.

A report from the My Electric Avenue Project identified that voltage issues are created where a number of customers charge their electric vehicles simultaneously

It said analysis shows that where a large number of electric vehicles are being charged at the same time this could potentially cause local network outage or other performance issues.

The organisation said there is a need for Smart Charging Solutions, which would spread demand from the charging of electric vehicles across the day.

This could involve variable tariffs that penalise car owners with high bills if they charge their car at peak periods, such as the early evening.

Significantly, it said one solution could be so-called Smart Managed Charging. This would effectively give the power company the right to turn the EV charger off and on depending on the demand on the network.

Energy UKs report states: Additional demand created by electric vehicles can be managed in a number of ways to mitigate risks to networks.

This includes the use of Time of Use tariffs to encourage electric vehicle charging at specific times to avoid increases in peak demand, as well as technical solutions such as smart managed charging.

The organisation admits that allowing third parties to control charging in this way would be controversial. As a result it says there will be a need for an effective consumer engagement model alongside any solution which protects customers whilst enabling customers to allow third parties to access their electric vehicles.

The chief executive of Energy UK, Lawrence Slade, said: The full integration of electric vehicles into UKs energy infrastructure is a challenge that demands a whole system approach.

Issues like managing demand will need to be tackled but the prize is substantial  everything from the air that we breathe through to the manufacturing and tech sectors stand to benefit.

We are ready to lead the sector but we need government to support this with a clear and sustained vision, which will drive the investment, changes and services required to bring about a revolution.
President Obama's National Security Advisor Susan Rice told Congressional investigators she 'unmasked' the identity of top Trump officials over an undisclosed meeting they had with the prince of the United Arab Emirates, CNN has learned.

Rice told members of the House Intelligence Committee last week that she requested names of Americans  usually blacked out in intelligence reports  to be revealed, after the UAE's crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan arrived in New York last December without notifying the US government.

The non-disclosure, which is customary, sparked interest in the meeting.

The crown prince had met with Trump officials including the president's ex-National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and another now-former White House official, Steve Bannon, sources told CNN.

The effort preceded the UAE trying to set up a backchannel between Russia and the incoming Trump administration.

President Obama's National Security Advisor Susan Rice told Congressional investigators that she 'unmasked' Trump officials during the transition because they met with a prince from the United Arab Emirates, who hadn't informed the US government of his travels

Susan Rice, photographed at the White House in 2013, was criticized by Republicans including President Trump and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., for 'unmasking' Trump officials

Rice declined to comment to CNN about her testimony, while the crown prince's spokesperson also wouldn't speak on the record.

An individual described by CNN as a 'senior Middle East official' told the network's Manu Raju that the UAE did not 'mislead' the Obama administration about the crown prince's travel, though acknowledged that the US government was not notified in advance of the December 2016 trip.

The Trump Tower meeting, the official said, was simply about building a relationship with the incoming administration.

'The meeting was about ascertaining the Trump team's view of the region and sharing the UAE's view of the region and what the US role should be,' the official told CNN. 'No one was coming in to sell anything or arrange anything.'

Rice had previously been criticized for 'unmasking' Americans in the waning days of the Obama administration.

In April the president told the New York Times that Rice 'may have committed a crime by seeking to learn the identities of Trump associates swept up in surveillance of foreign officials by United States spy agencies.'

The House Intelligence Committee's chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., made news when he showed up to warn the White House that Trump officials names were in the classified reports, meaning that someone had requested them to be 'unmasked.'

Now that Rice has delivered an explanation to Congress, members are walking their criticism back.

Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., an Intelligence Committee member told the Daily Caller that there was 'nothing that came up in her interview that led me to conclude' she had improperly unmasked the Trump officials or leaked their names to the press.

'I think what she did in her role was perfectly appropriate, so I think that people were impressed with her testimony,' said the committee's ranking Democrat, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.

As for Trump's accusations that Rice had broken the law, Schiff commented: 'It looks now like it did at the time, a baseless accusation and a slander against a dedicated public servant, not unlike the president's suggestion that he had been illegally wiretapped at Trump Tower,' the lawmaker said on CNN shortly after the UAE story broke.

Speaking to CNN, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders didn't explicitly say whether Trump still thought Rice had committed a crime, instead focusing on whether unmasking and leaking needs to be probed.

'We've seen illegal leaking of classified materials, including the identifies of American citizens unmasked in intelligence reports,' she told the network. 'That's why the president called for Congress to investigate this matter and why the Department of Justice and Intelligence Community are doing all they can to stamp out this dangerous trend that undermines our national security.'

The December Trump Tower meeting, which took place in the transition period between the Obama and Trump administrations, happened before the UAE brokered a meeting to open lines of communication between Russia and the United States.

In April, the Washington Post reported that Blackwater's founder Erik Prince, a Trump ally, and a Russian close to Vladimir Putin, arranged by the UAE in the Seychelles Islands.

The effort was to create a back-channel line of communication between Moscow and President-elect Trump.

That meeting is now being investigated by Congress as they continue to look for links between the Trump campaign and Russia.
Amazon was accused last night of profiteering from a multi-billion-pound VAT fraud that is pushing British businesses to the wall.

MPs said the online retailer was turning a blind eye to organised criminals from China and elsewhere who sell their goods cheaply on internet auction sites  but dont register to pay VAT.

The scam takes up to 1.5billion a year from Treasury coffers and lets the sellers undercut law-abiding British traders, forcing them to fold or lay staff off.

Amazon has been accused last night of profiteering from a multi-billion-pound VAT fraud that is pushing British businesses to the wall

Yesterday, MPs on the Commons public accounts committee accused internet marketplaces Amazon and eBay of not doing enough to root out foreign firms that fail to pay tax.

They also said that because online retailers take a commission from the total that tax-evading traders make, they receive more money from them than if the 20 per cent VAT was paid  letting them profiteer from the fraud.

The MPs criticised Amazon for letting foreign traders store goods in its warehouses even if they do not have a valid VAT number.

Labour MP Caroline Flint said: The by-product of both Amazon and eBay and other online marketplaces is that you are profiting from the evading of tax by these overseas sellers.

We are talking about billions of pounds of VAT being lost to HMRC and therefore being lost to the UK, and the putting out of business legitimate firms that are playing by the rules.

Labour's Caroline Flint was among the MPs criticised Amazon for letting foreign traders store goods in its warehouses even if they do not have a valid VAT number

Registering for VAT and paying it is the responsibility of the seller  not Amazon, which insists it is just providing a marketplace.

Foreign firms selling on internet auction sites should register with HMRC and obtain a VAT number. Typically, the VAT would be added to the cost of the product, making it more expensive to shoppers.

But many dont bother, meaning they can undercut UK sellers, while the websites dont intervene to stop from trading.

Steve Dishman, vice president for taxes at Amazon  which has also been criticised for not paying enough corporation tax, and Joe Billante, chief financial officer for the European arm of eBay, appeared before the public accounts committee yesterday.

Miss Flint said the firms were profiteers from evasion of tax.

But Mr Billante said: I do not want these sellers on our platform. If anyone is not compliant and we are notified, we take action.

Mr Dishman added: We recognise there are a proportion of bad actors. We would like all bad actors off our platform.

Richard Allen, of Retailers Against VAT Abuse Schemes, said: Twenty per cent is a large sum. If competitors are avoiding the 20 per cent you cant compete.
They were one of the most bloodthirsty tribes on Earth. When the Scythians took to the battlefield, it was claimed the air was so thick with bronze-tipped arrows that the sun was blotted out.

Mounted on their lightning-quick horses, they fired volley after volley at their terrified enemies, before leaping to the ground to plunge axes into their opponents skulls, slicing them through the pelvis with their spears for good measure.

And when they had wiped out the men, they started butchering the women and the horses, before gruesomely drinking the blood of those they had slain.

A compelling new show at the British Museum  Scythians, Warriors Of Ancient Siberia  opens today. And what a vicious lot they were, religiously devoted to those bronze-tipped arrowheads and their brutal short axes.

A gold plaque depicts a ferocious Scythian rider with a spear in his right hand

The Scythians are a strangely forgotten tribe, given the vast area they ruled over, and the 700 years they survived.

From 900-200BC, these nomadic people wandered great distances over the steppes, or flat grassland, of Southern Russia.

By around 600BC, they had created a royal dynasty. The chieftains were called kings (or basileus) by the Greeks, and they handed on hereditary power to their sons through the 5th and 4th centuries BC.

These kings were buried in grand burial mounds, stuffed with their weapons of war  swords and axes and golden decorations for sword sheaths and bow cases.

At the greatest extent of their empire, the Scythians controlled a huge area, from Northern China to the Black Sea  Siberia, where they originated, takes up a tenth of the earths surface.

The British Museum show is packed with fine, beautiful golden jewellery, as well as incredibly intact everyday items, such as trousers, boots and the saddles that were crucial for their horses and nomadic way of life.

A ghoulish piece of painted skin from the upper torso of a Scythian warrior demonstrates how they went in for graphic tattoos made with a blue-black, soot-based pigment.

The skin on show is from a 60-year-old chieftain who had fantasy beasts, horses, tigers and sheep painted all over his body.

The women were tattooed as well. They were also excellent riders who shaved their heads and wore trousers to make riding easier. They fought alongside their men and were commonly buried with their weapons and horses.

The Scythian women are said to have inspired the Amazons  the ferocious female warriors who, according to myth, sliced off one breast in order to fire arrows and hurl spears more easily.

Gold pieces, like this gold vase, will go on display in the Scythian exhibition at the British Museum

All the artefacts at the British Museum have been kept in extraordinary condition by the Siberian permafrost in which they were deposited, often in the tombs of warriors and kings.

They survived under the frozen soil for 2,000 years, until 1715, when Peter the Great, the Russian Tsar, sent special expeditions to Siberia to recover the treasures of this most brutal of tribes.

Today, most Russians regard the Scythians as an important part of their history, and the hundreds of objects in this exhibition are on loan from the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.

Because the Scythians were nomadic, they never settled down. So no city ruins remain, and no Scythian contemporary written record has survived, which is usually the vital key to unlocking an ancient civilisation.

Almost all of what we know about them  apart from the staggering finds now in the British Museum  is thanks to Herodotus, the 5th-century BC Greek known as the father of history.

In his work, On The Scythians, Herodotus uncovers the secrets of an astonishingly warlike tribe with a ritual devotion to slaughter.

Herodotus wrote: A Scythian drinks of the blood of the first man whom he has overthrown. He carries to his king the heads of all whom he has slain.

There is also evidence that they scalped some of their victims after theyd killed them.

Following these murderous bouts, they relaxed with wooden bowls of fermented mares milk or wine out of great gold and silver vessels. They also burned hemp on red-hot stones and got high on the smoke.

Every year, according to Herodotus, the governor of a Scythian province would prepare a massive bowl of wine.

If a warrior slayed an enemy, he was allowed one huge cup. If he had slain more than one, he got two cups. But if they scored a blank, not only did they not get to have a drink, they also had to sit apart at the banquet after the battle  a very great disgrace.

The Scythians were for ever at war with their neighbours on the edge of their huge, shifting kingdom. They fought a tribe called the Cimmerians on the edge of the Black Sea; they invaded Media in Iran and battered the natives.

In the 7th-century BC, they even took on the mighty Egyptians, whose king was so terrified, he paid off the Scythians with massive bribes.

They swarmed deep into what is now modern Turkey, and into the Caucasus (now Russia, Georgia and Armenia).

These military conquests  a kind of ancient blitzkrieg  were a success because of their martial obsession with weaponry and horses, which they combined to deadly effect, firing those bronze-tipped spears and arrows from horseback.

People will be able to view ornate artefacts like this, in a compelling new show at the British Museum  Scythians, Warriors Of Ancient Siberia

The finest gold piece in the British Museum shows Scythian warriors stringing their bows, but there is also a striking golden image of a man on horseback in a patterned tunic in the act of hurling a spear down upon an unfortunate enemy (above).

In fact any weapon would do, as long as it could slaughter people.

As Herodotus wrote: They are both horsemen and footmen, and spearmen and bowmen; and it is their custom to carry battle-axes. They always use gold and bronze; all their spear-points and arrow-heads and battle-axes are of bronze.

Their arrows were particularly spine-chilling. They were trilobate (triple-bladed) for maximum effect. The arrowheads were also enormous, meaning that they could inflict serious wounds and were very hard to extract.

The Scythians were so devoted to their arrows, and the quivers they kept them in, that they were buried with them. Scythian tombs have been excavated, with these quivers still intact, holding their original arrows.

A 3rd-century BC Greek historian tells the story of how the Scythians, before going to bed, examined their quiver to see if theyd had a successful killing day. If so, they put a white stone inside the quiver; on a bad, bloodless day, they deposited a black stone.

On their deaths, the number of stones was counted: if there were more white than black ones, they were glorified as fortunate beings.

Because they were nomadic, the Scythians were fantastically mobile in battle. No one knew where they would come from.

Even if they were beating a tactical retreat, they were impossible to catch. Herodotus describes the desperate attempts of Darius I, the King of the Persians, to pin down the Scythians in battle near the Black Sea in 513BC.

He didnt stand a chance. On their nimble horses, they darted here and there, destroying pasture and water wells as they left, leaving Dariuss pursuing troops short of food and drink.

As soon as the Scythians had pulled off a victory  or suffered a rare defeat  they zipped off through the flat, unforested Russian grasslands they knew so well; land that was so easy for their enemies to get lost in, with its vast, unchanging landscape.

The Scythians were the ultimate elusive warriors, according to a 6th-century BC Byzantine military manual: They prefer battles fought at long range, ambushes, encircling their adversaries, simulated retreats and sudden returns.

When they did get into close combat, they were utterly ruthless, using akinakes (short swords), daggers and battle-axes to savage the enemy. They adored their weapons so much that not only were they buried with them, they even made stone sculptures out of them.

One of their favourites was the sagaris, or pointed battle-axe  there is a chilling decorated example in the new exhibition.

The method was simple: just slam your sagaris straight into the head of your opponents, and those of their horses, too.

The skeletons of horses have been discovered, all killed with a sharp blow of a pointed battle-axe to the middle of the forehead. Some horses have multiple wounds in the same spot, suggesting a frenzied attack in the heat of battle.

Humans fared no better. In a cemetery in Southern Siberia, a dozen skeletons have been found with pointed battle-axe wounds to the front of the head.

Three-quarters of them were men, but women, too, were cut down in the same way.

Battle-axes were also used to slice through the nape of the neck. Spears were pushed through foreheads as well as, agonisingly, into the pelvis.

Those bronze-tipped arrows, too, have been found embedded in all parts of victims bodies; there are skeletons with arrow wounds to the head, the vertebrae, the thorax, the pelvis, the arms, legs and ankles.

This is a quite magnificent show at the British Museum, full of dazzling gems and fine riding outfits.

But remember, as you walk round and marvel, that this huge, forgotten empire was built on the blood of its enemies.
Love Actually director Richard Curtis has revealed his sister killed herself after a 25-year battle with mental health issues as he urged people to open up about their problems.

In an emotional speech, Mr Curtis broke his silence over the death of his sister Belinda, who died the day before her 55th birthday party in October 2009.

The writer and director spoke out against the lack of support available for mental health patients and their families.

He said: You have to be aware how much were failing. We had a 25-year stab at trying to help my sister and couldnt do it...

Love Actually director Richard Curtis (pictured at a screening last year) has revealed his sister killed herself after a 25-year battle with mental health issues as he urged people to open up about their problems

The lack of resources available - the lack of beds, the places she should have gone there was just no space.

I was so privileged and we had so much money and so much access and still couldnt do anything. I cant believe what it must be like for someone whose relatives arent in that situation and they have nothing.

Mr Curtis, whose credits include the Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral and television series Blackadder and The Vicar of Dibley, also revealed a designer on his latest film  who he did not name - committed suicide last week.

And he referenced the problems suffered by Scarlett Curtis, his daughter with wife Emma Freud.

The 18-year-old has publicly documented her struggle with depression after a botched spinal operation left her in chronic pain.

His voice broke as he said: My sister took her own life after years of battles. My daughter is partly hit by it [mental health problems] because she had an operation that went wrong and spent four years in her bedroom screaming. The designer of the movie Im working on took his life on Tuesday.

Speaking about his sisters death, he added: I so dont believe in thinking about what you could have done. I cant talk about it, I get too emotional, but the circumstances of my sisters suicide could not have been jollier, as it were.

They were shopping for her birthday party the next day, they couldnt have done anything more right, and yet that was still the day she chose to take her own life. I dont think its in our hands.

Companies House records show Belinda Curtis was a dental surgeon who at one point was a director of a property management company in Kensington, West London.

An obituary in The Times newspaper shortly after her death on October 13, 2009, stated she died in Sydney, Australia. The Curtis family are Australian, although Richard was educated in England.

She was described as gorgeous, beautiful and deeply brave, a wonderful daughter, loving sister to Richard, his sister Amanda and brother Jamie, and adored auntie.

The family included a quote from the Beatles song To Know Her Is To Love Her: To know, know, know her was to love, love, love her - just to see her smile made your life worthwhile...

Emma Freud stands with husband Richard Curtis at Buckingham Palace after she was awarded an OBE for services to charity

Mr Curtis was speaking to the Public Health England conference at Warwick University on Tuesday evening about his work as co-founder of Comic Relief.

Asked about the charitys support of mental health projects, he said: I suddenly feel, particularly with this young generation, that they understand that mental illness - it isnt the same as physical illness - but it is as complicated, as in need of work, progress, care, than ever before.

'I think it will be one of the huge things in the next 10 years.'

The campaign around mental illness is finally getting through so people see the truth in front of their eyes, which is the one in four statistic [that one in four people suffer from mental health problems at some point in their lives].

He added: I think the answer is to continue to focus on it so that it does become a priority and we gain expertise and get more resources.

Mr Curtis described suicide as like a psychological heart attack which could potentially be avoided if people got the right treatment at the right time.

Samaritans chief executive Ruth Sutherland said she welcomed his comments. She added: The more we discuss the issues around suicide the better.

If we are more open as a society, it will help people who are struggling to feel able to seek help without fear of being judged.

The earlier they seek that help, the more chance there is they will get effective help, rather than descending into a crisis that is harder to recover from.

Sue Baker, director of campaign Time to Change, which is part-funded by a Comic Relief grant, said Mr Curtiss comments were undoubtedly helpful.

It is helpful for the public to realise how common mental health problems are and they can affect any of us, regardless of circumstances, she added.
BT has been accused of laying old-fashioned cables

BT has been accused of laying old-fashioned cables that have left Britain trailing behind European rivals.

Critics say the firm's Openreach arm has been using outdated copper wires to connect homes to the internet, instead of fibre cables which families would need for superfast broadband.

The boss of Vodafone  the UK's biggest mobile phone company  yesterday attacked the move and blamed ministers for failing to force BT to put in the most modern technology.

Nick Jeffery, chief executive of Vodafone UK, said millions of homes and businesses still relied on old-fashioned copper wires to connect to the internet when they should be given access to faster technology.

He said fibre-optic cables  which allow much quicker download speeds  were vital for a '21st-century economy' but Britain was not investing enough in them.

Mr Jeffery said: 'There is no conceivable way that this 20th-century infrastructure is fit for a 21st-century digital economy  Why take a technology deployed in the last century and try and stretch it to the limits of physics to do something that is still inadequate for creating the digital economy that we know we need?

'In parallel, you have absolutely the right technology being deployed pretty much everywhere else in the world.'

The Government has embarked on a major overhaul of the broadband system in a bid to get more homes connected to the web.

Previously, all the UK's phone lines were based on copper wires running along the streets in ducts and from telegraph poles. But copper cables cannot carry super-fast broadband speeds. They can carry 10mbps  the level Ofcom suggests is the minimum homes need in order to use the internet.

ANALYSIS: Copper cables are outdated BY JAMES CONEY, FINANCE EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL Copper cables have been described as 20th-century technology for a 21st-century digital economy  threatening to hold Britain back while European neighbours speed ahead. Super-fast internet, meanwhile, has become one of life's essentials. But BT's Openreach arm is failing to install the most up-to-date technology in the ducts and poles that connect properties to phone lines. So why is it installing copper wires that have been put in homes for decades instead of modern glass and plastic fibre cables? The excuse for this chronic lack of foresight, is simple  cash. It's estimated it would cost 20billion to connect every home with fibre-optic cables. BT says there is not a business case to do it. And it has a get-out clause. The Government has given it the wriggle room to carry on because it believes homes need speeds of only around 10mbps  which copper can deliver. But with the rise of internet TV, movie downloading and online games, it won't be enough for much longer. At busy times it may not be enough even today. The failure of digital minister Matt Hancock to push for top-of-the-range infrastructure now will only lead to disruption when Britain realises that cables need to be dug up and relaid to bring the country up to date. Advertisement

Fibre cabling is being put in to many streets. However, in a move that has baffled many internet providers, copper cables are still used to connect the homes to the junction box on their street.

This means that even if their street has fibre cabling, their speed will be slowed because they have only a copper connection to the property. Claire Jones, of broadband comparison website Uswitch, said: 'There are now growing numbers of people working from home and they need a reliable connection  if different people in your household want to be able to do multiple things online at the same time then fibre is a much better option.'

She claimed older, copper connections could be hit by slow speeds if homes were a long way from their street's cabinet.

The Government gave BT's Openreach 1.7billion to ensure everyone had this type of connection. Yesterday digital minister Matt Hancock insisted this had to be done before it focused on fibre-optic cables.

But Mr Jeffery said the copper technology put Britain behind the rest of Europe.

In Spain and Portugal more than 80 per cent of premises have direct access to 'ultrafast' fibre-optic cables  compared with about 2 per cent in the UK.

The Vodafone boss said connecting premises directly with fibre cables should be standard practice. But Mr Hancock said: 'We have got to complete the rollout of the current copper to the premises technology, so people can have that basic level of service they need to participate in the internet economy.'

He added: 'The national drive to get fibre in the ground is mission-critical to make Britain successful in the 21st century.'

An Openreach spokesman said it was considering plans to connect 10million homes and businesses to fibre cables by 2020  but this would depend on whether there was 'sufficient demand'.
Aviana White, 27, was a passenger in her brother's - 21-year-old Miles Spears - car when they were pulled over on Monday morning in Pass Christian, Mississippi

A woman and two witnesses claim that a Mississippi police officer tased the woman with a stun gun in the stomach even though she claimed to be pregnant and wrestled to the ground. She was later charged with assaulting the officer.

Aviana White, 27, was a passenger in her brother's - 21-year-old Miles Spears - car when they were pulled over on Monday morning in Pass Christian, Mississippi.

According to Police Chief Tim Hendricks, the officer had asked to see White's licence and name so she could drive her brother's car since he didn't have his license.

White asserted hat the law does not require her to give her information, so she refused.

Speaking with the Sun Herald, White believed that her refusal angered the officer, whom she and a witness identified as Kandice Clayton.

Police later learned that White had an outstanding arrest warrant from a 2014 misdemeanor domestic violence in Long Beach.

After the siblings were instructed to stay in the car - which they complied - White called her mother, Mary Spear, to pick up the car.

When she arrived, Mary said that the scene was calm, and police told her that a tow truck was coming for the car.

The siblings soon got out of the car as Spear was arrested for disorderly conduct and put in the police vehicle.

White walked off, calling the police department to voice her concerns with the treatment she was subjected to.

White walked off, calling the police department to voice her concerns with the treatment she was subjected to. She alerted a charging officer she was pregnant but the cop shot a stun gun at her multiple times in the abdomen

According to a nearby witness, who had gone out on her porch to observe the scene, White stood under a tree while talking on the phone.

The officer 'got in her car, sped down to this girl, and the girl wasn't going nowhere,' said witness, Alicia Burton.

'so it didn't have to escalate the way it did. I feel it could have went totally different if (the officer) had handled it different.'

Burton added that the officer charged toward White, grabbing her. She said White screamed 'Wait, I'm pregnant,' resisting as the officer manhandled her.

Both Burton and Mrs Spear said that the officer wrestled White to the ground.

All women give accounts of White screaming that she was pregnant multiple times as the two witnesses also said that they too alerted the officer that the woman was pregnant.

Burton said that the officer was 'tasing that girl all over her body.' Her mother said that White was shocked three times in the abdomen and on the leg.

'I'm upset,' Burton said.

'That was a situation that escalated that didn't have to escalate the way it did.'

The Sun Herald was scheduled to speak with White at her mother's house Tuesday afternoon but police got there first, arresting her on felony charges of assaulting an officer

Hendricks said there are four videotapes of the incident with two from a patrol car and two from body cameras.

He added that they reviewed the tapes for 30 minutes of video. He said he won't release the video as to not interfere with the case against White.

White was said to be allowed to go to the hospital and said that she had bruising from the encounter.

Hendrick added that the woman was to be at the police department at 10am on Tuesday but she did not show.

The Sun Herald was scheduled to speak with her at her mother's house that afternoon but police got there first, arresting her on felony charges of assaulting an officer.

'She was very defiant with the officer, and that's what led up to this,' Hendricks said.

'The officer asked her repeatedly to stay in the car and she refused to do that.

'I think the charges are justified.'

The police chief added that n internal board comprised of one civilian and two officers will review the incident.

The officer in question is still working at the department.
An astonishingly well-preserved 1,100-year-old Viking sword has been discovered at the top of a mountain in Norway.

Reindeer hunter Einar Ambakk stumbled upon the weapon while reindeer hunting, and only discovered it was a sword when he pulled the blade out from in between rocks.

Experts say the unique find was likely preserved by the cold conditions, high altitude and the quality of the metal used in its construction.

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An astonishingly well-preserved 1,100-year-old Viking sword (pictured) has been discovered at the top of a mountain in Norway. The rare find was reported to Lars Pil, an archaeologist, who estimates that it dates back to the period between 850 and 950 AD

HOW DID THE SWORD GET THERE? No other artefacts were found alongside the sword, after researchers searched a distance of up to 20 metres from the find spot. Writing on his blog Secrets of the Ice, Lars Pil, an archaeologist for Oppland County Council said: 'It appears unlikely that the sword has reappeared on the surface due to permafrost movement of stones, as it is well preserved without any kind of scratches and bending. Most likely is was still in its original position or had slid somewhat down between the stones. The sword was found 5,400 feet (1,640 metres) above sea level, and Mr Pil said it was mostly preserved by the cold conditions, high altitude and the quality of the metal. He said the owner of the sword may have got lost and died on the mountain, although it is impossible to know exactly what happened. Advertisement

The rare find was reported to Lars Pil, an archaeologist for Oppland County Council, who estimated that it dates back to the period between 850 and 950 AD.

The sword was found 5,400 feet (1,640 metres) above sea level.

It would most likely have had bone, wood or leather covering the grip, but the organic parts have decayed over the centuries.

Extensive searches of the area - which was re-located using geographical data stored in photos taken by the two hunters who uncovered the find - were undertaken by members of the Secrets of the Ice team from the local council.

But despite their efforts, no further items have been discovered.

Writing on his blog Secrets of the Ice, Mr Pil said: It appears unlikely that the sword has reappeared on the surface due to permafrost movement of stones, as it is well preserved without any kind of scratches and bending.

Most likely is was still in its original position or had slid somewhat down between the stones.

We surveyed the find spot closely, both visually and using a metal detector.

The survey, which covered a distance of up to 20 metres (65 feet) from the find spot, did not result in any further finds.

'The sword is thus an isolated find.'

It may seem strange for it sword to have survived on the surface for more than a millennium.

The sword was found 5,400 feet (1,640 metres) above sea level. This image shows finder Einar Ambakk holding the sword, just moments after it was discovered

The preservation was probably due to a combination of the quality of the iron, the high altitude and the mostly cold conditions

But Mr Pil said the preservation was probably due to a combination of the quality of the iron, the high altitude and the mostly cold conditions.

For most of the year, the find spot would have been frozen over and covered in snow.

Isolated finds of well-preserved iron arrowheads are also known from the high mountains, some of which are even older than the sword.

He added that it was impossible to know what happened to the owner of the sword, which spent more than 1,000 years lying in the snow.

The sword would most likely have had bone, wood or leather covering the grip, but the organic parts have decayed over the centuries

It is impossible to know what happened to the owner of the sword, which spent more than 1,000 years lying in the snow

There were no indications of a burial or that it was a sacrifice of some kind. It also appears unlikely that the sword was simply left behind for some reason and not recovered later

There were no indications of a burial or that it was a sacrifice of some kind.

It also appears unlikely that the sword was simply left behind for some reason and not recovered later.

Mr Pil believes no Viking would have left their most precious object unattended.

But he speculated they may have got lost, perhaps in a blizzard, and died on the mountain.

Extensive searches of the area, which was re-located using geographical data stored in photos taken by the two hunters who uncovered the find, were undertaken by members of the Secrets of the Ice team from the local council

The location istelf is in a rock strewn area with traces of permafrost movement.

Mr Ambakk told the Secrets of the Ice project volunteers that the sword was lying with the hilt down between the stones with half of the blade sticking out.

He had seen the metal object blade protruding and pulled it out, only then realising he had found a sword.

No other finds were discovered at the find spot. Einar Ambakk (right) and Geir Inge Follestad (left) are seen here at the location
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NASA's Juno spacecraft performed its eighth flyby of Jupiter and captured stunning images of the planet.

The photos - captured on September 1 - show various points of interest on the giant gas planet in incredible detail.

The four-photo series begins with a head-on look at the planet before showing Jupiter tilted upward, revealing the planet's stormy south pole.

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NASA's Juno spacecraft performed its eighth flyby of Jupiter and captured stunning images of the planet. The photos - captured on September 1 - show various points of interest of the giant gas planet in incredible detail. The four-photo series begins with a head-on look at the planet before showing Jupiter tilted upward, revealing the planet's stormy south pole

WHAT IS THE GREAT RED SPOT? The so-called 'Great Red Spot' is a violent storm, which in the late 1800s was estimated to be about 25,000 miles (about 40,000 km) in diameter  wide enough for three Earths to fit side by side. The biggest in the solar system, it appears as a deep red orb surrounded by layers of pale yellow, orange and white. Winds inside the storm have been measured at several hundreds of miles per hour, Nasa astronomers said. Advertisement

The first photo offers a good look at the center of the planet, even showing a bit of the north and the aurorae on the north pole.

The second shows the wide dark belts that contrast with lighter-hued zones, which are arranged at different latitudes and called 'tropical regions.'

The interactions of these conflicting cloud and circulation patterns cause turbulence, storms, and wind speeds of 100 m/s.

In the third photo, more of the cyclones that live on the planet's south side come into view.

By the last, Jupiter's south pole starts to show.

The spacecraft whizzed past the gas giant for a total of eight minutes between 6:03 PM and 6:11 PM EDT.

At the times the images were taken, Juno's altitude ranged from 7,545 to 14,234 miles (12,143 to 22,908 kilometers) from the tops of the planet's clouds.

It flew at latitudes ranging from -28.5406 to -44.4912 degrees.

Last month, a stunning new image of Jupiter captured by NASA's Juno spacecraft offered a new perspective on the gas giant, with a view that appears to show the planet flipped on its side.

The striking vista features the planet's famed Great Red Spot fading from from view, while the dynamic bands of the southern region come into focus.

It was captured using data taken with the JunoCam on July 10, as the Juno spacecraft performed its seventh close flyby of Jupiter.

The striking vista features the planet's famed Great Red Spot fading from from view while the dynamic bands of the southern region come into focus. It was captured using data taken with the JunoCam on July 10, as the Juno spacecraft performed its seventh close flyby of Jupiter

When image was taken, the spacecraft was 10,274 miles from the tops of the clouds of the planet, at a latitude of -36.9 degrees.

'North is to the left of the image, and south is on the right,' NASA explains.

The astonishing photo was created by citizen scientists Gerald Eichstadt and Sean Doran - JunoCam's raw images are available for the public to peruse and process.

While many of Juno's images have focused on the planet's mysterious giant red spot, its little brother was also recently revealed in incredible detail by the probe.

Other recent images show the dynamic storm at the southern edge of Jupiter's northern polar region.

Officially known as the North North Temperate Little Red Spot 1 (NN-LRS-1); it has been tracked at least since 1993, and may be older still, according to NASA.

Citizen scientists Gerald Eichstadt and Sean Doran processed this image using data from the JunoCam imager. It was taken on July 10, 2017 at 6:42 p.m. PDT (9:42 p.m. EDT), as the Juno spacecraft performed its seventh close flyby of Jupiter, and shows the North North Temperate Little Red Spot 1, the third largest anticyclonic oval on the planet which is typically around 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometers) long

HOW IT WAS TAKEN The image was taken on July 10, 2017 at 6:42 p.m. PDT (9:42 p.m. EDT), as the Juno spacecraft performed its seventh close flyby of Jupiter. At the time the image was taken, the spacecraft was about 7,111 miles (11,444 kilometers) from the tops of the clouds of the planet at a latitude of 44.5 degrees. Advertisement

The long-lived anticyclonic oval is the third largest anticyclonic oval on the planet, typically around 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometers) long.

The color varies between red and off-white (as it is now), but this JunoCam image shows that it still has a pale reddish core within the radius of maximum wind speeds.

An anticyclone is a weather phenomenon where winds around the storm flow in the direction opposite to that of the flow around a region of low pressure.

Citizen scientists Gerald Eichstadt and Sean Doran processed this image using data from the JunoCam imager.

The image has been rotated so that the top of the image is actually the equatorial regions while the bottom of the image is of the northern polar regions of the planet.

Although the storm is huge, it is tiny compared to its 'big brother', t he so-called 'Great Red Spot'.

This violent storm, which in the late 1800s was estimated to be about 25,000 miles (about 40,000 km) in diameter  wide enough for three Earths to fit side by side.

The biggest storm in the solar system, it appears as a deep red orb surrounded by layers of pale yellow, orange and white.

A stunning new image of Jupiter's tumultuous 'Great Red Spot' has revealed what it might be like to glimpse the biggest storm in our solar system up close. The image shows a natural colour rendition of the massive storm

Previous NASA releases have focused on Jupiter's tumultuous 'Great Red Spot' has revealed what it might be like to glimpse the biggest storm in our solar system up close.

The image shows a natural colour rendition of the massive storm, based on data from the Juno spacecraft's seventh close flyby of the planet, simulating how it would be seen by the human eye.

Juno captured the view from about 8,648 miles (13,917 kilometers) above the cloud tops using its JunoCam imager.

The new image was processed by citizen scientist Bjorn Jonsson, according to NASA, using data from Juno's July 10 close approach.

'This true-color image offers a natural color rendition of what the Great Red Spot and surrounding areas would look like to human eyes from Juno's position,' NASA explains.

'The tumultuous atmospheric zones in and around the Great Red Spot are clearly visible.'

Just weeks ago, the space agency released the first images from the probe's historic flyby of the 'Great Red Spot.'

The probe, which has been monitoring Jupiter's surface for just over a year, passed about 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometres) above the Great Red Spot.

The first three unprocessed 'raw' images were revealed by NASA as a taste of the images to come, and space enthusiasts soon tweaked them to produce stunning images.

This is an early processed version of an image created by Gerald Eichstadt, using NASA's raw data. It gives an unprecedented glimpse into the gigantic red spot of Jupiter

Another of Jason Major's processed images, showing the cloud detail inside the gigantic storm (right)

'Raw images from the Juno spacecraft's flyby of Jupiter's Great Red Spot are back on Earth,' NASA said as it revealed the images.

'We invite the public to act as a virtual imaging team, from identifying features of interest to sharing the finished images online.'

NASA is currently processing the images itself, and more are expected to be unveiled over the coming days.

'After JunoCam data arrives on Earth, members of the public can process the images to create color pictures,' it said.

'The public also helps determine which points on the planet will be photographed.'

Experts have predict that the views of the storm will be breathtaking.

The data collection of the Great Red Spot is part of Juno's sixth flyby over Jupiter's mysterious cloud tops.

Tom Momary posted this version of the image, titled 'Peering into the Great Red Spot...color enhancements and vibrance, to bring out detail'

Perijove (the point at which an orbit comes closest to Jupiter's center) was this morning at 02:55 BST (21:55 EDT yesterday evening).

At the time of perijove, Juno was about 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) above the planet's cloud tops.

Eleven minutes and 33 seconds later, Juno covered another 24,713 miles (39,771 kilometers) and was directly above the Great Red Spot.

The spacecraft passed about 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometers) above the Giant Red Spot clouds.

All eight of the spacecraft's instruments as well as its imager, JunoCam, were on during the flyby.

'My latest Jupiter flyby is complete!' said a post on the @NASAJuno Twitter account.

'All science instruments and JunoCam were operating to collect data.'

'Raw images will be posted in (the) coming days,' the space agency said.

Juno launched on August 5, 2011, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and has been orbiting Jupiter for just over one year.

The data collection of the Great Red Spot was part of Juno's sixth flyby over Jupiter's mysterious cloud tops.

Perijove (the point at which an orbit comes closest to Jupiter's centre) was this morning at 02:55 BST (21:55 EDT yesterday evening).

At the time of perijove, Juno was about 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) above the planet's cloud tops.

HOW JUNO SNAPS A STORM 1.8 BILLION MILES AWAY Juno reached Jupiter last year after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile journey from Earth The Juno probe reached Jupiter last year after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile journey from Earth. Following a successful braking manoeuvre, it has now entered into a long polar orbit flying to within 3,100 miles (5,000 km) of the planet's swirling cloud tops. The probe will skim to within just 4,200 km of the planet's clouds once a fortnight - too close to provide global coverage in a single image. No previous spacecraft has orbited so close to Jupiter, although two others have been sent plunging to their destruction through its atmosphere. Juno's main camera, JunoCam, captured images of the Great Red Spot, and will send them back to Earth by July 14, according to Scott Bolton, a planetary scientist at the Southwest Research Institute and the Juno mission's leader. Mr Bolton said: 'Juno and her cloud-penetrating science instruments will dive in to see how deep the roots of this storm go, and help us understand how this giant storm works and what makes it so special.' But taking images of the Great Red Spot isn't as simple as pointing and shooting. To capture the storm in detail, Juno must fly close to the storm - around 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometers) above the Giant Red Spot clouds. Juno also flies at staggering speeds of 34 miles/second making taking steady photos a challenge. Advertisement

Eleven minutes and 33 seconds later, Juno covered another 24,713 miles (39,771 kilometers) and was directly above the Great Red Spot.

The spacecraft passed about 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometers) above the Giant Red Spot clouds.

All eight of the spacecraft's instruments as well as its imager, JunoCam, were on during the flyby.

The three raw images posted by NASA. It said it was hoping the public would 'act as a virtual imaging team, from identifying features of interest'. The so-called 'Great Red Spot' is a violent storm, which in the late 1800s was estimated to be about 25,000 miles (about 40,000 km) in diameter  wide enough for three Earths to fit side by side. The biggest in the solar system, it appears as a deep red orb surrounded by layers of pale yellow, orange and white. Winds inside the storm have been measured at several hundreds of miles per hour, NASA astronomers said.

The fly-by comes just days after Juno celebrated its first anniversary in Jupiter's orbit.

'Jupiter's mysterious Great Red Spot is probably the best-known feature of Jupiter,' said Scott Bolton, principal investigator of Juno from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio.

'This monumental storm has raged on the solar system's biggest planet for centuries.

'Now, Juno and her cloud-penetrating science instruments will dive in to see how deep the roots of this storm go, and help us understand how this giant storm works and what makes it so special.'

Trapped between two jet streams, the Great Red Spot is an anticyclone swirling around a centre of high atmospheric pressure that makes it rotate in the opposite sense of hurricanes on Earth. Nasa's Juno spacecraft passed about 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometers) above the Giant Red Spot clouds

On July 4, Juno logged exactly one year in Jupiter orbit, and has chalked up about 71 million miles (114.5 million kilometers) in orbit around the giant planet.

'The success of science collection at Jupiter is a testament to the dedication, creativity and technical abilities of the Nasa-Juno team,' said Rick Nybakken, project manager for Juno from Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

'Each new orbit brings us closer to the heart of Jupiter's radiation belt, but so far the spacecraft has weathered the storm of electrons surrounding Jupiter better than we could have ever imagined.'

During its mission of exploration, Juno soars low over the planet's cloud tops - as close as about 2,100 miles (3,400 kilometers).

During these flybys, Juno is probing beneath the obscuring cloud cover of Jupiter and studying its auroras to learn more about the planet's origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere.

Early results from Nasa's Juno mission portray the largest planet in our solar system as a turbulent world, with an intriguingly complex interior structure, energetic polar aurora, and huge polar cyclones.

The image of a crescent Jupiter and the iconic Great Red Spot was created by a citizen scientist (Roman Tkachenko) using data from Juno's JunoCam instrument, Nasa said.

The image was taken on December 11, 2016 as the Juno spacecraft performed its third close flyby of Jupiter.

At the time the image was taken, the spacecraft was about 285,100 miles (458,800 kilometers) from the planet.

Astronomers recently revealed that Jupiter's 'red spot' storm, the biggest in the solar system, is shrinking.

The so-called 'Great Red Spot' is a violent storm, which in the late 1800s was estimated to be about 25,000 miles (about 40,000 km) in diameter  wide enough for three Earths to fit side by side.

The biggest in the solar system, it appears as a deep red orb surrounded by layers of pale yellow, orange and white.

Winds inside the storm have been measured at several hundreds of miles per hour, Nasa astronomers said.

Nasa revealed the find alongside stunning new maps of the planet which are the first in an annual series of 'weather maps' designed to spot changes.

Already, the Jupiter images have revealed a rare wave just north of the planet's equator and a unique filamentary feature in the core of the Great Red Spot not seen previously.

'Every time we look at Jupiter, we get tantalizing hints that something really exciting is going on,' said Amy Simon, a planetary scientist at Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

'This time is no exception.'

Collecting these yearly images will help current and future scientists see how these giant worlds change over time.

This sequence of enhanced-color images shows how quickly the viewing geometry changes for Nasa's Juno spacecraft as it swoops by Jupiter. The images were obtained by JunoCam. Once every 53 days the Juno spacecraft swings close to Jupiter, speeding over its clouds

The observations are designed to capture a broad range of features, including winds, clouds, storms and atmospheric chemistry.

Ms Simon and her colleagues produced two global maps of Jupiter from observations made using Hubble's high-performance Wide Field Camera 3.

The two maps represent nearly back-to-back rotations of the planet, making it possible to determine the speeds of Jupiter's winds.

The new images confirm that the Great Red Spot continues to shrink and become more circular, as it has been doing for years.

The long axis of this characteristic storm is about 150 miles (240 kilometers) shorter now than it was in 2014.

Recently, the storm had been shrinking at a faster-than-usual rate, but the latest change is consistent with the long-term trend.

The Great Red Spot remains more orange than red these days, and its core, which typically has more intense color, is less distinct than it used to be.

An unusual wispy filament is seen, spanning almost the entire width of the vortex.

This filamentary streamer rotates and twists throughout the 10-hour span of the Great Red Spot image sequence, getting distorted by winds blowing at 330 miles per hour (150 meters per second) or even greater speeds.

In Jupiter's North Equatorial Belt, the researchers found an elusive wave that had been spotted on the planet only once before, decades earlier, by Voyager 2.

In those images, the wave is barely visible, and nothing like it was seen again, until the current wave was found traveling at about 16 degrees north latitude, in a region dotted with cyclones and anticyclones.

Similar waves  called baroclinic waves  sometimes appear in Earth's atmosphere where cyclones are forming.

'Until now, we thought the wave seen by Voyager 2 might have been a fluke,' said co-author Glenn Orton of Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

'As it turns out, it's just rare!'

The wave may originate in a clear layer beneath the clouds, only becoming visible when it propagates up into the cloud deck, according to the researchers.
Johns Hopkins researchers have set a new record in the up-and-coming field of medical drones.

A team from the university successfully transported human blood samples across 161 miles of Arizona desert.

The samples maintained their proper temperature during the three-hour flight, ensuring they would be viable for use after landing and further proving the concept of using drones to deliver vital medical supplies.

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Johns Hopkins researchers have set a new record in the up-and-coming field of medical drones. The team successfully transported human blood samples across 161 miles of Arizona desert. This test shows progress for the team's first in New Jersey in 2016 (pictured)

JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICAL DRONE TEST Johns Hopkins researchers set a new medical drone delivery record after successfully transporting human blood samples 161 miles. After collecting 84 pairs of blood samples, they loaded one of each into a temperature-controlled chamber on a drone and kept their pairs in a car at the airfield with active cooling to maintain target temperature. The goal was to see if the samples that took flight with the drones would hold up. After the three-hour flight, the flown and not-flown paired samples showed similar results. Among the two groups, the results for red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet counts, sodium levels, and other measures were all similar. Advertisement

'We expect that in many cases, drone transport will be the quickest, safest, and most efficient option to deliver some biological samples to a laboratory from rural or urban settings,' said Timothy Amukele, assistant professor of pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the paper's senior author.

In the report published in the American Journal of Clinical Pathology, the team details an experiment in which they collected 84 pairs of blood samples at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Next, they drove them 76 miles to an airfield where they loaded one of each sample into a Latitude Engineering HQ-40 drone and kept their pairs (the control group) in the car at the airfield with active cooling to maintain target temperature.

The goal was to see if the samples that took flight with the drones would hold up - if successful, this would be the longest drone flight of medical samples.

The samples flown by drone were contained in a temperature-controlled chamber designed by the Johns Hopkins team.

Prior to the flight, the average temperature of the flown samples was 24.8 degrees C (76.6 degrees F) compared with 27.3 degrees C (81.1 degrees F) for the samples kept on the ground with the cooling agent.

The team then flew the drone for 161 miles in the restricted airspace at the military test range.

After the three-hour flight, all of the samples from both the drone and ground were transported 62 miles by car to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they were tested for 17 of the 19 most common chemistry and hematology tests that would reveal how the samples held up.

The samples flown by drone were contained in a temperature-controlled chamber designed by the Johns Hopkins team (pictured)

Next, the team loaded one of each sample into a Latitude Engineering HQ-40 drone and kept the others (the control group) in the car at the airfield with active cooling to maintain target temperature

The flown and not-flown paired samples showed similar results, marking the flight a success.

Among the two groups, the results for red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet counts, sodium levels, and other measures were all similar.

Glucose and potassium levels showed 'statistically significant but small differences.'

This variation occurs in standard transportation (such as motor vehicle) as well, and the difference was actually caused by chemical degradation from slightly warmer temperature in the not-flown samples.

The team has studied how drone transportation affects this chemical, hematological, and the samples over 20-mile distances and found no negative issues.

They believe drone transportation could be the most effective transportation method for medical supplies.

Amukele (right) says 'We expect that in many cases, drone transport will be the quickest, safest, and most efficient option to deliver some biological samples to a laboratory from rural or urban settings,'

'Drones can operate where there are no roads, and overcome conditions that disable wheeled vehicles, traffic and other logistical inefficiencies that are the enemy of improved, timely patient diagnoses and care,' Amukele said.

'Drones are likely to be the 21st century's best medical sample delivery system.'

In June 2016, the team conducted the first test of the idea in New Jersey.

Ahead of the test flight, he explained that while the concept of delivery drones is picking up and experts say drones are becoming a more valuable tool in many humanitarian operations, biological samples 'are not like a shoe or a book; they are pretty fragile items.'

'For example, if blood is being carried on the back of motorcycle, shaking caused by the bike and its vibrations can ruin the sample,' said Amukele, a volunteer adviser to Flirtey, the company that conducted the tests in New Jersey.

'We want to see what tasks the drones can perform and if the drones have similar effects on samples they carry.'

In this first test (pictured), the drone carried a box of simulated blood, urine, and stool samples, from an onshore medical relief camp to half a nautical mile away to land on a small barge small barge on the Delaware Bay

In this first test, the drone carried a box of simulated blood, urine, and stool samples, from an onshore medical relief camp to half a nautical mile away to land on a small barge small barge on the Delaware Bay.

Now having completed a much longer trip, the team is making progress to make medical drone delivery a life-saving reality.

'The potential is indeed huge for drones to deliver small, lifesaving packages, such as vaccines,' said George Fenton, director of humanitarian innovations at World Vision International, a London-based humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization.

While there is no official public record, this flight time surpasses the John Hopkins team's own record and those of others who have attempted medical drone delivery, including Zipline, Matternet, and Vayu.
Following months of anticipation, Apple has finally unveiled the rumored iPhone X.

The $999 (999) 'anniversary' device features an OLED edge-to-edge display, facial recognition software, and new AR emojis you can control with your face inside iMessage.

As rumored, it doesn't have a home button and features a 'notch' at the top.

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Following months of anticipation, Apple has finally unveiled the rumored iPhone X. As rumored, the $999 (999) 'anniversary' device doesn't have a home button and features a 'notch' at the top

IPHONE X FEATURES - Pronounced the 'iPhone 10' - Available in space grey and silver - No home button - swipe up from the bottom to unlock or to go home from an app or to multitask - 'Face ID' that allows users to unlock the phone by looking at it - Qi and AirPower wireless charging that lets you charge multiple devices at once - 'Screen tap' unlock - Edge to edge display with glass on both sides of the device - Super retina display using OLED technology - highest ever pixel density in an iPhone - Dual 12 megapixel cameras and dual-optical image stabilisation - Tuned for augmented reality capabilities - Portrait lighting that uses machine learning to touch up photos - A11 bionic chips with six cores, can be 70 per cent faster than the previous A10 chip Advertisement

DailyMail.com got a firsthand look at the premium phone and found it to be an 'astounding device,' with an incredibly bright, vivid, and sharp display.

It delivers on its promise of being the 'future of smartphones.'

The device - called 'the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone' - boasts more advanced features than the other iPhones announced today, as well as a new design.

After the firm unveiled the new Apple watch, Apple TV, the iPhone 8, and the iPhone 8 plus during the launch event, Apple CEO Tim Cook took the stage again.

'We're not stopping there, we have one more thing,' he said.

'Our teams have been hard at work for years on the future of the smartphone.

'Now, ten years later it is only fitting we are here, in this place on this day that will set the path for for technology for the next decade.'

A video then showed the iPhone X (pronounced iPhone 10) in action.

While the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus closely resemble the iPhone 7, the iPhone X features some completely different aesthetics.

'It is all screen, it is beautiful to look at, incredible to hold,' Phil Schiller, Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said.

'There has never been anything like it.'

DAILYMAIL.COM HANDS ON WITH IPHONE X Billed as the future of smartphones, the iPhone X (pronounced ten, we learned today) has a huge amount riding on it for Apple - and on first impressions, it delivers. The fascinating thing about holding the X for the first time is that is feels incredibly familiar - but better. Its incredible solid, and the sizing is perfect - theres none of the straining to reach parts of the screen you often get the 7 and 8 plus. I will admit to struggling with the lack of a home button at first - it takes a little readjustment to swipe up rather than pressing home. But after 60 seconds, it was second nature, and actually seems far more intuitive. While we were unable to use FaceID in action, in the demos with Apple employees we saw, it worked perfectly. The real key to the iPhone X is the screen - it really is all screen. Its astounding - incredibly bright and vivid, and sharp. Apples calling this a 'Super Retina Display' with 1125 x 2436 pixels of resolution, making it the highest-density screen on any iPhone - and it really is noticeable. However, the notch with the sensors at the top of the screen is a little annoying at first - although you soon learn to forget its there. Overall, the iPhone X is exactly what Apple promised - the future of smartphones. The biggest issue is that we have to wait until November to get one. 5/5 Mark Prigg Advertisement

The phone features a glass front and back, with a band around the edge made from surgical grade stainless steel, as well as an edgeless display.

The device will be available in space grey and silver.

One of the biggest changes is the lack of home button, which was one of the most widely-discussed rumors in the months leading up to the launch.

To wake the phone in its absence, users will now be able to raise the device or tap the screen.

The device - which is is dust and waterproof at a microscopic level - will be available in space grey and silver. It features a glass front and back, with a band around the edge made from surgical grade stainless steel, as well as an edgeless display

The device - called 'the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone' - boasts more advanced features than the other iPhones announced today and a new design. 'It is all screen, it is beautiful to look at, incredible to hold,' Phil Schiller, Apple SVP of worldwide marketing, said

To reach the home screen, users now swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

Schiller said: 'We also use the home button for Siri, but how do you do that now? You can now press the side button, which has been made larger, and speak to Siri.'

The new iPhone X (center), pictured among the iPhone 8 (right) and iPhone 8 Plus (left)

The back of the iPhone X (center), pictured among the iPhone 8 (right) and iPhone 8 Plus (left)

HOW TO GET THE IPHONE X Pre-orders for the iPhone X open October 27. The devices will ship on November 3. The price will be $999 (999) for the 64GB version and $1,149 (1,149) for the 256GB version. Advertisement

The iPhone X also has an all new OLED display called the 'super retina display' that, on the diagonal, is 5.8 inches.

It is dust and waterproof at a microscopic level and has over two million pixels - the highest resolution and pixel density ever seen in an iPhone.

Schiller said: 'It's the point of this technology that matters - it's easier to use, and more intuitive.'

To unlock the phone, users can use facial recognition, which Apple calls Face ID.

To unlock the phone, users can use facial recognition, which Apple calls Face ID. It will 'learn' your face, so every time you glance at the iPhone, it detects your face - even in the dark

Even if you dye your hair, put on a hat, wear glasses, or change your appearance in other drastic ways, the device will still recognize your face. Apple even worked with Hollywood filmmakers to be sure it can't be fooled by photographs or masks

Schiller said: 'Nothing has ever been so simple. This is the future of how we'll unlock our phones.

The Face ID will 'learn' your face, so every time you glance at the iPhone, it detects your face - even in the dark.

Even if you dye your hair, put on a hat, wear glasses, or change your appearance in other drastic ways, the device will still recognize your face.

It uses a new TrueDepth camera system that includes an infrared camera and works by projecting infrared dots out onto your face, which feeds information back into an AI computer to create a model of the face to check it time.

Schiller said: 'This happens in real time, and invisibly.'

The built in chip that controls Face ID is built with a neural engine, allowing it to execute 600 billion operations per second.

Another new feature in the iPhone X is animoji - 3D animated emoji that you can control with your face. The animoji work by tracking more than 50 facial movements and replicating these in your choice of dozens of animal emoji

'If you were wondering what humanity would do when given access to the most advanced facial recognition technology, here it is,' Craig Federighi said before showing off a talking poop

While you might think that Face ID could be tricked by a photo, Schiller reassured that this wasn't the case.

He said: 'We worked to make sure it can't be fooled by photographs, and worked with Hollywood teams to make sure masks don't even work.'

Face ID will also work with Apple Pay, as well as third party apps.

Another new feature in the iPhone X is animoji - 3D animated emoji that you can control with your face.

The animoji work by tracking more than 50 facial movements and replicating these in your choice of dozens of animal emoji.

Unfortunately, when Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering, came on stage to demonstrate the Face ID, it didn't work on first attempt, and he was forced to revert to a backup phone.

It will also have wireless charging built in and have an improved battery life - the iPhone X will hold a last two hours longer than the iPhone 7. Schiller said: 'We think we have an idea of how to make charging a better experience'

He then revealed the new AirPower Charging mat that when released next year, will be able to charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and Airpods simultaneously

But when he showed the animojis in action, he joked: 'If you were wondering what humanity would do when given access to the most advanced facial recognition technology, here it is,' before showing off a talking poop.

The iPhone X also has advanced photography capabilities with dual 12MP cameras, dual optical image stabilization, and quad LED true tone flash.

The front camera is a breakthrough for selfies and can take photos in Portrait Mode with Portrait Lighting, which can alter lighting in an image by using AI to change lighting over the face.

These aren't filters, but rather the phone is performing real-time analysis of light on the subject's face.

Schiller said: 'People will be blown away by the selfies you can take with the iPhone X.'

Like the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, the premium X model also boasts the A11 Bionic chip.

The 64-bit chip has two high performance cores that are 25 percent faster than the A10 chip in the iPhone 7.

The notch at the top features several sensors and a front camera is a breakthrough for selfies. It can take photos in Portrait Mode with Portrait Lighting, which can alter lighting in an image by using AI to change lighting over the face.

And while the A10 only had two high-efficiency cores, the new chip has four, and they're 70 percent faster.

The GPU - which is used for machine learning tasks - is also 30 percent faster.

It will also have wireless charging built in and have an improved battery life - the iPhone X will hold a last two hours longer than the iPhone 7.

Schiller said: 'We think we have an idea of how to make charging a better experience.'

He then revealed the new AirPower Charging mat that when released next year, will be able to charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and Airpods simultaneously.

Like the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, the premium X model also boasts the A11 Bionic chip. The 64-bit chip has two high performance cores that are 25 percent faster than the A10 chip in the iPhone 7

And while the A10 only had two high-efficiency cores, the new chip has four, and they're 70 percent faster. The GPU - which is used for machine learning tasks - is also 30 percent faster

There will be a 64GB version and a 256GB version of the iPhone X available, with a starting price of $999 (999 in the UK) and going up to $1,149 (1,149 in the UK).

While it may seem a shock to many, experts say the $1,000 price point wont be an issue.

Carolina Milanesi, an analyst with Creative Strategies, told Dailymail.com: Its a great product, and I think the price is entirely justified.'

One of the biggest changes is the lack of home button, which was one of the most widely-discussed rumors in the months leading up to the launch

I think the $1,000 figure is a red herring - nobody will pay that, and if they do, they can afford it.

Milanesi said the launch now meant Apple has an unrivaled range.

I really like the whole portfolio now - theres such a range of options, nobody else has that.'

Whether I buy a 6 or the X, its still the iPhone and will be largely the same experience.

The new device will be available in space grey and silver, and ships on November 3.
Two U.S. astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut arrived at the International Space Station on Wednesday, about six hours after their Soyuz spacecraft blasted off from Kazakhstan, a NASA TV broadcast showed.

Commander Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos and flight engineers Mark Vande Hei and Joe Acaba of NASA lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 3:17 a.m. local time on Wednesday (21:17 GMT/17:17 EDT on Tuesday).

Their spacecraft docked at 8:55 a.m..

The crew successfully performed a fast-track transit to the station, which orbits about 250 miles (400 km) above Earth, to begin a five-month mission.

The Russian Soyuz spacecraft carrying two US astronauts and a Russia cosmonaut launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome as scheduled early Wednesday. The new crew members arrived at the International Space Station about six hours later

THE STENCH OF SPACE In an interview about the experiences detailed in his upcoming space memoir Endurance, Wired asked NASA astronaut Scott Kelly if he ever finds himself in a place where the smells trigger a memory of being in space. And, Kelly revealed the ISS smells like jail, citing the similarities in their 'combinations of antiseptic, garbage, and body odor.' While touring Harris County Jail in Texas, Kelly said he got a whiff in one room that transported him right back to his days on the ISS. He explained that people in the ISS use deodorant, rinse off, shower, and that the smell isn't that bad, 'but there's a little body odor going on for sure.' 'Mostly its just exercise clothes people wear for a couple weeks without washing.' NASA says residents of the ISS only change their socks and underwear every other day, and shirts and pants every 10 days. It might sound unsanitary to earthlings but, according to the agency, these garments do not get as dirty in space as they do on earth. Advertisement

Failure would have forced the spacecraft to take a two-day route for another attempt at docking.

Misurkin, Vande Hei and Acaba have joined NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik, Russia's Sergey Ryazanskiy and Paolo Nespoli of the European Space Agency who have been aboard the orbital outpost since July.

To commemorate the upcoming 60th anniversary on Oct.4 of the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, the Soyuz crew used its small model as a zero gravity indicator during the flight on Wednesday.

The crew blasted off for the International Space Station in a nighttime launch from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan early Wednesday, heading for a five-month mission.

The Soyuz MS-06 rocket carrying Alexander Misurkin of the Russia's Roscosmos space agency, NASA first-time flyer Mark Vande Hei and his veteran colleague Joe Acaba launched as scheduled at 3:17 am (2117 GMT), according to images broadcast live by Roscosmos.

The launch marks the first time two US astronauts have blasted off together on a mission to the ISS from Russia's Baikonur since June 2010.

The American space agency stopped its own manned launches to the ISS in 2011 but recently moved to increase its crew complement aboard the orbital lab as the Russians cut theirs in a cost-saving measure announced last year.

Acaba, 50, has spent nearly 138 days in space over two missions, while Vande Hei, 50, served with the US army in Iraq before training as an astronaut.

Misurkin, 39, who is beginning his second mission aboard the ISS, also has a military background.

Speaking at the pre-launch news conference on Monday, Acaba, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, said he would be taking some 'musica Latina' on board to lift his crewmates' spirits.

'I can guarantee my crewmates they will not fall asleep during that music and if you want to dance at about 3 am tuned into our Soyuz capsule I think you'll enjoy it,' he told journalists.

The launch has been overshadowed by deadly storms that have battered the Caribbean and the southern half of the United States.

Commander Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos and flight engineers Mark Vande Hei and Joe Acaba of NASA lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 3:17 a.m. local time on Wednesday (2117 GMT/1717 EDT on Tuesday)

External cameras on the ISS captured footage of hurricane Irma last week brewing over the Atlantic as it prepared to wreak deadly havoc.

NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston said earlier this month it suffered 'significant' damage during Hurricane Harvey, although Mission Control remained operational.

Vande Hei struck a sombre note in a pre-launch tweet on Monday.

'L-2 days. Sunrise over Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Praying for the people of Florida as well as the continued recovery of the Texas Gulf Coast,' he said.

Space is one of the few areas of international cooperation between Russia and the US that has not been wrecked by tensions over the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

The ISS orbits the Earth at a height of about 250 miles (400 kilometres), circling the planet every 90 minutes at a speed of about 17,500 miles (28,000 kilometres) per hour.
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Apple has made a 'luxury' $999 (999) iPhone X that it claims will revolutionise the industry.

Apple executive Phil Schiller said at yesterday's launch event: 'There has never been anything like it.'

But many are criticising the device for lacking the innovations to justify such a huge cost.

They say they are 'underwhelmed' by the new technologies, and what they were hoping would be 'big leaps' in systems such as augmented reality have turned out to be 'baby steps'.

Others are disappointed by the lack of new technology. Among the features that aren't truly 'new' are facial recognition, the thinner display and wireless charging,

Rival phones - many of them from Samsung - already offer similar technology, if often in cruder forms that mostly haven't won over large numbers of phone users.

Scroll down for video

Apple laid claim to the future of the smartphone Tuesday with a 10th anniversary iPhone X, touting the device as the next generation of mobile computing

THE IPHONE X - $999 (999 in the UK) price for 64GB version, and $1,149 (1,149 in the UK) for the 256GB version - Pronounced the 'iPhone 10' - Comes with 64GB and 256GB models Pre-orders open October 27, ships November 3 - No home button - swipe up from the bottom to unlock or to go home from an app or to multitask - 'Face ID' that allows users to unlock the phone by looking at it - Qi and AirPower wireless charging that lets you charge multiple devices at once - 'Screen tap' unlock - Edge to edge display with glass on both sides of the device - Super retina display using OLED technology - highest ever pixel density in an iPhone - Dual 12 megapixel cameras and dual-optical image stabilisation - Tuned for augmented reality capabilities - Portrait lighting that uses machine learning to touch up photos - A11 bionic chips with six cores, can be 70 per cent faster than the previous A10 chip Advertisement

And they are cheaper. A 64 gigabyte capacity model will cost $999 (999) when it goes on sale on 3 November. A 256GB version will be priced at $1,149 (1,149).

For comparison, Samsung is charging $930 (869) for its new Note 8 phone, which has 64GB of storage.

There also remain questions about exactly how effective the technology on the phone will be.

For instance, yesterday, Apple exec Craig Federighi took to the stage today at the Steve Jobs Theater to demonstrate the phone's facial recognition capabilities.

But FaceID didn't work on first attempt  instead prompting the Apple exec to use his passcode for access.

A few seconds later, Apple's share price began falling fast.

In another try on a backup phone, Federighi was able to successfully unlock the device with nothing more than a glance.

Jane Foley, Rabobank's senior currency strategist, told the BBC: 'Apple shares were down around 4 per cent on the day - the word 'underwhelmed' certainly comes to mind.

'What the market was expecting was a big leap into augmented reality, but what we got were baby steps into augmented reality.

Paul Armstrong of Here/Forth, the technology consultant, told the Times: 'Much of what has been announced today has been available in competitor products for years.'

Richard Holway of the analysts TechMarket View added: 'Will I be waiting in the queue to be the first to get an iPhone X?

'No. I will wait until my trusty iPhone 6 decides to die.

The $999 (999) cost is double what the original iPhone cost a decade ago and more than any other competing device on the market.

Among the features that aren't truly 'new' are facial recognition, augmented reality and wireless charging

THE IPHONE X'S NOT SO UNIQUE NEW FEATURES Wireless charging - Introduced for the Google Nexus 4 in 2013, the Nokia Lumia 635 in 2014 and the Samsung Galaxy S6 in 2015 and many since Edge to edge 'bezel-less display - Featured on the Samsung Galaxy S8, Essential PH-1, LG G6 as well as a number of lesser known Android model Tap screen to wake - Originally appearing on the LG G2 in 2013, this has become a common feature on Android phones since No physical home button - In 2016, flagship devices from Google, Sony, LG, and Huawei all lacked such a button on their hardware. One of the last holdouts was Samsung, who ditched the feature from this year's S8 Cameras specs: The Google Pixel, Huawei P10, OnePlus 5 and others all can match or beat the iPhone X for sheer pixel power, although lens features do vary. Advertisement

It's a clear sign that Apple is ramping up that strategy by continuing to push its prices higher.

This is despite analysts saying improvements it's bringing to its products are often incremental or derivative.

Many have said the iPhone hasn't been truly revolutionary since Steve Jobs passed away.

Despite this, Cook attempted to frame the iPhone X as a breakthrough, hailing it as 'the biggest leap forward' since the original iPhone.

But the original iPhone revolutionised society by putting connected hand-held computers and apps into the hands of millions of ordinary people.

The iPhone X mostly promises to do what earlier smartphones have done, only better.

The technological wizardry in the iPhone X is unquestionably impressive.

APPLE FAN CRITICISM OF THE IPHONE X Robert Scoble, a Silicon Valley tech evangelist best known for his Scobleizer blog, was first in line for the original iPhone, 10 years ago. But he feels the latest model is less than impressive, particularly given the price. He told the Today program: 'This doesn't change the world. 'The current phones we have, the functionality that this phone brings isn't going to radically change your life. 'It's nicer to have and I think all the Apple fans will probably want it. 'But it's not the kind of thing I'm going to wait 35 hours for like I did the first time. 'It's a bitter pill to swallow because we were expecting a lot more. 'We were expecting this thing to have really deep augmented reality features. 'We expected to have something that would really take us into the future and really show us why this is the future phone and I don't think it got to that level. 'It's certainly not the interesting technology pusher that it used to be, and that's the new Apple that we're all getting used to.' Advertisement

The technological wizardry in the iPhone X is unquestionably impressive, but is it revolutionary? It includes a bright new edge-to-edge screen, a special artificial-intelligence-enabled chip, new sensors for facial recognition and fun items like animated emojis

It includes a bright new edge-to-edge screen, a special artificial-intelligence-enabled chip, new sensors for facial recognition and fun items like animated emojis that mimic your expressions, portrait-mode selfies that blur the background, an augmented reality game platform and wireless charging.

Apple said the phone's battery will last two hours longer than that of the iPhone 7.

Reporter Dave Lee for BBC Radio 4's Today program was at the Apple launch.

HOW THE IPHONE X COMPARES TO OTHER MODELS Specification iPhone X iPhone 8 iPhone 8 Plus Galaxy Note 8 Galaxy S8 Galaxy S8 Plus Display 5.8 inches 4.7 inches 5.5 inches 6.3 inches 5.8 inches 6.2 inches Resolution 2436 x 1125 1334 x 750 1920 x 1080 2960 x 1440 2960 x 1440 2960 x 1440 Processor A11 Bionic A11 Bionic A11 Bionic Snapdragon 835 (2.35GHz and 1.9GHz, octa-core) Snapdragon 835 (2.35GHz and 1.9GHz, octa-core) Snapdragon 835 (2.35GHz and 1.9GHz, octa-core) RAM TBA TBA TBA 6GB 4GB 4GB Storage 64GB, 256GB 64GB, 256GB 64GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB 64GB Rear camera 12 megapixel, 12 megapixel (wide) 12 megapixel 12 megapixel, 12 megapixel (wide) 12 megapixel, 12 megapixel (wide) 12 megapixel 12 megapixel Front camera 7 megapixel 7 megapixel 7 megapixel 8 megapixel 8 megapixel 8 megapixel Battery TBA TBA TBA 3,300mAh 3,000mAh 3,500mAh Water protection IP67 IP67 IP67 IP68 IP68 IP68 Weight 0.38 pounds 0.33 pounds 0.45 pounds 0.43 pounds 0.34 pounds 0.38 pounds Dimensions (in.) 5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 6.24 x 3.07 x 0.30 6.40 x 2.94 x 0.34 5.86 x 2.68 x 0.31 6.28 x 2.88 x 0.31 Starting price $999 $699.0 $799.00 $930 $749.00 $849.00 Misc. Face ID scanner Wireless charging Wireless charging S Pen, Iris scanner, USB-C, wireless charging Iris scanner, USB-C, wireless charging Iris scanner, USB-C, wireless charging

He spoke to Marc Allera, chief executive officer of mobile network EE, who said: 'I think that phone isn't for everyone, given the price point, but there are a large number of customers that we're seeing do want the latest technology.

These new smart phones are packing in more and more features and we're all spending more and more time using more and more services and applications on our smartphones.'

But not everyone is convinced.

Apple on Tuesday announced the iPhone X, pronounced 'iPhone 10', that comes with no home button. Users have to swipe up from the bottom to unlock or to go home from an app or to multitask. It also includes 'Face ID' that allows users to unlock the phone by looking at it

Robert Scoble, a Silicon Valley tech evangelist best known for his Scobleizer blog, was first in line for the original iPhone, 10 years ago.

But he feels the latest model is less than impressive, particularly given the price.

He told the Today program: 'This doesn't change the world.

There will be a 64GB version and a 256GB version of the iPhone X available, with a starting price of $999 (999 in the UK) and going up to $1,149 (1,149 in the UK)

'The current phones we have, the functionality that this phone brings isn't going to radically change your life.

'It's nicer to have and I think all the Apple fans will probably want it.

'But it's not the kind of thing I'm going to wait 35 hours for like I did the first time.

'It's a bitter pill to swallow because we were expecting a lot more.

HOW DOES WIRELESS CHARGING WORK? Wireless charging as a concept has been around since Nikola Tesla, a Croatian inventor, first suggested in the 19th century that you could transfer power between two objects via an electromagnetic field. The charging pad contains a loop of coiled wires around a bar magnet, known as an inductor. When an electric current passes from the mains through the coiled wire, it creates an electromagnetic field around the magnet. This can then be used to transfer a voltage  or charge  to the smartphone. Apple's new charging system operates at 7.5 watts. This means that it won't offer faster charging speeds than conventional chargers, which offer 15 watts as standard. Advertisement

'We were expecting this thing to have really deep augmented reality features.

'We expected to have something that would really take us into the future and really show us why this is the future phone and I don't think it got to that level.

'It's certainly not the interesting technology pusher that it used to be, and that's the new Apple that we're all getting used to.'

The iPhone X (left) will also come with AirPower wireless charging that lets you charge multiple devices at once, including the Apple Watch (centre) and AirPods (right)

Apple CEO Tim Cook left little doubt in the company's confidence in the iPhone X (pronounced 'ten'), whose name references the decade that's passed since company co-founder Steve Jobs first pulled out an iPhone that sold for $499.

None of which is to say that Apple won't break new ground.

In particular, the iPhone X gives Apple the opportunity to bring augmented reality - essentially the projection of computer-generated images into real-world surroundings, a la the monster hunts in 'Pokemon Go' - into mainstream use.

Like the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, the iPhone X will come with Qi wireless charging capabilities enabled, meaning it can be charged by placing it on a special pad

No one can say with certainty what sort of 'killer app' will make augmented reality a hit.

Whatever it turns out to be, it seems as likely to emerge from an unknown startup as an established company. But Apple is certainly taking a stab at the problem.

Here's what was unveiled at Apple's event yesterday.

iPhone X

Having revealed several new devices throughout the presentation Tim Cook unveiled the much anticipated iPhone X (pronounced iPhone Ten).

Cook said: 'We're not stopping there, we have one more thing.

The iPhone X will be available in space grey and silver, and ships on November 3. Pictured is Phil Schiller on stage during the presentation

'Our teams have been hard at work for years on the future of the smartphone.

'Now, ten years later it is only fitting we are here, in this place on this day that will set the path for for technology for the next decade.'

A video then showed the iPhone X in action.

Phil Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide marketing at Apple explained: 'It is all screen, it is beautiful to look at, incredible to hold. There has never been anything like it.'

'Animojis' are a new type of emoji introduced by Apple at today's event. They react to your facial expression from within the messenger app allowing you to express a range of emotions

The phone features a glass front and back, with a band around the edge made from surgical grade stainless steel, as well as an edgeless display.

The iPhone will be dust and waterproof at a microscopic level.

iPhone X has an all new display, called the 'super retina display.'

On the diagonal, the display is 5.8 inch, with over two million pixels - the highest resolution and pixel density ever seen in an iPhone.

Another new feature in the iPhone X is animoji - 3D animated emoji that you can control with your face. The animoji work by tracking more than 50 facial movements and replicating these in your choice of dozens of animal emoji

It also features an OLED display.

Schiller said: 'It's the point of this technology that matters - it's easier to use, and more intuitive.'

With the phone, users will be able to raise it to wake, or tap the screen to wake - because Apple has ditched the home button.

Now, to reach the home screen, users now swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

Schiller said: 'We also use the home button for Siri, but how do you do that now? You can now press the side button, which has been made larger, and speak to Siri.'

The Face ID system uses a number of technologies to ensure it recognises its user. This includes an infrared camera to see in the dark and an ambient light sensor

To unlock the phone, users can now use facial recognition, which Apple calls Face ID.

Schiller said: 'Nothing has ever been so simple. This is the future of how we'll unlock our phones.'

A new TrueDepth camera system includes an infrared camera, and other new technology.

The Face ID will learn your face, so every time you glance at the iPhone, it detects your face - even in the dark.

It works by projecting infrared dots out onto your face, which feeds information back into an AI computer, to create a model of the face and check it against the owner.

The iPhone X has dual 12MP cameras, with dual optical image stabilisation and quad LED true tone flash

Schiller said: 'This happens in real time, and invisibly.'

The built in chip that controls Face ID is built with a neural engine, allowing it to execute 600 billion operations per second.

While you might think that Face ID could be tricked by a photo, Schiller reassured that this wasn't the case.

DAILYMAIL.COM HANDS ON WITH IPHONE X Billed as the future of smartphones, the iPhone X (pronounced ten, we learned today) has a huge amount riding on it for Apple - and on first impressions, it delivers. The fascinating thing about holding the X for the first time is that is feels incredibly familiar - but better. Its incredible solid, and the sizing is perfect - theres none of the straining to reach parts of the screen you often get the 7 and 8 plus. I will admit to struggling with the lack of a home button at first - it takes a little readjustment to swipe up rather than pressing home. But after 60 seconds, it was second nature, and actually seems far more intuitive. While we were unable to use FaceID in action, in the demos with Apple employees we saw, it worked perfectly. The real key to the iPhone X is the screen - it really is all screen. Its astounding - incredibly bright and vivid, and sharp. Apples calling this a 'Super Retina Display' with 1125 x 2436 pixels of resolution, making it the highest-density screen on any iPhone - and it really is noticeable. However, the notch with the sensors at the top of the screen is a little annoying at first - although you soon learn to forget its there. Overall, the iPhone X is exactly what Apple promised - the future of smartphones. The biggest issue is that we have to wait until November to get one. 5/5 Mark Prigg Advertisement

He said: 'We worked to make sure it can't be fooled by photographs, and worked with Hollywood teams to make sure masks don't even work.'

Face ID will also work with Apple Pay, as well as third party apps.

Another new feature in the iPhone X is animoji - 3D animated emoji that you can control with your face.

The animoji work by tracking more than 50 facial movements and replicating these in your choice of dozens of animal emoji.

And while the A10 only had two high-efficiency cores, the new chip has four, and they're 70 percent faster. The GPU - which is used for machine learning tasks - is also 30 percent faster

Unfortunately, when Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering, came on stage to demonstrate the Face ID, it didn't work on first attempt, and he was forced to revert to a backup phone.

But when he showed the animojis in action, he joked: 'If you were wondering what humanity would do when given access to the most advanced facial recognition technology, here it is,' before showing off a talking poop.

The iPhone X has dual 12MP cameras, with dual optical image stabilisation and quad LED true tone flash.

The front camera is a breakthrough for selfies, and can take photos in Portrait Mode with Portrait Lighting.

Schiller said: 'People will be blown away by the selfies you can take with the iPhone X.'

The iPhone also features the same A11 bionic chip as iPhone 8, and will also have wireless charging built in.

Battery life will be two hours better than the iPhone 7.

Schiller said: 'We think we have an idea of how to make charging a better experience.'

He then revealed the new AirPower Charging mat, that can charge iPhone, Apple Watch and Airpods simultaneously.

AirPower will be available next year.

There will be a 64GB version and a 256GB version of the iPhone X available, with a starting price of $999 (999 in the UK) and going up to $1,149 (1,149 in the UK).

While it may seem a shock to many, experts say the $1,000 price point wont be an issue.

Carolina Milanesi, an analyst with Creative Strategies, told Dailymail.com: Its a great product, and I think the price is entirely justified.

Apple followed its TV box announcement by unveiling the new iPhone 8 and 8 Plus smartphones, upgrades on last year's iPhone 7 models

IPHONE 8 AND 8 PLUS - Glass on both sides with an aluminium ring - New dual 12 megapixel cameras with portrait lighting that uses machine learning - 5.5 and 4.7inch retina HD displays - Both available in 64GB and 256GB - The iPhone 8 starts at $699 (699 in the UK) - The 8 Plus starts at $799 (799 in the UK) - Highest video quality capture ever in a smartphone - Hardware and software designed for augmented reality - Qi open wireless charging - A11 microchip with four cores, can be 70 per cent faster than the previous A10 chip Advertisement

I think the $1,000 figure is a red herring - nobody will pay that, and if they do, they can afford it.

Milanesi said the launch now meant Apple has an unrivalled range.

I really like the whole portfolio now - theres such a range of options, nobody else has that

Whether I buy a 6 or the X, its still the iPhone and will be largely the same experience.

The new device will be available in space grey and silver, and ships on November 3.

iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus

Cook returned to the stage to talk about Apple's new iPhones.

He said: 'Apple has always believed technology infused with humanity can change the world. No other device in our lifetime has the impact the iPhone has.

'It's truly amazing how much the iPhone impacts the world every day. We want to create something so immersive the hardware disappears.

'Over the past decade we've pushed ford with innovation after innovation, bringing us to this moment. We have huge iPhone news for you today.'

Phil Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide marketing at Apple, came to the stage to reveal the new iPhone 8 and 8+.

Schiller said: 'iPhone 8 is a huge step forward for iPhone.

'These are a new generation of iPhone, and they improve on everything we love about iPhone.'

The smartphones have glass in both the front and back, and come in silver, space grey and gold.

It is made from aluminium, with steel-reinforced glass.

Schiller said: 'This glass is the most durable ever seen in a smartphone.'

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus have new 5.5 and 4.7inch retina HD screens with new stereo speakers that are 25 per cent louder than previous iPhones. It will also come with 3D Touch technology

The iPhone 8 has a 4.7 inch retina HD display, while the 8+ has a 5.5 inch retina HD display.

The phones feature an A11 bionic chip - the most powerful and smartest chip ever in a smartphone.

In terms of camera, the iPhone 8+ has dual 12MP sensor cameras, providing 83 per cent more light, with deeper pixels.

A new Portrait Lighting mode can alter lighting in an image, using artificial intelligence to change lighting over the face.

Schiller said: 'These aren't filters, they are real time analysis of light on the subject's face.'

The smartphones will also feature new 40K 60 frames per second video mode, and a Slo-Mo option that runs at 240 frames a second.

The cameras are calibrated for augmented reality (AR).

In a surprise move from Apple, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will come with wireless charging capabilities by placing it onto a charging pad

For example, Schiller explained that the MLB app will be able to show player information if you hold up phone at a baseball game.

Both the iPhone 8 and 8+ will have wireless charging built in.

Schiller joked: 'I can't describe how much nicer it is not to have to plug in a cable!'

Wireless charging will work with hundreds of already available chargers, from Ikea to Ford, although Apple will also sell third party wireless chargers in stores.

The iPhone 8 and 8+ will each come in two versions - a 64GB, with a second at 256GB.

iPhone 8 will start at $699 (699), and iPhone 8+ will start at $799 (799). They will both be available on September 22nd.

APPLE WATCH 3 - Has mobile data connectivity - Connects to Apple Music - Siri can give 'out-loud' alerts - New dual-core processor delivering up to 70 per cent more performance - Two versions: $399 (399 in the UK) with cellular, $329 (329) without - 'All day' battery life up to 18 hours - Orders begin september 15, available September 22 - Comes in a wide variety of colours including silver, space grey, ceramic grey and a new gold colour - Only size change is a back crystal extended 2.5mm, as thin as two sheets of paper - Faster Wi-Fi while being 50 per cent more power efficient for both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Advertisement

Apple Watch

Tim Cook took to the stage again to speak about the Apple Watch.

He said: 'Apple Watch was designed to keep people motivated, since the launch of series 2, it has grown over 50 per cent year on year.

'Apple Watch is now the number one watch in the world, overtaking Rolex.'

Jeff Williams, COO of Apple, then revealed the firm's updated Watch.

The software has been redesigned with new features for exercises and the ability to link to gym machines.

Williams said: 'We want to help use the heart rate sensor to help more people.'

The watch can now measure resting heart rate, and recovery heart rate, and will also alert users if their heart rate becomes elevated.

Watch OS4 will be available on September 19th.

Apple has also revealed the series 3 Apple Watch with cellular capabilities built in.

Williams said: 'Now you can go anywhere with just your Apple Watch.

'You can leave your phone at home, and be reached if needed. The number will be the same as your iPhone.

The first product to be unveiled at today's launch event is the latest version of the Apple Watch. CEO Tim Cook said the Watch was designed to keep people motivated, and that since the launch of series 2, it has grown 'over 50 per cent year on year'

Apple has also revealed the series 3 Apple Watch with cellular capabilities built in. The Series 3 watch has new dual core processor, and comes built-in with Apple's smart assistant, Siri

'You will be able to stream 40 million songs from Apple Music using the connection.'

The Series 3 watch has new dual core processor, and comes built-in with Apple's smart assistant, Siri.

The display itself becomes the antenna, and the sim card is integrated into the electronics.

The watch can now measure resting heart rate, and recovery heart rate, and will also alert users if their heart rate becomes elevated

Williams added: 'Its really magical to make a call on a device this small.'

Williams demonstrated making a call on stage to someone paddleboarding, and the call could be heard clearly.

He joked: 'It's just darn close to magic.'

The Series 3 will be available in gold, silver, space grey and ceramic grey.

There will be two versions available - one without cellular capabilities, that will cost $329 (329 in the UK), and one with, that will be $399 (399 in the UK).

The Series 3 will be available in gold, silver, space grey and ceramic grey. There will be two versions available - one without cellular capabilities, that will cost $329 (329 in the UK), and one with, that will be $399 (399 in the UK)

Apple TV

Apple TV has also been given an update.

Tim Cook took to the stage once again, and said: 'Apple TV has changed the way we watch TV.

Apple announced a new Apple TV device at today's event. The upgrade starts with two big advancements in picture technology, the first is 4K capability, the second is HDR capability. While 4K increases the number of pixels, HDR improves the quality of pixel

NEW APPLE TV - Starts at $179 (179 in the UK) - Orders open 17 September and will ship a week later - 4K capability - HDR capability - Supports HDR 10 and Dolby Vision HDR - Same computer chip as the iPad pro making the Apple TV twice as fast as current models - Graphics more than four times faster than current models - Runs the latest version of TVOS - Big new film releases thanks to joint sponsorships with film studios - Sports tab in the TV app with live streamed games Advertisement

'There have been some key development that changed TV, from colour to HD. Now, we're at the next major inflection point. I'm so excited to introduce Apple TV 4K.'

Apple is also adding HDR capabilities to Apple TV.

Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Internet Software and Services explained: '4K is about the number of pixels, HDR is about better pixels.'

The Apple TV will contain an A10x chip - the same as is in the iPad Pro.

The firm will be working with large studios to bring 4K movies to iTunes - all which will be available at the same prices as HD rental.

Apple has also been working with Netflix and Amazon to bring their content to Apple TV in 4K and HDR.

The Apple TV app is also coming to the UK and seven other countries.

Cue added: 'Later this year, Apple TV will do even more.'

Apple TV will support Live TV, and will even send users notifications when a game is starting.

The 4K Apple TV will cost $179-$199 (179-199), and will ship from September 22nd

The new Apple TV top-set box is set up with 4K and HDR capabilities (right hand screen) giving a high quality picture. Thanks to new deals with film studios and sports broadcasters, the new Apple TV will offer live streamed sporting events and a host of HD films on the TV app store
In what could be the most innovative naval vessels at sea, Rolls-Royce has revealed that it is developing a range of self-driving ships.

The crewless vessels will have a range of 3,500 nautical miles, and will be used to perform a range of missions, including patrol and surveillance, mine detection and fleet screening.

Rolls-Royce hopes that the fleet could take to sea 'over the next 10 years.'

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The crewless vessels will have a range of 3,500 nautical miles, and will be used to perform a range of missions, including patrol and surveillance, mine detection or fleet screening

THE AUTONOMOUS VESSELS The 60 metre-long vessel concept is capable of operating beyond the horizon for over 100 days, will displace 700 tonnes and reach speeds above 25 knots. At the heart of the vessel is a robust and reliable power dense propulsion system. The initial design suggests that the vessels will have a full electric propulsion system. It features two Rolls-Royce MTU 4000 Series generators, providing around 4MW electrical power to a 1.5MW propulsion drive. And to reduce fuel consumption and extend range, an additional 3,000 kWh of energy storage will be used for low speed operations. The vessel will also be fitted with solar panels to generate power when the vessel is on standby. Advertisement

The 60 metre-long vessel concept is capable of operating beyond the horizon for over 100 days, will displace 700 tonnes and reach speeds above 25 knots.

At the heart of the vessel is a robust and reliable power dense propulsion system.

Benjamin Thorp, General Manager of Naval Electrics, Automation and Control at Rolls-Royce, said: 'Rolls-Royce is seeing interest from major navies in autonomous, rather than remote controlled, ships.

'Such ships offer a way to deliver increased operational capability, reduce the risk to crew and cut both operating and build costs.

'Over the next 10 years or so, Rolls-Royce expects to see the introduction of medium sized unmanned platforms, particularly in leading navies, as the concept of mixed manned and unmanned fleets develops. With our experience and capabilities we expect to lead the field.'

Rolls-Royce sees larger manned ships covering multi-role missions, alongside the small vessels completing single-role missions.

The 60 metre-long vessel concept is capable of operating beyond the horizon for over 100 days, will displace 700 tonnes and reach speeds above 25 knots

The initial design suggests that the vessels will have a full electric propulsion system. It features two Rolls-Royce MTU 4000 Series generators, providing around 4MW electrical power to a 1.5MW propulsion drive

The initial design suggests that the vessel will have a full electric propulsion system.

It features two Rolls-Royce MTU 4000 Series generators, providing around 4MW electrical power to a 1.5MW propulsion drive.

And to reduce fuel consumption and extend range, an additional 3,000 kWh of energy storage will be used for low speed operations.

The vessel will also be fitted with solar panels to generate power when the vessel is on standby.

Rolls-Royce emphasises that many of the technologies needed to make these autonomous ships already exist.

The firm has created what it believes to be the world's first Intelligent Awareness System combining multiple sensors with Artificial Intelligence, to help commercial vessels operate more safely and efficiently.
Gentlemen, if you want to get a second date, you may want to put some Drake on.

A new study has found that women find men more sexually attractive after listening to 'highly arousing' music.

The findings suggest that music has the power to influence human behaviour with regard to partner selection.

If you aren't sure whether or not you fancy your date, you may want to put some sexy music like Drake on while you get ready. A new study has found that women find men more sexually attractive after listening to 'highly arousing' music (stock image right)

THE STUDY In their study, the researchers presented 96 heterosexual participants with musical excerpts, followed by a photograph of a face from the opposite sex with a neutral facial expression. Participants were asked to assess the face in terms of its attractiveness on a scale, and say whether they would date the person pictured. To test the effect of the music, in another study, participants were shown faces without the music. The results showed that female participants rated the male faces as more attractive and were more willing to date the men pictured when previously exposed to music. In particular, highly stimulating and complex music led to the greatest effect. Surprisingly, this effect was not seen among male participants. Advertisement

Researchers from the University of Vienna looked at the effect of music on sexual attraction.

Helmut Leder, one of the authors of the study, said: 'Facial attractiveness is one of the most important physical characteristics that can influence the choice of a partner.

'We wanted to find out how music can alter the perception of this feature.'

Since music is usually experienced in a social context, the researchers were interested to see if it influenced the visual perception of faces.

Manuela Marin, lead author of the study, said: 'There is some evidence in the psychological literature that so-called arousal transfer effects can occur if two stimuli are processed consecutively.

'The processing of the first stimulus produces internal arousal, i.e. increased physiological activity, which is then attributed to the second stimulus.

'This mostly unconscious mechanism can then influence our actions, in this case, the choice of a partner.'

In their study, the researchers presented 96 heterosexual participants with musical excerpts, followed by a photograph of a face from the opposite sex with a neutral facial expression.

Participants were asked to assess the face in terms of its attractiveness on a scale, and say whether they would date the person pictured.

To test the effect of the music, in another study, participants were shown faces without the music.

The results showed that female participants rated the male faces as more attractive and were more willing to date the men pictured when previously exposed to music (stock image)

The results showed that female participants rated the male faces as more attractive and were more willing to date the men pictured when previously exposed to music.

In particular, highly stimulating and complex music led to the greatest effect.

Surprisingly, this effect was not seen among male participants.

The researchers now hope to recreate the study on a larger scale.

Bruno Gingras, another author of the study, said: 'Our goal is to replicate these results in a larger sample and to modify some aspects of the experiment.

'For example, we would like to clarify whether musical abilities and creativity can compensate partially for deficiencies in terms of physical appearance and fitness.'
A new Silicon Valley startup has enraged the internet with its name, logo, and purpose on the day of its launch.

The company, called Bodega, plans to install unmanned smart pantry boxes in apartments, offices, dorms, and gyms, which would effectively kill off the very corner stores the startup is named after - its logo is also a cat, a staple of every real-life bodega.

When Fast Company published a feature on the startup - which is run by two ex-Googlers - on Wednesday, the piece sent internet commenters into a fury, calling out the company for insensitivity, cultural appropriation, and gentrification.

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When Fast Company published a feature on the startup - which is run by two ex-Google employees - on Wednesday, the piece sent internet commenters into a fury

THE CONTROVERSIAL NEW STARTUP The creators of the Bodega startup have been testing their concept in San Franciscos Bay Area. So far, theyve tested it in 30 locations, including apartment lobbies, dorms, offices, and gyms. According to Fast Company, it aims to understand what people might need, relying on machine learning to constantly reassess the 100 most-needed items in a particular community. The firm unveiled 50 new Bodega locations on the West Cost on September 13. By the end of 2018, the team hopes to expand nationwide, to reach more than a thousand. The boxes contain items typically available at a convenience store, and can be unlocked with an app, which uses cameras to register what you pick up and automatically charge your credit card. Advertisement

'Two Ex-Googlers Want To Make Bodegas And Mom-And-Pop Corner Stores Obsolete,' the headline read.

The article goes on to describe the startup's plan to place polished five-foot-wide pantry boxes filled with non-perishable items you would typically pick up at your corner store in more convenient locations, like inside apartment buildings.

An app allows you to unlock the box, which uses cameras to register what you pick up and automatically charge your credit card.

'The vision here is much bigger than the box itself,' Paul McDonald, who spent 13 years as a product manager at Google, told Fast Company.

'Eventually, centralized shopping locations won't be necessary, because there will be 100,000 Bodegas spread out, with one always 100 feet away from you.'

But while his team is pitching a business that modernizes convenience, the concept has been met with extreme backlash.

Shortly after publication, 'bodega' began trending on Twitter as users shared negative reactions.

The company, called Bodega, plans to install unmanned pantry boxes in apartments, offices, dorms, and gyms, which would effectively kill off the very corner stores the startup is named after - its logo is also a cat, a staple of every real-life bodega

Shortly after publication, 'bodega' began trending on Twitter as users shared negative reactions

When asked point-blank if he was worried the name 'Bodega' would come off as insensitive, McDonald said no.

'I'm not particularly concerned about it,' he said.

'We did surveys in the Latin American community to understand if they felt the name was a misappropriation of that term or had negative connotations, and 97 percent said "no." It's a simple name and I think it works.'

While the team is pitching a business that modernizes convenience, the concept has been met with extreme backlash

People quickly began calling out the company for and insensitivity and gentrification

One called for more bodegas and fewer Silicon Valley entrepreneurs

The startup - which launched today - was founded by two former Google employees

'The vision here is much bigger than the box itself,' Paul McDonald, who spent 13 years as a product manager at Google, told Fast Company

Corner stores - which are affectionately known as 'bodegas' in New York and Los Angeles - are considered community staples.

In these cities, everyone has a bodega - usually the one closest to their home - they refer to as their own.

Bodegas are also known and loved for having cats that hang out in them - you can go to the same bodega every day and would be likely to see the same feline greet you at the door or sitting on a shelf between bags of chips.

While many took up issue with the concept itself, the name and cat logo put people's already negative perception of the new startup over the edge.

Bodegas are also known and loved for having cats that hang out in them - you can go to the same bodega every day and would be likely to see the same feline greet you at the door or sitting on a shelf between bags of chips

When asked point-blank if he was worried the name 'Bodega' would come off as insensitive, McDonald said no. 'I'm not particularly concerned about it,' he said.

Corner stores - which are affectionately known as 'bodegas' in New York and Los Angeles - are considered community staples

In these cities, everyone has a bodega - usually the one closest to their home - they refer to as their own

While many took up issue with the concept itself, the name and cat logo put people's already negative perception of the new startup over the edge

Many are viewing the company as yet another privileged move from Silicon Valley.

Prior to launch, 'Bodega' secured funding from prominent tech investors including Josh Kopelman at First Round Capital, Kirsten Green at Forerunner Ventures, and Hunter Walk at Homebrew.

They also secured angel investment from senior executives at Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, and Google.

According to the Bodega Association of the United States, there are an estimated 13,000 currently in New York City.

Many are viewing the company as yet another privileged move from Silicon Valley. The vast majority of the 13,000 bodegas in NYC are run by immigrants or first-generation Americans, most of whom are Puerto Rican, Dominican or Arab-American

The vast majority of these are run by immigrants or first-generation Americans, most of whom are Puerto Rican, Dominican or Arab-American.

The small stores - where you can buy everything from packaged foods and beer to deli sandwiches and select cleaning and personal products - are a primary way many immigrant residents of the city earn incomes.

Judging by the reaction to the company on its first official day, its future doesn't seem bright.

The social media pages associated with the company already seem to have been taken down.

Some users expressed joked the bodega cats should lead the revolt against the company.

Some users expressed joked the bodega cats should lead the revolt against the company
From refrigerators to baby monitors, all kinds of smart devices are connected to the Internet of Things.

But now, the federal government is worried that some connected devices could be a threat to national security.

A bi-partisan group of senators is sponsoring legislation to make the Internet of Things safer - devices with computer chips and sensors that are connected to the internet.

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A bi-partisan group of senators is sponsoring legislation to make the Internet of Things safer - devices with computer chips and sensors that are connected to the internet. Pictured is LG Electronics' VP of Marketing presenting the LG InstaView Door-in-Door smart refrigerator

INTERNET OF THINGS The Internet of Things (IoT) is a broad category that refers to devices or sensors that connect, communicate or transmit information over the web. Products range from printers and baby monitors to thermostats and fridges. Research firm Gartner predicts there will be 8.4 billion connected 'things' in use in 2017, up 31 per cent from 2016. By 2020 this number could reach 20.4 billion, with smart TVs and digital set-top boxes the most popular consumer gadgets. While they are convenient, such gadgets can present an easy targets for hackers. They could also allow Internet Service Providers to spy on their users, according to a new Princeton study. Advertisement

Colorado's US Senator Cory Gardner, who is part of the bi-partisan group, told CBS Denver that these devices could be used as weapons of mass destruction.

'The federal government orders billions of dollars worth of Internet of Things devices each and every year,' said Senator Gardner.

'These are things that can be hacked into.

'You can try to control systems, instruments with them.

'You can certainly read what people are doing and maybe even eavesdrop on a conversation people are having.'

Last year, for example, hackers shut down major websites such as Twitter and Spotify, and 500,000 items were potentially at risk of being activated without their owners' knowledge, with everything from baby monitors, DVR's, security cameras and other gadgets turned into cyber weapons.

A recent study by researches at the University of Princeton found that details of your private habits within your own home could be sold on to advertisers by broadband providers.

Information transmitted by products ranging from home security cameras, toasters and sleep monitors could be sold to third parties to help them target their products.

The researchers set up their own test smart home, fitted with seven Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

They hoped to examine the kind of data they might reveal about their users, by looking at metadata.

The federal government is worried that some connected devices could be a threat to national security. Pictured left is Griffin Technology's Bluetooth-enabled coffee maker, and right its toaster, which remembers your preferences

This includes how and when someone accesses their internet connection, but not what they have sent and received.

This information is relatively unprotected and can reveal private information about our personal habits.

This could range from when we access an internet connected baby monitor to our use of smart sex toys.

The Princeton team found that Internet Service Providers could identify four of the devices, including an Amazon Echo, by characteristic features of how they connect to the internet alone.

Colorado's US Senator Cory Gardner told CBS Denver that internet-connected devices could be used as weapons of mass destruction. Gardner is sponsoring a bill that would require internet-connected devices bought by the government to meet certain security standards

BIZARRE HOME DEVICES THAT ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET From refrigerators to baby monitors, all kinds of smart devices are connected to the Internet of Things. But now, the federal government is worried that some connected devices are could be a threat to national security. Just some of the devices that are connected to the internet include: Smalt : A smart salt shaker with built-in speakers

: A smart salt shaker with built-in speakers Mimo : A connected onesie that monitors a baby's heart rate and oxygen levels

: A connected onesie that monitors a baby's heart rate and oxygen levels Connected mirror : Giffin's Connected Mirror won't just show you your reflection, the smart device presents time, weather and status messages from other Griffin Home products.

: Giffin's Connected Mirror won't just show you your reflection, the smart device presents time, weather and status messages from other Griffin Home products. Vessyl : An internet connected cup that tells you what's inside your drink and it's nutritional content.

: An internet connected cup that tells you what's inside your drink and it's nutritional content. FitBark : A dog collar that works as an activity tracker for dogs.

: A dog collar that works as an activity tracker for dogs. Loon Cup : A smart menstrual cup which helps women track the flow of their periods, alerting your phone when it needs to be emptied.

: A smart menstrual cup which helps women track the flow of their periods, alerting your phone when it needs to be emptied. Lixil Satis Integrated toilet : A toiler that can be controlled by a companion app, which lets you track on a calendar when you've gone to the bathroom.

: A toiler that can be controlled by a companion app, which lets you track on a calendar when you've gone to the bathroom. Bluesmart's bluetooth luggage : A luggage with mobile connection and built-in scale, and a digital lock that can be controlled by an Apple Watch. Griffin's Connected Mirror won't just show you your reflection, the smart device presents time, weather and status messages from other Griffin Home products. The smart mirror displays essential information discretely, on demand with a tap of the app Advertisement

Senator Gardner, who is also Chair of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, is sponsoring a bill that would require internet-connected devices bought by the government to meet certain security standards - for example through measures such as firewalling off information and making sure that there isn't a hardcoded password from a factory that someone has access to.

According to Senator Gardner, many of these devices are imported from other countries and are not secure, making them vulnerable doors into governments that can be used be criminals or other nations.

'Were facing kind of a brave new world when it comes to these things and we need to be prepared from a policy standpoint to address it,' said Senator Gardner.

Although this legislation only applies to devices purchased by the government, Senator Gardner hopes the changes will be applied to devices sold in the private sector.
A dream family holiday turned into a nightmare for one group of travellers after Thomas Cook messed up their booking.

Annette Musgrove, from Cramlington, Northumberland, was horrified when she discovered her brood were booked on to different flights following a trip to Disneyland Paris.

As a result of the blunder, she was forced to fork out 2,500 on top of the 7,500 she'd already paid for the trip so everyone could be sat together. This was especially important, she said, as two of the passengers were aged three and four.

Travel woes@ Annette Musgrove and her family, including four grandchildren, planned and booked the magical holiday to Disneyland in Paris at Thomas Cook's Metrocentre branch

Recalling the chain of events, Annette, said: 'We only realised when we were on our way to the airport - it was the two youngest girls who are just three and four years old - they had been put on a different flight with their uncle and his friend.

'Two young lads with two little ones and their mother was on a different flight, it was not on.'

After frantically trying to resolve the situation with AirFrance and Thomas Cook, the family were forced to book five additional seats on a plane to Newcastle.

They managed to snag the last seats on the plane for the four members of the family who had missed their earlier flight and the mother of the two little girls.

Treasured memories: Annette said her family had a great time at Disneyland but the trip was ruined by the flight mix-up

Annette said the booking mishap was especially upsetting as she was travelling with younger members of the family

Annette, who booked her holiday via Thomas Cooks Metrocentre branch, said: 'It was horrible, so stressful, it really ruined the end of the trip.

'The trip was supposed to be a big family treat, weve had a bad year and wanted to get away together and be with the little ones. We were all so excited.

'They loved it, it was just so amazing, the kids had a brilliant time with all the characters but it was hard coming back to this.

'We used a travel agent because it was such a big group, youd think they were used to things like this.'

Thomas Cook offered to refund to the family the money they spent on flights

The family complained to Thomas Cook as soon as they arrived back in the UK, but claim the holiday firm told them they were 'awaiting a response from Disney' before they could do anything.

When contacted by ChronicleLive, Thomas Cook offered to refund to the family the money they spent on flights.

A spokesperson for the firm said: 'We are extremely sorry for the issues Ms Musgrove and her party experienced flying home and we acknowledge that an administrative error was made.

'Our team are making contact with Ms Musgrove to apologise and to issue a refund for the additional flights she purchased so her party could fly home together.

'We will also be offering a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience caused.'
Jack Page might be the world's unluckiest holidaymaker with all of his jaunts plagued by disaster.

Jack, 29, a freelance events specialist from Northampton, has spent the last decade visiting exotic spots all over the world with a string of mishaps along the way - including being marooned on a desert island and being trampled by a cow.

He has struggled through parasites on Mt Everest, been stranded for 36 hours on a derailed train in Burma and even had his supplies eaten by monitor lizards when he accidentally stranded himself on a desert island off Borneo.

Jack Page might be the world's unluckiest holidaymaker with all of his jaunts plagued by disaster. Above, pictured in Nepal where he was struck by a severe illness

Talking about his bouts of bad luck, the avid adventurer said: 'Most people say Im extremely unlucky when I tell them whats happened to me.

'It can often be a combination of things. Last year in India I was arguing with a tuk tuk driver who was trying to rip me off when a cow appeared out of nowhere and charged at my girlfriend.

'She got out of the way but it head butted me to the floor.

'It just so happens we in the area at them same time some of the locals had been scaring cattle as part of a festival.

During Jack's visit to Myanmar, his train derailed moments before it was about to go over the Goteik viaduct

The avid adventurer was then stuck in rebel territory for 36 hours whilst the locals used wooden planks to try and put the train back on the tracks

'I was pretty sore the next day, but managed to escape mostly unharmed.'

Jack also ran into trouble while travelling in Borneo with his girlfriend, Alice.

They ended up getting stranded on an island, where there was nothing but a shop which remained closed.

We thought we would be OK but a group of huge monitor lizards had raided our supplies and eaten nearly everything

Continuing his tale of being a castaway, Jack said: 'We thought we would be OK as wed brought some limited food supplies with us.

'But when we got back to camp we realised a group of huge monitor lizards had raided our supplies and eaten nearly everything.

'We tried to scare them off, but we were stuck for four days living on rations before a boat came back to the island.'

Despite all his travelling mishaps the only time Jack has felt in fear for his life was as he climbed his way to the Mount Everest basecamp in Nepal.

During the middle of a 23-day hike in the Himalayas in April last year he was struck down with a severe case of giardiasis, a parasitic infection of the digestive system.

When Page visited Ukraine, he stumbled upon a political protest which was crawling with soldiers and police

Jack Page, 29 and his partner Alice Buck, 28, climbed to Everest Base Camp where Jack came down with giardiasis, which is an infection to the digestive system

Jack continues to suffer from the drug side effects a year

His symptoms were made worse by the effects of the altitude and he had a bad reaction to his medication.

Jack explained: 'I genuinely thought I was going to die when I was up there.

'I was already unsettled by the remains of the devastation caused by the earthquake and the tales of other climbers dying of altitude sickness.

I genuinely thought I was going to die when I was up there. I was already unsettled by the remains of the devastation caused by the earthquake

'I was feeling terrible and the effects of the medication were very worrying. It was difficult to diagnose what was wrong with me and I was really struggling to walk.

'Anywhere else in the world you feel like you can get medical attention, but in the Himalayas there was no chance.

'But still I lived through it and Im here to tell the tale.'

Jack says that he had another near-death experience while travelling through Myanmar. Recounting the ordeal, he said: 'I saw a Burmese soldier threaten to shoot another tourist when our train derailed in the jungle.

'We were there for 36 hours and tempers frayed, especially as we got stuck in a part of Burma we were not supposed to stop in.

'A group of pompous young Brits started saying things like "Im starting an engineering degree next year, let me tell you how to fix this" and getting in the way. I was also really annoyed at their behaviour.

Jack was told to delete most of his images from the political riot in Ukraine as it was a year since the Independence Square massacre

Jack and his partner went to a deserted island in Borneo, they were dropped off by boat which would return four days later

The duo struggled to find water and they were left without any supplies after three greedy monitor lizards raided their camp

'Eventually a bunch of local guys with a whole lot of strength managed to shove the train back onto the tracks. It was impressive to watch.'

Unlike others he tells his tales to, Jack does not consider himself particularly unlucky.

Instead, he sees each of his experiences as another good story to tell.

He said: 'When I went to visit Chernobyl in 2015 I got caught in a protest.

I unwittingly stumbled into the midst of a political protest, where more than 500 officers were poised in the park

'I unwittingly stumbled into the midst of a political protest, where more than 500 officers were poised in the park overlooking the parliament building to put an end to it.

'The protestors all threw potatoes at the parliament building, which I thought was extremely funny.

'I was told to clear off and delete my photos by one of the officers, but I got out without too much trouble.'

Jack says that his partner keeps telling him that they should just go on a quiet beach holiday in a bid to avoid trouble.

However, Jack concludes: 'I always like to visit places that arent an average holiday destination.

'Afghanistan would be incredible, however I cant see my family letting me board that plane.'
She is one of the most fashion-focused stars of The Only Way Is Essex.

And Lydia Bright certainly went all out in the swimsuit department for her Grecian getaway.

The 27-year-old stunned as she showed off her sensationally toned figure in a crocheted tasseled bikini.

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She's got it B-right! Lydia Bright certainly went all out in the swimsuit department for her Grecian getaway as she showed off her tanned and toned figure in a crocheted bikini

Reality star Lydia also flaunted her toned abs when she slipped into dark blue bottoms, complete with the very same decorative edge.

The TV star swept her glossy golden curls into a messy bun, with a few strands of her tresses escaping her hair grip.

Prepared for the glorious Grecian sunshine, the golden-haired beauty shielded her eyes with a pair of mirrored shades.

Completely in her element, she captioned the shot, 'Life's a beach.'

The latest holiday comes after she sizzled on a recent trip to Italy.

Sensational: The TOWIE starlet, 27, teased a glimpse of her phenomenal frame in a sheer crocheted minidress while abroad on the break

What a view! She showcased her peachy derriere in incredibly tiny denim shorts, teamed with a bikini top

Wow: The Only Way Is Essex beauty shared a string of envy-inducing snaps to her Instagram as she enjoyed another

Drama: TOWIE star Lydia Bright, 27, took to Twitter in a rage at Ryanair after claiming to have been left stranded by the airline in Italy

The latest trip got off without a hitch, unlike her previous European getaway when she was banned from travelling due to overbooking.

The airline's social media team explained that there were seven empty seats on the flight meaning there was no reason why she wouldn't have been able to fly -prompting a further outburst.

Tweeting directly back, Lydia said: 'If the flight wasn't overbooked, then why wasn't myself and 4 other passengers allocated seat numbers & prevented from boarding?'

Adding: 'I wasn't allowed to board the plane until 2 mins before the already delayed flight departed. I was pacing the airport.'

Fun in the sun: The TOWIE star had been holidaying with her mum Debbie, sisters Georgia and Roma and other family members in Porto Recanati, Italy

The star continued her angry outburst to her 1.1 million followers.

The star shared a variety of snaps from her trip, where she has been enjoying the serene coastal setting.

Making a splash in the sea, her gym honed body was on full display in a string bikini.

In another snap showcasing her pert derriere she wrote: 'Put yo hands in the air if you been squatting for summer.'

The star's impressive bottom would have certainly turned heads amid the stunning Porto Recanati shoreline.
She's expecting her second child with her British aristocrat husband, James Rothschild, early next year.

And Nicky Hilton, 33, was absolutely glowing in a frilly white blouse and jeans that completely hid any hind of a bump as she attended Alice + Olivia runway show at NYFW on Tuesday.

She wore a hounds tooth coat over ensemble and finished off the chic look with black pumps.

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Glowing! Nicky Hilton, 33, was absolutely glowing in a frilly white blouse and jeans that completely hid any hind of a bump as she attended Alice + Olivia runway show at NYFW on Tuesday

Wearing her blonde locks in a low bun at the base of her neck, she smiled brightly at the camera.

Nicky stood beside sister Paris, 36, who wore a light blue floral maxi dress for the runway show.

The dress featured layered frills that went all the way down to the floor and hid her shoes.

She opted to wear her long blond hair down in a blown out style around her shoulders.

Photogenic pair: Nicky stood beside sister Paris who wore a light blue floral maxi dress for the runway show

Wearing her blonde locks in a low bun at the base of her neck, she smiled brightly at the camera alongside her sister

The socialite decided to go dramatic with her eye makeup, really making them pop with false lashes, but opted for a neutral lip color.

The photogenic pair also posed alongside Alice + Olivia designer Stacey Bendet who helmed the line the duo were attending.

She wore a long floral dress with a belt cinching at the waist.

The designer also opted for extremely dark makeup around her eyes, which complimented her dark hair.

Pretty in blue: Paris' dress featured layered frills that went all the way down to the floor and hid her shoes

What a frill: Paris showcased her statuesque frame in the full-length maxi

With the star: The photogenic pair also posed alongside Alice + Olivia designer Stacey Bendet who helmed the line the duo were attending

DailyMail.com exclusively revealed the socialite was expecting her second baby earlier this summer.

An insider claimed Nicky and elder sister Paris, 36, both love being close in age, so the family are all very excited at the news.

'It's Lily's first birthday July 8 so they are excited,' the source revealed. 'They always wanted to give Lily-Grace a sibling close in age, like they both have.'

Blonde ambition: Paris worked her long tresses into a chic curl for the occasion

Sister, sister: The siblings looked sensational while they got photos with Stacey Bendet

The source added the couple would love to have a boy to add to their brood, but of course will be happy with anything.

The Hilton hotel heiress married British banking heir James in a lavish ceremony at the Kensington Palace Orangery in London in July 2015, surrounded by the creme de la creme of society, as well as their friends and family.

Nicky and James started their relationship in 2011 after meeting at Petra Ecclestone and James Stunt's Italian wedding.

James reportedly flew from England to the States to ask her parents for her hand in marriage before he proposed to her in Lake Como, Italy, in August 2014.

Nicky and James started their relationship in 2011 after meeting at Petra Ecclestone and James Stunt's Italian wedding

Colourful: The collection was typically bright and airy

Floaty: Multi-layered skirts made up the collection

Summery: Blocks of orange stood out amid the collection

Prints: Flora-inspired prints were used in the latest designs
The husband of Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice says prison officials are improperly preventing him from entering an alcohol-treatment program as he serves a sentence for bankruptcy fraud.

Joe Giudice says authorities at Fort Dix are using a detainer placed on him by Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a reason to exclude him from the program, according to a court filing Friday.

The 45-year-old star has filed a lawsuit against the US Bureau of Prisons for denying him access to the treatment program which could reduce his sentence by a year.

Joe Giudice said authorities at Fort Dix are using a detainer placed on him by Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a reason to exclude him from the prison's treatment program, according to a court filing Friday; seen at a Bravo event in 2015

Giudice is eligible for house arrest on November 11, 2018 but a detainer was filed against him because of a deportation hearing set for March 14, 2019.

Inmates at the prison can't join the program if a detainer prevents completion of the community treatment aspect, according to the Bureau of Prisons' website.

Giudice is at risk of being deported to his native Italy after completing his 41-month sentence under federal immigration laws.

The legal papers read: 'Mr. Giudice, a lawful permanent resident, is being improperly denied admission into the RDAP [Residential Drug Abuse] program, as he is not an 'immigration and customs enforcement detainee.'

'The ICE detainer is unsigned and improperly executed.' the documents continued.

'ICES placement of a detainer on him has deprived him of all programs afforded to other inmates at Ft. Dix without giving Mr. Giudice a chance to challenge his removability from the United States. He will not be able to fight removal until 2019.'

Joe and Teresa Giudice pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud and submitting false loan applications to get $5 million in mortgages and construction loans; seen in 2016 at a book signing in Pennsylvania

The father-of-four daughters pleaded guilty in 2014 to not paying nearly $200,000 in income taxes.

A judge recommended that Giudice participate in the program after he and his wife were sentenced in 2014.

The two pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud and submitting false loan applications to get $5 million in mortgages and construction loans.

The judge staggered their sentences so one of them could be at home with their four daughters. Teresa Giudice completed her 15-month sentence in December 2015.

Giudice also claimed in the filing that the prison is preventing him from fighting his possible deportation.

Family! Teresa and Joe Giudice with their daughters Gia, 16, Gabriella, 12, Milania, 11, and Audriana, 7

The prison does not allow inmates to appear before immigration judges.

Giudice said other federal prisons allow inmates to challenge their deportations. The earliest he will be able to challenge the order is 2019.

Teresa recently wrapped filming season eight of Bravo's hit reality television show the Real Housewives of New Jersey.

The new season is set to air in October but has already been the topic of controversy with recently returned housewife Danielle Staub's racist rant against her boyfriend.

Wine time! Joe and Teresa enjoyed a night out at the Fabellini Bottle Signing and Tasting at Costco in March 2014

In the clip from 2015, Staub is heard calling her ex-lover a series of unsettling terms, including 'stupid f***ing Mexican.'

The mother-of-two is also heard using racial slurs multiple times throughout the audio recording, according to TMZ.

Cast members are reportedly demanding to meet with producers and have Danielle edited out of the new season before the premiere.

While Danielle was not on the show at the time of the aggressive outburst, some of the housewives are said to be sickened to have even filmed scenes with her.

Co-stars are reportedly 'worried it will hurt their reputations and the show's ratings.'

The new season is set to air in October but has already been the topic of controversy with recently returned housewife Danielle Staub's racist rant against her boyfriend
Hilary Duff bared her belly and her shoulders in a bright yellow Bardot crop-top to run errands in Beverly Hills on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old actress - who relies on stylist Jacqueline Oknaian Demeterio - paired her sunny shirt with black skinny jeans from Cotton On, matching suede booties, and a large brown purse.

The Younger starlet wore her flaxen locks in a fuss-free updo and wore shades over her mostly make-up free complexion.

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Morning sunshine! Hilary Duff bared her belly and her shoulders in a bright yellow Bardot crop-top to run errands in Beverly Hills on Tuesday

Hilary - who boasts 22M social media followers - also shared an Instagram story of her 'still' hurt right ankle bandaged as well as two rescue pups playing in her $3.8M Beverly Hills mansion.

On Wednesday night at 8PM EST, Duff will join celebs like Beyonce, George Clooney, and Oprah Winfrey for Hand in Hand, a one-hour telethon for hurricane relief streaming live on Twitter.

'So excited to be a part of this!' the Flock of Dudes stunner wrote.

'So much devastation spreading by the day with these terrible storms! Please tune in and donate!!! handinhand2017.com #handinhand.'

Summer: The 29-year-old actress - who relies on stylist Jacqueline Oknaian Demeterio - paired her sunny shirt with black Cotton On jeans, matching suede booties, and a large brown purse

The Younger starlet wore her flaxen locks in a fuss-free updo and wore shades over her mostly make-up free complexion

The Houston-born Texan's participation in the benefit came four days after she penned an essay for Marie Claire, in which she revealed her ' god-sister and her two small babies' were 'evacuated from their home by canoe.'

'Did my dad really call to tell me that they're running low on food and had to eat chocolate chip cookies for dinner?' Hilary marveled.

'Houston is a place full of people just like you and me - little kids riding bikes with their dads, moms making soup for their neighbors. Let's help them, and help each other. You never know when this will be you.'

Taut tummy: The former child star stopped by her dermatologist's office and Rite-Aid

Looks painful! Hilary also shared an Instagram story of her 'still' hurt right ankle bandaged as well as two resue pups playing in her $3.8M Beverly Hills mansion

'So excited to be a part of this!' On Wednesday night at 8PM EST, Duff will join celebs like Beyonce, George Clooney, and Oprah Winfrey for Hand in Hand, a one-hour telethon for hurricane relief streaming live on Twitter

'Did my dad really call to tell me that they're running low on food?' The Houston-born Texan's participation in the benefit came four days after she penned an essay for Marie Claire

Not pictured with Duff was her five-year-old son Luca with ex-husband Mike Comrie, whose rape charges were dismissed in June due to lack of evidence - according to TMZ Sports.

The 5ft2in blonde has been single since ending her three-month fling with musician Matthew Koma in April after a five-month romance with celebrity trainer Jason Walsh.

Catch more of the Callie Collection Wines spokesmodel as book editor Kelsey Peters in the fourth season finale of Younger, which airs this Wednesday on TV Land.

Legal victory: Not pictured with Duff was her five-year-old son Luca with ex-husband Mike Comrie, whose rape charges were dismissed in June due to lack of evidence
He's racked up millions of followers on social media and counts the likes of Kim Kardashian West and Katy Perry as fans.

Now, social media sensation Patrick Starr, 27, has touched down in Sydney after being convinced to visit the city for a bizarre reason.

Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday, the beauty vlogger admitted he was swayed to add the New South Wales capital to his itinerary after checking out the chip selection in a Melbourne-based Woolworths store.

Extending the trip! Beauty vlogger Patrick Starr (left), whose fans include celebrities such as Kim Kardashian West (right) arrived in Sydney this week, telling The Sydney Morning Herald he was swayed to visit the city after meeting a fan in a supermarket chip aisle

'I was just looking at the amazing potato chip selection you have here when someone recognised me and asked me to come up to Sydney,' the YouTube star explained.

Despite Sydney not originally being on the agenda, Patrick amassed a huge crowd as he made an appearance at Benefit Cosmetics counter in Myer's Pitt Street store.

The huge turnout isn't surprising given the social media celebrity has more than three million subscribers to his YouTube channel - which he only began four years ago.

'I was just looking at the amazing potato chip selection': Patrick said a fan recognised him while he was in Woolworths and pleaded for him to visit Sydney

Patrick, who is famous for his online beauty tutorials, made his way Down Under last week for the inaugural VidCon Australia conference in Melbourne.

Explaining one of the reasons for his success to The Herald-Sun, he said: 'Its intriguing to people to see a man wear makeup and look like Beyonce or Kim Kardashian or like a woman.'

He continued: 'It's controversial in a way, I think that is why I've gained such a large following.'

'Its intriguing to people to see a man wear makeup': The social media sensation previously told The Herald-Sun that his gender is one of the reasons he's gained such a large following

'Mostly your scalp is really pale': Kim Kardashian revealed in one of Patrick's videos that she spray tans her hairline

Patrick is said to be one of Kim Kardashian's favourite makeup artists, with the reality TV star starring alongside him in one of his successful YouTube tutorials.

In the video, Kim shared an insight into her beauty routine, including revealing that she spray tans her scalp.

'Mostly your scalp is really pale. I spray tan in my hairline, like in the scalp. I usually wear my hair parted in the middle a lot, so I usually spray tan there too so that it doesn't look white,' she explained in the video.
She's making the move from the runway to Hollywood film sets.

And Poppy Delevingne certainly appeared to suit the acting world as she made a chic appearance on the promo trail for new film The Kingsman: The Golden Circle at Build Studio in New York City on Tuesday.

The blonde beauty, 31, stood out from the rest of the cast as she showed off her striking catwalk figure in a slinky velvet two-piece, even matching her iPhone case to her ensemble.

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Velvet crush! Poppy Delevingne certainly appeared to suit the acting world as she made a chic appearance on the promo trail for new film The Kingsman: The Golden Circle at Build Studio in New York City on Tuesday

The fashionista dressed down her jacket and trouser combo with a white T-shirt with a logo emblazoned across her chest.

Confident in her height, the starlet didn't boost her already statuesque frame as she sashayed through the Big Apple's streets in trainers.

For sparkle, the model tucked her poker straight golden tresses behind her ears to show off her huge hoop earrings.

How to accessorise: The model tucked her poker straight golden tresses behind her ears to show off her huge hoop earrings

Confident in her height: The starlet didn't boost her already statuesque frame as she sashayed through the Big Apple's streets in trainers

The catwalk queen shielded her eyes with on-trend circular sunglasses in the sun as she flashed her movie star smile.

The Kingsman: The Golden Circle continues the story of a secret agent organisation.

Disaster strikes when their headquarters are destroyed and the world is under the clutches of the enemy.

In the face of devastation, the spies must team up with an elite force to defeat them.

Sunny spell: The catwalk queen shielded her eyes with on-trend circular sunglasses in the sun as she flashed her movie star smile

Catwalk queen: The fashionista dressed down her jacket and trouser combo with a white T-shirt with a logo emblazoned across her chest

Poppy joins the likes of Hollywood heartthrob Colin Firth and Welsh actor Taron Egerton who are reprising their roles in the movie.

The beauty landed her debut role in Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword as she moves away from modelling into the acting sphere.

As for romance, Poppy has been loved up with her husband James Cook who she has hailed as the 'best date ever' on Instagram after a recent glitzy showbiz event.

Star-studded: Poppy joins the likes of Hollywood heartthrob Colin Firth and Welsh actor Taron Egerton who are reprising their roles in the movie

The couple are going stronger than ever, having toasted to their third anniversary together in May earlier this year.

James popped the question to his stunning girlfriend in October 2012.

The lovebirds went onto exchange their vows in a lavish ceremony at St. Paul's Church, in Knightsbridge, London in May 2014.

They then enjoyed a honeymoon in Marrakech, Morocco, where their second ceremony took place.

From modelling to movie star: The beauty landed her debut role in Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
She was at the Toronto International Film Festival promoting her movie Mary Shelley on Sunday.

On Tuesday, Elle Fanning was back in New York where she was spotted looking very casual as she went out for a stroll.

The 19-year-old donned a baggy white T-shirt with the PayDay Racing slogan emblazoned across the front.

Totally laid back: Elle Fanning looked casual when she was seen went out in NY on Tuesday

She teamed it with equally baggy white cotton pants, turned up at the ankle, and white sneakers.

The beautiful blonde pulled her tresses back into a loose bun with tendrils falling around her make-up free face.

And she listened to music on her smart phone as she went on her way.

Elle, who is Dakota Fanning's younger sister, looked very different on Sunday when she donned a stylish gray jacket and matching below-the-knee culottes for a lunchtime event at TIFF.

Keeping it simple: The 19-year-old donned a baggy white T-shirt with the PayDay Racing slogan emblazoned across the front

Max on comfort: The blonde teamed her tee with equally baggy white pants and sneakers

The slender star completed her look with a white blouse with red trim on the collar, a black string tie and white sneakers.

In Mary Shelley, the young actress plays the famously unconventional author who wrote Frankenstein in 1817 when she was just 22.

The movie follows her love affair with poet Percy Shelley, played by Douglas Booth.

Casual chic: Elle looked very different on Sunday when she donned a stylish gray jacket and matching below-the-knee culottes for a lunchtime event at the Toronto Film Festival

She told the Toronto Star: 'After filming this movie I felt older, like...I felt wiser, like Id learned something.'

Elle went on: 'I do feel after filming I started a new chapter in my life, of knowing what it is to be a woman, maybe, realizing that gift.'

Mary Shelley was released in the UK on July 6 but has yet to set a US release date.
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Tuesday night's Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief telethon brought together stars from around the world in a bid to raise millions of dollars for those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

The hour-long special included performances and messages from A-list celebrities including: Beyonce, Justin Bieber, George Clooney, Cher, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx, all asking viewers to donate to help with relief from the disastrous storms that hit the southern US.

Although the telethon was first announced amid the devastation from Harvey, it was expanded to raise money for victims of Irma, which struck parts of Florida. Estimates from various groups have said that both hurricanes caused between $150 billion and $290 billion in damage to Texas and Florida.

More than 60 people died during Harvey and 12 deaths have been reported in the US from Irma.

In the first hour of the special, generous viewers opened their wallets and raised more than $14million for victims of the storms, according to Billy Crystal.

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Heavy hitters: Cher and George Clooney were among the many stars who took part in the Hand In Hand hurricane relief telethon Tuesday night to help the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma

TV benefit: Stevie Wonder kicked off the one-hour special that aired on all major networks, as well as on cable and online, with a rendition of Lean On Me with a gospel choir

Had a message: He offered up a prayer for unity and asked that those who deny climate change would 'open their eyes'

Star studded: 'Tonight we want to help,' said Leonardo DiCaprio while Jamie Foxx added: 'We're here to raise money and lift some spirits'

Stevie Wonder opened the special, which was broadcast on all major networks, by offering a prayer. In it, Wonder stated that love conquers division and asked that those who deny global warming wake up and open their eyes.

He then launched into the song Lean On Me with a gospel choir adding back-up vocals.

From there, other stars offered their own messages of hope and pleas of help to those watching.

Beyonce, in a recorded message, stated that racial divisions, skin color and gender differences all disappear as people come together to help one another.

She also warned that climate change and its impacts on the world are real.

'Natural disasters dont discriminate. They dont see if you're an immigrant, black or white, Jewish or Muslim, rich or poorWe're all in this together,' Beyonce said.

'Tonight we come together in a collective effort to raise our voices, heal our communities, lift out spirits and heal,' the Houston native added.

Harvey, which came ashore on August 25 as the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in more than 50 years, has displaced more than one million people and damaged some 200,000 homes in a path of destruction stretching for more than 300 miles.

Hopeful: Beyonce, in a recorded message, stated that racial divisions, skin color and gender differences all disappear as people come together to help one another

Celebrity volunteers: Behind the scene, stars such as (from left to right) Elizabeth Banks Eric McCormack, Tom Hanks, Justin Bieber, Sofia Vergara who were ready to answer phones and take calls

The phone bank was staffed by A-listers including (from left to right) Cher, Billy Crystal, Barbra Streisand, Stephen Colbert and Tyler Perry

Meanwhile in Florida, power outages affected almost five million homes, organizations and businesses, among them gas stations, which need the electricity to keep pumps working. It marks the largest power outage in Florida history.

In the Florida Keys, 25 percent of homes were completely destroyed and Jacksonville saw historic flooding with surge flooding hitting a record 5.57 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

In the city of Naples, where the airport recorded a 142mph gust  the highest recorded in Florida  city officials estimate the storm left behind approximately $100million in damage.

As music played, the camera panned to stars, including Oprah, Kate Hudson and DJ Kahled, waiting to take phone calls from people wanting to donate to the charities handpicked to benefit from the night's efforts.

Best friends Julia Roberts and George Clooney sat next to each to other. Meanwhile late night host Stephen Colbert rubbed shoulders with Barbra Streisand.

Helping out: Oprah Winfrey was enthusiastic about taking calls and donations

Kate Hudson kept busy taking calls in Los Angeles for the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

DJ Khaled brought along his young son to help out for the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Stars such as (from left to right) Josh Groban, Marcia Gay Harden and Jeremy Renner all helped out holding signs that read 'Call Me' or 'Donate Now'

Travis Scott sat next to Seinfeld's Jason Alexander at the Hand in Hand telethon

Following the cavalcade of celebrities, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx then explained what the evening was about.

'Tonight we want to help,' said DiCaprio, whose foundation donated $1million to the United Way Harvey Recovery Fund.

'We're here to raise money and lift some spirits,' said Foxx. 'When tough times hit this is who we are .... when we join together hand in hand.'

'Let's help lift victims out of the darkness,' DiCaprio urged.

Cher and Oprah Winfrey shared a story of heartbreak from Hurricane Harvey in Texas

Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman appeared from Nashville and shared another story of tragedy from the hurricane in Texas

The Pretty Little Liars co-stars took a photo with Luke Brian which Witherspoon posted to Instagram

Blake Shelton and Usher sang a duet of Stand By Me for the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Tori Kelly and Despacito's Luis Fonsi sang a bilingual version of Hallelujah for the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Justin Timberlake narrated stories from the floods for the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Oprah Winfrey and Cher, followed by Reese Witherspoon with Nicole Kidman, recounted horrific and tragic tales from the hurricane in Texas.

Usher and Blake Shelton then performed the hit Stand By Me together.

The special continued with a mix of live musical performances and tales of heartbreak from the communities most deeply affected by the hurricanes.

Justin Bieber came on stage to lead everyone in prayer.

'Donate, whatever you can, it doesnt have to be much  just whatever you can possibly give,' he told folks watching at home.

Justin Bieber appeared on stage to offer a prayer for those in need at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Bieber then joined Gwen Stefani and Sofia Vergara on phone answering duties at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Tom Hanks was joined by wife Rita Wilson to encourage donations at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Diddy and Kerry Washington joined in the appeal for money at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Hilary Duff and Kelly Rowland got to chat as they prepared to answer calls at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Sam Smith beamed as he chatted to a potential donar on Tuesday evening

James Bond star Daniel Craig made his presence felt at the event on Tuesday

The Rock spoke about how his family had survived Hurricane Andrew that hit Florida in 1992, and said any donation, no matter how small, would make a difference.

'There are no strangers in the aftermath of a hurricane,' he said. 'No political parties, no agendasIts all about survival and coming together as one because thats all that matters.'

Will Smith spoke of the heroism of those who went to the aid of others when the hurricanes hit.

'In recent days, we've witnessed all kinds of American champions across our nation standing together hand in hand and facing down real danger,' Smith said.

'These American heroes have saved lives and restored faith in so many ways.'

Will Smith spoke of the heroism of those who went to the aid of others when the hurricanes hit

Selena Gomez also shared a recorded message at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Clooney reunited with his Ocean's Eleven co-star to urge folks watching Tuesday night's Hand In Hand telethon to dig deep into their pockets

Gwen Stefani and Dennis Quaid delivered a heartfelt message at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Jared Leto sported a Lone Star state T-shirt as he showed up to volunteer at the Hand in Hand hurricane relief telethon

Robert De Niro joined Jon Stewart to remind viewers of the best of America.

'There are those who say we are a nation divided,' De Niro said.

But, Stewart added: 'We're sure of who we are and what matters - to help those in need and who we've never met.'

Harking back to the 16th anniversary of 9/11 on Monday, DeNiro recalled: 'We showed the world the enduring values that define us as a people.'

Robert De Niro joined Jon Stewart to remind viewers of the best of America and harking back to 9/11 said: 'We showed the world the enduring values that define us as a people'

The Rock spoke about how his family had survived Hurricane Andrew that hit Florida in 1992, and said any donation, no matter how small, would make a difference

The telethon aired live on the East Coast from 8 to 9 p.m. on all the main networks plus some cable channels, Twitter, YouTube and social media networks. During that time, more than $14 million was raised for hurricane relief.

The telethon will be repeated on the West Coast and the donation hotline will stay open through the night.

During the telecast, it was announced that Michael Dell of Dell Technologies and Verizon are covering the production costs.

Texan Matthew McConaughey helped close out the telethon from the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas

There followed a performance by George Strait with Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett

Celebrities joined in and performed live from New York Los Angeles and Nashville with a special finale from Texas.

Matthew McConaughey joined the telethon live from the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas.

He introduced a special performance by country legend George Strait who was joined on stage by Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett.

Demi Lovato, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and CeCe Winans ended the special with a rousing rendition of The Beatles' With a Little Help from My Friends

The final song was introduced by Tim McGraw and Faith HIll from the Grand Ole Opry

Lovato and Paisley shared a laugh on stage in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry

Luke Bryan and McGraw had time to catch up with each other at the Grand Ole Opry House during the telecast

Reese Witherspoon caught up with Randy Travis at the Grand Ole Opry

The one-hour show ended with The Beatles classic With A Little Help From My Friends delivered in rousing fashion on stage in Nashville by Demi Lovato, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and CeCe Winans.

To raise even more awareness, the stars took to social media to share snaps with each other to their fans who may have not been watching TV.

Sofia Vergara shared a photo where she basked in Oprah's glory, writing: 'I'm stalking @oprah while waiting to answer your call!!'

Basking in Oprah's glory: Sofia Vergara shared this photo to Instagram, writing: 'I'm stalking @oprah while waiting to answer your call!!'

Thankful: Lupita Nyong'o celebrated the early figure of $14 million raised, writing: 'Bruce Willis and I say thank you!'

Winning pair: Kerry Washington urged her 4.1 million followers to give a call as she sat with Jared Leo at the telethon

L-O-Leto: Jared shared a sillier snap with the Scandal star to Snapchat as he gave fans a glimpse behind the scenes

Up close and personal: Jared seemed starstruck by the Pretty Woman Julia Roberts herself, writing 'The one and only'

The (little) man of the hour: The Oscar winner had to get a snap with DJ Khaled and his adorable son Asahd

Squad: Lily Aldridge gave her 5.1 million Instagram followers a glimpse of her fellow Victoria's Secret model friend Karlie Kloss

Money moves: Nicki Minaj scanned the room as the celebrity pledges took phone calls from those donating via telephone
She is a fan-favourite to win The Bachelor Matty Johnson's heart.

But Laura Byrne may not be as innocent as previously thought, with an insider claiming she is 'cold, calculating and looking for nothing but fame'.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, the well-placed source insisted: 'Laura is on there for self-promotion and not for love.'

'The other girls knew she was on there to plug her company': Laura Byrne may not be as innocent as previously thought, with an insider claiming she is cold, calculating and looking for nothing but fame

'The other girls knew she was on there to plug her company, and rise in her social standing,' they continued.

'She is snobby, at times rude, and very short with people. She is a smart woman, but cold and calculating.'

'While the other girls were warm and polite to the wait-staff, Laura rarely said 'thank you'', they added.

'Snobby, at times rude, and very short with people': Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, the well-placed source insisted: 'Laura is on there for self-promotion and not for love'

All for show? The spy went on to claim that Matty is similarly 'fame hungry' and that he and Laura know how to play up to the cameras to create the appearance of romance

The spy went on to claim that Matty is similarly 'fame hungry' and that he and Laura know how to play up to the cameras to create the appearance of romance.

'Matty is 100 per cent trained. He is taught how to act, but more importantly how to speak,' they revealed.

'Laura and Matty know how to give the producers what they want.'

Tension? It comes days after another insider told Daily Mail Australia that Laura had caused an argument among the contestants after telling Matty that fellow front-runner Tara Pavlovic would prefer to date the 'hot waiter'

It comes days after another insider told Daily Mail Australia that Laura had caused an argument among the contestants after telling Matty that fellow front-runner Tara Pavlovic would prefer to date the 'hot waiter'.

'There was a cocktail party where Laura called out to Matty as he was walking off with Tara to have a one-on-one, 'Don't worry Matty, she prefers Derek over you anyway!'' they claimed.

'This led to a massive argument between many of the girls,' they said, adding: 'Flo took Laura into another room and told her off, which made her (Laura) cry.'
Disgraced reality star Josh Duggar and his wife Anna have welcomed their fifth child - a boy named Mason.

The news was announced on the Duggar Family's official Instagram account on Tuesday along with a photo of the newborn.

'Our newest grandson is here!! Mason Garrett Duggar! You can see his first picture on our family website' the accompanying caption reads.

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Disgraced reality star Josh Duggar and his wife Anna have welcomed their fifth child - a boy named Mason. The couple are pictured

The tiny tot is seen cuddled up in a knitted blanket and matching cream beanie.

It's some happy news for the couple after a troubling couple of years which saw Josh, 29, enter rehab after admitting to molesting four of his sisters when he was a teenager and admitting to sleeping with women outside his marriage.

In 2015, the 19 Kids And Counting family had their reality show pulled from TLC after revelations that Josh had molested his sisters as well as a babysitter.

The news was announced on the Duggar Family's official Instagram account on Tuesday along with a photo of the newborn

That same year, it was discovered that the disgraced star had an account on adultery website Ashley Madison when it's database was hacked.

He later confessed to having affairs and a porn addiction when it was alleged he had accounts on the infamous affair site and two women came forward to claim he had paid them for sex.

At the time, Anna, 29, had just given birth to her fourth child, daughter Meredith Grace.

Last month Josh and Anna were spotted on a rare family outing in Illinois.

In 2015, the 19 Kids And Counting family had their reality show pulled from TLC after revelations that Josh had molested four of his sisters as well as a babysitter

A very pregnant Anna posted a photo that showed her and Josh with their daughter Mackynzie and son Michael, their older two children, at a Patch the Pirate show, which was held at the same facility where Josh attended rehab.

The group was also joined by Josh's father Jim Bob and his brothers John David, a pilot, Justin and Josiah, with the family flying up to Rockford from Arkansas in their new twin-engine plane.

In her post about the family trip, Anna shared a link to promote the rehab facility her husband attended, Reformers Unanimous, saying she is 'grateful' for their ministry.

Anna also tagged Dr. Paul Kingsbury, who founded Reformers Unanimous.

Last month Josh and Anna were spotted on a rare family outing in Illinois. (l to r: Josh, Anna, Jim Bob, Patch the pirate, Mackynzie, Josiah, Michael, Justin, and John-David)

Josh flew off to the faith-based rehab facility in September of 2015 and stayed there until April of the following year, and in the year since his return to Arkansas has managed to avoid any major scandals.

The Duggars have been hard at work trying to rebuild their reality empire over the past two years, which was destroyed after Josh's child molester past.

In the wake of that scandal, and the revelation that patriarch Jim Bob did not formally report the incident to law enforcement, TLC not only cancelled the family's popular reality show 19 Kids and Counting after nine seasons but also announced that they would no longer air any past episodes of the program on the network.

Family portrait: Anna announced she was pregnant in March with her first child since Josh went to rehab after admitting to having affairs and a porn addiction

The network did not keep the family off the air that long however, announcing just a few months later that a new show would launch that December which focused on sisters Jill and Jessa, who were both married and starting their own families.

Those two also admitted in the wake of the molestation scandal that they had been two of their brother's victims, and sat down for an emotional interview in June of last year with Megyn Kelly on Fox News to share their story.

Josh also molested two of his other sisters it was revealed at the time, as well as a fifth girl who was of no relation to the family.
George Clooney reunited with his frequent co-star Julia Roberts to use their star power for good at the Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief in Universal City on Tuesday, which raised over $44M.

The Oscar-winning duo have previously acted together in Ocean's Eleven (2001), Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002), Ocean's Twelve (2004), and Money Monster (2016).

The 49-year-old actress and the 56-year-old actor - who each have twin children at home - both donned black blazers for the fundraiser, which was simultaneously broadcast on ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, CMT, and Twitter.

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Raised over $44M! George Clooney reunited with frequent co-star Julia Roberts to use their star power for good at the Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief in Universal City on Tuesday night

While answering phones at their respective stations inside the AMC Universal CityWalk 19, Julia warmly greeted fellow Oscar winner and legendary pop diva, Cher.

The one-hour charity drive also aired live from New York and Nashville, and featured celebrities like Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the Rebuild Texas Fund, ASPCA, Best Friends, Direct Relief, Feeding Texas, Feeding Florida, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, and United Way.

George also turned up his silver fox charm to the amusement of the 71-year-old Grammy winner flaunting her evergreen cleavage beneath a saucy leopard-print jacket.

Hello again! The Oscar-winning duo have previously acted together in Ocean's Eleven (pictured in 2001), Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Ocean's Twelve, and Money Monster

'Love for you': The 49-year-old actress and the 56-year-old actor - who each have twin children at home - both donned black blazers for the fundraiser

Well suited: The movie star duo let out a laugh in a moment of brevity on the stage

Hey girl! While answering phones at their respective stations inside the AMC Universal CityWalk 19, Julia warmly greeted fellow Oscar winner and legendary pop diva, Cher

Good genes: George also turned up his silver fox charm to the amusement of the 71-year-old Grammy winner flaunting her evergreen cleavage beneath a saucy leopard-print jacket

Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian) took a seat at the telethon next to comedian Billy Crystal, EGOT champ Barbra Streisand, Late Show host Stephen Colbert, and prodigious filmmaker Tyler Perry.

Pop star Gwen Stefani managed to not only cut off the sleeves of her Hand in Hand T-shirt before the telecast, but she also coaxed out the Pretty Woman's mega-watt grin.

As Connie Britton, David Spade, and Adam Sandler answered phones - Canadian crooner Justin Bieber caught up with OWN CEO Oprah Winfrey seated beside Modern Family's Sofia Vergara.

It was the 23-year-old singer's own manager Scooter Braun and Houston rapper Bun B who organized the live one-hour charity drive.

In the hot seat! Cher took a seat at the telethon next to comedian Billy Crystal, EGOT champ Barbra Streisand, Late Show host Stephen Colbert, and prodigious filmmaker Tyler Perry

All smiles: Gwen Stefani managed to not only cut off the sleeves of her Hand in Hand T-shirt before the telecast, but she also coaxed out the Pretty Woman's mega-watt grin

Canadian crooner: As Connie Britton, David Spade, and Adam Sandler answered phones - Justin Bieber caught up with OWN CEO Oprah Winfrey seated beside Sofia Vergara

Bros: The 23-year-old pop star flashed devil horns beside fellow millennial, Joe Jonas

Man with a plan: It was Justin's manager Scooter Braun (2-R), who organized the live one-hour charity drive which drew Tom Hanks (L) and his wife Rita Wilson (2-L)

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the Rebuild Texas Fund, ASPCA, Best Friends, Direct Relief, Feeding Texas, Feeding Florida, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, and United Way.

Also spotted manning the phones in California were Scandal's Kerry Washington looking cozy with Oscar winner Jared Leto, who sported a burly beard and motorcycle jacket.

In between calls, the 40-year-old Emmy nominee took a spirited selfie with Connie Britton, Elizabeth Banks, and Meghan Trainor.

Deepwater Horizon's Kate Hudson proudly showcased her new buzzcut hairdo - for a role in a film project with Sia - as she took calls.

Call me! One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the Rebuild Texas Fund, ASPCA, Best Friends, Direct Relief, Feeding Texas, Feeding Florida, Habitat for Humanity, and more

Twosome: Also spotted manning the phones in California were Scandal's Kerry Washington looking cozy with Oscar winner Jared Leto, who sported a burly beard and motorcycle jacket

Say hand in hand! In between calls, the 40-year-old Emmy nominee took a spirited selfie with Connie Britton, Elizabeth Banks, and Meghan Trainor

Double handed: Deepwater Horizon's Kate Hudson proudly showcased her new buzzcut hairdo - for a role in a film project with Sia - as she took calls

Can't stop the feeling: Justin Timberlake urged fans to call in as somber footage of hurricane victims displaced by flooding played on a screen behind him

Can't Stop the Feeling hitmaker Justin Timberlake urged fans to call in as somber footage of hurricane victims displaced by flooding played on a screen behind him.

Stages singer Josh Groban, Code Black's Marcia Gay Harden, and Wind River's Jeremy Renner all held up signs reading 'call me' and 'donate now' to encourage sympathetic viewers.

Power Rangers' Bryan Cranston sported a Hand in Hand basbeball cap alongside Dancing with the Stars judge Julianne Hough.

Among those performing on the West Coast was Sing stunner Tori Kelly, who sang a cover of Leonard Cohen's 1984 spiritual, Hallelujah.

Hitting all the right notes: Sam Smith beamed as he chatted to a potential donar

Fundraising: Robert De Niro and Gayle King took to the phones

Giving back: Tracy Morgan smiled as he sat behind legendary actor Al Pacino and Robert De Niro

Giving back: Leonardo DiCaprio and Jourdan Dunn lent a helping hand at the event

Talented trio: Stages singer Josh Groban, Code Black's Marcia Gay Harden, and Wind River's Jeremy Renner all held up signs reading 'call me' and 'donate now' to encourage viewers

Breaking baddie: Power Rangers' Bryan Cranston sported a Hand in Hand basbeball cap alongside Dancing with the Stars judge Julianne Hough

I spy: James Bond star Daniel Craig made his presence felt at the event on Tuesday

American Idol alum: Among those performing on the West Coast was Sing stunner Tori Kelly, who sang a cover of Leonard Cohen's 1984 spiritual, Hallelujah

Texas twosome: And Younger's Hilary Duff took calls beside former Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland in LA

Plenty to talk about: Catherine Zeta-Jones joined an array of stars at the event

And Younger's Hilary Duff took calls beside former Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland in LA.

Meanwhile in Manhattan, a different Oscar-winning duo - Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx, discussed the dire effects of climate change at ABC News' Times Square Studio.

It was a surprisingly serious moment from the perpetually-single Hollywood bad boys better known for living large with yachts and private jets.

Bronx-raised rapper Nicki Minaj looked demure and ladylike in her red-patterned woolen mini-dress at the East Coast branch.

Pairing up: Meanwhile in Manhattan, a different Oscar-winning duo - Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx, discussed the dire effects of climate change at ABC News' Times Square Studio

Carbon footprint? It was a surprisingly serious moment from the perpetually-single Hollywood bad boys better known for living large with yachts and private jets

Sitting pretty: Bronx-raised rapper Nicki Minaj looked demure and ladylike in her red-patterned woolen mini-dress at the East Coast branch

All that jazz! There was also a Chicago reunion in the Big Apple as Richard Gere joined forces with his former castmate Catherine Zeta-Jones

Moore please! Actress Julianna was in high spirits while helping raise funds at the event

There was also a Chicago reunion in the Big Apple as Richard Gere joined forces with his former castmate Catherine Zeta-Jones.

British belter Sam Smith posed with Orange Is the New Black scene stealer Uzo Aduba, who went sleeveless in a canary-yellow summer dress.

Other New Yorkers lending their star power included Live co-host Ryan Seacrest, IMG Model Karlie Kloss, and Oscar winner Julianne Moore.

Hand in Hand also enlisted Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott and Seinfeld alum Jason Alexander, who formed quite the odd couple.

Model behavior: Karlie Kloss got involved at the event on Tuesday evening

Goodness of their hearts: British belter Sam Smith posed with Orange Is the New Black scene stealer Uzo Aduba, who went sleeveless in a canary-yellow summer dress

Model citizens: Other New Yorkers lending their star power included Live co-host Ryan Seacrest, IMG Model Karlie Kloss, and Oscar winner Julianne Moore

Pick up the phone! Hand in Hand also enlisted Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott and Seinfeld alum Jason Alexander, who formed quite the odd couple

Foxy: James Foxx helped man the phones during Tuesday evening's event

Meanwhile in Nashville, Big Little Lies castmates Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman held down the Southern branch at Grand Ole Opry House.

Country crooner Luke Bryan also posed with the Oscar-winning ladies as they held up signs urging viewers to call in and contribute.

The New Orleans-born, Nashville-raised 41-year-old seemed genuinely concerned as she took calls from touched people looking to help out.

While Gwen was in LA, Blake Shelton teamed up with R&B singer Usher in Nashville to perform a duet of Ben E. King's 1961 song Stand By Me.

Call on me: Sam Smith, Steve Buscemi and Bruce Willis threw themselves into the task at hand

Let's talk: Lupita Nyong'o and Daniel Craig enjoyed a chat as they waited by the phones

Reunited! Meanwhile in Nashville, Big Little Lies castmates Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman held down the Southern branch at Grand Ole Opry House

'Donate now!' Country crooner Luke Bryan also posed with the Oscar-winning ladies as they held up signs urging viewers to call in and contribute

Can you hear me now? The New Orleans-born, Nashville-raised 41-year-old seemed genuinely concerned as she took calls from touched people looking to help out

I won't be afraid: While Gwen was in LA, Blake Shelton teamed up with R&B singer Usher in Nashville to perform a duet of Ben E. King's 1961 song Stand By Me

Group shot: Taking the Grand Ole stage were (from L-R) Darius Rucker, Tim McGraw, Demi Lovato, Brad Paisley, CeCe Winans, and Faith Hill

Belter: The Dallas-raised 25-year-old used her four-octave pipes to join Paisley, Rucker and Winans for a moving rendition of The Beatles' 1965 anthem With a Little Help from My Friends

Taking the Grand Ole stage were Darius Rucker, Tim McGraw, Demi Lovato, Brad Paisley, CeCe Winans, and Faith Hill.

The Dallas-raised 25-year-old (born Demetria) used her four-octave pipes to join Paisley, Rucker and Winans for a moving rendition of The Beatles' 1965 anthem With a Little Help from My Friends.

Meanwhile in San Antonio, Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey returned to his Texas roots to emcee the Hand in Hand concert at the Majestic Theatre.

Texan: Meanwhile in San Antonio, Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey returned to his Texas roots to emcee the Hand in Hand concert at the Majestic Theatre

Yee-haw! 'The King of Country' George Strait officially headed up the concert - which featured special guests Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett and Robert Early Keen

'The King of Country' George Strait officially headed up the concert - which featured special guests Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett and Robert Early Keen.

Fans can next catch Clooney's sixth feature directorial effort Suburbicon - co-penned by the Coen Brothers - when it hits US theaters October 27 and UK theaters November 24.

And the Smurfs: The Lost Village stunner will next play the artist mother of a fifth grade boy 'with facial differences' in Stephen Chbosky's Wonder, which hits US theaters November 17 and UK theaters December 8.

At the helm on October 17 (L): Fans can next catch Clooney's sixth feature directorial effort Suburbicon when it hits US theaters October 27 and UK theaters November 24
It was supposed to be a money-spinning enterprise.

But now Kendall Jenner is being sued for allegedly using an photograph of rap icon Tupac Shakur and his bitter rival The Notorious BIG on one of her T-shirts without permission.

New York-based snapper Al Pereira filed against her company after discovering his image, which also featured Redman, had been used as a backdrop for a design featuring the face of the professional clotheshorse.

Getting shirty: Kendall Jenner is being sued for allegedly using an image of Tupac on one of her T-shirts without permission

According to TMZ he has submitted papers against her company Kendall Jenner Inc where he claims she had no right to use the image.

The T-shirt played on the fact it featured an image of Tupac and his future rival Notorious BIG, who it has been claimed was behind his 1996 murder, as it also featured the words, 'Trust Nobody.'

The latter rapper, whose real name was Lesane Parish Crooks, was himself shot dead in a drive-by shooting by an unknown assailant in 1997

It is just the latest legal issue for the 21-year-old self-styled entrepreneur over her line of T-shirts.

She is also being sued by a photographer who took a separate image pic of Tupac, while the estate of the Notorious BIG has also threatened to sue

The shirts have since been withdrawn, however that has not satisfied the owners of the original images.

Offending image: She is sued over this shirt which had her image overlaying the photograph

Mr Pereira is a respected snapper who specialises in music, and who has also the team New York Jets' team photographer since 1997.

While he has taken pictures or rock giants such as Paul McCartney, The Who and U2, he is not for his work in the area of hip hop, taking early pictures of acts such as Jay Z Salt-N-Pepa and Big Daddy Kane.

Back in 2007 many of his hip hop photographs were featured in a retrospective exhibition of his work Brooklyn Public Librarys

Ironically, given the current lawsuit, he said at the time: 'I wanted to photograph people whom I thought were important. There was no money in it when I started.

'I did it just for the love of music and photography.'
You can't spell commotion without OC.

And in the mid-season trailer for The Real Housewives Of Orange County, the ladies are revved up for tons of confrontation as the shows twelfth installment rages on.

The clip, shown at the end of Monday night's episode, gives fans a sneak peek of the unrest among the cast mates as the show continues on September 18.

Resolved: Vicki Gunvalson and Tamra Judge have a tearful heart-to-heart in the mid-season trialer for The Real Housewives Of Orange County

Not resolved: Judge can be seen screaming at Gunvalson: 'I loved you as a friend and you chose him over me'

Original Housewife Vicki Gunvalson has been locked in a bitter feud with Tamra Judge for the bulk of season twelve, but reached out to her former friend on Monday night's episode to grab coffee and try to make amends.

In the mid-season trailer, the ladies are seen sitting next to each other at dinner looking chummy again as Vicki extends her apologies to cast mate Shannon Beador, who she has also been in a fight with.

'I just want to literally tell you I'm sorry,' Vicki can be seen telling Beador from across the table at a dinner.

Friends again?: The ladies appeared chummy during a dinner during a girls trip to Iceland

Making good: Gunvalson also extended her apologies to Shannon Beador after their fight

Stunned: Beador doesn't seem to know how to take the apology, the women have been locked in a bitter feud since Gunvalson spread rumors that Shannon's husband beat her

A real showdown: The ladies witness a live viking fight during dinner on their trip in Iceland

Shannon and Vicki's falling out occurred after Vicki spread rumors about Shannon's marriage, claiming her husband David 'beat' her.

Throughout season twelve, Beador has repeatedly named Vicki as the reason she has gained weight, in one scene grabbing her stomach and saying 'This is stress and that is Vicki Gunvalson.'

It's unclear if Vicki's apology is accepted by Beador from the trailer.

As for Vicki's on-again, off-again relationship with former bestie Tamra, they have a tearful heart-to-heart where things seem to be back on track where Vicki tells Tamra, ''You're like my sister, you're my family.'

'Dysfunction to the highest degree': Gunvalson looks to have had enough of the drama as she blasts the current group dynamics

Up in smoke: Judge takes a hookah hit with Beador and exclaims 'we need the marijuana'

They may have unfinished business, though, as Tamra can later be seen screaming at Gunvalson: ' I loved you as a friend and you chose him over me.'

The peace appears to be short lived as Vicki is seen shouting: 'I am not going to allow that b**** Tamra to sit there and call me a liar.'

The cast, which also includes Lydia McLaughlin, Kelly Dodd, Meghan King Edmonds and Peggy Sulahian head for a girls trip to Iceland where they witness a live viking fight show, to which Dodd jokes: 'That was me and Tamra!'

Dodd and Judge had seemed to fix their problems, but they may have issues again now that Kelly was shown partaking in a conversation about Tamra's husband Eddie possibly being gay on Monday's episode.

Showing off: Dodd gets plaster applied to her breasts during one scene on a balcony overlooking the beach

Smaller: Dodd mentioned in Monday night's episode she was getting her 32 G breasts reduced

Vicki is seen in another setting, blasting the in-fighting between the ladies as 'dysfunction to the highest degree.'

At another dinner, Dodd takes new Houewife Peggy Sulahian to task over rumors she had cancer, to which Sulahian rolls her eyes at the topic being brought up.

Kelly faces her own health problems in the trailer, being shown unresponsive on an operating table while undergoing the breast reduction surgery she mentioned in Monday night's episode.

Uh oh: Dodd is shown unresponsive on an operating table in the new trailer

She's OK: Despite the scary scene in the trailer, Kelly is alive and well

Back in May, Dodd had her breasts downsized from 32 G's. One shot in the trailer shows Kelly topless on a patio overlooking the beach.

Lydia appears to square off with several of the other Housewives in the trailer, throwing a menu in the direction of Tamra and Shannon before storming off from a meal in Iceland.

Shannon scolds Peggy for a comment made at yet another dinner, saying: 'You weren't there, you did not hear what my husband said.'

Peggy is quick to shoot back at Shannon: 'Do you trust your husband?'

Beador does not take the comment about David, who admitted to having an affair, lightly, warning Peggy: 'Don't go there.'

She's mad too: Lydia McLaughlin loses her cool when sat at dinner with Vicky in Iceland
Carey Mulligan has given birth to her second child with husband Marcus Mumford.

And on Tuesday it was back to work for the actress as she attended the premiere of her latest movie Mudbound at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Mulligan, 32, wore a Chanel Pre-Fall 2017 dress and Rupert Sanderson shoes for the outing that came after she confirmed the news to People magazine.

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Body after baby: Carey Mulligan wore a Chanel dress to the Toronto International Film Festival screening of her latest movie Mudbound after confirming she gave birth to her second child

When asked by the mag about being a mother of two, she replied: 'It's good, thank you!'

The Great Gatsby actress and her rocker partner are already parents to two-year-old daughter Evelyn Grace.

Carey Brit never officially confirmed her pregnancy yet she displayed a prominent baby bump on various occasions earlier in the year.

Private: The famously tight-lipped actress hadn't confirmed her pregnancy with second child, her first pregnancy was similarly shrouded in secrecy

The famously tight-lipped actress had not confirmed she was expecting a second child, though her first pregnancy was similarly shrouded in secrecy.

Reports first emerged about a surprise pregnancy in July when super-slim Carey was suddenly spotted with a rounded stomach at hot spot Sexy Fish.

She and husband Marcus, who married in 2012, welcomed their first child Evelyn in 2015, three years after tying the knot.

Slim: Her navy red carpet gown highlighted her tiny waist with a belt hugging her post-baby body

Do the wave: Carey was joined inside by her Mudbound co-star Mary J Blige for the screening

The couple's story is a romantic one: they were childhood pen pals who lost touch but later reconnected as adults.

On April 21, the pair celebrated their five year wedding anniversary, having wed in 2012 a few days after the movie Inside Llewyn Davis wrapped production - on which they were both working.

Carey has previously spoken about her daughter with New York Daily News, in which she said that the life lesson she'd teach Evelyn Grace would be: 'No make-up, no piercings, no tattoos.'

Happy parents: Carey Mulligan and husband Marcus Mumford are photographed in 2012

Mudbound is a film set to premiere on Netflix and in select theaters on November 17.

According to the Huffington Post, the drama is 'the story of white farmers and the black sharecroppers who work for them; two families struggling to make homes for themselves on a plantation in the Jim Crow South.'

Netflix reportedly paid $12.5 million for the film, which reportedly received a lot of buzz at the Sundance Film Festival.

Buzz: Mary J poses with co-star Garrett Hedlund, Netflix reportedly paid $12.5 million for their film, which received favorable reviews at the Sundance Film Festival

The film also stars Mary J Blige and Garrett Hedlund, who also attended the screening at TIFF.

Despite the actress' successful career - which saw her nominated for an Oscar for An Education in 2009 - she recently revealed her nerves at dealing with fame.

She told So It Goes magazine: 'I would do red carpets and be a wreck by the end; I found it awful and weird, standing there in my outfits with my body being judged and my appearance and make-up.

Thumbs up: Hedlund looked happy as he posed for photographers on the red carpet
Mel B was moved to tears during Kechi Okwuchi's performance on America's Got Talent on Tuesday as another round of semi-finalists performed.

Kechi, a plane crash survivor who recovered from severe burns, performed Don't Worry About Me by Frances after dedicating the song to her mother.

'All I want to do is hug youI don't have words,' Howie Mandel told the 27-year-old Houston resident after the emotional track.

No words: Mel B fought back teasers while praising the performance of singer Kechi Okwuchi during the semifinals Tuesday on America's Got Talent

'Your voice speaks wonders, to so many peopleyou are incredible,' sniffed the 42-year-old former Spice Girl.

The emotional outburst comes after it was revealed that Mel B is under investigation for witness tampering by the LAPD in her bitter divorce battle with ex Stephen Belafonte.

The revelation comes on the heels of a revelation that a key witness for Belafonte in the domestic abuse case has filed a report with police after receiving a string of intimidating messages from America's Got Talent judge.

Rapper Siya Sherman has been interviewed by officers in Van Nuys, near LA and has also been questioned by lawyers representing Belafonte.

Best performance: The plane crash survivor performed Don't Worry About Me by Frances after dedicating the song to her mother

Nailed it: Kechi nailed her rendition of the song and stunned the audience and judges

Meanwhile Simon Cowell, 57, said of the Kechi's performance: 'Your best performance by a clear mile.'

'You ruled the stage today, like a queen,' smiled Heidi Klum, 44.

Kechi's song was part of the AGT semifinals - where eleven acts performed for five spots available in the final, plus the chance to win the $1 million prize.

Standing ovation: Howie Mandel, Mel, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell gave Kechi a standing ovation

High praise: Heidi told Kechie that she ruled the stage 'like a queen'

The two-hour show opened with nine-year-old Celine Tam, singing How Far I'll Go from the Disney movie Moana.

'This was a massive step up,' said Simon, who praised her 'control' and key changes.

Mel B didn't think the song showcased Celine's ability adequately, but Heidi called her a 'shining bright star'.

Young talent: Celine Tam belted out How Far I'll Go from Moana with a voice that belied her nine years

Next up was Scottish 'mind reader' Colin Cloud, who described himself as 'the evil twin of Neil Patrick Harris'.

He then guessed the audience tweet Heidi had picked, which had an infinitesimally small chance of happening by luck.

He also proved that he could go undercover with the AGT judges without being noticed.

Mind reader: Colin Cloud pulled off an elaborate routine that left the judges amazed

Tweeted words: Heidi confirmed the audience tweet that she picked out included Cheese, Rome and Ellen

Called it: Colin was shown in a video predicting Heidi would pick the tweet with Cheese, Rome and Ellen

'Are you as freaked out as much as I am right now?' asked Tyra.

'You are a sneaky little bugger!' exclaimed Heidi.

'I've got goosebumps on my goosebumps on my goosebumps,' said Simon, calling it 'creepy, spooky and weird'.

Undercover mission: The mind reader went undercover and held up signs with the three words while interacting with the judges

Flipped it: Numbers that were on the stage the whole time were flipped around to read Cheese, Rome, Ellen

Loved it: Mel congratulated Colin for freaking them all out

'Vote, vote, vote!' chanted Howie passionately.

Sixteen-year-old Christian Guardino, from New York, sang Marvin Gaye's 1971 track What's Going On.

'That's my golden buzzer,' said Howie proudly, calling him 'beautiful inside and out'.

Teen talent: Christian Guardino took on the 1971 Marvin Gaye song What's Going On

Golden buzzer: Howie told his Golden Buzzer pick Christian that he loved him

'I love you young man,' he added.

'That is how you kill it on AGT brother!' yelled Mel.

'Fantastic,' agreed Simon.

All-male military a cappella group In the Stairwell sang Castle On The Hill by British pop star Ed Sheeran.

Military group: In The Stairwell sang Castle On The Hill by British pop star Ed Sheeran

Flying around: Merrick Hanna added a new dimension to his robot routine by flying around

Robot moves: The 12-year-old dancer bopped out to iRobot by Jon Bellion

'You really touch me,' said Mel, noting that she was 'so glad' that they'd kept their 'cheesy, awkward choreography'.

'I think we're going to see you in the finals,' remarked Simon.

'You should be very proud of yourselves,' agreed Heidi.

Twelve-year-old robot dancer Merrick Hanna admitted to being 'robot obsessed'.

Sweet voice: Mandy Harvey sang Release Me and was compared to Adele by Simon

Tender moment: Tyra leaned in as the judges gushed about Mandy's emotional performance

He bopped out to iRobot by Jon Bellion, with some aerial lifts.

'You were flying in the sky there,' exclaimed Tyra, 43.

'I'm a huge fan of you Merrick,' said Simon, who called him 'unique'.

Next was deaf performer Mandy Harvey who performed Release Me.

'The vocal, the song, the delivery, the performance was about as good as I've ever seen or heard on one of these shows', Simon told the 29-year-old Ohio resident.

Dog act: The Pompeyo Family performed their eskimo-themed dog routine to Katy Perry's hit song Hot N Cold

'It was honestly breathtakingthis reminds me of the first time I ever heard Adele sing,' he told her emphatically.

'You move us emotionallyyou make music more powerful than it is,' agreed Howie, 61.

'This was your best performance yet,' said Heidi.

Dog trainers The Pompeyo Family did an eskimo-themed set to Katy Perry's Hot N Cold.

Pooch lover: Simon admitted the routine was 'insane' but said he would still vote for it

Eye popping: Diavolo danced around a moving stage to Sign Of The Times by Harry Styles

Pooch lover Simon said: 'The whole thing is insane, but I love animals so I would still give you a vote'.

'You guys bring joy to my heart, every time,' beamed Heidi.

'A little chaotic,' noted Howie.

'It was messy, but your dogs are just adorable,' Mel told the Florida-based family.

Great reviews: Tyra stood by Diavolo as the judges raved about their routine

Paris-born dancer Diavolo and his group performed to Sign Of The Times by Harry Styles.

'You guys came to win, this is a million dollar act,' yelled Heidi.

'My eyes were popping out of my head,' said Mel, calling it 'seamless perfection.

Even Simon admitted he was 'gobsmacked'.

Light show: Light Balance bounced back from technical difficulties

Simply stunning: Tyra's golden buzzer pick wowed the judges

Tyra's golden buzzer act Light Balance was hampered by technical difficulties last time.

They redeemed themselves with a powerful explosion of movement in neon.

'My respect, my congratulations,' said Simon, calling it 'stunning'.

'I want to go to Vegas and see your name up in lights,' agreed Howie.

Vocal powerhouse: Ten-year-old singer Angelica Hale belted out Without You by David Guetta

Playing favorites: Heidi revealed that Angelica was her 'personal favorite'

'Like dancing, rainbow chakrasI didn't want it to stop,' said Mel.

Ten-year-old vocal powerhouse Angelica Hale belted out Without You by David Guetta.

'You owned it, it wasn't perfect but you definitely owned it,' said Mel.

'You are my personal favorite,' Heidi told her.

Sweet girl: Angelica reacted as Heidi said she was her favorite

'You are the sweetest little thing,' said Simon while Howie praised her 'control' and 'range'.

AGT returns Wednesday on NBC and five finalists will be named for next week's season 12 finale.

Grace VanderWaal, 13, won season eleven in September 2016.

Stunner: Heidi put on a sexy display as she arrived on the red carpet, wearing a Heidi Klum Intimates bodysuit under her Brandon Maxwell jacket
News / National

by Staff reporter

SIX suspects, who include a Zimbabwean and six South Africans, have been arrested over the alleged murder of an elderly South African couple in the Mokopane area, south of Beitbridge, on August 19 this year.The Zimbabwean, Vision Bhokodisa (42), is believed to have once worked at the couple's Immerpan Farm."He (Bhokodisa) was arrested with Mhlabane Bheki (30), Mbuyane Mpho Panuel (33), Nkosi Dumisani (33), Shabane Ntando (29), Mlazi Sfiso (36) and Phiri Nhlanhla Willis (37) all from Mpumalanga Province," said Limpopo police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Moatbshe Ngoepe in a statement yesterday."Police were notified and subsequently a manhunt ensued until this major breakthrough was made. During the arrest, a rifle, magazine, shotgun and ammunition were recovered," he said.The bullet-riddled bodies of Piet van Zyl (69) and his wife Tilla (66) were found on their farm, Kalkpoort Game Farm, in the Immerpan area the following morning.This came exactly one year and six days after Van Zyl's arrest on allegations of illegal rhino horn trading.Police said they suspect that the couple was asleep when the suspects broke the door of their bedroom, ransacked the house and later shot them after tying their hands together.
Things got steamy between Aly and creepy babysitter Winter on Tuesdays' episode of American Horror Story: Cult.

Aly [Sarah Paulson] despite being married to Ivy [Alison Pill] appeared to be teetering on an affair with Winter [Billie Lourd] who leaned in to wash her during a bath.

Winter earlier suggested 'red wine and bath salts' to calm Aly's frayed nerves.

Getting steamy: Aly [Sarah Paulson] was washed by her babysitter Winter [Billie Lourd] during Tuesday's episode of American Horror Story: Cult

Aly was surprised by Winter who returned after putting her charge Oz to bed and then began washing Aly's naked body.

'This is between us,' Winter said softly.

At that moment Aly's Michigan home was thrown into darkness with a blackout that her new neighbor attributed to 'terrorism'.

Winter left, leaving Aly to discover that her wiring had been severed and a slew of evil clowns were inside her home.

Leaning in: Winter and Aly leaned into each other during a steamy bath

Soaping up: Aly allowed Winter to wash her back with a bar of soap

Big tub: Winter suggested that Aly take a hot bath to dissolve her stress

She grabbed her son Ozzy [Cooper Dodson] and her newly acquired gun, but accidentally shot restaurant chef Pedro who was paying a friendly visit.

The show, titled Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark, opened with Aly and Ivy searching for intruders in their home, while brandishing huge knives.

When they found nothing Aly exclaimed: 'This can't be in my imagination'.

Killer clown: A clown startled Aly after her house was throw into darkness

Running scared: Aly during the blackout was attacked by clowns and grabbed her son Oz to make a run for it

Gun owner: The new gun owner fired at what she thought was an intruder but turned out to be her restaurant worker Pedro

'I don't know how much more of this I can take,' said Ivy.

While they embraced Ozzy got spooked by a nightmare of Twisty the homicidal clown [John Carroll Lynch] who warned him: 'Scream and I'll kill you'.

'The clowns were going to kill me,' he told his moms.

Cut to news footage of blue-haired fascist Kai Anderson [Evan Peters] who had been 'beaten by immigrants'.

Totally creepy: A clown terrified Aly and Oz during the blackout

Beating victim: Kai Anderson [Evan Peters] announced he was running for city council after recording his beating by immigrants after taunting them

'When President Trump called them criminals and rapists he was viciously attacked by the PC police,' Kai told the press, as he announced his plan to run for city council.

Aly observed her sinister new neighbors Meadow [Leslie Grossman] and Harrison [Billy Eichner] who have a penchant for beekeeping and guns.

Harrison's honeycomb made Aly weak at the knees as her crippling fear of holes kicked in.

New neighbors: Harrison [Billy Eichner] and Meadow [Leslie Grossman] moved into the house across the street from Aly and Ivy where the city councilman was murdered

Fear of holes: A honeycomb triggered Aly's fear of holes

Losing it: Aly got weak in the knees when she focused on the honeycomb

'I read about a beekeeper in California who got killed by his bees,' fretted Aly.

Meadow and Harrison then cheerfully spilled their guts about cancer, bankruptcy and their TV tastes over lemonade.

'We don't scare easily,' they told Aly, who was concerned about the large barrels the couple were storing.

Opening up: Harrison and Meadow opened up about ther relationship of convenience

In bed: Oz was in bed when he was startled by a clown

Double trouble: Two clowns appeared in front of Oz

The creepy neighbors later revealed a huge arsenal of weapons to Ally.

'I got one [gun] and it was like potato chips, I had to have anotherI find them very phallic,' Harrison told her, suggesting she take one to 'feel safe again'.

Oz and Winter discussed his witnessing of the murders.

Gun collection: Aly took possession of a gun from Harrison's vast collection

She made him pinky grip with her.

'You're going to give me your fear Oz, I'm going to keep it for you, it's going to make us both stronger,' she declared.

Meanwhile mutiny was brewing in the restaurant with Aly refusing to fire Pedro after he raised a knife during a kitchen confrontation with co-worker Roger.

Worst nanny: Winter made Oz pinky grip with her and confide his fears

Truth serum: Aly told Oz that they were connected and she would know if he was lying

The alarm was set off that night, so Aly went to disable it.

She was horrified to discover chef Roger hanging by the neck among rows of beef carcasses.

The police tried to pin the blame on cook Pedro who had argued with Roger earlier in the day.

Kitchen confrontation: Roger insulted Pedro who brandished a knife before Aly broke it up

Work alarm: Aly went to check an alarm sounding off at their restaurant business

Hang up: Roger was found hanging by his neck at the restaurant

Back at home Ivy brought Dr. Rudy Vincent [Cheyenne Jackson] to visit Aly, who was unraveling rapidly.

'Did she tell you I'm coming unglued?' she asked her therapist, before confessing that she'd failed to save Roger's life.

'Roger was still alive when I found him, I tried to help him,' she cried.

Therapist visit: Ivy invited Aly's therapist to come over for a visit

Kai then showed up at Aly's door, preaching statistics 'from Facebook' about crimes supposedly committed by illegal immigrants.

He grew aggressive, pulling at Aly's security bars and demanding to be allowed inside.

'It's so easy, until it's you they're coming for,' he growled.

AHS: Cult continues next week on FX with episode three of the seventh season titled Neighbors from Hell.
They are known for their friendship that grew out of starring in HBO's Big Little Lies.

And now Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman are teaming up for a good cause at Tuesday night's Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief kicked off with a call to unity and for an awareness of global warming.

The duo wore matching white T-shirts emblazoned with the event's name as they recounted horrific and tragic tales from the hurricane in Texas.

Friends with a cause: Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman appeared from Nashville and shared another story of tragedy from the hurricane in Texas

Humble beginnings: They are known for their friendship that grew out of starring in HBO's Big Little Lies

Stevie Wonder kicked off the fundraiser as he offered a prayer saying love conquers division and asking that those who deny global warming would wake up and open their eyes.

He then launched into the song Lean On Me with a gospel choir performing back up.

Beyonce, in a recorded message, offered that racial divisions, skin color and gender differences all disappear as people come together to help one another.

Country star Luke Bryan teamed up with the beautiful blondes

Call me! Reese was certainly a popular member of the phone bank

Reese Witherspoon caught up with Randy Travis

Heavy hitters: Cher and George Clooney were among the many stars who took part in the Hand In Hand hurricane relief telethon Tuesday night to help the victims of Harvey and Irma

TV benefit: Stevie Wonder kicked off the one-hour special that aired on all the negtworks as well as on cable and online with a rendition of Lean On Me with a gospel choir

Had a message: He offered up a prayer for unity and asked that those who deny climate change would 'open their eyes'

Star studded: 'Tonight we want to help,' said Leonardo DiCaprio while Jamie Foxx added: 'We're here to raise money and lift some spirits'

She also warned that climate change and its impacts on the world is real.

'Natural disasters dont discriminate. They dont see if youre an immigrant, black or white, Jewish or Muslim, rich or poorWere all in this together,' Beyonce said.

'Tonight we come together in a collective effort to raise our voices, heal our communities, lift out spirits and heal,'the Houston native added.

Hopeful: Beyonce, in a recorded message, offered that racial divisions, skin color and gender differences all disappear as people come together to help one another

Celebrity volunteers: Behind the scenes stars like Eric McCormack, Tom Hanks and Justin Bieber who were ready to answer phones and take calls

The phone bank was staffed by A-listers - from l-r, Cher, Billy Crystal, Barbra Streisand, Stephen Colbert and Tyler Perry

The one-hour special telethon seeks to raise money to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Hurricane Irma in Florida and many of the biggest stars in movies, music and television are taking part.

As the music played, the camera panned the bunch of stars waiting to take phone calls from people wanting to donate to the charities handpicked to benefit from the night's efforts.

Julia Roberts and George Clooney sat next to each to other close to Stephen Colbert who was rubbing shoulders with Barbra Streisand.

Helping out: Oprah Winfrey was enthusiastic about taking calls and donations

Kate Hudson kept busy taking calls in Los Angeles

DJ Khaled brought along his young son to help out

Josh Groban, Marcia Gay Harden and Jeremy Renner all helped out

Travis Scott sat next to Seinfeld's Jason Alexander

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx then explained what the evening was about.

'Tonight we want to help,' said DiCaprio.

'We're here to raise money and lift some spirits,' said Foxx. 'When tough times hit this is who we are .... when we join together hand in hand.'

'Let's help lift victims out of the darkness,' DiCaprio urged.

Cher and Oprah Winfrey shared a story of heartbreak from Hurricane Harvey in Texas

Blake Shelton and Usher did a duet of Stand By Me

Tori Kelly and Despacito's Luis Fonsi did a bilingual version of Hallelujah

Justin Timberlake narrated stories from the floods

Oprah Winfrey and Cher, followed by Reese Witherspoon with Nicole Kidman, recounted horrific and tragic tales from the hurricane in Texas.

Usher and Blake Shelton then performed the hit Stand By Me together.

The special continued with a mix of live musical performances and tales of heartbreak from the communities most deeply affected by the hurricanes.

Justin Bieber came on stage to lead everyone in prayer.

'Donate, whatever you can, it doesnt have to be much  just whatever you can possibly give,' he told folks watching at home.

Justin Bieber appeared on stage to offer a prayer for those in need

Bieber then joined Gwen Stefani and Sofia Vergara on phone answering duties

Tom Hanks was joined by wife Rita Wilson to encourage donations

Diddy and Kerry Washington joined in the appeal for money

Hilary Duff and Kelly Rowland got to chat as they prepared to answer calls

The Rock spoke about how his family had survived Hurricane Andrew that hit Florida in 1992, and said any donation, no matter how small, would make a difference.

'There are no strangers in the aftermath of a hurricane,' he said. 'No political parties, no agendasIts all about survival and coming together as one because thats all that matters.'

Will Smith spoke of the heroism of those who went to the aid of others when the hurricanes hit.

'In recent days, we've witnessed all kinds of American champions across our nation standing together hand in hand and facing down real danger,' Smith said.

'These American heroes have saved lives and restored faith in so many ways.'

Will Smith spoke of the heroism of those who went to the aid of others when the hurricanes hit

Selena Gomez also shared a recorded message

Clooney reunited with his Ocean's Eleven co-star to urge folks watching Tuesday night's Hand In Hand telethon to dig deep into their pockets

Gwen Stefani and Dennis Quaid delivered a heartfelt message

Jared Leto sported a Lone Star State t-shirt as he showed up to volunteer

Robert De Niro joined Jon Stewart to remind viewers of the best of America.

'There are those who say we are a nation divided,' De Niro said.

But, Stewart added: 'We're sure of who we are and what matters - to help those in need and who we've never met.'

Harking back to the 16th anniversary of 9/11 on Monday, DeNiro recalled: 'We showed the world the enduring values that define us as a people.'

Robert De Niro joined Jon Stewart to remind viewers of the best of America and harking back to 9/11 said: 'We showed the world the enduring values that define us as a people'

The Rock spoke about how his family had survived Hurricane Andrew that hit Florida in 1992, and said any donation, no matter how small, would make a difference

The telethon aired live on the East Coast from 8 to 9 p.m. on all the main networks plus some cable channels, Twitter, YouTube and social media networks. During that time, more than $14 million was raised for hurricane relief.

The telethon will be repeated on the West Coast and the donation hotline will stay open through the night.

During the telecast, it was announced that Michael Dell of Dell Technologies and Verizon are covering the production costs.

Texan Matthew McConaughey helped close out the telethon from the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas

There followed a performance by George Strait with Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett

Celebrities joined in and performed live from New York Los Angeles and Nashville with a special finale from Texas.

Matthew McConaughey joined the telethon live from the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas.

He introduced a special performance by country legend George Strait who was joined on stage by Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett.

The one-hour show ended with The Beatles classic With A Little Help From My Friends delivered in rousing fashion on stage in Nashville by Demi Lovato, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and CeCe Winans.

Demi Lovato, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and CeCe Winans ended the special with a rousing rendition of The Beatles' With a Little Help from My Friends

The final song was introduced by Tim McGraw and Faith HIll from the Grand Ole Opry

Lovato and Paisley shared a laugh on stage in Nashville
She's the model known for her showing off her enviable bikini body.

But on Wednesday, Natalie Roser, 27, opted to showcase a more conservative side at the Myer Spring Fashion Lunch, at Flemington Racecourse, in Melbourne.

The former Australia's Next Top Model contestant turned heads in a baby pink dress by designer Yeojin Bae.

Pretty in pastels! Natalie Roser, 27, has showcase her elegant side at the Myer Spring Fashion Lunch, at Flemington Racecourse, in Melbourne

The high waist cut of the frock highlighted her slender figure as she struck a pose for the cameras.

The unusual digital cut out and sleeveless right arm showed off a subtle hint of a bust.

Natalie accessorised the look with a pastel yellow clutch and delicate rings.

She matched the outfit with a pair of nude, strappy heels that showed off her prefect pedicure.

Race day chic: The high waist cut of the frock showcased Natalie's slender figure as she struck a pose for the cameras

Bikini babe: The blonde stunner kept her race day makeup look simple and fresh with a nude lip, defined lashes and strong brows

The blonde stunner also donned a pink and yellow floral headpiece to compliment the tones of her outfit and complete the race day look.

Natalie kept her makeup simple and fresh with a nude lip, defined lashes and strong brows.

This ladylike display comes after she recently flaunted her racier side at a lingerie photo shoot.

Racy! Her lady-like display race day outfit comes after she recently flaunted her racier side at a lingerie photo shoot

She sizzled modelling a lace bra, matching underpants and a set of raunchy thigh-high stockings by designer brand Frederick's Of Hollywood.

Earlier in the year, Natalie revealed to Daily Mail Australia that she and her actor boyfriend Harley Bonner first met on a work trip to New Zealand.

'He's perfect. I could not be happier!' she gushed about her whirlwind romance.
Mindy Kaling glammed up her burgeoning baby bump in a sparkly LBD for the final premiere party for her Hulu sitcom The Mindy Project in West Hollywood on Tuesday night.

The expecting 38-year-old paired her caped-sleeved creation with chrome pumps and diamond jewelry selected by her costumer-turned-stylist Salvador Perez.

Make-up artist Cindy Williams made sure the six-time Emmy nominee - who's keeping the identity of her babydaddy secret - was ready for her close-up with false lashes and a crimson pout.

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Whoa mama! Mindy Kaling glammed up her burgeoning baby bump in a sparkly LBD for the final premiere party for her Hulu sitcom The Mindy Project in West Hollywood on Tuesday

Joining Kaling (born Vera Chokalingam) at the London Hotel were her devoted ensemble Ike Barinholtz, Xosha Roquemore, Fortune Feimster, Beth Grant, and Garret Dillahunt.

It was 67-year-old Beth - who plays Beverly Janoszewski - who spilled the beans to Us Weekly on Friday that Mindy is expecting a daughter.

'It's so unknown to me. I have a lot of control over a lot of aspects of my life, and this is one where Im like, "Okay, it's out of my hands," which is kind of a fun feeling,' the Massachusetts-born funnywoman confessed on Sunday's episode of the Today Show.

'My [late mother Swati] was incredibly fierce and so devoted to us, just loved us and really wanted us to be happy no matter what we did. My career choice was not something that she was familiar with and she was just so supportive of that. And if I could give that to my child, just that open-mindedness, I'd be so happy.'

Bun in the oven: The expecting 38-year-old paired her caped-sleeved creation with chrome pumps and diamond jewelry selected by her costumer-turned-stylist Salvador Perez

Glam: Make-up artist Cindy Williams made sure the six-time Emmy nominee - who's keeping the identity of her babydaddy secret - was ready for her close-up

Cast portrait: Joining Kaling at the London Hotel were her devoted ensemble (from L-R) Ike Barinholtz, Xosha Roquemore, Fortune Feimster, Beth Grant, and Garret Dillahunt

Oops! It was 67-year-old Beth - who plays Beverly Janoszewski - who spilled the beans to Us Weekly on Friday that Mindy is expecting a daughter

Earlier that day, the 'excited' mother-to-be teased a behind-the-scenes snap of her castmates rehearsing a 'super secret and extra special' dance on the Universal Studios lot.

Kaling executive produces and stars as OB/GYN Dr. Mindy Lahiri in the 10-episode sixth (and final) season, which began streaming Tuesday on Hulu.

'I don't think there was ever a moment where I knew definitively that I wanted it to end or that it needed to end, because I love the show so much,' the Dartmouth College grad explained to the LA Times on Tuesday.

'It's one of those things where it felt natural both for the character and me. There's other things in my life where it felt like it was time.'

BTS: Earlier that day, the 'excited' mother-to-be teased a snap of her castmates rehearsing a 'super secret and extra special' dance on the Universal Studios lot

Curtain call: Kaling executive produces and stars as OB/GYN Dr. Mindy Lahiri in the 10-episode sixth (and final) season, which began streaming Tuesday on Hulu

Also attending the Mindy Project bash in red lipstick were brunette Tipper Newton and blonde Rebecca Rittenhouse, who play Karen and Anna, respectively.

Blindspot's Michelle Hurd looked leggy in a blue-and-white patterned short-sleeved mini-dress and white pumps.

And Sleepy Hollow stunner Janina Gavankar bared her back in a metallic halter, wide-leg jumpsuit with a matching envelope clutch.

Talented twosome: Also attending the Mindy Project bash in red lipstick were brunette Tipper Newton and blonde Rebecca Rittenhouse, who play Karen and Anna, respectively

White after Labor Day: Blindspot's Michelle Hurd looked leggy in a blue-and-white patterned short-sleeved mini-dress and white pumps

Silver ensemble: And Sleepy Hollow stunner Janina Gavankar bared her back in a metallic halter, wide-leg jumpsuit with a matching envelope clutch

Somehow the two-time SAG Award winner found time on her busy Tuesday to change into a similarly sparkly purple dress to make an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden alongside Olivia Munn.

'#asiangirlpower!' the Why Not Me author - who boasts 13.7M social media followers - captioned her backstage snap.

'So excited to see my hilarious and talented friend @oliviamunn on @latelateshow tonight!'

Busy! Somehow the two-time SAG Award winner found time on Tuesday to change into a similarly sparkly dress to make an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden
With two episodes of The Bachelor still to air, Tara Pavlovic shocked the competition on Wednesday when she appeared to accidentally reveal she doesn't win Matty J's heart.

Now the Dubbo-based radio hosts, who got her to potentially spoil the finale, have revealed the shocking secrets behind the soon-to-be infamous interview.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, Hit93.5 Dubbo's Pippa Moore and Jimi Love revealed they were shocked.

Spoiled! With two episodes of The Bachelor still to air, Tara Pavlovic appeared to accidentally reveal she doesn't win the show on Wednesday in an interview with a Dubbo radio station

'We had to turn our microphones off!': Now, Hit95.3 FM's Pippa Moore and Jimi Love, who got her to confess to being eliminated have revealed the secrets behind the shocking interview

'We had to turn our microphones off,' they said.

Tara's confession came after they asked her whether she's still in touch with 'waiter' Derek, a staff member on the program, with whom she's been romantically linked.

'We ran into each other the weekend I was eliminated,' the 27-year-old nanny let slip, sparking the hosts to turn their microphones off to confirm what they'd just heard.

'We wanted to open with a juicy question,' Pippa explained. 'So we asked her about the hot waiter, expecting her to just laugh it off, but it all unraveled from there!'

After turning their microphones off, she recounted: 'We looked at each other and thought, have we got our facts wrong? I thought she was still on the show?'

Oh dear! The spoiler happened when Tara was discussing her relationship with Derek, a staff member on the program. 'We ran into each other the weekend I was eliminated,' she said

Wait what? After turning their microphones off, Pippa recounted: 'We looked at each other and thought, have we got our facts wrong? I thought she was still on the show?'

The pair, who remarkably have been hosting the show for just 8-weeks, had the quick wits to probe her further, asking: 'Which position did you come in the show Tara?'

But suddenly, Tara changed her tune and attempted to make amends for her apparent blunder, awkwardly replying: 'Um. I won?'

Clarified? The pair, had the quick wits to probe her further, asking: 'Which position did you come in the show Tara?' as she replied awkwardly: 'Um. I won?'

Whoops! 'I definitely thought it was a backtrack,' Pippa, who confessed to being an avid fan of the show told Daily Mail Australia

And although they let the Queensland-based beauty continue, the pair confirmed they knew something was off with their guests demeanour.

'I definitely thought it was a backtrack,' Pippa, who confessed to being an avid fan of the show told Daily Mail Australia.

But just how did one of the best kept secrets in Australian showbiz seemingly get leaked so easily, after remaining under wraps for months.

How did this happen? But just how did one of the best kept secrets in Australian showbiz seemingly get leaked so easily? co-host Jimi theorised: 'It was 8.50am,'

'It was 8.50am,' Jimi theorised, noting Tara had been doing the radio rounds, and may have adopted the casual tone because it was her last interview of the day.

During the chat, the final three contestant admitted she'd seen 'hot waiter,' Derek out in the Sydney suburb of Newtown: 'the weekend I was eliminated.'

But on Wednesday's episode Tara was yet to learn the fate of her and remaining bachelorettes Laura Byrne, 30, and Elise Stacy, 27.

Doing the rounds? Jimi said the Queensland-based nanny may have adopted the casual tone because it was her last interview of the day

On Thursday, the finale airs, with the marketing manager, who had his heart broken by Georgia Love on The Bachelorette, putting it all on the line for a second time.

Following the interview, jewelry designer Laura, who has been the favourite since the show began airing has maintained her $1.40 odds.

Elise is currently at $4.00 to win the show and despite the claims of her apparent elimination, fans can still back Tara at $6.50, should the claims be incorrect.

Then there were two: The Bachelor still has two episodes to air, with Tara, 27 still meant to be competing for Matty J's heart, alongside Laura Byrne, 30 and Elise Stacy, 29
The angels were out in full force at the Unitas Third Annual Gala Against Human Trafficking in New York City on Tuesday night.

Leading the pack was Russian model Irina Shayk who raised the temperature in a bright red strapless dress.

New mom Irina, 31, looked spectacular nearly six months after giving birth to her daughter Lea De Seine with partner Bradley Cooper.

One hot mama: Irina Shayk hit the red carpet in a red dress for the Unitas Third Annual Gala Against Human Trafficking in New York City on Tuesday

Radiant: The mother of Lea De Seine with partner Bradley Cooper looked phenomenal almost six months after giving birth

Her skin looked especially bronzed and she displayed a bikini tan line on her shoulders as she happily posed for photographers.

Shayk's showstopping red dress was paired with an equally fiery red clutch and matching heels.

At one point she palled around with fellow Russian model Natasha Poly, 32, who also chose the bright hue for the event.

Lais it on me: Brizilian model Lais Ribeiro chose a navy gown with sheer sleeves and a high slit

So THAT's her secret: The 26-year-old's nipple pasty could be seen in the sheer garment as she went braless

Also at the event was Brazilian model Lais Ribeiro, who chose a navy blue gown with sheer sleeves for her walk down the red carpet.

Ribeiro, 26, showed off more than she had probably planned as she camera's flash hit her dress, showing off her nipple pasty that she wore as she went braless under the garment.

She matched her manicure to her dress for the formal event and carried a midnight colored clutch to complete the look.

Wearing her heart on her belt: Swedish model Elsa Hosk, 28, wore a ruffled off-white gown

Red rush: Irina posed for photographers with her fellow Russian model Natasha Poly

Model mania: Dutch Daphne Groeneveld and Belgium's Hanne Gaby Odiele were also in attendance

Drama: 22-year-old Groeneveld's gown had one sleeve and cutouts with mesh overlay

Sweden's Elsa Hosk wore her heart on her belt in an off-white gown that featured a thigh-high slit that gave a glimpse of her seemingly endless legs.

The 28-year-old wore a pair of gold heels with the revealing garment which was also low cut.

Models were out in full force for the evening, Dutch Daphne Groeneveld and Belgium's Hanne Gaby Odiele were also in attendance.

She means business: Toni Garn rocked an off-the-shoulder grey plaid mini dress just days after she was spotted hanging out with ex Leonardo DiCaprio

Ladies in red: Natasha (L) and Barbara Fialho both chose fiery gowns for the do-good event

Going up? Fialho, 29, matched the decor of an elevator she struck a dramatic pose in

Brazil's Barbara Fialho also got the red memo, gracing the event in a crimson colored floor length gown which featured cutouts in it's mid-section and a thigh-high slit.

German model Toni Garn wore an off-the-shoulder grey mini dress at the event which came just days after she was spotted holding hands with ex Leonardo DiCaprio.

The event, which took place during New York Fashion Week, didn't just attract the catwalk crowd.

Guest list: Real Housewives Of New York City star Sonja Morgan,53, sparkled in a silver dress

The men: Oscar winner Adrien Brody wore a velvet blazer as he made his way into the gala

Rock and roll all night: KISS frontman Gene Simmons gave a playful kick towards photographers

Real Housewives Of New York City star Sonja Morgan, 53, sparkled in a silver dress and matching shoes.

Event chair Oscar winner Adrien Brody looked dapper in a black velvet suit jacket as he made his way into the event.

And it wouldn't be a party if rock and roll legend Gene Simmons wasn't there, the KISS front man gave a playful kick to photographers as he posed on the red carpet.

Hosk with the most: Elsa took to the stage for a presentation during the fundraising effort
She's the Married At First Sight star that admitted to hating her nose for the past ten years.

And on Wednesday, Sharon Marsh shared confronting photos from her rhinoplasty procedure in Thailand, performed by Restored Beauty Getaways.

The 32-year-old made the trip in July, and took to her Instagram to share photos of her bandaged, bruised face after the successful procedure.

New nose: On Wednesday Sharon Marsh shared confronting photos from her rhinoplasty procedure in Thailand, performed by Restored Beauty Getaways

Beauty quest: The 32-year-old made the trip in July, and took to her Instagram to share photos of her bandaged, bruised face after the successful procedure

Alongside before and after photos, as well as images taken in hospital, during and post procedure, Sharon shared a long confessional.

'If there was something about your body that for many years made you feel insecure... and you got the opportunity to change it. Would you?' she wrote.

The blonde told her fans: 'Surgery is a big step to take and something I didn't consider lightly. For 10 years I was self conscious about my side profile until i took the leap with Restored Beauty Getaways.

Before and after: The beauty said she disliked her profile for a decade

Confession: 'If there was something about your body that for many years made you feel insecure... and you got the opportunity to change it. Would you?' she wrote on Instagram

The blonde told her fans: 'Surgery is a big step to take and something I didn't consider lightly. For 10 years I was self conscious about my side profile until i took the leap with Restored Beauty Getaways'

Ouch! Confronting photos show the beauty's face bandaged, and one image appears to have been taken right before the surgeon's blade sliced into her nose

Happy now: The blonde has been posting snaps of her new profile on Instagram

Proud of the change: 'I'm extremely happy with the results!!' she said of her updated, less 'humpy' nose (pictured)

'I joined a group tour to Thailand with a handful of ladies going through the same surgery process.

She added, 'I'm extremely happy with the results!!'

Confronting photos show the beauty's face bandaged, and one image appears to have been taken right before the surgeon's blade sliced into her nose.

Did it with mates: 'I joined a group tour to Thailand with a handful of ladies going through the same surgery process' she said of the experience, before which she had nights out (pictured)

Holiday: She took time out for herself before and after the surgery to enjoy Thailand

Location: Sharon shared a snap of the hospital where the work was done

Earlier this year, the MAFS star revealed to Woman's Day that it wasn't until she watched herself on the reality series, alongside identical twin sister Michelle Marsh, that she realised how much she disliked her side profile.

'I always thought I had the same nose as my twin sister Michelle. But hers is fine. Mine had a hump and it looked huge on TV,' the Perth-based star told the publication.

Not the same? Earlier this year, the MAFS star revealed to Woman's Day that it wasn't until she watched herself on the reality series, alongside identical twin sister Michelle Marsh, that she realised how much she disliked her side profile

Sharon also admitted that trolling on her social media accounts about the size of her nose encouraged her to undertake reconstructive surgery.

'There were some comments on my (social media) pages about the size of my nose. I already had a problem with it...but it hurt to read it,' she explained.

Having flown to Thailand a day after announcing her split from 'TV husband' Nick Furphy, 30, Sharon is now delighted with her 'hump-free nose'.
As one of Hollywood's most recognizable blondes, it was only natural for Paris Hilton to grace the front row of The Blonds New York fashion show.

The 36-year-old heiress made a fierce appearance in a textured dress which covered only the essentials in scale-like sequins and offered an eyeful of everything else.

The socialite's hourglass figure was on full display in the semi-sheer gown with mermaid skirt while she accessorized with on-trend extras.

Cold blooded! Paris Hilton graced the front row of The Blonds New York fashion show in a scaled black dress which offered an eyeful of skin

The native New Yorker paired her reptilian gown with a trendy choker and her signature blonde locks.

Criss-crossing black stilettos topped off the DJ diva's look along with trendy aviators and a fingerless gloves.

Rapper Cardi B went all out in a python-skin corset paired with choppy blonde bob and fishnet stockings.

Serpentine dream! The socialite paired her reptilian gown with a trendy choker and her signature blonde locks

Mixing it up: The DJ diva topped off her look with criss-crossing black stilettos, trendy aviators and a fingerless gloves

Strutting her stuff: Paris was hard to miss as she sauntered along in style

Cheeky: The racy ensemble flashed a glimpse of her derriere through the sheer skirt

Accessorising in style: The blonde stuck to a sombre colour palette during her outing

At the show, the self-described Princess Of Thotland went the extra mile with thigh-high boots and floor-sweeping gauze trailing the look.

The Bodak Yellow rhymestress topped things off with sharp silver nails and a full pink pout.

Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay and her betrothed beau Brian Abasolo graced the show.

Slithering sexy! Cardi B went all out in a python-skin corset paired with choppy blonde bob and fishnet stockings

Her royal highness! The self-described Princess Of Thotland went the extra mile with thigh-high boots and floor-sweeping gauze

The Dallas attorney flaunted her fabulous legs in thigh high boots and a mod minidress.

She wore her hair long and straight while her chiropractor other half styled his tresses to the ceiling.

The Miami gent continued his sharp look with an asphalt colored suit and black shirt worn sans tie.

Flashback fiances: Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay and her betrothed beau Brian Abasolo looked sharp as they graced the show in a mod mini-dress and sharp charcoal suit

Hair's to you! The Dallas attorney wore her hair long and straight while her chiropractor other half styled his tresses to the ceiling

Orange Is The New Black starlet Danielle Brooks brought the drama in a Black Swan-style leotard paired with leggings and knee-high lace-ups.

The Juilliard alum donned a blonde ponytail and thick lashes for extra oomph.

Jersey Shore talent and Miss Domesticated founder Jennifer Farley, AKA JWoww, displayed her surgically enhanced curves in meshy co-ords.

Dance your heart out! Orange Is The New Black starlet Danielle Brooks brought the drama in a Black Swan-style leotard paired with leggings and knee-high lace-ups

Glass half full: JWoww's off the shoulder blouse made her generous front hard to miss while her semi-sheer pants offered a less-than-flattering look at her bottom half

JWoww's off the shoulder blouse made her generous front hard to miss while her semi-sheer pants offered a less-than-flattering look at her bottom half.

Farley added sleek, center-parted black tresses along with square glasses, a full pout and trendy see-through stilettos.

The mother-of-two posed with rapper/model Chanel West Coast, who sported a plunging black and gold jumpsuit along with a blonde ponytail and dramatic statement earrings bearing the word 'LOVE.'

Enchante! The mother-of-two posed with rapper/model Chanel West Coast, who sported a plunging black and gold jumpsuit along dramatic statement earrings bearing the word 'LOVE'

Striking: Kanye West muse Teyana Taylor made quite the impression on The Blonds runway, where she was clad in a barely-there blue leotard that displayed almost all of her hips and legs

Culture vulture Josh Ostrovsky - AKA The Fat Jewish - sat front row besides the starlets donning a weak excuse for sportswear.

The Blonds runway was just as star-packed as its audience.

Kanye West muse Teyana Taylor left zero to the imagination in a high-cut, skin-tight latex leotard by the brand which displayed almost all of her hips and thighs.
It seemed she had finally found her ideal man.

But Dancing With The Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba has reportedly split from her actor fiance Robb Derringer.

The news emerged after the 49-year-old made a cryptic social media post about a massive life change, which was accompanied by a broken heart symbol.

Last tango in Hawaii: Carrie Ann Inaba has split from actor fiance Robb Derringer

On September 7 she posted: 'Just when I think Ive learned the way to live, life changes.'

In addition the Hawaii beauty hosted an event on her home island for Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, and opted against wearing her engagement ring and brought along her mother as her date.

A source confirmed to People that the couple had decided to end their relationship.

The couple announced their engagement last December after bit-part actor Robb proposed at the same California beach where they had enjoyed their first date.

Trouble in paradise: The first sign something was afoot came when she made a cryptic social media post which included a broken heart

The mother of all dates: She was not wearing her engagement ring and attended a function with her mum at the weekend instead of her fiance

Ahem: She previously said 'I knew that (Robb) and I were going to be together forever'

At the time the famed choreographer said: 'As a young girl, I had always dreamed about going on a date like the first date I shared with Robb.'

She later added: 'There was a strong sense of destiny that night, and I think I knew then, deep in my heart, that he and I were going to be together forever.'

It is not the first time one of the beauty's romances fell at the final hurdle however.

She was engaged to marry Jesse Sloan, who she met on a dating website, after he proposed live on television in 2011.

However their planned wedding for summer that year never took place, and they broke off their union the following year.

Going solo: The famed choreographer will be able to return to making showstopping red carpet appearances on her own
She's gone from multi-platinum pop star to bona fide design diva.

And on Tuesday, Rihanna followed up her critically acclaimed fashion show by hitting the streets in royal purple sweats and fluffy slides from her own line.

The Fenty designer looked more than ready to enjoy the rest of Fashion Week in her comfortable ensemble, made more glamorous by round sunglasses, as she sipped on a beverage on her way out in New York City.

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Style queen: On Tuesday, Rihanna followed up her critically acclaimed fashion show by hitting the streets in royal purple sweats and fluffy slides from her own line

The Pour It Up songstress looked understated but stylish as she headed out from her hotel in a striking plum tracksuit, which hugged her curves from head to toe.

Though it was far past sundown Rihanna, real name Robyn Fenty, hid her eyes behind vintage-style round shades, but piled her hair into a messy bun to leave her radiant complexion show.

Maintaining the comfortable vibe from head to toe, she teamed her tracksuit with fluffy lilac socks and sporty grey sliders.

Comfy: The Fenty designer looked more than ready to enjoy the rest of Fashion Week in her comfortable ensemble as she sipped on a beverage on her way out in New York City

Sugar plum: The Pour It Up songstress looked understated but stylish as she headed out from her hotel in a striking plum tracksuit, which hugged her curves from head to toe

Striking: Though it was far past sundown Rihanna, real name Robyn Fenty, hid her eyes behind vintage-style round shades

Ready to party: The beauty appeared more than prepared for the evening ahead, as she strode from the building holding a full-size Solo cup and two shot glasses

The Barbados-born beauty appeared more than prepared for the evening ahead, as she strode from the building holding a full-size Solo cup, as well as two shot glasses.

RiRi was joined by friends and a bodyguard as she headed to the club clad in casual clothes.

On Sunday night, Rihanna celebrated her Fenty x Puma fashion line with a star-studded post-show party, attended by the likes of Bella Thorne, Kaia Gerber and Stella Maxwell.

Trendy: She teamed her tracksuit with fluffy lilac socks and sporty grey sliders

Casual: The singer also piled her hair into a messy bun to leave her radiant complexion show

Playful: The Barbados-born beauty's jumper was emblazoned with the phrase 'purple haze'

Let's go: RiRi was joined by friends and a bodyguard as she headed to the club clad in casual clothes

Relaxed: Rihanna was no doubt keen to slip into relaxed clothes after a busy weekend

Woman of the hour: On Sunday night, Rihanna celebrated her Fenty x Puma fashion line with a star-studded post-show party, attended by the likes of Kaia Gerber and Stella Maxwell

Finishing touches: Stealing the show however, Rihanna caught attention at the show by zooming around the runway on a motorbike (above) for the finale

During her Monday night fashion show, the B**** Better Have My Money hitmaker concluded her runway presentation with pop-star panache.

Stealing the show, the designer closed the runway by zooming across the stage on the back of a motorbike, waving and playfully blowing kisses at the crowd.

Her successful show came after the release of her brand new make-up line, Fenty Beauty, on Thursday.

Attended by a number of star-studded guests as well as adoring fans, the star's premium beauty line sold out both online and in stores in a matter of hours.

Next! Her successful show came after the release of her brand new make-up line, Fenty Beauty, on Thursday
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

MDC Proportional representation house of Assembly member for Matabeleland South Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga has expressed fears that her life is in danger after her interview with the Zimpapers radio Star FM.She said following the interview she has received a barrage of insults and attacks from quite a number of people using both local and South African mobile numbers.In her interview with George Msumba, Misihairabwi-Mushonga said MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai should have taken full responsibility for the violence that broke out at the party's Bulawayo offices early last month, which saw one his three vice presidents Ms Thokozani Khupe being attacked for allegedly convening an unsanctioned meeting."I have not had a night sleep since the interview I had with Star FM. I have received so many abusive messages whilst I had initially put these to political banter I am now seriously concerned that my life could be at risk. I am doing two things.posting the numbers of those that have been calling me on my page and reporting to the police here and in South Africa since the group numbers are in South Africa," she said."Thankfully I will be in South Africa and will be meeting with the authorities there. If I had any doubt that we are cloning a Zanu PF in some people who claim to be democrats the threats and cyber bullying I have gone through in the last 48hrs are testimony, Am really SAD that people that I have believed in for more than two decades of my life are really monsters."She posted the numbers used to threaten her.
She was recently spotted getting close with ex Muggy' Mike Thalassitis during a night out.

And now Chloe Crowhurst, 22, set tongues wagging as she arrived to Kinky Boots the Musical with Ex On The Beach's Dean Ralph, 28, at the Adelphi Theatre in London on Tuesday night.

The Love Island beauty showcased her taut stomach in a saucy black crop top which featured eye-popping frill detailing across her buxom bust and neckline while she posed with the MTV star.

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Picture perfect: Chloe Crowhurst, 22, set tongues-wagging as she arrived to Kinky Boots the Musical with Ex On The Beach's Dean Ralph, 28, at the Adelphi Theatre in London on Tuesday night

Complementing her abs-flashing display, the ITV2 darling teamed her sizzling look with a pair of high-waisted cropped trousers.

Chloe's pin-hugging garment drew attention to her calves with a striking waterfall ruffle.

The blonde beauty added inches to her diminutive height with a pair of patent leather pointed pumps that matched her all black ensemble.

Continuing her glamorous appearance, she worked her golden tresses into a voluminous curl while sporting a dramatic smokey eye and a slick of gloss across her plump pout.

For the frill of it! The Love Island beauty showcased her taut stomach in a saucy black crop top which featured eye-popping frill detailing across her buxom bust and neckline

While hunky reality star Dean - who appeared on season seven of EOTB - cuts a stylish figure in a denim jacket, white tee and charcoal denims.

MailOnline have contacted Chloe Crowhurst and Dean Ralph's reps for comment.

The pair looked cosy as they smiled for pictures outside the theatre with the self-confessed 'cocky' fitness model wrapping his arm around the beauty.

Previously speaking to MTV, he revealed what he looks for in a girl: 'When it comes to girls I am very very fussy.

Top of the crops! Complementing her abs-flashing display, the ITV2 darling teamed her sizzling look with a pair of high-waisted cropped trousers

Getting chic done: Chloe's pin-hugging garment drew attention to her calves with a striking waterfall ruffle

'Ive had one long term relationship that lasted for four years. Nothing too serious after that, nothing special to be honest with you.'

Recently, Chloe appeared to be getting closer to ex Mike Thalassitis earlier this month as they partied up a storm in London alongside Ex On The Beach's Dean Ralph.

It appears the blonde bombshell kept her word that she would like to stay in contact with 'Muggy' Mike.

Blonde ambition: The blonde beauty added inches to her diminutive height with a pair of patent leather pointed pumps that matched her all black ensemble

Chloe told The Sun: 'I was a bit stupid in the villa because I kind of made out that I didn't fancy Mike.

'Obviously too little too late, he had five minutes to leave and we shared our first snog. I sort of grabbed the opportunity when I could.

'At the end of the day, everything does happen for a reason. Mike is an amazing guy. Im sure well stay in contact in the outside world.'

Former flames: It comes as the stunner brushed off her recent failed romance with former flame and TOWIE star Jon Clark, 27

Their reunion comes as the stunner brushed off her recent failed romance with former flame and TOWIE star Jon Clark, 27.

Chloe and Jon put an end to their relationship when she burst onto the Love Island scene in a bid to win the heart of a new man - and scoop the 50,000 prize fund.

After failing to find love on the steamy show, she enjoyed a brief reconciliation with the TOWIE hunk before they called it quits for a second time.
She's the fan favourite who gained a legion of admirers thanks to her fun and playful personality.

But goofy jokes couldn't save Tara Pavlovic from elimination, the bubbly 27-year-old sent packing by Matty Johnson during Wednesday night's episode of The Bachelor.

A shattered Tara revealed she was heartbroken, explaining: 'I do want to end up with an amazing guy. And I thought it was Matty.'

'I really don't want to go home': Fan favourite Tara Pavlovic is eliminated by Matty J

Tara was nervous even before the rose ceremony began, revealing she didn't want to be eliminated this late in the competition.

'I really don't want to go home,' she confessed.

But her worst fears were confirmed when Matty called Elise's name instead of hers, sending her home instead.

Wanted to stay: Tara was nervous before the rose ceremony, revealing she didn't want to be eliminated this late in the competition

Nightmare: Her worst fears were confirmed when Matty called Elise's name instead of hers, sending her home instead

Matty choked back tears as he bid a sad goodbye to Tara, saying: 'I just want to say thank you. You deserve someone really amazing.'

Teary eyed and clearly shattered, Tara revealed her world had been turned upside down by the shock elimination.

'I do want to end up with an amazing guy. And I thought it was Matty,' she confessed.

'I was never scared to fall in love, I was scared of getting my heart broken.

Tough decision: Matty choked back tears as he bid a sad goodbye to Tara

'Here I am, heartbroken': Teary eyed and clearly shattered, Tara revealed her world had been turned upside down by the shock elimination

And here I am, heartbroken. I don't know, you know, I didn't want it to end, I'm devastated.'

Tara's exit means Matty will make his final choice from Laura Byrne and Elise Stacy in Thursday night's dramatic finale episode.

During Wednesday night the final three contestants enjoyed a series of romantic one-on-one dates with Matty.

Sparks flew: Tara emerged as a serious contender during their single date, oogling over Matty's posterior in the kitchen and then opening up about her emotions

And despite sparks flying between Tara and the hunky marketing manager on their yacht date, he sent her home.

A nanny who lives on the Gold Coast, Tara was left mortified when she called Matty mate during their first meeting at the mansion.

But she emerged as a serious contender during their single date, oogling over Matty's posterior in the kitchen and opening up about her emotions.

After their second date, Tara was already falling for Matty.

'I feel like I'm a lot more emotionally involved now with Matty,' she confessed.

'It's scary that each time I'm with him I like him more and more and I'm more sure that he is someone I can be with. I think I could definitely see myself falling in love.'

Spoiler: The elimination may not come as too much of a shock for fans of the show, with Tara telling a Dubbo radio station on Wednesday morning she gets eliminated

During a hometown visit last week Matty met Tara's siblings and was grilled over his intentions with the bubbly nanny.

The elimination may not come as too much of a shock for fans of the show, with Tara accidentally letting slip to a Dubbo radio station on Wednesday morning she gets eliminated.

But it isn't all bad news for Tara, with the brunette beauty gaining 100,000 fans on Instagram since her stint on the show due to her popularity.
She is currently preparing to hit the ballroom floor on Strictly Come Dancing, having risen to fame on popular soaps Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.

But it seems Gemma Atkinson has embarked on far racier roles in the past - with a saucy girl-on-girl scene from her 2009 flick Boogie Woogie emerging this week.

In the historic clip, the 32-year-old is seen locking lips and embarking on a steamy sex scene with co-star Jaime Winstone, in nothing but a lace green thong.

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Pucker up! Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson has embarked on far racier roles in the past - with a saucy girl-on-girl scene from her 2009 flick Boogie Woogie emerging this week

Saucy: In the historic clip, the 32-year-old is seen locking lips and embarking on a steamy sex scene with co-star Jaime Winstone, in nothing but a lace green thong

In the scene, a younger Gemma is seen passionately locking lips with Ray Winstone's daughter Jaime, as their characters embark on a tryst.

Known for her enviably toned figure today as a fitness fanatic, Gemma proved she has always been body confident in the clip - as she stripped to nothing but a green thong on-screen.

Giving a flash of her peachy derriere and slender legs to all, the pair are seen continuing their rendezvous on the bed in the crime flick's sauciest moment.

Sealed with a kiss: In the scene, a younger Gemma is seen passionately locking lips with Ray Winstone's daughter Jaime, as their characters embark on a tryst

Life's peachy: Slipping into a green thong, Gemma flashes her derriere to all as she and Jaime continue their rendezvous on the bed in character, in the crime flick's sauciest moment

Gemma appeared as Charlotte Bailey in the film, released back in 2009, who gets hot and heavy with Jaime Winstone's character Elaine.

The flick, directed by Duncan Ward, is a comedy of manners, and follows a number of characters crossing paths in the dark and contemporary art world of London.

Featuring a star-studded cast, Gemma starred in the flick alongside Gillian Anderson, Joanna Lumley, Charlotte Rampling, Amanda Seyfried, and Alan Cumming.

Leading ladies: Gemma appeared as Charlotte Bailey in the film, released back in 2009, who gets hot and heavy with Jaime Winstone's character Elaine

Gritty: The flick, directed by Duncan Ward, is a comedy of manners, and follows a number of characters crossing paths in the dark and contemporary art world of London

Speaking ahead of the film's release in 2007, the former Emmerdale star admitted she and Jaime had indulged in a few drinks before embarking on the racy scene.

She admitted: 'Me and Jaime said we might as well do it properly or it's going to look c***.

'So we had a few shots of vodka, closed the set and just did it. We did it in one take with two cameras.'

After a string of acting projects since, including stints of highly successful soaps Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, Gemma is now preparing to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.

'We had a few shots of vodka': peaking ahead of the film's release in 2007, the former Emmerdale star admitted she and Jaime had indulged in a few drinks before filming the scene

Getting into it! The beauty was pictured on Wednesday arriving for day two of rehearsals for the popular TV show Strictly Come Dancing

Denim days: She wrapped up in a denim jacket for the outing

Cheeky: Her figure-hugging purple leggings showcased her pert derriere

Water about that! She carried a large bottle of water for the rehearsal

Going for gold: After a string of acting projects since Gemma is now preparing to appear on Strictly Come Dancing with Aljaz Skorjanec (above)

Dazzling in a red sequin number at the launch show last week, the actress was paired up with fan favourite Aljaz Skorjanec, who has previously won the show with model Abbey Clancy.

However, the erstwhile glamour model has already admitted that she finds it awkward getting up and close and personal with her partner, as they practice their sultry routines.

The Bury native explained: 'Being forced to be face-to-face with someone you've just met is mortifying. It sounds all lovely. But it's like doing a scene with one of your mates at Emmerdale.

'On camera it looks good, but when you're in it and doing it, it's awkward!'

Man attraction: She worked her golden tresses into a high ponytail
She's always impeccably dressed for every occasion.

And Jessica Chastain was pulling out all the stops to impress when she attended the Ralph Lauren show during New York Fashion Week on Tuesday night.

The Tree Of Life actress looked elegant as ever in a smart Ralph Lauren collection custom cream three piece suit as she watched the Spring/Summer 2018 presentation.

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Elegant: Jessica Chastain was pulling out all the stops to impress when she attended the Ralph Lauren show during New York Fashion Week on Tuesday night

Jessica stunned in a smart trouser suit, featuring a button down waistcoat and floor-skimming flares.

The 40-year-old actress pulled her ensemble together with a smart blazer, worn draped over her shoulders for added style points.

The stunning redhead accessorised with a gold Ralph Lauren collection clutch bag and some understated jewellery, wearing her silky tresses down loose.

Radiant: The Tree Of Life actress looked elegant as ever in a smart Ralph Laurencollection custom cream three piece suit as she watched the Spring/Summer 2018 presentation

Smart: The 40-year-old actress pulled her ensemble together with a smart blazer, worn draped over her shoulders for added style points

Stunning: The stunning redhead accessorised with some understated jewellery, wearing her silky tresses down loose

She was joined by a host of famous faces at the event, including Katie Holmes and Diane Keaton.

The star and Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo, who wed in Italy in June, were recently seen enjoying some quality time in Quebec City as Jessica took a break from filming X-Men: Dark Phoenix.

Jessica has been in Canada filming the latest installment of the X-Men franchise.

VIP arrivals: She was joined by Katie Holmes, Diane Keaton, Ricky Lauren and Dylan Lauren (from left to right)

A-list seating plan: The star chatted to fashionista Anna Wintour at the dinner

Taking a break from her schedule: Jessica has been in Canada filming the latest installment of the X-Men franchise

Exciting role: She plays an alien empress in X-Men: Dark Phoenix opposite Sophie Turner, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy

Latest project: Meanwhile, the trailer for her upcoming movie Molly's Game recently dropped ahead of its November release

She plays an alien empress in X-Men: Dark Phoenix opposite Sophie Turner, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy.

Meanwhile, the trailer for her upcoming movie Molly's Game recently dropped ahead of its November release.

She plays Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran high-stakes and highly illegal poker games for a decade before being arrested in the middle of the night by 17 FBI agents wielding automatic weapons.

Based on a true story, the film co-stars Idris Elba as Molly's her criminal defense lawyer Charlie Jaffey.

Strutting her stuff... Kendall Jenner star looked ethereal as she took to the runway for the Ralph Lauren Show

Roaring and red-y to go: Bella Hadid eatured a tulle full skirt and strapless PVC bodice
She plays the uber glamorous and polished Queen Helena in The Royals.

Yet Elizabeth Hurley looked worlds away from her character's glamour as she filmed the scenes at Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire on Tuesday.

Bundled up in a dressing gown, the 52-year-old actress seemed to be feeling the chill as she stepped out of her dressing room.

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Low-key look: Elizabeth Hurley looked worlds away from her character's glamour as she filmed The Royals at Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire on Tuesday

Fully made-up and with her glossy locks perfectly coiffed, the brunette bombshell was still a vision of beauty despite her casual attire.

Later in the day, the mother-of-one slipped into some more glamorous garments as she donned a glittering gold gown beneath a padded jacket.

Also seen on set were William Moseley who plays Prince Liam; Max Brown who plays Prince Robert and Alexandra Park who plays Princess Eleanor.

Under wraps: Fully made-up and with her glossy locks perfectly coiffed, the brunette bombshell was still a vision of beauty despite her casual attire

Glam: Later in the day, the mother-of-one (pictured with Alexandra Park) slipped into some more glamorous garments as she donned a glittering gold gown beneath a padded jacket

Liz is best known for her modelling contract with Estee Lauder, her relationship with Hugh Grant and her starring role in Austin Powers.

The stunning star has had her fair share of high-profile relationships, spending over a decade on the arm of Grant.

It was her appearance alongside the British thespian at the 1994 premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral that shot her to fame thanks to her her barely- there safety pinned Versace dress, which earned her millions of admirers.

Royally good look: Also seen on set at the cathedral were William Moseley who plays Prince Liam (L) and Max Brown who plays Prince Robert

The two split in 2000 however but remain friends, and over the next three years Hurley was rumored to be with a number of men, most notably with Stephen Bing.

In 2002, Hurley gave birth to a son Damian with the billionaire businessman.

Last year, Damian appeared alongside his mother in The Royals, playing spoiled German monarch, Prince Hansel, who has begun a new career as a reality star.
She is known for her sensationally slender physique, having been one of the most famous Victoria's Secret Angels for over ten years.

And Alessandra Ambrosio was certainly confident to show off the body that made her famous on Wednesday, as she starred in a sexy new campaign for Spanish footwear brand XTI.

The 36-year-old, who is the face of their AW/18 collection, displayed her impressively toned abs and tiny waist in a saucy black lingerie set as she fiercely posed for the camera.

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Model material: Alessandra Ambrosio was certainly confident to show off the body that made her famous on Wednesday, as she posed in a sexy campaign for Spanish footwear brand XTI

The model set pulses racing as she stripped to just a plunging bra and high-waisted briefs, to kick the shoot off in a sexy style.

Pulling into a low V, the top showcased her famously ample cleavage for all to see, before cutting off just below her bust to leave her enviably toned abs on show.

Upping the sex appeal further, Alessandra paired the top with daring briefs, which accentuated her petite waist and teased at her derriere, by cutting high at her rear.

Life's peachy! Upping the sex appeal further, Alessandra paired the top with daring briefs, which accentuated her petite waist and teased at her derriere, by cutting high at her rear

Leggy lady: Layering a chic fur jacket on top to make the look more demure, the model was seen posing in racy knee-high boots - to show off her long legs in all their glory

Saving the best fur later! Embarking on a sexy shoot for the brand, Alessandra later removed her bra top completely and swapped it for just a gilet, to give a glimpse of her cleavage

Cheeky! She posed on her front in a further sexy shot to display her enviable figure - despite recently revealing she finds lingerie 'weirder' now she has two children

Layering a chic fur jacket on top to make the look more demure, the model was seen posing with a hip cocked, before leaning sexily to one side in racy knee-high boots - to show off her long legs in all their glory.

Embarking on a sexy shoot for the brand, Alessandra later removed her bra top completely and swapped it for just a fur gilet and a white suit jacket, to give further eye-popping glimpses of her cleavage.

Proving she could stun in both sexy and sophisticated looks however, the model-of-two also modelled a stunning black mesh frock in one shot, and a soft pink shirt dress in another.

Bra-vo: She also ditched her bra for a white suit jacket, to further tease at her cleavage and smooth skin underneath

All eyes on her: Alessandra commanded attention with her leggy figure as she modelled a number of the brand's accessorises

Dream team: She posed in the shoot beside model and actor Andres Velencoso (above)

Woman of many trades! Proving she could stun in both sexy and sophisticated looks however, the model-of-two also modelled a stunning black mesh frock (L) and a silver maxi number (R)

Leaving her hair in its usual glossy style, and sporting only a sweeping of bronzer and soft pink lip, the Brazilian model proved her striking natural beauty as she smoldered for the camera.

Alessandra starred in the shoot alongside model and actor Andres Velencoso, who modelled a range of slick suits and stylish coloured rollnecks in the shoot, titled The Perfect Pair.

The model appears to be getting back to her fashion duties, after taking time off for the Burning Man Festival, and to spend Labor Day with her two children.

Think pink: She also slipped into a soft pink shirt dress with a tulle trim, paired with a biker jacket and loafers for a more preppy look

Radiant: Leaving her hair in a glossy style, and sporting only a sweeping of bronzer and soft pink lip, the Brazilian model proved her striking natural beauty as she smoldered with Andres

Alessandra raises her a daughter Anja, nine, and a son Noah, five, with her fiance Jamie Mazur, whom she has been engaged to since 2008.

While the lovebirds are in no rush to tie the knot, she is putting all her efforts into juggling her modelling and being a mother.

Despite oozing confidence in the XTI shoot however, the beauty recently revealed that she finds lingerie modelling more of a struggle, now she has a family.

Slick: Meanwhile the hunk posed in a number of suave suits, as well as coloured rollnecks

Back at it: The model appears to be getting back to her fashion duties, after taking time off for the Burning Man Festival, and to spend Labor Day with her two children

She told Net-A-Porter last year: 'I used to be 100% comfortable on lingerie shoots - then I had a child.

'Somehow it felt a bit weirder to be in lingerie once I was a mum. Your body will never go back to exactly what it was before pregnancy, whatever people tell you. It can't.

'But I think I have a better body now than before I had kids... it just looks more formed now and I feel better about it than I did.'
He's one of the stars of a new Hollywood comedy centred around a plot to have him assassinated.

And ahead of the movie's UK debut, images have been released of David Hasselhoff in the film Killing Hasselhoff. which sees him playing himself.

In hilarious stills from the movie, David, 65, catches fellow Hollywood funnyman Jon Lovitz leering over The Hoff's Playboy Bunny girlfriend Irina Voronina - as she sunbathes topless.

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In the offing: The Hoff catches Jon Lovitz leering over his Playboy Bunny girlfriend Irina Voronina as she sunbathes nearly NAKED... but it's all in jest as part of upcoming movie Killing Hasselhoff

Racy: In hilarious stills from the movie, David, 65, catches fellow Hollywood funnyman Jon Lovitz leering over The Hoff's Playboy Bunny girlfriend Irina Voronina - as she sunbathes topless

The bombshell is seen lying unclothed on a sun lounger, catching rays, while Jon occupies the bed next to her, with one eye firmly on her assets.

The Hoff walks in on the creepy scenario and watches on in horror as Jon stares at the Baywatch star's girlfriend.

The movie follows Chris (played by The Hangovers Ken Jeong), as a nightclub owner in debt, who tries to annually rectify his financial woes by taking part in a yearly celebrity death pool.

With a loan shark is on his case and a wrongful accusation for allegedly dealing drugs and sexual assault he takes on the challenge of tracking down and killing off the celebrity he picked out in the death pool.

Shock discovery: The Hoff walks in on the creepy scenario and watches on in horror as Jon stares at the Baywatch star's girlfriend

Chilling out: The bombshell is seen lying unclothed on a sun lounger, catching rays, while Jon occupies the bed next to her, with one eye firmly on her assets

Creepy: The movie follows Chris (played by The Hangovers Ken Jeong), as a nightclub owner in debt, who tries to annually rectify his financial woes by taking part in a yearly celebrity death pool

This celeb is, in fact, The Hoff.

Aided by his friends Fish (Rhys Darby) and Tommy (Jim Jeffries), Chris embarks on an attempt to see to it that The Hoff is 'given the off'.

The comedy sees David continue to dodge his intended murder at every opportunity, with his typical aplomb.

Catching rays: With a loan shark is on his case and a wrongful accusation for allegedly dealing drugs and sexual assault he takes on the challenge of tracking down and killing off the celebrity he picked out in the death pool

What's the deal? Aided by his friends Fish (Rhys Darby) and Tommy (Jim Jeffries), Chris embarks on an attempt to see to it that The Hoff is 'given the off'

Pert: The comedy sees David continue to dodge his intended murder at every opportunity, with his typical aplomb

This is much to the chagrin of Chris, who is desperate to win the takings of the pool and sort out his life.

Killing Hasselhoff is out on digital download from 18 September 2017 in the UK.

It will be available on Blu-ray and DVD from 2 October 2017.
She's been storming the runways at the hottest shows during New York Fashion Week.

But Karlie Kloss swapped the catwalk for the treadmill as she hit the gym in the Big Apple on Tuesday.

Showcasing her sensational model figure, the 25-year-old blonde bombshell opted for a pair of figure-hugging leggings to show off her derriere.

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Bootylicious: She's been storming the runways at the hottest shows during New York Fashion Week. But Karlie Kloss swapped the catwalk for the treadmill as she hit the gym on Tuesday

She teamed the garment with a white T-shirt that highlighted her tiny waist and clung to her slender curves and also donned grey trainers.

Sweeping her ice blonde locks away from her face, the stunning supermodel showed off her natural beauty as she worked up a sweat.

She finished off the look by donning a pair of oversized shades as she headed home after the gruelling exercise session.

Workout wonder: Showcasing her sensational model figure, the 25-year-old blonde bombshell opted for a pair of figure-hugging leggings to show off her derriere

Karlie has been ruling the runways during New York Fashion Week, walking for the likes of Tom Ford, Jeremy Scott and Baja East.

The star is also gearing up to return to the Victoria's Secret catwalk after a two-year hiatus from the brand.

The model had been working with the company since 2011, but in 2015, the lingerie giant's senior creative director Ed Razek revealed Karlie would be leaving when her contract ran out at the end of the year.

Therefore, her return to the show came as a shock to fans, with Karlie sharing the big news by writing 'See you in Shanghai @VictoriasSecret,' along with throwback photo of herself sporting her wings during the 2014 fashion show.

Model moment: Karlie has been ruling the runways during New York Fashion Week, walking for the likes of Jeremy Scott (L) and Baja East (R)

As well as modelling, Karlie is well known for her Kode with Klossy programme - a career scholarship which helps provide learning facilities and communities for young women working in tech.

Explaining her decision to set up the educational project, she told Teen Vogue in June: 'The great thing about being a model is that you get to be a muse, you get to take on all these different characters, but I felt like I was being so many different things for so many different people, I wasn't investing time in myself or in my education.

'Not to say that what I was doing wasn't valuable or meaningful, but I wasn't filling my own cup. That was the biggest drive for me to want to learn something new and challenging  to prove to myself that I could.'
She was left heartbroken when Matty Johnson sent her home on Wednesday night.

And Australia wept alongside Tara Pavlovic as she was evicted, blasting the Bachelor hunk for sending the fan-favourite packing.

Viewers took to social media in droves following the dramatic elimination, slamming 'jerk' Matty for his choice and even threatening to boycott the finale.

'Matty we're coming for you now!' Bachelor fans unleash on 'jerk' Matty J for eliminating Tara Pavlovic with hilarious memes and threaten to BOYCOTT finale

One fan took to Twitter to share a gif of The Simpsons with pitchforks and torches, declaring: 'Matty we're coming for you now!'

Others were too overcome with emotion to share images, revealing they were crying over Tara's elimination.

'By not picking Tara, I feel like Matty J just broke up with ME,' one person tweeted sadly.

Not happy: One fan took to Twitter to share a gif of The Simpsons with pitchforks and torches, declaring: 'Matty we're coming for you now!'

Upset: Others were too overcome with emotion, revealing they were crying over Tara's elimination

Name calling: Other fans resorted to venting their frustrations by calling Matty an 'idiot' and a 'jerk'

Some fans went so far as to vow they wouldn't be watching Thursday night's finale because Tara wasn't in it.

'Don't even care about tomorrows episode now. Tara was too good for Matty anyway. Pffft,' one viewer wrote alongside a gif with the words f*** everything.

'Anyone who can meet Tara and not want to marry her is most likely a BIG FAT JERK DAMMIT MATTY J HOW DARE U,' another tweeted.

Boycotting? Some fans went so far as to vow they wouldn't be watching Thursday night's finale because Tara wasn't in it

Upset: Even host Osher Gunsberg chimed in, tweeting that 'Australia is crying for you tonight'

A bit upset? One fan tweeted that Matty was 'f***ing trash', alongside an emotional gif

Others expressed themselves through gifs from other reality TV series, sharing a shot of Tyra Banks yelling: 'I was rooting for you, we were all rooting for you! How dare you?!'

Even host Osher Gunsberg chimed in, tweeting that 'Australia is crying for you tonight'.

'You are not alone. We would all hug you if we could,' he added.

Angry: Others expressed themselves through gifs from other reality TV series, sharing a shot of Tyra Banks

Early threats: Some fans offered Matty J early warnings not to eliminate Tara

Tara was nervous even before the rose ceremony began, revealing she didn't want to be eliminated this late in the competition.

'I really don't want to go home,' she confessed.

But her worst fears were confirmed when Matty called Elise's name instead of hers, sending her home instead.

Matty choked back tears as he bid a sad goodbye to Tara, saying: 'I just want to say thank you. You deserve someone really amazing.'

Wanted to stay: Tara was nervous before the rose ceremony, revealing she didn't want to be eliminated this late in the competition

Nightmare: Her worst fears were confirmed when Matty called Elise's name instead of hers, sending her home instead

Teary eyed and clearly shattered, Tara revealed her world had been turned upside down by the shock elimination.

'I do want to end up with an amazing guy. And I thought it was Matty,' she confessed.

'I was never scared to fall in love, I was scared of getting my heart broken.

And here I am, heartbroken. I don't know, you know, I didn't want it to end, I'm devastated.'

Tara's exit means Matty will make his final choice from Laura Byrne and Elise Stacy in Thursday night's dramatic finale episode.

Tough decision: Matty choked back tears as he bid a sad goodbye to Tara
The teary-eyed Bachelor reject admitted she was 'heartbroken' in the limousine after Matty J sent her home on Wednesday night ahead of this week's finale.

But Tara Pavlovic now claims that that the show was edited to make her look more upset than she was and she was 'never in love' with Matthew 'Matty J' Johnson.

Speaking to Now to Love, the 27-year-old said: 'I was fine as soon as I left. I went to Maccas drive through on the way home and got a chicken and cheese burger, called my friends I didnt struggle at all, she told

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'I really couldnt give a s*** about Matty!' The Bachelor's Tara Pavlovic claims she was 'never in love' with hunk as she's DUMPED ahead of finale

The beauty also told TV Week on Wednesday that it was actually Matty J who fought back tears during her elimination.

'I really couldnt give a s*** about Matty!' she told the publication.

Tara didn't receive a rose on Wednesday night, leaving rivals Elise Stacey and Laura Byrne competing in the finale for the hunky marketing manager's heart.

She was nervous before her final rose ceremony and revealed on screen: 'I really want to be the last girl standing. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Matty.'

However, Tara has since told the publication: 'I was never in love with him, so I was fine as soon as I didnt get a rose. Actually, he looked more upset than me!'

And then there was TWO! Tara didn't receive a rose on Wednesday night, leaving rivals Elise Stacey and Laura Byrne competing in the finale for the hunky marketing manager's heart

'I was never in love with him': Despite claiming she was 'heartbroken' during her limousine ride leaving the mansion, Tara told the publication she was 'never in love'

'He looked more upset than me!' Matty choked back words when letting the stunner down, telling Tara she deserved 'someone really amazing'

Matty choked back words when letting the stunner down, telling Tara she deserved 'someone really amazing'.

Before her elimination, the nanny avoided the L-word, leading with: 'I really, really like you.' Meanwhile her rivals openly declared their growing love for the reality star.

Claiming she was completely over their fleeting romance, Tara continued: 'It was pretty easy to get over... I didnt even think about him as soon as I left the mansion.'

'I didnt even think about him as soon as I left the mansion': Tara claimed the marketing manager was 'easy to get over'

Fans have since taken to social media following her dumping in outrage against Matty J's decision

Fans have since taken to social media following her dumping in outrage, suggesting she deserves to become the new Bachelorette.

Tara said the experience had deterred her from taking on the role anytime soon

'I mean, lets be honest, Im not going to struggle finding a man in real life,' she said confidently of her future search for love.

Matty J will choose his winner on Thursday's finale from 7.30pm on Channel Ten
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Robert Mugabe received a rare round of applause from all legislators during the State Opening of Parliament yesterday after he sharply rebuked ministers for their frequent absence from Parliament sessions.This comes as it has become a trait of the Fourth Parliament that rogue ministers dodge accountability by absenting themselves when they know they will be faced with tough questions.This comes amid opposition complaints that ministers were contemptuously bunking Parliament without a valid excuse, both from sessions and from the gatherings of parliamentary committees which the lawmakers are members of.The list of legitimate reasons for failing to attend includes standard ones such as holiday, illness or death of relatives, and more specific ones such as carrying out party business, attending the politburo, and various insurmountable circumstances, such as delayed flights, traffic jams and home emergencies.Mugabe, who opened the main ceremonial event of the 5th session of the 8th Parliament by proceeding from State House to the House in a royal carriage, said ministers must be serious with Parliament business.Overjoyed opposition legislators shouted the names of Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko and Foreign Affairs minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi as the chief culprits in bunking, with Mugabe responding by halting his speech, apparently to pay attention to calls by the MPs."Those who do not take the business of this house serious have no impeccable parliamentary conduct but we expect robust debate and well-informed debate from all members who should always be present, punctual, disciplined, and professional and of impeccable parliamentary conduct," he said, adding that "much more is even expected from Cabinet ministers who should lead by example."Zanu-PF chief whip Lovemore Matuke told the Daily News: "We have always complained about bunking ministers and it looked like no action would be taken, but now we are happy that the president has noted that in his speech and we hope that a solution will be found soon to make sure that Parliament business is not disrupted unnecessarily."MDC MP for Zengeza West Simon Chidhakwa said: "You will not see the robust debate that he is talking about because they are always busy at the politburo dealing with their succession issues."It is therefore surprising that Mugabe talks about respect for parliamentary business when it is a fact that when the ministers don't come to the National Assembly, he will be with them in the politburo but he never bothers to release them for the House."Commenting on Mugabe's speech, MDC chief whip Innocent Gonese said "there is really nothing new from the speech as it leaves out the fundamentals.""Nothing has been said about the things that matter to the ordinary people especially service delivery, the electoral environment and other issues, but we are not surprised because he is not in touch with the reality on the ground as he is always away," Gonese said.Opposition MPs have said it is important to purge all shirkers and loafers from the parliamentary halls and set an example for everyone by preferring contempt of Parliament charges to restrain ministers from bunking.Privileges, Immunities and Powers of Parliament Act give the legislature power to impose not only fines for contempt of Parliament, but also imprisonment for up to two years in default of payment of the fines.In the National Assembly, Wednesdays are devoted to questions for ministers to answer; while the Senate holds its question time on Thursdays. On the set days, there is a session for questions with notice and another for questions without notice.In the questions without notice session, MPs have the opportunity to pose impromptu questions to Cabinet ministers on issues affecting the nation with each question directed at a particular minister depending on their portfolio.In the questions with notice session, written questions are forwarded to the ministers prior to the sitting and they are read in the august House for responses.Yet, in a worrying trend, some Cabinet ministers have decided to leave the entire job to their deputies who have a difficult time when hit by a barrage of questions from the legislators.
She treated fashion devotees to quite the display when she stripped down to her lingerie during the Addition Elle New York Fashion Week presentation.

And Ashley Graham, 29, was back on the job for the brand on Tuesday, when she was the star attraction at an exclusive meet and greet in the Big Apple.

The curvaceous supermodel wowed as she arrived at the event in a bunt orange two-piece, which included a one-shoulder crop top and a flattering asymmetrical skirt.

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Meet and greet: Ashley Graham attended a meet and greet with fans while promoting her lingerie line with Addition Elle during New York Fashion Week on Tuesday

She teamed her eye-catching number - which was cinched just above the waist with a sash tie - with a pair of vertiginous strappy nude heels.

Adding an extra touch of glamour to her ensemble with a pair of gold chandelier earrings, the brunette beauty styled her chestnut locks in a high ponytail, while a palette of deep pinks helped to highlight her natural beauty.

During the event, she was seen chatting away with a number of her fans, as well as posing for a seemingly endless stream of selfies.

Jovial spirit: The stunning supermodel was in a jovial mood as she chatted away with fans

Orange you a real delight! The 29-year-old beauty wowed as she arrived at the event in a bunt orange two-piece, which included a one-shoulder crop top and a flattering asymmetrical skirt

Ashley has been soaking up the festivities of NYFW with her videographer husband Justin Ervin by her side - and he was on hand for her Addition Elle show on Monday.

The couple met at church back in 2009 and married the following year in 2010. Ashley had been 22 years old when she tied the knot and she has previously revealed that she chose not to have sex with Justin until their wedding night.

Speaking to Elle Canada last year, she said: 'My husband and I waited; call me crazy, but it worked. Our sex is amazing!

Selfie time: She embraced her modelling skills as she posed for a steam of selfies with her fans

Glamorous: Adding an extra touch of glamour to her ensemble with a pair of gold chandelier earrings, the brunette beauty styled her chestnut locks in a high ponytail

'It made me feel like I had the power back in my dating life. He respected me more because I wasn't willing to just give it up.... it's not for everybody, but for me it was great. It's something I'm actually really proud of.'

Ashley recently spoke about her choice to model for and collaborate with fashion brand Addition Elle, praising the fact that it carries sizes X-4X and 12-24.

In 2015, she told the Huffington Post that while she is seeing changes, the fashion industry still has a long way to go to accommodate plus-sizes.

Soaring to new heights: She teamed her eye-catching dress - which was cinched just above the waist with a sash tie - with a pair of vertiginous strappy nude heels

'I think a lot of plus size companies also dont fit their clothes properly. A lot of them have a one fit model,' she claimed.

Ashley has also spoken out about not wanting to be called 'plus-size', and the importance of incorporating women of different shapes into the fashion world.

Her words seem to be working. In addition to attending several major NYFW events  including the Harper's Bazaar Icons party and Rihanna's Spring/Summer 2018 Fenty X Puma showcase - she's also walked the runway herself.

On Sunday, she took to the catwalk in the Prabal Gurung show alongside Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid and Taylor Hill, in front of a star-studded audience that included Jaime King, Olivia Palermo, and Yolanda Hadid.

NYFW: Ashley has been spotted attending a number of events and parties surrounding NYFW
On Monday, he was spotted heading to Catch New York City's sixth anniversary party accompanied by teenage girls Suede Brooks, 16, Madison Beer, 18, and Delilah Hamlin, 19.

And 24 hours later, Scott Disick is at it again, this time just with Suede and Madison, nipping in to a diamond jewelry store and grabbing a couple of ice creams.

Continuing his trend of spending time in the company of young women since his 2015 split from partner Kourtney Kardashian, the 34-year-old father-of-three accompanied the girls as they ooh'd and ahh'd over the sparkling jewels.

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Diamonds are a girl's best friend: Scott Disick, 34, is seen out and about AGAIN with Madison Beer, 18, and Suede Brooks, 16... as he takes excitable teens for ice-cream and to visist a diamond ring store in New York

Sweet eighteen: Madison seemed overjoyed to be treated to her ice-cold treat

Giddy from the excitement of seeing what they may one day have on their fingers, Scott treated the ladies to some ice cream to help settle their frivolous titters.

Scott looked typically casual in a black hoodie, seen leaning over the jewelers counter, deeply enthralled.

Madison kept it casual too, in charcoal grey jeans and a white sweater, cropped at the waist.

With a backpack on her back and some casual trainers, she wore her brunette locks loosely around her bronzed features.

Having fun? With a backpack on her back and some casual trainers, she wore her brunette locks loosely around her bronzed features

New friends: Scott Disick was seen having fun on Monday night in NYC with the girls too

Casual: Scott was at it again, this time just with Suede and Madison [pictured], nipping in to a diamond jewelry store and grabbing a couple of ice creams

She seemed enthralled by the glistening jewels on offer in the store, listening intently to the older men who appeared to be with them, and seen to be trying on some of the trinkets.

Suede looked equally relaxed in just a casual jacket, with light make-up and her hair swept back.

Scott was spotted ushering the trio of teens out of a large black party van and into the New York party venue after midnight on Monday.

Scott kept his head down as party goers got a good look at his friends, who were all dressed up for the late night on the town.

The self-proclaimed Lord Disick wore a red hoodie sweatshirt from Balenciaga and black jeans with a floral print.

The TV star was also seen with a an older and bearded male pal who goes by the name Papi. He had on a heavy gold chain and a hoodie with blue flames.

Enthralled: Madison seemed mesmerized by the glistening jewels on offer in the store, listening intently to the older men who appeared to be with them, and seen to be trying on some of the trinkets

Sparkly: Madison seemed to enjoy perusing the watches at the store

Good genes: The brunette showed off her naturally pretty features

Delilah is the daughter of Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna and actor Harry Hamlin.

The blonde had on a nude bodysuit with gold chains and wide straps that also went up on the hips.

The Instagram favorite also wore ripped boyfriend jeans that were faded and fell off her hips. Pointy beige boots that laced up looked fashion forward for the Los Angeles native.

She was also seen with Scott at Rihanna's Fenty fashion show on Sunday and the night before was at the Lord's fashion party with Papi at his NYC apartment; Madison was also in attendance to both events.

Sweet child o mine: Madison is the protege of Justin Bieber who has a few hit songs under her belt such as All For Love and Melodies

Cool look: Suede looked equally relaxed in just a casual jacket, with light make-up and her hair swept back

What's on offer: No one seemed to be buying anything from the shop

Madison is the protege of Justin Bieber who has a few hit songs under her belt such as All For Love and Melodies.

Suede is from Las Vegas but spends a lot of time in Los Angeles, and now NYC.

She rose to fame as an internet star and gained a following with her beachbikiniklass Tumblr blog.

The teen is also known for her YouTube channel MSFTxGYPSY, where she video blogs about beauty and fashion.

Teen power: Suede is from Las Vegas but spends a lot of time in Los Angeles, and now NYC

The budding model has been seen with Scott for the past several days; over the weekend they shared an al fresco lunch in Manhattan.

Last week Disick was spotted with another teen: Audreyana Michelle, 18. The beauty looks much like 38-year-old Kourtney's younger sister Kim Kardashian, 36.

The bad boy of reality TV was also seen having fun with Lionel Richie's daughter Sofia, a 19-year-old model who used to date Bieber.

And in the spring he had a romance with Bella Thorne, 19, an actress best known for her TV series Shake It Up and her Adam Sandler movie Blended.
She's been surrounded by her six children amid her messy divorce from Brad Pitt.

And Angelina Jolie has revealed that her brood are the best friends she could ever ask for in a candid interview with the New York Times.

The 42-year-old single mother reflected on the hardships she has faced over the course of her career, but explained that criticism and public perception had no bearing on her as she only cares about the opinion of her kids.

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Family: Angelina Jolie has revealed that her brood are the best friends she could ever ask for in a candid interview with the New York Times

Angelina - who split from husband Brad in September - has children Maddox, 16, and Pax, 13, Shiloh, 11, Zahara, 12, as well as twins Knox and Vivienne, both nine.

Speaking about the strength she found in her children, she explained that they have 'helped' and 'stood by her' in times of crisis.

She reasoned: 'Theyre the best friends Ive ever had.'

The Oscar-winning actress admitted that they had been rallying around each other now more than ever in the wake of her separation.

Support: The 42-year-old single mother reflected on the the hardships that she has faced on the course of her career, but explained that criticism and public perception had no bearing on her as she only cares about the opinion of her kids (Pictured with children L-R Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt, and Zahara Jolie-Pitt)

Candid: Angelina split from husband Brad Pitt in September (Pictured in 2015)

In the past: Brad pictured with Angelina and their six children Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne arriving in Japan in 2011

She explained: 'None of its easy. Its very, very difficult, a very painful situation, and I just want my family healthy.'

With her family on her mind, she has no time to entertain the thoughts of others, as she reasoned that she never expected to be popular.

Defiantly, she explained: 'I never expect to be the one that everybody understands or likes and thats O.K., because I know who I am, and the kids know who I am.'

Angelina continued her honest discussion about her and Brad's children, telling PEOPLE that her focus is solely on the welfare of their six kids and even stopped work for a year to help them through the stress.

Honest: Angelina continued her honest discussion about their children, telling PEOPLE that her focus is solely on the welfare of their children and even stopped work for a year to help them through the stress

Focused: 'Everything will be around the children,' she said. 'I havent worked for over a year now because they needed me home. Everything was just stopped'

'Everything will be around the children,' she said. 'I havent worked for over a year now because they needed me home. Everything was just stopped.

'Im really sitting and talking with them because everything affects them. Every location, every type of project, Im going to have to adjust it to however much they can handle.'

Admitting she's a 'little bit stronger' following the split, Angelina added that her and the kids are 'itching' to travel after being on 'lockdown' following the break-up.

She added: 'I think theyre itching to get out in the world again. Weve all been a bit in lockdown and going through some things. I think it would be good to get out there and play together.'

Strong: She added: 'Im really sitting and talking with them because everything affects them. Every location, every type of project, Im going to have to adjust it to however much they can handle'

New chapter: Admitting she's a 'little bit stronger' following the split, Angelina added that her and the kids are 'itching' to travel after being on 'lockdown' following the break-up

Her candid confession comes a month after she addressed the split in a in-depth interview for the September issue of Vanity Fair, on newsstands August 4.

The director revealed that 'things got bad' between the two by summer of 2016, adding that 'It's just been the hardest time, and we're just kind of coming up for air.'

After the filing, she took the kids and stayed in a rental until purchasing a $25 million mansion in Los Feliz, California; she moved in just four days before the Vanity Fair interview.

The Lara Croft: Tomb Raider star said the new house is 'a big jump forward for us, and we're all trying to do our best to heal as a family.'

New abode: After the filing, she took the kids and stayed in a rental until purchasing a $25 million mansion in Los Feliz, California; she moved in just four days before the Vanity Fair interview

Home sweet home: She bought the massive home because she need a private place with a lot of space for her and her kids. The mansion, which was at one time owned by filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, is 11,000 square feet with six bedrooms and ten bathrooms

On the time with her kids after the split, Angelina says she's been trying to 'be really good at just being a homemaker and picking up dog poop and cleaning dishes and reading bedtime stories.'

She bought the massive home because she need a private place with a lot of space for her and her kids.

The mansion, which was at one time owned by filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, is 11,000 square feet with six bedrooms and ten bathrooms.

She said things between her and Brad got 'bad' last summer, however she 'didn't want to use that word' and noted that 'things became difficult.'

Strain: The relationship strain occurred in summer 2016 while First They Killed My Father was in post-production; Angelina directed and wrote the film, which takes place in Cambodia (Pictured in 2009)

Separated: The Maleficent star and Brad were together for 12 years before they announced their split in September; the divorce has not yet been finalized. She is seeking sole custody of their children (Pictured in 2014)

The relationship strain occurred in summer 2016 while First They Killed My Father was in post-production; Angelina directed and wrote the film, which takes place in Cambodia.

The Maleficent star and Brad were together for 12 years before they announced their split in September; the divorce has not yet been finalized. She is seeking sole custody of their children.

In September 2016, there was an alleged 'altercation' that involved Brad and Maddox aboard a private jet that was heading from Nice, France to Los Angeles, California; after they landed, Angelina 'kicked him out,' according to Vanity Fair.

Despite the furore, Brad was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Stalled: Just last month, divorce proceedings have stalled for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, friends of the stars claim (Pictured in 2015)

Bitter: A new report by Us Weekly sees multiple sources claiming the former power couple, who had a very public and very bitter split in September 2016, have not moved forward with proceedings to end their marriage (Pictured in 2012)

Just last month, divorce proceedings have stalled for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, friends of the stars claim.

A new report by Us Weekly sees multiple sources claiming the former power couple, who had a very public and very bitter split in September 2016, have not moved forward with proceedings to end their marriage.

One insider told the publication: '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 reason given for the alleged stall is Brad coming clean about his boozing in an interview with GQ this past May.

A friend of Jolie told Us Weekly that the commitment to self-improvement has struck a chord with the actress, who reportedly previously claimed she would consider taking Brad back 'if he showed he was committed to raising a family'.

Moving forward: One insider told the publication: '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'

Reasoning: The reason given for the alleged stall is Brad coming clean about his boozing in an interview with GQ this past May

The source went on to add that Brad had 'got sober to try and win her back' and that the move to quit drinking was 'all she ever wanted'.

Meanwhile, the insider claims: 'Everyone thinks they are going to get back together. It wouldn't be surprising if they announced that they're calling [the split] off and trying to work things out.'

A source told DailyMail.com that the divorce process has significantly slowed down but there has been no real change.

The insider claimed that the former couple are getting along for the sake of their children.

'Consider': A friend of Jolie told Us Weekly that the commitment to self-improvement has struck a chord with the actress, who reportedly previously claimed she would consider taking Brad back 'if he showed he was committed to raising a family'

'Sober': The source went on to add that Brad had 'got sober to try and win her back' and that the move to quit drinking was 'all she ever wanted' (Pictured 2016)

Angelina and Brad, who became known as 'Brangelina,' met on the set of their film Mr. And Mrs. Smith in 2004.

They married in an intimate ceremony on August 23, 2014 in Correns, France.

She told the magazine that her and her estranged husband 'care for each other and care for our family, and we are both working towards the same goal.'

Angelina also divulged her feelings about's Brad Pitt's explosive GQ Style interview. When asked if she was surprised, the star simply said 'no.'

The actress, who is the daughter of Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, said that she doesn't want to show too much emotion in front of the kids.

First meeting: Angelina and Brad, who became known as 'Brangelina,' met on the set of their film Mr. And Mrs. Smith in 2004

All for the kids: The actress, who is the daughter of Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, said that she doesn't want to show too much emotion in front of the kids (Pictured in 2014)

Explaining that: 'I was worried about my mother, growing upa lot. I do not want my children to be worried about me.'

Adding: 'I think its very important to cry in the shower and not in front of them. They need to know that everythings going to be all right even when youre not sure it is.'

The Golden Globe winner recalled a conversation she had with her son Knox, where she joked that he needs to 'pretend to be normal.'

Worry: Explaining that: 'I was worried about my mother, growing upa lot. I do not want my children to be worried about me' (Pictured in 2011)

Angelina said that Knox told her '"Who wants to be normal? We're not normal. Let's never be normal.'' Thank you - yes! We're not normal. Let's embrace being not normal!'

She said her kids were 'very brave' - 'in times they needed to be' and that everyone is 'healing from the events that led to the filing...'

However the director clarified and said 'they're not healing from the divorce. They're healing from some...from life, from things in life.'
She is known for her witty sense of humour as much as her award-winning acting ability.

But Jennifer Lawrence showed fans her fiery side on Wednesday, as she ranted about her biggest pet peeves on the Greg James show.

In an interview that airs at 5pm on Radio 1, the 27-year-old vented her rage as she revealed her worst gripes in everyday life - including 'creepy' hotel cleaners and fitness fanatics, who she jokes should be 'put on an island'.

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Furious: Jennifer Lawrence showed fans her fiery side on Wednesday, as she ranted about her biggest pet peeves on the Greg James show

Appearing on Greg James' show, which airs 4-7pm on Radio One, Jennifer took part in Rage Against The Answering Machine - a game which sees celebrities discuss the things that annoy them most.

Kicking the interview off, the Mother! actress admitted she could not stand those who share their fitness efforts online - agreeing with a caller that she 'doesn't care' how many steps or miles anyone has done that day.

Proving her typically witty humour, she said: 'If that's the life you wanna live where exercise makes you happy... can we just put them all on an island? Where we don't have to hear about it?', leaving host Greg in hysterics.

Furious: Kicking the interview off, the Mother! actress admitted she could not stand those who share their fitness efforts online, calling for them to be 'put on an island'

Not impressed: She went on to rant about hotel staff who ignore the Do Not Disturb sign, leaving Greg (above) in stitches by claiming: 'When is that ever OK?!'

Not stopping there however, she went on to rage that her biggest complaint was to hotel staff, who ignore her Do Not Disturb sign on the door.

Admitting she finds the disturbances seriously 'creepy', she ranted to Greg: 'At the hotel when they forget the Do Not Disturb, and I have to wake up to a stranger at the bottom of my bed...

'When is that ever OK?! I'd rather you came in quietly and cleaned around me. It's creepy, but its better than me waking up and seeing you!'

Have some manners: Expressing her annoyance at hotels further, she then embarked on another tirade at hotel televisions which insist on playing the lobby music, and rude drivers

Adding to the hilarity however, she then revealed she would never stand up to an interrupting staff member, out of safety they will rob her in an act of revenge.

'I never wanna tell the maids to f*** off, because they have access to literally all my stuff,' she laughed.

Expressing her annoyance at hotels further, she then embarked on another tirade at hotel televisions which insist on playing the lobby music, grumbling dramatically: 'When would I EVER want to come home from work and feel like I'm in the lobby?'

The Hunger Games actress also confessed she hated people who tell her to cheer up when she's in a bad mood, and drivers who do not say thank you when you let them in.

Honest: Jennifer was taking part in Rage Against The Answering Machine, on the Greg James Show on Radio One

She said, in one final blow: 'If I stop my car and you have no hope of getting into this lane without me, I feel like I've stood up for you. And he doesn't wave?

'I feel like I want to chase him!' before adding sarcastically: 'Although I'm sure I'd never flip someone off in return...'

Jennifer has become known for her hilarious outbursts - having once fumed at a presenter for letting slip a Homeland spoiler, and even raging at Jimmy Fallon after losing a game on his show on Saturday.

The actress' stop in London is just one of many in recent weeks, as she travels the world to promote her new flick Mother!

Leading lady: The actress' stop in London is just one of many in recent weeks, as she travels the world to promote her new horror flick Mother! (above)

Glam: The Silver Linings Playbook star recently attended the Toronto Film Festival (above) to promote the flick, after it received positive reviews from critics

The Silver Linings Playbook star recently attended both the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals, after the project received positive reviews from critics.

Despite the film's billing as an edge of the seat psychological thriller however, The Hollywood Reporter claim it was met with a chorus of 'large boos' after launching in Venice.

Taking its frosty reception within their stride however, director Darren Aronofsky hit back at the negative response, suggesting he knew it wouldn't suit to everyone's tastes.

Speaking of the film, he explained: 'I think its a very, very strong cocktail. Of course there are going to be people who are not going to want that type of experience. And thats fine.

Awkward: Despite its billing as a psychological thriller, The Hollywood Reporter claim it was met with a chorus of 'large boos' after launching in Venice (pictured at the London premiere)

'Its a very strong cocktail': However director Darren Aronofsky hit back at the negative response, suggesting he knew the film (above) wouldn't suit to everyone's tastes

'Ive been very clear that this is a roller coaster, and only come on it if youre prepared to loop the loop a few times.'

Jennifer has been dating Aronofsky for one year, and recently opened up about their romance to US Vogue.

Praising her beau, 48, as both as a boyfriend and a colleague, she gushed: 'When I saw the movie, I was reminded all over again how brilliant he is. 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. We had energy. I had energy for him. I dont know how he felt about me.'
She's The Bachelor star who won a legion of fans thanks to her sense of humour.

So it was no surprise to see Tara Pavlovic making fun of her own elimination on the realty series following her exit on Wednesday night.

Sharing a photo of herself looking bored after failing to receive a rose from Matty J, the bubbly beauty wrote: 'Wondering what pubs are open tonight...'

Hilarious! Tara Pavlovic took to social media to make a joke about her elimination on The Bachelor after Wednesday's episode aired

Fans flooded the comments section, with one writing: 'Matty didn't deserve you Tara. The whole of Australia loves you.'

Another said: 'Never watching that s**t show again.'

'I actually cried watching this,' wrote another.

'Matty didn't deserve you Tara!' Fans showered the blonde with positive comments

Tara was left heartbroken after getting the boot on The Bachelor on Wednesday.

'I do want to end up with an amazing guy. And I thought it was Matty,' she said through tears.

Tara was nervous even before the rose ceremony began, revealing she didn't want to be eliminated this late in the competition.

'I really don't want to go home,' she confessed.

Tara was left heartbroken after getting the boot on The Bachelor on Wednesday

'I just want to say thank you,' Matty told Tara. 'You deserve someone really amazing'

But her worst fears were confirmed when Matty called Elise's name instead of hers, sending her home instead.

Matty choked back tears as he bid a sad goodbye to Tara, saying: 'I just want to say thank you. You deserve someone really amazing.'

Teary eyed and clearly shattered, Tara revealed her world had been turned upside down by the shock elimination.

'I do want to end up with an amazing guy. And I thought it was Matty,' she confessed.

'I was never scared to fall in love, I was scared of getting my heart broken.'
Lauren Hutton started designing clothes at the age of 13.

The 73-year-old model has revealed she started to make her own garments when she was a teenager because her and her family were 'challenged financially' and could not afford to constantly buy new outfits.

Speaking to Stylist magazine about her upbringing in South Carolina and first foray into fashion, she said: 'I started making my own clothes around 13 because we were challenged financially. Curves were very big in the Fifties. Tall, skinny girls were not in vogue.'

Her past: Lauren Hutton started designing clothes at 13 years old. The 73-year-old model has revealed she started to make her own garments when she was a teenager because her and her family were 'challenged financially' she told Stylist

She still works: The star is seen here with Gigi Hadid in 2016 in Milan

But the Paper Lion actress used her body shape to her advantage.

The cover girl started to alter the length of her dresses and skirts, which was unusual at the time and did not become fashionable to do until two decades later.

She explained: 'And I looked very carefully in the mirror and my curves were my knees and my elbows. So I raised my blue velvet dress so it came above my knees. Miniskirts weren't to come in for about 20 years, so it was scandal.'

Clever: The Paper Lion actress used her petite body shape to her advantage. She started to alter the length of her dresses and skirts, which was unusual at the time and did not become fashion able to do until two decades later

And Lauren's homemade creations saw her get in trouble at school.

'I was expelled for the day,' the star admitted.

But that was not the first time the style icon was sent home from school for her unusual wardrobe choices.

She was a top seller: The South Carolina native appeared on the cover of Vogue many times in the 1960s and 1970s

She explained: 'I sat down and this thing [intricate skirt made of chicken wire] flew over my head. I guess my panties showed, I don't know because I couldn't see anything.

'Anyway, they sent me home, another scandal. I was involved in a lot of clothing scandals.'

Although Lauren's designs saw her get into a lot of trouble, she thinks she would have been a great fashion designer if she took her hobby seriously.

Designers loved her: Hutton wearing Calvin Klein's silk matte jersey tank top and matching wide legged pants in 1974

A party gal: In 1980 at the 52nd Annual Academy Awards in LA

She said: 'I probably would have made a good designer.'

Hutton rocketed to fame in the 1970s as a supermodel, often being seen with the chic set at NYC nightclubs.

Then Hollywood called.

Her biggest hit was 1980's American Gigolo where she played the lonely rich wife who took to a brooding male prostitute played by Richard Gere.

The looker has also appeared in Paper Dolls and Nip/Tuck. She was also the face of J Crew for many years.

In 2016 she modeled on the runway again, this time in Milan with Gigi Hadid.
His ex-girlfriend recently hinted that a reunion could be on the cards.

But Alex Beattie, 22, seems to be making the most of single life as he reportedly 'hooked up' with fellow Love Island star Chyna Ellis, 23.

A source close to the model - who split with Montana Brown in July - told The Sun Online: 'They spent an evening together and definitely hooked up.'

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Hooked up: Alex Beattie, 22, seems to be making the most of single life as he reportedly 'hooked up' with fellow Love Island star Chyna Ellis, 23

The insider continued: 'They really fancy each other and enjoy one anothers company. It just happened the one time, they're making the most of life outside the villa and Alex is enjoying being single.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Alex and Chyna for comment.

The reports come just days after Montana, 22, revealed that she wasn't closing the door on her relationship with Alex - who she split with just weeks after the show wrapped.

Ex: The reports come just days after Montana Brown, 22, revealed that she wasn't closing the door on her relationship with Alex - who she split with in July

Rumour has it: A source close to the model - who split with Montana Brown in July - told The Sun Online : 'They spent an evening together and definitely hooked up'

The economics student exclusively admitted to MailOnline that distance had been a 'big issue' for herself and her ex-beau - ultimately leading them to call it quits.

Addressing their split, Montana explained: 'As soon as we came out the distance was a really big issue.

'I'm not someone who would want to see someone all the time anyway, but it was more we weren't seeing each other a lot.

'We knew we would be really, really busy and it was quite early on to start going out with someone.'

Former flames: Chyna also enjoyed a romance with fellow Islander Jonny Mitchell that ended with her being dumped on television during the Love Island reunion show

In the past: Jonny whisked Chyna away to Budapest during their love affair before their relationship came to an end

Although, it seems Montana is refusing to rule out the possibility of a reconciliation with Alex, as she confessed: 'It's just seeing if he moves closer or something like that... never say never.'

Meanwhile, Chyna also enjoyed a romance with fellow Islander Jonny Mitchell that ended with her being dumped on television during the Love Island reunion show.

There is no love lost between Jonny and Chyna, with the pair engaging in very public bitter Twitter spats following the split.

Jonny whisked Chyna away to Budapest during their love affair before their relationship came to an end.

Split: The economics student exclusively admitted to MailOnline that distance had been a 'big issue' for herself and her ex-beau - ultimately leading them to call it quits

The Love Island hunk left viewers stunned when he was aloof about their romantic status and said the pair were 'keeping it open' on the Love Island reunion show.

He claimed he acted coldly as just a day or two earlier, he had found out that Chyna had 'slept with Ex On The Beach's Adam Oukhellou' - and allegedly saw a message from him on her phone that basically read 'when am I seeing you again'.

'Obviously I was really taken aback and I was a bit p***ed off,' he told The Sun.

He claimed that when he confronted Chyna about the text, she was 'very honest' and admitted to 'sleeping with' Adam.
They're longstanding hosts of Channel Nine breakfast show Today.

But on Wednesday night Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson were appearing on two very different shows.

Lisa made a guest appearance on Channel 10's The Project at the same time Karl hosted Channel Nine's A Current Affair, causing the former Cleo editor to joke: 'We are having network wars right now!'

'We are having network wars right now!' Lisa Wilkinson takes a cheeky jab at Karl Stefanovic as she appears on Channel 10s The Projec

Lisa made the cheeky jab during an appearance on current affairs program The Project.

An editor of women's magazines for decades, the veteran journalist was weighing in on the $4.56 million defamation settlement Bauer Media has been ordered to pay Rebel Wilson.

After Project host Pete Helliar asked what her high profile co-host Karl thought of the settlement, Lisa revealed they were yet to discuss the verdict.

Giving her opinion: An editor of women's magazines for decades, Lisa was weighing in on the $4.56 million defamation settlement Bauer Media has been ordered to pay Rebel Wilson

What a coincidence! At the same time Lisa appeared on The Project, Karl was guest hosting tabloid news show A Current Affair

'You haven't spoken to him - tension on the Today set?' Waleed Aly asked in mock seriousness.

Laughing, Lisa rebuffed the suggestion and explained they hadn't spoken because he was currently appearing on a rival current affairs program.

'No no, that's only because he's hosting A Current Affair tonight,' she said. 'So we are having network wars right now!'

'He's hosting A Current Affair tonight': Lisa explained they hadn't spoken because he was currently appearing on a rival current affairs program

'And we know which side you choose Lisa well chosen,' Pete quipped, causing Lisa to lift an arm in the air triumphantly and reply: 'I've gone for Channel 10!'

Meanwhile Karl used his guest hosting gig of the Channel Nine tabloid current affairs program to slam Woman's Day and applaud Rebel's financial settlement.

The 43-year-old reporter slammed the publication, comparing it to Mills and Boon novels.

Giving his two cents: Karl used his guest hosting gig of the Channel Nine tabloid current affairs program to slam Woman's Day




Maddox Jolie-Pitt has given his very first interview.

The 16-year-old talked to People magazine this week as his mother Angelina Jolie graced the cover.

And because they were promoting their new movie First They Killed My Father - she directed while he served as executive producer - the teen discussed working with the Oscar winner: '[Shes] fun, funny, and easy to work with. Shes a wonder,' said Maddox, who is the eldest of her six children.

Her eldest: Maddox Jolie-Pitt has given his very first interview. The 16-year-old talked to People magazine this week as his mother Angelina Jolie graced the cover. Seen on Monday

He's a fan! '[Shes] fun, funny, and easy to work with. Shes a wonder,' said Maddox, who is the eldest of her six children

He added that he tried his best to be an asset on the set.

Lovely lady: Jolie graced the new cover of People where she talked about life after Brad

'I was trying to help wherever I could,' the teen added. That meant being a part of meetings, helping with the script, preparing shoots and reviewing dallies.

The drama, based on Loung Ungs memoir, was made for Netflix and comes out Friday.

Maddoxs brother Pax, 13, was the set photographer.

Angelina was the one who asked Maddox to work on the movie because the story had to do with his home country Cambodia.

The star adopted him in 2002 when he was a baby.

'Mad knows himself very well and if he said he was ready, I knew he knew,' she said. 'He goes back and forth [to Cambodia] a lot, but this would be over four months of just being in the country, really reading, listening, learning and absorbing all things about his culture and country [including] the very, very dark parts.'

With her brood: From left, Maddox, 16, Pax, 13, Angelina, twins Vivienne and Knox, nine, Shiloh, 11, and Zahara, 12, on Monday. She added that her children are her best friends and she is proud of how they have 'strong voices' and are 'emphatic people' but can still be 'goofy'

Jolie also commented in her cover story about being a single mom. She split from Brad Pitt a year ago.

'I have had my ups and downs. I guess I am a little bit stronger,' she began her interview.

'We all have our difficult times, but as a mother you also have a responsibility first and foremost towards the kids. They are going through their formative years and everything else comes second to that.'

More fun: With her kids and Nora Twomey, Saara Chaudry at The Breadwinner premiere during the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday

Back in white: Jolie arrives on the red carpet in a stylist white outfit

Her six children in addition to Maddox are Pax, 13, Zahara, 12, Shiloh, 11, Vivienne and Knox, nine. And she said she has consulted them before taking her next acting role, which will likely be the Maleficent sequel.

'Everything will be around the children,' the Salt actress said.

'I havent worked for over a year now because they needed me home. Everything was just stopped. Im really sitting and talking with them because everything affects them. Every location, every type of project, Im going to have to adjust it to however much they can handle.'

A year ago they ended it: The two are coming up on the anniversary of their split on September 19; seen here in 2015

Jolie added that her family is out of semi hiding after the Pitt split and they want to have some fun.

'I think theyre itching to get out in the world again. Weve all been a bit in lockdown and going through some things. I think it would be good to get out there and play together,' the LA native said.

She added that her children are her best friends and she is proud of how they have 'strong voices' and are 'empathetic people' but can still be 'goofy.'

'If I've done nothing i their life but be their mom, I'm good,' she added.

She also talked her mother Marcheline Bertrand, who died of cancer 10 years ago.

'It's very, very hard to understand why she's not here,' said Jolie.

As far as her health, she said it's 'so far.' She had preventative surgeries so she would not develop breast and ovarian cancer.

This comes after a busy time at the Toronto International Film Festival, taking her six kids with her for the screening of her new film, First They Killed My Father.
Kristen Bell has two daughters - Lincoln, aged four, and Delta, aged two - with husband of four years, Dax Shepard.

And the Frozen star said it's the best thing that has happened to her.

'I love having girls. The truest thing in life is that girls rule, boys drool,' the blonde beauty told the October issue of Redbook.

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Radiant: Kristen Bell told the October issue of Redbook she loves have two daughters

Hello, gorgeous: The Frozen actress was autumn chic while posing for the cover in a colorful striped sweater and denim skirt

With TV network sitcom The Good Place heading back to air, plus two franchise sequels - one for Frozen and one for Bad Moms - percolating, her schedule is packed.

But don't ask her how she does it.

'Being asked: "How do you do it?" implies that a) I am doing it, which I am not - I am doing what everybody else is doing, which is trying their best, and b) What is a balance, anyway? A balance teeter-totters,' she's told Redbook.

She added: 'It moves, something gives and other things take, and other days it might be the opposite.'

Winning smile: In another snapshot, she slipped on a black skirt that showed off her svelte legs and worn a patterned brown, white and black blouse with shoulder frills

She had, in fact, given at least part of this Redbook interview in bed over the phone, saying: 'I was like: "I could sit in my car, or I could take the extra 10 minutes to drive home and lie in my bed." Self-care. I really believe in self-care.'

The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star also told the magazine: 'Humans want nothing more than to be accepted, and I'm no different. That doesn't happen by presenting perfection.'

Rather, 'I believe in showing your dirty hands and your bumps and bruises and your faults, because that's what makes people feel connected - and isn't that kind of the purpose of, you know, being on Earth?'

Incoming talent: She also modeled a half-sleeved, lacy blue dress while posing for photographer Yu Tsai

When it comes to some of the imperfections of others, 'I have gotten to a happy place the last five years or so where I have so much sympathy toward people who are unhappy or jerky.

'Like: "Oh, man, we have one ride here - that's how you're going to spend it? What a bummer."'

The star looked pretty in autumn fashion for Redbook.

On the cover Bell wore a striped sweater and denim miniskirt with pockets.

Her man: The star with husband of four years Dax Shepard at the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards in January

In another snapshot, she slipped on a black skirt that showed off her svelte legs and worn a patterned brown, white and black blouse with shoulder frills.

Kristen looked over her shoulder in a third photo, having slid into a backless, sleeveless dress that featured glinting beads along the straps.

She's also modeled a half-sleeved, lacy blue dress while posing for photographer Yu Tsai.

Helping hand: Her cover comes out just after the star worked hard to help the victims of Hurricane Irman. The actress found herself stranded in her Orlando hotel over the weekend as Hurricane Irma hit Florida

The October issue hits newsstands on Monday.

Her cover comes out just after the star worked hard to help the victims of Hurricane Irman. The actress found herself stranded in her Orlando hotel over the weekend as Hurricane Irma hit Florida.

But instead of hunkering down in her room, Kristen organized a series of activities for a group of senior citizens who had been evacuated to the hotel from their nursing homes.
News / National

by Staff reporter

HOME AFFAIRS deputy minister Obedingwa Mguni has been accused of shooting at a motorist he accused of smuggling unspecified goods from Botswana.The motorist, Moses Mutsveru, alleges he was shot at by Mguni in Marula near Plumtree, last Thursday.Mguni yesterday said he was unable to comment on the matter as he was attending the official opening of the fifth session of the eight Parliament of Zimbabwe.Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Philani Ndebele, referred questions to national police spokesperson Charity Charamba, whose mobile was unreachable.Mutsveru's lawyer, Prince Butshe, however, confirmed the incident yesterday."I can confirm that my client Moses Mutsveru of Bulawayo has filed a complaint of attempted murder against Home Affairs deputy minister (Obedingwa) Mguni at Plumtree Police Station," Butshe said."As I am speaking, I am at the police station in Plumtree and police are recording two statements, one for my client as a complainant and for Mguni...on the same matter," he said.Butshe, however, refused to give more details but police sources close to the incident yesterday told the Daily News that Mguni shot several bullets at Mutsveru's Nissan Sunny while he was driving, with three bullets hitting the car.Mutsveru escaped unhurt."The information we have is that Mustveru was driving along Marula road at around 4pm when he saw a vehicle behind flashing lights at him. He, however, did not stop but proceeded with the journey," the source said.Mutsveru reportedly panicked as the vehicle which was being driven by the deputy minister was in pursuit and sped off, which resulted in a high speed chase."In the chase, Mutsveru hit a farm pole but continued speeding and moments later, Mguni started firing shots at the vehicle."The chase continued for about 40 kilometres. Sensing danger, Mutsveru reportedly pulled off the road, abandoned the car and escaped into the bush," the source said.After that, Mguni reportedly went to Figtree Police Station where he made a report that he was chasing a smuggler.
She's been extremely vocal about what she felt was unfair editing during her brother Troy's appearance on The Bachelor.

And on Wednesday, Tara Pavlovic was back at it again, this time revealing how the incident left her dear old Nan 'upset' after the episode aired.

'I had my 80-year-old grandmother calling me upset asking why he [Troy] did that,' she told Daily Telegraph.

'I had my 80-year-old grandmother calling me upset!' The Bachelor's Tara Pavlovic claims the editing on the show upset her grandma

Tara introduced Matty Johnson to the family on last Thursday's episode of The Bachelor.

But shortly after it aired, Tara claimed that the segment was heavily edited to make it look like her sibling called Matty a 'liar.'

'Troy was edited so badly. He was very welcoming towards Matty. They cut the word liar from a completely [different] conversation and put it elsewhere to make it dramatic,' Tara said in an Instagram post on Friday.

'Troy was edited so badly': Bachelor star Tara slammed producers over brother's portrayal during home visit

Tara took to social media after the episode aired to defend her brother, who had appeared to give Matty a hostile reception during home visits.

During one conversation, Troy grills Matty over whether he plans to pick Tara as the winner.

'You've got, what, four girls still in the competition. You're gonna break some hearts, aren't you?' Troy asked.

What really happened? Tara took to Instagram after the episode aired to defend her brother, who had appeared to give Matty a hostile reception during home visits

Hit out: After the episode aired several viewers slammed Troy's grilling of Matty

Not happy: Responding to one fan who said Tara could 'blame your brother' if she doesn't win, the nanny defended Troy

Matty, trying to calm the situation, said: 'I wish I could tell you right now if I was gonna end up with Tara... or not. At the moment, I don't know the answer to that question.'

Not pulling any punches, Troy shot back: 'Liar.'

Responding to one fan who said Tara could 'blame your brother' if she doesn't win, the nanny defended Troy.

'Troy was edited so badly. He was very welcoming towards Matty. They cut the word liar from a completely [different] conversation and put it elsewhere to make it dramatic,' she wrote.

Asking for a mate: During one conversation, Troy grills Matty over whether he plans to pick Tara as the winner

Uncomfortable: Matty later said he found the whole experience very awkward

Defending her sibling: Protective sister Tara agreed with one fan's take on the situation

'Home towns were perfect. If Matty sends me home it has nothing to do with them.'

She claimed Troy had called Matty a liar while they were discussing his ink, not the Bachelor hunk's future with Tara.

'That was clever editing. It was a happy conversation. Troy said liar to a whole other conversation about one of Matty's tattoos,' Tara said.

'I feel terrible that people think Troy would have ruined it for me - he was nothing but nice.'

Daily Mail Australia reached out to Network 10 for comment.

Different conversation: She claimed Troy had called Matty a liar while they were discussing his ink, not the Bachelor hunk's future with Tara
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Michael Kors showed off his latest fashion offerings with a star-studded group of runway models on Wednesday.

Kendall Jenner, 21, hit the catwalk in a shimmering two-piece ensemble that featured a long-sleeved crop top and a-symmetrical matching skirt with a long slit up the front. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star wore little makeup on her naturally pretty face and wore her hair back away from her face in a messy updo.

Also on the runway were Bella Hadid, Ashley Graham and Kate Upton. The audience was star studded too with Catherine Zeta-Jones and her daughter Carys as well as best friends Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts.

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A-list fashion: Kendall Jenner, 21, Bella Hadid, 19 and Ashley Graham, 29, wore various shades of black and white to show off Michael Kors' latest Spring/Summer collection at New York Fashion Week on Wednesday

Bella was dressed up in a similar skirt with a long slit that was paired with a patterned long-sleeved black shirt.

The young model, 19, looked fabulous in the figure-hugging piece that showed off her curves.

She wore her short dark hair off her face and had her makeup done in a cat-eye style which has become her signature.

Graham wore a loose black and white long-sleeved dress that featured a plunging neckline to show off her cleavage with a tie in the middle that cinch in her waist.

Ruling the runway: Kendall hit the catwalk in a shimmering two-piece ensemble that featured a long-sleeved crop top and a-symmetrical matching skirt with a long slit up the front

Gorgeous: Kate Upton was also dressed in dark attire, which seemed to be the theme of that part of the show

Pretty details: The blonde beauty showcased a sparkling blazer that she wore around her shoulders, opting not to put her arms through it as she strutted her stuff on the runway

The brunette beauty wore her long hair down around her shoulders and looked pretty in natural makeup.

Upton was also dressed in dark attire, which seemed to be the theme of that part of the show.

She wore a black A-line dress that came down just past her knees.

The blonde beauty showcased a sparkling blazer that she wore around her shoulders, opting not to put her arms through it.

She also wore her hair in a messy updo and had on plain black flip flops.

Bella-isimo! The young model, 19, looked fabulous in the figure-hugging piece that showed off her curves as she paraded down the runway in front of a star-studded front row

Intricate design: The sequined evening wear looked fabulous on the genetically-gifted model, before she later changed into a striking scarlet two-piece

Putting on a show: Sarah Bareilles, who appeared to have performed before the models strutted their stuff down the runway, looked pretty in a floral dress that came down to her ankles

Sarah Bareilles, who appeared to have preformed before the model strutted their stuff down the runway, looked pretty in a floral dress that came down to her ankles.

She wore her hair in loose waves around her face and opted for similar shoes as the models.

The talented songstress smiled broadly as she made her way down the runway.

Front row seats: The show brought out many A-listers including Australian actress friends Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman, who sat next to photographer Mario Testino

The show brought out many A-listers including Australian friends Watts and Kidman who posed separately on the red carpet.

They later found each other inside and opted to sit next to each other in the front row.

Naomi looked chic and elegant in a black and yellow floral dress that slid slightly off her shoulder.

Fashion week natural: Naomi looked chic and elegant in a black and yellow floral dress that slid slightly off her shoulder as she worked her magic in front of the cameras with Nicole

BFF: The two friends looked happy to be reunited as they enjoyed a moment to catch up before the show

Pretty in floral: The loose frock cinched in at the waist showing off the blonde beauty's gorgeous figure

The loose frock cinched in at the waist showing off the blonde beauty's gorgeous figure.

She paired the pretty dress with strappy black shoes and opted for minimal makeup with a splash of lip color on her gorgeous complexion.

The Gypsy star wore her cropped blonde hair in a dramatic side part and had it styled in very loose waves.

Flower power: Nicole looked lovely in her navy, black and white mini-dress, which she teamed with white strappy sandals

Like mother, like daughter: Catherine Zeta-Jones, 47, brought her lookalike young daughter Carys, 14, with her to walk the red carpet at the show

Getting her started early: Young Carys looked delighted to be getting a glimpse of the showbiz lifestyle at the star-studded New York Fashion Week presentation

Dressed to impress: The Welsh star wore a black dress with a plunging v-neckline and large belt cinching in her waist as she worked her magic in front of the cameras alongside her only daughter

Nicole was dressed in a similar short floral dress with long sleeves.

The black and blue design fit her like a glove and hugged close in all the right places.

She wore her light blonde hair in a pretty ponytail at the base of her neck and opted for natural makeup.

Finishing off the pretty look, despite it being after labor day, the fashion forward star opted for stark white heels.

Zeta-Jones, 47, brought her young daughter Carys, 14, with her to walk the red carpet at the show.

The teenager looked pretty in a short yellow and gold skirt with an off-the-shoulder long-sleeved top.

Meanwhile, the Welsh star wore a black dress with a plunging v-neckline and large belt cinching in her waist.

A-listers: The gorgeous stars all posed together as they waited for the show to start

Vets, too: Carolyn Murphy, 43, a favorite of the brand, kicked off the show in a beachy tie-dye number, showing off long tanned legs

Star of the show: Michael Kors favourite model Dasha denisenko stormed the catwalk

Queens of the catwalk: Models Maggie Rizer, 39, and Joan Smalls showed off a more colorful line from the designer

Pretty in pastels: The models stormed the runway in candy-colored ensembles later in the show

Meanwhile, Kendall has been hard at work despite facing more legal action over her controversial T-shirt line.

The 21-year-old model and her younger sister Kylie, 19, pulled the $125 garments - which featured pictures of musical icons with their own likenesses superimposed over the top - from sale earlier this year.

But photographer Al Pereira has now filed a lawsuit against Kendall Jenner Inc, claiming she had no right to use an image he shot of Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G. and Redman in the collection, TMZ reports.

Photographer Michael Miller previously sought legal action against the sisters for using his pictures without permission, and planned to sue for any profits they made from the garments during the short time they were on sale.

Beauties in blue: Joan Smalls (left) led the supermodels strutting down the runway in a variety of cobalt patterned outfits

Working it: Models paraded their statuesque figures down the runway as they wore a variety of taupe suits

Breezy: This fun purple frond pattern adorned dresses, jackets, and bucket hats

Purple passion: Monochrome layered looks made transitional style chic

However, the Kendall + Kylie brand insisted the copyright infringement lawsuit was 'baseless' because they obtained the shirts with the rapper's image from a company that had a valid license to sell them.

They also admitted they only sold two of the garments before pulling the stock from sale.

The company said in a statement: 'The allegations made are completely false and the lawsuit is baseless.

'There has been no infringement or violation of anyone's rights.'

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians stars were also threatened with legal action by the estate of Notorious B.I.G., who claimed they would sue the pair if the t-shirts were not removed from sale.

Keeping it casual: Kendall and Ashley hit the runway in their own clothes earlier in the day as they made sure they perfected their catwalk moves during the Michael Kors rehearsal show

Pretty as a picture: Kate Upton had her make-up applied backstage before the star-studded showcase

Getting the lighting right: The makeup artist shined a light toward the model to make sure the makeup was hitting the light in just the right way

Intentionally messy: Kate also got her hair done by the professionals

Primping: The model smiled up at her makeup artist as he finished up her style

Kendall and Bella hung out and appeared to take a little break before the show as they waited for their hair and makeup.

The duo lounged on the floor between the clothing racks, listening to music on headphones and chatting.

Ashley Graham also sat close by playing on her phone.

Friends: Bella and Kendall posed together backstage before hitting the runway

Bored? Kendall and Bella hung out and appeared to take a little break before the show as they waited for their hair and makeup

Passing the time: Ashley Graham also sat close by playing on her phone

The model later had a fresh face and intentionally tousled main as she put on her first outfit for the catwalk.

She posed for the camera, pouting toward the camera and looking happy before making her big Michael Kors debut.

The designer intentionally chose a makeup-less look for his models, although even that required some major primping.

Almost ready: The model later had a fresh face and intentionally tousled main as she put on her first outfit for the catwalk

She posed for the camera, pouting toward the camera and looking happy before making her big Michael Kors debut




The 18th season of Celebrity Juice debuts on Thursday night, and host Keith Lemon has been sharing a few tidbits from behind-the-scenes.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, he revealed how seriously team captain Holly Willoughby takes the challenges - and will even change her underwear in order to get the best results.

'There's a challenge where they have to pull across a shower curtain using just their bum cheeks,' the veteran host of the show explained. 'We were filming it and we had to take a break because Holly said she needed to go to the toilet.

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'She went off and changed into a thong!' Keith Lemon reveals the lengths Holly Willoughby will go to in order to win on Celebrity Juice... ahead of season 18 debut

In it to win it: Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, he revealed how seriously team captain Holly Willoughby takes the challenges - and will even change her underwear in order to get the best results

'She doesn't know I know this, but she disappeared for ages, and it's because she wanted to change into a thong so she could do the challenge better.

'She's so competitive. She takes it really seriously!'

Keith expressed how thrilled he is that the show is currently in its 18th season - and that he, Holly and Fearne Cotton were recently saying that when it hits 20 years in 2018 they will have been doing it for a decade.

'It's like going back to school. I love it, we're living the dream,' he said. 'When we got to 15 seasons I said it's our goal to get to 20. 20 was my goal. If it finished after 20 I'd be happy but I'd carry on for as long as they will do it.'

Mood: Keith expressed how thrilled he is that the show is currently in its 18th season - and that he, Holly and Fearne Cotton were recently saying that when it hits 20 years in 2018 they will have been doing it for a decade

Thirsty: 'She's so competitive. She takes it really seriously,' Keith said of Holly

New tricks: 'There's a challenge where they have to pull across a shower curtain using just their bum cheeks,' the veteran host of the show explained

Keith insisted that he hasn't asked, nor really cares, about how good the show's ratings are.

'I couldn't care less. Anyway, ratings change don't they? People watch on catch up and stuff now.'

The first episode of the new season will see Keith, Fearne and Holly joined by acting legend Russell Tovey, singing sensation Charli XCX, legendary comedian Johnny Vegas and Love Island favourites Chris and Kem.

Of the latter, Keith admits he didn't know who they were when they came in for filming.

Star guest: He gushed about landing actor Russell Tovey on the show - who, until now, has never appeared on the panel

Of pop songstress Charli XCX, he said: 'That's a hard name isn't it? I just called her Charli sexy'

'I told them "sorry, I don't know who you are",' he said. 'They seemed like nice guys. But I didn't watch Love Island, I wasn't in the UK, I was busy working on something else (that I can't tell you about).

'Someone pointed out to me that one of them won the show. I asked him what he won. I asked "did you get to keep the island?" I suppose he won a girlfriend.'

Of pop songstress Charli XCX, he said: 'That's a hard name isn't it? I just called her Charli sexy.'

He also gushed about landing actor Russell Tovey on the show - who, until now, has never appeared on the panel.

They're back: The first episode of the new season will see Keith, Fearne and Holly joined by acting legend Russell Tovey, singing sensation Charli XCX, legendary comedian Johnny Vegas and Love Island favourites Chris and Kem

'He's not a celebrity, is he? He's an actor type rather than a celeb. Did you know he has no cartlidge in his ears? We did a task where we tried to see if he could carry my weekly shopping on his ears.'

Keith teased that the likes of Strictly's Mollie King, comedian Jimmy Carr and EastEnders actor Richard Blackwood will feature on coming episodes.

'I've wanted Richard on this show for a long time. I've only ever met him in the street before now. I'm looking forward to playing with him on telly,' he said.

On the topic of dream guests, Keith listed Kylie Minongue and Cara Delevingne as he top choices.

Coming up: Keith teased that the likes of Strictly's Mollie King, comedian Jimmy Carr and EastEnders actor Richard Blackwood will feature on coming episodes

The dream: On the topic of dream guests, Keith listed Kylie Minongue and Cara Delevingne as he top choices

What's next? Keith was a little clandestine about the various other projects he alluded to. He did tease the possibility of another season of both The Keith & Paddy Picture Show and The Keith Lemon Sketch Show

'I asked Kylie, and she said "we'll see", which means "no chance",' he laughed. 'And Cara, I saw her at an event. It was like a school disco, I had to get my mate to go over to her and ask if she knew who I was.

'After that I went over and talked to her and she seemed up for Celebrity Juice.'

Keith was a little clandestine abou the various other projects he alluded to. He did tease the possibility of another season of both The Keith & Paddy Picture Show and The Keith Lemon Sketch Show.

'I'd actually also really like to do a movie version of The Big Fat Gypsy Kardashians,' he revealed. 'But those heels and that fake a**e is a killer.'

Celebrity Juice returns on Thursday at 10pm on ITV2.
She's made a name for herself as a model, lending her incredible figure to the likes of FHM, Maxim and GQ in her heyday.

And Caprice, 45, proved to be absolutely age-defying, as she enjoyed a very saucy outing in Ibiza on Tuesday.

The businesswoman sizzled as she flaunted her sensational frame in a bardot lace-up white bikini, which exposed her enviably long, lean legs.

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All eyes on her! Caprice, 45, proved to be absolutely age-defying, as she enjoyed a very saucy outing in Ibiza on Tuesday

Caprice looked every inch the blonde bombshell as she immersed herself in the sunny weather.

Her white bikini top fell off her shoulders and the racy lace-up detailing down the middle flaunted her flawless decolletage.

The mother-of-two also donned matching bottoms which bared her impossibly toned stomach and gym-honed stems as she sauntered along barefoot.

Clearly not needed much enhancement, Caprice opted for the simplest slick of make-up - cladding the rest of her features in a pair of super cool shades.

Sizzling: The businesswoman sizzled as she flaunted her sensational frame in a bardot lace-up white bikini, which exposed her enviably long, lean legs

Racy: Her white bikini top fell off her shoulders and the racy lace-up detailing down the middle flaunted her flawless decolletage

Wow: The mother-of-two also donned matching bottoms which bared her impossibly toned stomach and gym-honed stems as she sauntered along barefoot

The Californian sported poker straight blonde locks, which complemented her bronzed complexion.

Truly embracing summer chic, Caprice toted all of her belongings in an oversized blush pink and white bag.

Earlier this year, viewers were rocked after Caprice was forced to quit Channel 4's The Jump earlier after show doctors discovered she had a brain tumour.

She later appeared on Loose Women, at the end of April, to open up about the frightening situation, following her required surgery.

The fashion and TV star broke down in tears as she relived the horror of the discovery - and the subsequent battle to keep things together for the sake of her two young sons.

Beauty: Clearly not needed much enhancement, Caprice opted for the simplest slick of make-up - cladding the rest of her features in a pair of super cool shades

Mane attraction: The Californian sported poker straight blonde locks, which complemented her bronzed complexion

She said of her op, which took place in March: 'I had a seven-and-a-half hour operation... I thought this was the right thing for my family and I didn't have the support system because I didn't tell anyone...

'I just remember being in my bed and praying to my dad in heaven. I just wanted to wake up and be OK. It was the first time that it really hit me.'

Caprice was forced to come to terms with the news on her own as she was in Austria for the show without her husband Ty Comfort, but admitted she couldn't stop worrying about her three-year-old sons Jax and Jett.

She explained: 'I went to the hospital and the nurse came in and said, "Oh you're fine." And I said, "OK, let's go. We have a live show." And she said. "No, you have to see the neurosurgeon." And I said, "What are you talking about? I need to go."

Truly embracing summer chic: Caprice toted all of her belongings in an oversized blush pink and white bag

Sad: Earlier this year, viewers were rocked after Caprice was forced to quit Channel 4's The Jump earlier after show doctors discovered she had a brain tumour

'I just wanted to wake up and be OK': She later appeared on Loose Women, at the end of April, to open up about the frightening situation, following her required surgery

'Anyway, the nurse came in and she sat down and she said, "Don't be alarmed but you have a brain tumour."

'Obviously, I started to break down and cry hysterically. I just said, "Am I going to die?" That's the first thing you think about, I'm 45 now but I had waited for the right partner at 39 and I waited for my kids.

'It's terrifying, and I'm relatively healthy and I've never done drugs and I couldn't believe what they were telling me. For me, I just wanted to be strong for my kids because they're so young. They're three. I wanted to be strong for my partner.'

She said: 'Channel 4 were amazing. They said, "Forget about the show, you're going home." So I went home and I told Ty my partner.
She is used to sashaying down the catwalk in glamorous gowns for the likes of Chanel, Marc Jacobs and Balmain.

But Lara Stone proved to be every inch the off-duty model as she embarked on a casual stroll in Notting Hill, London on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old Dutch beauty hid her slender frame in an oversized 'Revenge' hoodie and leggings.

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Statement style: Lara Stone, 33, proved to be every inch the off-duty model as she embarked on a casual stroll in Notting Hill, London on Wednesday

Lara truly embraced low-key chic in the trendy ensemble as she headed for the outing in West London.

The catwalk queen's black oversized hoodie commanded attention with the world 'Revenge' emblazoned on the front in large orange letters.

Balancing out the look, she showed off her slim pins in a pair of ankle-grazing Nike leggings and opted for maximum comfort in trainers.

Clearly a beauty, Lara went make-up free and scraped her locks in a messy high ponytail.

Off-duty model: The Dutch beauty hid her slender frame in an oversized 'Revenge' hoodie and leggings

Trendy: The catwalk queen's black oversized hoodie commanded attention with the world 'Revenge' emblazoned on the front in large orange letters

All of her essentials were harboured in a chic black handbag which featured an elongated gold chain.

While she cut a solo figure, in recent months Lara has set tongues wagging after she was seen kissing her rumoured boyfriend Andrew Grey in London.

Lara was seen locking lips with the handsome hunk during an al-fresco meal in the sunshine - before they headed off to continue their day together in the city.

The blonde and her mystery companion have been spotted together on multiple occasions, having first been romantically linked back in April.

Casual: Balancing out the look, she showed off her slim pins in a pair of ankle-grazing Nike leggings and opted for maximum comfort in trainers

The alleged romance comes after she was reportedly linked to fellow model Jordan Barrett, 20 - who were seen putting on an amorous display at the Cannes Film Festival.

She has been previously married to Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams, whom she shares three-year-old son Alfred with.

They had married back in 2010 at London's Claridge's, but confirmed their split five years later.

The blonde shot to fame as a model at the age of 12 when she was scouted in Paris, and has gone on to score a number of contracts all over the globe.

New man? While she cut a solo figure, in recent months Lara has set tongues wagging after she was seen kissing her rumoured boyfriend Andrew Grey in London

Former flame: She has been previously married to Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams, whom she shares three-year-old son Alfred with

Known for her seemingly stern expression, Lara recently admitted that the look was just her natural face - and causes many to think she is constantly angry.

She explained of her pout: 'That's just the way my face looks. I haven't got a naturally smiley face.

'But then there are some people who have really friendly faces, even when they're pissed off, and I imagine that would be more annoying.'
Scarlett Johansson and Romain Dauriac have finalized their divorce, just over a year after they separated following two years of marriage.

According to court records submitted Tuesday in Manhattan the duo also come to an agreement regarding the custody of their three-year-old daughter Rose Dorothy.

The terms of the divorce are sealed, according to a report by the New York Post on Wednesday.

It's official: Scarlett Johansson has finalized her divorce from Romain Dauriac have after separating in the summer of 2016. Scarlett, 32, filed for divorce in March

Scarlett, 32, had asked for primary custody of Rose, and for the girl to live with her in New York.

Romain was opposing the move because he believed their daughter should live in his native France with him.

'He would like to move to France with his daughter and Ms. Johansson does a lot of traveling,' his lawyer Harold Mayerson said earlier this year.

Following the split the duo had an informal co-parenting agreement in place to spend every other week with their daughter.

Under wraps: The duo - pictured in February 2015 - also settled their custody battle over three-year-old daughter Rose but details of the agreement are sealed

But it fell apart after the actress asked for a shorter schedule to accommodate her work commitments.

Sources at the time said Dauriac had complained that his life was starting to revolve around Johanssons schedule as the actress travels so much for filming.

The couple married in 2014, and Scarlett filed for divorce in March of this year citing that the marriage was 'irretrievably broken'.

Meanwhile Scarlett has been enjoying a string of dates with Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost, 35.

Battle: Scarlett, 32, had asked for primary custody of Rose, and for the girl to live with her in NYC, while Romain was opposing the move because he believed their daughter should live in his native France with him

She appeared willing to take things public earlier this month, as she was reportedly seen kissing the comedian during a Diana Ross concert in New York.

The Her actress, who has been linked to Colin on and off over the last few months, danced in the rain at an exclusive bash in glitzy Long Island enclave the Hamptons before reportedly locking lips with her handsome companion.

However, it seems she's keeping her options open as it was reported last week that she's also still continuing to see lawyer Kevin Yorn who she was spotted on a date with earlier in the summer.

Keeping her options open: Meanwhile Scarlett has been enjoying a string of dates with Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost, 35 as well as dating lawyer Kevin Yorn

They are 'both openly dating people,' a source told People of her attraction to Yorn, 'the feelings haven't fizzled.'

Earlier this year Scarlett told Playboy that she doesn't think monogamy is natural.

'I think the idea of marriage is very romantic; it's a beautiful idea. And the practice of it can be a very beautiful thing.

'I don't think it's natural to be a monogamous person. I might be skewered for that, but I think it's work. It's a lot of work.'

Scarlett was also married to Ryan Reynolds from 2008-2011.
Daniel Day-Lewis was spotted on Wednesday with his arm bandaged up following his reported motorbike crash earlier this month.

The Irish star, who was first pictured in the cast last week, appeared downcast as he was seen walking through Manhattan in a T-shirt, while sporting the same pyjama bottoms he sported a week before.

The 60-year-old actor was reportedly involved in a motorbike accident in which nobody else was hurt yet he sustained the injury which has seen his arm bound in plaster and resting in a cast.

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Tough times: Daniel Day-Lewis was spotted on Wednesday with his arm bandaged up following his reported motorbike crash earlier this month

Esteemed star Daniel was seen to be wearing the same striped bottoms as before yet transformed into a blue T-shirt, as he continued to recover from the accident.

A source exclusively told Page Six: 'He was in a motorbike accident and broke his arm. But he's fine, and no one else was hurt. He was well-protected - he was wearing a helmet. But it was a bummer.'

The source added that the accident was not the star's fault. When contacted by MailOnline a rep for Daniel Day-Lewis declined to comment.

News of the alleged accident comes just months after the star retired from acting. In a statement issued in June, his spokeswoman, Leslee Dart, said he 'will no longer be working as an actor,' trade magazine Variety reported.

Long walk: The Irish star, who was first pictured in the cast last week, appeared downcast as he was seen walking through Manhattan in a T-shirt, while sporting the same pyjama bottoms he sported a week before

A moment of solace: The star was bandaged up as he sat on a bench taking a moment to himself

'He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years,' Dart said, 'This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.'

Daniel, a master of method acting known for being extremely selective about his roles, is the only performer to have ever won three best actor Oscars.

He earned a golden statuette for 'My Left Foot' (1989), in which he plays writer and artist Christy Brown, who was confined to a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy; a second one for 'There Will Be Blood' (2008), in which he plays a fierce oil man; and a third for the lead role in Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln' (2013).

He also earned Oscar nods for 'Gangs of New York' and 'In the Name of the Father.'

Relaxed: Esteemed star Daniel was seen to be wearing the same striped bottoms as before yet transformed into a blue T-shirt, as he continued to recover from the accident

Powering through: The star was looking weary as he headed through the park in the wake of his injuries

Born in London, Day-Lewis is the son of British poet Cecil Day-Lewis and actress Jill Balcon.

He made his film debut in 1971 in 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' but then turned to the stage. He appeared on screen again more than a decade later in 1982, when he landed his first adult role.

His strong on-screen presence and remarkable range quickly set him apart, earning him praise from critics and audiences alike.

He was said to be so deeply invested in his roles that he would stay in character even when not shooting - as was the case with 'Gangs of New York,' when he kept the New York accent and would be seen sharpening his knives at lunch.

He also reportedly listened to rapper Eminem to get into an angry mood for the role.

Pictured accepting his Oscar for Best Actor for 2013 hit Lincoln: Daniel is the only person to win three Best Actor Oscars

Star quality: Actor Daniel Day-Lewis and wife Rebecca Miller arrive at the Oscars in 2013

Apart from his Oscar performances, some of his most memorable other roles were in 'My Beautiful Laundrette' (1985), 'A Room With a View' (1985), 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' (1988) and 'The Last of the Mohicans' (1992).

But despite his stardom the actor shied away from the limelight, remaining throughout his career notoriously reclusive. He took long stretches of time away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to be with his family in Ireland and to learn 'rural skills.'

During one such period in the late 1990s, while learning to be a cobbler in Florence, Italy, he was reportedly lured back to the US by producer Harvey Weinstein, director Martin Scorcese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio to take on the lead role in 'Gangs of New York.'

Starring role: Day-Lewis as Christy Brown, a man with cerebral palsy born into a working-class Irish family

Tough times: During one such period in the late 1990s, while learning to be a cobbler in Florence, Italy, he was reportedly lured back to the US by producer Harvey Weinstein, director Martin Scorcese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio to take on the lead role in 'Gangs of New York'

'I was very happily out of the world of filmmaking,' Day-Lewis said at the time. 'I was just happily working away at other things.'

In a sign that acting would not be his lifelong passion, he told a magazine in 2005: 'In every actor's life, there is a moment when they ask themselves, 'Is it really seemly for me to still be doing this?''

The actor is married to Rebecca Miller -- the daughter of playwright Arthur Miller -- a US actress and writer with whom he has two children.

From 1989 to 1994 he had a tumultuous relationship with French actress Isabelle Adjani, with whom he has one son.
She made her professional runway debut at the 2015 New York Fashion Week.

And Emily Ratajkowski transformed the streets of Manhattan into her own personal catwalk as she left the city's Bowery Hotel on Wednesday.

The model, 26, was spotted looking extra sexy in a white cleavage-baring crop top as she put in another stylish appearance.

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Strutting her stuff: Emily Ratajkowski transformed the streets of Manhattan into her own personal catwalk as she left the city's Bowery Hotel on Wednesday

Flashing a hint of her toned and tanned abs, the actress teamed her tiny top with baggy beige high-waisted trousers.

The Gone Girl star added a fashion-forward touch by wearing pointed-toe snakeskin shoe boots.

Emily accessorized with a gold pendant necklace, black sunglasses and a black handbag that featured a chunky gold chain.

The model wore a mauve color on her pout and wore her raven colored locks down around her shoulders.

Caught in the moment: The model, 26, was spotted looking extra sexy in a white cleavage-baring crop top as she put in another stylish appearance

Abs-olutely fabulous: Flashing a hint of her toned and tanned abs, the actress teamed her tiny top with baggy beige high-waisted trousers

The brunette seemed happy and relaxed as she enjoyed another low-key day of strolling around the city.

Just the day before, Emily was seen walking the streets of New York with her long-time musician boyfriend Jeff Magid, who she has been dating since November 2014.

Aside from her fashion commitments, busy Emily is set to co-star star in four films in the coming months.

Fashion forward: The Gone Girl star added a fashion-forward touch by wearing pointed-toe snakeskin shoe boots

Cute and casual: Emily accessorized with a gold pendant necklace, black sunglasses and a black handbag that featured a chunky gold chain

The actress will join Natalie Dormer in the thriller In Darkness and take the lead in romance, Cruise, both of which have yet to set release dates.

In 2018, she will join forces with Amy Schumer and Michelle Williams for the comedy, I Feel Pretty, due out June 29.

Emily will also join Aaron Paul for the chiller, Welcome Home, about a couple's romantic trip to a cottage in the Italian countryside that turns into a nightmare, which will be released next year.

Sizzling: The model wore a mauve color on her pout and wore her raven colored locks down around her shoulders
Tyrese has posted a lengthy statement on Instagram after being accused by his ex-wife of attacking his 10-year-old daughter Shayla.

The 38-year-old actor accused Norma Gibson of being jealous of his new marriage while insisting he's a good father.

According to a new report Norma - who was married to the star from 2007 to 2009 - has been granted a restraining order against Tyrese after accusing the star of beating their daughter so hard 'she couldn't sit down'

Tyrese released a statement on Instagram on Wednesday in response to accusations from his ex-wife that he attacked his daughter Shayla last month

On Wednesday the actor shared a collection of family photos and a long caption which read: 'I'm sorry I got re-married, I'm sorry we didn't work out I'm sorry you haven't been able to find another man since we separated,'

The Furious 7 star continued: 'Sometimes you get married and have kids and things just don't work out, but I have NEVER wished harm on you....... I was hoping by now you got over what we used to be... But I see the attacks just won't stop so I believe this too will pass and God and the courts will reveal the truth.....

'I want you to know I still love you and wish you the best in all that you're looking to do... I just simply wanna co-parent and raise Shayla to be a respectful, decent, smart angel that I know she is...'

The 38-year-old star has accused Norma Gibson of being jealous that he has remarried and that she 'hasn't been able to find a man'

Norma - who was married to the star from 2007-2009 - has been granted a restraining order after accusing Tyrese of beating their daughter so hard 'she couldn't sit down'

Tyrese maintained his innocence as he went on: 'Paint your picture but God knows the truth...... if I was a bad dad I wouldn't of went from 80/20 to 70/30 to 60/40 to 50/50 custody in my favor......

'That's my story and I'm sticking to it.... More truths coming soon....... Child custody family issues are the worst.......' he concluded.

Norma has reportedly been granted full custody of Shayla - with no visitation by Tyrese allowed - until an October 2 court hearing, according to TheBlast.com.

The request for protection was granted by a judge, barring Tyrese from directly or indirectly contacting his ex or daughter until the hearing.

Norma alleges Tyrese 'went into a rage, pushed our daughter to the ground, pinned her face down, put his knees on her back, grabbed her hands with one arm and beat her with the other.'

Norma has reportedly been granted full custody of Shayla - with no visitation by Tyrese allowed - until an October 2 court hearing

In legal documents seen by The Blast Norma describes an incident on August 19 in which she claims Tyrese pinned their daughter to the ground and viciously beat her.

She alleges Tyrese 'went into a rage, pushed our daughter to the ground, pinned her face down, put his knees on her back, grabbed her hands with one arm and beat her with the other.'

Shayla was staying with Tyrese at the time and Norma claims the fight started when he accused the girl of stealing money she got for her birthday from her own piggy bank.

Norma alleges that her daughter told her, 'Mum, dad beat me so hard that it hurts when I sit down.'

Tyrese's ex is allegedly afraid that he may abduct their daughter to Dubai where he visits often and has 'significant influence and power' with the royals in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

'Paint your picture but God knows the truth..' Tyrese wrote on Instagram alongside a collection of family photos with Norma and Shayla

She also claims Tyrese has a long history of domestic abuse, and she says he has been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and manic behavior.

Meanwhile Tyreses attorney accuses Norma of 'making up stories about beatings and abuse.' while sources claim he is planning to 'vigorously fight' his ex on all allegations.

The Fast Five actor secretly tied the knot on Valentine's Day this year with a social worker professional named Samantha Lee.

Sources close to the pair say they met after Tyrese posted an open letter to his 'wife of the future' in 2015, and were put in touch through mutual friends.

New love: Tyrese secretly tied the knot on Valentine's Day this year with a woman named Samantha Lee (pictured)

In a social media post shortly after the wedding the star revealed he'd hoped to keep the big news a secret.

He wrote: 'We're humbled by the outpouring of love! We appreciate all of the prayers and well wishes. Sometimes when you pray you get exactly what your heart desires. I got #MyBlackQueen I didn't just marry her I married my daughters new example.

'We are all flawed, sinners and have made mistakes but I hope you decide to keep loving, keep the faith and God will to send you what's yours.... #Amen.'
They are firm friends who have enjoyed holidays together, with one even acting as a bridesmaid for the other.

And Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof proved their friendship is as strong as ever, as they cosied up at the House of Holland x Woody Woodpecker collection launch.

The 33-year-old fashion designer looked chic in monochrome, while Pixie, 26, kept it casual in plaid at the pop-up at Fenwick Of Bond Street during London Fashion Week on Wednesday night.

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Firm friends: Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof proved their friendship is as strong as ever, as they cosied up at the House of Holland x Woody Woodpecker collection launch

Alexa showcased her model frame in a white peasant blouse teamed with understated white boyfriend jeans.

She slung a black coat over the pretty look and completed her outfit with a pair of black leather ankle boots.

Styling her glossy dark hair in tousled waves, the model injected a dose of colour to the look with a slick of fuchsia lipstick.

Meanwhile Pixie kept things cool in a graphic print T-shirt from her pal's collection teamed with slouchy Nineties-style jeans and a plaid shirt also from Henry's enviable capsule range.

Style on point: Alexa kept to her signature style, wearing a vintage blouse with simple white jeans

Looking good: The 33-year-old fashion designer looked chic in a monochrome look

Turning heads: She slung a black coat over the pretty look and completed her outfit with a pair of black leather ankle boots

Chic: Alexa showcased her model frame in a white peasant blouse teamed with understated white boyfriend jeans

The daughter of rocker Bob Geldof boosted her height with a decadent pair of gold peep-toe platform sandals.

Sweeping her dark hair into a tousled topknot, the DJ framed her eyes with a simple sweep of winged eyeliner.

Pixie and Alexa cemented their friendship, after Alexa acted as bridesmaid for Pixie's wedding to rockstar George Barnett in Mallorca in June.

Alexa's outing comes amid rumours to have split from her beau of two years Alexander Skarsgard earlier this summer.

They had been notoriously private about their romance ever since they first began dating two years ago.

Check her out: Pixie, 26, kept it casual in plaid at the pop-up during London Fashion Week on Wednesday night

Close: Alexa acted as bridesmaid for Pixie's wedding to rockstar George Barnett in Mallorca in June

Three's a crowd: The pair later beamed as they posed with designer Henry Holland

Berry nice: Styling her glossy dark hair in tousled waves, Alexa injected a dose of colour to the look with a slick of fuchsia lipstick

Strike a pose: Alexa and Henry later mingled with editor Gillian Orr

The high profile couple had chosen to keep their relationship away from the spotlight and had avoided publicly confirming their romance when they were first linked in June 2015.

Alexander, 40, and Alexa, 33, were last seen together in May earlier this year, and had made a rare appearance together at the Met Gala in New York.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph three months ago, the fashionista confessed she has a 'pathological fear' of dating and likes a potential suitor to downplay their first meeting.

She said: 'If someone says, "Do you want to meet for dinner?" I'm like, "Is that a date?" and then usually, if they're funny and get it they say no.'

Casual look: Pixie kept things cool in a graphic print T-shirt teamed with slouchy Nineties-style jeans and a plaid shirt

Taking centre-stage: Sweeping her dark hair into a tousled topknot, the DJ framed her eyes with a simple sweep of winged eyeliner

Just hanging out: The brunette beauty seemed at home as she took to the DJ decks

Killer footwear: The daughter of rocker Bob Geldof boosted her height with a decadent pair of gold peep-toe platform sandals

The fashion designer then told Harper's Bazaar that she believes she is a 'nightmare' to date. She said: 'I don't like being told what to do and I don't want to be penned in. I don't want to feel I have to be anywhere.

'I am quite restless. It makes me a nightmare to date, I think.'

Alexa has previously dated fashion photographer David Titlow and Arctic Monkeys star Alex Turner.

She and Alex were together for four years between 2007 until 2011. She had stressed following their split that the pair had remained 'best friends'.

Out of this world: The Saturdays singer Vanessa White beamed as she attended the pop-up

Simply stunning: She showed off her arm tattoos in a white short sleeved top and finished her look with silver heeled boots and a patterned skirt

She's watching you! The daughter of Queen drummer Roger Taylor, Tigerlily rocked a pair of sequinned eye-motif boots

Reality star appearance: Made In Chelsea's Ollie Proudlock rocked a loud Umbro shirt

Monochromatic: The fashion designer layered on a long black coat to complete her look

Smiling sweetheart: She left alone, after celebrating her friend's fashion endeavour
Kerry Katona has made a very public reveal of her new romance as she took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a sweet snap with new beau James English.

The 32-year-old Atomic Kitten star could not stop beaming as she posed for a selfie with her hunky new boyfriend - who she was first seen with publicly during a PDA-packed meet at an airport last week.

Sharing the snap with her 88,700 followers, the stunning star was beaming in the image - released shortly after news arose that he had a violent past.

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Confirmed! Kerry Katona has made a very public reveal of her new romance as she took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a sweet snap with new beau James English

The smiling snap is her first public profession of romance yet the news comes after it was revealed that Kerry's new boyfriend James English once assaulted a woman and SPAT in her face in a McDonald's bust-up as shocking violent past is revealed

She previously accused her estranged boxer husband George Kay of spitting in her face and displaying 'controlling' behaviour.

And it seems James has a violent past, as it has emerged the Scottish comedian once assaulted a woman and spat in her face.

The shamed 32-year-old actor, who was pals with slain gangster Euan 'EJ' Johnston, pled guilty to the assault during a furious bust-up at a McDonald's in 2015.

Shocking: The 32-year-old Atomic Kitten star could not stop beaming as she posed for a selfie with her hunky new boyfriend - who she was first seen with publicly during a PDA-packed meet at an airport last week

Kerry seemed unfazed by James' past as she was pictured kissing him passionately at a London airport last week - three months after splitting from George.

In April, James was initially charged with punching Michelle McArthur, 33, on the head and pulling her hair to the extent of an injury.

But that was later deleted from the charge - and instead he pled guilty to assault and spitting in her face during the brawl in November 2015.

James, who appeared on the reality show Glow last year, which was dubbed as 'Scotland's answer to TOWIE', had his sentence put back for a year for good behaviour when he appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Past: The shamed actor, who was pals with slain gangster Euan 'EJ' Johnston, pled guilty to the assault during a furious bust-up at a McDonald's in 2015

It's all coming out: James was also friends with gangster Euan EJ Johnston and was previously questioned by police as a potential witness over two gang killing

James was also friends with gangster Euan EJ Johnston and was previously questioned by police as a potential witness over two gang killings.

Detectives probed him in the hope that he could give information on the murders of his uncle Billy Bates and barman Tam Cameron.

Despite his rocky past, the couple seemed very much happy as they kissed and hugged at the airport.

Happy: Kerry and James, who kissed passionately at a London airport last week, seemed unfazed by the past with their PDA-packed display

New horizons: The pair, who met at one of her Atomic Kitten gigs earlier this year, have reportedly been enjoying private dates in Scotland

The pair, who met at one of her Atomic Kitten gigs earlier this year, have reportedly been enjoying private dates in Scotland.

Kerry's PDA-packed outing with James after the mum-of-four announced she and husband George Kay were splitting, after three years of marriage.

The couple, who share daughter Dylan-Jorge, 3, had been due to enter Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother - but 'domestic issues' saw them pulling out.

Kerry previously split with George in October 2015 after thirteen months together and a month later appeared in court accusing him of beating her up at their home, after allegedly arming himself with a Taser-style device and a knife.

It's over: Kerry's new loved-up display comes after she announced she was splitting with her third husband George Kay in July, with her spokesperson telling MailOnline: 'Going forward her focus is going to be on her children'

However he was later acquitted after prosecutors revealed that they didn't have enough evidence to secure a conviction.

Kerry has previously accused former boxer George of persuading her to ditch her friendships to spend time with him instead and regularly using foul language towards her, as well as 'spitting in her face' on several occasions.

Yet, after their second split this year, the mother-of-five hinted at abuse once again, by claiming she would 'never forgive herself' for letting her children witness his 'controlling' behaviour.

Speaking to the Sunday People last month, she said: 'I feel like the worst mother in the world and I will never forgive myself.

'No child should have to hear what they heard or see what they saw.'

Claims: Kerry has previously accused former boxer George of regularly using foul language towards her, as well as 'spitting in her face' on several occasions




She's said that 'everything will be about kids', after discussing her messy divorce from Brad Pitt.

But Angelina Jolie cherished some time for herself on Wednesday, as she was seen indulging in a hot pretzel treat by herself in New York City.

Maintaining her signature glamour, the 42-year-old actress looked fantastic as she stepped out in a taupe and caramel ensemble while out and about.

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Not afraid of carbs! Angelina Jolie seems to be doing just fine on her own as she munched on a hot pretzel in New York on Wednesday

Simple, clean and elegant, she matched her duster coat to her top, midi skirt and patent leather heels.

Following her sweet treat, she later slicked on perfect red lips and offset the camel look with a striking scarlet bag, while also accessorizing with a pair of JPLUS sunglasses.

Angelina's brunette tresses were worn down as she let her natural looks show by going make-up free.

Feeding the hunger! The star seemed to have a ravenous appetite

Classic beauty: The 42-year-old actress put on a classy display in the Big Apple

Beautiful in beige: Angelina looked fantastic as she stepped out in a monochrome ensemble

On-the-go: She has had a busy past few days as she was recently in Canada for the Toronto International Film Festival

Looking good: The 42-year-old actress nearly wore entirely beige including duster coat, top, midi skirt, and patent leather heels, while also accessorizing with a pair of JPLUS sunglasses

Friendly to fans: She happily signed autographs for loyal followers before walking into the building for an event

She was made time to be friendly to her fans as she even stopped to sign a few autographs before walking into a building for an event.

The outing comes just after revealing that her kids are the best friends she could ever ask for in a candid interview with the New York Times.

The talented actress reflected on the hardships she has faced over the course of her career, but explained that criticism and public perception had no bearing on her as she only cares about the opinion of her kids.

Family first: The outing comes just after Angelina revealed that her brood are the best friends she could ever ask for in a candid interview with the New York Times

Angelina - who split from husband Brad in September - has children Maddox, 16, and Pax, 13, Shiloh, 11, Zahara, 12, as well as twins Knox and Vivienne, both nine.

Speaking about the strength she found in her children, she explained that they have 'helped' and 'stood by her' in times of crisis.

She reasoned: 'Theyre the best friends Ive ever had.'

The Oscar-winning actress admitted that they had been rallying around each other now more than ever in the wake of her separation.

Support: The 42-year-old single mother reflected on the the hardships that she has faced on the course of her career, but explained that criticism and public perception had no bearing on her as she only cares about the opinion of her kids (Pictured with children L-R Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt, and Zahara Jolie-Pitt)

Candid: Angelina split from husband Brad Pitt in September (Pictured in 2015)

In the past: Brad pictured with Angelina and their six children Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne arriving in Japan in 2011

She explained: 'None of its easy. Its very, very difficult, a very painful situation, and I just want my family healthy.'

With her family on her mind, she has no time to entertain the thoughts of others, as she reasoned that she never expected to be popular.

Defiantly, she explained: 'I never expect to be the one that everybody understands or likes and thats OK, because I know who I am, and the kids know who I am.'

Angelina continued her honest discussion about her and Brad's children, telling PEOPLE that her focus is solely on the welfare of their six kids and even stopped work for a year to help them through the stress.

Honest: Angelina continued her honest discussion about their children, telling PEOPLE that her focus is solely on the welfare of their children and even stopped work for a year to help them through the stress

Focused: 'Everything will be around the children,' she said. 'I havent worked for over a year now because they needed me home. Everything was just stopped'

'Everything will be around the children,' she said. 'I havent worked for over a year now because they needed me home. Everything was just stopped.

'Im really sitting and talking with them because everything affects them. Every location, every type of project, Im going to have to adjust it to however much they can handle.'

Admitting she's a 'little bit stronger' following the split, Angelina added that her and the kids are 'itching' to travel after being on 'lockdown' following the break-up.

She added: 'I think theyre itching to get out in the world again. Weve all been a bit in lockdown and going through some things. I think it would be good to get out there and play together.'

Strong: She added: 'Im really sitting and talking with them because everything affects them. Every location, every type of project, Im going to have to adjust it to however much they can handle'

New chapter: Admitting she's a 'little bit stronger' following the split, Angelina added that her and the kids are 'itching' to travel after being on 'lockdown' following the break-up

Her candid confession comes a month after she addressed the split in a in-depth interview for the September issue of Vanity Fair, on newsstands August 4.

The director revealed that 'things got bad' between the two by summer of 2016, adding that 'It's just been the hardest time, and we're just kind of coming up for air.'

After the filing, she took the kids and stayed in a rental until purchasing a $25 million mansion in Los Feliz, California; she moved in just four days before the Vanity Fair interview.

The Lara Croft: Tomb Raider star said the new house is 'a big jump forward for us, and we're all trying to do our best to heal as a family.'

New abode: After the filing, she took the kids and stayed in a rental until purchasing a $25 million mansion in Los Feliz, California; she moved in just four days before the Vanity Fair interview

Home sweet home: She bought the massive home because she need a private place with a lot of space for her and her kids. The mansion, which was at one time owned by filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, is 11,000 square feet with six bedrooms and ten bathrooms

On the time with her kids after the split, Angelina says she's been trying to 'be really good at just being a homemaker and picking up dog poop and cleaning dishes and reading bedtime stories.'

She bought the massive home because she need a private place with a lot of space for her and her kids.

The mansion, which was at one time owned by filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, is 11,000 square feet with six bedrooms and ten bathrooms.

She said things between her and Brad got 'bad' last summer, however she 'didn't want to use that word' and noted that 'things became difficult.'

Strain: The relationship strain occurred in summer 2016 while First They Killed My Father was in post-production; Angelina directed and wrote the film, which takes place in Cambodia (Pictured in 2009)

Separated: The Maleficent star and Brad were together for 12 years before they announced their split in September; the divorce has not yet been finalized. She is seeking sole custody of their children (Pictured in 2014)

The relationship strain occurred in summer 2016 while First They Killed My Father was in post-production; Angelina directed and wrote the film, which takes place in Cambodia.

The Maleficent star and Brad were together for 12 years before they announced their split in September; the divorce has not yet been finalized. She is seeking sole custody of their children.

In September 2016, there was an alleged 'altercation' that involved Brad and Maddox aboard a private jet that was heading from Nice, France to Los Angeles, California; after they landed, Angelina 'kicked him out,' according to Vanity Fair.

Despite the furore, Brad was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Stalled: Just last month, divorce proceedings have stalled for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, friends of the stars claim (Pictured in 2015)

Bitter: A new report by Us Weekly sees multiple sources claiming the former power couple, who had a very public and very bitter split in September 2016, have not moved forward with proceedings to end their marriage (Pictured in 2012)

Just last month, divorce proceedings have stalled for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, friends of the stars claim.

A new report by Us Weekly sees multiple sources claiming the former power couple, who had a very public and very bitter split in September 2016, have not moved forward with proceedings to end their marriage.

One insider told the publication: '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 reason given for the alleged stall is Brad coming clean about his boozing in an interview with GQ this past May.

A friend of Jolie told Us Weekly that the commitment to self-improvement has struck a chord with the actress, who reportedly previously claimed she would consider taking Brad back 'if he showed he was committed to raising a family'.

Moving forward: One insider told the publication: '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'

Reasoning: The reason given for the alleged stall is Brad coming clean about his boozing in an interview with GQ this past May

The source went on to add that Brad had 'got sober to try and win her back' and that the move to quit drinking was 'all she ever wanted'.

Meanwhile, the insider claims: 'Everyone thinks they are going to get back together. It wouldn't be surprising if they announced that they're calling [the split] off and trying to work things out.'

A source told DailyMail.com that the divorce process has significantly slowed down but there has been no real change.

The insider claimed that the former couple are getting along for the sake of their children.

'Consider': A friend of Jolie told Us Weekly that the commitment to self-improvement has struck a chord with the actress, who reportedly previously claimed she would consider taking Brad back 'if he showed he was committed to raising a family'

'Sober': The source went on to add that Brad had 'got sober to try and win her back' and that the move to quit drinking was 'all she ever wanted' (Pictured 2016)

Angelina and Brad, who became known as 'Brangelina,' met on the set of their film Mr. And Mrs. Smith in 2004.

They married in an intimate ceremony on August 23, 2014 in Correns, France.

She told the magazine that her and her estranged husband 'care for each other and care for our family, and we are both working towards the same goal.'

Angelina also divulged her feelings about's Brad Pitt's explosive GQ Style interview. When asked if she was surprised, the star simply said 'no.'

The actress, who is the daughter of Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, said that she doesn't want to show too much emotion in front of the kids.

First meeting: Angelina and Brad, who became known as 'Brangelina,' met on the set of their film Mr. And Mrs. Smith in 2004

All for the kids: The actress, who is the daughter of Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, said that she doesn't want to show too much emotion in front of the kids (Pictured in 2014)

Explaining that: 'I was worried about my mother, growing upa lot. I do not want my children to be worried about me.'

Adding: 'I think its very important to cry in the shower and not in front of them. They need to know that everythings going to be all right even when youre not sure it is.'

The Golden Globe winner recalled a conversation she had with her son Knox, where she joked that he needs to 'pretend to be normal.'

Worry: Explaining that: 'I was worried about my mother, growing upa lot. I do not want my children to be worried about me' (Pictured in 2011)

Angelina said that Knox told her '"Who wants to be normal? We're not normal. Let's never be normal.'' Thank you - yes! We're not normal. Let's embrace being not normal!'

She said her kids were 'very brave' - 'in times they needed to be' and that everyone is 'healing from the events that led to the filing...'

However the director clarified and said 'they're not healing from the divorce. They're healing from some...from life, from things in life.'
She shocked fans after confessing that she 'couldn't give a sh*t about Matty Johnson' immediately after being eliminated from The Bachelor.

And Tara Pavlovic, 27, has taken another dig at her former flame, telling Now To Love that she wasn't a fan of Matty's socialite status.

'Yeah, exactly! I guess it's just his social scene, that Bondi thing is really not me,' the Queensland nanny reflected.

'I don't go to cool places, I go to my local pub and have the house wine': The Bachelor's Tara Pavlovic, 27, has taken another dig at her former flame, telling Now To Love that she wasn't a fan of Matty Johnson's socialite status

'I don't go to cool places, I go to my local pub and have the house wine. I'm pretty normal. I don't really know many socialites.'

'I'm not materialistic and I'm not fake. I don't want to be friends with people who are friends with me because I've been on TV,' she went on.

'I want to be friend with people because I'm a nice person, not because of how much money they have or what car they drive.'

Not mincing words! 'I don't go to cool places, I go to my local pub and have the house wine. I'm pretty normal. I don't really know many socialites,' reflected Tara

'I really couldn't give a s*** about Matty!' While the teary-eyed Bachelor reject admitted she was 'heartbroken' after being eliminated this week, she quickly changed her tune when chatting to TV Week immediately after the episode hit screens

While the teary-eyed Bachelor reject admitted she was 'heartbroken' after being eliminated this week, she quickly changed her tune when chatting to TV Week immediately after the episode hit screens.

'I really couldn't give a s*** about Matty!' she told the publication, adding: 'I was never in love with him, so I was fine as soon as I didn't get a rose. Actually, he looked more upset than me!'

Tara didn't receive a rose on Wednesday night, leaving rivals Elise Stacey and Laura Byrne competing in the finale for the hunky marketing manager's heart.

And then there was TWO! Tara didn't receive a rose on Wednesday night, leaving rivals Elise Stacey and Laura Byrne competing in the finale for the hunky marketing manager's heart

She was nervous before her final rose ceremony and revealed on screen: 'I really want to be the last girl standing. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Matty.'

Matty choked back words when letting the stunner down, telling Tara she deserved 'someone really amazing'.

Before her elimination, the nanny avoided the L-word, leading with: 'I really, really like you.' Meanwhile her rivals openly declared their growing love for the reality star.

Waterworks: Matty choked back words when letting the stunner down, telling Tara she deserved 'someone really amazing'

'I didn't even think about him as soon as I left the mansion': Tara claimed the marketing manager was 'easy to get over'

Claiming she was completely over their fleeting romance, Tara continued: 'It was pretty easy to get over... I didn't even think about him as soon as I left the mansion.'

Fans have since taken to social media following her dumping in outrage, suggesting she deserves to become the new Bachelorette.

Tara said the experience had deterred her from taking on the role anytime soon

'I mean, let's be honest, I'm not going to struggle finding a man in real life,' she said confidently of her future search for love.

Matty J will choose his winner on Thursday's finale from 7.30pm on Channel Ten

Outrage: Fans have since taken to social media following her dumping in outrage against Matty J's decision
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Branches of China's biggest banks have suspended financial transactions for North Koreans, employees told AFP, suggesting that Beijing has pursued stronger measures against its nuclear-armed ally than previously thought.

Staff at branches in Beijing and the border city of Yanji -- a major trade and transportation hub between the two neighbours -- said their banks have banned North Koreans from opening new accounts and some have even started to close existing ones.

The restrictions were imposed well before the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved, with China's blessing, new sanctions on Pyongyang on Monday following its latest and largest nuclear test.

Employees at several branches of the country's "big four" -- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China and China Construction Bank -- confirmed the financial curbs for North Korean clients.

"We have frozen their accounts, which means they cannot withdraw (money)," a staff member at a Yanji branch of China Construction Bank told AFP.

"They cannot use (their accounts) in Yanji anymore, as well as our services... We have already started to inform them to cancel their account. If they can cancel, we let them cancel. If they cannot, we will not let them use it," the staffer said.

North Korean soldiers stand at a fence on the bank of the Yalu river near the North Korean town of Sinuiju, opposite the Chinese border city of Dandong, in China's northeast Liaoning province

An employee at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in Yanji said the restrictions began last year or the previous year.

"We also won't open new accounts now. We offer no service to them. Opening accounts or foreign currency operations, we don't offer such services to them," the employee said.

Other local bank branches said the bans have been carried out for a while, but they did not remember exactly when.

Some said they have received a written document on the ban but others said there has only been a "verbally delivered" message.

A staff member at a Beijing branch of China Construction Bank said they received a notice in May, and North Koreans can no longer conduct transactions.

An Agricultural Bank of China employee in Beijing said North Koreans are barred from opening new accounts but those with current accounts can carry out transactions.

- Cut off nuclear funds -

Zhang Liangui, a professor at the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee school, said the ban is "very normal" and in accordance with UN resolutions.

The North Korean town of Sinuiju, behind the Friendship Bridge (L) which connects Sinuiju and the the Chinese border city of Dandong

"Chinese banks restricting financial flows between (China and) North Korea is actually restricting trade on the whole," Zhang said.

"It mainly aims at limiting North Korea's foreign exchange revenue and cutting off the foreign exchange (supply) that it needs to develop its nuclear plans."

A 2013 UN Security Council resolution stipulates that member states must curb financial services or transactions that could subsidise North Korea's nuclear programmes.

China has long been accused of lax enforcement of UN sanctions on North Korea, and US President Donald Trump complained earlier this year that trade between the two countries surged in the first quarter.

In June, the United States slapped sanctions on the Bank of Dandong, a Chinese bank located at the border with North Korea which it accused of "facilitating millions of dollars of transactions for companies involved in North Korea's WMD (weapons of mass destruction) and ballistic missile programs."

Kim Jong-Un attends an art performance dedicated to nuclear scientists and technicians, who worked on a hydrogen bomb which the regime claimed to have successfully tested, at the People's Theatre in Pyongyang

But China has insisted that it adheres to the UN sanctions. It suspended North Korean coal imports in February and more recently banned new business ventures and stopped buying iron, seafood and lead from its neighbour.

China also backed Monday's UN resolution, which bans textile exports and restricts shipments of oil products, though it did so only after Washington toned down its original proposal to secure the backing of Beijing and Moscow.
Alexander Misurkin, Mark Vande Hei and Joe Acaba trained together

Two US astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut were set to blast off for the International Space Station Tuesday in a late-night launch from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Alexander Misurkin of the Russian space agency, NASA first-time flyer Mark Vande Hei and veteran colleague Joe Acaba prepared to set off for a mission of more than five months aboard the ISS at 2117 GMT.

The Soyuz spacecraft is expected to dock at around 0300 GMT on Wednesday.

As NASA beefs up its crew in space, the launch will mark the first occasion two US astronauts have blasted off together on a mission to the ISS from Russia's Baikonur since June 2010.

The American space agency stopped its own manned launches to the ISS in 2011 but recently moved to increase its crew complement aboard the orbital lab as the Russians cut theirs in a cost-saving measure announced last year.

Acaba, 50, has spent nearly 138 days in space over two missions. Rookie Vande Hei, 50, served with the US army in Iraq prior to training as an astronaut. Misurkin, 39, who is beginning his second mission aboard the ISS, also has a military background.

Speaking at the pre-launch news conference on Monday, Acaba, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, said he would be taking some "musica Latina" on board to lift his crewmates' spirits.

"I can guarantee my crewmates they will not fall asleep during that music and if you want to dance at about 3 am tuned into our Soyuz capsule I think you'll enjoy it," he told journalists.

- 'Praying for people' -

The trio will spend more than five months in space

The launch has been overshadowed by deadly storms that have battered the Caribbean and the southern half of the United States.

External cameras on the ISS captured footage of hurricane Irma last week brewing over the Atantic as it prepared to wreak deadly havoc.

NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston said earlier this month it suffered "significant" damage during Hurricane Harvey, although Mission Control remained operational.

Vande Hei struck a sombre note in his pre-launch tweet on Monday.

A Soyuz spacecraft is mounted on the launch pad at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on September 10, 2017

"L-2 days. Sunrise over Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Praying for the people of Florida as well as the continued recovery of the Texas Gulf Coast," he said.

Space is one of the few areas of international cooperation between Russia and the US that has not been wrecked by tensions over the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

The ISS orbits the Earth at a height of about 250 miles (400 kilometres), circling the planet every 90 minutes at a speed of about 17,500 miles (28,000 kilometres) per hour.
This picture taken on April 15, 2017 shows an unidentified rocket, reported to be a Hwasong-type missile similar to the one used in a May 14, 2017 test launch, at a military parade in Pyongyang

North Korea on Wednesday vowed to accelerate its weapons programme in response to the "evil" sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council after its latest and most powerful test.

"The adoption of another illegal and evil 'resolution on sanctions' piloted by the U.S. served as an occasion for the DPRK to verify that the road it chose to go down was absolutely right," the North's foreign ministry said in a statement published by the official KCNA news agency.

"The DPRK will redouble the efforts to increase its strength to safeguard the country's sovereignty and right to existence," the ministry said, using the abbreviation for North Korea's formal name.

The fresh sanctions include a ban on the North's textile exports and restrict shipments of oil products to punish Pyongyang for its sixth nuclear test.

The US-drafted resolution was passed unanimously on Monday, just one month after the Security Council decided to ban exports of coal, lead and seafood in response to Pyongyang's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that appeared to bring much of the US mainland into range.

That launch was followed by a nuclear test on September 3, its largest to date, which Pyongyang said was a hydrogen bomb small enough to fit onto a missile.

The ministry lambasted the latest resolution, calling it a "heinous provocation aimed at depriving the DPRK of its legitimate right for self-defence and completely suffocating its state and people through full-scale economic blockade".

The United States and its allies argue that tougher sanctions will pile pressure on the regime of Kim Jong-Un to negotiate an end to its weapons programme but experts are sceptical about whether they will curb Pyongyang's nuclear drive.

It was the eighth series of sanctions imposed on North Korea since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006, with previous resolutions having done little to halt Pyongyang's weapons ambitions.
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, who denies sexual abuse claims against him, said it was "best for the city" that he resign

The mayor of the US Pacific Northwest city of Seattle quit Tuesday after after his younger cousin became the fifth man to accuse the politician of sexual abuse.

Ed Murray, 62, who had already confirmed he would not be seeking a second term, will step down effective of 5:00 pm Wednesday (0000 GMT Thursday).

"While the allegations against me are not true, it is important that my personal issues do not affect the ability of our city government to conduct the public's business," he said in a statement.

Joseph Dyer, a 54-year-old dialysis technician, said Murray forced him into sex for about a year while the two shared a bedroom in the New York home of Dyer's mother when the alleged victim was 13, according to The Seattle Times.

"There would be times when I would fake sleeping because I didn't want him touching me," Dyer, now a married father, was quoted as saying.

"And that's when he would molest me. And my mother would be right there in the house, she'd be in the living room... watching TV."

The molestation stopped, Dyer said, when a boy in a Catholic group home where Murray worked accused him of abuse.

Dyer told the newspaper he wanted the mayor punished, although Murray attributed the accusation to a rift in the family.

The mayor said it had nevertheless become clear that it was "best for the city" that he resign.

"To the people of this special city and to my dedicated staff, I am sorry for this painful situation," he added.

Four men had previously accused Murray, who denies any wrongdoing, of sexually abusing them.

A lawsuit was filed in King County Superior Court in April on behalf of one of the accusers, now 46, who said the mayor paid him for sex when the alleged victim was a drug-addicted, homeless 15-year-old.

Another alleged victim, a 49-year-old resident of Portland, in the neighboring state of Oregon, went on television to accuse the progressive and openly homosexual Democratic politician of sexual assault.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned he could call the deal off if the aircraft's manufacturer Boeing does not drop an anti-dumping lawsuit it filed with Washington's backing against Canadian aerospace firm Bombardier

The US State Department on Tuesday authorized the $5.2 billion sale of 18 Super Hornet jet fighters and associated equipment to the Canadian military, in a deal that may depend on the resolution of a separate trade dispute.

The Canadian government placed the order a year ago to partially replace its ageing fleet of fleet of F-18s.

But Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned he could call the deal off if the aircraft's manufacturer Boeing does not drop a Washington-backed anti-dumping lawsuit it filed against Canadian aerospace firm Bombardier.

The order is not intended to replace Canada's planned procurement of F-35 stealth fighters, a source of ongoing controversy over its spiraling costs.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, a key democratic partner," the State Department said in a statement, which added the sale had not been concluded.

Boeing filed its lawsuit against Bombardier in spring, alleging that it sold its last CSeries aircraft below its manufacturing costs after receiving more than $3 billion in public subsidies.

Boeing claims Bombardier sold American Delta Airlines 75 CS100 aircraft for $19.6 million, despite manufacturing costs of $33.2 million.

The US is set to decide whether to impose anti-dumping restrictions in October.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is set to meet Trudeau on Monday and will seek to persuade Washington to drop the case.

Bombardier employs 8,000 workers in Northern Ireland, whose Democratic Union Party is crucial to May's majority in Parliament.
Edith "Edie" Windsor addressing a press conference at the The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in New York

Edith Windsor, whose watershed legal case resulted in US federal recognition of same-sex married couples for the first time, died Tuesday, her lawyer told AFP. She was 88 years old.

The gay rights champion's historic case led the US Supreme Court in 2013 to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which denied federal benefits to married gay and lesbian couples.

While the ruling was limited to just a fraction of US states, it opened the door for a 2015 Supreme Court decision that same-sex couples had the constitutional right to marry nationwide.

"I lost my beloved spouse Edie, and the world lost a tiny but tough as nails fighter for freedom, justice and equality," Windsor's wife Judith Kasen-Windsor said in a statement.

"Edie was the light of my life. She will always be the light for the LGBTQ community, which she loved so much and which loved her right back."

Windsor was hit with a $363,000 estate tax bill after the 2009 death of her decades-long partner Thea Spyer, whom she had married in Canada. Had the couple been straight, the tax bill would have been much less.

The situation mirrored that of countless others, who under DOMA were barred from federal recognition as spouses and therefore denied myriad benefits available to heterosexual couples.

"She will go down in the history books as a true American hero," said Windsor's attorney Roberta Kaplan.

"I also know that her memory will be a blessing not only to every LGBT person on this planet, but to all who believe in the concept of b'tzelem elohim, or equal dignity for all."

Windsor was born Edith Schlain in Philadelphia on June 20, 1929, to Jewish Russian immigrants.

After a brief marriage to a man, she divorced and moved to New York, earned her master's degree and got a job as a computer programmer for IBM -- and hid her sexual orientation from her colleagues.

Several years later, she met Spyer, with whom she stayed until her death.

Edith Windsor at the 28th annual Night of a Thousand Gowns at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City in 2014

The pair marched in Pride parades and joined activist gay and lesbian rights groups, but it was following Spyer's death that Windsor's judicial odyssey began -- and ultimately cemented her status as a pioneer for civil rights.

Former president Barack Obama, whose time in the White House included both Windsor's victory and the full legalization of same-sex marriage, praised Windsor's hard-fought battle.

"Edie spoke up -- not for special treatment, but for equal treatment -- so that other legally married same-sex couples could enjoy the same federal rights and benefits as anyone else," Obama said.

"Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor -- and few made as big a difference to America."
A man walks past a mural with a portrait of Freddie Gray at North Mount and Presbury streets in the Sandtown neighborhood of west Baltimore

The US Justice Department will not pursue charges against six Baltimore police officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray, a young black man whose fatal injury in custody ignited mass protests.

The DOJ announced in a statement it had found "insufficient evidence to support federal criminal civil rights charges" against the six officers, who all emerged from the high-profile case without convictions.

Though the department called Gray's death "undeniably tragic," they said evidence was "insufficient" to convict them on the basis of violating his civil rights, a high legal bar.

The 25-year-old suffered a severed spine while being transported in the back of a police van -- unsecured and with his hands and feet bound -- after being arrested on April 12, 2015 while fleeing police.

He died a week later. Police said his death was an accident.

"To the extent that the officers violated department policy in failing to seatbelt Gray, those failures suggest civil negligence rather than the high standard of deliberate indifference," the DOJ said, explaining its decision.

In attempts by state prosecutors to hold the officers criminally responsible for Gray's death, three officers were acquitted by a judge -- despite murder, assault, manslaughter and endangerment charges.

A fourth case initially ended in a hung jury. In July 2016 prosecutors there dropped all remaining charges in the police brutality case that provoked unrest in Baltimore -- an east coast city troubled by crime, poverty and segregation problems.

The situation mirrored nationwide outcry in recent years over the spate of deaths of other unarmed black people at the hands of police across the country.

Gray's death prompted the launch of a 14-month DOJ investigation into the Baltimore Police Department, which concluded that officers had disproportionately and illegally stopped, searched and arrested black people for years.

A federal judge then approved a consent decree mandating Baltimore's police department implement sweeping reforms.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions in April blasted that agreement, saying it would lead to more crime.
Japan's meteorological agency officer displays a chart showing seismic activity in North Korea, in Tokyo, on September 3, 2017

North Korea's latest nuclear test probably had a yield of 250 kilotons, a US monitoring group said Wednesday -- much higher than official estimates.

Pyongyang conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test last week -- saying it was a hydrogen bomb that could be fitted into a missile -- prompting global condemnation and heightening tensions over its weapons ambitions.

The US Geological Service put the magnitude of the resulting earthquake at 6.3, and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) and Norwegian agency NORSAR had raised their initial figures to 6.1.

As a result, the respected US website 38 North, which is linked to Johns Hopkins University, said it was raising its estimate for the yield of the blast to "roughly 250 kilotons".

The figure is more than 16 times the size of the 15-kiloton US bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945.

"This large explosive yield is also quite close to what 38 North had previously determined to be the maximum estimated containable yield for the Punggye-ri test site," said 38 North.

Governmental estimates of the yield vary from South Korea's 50 kilotons to Japan's 160.

US officials have said they are still assessing whether it was an H-bomb, also known as a thermonuclear weapon, but that "so far there is nothing inconsistent with the North Korean claim that this was a hydrogen bomb".

According to 38 North, satellite pictures from last Friday, five days after the test, showed new activity in alternate tunnel portal areas at the Punggye-ri test site including parked trucks, mining carts and other equipments.

"Onsite work could now be changing focus to further prepare those other portals for future underground nuclear testing," it said.

Pyongyang has staged a series of missile tests in recent months that appeared to bring much of the US mainland into range, followed by the September 3 nuclear blast.

It prompted the United Nations Security Council to adopt its eighth set of sanctions on North Korea, but previous resolutions have done little to halt Pyongyang's weapons ambitions.
Critics of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte say he and his allies are leading a campaign to silence opposition to a drugs crackdown, which has claimed thousands of lives

Philippine lawmakers have voted to slash annual funding for the nation's human rights commission to just $20 in response to its investigations into President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly drug war, authorities said Wednesday.

The House of Representatives action is the latest part of what critics say is a campaign by Duterte and his allies to silence opposition to the crackdown, which has claimed thousands of lives and led rights groups to warn of a crime against humanity.

The House, one of two chambers of the Philippine Congress, cut the Commission on Human Rights allotment to 1,000 pesos (about $20) in the 3.8-trillion-peso national budget bill that it passed on second reading late Tuesday.

"This leads us on a direct path to dictatorship," Senator Francis Pangilinan, leader of the Liberal Party, the country's main opposition group, said in a statement Wednesday.

The commission is one of several independent government bodies set up by the Philippine constitution to check the power of the executive department, which controls the country's police and military forces.

The body has been investigating some of the deaths of more than 3,800 narcotics suspects killed by police and other drug enforcement agencies in what they have described as "legitimate" operations.

The drug crackdown has triggered wider violence with thousands of other people having been killed in unexplained circumstances. Rights groups accuse authorities of running vigilante death squads, but the government denies this.

The budget bill has to be passed separately by the Senate, and Pangilinan vowed to block the House version.

"We will not allow this to pass in the Senate even if this means the 2018 budget will not be passed," Pangilinan said.

Independent Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former Philippine police chief, told DZMM radio in an interview that the Senate version of the budget bill had recommended 678 million pesos for the rights body.

If the Senate and House pass differing versions of a bill, the two bodies meet to write a final version that will then be ratified by both chambers and signed into law or vetoed by the Philippine president.

Duterte has vowed to kill tens of thousands of criminals to rid the country of illegal drugs, and has said he would not allow any soldier or police to go to prison for helping him prosecute the campaign.

The drug war remains popular in a citizenry fed up by high crime, according to independent polls, and critics have faced the wrath of Duterte supporters.

One of its top critics, Senator Leila de Lima of the Liberal party, was arrested early this year and charged with abetting the illegal drug trade in her previous post as justice minister.
Australian actress Rebel Wilson, pictured in 2016, successfully sued Bauer Media over magazine articles which claimed she had lied about her age and background to further her acting career

Hollywood actor Rebel Wilson won Aus$4.5 million ($3.6 million) in damages on Wednesday following a lengthy defamation case against an Australian publisher that portrayed her as a serial liar.

The 37-year-old "Pitch Perfect" star successfully sued Bauer Media over magazine articles which claimed she had lied about her age and background to further her acting career -- walking away with what is said to be Australia's largest-ever payout for defamation.

Bauer argued the allegations made in Woman's Day, Australian Women's Weekly and OK Magazine in 2015 were true and denied they had damaged her reputation.

Justice John Dixon said Bauer had "acted in its own corporate interests to secure improved circulation, or increased views/hits" in the ruling at the Supreme Court of Victoria.

"Bauer Media's defence of this case attempted to characterise its articles as true or as trivial or not likely to be taken seriously," he said.

"Unless substantial damages are awarded there is a real risk that the public will not be convinced of the seriousness of the defamation."

Throughout the three-week trial, an often-emotional Wilson claimed she was sacked from DreamWorks animated feature films "Trolls" and "Kung Fu Panda 3" following the articles.

"Bauer Media took me down with a series of grubby and completely false articles," Wilson said after winning the case in June.

"Far too often I feel the tabloid magazines and the journalists that work for them don't abide by professional ethics.

"I can only describe their conduct as disgusting and disgraceful and I'm very glad that the jury has agreed with me. And with the unanimous and overwhelming verdict they have sent a very clear message."

The Sydney-born actor, who was seeking Aus$7.0 million in damages, has previously said she would give the money to charity and the Australian film industry.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan's Shinzo Abe shake hands in front of a Shinkansen bullet train during a 2016 meeting in Kobe

As India's premier Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe prepare to break ground on the country's first bullet train project Thursday, experts say the collaboration could signal a massive leap for its overburdened and deadly railways.

India's colonial-era rail network carries some 22 million passengers daily, making it one of the busiest in the world. But it is also among the most dangerous.

A government report published in 2012 said almost 15,000 people were killed every year in rail accidents, describing the deaths as an annual "massacre" due mainly to poor safety standards.

Modi has pledged to invest billions of dollars to modernise the country's crumbling railway infrastructure, which is plagued by delays, and the bullet train was one of his key election promises ahead of a landslide victory in 2014.

As New Delhi and Tokyo seek to forge closer ties to combat China's growing regional influence, the project offers a diplomatic and economic boost.

The premiers will lay the foundation for the bullet train network in the western city of Ahmedabad -- connecting Modi's home state of Gujarat with India's financial capital Mumbai.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, on September 13, 2017

Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail transport -- with its Shinkansen bullet train ranked among the fastest in the world.

With projected top speeds of up to 350 kilometres (217 miles) an hour -- more than double the maximum speed offered by the fastest trains operating in India -- it will reduce travel time between the two cities from eight hours to at most three-and-a-half hours.

The new train, which will have a capacity of 750 passengers, is also expected to be safer than the country's creaking rail network, the world's fourth largest by distance.

- 'Balance China's hegemony' -

Modi recently replaced his railway minister after a series of derailments, including one last month in which at least 23 people were killed in northern Uttar Pradesh state. Nearly 150 died in a similar accident in November.

The agreement for the 508-kilometre network was signed in 2016, with plans to make it operational by December 2023.

Nearly 85 percent of the total project cost of $19 billion will be provided by Tokyo in soft loans, with repayment over 50 years.

India's crumbling rail infrastructure is in desperate need of modernisation, with a report in 2012 describing the 15,000 deaths on the network each year as a 'massacre'

Abe's visit to Ahmedabad comes ahead of Modi's 67th birthday on Sunday and many have dubbed it as part of his practice of "birthday diplomacy".

The right-wing Hindu nationalist leader hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping in Gujarat on his birthday in 2014.

"India's relation with Japan is designed to balance China's hegemony," Rajrishi Singhal, a Mumbai-based independent policy consultant, told AFP.

The two countries have close security ties and hold regular joint military exercises.

A proposed joint investment of billions of dollars in Africa is set to be the cornerstone of the relationship, Singhal said.

"India truly values the relationship with Japan and we look forward to further boosting our bilateral ties in a wide range of sectors," Modi tweeted Tuesday.

There are more than 1,500 Japanese companies in India, including auto major Suzuki, the largest car maker in the country.

The success of Suzuki and others transformed India's auto industry, which employs millions today.

Experts are pinning similar hopes on the bullet train project.

"Just like Suzuki changed India's car market and brought millions of jobs, the bullet train will change the entire industry," Singhal said.
(From L) Australia's Peter Norman and US athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos stand on the podium after the 200m dash final event at the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games

A campaign was launched Wednesday for a monument to recognise an unsung Australian athlete who supported two Americans in their famous Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics.

Peter Norman, silver medallist in the 200m at Mexico City, stood on the podium alongside US sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who both put a black-gloved fist in the air in a civil rights protest.

He backed their gesture and wore an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge in support, but was then frozen out of future Games selection and airbrushed from Australian Olympic history until recently.

"His contribution to racial equality has never really been recognised in this country," Peter Norman Commemoration Committee convenor Joseph Toscano told AFP.

"I think Australian society has changed. I think we are seeing the rise of political movements and organisations promoting racial inequality and hatred.

"We felt that it's important... to recognise not just Peter Norman and his family, but also the stand he took because every man, every woman who stands up makes a difference."

The push follows American protests over Confederate statues that hark back to the nation's slave-owning past, although Toscano said the campaign was not sparked by the US debate over monuments.

Norman's family are patrons of the committee, and his daughter Janita said he would support moves to recognise the stand he took.

"It would have never been something he asked for himself," Janita Norman told local newspaper the Riverine Herald.

"He was never one for self-recognition, but our family all agreed this is something he would've wanted. He was proud of the stand he took... Even 50 years on the message has such an importance and is still relevant now."

Norman, who died in 2006 aged 64, hailed from Melbourne and his supporters hope a "significant interactive monument" can be erected in the city.

Toscano said they would like to set up an international competition to choose a design.

Norman is more widely recognised in the US than Australia, with the USA Track and Field Federation declaring the day of his funeral -- October 9 -- as Peter Norman Day.

In 2012, Canberra passed a motion of apology to Norman "for the treatment he received upon his return to Australia, and the failure to fully recognise his inspirational role before his untimely death in 2006".

Australian Olympic officials deny Norman was ever blacklisted or shunned, and was only cautioned at the time to be careful about his public statements.
A Japanese funeral parlour is set to offer relatives the chance to pay their final respects to deceased loved ones without leaving the comfort of their cars.

The firm claims that the 'drive-thru' service is a first in Japan, where a rapidly ageing population means funerals are anything but a dying trade.

Elderly mourners can register their names on a touchscreen tablet device and make a traditional offering of incense just by rolling down a car window - a process relayed to screens inside the venue for the grieving funeral host to watch.

The initiative aims to speed up funeral services and also to give infirm relatives the chance to participate, said the firm's president Masao Ogiwara.

Drive-through mourners can register their names on a touchscreen tablet device and make a traditional offering of incense just by rolling down a car window

'Older people may hesitate to attend a funeral because they have to ask for help to get out of the car,' Ogiwara told AFP.

'But we want as many people as possible to be able to come to say farewell to their friends or neighbours,' he said.

It usually takes at least 15 minutes for someone in a wheelchair to offer incense at the altar during a traditional Japanese funeral ceremony.

Ogiwara said the time is cut down to just a few minutes by the service, which the Kankon Sosai Aichi Group in the central Nagano prefecture expects to offer from December.

With a high average life expectancy, Japan is on the verge of becoming the first 'ultra-aged' country in the world, meaning that 28 percent of people are aged 65 or above.

The latest government report shows that 27.3 percent of a population of 127 million - one in four people - are aged 65 or older and the figure is expected to jump to 37.7 percent in 2050.

Drive-through funerals are the latest in a series of Japanese innovations attempting to win a slice of the competitive 1.76-trillion-yen ($16-billion) funeral business.

One trend that has sparked controversy is a so-called 'rent-a-monk' system, where at the click of a mouse, a mourning family can order a monk delivered to perform the funeral rites.

Another company went even further by replacing a real Buddhist monk with a chatty human-shaped 'Pepper' robot for a funeral.

How about a mail-order funeral? For those who cannot afford to pay expensive funeral fees, a temple near Tokyo accepts the ashes of the deceased via mail and places it in its burial facility.

If visiting a grave in a remote area is too much trouble, one firm has pioneered an app allowing relatives to pay a virtual visit to the gravesite.

And in urban areas where space is tight, several buildings have been constructed to house the ashes of hundreds of dead people.

Mourners are given a card which they place on an electronic sensor, whizzing the right ashes automatically to an altar for prayer.
The latest group was the sixth wave of repatriations of Afghans from Germany since December under a disputed Afghan-European Union deal aimed at curbing the influx of migrants

Eight Afghans expelled from Germany arrived in Kabul on Wednesday as Berlin resumed deportations of rejected asylum seekers from the war-torn country months after suspending the process when a huge truck bomb hit the Afghan capital.

Germany put the controversial expulsions on hold after a sewage tanker packed with explosives detonated near the German embassy in Kabul's diplomatic quarter on May 31, killing around 150 people and wounding hundreds more.

The latest group represented the sixth wave of repatriations of Afghans from Germany since December under a disputed Afghan-European Union deal aimed at curbing the influx of migrants.

In Berlin, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere defended the latest deportation, saying that "all eight persons have been convicted of serious crimes", without specifying the offences.

De Maiziere said that Germany would stick with its policy of returning to Afghanistan convicted criminals, people feared by police to be planning an attack, and those who refuse to cooperate with authorities or give their names.

After arriving at Kabul airport on a charter flight, the eight deportees were escorted by police to a car park where an official registered their names.

Some of the men carried small backpacks while others had no luggage at all.

"They told me that there is no problem in your country and you can live there so you can't stay here anymore," Mohammad Jamshidi told AFP before getting into a taxi.

Reza Rezayi said he was deported after his wife accused him of beating her.

"Despite having a witness, I couldn't prove it in the court because Europeans only listen to the lies of women," Rezayi said.

Germany suspended the controversial expulsions after a sewage tanker packed with explosives detonated near the German embassy in Kabul's diplomatic quarter on May 31, killing around 150 people and wounding hundreds more

The International Organization for Migration confirmed the arrival of "eight returnees".

Twelve had been scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, according to Islamuddin Jurat, a spokesman for Afghanistan's refugees and repatriations ministry.

"We don't know if there was a last minute change in the schedule or some of them were taken back," Jurat told AFP.

- Uncertain future -

The men face an uncertain future in a country struggling with high unemployment, a weak economy and masses of refugees being ejected from Pakistan and Iran, as well as hundreds of thousands of others uprooted by war.

A hundred Afghans have now returned to the country after their asylum applications were rejected by the German government, according to official data.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has been battling to bring down the numbers of asylum seekers after the arrival of more than one million migrants -- mainly from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan -- hoping to find refuge in 2015 and 2016.

While Germany granted safe haven to most people from war-torn Syria, Berlin has argued that it can safely repatriate people to Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan, even as Taliban and Islamic State militants terrorise much of the country.

Jamshidi, one of the deportees, said that "in every corner of Europe the priority is given to the people of Syria.

"They need only three months to get registered but Afghans can be deported after years of staying in Germany."

The latest deportation comes as Merkel's conservative alliance maintains a strong lead in the polls ahead of Germany's general election on September 24.

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A New Zealand MP has been forced to deny he is a Chinese spy after it was revealed he spent a decade teaching at an espionage school in the Communist country.

China-born Jian Yang, who has been an elected member of the ruling National party for six years, taught at the Luoyang Foreign Languages Institute, an elite school for Chinese intelligence officers.

But this information is not recorded anywhere on his official biographies in New Zealand, despite him serving for two years on the committee for foreign affairs, defence and trade.

Jian Yang, a Chinese-born MP for the ruling National party, has denied being a Beijing spy after it was revealed he spent 10 years teaching at an academy for espionage agents

It is also concerning because New Zealand is a member of the 'Five Eyes' intelligence sharing alliance, that includes the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia.

The information was uncovered during a joint investigation between the Financial Times and Newsroom, an independent New Zealand-based media group.

They discovered that Mr Yang first entered the People's Liberation Army in 1978 as an undergraduate in English language studying at the Air Force engineering academy, where he taught after graduation.

He then moved to the Luoyang Foreign Languages Institute, which is attached to China's equivalent of the US National Security Agency and trains military intelligence officers and deep cover agents.

Mr Yang, a prominent fundraiser for the Nationals, said the allegations are a smear campaign ahead of the upcoming election

Peter Mattis, an expert on Chinese intelligence at the Jamestown Foundation in Washington, told the paper: 'Everyone I know who's attended the institute has been in Chinese military intelligence or at least has links to that system.'

Mr Yang left the institute in 1989, and the Times says it is unclear what he did until leaving China to study at the Australian National University in Canberra in 1994.

After that he went on to work in universities in New Zealand, before making the switch to politics.

During his time with the Nationals he has often advocated for closer links to Beijing, and proposed policies that are in line with China's ruling Communist party.

He is also a prominent fundraiser and has accepted donations from large-spending anonymous individuals, local media reports.

Mr Jian condemned the 'defamatory statements' and said he was a proud New Zealander who had been transparent about his background.

New Zealand is a member of the 'Five Eyes' intelligence-sharing network, which also includes the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia

'This is a smear campaign by nameless people who are out to damage me and the National Party 10 days from an election, just because I am Chinese,' he said

He also questioned the timing of the allegations ahead of a September 23 election, in which his ruling National Party is in a tight race to retain power.

Prime Minister Bill English refused to comment on whether New Zealand intelligence services had investigated Jian, but said he was aware of the MP's background.

Following the reports, the National Party released a resume submitted by Yang in 2012 that listed the Chinese government institutions he had supposedly tried to keep secret.

A spokesman for China's ministry of foreign affairs said it did not usually comment on the internal affairs of other countries -- but stated 'we are firmly opposed to false reports, groundless accusations and falsifications from some media'.
A hazy day in Beijing: China hopes greater use of ethanol can reduce smog

China said Wednesday it would extend the use of ethanol fuel nationwide as it seeks to intensify anti-pollution efforts while finding a use for its huge corn surplus.

The plan will "support the use of ethanol fuel throughout the country by 2020" while strengthening the capacity of the biofuel industry, according to a document from the National Development and Reform Commission and the energy administration.

At the moment, biofuels account for just one percent of the total petroleum products consumed in China, the world's largest automobile market.

The country "will have to work to produce large-scale cellulose-based ethanol and to improve its technologies" in order to meet international standards, the document said.

The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat the acrid smog in cities, while "making better use of expired or overcapacity" agricultural production.

Ethanol can be made from both sucrose (beet or sugarcane) and corn, of which China has an estimated surplus of more than 200 million tonnes.

To keep prices stable, state bodies have traditionally bought most of the crops in northern and northeast China themselves.

While China has cut its corn production forecasts for this year and the next, authorities are grappling with huge national surpluses which steadily deteriorate over time.

Beijing is also eyeing other ingredients for biofuel in the long term.

"China produces more than 400 million tonnes of straw and forestry waste each year," the energy administration said, noting that 30 percent of this could be used to produce 20 million tonnes of biofuel.

China currently uses nearly 2.6 million tonnes of bioethanol a year. According to the official Xinhua news agency, gasoline blended with ethanol makes up one-fifth of annual gasoline consumption.

Although China is the world's third-largest producer of bioethanol, it remains far behind the United States and Brazil. It aims to raise production to four million tonnes a year by 2020.

On Sunday China said it was working towards a ban on petrol and diesel vehicles but gave no timeframe.
The minority Muslim Rohingya community has long been subjected to discrimination in Buddhist Myanmar, which denies them citizenship

Some 379,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state for Bangladesh since new violence erupted last month, the United Nations said Wednesday.

The figure has risen by 9,000 in 24 hours, according to UN refugee agency spokesman Joseph Tripura told AFP.

Bangladesh authorities are now registering new arrivals and building a massive new camp near the border with Myanmar to accommodate the influx.

"We've already started shifting thousands of people to this camp where we're building sheds for them," Ali Hossain, government administrator for Cox's Bazar district, told AFP.

Attacks by Rohingya militants on Myanmar security forces in Rakhine on August 25 sparked a harsh military crackdown on the minority Muslim community and the exodus started almost straight away.

Rohingya people have long been subjected to discrimination in Buddhist-dominated Myanmar, which denies them citizenship.

There were more than 300,000 Rohinya in refugee camps and makeshift settlements in Bangladesh even before the latest unrest.

These are now completely overwhelmed and tens of thousands of new arrivals have no shelter.

Most walked for days to reach Bangladesh and aid workers say many are sick and in desperate need of food.
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. UNITED STATES of America v. Adolphus NWOKEDI, Appellant No. 16-4322 Decided: September 11, 2017

Before: CHAGARES, JORDAN, and HARDIMAN, Circuit Judges. Mark E. Coyne, Esq., John F. Romano, Esq., Office of United States Attorney, Newark, NJ, for Plaintiff-Appellee Thomas Ambrosio, Esq., Lyndhurst, NJ, for Defendant-Appellant

OPINION *

After a jury convicted him of conspiracy to import heroin into the United States in violation of 21 U.S.C.  963, Adolphus Nwokedi filed this appeal claiming he was entitled to a judgment of acquittal or a new trial. Because we are unpersuaded by any of Nwokedi's arguments, we will affirm the judgment of the District Court.

I 1

Nwokedi first insists that his conviction cannot stand because the Government acted in bad faith. In support of this claim, Nwokedi cites the Government's destruction of evidence (the heroin) and its failure to record his confession.

Nwokedi's bad faith claim, which implicates a defect in instituting the prosecution, Fed. R. Crim. P. 12(b)(3)(A), fails for at least two reasons. For starters, Rule 12 requires such claims to be raised before trial and we cannot consider untimely claims absent good cause. Fed. R. Crim. P. 12(c)(3); see also United States v. Salahuddin, 765 F.3d 329, 34950 (3d Cir. 2014). Although Nwokedi knew prior to trial that the heroin was destroyed, he neither raised the issue in the District Court nor has he argued on appeal that good cause existed for his failure to do so. Accordingly, we hold this claim forfeited.

Articulating a variation on his first theme, Nwokedi argues that the destruction of the heroin and the absence of a recorded confession rendered the evidence insufficient to support his conviction. This argument runs headlong into the seminal precedent of United States v. Caraballo-Rodriguez, where this Court explained that our review of sufficiency claims is highly deferential to the jury's findings, even in drug conspiracy cases. 726 F.3d 418, 430 (3d Cir. 2013) (en banc). We may reverse only when no reasonable juror could accept the evidence as sufficient to support the conclusion of the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. at 43031 (citation omitted).

Although the jury was free to believe Nwokedi's testimony that he never confessed, the jury was equally free to find the agent's testimony to the contrary more credible. Nor was it irrational for the jury to find Nwokedi guilty based on the circumstantial evidence presented at trial. Our review of the trial record leads to the conclusion that the evidence was sufficient under Caraballo-Rodriguez.

II

Nwokedi also raises several challenges regarding the District Court's willful blindness jury instruction, despite the fact that the instruction was identical to the one the parties agreed[ ]upon and jointly submitted. United States v. Nwokedi, 2016 WL 7015626, at *9 & n.9 (D.N.J. Dec. 1, 2016). Under the invited error doctrine, then, Nwokedi waived his right to raise these instructional issues. United States v. Ozcelik, 527 F.3d 88, 97 n.6 (3d Cir. 2008).

Even had Nwokedi objected to the willful blindness instruction, we would affirm. Contrary to Nwokedi's argument, the fact that he willingly accepted the package containing heroin does not mean he was not willfully blind about its contents. Indeed, this possibility was remarkably consistent with Nwokedi's principal line of defense: that he was unaware the package contained heroin. Nor did the willful blindness instruction supplant the other elements of conspiracy, as Nwokedi asserts. It merely served as an alternative to the knowledge element already described by the Court alongside the other elements of conspiracy. See Supp. App. 38292; United States v. Leahy, 445 F.3d 634, 64951 (3d Cir. 2006) (considering the instructions as a whole), abrogated in part on other grounds by Loughrin v. United States, 134 S. Ct. 2384 (2014).

The willful blindness instruction also did not uproot[ ] the reasonable doubt standard or shift[ ] the burden of proof onto Nwokedi. Nwokedi Br. 32. The District Court's instructions were almost identical to the Third Circuit Model Jury Instructions, which d[o] not impose any burden, implicit or explicit, on [the defendant] to prove or disprove his knowledge. United States v. Tai, 750 F.3d 309, 315 (3d Cir. 2014). Finally, the willful blindness instruction did not constructively amend the indictment because it did not broaden[ ] the possible bases for conviction. Salahuddin, 765 F.3d at 340. To repeat, it merely described an alternative to the knowledge element. See United States v. One 1973 Rolls Royce, 43 F.3d 794, 813 (3d Cir. 1994). For these reasons, the willful blindness instruction was not infirm.

* * *

For the reasons stated, we will affirm Nwokedi's judgment of conviction.

FOOTNOTES

. This disposition is not an opinion of the full Court and pursuant to I.O.P. 5.7 does not constitute binding precedent.

. The District Court had subject matter jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C.  3231. Our jurisdiction lies under 28 U.S.C.  1291.

. Even had Nwokedi timely objected, his bad faith argument would have failed. We have no per se rule requiring confessions to be recorded, United States v. Tykarsky, 446 F.3d 458, 477 (3d Cir. 2006), and Nwokedi has failed to show that the destruction of the heroin was not inadvertent or that the heroin would have been materially exculpatory, see Illinois v. Fisher, 540 U.S. 544, 545, 548 (2004). Furthermore, the purity of the heroin was irrelevant to his sentence. United States v. Gori, 324 F.3d 234, 23839 (3d Cir. 2003); 21 U.S.C.  960(b)(2)(A).

HARDIMAN, Circuit Judge.
Rohingya Muslim refugees disembark from a boat on the Bangladeshi side of Naf river in Teknaf on September 12, 2017

The UN Security Council on Wednesday broke its weeks-long silence on the crisis in Myanmar and called for an end to the violence as UN chief Antonio Guterres said the military campaign amounted to ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims.

Following a closed-door meeting, the 15-member council including China, a supporter of Myanmar's former ruling junta, expressed concern about excessive force during security operations in Rakhine state and called for "immediate steps" to end the violence.

It was the first time the council agreed on a united response to the crisis sparked by a military crackdown that followed attacks by Rohingya militants late last month.

Some 380,000 Rohingya have fled across the border into neighboring Bangladesh and there have been growing appeals for Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi to speak out in defence of the Rohingya.

Suu Kyi's spokesman earlier said the Nobel laureate and long-time human rights champion would deliver an address next week on peace and reconciliation in Myanmar.

At a press conference in New York, Guterres called for a halt to the military campaign in Rakhine and said the mass displacement of Rohingya amounted to ethnic cleansing.

"I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military action, end the violence, uphold the rule of law and recognize the right of return of all those who had to leave the country," the secretary general told a press conference.

Asked if he agreed the Rohingya population was being ethnically cleansed, he replied: "When one-third of the Rohingya population has got to flee the country, can you find a better word to describe it?".

- Catastrophe in Rakhine -

The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have longstanding roots in the country.

Myanmar State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi listens to a journalist's question during a joint press conference with the UN secretary general in Naypyidaw in 2016

Guterres said the Myanmar government should either grant the Rohingya nationality or legal status that would allow them to live a normal life.

Condemning the violence, the Security Council also called for humanitarian aid workers to be able to reach those in need in Rakhine state.

But China blocked a proposal from Egypt to add language on ensuring the right of return to the Rohingya sheltering in Bangladesh, diplomats said.

Still, British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft stressed that it was the first time in nine years that the Security Council was able to agree on a common stance on Myanmar.

"We were united in our concern about the situation" after hearing from UN officials who briefed the council on "the catastrophe that is befalling Rakhine state and the Rohingya there," said Rycroft.

Rights groups had urged the council to meet in open session and send a clear message to Myanmar that the world is watching.

"Today was a baby step forward, and it's admittedly rare that the Council finds a way to agree on Burma, but it's far less than what's needed in the face of the unfolding tragedy," said Akshaya Kumar, Human Rights Watch's deputy UN director.

In the northern area of Rakhine, 176 out of 471 Rohingya villages now stand empty after "the whole village fled", government spokesman Zaw Htay said in Yangon, adding others were partly deserted or intact.

- Suu Kyi stays away from UN -

Suu Kyi, who will deliver a nationwide address on September 19, has been condemned for a lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of a crisis that has shocked the international community.

The Myanmar leader's spokesman said she will not attend next week's annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, where the plight of the Rohingya will be in the spotlight.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Turkey is planning a meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on Myanmar and Britain a ministerial-level meeting.

Rohingya Muslim refugees arriving from Myanmar through Lomba Beel after crossing the Naf river near the Bangladeshi town of Teknaf, on September 11, 2017

Bangladesh is struggling to provide relief for exhausted and hungry refugees -- some 60 percent of whom are children -- while nearly 30,000 ethnic Rakhine Buddhists as well as Hindus have also been displaced inside Myanmar.

Nine thousand more Rohingya refugees poured into Bangladesh on Wednesday, the UN said, as authorities worked to build a new camp for tens of thousands of arrivals who have no shelter.

Suu Kyi, Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades, has no control over the powerful military, which ran the country for 50 years. A free election was finally held in 2015.

There is also scant sympathy among Myanmar's Buddhist majority for the Rohingya, who are branded "Bengalis" -- shorthand for illegal immigrants.

Rohingya refugees have told chilling accounts of soldiers firing on civilians and razing entire villages in the north of Rakhine with the help of Buddhist mobs.

The army denies the allegations.

Ahead of the council meeting, 12 Nobel laureates signed an open letter urging the UN body to "intervene immediately by using all available means" to end the "crimes against humanity" unfolding in Rakhine.

Suu Kyi made her debut before the UN assembly last September, winning warm applause for a speech in which she vowed to find a solution to long-running ethnic and religious hatred in Rakhine.
The number of migrants arriving in Italy from Libya has dropped dramatically as coastguards in both countries step up surveillance

In Sabrata, Libya's main departure point for clandestine migrants hoping to reach Europe, people trafficking gangs are under so much pressure that some have closed for business.

The results have been noticed on the other side of the Mediterranean where the number of arrivals on the Italian coast has dropped dramatically.

Italy has registered 6,500 arrivals since mid-July, barely 15 percent of the average for the same period between 2014 and 2016.

Libyan officials say the falling number is due to stronger surveillance by the coastguards of both countries, as well as pressure on major people smuggling gangs in Sabrata.

Six years since a revolution and NATO intervention that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi, violence-wracked Libya has become a key gateway for clandestine migration to Europe.

But now traffickers in Sabrata, 70 kilometres (45 miles) west of Tripoli, are preparing to hand security forces thousands of migrants they had planned to put on makeshift boats heading for the Italian coast, Sabrata security officials told AFP.

Members of a Libyan force tackling clandestine migration man a checkpoint in Sabrata on September 11, 2017

"We are giving them a chance. It's an opportunity for traffickers to repent," said Bassem Ghrabli, commander of a force tackling clandestine migration.

Libya's unity government originally formed the force to battle the Islamic State group after it briefly occupied the centre of Sabrata in 2016.

"Since the creation of this cell, we have had support from the Government of National Accord. Before, we didn't have the means to fight the traffickers, who were better armed," Ghrabli said.

"We expect (the smugglers) to hand over more than 10,000 migrants to us."

- Threats -

Ghrabli said 90 percent of the city's traffickers had agreed to halt their illegal activities after negotiations with residents.

Violence-wracked Libya has become a key gateway for clandestine migration to Europe since the 2011 revolution

"We gave them an ultimatum: we will no longer tolerate such activities in the city. If they do not agree to abandon their trafficking, we will use force," he said.

In an eastern suburb, warehouses are being rehabilitated to house migrants.

"They are big enough to house thousands of people" waiting to be repatriated, Ghrabli said.

On the other side of the huge dust-swept yard, prefabricated building sites, initially set up as offices, will accommodate women, he said.

Migrants waiting to embark towards the Italian coast are usually held in warehouses the traffickers have set up along the beach.

"Those warehouses will be destroyed," the officer said.

Some trafficking barons, who control whole sections of the city, have even built their own jetties, from which dozens of boats loaded with migrants leave every day.

Sabrata mayor Hussein Dhawadi said residents and security forces had "sent a strong and threatening message to the traffickers: 'If the migrants do not leave the city, there will be clashes.' This message was well understood by the smugglers."

- 'Under the table' -

Ghrabli said the traffickers "understood the risks" they were taking.

Members of a Libyan force tackling clandestine migration man a checkpoint in Sabrata on September 11, 2017

Libyan security forces have a growing presence in the city, whilst across the Mediterranean, Italy has reinforced its maritime surveillance, he said.

He said that suspected IS jihadists are still present in the city and continue to benefit from human trafficking.

"The Europeans have also understood that they are under threat from terrorists" who can infiltrate Europe by hiding among migrants, he said.

Some traffickers have tried to adopt a new image so their criminal past is forgotten, Ghrabli said.

One of the best-known trafficking barons, whose forces control half of the city, a few weeks ago became head of a force tackling clandestine migration.

That came after an alleged "agreement under the table" with Italian officials at an informal meeting with major traffickers in July in Malta, according to widespread rumours repeated by officials in Sabrata.

"I asked the ambassador and the Italian interior ministry but they denied having been party to such an agreement. But even the traffickers themselves talk about" the meeting, the city's mayor said.
Nnamdi Kanu, who leads the Indigenous People of Biafra movement, is a fierce critic of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari

A three-day dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed in southeast Nigeria due to mounting tensions between pro-Biafra supporters and the military.

The curfew, which will run from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am, was announced by the Abia state governor late on Tuesday, who told residents to remain at home and avoid any form of confrontation with the security forces or military.

It will be in force until Friday.

Recent days have seen clashes between supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which wants independence for the dominant Igbo ethnic group, and the military.

On Sunday, IPOB claimed five of its members were killed but the army described the claims as "fictitious" and "far from the truth".

IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has been charged with treasonable felony and is currently on bail pending the resumption of his trial in the capital, Abuja, next month.

Tensions have risen since he was freed from custody in April, with the government accusing him of breaching his bail conditions.

Abia governor Okezie Ikpeazu suggested the presence of soldiers, who began operations against kidnapping and violent crime across southern Nigeria this week, may be at the root of tensions.

He attributed Sunday's clashes to the start of the crackdown on crime, which is codenamed "Python Dance II".

- Situation 'over-heating' -

On Wednesday, IPOB said troops had taken over Kanu's home in Abia state capital, Umuahia, and that four of his supporters had been killed as they tried to stop them.

The group's welfare office, Ikechukwu Ugwoha, told AFP "around 50 to 60" others were missing.

Another separatist group, the Movement for Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), called for the military to withdraw.

"What is happening in the southeast is totally uncalled for," group leader Madu Uchenna told AFP.

"The deployment of troops is not the solution. The military show of force is over-heating the polity.

"MASSOB and IPOB are peaceful agitators expressing their rights to self-determination."

Uchenna accused the government of "turning the southeast into a war zone" and said they should allow the courts to determine Kanu's fate.

A previous unilateral declaration of an independent republic of Biafra in 1967 led to a brutal 30-month civil war that left more than one million dead, most of them Igbos.
Smoke rises from buildings in the Bughayliyah area on the northern outskirts of Deir Ezzor as Syrian forces advance against Islamic State jihadists

After breaking an Islamic State group blockade, Syria's army is seeking to encircle the remaining jihadist-held parts of Deir Ezzor city, a military source said Wednesday.

The city is the capital of oil-rich eastern Deir Ezzor province, regarded as a strategic prize by both Russian-backed Syrian troops and US-backed fighters.

In Damascus Wednesday, President Bashar al-Assad said the country was "advancing steadily towards victory thanks to the sacrifices of its army, the determination of its people and the support of its allies," state news agency SANA said.

Last week, Syria's army and allied fighters broke a years-long IS siege of Deir Ezzor, entering two regime-held sections of the city that had been cut off from each other.

Since then, the army has brought reinforcements to the city and is seeking to oust IS from eastern neighbourhoods that run along the Euphrates river, which slices diagonally through the province.

"The army is seeking to encircle Daesh from three sides by controlling the parts of the western bank of the Euphrates river," the source told AFP, using the Arabic acronym for IS.

Troops would target riverside territory on the city's northwestern edges as well as strategic areas on its southern outskirts, including the key military airport and the village of Al-Jafra, on the banks of the Euphrates.

The operation seeks to "oust Daesh from the city and the province completely," the military source said.

Syrian forces launch their advance on the Bughayliyah area on the northern outskirts of the city of Deir Ezzor as they battle to oust Islamic State group jihadists

Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor, also reported that "fierce fighting has been ongoing since yesterday as the army seeks to expel the jihadists and reach the western bank of the Euphrates."

If the army captures Al-Jafra, "Deir Ezzor will be encircled from three sides, so Daesh will have no way out except the Euphrates which is within firing range of regime artillery and Russian warplanes," he added.

As the Syrian army backed by Russian air support battles IS in Deir Ezzor, a separate offensive by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces is under way on the eastern side of the province.

The operation by the alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters began over the weekend, but the SDF has said it was not coordinating the fight with the regime.

Air strikes by Russian and US-led coalition warplanes in support of the separate offensives have killed dozens of civilians in recent days.

On Wednesday, the Observatory said suspected US-led coalition strikes on several parts of eastern Deir Ezzor province overnight and throughout the day killed 12 people.

On Tuesday, the monitor reported 35 people killed in Russian and US-led strikes on either side of the Euphrates.

More than 330,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests.
Amal Clooney with former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed at a press conference in London in January 2016

Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney Wednesday raised fresh fears for the safety of her client, former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed, after an official vowed to have him arrested and deported.

The London-based lawyer said she was "very concerned" about remarks by Male's ambassador-designate to Colombo, that he would have the exiled leader arrested if he set foot in Sri Lanka.

Clooney, who is married to Hollywood star George Clooney, had successfully petitioned a UN body which ruled in late 2015 that Nasheed was wrongfully convicted on a terrorism charge earlier that year and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention also ordered the government of President Abdulla Yameen immediately to free Nasheed and pay him compensation, a demand rejected by the Maldives.

Nasheed travelled to London in January last year on prison leave for medical treatment and has since then remained in self-imposed exile. He travels frequently to Sri Lanka to meet fellow dissidents.

The new Maldivian envoy to Sri Lanka, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, told a local television station Monday that he would have Nasheed arrested in Colombo should he visit and would deport him.

"If a Maldivian authority requests me to detain and return Mohamed Nasheed back to the Maldives, I will," Shareef said.

"It's very simple. They have to say, this is an individual who we are seeking. I'll even go out to the street myself and do it."

Clooney said Nasheed should not be returned to the Maldives to serve his prison sentence.

"Any attempt by a Maldivian diplomat to detain president Nasheed in Sri Lanka would constitute a violation of international law as well as Sri Lankan criminal law," she said according to a statement mailed to AFP by Nasheed's party.

She also said Sri Lankan authorities must ensure that Nasheed's rights were respected while he was in their country.

Her co-counsel Jared Genser said Shareef's remarks were "as outrageous as they are in flagrant violation of international law".

Nasheed's Maldivian Democratic Party said they were not taking Shareef's remarks lightly in view of the illegal arrest of a Maldivian national in Colombo in November 2015 and his deportation.

Sri Lanka's foreign ministry had in 2015 warned the Maldivian envoy in Colombo that any similar action in future could seriously damage relations.

The Maldives has faced tough international criticism over the jailing in March 2015 of Nasheed, the first democratically elected president, following a rushed trial which the UN said was politically motivated.

Yameen, who came to power following a controversial run-off against Nasheed in November 2013 faces international censure over his crackdown on dissidents.
An Indian member of the security forces points a pellet gun towards Kashmiri protesters

Amnesty International on Wednesday reiterated its call for a ban on pellet-firing shotguns used by Indian forces in Kashmir to quell civilian protests.

In a report the rights group said it had interviewed 88 people whose eyesight had been damaged by the metal shot from the pump-action guns.

Two of the victims had been completely blinded.

"The injuries and deaths caused by this cruel weapon bear testimony to how dangerous, inaccurate and indiscriminate it is," Akar Patel, executive director at Amnesty International India, said in a statement.

"There is no proper way to use pellet-firing shotguns. It is irresponsible of the authorities to continue the use of the shotguns despite being aware of the damage they do."

Government forces in Indian-administered Kashmir have been using pellet guns since 2010 as a "non-lethal" weapon following widescale civilian protests against Indian rule.

After a spate of gruesome injuries last year that earned the title "epidemic of dead eyes", Amnesty and other rights groups called for a complete ban on the use of the shotguns.

A single cartridge fired releases at least 500 high-speed metal pellets. These lodge in any available body part and are difficult to remove.

"In some cases, those injured by pellet-firing shotguns still have the metal pellets lodged in their skulls, near their eyes," said Dr Zahoor Wani, the lead campaigner in the group.

In its report, Amnesty said it interviewed people aged from nine to 65.

Among them was nine-year-old Asif Ahmad Shiekh, whose eyes were damaged by the pellets.

"Watching cartoons on TV, playing with my friends on the street, reading books for hours -- this is what I dream of now," the report quoted him as saying.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947. Both claim the territory in full.

Rebel groups have fought for decades, demanding independence or a merger of the former Himalayan kingdom with Pakistan.
A boycott of Qatar by a Saudi-led bloc of Arab states is hurting the economies of all the countries involved, with Bahrain and Qatar the most affected, Moody's Investor Service said

A boycott of Qatar by a Saudi-led bloc of Arab states is hurting the economies of all the countries involved, with Bahrain and Qatar the most affected, Moody's Investor Service said Wednesday.

The row has translated into a credit negative for the entire six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) -- Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, Moody's said in a report.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt on June 5 severed diplomatic ties and imposed economic sanctions on Qatar, accusing it of backing radical Islamist groups.

Doha has denied the charges.

"The severity of the diplomatic dispute between Gulf countries is unprecedented, which magnifies the uncertainty over the ultimate economic, fiscal and social impact on the GCC as a whole," said Steffen Dyck, Moody's vice president.

Qatar faces large economic, financial and social costs stemming from related travel and trade restrictions, it said.

The impact on Qatar so far has been most acute for trade, tourism and the banking sector.

Sizeable capital outflows in the vicinity of $30 billion flowed out of Qatar's banking system in June and July, with further declines expected as GCC banks opt not to roll over their deposits, Moody's said.

It estimates that Qatar used $38.5 billion -- equivalent to 23 percent of its GDP -- to support the economy in the first two months of sanctions.

Moody's said it does not expect that Qatar will have to borrow from the international capital market this year, but its financing costs will increase.

The standoff could also impair the sustainability of Bahrain's currency peg to the US dollar and will also increase the cost of borrowing for the kingdom, the poorest of the six oil-rich GCC nations.

The diplomatic rift will inevitably impair the functioning of the GCC more severely as the row prolongs.
Qatar's gas riches have transformed it in recent years into one of the world's wealthiest countries

The head of the Qatar Investment Authority said Wednesday that the lingering Gulf political crisis was having little impact on the $300 billion sovereign wealth fund of the gas-rich nation.

In a rare public appearance, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Saud Al-Thani, chief executive at the QIA, said there was "no problem" for the fund despite the crisis passing the 100-day mark.

"We are still open for business and business as usual," Sheikh Abdullah said in an address at the Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.

"We are fine," he added.

Qatar has found itself regionally isolated since June 5 after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut all ties, accusing Doha of bankrolling Islamist extremists and being too close to Iran.

The emirate denies the charges and has moved to realign itself politically and economically.

Pressed on the impact of the crisis several times, Sheikh Abdullah said the QIA's exposure to those countries leading the boycott was "very, very small" and added that the fund would continue its recent policy of targeting hi-tech and infrastructure companies in the United States.

"The future is technology," he said.

Moody's Investor Service said on Wednesday the regional dispute was hurting the economies of all countries involved, with Qatar being impacted the most.

It estimated that around $30 billion flowed out of Qatar's banking system in June and July and that Doha used $38.5 billion in the two months to support the economy.

Among the companies in which the QIA was investing were those in the health sector using hi-tech solutions for cancer treatment, said Sheikh Abdullah.

In 2015 he announced that the QIA would invest up to $35 billion in the United States over the following five years, after targeting high-profile acquisitions in Europe.

Last December it was also announced the fund would invest $10 billion in US infrastructure projects.

He said Wednesday that around half of that $45 billion had been invested.

The QIA has opened an office in New York and will do so soon in the Silicon Valley, he added.

"If you want to invest in the States, you have to have boots on the ground," he said.

Earlier this week it was announced that the QIA and Swiss commodities trader Glencore had sold a major part of a stake they had only recently acquired in Russian oil giant Rosneft to Chinese conglomerate CEFC.

The QIA is considered one of the world's biggest sovereign funds, swollen by Qatar's massive gas and oil revenues.
This file photo taken in Rome on January 25, 2017 shows rights activists holding pictures of Giulio Regeni, an Italian student who was murdered in Egypt

Authorities in Egypt have arrested a lawyer whose human rights group opposes enforced disappearances and is linked to one such case involving murdered Italian student Giulio Regeni, officials said Wednesday.

Ibrahim Metwally was detained Sunday at Cairo airport on his way to the Swiss city of Geneva, where he was to take part in a meeting on enforced disappearances, his group said.

Prosecution officials said he had been remanded in custody for two weeks on suspicion of "dealing with foreign parties" and "spreading false news".

Metwally, who founded the Association for the Families of the Disappeared, was also suspected of having set up an "illegal" group, they said.

Metwally had been in touch with the legal defence team of Regeni's family.

Regeni, a PhD student, went missing in Cairo on January 25, 2015 and his body was found days later bearing torture marks.

Egypt has faced accusations that one of its security services murdered the student who was researching trade unions -- a sensitive topic in the country -- but Cairo denied any such involvement.

His murder led to a diplomatic crisis that saw Italy recall its ambassador, although it has since said its envoy would take up his post again.

Rights groups accuse the Egyptian government of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of dissidents that spiked after the military overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 and cracked down on his supporters.

The government disputes such allegations.
Swedish-Chilean national Zaida Catalan and her American colleague Michael Sharp were investigating reports of mass graves in central DR Congo when they were shot dead

Two UN experts who were killed six months ago in the Democratic Republic of Congo were deliberately misled about the safety of the place where they were shot dead, French radio said Wednesday.

In an investigative report published on its website, Radio France International (RFI) suggested the pair may have been set up.

Zaida Catalan, a Swedish-Chilean national and American Michael Sharp were killed in March while investigating reports of more than 40 mass graves in the war-torn central region of Kasai.

Their bodies were found 16 days later. Catalan had been decapitated.

Violence erupted in Kasai in August 2016 following the killing of a local tribal chief called the Kamwina Nsapu, prompting deadly clashes between his followers and the military.

In its report, RFI published the transcript of a conversation the pair had on the eve of their death with a Kamwina Nsapu follower speaking Tshiluba, which was translated by several other people into French.

"At least three of the participants intentionally misled the two experts about the level of security in Bunkonde," RFI said of the area where they were killed.

- 'Not translated' -

The two UN experts left the city of Kananga in central DR Congo on March 12 to go off on a field trip. Their bodies were found 16 days later

At one stage, the main speaker -- an elderly healer called Francois Muamba -- tries to discourage them from going to Bunkonde, raising the possibility of an ambush.

But his words "were not translated", RFI said.

Instead, they were told: "As far as guarantees go, you can go to Bunkonde because there's nothing going on there."

RFI said the translator was "currently working with the (government) department of migration", describing him as "close to the new Kamwina Nsapu who was backed by the authorities".

Another person who was party to the conversation and said to be close to the Kamwina Nsapu militia, was "an intelligence agent" who was "in charge of supervising the two experts' mission in Bunkonde".

- State actors? -

A report compiled by UN experts in June also said the pair had spoken to members of the clan leader's family on the eve of their departure from Kananga on March 12, citing as evidence an audio tape of the meeting they had obtained.

It described their murder as a "premeditated setup", saying that members of the state security services may have been involved.

The Congolese authorities have said the pair were killed by militia members, with a UN inquiry published last month reaching the same conclusion.

RFI's investigation was led by Sonia Rolley, its former correspondent in the country, whose press accreditation has not been renewed by Kinshasa since May.

On the day of the murder, she was working just a few kilometres (miles) from the scene of the crime.

"If she has evidence, she should bring it to the judicial authorities," government spokesman Lambert Mende told AFP, saying a failure to do so would be "a serious violation of criminal proceedings."

Kinshasa says nine out of 16 suspects have been arrested, with four of them going on trial before a military tribunal in Kananga on June 5.

"There is a trial under way. We cannot comment while this is ongoing," said a spokesman for MONUSCO, the UN's peacekeeping mission in the country.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a press conference in New York on Wednesday that the UN was undergoing consultations on how to set up the best investigative mechanism "for the truth to be known".

"There are different possibilities," Guterres said. "The most effective would be the integration of independent experts into the Congolese system. I do not know if that is possible or not."

"If not we will take the initiative," he added, without going into details.

Over the past year, the wave of violence in Kasai has claimed more than 3,000 lives, and displaced an estimated 1.4 million people, with rights groups citing evidence of extrajudicial killings, rapes, torture and the use of child soldiers.
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. UNITED STATES Of America, Plaintiff-Appellee v. Everardo RODRIGUEZ-MENDOZA, Defendant-Appellant No. 16-41550 Decided: September 08, 2017

Before BENAVIDES, CLEMENT, and GRAVES, Circuit Judges. Eileen K. Wilson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Carmen Castillo Mitchell, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Texas, Houston, TX, for Plaintiff-Appellee Oscar A. Vela, Jr., Esq., Attorney, Laredo, TX, for Defendant-Appellant

Everardo Rodriguez-Mendoza pleaded guilty with a written plea agreement to conspiracy to conceal, harbor, and shield an alien from detection in a building in violation of 8 U.S.C.  1324(a)(1)(A)(iii), (A)(v)(I), (B)(i). Rodriguez-Mendoza's guilty plea was conditional under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(a)(2), and he reserved the right to appeal the denial of his motion to suppress.

Rodriguez-Mendoza moved to suppress evidence acquired during the search of 3005 Barrios Street and any statements taken in violation of his constitutional rights. After considering the factors in United States v. Cardoza-Hinojosa, 140 F.3d 610, 615 (5th Cir. 1998), the district court concluded that Rodriguez-Mendoza did not have standing to contest the search of 3005 Barrios Street. The district court found our application of the factors in United States v. Briones-Garza, 680 F.2d 417 (5th Cir. 1982), a case with similar facts, instructive.

As in Briones-Garza, Rodriguez-Mendoza had permission to stay at the house, but he had no key. He could secure the house's front gate and lock the front door, but he could not control who came into the house. He testified that on a few occasions he woke up to find the front door unlocked despite having locked it the previous night.

Rodriguez-Mendoza testified that, other than a trip with a smuggler to buy food, he was not permitted to leave the house. He felt trapped in the house and agreed that he had essentially been kidnapped.

There is no indication that Rodriguez-Mendoza expected that the drop house would be free from [governmental] intrusion. See Briones-Garza, 680 F.2d at 422. Other than the fact that he ate and slept there, the house was not a normal residence. Rodriguez-Mendoza was little more than a hostage and the nature of the place where [he] was required to stay does not indicate it would support any reasonable expectation of privacy on his part. See id. at 421-22. As such, the district court did not err in concluding that Rodriguez-Mendoza lacked standing to challenge the search of the house under the Fourth Amendment.

Based on the foregoing, the district court's judgment is AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

.

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.
A demonstrator gestures in front of Moroccan security forces during a march in defiance of a government ban in the northern Moroccan city of Al-Hoceima on July 20, 2017

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) voiced alarm Wednesday after a Moroccan court increased the prison sentence of a journalist to one year for inciting an unauthorised protest.

Hamid El Mahdaoui, who heads the Badil online news site, was arrested in July at the start of a banned demonstration in the restive northern city of Al-Hoceima.

He was initially sentenced to three months in jail after being found guilty of helping to organise "an unauthorised march" and having "invited" others to take part, according to his website.

On Tuesday an appeals court prolonged his prison term by nine months.

RSF denounced the "incomprehensive" verdict and said it was "appalled" by El Mahdaoui's increased sentence.

RSF called on Morocco to drop the charges against the journalist and to release him as soon as possible, saying he was only doing his job and that the court had video footage proving his innocence.

And quoting his wife, the watchdog said El Mahdaoui had started a hunger strike to denounce the ruling against him.

In July RSF issued a scathing statement accusing Moroccan authorities of preventing journalists from covering months of unrest and protests in the neglected northern Rif region, particularly in Al-Hoceima.

Moroccan authorities denied the accusations.

El Mahdaoui, who was also fined 20,000 dirhams ($2,120, 1,800 euros) in July, is also accused of "undermining state security" and must appear before court on October 2.

If found guilty on that charge he risks being jailed for up to five years, said RSF.

The Rif protests erupted last October after a fishmonger was crushed to death in a rubbish truck as he tried to retrieve swordfish confiscated for being caught out of season.

Demands for justice later snowballed into a wider social movement named Al-Hirak al-Shaabi, calling for jobs, development and an end to graft.

El Mahdaoui is active on social media and known for his criticism of the government.
Members of Algeria's small Ahmadi community pray at a house in Tilpasi, west of Algiers, on June 30, 2017

An Algerian court on Wednesday found the head of the country's tiny Ahmadi community guilty of "offending Islam" and handed him a six-month suspended sentence, his lawyer said.

"Mohamed Fali was handed a six-month suspended sentence. He was found guilty of unauthorised fundraising and offending the Prophet and Islam," Salah Dabouz said.

While Ahmadis consider themselves to be Muslims, Islamic extremists have accused them of heresy and since last year Algerian authorities have cracked down on them.

The trial in the western coastal town of Mostaganem came after Fali objected to a suspended sentence of three months on the same charges in February at a trial he did not attend.

Algerian law allows defendants to attend a retrial if they were not present for the first trial.

Fali was arrested from his home in Ain Sefra, 650 kilometres (400 miles) southwest of Algiers, on August 28.

"My client will be released, but I'm shocked he was sentenced in a case where there are no facts," his lawyer said.

Fali faces cases in several courts.

At least 286 of Algeria's roughly 2,000 Ahmadis have been arrested and tried since the start of a government crackdown last year.

All were handed jail terms, ranging from a three-month suspended sentence to four years, except three who received fines.

Islam is the state religion in Algeria, where Sunni Muslims make up the majority.

Freedom of religion is guaranteed by law, but preachers and places of worship must be licensed by the government.

The Ahmadis have never applied, believing they would face certain rejection.

Founded in late 19th-century India, the Ahmadiyya movement only reached Algeria in 2007.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation -- of which Algeria is a member -- declared in 1973 that the movement was not linked to the Muslim faith.
Local residents and Somali soldiers stand at site of a car bomb attack in the center of Mogadishu on September 11, 2017

US forces in Somalia conducted three air strikes on Islamist Shabaab targets Wednesday, killing six fighters with the Al-Qaeda linked group, the US military said.

The pre-dawn operation occurred in southern Somalia about 160 miles (260 kilometers) south of Mogadishu.

The strikes were conducted under powers President Donald Trump gave the Pentagon in March that lets the military take counter-terrorism actions -- whether airstrikes or ground raids -- when it deems them necessary to support the Somali government.

"In coordination with the federal government of Somalia, US forces conducted three precision air strikes in Somalia against al-Shabaab ... killing six terrorists," the US military's Africa Command said in a statement.

Before Trump broadened the Pentagon's authorities, US military actions in the eastern African country each required high-level review by different agencies.

US special forces have been deployed in Somalia for years. There are currently about 50 US troops there.

Shabaab has been fighting since 2007 to overthrow the internationally backed government in Somalia.
Rohingya Muslim refugees disembark from a boat on the Bangladeshi side of Naf river in Teknaf on September 12, 2017

Britain and Sweden on Wednesday urged the UN Security Council to call for an end to Myanmar's military campaign in Rakhine state that has forced nearly 380,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee.

The top UN body was set to meet behind closed doors at around 1600 GMT to discuss the crisis but diplomats said they expected China and Russia to resist calls for a tough response.

"We need to see an end to the violence. We need to see immediate and widespread access to humanitarian aid and relief for the people of Burma and the people of Rakhine," British Deputy UN Ambassador Jonathan Allen told reporters.

Swedish Ambassador Olof Skoog said he hoped for a "unified outcome" and "clear messages about what needs to happen now".

That message should be that "the military campaign that we have seen is stopped and that there is full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law," said Skoog.

Britain and Sweden requested the meeting, held two weeks after another closed session that did not yield any formal statement from the council on the crisis.

Human rights groups have called on the Security Council to step up the pressure on Myanmar authorities and make clear the world is watching.

But the Swedish ambassador played down calls for a public meeting, saying: "I don't think the Rohingya people care whether our meetings are closed or open."

Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi earlier announced that she will deliver an address next Wednesday on national reconciliation and peace after rights groups and fellow Nobel laureates criticized her for failing to speak out.

Rohingya refugees have told chilling accounts of soldiers firing on civilians and razing entire villages in the north of Rakhine state with the help of Buddhist mobs. The army denies the allegations.

The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have long-lasting roots in the country.

Britain and Sweden are calling on Suu Kyi to implement the recommendations of a report by former UN chief Kofi Annan that called on Myanmar to grant citizenship rights to the Rohingya.
Togo's opposition supporters, seen here praying at an all-night vigil, are putting huge pressure on the government to enact constitutional reform

His family has ruled Togo for more than 50 years but President Faure Gnassingbe has in the last week faced unprecedented public pressure to step down.

He and his country stand alone in West Africa in resisting calls for constitutional reform, even as parliament begins to look again at the issue.

"Togo is the only ECOWAS country never to have seen any real democratic change," said political analyst Gilles Yabi, referring to the West African regional bloc.

"The current regime is carrying on the one before it, which was one of the most brutal Africa had ever known," he told AFP.

"Beyond (constitutional) reform, the Togolese people want real change."

Faure Gnassingbe took over as Togo's president in 2005 after the death of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled the French-speaking nation for 38 years with army support.

Bloody riots followed elections that year, which the opposition disputed. Faure was re-elected in 2010 and 2015.

With The Gambia, Togo was the only ECOWAS member to reject a proposal to limit the number of presidential terms across the region, during a summit in Accra in May 2015.

After peaceful changes in power in Benin and Ghana, popular uprisings in Burkina Faso, Togo and The Gambia won them a "bad boy" reputation in a region often cited as an example in a continent where many leaders cling to power.

The fate of Gambian president Yahya Jammeh was sealed in December 2016 after his refusal to recognise defeat at the polls.

ECOWAS sent troops to ensure he left office after 22 years.

In Togo, human rights organisations have criticised cases of torture, arbitrary detention, as well as the muzzling of both the press and the opposition.

But unlike Gambia's Jammeh, Gnassingbe, who currently holds the rotating presidency of ECOWAS, is not an isolated figure, experts say, noting that he enjoys the support of his counterparts.

- 'Radio silence' -

Last Wednesday, Marcel de Souza, president of the ECOWAS commission, made an unannounced visit to Lome to meet the opposition as protesters demanded Gnassingbe's resignation.

Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe and his family have been in power for some 50 years

Apart from a handful of former heads of state, such as Nigeria's Olusegun Obasanjo and Ghana's Jerry Rawlings, who backed Togo's people, West Africa has been largely silent over the protests.

"We shouldn't expect any strong reaction," said Yabi.

"Like France and the European Union, they are partners that value stability above everything."

Comi Toulabor, head of research at the Institute of Political Studies in Bordeaux, described the lack of reaction as "radio silence".

Togo's neighbours "close their eyes because, for many of them, security problems and the terrorist risk have become more important than everything else", he added.

Toulabor said Togo's regime had this time bowed to pressure by allowing last week's protests to take place.

In 2005, the authorities cracked down on dissent, leaving at least 500 dead following a wave of post-election violence, UN figures show.

- Wooing his detractors -

Gnassingbe has also made apparent overtures to his detractors by proposing a bill to limit the number of presidential mandates to two five-year terms and introduce two-round voting.

As such, he was "trying to make people forget the barely democratic nature of his regime and show himself to be very active on the international diplomatic front", said Yabi.

The country has hosted a number of international summits, such as the African Union meeting on maritime security in October 2016.

"Togo is a republic, not a kingdom," reads a banner held by protesters, urging the presidential terms to be limited

Last month it held the annual African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum and had been due to host the Africa-Israel summit in October before it was postponed this week.

Lome, with its deep-water port and new international airport, wants to become a regional hub and is wooing foreign investors.

Economic growth is at 5.0 percent a year and the country has long been calm, despite high unemployment among young people and widespread poverty.

Former colonial power France has made no comment since the start of the protests.

Asked about the events, a foreign ministry spokesman said only that France had "followed the events of recent weeks closely".

"France calls for responsibility and consensus to begin constitutional change".
Activists demonstrate in front the Italian Parliament on January 25, 2017 to mark the first anniversary since the disappearance in Egypt of Italian student Giulio Regeni

Italy's new ambassador arrived in Egypt on Wednesday more than a year after his predecessor was recalled over the abduction and murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni, officials said.

The officials at Cairo airport said Giampaolo Cantini arrived on a flight from Rome.

An Italian embassy official could not confirm Giampaolo Cantini had landed in Cairo but said the envoy should "arrive today".

In August, Italy announced it would send an ambassador back, 15 months after withdrawing the previous one to protest the slow pace of a probe into Regeni's murder.

Italy has rejected multiple theories suggested by Egyptian investigators, including a road accident, a botched crime or a personal vendetta, and always insisted those responsible be found and brought to justice.

The Italian press and western diplomats in Egypt suspect members of Egypt's security services of having abducted, and fatally tortured Regeni, a 28-year-old doctoral student who was writing about trade unions in the country.

An Italian autopsy showed Regeni's body was covered with cuts and his bones were broken, indicating he had been hit with "fists, batons and hammers".

Egyptian officials on Wednesday said police had arrested a lawyer whose human rights group opposes enforced disappearances and is linked to the defence of Regeni's family.

Ibrahim Metwally was detained on Sunday at Cairo airport on his way to the Swiss city of Geneva, where he was to take part in a meeting on enforced disappearances, his group said.

Prosecution officials said he had been remanded in custody for two weeks on suspicion of "dealing with foreign parties" and "spreading false news".
This file pictures taken on on January 30, 2017 shows a worker fixing electricity cables damaged during fighting on the outskirts of the Syrian capital

Tehran has signed several agreements with its ally Damascus to improve the production and distribution of electricity in war-ravaged Syria, officials in Iran and Syrian state media said Wednesday.

The deals were signed in Tehran by Syrian Electricity Minister Mohammed Zuhair Kharboutli and Sattar Mahmoudi, the acting head of Iran's energy ministry, the sources said.

Mahmoudi, in statements published on the ministry's website, said the deals to rebuild Syria's electricity infrastructure damaged during the country's six-year war were worth "several hundred million euros (dollars)".

The agreements involved "equipment, the network and power plants", he said, adding that Iranian firms were ready to carry out the work and that the Iranian government would support them.

Syrian state news agency SANA said one deal involved the construction of a 450-megawatt power plant in the coastal province of Latakia, home to President Bashar al-Assad's clan and regime bastion.

Other deals stipulate the rehabilitation of power stations in Aleppo, Homs and Banias.

In May Kharboutli said the Damascus government had supplied 97 percent of the country's electricity needs before the war erupted in 2011.

That proportion is now down to 27 percent because of the shortage of fuel, he said, adding that before the conflict Syria had generated 49 billion kilowatts per hour compared with just 19 billion now.

Iran is the key political, military and financial backer of the Assad government, and has sent to Syria military advisers and volunteers to help in the fight against rebels and jihadists.

In January Iran signed several deals with Syria to build a mobile phone network, a petrol terminal and have the right to operate phosphate mines in Sharqiya, south of the ancient city of Palmyra.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump put on gloves before handing out sandwiches to victims of Hurricane Irma

US President Donald Trump viewed flood damage and handed out sandwiches to victims of Hurricane Irma in Florida on Thursday as utility workers redoubled their efforts to restore power after eight retirees died in a sweltering nursing home.

A hurricane formed off the southwestern coast of Mexico, meanwhile, triggering warnings of life-threatening storm conditions in areas still recovering from a devastating earthquake last week.

Speaking to reporters in the city of Fort Myers on Florida's west coast after a briefing on recovery efforts, Trump lauded the authorities and residents for their preparedness.

"And while people unfortunately passed, it was such a small number that nobody would have -- people thought thousands and thousands of people may have their lives ended," he said.

Trump said restoring electricity in Florida was a priority following the storm, which left at least 20 people dead in the southern US state, including the eight retirement home residents in Hollywood, north of Miami.

"There are more electrical people in this state, I think, than ever accumulated anywhere in the world," the president said, referring to the scores of repair teams that have poured in from several states. "It's going way ahead of schedule -- weeks ahead of schedule."

President Donald Trump tours a flood-damaged neighborhood in Naples, Florida

Trump noted that the Florida Keys, the string of tourist islands off the southern coast of the state, had been particularly hard hit and recovery efforts there may take longer.

"That's a very, very special problem," he said. "That was just dead-center, but we're working very hard on that. And we have a lot of goods out there, a lot of water, a lot of food, a lot of everything."

More than 2.6 million people were still without electricity on Thursday, according to the authorities, four days after Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys as a powerful Category Four storm.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said "every person in our state wants their power back" and "we're working hard to get our power back on."

Scott, who toured a flooded neighborhood in Naples, south of Fort Myers, with Trump and his wife, Melania, said efforts were also being made to alleviate gas shortages.

"We're short of fuel," he said. "We still have lines at our gas stations."

- Hurricane Max threatens Mexico -

In Naples, Trump and the First Lady stood beneath a tent to hand out sandwiches wrapped in cellophane and bottled water to residents and recovery workers.

Utility trucks head for the Florida Keys as part of a massive effort to restore power following Hurricane Irma

The president first struggled to put on a pair of white gloves. "They're too small," Trump said after the glove on his right hand ripped.

Florida authorities were conducting a criminal investigation meanwhile into the eight deaths at the Hollywood nursing home, which had been without air conditioning since Irma struck.

Governor Scott said Wednesday he was "absolutely heartbroken" to learn of the "unfathomable" deaths at the retirement facility and promised to "aggressively demand answers."

Three of those who died were in their nineties, including 99-year-old Albertina Vega. The youngest victim was 70, according to the Broward County Medical Examiner's office.

As Trump visited Florida, French President Emmanuel Macron wrapped up a visit to the French overseas territories of Saint Martin and Saint Barts, two Caribbean resort islands devastated by Hurricane Irma.

The storm left around 40 people dead in the Caribbean before churning east and pounding Florida.

France, Britain and the Netherlands have been criticized for the pace of relief efforts in their overseas territories amid widespread shortages of food, water and electricity.

French soldiers patrol the Baie Nettle area of Marigot on Saint Martin island

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson visited the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla on Wednesday and pledged "absolute commitment" to Britons there.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said meanwhile that Hurricane Max was moving eastward just south of the resort city of Acapulco and could make landfall later Thursday.

The NHC warned that Max, now a Category One storm, could strengthen before it reaches the coast.

"Maximum sustained winds are near 80 miles per hour (130 kph) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is expected today before Max reaches the coast this evening or tonight," it said.

Authorities declared a hurricane warning for 300 miles of Mexico's coast, stretching from Zihuatanejo to Punta Maldonado.

Guerrero state and western parts of neighboring Oaxaca state were forecast to receive five to 10 inches (12.5 to 25 centimeters) of rain, with some areas receiving more than 20 inches.

Oaxaca is still struggling to recover after it bore the brunt of the damage from an 8.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Mexico only last Thursday, leaving 96 people dead.
Consultation for constitutional reform in Togo risks being a drawn-out process but National Assembly president Dama Dramani said: "We are in an urgent situation

Lawmakers in Togo will begin to look at a constitutional reform bill from as soon as the end of this week, the head of the National Assembly said on Wednesday.

Parliamentary groups and commissions met to read the government proposals, which came after opposition calls for a two-term limit for presidents and a two-round voting system.

Opposition parties had hoped the bill would be on the agenda when lawmakers met for an extraordinary session on Tuesday, only to find it left off the day's order paper.

Consultation for constitutional reform risks being a drawn-out process but National Assembly president Dama Dramani said: "We are in an urgent situation.

"That's why we are going to disregard our procedures to end the (current parliamentary) session tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday we will look at the government's bill," he added.

Dramani called on the constitutional law commission that examines proposed changes to look at the bill and make its recommendations as quickly as possible.

On Monday, he had told state television that a proper debate on constitutional reform could not be held at short notice.

The main opposition National Alliance for Change (ANC) said constitutional change was the only issue the public wanted to talk about.

"We need to discuss, study and adopt the bill... as the Togolese people want," said ANC lawmaker Isabelle Ameganvi.

Togo's opposition has been calling for changes for more than a decade. Last week, hundreds of thousands took to the streets across the country calling for reform.

Faure Gnassingbe has been president since 2005 after taking over from his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who assumed power in 1967.
Rohingya Muslim refugees disembark from a boat on the Bangladeshi side of Naf river on September 12, 2017

UN chief Antonio Guterres acknowledged Wednesday that Rohingya Muslims were being ethnically cleansed in Myanmar as he called for a halt to a military campaign in Rakhine state.

Speaking ahead of a Security Council meeting to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis there, Guterres described reports of security forces attacking civilians in Rakhine as "disturbing" and "completely unacceptable."

"I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military action, end the violence, uphold the rule of law and recognize the right of return of all those who had to leave the country," the secretary general said in a press conference.

Asked if he agreed the Rohingya population was being ethnically cleansed, he replied: "When one-third of the Rohingya population has got to flee the country, can you find a better word to describe it?"

The crackdown by Myanmar's army, which followed attacks by Rohingya militants late last month, has prompted around 380,000 to flee across the border into neighboring Bangladesh.

Guterres called for authorities "to assure the delivery of vital humanitarian aid" in Rakhine state, with thousands of Rohingya still crossing the border every day.

The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have longstanding roots in the country.

But Guterres said that the Myanmar government should either grant the Rohingya nationality or legal status that would allow them to live a normal life.

- UN meets behind closed doors -

Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been widely condemned for a lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of the crisis, denting the Nobel peace laureate's reputation.

However Suu Kyi, Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades, has no control over the powerful military, which ran the country for 50 years before elections in 2015.

The Security Council met behind closed doors at the request of Britain and Sweden to try to agree on a response to the crisis, but diplomats said they expected China and Russia to resist calls for a strong statement.

"We need to see an end to the violence. We need to see immediate and widespread access to humanitarian aid and relief for the people of Burma and the people of Rakhine," British Deputy UN Ambassador Jonathan Allen told reporters ahead of the meeting, referring to Myanmar by its name under British colonial rule.

Swedish Ambassador Olof Skoog said he hoped for a "unified outcome" and "clear messages about what needs to happen now."

That message should be that "the military campaign that we have seen is stopped and that there is full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law," said Skoog.
United States Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit. LUMMI TRIBE OF THE LUMMI RESERVATION, WASHINGTON, Lummi Nation Housing Authority, Hopi Tribal Housing Authority, Fort Berthold Housing Authority, Plaintiffs-Appellees Fort Peck Housing Authority, Plaintiff v. UNITED STATES, Defendant-Appellant 2016-2196 Decided: September 12, 2017

Before Prost, Chief Judge, O'Malley, and Chen, Circuit Judges. John Fredericks, III, Fredericks Peebles & Morgan, LLP, Mandan, ND, argued for plaintiffs-appellees. Also represented by Jeffrey S. Rasmussen, Louisville, CO. Steven J. Gillingham, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Division, United States Department of Justice, Washington, DC, argued for defendant-appellant. Also represented by David Alan Levitt, Robert E. Kirschman, Jr., Benjamin C. Mizer; Gary Alan Nemec, David A. Sahli, Perrin Wright, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC.

The government seeks review of a September 30, 2015 order of the Court of Federal Claims (the Claims Court). See Order, Lummi Tribe of the Lummi Reservation v. United States, No. 08-848C (Fed. Cl. Sept. 30, 2015), ECF No. 121. In that order, the Claims Court reaffirmed its prior ruling that the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) is money mandating, giving the Claims Court jurisdiction over appellees' claims. Id. On June 9, 2016, this court granted the government's petition for interlocutory appeal to ensure that the Court of Federal Claims is the court of proper jurisdiction before requiring it and the parties to undergo extensive unnecessary proceedings. Order at 3, Lummi Tribe of the Lummi Reservation v. United States, No. 2016-124 (Fed. Cir. June 9, 2016), ECF No. 1-2. For the following reasons, we vacate and instruct the Claims Court to dismiss this action for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.

Background

Congress enacted NAHASDA, 25 U.S.C.  41014243, to fulfill the federal government's responsibility to Indian tribes and their members to improve their housing conditions and socioeconomic status so that they are able to take greater responsibility for their own economic condition. Id.  4101(4). In particular, NAHASDA established an annual block grant system, whereby Indian tribes receive direct funding in order to provide affordable housing to their members. The relevant sections of NAHASDA require HUD to make grants according to a regulatory formula based on several factors, including: (1) [t]he number of low-income housing dwelling units  owned or operated by the tribes on NAHASDA's effective date; (2) the number of Indian families and extent of poverty and economic distress within a tribe's area; and (3) [o]ther objectively measurable conditions as [HUD] and the Indian tribes may specify. Id.  4152(b)(1)(3).

The dwelling units described in factor (1) are called Formula Current Assisted Stock (FCAS). Each eligible dwelling unit in a tribe's FCAS is entitled to a sum certain amount of funding each year based upon a calculated operating subsidy and modernization allocation. HUD regulations establish which units initially count as FCAS in the formula, and when those units no longer qualify (e.g., when they have been or could have been conveyed to homebuyers). 24 C.F.R.  1000.312, 1000.314, 1000.318. Once awarded these subsidies, grantee tribes are limited in how and when they may dispense the funds, which can be used only on statutorily specified activities in accordance with program requirements. See, e.g., 25 U.S.C.  4139; 2 C.F.R.  200.313314.

In the event of a grantee's failure to comply substantially with NAHASDA, HUD can recapture grant funds by: (A) terminat[ing] payments under this [Act] to the recipient; (B) reduc[ing] payments [by the amount not expended in compliance with the Act]; (C) limit[ing] the availability of payments [to compliant activities]; or (D)  provid[ing] a replacement tribally designated housing entity for the recipient. 25 U.S.C.  4161(a)(1).

Appellees are an Indian tribe and three tribal housing entities (collectively, the Tribes) who qualified for and received NAHASDA block grants. Lummi Tribe of the Lummi Reservation v. United States, 99 Fed. Cl. 584, 588 (2011) (Lummi I). In 2001, a HUD Inspector General report concluded that, since the enactment of NAHASDA, HUD had improperly allocated funds to the Tribes because the formula that HUD applied had included housing that did not qualify as FCAS. Id. HUD informed the Tribes of the amount overfunded, the regulations on which HUD based its decision, and the housing units that HUD found ineligible. Id. at 599. HUD also provided the Tribes with the opportunity to dispute HUD's findings regarding FCAS unit eligibility or appeal the determinations of overfunding. Id. Thereafter, HUD eliminated the ineligible units from the FCAS data and recouped the excess funding by deducting the amount overfunded from subsequent grant allocations$863,236 from Lummi, $249,689 from Fort Berthold, and $964,699 from Hopi. Lummi Tribe of the Lummi Reservation v. United States, 106 Fed. Cl. 623, 625 (2011) ( Lummi II).

The Tribes brought suit in the Claims Court under the Tucker Act and the Indian Tucker Act, 28 U.S.C.  1491(a)(1) and 1505, respectively, alleging that HUD improperly deprived them of grant funds to which they were entitled. In relevant part, the Tribes alleged that: (1) HUD misapplied the NAHASDA formula by inappropriately removing housing units from the FCAS data, which led to decreased grant amounts; and (2) HUD was obligated by 25 U.S.C.  4165 to provide the Tribes with a hearing during which they could respond to the HUD report, but HUD failed to do so. Lummi I, 99 Fed. Cl. at 591; see generally 25 U.S.C.  4165 (The Secretary shall provide each recipient that is the subject of a report made by the Secretary notice that the recipient may review and comment on the report during a period of not less than 30 days).

The government moved to dismiss the claims for lack of jurisdiction, arguing in particular that NAHASDA's provision for block grants is not money mandating. Lummi I, 99 Fed. Cl. at 591. The Claims Court disagreed, noting that NAHASDA provides that the Secretary shall  make grants and shall allocate any amounts among Indian tribes that comply with certain requirements. Id. at 594. The Claims Court concluded that the Secretary is thus bound by the statute to pay a qualifying tribe the amount to which it is entitled under the formula, meaning that the statute can fairly be interpreted as mandating the payment of compensation by the government. Id. (citing Greenlee Cty. v. United States, 487 F.3d 871, 877 (Fed. Cir. 2007)).

Initially, the Claims Court dismissed the Tribes' procedural claims, finding that HUD had provided full notice of the government's claims along with a meaningful opportunity to respond. Id. at 599. The Tribes moved for reconsideration on this point and, on September 29, 2011, the Claims Court vacated its decision. Lummi Tribe II, 106 Fed. Cl. 623, 624 n.1. The Tribes amended their complaint, re-alleged that HUD had violated the procedural requirements of NAHASDA, and argued for the first time that those violations rendered the change in grant funds an illegal exaction. Id. at 625.

The government thereafter filed another motion to dismiss, arguing that HUD had complied with all relevant NAHASDA provisions. Id. at 62324. The Claims Court disagreed, holding that [p]roviding [the Tribes] with the opportunity for a hearing in this case before adjusting their grant amounts was  something HUD was requiredbut failedto do. Id. at 633. The issue of whether HUD, on the merits, had properly determined the Tribes' FCAS units when applying NAHASDA formulae was reserved for trial. See Lummi Tribe of the Lummi Reservation v. United States, 112 Fed. Cl. 353, 355 n.2 (2013) (Lummi III).

The case was then transferred to Senior Judge Bruggink, who ordered supplemental briefing to address a number of questions, including whether NAHASDA is money mandating and whether NAHASDA's status as such affected the illegal exaction claim. See Order, Lummi, No. 08-848C (Fed. Cl. Sept. 30, 2015), ECF No. 121. The Claims Court reaffirmed its holding that NAHASDA is money mandating, but held that the failure to give a hearing under  4165 does not, on its own, support an illegal exaction claim. Id. at 5. The court explained that the substantive provisions of NAHASDA [are money mandating], not its procedural elements, and nothing in the statutory framework  suggests that the remedy for failure to afford procedural rights is, without further proof of entitlement, the payment of money. Id.

Because the Claims Court's finding that NAHASDA itself is money mandating was therefore dispositive on the issue of jurisdiction, the government sought and obtained certification for interlocutory appeal. The Tribes, meanwhile, sought reconsideration of the Claims Court's illegal exaction holding, which the Claims Court denied. Order, Lummi, No. 08-848C (Fed. Cl. Apr. 20, 2016), ECF No. 138; Order, Lummi, No. 2016-124 (Fed. Cir. June 9, 2016), ECF No. 1-2.

Standard of Review

Subject matter jurisdiction is a question of law that we review de novo. Litecubes, LLC v. N. Light Prods., 523 F.3d 1353, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2008). In particular, we review[ ] without deference the trial court's statutory interpretation. Samish Indian Nation v. United States, 419 F.3d 1355, 1364 (Fed. Cir. 2005). The plaintiff bears the burden of establishing subject-matter jurisdiction by a preponderance of the evidence. Hopi Tribe v. United States, 782 F.3d 662, 666 (Fed. Cir. 2015).

Discussion

The Tucker Act itself does not create a substantive cause of action; in order to come within the jurisdictional reach and the waiver of sovereign immunity in the Tucker Act, a plaintiff must identify a separate source of substantive law that creates the right to money damages. United States v. Mitchell, 463 U.S. 206, 216 (1983); United States v. Testan, 424 U.S. 392, 398 (1976). In the parlance of Tucker Act cases, that source must be money-mandating. See Mitchell, 463 U.S. at 217; Testan, 424 U.S. at 398. On appeal, the government makes a single affirmative argument: the Claims Court erred in finding NAHASDA to be a money-mandating statute, such that the Claims Court is without jurisdiction over this case. We agree.

A statute is money mandating if either: (1) it can fairly be interpreted as mandating compensation by the Federal Government for  damages sustained; or (2) it grants the claimant a right to recover damages either expressly or by implication. Blueport Co., LLC v. United States, 533 F.3d 1374, 1383 (Fed. Cir. 2008) (quoting Mitchell, 463 U.S. at 21617 (internal quotation marks omitted)). NAHASDA does neither, as revealed by the ultimately equitable nature of the Tribe's claims. We find National Center for Manufacturing Sciences v. United States, 114 F.3d 196 (Fed. Cir. 1997), instructive on this point. The statute at issue in that case stated that not less than $40,000,000 of the funds appropriated in this paragraph shall be made available only for the [plaintiff]. Nat'l Ctr., 114 F.3d at 198 (quoting Pub. L. No. 103-139, 107 Stat. 1418, 1433 (1993)). The Air Force only released $24,125,000, and so the plaintiff brought suit in district court, seeking an order directing the Air Force to release the remainder. On the Air Force's motion, the district court transferred the case to the Claims Court, a transfer that this court reversed on appeal. Specifically, relying on Bowen v. Massachusetts, 487 U.S. 879 (1988), this court outlined the kinds of statutory claims for which a Tucker Act remedy is availableand found the statute at issue wanting:

Some portions of NCMS's complaint suggest that NCMS seeks a naked money judgment for $15,875,000 against the government. Other portions of the complaint, however, make clear that NCMS anticipates the need for injunctive relief, such as an order enjoining the defendants from obligating and disbursing particular funds that should be reserved for NCMS, and [e]xtending the time of obligation in the Appropriations Act to preserve the status quo. Looking behind the complaint, moreover, we conclude that it is doubtful that a simple money judgment in NCMS's favor would be appropriate, even if NCMS is correct in its claim that it is entitled to have the remaining $15,875,000 referred to in the Appropriations Act allotted to its account.

The Appropriations Act directs that the appropriated funds be used [f]or expenses necessary for basic and applied scientific research, development, test and evaluation, including maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of facilities and equipment, as authorized by law. Pub. L. No. 103139, 107 Stat. 1418, 1433 (1993). Thus, as NCMS acknowledged at oral argument, it would not be entitled to a monetary judgment that would allow it to use the funds appropriated under the Act for any purpose, without restriction. Instead, the Act requires that NCMS use any money disbursed from the appropriated funds to perform the basic and applied research functions called for in the Act. The Act thus contemplates a cooperative, ongoing relationship between NCMS and the Air Force in the allocation and use of the funds.

Nat'l Ctr., 114 F.3d at 201 (emphases added). Accordingly, we determined that the district court was not divest[ed]  of the authority to conduct APA review in this case, because the remedy provided by a Tucker Act suit in the [Claims Court would] not serve as the other adequate remedy in a court.  Id. at 202 (quoting 5 U.S.C.  704); see generally 5 U.S.C.  704 (Agency action made reviewable by statute and final agency action for which there is no other adequate remedy in a court are subject to judicial review.) (emphasis added).

The Tribes correctly observe that National Center did not explicitly hold that the Claims Court was without jurisdiction to hear the plaintiff's claim. Whether or not that conclusion can be fairly implied from the reasoning in National Center, the reasoning alone remains instructive. Under NAHASDA, the Tribes are not entitled to an actual payment of money damages, in the strictest terms; their only alleged harm is having been allocated too little in grant funding. Thus, at best, the Tribes seek a nominally greater strings-attached disbursement. But any monies so disbursed could still be later reduced or clawed back. See 25 U.S.C.  4161(a)(1). And any property acquired with said monies would be held in trust by the Tribes, as trustee for the beneficiaries of NAHASDA. 2 C.F.R.  200.316; see generally 24 C.F.R.  85.1, 1000.26. The Tribes are even restricted with respect to the particular bidding and bond terms they may use for, say, housing construction contracts. See 2 C.F.R.  200.325; 24 C.F.R.  1000.26.

To label the disbursement of funds so thoroughly scrutinized and cabined as a remedy for damages would strain the meaning of the term to its breaking point. As National Center highlights, that relief is equitableand thus not within the Claims Court's purview. Although the Tucker Act has been amended to permit the [Claims Court] to grant equitable relief ancillary to claims for monetary relief, there must be an underlying claim for  actual, presently due money damages from the United States.  Nat'l Air Traffic Controllers Ass'n v. United States, 160 F.3d 714, 716 (Fed. Cir. 1998) (quoting United States v. King, 395 U.S. 1, 3 (1969)) (emphasis added). It is not enough that the court's decision  will ultimately enable the plaintiff to receive money from the government. Id. at 716; see generally Katz v. Cisneros, 16 F.3d 1204, 120809 (Fed. Cir. 1994) (Hollywood Associates seeks payments to which it alleges it is entitled pursuant to federal statute and regulations; it does not seek money as compensation for a loss suffered That a payment of money may flow from a decision that HUD has erroneously interpreted or applied its regulation does not change the nature of the case.).

Here, the underlying claim is not for presently due money damages. It is for larger strings-attached NAHASDA grantsincluding subsequent supervision and adjustmentand, hence, for equitable relief. Indeed, any such claim for relief under NAHASDA would necessarily be styled in the same fashion; the statute does not authorize a free and clear transfer of money. Accordingly, the Claims Court erred in finding NAHASDA to be money mandating.

The Tribes contend, in the alternative, that alleged procedural failures associated with HUD's grant decision resulted in a per se illegal exaction, independently conferring jurisdiction on the Claims Court. We disagree. An illegal exaction claim must be based on property taken from the claimant, not property left unawarded to the claimant, rendering the Tribes' exaction claim invalid on its face. An illegal exaction  involves money that was improperly paid, exacted, or taken from the claimant in contravention of the Constitution, a statute, or a regulation.  Norman v. United States, 429 F.3d 1081, 1095 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (quoting Eastport S.S. Corp. v. United States, 372 F.2d 1002, 1007 (Ct. Cl. 1967)) (emphasis added). The Tribes have not and cannot provide legal support for the notion that the failure to disburse property that was never in the claimant's possession or control constitutes an exaction. Accordingly, we reject their illegal exaction claim as an alternative basis for the Claims Court's jurisdiction.

Although we adopt the government's position, we have severe misgivings about the incongruency of its stances in this and related litigation. In particular, it appears that the government has taken, essentially, the opposite position in at least one of our sister circuits in parallel litigation. See Modoc Lassen Indian Hous. Auth. v. United States Dep't of Hous. and Urban Dev., 864 F.3d 1212, 2017 WL 3140877 (10th Cir. July 25, 2017). In Modoc, an appeal from a federal district court action that was brought pursuant to NAHASDA, the government argued that the district court nevertheless erred in ordering HUD to return the alleged [NAHASDA] over-payments to the Tribes because  such an order amounts to an award of money damages' and therefore runs afoul of 5 U.S.C.  702. Id. at *2. [S]ection 702  waives sovereign immunity for non-monetary claims against federal agencies, Delano Farms Co. v. California Table Grape Comm'n, 655 F.3d 1337, 1344 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (emphasis added), whereas the Tucker Act is the appropriate vehicle for pursuing the right to money damages. Fisher v. United States, 402 F.3d 1167, 1172 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (emphasis added). Two of the Tenth Circuit's three opinions found the government's argument persuasive, holding that  702 was not the correct vehicle for the Tribes' claims. Modoc, 2017 WL 3140877, at *10.

At oral argument before this court, the government appeared to even confirm that there is some tension in the positions that it has taken. Oral Argument at 13:3441, available at http://oralarguments.cafc.uscourts.gov/default.aspx?fl=2016-2196.mp3 (stating that, if this case were transferred from the Claims Court, the [district] court could entertain [the claims], but in the end it would be able to grant no remedy, and that's what we're saying in the Tenth Circuit). And yet, without irony, the government accuses the Tribes of adopting an unfair gotcha strategy in this litigation. Appellant Br. 42. Of the government's two faces, we find the one presented to the Claims Courtthe one arguing that this is not a suit for Tucker Act damagesto be the correct one. Id. at 16.

Conclusion

For the foregoing reasons, the Claims Court's order is vacated, and we instruct the Claims Court to dismiss this action for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.

VACATED AND DISMISSED

FOOTNOTES

. Because Modoc was an appeal from a federal district court action, the Tenth Circuit had no occasion to consider the Tucker Act's jurisdictional requirement that a plaintiff identify a separate source of substantive law that is money-mandating.

O'Malley, Circuit Judge.
Elephants in eastern Africa have learned to travel at night and hide during the day to avoid poachers who are hunting them to extinction, a new study shows.

Normally elephants forage for food and migrate in daylight, while resting under cover of darkness.

But a sharp increase in illegal hunting driven by the global ivory trade has forced the massive land mammals to upend their usual habits.

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Elephants in eastern Africa have learned to travel at night and hide during the day to avoid poachers who are hunting them to extinction. Normally elephants forage for food and migrate in daylight, while resting under cover of darkness (file photo)

ELEPHANT POACHING Normally elephants forage for food and migrate in daylight, while resting under cover of darkness. But a sharp increase in illegal hunting in Kenya driven by the global ivory trade has forced the massive mammals to upend their usual habits. Most poaching occurs during the daytime, forcing elephants into nocturnal patterns to survive. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the number of African elephants has fallen by around 111,000 to 415,000 over the past decade. The killing shows no sign of abating with around 30,000 elephants slaughtered for their ivory every year. They are mainly killed to satisfy demand in the Asian market for products coveted as a traditional medicine or as status symbols. Advertisement

'As most poaching occurs during the daytime, their transition to nocturnal behaviour appears to be a direct result of prevailing poaching levels,' said study coauthor Festus Ihwagi, a researcher at the University of Twente in The Netherlands.

In an upcoming study, Mr Ihwagi details his findings, based on data gathered from 60 elephants in northern Kenya.

The huge mammals were tracked with GPS devices for up to three years during the period 2002 to 2012.

Working with the NGO Save the Elephants, Mr Ihwagi monitored the movements of 28 females and 32 males in and around Kenya's Laikipa and Samburu reserves.

Females live in close-knit families and often have young calves at their side, while bulls tend to be more solitary.

To determine how, and to what extent, poaching had changed elephant behaviour, he compared two sets of data.

The first measured the distances travelled during the day and at night, and was logged as a ratio between the two.

The second - drawing from the Illegal Killing of Elephant programme database - identified zones and time periods when poaching was more or less severe.

'Simultaneous elephant tracking and monitoring of causes of death presented a perfect "natural laboratory",' said Mr Ihwagi.

A sharp increase in illegal hunting by ivory poachers has forced elephants in Kenya to upend their usual travel habits. Changing their behaviour in this way may help keep elephants alive in the short run, but could have long term implications for their survival (file photo)

The nighttime movements of the elephants increased significantly in sync with poaching levels, especially for females.

In high-danger zones, females reduced daytime activity by about 50 per cent on average compared to low-danger zones, Mr Ihwagi told AFP.

Changing their behaviour in this way may help keep elephants alive in the short run, but could have long term implications for their survival, he added.

Despite their intelligence, deeply ingrained foraging strategies and mating patterns developed on an evolutionary timescale may limit their capacity to adapt.

As part of the study, scientists monitored the movements of 28 female and 32 male elephants in and around Kenya's Laikipa and Samburu nature reserves

'For mothers with very young calves, the risk of predation of the calves by lions or hyenas would be higher at night,' Mr Ihwagi said.

'For the mature elephants, it implies an alteration of their normal social life.'

The real-time data from GPS devices could be used as an early warning system to alert environmentalists and park rangers, the researchers said.

A sudden uptick in nocturnal travel, for example, could signal that elephants feel threatened.

730,000 AFRICAN ELEPHANTS 'MISSING' In April, it was reported that up to 730,000 elephants are 'missing' from Africa's protected areas amid fears they have been slaughtered. Conservationists in South Africa blamed 'pervasive poaching' for the dramatic reduction in numbers across 73 designated areas spanning 21 African countries. Researchers from the Conservation Ecology Research Unit (CERU) at the University of Pretoria called for action to protect the animals. But they said the situation was not necessarily all 'doom and gloom' since the findings could serve as a global wake-up call. Remote sensors were used to monitor vegetation and water sources used by elephant populations while poaching statistics were also taken into account when producing the figures. Researchers also used the largest population database for any mammal species to model the density at which individual populations should stabilise. Advertisement

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the number of African elephants has fallen by around 111,000 to 415,000 over the past decade.

The killing shows no sign of abating with around 30,000 elephants slaughtered for their ivory every year, mainly to satisfy demand in the Asian market for products coveted as a traditional medicine or as status symbols.

'The escalation of poaching has become the greatest immediate threat to the survival of elephants,' Mr Ihwagi said.
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The chocolate industry is indirectly driving massive and illegal deforestation in Ivory Coast, fuelling a catastrophic decline in wildlife, a green group said Wednesday.

"In several national parks and other protected areas, 90 percent or more of the land mass has been converted to cocoa," the group Mighty Earth said in its investigation.

"Less than four percent of Ivory Coast remains densely forested," it said. "The chocolate companies laissez-faire approach to sourcing has driven extensive deforestation in Ghana as well."

Habitat loss has been disastrous for protected species, ranging from chimpanzees and leopards to pygmy hippos and elephants, it said.

The animals are forced into ever-smaller areas, making it easier for them to be tracked down and slaughtered by poachers.

In Ivory Coast, the world's biggest cocoa producer, accounting for 40 percent of world output, "deforestation has pushed chimpanzees into just a few small pockets, and reduced the countrys elephant population from several hundred thousand to about 200-400," the report said.

It said major chocolate brands were indirectly involved in a "shocking" trade, in which growers produced cocoa in national parks, who sold it to middle men, who then sold it on to a handful of firms that control roughly half of the world's market.

From there, it was sold to big chocolate companies.

"According to our analysis, 291,254 acres (117,900 hectares) of protected areas were cleared between 2001 and 2014," Mighty Earth said.

Over the same period, Ghana, another big West African producer, lost 7,000 square kilometers (2,700 square miles) of forest, or about 10 percent of its entire tree cover.

Around a quarter of that deforestation in Ghana was connected to the chocolate industry, the report charged.

Traders Cargill, Olam and Barry Callebaut, which are named in the report, say on their websites that they are aware of the problem of deforestation in the cocoa sector, and have set up to programmes for deforestation-free supply chains.

Leading chocolate and cocoa companies, under an initiative launched by Britain's Prince Charles, have promised to come up with a "framework of action" to end deforestation in the industry.

Their project is due to be unveiled for the world climate conference in Bonn in November. Deforestation is not only destroys habitat, but is also a major contribution to global warming.

The world demand for chocolate stands at around three million tonnes annually, a figure that rises between two and five percent each year, in a market worth around $100 billion (84 billion), according to the report.

Most of it is is manufactured and consumed in Europe and North America.
Over 380,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh amid a campaign of violence by the army

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Wednesday urged Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi to end the violence which has seen nearly 380,000 Rohingya Muslims flee to neighboring Bangladesh.

During a phone call, Trudeau stressed Suu Kyi's role as a "moral and political leader" for the nation, as he voiced his "deep concerns over the situation in Rakhine state for Rohingya Muslims," his office said in a statement.

According to human rights organizations, 379,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar so far amid the army's ongoing violent response to attacks by Rohingya militants in Rakhine state last month.

Trudeau called upon Myanmar's military and civilian leaders to "take a strong stand in ending the violence, promoting the protection of civilians and promoting unimpeded access for the UN and international humanitarian actors."

The UN has described the army's violent crackdown as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing", and called for "immediate steps" to end the violence Wednesday.

Suu Kyi, an honorary citizen of Canada and Nobel laureate, has been criticized for her ambiguous position on the Rohingya crisis.

At a press conference late Wednesday, government spokesman Zaw Htay announced Suu Kyi will address citizens next week with a message of peace and national reconciliation.

The Myanmar leader has cancelled a trip to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly to tackle the crisis unfurling at home.
Waymo, the former Google car division headed by John Krafcik, pictured her at a January auto show, is preparing for trial in its lawsuit against Uber alleging theft of trade secrets

Waymo's case against Uber over swiped self-driving car technology appeared headed for trial after an appeals court on Wednesday rejected a bid to steer it toward private arbitration.

A US federal appeals court upheld a lower court decision that an arbitration contract with a former Waymo employee at the heart of the case did not apply to the legal battle between Uber and the self-driving car unit of Google-parent Alphabet.

In a second potentially hazardous legal turn for the smartphone-summoned ride service, appellate judges also backed a ruling Uber had to turn over a potentially damning internal report to Waymo to be considered as possible evidence.

The trial was tentatively scheduled to start in San Francisco on October 10, pending any requests from the companies for a delay.

Uber early this year fired an engineer accused in the trade secrets suit, which involves files he purportedly purloined from Waymo.

The firing of Anthony Levandowski came just ahead of a date set by a judge for Uber to return files taken from Waymo.

Levandowski missed a company deadline for assisting with an internal investigation related to the litigation, according to an Uber spokesperson who asked not to be named.

The case stems from a lawsuit filed in February by Waymo, formerly known as the Google self-driving car unit, which claimed former manager Levandowski took a trove of technical data with him when he left to launch a competing venture that went on to become Otto and was later acquired by Uber.

Before Uber completed its purchase of Otto, lawyers for the firms retained Stroz Friedberg to investigate Otto employees who previously worked at Waymo, according to legal documents.

Attorneys for Levandowski had argued against a request by Waymo that the findings, referred to as "the Stroz Report," be handed over as part of the evidence discovery process in the case.

Waymo's lawsuit contends that Levandowski in December 2015 downloaded files from a highly confidential design server to a laptop and took the data with him to the startup.

"Waymo has supplied a compelling record that Levandowski pilfered over 14,000 files from Waymo, and that Uber knew or should have known as much when it brought him on board," US District Court Judge William Alsup said early this year while ruling on another matter in the proceedings.

Waymo argued in the lawsuit that a "calculated theft" of its technology netted Otto a buyout of more than $500 million and enabled Uber to revive a stalled self-driving car program.

Uber acquired commercial transport-focused Otto late last year as the company pressed ahead with its pursuit of self-driving technology.

Levandowski, a co-founder of Otto, headed Uber's efforts to develop self-driving technology for personal driving, delivery and trucking.
The International Monetary Fund stated that Lebanon would need to reduce its debt, continue its political progress and make further reforms in order to face "challenging" economic conditions, including a significant influx of Syrian refugee workers

Lebanon's economy has shown resilience despite the burden of absorbing refugees from Syria's grinding conflict, but Beirut should reign in its sovereign debt, the International Monetary Fund cautioned Wednesday.

"Lebanon's economy is known for its resilience and it has repeatedly managed to weather significant shocks," said Chris Jarvis, who led an IMF delegation to Beirut this week to review the nation's economy.

Syrian refugees now account for about a quarter of Lebanon's population, creating an "urgent need to place the economy on a sustainable path and halt the rise in public debt," Jarvis said in a statement.

He warned that "economic conditions remain challenging," and economic growth will be subdued this year, with a yawning budget deficit leaving the country vulnerable and driving debt to 148 percent of GDP in 2016.

The IMF noted that Lebanon "has made political progress in recent months," including legislation that paved the way for the first parliamentary elections in eight years. But the country can improve growth through additional reforms to help the business climate.

Libya and Syria share a 200-mile (330 kilometer) border and more than 1.2 million Syrians had fled their country's six-year conflict.
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NASA's Cassini probe is counting its final hours before one last plunge into Saturn on Friday that will cap a fruitful 13-year mission that greatly expanded knowledge about the gas giant.

While orbiting Saturn nearly 300 times, Cassini made major discoveries, such as the liquid methane seas of the planet's giant moon Titan and the sprawling subsurface ocean of Enceladus, a small Saturn moon.

Now, the spacecraft is on its last approach to the gas giant planet after mission navigators confirmed today that it's on course for its 'death dive.'

To celebrate the dramatic completion of the historic mission, an actor from TV's old 'Star Trek: Voyager' series, Robert Picardo, has created a hilarious opera send-off for the spacecraft.

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Picardo set the words to the instantly recognizable aria 'La Donna e mobile' from Verdi's 'Rigoletto.' No tragedy here. All good things - NASA missions, 'Star Trek' series, turkey and Swiss sandwiches with avocado - come to an end,' Picardo told The Associated Press

TIMELINE FOR THE DEATH OF CASSINI September 12, 9:19 pm ET., Earth starts receiving Cassini's last data on Titan. September 14, 3:58 pm ET., Cassini's cameras take their last pictures. September 14, 4:22 pm ET., Cassini's last batch of dataincluding those last picturesbegin streaming back to Earth. NASA plans to post raw images online as they are received. Earth will start receiving those signals at 5:45 pm ET. September 15, 3:14 am ET., The spacecraft rolls into position to collect atmospheric data during the descent. September 15, 6:31 am ET., Cassini enters Saturn's atmosphere. September 15, 6:32 am ET., Cassini's antenna points away from Earth, leading to a loss of signal. Shortly afterwards, the spacecraft is vaporized. September 15, 7:00 am-8:30 am ET, NASA livestreams the scene at mission control at NASA JPL, with live commentary about the end of the mission. September 15, 7:55 am ET., Earth registers the loss of signal, indicating the end of Cassini. Advertisement

Picardo collaborated with the creative director of The Planetary Society, and, presto, 'Le Cassini Opera' was born.

He set the words to the instantly recognizable aria 'La Donna e mobile' from Verdi's 'Rigoletto.'

And, NASA scientists have applauded the 'heartwarming' tribute as they prepare to say goodbye to the Cassini spacecraft.

Over the course of Cassini's Grand Finale mission, it's come closer to Saturn than any spacecraft has before.

At 7:55 a.m. EDT (4:55 a.m. PDT) on Friday, it will lose contact with mission operators following its entry into Saturn's harsh atmosphere.

There, it will plunge toward the surface at about 70,000 miles per hour.

Cassini will have to fire its altitude control thrusters in short bursts to keep its antenna pointed at Earth.

Then as the atmosphere thickens, the thrusters will ramp up from 10 percent to 100 in just a minute.

'Once they are firing at full capacity, the thrusters can do no more to keep Cassini stably pointed, and the spacecraft will begin to tumble,' according to NASA.

Then, it won't take much for Cassini to lose connection forever  once the antenna points just a few fractions of a degree away from Earth, NASA says communication will be 'severed permanently.'

'The spacecraft's final signal will be like an echo,' said Earl Maize, Cassini project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California.

'It will radiate across the solar system for nearly an hour and a half after Cassini itself has gone.'

'Even though we'll know that, at Saturn, Cassini has already met its fate, its mission isn't truly over for us on Earth as long as we're still receiving its signal.'

NASA's Cassini probe is counting its final hours before one last plunge into Saturn on Friday that will cap a fruitful 13-year mission that greatly expanded knowledge about the gas giant. The spacecraft is on its last approach to the gas giant planet after mission navigators confirmed today that it's on course for its 'death dive'

In 13 years studying Saturn, Cassini has made countless groundbreaking observations.

And, its final days are expected to bring unprecedented insight on the ringed planet.

'Cassini-Huygens is an extraordinary mission of discovery that has revolutionized our understanding of the outer solar system,' said Alexander Hayes, assistant professor of astronomy at Cornell University.

Data collected by Cassini's spectrometer while passing through a vapor plume at Enceladus's south pole showed hydrogen shooting up through cracks in its ice layer.

The gas was a sign of hydrothermal activity favorable to life, scientists said in April when they unveiled the finding.

At 7:55 a.m. EDT (4:55 a.m. PDT) on Friday, it will lose contact with mission operators following its entry into Saturn's harsh atmosphere. The graphic above shows the relative altitudes of Cassini's final five passes through Saturn's upper atmosphere, compared to the depth it reaches upon loss of communication with Earth

Launched in 1997 and equipped with a dozen scientific instruments, the 2.5-tonne probe entered Saturn's orbit in 2004, landing on Titan in December of that year.

On April 22, it began the maneuvers for its final journey.

Moving closer to Titan, the spacecraft took advantage of the massive moon's gravitational push to make the first of 22 weekly dives between Saturn and its rings -- venturing for the first time into the uncharted 1,700-mile (2,700-kilometer) space.

Cassini's last five orbits will take it through Saturn's uppermost atmosphere, before a final plunge directly into the planet on September 15.

Cassini flew by Titan one last time on Tuesday before transmitting images and scientific data from the flight.

'The spacecraft's final signal will be like an echo,' said Earl Maize, Cassini project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. Cassini's path into Saturn's upper atmosphere, with tick marks every 10 seconds

Cassini flew by Titan one last time on Tuesday before transmitting images and scientific data from the flight. This unprocessed image of Titan was taken by NASA's Cassini spacecraft during the mission's final, distant flyby on Sept. 11, 2017

Mission engineers will use the information gathered from the encounter they dubbed 'the goodbye kiss' to make sure the vessel is following the right path to plunge into the gas giant's atmosphere.

'The Cassini mission has been packed full of scientific firsts, and our unique planetary revelations will continue to the very end of the mission as Cassini becomes Saturn's first planetary probe, sampling Saturn's atmosphere up until the last second,' said Linda Spilker, Cassini project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

'We'll be sending data in near real time as we rush headlong into the atmosphere -- it's truly a first-of-its-kind event at Saturn.'

Cassini is expected to lose communications with Earth one or two minutes into its final dive, but 10 of its 12 scientific instruments will be working right up until the last moment to analyze the atmosphere's composition.

The Cassini spacecraft, seen in this NASA handout illustration, is making its last plunge into Saturn

That data could help understand how the planet formed and evolved.

On the eve of its final descent, other instruments will make detailed observations of Saturn's aurora borealis, temperatures and polar storms.

Cassini's final maneuvers begin at 0714 GMT Friday, although the signal will only reach NASA 86 minutes later.

At 1031 GMT, the spacecraft is due to enter Saturn's atmosphere with its antennas pointed toward Earth and its motors running full blast in order to hold its trajectory.

Just a minute later, at some 940 miles (1,510 kilometers) above Saturn's clouds, the probe's communications will stop before Cassini begins to disintegrate moments later, NASA predicts.

NASA's Cassini spacecraft captures a near-infrared, color mosaic on October 31, 2014, showing the sun glinting off of Titan's north polar seas

The spinning vortex of Saturn's north polar storm is seen from NASA's Cassini spacecraft on November 27, 2012

'The Grand Finale represents the culmination of a seven-year plan to use the spacecraft's remaining resources in the most scientifically productive way possible,' said Maize.

'By safely disposing of the spacecraft in Saturn's atmosphere, we avoid any possibility Cassini could impact one of Saturn's moons somewhere down the road, keeping them pristine for future exploration.'

The mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Italy's space agency. NASA's European and Italian partners built the Huygens probe Cassini carried until dropping it on Titan.

This image shows one of the last full views of Saturn by the Cassini spacecraft taken on October 28, 2016

The Cassini-Huygens mission's total cost is about $3.26 billion, including $1.4 billion for pre-launch development, $704 million for mission operations, $54 million for tracking and $422 million for the launch vehicle.

The United States contributed $2.6 billion to the project, the European Space Agency $500 million and the Italian Space Agency $160 million.

Italian astronomer Giovanni Cassini discovered four of Saturn moons in the 17th century, although scientists have since identified more than 60. During the same era, Dutch mathematician Christiaan Huygens found that Saturn had rings. He also was the first person to observe Titan.
US President Donald Trump, pictured on September 7, 2017, opposed the acquisition of Oregon-based Lattice Semiconductor Corporation by Chinese state-owned firm Canyon Bridge Fund

President Donald Trump on Wednesday blocked attempts by a Chinese state-owned firm to acquire an American semiconductor manufacturer on national security concerns, drawing a rebuke from Beijing.

The acquisition of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation, a publicly-traded Oregon company, by Chinese-owned Canyon Bridge Fund could endanger the US government's use of sensitive products the company produces, the Treasury Department said in a statement.

The Trump administration has adopted an aggressive stance towards China on trade and national security matters, launching wide-ranging investigations into the national security ramifications of Beijing's trade in aluminum and steel.

Trump has the authority to block foreign investments he deems national security threats through the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States, an interagency committee.

In the case of Lattice, CFIUS and the president decided "the transaction poses a risk to the national security of the United States that cannot be resolved through mitigation," the Treasury said in a statement.

The decision prohibited Canyon Bridge, its partner Yitai Capital and Yitai's parent, the China Venture Capital Fund Corp (CVCF), from purchasing the US firm, which serves the consumer, communications and industrial markets.

The Treasury said the deal posed a national security risk due to Beijing's support for the transaction, the potential transfer of intellectual property to the foreign investors, and the importance of the semiconductor supply to the US government, including Lattice's products.

China's Ministry of Commerce expressed "concern" over the decision Thursday.

Spokesman Gao Feng told reporters at a regular press briefing that while each country has a right to probe investments in "sensitive fields", the power should not be used as "an instrument for implementing protectionism."

China "hopes relevant countries can treat Chinese companies' overseas acquisitions objectively and impartially, give fair treatment to such normal business practices, and create a reasonable and transparent business environment to avoid impacting investors' confidence," he said, according to a transcript of the remarks on the ministry's website.

Lattice manufactures programmable logic devices, which are semiconductors that can be programmed to provide functions similar to chips, the statement said.

Trump personally intervened in the process after the companies appealed to him directly to overrule the CFIUS ruling, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, had also intervened to prevent a similar deal involving semiconductors on security concerns last year.

Chinese government-backed Grand Chip Investment scrapped plans to buy German semiconductor equipment maker Aixtron in December after Washington rejected the inclusion of Aixtron's US unit over fears it could put sensitive technology with potential military applications in Chinese hands.

"It is important to note that the US government has been particularly concerned with foreign investment, particularly Chinese investment, into the US semiconductor industry for years," said Lawrence Ward, a partner at the international law firm Dorsey & Whitney in global business focusing on US national security law.

"It is likely premature to think that the Trump administration is taking a hawkish approach to Chinese investment across all industry sectors but, of course, only time will tell," Ward said.
Martin Shkreli, the former pharmaceuticals executive who became known as "Pharma Bro," was convicted of securities fraud last month

Martin Shkreli was sent to jail on Wednesday after a US judge revoked the bail of the former pharmaceutical executive over a threat aimed at Hillary Clinton -- which he insists was a joke.

Once dubbed "The Most Hated Man in America" for jacking up the price of an HIV drug, the 34-year-old was convicted of securities fraud last month for mismanaging two investment funds.

Freed on a five-million-dollar bail while awaiting sentencing, Shkreli was hauled back into court to answer for having offered a $5,000 reward to anyone who would grab a strand of Clinton's hair.

His lawyer Benjamin Brafman -- who has painted his client as a misunderstood "genius" -- argued long and hard with US District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto against sending him to jail.

Shkreli himself had written to the judge apologizing for his "poor judgment" and insisting he "never intended to cause alarm or promote any act of violence whatsoever."

"It never occurred to me that my awkward attempt at humor or satire would cause Mrs. Clinton or the Secret Service any distress," Shkreli wrote.

But Judge Matsumoto decided otherwise, ruling that his online threats constituted "solicitation of assault" and posed a danger to the community.

"His bail was revoked and he was remanded to a detention facility," said Tyler Daniels, spokesman for the US Attorney's office in Brooklyn.

He will now remain in prison until his sentencing hearing, set for January 16 next year.

Shkreli is best known for ratcheting up the price of HIV drug Daraprim from $13.50 a pill to $750 overnight in 2015. Although that incident had nothing to do with his trial, so great was his notoriety that it was initially difficult to find an impartial jury.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A government backlog of 700,000 security clearance reviews has led agencies like the Defense Department to inadvertently issue interim passes to criminals - even rapists and killers - prompting calls for better and faster vetting of people with access to the nation's secrets.

The pileup, which is government-wide, is causing work delays for both federal and private intelligence efforts. It takes about four months to acquire a clearance to gain access to "secret" information on a need-to-know basis, and nine to 10 months for "top-secret" clearance.

Efforts to reduce the backlog coincide with pressure to tighten the reins on classified material. In recent years, intelligence agencies have suffered some of the worst leaks of classified information in U.S. history. Still, calls for a faster clearance process are getting louder.

FILE - In this June 13, 2017, file photo, Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., listens during a committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Warner said an overhaul of the security clearance process is long overdue, particularly if the U.S. government is going to continue to attract top-notch workers and recent graduates, and not hamper transitions of mid-career intelligence professionals from agency to agency. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

"If we don't do interim clearances, nothing gets done," Dan Payne, director of the U.S. Defense Security Service, said last week at an intelligence conference.

Yet Payne described handing out interim clearances as risky business. On the basis of partial background checks, people are being given access to secret and top-secret information sometimes for long periods of time, he said.

"I've got murderers who have access to classified information," he said. "I have rapists. I have pedophiles. I have people involved in child porn. I have all these things at the interim clearance level and I'm pulling their clearances on a weekly basis."

"We are giving those people access to classified information with only the minimum amount of investigation. This is why we have to fix this process. This is why we have to drive these timelines down."

Payne didn't say how many criminals his agency has discovered, if their offenses were new or old, or if any of them had mishandled classified material. Efforts to reach him for this story were unsuccessful.

People being investigated for interim clearances are subject to background checks, too, but quick access to state and local records can be challenging, said a former Defense Department official, who was not authorized to speak about the issue and commented only on condition of anonymity.

More than 4.3 million people hold security clearances of various levels, according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. They include nearly 3 million at the "confidential" or "secret" level and more than 1 million at the "top secret" level.

Checking federal employees and private contractors is a laborious process that requires an extensive background check and an effort to judge a person's trustworthiness.

Ninety-five percent of all background investigations are conducted by the National Background Investigations Bureau, which does some of the work itself and contracts the rest to private firms.

The backlog grew significantly after the government stopped doing business with a contractor that suffered a data breach in 2014. That depleted the government's capacity to do investigations by 60 percent, said Charles Phalen, director of the investigations bureau.

Hundreds of new investigators have been hired since, Phalen said, but the backlog is "still way high."

He and other officials think the process needs to be updated to ensure the government can spot possible problems in real time.

Is a clearance holder dealing with money woes or personal problems, such as alcohol or drug addiction? Is there unexplained foreign travel, questionable use of computer networks, or other issues that might point to possible leaks?

Right now, clearance holders are reinvestigated about every five years, adding to the background checks for first-time applicants. Intelligence officials, industry leaders and lawmakers say continuous monitoring and evaluation are preferable.

In today's fast-paced world, they argue, it doesn't make sense to wait years to find out someone is experiencing financial problems, making that person susceptible to selling classified information.

Many U.S. intelligence agencies already are on board. The Defense Department also has begun more regular vetting. It has 500,000 people - contractors and military personnel among them - enrolled in what it calls "continuous evaluation," which involves regular checks through law enforcement and other databases. Up to 1 million will be enrolled by the end of the year, Payne said.

The improved vetting has led to 48 people losing their clearances based on information uncovered years before they would have been up for their next scheduled review. Several hundred additional cases have been flagged for additional investigation.

Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the Senate intelligence committee's top Democrat, said an overhaul of the clearance system is long overdue, particularly if the government hopes to continue to attract top-notch workers and recent graduates.

And Vice Adm. Jan Tighe, deputy chief of naval operations for information warfare and director of naval intelligence, said the backlog is threatening the civilian workforce's readiness.

"We are losing talent to other places," Tighe said.

The backlog also is complicating transitions of mid-career intelligence professionals from agency to agency and in and out of private industry. It takes time to process clearances for these transfers, too.

Over the years, various executive orders and legislation have called for change - none successfully.

"This is one of these processes that have been unchanged for decades," said Maj. Gen. Michael Groen, the Marine Corp's director of intelligence. "It's screaming for a different way to do business."

Intelligence professionals say serious changes are needed in the entire system, which dates to the late 1940s. That was long before the internet, social media, cyberattacks and massive classified disclosures like the National Security Agency leak perpetrated by Edward Snowden.

"I do not think this is one of lacing up our shoes tighter and putting more people against it," said Sue Gordon, principal deputy national intelligence director. "We have to reimagine how this is done."
BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Parliament's top Brexit envoy says not enough progress has been made in discussions between Britain and the European Union for any negotiations on a future trade relationship to begin.

Guy Verhofstadt said Tuesday that "sufficient progress has not been made" on Britain's divorce bill, the future border arrangements between Ireland and Northern Ireland and the rights of citizens affected by Brexit.

Verhofstadt said lawmakers are set to debate on Oct. 3 whether the negotiations should be broadened to discuss trade and the shape of post-Brexit relations.

Pro-remain supporters of Britain staying in the EU, pose for photographers wearing EU flag masks whilst taking part in an anti-Brexit protest outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. Lawmakers are due to vote late Monday or early Tuesday on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, which aims to convert around 12,000 EU laws and regulations into domestic statute on the day the country leaves the bloc in March 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

EU leaders insist the talks must first focus on Britain's withdrawal and that they rule whether "sufficient progress" has been made to move forward. London opposes this process.

EU lawmakers must endorse any agreement before Britain leaves in March 2019.
A Vermont state trooper held a rabbi from Borough Park at gunpoint and treated like a common "criminal," according to a report in the New York Post. The rabbi's upset wife is demanding the trooper be removed from duty for this heinous act.





Rabbi Berl Fink's wife, Sarah, told The Post, that their horror story started on August 7 near Fairlee, Vermont, along I-91 North.





The Post reports, "Berl, who was driving, was ordered out of their 2004 Toyota Camry at gunpoint by Trooper Justin Thompson around 11:30 p.m., as their two teen kids looked on, she said. Thompson then allegedly pushed Berl to the ground, handcuffed him and frisked him for weapons, while the rest of the kin  including the couple's 16-year-old daughter and 19-year-old son  were also told to get out of the vehicle and handcuffed. Sarah claimed four other cops 'tackled' her son to the ground, 'repeatedly' frisked them and searched their car."





Sarah told the paper, "I tell you, there was brutality. He was pointing guns. I can't tell you how traumatizing it was."





The day following the incident, the family was informed by officers that they were pulled over for speeding, and trooper arrested Berl because he thought he was drunk because he was weaving between lanes. However, a Breathalyzer test to determine Berl's blood alcohol level was never administered.





According to the family, the first time they drove past the trooper, who was on the side of the rode with his lights on, they were only moving somewhere between 55 and 60 mph through the 65-mph speed zone. After they went passed the trooper, he pulled out and began tailing the family's Toyota.





Sarah told The Post, "We were frustrated. We were helpless. There was nothing to do. When someone starts up with you, you call the police. But what if it is the police?"





The trooper eventually issued Berl a summons for eluding an officer of the law, as he had to respond to a more urgent call.





The family is now threatening to sue the Vermont State Police for violating their civil rights.





Vermont Governor Phil Scott was called on by Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind to investigate the family's allegations over this "appalling" incident.





Hikind said, "My constituents' dress made it clear that they were Hasidic Jews, a sight that may be uncommon in Vermont but one that is hardly a crime. While it would be difficult to mistake the Fink family as people who might pose a danger to police officers, they were subjected to having guns pointed at them, being handcuffed, terrorized and humiliated. This entire incident has left the Fink family traumatized and fearful of travel."





On August 8, a press release was issued saying that police attempted to pull over Berl for "a motor vehicle violation." The release continued, "When signaled to stop with flashing emergency lights and sounding siren, [Berl] Fink failed to do so."





The Vermont State Police's spokesman said that it would investigate the incident further.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is relocating its headquarters from New Haven, Connecticut, to Boston and cutting 20 percent of its global workforce, the company said Tuesday.

About 400 jobs will move to Boston by the middle of next year, though the company will maintain a research and development center in New Haven with about 450 employees, it said. Alexion makes drugs to treat rare diseases.

The cuts amount to about 600 positions, and the closure of a Smithfield, Rhode Island, manufacturing facility.

Alexion said the moves are expected to save about $270 million annually and allow the reinvestment of about $100 million a year into research and development.

"By streamlining our operations we will create a leaner organization with greater financial flexibility that is highly focused on delivering for patients, growing our rare disease business, and both leveraging our leadership in complement and pursuing disciplined business development to expand the pipeline," CEO Ludwig Hantson said in a statement.

Alexion's most high-profile drug is Soliris, a treatment for two rare genetic immune system disorders that has been called the world's most expensive drug. It can cost up to $700,000 annually, according to a May story in Bloomberg Businessweek.

Alexion decided to move to Boston despite $26 million in economic development aid from Connecticut meant to jump-start the state's biotechnology sector.

"It's important that we are in an ecosystem where biotech is front and center," Hantson said on a conference call. "Needless to say we will have a larger talent pool of people who have biotech experience" in Massachusetts.

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development called the news "disappointing" and said it would ask for the money back, with penalties and interest.

Commissioner Catherine Smith told The Hartford Courant that Alexion officials assured her they will refund the $26 million, with interest and penalties. A letter to Smith from Hantson on Monday acknowledged the repayment.

The Rhode Island Commerce Corp. and the state Department of Labor and Training said in a joint statement that the plant closure was disappointing and the agencies would work together to find new jobs for displaced employees.

Alexion is the latest of several major companies to leave Connecticut, including insurer Aetna Inc., which will move to New York City next year, and General Electric, which moved to Boston last year.
BEDFORD, Va. (AP) - The Latest on a sex offender accused in the abduction and killing of two sisters in Maryland in 1975 (all times local):

11:30 a.m.

The parents of two young Maryland sisters who disappeared in 1975 have expressed their gratitude to investigators after a convicted sex offender pleaded guilty in their long-unsolved killings.

John Lyon hugs his wife, Mary, right, after a plea by Lloyd Lee Welch Jr., for the killings of their daughters Sheila and Katherine Lyon in 1975, in Bedford County Circuit Court in Bedford, Va., Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. Welch plead guilty to two first degree murder charges and was sentenced to two consecutive 48 year terms. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

John and Mary Lyon thanked authorities in Maryland and Virginia Tuesday after Lloyd Lee Welch Jr. pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree felony murder in the deaths of 10-year-old Katherine and 12-year-old Sheila Lyon. The two girls vanished after walking from their home to a local shopping mall on March 25, 1975.

The girls' disappearance haunted people who lived in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., for decades.

Welch was charged in 2015 after cold case detectives noticed a striking similarity between a sketch in the case file and a mugshot of Welch from the late 1970s.

He was sentenced to 48 years in prison Tuesday as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors that also calls for him to plead guilty to two unrelated sexual assaults in northern Virginia. Under the plea agreement, he will receive a 12-year concurrent sentence for those crimes.

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9:45 a.m.

A 60-year old convicted sex offender has been sentenced to 48 years in prison in the killing of two young sisters who disappeared from a Maryland shopping mall more than 40 years ago.

Lloyd Lee Welch Jr. pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of first-degree felony murder in the 1975 killings of 12-year-old Shelia and 10-year-old Katherine Lyons. He was sentenced during the same hearing. Welch also received a 12-year sentence in two unrelated sexual assault cases in Prince William County in Virginia.

The Lyons sisters vanished on March 25, 1975, after walking to Wheaton Plaza, near their home in Kensington, Maryland.

A massive search yielded few clues. It took authorities nearly four decades to focus on Welch. By then, he had accumulated a long criminal history and was serving a prison sentence in Delaware for sexually molesting a 10-year-old girl.

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9:15 a.m.

A convicted sex offender has pleaded guilty in the killings of two young sisters who disappeared from a Maryland shopping mall more than 40 years ago.

Lloyd Lee Welch Jr. pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of first-degree felony murder in the 1975 killings of 12-year-old Shelia and 10-year-old Katherine Lyons. The 60-year-old's admission of guilt ends a decades-old mystery that has haunted the suburbs of Washington.

The girls vanished on March 25, 1975, after walking to Wheaton Plaza, a shopping center near their home in Kensington, Maryland.

A massive search yielded few clues. It took authorities nearly four decades to focus on Welch. By then, he had accumulated a long criminal history and was serving a prison sentence in Delaware for sexually molesting a 10-year-old girl.

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1:20 a.m.

A man charged with killing two young sisters from Maryland is expected to plead guilty more than four decades after the girls vanished during a trip to a local shopping mall.

Lloyd Lee Welch Jr. is scheduled to appear in a Virginia court Tuesday. Welch is accused of snatching 12-year-old Sheila Lyon and 10-year-old Katherine Lyon in March 1975. Authorities believe he burned the girls' bodies on a remote mountain in Bedford County, Virginia. They were never recovered.

It's not known if prosecutors agreed not to pursue the death penalty in exchange for Welch's guilty pleas.

Welch was scheduled to go on trial Tuesday, but his trial request was withdrawn last week. The Washington Post reported that Welch plans to plead guilty in an agreement that will also resolve two unrelated sexual assault cases against him.
LVIV, Ukraine (AP) - The Latest on ex-Georgia president and former Ukraine governor Mikhail Saakhashvili return to Ukraine (all times local):

4:00 p.m.

Mikhail Saakashvili has been served notice by Ukrainian police after he forced his way across the border from Poland in a move that puts him on a collision course with the authorities in Kiev.

Former Georgian President and former Ukraine official, Mikheil Shaakashvili speaks to media in the south-eastern city of Przemysl, Poland, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, before setting off in an attempt to return to Ukraine although both his Ukrainian and Georgia passports are no longer valid. Former Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko at left. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Ukrainian border guards and police turned up at the hotel in the Western Ukrainian city of Lviv where the former Georgian president and ex-governor of Ukraine's Odessa region was staying Tuesday.

They presented Saakashvili with an official document detailing the violation. Local media report he was ordered to appear at a court hearing over the incident in Lviv on Monday.

The headstrong and divisive Saakashvili poses a challenge to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who was once his patron but revoked his Ukrainian citizenship in July.

Surrounded by supporters, he broke through a cordon of Ukrainian border guards in chaotic scenes at the Ukraine-Poland border Sunday.

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11:45 p.m.

Forcing his way into Ukraine was a risk for former Odessa governor Mikhail Saakashvili, who is stateless because he was forced to give up his Georgian citizenship when he received Ukrainian nationality.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko was once Saakashvili's patron, but revoked his citizenship in July.

Saakashvili denies breaking any Ukrainian laws but Poroshenko has said that he committed a crime by entering the country.

The headstrong and divisive Saakashvili leads a small Ukrainian political party called the Movement of New Forces and has vowed to shake-up Ukrainian politics.

In an interview with The Associated Press at his hotel on Monday night, Saakashvili called the current situation in Ukraine "tragic" and said he would devote himself to helping to create a "new political class for an emerging Ukraine."

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10:50 a.m.

Ukrainian border guards and police have arrived at the hotel where Mikhail Saakashvili is staying after he forced his way across the border from Poland.

Footage on Tuesday showed Ukrainian security officials in Leopolis Hotel's lobby in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, but it was unclear whether they had come to arrest the former Georgian president and ex-governor of Ukraine's Odessa region.

Saakashvili poses a challenge to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who was once his patron but revoked his citizenship in July.

Returning to Ukraine was a risk for Saakashvili, who is stateless and vowing to shake up Ukrainian politics. Surrounded by supporters, he broke through a cordon of Ukrainian border guards at the Ukraine-Poland border Sunday.

Poroshenko has said that Saakashvili committed a crime by entering the country.

A Ukrainian border guard officer, left, reads a protocol to former Georgian president and ex-governor of Ukraine's Odessa region Mikhail Saakashvili at a hotel in Lviv, Ukraine, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. Ukrainian border guards and police turned up at the hotel where Saakashvili is staying Tuesday after he forced his way across the border from Poland in a move that puts him on a collision course with the authorities in Kiev. (AP Photo/ Mykola Tys)
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) - Sam Warburton will miss all of Wales' autumn internationals after being ruled out for up to four months because of a neck injury.

Warburton's club, Cardiff Blues, said on Tuesday the flanker will undergo surgery following a recurrence of a long-standing issue. He exacerbated the neck problem in training this week.

Warburton captained the British and Irish Lions on their tour of New Zealand in June and July, helping the team to draw the test series.

Wales plays Australia, Georgia, New Zealand, and South Africa on consecutive Saturdays from Nov. 11.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Latest on the mental competency trial of a teen accused of stabbing a classmate to appease a fictional horror character called Slender Man (all times local):

10:10 a.m.

The defense attorney for a Wisconsin girl accused of helping stab a classmate to please the fictional horror character Slender Man says she was under the "command and control" of a delusional disorder.

Anissa Weier listens during jury selection in her trial at Waukesha County Courthouse Monday, Sept 11, 2017, in Waukesha, Wis. Prosecutors allege that Weier and her friend, Morgan Geyser, lured classmate Payton Leutner into a Waukesha park in May 2014 and stabbed her 19 times. The girls have said it was an effort to to please a fictional horror character known as Slender Man. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)

Joseph Smith told jurors Tuesday that Anissa Weier's "broken mind" caused her to lose touch with reality and participate in the stabbing of Payton Leutner at a Waukesha park in 2014. The defense contends Weier is not guilty because she was mentally ill. If jurors agree, Weier would be sent to a mental health facility instead of prison.

Assistant District Attorney Kevin Osborne said Weier and co-defendant Morgan Geyser knew what they were doing was wrong. Osborne says the initial plan was for Weier to stab Leutner, but she couldn't do it and instead commanded Geyser to do the stabbing.

The girls were 12 at the time.

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8:55 a.m.

A mental competency trial has started in Wisconsin for a teenager accused of stabbing a classmate to appease a fictional horror character called Slender Man. Attorneys are presenting their opening statements to jurors Tuesday in Waukesha County Circuit Court.

Fifteen-year-old Anissa Weier has admitted to participating in the attack on Payton Leutner at a park in Waukesha in 2014. But, Weier says she's not guilty because of her mental illness at the time. Another girl, Morgan Geyser, is also accused in the attack. The girls were 12 at the time.

If jurors agree Weier was mentally ill at the time, she would be sent to a mental health facility for at least three years. If jurors reject Weier's defense, she could go to prison for 10 years or more.

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12:15 a.m.

A jury in Wisconsin will begin hearing testimony at a trial to decide the mental competency of a girl accused of stabbing a classmate to please a fictional horror character known as Slender Man.

Anissa Weier (ah-NEE'-sah WY'-ur) was just 12 when prosecutors say she and another girl carried out the attack at a park in suburban Milwaukee in 2014. Their classmate survived.

Weier, now 15, has admitted a role in the stabbing but pleaded not guilty due to mental illness. If a jury agrees, she'll spend at least three years committed to a mental hospital.

If not, she faces a much longer sentence in prison.

Twelve jurors and four alternates were chosen Monday, and opening statements are scheduled Tuesday.

Anissa Weier is led into the courtroom for jury selection in the trial to determine 15-year-old Weier's competency at Waukesha County Courthouse Monday, Sept 11, 2017, in Waukesha, Wis. Prosecutors allege that Weier and her friend, Morgan Geyser, lured classmate Payton Leutner into a Waukesha park in May 2014 and stabbed her 19 times. The girls have said it was an effort to to please a fictional horror character known as Slender Man. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)

Anissa Weier listens during the jury selection in the trial to determine her competency at Waukesha County Courthouse Monday, Sept 11, 2017, in Waukesha, Wis. Prosecutors allege that Weier and her friend, Morgan Geyser, lured classmate Payton Leutner into a Waukesha park in May 2014 and stabbed her 19 times. The girls have said it was an effort to to please a fictional horror character known as Slender Man. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)

Anissa Weier's attorney Maura McMahon questions potential jurors during jury selection in the trial to determine 15-year-old Weier's competency at Waukesha County Courthouse Monday, Sept 11, 2017, in Waukesha, Wis. Prosecutors allege that Weier and her friend, Morgan Geyser, lured classmate Payton Leutner into a Waukesha park in May 2014 and stabbed her 19 times. The girls have said it was an effort to please a fictional horror character known as Slender Man. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)

Anissa Weier, left, talks to her attorney Maura McMahon during jury selection in the trial to determine 15-year-old Weier's competency at Waukesha County Courthouse Monday, Sept 11, 2017, in Waukesha, Wis. Prosecutors allege that Weier and her friend, Morgan Geyser, lured classmate Payton Leutner into a Waukesha park in May 2014 and stabbed her 19 times. The girls have said it was an effort to please a fictional horror character known as Slender Man. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)

Anissa Weier talks to a sheriff's deputy during a pause in jury selection in the trial to determine 15-year-old Weier's competency at Waukesha County Courthouse Monday, Sept 11, 2017, in Waukesha, Wis. Prosecutors allege that Weier and her friend, Morgan Geyser, lured classmate Payton Leutner into a Waukesha park in May 2014 and stabbed her 19 times. The girls have said it was an effort to please a fictional horror character known as Slender Man. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)

Judge Michael Bohren talks to potential jurors in the trial to determine 15-year-old Weier's competency at Waukesha County Courthouse Monday, Sept 11, 2017, in Waukesha, Wis. Prosecutors allege that Weier and her friend, Morgan Geyser, lured classmate Payton Leutner into a Waukesha park in May 2014 and stabbed her 19 times. The girls have said it was an effort to please a fictional horror character known as Slender Man. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)

Anissa Weier, far left, listens as attorneys talk during jury selection in the trial to determine her competency at Waukesha County Courthouse Monday, Sept 11, 2017, in Waukesha, Wis. Prosecutors allege that Weier and her friend, Morgan Geyser, lured classmate Payton Leutner into a Waukesha park in May 2014 and stabbed her 19 times. The girls have said it was an effort to please a fictional horror character known as Slender Man. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)
LOME, Togo (AP) - Togo's parliament suspended its session Tuesday as opposition members protested the lack of a promised discussion of constitutional reforms, while anger grew over the 50-year-rule of the Gnassingbe family.

Opposition lawmakers want a discussion on reinstating the country's 1992 constitution, which included presidential term limits and two rounds of voting to allow the opposition to reassemble behind one candidate.

Thousands of people across the small West African nation have been demonstrating for term limits on President Faure Gnassingbe, who has been in power since his father died in 2005. The protests began last month, when security forces killed at least two people and injured several others.

The government last week introduced a draft bill on constitutional reform in parliament in an effort to contain the growing anti-government protests that have seen police fire tear gas at a peaceful sit-in as opposition members called for Gnassingbe's resignation.

Main opposition party spokesman Eric Dupuy said the heads of a parliamentary commission are expected to meet Wednesday to review the draft bill. It was not clear when a vote on it might take place.

A similar constitutional reform draft bill was rejected two years ago in parliament, where the ruling party holds a majority of seats.

Though Gnassingbe has not said he would run again in 2020, the opposition has said it suspects he will not quit power unless compelled to step down.

Gnassingbe's father ruled for 38 years. Before his 2005 death, he modified the constitution to remove the limit of two five-year presidential terms.

The unrest in Togo has led to the postponement, at Gnassingbe's request, of an Israel-Africa summit that was meant to take place there next month, Israel's foreign ministry said Monday. The summit is part of Israel's efforts to win the support of African nations on the global stage and especially at the United Nations, where resolutions in the General Assembly regularly criticize Israel on the Palestinian issue.

The summit faced boycotts from a number of African countries even before the unrest began. A new date for the summit has not been set.
BERLIN (AP) - Berlin police say an Afghan man was attacked in the German capital by two assailants who yanked a crucifix necklace off of him and demanded to know why he had become a Christian.

Police said that after ripping off the necklace in the Monday night attack, one assailant threw it to the ground and then punched the 23-year-old man who'd been wearing it multiple times in the face. One attacker then held the victim while the other stabbed him twice in the upper body. The assailants fled.

The victim called friends, who alerted police and rescue crews. He was treated in a hospital and then released. His name and religion weren't disclosed.

Berlin police spokesman Stefan Petersen said Tuesday that investigators had no more details about the attackers to release.
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - Government attorneys on Tuesday asked the Ohio Supreme Court to override lower court rulings and uphold the state Health Department's order to shut down Toledo's last abortion clinic.

A lawyer for the clinic told the court that the state is trying to prevent women in northwestern Ohio from seeking legal abortions and is putting them at greater risk.

The case involves one of several restrictions Ohio lawmakers have placed on abortion clinics in recent years.

The Ohio Department of Health issued an order in 2014 to close Capital Care of Toledo because the clinic didn't have a patient-transfer agreement with a local hospital.

Such agreements were mandated, and public hospitals barred from providing them, under restrictions Ohio lawmakers passed in 2013. The University of Toledo Hospital, which is public, withdrew from its transfer arrangement with Capital Care after the law passed.

The clinic sued and won in the lower courts, which ruled the restrictions were unconstitutional. Judges have allowed the clinic to continue operating as the legal dispute carries on.

Abortion-rights groups contend the transfer agreements and other restrictions not at issue in the case are medically unnecessary. They also say the city of 275,000 residents would be the first major city in Ohio without access to abortion services.

Ohio's chief justice on Tuesday asked about alternatives women would have if the Toledo clinic closes.

The state's attorney, Stephen Carney, said the closest options would be Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan - both about an hour's drive from Toledo.

"Certainly we are not telling women, 'You can't have an abortion in Ohio, but you can go to Michigan'?" Justice William O'Neill asked.

Jennifer Branch, an attorney representing Capital Care, said women seeking an abortion would have to make more than one trip, adding up to several hundred miles.

"The danger to those women from an unlawful abortion would be health risks," she said. "They could bleed. They could have an infection."

Restrictions on abortion clinics in Ohio passed by lawmakers over the last six years have contributed to the closings of several clinics already.

The state has 8 clinics left operating. It had twice that many in 2011. Earlier this summer, the full-service Akron Women's Medical Group quietly closed its clinic.
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) - Congo's electoral commission says it has started voter registration in the turbulent Kasai provinces where thousands have been killed in fighting in the past year.

Commission spokesman Jean-Pierre Kalamba said Tuesday that the delay in registration means a presidential election will not be possible this year. That defies an agreement reached earlier with the opposition to hold the vote in 2017.

Voters elsewhere in Congo already have begun registration for the election that was meant to take place last November. The opposition has accused President Joseph Kabila of delaying the vote to stay in power.

Voter registration had been delayed in the Kasai provinces because of fighting between the military and militia groups. The Catholic church has said more than 3,300 people died between October and May.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday that he is hopeful Congress will pass a major tax overhaul this year and signaled that the administration would be open to changes sought by Congress to improve the chances for passage.

In an interview with CNBC, Mnuchin also said the administration would consider making tax cuts effective back to the start of this year if a measure didn't pass until 2018. The possibility of backdating any tax cuts is a sign that President Donald Trump's plans might face additional delays. Congress must also approve a budget and increase the government's borrowing authority.

The Treasury secretary added that Trump still intends to repeal former President Barack Obama's health care law, but "it's not the major focus at the moment."

FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2017, file photo, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks at the White House in Washington. Congressional Republicans are scrambling to come up with a budget deal to clear the way for the first tax overhaul in three decades. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Mnuchin said he would consider including an infrastructure spending bill as part of the tax overhaul legislation. The administration has planned to pass a tax overhaul with only Republican votes. But Trump has been trying in recent weeks to court Democrats, such as North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.

Trump has yet to sketch out a tax plan with specific changes to rates, income levels or the treatment of business earnings that double as personal income.

In the wide-ranging interview, Mnuchin also offered praise for Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen but said she is just one of a number of people President Donald Trump is considering to lead the Fed after Yellen's term expires in February.

Mnuchin also spoke favorably about Gary Cohn, the head of the president's National Economic Council. Cohn had been considered a top candidate to replace Yellen until he spoke critically in a newspaper interview about Trump's response to the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. There has been recent speculation he might leave the administration.

Mnuchin said that he and Cohn, who, like Mnuchin, worked for many years on Wall Street at Goldman Sachs, have a good working relationship. Cohn will attend a dinner at the White House Tuesday night that the president is hosting for members of Congress to discuss tax reform.

On taxes, Mnuchin said the administration was committed to getting legislation passed this year because it thinks tax cuts would boost economic growth. Details, including corporate tax levels, will be worked out as the measure goes through Congress, he said.

The administration's outline of a plan released earlier this year would reduce corporate taxes from the current 35 percent rate to 15 percent. Some congressional leaders have suggested a reduction to 20 percent or 25 percent might be more realistic.

Mnuchin said the final level for corporate taxes would put them at a "very competitive level" with other countries.

"This is a pass-fail exercise," Mnuchin said, indicating that the critical goal was to enact a measure. "Passing tax reform, which hasn't been done in 31 years, that is a win," he said.

Asked whether he would consider combining tax reform with an infrastructure spending bill, Mnuchin said this would complicate the package, "but to the extent Congress wants to do it, it is something we could do."

Also in the interview, which was part of a conference sponsored by CNBC and Institutional Investor, Mnuchin:

__ Defended Trump's decision to side with Democrats in negotiations with Republicans over legislation Congress must pass to lift the debt limit. In a surprise move, Trump accepted Democratic demands for just a three-month debt extension until December rather than the 18-month measure being pushed by Mnuchin and Republican leaders of Congress. "We showed the American public we were putting politics aside," Mnuchin said.

__ Said that the administration would continue to favor additional sanctions on North Korea until they halted development of a nuclear weapons program.

__ Rejected the idea that he might leave the administration. That is something that Cohn, who is Jewish like Mnuchin, considered doing after Trump's comments about the violence in Charlottesville failed at first to condemn neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups. Mnuchin said he was "definitely staying on. It is a great opportunity to serve the president and the country." He said he felt it was a mistake for several business executives to resign from administration advisory groups after Trump's remarks on Charlottesville, saying the country could benefit from their advice.

___

AP Economics Writer Josh Boak contributed to this report.
At the third of four Senate health care hearings this month, held to hear testimony from state flexibility experts, Chairman Lamar Alexander said that any health insurance compromise for a stability bill including cost-sharing payments must also include real flexibility for states.

The individual market is where 18 million Americans buy their insurance, Senator Alexander said, The cost of premiums, co-pays and deductibles have been skyrocketing in many states.

Despite our partisan differences, our two hearings last week demonstrated a real hunger by many senators on both sides of the aisle to come to a result. Three themes emerged during those hearings and I believe they represent a working consensus for stabilizing premiums in the individual insurance market in 2018. First, Congress should approve continuing funding of the cost-sharing payments that reduce co-pays and deductibles for many low-income Americans who buy insurance on the exchanges.

The second theme came from senators on both sides of the aisle to expand the so-called 'copper plan' already in law, so anyone  not just those 29 or under  could purchase a lower premium, higher deductible plan that keeps a medical catastrophe from turning into a financial catastrophe.

Third, advocated by state insurance commissioners, governors, and senators from both sides of the aisle, was to give states more flexibility in the approval of coverage, choices, and prices for health insurance.

Most of the discussion about flexibility last week centered on giving states greater flexibility by amending section 1332the state innovation waiver provision that is already in the Affordable Care Act. We heard from virtually every witness last week that an application for the section 1332 waiver is too cumbersome, inflexible, and expensive for states  even though 23 states have taken steps to start the process so far, only two have succeeded. One part would be to make it easier for states to do what Alaska has done, and what Minnesota, Iowa and Maine are considering doing.

Another part is to give states more authority to offer a larger variety of health insurance plans that would give individuals the opportunity to have a more personalized health insurance plan. We heard from several witnesses that the current rules on what types of health insurance can be offered under 1332 waivers are so rigid that a state essentially cant offer anything but an existing Affordable Care Act exchange plan. This would be like a restaurant menu with only one item, or a travel agency with only one destination, or if Dr. Seuss had written a book titled Oh, The Place Youll Go.

On Thursday, the committee will meet to hear from a state insurance commissioner, doctors, and patient advocates. The committee met last Wednesday to hear from state insurance commissioners and last Thursday to hear from governors.

Alexanders full prepared remarks here.
CHICAGO (AP) - The inspector general for the Chicago Public Schools announced Tuesday that an alternative high school inside Cook County Jail has been falsifying student credits and attendance for years.

Nicholas Schuler called the York Alternative High School "a credit mill," and is urging the firing of its principal, Sharnette Sims.

Schuler's seven-page report says York has routinely granted attendance and course credit to students who've left the jail or have been moved to solitary confinement, where they couldn't attend classes. There is an example of a student who had gotten out of jail and was killed a week later, but was still being listed as attending classes.

The report says from 2012 to 2016 about 342 students freed from jail were improperly kept on the attendance rolls.

According to Schuler, the school also had a "deficient and dishonest course structure" that combined multiple courses in a single classroom. He said they were under the direction of teachers who were unaware of which students needed which classes.

As a result, the program last year boasted some of the district's highest attendance and credit-attainment metrics of the city's "options schools" for students who have dropped out of traditional high schools or are in confinement.

"However, the (inspector general's office) found that those scores were inflated due to falsified data," Schuler's office said in the report.

The district received a copy of the inspector general's findings at the end of June, according to officials.

"When we received these alarming allegations we began a process to thoroughly review the inspector general's findings," district spokesman Michael Passman said. "That process remains underway, and we will respond appropriately based on the facts when our review is complete."

Sims, who was paid $139,000 last year to oversee the jail school, didn't respond to requests for comment Tuesday.

In addition to the county jail program, Chicago's school district operates a similar high school program at the county's temporary juvenile detention center, a school for pregnant women and a program for students who are at risk of dropping out.
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (AP) - Danica Patrick, the only female driver at NASCAR's top level, is likely at the end of her driving career after a sponsorship shake-up left her without a ride at Stewart-Haas Racing.

Patrick posted a statement on her Facebook page Tuesday saying her time with Stewart-Haas "had come to an end" due to a new sponsorship arrangement for the team next season. The statement came shortly after Smithfield Foods said it will leave Richard Petty Motorsports to become a primary sponsor at Stewart-Haas next year.

The news is a blow to RPM, which is also losing driver Aric Almirola. But it also forced changes at Stewart-Haas, which has struggled with sponsorship for three of its four cars, including the No. 10 Ford driven by Patrick.

FILE - In this July 2, 2016, file photo, Danica Patrick greets fans during driver introductions before the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Danica Patrick is done at Stewart-Haas Racing and her future in NASCAR is now up in the air amid a sponsorship shake-up. Patrick posted a statement on her Facebook page Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 saying her time with Stewart-Haas "had come to an end" due to a new sponsorship arrangement for the team next season. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

"It has been my honor to drive for Tony Stewart, Gene Haas and everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing for the past six seasons," Patrick wrote. "Sponsorship plays a vital role in our sport, and I have been very fortunate over the course of my career, but this year threw us for a curve."

Patrick, whose participation in NASCAR has always been polarizing given the attention she receives despite her lack of success, closed the post by writing: "I have the utmost faith in myself and those around me, and feel confident about my future."

Patrick has launched a clothing line, has a book coming out next year and has made a huge transition into promoting a healthy and fit lifestyle. It has her positioned for a second career at the age of 35 if she chooses. She's also in a long-term relationship with fellow driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who will make his debut in the playoffs this weekend.

Sponsorship dollars have been hard to come by for a number of drivers and teams. Smithfield's decision leaves Petty's team in need of a sponsor, and Almirola is looking for a ride.

But the bigger changes are clearly underway at SHR, which didn't reveal where Smithfield will be in the organization in 2018.

"Details of the agreement, including the driver who will be added to SHR's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series lineup in 2018, will be provided at a later date," SHR said in a statement.

That means Smithfield could end up on the car Patrick has driven. Clint Bowyer and Kurt Busch both need sponsorship on their cars, too. Busch, the Daytona 500 winner, does not have a deal with SHR for next season.

Both Harvick and Busch will represent SHR in the 10-race playoffs that begin Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway.

Now that Patrick has confirmed she's out at SHR, the team could choose to downsize to three cars, or pursue Almirola, Matt Kenseth, Kasey Kahne or any other available driver. The team could be in the market to replace just Patrick, or both Patrick and Busch.

Patrick has driven for Stewart-Haas Racing her entire Cup career. She has seven top-10 finishes in 180 career starts and is currently 28th in the standings, the lowest in her Cup career.

Still, she won the pole for the 2013 Daytona 500, won an IndyCar race in 2008, is the highest finishing female driver in Indianapolis 500 history with a third-place run in 2009 and is the only woman to lead laps in both the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500. Patrick is the only woman to win a Cup pole and those top-10 finishes are the most of any female Cup driver.

"She will go down as the best female NASCAR driver of all time. Will likely take decades to see anyone even challenge her legacy," Brad Keselowski posted on Twitter. He later added in a second post: "Have come to accept that mankind never knows or appreciates what it has until its gone. NASCAR fans will miss her badly in time."

Patrick's contract with SHR ran through 2018, but the team has been searching for sponsorship since Nature's Bakery abruptly ended its three-year deal after one season.

RPM is now in a similar bind because it lost Smithfield, which has been associated with Petty the last six years. RPM this year downsized to one Cup car because of sponsorship reasons, and talks on a contract extension with Almirola stalled when Smithfield began looking at other options.

Petty ripped the company and suggested he was blindsided.

"Over the past few months, Smithfield had continually told me they wanted to be with us, and I recently shook hands on a deal to extend our relationship," Petty said. "I come from a time when we did major deals with sponsors like STP on a handshake. I'm sad to see this is where we are now. This decision is very unexpected, and we are extremely disappointed in this late and abrupt change of direction."

Smithfield CEO Kenneth M. Sullivan called Petty's claim of a handshake deal "unequivocally and patently false," and accused the team of not delivering on "tens of millions of dollars of unwavering financial support."

"Smithfield's numerous discussions with RPM over the past several months focused exclusively around one issue: RPM's inability to deliver on the track and the organization's repeated failure to present a plan to address its lack of competitiveness," Sullivan said in a statement. "It is very unfortunate and disheartening that RPM has chosen to disseminate false statements regarding our communications to NASCAR fans who we have supported wholeheartedly with more than a $100 million investment in the sport over the last several years."

Almirola was 20th in the standings when he broke his back in May. It caused him to miss seven races, and the team is currently 25th in the standings. He did make NASCAR's playoffs, in 2014, after he won at Daytona in July.

Petty, the Hall of Fame driver and seven-time NASCAR champion, is no longer the primary owner of his race team. Andrew Murstein of Medallion Financial Corp. is the majority owner of the team.

Petty said he and Murstein were committed to "moving forward" with the No. 43 team.

"Losing a sponsor of this magnitude in September is a significant set-back to Richard Petty Motorsports," Petty said. "We've been around since 1949, and we'll be around a lot longer."

___

More AP auto racing: http://racing.ap.org

FILE - In this Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017 file photo, Danica Patrick watches during practice for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Danica Patrick is done at Stewart-Haas Racing and her future in NASCAR is now up in the air amid a sponsorship shake-up. Patrick posted a statement on her Facebook page Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 saying her time with Stewart-Haas "had come to an end" due to a new sponsorship arrangement for the team next season. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

In this Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 file photo, Danica Patrick arrives at the garage after practice for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. Danica Patrick is done at Stewart-Haas Racing and her future in NASCAR is now up in the air amid a sponsorship shake-up. Patrick posted a statement on her Facebook page Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 saying her time with Stewart-Haas "had come to an end" due to a new sponsorship arrangement for the team next season. (AP Photo/Darryl Graham, File)
SARITA, Texas (AP) - U.S. Border Patrol officials say a Mexican national has been arrested aboard a bus in South Texas after bundles of heroin and methamphetamine worth more than $450,000 were found taped to his body.

A Border Patrol officer inspecting the bus at a checkpoint at Sarita, on U.S. Highway 77 about 95 miles (152.88 kilometers) north of the Texas-Mexico border at Brownsville, noticed what appeared to be odd shaped bulges around a man's waist.

The bulges turned out to be bundles of the drugs taped to the man's body.
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - The 21-year-old son of actor Jean-Claude Van Damme is accused of holding his roommate at knifepoint at their apartment in suburban Phoenix.

Tempe police say Nicholas Van Varenberg was arrested Sunday night on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful imprisonment, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He didn't have a lawyer at his initial court appearance where bond was set at $10,000.

This undated photo provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office shows Nicholas Van Varenberg, the 21-year-old son of actor Jean-Claude Van Damme. Van Varenberg is accused of holding his roommate at knifepoint at their apartment in suburban Phoenix. Tempe, Ariz., police say Van Varenberg was arrested Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2017, on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful imprisonment, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office via AP)

Court documents released Tuesday say police went to the apartment after receiving reports about loud noise and yelling.

Police say Van Varenberg became upset at his unidentified roommate for answering the door for police, grabbed a knife and kept his roommate from leaving the apartment.

Van Varenberg is the youngest son of Van Damme, known for his martial arts action films of the 1980s and 1990s.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on action taken by California's Legislature (all times local):

5 p.m.

Members of the California Assembly have rejected a bill to lower the voting age to 17.

The proposed amendment to the California Constitution would have let 17 year olds vote, including in presidential elections. It failed 46 to 23.

Supporters argue lowering the voting age would foster a sense of civic duty before teenagers move away from home.

Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher opposes the bill and jokingly urged his colleagues to consider what he must have been like at age 17 before casting their votes.

The vote largely fell along party lines, with Democrats supporting it and Republicans rejecting it. In needed 54 votes to advance to the Senate. The bill could be taken up again before lawmakers leave Friday or come before lawmakers next year.

__

4:35 p.m.

Democrats who control California's Legislature are continuing their efforts to ease criminal penalties, including voting to end a punishment critics call a relic from the nation's failed war on drugs.

The Assembly on Tuesday gave final approval to a bill that would eliminate allowing judges to impose an additional three-year sentence on repeat drug offenders.

Democratic Sen. Holly Mitchell of Los Angeles, who co-authored SB180, says officials should concentrate instead on prevention and rehabilitation.

The Assembly also approved a bill allowing juvenile offenders to ask a judge to seal records of crimes committed before turning 17, sending it to the Senate. Supporters of SB312 say more than 2,000 youthful offenders are currently barred by a 2000 ballot initiative from sealing the records of crimes they committed after they turned 14.

___

10 a.m.

California Gov. Jerry Brown and top lawmakers plan to spend $30 million helping young immigrants with legal services and college financial aid.

The Tuesday announcement comes in response to President Donald Trump's decision to end a program that gives temporary protection from deportation to people brought to the country illegally as children or by parents who overstayed visas.

The plan includes $20 million to provide legal services for participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. It also includes $10 million in college financial aid.

The Trump administration says the DACA program will be phased out over the next six months if Congress doesn't make it permanent.

More than 200,000 of the 800,000 program participants live in California.

A legislative committee will hear the spending plan Tuesday.
Former President Jimmy Carter offered a damning indictment of U.S. foreign policy and domestic affairs Tuesday, saying money in politics makes the nation more like an 'oligarchy than a democracy' and casting President Donald Trump as a disappointment on the world stage.

Carter's criticisms, offered at his annual presentation to backers of his post-presidency Carter Center in Atlanta, went beyond Trump, but he was particularly critical of the nation's direction under the Republican president's leadership.

The 39th president, a Democrat, offered this advice to the 45th: 'Keep the peace, promote human rights and tell the truth.'

Carter, 92, did not mention explicitly Trump's threatening exchanges this summer with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, but the former president said the U.S. should engage directly with the insular leader and discuss a peace treaty to replace the cease fire that ended the Korean War in 1953.

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Former President Jimmy Carter (above in June) offered a damning indictment of U.S. foreign policy and domestic affairs Tuesday, saying money in politics makes the nation more like an 'oligarchy than a democracy' and casting Trump as a disappointment on the world stage

Carter's criticisms, offered at his annual presentation to backers of his post-presidency Carter Center in Atlanta, went beyond Trump 9above), but he was particularly critical of the nation's direction under the Republican president's leadership.

'I would send my top person to Pyongyang immediately, if I didn't go myself,' Carter said, noting that he's been three times to the country, even as successive U.S. administrations have refused to deal with the regime.

The North Koreans, Carter said, want a treaty that guarantees the U.S. will not attack unless North Korea attacks the U.S. or an ally, particularly South Korea.

'Until we talk to them and threat them with respect - as human beings, which they are - I don't think we're going to make any progress,' Carter said.

He also dismissed Trump's optimism that he can engineer Middle East peace.

Trump has tasked his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, with handling the issue that has vexed U.S. administrations for generations, but the president notably backed off the long-held U.S. position calling for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.

Carter said he is 'practically hopeless' that anything Trump comes up with would give 'justice to the Palestinians.'

'I don't think Trump or his family members are making any process in that respect,' he said.

Carter criticized both Israeli and Palestinian leaders for a lack of flexibility, but he singled out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu, a Trump ally, for having 'no intention at all of having a two-state solution.'

The 39th president (above with his wife in January), a Democrat, offered this advice to the 45th: 'Keep the peace, promote human rights and tell the truth.'

The former president and his wife, Rosalynn, largely steer clear of partisan politics, long having yielded any active role in the Democratic Party. But they maintain their high-profile advocacy through the Carter Center, which focuses on human rights, public health and democratic elections.

Carter on Tuesday defended the center's role in monitoring the August presidential elections in Kenya that the country's Supreme Court later discarded. The court has ordered a new election.

The Carter Center's monitoring team, led by former Secretary of State John Kerry, said days after the vote that the process of casting paper ballots was fair, but that the electronic tabulations were 'unreliable.'

Carter said Tuesday that international monitors were not allowed to observe the counting process.

The center also remains engaged in trying to end the Syrian civil war, Carter said. He noted that he and others from the center have engaged Russian President Vladimir Putin and others trying to broker peace.

Carter (far right in April 2013 with fellow former presidents) made no mention of ongoing inquiries into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign or potential ties between Russia and the Trump campaign

Carter touted a program at his center that tracks social media usage in the war-torn nation.

By identifying the locations of individual posters with known political and military affiliations, Carter said, analysts can discern which factions control various cities and provinces.

Carter said the center shares that intelligence with the Pentagon, the State Department, various media outlets and foreign allies of the U.S.

Carter made no mention of ongoing inquiries into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign or potential ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

At 92, Carter is second eldest living U.S. president and fourth longest-lived president in history.

His birthday is October 1. George H.W. Bush, the eldest living president, turned 93 on June 12, putting him 92 days into his 94th year.

Ronald Reagan was 120 days beyond his 93rd birthday when he died in 2004. Gerald Ford died two years later, having lived 165 days beyond his 93rd birthday.

Carter already has the longest post-presidency, having been out of office for 36 years and almost 8 months.
President Donald Trump has hired Mercedes Schlapp, a longtime conservative commentator who he praised on the campaign trail, to his communications team.

Schlapp, who appeared regularly on Fox News, will serve under communications director Hope Hicks, 28, who was given a permanent job on Tuesday after serving as a stand-in following the firing of Anthony Scaramucci after only 10 days.

Schlapp will serve as senior adviser for strategic communications, the White House formally announced.

Mercedes Schlapp, a former Fox News contributor who served under the Bush administration, has been hired as President Trump's senior adviser for strategic communications

Schlapp, whose husband Matt chairs the American Conservative Union, was a vocal defender on Trump on the campaign trail

The appointment is the first high-profile position to be filled by General John Kelly, Trump's new chief of staff.

Kelly is attempting to clean out staff brought on board from Trump's campaign days and hire those with more Washington experience, Politico reports.

Schlapp, whose husband Matt chairs the American Conservative Union, is well known in DC working as a consultant for her public affairs firm Cove Strategies.

She also served as part of the Bush administration as spokeswoman for Spanish-language media outlets.

While Schlapp left her job as a commentator for Fox News recently, she previously courted Trump's admiration by using her slot to defend him and his policies.

Speaking last winter at CPAC, a conference hosted by the ACU, Trump said: 'I want to thank Matt Schlapp and his very, very incredible wife and boss, Mercedes.

Schlapp becomes the second woman handed a top position in Trump's media team after 28-year-old Hope Hicks, a former model, was named communications director

Schlapp's appointment comes at the request of chief of staff John Kelly, who has been clearing out recruits from outside Washington circles and replacing them with seasoned insiders

'When I watch them on television defending me, nobody has a chance.'

As well as defending the now-President, Schlapp has also been a vocal proponent of 'religious freedom' laws designed to allow businesses to refuse to carry out tasks that contradict their beliefs.

The laws were brought in several states after high-profile cases involving Christian bakers being forced to make cakes for same-sex weddings.

Other changes are also in the works to fill vacancies following the departures of former Press Secretary Sean Spicer and Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci.

Raj Shah will serve as principal deputy press secretary. Steven Cheung will serve director of strategic response.
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on arming Berkeley police with pepper spray (all times local):

6:20 p.m.

Berkeley police can use pepper spray to subdue violent demonstrators after the City Council modified a 20-year ban on officers' ability to use the weapon.

The council voted 6-3 on Tuesday to let officers deploy a large pepper spray canister if they believe a demonstrator is acting violent or appears to be threatening to attack police or other protesters.

The City Council in 1997 banned the use of pepper spray for crowd control.

Berkeley police do carry small canister of pepper spray for use on individual suspects. But the police chief said officers need permission to use the bigger canisters if necessary during expected demonstrations Thursday and later this month.

Police are barred from using pepper spray to move crowds.

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12:10 p.m.

Police in Berkeley, California say they need an additional weapon to combat violent protests that have repeatedly hit the city.

The city council will decide Tuesday whether to let officers use pepper spray to control crowds that turn violent.

Pepper spray was banned in 1997 in Berkeley as a crowd-control weapon, though officers can carry small cans to use on individual suspects.

Berkeley police chief Andrew Greenwood says pepper spray is less onerous than the tear gas officers are allowed to use.

Four political demonstrations have turned violent in Berkeley since February.

Police say they are struggling to balance free speech rights with preventing violence.

Demonstrations are expected Thursday at the University of California, Berkeley when conservative political commentator and former Breitbart editor Ben Shapiro is scheduled for a speech.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republican and Democratic bargainers reached agreement late Tuesday to extend financing for the children's health insurance program for five years, a pact that if approved would avert an end-of-month cash crunch for the popular program.

In a concession to Republicans, the agreement would phase out extra federal funds that have gone to states for the program since the additional money was mandated as part of President Barack Obama's 2010 health care law.

Money for the federal-state program is due to expire at the end of September. The program provides health coverage to around 8 million low-income children and pregnant women.

It was initially unclear how the agreement would fare in the Senate and the House.

But the two negotiators - Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and that panel's top Democrat, Ron Wyden of Oregon - work closely with party leaders. In addition, having embarrassingly failed in this year's attempt to repeal Obama's health care statute, Republicans and President Donald Trump are eager for an accomplishment and would be unlikely to stymie the continuation of such a widely supported initiative.

It was also unclear if the pact would move quickly and by itself through Congress, or become a vehicle for other, less widely backed legislation.

In a written statement, Hatch said "Congress needs to act quickly" to extend the program.

Without providing detail, Hatch said the agreement would give states "increased flexibility" to run the program. He also said lawmakers will "continue to advance this agreement in a way that does not add to the deficit," suggesting that a compromise on how to pay for the extra funds may have not yet been found.

Wyden called the agreement "a great deal for America's kids."

The federal government pays around $7 billion annually for the program. States by law pay a small share - until recently, an amount ranging from 15 percent to 35 percent of costs.

But under Obama's law, states each received an additional 23 percent share from Washington. Many Republicans, particularly conservatives, have chafed at that added amount.

Under the agreement, the full 23 percent share would continue for two more years. It would phase down to 11.5 percent in 2020 and the extra money would disappear completely the following year. The details were provided by a Senate aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because full details weren't released.
A man convicted of killing two people in back-to-back robberies in 1992 was put to death in Ohio Wednesday morning.

Gary Otte was given a cocktail of three drugs around 10:39am, and was pronounced dead at 10:54am.

Otte breathed heavily for about three minutes after being administered the execution drugs and then laid still for another eight minutes before a member of the executive team walked in and checked for a pulse. He was pronounced dead two minutes after that.

His lawyer, Carol Wright, said the heavy breathing was a sign that Otte was suffering from 'air hunger' - the sensation of suffocation.

She tried to to stop the execution when she saw her client breathing heavily, but by the time she was able to reach the federal judge overseeing the case it was too late.

Lawyers have argued that some execution drugs can cause air hunger, and that it's a cruel and unusual way to by executed.

Gary Otte is set to be executed Wednesday morning for two murders in 1992

Otte spent the night before his execution awake, talking to friends and family over the phone.

Wednesday morning, his parents arrived at the prison and prayed with him before giving him one final hug through prison bars. He refused to eat breakfast.

In the execution room, Otte gave a final statement, in which he said he wanted to 'profess my love for my family'. During the speech, he apologized to the families of his two victims, who were in the viewing area.

In his final act, he sang a gospel hymn titled 'The Greatest Thing in All my life' and then quoted an excerpt from the Bible, which reads: 'Father forgive them for they don't know what they do. Amen.'

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction spokeswoman JoEllen Smith said Otte was emotional but also in good spirits in the hours before his execution.

Otte was sentenced to die for the February 12, 1992 killing of Robert Wasikowski and the killing the next day of Sharon Kostura. Both slayings took place in Parma, in suburban Cleveland.

His legal appeals ended about two hours before his scheduled execution when the Ohio Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal contending he shouldn't be put to death because of his age at the time of the crime. Otte was 20 when he killed Wasikowski and Kostura.

State Justice William O'Neill dissented on the Ohio Supreme Court decision. The U.S. Supreme Court had already denied Otte's attempt to delay execution.

JoEllen Smith, a state prisons department spokeswoman, said Otte didn't sleep overnight, spending his time visiting with his parents and talking to friends and family on the phone. She said he showered early Wednesday, and shortly before 7am was praying with his parents.

Pictured is a hamburger with Swiss cheese and mushrooms. It is one of the items that Otte asked for as part of his last meal

Otte also asked for a slice of banana cream pie and a quart of Heath Bar ice cream

Otte arrived at the prison on Tuesday. His last meal included a mushroom and Swiss cheese hamburger, a quart of Heath Bar ice cream and a slice of banana cream pie.

The execution was the second in Ohio this year, following the use of lethal injection in July on a man convicted of raping and killing his girlfriend's three-year-old daughter in Akron in 1993. That was the first execution in Ohio in more than three years, a delay caused by difficulties finding drugs to use in capital punishment.

Otte unsuccessfully challenged the use of the first drug in Ohio's lethal-injection procedure, a sedative called midazolam, which was involved in problematic executions in Arizona and Oklahoma.

Midazolam also has been used in executions without discernible problems, including the execution of Ronald Phillips in Ohio in July.

Otte's attorneys said midazolam may not render prisoners so deeply unconscious that they avoid suffering serious pain when the last two drugs are administered.

Pictured is one of Otte's victims, Robert Wasikowski. Otte has blamed his action on his addiction to crack cocaine and says that he has since '[taken personal responsibility for my life and became accountable for my future actions'

The state argued there was no evidence that Phillips wasn't properly anesthetized during his execution.

Otte unsuccessfully argued that Midazolam, one of the three drugs with which he is to be executed, creates an unconstitutional risk of severe harm

In Otte's criminal case, authorities said he asked to go inside Wasikowski's apartment to use the phone and then shot the 61-year-old and stole about $400. The next day, authorities say, Otte forced his way into the apartment of the 45-year-old Kostura in the same building, shot her and stole $45 and her car keys.

The Ohio Parole Board unanimously rejected a request by Otte in February, citing the heinous nature of the killings. Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, also denied Otte clemency.

Otte's attorneys had argued a life sentence without parole was an appropriate alternative, saying Otte has matured and made efforts to better himself in prison.

Otte's drug addiction, intoxication and depression led to the slayings, and Otte had poor legal assistance at trial, his public defenders said in documents filed with the parole board.

The Cuyahoga County prosecutor said Otte still wouldn't take full responsibility and tried to blame others, including the victims.

The killings weren't spur-of-the-moment decisions by Otte, who lingered in the victims' apartments to rob them and even turned the TV up to block out Kostura's pleas for help, county prosecutor Michael O'Malley said in a January 30 filing with the parole board.
11/12/2022



The Native American Pow-Wow is underway at Point Park in Dayton this weekend. It was open on Saturday, and gates will open on Sunday at 10 a.m. and go until 6 p.m. Cost of admission is $7 ... more
CONSTANTA, Romania (AP) - Romania's coast guard has rescued more than 150 migrants from Iraq and Iran from a ship in distress on the Black Sea, on what is becoming a new route for migrants trying to reach Western Europe.

The rusty ship was towed to the Black Sea port of Constanta, some 250 kilometers (150 miles) east of Bucharest, before dawn Wednesday.

Revising its initial count, the coast guard said there were 157 migrants from Iran and Iraq, including 56 children, who had "intended to illegally enter our country." Some migrants received medical treatment.

In this image provided by the Romanian border police, members of the border police carry a baby, in the Black Sea port of Constanta, Romania, early Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. Romania's coast guard has rescued before dawn more than 150 migrants from Iraq and Iran, of which were 53 children, from a ship in distress on the Black Sea, on what is becoming a new route for migrants trying to reach Western Europe. (Politia de Frontiera Romana via AP)

Authorities initially spotted the ship outside Romanian territorial waters on Tuesday morning. It sent a distress signal and two coast guard boats were dispatched, but high waves and winds hampered rescue efforts at sea before the ship was towed to port.

Migrants are increasingly trying to cross the Black Sea from Turkey to reach Romania. Last weekend, coast guard forces from Romania and Bulgaria intercepted 217 migrants in the Black Sea in two boats who were suspected of trying to illegally enter Romania.

Krzysztof Borowski, a spokesman for the European Union's border agency, Frontex, told The Associated Press, that "smugglers are testing this route with the Black Sea," and that it was "an attempt to revive the route." In 2014, he said some 430 migrants used the route, but that fell the following year to 68 and just one in 2016.

Any new influx of migrants through the Black Sea could further exacerbate political strains within the European Union over the issue.

On Sept, 3, Romania's coastguard stopped a fishing vessel carrying 87 migrants in the Black Sea sailing toward the Romanian coast. And last month, the coast guard halted a fishing boat carrying 70 migrants suspected of trying to illegally enter Romania.

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Alison Mutler in Bucharest, Romania contributed to this report.

In this image provided by the Romanian border police, a ship carrying migrants docks in the Black Sea port of Constanta, Romania, early Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. Romania's coast guard has rescued before dawn more than 150 migrants from Iraq and Iran, of which were 53 children, from a ship in distress on the Black Sea, on what is becoming a new route for migrants trying to reach Western Europe. (Politia de Frontiera Romana via AP)
NEW YORK (AP) - Love took Edith Windsor to the marriage altar. A big tax bill after the death of her first spouse took her to the Supreme Court, which struck down critical parts of a U.S. marriage law in a ruling that made Windsor a gay rights hero and paved a path toward legalizing same-sex nuptials nationwide.

Windsor, who marveled at the arc of gay rights in her lifetime, died Tuesday in New York at age 88, said her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan. The cause of her death wasn't given, but she had struggled with heart issues.

"I grew up knowing that society thought I was inferior," she said in 2012. "Did I ever think we would be discussing equality in marriage? Never. It was just so far away."

FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2012 file photo, Edith Windsor speaks during an interview in her New York City apartment. Windsor, who brought a Supreme Court case that struck down parts of a federal law that banned same-sex marriage, died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, in New York, according to her attorney. She was 88.(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Windsor was 81 when she brought a lawsuit that proved to be a turning point for gay rights. The impetus was the 2009 death of her spouse, Thea Spyer, a psychologist.

The women had married legally in Canada in 2007 after spending more than 40 years together, but under the U.S. Defense of Marriage Act she was barred from getting the usual exemption from federal taxes on Spyer's estate. That meant Windsor faced a $360,000 tax bill that heterosexual couples would not have.

Outraged, she went to court, knowing that the case was about more than taxes or even marriage.

"It's a very important case. It's bigger than marriage, and I think marriage is major. I think if we win, the effect will be the beginning of the end of stigma," she said in 2012 after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.

Win she did: The justices ruled 5-4 in June 2013 that a provision in the law barring the U.S. government from recognizing same-sex unions was unconstitutional.

The opinion didn't legalize same-sex marriage, but it marked a key moment of encouragement for gay marriage supporters then confronting a nationwide patchwork of laws that outlawed such unions in roughly three dozen states.

It also affronted conservatives who hewed to defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Then-Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia predicted the ruling would be used to upend state restrictions on marriage and warned: "The only thing that will 'confine' the court's holding is its sense of what it can get away with."

Ultimately, the opinion in Windsor's case became the basis for a wave of federal court rulings that struck down state marriage bans and led to a 2015 Supreme Court ruling giving same-sex couples the right to marry from coast to coast.

Former President Barack Obama called Windsor one of the "quiet heroes" whose persistence had furthered the cause of equality.

"Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor - and few made as big a difference to America," the Democrat said in a statement Tuesday, adding that he had spoken to her a few days earlier.

Anthony Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, called Windsor "one of this country's great civil rights pioneers."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said he was heartbroken by the death of a woman who "embodied the New York spirit, taking it upon herself to tear down barriers for others."

Windsor was born in Philadelphia and moved to Manhattan in the early 1950s after a brief marriage to a man. The marriage ended after she told him she was gay.

Spyer came into her life in 1963, and they became a couple two years later. In court documents, Windsor said she told Spyer, "'If it still feels this goofy joyous, I'd like us to spend the rest of our lives together.' And we did."

Concerned that an engagement ring would bring unwanted attention to Windsor's sexual orientation, Spyer gave her a diamond brooch instead. It was, Windsor later said in court documents, "just one of many ways in which Thea and I had to mold our lives to make our relationship invisible."

Spyer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1977. The women married in Canada when they realized they might not live long enough to see New York legalize same-sex marriage. It did in 2011.

Last year, Windsor married her current spouse, Judith Kasen-Windsor, a banker.
BEIJING (AP) - The founder of a Chinese online peer-to-peer lender has been sentenced to life in prison on charges he defrauded investors of $7.7 billion in one of China's biggest financial scams.

Ezubo was the biggest competitor in an informal finance industry that Chinese authorities allowed to flourish with little oversight over the past decade to support entrepreneurs who cannot get loans from state banks. A series of lenders have collapsed as economic growth slowed, leaving authorities struggling to defuse protests by depositors.

Ezubo's founder, Ding Ning, and his younger brother, Ding Dian, were sentenced Tuesday to life by the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court for "fundraising fraud," according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

It said another 24 executives were sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to 15 years.

Two companies affiliated with Ezubo were fined a total of 1.9 billion yuan ($291 million), Xinhua said. It said some defendants also were convicted of offenses including smuggling precious metals and illegal gun possession.

Regulators seized Ezubo in December 2015 on charges of taking deposits without a license. Xinhua said authorities have confiscated the company's assets to repay depositors but gave no indication how much money was recovered.

Regulators allowed private sector lending to support entrepreneurs who create China's new jobs and wealth but are largely shut out of lending by the state-owned banking industry. The national bank regulator estimated in 2015 the industry had grown to $1.5 trillion.

Beijing tightened control as defaults mounted following the 2008 financial crisis. The finance industry as a whole has come under tougher scrutiny after a plunge in stock prices in 2015 led to accusations of insider trading and other offenses.

Ding, 34, was a high school dropout who worked at his mother's hardware factory, where he gained experience running online sales, according to media reports. With no technical or financial training, Ding launched Ezubo in July 2014 and opened marketing offices across China.

Ezubo appeared to gain Beijing's endorsement when the Cabinet website, gov.cn, published an interview with Ding discussing his life as an entrepreneur. That interview has since been removed.

The seizure of Ezubo prompted protests by depositors who complained the government failed to protect them.

Depositors traveled to Beijing to protest at government offices and the headquarters of state television, which had broadcast advertisements for Ezubo.

Ezubo attracted deposits by promising returns of 9 to 14.6 percent, according to investigators. But authorities say a former executive admitted 95 percent of those borrowers were fictional entities created by Ezubo. In a confession broadcast by state television in February 2016, the executive called the company "a fraud ... a typical Ponzi scheme."

The court said Ding and other defendants "inflicted huge losses on investors in many parts of China and disrupted the national financial management system," according to Xinhua.

The internet has helped lenders attract money from working class or rural depositors, many of them financial novices with little knowledge of the risks involved.

After Ezubo depositors poured out their anger on Chinese social media, police phoned some internet users to warn them against criticizing the Communist Party online.

One investor from northeastern China who lost 480,000 yuan ($76,000) told The Associated Press that police confiscated her computer and cell phone after she posted online that she might file a petition with the central government.

Earlier, two businesswomen in southern China were sentenced to death in 2012 and 2013 in separate cases on charges of "illegal fundraising." The penalty for the first was converted to a prison term following an outcry online that it was too severe.
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) - Some denounce it as a violation of Islamic law, others embrace it as revolutionary: An initiative by Tunisia's president to make inheritance and marriage rules fairer to women is reverberating around the Muslim world, and risks dividing his country.

The 90-year-old president, Beji Caid Essebsi, argues that Tunisia needs to fight discrimination and modernize. He's gambling that he could shepherd through such changes because his secular party is in a coalition with an Islamist one, and because his overwhelmingly Muslim country has a history of relatively progressive views toward women.

In a speech last month, Essebsi proposed allowing women the same inheritance rights as men, instead of the current system based on Islamic Shariah law that generally grants daughters only half the inheritance given to sons.

FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2015 photo, a woman walks in the city of Sidi Bou Said, north of Tunis, Tunisia. Some call it dangerous, others embrace it as revolutionary: an initiative by Tunisia's president to make inheritance and marriage rules fairer to women has divided his country and reverberated across the Muslim world. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy, File)

The president also suggested allowing Muslim women to marry non-Muslims; currently Muslim men are allowed to marry non-Muslims but not the other way around. He announced the creation of a commission led by a woman lawyer and rights activist aimed at drafting revised rules.

Just raising the call for changes is a dramatic move. Mainstream Muslim clerics almost universally see the inheritance rules as enshrined in the Quran, Islam's holy book, and consider the rules on marriage to be equally unquestionable in Shariah. Most Muslim-majority countries in the Mideast and Asia enforce the rules since they use Shariah as the basis for personal status and family law. Some worry that such changes could stir up extremist anger in a country that has already suffered deadly attacks.

The president argues that existing practice violates Tunisia's constitution, adopted in 2014 in the wake of the Arab Spring revolution, and that he wants Tunisia to reach "total, actual equality between men and women citizens in a progressive way," as called for in the charter.

He said wants to fight discrimination in a country where half of engineers are women, as are a majority of medical, agricultural and textile workers and those with higher education.

The first president of independent Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba, championed a landmark social code in 1956 that set a standard for the region by banning polygamy and granting new rights to women unheard of in the Arab world at the time. But even he didn't dare push for equal inheritance.

The chief editor of daily Le Maghreb, Zied Krichene, expressed hope that Essebsi's initiative would bring a "second revolution."

But in Egypt, the world's foremost seat of religious learning for Sunni Muslims, Al-Azhar, swiftly rejected the proposals.

"Calls for the equality of men and women in inheritance do an injustice to women, don't do women any good and clash with Shariah," Abbas Shoman, Al-Azhar's second most senior cleric, said in a statement.

In defense of the ban on non-Muslim men marrying Muslim women, Shoman said that while Muslim men were likely to respect the beliefs of their non-Muslim spouses and freedom to worship, non-Muslim men were unlikely to do the same for their non-Muslim wives.

But the proposals sparked a heated debate on social media networks among Egyptians. Supporters of Essebsi's initiative said Al-Azhar was showing its true colors as a bastion of religious militancy.

Muslim parents who see the inheritance laws as unjust often resort to putting assets in their daughters' names during their lifetimes. In Lebanon, some Sunni men convert to Shiism to take advantage of what they see as the minority sect's more equal treatment of women when it comes to inheritance. Tunisia is overwhelmingly Sunni.

Moroccan academic Nouzha Guessous welcomed the Tunisian proposal as "a beautiful bright spot in the grim political and social skies in Morocco and elsewhere in the Muslim world." Writing in the Moroccan magazine L'Economiste, she said the Tunisian president could "go down in history ... as an enlightened Muslim leader characterized by a political conscience and attuned to the changes in society."

She expressed hope Tunisia could set a precedent across the Muslim world.

"As a proud, full-fledged Moroccan woman, I must admit that today, yes, I would have liked to be Tunisian," she wrote.

There are some Muslim theologians who argue that the one-half inheritance for women is not absolute in the Quran and that it is open for reinterpretation to fit the Quran's requirements for justice and equality.

Still, the mainstream view is deeply entrenched. In Tunisia, the country's leading imams and theologians issued a statement denouncing the president's proposals as a "flagrant violation of the precepts" of Islam.

Tunisia's Islamist party Ennahdha hasn't taken an official line yet, but party No. 2 and former prime minister Hamadi Jebali warned against anything that would "threaten social peace" and said the president's ideas aren't taking into consideration the feelings of all Tunisians, just a liberal segment of the population.

"Either the chief of state doesn't know that a text codified by the Quran cannot be subject to interpretation, or it is a political calculation," he said on his Facebook page.

Several analysts suggest the president is trying to win back support from women who supported him widely in 2014 elections for his modernizing program, but then grew disillusioned after he allied with the Islamist party.

Tunisian professor Mohamed Hedi Zaiem said the proposals give a new impetus to moderate Islam.

"The only moderate Islam is that which recognizes the need and the right not only to interpretation but also to evolution," he said, calling the battle for renewing religious discourse "the mother of all battles."

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Associated Press writer Hamza Hendawi in Cairo contributed to this report.

In this Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 photo, pharmacists Mokhtar Agrebi, left, and Latifa Trabelsi work in their drugstore in Tunis. Some call it dangerous, others embrace it as revolutionary: an initiative by Tunisia's president to make inheritance and marriage rules fairer to women has divided his country and reverberated across the Muslim world. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi)
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - A group of miners from northern Greece clashed with police Wednesday outside government buildings in Athens during a protest called after their Canada-based mining company threatened to suspend investments in the country.

A small group managed to push past police and enter the building, while riot police fired volleys of pepper spray to push back the protesters. A delegation from the protesters later met with Environment Minister Giorgos Stathakis.

The miners from the Eldorado Gold mine in the Halkidiki region were seeking assurances for their jobs after Eldorado Gold said Monday it would suspend operations except for maintenance and environmental work on Sept. 22 unless licenses it said were pending were issued in time.

Riot police fire tear gas against protesting miners outside the Development Ministry in Athens, on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. A group of miners from northern Greece clashed with police Wednesday after their Canada-based mining company threatened to suspend investments in the country, citing delays in the issuing of permits. (Yannis Liakos/InTime News via AP)

The government says the company has not provided some required information for the pending permits, and says they will go to arbitration, which is to begin in the coming days.

After meeting with the workers, Stathakis said that three pending permits for one of the mine's operations were to be issued this week, as had previously been announced, while the remaining differences were to go through the arbitration process, expected to last about three months.

Later Wednesday, Eldorado Gold announced it had received two permits, one of which is an operating permit for its mine in Olympias, valid for three years.

"This is a positive step forward," company president and CEO George Burns was quoted as saying in a company press release. "However, we are still waiting on other permits."

The company's stance has angered the government, which has accused Eldorado Gold of attempting to apply political pressure, timing their announcement two days after Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras made a speech at an annual trade fair stressing Greece was friendly to international investments.

This is the third time in as many years that Eldorado Gold has made similar announcements. The company employs more than 2,000 staff and contractors in Greece.

The mines in Halkidiki have faced vehement opposition from many in the local communities, who say they fear widespread pollution and the destruction of forests. The company says it is cleaning up pollution left by its predecessors and that it carries out extensive environmental restoration work.

Miners chant slogans outside the Development Ministry during a protest in Athens, on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. A group of miners from northern Greece clashed with police Wednesday after their Canada-based mining company threatened to suspend investments in the country, citing delays in the issuing of permits. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
MIAMI (AP) - The Latest on Hurricane Irma (all times local):

6:45 p.m.

U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp is angrily denouncing people who have complained about the islands' pace of recovery from Hurricane Irma.

A tree, knocked down by Hurricane Irma, sits on a home and car in the Maitland Isle neighborhood in Maitand, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. The storm dragged down power lines and blew out transformers knocking out power to millions across Florida. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

Mapp said people were being "unrealistic" about the amount of time it would take to get full power and water restored. He said he was frustrated with the "ingratitude" of people, an apparent reference to complaints on social media and the radio.

He said people who didn't realize the recovery would be "long and hard" should get on a flight or a mercy ship out of the territory.

Mapp said he also would direct the local disaster management agency to increase the amount of food rations and water that people are receiving and cut back the curfew by two hours.

Mapp also noted that regularly scheduled flights out of St. Thomas will resume on Saturday. He also noted that former San Antonio Spurs basketball star Tim Duncan would accompany New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg to the territory on Thursday with more than $5 million in donated aid. Duncan is a native of the Virgin Islands.

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6:45 p.m.

Rising rivers and flooding in northwest Florida due to Irma are making traffic matters worse on state roads.

A portion of Interstate 27 just north of Gainesville has been shut down due to rising flood waters from the Santa Fe River. The State Department of Transportation says the river has risen 15 feet (4.5 meters) over the past 36 hours.

The river might cause a 36-mile (58-kilometer) stretch of Interstate 75 to shut down.

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6 p.m.

The number of deaths in connection to Hurricane Irma has now risen to 61 after authorities reported three more fatalities in Florida.

The three new casualties include a 7-year-old girl who died from apparent carbon-monoxide poisoning, a man who died after falling and striking his head, and a man who crashed his car after fleeing his home.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that the girl died at a Lakeland home that had a generator running inside.

Bill Pellan is director of investigations for the medical examiner's office serving Pinellas and Pasco counties. Pellan says 68-year-old Freddie Bryant of Largo fell and struck his head while he and his wife were packing their car to evacuate their mobile home. Bryant died at a St. Petersburg hospital.

Pellan says 69-year-old Mart Daniels crashed his car after fleeing his home in Port Richey on Sunday night.

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4:45 p.m.

The number of residents at a Florida nursing home who died after Hurricane Irma knocked out the air conditioning has risen to eight.

The office of the Broward Medical Examiner and Trauma Services issued a news release Wednesday afternoon with the names of the victims. Three of the victims were found dead early Wednesday at The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, after police got a call about a person with a heart attack. Police say the others died at the hospital or on the way. The victims range in age from 70 to 99.

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4:30 p.m.

The manager of a Florida nursing home where eight people died following Hurricane Irma has a history of health-care fraud accusations.

Federal court records show the U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami filed civil charges in 2004 against Dr. Jack Michel, several other individuals, and several businesses, including Larkin Health Systems. Larkin Health Systems owns The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, where three patients were found dead at the nursing home early Wednesday after police got a call about a person with a heart attack. Police say three more died at the hospital or on the way.

In 1997, before Michel owned Larkin, federal prosecutors say he and others participated in a kickback scheme that involved paying doctors for referrals and admission to Larkin Community Hospital. Prosecutors say that after he bought the hospital in 1998, Michel and others fraudulently increased the number of patients at the facility, along with their Medicare and Medicaid revenues, by bringing in patients from nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

The case was settled in 2006 for $15.4 million.

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4:30 p.m.

Pumps are being moved into southwest Florida to help drain floodwaters from communities drenched by Irma's rainfall and storm surge.

The South Florida Water Management District was temporarily moving three pumps from Palm Beach County to Collier County, which officials say was one of the hardest-hit areas in the 16-county district that spans a region stretching from the Keys in the South to Orlando in central Florida.

The district also is helping Orlando International Airport drain water from its property to nearby Boggy Creek, officials said.

Floodwaters also are being pumped into Lake Okeechobee away from communities and business in the Glades region south of the lake, officials said.

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4:30 p.m.

A Florida woman who gave birth without a doctor present as Hurricane Irma was approaching Miami has described the experience as "traumatizing."

Because emergency responders were unable to make it to the scene Sunday, Watkins had to give birth in a Miami apartment while she and her boyfriend, David Knight, listened to instructions over the phone from a 911 dispatcher and a doctor.

The couple discussed the ordeal during a news conference Wednesday while Watkins held her newborn daughter. Destiny Knight was born two days before her due date, weighing 6 pounds (3 kilograms), 11 ounces (310 grams) and measuring 20 inches (50 centimeters).

Watkins says she never considered naming her daughter Irma.

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2:55 p.m.

An Associated Press journalist is describing what it was like to spend five nights in four motels on the run from Hurricane Irma.

Mary Rajkumar is an editor based in Miami.

She and her family crisscrossed Florida trying to escape the wrath of Hurricane Irma. They hopscotched from motel to motel before ending up in Jacksonville.

But Irma was so wide the storm reached across the whole state and hit them there.

She describes struggling to find hotels with vacancies and restaurants that were open.

In Jacksonville, the only option appeared to be a Waffle House with a line of 200 people. So instead, her relatives tried a nearby Thai restaurant.

The owners said they weren't open but were just there to check for any damage. Still, they agreed to feed Rajkumar's family of five adults and two teenagers. She says the search for food was a surprising sight in a country known for its hot dog eating contests and supersized Slurpees.

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2:50 p.m.

The number of Georgia residents without electricity after Hurricane Irma keeps dropping, and Georgia Power says nearly all of its customers should have their lights back on before the weekend is over.

More than 510,000 customers of Georgia Power and Georgia Electric Membership Corp remained without power Wednesday afternoon. That's down from 1.5 million outages when Irma crossed Georgia as a tropical storm Monday.

Georgia Power said in a news release that 95 percent of its customers should have electricity restored by Sunday night, except for homes or businesses too damaged for power to be reconnected.

Irma killed two people in Georgia as it flooded coastal communities and toppled trees across most of the state. Gov. Nathan Deal was scheduled to tour storm damaged areas Thursday.

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2:45 p.m.

A Florida woman fleeing her home because of Hurricane Irma will go back home with $10,000 after buying a lottery scratch-off ticket during a stop in North Carolina.

The N.C. Education Lottery reports Tiffany Hatfield of Ocoee, Florida, stopped at a Rocky Mount convenience store before continuing to Virginia. The mother of three said she only stopped at the store because her daughter had to use the bathroom. She said she and her children started screaming when they realized they won.

Hatfield claimed her prize on Tuesday. She is already on her way back to Florida, and said she plans to use the money for any repairs she needs, and to redecorate the house with any money left over.

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2:35 p.m.

Authorities are working to check on other assisted living and retirement communities after six patients at a sweltering Florida nursing home died in Irma's aftermath.

The patients who died were from the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills. Hollywood police Chief Tom Sanchez said police officers were expected to finish checking in on the city's 42 other assisted living and similar facilities early Wednesday afternoon.

At Century Village in Pembroke Pines, more than half of the residential buildings - 77 of 144 - were still without power Wednesday afternoon.

Rescue crews from several area municipalities were going door to door in 94-degree heat to perform welfare checks, and a massive water, ice and meal distribution plan was already enacted.

Gov. Rick Scott's office said it has been in regular contact with hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities since before the storm. They are told to call 911 if they believe patients are in danger.

Florida requires nursing homes to file an emergency plan with the county officials that includes evacuation plans for residents.

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1:50 p.m.

Authorities say a 55-year-old Florida man who was preparing his home for Hurricane Irma died after falling off a ladder.

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's office reported Wednesday that Vincent Forest was pronounced dead Sunday at a Tampa hospital, a day after the accident at his Lake Placid home.

An autopsy performed Tuesday concluded the cause of death was blunt impact to his head, including skull fractures, brain bruising and internal bleeding.

Forest was married and worked for Glade and Grove Supply Co. agricultural dealership.

His is the 20th death in the U.S. blamed on Irma. Six other deaths of patients in a sweltering nursing home are being investigated.

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1:35 p.m.

Surviving patients are being treated for dehydration after several others died at a sweltering Florida nursing home in Irma's aftermath.

Dr. Randy Katz is the emergency room director for Memorial Regional Hospital, which is adjacent to the nursing home in Hollywood. He said Wednesday afternoon that about a dozen people still are being treated in the ER. When asked if he expects the death toll to rise, Katz said, "potentially." Six have died so far.

He said most patients are being treated for dehydration, respiratory distress and heat-related problems.

The rest of the nursing home's patients have also been evacuated.

Hollywood police Chief Tom Sanchez said investigators who arrived at a nursing home found "very hot" conditions inside. The center was having problems with its air-conditioning, and investigators are looking into whether it had power or was using generators.

Sanchez said police officers were expected to finish checking in on the city's 42 other assisted living and similar facilities early Wednesday afternoon.

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1:10 p.m.

Former state senator and current Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich said she has been inundated with calls about nursing homes and assisted living facilities that are running out of fuel for generators.

Six patients have died at a Broward County nursing home that was having problems with air-conditioning. Authorities were investigating whether it was using a generator and if the power was cut.

Rich said Florida Power & Light Company should make facilities like that its first priority as it works to restore power knocked out around the state by Hurricane Irma.

She said the power company's priorities "are messed up."

She said she hasn't been satisfied with Florida Power and Light's response to the county.

"They're saying that some of these places may not be up for a week or two," she said. "These people can't survive that."

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12:55 p.m.

A Florida Keys facility that rehabilitates injured sea turtles has some new arrivals after Hurricane Irma.

At the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, the rescued sea creatures sat in tanks fed by water pumped with a generator on Wednesday.

A tiny green sea turtle rescued by a Monroe County emergency employee from storm rubble was the first rescue after the hurricane. It was in a tiny plastic bin flipping around.

Hospital director Richie Moretti offered a quip about what they chose to call her.

He said: "Guess her name? Irma."

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12:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump will travel to the Naples area as part of a visit to hurricane-damaged Florida on Thursday.

Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president will be in the Naples area, in southwest Florida. Few additional details were available.

Nearly all of the state was engulfed by the massive Hurricane Irma. The number of people without has dropped to 9.5 million - just under half of Florida's population. Utility officials warned it could take 10 days or more for power to be fully restored. About 110,000 people remained in shelters across the state.

Trump visited Texas and Louisiana after Hurricane Harvey struck both states in late August.

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12:20 p.m.

Monroe County officials say water service is slowly being restored to the Florida Keys.

County officials said in said in a Facebook update Wednesday: "MORE WATER IS COMING"

Water would be turned on for two-hour spurts Wednesday morning and evening in Key West, but officials warned it would need to be boiled before drinking.

Key Largo to Marathon should have water in areas that do not have damage to individual service lines

But water in the Lower Keys from Key West to the 7-Mile Bridge was still unavailable due to what officials described as major storm damage.

They also cautioned that water remains in short supply and should be conserved.

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11:50 a.m.

City officials say a sixth patient from a Florida nursing home has died in aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

A news release from the city of Hollywood says that three patients were found dead in the facility early Wednesday, while others were taken to the hospital and pronounced dead there. A late morning news release said a total of six have died.

Hollywood Police Chief Tom Sanchez said investigators believe the deaths at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills were heat-related. He said the building has been sealed off for the criminal investigation but didn't give further details.

The rest of the center's patients were evacuated. The center has had electricity and air-conditioning problems after Irma.

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11:30 a.m.

Several gas stations and a hardware store have reopened in the upper Florida Keys after Hurricane Irma.

But residents still weren't being allowed past Lower Matecumbe Key.

On Conch Key in Coral Key Village, a devastated trailer park remained a debris-filled ghost town. Cars left behind were covered in silt, and seaweed and strewn furniture filled what a week ago were yards. A line of fallen mailboxes still had mail from before Irma inside.

Near Marathon, a sunken boat was visible in the once-again turquoise water.

At Marathon International Airport, workers loaded pallets of water onto military helicopters.

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11:20 a.m.

Authorities have identified a Georgia man killed as Tropical Storm Irma slogged through the state.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office in Atlanta said Wednesday that 59-year-old Stanley Williams died when a tree fell on his home in suburban Sandy Springs. The death was previously announced, but the identity wasn't immediately given.

Williams is among two fatalities in Georgia blamed on Irma, which crossed the state's southwest corner Monday but was large enough to cause damage throughout the state.

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said a tree falling onto a car killed 67-year-old Nancy Eason. Eason was a retired court reporter. Her husband, Mike Eason, is a former Cumming police chief and retired agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Mike Eason was driving the car and suffered minor injuries.

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11:15 a.m.

A criminal investigation has been launched into the deaths of five patients at a Florida nursing home in Irma's aftermath.

Hollywood Police Chief Tom Sanchez said investigators believe the five deaths at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills were heat-related. He said the building has been sealed off for the criminal investigation but didn't give further details.

A total of 115 patients were evacuated from the nursing home, which lost power in the storm and had no air conditioning. Sanchez did not answer questions regarding whether a generator was running inside the place.

Jean Lindor, a kitchen worker, said through a Haitian Creole translator that the air conditioner had not been working since the storm and it had been hot inside.

Paulburn Bogle, a member of the housekeeping staff, said the place had been hot but manageable the past few days. The staff used fans, put cold towels and ice on the patients and gave them cold drinks.

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10:50 a.m.

NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is still closed Wednesday in Irma's aftermath.

The center still lacks water service, and a post-storm survey has turned up some damage.

About 9,000 people work at Kennedy, most of them contractors.

Several private companies, including Boeing and SpaceX, have operations at Kennedy and reported minimal damage.

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10:45 a.m.

Officials in the Florida Keys say it's too early to estimate the financial losses from Hurricane Irma, but they noted that Monroe County and Florida have some of the strongest building codes in the country.

Monroe County Commissioner Heather Carruthers noted that the damage looks bad from the air. But from the ground she noted that "when you clear the trees and all the debris, it's not much damage to the houses.

The county's message appeared push back against more dire damage estimates from federal officials this week.

Carruthers, who lives in Key West, said her house built in 1889 lost shutters but sustained no other damage.

Officials say damage was more severe in the areas around Big Pine Key and Cudjoe Key.

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10:30 a.m.

After five nursing home residents died in Hollywood, Florida, a street nearby street was swarmed with police, fire trucks and ambulances.

The streets around the center have been blocked off and a mobile command center has been set up outside.

Hollywood police chief Tom Sanchez said during a news conference that officers and fire crews responded Wednesday morning to a call from the facility about some patients in need of critical care.

He said crews evacuated 115 patients from the center and are in the process of evacuating another 18 patients from a nearby behavioral facility next door.

The 152-bed Rehabilitation Center of Hollywood Hills provides short-term rehabilitative services and long-term care, according to its website

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9:50 a.m.

Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief says five people have died from a Florida nursing home that had lost power after Hurricane Irma roared through the state.

Police and fire crews began evacuating the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills on Wednesday morning. Sharief confirmed during a news conference that three residents died at the center and two died at the hospital.

Sharief said there are no details about the cause of the deaths. No further details were immediately available.

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9 a.m.

One of the main highways that connects Florida to the rest of the country is in danger of being closed due to flooding caused by Hurricane Irma.

The Santa Fe River in north central Florida that runs under Interstate 75 has rapidly risen within the past two days, according to Florida transportation officials. Officials say the water will likely rise further in the coming days.

The bridge that crosses the river is just north of Gainesville, the home to the University of Florida. If the highway is closed it would require major detours for those trying to return to the state after evacuating due to Irma.

Tennessee is scheduled to play UF this weekend in Gainesville meaning it could cause problems for those trying to attend the game.

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9 a.m.

The cleanup effort continues in South Carolina after rain, wind, and flooding prompted by Irma.

Utilities in South Carolina reported more than 63,000 customers were without service Wednesday morning.

Duke Energy had the largest number of outages with nearly 37,000 customers without service. The biggest problems were in Greenville, Anderson and Pickens counties.

The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina reported nearly 15,000 customers without power. Their biggest problems were in Oconee and Charleston counties.

South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. had nearly 12,000 customers without service. Beaufort and Charleston counties had the most customers without electricity.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Tuesday lifted an evacuation order that had been in effect on the barrier islands in the southern part of the state.

All state offices were resuming normal operating hours Wednesday.

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9 a.m.

The National Park Service said Irma's rains and storm surge left 3 feet (1 meter) of water inside Fort Sumter in South Carolina.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that there was some damage to the fort's docking pier and some interior facilities. But National Park Service officials say no artifacts were damaged.

Dawn Davis with the Fort Sumter National Monument says it will be several days before the fort reopens to the public.

Davis said the Charles Pinckney site in Mount Pleasant and Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island will reopen to the public Thursday.

Fort Sumter was the site of the first battle of the Civil War.

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9 a.m.

One person has died in a Hollywood, Florida, nursing home that has no power.

Police spokeswoman Miranda Grossman told local news outlets that fire and police crews began evacuating residents at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills on Wednesday morning.

It wasn't immediately known whether the resident's death was heat related or due to natural causes.

No further details were immediately available.

Hollywood is between Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

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8:40 a.m.

The number of power outages continues to drop in Georgia after the remnants of Hurricane Irma stormed through the state, claiming at least two lives.

Less than 600,000 Georgia Power and Electric Member Corp. customers are still without power early Wednesday. The utility companies said they are continuing to assess damage as power is restored.

The utility companies say repairs and replacement of downed powerlines could take several days.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal lifted an evacuation order Tuesday for nearly 540,000 coastal residents. He cautioned that recovery could take longer because the storm affected the entire state.

A man was killed when a tree toppled on his house in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The 67-year-old Nancy Eason died after a tree fell on a vehicle in which she was riding in Forsyth County.

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7:50 a.m.

One person has died and three others are being treated at a hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning from an electric generator in Daytona Beach, Florida, the latest such death as people across the state wait for power to be restored after Hurricane Irma.

Daytona Beach Fire Department officials said on Twitter that a generator was running inside the home early Wednesday. Further details weren't immediately available.

Officials across Florida are warning people to keep generators outside their homes.

In nearby Orange County, deputies found three people dead and four others were taken to a hospital for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning Tuesday afternoon. Carbon monoxide from a generator is also suspected in the death of a man in Miami. And authorities say another dozen people were treated for carbon monoxide on Tuesday in Polk and Brevard counties.

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6:45 a.m.

More than half of a large retirement community in Pembroke Pines, Florida, remains without power after Hurricane Irma, leaving senior citizens trapped in apartments without access to elevators.

Pembroke Pines police spokeswoman Amanda Conwell tells the Miami Herald that officers have been on the scene because some of the 15,000 residents at Century Village are vulnerable and "we are concerned about their welfare."

Century Village is a senior community, comprised mostly of people over 55 years of age. Pembroke Pines is northwest of Miami in Broward County.

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6:25 a.m.

Firefighters had to remove boards from a home that caught on fire in St. Petersburg, Florida, before pulling two adults and two teens to safety.

St. Petersburg Fire Rescue District Chief Steve Girk tells local news outlets that firefighters couldn't tell how big the fire was when they arrived early Wednesday because of the plywood over windows. They pulled off the boards to get inside.

The homeowner told firefighters the house lost power during Hurricane Irma.

Investigators don't yet know what caused the fire. Authorities didn't identify the family.

The American Red Cross has been asked to help the family. However they're dealing with a high volume of cases since the hurricane.

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5:20 a.m.

French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting hurricane-hammered St. Barts after reportedly staying overnight on the nearby island of St. Martin on a camp cot.

Macron is on a visit aimed at offering support and solidarity with struggling islanders after his government had been criticized for not doing enough to prepare and help France's Caribbean territories devastated by Hurricane Irma last week.

Macron's office said he stayed overnight on St. Martin on Tuesday and is going to St. Barts on Wednesday with the French health minister, who has warned about diseases spreading on the islands after water supplies, electricity and communication were knocked out for days. French media reports said Macron was sleeping on a camp cot in the police station.

After spending hours meeting with residents of the French side of the shared French-Dutch island of St. Martin on Tuesday, Macron promised to compensate those who have lost homes and livelihoods and to rebuild the island as a "model" of sustainability and durability with a more diversified economy.

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2:10 a.m.

France's president is promising to rebuild stronger Caribbean territories after Hurricane Irma destroyed much of St. Martin and St. Barts.

In a visit to the affected islands, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged anger over the government's response to the disaster.

He brought in much-needed food, water and medical supplies Tuesday and said officials were working to evacuate those who wanted to leave and set up much-needed services for those who choose to stay.

He said France was bringing in air-conditioned tents so children can start classes again soon, and he said a center would be established by Monday to begin processing requests for financial help.

Macron pledged to rebuild St. Martin as a "model" for withstanding future storms.

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1:45 a.m.

Florida residents are drifting back from shelters and far-away havens to see Hurricane Irma's scattershot destruction.

Flooded streets remained Tuesday, and the count of damaged and totaled homes ticked upward even as some curfews were lifted, flights resumed and amusement park rides again twirled.

Crews were working to repair the lone highway connecting the Keys. Residents of some of the islands closest to Florida's mainland were allowed to return and get their first look at the devastation two days after Irma roared in with 130 mph (209 kph) winds.

Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Brock Long says preliminary estimates suggested that 25 percent of the homes in the Keys were destroyed and 65 percent sustained major damage.

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HURRICANE NEWSLETTER - Get the best of the AP's all-formats reporting on Irma and Harvey in your inbox: http://apne.ws/ahYQGtb

Michael Seifert throws a a branch off the roof of a house in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, in Big Pine Key, Fla. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

In this Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, photo, a tree lies on the ground after being ripped up by the roots during Hurricane Irma in the city of Coral Gables, Fla. Many streets in the neighborhood are impassable because they are blocked with fallen trees. (AP Photo/Mary Rajkumar)

Peter Gurlitt, right, loads gas cans into his car after filling up at a station that opened for the first time since Hurricane Irma passed through in Miromar Lakes, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

This photo provided by NASA shows the Mobile Launcher, left, Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), center, and Launch Control Center, center left behind VAB, during an aerial survey of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. The survey was performed to identify structures and facilities that may have sustained damage from Hurricane Irma. NASA's Kennedy Space Center remained closed Tuesday but appeared to have weathered Hurricane Irma well. (Bill White/NASA via AP)

A sign the Pena family put in a tree at the entrance of the Hills of Santa Fe neighborhood, in Gainesville, Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017. During Hurricane Irma water from the Meadowbrook Golf Course rushed over a hill behind the Pena's home and flooded the home with about six feet of water. After Hurricane Irma hit Gainesville, flooded homes and streets seem to be some of the biggest problems residents are dealing with. (Brad McClenny/The Gainsville Sun via AP)

The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. Patients were evacuated after a loss of air conditioning due to Hurricane Irma. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

This Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 photo shows a damaged crane from Hurricane Irma in Miami. Part of the crane fell in a bay-front area filled with hotels and high-rise condo and office buildings, near the AmericanAirlines Arena, where the NBA's Miami Heat play. (DroneBase via AP)

Wilta Desronvil carries fish back to her house that she caught on her flooded street in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Fort Myers, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
JERUSALEM (AP) - An ultra-Orthodox Jewish lawmaker from Israel's Shas party has resigned from parliament after he was criticized for participating in a gay wedding.

Yigal Guetta announced his resignation Wednesday. In a recent radio interview, the 51-year-old lawmaker disclosed that he had a gay nephew who invited him to his wedding. Guetta said he attended out of respect for his relative and despite his own reservations.

The disclosure caused outrage in the ultra-Orthodox community, where homosexuality is taboo, and led to calls from rabbis for the lawmaker to step down.

Shas chairman Arieh Deri said he respected Guetta's decision to resign.

Israel accepts gays serving openly in its military and Tel Aviv is a popular gay-friendly destination. But among the country's conservative ultra-Orthodox community, homosexuality is considered a sin and publicly shunned.
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) - A former administrative assistant to an Arkansas county official has pleaded guilty to fraudulent use of a credit card after prosecutors accused her of using public money to buy personal items, including a tuxedo for her pet pug.

Kristi Goss was set for trial this week but pleaded guilty Monday. Authorities accused Goss of fraudulently charging $200,000 to a Garland County credit card on purchases including the dog tuxedo, a diamond bracelet, tickets to Arkansas Razorbacks sporting events, sequined throw pillows and pet insurance.

Goss had worked as an administrative assistant for the Garland County judge in Hot Springs, about 45 miles (70 kilometers) southwest of Little Rock.

The Sentinel-Record reports Goss will be sentenced Nov. 22. A gag order prevents attorneys from speaking publicly about the case.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Australian family of a woman who was shot and killed by a Minneapolis police officer says they are hoping for a "transparent" process as a prosecutor considers charges in the case.

Justine Ruszczyk (ROOS'-chehk) Damond was shot July 15, minutes after she had called 911 to report a possible sexual assault in the alley behind her home. Officer Mohamed Noor has not talked publicly about the case and declined to be interviewed by state investigators.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension turned its findings over to Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman on Tuesday. Freeman has said he expects to decide on charges before the end of the year.

FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2017, file photo, Johanna Morrow plays the didgeridoo during a memorial service for Justine Damond in Minneapolis. Damond was shot and killed by a Minneapolis police Officer Mohamed Noor on July 15, 2017 after she called 911 to report a possible sexual assault near her home. The investigation in the case of Noor has been handed over to prosecutors for possible charges, investigators and prosecutors announced Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP, File)

A statement from Damond's family in Australia says they "trust that the Hennepin County Attorney's determination will be based on an astute assessment of the facts." They say they are hoping for justice for Damond.
With floodwaters nearing knee height, Arlene Estle fled to the upstairs of the Houston house where she's lived for 50 years and raised four children. It was many hours later before her son-in-law arrived by boat to rescue her.

Her flooded home didn't fare so well. It could be a year, her contractor warned her, before she can return. Until then, she'll have to find some place to rent.

"I'm going to be 83," Estle said one recent morning as her daughter and housekeeper helped try to disinfect her belongings. "This is just a life-changing thing for me to face with making so many decisions. It's just overwhelming."

In this Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, photo, Arlene Estle looks at the damage to her home which was flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, in Houston. Victims of Harvey, desperate to rebuild their homes and lives, are facing the harsh reality that it may take months for an overwhelmed construction industry to address their needs. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Estle is among the fortunate ones. She has flood insurance and a longtime contractor who can start work soon. Most victims of Harvey have neither. Months will be spent struggling to assess damage, navigate federal assistance and apply for loans. Then, victims will have to compete for contractors who have already put prospective clients on waiting lists.

All told, it could take years for some people to rebuild, if they can do it at all. The same could be true of many victims of Hurricane Irma, which caused its own catastrophic damage in Florida, though less than initially feared.

For anyone who needs to repair or rebuild a home or business, the back-to-back hurricanes coincided with a national shortage of carpenters, electricians, drywall installers and other skilled workers. Many construction workers left the industry after the housing bubble burst a decade ago and haven't returned.

With fewer younger workers entering the business, the average age of some construction trades has reached well into middle age. There were 255,000 unfilled construction sector jobs recorded in June, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

On top of the worker shortage, homeowners will pay elevated prices for materials, which had already been rising this year.

"The labor shortage is going to make this take longer, but more importantly, it's going to be more expensive than people think because labor rates are going to go up dramatically," said John Burns, CEO of John Burns Real Estate Consulting, a housing industry research firm.

Few construction companies outside Texas and Florida are eager or equipped to travel there to handle rebuilding. Most are already busy on work closer to home.

"Why would I take a chance on going to Florida or the Gulf Coast for temporary work, where I might not be able to find housing, when I can find steady employment here and now?" said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America.

In Texas, Harvey compounded a heavy demand for housing. Texas had been on pace for 30,000 housing starts in 2017. Now, an estimated 200,000 more homes suddenly need to be repaired or rebuilt. Construction jobs were already taking one or two months longer than usual, said Scott Norman of the Texas Association of Builders.

Nearly 70 percent of Texas contractors had trouble finding concrete workers, electricians, cement masons and carpenters, according to a survey of construction firms that the Associated General Contractors of America conducted in July. Texas has long struggled to replenish its aging construction workforce. The average age of a master electrician in Texas is 59. For plumbers, it's 62.

Stephen McNiel of Creative Property Restoration, a remodeling firm in Houston, received calls from seven flood victims on the day he visited longtime client whose recently restored home had been ruined by Harvey. One came from a woman who had phoned dozens of contractors. All warned her it would be months before they could take on additional work.

"There is a tremendous amount of demand - far more than I'm capable of handling and than everyone I know in my industry is capable of handling," McNiel said.

McNiel said he could use 50 percent more workers but is struggling to find subcontractors. He said he worries that the shortage of skilled labor is being exacerbated by a perceived suspicion of immigrants under President Donald Trump.

"The reality of my industry is that most of the work gets done by immigrants," McNiel said.

Simonson noted Trump's decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which grants a reprieve from deportation to nearly 800,000 immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

"Texas, more than ever, needs people with construction skills from any country," he said.

Victims of the storms can first expect delays in having their property assessed for damage by insurance adjusters. Then, securing financing will become a challenge. Flood insurance coverage has declined in both Texas and Florida as premiums have risen. Many homeowners will have to go into debt or dig into savings to make repairs - or sell their properties.

For homes that have sat the longest in feet-deep water, drywall and insulation will need to be stripped down to studs and dried. Then everything from wooden flooring to electrical systems and interior doors must be rebuilt.

Mary and Duane Hendricks, retirees who live a few streets from Estle, have decided to give up on their home, now flooded for the second time in two years. They still face a prolonged repair process in hopes of selling it. The Hendrickses have begun removing Sheetrock and flooring to prevent mold.

Two years ago, they tried to live in their home while it was being repaired for flood damage and ended up moving out after three months. This time, they arranged a rental even before the hurricane hit. If they can't sell, they will just walk away from the home they bought in 1971, where they raised two children and built a sunroom where they taught yoga in retirement.

"We cannot go back," said Mary Hendricks. "It's a beautiful home, and we've had it for years and we've done a lot of work on it. That's the heartbreaking part."

In Florida, the magnitude of damage from Irma is still coming into focus. But the widespread flooding means Florida will have to compete with Texas for many of the same materials and laborers. Irma spread its destruction over a vast territory, covering all of Florida and causing major damage to Georgia as well.

"It isn't just a few counties - it did damage in county after county," said Douglas Buck of the Florida Home Builders Association. "That's going to make it more difficult for contractors and builders to go where the problem is and help rebuild communities."

In Houston, Estle's contractor, Dan Bawden, urged her to seek a yearlong rental while her house gets fixed. Bawden foresees months of delays in obtaining drywall, interior doors, siding, trim moldings, ceramic tile, cabinets and plywood.

Even before the storm hit, his remodeling firm had a six-month backlog of projects. Now, with eight full-time employees, he's "overwhelmed with more calls coming in that we can respond to." Prospective clients must get on a waiting list.

As Harvey approached, Bawden rushed to secure his network of 60 contractors, knowing they would soon be pulled in different directions. He worries that six months from now, "they are going to want to charge more or go work for someone else."

Florida is no more equipped than Texas to handle a surge of construction demand. Miami still hasn't recovered all the construction jobs lost in the recession. The metro area, which also includes Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, had 130,000 construction workers in August, compared with 168,000 in 2006.

"In our economy, money talks," Simonson said. "People who have the most urgent need in some cases will be able to buy their way to the front of the line."

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Olson reported from New York, Veiga from Los Angeles.

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Associated Press Writer Paul Wiseman in Washington contributed to this report.

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HURRICANE NEWSLETTER - Get the best of the AP's all-formats reporting on Irma and Harvey in your inbox: http://apne.ws/ahYQGtb

In this Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, photo, Arlene Estle talks about the damage to her home caused by floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey, in Houston. Victims of Harvey, desperate to rebuild their homes and lives, are facing the harsh reality that it may take months for an overwhelmed construction industry to address their needs. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

In this Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, photo, books damaged by floodwaters sit on a table inside the home of Arlene Estle, which was damaged by floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey, in Houston. Victims of Hurricane Harvey, desperate to rebuild their homes and lives, are facing the harsh reality that it may take months for an overwhelmed construction industry to address their needs. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

In this Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, photo, Arlene Estle looks toward a window while standing inside her home which was damaged by floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey, in Houston. Victims of Harvey, desperate to rebuild their homes and lives, are facing the harsh reality that it may take months for an overwhelmed construction industry to address their needs. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

In this Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, photo, a remodeling sign sits in a yard outside a home damaged by floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey, in Houston. Victims of Hurricane Harvey, desperate to rebuild their homes and lives, are facing the harsh reality that it may take months for an overwhelmed construction industry to address their needs. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Hamilton County government and the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR, will commemorate the 220th anniversary of the United States Constitution at noon on Monday on the south steps of the Hamilton County Courthouse. The public is encouraged to attend this brief ceremony.

County Mayor Jim Coppinger will preside and will be joined by members of the Hamilton County Commission, the Hamilton County judiciary and CJR Regent Jessica Dumitru.

Across the nation, Constitution Week will be celebrated from Sunday, Sept. 17, through Saturday, Sept. 23, in commemoration events include public gatherings, parades, student programs and veterans events.

The drafting of the U.S. Constitution began on May 25, 1787, when the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the first time at Independence Hall in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation and ended on Sept. 17, 1787, the day the Constitution drafted by the delegates to replace to Articles was adopted and signed. The ratification process required the states to approval the newly written constitution and was an immediate extension of the concept of federalism included in the constitution, the idea that there would be a balance of power between state and national government. When Rhode Island ratified the U. S. Constitution on May 29, 1790, the document became the basis of our representative government.

For more information regarding the Constitution Day Commemoration, email Linda Moss Mines, Hamilton County historian, at localhistorycounts@gmail.com .






Foo Fighters, "Concrete and Gold" (Roswell/RCA Records)

When it was learned the Foo Fighters had turned to a polished pop producer for their next album - a hitmaker for Sia, no less - you could be forgiven for fearing the band was shedding their hard-charging skin. After listening to "Concrete and Gold," it's clear that's a bunch of fooey.

Greg Kurstin, a member of the indie-pop duo the Bird and the Bee who produced Adele's "Hello" and Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," has actually pushed the band into some harder places over the 11 tracks. The Foos can't stop rocking, even despite an uncredited appearance by Justin Timberlake.

This image released by Roswell Records/RCA shows "Concrete and Gold," the latest release by the Foo Fighters. (Roswell Records/RCA via AP)

Take the outstanding "Run," which starts with smoldering chords and soft vocals before building into an apex of thrash metal with Dave Grohl impressively reaching deep into his throat, only to repeat the sonic cycle again - and again. This is thrilling, heroic rock, and even harder than the blistering, Grammy-winning single "White Limo" from 2011.

"Make It Right" finds the Foos doing their best '70s stomping rock impersonation and it goes down well (listen closely and you'll hear JT offer background harmonizing.) "La Dee Da" is a jolt of glam rock with distorted vocals and nihilistic lyrics. "Dirty Water" is a shimmering, blissed-out slice of '60s-inspired alt-rock with an assist from the Bird and the Bee's Inara George that morphs into a head-banger. The dirge-like title song is reminiscent of classic Pink Floyd.

Typically, even when Grohl and Co. try a soft approach - like on the terrific "Arrows" - it's only a matter of time before they're smashing away at their instruments. The only exception is the "Happy Ever After (Zero Hour)," a pitch-dark acoustic oddity that sticks out for its lack of bite.

The band takes a step toward more Kings of Leon-like arena rock with "The Line" and "Sunday Rain" - featuring, bizarrely, Sir Paul McCartney on drums. And the single, "The Sky Is a Neighborhood," is a strained reach for a radio hit. But we shouldn't have worried about a total pop sound: With the Foos, you simply can't get anything but full-throttle rock. It's messy but it's definitely not pop.

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Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on Congress and health care legislation (all times local):

2 p.m.

President Donald Trump says he supports a new effort by two Republican senators to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama's signature health care law.

Senate Budget Committee members Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., left, and Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., leave a closed-door meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and Trump's top economic adviser Gary Cohn, as they struggle with a tax code overhaul, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. The as-yet-undrafted bill to overhaul the tax code is the top priority for Trump and Republicans after the collapse of their effort to dismantle Barack Obama's health care law. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Trump says in a statement Wednesday that "inaction is not an option." He applauds Sens. Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy for "continuing to work toward a solution."

Their legislation would do away with many of the subsidies and mandates of the 2010 law. It would provide block grants to states to help individuals pay for health coverage.

Previous attempts this year to repeal "Obamacare" have failed, and with attention shifting to a tax overhaul, it's unclear how much energy the White House will put into the Graham-Cassidy effort.

The White House issued the statement after Graham used a news conference to urge Trump to "pick up the phone" and round up support from governors.

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11:47 a.m.

Four Republican senators are introducing a long-shot attempt to roll back much of former President Barack Obama's health insurance law.

Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina says the bill "is the best and only" chance for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.

The senators are unveiling their legislation at a news conference Wednesday on Capitol Hill.

The legislation seeks to do away with the various subsidies and mandates that encompass the current health law and instead provides block grants to the states to help individuals pay for health coverage.

The senators say states are better equipped than Washington to determine how best to meet the needs of their residents.

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9 a.m.

Sen. Bernie Sanders is offering legislation to expand Medicare to provide health insurance for all Americans.

They would get health coverage simply by showing a new government-issued card. And they'd no longer owe out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles.

But the Vermont independent's description of the legislation lacks specifics about how much it would cost and final decisions about how he'd pay for it.

Sanders was unveiling his bill Wednesday, the same day Republican senators were rolling out details of a last-ditch effort to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's health care law.

Sanders' bill won't go anywhere with President Donald Trump in the White House and Republicans controlling Congress. But it's a touchstone for the Democratic Party's liberal, activist base.

The Republican effort to dismantle Obama's law is also a long shot.

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4:06 a.m.

Liberal Sen. Bernie Sanders is ready to unveil his bill for creating a system where the government provides health insurance for everybody.

Republican senators are ready to release details of a last-ditch effort to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's health care law.

Besides focusing on health, the rival packages have something else in common. Neither is likely going anywhere soon.

Republican senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Louisiana's Bill Cassidy are releasing a plan to dismantle Obama's statute. So far, they're having trouble rounding up the votes they'd need to prevail.

Sanders' proposal is to expand Medicare to cover all Americans.

Liberals love the Vermont independent's package. But many Democrats worry Republicans will accuse them of wanting a huge tax increase to pay for it.

In this July 9, 2017 photo, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a "Care Not Cuts" rally in support of the Affordable Care Act in Covington, Ky. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is declining to endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders' universal health care bill saying that while she has long supported the idea the bill captures, of everybody getting health coverage, "Right now I'm protecting the Affordable Care Act." (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) - An official says a suicide attack by a girl at a mosque in northern Cameroon has killed at least four people near the border with Nigeria.

Cameroon's Far North governor Midjiyawa Bakari says the girl entered the mosque in Sanda-Wadjiri early Wednesday and detonated explosives. He would not give more details.

Residents say two other people wounded in the attack have since died.

The Nigeria-based Boko Haram extremist group attacks countries, including Cameroon, that contribute to a regional military force trying to eliminate the insurgency.

Boko Haram is increasingly using child bombers.

An Amnesty International report last week said nearly 400 people have died in Boko Haram suicide bombings in Cameroon and Nigeria since April. It said Cameroon has experienced at least one suicide attack per week.
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) - Hashim Amla smashed a half century and Thisara Perera provided an excellent finish with a 19-ball 47 as World XI defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 international on Wednesday.

"Hash (Amla) told me to stay till the last moment because we can catch up," man-of-the-match Perera said. "It's a habit for me to be in this situation."

Amla hit five fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 72 off 55 balls, but it was Perera's explosive knock which included four sixes that got World XI to the target of 175-3 in 19.5 overs.

World XI batsman Hashim Amla acknowledges his fifty during the second Twenty20 match at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Pakistan, which was restricted to 174-6, looked on top in the 14th over when it dismissed captain Faf du Plessis for 106-3.

But Perera took charge in the last five overs as he cut loose against Pakistan seamers Sohail Khan and Rumman Raees.

Needing 33 runs off the last two overs, Perera and Amla took 20 off Sohail's 19th over that saw Shoaib Malik dropping the Sri Lankan left-hander's easy catch at long off.

Perera ensured World XI takes the series to the decisive game Friday game when he reached victory in style by hoisting left-armer Raees over the long-on boundary.

Pakistan won the first match by 20 runs on Tuesday but struggled to contain World XI's strong batting line-up after its frontline fast bowler Hasan Ali was ruled out of Wednesday's game due to back strain.

Earlier, Pakistan's top order batsmen couldn't convert good starts after captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat first.

Left-hander Fakhar Zaman (21) hit Australian seamer Ben Cutting for three boundaries in the second over of the innings but was trapped leg before wicket by West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree (2-31).

Badree was one of two changes made by World XI along with England's Paul Collingwood - playing his first international since retiring in 2011.

Top-scorer Babar Zaman (45), who hit a career-best 86 in the first game on Tuesday, and Ahmed Shehzad (43) added 59 runs off 39 balls before both holed out in the deep while looking to accelerate the run rate.

Perera then accounted for the wickets of Imad Wasim (15) and dismissed captain Sarfraz Ahmed without scoring in the 19th over as Pakistan slipped to 157-5.

Pakistan's experienced batsman Malik (39) lifted the total when he hit Cutting for two sixes in his 23-ball knock.

Malik, playing in his 88th T20 international, became Pakistan's highest scorer in the format and surpassed Umar Akmal's total of 1,690 runs before he holed out off the last ball.

"We were a little sloppy today in the field," Ahmed said. "The score was good enough, but if the execution was better in defending, we would have pulled it off."

Pakistan army soldiers arrive at Gaddafi stadium ahead of a match between Pakistan and the World XI team, in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. World cricket governing body ICC wants international teams back in Pakistan after an eight-year absence due to security concerns but cautioned that it could be a "long process." (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

World XI batsman Hashim Amla, right, runs between the wickets with his partner Thisara Perera during the second Twenty20 match at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Pakistan cricket fans praise World XI players during the second Twenty20 match at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - A fourth person has been arrested on a charge of assaulting an organizer of the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Police said Wednesday that 35-year-old Phoebe LaFroy Stevens turned herself in on Tuesday. Two other men were arrested over the weekend on charges of assaulting Unite the Right organizer Jason Kessler, who was mobbed after he tried to hold a news conference the day after violence erupted in Charlottesville.

Another man was accused of spitting on Kessler and immediately charged with misdemeanor assault.

Charlottesville police Lt. Steve Upman said in an email that at least 14 people have been arrested in connection to the rallies and protests that weekend. The charges range from second-degree murder to malicious wounding to failure to disperse in a riot.
PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Latest on the sentencing of a Pennsylvania woman convicted of drowning her two youngest sons in their bathtub: (all times local):

A Pennsylvania woman who drowned her two youngest sons in their bathtub because she felt that would enable her to be a better mother to their older brother has been sentenced to 30 to 80 years in prison.

An Allegheny County judge in March found 44-year-old Laurel Schlemmer guilty but mentally ill of third-degree murder after hearing three days of testimony and arguments.

The judge called the sentence imposed Wednesday a de-facto life term given the defendant's age.

The McCandless woman's attorney had argued that her diminished mental capacity kept her from forming the intent to kill her sons, 6-year-old Daniel and 3-year-old Luke, in April 2014.

Schlemmer has told police that she killed the boys so she could be a better mother to their elder brother, who was 7 at the time.

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8 a.m.

A Pennsylvania woman who drowned her two youngest sons in their bathtub because she felt that would enable her to be a better mother to their older brother faces sentencing.

An Allegheny County judge in March found 44-year-old Laurel Schlemmer guilty but mentally ill of third-degree murder after hearing three days of testimony and arguments.

She faces up to 40 years in prison per child when she is sentenced Wednesday.

The McCandless woman's attorney had argued her diminished mental capacity kept her from forming the intent to kill her sons, 6-year-old Daniel and 3-year-old Luke, in April 2014.

Schlemmer has told police she killed the boys so she could be a better mother to their elder brother, who was 7 at the time.
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A 15-year-old boy who allegedly opened fire on his high school classmates, and killed his best friend, simulated shootings in bizarre YouTube videos and was known to post violent messages on social media.

Caleb Sharpe walked into Freeman High School in Rockford, Washington, on Wednesday morning, armed with a rifle and a handgun, and started shooting, police say.

A boy, identified by witnesses as Sam Strahan, was shot in the head and killed when he confronted Sharpe in the hallway to try to stop the attack before it began.

Sharpe then gunned down and wounded three girls as students frantically ran down the corridors screaming.

A member of staff then heroically stepped in and put an end to the rampage, authorities have said. Students said the second floor, next to the school's biology labs, was left covered in blood.

Terrified students were seen in photos hiding under desks in classrooms as the school was placed on lockdown. Sharpe was then apprehended and taken to a juvenile detention facility.

Michael Harper, a 15-year-old sophomore, said the suspect had brought notes in the beginning of the school year, saying he was going to do 'something stupid' and might get killed or jailed.

Harper said the shooter had many friends and was not bullied, calling him 'nice and funny and weird' and a huge fan of the TV show 'Breaking Bad.' He also said the suspect was obsessed with other school shootings.

Around a month before the attack, Sharpe posted a strange footage of himself shooting a toy gun. He added sound effects and graphics simulating gun blasts to the clip to make it appear more realistic.

Scroll down for video

Caleb Sharpe, 15, walked into Freeman High School in Rockford, Washington, on Wednesday morning, armed with a rifle and a handgun, and started shooting, police say

Sharpe was obsessed with guns and violent TV shows such as 'Breaking Bad', according to classmates. Around a month before the attack he uploaded a video simulating the shootings

The strange video shows himself shooting a toy gun. He added sound effects and graphics simulating gun blasts to the video.

Other students said Sharpe was passing out notes saying he was planning on doing 'something stupid that could get him killed'

A student at Freeman High School in Rockford, Washington, shared this photograph of students sitting on the floor during the shooting on Wednesday

Sharpe is known to post messages on social media with violent themes. He is seen above recording himself on YouTube while holding a gun in a screenshot of this undated video

Victim: Sam Strahan (left) was killed as he tried to stop the shooter. The 15-year-old's father Scott (with him left) died earlier this year in a car accident. High school custodian Joe Bowen (right with his wife) convinced the gunman to stop shooting

The three wounded students were rushed to hospital and are expected to survive.

The shooter brought two weapons to Freeman High School in Rockford, south of Spokane, but the first one he tried to fire jammed, Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich told reporters.

'He went to his next weapon,' Knezovich said. 'A student walked up to him, engaged him, and that student was shot. That student did not survive.'

The sheriff said the shooter fired more rounds down the hallway, striking the other students, before a school custodian approached the shooter and ordered him to surrender, Knezovich said.

Knezovich called it a courageous act that prevented further bloodshed.

The sheriff said a deputy who works as a school resource officer arrived shortly thereafter and took the shooter into custody.

Elisa Vigil, a 14-year-old freshman, said she saw one male student shot in the head who janitors covered with a cloth and another female student wounded in the back.

In another social media post, Sharpe is seen holding a large bullet in his right hand

The three wounded students were rushed to hospital and are expected to survive

Authorities say no officers fired their weapons and Sharpe had been disabled by the time officers arrived. The image above shows Sharpe in the foreground and a table in the background with two guns on top of it

The classmate said Sharpe had brought notes to school in the beginning of the year, saying he might get killed or jailed

'He never really seemed like that person who had issues,' Harper said of Sharpe

Sharpe's social media posts indicate a person who was obsessed with violence

This video from YouTube shows a friend of Sharpe's running with a gun during a mock simulation

Sharpe is seen in the above screenshot from a YouTube video holding what appears to be a rifle

A friend of Sharpe's is seen in the above YouTube video simulating war games in an outdoor jacuzzi

Sharpe and the boy he killed were said to be 'best friends,' according to a woman whose child attends the school

Harper said Sharpe had been watching documentaries about other school shootings before Wednesday's incident.

'One of my best friends brought a gun in a duffel bag to school and I guess three people were shot and one was killed and we all hid in the corner of our home room,' Harper said.

'We were all crying and texting. We heard the gunshot and heard everyone running and screaming.'

One student said Sharpe sent him photographs of a school shooting documentary he'd been watching recently but that he never imagined he would ever commit such violence.

'I was thinking that maybe it wasn't my friend but then I had an idea it was all the documentaries he's been watching and thinking he sent me a picture on Snapchat when we were talking and it was a documentary and I was like: 'There's no way he could do this!' Now I'm thinking he might actually have gone through with it.'

The shooting sent worried parents to the school in a frenzied rush, authorities said.

Students were evacuated from Freeman High School in Rockford, Washington (above) shortly after the shooting

A student is seen being taken away from the school after reuniting with her family

Parents were seen taking their younger children out of the nearby elementary and middle school afterwards

Parents flocked to the scene and were forced to wait for news behind police lines

There was a flock of police cars and parents' vehicles shortly after the shooting at 10am on Wednesday

Brian Schaeffer of the Spokane Fire Department said the shooting was especially hard for first responders, many of whom have children at the school.

A two-lane road into the community of about 500 people near the Idaho border was clogged with vehicles.

Some people abandoned their cars on the street to make it to their children.

Cheryl Moser said her son, a freshman at Freeman High School, called her from a classroom after hearing shots fired.

'He called me and said, 'Mom, there are gunshots.' He sounded so scared. I've never heard him like that,' Moser told The Spokesman-Review newspaper.

'You never think about something happening like this at a small school.'

Spokane County Sheriff's Officers rushed to the scene and went 'floor to floor'. Authorities say the shooter was 'eliminated' but will not say if they are still alive

Terrified parents were told to go to the campus football field to await more information

Spokane Fire Department Chief Brian Schaeffer said the suspect was in custody

Authorities didn't immediately release the ages of the victims.

Stephanie Lutje told The Associated Press that she was relieved to hear her son was safe after his high school near Freeman was put on lock down.

She commended the school district for its communication.

'It's been amazing, within probably 15-20 minutes of hearing about it, I'd already received a phone call, I'd already received a text message saying that their school is OK,' she said.

She still worried for others she knew, including a co-worker who had yet to hear from her son, a sophomore at Freeman.

'My stomach's in knots right now,' she said.

Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement that 'all Washingtonians are thinking of the victims and their families, and are grateful for the service of school staff and first responders working to keep our students safe.'


CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Protesters who draped a black shroud over a statue of Thomas Jefferson at the University of Virginia were "desecrating" ground many people consider "sacred," the president of the Charlottesville college said Wednesday.

UVA President Teresa Sullivan sent separate statements to the university community and to alumni after dozens of protesters gathered on campus Tuesday night to protest the university's response to white nationalist rallies this summer.

The demonstrators covered the statue of Jefferson, the third president of the United States and UVA's founder, and put up signs that called him a "rapist" and "racist," The Daily Progress reported .

A group of protesters stand in front of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia for the one month anniversary of the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Va., Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. The group circled around the statue of Thomas Jefferson before covering it with black tarp and listing demands for the university. (Zack Wajsgras/The Daily Progress via AP)

The statue stands in front of the Rotunda, which Jefferson designed and where white nationalists carrying tiki torches clashed with counter-demonstrators just over a month ago. That march on campus was followed the next day by a larger rally in downtown Charlottesville that descended into violence.

Sullivan said she strongly disagreed with the demonstrators' decision to shroud the statue, writing in the statement sent to alumni that they were "desecrating" ground that "many of us consider sacred." One person was arrested for public intoxication and the shroud has since been removed, she said.

She wrote that Jefferson was a slave owner and that the university was dependent on slavery in its early years. Many historians also say Jefferson likely fathered six children with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings.

But Sullivan said Jefferson also "made many contributions to the progress of the early American Republic: he served as the third President of the United States, championed religious freedom, and authored the Declaration of Independence."

The university has "acknowledged its controversial history," though there is "more work to be done," she wrote.

The protesters called for the university to meet demands issued by the Black Student Alliance and other organizations after the white nationalist rallies, including the removal of Confederate plaques on the Rotunda and the addition of context to the Jefferson statue.

In a statement late Wednesday night, the Black Student Alliance said Sullivan's "sacred" ground comment showed "the need to continue to balance the historical landscape at UVA in order to make it inclusive for all groups."

It is "unlikely that the hundreds of slaves who built the space and worked there ever considered it sacred," the statement said.

A group of university leaders is reviewing UVA's response to the August rallies, and the college has also hired an outside firm to conduct a separate review.

___

This item has been updated to correct that the university did not remove the shroud. The university says it dispatched workers to remove the covering, but it was already gone when they arrived.

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Information from: The Daily Progress, http://www.dailyprogress.com
PLANO, Texas (AP) - An injured hawk that sought refuge in a Houston taxicab before Harvey made landfall last month has been returned to the wild.

Cabdriver William Bruso dubbed the female Cooper's hawk "Harvey the Hurricane Hawk" in online videos . He found her Aug. 25 before the hurricane made landfall that night and took her home. As Harvey's rains fell the next day, Liz Compton of the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition Wildlife Center picked her up.

Compton says the hawk couldn't fly because of head trauma, probably from flying into something.

Blackland Prairie Raptor Center executive director Erich Newport, left, and cab driver William Bruso of Houston release Harvey, a juvenile Cooper's hawk that darted into Burso's cab during Hurricane Harvey, to the wild at Oak Point Park Nature Preserve in Plano, Texas, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. The cab driver's video of the hawk in his car and later in his apartment went viral. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

After a week and a half of treatment by Compton, the hawk was taken to a center near Dallas for exercise before being released.

A spokesman for the Dallas suburb of Plano says she was released in a park there Wednesday.
PITTSBURGH (AP) - A Pennsylvania woman who drowned her two youngest sons in their bathtub because she felt that would enable her to be a better mother to their older brother was sentenced to 30 to 80 years in prison.

Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning called the sentence imposed Wednesday on 44-year-old Laurel Schlemmer a de-facto life term given her age.

The judge found Schlemmer guilty but mentally ill of two counts of third-degree murder in March, so she'll begin her sentence in a state mental hospital and be moved to prison if doctors ever deem her cured.

Laurel Schlemmer, center, is escorted to court by Allegheny County Sheriffs for her sentencing hearing, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, in Pittsburgh. Schlemmer, who drowned her two youngest sons in their bathtub because she felt that would enable her to be a better mother to their older brother, was sentenced to 30 to 80 years in prison. (Lake Fong/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP)

The McCandless woman's attorney had argued her diminished mental capacity kept her from forming the intent to kill her sons, 6-year-old Daniel and 3-year-old Luke, in April 2014.

Schlemmer's husband, parents and surviving son, who was 7 years old at the time of the incident, weren't in court.

Manning had delayed the sentencing for a month, because he was concerned Schlemmer might not be mentally competent. But he said a psychiatrist found no symptoms of any of the mental illnesses Schlemmer suffered from when she killed her sons.

Doctors told the judge before trial that she often wouldn't take her medications and her symptoms were aggravated. But prior to sentencing, the judge said she was on medication.

Schlemmer reported her mood as a "seven" on a scale of one to 10, a statement Assistant District Attorney Lisa Pellegrini ridiculed in her arguments to the judge.

"A mother who killed her children?" said Pellegrini, who sought the maximum possible prison term, 40 to 80 years. "How can she be a seven out of 10?"

Defense attorney Michael Machen blamed Schlemmer's crimes on a lack of readily available mental health care, noting the state hospital where she spent much of her time since her arrest was about 60 miles (96.6 kilometers) from Pittsburgh. Two character witnesses described Schlemmer as "kind and caring" and noted her volunteer work as a Sunday school teacher and choir member.

"This is the same church where the pastor told her to stop taking her medicines?" Pellegrini asked one witness.

Schlemmer professed deep remorse and told the judge she thought she'd be ideally suited to volunteer as a prison chaplain, and looked forward to contributing to society upon her release.

That didn't sit well with prosecutors, who noted Schlemmer didn't mention her dead sons by name.

"It's almost inconceivable that their names were not mentioned during the sentencing hearing," said the district attorney's spokesman Mike Manko.

Psychiatrists for the prosecution and defense testified in March that Schlemmer was obsessed with the idea that her two youngest sons were autistic and would never grow up normally, even though a battery of tests she put them through showed otherwise.

Schlemmer met her husband, Mark, on a Christian singles online dating site. She told psychiatrists she felt "pressured" to have more children as her husband opted not to use birth control for religious reasons.

Schlemmer also had three miscarriages and felt the younger sons were "foreign" to her and her husband and not as compliant as their oldest boy, according to Dr. Bruce Wright, the prosecution's expert.

Schlemmer drowned the younger boys after taking her oldest son to a school bus stop.

She told psychiatrists she tried to kill Luke and Daniel in April 2013 by tying their hands and feet with twine and backing over them with her car three times, but then claimed it was an accident. Police and social workers also determined it was an accident. Schlemmer told her husband days before the drownings that she wanted to confess to that crime, but he talked her out of it, prosecutors said.

Laurel Schlemmer, center, is escorted to court by Allegheny County Sheriffs for her sentencing hearing, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, in Pittsburgh. Schlemmer, who drowned her two youngest sons in their bathtub because she felt that would enable her to be a better mother to their older brother, was sentenced to 30 to 80 years in prison. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Laurel Schlemmer, center, is escorted to court by Allegheny County Sheriffs for her sentencing hearing, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, in Pittsburgh. Schlemmer, who drowned her two youngest sons in their bathtub because she felt that would enable her to be a better mother to their older brother, was sentenced to 30 to 80 years in prison. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
The Cress Gallery of Art UTC announces the Fall 2017 Diane Marek Visiting Artists exhibit is Sonnenzimmer in conjunction with their exhibition Cafe Avatar. The exhibition will run Sept. 26-Nov. 3.

There will be an Diane Marek Visitin Artist Series Activities Sept. 25-28. An Artists Lecture will be held Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 5:30 p.m. in Benwood Auditorium, Room 230, EMCS Building, corner of Vine and Palmetto Streets, followed by an opening reception directly across Vine Street at the Cress.

Other Diane Marek Visiting Artist events open to campus and the public include Process and Materials Session: Wednesday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-noon at Cress Gallery; Professionalism Session: Wednesday, Sept. 27, 4-5 p.m. Room 356, Fine Arts Center; Professionalism Session: Thursday, Sept. 28, 12:151:30 p.m., Room 201, EMCS directly across Vine Street from the Fine Arts Center.

This exhibition and all Diane Marek Series events are open to the public. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

Review for Sonnenzimmer:



Welcome to Cafe Avatar. When are you looking inward? When are you looking out? Where is it we stand when we gather? As humanity enters a new graphic skin, how will we remember our physical selves...or are we becoming computational mochas?  Sonnenzimmer

Chicago-based publishers, printers, artists, and musicians, Nick Butcher and Nadine Nakanishi have worked across numerous media in their evolving decade-long collaboration known as Sonnenzimmer. Equal parts balancing act between art and design and a radical reclamation of all aspects of visual expression, their practice remains grounded in the lasting potential of the graphic arts. While exploring the physical and conceptual friction between abstraction and communication, they examine how our humanity is being defined by the substrate of media.

During their spring 2017 Artists-in-Residency on the campus of Facebook, the duo found that our old-school art making was confronted with a very fast, digital environment. As part of that experience, Mr. Butcher and Ms. Nakanishi published the essay Graphic Arts Future: Corporeal Knowledge. Their Cress exhibition, Cafe Avatar, is a distinctive and highly original visual manifestation born from those thoughts, and their continued observations and investigations about the role of graphic art and our existence within an accelerating digital climate. The noun avatar has passed through many meanings, from incarnation in earthy form to embodiment in virtual reality, yet always associated with a concept, an affiliation, or self-identity. In the words of Sonnenzimmer, Cafe Avatar will convert the gallery into a familiar formata sort of ecological interface.

Cafe Avatar is comprised of original screen and wood block prints designed and pulled by hand onto non-traditional surfaces, along with sculpture, animation, sound work, illustration and text, all new work never exhibited before. Outside the doors of the Cress, an additional selection of Sonnenzimmers previous objects, printed works, and publications are featured in the lobby cases of the Fine Arts Center.

Mr. Butcher and Ms. Nakanishi established their collaboration as Sonnenzimmer in 2006 in Chicago, Il. Initially recognized for their idiosyncratic commissioned screen-printed posters, their practice has since morphed into an interdisciplinary toolshed spanning multiple platforms, including exhibitions, performance, publishing and design. They have exhibited in the United States, China, and Europe with recent exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; Arts Club of Chicago, Chicago; Vebikus Kunsthalle Schaffhausen, Switzerland; and Texas Sate University, San Marcos. They have lectured and led workshops in academic and commercial settings, including The Facebook Artist-in-Residence Program, Menlo Park, California; The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago; California Institute for the Arts, Valencia; Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis; Pratt Institute, New York City; and Aalto University, Helsinki, Finland. For more information about the artists visit www.sonnenzimmer.com

The Cress Gallery of Art is in the lobby of the UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St. at the corner of Vine and Palmetto Streets. The EMCS Building is at 735 Vine.

Parking: After 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends, visitors to the Cress may park free in any nearby lot not marked 24 hour reserved. Before 5 p.m. on weekdays, visitors may find limited nearby street parking or park in the 5th Street Garage near MacKenzie Arena for a $4 fee and stroll across campus to Vine St. For more parking information and lot maps

visit http://www.utc.edu/auxiliary-services

For more information about the exhibition and the Diane Marek Series community and campus events, visit www.cressgallery.org, like the Cress Gallery on Facebook, or contact Ruth Grover at ruth-grover@utc.edu or 304-9789.

If requiring accommodations for this event, please contact the UTC Department of Art at 425-4178, email Patricia_Kelley@utc.edu, or contact the UTC Disability Resource Center at 425-4006,

email Michelle-Rigler@utc.edu a week prior to the event.






WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump has selected a Texas attorney and supporter to join the beleaguered Federal Election Commission.

Trump appointed James "Trey" Trainor III, a well-known election-law specialist based in Austin, to the panel that monitors and polices federal campaign fundraising and spending. The position requires Senate confirmation.

Trainor would serve a term that expires in April 2021, according to a White House announcement Tuesday night.

In this Jan. 11, 2017 photo, Trey Trainor, an Austin attorney specializing in election law who played a critical role for the Trump campaign at the Republican convention, poses with Trump campaign stickers at the Akerman Law Firm in Austin, Texas. The White House announced on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2017, that President Donald Trump has appointed Trainor to the Federal Election Commission. (Ralph Barrera/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

The FEC is typically made up of six commissioners, and by law no more than three can be from the same political party. At least four votes are required to take action on any enforcement matter, explaining why the politically divided FEC has deadlocked repeatedly in recent years.

Trainor is pictured in a January Austin American-Statesman story grinning broadly and holding pro-Trump signs.

In this Jan. 11, 2017 photo, Trey Trainor, an Austin attorney specializing in election law who played a critical role for the Trump campaign at the Republican convention, speaks during an interview at the Akerman Law Firm in Austin, Texas. The White House announced on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2017, that President Donald Trump has appointed Trainor to the Federal Election Commission. (Ralph Barrera/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

In this Jan. 11, 2017 photo, Trey Trainor, an Austin attorney specializing in election law who played a critical role for the Trump campaign at the Republican convention, poses with a Trump campaign sticker at the Akerman Law Firm in Austin, Texas. The White House announced on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2017, that President Donald Trump has appointed Trainor to the Federal Election Commission. (Ralph Barrera/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
FRANKFORT, Ind. (AP) - A central Indiana jury has convicted a former deputy town marshal in the death of his wife who was shot with his police weapon.

Clinton County jurors reached the guilty verdict Wednesday against 57-year-old Keith Smith of Frankfort on charges he murdered 50-year-old Lisa Smith. WLFI-TV reports prosecutors maintained that Smith was jealous of a relationship between his wife and another man when the shooting happened at their home in March 2016.

Smith told investigators that he and his wife argued and that he then got his gun to demonstrate how they could have a "suicide pact." He said he accidentally shot her when trying to shoot himself.

Smith was a deputy marshal for the town of Colfax and previously a Clinton County sheriff's deputy.

His sentencing is set for October.

___

Information from: WLFI-TV, http://www.wlfi.com/
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump says Americans are grateful for the many contributions Latinos make to the United States.

On Wednesday, Trump signed a proclamation marking Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. In the proclamation, Trump mentions that Hispanic-owned small businesses are the fastest growing businesses in America.

He says 60 Latinos in the Armed Forces have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

"Hispanic Americans are a testament to the American promise that anyone can succeed in the United States through hard work," the document reads.

Trump upset many Latinos when he referred to Mexican immigrants as "criminals" back in 2015. And his campaign promise that a wall will be built along the U.S.-Mexico border has been controversial among Latinos.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on former national security adviser Michael Flynn (all times local):

5:45 p.m.

A professional editor who worked for Michael Flynn's now-defunct consulting company says he was interviewed by the FBI this week. Flynn is under scrutiny by investigators as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Editor Hank Cox tells The Associated Press that the agents' questions Tuesday centered on the roles played by Flynn and his business partner, Bijan R. Kian, in the development of an op-ed that ran last November under Flynn's name in The Hill, a Washington political newspaper.

The pro-Turkish op-ed published on Election Day quickly prompted a Justice Department inquiry. That probe resulted in Flynn acknowledging in March that his consulting company's work last year for a Turkish client may have aided the interests of Turkey's government.

___

7 a.m.

President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, is facing new scrutiny over a June 2015 trip to the Middle East that he didn't report as part of his security clearance background check.

Two Democratic lawmakers say in a letter released Wednesday that business associates of Flynn confirmed he went on the trip. Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland and Rep. Eliot Engel of New York also say documents they've gathered over the summer show Flynn also may have failed to disclose contacts he had with Israeli and Egyptian officials.

The trip was part of a private proposal to build nuclear power plants across the Middle East. Flynn has previously faced scrutiny over foreign contacts he didn't report to the government. Robert Kelner, an attorney for Flynn, declined comment.
BALTIMORE (AP) - A pregnant Maryland teacher who was missing for more than a week has been found dead in a shallow grave, and her boyfriend is charged with her slaying, police said Wednesday.

Montgomery County police Chief Thomas Manger said at a news conference that investigators found the body of Laura Wallen in a shallow grave in Damascus, about 38 miles west of Washington on Wednesday. She was four months pregnant.

Wallen's boyfriend, Tyler Tessier, was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with murder in her death. Police are waiting for autopsy results on the cause of death, and Manger said they don't know about a motive.

This undated image provided by the Montgomery County Police Department shows Laura Wallen. Police in Maryland say Wallen, a pregnant teacher who was missing for more than a week, has been found dead in a shallow grave, and her boyfriend, Tyler Tessier, is charged with her slaying. Montgomery County police Chief Thomas Manger said at a news conference that she was found in Damascus, about 38 miles west of Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (Montgomery County Police Department via AP)

Wallen's parents spoke at a news conference Monday and announced a $25,000 reward for information that led to her. Tessier sat with the parents, holding their hands, and cried through a brief statement.

"It was a calculated decision made by detectives to have Tessier attend the event and speak," Manger said. "It was done with the approval and knowledge of the victim's family."

Wallen, 31, was a teacher at a high school in neighboring Howard County. She didn't show up for the first day of school on Sept. 5.

Police had said early in the investigation that the last communications from Wallen were text messages to her family Monday. Those text messages were sent by Tessier from Wallen's phone, Manger said.

While Wallen was missing, Tessier was seen several times at the site where her body was found, police said. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property, Manger said, and officers with cadaver dogs found the shallow grave.

Tessier will have a bail review hearing Thursday, Manger said. It could not be immediately determined if he has a lawyer.
Three men, including two British soldiers, have appeared in court charged with terror offences over their alleged membership of a banned neo-Nazi group.

Lance Corporal Mikko Vehvilainen and Private Mark Barrett are accused along with Alexander Deakin of being part of the proscribed organisation National Action.

They were allegedly all members of a chat group exchanging racist messages, including plans for a white-only Britain and a race war.

Westminster Magistrates' Court

Vehvilainen is also charged with possessing a document containing information likely to be useful for terrorism and publishing material which is threatening, abusive or insulting.

He allegedly posted comments on the website Christogenea.org intending to stir up racial hatred and had a copy of 2083: A European Declaration of Independence by Andrew Berwick (Anders Breivik).

The 32-year-old is also charged with possessing pepper spray.

Barrett, 24, faces a single charge of membership of National Action, contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000.

They are all due to appear on September 21 for a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)

Deakin faces the same charge as well as possession of documents likely to be useful to a person preparing to commit an act of terrorism and distribution of a terrorist publication.

The 22-year-old allegedly had a copy of white resistance manual for fun and sent ethnic cleansing operations to people over Skype.

The three men appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, all wearing grey jumpers.

After confirming his details to the court Deakin said: Im a prisoner of conscience, I believe Im innocent of these charges.

He and Vehvilainen gave no indication of plea, while Barrett pleaded not guilty.

Vehvilainen, based at Sennybridge Camp, Brecon, Powys, Barrett, who is based at Gaza Crescent, Dhekelia Garrison, Cyprus, and Deakin, from Beacon Road, Great Barr in Birmingham, were all remanded in custody.

They are all due to appear on September 21 for a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey.

National Action, described by the Home Office as virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic, became the first extreme right-wing group to be banned under terrorism laws in December 2016.
Real Madrid will kick-start their bid for a hat-trick of Champions League titles by hosting APOEL Nicosia at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Here, Press Association Sport examines five key talking points for the Group H opener.

Real start the quest for La Decimotercera

Real Madrid are aiming to win the European Cup for the 13th time (Nick Potts/PA)

Europes dominant Champions League force remain intent on flexing their continental supremacy still further by targeting a 13th title. Real enter this terms competition as back-to-back winners, further underscoring their hold on Europes elite tournament.

Real spent 12 lean years labouring to their 10th Champions League win, long dubbed La Decima and so craved by supporters. But with that monkey long since off their backs, Real expect to keep racking up the titles. And the Spanish press have already branded this years Champions League assault as La Decimotercera, the 13th.

Cristiano Ronaldo to the rescue for Real

Cristiano Ronaldo is not banned for Champions League matches (Nick Potts/PA)

Real have struggled in front of goal in grinding to two draws in three matches of a below-par opening to the new LaLiga season. To add to those concerns striker Karim Benzema suffered a hamstring injury in the weekends 1-1 draw with Levante.

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently serving a five-match ban for pushing the referee after being sent off in Reals Spanish Super Cup clash with Barcelona. That ban does not extend to the Champions League, however, so Ronaldos presence provides a timely boost to boss Zinedine Zidanes resources.

Can APOEL spring a surprise?

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real thumped APOEL 8-2 in the 2011/12 quarter-finals, so the Cypriot visitors will be fully aware of the might of Wednesdays hosts. APOEL striker Mickael Pote summed up the magnitude of the trip by telling a press conference: Playing at the Bernabeu will be a dream come true. We will definitely enjoy the occasion but we want to disturb them. Now whether or not we can do that remains to be seen.

What formation will Real choose?

Karim Benzema

Benzemas injury leaves Real boss Zidane weighing up his options in attack. A straight 4-4-2 would allow Real to pair the returning Ronaldo and Gareth Bale up front. A 4-3-3 could suit Bales needs, while the 4-4-2 option might allow more opportunities for Isco. Zidane told a press conference on Tuesday we might go with something new given Benzemas injury. Whatever the boss has up his sleeve, Real will definitely be hunting goals and a return to top form.

How will APOEL fare without Georgios Efrem?

Cyprus winger Efrem remains sidelined with shoulder trouble, and will be a real miss for APOEL. New recruit Roland Sallai impressed on his league debut however, and could slot in as the visitors bid to offset the loss of one of their top talents.
The head of a traveller family who helped to run a modern day slavery ring has been jailed for 10 years and nine months.

Martin Rooney, aged 57, was among 11 gang members convicted of involvement in offences which included the keeping of one man in truly shocking conditions for decades.

A total of 11 defendants were convicted of offences following a series of linked trials relating to modern slavery and fraud at Nottingham Crown Court.

Eleven members of the Rooney family were jailed for a total of 79 years (Lincolnshire Police/PA)

Rooney, of Drinsey Nook, Sheffield Road, Saxilby, Lincolnshire, was jailed at the same court on Tuesday after being convicted of wounding and conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour.

Other members of the Rooney family were given custodial sentences ranging from 15 to six years, while two received suspended sentences.

Six people were initially arrested in September 2014 when seven warrants were executed in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and London as part of inquiries into allegations of modern slavery.

One vulnerable man was kept in "truly shocking" conditions for decades (Lincolnshire Police/PA)

All the victims of the offences were described as extremely vulnerable, including several who had learning disabilities and mental health issues, and were estranged from their families.

Commenting on the sentences handed down to those involved in the offences, Chief Superintendent Chris Davison, head of crime for Lincolnshire Police, said: "The severity of these crimes is underlined by the sentences imposed by the judge.

"The victims will never get the years back that were taken away from them but I hope this provides them with some comfort that justice has been served and demonstrates that we will do everything in our power to try and stop others suffering in the ways that they did.

hands of one of the victims (Lincolnshire Police/PA)

Officers from HM Revenue and Customs supported Lincolnshire Police from the start of the investigation, identifying income tax, VAT and Tax Credit offences after analysing the familys illegal trading activities.

Simon York, director, fraud investigation service, HMRC, said: "These people lived a life of luxury by exploiting and abusing highly vulnerable individuals.

They stripped them of their humanity, forcing them to live and work in terrible conditions.
Millions more people could die if major world economies cut their foreign aid investment, Bill Gates has warned in a new report measuring global development targets.

In the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations first annual analysis of the worlds progress towards achieving each of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the software billionaire said that remarkable progress has been made in reducing extreme poverty and disease, but warned that political uncertainty over funding and research has put future gains in jeopardy.

Described by the UN as 17 goals to transform our world, the broad targets cover aims including the provision of universal clean water, economic growth and gender equality, in an effort to dramatically improve the standing of poorer countries by 2030.

Bill Gates warned millions more people could die if major world economies cut their foreign aid investment

Today we're launching a new look at progress in global health & development. You can read it here: https://t.co/epjzDC9k1G #Goalkeepers17 1/  Gates Foundation (@gatesfoundation) September 13, 2017

But research commissioned by the Foundation showed that progress towards certain SDGs could start reversing if richer countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom slash their foreign aid budgets.

The report highlights the case of HIV transmission, which saw a dramatic decrease after 2005 as a funding drive from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the Presidents Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) began to take effect.

But after President Donald Trumps administration proposed swingeing cuts of up to 31% of Americas 2018 foreign aid budget earlier this year, the Foundation calculated that a 10% drop in global funding could amount to an extra 5.6 million HIV deaths per year over current projections.

Why now? @BillGates & @MelindaGates believe every dollar invested must have maximum impact. 2/  Gates Foundation (@gatesfoundation) September 13, 2017

Mr Gates said: Governments in both donor and developing countries that responded so aggressively to the crisis 15 years ago are now focusing on other things. Funding for HIV control has been flat, and now theres talk of cuts.

In a world of competing priorities and limited resources, these conversations are mandatory, but I want to be sure people having them are clear about the consequences.

In a stark warning against a 10% decrease, he added: Given the tenor of the global discussion, an even bigger cut to global HIV funding is a very real possibility.

The decisions we collectively make in the next couple of years are going to have a big impact on what progress looks like. 3/  Gates Foundation (@gatesfoundation) September 13, 2017

Despite huge decreases in the number of children dying before the age of five since 1990, the report also shows that an extra 800,000 children could die each year above current projections if funding for basic vaccines and healthcare are taken away from the poorest communities.

In April, Theresa May re-committed the UK to spending 0.7% of its gross national income on foreign aid, in-line with a 2015 parliamentary bill that committed it to British law for the first time.

However, asked if he was concerned about the long-term impact of political turmoil created by events such as Brexit, Mr Gates said he hoped that scientific research between the UK and other EU member states would not be impeded by the fallout.

We want to accelerate progress in the fight against poverty--that's why we will continue to publish this data until 2030. 4/  Gates Foundation (@gatesfoundation) September 13, 2017

He said: The research budget at the European community level  the UK was a net beneficiary of that. And we have a lot of grantees in the UK, because theres great science that goes on there.

We hope that thats not slowed down in any way by the difficulty of people moving around or how the various science funding things work. But theres a lot thats not known about how that will be managed going forward.

Before Britain voted to leave the EU in June 2016, The Microsoft founder penned a letter to The Times in which he said a decision to leave would make Britain a significantly less attractive place to do business and to invest.
Tottenham will be hoping to make an early statement in the Champions League when they host Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

Here, we take a look at five talking points ahead of the match at Wembley.

Time for Tottenham to step up

Tottenhams sustained challenge for the Premier League title last season was not replicated in Europe, where they failed to qualify from a kind group before flopping out of the Europa League knock-out stage at the first hurdle.

Tottenham warmed up for their Champions League tie with Dortmund with a 3-0 win over Everton

Pochettino admitted his side had found the additional physical and mental demands too severe and it remains to be seen whether his current squad is deep or mature enough this time around. They have it all to prove.

Wembley curse looms large

Key to Tottenhams struggles in Europe last year was their form at Wembley, where they lost both of their first two home matches to Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco.

A victory over CSKA Moscow proved too little too late while this season, defeat to Chelsea and a draw against Burnley has only increased concerns about Spurs form under the arch.

The atmosphere is not the problem, particularly on these European nights, and even the teams performances have been encouraging. Results must surely follow.

Tough group offers little room for errors

 Mauricio: "The group will be very tough. We played well against Everton but now we need to improve and show more consistency." pic.twitter.com/LgRHLAghgs  Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 12, 2017

If last years group was relatively friendly in Champions League terms, there is an obvious top and bottom to Tottenhams draw this time, with Real Madrid clear favourites and APOEL rank outsiders to qualify from Group H.

In between, Spurs and Dortmund may be left scrapping it out for second place and this opening game gives the victors a chance to lay down an early marker. Dortmund may be happy with a point away from home; Tottenham should be gunning for all three.

Aurier and Sanchez set for starts

Serge Aurier will be jostling with Kieran Trippier for the starting spot this season and after Trippier was given the nod at Everton on Saturday, Aurier may be handed his debut against Dortmund.

The Ivorian will add power and penetration down the right flank but his defensive discipline will also be scrutinised, particularly if Christian Pulisic starts for Dortmund down the left.

Another summer signing Davinson Sanchez is expected to start in a back three against his former manager, Peter Bosz, who left Ajax for Dortmund in the summer.

Dortmund facing injury crisis

Bosz could be without up to nine players as Neven Subotic fell ill and became the latest fitness concern on Tuesday.

Also expected to miss out are captain Marcel Schmelzer (ankle), Marc Bartra (groin), Julian Weigl (ankle), Andre Schurrle (thigh), Sebastian Rode (knock) and Erik Durm (hip), while Raphael Guerreiro and Marco Reus are recovering from foot and knee operations respectively.

Tottenham are without the suspended Dele Alli but even so, look in far better shape.
Middle Valley Church of God announced that Pastor Mitch McClure will speak on the topic, 'Finally I'm Really Clean' in the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday . This sermon is part of a new sermon series designed to demonstrate how everyone can find real life in the person of Jesus Christ.



Each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school classes are available for all age groupings. Pastor McClure will lead the congregation in a time of prayer and worship on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has praised the response of the community in Anguilla after landing on the island to witness first-hand the devastation unleashed by Hurricane Irma.

.@BorisJohnson has arrived in Barbados and will shortly be heading to BVI and Anguilla on the @RoyalAirForce A400M Atlas #hurricaneimra @PA pic.twitter.com/dsWQow0KyN  Georgina Stubbs (@georginafstubbs) September 12, 2017

Ahead of touching down at the islands airport on board the Royal Air Forces Airbus A400M Atlas, packed with aid supplies and carrying the latest deployment of Royal Marine troops, he surveyed the damaged from the window of the cockpit.

On Wednesday morning, Mr Johnson will be venturing out into the community to see some of the most hard-hit places of Anguilla before heading to the British Virgin Islands.

Addressing those gathered at the home of Anguilla governor Tim Foy on Tuesday, Mr Johnson admitted he hadnt seen much of the island yet, but that what he saw was very surprising.

(Georgina Stubbs/PA)

I had been told it was going to be a scene of devastation from the air and I have to say that I looked down as we flew in and I saw an incredible amount of tidying up had already happened, he said.

But talking to you all, it is clear this place has been through an absolutely hellish experience, and it is no doubt at all that you need help with power generation, with getting the hospital back up and running, getting the airport back up and running, and schools properly set  all kinds of things need to be done.

.@BorisJohnson has been meeting some of the 1000  servicemen & women bringing relief to British Overseas Territories after Hurricane Irma pic.twitter.com/UYYigiWMsM  Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) September 13, 2017

Mr Johnson said he is visiting to show the commitment of the United Kingdom to this country, adding: We are here to help.

Highlighting the presence of the Royal Marines on the island, he said it is the biggest operation our armed forces have conducted since Libya, calling it a huge effort that is going on now.

At #Anguilla Hospital seeing the #Irma damage & meeting the locals/UK troops repairing it. UK behind the British Overseas Territories 100%. pic.twitter.com/UyDQLzDubm  Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 13, 2017

But the achievement in getting this place back on its feet belongs to the Anguillan people, Mr Johnson added.

It seems to me you are doing a fantastic job, keep it up, this place will be back up on its feet before very long and I want you to know that the UK is not going to be with you not just in short term, but in the long term as well.

Hundreds of UK troops and 50 police officers have already been sent to British overseas territories in the region, after they were battered by the most powerful storm ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.

Foreign Secretary @BorisJohnson has been in Anguilla to see the damage caused by Hurricane Irma and the work that's underway to rebuild it pic.twitter.com/w76d2ExRmd  Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) September 13, 2017

Mr Johnson said there are now 1,000 troops which have been deployed, with this figure set to increase to 1,250 in the coming days.

Recovery and aid efforts are under way to help those trying to piece together their lives from the ruins of the hurricane.

With 32 million already committed to help the affected overseas territories, and the pledge to match donations to the Red Cross appeal, Mr Johnson also said the Prime Minister will be making a further announcement on Wednesday.
Former chancellor and Tory veteran Ken Clarke has warned anti-immigrant Brexit supporters that Britain must embrace a multiracial, multicultural society if the UK hopes to thrive in the 21st century.

The 77-year old said that the majority of voters in his generation had reacted to an influx of foreign nationals with an irrational fear that it had resulted in too much change for Britain.

The pressures that (mass immigration) produces are what are causing the distortion of politics, the rejection of traditional parties, the breakdown in respect for authority, the establishment and weve got to find a way of getting rid of that.

If youre going to be a successful state in the future world in the 21st century, when you live in a big prosperous city thats thriving, youd better get used to a multiracial , multicultural, multinational society and join people like me in rather enjoying it.

MP Ken Clarke says multiculturalism will help Britain thrive in the 21st century (PA)

The 77-year-old was speaking as part of a panel in London, following the release of the Henley & Partners  Kochenov Quality of Nationality Index (QNI), which showed that a hard Brexit would sharply impact the value of British citizenship, particularly if freedom of movement is scrapped, leaving Brits without the right to work and settle across dozens of EU states.

The UK currently ranks 11th among the highest quality citizenships in the world, but that ranking could be at risk.

Mr Clarke said that despite his own arguments, the UK is still doomed to leave the European Union and is on track to erect barriers in order to bar freedom of movement.

The public have got to be promised that there will be thousands and thousands fewer of these people coming (to the UK), and thats going to drive us into a situation which this index describes  which if were not careful  is the huge diminution in our own nationality.

The MP for Rushcliffe complained that newspapers have reported his support for the EU as a furtive look backwards.

Saying its been the foundation of our role in the world for the past 40-odd years and its one of the underlying causes of our rapid growth in prosperity over those years, that wont be reported.

Mr Clarke is among a group of pro-European Tory MPs who earlier this week proposed a number of amendments to Theresa Mays flagship Brexit Bill, signalling a rough ride in the remaining stages of its passage through Parliament.
By Bernadette Christina Munthe, Fransiska Nangoy and Emily Chow

JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Facing a backlash in Europe over palm oil's environmental toll, the world's top producers are scrambling to find new markets and even striking unusual barter deals, such as exchanging Sukhoi jets for the edible oil.

The European Union is the second-largest palm oil export destination after India for both Malaysia and Indonesia, which dominate production in a global market worth at least $40 billion.

But palm has come under increasing fire in Europe over its impact on forest destruction, encouraging producers to look at new markets ranging from Africa to Myanmar.

Threatened by crumbling demand in Europe, the industry is waging a public relations battle and pushing producers to enter more price-sensitive markets, where Indonesia should have an advantage over Malaysia due to its lower production costs.

"Our principle is we will not let go of even one tonne of trade contract or potential demand palm has globally," Indonesia's deputy Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Musdhalifah Machmud told Reuters.

Machmud said palm oil sales were being brought up in "every trade negotiation" Indonesia conducts.

Palm oil is used in thousands of household products, from snack foods to soaps, as well as to make biodiesel.

But the demand boom has spread plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia across an area of more than 17 million hectares -- an area greater than the size of Portugal and Ireland. They are mostly carved out of rainforests, which critics say has lead to an increase in the greenhouse gases that warm the planet.

Environmental activists have pressured consumer companies into demanding that their palm suppliers adopt more environmentally sustainable forestry practices. But in Europe, politicians say the industry's standards on sustainability do not go far enough.

So far, palm oil sales to the European Union have held up. Indonesian exports rose about 40 percent to 2.7 million tonnes in the first half of 2017 from a year earlier.

Indonesia's overall palm exports were worth $18 billion last year, with EU sales accounting for 16 percent, the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) said. For Malaysia, the EU made up nearly 13 percent of exports, government data showed.

"IMPORTED DEFORESTATION"

Europe is particularly concerned about the soaring use of oils, including palm, as a biodiesel fuel. Once regarded as a green alternative, an EU-commissioned report now says it creates more emissions than fossil fuels.

France said in July it will reduce the use of palm in biofuels over concerns of "imported deforestation", prompting concerns from Indonesia that other European countries could follow suit.

In Germany, the environment ministry said it will press to amend an EU renewables directive to take account of the study showing "palm oil and soyoil caused, in comparison to other biofuels, very much higher greenhouse gas emissions per energy unit through indirect land use change."

The European parliament In April voted to phase out unsustainable palm oil by 2020. The resolution endorsed a single Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) plan for Europe-bound palm and other vegetable oil exports to ensure they are produced in an environmentally sustainable way.

In addition to environmental damage, the industry has come under fire over frequent reports of land grabs, child labour and harsh working conditions. Some of the annual forest fires that send shrouds of smoke over parts of Southeast Asia have broken out on palm oil concessions that burn forests to clear land.

Indonesian Trade minister Enggartiasto Lukita in May warned his EU counterparts that he might ask Jakarta not to buy Airbus planes in retaliation, the Jakarta Post reported.

GAPKI Chairman Joko Supriyono told a United Nations sustainability meeting in New York last week that Indonesian palm oil plantation governance met international standards.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is looking at new palm oil markets in Africa offering barter trades with palm oil. Lukita told reporters on a visit to Nigeria he had proposed to swap palm oil for crude oil.

Indonesia signed a preliminary deal last month with Russia's Rostec to exchange commodities, including palm, as part of a $1.14 billion payment for 11 Sukhoi jets.

Indonesia's Vegetable Oil Association executive director Sahat Sinaga said palm oil producers will open a marketing and research company in Russia, aiming to increase exports of 920,000 tonnes in 2016 by 4-5 percent per year up to 2023.

The group is also planning to open a storage facility in Pakistan, which imports 1-2 million tonnes of palm from Indonesia a year, anticipating further growth in demand.

MALAYSIA MORE VULNERABLE

The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) says it will increase efforts to diversify into new markets such as Myanmar, the Philippines and West Africa regardless of the EU Resolution.

Malaysia's plantation industries and commodities minister Mah Siew Keong said in June he met EU commissioners and members of parliament for talks. The ministry did not respond to a request for further comment.

Malaysia is more reliant on palm oil exports than Indonesia, shipping out more than 90 percent of its palm oil last year, compared to about 70 percent in Indonesia.

Production costs in Malaysia are also 10-15 percent higher than in Indonesia, analysts estimate.

"If EU doesn't take up palm for biodiesel, demand for palm oil globally will fall and prices will be affected on the downside . . . which will impact everyone equally," said Ivy Ng, regional head of plantations research at CIMB Investment Bank.

(Additional reporting by Michael Hogan in HAMBURG; Editing by Ed Davies and Bill Tarrant)
SOFIA, Sept 13 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Wednesday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

-- Bulgarian export growth slowed to 9.8 percent in July on an annual basis, mainly due to smaller sales of fuels, statistics office data showed. (Capital Daily, 24 Chasa)

-- The Bulgarian-Greek company ICGB said it will launch tenders for the design and construction of an inter-connector gas link between Bulgaria and Greece by the end of the year. (Capital Daily, Standart, Trud)

-- The natural gas price is most likely to be decreased by about 4 percent in the third quarter, the head of the energy regulator said. (24 Chasa, Duma, Trud, Standart)

SEGA - A national security report for 2016, approved by the government, pointed to Russia as one of the main threats for the country, outlining that Russian activities in the region were a source of instability and posed a threat to Bulgaria's main goal for united, free and peaceful Europe.
By Prak Chan Thul

PHNOM PENH, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Cambodia's main opposition party was blocked from holding a memorial ceremony on Wednesday for victims of a 1997 grenade attack on a political rally, with tension running high after the arrest of its leader.

Kem Sokha, leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was arrested on Sept. 3 and accused of plotting treason against the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen with the help of the United States.

The party had planned to hold a gathering and Buddhist ceremony at a memorial in the capital, Phnom Penh, to mark an attack in which at least 16 people were killed at a rally on March 30, 1997 organised by former opposition leader Sam Rainsy.

Similar memorials have been permitted in previous years around the Pchum Ben festival, when Cambodians pay respects to deceased ancestors.

"We tried to hold the ceremony at the memorial and we were stopped," Mu Sochua, one of the CNRP's deputy presidents, told Reuters. "We don't want to confront the authorities but we want to show that these are signs of intimidation," she said, adding that the ceremony was then moved to a nearby pagoda.

Phnom Penh's city hall spokesman Met Measpheakdey said the pagoda was the right place for the ceremony and the party's request to do it at the monument had been denied.

"Forces were deployed to keep security and prevent them from doing the ceremony there," Met Measpheakdey said.

Opponents of Hun Sen accuse him of arresting Kem Sokha and cracking down on independent media and other critics ahead of a general election next year in which he could face the toughest electoral challenge of more than 30 years in power.

The United States and Western countries have called for Kem Sokha's release, but China has stood by Hun Sen's government. China is by far the biggest investor in Cambodia and the biggest donor of bilateral aid.

"Chinese friends are like a strong back that continues to help Cambodia in every circumstance so that no foreign country can break it up," Hun Sen said on his Facebook page on Wednesday after returning from a trip to China. (Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
By Joe Brock

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Global consultancy McKinsey, facing parliamentary hearings in South Africa over payments to a firm controlled by a billionaire family, ignored suspicions raised over several years by local senior staff that companies it worked with were set up to steer state contracts, two former employees said.

Since July, when new information emerged about McKinsey's flagship South African contract, the consultancy has been under increasing scrutiny in a widening corruption scandal over the influence of the Gupta family, businessman friends of President Jacob Zuma.

South Africa's parliamentary committee on public enterprises is investigating whether McKinsey knowingly let funds from state utility Eskom be diverted to a Gupta company as a way of securing a $78 million contract to advise Eskom. McKinsey denies wrongdoing and says it intends to cooperate with the authorities if evidence of any impropriety emerges.

"We hold ourselves to the highest professional standards wherever we work and stand firmly against corruption. We are committed to ascertaining the facts and swiftly taking any and all appropriate action," spokesman Steve John told Reuters.

McKinsey has hired law firm Norton Rose Fullbright to assist in an internal investigation. Norton Rose said it would not comment while its probe is under way.

The accounts by the two former employees, who spoke to Reuters separately on condition of anonymity because their present jobs do not permit them to speak to the media, could provide fodder for lawmakers who say they have questions about the timeline McKinsey has given of when it learned of potential problems.

McKinsey says it carried out a due diligence review on its partner in the Eskom deal beginning in January 2016, and cut all ties with the local firm two months later after it concluded the company was unfit.

"We carry out checks on suppliers and partners when we work with them and address issues and concerns when they arise. When concerns were raised we undertook due diligence," spokesman John said in a written response to questions.

But the ex-employees said they had attended meetings in Johannesburg where problems with that firm and a precursor company employing the same principal staff had been discussed much earlier: as far back as 2013.

The ex-employees said they would have expected such concerns to have been escalated to managers outside South Africa, although they did not know if that had happened.

Ultimately, McKinsey accepted the Eskom account in spite of the warnings, the sources said.

"We turned a blind eye," said one.

McKinsey spokesman John said he could not comment on meetings that may have taken place without knowing the names of the participants.

Natasha Mazzone of the opposition Democratic Alliance, a member of the parliamentary committee investigating the affair, said the committee would be looking at what McKinsey knew, and when, about the intentions of its local partners.

"If McKinsey is found to have been deliberately misleading South Africa and assisting in state capture, they will certainly be held to account and recommendations will be made to the portfolio committee."

"STATE OF CAPTURE"

McKinsey's Eskom contract was huge for the consultancy, accounting for more than half of its South African revenue, according to the two ex-employees. The deal coalesced even as a number of other business services firms were curtailing their work for South African state firms in the wake of an anti-corruption watchdog's report into the Guptas.

The 355-page report by the constitutionally-mandated Public Protector watchdog, entitled "State of Capture", accused the government of improperly steering hundreds of millions of dollars in state contracts to Gupta-controlled firms.

The Guptas and President Zuma deny wrongdoing and say the scandal has been manufactured to undermine Zuma's leadership.

While McKinsey was working for Eskom in 2015-2016, Eskom paid 30 percent of the deal's value to a firm called Trillian, which was controlled at the time by a Gupta family ally. The three parties, McKinsey, Eskom and Trillian, have given contradictory explanations for the payments to Trillian.

Eskom says it paid because it was told by McKinsey that Trillian was McKinsey's subcontractor. The utility declined to answer further questions for this story.

Trillian, in response to Reuters questions, said it "was the partner of McKinsey and was paid its proportionate share of what McKinsey and Trillian billed against work done." It said it was no longer controlled by the Guptas, as longterm Gupta family business partner Salim Essa had sold his shares this year. Essa did not respond to requests for comment.

McKinsey has long said it was not responsible for the payments, never had any contractual relationship with Trillian and had severed all ties with the company in March 2016.

But in July this year, several South African newspapers released a leaked Feb. 2016 letter by a McKinsey director instructing Eskom to pay Trillian and describing Trillian as McKinsey's subcontractor.

McKinsey says the letter "inaccurately characterised" its relationship with Trillian. The McKinsey director who wrote it, Vikas Sagar, has been placed on leave pending the outcome of McKinsey's internal investigation.

Sagar did not respond to attempts to reach him on social media, and McKinsey declined to make him available for comment.

Mazzone of the opposition Democratic Alliance said: "We need to establish why a firm like McKinsey agreed to a 30 percent share of work with Trillian in the first place, when exactly they realised that siphoning to Gupta companies was taking place and if they alerted the Minister of Public Enterprises to possible concerns."

TIMELINE

The two ex-employees said McKinsey's South African office had been wrestling for years with the question of whether it was working with local companies that were little more than window-dressing to get contracts.

Trillian was formed in 2015 by directors from another firm called Regiments, and employed many of the same principal staff. Regiments had already been McKinsey's local partner on another contract since 2012, and the ex-employees said McKinsey's office considered the new company to be a spin-off of the older one, intended to play a similar role in future deals.

According to the ex-employees, McKinsey partners in South Africa told managers in the country that they thought both Regiments and Trillian had few capabilities, and were valuable mainly for political connections necessary to secure contracts.

"At least two (Johannesburg-based) partners raised concerns about using Regiments as a sub-contractor back in 2013. It seemed clear Regiments was a way of us winning the contract and if we caused a fuss we would lose business," one of the ex-employees said.

"We had several meetings between 2013 and 2016 at top level locally about Regiments and Trillian, where it was asked: how are these unqualified companies winning us contracts? Why are the contract amounts so favourable? Why do we have to use them to get business?"

In a statement to Reuters, Regiments strongly rejected the suggestion that it was employed by McKinsey solely to win contracts. Regiments had received "numerous client and McKinsey acknowledgements of our value add and delivery," it said. "Regiments was never involved in the procurement process, except to provide our profile to McKinsey on a few occasions."

According to the ex-employees, as the Eskom deal was coming together in 2015, there was strong resistance within McKinsey's South Africa office to working with Regiments personnel and their new vehicle Trillian on the Eskom bid.

They said a McKinsey partner approached an Eskom board member in September 2015 to say that McKinsey did not want to work with either Regiments or Trillian, due to concerns over the ownership of those companies and their capabilities. A former Eskom executive, who also spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, confirmed that conversation took place.

The McKinsey ex-employees said the partner who made the overture to the Eskom board member was shifted off the project and replaced by Sagar, who was promoted to the rank of director. Sagar then wrote his letter to Eskom describing Trillian as McKinsey's subcontractor and instructing Eskom to pay it.

The Eskom deal was too big to jeopardise by looking too closely at the role of the Guptas, the ex-employees said.

"Losing a contract of that size would have serious implications for the business and staff in South Africa," said one. "It was considered a risk worth taking."

($1 = 12.9514 rand) (Editing by Peter Graff)
Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Wednesday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours):

DATA

Polish central bank will release current account data for July. Analysts polled by Reuters expect a deficit of 675 million euros ($805.88 million).

UTILITIES PRICES

Poles will likely pay slightly more for electricity, natural gas and heating in 2018, head of energy market regulator Maciej Bando told Dziennik Gazeta Prawna daily.

PENSION REFORM

It would be best to transfer all assets amassed in state-guaranteed pension funds - called OFE - into the state pension agency ZUS instead of shifting 75 percent of the assets into individual pension accounts, senior government official Henryk Kowalczyk told state news agency PAP, in comments standing in contrast to an earlier plan.

In December last year, the government's economic committee approved a plan to transfer 75 percent of the assets amassed in OFE to private pension accounts managed by investment funds.

MINIMUM WAGE

The government approved on Tuesday a plan to raise the minimum monthly wage to 2100 zlotys ($590.73) in 2018, Rzeczpospolita daily reported. The minimum wage will thus reach 47.3 percent of the expected average wage next year, one of the highest levels in the European Union.

EBRD ON PRIVATISATION

Poland should lower its "surprising" level of state control over the economy, particularly in the banking and energy sectors, and speed up privatisations, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's president said on Tuesday.

****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****

For other related news, double click on: Polish equities E.Europe equities Polish money Polish debt Eastern Europe All emerging markets Hot stocks Stock markets Market debt news Forex news For real-time index quotes, double click on: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX ($1 = 0.8376 euros) ($1 = 3.5549 zlotys) (Reporting by Warsaw Bureau)
Sept 13 (Reuters) - The Iranian Revolutionary Guards arrested a member of Islamic State and foiled a plan for suicide attacks, a Guards commander said on Wednesday.

Col. Amin Yamini, the Guards commander for the western Tehran suburb of Shahriar, did not say when the arrest was made but said the attacks were being planned for a 10-day Shiite religious holiday that begins next week.

The Islamic State member arrested was from the Syrian branch of the militant Sunni organization and had planned to organize about 300 people to carry out suicide attacks, Yamini said, according to Basij Press, the news site for the Tehran branch of the Guards.

On June 7, Islamic State attacked the parliament in Tehran and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, south of the capital, killing 18 people and wounding more than 40.

Iran has blamed Saudi Arabia for being behind the deadly attacks. Riyadh has denied any involvement.

The Revolutionary Guards fired several missiles at Islamic State bases in Syria on June 18 in response to that attack.

According to Yamini, the Guards tracked the Islamic State organizer, who had a cell phone and satellite phone, and set up a meeting with him in the western Tehran suburb of Andisheh by posing as Islamic State members. When the person showed up, he was arrested.

Valuable information has been gleaned from his cell phone, Yamini said, according to Basij Press. (Reporting By Babak Dehghanpisheh; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
By Conor Humphries

BELFAST, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The European Union has long aided efforts to heal the deep divisions that plague Northern Ireland, and many people on both sides of the sectarian rift fear what might happen when Brexit forces it to walk away.

Since a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of violence between Protestant pro-British unionists and Catholic Irish nationalists, in which 3,600 died, the EU has pumped about 1.5 billion euros ($1.8 billion) into projects to shore up that peace - more than any other body apart from the British state.

It has enjoyed broad support and influence as a force viewed by both sides as a neutral broker separate from the British government, which is distrusted by many nationalists, and the Irish government, distrusted by many unionists.

It has been able to take on projects others shy away from, such as the reintegration of former militants, both IRA and pro-union loyalists, and support for relatives of dead fighters.

Brexit is already rattling the region by raising concerns it will lead to a hard border with EU member Ireland. For some in both communities, the idea of a new, rigid frontier stirs painful memories of the British Army watchtowers and checkpoints that peppered the border during the decades of bloodshed.

"It's a very fragile situation here, and in Westminster there seems to be a lack of consideration for Northern Ireland," said Kate Clifford, director of the Rural Community Network, a community group that has received peace funding in the past.

"Without a (EU) peace programme behind that, without the impetus of the external force that is Europe, that honest broker, things will become very difficult," she said.

While no one expects a return to the widespread violence of Northern Ireland's "Troubles" of the 1960s to 1990s, sectarian tensions still run high and intermittingly erupt into rioting.

Some British ministers argue that savings from leaving the bloc would allow the government to match all EU funding and last month British Prime Minister Theresa May said that her government would consider replacing that European money.

Yet London has offered no guarantees and, with Brexit negotiations between London and Brussels in their infancy, there is little certainty about how leaving the bloc will affect Britain's finances.

The British government's Northern Ireland office and the EU's Belfast office declined to comment.

FORMER FIGHTERS

Since the EU's Northern Ireland PEACE programme was founded in 1995, funded groups have worked with hundreds of thousands of Northern Ireland's 1.8 million citizens on conflict resolution, anti-sectarianism and supporting victims.

By the end of its latest funding drive, it will have pumped in 1.5 billion euros. This makes it by far the largest funder of organisations working on peace projects outside the British government, which has provided several billion euros worth of funds to the sector but does not provide a single figure for its investment.

For many such groups, the EU represents their largest single source of funds.

The EU has separately funded major infrastructure projects to the tune of billions of euros, including the 250-metre pedestrian bridge that links the mainly Protestant and Catholic sides of the River Foyle at Londonderry, the city where many see "The Troubles" of having first exploded in 1969.

While critics have at times questioned whether the bloc has spread its resources too thinly, its role is widely acknowledged as transformative for the region, particularly funding groups that have worked with thousands of former fighters and relatives of militants who died in the conflict.

"A lot of energy was put in to supporting the process whereby these groups which were previously killing each other were working together," said Avila Kilmurray, who managed EU PEACE funding for the reintegration of prisoners from the conflict from 1994-2014, as director of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

"The danger is that if there is that hiatus in terms of funding that makes it (the cooperation) much more difficult to actually maintain."

Many community workers voiced scepticism that Northern Ireland, already one of the British regions receiving the highest level of taxpayers' money, will remain a priority for the British government in the upheaval of Brexit.

"In this work, I have met no one who actually believes that the Tory government care enough" to match the funding, said Kieran McEvoy, a professor at Queen's University Belfast's Institute of Conflict Transformation.

BELFAST FLASHPOINT

At Belfast's most notorious flashpoint area - the streets between the fiercely loyalist Shankill Road and the nationalist Falls Road - former militants from both sides now work together.

Some bring children from both communities on joint holidays and contact each other during street trouble to try to calm the situation when matters start to get out of control.

EU funding has been "absolutely critical" for projects that involve ex-militants, said Seanna Breathnach, a former IRA member. He works for the Coiste, which helps former fighters reintegrate into society and get jobs after leaving prison.

Activists say former prisoners have been able to influence the kind of young men who might be tempted to join dissident militants opposed to the peace deal.

"The key is that young people are not sucked in - that we stop the glamorising of violence that some people do," Breathnach said.

Post-Brexit, activists say they will be faced with two main problems: convincing the British political establishment that Northern Ireland still needs a disproportionate level of state spending two decades after the peace; and to ensure Northern Irish politicians don't shy away from difficult projects.

Kenny Donaldson is director of the South East Fermanagh Foundation, a support group for victims of militancy which gets 40-50 percent of its funding from the EU.

His fear, he said, was that many in the British political establishment did not appreciate how fragile Northern Ireland remained, with communities still harbouring deep distrust of each other

"We have to make that step from coexistence in isolation to meaningful integration," he said. "While you only have coexistence you are too close to violence."

($1 = 0.8378 euros)

(Additional reporting by Amanda Ferguson and Ian Graham; Editing by Pravin Char)
MILAN, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Italy's three-year debt costs fell to their lowest in nearly a year on Wednesday, in the first bond auction held since the European Central Bank last week signalled a slow exit from its bond-buying stimulus scheme.

The Rome-based Treasury sold 8 billion euros ($9.6 billion) over three bonds, at the top of its planned issue range.

A three-year bond due in June 2020 fetched a gross 0.05 percent yield, sharply down from 0.23 percent Italy paid when it last issued it in mid-July. It was the lowest auction yield for this maturity since October 2016.

Demand totalled nearly 1.9 times the 2.5 billion euros sold from a bid-to-cover of 1.5 times at the July auction.

Italy also sold a new bond due in November 2024 at 1.52 percent, down from the 1.57 percent it paid in July on the previous seven-year benchmark. The 4 billion euro auction was covered nearly 1.4 times.

It also sold a 20-year bond last issued in April, paying 2.74 percent compared with 2.84 percent then and the lowest since January.

($1 = 0.8349 euros) (Reporting by Valentina Za; editing by John Stonestreet)
Erlanger Health System and its associates, along with the assistance from Nolan Elementary School, gathered donations to help the needs of hospital staff in Houston, Tx.

Ben Taub Hospital-Harris Health System was just one of the hospitals directly hit by the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Many of the associates stayed at the hospital to take care of patients only to find their own homes and families were hit in the aftermath.

Donations came pouring in to the Erlanger Baroness Hospital Medical Mall when the request was made to Erlanger associates and Nolan Elementary families. Cleaning supplies, bottled water, hygiene items, dry goods, clothes and linens were delivered by Two Men And A Truck and will soon be on their way to Houston, thanks to a partnership with Covenant Transport.

Ben Taub Hospital is currently reaching out to its staff of 8,000 to determine their needs. In an email reply from a hospital official, The donations you are so generously offering will go a long way to help meet the needs of our associates.

Erlanger Health System would like to sincerely thank everyone who assisted with the donations and transportation of the items to Ben Taub Hospital. Erlanger is proud of our associates and community partners for answering the call to help those in the wake of the recent hurricanes, said Erlanger President and CEO Kevin M. Spiegel, FACHE. We have experienced the generosity of the nation during devastating times and are honored to give back to our colleagues when they are in need.
OSLO, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Scandinavian airline SAS hopes to end a token strike by two pilots in Norway before hundreds more follow suit and stop work, Chief Executive Rickard Gustafson said on Wednesday.

The two pilots began a strike on Monday over pay and working hours and two unions representing 559 SAS pilots in Norway have threatened action on Thursday, halting flights in a key market, unless a deal is reached.

The unions say they are demanding conditions similar to those of colleagues in Denmark and Sweden, including more predictable working hours and two weekends off a month.

"We can't sit still and accept that Norwegian pilots should be treated differently," the Parat union said in a statement.

"The company is in a difficult position and a conflict would be very serious to us," Gustafson told Reuters.

"The demands from pilots would raise our costs in Norway by 20-25 percent ... it's impossible for us to accept."

The parties are currently meeting with a state-appointed mediator in an attempt to resolve the dispute.

However, the airline has already cancelled some 100 flights in Norway on Thursday.

"Because of a possible escalation of the strike, SAS is taking the precaution of cancelling around 100 flights tomorrow (Thursday) until 1400 (1200 GMT)," SAS said on its Norwegian website.

SAS is headquartered in Sweden and operates from Norway, Sweden and Denmark, serving destinations in Europe, Asia and North America. (Reporting by Joachim Dagenborg; Writing by Terje Solsvik; Editing by Edmund Blair, Greg Mahlich)
SAO PAULO, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Brazil's federal police detained JBS SA Chief Executive Officer Wesley Batista early on Wednesday, as an investigation into his and his younger brother's role in potential insider trading ahead of a plea bargain deal with prosecutors escalated, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

Earlier in the day, police issued a preventative arrest order against brothers Wesley and Joesley Batista, citing the alleged use of insider information in financial market dealings ahead of their May plea deal, one of the people said. Police suspect they gained an unfair advantage in trading JBS stock and currency futures and forwards in April and May, said the person, who asked for anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

The police said in a statement that two detention orders were issued against executives at FB Participacoes SA and JBS, without elaborating. Joesley Batista has been in detention since Sunday after recordings suggested he tried to take advantage from prosecutors during negotiations that led to the plea deal.

Spokespeople for JBS did not have an immediate comment. (Reporting by Guillermo Parra-Bernal; Additional reporting by Pedro Fonseca in Rio de Janeiro; Editing by Catherine Evans)
STOCKHOLM, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Sweden's anti-immigration Sweden Democrat party on Wednesday tabled a parliamentary vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, demanding his resignation in the aftermath of a scandal over leaks of sensitive material.

Lofven is almost certain to ride out the vote, which will take place on Sept. 15 at the earliest, as the main, centre-right opposition bloc has said it will not give its support.

But it will damage his standing just a year before the general election and ratchet up pressure on him to get rid of Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist, who has also been targeted by the Sweden Democrats over the IT scandal.

"The Prime Minister has talked about a breakdown, but he has not talked about the breakdown within his own government," Parliament member Paula Bieler said.

If the Sweden Democrats' attempt to unseat Lofven fails, they will call for a no-confidence motion in Hultqvist. The centre-right Alliance bloc has also said it will table a motion of no-confidence in Hultqvist.

If Hultqvist is forced to resign, he would be the third minister to fall victim to the IT scandal.

No-confidence motions are rare in Swedish politics. Since 1980, only seven have taken place and none one has succeeded.

(Reporting by Johan Sennero; editing by Larry King)
BERLIN, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Germany deported eight Afghans with criminal records after their applications for asylum were rejected, said Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere.

It was the first collective deportation to Afghanistan since an attack in Kabul on May 31 that killed and injured hundreds and damaged German embassy buildings.

At that time the German government cancelled a flight that was due to return a group of failed Afghan asylum seekers after criticism from rights activists that Berlin was sending people to a dangerous country.

Germany had begun mass deportations of Afghans in December in an effort to show it was tackling high migrant numbers by cracking down on those who failed to qualify as refugees.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has made clear that Germany deports to Afghanistan only criminals and people it considers a threat.

The eight male asylum seekers who landed in Kabul on Wednesday morning and were received by Afghan authorities had all committed serious offences, said de Maiziere.

Some 3,300 Afghans returned home of their own volition last year. Germany deported 67 people to Afghanistan last year and more than 100 have been sent back so far this year. (Reporting By Riham Alkousaa; editing by John Stonestreet)
By Robin Emmott and Andrius Sytas

TALLINN/VILNIUS Sept 13 (Reuters) - From planes, radars and ships in the Baltics, NATO officials say they are watching Russia's biggest war games since 2013 with "calm and confidence", but many are unnerved about what they see as Moscow testing its ability to wage war against the West.

NATO believes the exercises, officially starting on Thursday in Belarus, the Baltic Sea, western Russia and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, are already underway. It says they are larger than Moscow has publicised, numbering some 100,000 troops, and involve firing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles.

Codenamed Zapad or "West", NATO officials say the drills will simulate a conflict with the U.S.-led alliance intended to show Russia's ability to mass large numbers of troops at very short notice in the event of a conflict.

"NATO remains calm and vigilant," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said last week during a visit to an Estonian army base where British troops have been stationed since March.

But Lithuania's Defence Minister Raimundas Karoblis was less sanguine, voicing widely-felt fears that the drills risk triggering an accidental conflict or could allow Moscow to leave troops in neighbouring Belarus.

"We can't be totally calm. There is a large foreign army massed next to Lithuanian territory," he told Reuters.

Some Western officials including the head of the U.S. Army in Europe, Gen. Ben Hodges, have raised concerns that Russia might use the drills as a "Trojan horse" to make incursions into Poland and Russian-speaking regions in the Baltics.

The Kremlin firmly rejects any such plans. Russia says some 13,000 troops from Russia and Belarus will be involved in the Sept. 14-20 drills, below an international threshold that requires large numbers of outside observers.

NATO will send three experts to so-called 'visitor days' during the exercises, but a NATO official said these were no substitute for meeting internationally-agreed norms at such exercises that include talking to soldiers and briefings.

Moscow says it is the West that threatens stability in eastern Europe because the U.S.-led NATO alliance has put a 4,000-strong multinational force in the Baltics and Poland.

Wrong-footed by Moscow in the recent past, with Russia's seizure of Crimea in 2014 and its intervention in Syria's war in 2015, NATO is distrustful of the Kremlin's public message.

In Crimea, Moscow proved a master of "hybrid warfare", with its mix of cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns and use of Russian and local forces without insignia.

One senior European security official said Zapad would merge manoeuvres across Russia's four western military districts in a "complex, multi-dimensional aggressive, anti-NATO exercise".

"It is all smoke and mirrors," the official said, adding that the Soviet-era Zapad exercises that were revived in 1999 had included simulated nuclear strikes on Europe.

NATO officials say they have been watching Russia's preparations for months, including the use of hundreds of rail cars to carry tanks and other heavy equipment into Belarus.

As a precaution, the U.S. Army has moved 600 paratroopers to the Baltics during Zapad and has taken over guardianship of the airspace of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, which lack capable air forces and air defence systems.

NATO'S NEXT MOVE?

Russia's military show of force raises some uncomfortable questions for the alliance because NATO cannot yet mass large numbers of troops quickly, despite the United States' military might, NATO officials and diplomats said.

NATO, a 29-nation defence pact created in 1949 to deter the Soviet threat, has already begun its biggest modernisation since the Cold War, sending four battalions to the Baltics and Poland, setting up an agile, high-readiness spearhead force, and developing its cyberspace defences.

But NATO has deliberately taken a slowly-slowly approach to its military build-up to avoid being sucked into a new arms race, even as Russia has stationed anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles in Kaliningrad, the Black Sea and Syria.

"The last thing we want is a military escalation with Russia," said one senior NATO official involved in military planning, referring to Zapad.

In the event of any potential Russian incursion into the Baltics or Poland, NATO's new multinational forces would quickly need large reinforcements. But a 40,000-strong force agreed in 2015 is still being developed, officials say.

Lithuania's Karoblis said he hoped to see progress by the next summit of NATO leaders in July 2018.

Baltic politicians want more discretion given to NATO to fight any aggressor in the event of an attack, without waiting for the go-ahead from allied governments.

During Zapad, NATO is taking a low-key approach by running few exercises, including an annual sniper exercise in Lithuania. Only non-NATO member Sweden is holding a large-scale drill.

NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe James Everard told Reuters there was no need to mirror Zapad. "It's not a competition," he said during a visit to NATO forces in Latvia.

(Additional reporting by Gederts Gelzis in Latvia; Editing by Gareth Jones)
By Marc Jones

LONDON, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Macedonia hopes it has done enough to convince the European Union to start accession talks while a quarter-of-a-century-long row with neighbouring Greece rumbles on, its foreign minister said on Wednesday.

Greece has vetoed the ex-Yugoslav republic's attempts to join both the EU and NATO because it says the name Macedonia implies a territorial claim over Greece's own northerly region of Macedonia.

Macedonia's suggestion last month to use the name the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as it does at other international bodies was not "immediately embraced" by Greece, Macedonia's Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov told Reuters.

The two sides are set to meet again later this month at the U.N. General Assembly in New York. Whatever the outcome, Macedonia wants the EU to agree that accession talks - which could take years - can at least get under way.

"If we have enough in terms of reform at home, we hope we will reach that stage (to start EU accession talks) and the deal with the name issue in parallel," Dimitrov said.

The time it takes to go through the EU membership process might give Greece enough comfort that process can be halted if needed.

Joining NATO is more clear cut though, meaning that for now there is unlikely to be much leeway.

"We cannot fight our way into the NATO alliance, we have to talk our way in," Dimitrov said.

"We need to be seen in Athens as an ally ... In the long run it is also in the Greek interest to have a law-governed neighbour to their northern border." (Reporting by Marc Jones; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
By Crispian Balmer

ROME, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Rape allegations levelled against foreigners are fuelling anti-immigrant sentiment in Italy ahead of elections due early next year, when migration is likely to top the political agenda.

Anti-immigration politicians have leapt on the crimes to ram home their message that the centre-left government has been lax on border controls, allowing more than 600,000 migrants, mainly Africans, to enter the country over the past four years.

"There are too many of them. I will send quite a few home," Matteo Salvini, the head of the rightist Northern League, wrote on Twitter this week after police said a Bangladeshi man had been arrested in Rome on suspicion of raping a Finnish au pair.

The Rome case came two weeks after a young Polish tourist said she was gang raped by four Africans, three of them aged under 18, on a beach in the Adriatic resort of Rimini.

The woman's partner was badly beaten by the youths and a Peruvian transsexual said she was raped and assaulted by the same quartet later the same night.

The leader of the gang was named as a Congolese asylum-seeker who had been allowed to stay in Italy on humanitarian grounds. The other three were Moroccan brothers aged 15 and 17, who were born in Italy, and a 16-year-old Nigerian.

"A gang of Maghreb worms," said Georgia Meloni, head of the rightist Brothers of Italy party, which is expected to be allied with the Northern League and Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia (Go Italy!) party at the election.

An opinion poll in la Repubblica newspaper on Wednesday showed 46 percent of Italians thought migrants represented a threat to their personal safety and to public order against 40 percent in the last such survey in February.

Five years ago the figure stood at just 26 percent.

CONSEQUENCES

Opposition parties say the government cannot ignore the issue, pointing to official data showing that in the first seven months of the year 1,534 Italians were arrested or accused of rape compared with 904 foreigners suspected of the same crime.

"Some 40 percent of rapes are being committed by foreigners who make up 8 percent of the population. You can't sweep this under a carpet," said Deborah Bergamini, a lawmaker with Forza Italia. "The influx of migrants is having major consequences."

Though Italy was a colonial power in Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries and migrants have come to Italy for decades, the country mainly served as a transit route for the rest of Europe and so remains an overwhelmingly white country.

However, EU migration policy means that increasing numbers of would-be asylum seekers are having to stay to secure residency permits, meaning many more Africans and refugees from the Middle East are trying to make Italy their home.

Rising public concern over the inflows is starting to affect government policy-making, with the ruling centre-left Democratic Party on Tuesday freezing a long-promised bill that would have granted citizenship to the children of immigrants.

Some 70 percent of Italians backed the measure earlier this year, but support has now plummeted to just 52 percent, according to the la Repubblica survey.

Interior Minister Marco Minniti has also intervened to stem the flow of migrants.

"I feared for democracy in this country," Minniti said last month, explaining why, after months of a de-facto, open-door policy, the government finally introduced measures aimed at preventing people from leaving Libya for Italy.

Over the past 2-1/2 months, the number of migrants reaching Italy has fallen 70 percent from the same period a year ago to some 16,500, but the rape cases have ensured that media headlines have remained highly negative about the newcomers.

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

German media were accused last year of initially ignoring allegations of sex assaults by migrants at New Year festivities in Cologne in order not to fuel anti-foreigner sentiment. The Italian media has no such hesitancy.

"First poverty, now they bring us disease," a front page headline in Libero daily said this month when an Italian child died of malaria just days after she had shared a hospital ward with two African children suffering the same illness.

Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and cannot be passed person-to-person. It was eradicated from Italy in 1970 and doctors do not know how the girl, who had never been abroad, caught the disease.

Cecile Kashetu Kyenge, a Congolese-born European parliamentarian with the ruling Democratic Party, says those sorts of headlines show how racism is on the rise.

"The newspapers turn migrants into the enemies of Italy and people start to believe this nonsense," said Kyenge, a former minister who receives regular racist abuse on social media.

"Racism is used as a political weapon and the situation is getting worse. The problem is we are living in a perpetual election campaign and politicians play on peoples' fears."

The Northern League has led the anti-migrant charge with its leader, Salvini, regularly denouncing migrants on Facebook. The party has been rewarded by a jump in support from 6 percent in 2014 to more than 15 percent today, making it the third largest political force in Italy in many opinion polls.

"The rise of the Northern League can be put down to the party's anti-migrant stance and Salvini's undoubted ability to play the populist card," said pollster Renato Mannheimer. He predicted that the issue would continue to predominate.

"The economy is a much more important issue, but sadly I think it will take a back seat to immigration in the coming election campaign," he said. (Reporting by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
By Andy Home

LONDON, Sept 13 (Reuters) - What have the following metals all got in common? Ferro-silicon, vanadium, tungsten and neodymium.

The answer is that all have seen explosive price rises over the last couple of months.

Ferro-silicon trading on China's Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange went supernova over the course of August with price, volumes and open interest rocketing to record highs.

Neodymium <MYSTL-GANZ-NEDO>, together with its sister rare earth metal, praseodymium <MYSTL-GANZ-PRAS>, has almost doubled in price since the start of the year.

Vanadium <VAN-PENT-LON> has done the same in the space of two months, while tungsten <TUN-FERRO-LON> is up by "only" around 60 percent since the start of July.

These metals, esoteric but critical for a multitude of manufacturing processes, all have one other thing in common.

They are all produced in China and they have all been hit hard by Beijing's environmental crackdown.

They are just the most extreme examples of a more general supply shock spreading across the entire global industrial metals spectrum from aluminium to zinc.

Graphic on rare earth prices in China:

http://tmsnrt.rs/2glIeoX

Graphic on ferro-silicon trading in Zhengzhou:

http://tmsnrt.rs/2iIxJ3z

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

Chinese premier Li Keqiang pledged to make "our skies blue again" at the annual National People's Congress in March.

It was a formal declaration of war on polluters, proving that air quality in China's big cities had moved to the very top of the political agenda.

It was also the trigger for waves of inspectors to fan out across the country to target entire industrial supply chains.

Inevitably, given both the nature of the production process and the breakneck speed of capacity expansion over the previous decade, the metals sector is one of those singled out for special scrutiny.

"Inspection" sounds a fairly innocuous exercise but in China these environmental checks have proved massively disruptive with metal producers reducing output or closing completely during the inspectors' visit.

And quite evidently, those that don't pass the checks don't get to reopen at all until they take remedial action.

Consider, for example, this update on last month's inspections on silicon producers in the province of Sichuan from Chinese news provider Shanghai Metal Market (SMM).

Average utilization rates in Sichuan, according to SMM, "fell by more than 10 percentage points month-on-month to 43.40 percent in August, and the year-on-year decline was 20.45 percentage points".

"Silicon metal producers in Liangshan and Ya'an reported unstable production during the inspections period."

"In Liangshan, some producers halted operations and production in Ya'an did not recover until late August. Plants in A'ba and Leshan were required to suspend production for unit upgrading to meet environmental production and noise reduction standards".

Now, imagine the same thing happening to silicon producers across the whole of China and you start to understand the speculative frenzy that has lifted Zhengzhou futures prices.

Next, imagine it happening to every metallic supply chain you can think of and you'll understand the systemic impact of Keqiang's blue skies promise.

The inspectors don't just come once.

Even if a plant passes every single check, they'll be back next month just to make sure. And they may well return the month after that, just to be doubly sure.

MULTIPLE NARRATIVES, SAME THEME

Just how much these inspections impact prices is dependent on each individual metal's specific dynamics.

Vanadium, for example, was already on something of a roll due to a proposed change to the specifications for Chinese construction steel with implied higher usage of the hardening alloy.

The whole rare earths sector, which China dominates, has been undergoing structural changes as Beijing tries to weed out unofficial operators and push bigger players to consolidate.

Ma Rongzhang, general secretary of the Association of China Rare Earth Industry, was quoted by China Daily as saying that this year's official rare earths production quota of 105,000 tonnes won't even cover the 180,000 tonnes of neodymium and praseodymium that the electric motor supply chain requires.

Rare earths, like vanadium, were already showing early signs of embarking on a bull price run.

But the accelerator came at the start of July, when the environmental inspectors started paying their visits.

Whatever the starting point, each metal's price path since then has been the same vertical climb.

FUTURE WARNING

The irony is that most of these critical metals are also in the public eye right now because just about all of them, in one way or another, are going to receive a demand boost from the electric vehicle revolution.

But these "green" materials are nothing of the sort when it comes to their own production processes.

That's particularly true in China.

Sectors such as rare earths production have in the past been plagued by smaller, illegal operators with scant regard for environmental or any other sort of regulatory box-ticking.

Environmental crackdown goes hand in hand with "unofficial" sector crackdown. Policy makers' aim is to create bigger, better and cleaner national champions.

The problem for everyone else, however, is that Beijing's clean-up is closing production and ramping up prices.

That should be a warning sign for the rest of the world, which is dependent on China as a major supplier of these metals. Indeed, in a sector such as rare earths, it's just about the only supplier.

China is rattling global supply chains across the metallic spectrum right now.

It's doing so because of its dominant position in the production of many of the weird and wonderful metals on which 21st century manufacturing depends.

Assuming its supply-side reforms play out as intended, it may prove to be a position that becomes ever more dominant. (Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
UNITED NATIONS, Sept 13 (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called on authorities in Myanmar to end violence against the majority-Buddhist country's Rohingya Muslims and acknowledged the situation there is best described as ethnic cleansing.

The humanitarian situation in Myanmar was "catastrophic," Guterres said, and called on all countries to do what they could to supply aid.

"I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military action, end the violence, uphold the rule of law and recognize the right of return of all those who had to leave the country," Guterres said at a news conference.

Pressure has been mounting on Myanmar to end violence that has sent about 370,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh, with the United States calling for protection of civilians and Bangladesh urging safe zones to enable refugees to go home.

Asked if the situation could be described as ethnic cleansing, Guterres replied: "Well I would answer your question with another question: When one-third of the Rohingya population had to flee the country, could you find a better word to describe it?"

The secretary-general also said he has spoken to Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's national leader, several times.

"This is a dramatic tragedy. People are dying and suffering at horrible numbers and we need to stop it. That is my main concern," he said.

Suu Kyi canceled a trip to the upcoming U.N. General Assembly to deal with the crisis, her office said on Wednesday.

The U.N. Security Council is to meet on Wednesday behind closed doors for the second time since the crisis erupted. British U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said he hoped there would be a public statement agreed by the council.

The government of Myanmar, also known as Burma, says its security forces are fighting Rohingya militants behind a surge of violence in Rakhine state that began on Aug. 25, and they are doing all they can to avoid harming civilians.

The government says about 400 people have been killed in the fighting, the latest in the western state.

The U.N.'s top human rights official earlier this week denounced Myanmar for conducting a "cruel military operation" against the Rohingya, branding it "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; writing by Eric Walsh, editing by G Crosse)
BRASILIA, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Brazil's Social Democratic Party (PSD) has invited Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles to be its candidate in the 2018 presidential race, the party's leader in the lower house of Congress said on Wednesday.

Marcos Montes said Meirelles received the invitation with "enthusiasm" but did not respond immediately. Reuters reported late in August, citing a source close to the minister, that he wanted to run for president on the PSD ticket, but knew he would only have a strong chance if the economy improved substantially. (Reporting by Silvio Cascione and Mateus Maia; Writing by Bruno Federowski; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
Hundreds of business, civic and community leaders will participate in the 2017 PrimeTime Business EXPO, on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Bradley Square Mall, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The annual EXPO allows members of Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce an opportunity to present their products or services to the community.

Based on the previous years collaborative success we anticipate an even larger group of participants for this year, said Aaron Weatherford, chamber membership director. This is a community-wide event where everyone is invited to attend, however only Chamber members can showcase.

Something new for 2017 is the EXPO Passport experience. Attendees will each receive a passport with a list of the vendors. Once they visit with a vendor, the passport will be stamped, explains mr. Weatherford. Once they have visited a certain number of vendors and had their passport stamped it can then be submitted for prizes.

Some of the larger prize items this year include: a weekend trip to the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort provided by Outland Travel, a iCool mattress set provided by MurMaid Mattress and a Whirlpool Corp. KitchenAid mixer.

To learn more about the PrimeTime Business EXPO or how to become a member of Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce contact Mr. Weatherford at 472-6587 or visit www.clevelandchamber.com




By Bill Berkrot

Sept 13 (Reuters) - A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel on Wednesday voted 11-0 that the safety and efficacy of GlaxoSmithKline's Shingrix shingles vaccine warrants approval for its use in adults aged 50 and over.

Panel members said they were "very impressed" by efficacy data from Shingrix clinical trials, and that it represents an improvement over Zostavax, the only marketed shingles prevention vaccine from Merck & Co.

While the FDA is not required to follow recommendations of its advisory panels, the enthusiasm expressed would seem to indicate that approval is a virtual certainty in coming weeks.

Shingrix is considered one of the more important products in GSK's pipeline, with annual sales forecast to reach $1 billion by 2023, according to Thomson Reuters data.

Zostavax, approved in 2006, is expected to generate sales of about $730 million this year, with declining sales forecast for ensuing years with the introduction of serious competition.

Shingrix contains a component used to help boost efficacy from Agenus Inc, which is entitled to royalties on future sales.

Older people are most at risk of an outbreak of shingles, a painful, often debilitating blistering rash. Shingles is the result of reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and remains latent in those who have had that disease.

In clinical trials, Shingrix has shown greater protection against shingles among older recipients than that demonstrated by Zostavax. Four years after injection, the GSK vaccine remained about 90 percent effective in people over age 70, while the efficacy of Zostavax declines noticeably over time.

"This is a new generation of vaccine, which really has overcome the age-related decline in immunity," Thomas Breuer, chief medical officer of GSK Vaccines, said in an interview.

Shingrix, given in two doses two months apart, also reduces incidence of nerve pain following a shingles outbreak known as postherpetic neuralgia.

In two pivotal Phase III studies involving more than 29,000 subjects, serious side effects were similar for Shingrix and a placebo. Panelists had questions about a small but greater incidence of certain reported adverse health issues among Shingrix recipients, including gout and stroke.

GSK said it did not believe those were related to Shingrix but has proposed a post-approval safety monitoring plan.

Panelists also expressed concern that the vast majority of trial subjects were white, saying they would like to see more data for other populations.

GSK is expected to announce a U.S. price for Shingrix upon approval. It is also awaiting approval decisions from Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada. (Reporting by Bill Berkrot in New York; editing by Grant McCool and Jonathan Oatis)
LONDON, Sept 13 (Reuters) - London-based premium car service Addison Lee has picked New York as the first overseas market where corporate customers will be able to book its branded vehicles, taking on the likes of Uber.

Addison Lee, a familiar sight on London streets where it provides up to 30,000 rides a day, already operates in the United States under different names including Flyte Tyme and allows customers to use affiliates in dozens of countries.

In New York, customers will be able to book journeys in a branded car via an app, online or by phone, it said on Wednesday, rivalling the likes of Uber, which offers the UberBLACK premium service, and executive transport firm Carey.

A total of 500 vehicles will be available by the end of October.

"Our London corporate customers want the same premium car experience in other key markets," said Chief Executive Andy Boland.

The firm also said it had bought Transdev unit Tandem Technologies, which provides car service booking and management software, as part of the expansion plan for an undisclosed sum.

In London, Addison Lee has faced tough competition from Uber and last month its licence was renewed for just six months as the city's transport regulator considers a new fees system which could raise the costs it and other large private hire firms pay.

The high-end service has also faced criticism over working conditions and lost a legal battle last month involving a courier who had pushed for rights such as holiday pay. (Reporting by Costas Pitas; Editing by Mark Potter)
By Liana B. Baker

Sept 13 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump blocked a Chinese-backed private equity firm from buying a U.S.-based chipmaker on Wednesday, sending a clear signal to Beijing that Washington will oppose takeover deals that involve technologies with potential military applications. Canyon Bridge Capital Partners' planned $1.3 billion acquisition of Lattice Semiconductor Corp was one of the largest attempted by a Chinese-backed firm in the U.S. microchip sector and was the first announced deal for the buyout fund, which launched last year with a focus on technology investment.

U.S. regulatory scrutiny grew after Reuters reported in November that Canyon Bridge was funded partly by capital from China's central government and had indirect links to its space program.

U.S. defense officials subsequently raised concerns about the Lattice acquisition by a firm backed by the Chinese government.

Portland, Oregon-based Lattice makes chips known as field-programmable gate arrays, which allow companies to put their own software on silicon chips for different uses. It said it no longer sells chips to the U.S. military, unlike its two biggest rivals, Xilinx Inc and Intel Corp's Altera.

Trump said in an executive order that Lattice and Canyon Bridge "shall take all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the proposed transaction" within 30 days.

Trump's decision chimes with the views of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which scrutinizes deals for potential national security threats.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement following the decision that "CFIUS and the president assess that the transaction poses a risk to the national security of the United States that cannot be resolved through mitigation."

Mnuchin added that the national security risk was related to the transfer of intellectual property, the Chinese government's role in supporting the deal, the importance of semiconductor supply chain integrity to the U.S. government and the U.S. government's use of Lattice products.

China expressed concern about the decision.

"We believe conducting security examinations of investments in sensitive sectors is a country's legitimate right, but it should not become a tool for advancing protectionism," Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng told a press briefing on Thursday.

Gao said he hoped the United States could view Chinese firms' acquisitions objectively and provide fair treatment to what was their "normal commercial behavior".

Lattice and Canyon Bridge said in a joint statement late on Wednesday they had terminated the proposed deal. Lattice also said it is committed to achieving profitable growth.

Canyon Bridge had said in an earlier statement that it was disappointed in the decision, and called the proposed transaction "an excellent deal for Lattice's shareholders and its employees."

SENSITIVE MOMENT

The announcement comes at a sensitive time for U.S.-China relations, which are already strained over trade issues and North Korea. The Chinese Communist Party is also preparing to hold its once-every-five-years Congress in October.

Trumps decision ends a prolonged campaign by Canyon Bridge and Lattice to seal the deal. Canyon Bridge and Lattice had spent more than eight months trying in vain to persuade CFIUS to clear the acquisition.

Both companies had said the deal did not pose any security risks and Canyon Bridge told CFIUS it would double the number of Lattice's employees in a bid to make the deal more palatable, according to people familiar with the matter who declined to be identified because details of the regulatory process are confidential.

The companies' decision to appeal directly to Trump was a last-ditch gamble. It was the first such deal to hit Trump's desk and only the fourth time in three decades that an acquisition was put in front of a president after CFIUS recommended against it.

Trump has hewed to the presidential tradition of following the advice of national security officials on deals.

The U.S. refusal potentially hurts Canyon Bridge's ability to acquire other Western semiconductor companies. Most of its acquisition targets have U.S. operations, making them subject to a CFIUS review.

Palo Alto, California-based Canyon Bridge has been working on a bid for British semiconductor company Imagination Technology Group, sources have previously said. If Canyon Bridge clinches that deal, it would also be subject to CFIUS review since Imagination Technologies acquired U.S. chip designer MIPS in 2013.

While Canyon Bridge could choose to divest MIPS, which accounts for a small fraction of Imagination Technologies' business, there is no certainty that would be enough to resolve all CFIUS issues, according to the sources.

Imagination Technologies declined to comment.

Investors have been skeptical the Lattice deal would get passed since it was announced last November. Lattice shares have been trading below the deal's $8.30 offer price and were down 1.6 percent in after-hours trading on Wednesday.

Chinese deals awaiting approval include Ant Financial's $1.2 billion purchase of U.S. money transfer company MoneyGram International Inc and China Oceanwide Holdings Group Co Ltd's $2.7 billion acquisition of U.S. insurer Genworth Financial Inc.

Unic Capital Management's $580 million acquisition of U.S. semiconductor testing company Xcerra Corp is also awaiting approval, while HNA needs to get CFIUS clearance to buy hedge fund SkyBridge Capital LLC from Anthony Scaramucci, the Trump administration's former communications director.

HNA, the Chinese airline-to-financials group, also needs CFIUS approval for its purchase of a 25 percent stake in Old Mutual's U.S. fund management arm. A person close to HNA said the two deals are "on track".

Ant Financial, which resubmitted the deal for U.S. review in mid-July, is still actively engaged with CFIUS, a person familiar with the matter said.

"We are not commenting on the CFIUS process, but we are continuing to work with the various regulatory agencies and remain focused on closing the transaction by the end of the year," Ant Financial said in a statement.

HNA did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

(Reporting by Liana B. Baker in New York, Additional reporting by Diane Bartz in Washington, Elias Glenn in Beijing and Kane Wu in Hong Kong; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Stephen Coates)
WASHINGTON, Sept 13 (Reuters) - African countries should do more to pile pressure on South Sudan's political leaders, who seem incapable of resolving the country's four-year civil war, a top U.S. diplomat said on Wednesday.

"We think there is more our African colleagues can and should be doing at this point, especially in terms of focusing on leadership, that from our point of view is behaving in a way that is very irresponsible," Tom Shannon, U.S. under-secretary for political affairs at the State Department, told reporters.

Shannon, speaking on the sidelines of a U.S-African Partnerships event at the U.S. Institute of Peace, said Washington had grown "intolerant" of South Sudan's leaders and the challenge was to work with African countries which are interested in seeing an end to the conflict.

"This is a manmade conflict of horrific dimensions, which is about political leaders measuring each other through force at the cost of their populations," said Shannon.

His remarks come after the new USAID administrator, Mark Green, traveled to Juba on Sept. 2 to meet with South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and deliver a message from Washington that the United States was reviewing its relationship with his government.

The Trump administration last week imposed sanctions on two senior South Sudanese officials and the former army chief for their role in the conflict, atrocities against civilians and attacks against international missions in South Sudan.

South Sudan became the world's newest nation when it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. War broke out in late 2013 and more than a quarter of its population of 12 million have fled their homes.

A confidential report by the United Nations last week said competing efforts to end South Sudan's civil war were allowing Kiir's government to exploit divisions among the international brokers.

East African leaders said in June they want the warring sides to recommit to a peace deal they abandoned more than a year ago. .

Among the international bodies trying to end the conflict are regional block IGAD, the U.N. Security Council, a troika of South Sudan's main Western backers prior to independence and an African Union panel. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
By Alison Frankel

NEW YORK, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Shareholders havent had much success in securities class actions blaming investor losses on corporate data breach disclosures.

There have been occasional settlements - the data broker ChoicePoint, for instance, agreed to pay $10 million to settle a shareholder data breach class action in 2008 - and theres a potentially consequential shareholder case under way against Yahoo in federal court in San Jose.

But for the most part, as Kevin LaCroix explained Wednesday at the D&O Diary blog, shareholder lawyers havent even bothered bringing securities class actions against big corporations that left confidential data vulnerable to hackers because company shares didnt drop after data breach disclosures. Theres no point suing unless you can show investors lost money.

RARE CREATURE

Equifax is a different story.

The credit reporting companys share price plummeted by as much as 18 percent after it disclosed a hack that compromised personal data on as many as 143 million people.

To be sure, Equifax has only about 120 million outstanding shares and a relatively small market capitalization of about $17 billion. So the companys potential liability to investors in a securities class action is probably going to be dwarfed by the class action claims of consumers whose social security numbers and other confidential data was snatched by hackers. Nevertheless, securities class action firms told me Wednesday that Equifax appears to be that rare creature: a data breach defendant worth suing for securities fraud.

One plaintiffs' firm, Levi & Korsinsky, has already filed a securities class action against the company in federal court in Atlanta.

Two other prominent shareholder firms - Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd and Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann - told me they are investigating suits for their clients, who include institutional investors.

Many other plaintiffs' lawyers, including the firms leading the Yahoo data breach securities litigation, issued shareholder alerts this week, advising Equifax investors to sign up for litigation.

"We are actively investigating the case," said Samuel Rudman of Robbins Geller. "From what we know so far, it looks like a strong case, with suspicious insider trading that warrants discovery."

EGREGIOUS

Eduard Korsinsky, whose firm filed the Atlanta securities class action against Equifax, said in an email that this company isnt like previous data breach defendants.

"This is a company that's in the business of protecting people's data and charging for it, so a breach here is not merely peripheral, as in virtually all of the other cases, but core to its business model," Korsinsky said.

Its all the more egregious, he said, for a credit monitoring company to sit on evidence of a hack and to allow corporate insiders to sell shares before disclosing the breach publicly.

"Whether or not Equifax should be held to a higher breach standard given their business is debatable, but one would be hard pressed to justify the executives' conduct subsequent to the breach," Korsinsky said.

Equifax did not respond to specific questions about investors allegations. Company representatives said in an email statement that Equifax cannot comment on litigation. "We are remaining focused on helping (consumers) to navigate this situation and providing the best customer support possible," the statement said. Its statement did not address securities litigation and it did not respond to my followup email.

SUSPICIOUS TRADES?

As Rudman and Korsinsky said, one crucial piece of the securities case against Equifax will almost certainly be trades by corporate insiders in the time period between Equifaxs discovery of a hack and the companys public disclosure of the breach.

Investors have to show evidence of a companys fraudulent intent in order to survive defense dismissal motions and obtain the right to depose insiders and see internal documents.

If shareholders can plausibly allege that Equifax insiders delayed disclosure of the data breach to dump shares, they will sail past any defense motion to toss their case before theyre entitled to discovery.

The magnitude of Equifaxs potential liability, though, will depend on how far back its alleged misstatements go.

The company has said it realized it had been hacked in July, several weeks before it disclosed the breach. Plaintiffs' lawyers will try to establish that Equifax began deceiving investors long before it found out about the breach so they can include more shareholders in the class action. (Only investors who acquired shares during the class period can claim damages.)

The Levi & Korsinsky complaint alleges that Equifaxs fraud began in February 2016, when the company said in its annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission that it was a global leader in data security and continually invested in cutting edge technology to protect consumer data.

"These material misstatements and/or omissions had the effect of creating in the market an unrealistically positive assessment of the company and its well-being and prospects, thus causing the companys securities to be overvalued and artificially inflated," the complaint asserted.

BREAKING THE MOLD

Its tough for shareholders to convince judges of a companys fraudulent intent from the sort of SEC disclosure statements cited in the Levi & Korsinsky complaint.

But if Equifax investors can get past early dismissal motions, they can obtain discovery that could help them flesh out allegations that the company knowingly misrepresented the security of its data. (Or could squelch those allegations. Its important to remember that shareholder lawyers have no idea yet what Equifaxs internal documents will show.)

Like I said, the Equifax securities litigation wont be as consequential as the consumer case. I doubt the competition among plaintiffs' lawyers to lead the securities case will be as fierce as the inevitable battle to run the consumer class action. In the Yahoo data breach securities litigation, only two firms, Pomerantz and Glancy Prongay & Murray, asked to be named lead counsel. (They were appointed co-leads.)

But the drop in Equifaxs share price and the companys delay in disclosing the hack set it apart from most previous data breach securities defendants. If investors are going to break the mold on shareholder data breach class actions, this case seems like their chance. (Reporting by Alison Frankel. Editing by Alessandra Rafferty.)
By Karla Mendes

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept 13 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A ten-year anniversary of the United Nation's landmark recognition of indigenous rights finds slow progress in Brazil, which has the largest diversity of native people in the world, leaders and advocates said on Wednesday.

Tribal people struggle in the South American nation where many lack property rights and face violence from miners, ranchers and loggers eyeing their land, they say. Financial constraints hamper indigenous protection as well, they say.

Brazil is home to about 900,000 indigenous people, spread among some 300 tribes speaking nearly as many languages. It also has at least two dozen so-called uncontacted tribes.

More than 10 percent of its land mass is recognized territory for the indigenous population, and most of that land is located in the giant Amazon rainforest.

"We see our rights being violated all the time," Brazilian indigenous leadership Alberto Terena told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Many tribes do not have rights to their land, said Terena, who is executive coordinator of the Articulation of the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, known as Apib, an umbrella group of several advocacy groups.

Adopted on Sept. 13, 2007, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was a sweeping, historic move to assess the situation of indigenous people and lay out standards for their survival and well-being.

The U.N. declaration helped give visibility to violations of indigenous rights in Brazil and boosted support for demarcation, which provides land rights, advocates say.

"We depend on the land to live," said Terena. "With no demarcation, there is no health, no education. There is just a piece of land with heaps of people."

The process of land demarcation to protect against property encroachment since the declaration has spawned violence, said Joana Chiavari, a senior analyst at Climate Policy Initiative in Brazil.

"Threats have been intensified since then, including proposals to change the demarcation process of indigenous lands, as well as to allow mining activities in these areas, in addition to budget cuts to institutions in charge of protecting indigenous peoples," Chiavari said.

The number of killings of indigenous people in 25 nations doubled to 281 in 2016 compared with 2015, said Erika Yamada, a U.N. expert on indigenous rights.

"For 2017, the number is likely to be even more alarming," Yamada said.

Brazil's indigenous affairs agency, Funai, did not respond to a request for comment.

Indigenous tribes are increasingly facing threats from miners in the Amazon rainforest amid budget cuts to Funai, local officials and activists say.

Land incursions on indigenous territory have been increasing amid the budget cuts, part of austerity measures aimed at lifting Brazil out of its worst recession in decades, they say.

A federal prosecutor in Brazil's Amazonas state recently launched an investigation into a reported massacre of at least 10 members of an uncontacted tribe by gold miners in a remote area along the Jandiatuba river, close to Peru's border.

Funai officials in Amazonas said they received an audio clip with miners bragging about the crime. (Reporting by Karla Mendes, Editing by Ellen Wulfhorst )
Minister Chandima Weerakkody today hinted that former deputy minister Arundika Fernando was likely to be appointed as a deputy minister shortly.

He said this at a function attended by President Maithripala Sirisena and Mr. Fernando last morning.

Minister Weerakkody, who addressed the gathering, introduced Mr. Fernando as Deputy minister yesterday, MP today and again deputy minister tomorrow

Mr. Fernando was seen having a cordial chat with the President at the opening of the building complex of the Orugodawatte Automobile Engineering Training Institute.

Mr. Fernando had reportedly met the President at the Presidents House yesterday morning before attending the function.(Vinitha M. Gamage)
Australia-based Margosa Graphite Ltd (Margosa), together with Lanka Resources and Mining (Pvt.) Ltd (LRM) announced that it would commence an extensive high-resolution helicopter-borne time-domain electromagnetic survey (HTDEM) to accelerate its exploration search for new graphite deposits in Sri Lanka.



The HTDEM survey was formerly introduced by Margosa Managing Director Peter Venn at a function held in Colombo recently, attended by the officials of the Mahaweli Development and Environment and Defence Ministries, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB), Civil Aviation Authority, Air Force, Air Senok and other dignitaries.



Venn also announced that all necessary approvals have been received from the GSMB and Sri Lankas Mahaweli Development and Environment and Defence Ministries.



Margosa has commissioned internationally respected geophysical company, New Resolution Geophysics, to carry out the high-resolution HTDEM survey, using its recently developed and leading edge Xcite airborne electromagnetic technology.



The Xcite HTDEM utilises a light-weight inflatable loop, roughly 18 metres in diameter, which acts as a carrier for the system. The loop is securely fastened and suspended approximately 30 metres below a helicopter that flies 60-90 metres above the ground. The transmitter loop induces an electromagnetic field that measures the three-dimensional variations in conductivity within the near surface soil and rock.



The invisible magnetic field created in the process is harmless to the people and the environment, stressed LRM Chairman Varuna Mallawaarachchi.



Weather permitting, this HTDEM survey is due to commence within seven days, will take up to four weeks to complete and will see average flying times of four to six hours per day.



Air Senok, a highly respected Sri Lankan aviation contractor, will operate the AS350B Eurocopters, which will also include NRG pilots onboard each flight.



The most commonly mined forms of graphite are flake or amorphous. Sri Lankas vein or lump graphite is unique because of its high grades (90-99 percent Cg) and superior physical properties. These qualities make this vein product much sought after in the market and as such it retains a higher value when compared to these other forms of graphite.



Sri Lanka has exported its graphite to Asia, Europe and the USA for over 150 years with peaks in production between 1870 and 1918 and later during World War II. Sri Lanka remains the only country in the world to produce commercial vein graphite but currently in low quantities (~8000 tonnes per year) from only two or three underground mines and Margosa has a clear vision to rebuild the industry through the application of modern exploration and mine development techniques.



To this end, it has strong technical board and management team, each with over 25 years of experience in exploration and mine development in Australia, Africa and Asia.



Margosa and Sri Lankan subsidiary LRM have been exploring and acquiring highly prospective graphite tenements in Sri Lanka since 2012. The company has 10 project areas covering 253 square kilometres in the Kalutara, Ratnapura, Kegalle and Matara Districts. This initial HDTEM survey will be conducted over their Pathakada, Aluketiya, Dumbara, Kithulgala, Waharaka, and Dehiowita projects, which the company considers as its Priority 1 target areas.



Margosa and LRM pioneered the use of modern electromagnetic (EM) surveying to explore for graphite in Sri Lanka and early ground EM exploration over relatively small areas identified multiple targets on their Aluketiya and Pathakada properties. These areas were subsequently drilled, intersecting numerous graphite veins, providing the necessary proof that EM was an excellent exploration tool for vein graphite. Now with strong funding support from Australia, the company believes that the NRG Xcite HTDEM system will quickly and efficiently deliver drill-ready targets.

This Proof of Concept has led us to invest over A$ 500,000 in the largest (up to1700 line km) Airborne EM Survey to discover the next generation of Sri Lankan graphite deposits, said Margosa Chairman John Shackleton.



The demand for graphite continues to surpass supply especially with the surge in lithium ion battery applications. Further, in his address on Friday, Venn quoted Roskills 2017 published report Natural and Synthetic Graphite: Global Industry, Markets and Outlook to 2026, which forecasts that total global graphite demand in battery applications will increase between 16-26 percent per year to 2026.

In addition to the battery market, Venn also commented, The number of new technological applications requiring high-quality graphite is ever expanding in areas such as aerospace industries, electronics, fuel cells and most recently seawater filtration-desalination. Exciting new research into spherical and expandable graphite will also demand a high-grade product with few impurities, which Sri Lankan vein graphite provides.
AVIC International Holding Corporation, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and a Global 500 company, was proudly acknowledged as part of an influential initiative, Investor Forum 2017 which took place on 30th August, at The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo.



AVIC extended support to this event with their presence as Gold Sponsors. The forum was organized by LankaPropertyWeb.com and RB Realtors and Consultants (Pvt) Ltd.



AVIC representatives took part in the proceedings which included the distinguished attendance of over 300 potential local and foreign investors, high net worth individuals (HNWIs), high end developers, property and real estate exhibitors and major shareholders from CSE listed companies to name a few. The event proved itself as an ideal platform for the right audience to rendezvous at and intermingle.



The concept for an event of this calibre was mainly instigated when there was clear demand from investors in seeking dialogue and information about the local market as well as interest from exhibitors who had taken part at previous events such as the Lanka Property Show which took place earlier this year.



The core of the event was to emphasize on the volume of investment opportunities in the real estate market in Sri Lanka, create awareness amongst the attendees and provide them with an opportunity to capitalize on the networks that would be formed here. The Forums agenda included speeches, presentations and panel discussions which assimilated with cocktails and fellowship.



Not only this but the Forum also proved vital as the ideal hub in which to create network opportunities with local and international media, brand promotions, brand equity enhancement and client base expansion.



The Forum also paved way for a number of distinguished speakers and panellists such as CSE Chairman Ray Abeywardena, Former Union Bank Chairman Alex Lovell, JLL Transaction Head Sunil Subramanian and Access Engineering MD Christopher Joshua to congregate under one roof and exchange knowhow.



During the course of the event, many of the speakers emphasized on relative subjects that were relevant to the progress of the real estate market in Sri Lanka as of current. Many of the topics also leveraged on matters such as Investment Opportunities in Sri Lanka as well as focus on Vacation Investments and a panel discussion which forayed towards strategies ideal for bringing down investment into the country.



AVIC Astoria Project Director Zhang Bo was also amongst the speakers on the evening and his presentation turned into an ideal opportunity to propel AVIC Astorias status as an investment opportunity for those who were looking for prospects in the real estate and luxury living angle. The Forum culminated with a Thank You Speech presented by RB Realtors CEO Richard Buultjens, which was then followed by cocktails and networking.
The Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA) will conduct a seminar on the new Inland Revenue Act on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Cinnamon Lakeside, Kings Court.



The new act will have a significant impact on taxpayers as it replaces the existing tax law and its long established practices.



At this seminar, the participants will be able to understand the immediate action for taxpayers how the new rules will apply in their own circumstances.



The seminar will be inaugurated by the chief guest Finance State Minister Eran Wickramaratne and he will address the gathering on the Policy framework and highlights of the new Inland Revenue Act. The welcome address will be delivered by CMA Sri Lanka President Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala.

The presentations will be: Income from business and investment income delivered by Ernst & Young Partner Duminda Hulangamuwa, Personal income tax, administrative provisions, assessments and appeals by KPMG Tax and Regulatory Principal Suresh Perera and Analysis of new Inland Revenue Bill by Gajma & Co Senior Partner N.R. Gajendran.



The panel discussion to be held at the end of the presentations will be moderated by Hulangamuwa. The panellists will be Cargills Bank Limited Joint Deputy Chairman and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Rajendra Theagarajah, National Policies and Economic Affairs Ministry Advisor Dinesh Weerakkody, Ernst & Young Partner Nishtar Sulaiman, Finance Ministry Tax Advisor Thanuja Perera, CIC Holdings PLC Managing Director/CEO Samantha Ranatunga and Inland Revenue Department Deputy Commissioner S. Iyesha Asanthi.



The participants will also have an opportunity to obtain clarifications from the speakers and panellists.

Those interested to register may contact Shanthi at CMA on 0714705536 or e mail: registrations@cma-srilanka.org.
Designed to help you achieve more in work and life with an Infinity Display, enhanced S Pen and Dual Camera with Optical Image Stabilization

Samsung Electronics introduces the Galaxy Note8, the next level Note for people who want to do bigger things. With the Galaxy Note8, consumers get a bigger Infinity Display that fits comfortably in one hand, S Pen to communicate in more personal ways, and Samsungs best-ever smartphone camera to capture stunning photos. The Galaxy Note8 is designed for the way consumers lead their lives and lean on technology today.



We appreciate the relentless passion of the Note community. Theyve been a constant inspiration to us and we designed the new Note for them, said DJ Koh, president of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. From the Infinity Display to the enhanced S Pen and a powerful Dual Camera, the Galaxy Note8 lets people do things they never thought were possible.



Samsung first introduced the Note series in 2011. Since then, a community of enthusiasts emerged through their affinity for Notes signature expansive screen and S Pen. According to Samsung market research1, 85 percent of Note users say theyre proud to show off their Note and recommend it to friends, and 75 percent say its the best phone theyve ever had.



Enjoy and Do More on the Infinity Display

The Galaxy Note8 has the biggest screen ever on a Note device, yet its narrow body makes it comfortable to hold in one hand. The 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display lets you see more and scroll less. The Galaxy Note8 gives you more room to watch, read and drawmaking it the ultimate multitasking smartphone.



Note users have long been able to do more with Multi Window. With the Galaxy Note8, the new App Pair feature lets you create a custom pair of apps on the Edge Panel and simultaneously launch two apps with ease. Watch a video while messaging your friends or dial into a conference call with the number and agenda in front of you2.



A New Way to Communicate with the S Pen

Since its introduction, the S Pen has been one of the Notes defining features. With the Galaxy Note8, the enhanced S Pen unlocks entirely new ways to write, draw, and interact with the phone and communicate with friends. It has a finer tip, improved pressure sensitivity3, and features that enable users to express themselves in ways that no other stylus or smartphone ever has.



When communicating with text just isnt enough, Live Message allows you to reveal your unique personality and tell expressive stories. With the Galaxy Note8, you can now share animated texts or drawings across platforms that support animated GIFs 4. Its a whole new way to communicate with the S Penadding lively and emotional connections that bring your messages to life.



The Always On Display allows Galaxy users to stay on top of their notifications without unlocking their phone. And with the Galaxy Note8, its even more powerful. Screen off memo allows you to take up to one-hundred pages of notes as soon as you remove the S Pen, pin notes to the Always On Display and make edits directly from the Always On Display.



For overseas travels or when you come across a website in a foreign language, the improved S Pen Translate feature lets you hover over text to quickly translate not only individual words, but entire sentences in up to 71 languages, and instantly convert units and foreign currencies.



Better Pictures with Galaxy Note8s Best-in-Class Camera

For most consumers, one of the things they look for when purchasing a new device is the camera. Samsung set the standard for smartphone cameras and with the Galaxy Note8, were delivering our most powerful smartphone camera yet.



The Galaxy Note8 is the first smartphone with two 12MP rear cameras with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on both the wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Whether youre exploring a new city or running around your backyard, OIS lets you capture sharper images.



For more advanced photo-taking, the Galaxy Note8s Live Focus feature lets you control the depth of field by allowing you to adjust the bokeh effect in preview mode and after you take the photo.



In Dual Capture mode, both rear cameras take two pictures simultaneously and allow you to save both images; one close-up shot from the telephoto lens and one wide-angle shot that shows the entire background.



The wide-angle lens has a Dual Pixel sensor with rapid Auto Focus, so you can capture sharper, clearer shots even in low-light environments. The Galaxy Note8 is also equipped with an industry-leading 8MP Smart Auto Focus front-facing camera for sharp selfies and video chats.



Galaxy of Features and Services

The Galaxy Note8 is built on the Galaxy legacya collection of unique features and capabilities that, together, have redefined the mobile experience:



Water and Dust Resistance: Four years ago, Samsung introduced the first Galaxy device with water resistance. And today, you can take your Note almost anywhere you want with water and dust resistance (IP685) on the device and the S Pen. You can write even when the display is wet.

Fast Wireless Charging: Two years ago, Samsung introduced the first Galaxy device with wireless charging. The Galaxy Note8 supports the most advanced wireless charging capabilities yet, so you can get a quick, convenient charge6 without having to mess around with ports or wires.

Security: The Galaxy Note8 offers a choice of biometric authentication optionsincluding iris and fingerprint scanning. Samsung Knox7 provides defense-grade security at the hardware and software layers and with Secure Folder, keeps your personal and professional data separate.

Powerful Performance: With 6GB RAM, a 10nm processor, and expandable memory (up to 256GB), you have the power you need to browse, stream, play games, and multitask.

Innovative Mobile Experiences: Samsung DeX enables a desktop experience, powered by your phone. You can keep your files on your device, conduct work on the go, and use Samsung DeX when you need an even bigger screen. The Galaxy Note8 includes Bixby8, a smarter way to use your phone; it learns from you, improves over time, and helps you get more done.



Mobile Performance, Productivity and Security for Businesses

The Galaxy Note8 takes business innovation to the next level with advanced features that improve performance, productivity and security for a wide range of industries, simplifying how work gets done:



Enhanced S Pen for Business: The S Pen lets professionals do what other smartphones cant, like discreetly taking notes in Screen off memo or quickly annotating documents and photos.

Non-Contact Authentication: The Galaxy Note8 offers iris scanning for professionalsfor example, professionals in the health care, construction, or public safety sectors who may find themselves in a position where they need to unlock their phones without having to swipe or scan a fingerprint.

Enhanced DeX Capabilities: The Galaxy Note8 powers Samsung DeX for those who need to extend their simple mobile experience seamlessly to the desktop whether theyre in the field, at the office or at home.



Our Continued Commitment to Safety

Samsung continues to uphold its commitment to lead the industry in battery safety. The Galaxy Note8s battery has undergone Samsungs 8-Point Battery Safety Checkthe most rigorous in the industry.



We have been closely working with Samsung to make meaningful advancements in the science of smartphone quality and safety evaluation. As a result, the Galaxy Note8 has successfully completed a rigorous series of device and battery safety compatibility test protocols. We look forward to maintaining our strategic relationship with Samsung and helping ensure device safety for all consumers. said Sajeev Jesudas, President, UL International.



The Galaxy Note8 will be available starting in mid-September and will be offered in Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Maple Gold and Deepsea Blue9.



For more information about Galaxy Note8 visit news.samsung.com/galaxy, http://www.samsungmobilepress.com, or www.samsung.com/galaxy.

( news.samsung.com )
The European Union (EU) on Wednesday praised the Sri Lankan Government for the progress made in advancing human rights, labour and environmental standards but stressed that there were still many areas where reform had yet to be delivered.

EU Ambassador Tung-Lai Margue, who met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Wednesday afternoon, said the Governments excellent cooperation is a reminder of how much the situation has changed in the country including real advances in human rights.

However, there are still important concerns about the lack of concrete progress in key areas. Torture has to stop. It is of paramount importance that the Government delivers on its commitments including the replacement of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, he said.

He said the PTA should be replaced with a counter-terrorism legislation consistent with international standards and allowing people in custody to have access to a lawyer from the point of arrest.

Issuing a statement, the EU said concerns were raised about continued discrimination against women and girls and against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Sri Lankans.

Meanwhile, the Ambassador said the fate of those who disappeared at the end of the war should be clarified.

The Ambassador led a team of visiting EU senior officials, who were in the country for the last 10 days on a fact-finding mission, to the meeting with the Premier.

The mission has focused on the status of the implementation of 27 international conventions of which Sri Lanka is a signatory.

The EU said progressive implementation of the conventions is the condition for continued preferential access to the European Union market under the GSP Plus.

The assessment, along with that of the other countries benefitting from GSP Plus, will be published in January 2018. It will be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.
If you want to become rich, you will have to build the road first, so goes the traditional Chinese saying. In other words, it is reference to the infrastructure development as the solid basis to propel or boost economic growth. In the analysis of things in this context, it became apparent that China, under its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has stepped in to develop the Hambantota Port and the industrial park integrated with it.

It turned clear at a media programme organised on the BRI at Tsinghua University here in Beijing with the participation of over a dozen journalists from South and South-East Asian regions.

Hambantota Port, built with a multi-billion dollar loan from the Chinese government during the previous rule, has been leased out to China Merchants Port Holding Company in partnership with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for development and commercial operation .

According to the leading Chinese academics attached to the School of Finance of this particular university headquartered in Beijing, the Hambantota Port is earmarked as a partially released infrastructure project under the BRI.

On the one hand, it links China with East Asia and Europe, and on the other, the BRI links up China with South Asia, Middle East, South -East Asia. Sri Lanka is among the very first countries that pledged cooperation with the BRI

In fact, the BRI is a long term project that aims at integration of China with the rest of the world for improved and enhanced connectivity. It seeks to expand bilateral trade, policy communication, promotion of cooperation among emerging industries and people to people contacts etc. On the one hand, it links China with East Asia and Europe, and on the other, the BRI links up China with South Asia, Middle East, South -East Asia.

Sri Lanka is among the very first countries that pledged cooperation with the BRI. That happened during the term of the last government that elevated bilateral relations with China to the level of Strategic Partnership Cooperation. After blowing hot and cold, the new government also threw its weight behind the project seen as the next phase of economic globalisation. In fact, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe signed the official document along with the leaders of other countries involved in the project at the summit on BRI in China, last year.

The globalisation, marked by cross border exchanges during its heyday, passed two main phases namely the rule-based system and the inclusiveness-based system. It has now entered the next level with the implementation of BRI. Hambantota Port Project has been implemented well in line with this concept.

For the expansion of trade, China has laid down plans. China opened up for market economy in 1978 under its leader Deng Xiaoping. Initially, it, as outlined by the Chinese dons, developed the coastal areas of the country in terms of industrialization. Reforms were introduced in the financial sector to facilitate the growth, and for over 30 years, the country sustained sound growth rates, on most occasions , at double digit levels.

After becoming a moderately prosperous country that even withstood the international financial crisis in 2009, China is now set to expand its global trade complement to reach the next level of development. It is today the largest international trade economy. So, the academics said reforms introduced at that time are extended to the next level under the leadership of current President Xi Jinping by opening up more and more to the global market.

Hambantota Port is earmarked as a partially released infrastructure project under the BRI China signed local currency swap agreements with 36 Central Banks RMB still accounts for 2% of world trade Sri Lanka also contributed to the initial capital.

They say China also views globalisation as something offering both opportunities and risks. Among them is opposition to openness and advocation of protectionism in countries that are party to the BRI.

As far as the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka is concerned, there is protest over the leasing out of a strategic asset. However, it is not yet clear whether these academics took note of this trend in Sri Lanka when they formulate their thoughts for lectures. Investment in Hambantota is only a small one compared with the massive amount of money put on the ground by China under the BRI .

Will RMB replace US$ as currency of international trade with BRI countries?

The answer is definitely going to be yes in this instance. Already, plans are underway for the internationalisation of Reminbi (RMB - the official currency of the Peoples Republic of China) along with the execution of the BRI. According to Dr. Zheng Xuechun of Peoples Bank of China, the developing and emerging economies suffer due to fluctuation of US$ at times, causing transaction costs for those countries involved in international trade.

As part of the internationalisation of RMB, China signed local currency swap agreements with 36 Central Banks. Besides, it signed currency settlement agreements with nine countries. Sri Lanka also signed such an agreement with China in 2014 for 10 million RMB. Dr. Zheng said the internationalisation of RMB is still at an early stage, though.

China signed local currency swap agreements with 36 Central Banks. Besides, it signed currency settlement agreements with nine countries. Sri Lanka also signed such an agreement with China in 2014 for 10 million RMB

In another instance, it was cited how rubber trade between China and Malaysia was hit by the fluctuation of the value of US$ on one occasion in the past. The Chinese authorities ask as to why bilateral trade should suffer due to such fluctuations of US currency. Be that as it may, RMB still accounts for two percent of world trade.

As part of this exercise in seeking financial integration, China is to issue more and more RMB Bonds in its territory for the BRI countries. Already, Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, an inter governmental and multilateral development organisation, has issued 1.7 billion US$ as loans for nine projects in the region. Sri Lanka also contributed to the initial capital. Its capital accounts of 100 billion US$.

In the implementations of economic development plans under the BRI, the Chinese scholars said the time was ripe for reconsideration of international conventions to facilitate the fulfilment of current global trends.
The International Advertising Association (IAA)

Sri Lanka Chapter is set to present Good vs. Gold, an inspiring session featuring the globally acclaimed Group Creative Director of Leo Burnett Toronto, Anthony Chelvanathan.



The event will take place on 19th September, from 6:30 p.m. onwards, at The Pavilion, Havelock

City Clubhouse.



Having been at the forefront of the global creative space for six consecutive years, Anthony Chelvanathan, the multi-award-winning ad professional is famed as one of the most accomplished creative directors in the field since 2009.



His artfully directed masterpieces and campaigns for global brands such as James Ready Beer, Coors Light, Procter and Gamble, Raising the Roof and Ikea, have garnered him much international recognition and an array of prestigious accolades.



His exceptional work in both the traditional and digital advertising spheres has also led him to being ranked as the number one Art Director in Canada four times in a row by Strategy Magazine. Now clocking in 10 years of success in the advertising industry, Anthony Chelvanathan is set to share his incredible story of perseverance, determination and the secret formula for his success at this years Good vs. Gold event.



Commenting on the IAA organizing the Good vs. Gold event featuring Anthony Chelvanathan, International Advertising Association (IAA) Sri Lanka Chapter President Laila Gunasekera stated: We are delighted to be hosting the Good vs Gold event, as part of our consistent commitment to champion and inspire Sri Lankas top tier creative professionals and the next generation of creative leaders in the industry to truly excel in their roles.



We are honoured to be featuring Anthony Chelvanathan, a highly accomplished leader in the creative space, and we look forward to learning from his remarkable journey.



Commenting on the upcoming event, Leo Burnett Canada Group Creative Director Anthony Chelvanathan said: I am grateful and excited to meet Sri Lankas ad professionals and representatives from different agencies. I hope that this event will prove useful in supporting rising professionals in the industry and inspiring them to reach for the stars when it comes to delivering creative excellence.



I look forward to sharing what I have learned over the course of my career with them and I hope that this event will encourage and motivate Sri Lankas top marketing communications professionals and add value to their clients and campaigns.
The key decision-making body of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP), the global professional body for those working in the ICT sector, has begun meeting in Colombo.



The IFIP General Assembly is engaged in two days of meetings at the Galadari Hotel in the lead-up to the Computer Society of Sri Lankas NITC/SEARCC Conference from 13 to 15 September.



IFIP President Mike Hinchey opened the meeting, welcoming attendees from over 40 countries around the world to discuss issues impacting the industry and its members, which are national ICT professional societies and research bodies.



The IFIP General Assembly meets in person only once a year at a different location around the world. Many of the delegates, who are leading ICT experts in various disciplines, will stay on to present at or attend the NITC/SEARCC Conference starting today.



CSSL President Yasas Abeywickrama said that the combined event platform is the largest international ICT event ever held in Colombo, providing a valuable opportunity for the sharing of information and enabling local ICT practitioners to expand their knowledge, make international connections and explore potential business opportunities.
No repair work will be carried in the case of a breakdown or power failure except at government hospitals, during the strike to be launched from noon today, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Workers Union said.

Union Secretary Ranjan Jayalal said the work stoppage was being resorted to in the absence of any government response for the workers' demands which include the salary revision from 1:6 to 1:9.

Addressing the media at the Centre for Society and Religion, he said the salary scales of administrative officers at the CEB had been increased on numerous occasions, but the salary scale of lower level employees had remained unchanged.

These increments had resulted in the salary ratio between the administrative staff and lower level employees widening from 1:9 from 1:6 in 2015, Mr. Jayalal said. If we do not receive a favourable response by September 15, we will continue with the strike.

Mr. Jayalal they expected the government to respond by noon on Friday and was adamant that special committees should not be appointed to resolve their issues.

The corruption within the CEB is larger than the recently concluded 'sil redi' case. Because of huge financial frauds the consumers have to pay higher bills to cover up the losses incurred by the fraud and corruption. As a Union we will not allow the government to increase the electricity bills by even a cent, he said. We had discussions with the subject minister and other officials and we did everything we could, hoping our demands will be met. We resorted to strike action because nothing happened. It is now the ministers turn to speak up and reveal to the public the burden of corruption palmed off to them by the higher levels of the CEB.

Mr. Jayalal said the union had no political or personal agendas and what they were looking for was a change in the salary ratio. (Chaturanga Pradeep)
Deputy Solicitor General Milinda Gunatilleke observed today before the PCoI that dealers in the National Savings Bank (NSB), Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC), the EPF and the DFCC (intermediary) who were involved in the process where Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) sold bonds to Government Institutions in the Secondary Market were friends and benefited as part of a ring.

DSG Gunatilleke also played several voice recordings and cross-examined PTL CEO Kasun Palisena on PTLs transactions with its related companies (Perpetual Capital Holdings, W.M. & Mendis Co. and Perpetual Asset Management) as well.

Earlier, it was explained that theses inter-company transactions had resulted in capital gains transfers to other group companies, which are also owned ultimately by Arjun Aloysius.

In two voice recordings it shows that W.M. & Mendis Cos financial consultant was unaware about some transactions between PTL and W.M. & Mendis Co, and also the Chief Dealer of PTL, Nuwan Salgado and its back office head, Manjula also had faced difficulties in finding about several inter-company transactions.

Mr. Milinda Gunatilleke therefore said that the transactions reflected in the PTL documents provided to the Commission largely represent fictitious deals as it only mirrors how the money moved from one pocket of Arjun Aloysius to another.

He also said that some of these transactions were also a mystery to their own employees as reflected in the voice recordings.

When questioned by Justice Prasanna Jayawardena, PTL CEO Palisena said that all of the decisions had come through Arjun Aloysius to engage in transactions with its own group of companies.

DSG Gunatilleke then questioned the witness on PTLs transactions with NSB, SLIC and the EPF, which had been done through an intermediary (DFCC).

The names of the persons, who had handled these transactions in different institutions, were also revealed before the Commission. They are:

Nuwan Salgado- Chief Dealer PTL

Naveen Anuradha  Dealer NSB

Kaveen Karunaratne- Dealer DFCC (intermediary)

Dhanuka- Dealer SLIC

Saman Kumara- Dealer EPF

It was a selling process of Treasury Bonds from PTL to the aforementioned government institution in the secondary market directly and through an intermediary by PTL.

DSG Gunatilleke said that all these dealers (in NSB, DFCC, EPF, SLIC) were involved in the process as friends and benefited as part of a ring when PTL sold bonds to Government Institutions in the Secondary Market.

The DSG was of the view that the whole process was a racket which resulted in government institutions suffering huge losses.

Earlier it was said that these bonds had been sold to those Government institutions at a lower rate contrary to the prevailing yield rate in the market.

However, PTL CEO Palisena disagreed with the DSGs statement.

At this point, the DSG played another voice recording in which Palisena and DFCCs dealer Kaveen are in conversation.

In this conversation, Palisena tells DFCC dealer, Kaveen that PTLs finance department will call him to know all transactions done through DFCC to NSB by PTL. Palisena at the end of the conversation tells Kaveen: This is not for them but something for you.

DSG Gunatilleke and Justice Jayawardena explained it was about asking a figure in the transactions to give something to the dealer who acted as an intermediary in those transactions.

However, Palisena said he asked it with the purpose of evaluating PTLs transactions through DFCC.

Justice Jayawardena: Why would you be interested in getting DFCC details?

Kasun Palisena: To promote transactions through the intermediary (switches) in the future.

At this comment by Palisena the Commissioners sarcastically smiled looking at each other.

DSG Gunatilleke also submitted the bonus payments and profit benefits paid to Kasun Palisena before the Commission and said they were much higher than the next highest paid in PTL.

It was also revealed that NSB dealer, Naveen Anuradha was once an employee of the CBSL EPF department.

It was also revealed that DFCC dealer Kaveen was a very good friend of Kasun Palisena.

When questioned by Justice Jayawardena it was explained by Palisena that Arjun Aloysius had known all of those dealers very well.

Justice Jayawardena: Did Naveen Anuradha work at EPF?

Witness Palisena : Yes

J: What about SLIC dealer, Dhanuka?

W: That I dont Know

J: Do you know that in 2013, when Perpetual Asset Management was selling bonds to the EPF, Naveen Anuradha was at the EPF as the dealer?

W: That I dont know

J: Arjun Aloysius knows about all of these dealers, right?

W: Yes

J: What about other individuals at the CBSL Public Debt Department would Arjun Aloysius know them as well?

Witness was thinking

J: What about Sarathchandra in the PDD? Would Aloysius know him?

W: Yes, and Dhammika Nanayakkara.

J: What about Paduman?

W: Yes

J: Could you think of high ranked individuals in the PDD whom Aloysius knew well?

Witness was thinking again and said that he was not sure about that.

Cross examination of PTL CEO Kasun Palisena would continue today.

The PCoI comprising Justice K.T. Chitrasiri (Chairman), Justice Prasanna Jayawardena and K. Velupillai Kandasami will resume sittings at 10 am today. (Shehan Chamika Silva)


The Committee of Protecting the Rights of the Prisoners on Tuesday organised a protest outside the Welikada Prison in Colombo against the killing of prisoners in 2012. Pics By Damith wickramasinghe
By Max Bearak

(c) 2017, The Washington Post 

Sep 11, 2017 -

Over the past 2 weeks, the coastal borderland between Myanmar and Bangladesh has become the site of almost incomprehensible misery and suffering.



Around 300,000 people, most belonging to Myanmars Rohingya ethnic group, have fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They are escaping what many say is a scorched-earth campaign led by the Myanmar military to drive an unwanted, mostly Muslim minority from the country, complete with indiscriminate killing, systematic rape and the burning of entire towns.



Despite the evidence - which by Monday had led the United Nations chief human rights officer to call the atrocities a textbook example of ethnic cleansing - the Myanmar military and government say they are not targeting civilians but rather a group of terrorists that claim to protect the Rohingya but are in fact militants bent on creating an Islamic state in southwest Myanmars Rakhine state.



The situation calls to mind the adage: One mans terrorist is anothers freedom fighter.

The Rohingya (pronounced Ro-hin-ja) have been referred to as the worlds most friendless people and are undoubtedly in need of protection. For decades they have faced persecution and been denied citizenship in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, which is also known as Burma. With the countrys democratic reforms in 2011, ending half a century of military rule, many hoped the Myanmar government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and self-proclaimed pacifist would provide that protection.



But Suu Kyi has no direct control over Myanmars military under the new constitution. And she also subscribes to the belief held by many in Myanmar that the Rohingya are essentially illegal Bangladeshi interlopers, despite evidence of their presence in the region for generations, if not centuries. The Myanmar government officially refers to the group as Bengali. Until recently, Bangladeshis felt similarly about the Rohingya. Bangladeshis once had hatred for us, a Rohingya man named Mohammed Yunus told The New York Times earlier this year. But now they have the idea that we are persecuted.



That idea has spread far and wide, especially among Muslims around the world. Images and testimony shared by Rohingya have galvanized people from Chechnya to Jakarta to come out in mass protest against Myanmars treatment of the Rohingya. Bangladesh now hosts 750,000 Rohingya refugees, and the government in Dhaka recently described Myanmars actions as genocide. Only international pressure could persuade Myanmar to accept most of the refugees back, given that almost none would hold Myanmar citizenship.



According to an investigation by the International Crisis Group published last December, the plight of the Rohingya has also inspired wealthy individuals in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere to fund a ragtag insurgency.

When the report came out, the fledgling Rohingya militancy was known as Harakah al-Yaqin, Arabic for faith movement. The group now calls itself the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, or (ARSA). Money and weapons are channeled through groups of Rohingya expatriates living in the Persian Gulf and Bangladesh and eventually reach Myanmar, where local fighters receive training. The ICG report says that ARSA has growing popular support among Rohingya in Myanmar, but the recent crackdown was sparked by a co-ordinated Arsa attack on nine Myanmar border police posts that killed at least 12 officers last month. On the other hand, the crackdown may inspire many Rohingya to join the militants. Still, calling the conflict between the military and ARSA lopsided would be an understatement. ARSA likely has a only a few hundred fighters. There is little evidence that foreigners have joined the fight. On Sunday, ARSA declared a unilateral cease-fire, hoping to assuage the humanitarian crisis. The Myanmar government refused to enter into talks with them. The Rohingya remain deeply unpopular in Myanmar, but ARSAs attacks, even if they pale in comparison to Myanmars retaliation, only widen the divisions and serve the governments narrative. With the Myanmar military essentially treating all Rohingya men as possible terrorists, and effectively blocking humanitarian aid, the vicious spiral of persecution and militarization is in full spin.
From left: Malinga Arsakularatne - Managing Director of the Leisure, Travel and Aviation Group of Hemas Holdings PLC, Abbas Esufally  Chairman, Serendib Hotels PLC and Director of Hemas Holdings PLC, Pratheepan Karunagaran, Director  Frontier Capital Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and Imtiaz Esufally  Director, Serendib Hotels PLC and Hemas Holdings PLC

Serendib Hotels PLC, a unit of Hemas group, yesterday said it entered into a sales and purchase agreement with First Edge Investment Limited to acquire the controlling stake of three boutique villas in Sri Lankas Southern coast.



Accordingly, Serendib Hotels will acquire 445, 668 ordinary shares or 51.5 percent stake of Frontier Capital Lanka Pvt Ltd for Rs.309.5 million. The investment would be made subject to agreed conditions precedent to be fulfilled by the seller and is due to be concluded shortly, Serendib Hotels said in a stock exchange filing.



Forntier Capital together with its subsidiary companies own and operate a collection of boutique villas under the name Lantern Beach Collection in Mirissa.



Serendib Hotels said subsequent to the investment, the boutique villas will be managed by its fully owned subsidiary Serendib Leisure Management Limited under a hotel management agreement to be entered into between the parties. According to Serendib Hotels there is a visibly increasing trend towards the emerging traveler exploring varying options of accommodation and this has prompted the group entering into the luxury villa space.

We are excited to venture in to our very first villa project, as this is a significant milestone in Serendib Leisures quest to grow in the segment of Luxury Villas in Sri Lanka, enabling us to provide superior and diverse hospitality options to the discerning traveler, Hemas Holdings newly created Leisure, Travel and Aviation Group Managing Director Malinga Arsakularatne said in a statement.



Apart from Serendib Leisure, Serendib Hotels group has two listed hotel propertiesDolphin Hotels PLC and Hotel Sigiriya PLC as its subsidiaries.



The broup under the Serendib Leisure umbrella currently also manages Avani Bentota Resort & Spa, Avani Kalutara Resort, Club Hotel Dolphin and Hotel Sigiriya with a consolidated inventory of 413 keys.



Hemas Holdings controls over 53 percent of the issued shares of Serendib Hotels PLC.
The United Way of Greater Chattanooga hosts its annual Readapalooza event this Saturday on the center stage of Hamilton Place mall from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.



"The purpose of this fulfilled event is to promote early childhood literacy by providing activities for kids from community partners like the Creative Discovery museum, the Tennessee aquarium, Chattanooga Basics, and more. Parents will also be able to sign their kids up for early learning checkups and free books from Dolly Partons Imagination library for ages birth until five years old," officials said.



We at United Way of Greater Chattanooga have found that early childhood development is very essential to education, said United Way of Greater Chattanoogas President and CEO Lesley Scearce. And events like Readapalooza are a great way to bring families together with fun-filled activities centered around early childhood literacy. We are excited about everyone coming together to win the fight for education, stability, and support for our community.



Readapalooza will also have game, picture booths, and celebrity readers throughout the day.



To find out more about Readapalooza or how to join the fight, visit www.unitedwaycha.org, or contact United Way of Greater Chattanoogas Director of Impact Engagement Donna L. Harrison at 423-752-0300.






By Chandeepa Wettasinghe

The Google Loon dream of the current government is still alive, with Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando set to make a renewed effort at negotiations with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for the rights to use the frequency band required for the project.



The ITU has some concerns. Google was a bit worried that it was taking time but right now for the same band, I think Malta apparently has got the approval. So, Im supposed to go to the ITU and again make a submission, that the same band has got it, so why cant we have the approval?

Fernando outlined his plan. Google Loon is all set to launch in Indonesia as well. Fernando said that if the ITU gives the approval, Sri Lanka will have to reapply for Google Loona project which aims to beam down wireless Internet from high altitude balloons hovering over key locations of the country.

He said that he has no idea about the reasons of the ITU for refusing to allocate the required 700MHz spectrum frequency band for Google Loon. The government hoped to make Internet accessible for households currently without access to Internet, especially in rural areas, as part of the governments vision to create a digital economy.

Balloon test flights were conducted by Google over Sri Lanka and business models and several phases of the project were developed, at no cost to the government.



Rama Corporation, the Sri Lanka government and local telecom service providers formed a joint venture company to provide services through Google Loon.



Rama Corporations Chamath Palihapitiya pitched the Google Loon idea to President Maithripala Sirisena in 2015 and Palihapitiyaa hotshot in the Silicon Valleylocally gained notoriety for his motives with the project and ridicule for the numerous delays, for which he publicly lashed out at the local media last year.



According to him, the project was forecasted to increase the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) by 1.2 percent per every 10 percent of the population that gains access to the Internet through Google Loon.



The project has run into numerous delays and it is not yet clear what the exact reasons for these delays are, since the government blames the ITU, which in turn said that the government had not properly communicated the requirement for the project with it.
In 1968 and 1969 a series of films that went down as the most poignant love stories ever shot here was made, and released. Most were directed by those who were already established in the industry: G. D. L. Perera (Dahasak Sithuvili), Dayananda Gunawardena (Bakmaha Deege), and Lester James Peries (Golu Hadawatha).

In hindsight, I believe it was no coincidence that towards the end of the most classical and continental decade (since most of our directors, by then, had been shaped by the tradition that had earlier shaped Renoir and Ray) these three should have been made. They would be followed by the more politically turbulent seventies, a decade of lopsided perspectives, jump cuts, and provocatively un-classical, jerky editing. (Perhaps they needed a set of love stories for us to get fully prepared for them.)

The enduring appeal of the other film among them, Hanthane Kathawa, released by Torana Video Movies last year, is derived from its polymorphous quality: its so fresh, so original, that it HAD to be made by someone who got into the cinema because he grew up on the movies. (Two of the other directors had, by contrast, grown up on the stage.) Seeing Hanthane Kathawa after all this time (The Sooriya Village screened it on Sunday, September 3) hence makes one wonder about the man behind it.

Sugathapala Senarath Yapa was born in Akuressa in 1935. Both his parents had died when he was quite young; he would be brought up by his grandmother, a generous woman as he remembered later. This absence of a proper authority figure meant that his childhood was, again as he remembered later, rather boisterous, which reached unforgivable heights when, together with a friend of his called Abeywickrema, he spread a rumour around his first school, Rakvana Maha Vidyalaya, that the buns which were being served to the children during the interval were filled with worms. The outcry against the administration of the school this provoked, and the subsequent discovery of the two culprits, meant that the principal had no choice but to expel Yapa: out of one school, he got into another with Pelmadulla Central College.

This would be followed by a second encounter: with his cousin, the comedian L. M. Perera, who got him into another Touring Cinema as a counter clerk

Pelmadulla Central was headed by a stern but well meaning principal, A. V. Gunapala, a member of the Hela Havula. He had one message for young Yapa: no more antics; stick to your studies. He heeded it and got through his SSC Preparatory Exams. When he was pondering as to what to do next, however, a quirk of fate (one of many that adorn the lives of people like him) would prevent him from continuing his education. The school he intended to join for his SSC Exams, St Anthonys College, rejected him, while the Rector, Father Moses, told him to wait for one year. Because he would have spent that year wasting away and playing around with boys his age and getting beaten up by them, though, he decided to abandon his schooling.

Before the concept of the cinema hall evolved in Sri Lanka (and India), the theatre was limited for the most to your nearest city. In other areas there were touring cinemas, which was an offshoot if not amalgamation of the peepshow and the circus. So since the hall was limited to the city, Yapa had to do with these moving theatres, which considering the tastes of his neighbourhood screened the usual populist stuff: Bollywood romances, Hollywood thrillers. Yapa would get to see the entire Zorro series, then get his first job as the companys film title-painter. That led him to an encounter with the owner of the touring hall, Reggie Perera (the then MP for Lunugala), who upon seeing his flair for drawing, asked him to pay him a visit. Which he did, and which led to him being hired as a kind of advertiser for his company.

This would be followed by a second encounter: with his cousin, the comedian L. M. Perera, who got him into another Touring Cinema as a counter clerk. While he was working there, he sat for his clerical exams, passed, and shifted to the Labour Department. This was propitious: long, long before the independent cinema was born here, our most avid artists emerged from the clerical service. It wouldnt take long for Yapa, a child no more, to get involved with the arts through his job, starting with a set of radio dramas that included a translation of Tagores Gora.

The radio service helped him meet Mahagama Sekera, and eventually helped him land a role in a newly established drama troupe headed by G. D. L. Perera, Kala Pela. The role, however, wasnt in a play, but in a film: Pereras debut, the beautifully searing Sama, which also saw the debut of Denawaka Hamine and Leonie Kothalawala.

Having become Secretary and Treasurer of Kala Pela, Yapa later abandoned it, determined to strike his own path in the movies. In his first few years at the Labour Department he had made it a habit to visit the British Council and the Regal Theatre, to move away from what he had encountered at the Touring Cinema. This too was propitious: the fifties, when he was beginning his career in the arts, was the decade that nurtured Italian neo-realism, Satyajit Ray, and Akira Kurosawa.

In his own words, what he saw during these years made him aware that the cinema was built, not always on overt action, but rather on fleshed out individuals who kept their intentions hidden away from plain sight. De Sicas Bicycle Thieves and Kurosawas Rashomon influenced him greatly in this regard, since both films are, after all, about such individuals: in the former, a father and son who are reluctant to reveal themselves to one another, and in the latter, witnesses to the murder of a samurai that no one, not even the dead samurai himself, can truthfully speak about.

Five years later Ediriweera Sarachchandra staged Maname. 10 more years later, Colombo screened Antonionis Blow-Up, which would influence another artiste, the architect Tilak Samaraweera (who would soon make Antonionis homeland his surrogate motherland) and Polanskis Knife in the Water, which depicted a terse, claustrophobic love triangle between two men and a woman. Having seen Kurosawa, Sarachchandra, and now Polanski, Yapa borrowed elements from all three, compounded them, and, in 1969, directed his first film. Hanthane Kathawa was the 218th movie to be made here; nothing like it, given the directors background and its rich, polymorphous outlook, had been made before, or would ever be made again.

There are filmmakers who are so original that they dont care about what they are doing: from the American cinema I can think of D. W. Griffith, Howard Hawks, and John Ford. Then there are directors who, while original, fall in love with the movies so much that their first few films are a tribute to the masters of the medium they had grown up on: again from the American cinema, I can think of Peter Bogdanovich, William Friedkin, and Quentin Tarantino. Of the latter three only Tarantino remains potent, persistent, while both Bogdanovich and Friedkin, after their first few films, slid out of sight, since the kind of cinema they were shaped by was from an earlier, gentler era: Bogdanovich with Hawks and Ford, Friedkin with Hitchcock and Clouzot.

For me, hence, there can be no other reason as to why, even with Hanthane Kathawa, Yapa slid away unnoticed like these two later on: his film owed its mood to a romantic, classical conception of the cinema, one which, in his own words, was soon attacked by directors who believed that THEIR cinema was the only true one.

That his debut was so significant for Yapa was proved by another victory that same year: the Silver Peacock at the New Delhi Film Festival, for his first documentary (really a docudrama), Minisa saha Kaputa (a study of human greed). That the fact it went unnoticed proved to be his downfall can be gleaned from his subsequent work: two films, despairingly commercialist in their outlook (Pembara Madu and the much better Induta Mal Mitak), and 28 other documentaries for the Government Film Unit. These were supplemented by occasional stints at writing lyrics (earlier in Hanthane Kathawa he had done the impossible: bring Mahagama Sekera and Premasiri Khemadasa together for a song he himself partly wrote: Sara Sonduru Mal Patali).

The raw material of the cinema is life itself, Satyajit Ray wrote. If that raw material seems too processed and refined today, its because our directors (at least most of them) dont believe in life, and think their audiences dont either. Pauline Kael once noted, quite correctly, that when the American cinema became liberal in the fifties, it confused morality for art; the opposite is true for our cinema, today: the lack of morality, or the rebellion against it, is equated with profundity, which is why our movies dont seem to be felt, but rather force you to feel them (a paradox?).

What Ray said, and how what he said has been rejected today, was echoed the other day when Sugathapala Senarath Yapa told me the most inspired thing a director from his era could have as an aside on our cinema: Dreams have become extensions of reality. The movies were born out of those dreams, but those dreams were never meant to replicate life. Yapa had directed our 218th film, one among a great many more, which reflected quite aptly just how the medium had got reality and fantasy, the worldly and the extraordinary, the real and the romantic, to cohabit. That it went by unnoticed, along with the man behind it, says a lot, I should think. Even today.

UDAKDEV1@GMAIL.COM
Two 40-year-old Sri Lankan women had been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning while attempting to smuggle in gold jewellery worth Rs. 40 mn, Customs Media Spokesman Deputy Director Sunil Jayaratne said.

He said the women arrived from Dubai this morning and they were arrested by the airport Customs Narcotic Unit officers.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror Airport Deputy Customs Director Parakrama Basnayake said the women used the Green Channel (Nothing to declare) when they were arrested.

The women were arrested following suspicious movements after they went along the Green Channel, he said.

During the investigation Customs officers found 7.8 kg of gold jewellery packed in eight packets and wrapped around the waist of one woman with a belt.

The gold jewellery was found hidden in her girdle attached to a belt.

The exact weight and the value of the gold jewellery were 7,792 grams and the contraband has a street value of Rs.40, 980,528 at current prices, Mr. Basnayake said.

They women looked like professionals and they were found to be frequent visitors to Dubai, he said.

He said that using the professional image the women had engaged in smuggling for a long period of time.

One of them was Real State Business Consultant and they were residents of Colombo.

The detection was made by Customs Assistant Superintendent Nuwan Abeynayake, Rasika Samanjith, Sri Lal Wijewardane.

The Customs investigation was carried out by Deputy Customs Director Parakrama Basnayake and Deputy Customs Director of the Narcotic Control Unit K.H.P Kumarasiri. (Chaturanga Pradeep and T.K.G.Kapila)

Pix by T.K.G. Kapila
By  Jennifer Rubin 

(c) 2017, The Washington Post

The Miami Herald reported last week:

Speaking from Miamis Emergency Operations Center in downtown, where the citys senior public safety and political authorities will ride out Category 4 Hurricane Irma this weekend, [Republican] Mayor Tomas Regalado told the Miami Herald that he believes warming and rising seas are threatening South Floridas immediate and long-term future.



This is the time to talk about climate change. This is the time that the president and the EPA and whoever makes decisions needs to talk about climate change, said Regalado, who flew back to Miami from Argentina Friday morning to be in the city during the storm. If this isnt climate change, I dont know what is. This is a truly, truly poster child for what is to come.



The mayor is on firm scientific ground. Last year, Scientific American reported: The Florida cities and counties grappling with the effects of climate change have been skillful at identifying issues they must address in the immediate future, said [Ben] Kirtman, the University of Miami scientist. Hes seeing a turning point from previous discussions, where there might have been too much conversation about gloom and doom and a focus on what will happen in 2100, instead of in peoples lifetimes. The sea levels rising. Its clear, he said. Theres no indication whatsoever in the next 25 years that that trend is going to change. Theres nothing. You can argue until youre blue in the face whether its man or its because of natural cycles. But that doesnt matter. So they have to deal with it. They recognize it. Lets put it this way: If Republicans opposed building codes designed to withstand more intense hurricanes, theyd be run out of town the next time a hurricane ripped through town. If politicians in Louisiana, which between 1932 and 2010 lost more than 1,800 square miles of coastland to a myriad of factors, including sea level rise, subsidence (land settling or sinking), and oil industry development, did not support a master coastal plan to prevent literally losing their state, theyd be booted out as well. (Thats why the 2017 plan aimed at combatting the effects of rising sea levels passed the state legislature unanimously.) And yet Republicans from Texas (both U.S. senators and a slew of congressmen), Florida (most especially Gov.



Rick Scott and Sen. Marco Rubio), Alabama and Louisiana, among other locales, refuse to acknowledge the clear cause of rising sea levels and temperatures that add to the destructiveness of hurricanes that devastate their states. The GOP pols like to dodge the question by saying they are not climate scientists - and then refuse to accept the findings of 97 percent of the scientific community. Bluntly put, theyd rather cling to their know-nothingism than take steps to abate a known danger to their states. How is that any different from refusing to build levees and pumps or update building standards? (Of course, the climate-change denier in chief did cancel a flood regulation that took account of global warming, something he should be asked about when he goes for his next photo op.)

Perhaps these lawmakers will never change their minds, given how afflicted they are with the tribalism of the GOP. Apparently, they have no future in a party if they think clearly and dispassionately about the subject. But the voters of the states they represent shouldnt tolerate such recklessness. If Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, refused to vote for Harvey hurricane relief, hed surely lose reelection in 2018, yet he plans to stand for reelection firmly opposed to the science and remedial action that could save lives and property. Its remarkable that Cruz and others can look voters in the eye and refuse to take measures that would ameliorate their suffering and the suffering of generations to come. In 2015, former secretary of state George Shultz reviewed a batch of data about warming waters, sea levels and melting snow caps and glaciers. He wrote: These are simple and clear observations, so I conclude that the globe is warming and that carbon dioxide has something to do with that fact.



Those who say otherwise will wind up being mugged by reality. He reasoned, We all know there are those who have doubts about the problems presented by climate change. But if these doubters are wrong, the evidence is clear that the consequences, while varied, will be mostly bad, some catastrophic. So why not, he figured, take out an insurance policy? Move to clean energy, invest in more R&D and consider a carbon tax. And, I would add, return to the voluntary restrictions the United States agreed to as part of the Paris climate agreement. (Its not as though coal is coming back, no matter what Trumps Environmental Protection Agency does.)



Its time we started treating climate-change denial as a menace to public safety. The voters in states most immediately affected by climate-change deniers recklessness and who bear the brunt of their representatives willful scientific illiteracy should give state and federal politicians a choice: Give up the climate-change denial, or make way for someone who will be willing to take out some insurance for the sake of future hurricane victims.
In the third week of January 2015, just two weeks after he became President, Maithripala Sirisena appointed his brother Kumarasinghe Sirisena as the Chairman, SLT. That was the beginning of making a mockery of the term good governance.

A month later the Central Bank decided to issue Treasury Bonds in a process which resulted in the then Governor Arjuna Mahendrans son-in-law making enormous gains. In June that year, just as the COPE (Committee on Public Enterprises) was about to release its report on the controversial bond issue, Parliament was dissolved, effectively quashing that story. Responsibility for this, we have to conclude, must be equally shared by the President and Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Prime Minister of the Unity Government and leader of the United National Party (UNP).

How about democracy and promised democratization? In April 2015, addressing a rally at Vihara Maha Devi Park, President Sirisena vowed to institute electoral reform. Two years later, the 20th is yet to see the light of day. Forget reform, elections to the local government bodies and provincial councils have been postponed indefinitely. Anyway, in August 2015, just before the General Election, the President moved to sack the General Secretaries of the SLFP and the UPFA.

A court order was obtained to stop any moves to reverse the decision. The President, who was also the leader of the SLFP, openly campaigned for candidates of a rival party. Immediately after the election, the President proceeded to use National List slots allocated to the SLFP to accommodate several loyalists who had been rejected by the voters. It is in this manner that the poster-boy of the yahapalana project demonstrated commitment to democracy.

Other partners of the project were no better. The JVP made much of its professional national list, but dumped the professionals after the election and made room for party stalwarts rejected at the polls. In February 2016, the UNP which by that time had a pact with the SLFP for a national government, used the same facility to accommodate another loser, Sarath Fonseka.

Disgraced former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayakes name cropped up several times for dishing out jobs to the near and dear. There were several diplomatic posts that raised eyebrows on account of the appointed being related to top politicians of the yahapalana government. It was also the UNP that was hell bent on protecting the Central Bank Governor, Arjuna Mahendran.

What yahapalanists should fear is not a return to a past but a march to a different future

The shrill moralizing in the run up to the January 2015 election appears to have had a very short life. All relevant lajja-baya (shame and fear) have been abandoned. This government has shamelessly voted for enhanced privileges which, as Nagananada Kodituwakku has pointed out, are clearly illegal.

But then, the heavens be praised (as some might say), the Presidents brother Lal knocks down and kills two people, flees the scene and later hands himself in. President Sirisena, after visiting the houses of the two brothers who fell victim to his brothers reckless driving, has promised to look after the well-being of the families and educate their children, hopefully with his own money.

So we had not too long ago, at least Ravi Karunanayake resigned and now at least now the law is allowed to take its course never mind that Ravi K was put in charge of rural infrastructure development and now feels fit to issue directives to former colleagues in the cabinet. We also had the better late than never brag when the Right to Information Act saw parliamentary passage. We had better than nothing when the flawed 19th Amendment saw light of day.

And then theres that other fall back, theres a greater sense of freedom. Its true. Theres a marked and palpable difference between the before and after of January 8, 2015. However, a few interjections are necessary to obtain the full picture of freedom-relativity and to talk about whats probably in store.

Do we have more freedom than we did in July 2008 (i.e. two years and eight moths after Mahinda Rajapaksa came to power, the same length of time between Maithripala Sirisena becoming president and today)? Of course we do! Back then we had checkpoints everywhere. Back then there were bombs exploding. Back then, a war. Fear. Trepidation. Now compare July 2008 and June 2009. More freedom? Why, of course! The degree of freedom after the end of the war was of such magnitude that comparison defies quantification.

Now things did go downhill thereafter, but the freedom-resurgence post January 2015 and the setbacks in the 32 months since, have not given us a rise that is of any significance, given the freedom-jump that came with the defeat of terrorism in May 2009. We are comparing times here, note, and not personalities, but we could speak in terms of tenure, i.e. the Rajapaksa Watch vs the Sirisena-Ranil Watch.

As for the future, the way things have unfolded since January 2015 (as described above and factoring violent response to protests) doesnt make for optimism. The Yahapalanists have lost much ground ideologically and politically. Therefore, history has demonstrated, exercise of the coercive option in more brutal form cannot be too far away.

Lets not go beyond that, for now. Lets dwell at the here-n-now. At the Here-n-Now, we see yahapalanists playing Relative Merits, clutching at straws (like Lal Sirisena) and trying to cover a mountain of inconsistency, abuse, theft, nepotism and incompetency with the thin apologetic two-word gravy called At Least Look, Lalith and Anusha were sentenced, they say and then inquire, would this have happened during the previous regime? Thats another at least. But then, would each and every public official who have done the bidding of yahapalana politicians in contravention of established procedure be similarly prosecuted? Thats where the brag hits a snag.

Among those who voted for Maithripala Sirisena in January 8, 2015, a fair number would have figured, it is important to defeat Mahinda Rajapaksa in order to stop the country sliding to lawlessness and a possible third post-independence insurrection that could be worse than the second. An equal or even larger number may have thought, Maithripala, with the UNP, would set things right.

In short, they may have believed that the anti-Rajapaksa coalition would deliver on the yahapalana pledge, even if not in 100 days as promised, soon enough. They may have not entertained the thought that regime-change would bring to power people who did not have a clue about good governance and worse, would quickly flush the book down the tube.

So this at least thing, is it supposed to be a robust argument for a non-return to the past (of the Rajapaksas)? Thats a poor consolation prize, isnt it? At any rate, if thats all that it is about, then it means that the At Least Brigade wants the people to be happy with freedom-crumbs and are hoping that crumb-dropping would obtain for them a licence to profit in counter-yahapalana ways.

Theres little merit in bragging about Ravi Karunanayakes resignation considering the immense lengths which the government went to save him the blushes. The same with the bond scam. Arguably, its less about a freedom-culture created by yahapalanists than fear of a more alert people who could not stand the misdeeds of the previous regime and are not going to suffer wrongdoing by the present lot in silence. What yahapalanists should fear is not a return to a past but a march to a different future. And this is something that ought to worry the other factions of the corrupt club as well, those who were defeated and those who swung now this way and now the other, as fortunes waned and waxed.

So at least, at best, is an apologists uttering, an apologists vain hope that it would appease those who expected better. The truth of sentiment can of course be tested in an election, but thats a word that yahapalanaya is avoiding like the plague. So they want raucous applause on account of the at least argument, sorry. A slow hand-clap, at best, nothing more.
Chinas President Xi Jinping is tightening his grip over the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), and the signs in Beijing are that Xi is now firmly in control of the famously difficult-to-manage forces. The PLA has often functioned as a state-within-a-state and has in the recent past thwarted strict oversight from the Communist Partys civilian leadership. But increasingly, that no longer appears to be the case.

Next month, the top leadership of the PLA is set for a sweeping change, when the Communist Party of China (CPC) gathers in Beijing for a key meeting. All eyes in Beijing are now on October 18, when the CPC will convene its twice-a decade national congress. The 19th Party Congress, likely to be a week-long event, will preside over a significant change in the partys leadership. Five of the seven members of the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC) are set to retire, with only Xi and second-ranked Li Keqiang, the Premier, serving a second term.

For Xi, the congress presents the opportunity to cement his control over the party, military and government for the next five years by installing those who are close to him. Besides the PBSC, the other key leadership body set for new occupants is the Central Military Commission (CMC) that controls the PLA, and is chaired by Xi.

The stage has been set for the biggest overhaul of the CMC in years, with Xi this month leaving out two top-ranking generals and current CMC members from the provisional 19th Party Congress delegate list. The powerful Gen Fang Fenghui, who is the fifth-ranked member of the current CMC and is also chief of the PLAs Joint Staff Department, and sixth ranked Gen Zhang Yang who heads the Political Department, were both omitted from the list of delegates.

Reports in Beijing say Gen Fang could be in the dock for economic corruption charges, but this hasnt been confirmed. But what this means is Xi will have the power to fill at least seven seats in the 11-member CMC  or he could even choose to reduce the number of slots altogether  thus leaving himself firmly in charge.

News of Gen Fangs removal happened to coincide with the end of the 72-day-long India-China standoff at Doklam on August 28, leading some to speculate a connection. Indeed, it has been suggested in the past that the PLA had on occasion acted independent of party leadership, for instance in 2014 when the Chumar standoff cast a cloud over Xis first state visit to India. The idea that Xi and the party leadership want good relations with India while sections of the military were resisting is perhaps a comforting one, but the signs in Beijing suggest otherwise.

Fact is that whether in Chumar or Doklam, there is no evidence to suggest Xi wanted the PLA to stand down. On the contrary, Beijings muscle-flexing is in keeping with the more strident posture advocated by Xi since he took over in November 2012. A case in point: Xi has personally overseen Chinas controversial island building in the South China Sea, and set up a newly created National Security Commission which he chairs. In fact, Beijing insiders say he is far more hands-on than his predecessors on security matters. Hence, the idea that a general was openly resisting Xi and Party Central on Doklam makes little sense.

Mao Zedong famously said that political power grows out of the barrel of a gun. Perhaps less well known is the rest of that statement, which said: Party commands the gun, and the gun must never be allowed to command the party. Xi certainly seems to be aware that today this maxim still holds true in China.
Representatives from Erlanger Health System, local physician offices, and health, wellness, and fitness professionals will be on hand to answer questions during a free Health and Wellness Fair at Erlanger East Hospital on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.



Attendees will have the opportunity to receive health information, participate in health screenings, view fitness demonstrations, and tour Womens Services, as well as take a guided tour along the walking trail.

"Organizers of this years event hope to educate, inspire, and motivate our community to live a more healthy lifestyle with the information that will be available during the health fair," organizers said.



Erlanger East Hospital is located at 1751 Gunbarrel Road in Chattanooga. For more information about participating in the fair as a vendor, contact Renee.Levesque@erlanger.org.




Chicago's New Riverfront Apple Store (Or, Uh, 'Town Square') Opens Next Month

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 12, 2017 11:27PM

Apple has kept a pretty tight lid on details about its upcoming flagship riverfront store ever since the project was revealed, back in 2015. But now we officially have a welcome date. On Oct. 20, Chicago will get to meet its much-anticipated new Apple store. Wait, sorry, not "store." It won't be anything so quotidian as a "store," it will be a "town square"which is what our tech-hardware overloads now call their structures formerly known as stores.

Apple spilled both bits of news at its big announcement eventwhich apparently also had some reveals in terms of new iPhones, watches, Apple TV updates and something called animoji. Along with new stores (sorry, old habits) in Paris and Milan, plus a New York location redo, the upcoming Chicago spotalong the Chicago River, near Michigan Avenuerepresents the company's next big phase in terms of actual physical footprint.

As for the new lingo, Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts said at the event, via Slate: We actually dont call them stores anymore. We call them town squares, because theyre gathering places for the 500 million people who visit us every year. Places where everyones welcome, and where all of Apple comes together." We're getting fuzzy, civic-corporate feelings already.

While that vintage-style tech-utopia speak might risk getting called out for pretentiousness (and already has), it seems that Apple is at least putting its construction plans where its mouth is, what with its sweeping, public outdoor plaza, indoor trees and destination location. Also, it's kinda shaped like a laptop, which must count for something.

If our third spaces must be retail shops, at least this one should look nice!
Obama Is Bringing A New Global Summit & Fellowship To Chicago

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 13, 2017 3:33PM



Former President Barack Obama hosts a conversation on civic engagement and community organizing, Monday, April 24, 2017, at the University of Chicago in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

We haven't much publicly from Barack Obama as of lateaside from his lengthy pushback statement against Donald Trump's DACA phaseoutbut the former president had big news on Wednesday morning, when he announced the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit. The "immersive" summit, which lands in Chicago for two days this fall, will bring together civic leaders "from around Chicago, the U.S., and the world," according to the Foundation.

In addition to the Summit, the Obama Foundation also announced three more initiatives: a new fellowship; a Training Days pilot, focused on young people and civic engagement; and the integration of his My Brothers Keeper Alliancewhich focuses on closing the opportunity gap for young men of colorinto the Foundation.

The new Summit "will be a place to share your stories, learn from one another, and then go back to your communities to lead others in the hard work of change. It will also help guide our Foundation as we continue to design programs that connect and support the next generation of young leaders here in the United States and around the globe

Obama.org has applications for some Summit attendance slots that are reserved for young people active in their communities.

The Summit takes place Oct. 31 through Nov. 1, although the announcement was mum on exact details. The focus will be "to exchange ideas, explore creative solutions to common problems, and experience civic art, technology, and music from around the world." Former president Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama will both attend, according to the Foundation.

David Simas, Chief Executive Officer at the Obama Foundation, said of the announced initiatives:



When President Obama left public office in January, he asked people to believenot in his ability to bring about change, but in their own. Over the last nine months, the Foundation has been soliciting input from people in Chicago, all over the country, and around the world to learn about whats working in your communities and to identify barriers to civic participation. The initiatives announced today reflect the input from those conversations. From leaders who are already making an impact, to people who are interested in becoming more involved, but dont know where to start, our goal is to make our programs accessible to anyone, anywhere, with any background or level of experience. This is only the beginningour programs will grow as we continue to listen and learn."

The Obama Foundation Fellowship will support 20 Fellows on a two-year, non-residential program for training and leadership development. The Fellowship seeks "outstanding civic innovators" and looks to spotlight "organizers, inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists" and others.

And the Obama Foundation Training Days invites 150 young people, ages 18 to 24, "to teach young people how to put civics into action where they live," Obama said. The first Training Day takes place in Chicago on Oct. 14. Another takes place in Tempe, on Nov. 11, then in Boston, on Nov. 18.

"Welcome to the next phase of this organization  inspired by you. From the day we launched the Foundation, I told you that even as we experiment, even as we try and fail as humans do, there would be one constant in our work  our commitment to progress," Obama said.

Obama Foundation officials will discuss plans for Obama's upcoming presidential center on Thursday at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, at 5 p.m. Some 20 residents plan to begin camping out on Wednesday evening to guarantee admittance and push in person for a Community Benefits Agreement.
White Performer Sues Second City, Alleging Black Former Cast Mate Racially Harassed Him

By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 13, 2017 6:33PM



'A Red Line Runs Through It' / Photo: Todd Rosenberg

A former actor and writer for The Second City is suing the famed comedy institution, claiming he was racially harassed while a member there. Scott Morehead, who is white, alleges that he was the victim of racial slurs from a black cast member and faced "discrimination and retaliation" in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The harassment allegedly happened while the two performed in the Second City e.t.c.'s A Red Line Runs Through It. Some in the local comedy scene took to social media on Tuesday and Wednesday to ridicule the suit.

Morehead claims in the lawsuit that a cast member embarked upon a campaign of racial harassment" toward him. He reportedly alleges that the former cast mate called him White Jesus and cracker, lunged a shoulder into his chest during one performance, and once said Moorhead should be shot.

The cast member raised a sign during a performance that read, I hate honkies" and called the show in which they performed together a "white ass show," Morehead accuses. "What the audience doesnt know is that I meant I hate white people," the cast member said of the sign, according to the suit.

As first reported by the Tribune, Morehead claims that he complained to The Second City on multiple occasions, but he accuses the theater of not taking any remedial action. The suit states that he was suspended without being told why, replaced by another actor, and not offered another contract with the company.

Second City owner and CEO of Second City Andrew Alexander said in a statement the theater "works diligently to ensure a safe and collaborative work environment for all our employees."

Several performers on A Red Line exited the company last year. The exodus was in part due to racist remarks made by the audience, according to some parties involved. Alexander told Chicagoist last October that a sense of backstage discord also played a significant role in the decampments.

As word filtered out of the lawsuit this week, some folks in the Chicago comedy scene weighed in on social media to mock it, including writer Ali Barthwell, Clickhole contributor Maureen Monahan, Peter Kimone of the performers who was part of said exodus.
Saman Athaudahetti, a well-known poet, song writer and the Additional Media Secretary to Sri Lankan Prime Minister, poses with his book "Wandering with Pleasure along the Roof of the World." [Photo by Guo Xiaohong/China.org.cn]

"Wandering with Pleasure along the Roof of the World," the fourth book in a series of the "Beauty of Travel" publications authored by Saman Athaudahetti, was launched in Beijing on Tuesday.

The book, in Sinhala language and his second on China, features detailed information on history, culture, religion and social development of southwest Chinas Tibet Autonomous Region as well as his travels in east Chinas Shandong Province. His first book on China was "Wandering with Pleasure along the Silk Road Route."

Saman Athaudahetti, a well-known poet, song writer and the Additional Media Secretary to Sri Lankan Prime Minister, was described by Sri Lanka Ambassador to China Karunasena Kodituwakku as "walking with kings yet not losing the common touch" for his books at the launch ceremony.

Athaudahetti has traveled in China extensively. He went to Tibet in 2007 and 2016 and stayed there for almost a month. During his trip to Lhasa and Shigatse in Tibet, he had a chance to encounter the people and the local family life.

"The two visits toTibet inspired me to write a travelogue to introduce a real Tibet to Sri Lankans and the rest of the world," said Athaudahetti to China.org.cn.

"I love Tibetan culture and my country Sri Lanka, a Buddhist country, has a historical relationship with Tibet from the early days," said Athaudahetti. "What I experienced in Tibet is from [the content in] English books through western angles - from which most Sri Lankans have heard about Tibet."

Athaudahetti said that the people he met in Shigatse, who used to be slaves, have big houses and live freely and happily.

Athaudahetti presents a modern China to Sri Lankan readers, said Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. He said Sri Lankans used to know China through Chinese literature works like Ba Jins "The Family," classic novel "A Journey to the West" and poems by Chinese late leader Mao Zedong.

His book opens a window to a new China, commented Yuan Zhibin, director general of Bureau of South Asia and Southeast Asia of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, as it sheds a light on the great changes in Tibet in wake of Chinas reform and opening up over the past three decades.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisenaalso sent a message of congratulations to the book launch, which was considered as one of the events to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic ties in 2017.

The ceremony was also presented by Gayantha Karunathilaka, Minister of the Land and Parliament Reforms and Tang Xianwen, Deputy Director General of the Publicity Department of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Anne Scott, who has led the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation for four years, will step down as president and chief executive officer on Oct. 31.

During Scotts tenure, the foundation has increased its assets by $70 million to $185 million. The foundation manages about 300 funds and handed out nearly 1,600 grants worth $16 million in 2016, officials said.

The foundation works with local organizations including the United Way-Thomas Jefferson Area and Piedmont Virginia Community College to focus funding on early childhood education and workforce development.

The foundation also has worked with local nonprofits to provide major grants to address food insecurity in Louisa County, redevelopment of public housing in Charlottesville, and infant mortality among African-Americans.

It has been an honor to lead CACF for the past four years, and I hope that my leadership has contributed positively to the many wonderful communities and important efforts in our area, Scott said in a statement.

We will greatly miss the energy, creativity and vision that Anne has consistently brought to her work, foundation board chairman Jay Kessler said in a statement. Her expertise in finance and philanthropy has served us well.

Kessler said the foundations board will begin a search to find Scotts successor.

The foundation, now in its 50th year, serves Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson and Orange.
Updated 12:20 p.m., Sept. 13

The man who was shot and killed Monday on South First Street was a 45-year-old from Brooklyn, New York, Charlottesville police said Wednesday.

Police officials identified the victim as Shawn Evan Davis. They said that, although Davis was from Brooklyn, he was known to stay in Charlottesville on a regular basis.

Davis died at the University of Virginia Medical Center on Monday night after police found him at about 9:20 p.m. in the 900 block of South First Street suffering from a gunshot wound.

Police said they believe the shooting was an isolated incident.

Daviss death is the fourth homicide in the city this year.

Robert Bobby Hall Reauveau, 43, was shot on Feb. 5 and died 10 days later.

Whitney French, 33, was shot and killed Feb. 26 by her husband, Rafal Konrad, 37, who then shot and killed himself, according to police.

Heather Heyer, 32, was killed Aug. 12 after the Unite the Right rally in Emancipation Park when a man struck her as he drove a car into a crowd of counter-protesters.

A Charlottesville man is dead from a gunshot wound and police said they are treating the death as homicide.

Authorities said they received a 911 call about a shooting and found the man in the 900 block of South 1st Street around 9:20 p.m. on Monday.

The man was taken by ambulance to the University of Virginia Medical Center where he died, police said.

Police are withholding the mans identity until family members can be notified. Investigators said they believe the incident was isolated and there is no apparent threat to the general public.

The homicide is the fourth in the city this year.

Robert Bobby Hall Reauveau, 43, was shot on Feb. 5 and died 10 days later. Gregory Nathaniel Fitzgerald, 40, was arrested in June and charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and being a non-violent felon in possession of a firearm in connection with Reauveaus death.

Whitney French, 33, was shot and killed Feb. 26 by her husband, Rafal Konrad, 37, who then shot and killed himself, according to police.

Heather Heyer, 32, was killed Aug. 12 after the Unite the Right rally when a man drove a car into a crowd of counter-protesters, injuring more than 30 people.

James A. Fields, Jr., 20, was arrested the same day and is charged with second degree murder in Heyers death.
Updated 6:45 p.m.

Charlottesville police have charged a city woman with assaulting Jason Kessler, organizer of the Aug. 12 Unite the Right rally, during his next-day press conference that devolved into chaos.

Phoebe LaFroy Stevens, 35, is charged with assault and battery. She turned herself in to police and was released with a summons, police said.

Stevens joins Brandon Collins, 44, and Jeffrey Matthew Winder, 49, both of Charlottesville, who were each given a summons to appear in court on charges of assaulting Kessler at the press conference held outside of City Hall.

Kessler obtained warrants on Collins and Winder while police filed the charge against Stevens.

Kesslers Aug. 13 press conference lasted no more than six minutes before the angry crowd pressed toward him. Kessler was grabbed, pushed and punched before being whisked away by police from the front of City Hall, onto Market Street and finally into the police station next door.

Police at the scene also charged Robert K. Litzenberger, 47, of Charlottesville, with misdemeanor assault and battery after police said he spat on Kessler.
State Grid Corp of China, the nation's electric power giant, has pledged to complete key internal corporate reforms by November, as part of its efforts to make the utility company more streamlined, efficient and market-focused.

Company spokeswoman Wang Yanfang told a news conference on Monday that State Grid is confident that it will improve its corporate governance structure and streamline its management hierarchy, in order to deepen internal restructuring, and help create effective corporate governance and an efficient management structure.

The reforms would be completed on schedule, while the new structure would help clear institutional barriers and enhance the company's operational efficiency, she said.

The reform is part of the wider SOE reforms administered by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the country's top regulator of SOEs.

The State Council, China's cabinet, issued an action plan this year ordering the country's major SOEs supervised by the central government, excluding financial and cultural enterprises, to complete corporate reforms by the end of 2017. These will help separate the government from business operations by restructuring SOEs into limited liability companies or corporations.

State Grid has also conducted project investment budget management system reform in recent years, which has saved 40 billion yuan ($5.97 billion) annually.

The debt ratio of 55.9 percent also makes the company one of the best among the Fortune Global 500 companies, it said.

Analysts said State Grid's moves would see an improved market focus and a more flexible company, making it more vigorous and competitive in the global marketplace.

Li Jin, chief researcher at the China Enterprise Research Institute, said that the reforms would help the corporation become more market-focused and flexible.

State Grid said it would also continue to expand public fast-charging networks for electric vehicles as part of its structural reform, while vowing to build the largest quick charging network for electric cars in the world, spanning 16,000 kilometers of expressways in 121 cities of 16 provinces.

As many as 167,000 charging posts will be built, accounting for 80 percent of the total public charging posts in the country and offering charging services to 1 million electric cars.

The fast-charging networks will offer services such as charging, resource monitoring and information sharing, said Wang.

The charging standard system for electric cars established by the company is one of the major standards in the world, along with three other standards developed by companies in the United States, Germany and Japan, she said.

The National Energy Administration said earlier that in order to enable users to power up within a close radius of their location, the country plans to build 800,000 charging points this year, including 100,000 public ones, for electric vehicles to meet increasing demand.

A total of 100,000 public charging points were installed nationally last year, a tenfold increase over 2015, bringing the total number of public charging points in China to 150,000, it said.

Asian utilities and infrastructure analyst Joseph Jacobelli from Bloomberg Intelligence said China is motivated to boost the popularization of electric vehicles in major cities, considering the country's air pollution.
The Affordable Care Act exchange is collapsing in Virginia, with the last potential insurer pulling out of western Virginia and leaving about 70,000 people without the ability to purchase health insurance for 2018.

Any individual, regardless of income, who purchased an individual policy  on the exchange or non-exchange  wont be able to buy a policy next year, Carilion Clinic Chief Financial Officer Don Halliwill said Tuesday. When people think of the exchange, they think of poor people. Thats not accurate. Its all income levels.

About 40,000 of the people affected live within Carilions service area.

Should nothing change before the Centers for Medicare and Medicaids Sept. 27 deadline for insurers to participate, parts of Virginia, including the Roanoke and New River valleys, will be the only places in the U.S. without at least one insurer, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Open enrollment starts Nov. 1 for policies that take effect Jan. 1.

This year, three insurance companies offered individual policies in the Roanoke and New River valleys.

But this spring, Aetna announced that it would no longer participate in the marketplace. Last month, Anthem followed suit. And Optima Health said last week that it would no longer offer individual policies in areas of Virginia where its parent, Sentara Health, does not have hospitals and providers. Although Optima covered only a small percentage of people in western Virginia, the company had been expected to fill the void after Anthem announced its departure, meaning it would have been on track to sell 100 percent of the individual policies in the region.

Insurers blame President Donald Trump for making subsidies unreliable and Congress for failing to stabilize the market.

Virginia Secretary of Health Dr. Bill Hazel said Tuesday that Washington had manufactured this crisis, which will affect about 70,000 of the 350,000 Virginians who purchase policies on the exchange.

They are the ones who have to fix it, he said. Our hands are all but tied.

Hazel said he has been meeting with Virginia insurers, but none is willing to reenter the market as long as federal cost-sharing reduction payments are at risk. The payments are subsidies to lower-income people to help cover out-of-pocket expenses of high deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance.

Without the subsidies, insurers say healthier individuals would be unable to afford to use insurance coverage and so would opt to go without, leaving the insurers to cover only the sickest and costliest individuals.

Trump has called the subsidies an insurance bailout, has threatened to cut them off and let the ACA collapse, and has decided on a monthly basis whether to continue the payments.

My members are large organizations that work with long-term planning. They make decisions based on years, not months, said Doug Gray, executive director of the Virginia Association of Health Plans.

Trump and Congressional Republicans this year failed in two attempts to replace the Affordable Care Act and have also failed to stabilize the market, Gray said.

We didnt get into this by accident. It was by a conscious choice of leadership, he said.

Though insurers across the nation are facing the same destabilizing forces, it appeared as of this week that the collapse of the marketplace is only affecting parts of Virginia.

The latest map by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid shows at least one insurer for every county in the nation, but a map by the Kaiser Family Foundation reflecting last weeks deadline, when Optima pulled out, shows parts of Virginia as the only places lacking any coverage.

Katha Treanor, a spokeswoman for the Virginia State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance, said Optima on Tuesday asked to add a few localities back to its coverage area, but none is in western Virginia.

The bureau and Hazel have been working with some small out-of-state plans that have expressed interest in picking up parts of the uncovered jurisdiction. But deadlines are approaching.

The late date at which Anthem pulled out of the market has forced Virginia to scramble. Anthem provided the majority of the policies on the individual market, and it held about 70 percent of the policies in Carilions territory.

Some other places were dealing with this earlier. Anthem waited until the second week in August to announce. If we had known in April, we could have been working to bring small plans in, Hazel said.

Hazel said that if Congress stabilizes the cost-sharing reduction payments, Anthem or other insurers might reenter the market, though deadlines would need to be extended.

Gray isnt as hopeful. Insurers who leave the market are locked out for five years, he said. Anthem is the only national insurer that didnt pull out entirely, having retained a couple of small localities.

If other insurers wanted back in, Congress would have to allow an exception, he said.

President Trump said we need to let the system implode and then created severe uncertainty around whether he would pay the cost-sharing payments, which has been a sticking point with insurers, said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.

Kaine and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said committees they serve on are working on a fix.

If the president isnt willing to guarantee the payments and create certainty himself, we will do it for him, Kaine said.

Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, blamed both the Affordable Care Act, and the Senate for failing to repeal and replace it, for the instability that prompted insurers to pull out of his district.

In the face of Senate inability to act and to address the problem of insurers leaving the market, I am willing to work with my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to patch the collapsing system, Griffith said. To that end, I believe Congress must appropriate CSR [cost-sharing reduction] subsidies until such time as a true replacement for Obamacare can be implemented.

Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke County, said several governors have stepped up to find ways to keep exchanges running in their states.

I hope Gov. McAuliffe will consider a way to do this as well, he said.

Goodlatte, whose district is widely affected by the insurers pullout, said the problem was created by the Affordable Care Act.

Unfortunately, the collapse of insurance exchanges shouldnt be a surprise. From the very beginning, many have said, I included, that this law is simply unworkable and the systems put into place by it will not adequately serve American families. Now, those chickens have come home to roost, Goodlatte said.

Meanwhile Carilions Halliwill said people who have been buying individual policies might not understand that they wont be able to.

Its too soon to know the effect.

Data would show that individuals who dont have insurance tend to delay care and not have routine services, which leads to more severe illnesses, he said.

Carilion, which provided $120 million in charity care last year, wants patients to know that they should still come in without insurance, he said. Were the safety net for the uninsured and under-insured. Well still be here, he said.
With the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in full swing, low-carbon-oriented practices have become an important factor for regional economic growth.

A photovoltaic power plant and a nearby wind power farm in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 19, 2015. The local government has combined air pollution control and energy structure change by using photovoltaic and wind power in recent years. [File photo/Xinhua]

Early in 2014, President Xi Jinping said it is an important national strategy to achieve coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, involving exploration of an effective path of ecological civilization construction and promoting the coordinated progress in population, economy, resources and environment.

The national strategy for regional development addresses unbalanced development, tackles pollution and seeks a new means of growth. It demands local authorities abandon their old selfish mindset and see the bigger picture.

In recent years, Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province have undertaken various measures to deepen cooperation in environmental protection. A recent report released by China Science Publishing & Media Ltd. (CSPM) offered an evaluation on the efficiency of energy saving and emission reduction from 2005 to 2014 among 10 cities in the region, namely Beijing, Tianjin, Qinhuangdao, Baoding, Cangzhou, Shijiazhuang, Langfang, Zhangjiakou, Chengde and Tangshan.

It found Beijing ranked the first with the highest efficiency, followed by Tianjin, with the gap continually narrowing between the capital and the other nine cities. Compared with Tokyo, these cities have great potential to catch up with the world advanced level.

It said scientific and technological innovation is the core driving force for regional low-carbon growth. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region should take its advantage in this aspect, and put technological advances into full practice, including energy-saving technology, renewable energy technology, de-carbonization and carbon sequestration technology.

Jia Pinrong, a researcher of Beijing Academy of Science and Technology who led the study, said the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region should explore a new mechanism to promote cooperation and innovation of low-carbon technology, in a bid to achieve horizontal collaboration among universities, research institutes and enterprises.

"Beijing owns the greatest number of research institutes and universities, and is quite rich in scientific and technological innovations," Jia said, adding that Tianjin has the most advanced high-tech industries, while the advantage of Hebei Province lies in the upgrading of the manufacturing industry.

The three need to set up a public service platform to promote innovation-driven low-carbon development in the region, he said.

The report provides a theoretical support for the follow-up study on the low-carbon technological progress in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The final research results will be released at the end of the year, aiming to help policy-makers with ideas to achieve the coordinated and sustainable development of the region.
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Five universities from the Chinese mainland have been ranked among the world's top 50 universities for student employability.

The latest edition of Quacquarelli Symonds Graduate Employability Rankings listed China's Tsinghua University in 10th place, followed by Peking University in 23rd.

Tsinghua was the best performer in south Asia, ahead of Japan's University of Tokyo(14th) and the University of Hong Kong (20th).

Other Chinese mainland entrants in the top 50 include Fudan (27th), Zhejiang University (38th), and Shanghai Jiaotong University (46th).

In all, 37 Chinese universities were ranked within the world's top 500five from the Chinese mainland, six from Taiwan, and six from Hong Kong.

The results show Chinese universities are providing global and national economies with skilled, high-achieving graduates.

"Chinese universities have excelled in producing talents that are increasingly globally competitive," said Zhang Yan, China director at QS Intelligence Unit. "In the future, with strength in different disciplines, Chinese universities should work more closely with employers in different parts of the world, in areas of research and development, employability and entrepreneurship."

Zhang said she believes it could help further enhance the global competitiveness of students, cultivating more future leaders for China and the world alike.

Quacquarelli Symonds, a global higher education analyst and career advice specialist, named Stanford in the United States as the world-leader, followed by the University of California, Los Angeles and Harvard University.

US universities take five of the top-10 placesand 31 top-100 placeswhile the UK universities of Cambridge (6th) and Oxford (8th) were ranked most highly by employers.

Each institution's score was compiled using five indicators- alumni outcome, employerstudent connections, employer reputation, partnerships with employers and graduate employment rate.

Hannele Niemi, professor of education at the University of Helsinki, commended the Chinese universities' progress.

"The investments that China has allocated to higher education have had an impact," Niemi said. "China has also decisively made high efforts for promoting international cooperation."

Out of 600 universities considered in this year's rankings, 500 of them are published, compared with 300 universities considered last year and 200 published.
Yu Xiaoli, 54, is dedicated to her job as a teacher in Zongshujiao village, in the mountainous area of Central China's Hunan province, for 36 years.

Yu Xiaoli helps a student with his studies in a class in Zongshujiao village in Central China's Hunan province.[Photo by Hu Jiangyong / chindaily.com.cn]

Yu, who was a fresh graduate at age 18, was assigned to the school in Zongshujiao village in 1981.

The school offers courses for children in preschool, kindergarten, and grade 1 and grade 2, but has only four teachers.

Yu teaches her students with love and patience and regards them as her own children, for 70 percent of the students are left-behind children who lack care.

"Yu is not only the teacher to the kids but also their dearest 'mother'. We all trust her," said Yu Dongjin, Party secretary of Zongshujiao village.

"Some young teachers once came here, but they left. Our village is far away from downtown and the transportation is not good here," Yu Dongjin said.

Yu Rongping, is 13 years old but is in his first year at school. His parents are unable to speak and are poor, which meant he delayed starting school and suffered derision from his peers.

Yu Xiaoli was concerned about the child and gave him extra lessons and helped remove his psychological obstacles. Yu now can read and count, and is gradually regaining his confidence.

Her role is one that she's never thought of leaving.

"I never thought about giving up my job. I stay here to teach the kids and help them get out of their impoverished situations. I want to keep company with these kids," Yu Xiaoli said.
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The investigation and trial of Taiwan resident Lee Ming-che had been conducted strictly in accordance with the law and legal due process, said a Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday.

Taiwan resident Lee Ming-che stands trial in a court in Yueyang City, Hunan Province, on Monday, September 11, 2017. [Photo provided by the court]

An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a press conference that the rights and interests of the defendant and his family had been fully protected.

The spokesperson warned that any attempt to politically manipulate or use the case to smear the mainland's political and legal system would prove futile.
Xi'an, located in northwest China, is known all over the world as the home to the Terracotta Army and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road.

Xi'an also rivals Athens, Cairo and Rome as one of the four ancient capitals in the world as the city has a history of more than 3,100 years, in which more than 1,100 years was as the capital city for 13 dynasties (there are still some debates over the number of dynasties which use Xi'an as their capital). [China.org.cn]
New Delhi: McDonald's India has asked suppliers to stop dealing with CPRL, its 50:50 joint venture with estranged partner Vikram Bakshi, in a bid to enforce its cancellation of franchise licence.

McDonald's India Pvt Ltd (MIPL) had last month terminated franchise licence of 169 outlets operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd (CPRL) in north and east India.

"As the master franchisor in India, earlier this week MIPL informed CPRL's suppliers that we have terminated our franchise agreements with CPRL for all 169 restaurants in north and east India," a McDonald's India spokesperson said.

In its letter to the suppliers, the US-based fast food major wrote: "CPRL must cease the use of the McDonald's system effective September 6. CPRL is not permitted to operate McDonald's restaurants."

When contacted, Bakshi said: "We have been reliably informed by suppliers to CPRL that they have received letters from Robert Vee Chong, a Director on the board of MIPL, indirectly pressurising them to stop supplies to 169 restaurants run by CPRL."

He further said the suppliers do not have agreements with MIPL and they take their orders from CPRL and also raise invoices to the latter.

"MIPL is not permitted by law or by any authorisation from CPRL to discharge any action on behalf of CPRL," Bakshi added.

On various occasions, Bakshi has maintained that the outlets will continue to operate till the board of CPRL met as ordered by NCLT-appointed administrator Justice G S Singhvi. He had approached the NCLT after McDonald's removed him from the post of MD of CPRL in 2013.

In July this year, the tribunal restored him to his position. It was challenged by McDonald's in the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) where the appeal is pending.

Simultaneously, Bakshi also challenged the termination of franchise licence by McDonald's at the NCLAT but was refused any interim relief. Both the appeals filed by the parties are listed for hearing on September 21.

As part of the license termination, CPRL was asked to stop using McDonalds's name, system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, with effect from September 6.

The suppliers of CPRL include, Vista Processed Foods, Schreiber Dynamix Dairies, Cremica Foods Industries and Amrit Foods, among others. They could not contacted immediately.

Except the 43 outlets in the national capital that were shut in June due to non-renewal of eating house licences, the remaining ones continue to operate.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said zero balance accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana have come down to 20 per cent from 77 per cent. Photo: Twitter| @FinMinIndia

New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said zero balance accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana have come down to 20 per cent from 77 per cent previously.

Speaking at the Conclave on Financial Inclusion by United Nations in Delhi, Jaitley said 300 million accounts under Jan Dhan Yojana.

Also read: Aadhaar under BJP to stand test of constitutionality: Arun Jaitley

Jaitley went on to say that before 2014, financial inclusion was not a centre stage agenda of the government. In 2014 when we launched the PMJDY, in a mission mode throughout the country with the help of banks, 44 per cent of Indian households were outside the banking system, he said.

It was with the help of the staff who went from home to home to encourage households to open bank accounts, that this feat of 300 million PMJDY accounts was reached. There are about 250 million families in India and the number of PMJDY accounts are 300 million. So you have more accounts than families, adding to the pre-existing ones, he said.

Jaitley further hit out at the criticism from the Opposition who said 77 per cent of the PMJDY accounts were zero balance and hence ornamental. The figure today has come down to a little below 20, he said. The real challenge was how to get people to open these accounts, get them to make these accounts operational and how do you incentivise them to really operate these accounts, he added.

Launched in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana was aimed at providing universal access to banking facilities starting. Jaitley said these "Basic Banking Accounts" got overdraft facility of Rs 5,000.

Jaitley said India was substantially an unpensioned society as people could not afford the premiums. We announced two important insurance schemes and a pension scheme that would be linked to these bank accounts. These insurance schemes where you pay Re 1 a month and get Rs 2 lakh accident insurance. At a slightly higher premium, you get a life insurance, he said, adding these incentivised people to open and operate these accounts.
The model involves leasing out of operational NH for long periods to collect toll revenue in return for a one-time upfront payment to the government.

Mumbai: Investments in road projects are expected to double over the next five years to Rs 10 lakh crore with investments in national highways (NH) likely to grow the fastest at about three times following the governments focus on the sector through several new initiatives.

While the investments would largely be driven by public funds through the Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) and Hybrid Annuity Model, Crisil said that toll-operate-transfer (TOT), the new PPP model introduced by the government if implemented successfully could attract investment worth Rs 40,000 crore until FY19 from new as well as existing investors.

Over next 5 years, the NHAIs funding through cess is expected to remain low at 18 per cent compared to 35 per cent in the previous fiscal. In this scenario, the ability of NHAI to consistently raise debt through external sources is a key monitorable, the Crisil said.

The model involves leasing out of operational NH for long periods to collect toll revenue in return for a one-time upfront payment to the government.

Operation and maintenance players in the country are shying away from existing models for maintenance as a result of problems faced in the past. TOT hence targets a new category of investors who are averse towards construction risk but are interested in making long-term investment in infrastructure, Crisil said.
Both Rishi Kapoor and Rahul Gandhi often get trolled on Twitter.

Mumbai: While nepotism has been the burning topic in Bollywood ever since Kangana Ranaut called Karan Johar a flag bearer of it on the latters show, dynasty has also been one such issue in the field of politics.

Star kids in Bollywood repeatedly get quizzed about nepotism and Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi is among the most popular politicians having to deal with questions about dynasty.

Gandhi decided to somewhat merge the two things together when during a press conference in Berkeley, USA, he included Abhishek Bachchan while talking about dynasty.

He was reported to have said, Most parties in India have that problemMr Akhilesh Yadav is a dynast. Mr Stalin (son of M Karunanidhi of DMK) is a dynast even Abhishek Bachchan is a dynast. So, thats how India runs. So, dont get after me because thats how India is run. By the way, last, I recall, Ambanis are running the business. Thats also going on in Infosys. So, thats what happens in India.

Following his comments, Rishi Kapoor, one of the most controversial and vocal Bollywood celebrities, went on a rant against Gandhi on Twitter by highlighting the contribution of the Kapoor in India cinema and how their four generations survived in the industry, purely on merit, for 90 years.

He also asked Gandhi not to give bullsh*t on dynasty and that he should earn respect and of people through hard work and not zabardasti' (force) or 'gundagardi' (hooliganism).

Rahul Gandhi.In the 106 years of Indian cinema of India, Kapoor's contribution is 90 years. And each generation is chosen by public on merit  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

By God's grace we are in 4 generations.Prithviraj Kapoor.Raj Kapoor.Randhir Kapoor.Ranbir Kapoor-Males.Besides all others. You see otherwise  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

So don't bullshit people on "Dynasty" You have to earn people's respect and love through hard work not zabardasti and gundagardi.  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

This is not the first time Kapoor has taken on Congress, he had also ranted about significant locations named after the Gandhi family last year.
Mumbai: Kangana Ranaut has been in the news for the release of her upcoming film Simran, and the umpteen controversies surrounding her personal life and candid commentaries.

However, the film has been impressing all and sundry with its innovative trailer and breezy songs.

The latest song from the film, the title song, explores the quirkiness in Kanganas character.

Kangana, who plays a divorcee with a penchant for gambling and kleptomania, can be seen displaying her versatility in all her eccentric glory.

The song, composed by Sachin-Jigar, might remind one of Pritams Barfi title track, but stands on its own, thanks to its infectious melody.

Simran, Hansal Mehtas latest post the grand critical success of Aligarh, is also the directors first collaboration with Kangana.

The film is slated for a September 15 release.

Watch the song video here:
New Delhi: The Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, together with Fortum India and Visit Finland, is bringing a photo exhibition of the most spectacular phenomena of their country - The Northern Lights - to New Delhi.

The exhibition will take place at Open Palm Court Gallery, India Habitat Centre from 16th of September to 21st September 2017 and is part of the celebrations of 100 years of independence of Finland. It is a unique opportunity to experience the magic of this nature's spectacle through incredible images captured by six Finnish photographers. The exhibition will also be held in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Dhaka.

A post shared by Ole Salomonsen Photography (@arcticlightphoto) on Sep 12, 2017 at 7:19am PDT

Millions of people around the globe visit Finland to witness Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, which means the northern dawn in Latin. Unpredictable and usually appearing only on very cold nights in Northern Finland above the Arctic Circle, these enchanting illuminations have, through the ages, aroused feelings that they have magical powers beyond human comprehension. In Finnish this phenomenon is called 'revontulet', which means "fox fires".

According to a myth, the Northern Lights are painted to the night sky by a running fox sprinkling snow into the night sky with its tail. The auroras have also been said to be thunderstorms without thunder, like a storm that hasn't grown to the point of releasing sound yet.

A post shared by Ojibway (@ojibwayfamilylodge) on Sep 13, 2017 at 4:58am PDT

To highlight the many diverse connections between India and Finland, the exhibition turns its eyes to the people of these countries. The exhibition presents nine Indians and seven Finns, who tell about their impressions and experiences of the two countries. . The stories range from living in Finland as an Indian student to impressions of Delhi traffic by a visiting Finn. These stories celebrate human curiosity and the reward that comes from immersing oneself into a foreign culture with an open heart.

In 2017, Finland celebrates a century of independence and continuous democracy. Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden from the 13th century to 1809. In 1809, as a result of war between Sweden and the Russian Empire, Finland was ceded to the Russian Empire. The same year Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy. Finland has had a parliament of its own since 1906. Independence of Finland was finally gained in 1917.
New Delhi: The tragic reality of India is that 70 million people are suffering from major to minor mental health related illnesses and it is prevalent across different sections of the society.

There exists a stigma associated to this across India, especially in the rural and semi-urban parts our country; it requires exceptional efforts in spreading awareness among people.

Another incident related to mental health and awareness involving a 24-year-old college student has recently been highlighted where the student has committed suicide by jumping from the 19th floor, stating the reason behind this as depression and anxiety.

Depression or anxiety has been the primary reason for people committing suicide every year in the country. The number of urban-dwellers to face mental health issues has been increasing at a fast pace. Considering the young demography, it is a threatening sign for us.

Despite a large number of people who need mental health attention we just have 3,500 trained psychiatrists and even fewer psychologists. Keeping the situation in mind, Impact Guru wants to raise funds by reaching out to general masses and raise awareness in association with LION'S and ROTARACT Clubs, in various locations.

They hope to support and carry out various on-ground activities, initiate helplines with mental health-care professionals, partnering with other organizations and NGOs to provide assistance to people who are suffering from any kind of mental issues.

With additional support, the aim is to collaborate with other NGOs in the mental health space for on-ground programmes and projects, while also funding and supporting research . With the help of the crowd-funding platform, the organization urges citizens to donate towards this cause and help raise awareness among masses regarding mental health problems.
The hazards that potentially derive from tattoos were previously known only by chemical analysis of the inks and their degradation products in vitro. (Photo: File image)

Berlin: Getting a permanent tattoo can cause chronic enlargement of the lymph nodes - an important part of our immune system - a study has warned.

Toxic impurities that make up the ink in tattoos can travel inside the body in the form of nanoparticles and affect the lymph nodes, researchers said.

Little is known about the potential impurities in the colour mixture applied to the skin. Most tattoo inks contain organic pigments, but also include preservatives and contaminants like nickel, chromium, manganese or cobalt.

Besides carbon black, the second most common ingredient used in tattoo inks is titanium dioxide (TiO2), a white pigment usually applied to create certain shades when mixed with colorant, researchers said.

TiO2 is also commonly used in food additives, sunscreens and paints. Delayed healing, along with skin elevation and itching, are often associated with white tattoos, and by consequence with the use of TiO2.

The hazards that potentially derive from tattoos were previously known only by chemical analysis of the inks and their degradation products in vitro.

Researchers at European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Germany used X-ray fluorescence measurements on ID21 which allowed them to locate titanium dioxide at the micro and nano range in the skin and the lymphatic environment.

They found a broad range of particles up to several micrometres in size in human skin, but only smaller (nano) particles were transported to the lymph nodes.

This may lead to the chronic enlargement of the lymph node and lifelong exposure, researchers said.

Scientists also used the technique of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to assess biomolecular changes in the tissues in the proximity of the tattoo particles.

"We already knew that pigments from tattoos would travel to the lymph nodes because of visual evidence. The lymph nodes become tinted with the colour of the tattoo. It is the response of the body to clean the site of entrance of the tattoo," researchers said.

"What we didn't know is that they do it in a nano form, which implies that they may not have the same behaviour as the particles at a micro level," said Bernhard Hesse, from ESRF

The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Washington: A new research, that analysed 26 fictional autistic personalities from TV and film, suggests the characters are not fully representative of those with the condition.

Experts have found that the characters tend to be unrealistically aligned with textbook diagnostic criteria and do not accurately reflect the variety seen in real life. The team from the Universities of Edinburgh and Oslo analysed Sheldon Cooper's ('The Big Bang Theory') character along with a further 25 fictional personalities from TV and film.

They judged each character against the standard criteria that doctors use to diagnose autism, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5. Most of the characters displayed at least nine of the 12 defining characteristics of the condition, the researchers found.

In reality, this level of alignment with the diagnostic criteria is rare. About half of those analysed are portrayed as being a genius or having some other exceptional skill - such as Dustin Hoffman's character in the 1988 film 'Rain Man'. In reality, the researchers say, fewer than one in three people with autism will have such a skill.

The researchers say this narrow view may reinforce widely held stereotypes about autistic people. Dr Sue Fletcher-Watson, of the University of Edinburgh's Patrick Wild Centre, said: "To deepen public understanding of autism spectrum disorders, we need more autistic characters on our screens. These characters should reflect the diversity we see in real life, rather than being artificially built from a textbook diagnosis of somebody with autism."

The study is published in the journal Psychiatry Research.
Paris: The right of lesbian couples and single women to have access to assisted reproduction was a matter of social justice and will likely be legislated next year, a French government minister said on Tuesday.

The move would mark a significant extension of gay rights in France, where violent protests preceded the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption by homosexual couples in 2013.

It was a campaign promise. It will be honoured, Marlene Schiappa, minister for gender equality, told BFM TV. She said a bill would likely pass through parliament in 2018.

Current legislation means that gay women with sufficient funds travel abroad for artificial insemination while other women without the financial means cannot. Schiappa said that was unjust.

French law still restricts techniques such as artificial insemination using donated sperm to heterosexual couples.

A national ethics committee said last June that it backed the idea of medically assisted procreation for female couples and single women. Macron, president since May, had set such a recommendation as a prerequisite to any legislative action.
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Pakistan's National Defense Day is marked in the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing on Sept. 12. [Photo/China.org.cn]

A celebration of the Pakistan National Defense Day was held in the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing on Sept. 12.

People of all walks of life including those from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), diplomatic circles, think tanks, media as well as Pakistani community members attended the commemoration.

While reviewing the past glory of the Pakistani armed forces, Masood Khalid, the Pakistani ambassador to China, also lauded the country's continued efforts in the fight against terrorism.

"China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and have a shared agenda of promoting peace and stability in our region," Khalid said.

He hoped that the two countries can further forge connectivity and inter-civilization linkages while contributing to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Pakistan's National Defense Day, which falls on Sept. 6, is in memory of the sacrifices made by the country's armed forces in defending their motherland and thwarting aggressive attacks.
Locals too are unhappy with the influx of tourists with many feeling that they are are being priced out of the city centre because of tourist accommodation. (Photo: AP)

Following other European cities, popular tourist destination Amsterdam too has decided to take a stand against tourists.

The Dutch city wants to increase tourist tax by as much as 10 a night.

According to a story published in The Guardian, the new rates are aimed at discouraging stag dos and other budget city breakers who are attracted to the Red Light District.

Local council believed that these kind of tourists do not bring in much spending money and are not beneficial to the tourism industry.

Speaking to the Dutch newspaper Het Parool, city councillor Udo Kock said that they need more people who actually spend more money.

He went on to add, We would prefer people who stay a couple of nights, visit museums, have lavish meals at restaurants, to people who pop over for a weekend eating falafel while sauntering around the red-light district.

Locals too are unhappy with the influx of tourists with many feeling that they are are being priced out of the city centre because of tourist accommodation.

The government measure comes after a sharp rise in the number of tourists visiting the city. The government has been exploring measures to regulate tourism, including a ban on new hotels in certain parts of the city.

They also introduced a campaign for visitors to see lesser known areas instead of concentrating on the already congested areas.

Furthermore, next year, tourists will pay a six per cent tax on the cost of their room, up from five per cent this year.

But the council is also looking at a fixed tax charge of 10, as well as a percentage of the final hotel bill.
Incident came to light after Asmita Deshmukh, the resident and secretary of the housing complex went through the last few days CCTV footage (Photo: Pixabay)

From raping a donkey in Morocco, to sexually assaulting a puppy to death in Delhi, it seems that mans thirst for deviant pleasures knows no bounds. And now, a Mumbai housing complex's guard has been arrested on Friday evening when CCTV footage showed him sexually assaulting a dog.

The incident which happened near Chembur Naka saw the 41-year-old Ram Naresh taking the canine into a bathroom for three days last week, and each time he locked himself up with the dog for five to seven minutes.

The incident came to light after Asmita Deshmukh, the resident and secretary of the housing complex went through the last few days CCTV footage and found the man locking himself up with the dog in the bathroom.

According to the report originally published in the Hindustan Times, the accused Ram Naresh works as an auto rickshaw driver and works as a security guard at night as an employee of a private security company.

Speaking to the English Daily, SG Dal, senior police inspector, Chembur police station said, We arrested the guard on Friday after filing a first information report (FIR) under section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (for carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal), after local residents and animal activists filed complaints with us about the issue

He went on to add that the accused was presented at the Kurla Magistrate Court on Saturday and is currently in judicial custody.

PETA India plans to bring the matter to the attention of the security guards employment agency, seeking their action.

According to the medical report issued by veterinarian Dr Deepa Katyal, the dogs vulva was congested and swollen. Speaking to HT she said that the dog was in a state of shock and had a lot of pain on the lower half of the body.

The last year has seen an increasing number of cases of animal abuse in India. Puppies have been raped, their limbs hacked and now the incident in Mumbai only raises the question as to how far can mans acts of deviant fancy go.
A religious officer canes a woman for spending time in close proximity with a man who is not her husband in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on November 28, 2016. (Photo: AFP)

An Indonesian married woman was lashed 100 times after a Sharia court found her guilty of being in a "private place" with a man that is not her husband.

A huge crowd of citizens witnessed the savage punishment given to 30-year-old Mazidah in front of a mosque in the province of Aceh, according to a report by The Sun.

She had to be rushed to a hospital after collapsing from her injuries. Two men in the case were found guilty with indecent behaviour against a minor. They were also given 100 lashes.

Aceh is the only province in the country that practices Sharia law. Under the law homosexuality, alcohol, and gambling are crimes.

339 public beatings cases have been reported in 2016 alone.
The 7-year-old boy was murdered allegedly by a school bus conductor. He was found with throat slit in the toilet of the school. (Photo: PTI)

Gurgaon/New Delhi: Two top officials of the Ryan International School were arrested today and the acting principal detained for questioning following the gruesome murder of a seven-year-old student on campus, even as the victim's father moved the Supreme Court seeking a CBI probe.

The police claimed that evidence from the scene of crime had been tampered with and said they would bring the guilty to book.

Ryan International Group CEO Ryan Pinto and his parents, who are its founders, approached the Bombay High Court on Monday to seek anticipatory bail in connection with the child's murder in the chain's Gurgaon school.

SHO of Sadar Police Station on Sohna Road in Gurgaon was meanwhile suspended over a baton-charge on protesting parents, as well as journalists, outside the school premises.

Protests continued at other places with the parents of children studying in Ryan International School's Noida and Greater Noida branches seeking an assurance regarding safety of their wards.

Gurgaon police chief Sandeep Khirwar told PTIthat the school'sLegal Head, Francis Thomas and HR Head,Jeyus Thomas were arrested on Sunday night following interrogation.

"Acting principal Neerja Batra has been detained and is being questioned. She is likely to be arrested soon," Khirwar said.

Acting on the report of a three-member panel that had indicated lapses, the two top officials of the school management were arrested under section 75 of the Juvenile Justice act, police officials said.

The two were produced before a Sohna court that remanded them to two days in police custody.

Khirwar said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case believed that evidence in the case was tampered with.

"The SIT said in the court that destruction of evidence was found to have been done. Attempt was made to wash away the blood stains from the spot where the child was found murdered. The blood on his water bottle and bag was also found rubbed. Some other pieces of evidence were also tampered with," Khirwar said.

We will add appropriate sections against the school management or other staff, whoever is found to be involved, at the time of submission of the charge sheet, Khirwar said.

Schoolbus conductor Ashok Kumar, who allegedly tried to sexually assault the class II student in a toilet and slit his throat with a knife when he resisted on Friday last is already behind bars.

The Haryana police has formed fourteen teams to probe the case, which has triggered massive outrage, according to officials. A special investigation team will reach Mumbai to question school CEO Pinto and director AlbertPinto, they said.

The father of the 7-year-old, however, approached the Supreme Court seeking a CBI probe, which prompted the apex court to seek responses from the Centre and Haryana.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also sought a response from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on the plea, which has sought framing of guidelines to fix responsibility of school managements in case of such incidents and also regarding the safety and security of children.

"This petition is not restricted only to the school concerned as it has a country-wide ramification," the court said during the brief hearing.

The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, asked the governments and the CBSE to respond within three weeks.

Barun Chandra Thakur, the father of the student said in his plea filed through advocate Sushil Tekriwal, that free and fair investigation should be conducted by the CBI under the monitoring of the apex court in the matter.

At the Bombay High Court, Ryan International Group's founding chairman, Augustine Pinto (73), and his wife Grace Pinto (62), who is the managing director of the institution, along with their son Ryan Pinto sought anticipatory bail.

Their counsel Niteen Pradhan mentioned the applications this morning before Justice Ajey Gadkari, who posted them for hearing on Tuesday.

The Pintos, in their pleas, said while the death of the boy was unfortunate, the management cannot be held culpable and that they themselves were victims of the unfortunate circumstances.

The death has caused deep pain not only to the parents and family of the child but also to the trustees, management, staff and students of the school, their applications said.

"This is not only the darkest hour for the family but also for the institution. Such an incident has taken place for the first time in the past four decades since the institution was set up," the three said in their bail pleas.

Despite taking all necessary steps for security and well being of the students as required by law and prudence, if such an unfortunate incident occurs, the institution cannot be held culpable as it is itself a victim of unfortunate circumstances, they said.

According to the pleas, the Pintos read newspaper reports which mentioned that there were demands for booking the management.

"Hence, we apprehend action against us in the matter. We seek the court to grant us transit protection from arrest so that we can approach the appropriate judicial authority in Haryana," the pleas said.

The petitioners said they were residents of Mumbai from where the overall management of the institution was carried out. The day-to-day management of each school is taken care of by the local staff appointed by the management, they said.

While no outsider is allowed to enter school premises, bus drivers and conductors, who have been given identity cards, were allowed to use basic amenities like toilets on "humanitarian grounds", they said in the petitions.

Because of the CCTV placed in the corridor covering the entrance of the Gurgaon school washroom where the incident occurred, the culprit could be identified immediately and arrested, the pleas added.

Earlier, a fact-finding panel in its report had highlighted several deficiencies, including in the installation of CCTV cameras at the school, lack of separate toilets for drivers and conductors, unsafe toilets, a broken boundary wall, lack of ramps, expired fire extinguishers and lack of police verification of employees, officials said.

The district administration has asked the school to ensure safety at its premises and gave it 15 days to reply to a show cause notice, they added.

All Ryan group schools in Gurgaon have been ordered to remain shut today and tomorrow.

As the outrage over the murder kept mounting, the SHO of Sadar Police Station was suspended in connection with a baton-charge on protesting parents and journalists outside the school.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had yesterday termed as "unfortunate" the baton charging in which some mediapersons covering the protest were also injured and ordered action against erring policemen.

Hundreds of angry parents had staged a protest outside the school demanding a CBI probe into the murder of the 7-year-old.

For applying baton charge on angry mob and journalists outside the school on Sunday morning, Gurgaon Police Commissioner has suspended SHO-Sadar Sohna for negligence," ACP and Chief PRO of Gurgaon Police Manish Sehgal said.

Khattar said the government will bear the medical expenses of journalists who were injured in the police action.

There were protests in Noida and Greater Noida as well where parents gathered outside Ryan International School branches and sought assurance on the safety of their children from the management.
ACB officials conduct searches at the residence of Panchayat Raj executive engineer B. Sudharshan Reddy at Malakpet in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Anti Corruption Bureau unearthed illegal assets worth Rs 10 crore at current market prices from a deputy executive engineer of the Panchayat Raj department in Ranga Reddy district.

The accused, Mr B. Sudharshan Reddy, working in Moinabad sub division, was arrested and produced in court.

ACB sleuths conducted simultaneous raids on his residence and that of his relatives and friends. ACB director general J. Purnachandar Rao said Sudharshan Reddy had acquired 11 acres and 10 guntas of agricultural land, two houses, four flats and 11 house sites. He had also invested `22 lakh in the Kavita Raj Apartments in Mansoorabad.

The seized assets include a ground plus first floor house in Asmanghad worth Rs 9.8 lakh, a ground plus first floor house at Lingojiguda worth Rs 32.10 lakh, three flats at High End Homes Apartments in Serilingampally worth `40.2 lakh, a flat in the Dharmareddy Complex in Dilsukhnagar worth `20 lakh, two acres of agricultural land at Kanagal in Nalgonda district, agricultural land of eight acres and 40 guntas at Janampet in Mahbubbnagar worth `18 lakh, a plot in Hayathnagar in RR district worth `2.68 lakh, two plots in Lingojiguda worth `20.4 lakh, two plots in Rock Town Colony, Mansoorabad worth `1.06 crore, a plot at Kothuru in Mahbubnagar worth Rs 1 lakh, three plots at Jedcherla worth `49,500, a plot in Saraswathinagar worth `4.17 lakh, a plot in Vanaparthi, gold ornaments weighing 956 gm worth `20 lakh, `1.66 lakh, `23.36 lakh in bank accounts, LIC policies worth `3.52 lakh, a Ford car, a Maruti car and electronic gadgets.

The documented value of the above properties is approximately Rs 3.41 crore. The market value of the properties is approximately Rs 10 crore, said DGP Purnachandar Rao.
The child, Shubhpreet Singh, was strangulated by the accused named Gurpreet Singh. (Representational image)

Amritsar: In a shocking incident, six-year-old child was murdered for allegedly scratching a tractor in Malakpur village, about 25 kilometres from Amritsar.

The child, Shubhpreet Singh, was strangulated by the accused named Gurpreet Singh.

The body of the child was recovered from a room after the police launched a massive manhunt. The manhunt by the police resulted in arrest of accused Gurpreet Singh, who had allegedly murdered the child.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Amritsar (rural), Parampal Singh, who visited the crime scene, gave details about the incident.

"On Monday night, we received the information that the child named Shubhpreet had gone missing from the village. Sensing the urgency, police deployment was done in the village and during the search operation; body of the child was recovered from the room made to stock straw," Parampal said.

In the preliminary questioning, accused told that he was irritated with the child, who regularly scratched his tractor. On Monday also the accused told that the child scratched his tractor and, therefore he strangulated him, SSP told.
After several hours of effort by the parents and police to know the identity of the culprit, the girl finally revealed that it was a security guard at the school who had inappropriately touched her.

Bengaluru: In a shocking incident, a four-year-old girl studying in LKG in a private school in T Dasarahalli, was sexually assaulted by one of the security guards of the school on Tuesday.

The Bagalgunte police who have registered a case, have detained all five security guards and are waiting for the victim to fully recover before they can ask her to identify the culprit.

Police sources said the victim as usual, left for school at 10 am. The incident came to light when on returning home at around 2 pm, she displayed signs of extreme fatigue and started vomiting. Her parents rushed her to a nearby clinic and then to MS Ramaiah hospital where the doctors after a medical examination, confirmed that the child had been sexually assaulted.

Taken aback by the incident, they lodged a complaint at Bagalagunte police station. After several hours of effort by the parents and police to know the identity of the culprit, the girl finally revealed that it was a security guard at the school who had inappropriately touched her.

Based on her statement, the police detained all five security guards and are interrogating them. Meanwhile, the police are also obtaining CCTV footage from the cameras at the school to identify the culprit. A senior police officer said that the school management would also be booked under various sections of the POCSO and IPC Acts.
Chandini Jain, whose decomposed body was found in the hillocks of Ameenpur on Tuesday. (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad: The Telangana Police has arrested a former classmate of 17-year-old girl, whose decomposed body was found in the hillocks of Ameenpur on Tuesday, in connection with her murder.

According to NDTV, police arrested accused Sai Kiran when he visited the house of the victim, Chandini Jain, to condole her death. Kiran was Jains classmate from Class 6 to Class 10, and they were in a relationship for the past two years.

Kiran wanted to end the relationship but Jain persisted on continuing it, police said. He felt pressurised when Jain asked him to marry her and killed her, they added.

Jain, a resident of Miyapur and a Class XII student of Silver Oaks School in Bachupally, went missing from her home on Saturday.

The police were able to crack the case with the help of a CCTV footage, in which Jain was seen going with Kiran towards the spot where her body was recovered.

The owner of the land noticed the body and alerted the police. Her family members identified her with the help of a tattoo on her left wrist.
We launched the probe and Nagaraj was picked up. He revealed that he had a financial dispute with Sridhar, who was traced in Maddur. He confessed that he made the hoax bomb call to land his friends in trouble, the police said. (Representational image)

Bengaluru: A 22-year-old unemployed youth, who wanted his friends to get arrested made a hoax call to the police control room that someone will plant explosives at Vidhana Soudha and Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, has been arrested by the Vidhana Soudha police.

The accused, Sridhar, hails from Maddur in Mandya district. A second PU dropout, he had come to the city and was living in a room at Peenya for the last six months.

The police said that he had cheated several people in Mysuru and Mandya to the tune of Rs 5 lakh by promising them jobs. He was close to one of his victims, Nagaraj, who runs a studio near his room. Sridhar he had told Nagaraj that he had contacts in government departments and had helped several people in getting government jobs.

Nagaraj believed him and introduced his friend, Suresh, who worked in a private firm, to Sridhar. Suresh wanted a government job and trusted Sridhar, who promised him a job at the RTO. Suresh had paid him Rs 60,000 as advance. But when there was no development for three months, Nagaraj and Suresh started asking Sridhar to return their money. Sridhar had returned Rs 30,000 in installments, the police said.

Suresh had threatened Sridhar that he would file a police complaint if the balance is not settled within September 10. Sridhar got angry and hatched a plot to get Suresh and Nagaraj arrested. He called the police control room on Monday and introduced himself as Suresh. We launched the probe and Nagaraj was picked up. He revealed that he had a financial dispute with Sridhar, who was traced in Maddur. He confessed that he made the hoax bomb call to land his friends in trouble, the police said.
Hyderabad: Based on specific intelligence, Customs officers of the Air Intelligence Unit at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport nabbed three persons with gold and silver ornaments of foreign origin on Tuesday and Wednesday. The seized goods were worth around Rs 30 lakh.

In the first incident, the passenger arrived from Dubai on Tuesday and was carrying four gold bars weighing 466.00 grams, valued at Rs 14,21,300, in his socks.

On the same day, a woman from Abu Dhabi was found to be carrying four silver-coated kadas and two silver-coated gold chains weighing 349.00 grams, amounting to Rs 10,60,960. She had the ornaments concealed on her person.

The third to be apprehended was booked on Wednesday. He had come from Dubai by Air India and was carrying 233 grams of gold bars with a purity of 99.9 per cent, worth Rs 7,08,320. He was carrying the gold bars in the additional small pockets of his jeans.

Inter student goes missing in darjeeling

An 18-year-old girl studying Intermediate was reported missing by her mother at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Police Station, Shamshabad. The girl, K. Shanmuka Priya, 18, daughter of late K.J.C. Koteshwar Rao, a resident of Vijayanagar Colony, Asifnagar, was working as an assistant director and was doing an ad film with director Kamal Sethu. She went to Darjeeling on August 17. Her mother, Usha Kumari, dropped her at RGIA. She said she would be returning on August 28 and did not. Her cellphone is also switched off, said SI Dhanunjay.
After more than a decade of citizen complaints about unsafe drinking water and years of pressure from the federal government, Wisconsin may tighten controls on dairy manure disposal in places where water is most susceptible to health-threatening contamination.

The state hasnt previously created different standards for farmers in different parts of the state. The move was forced by ineffectiveness of existing statewide rules to remedy hazardous drinking.

The state Department of Natural Resources is holding hearings this week on proposed limits for liquid manure farmers can deposit on fields in 15 counties where disease pathogens drain quickly into the aquifer through thin layers of topsoil and fractured bedrock.

This is the first time the state has recognized one size doesnt fit all in the diverse land use and geology that we have here, said Jim VandenBrook, director of Wisconsin Land and Water, which represents county soil and water conservation personnel. Thats a big deal.

Conservation groups said the DNRs draft rules are a good first step made up of compromises reached after two years of talk, but scientific evidence shows more of the states drinking water needs protection and standards should be even more stringent.

Breadth of effort at issue

In contrast, a Wisconsin Dairy Business Association lobbyist said the proposal was fairly well suited to address some problems, but the association opposes the regulations breadth, questioned whether limits were too strict, and maintained that smaller farms should be forced to comply just like large ones.

This is tied to a goal other than growing crops well, which is fine, but we want to find a way to be protective of water and grow crops well, said association lobbyist John Holevoet. We want those numbers to be checked and agronomically sound.

The association is made up of large and small farms, but its board is dominated by large feedlot operators who must comply with rules, Holevoet said.

State law doesnt require compliance by small farms unless they accept government grants that are in short supply.

VandenBrook, whose association is made up of county employees who work with farmers on environmental protection, said the proposal could clean up drinking water, but government and industry groups must work to ensure broad participation  including voluntary compliance by many small farms.

VandenBrook estimated that the rule change would be enforceable for about 40 percent to 50 percent of acreage in areas it covers. Farm associations should push members to follow the rules, he said.

You only need a few holes in the network and you can contaminate wells, VandenBrook said. This ongoing set of water crises in the northeast part of the state isnt good for the agriculture industry and isnt good for dairy.

More than 30 percent of wells tested in Kewaunee County, which has a high concentration of large dairy feedlots, have been tainted with bacteria from livestock. Recent random testing has found higher rates of contamination.

But there is a larger area with similarly vulnerable groundwater, including counties in the southern part of the state that the DNR doesnt propose to cover with the new rules, said Sarah Geers, an attorney for Midwest Environmental Advocates.

Areas still vulnerable

Contaminants can cause serious illnesses, but outside Kewaunee County awareness of the problem isnt high, and residents who suffer flu-like symptoms may not realize they could be coming from tainted well water, Geers said.

Other parts of the state are still vulnerable to groundwater contamination, said Scott Laeser of Clean Wisconsin, which joined Midwest Environmental Advocates in petitioning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to intercede in Wisconsin.

State geologist Ken Bradbury said the fractured bedrock in the southwestern part of the state is often covered by more topsoil that sometimes includes clay, which can help slow the downward flow of pollutants.

The regions hilly terrain and deep aquifer make it more difficult and expensive to monitor, Bradbury said.

We believe that (southwestern Wisconsin) is a vulnerable area, but there just hasnt been as much research or monitoring done in the southwest as in the northeast, Bradbury said. I think that is why the new regulations are focused on the northeast.

Rules currently forbid large animal feedlots statewide from spreading liquid manure where there is less than 2 feet of topsoil.

Topsoil seen as key factor

The proposed changes would add limits for places with up to 20 feet of topsoil in Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties, based on soil type and depth to bedrock.

The dairy association accepts the proposed restrictions on topsoil that is 5 feet thick or less, but opposes limits for topsoil between 5 feet and 20 feet thick, because mapping of those areas is insufficient, Holevoet said.

Maureen Muldoon, a UW-Oshkosh geologist who was involved in studies that form the proposals foundation, said restrictions in the 5- to 20-foot zone simply call on farmers to be careful. Water-carrying pollutants pass through 18 feet of topsoil in 24 hours in places like Kewaunee County, Muldoon said.

The DNR and a task force that studied northeastern Wisconsin rated the vulnerability of groundwater below fractured bedrock as extreme with 5 feet or less of topsoil, high with 5 feet to 15 feet, and significant with 15 to 50 feet.

Risk is increased by features like sinkholes that create faster conduits, and risk can be lessened by substantial layers of clay-like soil.

The proposed rules spell out other restrictions on manure-spreading  based on such factors as rain, frozen ground and proximity of wells  that already apply to large feedlots, and make them applicable to smaller farms.

Meetings scheduled

in Green Bay, Madison

The DNR will provide information and listen to comments in meetings starting at noon Friday in Green Bay and in Madison. Written comments will be accepted through Oct. 4.

After that, the Natural Resources Board, Gov. Scott Walker, and members of the Legislature will be asked to approve the rules, which could take effect next summer.

The DNR initially wanted to rewrite a broader set of rules, but after Walker shared the proposal with agriculture groups, including the dairy association, objections were voiced and the DNR narrowed the effort.
Hyderabad: A day after the decomposed body of Chandini Jain was found in the Ameenpur hillocks, police officials arrested a 17-year old, ex-classmate and alleged lover of Chandini, on Wednesday.

The intermediate student was a classmate of Chandini at Silver Oaks school from Class VI to X and later joined DRS College in Kompally. According to Cyberabad police commissioner Sandeep Shandilya, the two had a close relationship, which she wanted to continue. The boy noticed her being close to two others, so he stopped talking to her. After insistence from the girl to reconsider and to keep up the relationship, the duo came to an agreement to meet and sort out their differences on Saturday, Mr Shandilya said. The boy has been arrested and charged under relevant sections of Juvenile Justice Act.
Outgoing Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on Tuesday informed that since Kulbhushan Jadhav's arrest, he has provided a lot of useful information leading to the busting of several sleeper cells. (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: Calling on New Delhi to understand that alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav is no ordinary Indian citizen, outgoing Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on Tuesday informed that since the former's arrest, he has provided a lot of useful information leading to the busting of several sleeper cells.

Speaking to ANI, Basit said, 'There is a process involved and currently his (Kulbhushan's) mercy petition is pending with Army Chief. A decision has to be taken in this matter. It's not an ordinary case; and we will wait to see how law takes its course with time. My Indian friends need to understand that Kulbhushan is not ordinary citizen of India; he was convicted for espionage and subversive activity so the charge is very serious'.

Basit further informed that a mercy petition has been filed and the army court will take a decision on it soon.

'He (Jadhav) had also provided Pakistani authorities a lot of information. Since his arrest, we have arrested hundred operatives in Pakistan and busted several sleeper cells,' he said.

The Pakistan government had earlier accepted the request of Abdul Basit to resign from the foreign service after he was passed over for the post of foreign secretary earlier this year.

Basit was to retire in April 2018, but he opted for an early retirement and sent his resignation letter to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

India-Pakistan relations have been strained ever since death sentence was awarded to former Indian Naval officer Jadhav.

India even moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek justice for Jadhav that stayed the death sentence till its final decision.

When asked about the future of the downhill relations, the outgoing envoy said, "Never give up. Keep trying; things will get better."

Jadhav was sentenced to death on April 10 this year after being accused of espionage and working for the India's external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). He was arrested from Balochistan on March 3 last year.

Meanwhile, Sohail Mahmood, currently Pakistan's envoy to Turkey, has been named the next High Commissioner to India.

Mahmood, a 55-year-old career diplomat, is expected to take up his responsibilities in New Delhi next month.
India reacts strongly to the criticism at the United Nations and said it was 'perplexed' by the top UN human rights officials criticism of New Delhis approach to Rohingya refugees. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi: India on Tuesday reacted strongly to the criticism at the United Nations and said it was 'perplexed' by the top UN human rights officials criticism of New Delhis approach to Rohingya refugees and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Responding to the criticism by the top United Nation human right official Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein, at the opening session of the 36th Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, Indian Ambassador Rajiv K Chander said there appears to be inadequate appreciation of the freedoms and rights that are guaranteed and practised daily in a vibrant democracy that has been built under challenging conditions.

Zeid Raad al-Hussein on Monday said, "I deplore current measures in India to deport Rohingyas at a time of such violence against them in their country."

Read: Deplore Indias current measures to deport Rohingya refugees: UNHRC

Zeid also denounced Myanmars brutal security operation against Muslim Rohingyas in Rakhine state, saying it was disproportionate to insurgent attacks carried out in August.

Rajiv K Chander said, "Like many other nations, India is concerned about illegal migrants, in particular, with the possibility that they could pose security challenges. Enforcing the laws should not be mistaken for lack of compassion."

Chander added, "Tendentious judgements made on the basis of selective and even inaccurate reports do not further the understanding of human rights in any society."

Chander said it was also surprising that individual incidents were being extrapolated to suggest a broader societal situation, when a more informed view would have noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had publicly condemned violence in the name of cow protection.

India does not condone any actions in violation of law and imputations to the contrary are not justified. We have also noted that the issue of the human rights situation in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has been raised. It is a matter of regret that the central role of terrorism is once again being overlooked.

Assessments of human rights should not be a matter of political convenience, he added.

He said India is proud of its independent judiciary, freedom of press, vibrant civil society and respect for rule of law and human rights.

Chander said the country believes that achieving human rights goals called for objective consideration, balanced judgements and verification of facts.

"Our Governments motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas that is All Together and Development for All, is a true reflection of our commitment to achieve inclusive development in the spirit of leaving none of our citizens behind," he said.
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) summoned businessman Karti Chidambaram for questioning on Thursday.

Karti, son of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, will be questioned by the CBI over the alleged irregularities in Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Karti's father was the Finance Minister.

The summon comes day after the Supeme Court instructed him to appear before the CBI.

A bench comprising of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, meanwhile, said its direction staying the Madras High Court order on look out circular will remain in force in the meantime and as a result, Karti will not be able to leave India.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Karti, alleged that all baseless allegations have been levelled against Karti and challenged the probe agency to bring out the details of any property which the Chidambarams cannot account for.

Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, vehemently countered the submission and said that the probe was at a very crucial stage and substantial information have been given to the court in a sealed cover.

The bench then fixed the matter for final disposal on next Monday. On September 1, the CBI had told the apex court that there were "good, cogent" reasons for issuing look out circular against Karti.

The CBI had claimed that the FDI proposal of the media house, cleared by Chidambaram, was "fallacious".

The FIR was registered on May 15 before the special CBI judge in New Delhi and the registration of the case was followed by searches at the residences and offices of Karti and his friends on May 16.
The 4-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in a school, in Bengaluru. (Representational Image)

Bengaluru: A four-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in a private school in Bengaluru and its security guards have been detained for questioning, police said on Wednesday.

Her parents rushed her to a private hospital where doctors confirmed that she was sexually assaulted, police added.

Deputy commissioner of police (North Bengaluru) Chetan Singh Rathore said medical tests had been conducted and a case under the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act registered against unidentified persons.

"The girl told her parents she was assaulted inside the school, but CCTV footage available from 9.30 am onwards do not corroborate her statement. We have detained the security guards of the school and are questioning them," Rathore said.

The incident comes close on the heels of the brutal killing of a seven-year-old boy in a private school in Gurgaon in Haryana.

Police are also probing if the boy was sexually assaulted before being killed.
Ahmedabad: Elaborate arrangements have been made at Ahmedabad city of poll-bound Gujarat to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Narendra Modi is likely to receive him at the airport.

Abe will undertake a two-day official visit to India from Wednesday to hold the annual India-Japan Summit with Modi in Gandhinagar, the capital of the Prime Minister's home state Gujarat.

"I look forward to welcoming PM @AbeShinzo. I will be hosting him in Gujarat in our fourth annual summit together," Modi tweeted in English as well as in Japanese.

"PM @AbeShinzo and I will attend a wide range of programmes on 13th and 14th September 2017, aimed at further boosting India-Japan ties," he added.

In another tweet, he said the two leaders will attend a programme to mark the start of work of India's first high- speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Ahmedabad decked up ahead of PM Modi & Japan PM Shinzo Abe's visit starting today,will hold a roadshow to Sabarmati Ashram (Last night pix) pic.twitter.com/1njyTNQc2C  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

The train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the world.

"India truly values the relationship with Japan and we look forward to further boosting our bilateral ties in a wide range of sectors," the prime minister said.

The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

The two leaders will also hold a road show in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. This is for the first time when an Indian prime minister is holding a road show with his counterpart from another nation.

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's standing committee chairman Pravin Patel said a large number of people, including singing troupes who will be performing at 28 different locations along the route, will greet Modi and Abe.

"On the entire route of the the road show, which will also pass from Sabarmati Riverfront, we have erected 28 small stages where dancers from 28 different states, all dressed in their traditional attire, would showcase their performance when these leaders pass," said Patel.

After visiting the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi lived between 1917 and 1930, both the leaders would take a break till evening, said Patel.

"In the evening, both the PMs would visit the iconic Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in the eastern part of the city. The mosque is known across the world for the stone lattice work," he said, adding that both the leaders would be shown a presentation about the city's heritage on the occasion.

Modi and Abe will have Gujarati thali for dinner at 'Agashiye' restaurant located near the mosque, Patel added.

On Thursday, Abe and Modi will attend the ground breaking ceremony for the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project, commonly referred to as the Bullet Train project.

Later that day, both the premiers will hold the 12th India-Japan annual summit at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
Hyderabad: The Director of Medical Education has served notices to Continental Hospital, asking it to explain the allegations of irregularities in kidney transplant involving Bangladeshi donors and recipients.

Madhapur police issued an FIR based on a complaint filed by Dr Praveen Kumar, former Medical Director of Continental Hosptal, who alleged that his signature was forged on the forward note that establishes that the donor and receiver are related. In a separate complaint to the DME, he also alleged that one Tareque Azam Choudhary of Choto Hossainpur Rajganj in Bangladesh, who was arrested in September 2011 in Dhaka in a kidney transplant fraud, had a tie-up with Continental Hospital to supply donors and recipients from Bangladesh.

In July 2016, Contin-ental Hospital Limited signed an agreement with health care facilitator Tareque Azam to pay him 20 per cent of the treatment bill as a facilitation fee.

When contacted, Continental Hospitals management said in a note: Any premature disclosure may impede the investigation. The hospital is cooperating in the investigation with appropriate authorities as required by applicable law. Continental Hospital as an organisation has always believed in the highest standard of corporate governance. This is evident from the fact that the Hospital has, as per its internal code of conduct, ordered an independent investigation. (without necessarily accepting the correctness of the allegations) even prior to initiation of any regulatory investigation.
Kulbhushan Jadhav was arrested in March 2016 in the restive Balochistan province and was accused of being a RAW agent. (Photo: Screengrab)

Bengaluru/Kolkata: As the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will on Wednesday resume hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressed hope for early release of the former Indian naval officer.

Speaking to ANI, BJP leader S Prakash hoped that the Indian government will succeed in bringing back Jadhav to India.

"India will make every effort to see that Jadhav is released from Pakistan's illegal detention. He has been sentenced to death by the court of Pakistan without even a hearing and without providing an opportunity to him to put forth his point of view. However, the Indian effort to secure his freedom has delayed the judicial process in Pakistan, and I am sure in the coming hearing the Indian government will succeed in bringing back Jadhav to India," he said.

BJP leader Rahul Sinha also expressed hope for justice in the matter.

"The court will take its decision. We should not comment on it. The matter is in the court and we hope that we will get justice," he told ANI.

The International Court of Justice will on Wednesday resume hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, who was sentenced to death by a court in Pakistan earlier this year on charges of being an Indian spy.

India challenged the verdict in the UN top court, which on May 18 asked Pakistan to not execute Jadhav before they decide the case.

In its arguments before the court on May 15, India had expressed its fear that Pakistan could execute Jadhav even before the court gave its verdict.

Both India and Pakistan will make their submissions before the ICJ.
The cost includes cost of land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities.

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), approved development of six laning of Narasannapeta-Ranastalam section of National Highway (NH) - 16 (old NH-5) in Andhra Pradesh.

The cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 1,423 crore including cost of land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities. The total length of the six-lane road to be developed is approximately 54 km, official sources said.

This work will be done under National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase - V on Hybrid Annuity Mode. The major industrial development centres that will be benefitted with better connectivity from the project corridor are APIIC SEZ, Pydibhimavaram, Bhogapuram Airport, Vizag Steel Plant, Visakhapatnam Port, Gangavaram Port, Divis Laboratories Limited & INS Varsha. The job will be done in hybrid annuity mode.

It further said the projected traffic in 2016-17 on this stretch was about 33,000 PCUs (passenger car units) per day.

The project is part of the high-density Kolkata-Cuttack- Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada-Chennai traffic corridor and is expected to cut down travel time.

The statement said the provision for two bypasses in the project will ensure decongestion of urban areas of Etcherla and Ranastalam. Similarly, the 29 flyovers and vehicular underpasses would facilitate fast movement of traffic while decongesting the areas.

Three truck parkings will facilitate smooth movement of freight traffic. The truck drivers would also benefit from the amenities with one rest area being developed, the statement said.

It added that on both sides, provision of service roads on the 37 km of the project stretch, slip roads in about 43 km and bus bays at 42 locations will lead to safe, comfortable and smooth movement of long-distance commercial as well as local traffic in inhabited areas.

The project is expected to increase employment potential for local labourers. The government has estimated that a total 4,076 mandays are required for construction of one kilometre of highway.

As such, employment potential of 2,21,000 (approximately) mandays will be generated locally during the construction period of this stretch. Consequent self- employment due to improved traffic conditions would be in addition, the statement said.
The transfer of the bureaucrat comes almost a month after Haryana BJP chief's son Vikas Barala was arrested for allegedly stalking Kundu's daughter. (Photo: PTI)

Chandigarh: The Haryana government on Tuesday demoted Virender Kundu to Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Science and Technology post from the position of additional chief secretary (tourism).

Its up to the government where it deputes me keeping in view my capabilities. I dont have any problem in it. I never tried to stop my transfer order, Virender Kundu said as reported by The Indian Express.

The transfer of the bureaucrat comes a month after Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala's son Vikas Barala was arrested for allegedly stalking Virender's daughter.

Vikas had allegedly stalked and harassed Varnika in the early hours of August 5 on sector 8-sector 7 (well-known as 'gedi' routes) in Chandigarh.

The accused, who had been booked on charges of stalking and attempting to abduct Varnika, had filed a bail plea at a court in Chandigarh. The court dismissed the plea on Tuesday.

Reacting to Virender's transfer, senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, saying the officer has been punished for standing up to BJP in quest for justice for his daughter, Varnika Kundu?
Hundreds of Wisconsin National Guard troops have been called off from traveling to Florida to help with Hurricane Irma recovery efforts.

More than 2,500 troops were being mobilized this week, but Florida officials asked Tuesday that Wisconsins response be scaled back because the hurricanes impact was not as bad as expected.

About 650 Wisconsin troops who had already arrived in Florida will stay.

Many are suffering in the wake of Hurricane Irma, but it is good news that the storms overall impact was less severe than anticipated, Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, Wisconsins adjutant general, said in a statement.

Among those staying in the Badger State is the 35-member Urban Search and Rescue Task Force that was headed to Jacksonville.

The task force was to bring specialized equipment and supplies for water rescues during its 10-day deployment.

National Guard troops first left by plane and vehicle for Florida on Sunday and continued Monday. But fewer outside resources were requested as the hurricane weakened.

Wisconsins response to Hurricane Irma is an incredible demonstration of the National Guards readiness to respond on a massive scale on short notice, Dunbar said.
Police allege that 42-year-old bus conductor Ashok Kumar killed him with a knife after the boy resisted an attempt to sodomise him. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: An official of the Ryan Group on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court, seeking transfer of the student murder case from outside a local court at Sohna, alleging the bar has restrained lawyers from representing the accused in the sensational case.

Meanwhile, the victims father has filed an intervention application in the Bombay High Court, opposing pre-arrest bail pleas of Ryan Group's trustees.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Amitava Roy and AM Khanwilkar considered the submission of senior advocate KTS Tulsi that the fundamental right of a person to be represented by a lawyer of his choice is getting infringed.

The bench assured the counsel of Francis Thomas, northern zone head of Ryan Group, that it will hear the petition on September 18. Thomas was arrested on Monday in connection with the murder of the boy in school premises on Friday last

Tulsi alleged that the bar bodies at Sohna and Gurgaon in Haryana have asked their member lawyers not to represent any person or accused in the brutal murder of seven-year-old Pradyuman.

"The fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) is being infringed," Tulsi said, adding that the apex court may consider transferring of the case outside Sohna in Haryana.

Class 2 student Pradyuman was found with his throat slit on the morning of September 8 in the toilet of Ryan International School in Gurgaon.

Police allege that 42-year-old bus conductor Ashok Kumar killed him with a knife after the boy resisted an attempt to sodomise him.

The apex court is already hearing pleas filed by Pradyuman's father and two women lawyers on the issue.

While the father has sought investigation by the CBI or an SIT into the case, the women advocates have sought framing of "non-negotiable" child safety conditions and implementation of existing guidelines to protect school-going children from offences like sexual abuse and murder across the country.

The plea, which also sought cancellation of licences and forfeiture of state grants of erring schools, will be heard by the court along with the father's petition on September 15.
Photo: For those opting for Urdu, it should be offered as an optional subject, according to the release. (Representational Image)

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has decided to make Telugu a compulsory subject in both public and private institutions in the state from Class I to XII.

In another major decision, the state government has decided that all public and private establishments and institutions in Telangana should display their organisation's names in Telugu on their signboards.

"The CM has instructed all the educational institutions in the state, both private and public, to teach Telugu as a compulsory subject from 1st to 12th standard," a release from Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's office said last night.

Rao made it clear that only those educational institutions that teach Telugu as a compulsory subject will be given recognition and permissions to function, it said.

For those opting for Urdu, it should be offered as an optional subject, according to the release.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday welcomed the government's decision to make Telugu a compulsory subject.

"I welcome the decision of the Telangana government to make Telugu a compulsory subject from first to 12th standards," Naidu said on a social networking site.

He expressed hope that other state governments would also take steps for promotion of mother tongue of their respective states.

"Other states must emulate the example of Telangana government in according priority to mother tongue," he said.

Naidu, who often spoke about his love for Telugu, expressed hope that the Andhra Pradesh government would take a similar decision at the earliest.

"I hope, Andhra Pradesh government will take a similar decision at the earliest," he said.

The chief minister of Telangana has asked the Sahitya Academy to prepare a syllabus for the Telugu subject to be taught to students of primary, secondary and higher and intermediate classes.

The syllabus fixed by the Sahitya Academy will be taught in all the educational institutions, the release said.

"The syllabus should be framed and textbooks should be printed at the earliest. The syllabus fixed by the Sahitya Academy will be taught in all the educational institutions and they are not expected to print textbooks and teach syllabus according to their whims and fancies," it said.

The government will be strict in implementing the policy that Telugu is taught as the compulsory subject and only the syllabus framed by the Sahitya Academy is taught, the chief minister said.

The government also said that "All the public and private establishments and institutions in Telangana should display their organisation's names in Telugu on their signboards."

"It is up to them to write their firm's names in other languages too. The CM has decided to pass resolutions on these two issues at the state cabinet meeting," the release said.

Welcoming the steps for promotion of Telugu language, the main opposition Congress' deputy leader in Telangana Legislative Council, P Sudhakar Reddy, however, said linguistic minorities must be kept in mind in the implementation of the policy.

"Telugu must be promoted. But, linguistic minorities need to be kept in mind. Moreover, it is better if the state government convenes an all-party meeting to discuss the issue. It should not be a unilateral decision," Reddy said.
Vijayawada: Isha Foundation founder Guru Jaggi Vasudev has said the water availability in Krishna river is reduced by 60 per cent than earlier and opined that rivers should slowly flow into sea but not rush.

He addressed the media on Tuesday on arriving at the city to participate in Rally for Rivers programme, scheduled to be organised on September 13, and said there is huge response and support from public and government to this programme and mentioned about agreements set with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

The Isha guru said all state governments are agreeing with his Rally for Rivers, and this is what our nation needs, and until now we have received 30 crore phone calls.

AP is purely agriculture dependent state, and if the production is to be increased, it requires more water. Only with traditional methods our farmers are providing food to 130 crore population, Guru Jaggi Vasudev said.

There is so much of land across sea shores, which is in hands of the government, and there is necessity to plant saplings and trees and convert it into forest areas. Vietnamese are implementing things learnt from our Universities in their country and are laughing at us when we are approaching them for solutions to problems. The suicide of three lakh farmers in the nation with scarcity of water is a serious issue, he said.

He said this changes only when our systems and processes change, or else the suicides will continue. He questioned if farmers can earn crores of rupees per acre in our nation.

He said farmers are committing suicides with no minimum support price and no yields from crops, but our nation is a place where since thousands of years, crops are being yielded.

He said with no proper coordination between the union and state governments, we could not draw a specific policy for preserving rivers.
Writers, thinkers, activists and people from all walks of life take part in the Rally for Resistance, condemning the killing of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, as they march towards Central College Grounds, in Bengaluru on Tuesday. (Photo: R. Samuel)

We are Gauri! Angry cries rent the air as a sea of protestors converged on Central College Grounds on Tuesday morning. The event was to become one of the largest non-political gatherings of its kinds in recent history. Writers, rationalists, scholars, academicians and journalists joined a crowd over 20,000 supporters of journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot by unknown assailants on September 5.

Hundreds thronged K.S.R. railway station on Tuesday morning as students from Christ University, National Law School of India University and St. Josephs College joined a rally of AAP workers with the We are Gauri refrain, as criticisms against right wing elements, largely suspected to be behind the killing, swelled to a clamour. Social activists Medha Patkar and Kavita Krishnan fuelled the enthusiasm of the marching rally. Sanatan Bharat has been spewing venom against progressive thinkers on their website, cried Patkar. In fact, theyre even more venomous than the RSS. Why arent they being questioned?"

Hinduism is a very liberal, tolerant concept while Hindutva is casteist and communal. The followers of Hindutva do not hesitate to preach violence. We must condemn them and their concept of Veer Sawarkar, which looks at Islam and Christianity with hatred

 Swami Agnivesh

Freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy stands with Kavitha Lankesh and her daughter during Rally for Resistance in Bengaluru on Tuesday. (Photo: R. Samuel)

A stream of notables joined the resistance meeting at the venue, including CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan, Swami Agnivesh, documentary filmmakers Rakesh Sharma and Anand Patwardhan, to name a few. #IamGauri, a commemorative edition of Gauri Lankesh Patrike was released at the resistance event. #IAmGauri began to trend once more on social media as videos of the meet were uploaded on various platforms.

Civil Rights activist Teesta Setalvad with Indiramma Lankesh. (Photo: R. Samuel)

It was Dalit activist Jignesh Mewani, however, who stole the show. The youth-leaders power packed speech was delivered amidst deafening applause. Mincing no words in his criticicism of PM Narendra Modi, Mewani demanded, Why is the PM following the trolls who abused women journalists, including Ms Lankeshs death, on Twitter, he said, adding, From this stage, I want to promise that I will fight, until my last breath, for the secular, pluralistic and democratic values of this country.

They were so afraid of Gauri Lankeshs voice that they killed her. They want to replace democratic values of India with their Hindutva agenda. She was straightforward, which resulted in her demise. The killings of Ms. Lankesh, Govind Pansare, Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi are unacceptable. Asssassinations, mob lynchings of Dalits and Muslims conducted by Gau Rakshaks in many parts of the country with vigilantes telling people what to eat and how to dress say a lot about the current regime

 Sitaram Yechury

Speaking out should not mean receiving bullets: Sitaram Yechury

This is only the beginning, said Sitaram Yechury, Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary, to a chorus of cheers from his exuberant audience. The first victim of Hindutva terror was Gandhi, who also dreamed of a secular India. The diversity of the country can only co-exist only with equal opportunities to discuss, speak, express oneself and to disagree. This should not put one at the receiving end of bullets.

Undaunted by the scorching heat, Rally for Resistance, which took place at the Central College campus here in Bengaluru saw over 20,000 protestors, all decrying the death of noted journalist Gauri Lankesh and condemning the atmosphere of intolerance that has arisen as a consequence. These acts, pointed out Yechury, Are only carried out by those who had opposed the idea of a secular and democratic India during the Freedom Struggle and demanded a Hindu Rashtra instead.

Various journalists including Ravish Kumar and I are on the fundamentalist hit list. Why shouldnt journalists report facts? We are being widely opposed as a community and Im here today in my capacity as a journalist. I feel bad for Gauri Lankesh

 Sagarika Ghose

Activist Medha Patkar, who led the students rally with aplomb, said, Gauri had effectively turned her pen into a weapon. Those she spoke against were afraid, thats why they gunned her down, to serve as a lesson to the rest. Historian Ramachandra Guha who also spoke his mind, was served a legal notice. Let them send 1.2 billion legal notices! Appreciating the governments efforts in forming an SIT to nab Lankeshs killers, Patkar added that the government has failed to arrest the assassins of M.M. Kalburgi even two years after his death.

It was perhaps the noted poet and playwright Chandrashekhar Patil who summed it up best, paying tribute to Lankesh with a poem: Where they do go, the dead ones? They dont go anywhere.

We dont know who killed Gauri Lankesh but we do know who is celebrating her death. Violence and vulgar threats are encouraged by the ruling party, including the Prime Minister himself, for he invites these trolls to tea parties. I am happy that people have gathered in such large numbers. It means we are going to fight this culture of violence

 Prashant Bhushan

Were here in support of Gauri, safe to say we arent behind her death: Naxal sympathiser

The Naxal angle that emerged soon after the gunning down of senior journalist/ activist, Gauri Lankesh, did not appear to hold up on Tuesday as over 400 Maoist sympathisers from across the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh took charge of the massive rally,  I am Gauri held in the city to protest her death.

Speaking to the Deccan Chronicle, a senior Naxal/Maoist sympathiser from Andhra Pradesh, contended that the overwhelming presence of Naxal sympathisers at the event was itself an indication that the ultras could not have murdered Ms Lankesh. "It is not that Naxals have not gunned down someone in the past or will not do so in future. They will certainly do so if they feel their target is worthy of it. But they usually target big names, who can grab national and international headlines. They last conducted such an operation on the then united Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu almost a decade ago," he said.

Besides, Naxals dont stay quiet once they had attacked their target, whether succcessfully or not, and lost no time in claiming credit for it and releasing a chargesheet against the object of their ire, he observed. They would also issue a warning to their target. In Gauri's case you see Naxal sympathisers at the forefront of the 'I am Gauri' protest rally. So it can be safely construed that Naxals arent behind this attack," he asserted.

The murder of Gauri Lankesh was to terrorize all those who speak against the government. They cannot stifle everyones voice

 Anand Patwardhan

Hindutva agenda belongs in the gutter: Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani

Lambasting PM Modi for following trolls and not being able to expedite trials against the killers of MM Kalburgi and Govind Pansare, Jignesh Mevani, leader of the militant Dalit movement in Gujarat said, This is for the first time we have encountered a PM who follows abusive trolls on Twitter. A member of the Sangh Parivar talked about raping the dead bodies of a particular community in the presence of CM Yogi Adityanath.

March to Delhi he said, in an appeal to the citizens of Bengaluru. Question the PMs development model for it has journalists feeling so threatened. The only question on the tips of their tongues is, Whos next?

As the crowds chanted Modi, shame, shame, Mevani said that fascist attempts to silence dissenters have failed. Despite the attempts by Mohan Bhagwat, PM Modi and sanatan sanstha the massive turnout at the protest signals that their attempts to stifle the voices have failed. We have to march in huge numbers to Delhi and tell the PM that his Hindutva agenda belongs in the gutter.

Referring to the emergency, the Dalit leader went on to say that independent India hasnt seen a day like this, when the average citizen is scared for his life. On October 2, we must conduct a demonstration before the statues of B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. Lets ask questions.
Lucknow: Munni Lal, a farmer in Hamirpur, may not have benefited from the loan waiver scheme of the Yogi Adityanath government but he has got his share of fame.

Munni Lal, a farmer from Umri village in Hamirpur, was among the beneficiaries of the loan waiver scheme who dared to walk up to the media at a government function and expose the bungling in the loan waiver scheme.

Within a few hours, Munni Lal turned into a TV star and the face of all that is wrong in Uttar Pradesh. On Monday, UP minister of state Mannu Kori was distributing the cheques in Hamirpur to farmers under the loan waiver scheme.

Munni Lal received the cheque and when he saw it, he walked back to the stage and told the minister that he had a loan of Rs 50,000 and the government had given him merely Rs 215.

Another farmer, Babulal, also complained of receiving a loan waiver certificate of Rs 28,000 while he had a loan of Rs 50,000.

Some farmers were even more shocked to receive loan waiver certificates with amounts as low as Rs 10 and Rs 20 at the event.

The minister, Mannu Kori, who holds the portfolio of labour and employment exchange, said, It might be due to some misprint in the certificate, the matter will be investigated and discrepancies will be corrected.

The minister had distributed the certificates of farm loan waiver to 5,000 farmers and only 45 farmers who were called on stage to receive the certificates. Many of them complained of getting these low-value certificates.

Earlier, on September 8, similar incidents were reported from Barabanki district, where certificates were distributed to 5,000 farmers. Farmers in Barabanki had complained of receiving waiver certificates of Rs 12 and Rs 24.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Sunil Singh Sajan said, Issuing waiver certificates of Rs 10 is the worst kind of joke that the government could have done with our farmers. Already distressed, these farmers will teach the government a good lesson."
New Delhi: The Centre, on Wednesday decided to grant citizenship to all Chakma and Hajong refugees, who largely live in the Northeast. However, it has assured that it will make sure that the rights of indigenous people living in the region would not be affected in any way. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by home minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday and was also attended by NSA Ajit Doval, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju and other senior home ministry officials. Following the meeting. Mr Rijiju said a middle ground was being worked out. While we have to honour the SCs order for Chakmas and Hanjong refugees who are settled in Arunachal Pradesh since 1964, we will ensure that scheduled tribe status and other rights of indigenous people living in the area are not diluted, he said.
Hyderabad: In a setback to the promoters of the city based Leo Meridian Infrastructure Projects and Hotels Ltd, the Hyderabad High Court on Wednesday refused to quash the criminal cases registered against them by the CBIs Bank Securities and Frauds cell, Bengaluru.

The CBI had on February 16, 2017, issued a FIR against the firm and its promoters G.S. Chakravarthi Raju, Gokaraju Swarna Kumari, T.V. Narasimham, Rama Chandra Raju Dendukuri and Rangaraju Kalidindi, based on a complaint lodged by the Indian Overseas Bank.

According to the complaint, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Baroda, State Bank of Mysore and Allahabad Bank formed a consortium led by Bank of Baroda and sanctioned loan to Leo Projects for its housing and resorts project at Shameerpet in the city.

Later, the company defaulted on the repayment of the loan amount of Rs 432.22 crore.

IOB complained to the CBI that the company mortgaged the lands that had already been sold to individuals after being developed as plots. The lead banker also lodged complaint against the company on February 19, 2017.

Aggrieved by the registration of the FIR, the promoters moved the quash petitions contending that the loan was availed by the company and they, being the promoters/ directors were not liable to face criminal charges since the principle of vicarious liability has no room in criminal law.

Justice M. Satyanarayana Murthy, while dismissing the petitions, observed that the petitioners allegedly committed a serious economic offence amounting to crores by submitting false statements and led the consortium to believe that they had complied with all the requirements, only to siphon off the entire amount without constructing the hotel.

Poll notification set aside

Making it clear that the State Cooperative Election Authority mentioned in the Cooperative Societies Act alone has the power to conduct elections to the Karimnagar Cooperative Urban Bank Ltd., the Hyderabad High Court on Wednesday set aside a notification issued by the district collector to conduct the polls on Thursday.

Justice A. Ramalingeswara Rao was allowing a petition by C. Janardhan and others, questioning the notification issued by the collector on July 30.

The petitioners informed the court that after the amendment to the Cooperative Societies Act by the newly-formed Telangana state, a state cooperative election authority has been constituted and it alone shall conduct elections to various cooperative bodies in the state.

They submitted that instead of the authority, the Registrar of Cooperative Societies issued a circular permitting the district collector to conduct the polls.

They brought to the notice of the court that a division bench of the court had set aside the circular issued by the Registrar.

While taking into consideration the amendment to the Cooperative Societies Act and judgement of the division bench, the HC set aside the notification.

HC notices on Academy assets

The Hyderabad High Court has sought to know the stand of the Centre and the governments of AP and TS on a PIL seeking bifurcation of employees and funds of the Telugu Academy between the Telugu states.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice J. Uma Devi was dealing with a petition by one Mahankali Venkata Subba Rao of Guntur district, seeking to declare as illegal the failure of the governments to bifurcate the employees and funds of the Telugu Academy.

The petitioner brought to the notice of the court that the Telugu Academy was listed in the 10th Schedule of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 which made it mandatory to bifurcate its assets within two years from the appointed day.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar on Wednesday said that the state government will develop the famous Bhadradri temple on 30 acres.

He said the government will allot the vacant land to the north and south of the temple for development projects.

Mr Rao stated that the government was committed to making Bhadradri temple one of the outstanding pilgrimage centres in the country.

He was speaking at a meeting to review the development work at the Bhadrachalam temple with ministers and officials at Pragathi Bhavan.

The CM studied the temple renovation designs made by architect Anand Sai as per the suggestion of seer Chinna Jeeyar.

He asked officials to build a kalyana mandapam, shopping complex, amenities for pilgrims etc. on the land to be allotted to the temple.

Lord Rama is worshipped in the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Bhadradri temple holds a special significance among all the Rama temples. For this reason, pilgrims in large numbers from neighbouring AP, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra visit Bhadrachalam every year. Lakhs of pilgrims visit the temple during Sri Rama Navami every year. There is an urgent need to provide better facilities to pilgrims for smooth darshan, Mr Rao said.

He added that the government had taken steps to improve connectivity to Bhadrachalam from all parts of the country.

The CM has decided to hold a meeting with priests of September 15 at Pragathi Bhavan to discuss their long pending demands.

Priests have been demanding payment of salaries through treasury department on par with government staff.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Fr Tom Uzhannalal, who was in charge of Missionaries of Charity care home in Aden, was taken captive by four gun-wielding terrorists around 8:30 am on March 4, 2016 after they handcuffed and shot dead four nuns, six Ethiopians, a Yemeni cook and five Yemeni watchmen. A nun escaped as she had hid herself in the store. The home had 80 inmates. Fr Uzhannalil hails from Ramapuram in Kottayam. Parents Varghese and Thressiakutty are no more. He had visited Kerala in 2014 and March 22, 2015 to attend the funeral of his mother and a relative, Fr Mathew Uzhannalil, respectively. He returned to Aden mission station a month later. He had worked as senior director of Don Bosco Technical Institute, Vaduthala in Kochi and had worked in Kolar and Bengaluru.

The missionary had gone to Yemen on his own despite the area being a war zone. Most Indians had returned from the area on the direction of the government. The Church had also requested him to return. But it was due to his four years of past experience in Yemen that prompted him to revisit that country. The visit this time was after taking over as the Administrator of Bengaluru based Christhu Jyothi Theology College. As war had broken out, he stayed at Abu Dhabi and Indian Embassy for three months before reaching Yemen. He went to Yemen capital Sanaa as representative of the UN. It took more than a month for him to reach the home for elderly run by Missionaries of Charity in Yemen.

Sr Sally, who was along with Fr Tom on the day of ISIS attack, was lucky to survive. For her it was the worst nightmare. Four armed terrorists had attacked the elderly home having 80 inmates on March 4, 2016 at 8.30 am. The terrorists had barged into the compound when gates were opened for visitors coming to the hospital. They entered the premises after killing two security personnel. At that time the father was praying in Chapel.On seeing the terrorists, Sr Sally tried to call him over phone. But by that time the terrorists had barged into the room. She hid behind a store door. A patient and his relative were witness to the father being blindfolded and taken away by the terrorists.

The absence of Indian Embassy and the entire area being under the control of army personnel belonging to different nation compounded the problem. In the meanwhile the Vatican intervened in the matter following which the Oman Government initiated efforts to seek his release. The Indian government was also in touch with Yemen. Taking into account Vaticans intervention, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said issued a Royal directive which triggered fresh efforts for security his release.

In June family member of Fr Tom submitted a petition to Governor P Sathasivam seeking Central intervention. A CBCI delegation headed by Cardinal Baselios Cleemis along with MPs from Kerala met Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding his intervention. NHRC also sought explanation from Central government on the steps taken for the release. In February this year the Prime Minister had assured Cardinals that that the government would do everything to get him released. The union external affairs ministry had also constituted a three-member committee headed by a secretary Amar Sinha to coordinate with Vatican and other countries to seek the release of Fr Tom.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi explains to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie about the concept of the three wise monkeys of Mahatma Gandhi, at Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

Ahmedabad: People change clothes at the airport all the time.

Japanese Prime Minister was no exception on Wednesday. He came out of his plane in a dark suit, took one look at the Indian fair that awaited him at the Ahmedabad airport, and changed into a white kurta-pyjama and an ink blue Nehru jacket.

He then embarked on the eight-kilometre roadshow with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the airport to the Sabarmati ashram.

His wife Akie Abe, who landed in a floral suit, changed too  into a red salwar kameez with a white dupatta.

Well, jaisa desh, waisa vesh?

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife, who are on a two-day visit to Gujarat, were received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ahmedabad Airport on Wednesday.

Both the leaders exchanged a warm hug which lasted exactly five seconds.

#WATCH: PM Narendra Modi receives Japanese PM Shinzo Abe & his wife Akie Abe at Ahmedabad Airport. pic.twitter.com/Sui3i6jYdi  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

The Japanese PM was given a ceremonial reception on his arrival.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe accorded ceremonial reception on his arrival at Ahmedabad Airport. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

The route to Sabarmati was lined by a colourful crowd, waving flags of both countries. People cheered as the two leaders passed by in an open jeep.

Crowd seen waving flags of both countries. (Photo: AP)

Groups of performers, school children among them, were stationed along the route to the ashram and performed as the leaders approached. Both leaders waived at the crowd.

#WATCH: PM Narendra Modi & Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's road show to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/Oy7N6cQF2Y  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

A group of Buddhist monks were also present at the airport to welcome Abe and his wife.

A group of Buddhist monks were also present to welcome Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. (Photo: PTI)

The twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, which will host a slew of programmes during the high-profile visit, are decked up to welcome the foreign dignitary with streets shimmering in fluorescent lights. Huge hoardings and banners have also been put up.

During the two-day visit in Modi's hometown, the Japanese Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for India's first bullet train, to run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the world.

Modi and Abe also will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

The Indian and Japanese Prime Ministers will have Gujarati thali for dinner at 'Agashiye' restaurant on Wednesday night. It will be an all-vegetarian affair.

Both premiers will also hold the 12th India-Japan annual summit at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on Thursday.
Last-minute changes to the state budget would strip local governments in Wisconsin of the right to regulate quarries, and some fear the proposals could be expanded to take away town and county control over the frac sand mines that dot the western part of the state.

The Legislatures budget-writing committee last week approved a package of changes to the spending plan. In addition to stipulations of transportation funding and policy issues, the 18-page memo includes five pages of language devoted to the regulation of quarries that supply sand and gravel for construction.

Among other things, it prohibits counties and municipalities from regulating blasting, hours of operation, and noise, air and water quality. It would also limit the reach of local zoning laws.

The amendment threatens 100 years of tradition of local control  letting local people make land use decisions, said Timothy Zeglin, vice chairman of the Trempealeau County Board.

Fellow supervisor Jeanne Nutter said without control local officials cant be accountable to their constituents.

Who are they going to call? she said. If theres a problem. Are they going to call Madison? The DNR? Madison isnt always going to know whats going on in Trempealeau County.

Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, a La Crosse Democrat, said in a written statement that the GOP amendment will further complicate relationships between quarry operators and residents in western Wisconsin.

Rather than tying the hands of local officials, Shilling said, we should be empowering communities and residents to work directly with these companies to manage noise pollution, address transportation concerns and protect access to clean air, land and drinking water.

Zeglin calls the amendment the thin end of the wedge and fears it could easily be expanded to include frac sand mines.

According to records from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, more than 12 percent of the states operating frac sand mines are in Trempealeau County, which has 17 permitted sites covering more than 3,900 acres.

All it would take is a one-word change  and it would eliminate all local control, Zeglin said.

State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, an Alma Democrat who has previously introduced legislation to bolster regulation of the industry, worries Gov. Scott Walker could use his line-item veto to do just that.

Its drafted in a way that if you remove 15 words in the definition of a quarry it could apply to sand mines, Vinehout said. This would dramatically expand what presumably the Legislature intended.

Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said Tuesday he would refrain from commenting on potential vetoes/non-vetoes until the legislative process is concluded and the governor issues his veto message.

In fact, the amendment included frac sand mining until two days before the Joint Finance Committee approved it by a 12-4 party line vote Tuesday, according to the Wisconsin Counties Association, which lobbied to narrow the prohibitions to aggregate mining.

This bill is significantly more palatable now that frac sand is out of this, said Kyle Christianson, director of government affairs for the counties association.

Christianson said WCA supports uniform statewide air and water quality regulations but believes counties should retain the ability to regulate other aspects of operation. He said his group would strongly oppose any use of a line-item veto on the language, which was agreed to by WCA and the Wisconsin Towns Association.

The League of Wisconsin Municipalities, which represents cities and villages, was not included in negotiations and opposes the effort to limit local control.

We dont like it, said associate director Curt Witynski. Wed prefer it to be taken out of the budget.

While quarries are typically associated with rural areas, Witynski said there are many within city and village limits, including the Milwaukee County city of Franklin, which surrounds a one-square-mile limestone pit. Theres a quarry in the village of West Salem and one adjacent to the village of Holmen.

As residential areas grow over time they often will bump up against the boundaries of quarries, he said.

Because they have historically been regulated at the local level, the state does not maintain a comprehensive list of quarry sites.

Ironically, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the business lobbying group that pushed to exempt frac sand mining, opposes the amendment on the grounds it favors one industry over another.

The fix that the Legislature put in there we think creates more harm than good, said Lucas Vebber, general counsel for WMC. Our objective is to ensure solutions work for everyone.

While La Crosse County has no industrial sand mines, there are 17 registered quarries with more than 200 acres of open pits, according to county records.

Board chairwoman Tara Johnson said the amendment is just the latest disrespectful effort by the Legislature to supercede local control.

That is their mode of operation in Madison right now  especially when it comes to land-use issues, Johnson said. A one-size fits all approach is so irresponsible.

Sen. Patrick Testin, of Stevens Point, said he supports the measure as written, saying over-regulation of quarries could drive up the price of road repair and construction. But Testin said he would oppose expanding the language based on local officials in Jackson and Monroe counties.

If you open it to frac sand mines as well that would be a step too far, he said.

Testin, a first-term Republican, said he intends to vote for the budget, which he said is not perfect but lays the groundwork for better decisions in the future on transportation.

The Assembly is expected to vote on the budget bill Wednesday, while the Senate is scheduled to take it up Friday.

Meanwhile, some object to the way the language was tacked onto the budget bill with little notice or debate. While the finance committee approved a plain English version, Shillings office had yet to see the statutory language as of Tuesday.

This should be a stand-alone bill, Zeglin said. The amendment itself is not simply an amendment. It is a bill. It deserves full debate.
The removal of these three stents is an indication of how international manufacturers are removing the latest technology from the Indian market.

Hyderabad: Three new generation of stents Absorb, Xience and Xience Sierra have been removed from the supply chain in India, as they cannot be provided under the price cap.

The removal of these three stents is an indication of how international manufacturers are removing the latest technology from the Indian market.

Dr Sunil Kapoor, a senior cardiologist, explained, The Absorb stent is a new generation, thin stent and is technologically far superior, but it will not be introduced in India. Similarly, the other two stents are also better versions, as there has been continuous scientific development on them. But, these latest versions are expensive and cannot be sold under the present price cap.

Cardiologists for long have been ruing the fact, that only older generation stents and base material are dumped in India, while the new generation stents will not be available at all.

A senior cardiologist, on condition of anonymity explained, There is constant improvement on stents as there is feedback, evaluation and also adverse reactions which are noted and studied. So, a stent which was in use a decade ago will not be in use now as there are better versions.

But the government has come out with a limitation which has put even paying patients in a quandary. Those who can afford these stents are now opting to go to South East Asian countries. This will affect the Indian healthcare sector.

Cardiologists state that the removal of these three stents is only the tip of the iceberg, and that other international companies will soon follow suit.

Also, patients who arrived from Africa and the Middle East will now start going to South East Asian countries, as the latest technological advances will not be available to them in this country.

Dr. M. S. S. Mukharjee, a senior cardiologist, explained, The actual impact will only be understood after a period of two years, when the advanced technology is not available any more. This will affect the skill and up gradation process and leave doctors to deal with the side effects of basic stents. So, this is going to be a big blow to the entire heart care sector in India.
What are the chances that the appalling humanitarian crisis in Myanmars Rakhine state could readily have been resolved had Aung San Suu Kyi at least attempted to live up to the ideals she so eloquently articulated during her decades of victimisation at the behest of the nations military junta?

Given that she eventually entered into a power-sharing arrangement with the military, which continues to exercise considerable control, not least in matters related to security, speaking up for the human rights of the Rohingya would in all likelihood have made precious little difference on the ground.

That is, of course, an inadequate excuse for not speaking up. The fact that far too many people in Myanmar tend to regard the Rohingya as unworthy of any rights only serves to underline the imperative to provide moral leadership. Far more troubling, however, are persistent indications that Suu Kyi really does not give a damn. All her comments in recent months conform with the unsustainable official narrative of fake news, even fake rape, and the egregious lie  undermined by the BBCs Jonathan Head  that the Rohingya are burning down their own villages before fleeing.

Her attitude is not all that far removed from that of the Army colonel who responded to a query about the militarys sexual violence by lashing out with the comment: Look at those women who are making these claims  would anyone want to rape them?

Most of the critics are entirely justified in calling out the person who admitted in her book Freedom from Fear, Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it. And in the acceptance speech she was able to give long after receiving the Nobel, she declared: Wherever suffering is ignored, there will be seeds of conflict, for suffering degrades and embitters and enrages.

That sentiment certainly helps to explain the emergence of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army whose terrorist actions in recent months seem to have provided an excuse for accelerated ethnic cleansing. Not much is known about Arsa, although some reports suggest its leadership has Saudi roots, Pakistani training and Afghan experience.

That may prove hard to verify, but its not implausible. Islamist militants are adept at insinuating themselves into situations where they become part of the problem. Nonetheless, the question of who created the space for Arsa to become a part of the equation points straight back to the authorities in Myanmar, who have gained another excuse for their atrocities.

Meanwhile, the charge that some of the international solidarity for the Rohingya comes from sources that are themselves guilty of persecuting ethnic, religious or sectarian minorities is perfectly valid, not least in the case of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose attitude towards Turkeys Kurdish minority echoes that of the Myanmar authorities towards the Rohingya. Suu Kyi is certainly not the only leader who can be accused of hypocrisy.

The plight of the Rohingya has been compared with that of Bosnian Muslims and Rwandan Tutsis in the 1990s, but it is also reminiscent, albeit on a relatively limited scale, of what the people of Bangladesh endured at the hands of the Pakistani armed forces in 1971.

Suu Kyi is among those who have sought to deny the Rohingya their nomenclature alongside various other rights, notwithstanding evidence that they have been part of the Burmese ethnic mosaic for centuries. As the New York Times Nicholas Kristof points out, they featured in ethno-linguist Francis Buchanans Asiatic researches as far back as 1799. He referred to Muslims long settled in Arakan who call themselves Rooinga and call the country Rovingaw.

The nations ethnic diversity was accepted by newly independent Burmas founding fathers, who prominently included Suu Kyis dad, Gen Aung San. Its denial 70 years on reflects sadly on Myanmars evolution.

By arrangement with Dawn.
The technology has shows that the information gathered has been able to reduce poaching and provides a fairly inexpensive way to track and locate animals. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: Radio Frequency Identification Card technology is generally used to track protected species of wild animals.

Animal tracking through electronic tagging has helped researchers gain insight into the lives of wild animal species.

The US department of agriculture has mandated Radio Frequency Identification Device chips to monitor livestock. Tagging livestock allows identification of each animal along with medical information pertaining to it.

A study by the faculty of Mecyhurst University evaluated the use of new techniques and technologies to combat poaching.

The technology has shows that the information gathered has been able to reduce poaching and provides a fairly inexpensive way to track and locate animals.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
Germany, Canada and the United States are usually the top desired destinations for Iraq's Yazidis. (Photo: Representational Image/AP)

Washington: An Indian-American think tank has sought the intervention of the US and the UN in protecting the rights of Iraqs Yazidis ethnic community that has been facing brutal persecution by the Islamic State terror group.

Nearly 400,000 Yazidis have been displaced to different parts of Iraq, Turkey and other countries, according to a report Plight of the Yazidis that was released by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS-USA).

The report presents the facts and figures about the genocide of Yazidis which it alleged has been going on since 2014.

Mirza Ismail, a Yazidi and human rights activist based in Canada, elaborated how the Yazidis in Iraq had been brutally attacked by the ISIS since August, 2014. As many as 10,000 men have been killed and 7,000 women abducted from the community, the report said.

He also demanded the UN and international leaders to intervene and support the creation of an autonomous region for the Yezidis as given under the Iraqi constitution.

Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking minority with a pre- Islamic religion thought partly to have its origin in the Zoroastrianism of ancient Persia. They are neither Arab nor Muslim and the ISIS considers them polytheistic heretics.

The ISIS has been brutally attacking the Yazidis. It has led to their exile from their ancestral lands in Northern Iraq.

Yazidi women have been abducted under a so-called forced conversion campaign that has been carried out by the dreaded terror group in Northern Iraq.
North Korea announced that it has successfully conducted a test of a hydrogen bomb that is meant to be loaded into an intercontinental ballistic missile. (Photo: AFP)

Seoul/Washington: North Korea remained defiant over new UN sanctions imposed for its latest nuclear test, vowing on Wednesday to redouble efforts to fight off what it said was the threat of a US invasion.

US President Donald Trump said Mondays sanctions, unanimously agreed on Monday by the 15-member UN Security Council, were just a small step towards what is ultimately needed to rein in Pyongyang over its weapons programmes.

The Norths Foreign Ministry said the resolutions were an infringement on its legitimate right to self defence and aimed at completely suffocating its state and people through full-scale economic blockade.

The DPRK will redouble the efforts to increase its strength to safeguard the countrys sovereignty and right to existence and to preserve peace and security of the region by establishing the practical equilibrium with the US, it said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

DPRK stands for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, North Koreas official name.

The statement echoed comments on Tuesday by the Norths ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Han Tae Song, who said Pyongyang was ready to use a form of ultimate means.

The forthcoming measures ... will make the US suffer the greatest pain it ever experienced in its history, Han said.

The Norths Rodong Sinmun also accused South Korea of being Washingtons puppet on Wednesday, criticising Seouls agreement with the United States to amend an existing bilateral guideline that will now allow the South to use unlimited warhead payloads on its missiles.

The UN Security Council agreed to boost sanctions on North Korea, banning its textile exports and capping fuel supplies, and making it illegal for foreign firms to form commercial joint ventures with North Korean entities.

The UN resolution was triggered by North Koreas sixth and largest nuclear test this month, which it said was of an advanced hydrogen bomb.

South Koreas Nuclear Safety and Security Commission said on Tuesday traces of xenon-133 isotope found in South Korean territory were linked to the test, although it said it could not be determined whether a hydrogen bomb had been tested.

Damage to mountainous terrain at the Norths nuclear test site in Punggye-ri seen in satellite imagery taken after the latest test was more extensive than anything seen after the five previous tests, the Washington-based 38 North project said.

There was also activity at another location in the Mount Mantap site involving large vehicles and mining equipment that suggests onsite work could now be changing focus to further prepare those other portals for future underground nuclear testing, said 38 North, which monitors North Korea.

North Korea has also tested a missile capable of reaching the United States, but experts said it is likely to be at least a year before it can field an operational nuclear missile that could threaten the US mainland.

ANOTHER SMALL STEP

Trump has vowed not to allow that to happen.

A tougher initial US draft was weakened to win the support of China and Russia, both of which hold UN veto power. Significantly, it stopped short of imposing a full embargo on oil exports to North Korea, most of which come from China.

We think its just another very small step, not a big deal, Trump told reporters at the start of a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

I dont know if it has any impact, but certainly it was nice to get a 15-to-nothing vote, but those sanctions are nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned China, North Koreas main ally and trading partner, that Washington would put additional sanctions on them and prevent them from accessing the US and international dollar system if it did not follow through on the new measures.

Another senior administration official told Reuters any such secondary sanctions on Chinese banks and other companies were on hold for now to give China time to show it was prepared to fully enforce the latest and previous rounds of sanctions.

Washington so far has mostly held off on new sanctions against Chinese banks and other companies doing business with North Korea, given fears of retaliation by Beijing and possibly far-reaching effects on the world economy.

Russia and China both say they respect UN sanctions and have called on the United States to return to negotiations with North Korea. They have also said they could kick-start talks with North Korea if the United States halts joint military drills with South Korea, which Washington has rejected.

An article carried on the front page of the Peoples Daily, the official paper of Chinas ruling Communist Party, said the Korean peninsula had reached the moment of choice where the United States and North Korea must break from the cycle of nuclear tests and sanctions.

All parties involved in the peninsula have their own strategic considerations, but not being able to see beyond this vicious cycle is not in anyones interest, the article said.

In another show of force, South Koreas Air Force conducted its first live-fire exercise of Taurus long-range, air-to-surface missiles on Tuesday, the defence ministry said, as practice for precision bombing North Korean facilities.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said the new sanctions could eventually starve North Korea of an additional $500 million or more in annual revenue.

The United States has said that a previous round of sanctions agreed in August was aimed at cutting North Koreas $3 billion in exports by a third.
Washington: US President Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American Raj Shah to a key position in his communications team, the White House said.

Trump also appointed his confidant Hope Hicks as his Communications Director, officials say.

Hicks previously served as Assistant to the President and Interim Communications Director.

Raj Shah will serve as Deputy Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary, the White House said in a statement.

Shah formerly served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Communications Director.

Mercedes Schlapp, a Fox News contributor and columnist for The Washington Times, will serve as Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications.

Trump also appointed Steven Cheung as Director of Strategic Response.

He previously served as Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Communications Director.

Shah, 32, was one of the few handful of Trumps aides who landed in the White House within hours of him being sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on January 20.

In April, he was identified as one of the three West Wing Power Player in the White House along with Hope Hicks and Eli Miller.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Shahs parents migrated to the US in 1980s. His parents are from Gujarat.

His father, an engineer by profession, moved to Mumbai at a young age while his mother hails from Bhujpur in Kutch. Shah was Director of Opposition Research in the Republican National Committee before moving to the White House.
People gather outside of Freeman High School after reports of a shooting at the school in Rockford, Washington. (Photo: AP)

Spokane, Washington: Officials say one person was killed and at least three others were shot when a gunman opened fire at a high school in Washington state.

Brian Schaeffer of the Spokane Fire Department told reporters that one person died in the shooting Wednesday morning at Freeman High School in Rockford, south of Spokane.

Three of the injured were taken to a hospital. The Spokesman-Review reports Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said at the scene that the shooter was in custody.

Multiple ambulances and a Lifeflight helicopter were dispatched to a high school south of Spokane, Washington, following reports of a shooting.

The shooting was reported at Freeman High School in Rockford on Wednesday. Annie Baxter, whose two daughters attend Freeman Middle School across the street from the high school, told The Spokesman-Review that children were running into buildings when she pulled up to the school area about 10:15 a.m.

She says classes were about to begin because it's a "late start" day.

All schools in the Spokane district were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. Authorities are responding to reports of a shooting at a high school south of Spokane, Washington.

The Spokesman-Review reports that first responders were at Freeman High School in Rockford on Wednesday morning.

Spokane Public Schools said on Twitter that all schools in the district are "being placed into modified lockdown as a precautionary measure."
Bangkok: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has canceled plans to attend the UN General Assembly, a government spokesman said Wednesday as the country draws international criticism over violence that has driven at least 370,000 ethnic Rohingya Muslims to nearby Bangladesh in less than three weeks.

Presidential office spokesman Zaw Htay said Suu Kyi will skip the assembly, which opened Tuesday and runs through September 25, to address domestic security issues. Suu Kyi is not Myanmar's president - her official titles are state counselor and foreign minister - but she effectively serves as leader of the Southeast Asian nation.

Zaw Htay said that President Htin Kyaw is hospitalized, so the second vice president will attend.

"The first reason (Suu Kyi cannot attend) is because of the Rakhine terrorist attacks," Zaw Htay said. "The state counselor is focusing to calm the situation in Rakhine state. There are circumstances. The second reason is, there are people inciting riots in some areas. We are trying to take care of the security issue in many other places. The third is that we are hearing that there will be terrorist attacks and we are trying to address this issue."

Attacks by an insurgent Rohingya group on police outposts August 25 have set off a wave of violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, with hundreds dead and thousands of homes burned - mostly Rohingya in both cases. The government blames Rohingya for the attacks, but journalists who visited the region have seen evidence that raises doubts about its claims that Rohingya set fire to their own homes.

Many of the fleeing Rohingya have said Myanmar soldiers shot indiscriminately, burned their homes and warned them to leave or die in what the government has called "clearance operations." Others said they were attacked by Buddhist mobs.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who lived under house arrest for many years under a junta that ultimately gave way to an elected government, faces international criticism and pressure. On Tuesday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the killing of Muslims a political disaster and called Suu Kyi a "brutal woman." UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein said the Rohingya were victims of what "seems a textbook example of ethnic cleansing."
UNSC unanimously imposed an 8th set of sanctions on the North Korea, banning it from trading in textiles and restricting its oil imports. (Photo: AP)

Seoul: North Korea vowed Wednesday to accelerate its weapons programmes in response to the "evil" sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council following its latest and most powerful nuclear test.

The respected 38 North website in the US raised its estimate for the yield from the explosion, which Pyongyang says was a hydrogen bomb small enough to fit onto a missile, to around 250 kilotons -- more than 16 times the size of the device that devastated Hiroshima in 1945.

The detonation, Pyongyang's sixth nuclear blast, prompted global condemnation and came after it carried out two intercontinental ballistic missile launches in July that appeared to bring much of the US into range.

The UN Security Council unanimously imposed an eighth set of sanctions on the North Monday, banning it from trading in textiles and restricting its oil imports, which US President Donald Trump said was a prelude to stronger measures.

The resolution, passed after Washington toned down its original proposals to secure backing from China and Russia, came just one month after the council banned exports of coal, lead and seafood in response to the ICBM launch.

The North's foreign ministry condemned the new measures "in the strongest terms", calling them a "full-scale economic blockade" driven by the US and aimed at "suffocating" its state and people.

It was "another illegal and evil 'resolution on sanctions' piloted by the US", it said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

"The DPRK will redouble the efforts to increase its strength to safeguard the country's sovereignty and right to existence," the ministry said, using the abbreviation for the North's official name.

But the South's unification ministry described the statement as "the most low-key form of response from North Korea to UN Security Council resolutions".

Seoul conducted its first live-fire exercise of its new long-range Taurus missile in response to the nuclear test, its Air Force said.

The German air-to-surface weapon was capable of precision strikes on key North Korean facilities even if launched from the central part of the South, it added.

The US and its allies argue that tougher sanctions will pile pressure on North Korea to negotiate an end to its weapons programmes but experts are sceptical.

US President Donald Trump said the latest measures were a "very small step - not a big deal" that must lead to tougher measures.

"Those sanctions are nothing compared to ultimately what will happen," Trump said, but added that it was "nice to get a 15 to nothing vote".

- Petrol and diesel -

The North says it needs nuclear weapons to protect itself from "hostile" US forces and analysts believe Pyongyang's weapons programme has made rapid progress under leader Kim Jong-Un, with previous sanctions having done little to deter it.

Government estimates of the yield from its sixth nuclear test vary from South Korea's 50 kilotons to Japan's 160, but 38 North, which is linked to Johns Hopkins University in the US, raised its estimate to "roughly 250 kilotons", in line with upward revisions for the magnitude of the resulting tremor.

Washington had initially sought a full oil embargo and a freeze on the foreign assets of leader Kim Jong-Un in response to the test, but dropped them following strong opposition from China and Russia.

The new resolution instead bans trade in textiles, cuts off natural gas shipments to North Korea, places a ceiling of 2 million barrels a year on deliveries of refined oil products and caps crude oil shipments at current levels.

Retail petrol prices in the North jumped earlier this year, with some analysts suggesting the authorities were stockpiling in the expectation of a ban.

According to the US mission to the United Nations, the North imports around 8.5 million barrels a year of oil and oil products, 4 million as crude and 4.5 million in refined form -- which includes substances such as petrol and diesel.

It added that the North's textile exports averaged $760 million a year.

The UN resolution also barred countries from issuing new authorisations to North Korean workers sent abroad. There are almost 100,000 of them, according to the US mission, earning more than $500 million a year for the regime.

Under the measure, countries are authorised to inspect ships suspected of carrying banned North Korean cargo but must first seek the consent of the flag-state, and joint ventures were banned.
Newly arrived Rohingya women wait for their turn to collect building material for their shelters distributed by aid agencies in Kutupalong refugee camp (Photo: AP)

San Suu Kyi will not attend the United Nations General Assembly this week, her spokesman said on Wednesday, as the Nobel laureate faces a barrage of criticism over her failure to speak up for Rohingya Muslims fleeing Rakhine state in huge numbers.

She was needed in Myanmar to manage humanitarian assistance and security concerns caused by the violence. Competing rumours have intensified anti-Muslim rhetoric across the Buddhist-majority country, government spokesman Zaw Htay said.

Ms Suu Kyi will address the crisis engulfing Rakhine state next week, in her first speech since the violence erupted. She would speak for national reconciliation and peace in a televised address on September 19, the spokesman said.

A crackdown by Myanmars army, launched in response to Rohingya militant attacks on August 25, has sent some 3,79,000 Rohingya refugees scrambling across the border to Bangladesh in less than three weeks.

The violence has incubated a humanitarian crisis on both sides of the border and piled intense global pressure on Suu Kyi to condemn the army campaign, which the UN has described as having all the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing.

Bangladesh is struggling to provide relief for exhausted and hungry refugees  some 60 per cent of whom are children  while nearly 30,000 ethnic Rakhine Buddhists as well as Hindus have been displaced inside Myanmar.

Nine thousand more Rohingya refugees poured into Bangladesh on Wednesday, the UN said, as authorities worked to build a new camp for tens of thousands of arrivals who have no shelter.

Ms Suu Kyi, Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades, has no control over the powerful military, which ran the country for 50 years before allowing free elections in 2015.

On Wednesday UN chief Antonio Guterres called on Myanmar to halt its military campaign against Rohingyas.
Exposing the Truth About the SPLC's 'Hate Labels'

Contact: Liberty Counsel, 407-875-1776, Media@LC.org; Press Kit

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 12, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) grossly misrepresents and recklessly labels Christian, pro-family and conservative nonviolent groups as "hate groups," lumping them in with violent groups like the KKK, Neo-Nazis and white supremacists. The SPLC includes Liberty Counsel, Alliance Defending Freedom, Family Research Council, the American Family Association and others in its listing of "hate groups." The SPLC has come under fire for its false labeling, which we know motivated Floyd Lee Corkins III to attempt mass murder against Family Research Council staff in 2012.

In 2016, the Disciplinary Counsel in the Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Justice, under President Obama, sharply rebuked and reprimanded attorneys representing the SPLC and its allies for employing the SPLC's "hate group" label to denigrate an immigration advocacy group. A letter from the Justice Department's Office of General Counsel concluded that employing the label against groups with which it disagrees "overstepped the bounds of zealous advocacy and was unprofessional." It continued that such behavior is "uncivil" and "constitutes frivolous behavior and does not aid the administration of justice."

"Liberty Counsel hates no one," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "We believe every person is created in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect. We believe that discourse should be civil and respectful. We condemn violence and do not support any person or group that advocates or promotes violence. As a pastor before becoming an attorney, my heart then and now is for hurting people. Liberty Counsel is a peaceful, law-abiding, Christian ministry that opposes violence," said Staver.

The SPLC refuses to include left-leaning organizations that do engage in or have a history of violence, including Antifa. The SPLC's false labeling is a self-promoted fundraising tool that has dangerous consequences. Floyd Lee Corkins III confessed that he relied upon the SPLC "hate list" in his assault on the Family Research Council.

Liberty Counsel has prepared several documents rebutting the SPLC's false, defamatory, and dangerous labeling here.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.


Geneva: India on Tuesday rebuked Pakistans attempt of raising Kashmir issue at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meeting in Geneva, stating that the current Kashmir situation is bi-product of cross-border terrorism emanating from Islamabad.

Rajiv K Chander, Indias permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, said in statement: Pakistan has once again sought to mask its territorial ambitions and use of terrorism as a state policy under the guise of concern for human rights.

He said, The high number of casualties sustained by Indian security forces is a reflection of the tremendous amount of restraint displayed by them (Pakistan through cross-border terrorism) under these difficult circumstances.

Recalling the US President Trumps warning to Pakistan during announcement of new Afghan and South Asia strategy, India said, The world watches with concern as the consequences of Pakistans actions have spread beyond its immediate neighbour.

Chander said, Pakistan, which has no hesitation in using air power against its own people, has continued to provide sanctuary to UN-designated terrorists.

US President Donald Trump, in August, had made same rhetoric that Pakistan gives safe havens to terrorist outfits such as Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Haqqani network.

Stating that not only India has been affected by Islamabads terror activities, but people residing in Pakistan, has felt the wrath of terrorism, Chander said.

The statement read, In contrast, the people of Pakistan as well as Pakistan occupied Kashmir have become victims of sectarian conflict, terrorism and severe economic hardship due to Pakistans authoritarian and discriminatory policies in complete disregard of human rights.

Indias representative to UN also said, Pakistan, which has systematically abused and violated the human rights of its own citizens, including in Balochistan, as well as of the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Slamming the neighbours comment on Kashmir issue, the Indias representative to UN said, Pakistans doublespeak and hypocrisy does not deserve the time and attention of this august forum and its distinguished members.

Similarly that terrorism being extreme violation of human rights and should be so acknowledged by the International Community, the representative said, India is dealing with a state (Pakistan) that regards the use of terrorism as a legitimate instrument of statecraft.

He said, Jammu & Kashmir is an integral and inseparable part of India and will always remain so. We reject attempts by Pakistan to denigrate the democratic choice that has been regularly exercised by the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Britain will regret leaving the European Union, the president of the European Commission warned on Wednesday.

During his annual state of the union address in Strasbourg, Jean-Claude Juncker said the EU would respect the will of the British people but that the bloc would move on from the UKs departure.

March 29 2019. That will be the date when the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. This will be a very sad and tragic moment in our history  we will always regret this, and I think that you will regret it soon, if I might say, he said.

Mr Juncker urged the bloc to seize a window of opportunity and use the momentum from its recent economic recovery to become more deeply integrated than ever before. Defying the eurosceptic trends that drove Britain to become the first country to decide to leave the EU, Mr Juncker outlined a vision of a bigger eurozone and passport-free Schengen area, under the aegis of a single EU president.

The former Luxembourg Prime Minister also painted a picture of a Europe that would sign new trade deals around the world, although he made no mention of any such pact with Britain after it jumps ship. The wind is back in Europes sails, he told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, in an unrepentantly federalist speech that mixed English, French and German.
The dynastic and appeasement politics have come to an end under the BJP-led government, which has brought in the politics of development, party chief Amit Shah said on Tuesday.



...politics of appeasement is nothing but politics of vote bank, Shah said at an interaction with the intellectuals in Kolkata on the second day of his visit to West Bengal.



Without naming Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, he said: There are some leaders whom people either dont understand or dont want to hear. So, they have to go abroad to make themselves heard.



He credited the Centre for quick implementation of policies and for making India the fastest growing economy in the last three years.
Brushing off suggestions that the the Congress party is synonymous with dynastic politics, party vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that dynasties are a fact of life in India, whether it be in politics or business.



He insisted that the real test of a person is not pedigree but ability.



His comments in the US set off a chorus of protest by the BJP in India with Union Minister Smriti Irani calling him a failed dynast and a failed politician.



Speaking at the University of California, Berkeley, Rahul also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of divisive politics, creating space for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and ruining the economy.



Responding to a question from students, he said that he was absolutely ready to take up an executive responsibility if the party asked him to do so.



Responding to another question whether the Congress party was more associated with dynastic politics, Rahul argued that India is being run by dynasties. He listed several prominent Indians born into famous families.



PTI
Al Qaeda militants have called for support for Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims, who are facing a security crackdown that has sent about 400,000 of them fleeing to Bangladesh, warning that Myanmar would face "punishment" for its "crimes".



The exodus of Muslim refugees from Buddhist-majority Myanmar was sparked by a fierce security force response to a series of Rohingya militant attacks on police and army posts in the country's west on Aug. 25.



The Islamist group behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the Untied States issued a statement urging Muslims around the world to support their fellow Muslims in Myanmar with aid, weapons and "military support".



"The savage treatment meted out to our Muslim brothers ... shall not pass without punishment," al Qaeda said in a statement, according to the SITE monitoring group.



"The government of Myanmar shall be made to taste what our Muslim brothers have tasted."



Myanmar says its security forces are engaged in a legitimate campaign against "terrorists", whom it blames for attacks on the police and army, and on civilians.



The government has warned of bomb attacks in cities, and al Qaeda's call to arms is likely to compound those concerns.



"We call upon all mujahid brothers in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines to set out for Burma to help their Muslim brothers, and to make the necessary preparations  training and the like - to resist this oppression," the group said
Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said on Wednesday that no ransom was paid for the release of Catholic priest Fr Tom Uzhunnalil from militants in Yemen.



He was responding to questions from the media following reports of a ransom amount  some quoting a figure of Rs 64 crore  having been paid in connection with the priest's release on Tuesday.



"The Ministry of External Affairs works quietly, without making too much of noise, but ultimately gets the job done," Singh told reporters here. The minister's statement comes amid reports that it was the government of Oman that played a crucial role in the release of the 57-year-old priest from Kottayam.



Minister of State for Tourism Alphons Kannanthanam also dismissed attempts to undermine the role of the Centre in the priest's release. "All diplomatic channels were used to secure his release, as was promised by the Centre," he said.



The Salesian priest from the Province of Bengaluru was abducted on March 4, 2016 after gunmen attacked a convent and nursing home for the elderly in Aden in Yemen, killing 15 people, including four nuns. Singh said the priest, who is now in the Vatican, would have to decide on the time of his return to India.



Row over minister's visit



V K Singh, MoS, External Affairs, said the ministry had denied permission to Kerala's Tourism and Cooperation Minister Kadakampally Surendran to attend a World Tourism Organisation meeting in China due to issues of protocol. The denial of permission to Surendran to attend the event, which commenced on Monday, had triggered a controversy in the state, amid allegations of political motives behind the decision.



Singh said political clearance for such visits was typically issued only after seeking views of the Indian mission in the respective countries, ensuring that protocol stipulations were met and meetings were arranged only with "relevant" people. "We don't want our people to be downgraded in countries they are visiting," he said.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe for a two-day State visit to India in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.



Abe flew in directly from Tokyo to Ahmedabad, perhaps one of the few heads of state to directly land in a country other than National Capital New Delhi. After official function at the airport and Guard of Honour by three wings of defence forces, Abe and his wife Aki Abe were greeted to cultural fiesta and welcomed traditionally by Buddhist monks.



Before landing in India, Abe in his message called India to be tremendously special to Japan. Today, I will begin my visit to India for the fourth time as Japans Prime Minister, and visit Prime Minister Modis home state of Gujarat. There I will hold my 10th Japan-India summit meeting with Prime Minister Modi, and I am looking forward to further advancing the new era in Japan-India relations. Saying that Modi was a powerful leader with an outstanding ability to get things done, Prime Minister Abe dubbed Japan and India as major Asian democracies and global powers.



Before setting out for Sabarmati Ashram on a 8-km long cultural roadshow, Japanese Prime Minister was seen donning Modi Kurta and Koti, while his wife Aki Abe changed into traditional Indian attire. Climbing atop an open jeep, PM Modi, PM Abe and his wife Aki Abe, moved on to Sabarmati Ashram where they were welcomed by as many as 28 troupes en route showcasing cultural highlights of various states of India, including Gujarat, Kerala, and Odisha. Locals had also gathered in large numbers with flags of India and Japan along the decked up roads to welcome both the Prime Ministers.



On reaching Sabarmati Ashram, the dignitaries paid homage to Father of the Nation. Both the Prime Ministers then sat alongside Sabarmati river at the Ashram on traditional Sankheda sofas. The Japanese Prime Minister and his wife later pen down their emotions in guest book of Ashram in the Japanese language. Aki Abe was said to have written Love and Thankyou in the visitor book. Throughout the visit to Ashram, PM Modi acted as guide to visiting couple, explaining nuances of Charkha, of Chabutra and three monkeys famously depicting Gandhian ideals.



Later in the evening, Modi welcomed Japanese guests for a visit to 16th century Sidi Saiyad Mosque, the last piece of architecture of Gujarat Sultanate. The filigree work carved out of a single stone is synonymous with the city of Ahmedabad and also an icon of Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. The mosque also is considered to be a monument of Hindu-Muslim unity.



Post their visit to the mosque, the dignitaries walked into House of MG located next door for a private dinner and closed door meeting.



The focus now shifts to Thursday, when both the Prime Ministers are set to lay the foundation stone for ambitious Rs 1.10 lakh crore Bullet train, sign multiple trade deals and inaugurate couple of Japanese investment projects. They would also attend the 10th Indo-Japanese summit before Japanese premier flies off directly to Tokyo.
Pro-Life Groups to Cardinal O'Malley: Stop the Betrayals Contact: William Cotter, 774-287-0751



BOSTON, Mass., Sept. 13, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- A coalition of pro-life organizations, activists, and journalists issued a public statement today calling upon Cardinal Sean O'Malley, the Archbishop of Boston, and the other Catholic bishops of Massachusetts, to stop their betrayals of the pro-life movement.



In its 2004 document "Catholics in Political Life," the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops specifically prohibited Catholic institutions from giving awards, honors or platforms to political figures who support legal abortion. The coalition cited nineteen violations of this in the last three years involving Catholic prelates in the Bay State.



Among the scandals decried by the statement's signatories was Cardinal O'Malley's attendance at the 2017 Profiles in Courage Award ceremony at the Kennedy Library honoring former President Barack Obama, whose administration was sued by the Little Sisters of the Poor over the Obamacare contraceptive mandate.



Another incident criticized was the 2014 presentation by the Missionary Society of Saint James the Apostle  whose president is Cardinal O'Malley  of the Cardinal Cushing Award to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, a longtime proponent of legal abortion. Walsh, the recipient of the 2016 Men of Choice Award from NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, went on to defend the public funding of Planned Parenthood, name a square in the city's South End after abortionist Kenneth Edelin, and call for Boston to become a sanctuary city for abortions, should Roe v. Wade be overturned.



Along with asking for full episcopal compliance with "Catholics in Political Life," the coalition is also urging the bishops to reverse their recently imposed ban on signature gathering on church property, the timing of which will adversely impact an initiative petition drive seeking to end tax funded abortions in the Commonwealth.



The coalition characterized the bishops' behavior as a series of "repeated, ongoing and worsening scandals and betrayals, which demoralize faithful Catholics, marginalize the pro-life community, and send a message of confusion and contradiction to secular society."



Operation Rescue: Boston President William Cotter stated: "All we are asking of our prelates is that they uphold their own professed principles and abide by their own stated policies. The disconnect in the Catholic hierarchy between rhetoric and reality on the issue of abortion must come to an end.



"The bishops expose themselves to the reproach of hypocrisy when they urge Catholics to support the right to life, but then give awards and platforms to public officials who work to keep abortion legal, unrestricted and publicly funded.



"No rational person can reasonably be expected to take seriously Catholic opposition to abortion when Catholic bishops and cardinals honor and extol, at public events, even in their own institutions, political figures who are opponents of the right to life, and allies of Planned Parenthood. The bishops need to stop these betrayals."

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Amazon India, part of the online e-commerce marketplace Amazon, on Wednesday unveiled its largest standalone Fashion Imaging Studio called BLINK in Gurgaon to support growing fashion category.



In a statement, the company said BLINK offers over 44,000 sq feet of state-of-the-art digital imaging space will help Amazon Fashion to collaborate with fashion brands and partners to produce lakhs of high-quality images for its fashion merchandise every year.



This is only the third of its kind studio for Amazon across the globe. The company already opened BLINK in New York and London. Amazon India said the studio has the capacity to shoot over 2,50,000 products every year.



Commenting on the development, Amazon Fashion India Head Arun Sirdeshmukh said, "At Amazon, we are always thinking about how we will raise the bar, how we will redefine the way the customer discovers, engages with, and shops for fashion online."



Sirdeshmukh said all efforts made for this studio in terms of technology, scale and talent are designed to deliver high-quality imagery that inspires and educates our customers.



With this studio, we will continue to strengthen our relationships across the entire industry  with brands, designers and creative talent. This is part of our plan to innovate in how fashion is displayed on the site and be the best possible place for fashion brands to present themselves online," said Sirdeshmukh.



In addition to 16 individual high-tech photography bays, the studio also has a large editorial suite, video editing facilities and creative spaces. Established as a Center for Creative Excellence, the studio will enable Amazon Fashion to creatively collaborate with Fashion brands and partners to produce lakhs of high-quality images for its fashion merchandise every year.



Since the start of 2017, Amazon Fashion is the largest Fashion destination in the country with leadership in selection across all fashion categories.



Fashion is among the top three stores on Amazon and is one of the fastest growing stores on the platform. Amazon Fashion India, which has five photo studios in India, is strengthening its presence in the country.



Amazon Fashion added close to 50 top fashion brands to its offerings including iconic fashion brands that debuted in India like Under Armour, Steve Madden Jewelry, Juicy Couture Watches and much more.



Its growing selection includes Marks & Spencer, New Balance, Forever 21, Forever New, French Connection, Calvin Klein, Mothercare, watches from Michael Kors, Emporio Armani, Versus by Versace, and more.


Gandhi, 47, spent several hours at Sun Power and sought information on its advantages and disadvantages.



"The idea (behind visiting the center) was to really understand implications (of solar power) in India," senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda, who accompanied Gandhi, said after his visit to Sun Power's research centre in the Silicon Valley.



SunPower Corporation is an American energy company that designs and manufactures crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and solar panels.



He also visited the Tesla factory in Fremont in California yesterday.



Tesla is an American automaker, energy storage company, and solar panel manufacturer based in Palo Alto in California.



The company specialises in electric cars, lithium-ion battery energy storage and solar panels.

After his visit, Gandhi flew to Los Angeles.



He is scheduled to interact with members of the think- tank community and local leaders there.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has visited US-based electric car major Tesla and a solar research centre in California to understand the implications of renewable and clean energy for India.
Japanese First Lady Akie Abe is scheduled to attend a number of programmes in Ahmedabad on Thursday during the two-day India visit of her husband and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe beginning tomorrow.



The Japanese PM and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will hold the 12th India-Japan annual summit in Gandhinagar on Thursday. Shinzo Abe will also join Modi in an 8-km road show from the Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday.



Ahmedabad district collector Avantika Singh said the Japanese first lady will visit various institutions where she will interact with people, and deliver a lecture on climate change at the Gujarat University.



Akie Abe will visit Ahmedabad Management Association, Blind's People Association, and the Gujarat University, apart from visiting Calico Museum and Sabarmati riverfront on September 14 as part of her visit to the state, Singh said.



Apart from a tour of the Sabarmati riverfront, Akie Abe will also visit the city's heritage Calico Museum of Textiles, known for its distinguished and large collection of Indian textiles.



The first lady is also slated to visit the vocational training unit of the Blind People's Association, an NGO, and see the work being done by the inmates, the officer said.



She will inaugurate 'Origami Mahotsav' being organised by the Japan Information and Study Centre at the Ahmedabad Management Association.



After inaugurating the festival, which celebrates five decades of Gujarat's vibrant bonding with Japan, Akie Abe will interact with 400 odd students of Japanese language who study there as well as around 30 Japanese students of the Gujarat University as part of an exchange programme.



On Thursday, the two prime ministers will attend the ground breaking ceremony for the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project, commonly referred to as the Bullet Train project.
In a decision which is certain to trigger controversy, Uttar Pradesh government has blocked grant of funds for 46 'madrasas' in the state after detecting ''irregularities'' in their management.



According to the sources here on Wednesday, the government has also stopped payment of salaries of the teachers of all these madrasas.



''Grant of funds to 46 madrasas has been stopped following detection of irregularities in their management...the irregularities came to the fore during a scrutiny of the records of the madrasas,'' said a senior official here.



Sources said that the government had received complaints that many madrasas had only been running on paper. The government had formed a committee comprising the district inspector of school and others of the concerned district to conduct a probe into the complaints.



Sources said that at many madrasas the teachers were paid less but were made to sign paper showing greater amount. The decision of the Yogi Adityanath government comes barely days after launching of a separate portal for the madrasas in order to identify the ''fake'' madrasas. Muslim clerics and madrasa managers had sharply criticised the creation of the portal and said that the Islamic Seminaries were being ''targeted'' by the government.



The step comes close on the heels of the decision by the state government to act against the madrasas, where the national anthem was not sung during the Independence Day celebrations. Instead of the national anthem, the students of many 'madrasas' had sung 'sare jahanseachha Hindostan hamara', penned by the famous Urdu poet Mohammed Iqbal.



The managers of the these madrasas also did not conduct video recording of the I-Day celebrations, which had also been made mandatory by the state government.



The state government had also directed the madarsas to conduct videography of the entire program and submit the video and pictures to the concerned government official.












India and Japan are likely to further expand the ambit of their security cooperation, which may include larger engagement between Japanese firms and research entities with Indian defence manufacturers and R&D institutions.



Security ties may figure in the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, who landed in Ahmedabad on Wednesday for the 12th annual summit between the two countries.



The bilateral discussions come weeks after North Korea claims to have tested a Hydrogen bomb and a 74-day stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Himalayas kept the world on the tenterhooks.



Earlier this month, the defence ministers of India and China condemned the North Korean acts in the strongest terms.



The two defence ministers also worked out the framework for a larger hand-shake in defence as New Delhi and Tokyo strive to forge a partnership against Chinese muscle flexing in the Indian Ocean region.



Last year, China had reacted angrily to reports that Japan plans to sell weapons to India at cheaper prices, saying that such a move is disgraceful.



Several rounds of discussions happened between Acquisition, Technology and Logistic Agency (ATLA) of Japan and Defence Research and Development Organisation with the two sides agreeing to join hands in the areas of Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Robotics.



Moreover, ATLA had one round of talks with the Department of Defence Production under the Defence Ministry to explore the avenues for Japan's famed heavy engineering giants to enter the evolving defence manufacturing sector in India.



There are indications that the joint statement by the two countries after the summit meeting will have certain components relating to defence cooperation.



When asked a Ministry of External Affairs official declined to comment on the specifics but maintained that defence was an area of priority.



The future cooperation may be more in the joint defence research and manufacturing activities as recent policy reforms in the Indian defence sector, offer opportunities for foreign industries to play an active role.



There is still no clarity on whether the proposed sale of US-2 ShinMaywa amphibious aircraft would figure in the discussions between the two leaders.



Japan had offered to sell 12 of these aircraft to India for better monitoring its exclusive economic zone even though the Defence Ministry is yet to issue an Acceptance of Necessity for the aircraft.



However, the joint statement issued after the September 6 meeting of the two defence ministers mentioned the US-2 amphibious aircraft as one of the subjects discussed between them.



In a departure from the standard practice, Prime Minister Abe will bypass Delhi this time as he cut short his original travel schedule by a day.



The visiting Prime Minister his wife Aki Abe received a rousing welcome in Ahmedabad  the home state of Prime Minister Modi. This is the tenth meeting between the two leaders in the last three years.
Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswans younger brother Pashupati Kumar Paras, who was nominated as MLC under Governors quota, has landed into huge controversy.



Not only a PIL has been filed in the Patna High Court challenging the decision, the Opposition Congress has also raised strong objection over his nomination. The party, which till recently was Nitishs ally, has demanded that Paras be disqualified as MLC since he does not qualify in any of the category under which a Governor can nominate MLC with knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, arts or social service.



The Nitish Government has violated Article 171 of the Constitution, said senior Congress leader Harku Jha claiming that Paras did not have the requisite qualification to be nominated as MLC even under social service category. The law stipulates that anyone who is president of a political party cannot be treated to be into social service, argued Jha.



Paras is president of the Bihar unit of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Having lost the 2015 Assembly elections from Alauli in Khagaria district, Paras was not a member of either of the House when he was inducted into Nitish Cabinet last month. However, he was made Animal Husbandry and Fisheries minister in Nitish Government (instead of the two LJP MLAs in the Assembly because the two legislators reportedly had a shady past).



Nitish, who has always opposed promotion of family in politics, however, this time overlooked nepotism in Ram Vilas Paswans LJP. While three out of six LJP MPs belong to Paswans family, his younger brother is now a minister in Nitish regime.



Meanwhile, a public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Patna High Court seeking disqualification of Paras as MLC under nominated category.



This a complete misuse and abuse of power by the Bihar government. Paras has been nominated as MLC just to please the alliance partner LJP, said the High Court lawyer and the petitioner Manibhushan Pratap Sengar. The court is likely to hear the case next week.
AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran today alleged that the ruling faction led by K Palaniswami was threatening to file false cases against his loyalists MLAs, who are camping in Karnataka, if they did not support the chief minister.



The beleaguered leader, whose appointment as the AIADMK's deputy general secretary was declared invalid at the party's general council meeting yesterday, alleged the TN government sent policemen to Karnataka who "threatened to file false cases against our MLAs".



Since September 10, a majority of Dhinakaran's loyalist MLAs are putting up in a resort in Karnataka's Coorg district.



Dhinakaran has the support of 21 MLAs."They (MLAs) are being intimidated by sending police personnel... They are being asked to support Chief Minister Palaniswami," he alleged.



Dhinakaran said the MLAs told him that 30 Tamil Nadu police personnel, led by five DSPs, visited their resort yesterday.



Policemen were there today as well, he said. Dhinakaran also alleged that the ruling camp was "nudging" his loyalist legislators, through police, to support the Palaniswami government by offering monetary inducements.



The MLAs would file a complaint with the Karnataka Police in connection with the matter and "we will move court seeking action against (Tamil Nadu) police and the chief minister", he said.



Meanwhile, former minister and Dhinakaran loyalist MLA V Senthil Balaji told reporters in Coorg that Tamil Nadu police personnel came to his room in the resort and asked him "to talk to the chief minister".



He alleged they told him that if he did not do so, a case would be slapped against him and he would be arrested.



Balaji alleged he was offered monetary inducement to switch over to the Palaniswami camp.



Dhinkaran said former minister and his supporter P Palaniappan has left Karnataka to reach Tamil Nadu.



The MLA is facing a case for allegedly abetting the suicide of a contractor.

"I have got information that Palanipappan has approached court," he said and asked the media to not "speculate" that the MLA was to be arrested.



"Disseminate the truth," he said. On yesterday's executive committee and general council meet held by the Palaniswami-Panneerselvam camp, he said "There was no legal sanction for the meeting. They are not general council members, they are Palaniswami and Panneerselvam's people."



He reiterated that the general council meeting could not be convened without the permission of party general secretary V K Sasikala.



The jailed leader's appointment as general secretary was annulled yesterday by the ruling camp.
BJP National General Secretary Muralidhar Rao, who is the in-charge of the partys affairs in Karnataka, stated that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has expressed his willingness to hold talks on the issue for resolving Mahadayi dispute out-of-the-tribunal, but only if Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah convinces Congress Party leaders in Goa.



Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, Mr Rao noted that the Goa BJP is ready for talks regarding the inter-State dispute over Mahadayi water sharing, due to the initiation taken by State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa.



The BJP is ready to go to any extent to protect the interests of farmers who are demanding diversion of water from Mahadayi basin to Malaprabha river. Mr Yeddyurappa approached chief ministers of Goa and Maharashtra, for holding talks. We will take care of BJP in Goa, and Mr Parrikar is our man. If Mr Siddaramaiah convinces Goa Congress for resolving the dispute through talks, the problem would be solved within 15 days, he said.



Deadlock in Mahadayi issue is the result of politicisation of the issue by the Congress Party and Mr Siddaramaiah, he charged.



Parivarthana Yatra



He said, the BJP is ready to face Assembly elections in the State any time. With new Karnataka, corruption-free Karnataka & progress of Karnataka theme, Parivarthana Yatra would be conducted in the State under the leadership of Mr Yeddyurappa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah would also take part in it, Mr Rao said. Winning 150 seats and making Karnataka free from Congress misrule are the objectives of the BJP, he noted.



On Gauri murder



The BJP always opposes violence, and it condemns the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh. But, All-India Congress Committee (AICC) Vice-President Rahul Gandhi launched an orchestrated campaign to mislead the interrogation of this murder case. To save somebody, an attempt was made to derail the investigation process, Mr Rao charged.



The BJP is a victim of poor law and order situation in the State, and it lost more than 10 workers due to political violence. Congress Partys approach towards radicalisation of some Muslims, due to its vote bank politics, has resulted in the increase of threat to national security. The BJP would fight against this, and would mobilise public opinion, he noted.



Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar, MP Pralhad Joshi, MLA Aravind Bellad, MLC Pradeep Shettar, former minister C T Ravi, and others were present. Mr Muralidhar Rao also held meetings with BJP leaders in the district, BJP workers, and corporators. He will review the partys preparations for Assembly elections in North Karnataka region, at a meeting to be held in Bagalkot on Thursday (September 14).





Rahul Gandhi criticised





Criticising AICC Vice-President Rahul Gandhi for his statement on dynastic politics in India, BJP National General Secretary Muralidhar Rao stated that dynastic rule and democracy cannot coexist, and the dynastic politics by the Congress should perish in the interest of the country.

As the dynastic rule has no space for internal democracy, the BJP is against it. BJP will not be led by a person because of his family background, Mr Rao added.
To foster "patriotism", students at government schools in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh would be instructed to answer the daily roll call with `Jai Hind' from the next month.



"Students say `yes sir' or `yes madam' or `present' during the roll call. What good do these English acknowledgements achieve? I have asked the principals of government schools in Satna to direct the students to say `Jai Hind' from October 1," School Education Minister Vijay Shah told PTI today.



"After this experiment works in Satna, we will send a proposal to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to introduce 'Jai Hind' during roll calls in all the 1.22 lakh government schools in Madhya Pradesh," he said.



"Jai Hind chants will foster love for the country and patriotism," the minister said, noting that the Army and para-military personnel use `Jai Hind' as a greeting.



Shah also said that the national flag is being hoisted daily at government middle and high schools (from class VI to XII) for over a month in Madhya Pradesh now.



"This daily exercise is going to be replicated in primary schools too," he said.



"We have also sent an advisory to private schools affiliated to the MP Board of Secondary Education that they may hoist the national flag daily," the minister added.



"We have also prepared a proposal for clearance of gram panchayats to name schools in villages after the local army martyrs," Shah said.
Muslim clerics have sharply criticised, what they alleged, ''attempts to re-write'' the history of the country.



While reacting to the remarks by UP deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma that the Mughal emperors were ''plunderers'' and that the state government would effect changes in the history text books being taught to the children in the schools.



''If Mughal emperors were plunderers then what about the Britishers?...were they not plunderers?,'' said senior Muslim cleric and All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangimahali here. The cleric said that such remarks were uncalled for and were only aimed at inciting communal tension.



Another senior sunni cleric also echoed the similar sentiment. ''History is based on facts...we can not distort the facts as per our whims and fancies,'' the cleric said. ''Such an attempt will send a wrong message to the society and create a divide,'' he added.



Sharma while speaking at a function here on Tuesday, said that the state government would set up a committee for giving suggestions for effecting changes in the history text books. ''We will bring forward the constructive works of the Mughal emperors while not including in the books their negative sides,'' Sharma had said.



The UP deputy chief minister, who is also a senior faculty at the University of Lucknow, had said that Mughal emperor Shahjahan had got the hands of those artisans amputated, who had built the Taj Mahal. UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath had also earlier said that the state government would not allow the children of the state to be taught ''distorted'' history.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Clean India" campaign enters the third year next month, President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu are to boost the campaign by joining a special initiative later this week and next.



While Kovind will launch the Swachhta Hi Seva programme at Ishwariganj village in Kanpur which is his home constituency, Naidu will travel to Bidar in Karnataka for a similar function on September 17.



Both the leaders decided to take forward the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan as they felt that it was not a political programme of the government but one that must be converted to a massive movement that seeks to create a Clean India.



Naidu said he felt, as the Vice President, that he could be more involved in pushing the sanitation programme, which he had overseen as the urban affairs minister before assuming the constitutional post last month.



"This is not a programme of the government alone but of the people. As Vice President, I think I can do more," he said interacting with a group of editors on Wednesday.



Naidu said the Swachh Bharat roadmap laid out before the country is clear and well defined. "But to ensure a result oriented programme, there is a need for all stakeholders, mainly the citizens of India to join the campaign being led by the Prime Minister. No effort can be spared and no avenue left unexplored to achieve the target of a cleaner India."



In 2014, Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), thus so aptly on October 2, Gandhijis birthday. In his last radio address on August 27, the PM wanted a campaign called Swachchata Hi Sewa (Cleanliness is Service) for at least fifteen-twenty days prior to Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.



Naidu said the Swachch Bharat Mission (SBM) has achieved some measurable targets in the last three years. The programme has been linked directly with Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative. "I would like to promote Beti Bachao Beti Padhao."



The Vice President said the media, which has done a lot promote the campaign, must verify claims of elimination of open defecation, which is another crucial aspect of SBM. "Focus should be on how to ensure that there is easy access to sanitation for women, children, senior citizens and the differently abled and also that these toilets have a continuous piped water supply."
UN chief Antonio Guterres acknowledged Wednesday that Rohingya Muslims were being ethnically cleansed in Myanmar as he called for a halt to a military campaign in Rakhine state.



Speaking ahead of a Security Council meeting to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis there, Guterres described reports of security forces attacking civilians in Rakhine as "disturbing" and "completely unacceptable."



"I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military activities and violence and uphold the rule of law," the secretary general said in a press conference.



Asked if he agreed the Rohingya population was being ethnically cleansed, he replied: "When one-third of the Rohingya population has got to flee the country, can you find a better word to describe it?"



The crackdown by Myanmar's army, which followed attacks by Rohingya militants late last month, has prompted around 380,000 to flee across the border into neighboring Bangladesh.



Guterres called for authorities "to assure the delivery of vital humanitarian aid," with thousands of Rohingya still crossing the border every day.



The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have longstanding roots in the country.



But Guterres said that the Myanmar government should either grant the Rohingya nationality or legal status that would allow them to live a normal life.



Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been widely condemned for a lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of the crisis, denting the Nobel peace laureate's reputation.



However Suu Kyi, Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades, has no control over the powerful military, which ran the country for 50 years before elections in 2015.
The state government, on Wednesday signed memorandum of understanding (MOUs) with four non-governmental organisations to bring in innovation, improve quality of education and learning outcomes.



Pratham Foundation, Sikshana Foundation, Azim Premji Foundation and Khan Academy are the four non-profits which will work with the state government. All the programmes are targeted towards achieving the departments goal of Every Child in School and Learning Well, a motto they have adopted from Pratham.



Pratham Foundation, known for its flagship Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), will take its pilot project Read Karnataka from three districts to thirteen. Children of Class IV and V will be grouped based on their competency level in their first language and math. Using materials, activities and its own teaching methodology, Pratham will help government teachers improve the learning levels of students. In the 2017-18 academic year, the programme will reach over five lakh students in 18,426 government schools in these districts.



Sikshana Foundation, which ran a motivational programme titled Prerana on a pilot basis in Chitradurga and Davangere, will now extend it to schools in all the 30 revenue districts. Children will be encouraged to be regular at school and participate in class by rewarding them with star badges. The fear of failing will be addressed through peer learning clubs and progress will be tracked through a learning map. The foundation will also supply practice books. They have launched an application which will help the department keep track of supply of books and students learning progress.



The governments partnership with Azim Premji Foundation is an open-ended one with no time frame. They will continue to help the department in capacity building, in-service training, upgrading the Nali Kali model, and other efforts.



The department will work with Khan Academy to create educational content in Kannada for Science and Mathematics subjects for Class VIII, IX and X. This will include videos, exercises, articles and teacher tools which will be used as part of the Technology Assisted Learning Programme (TALP) to use technology to learn subjects better.



Speaking at the signing event, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Tanveer Sait said, Society has classified government schools for poor children, aided for the middle-class, and private for the rich. Through these programmes, we want our schools to compete with private schools and improve the quality of education. We expect results to improve over the years, he said.
The city police are yet to gather evidence against a security guard who was booked on the charge of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl at a private school in T Dasarahalli on Tuesday.



The school has CCTV cameras installed at most of the places. The footage does not show any of the five guards accessing students area, the police said on Wednesday. The police are not able to gather more information as the child is down with fever. We are waiting for the child to recover. We will gather more details from her after counselling, said Chetan Singh Rathore, DCP (North).



According to childs father, his daughter returned home from school around 1.40 pm complaining of fever and vomiting. Her mother found that the child was uncomfortable. When questioned, the girl told her that a security uncle touched her pants inappropriately. The shocked mother informed her husband and both rushed the child to a private hospital from where she was taken to MS Ramaiah Hospital. After the mother told the doctor about the childs claims, the doctor conducted an examination and asked the mother to inform the police.



The Bagalgunte police rushed to the hospital and spoke to the child and her mother. Based on the victims statement, the police collected photographs of five security guards and the child identified one of them. He was picked up for questioning on Tuesday night. Despite sustained interrogation, he maintained that he did not move from the spot where he was deployed. The police found truth in his version as the CCTV footage did not show any guard entering the students area. However, a case was registered under Pocso Act.



The guard in question is still in our custody. We need further statements from the victim to probe him further, said a senior police officer.



The girls father told DH: The incident may or may not have happened. But, I want to make it sure from the medical reports which will be ready in two or three days.



Police sources hinted the guard could have been wrongly accused as the child and her mother had some communication gap.



The childs mother told the police on Wednesday that her daughter was disturbed by the rape of a child in Delhi, and that she had recently apprised her daughter of good touch and bad touch.



However, the police have kept the case open and will obtain further statements from the victim to ascertain her claims, a senior police officer said.



DH News Service
The accident rates and deaths in the state have come down after the ban on sale of liquor on highways. But in Bengaluru City the number of accidents and deaths remains the same.



The data obtained from State Crime Records Bureau shows that number of accidents and deaths on both national and state highways have come down in the last two months, when liquor ban on state and national highways was in force.



Accidents in the state in April, May and June, three months before the ban, were 789, 852 and 757 respectively. After the ban, the number of accidents in the months of July and August stood at 639 and 636, respectively. Similarly, the number of fatal accidents has also come down during July (675) August (664). Road accident deaths in April was 894, May (987) and June (822).



Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic) R Hithendra maintained that it was still premature to attribute the decline in accidents to ban on sale of liquor on highways. He said there was still a need for more awareness and enforcement on drunk and driving.



On April 1, the Supreme Court passed an order banning liquor establishments within 500 metres of all state and national highways. The ban resulted in closure of nearly 3600 bars and liquor shops.



Two months later, liquor shops within the municipal limits, were allowed to operate.



The supreme court advocate K V Dhanajay said that, this is the purpose that supreme court has passed the order. And to make it more effective, there needs to be drunk-and-drive checks on the highway so that number of accidents will be brought down further. The police and Excise officials should conduct regular checks at toll booths and dhabas to implement the rule effectively.



DH News Service
The citizens of Bengaluru had to endure huge traffic jams across many places as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inspected rain-affected areas in the city on Wednesday afternoon.



As Siddaramaiah is entitled to zero-hour traffic clearance, his convoy toured around the city without facing any issues in traffic. He started his inspection from his official residence Krishna, near Kumara Krupa Road. However, motorists were put to hardship, waiting for long hours. Some ambulances were also stuck in the traffic jam.



Meena Kumar, a resident of Pai Layout in KR Puram said, I was supposed to bring my daughter from school. It's been more than an hour since I have been waiting for the roads to clear.



Another motorist, Naveen M said, I do not understand why they make such rules for VIPs which keep the other people in jeopardy. It is a huge waste of time. The traffic was badly hit near Central Silk Board junction, Sarjapur Road, JC Road, Outer Ring Road near Bellandur, Karthik Nagar, Pai Layout in KR Puram, and Hosur Road. It took more than an hour for the traffic to clear in most of the places.



Interestingly, the traffic jam did not even spare the chief minister himself. He was stuck in a jam on Hosur Road towards Nimhans for nearly 20 minutes.
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The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will translocate 52 in the first phase to make way for the widening of Jayamahal Road.



The proposal to widen the 2.5-km-long road from the Cantonment railway station bridge to Mehkri Circle was taken up in 2009 as relocating the trees elsewhere was not possible.



A total of 112 trees have been identified for translocation. The High Court of Karnataka had set September 2017 as the deadline for widening Jayamahal Road.



BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad said: "We are going to translocate all the trees. We will not touch the trees that do not affect the road-widening. The trees will be translocated to the Palace Grounds or the footpath of the same road. We have the permission from the Palace Grounds management, too. We will not touch the trees on the median strip."



Prasad said the BBMP would try translocating trees on all roads wherever needed in a scientific way. This is the good season for translocation. The trees will grow well because of the rainfall," he added.



Questions on BBMP expertise



Speaking of the BBMPS tree-translocation capabilities, Vijay Nishanth, an urban conservationist, said: "I don't know which kind of trees they are translocating and how are they doing it. Translocating should be done under the guidance of the BBMP tree committee and with public consultation. The BBMP should clarify what is the survival rate of the trees that are to be relocated and what is its expertise in translocation of trees."



Nishanth, a member of the BBMP's tree committee, said trees could become weak during translocation because of injuries inflicted on them during the process. He emphasised that the task was best left to the experts.



DH News Service
The state government on Wednesday signed an agreement with a non-government organisation and a TV channel to open a training centre for endosulfan victims at Ujire in Belthangady taluk in Dakshina Kannada district.



Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and representatives of NGO Saanidhya and TV9 signed the agreement in Bengaluru on Wednesday, where it has been decided to start a vocational training centre for the endosulfan victims. They will be taught to make candles, door mats and Yakshagana masks to make them self-reliant.




If all goes well, tourists will be able to see 19 sites of the Hampi ruins and do shopping at the world famous Hampi Bazaar at night from December.



The tourism department has set a deadline of December to showcase the ruins of Hampi under the Hampi by Night project. To add glitter to the tour, the state government is now working on curating the tours where lights will illuminate each step the tourist takes. But this will be limited to select sites.



The Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA), tourism department and Ballari district administration have listed out 19 places to be illuminated. The list includes Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara temple, Kodandarama temple, Nadedande Guhe, Virupakasha temple, Chakrateertha, Kotilinga (one and two), Hastagiri Ranganatha Swamy temple, Courtesan Street (or Sule Bazaar), Achutaraya temple, Varaha temple, Vishnu temple, Sugreeva caves, Pushkarini, ancient bridge (near Achutaraya temple), Kings Balance (also called as Tula Purushadana), Kudregombe Mantapa, Gejjall mantapa and Ugra Narasimha temple.



Two sites  Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara temple and kodanarama temple  have been included for the sound and light show. Apart from this, the HWHAMA and tourism department are in talks with the Archaeological Survey of India on including Vittala temple and the Stone Chariot on the list.



All physical works have been completed. We have also decided to illuminate Hampi Bazaar. Talks are on with the Archaeological Survey of India for finalising the list, whether to add or delete some places. We have planned a two-and-a-half hour tour where monuments will be showcased at night, since tourists complain that it is very hot during the day, said Ram Prasath Manohar V, Ballari district commissioner.



Tenders for illuminating the sites will be floated soon and clearances will take at least 60 days. If all goes well, then from December, tourists will be able to see the sites at night, said N Manjula, tourism department director.
The High Court of Karnataka on Wednesday directed the state police to ascertain the existence of illegal slaughterhouses and take steps to prevent their functioning in the state.



Justice Aravind Kumar directed the the Director General and Inspector General of Police, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner and the jurisdictional authority to take steps to implement the orders.



Public prosecutor S Rachaiah submitted to the court that necessary action will be taken against those running illegal slaughterhouse. He said that as it is a policy matter, the advocate general will be making the submission during the next hearing on September 20.



Justice Kumar was hearing a petition filed by two executive members of Gau Gyan Foundation Kavitha Jain and Joshine Anthony who who have filed criminal petition against Mohammed Ejaz Qureshi, president, Karnataka Beef Association and others.



The petitioners have contended that large number of cattle including cows, calves, bulls, she-buffaloes, oxen and camel were transported in the middle of the night and stocked up on the sides of the roads in an inhuman manner in and around Shivajinagar, Bharathi Nagar, K G Halli, D J Halli, Pulakeshinagar inside Tannery Road, ahead of Bakrid recently.



The petitioners has contended that the accused have violated the provisions of Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Prevention Act, 1964, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1964, Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1978 and Transportation of Animals Act, 1978.


A day after Siddaganga Mutt seer Shivakumara Swami clarified that Lingayats and Veerashaivas are one, the two warring camps on Wednesday got into a huddle to thrash out a consensus on the separate religion issue.



While both camps agreed on the need for a separate religion, the bone of contention was whether it should be called Veerashaiva-Lingayat or just Lingayat.



Water Resources Minister M B Patil, who was left red-faced after the Siddaganga Mutt refuted his claim that it supported the demand for a separate Lingayat religion, was conspicuous by his absence. The Mutts rebuttal was seen as a setback for the campaign spearheaded by a section of leaders within the ruling Congress. The two-hour meeting was attended by Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha president and veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa, Municipal Administration Minister Eshwar B Khandre, Mines and Geology Minister Vinay Kulkarni, Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy, Aland MLA B R Patil, retired IAS officer S M Jamdar and JD(S) leader Basavaraj Horatti, among others.



They were hosted by Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil at his residence.

We concurred that our common goal was to get a separate religion tag, because our faith is different from the Hindu religion. The question remains whether it is Veerashaiva or Lingayat, Rayareddy told reporters after the meeting. The discussion dealt with ideological and legal aspects. We felt an expert committee should be formed to achieve clarity, he said.



CM, Patil mum



One camp argued that Veerashaivas and Lingayats are one and the same, whereas the other camp contended that Veerashaivas are a sub-sect of the Lingayat community.



It was unanimously decided that both camps shall not publicly air views on the separate religion issue. The meeting is a step in the right direction. It is important that we stand united so that our community does not get fragmented, Khandre said.



Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and M B Patil refused to comment on the statement made by Siddaganga Mutt seer. It is rumoured that the Chief Minister expressed his displeasure at the war of words among his ministerial colleagues on the religion issue.
The Supreme Court has frowned upon an order issued by the High Court of Karnataka that restrained two accused to seek bail from any court in a murder case.



While cancelling bail of Rasool Khan and co-accused from Hubballi, the high court went on to pass the blanket direction. It is made clear that they shall not be entitled to seek bail in any court until the proceedings against them reaches logical end, the high court has said. As advocate Sanjay M Nuli challenged the validity of the high courts order, a bench of Justices R K Agrawal and Abhay Manohar Sapre issued notice to the Karnataka government, seeking its response within four weeks.



The counsel questioned the direction issued on March 1 this year, saying the high court had in fact tried to put fetters on the power of the Supreme Court. Such a direction restraining the accused in approaching any courts to hear a matter is normally passed by the apex court. In the 2G spectrum allocation scam, the Supreme Court had issued orders that no other court in the country shall hear the case. It has also been seen when two or the other high courts are hearing an issue, the apex court transfers the case to one particular high court with a direction that no other high court should deal with the matter.



In the instant case, the high court had noted a long-standing enmity between two sets of families at Hubballi. One is the family of Gurappa Chalawadi whose two sons Santosh and Satish were alleged to be actively involved in criminal activities in the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad, which included kidnapping, rioting, matka and various other organised criminal activities.



The other is the family of Kumareshwar Pillai, a history-sheeter with several cases having been registered against him since 1990. On a plea by Kumareshwar, the high court set aside the bail granted to Rasool and co-accused by the trial court on September 15, 2016. On April 6, 2016 Vinayak Pillai, son of Kumareshwar, was run over by a lorry, resulting in his death. Initially, a case of death by rash and negligent driving was registered but on a subsequent plaint, it was alleged murder at the instance of Chalawadi and others as Pillais father was a witness in a criminal case against the accused. It was alleged that Rasool had introduced lorrys driver to Chalawadi.




A 27-year-old engineer who was released on bail in a bribery case, committed suicide by setting himself on fire at Vangimalu village of Chintamani taluk on Tuesday night.



The deceased has been identified as Srinath Reddy, who was working as a junior engineer on contract basis under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Police said that he was arrested on the charge of receiving bribe during a Lokayukta raid in January 2017. He was released bail recently and was staying at his sister's house in Bengaluru.



On Tuesday night, Reddy immolated self by dousing himself with petrol. In a purported death note left by him, Srinath has stated that he had not received bribe from anyone and had been booked for the offence committed by the panchayat development officer. The mother of Reddy has lodged a complaint.



Family members said that Reddy may have been embarrassed by his arrest and hence ended his life.


BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa on Wednesday told the High Court of Karnataka that the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government has denotified 1,300 acres during the Lok Sabha elections in 2014.



He said that the government had dropped the land acquisition to facilitate the Congress MLA from KR Puram constituency in Bengaluru, Byrathi Basavaraj, who is also a member of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).



Senior counsel C V Nagesh, appearing for Yeddyurappa, informed the court that the present government, which has denotified 1,300 acres, is making a hue and cry about the losses to the state exchequer caused by denotification of 257 acres by the previous government.



Nagesh said that since the BDA had not issued the final notification of the land acquired to form Dr Shivaram Karanth Layout in north Bengaluru during Yeddyurappas tenure as chief minister, there was nothing wrong in dropping the land that was already acquired. Nagesh contended that present government failed to issue final notification, which amounts to denotifying the land.



He said the allegation that Asha Paradeshi, one of the land owners is a fictitious name created to enable the procedure of denotification of land is false. The land owner had approached the court previously and had got an order in her favour. He said that there was no conspiracy in creating land owners and letters to enable the denotification process.



The counsel was making his submission in a petition filed by Yeddyurappa, who has moved the court seeking directions to quash two FIRs registered by the Anti Corruption Bureau and the proceedings against him. The two FIRs were registered against the former chief minister in the case of fake-denotification of 257 acres of land of which 3.6 acres were kept to form Dr Shivaram Karanth Layout. Justice Kumar adjourned the hearing to Thursday.


After AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala was sacked from the party, the faction led by T T V Dhinakaran came out of the Paddington Resort in Kodagu on Wednesday morning.



As many as 18 rebel legislators have been staying at the resort and three of them were spotted outside the resort on Wednesday morning.



MLA V Senthil Balaji told reporters that the rebel legislators were offered Rs 20 crore each to support the government. Around 25 police personnel, who raided the resort on Tuesday, have threatened the legislators with registering cases against them, he said.



Accusing Chief Minister E K Palaniswami of backstabbing, Balaji said that the sacking of Sasikala and Dhinakaran was unceremonious.



MLAs approach Kodagu Police



Claiming threats from the Tamil Nadu Police, the rebel legislators have sought protection from the Suntikoppa Police.



The members of the Tamil Nadu Assembly submitted a written complaint to DySP Sampath Kumar. After holding a discussion with the police official for about an hour, they left for the resort.



Attack on media personnel



When a media personnel tried to gather impressions on the recent development of Tamil Nadu politics, MLA Tangam Tamil Selvan tried to attack a journalist, after getting down from his car.



The MLA was on his way to Kushalnagar.
A petition by a Gujarat Congress leader challenging the use of None Of The Above option in the Rajya Sabha polls was a waste of judicial time, the Election Commission has said.



Congress chief whip in Gujarat Assembly Shailesh Manubhai Parmar questioned the use of NOTA in the recently held RS polls in which his partys leader Ahmed Patel emerged victorious.



In an affidavit to the Supreme Court, the poll panel said the NOTA option had been in place since January 2014 and the biennial polls has been held in many states from that time.



Referring to the previous Supreme Court judgements, it said every voter has the right not to cast his/her vote.



It is submitted at the outset that the present writ petition is not maintainable before this court as the contents of the said writ petition do not disclose the violation of any fundamental right of the petitioner or any other person for that matter, the EC said in its affidavit filed in the court.



It also said elections to the Rajya Sabha can only be called into question by an election petition.



On August 3, the top court had refused to stay the EC notification allowing NOTA option in the ballot paper for the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat.


Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday found fault with attempts to portray India as a villain in the Rohingya refugee issue.



Rijiju said it was a calibrated design to tarnish the countrys image as UNHCR chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein flayed attempts by India to deport Rohingyas to Myanmar.



Rijiju said criticism of India on the Rohingyas, who have entered India illegally, undermines the countrys security.



This chorus of branding India as a villain on Rohingya issue is a calibrated design to tarnish Indias image. It undermines Indias security, Rijiju tweeted.



In a letter to the states on August 8, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that illegal immigrants not only infringe on the rights of Indian citizens but also aggravate the security challenges posed to the country.



It said the powers to identify and deport such people are with the states while noting that infiltration from the Rakhine state of Myanmar in the recent years has become a burden on the limited resources of the country.
India and Japan on Wednesday renewed their research partnership for another five years to create a stem cell bank for patients needing transplantation, and also to explore translational research.



The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) will bring Japanese scientists on board and rely on Japanese research infrastructure to a large extent as it sets out to create an Indian human induced stem cell haplobank for patients requiring bone marrow transplantation.



Human induced stem cells are collected from an adult and tweaked to behave like pluripotent stem cells  the master cells that can produce any tissue that the body needs to repair itself.



Once realised, such a bank can be a perpetual source of tissues that can be inserted into a patient through bone marrow transplant. The scientific challenges to realise such a bank are formidable.



Such a bank is currently not existing in the world, though scientists are trying hard to create a functional bank since the breakthrough by Japanese researcher Shinya Yamanaka in 2006. Yamanaka, a professor at the Kyoto University, was awarded the Nobel Prize for the discovery in 2012.



The DBT already has a partnership with the Kyoto University on the induced human stem cell research. Two Japanese researchers were brought into Indian research programmes involving National Centre for Biological Sciences and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, both in Bengaluru, K Vijayraghavan, secretary in Department of Biotechnology said here. We are now in a position to take on a national mission on the use of stem cell technology in human diseases, with the Japanese collaboration, he said.


Panicked parents rushed to a private school in T Dasarahalli on Wednesday, where a four-year-old was allegedly sexually assaulted by a security guard.



As the case grew foggier, angry parents demanded clarity from the school management. Our children are also studying here. We need to know if the incident happened or not for our peace of mind, the parents demanded. To convince them that there was no evidence yet against the staff members, school authorities allowed the parents to view the CCTV footage, along with police officers and the father of the child. The footage showed the movement of the child from the time she entered the school, till she left. Nothing seemed amiss, said one parent. Another parent, however, said, Maybe it did not happen on Tuesday. They should check footage from previous days also.



The other parents were also agitated over conflicting reports about the whereabouts of the child and demanded a statement from the parents (childs) to clear their doubts.



As per our knowledge, no such incident has occurred. The child was unwell and vomited in class. She was in the school from about 9.15 am to 1.30 pm, a member of the school management said. He added that guards are not allowed in the area of the school where classes are conducted. We have all security measures in place, such as CCTV cameras and ID cards for parents, he added.



Education department officials visited the school to enquire about the incident. Deputy Director of Public Instruction for Bengaluru North, Abdul Wajid Khaji said, From our inquiry and viewing of footage, it appears that no incident of sexual assault took place on the school premises. However, we will wait for the medical reports. The officials will visit the child once she recovers from fever, along with a counsellor. The school is following all the prescribed safety norms. We will submit a detailed report to the government, he said.



Kripa Amar Alva, chairperson of Karnataka State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) visited the school. She said that they would await medical reports before further action.



Rashmi DSouza, member of National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development attached to the union ministry of women and child development, visited the mother and child at their residence close to the school.



The child has fever and the mother is very disturbed. The child told the mother that the guard uncle is bad. The mother is not sure if sexual assault took place or not and the family is also waiting for the medical reports, DSouza said.



DH News Service
The i-RoamFree offers unlimited international roaming across UK and Europe. The pricing of roaming plans range from Rs 500 for 24 hours to Rs 5000 for 28 days.

Vodafone has launched its latest offer, the i-RoamFree unlimited international roaming pack across UK and Europe. Apart from Europe, Vodafone users can avail unlimited calling and Data in USA, UAE, Singapore & Malaysia with the same pack. The pricing of the i-RoamFree recharge pack ranges from Rs 5000 for 28 days to Rs. 500 for 24 Hours. The roaming pack can be activated through My Vodafone App or via Vodafones website.

Read the complete press release below

International Roaming just got bigger and grander! Vodafone India, one of Indias leading telecommunications service providers, today unveiled the first-time-ever, worry free, unlimited International Roaming proposition for travelers to Europe with its international roaming pack, Vodafone i-RoamFREE.



Whether it is a business trip, or a leisure holiday, international travelers can now easily activate a pack and use their number overseas from UK and other popular travel destinations of Europe like Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Malta, & Albania



Apart from Europe, travelers can also use unlimited calling and Data in USA, UAE, Singapore & Malaysia with the same pack taking the total tally of Unlimited Countries to 18.The pack is available at multiple affordable price points ranging from Rs 5000 for 28 days (which is effectively Rs 180 per day) to Rs. 500 for every 24 Hours usage. Prepaid and postpaid consumers can activate the pack through My Vodafone App or on the website www.vodafone.in/ir



Avneesh Khosla, Associate Director  Consumer Business, Vodafone India, said, We launched our flagship unlimited international roaming proposition for USA, Singapore and UAE in April, and are now very excited to extend it to these additional destinations. Europe, USA, UAE, Singapore & Malaysia comprise more than 50% of our total roamers and international traffic. With calls and data becoming completely free in these countries, we are eliminating the hassle of carrying local SIM cards or looking out for public WiFi during overseas travel. Customers can freely upload photos & videos, look up places on maps, check emails and stay connected back home using their Vodafone number without worrying about high international roaming bills They can remain confidently connected on their existing Vodafone number when they travel, and be assured the best of voice and data services.

Apart from offering unlimited usage in 18 countries, the same pack also allows consumers to use their phones freely across 42 other countries. Vodafone has recently added new countries like Japan, Qatar, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Egypt and more to this pack. In all these countries, subscribers can receive incoming calls for free, make any call for Re. 1/min and browse data at Re. 1/MB only.
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Ed Murray resigning today as Seattle mayor

Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell will become mayor.



Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said he will resign after a fifth man came forward and accused him of sexual abuse decades ago.

Murray had already said earlier that he would not seek a second term as mayor.

He said Tuesday that he would step down today at 5 p.m.

City Council President Bruce Harrell will become mayor when Murray resigns, and take five days to decide whether he will fill the remainder of Murray's term, which runs until the end of the year. Director of Operations Fred Podesta will lead the transition.

Four men had previously accused Murray of sexually abusing them. The Seattle Times reported Tuesday that a younger cousin of Murray made the latest allegation.

Murray has denied all of the allegations. He said in a statement that While the allegations against me are not true, it is important that my personal issues do not affect the ability of our city government to conduct the public's business.

To the people of this special city and to my dedicated staff, I am sorry for this painful situation, Murray said.

News of the sexual-abuse accusation upstaged an announcement scheduled for Tuesday in which Murray was going to share details of a memorandum of understanding between the city and Oak View Group regarding the redevelopment of KeyArena. That announcement has not yet been rescheduled.

Before being elected mayor in 2013 Murray was a long-time Democrat state lawmaker who led the campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state. As mayor he pushed to raise the city's minimum hourly wage to $15.

Murray said, I'm proud of all that I have accomplished over my 19 years in the Legislature, where I was able to pass what were at the time the largest transportation packages in state history, a landmark gay civil rights bill and a historic marriage equality bill.

And I am proud of what we have accomplished together at the city during my time as mayor, passing a nation-leading $15 minimum wage, and major progressive housing affordability and police accountability legislation, as well as negotiating an agreement to build a world-class arena that I believe in time will bring the NHL and NBA to Seattle.

This article includes material from The Associated Press.




Amid China's push for electric cars, Tesla plans plant in Shanghai

Tesla Motors is in discussions to establish a factory in Shanghai, its first in China, a move that could bolster its efforts in one of its major markets even as it further lifts China's position as a builder of electric cars.

In a statement on Thursday, Tesla said it needed to set up more overseas factories to make cars that customers could afford. Such a strategy is a must in China, which like India charges steep tariffs for imported cars.

''Tesla is working with the Shanghai Municipal Government to explore the possibility of establishing a manufacturing facility in the region to serve the Chinese market,'' a company spokesman said, according to The New York Times. ''Tesla is deeply committed to the Chinese market, and we continue to evaluate potential manufacturing sites around the globe to serve the local markets.''

''While we expect most of our production to remain in the US, we do need to establish local factories to ensure affordability for the markets they serve,'' the spokesman said.

China announced this weekend that it would set a deadline for automakers to end sales of fossil-fuel powered vehicles, which would make it the biggest market to take such a step. (See: China mulling deadline for ban on fossil-fuel vehicles)

While the move will mainly boost local electric car companies, including BYD Co and BAIC Motor Corp, Tesla clearly does not intend to be left behind.

China accounted for about 15 per cent of Tesla's revenue last year, nearly double the percentage it contributed in 2015.

Shanghai city officials did not respond to NYT's requests for comment. Bloomberg News reported earlier that Tesla and Shanghai had signed a preliminary agreement.

Tesla's negotiations do not guarantee that a plant will be built. Under Chinese law, such a project would require Tesla to find a Chinese joint-venture partner. While China is full of Chevrolets, Fords and Volkswagens, most are made in factories jointly owned by a foreign automaker and a local company.

The City of Shanghai houses the SAIC Motor Corporation, one of China's largest automakers and a partner for General Motors and Volkswagen. It was not clear whether Tesla's negotiations with the city government would steer the company to negotiate with SAIC.

Tesla could get around the joint-venture requirement by building a wholly owned factory in a foreign trade zone in China. But it would still have to pay the 25 per cent import duty for cars sold in China, as the factory would be treated as outside China for trade purposes.

Further complicating matters, China recently announced that it would issue no more business licences to make automobiles, including electric cars. Tesla does not have a licence, although it could form an alliance with a company that has one.

These are formidable obstacles. But some in the Chinese auto industry say that the economics of producing in China - a low-cost supply chain, especially for electric cars, as well as the ability to bypass the import tariffs - make the proposition attractive.

For China, a domestic Tesla factory could represent a big symbolic victory. Spurred by incessant pollution and increasing dependence on foreign oil, China for the last several years has pushed to be a leader in electric car development.

That has raised concern in Western countries. In March, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China complained that Chinese law requires manufacturers who set up shop in China to transfer crucial technology to their Chinese partners.

The complaint coincides with a broader debate over China's plan - called Made in China 2025 - to become self-sufficient in some technology industries. That plan has led to concerns that China will nurture and subsidise domestic competitors to Western companies.

Still, it is not clear what arrangements Tesla would make in China. The battery is central to electric car technology. Tesla has already invested heavily in its huge, $5 billion Nevada factory, called the Gigafactory, to produce batteries.

Tesla models carry a hefty price in China. The Model S ranges from 723,500 to 1,399,800 renminbi, or about $104,000 to $203,000. The same model retails for $70,000 to $140,000 in the United States, before government incentives.
GST blues: e-retailers to see flatter sales this festive season

Even as e-retailers gear up to shower shoppers with discounts on the eve of the festive season, experts expect flat growth compared to last year. Despite the upcoming Big Billion Days sale from Flipkart or Amazon's Great India Sale or Paytm Mall's raft of offers, industry watchers say that the gross merchandise value (GMV) this year would be 10 per cent below last year's festive season, says a newspaper report.

Data released by market research and advisory firm RedSeer Consulting shows that the e-commerce industry clocked $210 million per day for a period of five days from 1-6 October in the 2016 festive season, which resulted in the market posting an overall GMV of $2.2 billion in the same month.

But, this year, ''Fatigue factor has seeped into the market, thanks to the pre-GST sale, which saw e-retailers offloading their entire stock at a discounted rate. Hence, consumers in tier 2 and 3 cities may refrain from buying during the festive season sale, though customers in metro and top 10 cities are expected to spend,'' FE cited a senior analyst as saying.

Much of the action will be restricted to Amazon and Flipkart. According to RedSeer, while Flipkart registered a mere 1 per cent growth in market share at 43 per cent in October 2016 from 42 per cent a year ago, Amazon India's market share more than doubled during the same period.

Amazon India's market share stood at 32 per cent in October 2016 compared to 15 per cent in October 2015.

Snapdeal, which was the third-largest player until last year, has been replaced by Paytm Mall, for which it will be the first festive season.

''A lot depends on factors such as how fast ecommerce firms are able to fulfil shipment this festive season by bettering of logistic services through addition of new warehouses, etc, besides adding new brands and stock keeping units (SKU). The more options ecommerce players add, the more they will be able to sell,'' Sreedhar Prasad, partner, Internet and e-commerce business, KPMG, told FE.

E-retailers have already started to add new warehouses, apart from on-boarding more products. Early this month, Amazon India nearly doubled its warehouse capacity at 13 million cubic feet by launching its largest warehouse at Jamalpur, Haryana. The company now runs 41 fulfilment centres across the country. Till December 2016, it operated 27 warehouses across the country with a 7 million cubic feet capacity.
More than 500 people wound up at Marianna High School to take shelter as Hurricane Irma churned inland.

By Sunday around noon, only about 150 had arrived but a steady stream started pouring in that afternoon as the storms path toward Naples became more certain.

MHS is the countys only shelter certified as capable of withstanding hurricane force winds. It had opened under the designation as a host shelter as of 2 p.m. on Friday, with no signs of the storm yet apparent locally.

The storm had its first, isolated effects in Jackson County on Sunday, when an outer band of Hurricane Irma is believed to have snapped a tree in half in Marianna. And there wasnt much more until Monday.

As heavy winds started blowing through the county that morning, the shelter was transitioned to designation as a risk shelter since it was able take people in for protection in the midst of the storm. As more evacuees started streaming in, locals were pouring in to help, as well.

Never have I seen such outstanding outreach, said Jackson County Emergency Management Director Rodney Andreasen. Not only from our first responders in fire- rescue, not only from the school board and Sodexo food service there, not only the power companies, not only from law enforcement but from students, ordinary citizens and churches and businesses. The Chamber of Commerce brought in food and their personnel supported us. Tiffany Garling (Chamber Executive Director) coordinated operations related to business concerns, and Steve Young and Darwin Gilmore were here from Chipola College to support us as well. And there were many young people who came out on their own to volunteer. I wish I could sit down and write a letter to each and every one of the people who helped. It was really something to see. If you want to look at whats right about our country, you dont have to look any further that what happened right here in Jackson County. Its what this country ought to be about.

Andreasen said food, blankets, pillows, cots and other supplies, including crates for animals that had been brought to the shelter without them, started arriving with the volunteers who came in without prompting.

We need to celebrate this response somehow in a big way, Andreasen said. Everyone stood up and I was really overwhelmed by what happened in this community.

The heaviest winds had subsided by late Monday afternoon and by about 4:30 p.m., almost everyone was gone from the shelter except the special needs guests, who transitioned out Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, personnel from the Jackson County school system took their facility over again.

Jackson County School Superintendent Larry Moore said faculty and staff came in from every school in the county to help in the clean-up.

He, too, was amazed by the communitys storm response and proud of the districts young people in particular.

It has been amazing and it just makes me very proud, Moore said. Students, staff and teachers have been right here doing more than their part. MHS Principal Hunter Nolen, for instance, could not be convinced to leave except for brief periods to get a shower and freshen up. Amy Allen, Golson School principal, was also a key team member, along with Travis Blanton-- an MHS assistant principal, and School Resource Officer David Cobb from the Marianna Police Department. As for the student volunteers, Moore said they were model citizens.

Several students came in and kept the young children occupied with games and other activities in one room, he said. They came together as individuals on their own to do this. I dont think it was a club or anything like that, just different one pulling together to make a difficult time for children a lot less stressful. Young people also helped in various other ways, Moore said. They and everybody else involved did a super, super job from beginning to end.

And he had high praise for the school systems Sodexo food service team as well. I dont think Jack Noonan left one time since Friday. He was still here this morning,  Moore said Tuesday. Noonan, Sodexos district food service director, coordinated three square meals a day for the people in the shelter on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, as well as meals on Friday after the shelter opened at 2 p.m. and breakfast on Tuesday as the last of the evacuees headed out.

Moore said the local community left an overall big impression on the guests who came here looking for shelter but that they found much more.

It was impressive, Moore said Tuesday. I met a couple from Tampa who were staying in the shelter. The gentleman was 84 years old. He told me last night at supper that being here was a blessing. He said the people in this community are the nicest people hes ever met. I think that sums it up.

In the aftermath of the big shelter event, Moore said individuals from every school gathered early to help custodians sanitize the space. Its spick and span, Moore said. Everybody pitched in. This whole thing has been nothing short of amazing in terms of people pulling together. We have so many people to thank, and a lot of good lessons were learned. Well have a debriefing to go over all that happened to see if we can plan for any future event to make things even better but this was a very, very good response.

And in that debriefing, Moore said, some though will be given to how the district can show its students and the community at large its gratitude. It was humbling and gratifying to know the community has that spirit and demonstrated it on a scale that leaves no doubt.

Nolen finally left the school just after noon on Tuesday. He said he was heading to bed. But before he did that, he said, he wanted to make sure the community understands his gratitude. I hope the public knows how great they are. We had several people volunteer to take care of the animals-we had probably 30 or 40 pets, which was a bit of a dilemma, Nolen said. Their help was most appreciated. There are so many othersRex Lumber sent a gift card and tons of water, Zaxbys, Beef O Bradys, Sonic, Domino's and others came in and fed people Saturday night between 9-10 p.m. Dinner was at 5 p.m., and some people had only come in after that, so it was great to have something for them. Evangel Worship Center brought in about 100 cots, and Baptist College of Florida brought in about 100 mattresses.

The American Red Cross had run out of cots, so those contributions were so important. No one had to sleep on the floor. That was really big to us. I am so fortunate to be part of a great community like this. Jackson County is awesome. There were people who came in with literally nothing but the clothes on their backs. Your heart goes out to people like that and I cant stress enough the fact that this community came through in a huge way.
As the last of hundreds of Hurricane Irma evacuees leave our area, local officials are assessing the cost involved with the storm. Emergency responders and utilities are tallying man-hours and overtime, as well as equipment costs.

While an accounting of public assets is good stewardship, theres one conclusion that can easily be drawn  whatever the cost, it was well worth every dime.

Those who are charged with the responsibility of the communitys safety rose to the challenge of a massive storm that couldnt quite decide which way it was headed. Because of Irmas wishy washy nature, they prepared for the worst and hoped for the best  not just for local residents, but for the 500 evacuees sheltered in evacuation centers in the community and those holed up in every available motel room.

In most recent news-gathering efforts, our reporters learned that a group of Dothan utility workers whove just finished long hours of restoring power at home have grabbed some sleep and are heading into Florida to help those linemen restore power to thousands of those residents. We learned that where some evacuees lacked adequate funds to get themselves and their families back home, their needs were met by generous local benefactors. And last weeks tragedy in Texas hasnt been forgotten; First Baptist Church is gathering volunteers for a trip to Houston later this month to hang sheet rock in homes being rehabbed after the flooding there.

When the tally is made, theres no doubt that Irma will have made an impact on the coffers at City Hall.

But what we got for that spending? Its priceless.
The call for volunteers went out at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. Within 45 minutes, 26 members of the Flowers Hospital nursing staff had signed up to assist one of three fellow Community Health Systems hospitals in south Florida.

The first wave of nurses left Dothan, bound for Port Charlotte, Wednesday afternoon. Six nurses will be flown to Fort Myers via a Cessna Citation plane provided by Power South Electric Cooperative of Andalusia. The other two CHS facilities are in Punta Gorda and Collier. The volunteers will be based in Punta Gorda.

We have a total of 26 nurses going down there, said Dan Cumbie, chief nursing officer. Today, were sending six. Were limited with the flights and transportation. Its absolutely incredible the way our staff volunteered.

The volunteers are sure to be a welcome sight for the beleaguered staff in Port Charlotte.

Our people will provide relief for their staff, Cumbie said. Their people have been there (in the hospital) for many long hours. Our role is to help relieve some of them. We have a lot of emergency room volunteers going. In this first group, all six are ER nurses.

Cumbie noted the destruction south Florida faced has created logistical issues for the Port Charlotte staff.

Power and gas have been issues there, Cumbie said. Slowly, some services are returning. But we know they have some structural and drainage issues. They have done the job of keeping everything running.

David Mitchell, of Power South, will fly the six volunteers to south Florida.

Were certainly appreciative of Power South volunteering to transport our folks down there, Cumbie added. One of our nurses has connections to the company. When contacted, they said they could fly six of our nurses to south Florida.

Cumbie says the local hospital will miss the staff members, but the facility will manage.

Our staff here has been doubling up on shifts to make sure things are covered here, he said.

For Nikki Langford, the decision to help was an easy one, and one she made quickly.

I volunteered immediately as (Hurricane) Harvey was coming through, she said. Im from Houston. I was ready to go to Houston to help.

A call for volunteer nurses didnt come from east Texas, but it wouldnt be long before a call for help came - thanks to Hurricane Irma. She believes the trip to south Florida will be a humbling one.

Ive been around hurricanes growing up in Texas and here, Langford said. Ive seen the damage after the fact. However, this time I will see it so soon after the hurricane. We will see how blessed we are having (CHS) sister hospitals available to help them.

The trip will be stressful, but humbling, added Jill Carter, a 20-year veteran of nursing (spending the last seven in the ER). I made the decision to volunteer immediately. I called my husband to make sure it would be okay with him. That area was hit hard. Thats what weve heard. Im assuming well help run the ER. Some of their staff cant make it to work (because of the amount of damage in the area). The volume of work there has been overwhelming for them.

This trip will include veterans and at least one newcomer to the nursing profession. Logan Gaster has been a nurse for four months. The decision to volunteer came quickly for him.

It took about 20 minutes to make the decision to put my name on the list, he said. Hopefully, I will be able to be a lot of help in this situation. Its been stressful on the people there. We will give maximum effort and be a huge relief for them.

Anne Carmichael, a 12-year nursing veteran, didnt wait for the call for volunteers to come.

I requested, if we sent a team, that I would go, she said. We will do whatever they need us to do. Were going there to provide support and help.

Debbie Newman, RN, has spent 27 years in the nursing profession. The last seven have been in the ER.

I volunteered (to provide assistance) before Harvey hit Houston, Newman said. Doing something like this has always been on my heart. I worked in Enterprise after the tornado and in Geneva after the flooding. But, for something like this, I could never go. I had kids and couldnt go. Theyre grown now. This gives me the opportunity to use my skills (on a disaster relief trip).

Nathan Chase will bring a unique perspective to this trip. He became a licensed EMT in 1991 before considering nursing as a profession.

Its been in my blood, he said. Its what I know. I volunteered, when the hurricane came through (south Florida).

He expects the experience to be hectic.

We will do typical ER nurse responsibilities, Chase said. I dont think many doctors offices or clinics are open right now. The ER will take care of the medical needs.

The flow of nurses from Flowers Hospital will continue until all 26 have been sent in to relieve the Port Charlotte staff.

The people there are tired, said Heath Phillips, CEO of Flowers Hospital, as he spoke to the volunteers. It will be an emotional experience for you. But its also a testament to our ER. You will have people here picking up the slack. Yall embody what we are as a community and as a hospital.

The Flowers Hospital staff members will spend a week assisting in Port Charlotte. They will return home next Tuesday.






Hunger Crisis



Severe food crisis are growing in Kenya and Somalia as the Horn of Africa continues to receive below-normal rainfall. Crop and livestock losses and water shortages in Somalia have caused more than 440,000 people to leave their homes since November 2016. Under such circumstances, the African Unions commitment to achieving Zero Hunger by 2025 does not, for now, appear realistic.



 Data source: 2016 Global Hunger Index: Africa edition











Did you know? An estimated 1.4 million children could die this year from famine-like conditions in South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, and Yemen, according to the UNICEF

 Data source: 2016 Global Hunger Index: Africa edition





Did you know? From 2000 to 2016, three countries in AfricaGhana, Rwanda and Senegalreduced their GHI scores by 50 per cent or more









Proportion of undernourished



Zambia, the Central African Republic and Namibia have the highest proportion of undernourished people in Africabetween 42 per cent and 48 per cent of the population. Overall, 3.2 million people in Somalia are at risk, 350,000 children are malnourished and 70,000 children are severely malnourished. About 10.7 million people need humanitarian assistance in the Lake Chad Basin, which includes northeastern Nigeria, northern Cameroon, eastern Niger and southwestern Chad. More than 500,000 children are suffering severe levels of malnutrition.




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American workplace relocation company Graebel have announced 125 jobs for Dundalk over the next three years.

An Tanaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Frances Fitzgerald TD was present at the announcement this afternoon at the company's new offices on the Finnabair Industrial Park.

Graebel's CEO Bill Graebel was also in town for the opening.

The offices in Dundalk will be the hub for the companys Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) financial shared services and operations.

Some job positions have already been filled and recruitment will be ongoing.

Graebel is based in Colorado in the US and is a provider of workplace mobility services for large multinational companies.

Welcoming the announcement, An Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said: "I'm delighted to welcome a company of Graebel's calibre to Ireland and their creation of 125 jobs for Dundalk over the next three years. A key priority of this Government, through our Regional Action Plans for Jobs, is to create jobs in rural Ireland and this significant number will be transformative for Dundalk.

"Known globally for its end-to-end relocation solutions, Graebel's establishment here will also greatly assist foreign direct investment (FDI) relocating to Ireland and Europe. Just two weeks ago, Ireland was named as the best country in the world for attracting high-value FDI for the sixth year in a row. Having Graebel here will only enhance our offering and I wish Graebel and their team every success in Ireland.

Local Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick stated that the jobs boost will be "transformative" for the local area.

I'm delighted to welcome a company of Graebel's calibre to Dundalk and their creation of 125 jobs for the area over the next three years is very welcome news for the town and the county as a whole.

A key priority of this Government, through our Regional Action Plans for Jobs, is to create jobs in rural Ireland and this significant number will be transformative for Dundalk.

Graebel's establishment here will also greatly assist foreign direct investment (FDI) relocating to Ireland and Europe."

Fianna Fail Deputy Declan Breathnach pointed to the "exceptional talent pool" available to prospective foreign companies in the area.

I wish to compliment the IDA for their efforts in focussing on Dundalk as an ideal location to attract FDI and I know that they will continue to do so because of the exceptional talent pool that exists within the North East region which is ideally placed between Belfast and Dublin.

Louth Deputy Gerry Adams attended the formal opening also and welcomed the announcement of 125 new jobs in the company's shared finance, IT, and accounting services.

I want to welcome today's announcement of 125 new jobs in the services sector through Graebel ltd.

I also want to commend the IDA for its hard work and success in attracting this new employer to Louth.

This is good news for the local economy. With an unemployment rate of nearly 17%, Louth needs more of these announcements.

Todays announcement is a vote of confidence in Dundalk and the wider region."

Speaking at the announcement was Chathaoirleach of Dundalk, Cllr. John McGahon said:

"Dundalk has such a proud tradition of industry and it's fantastic that Graebel's announcement of 125 jobs is the latest addition to the rich tapestry of industry and commence that Dundalk is so proud of."

Louth is set to benefit from the jobs boost local Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd added.

It is excellent news for the town of Dundalk and the county as a whole to have such a prestigious company creating jobs in the region.

Graebel's establishment here will also greatly assist foreign direct investment (FDI) relocating to Ireland and Europe.

Fine Gael is committed to creating a Republic of Opportunity by rewarding work, encouraging enterprise and ensuring that all parts of Ireland share prosperity and economic growth.

Graebel CEO Mr Bill Graebel spoke of the importance of the new offices in Dundalk.

"Our location in Dundalk will allow us to better serve our international clients and their employees needs, as we provide our duty of care that is central to our values. We look forward to working with the Irish government and IDA to further grow our business internationally and create jobs in Ireland for many years to come."

Martin Shanahan chairman of IDA Ireland said Graebel's investment in Ireland was a further sign of the IDA's strategy.

"The types of roles being created coupled with strategic value of the centre is in line with IDAs strategic objective to win high quality investments in regional locations."

According to the company, Graebel addresses every part of the mobility lifecycle for employers and employees, including services for departure and move management, destination, settling-in and ongoing assignment.

Since its founding in 1950, Graebel has grown to deliver service and results for its clients, all while remaining family-owned. Graebel develops and implements mobility strategies that help companies attract and retain talent; respond faster to global market trends; and maximize return on mobility programs.
Dynamic Business is proud to present Lets Talk. This exciting new, weekly initiative provides entrepreneurs and industry experts with a forum to share rapid-fire views on a range of issues that matter to start-ups and small to medium businesses.

So, whats the 411 with Lets Talk? Every Wednesday, well pose a themed question to a line-up of knowledgable industry figures, with a view to picking their brains for valuable insights to share with you, our readers.

Without further ado, lets get the ball rolling with the first of many Lets Talk themes  Raising Capital  along with the first of many probing Lets Talk questions, this one geared towards startup founders looking to scale

Whats a sure-fire way to make an investor sit up and listen?

Deb Noller, CEO, Switch Automation: Theres only one thing that will make investors sit up and listen. The only thing they care about is traction Maybe in a red-hot space like internet currency offerings, you might gain some more organic interest. But if youre not sitting in the epicentre of what all the investors are flooding to fund right now, then theres only one thing they care about  traction. You must demonstrate that youre gaining new customers and increasing your momentum. If you can do that, then you can get investors.

Nick La, Co-Founder, Weploy: Make noise, have a solution (not just a product)  and know your numbers!

Tony Wu, Head of Growth, Weploy: Do insane things to be heard! We once followed a VC onto an 8-hour flight and pitched him as he couldnt change seats. But also, know who youre pitching to and ensure your pitchs why aligns to the investors why. This allowed us to gain instant engagement, which allowed the afformentioned VC to ask us the right questions, and allowed him to explore our idea to its full potential.

Jason Dooris, CEO of Atomic 212: Smart investors want to be part of a business that offers value and has developed something customers want today  right now. You must be able to show that you can defend your position within the market, and that you will not get steamrolled by the next operator with a similar idea and more drive.

At the same time, you must demonstrate you can extend your offering further into related areas, to drive it into new markets with new customers via new products and new processes. But even this is not quite enough. Finally, you must be able to prove that you can take all your learnings, all the ingredients that makes your offering valuable, and push these into completely unrelated areas, areas that may not be valuable now but will be treasured in the future.

These four components are critical: 1. Establish value; 2. Defend value; 3. Extend value; 4. Innovate for the future. Of course, people in the startup space are always talking about how to nab investors. But finding the right investor is just as important as avoiding the wrong one. There are plenty of investors out there  risk-averse investors, high risk investors and people who say they are investors but are no more than chest beaters. Find out who you are dealing with as quickly as possible. The wrong investor can be an anchor on your business.

Jason Wilby and Jonathan Buck, Co-founders, Huddle: Every startup must solve a problem for its customers, yet entrepreneurs often skim over this and spend their time arguing that theyve found the magic solution. To get people to listen youve got to demonstrate that you understand your customers and the problem space better than anyone else. Avoid too many facts and figures and instead show great empathy and a deep understanding of your customers and their lives. By demonstrating empathy, your potential investor can feel confident that you will connect with your customers. It also means youre more likely to find out what they need and how to sell it to them.

Julie Demsey, General Manager, SBE Australia: While every investor is different, there are a few sure-fire ways to get them to sit up and listen. Convey your passion for your business and the problem you are solving. Sell them on the big picture, your vision and why you are the right person to solve this problem and run your business. For brownie points, always drive home that you are solving the problem with a disruptive, global technology. Know your business drivers and numbers inside out, and confidently convey this knowledge and deep understanding of your business and the market to investors.

Mick Spencer, Founder & CEO, ONTHEGO: From my experience on Shark Tank as well as bringing on board a family office and very smart seed investors, and now leading into OTGs upcoming Series A round nothing makes investors sit up and listen more intently than someone who is confident in their company and confident in their numbers. There is no lying in numbers, and given there is a lot of spin out there, smart investors will cut through that quickly. Founders: know your key financial health fundamentals!

Will On, Co-Founder & Joint CEO, Shippit: A warm introduction is 1000x more effective than a cold email. Funding is like a marriage and the quickest way to gain trust is to find a mutual and reliable connection (aka. LinkedIn stalking) who can help facilitate an introduction. After that, its about being as concise as possible  a sentence on who you are, the product, traction and finally wanting to organise a follow up meeting.

James Alexander, Co-Founder, Galileo Ventures and Founder at University of Sydneys INCUBATE: If youre a young entrepreneur just starting out, tell the investor you dont want their money, you want their advice. It helps you relax, changes the dynamic straight away and if you get along with them, 9 times out of 10 theyll be more interested as an investor too.

Ghazaleh Lyari, Champ Ventures and Chair of Heads Over Heels: Preparation is key for any startup CEO looking to raise capital. Experienced investors meet numerous founders/CEOs on a regular basis and develop a knack for seeing through a sales pitch vs an authentic story. To make an impression with a startup investor, there are basic elements I would cover in a pitch:

A simple and clearly articulated explanation of what the business does, what problem it solves, and who it does it for  if this cant be done in a couple of sentences, the CEO is not ready to pitch. The size of the potential market  this must be quantified as best as possible. Its key to give a sense of how big the business could one day scale to be, with the right support and resources Execution capability  it starts with the CEO, and extends to the broader management team. Investors decide to back the person(s) behind the story, as much as they choose to back the story itself. Every business goes through difficult periods, especially in its early development stage. The CEOs credibility, relevant experience, and signs of stamina and resilience are the elements that convey whether she is the right leader for the company, and has what it takes to deliver on its goals; Understanding of industry, trends and participants  competition (or its threat) should encourage an entrepreneur to always keep a critical look at the business and be prepared to articulate what it is that the business does differently to others.

Editors note: Due to the volume of responses we received for our very first themed question, Lets Talk Raising Capital will return for an encore performance THIS Friday (15 September), with further insights for budding startup founders from those whove been there and done that.
I have a strong opinion that the sooner we can have people addressing social issues through financially profitable businesses, the better. Unfortunately, we live in a world with increasing costs of addressing social issues and if we need to continue relying on donor dollars to address them, its going to take us longer to achieve the results were after.

This is a quote from a conversation with my friend and a fellow member of my local entrepreneurial community Omar de Silva, the Co-Founder and CEO of The Plato Project . Omar, like many of us, seeks more than the accumulation of wealth from his life. As a board advisor for The Snowdome Foundation, he has spent the past five years donating his professional expertise to helping the non-profit find better treatments and ultimately a cure for blood cancers. His successes with Snowdome include contributing to the efforts that won the charity a Telstra Business Award in 2016, a victory that proved to him that money doesnt need to be involved in professional and personal accomplishment.

The Death of Traditional Corporate Volunteering?

If your organisation has ever paid a charity to run a staff volunteering day, then you could be wasting a whole lot of money and valuable volunteering resources. Organising an entire company or department to work in a soup kitchen for a day or visit a childrens ward may feel like youre making a difference, but more often than not, the cause youre trying to help is significantly disrupted by the time youre spending there. As a rule of thumb, if youre paying for the opportunity to volunteer your staffs services, then youre doing it wrong. Instead of spending your money and staffs time on a paid volunteering opportunity, it might be better to donate your teams time in the form of skilled volunteering. Skilled volunteering utilises the highly valuable services that individuals and teams within your organisation can offer (such as marketing, finance, legal, or administrative services) and donates them to non-profits free of charge.

Tess Melville, Volunteer Services Coordinator for Make-A-Wish Australia , is a witness to the power of skilled volunteering, The volunteer sector is in a state of change, this is exciting but also a challenge for non-profits to re-think the way we work. Tess not only supports skilled volunteering but sees it as something that, if ignored, will have dire consequences for non-profit organisations, The traditional model of volunteering is not sustainable, in order for us to continue to grant wishes for years to come we need to think about how we can change with the sector and not be left behind. For the same amount of money that you would donate to an organisation for a volunteers day out, you could also be providing non-profit organisations with access to an online skilled volunteering platform. Not only would that amount provide your company and staff with access to skilled volunteering opportunities, but it would also provide a return of 20x the value of every dollar spent by your business.

The benefit of good CSR to the bottom line

There are multiple reports that link goodness to employee satisfaction and retention ( a great summary is provided by BCorp here ), and there was a significant study back in 2008 that positively linked CSR to perceived quality of the products offered and consumer satisfaction. Repeated studies since the early 2000s have continued to show that businesses who align their commercial activity with community and causes will see a significant return on their bottom line through increased staff retention, productivity, and increased brand desirability. REA Group is one of an increasing number of progressive purpose-driven companies that no longer even view the phrase Corporate Social Responsibility as a relevant term, as it implies that a company only invests in its purpose-driven activities because it has to. Indeed, REA Groups track record in giving back to the community shows that the company is viewing CSR as anything but a box to tick.

In 2014, REA Group and Launch Housing created the national Rapid Rehousing Fund, an initiative which so far has supported more than 1,100 women and children around Australia who were experiencing or at risk of homelessness. As a part of its wider Because We Care employee give back program, REA Group also prides itself on enabling its employees to support local communities through a number of different programs. The groups Head of Community Partnerships & Engagement, Jessica Christie, agrees that the commercial impact the business community partnerships & engagement program has on the company is incredibly positive, saying: When businesses form authentic community partnerships and genuinely support their people to give back to the community, employee engagement goes up and people outside the business want to be a part of it  both the community and the company benefit.

Australia Posts Corporate Responsibility Manager, Miguel Oyarbide, affirms this, CSR is more than just a nice thing to do on top of everything else. We know that the value we create goes beyond financial terms  and from that perspective, CSR is about being true to our purpose. As a 208-year-old organisation, Australia Post links its long-term sustainability with its focus on recognising and responding to social and environmental challenges, CSR provides a powerful lens to help us identify and address risks, attract and retain talented employees, meet stakeholder expectations, innovate, gain competitive advantage and respond to changing market demands.

Purpose: The New Disruptor

What digital started doing fifteen years ago, CSR and the concept of purpose are starting to do now. You may not be at risk of suddenly losing drastic market share to competitors who are implementing commercially aligned CSR programs, but the failure to act now will leave you stranded when the tide really starts to change. The risks of not acting include alienation from your customers, disengaged and disinterested employees (particularly millennials), and smaller margins. Investing in a commercially aligned CSR program is not expensive, and the immediate benefits to the causes and communities that you care about are incredibly high.

See also: Serve and Vollie: how Matthew Boyds start-up is streamlining Australias volunteer sector

About the author

Matthew Boyd is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Vollie, a platform that connects skilled Australians with non-profit organisations to unlock skills-based remote volunteering. Matt has close to a decade of experience working with non-profits, having helped to raise more than $1 million in funding and volunteer value across childrens charities, mental health NFPs, animal welfare groups, environmental charities and more.
LINCOLN  An anti-hate resolution calling for a celebration of diversity and an intolerance of hate violence brought some philosophical diversity to the Lincoln City Council chamber Monday, including several people who believe in white nationalism, and several who find that viewpoint repugnant.

American leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Ben Franklin did a lot of things that were not politically correct and would be viewed as bigoted, said Dan Kleve, who identifies himself with the white nationalist movement.

There were classes of people who were not allowed to vote in the early days of the U.S. republic, he pointed out.

"And it worked a lot better, to be fair," Kleve said during a public hearing on the proposed anti-hate resolution, which passed unanimously.

And the United States had politically incorrect wars, he said, including "against Indians to determine who was better at running national resources and the economy and cultural values. And we won," Kleve said.

The council's resolution is a business proposition to create a safe zone for a giant hegemony of elite business managers that will control this class-less, identity-less, race-less population of consumers, he said.

All five council members at Mondays meeting  Carl Eskridge, Roy Christensen, Leirion Gaylor Baird, Jane Raybould and Bennie Shobe  voted in favor of the resolution. Jon Camp and Cyndi Lamm were absent because of health reasons.

Lou Braatz, a Bernie Sanders supporter who lost his city council bid in the primary, took issue with Kleves history lesson, pointing out he failed to mention World War II, when the idea of white supremacy lost.

Braatz said he and others would continue to take action to make sure Lincoln is a city where racism, homophobia, bigotry and Islamophobia are not welcome.

Kaitlyn Mullen, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student who said she was harassed recently while recruiting for the local chapter of Turning Point USA, said she worries she will fall victim to the resolution, because it is based on one persons definition of race and hate.

"How is this going to be implemented? How are we going to define hate?" she asked.

Mullen said she fears police could "come to my door for standing up for freedom."

"Part of civil rights is freedom of speech," she said.

Sony Phan, whose parents were refugees from Laos in 1980 and welcomed in Lincoln, said "we have our humanity in common.

The point is that we are all human; we all bleed red, she said in support of the resolution.

People should not fear death threats or be afraid their addresses might be made public, she said, referring to Kleve and Mullen, who said they were afraid to have their addresses made public.

Everyone has a right to their feelings, to their beliefs, she said. We just need to respect one another and just care.

The council resolution is largely symbolic, a response to the recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, where a woman was killed when a car slammed into a group of counter-protesters during a rally of white nationalist and other right-wing groups.

What we want to do is affirm that none of us are powerless in the face of hate. There are things we can do respectfully, said Gaylor Baird. "But we cannot be silent.

The resolution refers to the recent national and regional incidents of white nationalism, hate crimes, discrimination, sexual harassment and assault and fear of a trend toward more of these crimes in the future.

And it calls on Lincoln residents to celebrate each others differences and to speak out against acts of bullying, discrimination and hate violence.

The resolution reaffirms the communitys commitment to be a warm, inviting and welcoming place, Shobe said.

It was also supported by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Young Professionals Group.

Christensen said he has heard concerns about the resolution, that it was against free speech or that it was a meaningless gesture.

The resolution is not against free speech, he said. But free speech should not be met with anger and hate.

"We need to separate anger from public discourse," he said. "Anger produces hate and hate produces violence and we dont want that in our city.

"We all have passions. But when we allow our passions to rule us, we achieve nothing," he said.

"What is needed is a civil, polite discourse on the subject. We need to agree to disagree without being disagreeable," something the city council has done, he said.

Eskridge, who proposed the resolution, also promoted Lincoln as a community that listens and respects each other's ability to speak our minds.

We cannot tolerate hate. We cannot tolerate hate-based crimes in our city because we are better than that, he said.
My love for Greek Mythology made Athens, Greece one of my dream destinations. When I heard that Scoot, a budget airline by Singapore Airlines Group, has affordable flights going there, I went over their website to book me a flight.

You may not have heard of them but Scoots has been flying since 2012 in Singapore. Just this July 2017 they had a merger with TigerAir Singapore retaining the Scoot brand which is what they formally launch in the Philippines just recently.

Scoot flies to destinations in the Asia Pacific and beyond via Singapore and Athens, Greece is one of their long-haul flight available for as low as Php10,299 only! OMG! Can you believe that? I cant believe it either but heres Scoots Promo Fares and discount code you can use :

Aside from Athens, they also fly to Perth, Australia, China, Japan. They will also be flying in Honolulu, Harbin in Northeast China, Kuching and Kuantan in Malaysia and Palembang in Indonesia. In total Scoot will have a total of 65 dream destinations across 18 countries by June 2018. The Honolulu route will be available by the end of the year.

Meanwhile daily flights to Kuching, three-times-weekly flights to Kuantan will begin from October 29, 2017 and February 2,2018. A three-times-weekly flights to Harbin will be available on a seasonal basis from December 1, 2017 to March 23, 2018. Scoot is also adding new seasonal non-stop flights to Sapporo in Japan starting November 3, 2017 until February 11, 2018 with up to two flights a week on top of existing flights routed via Taipei.

Scoot flies using Boeing 767 Dreamliners and 39 Airbus A320neo aircraft operating on a fleet of 15 787 Dreamliners and 23 Ai rbus A320 family aircraft. To complete the makeover, cabin crews are also outfitted with new uniforms with the signature Scoot colors yellow and black.

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Stay gorgeous everyone!
A contraband search over four days at the Nebraska State Penitentiary turned up what the Department of Correctional Services is calling a significant amount of drugs, a cellphone and three weapons in a cell.

The search came after Director Scott Frakes called for an intense and organized look at several specific areas of the prisons, said spokeswoman Dawn-Renee Smith.

Searches have been stepped up in general since an inmate who died after being found unresponsive in his cell in late May tested positive at the hospital for methamphetamine and ecstasy. Daelan Lamere, 22, died June 6 at Bryan West Campus in Lincoln.

In this search, 60 staff members searched all shop areas and all employees coming into the penitentiary on Aug. 29 through Sept. 1. During the area searches they found homemade weapons and prison-brewed alcohol, Smith said.

Smith would not say what drugs were found because a criminal investigation is being conducted, but she said the quantities were large enough to indicate they were not for one person, but would be sold to others.

"These types of searches allow us to identify potential and real security threats and identify them quickly," Smith said.

All windows and door frames were checked in housing units. The drugs that were recovered from the cell were found hidden inside the steel casing of a window, she said.

"Contraband in prison is dangerous and puts staff and inmates at risk," Frakes said.

The prisons' centralized intelligence team allows the staff to find and respond better to information about contraband and other security concerns, he said.

Frakes said the staff members involved in the searches did great work.

The department will continue to look at its security practices and enhance its policies and practices to keep drugs, alcohol and cellphones out of the prisons, Smith said.

"Large-scale staff searches are inconvenient but necessary," she said. "Staff members appreciate that we are looking for the contraband and working to stop it from coming in."

Inspector General for Corrections Doug Koebernick has said the department opened criminal investigations on eight cases involving staff members and seven involving visitors in 2016. Through July of this year, it had opened no cases involving staff and four involving visitors.

Prison staff, when surveyed by Koebernick this summer, had their own suggestions on controlling contraband, including that the department use more drug dogs, search staff more often as they enter the prisons and increase prosecution or discipline for those caught bringing in illegal drugs or other contraband.
T-Mobile last week announced that it has begun the long-anticipated rollout of its new 600-MHz LTE premium low-band spectrum network in Cheyenne, Wyoming, kicking off a massive rollout designed to provide wireless coverage to rural communities across the United States.

T-Mobile also plans to use the low-band spectrum to accelerate deployment of next-generation 5G mobile service.

T-Mobile acquired about 45 percent of the low-band spectrum licenses the Federal Communications Commission made available two months ago. It spent about US$8 billion to gain access to millions of potential wireless customers in small communities where access to wireless and broadband coverage has been limited due to low-density populations and high buildout costs.

T-Mobile aims to meet a record-setting deployment schedule, it said, condensing a two-year deployment process to make the network available to consumers in only six months.

T-Mobile has seen rapid growth in recent years, observed Jeff Kagan, an independent telecom analyst.

The one area where it has not grown is the rural U.S., he told the E-Commerce Times.

Major Expansion

T-Mobile has set an ambitious schedule for deploying low-band spectrum around the country, with new service planned for Northwest Oregon, West Texas, Southwest Kansas, the Oklahoma panhandle, Western North Dakota, Maine, coastal North Carolina, central Pennsylvania, central Virginia and eastern Washington.

The deployment will bring T-Mobiles total LTE coverage from 315 million to 321 million customers nationwide by the end of 2017, according to the company.

T-Mobile earlier this year said it was working with PBS and Americas Public Television Stations to cover the cost of relocating low-power broadcast facilities to new broadcasting frequencies following the FCC auction. Up to 38 million rural viewers are at risk of losing access to free public television with the change to new frequencies.

Tech Advancements

Nokia and Qualcomm have developed new technology to facilitate the wireless deployment, T-Mobile noted, and Samsung and LG plan to have new mobile devices ready to operate on the spectrum by the end of the year. Nokias Flexi MultiRadio 10 Base Station will be used in the buildout.

Qualcomms X20 LTE modem and RF transceiver were designed with 600-MHz capability, Jim Tran, senior vice president of product management, noted in an online post this spring.

Qualcomm had been working with the FCC on the design, he said.

However, OEMs would face antenna design challenges, Tran pointed out, because the range of frequencies supported by mobile devices would be stretched at the low end of the radio spectrum.

Qualcomms RF Front End technologies, including dynamic antenna tuning, were designed to operate in the 600-MHz spectrum without having to increase antenna size or compromise RF performance.

Both Qualcomms Snapdragon X16 LTE modem, which is part of its 835 mobile platform, and its WTR5975 RF transceiver will support 600 MHz, according to Tran.

The T-Mobile deployment will help spur new competition in Wyoming, where smaller, local providers compete against major telecoms like Verizon and AT&T, said Bryan Woody, chief customer relations officer at Union Wireless, a Wyoming-based carrier.

Finally a Tier 1 carrier is trying to push the envelope, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Late to the Party?

However, the impact on Wyoming will be limited, at best, in the view of Matt Larsen, CEO of VistaBeam, a Nebraska-based wireless firm.

It may help drive down the price of cellular service somewhat, but the areas that they will be going to first are the ones that already have pretty decent coverage from existing providers, and there is nothing particularly innovative or interesting about 600-Mhz spectrum that will make people want to switch, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Frankly, T-Mobile is a little late to the party, said Verizon Wireless spokesperson Meagan Dorsch.

While theyre catching up, were planning for tomorrows customer needs. We currently have the largest 5G test bed in the world in 11 cities where precommercial trials are going on with live customers, she told the E-Commerce Times.

Low-band spectrum such as T-Mobile is now deploying is what we started deploying years ago, Dorsch said, and what our customers are using now. Our 4G LTE network, using 700 MHz spectrum, is the largest in the country. T-Mobiles smaller network has roughly 750,000 fewer square miles of coverage.
The 911 emergency number was created back in the day when telephones were connected by wires, before cellphones or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) in the home, and before Multi-Line Telephone Systems (MLTS) in the enterprise.

In the early days, anyone could dial 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies. However, in 2017, dialing 911 unfortunately is no guarantee that a call for help will reach a 911 service that can identify the location of the caller immediately. As a matter of fact, when consumers dropped land lines and started using Internet phone services like Vonage, a 911 problem surfaced.

A Vonage phone was hooked up to the Internet, and no physical location was connected. So after litigation Vonage (and other competing services) changed the requirements to use the service, obligating customers to register their physical addresses. MLTS raised a different, but equally problematic, issue.

Disaster for Kari Hunt

Kari Hunt in 2013 was stabbed repeatedly by her estranged husband in a motel room in Marshall, Texas. Her three children also were in the room. During the brutal attack, her 9-year-old daughter called 911, as she had been taught to do. She tried several times, but dialing 911 did not get her to an emergency response hotline. In the motel, she had to dial 9 to get an outside line, and then dial 911. Kari passed away in that motel room.

Karis daughter had no idea that multi-line telephone systems, like those in motels, hotels and businesses, required someone to dial a separate number for an outside line. Many adults, under such stress, likely would forget to dial a 9 to get out.

Karis family launched a campaign to fix the 911 system in MLTS and require direct dial of 911. In 2015, Karis Law was adopted in Texas, and adoption quickly followed in Maryland. Tennessee and Oklahoma adopted Karis law in 2016. Other states and local governments have followed suit.

How About a US Law?

At the federal level, though, it has taken a bit longer. H.R.4167 (114th Congress), which would have amended the Communications Act of 1934 to require MLTS to directly call 911 without dialing any additional digit, code, prefix, or post-fix, passed the House but the Senate version failed to emerge from committee.

There are a few issues with direct dial from multi-line systems. Assume you have a MLTS with four-digit dialing for internal phones (e.g., dialing 1512 connects an internal employee to another employee at extension 1512.) If you happen to need to speak to someone in Austin, Texas, you would need to dial 1-512-123-4567. With direct dial for all phone calls, the person at extension 1512 would likely get all of the calls destined for Austin.

The collision of extensions with outside lines is one of the primary reasons that dial 9 for an outside line became so common. With most MLTS systems moving to a Voice over IP solution, there are multiple workarounds for this issue. Many technology companies have come out in support of Karis Law, with almost all modern MLTS vendors providing a way to implement direct dial of 911.

Older private branch exchange (PBX) systems may have issues supporting direct dial, and legacy VoIP MLTS may not have the ability to support direct dial. Of course, multi-line telephone systems are a capital investment for many businesses. Replacing MLTS systems is not a quick, cheap or simple process. Thankfully, most of the legislation at the state and federal level includes at least a temporary exception.

From H.R.582: Subsection (b) or (c) of such section 721 shall not apply to a multi-line telephone system that was installed before the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act if such system is not able to be configured to meet the requirement of such subsection (b) or (c), respectively, without an improvement to the hardware or software of the system.

So, if you have a system in place or are currently installing a system that cannot support direct dial without additional investment in hardware or software, the legislation provides a temporary exception.

Temporary Waivers

State laws include provisions allowing for a temporary waiver. For example, the Texas implementation of Karis Law makes a single-year waiver available if the business service user agrees to place an instructional sticker immediately adjacent to each telephone that is accessed using the noncompliant system indicating that during the waiver period the telephone is unable to directly dial 9-1-1 and providing instructions for accessing 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.

The Texas waiver must be renewed annually.

It is questionable whether Karis 9-year-old daughter, or any panicked adult, would take time to read a sticker on the phone.

Federal legislation was reintroduced in the 115th congressional session as H.R.582/S.123. On Jan. 23, 2017 the House voted 408-0 for H.R.582. The Senate passed S.123, again unanimously, on Aug. 3. While there is still conferencing to address language different in the bill, by the time you are reading this, Karis Law may be the law of the land across the U.S.

Rapid adoption by state and local governments, combined with an uncharacteristically  at least considering the divisive state of the Congress  unanimous vote in both the House and Senate clearly show that this is an important piece of legislation. All businesses that own, lease or support multi-line telephone systems should prepare for the implementation of Karis Law.
The idea that Google might be becoming a national threat is what struck me when I read a Washington Post column by Zephyr Teachout, who currently is an associate professor of law at Fordham University. (As a side note, Teachout would seem to be an ideal name for a teacher.)

She makes a compelling argument that Google has reached a point where it no longer allows dissent outside the company  though, given the recent firing of a Google engineer, that may be true inside the firm as well.

Apparently, Google has been funding an organization that is set up to fight monopolies, but when that organization called it out, Google allegedly orchestrated the termination of the group. Given that it appears much of the money that used to go to fund journalism now goes to Google, and also that Google has been found by the European Union to behave badly, having Google use its impressive might to kill dissent is problematic.

Ill close with my product of the week: a nice-looking wood veneer cover for your high-end laptop, smartphone, tablet or game machine.

Google vs. Open Markets

It kind of amazes me how often Im seeing this now. A firm funds an effort against a large competitor, then grows, and finds that effort has become focused on it. Back in the 1990s, Sun, Google and Oracle aggressively pushed the EU to go after Microsoft with significant success. Sun eventually went under; Oracle tried to buy the company, only to find it was under painful scrutiny by the same group.

Google recently got fined, in much the same way Microsoft did, for similar bad behavior. Companies often dont get that unless you buy the politicians, a political organization is free to do to them what it wanted the organizations to do to their competitors. Some of these folks likely should learn the old phrase what comes around, goes around  and that using a government agency is almost always a dual-edged sword.

In this case, it looks as though Google was funding Open Markets to get its support in going after major competitors  likely Microsoft, but it could have been Amazon as well, or both. However, when the EU fined it, the organization that was focused on stopping firms like Google from misusing their monopoly power called Google out. Then, according to the column, Google got everyone fired.

Now the New American president did denounce this story and claimed that the head of the organization was fired because he wasnt open or collegial. Still, having been on the other side of this type of activity, that often is the language that is used when a researcher, when pressured by a major funding entity, is fired for refusing to toe the line. In my own case, I resigned  but the timing alone would be highly suspicious.

The Real Danger

Now Teachout makes some excellent points tied to Google shutting down dissent, but I dont think this is the big problem at all. We are now seeing a pattern of abuse of power  first with Googles heavy ties to the Obama administration, then with the EU fine, and most recently with the move to eliminate a group that spoke out against its power.

Folks have been calling out Googles dangerous ethics for a while now. One of the most interesting accusations is that it altered search results to favor Hillary Clinton (didnt appear to have helped much, however).

By the way, I searched on both Bing and Google for Eric Schmidt scandal and got the same sordid results. That guy really gets around, suggesting that Google either isnt doing this now, at least for him, or it really doesnt like its chairman much (or maybe Google is proud of that behavior, which is really concerning when it comes to ethics).

Googles financial resources are almost unmatched. It controls most of what you see and hear on the Web, it has been highlighted as a potential kingmaker in the past, and it apparently has been funding groups that otherwise might speak out against it  and, at least in this instance, it may be ensuring that anyone who might flag its bad behavior becomes unemployed.

Wrapping Up: Power Corrupts, Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely

When a firm like Google gets the kind of power Google has, it typically misbehaves. There is an impressive list of firms that were broken up, shut down or massively fined to get them to behave once they reached a fraction of the power that Google now has. I think it is both fascinating and incredibly dangerous that firms that initially seem to want to break the monopoly power of another then use their win to create an even bigger problem.

One final thought: If you search for Trump scandal on both Bing and Google, you will see a difference. Both show highly negative results, as youd expect, but there are some positive stories on the first page of the Bing search, while Google has none of that. (If you try this yourself, youll see no Fox News and a lot of Mother Jones on Google, while youll see a bit of Fox and a little Mother Jones on Bing. It looks a ton more balanced.)

We live in dangerous times. Increasingly, the information we receive is curated by others, and if those others continue to trend toward evil, we eventually will be totally screwed. Hmm given the world as it is, I may need to reconsider the word eventually. Google may be, or perhaps already is, a national threat.

I like to one-up my peers, so at the AMD event last week I pulled out my Surface Laptop to astonished looks. My laptop looked very different from theirs, and I proceeded to tell the following story: I said, You know the Surface folks make up a special laptop for Bill, and this time they decided to use wood, but Bill doesnt really like wood, so they asked me if I wanted it and I, of course, said yes. Then after a flurry of envious comments, I came clean and told them that Id used Toast to create a veneer cover for my laptop, and that really is what happened.

ToastLaptop Veneer

I worry a bit about wood, but aluminum is soft as well and I take good care of my hardware, so this thing still looks as good as when I first installed the wood cover. I now have a laptop that looks very different from anyone elses, and the thing is, Toast makes covers for most of the major high-end laptop offerings, including Apples.

Personally, Id prefer something a tad higher-tech, like carbon fiber, but right now the offerings are in a variety of woods and they dont just apply to laptops either. You can get them for high-end smartphones, Xbox and PlayStation 4.

The cost is around US$70 for a laptop top, $34 for the bottom, and $24 if you want to do the inside (I wouldnt, given how much wear youll put on the wrist rests). You apply the veneer yourself, and you do have to be careful to line up the parts correctly. It isnt hard, but a steady hand helps a ton. Make sure you pre-fit the parts  otherwise, you might put them on upside down. So, for about $100, I got a custom version of my laptop and pulled a prank on my peers. As a result, the Toast veneer is my product of the week.
Businesses have been focusing on the Internet of Things as an enabler of growth and increased operational efficiency, as well as the means to provide a better experience to customers and partners, according to the State of the Market: Internet of Things 2017 report Verizon released this week.

Seventy-three percent of executives surveyed said they either were researching or currently deploying IoT, according to the report.

Few industry sectors, business people or ordinary people will not be impacted by this, as augmented intelligence and machine learning use the data from IoT to transform markets, Constellation Research Principal Analyst Andy Mulholland told the E-Commerce Times.

However, a variety of factors have dampened IoT momentum:

Long capital cycles;

Organizational inertia;

Lack of suitably skilled staff;

Lack of industry-wide IoT standards; and

Concerns about security, interoperability and cost.

Ready for the Enterprise

Despite those challenges, the IoT has become enterprise-grade, with the focus on B2B communications, according to the Verizon report.

For example, 70 percent of the Fortune 500 property and casualty insurance firms surveyed indicated they were tapping network-connected drones to perform inspections and other claims-related work.

The energy and construction industries have been using drones to perform inspections, maintenance and other high-cost tasks, while the pharmaceuticals industry has been using IoT solutions to track and trace medicines from production to patients.

The current business focus appears to be on simpler use cases  to track data and send status alerts, for example, which are easier to deploy but lack data analytics capabilities.

Those limitations will prevent these businesses from fully exploiting the IoT, Verizon suggested.

Factors Favorable to IoT Deployment

Falling technology prices, more secure platforms, and better connectivity options will help spur new use cases, the report suggests.

There will be more development around 5G networks, which are expected to be up to 100 times faster than existing networks, Verizon predicted.

Verizon earlier this year unveiled a plan to deliver 5G precommercial services to select customers in 11 markets throughout the United States.

AT&T already has tested 5G for business customers in Austin, where it plans to stream DirectTV Now over 5G connections.

T-Mobile late last year released a video teasing a 2020 launch of 5G services.

Other IoT Projects

Chick-fil-A has begun using IoT  it has installed sensors to monitor the temperatures of coolers and freezers, for example  ABI Research reported.

Axius has teamed with real estate developers to integrate its Axius Hub, which actively monitors every device in a house, into smart homes.

Axius also has partnered with A/V pros, custom electronics installers and IT experts to install connected devices such as thermostats, lighting, locks and cameras into more than 40 homes per month in communities being built by the top 25 U.S. builders and developers, said Axius CEO Colin Barceloux.

Were now live with three partners that operate broadly in New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, he told the E-Commerce Times.

IoT Issues

An industry-wide standard is needed, because theres a myriad of kinds of sensors, they talk different languages, and there are really no standards for implementing IoT right now, said Michael Jude, a research manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.

More and more devices are becoming intelligent, but the fabrics that knit them together in terms of collecting data and processing arent there. If you just place sensors everywhere, it doesnt do any good  you need big data to manage IoT, he told the E-Commerce Times.

IoT is being deployed across many verticals and for use cases within those industries, such as energy, healthcare and fleet management, Verizon spokesperson Adria Tomaszewski pointed out.

The various issues holding back IoT deployment in general are resolved for the use cases being deployed, she told the E-Commerce Times.

That said, several malware attacks have been launched through compromised IoT devices.

Security is a big issue, remarked Frosts Jude. If you have all these intelligent devices watching you, the potential for security harm is exponentially greater.
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In the waning years of the No Child Left Behind Act, school turnaround districts became a solution du jour for many state legislatures: Take all of your worst-performing schools, place them in their own state-controlled district, and either run them directly or hand them over to a charter school operator. A network of autonomous, independently-run schools was seen as a route to swift, efficient, and inspirational improvement.

To date, six states have experience with some form of turnaround district, their startup costs paid in a variety of ways, including by philanthropists, state funding, and federal School Improvement Grant money.

Factors Driving Change

As the new school year starts, the turnaround-district picture reflects some changes. Among the factors: high-profile community backlash to the school takeover process in some places; new wrinkles to the school improvement process under the Every Student Succeeds Act as NCLBs successor; and a desire on the part of state legislators, governors, and district leaders to adjust course.

Louisiana and Tennessee have dramatically scaled back their estimates of how many schools they had hoped to run in the coming years, shuttering some schools and handing back to local officials control of others.

Michigan eliminated its entire turnaround district this summer under new legislation, returning control of all the schools to local Detroit officials.

Meanwhile, Nevadas district took over its first two schools this year, though the takeover process is much more incremental and provides districts more flexibility than Tennessees Achievement School District.

And North Carolina and Georgia are planning to jump-start statewide turnaround initiatives by the fall of next year.

The recognition of the dire need to improve these poorly performing schools is a positive, said Ron Zimmer, a professor at the University of Kentucky who has studied the impact of school turnaround districts. However, with the actual implementation of this focus, you need to be careful because you could end up alienating teachers, parents, and communities that are affected.

At the same time, ESSA gives districts more powers to come up with their own turnaround strategies before the state intervenes. And the law allows states to set aside up to 7 percent of their Title I money, which focuses on disadvantaged students, for turnaround initiatives.

Heres a roundup of school turnaround district activity in a number of states:

Georgia: Georgias state board of education is currently searching for the overseer of its turnaround initiative. The initiative was set up last legislative session after the failure of a ballot initiative pushed by Republican Gov. Nathan Deal to create such a district.

The new turnaround chief will guide districts in their efforts, matching them with resources, charter operators, and consultants. At no point in time, though, will the state directly run schools. The state expects to hire a turnaround czar by November this year and begin operations next school year.

The proof is in the pudding, said Kevin Tanner, a Republican state representative who authored the original legislation. What were doing is not working. We need to do things differently.

Louisiana: The state has the longest-operating turnaround district, created in 2003 shortly before Hurricane Katrina devastated large swaths of the city and scattered its student body and teaching force. At its height, the Recovery School District, which handed direct authority over underperforming schools to charter school operators, had more than 107 schools under its watch. But over the last several years, the state has given back control to the local school board, and this school year the RSD has 40 schools.

Were putting faith in the idea that people closest to students have the best plans for those students, said Kunjan Narechania, the chief of the RSD.

The state this year also entered into an agreement with Shreveport school officials to jointly operate 14 persistently underperforming schools. The schools are placed under the direction of a board made up of community members and state officials, who then come up with turnaround plans for the schools.

More than 17 percent of Louisianas schools fall into the lowest-performing categories on the states accountability system and, if they dont improve, would be eligible to be folded into the RSD. The state this year set up a competitive grant that would allow district administrators overseeing schools in the states bottom 5 percent to select from a slate of turnaround consultants, charter operators, and curriculum providers. Awards are to be announced later this month.

Michigan: The legislature this year disbanded its state-run turnaround district after a long-standing dispute over the powers of the state and the effectiveness of the takeover process. The Education Achievement Authority was established in 2012 and, at its height, ran 15 schools. The Detroit school board now operates the remaining schools, three of which are run by charter operators.

Nevada: This school year, the state took over its first two schools as part of its Achievement School District, established by the legislature in 2015. One of the schools, an existing charter school, was taken over by Democracy Prep, a New York City-based charter school operator. The states law allows for the district to absorb up to six schools a year.

Rebecca Feiden, director of the Nevada ASD, said in order to build district and community support, the states department of education has scrutinized potential charter providers ability to engage with the community and take over existing schools. In addition, the state education department is advocating the legislature allow for parents whose children are in certain low-performing schools to petition for state intervention of low-performing schools.

This is not about finding one solution, Its about finding the one that works in that context, Feiden said.

North Carolina: This week, the state is expected to announce a list of schools eligible to be taken over by the state, said Drew Elliot, the North Carolina education department spokesman.

The legislature established the district in 2016, but the takeover process has stalled as Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has been in a legal dispute with lawmakers over the powers of the Democratic-controlled state board of education and the Republican state superintendent.

The states process allows for the district to choose whether to shutter the school or give the reins to the state, which can run the school directly or hand the school over to a charter school operator.

Tennessee: After federal Race to the Top funding ran out, the Achievement School District this summer laid off more than half its staff. And last year, after stagnant enrollment numbers, the KIPP charter school network shuttered one of its schools operating in the district.

The district has been in a long-standing legal dispute with the Shelby County school district over student records, which buildings are eligible for school takeover, and where charter operators can recruit from.

Shelby County has operated its own innovation zone that has historically outperformed the ASD. Thats fueled a movement at the state capital to lengthen the time that districts have to improve their own schools before the state intervenes, and it sparked a new initiative in Chattanooga where the state is working with the local school district to establish turnaround strategies for its schools.
Meet Katie Kubacki, a young woman who ranches in the Sandhills. Shes got a fascinating story. Shes a first-generation Nebraskan, majored in animal science, and made a choice to take up residence in the heart of our great state to get started. Ive included a few snippets from a recent interview with her below.

Jeff: Katies story is particularly unique as she grew up in New York and thought she would go into veterinarian medicine -- but had a change of heart. Katie, how did this all happen to you?

Katie: Well it all got started when I grew up in a loving, business-oriented family and Im the only person in my family interested in agriculture, which is strange in todays society. But if you have a passion and a drive to really do something, youre gonna make it happen. Even when people are saying you dont have the capital, the cattle, or the land to be a rancher.

Jeff: So lets talk about your story. You have this idea, you have the desire, you have a good education and background, pick it up from there. Howd you get your first cattle? Whats the operation like now?

Katie: So once I graduated from college with an animal science degree, I started by making a good relationship with a banker, and came up with an expense report to say how much Id need to borrow in order to start.

Jeff: So describe your operation and where are you in terms of your plan?

Katie: So I thought it would be great, smooth sailing; I wanted to have 10 heifers to start with but ended up buying eight because I am picky. And out of those eight, one had to get sold, so then there were seven. In January, we were getting ready to start calving and had our first set of six.

Jeff: You integrated your herd with another herd. Do you have an agreement with an existing rancher, do you do other work to keep yourself viable while you build up your own cattle operation?

Katie: Yes, so I moved to Valentine, Nebraska, to manage the Sandhills Cattle Association -- that was three great years. I moved on to my own designing and website business, and I also artificially inseminate cattle all throughout spring and summer. So thats what feeds the capital that I need to raise cattle.

Jeff: Well, thats outstanding. Congratulations, this is a great story.

Katie: Thank you.

Jeff: Im impressed by your initiative, your innovation, your drive and again the fact that you are following your passion and making a decision to become a first-generation Nebraskan. Hopefully your story will be told over and over again in the coming years, as we raise up the next generation to shepherd the land, husband our animals and feed the future.
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
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Quite beyond being morally repugnant and an offense to human decency, the Trump White House's announcement last week that it's rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is the ultimate exercise in political cynicism.

By punting the fate of 800,000 young people who entered the country illegally as children into the hands of a Republican-controlled Congress that can't even reach agreement on the things it agrees upon, President Donald Trump is using the so-called "Dreamers" as human shields in his ongoing push for a border wall with Mexico.

During a briefing with reporters, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump is looking for "overall immigration reform that is responsible and lawful."

That includes the wall that remains the White Whale of Trump's presidency.

"I don't think the president has been shy about the fact that he wants a wall," Huckabee Sanders said, "and thinks it is an important part of a responsible immigration package."

Trump had to have known the impossibility of the challenge he posed to Congress when he trotted out Attorney General Jeff Sessions to make the announcement that most of official Washington had known was coming for days.

Sessions, who was one of the Senate's most avid immigration hawks, let loose with a barrage of factually dubious claims and downright libels, as he announced that Congress had six months to come up with a legal alternative to the Obama-era program.

That Trump hid behind Sessions, only hours after announcing that he has "a love for these people (the Dreamers)," was a cowardly abdication of leadership that was compounded by his decision to leave it to Congress to come up with a legislative fix to the mess his own White House had made.

Keep in mind, this is a president who campaigned on the claim that "he alone" could fix what ails the country.

But in every major legislative test, from the Obamacare repeal to tax reform, Trump has been content to skate along the surface of the issues, leaving the intellectual heavy lifting to the legislative branch.

The buck does not stop with Trump, it merely flies by him.

So it's now up to Republican members of Congress, including U.S. Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who each Tweeted their indignation with Trump, to move beyond mere rhetoric and pass legislation in the coming months that will protect the Dreamers -- who are from all over the world, and who, in the vast majority of cases, have known no other home than the United States.

Rubio turned to a Bible verse to make his argument against the White House's action:

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me," Rubio wrote, quoting from the Gospel of Saint Matthew.

While acknowledging that the federal government has a responsibility to guarantee border security, McCain also noted that the U.S. has to do it in a way that "upholds all that is decent and exceptional about our nation."

And most voters agree with McCain -- and on the need for a comprehensive immigration reform package that has dodged a solution for at least seven years.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72 percent) to a Pew poll last year said it was either "very" or "somewhat" important to allow illegal immigrants who entered the U.S. as children to remain in the United States.

Conversely, nearly six in 10 respondents (59 percent) said Trump's much vaunted border wall was not a priority for them.

To borrow from McCain, Trump's push for the wall is neither decent nor exceptional.

Rather it's a direct appeal to his ever-dwindling base as he moves into the ninth month of an administration that has done everything except make America great again.

Trump's claim that the DACA program is unconstitutional isn't even supported by his own actions. If it's unconstitutional, the White House should have rescinded it immediately.

That it didn't speaks volumes not only about its true motives, but about the moral cowardice behind its action.

We've been told more than once not to judge Trump by what he says, but by what he does.

There is no clearer evidence than now of his lack of fitness to lead.
Still time to respond to active travel survey

The Manx public is still being asked for feedback on Government plans to encourage more people to walk and cycle for everyday journeys.

The Department of Infrastructure has been running a public consultation on Active Travel, with an online survey available until September 25th.

It's hoped encouraging more people to be active will improve the Island's health, as well as reduce congestion and lower carbon emissions.

The Department says there's still time to respond online, while comments can also be submitted by email or in the post.




1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.

2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.

5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.

6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.

7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.

8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.

9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.

10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.

11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers.

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."

23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch."

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.

38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand.

39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.

40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems.

43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.

44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.

45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.
Actress Meghan Markle recently opened up about her relationship with Prince Harry for the first time, declaring that the two are happy and are very much "in love".

Reports have already surfaced that the couple will be having the royal engagement later this month. The Daily Mail said that the 32-year-old prince and the 36-year-old actress will likely make an appearance together at the Invictus Games on Sept 23.

The international event, in which injured and sick servicemen and veterans compete in various sports, was created by Prince Harry. Incidentally, this year Games will be held in Toronto, the city where Markle is living while filming TV drama "Suits".

The Mail reported that the Kensington Palace would have made an announcement about the engagement earlier but they delayed it because they did not want it to overshadow the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death.

Last November, Prince Harry took many by surprise when he announced his relationship with Markle.

The actress earlier revealed in a magazine that she was dating Prince Harry. She said: "We're two people who are really happy and in love. "Nothing about me changed. I'm still the same person that I am, and I've never defined myself by my relationship." The "Suits" actress met the royal in July 2016 and their relationship created quite a stir.

In November 2016, a statement from the Prince said "Markle had been subjected to a wave of abuse and harassment". It added, "Some of this has been very public - the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments."

Prince Harry said in the statement that he was worried about Ms Markel's safety. On the other hand, Irish broadcaster Ryan Tubridy said that the 36 year old actress is perfect for Harry's personality.

Speaking on his RTE Radio One show he mentioned that "The two boys, William and Harry, seem to have found women in their lives. They looked over their shoulders and thought, 'well we don't want to do that, so let us do this'. So, they have found what they were looking for.
Actor Matt Damon is known for his unique style and outstanding acting. The talented actor will be seen in his latest film named "Downsizing", which has already created waves at the 24th Venice Film Festival.

The movie is a mesh of science fiction, romantic comedy, political parable and apocalyptic thriller. It is upto the viewers to decide the genre after watching it. Directed by Alexander Payne, "Downsizing" depicts the story of a man, played by Matt Damon, who tries to solve his problems by shrinking himself.

The subject of the film is quite intriguing and leaves one wondering what science can really do. The journey of the lead couple in the miniature world becomes completely overwhelming.

Several reviewers in Venice were quite impressed by the flick. The Guardian called the film a "spry, nuanced, winningly digressive movie," while the Hollywood Reporter said," it was captivating, funny and deeply humane."

Actress Hong Chau, who plays the character of Treme in "Inherent Vice" is already being considered as a potential award nominee for her brilliant performance in the movie.

"This is a character that is normally in the background, that is a low-status character in the culture and not one that you typically see in the forefront of a story," she said.

"Downsizing" in a strange way builds a futuristic world. How far into the future it is set is left on one's imagination. Payne's films usually have shades of surreal deliberations in any American household, like dividing chores or fretting over mortgage repayments.

The movie is the latest ordinary-Joe role for Damon, who exudes a likable everyman-under-duress quality, whether he's an action hero Jason Bourne or a stranded astronaut in "The Martian."

Damon said "What I love about a lot of these stories that I get to help tell is it shows a relatable character whose life is different from our own but with whom we find a common cause with." He further added,"This is a beautiful and an optimistic movie, a journalist said to me, which I thought was really great.This is Alexander's most optimistic movie and it has the apocalypse in it."

The social satire seems to be a strong contender for the Oscars and the past records of Alexander Payne and Matt Damon shows that both have been quite lucky in terms of the Academy Awards.

Damon and his co-stars Kristen Wiig and Hong Chau joined Payne on the red carpet for the film's Venice premiere on Wednesday.
Just the previous week, Ed Skrein confirmed and announced that he was already pulling out of the "Hellboy" reboot because of issues about his role and casting. With the latest update, a report claimed that the film's production has already found a replacement for the "Deadpool" actor.

Skrein is popularly known for his role in "Deadpool" as the bad guy named Ajax then just recently, it was revealed that he will be playing Major Ben Daimio in "Hellboy" reboot. But this news caused controversy and this centered on whitewashing issue.

It was reported that the character is of mixed Asian heritage which Skrein claimed he was not aware of when he signed for the role. After this, he backed out from taking the role and a new potential replacement has been found just what the latest reports claimed.

According to a report from Game Spot, Daniel Dae Kim is already in talks to join "Hellboy" reboot for the said role. Kim also starred in ABC's hit series "Lost" as well as on CBS show "Hawaii Five-O". There is a possibility that the actor accepts the role once everything will already be settled after the controversy.

The producer of the new "Hellboy" reboot, Lionsgate calmed that the cowpony did not intend to be insensitive to issues of ethnicity and authenticity. The company even added that at that time, they were looking for someone to recast the role who is more consistent with the character in the source material.

Aside from Kim, the other actors who reportedly are cast for "Hellboy" Reboot as of this moment are Ian McShane as Professor Broom and Milla Jovovich as the villainous Blood Queen. Meanwhile, The Atlantic reported that David Harbour will still play the titular role and he just shared previously that the film will not focus more on the origin of Hellboy.

As of now, no release date for "Hellboy" Reboot has been announced yet but the film reportedly will be directed by Neil Marshall who is also behind great works like "Doomsday", "The Descent" and "Game of Thrones". Even if the film was caught in a "whitewashing" issue, the management assured that they will significantly focus on the story or the plot.
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An Essex fish & chip shop is through to the finals of the National Fish and Chip Awards, after being dubbed the best in London and the South East of England.

Henley's of Wivenhoe has today (Wednesday, September 13) been announced as the top fish & chip shop in the area as part of the 30th anniversary National Fish and Chip Awards.

The shop, which can be found down Vine Drive in Wivenhoe, saw off competition from many other fish and chip establishments across the south of England to take the top prize and take their place as one of 10 finalists to compete in the 'Oscars' of the fish and chip industry to be named the number one fish and chip restaurant in the UK.

Up against Henley's of Wivenhoe in the UK finals are:

1) Cromars Classic Fish & Chips (St Andrews, Fife, Scotland)

2) Penaluna's Famous Fish & Chips (Hirwaun, Rhonda Cynon Taff, Wales)

3) The Dolphin Takeaway (Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland)

4) Millers Fish & Chips (Haxby, North Yorkshire, North East England)

5) Fylde Fish Bar (Southport, Merserside, North West England)

6) The Golden Carp Chippy (Redditch, Worcestershire, Midlands)

7) Burton Road Chippy (Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Eastern England)

8) Captain's Fish & Chips (Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, Central and Southern England)

9) Harbourside Fish & Chips (Plymouth, Devon, South and West England)

Speaking about the award, David Henley, owner of Henley's of Wivenhoe, said: "Over the past 10 years, we have witnessed first-hand the calibre of the competition rising every year. To have our business recognised is a true honour and is testament to all the hard work and effort of our team - it makes all the late nights and early starts worthwhile!

"I have always wanted to showcase fish and chips at its best, so I designed the shop in such a way that customers could see the meal being prepared from start to finish. Our bespoke wet fish display allows customers to see the quality and variety before it is fried right before their eyes."

To reach this achievement, Henley's of Wivenhoe had their frying skills put to the test, as well as being assess against a variety of judging criteria like menu development and innovation, sustainable sourcing policy, staff training processes and marketing activity.

Judges also made unannounced visits to the different businesses to sample the fish and chips on offer to ensure that the level of customer service was at a high level and to undertake a full business audit.

The ten regional winners will now progress to the final stage of judging to be held in London in January 2018, where they will face a specialist judging panel who will quiz them on a range of industry related topics and be required to demonstrate how they successfully run a profitable business and plan for future development.

The ten UK finalists will now enjoy an expenses paid study trip to Norway, courtesy of sponsors the Norwegian Seafood Council - visiting the port city of Alesund.

While there, finalists will witness the whole fishing process; from catch to processing and filleting, and have an opportunity to learn why Norway is one of the world's most sustainable fishing nations.

The overall winner of the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards' 30 anniversary ceremony in London on 25 January 2018.
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Get the latest on all the biggest court and crime news in Essex direct from our expert court reporter

A man remains in a 'critical condition' in hospital after he was stabbed in the face and stomach in Basildon .

Essex Police and ambulance crews were called to a scene on Nevendon Raod, Basildon , at around 1.30pm on Wednesday (September 13) following reports that a person had been stabbed.

Video footage showed at least three police cars seen guarding a cordon which was believed to be outside a house.

The victim was airlifted to a London hospital in a 'critical condition' after suffering serious injuries.

A spokesperson from the East of England Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 1.30pm on September 13 to reports of a person with stab wounds in Nevendon Road, Wickford .

"A rapid response vehicle, ambulance, ambulance officer and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance attended.

"A man has been flown to a London hospital with suspected face and stomach injuries in a critical condition."

Essex Police have been approached for a comment. Enquiries are ongoing.

If you have any information about the incident please call Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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A man who drank to the point where he could not remember assaulting two police officers and being racially abusive to a nurse must now carry out unpaid work.

Christopher Jordan, 39, was so drunk that he has no memory of passing out in the street after a night of boozing in Braintree on August 5.

A member of the public, who spotted Jordan lying face down on a payment, was so concerned for his welfare that they called the emergency services.

But when both police officers and paramedics arrived, a highly intoxicated Jordan became abusive and told them to "**** off", Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard this morning (Wednesday, September 13).

Jordan of Fore Field, Braintree, pleaded guilty to four counts; obstructing or resisting a constable in execution of duty, two counts of assaulting a constable in the execution of their duties and racially aggravated intentional harassment.

Prosecutor Barry Hargreaves told the court how officers tried to ascertain the defendant's name only for him to reply "George Tindall", then "Father Christmas", before saying his address was the North Pole.

As PC McIntyre-Major attempted to arrest Jordan for being drunk in a public place, he grabbed her by the leg and pinned her to the floor.

Her colleague, PC Noakes, was able to free her from Jordan's clutches but he too was assaulted in the scuffle.

Jordan, who was complaining of back pain, was then taken to Accident and Emergency unit at Broomfield Hospital.

"He refused to engage with police or nursing staff, he lay on the floor," said Mr Hargreaves.

When nurse Visitacion Jimenes-Juan tried to assist him, Jordan told her to "**** off and speak English".

"He said he was so drunk he didn't remember but accepts what officers have said," Mr Hargreaves continued.

"He did say that this was totally out of character."

Speaking in mitigation for the defendant, Peter Butterfield told the court how Jordan's ex-partner, who is the mother of his child, was sat at the back of court and is due to give birth to their second child shortly.

Handing down sentence, Mr Clubb, chairman of the bench, said: "This was a wholly unpleasant incident for everyone involved.

"I think what you will agree when I've finished is that this was a very expensive night on the booze."

Jordan was made subject to a community order and told he must complete 240 hours of unpaid work.

In addition, he has been ordered to pay 100 in compensation to PC Noakes, 50 to PC McIntyre-Major and 250 to Ms Jimenes-Juan.

He was also instructed to pay 85 in prosecution costs and the 85 victim surcharge, all to be paid within 28 days.
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The victim of a stabbing has been taken to hospital after suffering injuries to his face and stomach at a Basildon address.

The man was airlifted to a hospital in London but his condition is currently unknown.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "Police were called to reports of a man who had been stabbed in Nevendon Road, Basildon at around 1.35pm on Wednesday, September 13.

"Officers attended and found a man with injuries to his face and stomach."

Enquiries are ongoing. The man's condition is not known at this time.

Essex Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to call Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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A man was taken to hospital after a fight broke out between a gang of youths on board a Chelmsford train.

Officers were called to the city's station after reports of an assault on the London Liverpool Street to Colchester service in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday, September 13).

The 30-year old victim was taken to hospital for his injuries.

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said: "The call came into police at 1.14am on Wednesday, September 13.

"A fight broke out between a group of youths. A 30-year-old man was assaulted. The man was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries. He was later discharged."

He said: "No arrests have been made and the investigation continues.

"Anyone with any information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 citing reference 28 of 13/09."
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Essex motorists are being warned to be on the look-out for sex-mad stags darting across roads as they search for mates.



Deer experts have said male deer display unpredictable behaviour and are more likely to cross roads while on the prowl during their breeding season.



The frisky stags will risk their lives to cross major roads during the morning and evening rush-hour as they prefer to search for females during dawn and dusk, meaning commuters are more at risk of being in a deer-related accident.

A spokesman for DeerAware.com said: "Be aware that further deer may well cross after the one you have noticed, particularly during the mating season, but also where deer are in herds.



"Highest-risk times are from sunset to midnight, and the hours shortly before and after sunrise."

There are an estimated 74,000 deer-related road accidents per year across the UK, with a highest number occurring from October to December, according to The British Deer Society.
Brazil says that it will not propose a new offer under the ongoing EU-Mercosur trade negotiations until a proposal on ethanol and beef  the two areas of greatest concern for Brazil  is to be discussed again as well. Brazil has been willing to put aside sugar, another key area, in exchange for beef and ethanol. Both sides are currently negotiating technical aspects regarding a free trade agreement and Brazils demand came as the most outstanding piece of information in the current round of contacts held in Brussels between the EU and Mercosur, a South American grouping that includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

The parties have advanced on areas such as denomination of origin but made progress on public procurement as well. Brazil, however, insists that short-term benefits need to be ensured and the market for contracts should be open at the federal level rather than in lower administrations. Both sides would like to conclude the negotiations by the end of this year. Brazil wants to announce the conclusion at the ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Buenos Aires in December next year. The Brazilian negotiators, however, insist on a balanced deal and do not expect to make a breakthrough in the negotiations until after Germanys general elections on 24 September.

For the Mercosur member countries, the EU is the first trading partner, accounting for more than a fifth of the blocs total trade in 2015. The EUs exports to the region increased more than twofold between 2005 and 2015. Mercosurs export to the bloc went up as well during the same time, from 32 billion to 42 billion. The EUs biggest trading articles with Mercosur are machinery, vehicles and parts and chemicals and pharmaceuticals. In contrast, Mercosurs biggest exports to the EU in 2015 were agricultural products such as foodstuffs, tobacco and beverages.
Great Britain promised yesterday (12 September) that it would cooperate with the European Union to implement foreign sanctions following the Brexit and that it would lend its military might to the bloc. Military and security contributions are key cards in the EU-UK divorce talks after both sides hit roadblocks over the UKs final bill following Brexit. London, however, decided to emphasize a strong economic partnership including military cooperation. France and the UK are the backbone of the EUs military, intelligence and foreign policy weight.

In the latest paper on the future relations with the EU, the British government sought to address a major concern of pro-Brussels lawmakers: that Britain would lose its say on foreign policy discussions including sanctions and other restrictive measures after it receives the bloc. The UK said it was seeking closer defense cooperation than any other country with the EU and would deploy its military capabilities to fight terrorism and cybercrime.

The UK has the biggest defense spending in Europe and the second largest in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after the United States. Moreover, the UK and France are the only European members of the United Nations Security Council. At the same time, Brussels is unequivocal about not allowing London to use its military as a bargaining chip. One solution could be to set up a formal body for the UK and the EU to discuss foreign policy strategy and security issues to ensure a smooth cooperation. However, the British government did not say yet how this could work in practice, though London spelled out that the continuity of military cooperation was crucial because Europe was more fragile than any time since the end of the Cold War.
In many respects, the world is in disarray. Authoritarian governments are gaining ground, seemingly stable states have collapsed and millions of people have been forced to flee their homes.

In the European Unions immediate neighbourhood, the territorial integrity of Ukraine is being actively undermined by continued Russian aggression. As described by Chancellor Angela Merkel after this years G7 meeting, the era in which Europeans should fully rely on others is over. We must take greater responsibility for shaping our own future. For this reason, I believe that we need a strong and self-confident Europe, capable of defending its interests and managing its international responsibilities. A Europe which promotes freedom, security and prosperity and can if necessary, take necessary action to defend itself.

With public support for the European Union project at a high, this is a propitious time to promote a strong Europe. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets to support the ideas espoused by the Pulse of Europe movement. France and Germany are once again forging a closer relationship and reinvigorating the Franco-German friendship. Approval rates for the European Union and its policies are the highest in a long time. We must seize this opportunity to create a Europe which is fit for purpose not only for now but also for the future.

Europe is a peace project. The EU was founded in response to the atrocities of the two World Wars. Sixty years have since passed and in that time, no EU Member State has waged war or employed armed force against another. Europe has a unique success story which should be better promoted. As such, we must acknowledge that Europe has an important responsibility for promoting freedom and peace and can help to resolve conflicts in the shared neighbourhood. I therefore fully support the proposals for a European Defence Union and a European Defence Fund.

This is because the EU must be an effective guarantor of the internal and external security of its Member States. In our globalised world, no country can protect its interests alone without the support of others. The EU must effectively protect its external borders against illegal migration. It can do this by strengthening its border agency Frontex and by completing the European asylum system. Domestically, Germany should retain its internal border controls until the EUs external borders are properly protected.

The EU-Turkey Agreement must serve as the model for similar agreements between Europe and other countries in the region and North Africa. The EU must do all it can to prevent thousands of refugees being smuggled by unscrupulous traffickers  many of whom tragically drown in the Mediterranean when making the journey to Europe. EU Member States also have a shared responsibility for taking in refugees who have been persecuted and are therefore are entitled to protection and safe asylum. All European countries must accept their responsibility for providing these basic rights.

Yet, European countries must also protect their citizens against radicalised foreign fighters and terrorists who are exploiting the plight of refugees and victims to enter Europe. Therefore, the EU must introduce a register of people entering and leaving the Schengen area to monitor how many third-country nationals are residing in the EU. This would help identify and thwart would-be terrorists and people smugglers. In addition the EU urgently needs a better system for the exchange of information among the security authorities of the Member States, as terrorism and organised crime knows no borders.

The Franco-German friendship, established by President Charles de Gaulle and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, has been the cornerstone of the EU since the Unions inception. Our two countries have helped drive many important EU initiatives. At a time of major foreign policy challenges, the Franco-German friendship should be revived as our shared efforts could potentially provide fresh ideas for the rest of Europe. For example, Paris and Berlin are currently working towards a harmonised system of corporation tax in our two countries. If implemented this would be a clear symbol of our willingness to fight for markets and investments and could be emulated by others in Europe.

In challenging and uncertain times such as these, the European Union is necessary now more than ever. Under the leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel Germany is an anchor of stability for the European project. Together with our partners we should embrace and promote our European future. In a world of uncertainty, unity is our best choice.

The opinions articulated above represent the views of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Leadership Network or any of its members. The ELNs aim is to encourage debates that will help develop Europes capacity to address the pressing foreign, defence, and security challenges of our time.


Bahrain has been named as the new best country in the world for expats thanks to a welcoming outlook and being a place where expats feel they can settle in easily.In second place in the latest Expat Insider survey is Costa Rica where expats also say they get a warm welcome, with Mexico in third place due to it being an easy place to live and offering good value for money.It means that three of the less likely locations for expats have knocked more traditional expat destinations from the top of the Expat Insider rankings. Indeed, Bahrain was just 19th in the 2016 survey but improvements across all the survey indices have propelled the nation to the top.A once traditional favourite New Zealand is sixth, Spain comes in at 10, with Portugal the highest ranked European country at five. At the bottom is Greece, ranked 65, below Kuwait, Nigeria and Brazil and Italy also has a poor showing at 60.The survey report says that Bahrain really excels in making expats feel at home, and the country tops the ease of settling in index and also comes first for being able to get by without learning the local language as most people speak English.Expats in Bahrain are also happy with their careers, coming third in the working abroad index and second for jobs and careers, but expats in Bahrain are less positive about the state of the economy with the nation in 25th place and 18th for job security.The cost of living has remained the same in Bahrain and in personal finance it has improved by 13 places and in terms of their financial situation, 68% of expats are generally satisfied, and 41% say that they earn a lot more than they would back home while the ranking for families has also improved, first for family life in general and fourth for the friendly attitude towards families with children.Costa Rica came first for finding friends and 19% of expats saying their social circle is mostly Costa Ricans and 63% saying its a mix of locals and expats while the country has increased in the quality of live, ease of settling in and family life ratings with better scores in quality of education and the availability of childcare and education.There were also big improvements in the p Finance index with 68% saying they are generally satisfied with their financial situation, and 79% saying they have enough or more than enough to cover their daily expenses.Ranking in the top five of the Expat Insider survey every year, Mexico retakes its place in the top three and ranked second for ease of settling in while 14% said they primarily moved to Mexico for a better quality of life with the country first in the personal happiness subcategory.Expats in Mexico are also happy with their financial situation with 80% considering the cost of living a potential benefit before moving. The country ranks fourth in the personal finance index and second in the cost of living index, and 74% of expats say theyre generally satisfied with their financial situation.At the other end of the ranking Greece and Kuwait have been in the bottom three for four consecutive years, and Nigeria has been in the bottom three since 2015. The report shows that finances and family life are causing headaches for expats in Greece with half of the respondents saying their household income is not enough to cover their daily expenses, with 27% even saying its not nearly enough to get by.One British respondent mentioned having feelings of insecurity due to the economic crisis and declines in the cost of childcare and education categories as well as the family well-being subcategories also led to Greece taking last place in the family life index.
rupinder.kaur said: Hi

Can anyone help me as to how to obtain a supervised teaching practice days certificate from Punjab university? I completed my B.Ed in 2001 from Dev Samaj college of Education, Chandigarh. I need to know, whom or which department to contact in university for issuance of this certificate?



Thanks. Click to expand...

Not sure about it; however, the best place to get it will be the Registrar's office at the University. A letter from affiliated College won't work.Some teachers registration boards in Australia accepts your transcripts (if it shows how much supervised teaching practice you completed during your studies), or a copy of the course syllabus for the year your graduated. Check this information with the relevant registration authority.
Hi all,



I am pregnant at the moment, so as you guessed it from the title, I would like to invite my parents and my grandmother to be with me probably late in the year , during DEC or JAN, near to my delivery. But im in a very confused situation.



1) Im a citizen now, just got it in July, but will be applying for my Australian passport. So I can only attach my citizenship certificate and not my Indian passport (for documents to support my ID). Right?

2) Also as I m not working at the moment, I don't have payslips but savings from my previous job so can I attach that?

3) Or is it just better for my brother who is a PR here and working, to invite them and I can co sponsor with him as he has just been working for a year now. ( OR can i just co sponsor and not mention about my pregnancy at all?)



PS : I know my spouse can invite them but he has just sponsored for his parents to be here soon so I dont know if he can also sponsor this. Its their first grandchild so he wants his parents to be here as well.



Any suggestions would be great, I am also planning to call the dept if its too difficult for you all to suggest something.



Thanks in advance.
Hi, thank you in advance for any reliable answer.

Not sure if this is the right room to post this,,

I am south korean and my husband is french.

We got married in Oct 2014 in Hong Kong at the hong kong government office.

Our first child was born in Sep 2015 in Australia and he got AU passport as I was AU PR.

Then we moved to the UK last year and have since been living here.

Our second child was born in the UK in Apr 2017.

Now, we are trying to get our second child a French passport here.

The french consulate in the UK is asking us to submit family book (livret de famille) along with many other documents which we do not have.

Only recently we fount out that we should have told the french consulate in Hong Kong that we were going to married BEFORE the wedding.

Without family book, our second son doesn't seem to get a french passport and at the moment according to the consulate officers, and trying to get a korean passport is not an option at the moment. just because I believe my sons are french and they have right to get french passport.



Is there anyone with similar experience? Or is there anyone who is knowledgable about this?
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Facing criminal charges for his involvement in FourWinds Logistics, State Sen. Carlos Uresti testified Tuesday in a San Antonio bankruptcy court trial that the now-defunct oil field services company might have been a Ponzi scheme.

The San Antonio Democrat said on the witness stand that he and his legal team conducted an investigation into FourWinds because he wanted to get to the truth of the matter following his indictment in May.

I was not aware until recently from our investigation, that it appears that it might have been a Ponzi scheme, Uresti testified.

A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns to existing investors from monies contributed by new investors, the Securities and Exchange Commission says.

Uresti was subpoenaed to testify in the bankruptcy court trial, which centers on a dispute over roughly $2.5 million the Chapter 7 trustee is seeking to recover from a Dallas surgeon who invested with the frac-sand company.

San Antonio-based FourWinds was formed to buy and sell sand, which is used in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to produce oil and gas.

FourWinds entered bankruptcy in August 2015 amid allegations from a handful of investors that they were defrauded.

Uresti, former FourWinds CEO Stan Bates and consultant Gary Cain were arrested in May in connection with their roles at the company. They have each denied the charges and are scheduled to go to trial next month.

Uresti said during Tuesdays bankruptcy court appearance that he served as FourWinds lawyer from about June or July 2014 until January 2015, when he had to head to Austin for the legislative session.

He denied owning a 1 percent interest in FourWinds. In a 2014 state financial disclosure form, Uresti disclosed owning between 100 and 499 FourWinds shares.

Uresti added he originally was introduced to Bates as a potential investor, though he didnt have the $1.4 million required to invest with FourWinds.

Uresti sought to bring in investors for FourWinds, including current Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood, San Antonio businessman Ronnie Gabriel and lawyer Alex Begum. None of them invested, however, he said.

Former Uresti law client Denise Cantu of Harlingen did invest $900,000, earning him a $27,000 commission. Cantu lost all but abut $100,00 and now is suing Uresti for fraud. She also sued FourWinds and Bates in a separate lawsuit.

Uresti previously had represented Cantu in a wrongful-death case involving two of her children.

During his approximately 100 minutes of testimony, Uresti said he was not aware of (FourWinds) being a Ponzi scheme when he was involved.

Natalie Wilson, a lawyer for the Chapter 7 trustee, asked Uresti what he did after his indictment to investigate whether FourWinds was a Ponzi scheme.

We have subpoenaed thousands of documents, Uresti said.

Asked from whom he subpoenaed the documents, Uresti declined to say.

I think were getting into attorney-client privilege, he replied.

Prosecutors have alleged that FourWinds was a Ponzi scheme. Three former company officials already have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, though they have yet to be sentenced.

Uresti said that based on what he knows now, he believes Bates created a false impression that FourWinds was a profitable venture.

Would you have introduced potential investors to (FourWinds) if you had known that it was not a profitable company, Wilson then asked.

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.

Absolutely not, Uresti said.

A lot of the legal work that Uresti said he performed for FourWinds involved recovering monies that were held in escrow for a sand deal that didnt pan out.

Urestis law firm filed a lawsuit against the sand supplier and escrow agent on behalf of FourWinds in September 2014. Another law firm later stepped in to handle the litigation when Uresti ended his involvement with FourWinds.

FourWinds used the $2.5 million settlement of the litigation to pay Dr. David Zehr, a Dallas surgeon who was the main principal in a company that invested in a joint venture with FourWinds.

Chapter 7 trustee Randolph Osherow alleges FourWinds fraudulently transferred the money to Zehr less than two month before it filed for bankruptcy.

Osherow wants U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Craig Gargotta to undo the transfer so the money will go to the bankruptcy estate. Zehr contends its his money.

Urestis court appearance came on his 54th birthday. During a break in the trial, he quipped to Osherow: Youre ruining my birthday, Randy.

The bankruptcy court trial is scheduled to resume in November.

pdanner@express-news.net
In a plea to Congress, Bexar County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday supporting federal legislation that would grant permanent legal status to young undocumented immigrants.

The resolution comes one week after President Donald Trump announced he would phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the Obama-era policy that granted work permits to undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.

The resolution states that the court supports the bipartisan Dream Act introduced in July by Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. The legislation provides a path to permanent legal status for young adults who arrived in the U.S. before turning 18 and also meet other criteria.

County Judge Nelson Wolff, who lobbied for the Dream Act in Washington last week, noted that the courts resolution supports the legislation without amendments.

The hazard of it is that some things could get attached that bring the whole thing down, Wolff said. And that theyll take this bill that has good bipartisan support and use it as leverage to pass some things  that people really dont like.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Paul Elizondo added an amendment to the courts resolution Tuesday, specifying that Congress should pass the act as soon as possible.

Otherwise theyre going to drag it out for six months, and young people wont know whats going to happen to them, Elizondo said.

Under the plan announced Sept. 5, the Trump administration will allow those with DACA permits to apply for two-year renewal by Oct. 5. But the Department of Homeland Security will no longer process new applications.

The DACA program has protected nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants from deportation since it was established by the Obama administration in June 2012.

jscherer@express-news.net
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Jurors recommended 88 years in prison and a $10,000 fine Tuesday for Gloria R. Proo, 52, for the part she played in the death of her stepgrandson in 2014.

Josiah Williams, 5, had been beaten and severely malnourished. Prosecutors had urged a life sentence for Proo, whom the jury convicted Monday of injury to a child/severe bodily injury by omission for failing to alert authorities to the ongoing mistreatment.

State District Judge Ron Rangel immediately pronounced the sentence. Proo bowed her head and gave a sob when the jury announced it.

Proo is one of three defendants in the case. Her daughter, Crystal Williams, was sentenced in June 2016 to life in prison. Williams husband, Charleston Williams, is awaiting trial.

Josiah already was dead when first responders found him Dec. 27, 2012, at the home he shared with his father, stepmother, half sister and stepbrother in the 3900 block of Gayle. His eyes were black and swollen shut and his body was battered and bruised with multiple injuries that were in various stages of healing, witnesses testified at Proos trial.

Proos attorneys said she did not live with her daughter but watched Josiah on Dec. 23, 2012, while his parents took their two other children to Fiesta Texas to see Santa Claus. They maintained the abuse was at the hands of Josiahs father and stepmother, not Proo.

Prosecutors had reminded the jury that witnesses testified that Proo primarily cared for the children.

Think about Josiah and how he felt when he was being punished, being denied food, prosecutor Stephanie Boyd said. Im sure he tried everything he could but nothing was going to make this defendant love him and treat him like the other children.

Proo, who did not have a prior criminal record, had applied for probation.

In his closing argument, defense attorney Ernest Acevedo III said Proo had never been in trouble, took care of her elderly father for months leading up to the childs death and should not go to prison for life for failing to make a phone call. Acevedo said she has several medical issues and is not a danger to the community.

I find it hard to believe with the evidence presented that there was any intent to kill Josiah, Acevedo told the jury. If there is a time for mercy, it is now. Ninety-nine years  she doesnt have that much time left.

James Tocci, Proos other attorney, told the jury that Proo didnt do enough to prevent the boys death but that she shouldnt go to prison for that.

Anyone that would raise a fist to a child so hard their eyes are swollen shut should go to prison, Tocci said. But if you believe she didnt call 911 on Dec. 23, you need to treat her differently. She just didnt do enough.

Josiah Williams mother, maternal grandmother and other family members, some of whom watched Proos trial, have declined to comment until the final defendants case is resolved, Boyd said.
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House Speaker Joe Straus thanked a group of San Antonio business leaders for helping fend off the so-called bathroom bill this year, but pressed for them to stay engaged and predicted the next legislative session could be the most challenging in decades.

Texans rejected name-calling and scare tactics, and as a result we avoided a major mistake that would have cost our economy greatly and divided us unnecessarily, he said to applause at an appreciation luncheon held in his honor Tuesday by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Now is not the time to walk away from the table.

For the 2019 legislative session, Straus said, state lawmakers will be facing the big bill for Hurricane Harvey clean-up as well as confronting long-festering issues, including the states beleaguered school finance system and soaring Medicaid costs.

Despite some movement on those issues during this years regular and special sessions, a proposal restricting transgender bathroom use seized most of the political oxygen in Austin and drew battle lines between Republican leaders.

The bill, widely seen as discriminatory, would have required people use public facilities that align with the gender on their birth certificates. While Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov Dan Patrick pushed the bill as a womens safety issue, Straus stood firm against the measure, drawing their ire.

Sometimes, as was the case with the so-called bathroom bill, the most conservative solution is for government not to take action that isnt necessary, Straus, R-San Antonio, said of the bill, which died in the House during the special session without ever getting a vote.

Business groups lined up against the bill, warning its passage would spur boycotts like those seen after North Carolina adopted a similar policy. Simply debating the bathroom bill cost Texas millions of dollars in lost convention business, tourism leaders have said. San Antonio, Austin and Dallas collectively lost conventions that were projected to generate a combined $53 million in spending, according to figures provided to the Express-News. Chamber President Richard Perez lauded the speakers leadership this year as extraordinary.

While the House and Senate were at odds during both the regular and special sessions, one leader remained calm, collected, forged alliances and found common ground, he said of Straus, who drew several standing ovations.

Straus used his speech to urge the business community to now turn its focus to public education reform. A hotly debated issue during the special session, senators agreed to invest more than $500 million while studying long-term solutions, but turned down the $1.8 billion package sought by House leaders.

We are going to keep pushing for school finance reform and we need your help because public schools are the best economic development tool we have, Straus said. While courts have ruled our school finance system is lawful, it is nonetheless awful.

While Straus became a punching bag for Patrick and Abbott after the special session ended in the failure of roughly half of Abbotts 20-point agenda, Straus advocated collaboration going forward. He did, however, take some thinly veiled jabs at the leaders, without ever citing them by name.

Much of Abbotts special session agenda took aim at local control by seeking to overturn municipal tree ordinances, limit cities annexation authority and make it harder for local governments to raise property taxes. Citing the response to Hurricane Harvey, Straus emphasized the importance of state leaders working in tandem with local officials.

Local control is a core conservative principal, he said. One-size-fits-all solutions dont always work, whether they come from Washington, D.C., or Austin, Texas.

Later Tuesday, when asked about local control at a news conference ahead of a Harvey relief concert, Abbott said all levels of government have worked together to address the storms devastation.

With a catastrophe of this size its important for all governments to work collaboratively together, he said. Each level of government has worked seamlessly together.

Straus agreed with Abbotts assessment that the state doesnt need another special session to address storm damage. Abbott has said state resources can cover any needs from now until the next legislative session and the state tap the states roughly $10 billion rainy day fund as needed.

Answering questions from reporters after his speech, Straus reaffirmed his plans to seek a record-setting sixth term as House Speaker. Despite tensions following the bitter special session, Straus said he is hopeful about working together with Patrick and Abbott going forward, so long as we stay constructive and focused on issues that affect all Texans.

There are outside groups that have influence that want me to govern as an extremist, he added. And I havent done it and I wont do it, regardless of what people say.

amorris@express-news.net
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Federal immigration authorities have deported two survivors of the deadly July smuggling incident that left 10 dead in San Antonio.

On Sept. 5, 22 survivors of the incident, most of them from Mexico, were transferred from the custody of the Marshals Service to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The undocumented immigrants had been held as material witnesses in the criminal case against the driver of a tractor-trailer in which as many as 100 immigrants were being smuggled.

When the trailer was discovered on July 23, eight people already had died. Two more died at a hospital. Police believe many were picked up by smugglers before law enforcement arrived.

Federal authorities held 22 of the survivors as material witnesses and released several others for medical reasons or because theyre juveniles.

Within hours of their release from custody, two were driven to the border in Del Rio and deported, said Amy Fischer, the policy director for Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, which represented them.

Both had been previously deported, Fischer said. A third material witness who also had a prior deportation was released, she said. That immigrant was one of four who testified in grand jury proceedings against the trucks driver, Fischer said.

It just sort of shows how unwilling they are to treat these folks as survivors of trauma, she said. Theyre just seeing what kind of use they can be and once theyre done with them, they want them out of the country, and theres no second thought about what they have survived.

Leaving the survivors, many of whom are from central Mexico, on Mexicos crime-ridden northern border also is potentially dangerous, Fischer said.

One of our really big concerns is that they  may in fact be subject to some type of intimidation by those that are part of these smuggling operations, because of course the smuggling operations dont know what they did or did not say to officials, and I think were concerned that they may be targeted going forward, she said.

In a statement, ICE said: Two tractor-trailer survivors were removed to their country of origin.

The trucks driver, James Matthew Bradley Jr., was indicted in August on several counts of transporting and harboring undocumented immigrants.

Bradley also faces one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities recovered a .38-caliber pistol from the cab of the rig operated by Bradley, who has several convictions and arrests in several states, including felonies.

Bradley could face up to life in prison if convicted of the charges resulting in death, or even the death penalty if local federal prosecutors make that recommendation to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and he signs off on that prosecution.

jbuch@express-news.net

Staff Writer Guillermo Contreras contributed to this report.
AUSTIN  A divided U.S. Supreme Court blocked two lower court rulings late Tuesday that had required Texas to redraw certain congressional and state House districts after the lower courts ruled the district lines unconstitutional.

The high courts hold will remain in place while it weighs the states appeal, though a timeline has yet to be set on hearing the appeal.

That means Texas might have to go through the 2018 primary elections in March using districts that federal judges have said were intentionally drawn to discriminate against Latino and African-American voters.

I cant say that I am pleased with this. I cant say that I am surprised by it either, said Jose Garza, counsel to the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuits. At the end of the day, it may all work out. Maybe its better to have this discriminatory plan in front of the court and have the state of Texas try to defend it sooner rather than later.

Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen testified earlier this year that election offices must mail out voter registration cards by early October; thats 1 million in Bexar County alone. The cards indicate a voters federal and state districts. And candidates are scheduled to begin filing for their partys primaries in November.

The other possibility is that the March elections are delayed. In 2012, the state was forced to postpone primary elections in the wake of legal challenges from civil rights groups and minority advocates to political maps drawn the year before.

Advocacy groups argue the maps in question intentionally dilute minorities voting power, by cramming them into a single district, or splitting them up across too many.

The state has been operating under temporary court-ordered maps drawn for the 2012 elections and adopted by the Legislature in 2013.

This summer, a three-judge federal panel in San Antonio invalidated some of those districts, finding they violate the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. Voting Rights Act.

The panel ruled that Texas Congressional District 27, now held by Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, and District 35, now held by Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, were drawn with discriminatory intent aimed at diluting minorities voting strength.

Similarly, the panel ordered the state to redraw nine legislative districts due to intentional discrimination by race. None of the affected districts are in Bexar County; several are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The state and those suing had been set to meet last week to fix violations and take up remedial maps. The hearings were canceled after the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the lower court rulings.

Tuesday, the high court extended that stay on a 5-4 vote with Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan in the minority.

Attorney General Ken Paxton, who sought the stay, did not return a request for comment.

Chad Dunn, the Texas Democratic Partys general counsel, said he believes the evidence of discriminatory intent in the maps is so strong, the Supreme Court will agree when it finally hears the case.

Getting a final resolution to this matter  is a step in the right direction, he said.

amorris@express-news.net
Ted Cruz wants to bring jobs back home.

He wants to see the steady growth of U.S. productivity. He wants an American economy full of opportunity.

So it should have been no surprise to learn that our junior senator, or someone representing his Twitter account, registered appreciation Monday night for the efforts of some American entrepreneurs who are providing jobs to the workers of this country.

You could even call them manufacturing jobs, in the sense that the Cruz-favored porn video (posted by @SexuallPosts) was meant to manufacture a response from its viewers.

Cruz (or whoever handles his Twitter damage control) unliked the video  which features an actress playing a woman getting aroused while watching her stepdaughter have sex with her boyfriend on a couch  an hour after expressing admiration for the way it delivered its voyeuristic fantasy. By the middle of the day Tuesday, 500,000 tweets mocking the former GOP presidential contender had been posted.

Twitter Nation needs to get off Cruzs back.

After all, its Cruzs business what he enjoys in the privacy of his own laptop. Besides, as sex scandals go, this one is lacking. Specifically, lacking another person.

Former New York Congressman Anthony Wiener always made it about himself. Cruzs Twitter account, by comparison, generously championed the cinematic achievements of others.

On Tuesday morning, after a few hours of messaging confusion, Cruz blamed the porn incident on a staffing issue. He added, It was inadvertent, it was a mistake.

That could be true, because its hard to understand how a smart, image-obsessed U.S. senator could do something as dumb as liking an explicit porn video on a Twitter account with more than 3 million followers.

On the other hand, it could be a case of what Chris Rock talked about when he said that men are not in their right minds when they watch porn, so they always end up leaving the evidence in the DVD player.

Either way, this side of Cruz tends to hide in plain sight.

According to his old Princeton University roommate, screenwriter and director Craig Mazin, Cruz made a habit of donning a paisley bathrobe and walking down the hallway of the womens dorms, inevitably creeping out female students.

Theres also the video of an 18-year-old Cruz jokingly revealing that his career goal was to star in a teen sex film.

And then there was the awkward moment back in June when actress Alyssa Milano tweeted to her followers: ~GROUPHUG~ get in. Cruz tweeted back to Milano, We all need a hug! and added a winky face emoji. Milano shot back, Not you, @tedcruz. Youre not invited.

Cruz is easy to ridicule because he presents himself as a judgmental paragon of piety.

He has assailed New York values, fought against protections for LGBT individuals and once filed a brief defending a Texas ban on the sale of sex toys.

The senator is getting nothing but love, however, from @SexuallPosts, whose Twitter bio is urging people to Follow for the Same Porn @TedCruz Watches.

Thats the kind of branding acumen that just might make America great again.

ggarcia@express-news.net

Twitter: @gilgamesh470
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Courtesy Texas General Land Office Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Courtesy Texas General Land Office Show More Show Less



To help commemorate the centennial of American involvement in World War I and the Texans who fought in the Great War, the Texas General Land Office Save Texas History program has released a new, limited-edition map  Texas and the Great War  sponsored by the Veterans Land Board.

The map features more than 70 people and places in Texas that were significant to our state during World War I. In San Antonio, Kelly Field, the largest U.S. Army training facility for pilots in Texas, as well as Camp Travis, where more than 208,000 soldiers trained, are highlighted. Also highlighted is the Zimmermann Telegram, an intercepted German telegram to the Mexican president promising the return of the U.S. Southwest, including Texas, to Mexico if she joined the German war effort. The telegram infuriated the public. The Texas media reflected the outrage of the citizens. In fact, the San Antonio Light newspaper suggested that if a German-Mexican army overran Texas, Texans would fight to the death. Other papers across the country reacted in a similar fashion. The threats against the United States contained in the Zimmermann Telegram were enough for President Woodrow Wilson to ask Congress to declare war against Germany on April 2, 1917. Congress officially declared war four days later, according to the Handbook of Texas.
The United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County kicked off its 99th annual campaign Wednesday with a breakfast at Carlisle Evangelical Free Church.

The goal for this years campaign is $1.45 million to support the greater Carlisle community.

Campaign co-chairs Tom Bream of S&T Bank and Greg Hall of Smith Elliott Kearns & Co. hosted the breakfast at which they recognized pacesetter companies that have already conducted their internal campaigns to give the overall campaign a boost at its start.

Those campaigns have raised $255,628, which puts the United Way at 18 percent of its goal. When early campaign pledges are added in, the total funds raised at the campaigns start amount to $354,958.

Samantha Krepps, manager of public and community relations for Giant, the breakfasts sponsor, asked the audience to imagine going without coffee, and to take that a step further to imagine going without breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Imagine if this continued for a few days. It would take a definite toll on your well-being, she said.

Then, she asked the gathering to imagine a community in which every child has breakfast, goes to school with energy to learn, and graduating from school and college to repeat the cycle with his own children.

If you can imagine, the possibilities are endless, she said.

Krepps encouraged donors to donate what is most comfortable for them, adding that the donations may help a friend, neighbor or even yourself.

The recent hurricanes that devastated Texas, Florida and other areas were also on the minds of the speakers. Krepps pointed to the service organizations, like the United Way, that have been active on the ground in the affected areas.

They have been able to raise money, collect supplies, round up personnel and volunteers to help clean up those ravaged areas. For those of us who cant be there, we can donate, she said.

The worldwide United Way has set up a website at unitedway.org/recovery through which individuals may make donations. One hundred percent of those donations will go directly to the United Ways in the affected communities.

A panel discussion with leaders from companies that conduct strong employee giving campaigns talked about the importance of connecting to the community, why they invest in the United Way and the greatest concerns facing the community. Panelists were Nora Habig, administrative vice-president of M&T Bank, Ryan Heishman, president of Allen Distribution, and David Steitz, CEO of UMPC Pinnacle Carlisle.

The event also featured a performance  with assistance from the audience  of Carlisle High Schools improv troupe, Wingin It. Kate Sainer performed a version of John Lennons Imagine for which Ron Lang had rewritten the lyrics to fit the United Way and the campaigns theme.

As his students performed, Wingin It adviser Matt Fahnestock thanked the United Way partner agencies that work with children.

Its incredible how well prepared these kids come to us in a number of ways, he said.
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Germans are getting a lot of credit for the dullness of their federal election campaign. This years contest is boring by any measure, but in contrast to the ongoing British omnishambles and the second place showing of Frances far right Marine Le Pen  never mind the endless reality show transpiring on the other side of the Atlantic  the competition between Angela Merkel and Martin Schultz is enough to put any drugged-up Berlin hipster to sleep. The willingness to focus on substantive issues and total absence of ad hominem attack, combined with the fact that the two major parties appear to agree more often than not, signifies an admirably mature and serious country. This comity is generally taken to be a good thing. After all, one wouldnt want German politics to be exciting, right?

To some extent, this description of the German scene is accurate. Unlike the Brits, who treat politics as the mere continuation of Oxford Union skullduggery and rhetorical showmanship (no more apparent than in the person of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson), or the grandiloquent French (who, according to the old joke, like to ask, That works in practice but does it work in theory?), Germans handle politics with characteristic earnestness.

Aside from Germans distaste for charismatic politicians, the other major contributor to the countrys current political quietism is consensus, symbolized in the grand coalition government that commands over 500 seats in the Bundestag. Chancellor Merkel, it is often said, has so skillfully occupied the middle ground that she leaves opponents with little material, thus the spectacle of Schultz and SPD Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel outdoing each other in saying nice things about the woman they are supposedly trying to unseat from power. While this is an accurate description of her strategy, the nature and durability of Germanys present political consensus is deceptive. For it is a consensus earned by the countrys unique position as beneficiary of a globalization process now undergoing a series of unexpected reversals.

Social Democrats are hypocrits

Post-Cold War globalization has been very good for Germany. Indeed, there is probably no other country in the Western world that has benefitted more from it than the Berlin republic. When the Cold War ended, Germany reunified and once again became the economic (if not political) powerhouse of Europe. Today, Germany is both a security free rider and the main beneficiary of the continental monetary union, two factors that have insulated its domestic politics from the sort of quarrels afflicting its neighbors.

Take security. Thanks to its decades-long habitation under the American military umbrella, Germans have dulled themselves into believing that the world is a much safer place than it actually is. In any other country of such size and global importance, the abysmal state of the German armed forces would be a massive scandal and political hot-topic, yet it is barely spoken of in the campaign, and the vast majority of Germans could not care less. Indeed, the SPD is warning against a new arms race with respect to the commitment Nato members made in 2014 to spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense. Even though the Social Democrats are part of the current coalition government that signed this very pledge just three years ago, its association with Donald Trump, who may be the most unpopular American president in Germany since Franklin D. Roosevelt, obscures the partys hypocrisy.
Binky Felstead is set to launch her own "mummy-based" company in the future.

Binky Felstead

The 27-year-old television personality has collaborated with In The Style on a womenswear range and My 1st Years on a childrens line, which is available to personalise, and the star has teased she has a "few surprises" up her sleeve as she is set to launch her own clothing line, and a new company soon.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, the 'Made In Chelsea' star said: "We have a few surprises coming. My own clothing line.

"I have got a new company I have set up. It's mummy-based."

Binky has launched her debut baby and children clothing line titled With Love From Binky for my 1st Years, which she found "easier" to create than any womenswear range she has previously designed because she believes babies look "gorgeous in anything and everything".

The brunette beauty - who has three-month-old daughter India with her partner Josh 'JP' Patterson - said: "This was kind of easier, because I think babies are quite easy to dress because they look gorgeous in anything and everything. But I think the less patterns and more basic stuff they look gorgeous in. This is more chic and not too busy. I think it's been easier."

And the reality star jumped at the chance of joining forces with the company because she has always been a "fan" and loyal customer of the brand.

She added: "I have been a fan and a customer of My First Years for a few years because my friends are getting pregnant and I always got them gifts with personalisation on them. I then got asked to collaborate and I was really excited because it was the next step really in my life."

However, Binky - whose full name is Alexandra - has revealed it was a "hectic time" for her when she joined forces with the label because she was pregnant with her first child, and was in the middle of moving into her new home.

But despite the stressful time Binky is "happy" with the outcome.

She said: "We worked closely with the designers, I was pregnant at the time, I was moving house, it was a bit of a hectic time but I am happy with how it's turned out."
The Duke of Cambridge has seemingly revealed that his new baby is due in March.

Prince William

The 35-year-old royal was forced to announced that he and his wife Duchess Catherine, 35, are expecting their third child earlier this month after the brunette beauty missed their four-year-old son Prince George's first day of school due to severe morning sickness - something she's suffered with all of her pregnancies.

And it looks like the prince - who also has two-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte with Catherine - has accidentally spilled when the little one is expected to be born as he admitted they can start "celebrating" their baby news properly from later this week.

Although he didn't confirm the duchess is due early next year, people tend not to celebrate their pregnancy until they hit the three-month mark as there is less chance of miscarriage and it's usually when parents are able to see their baby properly on a scan.

After being congratulated by an audience member at the National Mental Health and Policing conference in Oxford, William - according to the Daily Star newspaper - said: "Thank you, it's very good news. There's not much sleep going on at the moment. It was a bit anxious to start with but we can start celebrating this week."

The couple - who got married in 2011 - announced their pregnancy in a statement.

It said: "Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child. The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.

"As with her previous two pregnancies, The Duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Her Royal Highness will no longer carry out her planned engagement at the Hornsey Road Children's Centre in London today.

"The Duchess is being cared for at Kensington Palace."
Tom Taylor sees Suranne Jones as a mother-figure.

Tom Taylor

The 16-year-old actor shot to fame as Tom Foster, the son of the unstable Gemma Foster (Suranne), in the hit BBC TV series 'Doctor Foster', and said when they got the script for the second season it was like a "family reunion" and his co-stars are "incredible people".

Speaking to The I Paper, Tom said: "She's just so nice. And Bertie Carvel (who plays his on-screen dad Simon). They're incredible people and just so down to earth. When we found out we were doing a second series it was like a family reunion. It was so fun to see them all again, and then get back into our roles. The script was amazing. The new script is incredible, there is so much in it."

While filming the second series, which aired again last week, Tom was in the middle of studying for his GCSEs and had to run upstairs for revision sessions with his tutor.

He said: "My tutor was waiting upstairs, it was up and down, up and down all day. We had three months to bust out five episodes, so it was pretty damn intense, but I think that paid off."

When Tom was filming the first series, he didn't really care what he was watching but now, he his older he admitted he understands what the series achieves.

He said: "We all get so angry with Simon when we're watching.

"When I first saw myself on screen I didn't really care what it was, I was just on TV and that was exciting enough.

"But now when I'm watching the second series I can really understand what I'm in and what it achieves.

"The tension throughout, you just can't breathe. You just want Gemma to chill out, don't you? Calm down."

Although 'Doctor Foster' only has five episodes per series, Tom admitted he would love to do up to 10 series.

He said: "Imagine if we could do 10 series, that would be amazing."
With more people looking to eat healthily and with the growing popularity of vegetarian and vegan foods, salad is now so much more than a garnish on a plate.

Vegan on Female First

One man who knows a thing or two about salad leaves is pioneering salad farmer Dr Steve Rothwell, the man behind funky salad brand Steves Leaves (www.stevesleaves.co.uk) and the first person in the UK to have a PhD in watercress  yes really!

Together with his team of Hampshire based salad farmers, Steve has introduced a wide variety of salad leaves to the UK, including rocket, baby spinach and pea shoots.

Today Steves Leaves prides itself on its unique and delicious salads, which are washed in spring water, produced to high environmental standards and available in handy, convenient small bags to reduce waste. Steves Leaves is available to enjoy from Waitrose, Ocado and independent foodie outlets like Wholefoods.

Here Steve shares ten things you might not know about salad

Often dubbed the original superfood, watercress was the first bagged salad sold in 1976 Nowadays were used to being able to pick up salad that is washed and ready to eat in bags, bowls and with an assortment of other ingredients. But did you know, the first washed and ready to eat baby leaf salad wasnt launched until 1988! Weve come a long way since then Its one of the most popular salad leaves around, but when salad rocket first launched in the late 90s, retailers were worried it was too hot for UK palates so it was sold in tiny 25g punnets to help Brits acclimatise to the spicy flavour Salad consumption is increasing year on year as more people recognise the health benefits and easy meals they can create with salad leaves Although salad is often associated with warmer weather, Christmas is one of the other most popular times of the year for salad consumption You are better to tear your salad leaves than you are to cut them with a knife. Tearing the leaves helps preserve the nutrients better as cells separate rather than be cut open Hampshire, the home of Steves Leaves, is also the watercress capital of the UK. In the Victorian era, the rail service from Alresford to London hauled so much watercress it was nicknamed the watercress line. Once the watercress reached London, it was sold in conesa bit like popcorn. Salad comes from the Latin word herba salta or salted herbs, so called because greens were originally seasoned with dressings containing lots of salt Caesar salad is said to have been devised in Tijuana in 1924 by Italian chef Caesar Cardini The Waldorf salad was devised by Oscar Tschirky, who was the maitre dhotel of the New York Waldorf Astroria hotel in the 1890s
If youre a lover of classical music youre in for a treat next week

Now in its sixth year, the Benyamin Sonmez Classical Music Festival returns to Fethiye, welcoming artists from all across Turkey to pay tribute to the late Benyamin Sonmez, one of the greatest musical talents in the contemporary world.

Who arranges the festival?

The festival committee works very hard all year round to arrange the event and organise the musicians. One of the committee members is Mehmet Sonmez, Benyamins older brother, also an accomplished musician who plays the double bass. Other committee members include Benyamin and Mehmets mother, Fatma Sonmez, Birol Ganioglu and Gulsen Yegen.

Fethiye Times went along to talk to chat with Mehmet Sonmez.

Fethiye Times (FT) What is the most important thing you want people to know about the festival?

Mehmet Sonmez (MS) It is not the biggest or the most competitive festival, but it is the most emotional because of my little brother, Benyamin. Musicians travel from all over to take part in memory of Benyamin. They dont get paid for performing in this concert and there are no tickets or entry fees to the performances, they are free. I want people to know, especially holidaymakers who may not know much about the festival, that they dont have to go looking for tickets, just come along and enjoy the music. I hope they will understand the emotion behind the performances.

FT When do the concerts take place?

MS The opening concert is will be on 20th September at Beskaza (Fethiye Town Square). Just before the main concert, there will be an award ceremony for the winners of the 2nd International Benyamin Sonmez Cello Competition taking place from the 17th to 19th September.

There will be concerts on Babadag and sunset concerts in Oludeniz, Cals and at D-Marn in Gocek (see concert schedule below)

FT As a musician yourself, will you be performing this year?

MS Yes, I am part of Toker Trio and we will be performing in the opening concert and on Babadag and in Oludeniz.

MS Every year we try to change the mood of the concerts and this year we have some crazy ideas.

FT Im intrigued. Can you tell me anything more?

MS For the first time ever we will be taking a piano to the summit of Babadag for the concert on the 21st. I will be performing with my regular group, Toker Trio, who play the piano, double bass and percussion. After the concert on Babadag the pianist will take an accordion and paraglide (whilst playing the accordion) to the beach at Oludeniz and perform in the evening concert.

He will fly at around 17:30 and land in time for the concert in Oludeniz at 18:30. People will be able to go to both concerts and enjoy this.

There is also a violin player from the Presidential Symphony Orchestra in Ankara who will make surprise appearances at the concerts. You wont know where or when he will appear until you see his lighted bow that looks like something from Star Wars.

FT Can you tell me a little about Benyamin?

MS Benyamin surprised us because great musicians usually start playing from a very early age but he was 14 when he started with music. He took part in many competitions and his age and ability surprised many people. He was a really amazing musician, full of passion for his music. He was a genius.



Viyolensel Benyamin Sonmez 28 yasnda kalbine paylasan: tennarizm

He was a prize winner at just 16 years old when he took first place at the National Cello Contest. His teacher didnt want him to enter the competition as he thought it was too early. We spent many hours playing together and I said no if you want to enter I will help you. His teacher didnt help, we did it together and he won.

I can say that Fethiye is the place where his genius was born. We spent our summers here when we were boys and it was and is a very special place to us. It makes me very happy to make this festival here.

I would like to ask the people who live or holiday here, please come to the concerts. You will enjoy something special as our repertoire is very different to classical concerts you may be used to. We have some traditional pieces from Turkish composers and in the closing concert there will be songs from England, Greece and many countries.

FT Thank you for chatting with me today Mehmet.

The Festival Programme

The language of music needs no translation however here is the programme in English.

Beskaza Meydan  Fethiye Town Square

Wednesday 20th September  20:30

Benyamin Sonmez international cello competition award ceremony

Arcardia Festival Orchestra & Hakan Toker symphony

Thursday 21st September  20:30

Saygun Spring Quartet

Anatolian Woodwind Quintet

Friday 22nd September  20:30

Berfin Aksu & Ibrahim Yazc

Mimar Sinan Double Bass Quartet

Saturday 23rd September  20:30

Mugla Metropolitan Orchestra

Irs Mavraki

Sunset Concerts

D-Marin Gocek

Wednesday 20th September  18:30

Mimar Sinan Double Bass Quartet

Thursday 21st September  18:30

4CELLOS

Friday 22nd September  18:30

Saygun Spring Quartet

Babadag Zirve

Thursday 21st September  15:00

Toker Trio

Friday 22nd September  18:30

Harp & violin duet

Oludeniz Beach Band (Paraglider landing area)

Thursday 21st September  18:30

Toker Trio

Cals Beach Observation Terrace

Wednesday 20th September  18:30

Cello duet

Dont forget  all the concerts are free, and in the most beautiful location you could wish for

Who is Benyamin Sonmez?

Young cellist Benyamin Sonmez, who was discovered and sponsored by legendary violinist Anne Sophie Mutter, was recognised as one of the greatest talents in the contemporary world. Born in Bremen in 1983, Benyamin started his training at the Ankara State Conservatory at the age of 14. Three years later he proved his musical genius by coming first in the National Cello Contest. He went on to win an award at the International Cello Festival and Competition in New Zealand, sponsored by M. Rostropovich.

Benyamin spent five years studying with world-renowned cellist, Natalia Gutman, in Germany and Russia. He was one of the few cellists who had the opportunity to work with this great master and, during these years, had the opportunity to meet other notable musicians, writers and artists.

During his training in Moscow, he played before M. Rostropovich, the greatest cellist of the twentieth century, and attended master classes of many renowned cellists such as David Geringas, Yo-Yo Ma and Anner Bylsma. During his career, Benyamin accumulated a vast repertory, ranging from the works of seventeenth century Marin Marasto Arvo Part, Penderecky, Giya Kancheli, Alfred Schnittke, Durilleus, Schonberg and twentieth century, Benjamin Britten. He was named as one of the most creative cellists by music authorities as a result of his unique performances. He was invited to perform at prestigious festivals such as Manchester Cello Festival, Adam Cello Festival, Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Istanbul Music Festival, Ankara Music Festival and Tivoli Music Festival.

Highly appreciated wherever he played, Benyamin Sonmez was working on various projects with famous maestros such as Valery Gergiev, Sir Andre Previn, Kurt Masur and their orchestras, sponsored by Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation. During his concerts, the cellist played with a Paolo Maggini cello made in 1610 and loaned to him by Maggini Stiftung.

The young cellist died on December 1, 2011, at the age of 28, after suffering a heart attack in Ankara. His body was transferred to Fethiye, where he was laid to rest

Benyamin may no longer be with us, but his legacy lives on.

www.benyaminsonmez.org
The Uster Group, high-technology instrument manufacturer of products for quality measurement and certification for textiles, has relaunched its Low Volume Instruments (LVI) with upgraded electronics and design that play an important role in the industry today, providing essential lab test solutions for companies focused on specific fibre parameters.For many mills, the Uster LVI family includes instruments, which each cover a particular aspect of fibre quality, with absolute reliability: the Uster LVI 930 length tester, the Uster LVI 960 colour/trash tester, the Uster LVI 975 micronaire tester, and the Uster LVI 920 nep tester provide measurements describing these various cotton quality parameters, while the Uster LVI 940 serves as the control system and data manager.

The Uster Group, high-technology instrument manufacturer of products for quality measurement and certification for textiles, has relaunched its Low Volume Instruments (LVI) with upgraded electronics and design that play an important role in the industry today, providing essential lab test solutions for companies focused on specific fibre parameters.#

Even though their key characteristics can be described as small, slow and affordable, all LVI instruments show the same accuracy in measurement as the flagship models  because all measurements are based on the Uster HVI and Uster AFIS principles. The re-launched LVI instruments now feature refreshed electronics and an updated design. The Uster LVI 940 introduces even more novelties, connecting the other LVI instruments through a new software package with expanded reports, new diagnostics, calibration, and data storage.The Low Volume Instruments also serve as the entry point for customers to join the Uster family at an affordable price. Starting with Usters unique Think Quality approach, spinners are equipped to move up the profitability chain step by step with every additional instrument, towards further control of quality throughout the mill processes.Whether cotton is classified using LVI or HVI models, the important thing is that the classification takes place. Cotton marketed with no quality tag is regarded as low quality and not to be trusted  and the price suffers accordingly. The benefits of cotton classing are equally valuable to both spinners and traders. Spinners need to get the most out of their purchased raw material with a smart cotton mix. For the right decision on this, proper quality parameters are necessary. The fact that the raw material is the biggest cost factor in a spinning mill is itself justification for investment in an Uster LVI. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Donald Trump famously declared, I love the poorly educated! and we know why. An electorate thats ignorant about the basics of democracy is ideal grist for an authoritarian.

I was reminded of that this week when I read the latest civics survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center. The stats speak for themselves. Only 26 percent of Americans can name all three branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial), and 33 percent cant name any branch of government. Only 14 percent know that freedom of the press is guaranteed by the First Amendment, while 37 percent cant name any of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

This lamentable obliviousness has been tracked for years. In a 2010 survey, roughly 33 percent couldnt even name the correct century of the American Revolution, and more people could identify Michael Jackson as the composer of Billie Jean than could identify the Bill of Rights as a list of constitutional amendments. In a 2015 survey, roughly half of college students at 55 top-ranked institutions didnt know how long a senator serves (six years) or a congressman (two).

Theres no empirical proof that Trumps narrow path to victory was plowed by the poorly educated. After all, Barack Obama won twice with the same electorate. But someone with authoritarian instincts, once entrenched in power, is perfectly positioned to exploit civic ignorance. Its easy to trample on democratic norms when so few Americans recognize and value the democratic norms.

Its easy for Trump to attack the integrity of judges when millions cant even identify the judiciary as an independent branch of government. Its easy for Trump to attack journalists as enemies of the people when millions are clueless about First Amendment press freedom. Its easy for Trump to trample our history  he says that Andrew Jackson was really angry that he saw what was happening with regard to the Civil War (Jackson died 16 years before the Civil War)  when millions of Americans, according to the 2010 survey, couldnt even say whether Revolution preceded or followed the Civil War.

And its easy for Trump to attack immigrants when, according to the Annenberg Survey, 53 percent of Americans dont know that even illegal immigrants have some constitutional rights. Due process, under the 14th Amendments equal protection clause, has been guaranteed since the Supreme Court said so 131 years ago.

Where does this ignorance originate? Two prominent educators, Richard Kahlenberg and Clifford Janey, recently nailed the biggest reason: Public schools are failing at what the nations founders saw as educations most basic purpose  preparing young people to be reflective citizens who would value liberty and democracy and resist the appeals of demagogues.

Basically, the public schools dont teach civics anymore. Back in my day, at the risk of sounding ancient, we had social studies, which compelled us to know the three government branches, the basics of voting, and the democratic values embedded in the Constitution (plus, the correct century of the Revolution). We were even tasked with learning and naming all nine members of the U.S. Supreme Court.

But as Kahlanberg and Janey point out:

The explicit civics curriculum has been downplayed in recent years. With the rise of economic globalization, educators have emphasized the importance of serving the needs of the private marketplace rather than of preparing citizens for American democracy. On one level, this approach made some sense. As the country celebrated two centuries of continuous democratic rule, the paramount threat seemed to be economic competition from abroad, not threats to democracy at home.

So the bipartisan education manta has been that education should prepare students to be college-and-career ready, with no mention of becoming thoughtful democratic citizens. In a telling sign, in 2013, the governing board of the National Assessment for Educational Progress dropped fourth  and 12th-grade civics and American history as a tested subject in order to save money.

They argue that rigorous courses in history, literature, and civics would cultivate knowledge of democratic practices and a belief in democratic values. True enough. But even if school curricula were miraculously overhauled, were still left with the grim reality that several generations have already been lost. And were left with an electorate (or a huge slice thereof) thats potential putty in the hands of a demagogue who knows as little as they do about constitutional norms.

As James Madison, the father of the Constitution, wrote in 1822, A popular Government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy, or perhaps both.

Both indeed.
Public Relations Department, Eisai Co., Ltd. +81-3-3817-5120

TOKYO, Dec 27, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced that its in-house discovered and developed anticancer agent lenvatinib mesylate (product names: Lenvima / Kisplyx, lenvatinib) for use in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which was submitted for approval in China in October 2017, has been designated for Priority Review and Approval by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) due to lenvatinib's significant clinical benefit compared to existing treatments.The Priority Review and Approval procedure was implemented by the CFDA in February 2016 with the aim of accelerating research, development and launch of new medicines that have significant clinical value. Through designation for Priority Review and Approval, the period of time until approval is expected to be shortened.Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths and is estimated to be responsible for approximately 750,000 deaths per year globally. Additionally, approximately 780,000 cases are newly diagnosed each year, about 80% of which occur in Asian regions. Specifically, in China, there are approximately 395,000 new cases and 380,000 deaths per year, accounting for approximately 50% of cases worldwide.(1) HCC accounts for 85% to 90% of primary liver cancer cases. Unresectable HCC, for which treatment options are limited, is extremely difficult to treat, and the development of new treatments is necessary.Eisai submitted applications for an additional indication for lenvatinib for the treatment of HCC in Japan (June 2017), the United States and Europe (July 2017), China (October 2017) and Taiwan (December 2017).Eisai positions oncology as a key therapeutic area, and is aiming to discover revolutionary new medicines with the potential to cure cancer. Eisai is committed to exploring the potential clinical benefits of lenvatinib as it seeks to contribute further to addressing the diverse needs of, and increasing the benefits provided to patients with cancer, their families, and healthcare providers.About lenvatinib mesylate (generic name, lenvatinib, product name: Lenvima / Kisplyx)Discovered and developed in-house, lenvatinib is an orally administered multiple receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor with a novel binding mode that selectively inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4) in addition to other proangiogenic and oncogenic pathway-related RTKs (including the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor PDGFRalpha; KIT; and RET) involved in tumor proliferation. Currently, Eisai has obtained approval for lenvatinib as a treatment for refractory thyroid cancer in over 50 countries, including in the United States, Japan, Europe and Asia under the brand name Lenvima. Additionally, Eisai has obtained approval for the agent in combination with everolimus as a treatment for renal cell carcinoma (second-line) in over 40 countries, including the United States and in Europe. In Europe, the agent was launched under the brand name Kisplyx for renal cell carcinoma. A Phase III study of lenvatinib in separate combinations with everolimus and pembrolizumab in renal cell carcinoma (first-line) is underway. A Phase Ib/II study to investigate the agent in combination with pembrolizumab in select solid tumors (endometrial cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, urothelial cancer, head and neck cancer, and melanoma) and a Phase Ib study in HCC are also underway. Additionally, a Phase Ib study to investigate the agent in combination with nivolumab in HCC was initiated in Japan.About the RELECT study (Study 304)(2)The Priority Review and Approval designation in China was based on the results of a Phase III clinical study (REFLECT Study / Study 304). The REFLECT study was a multicenter, open-label, randomized, global Phase III study comparing the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib versus sorafenib in first-line treatment of patients with unresectable HCC. In the study, 954 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive lenvatinib 12 mg (>/=60 kg) or 8 mg (<60 kg) once a day, depending on baseline body weight (n= 478) or sorafenib 400 mg twice a day (n= 476). Treatment was continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS) with the goal of demonstrating non-inferiority. Other factors including progression free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), overall response rate (ORR) and quality of life (QOL) were assessed as secondary endpoints. According to the results of the study, lenvatinib (13.6 months) met the statistical criteria for non-inferiority in the primary endpoint of median OS compared to sorafenib (12.3 months). (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.92, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.79-1.06) Additionally, lenvatinib showed statistically significant improvements in the three secondary efficacy endpoints, doubling sorafenib's median values and ratios: median PFS (lenvatinib 7.4 months versus sorafenib 3.7 months, HR 0.66, 95% CI = 0.57-0.77, P<0.00001), median TTP (lenvatinib 8.9 months versus sorafenib 3.7 months, HR 0.63, 95% CI = 0.53-0.73, P<0.00001) and ORR (lenvatinib 24% versus sorafenib 9%, P<0.00001). In this study, the five most common adverse events observed in the lenvatinib arm were hypertension, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight loss and fatigue, which is consistent with the known side-effect profile of lenvatinib.(1) GLOBOCAN2012: Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence Worldwide in 2012. http://globocan.iarc.fr/(2) Cheng A et al. "Phase 3 trial of lenvatinib vs sorafenib in first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma", the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), (June 2017), Abstract No: 4001About EisaiEisai Co., Ltd. (TSE:4523; ADR:ESALY) is a research-based human health care (hhc) company that discovers, develops and markets products throughout the world. Eisai focuses its efforts in three therapeutic areas: integrative neuroscience, including neurology and psychiatric medicines; integrative oncology, which encompasses oncotherapy and supportive-care treatments; and vascular/immunological reaction. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide healthcare system. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.Source: EisaiContact:Copyright 2017 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP and Levi & Korsinsky, LLP announce that the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio has approved the following announcement of a proposed class action settlement that would benefit purchasers of common stock of TCP International Holdings, Ltd. (OTC PINK: TCPIF):

SUMMARY NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF CLASS ACTION AND PROPOSED SETTLEMENT, SETTLEMENT FAIRNESS HEARING, AND MOTION FOR AWARD OF ATTORNEYS' FEES AND REIMBURSEMENT OF LITIGATION EXPENSES

TO: All Persons who purchased or otherwise acquired TCP International Holdings Ltd. ("TCPI") common stock (ticker symbol: TCPI) on the public market between May 9, 2015 and November 5, 2015 (the "Class Period"), inclusive, and were damaged thereby.

EXCLUDED FROM THE CLASS ARE DEFENDANTS, THE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF TCPI, AND THEIR FAMILIES AND AFFILIATES.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, pursuant to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and an Order of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, that a hearing will be held on February 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. , before the Honorable Donald C. Nugent, United States District Judge, in Courtroom 15A of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Carl B. Stokes United States Court House, 801 West Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, to determine: (1) whether a Settlement Class should be certified for purposes of the Settlement and whether Lead Plaintiff and its counsel have adequately represented the Class Members; (2) whether the proposed Settlement of the Class's claims against the Defendants for $1,100,000.00 should be approved as fair, reasonable and adequate; (3) whether the proposed Plan of Allocation is fair, just, reasonable, and adequate; (4) whether the Court should permanently enjoin the assertion of any claims that arise from or relate to the subject matter of the Action; (5) whether the Action should be dismissed with prejudice against the Defendants as set forth in the Stipulation of Settlement filed with the Court; (6) whether the application by Lead Counsel for an award of attorneys' fees and expenses should be approved; and (7) whether an application for reimbursement of costs and expenses of Lead Plaintiff members should be granted.

If you purchased or otherwise acquired TCPI common stock trading under ticker symbol TCPI during the Class Period, your rights may be affected by this Action and the Settlement thereof. You may obtain a detailed Notice of Pendency of Class Action and Proposed Settlement, Settlement Fairness Hearing, and Motion for Award of Attorneys' Fees and Reimbursement of Litigation Expenses (the "Notice") and Proof of Claim and Release Form, free of charge by contacting the Claims Administrator, by mail at: TCP Int'l Litigation, c/o Strategic Claims Services, P.O. Box 230, 600 N. Jackson Street, Suite 3, Media, PA 19063; by telephone at: 866-274-4004; or by visiting the website at: www.strategicclaims.net/TCP.

If you are a member of the Class and wish to share in the Settlement money, you must submit a Proof of Claim postmarked no later than March 5, 2018 establishing that you are entitled to recovery. As further described in the Notice, you will be bound by any judgment entered in the Action, regardless of whether you submit a Proof of Claim, unless you exclude yourself from the Class, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Notice, postmarked by no later than January 12, 2018 . Any objections to the Settlement, Plan of Allocation or attorney's fees and expenses must be filed, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Notice, to be received no later than January 12, 2018 .

Inquiries, other than requests for the Notice, may be made to Lead Counsel for the Class: Leigh Handelman Smollar, Pomerantz LLP, 10 South La Salle Street, Ste. 3505, Chicago, IL 60603, Telephone: 312-377-1181.

INQUIRIES SHOULD NOT BE DIRECTED TO THE COURT, THE CLERK'S OFFICE, THE DEFENDANTS, OR DEFENDANTS' COUNSEL

DATED: JULY 28, 2017 BY ORDER OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
Project 1 (Leasing Continued by Original Tenant)

Project 2 (Renovation for New Tenant)

Outline of the Renovated Facilities



Mitsubishi Corporation Telephone: +81 3 3210 2171 Facsimile: +81 3 5252 7705

TOKYO, Sept 13, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) and its wholly owned subsidiary Mitsubishi Corporation Urban Development (MCUD) are pleased to announce their joint entry into a new business segment focused on the renovation and development of large-scale industrial facilities for leasing. MCUD's recent acquisition and development of two facilities located in Ichikawa City in Chiba Prefecture, Japan signaled their first move. The facilities were primarily used as temperature controlled warehouses and processing centers which, upon renovation, are leased to companies engaged in operations that need such facilities. The total cost for developing the two facilities (including investments tenants made in equipment and internal structures as required for their operations) is around 10 billion yen. Projects involving the development of large-scale industrial facilities for specific purposes such as temperature controlled warehouses and processing centers is a first for MC and also a unique business proposition within the real estate industry.MCUD was able to acquire the first facility, an old industrial complex that was constructed more than 25 years ago, although the owner at the time was initially reluctant, and managed to upgrade the equipment and renovate the complex without interrupting the tenant's operations, while ultimately facilitating improved operational efficiency and reducing operational costs. The second facility was only over 15 years old, but came with less flexibility in term of layout. However, MCUD was able to successfully attract a new tenant by making major interior and layout changes that would cater adequately to the tenant's needs after renovation.Operational facilities run by companies from a range of industries currently account for around 430 trillion yen, or 20%, of Japan's 2.52 quadrillion yen domestic real estate market(1). However, an increasing number of these companies are turning to a corporate real estate (CRE) management strategy due to changes in the business environment such as the spread of ROA/ROE based management, and basic restructuring needs caused by industry consolidation and streamlining of operations.MC and MCUD are seeking to actively support the CRE strategies of companies who need these kinds of facilities for their operations with the aim of providing optimal solutions to the challenges they faced in the owning or leasing of real estate. MC is in a particularly good position to provide this kind of support by drawing on its broad networks across a variety of industries, project management skills, expertise in construction and engineering, and real estate consultation capabilities. MC has in the past completed real estate development projects for a wide range of assets including retail facilities, logistics facilities, and condominiums. MC intends to further expand its real estate business by providing support for the CRE strategies of other companies as one of its core businesses, while leveraging its strengths as a global integrated business enterprise.(1) Referred by "Action Plans for the Real Estate Investment's Market Growth" by MLIT June 21, 2017Outline of the Renovated Facilitieshttp://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_MitsubishiRenovatedFacilities.jpgScheme Outlinehttp://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_Mitsubishi91317Project1.jpgProject 1 (Leasing Continued by Original Tenant)http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_Mitsubishi91317Project2.jpgProject 2 (Renovation for New Tenant)About Mitsubishi CorporationMitsubishi Corporation (MC; TSE: 8058) is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates businesses across virtually every industry including industrial finance, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, foods, and environmental business. MC's current activities are expanding far beyond its traditional trading operations as its diverse business ranges from natural resources development to investment in retail business, infrastructure, financial products and manufacturing of industrial goods. With over 200 bases of operations in approximately 80 countries worldwide and a network of over 500 group companies, MC employs a multinational workforce of nearly 60,000 people. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishicorp.com.Source: Mitsubishi CorporationContact:Copyright 2017 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against TechnipFMC plc ("TechnipFMC" or the "Company") (NYSE: FTI) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, and docketed under 17-cv-02368, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired TechnipFMC securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants' violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you are a shareholder who purchased TechnipFMC securities between April 27, 2017, and July 24, 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until October 2, 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]

TechnipFMC plc provides oilfield services. The Company offers subsea, surface, onshore, and offshore solutions for oil and gas projects. TechnipFMC serves customers worldwide. TechnipFMC was formed through the merger of FMC Technologies Inc. and French oil-services Technip SA.

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) TechnipFMC had a material weakness in its internal control over rates used in the calculations of the foreign currency effects on certain of its engineering and construction projects; (ii) accordingly, the Company lacked effective internal controls over financial reporting; and (iii) as a result of the foregoing, TechnipFMC's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On July 24, 2017, post-market, TechnipFMC issued a press release and filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC, announcing that the Company would restate its financial statements as of March 31, 2017, as these statements could no longer be relied upon.

On this news, TechnipFMC's share price fell $0.48, or 1.71%, to close at $27.56 on July 25, 2017.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
Mainz (ots) -- Querverweis: Bildmaterial ist abrufbar unter http://www.presseportal.de/bilder -Alte Geschafte der staatseigenen Landesbank HSH Nordbank verursachen kurz vor deren Zwangsverkauf immer neue Verluste. Nach Recherchen von "ZDFzoom" hat ein Kreditportfolio in gut 15 Monaten mehr als 700 Millionen Euro an Wert verloren. Zudem sind weitere knapp 320 Millionen Euro aus sogenannten Nautilus-Paketen in diesem Portfolio schon jetzt als unsicher einzustufen. .Die "ZDFzoom"-Dokumentation "Piraten in Nadelstreifen - Wie Reeder, Banker und Politiker den Steuerzahler ausnehmen" am Mittwoch, 31. Januar 2018, 22.45 Uhr, geht der Frage nach, warum Kredite in dieser Groenordnung offenbar ohne ausreichende Sicherheiten und belastbare Businessplane ausgegeben worden sind. Kann es sein, dass weder Reeder, Banken noch aufsichtfuhrende Politiker das Risiko erkannt haben? Die Recherchen des "ZDFzoom"-Autors Michael Cordero belegen, dass es nicht die Frage war ob, sondern wann die Schiffsfinanzierungen platzen und die geldgebenden Landesbanken in den Abgrund reien.Das gesamte Schiffskreditportfolio von immer noch rund 250 Schiffen wird von der HSH PM verwaltet, einer Firma, die den Bundeslandern Hamburg und Schleswig-Holstein gehort. "ZDFzoom" hat erst mit einer Klage vor dem Verwaltungsgericht Schleswig die Veroffentlichung der aktuellen Werte erreicht. Offenbar sollten die schlechten Ergebnisse erst nach dem anstehenden Verkaufsverfahren der HSH Nordbank publiziert werden.Bis Ende Februar 2018 muss die gemeinsame Landesbank der Lander Hamburg und Schleswig-Holstein auf Gehei der EU verkauft werden, andernfalls erfolgt wie schon bei der WestLB eine Abwicklung. Der Hamburger Finanzsenator Peter Tschentscher (SPD) bestatigt gegenuber "ZDFzoom", dass die HSH uber Landesgarantien zu Lasten kunftiger Steuerzahlergenerationen gerettet wurde: "Wir haben die Schulden der HSH Nordbank, die Folgen sozusagen, zu tragen."Der Bankvorstand verkundete positive Zahlen - einen dreistelligen Millionengewinn fur 2016. Professor Peter Nippel von der Universitat Kiel hat diese Zahlen untersucht und kommt zu dem Ergebnis, dass es sich im Kern um betriebswirtschaftliche Augenwischerei handelt: "Ohne die Garantien der Lander hatte die HSH Nordbank in 2016 einen Verlust von mehr als einer Milliarde ausweisen mussen. Das ist, wenn man so will, Bilanzkosmetik zu Lasten des Steuerzahlers." Im gleichen Kontext musse man die aktuell publizierten Ubernahmeangebote eines internationalen Finanzinvestors sehen.Die HSH war in wenigen Jahren zum groten Schiffsfinanzierer der Welt geworden. Dafur hat die staatseigene Bank unter anderem Geld am Kapitalmarkt aufgenommen und an Reeder und Fondshauser wiederum als Kredit ausgegeben. Seit Ausbruch der Finanzkrise vor zehn Jahren platzt eine Schiffsfinanzierung nach der anderen, auch weil in Folge der Krise der weltweite Warenfluss zeitweise ins Stocken geriet.Waren die Bundeslander nicht mit milliardenschweren Stutzungsmanahmen eingesprungen, ware die HSH Nordbank wohl schon seit Jahren insolvent. Ergebnis fur den Steuerzahler bis jetzt: Erwartete Gesamtkosten von rund 17,9 Milliarden Euro. "Die Kosten konnten auch noch hoher ausfallen", sagt BWL-Professor Peter Nippel von der Universitat Kiel dazu gegenuber "ZDFzoom".https://zoom.zdf.dehttps://twitter.com/ZDFpressehttp://facebook.com/ZDFAnsprechpartner: Thomas Hagedorn, Telefon: 06131 - 70-13802; Presse-Desk, Telefon: 06131 - 70-12108, pressedesk@zdf.deFotos sind erhaltlich uber ZDF Presse und Information, 06131 - 70-16100 und unter https://presseportal.zdf.de/presse/zdfzoomOTS: ZDF newsroom: http://www.presseportal.de/nr/7840 newsroom via RSS: http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_7840.rss2Pressekontakt: ZDF Presse und Information Telefon: +49-6131-70-12121
Hitachi Ltd Corporate Communications Tel: +81-3-3258-1111

BANGKOK, Sept 13, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501) concluded a cooperation agreement today with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office on applying digital technologies, including IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, and establishing innovative environment to promote EEC development in the Kingdom of Thailand.Thailand is currently promoting measures aimed at establishing an advanced economic base and achieving further economic development. In 2015, "Thailand 4.0" was presented as a long-term vision of an ideal economic society, and the EEC development plan was laid out as one key measure in realizing this vision. Based on the EEC development plan, total investments on a scale of 1.5 trillion baht (approx. 5 trillion yen) are expected in the public and private sectors combined, and in addition to expanding airports and high-speed railways, the country will aim to attract and foster growth in 10 targeted industries, including robotics, digital technologies, and next-generation automotives.Hitachi, meanwhile, is striving to become an innovation partner in the IoT era, as part of its 2018 Mid-term Management Plan, promoting growth in the global market through the rollout of the Social Innovation Business, which creates new value through collaborative creation with customers by combining OT(1), IT, and products. The ASEAN market, which is expected to demonstrate strong economic growth, is an important market in the realization of Hitachi's growth strategies. Hitachi's largest scale of business in the ASEAN market is in Thailand, where it is rolling out business in a broad range of fields, including the railways, elevators/escalators, industrial products, and information and telecommunications systems businesses.In this backdrop, Hitachi and the EEC Office have concluded a cooperation agreement on the use of advanced digital technologies, including IoT related technologies, within the Eastern Economic Corridor region. Based on this agreement, the EEC Office and Hitachi will work collectively to establish a cutting-edge IoT center.In addition, the EEC Office and Hitachi will collaborate on EEC development in various area, such as implementing necessary study, introducing advanced science and technology etc. EEC Office will also accommodate Hitachi with related information and possible support upon the scope of the EEC Office in creating bases for the use of advanced digital technologies, rolling out services in this region. With the EEC Office's cooperation, Hitachi will promote the use of IoT technologies, for example by undertaking data analytics using artificial intelligence (AI) based on big data obtained from plants, office buildings, and other sources. It will also utilize the solution core and customer cases for Lumada, Hitachi's IoT platform, and roll out digital solutions that contribute to the resolution of various issues in Thailand and the ASEAN region as a whole.In cooperation with the EEC Office, Hitachi will continue to contribute to the development of Thailand and the ASEAN region by promoting the use of IoT technologies along the Eastern Economic Corridor.(1) OT: Operational TechnologyAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges with our talented team and proven experience in global markets. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2014 (ended March 31, 2015) totaled 9,761 billion yen ($81.3 billion). Hitachi is focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes power & infrastructure systems, information & telecommunication systems, construction machinery, high functional materials & components, automotive systems, healthcare and others. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Contact:Copyright 2017 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
LONDON, ENGLAND - NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, CANADA / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2017 / Rambler Metals and Mining plc (TSXV: RAB, AIM: RMM) ("Rambler" or "the Company"), a copper and gold producer, explorer, and developer is pleased to announce that the Company will attend the 2017 Precious Metals Summit being held September 18 - 20, 2017 in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Norman Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Rambler, will host one-on-one meetings during the conference and present to attendees on Tuesday September 19, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. mountain time.

A webcast of the presentation will be available two hours following the presentation at http://www.gowebcasting.com/conferences/2017/09/18/precious-metals-summit/day/2.

ABOUT RAMBLER METALS AND MINING

Rambler is a mining and development company that in November 2012 brought its first mine into commercial production. Rambler has a 100 per cent ownership in the Ming Copper-Gold Mine, a fully operational base and precious metals processing facility and year round bulk storage and shipping facility; all located on the Baie Verte peninsula, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Rambler's ongoing Phase II plans are to increase mine and mill production to 1,250 mtpd by the fall 2017. This initial expansion has been fully funded through CEII Mining's investment. Rambler will also continue advancing Phase III engineering studies with a view to further increase production to 2,000 mtpd at the Ming Mine.

Along with the Ming Mine, Rambler also owns 100 per cent of the former producing Little Deer/ Whales Back copper mines and has strategic investment in the former producing Hammerdown gold mine.

Rambler is dual listed in London under AIM:RMM and in Canada under TSX-V:RAB.

For further information, please contact:



Norman Williams, CPA,CA

President and CEO

Rambler Metals & Mining Plc

Tel No: 709-800-1929

Fax No: 709-800-1921

Peter MercerVice President, Corporate SecretaryRambler Metals & Mining PlcTel No: +44 (0) 20 8652-2700Fax No: +44 (0) 20 8652-2719David PorterCantor Fitzgerald EuropeTel No: +44 (0) 20 7894 7000

Investor Relations

Nicole Marchand Investor Relations

Tel No: 416- 428-3533

Nicole@nm-ir.com

Website: www.ramblermines.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Rambler Metals and Mining plc






Congress has returned to Washington after another unearned vacation and faces at least two immediate challenges, in addition to the familiar ritual of raising the debt ceiling.

President Trump has called the indecipherable U.S. tax code "self-destructive." He has also decided to end the Obama-era program that allows "undocumented" immigrants who came to America as children to gain work permits. Congress would be given six months to replace it.

For advice on taxes and immigration, the president and Congress might learn something from Hungary.

On Jan. 1, 2017, the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban lowered the corporate tax rate from 19 percent to 9 percent, the lowest rate among the 28 member states of the European Union. By comparison, the United States' top marginal tax rate is 38.92 percent, just behind Puerto Rico and the United Arab Emirates.

In an interview, Zoltan Kovacs, secretary of state for Public Diplomacy and Relations in Orban's Second Cabinet, tells me the country's 15 percent flat tax and lower corporate taxes have  surprise  increased government receipts because more people are being hired and they generate additional tax revenue.

In the last seven years, Kovacs says, 700,000 new jobs have been created in Hungary, only 150,000 of which are government jobs. The government jobs are mostly for people who had relied in the past on social welfare programs. Even here, he says, they know the meaning of the word "workfare." The unemployment rate in Hungary is 4.5 percent, according to Kovacs, down from 11.4 percent in 2010 when the current government took power. Economic growth ranges between 3.5 percent and 4 percent, he says.

While American debt keeps rising, Hungary's debt is falling. In 2010 it was 85 percent of GDP. Today it is 74 percent. True, Hungary has a high value added tax of 27 percent, but Kovacs says that is "temporary" (is there any such thing as a temporary tax?) and the government's goal is to reduce it as revenue continues to increase.

Hungary has some of the toughest immigration policies in the European Union. Since 2015, says Kovacs, "400,000 immigrants have passed through" the country. Asked how many stayed, he replies "none," adding, "They (immigrants) all wanted to go to Western Europe, Germany, Scandinavian countries." Why? Because, he says, they have welfare programs in those countries and Hungary deliberately does not.

The charges for this policy are familiar to Americans: "We are racists, we hate those people who come in," when in fact, Kovacs says, it is about maintaining Hungary's culture and way of life.

What about the religious component when it comes to migrants from Muslim countries?

"We do not underestimate that element," he responds. "Islam is mostly fundamentalist. Europe is mostly secular, but even for those who don't believe in God, or go to church. The very culture of Europe is Christianity."

Kovacs suggests the massive flow of mostly Muslim immigrants is "undermining the very foundations of the European countries." He says even secularism is a threat to those foundations, "but when you bring in a completely different culture  and it's not superiority vs. inferiority  it's simply about the difference. If you see the experience in other societies, Islam is not integrating. They exist in parallel societies and live by their own rules. We don't like what we see in France, The Netherlands and Germany."

He might have added that if a nation loses its culture, it loses the nation. The failure of especially Muslim immigrants to assimilate in ways that will preserve their host's culture is critical. Otherwise, it is not immigration, but invasion, which appears to be happening in Europe, a continent that has a lot of experience over many centuries when it comes to that practice.

Hungary has provided a good example when it comes to tax reform and immigration policy. The U.S. could learn from it.

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com.
TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Techcode Venture Development Co., Ltd. ("Techcode") attended the Israel session of the upcoming 2017 China Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum on September 6. The company will be a key participant at the forum's main session in Shanghai, and in other sessions in Beijing and other cities across China,and special sessions outside the country where it will be a showcase for innovation among Chinese firms in their overseas initiatives.

Techcode plans to hold four special sessions, in succession, in Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Helsinki, and the German state of Brandenburg. As part of the second overseas session, Techcode Israel joined hands with the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the municipal government of Tel Aviv to host the Tel Aviv Entrepreneurial Competition Winners Meeting. Zheng Xiaoxing, general manager of Techcode Israel, gave a presentation on Techcode's global innovation network and the fast growing innovation ecosystem in China to the 20 corporate winners of the competition and other industry leaders.

Techcode Israel also hosted the Israel heat of the "Clash of the Titans" Global Entrepreneurship Competition in association with Alibaba Cloud, organized lectures on artificial intelligence with Amdocs, and attended Cities Summit in Tel Aviv. By hosting and attending the series of events, Techcode drew much attention across several sectors. News of the event had spread far and wide, with the Deputy Mayor of Marseilles and the director of Carrefour Innovation Center in France leading delegations that attended Techcode Israel.

Techcode plans to hold additional sessions in several Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu and Guangzhou, from 15 to 21 September, where they will showcase further innovations in technology.

Learn more about Techcode at http://www.techcode.com/html/english/

Founded in 2014, Techcode Venture Development Co., Ltd. focuses on the operation and management of incubators and the dynamic growth of sci-tech startups. Over the past three years, the company has established physical incubators in Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Berlin, Helsinki, and built platforms that use online to leverage offline activities (O2O platforms) by bringing together considerable resources from industry, academe, the public sector, finance and research.The company has explored a path to forming innovation clusters through the establishment and cultivation of industry incubators and by boosting research and development via a focus on innovation at a regional level.
First time 10-year prospective outcome data confirms clinical utility of MammaPrint for lymph node-negative and lymph node-positive patients

MINDACT sub-study shows that even tumors less than 1cm in size can be aggressive with 24% reclassified by MammaPrint from low risk based on clinico-pathological factors to High Risk

Agendia, Inc., a world leader in personalized medicine and molecular cancer diagnostics, announces three important studies presented at the 2017 ESMO Congress in Madrid earlier this week.

Two posters provided impressive 10-year outcome data, confirming the prognostic value of the MammaPrint 70-Gene Breast Cancer Risk-of-Recurrence Test for both lymph node-negative and lymph node-positive patients, based on findings from the observational MicroarRAy prognoSTics in breast cancER (RASTER) trial.

This is the first time that 10-year data for MammaPrint has been reported in a prospective trial and the first time that data from lymph node-positive RASTER patients have been considered. This demonstrates the long-term outcome and clinical benefit of using MammaPrint to help patient management decisions for early-stage breast cancer patients, independent of lymph-node status.

10 years follow up of the RASTER study; implementing a genomic signature in daily practice1

Dr. Sonja Vliek of the Netherlands Cancer Institute presented 10-year distant recurrence-free interval (DRFI) follow-up data for the original 427 patients from the RASTER study. Patients identified as having a Low Risk of cancer recurrence by MammaPrint had an excellent prognosis with a DRFI of 93.7% 10 years after diagnosis, confirming the prognostic utility of the test.

The 70-gene signature in node-positive breast cancer; 10 years follow-up of the observational RASTER study2

10-year follow-up data for 164 lymph node-positive patients from the RASTER study were also reported for the first time. MammaPrint Low Risk patients with 1-3 affected lymph nodes had an excellent prognosis with a 10-year DRFI of 94.9%, MammaPrint High Risk patients had a 10-year DRFI of 80.7%. Adding MammaPrint reclassified 34% of patients with 1-3 affected lymph nodes from high risk of recurrence based on clinico-pathological factors alone to genomic Low Risk of recurrence, this group having a 10-year DRFI of 95.2% after chemotherapy.

Overall, these 10-year findings confirm MammaPrint's value in predicting recurrence in patients with early-stage lymph node-positive breast cancer and demonstrate that adding a genomic signature to clinico-pathological assessment is the most effective way to individualize treatment.

Dr. William Audeh, Chief Medical Officer at Agendia, said:

"The landmark MINDACT trial published in 2016 proved the clinical utility of MammaPrint as a prognostic tool in identifying genomic Low Risk patients who have no significant benefit of chemotherapy with the highest level of evidence and five years' follow up.3 We are very pleased to now see this excellent outcome data from RASTER which provides prospective evidence to confirm the value of MammaPrint in determining risk-of-recurrence, 10 years after diagnosis.

"The ability of MammaPrint to add proven, objective, genomic information to clinico-pathological factors is invaluable in enabling patients and their physicians to make confident and informed treatment management decisions, personalizing care and avoiding over- and under-treatment for early-stage breast cancer."

The presentation of the 10-year RASTER data closely follows news of MammaPrint's inclusion in the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) breast cancer clinical practice guidelines in July as the only test of its kind recommended for both lymph node-positive and lymph node-negative patients, in a dedicated update based on a review of the MINDACT data.

Not all small node negative (pT1abN0) breast cancers are similar: Outcome results from an EORTC 10041/BIG 3-04 (MINDACT) trial substudy4

A sub-study of the MINDACT trial was also presented by the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), which managed and sponsored MINDACT. The sub-analysis included 826 patients with a primary tumor size of less than 1cm. Of these, 196 were clinical low risk and genomic High Risk with MammaPrint. These patients were randomized to receive or not to receive chemotherapy and 24% were identified by MammaPrint to have a High Risk profile, and were found to benefit from chemotherapy.

These findings demonstrate that not all small tumors are alike and that early breast cancer patients who may benefit from chemotherapy can be safely identified by combining clinico-pathological assessment with MammaPrint.

1 Vliek S, et al. 10 years follow up of the RASTER study; implementing a genomic signature in daily practice. Poster presented at ESMO Congress. September 2017; Madrid, Spain

2 Vliek S, et al. The 70-gene signature in node-positive breast cancer; 10 years follow-up of the observational RASTER study. Poster presented at ESMO Congress. September 2017; Madrid, Spain

3 Cardoso F, van't Veer LJ, Bogaerts J et al. 70-Gene Signature as an Aid to Treatment Decisions in Early-Stage Breast Cancer. N Engl J Med 2016; 375: 717-29.

4 Tryfonidis K, et al. Not all small node negative (pT1abN0) breast cancers are similar: Outcome results from an EORTC 10041/BIG 3-04 (MINDACT) trial substudy. Presentation at ESMO Congress. September 2017; Madrid, Spain

Ends

About MammaPrint

MammaPrint is an in vitro diagnostic test, performed in a central laboratory, using the gene expression profile of breast cancer tissue samples to assess a patients' risk for distant metastasis. MammaPrint is cleared by the US FDA and carries the CE Mark, which certifies that the test complies with the quality standards set by the European In Vitro Diagnostic Directive, enabling the use of the test in the European Union. MammaPrint is indicated for use by physicians as a prognostic marker only, along with other clinical-pathological factors. The test is not intended to determine the outcome of disease, nor to suggest or infer an individual patient's response to therapy.

About Agendia

Agendia is a privately held, leading molecular diagnostics company that develops and markets genomic diagnostic products, which help support physicians with their complex treatment decisions. Agendia's breast cancer tests were developed using an unbiased gene selection by analyzing the complete human genome. Our offerings include the MammaPrint 70-Gene Breast Cancer Risk-of-Recurrence Test, and the BluePrint Molecular Subtyping Test that provides deeper insight leading to more clinically actionable breast cancer biology.

In addition, Agendia has a pipeline of other genomic products in development. The company collaborates with pharmaceutical companies, leading cancer centers and academic groups to develop companion diagnostic tests in the area of oncology.

For more information on Agendia or the MammaPrint and BluePrint tests, you can visit Agendia's patient site at www.KnowYourBreastCancer.com or the corporate site at www.agendia.com.

Follow Agendia, Inc. on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to keep up-to-date with the latest news.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005082/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Instinctif Partners

Ashley Tapp / Lynne Trowbridge Samantha Cheung

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7866 7855

Email: agendia@instinctif.com
TAIPEI, Taiwan, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kavalan, Taiwan's premier whisky, won five Platinum awards and 13 Golds at the 2017 International Review of Spirits (IRS).

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The Solist Port Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky was named the 2017 best whisky in its class with the highest category score of 98.

Kavalan CEO Mr YT Lee said judges had found the Port to be: "An exemplary study" in cask selection with "Superb depth, complexity, length and soul."

"Recognition of the quality we've worked hard to achieve means a lot when you think 10 years ago nobody would believe it was possible to make world-class whisky in Taiwan," Mr Lee said.

Judges described the Port as 'Candied, Fruity, Complex, Rich & Smoky' and the aroma as 'dried fruit melange, chocolate grenache, ripe black cherries, and salted peanuts' with the taste flavour as 'charred sweet corn, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, rose jam, winter orange peel, and anise.'

All Kavalans are Single Malts. Four of the five Platinum award winners are also Single Cask Strength as follows with their scores appearing first:

98 - Kavalan Solist Port

97 - Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon

96 - Kavalan Solist Sherry

96 - Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry

The final Platinum was awarded to the Kavalan Distillery Reserve Peaty Cask with a score of 97.

Kavalan single malts are judged by the IRS to be "amazingly flavourful, complex, world-class spirits... that are a product of ingenuity ... and the unique tropical Taiwanese climate that accelerates the aging process." Kavalan's success is indebted to the late Dr Jim Swan, who acted as Kavalan's technical expert since its conception in the early 2000s to February this year.

About Kavalan Whisky

Taiwan's first whisky distillery has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky since 2006. Kavalan is aged in intense humidity and heat yet benefits from sea and mountain breezes and the spring water from Snow Mountain, which combine to create Kavalan's signature creaminess. The distillery takes its name from the indigenous name for Yilan County, where it is based, and is backed by 30 years of beverage-making under parent company, King Car Group. It has collected more than 250 gold awards and is available in 60 countries. Visit www.kavalanwhisky.com/EN/age.aspx

Media Contact:

Yvonne Chou

886-3922-9000#7162

yvonne@kavalandistillery.com
LONDON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Corona is on a mission to encourage people around the world to reconnect with nature and the outdoors because we spend on average 90% of our time inside1. Corona believes outside is where our best side shines through, but getting outside to experience nature isn't as easy as it should be with over half of the world's population currently living in urban areas2. Bringing relief to those who needed it the most, Corona created a secret paradise in the heart of one of the most hectic, overpopulated cities in the world, Mexico City.

Mexico City is the home to over 20 million people, landlocked and surrounded by snow-capped volcanos and mountains. Stripping away the surrounding concrete jungle, Corona created a secret paradise which combined theatrics, VR technology and interactive set design to enable attendees to experience paradise and inspire them to seek out nature afterwards.

The immersive VR installation simulated a journey to paradise through a jungle setting, awakening the senses and bringing the feeling of being completely immersed in nature. To heighten the realism, sand, heat, wind and even scents, allowed visitors to feel real-world elements as they travelled along a virtual path through the jungle to the beach. The mixed reality experience seamlessly combined the digital and physical world, effectively triggering the brain to truly ignite the feeling of being in Paradise.

"The inspiration for this project was to alleviate a tension for people and that required us to go beyond traditional advertising," said ThiagoZanettini, Global VP Corona. "We leveraged cutting edge technology in a meaningful way to bring to life the brand's purpose. To live up to that purpose, we hope to do more initiatives like this next year in our homeland of Mexico and beyond."

For a glimpse into the secret paradise Corona created, visit YouTube.com/Corona.

Held at the Gral Prima in Mexico City, the secret paradise launched on Friday 11 August across two weekends. The experience was created by Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam and The Department of New Realities (WKDPTNR), a future forward creative division within W+K Amsterdam.

1 Source: Study conducted byNational Human Activity Pattern Survey(NHAPS)

2 Source: WHO | World Health Organization

ABOUT CORONA

Born in Mexico, Corona is the leading beer brand in the country, the most popular Mexican beer worldwide exported to more than 180 countries. Corona Extra was first brewed in 1925 at the Cerveceria Modelo in Mexico City and is still proudly produced entirely in Mexico.

Corona is a pioneer in the beer industry by being the first to use a transparent bottle showcasing its purity and high quality to the world. Each glass bottle is produced in a glass factory in Mexico owned by the brand. The artwork found on the bottle is hand painted, highlighting our commitment to quality in our packaging and our Mexican heritage.

No Corona is complete without the lime. Naturally adding character, flavor and refreshment, the lime ritual is an integral part of delivering an experience that is truly unique to Corona. The brand is synonymous with the beach and celebrates time outdoors. It invites people to pause, relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

ABOUT WIEDEN+KENNEDY AMSTERDAM

Wieden+Kennedy is an independent, creatively led advertising agency that creates strong and provocative relationships betweengoodcompanies and their customers. Founded in 1992, the Amsterdam office isa truly internationalagencypurposebuilt to produce global andpan-Europeancampaigns. Clients include Corona, Instagram Nike, Facebook, and Milka.

www.wkams.com

ABOUT DEPARTMENT OF NEW REALITIES

The Department of New Realities (WKDPTNR) is a future forward division of W+K Amsterdam. WKDPTNR creates everything from video games to branded experiential installations utilizing new virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies. We explore the outer limits of the industry, provoking a vanguard Metaverse movement helping to redefine the futures landscape.

CONTACT

Anheuser-Busch InBev:

Aimee Baxter

Aimee.Baxter@anheuser-busch.com

Alison Brod Marketing + Communications:

Corona@alisonbrodmc.com

+1 212-230-1800

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TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Japanese conglomerate Toshiba Corp. (TOSYY.PK, TOSBF.PK) and Western Digital Corp. (WDC) agreed to settle a dispute over Toshiba's planned sale of its memory-chip unit, the companies said, clearing a major hurdle to about $18 billion deal.



The announcement is a big step forward for Toshiba, which is looking to the chip unit sale to make up for losses at its U.S. nuclear affiliate, Westinghouse Electric Co., after Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy protection in March. Western Digital, which last year acquired Toshiba's longtime chip-unit partner SanDisk, had maintained that the sale couldn't go through without its approval.



As part of the global settlement agreement, Toshiba, Western Digital have agreed to withdraw all pending litigation and arbitration actions.



Yasuo Naruke, Senior Executive Vice President of Toshiba Corporation and President and CEO of TMC said,'.... With the concerns about litigation and arbitration removed, we look forward to renewing our collaboration with Western Digital, and accelerating TMC's growth to meet growing global demand for flash memory. Toshiba also remains on track to complete our transaction with the consortium led by Bain Capital by the end of March 2018.'



As part of this agreement, Toshiba Memory Corporation or TMC and Western Digital will participate jointly in future rounds of investment in Fab 6, the state-of-the-art memory fabrication facility now under construction at Yokkaichi, including the upcoming investment round announced by Toshiba in October 2017.



Fab 6 will be entirely devoted to the mass production of BiCS FLASHT, the next-generation of 3D flash memory, starting next year. TMC and Western Digital similarly intend to enter into definitive agreements in due course under which Western Digital will participate in the new flash wafer fabrication facility which will be constructed in Iwate, Japan.



The parties will strengthen their flash memory collaboration by extending the terms of their joint ventures. Flash Alliance will be extended to December 31, 2029 and Flash Forward to December 31, 2027. Flash Partners was previously extended to December 31, 2029.



The parties' agreement to resolve all outstanding disputes ensures that all parties are aligned on Toshiba's sale of TMC to K.K. Pangea, a special purpose acquisition company formed and controlled by a consortium led by Bain Capital Private Equity, LP. The parties have agreed on mutual protections for their assets and confidential information in connection with the sale of TMC, and on collaborating to ensure the future success of TMC as a public company following an eventual IPO.



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New WISDOM PANEL 3.0 Screens for More Than 200 Breed, Types and Varieties as well as potentially life-saving medical information!

WALTHAM ON THE WOLDS - LEICESTERSHIRE, United Kingdom, Sept. 13,2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For mixed-breed dog owners in the U.K., having access to reliable breed ancestry information can be critical for the nutrition, training and overall healthcare of their furry family members. Understanding the breeds that make up their dog can take the novelty of satisfying curiosity and enable much more targeted care and in some cases provide life-saving information.

Wisdom Health is the industry leader in canine genetic testing with the largest breed database on the market-12,000+ samples-and more than 750,000 tests performed worldwide. With the new WISDOM PANEL 3.0 version, the company is launching the next evolution of the canine DNA test by expanding breed screening coverage to over 200 breeds, types and varieties and providing potentially life-saving medical information with an MDR1 genetic mutation test. MDR1 or Multi-Drug Resistance 1 is a genetic mutation found in some herding and sighthound breeds, as well as many mixed-breed dogs. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation may have severe adverse reactions to some common drugs. Although the mutation is most closely associated with some purebreds, it can also be found in mixed-breed dogs; therefore it is important for owners of mix-breeds to test their dogs and to share the results with their veterinarian in order to provide their pet with the best possible care. The discovery of the MDR1 mutation in dogs was made by Washington State University and is licensed to Wisdom Health for commercial testing in the U.K.

"We know many people test their dogs to find out the breeds in their ancestry out of pure curiosity," says Wisdom Health General Manager Cindy Cole, PhD, DACVCP. "It's not until they get the results and start to really dig into what these breed findings mean that the owners have what we call an 'a-ha' moment; when the breeds found help to explain some of the behaviours, or even medical issues the dog may have been exhibiting. We are always investing in ways to provide owners with the best possible information to make informed decisions regarding the health and well-being of their canine companions. With the introduction of the MDR1 genetic mutation screening in the new WISDOM PANEL 3.0 test, we're taking that to the next level."

The WISDOM PANEL Technology Legacy

Mars has been on the forefront of canine genetics since their participation in the development of the Genomics Technology Platform in 2002. Wisdom Health launched its first canine breed detection test in the U.S. to consumers in 2007 via the veterinarian-administered, blood-based WISDOM PANEL MX. The state-of-the-art swab tests WISDOM PANEL 2.0, and new WISDOM PANEL 3.0 canine DNA tests are all based on more than 15 years of extensive research, drawing from the expertise of leading scientists, veterinarians, universities and breed organisations throughout the world. The development of the WISDOM PANEL tests included the analysis of more than 19 million DNA markers from more than 15,000 dogs across the United States and Great Britain. As a result, they are the most comprehensive breed analysis tests on the market, detecting the breed composition of a dog with unprecedented accuracy using the Wisdom Health proprietary processing algorithm.

The WISDOM PANEL 3.0 test results include ancestry information back to the great-grandparent level, detailed breed information, MDR1 drug-sensitivity screening results and a predicted adult weight profile. Testing is easy and can be done at home by rubbing two swabs (included in the kit) between the dog's gum and the cheek for 15 seconds to collect skin cells for DNA extraction. Approximately 2-3 weeks from the time the kit reaches the lab owners will receive a link to view their dog's results at their very own, customised web site. The WISDOM PANEL 3.0 test with breed detection and drug-sensitivity screening (MDR1) is available exclusively at www.wisdompanel.co.ukfor 75.

For more information about MDR1 screening and the new Wisdom Panel' 3.0canine DNA test, visit www.WisdomPanel.co.uk, or join the conversation on Facebook/DoggieDNA, on Twitter @WisdomPanel and on Instagram @WisdomPanel.

About Wisdom Health

Wisdom Health is a business unit of Mars Petcare, the U.S. operations of the world's largest pet care company at the privately-held Mars, Incorporated. Its mission is facilitating responsible pet care by enhancing the well-being and relationship between pets, pet owners and veterinarians through valuable insights into pets as individuals. For nearly a decade, Wisdom Health (formerly Mars Veterinary) has researched and developed state-of-the-art genetic tests for mixed-breed dogs, revolutionising personalised pet care. By discovering a mixed-breed dog's ancestry, pet owners and veterinarians can work together to tailor wellness programmes that fit the one-of-a-kind needs of a mixed-breed dog. For more information, visit www.wisdompanel.co.uk.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world's best-loved brands: M&M's, SNICKERS, TWIX, MILKY WAY, DOVE, PEDIGREE, ROYAL CANIN, WHISKAS, EXTRA, ORBIT, 5', SKITTLES, UNCLE BEN'S, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD Pet Hospitals. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles - Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom - inspire its more than 85,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

/' Trademarks  Mars, Incorporated 2017

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COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TUV Rheinland has extended its lead in the provision of chemical management solutions and services for the textile, fashion and footwear industry, following its accreditation as a global training provider by the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation.

Through the ZDHC Academy, TUV Rheinland will provide brands and manufacturers with ZDHC-certified training to improve their knowledge and promote the practice of responsible chemical management. The training is an extension of the TUV Rheinland Academy's existing OHS (occupational health & safety) training program for the textiles industry.

Targeted at the global market, the first wave of training sessions, entitled "Introduction to Chemical Management," will take place from October to November - starting with Vietnam and followed by sessions in Bangladesh, Turkey and Italy. Full details of the training program can be found at http://www.roadmaptozero.com/academy/

TUV Rheinland has been actively promoting sound chemical management for nearly a decade, starting with the International Labour Organization's SCORE (Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises) program and its own FIT FIVE training program that links productivity and quality with CSR.TUV Rheinland has also worked with Germany's leading provider of international cooperation services, GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH), on its Resource Efficient Management of Chemicals (REMC) framework for the Apparel & Footwear supply chain. One of the most recent additions is a comprehensive DETOX offering, which TUV Rheinland launched as a direct response to the Greenpeace DETOX campaign aimed at uniting top textile and footwear brands and retailers to achieve zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by the year 2020.

"It might seem easy for manufacturers to produce 'clean' finished products by washing and flushing out some of the undesired chemicals into the local sewerage system before delivery, but it's also extremely short-sighted. Ethical buyers and end-user customers are increasingly looking for assurance that the production process is clean from start to finish, which takes careful testing and quality training to achieve," said Holger Kunz, Executive Vice President, Business Stream Products for TUV Rheinland.

Kunz noted that approximately a third of the international fashion industry, including some of the world's biggest brands, are already members of the ZDHC Foundation. More are joining every day. TUV Rheinland's extensive global network of testing, inspection and certification facilities is now in the process of finalizing accreditation as Accepted ZDHC Laboratories.

"Although the new training program is aimed at enterprises, each course concludes with a stringent examination. Successful candidates receive a personal ZDHC certificate to add to their portfolio of professional qualifications and improve their long-term career prospects," said Markus Dohm, Executive Vice President, Business Stream Academy & Life Care for TUV Rheinland.

"ZDHC's vision of using best practices to protect consumers, workers and the environment is in full alignment with our mission of promoting greater quality, safety, and economic efficiency where people, technology and the environment interact. While the focus of this first wave of training is an Introduction to Chemical Management, we are committed to working collaboratively with the industry to develop more in-depth, targeted trainings on additional topics. This will drive global progress towards achieving genuine zero discharge of hazardous chemicals," Dohm said.

More details about our enabling services to address DETOX can be found at www.tuv.com/detox

About TUV Rheinland

TUV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 145 years ago. The group employs 19,700 people around the globe. Annual revenue is more than 1.9billion. The independent experts stand for quality and safety for people, technology and the environment in nearly all industrial sectors and areas of life. TUV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, and oversees projects, processes and information security for companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and industries. To this end, the company operates a global network of approved labs and testing and education centers. Since 2006, TUV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. www.tuv.com

About ZDHC

The big players in international fashion industry have agreed not to use chemicals until 2020 known to be hazardous to health in garment and footwear. Among others, Puma, Nike, Levi Strauss, Primark and Burberry have joined this agreement. A comprehensive plan defines the processes to be followed by the members of this industry forum in order to attain the target "DETOX". Furthermore, the members set up common standards for sewage analysis, training, audits and the so-called Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL).
MUNICH, September 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Sysmex Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of the international enterprise Sysmex Corporation, and vermicon AG, hereby announce the start of a business partnership. The first result of this alliance, a combination of flow cytometry and gene probe technology known as the 'Flow VIT Solution' detection system, will provide highly sensitive and sector-specific solutions for industrial microbiology with the aim of raising quality control to a new level.

For almost 50 years, Sysmex Partec GmbH, a subsidiary of the Sysmex Corporation, has been developing modern high-performance flow cytometers and, as a global expert and market leader, pioneered the establishment and development of this measurement technology. Using VIT (vermicon identification technology) gene probe technology, vermicon AG has been active in developing and distributing innovative and powerful solutions for industrial microbiology for 20 years. This analysis technique delivers fast and highly specific identification, visualisation and quantification of microorganisms. Sysmex Partec GmbH, Sysmex Europe GmbH and vermicon AG have already been cooperating closely for several years to create new microbiology solutions by combining the gene probe technology VIT with flow cytometry. Sysmex Europe GmbH and vermicon AG present the Flow VIT Solution to demonstrate the official start of their international cooperation. The goal of this new detection system is to raise microbiological quality control to a new level and to enable fast and cost-efficient monitoring of production processes.

Dr Jiri Snaidr, Founder and CEO of vermicon AG: "VIT gene probe technology allowed us to set new standards regarding speed and specificity of microbiological detection methods. By collaborating with Sysmex Europe and Sysmex Partec GmbH, the pioneer in flow cytometry, we are creating new technologies which will also deliver fast and automated evaluation of analysis results. This cooperation opens completely new avenues in modern microbiological quality control."

Dr Martin Heiden, Director Flow Cytometry, Sysmex Europe GmbH, adds, "The industrial microbiology market requires fast, specific and automated systems that can be relied upon in a variety of applications. With vermicon AG, the founder of industrial gene probe technology, we have the support of a partner with whom we are going to develop highly effective all-in-one-systems for our targeted market segments."

Sysmex Europe GmbH and vermicon AG are working together to establish the Flow VIT Solution as a key technology for industrial microbiology. The first application for the beverage industry - Flow VIT Alicyclobacillus - is now available on the market and enables manufacturers in the beverage industry to quickly and reliably detect microbial causes of off-flavors. This increases the quality of beverage products and prevents economically damaging product recalls.

Through the new partnership, both partners are working continuously to further improve microbiological quality control with the Flow VIT Solution.

About vermicon AG:

vermicon AG offers new and innovative solutions for microbiology. The international company develops and markets products and services for specific identification of microorganisms. The focus is on direct and cultivation-independent detection and analysis of microorganisms, in order to provide fast, highly specific and reliable insight into the microbiological composition of samples.

About Sysmex Partec GmbH:

Sysmex Partec GmbH is a diagnostic company specialising in developing, producing and distributing innovative, highly sensitive flow cytometry solutions for a variety of applications in diagnostics, research and industry.

About Sysmex Corporation:

Sysmex Corporation is a world leader in clinical laboratory systemisation and solutions, including laboratory diagnostics, laboratory automation and clinical information systems. Serving customers for almost 50 years, Sysmex focuses on technological leadership in diagnostic science and information tools that make a difference in the health of people worldwide. The company is also exploring emerging opportunities in the life science field. Its R&D efforts focus on developing high-value-added testing and diagnostic technologies that are innovative, original and optimize individual health. Sysmex also seeks to leverage its state-of-the-art technologies for gene and protein analysis. The company, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, has subsidiaries in North America, Latin America, Europe, China and Asia Pacific and employs about 8,000 employees worldwide. Sysmex Corporation is listed in the top tier of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. For more information about Sysmex Corporation and its affiliate companies, please visit http://www.sysmex.co.jp/en/. For more information about Sysmex Europe, please visit http://www.sysmex-europe.com.



Media Contact:

Dr. Martin Heiden

Director Flow Cytometry

Phone: +49(0)40/52726-0

Heiden.Martin@sysmex-europe.com
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 5.00 am ET Wednesday, Eurostat is scheduled to release euro area industrial production. Economists forecast production to rise 0.1 percent on month in July, reversing a 0.6 percent fall in June. Ahead of the data, the euro traded mixed against its major rivals. While the euro rose against the greenback and the pound, it held steady against the yen and the franc. The euro was worth 131.83 against the yen, 1.1498 against the franc, 0.9025 against the pound and 1.1982 against the greenback as of 4:55 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON, October 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

TheKingdom of Morocco's Ministry of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Developmenthas confirmedsupportfortwo conferencesfocusing on gas and renewables inCasablanca this November.

Withconfirmedparticipation from Honourable Minister Aziz Rabbah,theNorth & West Africa GasOptions Conferencewill assemble public sector leaders, IOCs, infrastructure developers, investors and IPP developers alongside major national, international and multilateral banks to discuss investment opportunities in Africa's energy sector.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/544384/EnergyNet_Logo.jpg )

"With decreased project assurance across the continent,we're awarethatinvestors need to broaden their portfolios and it is with this inmindthat these co-located events:Gas Options -North&West Africaand theAfrica Renewable Energy Forumwilltakeplace inMoroccofrom 29thNovember to 1stDecember,"commented EnergyNet's Programme Manager Valeria Aruffo.

"Together they willprovidedevelopers and gas players aplatformto connect with credible stakeholders, buildnewpartnerships andunderstandthe excitingrole Moroccansand their African partnersacross the regions will play in the coming yearsas billions of dollars are pumped into theseeconomies."

The Honourable Minister Rabbah will open the conferences with a keynote speech, going on to explore potential financing bottlenecks in Morocco's gas and renewable energy strategy.

Alongside partnersRoyal Dutch Shell, Karpowership, ACWA Power, DLA Piper, DBSA, Engie, Fieldstone Africa, Warsila, White & Case, Jinko Solar,Clarke EnergyandCheniere, African governmental figures will attend fromThe Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, South Africa,Ethiopia,MauritiusandZimbabwe.

DFI representation fromIFC,World Bank,Africa50andOPICwill be present to showcase financing opportunities and bankable projects. Gathering enterprises from across the globe, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company,MasdarClean Energyand one of India's biggest business houses,AdaniSolutionswill also push the frontier of energy solutions at the summits.

TheNorth & West AfricaGas OptionsSummit will explore the evolution of the global gas market as a catalyst for industrial growth for the region, linking with Europe and the development of gas-to-power projects within the ECOWAS and Maghreb regions. In addition to regional gas infrastructure projects, the programme will discuss gas utilisation for the downstream sectors and the positive impact the North & West Africa gas economy will have on the ECOWAS region.

Frederik Smits van Oyen, Cheniere's Vice-President, Origination and Marketing of the EMEA regions commented,"Cheniere is looking forward to the North&West Africa Gas Options conference;it'sa great platform for stakeholders topromotesustainable, complementary energy solutions thatprovideeconomic prosperity in the region."

TheAfrica Renewable Energy Forum (ARF)will explore the role of renewable energy in achieving a sustainable energy mix by delving into the financing of clean energy projects. The clear appetite for investments in renewable IPP projects means that the focused dialogue around bankable projects at ARF will support both investors and governments in better formulating an integrated strategy.

Venue:Hyatt Regency, Casablanca, Morocco

Event organisers:EnergyNet Ltd., a part of Clarion Events

For press and media enquiries, please contactMonique.Bonnick@energynet.co.uk

For more information about these meeting:



Gas Options: North & West Africa

29-30 November 2017

www.gasoptions-nwafrica.com

go-nwa@energynet.co.uk



Africa Renewable Energy Forum

30 November-1 December 2017

www.africa-renewable-energy-forum.com

arf@energynet.co.uk



Monique Bonnick

Monique.bonnick@energynet.co.uk

+44(0)20-7384-7901


Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Belarus President Aleksandr Grigoryevich Lukashenko in New Delhi to discuss various issues of mutual interest of both countries. A number of agreements are expected to be signed in several areas after the talks.

Mr. Lukashenkos visit is significant as it taking place in a year when Belarus and India are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

Minsk is the Capital city of Belarus.

Its Currency is Belarusian ruble.

Source- The Hindu




iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X owners will be able to benefit from Qi inductive charging in nearly 5,000 Qi public venues via the Aircharge wireless charging ecosystem

Aircharge, the global leader in wireless charging solutions for public venues, the office and home, has confirmed today full compatibility with the newly announced iPhone 8/8 Plus and iPhone X models. Both Aircharge and Apple utilise the universal standard for wireless charging of smartphones and other consumer electronic devices, Qi.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005621/en/

The new iPhone X is fully compatible with the Aircharge solution (Photo: Business Wire)

Aircharge is the world's largest deployer of wireless charging facilities in public venues and via the Aircharge Locator app provides access to 5,000 locations globally including restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels, airports and train stations.

Aircharge offers a safe and convenient method of bringing wireless power to a surface or table-top, enabling any smartphone to charge wirelessly. Owners of the new iPhone X, 8 and 8 Plus models will be able to charge their devices by simply placing them on the Aircharge surface charger. Previous iPhone models without the built-in wireless charging capabilities, are also able to charge thanks to the use of the Aircharge "Orb"- the world's first and only multi-head connector carrying both the Qi and Made for iPhone (MFi) certifications and allowing any Lightning, Micro-USB and USB Type-C devices to charge from the charging unit.

"We're a long time partner of Apple via its MFi program and we're excited Qi wireless charging is now a standard feature in the new iPhone models. The inclusion of wireless charging from a major mobile phone and tech manufacturer like Apple will accelerate and drive widespread consumer awareness and mainstream adoption", said Steven Liquorish, founder and CEO of Aircharge.

Globally renowned brands like McDonald's, Starbucks, YO! Sushi, Costa Coffee and Vapiano are among the first to deploy Aircharge in their venues, enabling their customers to top up whilst enjoying a meal or refreshment. McDonald's, the largest provider to date, currently include the service at more than 400 UK stores and has begun deployment in 14 regions.

In addition, Aircharge provides wireless charging at Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses in Heathrow and Gatwick airport, Emirates Lounges in Dubai International and Finnair Lounges in Helsinki-Vantaa. Eurostar offers Aircharge wireless charging to their customers visiting their Business Premier Lounges in London St Pancras International and Paris Gare du Nord. Virgin Trains has deployed across its First Class lounges along the East and West coast routes in the UK. Hotels offering Aircharge include Premier Inn, IBIS and Novotel. Aircharge is also available in major mobile network carriers, including Vodafone, O2 and EE, as a complimentary service for customers visiting their retail stores, and in leisure centers like Virgin Active Health Clubs.

Founded in 2013, Aircharge's vision is to allow users to charge their mobile devices wirelessly throughout the course of the day, without the need for carrying a wire or battery pack. "As we have all become increasingly dependent on mobile devices, we now likely require to charge the battery more than once per day with the challenge of finding accessible power sources when on the go. By using the Aircharge Locator app, users can easily navigate to the nearest Aircharge point to get instant, free power", added Mr. Liquorish.

London is currently the first unique global wireless charging hub, providing a city-wide deployment of public charging point. 1,100 locations are now available in the UK, with more coming also in Europe, US and rest of the World. Aircharge is also an official partner of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus and offers accessories and solutions for the car, home and office and it is the only brand to offer a full range of Made for iPhone certified wireless charging cases for non-Qi iPhone models.

With now more than 90 Qi certified models of smartphones, 80 models of cars and over 900 wireless charging accessories available on the market, the Aircharge ecosystem is only expected to grow further.

For more information, please visit:

www.air-charge.com/news

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005621/en/

Contacts:

Aircharge Media Relations

Stefano Piccioli

stefanop@air-charge.com

+44 (0)1235 773 37
TSX:ORV

Fiscal 2018 gold production guidance of 110,000 to 120,000 ounces, an increase of 25% over 2017

COC and AISC of $950-1050 and $1150-1250 respectively a decrease of 10% compared to 2017

El Valle Transitioning to higher grade oxide mining

Don Mario transitioning to Cerro Felix by Q3 2018

TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Orvana Minerals Corp. (TSX:ORV) (the "Company" or "Orvana") is pleased to issue its production, capital expenditure, estimated cash operating costs ("COC") and all-in-sustaining costs ("AISC") guidance for fiscal 2018.

"We are pleased to issue increased production guidance with reduced COC and AISC for fiscal 2018," stated Jim Gilbert, Chairman and CEO. "In keeping with our core strategy and clear commitment to increase production and lower unit costs, our operations have delivered substantially improved results in fiscal 2017 and we expect this positive trend to continue in fiscal 2018. At El Valle, having ramped up development and plant throughput rates, the key objective is to achieve significant grade enhancements by mining a higher proportion of higher gold grade oxide zones. This is expected to result in higher gold production at a slightly lower throughput rate. At Don Mario, production will transition to the Cerro Felix deposit which is the first phase of the anticipated three year mine life extension."

The following tables set out Orvana's fiscal 2018 production, unit cost and capital expenditure guidance. The fiscal 2017 guidance is presented for comparative purposes. The Company remains on track to meet its fiscal 2017 guidance.









FY 2018 Guidance FY 2017 Guidance El Valle Production





Gold (oz) 65,000 - 72,000 50,000 - 55,000

Copper (million lbs) 4.1 - 4.5 6.0 - 6.5 Don Mario Production





Gold (oz) 45,000 - 48,000 35,000 - 40,000

Copper (million lbs) 2.0 - 2.3 7.0 - 7.5 Total Production





Gold (oz) 110,000 - 120,000 85,000 - 95,000

Copper (million lbs) 6.1 - 6.8 13.0 - 14.0 Total capital expenditures (US$ millions) $24.0 - $27.0 $27.0 - $30.0 COC (by-product) ($/oz) gold (1)(2)(3) $950 - $1,050 $1,050 - $1,150 AlSC (by-product) ($/oz) gold (1)(2)(3) $1,150 - $1,250 $1,300 - $1,400

(1) FY 2018 guidance assumptions for COC and AISC include by-product commodity prices of $2.75 per pound of copper and an average Euro to US Dollar exchange of 1.20. (2) FY 2017 guidance assumptions for COC and AISC include by-product commodity prices of $2.00 per pound of copper and an average Euro to US Dollar exchange of 1.12. (3) COC and AISC are non-IFRS performance measures with no standard definition under IFRS. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, the Company and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance including the Company's ability to generate cash flows from its mining operations. Accordingly, these performance measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. AISC includes COC, sustaining capital, reclamation accretion and amortization, corporate general and administrative expenses and exploration expense.

El Valle Mine

At El Valle, the Company's flagship asset, the primary objectives in fiscal 2018 are to (i) increase gold production by increasing the proportion of higher gold grade oxide ore processed in the plant; (ii) enhance grade control in the mine by reducing the amount of inferred resources in the mining sequence; and (iii) maintain or improve gold recovery in the plant. These actions are expected to result in increased gold production and a further reduction of COC and AISC in fiscal 2018. Planned capital expenditures at El Valle in fiscal 2018 include underground mine development, completion of infrastructure upgrades, underground fleet upgrades to support oxide mining and a six meter raise of the tailings facility.

Don Mario Mine

During fiscal 2018, the Company will be transitioning its mining activities from the lower mineralized zone ("LMZ") to the Cerro Felix open pit deposit, located approximately 500 meters from LMZ. Development of Cerro Felix is expected to begin immediately in the first quarter with pre-stripping activities, with production expected by the third quarter. The costs of the planned higher strip ratio, in addition to the anticipated lack of recoverable copper from the Cerro Felix deposit are expected to increase unit costs.

The Company is currently investigating the possibility of processing existing stockpiles at Don Mario to produce copper concentrates. Successful results of the metallurgical and economic evaluations currently being undertaken may allow the Company to blend the resulting material with Cerro Felix feed, which would allow a continuation of concentrate production and copper revenues.

In the event that no blending of copper-bearing stockpile material is possible, concurrent with the commencement of production from Cerro Felix, the Company intends to discontinue the production of copper concentrate and will continue to produce gold dore using its carbon-in-leach circuit. Planned capital expenditures include the tailings storage facility expansion project, which is currently underway, and procurement of additional mining equipment.

About Orvana

Orvana is a multi-mine gold and copper producer. Orvana's operating assets consist of the producing gold-copper-silver El Valle and Carles mines in northern Spain and the producing gold-copper-silver Don Mario mine in Bolivia. Additional information is available at Orvana's website (www.orvana.com).

Cautionary Statements - Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this information constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, potentials, future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "believes", "expects", "plans", "estimates" or "intends" or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "are projected to" be taken or achieved) are not statements of historical fact, but are forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements herein relate to, among other things, Orvana's ability to achieve improvement in free cash flow; the potential to extend the mine life of El Valle and Don Mario beyond their current life-of-mine estimates including specifically, but not limited to in the case of Don Mario, the completion of the major tailings storage facility expansion, the mining of the Cerro Felix deposit, the processing of the mineral stockpiles and the reprocessing of the tailings material; Orvana's ability to optimize its assets to deliver shareholder value; the Company's ability to optimize productivity at Don Mario and El Valle; estimates of future production, operating costs and capital expenditures; mineral resource and reserve estimates; statements and information regarding future feasibility studies and their results; future transactions; future metal prices; the ability to achieve additional growth and geographic diversification; future financial performance, including the ability to increase cash flow and profits; future financing requirements; and mine development plans.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The estimates and assumptions of the Company contained or incorporated by reference in this information, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the various assumptions set forth herein and in Orvana's most recently filed Management's Discussion & Analysis and Annual Information Form in respect of the Company's most recently completed fiscal year (the "Company Disclosures") or as otherwise expressly incorporated herein by reference as well as: there being no significant disruptions affecting operations, whether due to labour disruptions, supply disruptions, power disruptions, damage to equipment or otherwise; permitting, development, operations, expansion and acquisitions at El Valle and Don Mario being consistent with the Company's current expectations; political developments in any jurisdiction in which the Company operates being consistent with its current expectations; certain price assumptions for gold, copper and silver; prices for key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; production and cost of sales forecasts meeting expectations; the accuracy of the Company's current mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; and labour and materials costs increasing on a basis consistent with Orvana's current expectations.

A variety of inherent risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, affect the operations, performance and results of the Company and its business, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Some of these risks, uncertainties and factors include fluctuations in the price of gold, silver and copper; the need to recalculate estimates of resources based on actual production experience; the failure to achieve production estimates; variations in the grade of ore mined; variations in the cost of operations; the availability of qualified personnel; the Company's ability to obtain and maintain all necessary regulatory approvals and licenses; the Company's ability to use cyanide in its mining operations; risks generally associated with mineral exploration and development, including the Company's ability to continue to operate the El Valle and/or Don Mario and/or ability to resume long-term operations at Carles Mine; the Company's ability to acquire and develop mineral properties and to successfully integrate such acquisitions; the Company's ability to execute on its strategy; the Company's ability to obtain financing when required on terms that are acceptable to the Company; challenges to the Company's interests in its property and mineral rights; current, pending and proposed legislative or regulatory developments or changes in political, social or economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates; general economic conditions worldwide; and the risks identified in the Company's Disclosures under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties". This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company's Disclosures for a description of additional risk factors.

Any forward-looking statements made in this information with respect to the anticipated development and exploration of the Company's mineral projects are intended to provide an overview of management's expectations with respect to certain future activities of the Company and may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Forward-looking statements are based on management's current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions and, except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements made in this information are intended to provide an overview of management's expectations with respect to certain future operating activities of the Company and may not be appropriate for other purposes.

For further information: Jeff Hillis, Chief Financial Officer, T (416) 369-6275, E jhillis@orvana.com
Jean Boulle Luxury and AkzoNobel have extended their exclusive co-operation on the production, marketing and distribution of high quality natural diamond based coatings. The partnership is now extended to include coatings for the Yacht industry.

Jean Boulle Luxury's proprietary Sun KingTM Diamond Coating is now available for applications in the Yacht sector, where its unparalleled effects will visually transform yacht finishes and also endure the demands of the marine environment.

AkzoNobel has for more than a century been producing coatings for the Yacht industry through its Awlgrip and International brands. The Sun King Diamond Coating is based on developments in the Awlgrip Topcoat range. Within the Yacht industry, Awlgrip is the undisputed market leader as a result of consistent technical innovation, stringent quality controls, and the superlative finish of their products.

Sun KingTM Diamond Coating is created using a proprietary technique which transforms ethically sourced natural diamonds into a high quality finish. The specification can be tailored for each, individual application and guarantees the highest quality and brilliance within precisely defined tolerances.

Commenting on the announcement, Bertrand Boulle, CEO of Jean Boulle Luxury said:

"AkzoNobel sets the standards for coatings in the yachting industry making them the perfect partner for Jean Boulle Luxury's high quality diamond coatings. Sun King Diamond Coating has a number of potential superyacht applications and its qualities are unmatched by any other product on the market."

Antonella Donzelli, Global Yacht Director of AkzoNobel Specialty Coatings, said:

"Following the success of Sun King Diamond Coating in the aviation and automotive sectors, we are pleased to be extending the partnership to the Yacht market. This innovative product is now available to superyacht owners as a result of technical insight, innovation and collaborative spirit.

Ends

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005690/en/

Contacts:

Jean Boulle Luxury Group

Mike Angenent

Sales

sales@jeanboulleluxury.com

www.jeanboulleluxury.com

or

AkzoNobel

Hans Slegtenhorst

Segment Manager Pro- and Superyacht

+31 71 3082386

hans.slegtenhorst@akzonobel.com

or

Joost Ruempol

AkzoNobel Corporate Media Relations

+31 (0)88 969 7833

joost.Ruempol@akzonobel.com

or

Media

Aura Financial

Andy Mills/Marta Saldanha

+44 (0)207 321 0000

jeanboulleluxury@aura-financial.com
Knowledge.io to Launch Blockchain-based Platform to Revolutionize the Way Knowledge is Valued

CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2017 / Digital learning company Knowledge.io has announced plans to develop a first-of-its-kind blockchain-based platform that aims to quantify and qualify the value of knowledge. To raise the funds necessary for continued development and adoption of its solution, Knowledge.io will launch an ICO for its Knowledge Tokens on January 15th, 2018.

Knowledge.io aims to revolutionize the way the world values knowledge, with a blockchain-based knowledge sharing platform that will power decentralized knowledge sharing networks, enabling greater exchange between knowledge sharers and rewarding participants for their interactions across a diverse range of sectors.

Knowledge.io co-founder Steven Englander explained the company's goal to democratize knowledge-sharing through an incentivized model:

"By rewarding people with Knowledge tokens, we are able to provide a decentralized knowledge sharing ecosystem where knowledge flows between advertisers, partners, and users for the benefit of the entire community's decision making in areas such as commerce, education, and employment."

The growing importance of the knowledge industry

Global economies have come to recognize the importance of the "knowledge-based economy" that emphasizes the production, distribution and use of knowledge. Still reeling from the effects of the last global financial crisis, many national economies, such as that of the UK, have diverted investments from tangible to intangible assets, of which knowledge-based sectors are part. The impact of knowledge on developing economies is even more pronounced, with OECD reporting that knowledge-intensive sectors such as education and information accounting for more than 50 percent of major OECD economies' GDP.*

Within the knowledge industry itself, modern enterprises work hard to narrow the gap between knowledge producers and economies. Some major platforms focus on the aspect of workforce, connecting employers and knowledge workers, allowing users to market themselves within industry networks through user-generated content such as skill-based insights and testimonials. Others facilitate knowledge sharing, through open networks of community-identified experts, rated and moderated within the networks.

These emerging industries are seeing significant income, largely in part to advertising revenues. LinkedIn recently reported revenues close to $1 billion in Q3 2016, with 25 percent of that coming from advertising. Quora, valued at $1.8 billion, also started ad monetizing in 2016.

Recognized but underappreciated

While the recognition of knowledge is certainly increasing, the global economy has fallen short of appreciating the true value of knowledge as represented in people, otherwise referred to as human capital. The Human Capital Index 2016 bluntly revealed that "the global economy has failed more than a third of the world's talent," despite the strengthening correlation between economies' income levels and their capacity to develop and deploy knowledge via human capital.

Even the modern enterprises of the knowledge industry fall short, with centralized platforms retaining most or all of the revenue generated from the knowledge producers and sharers using their platforms. The few that do reward users - Steemit, for example - are still unable to provide a way to properly measure the quantity and quality of knowledge shared.

Another shortfall is the ownership of knowledge - users on all these platforms do not retain ownership or exert control over their content. Their knowledge risks being sold on to providers, advertisers and recruiters.

As the world transitions to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, there is a growing urgency for educators and employers to fundamentally rethink the way it values knowledge.

The Knowledge.io solution to value and reward knowledge

Knowledge.io envisions a future e-Learning rewards-based platform that has the appreciation of knowledge at its core - celebrating it and rewarding it.

It introduces a revolutionary way for people to validate each other's knowledge and expertise while connecting experts with advertisers who will conduct transactions with Knowledge tokens. These tokens are rewarded for providing knowledge and can be used to pay for products within the Knowledge.io ecosystem that validates through gamified learning and verification of expertise.

Levels of knowledge possessed by users in particular topics will be represented by the Knowledge Score technology. With a base of over 10 million questions across a topic spectrum, complemented by existing data partnerships with vast, proprietary data sets, Knowledge.io expects the generation of a virtually endless supply of topic-based Questions and Answers.

Beyond incentivization, another key benefit of the platform is that it tracks learning and records knowledge validation. Knowledge.io believes that this has far-reaching implications for future generations of learners, with opportunities for younger learners to earn enough tokens to pay for higher education and a Knowledge Score that will help prove to the world what they know.

Knowledge.io will launch its ICO on January 15th, 2018, offering up to 50,000,000 Knowledge tokens for sale to the general public. The crowdsale seeks to raise the funds needed for the continued development of its knowledge sharing platform, with the majority of proceeds dedicated to company growth.

About Knowledge.io

Knowledge.io has its conceptual origins in the recognition, rewarding and celebration of knowledge. It considers that all knowledge is valuable not only to the individual that possesses it but to the society that benefits from interacting with that knowledge.

Through a platform that integrates educators and employers with advocates and knowledge sharers, all knowledge participants can exchange and value knowledge through voluntary or gamified interaction. Knowledge.io believes that its solution will be the first able measure the value of knowledge, while its model of incentivization will aid the development and propagation of knowledge crucial to the improvement of education, economy and society.

Learn more about Knowledge.io at: https://knowledge.io

Join Knowledge.io on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowledgeToken

Follow Knowledge.io on Twitter: https://twitter.com/knowledgetoken

Media Contact

Contact Name: Marcia Hales

Contact Email: macia@knowledge.io

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Knowledge.io is the source of this content. Virtual currency is not legal tender, is not backed by the government, and accounts and value balances are not subject to consumer protections. This press release is for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute investment advice or an offer to invest.

Knowledge.io Ecosystem Screenshot:

SOURCE: Knowledge.io
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/17/18 -- Apolo Acquisition Corp. ("Apolo" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: ACA.P) is pleased to announce that the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") has conditionally accepted its proposed qualifying transaction (the "Transaction") with CryptoGlobal Inc. ("CryptoGlobal"), which, upon completion, will result in a reverse take-over of Apolo by the shareholders of CryptoGlobal. A Filing Statement in respect of the Transaction has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the TSXV and has been filed under Apolo's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Closing of the proposed Transaction is expected to occur on or about January 25, 2018 and it is anticipated that the common shares of the resulting issuer company on completion of the Transaction will commence trading on the TSXV under the ticker symbol "CPTO" on or about January 29, 2018, subject to the TSXV providing final approval for the Transaction.

CryptoGlobal operates in the distributed ledger technology space, utilizing specialized equipment to solve complex computational problems to validate transactions on the blockchain (a process known as "mining"), receiving digital or virtual currencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Dash, in exchange for this service. CryptoGlobal's office and equipment are currently all located in the Province of Ontario.

Reference is also made to Apolo's news releases dated November 7, November 24 and December 1, 2017 for additional information relating to Apolo, CryptoGlobal and the Transaction.

Further Information

All information contained in this news release with respect to Apolo and CryptoGlobal was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party. For further information regarding the Transaction, please contact Michael Galego or Debra Quinn.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about the Corporation's future plans and intentions, completion of the Transaction and the listing of the resulting issuer shares on the TSXV. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Corporation cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Corporation assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Apolo Acquisition Corp.

Michael Galego

Director

Telephone: 416.361.3121



CryptoGlobal Inc.

Debra Quinn

Telephone: 647.985.7162

E-mail: deb@cryptoglobal.io




NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 10/18/17 -- NetworkNewsWire ("NNW"), a multifaceted financial news and publishing company, today announces the publication of an editorial featuring Tapinator, Inc. (OTCQB: TAPM), a client of NNW that develops and publishes mobile games on the iOS, Google Play and Amazon platforms.

The publication, titled, "These 5 Mobile Gaming Stocks Aren't Playing Around," discusses several public mobile gaming companies grabbing their share of the growing gaming industry.

To view the full publication, visit: https://www.networknewswire.com/5-mobile-gaming-stocks-arent-playing-around/

"Tapinator recently launched two new full-featured games: 'Big Sport Fishing 2017' - which had more than 520,000 player downloads within the first seven days of its global release -- and 'Dice Mage 2.' Both were recognized as 'New Games We Love' on the Apple iOS platform, as noted in a recent press release announcing updates to Dice Mage 2 (http://nnw.fm/Xy3V5).

"Coming up during Q4 2017 and Q1 2018, Tapinator is scheduled to release four new titles: 'ColorFill,' 'Divide & Conquer,' 'Shadowborne' and 'Fusion Heroes.' The formula behind these games consists of a combination of proven gameplay elements; class-leading monetization systems; and the creative magic of the robust team of developers, strategists and product specialists that is Tapinator's backbone.

"Diversified revenue sources for Tapinator include 54 percent derived from in-game advertising and 46 percent from consumer purchases made through app stores. Advertising placement is strategically limited to appear between game levels, and video ads additionally play on a rewards basis that is directly tied to game currency."

About Tapinator

Tapinator develops and publishes mobile games on the iOS, Google Play, and Amazon platforms. Tapinator's portfolio includes over 300 mobile gaming titles that, collectively, have achieved over 400 million player downloads, including games such as ROCKY, Video Poker Classic, Solitaire Dash, and Dice Mage. Tapinator generates revenues through the sale of branded advertisements and via consumer app store transactions. Founded in 2013, Tapinator is headquartered in New York, with product development teams located in the United States, Germany, Pakistan, Indonesia, Russia and Canada. Consumers can find high-quality mobile entertainment wherever they see the 'T' character logo.

For more information, visit the company's website at www.Tapinator.com.

About NetworkNewsWire

NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) NetworkNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, NNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. NNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today's market, NNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. NNW is where news, content and information converge.

For more information please visit https://www.NetworkNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the NetworkNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by NNW, wherever published or re-published: http://NNW.fm/Disclaimer

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The International Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2017, dedicated to Future Energy, has made a unique contribution to the development of clean energy in the world, said the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.

"The success of EXPO 2017 is the result of synergy between Astana and all regions of our country. The attention of the whole world was focused on the capital of Kazakhstan. Future Energy is one of the global and most topical issues in the modern world and it concerns all humanity," said the Head of State during the closing ceremony in Astana.

Nazarbayev stressed that "the exhibition has become a 'bridge' for innovative ideas and technologies". "The EXPO has provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate the intellectual and technological potential of our planet."

From June 10 through September 10, almost 4 million people from 178 countries visited EXPO 2017. During the first days, the exhibition saw 20,000 people per day, and on the day before the closing date there were over 100,000 visitors.

153 inventions, which are already in use, were presented at EXPO 2017. Overall, there were 3500 events involving 33,000 artists. EXPO 2017 was also visited by 50 heads of state and government. Tourists took almost 100 million photos.

At the closing ceremony, the guests saw the 'world of the future'. Green technologies and the most impressive developments shown at the exhibition became the centerpiece of the show. The guests saw the future where the best modern developments had already become commonplace. The theatrical show directly involved 2,232 people, including volunteers and representatives of countries participating in EXPO 2017.

The big and spectacularHi-Light Show, whichused complicatedengineering, stage and artisticsolutions,blurred the distinction between many visual illusions, graphic projections and reality. Multiton sceneryfloating in the air at various levelssimultaneously with the movements of aerial gymnasts, a constantly transforming stage and wonderful music transported the audience to the fantastic world of the future.

BIE had previously awarded Nursultan Nazarbayev a gold medal forhis personal involvement in holding EXPO 2017 and the success achieved. The Chairman of the Board of JSC NC Astana EXPO-2017Akhmetzhan Yessimov was awarded a "medal of honor" for constantly providing assistance and support for all EXPO 2017 participants.

In addition, an international panel of nine experts selected the best pavilions in two categories: design andpresentation of the topic. Among the pavilions with an area of over 700 sq. metres, in the "design" category, the pavilion of South Korea took third place, the UK was second, and the pavilion of the Russian Federation was named the winner. Forpresentation of the topic,France took third place, China was second, and Germany was the winner.

About Astana EXPO-2017

The International Specialized Exhibition Astana EXPO 2017, dedicated to Future Energy, was an expositional and recreational event that took place between June 10 and September 10 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The exhibition was one of the most spectacular cultural venues of 2017. Overall, 115 countries and 22 international organizations took part in the event.

As part of Astana EXPO-2017, global policy documents were drafted in order to promote energy-efficient lifestyle and wide use of renewable energy sources.

Follow us on social media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9-D1aUUN1oQGyUUbZv1zXg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Expo2017AstanaInternational/timeline

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Expo2017_Int

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expo2017astana_intl/

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Contact: Natalia Kostikova, expo2017@m-p.ru , +7(903)209-35-00
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Hope Hicks, a former model and longtime member of President Donald Trump's communications team, has been appointed as White House Communications Director. The 28-year old former employee of the Trump Organization has been serving as interim White House Communications Director since Anthony Scaramucci was fired in July after just 10 days in office. After picking Hicks for the interim post, Trump had said, 'She's always on the phone talking to the reporters, trying to get the reporters to straighten out their dishonest stories. Hicks is a tremendously talented person'. She is the third White House communications director of Trump's presidency. Trump's longest-serving political aide and one of his most trusted confidants, Hicks had also worked as his Strategic Communications Director and Campaign Press Secretary. With her appointment, women are at the head of both media wings of the White House. As White House Communications Director, Hicks will be responsible for shaping the government's message, while White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be briefing the media. A section of US media had complained that the former Ralph Lauren fashion model was not qualified for the job, one of the most powerful roles in Washington. Hicks also was criticized by some with regard to a statement she issued in May regarding Trump's character and personality. 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.
Welland, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2017) - EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies Corp. (TSXV: EHT) ("EHT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has finalized the contract to supply a 1,000kw solar energy system to Fresh Pak Ghana, a subsidiary of Groupe Nduom, an EHT joint venture partner.

On July 18, 2017, the Company announced it had been awarded a contract from its joint venture partner to supply a 1,000kw solar system, which includes ENERTEC ultra-light solar panels and supporting electronic infrastructure to generate, store and distribute the solar generated power. This was the second order that EHT has received from Groupe Nduom related companies through the manufacturing joint venture between the two parties. The resultant supply agreement was subject to final contract completion and payment being received.

The Company has now received the required cash deposit and the contract finalizing the project. Installation of the system is expected to commence in January 2018 with completion in February 2018. Revenues of approximately CA$2,000,000 are expected from this project.

On July 13, 2017, the Company indicated that there had been delays in the process of finalizing the previously announced contract awarded by the Government of Ivory Coast, West Africa to build up to 50,000 ENERTEC homes. The Government of Ivory Coast had requested local certifications of the ENERTEC modular buildings in addition to those already in place. This has been a slower than anticipated process but the Company has now received the test results from the additional testing required by the Ivory Coast Government. Upon review of the reports by the Company's engineers, the test results were confirmed to be favourable in all respects and the Ivory Coast Government's acceptance of those reports is expected imminently.

Mr. John Gamble, CEO of EHT, commented "moving from the awarding of a contract to securing the deposit has always been a challenging process in the West African markets. Our new but growing relationship with Groupe Nduom is expanding as we had envisioned and their completion of this second project order continues to speak well of the quality of our partner. This is just the start of many projects we will do through our manufacturing joint venture and we will assemble all the panels for this order in Ghana." Mr. Gamble went on to say, "we are also pleased that the additional testing requested by the Government of Ivory Coast has returned the expected results thus allowing us to continue to move forward in the process. We had little doubt as to the outcome of further testing of our ENERTEC product."

Further updates will be provided on West African business opportunities as events warrant.

About EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies

EHT delivers proprietary, turn-key energy solutions which are intelligent, bankable and sustainable. EHT's expertise includes the development of its ENERTEC module structures with full integration of smart energy solutions. Using a proprietary skin and foam core that is stronger than traditional wood or steel structural insulated panels, EHT provides exceptional thermal energy efficiency in modular homes, cold storage facilities, residential/commercial out buildings and emergency/temporary shelters. EHT works with its partners worldwide to erect the buildings on-site utilizing EHT staff and local crews. In addition to traditional support to established electrical networks, ENERTEC buildings excel where no electrical grid exists.

About ENERTEC

The EHT advanced ENERTEC Modular Wall and Roof System uses a proprietary skin and foam core that is stronger and more energy efficient than traditional wood or steel structures providing the highest ratings for energy efficiency. EHT works with its partners worldwide to erect the buildings on-site utilizing EHT staff and local crews. After installation, each structure can be furnished and finished to meet the customer's requirements including siding, tile, kitchens and bathrooms or segregated commercial rooms. The finished wall product can be shipped on pallets and delivered via rail, truck or water in standard formats.

At the core of the ENERTEC product line is the ENERTEC Embedded Solar Roof Module. Solar cells can be embedded in a proprietary fire proof skin resulting in substantial cost savings by eliminating heavy glass panels and aluminum racking required for traditional solar panels. Two barriers to greater adoption of solar energy are weight limitations of the roof on which solar panels could be deployed and onerous shipping and labour costs. A lighter product at a better price point will open a larger market for solar due to the faster return of capital investment especially for rural and remote users looking to go off-grid. Furthermore, the entire EHT embedded solar roof becomes a massive solar panel capable of producing significantly more energy than the home requires, allowing the structure to then become an important source of power for the local micro grid or large battery storage systems.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The statements herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information relating to sales of the products (the "Opportunities") involves risk, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, for the Opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although EHT believes that the assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking information on the Opportunities outlined in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. EHT disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

John Gamble, Director(289) 488-1699Company Website: www.ehthybrid.com
Warrensburg-- Carson Lee Stephens participated in the American Legion Boys State of Missouri June 17-24 on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Stephens was selected based on his leadership, citizenship, academics, and character during his junior year at Fredericktown High School.

Boys State is a pure democracy in that all citizens may vote and are eligible to hold office. The program is designed to educate and train Missouri's young leaders in functional citizenship, leadership and government. Nearly 1,000 student leaders build an entire state government in a single week.

Accomplishments, positions held, and awards earned by Stephens at Missouri Boys State include: Citizen of Boone City; Member of the Nationalist Party; Deputy Sheriff; Delegate to State Convention, Ward II; Anchor-KMBS TV; Citizen of the Model County. Stephens attended Journalism School while participating in Boys State.

Stephens, son of Gerry and Leslie Stephens, was sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5896-Farmington. Sponsors afford the opportunity for students to participate in this nationally recognized program and are critical to its continued success. Organizations, businesses, and individuals interested in becoming a sponsor are encouraged to contact the Missouri Boys State Headquarters at 1-877-342-5627.

The Boys State staff is comprised of educational, legal, professional, and civic leaders who volunteer their time each year. Missouri Boys State is a 501(c)(3) organization and is a Missouri American Legion Program.

Students who are juniors during the 2017-18 academic year and are interested in participating should contact their High School Counselor and visit the Missouri Boys State website at www.moboysstate.org. The 2018 session will be held June 16-23. Informational presentations by a Boys State staff member are available to schools and organizations by contacting Bettie Rusher at the Missouri Boys State Headquarters at 1-877-342-5627 or email bettie.rusher@moboysstate.org.
LONDON, Sept. 13,2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubb today announced that Tara Parchment, Vice President, Personal Risk Services, UK & Ireland, has been appointed as head of its European Personal Risk Services division [subject to the appropriate regulatory approvals].

In this role, Tara will have responsibility for the performance of the company's High Net Worth personal lines business in the UK and Continental Europe.

Tara has more than 20 years of insurance industry experience at Chubb. Before assuming her current role, Tara was Vice President, Personal Risk Services, UK & Ireland, and prior to that UK and Ireland Personal Lines Manager. In her earlier Chubb career Tara held a variety of underwriting positions before becoming European Underwriting Centre Manager (Personal Lines).

The appointment is effective immediately and Tara will continue to be based in London.

Tara will report to David Robinson, Executive Vice President, Europe and Division President, UK and Ireland.

She will also have matrix reporting lines into Jeff Moghrabi, Division President, Continental Europe and Darryl Page, Vice President, Chubb Group and Division President, International Personal Lines.

David Robinson, Executive Vice President, Europe and Division President, UK and Ireland, said:

"I am delighted that Tara has been appointed to this important and high-profile role for Chubb. Tara's knowledge, experience and understanding is unrivalled within the High Net Worth world and she is quite rightly regarded with enormous respect by brokers, clients and key figures in the insurance industry.

"Tara has been an integral part of Chubb's growth in the High Net Worth market for more than two decades. She was a member of the original team which launched High Net Worth in the UK 20 years ago and has made a tremendous contribution to the enormous growth of this business. Tara is perfectly placed to help our Personal Risk Services develop further to meet the evolving needs of this crucial market.

"Delivering a superior insurance proposition and exceptional claims service for our High Net Worth clients continue to be our top priorities. These provisions have made us what we are and they will continue to be the hallmark of High Net Worth going forward. Together with our highly experienced team of personal lines specialists, Tara will also ensure that we work even more closely with our broker partners to create new opportunities for mutual growth."

Andrew Kendrick, Regional President, Europe, said:

"Tara's appointment is richly deserved. I am absolutely thrilled that she has taken this role and look forward to the continued growth and development of Chubb's Personal Risk Services. Under her leadership, Chubb's Personal Risk Services will continue to provide the exclusive and highly specialised services and insight which are the foundations of its success."

Chubb

Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: chubb.com/uk

Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/324916/Chubb_Logo.jpg
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/13/17 -- goeasy Ltd. (TSX: GSY), ("goeasy" or the "Company"), a leading full-service provider of goods and alternative financial services that improve the lives of everyday Canadians, is thrilled to announce a new customer-facing campaign created to support the company's fundraising efforts for Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. Feed Their Future, a month-long program that goes live in over 350 easyhome and easyfinancial locations will support goeasy's fundraising efforts to build 100 kitchens in local Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada.

Since 2004, goeasy has raised over $1.2 million for Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada through a variety of programs that deeply touch communities across the country. In 2014, the company set out to make an even bigger impact with the launch of easybites, an ambitious $2.5 million, 10-year program to build safe and functioning kitchens in 100 Boys and Girls Club in Canada. By year-end, goeasy will be well on its way to meeting the aggressive target with 28 kitchens completed in locations across the country. These kitchens are helping Boys and Girls Clubs feed today's youth and are enhancing food and nutrition programs at Clubs.

"Thanks to our partnership with goeasy Ltd., the easybites kitchen renovation projects have allowed Clubs across Canada to have the updated equipment and food prep resources they need to serve meals to thousands of young people," said Owen Charters, President & CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.

To help further goeasy's mission of supporting local communities and Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, goeasy is encouraging all Canadians to get involved through Feed Their Future. Starting today, until October 14, Canadians can pledge $2, $5, or $10 donations at any easyfinancial or easyhome location or online at www.goeasy.com/feedtheirfuture. goeasy has also committed to donating over $20,000 from September 19 to 23, to match donations raised by their customers.

"Feed Their Future is goeasy's largest customer-focused initiative to-date and is integral in helping further the company's mission of investing in our communities and giving back where we live and work," said Andrea Fiederer, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at goeasy. "We are a proud Canadian company that believes the future lies with our children and together with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, we will be able to fulfill our mission of helping the youth of today become the leaders of tomorrow."

In addition to the Feed Their Future initiative and the long-standing partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, goeasy has always been committed to giving back on both a local and global scale. From a celebrated annual day of volunteering to building homes for those in need around the world with Habitat for Humanity, giving back and creating a positive impact in the lives of others has always been central to the organization's culture.

About goeasy

goeasy Ltd. is a leading full-service provider of goods and alternative financial services that improve the lives of everyday Canadians. Today, goeasy Ltd. serves its customers through two key operating divisions, easyfinancial and easyhome. easyfinancial is a non-prime consumer lender that bridges the gap between traditional financial institutions and costly payday lenders. It is supported by a strong central credit adjudication process and industry leading risk analytics. easyfinancial also operates an indirect lending channel, offering loan products to consumers at the point-of-sale of third party merchants. easyhome is Canada's largest lease-to-own company, offering brand-name household furniture, appliances and electronics to consumers under weekly or monthly leasing agreements through both corporate and franchise stores. Both operating divisions of goeasy Ltd. offer the highest level of customer service and enable customers to transact through a national store and branch network and through its online and mobile eCommerce enabled platforms.

goeasy Ltd. is listed on the TSX under the symbol 'GSY'. For more information, visit www.goeasy.com.

Contacts:

Andrea Fiederer

Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

(905) 272-2788

afiederer@goeasy.com



Jennifer Alsop-Lee

Arrivals + Departures

o. (416) 589-7425

c. (647) 929-8464

Jennifer.alsoplee@arrivalsdepartures.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/13/17 -- Targeted Microwave Solutions Inc. (TSX VENTURE: TMS)(OTCQB: TGTMF)(FRANKFURT: A2ACNT) ("TMS" or the "Company") provided today a corporate update.

Financial Update

As outlined in the Company's Q2 2017 unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Management's Discussion & Analysis (collectively, the "Q2 Financial Statements"), TMS continues to require a near-term financing to continue operations and fund its working capital deficit. As part of on-going efforts to secure new financing, TMS management and key stakeholders injected funds into the Company to provide short-term partial working capital relief. In July 2017, the Company received a loan from Dr. James Young, Chairman of the Board and CEO, for an aggregate amount of $40,000 USD. In August 2017, the Company entered into an agreement to receive a $50,000 USD loan from Satellite Overseas Holdings Limited ("SOHL") to provide short-term working capital. Despite these short-term loans, the Company continues to face a working capital deficit. Accordingly, the Company is evaluating ways to address the working capital deficit through potential joint venture arrangements, raising additional financing, and/or selling equipment from the Company's Demonstration Plant in King William (the "King William Plant"). Should the Company be unsuccessful in raising funds, it may not be able to fund future growth or satisfy the existing financial obligations as noted in the Q2 Financial Statements.

Operations Update

In July 2017, due to on-going cash limitations, the Company terminated five consulting positions, including its Chief Technology Officer, Steven Lawson. The Company also closed its office in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Under the terms of its lease in Gaithersburg, the Company continues to have an obligation to pay rent to the landlord. In August 2017, the Gaithersburg landlord issued a notice of default for non-payment of rent. The Company plans to seek opportunities to sublet the Gaithersburg office to offset these costs as it no longer has active operations or personnel at that site.

Further to the Company's news release dated June 27, 2017, the landlord of the subleased lands on which the King William Plant is situated, notified the Company of several alleged defaults under the sublease including lack of occupancy operating permits. Despite rectifying the permit issue and protesting these allegations, the landlord has prevented the Company from accessing the King William Plant, resulting in the Company having to suspend operations at that site. The Company is in the process of taking legal action to assert its rights under the terms of the King William land lease that allows the Company to retrieve its equipment from the site for 120 days following the expiry of the lease on August 27, 2017. As part of its claims, the King William landlord has alleged that the Company improperly stored coal at the King William Plant, resulting in environmental contamination. The Company has denied any environmental contamination and has demanded that the King William landlord provide evidence to support this claim. The Company is in the process of taking its own steps to evaluate the alleged contamination claims.

Annual General Meeting ("AGM") Update

In September 2017, the Company held its AGM. During the meeting, Dr. James Young, Mr. Lawrence Siegel, and Mr. Ian Hume were re-elected as Directors. Former Directors Dr. Rajiv Modi and Dr. Stephen Crocker did not stand for re-election and formally concluded their terms as TMS Board members. Following the meeting, Dr. James Young, CEO and Chairman of the Board, made the following comments: "Management and the Board continue to pursue efforts to further finance the Company and determine a near-term strategy to address the Company's current working capital deficiency. The Company is currently looking at several near-term possibilities with potential joint venture partners to deploy the Company's assets and equipment to a commercial site for longer-term operations. We will continue to evaluate all options to realize value from the Company's technology, including but not limited to, selling Company assets and/or rights to the Company's technology."

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Dr. James Young, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

About Targeted Microwave Solutions Inc.

Targeted Microwave Solutions Inc. is a clean technology company specializing in mass-flow microwave drying applications for bulk aggregates such as clays, coal, and biomass. The Company is presently seeking opportunities to commercialize the full-scale prototype of its vertical WAVEdri microwave reactor which is situated in King William, Virginia.

The Company is a reporting issuer in Canada and is listed on the following stock exchanges: (TSX VENTURE: TMS)(OTCQB: TGTMF)(FRANKFURT: A2ACNT)

For further information, visit www.tmsenergy.com or the Company's public disclosure filing on www.sedar.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain statements which are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that address or discuss activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical and, in this news release, include, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of any loans and the receipt of proceeds therefrom, including the execution of definitive documentation, that the proceeds from the loans, if received, will be sufficient for TMS's short-term working capital. When used in this news release, words such as "estimates", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "projects", "will", "believes", "intends", "should", "could", "may" and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts of our management. Because forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which are difficult to predict, our actual results, performance or achievements or the actual results or performance of the industries and markets in which we operate and intend to operate may be materially different from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant uncertainties and risks, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in our forward-looking statements, including our ability to negotiate and executive definitive documentation for the loans, that working capital requirements may be greater than projected, that TMS will be able to successfully resolve the dispute with the landlord in King William, Virginia, that TMS will be able to successfully close its office in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and such other matters described in our public filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers should exercise caution in relying upon our forward-looking statements and we undertake no obligation to publicly revise such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Media Contact:

+1 (778) 995 5833

office@tmsenergy.com




ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwired - September 13, 2017) - In light of the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in Florida, Tijuana Flats will donate 10 percent of all proceeds from each of its locations on Friday, September 15 through Sunday, September 17 to Irma disaster relief efforts.

Additionally, in conjunction with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Florida's Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), Tijuana Flats is working to coordinate much needed food deliveries to various shelters and communities throughout the state.

"We are a Central Florida-based company, so we have seen firsthand how areas across the state are suffering in the aftermath of Irma," said Larry Ryback, chief executive officer at Tijuana Flats. "While state officials and volunteers are working hard to rebuild what has been lost, we want to provide as much assistance as possible to the communities we love in their time of need."

Employees at Tijuana Flats' headquarters in Maitland, Fla. will prepare food for Irma victims and deliver meals to those in need throughout Central Florida on Wednesday, September 13. Additionally, Tijuana Flats stores in Tampa, South Florida, and other areas impacted by the hurricane will participate in similar efforts to provide hot meals to displaced residents and shelter volunteers.

About Tijuana Flats

Established in 1995 in Winter Park, Florida, Tijuana Flats is a unique, fast-casual Tex-Mex dining experience featuring superior guest service and fresh, made-to-order food. Tijuana Flats has 125 locations in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The brand has been named to Fast Casual Magazine's 2015 & 2016 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list. For more information on Tijuana Flats, please visit https://tijuanaflats.com/.

About AUA Equity

AUA Private Equity Partners, LLC is a New York-based, operationally-focused, lower middle-market investment firm providing strategic capital to companies in the consumer, media, and business services sectors, with a particular focus on family-owned businesses and companies benefiting from the growth of the U.S. Hispanic population. AUA Equity makes equity investments of $15 to $50 million in companies that generate in excess of $3 million in EBITDA. AUA Equity currently manages over $275 million of capital. For more information on AUA Private Equity, please visit www.auaequity.com.

Media Contact

Lauren Bowes

lbowes@findsomewinmore.com

(407) 722-7843
Signs Distribution Agreement with Sysmex for EMEA

Endomag, the surgical guidance company, today announced that it has received CE Mark approval for Magseed, a minimally invasive breast marker used to accurately guide surgeons during breast cancer removal. Magseed will be distributed throughout EMEA by Sysmex, as part of a new 5-year distribution deal for the Sentimag surgical guidance platform.

Magseed allows a radiologist to accurately mark the tumour site with a seed, smaller than a grain of rice, up to 30 days before surgery. It only takes a few minutes to put it in and, once implanted, it's set firmly in place and cannot be dislodged before surgery. The patient is free to return home and carry out normal day-to-day activities, which significantly improves the patient experience.

In the operating theatre the surgeon uses the Sentimag to accurately locate the tumour before making an incision. This frees the surgeon to select the best approach, reducing the invasiveness of the surgery and possibly providing a better cosmetic outcome. Once inside, knowing its precise location helps ensure all of the tumour is removed.

Eric Mayes, CEO Endomag: "After the successful launch of Magseed in the US, where many of the top cancer centres are now using it routinely, we couldn't wait to make it available across Europe. Sysmex's experience with the Sentimag and Sienna system makes it an ideal partner for Magseed, and Sysmex has demonstrated its ability to successfully launch and grow sales of our products across the EMEA region. Together, we can now offer the first radiation-free surgical guidance platform for both lesion localisation and sentinel node biopsy using a single instrument."

Endomag and Symex's partnership dates from 2013 and the launch of Sentimag in EMEA. The Sentimag platform is the first to offer radiation-free surgical guidance for both localising and staging breast cancer. Since that time both companies have invested in numerous clinical trials that have shown the technique to be as effective as the current gold standard. The system now has an installed base of over 130 systems across EMEA and has been used in over 25,000 breast cancer operations.

Ines Groener, Senior Vice President of Oncology, Sysmex: "We're pleased to extend our partnership with Endomag, which has proven its ability to successfully address genuine unmet needs. Our commitment to another five years demonstrates our confidence in Endomag and the Sentimag platform. We are delighted with this opportunity to introduce Magseed. We will now be able to deliver a safer, more efficient workflow for cancer centres that we believe will help them be more efficient and more effective. This is perfectly in line with our mission of shaping the advancement of healthcare for the benefit of patients and our clients alike."

While already in use at sites across Europe, its official launch will be at the Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery (ORBS) conference in Nottingham, 25th 27th September. Professor Michael Alvarado, Director, Breast Surgery Fellowship from University of California, San Francisco will give a talk on Adopting a Magnetic Seed Programme and UCSF's experience as the first cancer centre to adopt Magseed. Also, Dr Abigail Caudle, Breast Surgical Oncologist, Executive Medical Director from MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, will present on the trending topic of Targeted Axillary Dissection and MD Anderson's experience with Magseed for that technique. The workshop is scheduled for 8:00 am on Tuesday, September 26th

ENDS

For further information please visit http://www.endomag.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005657/en/

Contacts:

Zyme Communications

Lorna Cuddon

+44 (0)7811 996 942

lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RES-IDENT IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON, OR IN OR INTO ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.



HKScan Corporation - Announcement of indicative tender offer results



HKScan Corporation, Stock Exchange Release, 13 September 2017 at 16.30 Finnish time (EEST).



Nordea Bank AB (publ) (the "Offeror") announces today the indicative results of the invitation on behalf of HKScan Corporation (the "Company") to all holders of the outstanding EUR 100,000,000 3.625 percent fixed-rate notes due 21 November 2019 (ISIN: FI4000115415) (the "Notes"), issued by the Company, to tender their Notes for purchase by the Offeror for cash (the "Tender Offer") on the terms and conditions set out in the tender offer memorandum dated 4 September 2017 (the "Tender Offer Memorandum"). Capitalised terms used in this release but not defined have the meanings given to them in the Tender Offer Memorandum.



At the Expiration Deadline of 12:00 noon Finnish time (EEST) on 13 September 2017, valid tender instructions of EUR 63,565,000 in aggregate nominal amount of Notes were received pursuant to the Tender Offer.



The Offeror has reserved the right, in its sole discretion, to decide on acceptance of the Notes, including not to accept any Notes. The acceptance by the Offeror of any Notes is subject to the fulfilment of the New Issue Condition (as defined in the Tender Offer Memorandum), described in the stock exchange release published on 4 September 2017.



As at the date of this release, the New Issue Condition has not yet been fulfilled. The Offeror will announce the final results of the Tender Offer, and simultaneously announce whether the New Issue Condition has been fulfilled or not, as soon as feasible, and no later than 22 September 2017.



Additional information may be obtained from the Dealer Managers:



Nordea Bank AB (publ): E-mail: Nordealiabilitymanagament@nordea.com / Tel: +45 6161 2996



OP Corporate Bank plc: E-mail: liabilitymanagement@op.fi / Tel: +358 10 252 1668



HKScan Corporation



Jari Latvanen President and CEO



Further information: HKScan Corporation's CFO Tuomo Valkonen or VP Group Treasury & IR Keijo Keranen. Kindly submit a call-back request to Marja-Leena Dahlskog, VP Communications, tel. +358 10 570 2142.



HKScan is the leading Nordic food company. We sell, market and produce high-quality, responsibly-produced pork, beef, poultry and lamb products, processed meats and convenience foods under strong brand names. Our customers are the retail, food service, industrial and export sectors, and our home markets comprise Finland, Sweden, Denmark and the Baltics. We export to close to 50 countries. In 2016, HKScan had net sales of nearly EUR 1.9 billion and some 7 300 employees.



Disclaimer



The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or the United States or such other countries or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the New Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.



This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The New Notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.



This communication does not constitute an offer of New Notes to the public in the United Kingdom. No prospectus has been or will be approved in the United Kingdom in respect of the New Notes. Consequently, this communication is directed only at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom, (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order"), (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). In addition, this communication is, in any event only directed at persons who are "qualified investors" pursuant to the Prospectus Directive (2003/71/EC, as amended). Any investment activity to which this communication relates will only be available to, and will only be engaged with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

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Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2017) - Hunter Oil Corp. (TSXV: HOC) (OTCQX: HOILF) (the "Company" or "Hunter") provides shareholders an update on Hurricane Harvey. Our Houston office is closed at this time due to flooding in our office premises and throughout the Houston Energy Corridor.

Our field operations in New Mexico were not affected by the storm. We are not experiencing any reduction in production or impact from the storm operationally.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow employees and their families in the Houston area and everyone who experienced the catastrophic rainfall and flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey. The safety of our personnel has always been our priority. We are pleased to report none of the Hunter management nor staff were injured during the storm or post flooding. Our Houston office is expected to remain closed for several weeks. Houston staff will continue corporate duties remotely as much of Hunter's IT and telecommunications is cloud-based and unaffected. Hunter has made additional efforts to secure temporary office space immediately accessible and turnkey for operations, if required.

About Hunter Oil Corp.

Hunter Oil owns and operates two large, historic oil fields in the Permian Basin of Eastern New Mexico - the Milnesand and Chaveroo fields, which together comprise in excess of 23,000 gross acres, substantially held by production. Historical production of these two fields is approximately 40 million barrels. Hunter has engineered a horizontal redevelopment of the San Andres productive zones. The Company plans to unlock the value in these resource-rich fields by leveraging existing infrastructure, lowering operating costs and increasing efficiencies of its operations.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andrew Hromyk

President and CEO

(604) 689-3355

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding estimates of reserves and future net revenue, expectations regarding additional reserves and statements regarding Chaveroo and Milnesand wells development, including plans, anticipated results and timing. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information regarding Chaveroo and Milnesand well development and expectations regarding additional reserves are based on plans and estimates of management and interpretations of exploration information by the Company's exploration team at the date the information is provided and is subject to several factors and assumptions of management. These assumptions include: that necessary regulatory approvals will be available when required, that no unforeseen delays, unexpected geological or other effects, equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes or shortages are encountered, and that the development plans of the Company will not change. Risks include: the risk that anticipated results and estimated costs will not be consistent with managements' expectations, the Company will not be able to obtain and provide the information necessary to secure regulatory approvals required, that unexpected geological results are encountered and that equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes or shortages are encountered.

Information on other important economic factors or uncertainties that may affect components of the reserves data and the other statements in this release are contained in the Company's Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil & Gas Information dated December 31, 2016, and the Company's MD&A under "Risk Factors", which are available under the Company's profile at www.SEDAR.com.

For further information, visit our website at www.hunteroil.com
AMITYVILLE, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 09/13/17 -- Iconic Brands, Inc. (OTC PINK: ICNB) announced today that Bellissima Prosecco and Sparkling Wine is now approved to be sold through the Publix Supermarket Chain, consisting of over 1150 stores. Publix is the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the United States, and one of the top 10 largest-volume supermarket chains in the country. Additionally, the company has been informed that Bellissima Prosecco and Sparkling Wine including our Zero Sugar will be the featured sparkling for Publix "Ad Week" 12/28 right into the New Year, featuring Bellissima prominently in all their circulars and in store advertising.

The company believes with this placement as well as other near term placements of Bellissima Prosecco and Sparkling Wines, the brand will surpass a benchmark of 100k cases this year. The company is projecting revenue for the 4th quarter to significantly surpass the first 3 quarters combined. Mr. Richard DeCicco, Iconic Brands CEO, stated, "I'm very excited with the Publix placement; this in addition to our existing footprint of 44 states nationwide will help Bellissima not only reach but climb through the proverbial tipping point of the brands development. To say I'm thrilled and proud of the growth of our brand, and this new placement, would be a gross understatement. I again thank our supporters and shareholders."

The company is also pleased to announce that negotiations are well underway with a major distributor to bring our line of Certified Organic, Certified Vegan, Gluten Free Prosecco, as well as our Zero Sugar, Zero Carb and Rose Sparkling wines to the markets of Australia and New Zealand. The Australian market for Prosecco is booming and challenging Champagne for the number one spot in the sparkling category. This Prosecco demand is becoming a trend globally as consumers flock to Prosecco in droves. The company hopes to have this deal finalized in the next few weeks.

In additional news, the company will be announcing a new distribution partner for Bivi Vodka, our premium brand of the finest Sicilian Craft Vodka on the market today.

Please visit our website and join the mailing list at and see our product availability map, Christie's appearance schedule which we will continue to update, and great new recipes; also follow us on twitter at @BellissimabyCB. www.bellissimaprosecco.com

Please visit our website www.bivivodka.com to learn about the finest Sicilian Craft Vodka on the market today. Please watch the great videos with Chazz Palminteri to learn about our brand and see the map for our list of current retailers.

About Iconic Brands, Inc.

Iconic Brands Inc. ("Iconic") is a beverage company with the highest expertise of developing, from inception to completion, alcoholic beverages for itself and third parties. Iconic Brands markets and places products into national distribution through long standing industry relationships. Iconic is also a leader in "Celebrity Branding" of beverages, procuring superior and unique products from around the world and branding its products with internationally recognized celebrities. Currently offering Bivi Vodka, www.BiviVodka.com and Bellissima Prosecco, www.BellissimaProsecco.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology including "could", "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential" and the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested in this report. Except as required by applicable law, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements so as to conform these statements to actual results. Investors should refer to the risks disclosed in the Company's reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov.

Iconic Brands, Inc.

Info@IconicBrandsUSA.com




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 23, 2017) - Fjordland Exploration Inc. (TSXV: FEX) and project partner Commander Resources Ltd. announce that they have completed the 2017 drill program on their South Voisey's Bay Ni-Cu-Co project located 80 km south of Vale's Voisey's Bay Nickel mine. The original drill plan was expanded from 1000 m to a total of 1469 m in 8 holes. Drilling tested a number of geophysical conductors outlined by UTEM 3 surveys completed in 2014 and 2002. (see News Release dated September 21, 2017). All holes are currently being surveyed by downhole geophysical probes to document existing conductors and test for additional "off hole" conductors. Detailed geological core logging and sampling is ongoing and selected intervals will be submitted for analyses. Assays will be reported upon receipt and compilation.

Subject to permitting the company intends to leave the drill rig on site over the winter in anticipation of additional drilling in 2018.

Upon completion of this program, Fjordland will have increased its ownership from 15% to 35% in this district scale property (294 sq km). An affiliate of High Power Exploration Inc. ("HPX") has an option to fund, on behalf of Fjordland, up to $7.4 million in exploration expenditures and to make $290,000 of property payments to Commander. When completed Fjordland would have earned a 100% interest in the South Voisey's Bay project whereupon Fjordland would assign a 65% project interest to HPX. The terms of the transaction were originally announced on August 28, 2017.

Victor A. Tanaka, P. Geo. is a qualified person within the context of National Instrument 43-101, and has read and takes responsibility for the technical aspects of this release.

About Fjordland Exploration Inc.

Fjordland Exploration Inc. is a mineral exploration company that is focused on the discovery of large scale potentially economic deposits located in Canada. For further information visit Fjordland's website at www.fjordlandex.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Richard C. Atkinson"

Richard C. Atkinson, P.Eng.

President & CEO

For further information, please call:

FJORDLAND EXPLORATION INC.

Richard C. Atkinson, President and CEO

1-604-805-3232

info@fjordlandex.com

www.fjordlandex.com

Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include without limitation the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programs on schedule and the success of exploration programs.

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Oral presentation of top-line IMPULSE data including invited expert discussion

Poster presentation of new data on lefitolimod as modulator of the tumor microenvironment alone and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors in pre-clinical tumor models

The biopharmaceutical company MOLOGEN AG (ISIN DE0006637200; Frankfurt Stock Exchange Prime Standard: MGN) presented two sets of data on its lead compound, the immunotherapeutic agent lefitolimod, at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO 2017) in Madrid (8 12 September 2017). The coordinating investigator Prof. Dr. Michael Thomas, MD, Head of the Department Oncology/Internal Medicine at the Thorax Clinic at University of Heidelberg, Germany, gave an oral presentation on the top-line data from the exploratory, signal-seeking phase II IMPULSE trial in extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer in a Proffered Paper Session with the session's co-chair, Prof. Sanjay Popat, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, acting as invited discussant. Furthermore, data on lefitolimod as modulator of the tumor microenvironment (TME) alone and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors in pre-clinical tumor models were presented in the Translational Research Poster Session

Promising overall survival signal in pre-defined subgroups of IMPULSE

The exploratory randomized IMPULSE study which evaluates the efficacy and safety of lefitolimod in patients with extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) showed noteworthy results in the primary analysis regarding overall survival (OS) in two clinically relevant subgroups of patients in comparison to the control group (standard therapy). A signal for an OS benefit was seen in patients with reported Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a frequent underlying disease.

Notably, a strong OS signal was observed in patients with a low count of activated B cells, an important immune parameter, at baseline. This contributes to the hypothesis that activated B cells may serve as a valid biomarker in the further development of lefitolimod in this relevant subgroup of extensive-disease SCLC patients. The invited discussant Prof. Popat interpreted IMPULSE as a signal-generating study with an interesting hypothesis which merits further evaluation.

"To our knowledge IMPULSE is the first randomized controlled clinical study of a maintenance therapy following first-line chemotherapy in extensive-disease SCLC showing a promising overall survival signal in a pre-specified subgroup. The study provides important guidance for defining patient populations most likely to benefit from treatment with lefitolimod in further clinical trials," said Dr. Matthias Baumann, Chief Medical Officer of MOLOGEN AG. "I am also delighted that the European Thoracic Oncology Platform (ETOP) asked Prof. Thomas for permission to publish his presentation on their website which, in our view, underlines the interest of the scientific community in our approach."

Lefitolimod-induced modulation of the tumor microenvironment supports its potential as ideal partner for immune-oncology combination therapies

The lefitolimod-induced pathway provides the rationale for combining lefitolimod with checkpoint inhibitors (CPI). First combination data of lefitolimod with checkpoint inhibitors in mouse tumor models have been presented at the Annual 2017 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in San Francisco, USA (January 19-21, 2017). The data showed that lefitolimod can significantly improve the anti-tumor effect of checkpoint inhibitors, particularly anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies, and thus prolong survival in murine colon carcinoma and lymphoma tumor models.

Response rates to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy vary between different tumor entities and depend on the nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Hot tumors with a T cell-infiltrated TME show better responses. Therefore, modulation of the TME is a crucial requirement for the response to immunotherapeutic approaches.

MOLOGEN's current data showed that monotherapy with lefitolimod resulted in a modulation of the TME in a colon carcinoma tumor model after intra-tumoral injection. An increased infiltration of T cells, especially cytotoxic T cells, into the tumor was shown, which was associated with reduced tumor growth. This beneficial modulation of the TME by lefitolimod supports its potential in cancer immunotherapy. Hence, lefitolimod may be an ideal partner for immune-oncology combination approaches, i.e. with checkpoint inhibitors.

Background to the IMPULSE small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) study

The trial titled "Randomized Clinical Study of Maintenance Therapy with Immunomodulator MGN1703 in patients with Extensive Disease Small Cell Lung Cancer after Platinum-Based First-Line Therapy" (IMPULSE study) is an explorative study and has overall survival as the primary endpoint. It compares lefitolimod (MGN1703) versus standard therapy (chemotherapy). The study included 102 patients suffering from extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer and showing at least partial response to four cycles of first-line chemotherapy. They were randomized at a ratio of 3:2 to switch-maintenance therapy with lefitolimod (60mg injected subcutaneously twice weekly) or standard therapy until disease progression.

There will be a final read-out probably in the first quarter of 2018, approximately 24 months following the recruitment of the last patient.

Further information can be found on MOLOGEN's website:

www.mologen.com

MOLOGEN AG

MOLOGEN AG is a biopharmaceutical company and considered a pioneer in the field of immunotherapy on account of its unique active agents and technologies. Alongside a focus on immuno-oncology, MOLOGEN AG develops immunotherapies for the treatment of infectious diseases.

The immunotherapy lefitolimod (MGN1703) is the company's lead product and is regarded as the best-in-class TLR9 agonist. Treatment with lefitolimod triggers a broad and strong activation of the immune system. In contrast to other TLR9 approaches lefitolimod is exclusively composed of natural DNA and may therefore be less prone to non-specific side effects and exhibits a broad therapeutic window, which allows for both, systemic treatment (i.e. subcutaneous injection) and intra-tumoral administration. On account of this mode of action, lefitolimod (MGN1703) is an immune surveillance reactivator (ISR) and could potentially be used in various indications. The ISR lefitolimod (MGN1703) is currently being developed within the framework of a pivotal study for first-line maintenance therapy for colorectal cancer. The phase II IMPULSE study in small cell lung cancer is showing positive results in two previously defined and clinically relevant patient sub-groups, even though the primary endpoint "Overall Survival" in the overall study population was not met in this very challenging indication. Detailed analyses of IMPULSE data and the recently published TEACH data of the extension phase are currently being conducted. In addition, lefitolimod (MGN1703) is currently being investigated in a phase I combination study with the checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab (Yervoy) in various cancer indications. Alongside with various checkpoint inhibitors, lefitolimod, which is being investigated as part of a phase III clinical trial currently, is one of the few near-to-market product candidates in the field of immuno-oncology.

MOLOGEN's pipeline focus is on new innovative immunotherapies to treat diseases for which there is a great medical demand in particular.

www.mologen.com

Disclaimer

Certain statements in this communication contain formulations or terms referring to the future or future developments, as well as negations of such formulations or terms, or similar terminology. These are described as forward-looking statements. In addition, all information in this communication regarding planned or future results of business segments, financial indicators, developments of the financial situation or other financial or statistical data contains such forward-looking statements. The company cautions prospective investors not to rely on such forward-looking statements as certain prognoses of actual future events and developments. The company is neither responsible nor liable for these forward-looking statements. It is not responsible for updating such information, which only represents the state of affairs on the day of publication.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005928/en/

Contacts:

MOLOGEN AG

Claudia Nickolaus

Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

Tel: +49 30 84 17 88 38

Fax: +49 30 84 17 88 50

investor@mologen.com
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NEW YORKand LONDON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Avature, a SaaS provider that supports strategic HR programs, today announced that additional hosting services are now available from Moscow. Avature has added Moscow-based hosting to provide its multinational customers-which include over 20 percent of the Fortune Global 500 - with local data processing solutions that are Russian data privacy-compliant.

"An integral part of our services is to provide practical solutions to the increasingly complex set of regulatory compliance issues facing our customers," said Dimitri Boylan, CEO of Avature, "including data localization laws such as those of Russia."

Telehouse Moscow, located in Moscow's city center, is a PCI-certified N + 1 redundant Moscow facility and is the highest rated data center in Eastern Europe. Telehouse Moscow was commissioned in 2012 and is operated by Telehouse Europe, a subsidiary of KDDI. This carrier-neutral facility enables access to over 300 telecom providers, including key network operators Orange, Mastertel, Megafon and KDDI, and offers the ability to connect directly to any M point in Moscow, including M9 and M10.

"We are pleased that Avature will be expanding with us into Moscow and extending their services to the multinational customers who require their solutions," said Takahisa Yui, Telehouse's Director of Sales and Marketing. "Avature has been a long-term customer of ours and we look forward to continueour support in the Russian market."

"The Telehouse organization has an excellent track record with Avature," added Robert Griffith, Avature's SVP of Data Centers & Security. "They have delivered uninterrupted power to us for the past 10 years in their New York City Teleport facility and remained fully operational throughout Hurricane Sandy."

About Avature

Avature is a highly configurable enterprise SaaS platform for Talent Acquisition and Talent Management and the leading provider of CRM technology for recruiting globally. Founded by Dimitri Boylan, co-founder and former CEO of HotJobs.com, Avature brings consumer-grade internet technology and innovation to HCM software. Avature solutions include shared services sourcing, applicant tracking, campus & events recruiting, employee referral management, social onboarding, branded employee engagement, employee mobility and workforce optimization, and performance management. Used by 101 of the Fortune 500 in more than 100 countries and 17 languages. Avature delivers its services from its private cloud, located in data centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. Avature has offices in Buenos Aires, London, Madrid, Melbourne, Munich, New York, and Shenzhen. Learn more at www.avature.netor follow @Avature.

Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/386722/Avature_Logo.jpg
IRVINE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/13/17 -- The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) will host "Articulation Night" on October 5 where attendees will gain information on how University of California Division of Continuing Education certificate program earners are eligible to apply transfer credits toward an online master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UW-Platteville). The free event will feature a live panel of speakers and student representatives from programs eligible for the transfer opportunity. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the requirements needed to transfer credits to UW-Platteville and explore potential career paths.

"Articulation agreements provide students with excellent opportunities to invest in their careers by pursuing a graduate degree," said Dave Dimas, Ph.D., director of engineering, sciences, and information technology at UC Irvine DCE. "UCI undergraduates, our current students and alumni of our certificate programs are invited to learn more about possible career paths and the benefits of pursuing a master's degree in the designated fields."

Articulation Night will also include a Q&A with representatives from DCE and UW-Platteville as well as panelists. Certificates accepted under the articulation agreement include:

Medical Product Development

Communications Systems Engineering

Embedded Systems Engineering

Information Systems Security

Organizational Leadership and Communication

Project Management

The event will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the UCI Division of Continuing Education, Bldg. 8, Room 3050-3060, Yosemite Ballroom on the UCI campus with free parking located in Lot 17A. This live panel discussion is free and available to all community members, DCE students and alumni, and UCI undergraduates, graduates and alumni. Participants must register to reserve a space. Register online here.

About the University of Wisconsin-Platteville

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville offers five master's degrees entirely online in engineering, project management, organizational change leadership, integrated supply chain management, and criminal justice, along with bachelor's degrees in business administration and criminal justice at a distance. Visit GoUWP.com, call 800.362.5460 or email DistanceEd@uwplatt.edu to learn more about online opportunities at UW-Platteville.

About UCI Division of Continuing Education: The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) provides lifelong learning opportunities to thousands of students worldwide each year -- fulfilling the school's 60-year curriculum platform to connect degree programs to the world of work and achievement after graduation. The Division offers a broad range of certificate programs, specialized studies, and sequential courses to local, regional and global markets through online, on-campus and on-site delivery. A leader in the open education movement, the Division offers free Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) and content through the UCI Open initiative. For more information about UCI Division of Continuing Education, visit here.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 28,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. Located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities, it's Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $4.8 billion annually to the local economy.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Vivian Slater

714-573-0899 ext. 235

Email Contact




MUNICH, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Chairman of the SINO-CEE Fund Jiang Jianqing today outlined new financing models available within the context of the ambitious China-led Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). He was speaking, at CEIBS 3rd Europe Forum 2017 in Munich, to an audience of business leaders interested in doing business in and with China. During the same event, CEIBS Dean Professor Ding Yuan tackled, head on, some of the scepticism about the BRI and stressed the opportunities it brings for those who embrace the project.

"The first phase of funding [for the SINO-CEE Fund] is steadily moving forward with a batch of high-potential projects registered - in infrastructure, manufacturing, and mass consumption. Meanwhile, a lot of domestic and international companies and financial institutions have shown great interest in investing in the Central & Eastern European market, looking for partners and investment opportunities through our platform," said Jiang who is also Adjunct Professor of Finance at CEIBS and Director of CEIBS Lujiazui Institute of International Finance. Innovations had been made to the financial services model, he said, to ensure that the Fund was in line with the regional traits and development goals of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

The Fund was established under the auspices of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), of which Jiang is a former Chairman. It facilitates financial collaboration between China and CEE as well as other markets that have ties with those regions of Europe. It is therefore vital to the BRI. "The future scale of the Fund will reach 10 billion euros, and it is expected to leverage 50 billion euros of supporting funding, focusing on projects with high commercial potential in terms of industrial integration and upgrading, and projects that demonstrate strong impetus in driving regional economic growth," Jiang said.

However there have been sceptics who have questioned whether the BRI is a worthwhile investment. For example Dean Ding Yuan noted that there had been questions raised, in some sections of the media, about whether the initiative would bring solid financial returns. The Laos railway, for example, is expected to be a loss maker for its first 11 years, he noted during a wider look at whether the BRI should be viewed as neo-imperialism. Dean Ding told the audience that these concerns were based on a static view of China's economic development that failed to accurately capture its dynamism. The BRI, he stressed was China's effort to replicate its own economic success - the result of a virtual circle between real estate, development finance, infrastructure, growing domestic demand, and more efficient trade routes. "The Chinese government wants to replicate its successful development story. Land and infrastructure become the collateral for the next wave of investment," he explained. "Once you have trade it creates more value to real estate, which provides collateral for the next wave of financing, creating a virtual circle."

He also acknowledged sceptics' concerns about the "no-strings financing" that the BRI will provide, as China - unlike western offers of aid - adheres to an approach of not interfering in investor countries' affairs on issues such as "human rights, clean governance or fiscal restraint". He assured the audience that the BRI, as a facilitator of global trade, would bring opportunities for both developing and advanced economies; see all parties benefitting from lower transit costs and standardised services; unlock key markets in Southeast, South & Central Asia, Central & Eastern Europe and Africa; as well as boost the flow of trade, capital and goods.

The BRI, he added, would bring both tangible properties (physical projects such as rail and highway, etc.) and intangible assets such as an interconnected banking system (through the Silk Road Investment Fund, SINO-CEE Fund, the AIIB and similar institutions), trained workers and standardised services. He also expressed confidence that business interests in BRI participating countries were savvy enough to protect their own interests. "Don't underestimate the patriotism and intelligence of business leaders in countries such as Pakistan and Africa, etc. They are much more international than Chinese executives, more globally aware. They will protect their own interests," said Prof. Ding.

Within the wider context of the BRI, today's half-day event also provided insight into how German and Chinese companies are working together, by looking at past examples such as Chinese conglomerate Fosun's acquisition of Frankfurt-based private bank Hauck & Aufhauser in 2015; Fujian-headquartered Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited that expanded into the German market; and Germany's KDX Europe Composites that set up an R&D centre in China by partnering with a Chinese tech company.

There was also a look at the potential synergies between China's Internet Plus policy - aimed at integrating the internet with traditional businesses to fuel economic growth - and Germany's Industry 4.0 future for the vision of manufacturing. This included case studies on NextEV (China's answer to Tesla) and Alipay, the China-born third-party mobile and online payment platform with global ambitions.

Today's event in Munich is the third in this year's series of CEIBS 3rd Europe Forum. The next event will be in Warsaw on September 15. The CEIBS 3rd Europe Forum 2017 is part of CEIBS' efforts to provide the political, business and academic communities in China and Europe with an opportunity to offer insights into crucial international issues.



About CEIBS

China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) is among the top international business schools in Asia, where it is the only b-school to have simultaneously made it to the Financial Times' top 30 list of MBA, EMBA and Executive Education programmes. CEIBS' world-class faculty - from both China and abroad - are experts in their fields. CEIBS, which has provided management education to over 130,000 executives both at home and abroad, has campuses in Shanghai, Beijing, Zurich and Accra along with a teaching centre in Shenzhen.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 09/13/17 -- MamaMancini's Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "MamaMancini's") (OTCQB: MMMB), a marketer of specialty pre-prepared, frozen and refrigerated all natural food products (as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture), today announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, ended July 30, 2017.

Second Quarter Highlights:

Second quarter of fiscal year 2018 revenue increased 69% to $7.0 million compared to $4.1 million in prior year period.

Net income for the second quarter was $24,000 versus net loss of $(277,000) in prior year period; a $301,000 improvement.

Net loss available to common stockholders was $(5,000), or $0.00 per diluted share, during the second quarter of fiscal 2018, compared to a net loss of $(324,000), or $(0.01) per diluted share in the same quarter last year.

Cash EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial metric (please refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures paragraph below), for the second quarter was $377,000 compared to $145,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Company has sold approximately 40,600 SKU's in 11,900 retail and grocery locations at July 31, 2017 as compared to approximately 36,000 SKU's in 11,400 retail and grocery locations at July 31, 2016.

Based on preliminary financial statements provided to the Company by Joseph Epstein Foods, Inc. ("JEFE") (which are subject to their audit and final due diligence), Pro forma Cash EBITDA including JEFE results on a pro forma consolidated basis (a non-GAAP financial metric--please refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures paragraph below) for the second quarter would have been approximately $635,000, representing an increase of approximately $258,000 over the Company's reported Cash EBITDA on a standalone basis. Please see paragraph below concerning the Pro Forma results.

Six Months Highlights:

First six months of fiscal year 2018 revenue increased 53% to $12.4 million compared to $8.1 million in prior year period.

Net income for the six months period was $153,000 versus net loss of $(503,000) in prior year period; a $656,000 improvement.

Net income available to common stockholders was $76,000, or $0.00 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(614,000), or $(0.02) per diluted share in the same quarter last year.

Cash EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial metric (please refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures paragraph below), for the six months period was $890,000, an increase of 161% when compared to $341,000 in the same period of fiscal 2017.

Based on preliminary financial statements provided to the Company by Joseph Epstein Foods, Inc. ("JEFE") (which are subject to their audit and final due diligence), Pro forma Cash EBITDA including JEFE results on a pro forma consolidated basis (a non-GAAP financial metric--please refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures paragraph below) for the first six months of fiscal year 2018 would have been approximately $1,185,000, representing an increase of nearly $295,000 over the Company's reported Cash EBITDA on a standalone basis. Please see paragraph below concerning the Pro Forma results.

Cash flow from operating activities was $389,000 compared to $(23,000) in the year ago quarter.

Carl Wolf, Chief Executive Officer of MamaMancini's, commented, "The second quarter was outstanding from a revenue perspective; continuing the growth trajectory of recent quarters. This growth stems directly from our strategy of focusing on selling our products into the prepared foods, ready to eat meals and sandwich shop area located on fresh foods perimeter of the retail grocery store. Progressive retail stores are looking to take advantage of the growing consumer trend toward a broad array of delicious, nutritious, all-natural and easy to prepare products. As a result, we have been able to sell into higher volume per location accounts over the traditional pre-packaged retailer merchandising. We believe this trend is accelerating as evidenced by the recent acquisition of Whole Foods by Amazon."

Mr. Wolf continued, "The rapid growth we are currently experiencing has required the acquisition of new equipment and additional processes to meet current demand; which is having a moderate impact on our gross profit and operating margins year-to-date. We expect margins to move back up to more traditional levels as we move through the second half of the year. Also during the quarter, we signed a letter of intent to acquire the primary manufacturer, of our products, Joseph Epstein Foods Enterprise ("JEFE"), on a non-cash basis. Based upon preliminary information received from JEFE (subject to completion of due diligence and audit), we estimate that the integration of our sole supplier will increase our gross profit margin and profits by $1.5 million or more in the next 12 months and believe that the acquisition will assure a reliable source of supply for the Company for years to come.

"As MamaMancini's continues on this growth trajectory, it became clear to us that the combination of the two entities would secure manufacturing capacity for the company's products and, as a result of operating efficiencies, be immediately accretive to our earnings and thereby reward our shareholders. We anticipate closing this transaction in early November 2017. This acquisition involves no cash or stock outlay." Please see the Company's SEC filing on Form 8-K on September 11, 2017 for further details.

Mr. Wolf concluded, "It is an exciting time at MamaMancini's as the strategic direction we put in place is coming to fruition. We have now reported profitability in each of the last four consecutive quarters and our revenue growth is accelerating. Looking ahead, our goal is to get to a $40 million annualized sales run rate, which is anticipated before the end of the current fiscal year. Our focus right now is execution, making sure we can deliver our products on a consistent basis and meet current customer demand. We are excited with the opportunities ahead."

Second Quarter 2018 Results

Sales, net of slotting fees and discounts, were $7.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, a 69% increase compared to $4.1 million reported in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company has sold approximately 40,600 SKU's in 11,900 retail and grocery locations at July 31, 2017 as compared to approximately 36,000 SKU's in 11,400 retail and grocery locations at July 31, 2016. Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was $2.0 million, or 29% of sales, compared to $1.4 million, or 33% of sales, in the year ago period. Operating income for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was $207,000, compared to an operating loss of $(109,000) in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was $24,000, compared to a net loss of $(277,000) in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Six Months Fiscal 2018 Results

Sales, net of slotting fees and discounts, were $12.4 million for the first six months of fiscal 2018, a 53% increase compared to $8.1 million reported in the prior year period. Gross profit for the first six months of fiscal 2018 was $3.9 million, or 32% of sales, compared to $2.8 million, or 35% of sales, in the year ago period. Operating income for the first six months of fiscal 2018 was $524,000, compared to an operating loss of $(164,000) in the first six months of fiscal 2017. Net income for the first six months of fiscal 2018 was $153,000, compared to a net loss of $(503,000) in the first six months of fiscal 2017.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses Cash EBITDA as a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company defines Cash EBITDA as earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization plus any non-cash stock payments for expenses. The Company believes that the use of Cash EBITDA is useful to investors and other users of its financial statements in evaluating the Company's operating performance because it provides them with an additional tool to compare business performance across companies and across periods. The Company uses Cash EBITDA in conjunction with traditional GAAP operating performance measures as part of its overall assessment of its performance, for planning purposes, including the preparation of its annual operating budget, and to evaluate the effectiveness of its business strategies. Management does not place undue reliance on Cash EBITDA as its only measure of operating performance. Cash EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP.

Pro Forma Results including Joseph Epstein Foods Enterprise, Inc. ("JEFE")

The Pro Forma results which include the consolidation of the results of JEFE are based on preliminary financial information that the Company has received from JEFE. These financial results are subject to changes from their audit and due diligence prior to the consolidation which is expected about November 1, 2017.

Conference Call

The Company has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. ET, to review the results.

Interested parties may participate on the conference call by dialing (844) 889-4326 or (412) 317-9264. A replay of the conference call will be available by dialing (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088, confirmation code 10112126, through September 20, 2017.

About MamaMancini's

MamaMancini's is a marketer and distributor of a line of beef meatballs and turkey meatballs all with sauce, five cheese stuffed beef and turkey meatballs all with sauce, original beef and turkey meatloaves, chicken parmesan, stuffed peppers and other similar Italian cuisine products. The Company's sales have been growing on a consistent basis as the Company expands its distribution channel, which includes major retailers and distributors such as Costco, Publix, Shop Rite, Jewel, Save Mart, Lucky's, Lunds and Byerlys, SuperValu, Safeway, Albertsons, SpartanNash, Bashas, Whole Foods Market, Hy-Vee, Shaw's, Kings, Roche Bros., Key Foods, Stop & Shop, Giant, Giant Eagle, Foodtown, Sam's Club, Kroger, Shoppers" King Kullen, Lowes, Central Market, Weis Markets, Ingles, Food City, The Fresh Market. Sysco, Burris Foods, and C&S. The Company sells a variety of its products on air and on line on QVC, the world's largest direct to consumer marketer.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. "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 the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2017 and other filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Financial Tables to Follow

MamaMancini's Holdings, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets July 31, 2017 January 31, 2017 ------------- ---------------- (Unaudited) Assets Assets: Cash $ 639,454 $ 666,580 Accounts receivable, net 3,064,576 1,817,820 Inventories 235,207 443,623 Prepaid expenses 143,188 135,747 Due from manufacturer - related party 1,597,518 2,079,708 ------------- ---------------- Total current assets 5,679,943 5,143,478 ------------- ---------------- Property and equipment, net 1,299,183 1,175,508 Deposit on machinery and equipment 493,855 - ------------- ---------------- Total Assets $ 7,472,981 $ 6,318,986 ============= ================ Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 891,609 $ 484,752 Line of credit, net 2,454,151 1,363,145 Term loan 140,004 140,004 Note payable - net 2,126,736 1,401,906 ------------- ---------------- Total current liabilities 5,612,500 3,389,807 ------------- ---------------- Term loan - net of current 443,326 513,328 Note payable - net of current portion - 1,298,819 Notes payable - related party 117,656 117,656 ------------- ---------------- Total long-term liabilities 560,982 1,929,803 ------------- ---------------- Total Liabilities 6,173,482 5,319,610 ------------- ---------------- Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' Equity: Series A Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value; 120,000 shares authorized; 23,400 shares issued and outstanding, respectively -- -- Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value; 19,880,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding -- -- Common stock, $0.00001 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 31,503,662 and 27,810,717 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 315 278 Additional paid in capital 16,064,056 15,825,029 Common stock subscribed, $0.00001 par value; 66,667 shares, respectively 1 1 Accumulated deficit (14,615,373) (14,676,432) Less: Treasury stock, 230,000 shares, respectively (149,500) (149,500) ------------- ---------------- Total Stockholders' Equity 1,299,499 999,376 ------------- ---------------- Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 7,472,981 $ 6,318,986 ============= ================ MamaMancini's Holdings, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) For the Three Months For the Six Months Ended Ended July 31, July 31, ------------------------ ------------------------ 2017 2016 2017 2016 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Sales-net of slotting fees and $ 7,005,434 $ 4,138,280 $12,362,735 $ 8,062,257 Costs of Sales 4,995,088 2,772,966 8,452,811 5,221,744 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Gross profit 2,010,346 1,365,314 3,909,924 2,840,513 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Operating expenses: Research and development 24,531 37,225 50,119 67,787 General and administrative 1,778,348 1,437,256 3,336,176 2,937,113 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total operating expenses 1,802,879 1,474,481 3,386,295 3,004,900 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Income (loss) from operations 207,467 (109,167) 523,629 (164,387) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Other income (expense): Interest expense (174,338) (157,949) (344,995) (319,711) Amortization of debt discount (8,730) (9,694) (26,010) (18,819) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total other income (expense) (183,068) (167,643) (371,005) (338,530) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net income (loss) $ 24,399 (276,810) 152,624 (502,917) =========== =========== =========== =========== Less: preferred dividends (44,765) (46,800) (91,565) (111,321) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net income (loss) available to common stockholders (20,366) (323,610) 61,059 (614,238) =========== =========== =========== =========== Net loss per common share - basic $ (0.00) (0.01) 0.00 (0.02) =========== =========== =========== =========== Net loss per common share - diluted $ (0.00) (0.01) 0.00 (0.02) =========== =========== =========== =========== Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 27,947,539 27,039,199 27,880,255 26,776,279 =========== =========== =========== =========== Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 27,947,539 27,039,199 29,198,164 26,776,279 =========== =========== =========== =========== MamaMancini's Holdings, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the Six Months Ended ---------------------------- July 31, 2017 July 31, 2016 ------------- ------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ 152,624 $ (502,917) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation 219,205 159,703 Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs 26,011 18,819 Share-based compensation 147,499 352,137 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: (Increase) Decrease in: Accounts receivable (1,246,756) 116,339 Inventories 208,416 (155,226) Prepaid expenses (7,441) (43,891) Due from manufacturer - related party 482,190 67,918 Increase (Decrease) in: Accounts payable and accrued expenses 406,857 (36,285) ------------- ------------- Net Cash Provided by (Used In) Operating Activities 388,605 (23,403) ------------- ------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid for fixed assets (836,735) (204,083) ------------- ------------- Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (836,735) (204,083) ------------- ------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Repayment of note payable (600,000) - Borrowings (repayments) of line of credit, net 1,091,006 144,810 Repayment of term loan (70,002) (60,000) Repayment of promissory notes - (180,300) ------------- ------------- Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Financing Activities 421,004 (95,490) ------------- ------------- Net Decrease in Cash (27,126) (322,976) Cash - Beginning of Period 666,580 587,422 ------------- ------------- Cash - End of Period $ 639,454 264,446 ============= ============= SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash Paid During the Period for: Income taxes $ - - ============= ============= Interest $ 145,241 76,311 ============= ============= SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Stock issued for Series A Preferred dividends $ 91,565 $ 178,314 ============= ============= Accrued dividends $ 91,565 $ 64,521 ============= ============= Debt issuance costs included in principal balance of note $ 52,236 $ - ============= ============= Prepaid stock-based compensation $ - $ 28,125 ============= ============= Accrued interest reclassified to principal balance of convertible note - 270,323 ============= =============

Contact:



Carl Wolf

Chairman and CEO

MamaMancini's Holdings, Inc.

Stock Symbol: MMMB

973-985-0280



www.mamamancinis.com

carl@mamamancinis.com




Weekly net asset value ("NAV") is calculated as of the close of business on each Tuesday and posted on the following business day. In the event that Tuesday is not a business day, the Company will calculate the close-of-business NAV as of the business day immediately preceding that Tuesday. The end-of-month NAV is calculated as of the close of business on the last day of the month and posted on the following business day. For weeks that include a month-end NAV report, PSH will provide only the month-end NAV and not report the Tuesday NAV. Monthly NAVs are published in accordance with the Decree on Conduct of Business Supervision of Financial Undertakings under the Wft (Besluit Gedragstoezicht financiele ondernemingen Wft).

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, BC--(Marketwired - September 13, 2017) - Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX: KDX) (NYSE American: KLDX) ("Klondex" or the "Company") is pleased to provide results on the Trinity zone ("Trinity") surface exploration drill program at its Midas Mine ("Midas") located in northern Nevada, USA. The following drill results are not included in Midas' current Mineral Resource estimate.

Midas Mine Surface Drilling Highlights - Trinity zone: (see TABLE 1 for complete results)

DMC-00337: 7.83 opt AuEq over 1.5 ft, or 268.36 g/t over 0.5 m

DMC-00350: 0.65 opt AuEq over 6.6 ft, or 22.22 g/t over 2.0 m

- Including: 3.14 opt AuEq over 1.1 ft, or 107.58 g/t over 0.3 m

- Including: 3.14 opt AuEq over 1.1 ft, or 107.58 g/t over 0.3 m DMC-00338A: 0.51 opt AuEq over 3.8 ft, or 17.39 g/t over 1.2 m

- Including: 1.12 opt AuEq over 1.5 ft, or 38.50 g/t over 0.5 m

- Including: 1.12 opt AuEq over 1.5 ft, or 38.50 g/t over 0.5 m DMC-00348: 1.04 opt AuEq over 1.5 ft, or 35.71 g/t over 0.5 m

KEY POINTS: (FIGURE 1)

Ten surface core holes totaling 10,105 ft (3,080 m) were drilled at Trinity during this phase of surface exploration. This program was designed to test the new Trinity structural corridor model and extend mineralization north towards the existing underground workings and planned development.

Most of the production in the Midas district is controlled by east-dipping structures. Historically, drilling at Trinity used the same east-dipping structural model returning inconsistent results. However, a reinterpretation suggested the mineralized structures are actually west-dipping. During this drill program, we tested the new structural model and it returned positive, consistent results supporting the continuity of high grade mineralization controlled by west-dipping structures in an east-dipping structural corridor. (FIGURE 2)

Continuous mineralization has been extended north along strike by approximately 600 ft (182.9 m) bringing the current known mineralization within 1,500 ft (457.2 m) of the existing underground workings. The updated model has proven to be robust in targeting and returning consistent, high-grade mineralized intercepts within the structural corridor.

Mr. Brian Morris, Senior Vice President, Exploration said, "The success we are having with the new structural model provides an excellent opportunity to extend the Trinity mineralization to the north and south along strike, as well as down dip. The northern extension of the Trinity corridor is open 2,200 ft (670.6 m) to the Southern Owyhee fault. Future drill plans will continue to use the new structural model to guide drilling and will focus on further extending mineralization both to the north and south within the Trinity corridor. These exploration results will extend the life of Midas."

Assays were performed by American Assay Laboratories of Sparks, Nevada, as directed under the supervision of Klondex staff. This organization is an ISO 17025 accredited independent laboratory.

A description of the data verification methods, quality assurance program and quality control measures applied can be found in the technical report titled "Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Midas Mine, Elko County, Nevada," amended on April 2, 2015 and with an effective date of August 31, 2014 which is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About Klondex Mines Ltd. (www.klondexmines.com)

Klondex is a well-capitalized, junior-tier gold and silver mining company focused on exploration, development, and production in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner. The Company has 100% interests in three producing mineral properties: the Fire Creek Mine and the Midas Mine and ore milling facility, both of which are located in the state of Nevada, USA, and the True North Gold Mine and mill in Manitoba, Canada. The Company also has 100% interests in two recently acquired projects, the Hollister mine and the Aurora mine and ore milling facility, also located in Nevada, USA.

Qualified Person

Scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Brian Morris (AIPG CPG-11786), a "qualified person" within the meaning of NI 43-101.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information

This news release contains certain information that may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking information"), including but not limited to the exploration potential at Trinity and future exploration plans of Klondex. This forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such information. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the global economy; the price of gold; operational, funding and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; the degree to which mineral reserve estimates are reflective of actual mineral reserves; the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations; and the ability of Klondex to fund its substantial capital requirements and operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and United States available at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively. Readers are urged to read these materials. Klondex assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by law.

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For More Information

John Seaberg

Senior Vice President, Strategic Relations

O: 775-284-5757

M: 303-668-7991

jseaberg@klondexmines.com
Vivendi is an integrated content, media and communications group. The company operates businesses throughout the media value chain, from talent discovery to the creation, production and distribution of content. Universal Music Group is the world leader in music, engaged in recorded music, music publishing and merchandising. It owns more than 50 labels covering all music genres. Canal+ Group is the leading pay-TV operator in France, also engaged in Africa, Poland and Vietnam. Its subsidiary Studiocanal is the leading European player in production, sales and distribution of movies and TV series. Havas Group is one of the world's largest global communications group. It is organized in three main business segments covering all the communications disciplines: creativity, media expertise and healthcare/wellness. Gameloft is a worldwide leader in mobile games, with 2 million games downloaded per day. Vivendi Village brings together the Paddington brand's licensing activities, Vivendi Ticketing (in the United Kingdom, the United States and France), MyBestPro (expert counseling), the venues L'Olympia and Theatre de L'uvre in Paris, and CanalOlympia in Africa, as well as Olympia Production. With 300 million unique users per month, Dailymotion is one of the biggest video content aggregation and distribution platforms in the world. www.vivendi.com www.cultureswithvivendi.com

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A group of 'bikini baristas' have filed a lawsuit against the city of Everett, Washington, against two recently passed ordinances that ban bikinis and bare skin on restaurant employees. The baristas allege that the ordinance violates constitutional rights. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. It claims that the ordinances violates employees right to communicate and express themselves through their choice of clothing and also infringe on their right to privacy. Everett's City Council had last month unanimously passed ordinances that banned bikinis, showing of bare shoulders, bare midriffs and bare buttocks among restaurant employees. 'This is not about the bikini,' attorney Schuyler Lifschultz told the Seattle Times. 'It's about women's rights and the U.S. Constitution. The City of Everett violated these women's rights across the board.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The European Union condemned the elections to the National Constituent Assembly (ANC) of Venezuela, held on July 30, 'since it violates the separation of powers principle.' A resolution on the issue was approved by a 526-96 vote, with 59 abstentions. The EU 'does not recognize these elections nor the actions or decisions adopted by the recently constituted Assembly due to its lack of legitimacy,' the statement said. The EU also regretted the violence in Venezuela, expressing deep concern about the persecution and repression of members of the National Assembly displaced by the ANC. Also, the EU rejected the dismissal of the attorney general and members of the Venezuelan Supreme Court. 'MEPs reiterate their request to the Venezuelan authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and call for an electoral calendar that allows free and transparent electoral processes,' the statement said. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/13/17 -- Colonial Coal International Corp. (TSX VENTURE: CAD) (the "Company" or "Colonial") is pleased to announce the results of the Company's annual general meeting (the "AGM") held on September 13, 2017, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Company is pleased to report that, at its AGM, the shareholders voted to elect David Austin, Ian Downie, Anthony Hammond, John Perry, Wayne Waters and Gregory Waller as directors of the Company for the ensuing year.

In addition, at the AGM the shareholders also approved the re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, as the Company's auditor, and authorized the directors to fix the auditor's remuneration, together with the continuation of the Company's current Share Option Plan. For more information on these matters please refer to the Company's AGM Management Proxy Circular which is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

Following the AGM the Board of Directors (the "Board") met and confirmed the appointment of the following Company executive officers:

David Austin: President and Chief Executive Officer; John Perry: Chief Operating Officer; and Matt Anderson: Chief Financial Officer and Secretary;

and the re-appointment of the following members to the Company's current Audit Committee:

Ian Downie (Chairman); David Austin; and Wayne Waters.

The Board would like to thank the shareholders for their ongoing support.

About Colonial Coal International Corp.

Colonial Coal is a publicly traded coal corporation in British Columbia that focuses primarily on coking coal projects. The northeast Coal Block of British Columbia, within which our Corporation's projects are located, hosts a number of proven deposits and has been the subject of M&A activities by Xstrata, Walter Energy, Anglo-American and others.

Additional information can be found on the Corporation's website www.ccoal.ca or by viewing the Corporation's filings at www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Information

Information set forth in this news release involves forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the Corporation's potential sale of an interest in its Flatbed Property. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address a Corporation's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with marketing and sale of securities; the need for additional financing; reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors with certain other projects; and the volatility of common share price and volume. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and except as required by law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE CORPORATION AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE CORPORATION MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE SECURITIES LEGISLATION.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Contacts:

Colonial Coal International Corp.

David Austin

President and CEO

604.568.4962

daustin@ccoal.ca

www.ccoal.ca




LUXEMBOURG, Sept. 13,2017 /PRNewswire/ --Millicom International Cellular S.A. ("Millicom") announces the pricing of its $500 million 5.125% senior notes due 2028 (the "New Notes"), which are intended to be issued on 20 September 2017, subject to customary conditions.

Millicom intends to use the net proceeds of the New Notes to finance the repurchase or redemption of all of its 6.625% Senior Notes due 2021 (the "Existing Notes") in the tender offer and the redemption that were announced on 11 September 2017. The issue of the New Notes is a condition to the purchase or redemption of the Existing Notes in the tender offer and the redemption.

Purchases of the New Notes are subject to all applicable securities laws and regulations in force in any relevant jurisdiction. In particular, any purchaser of the New Notes must be a qualified institutional buyer, as defined in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or a non-U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act).

This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase nor the solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein nor shall there be any offer or sale of such securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Certain statements in this press release, including those describing the New Notes Offering, the redemption and the completion of the Tender Offer, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only Millicom's belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside Millicom's control. It is possible that actual results will differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results indicated in these statements.

Important Note

The New Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act. The New Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. There will be no public offer of the New Notes in the United States (for these purposes, "United States" means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any State of the United States, and the District of Columbia).

In member states of the European Economic Area, this press release is for distribution only to and directed only at persons who are "qualified investors" within the meaning of Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including Directive 2010/73/EU) (the "Prospectus Directive"). In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "Relevant Member State"), the investment contemplated by this press release is not being made, and will not be made, to the public in that Relevant Member State, other than to any legal entity that is a "qualified investor" as defined in Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive. Each potential investor located within a Relevant Member State of the European Economic Areawill be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that it is a "qualified investor" within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive.

Within the United Kingdom, this press release is for distribution only to and directed only at persons who (a) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Financial Promotion Order"), (b) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc") of the Financial Promotion Order, (c) are outside the United Kingdom, or (d) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the investment may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The investment is not being offered to the public in the United Kingdom. This press release is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. The investment or investment activity to which this press release relates is only available to, and will only be engaged in with, relevant persons and any person who receive this press release who is not a relevant person should not rely or act upon it.

CONTACT:

For more information please contact:

Press:

Vivian Kobeh, Corporate Communications Director

Tel: +1 305 476 7352 / +1 305 302 2858 / press@millicom.com

Investors:

Michel Morin, +352 277 59094

Mauricio Pinzon, Tel: +44 20 3249 2460 / investors@millicom.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/millicom-international-cellular/r/millicom-announces-the-pricing-of--500-million-senior-notes,c2346359

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Washington D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2017) - The Securities and Exchange Commission is closely monitoring of the impact of Hurricane Irma on investors and capital markets, and continues to monitor the impacts of Hurricane Harvey.

"As we are doing in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey, the SEC will be closely monitoring the effects of Hurricane Irma. We will be making sure investors have access to their securities accounts, evaluating the need to extend deadlines for filings and other regulatory requirements, and keeping a watchful eye for storm-related scams," said SEC Chairman Jay Clayton. "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with everyone affected by these terrible storms."

The SEC Divisions and Offices that oversee companies, accountants, investment advisers, mutual funds, brokerage firms, transfer agents, and other regulated entities and investment professionals will continue to closely track developments. They will evaluate the possibility of granting relief from filing deadlines and other regulatory requirements for those affected by the storms. Until the Commission's Miami Regional Office reopens, investors and market participants in Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico can contact the Commission's Atlanta Regional Office. Entities and investment professionals affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are encouraged to contact Commission staff with questions and concerns:

Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations staff in the Commission's Atlanta Regional Office can be reached by phone at 404-842-7600 or email at atlanta@sec.gov

Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations staff in the Commission's Miami Regional Office can be reached by phone at 305-982-6300 or email at miami@sec.gov

Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations staff in the Commission's Fort Worth Regional Office can be reached by phone at 817-978-3821 or email at dfw@sec.gov

Division of Corporation Finance staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-3500 or via online submission at www.sec.gov/forms/corp_fin_interpretive

Division of Investment Management staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-6825 or email at imocc@sec.gov

Division of Trading and Markets staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-5777 or email at tradingandmarkets@sec.gov

Office of Municipal Securities staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-5680 or email at munis@sec.gov

Individuals experiencing problems accessing their securities accounts or with similar questions or concerns relating to the hurricanes are encouraged to contact the Commission's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy by phone at 1-800-SEC-0330 or email at help@sec.gov.

The Division of Enforcement will be vigilant for Hurricane Harvey and Irma-related securities scams and will vigorously prosecute those who attempt to defraud victims of the storms. The SEC is asking investors to report any suspicious solicitations at www.sec.gov/complaint/tipscomplaint.shtml. An SEC Investor Alert can be found at: https://investor.gov/additional-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-alert-be-vigilant-investment-scams.
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/13/17 -- US Oil Sands Inc. (TSX VENTURE: USO) ("US Oil Sands" or the "Company"), an innovator of oil extraction technologies, announces that Harry Quarls has resigned as Chairman and a director of the Company. US Oil Sands is thankful for the contributions that Mr. Quarls has made to the Company.

ABOUT US OIL SANDS INC.

US Oil Sands is engaged in the exploration and development of oil sands properties and, through its wholly owned United States subsidiary US Oil Sands (Utah) Inc., has a 100% interest in bitumen leases covering 32,005 acres of land in Utah's Uinta Basin. The Company plans to develop its oil sands properties using its proprietary extraction process which uses a bio-solvent to extract bitumen from oil sands without the need for tailings ponds. The Company is in the pre-production stage, anticipating the commencement of bitumen production and sales once it has completed start-up of the PR Spring Project.

The foregoing contains forward-looking information relating to the future performance of the Company. Forward looking information is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the ability of the Company to achieve oil production in a timely manner in order to continue development of the PR Spring Project, the actual results of operational activities, changes in world commodity markets, the risks of the petroleum industry generally including, without limitation, those associated with the environment, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, title disputes, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the oil and gas industry, and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities (available at www.SEDAR.com). Forward-looking statements are made based on various assumptions and on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made.

Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking information contained herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these assumptions, beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

Contacts:

US Oil Sands Inc.

+1 403 233 9366

info@usoilsandsinc.com

www.usoilsandsinc.com




New Delhi: The government cannot change fuel prices on a knee-jerk basis, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday on a day when stocks of state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) tanked by as much as eight per cent following recent hikes in transport fuel prices.

"The government cannot change fuel pricing on a knee-jerk basis," Pradhan told reporters, noting that global crude oil prices had recently gone up as much as 15 percent owing to production being hit in the US owing to the impact of multiple hurricanes.

"The government will not interfere in the day-to-day functioning of the OMCs... for the last three years, the pricing mechanism has been linked to the market," he said.

The petroleum minister said that while hurricanes Irma and Harvey had hit refinery production in Texas, USA, by as much as 13 percent, he expected global crude prices to ease in the near future.

He said the international prices of petrol and diesel have recently gone up by 18 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

The Indian basket of imported crude oils gained nearly $3.50 a barrel during last week even as petrol prices in the country touched their highest levels since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office three years ago, official data showed on Monday.

The Indian basket, comprising 73 percent sour-grade Dubai and Oman crudes, and the balance in sweet-grade Brent, closed trade on the weekend on Friday at $53.63 per barrel. The oil basket had gained over a dollar at the start of last week on Monday to close at $51.34 for a barrel of 159 litres.

Meanwhile, under the daily revision of fuel prices, petrol in Mumbai on Monday cost Rs 79.41 a litre, breaching the level it last touched in August 2014. Petrol per litre on that day cost Rs 70.30 in Delhi, Rs 73.05 in Kolkata and Rs 72.87 in Chennai.

Petroleum products do not come under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and prices vary at locations according to state taxes.

"GST is the only way to have a rational price mechanism for petroleum products.. the industry has been demanding it and finance minister Arun Jaitley (who heads the GST Council) is very interested to have it," Pradhan said, pointing to the substantial difference in prices between Delhi and Mumbai, for instance, on account of local taxes.

Pradhan also said that the decision on reducing the cess on petroleum products rests with the finance ministry, adding that this revenue, however, allowed the government to increase social sector spending.

With crude oil prices plunging last year, the government levied a cess on petrol in order to mop up extra revenue for the exchequer.
Gujarat is rolling out the red carpet for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has arrived in India for a two-day visit. In Gujarat, he will lay the foundation stone for India's first bullet train project which is being set up with loan and technological assistance from Japan.

Abe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar after which agreements will be exchanged. Later, an India-Japan business plenary meeting will be held.

Fifteen agreements are expected to be signed for investments in Gujarat during the visit of the Japanese prime minister.

However, a section of political observers feel the whole visit is being used by the Bharatiya Janata Party for boosting its prospects in the state, which goes to the elections this year.

It will be disappointing for the rest of the country, if it turns out to be so.

It has to be remembered that when Modi came to power, there were expectations that there will be bigger boost for trade relations between the two countries. The reason for this was the seemingly special friendship between both the leaders.

However, as far as bilateral trade between the two countries goes, this does not seem to have translated into concrete gains.

A look at the table below shows that the trade between the nations have been on a decline ever since Modi assumed power.

A look at the data over six year shows that exports from India to Japan hit $6.81 billion dollar in 2013-14. After that it has steadily declined to $3.85 billion in 2016-17.

Similar is the case with imports from Japan. From a high of $12.51 billion in 2012-13, it has now fallen to $9.63 billion.

The total trade between the countries hit a high of $18.61 billion in 2012-13 and then declined steadily to just $13.48 billion in 2016-17.

The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in August 2011, has not been successful in maintaining the momentum of trade between both the countries.

The Indian government admits this as a matter of concern in its note on the Embassy's website.

"The negative or slow growth in trade with Japan is a matter of concern for India in view of the fact that there is high potential for faster progress on goods and services trade. The share of India-Japan bilateral trade in Japan's total trade has been hovering around 1 percent but it is in the range of 2.05 to 2.34 percent of India's total trade in the last five years," it says.

Seen in this context, if Abe's visit reduces to an electoral strategy, it will be a loss for the country even if the BJP manages to take advantage of it.

India-Japan bilateral trade in $billion Year 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 India's export to Japan 6.33 6.09 6.81 5.38 4.66 3.85 % growth - -1.8 4.7 -1.3 -15.5 -17.4 Indias total export 305.96 300.27 314.40 310.33 262.29 276.28 % share 2.1 2.0 2.2 1.7 1.8 1.4 India's import from from Japan 12.1 12.51 9.48 10.13 9.85 9.63 % growth - 3.4 -23.6 6.9 -2.8 -2.2 Indias total import 489.32 491.94 450.20 448.03 381.00 384.32 % share 2.47 2.54 2.11 2.26 2.58 2.53 India-Japan bilateral trade 18.43 18.61 16.39 15.51 14.51 13.48 % growth 34.3 1.0 -11.9 -5.4 -6.4 -7.0 Source: Embassy of India, Tokyo, Japan

Data by Kishor Kadam
Could the Indian revival story get spooked by people not spending as much as they once used to? Ambit Capital has raised this question in a report. It doesnt say that consumption levels will fall, but says that there are reasons to worry that the decade-long credit-fuelled consumption boom (from 2002 to 2012) could peter out. If that happens, that will be very bad news for the economy. Because, right now, it is private consumption that is holding up growth.

The Ambit report points to the private consumption figures in the first quarter (Q1) of the current fiscal year; consumption growth, it points out, grew only 6.7 percent over Q1 of the previous year  a six-quarter low. It says private consumption is not being supported by private sector investment and this raises doubts about how sustainable the former is. Other signs that it points to are the Reserve Bank of Indias quarterly consumer confidence survey, which shows a dip across parameters; the fact of the household savings ratio being at an 18-year low  this, it says, will affect consumption in the future; the poor show of manufacturing and construction sectors  both large job generators.

On the face of it, the note looks a tad alarmist, since it is based on Q1 economic data. Lets not forget that Q1 was facing the hangover of the effects of demonetisation. N. Bhanumurthy feels people could have postponed spending because of uncertainty over the goods and services tax (GST). The GST rates had been publicised well before and the prices of some goods were set to fall. While retailers were offering heavy discounts to get rid of old stocks, this pushed up sales mainly of goods which were to become more expensive.

One will really have to wait for the second and perhaps even the third quarter data to completely write off the consumption story. Consumption could well pick up because (a) the initial effect of GST will play itself out; (b) the central government has just hiked the dearness allowance for its employees and pensioners  this comes into effect from 1 July, so that means 1.1 crore people will have a lot of cash in hand; (c) the festival season in September and October will also prove crucial.

However, there is no room for complacency for the medium and long term. One ray of hope is the fact that pay revisions for employees of state governments, public sector undertakings and universities are pending. Over the next year or so, pay hike announcements are bound to be made. Even if the hikes are kept to the minimum, the very fact of an increase will give a big boost to consumption.

On the flip side, as Devendra Pant, chief economist of India Ratings cautions, how hard the informal sector has been hit by demonetisation and whether it has benefited from re-monetisation is not known. Bhanumurthy also points to the patchy coverage of monsoons. Though the country has not faced a drought this year, rainfall has been deficient in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, parts of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This could affect rural spending, going forward.

Not much is known about the long-term effect of GST on consumption. If the revenue buoyancy thanks to GST is more than 1.1, Bhanumurthy points out, it will adversely affect private consumption. This will have implications for investment demand, without which sustained and sustainable growth is not going to happen. Private consumption needs to go back to the 60 percent of GDP levels it was in during the boom years of 2004-2008. Industry needs to achieve full capacity utilisation (now hovering around the 70 percent mark) before it will even begin to think of expansion of capacities and new projects.

Even with present levels of private consumption, Pant says, chances of an investment recovery in the current fiscal are low. If even this demand collapses, expect nothing till the end of 2019. There are limits to how much government capital expenditure will help, though the central government has frontloaded spending in this financial year. The governments economic managers clearly cannot afford to take their eyes of the economy.
Real estate company Jaypee Infratech will go through insolvency proceedings. Earlier, this week, the Supreme Court asked the insolvency resolution professional to take over the management of the company. The insolvency resolution professional has also been asked to submit an interim resolution plan within 45 days. This plan is expected to take into account the interests of homebuyers i.e. those people who paid Jaypee Infratech for homes that were never delivered. In doing this, the Supreme Court modified an earlier order.

Here is an excellent example of messy situation which has probably got messier.

Jaypee Infratech has defaulted on a loan of Rs 526.11 crore from IDBI Bank. At the same time, the company took money from 32,000 prospective home buyers with a promise of delivering homes. How much money was raised from these home buyers? The numbers in the media vary from Rs 17,000 crore to Rs 25,000 crore.

This basically means that an average buyer paid Jaypee Infratech anywhere between Rs 53 lakh and Rs 78 lakh. That is clearly a lot of money. The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Code in its current form does not leave anything for the buyers. The home buyers are not on the list of entities that will be compensated for payment of what is due to them once the company is liquidated.

From the legal point of view this makes sense given that the money that the buyers had handed over to the real estate companies was basically an advance and not a loan. But then given that thousands of families are involved, should only the legal view prevail is a question even though tricky, worth asking. The Supreme Court now needs to decide whether the buyers are financial creditors or not.

Of course, the bureaucrats who wrote the bankruptcy code did not take the real estate sector and the way it operates, into account.

Lets consider the situation with Jaypee Infratech. It has defaulted on a loan worth Rs 526 crore. The company would have offered an asset(s) as a collateral or a security against this loan. This asset can be sold and IDBI Bank can get the money back. Of course, it may or may not get the entire defaulted loan amount back. This would depend on the current market value of the asset(s) offered as a collateral.

Of course, in the current scheme of things, the home buyers are nowhere in the picture. The insolvency resolution professional has to come up with a plan that can correct for this scenario. One of the things that could possibly be looked at is to handover the project to another builder who can complete the project. But this builder would need more money for it. Where will this money come from? Will the buyers, who have already paid anywhere between Rs 53 lakh and Rs 78 lakh on an average, be in the mood to handover more money? More than the mood, will they have more money to handover? We arent talking exactly about small amounts here.

Further, if there is talk of compensation from selling the collateral, what sort of compensation can the buyers look at? The asset that Jaypee Infratech must have offered as a collateral was for a loan worth Rs 526 crore. How would that be enough to compensate 32,000 home buyers who had invested anywhere between Rs 17,000 crore to Rs 25,000 crore in total with Jaypee Infratech.

Another option is sell the half-built apartments (or whatever shape they are in) to a new builder and then use that money to compensate the buyers. Of course, in this case, the buyers will have to take a haircut (i.e. they will not get their full money back). Also, will other builders be ready to buy in this environment where the real estate sector isnt exactly going anywhere.

Jaypee Infratech defaulted on the loan it took from IDBI Bank. It also took a lot of money from home buyers and did not deliver apartments. Where has all this money gone? Has it been siphoned off? Has it been used to build a landbank? Has it been used to complete previous projects? If it has been used to complete previous projects, then where did the money collected for those projects, go? Or has it been diverted to other group companies?

The bankruptcy and insolvency code in its current form does not allow for a forensic audit of companies which have defaulted on bank loans. But that is precisely what is required in case of Jaypee Infratech to figure out where did such a huge amount of money disappear. The amount that has been siphoned off from buyers is so huge that it cannot be repaid using the assets that may have been offered as a collateral against the bank loan which has been defaulted on.

Of course, any forensic audit will take time. But there is hardly any other market based solution that can be arrived at. Further, a situation as messy as this one is, cannot be set right in a short period of time. Also, it will set the tone for other similar cases, which are bound to come up in the days to come.

In the days to come, there will be great pressure on the government to bailout the home buyers and if not that, at least compensate them to some extent. The government needs to resist this because if it doesnt, it will end up setting a bad precedent.

The larger point here is that in this case the bank default is hardly an issue. The bigger issue is the fact that such a huge amount of money has been siphoned off from the home buyers. The learning here is that the cases of bank defaults and homes not being delivered, are two separate cases and need to be considered separately as well. The central government now needs to work actively towards a market-based solution.

Meanwhile many home buyers will continue paying an EMI on the home loans they took to buy their dream homes. They would be paying money towards an asset which they wont be getting their hands on, anytime soon. They will also have to continue paying a rent for the homes that they currently live in. Of course, this is not a great situation to be in.

But then thats how big the mess in Indias real estate sector is. And that is not going to change anytime soon.

(Vivek Kaul is the author of Indias Big GovernmentThe Intrusive State and How It is Hurting Us)
If you are a private sector employee, you have a reason to cheer. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to introduction of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017, in Parliament. In fact, this amendment bill seeks to double tax-free gratuity for the formal sector employees to Rs 20 lakh.

Mumbai-based certified financial planner Suresh Sadagopan says, This is a wonderful gesture on the part of the Government. Its rewarding and incensing the honest tax payers.

Here are all the details you want to know about the latest development:

What is gratuity?

Simply put, its a lump-sum payment given by the employer. You get it at the time of retirement or leaving the job or if you become disabled to continue to in employment. In case of the death of the employee, his/her nominee will get the benefit. any company that employs 10 people or more in the preceding 12 months should give this benefit. It includes both commercial and non-commercial establishment like educational institutes etc.

When do you get gratuity?

It is a defined benefit plan, which means you know gratuity amount in advance. It largely depends on two things, the tenure of service and last drawn salary. To be a beneficiary, you should have completed at five of continuous service at the company.

Whats the proposed amendment all about?

The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill 2017 seeks to double tax-free gratuity for government and private sector employees to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh now. Until April 2010, the maximum amount was Rs 3.5 lakh.

When will it come into effect?

This will come into effect only once the Payment of Gratuity Act is amended. As of now the cabinet has approved and the Bill will be introduced in Parliament.

What does this mean for you?

Bill seeks to double tax-free gratuity for formal sector employees to Rs 20 lakh. At present, even if you accumulate more than Rs 10 lakh as gratuity contribution, the withdrawal is capped at Rs 10 lakh and the rest is paid out after deduction of taxes. In case the employee is in the 30 percent tax bracket, that would mean more Rs 3 lakh will go towards tax. Once the law is in place, you save so much of money, which indeed is a lot if you are about to start the retirement life.
Deepak Dobriyal is busy learning to play the piano these days. Though it's not as preparation for any upcoming role, he thinks the exercise is closely related with the philosophy of acting. I can play a bit of flute, drum and the mouth organ but I thought I should learn a proper musical instrument. The feel and communication of its symphony is very appealing and the exercise helps me in polishing my acting techniques, explains Deepak.

Deepak Dobriyal is an unassuming guy. When I meet him at Barista, it's difficult to spot him. Blame it on his ability to become one with the crowd. And its this persona that has helped him sink his teeth into meaty roles  after he shot into the limelight playing sidekick to Saif Ali Khans character in Omkara. Seventeen films over a span of 11 years  the number says a lot about a man who's infamous for rejecting sundry more roles than he takes on. But Dobriyal has learnt his lessons the hard way; he's now managed by a talent agency (Exceed) and he seems more willing to follow Bollywood's style of functioning. Initially I was under the impression that either good scripts or good directors would automatically find me but I was living in a fools paradise. Such a thing happens only when you deliver a hit or are a part of it. After the success of Tanu Weds Manu, Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Hindi Medium, I am now again in a position to choose films, he says.

But blame it on the herd mindset of Bollywood, the role of Pappi in TWM that sort of gave a new lease of life to Deepaks career, has also become an albatross around his neck. He rejected close to 35 films that had similar roles. The role of Pappi has become a monkey on my back. I am sure that if there is any plan of making the third part of TWM I wont be a part of it. People stop taking you seriously and you just are not able to show your other shades, says Deepak. Deepak is candid enough to admit that he could not gain mileage from the appreciation he garnered from Omkara, Shaurya and 1971. I have never worked for the same camp again and because of this I had to face the wrath of many people who stopped offering me films.

After the success of TWM and Hindi Medium, there has been a turnaround in Deepaks career and he is gung ho about his next release  Lucknow Central. He plays the role of a Bengali mechanical engineer who is now behind bars because of a crime. He is lodged inside the jail for a long sentence. He is a bit sharp and wary about doing things first. He is helpful to others but offers help only in return for something, elaborates Deepak on his character. Being fluent in Bengali, Deepak was also in a position to give options to the director as to how the character should be played. My father lived on the campus of the Indian Statistical Institute by virtue of being its employee. The campus was full of Bengali research scholars and I learnt Bengali in their company. Since the jail is set in Lucknow I was informed by the director to give the requisite accent to the character rather than speak in Bengali, informs Deepak.

Deepak's long absence from the film horizon could also be blamed on a severe accident he met with a few years ago, which resulted in loss of eyesight in one eye. Around the same time, he also had a falling out with Anurag Kashyap, which translated into him forfeiting few films. So when was the last time he met Anurag? It was in 2010 when I had met him last. You know that the other guy has the capability to extract a great performance from you but hearts too should be compatible with each other. There are occasions when time and philosophy dont gel with each other."

It can only be dubbed as sheer coincidence that the rise of Nawazuddin Siddiqui also coincided with the phase when Deepak was busy battling his health and inner demons. Talaash, Firaaq, Peepli Live were few films where the directors first choice of actor was Deepak. Nawazuddin eventually did all these films. The final count of films, which were offered to Deepak first, but were eventually done by Nawazuddin stands at six.

But it's also imperative to ask the man who is finicky about selecting roles that what made him sign a film like Prem Ratan Dhan Payo? I swear I did not do that film for money. During my Delhi days it was a ritual for the entire Dobriyal clan to go together to either Sangam or Anupam cinema hall in Delhi. It was then that I realised Rajshri is more like a home banner meant for people like us. It was important for me to do a film with them for the sake of my family," says Deepak, before adding, "And yes, it was also good money.
To the joy of cinefiles who enjoy both Bollywood and Hollywood films, several posters of upcoming films have been released, which hint at what we can look forward to and when they will be releasing.

Tumhari Sulu

Vidya Balan's upcoming project Tumhari Sulu will see her playing a radio jockey for the second time in her career, after Lage Raho Munna Bhai, where she starred opposite Sanjay Dutt. Her character takes up this profession after being a housewife, and this aspect has been represented in the latest and previous posters through the inclusion of Home appliances and groceries. Like the last poster, in this one too, Balan's face remains hidden. But this time, her character has a more ambitious look, as she poses with her hands on her hips, looking out of a window in her home.

Tumhari Sulu is directed by Suresh Triveni, and is slated to release on 1 December.

Tera Intezaar

Tera Intezaar will see Sunny Leone and Arbaaz Khan starring together for the first time. Directed by Rajeev Walia, the film is slated to release on 24 November. The duo began shooting for the film in July 2016, and it has been shot in Kutch as well as foreign locations, reports say.

Thor: Ragnarok

Fans of comic books have something to look forward to in November. Thor: Ragnarok, an ensemble character film with Thor played by Chris Hemsworth at its centre, will explore the Norse God's attempt to kill Hela, the 'Goddess of Death', played by Cate Blanchett. In the trailers released thus far, we have seen Thor's iconic hammer getting smashed into pieces, and him getting into a duel with Hulk.

The newly released poster adds to the build-up of excitement around this film, which also stars Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, Tess Thompson, Anthony Hopkins and Benedict Cumberbatch, who will make a special appearance as Dr Strange.

Coco

Coco is Disney's first all-Latinx cast animation film directed by Lee Unkrich, who directed Toy Story 3. A previously released teaser promises that this film will have stunning visuals and good music. The protagonist is an aspiring musician called Miguel, who is obsessed with a legendary Mexican artist. When he finds this artist's guitar and plays it, he is transported into the Land of the Dead, where his adventure begins.

In this poster, we are given a glimpse into Miguel's world. Coco is slated to release on 20 November 2017.
A four-year-old girl on Tuesday was reportedly sexually assaulted by a security guard at a private school in Bengaluru, media reports said.

The incident took place in a private school in Dasarahalli near Peenya, reported Hindustan Times.

According to The News Minute, the girl, daughter of a cashier with a security firm, had fallen ill during the class and vomited. After her teacher cleaned her up, she went to the toilet along with her friends.

When her parents took her to MS Ramaiah Hospital by her parents, the doctors confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted. The girl also told her parents that a man in her school had misbehaved with her in the toilet by touching her private parts, The Deccan Herald reported.

A case has been registered in Bagalagunte police station.

"The victims mother had come to the school to pick her daughter and found the kid sick. She was then taken to a doctor. Following the victim's statements before the doctor, the mother was advised to inform the matter to the police," Bangalore Mirror quoted an officer who was part of the investigation as saying.

The police have arrested a 25-year-old security guard from the school in connection with the crime. He has been arrested under the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO), reported DNA. The police is currently reviewing the footage of CCTV cameras installed at the school

The report quoted deputy commissioner of police (North division), Chethan Singh Rathor: "We are questioning him at the moment".

According to The News Minute, the girl's parents and other locals gathered outside the school late on Tuesday night for a protest. The police had to resort to a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd.

This incident comes three days after a five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at a private school in Delhi. The police arrested the school peon in this case.

Most recently, in Gurugram, the murder of a seven-year-old boy in the toilet of his school sent shockwaves across the country. The police later arrested the bus conductor at the school, in connection with the case.
The British properties of Indias most wanted gangster, Dawood Ibrahim have been seized by the UK authorities, media reports said.

A major chunk of the fugitive underworld don's assets, worth a whopping $6.7 billion (more than Rs 42,000 crore), has been seized by the UK government, according to an India Today report.

According to Mirror, the 1993 Mumbai blast accused appears on the latest UK Treasury departments Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets, updated last month. Dawood, according to the article, is estimated to be world's second most richest criminal after Pablo Escobar.

Financial sanctions  imposed in any individual or government (known as the target)  in essence mean that the UK government can prohibit a firm from carrying out transactions or providing or performing other financial services, such as insurance, with them. The UK government can impose such sanctions on any individual, government or private entity, who may or may not be based out of Britain.

It is a criminal offence to breach a financial sanction, without an appropriate licence or authorisation from the UK Treasury.

The UK-based tabloid Birmingham Mail, has reported that Dawood owns a hotel in Warwickshire and other residential properties across the Midlands.

In 2015, India had handed over a dossier to UK on Dawood and had argued to freeze his assets, Times Now reported. According to The Free Press Journal, the dossier contained over a dozen properties  houses, flats and hotels  spread across London and its outskirts that are allegedly owned by Dawood through his known associates.

The same year, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials had also visited the Midlands to identify and seize the Mumbai serial blasts masterminds UK assets, CNN News18 reported.

ED officers were also tracking other assets of Dawood such as a hotel in Dartford, Kent, another in Essex and several more in central London, according to Moneycontrol.

The sanctioned document reportedly lists Dawoods 21 aliases and three recorded addresses in Pakistan, as well.

The three recorded addresses of "Kaskar Dawood Ibrahim are

- House No 37, 30th Street - Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, Pakistan;

- Noorabad, Karachi, Pakistan (Palatial bungalow in the hilly area); and

- White House, Near Saudi Mosque, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan.

His aliases are: Abdul, Shaikh, Ismail; Abdul Aziz, Abdul Hamid; Abdul Rehman, Shaikh, Mohd, Ismail; Anis, Ibrahim, Shaikh, Mohd; Bhai, Bada; Bhai, Dawood; Bhai, Iqbal; Dilip, Aziz; Ebrahim, Dawood; Farooqi, Sheikh; Hasan, Kaskar, Dawood; Hassan, Dawood; Ibrahim, Anis; Ibrahim, Dowood, Hassan, Shaikh; Kaskar, Daud, Hasan, Shaikh, Ibrahim; Kaskar, Daud, Ibrahim, Memon; Kaskar, Dawood, Hasan, Ibrahim; Memon, Dawood, Ibrahim; Sabri, Dawood; Sahab, Haji; and Seth, Bada.

In January 2017, it was reported that United Arab Emirates' government had seized wanted Dawood's properties worth Rs 15,000 crore. However, the UAE government dismissed such reports, and denied having any information about the raids.

Dawood is the main accused in the 1993 serial bomb blasts case in Mumbai in which around 260 people were killed, and more than 700 suffered injuries. He fled the country post the bombings and is understood to be hiding in Pakistan. Dawood's place of birth is recorded as Kher, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, and his nationality is listed as "Indian" with a recorded Indian passport which was subsequently revoked by the Government of India. Dawood also possesses a string of Indian and Pakistani passports, he acquired illegally and misused to float aliases.

Pakistan has repeatedly denied his presence in the country.

However, according to DNA, a fortnight ago, former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf had hinted that Dawood was in his country, but also added that it would not assist India to capture him.

In August, the then union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi had said that Dawood is in Pakistan and Islamabad has been creating hurdles in getting him back to India to face the law. Mehrishi had said the government was taking all required action so that Dawood could be brought back to India.

With inputs from PTI
Thiruvananthapuram: The Centre on Wednesday said no ransom amount was paid to abductors for the release of father Tom Uzhunnalil and underlined that the Ministry of External Affairs "works quietly without noise, but ultimately gets the work done".

The Keralite priest was abducted by Islamic State terrorists during a deadly attack on a care home in the port city of Aden in war-ravaged Yemen on 6 March, 2016. At least 15 people at the old-age home were killed in the attack.

"Release of father Uzhunnalil on Tuesday underlines one thing that the Ministry of External Affairs works quietly and without noise, but ultimately gets the work done," Union Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh told a press conference.

The Union minister said "no" when asked whether any ransom was paid for the release of the priest.

"We know the type of criticism that had come a couple of times when Father Uzhunnalil disappeared in Yemen. We are very happy that he has come back safely and I'm sure people will appreciate that we were able to get him out safe and sound," Singh added.

On the role played by Oman, Singh said various methods were adopted to tackle a problem.

"If a direct method failed to yield results, indirect methods are adopted and the aim is to get the problem solved," he said.

Asked whether Uzhunnanlil contacted any Indian officials to thank the government following his release, Singh said, "I'm quite sure that he will do it after he gets back from the Vatican."

It was for the priest to decide when he would come to India, Singh said responding to a question.

A video of Uzhunnalil had surfaced in December last year in which he appealed to the government to free him.

In the clip, Uzhunnalil was seen saying, "If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously. I'm from India. I'm perhaps not considered of much value."

In July, Union minister Sushma Swaraj had taken up the issue of Uzhunnalil's abduction with the deputy prime minister of Yemen and requested him to secure the release of the priest.

In 2016, Swaraj had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has spoken to various countries so that the priest could be released.
Chandigarh: A day after he was transferred, IAS officer VS Kundu, whose daughter had last month accused state BJP chief Subhash Barala's son and his friend of stalking, said on Wednesday that the decision to shift him was the prerogative of the Haryana government.

Kundu also said he is satisfied with the role of Chandigarh police and the prosecution in the stalking case and that he does "not see any sign of witch-hunting" in his transfer.

Kundu, IAS officer of the Haryana cadre who was holding the post of Additional Chief Secretary Tourist Department, has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary Science and Technology department. He was among the 14 IAS and two HCS officers who were transferred on Tuesday by the Haryana government.

"It is the prerogative of the state government to transfer its employee and it is their call," Kundu said. "I never questioned the motive of the state government in taking such decisions, and as an employer, it is the state government's call to use an employee where it thinks best," he said.

"I do not see any sign of witch-hunting in this move," he said. On the stalking case, Kundu praised both the Chandigarh police and the prosecution for working "pretty well" on this case.

A court here on Tuesday dismissed the bail plea of Barala's son Vikas, who had been booked on charges of stalking and attempting to abduct Kundu's daughter Vartika. The woman had accused Vikas, 23, and his friend Ashish Kumar, 27, of stalking her.

Both were arrested on the intervening night of 5 August following her complaint but were released on bail as they had been booked under bailable sections of the India Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act.

They were arrested again on August 9 after they joined the police investigation and were then charged with attempted abduction under sections 365 and 511 of the IPC. The incident had triggered a spate of protests.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday summoned the trial court records of a criminal defamation case filed against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia.

Justice IS Mehta called for the case records while hearing a plea by the two AAP leaders challenging a trial court order summoning them as accused in a defamation complaint filed against them by an advocate.

The two leaders, along with Yogendra Yadav, were put on trial last month by the lower court which is slated to frame defamation charges against them on Thursday in the case.

The high court, which listed the matter for further hearing on 20 December, also observed that the complainant advocate does not have any direct evidence in the case.

It observed that the magistrate should have first satisfied in himself whether a defamation case was made out.

Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing for Kejriwal and Sisodia, argued that there was no direct evidence against them and the complainant's entire case was based on a press release issued by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and some news articles.

"This provision (defamation) has become a joke and (there is a) need to control this," she said.

She argued that the magistrate should not have entertained the complaint filed by advocate Surender Sharma as he had gone to court only with documents of AAP press release and newspaper clippings and that he has "not come to the court with clean hands".

She said Sharma was aggrieved by headlines in the media and had not made them an accused, while the AAP leaders had no role in it.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the two AAP leaders, who sought quashing of the criminal defamation complaint filed by the advocate.

Besides Kejriwal and Sisodia, the complainant has also named Yogendra Yadav in his complaint.

Yadav was a member of the national executive of the AAP until 2015 when he was expelled for alleged anti-party activities. Later, he floated his own party Swaraj India.

Sharma had alleged that in 2013, he was approached by AAP volunteers who had asked him to contest the Delhi Assembly elections on a party ticket, saying Kejriwal was pleased with his social services.

He filled up the application form to contest the polls after being told by Sisodia and Yadav that AAP's political affairs committee had decided to give him the ticket. However, it was later denied to him.

On 14 October, 2013, the complainant claimed, articles in leading newspapers carried "defamatory, unlawful and derogatory words used by the accused persons" which, he said, had lowered his reputation in the bar and the society.

Opposing the complaint, the AAP leaders submitted that cancellation or allotment of an election ticket is the prerogative of the party.

"Party had asked him if any cases were pending against him, to which Sharma had said nil. Later it was found that several case were pending against him and he had concealed this information.

"Kejriwal did not issue any press release against Sharma. The party had issued the press release. So no defamation case made out against Kejriwal," the counsel for the two submitted. The trial court, which had sought their presence before it in the matter, had granted bail to Kejriwal, Sisodia and Yadav after they had appeared before it.

The summonses were issued on the complaint for the alleged offences of defamation and common intention under the IPC,with the trial court saying there was prima facie material to summon the accused.
Editor's note: This is the first in a multi-part series that profiles people immediately affected by Ram Rahim's incarceration and police crackdown on the Dera Sacha Sauda.

Rohtak: Sundu Ram Vashisht would have been 75 today. He may have been sitting outside his humble house, looking out at his farm land and playing with his grandchildren.

"If only he had not gone to the Dera Sacha Sauda ashram that day..." rues his son, Ram Kishan.

Kishan, 40, was 27-years-old when he last saw his father. "Exactly 13 years ago, this month, my father left with a fellow villager to attend a monthly religious meeting of the Dera and never returned," he says.

With the Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh now behind bars and his lavish 700-acre headquarters, or ashram as it is popularly called, being searched brick by brick, Kishan waits to hear some news about his father. "He went inside with his friend but never stepped out. How is that even possible?" he asks.

On 24 September, 2004, Kishan's father, hailing from Charkhi Dadri village, went to attend a monthly religious meeting of the Dera at the insistence of his friend Munshi Ram.

"The followers were given a target of bringing the maximum number of people to attend the monthly meeting... thus, Munshi took my father," says Kishan. "They had a target of making more and more people join the Dera."

Munshi, a watchman at the government school, returned to the village alone, but not before calling Kishan and informing him that his father had "suddenly disappeared". Kishan recalls how he, accompanied by the village sarpanch and other panchayat members, had rushed to the Dera but they were not allowed inside.

"They asked us to accept Ram Rahim as Pitaji like other devout followers. They said that we have to be a part of the Dera and only once Ram Rahim blessed us, would we be allowed to meet my father."

He alleges that despite filing an official missing person report, the Sirsa police remained uncooperative. He says the police did not get into the Dera despite the family's request that the CCTV footage be checked and Vashisht's movements be traced. "They did nothing except sitting on my complaint for the past 13 years," says Kishan.

He adds that in the initial years, he and other family members would regularly try to enter the Dera premises. "I myself have visited more than 20 times but each time, we haven't been let past the gate. They'd always say that to enter, we would've to become a part of the Dera and, that way, get to meet my father as well. They did not relent even once and I knew their behaviour was suspicious. But what could I do?" he says.

Vashisht going missing left his wife and Kishans mother Savitri Devi distraught. "His absence cost us a lot. My mother suffered a paralysis attack and was bed-ridden. She died in 2013, waiting and hoping that he will return," Kishan says.

The recent clampdown on Dera's activities has made Kishan hopeful again. He has now submitted a fresh application to Charkhi Dadri police station, describing the complete story and asking them to establish contact with Sirsa police to look for his father. "We have also asked that the police should quiz Munshi as he had accompanied my father and would definitely know what had actually happened," he says.

Charkhi Dadri Sadar police station in-charge inspector Raghubir Singh confirmed receiving the application from Kishan recently. He said they would contact Sirsa police to check if they have stumbled upon any helpful information in this regard during the search operation in the Dera.

The author is a Rohtak based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.
Intensifying its ongoing probe against controversial 'godman' Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim Singh, the Haryana Police on Wednesday arrested the sect's IT head from Sirsa, media reports said.

The IT head has been identified as Sirsa-based Vineet, ANI reported. According to Times Now, Vineet is accused of deleting crucial CCTV footage which could serve as evidence.

Haryana Police arrests #DeraSachaSauda IT head Vineet from Sirsa.  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

On the information provided by Vineet, Sirsa police seized 60 such hard disks, reported The Tribune.

The report quoted a senior police officer as saying, "During interrogation, he spilt the beans, confessing that the Dera authorities had changed several hard disks before the search operation. A bag containing 60 such disks was found on the basis of inputs provided by him".

Last week, the authorities conducted searches at the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters near Sirsa town in Haryana on three consecutive days with hundreds of security personnel and local administration involved in the exercise.

On the first day of the search operation, authorities found computer hard disk drives, an unregistered Lexus car worth one crore, an OB van, Rs 7,000 of demonetised currency, Rs 12,000 cash and some pharma medicines without labels or a brand name, walkie-talkies etc. Five boys, two of whom were minor, were also rescued.

While on the second day, two secret tunnels were found inside the Dera campus that linked Ram Rahim's residence to a women's hostel. The team also found several skeletons which pointed to either the killing of dissenters or the sect's policy to bury the dead within the premises to avoid the pollution of water bodies like the Ganga river.

Ram Rahim was convicted in the 1999 rape cases by a CBI special court in Panchkula on 25 August. He was later sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and is lodged in the District Jail at Sunaria near Rohtak.

His conviction led to violence in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana, leaving over 30 people dead and 264 injured. Isolated incidents of violence were also reported from Delhi and several other places in Punjab.

With inputs from agencies
The fightback against Right wing politics may have started on campuses. The results of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections coming close on the heels of the defeat of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) indicate to the receding appeal of the Right ideology among the student community.

The results of the DU students' body elections is particularly significant since it has been a stronghold of the RSS-affiliated ABVP for a long time. In recent times, the latter has been active in many pet projects linked to the Sangh ideology, including its nationalist agenda. Given the intensity of its campaign, it was expected that it would leave rivals such as the National Students Union of India (NSUI) far behind in the race.

However, Wednesday's results sprang quite a surprise. The Congress-backed NSUI won the crucial posts of president and vice-president. The ABVP had to settle for the posts of secretary and joint secretary.

The NSUI has managed to win the important post of president after four years. The ABVP, on the other hand, has been a dominant force in the University for the past four years at a stretch. Its growing prominence in the campus politics roughly coincides with the BJPs resounding victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections under Narendra Modi. ABVP made a clean sweep in the 2014 DUSU elections by bagging all the four central panel posts. The credit for that victory was given to the 'Modi wave' and the 'good work' of the then three-month old government.

In 2015, ABVP continued its strong show by again winning all the four posts. It maintained its dominance in the DUSU till 2016, bagging three seats including that of the president. Meanwhile, the NSUI managed a toehold by winning the joint secretary's post last year.

Only a week ago, barring the CPI-backed AISF, the Left unions  SFI, AISA and DSA  formed a coalition. The alliance, dubbed 'Left Unity' was aimed at defeating the ABVP in JNU.

Although the University is known to be a Left bastion, a spate of incidents, relating to ideology, over the last one year had created the impression that the RSS-backed body was in the ascendancy and that it would win over fresh converts in herds.The results prove otherwise.

Worse, it conveyed that the student community was getting disenchanted with its brand of combative politics. All the top four posts were bagged by the Left Unity  president and vice-president by AISA, general secretary by SFI and joint secretary by DSF. ABVP ended up second in the race. Last year, ABVP candidate Saurabh Sharma had managed to bag the joint secretary post in JNUSU.

The ABVP had claimed that on the basis of its 'pro-student issues' and consistent 'developmental work' on JNU campus, it would defeat the Left, as students have got over the 'Communist narratives'. With the NDA government at the Centre, they expected to repeat the feat of 2000, when ABVP candidate Sandeep Mahapatra had bagged the presidents post for the first and the last time in JNUSU history.

"Todays victory of the NSUI at DUSU is a mandate against Modi's policies and the RSS-ABVP agenda of saffronisation of university campuses. The results of Rajasthan University, Panjab University and now Delhi University shows how the students have rejected them. Amid strong positioning of the ABVP, the victory of the NSUI also reflects the trust reposed by the youth on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi," NSUIs national media in-charge Neeraj Mishra told Firstpost.

Prior to JNU and DU students' polls, in the elections in Rajasthan University, the ABVP came a cropper, losing all three major seats. While the president post was won by an independent candidate, NSUI bagged vice-president and general secretary posts. ABVP had to remain satisfied with the joint secretary post. It was a big blow for the ABVP, as BJP is in power in Rajasthan.

Similarly, in Panjab Universitys student polls, NSUI won three posts, including that of the president. Besides its success in the campuses, the Congress seems to be making grounds for a comeback, especially after a thumping victory in the Punjab Assembly election.

Raj,Pb & now resounding victory of @nsui is a rejection of false promises of 'Acche Din' of Modiji.

Youth for Change will change Modi Govt. pic.twitter.com/ijOvtJ2YFg  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) September 13, 2017

"Successive defeats reflect that the 'Youth for change' is fed up with false promises of the Modi government and the BJP, as jobs are evaporating, opportunities diminishing and freedom is curtailed. Both the government and the BJP seek to curb the freedom of young. Right to think, eat, dress, move around and shape one's destiny is under attack by the fringe with an active complicity of the BJP government," Congress communication department head, Randeep Surjewala told Firstpost.
Bengaluru: With no headway yet in the probe into the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, Karnataka home minister Ramalinga Reddy on said nothing has been revealed so far.

He also dismissed as "mere speculations" reports about the modus operandi of the assailants and the type of weapons used to kill 55-year old Gauri, who was shot dead at her residence by unidentified assailants on the night of 5 September.

"The investigation is going on into Gauri Lankesh's killing. You have to wait and I am also waiting for something substantial from investigation. We (state government) don't interfere in SIT probe. Nothing has been revealed so far. Reports appearing in media are mere speculations," Reddy told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

The Karnataka government has formed an SIT, headed by IGP (Intelligence) BK Singh, to probe the gunning down of Lankesh, known for her left-leaning outlook with a strident stand against Hindutva politics.

The Karnataka government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the coldblooded killing that has caused nationwide outrage and protests.

On 10 September, Reddy had said SIT had gathered "some clues" in connection with the case. The government also announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh to anyone providing clues.

The media has been speculating about the modus operandi of the crime committed by assailants, and type of weapons used to kill Lankesh. There were also reports of the Andhra Pradesh Police forming a special team to assist the Karnataka Police.

There were also reports that the SIT had interrogated as many as 80 people across Karnataka.

Reacting to the reports, Investigating Officer MN Anucheth told PTI that there was no substance in them.

"I can only say, there is no substance in such media reports. When there is something concrete, we would certainly brief the media," he said.
Darjeeling: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supremo Bimal Gurung was on Tuesday rejected West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's appeal to withdraw the indefinite shutdown in the hills, saying it would continue till the Centre holds a tripartite meeting on the Gorkhaland issue.

"The indefinite shutdown in the hills will continue and there is no question of calling it off, until and unless tripartite talks are organised by the central government," Gurung said in an audio message.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha had initially said the party would discuss the issue only with the Centre but had agreed to a tripartite meeting later.

Gurung's comment comes against the backdrop of Banerjee's appeal to the agitators to withdraw the indefinite shutdown which entered its 90th day on Tuesday.
Mumbai: Grace Pinto, 62, managing director of Ryan International Group of Institutions and trustee of St Xavier's Schools was granted interim protection from arrest along with her husband and founding chairman Augustine F Pinto (73) by the Bombay High Court on Wednesday.

The group which runs over 186 schools in 18 Indian states and some based abroad, has been in the news for the murder of a Class II student, inside the Ryan International School campus in Gurugram.

The shocking case of the murder of a seven-year-old boy has highlighted the need for children's security inside schools. The whole country is sorrowed over the death of the Class 2 student, whose throat was slit inside the school, allegedly by a bus conductor.

But this is not the first incident involving a school run by the Ryan International Group of Institutions. The Ryan Group has been a repeat offender when it comes to negligence in securing the safety of children.

In 2016, a child's body was found inside a water tank on the premises of the Ryan International Schools Vasant Kunj branch. In another case, a seven-year-child was sexually abused by the principal of St Xavier's School (the Pintos are trustees of St Xavier's Education Trust which runs the school) in Andheri, a western suburb of Mumbai.

So, who are the Pintos who having founded the Ryan Group in 1976 by Augustine with the first Ryan International School in Mumbai, went on to become an education giant in India. And even though two children have lost their lives in two schools run by the group, how is it that the school continues to enjoy a good and memorable standing in the society.

According to sources, a lot of it has to do with the political reach of the Pintos, especially Grace.

Firstpost has learned from sources that Grace maintains well-balanced relations with all political parties and has access to most powerful political leaders across the country. She has often met Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit as well as education ministers of different states where the Ryan group runs its schools, and top party leaders of BJP as well as Congress.

In fact, very recently Grace met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi along with Vijaya Rahatkar, who is National president of BJP Mahila Morcha and also the president of Maharashtra State Commission for Women. The BJP website features Grace as the general secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha from Mumbai.

The school management has benefited from the ruling establishment whether Congress or BJP.

"In fact, the growth of the Ryan International Group of Institutions would not have been possible without the political skills of the Pintos, especially that of Grace," said a source close to the group.

The group runs 186 schools in 18 states and abroad too. It has more than 18,000 faculty members and 3 lakhs students across the country. "Naturally, every political party wants to connect with us and vice versa," the source said, adding, "We are not directly affiliated with any party but most of the VVIPs present in our school functions are."

Over the years, Pinto has become the most visible and trust worthy face of the Ryan group. She is co-promoter and managing director of the 130-plus chain of schools. Always on the move, Grace is also a trustee of St Xavier Schools across Mumbai and Maharashtra which has more than 50 branches.

Pinto is very much ambitious and interested in politics too.

Earlier, Grace was closely connected with Congress. Senior Congress leaders from Congress including both Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi have met Grace on many occasions. She had been lobbying for the Padma Shri award for herself, and a seat in the National Commission for Minorities for her husband. But after Congress paid no heed to her desires when the UPA was in power, Grace switched her loyalty to BJP after Narendra Modi came to power.

After Grace formally joined BJP Mahila Morcha in 2015, the Ryan management allegedly ran a forced membership drive for the BJP in all its institutions. During this drive teachers, non-teaching staff and students were allegedly forced to enroll into BJP membership. But later on, the management clarified that the membership was not mandatory and that an NGO was taking all the membership forms.

Firstpost has learned from sources that Grace was allegedly promised a Rajyasabha seat from the President's quota if she successfully completed more than lakhs of memberships. Recently, Grace had met with home minister Rajnath Singh, Maharashtra Chief Minsiter Devendra Fadnavis and other political bigwigs in award ceremonies in Mumbai and Delhi.

A Maths teacher, Grace has won a number of awards over the years. The Ryan group is headed by her son Ryan acting as the CEO of the group and primarily looking at the expansion of the group.

Firstpost repeatedly tried to contact the office of Grace Pinto, managing director of the Ryan International Group Institutions but was met with no response. Our calls and messages to BJP Mahila Morcha national president Vijaya Rahatkar also went unanswered.
Ryan International School's website was hacked on Wednesday by a team of hackers who call themselves Team Kerala Cyber Warriors or GHO57_R007. However, the website is no longer accessible.

The website was hacked on the same day when the Bombay High Court granted relief to Augustine Francis (73) Pinto, founder of the Ryan International School and his wife Grace Pinto, managing director of the Ryan International Group of Institutions in connection with the murder of a seven-year-old boy.

The Class 2 student's throat was slit allegedly by a bus conductor in the school's men's room. Though the conductor confessed to his crime immediately, recent investigation has shown that the crime scene was tampered with by the school authorities.

A message on the website says, "You may be gone. But you will never be forgotten". It further blames the school for not taking responsibility for its student's safety.

The hackers demand justice for the death of Thakur, the Class II student of Gurugram's Ryan International School who was killed on Friday.

They also blamed the school authorities for not installing CCTV cameras and for failing to check the background of employees before hiring them. Furthermore, it criticises the school for allowing vendor staff into school buildings and students' washrooms.

The group hacked four websites: ryaninternational.org (the official website of the group), ryaninternationalschools.org (of Ryan International School), ryanglobalschools.com (its global website) and iceplex.tv (website of Ryan TV).

In April 2017, the same group had hacked the homepage of Pakistan Academy for Rural Development's (PARD), Peshawar to protest against the death sentence given to alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistani military court, according to a report by News18.
Chandigarh: The Haryana Police will soon interrogate Dera Sacha Sauda chairperson Vipassana Insan in connection with the violence that had broken out in Panchkula and Sirsa following the sect head's rape conviction.

Vipassana is one of the likely successors of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

"Sirsa Police will soon ask Vipassana Insan to join the investigation," Haryana DGP BS Sandhu said on Wednesday.

The police said it was making efforts to nab Ram Rahim's confidant and adopted daughter, Honeypreet, and key Dera functionary, Aditya Insaan who they believed are still in the country.

"We have sent police teams to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to track them. We are presuming that they are hiding somewhere in the country," said Sandhu, adding that a lookout notice against them was also issued following apprehensions that they might try to "escape the country".

Efforts to trace Honeypreet were initiated after the questioning of Surinder Dhiman Insan, another sect functionary who was arrested on charges of instigating violence, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to facilitate the Dera chief's escape after he was convicted of raping two disciples.

The Haryana Police had earlier conducted raids at various places and police teams were sent to various locations, including Mumbai and the Nepal side. It was also in touch with the police of other states.

Three Punjab Police officers, who were deployed to provide security to the Dera chief, were also arrested last week for conspiring to free Ram Rahim after his conviction.

"Three Punjab cops have been taken into custody and we have issued notices to five other cops, asking them to join investigation," Sandhu said.

The DGP said that several vehicles that were a part of the cavalcade of Dera chief on 25 August were impounded.

"Notices have also been sent to the owners of remaining vehicles," he added.

Violence erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana and parts of Punjab and Delhi on 25 August following the conviction of Ram Rahim. The mayhem left 35 dead in Panchkula and six in Sirsa.
Amid the debate on rising intolerance in the country, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that "Hinduness" is not about what one should wear or eat, but accepting people as they are.

In a rare meeting with a group of diplomats from 50 countries in New Delhi on Tuesday, Bhagwat further said, "Hinduness is the ever-changing quality of Hinduism," reported Economic Times, quoting a source present in the meeting.

Bhagwat's comments come following criticism faced by Right-wing Hindutva outfits over attacks on religious minorities. They also assume significance a week after senior journalist Gauri Lankesh was murdered, and many suspecting she may have been targeted for her outspoken views and ideology.

After the murder, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had even blamed the Sangh ideology, saying, "Anybody who speaks against the ideology of the BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed."

At the Tuesday's meeting organised by BJP general secretary Ram Madhav's India Foundation, Bhagwat clarified that RSS and BJP are two distinct organisations and neither controls the other.

Sangh doesn't run BJP; BJP doesn't run Sangh.As Swayamsevaks v consult n exchange notes bt independent in functioning-Bhagwatji to diplomats pic.twitter.com/sRcZON9UfZ  Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) September 12, 2017

The RSS chief added that the Sangh and BJP sometimes have a common agenda, but that is natural and not engineered, the Economic Times further added.

While answering diplomats' questions about RSS, Bhagwat said the organisation has 1.7 lakh social projects that work to alleviate poverty, and also invited them to see the work that the organisation is doing, reported NDTV. Bhagwat said RSS swayamsevaks are even free to join any political party.
New Delhi: India on Wednesday submitted its written pleadings to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is hearing the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a retired Indian navy officer sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court allegedly for espionage and subversive activities.

The ICJ has suspended the death sentence of Jadhav pending a final judgement by it after India moved the court in May, requesting immediate suspension of the sentence.

"India has, on Wednesday, submitted its memorial (written pleadings) to the ICJ in the Jadhav case involving egregious violation of Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 by Pakistan. This is in furtherance of our application filed before the Court on 8 May, 2017," External Affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Pakistan claims to have arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan in March last. However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had legal business interests after retiring from the navy.

On 8 May, India moved the ICJ for instituting proceedings against Pakistan for violations of the Vienna Convention "in the matter of the detention and trial of an Indian National, Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav", sentenced to death in Pakistan and requested immediate suspension of the sentence of death awarded to the accused.

After discussing with both India and Pakistan, President of the ICJ Ronny Abraham, asked India to make its submission by 13 September. He also asked Islamabad to make its counter-submission by 13 December before the UN court starts hearing the matter.

"... At a meeting held by the President of the Court with the Agents of the Parties on 8 June 2017...the Agent of India requested that each party be granted a period of four months for the preparation of its pleading; and whereas the Agent of Pakistan indicated that periods of two months would be sufficient," the ICJ said.

"Taking into account the views of the parties, the Court fixes the following time-limits for the filing of the written pleadings  13 September 2017 for the Memorial of India; 13 December 2017 for the Counter  Memorial of Pakistan; and Reserves the subsequent procedure for further decision," it added.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government Wednesday appealed to banks and financial institutions to invest in the ambitious Nagpur-Mumbai expressway.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the appeal while addressing a meeting of representatives of banks and financial institutions at a five-star hotel in Mumbai.

The project, also called Samruddhi Corridor, is a 700-km expressway connecting Mumbai with Nagpur.

During the meeting, Fadnavis also answered questions asked by the representatives. The queries related to farmers' opposition to land acquisition for the expressway and their agitation, the project being challenged in court, bidding process and financial planning, among others, an official from the Chief Minister's Office said.

Fadnavis told the participants the project has the capacity to change the scenario of the 10 districts of Marathwada and Vidarbha through which it will pass.

He said international companies will set up their industries along the corridor and 24 smart cities proposed along the route will become hubs of development.

"As Samruddhi Corridor aims to bring prosperity for farmers, bankers should come forward and extend a helping hand to the project," Fadnavis said.

Officially called the Nagpur Mumbai Super Communication Expressway (NMSCE), the project is estimated to cost Rs 46,000 crore and will pass through Nagpur, Buldhana, Amravati, Wardha, Washim, Thane, Aurangabad, Akola, Bhiwandi and Nashik districts.
Jaipur: Curfew was on Tuesday relaxed for six hours in violence-hit areas of the city and schools will reopen on Wednesday, officials said.

Law and order situation has improved in Ramganj, Subhash Chowk, Galta Gate and Manak Chowk police station areas where curfew was imposed on 8 September midnight.

Curfew was relaxed from 12 noon to 6 pm after reviewing the situation on Tuesday, DCP North Satyendra Singh said.

The body of Bharat Sindhi, who died on the day violence erupted, has been handed over to his family, he said. The cause behind his death will be revealed after the postmortem report, the officer said.

Meanwhile, district collector Siddharth Mahajan, in a release, said, "Schools will open on Wednesday in curfew hit areas of the city as relaxation has been given from 6 am to 7 pm from Wednesday."

Directions have been sent to education officers in this regard, the release said. On Friday midnight, an alleged dispute between some policemen and a couple turned violent.

An agitated mob torched vehicles, including an ambulance and a police bus, and damaged nearly two dozen vehicles. One person was killed and seven others including six policemen were injured in the clashes.
Srinagar: Having suspended all bus and trade services between India and Pakistan through the Poonch-Rawalkote route on the Line of Control (LOC), traders in Jammu and Kashmir have now been asked to get police clearance and deposit at least Rs 5 lakh with the state government, to continue trading on the only other route that is the Uri-Muzaffarabad road.

The new instructions have come amid growing hostilities between India and Pakistan following the attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in September 2016 and cross-LOC strikes, and an ongoing NIA investigation probing the role of cross-LOC traders in raising funds for separatist leaders and fuelling the Kashmir unrest that started in July 2016.

LoC trade takes place only via two routes in Jammu and Kashmir. With the Poon-Rwalkote route being shut for over two months, traders are left through two routes only.

As per an order of Industries and Commerce Department, it has been directed that "all existing and new trader firms intending to engage in cross-LoC trade shall have to get themselves registered with the respective Custodian Trade and Facilitation Centre by filing an application in this regard".

The state government has also asked traders that besides submitting essential documents like Permanent Account Number (PAN), they must deposit Rs 5 lakh as security in the form of a fixed deposit (FD) or bank guarantee to carry out the trade.

Further, it has been instructed that the firms should get a police verification report to continue with the trade and also submit bank account statements and balance sheets. The registration will be valid for two years and has to be subsequently renewed.

Trade route was suspended two months ago

The Poonch-Rawalkote trade and bus service was suspended on 10 July after a mortar shell completely damaged the government building in Poonch where officials used to oversee the cross-LOC trade. After the shelling, civil government officials from both India and Pakistan also suspended communication.

Recalling the suspension of trade along the Poonch-Rawalkote route, Mohammad Tanveer, custodian, cross-LOC trade in Poonch said that earlier, frequent meetings were being held between the civil government authorities to sort out issues related to the cross-LOC trade.

"But now it's the army of the two countries who communicate with each other on cross-LOC trade and there is no contact with civil government officials of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (Pok)."

Tanveer informs that following the suspension of bus and trade services along the Poonch-Rawalkote route in July, 116 passengers from Pakistani side were stranded in India and three Indian passengers who were stranded on the other side of the LoC.

"Contact was established with Pakistani government through the Ministry of External Affairs and the passengers returned only via the Uri-Muzaffarabad road on 21 August," he said.

Ambiguity over cross-LOC trade

Tanveer informs that unlike in March 2017 when the trade was suspended for only two days after shells had landed in the office of Custodian LoC trade in Poonch, this time there has been no word from the authorities over starting the trade or bus services on the Poonch-Rawalkote route.

"And this is even though firing has stopped along the LoC," says Tanveer.

Even though the PDP-BJP government led government has called for increasing cross-LOC trade, its policies have been completely opposite.

It's for the first time since the PDP-BJP government came to power in Jammu and Kashmir over two-and-half years ago that that trade and bus service has remained suspended for such a long time along the Poonch-Rawalkote road in Jammu region.

Cross-LOC businesses had continued along the Uri-Muzaffarabad road, but the new instructions are likely to further discourage the traders, who are already battling per day restrictions over trucks crossing the LOC. Earlier, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti government had restricted the number of trucks that cross each day along one route to 35.

NIA probe on separatist leaders finance has affected cross-LOC trade

The suspension of cross-LOC trade and bus service is said to be a result of the ongoing NIA investigation on the finances of separatist leaders in Kashmir.

A senior police official said that the NIA has recently questioned some traders to ascertain their involvement in raising money to fund the unrest in Kashmir. NIA officials carried out raids on 27 locations in Delhi and Srinagar on 6 September during which they found that some of the hawala operatives had links with the cross-LOC traders.

Earlier, in a statement, the NIA had said: The places searched include houses and business establishments of traders and hawala operators who are suspected of channeling funds to fuel secessionist and anti-India activities in Kashmir. During the searches, cash amounting to approximately Rs 2.20 crore was recovered, besides incriminating documents pertaining to financial transactions. The diaries pertaining to contacts of hawala operators, traders, ledger books containing accounts of cross-LOC trade of various trading companies have been recovered."

The NIA, however, had started investigating the supply of money through cross-LoC trade to the separatists just a few months after the unrest began in Kashmir.

The Valley had erupted with protests and incidents of stone-pelting following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander, Burhan Muzafar Wani, in July 2016.

Now in order to clamp down the alleged funding of anti-national and separatist activities via cross-LOC trade, the state government has asked traders who are already engaged in the cross-LoC businesses to get registered for carrying out the trade.

Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Uri, Sagar Doifode, said that 23 traders have already completed the registration formalities. He also said that the government will extend the time to receive documents for new registrations and for those traders who have not yet complied with the instructions.

"As of now, there are around 327 traders who are allowed to carry out the trade on the Uri-Muzaffarabad route. They are enlisted with us, but have been asked to get registered."

However, registration doesn't necessarily mean a ticket to cross-LOC trade. As Shailendra Kumar, commissioner secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Jammu and Kashmir has pointed out in its order "the competent authority may suspend or cancel the registration of any trader or firm due to administrative and security reasons".
As the news of US-made M-777 ultra-light gun malfunctioning in the firing ranges of Pokhran, Rajasthan was reported on Tuesday, fears of faulty Indian ammunition hampering armed forces preparedness became alive.

The artillery gun being tested were among the first two guns imported by the Army as part of a $700 million government-to-government deal between India and the United States for 145 M-777s.

According to the media reports the projectile exited the barrel in multiple pieces, damaging the gun's barrel. The incident happened on 2 September and a joint team of Army and BAE Systems, which are the manufacturers of the howitzer, is probing the incident.

NDTV.com in a report on Wednesday said that this is not the first time that an artillery gun has malfunctioned due to faulty ammunition. In two separate incidents in May and June this year, the barrels of two indigenous Dhanush guns were damaged.

Prior to that in 2013, during trials in Pokhran, a Dhanush gun was damaged as the shell burst within the barrel. Following an inquiry it was concluded that there was a fault in the ammunition which led to a premature blast and no change was needed in the gun's design, reported The Times of India.

The Dhanush, which is based on blue-prints of the Bofors gun, has cleared trials with the Indian Army and has a proven ability to strike targets 38 km away. The Army plans to acquire 414 Dhanush guns with each gun reportedly costing Rs 14 crore, NDTV.com reported.

The last artillery guns that India bought were the Swedish Bofors guns in the mid-1980s. However, with the news of alleged shady dealings during the acquisition process that went right up to the Rajiv Gandhi PMO, India's hunt for artillery guns took a very long hiatus.

Faulty ammunition is not restricted to causing malfunctioning of guns only. On 31 May last year a massive fire at the Armys central ammunition depot in Pulgaon, Maharashtra claimed 19 lives and military equipment worth Rs 8 crore. The New Indian Express reported that the fire was caused by faulty ammunition.

The paper further wrote that investigation by a Ministry of Defence expert committee found that defective anti-tank mines had caused the Pulgaon fire.

Investigations into the fire incident revealed that in the past three years, the army had returned faulty ammunition and weaponry worth over Rs 1,300 crore to the ordinance factories, the daily reported.

This shocking revelation comes at a time when a latest CAG report has pointed out that the ammunition of Indian Army, the worlds third largest military, was enough only to sustain fights for 20 days.

In the report which was tabled in the Parliament on 21 July, the CAG also criticised the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) for inadequate quality of ammunition supplied to the Army since March 2013.

Incidentally, its not the Army only which is bearing the brunt of faulty ammunition. In a data compiled by the BSF faulty mortar shells have killed two Border Security Force (BSF) troopers and injured 43 during training in the last six years. All the incidents occurred after the shells failed to take the flight up to the desired distance and exploded just after they ejected from the mortar.

The two deaths and 43 injuries occurred in nine incidents spread over three firing ranges  Kishangarh in Rajasthan, Darrang in Assam and Sitagarha in Jharkhand  January 2012 and June 2017.

Three accidental shell explosions have been reported at two firing ranges this year, injuring 19 BSF personnel. The number of the injured BSF troopers this year is the highest in six years.

Only three such incidents occurred each in 2014, 2015 and 2016, causing injuries to one, nine and three BSF personnel, respectively.

After the 30 May incident this year at Kishangarh close to the Pakistan border which left nine troopers injured, the BSF has raised the issue with the Ordnance Factory Board, which functions under the Ministry of Defence.

With inputs from IANS
Mumbai is likely to get a significant relief from the sweltering heat that had taken over the city for the past couple of days as rains made a comeback on early Wednesday morning.

With about a couple of weeks left for the monsoon to withdraw from Maharashtra, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has suggested that a thundershower is likely to occur in the city towards Wednesday and Thursday evening or night.

With Wednesday's showers, according to SkyMet Weather, temperatures will drop in Mumbai and a few good spells of rain will occur during next two to three days from Tuesday. A trough's formation and its extension from North Madhya Maharashtra to Southeast Arabian Sea across Konkan and Goa is mainly behind the change in climate.

Meanwhile, AccuWeather said that there will be a cloud cover of 100 percent in the city on Wednesday, with 100 percent humidity.

SkyMet Weather has also predicted a rainy week for Pune, Nagpur and Nashik along with Mumbai. Ahmednagar, Satara, Kolhapur, Parbhani may also get to see some good rains.

Hot weather had taken over Mumbai for the last few days. On Monday, Santacruz had recorded a maximum temperature of 35.5 degree Celsius while the maximum temperature recorded at Colaba was 33.4 degree Celsius.

"Easterly winds over Central India have the temperatures rising in the city. Due to the easterly, sea breeze sets in late, spiking temperatures," KS Hosalikar, IMD's deputy director general (western region) was quoted as saying by DNA.

Maharashtra is among the states prone to rainfall deficiency this year. IMD state rainfall map has suggested that 14 districts of the 36 in Maharashtra are prone to face rainfall deficiency, The Times of India reported. Eleven districts, including Sindhudurg, Nandurbar, Aurangabad and Parbhani, have shown less than normal rain this season. Three districts in central Maharashtra  Jalgaon, Kolhapur and Sangli  are currently deficient.
Ahmedabad: Gujarat will roll out the red carpet for Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe who arrives Wednesday on a two-day visit during which he will lay the foundation stone for India's first bullet train project.

The twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, which will host a slew of programmes during the high-profile visit, are all decked up to welcome the foreign dignitary with streets shimmering in fluorescent lights, and hoardings and banners welcoming Abe dotting them.

Robust security arrangements have been put in place for the 12th Indo-Japan Summit and business meet where Japanese companies are likely to announce major investments in Gujarat.

The visit will begin today afternoon with an 8 kilometre road show where Abe will be accorded a grand welcome, officials said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present through the road show with Abe with people lining the streets their cavalcade would pass through. They will visit Sabarmati Ashram and iconic Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in the eastern part of the city famous for its intricate stone lattice work.

Prime Minister Modi will host dinner for Abe at a hotel in the old city area.

Ahmedabad has been recently included in the World Heritage City list. Abe will be given an overview of the heritage of the city in Modi's home state.

On Thursday, Abe and Modi will lay the foundation stone for the high-speed train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai which is expected to be completed by 2022, and is likely to traverse the distance of over 500 kilometres in around two hours.

Japan has extended a soft loan for the ambitious project conceptualised by Modi.

The two leaders will hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar after which agreements will be exchanged.

Later, an India-Japan business plenary meeting will be held.

"We are thankful to the Japanese PM for selecting Gujarat for his visit to India," Gujarat chief secretary JN Singh said.

Fifteen agreements will be signed for investments in Gujarat during the visit of the Japanese prime minister, he said. Abe's spouse Akie Abe will accompany him and also have a busy schedule.

She will be visiting a number of places including an NGO Blind People's Association.
New Delhi: Boosting cooperation in defence and security is likely to be a major focus area when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart hold the annual summit talks on Thursday in Gandhi Nagar in Gujarat.

There may be specific discussions on long-pending Indian proposal to buy the US-2 amphibious aircraft from Japan and joint development of military equipment to further deepen the defence ties in sync with strategic partnership between the two countries, official sources said.

The annual India-Japan summit is taking place amid escalating tension in the region in the wake of the nuclear test by North Korea and China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, and Modi and Abe are expected to deliberate on them.

Ahead of Abe's visit, the India-Japan annual defence ministerial dialogue had taken place in Tokyo during which co-production of military equipment, dual use technologies and New Delhi's proposal to buy the the US-2 ShinMaywa aircraft were discussed.

Last year, China had reacted angrily to reports that Japan plans to sell weapons to India at cheaper prices, saying that such a move is disgraceful.

There are indications that the joint statement by the two countries after Modi-Abe talks will have certain components relating to defence cooperation.

At the defence dialogue, the two sides had also agreed to commence technical discussions for research collaboration in the areas of unmanned ground vehicles and robotics.

Modi and Abe are expected to deliberate on cooperation in the nuclear energy sector as well.

A landmark civil nuclear deal between the two countries providing for collaboration between their industries in the field had come into force in July.

The nuclear cooperation agreement was signed last November during prime minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo.

The deal allows Japan to export nuclear technology to India, making it the first non-NPT signatory to have such a deal with Tokyo.

There was political resistance in Japan  the only country to suffer atomic bombings during World War II  against a nuclear deal with India, particularly after the disaster at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in 2011.

Japan is a major player in the nuclear energy market and an atomic deal with it will make it easier for US-based nuclear plant makers Westinghouse Electric Corporation and GE Energy Inc to set up atomic plants in India as both these conglomerates have Japanese investments.
Symbolism, hype and photo-ops. Few can match the champion here and there is none other than Narendra Modi, be it as the chief minister or the prime minister, who has long mastered the art to deploy them to optimum utility.

There is nothing new otherwise in his two-day sojourn to his home state Gujarat with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe beginning Wednesday afternoon. Modi has already had 10 meetings with Abe during the last three years and the bilateral India-Japan Annual Summit they are holding on Thursday in Gujarat capital Gandhinagar will b e the fourth one between them.

At another level, the two countries have already had 11 such summits earlier. Nor is it that Japan's industry will enter India  or even Gujarat  for the first time. Japan ranks the third highest in cumulative Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) to India.

Little gainsaying that Suzuki entered India in the eighties and made Maruti Suzuki a household name, and that Sony, Toyota and Honda have manufacturing facilities in the country. Suzuki is already there in Gujarat, and so are Honda and Mitsubishi. According to the Japanese Embassy, in all there were 29 Japanese companies in Gujarat as on October 2016 and this is seventh highest among all states with Haryana being the leader.

Officials say 15 more Japanese companies have committed to invest in Gujarat this time and will sign Memorandum of Understanding during the Modi-Abe summit, as has been happening earlier by various countries during the Vibrant Gujarat biennial investors summit, started by Modi in 2003. Official figures say nearly 52,000 MoUs worth a whopping Rs 84.55 lakh crore were signed between the first edition of the Vibrant Gujarat summit in 2003 and 2017, while insiders claim just about 25 percent had materialised.

But there is a hype this time. There will be an eight-kilometre road show featuring Modi and Abe  the BJP in Gujarat has stated it as an achievement that the Japanese prime minister will participate in a road-show along with Modi, who has himself done three of them in Gujarat during last six months.

The biggest display will be the ground-breaking ceremony of the Rs 1.10 lakh crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project planned to be completed by 2022. The MoU for this was signed in December 2015, in continuation of the process which began in 2013 when the then prime minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe signed an MoU for a joint feasibility study. Subsequent processes continued, resulting in new Prime Minister Narendra Modi approving the project soon after taking over in 2014. Even the Gujarat part of signing on the dotted line concluded in January this year.

However, when one needs a new spin to an old story, Narendra Modi enters with his share of symbolism, hype and photo-ops. After 22 years of relentless power in Gujarat, the BJP seems to have exhausted all its rhetoric, nor does it have the much-needed Modi as the chief minister to present his creatives year after year. This, when it needs Modi  and his art  the most with the first crucial assembly election in his absence less than three months away.

Just three days ago, at a youth interactive town-hall BJP chief Amit Shah experienced it first-hand when he faced probably the toughest question so far. "Sir, Narendra Modi has been missing for the last three years on Gujarat's political horizon. His absence is missed, what do you propose to do?"

Well, Modi will be in Gujarat for two days with his Japanese counterpart providing all the elements that make for the launch of a state election campaign of sorts with the symbolism of international diplomacy. The hype and the hoopla are already there, and the accompanying photo-ops. And the rhetoric that will follow will make it complete for Gujarat.

Following closely, three days later on the Prime Minister's 67th birthday on 17 September, is the conclusion of the state-wide Maa Narmada Mahotsav (mother Narmada festival) which began on 6 September. Modi will address a large public gathering on the day.

As many as 84 Narmada chariots (rath) are part of the Maa Narmada yatra through 10,000 villages in 24 districts. The festival is to celebrate the Prime Minister's "initiative to increase the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam to its full height of 138 metres and allowing erection of radial gates on the dam", which, according to the State Government, has ended the water woes of the parched regions of Gujarat.

In three days of Modi's presence  and the soundbytes that will continue later  the BJP hopes to cover a three-month long campaign.

If the Congress cites the state government's own figures to point out that work on as much as 42,000 square km of an estimated 90,000 km canal network of the Narmada dam is yet incomplete and that only around 2 lakh hectares out of the designed nearly 18 lakh hectares gets irrigation water, it may get buried in the hype.

Remove the gloss and the Ahmedabad's potholed roads will show again, says a senior Congress leader, little realising that by then Modi might well have run away in a bullet train of the fourth successive Gujarat victory.

Click here for LIVE updates on Shinzo Abe's India visit
Puducherry: Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy on Wednesday accused the BJP-led Union government of pursuing "injurious" economic policies that have forced farmers to commit suicide and caused heavy losses to his government.

Narayanasamy, at a demonstration called by alliance partner DMK against the Union government's decision to impose NEET-based selection of students for medical courses, said the heavy losses Puducherry suffered was mainly due to the Centre's policies such as the Goods and Services Act (GST).

The senior Congress leader also criticised the sudden demonetisation of high-value currency in November last year, which had led to chaos across the country.

He said the Union government's "injurious policies" had been "chiefly responsible for suicides of farmers" across India. "The implementation of the GST from July led to serious setback in revenue flow to Puducherry."

On the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), he said the decision has led to confusion among students.

He demanded that 'Education', now under the 'Concurrent List' in the Constitution, should be brought under the 'State List'.

"We have sought exemption of Puducherry from NEET by adopting a resolution in the assembly. We have also submitted a draft bill on the subject to the Centre. Both the resolution and the draft bill were gathering dust and no action had been taken on our plea for exemption of Puducherry from NEET", he said.

Narayanasamy said the demonstration was organised in keeping with the announcement of the DMK working president and leader of opposition in Tamil Nadu assembly MK Stalin.

Convener of DMK Puducherry unit R Siva MLA said the protest was only the first of a series of agitations to come.

Accusing Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi of blocking the Congress government's welfare schemes, he warned of protests against her.

PCC president and PWD minister A Namassivayam, Deputy Speaker VP Sivakolundhu, leaders and workers of the Congress DMK, CPI, CPI (Marxist), VCK, Manidha Neya Makkal Iyakkam, Dravidar Kazhagam and a number of student bodies participated in the protest.
New Delhi: Blaming Jawaharlal Nehru for the Kashmir problem, Union minister Jitendra Singh said the history of Jammu and Kashmir has been a "tale of mistakes", beginning from "Nehruvian blunders".

Singh, minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office, said there should not have been any issue like "Kashmir issue" as it was like any other state. "There was no issue like Kashmir issue. Kashmir merged with India through instrument of accession, similar to what other (princely) states did. The history of Kashmir in the last 60-70 years has been a tale of mistakes beginning from the infamous Nehruvian blunders. Our former prime minister went to United Nations... there was no need," Singh said, referring to Nehru's promise to the UN that a referendum would be conducted to allow Kashmiris to join either India or Pakistan.

He was speaking at the launch of two books on Jammu and Kashmir written by senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar. Singh said a few places in the Valley witness "mercenary terrorism" but in last three years the Centre has taken some concrete steps to curb terror activities in the state.

Terming the partition of India as the "greatest mistake" in the history of Indian sub-continent, the Union minister said intellectuals opposed it, including some prominent Muslim voices.

Speaking at the event, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy said it was time that Article 370 bestowing special status to Jammu and Kashmir was abrogated.

Section 370 had been introduced temporarily and can be revoked through a Cabinet decision, he said.
Lucknow: President Ram Nath Kovind will pay a two-day visit to Uttar Pradesh beginning Thursday, during which he will attend several programmes in the state capital and Kanpur.

This is Kovind's first visit to the state after assuming the high office.

The president will arrive in Lucknow on Thursday afternoon and attend a programme at the Indira Gandhi Pratisthan, a senior administration official said.

Later, he will attend a dinner at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's official 5 Kalidas Marg residence.

On 15 September, the president will meet some people at the Raj Bhavan, before leaving for Kanpur to participate in a 'Swachhta hi Sewa' programme.

"The president will visit Ishwariganj village in Kalyanpur at 2.30 pm on 15 September. Ishwariganj was recently declared open-defecation free," Kanpur district magistrate Surendra Singh said.

"He will launch the 'Swachhta hi Sewa' (Cleanliness is Service) programme from the village and honour five people who played a major role in making Ishwariganj an open-defecation free village," he said.

However, there was no word on whether Kovind will visit his ancestral Paraunkh village in adjoining Kanpur Dehat district.

The president will inaugurate a Solid-Liquid Waste Management Scheme and distribute among safai workers tri-cycles meant for carrying garbage.

Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik and Adityanth will also be present in the programme.

BJP leader Surendra Maithani said, "After becoming the president, this is his first visit to Kanpur. The entire city is being decorated with flowers."

Maithani said that the president would also visit the residence of RSS leader Ishwar Chandra Gupta in Tilak Nagar area of the city.

The district magistrate said elaborate security measures were being taken in view of the high-profile visit.
With lakhs of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar after facing religious persecution, Assam fears an influx of migrants entering its borders. These fears have intensified after a group of Rohingya Muslims reportedly crossed into Assam through the porous India-Bangladesh border.

As per a report in Meghalaya Times, six Rohingyas were arrested for sneaking into Assam. A top official was quoted as saying in the report that the Karimganj police of Assam's Barak Valley had arrested six Rohingyas from Churaibari area who entered the state through Tripura.

Nearly three lakh Rohingyas have left Myanmar's sensitive Rakhine state, entering Bangladesh, India and Nepal. But this statistic hasn't struck a chord in Assam, with a significant portion of the India-Bangladesh border that runs through the northeastern state remaining unfenced even today. The fact that six more Rohingyas have managed to sneak into India is proof of the fragile border security in the region, say civil society orgnisations.

"It will certainly be a cause of concern among the indigenous population of Assam. Refugees will spill over into Assam, and that will worry the locals here," said Lurinjyoti Gogoi, general secretary of the All Assam Students Union.

Though Assam doesn't share a border with Myanmar, it has a large border with Bangladesh, which has often been used by the refugees to enter India. "One can easily sneak into Assam if the border is not sealed," Gogoi said. "The riverine borders with Bangladesh are open. The Centre has been assuring us that it will use technology to resolve this issue. Home Minister Rajnath Singh even assured us of using laser or satellite technologies to seal the border. But nothing of the sort has been initiated yet," he added.

Of the 4,096-kilometre India-Bangladesh border, 263 kilometres are with Assam. Of these, the riverine borders in Karimganj district remain unfenced due to technical reasons.

The Rohingya debate intensified after leaders of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee demanded the rehabilitation of Rohingyas in India on humanitarian grounds. "India has a tradition of giving shelter to people fleeing neighbouring countries. We sheltered refugees from Bangladesh during the 1971 war. We've also given such shelter to Chakmas from Bangladesh and the Dalai Lama from Tibet. Why is such a sympathetic approach not being adopted in case of the Rohingyas?" asked Congress leader Abdul Khaleque.

This statement caused much fear among the state's indigenous population, and also attracted criticism from various civil society groups.

"Assam already bore the brunt of a huge number of immigrants and refugees from Bangladesh, because of which our state has also undergone massive demographic changes. The indigenous population is now a minority in Assam," Gogoi said, adding that if the Centre does want to rehabilitate Rohingyas in India, it should not be done in Assam.

Even the Congress later retracted its earlier statement, saying it doesn't adovate rehabilitating Rohingyas in Assam, and would prefer choosing other states for this purpose.

Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has been a major political issue in Assam since the late 70s, when the historic Assam Agitation demanding identification cards for locals and deportation of illegal migrants broke out in the region.

The government of India signed the Assam Accord in 1985 with the agitators resulting in the movement fizzling out. But the border with Bangladesh has remained porous even after this, which has resulted in various disputes between the neighbours.

A public interest litigation led to the formation of a commission led by senior advocate Upamanyu Hazarika. The report of the commission to the Supreme Court of India asked, "In the face of glaring facts, continued aggression of illegal migrants and changing demography, what are the options available (for residents), especially with the government acts only for the benefit of such migrants?"

"These migrants are largely Muslims and the percentage of increase in the Muslim population is a benchmark for the increase in migrant population," it added.

But illegal immigration from Bangladesh has been showing no signs of reducing, with the 2011 census finding nine out of its 27 districts have Muslims in the majority. This is three more than the 2011 census, which had shown six Assam districts to be Muslim-majority.

In 2001, the districts with a larger Muslim population were Barpeta, Dhubri, Karimganj, Goalpara, Hailakandi and Nagaon. The districts of Bongaigaon, Morigaon and Darrang also joined them in 10 years' time.

The issue has acquired political significance as well, with many parties using it as a plank to canvass voters. Congress has always been maintaining that it's not illegal immigration but illiteracy which is the reason for increase of Muslim population in Assam. Ahead of the 2014 Assembly elections, the BJP won the state by convincing the electorate that it would work towards identification and deportation of illegal Bangladeshis.

And though the Centre has decided not to rehabilitate Rohingyas in India, there remain concerns about illegal immigration, mainly because of the porous India-Bangladesh border. It has reached a point where it has become difficult to differentiate between illegal migrants and indigenous locals, given the various ethno-cultural reasons. With Assam and Bangladesh sharing a close ethno-cultural similarity, it has become easy for immigrants to remain unidentified.

"Bangladeshis and Rohingyas dress and talk in the same way, like many in this part of the country do. So, it is not possible for anyone to identify them unless there is documentary proof of citizenship," said Naba Thakuriya, convenor of the Patriotic Forum of Assam.

"Demographic patterns of our state have changed, as migrants have outnumbered indegeneous locals. We are becoming minority in our own state," he further added. "If Rohingya infiltration begins it will be total annihilation of Assamese identity," said Lurinjyoti Gogoi.
Thiruvananthapuram: Union minister VK Singh on Wednesday said the government will follow its policy for refugees to tackle the Rohingya issue.

"The government will go according to the policy to deal with refugees... when the situation is good enough for them to return to their country," he told reporters.

Nobody wants to stay as a refugee, the minister of state for external affairs said.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju had on 5 September said the Rohingya were illegal immigrants and stood to be deported.

The Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority, are regarded as illegal immigrants in Myanmar. Thousands of them have fled to Bangladesh and India.

Around 40,000 Rohingya Muslims have settled in India, and nearly 16,000 of them have received refugee documentation, according to the United Nations.

UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein had on Tuesday accused Myanmar of waging a "systematic attack" on the minority.

On the freezing of assets of mob boss Dawood Ibrahim by the UK, Singh said: "We do not want to let the cat out of the bag."

Asked if India was hopeful of bringing back former Naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on the charge of espionage, he said some matters were being handled "very delicately and there is no point in putting out anything till things solidify".

India had on May 8 taken the Jadhav case to the International Court of Justice, accusing Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention and conducting a "farcical trial".

The ICJ had stayed the execution of Jadhav.
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New Delhi: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday slammed attempts to brand India as a "villain" on the Rohingya refugee issue, saying it was a "calibrated design" to tarnish the country's image.

The Union minister of state for home's comments came two days after UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein flayed any attempts by India to deport Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Rijiju said criticism of India on the Rohingyas, who have entered India illegally, undermines the country's security.

"This chorus of branding India as villain on Rohingya issue is a calibrated design to tarnish India's image," he said in a tweet.

"It (such statements) undermines India's security," Rijiju said.

The central government is planning to deport Rohingya Muslims, who have come to India due to alleged persecution in Myanmar, as it considers them as illegal immigrants.

Rijiju had earlier said the Rohingyas were illegal immigrants and stand to be deported.

He had also said that India has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

The minister had said no one should try to "demonise" India as a country hostile to refugees as it is not going to "throw" the Rohingyas into the "ocean" or "shoot" them but will follow due process of law before their identification and deportation.

The issue came to the fore after the Union home ministry in July had said illegal immigrants like the Rohingyas pose grave security challenges as they may be recruited by terror groups, and asked state governments to identify and deport them.

The ministry told all state governments that the infiltration of Rohingyas from Rakhine state of Myanmar into Indian territory, especially in recent years, besides being a burden on the limited resources of the country also aggravates security challenges posed to India.

The government told the parliament on 9 August that according to available data, more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the UNHCR, are presently staying in India.

However, some inputs indicate that around 40,000 Rohingyas are staying in India illegally and the Rohingyas are largely located in Jammu, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan.
Jammu: Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday indicated that some action will be taken with regard to deportation of Rohingyas, who are considered to be a security threat to Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to reporters in Jammu, Singh said the Centre has a tough stand towards illegal migrants but a "sympathetic view" towards those displaced within the country and the minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who have become refugees in this country.

To a question on deportation of foreigners from Jammu and Kashmir, he said, "we are discussing the issue of illegal migrants and some action will be taken."

He was asked about government's stand on deportation of Rohingyas from Jammu as they are considered to be a security threat to Jammu and Kashmir which is already battling with terrorism for over two-and-a-half decades.

"We cannot rule out the possibility of security threat and I have already cleared our stand with regard to illegal immigrants," the home minister replied.

Some 40,000 Rohingyas have settled in India, and 16,000 of them have received refugee documentation, the United Nations estimates.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju had on 5 September said that Rohingyas were illegal immigrants and stood to be deported.

To a question about sealing of borders, Singh said wherever fencing is not possible and physical barriers like riverine terrains can't be used, technology like sensor-based cameras will be used.
Editor's note: Over 40,000 Rohingya Muslims live in India as refugees  thousands of them in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government has recently decided to deport them. In the first part of a two-part series, Firstpost speaks to these people without a State and brings to light their harrowing tales.

Srinagar: Many Rohingya Muslims might have fled Myanmar and sought refuge in India, but news from back home  of their brethren being persecuted  never fails to send shivers down their spines.

Case in point: The United Nations (UN) recently dubbed the Myanmar government's self-proclaimed security operation as a case of "textbook ethnic cleansing".

Mohammad Hussein, 45, is one such refugee. Hussein, who reached Jammu in August 2016 with his wife, sons and daughter, was horrified to learn of the deaths of his uncle, aunt, nieces and cousins amidst fresh violence in Myanmar.

His 26-year-old cousin Harun, who managed to cross the border and seek shelter in Bangladesh's Kutupalong Refugee Camp, gave him the sorrowful news over the phone.

Hussein and his family took 20 days to reach India. They spent a week in a Bangladesh refugee camp  near the coastal city of Cox's Bazar  snuck into West Bengal through the Amtala border and arrived in Jammu's Bathindi.

Hussein, speaking in broken Urdu, said the journey was arduous. He said police and other security forces at the Bangladesh border and in West Bengal asked for bribes to let refugees in. Hussein said he makes a living as a rag picker.

His cousin Harun introduced Firstpost to other refugees. They too, told a similar tale: Thousands of displaced persons marching for weeks  up hills, through muddy ravines, woods and wading through filthy water  reaching the refugee camp in Bangladesh dehydrated, starving and bone-tired.

Kulsum Bibi is around 40 years old. She worked as a farmer back home: Maungdaw village.

Harun, translating for Bibi, told Firstpost she fled her home in the middle of the night after a raid by the Myanmar Army. Though she managed to grab her younger son and flee through the paddy fields, her husband and other two sons were not so lucky. The army caught them and hacked them to pieces.

Bibi said she saw her tribe being butchered. Women being raped. Houses set aflame. "We are done," she said. "Everything is gone."

Hashmat Ali, a 33-year-old farmer from Rakhine, said he fled his home after Myanmar security forces began rounding up people. Snatching them from their homes.

He said the military lined them up: Husbands. Wives. Sons. Daughters. Young and old. They demanded a ransom in exchange for sparing their lives, Ali said. Those who had nothing left to give were butchered. Ali and his brother managed to escape. Somehow. But those who couldn't were burnt alive in their homes.

Talk to anyone at Bangladesh's Kutupalong Refugee Camp and you'll get many similar gut-wrenching stories.

Hassan, a teenager, witnessed his mother being raped by security forces. Harun said the boy sits in the refugee camp. Alone. Frozen with grief. Speaking to no one.

Tasleema is a young woman whose husband was burnt alive.

Yusuf's daughter was abducted. He never saw her again.

Zainab Khatoon, another woman at the refugee camp, said the military came to her village on 25 August. They killed five people, including her son.

"They set our houses on fire before they left," she said. "We managed to escape." She paused. "Actually, we're already dead. They killed us."

A United Nations report  compiled on the basis of interviews with Rohingya Muslims who have fled to Bangladesh since last October  contains many such horrific first-person accounts.

The report concludes by raising serious concerns about the "purposeful policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic or religious group".

A people without a State

Rohingya Muslims are widely regarded as the world's most persecuted minority.

Myanmar has 11 lakh Rohingya Muslims. More than 80 percent of them live in Rakhine State.

While Rohingya Muslims claim their ancestors have been in that region since the 8th Century, the Buddhist-dominated Myanmar government does not recognise them as citizens. It considers them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Rohingya are excluded from the country's education system and healthcare, they aren't allowed freedom to move as they please, marry who they please and are even forcibly sterilised.

Torture at the hands of Myanmar's military drives them across the border in the thousands: To Bangladesh and India.

But Bangladesh has refused to accommodate them. And now India has announced that it will deport them.

Unwanted at home and unwelcome by their neighbours, they are, in essence, a people without a State.

The crackdown on the Rohingya was triggered by an attack on Myanmar's police posts near its Bangladesh border on 9 October, 2016. Nine police officers were killed. The Myanmar government believes the attack was coordinated by the Rohingya.

Myanmar security forces responded by unleashing a torrent of violence on the Rohingya.

Such was their brutality that more than a dozen Nobel laureates were moved to write an open letter to the United Nations Security Council, urging it to intervene and end the "ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity".

On 25 August, a similar attack on police posts in Myanmar claimed the lives of 12 police officers.

Which led to yet another crackdown, forcing 3 lakh refugees to flee the country.

Most of them ended up in Bangladesh. In refugee camps, perhaps. Alive, but not really living.

Safeena Wani is a Srinagar -based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.
Union ministers Maneka Gandhi and Prakash Javadekar will hold a high-level meeting on Wednesday to develop a protocol for educational institutions to ensure safety of students following incidents of child sexual abuse in schools, a government official said.

The conference comes in the backdrop of the murder of Class II student Pradyuman Thakur inside Ryan International School in Gurugram for allegedly resisting sexual assault and the rape of a five-year-old girl in a private school in Shahdara.

Officials of the ministries of women and child development and human resource development as well as representative of the National Commission of Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), CBSE, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan will be a part of this meeting, IANS reported.

The two ministries will develop a set of guidelines and protocols for schools to ensure that children are "protected from any kind of abuse or physical and mental harm", a Ministry of Women and Child Development spokesperson said.

According to an ANI report, Maneka Gandhi requested Javadekar to consider suggestions such as having women employees as support staff and bus drivers and conductors in schools, screening of educational films on child sexual abuse in the schools, popularising POCSO e-Box and Childline 1098 through NCERT publications and having strict norms for employing the support staff. Maneka Gandhi has also given the same suggestions in her letter to the HRD minister, according to the ANI report.

Women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi has also discussed the matter with HRD minister Prakash Javadekar over phone and recommended that women be employed as support staff, including bus drivers and conductors.

She also stressed on the need to have strict norms for employing non-teaching staff, according to the official.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Centre and the Haryana police on a plea by the father of the Ryan student seeking a CBI probe into the murder as well as framing of guidelines to ensure safety of children.

The father, Barun Chandra Thakur, has sought laying down of guidelines by which "liability, responsibility and accountability of the management of the school" across the country can be fixed in matters relating to safety and security of children at educational institutions.

Postmortem report indicates no signs of sexual assault

Meanwhile, Thakur's postmortem report stated that there were no signs of a sexual assault on the child's body. The doctors have confirmed that the child died within two minutes of the attack due to excessive blood loss.

However, the school authorities had claimed that the child was alive when he was taken to the hospital.

Dr Deepak Mathur, who conducted the postmortem, also said there were two cuts on the boy's body and a nerve was slashed due to which he could not cry for help when he was attacked.

"The second point that came out in the report is that the child died due to excessive bleeding. There was no sexual assault on the minor and no semen marks were found on his school dress," he said.

Meanwhile, police recorded statements of two students in connection with the murder of their schoolmate.

"The SIT recorded statements of two students who went to change their Taekwondo dress inside the toilet at the time of the crime. The team is also questioning the suspended school principal Neerja Batra and two other female teachers," a senior police officer said.

As police are working to crack the case, Subhash Garg, a businessman, claimed that he saw the conductor carry the child to a car to be shifted to a hospital, on the orders of two teachers.

Garg said he had gone to deposit his son's fees on Friday and was standing at the main reception in the school, when he heard some commotion.

"I saw two female teachers and two students were following an injured student who was being carried by Ashok Kumar. One of the teachers was weeping at that moment. She ordered Kumar to place him at the rear seat of the car," Garg told PTI.

"There were also blood stains spread all over the place in a small toilet on the ground floor of the school building. There were blood stains on Kumar's shirt which may be due to the fact that he was carrying the boy," he claimed.

He further claimed that Kumar was behaving normally which is a rare thing for someone who has committed a crime, adding he recorded a 1.14-minute video of the incident.

The school bus' driver Saurabh Raghav claimed Kumar was made a scapegoat by the school teachers.

The police arrested the school's bus conductor in the case and remanded him to three-days custody after he confessed to committing the crime. ACP Birem Singh told reporters on Tuesday that the questioning of Ashok is complete and it is clear that he is involved in the murder.

While saying that only Ashok has murdered Pradyumna, the ACP added that negligence of the school is a different matter and two people are being questioned for the same. He also said that two children revealed that he was present in the toilet before the incident. Police sources also told DNA that Pradyumna had seen the conductor masturbating in the washroom. When the child tried to run, Ashok grabbed him.

Pradyumna was found lying in a pool of blood in a toilet in the school building by some students. "The students alerted the teachers and the school management then informed the police, who rushed him to Artemis Hospital. He was declared brought dead by doctors," Ravinder Kumar, PRO Gurgaon Police, said.

Ryan International School chairman given interim protection from arrest

On Tuesday, the Bombay High Court granted interim protection from arrest to Ryan International Group's founding chairman and managing director till Wednesday.

Ryan International Group's founding chairman Augustine Pinto (73) and his wife Grace Pinto (62), who is the group's managing director, had on Monday approached the high court seeking anticipatory bail.

Their counsel Niteen Pradhan had on Monday said that along with Augustine Pinto and Grace Pinto, their son Ryan Pinto, the group's CEO, also filed an anticipatory bail plea.

However, Pradhan on Tuesday said that due to some problem, Ryan Pinto's application was not filed with the high court registry.

"Ryan's application for anticipatory bail is in process and will be filed soon," he said.

Justice Ajey Gadkari said, "The applicants (Augustine Pinto and Grace Pinto) shall not be arrested till Wednesday. The matter is adjourned till Wednesday on the request of the additional public prosecutor appearing for the Maharashtra government."

Additional public prosecutor Aruna Kamat Pai told the high court that the court would have to also issue notice and hear the Haryana government as the offence in connection with the boy's killing is registered there.

To this, Justice Gadkari said, "For transit anticipatory bail, why should this court hear the Haryana government? Let the applicants approach the court concerned there."

The court, however, posted the matter on Wednesday after Pai said she requires time.

Meanwhile, a lawyer, Gunratan Sadavarte, who was in the court when the matter was being heard, told the high court that he wanted to file an intervening application on behalf of some parents' associations opposing the bail pleas of the Pintos.

Justice Gadkari, however, refused to hear him and said he can approach the court concerned in Haryana with his grievance.

Haryana Police question Ryan International School staff

On Tuesday, two officers from Haryana Police questioned staff at the Ryan International School in Kandivali in connection with the murder of a boy in the institution's premises in Gurugram.

The two officials from Haryana Police were at the campus of Ryan International School, said DCP (Zone-XII) Vinay Rathod.

Of the two officials, one of them is an inspector-level officer. They are verifying documents and questioning staff, said an official.

Fourteen police teams have been constituted to probe the case.

The Haryana Police will be questioning school CEO Ryan Pinto and other top brass.

A monthly security audit of all schools in Uttar Pradesh and police verification of their staff are among the measures announced on Tuesday to ensure the safety of students after the Gurugram tragedy.

DGP Sulkhan Singh issued a directive to all the district police chiefs which stated that "concerned circle officers and beat personnel should do monthly security audit of schools in their area and prepare its report."

Singh also said police should coordinate with schools and district magistrates and ensure security.

Uttar Pradesh police announce monthly security audit of schools, verification of staff

On Tuesday, the Uttar Pradesh police announced that a monthly security audit of all schools and police verification of their staff would be conducted to ensure the safety of the students.

DGP Sulkhan Singh issued a directive to all the district police chiefs which stated that "concerned circle officers and beat personnel should do monthly security audit of schools in their area and prepare its report."

Singh also said police should coordinate with schools and district magistrates and ensure security.

The DGP's directive spelt out measures like police verification of school staff, van drivers/conductors, checking unauthorised entry in schools and deployment of security at entry and exit gates.

Other measures include maintenance of a visitor register, installation of CCTVs, ban on fire arms and sharp edged weapons in the school premises, security at washrooms and separate washrooms for students, teachers and employees.

The DGP also said that identity cards should be issued to the entire staff; if any worker is called in they should also be given temporary ID cards.

The education department has already issued issued a circular for police verification of staff in Lucknow schools, bus drivers, and conductors.

The department has also banned use of smart phones by drivers and conductors in the capital's schools.

Schools have been asked to ensure that sharp items do not make their way into school transport, District Inspector of Schools, Mukesh Kumar said.

The DIOS said that the use of smartphones by drivers and conductors of school vehicles has been banned as many times they are used to show objectionable content to children.

"We have also asked schools to ensure that sharp edged items are not there is school vehicles. This will be ensured by checking both by schools and the department," he said.

The education department has also appealed to the parents to be cautious while hiring private vans for their wards.

Two Ryan International School officials arrested, police allege evidence tampering

On Monday, the police arrested Francis Thomas, legal head and Jeyus Thomas, HR Head of the Ryan International School group, who were produced in a Sohna court which remanded them to two days in police custody.

Gurgaon Police Commissioner Sandeep Khirwar said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case believes that evidence in the case was tampered with.

"The SIT said in the Sohna court that destruction of evidence was found to have been done. Attempt was made to wash away the blood stains from the spot where the child was found murdered. The blood on his water bottle and bag was also found rubbed. Some other pieces of evidence were also tampered with," Khirwar said.

With inputs from agencies
New Delhi: An official of the Ryan group on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of the student murder case from outside a local court at Sohna, alleging the bar has restrained lawyers from representing the accused in the sensational case.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Amitava Roy and AM Khanwilkar considered the submission of senior advocate KTS Tulsi, that the fundamental right of a person to be represented by a lawyer of his choice is getting infringed.

The bench assured the counsel of Francis Thomas, northern zone head of Ryan group, that it will hear the petition on 18 September. Thomas was arrested on Monday in connection with the murder of the boy in school premises on last Friday. Tulsi alleged that the bar bodies at Sohna and Gurugram in Haryana have asked their member lawyers not to represent any person or accused in the brutal murder of seven-year-old Pradyumna.

"The fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) is being infringed," Tulsi said, adding that the apex court may consider transferring of the case outside Sohna in Haryana.

Class II student Pradyumna was found with his throat slit on the morning of 8 September in the toilet of Ryan International School in Gurugram.

Police allege that 42-year-old bus conductor Ashok Kumar killed him with a knife after the boy resisted an attempt to sodomise him.

The apex court is already hearing pleas filed by Pradyumna's father and two women lawyers on the issue.

While the father has sought investigation by the CBI or an SIT into the case, the women advocates have sought framing of "non-negotiable" child safety conditions and implementation of existing guidelines to protect school-going children from offences like sexual abuse and murder across the country.

The plea, which also sought cancellation of licences and forfeiture of state grants of erring schools, will be heard by the court along with the father's petition on 15 September.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing till Thursday morning, in the anticipatory bail plea filed by Ryan International School trustees in a case involving the murder of a Class II student at their Gurugram branch.

The adjournment follows an intervention application, filed by the father of seven-year-old Pradhyuman Thakur, who was murdered inside the Haryana school on 8 September, seeking dismissal of the anticipatory transit bail plea filed by the school trustees.

Varun Chandra Thakur intervened through his lawyers Sushil K Tekriwal and Mamta Tekriwal in the hearing of the bail plea of the three school trustees, Augustine F Pinto, Grace Pinto and Ryan Pinto.

Apprehending their arrest, the trustees of the St Xaviers Education Trust, which manages the Ryan International Schools across India, filed the plea on Monday.

At the hearing on Wednesday afternoon, the Pintos' lawyer Nitin Pradhan argued they had not been served the notices by the lawyers of Thakur who sought to become an intervenor in the matter on Wednesday.

Thakur's lawyers countered by arguing that they had served the notices, but the Pintos' lawyers refused to accept them.

After the brief hearing, Justice AS Gadkari adjourned the bail plea matter till Thursday morning, said lawyer Manoj Dhall, who is representing another another intervenor, the Parents Group for Students Welfare (PGSW).

Besides the victim's father, and PGSW, another intervenor is lawyer Gunratan Sadavarte representing the Ambedkar Students Association which had actively raised the Rohith Vemula suicide case almost two years ago.

The Pintos' plea for anticipatory transit bail to move an appropriate judicial authority in Haryana came up for hearing on Tuesday when the court posted it for Wednesday.

Pradhyuman was found with his throat slit inside the school's washroom within an hour after his father dropped him off last Friday morning.

A Haryana Police team on Tuesday questioned several staffers and manager of the Ryan International School at the Kandivali headquarters, and examined documents and records.

However, the three main trustees remained elusive while the details of the other trustees were not known.

The case has snowballed into a major national issue concerning safety and security of children in private schools, with vociferous protests by parents and activists outside the Ryan schools in several states including Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
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The two leaders will hold the 12th India-Japan annual summit in Gujarat during the visit.

Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe will be on a two-day visit to India beginning Wednesday during which the two countries are expected to scale up their strategic cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India truly values its relationship with Japan and he looks forward to welcoming Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and hosting him in Gujarat for the fourth annual summit.

During his visit, Abe will attend the ground breaking ceremony of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway, a flagship programme of the India-Japan collaboration, marking the commencement of the project, also known as bullet train project.

In a statement on Monday, the MEA said, "The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their special strategic and global partnership and will set its future direction."

The summit takes place amid rising tension in the Far East after North Korea tested a hydrogen bomb, launched a ballistic missile over Japan, and the growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea.

As Vaghani pointed, this will indeed be a rare occasion when the head of a State would skip New Delhi during their bilateral visit to India. This fact itself shows how important the Abe's visit will be for BJP as far as the upcoming Gujarat election is concerned.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abe will take part in a road show in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. "This is for the first time in the country when our prime minister along with the prime minister of another country is doing a joint road show. The Japanese prime minister is landing here directly on 13 September. This makes the occasion more important, as he is visiting a state on the very first day of his India visit," Gujarat BJP unit president Jitubhai Vaghani had told reporters.

Nearly 30 years later, India took another step towards high-speed railway, when Gatiman Express from Delhi to Agra was flagged off. Running at 160 kilometers per hour, it is currently India's fastest train.

This isn't India's first attempt to ride on high speed trains. In 1989, the then railway minister Madhavrao Scindia proposed a high-speed connection from Delhi to Kanpur via Agra. The project was dropped later.

According to The Times of India, Buddhist monks will receive the Japanese prime minister on his arrival in Ahmedabad.

Robust security arrangements have been put in place for the 12th Indo-Japan Summit and business meet where Japanese companies are likely to announce major investments in Gujarat.

Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, which will host a slew of programmes during the high-profile visit, are all decked up to welcome the foreign dignitary with streets shimmering in fluorescent lights, and hoardings and banners welcoming Abe dotting them.

Modi has already had 10 meetings with Abe during the last three years and the bilateral India-Japan Annual Summit they are holding on Thursday in Gujarat capital Gandhinagar will be the fourth one between them.

There is nothing new in Narendra Modi's two-day sojourn to his home state Gujarat with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe beginning Wednesday afternoon.

To bring the situation under control, police used lathi-charge and also detained around 10 persons, said a control room official.

"Some persons created ruckus at the venue and also threw stones at police. They even torched two buses at Hirabaug circle. Luckily, no one was injured. The situation is now under control in Kapodra area as well as rest of the city," he said.

The protesters pelted stones at the police, said Surat Police Commissioner Satish Sharma.

The incident took place after the city police detained some people, allegedly associated with the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), the Patel quota agitation body led by Hardik Patel, as they tried to stage protest at Saurashtra Bhavan against BJP leader Rutvij Patel's programme.

Two civic transport buses were set on fire by unidentified protesters in the Patidar-dominated Kapodra area of Surat on Tuesday evening, according to PTI .

Two buses set on fire on the eve of Shinzo Abe's visit

PM Narendra Modi, Japan's Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie will have dinner tonight at Ahmedabad's famous Agashiye terrace restaurant. The Japanese PM will not only be given an overview of the heritage of the city in the Indian prime minister's home state, he will also get a taste of famously sweet-and-savoury Gujarati cuisine. While the entire menu is under wraps, Abe will reportedly be served traditionally vegetarian GUjarati meal, along with PM Modi's favourite "Handvo" or vegetable cake.

However, even as the monsoon season in the state ebbs away, we are sure the meticulous planning underway since week, must have taken into account an event of rain.

The skies are overcast in Ahmedabad, even as a massive road show is set to begin within moments. The Prime Minister has reached the Ahmedabad airport to recieve Japan's head of State Shinzo Abe and his wife and a roadshow till the Sabarmati Ashram is set to begin soon after.

Locals gather up on the route of Modi-Abe road show

In Pictures: PM Modi, with his VVIP convoy, is all set to recieve Shinzo Abe

The procedure laid down for the heads of governments visits is that a minsiter of Cabinet rank usually greets the dignitary at the airport.

The last time Narendra Modi broke protocol to recieve a foreign dignitary, it was for his 'friend' Barack's India visit. The Indian prime minister broke protocol to receive the then US president, Barack Obama. This time around, he is again set to receive Japan's PM Shinzo Abe.

This aircraft usually has the capability of landing on choppy waters with waves of up to three metres, apart from having long-range civilian and military applications.

Japan is pushing for over-the-counter sale of the US-2 aircraft produced by ShinMaywa Industries Ltd, which has a range of about 4,500 km and is suitable for search-and-rescue operations. The US-2 is also capable of carrying sensitive communications equipment.

According to News 18 , India is all set to buy the US 2i amphibious aircraft ShinMayWa from Japan in a record deal of 1.3 billion dollars, ironing out the differences over price, the two nations had.

India rolls out the red carpet for Shinzo Abe: PM breaks protocol to receive Japan's PM, ceremonial welcome underway

Traditional Gujarati dance played out at Ahmedabad airport to welcome Shinzo Abe

The Japanese PM was received with ceremonial welcome at the Ahmedabad airport. He will now embark on an 8-kilometre-long road show that will end at the Sabarmati Aashram.

Meanwhile... Japanese PM's official YouTube Channel puts out a video 'High-Speed bullet train coming to India'

Top Chef from Taj Hotel, Delhi flown in to prepare ceremonial dinner for Shinzo Abe

In Pictures: Shinzo Abe accorded a tri-service guard of honour at his arrival

The mosque is evidence of historical fruition of Gujarat's multiculturalism, a testimony to Hindu and Muslim cultures coming together in the past.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to accompany his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, to the 16th century Sidi Saiyyed mosque in Ahmedabad marks an important turn in his political evolution. Famed globally for its exquisite stone lattice work or jalis, the mosque is not just an architectural marvel, but also the symbolic icon of Ahmedabad city.

Modi accompanying Shinzo Abe to Sidi Saiyyed mosque is an exercise in image makeover for PM

Dressed in a crimson Kurta, Akie Abe was on the side of Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, who himself had donned a blue Nehru Jacket and white Kurta Pajama. The duo visited the Sabarmati Ashram and spent a few minutes at the Sabarmati waterfront.

The Japanese PM, his wife Akie Abe and PM Modi paid there respects to Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Sabarmati Ashram. The place has drawn many high-profile visitors and heads of states in the past too as it is the spot from where Gandhi led the Dandi march, in 1930.

Akie Abe will visit Ahmedabad Management Association, Blind's People Association, and the Gujarat University, apart from visiting Calico Museum and Sabarmati riverfront on September 14 as part of her visit to the state.

Ahmedabad district collector Avantika Singh said the Japanese first lady will visit various institutions where she will interact with people, and deliver a lecture on climate change at the Gujarat University.

Japanese First Lady Akie Abe is scheduled to attend a number of programmes in Ahmedabad on Thursday during the two-day India visit of her husband and

From climate talk to NGO visit, Japanese first lady has a packed schedule tomorrow

Prime Ministers of India and Japan, Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe, and the latter's wife Akie Abe, have reached the 'Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali', a famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad.

Boosting cooperation in defence and security is likely to be a major focus area when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe hold the annual summit talks in Gandhinagar in Gujarat on Thursday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will have dinner at Ahmedabad's famous Agashiye restaurant on Wednesday, will be given a taste of traditional vegetarian Gujarati cuisine, including handvo and khichdi kadhi, reports India TV .

There is, however, a possibility of negotiations to have Japanese credit-line in future for procuring these high-end equipment, he said. Non-energy areas include nuclear medicine, irradiation, research and development in atomic sector.

India and Japan may enhance their cooperation in non-energy areas of the nuclear sector, a senior government official said, ahead of the delegation level talks between the prime ministers of the two countries on Thursday. The official, however, said there are little chances of an agreement to procure equipment from Japan for building nuclear power plants in the country, as talks with French company EDF and American nuclear giant Westinghouse Electric Company are ongoing in this regard.

RECAP: Narendra Modi with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife Akei Abe at Sabarmati and 'Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali

The two leaders will also hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar after which agreements will be exchanged.

The Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project is expected to be completed by 2022 and is likely to traverse the distance of over 500 km between the two cities in around two hours. Japan has extended a soft loan for the ambitious project conceptualised by Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe will lay the foundation stone for Indias first bullet train project today.

Agenda for the day for Modi and Abe

The bullet train will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad and will be linked by a total of 12 stations. The train will stop at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati stations. The Mumbai station will be underground while all others will be elevated.

Bullet train will be linked by 12 stations between Mumbai and Ahmedabad

The government has promised that the first Bullet train will run in less than five years. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project received cabinet approval in 2015 and within two years, construction has already begun.

Bullet Train will be ready in less than 5 years

Goyal said the bullet train will make its first trip from Mumbai to Ahmedabad on 15 August, 2022  when India completes 75 years of independence.

The government earlier had set a deadline of December 2023. However, newly appointed Union Minister for Railways Piyush Goyal on Monday announced that the government had advanced the date of completion by more than a year.

"After the Second World War, Japan resembled a burning field," Abe said, adding that the country had seen a lot of development after that and had eventually installed a bullet train.

"Today, we can see a glance of the bright future for India and Japan," the Japanese prime minister further said.

"Exactly 10 years back, I had the good fortune of speaking in the Indian parliament...A powerful India is beneficial for Japan and a powerful Japan is beneficial for India," said Abe.

A powerful India is beneficial for Japan and a powerful Japan is beneficial for India: Shinzo Abe

"India can become the factory of the world if India and Japan combine their efforts," he said.

"Japanese engineers are working day and night to ensure the success of this project. If Indian and Japanese people combine their efforts, there is nothing which cannot be achieved," the Japanese prime minister also said.

"My dear friend Narendra Modi is a global and far-sighted leader," Abe said.

If we combine 'Ja' from 'Japan' and 'I' from India, the word we get is 'JAI': Abe

"This is a historic and emotional day for India-Japan ties," he said.

"The bullet train project is one which bring about great speed, great development and great technology. This project will bring about employment and speed. It is human-friendly and eco-friendly," Modi said.

"Today, India has taken a crucial step in fulfiling an age-old dream," he said.

"It is the collection of dreams which enables a country to move forward," said Narendra Modi.

"Right now, Shinzo Abe was telling us the kind of difficulties Japan had to face after the Second World War. But after 1964, with the establishment of the bullet train, the country saw fast development," he said.

"People get the benefits of connectivity through various ways," said the prime minister, adding that everyone knows about how there was fast growth in America after railways were established there.

"Next-generation growth will take place only where there are high-speed corridors," Modi said. "An efficient transport system plays a crucial role in the development of a country," he said.

"If the inauguration for this project is taking place so fast, the credit goes to Shinzo Abe," said Narendra Modi. "He took a personal interest to see that this project goes smoothly without any difficulties," Modi added.

Next-generation growth will take place only where there are high-speed corridors: Modi

She will also address students at Gujarat University, where she will speak on climate change, and visit the Vocational Training Unit at Blind People's Association. On her visit to the Japan Information Centre, Akie will inaugurate the Origami Mahotsav and will be served a bullet train ice cream cake.

The First Lady of Japan will begin her day by visiting the garden at Sabarmati riverfront. Later, she will be greeted by 18 children singing 'Kem chho, konnichiwa', on her visit to the Indo-Japan Friendship Association (IJFA). The song, penned by IJFA's Mukesh Patel, will be sung by students of Zydus School of Excellence.

These rapid variables have forced India and Japan to snuggle closer, and both nations appear on the cusp of a major upgradation in bilateral ties.

Abe's visit to India for the 12th Indo-Japan Annual Summit comes at a particularly interesting time. Both nations are grappling with the trajectory of China's rise and struggling to keep pace with a geopolitical order thrown into turmoil over doubts about America's role as a global security guarantor. And as if the world needed a dash of more uncertainty, the tinpot from North Korea has decided that this is the right time to test a hydrogen bomb and threaten Donald Trump.

And when he comes calling with a highly ambitious project like the bullet train that promises to collapse the geographical distances between two cousins, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, split only by political boundaries in the sixties, it only adds to the euphoria. And that too, Gujarat goes to a crucial election in December with the BJP increasingly missing the Modi Magic.

For the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat, the very presence of Narendra Modi  be it as the chief minister or the prime minister  electrifies party cadres.

"India, Japan and US conducted joint maritime exercise in Malabar for the first time, based on strong ties of trust between Modi and US president Donald Trump. It will further deepen cooperation between India, Japan & the US," Abe said.

Abe speaks on ties between India, Japan and US

He also thanked India for a warm welcome. "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank India and the people of India," he said.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that with the signing of MoU on Japanese language, he hopes that the language will find a way among the common people in India.

- Between RIS and IDE-JETRO for promotion of Cooperation in Research Related Activities

- Letter of intent between Sports Authority of India and University of Tsukuba, Japan

- Letter of intent between Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) and University of Tsukuba, Japan

- International Academic and Sports Exchange between Sports Authority of India and Nippon Sports Science University, Japan (NSSU)

- Joint Research Contract between National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Japan and Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

- Agreement for International joint exchange programme between interdisciplinary theoretical and mathematical sciences programme (iTHEMS), RIKEN and National Centres for Biological Sciences (Simons-NCBS)

- MOC between METI and the State of Gujarat on Japan-India special programme for Make In India in Mandal Bechraj-Khoraj in Gujarat

- Arrangement between India Post and Japan Post on Administrative Instruction for the Implementation of Cool EMS service

In a series of tweets, Union minister Smriti Irani praised the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, saying that it symbolised growth in the country.

Gujaratis are known to lap it up with great awe when a foreign dignitary calls Narendra Modi a friend. In this case, Abe started his speech with 'Namaskar' and went on to say that he "loved Gujarat" and he would wish to "come here again with Narendra Modi in the bullet train, chatting and looking at the beautiful countryside from the window." He not only called Japan an old friend of India, remembering how he addressed the Indian Parliament ten years ago, but Modi a "dear friend and a world leader."

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis seemed so excited that he wanted Modi to inaugurate the train in Mumbai, even though he noted that the ground breaking was taking place in Gujarat.

The fact that the bullet train will be completed only by 2022-23 was lost on most of those present at Thursday's event.

He added that Rs 60,000 crore was being spent on land acquisition, and the cost of the project which has been pitched at Rs 1,10,000 crore may further escalate during implementation.

"The air fare between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is Rs 2,000, and the bullet train fare would be between Rs 2,800 to Rs 5,000... Only if one lakh passengers travel in the train the project will be economically viable," said Kharge.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said in Lok Sabha that his party was not against any development project, but added that the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project was not economically viable. "We are not against any project, but what is the aim? This project is not economically viable," Kharge said.

Some initial reports have identified 163 villages in eight districts of Gujarat, 44 villages in three districts of Maharashtra and some areas in Dadra and Nagar Haveli for land acquisition. About 2,761 families will be affected.

Rail authorities are also facing a tough time convincing villagers near Virar to give away their land for the project. The rail officials were abused by villagers when they went to discuss the matter.

Even as the nation is cheering and rejoicing over India's first high speed rail project, the enthusiasm will soon be sullied because the railway authorities are yet to acquire the required private land. Of this entire stretch, 92 percent will be elevated and six percent will be tunneled, The Asian Agereported. The remaining two percent, about 825 hectares of land, may become a major hurdle for completing the bullet train project by 2022.

Despite euphoria, bullet train project still has land acquisition hurdles to cross

During the talks between the two leaders, India and Japan inked 15 pacts to give a boost to cooperation in various key sectors, including civil aviation, trade and science and technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe held wide-ranging talks on key bilateral, regional and international issues and discussed ways to deepen ties in trade, security and civil nuclear energy.

While the cheer and aplomb around bullet train is dominating headlines, India and Japan are quietly strengthening defence cooperation. Speaking to the press, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said, "Till now the thrust of the contacts and cooperation have been on maritime security only. We agreed to explore cooperation and exchanges between our Armies/ Ground Self defence force and Air Force and Japan's Air Defence."

Ek prakar se muft mein (In a way it is free), Modi said reminding that the project was made possible thanks to the Japanese loan of Rs 88,000 crore at an attractive 0.1 per cent interest to be repaid over 50 years, The Indian Express reported.

In an apparent move to silence the critics of the muti-million ambitious bullet train project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reasserted that India's gains from the project are much more than it's cost.

'In a way it's free,' PM Modi on cost of bullet train

The first pact was signed for an international joint exchange programme between Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS) at Japanese research institute RIKEN and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (Simons-NCBS), Bengaluru. The other two MoUs were inked between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Japan - PTI

India and Japan on Thursday signed an agreement under which their airlines can operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries. Japanese carriers All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, and Indian carriers Air India and Jet Airways are the airlines that fly between the two countries.

'Rudraksh' Varanasi Convention Centre, to be a cultural garland that Japan has accorded India: PM Modi

It said China would never follow India and Japan "who have somewhat lost themselves".

An op-ed in the Global Times said "the India-Japan intimacy is more like a contrivance" and both were "are unlikely to challenge China without giving it a serious thought".

China has always been wary of growing proximity between India and Japan with whom it has territorial disputes. The state-run Chinese media has often been critical of fast developing ties between India and Japan.

When I first visited Japan as CM of Gujarat, I had said that I want to see a mini Japan in Gujarat. Today that dream has come true: PM Modi

Ek prakar se muft mein (In a way it is free), Modi said reminding that the project was made possible thanks to the Japanese loan of Rs 88,000 crore at an attractive 0.1 per cent interest to be repaid over 50 years, The Indian Express reported.

In an apparent move to silence the critics of the muti-million ambitious bullet train project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reasserted that India's gains from the project are much more than it's cost.

'In a way it's free,' PM Modi on cost of bullet train

The first pact was signed for an international joint exchange programme between Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS) at Japanese research institute RIKEN and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (Simons-NCBS), Bengaluru. The other two MoUs were inked between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Japan - PTI

One of the motives of this proposed security diamond is to curb China's increasingly expansionist attitude in the South China Sea region -- something that directly affects Japan. Even if this eventually turns out to be a case of mere saber-rattling, Beijing appears to have already received the message.

"I envisage a strategy whereby Australia, India, Japan, and the US state of Hawaii form a diamond to safeguard the maritime commons stretching from the Indian Ocean region to the western Pacific. I am prepared to invest, to the greatest possible extent, Japans capabilities in this security diamond," Abe had stated.

On the second day of Shinzo Abe's two-day visit, a familiar theme returned to the agenda: Asias Democratic Security Diamond as coined by the Japanese prime minister back in 2012.

India and Japan on Thursday signed an agreement under which their airlines can operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries. Japanese carriers All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, and Indian carriers Air India and Jet Airways are the airlines that fly between the two countries.

'Rudraksh' Varanasi Convention Centre, to be a cultural garland that Japan has accorded India: PM Modi

Japan can benefit tremendously with size & scale of our potential&skilled hands that India offers: PM Modi on India-Japan business relations pic.twitter.com/EAfFVJeFed

It said China would never follow India and Japan "who have somewhat lost themselves".

An op-ed in the Global Times said "the India-Japan intimacy is more like a contrivance" and both were "are unlikely to challenge China without giving it a serious thought".

China has always been wary of growing proximity between India and Japan with whom it has territorial disputes. The state-run Chinese media has often been critical of fast developing ties between India and Japan.

When I first visited Japan as CM of Gujarat, I had said that I want to see a mini Japan in Gujarat. Today that dream has come true: PM Modi

Gujarats Industry and Government still cherish the fact that Japan became the first partner country in Vibrant Gujarat event: PM Modi

Gujarat cherishes Japan's friendship for being the first partner in Vibrant Gujarat

Gujarat will roll out the red carpet for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who will arrive in Ahmedabad on Wednesday on a two-day visit during which he will lay the foundation stone for India's first bullet train project.

The twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, which will host a slew of programmes during the high-profile visit, are all decked up to welcome the foreign dignitary with streets shimmering in fluorescent lights, and hoardings and banners welcoming Abe dotting them.

Robust security arrangements have been put in place for the 12th Indo-Japan Summit and business meet where Japanese companies are likely to announce major investments in Gujarat.

The visit will begin on Wednesday afternoon with an 8 km road show where Abe will be accorded a grand welcome, officials said.

Modi will be present through the road show with Abe with people lining the streets their cavalcade would pass through.

They will visit Sabarmati Ashram and iconic Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in the eastern part of the city famous for its intricate stone lattice work on Wednesday.

Modi will host dinner for Abe at a hotel in the old city area.

Ahmedabad has been recently included in the World Heritage City list. The Japanese prime minister will be given an overview of the heritage of the city in Modi's home state.

On Thursday, Abe and Modi will lay the foundation stone for the high-speed train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai which is expected to be completed by 2022, and is likely to traverse the distance of over 500 km between in around two hours.

Japan has extended a soft loan for the ambitious project conceptualised by Modi.

The two leaders will hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar after which agreements will be exchanged. Later, an India-Japan business plenary meeting will be held.

"We are thankful to the Japanese prime minister for selecting Gujarat for his visit to India," Gujarat chief secretary JN Singh said.

Fifteen agreements will be signed for investments in Gujarat during the visit of the Japanese prime minister, he said.

Abe's spouse Akie Abe will accompany him and also have a busy schedule. She will be visiting a number of places

including an NGO  Blind People's Association.

With inputs from PTI
Before Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe for dinner at the House of Mangaldas Girdhardas in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, the heads of state will visit a 16th Century mosque that has been receiving unprecedented attention this week.

The 16th Century Sidi Saiyyed mosque, popularly known as Sidi Saiyyid ki Jaali, is located across the road from the venue for the state dinner.

I also look forward to visiting the Sabarmati Ashram & the 'Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali with PM @AbeShinzo during his India visit.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

Modi will be taking the Abes on a tour around the mosque which is famed for its beautifully carved ten-stone latticework windows on the side and rear arches, Hindustan Times reported. Mosque officials said the Prime Ministers Office sought details about the iconic mosque and its architecture, the report said.

Rizwan Kadri, chairman of the Sunni Waqf Committee, said, "Modi wishes to explain the ancient history and the importance of the Sidi Saiyed mosque to Shinzo Abe himself. He wants to emphasise on what this monument means to the city and our country," according to Ahmedabad Mirror.

The report also quoted municipal commissioner Mukesh Kumar as saying, "The prime minister will be visiting the Sidi Saiyyed mosque for the first time. There have been no high-level officials visiting the site in the recent past except by Irina Bokova, the director general of UNESCO, who was in the city recently to hand over the World Heritage City certificate to the chief minister."

The mosque, believed to have been built by Ethiopian Abyssinian Sidi Saiyed in 1572 during the reign of the last sultan of the Gujarat Sultanate Shamsud- Din Muzaffar Shah III, is one of the most prominent monuments of Ahmedabad.

Considered an architectural masterpiece, portions of the structure have inspired many modern day designs. Its architecture is widely considered to be a testimony of cross culture heritage.

The intricate "Tree of Life" lattice window in the mosque was adopted by Indian Institute of Management- Ahmedabad as its logo. The prime ministers are expected to pose for a photograph before it.

PK Ghosh, head, Heritage Cell, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, remarking on its history, said, "The intricate windows that are now instantly recognisable are a fusion of Hindu and Muslim culture. While the Kalpavruksh depicts Hindu culture, the date palm is symbolic of Muslim heritage. When both of these merge in the "Tree of Life", it shows the living heritage of this city."

According to the Gujarat Tourism's online portal, these windows have become a symbol of Ahmedabad. "Depicting a tree with intertwining branches, the carvings look like fine lace filigree work, but are hewn from solid stone. Though much smaller than the Jama Masjid and lacking the enclosed courtyard, the craftsmanship of this mosque places it on a level nearly unequaled in the world," the website says.

According to Ahmedabad Mirror, the mosque was built in 1572, the last year of the Gujarat Sultanate. Emperor Akbar annexed Gujarat into the Mughal Empire the very next year.

In light of Abe's visit, visitors and media thronged the mosque on Tuesday night in large numbers, according to reports.
Ahead of Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him and highlighted the importance of New Delhi-Tokyo ties not just in English but also in Japanese. The enthusiasm and the preparations in Gujarat to welcome Abe is reflective of a deepening relationship between the two nations, who not only have shared strategic interests but also a desire to counter the growing presence of China to maintain a status quo.

As the two leaders look forward to further advancing "the new era in Japan-India relations," it is pertinent to note that after the Doka La standoff, a number of countries are looking towards India for help. New Delhi's ties with Tokyo will come in handy when countering the expansionist desires of China. As Christophe Jaffrelot notes, "India-Japan partnership could be a cornerstone of a larger coalition of countries eager to resist China."

Even during the Sikkim standoff, Japan supported India and it came as no surprise because Tokyo has itself been at the receiving end of a territorial row with Beijing over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands

Ahead of Abe's visit, Union minister Arun Jaitley visited Japan, in the capacity of the defence minister, in September this year and met his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera in Tokyo. A range of bilateral and regional issues relating to security and defence were deliberated at length during talks.

Since Modis visit to Tokyo in November last year, the defence and security cooperation between the two nations is on an upswing. As Abe notes, "Japan-India relationship is blessed with the largest potential in the world" and Jaitley's visit to Tokyo followed closely by Abe's own visit to India indicates that both the nations want to utilise the ties to their full potential.

Before leaving office and handing over the reins of the defence ministry to Nirmala Sitharaman, Jaitley told the Japanese defence minister, who will visit India in 2018, that India hopes to pursue a strategic partnership with Japan for regional peace and stability.

He discussed issues relating to the US-2 amphibious aircraft with his Japanese counterpart. India and Japan also agreed to collaborate closely in defence production, including on dual-use technologies, as the two countries resolved to ramp up overall military engagement under the bilateral special strategic framework.

India also plans to buy the US-2 ShinMaywa aircraft from Japan for its navy. In a first, the Japanese chief of staff and Japan self defence forces will also visit India in the first half of 2018, according to Livemint. The two armies will also step up cooperation in Counter-Terrorism and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and conduct a counter-terrorism exercise next year.

The ministers also agreed to pursue exchanges and training by Anti-Submarine Warfare aviation units and the Japanese side proposed to invite Indian Navy personnel to mine-countermeasures training.

Both the nations also finalised their nuclear deal taking the ties between the two countries another leap together. The landmark civil nuclear cooperation deal between the two countries provides for collaboration between their industries came into force after six years of negotiations this year. The civil nuclear cooperation agreement was signed in November 2016, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo.

"No friend will matter more in realising India's economic dreams than Japan. We have made enormous progress in economic cooperation as also in our regional partnership and security cooperation," said Modi after signing the deal.

Japan has also been deeply involved in several infrastructure projects in India like the Delhi-Mumbai Freight Corridor, the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, metro projects in Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway, setting up of several Japanese industrial townships.

Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe's ambitious target for doubling Japanese investment within 5 years and his commitment for $35 billion for different infrastructure projects for five years bolstered Modis dream for 'Make in India'. While welcoming Japanese investors, he ensured "red carpet minus red tape" in his last visit to Japan, as Eurasia Review noted.

Modi's shift to woo Japanese investment from automobile to defense and development of smart cities is expected to create a new vista for Japanese cooperation in India.

India and Japan are also exploring joint business opportunities in the defence and security sector in Africa, as part of their ambitious Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) plan, according to The Print. This plan has largely been seen as a counter to China's One Belt One Road project, which India boycotted.

Efforts to checkmate China?

During his visit to Tokyo, Jaitley welcomed the trilateral naval exercise among the US, India and Japan. "This is all reflective of the level of cooperation our armed forces have with each other," DNA quoted him as saying. China has been wary of these joint military exercises for a long time.

This year, the three-nation Malabar Naval Exercise was held in the backdrop of prevailing border tension with China in Doka La. The Chinese media said that the exercise may be a security concern for China as the Indian Ocean Region is considered economically important for Asia's largest economy.

Beijing has always regarded the Malabar exercises as an attempt to checkmate its rising military clout. The Chinese media believes that the US, India and Japan are ganging up against Beijing.

Japan's growing ties with India and its continued support comes as no surprise because Tokyo is no stranger to Beijing's efforts to change the status quo. According to India Today, it was Japan in January 2014 which asked India to forge a team to thwart Chinese expansionist moves in the East China Sea as well as in the Himalayas.

Then defence minister of Japan Itsunori Onodera, had said, "Both Japan and India should ask for a dialogue with Chinese side and tell China not to change status quo by force."

China has also been sending both military and fishing ships into the Senkaku waters and tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have risen since Japan noticed Chinese vessels and other government ships sailing near the disputed island.

India and Japan's partnership has witnessed several significant strides and the bonhomie between the two nations is on an upward trajectory in the backdrop of China's growing presence. Jaitley's visit to Tokyo has strengthened the partnership between the two nations and this will further be cemented by Abe's upcoming visit.

Japan and India, as The Sunday Guardian notes, are natural allies because they have no conflict of strategic interest and share common goals to build institutionalised cooperation and stability in Asia. Japan and India realise their critical location and the importance of their security ties with US to counter an emerging China.

With inputs from PTI
Madhya Pradesh's school education minister Vijay Shah on Wednesday directed all schools in Satna district to ensure from 1 October that all students answer their roll call with 'Jai Hind' instead of the regular 'Yes/No'.

Schools in Satna directed to ensure students answer roll call with 'Jai Hind' instead of 'Yes Sir/Madam' from Oct 1:V Shah,MP School Edu Min pic.twitter.com/raFS25sGVp  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

If the move is successful in the district, Shah will also request its implementation all over the state, India Today reported.

Making the announcement at a divisional meeting of teachers, principals, Jan Shikshaks (cluster academic coordinators) and block resource coordinators in Chitrakoot, he said that the move will help inculcate patriotism among students, The Indian Express reported. Shah, however, said that the administration could only put it forth as a suggestion to private schools.

"For now, this is just a suggestion. We hope they will adhere to it since it relates to patriotism," Shah told ANI.

Shah also told the media that he didn't like the concept of saying 'yes sir, yes madam' in schools and hence came up with this idea.

"I have a military background; my grandfathers have been in the Army. And whenever they come to meet, they always say 'Jai Hind' which I think is a way of respecting your nation, and the feeling of love for your country is shown through his gesture," Shah added, according to a report by The Huffington Post.
Lucknow: The BJP is working with a narrow mindset and conspiring to trap Opposition leaders in fake cases, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said.

He said the NDA government at the Centre was formed by "befooling people" and that the party will have to pay for its false promises.

"The saffron party is working with a narrow mindset and following political vendetta to trap opposition leaders in fake cases," the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh said, addressing party workers at SP headquarters.

Alleging that the BJP was "dividing the society", Akhilesh added, "We do not want 'Digital India'. We need an India where farmers and youths are happy."
New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday raised questions over Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's state visit to Ahmedabad and not the country's national capital and hoped it would not be used for political purposes in view of the forthcoming Gujarat assembly elections.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said it was "quixotic" that Abe was not being hosted in Delhi.

"We do not want to transgress propriety by commenting on a state visit but it is rather quixotic that the Prime Minister of a country as important as Japan, who is almost Indias strategic partner in many respects, is strangely not even being hosted in Delhi," he said.

He hoped a state visit was not being used for "political purposes" in view of the elections in Gujarat, slated to be held later this year.

"With an election in Gujarat around the corner, it does raise a question  and I hope this is not the case  that a state visit is actually being used for political purposes because the manner in which it is structured is rather awkward," he told reporters here.

Tewari said India had a great relationship with Japan and that relationship, its foundations and consolidation had been laid during the UPA regime.

Japanese Prime Minister Abe arrived here today on a two-day visit with a packed agenda that includes the laying of the foundation stone for India's first bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Tewari also criticised the government over the handling of the Rohingyas issue and said the criticism India had been subjected to by the United Nations Human Rights Council was "absolutely unprecedented".

"The stand which this government has taken on the Rohingyas is totally contrary to India's traditions where we have welcomed the persecuted from any part of our neighbourhood," he said.

He said India had not faced "this kind of ignominy".

"So, therefore, you can be critical of (Congress vice-president) Rahul Gandhi, but I think the time has come for the NDA-BJP Government and the Prime Minister to introspect that mere speeches and road shows with leaders of other countries do not substitute for diplomacy," Tewari said.

On Gandhi's recent remarks in the US about being ready to take over as the party chief, he said the Congress was a democratic party and an organisational election process was on.

"You don't second guess an organisational election process. It will culminate logically in what the aspirations and the desires of the Congress workers are," he said. PTI SKC BDS 09132225 NNNN
Till a week ago, billboards across Delhi splashed the name of Ankiv Basoya of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). He withdrew his nomination at the last minute and the reason for doing so was not as public as those billboards. A student on campus said, "after all the random hand-shaking exercises from inside his Red Ford Mustang, where has he disappeared?"

On 6 September, the ABVP declared Rajat Choudhary as its presidential candidate. His name is mis-spelt as Rajatt on some posters and banners. Why? Is he on the wrong side of the law with his name on posters that are plastered on public property  be it bus stops or in market places or on the walls of colleges? As per the section on penalty for defacement of property in the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 2007 (an act of the legislative assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi which received the assent of the President of India on 17 January, 2009), the first point states, Whoever defaces any property in public view by writing or marking with ink, chalk, paint, or any other material except for the purpose of indicating the name and address of the owner or occupier of such property, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, or both.

The following picture with his mis-spelt name is doing the rounds on Whatsapp and students have confessed to Firstpost that they are bribed with pizzas, cosmetics and alcohol and that these malpractices are quite ordinary but nobody talks about them openly:

ABVP isnt the only party guilty of introducing spelling errors in the names of candidates. National Students Union of India (NSUI) presidential candidate Rocky Tuseeds name is mis-spelt as Rockey Toshir on this graffiti. This is a screenshot from a promotional video shared by NSUI Delhi:

Both parties are aware that theyre on the wrong side of the law. Another aspect that unites them is that their respective presidential candidates have been dragged into controversies. Rocky Tuseed was debarred from contesting in the elections, after which he filed a petition in the high court. The high court eventually allowed the NSUI presidential candidate to contest the election but directed the varsity not to declare the results for the post of president.

The Delhi High Court on Monday also sent a show-cause to the DU students contesting the polls on a plea seeking directions to municipal bodies to impose fines on parties defacing public property by putting up posters, according to DNA.

Meanwhile, Raja Choudhary, an independent candidate, has alleged that Rajat Choudharys henchmen have threatened him to back out. He had filed a complaint with the police that Rajat had physically harmed him, after which a police constable was deployed for his safety. While Rocky is a student of Buddhist Studies at Arts Faculty, North Campus, Rajat studies political science at Motilal Nehru College, South Campus.

Firstpost spoke to a group of students from Kirori Mal College (KMC) in North Campus who explained why theyre totally disenchanted with DUSU, which, they feel, is nothing but political gimmickry. One guy contested from our college as an independent candidate and he was beaten up. We cannot contest if we want to just look around, politics is dirty and scary. They come in big cars and raid our classrooms and classes are disrupted. There is screaming and shouting but we still dont know what the manifestos are about, revealed a student of Science Stream at KMC.

One girl spoke about a gang crowding her college gates each morning and how she walks right past them with her head down, not wanting to be forced to shake hands. She also says the students sell their votes to earn toffees, cosmetics, pizzas and alcohol. Women empowerment is mostly in every partys agenda but some girls at KMC tell us that if an unfortunate incident happens, then a candle light march or a seminar takes place but no concrete steps are taken towards improving women safety in the campus.

Distribution of alcohol is a common malpractice but people refrain from talking about it. Even the students are at fault because they accept freebies, hinted another student in the group. The paper used in campaigning can be used to supply books to poor students. In India, paper is vidya (knowledge) and commands respect but not in North Campus, lamented a student of first year at KMC.

These students say they study political science theory and have classroom debates about democracy and awareness and the right to think freely and intelligently but when they look around, the level of discourse is quite pathetic. There is no positive campaigning, the big parties are interested in pointing each others flaws, one of the students said. Their demand is an unbiased leader who respects that this is a multi-party system and not a totalitarian state.

The students are depressed by the fact that the university who gave India a leader like Arun Jaitley is growing wary of its own political machinery.

They ask why candidates can't be selected on the basis of academic merit. Last year, nearly 17,000 students voted for NOTA and there was a seven percent dip in the voting turn out. This years voting turnout was 43 percent.

The students share with Firstpost that once the union is elected, its major responsibility is organising freshers parties and annual college fests. The budgets, they add, range from Rs 30 lakh to Rs one crore and adding star power to the fest is a matter of pride. Atif Aslam performed at Shri Ram College of Commerce in 2015 and his tentative price for one performance is Rs 50 lakh. In response to an RTI filed by NSUI regarding the DUSU budget 2016-2017, when the ABVP was in power, DUSU authorities shared that out of Rs 26,20,000, an amount of Rs 21,78,000 was spent on miscellaneous needs (tea, photostat, repair, maintenance, and others not in the list).

Lack of transparency in the methods is one of the reasons for the Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS), AAPs student body, to keep themselves away from the elections. The manifestos havent changed since the 50s. We have studied both ABVP and NSUI manifestos and they raise the same issues of hostels, womens safety and transportation year after year. Why havent they been able to deliver on ground? asks Anupam Kumar, Delhi president, CYSS. There are over 8,000 students in JNU and their president makes it to national headlines. Does anybody know who the DU president is and what his opinion on national issues is, despite the fact that there are more than 1.30 lakh students in this university? he asks.

Firstpost raised some of these concerns with all four candidates from the NSUI and the ABVP each and heard their side of the story too. Mahamedha Nagar of the ABVP said her party is in a golden period. Some of our demands are CCTV cameras and a permanent woman constable outside girls colleges, and this is what some parties have been talking about for quite some time, she said.

When asked about the Rs 22 lakh worth of funds being spent on tea by ABVP as suggested by the RTI, Rajat Choudhary said that it isnt possible to have that much tea. He then accused a former NSUI president of locking his room and staying away from campus issues and highlighted that his party stands with the students through thick and thin.

Meenakshi Meena of the NSUI spoke about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the filth generated on campus by both parties. She said the NSUI had to cover 52 colleges in a short span of time and thats why posters were used, saying, We will ensure we go paperless from next year.

All India Students Associations Kawal Preet Kaur told Firstpost that a culture of impunity has come into the campus because of parties that think they can get away with anything. AISA fielded Parul Chauhan, a student of Satyawati College, as its presidential candidate. The party has campaigned with less paper and has chanted more creative slogans and made use of hand-drawn posters. Their style of campaigning has remained much closer to that of JNU Students Union elections, where it has came to power recently. All in all, these elections prove that the practice of politics in Delhi University requires serious change.
Unlike the radical environs of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, little is ever expected of its spatial and ideological neighbour, the University of Delhi (DU). The latter is only an ideological neighbour in a manner of speaking, preferring to remain  and not necessarily out of choice  impenetrable to the culture of dialogue that the JNU has prided itself on for decades.

If such a view were orthodoxy, elections to the students' unions of the two universities have unsettled this rectitude. Elections to the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) saw a rather predictable electoral victory of the Left alliance  comprising the All India Students' Association (AISA), Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Students' Federation (DSF).

It's the difficult truth, lost though it appears in the euphoria of triumph, that the JNU will now find it difficult, if not impossible, to reprise the years when electoral choice was, by and large, mediated between different shades of Left; when the Congress' National Students' Union of India (NSUI) was the imagined adversary, perhaps even Right-wing.

The Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) is now the second largest political force in JNU, assailable only by the collective electoral might of the Left. Nevertheless, it is to JNU's credit that its electoral process forces even ABVP to surrender its primary political imagination of assertive violence, and the easy refuge of muscle and money, compelling the configuration of liberal-democratic means as the manifesto. It is for this reason that the JNU remains unassailable, even if its Left-wing political formations, in alliance or otherwise, see wavering electoral fortune.

The culture of the University of Delhi, serious comparative accounts of it with the JNU notwithstanding, is a different political organism; it is, at times, rigid as dogma, if one is to consider the recent electoral supremacy of the ABVP in the university, and at other times, as the DUSU election tells us, amenable to taking inexplicable guises.

Of the union's four executive positions, the NSUI's Rocky Tuseed was elected president with 16,299 votes and Kunal Sehrawat vice-president with 16,431 votes. ABVP's Mahamedhaa Nagar was elected general secretary with 17,156 votes and Uma Shankar joint-secretary with 16,691 votes. In a stunning development with wide-ranging implications, the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) choice gathered 5,162 votes for the presidential position, and 7,684, 7,891 and 9,028 votes for the vice-presidential, secretarial, and joint-secretarial positions respectively.

The political and electoral culture of the university, through which the results would have to be analysed, are conspicuous by their absence  elections are fought, never contested, and the tussle is often, if not invariably, an appeal to the pleasures of the essential: Alcohol, gastronomic delights, money, muscle and the brotherhood of caste.

In assessments of celebration, particularly those touting this outcome as a righteous and crushing defeat of the ABVP, it is imperative to be mindful of this reality, given that it has ensured the ABVP's stronghold on two of the four executive positions. The electoral culture of the university, coupled with the ABVP's persistent appeal to the nationalism and anti-nationalism of its voters, is the only rationale of its sustenance.

And yet, the DUSU elections of 2017, in themselves, were far from unexceptional. In what would be considered inconceivable to anyone versed in the electoral ethos of the university, NSUI emerged triumphant on critical presidential and vice-presidential positions. That this victory was narrow, as is being argued, ignores that it was a victory nevertheless.

In February 2017, Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid were invited to the Cultures of Protest conference at the capital's Ramjas College. The mere mention of this invitation inspired grotesque violence as students and activists of ABVP unleashed a wave of patriotic fury on the participants, declared them anti-national, and therefore undeserving of their liberties.

The participants included students and teachers from across the university, braving unprecedented assault and a fervent pelting of brick and stone, emerged in a protest against the gundaagardi of the ABVP, and in that, an assault on the very idea of the university.

Even if sympathy for Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid found little resonance, an ethical resonance against the violence and hooliganism of ABVP garnered considerable appeal, appearing as a recurring motif in the campaigns of all political formations in the election  a call, in every lucid word, to save the university.

It is undeniable that the electoral outcome is a consequence of this resonance, but that the ABVP's adversaries failed to galvanise the sentiment is rather unescapable. The disillusionment and discontentment with the ABVP expressed itself in a thunderous support for the choice of the NOTA, and as it appears, a narrow victory for the only liberal alternative in the university, the NSUI.

A programmatic stigmatisation of the Left and an utter inability to convert discontentment into an anti-ABVP ideological position renders the ABVP yet unassailable, even as the opposition faltered to gather, further giving way to a mushrooming of independent candidacy in the election.

To celebrate the mandate as a triumph of the NSUI, let alone the Congress, is a travesty of imagination. It is only in addressing the failure of the opposition to become a counter-public that an ideological challenge and a political culture in the university can be carved.
17:10 (ist)

Chief election officer rejects NSUI's demands of tampering

Chief Election Officer SB Babbar, however, said there were no lapses in the counting as "DU is the only university which uses EVMs". "He (Avinash Yadav) is crying foul because he lost with a close margin. And as for lapses in video, they were no longer than a couple of seconds."

"There were no ABVP leaders inside, nor from NSUI, only the candidates," Babbar told IANS.
New Delhi: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's speech at the University of California, Berkeley, won the hearts of the student community, leading to the victory of NSUI candidates in Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU), said Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken.

The Congress-backed National Students Union of India (NSUI) made a comeback in the DUSU, wresting the crucial posts of president and vice-president from the RSS-affiliated ABVP. NSUI candidates Rocky Tusheed and Kunal Sehrawat defeated their respective ABVP rivals to become president and vice president. The ABVP managed to bag the posts of secretary and joint-secretary.

"The victory of NSUI candidates shows that the student community has wholeheartedly accepted the speech given by Rahul Gandhi at the university in Berkeley in the US on 12 September," Maken said.

At the University of California, Berkeley, Gandhi spoke about his reflections on contemporary India and the path forward for the world's largest democracy. It also showed that the students have "rejected" Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on Swami Vivekananda on 11 September, he claimed.

"The youth, who helped Modi record a thumping victory in the Lok Sabha elections, have become disillusioned with him," Maken said in a press conference held after the victory of NSUI candidates.

Maken also alleged that an effort was made by the BJP and its government at the Centre to "influence" the DUSU polls. "For the first time in the history, the DUSU elections were held on a weekday, 12 September, instead of on a weekend, like Friday or Saturday, in a bid to make the students listen to Modi's speech on 11 September, and influence the student community," he charged.

Maken also said that legal recourse may be taken in NSUI candidate Avinash Yadav's defeat on the joint secretary post. Yadav was defeated by ABVP's Uma Shankar by a margin of 342 votes, with NSUI alleging that CCTV cameras at counting venues went blank during the counting of votes.
A day after the Election Commission of India rejected Sharad Yadav's application to stake claim over Janata Dal (United)'s symbol, the ruling faction on Wednesday said that the rebel leader should join Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

"Sharad Yadav should formally join the RJD and accept the party symbol Lantern as its own without any further delay," JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said.

Neeraj said Sharad has no other option except to join RJD to survive in politics. "Now, Sharad may also lose his Rajya Sabha membership soon," he said.

Claiming that the "real" JD(U) belonged to Sharad, the faction had in August announced its decision to approach the Election Commission over the party's arrow symbol.

According to The Indian Express, the EC rejected on Tuesday the plea due to lack of appropriate documents of support from party legislators and office-bearers. The commission also pointed out that the application filed by Javed Raza on behalf of the Sharad Yadav-led camp was not signed by him. A copy of the order was also sent to the Nitish Kumar-led faction.

On Wednesday, the party spokesperson said that Sharad had become 'uncle' of Lalu's family, who have been facing action by Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax department for their alleged corruption and benami property worth hundreds of crore.

He said Sharad and another party rebel MP Ali Anwar were already served notices by Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu last Monday, asking them to explain their position regarding a party petition seeking their disqualification from the House.

JD(U) has time and again in last two weeks said that Sharad has "voluntarily" quit the membership of the JD(U) by attending the RJD chief Lalu Prasad's "Desh Bachao BJP Bhagao" rally on 27 August.

However, till date, the Bihar chief minister, who is also the president of JD(U), has not expelled Sharad despite warning him that the party would act against him if he attends the RJD rally.

The JD(U) in July-end split into two factions, one led by Nitish and the other by Sharad, after the former dumped the Grand Alliance of RJD and Congress and joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form a new government.

The JD(U) on 12 August had removed Sharad as the party's leader in Rajya Sabha. According to JD(U) leaders, 70 MLAs, two Lok Sabha MPs and seven Rajya Sabha MPs are with Nitish-led Janata Dal(U).

With inputs from PTI and IANS
Around the time liberals, secularists, the Congress and Leftist parties are trying to build a narrative around the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh  alleging that BJP and RSS have created an atmosphere of hatred, intolerance and violence  Mohan Bhagwat took an unusual initiative to interact with diplomats from across the globe.

The diplomats had an opportunity to engage with the RSS chief and ask anything that they wanted to know. For the diplomats, it was an opportunity to form an opinion about the person (Bhagwat), who runs the biggest "social" organisation in the world.

Since the chances to interact directly with the RSS chief or any of the organisation's top functionaries are very limited, the opinions they and people in authority in their respective countries had formed were based either on media reports or briefings made by second-rung persons in the outfit or even by RSS' critics and rivals.

That obviously was not a very healthy situation for the RSS. More so, since the time Narendra Modi, an erstwhile Sangh pracharak, led BJP to a full-majority government at the Centre, there was a realisation among the leading lights of the RSS that they needed to open up.

It had for long been charged by its critics, political or otherwise, of being a closed secretive organisation. Though the organisation has been trying to correct that situation over the last several years, with increased interaction with media and people outside the Sangh Parivar  even starting a media wing and designating official spokespersons  Bhagwat engaging directly with foreign diplomats is something different, and is open to varied interpretations.

Around 50 high-ranking diplomats, drawn from all parts of the globe, including those from Western and Islamic nations, were keen to meet and know him, and the organisation he leads.

Here, it would be interesting to draw an analogy. Way back in July 2005, when LK Advani had visited Pakistan and drew sizeable numbers from the media and other sections of society during his interactions, someone in a position of authority had remarked, "they all are coming to see whether Advani has horns I don't know whether they are disappointed or happy to see that he does not".

The other issue here is of acceptance of the RSS. In September 2000, during a trip to the United States, the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had famously remarked "I too am a Swayamsewak" but the fact remains that his tenure in the government did have occasions when relations between him, his government and the RSS were strained. So much so that in a rare media interview, the then RSS chief KS Sudarshan had made some harsh remarks about his government.

Though Modi has never made an "I too am a Swayamsewak" kind of remark, his persona is taken as a moving embodiment of the Sangh philosophy. It's also a fact that his approach to dealing with a situation is based on realpolitik and governance needs than looking at it from an ideological straight-jacket perspective. That notwithstanding, the BJP and RSS coordination at all levels today is far greater and smoother than what it used to be during six years of Vajpayee regime. That adds to the importance of the current RSS chief.

At the 'breakfast briefing' with foreign diplomats, Bhagwat made brief opening remarks detailing the organisational structure of the RSS and the work it does. He then invited the audience to ask questions. For a change, the news of the meeting and selective details didn't initially originate from source but from the twitter handles of Ram Madhav and A Surya Prakash.

This is what some of the tweets had to say: "Sangh doesn't run BJP; BJP doesn't run Sangh. As Swayamsevaks v consult n exchange notes bt independent in functioning-Bhagwatji to diplomats."

What would interest many across the world was Bhagwat's opinion on trolling, an issue over which liberals and secularists keep on blasting "nationalists" and Sangh Parivar sympathisers.

RSS Chief Dr.Mohan Bhagwat: We don't support trolling & aggressive behaviour on the net - chat with Diplomats @rammadhavbjp @indfoundation pic.twitter.com/UpV6uCe9Uq  A. Surya Prakash (@mediasurya) September 12, 2017

Then he spoke about the alleged discrimination against Muslims:

No discrimination & oneness of our nation & oneness of the world is our goal: RSS Chief Dr.Mohan Bhagwat @indfoundation @rammadhavbjp  A. Surya Prakash (@mediasurya) September 12, 2017

He also covered various health, education, rural development projects:

Dr.Bhagwat says RSS runs 1.70 lakh service projects in Health,Edu, Rural Devl.Asks diplomats to visit projects @indfoundation @rammadhavbjp  A. Surya Prakash (@mediasurya) September 12, 2017

Now consider some of the headlines in various dailies:

Hinduness isnt about what one wears or eats: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

RSS bound by Supreme Court order on Ayodhya: Mohan Bhagwat

Bhagwat's free and frank interaction with foreign diplomats suggests the kind of confidence and acceptance that he now has. Former President Pranab Mukherjee hosting him for lunch in his last days at the Rashtrapati Bhawan was another such occasion.

But his problems lie elsewhere  convincing Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal and a CPM government in Kerala to allow him to hold his public functions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to accompany his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, to the 16th century Sidi Saiyyed mosque in Ahmedabad marks an important turn in his political evolution. Famed globally for its exquisite stone lattice work or jalis, the mosque is not just an architectural marvel, but also the symbolic icon of Ahmedabad city.

The mosque is evidence of historical fruition of Gujarat's multiculturalism, a testimony to Hindu and Muslim cultures coming together in the past to create structures of ever-lasting beauty and significance. The famed 'tree of life' lattice window is not just omnipresent in tourism publicity material, but also provided inspiration for the logo of the National Institute of Design. The 'tree' fuses Hindu and Islamic spiritualism by the depicting the Kalpavruksh, the Hindu element, while the date palm is symbolic of Muslim heritage and its vibrant cultural stamp on contemporary Ahmedabad and several other parts of Gujarat.

In July this year, UNESCO declared Ahmedabad as India's first World Heritage City. It marked the successful culmination of efforts initiated in 2010 by Modi in his capacity as Gujarat's chief minister. In congratulations that poured in at that time, Ahmedabad's Jain, Vaishnav and Mahajan traditions were lauded by BJP leaders but there was silence on the city's Islamic past and its syncretic inheritance.

Insofar as the composite character of the state's legacy is concerned, Modi has been in denial mode. Significantly, this is his first ever visit to the mosque which he now considers worthy of unprecedented recognition that the Abe visit will confer. In the years when he was chief minister and even after becoming prime minister, Modi has not acknowledged or promoted Gujarat's composite cultural and spiritual heritage. With this visit alongside Abe, Modi seeks to reverse this.

It is apt to recall that in September 2011 when Modi tentatively began his outreach programme, Sadbhavna, to promote social harmony, he ran into controversy when a Sufi cleric, Syed Imam Shahi Sayed, offered a skull cap to Modi which he refused. Modi was subsequently taunted by political opponents, including Nitish Kumar. Vijay Rupani, then a mere party spokesman clarified that Modi's "policy is not of appeasement of a section of society unlike other parties, but our approach is development for all and treating everyone as equal".

The Bihar chief minister had then taken a jibe at Modi arguing that in the diverse country like India, all "symbols must be respected. In order to maintain harmony with everyone, sometimes one has to wear a cap and sometimes one needs to sport a tilak.". Sometime later, noted social scientist, Ashis Nandy, who had called Modi a "textbook fascist" very early in his career, stated that he must "go to a dargah. Go to Ajmer Sharif and apologise. The Khwaja is supposed to be benevolent and very forgiving."

Modi is not visiting the Sidi Saiyyed mosque to either seek pardon, or deliverance but only taking Abe to display a personality facet for which he is not known, either internationally or domestically. Yet, the decision is indicative of ginger steps that Modi is taking to be accepted as a more inclusive leader. Though this might not be backed by adequate efforts to rein in fringe forces, but the choice of this destination, when he could have opted for any other that showcased Ahmedabad's historicity, has to be seen in conjunction with the statements of Mohan Bhagwat on trolls and Rajnath Singh recent comedown on the issue of Article 35A of the Constitution.

Bhagwat's assertion in an interaction, most significantly with diplomats of the foreign missions, provides an indication that the Sangh Parivar realises that hyperactivity of the fringe elements inspired by the idea of Hindutva, has potential to damage Modi's image internationally. Significantly, Bhagwat made a sweeping declaration that "Hinduness" does not give anyone the right to sit in judgment on other people's choice of food or clothes, provided this does not violate laws of the land. This is not the first time that the RSS sarsanghchalak has spoken the language of restraint and caution.

It must be kept in mind that Modi takes no decision without a clear intention. Coming as it does in a year when Gujarat goes in for assembly election that is crucial for Modi to retain his electoral might in the country, the choice of the Sidi Saiyyed mosque for his evening tete-a-tete is intriguing.

Significantly, Modi is literally going to enact the role of 'Raju Guide' for Abe not just for the road show but also during the time they spend together in the famed mosque. Reports mention that Modi had to take a crash course on the salient points of the mosque's architecture and history because he opted to do the talking himself and not with the help of either custodian of the shrine or members of the Sunni Waqf Board.

It is not that Modi is repositioning himself dramatically and is on way to becoming a neo-secularist because doing so would risk his core Hindu vote. He is merely visiting a monument and not reaching out to people from a community that feels beleaguered. Yet, his visit to this mosque for the first time  he is known to have visited Sarkhej Roza mosque and tomb complex on the outskirts of Ahmedabad in 2010  is not an ordinary event and poles apart from his visit to Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque or gifting a gold-plated replica of Kerala's Cheraman Juma Masjid to King Salman of Saudi Arabia. Modi's future trajectory insofar as engaging with religious minorities, especially Muslims, will have to be closely tracked henceforth.
tech2 News Staff

Taiwanese phone-maker HTC is said to be releasing the HTC Ocean Life. Based on a tweet by custom ROM developer and trusted tipster LlabTooFeR, HTC will release the smartphone with a stock build of Android O along with its Sense 9.0 user interface.

The tweet also reveals that running a near-stock Android build will also see HTC remove a bunch of their pre-installed apps from the phone. The customisations to the phone will be left to a minimum with only Edge Sense, Zoe and the HTC camera app making its way to the device.

The tweet was replied to by another popular tipster, Evan Blass who went on to share an image of what he claims to be a final render of the device. The image reveals a design which could be associated with the company's flagship HTC U11 phone.

PhoneArena in another report placed the rendered image alongside HTC's U11 Life which was released in the US to reveal a nearly identical looking phone. This was to suggest that the HTC Ocean Life could be a rebranding exercise of the original smartphone with the addition of Android One.

Reports suggest that HTC Ocean Life is intended to feature a 5.2-inch full HD display along with a 16 MP rear-facing shooter as well as a 16 MP camera on the front for selfies. The Ocean Life will be targetted as a mid-range device and is expected to come with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor along with 32 GB of storage.
Christian non-profit organizations have outdone FEMA and provided the vast majority of the relief aid to victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.



Faith-based relief groups are responsible for providing nearly 80 percent of the aid delivered thus far to communities with homes devastated by the recent hurricanes, according to USA Today. An alliance of non-profit organizations called National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), 75 percent of which are faith based, has helped FEMA distribute relief assistance to communities hit by disasters and assisted families in navigating government aid programs to begin the process of rebuilding.



About 80 percent of all recovery happens because of non-profits, and the majority of them are faith-based, Greg Forrester, CEO of NVOAD, told USA Today.



Several individual organizations have aided in the relief operations in major ways as well. Samaritans Purse, an evangelical disaster relief group led by evangelist Franklin Graham, recently began a relief mission to the Caribbean to help victims of the hurricanes on various islands. Samaritans Purse also has ongoing relief operations in Houston and is preparing to aid Florida in the aftermath of Irma.



FEMA  they have been a big blessing to us, theyre an assistance to us, Luther Harrison, vice president of North American Ministries for Samaritans Purse, told USA Today. For Hurricane Irma, the majority of our equipment has already been dispatched to Texas  so our office in Canada is bringing their equipment across the border and FEMA was instrumental in helping us clear that with customs and getting all the paperwork done.



The United Methodist Committee on Relief, which has 20,000 volunteers trained to serve in disaster response teams, not only helps clean up the mess and repair the damage inflicted on homes by disasters, but also helps families with the process of applying for and receiving aid from various government relief programs.



The Seventh Day Adventists help state governments with warehousing various goods and necessities to aid communities in the aftermath of a disaster.



Right now, in the state of Texas, we are going around with FEMA trying to help them select a facility, Derek Lee, director of disaster response for Adventist Community Services, told USA Today. Itll actually be the states facility but itll be us that helps them manage it. We are going around with them right now trying to help them pick out a facility that will accommodate what the need is going to be on the ground.



Non-denominational Christian relief organization Convoy of Hope helps to provide meals to victims of natural disasters by setting up feeding stations in affected communities, and they often do so at FEMAs request. Most recently the group prepared three trailer trucks filled with food and necessities to be shipped out to areas affected the worst by the hurricanes.



The services that faith-based relief groups have rendered to ravaged communities has not only helped the families and individuals affected by the storms, but has also translated into billions of dollars worth of aid for the states in general, which must match and pay back the economic aid given to them by FEMA. The volunteers, who come at no cost to state governments, count toward the states matching of FEMA funds.



FEMA can not do what it does so well without the cooperation of faith-based non-profit organizations and churches, Rev. Jamie Johnson, director of the Department of Homeland Securitys Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships, told USA Today. Its a beautiful relationship between government and the private sector and it is something to behold.
Reuters

Toshiba Corp said on 13 September said that it has agreed to focus on selling its prized chips unit to a group led by Bain Capital and South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix, although it is not ruling out a deal with other bidders.

The announcement came after sources told Reuters on 12 September that Toshiba was now favouring the Bain group after failing to bridge disagreements with rival suitor Western Digital Corp.

13 September marks the third time the embattled Japanese conglomerate has failed to meet a target date to sell the $18 billion business  the worlds second-biggest producer of NAND memory chips.

Without an agreement soon, it will be difficult for Toshiba to gain by the end of the financial year in March, regulatory approval and hence the funds it needs to cover billions in liabilities at it U.S. nuclear unit.

Toshiba said in a statement it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Bain to accelerate discussions, and hoped to reach agreement in late September. But it added that the memorandum was not legally binding and did not prevent it from negotiating with other parties.

A representative for Bain was not immediately available for comment, while SK Hynix declined to comment.

Western Digital, which jointly invests in Toshibas key NAND memory plant but which has been at loggerheads with the Japanese firm for much of the auction - said it was disappointed as well as surprised at the development given its legal position.

We remain confident in our ability to protect our JV interests and consent rights, the California-based firm said in a statement.

Sources have said that discussions with Western Digital faltered as Toshiba, fearing its partner was angling to eventually take over the chip business, sought to limit the U.S. firms future stake in the unit.

The Bain groups latest offer is worth 2.4 trillion yen ($22 billion), including a 200 billion yen investment in infrastructure, they said, declining to be identified as the talks were private.

The group had been chosen preferred bidder in June. But those talks lapsed as Japan government investors who had been part of that consortium told Toshiba they were reluctant to close a deal in the face of legal challenges posed by Western Digital.

The current offer by Bain and Hynix is designed to get around the legal risks by inviting the state-backed investors - the Innovation Network Corp of Japan and the Development Bank of Japan  to invest in the business only after any arbitration with Western Digital is settled.

But it remains uncertain whether Toshiba will be able to complete the transaction by the end-March as Western Digital is likely to seek a court injunction on the sale. A California court has ordered Toshiba to give the U.S. firm two weeks notice before a deal is closed.

SK Hynixs participation could also prolong antitrust reviews, industry watchers said. The South Korean chipmaker plans to limit its role to financing, but its unclear if it hopes to gain a stake in the future.

If Toshiba does fail to secure sufficient financing by end-March, it is likely to report negative net worth, or liabilities exceeding assets, for a second year running  a scenario that could result in a delisting from the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Shares of Toshiba ended flat, while SK Hynix shares rose 1.3 percent.
Yangon: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi will not attend the United Nations General Assembly this week, her spokesman said on Wednesday, as the Nobel laureate faces a barrage of criticism over her failure to speak up for Rohingya Muslims fleeing Rakhine state in huge numbers.

A crackdown by Myanmar's army, launched in response to Rohingya militant attacks on 25 August has sent some 379,000 Rohingya refugees scrambling across the border to Bangladesh in less than three weeks.

The violence has incubated a humanitarian crisis on both sides of the border and piled intense global pressure on Suu Kyi to condemn the army campaign, which the UN has described as having all the hallmarks of "ethnic cleansing".

Bangladesh is struggling to provide relief for exhausted and hungry refugees  some 60 percent of whom are children  while nearly 30,000 ethnic Rakhine Buddhists as well as Hindus have been displaced inside Myanmar.

Nine thousand more refugees poured into Bangladesh on Wednesday, as authorities clambered to build a new camp for tens of thousands of arrivals who have no shelter.

Suu Kyi, Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades, has no control over the powerful military, which ran the country for 50 years before allowing free elections in 2015.

There is also scant sympathy among Myanmar's Buddhist majority for the Rohingya, a stateless Muslim group branded "Bengalis"  shorthand for illegal immigrants.

But outside of her country Suu Kyi's reputation as a defender of the oppressed is in ruins over the Rohingya crisis.

Rights groups have pilloried the former democracy activist for failing to speak out against the army campaign, which has left hundreds dead.

Rohingya refugees have told chilling accounts of soldiers firing on civilians and razing entire villages in northern Rakhine state with the help of Buddhist mobs.

The army denies the allegations, while Suu Kyi has also played down claims of atrocities, instead blaming "a huge iceberg of misinformation" for complicating the conflict.

Her decision to skip the UN assembly comes hours before the Security Council is set to discuss the refugee crisis behind closed doors, with China expected to shoot down any efforts to censure its strategically pivotal Southeast Asian ally.

"The state counsellor won't attend the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly," government spokesman Zaw Htay told AFP, using Suu Kyi's formal title.

He did not explain the decision but said Vice President Henry Van Thio would attend the summit, which runs through next week.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner garlanded for her dignified and defiant democracy activism under Myanmar's former junta, was once the darling of the international community.

She made her debut before the UN assembly last September, winning warm applause for a speech delivered months after she became Myanmar's first civilian leader following a decades-long democracy struggle under the former junta.
Yangon: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has scrapped plans to attend the United Nations General Assembly later in September, her spokesman said on Wednesday, as the Nobel laureate faces intense global scrutiny over the Rohingya refugee crisis.

"The state counsellor won't attend the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly," said government spokesman Zaw Htay, using Suu Kyi's formal title.

The spokesman did not explain the decision but said the country's vice-president Henry Van Thio would attend the summit, which runs through next week.

The announcement comes after the United Nations human rights chief, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, accused Myanmar of waging a "systematic attack" on Rohingya civilians and warned that "ethnic cleansing" seemed to be under way.

The UN's National Security Council also plans to meet Wednesday to discuss the crisis, which continues to deepen as the number of Rohingya refugees making it to Bangladesh soars to 3,70,000.

They have fled violence that has torn through Rakhine state since 25 August, when militants from the Muslim minority attacked police border posts triggering a major military crackdown.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner for her defiant democracy activism under Myanmar's former junta, was once the darling of the international community.

She made her debut before the United Nations assembly in September 2016, after becoming former junta-run Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades, winning warm applause for her speech.

She vowed to find a solution to ethnic and religious hatreds in Rakhine "that will lead to peace, stability and development for all communities within the state".

In a sign of how far her star has fallen since, she has been pilloried by the same rights groups that campaigned for her release from house arrest for failing to speak up in defence of the Rohingya.

Several fellow Nobel laureates have also condemned her silence.

Denied citizenship by Myanmar, the stateless Rohingya are loathed in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

Refugees streaming into Bangladesh have arrived with horrifying stories of indiscriminate killings and arson attacks at the hands of soldiers.

While the United States and other Western powers have rebuked the military campaign, Beijing offered words of support ahead of the United Nations Security Council meeting.
Islamabad: China and Russia have assured Pakistan at the diplomatic level that they would veto any US move in the United Nations to slap economic sanctions on Islamabad over failure to eliminate terror safe havens, according to a media report on Wednesday.

The ties between Pakistan and the US deteriorated after US president Donald Trump in August criticised Islamabad for providing safe havens to terrorists.

Pakistan's newspaper The Express Tribune and its sister publication Daily Express reported that the US has hinted at imposing sanctions on Pakistani officials allegedly having links with militants.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had warned on Monday that any targeted sanctions against Pakistani officials would not help in US counter-terrorism efforts.

The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has been in contact with two veto-wielding powers  China and Russia  who have opposed the American policy of putting undue pressure on Pakistan.

The two key world players have assured Islamabad of every possible support at all forums, it said.

Pakistan would also approach other Western nations, especially France and the United Kingdom, to drive home its viewpoint, according to report.

Islamabad-based diplomatic sources told Daily Express that foreign policy wizards, security officials and top government functionaries have been brainstorming to chart out new policy vis-a-vis Washington.

It has been decided that Pakistan would phase out its dependence on the United States. And high-level contacts with Washington would be restored only after the Trump administration acquiesced to assuage Pakistans legitimate concerns on the new US strategy for Afghanistan and beyond.

There has been no top level contact between Trump's aides and Pakistani officials since the inauguration of the new US strategy, though US ambassador David Hale has met senior Pakistani civil and military leaders in an attempt to soothe frayed tempers in Islamabad.

Pakistan has started approaching key international and regional players to garner their support in the wake of scathing criticism from president Trump. In this context, foreign minister Khawaja Asif has already launched a diplomatic offensive to garner support for Pakistan. He travelled to China, Iran and Turkey this week.
Washington: US president Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American Raj Shah to a key position in his communications team, the White House says.

Trump also appointed his confidant Hope Hicks as his communications director, officials say. Hicks previously served as Assistant to the President and Interim Communications Director.

"Raj Shah will serve as Deputy Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary," the White House said in a statement.

Shah formerly served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Communications Director. Mercedes Schlapp, a Fox News contributor and columnist for The Washington Times, will serve as Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications.

Trump also appointed Steven Cheung as Director of Strategic Response. He previously served as Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Communications Director.

Shah, 32, was one of the few handful of Trump's aides who landed in the White House within hours of him being sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on 20 January.

In April he was identified as one of the three West Wing Power Player in the White House along with Hope Hicks and Eli Miller.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Shah's parents migrated to the US in 1980s. His parents are from Gujarat.

His father, an engineer by profession, moved to Mumbai at a young age while his mother hails from Bhujpur in Kutch.

Shah was Director of Opposition Research in the Republican National Committee before moving to the White House.
Washington: US president Donald Trump is likely to make a stop in China in November during his first official visit to Asia, a US official said on Tuesday, a trip that will come amid tensions over North Koreas nuclear tests.

Washington and its allies have said there is a growing urgency for China, North Koreas top ally and trading partner, to apply more pressure on its already isolated neighbor to get it to back down on its nuclear weapons and missiles programs.

Chinese president Xi Jinping had invited Trump to visit China during their meeting in April in Palm Beach, Florida. The two leaders also met on the sidelines on the G20 summit in July.

Trump is set to attend the US-ASEAN summit and the East Asia summit in the Philippines in November, as well as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam.

Chinas foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on Trumps potential visit.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK cited unnamed diplomatic sources saying that Trump was also considering visiting Japan and South Korea during his Asian tour in November.

In February, Trump accepted Prime Minister Shinzo Abes invitation to visit Japan by the end of the year.

The February agreement is still valid. We would definitely like to make it happen sometime within this year. But no specific timing has been fixed yet, a Japanese foreign ministry official said.

Also, the Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun said on Wednesday Japan, the United States and South Korea are in final stages of talks to hold a trilateral summit on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The newspaper, citing unnamed government sources, reported the meeting between Trump, Abe and South Korean president Moon Jae-in could take place on 21 September and would focus on bolstering cooperation in response to North Korean provocation.

On Monday, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to step up sanctions on North Korea, with its profitable textile exports now banned and fuel supplies capped.

After several days of negotiations on the resolution, Washington dropped several measures to win the support of Russia and China, including a bid for an oil embargo and the blacklisting of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the national airline.

In Hong Kong, former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon told the South China Morning Post the results of a US-led investigation into alleged Chinese intellectual property theft would be announced before the Beijing summit to reset bilateral trade.

The far-right architect of Trumps 2016 election victory, Bannon told an investor conference, organized by a unit of Chinas largest brokerage, that Trump and Xi had a rapport that should enable them to work out differences, said an attendee at the meeting which was closed to the press.

Bannon, who was let go by Trump last month, told a private lunch gathering in Hong Kong that he still speaks with President Donald Trump every two to three days, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Washington: United States president Donald Trump said on Tuesday the United Nations sanctions on North Korea agreed this week were a small step and nothing compared to what would have to happen to deal with the countrys nuclear programme.

American treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin warned China, North Koreas main ally and trading partner, that if it did not follow through on the new measures, Washington would "put additional sanctions on them and prevent them from accessing the United States and international dollar system."

Another senior administration official told Reuters any such "secondary sanctions" on Chinese banks and other companies were on hold for now to give time for China to show it was prepared to fully enforce the latest and previous rounds of sanctions.

The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to boost sanctions on North Korea on Monday, banning its textile exports and capping fuel supplies, drawing from Pyongyang a threat of retaliation against the United States.

The United Nations action was triggered by North Koreas sixth and largest nuclear test this month. It was the ninth Security Council sanctions resolution over North Koreas ballistic missile and nuclear programs since 2006.

A tougher initial United States draft was weakened to win the support of China and Russia, both of which hold United Nations veto power. Significantly, it stopped short of imposing a full embargo on oil exports to North Korea, most of which come from China.

"We think its just another very small step, not a big deal," Trump told reporters at the start of a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

"I dont know if it has any impact, but certainly it was nice to get a 15-to-nothing vote, but those sanctions are nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen," said Trump, who has vowed not to allow North Korea to develop a nuclear missile capable of hitting the United States.

Asked if Trump was considering other actions, including cutting off Chinese banks from the United States financial system, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said: "All options are on the table. The president has also said that he wants every country involved to step up and do more."

Washington so far has mostly held off on new sanctions against Chinese banks and other companies doing business with North Korea, given fears of retaliation by Beijing and possibly far-reaching effects on the world economy.

Russia and China both say they respect United Nations sanctions and have called on the United States to return to negotiations with North Korea.
United Nations: Two leading human rights groups today slammed the United Nations Security Council for inaction over the crisis in Myanmar, where 3,70,000 Rohingya Muslims have been forced to flee in a campaign described as ethnic cleansing.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International deplored the council's failure to speak out and demand an end to the violence in western Rakhine state as the top United Nations body prepared to hold a closed-door session on Wednesday.

Britain and Sweden requested the meeting on Myanmar, two weeks after the council met, also behind closed doors. No formal statement was issued following that meeting on 30 August.

"This is ethnic cleansing on a large scale, it seems, and the Security Council cannot open its doors and stand in front of the cameras? It's appalling frankly," HRW's United Nations director Louis Charbonneau told reporters.

The exodus from Rakhine state began after Rohingya militants attacked police posts on 25 August, prompting a military backlash that has sent a third of the Muslim minority population fleeing for their lives.

Exhausted Rohingya refugees crossing into Bangladesh have given accounts of atrocities at the hands of soldiers and Buddhist mobs who burned their villages to the ground.

"Without some sort of public proclamation by Security Council members, the message you are sending to the Myanmar government is deadly, and they will continue to do it," said Sherine Tadros, head of Amnesty International's United Nations office.

Other than condemning the violence, the council could adopt a resolution threatening sanctions against those responsible for the repression, said Human Rights Watch.

Since the council last met on Myanmar, 3,10,000 Rohingyas have fled violence and been forced to become refugees, said HRW's deputy UN director Akshaya Kumar.

Kumar quoted reports from HRW researchers in the field who said Rakhine state was "still on fire" with hundreds of destitute Rohingyas continuing to cross into Bangladesh.

At the meeting tomorrow, China is expected to push back against appeals for United Nations involvement and declare its support for the Yangon government, which maintains its military operation is aimed at countering an insurgency.

Last week, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres took the rare step of writing a letter to the council urging members to send a message to Myanmar authorities to end the security operation.
Islamabad: Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his children were on Wednesday summoned by an anti-corruption court to appear before it on 19 September in a case linked to the family's company in the United Kingdom.

They were summoned after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) last week filed four cases against Sharif, his family members and finance minister Ishaq Dar.

The Islamabad-based accountability court on Wednesday ordered Sharif and his children  Maryam, Hussain and Hassan  to appear before it on 19 September in a case linked to the Sharif family's company, Flagship Investment Limited, in the UK.

Earlier, the court had returned the cases due to "several mistakes" but the NAB moved swiftly to remove the errors and re-filed the cases against Sharif. Still, the NAB has to fix mistakes in two cases and return them by Thursday.

The cases are based on the 28 July judgment of the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case. The court disqualified Sharif and ordered cases be registered against him and his family.

Meanwhile, a five-judge larger Bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday started hearing of the review petitions by Sharif and others against the judgment.

Sharifs are unlikely to appear as they have already stated that they would not appear before the NAB courts until the decision by the apex court on the review petitions.
Islamabad: An Islamabad-based accountability court on Wednesday issued the summons for deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his sons Hussain and Hassan for 19 September in cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) over alleged corruption by the ruling family.

The development came shortly after the anti-graft watchdog re-submitted the reference regarding Flagship Investments (an offshore firm owned by Nawaz's children), Dawn reported.

The top accountability body had last week filed four references against the Sharifs as well as Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in light of the 28 July judgement of the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case. However, the registrar of the accountability court returned two references and directed NAB to re-submit them by 14 September.

The anti-graft body said the accused had been given ample time to explain and provide evidence regarding the accumulation of these assets but "they did not join the investigations before the NAB on the pretext of a review petition already filed before the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the 28 July verdict".

A five-judge larger bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, is already hearing two separate review petitions moved by the ruling family, challenging decisions given by a five-member bench and a three-member bench of the apex court.
titan said: imaginethat said: "Erdogan believes he can play both ends against the middle. We'll see. Meanwhile, having an ally purchase arms, and quite sophisticated arms, from a, presumably, common opponent, that reeks." Click to expand...

Potentially.

But it's also a potential advantage, if NATO can obtain analytical access to the acquired equipment, and find potential flaws that could be exploited in battle. Potentially.But it's also a potential advantage, if NATO can obtain analytical access to the acquired equipment, and find potential flaws that could be exploited in battle. Click to expand...

Turkeys Anadolu News Agency, though government-run, is providing remarkably clear and reliable diagrammatic descriptions of the current status of the U.S - and - fundamentalist - Sunni, versus Russia - and - Shia - and - NON - fundamentalist - Sunni, sides, in the current oil-and-gas war in the Middle East, for control over territory in Syria, for construction of oil-and-gas pipelines through Syria supplying fuel into the worlds largest energy-market: Europe. Russia is now the dominant supplier of both oil and gas, but its ally Iran is a Shiite gas-powerhouse that wants to share the market there, and Russia has no objection.



Qatar is a Sunni gas-powerhouse and wants to become the main supplier of gas there, and Saudi Arabia is a Sunni oil-powerhouse, which wants to become the major supplier of oil, but Saudi oil and Qatari gas would be pipelined through secular-controlled (Assad's) Syria, and this is why the U.S. and its fundamentalist-Sunni allies, the Sauds, and Qataris, are using Al Qaeda and other jihadists to conquer enough of a strip through Syria so that U.S. companies such as Halliburton will be able safely to place pipelines there, to be marketed in Europe by U.S. firms such as Exxon. Iran also wants to pipeline its gas through Syria, and this is one reason why Iran is defending Syrias government, against the U.S.-Saudi-Qatari-jihadist invasion, which is trying to overthrow and replace Assad.

Yep, I'd thought of that. Most likely, Erdogan will use theto inspect S-400 systems up close as bait in his play of both ends against the middle. Whether he'd actually allow it is definitely questionable. I'm confident he'd have to "promise" Putin that no such NATO inspection of Russian weaponry would be allowed.The play in the shadows is which proposed gas pipeline from the ME to Europe will be built. ZeroHedge rarely is unbiased or even correct, but it sums up the shadow drama well here:Remember the little spat Qatar and Saudi Arabia had a few months back?
Dhaka: Bangladeshi authorities on Wednesday recovered the corpses of nine Rohingyas, including three women and three children, from the Naf river, that separates Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The latest deaths raised to 97 the toll of Rohingya refugees who have died while crossing over to Bangladesh, fleeing ongoing violence in the conflict-torn Rakhine state in Myanmar, through the river route, Cox's Bazar District's Intelligence Officer Provas Chandra Dhar said.

"Since Tuesday night nine bodies were recovered from the river...Two to three of them had marks of a bullet wound, rest of them died when their boat sank," an official told Efe news, adding that the boats likely sank two or three days ago.

At least 370,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh in the past three weeks to escape an ongoing violent military offensive in the Rakhine state in northwest Myanmar after the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) rebels attacked multiple government posts in the state on 25 August.

Meanwhile, the ARSA announced a month-long ceasefire last Saturday to allow the entry of humanitarian aid, which the Myanmar government rejected.

The latest Rohingya exodus follows a similar wave last year in October when a similar insurgent attack on border posts had led to an aggressive military offensive in the region resulting in the exodus of more than 80,000 Rohingyas.

Before the current crisis erupted, between 300,000 and 500,000 Rohingyas were living in Bangladesh, out of whom only 32,000 enjoy refugee status and live concentrated in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar district in southeastern Bangladesh.
New Delhi: Senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar said Islamic nations should come forward in absorbing the Rohngiyas and offer them their citizenship.

"Rohingyas are not inhabitants of India if you go by history. They belong to Bangladesh, so how can they be allowed to stay in India? Moreover, they have been involved in terrorist activities here," he told reporters. "I want to know one thing  why not Islamic nations come forward and offer citizenship to Rohngiyas. Whereas in our country, we already have a huge population and comparatively small land size," he said.

The Indian government recently received flak from the United Nations for its response towards the Rohingya crisis. UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein flayed any attempts by India to deport the immigrants to Myanmar.

Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju had earlier said the Rohingyas were "illegal immigrants" and stand to be deported. He added that India had absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

The NDA-led central government had on 9 August told Parliament that more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), were at present staying in India.

However, sources claim that around 40,000 Rohingyas are illegally staying in the country, largely in Jammu, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan.
Washington: The United Nations has appealed to the entire international community to keep the political differences aside and support the ongoing humanitarian efforts to help Rohingya Muslim refugees.

"We have made very clear our concern at the ongoing tragedy of the Rohingyas, people who have been forced to leave their homes. The reports we're getting, the pictures all of us are seeing are heart-breaking to say the least," Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson to the UN Secretary-General, told reporters at his daily noon conference at the UN headquarters in New York.

"I think the entire international community should support the ongoing humanitarian efforts, regardless of politics. These are people in need. These are very vulnerable people who have crossed the border, who've, as we said, are hungry and are malnourished and deserve to be helped," he said.

The spokesperson was responding to a question on role of regional players in helping Rohingya refugees.

"Are you disappointed that major regional players, including in India, in particular, have actually sort of made their stand about this Rohingya crisis very clear and actually not come out and supported when their support could have been quite crucial?" he was asked.

United Nation's humanitarian wing, he said, have done emergency planning for about 300,000 Rohingya refugees.

"That number has now definitely crossed that line. We are urgently appealing for more funds," he said.

"Whether it's UNHCR, WFP and other agencies, (we) are trying to get as much aid into the country as quickly as possible. Obviously, from what we've read out, we haven't been able to reach all the people that we need to.

"The added challenge is that a lot of people are crossing the border, going to makeshift settlements, or otherwise living outside more organised structures, which could make it easier for us to reach them," he said.

Dujarric said the government of Bangladesh has asked the UN to help establish a new camp to house the newly arrived refugees.

A flight chartered by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) carrying emergency aid  such as shelter materials, sleeping mats and other supplies  for Rohingya refugees has landed in Bangladesh.

The cargo has been loaded onto trucks which will bring the supplies to the refugee camps at Cox's Bazar.

A second flight, donated by the United Arab Emirates, has also landed in Bangladesh, carrying some 2,000 family tents.

The supplies in both flights will help 25,000 refugees, and further flights are planned so that 120,000 people can be reached in total.

For its part, WFP is concerned about the health of women and children who are arriving in Bangladesh hungry and malnourished.

WFP has been providing food to some 70,000 people as they arrive in Cox's Bazar and to nearly 60,000 people living in camps and makeshift settlements in the region, he said.

Across the border in Myanmar, UN continue to be concerned about reports of violence, fires and displacement of tens of thousands of people in Rathedaung township in Rakhine State.

"Most aid activities on the part of UN agencies and international non-governmental organisations across northern Rakhine remain either suspended or severely interrupted, although some assistance is being delivered by the government and through the Red Cross," he said.

"The UN and its partners continue to offer support to the government to meet the needs of all affected communities and are liaising with authorities to resume humanitarian operations as soon as possible," the UN Spokesperson said.
London: Over 100 high-risk prisoners escaped in the British Virgin Islands during Hurricane Irma, a British junior minister said on Tuesday, as he raised the death toll in British territories to nine.

"We had a serious threat of a complete breakdown of law and order in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)," junior foreign minister Alan Duncan told parliament.

"The prison was breached, over 100 very serious prisoners escaped," he said.

Duncan said Royal Marines were deployed to cope with the threat but did not disclose how many prisoners had been recovered or how many were still at large.

"We have maintained and kept law and order on the BVI, which at one point, could have dramatically threatened the already unfortunate plight of those who had been hit by the hurricane," he said.

Contacted by AFP, the foreign ministry declined to comment.

The Daily Telegraph said notes from a cabinet meeting that were leaked to the press on Tuesday suggested as many as 60 had yet to be recaptured.

"We are working with St Lucia and BVI authorities to secure the transfer to St Lucia of 40 high-risk prisoners that have escaped in BVI," the briefing notes were reported as saying.

Dutch authorities denied rumours on Saturday that dozens of prisoners had escaped after a prison collapsed on the Dutch side of Saint Martin  known as Sint Maarten.

The Dutch interior ministry confirmed that the prison at Point Blanche, which has about 130 prisoners, had been badly damaged by Irma, but said Dutch troops were quickly sent to guard it.

Duncan said a total of nine people died in British Caribbean territories  five in the BVI and four in Anguilla. The authorities had previously reported one person killed in Anguilla.

Britain's response to Irma has been criticised by some local inhabitants as too slow with some complaining about a breakdown of law and order and being left to fend for themselves.

Briton Claudia Knight said her partner Leo Whitting, 38, was stranded on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands archipelago.

"Everyone's turned feral and no-one's going out without being armed... It's turning really nasty," she told Press Association.

"Leo carries a knife with him," she said.

But Duncan said he "wholeheartedly and comprehensively reject the criticism".

"I think they are unjustified," he added.
Caracas: Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has said he was prepared to meet the Opposition for talks brokered by the Dominican Republic and former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero.

"Zapatero and President (Danilo) Medina know very well that I have been a promoter of this dialogue and I accept this new day of dialogue," the president said on Tuesday during a cabinet meeting broadcast on television.

The opposition announced in turn that it would hold a meeting on Wednesday with the Dominican president.

"It has been decided to send a delegation to meet with President Medina to present the objectives of the national democratic struggle," the opposition coalition Democratic Unity Roundtable said in a statement.

Venezuela's deep economic and political crisis has caused food and medicine shortages, deadly unrest and calls for Maduro to quit.

Clashes with security forces at anti-government protests have left some 125 people dead since April.

Earlier, French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian raised the possibility of a resumption of talks in the Dominican Republic.

In a statement published after his meeting with Venezuelan foreign minister Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, Le Drian welcomed what he called "good news", expressing hope the move would "result very quickly in concrete gestures on the ground".

A month of talks late last year between Maduro's government and the opposition collapsed in mutual recrimination.
Paris (France): French street artist JR made headlines across the world this with a huge installation on the US-Mexico border depicting a Mexican toddler peering over the wall.

JR, whose real name Jean Rene, turned a photograph of a one-year-old boy called Kikito into a 20-metre (65-foot) tall giant who seems capable of toppling the wall and reducing US President Donald Trump's dreams to dust.

But it is another politically-charged project closer to home which has been taking up much of the energy of the artist, often dubbed "The French Banksy" after the secretive British street artist.

JR grew up in the troubled Paris suburb of Montfermeil, the flashpoint of riots which rocked France in 2005 -- the most serious social unrest the country had experienced since 1968.

"We felt it was going to explode one day but I never imagined it would be like that," he said. "There was a real tension and you didn't have to be a great psychic to see it. People were angry and felt deliberately abandoned."

The first stones were thrown right in front of a large photo mural JR had made of his friend Ladj Ly holding a camera as if it were a gun.

JR, then a teenage graffiti artist, had spent the previous year getting disaffected youths from the rundown tower blocks of Montfermeil and neighbouring Clichy-sous-Bois to pull faces into his lens.

He blew up the close-ups and stuck them on walls, flyposting them by night in the centre of Paris, only 15 kilometres (nine miles) as the crow flies, but a world away.

Suburb kids seen as 'monsters'

"From Paris we are seen as monsters, so I got the kids to make faces so they could caricature themselves to question the way they were portrayed in the media," he said.

He called the series his "Portrait of a Generation", and it turned Jean Rene, the son of market stall owners, into JR the artist whose work would go on to be celebrated from New York to Shanghai.

But to begin with, all it brought JR was trouble. Xavier Lemoine the controversial hardline right-wing mayor of Montfermeil brought charges against him.

And tension spiralled when youngsters in the estates stopped council workers from taking the photos down -- forcing JR to leave France for a year.

Earlier this year JR was back in Montfermeil -- this time as an international art star -- taking mayor Lemoine's portrait for a vast mural to mark the demolition and redevelopment of the estates.

"If you had asked me three years ago if I would ever photograph him I would have said, 'Never!'

"He was our enemy," JR insisted. "But when someone puts out their hand to you and apologises and asks if we can we start again...

"That made an impression because it means that things can change. It shows that people who never talk to one another might one day do so. It gives hope for places like the Middle East."

JR photographed more than 750 people for the mural, a panoply of the population of Clichy-Monfermeil from the police to former rioters and old ladies walking their dogs.

'Burst bubble of tension'

At its centre is the pained face of the brother of Bouna Traore, whose death sparked the country-wide violence in 2005 after police chased him and a friend into an electricity substation where they were electrocuted.

Despite their past reputation for being "out of control", the artist insists the estates "are like a village".

"Everybody knows everybody. There was a real bond," he said.

While he was working on the mural with film-maker Ladj Ly, who still lives on the Bosquets estate, the pair also made a series of seven short films seeking out the youngsters who featured in "Portrait of a Generation" to catch up with their stories.

"The Chronicles of Clichy Monfermeil" goes out on the streaming site Blackpills on October 9, with a shorter version to be shown later on French television.

"It feels like I never left," said JR about the area. He has returned "again and again over the years" including to make a film with Ladj Ly and dancers from the New York City Ballet.

"A lot has changed. Tower blocks have come down and streets have changed but the people who took me in and trusted me have remained the same. There are still a thousand things to do."

But JR is hopeful, "touched" even, by the attitude of his old nemesis the mayor.

"When he apologised in front of everyone there was no applause, nor was everybody hugging each other, but it burst a bubble of tension. You don't go from enemy to hero like that, but we hope something comes of it."

As for himself, bygones are bygones. "Maybe the mayor did me a favour by bringing charges against me," he laughed.
On Tuesday, the AIADMK announced that J Jayalalithaa would be granted title of the party's "eternal general secretary".

The announcement came during the general council and executive committee meeting called by the E Palaniswamy-led faction after the Madras High Court on Monday dismissed a plea by an MLA owing allegiance to sidelined AIADMK deputy chief TTV Dhinakaran.

While J Jayalalithaa, who has been dead for 10 months, being bestowed this honour by the AIADMK seems to be a first in the history of Indian politics, those familiar with world history will recognise this as nothing new. Politicians have, from time immemorial, been attempting to bestow glory upon themselves.

By popular acclaim

In North Korea, a cult of personality has been carefully weaved around Kim Jong-un's family for decades.

Kim's grandfather, Kim Il-Sung, who passed away in 1994, is known as the 'Eternal President of the Republic'. Talk about tenure!

His father Kim Jong-Il, who clearly didn't want to be left behind, held the following impressive sounding titles: Dear Leader, Supreme Leader, Our Father, The General, Generalissimo, Hero of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Marshal of the DPRK. We're exhausted just listing them!

Self-proclaimed greatness

When Oscar Wilde was visiting America, he reportedly told customs officials, "I have nothing to declare but my genius."

Leaders, especially dictators in third world nations, have been proudly proclaiming their genius to the heavens for years.

Kim Jong-un, perhaps the world's youngest head of State, took power in 2011 after the death of his father.

Undoubtedly wanting to continue the family tradition, he assigned the following titles to himself: Dear Respected Comrade Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the Workers Party of Korea, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea and Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army. Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the crazy tree.

While boxer Floyd Mayweather may have only recently declared himself TBE (The Best Ever), Ugandan military dictator Idi Amin was way ahead of him. According to a report in The Guardian, Amin, perhaps a man not easily given to humility, declared himself 'CBE: Conquerer of the British Empire' (yes, really!) And that's not all; Amin also gave himself the following titles: His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas (whew).

The VC, by the way, is not the famed British Victoria Cross but the rather less regarded 'Victorious Cross'. And yes, you guessed it, he awarded it to himself. And while he famously offered to be the king of Scotland, the truth is that his advances were probably rebuffed by a nation of bewildered Scotsmen. Your countrymen might not miss you Idi, but... neither do we.

According to a report in The New York Times, Romanian president Nicolae Ceausescu  who some called the ''Idi Amin of Communism' (uh-oh)  declared himself The Great Conductor, The Genius of the Carpathians and The Danube of Thought on his 71st birthday even as his countrymen starved. It truly doesn't get better than the Danube of Thought.

Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo was one of many dictators who fancied himself as God. At first, Trujillo was content to call himself 'El Jefe' (the Chief), but his ambitions seemed to get the better of him.

According to a report, Trujillo renamed his country's capital, roads, buildings, bridges and even mountains after himself. He required every license plate to say 'Viva Trujillo' and every church to feature the phrase Dios en cielo, Trujillo en tierra or God in Heaven, Trujillo on Earth. Seems like a nice, down to earth chap.

According to a BBC report, Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe is referred to as thus: His Excellency, The President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. However, the following list of titles is added to his prolific list at social events: Patron of War Veterans, First Secretary of the Party and Chancellor of State Universities, Supreme Leader, First Citizen of the Nation, Professor of Diplomacy, and Honorary Black Belt. But he knows karate, so we probably shouldn't mock him.

When in Rome...

Like many other things  running water, newspapers, social welfare, bound books, roads and highways and the calendar  we probably have ancient Rome to thank (or curse) for our politicians' obsessions with grandiosity.

According to a BBC report, the imperial cult loomed large in the Roman State religion where emperors and members of their families were regarded as gods. Julius Caesar was famously declared as divine upon his death and Caesar's son allowed temples to be set up to worship him.

As they say, when in Rome...

With inputs from agencies
Washington: The White House is accusing former campaign rival Hillary Clinton of "propping up book sales with false and reckless attacks."

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says she's unsure if President Donald Trump will be reading "What Happened," Clinton's account of the 2016 campaign.

She says the president is "pretty well-versed on what happened."

Clinton's book was released on Wednesday.

Sanders says Clinton "ran one of the most negative campaigns in history" and says it's "sad" the last chapter of her public life will be defined by selling books with "false and reckless attacks."

Sanders did not elaborate or offer any specifics.
A new laser weapon demonstrator being built for the UK Ministry of Defence has been unveiled today by the UK Dragonfire consortium at DSEI 2017 in London. Known as the Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Capability Demonstrator Programme (CDP), the effort will see UK Dragonfire trial this new sovereign capability in the maritime and land domains in 2019.

A key benefit of the Dragonfire LDEW technology is that the base system is highly adaptable and its effects are scaleable. As such it offers a range of different engagement solutions depending on the tactical scenario, these include tracking, deterring, dazzling the sensors of a potential threat, up to damaging or destroying it.

The laser developed by QinetiQ employs a scalable, coherent beam combining technology to create laser source with a power level of several tens of kilowatts. The system will be scalable to higher power levels, as required. The coherently combined fibre laser technology developed by QinetiQ associates phase control system that provides a high precision laser source that can be effectively directed at dynamic targets and achieve high power density on target in the presence of turbulence. Beam combining is a technology that is able to achieve enhanced power densities at target, reducing defeat times and increasing engagement range. Therefore, although the system is not of a 100 kW, power level which is considered for weapon grade lasers, the Dragonfire beam director designed by Leonardo optimises the laser beam to optimize to atmospheric conditions that otherwise would dissipate much of the energy.

Among the uses of LDEW systems are providing very short-range air defense capability, close-in protection for naval vessels, counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and protecting friendly forces from mortar and artillery attack.

The consortium developing the UK Dragonfire, led by MBDA, under contract to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the project brought together Britains leading specialists in laser, EO and electronics, to develop a future laser-based technology for the UK Armed Forces.

At DSEI the team showed the beam director developed for the laser weapon trials. The beam director is an optical system integrated into a turret. The system, developed by Leonardo, integrates QinetiQs powerful laser emitter, as well as world-class electro-optics for target identification and tracking. MBDA is the prime contractor and also delivered command and control (C2) and image processing for the system.

UK Dragonfire was awarded a GBP30 million contract for the LDW CDP in early 2017 after a rigorous competitive evaluation. The team capitalizes on the strengths of all the companies involved, including Leonardo, QinetiQ, MBDA, Arke, BAE Systems, Marshall and GKN.
For the past two decades, Europe has been a frontrunner in sustainable palm oil with the EU market reaching high levels. However, total palm oil imports are decreasing.... Read More
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As the staggering national student loan debt tally sits at an all-time high of $1.33 trillion, according to the Department of Education, many Millennials say they would go to extreme lengths to wipe their slate clean.

According to a new survey from Credible, a personal finance website, 50% of all respondents (ages 18-34) said they would give up their right to vote during the next two presidential elections in order to never have to make another loan payment again.

Other extremes include a willingness to ditch ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft (44%) and giving up travel outside of the country for five years (42%) to have student loans forgiven.

Yet, only 27% said they would be willing to move in with their parents for five years or give up texting at 13%. Of the 500 Millennials surveyed, only 8.2% of them chose to keep paying off their debt and not give up anything.

The survey comes just as The Associated Press reports that tens of thousands of former students have been left in limbo as the Trump administration has delayed action on requests for loan forgiveness, according to court documents. The report says The Education Department is sitting on more than 65,000 unapproved claims as it rewrites Obama-era rules that sought to better protect students.

During his campaign, Trump proposed student loan forgiveness after 15 years of repayment. However since taking office, Trump and Secretary of Education Betsy Devos initial education budget have sought to eliminate current loan forgiveness programs.

In July, FOX Business reported on a similar survey from MoneyTips.com that found that nearly 42% of Americans think President Trumps administration should forgive all federal student debt in order to help stimulate the economy.

Michael Dubrow, co-founder of MoneyTips, told FOX Business that while the survey didnt specifically focus on Millennials (ages 18-29) a majority of them were especially passionate about it, nearly twice as much as those 50 and older.

Even if older people are still paying off their loans, younger people paid more and borrowed more for higher education, Dubrow said in an interview in July.
Ferrari (NYSE:RACE) has unveiled its newest entry-level supercar at a time when the iconic Italian brand is ready to expand.

The Portofino, priced around $240,000, made its public debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show this week. It replaces the California as Ferraris V8-powered grand tourer, and Ferrari says the Portofino is lighter and faster than its predecessor.

As the most affordable member of Ferraris stable, the Portofino will play a key role in the companys effort to boost sales. CEO Sergio Marchionne has pushed forward with a plan to ease a longstanding cap on salesa move that was seen by some as unimaginable for the exclusive brand. The sales cap was used to maintain strong demand and pricing for Ferraris sought-after supercars. But Marchionne has argued that Ferrari can broaden its footprint in cars and branded merchandise without damaging its high-end image.

Ferrari is expected to increase annual sales to 10,000 cars, compared to its previous limit of roughly 7,000. This year, Ferrari aims to sell 8,400 cars.

The Portofino, named after the village on the Italian Riviera, is projected to account for a significant portion of Ferraris future sales. IHS Markit estimates that Ferrari will sell 3,200 Portofinos each year, according to Bloomberg. That would mark a 40% increase over the California.

Ferrari will power the Portofino with a 600-horsepower V8 engine that allows the hard-top convertible to hit 60 mph in less than three seconds. It will go on sale in Europe early next year for 196,000 euros. U.S. buyers can get one in the summer of 2018.

Ferraris stock is up 86% since the start of the year.
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Volkswagen (OTC:VLKAY) wants German and European industry to come together to help create a regional supplier of electric car batteries to provide competition to Asian manufacturers, the head of its core autos division told Reuters.

Europes largest carmaker and German rival Daimler became the latest manufacturers this week to announce plans to speed up their shift to zero-emissions motoring.

Volkswagen (VW) now aims to have 80 electric models by 2025, and says it will need four times the capacity of U.S. electric carmaker Teslas (NASDAQ:TSLA) gigafactory to supply their batteries.

While European companies assemble battery packs for electric cars, the region has no significant player in battery cells - the essential building blocks for the batteries that are currently mostly manufactured in Asia.

It would be desirable for the German and European industry to play a stronger role here, VW brand Chief Executive Herbert Diess said. He declined to be more specific, but engineering and technology firms are likely to be most interested in the sector.

His comments came after Europes auto suppliers association warned a fixation on electric cars risked damaging its industry because of Asias dominance in battery technology.

Assembly of electric car content including battery cells will become one of the major growth areas in the coming decades, Diess said in an interview at the Frankfurt auto show.

He left open whether VW, which buys its battery cells from South Koreas LG Chem and Samsung, would join a potential European consortium.

For the initial phase, I still feel in good hands with the Korean suppliers, but I would appreciate if competition were to grow and a European consortium would emerge, Diess said.

VWs namesake brand, its largest division by sales, will spend 6 billion euros ($7.2 billion) through 2022 on its electric car program which will be based on the new MEB platform underpinning over 20 purely battery-powered models.

Growing investment in electric cars will not undermine profitability as the brand is pursuing cost savings and cutting jobs as agreed with unions last year.

As a result, the VW brand is sticking to targets for an operating margin of at least 4 percent by 2020 and 6 percent by 2025, compared with 1.8 percent last year, Diess said.

With this we generate just about enough cash to shoulder the investments, but have actually very little leeway, he said. We cannot afford to make many mistakes.
Germany's transport minister is appealing to pilots at bankrupt Air Berlin to abandon an apparent wildcat strike that has caused two days of disruption.

The ailing carrier was forced to cancel more than 100 flights Tuesday, causing chaos at several German airports, after 200 pilots called in sick at short notice. At least 32 were canceled Wednesday, though Air Berlin said more pilots were returning.

Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the pilots' action was counterproductive as the airline seeks a buyer. He added: "I can only appeal to everyone to show sense and let flights take place."

Germany's second-biggest airline declared bankruptcy last month following years of losses and the decision of its biggest shareholder, Gulf airline Etihad, to cease financing.

Bids for Air Berlin must be submitted by Friday.
On Wednesday, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced a bill that would guarantee health care coverage for all Americans, a measure that already has the support of at least 15 other Democratic senators.

Sanders Medicare for All Act would allow all individuals to receive coverage by expanding the program. Americans would receive a card that would grant them access to medical services.

The idea is a shift toward a single-payer system, meaning the government  through taxes  would finance health care costs for people regardless of health status, income, etc. Individuals would no longer be responsible for paying premiums, co-pays or deductibles, however they could be on the hook for some out-of-pocket prescription costs, according to CNN. Obviously, an (unspecified) portion of taxes for businesses and individuals would be allocated toward the program.

Sanders is expected to release more details about his Medicare for All plan on Wednesday afternoon, the same day Republicans are expected to detail their revived effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Although the Vermont senators proposal has little chance of passing a Republican-controlled Congress, Sanders is opening a dialogue about pushing the U.S. health care system toward a single-payer system. While he has the support of many lawmakers in his party, Sanders proposal could force an intraparty divide, as members like House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) have refused to publicly support the measure, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Among the Democrats who have signed on to back Sanders bill are some of the rumored 2020 presidential candidates for the party, including Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
A 15% corporate tax rate has been a key part of President Trumps tax reform plan. With Trump showing more willingness to work with Democrats in an effort to push through legislation, many are questioning the presidents ability to achieve the desired 15% corporate tax rate.

Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney addressed those concerns on this mornings Varney & Co., Well go to whoever will help us get it down to 15%. The president and I just talked not 15 minutes ago and hes adamant about this 15% rate, pointed out accurately by the way that even in China, for certain companies, the rate is 15%. So to think we can compete internationally at 20% and 25% [is] not sitting very well, were pushing hard for that 15% number, Stuart.

According to Mulvaney, the potential repatriation that would result from a 15% corporate tax rate would be a boost to the U.S. economy.

You switch from a system that encourages businesses to leave the United States to one that encourages businesses to come here. And that has an impact not on just things like the trade balance but on employment, on economic growth.

When Varney asked why Democrats would be opposed to such a low corporate tax rate, Mulvaney replied, Ive been around the town long enough to be just a little bit cynical and know that any corporate tax reduction will be portrayed by some members of the other party as giveaways for the wealthy, giveaways for the big corporation, giveaways for the top 1%. So, its fairly easy to demagogue it, to politicize that issue.

Mulvaney then explained why the administration does not want the tax package to be revenue neutral.

We want the biggest reduction we can get, we want the most sweeping reform that we can get and I do not think that revenue neutrality is at the top of our priority list.

Mulvaney sees the potential economic growth from tax reform as a long-term boost to revenue for the government.

You and I have talked before about this concept of MAGA-nomics, 3% growth again for the foreseeable future, what that does to the size of the economy, what it does in terms of creating jobs, what it does in terms of raising money for the government.
Theres nothing worse than a co-worker with bad bathroom manners. Apparently at The Huffington Posts D.C. office, things have been taken up a notch to address one such culprit in their midst.

HuffPost's Senior Political Reporter and Politics Managing Editor, Amanda Terkel, posted an image apparently from the D.C. offices womens room. The photo showed an angry note.

Part of it read, To the person who keeps peeing ON the toilet seat ring: I know this is your preferred stall as this is the ONLY one I've seen this happen to on a regular basis. I believe I speak for almost everyone else who uses this... restroom, PLEASE STOP!!!

Apparently, someone became so fed up by a regular bathroom stall user with bad aim that she posted a bulleted list of reasons why it was both offensive and unnecessary. The writer of the scathing tear-down still did her best to be cordial and polite, even ending with a somewhat perfunctory, have a great day!

The tweet has garnered a handful of replies from other HuffPost employees who seem all too aware of the situation, with opinions split over whether or not the act is more offensive than the note itself. In any case, it seems the hope is that the employee in question will read the note and cease their activity -- one way to address leaks in media.
Hillary Clinton's visit to "The View" started with warm, long hugs, and ended with a gift.

The former Democratic presidential candidate entered the stage to Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger" and "The View" co-hosts' eager greetings.

Whoopi Goldberg's introduction was interrupted several times by cheers from the audience as Clinton took her seat.

Joy Behar expressed how shocked she was when Clinton lost the election.

"I was sure you were going to win" Behar told Clinton, to which Clinton responded to a laughing crowd, "So was I."

"I went into mourning" Behar said, as the screen behind her showed the liberal host on election night wearing a black veil.

As the interview went on, Clinton and the women of "The View" commiserated over why the 69-year-old former Secretary of State lost the election to a man with zero political experience.

"I argue in the book, and I am pleased that other independent analysts have reached the same conclusion," Clinton said. "I would have won if it wasn't for [the Comey letter.]"

Clinton said it was only on election night that she realized she was not going to win.

"It was a shock...it wasn't until that night that it really hit me," Clinton recalled. "[Bill and I] didn't cry that night... I write really painfully about what happened that night. I felt like I had to be strong for my family and my friends and my supporters and I hadn't spent anytime thinking about a concession speech."

Goldberg tried to make Clinton feel better by telling her no Democratic candidates have won back-to-back presidencies since 1948.

Behar butted in, "Well, you did win in fact," and Clinton agreed saying, "I won the popular vote."

The co-hosts also spoke out against those who criticize Clinton for staying married to Bill Clinton after his multiple affairs.

"I hear that people say 'They have an arrangement.' It's called a marriage," Clinton responded. "There have been a lot more happy days than sad or angry days, and I am very proud and grateful that I am married to my best friend."

The "View" hosts cheered Clinton's answer with chants of "Mind their own business" before presenting Clinton with a blazer that said "BACK UP" on it, referencing the Trump/Clinton debate where the GOP candidate roamed the stage and was sometimes shown behind Clinton.

The show's conservative-leaning host, Jedediah Bila, did hit Clinton with two questions that were borderline tough for the politician. Bila asked Clinton to respond to Democrats who dislike Clinton's new memoir for looking too much at the past. She also asked Clinton about the leaked emails from the Democratic National Committee which revealed attempts to undermine Bernie Sander's campaign in favor of Clinton.
YouTube star PewDiePie apologized on Wednesday for using the N-word during a video live stream over the weekend, saying he was an idiot and blurted the offensive word out in the heat of the moment.

Feliz Kjellberg, the highest paid YouTube star who amassed more than 57 million subscribers, said in a YouTube video it was not OK for him to use the offensive word.

"It was something that I said in the heat of the moment," Kjellberg said. "I said the worst word I could possibly think of and it just sort of slipped out.

The 27-year-old Swede was live streaming Players Unknown Battlegrounds on Saturday when he used the racial slur.

What a f--king n----r. Oh my God, what the f--k? Kjellberg is heard saying before attempting to apologize.

Sorry, but what the f--k? What a f--king a--hole. I dont mean that in a bad way, he quickly said.

Kjellberg said on Wednesday he was an idiot and regretted offending anyone.

"I'm just an idiot, but that doesn't make what I said or how I said it OK," he said. "I'm really sorry if I offended, hurt or disappointed anyone with all of this."

The YouTuber came under fire in February when fans discovered anti-Semitic jokes and Nazi imagery in several of his videos. One video showed two men holding a sign that read Death to All Jews. Another had a man dressed as Jesus Christ proclaiming Hitler did absolutely nothing wrong.

Disney severed its ties with Kjellberg after it was contacted about the videos.
An employee working at a North Carolina McDonalds was fired after she was captured on video asking a customer Saturday to spell "deportation."

Wendy Rios told Fox 46 that she filmed the confrontation at the Eastway Drive McDonalds because she had been treated unfairly there previously.

"I am the kind of person who thinks, 'Treat the person the way you want to be treated,'" Rios told Fox 46.

"I asked the employee if my order was ready and the manager asked him what I asked. He told her and she said, 'of course her [expletive] order is ready,'" Rios told WECT. "Then I asked for ketchup and he handed me two packets of ketchup."

MCDONALDS DENIES USING FRENCH FRY TRICK TO FOOL CUSTOMERS

"I asked for more ketchup and the manager yelled at the employee [saying] 'what is she still doing here?'" added Rios. "He told her I was asking for more ketchup and she started yelling at me and saying bad words."

In Rios' video, a female employee in a green shirt can be seen giving Rios the middle finger before asking her to move.

The employee then asked if Rios could pronounce the name "Donald Trump" several times. Rios ignored the request, and the employee asked if Rios could spell "deportation" instead.

"Can you say, 'Donald Trump'? Donald Trump. Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Yes, Donald Trump, Donald Trump. Can you say 'Donald Trump'?" the employee is heard saying. "You holding up my line, lady."

HUNGRY MCDONALDS CUSTOMER FIRES GUN INTO AIR BECAUSE OF THE WAIT

"You can stay there all you want. Can you say 'deportation'? Can you say that? Can you spell 'deportation'?" the employee can be heard saying. "What you need to do is you need to get the f--- on. That's what you need to do," the employee concluded before slamming the drive-thru window.

Another employee came to the window and attempted to calm the situation. Rios asked for the employees name before the second worker asked Rios politely to move out of the drive-thru line.

Rios posted the video on her Facebook page, where it has been viewed over 440,000 times and shared over 5,000 times as of Wednesday.

"I treat everyone like a person. Not like you're white, or [you're] black or [you're] Chinese, or Korean, Mexican or Guatemalan. No. I treat everyone like the same," Rios told Fox 46.

George Forrest, the owner of the restaurant, has since responded to the video, and said the employee in question has been fired.

The actions of this employee are inexcusable and in no way reflect the strong values McDonalds and my organization place on diversity, inclusion and providing a welcoming experience for our customers," Forrest said in a statement. "This individual is no longer employed at my restaurant and we have expressed our sincerest apologies to the customer for this situation."
Movies playing in mid-valley theaters as of Friday. Complete and updated Movie Scene listings can be found online.

NEW

AMERICAN ASSASSIN

1  stars

(Action thriller, R, 111 minutes, playing at the Regal 7 in Albany and the AMC Corvallis 12) A young man who loses everything in a terrorist attack becomes hellbent on seeking revenge; eventually, hes recruited by the CIA. Though moral questions tumble around American Assassin, the film itself relies on so many cliches it can never be trusted to give a truly profound statement; in the end, it just wallows in gruesome violence. Dylan OBrien and Michael Keaton star. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service)

GOOD TIME

2  stars

(Crime drama, R, 101 minutes, playing at the Darkside in Corvallis) A bank robbery by a sociopath (Robert Pattinson) and his mentally challenged brother (Benny Safdie, also the co-director with his brother Josh) sets off a chain of bizarre and occasionally wickedly funny events. Ultimately, the sometimes clever story runs out of steam and limps across the finish line. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

LEMON

(Comedy, no MPAA rating, playing at the Darkside in Corvallis) A failed actor (Brett Gelman) falls into a downward spiral after his longtime girlfriend breaks up with him. Judy Greer, Michael Cera, Nia Long, Shiri Appleby, and Gillian Jacobs also star.

MOTHER!

2 stars

(Horror thriller, R, 121 minutes, 2 stars, playing at the Regal 7 and AMC Corvallis AMC 12) The lives of a passive young woman (Jennifer Lawrence) and her much older husband (Javier Bardem) go from unsettling to bizarre after the arrival of a strange and rude couple (Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer). In this pounding, throbbing feature-length metaphor, director Darren Aronofsky assaults our senses with shocking and sometimes almost sickening imagery. It's all staged with impressive craftsmanship, but to what end?

CONTINUING

A GHOST STORY

3 stars

(Fantasy drama, R, 93 minutes, playing at the Pix in Albany) Killed in a car crash, a musician (Casey Affleck) is reborn as a mute, silent presence witnessing the grief of his wife (Rooney Mara) at their house, and much more. It's roughly 60 percent disturbingly beautiful and 40 percent achingly self-conscious. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

HOME AGAIN

3 stars

(Comedy drama, PG-13, 97 minutes, playing at the Regal 7 in Albany and the AMC Corvallis 12) A recently separated woman (Reese Witherspoon) moves to Los Angeles with her two daughters and rents out her guesthouse to three much younger men (Pico Alexander, Nat Wolff, and Jon Rudnitsky)  one of whom she soon begins dating. Candice Bergen co-stars in this romantic comedy written and directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer, the daughter of Nancy Meyers, and like her mothers flicks, this is the kind of domestic escapism that feels like being wrapped in a warm hug. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service)

IT

4 stars

(Horror, R, 135 minutes, playing at the Regal 7 in Albany and the Regal 4 in Corvallis) This R-rated interpretation of Stephen King's masterful 1986 novel is a bold, intense, beautifully paced, wickedly hilarious, seriously scary and gorgeously terrifying period-piece work that instantly takes its place among the most impressively twisted horror movies of our time. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

INGRID GOES WEST

3  stars

(Comedy, R, 97 minutes, playing at the Darkside in Corvallis) An obsessed stalker (Aubrey Plaza, alternately charming and sad and pathetic and absolutely insane) meets the internet trendsetter she worships (a perfectly cast Elizabeth Olsen) and manages to become her bestie. It's a smart and darkly amusing comedy that grows crazier and crazier. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

LEAP!

3 stars

(Animated, PG, 89 minutes, playing at the Regal 7 in Albany and the AMC Corvallis 12) "Leap!" (Animated adventure, PG, 89 minutes). Elle Fanning does wonderful voice work as an 11-year-old orphan dreaming of dancing ballet in 1880s Paris. Aside from one murderous misstep, this lovely and breezy animated adventure is thoroughly enchanting. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

THE HITMANS BODYGUARD

1  stars

(Action-adventure-comedy, R, 111 minutes, playing at the Regal 7 in Albany and the AMC Corvallis 12) Through a series of contrived circumstances, a security specialist (Ryan Reynolds) is enlisted to transport an assassin (Samuel L. Jackson) to a war criminal's trial. There's nothing and no one to like in this blunt, ultraviolent, obnoxious empty vessel of a movie. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

LOGAN LUCKY

3  stars (Crime caper, PG-13, 119 minutes, playing at the Regal 4 in Corvallis) In what plays like a biscuits-and-gravy take on "Ocean's 11," a couple of twang-talkin' dirt-kickers (Channing Tatum and Adam Driver) plan to steal the cash from a North Carolina speedway vault. Steven Soderbergh's breezy heist romp is great fun and one of the most purely entertaining movies of the year. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

WIND RIVER

4 stars

(Western thriller, R, 111 minutes, playing at the Regal 7 in Albany, the Regal 4 in Corvallis and the AMC Corvallis 12) An FBI investigator (Elizabeth Olsen) needs help from a wildlife agent (Jeremy Renner) to find a girl's killer in the snows of Wyoming. It's a stark and beautiful and haunting 21st-century thriller, filled with memorable visuals and poetic dialogue  and scenes of sudden, shocking, brutal violence. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

THE GLASS CASTLE

2 stars

(Drama, PG-13, 127 minutes, playing at the Regal 4 in Corvallis) The well-made adaptation of journalist Jeannette Walls' memoir doesn't shy away from some of the more shocking and tragic episodes from her upbringing. But when it tries to celebrate her cruel father's supposed bohemian idealism and love for his children, it rings sour and false. Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts star. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER

3 stars

(Documentary, PG, 100 minutes, playing at the Darkside in Corvallis) The sequel to 2006's Oscar-winning "An Inconvenient Truth" follows Al Gore around the globe as he meets with young (and practically worshipful) recruits to the climate change cause. The final scenes, urging viewers to sign up and get involved, make it seem as if we've been watching an infomercial all this time.

THE DARK TOWER

1 star

(Horror-fantasy, PG-13, 94 minutes, playing at the AMC Corvallis 12) As the Man in Black, Matthew McConaughey is supposed to send chills down your spine, but he's nothing but a preening, one-dimensional goof. That's just one of the many unfortunate elements in this Stephen King adaptation plagued by washed-out cinematography, mediocre special effects and stilted dialogue. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

DUNKIRK

4 stars

(War drama, PG-13, 106 minutes, playing at the Pix in Albany) Christopher Nolan's faithful and deeply respectful retelling of one of the most pivotal battles in World War II is a gripping, deeply involving and unforgettable film that ranks among the best war movies of the decade. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES

3  stars

(Sci-fi action, PG-13, 133 minutes, playing at the AMC Corvallis 12) Vengeful after a human attack on their compound, Caesar (Andy Serkis, brilliant and heartbreaking) and his ape allies go on a mission to take out the officer responsible (Woody Harrelson). The result is a war movie more serious and much darker than most big-budget midsummer blockbusters. And a whole lot more captivating. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING

3  stars

(Action adventure, PG-13, 133 minutes, playing at the AMC Corvallis 12) The best thing about the latest Spider-Man (the terrific and well-cast Tom Holland) is that he's still more of a kid than a man. Even with a goodly amount of explosions and action, this scaled-down adventure plays less like an ultimate-stakes battle than a John Hughes teen-angst romance/comedy meshed with a superhero saga. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

BABY DRIVER

4 stars

(Action, R, 113 minutes, playing at the AMC Corvallis 12) Edgar Wright's "Baby Driver," about a savant of a getaway driver (Ansel Elgort) working for a criminal mastermind (Kevin Spacey), crackles with originality and dark humor and teems with perfectly timed action sequences. If you see this movie and tell me you didn't have a great time, we're going to have to talk about your idea of a great time. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)

DESPICABLE ME 3

1  stars

(Animated, PG, 90 minutes, playing at the AMC Corvallis 12) Gru, the lovable villain from the first two Despicable movies, must cope not just with a long-long brother but a new baddie: Balthazar Bratt, a former child star. Steve Carell returns to voice Gru and Trey Parker of South Park voices Balthazar. Other voices include Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove, Kristen Wiig and Steve Coogan. There are Minions as well, but the overall film is less than the sum of its parts: Its wacky but dull. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service)

WONDER WOMAN

3  stars

(Fantasy/action-adventure, PG-13, 141 minutes, playing at the Regal 7 in Albany and the AMC Corvallis 12) Director Patty Jenkins' origin story is packed with heart and empathy, and we have the endearing lead performance of Gal Gadot to thank for that. It's a fully realized, three-dimensional characterization of a superhero that has never gotten her due  until now. (Richard Roeper, Universal Press Syndicate)
Pizza Hut has stated that they "absolutely do not have a policy that dictates when team members can leave or return from a disaster" after a store in Hurricane Irma's path got heat for trying to do just that.

We are uncompromising in our commitment to the safety and well-being of our team members," wrote the company in a statement issued earlier this week. "All locations in the path of Irma are closed and will remain closed until local authorities deem the area safe. We absolutely do not have a policy that dictates when team members can leave or return from a disaster, and the manager who posted this letter did not follow company guidelines."

The hubbub over Pizza Hut's policy started making headlines earlier this week, when a Pizza Hut restaurant in the storms path issued a much different statement to its crew.

U.S. AIR TRAFFIC DIAGRAM SHOWS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE WITH EVERY FLIGHT IN FLORIDA GROUNDED

In a now-viral post on Twitter, a Pizza Hut team member shared a photo of a printout pinned to a cork board that advised Pizza Hut employees on hurricane guidelines.

The paper, addressed To all Team members, starts with expectations as hurricane Irma approaches Florida, stating our #1 priority is the safety and security of our team. But, we also have a responsibility and commitment to our community to be there when they need us. With that said, I/we need some guidelines in place to ensure both of those expectations are met.

The sheet continued with general rules  the store will close 6-12 hours before a storm  but explained that if a team member plans to evacuate, they must alert a manager and let them know when they plan to return, citing that a member is only allowed a 24-hour period before storm grace period and must be back from an evacuation within 72 hours.

You cannot evacuate Friday for a Tuesday storm event! the paper read, before reiterating that after the 24-hour grace period, team members are expected to work their assigned shifts.

Failure to show for these shifts, regardless of reason, will be considered a no call/no show and documentation will be issued, it read.

Twitter users quickly responded negatively to the post, calling the company out for caring more about their profits than their employees.

One user pointed out the seemingly absurd fact that Pizza Hut will close for a holiday, but not for a life-threatening hurricane.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

In its statement, Pizza Hut added that the offending manager had been dealt with.

"We can also confirm that the local franchise operator has addressed this situation with the manager involved," the company added.

As of Monday, 6.5 million people in the state are left without power after Hurricane Irma  changed to a tropical storm once it moved north  swept up Florida.

Hurricane Irma caused massive destruction in Florida, but before the storm made landfall, more than 5 million residents  about one-third of the states population  were told to evacuate for their own safety. Governor Rick Scott even issued a plea for residents to "leave now, don't wait."
President Trumps proposed budget cuts in U.S. aid for global health and development programs stand to stall or even reverse gains made in reducing cases of HIV and AIDS, malaria and poverty, according to philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates.

The United States is a major player in foreign assistance to fight this, accounting for $12 billion of the total $34 billion annually. The money targets efforts involving anti-poverty programs, womens access to contraceptives and initiatives to treat or contain infectious diseases, among other things.

Such aid has helped make a difference, according to a new global health report released by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which provides funding for global health and development. The report includes analyses of trends regarding poverty, infant deaths, sanitation and infectious deaths around the world.

In a recent telephone conference with reporters, Gates said the report will be annual at least through 2030. As part of the campaign to draw attention to the importance of funding for global health and anti-poverty programs, Bill and Melinda Gates are holding an event in New York next week that will feature former President Barack Obama and other dignitaries such as Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and U.N. Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed.

Well take different areas to really dive in on different examples of countries that are either getting ahead or falling behind, Gates said in the telephone conference. Here we have the fact that in 1990, there were six million more children dying per year than where we are today. And theres a lot of factors that go into that, in terms of the primary healthcare system, economic progress.

The single biggest innovation that really drove that is the vaccine coverage and new vaccines that got out through a lot of different efforts, Gates said. But you know, we shouldnt be satisfied where we are today. Even in that case, we still have over five million children still dying every night. And if you think of it in terms of an equity basis, what you see is that a child is 75 times more likely to die if theyre born in Angola instead of in Finland.

The Trump administration has proposed cutting U.S. global aid to about $6.5 billion for 2018.

In our own country, Congress is considering how to deal with the big cuts to foreign aid proposed in the presidents budget, the new report says. A similar mood of retrenchment has taken hold in other donor countries.

One example the report provides is the gain made in addressing HIV deaths, which in 2005 occurred at 0.3 per 1,000 people.

A U.S. initiative that focused on prevention and medicine helped cut the death rate by 30 percent, the report noted.

More funding could further reduce the death rate to 0.06 per 1,000. Cutting funding, however, would result in a rise in deaths.

Gabriella Stern, director of media and external relations for the Gates Foundation, told Fox News that global issues become domestic ones.

Ebola jumped the ocean, Stern said. If the next pandemic is an airborne infectious disease, it could spread way faster and worse than Ebola did. Healthier poor countries protect us from infectious diseases.
In the wake of her 2016 presidential defeat, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has cited long walks in the woods, organizing her closets and sipping a little white wine as routes to solace. In promotion of her memoir What Happened, released September 12, Clinton reveals that shes found a new source of strength  and its on her yoga mat.

In an interview with People, the former United States Secretary of State enthusiastically describes herself as a beginner yogi.

BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON'S OLD SUMMER GETAWAY SELLS FOR $29 MILLION

Im still working on the basics! she said. Warrior II is my favorite. It doubles as a great power pose.

In the memoir, Clinton champions the benefits of yoga breathing exercises  especially the calming effects of alternate nostril breathing  as a preferred method of healing post-election. When friends suggested she try Xanax or therapy, Clinton writes that wasnt for me. Never has been.

MATT LAUER CONFRONTS HILLARY CLINTON ON LIVE TV

According to Yoga Journal, the Warrior II pose in particular is great for strengthening the legs and upper body while increasing stamina and relieving backaches, which may seem ideal after months spent on the campaign trail.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Further, when asked what its like to not be perfectly camera ready with her outfit, hair and makeup every day, she exclaimed Its liberating!
Go ahead, European Union. Keep throwing your weight around at the expense of your 28 member countries. Make them do things they dont want to do, impose penalties on any who challenge you, and call Brexit an anomaly. On Wednesday, the president of the European Commission will do just that and more.

Jean-Claude Junckers annual State of the Union speech has three main themes: that the massive influx of refugees from the Middle East and Africa poses no threat to Europes security overall, that the shock of Great Britains vote last year to leave the EU was a one-time aberrant event, and that what the EU leadership really needs is tighter control over its members, not more freedom to make their own choices.

It is a belief that verges on the religious on the creation of their project, says Nigel Farage, a member of the European parliament and a Fox News contributor.

We now have a European parliament that is more interested in its own survival than that of its members. They think that Brexit and Donald Trump were just short-term shocks that are now over, because Emmanuel Macron won in France.

We now have a European parliament that is more interested in its own survival than that of its members. They think that Brexit and Donald Trump were just short-term shocks that are now over, because Emmanuel Macron won in France.

The latest episode of Eur-overreach is a ruling by the EUs high court that Hungary, a member state, must accept a Euro-imposed quota of migrants from the Middle East and Africa. Hungarys Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has maintained a hard-line policy of not allowing such immigrants into his country, and quarantining any who make it past the border. Orban calls immigration a poison that threatens European culture and likens Muslim migrants in particular to a Trojan horse for terrorism.

His approval rating, once a robust 80 percent, has been cut in half in the past year, since he tried to regulate a university funded by Hungarian-born socialist billionaire George Soros. But his stance on keeping immigrants out is still supported by most Hungarians.

The power of the Brussels-based EU is its ability to force states to do what it tells them. Letting Hungary resist its orders could set off a spate of independent thinking  the last thing a deeply unpopular, self-created bureaucracy like the EU can tolerate.

Orban means to do just that. It doesnt matter what they might threaten Viktor with, says Farage. He will not bend.

Sounds like a tough-talking populist candidate who bucked the political system in the United States last year. Whatever became of him?
Hillary Clinton was all smiles at the release of her new book, but the failed presidential candidate should be anything but happy, because the book, titled What Happened, is full of excuses, lies and fake news.

Crooked Hillary, as President Trump calls her, is in complete denial about why she actually lost the election. My colleague and friend, Gregg Jarrett, has put together a list of 32 reasons Clinton has given for why she lost. And the list grows and grows and grows as Clinton blames everyone and everything but herself and her terrible campaign for her defeat.

White supremacists, voter ID laws, James Comey, Bernie Sanders, Facebook, Russia, WikiLeaks.

And then let's not forget sexism and misogyny, which are endemic to our society, Clinton told CBS on its Sunday Morning show.

There is an alternative list of reasons for Clintons humiliating loss to President Trump. Topping it is the secret email server, on which she illegally sent and received sensitive government information.

Clinton's team deleted 33,000 emails using BleachBit -- in other words, acid wash -- after being served with a congressional subpoena. An aide also smashed those old mobile devices with a hammer. Can't get the emails from there. Just as bad, members of the Clintons' legal team did give the FBI Blackberries, but those Blackberries didn't have SIM cards in them, rendering them meaningless.

Comey didnt hurt her on this issue, he covered for her.

Also on the list is the crooked work of the Clinton Foundation, which took millions and millions of dollars from countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE and others - countries that treat women, gays, lesbians, Christians and Jews horribly.

Then there was the Uranium One deal, in which Hillary Clinton was one of nine people to approve the transfer of up to 20 percent of America's uranium -- the foundational material for nuclear weapons  to the Russians. The folks who profited from that deal ended up kicking back as much as $145 million to the Clinton Foundation.

And what about Hillarys vow to put coal miners out of work and her refusal to campaign in states hard hit by the Obama economy?

Clintons own list of excuses is as pathetic as she is delusional. She can't come to grips with the reality that she was a terrible candidate with no message, no vision for the American people.

The real reason she lost? Americans chose wisely on Nov. 8.

Adapted from Sean Hannity's monologue on "Hannity," Sept. 12, 2017
A gaggle of disgruntled atheists are doing a whole lot of hollering about the Hallelujah Chorus in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

The Freedom From Religion Foundations local chapter is angry after a teacher at Linden Elementary School played a portion of the Hallelujah Chorus during morning announcements.

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While this music may be beautiful and even inspirational for Christians, it is not acceptable for broadcasting to the entire student body at Linden Elementary, Aleta Ledendecker wrote in a letter to the school district that was obtained by the Oak Ridger.

For the record, there have not been any reports of children spontaneously converting to the Christian faith as a result of George Frideric Handels beautiful song.

The aggrieved atheist group said they were acting on behalf of two parents who had children enrolled in the school.

In consideration of all the possible choices of music, this piece with its distinctly religious content can be interpreted as proselytizing, Ledendecker wrote.

For the record, there have not been any reports of children spontaneously converting to the Christian faith as a result of George Frideric Handels beautiful song.

This is the litmus test I use: if I were a Christian parent walking in the school, and I heard over the PA system during morning announcements music with the words Praise Allah. Allah is king on high. Bow down to Allah, how would I feel as a Christian parent with that being broadcast to all the children in the schools, Ledendecker told the Oak Ridger.

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The school district told The Todd Starnes Show that a teacher had a good reason for playing a 20 second excerpt from Handels Messiah.

The passage was selected to correspond with the schools overall music curriculum that, for that particular week, featured the musical works of George Handel, the school spokesperson told me.

Long story, short  Handel is not going anywhere.

The school system strongly disagreed with her position and, through our school boards attorney, we responded promptly to the writer suggesting that she was in error, the spokesperson told me.

The criticisms articulated by Ms. Ledendecker appear to have been based upon insufficient information taken entirely out of context, incorrect assumptions about the schools music curriculum and a fundamental misunderstanding of the First Amendments relationship with historically sacred classical music compositions being taught in a public school music curriculum, the spokesperson added.

Yeah, thats probably going to jingle the atheists bells.

Its about time a school district stood up to those godless bullies and politely told them to blow it out their piccolo.

As George Handel would say, Hallelujah!
EXCLUSIVE: Security at the State Department's Benghazi compound was so dire that another contractor was brought in to clean up the mess just two weeks before the 2012 terror attack  and was later pressured to keep quiet by a government bureaucrat under then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, according to two men from the American security company.

Brad Owens and Jerry Torres, of Torres Advanced Enterprise Solutions, say they faced pressure to stay silent and get on the same page with the State Department with regard to the security lapses that led to the deaths of four Americans.

They spoke exclusively with Fox News for Tucker Carlson Tonight, revealing new information that undermines the State Department's account of the 2012 terror attack in Benghazi, where Islamic militants launched a 13-hour assault from Sept. 11-12 that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens, foreign service officer Sean Smith and former Navy SEALS Ty Woods and Glenn Doherty.

Torres Advanced Enterprise Solutions provides security for U.S. Embassy and consulate personnel around the world in some of the most dangerous locations spanning Africa, the Middle East and South America, according to the firm.

Jerry Torres remains haunted by the fact that specific bureaucrats and policies remain in the State Department after the Benghazi attack despite the change in administrations. "A U.S. ambassador is dead and nobody is held accountable for it. And three guys  all died trying to defend him," said Torres, the companys CEO and a former Green Beret.

Asked if there was a specific effort by a senior State Department contracting officer to silence them, Torres said, "Absolutely, absolutely."

Owens, a former Army intelligence officer, echoed his colleague, saying those who made the poor choices that actually, I would say, were more responsible for the Benghazi attacks than anyone else, they're still in the same positions, making security choices for our embassies overseas now."

In 2012, Owens was the American companys point man in Libya with extensive experience in the region. After the death of Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi in the fall of 2011, Owens stressed to Fox News it was well-known that Islamic radicals including Al Qaeda-tied militias were pouring into the region and security had deteriorated considerably.

Based on documents reviewed by Fox News, Torres Advanced Enterprise Solutions bid on the Benghazi compound security contract in the spring of 2012. But the State Department awarded the deal to a U.K.-based operation called The Blue Mountain Group.

Owens, who had personally visited the Benghazi compound to assess security, was shocked. "Blue Mountain U.K. is a teeny, tiny, little security company registered in Wales that had never had a diplomatic security contract, had never done any high threat contracts anywhere else in the world that we've been able to find, much less in high threat areas for the U.S. government. They had a few guys on the ground," he said.

According to Torres, the Blue Mountain Group came in 4 percent lower than their bid  and they challenged the decision, claiming the American company should have been preferred over the foreign one.

Torres said State Department contracting officer Jan Visintainer responded that the State Department had the latitude to apply that preference or not.

And there was more: The Blue Mountain Group hired guards through another company who were not armed.

Problems soon arose. One month before the attack -- in August 2012, with The Blue Mountain Group still in charge of compound security -- Ambassador Stevens and his team alerted the State Department via diplomatic cable that radical Islamic groups were everywhere and that the temporary mission compound could not withstand a "coordinated attack." The classified cable was first reported by Fox News.

By Aug. 31, 2012, the situation had deteriorated to the point that Owens and Torres said the State Department asked them to intervene  as Owens put it, an "admission of the mistake of choosing the wrong company."

"They came back to us and said, Can you guys come in and take over security? Owens said. So we were ready.

But Torres emphasized that time was against them, saying it would have taken two-to-three weeks to get set up.

Twelve days later, the ambassador was killed. Torres learned of the attacks by watching television. He called the circumstances leading up to the tragedy "bad decision-making from top to bottom."

There was nothing we could've done about it. If we'd had one month warning  who knows what might've happened, Owens said.

In the chaotic days following that attack, the Obama White House blamed the attacks on an anti-Islam video and demonstration which was not accurate. As a former Green Beret, Torres was stunned: "Coming from a military background, I would expect the administration to tell the truth. So I bought into it for a minute. But I didn't believe it in the back of my mind. He said they later figured out the video was not the culprit. The attack was a coordinated terrorist assault which included a precision mortar strike on the CIA post in Benghazi.

But as the Obama administration and Clintons team struggled to answer questions about the attacks, Visintainer apparently took it one step further -- summoning Jerry Torres from overseas to attend a meeting at her government office in Rosslyn, Va., in early 2013.

Torres took Fox News back to the Virginia office building where he recalled that day's events.

"[Visintainer] said that I and people from Torres should not speak to the media, should not speak to any officials with respect to the Benghazi program, he said.

Torres said he was afraid for his company  and hasnt spoken publicly until now.

"We had about 8,000 employees at the time. You know, we just didn't need that level of damage because these guys, their livelihood relies on the company, he said. I trust that our U.S. government is going to follow chain of command, follow procedures, follow protocols and do the right thing."

Another part of that conversation stuck out to Torres. He said Visintainer told him in her opinion, that guards should not be armed at U.S. embassies. She just made that blanket statement.  And she said that they weren't required in Benghazi. So I was kind of confused about that. And she said that she would like my support in saying that if that came up. And I looked at her. I just didn't respond."

The State Department declined Fox News request to make Visintainer available for an interview, or have her answer written email questions.

The Blue Mountain Group did not immediately respond to questions from Fox News.

Torres and Owens said repercussions against their company continue to this day  and that of the 20 security force contracts theyve bid on since that conversation, theyve lost 18.

Torres and Owens are concerned another attack like the one in Benghazi could happen again because the same State Department employees responsible for the Benghazi contract remain in place and the contracting rules are outdated.

"In 1990, Congress passed a law that required contracts of this nature to go to the lowest bidder that's technically acceptable," Owens explained. "Now, what that has created is a race to the bottom, is what we call it. So basically, every company tries to cut every corner they can for these contracts."

The men say they are hopeful that changes will come with the Trump administrations promise to "drain the swamp."

"Let's just say there's been a change at management at Department of State," Owens said. "I feel now that, given that the politics has been taken out of the Benghazi situation, now that there's no longer a candidate or anything related to it, a change of administrations, that actually, we have an opportunity here to fix the problems that made it happen."

On the fifth anniversary, Torres said he thinks about the four families who lost a father, a brother or a son in the 2012 attack, and feels sorry "for not bringing this up earlier. For not actually being there, on the ground and taking care of these guys."
President Trump hosted a dinner for a bipartisan group of senators at the White House on Tuesday night, trying to nail down a tax reform plan that could win support from both sides of the political aisle.

Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D. and Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., joined Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., Pat Toomey, R-Pa. and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the White House said.

Manchin, Heitkamp and Donnelly are the only Democratic senators who did not sign a letter addressed to Republican leaders and Trump that said the Democratic caucus would not support a tax overhaul that cuts taxes for the "top 1 percent" or adds to the government's $20 trillion debt.

"I had another good conversation with President Trump about my proposal to address the outsourcing of American jobs," Donnelly said in a statement following the dinner. "I am pleased he remains supportive of my proposal, and I believe that tax reform should include measures to support companies that invest in our workers and penalize companies that ship American jobs to foreign countries. I am hopeful we can work together to encourage domestic investments that benefit American workers."

"Any chance to talk with the president about issues important to North Dakota is an opportunity I welcome," Heitkamp said after the dinner. "Tonight we had a good discussion and I reinforced that any tax reform bill must support working families and family farmers so they aren't burdened with debt and it must stand up for retirees who want to live their remaining years with dignity while also simplifying the tax code and lowering compliance burdens."

Heitkamp traveled with Trump aboard Air Force One to an event in her home state last week where he spoke broadly about the tax plan. Trump pitched the senator on the overhaul, calling her a "good woman." Heitkamp said after the event that she needs to see the details first.

Tuesdays dinner comes as the Senate looks to start working on tax reform, an issue that Trump and Congressional Republicans promised to move on during the 2016 campaign season. But Trump is also trying to persuade Democrats to support his goal to cut taxes and simplify the tax code.

The bipartisan dinner follows a deal Trump made last week with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to raise the federal debt ceiling and fund the government for the next three months while also providing Hurricane Harvey relief money.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked a lower court's ruling that would have eased President Donald Trump's revised travel ban and allowed up to 24,000 refugees to enter the country before the end of October.

The Trump administration had objected to a ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that refugees could enter the United States if a resettlement agency had agreed to take them in, arguing that the relationship between refugees and resettlement agencies was not "bona fide" as outlined by the high court in an earlier ruling.

The Supreme Court's unsigned, one-sentence order agreed with the administration, at least for now.

The justices are scheduled to hear arguments on Oct. 10 on the legality of the bans on travelers from six mostly Muslim countries and refugees anywhere in the world.

It's unclear, though, what will be left for the court to decide. The 90-day travel ban lapses in late September and the 120-day refugee ban will expire a month later. Trump first rolled out the policy soon after taking office in January and issued a revised version in March.

The administration has yet to say whether it will seek to renew the bans, make them permanent or expand the travel ban to other countries.

Lower courts have ruled that the bans violate the Constitution and federal immigration law. The high court has agreed to review those rulings. Its intervention so far has been to evaluate what parts of the policy can take effect in the meantime.

The justices said in June that the administration could not enforce the bans against people who have a "bona fide" relationship with people or entities in the United States. The justices declined to define the required relationships more precisely.

The 9th Circuit also upheld another part of the judge's ruling that applies to the ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Grandparents and cousins of people already in the U.S. can't be excluded from the country under the travel ban, as the Trump administration had wanted. The administration did not ask the Supreme Court to block that part of the ruling.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon speaks with President Donald Trump every two to three days, he told a private lunchtime gathering Tuesday in Hong Kong, some three weeks after the adviser left his administration job.

Bannon said he most recently spoke with Trump the previous night for an hour, according to two people who attended the closed-door meeting with the former presidential adviser. The gathering, at a Grand Hyatt hotel restaurant, included a group of about 20 money managers.

Bannon wasnt immediately reachable for comment.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters on Tuesday she was aware of two conversations between Mr. Bannon and the president. Of the former chief strategists comment that the two speak every two to three days she said, Certainly not that frequently.

Click for more from WSJ.com
Terry Lee Bowman will face federal charges for bank robbery, according to Linn County Prosecutor Julia Baker.

According to police records, Bowman on Sept. 1 demanded cash inside the Oregon State Credit Union, 1394 Clay St. SE, and left with a little more than $2,000. Six employees and 12 customers were in the bank at the time of the robbery.

He was arrested Sept. 2 for theft and bank robbery, but was only charged with theft, said Linn County prosecutor Julia Baker, due to time constraints in filing charges.

Baker on Sept. 8 filed a motion to dismiss the theft charges after federal agents placed a hold on Bowman's inmate status, announcing he will be charged with bank robbery.

Bowman will face the federal charges in U.S. District Court in Eugene. Prosecutors have not yet announced when Bowman will be arraigned.

Bowman has already served most of a 25-year prison sentence, after he was convicted of a 1997 bank robbery in Anchorage, Alaska.
Hillary Clinton, in her new campaign memoir, scolds female supporters who later apologized to her for not voting last November, saying she can't offer "absolution" and they must "live with the consequences" of their decisions.

In her book, What Happened, which was released Tuesday, Clinton marvels at the success of the Womens March on Jan. 21, the day following President Trumps inauguration.

Yet I couldnt help but ask where those feelings of solidarity, outrage, and passion had been during the election, she writes.

She goes on to discuss the more than two dozen women  of all ages, but mostly in their twenties, who had approached her in the weeks and months after the election to apologize for not voting or not doing more to help with her campaign.

I responded with forced smiles and tight nods. On one occasion, an older woman dragged her adult daughter by the arm to come talk to me and ordered her to apologize for not votingwhich she did, head bowed in contrition, Clinton writes. I wanted to stare her right in her eyes and say, You didnt vote? How could you not vote?! You abdicated your responsibility as a citizen at the worst possible time! And now you want me to make you feel better? Of course, I didnt say any of that.

She adds: These people were looking for absolution that I just couldnt give. We all have to live with the consequences of our decisions.

Clinton has listed a slew of factors that contributed to her 2016 failed presidential run, including voter ID laws, former FBI Director James Comey, and Russia. She has taken some blame, but when asked on NBCs Today" on Wednesday whether she felt she made enough mistakes on her own to lose the election, she said no.

CLINTON LAMENTS HOW BENGHAZI TRAGEDY HURT HER POLITICALLY

I will say no, Matt, Clinton responded to Matt Lauer. This book has a lot of behind the scenes looks at what its like to run for president, particularly as a woman.

Clinton also responded to a question posed by Savannah Guthrie over Americans electing the first African American presidenttwice.

I think there is a lot of evidence and research supporting the idea that race is a much more motivating factor than gender is, Clinton said, citing a conversation with Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg, on page 125 of her book, when they discussed a double-standard of male professional success versus female professional success.

The more professionally successful he becomes, the more likeable he is. The more professionally successful a woman becomes, the less likeable she is, Clinton said.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is calling on Illinois Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez to apologize for saying White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, a retired Marine general, is a disgrace to the uniform.

What is disgraceful is to attack the character of such an honorable man, who has dedicated his life to serving this country and whose family gave the ultimate sacrifice. I believe Rep. Gutierrez owes General Kelly and his family an apology, McCarthy told reporters Wednesday.

McCarthy noted how Kelly, whose son was killed in Afghanistan in 2010, is the highest-ranking servicemember to lose a child in Afghanistan or Iraq.

General Kelly has served his country in the Marines, McCarthy said. He is serving his country again in this administration. He is truly an American patriot.

Gutierrez attacked Kelly last week after expressing anger over President Trumps decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program that shielded young illegal immigrants from deportation.

General Kelly is a hypocrite who is a disgrace to the uniform he used to wear, Gutierrez said.

The Democrat also said Kelly has no honor and should be drummed out of the White House along with the white supremacists and those enabling the presidents actions by just following orders.

In an email to Fox News late Sunday, Kelly responded to Gutierrez by saying Congress did nothing to help the young illegal immigrants in the DACA program when they had the chance.

JOHN KELLY FIRES BACK AT DEMOCRAT WHO CALLED HIM DISGRACE TO THE UNIFORM

As far as the congressman and other irresponsible members of Congress are concerned, they have the luxury of saying what they want as they do nothing and have almost no responsibility, Kelly said. They can call people liars but it would be inappropriate for me to say the same thing back at them. As my blessed mother used to say empty barrels make the most noise.

He concluded, The congressman has a right to his opinion.

But Gutierrez isnt backing down. He doubled down on his attack at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute event on Tuesday.

Hes a politician, okay, not a general, Gutierrez said, according to the Washington Post. I dont see a uniform. Hes a politician who works for Donald Trump.

Fox News Christopher Wallace and Mike Emanuel contributed to this report.
The Justice Department is refusing to let top FBI staffers be interviewed by Senate investigators, who want to ask questions about details surrounding the controversial firing of former FBI director James Comey and other issues.

In a letter obtained by Fox News, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd told Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ranking Member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., that top FBI officials James Rybicki and Carl Ghattas will not be provided for interviews.

The DOJ seemed to cite concerns about interfering with the ongoing special counsel probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

"As a threshold matter, the scope of the Committee's inquiry has not been de-conflicted with Special Counsel [Robert] Mueller's investigation," the letter said. " Therefore, in order to protect the integrity of the Special Counsel's investigation, as we have previously indicated, we will not be able to provide Mr. Ghattas or Mr. Rybicki for interviews at this time."

One of those officials, Rybicki, has been in the spotlight lately after partial interview transcripts emerged in which the former Comey chief of staff and another bureau official suggested Comey had started drafting an exoneration statement for Hillary Clinton in the private email investigation weeks before she was interviewed.

The claims, which emerged in interviews by the Office of Special Counsel and were disclosed by members of the Judiciary Committee, prompted some GOP lawmakers to question Comeys past statements to Congress.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told Fox News last week he wants to haul back Comey to Capitol Hill; Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, said Monday that Comey absolutely should be brought back to testify.

The claim of an exoneration statement raised concerns for Ratcliffe, because the congressman seemed to get a different explanation from Comey during a September 2016 hearing before the House Judiciary Committee. At the time, Ratcliffe asked Comey whether he made the decision not to recommend criminal charges against Clinton before or after she was interviewed by the FBI in early July.

After, Comey said.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders also said Tuesday the DOJ should consider prosecuting Comey for various alleged improper actions. Sanders said the former FBI director politicized an investigation by signaling he would exonerate Hillary Clinton before he ever interviewed her or other key witnesses.

But Trump, for his part, faced intense criticism for his handling of the Comey firing earlier this year, including accusations from Democrats that he was trying to muffle the Russia meddling probe  which later was taken over by the special counsel.

Grassley and Feinstein repeatedly have asked for the two senior FBI officials to come before the committee, only to be turned down  and made clear from the start they had questions about Comeys removal.

The Senate Judiciary Committee originally asked in July to interview Rybicki and Ghattas, who is with the FBI's national security branch. The senators subsequently agreed to limit the scope of their request, reiterating that they had questions about Comeys firing, but were rebuffed by DOJ.

The two officials could have unique insight about Trumps views and actions toward Comey.

Asked about the latest letter, the Department of Justice referred Fox News to the Office Special Counsel, which declined to comment.
This is one odd soon-to-be ex-couple.

Anthony Weiner and Huma Abedin sat elbow to elbow whispering to each other during their first divorce hearing Wednesday  then left together in a chauffeur-driven car.

Abedin, whose husband will be sentenced later this month for sexting with a minor, smiled as she stood next to the disgraced ex-congressman in the courthouse elevator, even though shes filed a contested divorce proceeding against him.

And Weiner seemingly couldnt be happier.

Feeling OK, Anthony? a reporter asked.

Thank you, yes. Bless you guys, the repeat sext-offender, who once went by the online moniker Carlos Danger, said on his way into Manhattan Supreme Court.

Justice Michael Katz said he was glad to hear that Weiner and Abedin would like to resolve this amicably.

I certainly would encourage you to try to work out a plan together with your attorneys assistance, Katz said. It certainly would be better for your son if you could do that. It would save you a lot of stress.

Hopefully the financials can be worked out amicably as well, the judge added.

Click here for more from the New York Post
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin suggested Wednesday that the Trump administration is willing to cut off trade with China in an effort to put pressure on North Korea.

I've worked on an executive order that's ready if the president wants to use it, Mnuchin said in an interview with Fox News Bret Baier. We can stop trade with any country that does business with North Korea.

China is North Koreas closest ally and commercial partner.

Pressed if the administration is really willing to stop trade with China, Mnuchin replied: Stopping trade with anybody. Nobody would be off the table.

CHINA SAYS TRUMPS TRADE THREAT OVER N. KOREA UNACCEPTABLE

President Trump issued the same threat earlier this month, posting on Twitter that the United States is considering halting trade with "any country doing business with North Korea." His remarks came after North Korea detonated a thermonuclear device in its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

China responded by saying Trump's threat is unacceptable and unfair.

We're going to be careful in using these tools, Mnuchin said Wednesday, but the president is committed. We will use economic sanctions to bring North Korea to the table.

Mnuchin also expressed a desire during the interview to win support from both Republicans and Democrats on a tax reform package.

Now more than ever its important to get tax reform done, he said. Because this is about economic growth, this is about economic recovery and with these two big hurricanes, we have to rebuild these areas of the country and we need to create economic growth.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


Pete Domenici, the longest-serving senator from New Mexico, died on Wednesday, Fox News confirmed. He was 85 years old.

The former longtime Republican senator recently underwent abdominal surgery and was placed in intensive care after a recovery setback, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

He is out of pain and we all feel good about that, the Domenici family told the newspaper. We are grateful for all of the people who helped here at the hospital and elsewhere.

Domenici was former chairman of the budget committee and served six terms as senator from 1973 to 2009. He declined to seek a seventh term in 2008 after revealing he had been diagnosed with an incurable brain disorder.

The Albuquerque-born son of Italian immigrants carried a consistent message of fiscal restraint from his first term in 1972 until leaving office in early 2009.

He even refused once to buckle to President Reagan, who wanted him to delay the budget process.

In a 1996 interview, Domenici said: "I am not just a Republican senator, it is not a Republican role...The facts are, when I got elected, I got elected by a lot of Democrats.

Former President George H.W. Bush had also considered him for vice president.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed his condolences on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.

"The Senate is saddened today w the news of the passing of our friend Senator Pete Domenici. We offer our deepest condolences to his family," McConnell tweeted.

Fox News' Chad Pergram and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Lawmakers on Tuesday debated the merits of a Republican-backed bill that would make it easier for individuals to buy gun silencers.

Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., introduced the measure in the Sportsmens Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act, the Hill reported. The provision calls for a less extensive and instant background check.

Duncans bill is reportedly dubbed the Hearing Protection Act. The debate was reportedly delayed after the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., in June in a park in Arlington, Va.

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., reportedly said it seems that sportsmen have to choose between damaging their hearing and being able to hunt, shoot, target practice.

Democrats said the bill is dangerous, and would make it more difficult to determine where shots are being fired in an active-shooter situation.

We should not make it easier for anyone to obtain these weapons of war, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., said, according to the report.

David Chipman, a senior policy adviser of Americans for Responsible Solutions, a pro-gun control group, was invited to the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands hearing, the Hill reported.

Chipman said the bill would make silencers more readily available to criminals because for the first time in 80 years private parties could sell these guns without background checks on the internet and in gun shows and this has never been the case before.

The National Rifle Associations lobbying arm supports the measures, saying suppressors are harmless and very rarely used in crime and that the joint bill would end the cumbersome and lengthy application process.

A similar measure failed in 2015. But supporters are optimistic this time with President Donald Trump in office.

The GOP lawmakers say the bill aims to cut through the red tape of owning a suppressor and, if passed, would remove the accessory from the scope of the National Firearms Act. They also say it would replace the outdated federal application process with the instantaneous National Instant Criminal Background Check.

Critics point to a February 2013 situation in which fired Los Angeles police Officer Christopher Dorner killed four people in a series of attacks over 10 days that targeted law enforcement officials. They argue the fatal attacks might have been stopped earlier had Dorner not been using silencers.

Theres no evidence of a public health issue associated with hearing loss from gunfire, Kristin Brown, of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, told the Los Angeles Times earlier this year. There is evidence of a public health crisis from gun violence, and we think thats where legislative efforts should be directed.
President Trump is taking his outreach to Democrats to a new level, planning to host House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer at the White House for dinner Wednesday night.

The dinner date comes after the president stunned GOP congressional leaders by striking a deal last week with the two senior Democrats for a short-term spending and debt-ceiling deal. While GOP leaders wanted a longer-term package, the deal helped ensure immediate aid to hurricane victims while averting a government shutdown for now.

Now, Trump is trying to jump-start his legislative agenda beginning with tax cuts and tax reform. He had dinner with bipartisan senators Tuesday night.

A source familiar with Wednesdays planned Pelosi-Schumer dinner told Fox News the meeting will follow up on last weeks sit-down with the Hill leaders.

Schumer, D-N.Y., and Pelosi, D-Calif., are expected to press the president on protections for dreamers, young illegal immigrants who had been shielded from deportation under a 2012 Obama administration policy that Trump has since announced he intends to roll back. The Democrats also plan to discuss ways to stabilize the health care markets.

Trump and his aides have defended the presidents new outreach to the minority party  which comes amid some frustration at the White House over the performance of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.

A senior source inside Tuesdays dinner with bipartisan senators told Fox News that Trumps new strategy is to meet and work with lawmakers across the aisle -- in part, an effort to shed the guidance from the Reince Priebus-era where the former chief of staff and his aides held the view that the president should only work with GOP leaders like Ryan and McConnell.

But after the failure of the health care bill and other legislative frustrations, Trump is reverting to a strategy that has worked for him in the past, before his time in the White House. The source said Trump ran an unconventional campaign with unconventional methods  and the conventional methods that were used in the first part of the year were not working for him.

Fox News John Roberts, Serafin Gomez and Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
As the deadline nears for the Trump administration to set a ceiling for refugee admissions, some close to the president have pushed to lower the number below 50,000, the New York Times reported, citing unnamed sources.

The number would reportedly be the lowest since at least 1980. President Barack Obama said 110,000 refugees should be allowed in the U.S. in 2016, the report said.

A decision has not been made and the issue was still being discussed. The report pointed out that President Donald Trump is required by law to consult with Congress. The decision on the refugee ceiling should be made by Oct. 1.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the administration to maintain its policy on refugees. The justices agreed to an administration request to block a lower court ruling that would have eased the refugee ban and allowed up to 24,000 refugees to enter the country before the end of October.

The order was not the court's last word on the travel policy that Trump first rolled out in January. The justices are scheduled to hear arguments Oct. 10 on the legality of the bans on travelers from six mostly Muslim countries and refugees anywhere in the world.

It's unclear, though, what will be left for the court to decide. The 90-day travel ban lapses in this month and the 120-day refugee ban will expire in October.

The administration has yet to say whether it will seek to renew the bans, make them permanent or expand them to other countries.

Lower courts have ruled that the bans violate the Constitution and federal immigration law. The high court has agreed to review those rulings. Its intervention so far has been to evaluate what parts of the policy can take effect in the meantime.

A panel of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district judge's order that would have allowed refugees to enter the United States if a resettlement agency in the U.S. had agreed to take them in.

The administration objected, saying the relationship between refugees and resettlement agencies shouldn't count. The high court's unsigned, one-sentence order agreed with the administration, at least for now.

The appeals court also upheld another part of the judge's ruling that applies to the bans on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Grandparents and cousins of people already in the U.S. can't be excluded from the country under the travel bans, as the Trump administration had wanted. The administration did not ask the Supreme Court to block that part of the ruling.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A government watchdog group is calling on a number of high-ranking Democratic senators to return campaign cash they received from the super PAC of Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez (N.J.), who is now on trial for corruption charges.

Menendez made tens of thousands of dollars in contributions to the campaign committees of Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), Tim Kaine (D., Va.), Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.), Jon Tester (D., Mont.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D., N.Y.), and Chris Murphy (D., Conn.) long after Menendez was indicted on alleged corruption charges, the Washington Free Beacon previously reported.

"The fact that Senators took campaign donations from Menendez's New Millennium PAC well after Menendez was indicted on a long list of very serious charges amounts to a tacit endorsement of egregious and potentially criminal behavior," said Matthew Whitaker, executive director of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), a Washington, D.C.,-based watchdog group.

"The hypocrisy of some of these Senators when it comes to passing ethical judgment on others is astounding, as they are often the first to cry foul when the appearance of impropriety involves their political opponents," added Whitaker. "Therefore, I think for the good of consistency, and more importantly transparency and maintaining trust in government, the PAC donations should be returned."

Menendez gave $10,000 to the campaigns of Kaine, Stabenow, Tester, and Gillibrand from the New Millennium PAC, his super PAC. Menendez also gave $5,000 to the campaign committees of Warren and Murphy. Menendez made the contributions to his Democratic colleagues between February and June of this year.

Click for more from The Washington Free Beacon.
After a "goodbye kiss" with Saturn's huge moon Titan, NASA's Cassini spacecraft should now be on course for its suicide dive into the ringed planet Friday (Sept. 15).

Cassini zoomed within 73,974 miles (119,049 kilometers) of Titan Monday (Sept. 11) in a flyby designed to lower the probe's orbit enough to ensure that it will crash into Saturn's thick atmosphere as planned on Friday, NASA officials said.

Monday's encounter was the last of more than 100 that Cassini has had with Titan since the spacecraft arrived in the Saturn system on the night of June 30, 2004. [Cassini's Saturn Crash 2017: How to Watch Its 'Grand Finale']

"Cassini has been in a long-term relationship with Titan, with a new rendezvous nearly every month for more than a decade," Cassini project manager Earl Maize, of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said in a statement.

"This final encounter is something of a bittersweet goodbye, but as it has done throughout the mission, Titan's gravity is once again sending Cassini where we need it to go," Maize added.

Mission team members should know for sure whether Cassini is lined up properly for its death dive after a scheduled check-in with the probe this evening (Sept. 12), NASA officials said.

That death dive was planned because Cassini is running out of fuel, and the spacecraft's handlers want to make sure the probe is disposed of properly before they lose control of it. The main goal is to make sure that Cassini doesn't contaminate Titan or fellow Saturn satellite Enceladus with microbes from Earth.

Scientists think both moons may be capable of supporting life. The 313-mile-wide (504 km) Enceladus harbors an ocean of liquid water beneath its icy shell, and hydrothermal hot spots within that ocean may provide energy for organisms, if any exist there.

Titan, which is 3,200 miles (5,150 km) wide, is also thought to possess a subsurface water ocean. Titan also has lakes and seas of liquid hydrocarbons on its surface. Both of these environments may be habitable  though any life that swims about in the surface seas would be very different than the organisms we're familiar with here on Earth.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+ . Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook or Google+ . Originally published on Space.com.
Mike Getty, the chief fossil preparator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, passed away Monday after becoming ill working at a new dig.

Getty, who was reknowned for his skill, work ethic and having discovered the Utahceratops gettyi, became ill at a exacavation site working on a newly disocvered triceratops in Thornton, Colorado, according to the Denver Post.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science did not say how Getty passed, but added his death was not the cause of an accident. He joined the museum four years ago.

CAR-SIZE 'LOCH NESS MONSTER' WAS RUNT OF THE LITTER

"The Museum takes the health and safety of its staff, volunteers and guests very seriously. All emergency management and safety protocols were followed in accordance with best practices," the Museum said in a statement provided to Fox News. "As we mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague, we send our deepest condolences to the Getty family."

The 50-year-old hailed from Canada and never lost his accent, friends said. He had worked in a number of different countries, including Argentina, Kenya and Madagascar, as well as the U.S. and his native Canada.

Sarah George, executive director of the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City, told the Post that Getty had a rare talent for finding bones.

He could tell you if its something that has already been found before and how this is adding to our understanding of that animal or if it was new, George said. And he would know that from looking at little bits and pieces.

He was a character in every sense of the word, Andrew Farke, who works at the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology in Claremont, Calif., told the Post. He was quirky, he had a personality and he was one of those people its really hard to imagine that hes gone now.
NASAs Kennedy Space Center sustained a variety of damage as a result of Hurricane Irma, officials have confirmed.

In a blog post Tuesday, NASA said that the Space Center is without water service following the hurricane.

Center Director Bob Cabana joined the centers Damage Assessment and Recovery Team for a survey of the spaceport Tuesday, the government agency explained in the post. A damage assessment report will be compiled over the next several weeks after a full inspection of the center has been conducted.

HURRICANE IRMA: FLORIDA RESIDENTS WARNED TO BEWARE ALLIGATORS, SNAKES

NASA closed Kennedy Space Center on Sept. 8 before Hurricane Irma hit Florida and only a small team of specialists known as the Rideout Team was at the site during the storm.

Last week, NASA said that the facility would be closed until at least Sept. 11, but on Tuesday said the site will remain closed on Wednesday Sept. 13 as the Damage Assessment and Recovery Team continues to assess the Space Center and deal with any issues it finds before full operations resume.

The storm, which had left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, made landfall as a Category 4 Storm in the Florida Keys on Sunday morning, before carving a path up Floridas West Coast.

HURRICANE IRMA: THE SCIENCE OF THE DEADLY STORM

Kennedy Space Center, which is on Floridas Merritt Island, adjacent to Cape Canaveral, was impacted by the epic storm as it churned past. Images released by NASA appear to show damage to some roofs at the famous site and the exterior of the Centers Multi-Payload Processing Facility (MPPF).

NASA has not yet responded to a request for comment on the extent of the damage from Fox News.

Last year, Hurricane Matthew caused millions of dollars of damage to Kennedy Space Center.

Correction: This story has been corrected to reflect that Kennedy Space Center is on Merritt Island

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
Apple today unveiled its third-gen Apple Watch, which offers a cellular connection; no smartphone required.

The waterproof Series 3 device runs a custom W2 chip and boasts all-day battery life up to 18 hours, Apple COO Jeff Williams said at a press event at the company's new Cupertino headquarters. Looks for an altimeter to measure flights and new fitness perks courtesy of watchOS 4.

The watch will notify you if you have an elevated heart rate but you don't appear to be active, for example. There will also be a focus on heart rhythm. Later this year, the Apple Heart Studyin partnership with Stanford Medicinewill use data from Apple Watch and tell users if anything goes awry, like arrhythmia. WatchOS 4 will also be available for existing Apple Watches on Sept. 19.

But "the biggest challenge of all was adding cellular," Williams said. "Our little watch is already packed," but for cellular, you have to add antennas, radios, and a SIM card, among other things. "If you don't get it right, it looks like a house arrest bracelet and you won't want to wear it," Williams quipped.

Rather than add an antenna, the Series 3 display is a multi-frequency antenna for LTE and UMTS. There's also an electronic SIM ("even a nano SIM is too big," Williams said), so Series 3 ends up being the same size is Series 2.

Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular starts at $399; in the US, it will be supported by the big four wireless carriers. A non-LTE version of Series 3 will run you $329; the older Series 1 now starts at $249. Pre-orders begin on Sept. 15 and the devices arrive Sept. 22.

As usual, Apple will also offer new bands, including pricey ones from Hermes.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
An older Ryanair passenger has become something of a hero after choking out an annoying 22-year-old man in an adjacent seat  and the whole incident was caught on film.

According to a witness who spoke with The Sun, the disruptive, drunk passenger had been making a nuisance of himself during the entire two-hour flight from Spain to England, and continued to do so after the plane landed at the Luton airport just outside of London.

WOMAN FILMED GIVING IN-FLIGHT LAP DANCE 'ABSOLUTELY MORTIFIED'

Over the course of the flight, he was singing loudly with his headphones on, said fellow passenger Dean Whiteside, who added that the man had been warned repeatedly to quiet down. It was a late flight, everyone was tired and he was rubbing people up the wrong way.

Upon landing, the flight crew called police to come remove the unruly young man, but he wasnt about to give in. The man reportedly stood from his seat and told the crew to get out of my face.

I could see [an altercation] brewing up, said Whiteside. Thats the reason I got my phone out, ready to film it.

However, to the surprise of Whiteside, the disruptive passenger didnt even get a chance to throw the first punch. Instead, an older gentleman with white hair leaped out of his seat and placed the young man in a chokehold.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

As seen in the footage, the aircraft almost immediately bursts out into spontaneous applause. Another passenger can also be heard yelling Citizens arrest! over the commotion.

After a few seconds, the young man fell unconscious, and the crew was able to remove him from the aircraft.

The guy was lifeless in his arms like a rag doll, Whiteside added.

As reported by The Sun, the crew reportedly restrained the young man while the rest of the passengers deplaned, and he was later arrested on suspicion of common assault.

A 22-year-old man from Dagenham was arrested on suspicion of common assault and being drunk on an aircraft. He was taken into police custody and dealt with by way of simple caution, Bedfordshire Police confirmed.

RYANAIR CALLS FOR TWO-DRINK LIMIT AT U.K. AIRPORTS

In a statement obtained by Fox News, Ryanair has said they have handed the matter over to police.

We will not tolerate unruly or disruptive behavior at any time and the safety and comfort of our customers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority, said Ryanair of the altercation, which occured on a June 30 flight.

This is exactly why we are calling for significant changes to prohibit the sale of alcohol at airports, such as a two-drink limit per passenger and no alcohol sales before 10 a.m., added the Irish airline, who first called on U.K. airports to institute a drink limit in August.

"Its incumbent on the airports to introduce these preventative measures to curb excessive drinking and the problems it creates, rather than allowing passengers to drink to excess before their flights."

Its not yet clear if the older Ryanair passenger was detained by police at Luton airport as well. A representative for Ryanair declined to comment on the matter for Fox News.
An Arizona elementary school teacher pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of sexual conduct with a 17-year-old Swedish foreign exchange student.

Joshua Schroder, 36, will be sentenced October 12, Maricopa County Superior Court officials said.

The girl allegedly exchanged more than 600 text messages with Schroder in the span of a month before the relationship allegedly turned sexual.

A friend of the student told police she noticed Schroder texting the girl suggestive pictures and comments including "I love you," AZCentral.com reported.

Goodyear police arrested Schroder in February on suspicion of nine counts of sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Schroder teaches at Rainbow Valley Elementary School in Buckeye, Arizona, and is the coordinator of the foreign exchange student program. He's been teaching fourth grade for the past decade.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Law enforcement groups in California have propelled the states prison reform measure, known as Assembly Bill 109, into the limelight by proclaiming that it led to the murder of Sacramento County Sheriffs Deputy Robert French.

On Aug. 30, French was killed  while two other officers were wounded  in a shootout with convicted felon Thomas Littlecloud. The 32-year-old had served three prior sentences and failed to show up to court in 2016 for violating the conditions of his release.

Littlecloud  who also died in the battle  was free from custody as a result of AB 109 parole changes, according to the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), which represents more than 7,900 deputy sheriffs and district attorney investigators.

Prior to AB 109, a no bail warrant for a violation of parole would have been issued for Littlecloud and served upon him. He would have remained in custody while awaiting both resolution of his new criminal cases and a parole revocation hearing. Most importantly, he would not have been on the streets in August, 2017 and able to murder Deputy French, ALADS said in a statement. The attempt by the state legislator to game recidivism statistics doesnt change the reality of parolee behavior and law violations after release from prison.

AB 109, also known as the states prison realignment law, was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2011 in an effort to ease Californias burgeoning prison overcrowding problem and sought to move the responsibility of administering certain offenders from the state to counties. The Supreme Court mandate meant that some prisoners who would have been sent to state prison were sent instead to county jails. Others were placed under Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) in which they were given help to reintegrate into society through services such as jobs and skills training, mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment.

Deputy French was gunned down by a cowardly fugitive with a decades-long criminal history that should have been behind bars. Californias nonsensical experiment of releasing hardcore criminals back on the streets has created a revolving door criminal justice system with deadly consequences, Craig Lally, President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, told Fox News. The Los Angeles Police Department is understaffed and it makes little sense to keep releasing convicted criminals to wreak more havoc on our streets. These failed policies need to be rescinded.

And according to Assemblyman Travis Allen, R-Huntington Beach, many of the states Democratic leaders subsequently have blood on their hands.

A cop-killing felon was on the streets due to Jerry Browns AB 109 early release law, instead of behind bars where he belonged, he lamented. It is not enough for Democrat politicians to send their condolences after the fact when it is their soft-on-crime policies that have put our law enforcement and communities in harms way. Deputy Frenchs death was unnecessary and a direct result of the laws that Gov. Jerry Brown and the California Democrats have promoted.

However, others disagree that the measures played a role in the police officers death.

AB 109 didnt reduce the amount of time this suspect  or any other  was incarcerated. The hypothetical scenario is based on speculation, inaccurate information. The truth is that no one knows exactly what would have happened in a hypothetical situation, contended Vicky Waters, press secretary for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). In this case, what CDCR knows is the suspect served his full sentences in prison and was, by law, released in November 2014 to community supervision where he remained until this incident.

Prisoner rights advocates too argue that individual crimes cannot be laid at the feet at any particular piece of legislation.

The dynamics of crime are not so easy, not so cut-and-dried as to say, if any single piece of legislation is or is not enacted, any particular crime would be prevented. To assert this plays to the fear of the public for political gain, something we have come to expect from the D.A. and sheriffs associations, said Vanessa Nelson-Sloane of the Life Support Alliance. The people of California would be better served if these organizations, and others, would get behind, support and work for meaningful rehabilitative programs. Passing laws to keep people in prison longer, or railing against laws that seek to provide a path to rehabilitation, are counterproductive.

Since October 2011 when the law was enacted, Californias state prison population has fallen by more than 25 percent. Before the bill came into play, the states prisons were holding almost double the amount they were built to house and mentally ill prisoners often were not receiving rudimentary care. Activists also insisted that the criminal justice reform has enabled cost savings by decreasing incarceration levels and instead emphasizing rehabilitation.

But this isnt the first time the legislation has been blamed directly for an officers death on duty. Many attributed the February death of Whittier police officer Keith Boyer to AB 109, as court records showed the shooting suspect and alleged gang member Michael Mejia cycled in and out of incarceration and violated his probation several times. Yet he received a 10-day flash incarceration in county jail under the bill before allegedly killing Boyer and his own cousin, and wounding another officer.

And last week, a lauded El Dorado Hills middle school counselor, Myrna Harp, was lucky to have survived a head-on collision after a car theft suspect, who critics say would have been behind bars for previous convictions if it werent for AB 109, crossed into her lane amid a police chase.

HOW CALIFORNIA GUN OWNERS ARE LEGALLY KEEPING THEIR AR-15 RIFLES

Such stories have become commonplace, AB 109 opponents claim.

CalMatters, a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture, claims that while property crimes such as burglary and car theft have continued to decline, a trend that has been ongoing since the mid-90s, violent crime rose 7.4 percent between 2011 and 2016, with aggravated assault experiencing the biggest uptick. Other organizations dispute the reasoning behind this  including nonpartisan research think tank the Public Policy Institute of California, which concluded in 2016 that AB 109 had little impact on the number of former inmates who re-offended and was not the cause of violent crime spikes.

Nonetheless, Californias lawmakers  with support of the voting public  are continuing to overhaul the prison system.

Following AB 109 in 2011, Prop 47  which changed crimes such as fraud and theft under the value of $950 and the possession of illicit drugs including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine from felonies to misdemeanors  was voted into law in California in 2014. More than 13,500 prisoners also reportedly were released and some 200,000 felony convictions retroactively eliminated.

Then last year came the Brown-endorsed Prop 57 which undid many sentencing laws. It branded those convicted of offenses including rape of an unconscious person, human trafficking involving sex acts with minors, lewd acts against a child 14 or 15 years old, failing to register as a sex offender and attempting to explode a bomb at a hospital or school as nonviolent criminals.

3 DIE IN SHOOTING AT ALASKA PRECIOUS METALS SHOP

Scores of law enforcement leaders are now saying enough is enough.

These bills have brought about a horrible state of affairs. There is no dispute violent crime has increased and the common denominator is early release from prison, added John McGinness, a former Sacramento County Sheriff who now serves as a consultant for the California Police Association. Maybe this wasnt reckless policy, maybe it was well-intended, but it needs to be acknowledged that it has failed.
A criminal complaint says a man who drove into a group of people in Minnesota told police he was assaulted by several men and hit them so he wouldn't get beat up.

Twenty-one-year-old Juan Carlos Lamas Jr. of Shakopee was charged Tuesday with multiple felonies, including assault and criminal vehicular operation, as well as misdemeanor drunken driving.

Police say he deliberately drove into a group of people in the Minnesota city of Mankato early Sunday, injuring six.

According to the Mankato Free Press , the complaint says Lamas admitted to striking the group after a fight over the price paid for some marijuana.

Two 18-year-old victims who were severely injured remain in fair condition at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Court records don't list an attorney who could speak for Lamas.

___

Information from: The Free Press, http://www.mankatofreepress.com
Authorities say a 70-year-old woman was shot and killed by her son in the intensive care unit at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Tuesday, sending New Hampshire's largest hospital into lockdown.

Travis Frink, 49, of Warwick, R.I. was arrested as he tried to drive off the hospital's campus. He was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Pamela Ferriere of Groton, N.H., state Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said Tuesday night.

McDonald said Frink signed in at the hospital's visiting desk at 1:15 p.m. Approximately 10 minutes later, police responded to a report of a shooting in the fourth-floor intensive care unit.

"The facts gathered to this point reveal that the purpose of Mr. Frink's visit to the hospital today was to kill his mother," MacDonald told reporters, adding that the crime scene was still be investigated and that more than one shot had been fired. "No other patients, visitors or staff were physically injured as a result of the incident today." MacDonald did not disclose a specific motive for the shooting.

People were told to avoid the area around the hospital, and traffic was stopped on a route leading to the medical center in the town of Lebanon, near the Vermont border. An image taken inside the hospital showed SWAT team members accompanying staff as they swept the building.

The hospital urged everyone on the main campus to evacuate or shelter in place. One staffer told WMUR that patients with wheelchairs and others needing assistance were helped into an adjacent parking lot.

Another hospital employee told WMUR that the hospital issued a "code silver" alert, indicating that someone was possibly being violent with a weapon. Another employee told WCAX that an alert flashed on computer monitors saying that there was an active shooter.

"You hear an alert and you just respond and you go," staff member Barbara Rodgers told WMUR. "You do what you have to do and make sure everybody gets out. It's just hard, because you're getting patients out and visitors and just whatever, and they don't know what's going on. You can't tell them anything. You don't know anything to tell them."

The hospital had resumed normal operations as of Tuesday evening.

John Kacavas, the medical center's chief legal officer, thanked police and the attorney general's office for their response to a "tragic situation."

The state attorney general's office is investigating, along with the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit and the Lebanon Police Department.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Judy Sheindlin, better known as Judge Judy, is funding a space for public debate at the University of Southern California.

The forum, which was to be unveiled Tuesday night, will host the USC Annenberg Debate Series.

The university said the series will bring together people with different perspectives, including leaders and students.

Sheindlin, a retired New York judge, is host of the long-running TV court show "Judge Judy."

In a statement, she said the free exchange of ideas by well-meaning people must be honored on college campuses.

Willow Bay, dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, said in a statement that schools have a responsibility to encourage civil dialogue.

The Sheindlin Forum is named for the former judge and her husband, Jerry. The donation amount wasn't disclosed.
The excitement around Randy Bryce's candidacy for the southeast Wisconsin congressional seat Paul Ryan has held since 1998-- without even one DCCC challenge, odd for a swing district Obama won in-- is palpable, growing and national. And in Wisconsin... I was first introduced to Randy simultaneously by two trusted political leaders there: Rob Zerban, the only Democrat to ever make a serious run against Ryan (with no help from the DCCC) and state Senator Chris Larson, the most progressive member of the Wisconsin's legislature. Polling shows Randy can beat Ryan-- if Ryan even decides to run again, a proposition looking iffier by the day.





Yesterday, National Nurses United (NNU) endorsed Randy for the seat. Here's the letter Ken Zinn, NNUs Political Director, sent to Randy:

I am happy to inform you that National Nurses United, the nations largest organization of registered nurses, is supporting your campaign for Congress to represent Wisconsins 1stcongressional district. We appreciate your commitment on the key issues of health, labor, economic justice, womens equality, and civil rights, which are important issues to registered nurses.

In releasing the letter, Randy reminded the media that NNU was an early backer of then presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and "organized powerfully around the Senators platform of single payer healthcare, among other progressive cornerstones of his candidacy. They have been instrumental in crafting the Medicare for All legislation, which is quickly gaining traction among Democratic Senators this week... NNU has never wavered in their support for single payer healthcare, and I am honored to have their support. Paul Ryan stands in the way of our shared vision and with NNUs support, he will be repealed and replaced in 2018. The time is now to support a bold, progressive vision for our country.





Randy's campaign was quickly embraced by stalwart progressives like Ro Khanna, Barbara Lee, Ruben Gallego, Ted Lieu, Alan Grayson, Raul Grijalva, Joe Kennedy and Jan Schakowsky and then the Congressional Progressive Caucus. So what about the Wisconsin congressmembers? There are 3 Democrats in the delegation-- two progressives, Mark Pocan and Gwen Moore-- and a less-than-worthless reactionary, New Dem Ron Kind who is personally very, very close with Ryan with whom he frequently votes. But none have formally endorsed Randy. (Pocan has been talking Randy up big time in Wisconsin and in DC.) The lack of endorsements is because of something called "the Dave Obey rule," a uniquely Wisconsin institution that prevents members of Congress from endorsing members of their own party against incumbents of the other party. It's an absolutely sucky rule and this would be a great year to rip it to shreds.





Now, Dave Obey, still one of the state's most influential Democrats, isn't in Congress any longer. But today he endorsed Randy Bryce himself. A signal? "Paul Ryan," he wrote, "has for far too long gotten away with his finely tuned act of being a moderate policy wonk, fighting the good fight on behalf of his constituents in Southeast Wisconsin. Rather, Ryan is an intellectually rigid, romantic ideologue masquerading as a moderate and pragmatic legislator. The only thing moderate about Paul Ryan is his demeanor. Candidate Trump had promised working people that they could count on him to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Advancing his own agenda that is hard on working people, Paul Ryan has pushed to turn Trump from a promise-keeper to a promise-breaker, in ways that would severely hurt working people. Working people cant afford that kind of Koch Brothers-inspired and funded agenda. Working people can count on Randy to repeal and replace that kind of brutal thinking."





It will be worth watching what Mark Pocan, Gwen Moore and even Ron Kind do next.
After nine people died in the course of eight days, Mayor Levar Stoney of Richmond, Va., has ordered city police Chief Alfred Durham to use any legal means necessary in an effort to curb gun violence.

At a news conference Tuesday, Stoney and other city leaders called for peace, as they outlined short- and long-term measures to deal with an increase in violence, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.

My heart sinks every time I receive a phone call from Chief Durham early in the wee hours of the morning, because I know what that call means, Stoney said.

Durham said he will assign two officers to patrol Gilpin Court on foot, a method that has had success in the past, the Times-Dispatch reported.

Gilpin Court is among four public housing locations where the most trouble has been seen, with police arresting a total of more than 700 people this year from those areas.

The motives behind the nine killings are unclear, but Durham indicated drug wars were likely to blame.

The city's anti-crime measures include installing more cameras inside public housing, as well as stricter lease enforcement that will punish those involved in illicit activity such as guns, drugs, or gangs with eviction, T.K. Somanath, CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, told the Times-Dispatch.

Stoney cited weak state gun laws as a catalyst for the violence in Richmond, which has already seen 59 killings this year, compared to 67 killings  61 of which Richmond police called homicides -- in 2016, the Times-Dispatch reported.
The inspector general for the Chicago Public Schools announced Tuesday that an alternative high school inside Cook County Jail has been falsifying student credits and attendance for years.

Nicholas Schuler called the York Alternative High School "a credit mill," and is urging the firing of its principal, Sharnette Sims.

Schuler's seven-page report says York has routinely granted attendance and course credit to students who've left the jail or have been moved to solitary confinement, where they couldn't attend classes. There is an example of a student who had gotten out of jail and was killed a week later, but was still being listed as attending classes.

The report says from 2012 to 2016 about 342 students freed from jail were improperly kept on the attendance rolls.

According to Schuler, the school also had a "deficient and dishonest course structure" that combined multiple courses in a single classroom. He said they were under the direction of teachers who were unaware of which students needed which classes.

As a result, the program last year boasted some of the district's highest attendance and credit-attainment metrics of the city's "options schools" for students who have dropped out of traditional high schools or are in confinement.

"However, the (inspector general's office) found that those scores were inflated due to falsified data," Schuler's office said in the report.

The district received a copy of the inspector general's findings at the end of June, according to officials.

"When we received these alarming allegations we began a process to thoroughly review the inspector general's findings," district spokesman Michael Passman said. "That process remains underway, and we will respond appropriately based on the facts when our review is complete."

Sims, who was paid $139,000 last year to oversee the jail school, didn't respond to requests for comment Tuesday.

In addition to the county jail program, Chicago's school district operates a similar high school program at the county's temporary juvenile detention center, a school for pregnant women and a program for students who are at risk of dropping out.
Police in Plano, Texas on Tuesday identified the gunman and victims in Sundays deadly shooting at a Dallas Cowboys watch party.

Police confirmed that the gunman was Spencer Hight, 32, and that one of the victims was his estranged wife, Meredith Hight, 27.

Witnesses say Spencer showed up to the house party and got into an argument with Meredith out front. He then went inside with her and opened fire as partygoers watched the Cowboys' season-opening game against the New York Giants.

The other victims have been identified as Anthony Michael Cross, 33; Olivia Nicole Deffner, 24; James Richard Dunlop, 29; Darryl William Hawkins, 22; Rion Christopher Morgan, 31; Myah Sade Bass, 28; and Caleb Seth Edwards, 25.

"I can't even believe this guy did this," Kenda Grand, whose son was friends with victim Tony Cross, told Fox 4 News. "It's hard to wrap your head around it and I heard about it and the last thing I thought was I would know somebody."

Grand said her son had been friends with Cross since they were both two years old.

"His brother wrote 'rest in peace Tony Cross' and I thought, What happened?'" Grand said. "I got a hold of his brother on Facebook and he told me what happened and I was like, 'Oh my God, no.'" Grand said.

Texas Rangers and Plano police detectives spent all day Tuesday processing the home and backyard, but released no new details of the case -- including any evidence they may have collected from Spencer Hight's nearby apartment.

Investigators say that each victim is being considered a personal crime scene, requiring extensive resources and painstaking work. Some of the victims' vehicles were still parked outside Meredith Hight's home, leaving detectives to cover up the license plates.

Click for more from Fox4News.com.
More than 100 people were evacuated from a Florida nursing home Wednesday after eight people were reported dead from conditions at a Hollywood facility, where residents were suffering from intense heat caused by a lack of electricity after deadly Hurricane Irma swept through.

Irma may have moved on from Florida, but lingering dangers caused by the storm, including carbon monoxide poisoning and heat-related incidents caused by a lack of air conditioning, remain in the Sunshine State, as millions wait for power to be restored.

Officials in Hollywood said at least eight people died and 115 people were evacuated from Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, located about 20 miles north of Miami.

The medical examiner's office confirmed that three of the victims were found dead early Wednesday, while the others died either at or on the way to the hospital. The victims range in age from 71 to 99.

"Were conducting a criminal investigation inside," Hollywood Police Chief Tom Sanchez said. "We believe at this time they may be related to the loss of power in the storm. Were conducting a criminal investigation, not ruling anything out at this time.

Sanchez said investigators believe the deaths were heat-related, adding it was a "sad event."

In a statement, the nursing home called the incident an "unfortunate and tragic outcome" of a "prolonged power failure," and said the home is cooperating with authorities.

The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills has evacuated this morning due to a prolonged power failure to the transformer which powered the facility's air conditioning system as a result of the hurricane, said Jorge Carballo, administrator of the facility.

Facility administration has been in communication with Florida Power & Light and the Governor's office since the beginning of Hurricane Irma, and is cooperating fully with relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances that led to this unfortunate and tragic outcome. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were affected.

The Hollywood Police and Hollywood Fire Rescue received a call around 4 a.m. at the facility, and found "several patients in varying degrees of medical distress," city officials said.

Sanchez said officers have been assigned to check 42 assisted living facilities and nursing homes in Hollywood to "make sure they are in sufficient care of the elderly."

The nursing home did have a generator, but it is unclear if the generator was functional, WSVN reported.

PIZZA HUT THREATENS EVACUATING FLORIDA EMPLOYEES WITH DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Temperatures in Hollywood were expected to be around 86 degrees on Wednesday -- but feel about 10 degrees warmer.

A caseworker named Ed, who declined to give his last name, came to the facility Wednesday morning to check on his 80-year-old dementia patient. He told Fox News he isn't sure yet if she's one of the dead.

"I'm very concerned. I'm like a family member to her," he said.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott released a statement Monday in which he called the situation "unfathomable," and said he's "going to aggressively demand answers" as to what happened at the Rehabilitation Center. Scott said he ordered an investigation and will hold those responsible accountable.

Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., tweeted Monday that the events that occurred at the Rehabilitation Center are "inexcusable," and said he's asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to look into the situation.

Nelson later tweeted he spoke with HHS Secretary Tom Price and "asked him to do everything in his power to keep FL's most vulnerable safe, esp. those in nursing homes ... I also sent him names of nursing homes without power so we can quickly get power restored and keep our seniors safe."

The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, according to the official Medicare website, is rated two out of five stars, with a low health inspection rating due to 11 health deficiencies.

The deficiencies range from the homes food selection not meeting nutritional standards or needs, to residents not having the freedom to choose their own activities, schedules or health care, to lack of health assessments on residents by qualified professionals.

Meanwhile, in Central Florida, three people were found dead inside an Orlando home Tuesday from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning, officials said.

Orange County Sheriff's Office spokesman Jeff Williams told The Associated Press a deputy responded to the home following a 911 call from what sounded like a juvenile. The deputy was overcome by fumes while approaching the home and called for fire rescue.

Firefighters discovered two people dead inside the house, Fox 35 Orlando reported. Another person, who tried to get out of the home, was found dead on the front lawn, while four others from inside the home were taken to a nearby hospital. Rescue workers found a portable gasoline generator running inside the home.

Further north in Daytona Beach, police said one person died and three others were being treated at a hospital Wednesday for carbon monoxide poisoning from an electric generator.

HURRICANE IRMA: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SUFFERED 'A VARIETY OF DAMAGE' DURING STORM, NASA SAYS

The Daytona Beach Fire Department said on Twitter a generator had been running inside the home.

A neighbor told Fox 35 generators were not allowed in the community, and officials across Florida are warning people to keep generators outside homes.

CUSTOMER INQUIRIES CRASH FLORIDA UTILITY'S WEBSITE AND APP

The number of deaths blamed on Irma in Florida climbed to 17, in addition to four in South Carolina and two in Georgia. At least 37 people were killed in the Caribbean.

"We've got a lot of work to do, but everybody's going to come together," Scott said. "We're going to get this state rebuilt."

The number of people without electricity in the steamy late-summer heat dropped to 9.5 million  just under half of Florida's population. Utility officials warned it could take 10 days or more for power to be fully restored. About 110,000 people remained in shelters across the state.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


Six people died in a nursing home in Hollywood, Florida, that was left without air conditioning after Hurricane Irma knocked out the power.

Police evacuated about 100 residents on Wednesday from the Hollywood Hills nursing home, according to Sun Sentinel.

Three people died at the facility and three more died at the hospital, Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said in a morning news conference.

"The loss of these individuals is a tragedy within the larger tragedy of Hurricane Irma and we extend our deepest sympathies to the families of these residents," Florida Health Care Association said in a statement.

Hurricane Irma left millions without power in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Thousands of utility workers from as far as Canada have traveled to the Southeast to help with restoration efforts.

Meanwhile, heat and humidity are gripping Florida, adding to the misery and dangers of Irma recovery efforts.


A second-grade teacher in Arizona last week forced her students march in 90-plus degree heat as a form of punishment, a parent of one of the students alleged.

Brittany Trofy, whose 7-year-old daughter is in the Luke Elementary School class, told azfamily.com that the teacher had the students walk in circles around the playground for 20 minutes with temperatures more than 90 degrees.

"It's hot. They're young and they get overheated," Trofy said. "They're small and they don't weigh much. It doesn't take much for them to get overworked."

A spokesperson for the Dysart Unified School District confirmed that the teacher did take the children outside as punishment, but said the students were only outside for five minutes, and were later checked by the school nurse and were fine.

Zachary Fountain, the board's director of communications, told the paper that the disciplinary action used by the teacher were not proper protocol and any repercussions for the teacher will be handled privately.

Another parent sided with the teacher, telling the paper that shes a great teacher and supports her 100-percent.
At least one person was killed and three injured following a shooting at a high school near Spokane, Washington, officials said on Wednesday.

One person died at Freeman High School in Rockford while the three injured victims were taken to a hospital, an official said. The shooter is in custody, according to Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich.

The student who was killed, according to KREM, was shot after confronting the shooter. The suspected shooter apparently had two weapons and the first one jammed, at which point he was confronted by the student. He then proceeded to shoot three other students before being detained by a staff member.

The three pediatric patients injured in the incident are currently in satisfactory condition, Sacred Heart Hospital told Fox News.

The shooter has been apprehended and has been taken into custody with law enforcement, an official said during a news conference following the incident. There were initial reports of multiple shooters but that wound up being false, the official said.

The suspects identity and motive were not immediately known.

The three victims that survived are all stable and doing well, officials said, although one will need surgery later on Wednesday. No information on specific injuries was provided. None of the three victims were identified.

A parent of a freshman at the school said her son called her from a classroom after hearing the shots fired.

"He called me and said, `Mom there are gunshots.' He sounded so scared. I've never heard him like that," Cheryl Moser told The Spokesman-Review. "You never think about something happening like this at a small school."

Stephanie Lutje said she was relieved to hear her son was safe after his high school near Freeman was put on lockdown. She commended the school district for its communication with parents.

"It's been amazing, within probably 15-20 minutes of hearing about it, I'd already received a phone call, I'd already received a text message saying that their school is OK," she said. Multiple neighboring school districts  including Central Valley and Spoke Public Schools  initially imposed lockdowns as a precaution in reaction to the incident.

Freeman High School has more than 300 students, according to The Spokesman-Review.

Gov. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., said in a statement that "all Washingtonians are thinking of the victims and their families, and are grateful for the service of school staff and first responders working to keep our students safe."

Heartbreaking headlines out of Spokane county, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said on Twitter. My thoughts are w/ students, teachers, parents, 1st responders & the entire community.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
News  Headlines

Nearly 80,000 Vietnamese working overseas in first 8M
The Berkeley City Council gave police permission Tuesday to use pepper spray to drive away protesters from attacking officers during violent protests that have plagued the city in 2017.

The 6-3 vote by the council came ahead of another planned speech Thursday at the University of California, Berkeley.

Former Breitbart editor and conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro was slated to be on the campus Thursday and again later this month with other conservative figures.

BEN SHAPIRO: WHO IS HE AND WHY IS HE SO

CONTROVERSIAL?

Former White House adviser Steve Bannon, former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos and conservative commentator Ann Coulter also were slated to speak on the campus later this month.

Yiannopoulos was at the campus in February but it was canceled after protests turned violent. Protesters smashed windows of businesses and marred walls with graffiti.

The city banned pepper spray in 1997 as a crowd-control weapon, though most law enforcement agencies permit officers to use it to disburse violent crowds, Berkeley Police Chief Andrew Greenwood said.

Greenwood sought such permission at an emergency council meeting, saying it was preferable to batons and tear gas, which the city is allowed to use but disburses far wider than pepper spray.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA GROUP PROTESTS COPS AND ROBBERS FRAT PARTY THEY CLAIM MOCKS MASS INCARCERATION

The council rejected its use for crowd control Tuesday, but agreed to modify its ban and expand police powers to use it. The council warned officers not to use the pepper spray as a crowd-control technique but to use it instead for individuals who are committing violent acts upon others or officers.

Currently, Berkeley officers carry a can of pepper spray but have said they would need a bigger canister if necessary.

Dozens of people lined up at City Hall to oppose arming Berkeley police with the larger canister of pepper spray, saying it was too easy for officers to use and has the potential to be used on peaceful protesters.

UC BERKELEY TO INVESTIGATE AFTER VIDEO SHOWS COP CONFISCATING VENDORS MONEY

Some cities nationwide have banned pepper spray after several high-profile incidents of police using it on peaceful protesters. One of the most noteworthy incidents was when students at the University of California, Davis, were pepper sprayed during a peaceful demonstration in 2011. The incident led to a $1 million legal settlement for the protesters.

Last year, the Los Angeles Times reported that the college paid $175,000 to consultants to clean up its image online.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Berkeley, Calif., woman shed her clothes and ranted atop city council members tables Tuesday night after lawmakers tabled a proposed ordinance that would allow women to bare their breasts in public.

Gypsy Taub, 48, wrote about what she described as the naked riot on her website, My Naked Truth. She singled out two female council members over their reaction to the proposed ordinance.

"[Eight] people made public comment," Taub wrote. "Every single one of them was in favor of the legislation, in favor of letting women decide for themselves whether to wear a bra or not."

Taub and her two children were among those who made speeches supporting the proposed ordinance.

"But [Councilwoman] Sophie Hahn didnt give a damn about the public. She steamrolled over everything that was said in the public comment and spent a good 10 minutes spewing unrelated incoherent nonsense into our ears," Taub continued. "Once she was done [Councilwoman] Susan Wengraf joined her and said that 'we cant waist[sic] time on this' and then the legislation was tabled."

Taub responded by getting naked and climbing onto the witness table before making her way to the dais and banging the gavel.

"I expressed my disappointment and my rage at the power-tripping bureaucrats who had no regard for the will of the people," she wrote on her website.

Berkeleys current nudity ordinance makes it a misdemeanor or infraction for a woman to expose "any portion of the breast at or below the areola.

In her statement at the meeting, Hahn questioned whether changing the ordinance was a top priority for the feminist movement.

"I looked at the websites of major women's organizations and this [issue] is not on any of their lists," she said. "The types of issues that are on those lists  are trafficking; domestic violence; sexual harassment; lack of access to safe abortion; lack of representation of women in politics, law, science, management; low pay for women, et cetera."

The hearing then took a bizarre turn when Hahn suggested that men could be prohibited from going topless in public in the name of equality.

"I could imagine some kind of a hybrid solution, maybe everyone could be allowed to go topless at parks and pools, but everyone would have to wear a shirt elsewhere," the councilmember said. "We could take this idea of equality and move it in both directions and meet somewhere in the middle."

When asked by SFGATE about Taubs protest, Hahn wrote, She seems to have enjoyed herself, and it was a lively distraction at the end of a very long meeting (we started at 3 p.m. and ended at midnight) - where we thankfully got a lot of important business done for the people of Berkeley.

Click for more from SFGATE.com.
Just one month ago, white nationalists stormed the University of Virginia's rotunda chanting "Jews will not replace us." On Tuesday, exactly one month later, a different group of protesters came together to deride the school's response to last month's events.

About 100 students, faculty and community members  some invoking "Black Lives Matter" chants  showed up at the Charlottesville, Va. university and placed a black tarp on a monument honoring Thomas Jefferson, a U.S. Founding Father and a founder of the university.

Last month, plans to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee turned violent, resulting in the death of Heather Heyer, who was there to protest white supremacist groups. The deadly protest set off a national debate over what to do with hundreds of historic monuments across the South that honor the Confederacy.

At the rally on Tuesday, several people climbed atop the Jefferson monument and placed signs on it that called him a "racist" and "rapist." Students also chanted "No Trump, No KKK, no racist U-V-A," according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Jefferson has a complex, well-documented history with slavery. He owned hundreds of slaves, but he also worked to gradually end slavery. Historians now believe the former president had a relationship with his wife's half-sister, Sally Hemmings, who was a slave at Monticello.

One month ago, we stood on the front lines in downtown Charlottesville as all manner of white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and neo-fascists swarmed the area, a speaker told the crowd, the Daily Progress reported. Two months ago, the Ku Klux Klan rallied in their safe space, fully robed and fully protected by multiple law enforcement agencies who brutalized and tear-gassed peaceful counter-protesters.

The rally was in response to a decision by the university to deny a request by the Black Student Alliance to ban white supremacists from campus and remove Confederate plaques on the rotunda, the Daily Progress reported.

With every new horror that arises each month, each day, there has been an unparalleled resistance of people who say no to white supremacy, no to fascism, no to all forms of oppression, said the speaker, the Times-Dispatch reported. And we recognize and honor the fact that this resistance was not born 10 months ago, but has actually lived for many years: Communities of color in Charlottesville fighting for affordable housing, for a living wage, for an end to police brutality and state-sanctioned violence, for education for all.

UV officials did not immediately return an email from Fox News seeking comment.

There are more than 1,500 confederate symbols, statues and monuments in the United States, including the names of highways and schools, according to a 2016 study by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
California lawmakers gave a green light Monday to a bill that would reduce penalties for knowingly exposing someone to HIV without telling them, claiming the current felony charge for the crime is discriminatory.

The bill, SB 239, will now head to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature or veto, the Los Angeles Times reported.

State Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat who introduced the bill, said the current law discriminates against people with HIV because people who expose others with different viruses get only a misdemeanor rather than a felony.

Right now HIV is singled out for uniquely harsh treatment as a felony, Wiener said during the floor debate, according to the L.A. Times. He added that modern drugs allow someone with HIV to be noninfectious to others, while the felony charge may discourage some from getting tested.

These laws do not prevent HIV infections. All they do is stigmatize people living with HIV and reduce access to testing and care.

"These laws do not prevent HIV infections. All they do is stigmatize people living with HIV and reduce access to testing and care."  State Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat

The bill  if passed  would also apply to people who donated semen or blood without disclosing they have HIV or AIDS.

All Republicans came out against the bill, claiming a reduction in penalties for exposing someone to HIV puts the public at risk.

Im of the mind that if you purposefully inflict another with a disease that alters their lifestyle the rest of their life, puts them on a regiment of medications to maintain any kind of normalcy, it should be a felony, state Sen. Joel Anderson, of San Diego, said, the L.A. Times reported.

Its absolutely crazy to me that we should go light on this, he added, suggesting tougher penalties should be applicable to those with other diseases.

"Its absolutely crazy to me that we should go light on this."  State Sen. Joel Anderson, San Diego

Jeff Stone, a Republican senator and currently licensed pharmacist and pharmacy owner, said the law should remain unchanged as someone exposing their partner to HIV would condemn one to probably $1 million in drug therapy for the rest of their lives.
A restaurant employee in California is facing attempted murder charges for allegedly trying to flush her newborn baby down a toilet after giving birth in a workplace restroom stall last week.

According to the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office, despite complaining of stomach pains throughout the night, 25-year-old Sarah Lockner finished her evening shift at the restaurant, but remained in the restroom after clocking out, the Daily Journal reported.

A female employee who checked on Lockner found her in a restroom stall surrounded by a pool of blood. Not long after, a fellow employee looked over the stall door to see Lockner holding a baby to the toilet, prosecutors claimed.

The employee then heard the toilet flush, and was asked by Lockner to not call the police, prosecutors said. However, authorities were called to the scene, and took the baby to a hospital. It wasnt breathing and didn't have a pulse, but is expected to survive.

Lockner told authorities she wasnt aware she was pregnant, and was surprised by the birth, according to prosecutors. She appeared in court Monday on charges of attempted murder.

Her case is scheduled to continue Sept. 18. Bail is set at $11 million, according to prosecutors.
A former Ohio police officer pleaded guilty Monday to sexually abusing two women with a sex toy during an illegal traffic stop earlier this year, police said.

Kenneth Bolton Jr., 49, pleaded guilty to felony gross sexual imposition and misdemeanor interfering with civil rights, Cleveland.com reported. Prosecutors dropped a kidnapping charge.

Bolton, who was a 16-year veteran of the Cleveland Police Department, lost his license to be a police officer due to his guilty plea to a felony charge. He'll also have to register as a sex offender.

The former cop illegally stopped two women, ages 22 and 23, in February when he spotted their car in Cleveland. Bolton had heard over a police radio that the women were previously cited about a half hour before he stopped them.

Bolton then sexually assaulted the women by using a sex toy he spotted in their vehicle, prosecutors said. He was fired two weeks after the traffic stop when an internal investigation was conducted.

Boltons sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 16.
More than 50 people in the Miami area have been arrested on charges of looting before and after Hurricane Irma, police said Tuesday.

Among the suspects, 26 were accused of breaking into a single Walmart store, Reuters reported. The incident took place Saturday night in the northern part of Miami, police said.

Another six men were charged with looting in a Miami shopping center and were believed to have taken shoes, bags and laptops, Reuters reported.

Miami police took to Facebook in a bid to deter any other would-be looters by sharing a photo of several accused looters in custody, FOX31 reported.

City officials lifted a 7 p.m. hurricane curfew Tuesday, but officers will be making patrols 24 hours a day to prevent any further thefts, they said.

Surrounding cities also experienced looting, officials said.

Fort Lauderdale police Chief Rick Maglione urged residents to stay indoors as the storm approached and advised against any criminal activity.

Going to prison over a pair of sneakers is a fairly bad life choice, he said.

"Going to prison over a pair of sneakers is a fairly bad life choice."  Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) police Chief Rick Maglione

Some of the lotting suspects were caught red-handed, police said.

The cameras of WPLG-TV in Fort Lauderdale captured multiple people breaking into a store and walking out with stolen items, the Miami Herald reported. Police later arrested nine people.

Other police departments took to Twitter to warn against criminal activity.

Prisoners escape in BVI

Meanwhile, an unspecified number of prisoners remained on the run after more than 100 escaped from a prison in the British Virgin Islands, the BBC reported.

There was a "serious threat of the complete breakdown of law and order," Foreign Office minister Sir Alan Duncan said, adding that 997 troops in the region were joined by 47 police officers in a bid to maintain order.

Elsewhere, several Caribbean Islands were left with a similar problem as Irma barreled through.

Men armed with guns and other weapons terrorized business owners and even stole from boats carrying relief supplies, reports said.

In some cases, residents have asked governments to send in troops to help stop the looting. French and Dutch police have sent extra officers and military personnel to the small island of St. Martin to help.

Hurricane Irma made its first landfall in Florida on Sunday morning in the Keys as a Category 4 storm, with 130-mph winds, after sweeping through small Caribbean islands, then Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba.
A former airman who received an honorable discharge from the Air Force despite acknowledging he had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old was sentenced Wednesday to five years in federal prison on child sex charges.

Nicholas Murphy, of Exeter, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty in June to federal charges of traveling from his home in Rhode Island to Plainfield, Connecticut, in 2015 while on leave to have sex with the girl.

Murphy, who was 25 at the time, avoided a dishonorable discharge by convincing the Air Force that he believed the teen was at least 16 years old. The military considers "a mistake of fact as to age" to be an affirmative defense, according to a sentencing memorandum.

"There was never anything that would lead me to believe she was younger than 16," Murphy wrote in a memo to the discharge board. "She certainly didn't look under 16, either in person or in her pictures on Facebook. She was also very open and forward in talking about sexual things, and spoke like someone who was much older."

But federal prosecutors cast doubt on Murphy's assertion, noting the teen's Facebook page included her actual date of birth.

"In the comments on a photo posted in the beginning of their relationship, the minor victim wrote that she was thirteen years old. In a status update during their relationship, the minor victim wrote 'I'm in 9th grade!!! YAY!!! I wish i could go to highschool with u guys though, im sorry,'" prosecutors wrote.

An Air Force spokesman declined to comment, saying he would have to research the case.

Prosecutors said the two met on an internet dating site, and first had sex in May or June, 2015, when the teen was still a virgin. The two remained in contact while Murphy was stationed overseas, exchanging photos.

Police initially became involved in the case when the victim's parents reported her missing from their home on Sept. 16, 2015. Prosecutors said she and Murphy, who was home on leave, had arranged for the girl to sneak out of her house and meet at a local park, where they had sex in his pickup truck.

In addition to the prison sentence, Murphy must serve five years of supervised release.
Authorities in Georgia arrested the former director of the Albany Humane Society on a charge of animal cruelty.

Andy Sartiano, 54, was arrested Wednesday morning after being accused of giving an employee orders to break a cats neck as a form of euthanasia, according to WALB.

According to Dianne Barlow, president of the Albany Humane Societys Board of Directors, Sartiano was fired from her position last month because she did not perform her duties.

LYFT DRIVER CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY AFTER TOSSING DOG IN BRAWL: REPORT

The Albany Police Department told WALB, per a written contract, that the Humane Society is funded for animals to be disposed of in a humane and proper manner.

The Humane Society released a statement in August regarding the situation:

Any mistreatment of animals is completely against the mission of the Albany Humane Society to nurture and improve the health of all animals under the care of the Society in an effort to find the animals a permanent home with a loving and caring family. The Albany Humane Society takes seriously incidents in which protocol with regard to the treatment of animals is not followed, and it advocates for the ethical and humane treatment of all animals.

Sartiano was charged with one count of aggravated cruelty to an animal, and may face other charges pending further investigation.
A Georgia teacher who told students in her math class that they are not allowed to wear Make America Great Again T-shirts because the campaign slogan is akin to a swastika, will no longer be teaching in the classroom.

Lyn Orletsky was seen on a viral video telling at least two River Ridge High School students in Cherokee County that wearing the slogan made popular during President Trumps 2016 presidential campaign was like wearing the symbol of Nazism, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Cherokee County School District quickly released an apology and said that the students were not in any trouble.

Her actions were wrong, as the Make America Great Again shirts worn by the students are not a violation of our school district dress code, Cherokee County Schools spokeswoman Barbara Jacoby said at the time.

Orletsky allegedly asked the students to turn their shirts inside out for the remainder of the class, according to a Change.org petition.

This type of ignorance should not be tolerated in our community and goes against the ethics that we as Americans come to expect, the petition, which had 636 signatures as of Wednesday, stated.

River Ridge High School Principal Darrell Herring sent the parents of Orletskys students a letter Friday, announcing she was not teaching, effective immediately, adding that the school assigned a substitute teacher and would continue to search for a new, permanent math teacher.

Click here for more from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Two Republican congressmen seeking to unseat Sen. Joe Donnelly have criticized his response to fellow Democrats' questioning of an Indiana judicial nominee that focused on her Catholic faith.

Reps. Luke Messer and Todd Rokita, both candidates in Indiana's GOP Senate primary, say statements made last week by Democratic senators, including Dianne Feinstein of California, amounted to anti-Catholic religious "bigotry."

Democrats grilled Amy Coney Barrett, a Notre Dame law professor who is one of President Donald Trump's judicial nominees. She was recommended for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit by Indiana Sen. Todd Young, a Republican.

The Democrats' remarks honed in on whether Barrett's personal views as a Catholic would override her legal judgment, especially on the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion.

At one point, Feinstein told Barrett that dogma and law are two different things and she was concerned "that the dogma lives loudly within you."

Messer and Rokita seized on the remarks to try to tar Donnelly.

"Senator Donnelly needs to defend this highly qualified Hoosier nominee," Messer said in a statement Wednesday. He called on Donnelly to "denounce the Senators who would disqualify (Barrett) based on deeply held religious beliefs and denounce their anti-Catholic bigotry."

Rokita, who is Catholic, also labeled it "bigotry," stating that a judge "cannot be disqualified because of his or her religious beliefs."

Donnelly attended Notre Dame and previously represented a congressional district that included the university. In a statement, he said he would have "steered clear of lines of questioning that seemed to focus on Professor Barrett's faith." He also supports Barrett's nomination and previously interviewed her about "her qualifications, and understanding of the law."

"I'm a Catholic  my faith has always been an important part of my life  and I believe someone can be a person of faith and at the same time uphold the law and our Constitution on the federal bench," Donnelly said.

The Republicans' attacks on Donnelly come after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called the challenge to Barrett a painful reminder of a time when "anti-Catholic bigotry did distort our laws and civil order."

Catholic leaders have also argued that the focus on Barrett's faith runs counter to the Constitution's prohibition on religious tests for political office.

A key focus of the hearing was a 1998 law review article titled "Catholic Judges in Capital Cases." In the article, Barrett and John H. Garvey said Catholic judges are obliged to adhere to their church's teaching on moral matters and the legal system has a solution for this dilemma by allowing judges to recuse themselves when beliefs keep them from doing their job.

Feinstein said this week that she would never apply a religious litmus test to a nominee, but "senators must inquire about these issues when considering lifetime appointments because ensuring impartiality and fidelity to precedent are critical for the rule of law."

___

Follow Brian Slodysko on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BrianSlodysko
With floodwaters nearing knee height, Arlene Estle fled to the upstairs of the Houston house where she's lived for 50 years and raised four children. It was many hours later before her son-in-law arrived by boat to rescue her.

Her flooded home didn't fare so well. It could be a year, her contractor warned her, before she can return. Until then, she'll have to find some place to rent.

"I'm going to be 83," Estle said one recent morning as her daughter and housekeeper helped try to disinfect her belongings. "This is just a life-changing thing for me to face with making so many decisions. It's just overwhelming."

Estle is among the fortunate ones. She has flood insurance and a longtime contractor who can start work soon. Most victims of Harvey have neither. Months will be spent struggling to assess damage, navigate federal assistance and apply for loans. Then, victims will have to compete for contractors who have already put prospective clients on waiting lists.

All told, it could take years for some people to rebuild, if they can do it at all. The same could be true of many victims of Hurricane Irma, which caused its own catastrophic damage in Florida, though less than initially feared.

For anyone who needs to repair or rebuild a home or business, the back-to-back hurricanes coincided with a national shortage of carpenters, electricians, drywall installers and other skilled workers. Many construction workers left the industry after the housing bubble burst a decade ago and haven't returned.

With fewer younger workers entering the business, the average age of some construction trades has reached well into middle age. There were 255,000 unfilled construction sector jobs recorded in June, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

On top of the worker shortage, homeowners will pay elevated prices for materials, which had already been rising this year.

"The labor shortage is going to make this take longer, but more importantly, it's going to be more expensive than people think because labor rates are going to go up dramatically," said John Burns, CEO of John Burns Real Estate Consulting, a housing industry research firm.

Few construction companies outside Texas and Florida are eager or equipped to travel there to handle rebuilding. Most are already busy on work closer to home.

"Why would I take a chance on going to Florida or the Gulf Coast for temporary work, where I might not be able to find housing, when I can find steady employment here and now?" said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America.

In Texas, Harvey compounded a heavy demand for housing. Texas had been on pace for 30,000 housing starts in 2017. Now, an estimated 200,000 more homes suddenly need to be repaired or rebuilt. Construction jobs were already taking one or two months longer than usual, said Scott Norman of the Texas Association of Builders.

Nearly 70 percent of Texas contractors had trouble finding concrete workers, electricians, cement masons and carpenters, according to a survey of construction firms that the Associated General Contractors of America conducted in July. Texas has long struggled to replenish its aging construction workforce. The average age of a master electrician in Texas is 59. For plumbers, it's 62.

Stephen McNiel of Creative Property Restoration, a remodeling firm in Houston, received calls from seven flood victims on the day he visited longtime client whose recently restored home had been ruined by Harvey. One came from a woman who had phoned dozens of contractors. All warned her it would be months before they could take on additional work.

"There is a tremendous amount of demand  far more than I'm capable of handling and than everyone I know in my industry is capable of handling," McNiel said.

McNiel said he could use 50 percent more workers but is struggling to find subcontractors. He said he worries that the shortage of skilled labor is being exacerbated by a perceived suspicion of immigrants under President Donald Trump.

"The reality of my industry is that most of the work gets done by immigrants," McNiel said.

Simonson noted Trump's decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which grants a reprieve from deportation to nearly 800,000 immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

"Texas, more than ever, needs people with construction skills from any country," he said.

Victims of the storms can first expect delays in having their property assessed for damage by insurance adjusters. Then, securing financing will become a challenge. Flood insurance coverage has declined in both Texas and Florida as premiums have risen. Many homeowners will have to go into debt or dig into savings to make repairs  or sell their properties.

For homes that have sat the longest in feet-deep water, drywall and insulation will need to be stripped down to studs and dried. Then everything from wooden flooring to electrical systems and interior doors must be rebuilt.

Mary and Duane Hendricks, retirees who live a few streets from Estle, have decided to give up on their home, now flooded for the second time in two years. They still face a prolonged repair process in hopes of selling it. The Hendrickses have begun removing Sheetrock and flooring to prevent mold.

Two years ago, they tried to live in their home while it was being repaired for flood damage and ended up moving out after three months. This time, they arranged a rental even before the hurricane hit. If they can't sell, they will just walk away from the home they bought in 1971, where they raised two children and built a sunroom where they taught yoga in retirement.

"We cannot go back," said Mary Hendricks. "It's a beautiful home, and we've had it for years and we've done a lot of work on it. That's the heartbreaking part."

In Florida, the magnitude of damage from Irma is still coming into focus. But the widespread flooding means Florida will have to compete with Texas for many of the same materials and laborers. Irma spread its destruction over a vast territory, covering all of Florida and causing major damage to Georgia as well.

"It isn't just a few counties  it did damage in county after county," said Douglas Buck of the Florida Home Builders Association. "That's going to make it more difficult for contractors and builders to go where the problem is and help rebuild communities."

In Houston, Estle's contractor, Dan Bawden, urged her to seek a yearlong rental while her house gets fixed. Bawden foresees months of delays in obtaining drywall, interior doors, siding, trim moldings, ceramic tile, cabinets and plywood.

Even before the storm hit, his remodeling firm had a six-month backlog of projects. Now, with eight full-time employees, he's "overwhelmed with more calls coming in that we can respond to." Prospective clients must get on a waiting list.

As Harvey approached, Bawden rushed to secure his network of 60 contractors, knowing they would soon be pulled in different directions. He worries that six months from now, "they are going to want to charge more or go work for someone else."

Florida is no more equipped than Texas to handle a surge of construction demand. Miami still hasn't recovered all the construction jobs lost in the recession. The metro area, which also includes Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, had 130,000 construction workers in August, compared with 168,000 in 2006.

"In our economy, money talks," Simonson said. "People who have the most urgent need in some cases will be able to buy their way to the front of the line."

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Olson reported from New York, Veiga from Los Angeles.

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Associated Press Writer Paul Wiseman in Washington contributed to this report.

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HURRICANE NEWSLETTER - Get the best of the AP's all-formats reporting on Irma and Harvey in your inbox: http://apne.ws/ahYQGtb
The Latest on a Rhode Island man accused of fatally shooting his mother at New Hampshire's largest hospital (all times local):

4:50 p.m.

A neighbor of the patient who was fatally shot in a New Hampshire hospital says she enjoyed baking Halloween cookies for neighborhood children and hearing the kids' laughter.

Patti Oakley, of Groton, says she knew 70-year-old Pamela Ferriere for several years. She said her heart was broken when she heard she was killed.

Police have accused Ferriere's son, 48-year-old Travis Frink, of Warwick, Rhode Island, of killing her at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center on Tuesday. She was in the intensive care unit, being treated for an aneurism.

Frink pleaded not guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder.

The town of Groton released a statement saying Ferriere was active in local government activities, including serving as supervisor of the voter checklist. She also was active in church.

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4 p.m.

Officials at New Hampshire's largest hospital say employees were well-trained to respond to the fatal shooting of a patient and the lockdown that resulted in an arrest.

Officials at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center say they are reviewing their security procedures but feel comfortable that they can continue to provide a safe environment for patients.

Forty-eight-year-old Travis Frink was arrested Tuesday on hospital grounds in the slaying of his 70-year-old mother inside the intensive care unit. Frink pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a first-degree murder charge.

The chief clinical officer at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center says only five surgeries were postponed on Tuesday. The hospital typically has as many as 20 to 28 operations going on at once.

Other patients with appointments were taken care of outside the complex.

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1:25 p.m.

A Rhode Island man accused of fatally shooting his mother in the intensive care unit of New Hampshire's largest hospital has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.

Travis Frink is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his mother, 70-year-old Pamela Ferriere. She was fatally shot Tuesday at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, where she was being treated for an aneurysm.

The 48-year-old Frink was handcuffed and said nothing in court.

Prosecutor Jane Young asked that Frink have no contact with his stepfather, Robert Ferriere, who told police he witnessed the shooting. Defense lawyer Rebecca McKinnon agreed to the request.

A police affidavit says Frink told officers he went to the hospital to kill his mother. No reason or motive was given.

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11:30 a.m.

The husband of a woman fatally shot in a New Hampshire hospital says he saw his stepson point a gun at her and fire several shots before walking away, without saying a word.

A police affidavit says Robert Ferriere then called for help Tuesday.

The affidavit says Travis Frink was later arrested and told police he went to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center to kill his mother, 70-year-old Pamela Ferriere. She had suffered an aneurism and was in the intensive care unit. She was to be discharged Friday.

The 48-year-old Frink was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on a murder charge.

Robert Ferriere told The Associated Press he had no idea why his stepson would want to kill his mother.

Frink's lawyer didn't immediately return a voicemail message left Wednesday by The Associated Press.

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This story has been updated to show Frink is 48, not 49.

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10:50 a.m.

The New Hampshire hospital where a man was arrested in the fatal shooting of his mother inside the intensive care unit is back up and running.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon tweeted photos and messages of employees getting back to work Wednesday, a day after the active shooter alert and lockdown. Some workers evacuated and others sheltered in place Tuesday.

CEO Joanne Conroy says the medical center is hosting a town hall meeting for employees Wednesday to discuss next steps as workers recover from this "traumatic event."

Travis Frink, of Warwick, Rhode Island, is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on murder charges in the death of his 70-year-old mother, Pamela Ferriere, of Groton, New Hampshire.

It wasn't immediately clear if he had a lawyer who could comment on the charge.

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10:15 a.m.

A Rhode Island man accused of fatally shooting his mother in the intensive care unit of New Hampshire's largest hospital has worked a number of computer systems jobs.

Travis Frink's LinkedIn page includes a long list of experience in computer systems administration and technical support jobs in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts.

Messages left with the company listed as his current employer weren't immediately returned.

Several of Frink's neighbors in Warwick said he mostly kept to himself.

The 48-year-old Frink was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on murder charges in the death of 70-year-old Pamela Ferriere, of Groton, New Hampshire.

Ferriere's husband, Robert, said in a brief phone interview that he had no idea why it happened.

He said, "I'm not a mind reader," before hanging up.

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This story has been updated to show Frink is 48, not 49.

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9:45 a.m.

Little is known about a Rhode Island man accused of fatally shooting his mother in the intensive care unit of New Hampshire's largest hospital, but his Facebook page shows he got engaged last December.

Travis Frink was scheduled to be arraigned at 1 p.m. Wednesday on murder charges.

Authorities say the 48-year-old Warwick man signed into the visitor center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon and went to the intensive care unit. Soon after, Lebanon police received an emergency call reporting shots had been fired there.

Attorney General Gordon MacDonald identified the shooting victim as Frink's 70-year-old mother, Pamela Ferriere, of Groton.

Frink's wife and 3-year-old son were found dead in 2013 inside a running car that reeked of alcohol and vomit.

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This story has been updated to show Frink is 48, not 49.

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2:05 a.m.

A Rhode Island man accused of fatally shooting his mother in the intensive care unit of New Hampshire's largest hospital is set to be arraigned on murder charges.

Authorities say Travis Frink signed into the visitor center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon on Tuesday and went to the intensive care unit, where there were reports of shots fired soon after.

Attorney General Gordon MacDonald identifies the shooting victim as Frink's 70-year-old mother, Pamela Ferriere, of Groton. He says the 48-year-old Frink, of Warwick, Rhode Island, went to the hospital with the intent of killing her. He says more than one shot was fired but no one else was injured.

Authorities say Frink was detained as he tried to leave the hospital. Frink is in custody and can't be reached for comment.

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This story has been updated to show Frink is 48, not 49.
A federal judge ordered "pharma bro" Martin Shkreli to prison Wednesday after the disgraced former CEO offered $5,000 to anyone who could bring him a strand of Hillary Clinton's hair.

Shkreli had been out on a $5 million bond since being convicted last month of two counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud.

Judge Kiyo Matsumoto declared Shkreli a "danger to society" and ordered him to jail. Shkreli left the courtroom flanked by U.S. Marshals, but was not in handcuffs.

Sentencing on Shkreli's securities fraud conviction has been set for Jan. 16. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

Shkreli landed in hot water earlier this month when he made a series of posts suggesting he planned to clone Clinton, the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee.

"On HRCs book tour, try and grab a hair from her, Shkreli wrote on Facebook Sept. 4. "I must confirm the sequences I have. Will pay $5,000 per hair obtained from Hillary Clinton."

In a letter to Judge Matsumoto Thursday, Shkreli apologized for what he called an "awkward attempt at humor or satire" and insisted he was not threatening Clinton.

Shkreli's attorney, Ben Brafman, argued in court papers that Shkreli's comments were merely a tasteless joke comparable to some of President Donald Trump's derisive comments, not a threat worthy of putting him behind bars.

"Indeed, in the current political climate, dissent has unfortunately often taken the form of political satire, hyperbole, parody or sarcasm," Brafman wrote. "There is a difference, however, between comments that are intended to threaten or harass and comments  albeit offensive ones  that are intended as political satire or strained humor."

Click for more from the New York Post.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Melissa Harris-Perry, the Maya Angelou Presidential Chair at Wake Forest University  and former television host  is engaging in a Twitter war with her school over its proposed revision of the Student Code of Conduct.

In a series of seven tweets Wednesday, Harris-Perry, the political commentator with a focus on African-American politics, said her school sends totalitarian emails abt proper behavior & plans to sanction disruption #FirstAmendment.

She tweeted, Lesson 1 @WakeForest: if you claim to "welcome feedback" then dont flip when it is critical, public, loud & lewd. Be honest.

She said all of the universitys community regardless of political ideology should be able to give feedback for the new Code of Conduct in safe spaces without the threat of sanction.

No need to fear disruption, difference, disagreement @wakeforest The #FirstAmendment allows more ideas in the marketplace. Good. Compete, she tweeted. And oh yeah @WakeForest dont try to control me with vague emails to staff. #ThatAintGonnaWork #HaveALittleCourage.

The dispute began Tuesday with her Twitter post: So @WakeForest wants comment on proposal to limit 1st amendment rights of #freespeech & #protest? Heres mine. Injustice aint polite.

In her post, according to The Winston-Salem Journal, Harris-Perry included a copy of the Code of Conduct and a photo of herself in which she is extending both her middle fingers.

Wake Forest did not immediately respond to Fox News request for comment about Harris-Perrys tweets.

Matt Clifford, associate dean of students for student conduct at the private university, told The Journal the school is in the middle of a public comment process from all members of the school to get feedback for a new version of the Code of Conduct.

Clifford said the Code of Conduct outlines minimum expectations for students inside and outside the classroom, the procedures we follow when a student may be in violation, and the range of outcomes that can happen if a student is responsible for a violation.

The goals of the current revision were increasing clarity, instituting best practices, and supporting both student safety and the university mission, Clifford added.

Revising the Code of Conduct provides an opportunity to incorporate emerging best practices within student affairs nationally as well as the feedback of our campus community, Clifford said.

Harris-Perry has a history of disruption inside of her places of employment.

MSNBC cut ties with Harris-Perry in February 2016, after the host walked off her show when it was preempted for political coverage.

Fox News previously reported she accused the liberal network of trying to silence her.

I will not be used as a tool for their purposes, she wrote. I am not a token, mammy, or little brown bobble head. I am not owned by Lack, Griffin, or MSNBC.

MSNBC said her comments were surprising, confusing and disappointing.
Miami police ramped up its patrols in city streets to crack down on looting after Hurricane Irma, working overtime to nab the thieves impeding on recovery efforts as residents attempt to return to normalcy after the deadly storm.

More than 50 suspected looters were arrested during Hurricane Irma, with 26 of them accused of breaking into the same Walmart store in the north side of Miami, Reuters reported. Miami Deputy Chief Luis Cabrera issued a stern warning to would-be looters as officers begin their 12-hour shifts.

I said we would not tolerate criminal activity or looting or anybody who takes advantage of our residents, Cabrera said at a news conference Tuesday. I was not joking.

The police department started warning residents on Sunday, posting on its Twitter a photo of about 10 men sitting in a jail cell.

Thinking about looting? Ask these guys how that tuned out, the department wrote.

But by Monday, another six men were arrested, accused of breaking into a midtown Miami shopping complex. They allegedly stole shoes, bags and laptops. In another instance, robbers destroyed at least 14 stores using sledgehammers, the Miami Herald reported.

The looting has been citywide, said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado. The city lifted its 7 p.m. hurricane curfew on Tuesday, but assured people there will be 24-hour patrol to minimize criminal activity.

Along with combating looting, Miami officers have been bringing food to residents, guiding traffic and keeping people away from live powerlines. The police department tweeted photos of officers handing out individual meals to elderly residents and to the homeless.

Cabrera said burglars used the deadly hurricane to take advantage of businesses.

This all occurred during the midst of the hurricane, Cabrera said. These criminals took advantage of the situation and they basically terrorized our businesses during the most vulnerable stage and this is not acceptable.

Miami-Dade police spokeswoman Robin Pinkard said more residents have been reporting possible looting in the area.

We want to let the community know looting will not be tolerated, Pinkard told the Miami Herald. Its a crime that hurts not only the business but it hurts the community as well.
A white Mississippi police officer who was recorded telling a black motorist that he could shoot into the car if the man failed to keep his hands on the steering wheel has been placed on leave.

The Commercial Dispatch used a public records request to obtain the Aug. 18 video from the body camera worn by Columbus officer Keith Dowd, who said during the stop that he is a DUI and drug interdiction expert.

The video , posted to the newspaper website Wednesday, captures Dowd telling the driver he had been pulled over for speeding and repeatedly asking whether the driver had been smoking marijuana.

The driver, 20-year-old Joshua Hibbler, filed a complaint against Dowd at the police department Wednesday, the newspaper reported.

The video showed that during the traffic stop, Hibbler called the officer "sir" and said he had smoked marijuana in the past but had been smoking a cigar that day.

"This is my first time being inside this situation. I swear. My record (is) clean. I'm a good person," Hibbler said on the video.

Dowd replied: "No, you're not a good person. You smoke weed and you're running through city streets twice the dang speed limit."

Dowd told Hibbler several times to stop reaching down and to keep his hands on the steering wheel.

"Next time you reach, it's going to get ugly," Dowd said. "Because you're kind of appearing to me to be the twitchy type of person who's done something wrong or you've got something. Listen to me. So, all this reaching and grabbing, whatever  I guarantee you, before you think you can do something, I can empty a magazine into the car."

Dowd let Hibbler go with a warning and no ticket.

Columbus Mayor Robert Smith said in a memo that Dowd is a threat to community safety and he ordered the police chief to put Dowd on leave. The newspaper reported that Dowd is on leave, with pay, and the City Council plans to discuss his conduct next week in what is expected to be a session closed to the public.

___

Information from: The Commercial Dispatch, http://www.cdispatch.com
Security at the State Department's Benghazi compound was so dire that another contractor was brought in to clean up the mess just two weeks before the 2012 terror attack  and was later pressured to keep quiet by a government bureaucrat under then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, according to two men from the American security company.

'IT'S GOING TO BE HARD'

With 25 percent of the homes in the Florida Keys feared destroyed, emergency workers Tuesday rushed to find Hurricane Irma's victims -- dead or alive -- and deliver food and water to the stricken island chain.

As crews labored to repair the lone highway connecting the Keys, residents of some of the islands closest to Florida's mainland were allowed to return and get their first look at the devastation.

SILENCER BILL BLOWBACK

Lawmakers on Tuesday debated the merits of a Republican-backed bill that would make it easier for individuals to buy gun silencers.

Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., introduced the measure in the Sportsmens Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act, The Hill reported. The provision calls for a less extensive and instant background check.

BLM TARGETS JEFFERSON MONUMENT

The divide over statues and monuments in Charlottesville, Va., appears far from over.

Just one month after a demonstration over plans to remove a statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee turned violent, resulting in a woman's death, a different group of protesters has targeted a statue of U.S. Founding Father Thomas Jefferson.

COMING UP ON FOX BUSINESS

6:30 AM ET: Tim Sloan, Wells Fargo & Company CEO, will be on 'Mornings with Maria'

8:30 AM ET: Gene Simmons, co-founder of Kiss, will be on 'Mornings with Maria'
A New Orleans police officer was arrested Saturday after he allegedly raped a woman while she was intoxicated and sleeping.

William Burford, 28, a probationary officer with the New Orleans Police Department is accused of raping a 20-year-old woman at her residence in Kenner, WDSU reported. Burford knew the victim through her roommate, whom he was reportedly dating.

The victim told police that she, her roommate and Buford came back to the apartment early Friday morning after drinking at a bar.

The victim said she went to sleep and woke up to find Burford on top of her. The victim said Burford asked her, "You can keep a secret, right?"

Burford claimed during questioning the sex was consensual, Lt. Brian McGregor, spokesperson for the Kenner Police Department said.

"He knew she was intoxicated," McGregor told The Times-Picayune. "He thought it was okay. I don't know what led him to believe that."

McGregor said police took Burford into custody because the victim could not resist because she was severely impaired.

Burford was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center and released after posting $25,000 bond Sunday.

"William Burford has been placed on emergency suspension without pay while this incident is being investigated by the Public Integrity Bureau," the NOPD said in a Tuesday statement. "Burford joined the department as a recruit in December of 2015, and was serving as an officer in the Fifth District prior to this incident."

The statement added: "The allegations against Mr. Buford in no way reflect the values of the NOPD."

Burford is one of four officers who graduated from the police academy in 2016 and has since been arrested around the New Orleans area, the Times-Picayune reported.
Nonprofit groups may submit announcements of upcoming events to events@elkodaily.com.

Local RPEN to meet Sept. 13

ELKO  The Elko County Retired Public Employees will hold their September meeting and picnic at 5 p.m. Sept. 13 at the VFW Hall located at 731 VFW Drive.

RPEN Director of Finance and Operations Kerry Armanasco will speak at the event.

All active and retired public employees are invited to attend. Chicken will be provided and members are asked to bring a side-dish or dessert.

For more information call Janice Barton at 738-8739.

Meet Elkos new healthcare providers

ELKO  Meet two medical residents and their instructors who will soon be opening family medicine practices in Elko.

Elko will welcome these new doctors to town from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Western Folklife Center. The free event is sponsored by the Medicare in Elko Workgroup and will include finger foods and an open bar.

UNRs School of Medicine has started a Rural Family Health Residency Program. Two future doctors will move to Elko next summer and see patients for two years as they complete their residency program.

Two UNR instructors will also move to Elko and open family medicine practices in January. Both instructors and residents will see Elkos Medicare and Medicaid patients.

Friends of the Ruby Mountains to meet

Friends of the Ruby Mountains will meet from 6-8 p.m. Sept.13 at the U.S. Forest Service office on 12th Street. Everyone is welcome.

The agenda will include going over summer events, possible projects with the dispersed campsites in Lamoille Canyon, and possible winter events/projects.

Call 385-8870 for more info.

Christian camp slates retreat

for men

SPRING CREEK  Cowboys Rest Christian Camp is hosting its 16th annual mens retreat on Sept. 15-17.

The cost is $100 and covers two nights of lodging at the camp. Also included are five meals featuring wild game. Activities include paintball, mountain biking, canoeing and a trap shoot competition.

This years guest speaker is retired three-star general Tex Brown of the U.S. Air Force.

For more information, call 934-9806 or visit cowboysrest.org.

End of Summer 3D Archery shoot

ELKO  Elko Archery Club is hosting its End of Summer 3D Shoot on Sept. 17

Sign up at 8 a.m., shooting starts at 9 a.m.

Unmarked range finders are OK. Bring your own lunch and drinks.

Cost is $5 for members $10 for nonmembers

Elko Archery Range offers 20 targets.

Silver Stage Players to meet Sept. 21

ELKO  The Silver Stage Players will host a general membership meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 21at Round Table Pizza on Mountain City Highway.

Participants will recap the 2017 season, work on future planning, and make a revision to the bylaws, all while enjoying some pizza and friendship.

Anyone interested in the many aspects of theater is encouraged to attend, including acting, directing, costumes, technicians, etc. There is no age requirement or membership fee to join the theater company, only a desire to offer the areas best theater and your time.

The Silver Stage Players, celebrating its 81st year, is a nonprofit theater company dedicated to providing the finest theater, community service and educational opportunities to its members and the residents of northeastern Nevada.

Productions throughout Silver Stages nearly 80-year history include Steel Magnolias, Bard in the Yard, The Little Princess, Pirates of Penzance, The Wizard of Oz, and many others.

HAUNT After Dark coming in October

ELKO  HAUNT After Dark, Nevadas scariest haunted complex terrorizing Elko, is coming in October.

HAUNT has been expanded into two premier attractions featuring the Psycho Circus and the After Dark Haunted House. Both haunts are professional, high-fear haunted attractions with new animatronics, technology and scare tactics never witnessed before.

Chicken doors have been installed for the weak to escape when they cant handle the fear. Enter at your own risk.

The haunted house is located at 729 Douglas St., opening every Friday and Saturday night and Halloween at 7 p.m. starting Oct. 6. Admission is $10 for each haunt or purchase the $18 combo to experience both attractions. Whatever you fear you will find it in here.

Contact 738-2759 or HauntElko.com for the gory details. All proceeds benefit FISH and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elko.

Yellow Dot stickers available

LAMOILLE  The Lamoille Womens Club continues to provide the Yellow Dot Program, in which a yellow dot sticker is placed on a vehicles rear window to let first responders and rescue personnel know there is a yellow packet in the glove compartment with emergency and medical information should the vehicle be involved in an accident.

Yellow Dot Packets are available at the main Fire Station on the corner of Idaho Street and Mountain City Highway, the County Managers Office, the Elko Police Department, the Sheriffs Department, Nevada Highway Patrol and the County Ambulance Service.

The Yellow Dot Program will also be available at the Fire Safety Firemens picnic Sept. 30 at the city park. For inquiries or more information, contact Martha Wallace at 340-6922.

Bereavement support group meets Sept. 18

ELKO  A bereavement support group meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Horizon Center, located in Horizon Hospice at 1250 Lamoille Highway, Suite 413.

All adults teens children and families are welcome to attend this peer-supported, no-cost gathering. A light supper and dessert will be provided.

Call 778-0612 for more information.

Lamoille Harvest Festival is coming soon

LAMOILLE  The 23rd Annual Lamoille Harvest Festival is fast approaching, and there are still openings for vendors.

The event, sponsored by the Lamoille Community Presbyterian Church, is Oct.7-9 at the Lamoille Ranchers Center.

The festival is open to vendors selling handcrafted items only. Booth space is $70 for 8x10 inside or 10x10 outside. Contact Susie at 738-2823 or Gina at 340-4934.

After-school crafts at the library

ELKO  Join Elko County Library for some creative fun with After-School Crafts @ Your Public Library. Children can be preregistered for Fall After-School Crafts to be held every first and third Wednesday of the month beginning Sept. 20 and running through Dec. 20.

Preregistration is required and there is no cost. This program is designed for children ages 5 years and older. Drop by the Library to register or call 738-3066 for additional information.

Mayors Arts Awards seeks nominees

ELKO  The Honorable Mayor Chris Johnson and the Elko Arts and Culture Advisory Board are seeking nominations for the annual Mayors Arts Awards.

Nomination forms are available at the City of Elko website, www.ci.elko.us, or can be picked up at City Hall, 1751 College Ave.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 28. For questions or more information call Jeremy Draper at 777-7217.

Heart and Shield: Family violence prevention

ELKO  The Heart and Shield program provides parents and children with resources and skills to strengthen family relationships and build resilience. Parent survivors of former domestic violence and their children ages birth-18 may be eligible to participate.

This 9-week education program includes a light meal, separate skill building activities for adults and children, and family activities to practice skills together. Families practice ways to encourage one another, communicate and problem-solve together; build trust, teamwork and hope for the future; and learn new coping and stress management skills.

This free program begins mid-September. A program demonstration will be from 5:30-6:30 Sept. 13 at the Elko County Cooperative Extension office, 701 Walnut St. Call 340-8360 or email woodburyj@unce.unr.edu for more information.

Third annual Puppy Love run/walk

ELKO  The Family Resource Center is hosting the third Annual Puppy Love, a 5k fun run/walk, Sept. 17 at Johnny Appleseed Park with proceeds to benefit the Family Resource Center.

This unique event allows participants to run or walk with their dogs. Registration is $30 and free for entrants under age 16. Wag bags with goodies, including race shirts, are free for adults entering the run/walk.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. with walkers beginning at 7:45 a.m. and runners at 8 a.m. A finish-line celebration includes race medals, awards for dogs and a raffle. Raffle prizes include huge gift baskets and many more items. Raffle tickets are $1 each.

Pre-register online to save $10 off the registration fee at https://runsignup.com/Race/NV/Elko/PuppyLove5K.

Everyone is welcome to participate with, or without, dogs. For safety reasons all dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash and be friendly participants. For information call the Family Resource Center at 753-7352 or visit www.elkofrc.org.

Discussing Walden at the library

ELKO  On Monday, Sept.18, the Elko County Library Book Club will discuss Henry David Thoreaus self-reliance classic Walden.

The book club will meet at 6 pm in the Library Meeting Room. Copies of the book are available for check-out. All are welcome to attend.

Call Patrick Dunn at the library for more information, 738-3066.

Making things at the library

ELKO  Elko County Library invites youth, ages 10 to 18, to explore, discover, create and invent things at the Library.

Bring your imagination and join us Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. for Maker Monday (the third Monday of each month). Children will be working with optical illusions. Are you up to the challenge? The Library will provide all of the materials.

For more information, please contact the Library at 738-3066 or visit www.elkocountylibrary.org.

Healing workshops for survivors of suicide loss

ELKO  Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt will present Understanding Your Suicide Grief, Exploring Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart, in 12 sessions, one hour each, starting Sept. 18 in classroom 1 at Elko Hospital.

The free workshop runs from 6-7 p.m.

There will be required reading and writing. Understanding Your Greif Workshop is limited to 10 participants.

To sign up for the workshop send an email to: sosofelko@gmail.com or call Lynette Vega at 775-397-1911.

Losing a loved one or a friend to suicide can be a difficult unique journey. It is OK to reach out for help, Vegas said. The workshop is a safe place to explore your emotions.

Spring Creek water meeting set

SPRING CREEK  Spring Creek Association property owners are invited to a Community Water Consumer Session at 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Spring Creek High School gym.

The forum is presented by the Bureau of Consumer Affairs, State Sen. Pete Goicoechea, Assemblyman John Ellison and the SCA to discuss current water issues.

For information, call the SCA at 753-6295 or visit their website at www.springcreeknv.org.

Spaghetti fundraiser for strings orchestra

ELKO  The fifth annual spaghetti lunch fundraiser for the Elko High School strings orchestra is set for noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Northeastern Nevada Museum.

Cost is $10 per person or $30 for four people. Funds raised go toward students travel accounts.

For information, contact string orchestra director Rod Royce at 738-3375, ext. 103, or rroyce@ecsdnv.net.

Tween Book & Movie Club

ELKO  Tweens! Books! Movies! All three are coming together at the Elko County Library for the Tween Book & Movie Club on Sept. 26 from 4:30- 6:30 p.m.

For the September meeting, tweens (ages 10-13) will watch the film Where the Red Fern Grows and then enjoy a lively discussion about the film and the book by Wilson Rawls. Snacks will be served.

Tweens may pick up a copy of the book at the Library so they can read it before watching the film. For more information, contact the Library at 738-3066 or visit www.elkocountylibrary.org.
A black New York City man who attacked three white people, killing one of them, after making violent racial threats has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. says 44-year-old Lashawn Marten was sentenced Tuesday for the attacks in September 2013 at Union Square.

There is no justification for street violence of any kind, but street violence fueled by hatred and prejudice is particularly inexcusable, Vance said in a statement. As the jury concluded, this was not a series of random attacks. Lashawn Marten targeted victims solely on the basis of their skin color.

Vance said Marten, who reportedly lived in a homeless shelter for mentally ill people, had repeatedly threatened to "knock out" the first white person he saw.

When 62-year-old Jeffrey Babbitt walked by, Martin punched him in the face. Babbitt fell and hit his head on the pavement. He died days later.

Two white bystanders were punched while trying to help Babbitt. One of them was knocked unconscious.

Marten was convicted of manslaughter and assault as hate crimes. His lawyer had said Marten didn't intend to cause serious injury and was in the throes of a schizophrenic breakdown during the attack. The court said he shouldered some of the responsibility for the attack because he refused medication.

Marten was asked if he wanted to speak in court, and issued a brief apology to Babbitts family, the New York Times reported.
A New Jersey state trooper was fired after admitting to targeting young women on traffic stops to ask them out on dates and tampering with police records to cover it up, authorities said.

Marquice Prather, 37, pleaded guilty Monday to charges that include invasion of privacy and evidence and records tampering, according to WNBC.

Prather initially was arrested in December after several women complained. Investigators later determined that he had a routine of pulling over women. The women ranged in age from 20 to 35.

He reportedly would ask them to go on dates with him or give him their phone numbers. In some instances, he would search the womens phones for personal information or photos, including nude pictures and videos which officials said he copied and sent to friends.

During the traffic stops, authorities said he would turn off his wireless microphone and falsely report that it wasnt working. He also would manipulate police computer logs, changing the gender of drivers he pulled over to disguise that he was intentionally targeting young women, according to reports.

Prather, who was suspended without pay since he was arrested in December, entered his guilty plea Monday. In a plea agreement, Prather has been prohibited from either holding public office or employment. WNBC reported the state will recommend probation.

Prather joined the New Jersey state police force in 2013.
An Ohio couple is accused of binding and gagging 4-year-old twin boys with duct tape to discipline them, leaving police officers deeply disturbed when they discovered the horrific scene on Sunday, police said.

The father of the twins, James Howell, 26, and his girlfriend, Jamie Carver, 30, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of child endangering and kidnapping, WHIO reported. Rowdy Warren, who was allegedly in the Cincinnati home when the abuse took place, was also charged with obstructing official business.

It was not immediately clear if Carver was the boys' mother.

"[The officers] just felt so emotionally disturbed by what they saw," Fraternal Order of Police president Sgt. Dan Hils told WHIO on Monday. "It's so unique and remarkable that it took very veteran, very seasoned, inner-city police officers to say, 'Wow, this is unbelievable.'"

MAN WHO APOLOGIZED ON FACEBOOK BEFORE SLAYING PLEADS GUILTY

Duct tape, shoe laces and socks were found in the apartment. The twin boys were placed with a foster family after the discovery. The police department also plan on raising money for the boys.

"It just makes you wonder what frame of mind they were in," Phil Harris, who works near the apartment, said. "Are they on drugs? I just don't understand people that could harm children."

Howell and Carver could face at least seven years in prison if convicted.
A veteran pathologist in Indiana had body parts in his car when he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, authorities say.

Cops said they made the ghastly find after they pulled over Elmo Griggs, a 75-year-old pathology vendor with the Marion County Coroners Office, and arrested him for driving under the influence late Tuesday, WXIN reported.

Morgan County Sheriff Robert Downey didnt specify what body parts were inside Griggs car, but said the discovery wasnt being investigated as a criminal matter. However, authorities are working to determine the origin of tissue found inside the vehicle  saying it wasnt from any cases he worked on for the coroner.

Dr. Griggs is a pathology vendor for the Marion County Coroners Office who provides autopsy services as needed, according to a statement released by the countys chief deputy coroner. He is not an employee and was not providing or performing any services for our office at that time.

Pathology vendors do not remove tissue from our facility and the body parts found inside Griggs car likely came from private autopsies performed by him, coroner officials said.

Click to read more from The New York Post.
A pregnant Maryland teacher who was missing for more than a week has been found dead in a shallow grave, and her boyfriend is charged with her slaying, police said Wednesday.

Montgomery County police Chief Thomas Manger said at a news conference that investigators found the body of Laura Wallen in a shallow grave in Damascus, about 38 miles west of Washington on Wednesday. She was four months pregnant.

Wallen's boyfriend, Tyler Tessier, was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with murder in her death. Police are waiting for autopsy results on the cause of death, and Manger said they don't know about a motive.

Wallen's parents spoke at a news conference Monday and announced a $25,000 reward for information that led to her. Tessier sat with the parents, holding their hands, and cried through a brief statement.

"It was a calculated decision made by detectives to have Tessier attend the event and speak," Manger said. "It was done with the approval and knowledge of the victim's family."

Wallen, 31, was a teacher at a high school in neighboring Howard County. She didn't show up for the first day of school on Sept. 5.

Police had said early in the investigation that the last communications from Wallen were text messages to her family Monday. Those text messages were sent by Tessier from Wallen's phone, Manger said.

While Wallen was missing, Tessier was seen several times at the site where her body was found, police said. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property, Manger said, and officers with cadaver dogs found the shallow grave.

Tessier will have a bail review hearing Thursday, Manger said. It could not be immediately determined if he has a lawyer.
The stateside company that runs the U.S. version of Russia's state-owned news outlet RT must register with the Justice Department as a foreign agent.

The filing against the news agency is a strong signal that its content is considered propaganda from Russia. RT criticized the move as overreaching, according to the Hill, which cited an article from RT itself.

"The war the U.S. establishment wages with our journalists is dedicated to all the starry-eyed idealists who still believe in freedom of speech. Those who invented it, have buried it," RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan said in the report, which was published Monday.

The news outlet alleges that the company that supplies services for RT America Channel in the States received a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice, stating it was obligated to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Passed in 1938, FARA requires those who represent the interest of foreign powers to disclose their relationship along with information about related activities and finances.

RT also claims it was being specifically targeted in a recent broadening of the acts scope brought forth on Capitol Hill. Earlier this year, Reps. David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.) and Matthew Gaetz (R-Fla.) introduced a bill called the Agents Registration Modernization and Enforcement Act, where they specifically named RT as a target.

Foreign propaganda dressed up as a legitimate news outlet is still foreign propaganda, Rep. Cicilline said in a June press release announcing the bipartisan bill. In this era of social media and a 24/7 news cycle, the American people have a right to know when a hostile foreign government is sending propaganda right into their living room. This bill will help ensure that Vladimir Putins regime cant spread fake news with such ease ever again.

RTs editor-in-chief condemned the proposed legislation, which has yet to be voted upon in Washington.

I wonder how U.S. media outlets, which have no problems while working in Moscow, and that are not required to register as foreign agents, will treat this initiative, Simonyan said.

RT America was first singled out in January, in a report from inside the U.S. intelligence community about the potential impact that Russia had on the 2016 presidential elections, the Hill reported.

The report referred to RT America as a state-run propaganda machine that has positioned itself as a domestic U.S channel and has deliberately sought to obscure any legal ties to the Russian Government.

Simonyan publicly balked at the report when it was released.

The word 'propaganda' has a very negative connotation, but indeed, there is not a single international foreign TV channel that is doing something other than promotion of the values of the country that it is broadcasting from," she said, according to a Business Insider article in from January.

When Russia is at war, we are, of course, on Russia's side.

The report also alleges that RT contracted with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

"Russian media subsequently announced that RT had become 'the only Russian media company' to partner with WikiLeaks and had received access to 'new leaks of secret information.' RT routinely gives Assange sympathetic coverage and provides him a platform to denounce the United States," the report said.
Former chief White House strategist Steve Bannon has been invited to speak at a University of California, Berkeley, event organized by political provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos.

Whether it will actually happen is another matter, given Berkeley's reputation for hostility toward conservative guests.

Yiannopolous brokes the news about Bannon on his YouTube page. The event is dubbed Berkeley Free Speech Week  an apparent bid by Yiannopolous to razz Berkeley, which was home to the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s.

He's the voice of a nationwide rebellion. The man who terrifies globalist and leftist culture warriors like no other. Steve Bannon joins MILO at Free Speech Week, the videos description reads.

A conservative student publication organizing the event, The Berkeley Patriot, confirmed that both Yiannopoulos and Bannon agreed to speak at some point during the four-day event, the New York Times reported.

The announcement came following a revelation that Yiannopoulos recently met with Bannon, whom he calls Uncle Steve, according to a Breitbart Radio show on which he appeared Friday.

Berkeley Free Speech Week is set to begin Sept. 24. The city has become a key battleground in free speech wars, where free speech activists often clash with black-clad Antifa activists attempting to shut down conservative speakers or events.

Last February, Yiannopoulos scheduled speech was canceled due to a threat from a radical left-wing mob of around 150 people that attacked the event attendees, smashed windows, threw rocks and started fires. The violence prompted President Donald Trump to threaten to pull federal funds from UC Berkeley.

If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view  NO FEDERAL FUNDS? he tweeted.

Despite criticism, the city of Berkeley continued to struggle to contain the violence at protests  often seeing attacks on peaceful protesters  as the police accused of being reluctant to tackle the violent Antifa agitators.

On Tuesday, in an attempt to ensure safety, the Berkeley city council reportedly ended a 20-year ban on police officers using pepper spray on violent protesters.

Besides Yiannopoulos and Bannon, conservative firebrand Ann Coulter is also scheduled to attend the event, although the organizing student publication has not yet confirmed the names of other speakers.

A Coulter speech scheduled in Berkeley in April was canceled in part because of concerns about possible violence, USA Today reported.

A spokesman for the student group told the Times that it could not at that time reveal the names of the other speakers because the group was still working with the university and law enforcement to finalize our itinerary.

UC Berkeley spokesman Dan Mogulof said the organizers have not yet submitted the information or forms required to ensure the events occur, telling the Times that they just have not completed any of that.

This is all about providing to them the security they want and we want to offer for their events, and it cant happen overnight, he added, noting that a speech given by conservative Ben Shapiro on Thursday requires the university bring in a huge number of police officers and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A University of Virginia fraternity came under fire Thursday after it hosted a "cops and robbers" party -- an event a student group said mocked mass incarceration -- but the frat turned the tables on protesters, calling the real police to complain about trespassing.

UVa Students United wrote on Facebook they shut down the Delta Psi frat house party Thursday because the event made a joke of systems that kill and brutalize marginalized communities.

The student group, which described itself on Facebook as a coalition of students from around the university community taking direct action and organizing for a more accessible, democratic and inclusive UVa, said police were called after the fraternity claimed the protesters were trespassing.

BLACK LIVES MATTER PROTESTER IN CHARLOTTESVILLE SHROUD THOMAS JEFFERSON STATUE

Last night, a group of about twenty or so students shut down a 'cops and robbers' themed date function at the Hall, a fraternity on campus. This came after about an hour of confrontation between the students and party-goers, culminating in the frat calling the police on the students, on the grounds of trespassing, UVa Students United wrote on Facebook. The predominantly white members of this fraternity got to take their costumes off at the end of the night, people trapped in the prison system do not."

The group said frat members were wearing orange jumpsuits, bandannas and chains and drew tattoos on themselves. Female party-goers wore sexy cop costumes.

Historically, the police have justified violence against people of color in the name of protecting white women, and in wearing these costumes, these women made a joke of that legacy of violence, the group wrote.

The group said many of the partys attendants said they did not mean to offend or hurt anyone but the group said that mindset is the kind of willful ignorance that allows white supremacy to continue.

CHARLOTTESVILLE WHITE NATIONALIST RALLY BLAMED FOR 3 DEATHS, DOZENS OF INJURIES

The group mentioned the deadly protests in the universitys city, Charlottesville, last month when a woman protesting white supremacy was killed after a car drove into a crowd. Varying groups -- which included white supremacists -- had gathered in the city to demonstrate against the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue at a Charlottesville park.

After a summer of terror and violence instigated by white supremacist groups in Charlottesville, its at the very least disappointing that members of the UVA community would be so willing to make a joke of systems that kill and brutalize marginalized communities, the post concluded.

Henry Crochiere, a student at the school and Inter-Fraternity Council president, told Cavalier Daily he was told of the incident after the fraternitys president contacted him to help resolve the situation.

A group of protesters were in the front yard requesting that the private date function be shut down due to the insensitive cops and robbers theme of the party, Crochiere told Cavalier Daily. After trying to have a dialogue between the fraternity members and the protesters, it was determined that it would be best to call the police to help facilitate conversation and make sure there was order.

Crochiere recognized some of the schools members may have been offended by the partys theme.

The Inter-Fraternity Council acknowledges that the theme, while not overtly reprehensible, is potentially offensive to members of the community, Crochiere said. As a result, we thought it was best to end the party and other Delta Psi events planned for the weekend in order to reevaluate the situation.

Crochiere added that the fraternity did not mean to offend anyone with the partys theme and hoped all parties can connect in the coming weeks and have a discussion about the incident.

Delta Psi and UVa Students United did not immediately respond to Fox News' request for comment.
An oil tanker and a dredger have collided in Singapore waters, capsizing the dredger and leaving five of its crew missing.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said Wednesday morning the dredger was partially submerged after the collision. It said seven of the dredger's crew members were rescued by the police coast guard and five were unaccounted for.

After the collision, the Dominican dredger JBB De Rong 19 was moved to near Pulau Senang, where search and rescue operations are ongoing. Singapore has deployed two tugboats, three patrol craft, seven other vessels and a Super Puma helicopter to support the operations.

The 26 crew members on the Indonesian tanker Kartika Segara were not hurt. The tanker reportedly suffered damage to the starboard bow.

An investigation was ongoing.
Two Pakistani teenagers who tried to elope were brutally murdered by relatives with electric shocks last month as an "honor killing" in the southern port city of Karachi, police confirmed.

The tribal boy and girl accused of falling in love with each other were declared by the local tribal council, or jirga, as a symbol of dishonor on the Pashtun community. The bodies will be exhumed for postmortem examinations on Wednesday, according to Aman Marwat, a police officer on the case.

Jirgas are often convened, particularly in conservative rural areas, to settle local disputes especially between poor families. Although they operate outside the law, their rulings of prompt justice, based on centuries-old traditions, are often honored by local officials.

On the orders of the influential tribal council, the teenage girl was murdered first, and the boy was killed the next day. The bodies were buried secretly at night and no funerals took place.

The 15-year-old girl, identified as Bakht Taj, allegedly tried to elope with the 17-year-old boy, identified as Rehman. The couple belonged to the tribal Mohmand clan originally from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) where Pakistan's army has fought to contain an Islamist militant insurgency that has spread across the northwest during the past several years.

The innocent souls were tied to a charpai (rope bed) and given electric shocks, Marwat said. He arrested the two fathers and two uncles and is pursuing some 30 members of the jirga who have gone into hiding.

Senior police superintendent Rao Anwar said investigators learned about the dual murder through an informant. Police arrested the fathers and some relatives of both teens.

The suspects confessed and revealed that a jirga was involved in declaring death sentences for both the victims, Anwar said.

People involved in the killings kept them secret, but the information reached investigators weeks later, triggering a police raid.

The girls side had agreed but not the jirga and they warned that if the two families did not carry out the barbaric deed, their family in their village back home would have to bear the consequences, said Zia Ur Rehman, a Pakistani journalist who first reported on the case.

Pakistan is regarded as one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman, with 2014 research finding that each day six women were kidnapped, four were murdered, four were raped and three killed themselves.

VIDEO: PAKISTAN'S 'KIM KARDASHIAN' KILLED FOR FACEBOOK POSTS IN 'HONOR KILLING'

More than 1,000 women and girls in the country are murdered in honor killings each year, but conviction rates are close to zero, according to the Aurat Foundation, a human rights group. The true figure is probably higher since many cases go unreported.

The series of gruesome honor killings in Pakistan reached a climax after the deaths of British beautician Samia Shahid and the controversial social-media celebrity Qandeel Baloch. Considered Pakistan's version of Kim Kardashian for her sexualized femininity and pursuit of fame, the 25-year-old Baloch allegedly was strangled by her brother in July last year in the city of Multan after posting provocative pictures of herself online.

In October of last year, Pakistan's parliament passed legislation that tightened punishments on honor killings, which will now carry the death penalty. For the first time, DNA evidence from the victim and perpetrator will be permitted.
A South African man on trial for allegedly murdering his father, mother and brother with an ax is back in court, where a blood spatter expert has testified that evidence contradicts the defendant's police statement.

Testimony resumed Wednesday in the case against Henri van Breda, who said he fought an attacker during the slaughter at his family's Stellenbosch home in January 2015.

A police bloodstain analyst, Capt. Marius Joubert, said Tuesday he believed van Breda's account was inconsistent with blood spatter patterns at the house.

The African News Agency reports that Joubert suspects the crime scene was staged after the killings.

The suspect is also charged with attempting to murder his sister, Marli. Then 16, she suffered severe injuries and was reportedly unable to remember the incident.
Poland's main opposition party is calling for the suspension of Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz over allegations he has secret ties with Russian military intelligence.

Bozena Kaminska of the Civic Platform party told The Associated Press Wednesday the party lawmakers are "highly concerned" over media allegations, recently reinforced by a book by investigative journalist Tomasz Piatek, "Macierewicz and his Secrets."

The book details the minister's alleged ties to a communist-era secret security agent and, recently, to a U.S. lobbyist, who, Piatek alleges, has indirect ties to Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

Kaminska said, if true, such ties could be harmful to Poland's security. As a result, she said her party is calling on Prime Minister Beata Szydlo to suspend Macierewicz and look into the allegations.
Jose, once a hurricane threatening the Caribbean, is now weakened to a post-tropical cyclone storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Jose will "meander" off the southern coast of New England for a few days as it slowly travels to the west.

Here's what you need to know.

Where is Jose now?

Jose is approximately 115 miles south-southeast of Nantucket, Mass., the National Hurricane Centers 8 a.m. ET advisory said Friday. It has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.

FLORIDA SEES LOOTING, BVI PRISONERS ESCAPE IN IRMA AFTERMATH

Jose was downgraded to a tropical storm last week, earlier than initially expected by forecasters, but then became a Category 1 hurricane a day later. It has since been downgraded back to a tropical storm.

What else should I know about the hurricane?

Shortly after Irma ravaged the Caribbean, Jose formed, threatening already wrecked houses, businesses and shelters with a major loss of communication.

Jose passed north of the Caribbean islands and Puerto Rico last week as a Category 4 hurricane, a situation, the Netherlands navy said, that was better than expected.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Block Island, R.I., as well as Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard, both in Massachusetts.

The warning also applies to a stretch of the state going from Woods Hole to Sagmore Beach that includes Cape Cod, according to forecasters.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Londons Metropolitan police released additional photos of the jogger who pushed a woman in front of an incoming bus.

The latest CCTV photos come nearly four months after the 33-year-old woman was suddenly pushed onto the road by a stranger as she walked across Putney Bridge in west London.

The photos were taken by a passenger on the bus as the jogger passed it. The bus narrowly avoided hitting the woman seconds later.

Images of this alarming incident have been circulated widely and we continue to work through the information received to identify the man responsible, Det. Sergeant Chris Griffith said in a statement. We are grateful to those who have assisted so far.

The jogger is described as a white man in his 30s with brown eyes and short brown hair. During the incident, he was wearing a light gray T-shirt and dark blue shorts with gray running shoes.

Police said that about 15 minutes after the May 5 incident, the jogger returned to the bridge. The woman tried to speak to him, but he did not acknowledge her and continued jogging.

An American banker, identified by local media outlets as 41-year-old Eric Bellquist, was arrested last month in connection to the incident but he was cleared from any wrongdoing and released.

His lawyers said in a statement that they could prove he was in the United States at the time of the incident.

A second man, also 41 and who has not been named, was also arrested and released with no further action.
Spanish police ordered the arrest of more than 700 Catalan mayors if they dont comply with an investigation into their cooperation with a referendum on independence that has been suspended by a court, prosecutors said.

Jose Manuel Maza, Spains top prosecutor, ordered provincial prosecutors Wednesday to investigate 712 mayors who have already offered municipal facilities for the Oct. 1 vote. He said regional Catalan police are to arrest them if they dont show up for testimony.

The pro-independence coalition ruling the region managed to get enough votes to pass the referendum last week despite great opposition by other members and the Spanish government in Madrid.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoys conservative government has pledged to stop the referendum. He was granted a suspension by the Constitutional court while judges decide on its legality.

The Catalan coalition has vowed to hold the vote despite being barred from doing so and has asked the 947 mayors in the northeastern region to provide facilities for the vote.

The Catalonia region, which includes Barcelona, generates a fifth of Spain's gross domestic product. It self-governs in several important areas, such as police, health and education. But key areas such as taxes, foreign affairs and most infrastructures are in the hands of the Spanish government.

Both Catalan and Spanish are spoken in the region of 7.5 million people, and many Catalans feel strongly about their cultural heritage and traditions.

The pro-independence bloc has argued that full control would benefit Catalonia, an idea that gained support in times of high unemployment and harsh austerity measures as a result of Spain's 2008-2013 financial crisis.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An Iranian news outlet is reporting that authorities have arrested a leader of the Islamic State extremist group.

The Wednesday report from semi-official YJC.ir says the suspect was in contact with 300 IS members and was planning attacks during Shiite ceremonies across the country next month.

Members of the elite Revolutionary Guard detained the suspect in a town near Tehran, according to the report, which did not identify the suspect. It said he spent a night in the Tehran neighborhood of Dolatabad, an Iraqi community, after arriving in the country.

Iran sometimes announces the detention of IS-linked extremists and the defusing of plots to carry out attacks.

IS claimed responsibility for attacks in Tehran that killed 17 people at the parliament and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in June.
A human rights group has called on India to immediately ban the use of shotguns by government forces in suppressing protests against Indian rule in disputed Kashmir, saying pellets fired by the weapons have blinded and killed people indiscriminately.

Amnesty International also criticized Indian authorities for failing to support those who have been injured and disabled by the weapons.

Although shotguns have been in use in Kashmir since 2010, government forces fired them widely during months of civilian protests against Indian rule in 2016 after Indian forces killed a popular militant leader.

Since then, pellets fired by shotguns have killed at least 14 people and blinded hundreds.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and is claimed by both countries.
South Korea on Tuesday conducted its first live-fire drill for an advanced air-launched cruise missile, strengthening Seoul's preemptive strike capability in the face of increased aggression from North Korea -- which mocked the live-fire test as the work of a "puppet army."



The drill involved an F-15 fighter jet firing a Taurus missile that traveled through obstacles at low altitudes until it hit a target off South Koreas western coast, the countrys military said Wednesday. Seoul's Defense Ministry added the missile, manufactured by Germany's Taurus Systems, has a maximum range of 310 miles, meaning it could hit North Korean targets before being detected by radar.

SOUTH KOREA PREPARES FOR OLYMPICS -- WITH REGION IN NO MOOD FOR GAMES

The latest drill is part of South Koreas attempt to ramp up its capability against its volatile neighbor  which conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test Sept. 3. North Korea claimed it detonated a hydrogen bomb, but experts and the U.S. government have yet to confirm what the device was.

South Korea confirmed Wednesday it had detected traces of radioactive xenon gas from the nuclear test, but the type of nuclear device that was set off remained mysterious, Reuters reported.

North Korea on Wednesday also unleashed its nearly-daily series of bombastic threats against South Korea and the U.S., the latest missive coming two days after the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved fresh sanctions against Pyongyang. The state-run Korean Central News Agency slammed Seouls agreement with Washington to remove warhead weight limits on South Korean ballistic missiles -- which allows the projectiles to fly a farther distance -- saying the U.S. practice of working with the South Korea puppet army reminded North Koreans of a rabid dog startled by a thunder.

NORTH KOREA REPRESENTS THE MOST IMMINENT THREAT TO US NATIONAL SECURITY

Such attempt after the DPRK's ICBM launch and H-bomb test is no more than a ridiculous act of a mudfish trying to become a dragon in the sky, KCNA said in the statement. ...This is a special cartoon showing their poor position as puppet and colonial servant who can do nothing without approval of the master."

Kim Jong Uns regime vowed the U.S. would feel the greatest pain it has ever experienced in its history after passing the sanctions.

President Trump warned North Korea the sanctions were "nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen."

The sanctions against North Korea capped crude oil imports, but banned all natural gas liquids and condensates. Textile exports were also banned.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
DECLARATION DE SOUTIEN DU CADRE DE CONCERTATION DES BATISSEURS DU PONT INTER-RWANDAIS (RBB) AU PEUPLE CONGOLAIS FACE A LA GUERRE DOCCUPATION IMPOSEE PAR LE REGIME DE PAUL KAGAME
ELKO  A new medical practice has opened in Elko using telemedicine.

Dr. Daniel Spogen is chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at the UNR School of Medicine. He is also site director of the Rural Family Practice Residency Program starting in Elko.

Dr. Spogen is accepting new patients, including those using Medicare and Medicaid.

Exams take place at Nevada Health Center on 14th Street. Dr. Spogen uses video communication from Reno to view and talk with his Elko patients.

Kelli Boulette, R.N., is in the room during visits when hands-on exams are needed. The results of these exams are viewed by Dr. Spogen.

To make an appointment, call Renown Central Scheduling at 775-982-7700 and specify Dr. Spogen in Elko.
Two young Spotsylvania County men have been arrested in connection with vandalism at Courtland High School over the weekend, police said.

School officials arrived Monday morning to find damage that included broken windows and knocked-over items. Classes were delayed Monday as the Sheriffs Office and school authorities investigated the incident and searched the building to make sure the vandals werent still inside.

Christopher Jordan Rodriguez, 18, and Jonathan Canam Holzbauer, 19, both former Courtland students, are charged with breaking and entering, destruction of property and grand larceny. Both are being held in the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

According to Sheriffs Lt. C.A. Carey, evidence obtained from school surveillance cameras and from school staff members and students led to the identification of the suspects. Detectives then executed search warrants at two different locations and found items linking them to the Courtland vandalism and to a recent vandalism of a model home in the Breckinridge Farms subdivision. Carey declined to say what items were recovered.

Police determined that the Courtland break-in occurred late Saturday or early Sunday, Carey said.

Holzbauer is additionally charged with second counts of breaking and entering and destruction of property, along with contributing to the delinquency of a minor in connection with the Breckinridge Farms incident. Rodriguez, who was just short of his 18th birthday at the time, had not been charged in that case as of Wednesday morning.

The Sheriffs Office credited CalAtlantic Homes and county school staff members with helping police make a timely arrest.
Stafford County resident Mauricio Cornejo received a call he didnt expect on Monday.

A representative from the Chatham Heights branch of BB&T bank in Stafford informed Cornejo of three fraudulent charges, each around $500, on his account. His daughter, Wendy Cornejo, said BB&T is refunding the money immediately, but the incident left them shaken.

Cornejo is one of many BB&T customers who became victims of a skimming theft at the Chatham Heights location. Dozens of customers posted to local Facebook pages about similar incidents that seemed to follow the same pattern of three fraudulent withdrawals of around $500 each.

Everybody who has been in the bank since we arrived was there about the fraudulent charges, Wendy Cornejo said as she waited for her father at the bank Monday afternoon.

The Stafford Sheriffs Office is investigating the skimming incident, and has received more than 30 fraud reports related to BB&T accounts since Sunday, according to sheriffs spokesman Eric Quinn. The Sheriff's Office posted photos of two suspects on its Facebook page Tuesday afternoon and asked for the public's help in identifying them.

Sheriffs Office investigators believe a skimming device was illegally placed on the ATM machine at BB&Ts Chatham Heights branch. These devices are used to capture all the information on the magnetic strip of an ATM card, which can then be used to access the account and make withdrawals.

BB&T spokesman David White explained that the bank employs layered security tools to monitor customers card accounts in an attempt to protect them from fraud. BB&T encourages their clients to check their accounts and report any suspicious transactions immediately.

White said there are a number of ways people can reduce their chances of becoming the victim of a skimming incident. They should be on the lookout for fake boxes placed over the card slots and for signs of damage, glue or tape residue on the ATM, he said.

They should also look for devices or cameras mounted near the ATM machine, he added. Cameras are sometimes used to provide a view of the PIN keypad.

The Sheriffs Office is asking anyone who thinks they have been a victim of the skimming incident or who has information about the crime or the men in the photographs to call 540/658-4400.
Its a good thing to take a break from the normal grind now and then, especially if you can get away to get a different perspective on things.

That was on my mind last week as I flopped in a beach chair and watched an eagle and an osprey carve slow circles above the Potomac River shoreline at Sandy Point in Westmoreland County.

First off, you have time to relax and appreciate sights like that on a week with no deadlines, appointments or to-do lists.

It helped that I swore off the daily political battle on cable news, where counting coup seems more important than getting things done. Mulling over how much better I felt by taking a timeout from all that, I couldnt help but think about memories from the same shoreline 50 years earlier.

Those memories, which Ive mentioned in earlier columns, were evenings when my grandparents would host an interesting couple who lived just upriver from them on the Potomac. The husband was John Dos Passos, the famous author of The U.S.A. Trilogy and a friend and contemporary of Earnest Hemingway and other similarly famous writers.

Though just a youngster then, I still remember the way my grandfather, a businessman and staunch conservative, enjoyed engaging Dos Passos and disagreeing with him on many of the main issues of the day.

The author, who had gone to the Soviet Union early in his life to study socialism, had soured on communism by that point. But his views on many of the issues of the day were still pretty far from those of my grandfather.

What sticks with me, though, is how the two men so respectfully disagreed, without ever trying to demonize each other. More than that, they relished the challenge of an intellectual argument where someone might actually change their mind on a point or two. That was in a time when you could disagree with someone on a political or personal belief and not instantly come to the conclusion that they must be an idiot or a sociopath.

When did that change? When did we adopt the mindset that someone who disagrees with us must be defective in some way, maybe even deranged.

I put some of the change on our polarizing president, who manages like no other to be a lightning rod for disagreement. But the lack of respect for those with differing views arrived long, long before he did, and has been made worse by cable news channels where commentators rant against those on the other side.

Aside from being short-sighted, seeing every governmental issue through purely partisan and therefore divisive glasses is what keeps our leaders from moving forward. Compromise isnt evil, and it actually saves us from extremes.

Pulling this column together, I remembered a note I got from a reader just before heading down to the shore. It was from Ellen Marshall, who said she wished for a story about how we might put the word civil back in the word civilization and the true meaning of the word united back in our UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

She noted that perhaps Hurricane Harvey, and then Hurricane Irma, as sad and unbelievable as their damage has been, might indeed help to make our country civil and united once again.

We can only hope.

I think all of this has happened because were more and more spoiled and want everything our way. We want things immediately, and 10 times better than they used to be, without necessarily putting in hard work in to make that happen.

We want instant information from a few keystrokes, streaming video of everything we could ever be interested in and products that are both cheap and delivered immediately.

We want credit instead of saving, promotions without time served and a shiny, brand-new car the day we graduate from high school.

As I was on the verge of getting overwhelmed by negative thoughts from that vantage point in my beach chair, something else I saw helped me ratchet down the worry.

It was the sight of the waves, each one hitting the shoreline every few secondsthe way they have since before man was there to see them.

Life will go on, regardless of whether we get our sense of unity and obligation to each other figured out.

Taking time away from politics to do a little blue-sky thinking, as I did on the beach, might be a place to start.
Culpeper Mayor Mike Olinger was all smiles Tuesday after the Town Council voted 90 to authorize Town Manager Chris Hively to sign $1.66 million contract with Phoenix Fabricators and Erectors to build an elevated water tank on the Orange Road.

Hey, anytime you can get a $1.5 million water tank for $338,000 youve got to be happy, Olinger said.

Hively and other members of the town staff negotiated with the developers of the Three Flags subdivision and Lifespires (formerly the Virginia Baptist Home) to put up $1.5 million toward the project.

Three Flags, which is building again following a hiatus during the Great Recession, was committed to spending $1 million to build its own tank to provide fire safety for the subdivision just off U. S. Route 29.

Instead, it gave the money to the town to build a municipal water tower that will offer the same protection.

Lifespires, which is rebuilding the Baptist Home, was about to spend $500,000 to build a pumping station to protect its residents when approached by Hively. It is giving that money to the town.

Although the construction contract will be for $1.66 million, there will be other associated costs. In addition to building the 400,000 gallon elevated tank across the highway from the present Baptist Home, Hively said that the town must also make improvements to at least one pump station, as well as its data control system.

That work, to be done in-house, will amount to about $62,000.

Adding in a 10 percent contingency, the town should get the much-needed tank for $338,000 of its own moneyless if all the contingency funds are not needed.

Councilman Pranas Rimeikis was quick to point out that this money will not come from the towns general fund, but rather from the water enterprise fund, which builds from customer profits.

The elevated tank, which is being built about half a mile out of town in the county, will provide fire protection for everything from Three Flags eastward to Lovers Lane and the Baptist Home, including A. G. Richardson and Pearl Sample elementary schools.

This is a great deal for everybody, Olinger said.
LAS VEGAS  Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital was one of two hospitals honored this year by HealthInsight, a nonprofit, community-based health care collaborative.

The 2017 HealthInsight Quality Award hospital recipients were recognized for their high performance on quality of care outcome measures and patient satisfaction. 

The other recipient was Renown South Meadows Medical Center in Reno.

The awards were presented at the 57th Annual Nevada Hospital Association meeting Sept. 9 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe.

HealthInsight Quality Award hospital recipients are selected based on their performance on healthcare-associated infections, patient experience of hospital care, 30-day hospital-wide readmissions, and mortality measures.

We are extremely pleased to recognize these hospitals for their excellence in performance, said Deborah Huber, HealthInsight Nevadas executive director. This level of achievement requires strong leadership and a dedication to quality by all members of the health care team.

NNRH received an overall performance rating of 83 percent, the second highest in the state.

The hospital quality data is available by visiting www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
CHARLOTTESVILLE  One month after white nationalists stormed the Rotunda at the University of Virginia, bearing tiki torches and chanting, You will not replace us, a smaller but equally vocal crowd of protesters took to the Rotunda on Tuesday night, covering a statue of Thomas Jefferson in a black shroud.

The group of about 100 U.Va. students, faculty and community members gathered despite the rain to deride the universitys response to the summers wave of white nationalist demonstrations.

They covered the U.Va. founders statue in black, mimicking the citys decision to shroud the statues of Confederate Gens. Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson in the wake of the violent Aug. 12 rally that resulted in one death and dozens of injuries.

One month ago, we stood on the front lines in downtown Charlottesville as all manner of white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and neo-fascists swarmed the area, said a speaker addressing the crowd. Two months ago, the Ku Klux Klan rallied in their safe space, fully robed and fully protected by multiple law enforcement agencies who brutalized and tear-gassed peaceful counterprotesters.

With some sporting Black Lives Matter signs and many others chanting, the crowd cheered as three protesters climbed the Jefferson statue, adorning it with signs that dubbed the former president a racist and rapist.

While chanting mantras that have become routine in anti-racist protests, the common chant No Trump, No KKK no fascist USA was tweaked, swapping fascist USA with racist U.Va.

With every new horror that arises each month, each day, there has been an unparalleled resistance of people who say no to white supremacy, no to fascism, no to all forms of oppression, said the speaker. And we recognize and honor the fact that this resistance was not born 10 months ago, but has actually lived for many years: communities of color in Charlottesville fighting for affordable housing, for a living wage, for an end to police brutality and state-sanctioned violence, for education for all.

The group called on U.Va. to adhere to the Black Student Alliances list of demands, formed last month in response to influx of white nationalist non-locals who have used Charlottesville as a rallying point. Published around the time of the Aug. 20 March to Reclaim Our Grounds, the list included the demand to remove the Confederate plaques on the Rotunda and ban white supremacist hate groups from campus.

The list calls for a balance of U.Va.s historical landscape, and dubs the Jefferson statue an emblem of white supremacy that should be re-contextualized with a plaque to include that history.

It further demands that the university increase the enrollment of African American undergraduate students, increase the proportion of African American faculty and require all students to undergo some form of education on white supremacy, colonization and slavery as they directly relate to Thomas Jefferson, the university and the city of Charlottesville.

The same moderates who condemn the hate that came to Charlottesville one month ago fetishize the legacy of Jefferson, and imagine him as our collective moral compass, the primary speaker said. We cannot create a hierarchy within white supremacy.

We can and must condemn the violence of one month ago and simultaneously recognize Jefferson as a rapist, racist, and slave owner, she continued. The visibility of physical violence from white supremacists should not take our attention away from condemning and disrupting more respectable racists that continue to control the structures that perpetuate institutional racism.

Multiple speakers shared their thoughts on the matter with the crowd, many of whom criticized the university administration for its response to the rallies and claimed the university was not paying its workers a living wage. The crowd implored one another to remain steadfast in their protestations.

There is only one side to this, said one of the protesters standing upon the Jefferson statue.

U.Va. had not yet responded to request for comment on the Jefferson statue shrouding by press time. No police officers were observed at the statue on Tuesday night.
AT A MEETING in California this spring, we sat down with a number of insurance company chief executives who are major participants in the Affordable Care Act exchanges. They asked us to carry back a message to Washington: Put partisanship aside and end federal uncertainty about support for the ACA; otherwise, they will end up setting premiums higher than necessary or withdrawing from markets across the country.

With only weeks before the exchanges open for business again, Washington has one more chance to take clear action to bring down premiums and help millions of American families.

As a Republican former Senate majority leader and a political appointee in the Obama administration, we have seen firsthand the impact partisanship can have on American families. Millions have benefited from the Affordable Care Act, gaining the security and consumer protections that come from insurance coverage. But at the same time, growing premiums and deductibles and limited competition burden patients in many parts of the country.

It doesn't have to be that wayso long as Congress can work together and act this month. We recently gathered a group of Democrats and Republicans at the Bipartisan Policy Centerboth advocates and critics of the Affordable Care Actto develop a set of concrete recommendations to address the cost of insurance premiums.

We developed five recommendations that could stabilize the individual health insurance market:

 Firstand most importantCongress should act to cut average premiums by 20 percent nationally. Lawmakers should commit to funding cost-sharing reduction subsidies for insurance companies in the ACA exchanges for 2018 and 2019. These payments reduce the size of deductibles for low-income people and are already accounted for in the federal budget. But the timing of this measure is critical. Congress and the president have only weeks to positively affect next year's premiums.

 Second, Congress should establish a targeted fund for states to use to bring down premiums. The cost of insurance for all of us can be affected by even a small number of expensive patients with complex medical conditions. Innovative efforts, as we have seen in Alaska, have demonstrated that this approach works.

 Third, the federal government should cut its review time for approving state innovation applications in half, to a 90-day maximum. The ACA has provided statessuch as Alaskathe opportunity to waive various provisions of the law with local innovations as long as important consumer protections are kept in place. Only two have been approved so far, but many more states have submitted applications, a pattern we hope continues. Done right, these innovations can improve competition and choice and reduce premiums while maintaining important protections.

 Fourth, Congress should help middle-income consumers manage the size of their deductibles. It can do this by allowing consumers to temporarily increase the amount of money they can set aside for pretax health saving account contributions for 2018 and 2019 to equal the out-of-pocket limits for high-quality health plans.

 Finally, the federal government should develop alternatives that allow states beginning in 2020 to potentially replace the ACA's mandate that most individuals buy coverage or face a penalty. The individual mandate plays an important role in keeping premiums low but is also unpopular with the American public. So even while this mandate is enforced, Congress should direct the administration to explore an option similar to one used in Medicareautomatically enrolling consumers in low-cost coverage and providing incentives to enroll on time.

We know that reaching across the aisle to compromise is difficult. No one will get everything they want, and members of both parties may have to agree to things that are distasteful to them.

But if Republicans and Democrats can take even a small public step to work together on health care, Congress and the president have the opportunity to bring the cost of insurance premiums down and make a positive impact in the lives of many Americans. They will also send a strong signal to insurers, states and the American public that they can count on Washington to work for them.
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ELKO  A replica of the Vietnam memorial wall in Washington, D.C., is returning to Elko this month.

The traveling wall arrives the evening of Sept. 20 at the Elko City Park and will be assembled the next morning at 8 a.m. An opening ceremony is scheduled for noon Sept. 21.

Volunteers are needed for assembly and guarding the wall around the clock until it is disassembled Sept. 24.

Because people will need time to reminisce for their memories and their healing, volunteers will be stationed to guard the wall 24/7 while the wall is at the park, said Vi Larkin, VFW Auxiliary committee chair.

We are bringing the wall for people to appreciate it at their own leisure and in their own time, Larkin said. People are welcome to view it at all times. We wont stop anybody from coming in if they get off shift late or if they feel they need to be there at midnight to avoid the crowds.

Presented by the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, the wall is 360 feet long and 8 feet high, an 80 percent scale of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Constructed between 1982 and 1984, the black granite wall lists the names of more than 58,000 service men and women who died in the war.

The visit is the last in a three-part commitment to commemorate of the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War, Larkin said.

The Daughters of the American Revolution, Ruby Mountain Chapter, brought the proposal to the VFW Auxiliary three years ago. The two organizations partnered to honor Vietnam veterans with a welcome home parade and dinner at the Stockmens Hotel and Casino.

The second part was to commission a metal art sculpture and, thanks to the donation of two auxiliary members, commemorative challenge coins were minted and given to Vietnam War veterans.

Our community response was so great, Larkin said. Because of the outpouring of support, weve not had to ask for any other donations or anything. It was completely paid for by the community and individual businesses.

Unlike the last time the wall came to Elko, a solemn remembrance ceremony is planned instead of a larger celebration, said Larkin.

Its a solemn moment, said Larkin, adding that there are six Elkoans listed on the wall, one of whom is her cousin.

Larkin said the project was a mission of the heart and hoped the wall would help recognize Native Americans who served in the war.

After attending tribal meetings in Beowawe, Larkin said hearing stories of tribal members who fought in the war really touched my heart. The auxiliary also has native members.

Because they are a nation of their own within a nation, they sat aside that part of themselves to fight for the U.S., Larkin said.

The wall is to provide those without the means or ability to travel to our great national memorial sites the opportunity to respect and share in the experience of honoring our heroes, says AVTTs website. AVTT prides itself on the support of our Armed Forces and continues our mission of Honor, Respect, Remembrance for our fallen and serving men and women in uniform.

In addition to volunteers, Larkin said other needs are cases of water and hotel arrangements for the AVTT driver.

To volunteer or for information, call Vi Larkin at 934-6150.
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The nail-biting race between Democratic U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Republican challenger Adam Laxalt remained too early to call after polls closed across Nevada Tuesday night. Laxalt and Cortez Masto have been locked in a tight race for weeks, both hitting hard on national party talking points. Laxalt has blamed inflation and illegal immigration on Democratic policies. Cortez Masto has promised to block GOP-led attempts at a nationwide abortion ban and said she will fight for a pathway to permanent citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children. Both candidates told supporters late Tuesday night that they expected to come out ahead once all the votes were counted.
Story Highlights 51% approve of Trump's handling of the economy, up from 45% in June

Trump's economy rating higher than most recent presidents' at eight-month mark

Public divided on Trump's handling of the North Korea situation

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A slim majority of Americans, 51%, now say they approve of the way Donald Trump is handling the economy. That is up from 45% in June and is his best rating among four issues tested in the latest Gallup poll.

President Donald Trump's Job Approval Rating on Economy Highest of Four Issues Tested Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling -- [ITEMS READ IN RANDOM ORDER]? Feb 2017 Jun 2017 Sep 2017 % % % The economy 48 45 51 The situation with North Korea n/a n/a 45 Foreign affairs 38 35 41 Immigration 42 40 39 Gallup

Trump's economic approval rating in the Sept. 6-10 survey marks the first time he has earned majority approval on any issue Gallup has asked about, including four issues measured in February and 10 in June.

The September poll also finds that 45% of Americans approve of Trump's handling of North Korea, 41% rate his handling of foreign affairs positively and 39% give him favorable reviews on immigration. His rating on immigration has changed little in recent months, while his foreign affairs rating is up slightly.

Trump's overall job approval rating has yet to hit the majority approval level, topping out at 46% just after he took office in January. In Gallup Daily tracking, his job approval rating has been below 40% since early July. It has improved slightly over the past two weeks after falling to personal lows the last full week of August. His most recent weekly average approval rating is 37%, based on Sept. 4-11 Gallup tracking.

Since Gallup last asked about Trump's handling of issues in June, the stock market has reached new record highs and economic growth has picked up, while unemployment remains low. Trump appears to be receiving credit for these positive economic developments, evidenced by his 91% approval rating on the economy among Republicans, 48% among independents and 15% among Democrats. Each of those partisan approval ratings for his economic performance is significantly higher than his overall job approval rating among the same groups.

Trump's Economic Approval Better Than Most Recent Presidents'

Trump's economic approval rating eight months into office compares favorably with those of other recent presidents. It is better than the ratings Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama had at similar points in their presidencies, but lower than George W. Bush's. (Gallup did not measure George H.W. Bush's handling of the economy in the late summer or early fall of 1989.)

The younger Bush's high economic rating largely reflects the post-9/11 rally in support for him. Gallup's last rating of Bush's handling of the economy before 9/11-- in July 2001 -- was 54%.

Unlike Trump and the younger Bush, Reagan, Clinton and Obama came into office during challenging economic times. Nevertheless, each enjoyed relatively high economic approval ratings prior to the eight-month mark, during the honeymoon phases of their presidencies. This included 60% approval for Reagan's handling of the economy in April 1981, 49% for Clinton in March 1993 and 59% for Obama in February 2009. However, these approval ratings quickly waned, falling 10 or more percentage points by the late summer or early fall of their first year in office.

Gallup has asked Americans to assess presidents' handling of the economy periodically since 1971, including more frequent updates beginning with Reagan's presidency. Clinton has the record-high economic approval rating of 81% in 1999. The elder Bush has the record low of 17% in 1992. The average rating is 43%.

Gallup Analytics

Subscribe to our online platform and access nearly a century of primary data. Learn more

Trump's Foreign Affairs Rating Worse Than Other Presidents'

While Trump's rating for his handling of the economy compares favorably with those of other recent presidents, his 41% approval rating for handling foreign affairs is the lowest among this group. George W. Bush's 81% rating for handling foreign affairs shortly after 9/11 is the best for any recent president roughly eight months into his presidency. Reagan and Obama had approval ratings above the majority level, while Clinton's was slightly below it.

In contrast to the current situation for Trump, presidents generally tend to receive higher ratings for handling foreign affairs than for handling the economy. The average foreign affairs approval rating for presidents since 1974 is 50%, including a high of 84% for the elder Bush in 1991 after the U.S. won the Persian Gulf War. The record-low rating of 29%, held by the younger Bush, was recorded in August 2007 -- four years into the Iraq War and before Americans saw the "surge" in the number of U.S. troops in Iraq as working.

Implications

Trump's job approval ratings generally have been poor, but evaluations of his handling of the economy are a relative bright spot for him. Buoyed by many positive economic reports, and perhaps Americans' belief that the former businessman would handle the economy well as president, a majority of U.S. adults now approve of Trump's economic stewardship. Trump's overall ratings, then, may be held down by his lower ratings on other issues, including foreign affairs and immigration, as well as fundamental concerns about his character. Indeed, perceptions of Trump's character have gotten worse since he took office.

Thus, as Trump serves out the remainder of his first term, his ability to win re-election may depend most on Americans being willing to overlook their continued concerns about his personal qualities. Doing so may be easier if in 2020 Americans regard the state of the economy, and the nation more generally, as very strong.

Explore President Trump's approval ratings in depth and compare them with those of past presidents in the Gallup Presidential Job Approval Center.
A Pinch of Salt: The election is over, I think, so what now?
State environmental officials say a Salem construction firm has violated state emissions laws and must take corrective action at a controversial asphalt mixing site it has been operating between Corvallis and Philomath.

The Department of Environment Quality issued an Aug. 29 warning letter with opportunity to correct to Houck Construction, which has been providing asphalt for a Highway 20 paving project between Philomath and the Oregon Coast.

The asphalt mixing work has led to complaints since late July from residents about late-night odors and noise from the mixing, which occurs in the evening hours to match the 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. construction time slot the Oregon Department of Transportation has been using to limit the inconvenience to motorists.

DEQ officials inspected the plant at the end of Clemens Mill Road on Aug. 24 and documented excessive fugitive emissions generating blue haze escaping from the top of the asphalt silo, wrote Karen White-Fallon, air quality officer in her letter to Houck. These fugitive emissions are likely contributing to some of the odor from the facility.

White-Fallon was accompanied on the unannounced plant tour by inspector Michael Eisele and Claudia Davis, air quality manager for the DEQs Western Region office in Salem.

The Houck plant passed the inspection in five other air quality metrics: emissions opacity, particulate emissions, the size of particulate matter, burner tuning and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

The violation is a Class II or mid-level issue. Class I violations are the most serious, with Class III the least serious. No formal enforcement action follows, although Houck was required to provide a plan for corrective action by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Houck officials emailed their response to DEQ officials, while noting that the original was in the mail postmarked Tuesday. In the letter from Roy L. Houck, the company asserted that the fugitive emissions most likely were steam, but that they are researching methods of reducing silo emissions in order to develop and implement a corrective action plan.

The DEQ violations letter calls for corrective action to be completed by Oct. 29, although ODOT officials said the Highway 20 project that is using the 84,500 tons of asphalt supplied by Houck will conclude the paving portion of the work this month. DEQ officials said the plant was producing 270 tons per hour, although the site has a capacity for 400.

The Clemens Mill site, which Houck has been using on a temporary basis for the duration of the paving contract, is on Benton County land zoned urban industrial. The asphalt work is outright permitted in the zone.

Rollie Baxter, the most vocal of the residents who raised concerns about the odor and noise, said in an email to state Sen. Sara Gelser in the end, I think Benton County will have to change the zone code to prevent this from happening again.

Greg Verret, county community development director, has said he will be reviewing our priorities for code amendment projects with the Board of Commissioners in October and that it remains unclear what changes might be made.
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A post shared by Caitlyn Jenner (@caitlynjenner) on Aug 6, 2015 at 11:12am PDT
UCOM HAS INTRODUCED FUTURE NETWORK WI-FI 6E ROUTERS

Statement by the Spokesperson on the conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts

Foreign Minister of Armenia to participate in the Fifth Paris Peace Forum

Armenia: EU and Armenia Hold annual Dialogue on Human Rights

Todays Shushi, Occupied and Cleared of Armenians, is a Real Example of Turkish-Azerbaijani Policy of Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh

Ookla, the the global leader in internet testing and analysis has awarded Ucom

Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

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I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan
1950  September 7, 2017

Robert Lee Gilman passed away on September 7, 2017 at home in Albany at the age of 67.

He was born to Donald and Barbara (Ware) Gilman in Cottage Grove in 1950. He was raised in Lorane and then Cottage Grove, where he attended and graduated from Cottage Grove High School.

In 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy Bricker, and together they raised their family in Cottage Grove until moving to Albany in 1988, where he spent the rest of his life.

At the age of ten, he discovered trapping which started him on what he called a lifelong adventure which became his career. He trapped commercially, contracted for Oregon timber industries and started an urban wildlife control business.

He loved the outdoors and spent his lifetime hunting, fishing and camping with family and friends.

He had a love of history and family genealogy and passed some of his own history on when he authored the book Bear Tales and Trapline Trails published in 2014.

His love for his family was immeasurable. He had a special place in his heart for each of his grandchildren. His friends became family.

He was a member of Eastside Christian Church in Albany where he and Judy attended together for 30 years.

Robert is survived by his mother, Barbara Gilman of Cottage Grove, his wife of 49 years, Judy of Albany; daughter Kelly Rhodes and her husband Darin of Dorena; Sam Gilman and his wife Donna of Albany and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 17 at Eastside Christian Church 1910 Grand Prairie Rd SE in Albany.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Roberts memory to Eastside Christian Church (Missions fund in memo).

Arrangements in the care of Smith Lund Mills Funeral Chapel, Cottage Grove.
By Sunday evening, Corvallis should have about 3,600 more residents than it does now.

The influx of residents is expected to arrive throughout Sunday as part of Oregon State Universitys annual dorm move-in day. As in recent years, most students are all slated to arrive on a single weekend day, instead of the past approach of staggering arrivals over two weekdays.

Brian Stroup, who runs the move-in event for University Housing & Dining Services, said the Sunday move-in works better than the old system because the traffic of people moving in doesnt interfere with OSUs daily traffic.

Stroup said the students moving into the dorms have pre-set two-hour arrival windows that are staggered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. so that traffic doesnt get bogged down with too many people at once.

Stroup said most of the congestion likely will be confined to campus. The university has worked with Oregon State Police and other public agencies to manage traffic through reader boards on Highway 34. They will direct arrivals onto the bypass and then onto Southwest 26th Street for students who will live on the west side of campus and onto Southwest 15th Street for those moving into dorms on the east or south sides of campus.

Most congestion will be on 26th, Stroup said, because parking is most limited on the west side of campus. To combat this, the university will have a small army of volunteers working to help families unload cars quickly so the cars can be moved to long-term parking areas.

We have over 500 volunteers that swarm cars and help get people unloaded, said Stroup.

Stroup said weather and traffic accidents on I-5 can affect move-in day, so staff members monitor tripcheck.com for traffic alerts.

The university also moves in about 1,000 students over this week, he said, to ease some of the impact on Sunday. Students who move in early need a reason for it, such as being international students, University Housing & Dining Services employees, part of a Reserve Officer Training Corps program or in the marching band.

Stroup said having the flurry of activity on one day has made move-in day a big event for campus.

Its a really fun, high-spirit day, he said.

Jennifer Vina, associate director for marketing and communications for University Housing & Dining Services, said it sends out information packets to families in advance about moving in, so everyone knows to be prepared to unload quickly. Housing & Dining Services also has barbecues at its three dining centers that day, she said, to add to what is a big and exciting day for campus.

Its a huge milestone for families so we try to minimize complications, she said.

Vina said her staff looks forward to the move-in day, and they have been preparing, including a meeting with all 500 department employees Tuesday to prepare for Sunday.

Its the first time we get to welcome our residents. Theres an excitement in the air.
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department and the Benton County Sheriffs Office. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.

Corvallis Police Department

MONDAY, SEPT. 11

FRAUD: 3:27 a.m., 3400 block of Southwest Long Avenue, Corvallis. A man reported he checked the balance on his USAA bank account and found four fraudulent electronic transactions totaling $20,200.

COUNTERFEIT MONEY: 10 p.m., 1100 block of Northwest Ninth Street, Corvallis. Police responded to Sharis Cafe and Pies for a report of a counterfeit $10 bill being passed sometime during the night. No suspects were identified.

BURGLARY: 4:30 a.m., 200 block of Northwest Kings Boulevard, Corvallis. A woman reported someone entered her home through an unlocked back door and stole cash from her wallet, as well as jewelry, a bong and a Bluetooth speaker. No suspects were identified.

THEFT: 2:09 p.m., 1000 block of Southeast Marion Avenue, Corvallis. A man reported he received a call from a man with an Indian accent claiming to be the federal police. The scammer told his victim that he filled out his admission paperwork to the University of Oregon incorrectly and had to either pay a fine or go to jail. The man agreed to pay the fine and was directed to purchase iTunes gift cards from Safeway and relay the relevant information over the phone. The man provided the scammer with $400 worth of iTunes gift cards. Police informed the man he had been scammed.

Benton County Sheriffs Office

MONDAY, SEPT. 11

IDENTITY THEFT: 12:03 p.m., 7600 block of Northwest Canyon Drive, Corvallis. A man reported someone accessed an ATM at Oregonians Bank in Beaverton on Sunday and withdrew $500 from his Oregon State Credit Union account.
Kris Kobach, the secretary of state in Kansas and the vice chairman of President Donald Trump's commission on electoral integrity, recently reported to Breitbart News that he finally had located the smoking gun  a real example of major voting fraud in the November 2016 election.

In a column he wrote for the Breitbart website, Kobach said it was "highly likely" that the election of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Maggie Hassan was "stolen through voter fraud."

Kobach said he had uncovered proof that 5,313 people who voted in New Hampshire do not live in the state. The implication there, of course, is that these voters somehow traveled to the state for the sole purpose of voting in the election and thereby tipped the tight election to Hassan. Hillary Clinton also carried the state, by just 2,736 votes.

Indeed, Hassan's victory margin was even narrower  about 1,017 votes out of more than 700,000 cast. So, if Kobach is right, those 5,313 voters could have handed the race to Hassan, who went on to vote against the Republican effort to repeal Obamacare, which (as Kobach reminded us) failed by one vote in the Senate. Case closed.

But here's the problem: Kobach isn't right. And there are some inconvenient facts that he neglected to mention in his Breitbart column.

First, though, let's lay out the essentials of Kobach's case. It's legal in New Hampshire for people to register to vote on Election Day. Data provided by the state show that 6,540 people registered to vote there on Election Day 2016 by showing an out-of-state ID.

New Hampshire law gives those new voters 60 days to get a state driver's license; yet, Kobach noted, of those 6,540 people who registered on Nov. 7, 5,526 people have not yet obtained a license. And only 213 of those have registered a car in the state. Do the math, Kobach urged: The result is 5,313 fraudulent voters in New Hampshire. Better roll out the legislation making it harder to vote.

Oh, but wait just a second: It turns out that New Hampshire doesn't require people to be residents of the state to vote; they just have to be "domiciled" there, meaning that they live and spend most of their time there. A college student, for example, might fit that description. And, in fact, when The Washington Post started to reach out to the 5,313 suspicious scofflaws, the first four contacted said they were college students who had lived in New Hampshire last November. And, just like that, Kobach's air-tight case starts to evaporate.

When the commission met on Tuesday (in New Hampshire!), press reports suggested Kobach was working hard to distance himself from his earlier claims  and, in fact, said that there was a "high possibility" the commission will make no recommendations when it finishes its work. Even if it does make recommendations, he said, the commission can't force states to adopt them.

We would like to believe that this foolishness will mark the beginning of the end of the commission on electoral integrity. It's been clear from the start that this effort is little more than a smoke screen to make it easier for states (and, possibly, the federal government) to curtail voting rights.

Instead of trying to build specious justifications for legislation that makes it harder for citizens to vote, Kobach's commission could be working to develop ways to modernize voting machines and safeguard election systems against hacking. It could be taking a hard look at how to encourage states to explore virtually hack-proof vote-by-mail systems like the one Oregon uses.

But that would suggest Kobach and the commission actually are interested in finding ways to expand this fundamental building block of our democracy. Unfortunately, the evidence to date suggests that is not at all part of the commission's agenda. (mm)
Closure of the exhibition is anti-democratic and anti-constitutional

On September 9 we witnessed another example of democratic principles falling in Armenia. This time an exhibition was closed by labeling politicized. Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Armenia Arev Samuelyan told to Radio Liberty that being politicized was the reason for closure of the exhibition titled Eclipse dedicated to Bolshevik torture victims and initiated by Tumanyan House-Museum. The exhibition, dedicated to the blessed memory of the victims of Soviet dictatorship had to offer alternative coverage of the bolshevik revolution to Soviet discourse, but was closed because of being politicized. Do not politicize In general, the desire to depoliticize politics and issues related to it is not new in Armenia. The expression do not politicize is, perhaps, one of the most beloved expressions of the ruling government. Although the question arises how not to politicize the pages of history associated with a change in political system, namely, violent conquest of the First Republic of Armenia by the bolsheviks. The death of people killed for their political views has already been politicized, so this issue can not be considered outside the political context. Anticonstitutional censorship According to Article 8 of the RA Constitution ideological pluralism and a multi-party system are guaranteed in the Republic of Armenia. In other words, according to the RA Constitution citizens of the Republic of Armenia have the constitutional right to have different opinions on political issues. Consequently, closure of the exhibition is unconstitutional and limits the right of citizens of Armenia to pluralism, what is one of the cornerstones of a democratic state. Similarly, tomorrow another governing body of Armenia can prohibit the publication of a newspaper whose articles, in their opinion, are politicized. Politicized closure of Eclipse? It is noteworthy that the exhibition was opened on August 22 and was agreed with the Ministry of Culture in advance, since, as Minister of Culture Armen Amiryan noted: All SNCOs under the Ministry of Culture of Armenia must negotiate their exhibitions with the Ministry on an annual basis. Therefore, why should the exhibition approved earlier be closed? Let us recall that the museum director Narine Tukhikyan received a number of threats for the initiation of the exhibition. We had to close the exhibition as a result of slander. Some people have applied to some structures, and I believe they resorted to blackmail in order to do it, she said telling that a 70-year-old lieutenant-colonel threatened her by phone. Hence, we can assume that this decision was the result of Soviet nostalgia inside our government institutions. Our officials have not overcome their Soviet past in order to be capable of facing the past mistakes. In other words, we can state that there has not yet been an ideological generation change within Armenian government. Nevertheless, regardless of the explanations and reasons, this is a clear anti-democratic move that contradicts to the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and is a blow against pluralism in the country. Anna Pambukhchyan Union of Informed Citizens
Pilots call in sick : Air Berlin forced to cancel dozens of flights

Berlin/Bonn Pilots of the insolvent airlines have been calling in sick in massive numbers. At Cologne/Bonn Airport on Tuesday, 45 flights had to be cancelled and this is just one location. More cancellations are in store for Wednesday.

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The crisis at Air Berlin is escalating with the airlines having had to cancel numerous flights on Tuesday. A spokesman for the airline said that they had received notices from an exceptionally large number of pilots who called in sick. Around 200 pilots did not report for work on Tuesday. Thousands of passengers were affected.

At Dusseldorf Airport, 100 flights had to be cancelled - practically all the long-haul flights including destinations of Miami, New York, Fort Meyers and Boston. 45 flights were cancelled at Cologne/Bonn Airport, 21 of these were Air Berlin routes and 24 were Eurowings flights. Eurowings is also affected because they are currently leasing aircraft and flight crews from Air Berlin. On Wednesday morning, there are more cancellations as more pilots have called in sick. Already 32 flights have been cancelled as of early morning.

What is happening is endangering the insolvency proceedings

The airlines responded with some sharp words. What we see in a part of the workforce is that they are playing with fire, said Thomas Winkelmann, Chairman of the Board of Air Berlin. Frank Kebekus, who is in charge of the insolvency proceedings said that if the situation did not change in the short term, they would have to stop with operations and with that, any chances for restoration of the business would be jeopardized. In a letter to employees, he added that a full liquidation of Air Berlin loomed and flights would be left to competitors such as Ryanair.

Pilots are calling in sick because of discussions about which conditions would apply to them and the cabin crews with new ownership. The union representing the pilots wants an interim contract that would protect the older, better earning employees. A captain at LTU, as a part of Air Berlin earns an estimated 227,000 euros per year according to branch estimates, while at Eurowings it is 173,000 euros per year.

The sick-outs are costing up to five million dollars

An internal estimate at Air Berlin assumes a loss of around four to five million dollars as a result of the action on Tuesday. Kebekus said this was pure poison for the airline company. The image was suffering terrible damage, making it even more difficult to get a good offer before Friday which is the deadline for interested bidders.
Wind gusts up to 85 km/h : Weather service issues storm warning for Bonn and region

Bonn/Region The German Weather Service has put out a warning that there may be strong winds resulting in falling branches for Bonn and the region through Wednesday evening.

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The German Weather Service issued several weather warnings on Wednesday morning. In Bonn, Rhine-Sieg- and Rhine-Erft counties, wind gusts between 65 and 85 kilometers per hour can occur until 8 pm. For the area in and around Euskirchen, the weather service warns that there could be winds up to100 kilometers per hour.

Causing the turbulent weather is an intense low-pressure system moving over the North Sea to southern Sweden. It reaches into North Rhine Westphalia this morning as it crosses through.

Meteorologists speak of a storm when wind speeds reach 85 kilometers per hour. It means there is a risk that tree branches will be broken off or roof tiles could be blown away. For the area of Euskirchen, they are under heavy storm warnings. Winds there could also topple trees and damage homes.

Typical fall weather will also remain in the coming days. Bonn weather service Wetteronline expects heavy winds again on Thursday as well as an 80 percent chance of rain. Friday should bring less wind, but more cloud cover. Temperatures of around 18C are expected on Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday, maximum temperatures will reach just below that.
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
Comedy Club text: Taking knitting needles to a court is forbidden: Who are accused by advocates (video)

184 advocates did not attend court sessions today. They have announced one day strike as a sign of protest of being searched at the entrance to the courts on known cases. "Attitude towards advocates showed how much the government values us, we are considered to be a weak link with whom you can do everything you want. It is an insulting inspection. For 15 years, I go to court and now it turns out that I may possibly have a grenade," mentions lawyer Tigran Atanesyan. The lawyers, gathered to access the situation, announce that the discriminative attitude towards advocates is also the result of inaction of the Chamber of Advocates. They think that the Chamber does not support them in any way. " If the Chairman of the Chamber of Advocates, from the very outset, expressed his position and carried out the main function of the Chamber of Advocates, that is the protection of advocates' rights, this problem would be quickly solved. But what happened instead? They started to discuss wether it is an inspection or an examination and, thanks to the Chairman of the Chamber of Advocates, it was called an examination," says advocate Mushegh Shushanyan. The Chairman of the Chamber of Advocates disagrees. He acts according to the law and tries to solve the issue without extreme steps. "I am really honest, saying that I do not consider it as an inspection. In the case of inspection the controller would take everything from your begs and pockets without asking," says Ara Zohrabyan, the Chairman of the Chamber of Advocates. Yesterday,the Council of Court Chairmen issued a document marking the list of things a lawyer has no right to bring into the session hall. This document seems funny for advocates. "It is just a text for the Comedy club. Can you imagine when the whole world laughs at the fact that no one can enter Armenian Courts with knitting needles. We probably have such habit, don't we?" mentions tigran Atanesyan. Advocates' further actions will still be discussed; they do not rule out the possibility of continuing the strike.
felicilin at 13-09-2017 10:02 AM (5 years ago) (f)

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is expected to lead other top government officials on 400 hours non-stop praise to God towards the celebration of the 57th Independence Anniversary of the country.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is expected to lead other top government officials on 400 hours non-stop praise to God towards the celebration of the 57th Independence Anniversary of the country. The program is being organized under the leadership of Chaplain of Aso Villa Chapel, Pastor Oluseyi Malomo, in collaboration with Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship and other churches in the country under the aegis of Haleluyah Nigeria.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chaplain explained that the event was also meant to mark the exit of Nigeria from the recession and to thank God for the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari from his medical vacation.

Pastor Malomo said the session would similarly seek Gods help for the administration and the country to overcome the economic problem in the country.

The Chaplain recalled that the first edition took place a year ago to mark the first anniversary of the Buhari administration, noting:

The program is being organized under the leadership of Chaplain of Aso Villa Chapel, Pastor Oluseyi Malomo, in collaboration with Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship and other churches in the country under the aegis ofBriefing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chaplain explained that the event was also meant to mark the exit of Nigeria from the recession and to thank God for the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari from his medical vacation.Pastor Malomo said the session would similarly seek Gods help for the administration and the country to overcome the economic problem in the country.The Chaplain recalled that the first edition took place a year ago to mark the first anniversary of the Buhari administration, noting: Quote A year after that event, and just a few days ago, we received with cheerful hearts the good news that we are now officially out of recession.

As if putting an icing on the cake, the news came after the whole nation joyfully received the return of our dearest President.

God only for us to gather together and return our thanks praise to this who responds and answers the heartfelt prayers of all Nigerians.

The Hallelujah Nigeria in conjunction with all churches and fellowships in Nigeria is, therefore, organizing this exceptional and record breaking praise event to thank this good God who has proven that He holds our Nation dearest to His heart.

According to him, the 400 hours non-stop event which is scheduled to commence on Thursday,will arguably be the longest non-musical activity in the world.

Responding to a question on the level of participation in the program by the government, he said it was not unlikely that even though Buhari is not a Christian, he may show up at the event.

While noting that the event was open to all Nigerians, the Chaplain added: According to him, the 400 hours non-stop event which is scheduled to commence on Thursday,will arguably be the longest non-musical activity in the world.Responding to a question on the level of participation in the program by the government, he said it was not unlikely that even though Buhari is not a Christian, he may show up at the event.While noting that the event was open to all Nigerians, the Chaplain added: Quote The spirit of appreciation is the motive behind this event

We are taught in all our cultures and faith, the principle of Thanksgiving, to show appreciation for good deeds done to us.

This is because appreciation enhances more benevolence towards he who is appreciative

Let us all be appreciative to God who has not just kept us together for these 57 years, but has blessed our nation with such resources of enviable potentials of land, minerals and great and resourceful people.

With such, our nation shall continue to wax stronger, taken her rightful place in the comity of nations and shall soon become the toast of the world.

Post Reply Posted: at 13-09-2017 10:02 AM (5 years ago) | Hero
Lab-grown bone cell breakthrough heralds new benefits for orthopaedics

Technology originally developed to detect gravitational waves is being used to generate tissue engineered bone grafts for future use in orthopaedic medicine, scientists report in a new paper published today (Tuesday 12 September).



The latest development in a technique known as nanokicking has allowed scientists from the Universities of Glasgow, Strathclyde, the West of Scotland and Galway to grow three-dimensional samples of mineralised bone in the laboratory for the first time.



Bone is the second most grafted tissue after blood and is used in reconstructive, maxillofacial and orthopaedic surgeries. Currently, however, surgeons can only harvest limited amounts of living bone from the patient for use in graft, and bone from other donors is likely to be rejected by the body. Instead, surgeons must rely on inferior donor sources which contain no cells capable of regenerating bone, limiting the size of repairs they can effect.



In a paper in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, the researchers describe how they have used measurement technology, based on the sophisticated laser interferometer systems built for gravitational wave detection of astrophysical objects, to turn mesenchymal cells taken from human donors into bone cells in three dimensions. These 3D living bone grafts, when implanted into patients in the future, will be able to repair or replace damaged sections of bone.



Mesenchymal stem cells, which are naturally produced by the human body in bone marrow, have the potential to differentiate into a range of specialised cell types such as bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon and muscle. Nanokicking subjects cells to ultra-precise, nanoscale vibrations while they are suspended inside collagen gels. The process of nanokicking turns the cells in the gels into a bone putty that has potential to be used to heal bone fractures and fill bone where there is a gap. Using patients own mesenchymal cells means surgeons will be able to prevent the problem of rejection, and can bridge larger gaps in bone.



Matthew Dalby, professor of cell engineering at the University of Glasgow, is one of the lead authors of the paper.



Professor Dalby said: This is an exciting step forward for nanokicking, and it takes us one step further towards making the technique available for use in medical therapies. We are especially excited by these developments as much of the work were doing now is funded by Sir Bobby Charltons landmine charity Find a Better Way, which help individuals and communities heal from the devastating impact of landmines and other explosive remnants of war.



Now that we have advanced the process to the point where its readily reproducible and affordable, we will begin our first human trials around three years from now in the NHS along with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and reconstructive and orthopaedic surgeons in Glasgow.



Find A Better Way CEO Lou McGrath said: Producing synthetic, off-the-shelf bone tissue will potentially transform the lives of untold numbers of civilian landmine blast survivors around the world. Find A Better Way is delighted to be funding this project - it is a perfect match for Sir Bobbys dream of devising new solutions for one of the worlds most intractable set of problems.



The Find A Better Way project at the University of Glasgow is led by professor of bioengineering Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez. In the Find a Better Way project, the team will combine the bone putty with large 3D printed scaffolds to fill even larger bone defects.



Prof Salmeron-Sanchez recently visited Cambodia to meet local people who have suffered landmine-related injuries. He added: For many people who have lost legs in landmine accidents, the difference between being confined to a wheelchair and being able to use a prosthesis could be only a few centimetres of bone.



Professor Dalby said: In partnership with Find A Better Way, we have already proven the effectiveness of our scaffolds in veterinary medicine, by helping to grow new bone to save the leg of a dog who would otherwise have had to have it amputated. Combining bone putty and mechanically strong scaffolds will allow us to address large bone deficits in humans in the future.



Some of the technology which underpins the nanokicking technique was originally developed by astrophysicists working on the search for gravitational waves, ripples in spacetime caused by massive events such as the collision of black holes.



Stuart Reid, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, and formerly at the University of the West of Scotland, said: Having spent 15 years working in astrophysics and gravitational wave detection with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), it is amazing to see technology arising that could revolutionise key aspects of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The team is hard at work to get the technology ready for the first human trials, and to get devices into other labs around the UK and further afield.



The nanokick bioreactors developed by the researchers are currently being further tested in a network of laboratories across the UK. Since mesenchymal cells have the potential to differentiate into numerous other types of cell in addition to bone, the researchers expect that other clinically relevant applications of nanokicking will be discovered in partner labs in the future.



The research was funded by Find a Better Way, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with aspects of the laser interferometry and computational techniques having been developed previously through support from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).



The teams paper, titled Stimulation of 3D osteogenesis by mesenchymal stem cells using a nanovibrational bioreactor, is published in Nature Biomedical Engineering.




UCOM HAS INTRODUCED FUTURE NETWORK WI-FI 6E ROUTERS

Statement by the Spokesperson on the conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts

Foreign Minister of Armenia to participate in the Fifth Paris Peace Forum

Armenia: EU and Armenia Hold annual Dialogue on Human Rights

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Todays Shushi, Occupied and Cleared of Armenians, is a Real Example of Turkish-Azerbaijani Policy of Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh

Ookla, the the global leader in internet testing and analysis has awarded Ucom

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There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

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I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan
To the editor:

Distilleries now allowed in the city.

On Aug. 4, the Danville City Council voted 7-0 to create a definition for distilleries.

On Sept. 3, the Register & Bee had on its front page, Breweries Crafting City as Destination as reported by John R. Crane.

It seems as though Danville has hit it big time with the craft beer scene. One wonders how he reached this conclusion, given the facts.

Here is a list of some of the words that describe the process of distilling: to stir, boil, agitate, violence, misery, steeping fermentation, trouble, destruction, concoction, ferment, gas, ghost, wind, spirit, froth.

Read on: rushing, inflate, hot air, vanity, rot, decay, putrid, base, worthless, vile. All the attributes of Satan. From the American dictionary of the English language, compiled by Noah Webster in 1828.

The alcohol industry paints a pretty picture of their product to the world while deceptively adding to the debts of those who become addicted and are in idleness and despair.

Unencumbered by conscience, they are examples of the destructive forces that destroy the health and morals of men. They have amputated their connection to reason and shame poisoned the fountains of morality and embraced the almighty dollar.

When does addiction begin? When a person takes his first drink.

He is lured to alcohol by the promise of an overpowering expectation of delight. He is led away by evil forces that control him to Satans counterfeit paradise.

They boast of an article in the August issue of Beer Advocate magazine, Building Beertown: The Economic Allure of Brewing for Three Small Communities.

In 2010, alcohol misuse cost the United States $249 billion. An estimated 88,000 people  62,000 men and 26,000 women  die from alcohol related causes annually.

It is the fourth-leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Alcohol impaired driving fatalities accounted for 9,967 deaths in 2014.

It is a global burden. In 2012, 3.3 million deaths or 5.9 percent of all global deaths (7.6 percent for men and 4.0 percent for women) were attributable to alcohol consumption.

Family consequences more than 10 percent of U.S. children live with a parent with alcohol-problems according to a 2012 study.

The World Health Organization reported that alcohol contributed to more than 200 diseases and injury related health conditions.

Alcohol and its evil influences have sown a path of destruction all across this great nation. It has shattered lives, broken homes, orphaned children and filled the prisons, hospitals and nursing homes and populated hell.

It has caused more grief, sorrow, suffering and shame from which many will never recover.

What does the Bible say? Woe until him that giveth his neighbor drink that puttest thy bottle to him to makest him drunken. Habakkuk 2:15 K.J.V.

From the city of churches to Beertown.

Has Danville hit the big time? No, but Satan certainly has.

ALAN R. MOORE

Danville
VANCOUVER, Sept. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - Eco Oro Minerals Corp. ("Eco Oro" or the "Company") (TSX: EOM) announced today that it has obtained an interim order (the "Interim Order") of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. The Interim Order authorizes and directs Eco Oro to call, hold and conduct a meeting (the "Meeting") of the holders of common shares of Eco Oro (the "shareholders") to be held at the offices of Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP located at 200 Bay Street on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) for the purposes of, among other things, asking shareholders as of the record date of August 11, 2017 to consider and, if deemed appropriate, pass, with or without variation, a special resolution to approve a proposed arrangement pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Proposed Arrangement"). Pursuant to the Interim Order, the Proposed Arrangement must be approved by not less than 66 2/3% of the shares voted at the Meeting.

The Meeting will constitute the Company's annual general and special meeting of shareholders and, in addition to considering the Proposed Arrangement, shareholders will be asked to consider certain other resolutions relating to the implementation of the settlement (the "Settlement") contemplated by the amended and restated settlement agreement entered into on July 31, 2017, as amended and restated on September 11, 2017.

Details related to the Settlement will be described in the management information circular (the "Circular"), the other materials related to the Settlement, and the other proxy-related materials, all of which are expected to be filed on SEDAR on or about September 14, 2017.

As previously announced, the Company has received notice from the TSX advising that the eligibility for continued listing of the Company's common shares (the "Shares") on the TSX was under review by the TSX. The hearing to decide whether to delist the Shares from the TSX is currently scheduled for September 22, 2017 and, as a result, the Company expects its shares to be delisted from the TSX by the end of October, 2017. In light of the foregoing, the Company continues to consider all of its alternatives, including seeking to relist the Shares on another recognized stock exchange in Canada.

Company Profile

Eco Oro Minerals Corp. is a publicly-traded precious metals exploration and development company with a portfolio of projects in Colombia. Eco Oro has been focused on its wholly-owned, multi-million ounce Angostura gold-silver deposit, located in northeastern Colombia.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, the timing of the Meeting, the Settlement including the Proposed Arrangement and its timing and effect on the Company, the filing of the Circular, the delisting of Shares and statements with respect to the Company's consideration of alternatives, including any relisting of the Shares on another recognized stock exchange in Canada. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "in the event", "if", "believes", "assets", "position", "intends", "envisages", "assumes", "recommends", "estimates", "approximate", "projects", "potential", "indicate" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon the current belief, opinions and expectations of management that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant litigation, business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and other contingencies. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward looking statements. These factors include, among others, uncertainties related to the calling of a shareholders' meeting, obtaining all required regulatory approvals, additional costs that may be incurred by the Company which are currently not contemplated and the listing and delisting of the Shares. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be 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, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE Eco Oro Minerals Corp.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Centenera Mining Corp. (Centenera or the Company) - (TSX-V:CT) (OTCQB:CTMIF), reports that it has received positive results from surface samplings at the El Quemado Lithium Pegmatite Project (the El Quemado Project), solidifying the Santa Elena target ("Santa Elena") as the top priority going forward. Santa Elena has returned multiple anomalous channel samples (see Table 1 and Figure 1 & Figure 2 below) demonstrating that the lithium mineralization is extensive in the outcropping pegmatite dikes. In addition, the orientation soil sampling results are interpreted by the Company as demonstrating that lithium bearing pegmatites likely continue under soil cover to the north and the south of Santa Elena. The Company intends to continue with additional soil sampling to establish the total potential strike length of the mineralized pegmatites.

Compilation of all surface sampling results at the Santa Elena target area, including rock chip samples, channel samples and orientation soil samples. Channel samples labelled with sample numbers are described in Table 1 with both grade and sample width. Note that the central claim is not held under option by the Company.



Plot of rock sample grade versus sample length at Santa Elena target area.



Map of the Las Pailas target area showing limited sampling and extensive areas of interpreted outcropping pegmatite, which has yet to be systematically sampled.





Figures accompanying this announcement are available at



http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0fcd9598-47e9-43fc-8dc6-eecb06eb7b68



http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9697ae77-5eb8-42d0-97ce-ba5220d45c12

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d0bada3-b670-4d50-96cb-ca9b22149e6c

Santa Elena Rock Sampling Results

Outcropping pegmatites were sampled by standard rock chip samples and channel samples taken using a mechanical rock saw to cut a channel across the pegmatites. All samples were taken perpendicular to the strike of the pegmatite veins and, as such, closely approximate their true width. Channel samples are more time consuming and expensive to obtain, but result in superior quality samples as they remove subjectivity from the sampling process. Highlights of the channel sampling results are included in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Highlights of Rock Channel Sampling at Santa Elena Target. Channel ID Length (m) Li 2 O (%)* ElQ-0013 6 1.41 ElQ-14B 2.2 1.32 ElQ-14C 2 0.77 ElQ-0007 10 0.73 ElQ-0012 0.6 0.68 ElQ-0006 10 0.64 ElQ-0071 6.7 0.49 ElQ-0010 2.7 0.48 ElQ-0008 1.7 0.36 *Li 2 O % values calculated using (Li ppm/10,000) x 2.153



Orientation soil samples were taken northwest and southeast of the outcropping pegmatite dikes. The purpose of the orientation survey was to investigate whether soil sampling could be used to detect lithium mineralized pegmatites under soil cover.

At Santa Elena, lithium was detected in soils directly along strike from mineralized outcrops (Figure 1), suggesting that mineralized pegmatites at Santa Elena can be detected using soil sampling. These initial results provide the Company with a cost-effective tool with which to evaluate the remainder of the target area. It is likely that systematic soil sampling will allow pegmatite mineralization to be traced under soil cover generating targets that can be tested by trenching or drilling as appropriate. It should be possible to establish a total expected strike length and, potentially, the number of pegmatite dikes, before trenching or drill testing commences.

Rock Sampling at Other El Quemado Project Targets

Sampling at the Las Pailas target was severely curtailed by bad weather which resulted in the exploration work being abandoned. As a result, only 11 channel samples from approximately 75 planned channel samples were taken (Figure 3). No anomalous lithium was identified in the samples taken, but field reports indicate that the lithium mineral spodumene was identified in outcrop. As a result, the Las Pailas target area remains a high priority for future work.

Potential pegmatite dikes at the El Penon target were field checked and identified as un-mineralized dacite porphyry dikes of no further interest. Pegmatite dikes were located at the Tres Cumbres target, but sampling did not locate anomalous lithium mineralization and no future work is planned for this target area.

No sampling was undertaken at the Leilita target, located at the far north end of the El Quemado Project. This target remains open for future exploration.

About Lithium

Lithium is produced from both brines and hard-rock sources (pegmatites). Estimates from 2015 suggest that global lithium production from conventional hard-rock mining of lithium minerals may be as high as 44% (source: Macquarie research 2016). Lithium pegmatites are a viable source of the metal due to their high concentration in ores relative to brines. Production from these lithium pegmatite deposits mitigates global concerns regarding undue dependence on supplies from dominant brine producers in Chile and Argentina. As a grade comparison, moderate to high brine grades of 400ppm lithium equate to 0.04% lithium, whereas initial sampling at the El Quemado Project has returned grades as high as 9,400ppm or 0.94% lithium. Chemical-grade lithium refers to spodumene that is converted to lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide. Pegmatites are a source of technical-grade lithium, where spodumene is used directly in the ceramics or glass industries without processing.

About Pegmatites

Pegmatites are igneous rocks that form during the final stage of a cooling magma's crystallization. To be called a pegmatite, a rock should be composed almost entirely of crystals that are at least one centimeter in diameter. Most pegmatites have a composition that is similar to granite with an abundance of quartz, feldspar and mica. Pegmatites can be sources of valuable minerals such as spodumene (a lithium-bearing mineral) that are rarely found in economic amounts in other types of rocks. In the initial stages of crystallization, the ions that form high-temperature minerals are depleted from the melt. Rare ions that do not participate in the crystallization of common rock-forming minerals become concentrated in the melt and in the excluded water. These ions can form the rare minerals that are often found in pegmatites. Examples include small ions such as lithium and beryllium that form spodumene or large ions such as tantalum that form tantalite. Rare elements concentrated in large crystals make pegmatite a potential source of economic concentrations.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Quality assurance and quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates into the channel, rock and soil sample sequences. The results of the control samples are evaluated and results are re-analysed and/or resubmitted as needed. All results stated in this news release have passed the Companys quality assurance and quality control protocols.

Channel samples were taken using a gas-powered rock saw with a diamond tipped saw blade to cut a channel across the outcropping pegmatite dikes. The rock saw was used to prepare a channel approximately 5 cm in width and depth, the rock was then broken out from the channel using a hammer and chisel. All rock samples were accompanied by a hand specimen, identified with the number of the sample for later petrographic work if warranted. All samples were collected and catalogued under the supervision of Company geologists in accordance with standard industry practice. Samples were dispatched to the SGS laboratory in Callao, Peru, an ISO 9001:2000 accredited laboratory, for digestion using sodium peroxide fusion method and analysis using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.

Qualified Person

Tyler Caswell, P.Geo., the Company's Exploration Manager and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for portions of this news release, and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Caswell is not independent of the Company, as he is an employee and holds incentive stock options.

About Centenera Mining Corporation

Centenera is a mineral resource company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange, under the symbol "CT" and on the OTCQB exchange under the symbol "CTMIF". The Company is focused 100% on prospects in Argentina. The Company intends to focus its 2017 exploration activities on drill-testing its flagship Huachi copper-gold project. The Company has made application for a drilling permit through the underlying owner and is awaiting approval to begin exploration. Other assets, such as the El Quemado lithium pegmatite project in Salta Province are intended with be explored by the Company with the aim of proving project potential and attracting a joint venture partner or a project sale. The Company also intends to seek a joint venture partner for its Organullo gold project, which has approximately 8,000 meters of historical drilling and assay results. The Organullo project has a geological target range from 19.8 million tonnes grading at 0.94 g/t gold (600,000 ounces) to 31.6 million tonnes grading 0.92 g/t gold (940,000 ounces) using a 0.5 g/t gold cut-off-grade. It should be noted that these potential exploration target quantities and grades are conceptual in nature, that insufficient exploration and geological modelling has been done to define a mineral resource, and that it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the delineation of a mineral resource.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

CENTENERA MINING CORPORATION

"Keith Henderson"

President & CEO

For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's web site (www.centeneramining.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

For further information, please contact:

Keith Henderson

Phone: 604-638-3456

E-mail: info@centeneramining.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 news release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, except for statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that management of the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including such things as the anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits and rock sampling results from the El Quemado lithium pegmatite project, Huachi copper-gold project and Organullo gold project, the Companys ability to enter into a joint venture agreement or sale agreement for the El Quemando an Organullo projects, the anticipated content, commencement, and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and mineral properties, the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), business strategies and measures to implement strategies, competitive strengths, goals, expansion and growth of the business and operations, plans and references to the future success of the Company, and such other matters, are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as pro forma, plans, expects, may, should, budget, scheduled, 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. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities for Company's projects generally (including geological mapping, prospecting and sampling programs), actual results of exploration activities (including the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources), the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, the availability of a sufficient supply of water and other materials, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals, tantalum and lithium, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the TSX Venture Exchange), permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, hedging practices, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, risks related to joint venture operations, and risks related to the integration of acquisitions, as well as those factors discussed under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys most recent annual managements discussion and analysis and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.
VANCOUVER, Sept. 13, 2017 - Quaterra Resources Inc. (Quaterra or the Company) (TSX-V:QTA) (OTCQB:QTRRF) and its subsidiary Singatse Peak Services LLC (SPS) today announced that Freeport-McMoRan Nevada LLC (Freeport Nevada) has terminated an option to acquire an interest in the Companys Yerington Copper Project in Nevada. As a result Quaterra now has regained full control over its 100% interest in these assets, allowing an evaluation of emerging opportunities especially in light of the recent increase in the price of copper.In June 2014, Freeport Nevada entered into a membership interest option agreement (subsequently amended) with Quaterra and SPS granting it the right to earn an initial 55% interest in SPS after providing funds in three stages amounting to US$40.7 million. SPS holds Quaterras Yerington District assets.Up to todays announcement, Freeport Nevada has provided US$14.54 million in funding that has been used by SPS for exploration, land maintenance, environmental compliance, and G&A on the Yerington property. Exploration work done by SPS during this period has included drilling, geologic mapping and geophysics. The work has extended the large Bear copper porphyry system, discovered additional copper mineralization in, around and beneath the Yerington Pit, and explored for primary sulfide mineralization below the MacArthur oxide deposit. Several untested targets outside areas of known mineralization were also drilled.

This work to advance the project has been undertaken without dilution to Quaterra shareholders or in the project itself, says Quaterra Chairman and CEO, Thomas Patton. The Freeport Nevada agreement helped the company through a very difficult period in financial and resource markets. With Freeport Nevadas exit, Quaterra once again has control over the Yerington Project.

With our 100%-ownership position, coupled with recent improvements in market conditions and a rising copper price, we can immediately begin to explore avenues with the potential to create value for shareholders, he says.

In August this year, Quaterra and SPS announced the first results from the 2017 drill program at Yerington including one hole, YM-041A-17, that extended mineralization at least 800 feet below the existing sulfide resource in the Yerington pit (please see release dated August 2, 2017 on the Company website). The Company will be releasing additional results from this years drill program in the coming weeks. It will also be issuing results from the first holes drilled at the Groundhog project, a 40,000-acre property situated on an established copper porphyry belt 200 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, and three miles north of the large Pebble porphyry copper, gold and molybdenum project. Quaterra has an option to acquire a 90% interest in Groundhog.

Quaterras Yerington Copper Project is located in the historic Yerington Copper District, about 70 miles southeast of Reno, Nevada. It consists of the Yerington pit sulfide and oxide deposit previously mined by Anaconda; the MacArthur oxide and sulfide deposit; the Bear porphyry copper deposit; and several exploration targets. Quaterras 51-square-mile land package is situated in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with a history of copper production and good infrastructure. It also owns valuable water rights in the district.

Quaterra has been active in the Yerington District since 2006, and has released NI 43-101-compliant oxide and sulfide resources at both MacArthur and the Yerington pit, and a preliminary economic assessment at MacArthur.

About Quaterra Resources Inc.

Quaterra Resources Inc. (TSX-V:QTA) (OTCQB:QTRRF) is a copper exploration company with the objective of advancing its U.S. subsidiarys copper projects in the Yerington District, Nevada. The Company also looks for opportunities to acquire copper projects on reasonable terms that have the potential to host large mineral deposits attractive to major mining companies. It has an option to earn a 90% interest in the Groundhog copper prospect, a 40,000-acre property situated on an established copper porphyry belt 200 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Thomas Patton, President & CEO

Quaterra Resources Inc.

For more information please contact:

Karen Robertson, Corporate Communications

778-898-0057

Thomas Patton, Chairman & CEO, Quaterra Resources Inc.

604-641-2758

Gerald Prosalendis, President and COO, Quaterra Resources Inc.

604-641-2780

Disclosure note:

Some statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements under Canadian securities laws and within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified in this news release by words such as believes, anticipates, intends, has the potential, expects, and similar language, or convey estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives, potential outcomes, expectations, or goals. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. In particular, forward looking statements in this news release include that near term opportunities exist to enhance value. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. A summary of risk factors that apply to the Companys operations are included in our management discussion and analysis filings with securities regulatory authorities, and are publicly available on our website. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time except in accordance with applicable securities laws.



Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.


Vancouver, September 13, 2017 - Bearing Lithium Corp. (TSXV: BRZ) (OTCQB: BRGRF) (FSE: B6K1) ("Bearing" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its Registration Statement on F-4 (the "F-4") filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has been declared effective by the SEC, as required under the previously announced agreement and plan of merger (the "Agreement") with Li3 Energy Inc. ("Li3"). The Registration Statement was filed with the SEC for the purpose of registering the 16 million common shares of Bearing issuable to the Li3 shareholders on closing of the Merger Agreement, and could be considered the largest step in completing the acquisition of Li3.

On September 12th, 2017, the SEC declared the amended F-4 Registration Statement effective. This represents the removal of the last regulatory hurdle towards the closing of the transaction, noting the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V") had previously issued conditional approval for the transaction (refer to July 25th, 2017 press release). Li3 Energy has set a date for the shareholder vote on the acquisition by Bearing on September 28th, 2017. Note that Li3 Energy shareholders representing over 60% of the outstanding common shares have entered into lock-up agreements to vote in favor of the transaction (refer to June 15th, 2017 press release). Subsequent to affirmative shareholder vote, the merger/acquisition is slated to close immediately following the Li3 shareholder meeting.

Jeremy Poirier, President and CEO of Bearing Lithium, commented "The clearance by the SEC puts us one step closer to the closing of our transaction with Li3. I thank the SEC and TSX-V for working constructively with both Bearing and Li3 to achieving this goal. I would also like to thank Bearing shareholders for their support and patience through this process, and all the Li3 shareholders who signed lock-up agreements. We continue to be excited about the progress of the Maricunga project under the leadership of the MSB team."

"At Li3, we always knew the transition to the TSX was a long process. But continue to firmly believe it is the only way to create value for our shareholders by exposing them to a market which truly recognizes the potential of lithium. As the project continues to move forward, we look forward to the milestones that will properly represent this value creation for the benefit of both Bearing and Li3 shareholders" commented Patrick Cussen, Chairman of Li3.

About Bearing Lithium Corp.

Bearing is an exploration and development company. The Li3 Definitive Agreement will enable it to acquire an interest in the advanced-stage Maricunga project located in Chile, which represents one of the highest-grade development opportunities in the Americas. Assuming completion of the transactions contemplated by the Li3 Definitive Agreement, Bearing will currently hold a 32.3% interest in the project. Under the Maricunga JV agreement, Lithium Power International is earning into the project by funding US$22 million in project expenditures to through to the delivery of a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "Jeremy Poirier"

Jeremy Poirier, President and CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Jeremy Poirier-- President and CEO Bearing Lithium - Telephone: 1-604-262-8835

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information



This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: completion of the proposed transaction with Li3, completion of a Prefeasibility Study and completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking information to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the Maricunga Project is developed. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the absence of a material adverse change in the Maricunga Project; fluctuations in the price of lithium or certain other commodities; fluctuations in the currency markets; changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations and receipt of all necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals for the Li3 transaction. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, Bearing does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.


In Newark, N.J., where the unemployment rate is well above the state and national average, l ess than 20 percent of the jobs are filled by Newark residents. In Baltimore, a third of residents have jobs in the city where they live. In New Orleans, its 46 percent.Among the city's 20 biggest employers -- colleges, hospitals and corporate headquarters -- only three percent of the money they spend on buying goods and services goes to vendors in Newark.This helps to explain why one in three Newark residents live below the poverty line and why the city lost population for decades. But Newark Mayor Ras Baraka wants to turn those numbers around. His solution -- an initiative called Hire. Buy. Live. -- could provide other local governments with a playbook, some say, for spurring economic development in a way that prioritizes the welfare of residents.We think this could take off in lots of different communities," says Ted Howard, president of the Democracy Collaborative, a national nonprofit focused on economic development in urban areas. Were going to be promoting it."The idea of "going local" isn't new. The introduction of big-box stores and online shopping drove it into popularity, and governments have adopted the concept in various forms throughout the years. But Baraka hopes his initiative is more likely to make a difference.Baraka has convened a new coalition of public, nonprofit and private employers with the goals of hiring 2,020 local residents by 2020 and increasing the percentage of goods and services that local employers buy from local businesses to 10 percent. Colleges, hospitals and several national companies headquartered in Newark -- including Prudential Financial, Audible and Panasonic -- have committed to the initiative."We need some kind of local strategy to fight unemployment and poverty in a very systemic way," Baraka says, "and I think this is a step for us to get that done."Convincing businesses to buy locally not only keeps sales tax revenue in the community, it also has the potential to recirculate money in the community as local businesses win contracts and then spend that money on other local businesses, resulting in a "multiplier effect."In some instances, it may even save companies money.We commonly think that [national firms] are lower priced, but its not always the case," says Stacy Mitchell, co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.In the past, cities have often sought to boost the local economy through tax incentives to developers, contracting requirements and rules about where some city employees can live. But each of these strategies have faced some setbacks in recent years.The Obama administration, for example, had proposed a rule that would have allowed state and local governments receiving federal transportation dollars to apply local hiring preferences to some contracts. In August, the Trump administration withdrew the proposal.Meanwhile, Cleveland has been stuck in litigation over a local hiring requirement for public infrastructure projects. Critics say such local hiring requirements discriminate against qualified job applicants in other parts of the state.However, Cleveland has seen some success going local. Under Mayor Frank Jackson, the city sawa 10 percent increase in contracts in four years to businesses that were either local and small, or local and minority- or female-owned.The city already had policies that gave those types of businesses a leg up in the bidding process, but for them to be effective, the city needed to identify and engage businesses beforehand -- much like Baraka is doing, says Mitchell.A lot of times when a city adopts a policy, it just sits on a shelf, she says. You have to actively embrace it for it to make a difference.Baraka hopes his plan will be a national model. It remains to be seen, however, whether the initiative will have a significant impact. It was officially announced in June, and some of its details are still being worked out. But so far, Barakas main policy lever is the bully pulpit. He has convinced large employers that its in their interest to prioritize local hiring and business contracts. The coalition will track and publicize employers' progress, but Baraka isn't penalizing employers if they don't make good on their promises.Some local employers, though, are already taking steps to meet the initiative's goals. In March, Audible, an international company with hundreds of employees in its Newark office, announced that it would subsidize a year of rent for any employees who move to, or live in, Newark. The company also gave local employees a prepaid debit card to use at Newark restaurants. At least two other employers are planning rent subsidy programs next year, according to the Newark mayor's office.The city has some existing policies on the books that might help as well. Earlier in the year, the city council approved a payroll tax cut to companies that employ at least 50 percent local residents. For years, Newark has also required that contractors doing business with the city make an effort to hire local residents. But the so-called "local-source" law has drawn criticism for being ineffective and not holding companies accountable when they don't comply.Despite its issues, Newark is experiencing a renaissance in some parts of the city. In his State of the City address this year, Baraka called attention to a new Whole Foods, a 22-acre public park on the way and more than $2 billion in construction happening or in the pipeline. After decades of population decline, the city saw a gain of roughly 5,000 residents between 2000 and 2010 -- and appears to be on track for another gain in the next decennial census.While Baraka celebrates those developments, his goal is "to make sure that the benefits of new development and investment are shared by all of our residents," he said in the annual speech.Though the immediate goal is to hit Baraka's benchmarks, Demelza Baer, senior counsel with the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and a member of Newark's coalition, says the broader objective is a culture change among the city's employers that makes local hiring and procurement a permanent part of their mission."What we really want to see," she says, "is that an initiative like this isnt necessary anymore."
Gov. Cuomo signed legislation on Monday granting unlimited sick time to any government employee in New York who became ill from working at the World Trade Center rescue and recovery effort.The bill, which was passed by the Legislature earlier this year, allows rescue and recovery workers who now work for government entities outside of New York City to receive the same benefits already offered to city cops, firefighters, correction officers and sanitation workers.They will get vacation coverage and sick coverage at no cost to themselves because they paid, literally, with their health to help New Yorkers, and the State of New York is going to be there for them 100%," Cuomo said.Cuomo signed the bill at the Jacob Javits Center, where more than 600 motorcycle riders had stopped for lunch as part of a memorial ride to the World Trade Center. Cuomo met them after stopping by the FDNY'S Rescue 1 station with actor Robert De Niro to greet firefighters. De Niro joined the governor at the lunch.
Government reform advocate Mike McCabe on Tuesday joined an increasingly crowded Democratic field to challenge GOP Gov. Scott Walker next year.Already in the race: state schools superintendent Tony Evers, businessman Andy Gronik and state Rep. Dana Wachs of Eau Claire. The August 2018 primary will determine who will face Walker that November.McCabe is staking out turf on the left end of the Democratic spectrum, campaigning for a living wage for every worker, health care for all, debt-free education and job training, and high-speed internet to every doorstep.For 15 years, McCabe was the face of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, a group that lobbies for having taxpayers finance political campaigns to reduce the influence of special interests. He routinely called out Republicans and Democrats, frustrating elected officials and party staff on the left and right.His group was influential in banning the legislative caucus staff that performed campaign work on state time. It also helped pass laws that created a public financing system for state Supreme Court races and established the nonpartisan Government Accountability Board to oversee elections and ethics laws  though both those laws were later repealed by Walker.McCabe left the Democracy Campaign in 2015 and founded Blue Jean Nation, a group aimed at helping everyday people challenge the political establishment. Hes seizing on the same theme with his campaign for governor, naming his website www.governorbluejeans.com and calling his political committee Commoners for Mike McCabe.
One of the most time-honored and criticized traditions in American politics is for the party in power to draw legislative districts in ways that help keep them in power. The U.S. Supreme Court, though, may soon outlaw at least the most blatant partisan gerrymandering.On Oct. 3, the nation's highest court will hear oral arguments in a case challenging Wisconsin's state legislative districts. Plaintiffs complain that the map unfairly protects Republican lawmakers from partisan competition. A lower court agreed with that argument last November."This could be a huge case if the justices strike down Wisconsin's partisan gerrymander," says Joshua Douglas, a law professor at the University of Kentucky. "That will show that there are some limits to partisan gerrymandering."The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled against racial gerrymandering repeatedly -- but never against partisan gerrymandering. That "has made politicians think there are no boundaries around what they can do," says Michael Li, senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, which filed an amicus brief supporting the plaintiffs in the Wisconsin case.The last time the Supreme Court heard a partisan gerrymandering case, in 2004's Vieth v. Jubelirer, the justices were divided. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that there could be such a thing as an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander -- but only if the courts had a "workable standard" for determining when partisans had crossed that line.The Wisconsin case, known as Whitford v. Gill, represents an attempt to come up with such a standard.To prove their argument that partisan gerrymandering in the state exceeded what's constitutional, the plaintiffs used a new political science measurement known as the efficiency gap, which looks at how votes translate into victories. According to this argument, all votes cast for a losing candidate and any votes for the winner beyond what was needed to win are considered wasted. If too many districts have lopsided outcomes (where the party that drew the map wasted significantly fewer votes), the argument goes, that shows that the party that drew the map sought to game the system, creating districts that are totally safe for one party or the other and diluting its strength in neighboring districts.Plaintiffs in the Wisconsin case used the efficiency gap to show that Wisconsin's Assembly map -- as measured by results in the 2012 elections -- was roughly three times more inefficient than the average legislature's. Democrats actually won a majority of the overall vote in Wisconsin's legislative contests in 2012 but came away with only 39 of the Assembly's 99 seats."Basically, it didn't matter what we did in an election," says Sachin Chheda, a Democratic consultant in Milwaukee who directs the Fair Elections Project, which organized and launched the Whitford lawsuit. "We could get more votes, but there was no path to a majority in the legislature."That's because regardless of how the total vote breaks out, what matters is winning by district, says Matt Walter, president of the Republican State Leadership Committee, which helps elect GOP state officials nationwide."The redistricting process in and of itself is inherently political and was designed as such at the founding," Walter says. "It was designed to haveaccountable elected officials take the actions of adjusting districts based on population growth."For their part, Wisconsin Republicans have maintained that they didn't draw the maps to punish Democrats. Rather, they note that most Democrats are clustered in Milwaukee or Madison, while Republican voters are spread out more evenly around the state.Although the issue is almost always divided along partisan lines (depending on which party is in power), there's growing bipartisan support for putting a stop to partisan gerrymandering. A handful of prominent Republicans -- including Ohio Gov. John Kasich, U.S. Sen. John McCain and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger -- urged the Supreme Court to use the Wisconsin case to establish a standard for measuring partisan gerrymanders."The Supreme Court has said before that partisan gerrymandering can be unconstitutional, but basically it doesn't know how to tell when a plan goes too far," says Annabelle Harless, an attorney with the Campaign Legal Center, which is working with plaintiffs in the Wisconsin case. "They could adopt the test plaintiffs propose, they could in theory come up with their own standard, or they could say it's not justiciable [not an issue for courts to decide]."Harless notes that the plaintiffs in Wisconsin didn't rely exclusively on the efficiency gap. They demonstrated that Wisconsin legislators acted with partisan intent, namely by unearthing emails that showed they were putting Democrats at a disadvantage. They also argued that the fact that Democrats tend to live in the state's major cities wasn't enough to justify the lopsided nature of the Assembly map.The makeup of the Supreme Court has changed considerably since 2004 -- the last time it took a partisan gerrymandering case -- but the ideological breakdown of justices is expected to remain the same, with four convinced that partisan gerrymanders are out of bounds and four others believing the exact opposite.On this question, as in many other cases, Justice Kennedy is expected to remain the swing vote."Justice Kennedy's views," says Douglas, the law professor, "are really the whole ballgame."
For five months, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray rejected calls for his resignation amid allegations he sexually abused teens decades before entering politics.But Murray couldn't withstand a devastating new allegation from within his own family.He announced his resignation Tuesday, hours after news emerged that a younger cousin was publicly accusing Murray of molesting him in New York in the 1970s.Murray, a former Democratic state legislator elected mayor in 2013, didn't appear in public to make the announcement. Instead, he issued a statement saying his resignation would be effective 5 p.m. Wednesday."While the allegations against me are not true, it is important that my personal issues do not affect the ability of our city government to conduct the public's business," the mayor said.He added he was proud of his accomplishments in a long political career, including landmark gay civil-rights laws and enactment of a $15 minimum hourly wage.It was a stunning end to a monthslong drama that has seen five men step forward to accuse Murray of sexually abusing them years ago, when they were teenagers.Since the allegations began to emerge in April, Murray has continued to say he is innocent. Though he ended his re-election campaign in May, Murray until Tuesday had insisted he would not resign, despite calls for his exit."The accumulation of these accusations and now coming from a family member just made it essential that he resign," said City Councilmember Tim Burgess.Council President Bruce Harrell will temporarily serve as mayor and will decide within five days whether to take on the role of acting mayor past the Nov. 7 election.Harrell may turn down the position of acting mayor because accepting it would require him to give up his council seat. If he demurs, the council will pick another of its members to serve until the election results are certified.In the election, Seattle voters are choosing between former U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan and planner Cary Moon, and the winner will take over the mayor's office after the election results are certified Nov. 28.Durkan entered the race after Murray ended his bid and accepted the mayor's endorsement. She removed his name from her campaign website Tuesday afternoon.Moon first called for Murray to step down in May.In a statement, Harrell said his "heart goes out" to survivors of sexual abuse due to "the re-traumatization these allegations have caused..."These accusations are unspeakable and require the utmost attention from our legal and social-service system no matter how long ago they might have occurred," he said.The city "must focus on governance and day-to-day business without distraction," Harrell added, saying he has a plan in place for a "seamless transition."Councilmember Kshama Sawant blasted her colleagues for failing to push Murray out. Before Tuesday, she and M. Lorena Gonzalez were the only council members to call on the mayor to resign."Unfortunately, the majority of the City Council failed to show any such leadership," Sawant said. "Establishment politicians and political operatives do not show courage on an ordinary basis, so this is yet another example."Asked why he had held off on calling for Murray's ouster, Burgess said the new allegations felt different."I don't know what to believe. I don't know if we'll ever know the truth in this situation," he said.Murray's midday announcement came soon after The Seattle Times reported on allegations by the mayor's cousin, Joseph Dyer, 54.The fifth man to publicly accuse Murray of child sexual abuse, Dyer says he was 13 when Murray forced him into sex when the two shared a bedroom at Dyer's mother's home in Medford, New York, in the mid-1970s."We were very glad to hear that he's resigned," the mother, Maryellen Sottile, said Tuesday afternoon. "We hope it helps the others in some way."Murray, 62, has repeatedly denied that he sexually abused anyone, contending the accusations are part of a political takedown targeting him for his progressive politics and record as a gay-rights champion. He attributed the latest claims to bad blood between two estranged wings of the family.Another accuser, Jeff Simpson, a former foster son of Murray's who claims Murray began abusing him at age 13, said of the resignation: "I couldn't believe it. I was like, you know what? God is good. When you're doing the right thing and don't quit before the miracle, God takes care of stuff. It's just on his time."Simpson met Murray while growing up in a Portland group home for troubled children in the late 1970s. He tried to bring attention to his allegation in 2008, when Murray was in the Legislature, but his account was never publicly reported.In July, newly released documents showed that an Oregon child-welfare investigator in 1984 had found Simpson's allegations valid.On Tuesday, Simpson said, "If nothing else happens, and nothing else comes of it, for me, I will be OK. Because I believe I got my story out."A third accuser, Lloyd Anderson, who met Murray in the same Portland group home as Simpson, issued a statement through his lawyer."I feel victory, but saddened that it required another victim to come forward for him to resign. I wonder how many other victims are out there," said Anderson, who has alleged he was paid for sex as a teenager by Murray in the 1980s in Portland.Delvonn Heckard, who sued Murray earlier this year over alleged abuse, expressed relief."I mean, at least the public knows that everything I was saying was the truth, right?" he said. "I'm not just some crackhead, some criminal, some street kid, I was telling the truth ... It's not just me, or one or two guys. It's his own cousin, too."Heckard dropped his case against the mayor in June, saying he would refile. On Tuesday, he said he's eager to do so."I want to face him so bad. I still want to face him," Heckard said. "I am going to get my attorney and make sure he's going to file that lawsuit, now that he's not the mayor anymore. We need to continue on. He needs to see all of us, all his victims."Though the Seattle LGBTQ Commission and Seattle Human Rights Commission joined council members Sawant and Gonzalez in calling for Murray to resign this summer, he retained support from others on the council and from four former mayors. That remaining support deteriorated Tuesday."Given the new allegations ... the mayor is making the right decision [to resign]," former Mayor Greg Nickels, who before had said Murray should be allowed to finish his term, said in an email.Durkan had previously declined to call for Murray to quit. She amended her view Tuesday, shortly before the mayor's announcement."It's clear that it is in everybody's best interest for him to resign," Durkan said in a statement. "As a parent, former public official and openly gay woman, these allegations are beyond sad and tragic; no official is above the law."Moon on Tuesday reiterated her previous criticisms, saying the mayor's response to the allegations had been "deeply inappropriate and harmful, especially to survivors, LGBTQ people and young people everywhere."She added, "Survivors of sexual assault must be believed and treated with respect."Simpson summed up the news this way: "Is it justice, is it closure? I don't know. But this definitely -- this is a major step in the right direction."
Fueling concerns about the impartiality and seriousness of President Donald Trump's voter fraud commission, members heard testimony Tuesday from a gun rights advocate who suggested using the background-check system for gun purchasers to determine the eligibility of Americans to vote.John Lott, head of the gun rights advocacy group Crime Prevention Research Center, suggested such a process would ease the concerns of those worried about fraudulent voting."It might be a way Democrats can use a system they claim works very well to go and prove, essentially, to Republicans that there's no fraud," said Lott, who last year criticized the same National Instant Criminal Background Check System as a "mess."Every credible study of voting fraud has determined it is either virtually nonexistent or too rare to affect outcomes.The commission was created after Trump falsely insisted that he lost the popular vote because of millions of fraudulently cast votes.Critics assailed the notion that guidelines created to prevent dangerous or unstable people from purchasing a gun should be used to determine who may vote.Since the mid-20th century, Congress and the Supreme Court have removed most barriers that had sought to restrict voting, such as racial discrimination or literacy tests. And some recent attempts to require that voters show certain types of IDs at polls have been rejected by lower courts as unconstitutional, raising questions about the legality of Lott's proposal."That is absurd and dangerous," said Liz Kennedy, director of democracy and government reform for the Center for American Progress. "The criteria built in to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System have no parallel to the requirements to be an eligible voter."Let America Vote, a group led by former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, said in a Twitter post before the meeting that Lott's idea "will create barriers to voting." The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire said in a series of tweets that Lott's proposal compared "apples to alligators." The ACLU accused the commission of "rigging the panels" with witnesses who raise "allegations of fraud so it can reach a result that will make voting harder."Maine secretary of state and commission member Matthew Dunlap expressed concern in the meeting that using a system for background checks could create "unintended consequences.""The NICS system was not designed for elections," he said.The current background check system examines a variety of factors, including drug addiction, mental instability, citizenship and criminal record.Lott made his proposal at the second meeting of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, which has been accused of operating under preconceived notions that voter fraud played a role in the 2016 presidential election.These concerns were heightened for many when vice chairman of the commission, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, published an op-ed last week on Breitbart News, asserting that there was voter fraud in the New Hampshire Senate race in November because thousands of voters used out-of-state driver's licenses. Since the article's publication, voting rights advocates have pointed to the fact that New Hampshire allows out-of-state licenses to be used in elections.After the article, many people called on New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner, who is a member of the commission, to step down. Gardner, a Democrat, declined, saying Tuesday at the meeting that "New Hampshire people aren't accustomed to walking away or stepping down from their civic duty, and I will not either."But he took the opportunity to publicly criticize Kobach for spreading misinformation and casting doubt on the New Hampshire results.Kobach was referring to the Senate contest between Republican incumbent Kelly Ayotte and Democrat Maggie Hassan, who won the election by a small margin. New Hampshire's other Democratic senator, Jeanne Shaheen, said in a statement that claims of voter fraud in the state and nationwide "undermine confidence in our elections and democracy and create a dishonest rationale for voter suppression laws."
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GIS  13 September 2017: The COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement will be signed by Mauritius in October 2017. The signature will take place during a National Workshop on the COMESA-EAC-SADC TFTA which the country will be hosting.

The Workshop aims at raising awareness, and sensitising stakeholders on the COMESA-EAC-SADC TFTA, including trade opportunities and benefits to be derived from an enlarged market of 26 African countries in the Eastern and Southern African region.

The COMESA-EAC-SADC TFTA was launched in June 2015 in Egypt. The TFTA is expected to bolster intra-regional trade by creating a wider market, increase investment flows, enhance competitiveness and encourage regional infrastructure development as well as pioneer the integration of the African Continent.
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GIS - 13 September, 2017: Government is providing several incentives to urge planters adopt organic farming with a view to decrease reliance on chemical inputs and improve the quality of local food production.

This statement was made yesterday by the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives, Mr S. Bholah, during a site visit at a Cooperative Organic Farm in Clemencia in the presence of the Minister of Financial Services, Good Governance and Institutional Reforms, Mr D. Sesungkur, and other eminent personalities.

In his address, Minister Bholah highlighted that cooperatives are being guided to opt for a sustainable agricultural development. The increased use of pesticides and insecticides, he cautioned, engenders serious harmful impacts on human health and environment.

He underlined that organic farming helps to sustain the quality of soil and crops, protect the ecosystem and ensure a healthy population at the same time. In its endeavour to empower planters, Government is providing a number of incentives ranging from appropriate trainings by experts, grant facilities, and various new schemes, Mr Bholah emphasised.

For his part, the Minister of Financial Services, Good Governance and Institutional Reforms, Mr Sesungkur underlined that organic farming is one of the many reforms that are being brought to the various sectors namely agriculture, education and health amongst others.

He reiterated that the values of good governance are in line with the preservation of environment as well as the promotion of public health and that everyone should engage more in energy-driven activities.

On that occasion, some 12 members of cooperative societies, who will attend a course on organic farming at the National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) in Ghaziabad, India, were handed over training materials and cheques under the Cooperative Development Fund Education Scheme.

Participants will have the opportunity to acquire the technical know-how and expertise during their 30-days stay at NCOF following which they will be provided with a certificate in organic farming. On their return, trained participants will have the opportunity to share their knowledge with other planters and they will also be encouraged to certify for the Mauritius General Agricultural Practices as well as aspire for an international accreditation which will support their development.

This training to members of cooperative societies has materialised following discussions that Minister Bholah had during his visit to India in January 2017.
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GIS  13 September 2017 : The key role of syndics in upholding a safe, salubrious and harmonious environment on a voluntary basis on National Housing Development Company Limited (NHDC) housing estates was highlighted by the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Lands, Mr Showkutally Soodhun, today at Palms Hotel in Quatre Bornes, at the opening ceremony of a workshop on the theme Building a better Mauritius for our Children.

The one-day workshop was organised for some 41 syndics and 57 representatives of residents associations by the NHDC in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Lands. It aimed at providing participants with the relevant tools and means to, among others, deal with illegal constructions, keep the residential sites safe and clean, hold regular general assemblies, organise leisure activities for residents, and ensure the latter contribute to the syndic funds.

In his address, Mr Soodhun recalled the financial assistance provided by Government to syndics to help them improve the living environment of the NHDC housing estates and maintain the common areas for the benefit of the community. He urged syndics and residents associations to impress on residents the need to be aware of their rights and duties as owners, and to take full responsibility of their assets.

The Vice-Prime Minister also underlined the initiatives of Government to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants of NHDC housing estates. Thus, since 2015, a sum of Rs 174 million has been disbursed by Government for the rehabilitation of 2 293 housing units. Rehabilitation endeavours comprising roof waterproofing works, drainage works, structural remedial works, upgrading of sewage networks and other associated works are presently being carried out on an additional 2 800 units to the cost of Rs 278 million.

Governments commitment to improve the living conditions of vulnerable families was reiterated by Mr Soodhun. He stated that the philosophy of the Ministry was to encourage access to land ownership for all families to enable them to have a decent home and live with dignity. He added that some 150 families in Baie du Tombeau will soon be benefiting from a housing project to the tune of Rs 220 million. The Vice-Prime Minister moreover underlined the environmental dimension of upcoming projects where some 10 000 social houses will be fitted with photovoltaic solar panels connected to the grid.
Adjustments offered

Be a part of it

No guarantees

Change for decades

(TNS) -- A $3 billion state incentive package for electronics maker Foxconn, the largest ever of its kind, moved much closer to becoming reality Tuesday by passing the state Senate.The bill passed on a 20-13 vote with two senators breaking party lines. Republican Sen. Rob Cowles of Allouez voted no, while Democrat Bob Wirch of Kenosha, near where Foxconn may locate, voted yes.Senate Republicans had moved more cautiously than their Assembly counterparts on the Foxconn measure. Its passage returns the bill to the Assembly for what likely will be a swift approval on Thursday.The bill then would head to its champion, Gov. Scott Walker, for a signature. The city of Kenosha announced Tuesday that its dropping out of the running for the proposed $10 billion Foxconn campus, which would build liquid crystal display, or LCD, screens. Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian wrote Walker a letter saying the bill could leave the city unable to support and/or absorb the development of the project.That appears to tip the Foxconn sweepstakes in favor of Racine County, also believed to be vying for the facility. Sites in western Kenosha County also may still be in the running.Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald moved to soften a controversial recent addition to the bill that would send appeals of court orders relating to a potential Foxconn facility directly to the states Supreme Court, bypassing state appeals courts.Another change to the bill would link as much as $1.35 billion in tax credits for Foxconn, those related to construction of the campus, to annual job creation thresholds.As with much of the Foxconn development, details of how that would occur  and whether the job thresholds would be binding  would be left to Walkers jobs agency, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., or WEDC. The agency would hammer out specific terms with Foxconn under broad parameters spelled out in the bill.Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, appealed to her Democratic colleagues for support. She, Walker and other supporters of the measure say Foxconn promises thousands of jobs in a single development that could transform Wisconsins manufacturing sector.This is a very, very important step for Wisconsin. Be a part of it, Darling said.Democratic lawmakers have cast the bill as a corporate handout that lacks safeguards for taxpayers and doesnt ensure Foxconn will create the jobs it promised. They also have criticized the bill for leaving too many of the details of a potential agreement to WEDC.This is the largest state giveaway to a foreign corporation in the nations history, said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling, of La Crosse.Foxconn says it will create 3,000 jobs initially, and as many as 13,000 over time, at the proposed $10 billion manufacturing campus. The plant would be the first American manufacturing facility for Foxconn, a Taiwanese company that makes iPhones and other electronics. It also would be the first LCD panel factory in North America, according to WEDC.In return, the state would provide $3 billion in incentives over 15 years. That includes $2.85 billion in tax credits: $1.35 billion linked to capital investment and $1.5 billion for job creation. Another $150 million would be for sales tax exemptions for materials used to construct the campus.The proposed tax credits would be refundable, meaning any amount by which they exceed Foxconns state tax liability  expected to be near zero  would be refunded to the company in cash.A recent analysis by the Legislatures nonpartisan fiscal bureau estimated it would take 25 years for state coffers to begin realizing a return on the tax credits.Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, said the bill puts too few stipulations on Foxconn in exchange for a big payout from taxpayers.There are no guarantees in this legislation, and we dont even know what were buying, Erpenbach said.Democrats also sought to cast the debate in geographic terms. Shilling and Sen. Janet Bewley, D-Delta, said their constituents in northern and western Wisconsin, hundreds of miles from the likely Foxconn site, overwhelmingly oppose the bill.During Tuesdays debate, Senate Democrats proposed a slew of amendments, all of which were rejected by the GOP majority. One would have required workers at the Foxconn campus to be Wisconsin residents in order for the company to use them as a basis to claim tax credits. Another would have scrapped proposed rollbacks of environmental protections for the Foxconn project. The bill exempts Foxconn from permits that are otherwise required for filling wetlands, straightening streams, and disturbing other waterways. It also eliminates Foxconns responsibility to create an environmental impact statement that would allow the public to review all the possible harm that could be done to air, water and soil.The company would still be subject to permit limits on air pollution, wastewater discharges and disposal of hazardous waste.Fitzgerald told senators, as debate began Tuesday, that hes glad Senate Republicans pumped the brakes on taking up the Foxconn bill earlier this summer.The intervening time allowed lawmakers to improve this bill significantly, he said.Were in a position right now to maybe take a vote on something thats going to change Wisconsins economy for decades to come, Fitzgerald said.The state Assembly passed a version of the bill last month. The Legislatures budget-writing Joint Finance Committee amended it last week to create the version that went to the Senate.Under the original Joint Finance amendment, appeals of court decisions related to the Foxconn project would bypass state appellate courts and go straight to the state Supreme Court. Conservative justices currently hold a 5-2 majority on the high court.Fitzgeralds amendment would allow the Supreme Court to decide whether to rule on such appeals or send them back to the appeals court. It would still create a special track in state courts for appealing judicial orders on state or local government decisions affecting Foxconn or other businesses that would locate in so-called electronics and information technology manufacturing zones established under the bill.Democrats have blasted the change, saying the state should not change its judicial process to accommodate a single corporation.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.  Government has long been the butt of jokes that center on the processes and systems on which they rely. Whether it's filing relatively simple forms or more complicated operations, the stereotype of being slow has stuck, leaving those tasked with improving things facing an uphill battle.During the California Technology Forum Sept. 12, officials with two of the states largest agencies and industry discussed what is required to move beyond simply offering services and into meeting customers where they live digitally.One of the more notable state agencies to make this leap was Covered California, the states heath benefit exchange, which was tasked with bridging the insurance gap throughout the state. As CIO Karen Ruiz explained, improving the services that citizens are after doesnt always require advanced technology. Sometimes the simpler the solution, the better.To date, the agency has implemented changes that directly impact user experience.In addition to a customer relationship management platform, the agency also uses live chat and a very simple plug-in box that allows representatives to play a pre-recorded disclosure message to incoming callers.What it allowed us to do was to take a script that service center reps had to manually talk thorough with every consumer applying for insurance, it took them three to four minutes to read through that script, and we were able to record it," she said. "Now reps can play the message saving a huge amount of time."During open enrollment periods, representatives can field more than 100,000 calls a day.The agency is also turning toward tools like Help On-Demand, which leverages technology similar to that of the ride-sharing networks Lyft and Uber. Available through the website, customers can fill out a short questionnaire, which is then forwarded to the first available agent.If an agent or certified application counselor is available to help folks, they will make themselves available and when the customer fills out the form, it immediately goes out, and one of those certified application specialists will pick up that referral and contact the consumer, Ruiz said. The great thing about this is the results.In the first year of use, the tool received roughly 75,000 visits and 34,411 referrals resulting in 10,624 effectuated members.As Department of General Services CIO Rebecca Skarr explained during the session, the issue is not always about buying new technologies as much as it is about using what already exists more deliberately.One undertaking for the agency is focused on building a smarter search feature into the website that allows customer agencies to find the products and services they need more intuitively.We dont want people to need a Ph.D. in government to be able to access our services and our service offerings, Skarr said. Changing that user experience, facilitating ease of use.Similarly the agency is focused on providing online solutions to certifications. In the past, the CIO explained, certification opportunities were limited by time and geography, and often required employees to travel to other parts of the state. Through the recent purchase of the Blackboard learning management tool, employees can complete and track their progress online.Before we had this, you had to go travel to classes, she said. It was pretty old-school, this is moving us to new-school.For Kofax Inc.s Mark Richey, the modern user experience boils down to meeting customers where they are via any channel. Regardless of the platform or service they seek, Richey said the new expectation is that there is no wrong door.Customers may begin an application on their desktop computer, move to their tablet and finish on their cellphone. Government, he said, should adapt to that expectation.
Maps like this from the New Orleans Index helped track neighborhood recovery after Katrina.

As Texans begin to recover from Hurricane Harvey and Floridians survey the destruction from Irma, the question looms: How do major urban centers and small communities rebuild after a catastrophic natural disaster?To recover from a such a disaster requires a massive coordinated effort. Federal, state and local governments must lead. Philanthropy, nonprofits and the private sector will be key partners. Residents will voice their views, through community planning meetings and other venues, on how best to spend disaster-recovery dollars. With so many stakeholders and rebuilding needs, the process of restoring neighborhoods and economic activity will become emotionally and politically charged. As Brock Long, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has already warned in Texas: "This is going to be a frustrating and painful process."For public officials to effectively steer a recovery process and for citizens to trust in the effort, reliable, transparent information will be essential. Leaders and the public need a shared understanding of the scale and extent of the damage and which households, businesses and neighborhoods have been affected. This is not a one-time effort. Data must be collected and issued regularly over months and years to match the duration of the rebuilding effort.Without this information, it will be nearly impossible to estimate the nature of aid required, determine how best to deploy resources, prioritize spending and monitor progress. Rebuilding processes are chaotic, with emotions high over multiple, competing priorities. Credible public information organized in one place can help to neutralize misconceptions, put every need in context and depoliticize decision-making. Most importantly, data on recovery needs also can enable citizen involvement and allow residents to hold public leaders accountable for progress.We know this first-hand from our experience in New Orleans, where the Brookings Institution and the New Orleans Data Center teamed up to produce what became the New Orleans Index following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. We set out to help the public and decision-makers understand the level of outstanding damage in New Orleans and the region and to monitor the extent to which the city was bouncing back.To be as real-time as possible, we assembled data from federal and local agencies, industry and association groups. We were able to provide regular estimates on the extent to which residents were returning to the city, the pace of housing reconstruction and the level of available infrastructure and essential services such as electricity, schools and hospitals. To track the economic recovery, we measured new business openings and the health of key industries. As the recovery evolved, we added new measures, such as mapping progress by neighborhood to ensure that no communities were neglected.This public information yielded essential findings. In the immediate months after Katrina, for example, mortgage delinquency rates spiked as personal incomes dropped. The number of homes for sale escalated as some households chose not to rebuild. Meanwhile, other homeowners with means and insurance were the first to renovate, followed by those who needed federal assistance. Repairs of rental units were slower, temporarily raising area rents and slowing the recovery of several industries dependent on lower-wage employees. Infrastructure rebuilding lagged most of all: Five months after the storm, the few open public schools had a waiting list of children trying to enroll. Even three years after Katrina, police stations still operated out of FEMA trailers and temporary buildings. And the levees protecting New Orleans were not substantially rebuilt until six years after the massive flooding.This kind of transparent data informed action. The White House and federal and state agencies used it to shape the design of housing-assistance programs and to better understand which aspects of the recovery needed more attention. Monthly and quarterly updates put pressure on government agencies to get dollars on the streets faster, with greater flexibility to match local needs. State leaders used the data to make the case for additional supplemental federal funding for home and infrastructure repairs. The information empowered nonprofits and neighborhood advocates as they emphasized the need for more rental housing. And this public data resource helped spur private investment by measuring signs of economic vitality in key sectors and neighborhoods.In the wake of Harvey and Irma, high-quality, regular and public information will be critical to a democratic and inclusive rebuilding effort. As recovery dollars are channeled through federal, state and local intermediaries to people and neighborhoods, a public resource along the lines of the New Orleans Index would help empower local groups and ensure informed, rational debate and decision-making. Given advances in technology and data availability in the decade since Katrina, creating such a resource is more feasible than ever.While Houston and New Orleans face different sets of challenges after their catastrophic disasters, as will Florida, one lesson from New Orleans is clear: democratized information will be critical to the rebuilding process.
Beach Water Quality Testing Meets Civic Tech

New Technologies Emerge

The Clear Water Project

What it All Means

Ask someone about their last trip to a beach, and youll likely hear pleasant stories of relaxation and fun in the sun. Most of the time, those toes in the sand are being splashed with clear and safe water. Yet bacteria in that water can sometimes pose a public health risk. For example,, when present in high quantities, can cause stomach flu, colds, skin rashes, and other health complications. Given that millions of people visit beaches in the United States every year, its a top priority for local public officials to ensure that the water is safe.Dotted across its 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicagos beaches are one of its most popular summertime attractions, with more than 20 million visitors a year . To ensure the safety of its beachgoers, the city piloted an analytical model last year to enhance beach water quality inspection processes conducted by the Chicago Park District . The model aimed to predict which beaches needed to be closed based on likely levels of, thus safeguarding the public with more timely advisories.Perhaps most intriguing about the project was not the model itself, but how it was developed. While the effort was led by the city, the model was built entirely by a team of volunteers from Chicagos civic tech communitya group of civic-minded citizen data scientists who donated their time and talent to help serve the public. The project helped lay out a new partner-driven model for advancing future municipal analytics initiatives.Now, a year later, the effort has matured into whats become known as the Clear Water Project, a broader push to keep beaches safe through a combination of new water testing technologies, predictive modeling, and continued volunteer engagement. Based on its pilot run in 2017, the Clear Water Project method was able to issue water quality advisories with three times more accuracy than Chicagos previous method.Clear Waters story  particularly in relation to a changing landscape for water inspection technology  shows that nimbly including analytics as part of a larger strategy can produce promising and cost-effective results.For the vast majority of jurisdictions, the standard means for testing beach water is a culture-basedtest. These tests take 18 to 24 hours to process, creating a considerable lag time before city officials can determine whether a beach should remain open or not. Lag times can lead to incorrect closures, which create obvious economic and health problems: revenue is lost if a safe beach is closed, and public health is at risk if a contaminated beach is open.Chicagos Park District began using predictive models for its beach water quality inspection processes back in 2012, in partnership with the US Geological Survey (USGS), to help mitigate the lag time effect from culture-based testing. This USGS model relied on weather data from sensors on buoys and weather stations throughout Lake Michigan. However, these predictions have not always been accurate; the USGS model often led to both false-positive and false negative results, leading once again to incorrect beach closures.That error rate is why the advanced analytics team at Chicagos Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) first set out to mitigate these risks via predictive modeling in late 2015. DoITs team, led by Chief Data Officer Tom Schenk, has used advanced analytics to enhance multiple city functions in the past, such as rodent baiting and restaurant inspections . Yet to tackle beach water inspections, DoITs team took a new approach by partnering with volunteers who reached out to Schenk at Chi Hack Night , a weekly meet-up event that educates and engages attendees in local civic technology efforts.The Park Districts beach website contains the citys most recent water quality results; on the Chicago Data Portal , information from as far back as 2006 on Chicago beach water safety inspection data is also included. Using this data along with externally available sources of relevant information, DoITs goal was to build a model that provides the Park District with a prediction of which beaches may need to be closed due to high levels of. Doing so could reduce lag time complications and provide more timely and accurate water quality information to the public.Schenk and his beach group of volunteers became a fixture at weekly Hack Nights in 2015 and 2016, which eventually attracted over a dozen members during its run. Working with Chicagos beach inspection data, as well as externally available sources that included NOAA weather data , sunrise, sunset, and lunar phase data, and data on the status of regional locks and dams, among others, civic hackers developed not one, but four forecasting models to put to use. These models were to be tested in 2016 and potentially implemented in 2017, providing that one of them offered an improvement over the citys then-current operations.Yet by the spring of 2017, the water testing scene at Chicagos beaches looked a bit different: culture-based tests forwere no longer the primary game in town. The rapid quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method, otherwise known as rapid testing, uses DNA testing of water samples to provide results within three to four hours, eliminating the lag time seen in traditional culture tests.This spring, the Park District approved a $500,000 contract to authorize the purchase of rapid testing lab equipment, along with an agreement with the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to help provide water testing services for all its beaches for the 2017 season. Under the contract, Park District staff have been providing morning water samples to lab researchers at UICs School of Public Health so that water quality advisories may be issued in near-real time.Theres a lot of excitement among researchers and universities and around the world about what were doing in Chicago, said Dr. Samuel Dorevitch, associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at UIC, in an interview with PBS . To some degree, it puts pressure on other cities  like, if Chicago can do it, why cant LA or New York?This makes Chicago the largest city in the country to feature rapid DNA testing at its beaches, and the only one currently using the method on a daily basis."We find that conditions change quite a bit day to day," Cathy Breitenbach, director of the Park District's Department of Cultural and Natural Resources, noted to the Chicago Tribune . "The old method was just as accurate in terms of results. But by the time you get the results, the conditions would change. They didn't reflect the current conditions of the beach."The catch, though, is that rapid testing is expensive: only a select few beaches in New Jersey, Wisconsin, and California have rapid testing methods available. Moreover, while the Park District intends to continue rapid testing after the 2017 season, it encourages any new developments and partnerships that may lead to enhanced operations in the future as well.From a Park District beach managers point of view, water testing options forlevels fall into three aforementioned buckets: culture testing, which produces day-long lag times; rapid testing, which is more effective but costly; and predictive analytics, which provides promising forecasting capabilities but has thus far proved fairly inaccurate. Instead of relying solely on one option, what if some combination of these methods could be used to maximize testing efficiency?Its in this space where the analytics work of Schenks DoIT teamusing lessons learned from working with the civic tech communityhas devised the Clear Water Project approach.From previous research, DoITs team knew that five beaches out of the 20 that are regularly tested account for roughly 56 percent of all highincidences (i.e., poor water quality advisories) in a given year. These higher-offender locations have historically been much harder to predict than all other beaches. DoIT originally sought to provide an entirely analytics-driven solutionthat is, a single model that included forecasting for both the five higher-risk and 15 lower-risk beaches. Yet given how different the results for these two groups of beaches were, the team found they were essentially trying to meet two objectives at once, which wasnt producing effective results.In 2017, these lessons helped the DoIT team conceive its own new, more viable approach: to continually provide rapid testing for Chicagos five higher-risk beaches, while building a model for the remaining beaches instead. The model breaks Chicagos 15 remaining lower-risk beaches into three to five clusters, and forecasts which beach in each cluster should receive rapid testing treatment.In other words, by combining analytics and consistent testing as part of a larger program, the Clear Water model would help Chicagos officials strategically deploy rapid tests to fewer beaches, yet still get accurate results. Given how expensive rapid testing is, enacting this hybrid method could potentially save Chicagos Park District millions of dollars in the long term.During pilot tests in 2017, DoIT also found that the Clear Water Project was able to issue water quality advisories with three times more accuracy than Chicagos previously used forecasting model from USGS. Yet how did the pilot produce such strong results?During any given summer, Chicago has approximately 2,000 beach days. One beach day is defined as a full day a Chicago beach is open. Given that there are 20 beach testing sites, and about 100 days a year that Park District beaches are open in Chicago, the city has a grand total of 2,000 beach days. The number of beach days affected by poor water quality is generally low: on average, 150 out of Chicagos 2,000 beach days revealexceedances in water quality tests that lead to advisories.By mid-summer 2017, there were 121 poor water quality beach days detected by rapid testing overall. When testing 2017 data against the Clear Water Project, its hybrid method was able to predict 69 out of these 121 total days on its own. To compare, the USGS model, which has been previously used by the Park District, was only able to detect an average of 9 poor water quality beach days during the previous two beach seasons. This means that, on average, the Clear Water has provided forecasting readings with more than three times the accuracy of the previously used USGS model.In order for the DoIT team to get these results, external collaboration has been vitalfrom the efforts early days to its current iteration as the Clear Water Project. In addition to help from citizen data scientists at Chi Hack Night, DoITs team received assistance from computer science students from DePaul University , who aided in data visualization development and model enhancement. In total, volunteers across both iterations of the project provided more than 1,000 hours of work.As an open-source project, DoIT has kept Clear Waters material open for others use from the start, both to encourage collaboration locally and replication elsewhere. Project pages on GitHub , as well as long-running beach water information on the Chicago Data Portal are available to the general public.The DoIT team has sought to ensure public engagement on Clear Water as a means to keep the energy going for other projects in the future as well. To increase awareness and understanding of the project, the team created a challenge page to encourage others to try and develop a model that beats whats already been developed:With the Clear Water Projects model capable of predicting a large number of poor beach quality days, fewer rapid tests will likely be needed in the long term. Since rapid testing comes at an increased cost, using advanced analytics to test fewer beaches would offset these costs while still providing similar results.Clear Waters cost-saving implications are huge for any local government that wishes to see its dollars used as effectively as possible. The project also provides a valuable lesson for implementing predictive or advanced analytics initiatives within a local government setting: flexibility and versatilityas well as an understanding that analytics can provide value in supporting or unexpected rolesare key for producing effective results.Nick Lucius, DoITs lead Data Scientist working on the Clear Water Project, certainly didnt expect the project to look the way it did when he first began work on it.If we didnt adapt, and had worked exclusively on trying to deliver our original model that covered all beaches, we wouldnt have the Clear Water Project that we do today, noted Lucius. Through that learning processwhich was supported by a lot of external partners, toowe were able to create a hybrid model that were confident in, one that can produce results.On August 8th, Schenk, Lucius, and other members of the DoIT team presented to a crowd of more than 100 at Chi Hack Nights weekly gathering in Chicagos Merchandise Mart.I wanted to say thank you to the whole community here, especially to those of you who participated on this project, said Lucius. Your contributions have made it what it is.
Roads that talk to cars

Improvements that draw business

Other projects in the works

(TNS) -- AKRON, Ohio -- Behind the orange barrels, as the Innerbelt expressway is removed, the city is laying the groundwork for smart technology that will transmit Wi-Fi and allow vehicles to communicate with the road.Ohio and Akron officials on Monday touted the infrastructure improvements at a news conference Monday that focused on developing the city's workforce, attracting businesses and partnering with other government agencies.The city has partnered with ODOT, the Ohio Public Works Commission, Akron Metropolitan Transportation Study, the Federal Highway Administration and others, said City Engineer Jim Hewitt."Without their assistance you would not see the massive amount of construction taking place around Akron today," Hewitt said.Ohio Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor told attendees about a recent visit to Ohio Transportation Research Center , where research is ongoing to create roads that communicate to enable vehicles to speed up or slow down."We anticipate that accidents will be lessened and will potentially stop in the future," Taylor said.Akron is including the technology in several projects -- decommissioning the Innerbelt converting Cedar and Exchange streets to two-way and completing the Main Street promenade . All will incorporate underground conduits and fiber optic cables to support a future smart roads system and transmit Wi-Fi via street lights and other pedestals along the roadway.The city looks for opportunities to include that technology, which is supported by ODOT, said Mayor Dan Horrigan."It's the smart thing to do," Horrigan said. "That sort of transportation network helps companies make decisions about where they are locating and what's the quality of life in and around the city. Plus, they help pay for it."If voters approve the income tax increase in November, the money would help would support those kinds of improvements.The city also is trying new paving technology. This fall, from Perkins Street to Route 8, a ground-tire, rubber-asphalt mix will be used to pave the road."The goal is to keep tires out of landfills, be comparable in cost to traditional pavement and perform better than traditional pavement in our climate," Hewitt said.In addition to adding innovative technologies, the city is opening 31 acres of the Innerbelt -- thus reconnecting the Oak Park neighborhood with the city - which is expected to bring new business opportunities in housing, retail and public spaces."Infrastructure projects like this project keep the economy growing in two important ways," Taylor said. "They create jobs immediately and also are powerful drivers of future private sector development. When businesses spend money it means jobs."To help further spur economic development, the state this year will spend $260 million on 19 highway projects in Summit County, and over the next five years will spend $500 million to improve interstate and state route access, Taylor said.To boost efficiency, the city paired complementary projects, Horrigan said.Akron Waterways Renewed!, the city's $1.4 billion sewer project , was timed to take place during removal of the Innerbelt to save on construction and engineering costs.The city also plans to work simultaneously on the Main Street Promenade and the State Street Bridge , which runs between Water Street and Main Street downtown. Last year, the city received a $5 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to improve Main Street with sidewalk repairs, on-street parking, dedicated bike lanes, a roundabout, new signage and green infrastructure. It was awarded $7.5 million from the federal government to replace the State Street Bridge.Such infrastructure improvements are hoped to draw business to Akron."They provide us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to market us as a great destination for existing business who would like to expand, other business who would like to relocate and, I think more importantly, entrepreneurs who eventually want to take that risk," Horrigan said.
(TNS) -- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is supplying smart tires with built-in wireless sensors as part of a long-term test using a fleet of Tesla electric vehicles in California.The Goodyear tires are on a fleet of semi-autonomous electric cars belonging to Tesloop, a city-to-city mobility service. The wireless tire sensors are intended to improve tire management and maximize uptime for the fleet, the Akron tire maker said in a news release.The sensors continuously measure and record tire temperature and pressure. That information is paired with other vehicle data and connected to Goodyears cloud-based algorithms to enhance fleet operations and predict when tires need service or replacement.We want to build the future, not just observe or read about it, Chris Helsel, Goodyears chief technology officer, said in a news release. As the new mobility ecosystem continues to take shape, we are taking steps to match the pace of technical change in the transportation industry and develop tire innovations that meet the intelligence of the vehicles riding on them.Goodyear is also extending its mobile fleet solutions to passenger vehicles, providing tire maintenance and repair while Tesloop vehicles are being recharged during regularly planned downtime.Tesloops fleet Teslas average up to 17,000 miles per vehicle per month. Goodyear in January first announced it was working with Tesloop to study the effect of autonomous technologies on tires.
(TNS) -- WASHINGTON  The Trump administration will alter the course set by the Obama administration on autonomous vehicle policy after industry raised concerns about elements of that initial proposal.The revised guidance  to be unveiled Tuesday in Michigan by Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao  drops a proposal issued under President Barack Obama that considered new powers for federal safety regulators to police automated vehicle safety, according to a person familiar with the matter. Several companies objected to the expanded authority, such as the ability to approve or reject a self-driving vehicle system before it could be sold. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lacks that authority now.The changes come as part of the administration of President Donald Trumps first formal statement on autonomous vehicles. Despite the shifts in direction, the policy will largely continue the Obama administrations efforts to expand the testing and review of autonomous vehicles, the person said.I dont expect this to be a sea change, Marc Scribner, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a Washington research group that supports free-market approaches. It will be in line with previous comments from Secretary Chao that they will be approaching this with a light regulatory touch.The policy is set to be released on the same day federal safety regulators will meet to consider the causes of a 2016 fatal crash involving Tesla Inc.s auto-driving system.Chao will announce the changes at an event at a mock town built by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where companies can test self-driving cars. She will also recommend that states should defer safety or performance rules to federal regulators, and will recommend that states focus on traditional issues like licensing, liability and insurance, two people familiar with the announcement said.The revised guidance still highlights several vehicle design and safety elements that automakers should consider for automated driving systems, and describes a safety assessment letter that companies may submit to regulators documenting their approach, according to two people familiar with the matter.Similar components were in the original Federal Automated Vehicles Policy released a year ago by NHTSA, a sign that Trumps team plans to continue the governments basic posture on self-driving cars. The Obama-era policy stopped short of calling for new regulations, but it did lay ground rules for how companies should approach safety. That guidance was also intended to be updated at least annually as the technology progresses.While the Obama guidance covered Level 2 automated driving systems such as Teslas AutoPilot, the revised guidance will apply to so-called Level 3 automated systems or higher, which allow for less intervention from the driver, one person said. It also alters data sharing and privacy elements of the original policy, one of the people familiar said.Elliot Katz, a partner at McGuireWoods LLP who leads the firms automated vehicle practice, said the revisions will likely stress the need for consumer education on autonomous vehicles, which Chao has called for before.The agencys stance may soon be overshadowed by legislation advancing on Capitol Hill to speed autonomous vehicle testing and deployment. Senators released draft text of legislation on Friday, just days after House lawmakers unanimously passed a bill of their own. The House version mandates that companies submit assessments of autonomous vehicle safety patterned on NHTSA guidelines. The Senate draft requires companies to submit a report describing how developers are addressing safety.While these guidelines are important, theyre not as transformational as the Self Drive Act could be or the bill we have coming out of the Senate could be, Katz said.
In May, the Sinclair Broadcast Group  one of the largest owners of TV stations in the country  announced plans to spend $3.9 billion to acquire Tribune Media, parent company of 42 TV stations located in larger markets like Chicago and Los Angeles. The resulting merger would create a broadcasting behemoth of more than 230 stations, reaching some 72 percent of the television viewing audience coast-to-coast.

The Federal Communication Commission and the Justice Department are both currently reviewing the deal, as well they should. If the purchase is allowed to move forward, it could have devastating consequences, not just for the quality of local television but for democracy itself.

To begin with, Sinclair has a well-earned reputation for putting profits ahead of the public interest. The stations it absorbs as part of the Tribune Media merger will undoubtedly face layoffs and pressure to cut costs. Shortly after the company purchased Seattle ABC affiliate KOMO and Portland station KATU in 2013, it fired several of the stations employees. Local news and public affairs programming suffered as a result.

Sinclairs relentless pursuit of profits has also led it to blur the line between advertising and news. After the company bought Washington DC station WJLA in 2014, WJLAs morning news program began hyping Myrtle Beach, South Carolina as a tourist destination as part of a company-wide tourist promotion deal. And in 2016, dozens of Sinclair stations repeatedly ran commercials for the Huntsman Cancer Institute during local news without identifying the segments as paid content, a blatant violation of FCC regulations.

More disturbing than Sinclairs commercialism and penchant for belt-tightening is the companys habit of imposing a right-wing political slant on its stations local newscasts.

The Washington Post in December reported that the companys stations routinely gave neutral or favorable coverage to Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign while giving Hillary Clinton overwhelmingly negative coverage.

According to the New York Times, Sinclair forces local stations to air must-run political commentaries from conservative pundits such as former Sinclair executive Mark Hyman and one-time Trump aide Boris Epshteyn. These commentaries routinely bash social welfare spending, Democrats and liberal causes.

Sinclair has a long history of politically motivated programming decisions. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the company ordered its Baltimore station to read patriotic statements praising President Bush. In 2004, Sinclair told its stations to air a film smearing presidential candidate John Kerrys service in the Vietnam War, only to back off because of the ensuing controversy. On the eve of the 2012 election, the company compelled stations in battleground states like Ohio to run a half-hour election special loaded with partisan criticisms of President Obama. Among other things, the broadcast proclaimed that the cost of Obamacare is making many Americans sick to their stomachs.

Veteran reporter David Zurawik of The Baltimore Sun has said Sinclair, comes as close to classic propaganda as I think Ive seen in thirty years of covering local television or national television.

The handling of the Sinclair-Tribune merger by the FCC  now under the direction of Trumps appointed chair, Ajit Pai  raises some serious questions about political favoritism and preferential treatment on the part of government regulators.

Since Pai took the reins at the FCC, the agency has made a number of decisions that directly benefited Sinclair. The agency reinstated an obscure rule  the UHF discount  making it possible for Sinclair to own stations reaching a larger share of the national TV audience than would have been permitted previously. It also established an expedited timeline for review of the Tribune purchase.

What makes this pattern of favoritism so suspicious is that Trumps son-in-law and senior White House advisor Jared Kushner has boasted publicly that in the lead up to the election the Trump campaign struck a deal with Sinclair for better coverage. Following the election, Trump himself met with Sinclair Chairman David Smith to discuss FCC rule changes. And since becoming FCC chair, Pai has met several times with Sinclair officials.

As Craig Aaron of media reform group Free Press commented, It sure looks like a quid pro quo.

Fortunately, the FCC has been known to respond to public pressure. The agency has already received close to a thousand comments opposing Sinclairs proposed takeover of Tribune Media. The Coalition to Save Local Media  a group of independent media companies, local cable distributors and civic organizations  is organizing to fight the merger.

Hopefully, these efforts will be successful. A bigger, more powerful Sinclair would be bad for the TV industry, bad for viewers and bad for democracy.

Steve Macek is professor and chair of the Department of Communication and Media Studies at North Central College in Naperville, IL.
In the national media today, I've seen a couple stories about a new book from a national political reporter, Katy Tur.

In an interview with Fresh Air's Terry Gross, she had this to say about receiving a hug and kiss-on-the-cheek from a very famous political candidate.

"I remember being horrified that a camera caught it and that my bosses back in New York would see it, and they would think that I was not a serious reporter and that I was too close to the campaign and I couldn't report accurately or fairly about him or that viewers might think that."

I don't really have anything to comment on this particular situation.

Everything else aside, though, that quote resonated with me. And it occurred to me it could be a segue to say that for me personally, if I'm out in the community in a public professional reporting situation, I'm frequently going to feel awkward to be hugged, for similar reasons to what she mentions. And that even goes for hugs from very sweet people.

Instead, I prefer thoughtful words, a warm smile, friendly wave, handclasp or handshake. Those can mean a lot.

Sexual harassment of journalists happens, just like in other fields, and it's an important concern, but that's not what I'm talking about with me. No apologies needed. And there may be some reporters who feel differently about this. For all I know, there may be reporters out there hugging embarrassed politicians who are worried about what their constituents might think.
HIGH POINT  A New Jersey man shot last month during an attempted robbery now faces charges in that same shooting, which left one man dead and another wounded, police said.

Winston-Salem police arrested Altariq Cole, 31, of Newark, New Jersey, when he was released Thursday from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, High Point police said in a news release.

He is now being held without bail in the Guilford County jail.

Police are still looking for another man in connection with the Aug. 31 shooting at 205 Paramount St.

Devonte Markell Flowers of Winston-Salem faces a charge of first-degree murder.

Police have said Flowers, Wayland M. Smith, 22, and Unique A. McQueen, 21, went to 205 Paramount St. with the intention of stealing money and drugs.

McQueen was arrested Sept. 1 and Smith turned himself in Sept. 2. Both are being held at the Guilford County jail without bail. They also face a first-degree murder charge.

Police have said one of them pulled out a handgun and demanded money and drugs. Maurice Suggs, 26, of High Point was shot and killed. Tremaine Durham, 31, of High Point was also shot.

Anyone with information about Flowers' location is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 336-889-4000.
This dough is soaked in sauce for hours before baking. Photo: Liz Clayman

The chef Roberto Aita took a trip to his childhood home in Calabria in August with a mission: learn everything he could about the simple-but-delicious pizza his nonna used to make, baked in a deep pan with chili and freshly squeezed tomatoes, surrounded by olive oil so it tastes almost fried. What he learned after going back is that the pizza hasnt changed one bit.

During his trip in Southern Italy, he ended up being an apprentice to an old pizza guru in a Calabrian bakery, and Aita is now taking that recipe to Aita Pizzeria, a small, mostly takeout space hes opening this week in Clinton Hill, his fourth spot in Brooklyn. It starts with a three-day proofing process for the dough. On the third day, Aita presses Calabrian chili powder into the dough, then covers it with a simple sauce of tomato, garlic, and basil. The dressed dough absorbs the sauce for seven or more hours, before getting topped with more tomato sauce and Kalamata olives before its baked.

Massaging the chili powder and sauce into the dough. Photo: Liz Clayman

Photo: Liz Clayman

The cheeseless pizza  $2.50 per slice or $18 for a large pie  emerges from the oven with an airy crust, a hint of spice from Calabrian chili, and the distinct brightness of San Marzano tomatoes. While it looks a bit like a traditional grandma pie, its hard not to also compare the pie to crunchy, tomato-covered focaccia.

As for whether Calabrese is an actual, recognized style of pizza is something of a matter of debate. Aita says Italians do acknowledge it, and that its just never caught on in America. Now, hed like to help put it on the map. However, his fellow Brooklyn pizza expert Nino Coniglio  who owns Williamsburg Pizza and was crowned Pizza Maker of the Year at the 2016 International Pizza Expo  says that in Italy, Calabrese pizza is not a distinct style, but instead a reference to toppings that are associated with the region, such as olives, onion, chili, or sausage. To Coniglio, Aitas pizza sounds more like a version of what Italian grandmas would make in their homes  Aitas nonna included, apparently.

Authentic or not, its the definite star at the new spot, where youll also find more traditional American offerings like classic New York slices, pizza rolls, calzones, and lasagna. And, to warm people to a new style of pizza, Aitas offering a Calabrese with cheese, which just might be as inauthentic as it gets, even if the end result will be familiar to New Yorkers who love a good Sicilian slice.

Aita Pizzeria, 373 Waverly Ave., Clinton Hill; 718-789-1520
Motorola has provided some information for the launch of the Moto X4 smartphone. The company's UK subsidiary has confirmed in a tweet that the device will hit the shelves early next month.

An exact date, however, wasn't revealed. Aside from the launch time-frame, the company also confirmed that the handset will be exclusive to Carphone Warehouse in the UK. Sadly, there was no information on pricing, although it can't be far away from the 399 price tag for continental Europe.

Source | Via
These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
At the beginning of September pre-orders for Nokia 8 started in the UK. Today is the day when the device starts it's actual availability. The Steel/Silver option and the Tempered Blue version are already on sale, while for Copper and Polished Blue are still on pre-order.

Clove offers all four colors of the Nokia 8 for 499. The Tempered Blue variant can be purchased, but the device will get to its new owners next week (between September 18 and September 22). Going for the more Copper or Polished Blue, youll get a message saying Pre-order only - due October.

Carphone Warehouse has two color options in stock, the same like Clove. A SIM-free phone would set you back 499.99, but the retailer also offers combo deals with carriers. Two-year deals worth 34 or more get you the phone for just 10 upfront.

Source 1  Source 2




Haiti - Security : Vehicles burned down front to Cabinet Fleurant





Tuesday during the violent demonstration against the Government and the budget https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22098-haiti-flash-violent-protest-against-the-budget-and-the-head-of-state.html two vehicles were burnt in front of the Private Firm of the Minister of Justice Me Aviol Fleurant.



In a note issued yesterday at the end of the day, Minister Fleurant, who sees an attempt to burn his Firm and an act directed against his person rather than vandalism, explains :



"If serving his country makes the citizen a martyr, it is because the Republic is worth much for this servant hooked to the objective of seeing his people emerge from fear and misery.



I am Christian. As such, I forgive the "innocent", manipulated and guided towards my professional mansion, my Firm, to show me their hatred of the human and social virtues. My sympathies to the owners of the burned vehicles ! My sympathies to the victims of this day of terror !



I am of the middle class. Grandson of a peasant. I have in the field of education and solid university studies, built my name and my reputation that more than one have tried to tarnish by envy and bitterness. The truth has rather kept me in my values.



I demand, on the other hand, that Justice should act with the utmost rigor against the enemies of the Republic and those of the Haitian people [...]"



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Im Sorry, Illinois and Hawaii, But You Shouldnt Be Receiving Federal Funding. Heres Why.

by Sarah Kramer, Alliance Defending Freedom, September 12, 2017

Did you know that both Illinois and Hawaii have passed laws that are putting their federal funding in jeopardy?

Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys filed complaints on Tuesday with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on behalf of pro-life healthcare professionals and pregnancy centers in Illinois and Hawaii, where laws have been passed forcing them to promote abortion.

So, what does that have to do with the federal funding for these two states?

Well, federal law does not allow states that receive federal funding to force pro-life healthcare professionals to act against their conscience or religious beliefs. These laws squarely violate those federal protections.

But theres more.

Besides the obvious constitutional violations at play here  violations of both the U.S. and individual state constitutions  Illinois has a third strike. The state Healthcare Right of Conscience Act also protects these pregnancy centers.

But it seems that Illinois and Hawaii care more about promoting a pro-abortion agenda than protecting their citizens constitutional rights. These laws seek to make pro-life pregnancy centers abandon their mission and promote abortion to further the states agenda.

Heres a more detailed look at what each law does:

Under Illinois law, pro-life doctors and pregnancy centers are required to refer for abortions. And they must tell their patients that abortion is a treatment option for pregnancy, which has benefits. ADF has filed both state and federal lawsuits challenging this law.

Under Hawaii law, pro-life pregnancy centers are required to post large signs or provide fliers which advertise that the state of Hawaii provides free or low-cost access to comprehensive planning services and direct them to a state website and phone number where their patients are referred for abortion and abortion-causing drugs. ADF has filed a federal lawsuit challenging this law.

Unfortunately, these are not isolated cases. In fact, ADF is representing pro-life pregnancy centers in California against a similar law, and has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. Not to mention that courts have struck down  or mostly invalidated  similar laws in Texas , Maryland , and New York .

One of the foundational freedoms of our country is the right to speak the messages we want and refuse to speak the messages we dont. But these laws force pregnancy centers to speak a message that violates their deepest convictions, and promote a practice that they have dedicated their careers to preventing.

Government officials shouldnt be allowed to force anyone to provide free advertising for the abortion industry, said ADF Legal Counsel Elissa Graves . Furthermore, federal law simply doesnt allow it. States that compel pro-life doctors and staff to act contrary to their conscience do not qualify for federal funds.

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News Release: Illinois, Hawaii put federal funding in jeopardy by forcing pregnancy centers, doctors to promote abortion
This summer saw demonstrations against tourists in the popular tourist destinations of Barcelona and Mallorca with banners declaring, tourism kills neighborhoods. This new anti-tourist movement in Europe should not be ignored, particularly for those interested in tourism and the built environment, otherwise known as man-made environments. Economically, the outcome of these confrontations pit residents and neighborhoods against one another. Culturally, they point to the rise of a general sentiment against people who are different. And the political repercussions are great.

As individuals, communities or nations, there are often two conflicting sentiments toward others and their traditions. In the first, we resort to tradition out of fear of change. But protectionism against the unknown may often turn into hostility, and sometimes into fundamentalism. The second sentiment is often the product of an intense curiosity about other people and their cultures and a desire to experience those mysterious others. The two sentiments, both legitimate, are not necessarily contradictory. In fact, they happen simultaneously or alternatively, based on time and place. Tourism allows us to see how built environments are often packaged and sold in an increasingly global economy of image consumption, with all of the problems that result from such encounters.

In this era of globalization, nations find themselves having to compete in an ever-tightening global economy, forced to exploit their heritage to attract international investors and the tide of foreign tourists. Tourism development has intensified, producing entire communities that cater almost wholly to, or are even inhabited year-round by people from elsewhere.

Of course it all started with European colonialism which gave us world exhibitions and the grand tour  where elites were expected to visit the architectural marvels of Greece, Italy and sometimes Egypt in order to confirm their socioeconomic status. This allowed many to see and encounter other people with different languages, customs and traditions. Today there are more people on the planet who have met people from other cultures and ethnicities than at any other time in human history. And yet all types of tourism today may be impacted if this newfound hostility to tourists spreads; further pitting one community against another, often in the same city. Indeed the economy of many of these places depends substantially on the tourism industry.

Today, there are four types of tourist sites, each imperiled by this new wave of anti-tourist skepticism.

The first type is what can be called dream landscapes that replicate historical settings based off of using history to create a Wizard of Oz-like place, where all conflicts within a given culture are resolved, and where all cultural aspects are reduced to their most basic image. Authenticity here is desired, and is achieved through the manipulation of experiences. The ultimate example is, of course, Disneyland and Ratatouille outside of Paris, France, proving that even if heritage is mimicked, history sells rather well.

The second type uses history to sell itself but also has a legitimate claim to an authentic past. The attempt to resurrect such places by remaking them in their former image may serve to attract tourists for financial gain; serving as banks for the national memory. Colonial Williamsburg, United States and the Bastakia quarter in Dubai, UAE are good examples of such a sites. A replica of the capital of Revolutionary-era Virginia, Williamsburg is a great public-history site for Americans. But its legitimacy depends on its claim to a real history, embodied in buildings and spaces. Colonial Williamsburg has often been dismissed as a simplistic patriotic theme park because it can never adequately capture the African American experience of slavery; essential to providing a holistic snapshot of this site.

The third type of tourist sites are the casino towns of Las Vegas and Macao, where cultural heritage is indeed deployed, but the claim to any pronounced or unique history is non-existent. Here the disconnect between culture and history is very apparent. Quite simply, in order to optimize the desire of producers to manufacture cultural heritage and the tourists to consume it, it becomes common for both groups to give up any claim of reality or authenticity altogether. Perhaps this is why many Americans skip the real Eiffel Tower in Paris and settle for the Vegas knockoff. Yet before rushing to dismiss as kitsch, consider that in Las Vegas there is no a hidden agenda. Las Vegas presents an outright manufactured heritage, based on the concept of copying the traditional forms of everywhere for the consumption of everyone.

The fourth type is hype-real cities such as Hong Kong and Dubai, places that have acquired a global presence based on precedents drawn from elsewhere and are in a constant race, whose history is fixed almost exclusively in the present. They are places whose frame of reference, ceases to be a fixed moment in history, and become instead a constantly moving target that legitimizes current aesthetics. In such places, the real dilemma is how does one experience built environments that have no connection to the geography or the history of the places in which they exist.

To illustrate this point, I will invoke a personal anecdote. At a field trip that was part of a conference I attended in Cairo in 1998, I met an American academic on the Giza plateau at the foot of the Pyramids. He was looking down toward the Sphinx. Oh, but it is so small, he was saying, in disappointment. His comment puzzled me, but I soon realized that he was a teacher at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His city housed the famous Luxor Hotel and Gambling Casino, built as a glass pyramid with a two times-enlarged Sphinx as its entrance. The man often parked his car in a lot that faced the giant Las Vegas Sphinx. When he was in Giza, he became disappointed, not because the reality did not live up to its image, but because along the way, the reality ceased to be relevant when the image  and its copy  became the principal frame of reference. Will this be how we view the built environments of the 21st century?

Nezar AlSayyad is Professor of Architecture and Planning at the University of California, Berkeley. He is an architect, planner, urban historian, and public intellectual. In 1988, AlSayyad co-founded the International Association for the Study of Traditional Environments (IASTE). Today, he serves as the Association's President and Editor of its highly acclaimed peer-reviewed journal, Traditional Dwellings and Settlements Review. In 2014-15, he was a Distinguished Guggenheim Fellow. AlSayyad is also the author, co-author, editor, or co-editor of 18 books, among more recently are Cairo: Histories of a City (2011) and Traditions: The Real, the Hyper, and the Virtual in the Built Environment (2014).
Sampo Terho, the Minister for European Affairs, Culture and Sports, is astonished by the profits made by Luona Oy , a private company that runs asylum seeker reception centres. This comes after Suomen Kuvalehti announced on its website that Luona made a profit of nearly 3.2 million in 2016.

He continued: The asylum system must also be fair to the Finnish taxpayer and it is imperative that humanitarian asylum should not be used to make millions in profit. In the interest of the public, the reception centres cannot be compromised.

According to Terho, it is clear that asylum seekers must be provided with adequate accommodation. However, he went on to state that handing over an open cheque from Finnish taxpayers to companies like Luona was a mistake that wont be repeated in the future.

Reception services are available to purchase from the Finnish Immigration Service, which operates under the Ministry of the Interior. Luona Oy is the largest single supplier of these services, as is shown in the State Procurement List. In 2017 alone, Luona Oy has supplied nearly 20 million worth of reception centres. The second major supplier is the Red Cross, which is divided into different regional organisations that have altogether spent slightly under 30 million on reception centres during 2017.

Dan Anderson  HT

Photo: Lehtikuva / Emmi Korhonen

Source: Uusi Suomi
A former boy band member and semi-finalist on The Voice Of Ireland has been spared a criminal record for sexually assaulting a colleague on a night out.

Alan Fitzsimons (41), who groped the man on the dancefloor during a company launch party, had the charge struck out after he paid 2,000 to charity.

As well as handing over the money to the Rape Crisis Centre, a court heard Fitzsimons had "cooperated fully" with the Probation Service.

The defendant, of Holywell Meadows, Feltrim Road, Swords, was a product manager at Eir, formerly Eircom, when he carried out the assault at the firm's rebranding event.

Fitzsimons had been a semi-finalist on RTE's The Voice Of Ireland in 2012 and was also a member of chart-topping Irish boyband OTT, who had three top 10 singles in the 1990s.

Dance

The case was heard last year and Judge Bryan Smyth had given Fitzsimons time to make the charity donation after hearing that his past music career "wasn't that successful".

At Dublin District Court yesterday, Judge Smyth said he had read the probation report and remarked that the accused "seems to have cooperated fully in all respects".

The money had been paid, said Pat McGonagle, his defence solicitor. "Thank you, your honour," Fitzsimons said.

The assault happened in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on September 16, 2015, Garda Kevin Lawless said previoulsy.

There was a free bar at the event, attended by some 200 Eir staff.

The defendant took the victim's arm, in an invitation to dance, and he then groped the victim's genitals and leaned in for a kiss, which the victim avoided, Gda Lawless said. The defendant and the victim were unknown to each other but had mutual friends and colleagues, the court heard.

Stupid

Fitzsimons said he had "no clear memory of the incident due to alcohol" so was unable to challenge the victim's version of events.

The defendant "cupped his [the victim's] nuts", a witness stated, while another described the assault as occurring "within a split second" and said she believed Fitzsimons possessed "no malice aforethought".

The accused offered the victim both spoken and written apologies.

He described the assault as "stupid", saying he had always been respected in his professional and personal networks. He added he had been through a difficult time since the incident.

Fitzsimons, who had no previous convictions, was immediately suspended by Eir and later fired.

During a victim impact statement, the court was told the man "was not on alert" and believed himself "to be in a safe environment" on the night.

He had suffered anxiety, headaches and disturbed sleep since the incident.
Pat Kenny has defended his Newstalk colleague George Hook, describing him as "a decent man" who is "genuinely contrite".

Mr Kenny spoke as Newstalk launched a full investigation into comments made by Mr Hook about rape during his High Noon radio show.

When contacted, a spokesperson for Newstalk said "a process is undergoing and has been in place since last Friday. It is expected to conclude shortly".

Mr Kenny said: "I listened to his apology and he meant it, he is genuinely contrite. He is devastated by this. He realises what he said didn't come out right and accepts that some people were hurt.

"George has been with the station from the very beginning. He has always been a controversialist, that's why people listen to him.

Musing

"The comments are not reflective of him. He is a decent man with children and was musing over a topic.

"He has entertained people for 13 years and it would be sad that people would take his mis-speaking on the radio as the real representation of George the man," he added.

Mr Kenny also stressed that he was "not in any way trying to espouse the point of view that [Hook] articulated".

Yesterday, Adrian Serle, the chief executive of Newstalk's parent company, Communicorp, addressed staff and discussed the incident.

A source within the station said: "Staff were told that the station would not be railroaded into a decision by social media or media commentary. The review will not be rushed but it is expected fairly soon."

Depending on the results of the review, the future of the show in its current format and its presenter will be centre stage.

Mr Hook's comments last week were made while he discussed the case of a woman (19), who alleges she was raped by a former member of the British swim team.

"Is there no blame to the person who puts themselves in danger?" he asked.

A total of nine complaints have been made to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland regarding Mr Hook's comments, including one from the Women's Council of Ireland.

On Monday, the Dalata Hotel Group withdrew its sponsorship from Newstalk as it could not "support any radio station that allows inappropriate and hurtful comments to be made".

The sponsorship for High Noon is believed to be worth about up to 250,000.

Earlier this week, Mr Hook issued an unreserved apology on air.

"I made comments about rape on the programme that were totally inappropriate and unacceptable and I should never have made them," he said.
The rollerblader clung on to a 38A bus for about 20 seconds as it travelled along OConnell Street in the evening rush hour

A "reckless idiot" who was seen rollerblading from the back of a Dublin bus at the height of the evening rush hour could face charges.

Dublin Bus said it is investigating the incident, in which a young man was captured on video as he attached himself to the back of the 38A bus on O'Connell Street.

He can be seen gliding along on rollerblades as the double- decker drives along the busy street on Monday evening.

The footage was captured on commuter Ciaran Farrelly's mobile phone as he was returning home to Santry from work at about 5.45pm.

"I saw two lads hovering around the back of the bus. One of them grabbed on, it seemed mental," he said.

"It was like something from a video game.

The guy seemed so chilled, looking around at the traffic and buses, not a care in the world.

"The bus drivers weren't happy, as you can tell from the beeps, but the onlookers were enjoying it."

Crazy

Neither Dublin Bus nor the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said there was anything amusing about the incident, which lasted about 20 seconds.

"It's idiotic behaviour," said RSA spokesman Brian Farrell.

"You're basically playing Russian roulette with your life. It's absolutely crazy stuff and it's irresponsible."

A Dublin Bus spokesperson said the company is reviewing CCTV footage of the incident and has made a formal complaint to gardai.

"It's extremely dangerous," she said.

"It could result in serious injury or death. It's just really reckless."

South Dublin county councillor Charlie O'Connor spoke out last week against the growing problem of "scutting".

Some Dublin Bus routes in Tallaght and Finglas were suspended after 6pm due to people foolishly clinging to the backs of moving buses.

It has become a growing problem since the redesign of the SG Dublin Bus model in 2014, which facilitates easy access to the back of the vehicle, said Mr O'Connor.

"Scutting, as it is seemingly known, is a new trend that encourages people to cling to the back of a bus.

Shame

"It is not hard to imagine the danger and probability for a serious accident happening.

"It's a terrible shame that regular commuters and bus users are unable to enjoy the new model rolled out by Dublin Bus over the past number of months.

Mr O'Connor is also a member of Dublin Bus-Luas Community Forum.
BRISTOL, Tenn.  Police in Bristol, Tennessee are warning residents to be alert to scam artists using hurricane relief efforts to solicit funds.

With Hurricanes Irma and Harvey in the news, some individuals may attempt to profit from the good intentions of citizens in Bristol, police warned Tuesday.

From reports on Monday, there was a possible scam artist in Bristol soliciting donations for hurricane victims, according to Lt. Debbie Richmond. The man, identified by police as Monroe Jackson, said he was working for Veterans Affairs, she said.

Police are searching for Jackson for questioning. No one has been charged.

Scammers may attempt to give the appearance of legitimacy by claiming to be affiliated with civic groups or businesses, such as the VA, police said.

I would be wary of anyone going door to door unless that person has legitimate credentials, Richmond said. The police would gladly assist someone with determining if a solicitor is legitimate so the person can call the police at the time of the solicitation.

Residents can also call the organization the person is supposed to represent. Richmond said residents can also conduct an Internet search to determine if a person or organization is legitimate.

The best way to donate and avoid the scams would be to contact the relief organizations directly for any donations, Maj. Matt Austin said. Bristol, Virginia police officials say there have been no similar scams reported in their city. However, Crime Prevention Specialist Nicole Slagle said residents should be wary of all individuals going door to door and question their intentions.

First of all, with people going door to door, dont do business when them at all, Slagle said.

If a person asks for money, ask for credentials or call the organization or business they claim to represent, she added.

She also warned about similar telephone scams.

Anyone who encounters Jackson is asked to contact the Bristol Tennessee Police Department at 423-989-5600.
BRISTOL, Va.  City leaders heard about an immediate need to fill Police Department vacancies and progress on establishing an animal shelter during Tuesdays regular meeting.

Police Chief John Austin told City Council his department is presently understaffed for an array of reasons, and he asked for permission to fill three vacancies. During the recent budget process, council imposed a hiring freeze and directed department heads to bring staffing issues to the councils attention.

Were in kind of a tough situation, Austin told the council. Right now, I have four people in the [police training] academy that are not going to be usable until March. We have three vacancies, we have one on family medical leave, we have two on light duty, and we have three that in November or December are going on family medical leave. Unless I can hire somebody certified, they wont do me any good until next August.

The city is currently spending between $5,000 and $6,000 per month in overtime to cover four existing shifts of six officers and two supervisors per shift, Austin said.

Were forcing people to work overtime just to fill the shifts, and theyre running call to call to call, the chief said. I really need to fill these positions.  Were having people leave. Were becoming a training ground, and its probably going to get worse.

City Manager Randy Eads told the council that a new program by the Virginia State Police designed to fill its vacancies by hiring officers before they complete the full state police academy training could further impact the citys force.

If youre a [state] certified officer, you could then become a Virginia State Police officer. The starting pay is $48,000 and, after one year of service, you get a substantial increase in salary, Eads told the council, adding that there are other incentives, including state benefits.

We anticipate well have several officers apply to move over to the Virginia State Police. I know at least one has already applied, and probably one or two others will apply as well, Eads said.

Austin said his department is struggling to keep personnel and that crime clearance rates will suffer as a result.

We need to hire people and then find some way to retain them, the chief said.

Councilman Doug Fleenor challenged the chief, asking if he meant the city should raise its pay and benefits to match the state agency.

We cant compete with the state and to even consider that possibility is realistically ludicrous, Fleenor said.

Austin and Eads both said that isnt the case, but filling the vacancies would reduce the stress of mandatory overtime.

After more discussion, Mayor Kevin Mumpower directed Austin to bring his request to the recently established personnel committee.

When the budget cycle ended, we wanted to freeze hiring and have a say in staffing adds, Mumpower said after the meeting. Now there are three openings, and before we go and just arbitrarily fill those openings we want to have a discussion. Thats what the police chief is doing. Hes coming forward with three openings, its causing overtime and its stressing the staff.

Mumpower said the city doesnt want to pay overtime if it can avoid it.

In other matters, Eads told the council that a newly formed animal shelter committee has identified three potential options and is working on another. The city currently contracts with a local veterinarian to house and sometimes euthanize stray animals, but that agreement is due to end Nov. 1. The council previously agreed to build or lease space and establish its own shelter.

We have three proposals at the moment, and I want another to present to council, Eads said.

He also predicted that the current provider may agree to work past that deadline.

I feel as long as were showing were moving forward and making the right decisions, the veterinarian will continue to work with us and allow us to use his services until we can get the finalization of the animal shelter, Eads said.

Washington County, Virginia, officials recently notified Eads that the county would help temporarily, if needed, until the city can get its shelter up and running.

They will help on a temporary basis until we can get a shelter built. I dont want to close the idea on a joint animal shelter. However, at this point, the city of Bristol is building an animal shelter for the citys needs. If, at some point in the future, the county wants to work with us on a joint animal shelter, well be more than happy to discuss it, Eads said.

Mumpower called the discussions thus far very productive.

Were making pretty good progress, Mumpower said. Were six weeks into this and now weve got options to really look at and take some action. I think well pick one of those options in the next two to four weeks and be off and running on the solution.

Members of the public who want to get involved in the shelter process are urged to contact City Hall.
ABINGDON, Va. -- Judge Kurt Pomrenke was found guilty of contempt Wednesday for violating a 2015 order regarding evidence from his wifes corruption trial.

In U.S. District Court in Abingdon, Judge James P. Jones said Pomrenke, a Bristol, Virginia, juvenile and domestic relations court judge, acted willfully when he shared details of prosecution evidence last spring with the Virginia Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission.

Jones said with Pomrenke's level of maturity and experience, he should have known it was wrong to send the email.

Pomrenkes sentencing will be scheduled in the near future. Attorneys from both sides will meet to arrange the date.

Jones deliberated the evidence in the case for just over a half hour before announcing the guilty verdict.

The judges wife, Stacey Pomrenke, a former BVU Authority executive, was indicted on corruption charges in October 2015. That December, Jones agreed to allow the couple to receive an electronic copy of evidence to keep in their home. The order specified they must not disclose or disseminate the materials to any other person, nor reveal or discuss them with any other person, other than defense counsel.

Last year, the judicial commission began investigating Kurt Pomrenkes conduct in the wake of two contacts he made with potential witnesses prior to his wifes trial. Last August, Jones declined to find Pomrenke guilty of contempt in that aspect of the case.

Stay with the Bristol Herald Courier for more on this developing story.
ABINGDON, Va.  The Community Center of Abingdon looked for emergency relief funds for its Meals on Wheels program at the Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday.

In order to keep the Meals on Wheels program afloat, the community center has to launch a campaign to bring in donations and funds from individuals and corporations. Those efforts began last year after the Town of Abingdon stopped funding the program.

The community centers inquiry was not on the Board of Supervisors meeting agenda and, therefore, could not be discussed.

It was not on the agenda, and we cant act on non-agenda items, Chairman Randy Pennington told the Bristol Herald Courier.

The community center can put in a request to be on the Sept. 26 meetings agenda, Pennington added.

Supervisors James Baker and Vernon Smith were absent from Tuesdays meeting.

At a previous meeting, Nathalie Graham, executive director of the community center, expressed her concern that people are going to want to help out the victims in Texas, and now Louisiana and Florida, while she is launching this years Meals on Wheels campaign.

I have to start a whole new campaign, and I need some emergency relief funds to make sure we are covered in between going after it [the new donations] and getting it, Graham said.

It takes time to launch a campaign and to receive grants and additional funding, Graham said.

I empathize totally with the people of Texas; I went through that issue when I lived there, Graham said. But my concern and responsibility is the people of this area [Washington County] and that Meals on Wheels needs to be continuously funded for it to exist.

Last year, Graham successfully ran a campaign to assist the program.

We were very lucky. The entire area got behind us as a lot of donations came in, Graham said.

Several members of the community center and other citizens in attendance spoke during the public comment period to voice their concern for the Meals on Wheels program.

Wayne Craig, a Town of Abingdon councilman, has been involved with the Meals on Wheels program for about two or three years.

I know that it is very difficult for [the board] to make additional funding available for any organization that comes to you, and I completely understand that, Craig said. But the community center has been delivering more meals than they have before because the need has been much greater and the need for funding has been much greater.

Joe Levine said during public comments that Meals on Wheels is an important function of the community center.

Levine spoke about the importance of the program, as his own mother-in-law has benefited from it.

She looked forward almost as much to the people who brought her the food as the food itself, Levine said.

Craig added that the deliveries make the participants lives a little more pleasant.

The people who deliver the meals spend time with the elderly, as they can be lonely, Craig said.

Highlands Fellowship Church in Abingdon, Virginia, assists the community center in delivering meals each week so that additional deliveries can be made.

On Mondays, the community center delivers one hot and one cold meal to the participants, and on Thursdays, the church does the same.

I can tell you some of these people literally break down and cry when the deliveries get there because its all they have, Graham said.

Wayne Stevens, who is on the board of directors at the community center, said there is a need to take care of people in ones own area.

Monies are becoming tight because monies are being pulled into the disasters, and while we have to take care of those people too, we [also] have to take care of our own backyard, Stevens said.

In order to qualify for Meals on Wheels, a participant must be 80 percent homebound and have a severe disability, according to Graham.

We serve all of Washington County, and there are additional communities out there that look to us to deliver food to them, as we are the only organization [that does so], Graham added. I dont want to make the Town of Abingdon or [Washington] County upset that we are asking for these funds, but we need them.
Hey Amazon, look over there  no, really, because both Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee dont meet your wish list items for your second corporate headquarters. On the brighter side, we might think of their preferences as loose guidelines for growing economic appeal in our region.

Last week, Amazon announced plans to construct a HQ2 in North America to act as an adjunct to its Seattle headquarters. Its enormous economic prowess would create an estimated 50,000 jobs at the new site, each averaging an eye-popping annual salary of over $100,000.

As expected, the predictions for Amazons Next Top Residence started pouring in. With likewise speed, cities are clamoring to compose, in some respect, a work of art compelling enough for submittal before the Oct. 19 deadline.

A brief look at Amazon eight-page request for proposal, though, reveals one saddening fact: We do not qualify. Many of its Key Preferences and Decision Drivers cant be fulfilled with our regions current offerings. Alas, another moment of groans from Appalachia.

Rather than wallow in the missed opportunity, though, using the wish list of a multi-billion dollar company as a rough blueprint for economic objectives provides us with a chiseled list of priorities, in which the first step (identifying key characteristics for attracting businesses) is already completed for us.

Lets look briefly at some of Amazons preference to suppose where we might boast and where we might reconstruct.

Site/Building: Amazons initial 500,000 square-foot requirement is supplemented with room for expansion  as much as 8 million square feet. Some undeveloped properties for sale currently dot I-81 and offer anywhere from just over an acre (43,560 square feet) to almost 290 acres (over 12.6 million square feet). While land is generally inexpensive here compared to metropolitan areas, the costs of clearing these mostly-wooded areas might be an extra and discouraging expense for new businesses (or a way to get a return on their investment, should they decide to sell the lumber). But focusing on the empty buildings in the region for repurposing, especially those that lie just miles from the interstate and have the available space for growth, would attract thriving businesses.

Site Requirements: Amazon looks to construct within 45 minutes of an international airport. Our closest international airport is in Charlotte, North Carolina  162 miles away. Perhaps we should later consider another expansion of the Tri-Cities Airport or ask its officials to negotiate contracts with other airlines. Though the 160-acre Aerospace Park, adjacent to the airport, is currently being cleared and graded, its intended to attract new business development. The airport terminal size was doubled to 110,000 square feet last February, but we still cant get direct flights to Nashville.

Labor Force: Clearly, we dont have the population to meet the million-plus people Amazon requires; the approximate combined numbers of both Bristols, Sullivan County and Washington County, Virginia, tops off at 228,500. Our dwindling residential numbers also complicate the available work force. The various universities serving our area can fulfill the highly educated labor pool preference, but keeping those graduates in the area is where were struggling. Fortunately, this isnt news to anyone  a work in progress, to summarize.

Community/Quality of Life: This is where we excel. The affordability of our region makes it extremely friendly for those on lower salaries (imagine what $100,000 a year could grant!), and our unique outlets  the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bristol Motor Speedway, a spectrum of outdoor recreation, Rhythm & Roots Reunion  cater to both urban and rural appeal.

None of these, though, work in isolation from another. The other items on Amazons list  internet connectivity and incentives such as grants and tax credits  all contribute to the sustainability of other factors present  logistics and operating costs, for example. And while not comprehensive, weve at least got a workable list to start.

In 2018, Amazon will announce its next site. We can safely say it wont be us  and thats OK. While we might not be primed enough for that sizeable entity, we can guess what other businesses might be looking for, and we can plan accordingly for the next opportunity.
Rachel Carson's expose shocked the world. And we're better for it

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A Hertfordshire missile manufacturer, whose weapons have been used by Saudi Arabia in its Yemen military campaign, is among hundreds of companies marketing their products to delegates from human rights-abusing nations in London this week.

Stevenage-based MBDA systems is just one of a number of Hertfordshire companies among the 1,500 scheduled to exhibit their goods to potential buyers at the biannual Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) fair, which will be taking place at London's ExCel Centre this week (Tuesday 12 to Friday 15 September).

Other local companies exhibiting at DSEI are Harlow-based Raytheon, whose bombs have also been sold to Saudi Arabia and dropped in Yemen, and Hertford's ISTEC Services, which supplies "precision engineered small-arm weapon mounts and weapon ancillaries" and also counts Saudi Arabia among its customers.

Government and military delegates from 56 countries including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey and Bahrain were invited to attend DSEI  which is co-hosted by the Defence and Security Organisation, the section of the Government's Department for International Trade tasked with assisting weapons manufacturers with international exports.

Andrew Smith of Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT) described the guest list as a "roll call of despots, dictatorships and human rights abusers.".

He added: "They will be greeted by civil servants and Government ministers who are there for one reason only: to promote weapons.

"It's impossible to promote human rights and democracy while arming and supporting authoritarian regimes and tyrants."

Six of the countries invited to DSEI, including Saudi Arabia, have been included on the UK Government's own watch list of human rights abusers, while nine are considered to have authoritarian regimes.

MBDA  a subsidiary of BAE systems, the world's third largest arms producer  supplies weapons to 90 armed forces around the world.

Its cruise missiles, Storm Shadow, and ground attack Brimstone missiles have both been confirmed to have been used by Saudi Arabia in the ongoing conflict in Yemen that has left three million people malnourished  including half a million children described by Oxfam as being in a "life-threatening condition".

It has also left 20 million, 75 per cent of the population, in need of humanitarian aid.

According to a recent report by the United Nations (UN), more than 60 per cent of the more than 10,000 civilian deaths in the war-ravaged country have been the result of Saudi-led air strikes, which began in March 2015.

The UK has sold more than 3.6 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia  its biggest customer  since the devastating conflict began, according to campaign group Control Arms.

MBDA also previously signed a contract to supply 200 million worth of missiles and communications equipment to Colonel Gaddafi, the former Libyan leader.

Andrew Smith said: "MBDA has sold its weapons to brutal and oppressive regimes all around the world.

"Its missiles are being used in the terrible destruction of Yemen.

"Companies like MBDA fuel and profit from war and conflict around the world."

In July, a High Court ruled that arms exports could continue to Saudi Arabia after a legal challenge led by CAAT, despite mounting humanitarian concerns.

The UK Government had previously been revealed to be considering suspending sales to Saudi Arabia following the 2016 bombing of a funeral in Yemen which killed 140 civilians.

MBDA has not responded to a request for comment.
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Legendary band The Rolling Stones are being strongly rumoured as the headliner of a new festival set to take place at Knebworth House next summer - 42 years after last playing there.

The Mick Jagger fronted rockers previously performed at the famed venue, which has a capacity of 125,000 people, in 1976.

Oasis famously managed to sell out back to back nights at Knebworth House in August 1996, and Robbie Williams performed to 375,000 over three nights in 2003.

The last concert to be held at the Hertfordshire venue was metal festival Sonisphere in 2014, with not many artists having the pulling power to be able to fill the huge capacity.

However the Mirror reports that a festival is set to return to Knebworth with Promoters AEG Presents understood to be working behind-the-scenes on a huge event for summer 2018.

And the company are rumoured to want The Rolling Stones to be the headliners  they are certainly one of the few acts that could fill out the venue.

The huge festival would certainly help plug the gap for music fans since Glastonbury is on a fallow year, meaning that the festival won't be held at its Worthy Farm home in 2018.

The idea for the rock legends to perform at the new Knebworth festival is said to have come about when they failed to announce any dates in the UK for their current 'No Filter' tour.

Kicking off in Hamburg on Saturday (September 9), the tour is not coming to the Stones' homeland because they couldn't find a venue that was the right size.

The Stones said on Twitter at the time: "Sorry to our UK fans there are no UK dates on this run, due to lack of available venues because of sporting fixtures.

"Hope to be here in 2018."

Music Week reported that AEG are set to launch a festival in Knebworth for summer 2018 and the Stones "are rumoured to be in the frame to headline".

A source close to the band confirmed to the Mirror that the idea had unquestionably been mooted.

"People are always coming up with ideas and figures and how it could work - the truth is no decision will be made until after Christmas when everyone is back from holiday," they said.

AEG Presents - which also currently promotes the band's European tour that began in Germany on Saturday night at Hamburg's Stadtpark - has not commented on the rumours.

A spokesman for The Rolling Stones remained tight-lipped and declined to comment.

Other acts to have famously played Knebworth include Queen and Pink Floyd - and the Stones played there in 1976.

Back 41 years ago the rockers played a 28-song set to more than 120,000 people, with some fans saying it was their best ever.
HICKORY  To celebrate the reopening of the 19th newly-updated store in the Charlotte area, ALDI will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:25 a.m. Thursday at its Eighth Street Drive SE location in Hickory.

Our Hickory store closed for renovations in late July, Krysta Cearley, Salisbury division vice president for ALDI, said. Were thrilled that we were able to open our doors early, providing customers with a sneak peek and chance to shop for groceries in advance of Thursdays official grand reopening and festivities.

Following the ceremony, the first 100 shoppers will receive a golden ticket, each containing ALDI gift cards of various amounts.

Despite the closure in late July, the store has been fully operational since August  local resident and mother of nine children Megan Anderson was grateful for the early opening.

When (ALDI) closed, our grocery bill went up, so we were very excited to see it reopen, Anderson said. (The grocery bill) goes down about 20-25 percent by shopping here versus other stores.

Tuesday marked the first visit from Anderson and her budget-conscious family.

I tried to avoid it at first because I knew a lot of people would be coming to shop, Anderson said as customers steadily entered and exited the store.

Cearley expressed her excitement to see how customers will react to the stores remodel.

As far as Anderson is concerned, the remodeled store fits her bill.

I love the selection of organic and healthier options, Anderson said. I also love the new layout, the spaciousness of it and the overall look of it is very appealing.

Earlier this year, ALDI announced a $1.6 billion nationwide plan to remodel and expand more than 1,300 stores by 2020.

ALDI has been a proud member of the Hickory community for 19 years, Cearley said. With this significant investment throughout the region, what were really doing is continuing to invest in ALDI customers  bringing people who know and love ALDI as well as new fans an even better, more welcoming store to shop.

ALDI is always focused on creating a better grocery shopping experience for customers, Cearley said.

The new look of our Hickory store will deliver on our customers desire for a modern and convenient shopping experience with a focus on fresh items, including more robust produce, dairy and bakery sections, plus favorites like organics, gluten-free foods and premium baby items, Cearley said.

Cearley added the company plans to remodel the 31 Charlotte-area locations by the end of 2018, a nearly $48 million investment.

Looking ahead, we have additional stores slated to reopen by the end of this year including our locations in Monroe and Morganton, Cearley said.

All remodeled stores also will feature a modern design, open ceilings, natural lighting and environmentally-friendly building materials such as recycled materials, energy-saving refrigeration and LED lighting, according to a recent press release.

We cant wait for more customers in Hickory to experience the new look of ALDI, Cearley said.
CATAWBA  The Town of Catawba may have been late to the table in discussing the Brunch Bill, but nevertheless the council approved the ordinance at its Monday evening meeting.

I am pleased with the outcome, Councilwoman Colleen Anderson said. We need to catch up in economic development, and this is a great way to do so.

The Brunch Bill refers to the North Carolina General Assembly Senate Bill 155, An Act to Make Various Changes to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission Laws, which was signed into law June 30.

Section four of the bill allows for the sale of alcoholic beverages beginning at 10 a.m. Sundays, subject to local government approval, at places such as restaurants, convenient stores and grocery stores. The ordinance will be in effect Oct. 1.

A citizen spoke during the meeting and expressed their concern with the ordinance, Anderson said.

Anderson said the concern, similar to others in Catawba County, were from religious perspectives regarding a low church attendance.

This ordinance will only be a benefit for the town, Anderson said. I know there is a vacant restaurant building that would be perfect for Sunday brunch.

Currently, there are only two establishments the ordinance will affect  a Dollar General and Pops Old Company Store and Tavern.

No gas stations in Catawba will be able to sell alcoholic beverages beginning at 10 a.m. Sundays because of a different town ordinance.

There is an ordinance that prohibits gas stations from opening before noon anyways, Anderson said.

Anderson said she plans to investigate the ordinance and talk with Catawba gas stations to see if there is a need to change the ordinance.
HICKORY  The Hickory Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the Olde Hickory Station, 232 Government Ave., SW, in downtown Hickory. The dinner portion of the meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the monthly program at 6:30 p.m.

The program, Reading the Water and Drift, will be presented by professional guide Simmons Welter of Bookings Anglers in Cashiers. Welter was recently recognized as one of the six women who are revolutionizing the world of fly fishing. She is also a board member of Casting Carolinas, a charitable organization providing a comprehensive support and educational program targeting women who are recovering from cancer, which will be recognized that evening.

Information and tickets for Hickory TUs reception and film festival on Monday, Oct. 23, will be available at the meeting. TU chapter meetings are open to all who enjoy and want to learn more about fly fishing.

The mission of Hickory TU is to conserve, protect, and restore northwestern North Carolinas cold water fisheries and their watersheds for the enjoyment of future generations.

For more information, go to Hkynctu.org.
At your age, could you go back to college and get some of the experiences that you missed?

It would be a dream come true for some of us. Or a nightmare, like dreams I still have of being in college unprepared for an upcoming final exam.

Putting aside the exams, experiencing some of the best teachers give their careful, interesting, and entertaining classes is an idea that excites me.

Such experiences are increasingly available. On Saturday, September 23, in Raleigh, The News & Observer is sponsoring a One Day University that features lectures by four nationally known university professors at a cost of about $150.

Several North Carolina universities sponsor weekend or daylong programs that feature their best performing teachers. For instance, UNC-Chapel Hills Carolina Public Humanities offers a range of programs including weekend events. The topic for this weekend (September 15, 16) is The Triumph of Christianity in the Ancient World. The featured speaker is UNC-CH Professor Bart Ehrman, best-selling author of numerous books on the New Testament, including his latest, The Triumph of Christianity: How a Small Band of Outcasts Conquered an Empire.

The cost would be about $125 if the program were not already sold out. It is costly until you compare it with the tens of thousands of dollars undergraduates pay to have a chance to get into one of his classes.

Ehrman is worth the money. But if that cost is still too high for you, many of Dr. Ehrmans speeches and lectures, as well as those of other professors, are available without charge on the web through services such as YouTube.

Ehrman is also a prolific producer of courses on New Testament topics for a commercial business, The Great Courses. Each of his eight courses is a complete semester, usually with 24 lectures with topics such as From Jesus to Constantine: A History of Early Christianity. The courses are available on DVD and other formats. When on sale, they cost about as much as his Carolina Public Humanities program.

Other popular UNC-Chapel Hill professors have produced Great Courses packages. Internationally known archaeologist Jodi Magness has two courses. Holy Land Revealed follows the lands and its peoples history from the time of Exodus. Her inspiring lectures, informed by archeological research, was the basis for an enlightening adult Sunday school class at my church. Her latest course, Jesus and His Jewish Influences, shows how ancient Judaism provided the roots for Jesuss ministry.

Lloyd Kramer, who directs Carolina Public Humanities, has two courses, European Thought and Culture in the 19th Century and European Thought and Culture in the 20th Century. Kramer explains how great thinkers and their ideas and debates shaped Western culture and helped define the world. I recommend both courses, now available only on download-audio.

Daniel Cobbs new course is "History of Native North Americans."

Michael K. Salemis Money and Banking: What Everyone Should Know explores our monetary and financial systems.

Other North Carolina professors also offer Great Courses, including N.C. States Kenneth P. Vickerys African Experience: From Lucy to Mandela and David W. Martins Psychology of Human Behavior; Dukes Connel Fullenkamps several courses including The Economics of Uncertainty; and Davidsons Tim Chartiers Big Data: How Data Analytics Is Transforming the World.

These North Carolina professors are academic rock stars. But we do not have to stand in line to enjoy their stirring lectures. Just remember, hearing a lecture does not an education make. The college classroom discussions, extra reading and study, problem solving, mentoring, and those nightmare exams are critical extras that make many real university classes so transformative.

D.G. Martin hosts North Carolina Bookwatch, which airs Sundays at noon and Thursdays at 5 p.m. on UNC-TV.
HICKORY  As a result of Hurricane Irma pummeling the Southeastern United States, peripheral storms bellowed throughout Western North Carolina.

Due to 30-35 mph wind gusts and heavy rain in the Hickory area, a tree in the 300 block of Fourth Street NW toppled at approximately 5 a.m. Monday.

The tree, located at the office of Zagaroli & Co., forced the street closed. Duke Energy and City of Hickory public service crews worked through the day to remove the tree and repair damaged power lines and transformers.

Consequently, the tree removal and repair work forced Oakwood Elementary, located less than 100 yards from the scene, to close Tuesday after originally scheduling a three-hour delay earlier in the morning.

Beverly Snowden, director of communications for Hickory Public Schools, said the reason for the closing was concern for safety of students walking to school, and the road being a main entrance for buses and parents.

Its really a reminder to our parents as to why we made that call (to close school), Snowden said. Well always place the safety of our students as a number-one priority.

Snowden said the other eight Hickory Public Schools were on a two-hour delay Tuesday, and Oakwood was the only school to close its doors for the day.

Snowden also said school is expected to resume Wednesday, but HPS officials would stay in touch with Duke Energy and City of Hickory workers throughout the day for updates.

Hickory Ward 5 City Councilman David Zagaroli, the property owner with the felled tree, was on the scene Tuesday morning.

My son drove by around 7 a.m. and saw the tree down, and called me, Zagaroli said.

Zagaroli said his office opened within the building in 1986 and has had no prior issues with the tree.

We were actually afraid the tree across the street would fall first, if anything, Zagaroli said.

Zagaroli said his building was without power, as the tree damaged several power lines and transformers located across the street from his office.
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These days the social media seems to be a favourite haunt as well as tool of terrorist outfits. The Taliban ,otherwise known to be an orthodox outfit, was among the first to start a Twitter account sometime in 2011, followed by the al Qaeda, Al Shabaab of Somalia and the ISIS. All these have used social media as a medium for propaganda as well as recruitment. Pakistan-sponsored terror outfits, especially in the Kashmir Valley, have also been found taking recourse to social media in a big way. Besides Kashmir, some videos of ISIS involving Indian fugitives in the erstwhile IS territory have also surfaced. Terror outfits display of strength by uploading videos of gun-toting members or leaders speeches has become quite conspicuous, hogging airtime as well as print headlines.

The beginning of this century saw Anwar al Awlakis online propaganda leading to the creation of a brigade of Al Qaeda elements in different parts of the globe. The online edition of Inspire magazine  a mouthpiece of al Qaeda  educated a whole generation of aspiring terrorists about technical aspects of bomb-making. Gradually such online propaganda turned ugly with ISIS releasing grotesque visuals of the slitting of throats of victims made to wear orange jumpsuits by the perpetrator better known as Jihadi John. Though the Valley-based terror tapes released so far are not half as gruesome, being largely confined to propaganda by way of sermons and explanations, internal squabbling among different elements in pursuit of self-aggrandisement may nudge them in a similar direction.

Besides propaganda, secure communication platforms offered by a host of Internet giants have posed major challenges for the law enforcement fraternity across the globe. As a flip side, the world wide web is a safe haven for and provides all that terror networks need to grow-anonymity, accessibility and a power to broadcast without a whip. A high degree of encryption as floated in the darknet has further complicated the task of detection. Consequently, terror outfits have run amok in uploading materials which otherwise would have not circulated as fast, with the entire globe as its audience! Further, such malicious content providers are able to build terror nexuses beyond borders and are able to establish robust sleeper cells.

Taking advantage of Internet technology, surreptitious communication flourishes: Several chat platforms are found spreading rumours, malicious campaigns and in many cases active terror conspiracies as well. In the Kashmir Valley, many such groups have been continuously detected and dealt with accordingly by investigational measures. However, sans the support of service providers, beyond a point, investigation suffers.

Unlike the western countries where technology giants provide a reasonable degree of cooperation, we are yet to join that league. As reported by The Economist in one of its recent editions, some of the Internet giants under a voluntary agreement with European regulators are reviewing the content flagged as hateful and xenophobic: Facebook has gone up from 50% on a day to 58%, Twitter from 24% to 39%. Interestingly, in the early days the policy of Twitter  a votary for freedom of speech  was very stringent in terms of content regulation. The Nairobi Mall siege where Al Shabaab used Twitter as a platform for live broadcast of the mayhem it wreaked brought about a shift in Twitters policy leading to the suspension of accounts of those posting terror-related content. Although ISIS also extensively used Twitter handles, subsequently, periodic evaluation accompanied by suspension of accounts by Twitter continued.

Even so, whether in the West or elsewhere, all the Internet giants have invariably concealed information behind the curtain of privacy clauses. As I put pen to paper, a debate on striking a fine balance between liberty and regulation is raging. Precious little has been achieved, especially in countries like India for putting in place appropriate legal or technological mechanisms to deal with such misuse of cyberspace.

Hence it is imperative that we come up with progressive legislation for regulating the social media. The existing IT act 2000, alone is not sufficiently equipped to deal with it. In the absence of such laws, dealing with the aforementioned crisis emanating from the cyber world, more often than not, results in cyber curfew as seen in coercive measures such as shutting down of Internet services. Such steps can at best, temporarily meet the demands of the situation. As a long-term policy, they are not tenable .The solution then lies in devising new laws backed by the right technology to handle the new media and stave off the rampant use of cyber space by terror outfits.

Swayam Prakash Pani is an IPS officer serving in Jammu and Kashmir.

The views expressed are personal.
A philosopher friend of mine once told me death is a strange event. It is not only about the destruction of a person, it is about the way the person gets refracted, reconstructed through the memories of different people. There is little time for mourning, for the pain and the balm of remembrance, the almost ephemeral anecdotes of when you last met, the trivial gossip of every day. One senses this when Gauri Lankesh was brutally shot. Media transformed her from a person to a corpse without any sense of waiting. As the public spectacle was being played out, I remember a few friends of mine mourning her, celebrating her for the person she was before the person became an icon, a fetish to be used by interest groups.

I remember a friend of mine, a very senior journalist tell me people do not realise that she took time to grow. Gauri was not a good writer. She was no match for the father Lankesh who was a legend. She combined the vernacular and the cosmopolitan through hard work, by going beyond the seediness of a traditional tabloid, with its questionable links to politics and corruption to create a cosmopolitanism.

Part of it came from the fact she kept in touch with her old college activists, her teachers. Her first claim to maturity was the way she struggled to allow Naxals to return to civic life, to the mainstream as it is pompously called. Part of it came from her understanding that a single-focus radicalism was not as interesting as a multi-chromatic dissent covering all the key issues from caste and gender to rationalism. Some of the credit must go to the fact that Kannada literary imagination allowed for a hybridity of culture and politics where diversity was as important as equality. Gauri in that sense was a creature of her milieu and was still being forged by it. I remember reading the social activist Madhu Bhushans very gentle pieces on Gauri. Madhu met her on the last day and as she, Gauri and Kalpana, another friend, talked, what she and Kalpana sensed was Gauris desperate need to talk. It was as if conversation filled in all the spaces writing and politics left empty. Her conversation was urgent, gossipy, compulsive creating a sense of friendship, of time lost and relationships mended. I began with this because this aspect of Gauri Lankesh, the creativity and openness is lost in media reports. She appears as a full rounded archetype, a presence now convertible to an icon, an idol and a fetish, a creature to be appropriated by different groups. Politics swallowed up the person creating an emptiness of recognition.

Sadly I do not think it was the kind of politics Gauri wanted. Hers was a search for justice and cosmopolitanism, a possibility of repair and reconciliation. What we got instead was a seedy vote bank, interest group politics which looked at Gauri with the coming election in the eye. The CM headed the show, granting immediate protection to a dozen other intellectuals. It was literally like distributing doles after a disaster, a pretended act of concern and magnanimity which distracted people from the violence of the crime or the causes she fought for. What this created was an element of hysteria and fear and what it might eliminate is a proper enquiry into Gauris death. Suspicion and the politics of suspicion is not enough. What one needs to publicise and investigate is the interest groups she threatened and which sought to eliminate her. One has to remember that Gauri was something the right found difficult to defeat, a left liberal icon who was deeply embedded in the politics of Karnataka. She was one of the few who could speak Kannada and yet be an English language icon. Her bilingualism led to multi-culturalism where different kinds of marginalities meshed to create a processional sense of democracy. It is this that memory and the politics of civil society have to keep alive.

One has to remember it was not merely Gauris death that was a scandal. It was the politics of Karnataka, the contractor lobby, the rise of right wing groups, the triviality of electoralism, the pressure of regionalism, the emptiness of the technocratic elite which makes it the cesspool of fear, cynicism and panic that it is. Justice will not come from an indictment, a picking of a scapegoat who is only an instrument of deeper, more brutal politics. Media has to move beyond the scandal of drawing rooms and the current superficiality of reportage which displaces politics into a search for scandal, gossip, ideological rhetoric without honouring the politics, the social world Gauri sought to create, while sensing her own limits. I am not denying the politics of Pansare and Dabholkar. It is however only one strand of a variegated complex world we are fighting more critically.

Can civil society groups, which in Bangalore include dedicated academics, activists, lawyers, open up and debate the issues she was concerned about? How does a Naxal return to ordinary life without being an external target of some trigger-happy policeman or some idiot ideological faction? How does one sustain the varieties of dissent without becoming cynical or patricidal? Gauri Lankeshs murder cannot merely feed the mills of gossip, of family quarrels, of CBI incompetence, of politicians shedding crocodile tears. Democracy and civil society need to be more inventive. Right now, our intelligentsia is reacting like Pavlovs dogs, knee jerk in their responses, content with the offer of security as a Linus Blanket, indifferent to the dozens of small town journalists shot without any act of remembrance. We have to multiply the Gauris we are representing. The whistle-blower, the Naxalite, the Dalit and the dissenting journalist need to be honoured and protected in terms of a more creative idea of justice. Hysteria is too short-lived to leave behind anything worthwhile. This, civil society and democracy in Karnataka have to understand.

Shiv Visvanathan is Professor, Jindal Global Law School and Director, Centre for Study of Knowledge Systems, O.P Jindal Global University

The views expressed are personal
A year ago, Mumbai-based Parisian Mathieu Francois (29) rescued an ewe (whose name he says he will reveal later) from a slaughterhouse in Deonar, Mumbai. He is now taking her on 2,500km road trip from Mumbai to Nepal where she can live a peaceful life. Interestingly, the journey will be a peace walk  titled The Shanti Walk  completed over a span of six months. The aim, he says, is to draw awareness about peace (it starts on the International Day of Peace, September 21) and animal rights.

A smile captured in Dharamsala. Beluga celebrates the silent strength of women all over the world. . . . #WomensDay #Inspiration A post shared by The Shanti Walk (@shantiwalk) on Mar 7, 2015 at 10:19pm PST

This walk is about a man and his sheep who have decided to walk across India and Nepal in search of shanti (peace). Can you imagine the destiny of this sheep that I am saving? Instead of certain death, she may enjoy the funniest and most incredible journey of her life. Can you also imagine the destiny of this French man who never thought he would find himself as a shepherd? laughs Francois.

Francois (29) moved to India in 2013 as a corporate strategy associate for Saint-Gobain. A year later, he quit and started a non-profit called Art Culture Education to nurture childrens creativity and teach them photography. He is currently employed with a travel agency as a strategic advisor and start-up investor.

The Peace V-ewe ( Pangong Lake, Ladakh) A post shared by The Shanti Walk (@shantiwalk) on Sep 20, 2014 at 9:50pm PDT

Francois is better known for his Instagram account which features images of another travelling sheep (albeit a toy) named Beluga. It was given to me by a little girl who asked me to travel the world with her sheep, he says. Francois and Beluga have been travelling for the last five years and have covered 15 countries till date. He also uses Beluga as a mascot and an educational tool.

The Shanti Walk is inspired by the journey undertaken by Francois father, Emile, who passed away earlier this year. It was a devastating experience, says Francois.

In 1971, Emile was a 31-year-old when he traversed across India and Nepal. He used to tell me stories about Ellora, Sanchi, Khajuraho and Varanasi... sites that he visited. I have to see what he saw, hear what he heard, and feel what he felt, says Francois.

What is wrong with ewe? (Kochi, India) A post shared by The Shanti Walk (@shantiwalk) on Sep 18, 2014 at 9:12am PDT

The Shanti Walk will start from the caves of Elephanta (a mile away from the Arabian sea) and then traverse Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, before crossing over the border to reach Kathmandu via Annapurna. It seems to me a respectful tribute to the most inspiring father I could have ever dreamt of, says Francois.

A lamb by the lamp (Varkala, India) A post shared by The Shanti Walk (@shantiwalk) on Sep 17, 2014 at 9:46pm PDT

On his journey, Francois is taking Beluga along as well. Last month, I had the honour to meet and discuss with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Ladakh. I came for his blessings and left with the certainty that I was doing the right thing. I have a conviction that dogs, cats, goats, cows, tigers and rats are equal in rights to me. They all deserve to live and do not deserve to suffer. Fun fact: Beluga has also been blessed by the Dalai Lama.

Hewemans of the Himalayas A post shared by The Shanti Walk (@shantiwalk) on Sep 13, 2014 at 6:20am PDT

Francois aims to eventually make a movie and write a book on his momentous journey. While the journey is self-funded, he is looking for people to advise him on places to discover along the way, homes where he can stay for the night, as well as photographers/videographers who would want to join him on this journey.

Follow Mathieu Francois journey on Instagram.com/shantiwalk and shantiwalk.com

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Ever since Kangana Ranaut took the stand in Rajat Sharmas mock adalat, the discussion has been about Kangana Ranaut. Are her allegations against Hrithik Roshan true? Is Kangana more sinned against than sinning? What happened between Aditya Pancholi and Kangana? But amid the controversies, what nobody seems to be talking about is the September 15 release, starring Kangana in and as Simran.

The film became a postscript even in the AIB video, which called out Bollywood for its inherent sexism. Despite the row over the films writing credit between Kangana and Apurva Asrani, the spotlight has been taken over by the narrative of its lead star. But Simran has a bombshell at its heart too, to be precise a bombshell bandit.

According to reports, the germ of this films idea started with a news item about Sandeep Kaur, dubbed Bombshell Bandit by the FBI. She embarked on a one-woman, five-week crime spree, robbing banks in Arizona, California, and Utah in the US. Serving a 66-month sentence in an American jail, the nursing student started on a life of crime to pay off her gambling debts. Unlike Sandeep, who is a Sikh who moved to the US as a child, Kangana plays Praful Patel aka Simran who is a Gujarati who moves to the US in search of a better life. Both are nurses by profession with an affinity for baccarat.

Sandeeps story began as a 21-year-old who had just started living alone and was on her first trip to Las Vegas. In an account of her life in BBC, it says that her flirtation with gambling began innocently enough, With a dizzying streak of beginners luck, Kaur says she won $4,000, and was instantly hooked. That first trip lead to a second, then a third, and soon she was flying to Vegas monthly, accompanied by her brother and a revolving cast of friends Then she discovered baccarat, and suddenly nothing else in the world mattered. I can walk past roulette, she says. But if I even see baccarat, my heart leaps.

She squandered away over $200,000 (Rs 1.2 crore) she had saved over the years and then took debts from casinos. When she blew that away too, she borrowed money from loan sharks. She tried to vanish and start her life again but all in vain. The casino wanted its money back as did the loan sharks. Then, her conservative Sikh family got a whiff of her gambling.

And that is where her life of crime began. She would go on to rob four banks, one for less than $2000. She would rob the banks wearing wigs and designer glasses and without even owning a gun. She would simply hand over a typewritten sheet in cashiers hand: Tick Tock, I have a bomb.

As the BBC report says, It was a spectacle that culminated in Kaurs arrest on 31 July 2014, after a desperate police pursuit. The 65-mile chase crossed three states and two time zones, reaching speeds of 130 mph.

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Priyanka Chopra, who is currently in Jordan as a Unicef ambassador, met Queen Rania on Wednesday and posted a picture from their meeting on Twitter. The actor felt privileged upon meeting the queen.

I had the privilege & honor of meeting Her Majesty, @QueenRania of Jordon... #MissionForChildren #PCInJordan, she captioned the photo on Twitter.

Priyanka also shared the picture on Instagram with a longer caption, I had the privilege and honor of meeting Her Majesty, @queenrania of Jordon again...this time in Amman. It is amazing to see the full extent of support that the Kingdom of Jordan has provided during the ongoing Syrian refugee crises. The numbers are staggering and overwhelming but the good work continues day after day.

Queen Rania is a true inspiration. Her tireless efforts to help those in need comes straight from the heart and has always been consistent.. as a UNICEF Eminent Advocate for Children, she leads by example as is so evident by the countless programmes for children that she is involved in. She does this all with such grace and calm. The meeting and our discussions, further reiterated my commitment to to help children the world over... because every child matters, no matter where they come from.

Im looking forward to meeting her again at the United Nations General Assembly in NYC next week which we both will be speaking at.

Thank you Jordan for the hospitality and I will see you again... To support the work that @unicef is doing, please log on to www.unicef.org #MissionForChildren #ChildrenUprooted, she wrote.

The queen is known for her work as an advocate for education and youth and community empowerment. Priyanka spent some quality time with the children on her maiden visit to a Syrian refugee camp there.

She also shared a video on Tuesday from Jordan, giving a shout out to her Bollywood colleagues Katrina Kaif and Shah Rukh Khan.

She shared a video of a teenager named Wafaa on Instagram, where the girl talked about her love for Katrina Kaif.

Priyanka Chopra said Sunday that the world needs to do more to help those displaced by war -- through individual donations if governments won't step up. (AP)

Priyanka dedicated the post to the Jagga Jasoos actor on behalf of Wafaa, writing, This is a special shout out to one of Indias biggest movie stars. @katrinakaif this video is just for you, all the way from Zaatari Refugee camp in Jordan.

Priyanka said she did not expect Bollywood stars and their films would give people a sense of hope, relief and escape in such dire circumstances.

I was especially told to give messages of love to these massive Indian film superstars, who are favourites at Zaatari... Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor and Anushka Sharma... a big shoutout to you all and Hindi movies from these amazing kids who are huge fans.

Priyanka, who is the Unicef global goodwill ambassador, has been documenting her visit to Amman, which hosts 1,80,000 Syrian refugees, on social media.

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Veteran actors Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu couldnt keep their happiness contained upon receiving the keys to their disputed property in Pali Hill, Mumbai. The couple posted pictures on Twitter with smiles on their faces, thanking their fans for their prayers.

Sahab and I took possession of the property which has been his residence for decades. Honble Supreme Court...restored the possession to us. Sahab is overjoyed. Sharing some photos. Thank you friends n fans innumerable who have prayed for us, Banu shared through Kumars Twitter page.

Bohot dino baad Saab ke chehre pe itni khushi (So much happiness on Saabs face after so many days), the page shared with Kumars fans.

Message from Saira Banu "Sahab and I took possession of the property which has been his residence for decades. Hon'ble Supreme Court...1/  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) September 12, 2017

2/ "restored the possession to us. Sahab is overjoyed. Sharing some photos. Thank you friends n fans innumerable who have prayed for us" pic.twitter.com/mPkuVPNd3N  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) September 12, 2017

Bohot dino baad Saab ke chehre pe itni khushi. -FF pic.twitter.com/nSyFh3K6Vp  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) September 12, 2017

The disputed property was under the control of real estate firm Prajita Developers Pvt Ltd. The actors were given keys to the property on Tuesday.

In August, Kumar was asked by the Supreme Court to deposit Rs 20 crore with its registry as part payment to the Mumbai-based real estate firm with whom the agreement to develop his prime Pali Hill property ran into rough weather a decade ago.

The actor had entered into the agreement with Prajita Developers Pvt Ltd for developing his property, measuring 2412 square yards. The dispute arose later as no construction started and the veteran actor wanted back the plot whose possession was with the firm.

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Contrary to the perception that Indians are making their presence felt in Hollywood, actor Tisca Chopra says we have not yet begun in the West.

The 43-year-old actor says only two Indian artistes - Priyanka Chopra and Irrfan Khan - have managed to be consistent in Hollywood, which is not enough to assure Indias place in the international cinema.

In an interview with PTI, Tisca says, We are such a huge country and if one or two people are working in international projects, it doesnt make a difference. They are cast here and there when an Asian face is needed.

Tisca Chopra says India may be a huge market for filmmakers and actors in the West in terms of making money, but they are still not attracted to the content of the movies made here. (PTI)

I feel only Priyanka Chopra and Irrfan have managed to work consistently in the West. Apart from them, I dont think anyone else is doing anything significant. There is no star from India in Hollywood.

The actor says India may be a huge market for filmmakers and actors in the West in terms of making money, but they are still not attracted to the content of the movies made here.

We are far from making our place in global film market. Chinese, Korean, Iranian and Turkish films have set markets for themselves in the West.

In India, we make over 700 films every year and out of them there are not even one or two that make the cut at the world level. We have not even begun in the West. Every one has their eye on making money. Our content is not compelling enough for the filmmakers from the West. What is attracting them is our vast population. They have a huge market in India.

Tisca will next be seen in The Hungry, a contemporary retelling of Shakespearian tragedy Titus Andronicus. The movie follows a widow and a bride to be on their journey of revenge.

The Hungry will premiere at the ongoing Toronto Film Festival tomorrow and Tisca is excited about taking the film to the popular platform.

It feels fabulous to take our film to TIFF. It feels right as we have put in ample effort to make this movie. It was a tightly-shot project. It was a tough subject but it has been made with a lot of heart.

Naseeruddin Shah and Tisca Chopra in The Hungry.

Tisca plays Tulsi in the movie directed by Bornila Chatterjee and the actor says her character has shades of early Lady Macbeth.

It is an earlier version. It is a dark and compelling film and for me it was one of my most challenging roles, she adds.

The movie also features veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and Tisca says working with Shah always improves her performance.

I have studied with him and done workshops with him. I have a different relationship with him. Working with him enhances your performance as well as understanding of the subject.

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National carrier Air India plans to take short-term loans of up to Rs 3,250 crore to meet urgent working capital requirements, according to a document.

The disinvestment-bound airline, which is staying afloat on taxpayers funds, expects to get the central governments guarantee for the proposed borrowings shortly.

As part of efforts to revive the loss-making Air India, a ministerial panel is working on the modalities for strategic disinvestment of the carrier and its five subsidiaries.

Against this backdrop, the airline seeking short-term loans assumes significance as it implies possible funds crunch.

In a tender document issued on Wednesday, the carrier said it is looking for government guarantee backed INR short-term loans totalling up to Rs 3,250 crore in the first phase to meet its urgent working capital requirements by September 25, 2017.

The tenure of the loan will be one year and the amount is proposed to be drawn in two or three tranches.

A senior official said the airline is already facing cash deficit and the loans will help in meeting immediate capital requirements.

The Government of India guarantee, which is expected shortly, will be valid for a period of one year or till the date of disinvestment, the document said.

Banks have been asked to submit their financial bids by September 19, indicating the amount of government-guaranteed short-term loans they are willing to offer.

Under a turnaround plan approved by the previous UPA regime, Air India is to receive up to Rs 30,231 crore from the government subject to meeting certain performance thresholds. The 10-year bailout package began from 2012.

So far, the embattled carrier has received around Rs 26,000 crore under the package.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its in-principle nod to the strategic disinvestment of the airline  which has a debt burden of more than Rs 50,000 crore  in June this year.

Subsequently, an Air India-specific alternative mechanism was set up to guide the process. The ministerial group is looking into treatment of Air Indias unsustainable debt, hiving off of certain assets to a shell company, demerger and strategic disinvestment of three profit-making subsidiaries, among other aspects.

Last month, the ministerial panel decided to appoint transaction advisors for Air India disinvestment.
The government said on Wednesday it will not step in to adjust prices of petrol and diesel, which are at its highest in three years, and blamed a spike in international crude oil prices for the increase.

The price of petrol in Delhi, for instance, has increased by Rs 4.90 a litre in the last two months, triggering criticism from consumers and the opposition.

It is not in the good interest of the general public for the government to intervene in the day-to-day business of oil marketing companies, oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said after a meeting with the heads of state-run refiners on Wednesday.

Petrol cost Rs 70.38 a litre on September 13, up from Rs. 65.48 a litre on June 16 when the government introduced the system of revising fuel prices daily in sync with international oil markets. Prior to June 16, fuel prices were revised every fortnight to reflect international prices and exchange rates of the two weeks gone by.

The last time people in Delhi paid around Rs 70 a litre for petrol was in September 2014. But at that time, crude oil cost $96 a barrel (on September 15, 2014), nearly double of the $53 it did on September 13.

Crude prices are seeing the impact of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, this has caused a 13% decline in global refining capacity...This has caused international crude prices to increase; petrol has increased 18% and diesel prices have increased 20% in global markets, said Pradhan.

He said he was optimistic of global prices cooling in the coming days.

The price break-up for every litre of petrol in Delhi shows that state-run companies charge dealers Rs 30.70. The remaining is in excise duty, dealers commission and state VAT which takes the price to Rs 70.38.

Indias crude oil basket was at $53 per barrel on September 13, compared to $46 a barrel on June 16.

The fall in crude oil prices since 2014 has been offset by an increase in taxes, particularly the central excise duty that was raised 9 times between November 2014 and January 2016. The corresponding tax mop up went from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17. Additionally, VAT, a component levied by state governments, has also been increased in some regions.

Deflecting calls for a rollback on such duties, Pradhan said the revenue is used for financing social and infrastructure projects.

He left the decision on taxes to the finance ministry.

India imports 80% of its oil need, raking up a hefty import bill, but sliding crude prices have trimmed it as well as the current account deficit.

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Ahead of the BJP national president Amit Shahs two-day visit to Dehradun next week,

the ruling party sought to downplay the clash involving the supporters of two Cabinet ministers

and the Haridwar mayor.

BJP state president Ajay Bhatt said the internal probe committee has prima facie found that none of the person involved in the clash was associated with the party. There were supporters of Satpal Maharajji and workers of Municipal Corporation who were involved in the clash. And both were not the members of the BJP. It looks like there was some miscommunication among them, Bhatt said on Wednesday.

In August, the supporters of tourism minister Satpal Maharaj and Haridwar mayor Manoj Garg along with others clashed when the latter went to Prem Nagar ashram owned by Satpals trust in a bid to demolish the alleged encroached portion. Garg was joined by the supporters of local legislator and urban development minister Madan Kaushik. Both sides filed police complaints against each other, much to the embarrassment of the BJP government.

Chief Minister TS Rawat had to intervene to pacify warring groups but still neither of the side has withdrawn the police complaints.

Bhatt said the party will decide on the future course of action only once the final report of police comes. We dont want our report to overlap over the police report and, therefore, we will wait for the police report.

Although, the party has disassociated itself with the other two cases involving legislators Pranav Singh Champion and Yatishwaranand. Police cases have been filed against duo. In the Champion case, a supporter of Haridwar MP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank filed the report and an ABVP worker filed the report against Yatishwaranand in the second case.

What can we do? said Bhatt when he was reminded of his earlier statement that the police should refrain from filing report against the public representatives.

The BJP state president though hinted the party might serve notice in another case involving Dehradun mayor Vinod Chamoli whose video went viral in which he is purportedly heard talking to the chief minister over phone after he failed to meet the district magistrate.

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Helicopter services resumed in the Kedranath Valley on Wednesday after the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) allotted flying schedule to eight aviation companies for the second phase of this year.

On Tuesday, the UCADA had suspended the helicopter services in the Kedarnath valley after they failed to submit documents related to compliance with the National Green Tribunal directives on height and level of noise that the helicopters generate. The aviation companies had not submitted 10% royalty to the government, which was another reason for halting the services for a day.

Officials inform the post-monsoon allocation of slots was to be done and it was only possible after the companies submit details of the flying height. The NGT had directed helicopter operators to fly above 600 m (2,000 ft) from ground level for minimising any adverse impact on the eco-sensitive Kedarnath valley.

We had to allot schedule for the second phase for which documentation was necessary. The companies were not responding and so, we had to take action. We had to ensure that the companies are complying with the NGT norms, UCADA additional chief executive officer R Rajesh Kumar told Hindustan Times.

He added the Authority is ready with the necessary papers, which means the report of each company and their compliance is now available We are prepared. If the tribunal asks us details, we have it all now, Kumar said.

The helicopters generally operate in two phases in Kedarnath. During the first phase of the pre-monsoon period between May and June, a specific schedule is released for every company so that only six copters fly at one time as per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms.

During monsoon, flight permission is subject to weather conditions. The second phase generally starts in July end. But due to incessant rainfall, the phase started in the first week of September and ends when the Kedarnath portals are closed for winter in November.

The state government permitted 13 companies to ferry pilgrims to Kedarnath this year. Of these only eight companies are operational. The Authority will remain in touch with the remaining five companies that are neither operating nor submitted any document for discontinuing services.

The helicopter services in the Kedranth valley is highly risky as per experts. As a mitigation option, the Wildlife Institute of India, in its report submitted to the NGT, had recommended constructing ropeways for facilitation pilgrims. Ropeways would be a sustainable option which would not interfere in the ecosystem of the Valley, WII director VB Mathur had said. On August 30, the NGT had questioned the government on the status of the ropeway project in the valley.

The flashback

It was in 2013 when the then divisional forest officer submitted a report to the forest department highlighting that unregulated helicopter is causing damage to the breeding of various high-altitude wild animals such as Musk Deer. The same year the catastrophic flashfloods left a trail of destruction in the Kedarnath Valley.

In 2015, an NGO filed a petition before the NGT raising concern over the helicopter service in the Kedarnath Valley. The government roped in the WII, which found helicopters were flying as low as 15 m above the ground causing noise levels of 70-80 decibels - higher than permissible limit near a protected area.

HT exclusively published the findings of the report on which the NGT ordered the helicopter service to comply with its orders. In May, the chief secretary submitted to the DGCA that the helicopters would fly above 600 m in the valley.

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DEHRADUN: Five police teams are in different parts of the country including Delhi, Haryana and Gujarat to carry out investigation in the kidney racket case that was allegedly operating from a private hospital near Dehradun.

The police have recovered bank account details of some of the accused and have sought transaction history of those accounts from the banks. The bank account of the wife of one of the prime accused was used for online transactions for purchasing medicines used in the surgeries, the police said.

Five teams have been sent to different places for gathering details...we are also interrogating relatives of the absconding criminals to recover details about them, Dehradun senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nivedita Kukreti Kumar said on Wednesday. Upon interrogation, Javed Khan (the tout who was arrested on Monday) has revealed some names involved in the racket...were looking into it. .

On Wednesday, the four victims, who had been brought from West Bengal and Gujarat on the promise of Rs 3 lakh each, recorded their statements before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The police have identified seven prime accused Dr Amit Kumar (Mumbai), Dr Akshay Kumar (Mumbai), Dr Sanjay Das (Bihar), Sushma Kumari (Bihar), Rajeev Chaudhary (Uttar Pradesh), Chandna Gudiya (West Bengal) and Jagdish Bhai (Gujarat). The police suspect that the first two doctors were connected with a similar kidney racket in other places like Gurugram, Jaipur and Hyderabad in the past, though a probe is yet to establish the speculation.

The Indian Medical Associations Uttarakhand chapter demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the racket. We urge the government to seek a CBI inquiry into blatantly unethical criminal activity done in the holy land of Uttarakhand, it said in a statement released on Wednesday.

IMAs state branch has taken serious cognisance of the heinous crime purported by some black sheep in the profession. Image of doctors cannot be allowed to be maligned by such criminals...The strictest possible action should be taken against the culprits, said Dipak D. Choudhury, honorary secretary of IMAs state chapter.

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Increased vigil at airports has made gold smugglers more creative. After brassiere rims and baby strollers, they are now training women to insert gold bars in their rectum.

The smugglers are using a network of international and domestic flights to deceive customs officials and smuggle gold. They change from an international flight to a domestic one before flying in to Delhi. Of the three such cases detected across India, two were reported at the Delhi airport.

Custom officials seized about 2.4 kg gold worth Rs71 lakh from two women passengers. A total of 12 small gold bars have been recovered and customs said that women were trained to insert gold in their rectum.

At Delhi airport, we caught a woman passenger from Thiruvananthapuram (with gold bars in her body). It was revealed that six gold bars were brought by a male passenger from Bangkok, he travelled to Maldives and then went to Thiruvananthapuram, where he handed over the gold bars to the woman passenger in the plane. The woman put the gold bar in her rectum inside the planes toilet, said a customs official.

Since domestic passengers are not scanned by customs, the smugglers were using a chain of international and domestic flights to sneak in gold. Customs official said that both women held are from Maharashtra and in the age group of 30-35 years.

In the second case as well, the gold came from Bangkok and after going to another international destination, the male passenger went to Chennai from where a woman passenger joined him and then they came to Delhi. Since, we had prior input and scanners alerted presence of metal in the body, the woman confessed to smuggling (gold), the official added.

Customs officials say increased vigil has forced smugglers to become more creative in sneaking past security. There have been cases of gold stitched into brassiere, stuffed in perambulator rods, tied to thigh guards and waists.

Against 6.6kg of gold seized in 2012-13, the quantity of gold seized in 2013-14 increased to 384 kg and reached on an all-time high with 574kg in 2014-15. However, the gold seizures started falling in 2015-16 with 450 kg and just 260 kg in 2016-17.

In the past few months, customs have come across smugglers unique modus operandi where gold was concealed in everything from diapers to papayas.

Two weeks back, customs caught a passenger with just a pen, a shirt, a pair of jeans, a harmonica, a purse and an umbrella for luggage. Close inspection revealed that the nib of the pen, the buttons of the shirt and pair of jeans, interior bits of the harmonica, the metallic rim of the purse, and the skeleton of umbrella, all were made of gold.

Few months back, customs arrested two Uzbek women who had concealed gold in their undergarments.

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The Centre on Wednesday said it has taken up highway projects worth Rs 34,100 crore to decongest the national capital and sought Delhi governments support in expediting the work.

Chairing a high-level meeting on Projects on Decongestion of Delhi, Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said a comprehensive exercise for decongesting arterial road network of national highways connecting NCT Delhi was on.

He further said that projects were being expedited and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken up comprehensive development and decongestion of NH-1, NH-8 and NH-24. The NH-1, NH-2, NH-8, NH-10 and NH-24 converge in Delhi.

Briefing the media after the meeting, minister of environment, forests and climate change Harsh Vardhan said, The Centre has taken up projects worth Rs 34,100 crore to decongest Delhi that includes Rs 6,000 crore project on NH24.

He also sought cooperation from the Delhi government, saying the Centres approach is positive in developing the arterial network and the state government should come forward and cooperate.

Other stakeholders like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have assured their full support in the initiative, he said.

Reviewing the projects during the meeting it was felt that for complete decongestion, interconnectivity among National Highways need to be improved for which a few more roads are required to be developed, officials said.

The issues pending with the Delhi government included permission to fell trees for Dhaulakuan junction as it required cutting of 1,900 trees.

The Delhi government was also asked to expedite land acquisition for Dwarka Expressway.


A taxi driver has been arrested for allegedly raping a 23-year-old woman from Punjab in a park near Red Fort after offering her a lift, the Delhi Police said on Wednesday.

Thirty-year-old Chunnu Kumar, who drove a kalli-peeli taxi , called so for its yellow roof and black body, was arrested on Tuesday a few hours after the woman lodged a complaint in the latest incident of sexual assault involving a cab driver.

The woman told police she was taking a train to Ludhiana after spending some days with her relatives in Noida and reached the New Delhi station on Monday night.

Her train was to leave at 4.30am the next day and she was waiting at a platform when Kumar saw her, deputy commissioner of police (north) Jatin Narwal said.

Once they got talking, Kumar, a resident of Shastri Park, lied to the woman that her train was cancelled. He even took her ticket and returned after some time to tell her that she would have to wait till 8am to cancel the ticket, Narwal said.

Kumar offered to drop her to a nearby bus terminal but drove the car to the Golden Jubilee Park and allegedly raped her.

He then dropped the woman at the Old Delhi railway station and fled.

Though the woman didnt remember his name, she could recall the taxis registration number. A police team scanned the footage of CCTV cameras at the New Delhi station and identified Kumar who was arrested on Tuesday afternoon.

Police were checking if he had a criminal record.

Both the Centre and Delhi government have come up with guidelines for security of women and taxi operators but norms continue to be flouted.

There have been reports of men with criminal records driving taxis or service providers failing to do a thorough background check of the drivers.

Delhi reported 2,155 cases of rape in 2016, one of the highest in the country, police data shows. This year seems to be headed the last years way. Till August 31, 1,446 cases of rape had been reported compared to 1,514 for the same period last year.

According to the 2015 National Crime Records Bureau, the city recorded 2,210 rapes compared to 712 in Mumbai and 112 in Bengaluru.
What happens to a scholars books after his death?

We went one morning to Persian scholar SM Yunus Jafferys private library in his home in the Walled City neighbourhood of Ganj Mir Khan. This month commemorates his first death anniversary. He had died last September at the age of 86.

Mr Jafferys home  a private world of courtyards, terraces and balconies  shelters the families of his nephews. His books and papers occupy three rooms.

The late scholar had retired as the head of the Persian department at Delhi Universitys Zakir Husain College and spent years immersed in reading and writing. Though he never married, he remained attached to a woman in Iran he had first met decades ago while pursuing a doctorate in Persian studies in that country.

Bhaimian was a workaholic and did not want to die, says Shazia Zahid, who is married to Mr Jafferys nephew Faridu and lives in one portion of the sprawling house. She is referring to Mr Jaffery in the affectionate way he was addressed by the family.

Ms Zahid, a designer, shared an intimate bond with Mr Jaffery, who, in fact, used her email address for his online correspondence with scholars and students spread across the world. He also spent a large part of the day in her part of the house, especially in the room from where she runs her designing company.

Ms Zahid walks over to the room behind her office space. Part of a wall is scrawled with an emotional letter addressed to Mr Jaffery Dada, I miss you. Please come back.... Its written by Ms Zahids daughter, Alina.

Bhaimian would save all his files on a desktop computer, says Ms Zahid. The desktop folders would have names such as CorrespondenceaboutSaib and Urdu-works.

A specialist on the 17th century Persian poet Saib-e-Tabrizi, Mr Jaffery had translated the letters of poet Muhammad Iqbal from Urdu to Persian. He had co-edited and annotated the Persian translation of the Hindu epic Ramayan. Two of Mr Jafferys books  on Persian literature in India, and on Tabriziwere published in Iran.

It was my job to make prints of all the emails Bhaimian received, says Ms Zahid. She takes us to Mr Jafferys study where he received visitors.

We have been here when Mr Jaffery was alive. It no longer looks like his place. The spot where his writing desk used to be has been taken over by an exercise bike. Neither can we see the familiar steel racks holding hefty Persian-English dictionariesthe bottom shelf used to have micro films of rare, old Persian books. They all have been shifted to a loft in the courtyard because of a termite scare. Many other books have been given away to Zakir Husain College and Iran Culture House.

The framed citation for the Farabi International Award, a literary prize given to Mr Jaffery by the Iranian government for Islamic and Iranian studies, is still on the mantelpiece.

We had been to Mr Jafferys home on the day of his burial, too. A grief-stricken Ms Zahid had then showed us a thick file containing letters written to Mr Jaffrey (one was from the University of Minnesota, dated 1985). She had also showed us a white refrigerator, where Mr Jaffery kept his pens. He was a collector of ink pens. Every time his friend Ebba Koch came to visit him from Austria, he would ask her to bring him a new pen.

Ms Koch, an art and architectural historian in the University of Vienna, had studied Persian under Mr Jafferys tutelage.

The scholar spent his last 22 days in hospital. Ms Zahid shows us a white sheet nestled between his medical reports. It has Mr Jafferys hospital-time scrawls. The top line reads: Is Manizeh here.

That was his woman friend from Iran.
New Delhi

The Delhi Congress on Wednesday described the DUSU election results as a rejection of the speech delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 11 and acceptance of the Congress ideology explained by party vice-president Rahul Gandhi in his speech in Berkeley on the counting day.

While Rahul Gandhi spoke on September 12 morning---the counting day---Modi spoke at length the previous day, addressing a students convention to mark the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekanandas Chicago address and BJP ideologue Deendayal Upadhyayas centenary celebrations.

Earlier, the plan was to hold the election on September 9, a weekend which has been the convention in the university. However, the election dates were deliberately pushed to September 12 in order to influence the students with PMs speech a day before the poll. However, all efforts failed as students extended their support to our leaders speech in Berkeley, Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said at a press conference after the results.

The former union minister also alleged that the Delhi University administration has been working under pressure from the BJP-led central government and has been taking decisions to scuttle NSUIs prospects in the DUSU polls.

Maken said the students wing has challenged the result for the post of joint secretary and if required they would move court.

Had won 3 seats but recounting of votes shows ABVP's unconstitutional face. Will go to judiciary: Deepender Hooda,Congress #DUSUelection2017 pic.twitter.com/ap4yuIk65y  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

First they cancelled the nomination of our presidential candidate. We got it restored by moving the Delhi High Court. On Wednesday, initially, our election agents were told that the result was 3-1 in favour of NSUI. Then the ABVP demanded for recounting for the joint secretary post. It seems to be rigged as the cameras were switched off. Now we have demanded recounting, Maken said.

The DU administration said the grievance cell will take a call on the application.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said ABVP used unfair means to win two seats.

The NSUI has all options open. You must have seen how the NSUI candidate for presidential posts nomination was cancelled in an inappropriate manner. Later, Delhi HC cleared his nomination, he said, referring to Rocky Tuseed who won the election.

Today, he won the seat with a huge margin. This is not single example. The atmosphere in the country is changing. The person who misled the youth, he (Narendra Modi) is now being taught a lesson by them, he added.

Tewari said: NSUI had also won the Punjab University Students Union and Rajasthan University Students Union elections. This is a sign of the wind of change in the country. The process of change has started with the NSUI.
With morning colleges recording over 45% voter turnout on Tuesday, the Delhi University Students Union polls had a better turnout than last year.

The voter turnout has increased by almost 10% since last year. According to SB Babbar, the chief election officer of DU, of the 1,02,624 voters in the 40-odd DUSU affiliated morning colleges, 46,504 students turned up to cast their votes.

Aryabhatta College recorded one of the lowest turnouts, of around 14%, according to Manoj Sinha, the principal.

The major players in the fray include the RSS backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Congress student outfit National Students Union of India. The left wing All India Students Association (AISA) are also one of the more vocal participants.

Though the counting of votes for the central panel will be done on Wednesday, results of individual colleges had started pouring in on Tuesday. ABVP claimed to have swept Vivekananda College, Laxmibai College, Satyawati Evening College and Zakir Hussein Evening College, while winning many seats at multiple other colleges. NSUI also claimed to have swept around eight colleges.

While the north campus seemed to have been cleaned of many of the posters and fliers, a little further away at Satyawati College, fliers littered every inch of the road.

Security had been tightened across the North Campus. Chhatra Marg had been barricaded off, and cops were seen clearing groups of people loitering near the gates. At Ramjas College, which was described as especially vulnerable by a police officer, students were not allowed to loiter within 50 feet of the entry gates.

Students said they vote on everything from their stance on issues, to party affiliations.

Whatever a candidate does, is at the end of the day based on his party politics. So it is important to look at the candidate as not just an individual, but also at his affiliations, said Elizabeth Yeldo, a second year Chemistry (hons) student at Miranda House.

Students of evening colleges in South Campus like PGDAV college, Motilal Nehru and Aurobindo said that they felt neglected.

Kuljeet Kaur a student at Motilal Nehru college evening said, It gets very difficult during winters as the sun sets early and we have to walk till Satya Niketan to get a bus. There is no bus facility and we have to walk till Satya Niketan to get a bus. This is unsafe for girls.

There were also pamphlets and fliers that were being distributed that had false information, though it is unverified who published them.
There was confusion over his surname -- Tuseed, Tushir, Tuseer, his papers were rejected, had to move court amid campaign to restore his nomination and effectively got just one day to campaign. Rocky Tuseed trumped several challenges to emerge the new DUSU president on Wednesday.

His future is still hanging in the balance as the court is yet to give a final verdict on his petition. The matter will be heard next on September 28.

The Delhi University chief election officer had rejected Tuseeds candidature, citing a disciplinary action that had been taken against him during his undergraduate days at Shivaji College, and he had not made it to the list of presidential candidates released on September 6.

Tuseeds nomination was reinstated on Friday. He essentially had just Saturday to campaign, as Sunday was a holiday and Monday was a no campaigning day on campus.

A student of MA (Buddhist Studies), Tuseed was represented in the high court by legal heavyweights  P Chidambaram and former additional solicitor general Vivek Tankha.

Rocky won fair and square and has been given a democratic mandate by the students. No matter the courts decision, the mandate will remain, said Ruchi Gupta, the national incharge of the NSUI.

Posters and pamphlets with the names of Rocky Tushir, Tuseer and even Rocky Handsome were seen across the campus in the run up to the elections. Even on polling day, there were vehicles parked outside many colleges and driving through campus, with We love we love Rocky from the Akshay Kumar starrer Aflatoon blasting on the stereo.

Some say there was a sympathy wave for Rocky since he was wronged.

Sympathy is not the right word. Students realized he had been treated unfairly. But more importantly Rocky has always been a strong candidate to begin with, and has worked for students issues for a long time, said Gupta.
Local residents have stopped venturing out to Central Park in Geetanjali Enclave as a python has taken refuge there for the past one month.

The worried residents, fearing for their lives and having failed to get any assistance from the civic agency, have decided to keep the parks gate locked till the snake is captured.

The locals have even deputed a guard outside the park for restricting people, especially children, from entering the place. Residents have spotted the python at least five to six times in the last 25 days. It is about three-feet long, said Giri Khanna, vice president of co-operative society Geetanjali Enclave.

As soon as we received the first complaint, the matter was immediately discussed with area councillor Nandini Sharma. Without any delay she asked the horticulture department, South Delhi Municipal Corporation to take action. However, we havent seen anyone from department here so far, said Khanna.

The matter was raised by Sharma during the standing committee meeting on Wednesday. The residents had last spotted the python three days ago and thats why I requested the officials to take the matter seriously, said Sharma.

Residents want a solution to the problem as they cant keep the place locked forever, she said.

However, SDMC officials claim that the matter doesnt come under their purview.

A senior SDMC official said, The issue belongs to the forest department and we have shared the details and pictures with AK Shukla, chief wildlife warden, Delhi government. He informed us that the snake was a Sand Bao, which is not poisonous. So residents need not panic.

Still, we have decided to get all the holes in the park ground filled with the help of the horticulture department. However, no one has visited the place from the forest department, he said further.

HT could not reach Shukla for a comment. However, another senior official said The residents can share all details with us again and we will send the wildlife SOS team immediately to the place.

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The recent statements from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat seem to mark a welcome shift from some of the organisations rigid positions of the past.

Speaking to a gathering of 50 diplomats recently, Mr Bhagwat spoke of how Hinduism does not lay down food and dress codes. He said that RSS members were free to work in any political party of their choice. Whether these liberal views were for the benefit of the audience is a matter of debate but if we take him at face value, we can hope that this signals a progressive turn in the organisations thinking.

It has long been thought that the RSS, which is a self-proclaimed cultural organisation, has disproportionate influence on the BJP, many of whose top leaders come from its ranks. But we now have Mr Bhagwat saying that the RSS does not control the ruling party or vice versa. And rightly so.

An elected government should be answerable only to the people and the democratic institutions of the country and not to anyone else even though their ideologies may be in sync.

However, Mr Bhagwats message of inclusion and tolerance should trickle down to the rank and file who have often acted as though it has carte blanche to do as it likes with a friendly government in place. Mr Bhagwats condemnation of trolling on the Internet also comes not a moment too soon. In recent times, the Right-wing trolls have launched no-holds-barred attacks on those who hold differing viewpoints. They viciously attacked slain journalist Gauri Lankesh and rubbished her reputation on the Internet. Often they take upon themselves the role of defending Indias honour and image using hatred and innuendo against anyone perceived to be secular or liberal. If the RSS is serious about its opposition to such trolling, we can hope to see a drop in enthusiasm among offenders.

The RSS has over the years developed a reputation for having a largely single-point agenda, that of ushering in a Hindu rashtra. Mr Bhagwats more inclusive words seem at variance with this. If this is a trend for the future, it is a positive step forward for the RSS. Mr Bhagwats words should also send out a strong signal to other Hindutva forces like the Bajrang Dal and VHP, which have often taken cover behind the RSS when disseminating their sectarian views. So far the RSS seems to have nurtured a vision of homogenous India where everyone would fall in line with the majoritys views and thinking. Mr Bhagwats recent views mark a departure from this. And this comes at the right time when the nation is divided on so many faultlines, the most prominent being that between liberalism and intolerance.
The medical education regulator has cancelled the admission of 778 MBBS students who joined private colleges in Puducherry last year for violating the Supreme Courts guidelines, HT has learnt.

All the seven private medical colleges in the Union territory havent demonstrated any evidence of fairness and transparency in the admission process... the Medical Council of India said in a September 7, 2017 letter, cancelling the admissions.

HT has a copy of the order that came on the complaint of Puducherry lieutenant governor Kiran Bedi, who said merit had been sacrificed for money.

Bedi got complaints from parents alleging fraud and ordered a probe which found that of the 1,200 students who joined the bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery, or MBBS, in 2016, 778 were admitted overlooking the top courts directives on the national eligibility-cum-entrance test (NEET).

The state-run Indira Gandhi Medical College, which has 150 seats, is in the clean as it followed the counselling guidelines.

The MCI order highlights the difficulties in cleaning up medical education, a lucrative business, in India. NEET that replaced a web of tests conducted by states and various medical colleges was one such step.

But, some colleges continue to set aside norms for money or favour, leaving out deserving students. States have come up with arbitrary guidelines this year as well, as reported by Hindustan Times on Wednesday, raising questions over the fairness of the process.

While restoring NEET in 2016, the top court ordered all states to designate a counselling authority to prepare a list of successful candidates.

Puducherry, too, set up a centralised admission committee (Centac) but the seven private colleges admitted students directly, ignoring the panel.

Of the 1,200 MBBS seats -- bulk of them are with private colleges -- available in the UT, 283 are set aside for students of Puducherry, or state quota, while the remaining 767 are available to aspirants from across India.

Last year, 280 state-quota seats were filled through Centac. The three that remained vacant were added to the India pool, taking the number of seats to 770.

Panchapakesan Ganesan, whose daughter was denied admission, alleged that 778 admissions -- 770 under all India quota and eight in state quota  were made fraudulently.

President of Puducherry UT All Centac Students Parents Association M Narayanassamy wrote to Bedi, who asked a committee led by a retired judge, Chitra Venkatraman, to look into the charges.

Venkatramans report said the entire exercise violated the Supreme Court order, as students with high NEET scores were denied admission with money taking precedence over marks.

At the hands of the private medical colleges, merit has become a casualty, Bedi said in a letter to MCI.

The MCI on September 7 informed the chief secretary of its decision cancelling admission of all the students except those who were admitted through Centac.

As in the past, students can challenge the MCI order in the courts.

The MCI in 2016 threw out 519 students in four states for similar violations but most of the colleges managed to get relief from courts.

Colleges were misusing the legal system, as courts normally took a compassionate view and allowed students to continue, a senior lawyer who didnt wish to be identified said.

Why spare colleges?

The parents association has questioned the MCIs failure to act against the erring colleges.

I am surprised why no action has been recommended by the MCI against colleges? I feel disappointed as we didnt intend to destroy the career of students, Narayanasamy said.

Ganesan said he had written to the President seeking amnesty for students. I started this crusade so that private colleges would mend their ways and be made more accountable. But I cant see it happening, he said.

Parents who have paid lakhs of rupees in fee say scrapping of admission a year later was unfair.

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New York Fashion Week has raised the bar for street style, but amidst all the fashion chaos, a star piece has emerged: the statement blazer. Bold, mannish jackets have been on our radar ever since Rihanna donned an outsized one to meet the First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron, to discuss her global education initiative back in July. The statement shoulders and long sleeves of RiRis blazer put a playful twist on business dressing, and, it seems, set the tone for fall dressing.

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on May 24, 2017 at 12:33pm PDT

Since then, supermodel Kendall Jenner has been spotted working the oversized blazer as her new go-to piece for that off-duty model look, as well as donning a mannish, too-big tweed coat in a nod to the look, a move followed by Selena Gomez.

But while Jenner has teamed her tailoring with jeans and sweaters, big sister Kim Kardashian has taken things to the other extreme, wearing the piece on its own as a dress (coincidentally, also a look that Rihanna has sported during New York Fashion Week).

suited  A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) on Sep 9, 2017 at 2:38pm PDT

Of course, the blazer can also be worn the conventional way, and both Gigi and Bella Hadid have been rocking the trend recently on the red carpet, with Bella going gold and double-breasted for a Max Mara store opening and Gigi making repeated appearances in brightly-hued suits throughout New York Fashion Week. However you choose to wear it, the blazer is shaping up to be the most in-demand cover up this season.

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The Ryan International Group of Institutions, founded by Augustine F Pinto in 1976, started with one primary school in Borivali, a Mumbai suburb. Even though the start was not great as there was little response from parents, the group started two more schools in the city within the next 10 years. Today the group has over 200 schools across the country and abroad.

The group is co-founded and run by his wife and managing director Grace Pinto. Their son, Ryan, is the CEO of the group.

Grace started her career as a teacher in a convent-run school in suburban Malad in the early 1970s. The couple got married in 1974 and started their first school two years later.

At present, the group runs schools affiliated to various education boards including the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) & International General Certificate for Secondary Education (IGCSE).

Controversies are not rare for the groups schools across the nation.

The Ryan group is again in controversy after an eight-year-old boy was murdered on September 8 in the toilet of Ryan International schools Bhondsi branch in Gurgaon.

In August 2015, some teachers from Ryan Group of School across Mumbai told the Shiv Sena that the school management had asked their students to pray against a Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Vinayak Raut. The prayer was conducted barely few days after the school education department had sent a showcause notice to the management, acting on a complaint by Raut, for not paying their teachers salaries as per the Sixth Pay Commission.

In another incident in October 2015, the management was pulled into another controversy after a class 9 student of Ryan International School in Chembur alleged that his teacher slapped him six times in class for leaving his collar unbuttoned in class. Parents of the student took the school management to court for targeting the child in school and eventually suspending him.

On January 30, 2016, six-year-old Devansh Meena of Delhis Vasant Kunj branch, died after he allegedly fell into a water tank. A case of negligence was registered and the police arrested the principal and four school staff.

The group has also received several notices from the state government as well as the school education department for not paying teachers their dues as per the rule book.

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Parents of students studying in the Sector 31 and Sector 40 branches of Ryan International School on Wednesday inspected the school premises before allowing their children to resume their classes.

Parents on Wednesday barged into the schools and protested, demanding to meet the school authorities before allowing their children to go to their classrooms.

Parents had stopped sending their children to schools after an eight-year-old boy was found dead in Ryan International Schools Bhondsi branch on Friday.

As the school reopened on Wednesday, less than 20% of the students attended the schools, as parents were apprehensive about the security arrangements in the school.

The school authorities are not discussing anything with us. We have no assurance that our children will be safe inside the schools, said Monika Singh, whose son studies in the Sector 40 branch of Ryan International School.

Another Parent, Amita Yadav, whose daughter studies in the Sector 31 branch of Ryan International School, said, We wanted to meet the authorities but we were denied. We want to be sure that we are not making a mistake by sending our children back to school.

The school authorities then called for police protection and then held a discussion with the parents, after which the parents inspected the school premises and allowed their wards to resume classes.

I have not yet sent my son to school. I will drop him at school tomorrow, said Reema Dhanchand, whose son studies in Sector 40 branch of Ryan International School.

Parents said that the school authority had asked them for a months time to fix all security issues. The demand for security guidelines has come days after an eight-year-old student of Ryan International School in Bhondsi was found with his throat slit outside the schools toilet.

Both principals refused to comment on the issue.

The police later arrested Ashok Kumar, the 42-year-old bus conductor, after he confessed to the crime. The police said that the accused, on being interrogated, confessed that he had attempted to sexually assault the child inside the toilet before killing him.

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In order to fix the culpability of school management in the murder of an eight-year-old student of Ryan International School in Bhondsi, the Gurgaon police is scrutinizing documents and seeking records to establish the jurisdiction and responsibility of the school management.

The police are specifically looking into repeated requisitions made by the local school staff to improve security measures, build toilets and other facilities to improve overall infrastructure.

The eight-year-old student was found murdered outside the washroom of the Ryan International School on September 8. It has led to an uproar and angry parents across the country have called for action against not only the management but also the school owners.

The team in Mumbai is seeking records and will inspect the documents to establish how the Ryan School system operates and determine who is responsible for the lapses and negligence in acting upon repeated requests that have been made over the years to the management, said Sandeep Khirwar, Gurgaon police commissioner.

Khirwar also said that action against the middle management, including the regional head of the north India, and local administrator was taken after they were found responsible for lapses and charged under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

Although members of the Gurgaon police team have not met the members of Pinto family, officials said that they have started scrutinizing the documents and papers pertaining to the overall functioning of the school. The police also believe that the acting principal and staff of Ryan International School, Bhondsi, who is under fire, was not responsible for the incident but the management as a whole was culpable.

The loopholes in the infrastructure, violation of rules prescribed by education department come under the domain of the civil administration but we will hold them accountable for negligence and lapses that led to the murder, said Khirwar.

He added that two middle-level officials of the Ryan management were arrested because they were found responsible for lapses.

Grace Pinto and Augustine Pinto, the founders of Ryan School, have been granted protection from arrest by the Bombay high court.

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Schools in the state have welcomed the Haryana governments directive to constitute district-level and school-level safety committees. School-level committees will operate under relevant guidelines framed by officers of School Education Department.

The education department committee will comprise additional director, Elementary Education, additional director, Secondary Education, district education officer, Panchkula, district attorney, Secondary Education, deputy director, assistant director (Academic Cell) and representatives of private schools. The directive comes in the wake of eight-year-old students murder on the premises of Ryan International School in Bhondsi.

Safety of a child in school is of utmost concern. The move is a step forward in ensuring the safety of students at school. Besides educating students to take care of their safety, we also keep a strict vigil over them. The children in primary school are always accompanied by a nanny while going to washrooms. We have also formed a mothers group that meets regularly to share any safety concern, Rohit Mann, director of Lancers International School, said.

Rupa Chakravarty, the principal of Suncity School in Sector 54, said, We have deployed a one-of-its-kind safety system  Indoor Location Tracking system  which uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) chip within the school premises to provide near real time information to parents. It uses GPS devices in buses to track kids on their way to school and back. The location is shown live to the parents on their phone apps on a map.

Some schools are issuing EVOTAGenabled ID cards to students and staff members. EVOTAGs enable tracking in real time, even in areas where CCTV surveillance is not possible, such as inside washrooms. The system helps in generating alerts to the security and administration in the possibility of a mishap. For instance, when the system detects the location of a child where he/she is not expected to spend more time than a certain time, it alerts the IT department so that the action can be taken within time.

We are already running a pilot project of the same and by October, it will be implemented in the entire school. We have 304 CCTV cameras in our school and 60 cameras in the school buses. All cameras are manned. Each and every floor of the school building has lady guards as well, said Chakravarty.

Gunit Ohri, principal of Ridge Valley School, said, This seems to be a great move and I am sure that it will help schools across Gurgaon. However, at the same time, it is the schools responsibility as well to ensure that all safety and security measures are implemented. For instance, we have a dedicated team of staff posted outside washrooms. Further, there are in-charges to cover each floor during the dispersal timing and when the students come in. We ensure that our children are under surveillance all the time and their safety and security is the highest priority to us.

The Haryana government had earlier formed a three-member committee to review security lapses in Ryan International School in the aftermath of the murder.

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Dwayne Johnson isnt replying to Tyrese Gibsons messages or taking his calls, so the Fast & Furious star decided the best way to get The Rocks attention is by leaving long messages about it on social media.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Tyrese, who plays Roman in the Fast & Furious series, shared a picture of the two of them and wrote, I dont do email bruh. You got my cell same San Diego # hit me. Hed previously left a series of now-deleted comments on The Rocks posts.

I don't do email bruh You got my cell same San Diego # hit me A post shared by TYRESE (@tyrese) on Sep 12, 2017 at 10:38am PDT

On Sunday, The Rock shared a picture of himself deep in concentration, which Tyrese took as a sign that hed agreed to star in the planned spin-off to the Fast & Furious series, based on his character Hobbs.

#TheRock better answer #Tyrese's texts  A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Sep 9, 2017 at 11:00pm PDT

The Wrap reported that a post-credit scene featuring The Rock and Jason Statham had initially been shot for the end of Fast & Furious 8, but co-producer and star Vin Diesel had vetoed its inclusion in the final movie. There were rumours of the two being at odds throughout the production.

If you move forward with that #Hobbs Movie you will have purposely ignored the heart to heart moment we had in my sprinter, Gibson wrote in a comment on the post, which has since been deleted. I dont wanna hear from you until you remember what we talked about. Im on your timeline cause youre not responding to my texts messages. #FastFamily is just that a familyWe dont fly solo, wrote Tyrese in a comment, whose screenshots were shared on Instagram.

#Tyrese is still trying to get #DwayneJohnson to hear him out but it looks like Dwayne still has him on read  A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Sep 12, 2017 at 5:36am PDT

In a longer message following this one, Tyrese wrote: I want you to shoot it just not right now cause the #Fast9 release date has already been announced and we cant let our loyal fans #FastFamily or our loyal fast and furious FANS down on any level from pushing the date.

Two more Fast & Furious movies have been planned, with the tenth film in the series already slated for a 2021 release.

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Even as 15 days have passed since he was brought in Rohtaks Sunaria jail, rape convict Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim has had no visitors so far from his family.

The district administration on Tuesday said none of his family members, a list of which was sent by the jail administration to police for verification, has come forward to meet the jailed baba so far.

The list of 10 members given by Ram Rahim included his son Jasmit and his adopted daughter Honeypreet, who has been hiding ever since Ram Rahims conviction as the Haryana Police are hunting for her.

Sources in the jail said the dera chief, who is under depression, complained of ill health twice in the past one week. A team of doctors from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) was sent to the jail to examine him.

Sources said the government has written to the PGIMS to keep a separate room for him on standby in view of safety concerns. Security forces also conducted a mock drill at the hospital recently.

There were also media reports quoting anonymous psychiatrists that Ram Rahim is a sex addict and he is now showing withdrawal symptoms.

However, doctors in the psychiatry department at the PGIMS denied that any of their doctors went to examine Ram Rahim in the jail.
China on Wednesday said it was working on railway projects that focussed on increasing speed limits of Indian trains, hours ahead of the much-anticipated inauguration of Indias first bullet train project by visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Beating China, Japan had bagged the 508-kilometere long Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, a flagship venture for the Indian railways often criticised for its ageing infrastructure and lack of modernisation.

China has the worlds longest high-speed rail network of 22,000 km at the end of last year; thats about 60% of the worlds total. China has connected most of its cities with high speed trains, drastically reducing the travel time.

As for railway cooperation, I can tell you it is part of practical cooperation between China and India, ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Wednesday.

We have reached important consensus in this regard. According to my information, the relevant competent authorities between the two countries have maintained communication on promoting and increasing the speed of the railway in the current projects, Geng added.

He was responding to a question at the regular ministry briefing on Wednesday.

China is pleased to see the infrastructure cooperation among regional countries including on high speed railway, and we stand ready to promote cooperation with India and other regional countries to promote regional development, Geng said.

In 2016, Chinas largest high-speed train maker announced that its first $63.4 million joint venture plant in India to repair and manufacture locomotive engines started operations in Haryana.

The state-run China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation is the first foreign company to set up assembly line of rail transportation equipment in India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled his ambitious Make in India campaign in 2014, the company had said in statement last August.

Modi and Abe will launch the start of work on the line on Thursday, the railway ministry said in a statement.

This technology will revolutionise and transform the transport sector, said Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, welcoming the prospects for growth brought by Japans high-speed shinkansen technology.

In Tokyo, a Japanese foreign ministry official said, We would like to support Make in India as much as possible.
Former AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran countered on Wednesday the partys decision to sack him from the post, saying the decision was illegal.

Dinakaran is the nephew of sacked party chief VK Sasikala, who had appointed him her deputy before going to jail for corruption in February.

The rebel leader threatened to pull down the government to save the AIADMK, the ruling party in Tamil Nadu that has been in turmoil since the death of its supremo J Jayalalithaa in December last year.

I can go to any extent to save the party, he warned.

Sasikala, a close aide of Jayalalithaa, took over the reins after her mentor and chief ministers death. Her political ambitions triggered a split in the party, but the two factions came together in August.

The reunion again split the party as several legislators loyal to Sasikala are said to be backing the nephew.

I have 21 MLAs with me and these are the MLAs who did not attend Tuesdays meeting, Dinakaran said.

The AIADMK called a meeting in which the deputy general secretary was sacked.

But Dinakaran said it was not a general council meeting where such decisions could be taken.

It was not convened by either the general secretary or deputy general secretary, that is me, he told reporters. The decisions taken at the meeting are illegal.

He said the Madras high court could take up the partys decision a hearing on October 23.

Besides the 21 legislators, he said sleeper cells will get active at the right time to overthrow the government.

We will show what sleeper cells are on the floor of the house, Dinakaran threatened.

He also complained that Tamil Nadu police were harassing his MLAs in Coorg, where they are currently holed out.

He alleged that the legislators were threatened with dire consequences if they didnt return the faction under chief minister Edappadi Palanisami, also known as EPS.

EPS does not have 117 members needed for majority, everyone knows this and everyone also knows how many MLAs are with us in Coorg, he said.

The internal turmoil in the AIADMK is said to be giving bitter rivals DMK a chance to bounce back into the southern states political landscape after the defeat in the 2016 assembly elections.

But Dinakaran refused to accept that his actions were aimed at helping the DMK.

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Rights body Amnesty International on Wednesday called for an end to the dangerous, inaccurate and indiscriminate usage of pellet-guns by security forces when controlling crowds in strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir as it released a report on the controversial weapon.

Amnesty Internationals report Losing Sight in Kashmir: The Impact of Pellet-Firing Shotguns- designed with photographs of blinded pellet victims - presented the cases of 88 people whose eyesight has been damaged by pellets between 2014 and 2017.

The widespread use of the weapon during the unrest in the Valley last year killed several people and blinded thousands after violence broke out during protests sparked by the death of a Hizbul Mujahiddin militant, Burhan Wani. Data from Kashmirs hospitals show over 6000 people had suffered pellet injuries, with over 1100 specifically hit in the eyes, during the 2016 unrest.

In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that change in Kashmir will not come from guns or abuses - na goli, na gali. If the government truly means this, they must end the use of pellet-firing shotguns, which have caused immense suffering in Kashmir, Aakar Patel, executive director of Amnesty International India, said in a statement.

Authorities claim the pellet shotgun is not lethal, but the injuries and deaths caused by this cruel weapon bear testimony to how dangerous, inaccurate and indiscriminate it is. There is no proper way to use pellet-firing shotguns. It is irresponsible of authorities to continue the use of these shotguns despite being aware of the damage they do, Patel added.

The body also launched a campaign urging chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and Union home minister Rajnath Singh to immediately end the use of the pellet-firing shotguns in the restive state.

Authorities have a duty to maintain public order, but using pellet shotguns is not the solution, said Patel.

Security forces must address stone-throwing or other violence by protesters by means that allow for better targeting or more control over the harm caused, he added.

Amnesty officials said they have obtained information through right to information applications, which suggests that the use of the inherently inaccurate pellet-firing shotguns by security forces has injured other security force personnel.

Home minister Singh, who ended a four-day visit to Kashmir on Tuesday, said in Srinagar the weapon was being used very sparingly by security forces.

Last year, we looked into the alternatives to pellet guns and introduced PAVA (grenades). Though it was not very effective, the pellet guns have been used less compared to earlier, he said on Monday.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the pellet gun injuries suffered by minors, who indulged in stone pelting in Jammu and Kashmir, and asked the Centre to consider other effective means to quell the protests as it concerns life and death.


Are you feeling patriotic? You should, for our governments and courts have ordered several ways that the Indian citizen take pride in the nation.

The latest order is in Madhya Pradesh. The states BJP government has said that it will make Jai Hind the mandatory answer for roll call in schools, bringing the patriotism debate back into sharp focus. Satna will be the first district where this practice will be introduced from October 1  a month before implementing the same in all the schools across the state.

In the last few years, the government, courts and official institutions have issued a series of directives aimed at imposing patriotic practices. From making national songs compulsory in school to asking for patriotic bands to perform in colleges, here are ten times when the state foisted its version of patriotism on the people.

1) Jana Mana Gana in theatres

A 2016 Supreme Court order made it mandatory for cinemas to play the national anthem before a film is screened for the love of the motherland.

The court banned dramatising or abridging the 52-second-long Jana Gana Mana and ordered movie goers to stand while the anthem played before the movie. Following the order, there were reports of people being beaten up by self-appointed vigilantes for not standing up during the anthem.

2) MP govt makes national anthem, flag hoisting compulsory in schools

Jai Hind to answer roll call is not the first instance where the Madhya Pradesh government has introduce a daily dose of nationalism among students. In December last year, the state government made singing of the national anthem and hoisting of the tricolour mandatory in schools across the state.

School education minister Vijay Shah said the order was issued to all government and private schools and non-compliance would lead to withdrawal of recognition of the erring institutions, he added.

3) UP government asks madrasas to record I Day

On Independence Day this year, the Yogi Adityanath government directed all madrasas in the state to record video of the national anthem being sung and the cultural events.

The circular was issued by the UP Madarsa Shiksha Parishad. In the past, madrasas had been directed to hoist the national flag, this year they were also asked to organise cultural events on the day. Many madrasas organized Independence Day events, but defied the government order to record the proceedings, deeming it an attempt to test their patriotism.

4) Mumbai municipality makes singing Vande Mataram compulsory in schools

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in August passed a proposal to make singing Vande Mataram compulsory in civic-run schools, sparking protests from some corporators.

The motion, moved by BJP corporator Sandeep Patel, was passed in the general body meeting of elected representatives without any discussion, alleged corporators. In the past, the BMC had made yoga and surya namasakar compulsory in schools, a move that eventually fizzled out.

5) Madras HC makes Vande Mataram compulsory in offices, schools

In July this year, the Madras high court made singing Vande Mataram compulsory in all government schools, colleges in Tamil Nadu at least once a week and all government offices, private companies and industries at least once a month. The court passed the order in the larger public interest and to instil a sense of patriotism in each and every citizen of the state.

6) National flag to fly at all central universities

In 2016, vice-Chancellors of 42 Central universities unanimously agreed to fly the national flag on campus as a response to rising anti-nationalism after the JNU row. The proposal was approved by the HRD ministry.

At a central place at every university, the national flag will be flown prominently and proudly, the ministry said in a statement.

7) HRD ministry asks universities to hosts patriotic bands

On August 21, the HRD ministry wrote to the IITs and central universities, asking them to invite rock groups to perform patriotic songs on campuses under a programme dubbed Yeh India Ka Time Hai .

HRD minister Prakash Javadekar agreed to the plan conceived by information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani, where half a dozen bands identified by the ministry would be invited to perform patriotic numbers, mostly from Bollywood.

8) JNU VC wants army tank installed in university campus

At a Tiranga March organised in the Jawaharlal Nehru University earlier this year, vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar asked minister of state for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan and minister of state for external affairs, VK Singh, to assist in installing an Indian Army tank to be displayed inside the varsity premises.

We request you to help us procure an army tank so that it could be put in JNU. The tank will remind students of the great sacrifices and valour of Indian Army, said Kumar.

9) BJP MP proposes making Bharat Mata ki Jai mandatory for lawmakers oath

The ruling BJPs North Mumbai MP Gopal Chinayya Shetty introduced a private members bill in Lok Sabha last year seeking to make saying Bharat Mata ki Jai mandatory for elected representatives taking oath.

10) Shiv Sena asks for law to make Vande Mataram compulsory

In August this year, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the government to bring in a law to make singing of Vande Mataram compulsory. Nationalism shouldnt be part of just January 26 and August 15 celebrations. It should become integral part of life, Thackeray said.
The CBI summoned Karti Chidambaram, son of former Union finance minister P Chidambaram, on Thursday as part of its investigation into the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to the Aircel-Maxis deal in 2006.

The junior Chidambaram was asked to appear before the investigators at its headquarters in CGO complex in south Delhis Lodi Road area, said sources in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The CBIs move comes in the wake of Supreme Courts order in April directing the agency to come with a detailed investigation report by the next hearing.

He would be questioned by the agency over the alleged money laundering through his firms in the Aircel-Maxis tie-up in 2008, the sources said.

The summoning comes days after Karti Chidambaram was instructed by the Supreme Court to appear before the CBI in relation to the INX Media Case, where he is accused of receiving irregular FIPB clearance for investment upto Rs 305 crore. In the course of hearing against him, the CBI on Tuesday claimed they have traced 25 companies linked to him abroad.

According to the CBI chargesheet submitted in a special court, Mauritius-based Global Communication Services Holdings Ltd., a subsidiary of Maxis, had sought approval for an investment of $800 million in Aircel.

Though it was the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), headed by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which was competent to grant the approval, however, it was cleared by the then Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.

Bharatiya Janata Party Leader Subramanian Swamy has alleged that Chidambram then had tweaked FIPB norms for clearing Aircel-Maxis deal in 2006.

Seeking a probe into the role of Chidambaram in alleged violation of norms by the FIPB in approving the deal, Swamy has referred to the CAGs 2015 report which pointed to two alleged illegalities.

According to Swamy, the CAG cited the illegality of FIPB approving Maxis acquisition of 93.3 per cent stake in Aircel Tele Ventures Ltd through its wholly-owned subsidiary, the GCSHL, well in excess of the then ceiling of 74 per cent investment by a foreign entity.

The second illegality, Swamy has said, was that since the foreign investment in Aircel was more than Rs 600 crore, it should have gone to the Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs for approval but it was instead cleared by the FIPB.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested in Hyderabad on Wednesday for allegedly killing his former classmate and girlfriend of the same age on the outskirts of the city.

The decomposed body of Chandni Jain was found in the hillocks at Aminpur on Tuesday morning, after she disappeared four days ago. Locals discovered the body and alerted police.

They were classmates at a school in Kompalli for four years till 2015.

Police said the boy strangulated the Class 12 girl and dumped the body in the rocky bushes, suspecting her of having multiple affairs.

The suspicion stemmed from social media as the girl had befriended several boys through Facebook and Snapchat, Cyberabad police commissioner Sandip Sandilya said.

Both were minors and were under the influence of social media relationships, he said.

The boy was trying to avoid her but she was apparently putting pressure to marry her.

Parents should check what their children are doing and where they are going, the officer advised.

On September 9, she had a bitter argument with the boy and he wanted to get rid of her permanently, he said.

In the evening, he took her to Ameenpur hills in an autorickshaw. They quarrelled at the popular tourist spot and allegedly threatened to commit suicide.

In a fit of anger, he punched her in the face and neck and throttled her to death. Then he dragged the body to the cliff and pushed it down the hillock, Sandilya said.

When the girl didnt return at night, her parents reported police and an investigation began right away.

The cops spoke to her friends and based on their information and phone call records, it was deduced that the boyfriend could be the culprit. Police also tracked down the autorickshaw driver.

The case was solved after scanning CCTV footage, which showed the girl along with a youth getting down from an autorickshaw and walking towards the bushes.

Interestingly, the boy had visited Jains house on Tuesday to console her family members.

The boy was arrested thereafter and is said to have confessed to the crime.

The girls father, a businessman, suspects the boy was not alone in committing the crime.

(with agency inputs)

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More Dalit and tribal families have been taking home loans over the past few years while the number of education loans has reduced, indicating a new pattern of investments among these communities.

A note prepared by the department of financial services in the ministry of finance shows the amount disbursed in home loans in 2017-18 , Rs 2,849.36 crore, has gone up by nearly 50% compared to 2015-16, Rs 1,954.57 crore. Sources add that the rise coincides with the governments renewed thrust on Housing for all by 2022 and the banks eagerness to disburse funds in an otherwise safer, booming sector.

The PM also announced sops for Dalits and tribals on December 31, 2016. That further boosted the demand for loans in the housing sector, said a source.

At a meeting of the parliamentary panel on the welfare of SC/STs, some members wanted to know if banks are still insisting on collateral in loans for Dalits and tribals.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regularly comes out with guidelines asking banks not to ask for deposits. This regular issue of guidelines perhaps indicates that some banks are asking for such deposits, said a member of the panel.

The rise in housing loans coincides with the construction of more houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, a programme in which eligible recipients get money from the government to build their own house with a toilet.

The government also has provisions for low-interest loans for the households in case they fall short of funds ... said a rural development ministry official who did not want to be named.

Meanwhile, banks are shying away from opening their purses for educational loans because of rising levels of non performing assets (NPAs)  loans that do not fetch returns.

Lenders are not ready to offer loans to students who have decided to pursue courses which are purely academic in nature.

Those opting for courses like business administration, engineering, law or medicine have a higher probability of getting a loan. NPAs arising from education loans has risen to above 7% compared to 5.8% in 2014-15, several bankers said.

Failure to get admission in good colleges and universities makes it difficult for students to get loans. This rating of institutions is done internally by banks.

Banks need to be prudent in their decision making, as they are commercial entities, they need to maintain their balance sheets and therefore they need to take decisions which make commercial sense after all they cannot burn a hole in depositors money, Ashvin Parekh, managing partner, APA Services said.

It (loans) should be linked to the repayment capability of the borrower... experience reveals that low-value loans are more default-prone, Soumya Kanti Ghosh, chief economic adviser, SBI said.

Loans below Rs 4 lakh are given without any collaterals.
A video of a policeman in Bihars capital Patna repeatedly slapping a motorist and threatening him of dire consequences after the man allegedly did not obey his orders to park his car properly has gone viral on social media.

The 26-second video shows the policeman slapping the motorist twice as he steps out of his car and tries to talk to him. What apparently ticked off the policeman was the mans comments whether he has gone nuts.

The policeman is seen hitting the man repeatedly as he tries to defend his action over parking his car in the Patrakar Nagar locality of the state capital. As the man continues to argue, the policeman hits him again on his face and gives him a mouthful.

Muh lagata hai Maar ke barbad kar denge Piya hai re Chamda utaar ke joota bana denge Humko pehchanta nahin hai Badhao gaadi aagey (You are arguing with me Ill beat you black and blue Are you drunk? Ill skin you and make shoes out of it. You dont recognise me yet. Move your car),  the policeman is heard saying in the video.

Eyewitnesses said the man continued arguing with the policeman and resisting his order of parking his car in a proper manner to avoid a traffic snarl-up in the area.

The policeman in the video has been identified as Uday Prakash of Patrakar Nagar police station.

The Hindustan Times could not contact Prakash for comments.

Patnas senior superintendent of police (SSP) Manu Maharaaj said he has sought a report from the concerned station house officer (SHO) and will take appropriate action against Prakash after that.

The cop has tarnished the image of the police. Policing is based on public perception, which has gone done several notches after the video has gone viral. We are taught not to get provoked. The incident reflects the brutal face of the police, which is certainly not acceptable, he added.

As cops, we have the power to prosecute, which is what the cop should have done  taken the youth to the police station and lodged an FIR against him. The law does not allow us to get physical unless it is done in self defence, the senior official said.

I will suspend the cop and initiate disciplinary proceedings against him after I get the report from the SHO concerned.

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Father Tom Uzhunnalils release from the captivity of the Islamic State was made possible at the end of extremely complicated diplomatic efforts by India, Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam said here on Wednesday.

He said hectic diplomatic efforts were made at various levels, including at the level of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister minister Sushma Swaraj, to bring the priest back to safety.

The release of Father Uzhunnalil was made possible at the end of extremely complicated diplomatic efforts, Alphons said.

He acknowledged the help that India received from many countries, including Oman and Saudi Arabia, for the mission.

The Catholic priest from Kerala was rescued in Yemen yesterday, 18 months after he was abducted by Islamic State terrorists during a deadly attack on a care home in the port city of Aden in the war-ravaged country.
The Centre has barred several top universities, education institutions and prominent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from receiving foreign funds after they reportedly failed to file their annual returns for five consecutive years.

Some of the prominent educational institutions that figure in the list  constituting 18,871 names  are Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, IIT-Delhi, Mumbai University, Pune University, Panjab University, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and Lady Irwin College in the national capital.

Officials said the registration of these institutions under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act-2010 (FCRA) has been cancelled by the Union home ministry (MHA) due to their failure to file returns for the period extending from 2010-11 to 2014-15. The organisations were asked to furnish their replies by July 23, failing which action would be taken against them.

Heavyweight associations, societies and trusts affected by the action are the Supreme Court Bar Association, Kamala Nehru Education Society, Kasturba Peace Centre, Gandhi Peace Foundation, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, School Of Planning & Architecture-Delhi, FICCI Socio-Economic Development Foundation, and People for Animals. Prominent health centres such as the Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Escorts Heart Institute and the Cancer Educational Society also figure in the list.

The MHA also directed 1,222 NGOs  including Sri Ramakrishna Math, Ramakrishna Mission, Indore Cancer Foundation Charitable Trust and the Coimbatore Christian Charitable Trust  to validate their bank accounts and provide relevant details to the government. The move comes after the government found that the organisations  all registered under the FCRA  had not validated the bank accounts through which they receive foreign funds.

In a circular issued on September 8, the ministry had asked all NGOs to take corrective steps to avoid punitive action. A similar request was earlier made to 2,025 NGOs on June 7.

Ministry officials said non-validation of such accounts had been obstructing efforts made by banks to comply with FCRA provisions. While regulations clearly specify that foreign donations should be procured through a single designated bank account, a large number of NGOs were found to be using multiple accounts for the purpose.

The BJP government has already cancelled the registration of over 10,000 NGOs in the last three years for allegedly failing to file annual returns as mandated by the FCRA. Furthermore, violation of regulations was cited to disallow more than 1,300 NGOs from renewing their registration in the recent past.

The NGOs, however, allege that the government has been selectively targeting them. It is not a level playing field, Ravi Chellam, the executive director at Greenpeace India, told Hindustan Times. When political parties need funding from foreign donors, they amend the law retrospectively. That is a problem  the law should be applied fairly to everyone.

Greenpeace India has taken the government to court over the cancellation of its FCRA licence in December 2016.

The Public Health Foundation of India, which has also run into trouble, said they submitted all the details  including utilisation accounts of all the grants  as demanded by the government.

Institutions whose FCRA licence have been cancelled Jawaharlal Nehru University University Of Delhi Indira Gandhi National Open University Indian Institute Of Technology, Delhi Panjab University Indian Council Of Agricultural Research Gargi College, Delhi Lady Irwin College, Delhi Supreme Court Bar Association Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Delhi Doon School Old Boys Association Gandhi Peace Foundation Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan Armed Forces Flag Day Fund School Of Planning & Architecture Bombay Diocesan Society Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Sri Satya Sai Trust
Trouble mounts for former environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan as she is on enforcement directorate's (ED) radar for alleged abuse of her position as minister.

Just four days back CBI had registered an FIR against Natarajan for illegal diversion of forest land in Jharkhand for mining by a private company, Electrosteel Casting Ltd.

Top sources in ED said that they have asked for the details of the case from CBI to probe if there has been any more laundering.

ED is probing paybacks that Natarajan might have received for allowing Electrosteel to mine in the Saranda forests of Jharkhand, despite her predecessor Jairam Ramesh's and the forest advisory committee's rejections.

Sources said that some of Natarajan's other decisions taken during her term as environment minister in favour of private companies are also under the lens.

Jayanthi Natarajan was the minister of state for environment and forest with independent charge from 2011 to 2013. Several of her decisions were criticized and the term "Jayanthi tax" coined to refer to allegations of corruption under her.

According to the CBI FIR, the Jharkhand government in 2008 submitted a proposal of diverting 55.79 hectares of forest land for 'non-forest' use by Electrosteel. This was part of proposal to lease 192.50 hectares for mining in the Saranda forests.

The forest advisory committee rejected the plan and a year later, Electrosteel resubmitted the proposal.

But this time, Jairam Ramesh as environment minister rejected the proposal.

The company then wrote to the Prime minister in 2010 for reconsideration. And the proposal was again put before the advisory committee, which rejected it.

On July 13, 2011, Natarajan succeeded Ramesh in the ministry. A letter from the Jharkhand chief minister and a meeting with managing director of Electrosteel later, Natarajan in February 2012 approved diverting 55.79 hectares of forest land for mining by Electrosteel, allegedly ignoring all previous rejections.

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With no headway yet in the probe into the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, Karnataka home minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday said nothing has been revealed so far.

He also dismissed as mere speculations reports about the modus operandi of the assailants and the type of weapons used to kill 55-year old Gauri, who was shot dead at her residence by unidentified assailants on the night of September 5.

The investigation is going on into Gauri Lankeshs killing. You have to wait and I am also waiting for something substantial from investigation. We (state government) dont interfere in SIT probe. Nothing has been revealed so far. Reports appearing in media are mere speculations, Reddy told reporters after a cabinet meeting here.

The Karnataka government has formed an SIT, headed by IGP (Intelligence) B K Singh, to probe the gunning down of Lankesh, known for her left-leaning outlook with a strident stand against Hindutva politics.

The Karnataka government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killing that has caused nationwide outrage and protests.

On September 10, Reddy had said SIT had gathered some clues in connection with the case. The government also announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh to anyone providing clues.

The media has been speculating about the modus operandi of the crime committed by assailants, and type of weapons used to kill Lankesh. There were also reports of the Andhra Pradesh Police forming a special team to assist the Karnataka Police.

There were also reports that the SIT had interrogated as many as 80 people across Karnataka.

Reacting to the reports, Investigating Officer M N Anucheth told PTI that there was no substance in them.

I can only say, there is no substance in such media reports. When there is something concrete, we would certainly brief the media, he said.
The fake news machinery is at it again.

On Wednesday, a video showing a BJP woman supporter being allegedly murdered in Kerala surfaced on social media.

The video showed two men on a bike, their faces covered, dragging a woman out of the car. As she struggles to free herself from their clutches, she is shot at, collapsing on the ground. A man then addresses the people who have surrounded the body, in Malayalam. The word RSS used repeatedly, is the only distinguishable word for those who do not understand the language.

Twitter user @AmiteshK01 posted the video, calling it another gory murder in Kerala by Commie/Jihadi goons of a lady supportive of BJP.

The text written in Hindi, flashing on the video translates to, RSS Hindu woman shot dead by Muslims in Kerala.

But none of it is real  the murder did not happen, the woman did not die. The video was a clipping of a street play performed by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) at Kalikavu in Malappuram, a report in Malayalam newspaper Mathrubhumi noted.

The street play was an enactment of the murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead outside her home in Bengaluru on September 5.

The DYFI Kalikavu Area Secretary CT Sakkaria, was seen screaming that RSS is behind the murders of that including Gauri Lankesh.

But the damage was done. The fake news had already started circulating around social media, before it was debunked.

@SitaramYechury Is Kerala a civilised state or of barbarions @PMOIndia Have you no spine to whip the Kerala Govt, supporting the Criminals  Rajivi (@gvrchandra) September 13, 2017

Where is law? Is this Wild West? Free speech anyone? Shocking! Today Kerala, tomorrow any part of India! Wake up!  Rajesh Kumar (@raje147) September 13, 2017

Shame shame shame on these communist criminals...Indian democracy had become hostage to this blood soaked left tirade  Nation modern (@VivekSurana9) September 13, 2017

According to the Mathrubhumi report, the video was picked up by Hindi news channel Zee News and presented with the title Keralas leftist Muslims killing a woman with RSS inclination in the middle of the road.

Though the channel has now removed the report, but many including Palakkad MP MB Rajesh slammed the news organisation.

Many quickly took to Twitter to correct the false news being circulated across social media.

cc @TheKeralaPolice. Street drama circulated as murder to incite riots. Take note of fake news and arrest this person.  F R Choudhury (@ExpertAnalystix) September 13, 2017

It looks like a street drama enacted propaganda usually used to reach common man. Doubt if it's real incident...  jayachandran thampi (@jcthampi) September 13, 2017

This isnt the first time the same Twitter user has been caught spreading fake news. Last week, Amitesh Kumar came under fire for spreading scurrilous information about Gauri Lankesh.

He had tweeted misconstruing her newspapers name as Gauri Lankesh Patrick instead of Gauri Lankesh Patrike to allege that Gauri was a Christian and had an agenda.

Full name of that journo shot was Gauri Lankesh Patrick.....What was the agenda in hiding Patrick from her name. Why ashamed of Christianity  Amitesh Kumar (@AmiteshK01) September 7, 2017

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Contemplating a major policy shift in granting commercial and group housing licences, the Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana proposes to grant colonisation licences through a bidding process.

The policy change, which will be deliberated before the council of ministers on Wednesday, intends to do away with the policy of first come first serve for the grant of licences. The existing policy has been criticised for being less than transparent.

THE SHIFT

It is learnt that 20% net planned area available for group housing in residential sectors and 3.5% area available for commercial colonies in residential sectors will be worked out after the notification of the final development plan of the controlled areas declared around a town.

This will be hosted on the web portal of town and country planning department. The colonisers will be able to apply for grant of licence on the website during stipulated time-frame.

The department will examine the applications for eligibility and subsequently host the list of eligible applications on the website. Applicants will be asked to quote bids over and above the applicable fee and charges for getting a colonisation licence on per acreage basis. The ones quoting the highest rate will have the first right to get the allocation of license of net planned area, as per the broad contours of the proposed policy.

PREVALENT PRACTICE

Till now the town and country planning department considered applications for the grant of group housing and commercial colony licences on the basis of first come first serve basis. Since the net planned area available for the group housing and commercial colonies was limited, the applications were examined on the first come first serve basis, officials said.

However, the Punjab and Haryana high court in a 2015 order had cancelled some colonisation licences and adversely commented on the first come first serve policy for the grant of licenses.

A HC bench comprising justices Hemant Gupta and Shekhar Dhawan said in its order that grant of licences on the basis of doctrine of first come first serve was not fair, reasonable and transparent method.

It is wholly immaterial that the licence is sought in respect of the land owned by an individual. The fact is that without licence, the group housing cannot be set up. The licence is a pre-requisite condition to develop a colony, which is a privilege granted by the state and is a largesse. In the absence of a licensc, a land owner continues to be the owner of the land. There is no compulsion for him to change the land use or set up a colony, but once it is proposed to set up a colony, then the statutory conditions, pre-requisites for grant of licence are to be satisfied, the high court said.

The HC asked the state government to frame a transparent and fair policy. Sources said the pending applications for grant of group housing and commercial colonies can be returned in view of the formulation of the new policy guidelines

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The Haryana police will soon interrogate Dera Sacha Sauda chairperson Vipassana Insan in connection with the violence that had broken out in Panchkula and Sirsa following the sect heads rape conviction.

Vipassana is one of the likely successors of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Sirsa police will soon ask Vipassana Insan to join the investigation, Haryana DGP B S Sandhu said on Wednesday.

The police said it was making efforts to nab Ram Rahims confidant and adopted daughter, Honeypreet, and key Dera functionary, Aditya Insaan who they believed are still in the country.

We have sent police teams to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to track them. We are presuming that they are hiding somewhere in the country, said Sandhu, adding that a lookout notice against them was also issued following apprehensions that they might try to escape the country.

Efforts to trace Honeypreet were initiated after the questioning of Surinder Dhiman Insan, another sect functionary who was arrested on charges of instigating violence, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to facilitate the Dera chiefs escape after he was convicted of raping two disciples.

The Haryana police had earlier conducted raids at various places and police teams were sent to various locations, including Mumbai and the Nepal side. It was also in touch with the police of other states.

Three Punjab police officers, who were deployed to provide security to the Dera chief, were also arrested last week for conspiring to free Ram Rahim after his conviction.

Three Punjab cops have been taken into custody and we have issued notices to five other cops, asking them to join investigation, Sandhu said.

The DGP said that several vehicles that were a part of the cavalcade of Dera chief on August 25 were impounded. Notices have also been sent to the owners of remaining vehicles, he added.

Violence erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana and parts of Punjab and Delhi on August 25 following the conviction of Ram Rahim. The mayhem left 35 dead in Panchkula and six in Sirsa
The International Court of Justice will on Wednesday resume hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, who was sentenced to death by a military court in Pakistan earlier this year on charges of being an Indian spy.

India challenged the verdict in the UN top court, which on May 18 asked Pakistan to not execute Jadhav before they decide the case.

Jadhav, a 47-year-old former Indian naval officer, is on death row in Pakistan after the countrys military in an April secret trial found him guilty of espionage and terrorism.

Heres a recap of events since Jadhav was arrested:

When it all began

Pakistan claimed Jadhav was arrested in March last year from its restive Balochistan province, where the CPEC culminates at the deep-water Gwadar Port. However, India said Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy.

Pakistans death sentence

A statement by the Pakistani militarys publicity wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in April this year that Jadhav was declared guilty of waging war against the country.

The spy was tried through field general court martial under the Pakistan army act and awarded the death sentence. Today, the chief of army staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa confirmed his death sentence awarded by FGCM, the ISPR said.

India protests

Jadhavs death sentence drew an angry response from India, which summoned the then Pakistan envoy Abdul Basit and handed over a demarche describing the court proceedings as farcical. New Delhi also said if the execution is carried out, it will be considered premeditated murder.

If this sentence (is) against an Indian citizen, awarded without observing basic norms of law and justice, is carried out, the government and people of India will regard it as a case of premeditated murder, the demarche given to Basit read.

Pakistan defends charge

The Pakistan Army released a confessional video of Jadhav in April who is purportedly heard saying that he was serving the Indian navy. In the video, Jadhav allegedly says he arrived in Iran in 2003 and started a small business in Chahbahar.

Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif said Kulbhushan Jadhav had the right to appeal within 60 days, adding that due process of law had been followed.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif too took an aggressive stand, saying that though his country was peace-loving, we cannot remain oblivious to defending our sovereignty and protecting our independence.

Abdul Basit said in New Delhi that India cant sponsor terrorism and protest over the sentencing of terrorists, adding that nothing matters more than national security.

India takes the case to ICJ

In May, India approached the ICJ to save Jadhavs life after Pakistan allegedly refused consular access to him 16 times.

The Indian challenge was primarily based on Pakistan violating Vienna convention on consular relations. Among other things, the agreement allows diplomatic representatives to visit their nationals held prisoner by the host country. India also argued that Pakistan had ignored a bilateral treaty on consular access.

ICJ stayed the execution a day after Indias appeal.

Arguments to the international court

Noted lawyer Harish Salve, who represented India in the ICJ court, took up the issue of consular rights to its national and accused Pakistan of violating the Vienna convention and conducting a farcical trial without a shred of evidence.

New Delhi also demanded the immediate suspension of Jadhavs death sentence, expressing fears that Pakistan could execute him even before the ICJ hearing was over.

Pakistan argued that the world court has no jurisdiction in this case as it pertains to national security. Islamabad also said the claim that Delhi wasnt provided consular access to Jadhav is far removed from the truth and it was wholly inappropriate for India to seek provisional measures from the ICJ.

Pakistan ordered not to execute Jadhav

Three days after the arguments were presented, ICJ ordered Pakistan not to execute the former Indian Navy officer, rejecting Islamabads argument that the UNs top legal body did not have jurisdiction in the case.

ICJ concluded it had prima facie jurisdiction as Pakistans alleged failure to provide consular notifications about Jadhavs arrest and to allow communication and provide access to him fell within the scope of the Vienna Convention.

India relieved, Pakistan reacts

The ICJ order relieved New Delhi, who called it unanimous, clear and unambiguous, saying it would will help remedy the violation of Jadhavs rights.

Pakistan played down the significance of the order and said it amounted to maintaining status quo in Jadhavs case. It added that Jadhav would be provided every opportunity and remedy to defend his case and had ample time to petition for clemency.

(With agency inputs)
Ishwar Dayal, a marginal farmer of Bhartana in Etawah of Uttar Pradesh, was in for a shock when he was handed over by district officials a certificate saying his outstanding farm loan amounting to 19 paise has been waived.

He says he couldnt believe that such a measly amount has been waived. Equally stumped were dozens of other farmers handed out similar certificates at a programme held in the district headquarters of Etawah on Monday. Rama Nand got Rs 1.79 that he owed to the bank waived, while the certificate that Munni Lal Bholi got stated that his outstanding loan of Rs 2 had been waived.

Hundreds of farmers  big and small  have similarly been left bewildered as the Uttar Pradesh government headed by chief minister Yogi Adityanath follows up on its poll promise of waving farm loans up to Rs 1 lakh to ease agriculture distress in the states rural hinterland.

Promised even by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally in Kannauj district in February, some 86 lakh farmers across the state are expected to benefit under the scheme.

But as district after district holds such programmes to hand out loan waiver certificates to the beneficiaries, there have been shockers and genuine relief in equal measure. On Sunday, some farmers at Hamirpur had loans waived from Rs 10 to Rs 215. The next day, it was the turn of many farmers in Etawah to be taken aback.

At a programme on Monday, some 7,000 farmers were handed over certificates notifying the amount of their loans waived. According to official data, some 50 farmers got less than Rs 100 of their outstanding loans waived while the benefit for 200 of them was less than Rs 1,000 each.

I was shocked to see the certificate of waiver of Rs 10.37 given to me in Hamirpur. I fall in the category of small and marginal farmer... I was expecting that the government would clear Rs 1 lakh against my outstanding of Rs 1.55 lakh on Kisan credit card, said Munni Lal of Maudaha.

Reports of farmers expressing dismay poured in also from areas such as Jalaun, Kannauj, Mahoba and Farrukhabad.

Opposition parties have seized upon the opportunity to term the loan waiver exercise a fiasco. It is laughable, alleged Juhie Singh of the Samajwadi Party. Other opposition leaders insinuated that measly amounts were being waived just to inflate the number of beneficiaries and make the government look good.

State agricultural minister Surya Pratap Sahi, however, insisted the government was only living up to its promise. Where is the surprise if the government has distributed the certificate to a farmer waiving Rs 100 or even less if that is the amount the farmer actually owed to the bank? he asked. After all, we cannot make his dues bigger or smaller.

There are also farmers who have had Rs 90,000 and more of their loans waived, Sahi told HT.

Rajesh Gupta, the additional director of agriculture, also found nothing amiss in the meagre amounts being waived. There are many farmers who paid their dues to banks in 2016-17, but some amount, which in many cases has been found to be less than Re 1, remained unpaid due to various reasons, including some mistake in interest calculation. Now we have waived only that amount and issued certificates accordingly, he explained.
India and Japan may enhance their cooperation in non-energy areas of the nuclear sector, a senior government official said today, ahead of the delegation level talks between the prime ministers of the two countries.

The official, however, said there are little chances of an agreement to procure equipment from Japan for building nuclear power plants in the country as talks with French company EDF and American nuclear giant Westinghouse Electric Company are ongoing in this regard.

There is, however, a possibility of negotiations to have Japanese credit-line in future for procuring these high-end equipment, he said.

Non-energy areas include nuclear medicine, irradiation, research and development in atomic sector.

The Westinghouse Electric Company and EDF are to build six power reactors each in Kovadda and Jaitapur in Maharashtra.

The Kovadda plant will have each reactor of 1,208 MW capacity while the Jaitapur site will have 1650 MW each.

It is unlikely that an agreement will be signed in the nuclear power sector, but we could look at some non-power areas. Last minute talks between the two sides are on, the official, who did not wish to be named, said.

Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe will hold delegation level talks at Ahemdabad on Thursday.

There could be a reference in the joint statement on cooperation to be done in the nuclear power sector, the official added.

Last week, Foreign secretary S Jaishankar had said Japan can make substantive difference to Indias nuclear industry.

Foreign nuclear players like the EDF and Westinghouse are keen to import equipment from Japan for their projects in India. This could make a sizable difference to overall cost of the project, another official said.

The India-Japan civil nuclear cooperation agreement was signed in November 2016 and it came into force this July.

Japanese Prime Minister Abe arrived in Ahmedabad today for a two-day visit.
India will send a consignment of humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh tomorrow for Rohingya Muslims, days after Dhaka briefed New Delhi about the problems faced by it due to the influx of refugees from Myanmar following the ethnic violence in the Buddhist-majority nation.

Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi Syed Muazzem Ali had met Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar last week and discussed the issue of Rohingyas in detail.

An Indian aircraft will carry the first consignment of humanitarian assistance tomorrow...It will land at Chittagong airport at 11 am, an Indian high commission spokesman told PTI.

Indian high commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla would hand over the relief materials to Bangladeshs Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, the spokesman added.

Bangladesh, which is facing a big influx of Rohingyas from Myanmar, has called on the international community to intervene and put pressure on Myanmar to address the exodus.

According to the UN estimates, over 379,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmars Rakhine state into Bangladesh since August 25 when fresh wave of violence erupted.

According to media reports, the violence began when Rohingya militants attacked police posts in Myanmars northern Rakhine state.

Rohingya residents - a stateless mostly Muslim minority in a Buddhist-majority nation - allege that the military and Rakhine Buddhists responded with a brutal campaign against them, according to the reports.

Bangladesh had earlier said the new influx of Rohingya refugees is an unbearable additional burden on the country which has been hosting around 400,000 Myanmar nationals who had to leave their country in the past due to communal violence and repeated military operations.

Quader had said on Sunday that Bangladesh needed crucial Indian support in handling the crisis.

The entire world today is worried with the Rohingya issue (and) their (Indias) concern and stand beside us is very crucial at this moment, he had said.

Foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali, at a media briefing on the same day, however, referred to the Indian concern about the crisis.

A deeply concerned India last week asked Myanmar to handle the situation in the Rakhine state with maturity and restraint while focusing on the welfare of the civilian population along with that of the security forces and asserted that it was imperative that violence ends there.
A Mumbai-bound passenger is being probed for alleged unruly behaviour on board a private airline -- a claim which she too made against its crew -- in probably the first such case after the no-fly rules came into effect.

Official sources said the IndiGo airlines team at the airport informed CISF security personnel about an incident onboard its Jaipur-Mumbai flight on Tuesday evening.

The airline crew, according to sources, said a passenger identified as R Thakur misbehaved and displayed aggressive behaviour with them on board.

IndiGo sources confirmed the incident but did not comment on whether they will ban the passenger from flying with the airline.

Soon after the flight landed at Mumbai, the woman was taken by CISF personnel and the crew to the airport police, which booked her for a non-cognisable offence.

The woman has filed a counter-case against a member of the airline crew, sources said.

The police are investigating the case, they added.

As per the rules unveiled last week, a passenger who displays disruptive behaviour onboard a plane, even when it is on the ground, can face a flying ban ranging from three months to a lifetime.

Such passengers will also be included in a no-fly list compiled by the aviation regulatory body DGCA.

According to the revised Civil Aviation Requirement of the aviation regulatory body DGCA, after an airline receives a complaint about an unruly passenger it has to constitute a committee to decide the severity of the offence and rule on the duration of the ban.

This panel will have to give its decision within 30 days, failing which the passenger is free to fly.

Until the committee gives its decision the airline may ban the traveller from flying for no more than 30 days.

As per the rules, a passenger can be banned from flying for a period of three months, six months and two years or more without limit.

The duration of the ban will depend on the severity of misdemeanour, which has been divided into three categories - verbal assault, physical fight or sexual assault and life threatening behaviour.
Pakistan opened heavy fire at Indian posts in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch and Jammu districts twice on Wednesday, wounding five persons including two BSF jawans.

In the morning, the Pakistan army opened fire at Indian troops in Degwar area of Poonch district along the Line of Control (LoC), prompting India to retaliate.

In the second ceasefire violation of the day, Pakistan Rangers opened heavy fire and shot few mortars in Pargwal sector along the International Border in Akhnoor area of Jammu district around 3.45 pm.

BSF retaliated in equal measure. There were no reports of casualty.

In another incident of ceasefire violation, Pakistan Army resorted to firing and shelling on Indian posts along the LoC in Mankote, Sabjian and Digwar forward areas in Poonch since 1500 hours, another police officer said.

Three civilians and two BSF Jawans suffered injuries, he said, adding that heavy exchange of fire were taking place.

On Monday afternoon, the Pakistan army had initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation in the Poonch sector along the LoC.

Pakistani forces have violated the ceasefire several times in recent days, officials said. Incidents of ceasefire violation by Pakistan have increased sharply this year.

Till August 1, there were 285 such violations by the Pakistan Army, while in 2016, the number was significantly less at 228 for the entire year, according to army figures.

(With agency inputs)
Himachal Pradesh inspector general of police Zahur Zaidi was admitted to the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) here after he complained of chest pain on Wednesday.

Zaidi was leading the special investigation team looking into the rape and murder of a 16-year-old school girl in the Kotkhai area of Shimla in early July before the CBI took over the probe into the crime that shook the hill state and saw violent protests. Zaidi and seven cops are in judicial custody in Kanda jail in Shimla. The CBI arrested them for the custodial death of Suraj Kumar, an accused in the rape and murder case.

IGMC senior medical superintendent Dr Ramesh Chand confirmed the development. Zaidi is in the cardiac care unit (CCU) and under observation. He was brought here at 9.30am after he complained of chest pain. Investigations are on, a doctor said.

On September 7, the lower court sent the eight cops to judicial custody after 10 days of police remand. Zaidi and the other cops were sent to Kaithu prison before being brought to the Kanda jail.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed an application seeking the extension of their custody by four days for forensic investigation. Besides Zaidi, the CBI arrested deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Manoj Joshi, sub-inspector (SI) Rajinder Singh, assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Deep Chand Sharma, head constables Surat Singh, Mohan Lal, Rafiq Ali and Ranjit Singh on August 29.

Initially, DSP Joshi was asked to investigate the gangrape. The then Shimla SP, DW Negi, was sent to the spot on July 7, a day after the body of the school girl was found at Halaila forest in Kotkhai town of Shimla district.
India on Wednesday submitted its written pleadings to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is hearing the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a retired Indian navy officer sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court allegedly for espionage and subversive activities.

The ICJ has suspended the death sentence of Jadhav pending final judgement by it after India moved the court in May, requesting immediate suspension of the sentence.

India has, today, submitted its Memorial (written pleadings) to the ICJ in the Jadhav case involving egregious violation of Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 by Pakistan. This is in furtherance of our application filed before the Court on May 8, 2017, external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Pakistan claims to have arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan in March last. However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had legal business interests after retiring from the navy.

On May 8, India moved the ICJ for instituting proceedings against Pakistan for violations of the Vienna Convention in the matter of the detention and trial of an Indian National, Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav, sentenced to death in Pakistan and requested immediate suspension of the sentence of death awarded to the accused.

After discussing with both India and Pakistan, President of the ICJ Ronny Abraham, asked India to make its submission by September 13. He also asked Islamabad to make its counter- submission by December 13 before the UN court starts hearing the matter.

... At a meeting held by the President of the Court with the Agents of the Parties on 8 June 2017...the Agent of India requested that each Party be granted a period of four months for the preparation of its pleading; and whereas the Agent of Pakistan indicated that periods of two months would be sufficient, the ICJ said.

Taking into account the views of the parties, the Court fixes the following time-limits for the filing of the written pleadings  13 September 2017 for the Memorial of India; 13 December 2017 for the Counter-Memorial of Pakistan; and Reserves the subsequent procedure for further decision, it added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Sabarmati Ashram with Japanese premier Shinzo Abe on Wednesday, soon after he arrived in Gujarat for a two-day visit.

Modi received Abe and his wife at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport, where he waited for around half an hour to greet Abe with an embrace.

The two leaders and Japans first lady, Akie Abe, left for the ashram in an open vehicle to the accompaniment of music and cultural fanfare.

I believe that Japan-India relationship is blessed with the largest potential in the world, and I am determined that Japan and India will lead the way towards peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and the world, hand in hand with Prime Minister Modi, the PMO quoted Abe as saying in a Twitter release.

Abe, the prime minister of Japan, is here for the 12th annual India-Japan summit. He and Modi are expected to inaugurate the start of the $17 billion high-speed rail project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and sign several agreements on strategic, financial and development cooperation.

Modi took the visiting dignitaries on a tour of the Sabarmati Ashram, where the trio posed for pictures.

Abe wrote a short message in Japanese  Love and Thanks  on the visitors log book at the ashram.

The couple, dressed in traditional Indian attire, then visited the Hriday Kunj, the room where Gandhi lived, and had their photographs clicked with the freedom fighters legendary charkha (spinning wheel).

The trio also paid floral tributes at the Mahatmas statue.

The Sabarmati Ashram was home to Gandhi from 1917 to 1930, and served as one of the main centres of the Indian freedom struggle.

The three spent some time by the Sabarmati riverfront behind the ashram, where Modi showed his guests the three monkeys of Gandhi. Incidentally, these figurines  also called the mystic apes  are said to have their origin in 17th century Japan.

They then headed to the Sidi Saiyyed Ni Jaali, an ancient mosque. The architectural marvel, located in the eastern part of the city, is known across the world for its intricate stone lattice work  locally known as jalis. Modi took Abe and Akie on a brief tour of the mosque, explaining the importance of the heritage monument built in 1573.

The two leaders will get down to business on Thursday. This will be the fourth annual summit between Modi and Abe, who will review the progress in Indo-Japanese cooperation under the Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Japan is one of only two countries with which India has an annual summit mechanism, the other being Russia.

Though most of Abes first day was spent sight-seeing, India and Japan did sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the expansion of an international laboratory set up for collaborative research in biotechnology on Wednesday.

The pact envisages the expansion of DAILAB  the laboratory set up by Indias Department of Biotechnology and Japans National Institute of Advanced Science and Technology. The MoU is likely to be exchanged after delegation-level talks between Abe and Modi.

Much of the imagery from Wednesday was in contrast to the 2014 visit of Chinese president Xi Jinping, who also visited the Sabarmati Ashram.

Unlike then, India put up a cultural show for Abes reception at Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

Later, Modi hosted dinner for Abe and Akie at famous Agashiye restaurant, known for its elegance and kosher Gujarati cuisine. Modi played a perfect host to Abe and the first lady at the terrace restaurant, a boutique heritage hotel in the old city.

(With agency inputs)

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday afternoon for a two-day visit to attend the annual summit between the two countries.

The visit is Abes fourth such meeting  and 10th encounter  with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Japanese PM will be taken from the airport on a roadshow. The 8-km route has been decked up with more than 25 stages where artistes from different states wearing traditional attire will perform.

Modi will host Abe and his wife for dinner at a terrace restaurant, Agashiye, at the heritage hotel House of Mangaldas and Girdhardas after taking them around the 16th century Sidi Saiyyed mosque across the road.

A varied Gujarati vegetarian platter cooked to spicy perfection and served in shiny copperware awaits the premier and first lady of Japan, a country known for its sushi and teriyaki.

The spread includes more than 30 items. Melt-in-the-mouth khaman dhoklas, raspatra and gota fritters, mushy rice khichdi, saucy kadhi, a bitter gourd and onion sabji called bharela karela-dungri, and flatbreads such as bhakri, rotla and roti, besides the deep-fried puri.

An ambitious agenda is on the cards, with Japan expressing its willingness to scale up investment in key flagship projects such as Make in India, Skill India and the Clean Ganga Mission.

Here are the highlights:

9:00 pm: For recap of Modi-Abes Day 1 meet read here

6:31 pm: Leaders leave for the heritage hotel Agashiye- House of Mangaldas Girdhardas for dinner.

6:15 pm: Modi, Abe reach Sidi Saiyyed mosque.



4:59 pm: Modi to leave for Ahmedabad circuit house before they met again for Sidi Saiyyed mosque visit at 6: 15 pm.

4:52 pm: Abe leaves for Hotel Hyatt.

4:51 pm:

Shinzo Abe, his wife Akie Abe and PM Narendra Modi sit by the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. (HT Photo)

4:45 pm: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, his wife Akie Abe sign the visitors book at Sabarmati Ashram.



4:41 pm: Abe and Modi reach Sabarmati Ashram, to take tour of Hridaykunj.

4:11 pm: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe is wearing a Modi kurta. First lady dressed in salwar-kameez.

4:06 pm: Abe and Modi begin roadshow.

3.50pm: Abe to hold a roadshow with PM Modi to Sabarmati Ashram. The event has been named India Roadshow.

3.45pm: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe accorded ceremonial reception on his arrival at Ahmedabad airport.

3.40pm: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe receives guard of honour.

3.35pm: Gujarat governor KN Tripathi, chief minister Vijay Rupani, national security advisor Ajit Doval, foreign secretary S Jaishankar and Japanese ambassador to India at the airport to receive Abe.

3:29pm: Abe arrives in Ahmedabad. His aircraft has the tricolour along with the Japanese flag.

3:11pm:

As India welcomes PM @AbeShinzo, I thank him for his kind words on the robust India-Japan partnership and the strong potential of our ties. pic.twitter.com/TdnISF8E62  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2017

3pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Sardar Vallabhbhai International airport to receive his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.

2.40pm:

#Gujarat: Visuals from Ahmedabad ahead of PM Modi & Japan PM Shinzo Abe's visit, they will hold a roadshow to Sabarmati Ashram pic.twitter.com/bDZsOJpbKI  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

Heres what is on the agenda:

1. Bullet train

Indias ambitious High Speed Rail project is now at the take-off stage, coinciding with Abes visit. The two leaders will lay the foundation stone of the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Once complete (scheduled in December 2023) the train which will have a top speed of 350 km per hour will reduce travel time between the two cities to around 2 hours from the existing 7 hours.

2. Expanding development cooperation

Japan has expressed its desire to scale up partnership in flagship projects such as Make in India, Skill India and the Clean Ganga Mission. Focus is also on expanding Japanese aid in areas such environment protection, sewage building, forest protection.

3. International cooperation/third country projects

Both the sides will strive to enhance their international cooperation in Asian and African countries, with a sharp focus on infrastructure projects. This comes in the wake of China aggressively pushing ahead with its one-road-one-belt connectivity project, which was boycotted by India.

4. Expanding strategic and military cooperation

Japan has remained a key strategic partner for India. The two countries are also part of a trilateral military exercise with US (Malabar exercise). Efforts are on to expand the cooperation into joint defence production.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in the way he is now famous for: a warm hug.

By now, Modis way of greeting world leaders with a hug is commonly known, so much so that hug-spotting is now a part and parcel of Modis diplomatic meetings. International headlines have been devoted to Modis penchant for hugging

During Modis visit to the US, he swooped in for no less than three hugs during his joint address with American president Donald Trump. Needless to say, the hugs outdid Trumps much-talked about rigorous, iron-grip handshakes.

Find you someone who will hug you like Indian PM Modi just hugged President Trump pic.twitter.com/fg7ABaA8OS  Jason Howerton (@jason_howerton) June 26, 2017

Of course, this was not the first time Modi had embraced a US president -- Barack Obama was treated to hugs and warmth all the times he met the Indian prime minister during his tenure. In 2015, Modi welcomed Obama, the chief guest at that years Republic Day parade, with a tight embrace.

The hugs land a little awkwardly at times, like this clumsy embrace with then French president Francois Hollande who was the guest at the 2016 Republic Day celebrations.

Francois Hollande gets a hug from Narendra Modi ahead of the 2016 Republic Day celebrations in Delhi.

Modi continued this tradition, hugging newly elected French president Emmanuel Macron on his visit to Paris, where they met to discuss mutual interests, including ways to counter terrorism and climate change.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs French President Emmanuel Macron as they attend a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. (AP)

An effusive embrace has become the prime ministers signature move to greet world leaders. During his visit to St Petersburg this June, Modi and Putin hugged in a show of solidarity. Images captured at other diplomatic meetings assert the same truth, that the Indian prime minister never shies away from a good, tight hug.

In this June 2, 2017, file photo, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hug in St. Petersburg, Russia. (AP)

Narendra Modi and Australian PM Tony Abbott share a hug at the G20 summit. (AFP photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) after exchange of agreements at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India on May 1, 2017. (Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as he receives him at the airport in New Delhi, India, ahead of this years Republic Day celebrations. (AP)

The prime ministers bear hugs are not reserved only world leaders. CEOs and celebrities are included in the circle of warmth, like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman.

Modi embraces Facebook CEO at Menlo Park, California (AP)

Prime Minster Narendra Modi hugs actor Hugh Jackman on stage during the Global Citizen Festival concert in Central Park, New York. (Reuters)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe laid the foundation stone for Indias first bullet train project in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

The government has said the bullet train technology will revolutionise and transform the railways.

Critics, however, say the funds for the bullet train project could have been better utilised to revamp the ailing Indian Railways, which has witnessed various setbacks in the form of derailments and accidents in the past.

Heres all you need to know about the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project:

Passenger information

The train will have a top speeds of 320-350 km per hour and it is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to around 2 hours from the existing 7-8 hours. The fares could be in the range of Rs 3000 - Rs 5,000.

Passengers will have two speed options in trains:

 High-speed: It will take 2.58 hours to reach the destination

 Rapid high-speed: It will cover the distance in 2.07 hours.

Commuters and capacity

Initially, each high speed train will have 10 cars and the capacity to accommodate 750 people, The Times of India said. It will increase to 16 cars that will accommodate 1,200 people.

According to initial estimates, around 1.6 crore people are expected to travel by the bullet train annually. By 2050, around 1.6 lakh commuters should travel by the high-speed train on a daily basis.

Stations

On the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route, 12 stations have been proposed: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.

Route

The railways will only require around 825 hectares of land for the project as 92% of the route will be elevated, six per cent will go through tunnels and only the remaining two per cent will be on the ground. Indias longest tunnel -- 21-km-long -- will be dug between Boisar and BKC in Mumbai, 7km of which will be under the sea.

The train tracks will elevated to 18 metres for most of its route to ensure the train runs over the existing railway route. The remaining, less than 40km, stretch will be under sea between Thane and Vasai, and underground in Mumbai, reported The Indian Express.

Project completion

The 508km-long Mumbai to Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) is scheduled for completion in December 2023, but commencement date has been sought to be advanced to August 2022.

Funding

To fund the ambitious Rs 1,10,000-crore project, a loan of Rs 88,000 crore will be taken from Japan. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will fund it at a low rate of interest of 0.1% per annum. This loan has to be repaid to Japan in 50 years, with 15 years grace period.

Training and job creation

The government said it will create around 15 lakh new jobs in India.

A dedicated High Speed Rail Training Institute will train about 4,000 technical staff of the bullet train project, The Indian Express report said.

The Japanese government has also offered training of Indian Railways officials in Japan besides reserving fully-funded seats for the Masters course in the universities of Japan for them.

Second bullet train project

The Indian Railways will launch the countrys second high-speed train from Delhi to Amritsar via Chandigarh. The train will run on standard broad gauge and the project shall be completed by 2024. The proposed train will cover the 458-km-long route in 2 hours and 30 minutes running at a speed of 300-350 kmph, reducing the travel time between New Delhi and Amritsar by about two and a half hours.

Proposed stops will be Ambala, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar. The fare will be fixed equivalent to that of Shatabdis AC executive class.

Japanese experience

Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the world. India will also get the safe Shinkansen technology but it would manufacture parts in the country under Make in India.

Shinkansen, meaning new trunk line, are trains shaped like bullets that run at the speed of 320 kmph. They have become a symbol of the countrys progress and technological advancements after the World War 2. Shinkansen have a reputation for punctuality and safety. The trains have never been in any accident since 1964, when they were introduced. The staff is asked to give an explanation if the trains are more than a minute late, a report in Economic Times said.
A rebel CPI(M) legislator, on the verge of being expelled for disproportionate wealth and lavish lifestyle, has started a counter-offensive against the party after his bank statements were illegally downloaded to build a case against him.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist)s Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal Ritabrata Banerjee has shot letters to party chief Sitaram Yechury and other leaders crying foul that his bank statement was procured by some comrades without his permission.

Banerjee is fighting a losing battle with his party, which ideologically encourages an austere lifestyle, but his fight against the CPI(M) once again highlights the rot within the largest communist outfit in India.

The 38-year-old MP, who once fought against Trinamool Congress in Mamata Banerjees bastion, raised eyebrows in the party for sporting expensive personal gadgets such a Mont Blanc pen and an Apple smart watch. He also once threatened a business group.

But someone has to bell the cat. In one of the meetings of the disciplinary cell of the party, they showed me my bank statement for the last three months. I was shocked. How could they access my bank account without my permission? Banerjee asked.

He has an account with the State Bank of India in its Parliament Branch.

I have asked the finance ministry to launch a probe on how it was done, Banerjee told the Hindustan Times.

The rebel MP enquired from the finance ministry if procuring his bank statement was illegal, which informed him that no one can access his account without his written permission.

He is now acting as per the advice of (Union finance minister) Arun Jaitley. We dont want to comment on the issue, Politburo member Md Salim, who heads the disciplinary cell, told HT.

Banerjee has also recorded the in-camera proceedings of the disciplinary committeewhich he threatens to make public, in another effort to harm the partys image.

The CPI(M), a party with strict disciplinary standards, has a history of expelling many of its top-ranking leaders, including former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee, former Tripura chief minister Nripen Chakraborty, and economist Prasenjit Bose, on different ground.

The latest assault comes at a time when the party is fast losing its footprint in the eastern state, where they ruled for 34 years. The party is also reduced to just seven members in the Rajya Sabha and has just nine members in the 545-seat strong Lok Sabha.
Minister of state for external affairs VK Singh on Wednesday dismissed reports that a huge ransom was paid to ensure the release of Father Tom Uzunnanil from the clutches of militants in Yemen.

The minister said it was a diplomatic victory and all concerned worked quietly to ensure his safe release.

There were reports that India had paid USD 1 crore through back channels to free Fr Tom who was abducted by Islamic State militants in Yemen on March 4, 2016, and released on Tuesday and taken to Vatican.

Dismissing the report, the minister said it was not the policy of a country like India.

Addressing newsmen in the state capital, Singh said the MEA was tracking the case vigorously for more than a year and closely co-ordinating with many countries, including Oman in this regard.

We all worked quietly. Finally it paid off. It is a big diplomatic victory for the country, he said.

However, he refused to elaborate how the government got the priest released, saying details cant be divulged to the media.

Asked when the priest will be returning to India, he said it was up to him to decide when to return.

A spokesman of the Celestian congregation later clarified that the priest had reached Vatican and will be meeting Pope Francis in a couple of days.

Talking about the MEAs decision to deny permission to the Kerala tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran to visit China, Singh said it was due to some protocol issues.

In China, he was planning to meet an official much below his rank. For the country, self-respect means a lot, he said, expressing sadness over the issue being made a big controversy.

Last week, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticising the MEA decision.

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At the reception, Ambassador Herminio Lopez Diaz expressed his respect and gratefulness to leaders of the Party and State for Cuban people, as well as him. He said that agencies, organizations and the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association in Hanoi actively helped him fulfil his duties during his tenure.



Mr Herminio Lopez Diaz added that he would always hold deep memories and good impressions of the effective activities of the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association, led by its chairman Nguyen Viet Thao. Furthermore, the Cuban Ambassador also committed to continue making positive contributions to relationship between Havana and Hanoi in all his positions.

Vice President of Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association in Hanoi () presented flowers to Ambassador (Source: CPV)



The Ambassador stressed that over the past four years, diverse activities were held to promote the friendly relationship between the two countries, including cooperation in economics, commerce, health, education and culture. He hoped that in the near future, the association would continue coordinating with the Cuban Embassy to be a bridge between the two nations. On this occasion, the Ambassador also sent his greetings to leaders of the association, and hoped to see his Vietnamese friends soon again in the future.

Mr. Tran Doan Tien, Vice President of Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association and Editor - in chief of the Communist Party of Vietnam Online Newspaper, congratulated the Ambassador on completing his tasks in Vietnam. He also appreciated his good sentiments and positive contributions to the association in Hanoi.

Mr. Tien shared with the Ambassador his feelings at the heavy consequences of Hurricane Irma which recently hit in Cuba. He expressed his hope that in the near future, regardless of his position, the Ambassador would continue to contribute to the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association in general and the Association in Hanoi in particular, promoting friendly relations between the two countries./.
When it comes to police encounters, southern Odishas Ganjam district has a unique kill rate. Unlike their counterparts in Maharashtra, who have virtually wiped out the Mumbai underworld and been glorified in Bollywood flicks like Ab Tak Chhappan, policemen here prefer to avoid blood on their hands.

Take the case of gangster Souri Nahak and his associate Mitu Pradhan, who after firing at a civil contractor the previous night were fleeing on a motorcycle in the wee hours of September 11. The plan was to escape to Chennai, but inspector BN Swain and his team from Khallikote police station intercepted the duo on a nondescript road.

A history-sheeter from Khallikote block, Nahak and his gang had nearly 50 cases against them, mostly dacoity and property-related offences. When challenged, the duo fired at the police team. The cops retaliated, but ensured the bullets were aimed only at the lower limbs of the criminals.

In Ganjam, there have been 28 such encounters since last April in which 32 antisocial elements received bullets in their lower limbs, with some becoming invalid for life.

On the other side, 25 policemen have been injured in these encounters, but with comparatively lesser injuries.

The motive is never to kill. Our forces have fired below the waist only when they have been fired at. Self-defence is the only criteria, says Ashis Singh, SP of Ganjam and Berhampur. There have been 7 such encounters in Puri and Cuttack districts in the last one year.

Who would want to spoil his career by killing a criminal and getting entangled in court cases? Hardened criminals dont mind going to jail for a few months and then come back to commit another crime. So the best way to deter them is to injure them in encounters, said a senior police official who did not want to be named.

Until last April, criminals had a free run in Ganjam, the most violent district of the state and also chief minister Naveen Patnaiks pocketborough. Their reign of terror mostly targeted liquor traders and realtors.

Ramesh Jena, former Congress MLA from Sanakhemundi constituency, is said to be the biggest gangster with at least 200 members involved in extortion. Jena, who has over 50 cases against him, including murder, extortion, kidnapping, illegal arms and sheltering criminals, allegedly lords over an empire of worth Rs 300 crore.

The encounters in Ganjam started in April last year, a month after Jena was arrested in a case of extortion of a Berhampur-based jeweller. In the following months, two of his gang members were seriously injured in encounters, leading to the arrest of several more.

The criminals never thought that we would injure them fatally leading to amputation of legs, said Shantanu Das, sub-divisional police officer in Berhampur town.

Since the encounters started, 3,300 antisocials, including 200-odd hardened criminals accused of serious crimes, have been arrested in the district. To ensure that those who get bail dont go back to their old ways, the cops have ensured the anti-socials report to the nearest police station once a week.

In case they dont report, we have asked one member of his family to stand guarantee. The fear of getting encountered surely has instilled a sense of fear, said an inspector of a police station.

While traders and businessmen are breathing easy now, family members of two of the gang members who were encountered have moved the Odisha Human Rights Commission against the police methods. Sanju Nahak, whose husband Shouri is now lying in a hospital with bullets in his legs, insists that the encounter was a staged one.
Patanjali, the food and Ayurvedic products company set up by Yoga guru Ramdev, has been accused of distributing expired products to people affected by floods in Assam.

Local TV channels showed people accusing Patanjali of handing out old milk powder and juice packets. Some carried expiry dates of last year.

When we asked the companys representative in Majuli, they admitted there were some old products with them, but said those were not been distributed among people affected by the floods, Majuli deputy commissioner Pallav Gopal Jha told Hindustan Times. The administration has launched an inquiry.

The company too denied distributing bad products, but said it cannot always control the logistics of transport and distribution and are not responsible if someone other than our representatives indulge in some wrong doing.

We dont send out date expired products from our warehouses. Patanjali has helped the flood-affected in Assam purely on humanitarian grounds, said Patanjali spokesperson SK Tijariwala.

The district administration has asked the company representatives to either handover or destroy the expired products.

Local media reports said several people fell sick after consuming Patanjalis products, but the district administration denied it.

This is not the first time Patanjali, which is setting up a mega food park for Rs 1,300 crore in Assam, has been in controversy in Assam.

In November, an adult female elephant and its calf fell into an open pit at the under-construction food park in Balipara. While the calf was rescued, the wild elephant died.

In July this year, a woman fell severely sick in Nagaon district in central Assam after allegedly consuming expired products given out by an authorised Patanjali retailer.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe to an exclusive dinner at the House of Mangaldas Girdhardas, a boutique heritage hotel in Ahmedabad, after taking them around the 16th century Sidi Saiyyed mosque across the road.

Built in 1924 in Ahmedabad, the House of MG, as it is popularly known, was once the home of a wealthy textile businessman, and has been turned into a boutique heritage hotel. The stately property has been restored to retain its old-world charm while providing all modern amenities.

Senior officials said Prime Minister Modi went into the details of each event planned in his home city. The vegetarian dinner will be attended by just the three people.

Abe, who is arriving in Ahmedabad on Wednesday for the annual India-Japan summit, will be returning to Tokyo on Thursday.

The city has been decked up, with flags of two countries and huge cut-outs of Modi and Abe put up at many places leading to the hotel.

However, a 16th century heritage mosque across the road from the House of Mangaldas Girdhardas is getting unprecedented attention.

Modi will be taking Abe for a tour around the Sidi Saiyyed mosque, popularly known as Sidi Saiyyid ki Jaali, which was built in 1573.

The mosque is entirely arcuated and is famous for beautifully carved ten-stone latticework windows (jalis) on the side and rear arches.

Late on Tuesday night, visitors were thronging the mosque, as TV new crews gathered in large numbers.

Rizwan Kadri, chairman of the Sunni Waqf Committee that administers the mosque, hoped Prime Minister Modi would explain the history and the importance of the Sidi Saiyyed mosque to PM Shinzo Abe himself.

Officials said the Prime Ministers Office had sought details about the iconic mosque and details of its architecture.

Ahmedabad municipal commissioner Mukesh Kumar said only UNESCO director general Irina Bokova, who came to hand over the World Heritage City certificate had visited the city.

There have been no high-level officials visiting the site in the recent past, he said.

Amrita, a banker who took a picture of the mosque in evening light, said this mosque has been a historic symbol of the city and it is getting a lot of attention now because of the Japanese PMs visit .

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Volunteers from Khalsa Aid, a Sikh organisation, are offering food, water, and shelter to lakhs of Rohingya Muslims, who have fled Myanmar fearing persecution, across the Bangladesh border, an Indian Express report has said.

An estimated 370,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since August 25 after a crackdown by the Myanmars army against the community in response to militant attacks.

The Express said the UK-based NGO reached Teknaf, a border town in Bangladesh where the Rohingya Muslims are living in camps in a condition, which Khalsa Aids managing director Amarpreet Singh said was miserable to say the least.

We had come prepared for providing relief to some 50,000 people, but there are more than three lakh refugees here. They are living without water, food, clothes and shelter. They are sitting wherever they can find a corner. It is raining, but people do not have anywhere to go, Singh said.

We will be providing them langar (community kitchen) food and shelter. We are arranging tarpaulins but since the number of refugees has overwhelmingly exceeded our preparations, it can some time to make arrangements, he added.

Every drop of water is precious.Great Seva by our volunteers on Bangladesh-Myanmar border assisting #ROHINGYA Muslim refugees @jonsnowC4 pic.twitter.com/vh8O2HMZAp  Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) September 13, 2017

Incessant rains and poor connectivity to the Bangladesh capital Dhaka are proving to be major stumbling blocks in arranging material for preparation of langars.

But we are committed to run langar here (community food) till the crisis is not over. The priority is to not let anyone sleep without food. Children are roaming without clothes and begging for food. Those who do not get space in camps are sitting along roads in hope of getting food from someone, he added.

A team of volunteers from UK-based Khalsa Aid have reached the border of Bangladesh-Myanmar and set up a relief program for the refugees. (Khalsa Aid Twitter page)

Critics have called for Myanmars leader Aung San Suu Kyi to be stripped of her Nobel peace prize for failing to do more to halt the ethnic violence.

Amid the humanitarian crisis, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein has also criticised India for its handling of Rohingya refugees.

Al Hussein deplored steps to deport Rohingya refugees from India, and expressed dismay at what he called the broader rise of intolerance towards religious and other minorities in India.

Around 14,000 Rohingyas living in India are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, while about 40,000 are said to be staying illegally.
Assam Police on Wednesday arrested RTI activist and peasant leader Akhil Gogoi, for allegedly instigating the common people to take up arms and slapped sedition charge against him.

The police said a case under Sections 120(B), 121, 124(A), 109, 153 and 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code was registered over speeches Gogoi and pro-talks United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) leader Jiten Dutta had made at a public rally on Tuesday.

IPC 121 is waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India. It prescribes death or life imprisonment.

IPC 124(A) dealing with sedition states: Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the government established by law in India, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.

The police said Gogoi, who heads the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, and Dutta had instigated the common people to wage war against the nation and also delivered speeches against communal harmony. They also announced that they are ready to use hangdang (machete) and AK-47 rifle in their movement against the government.

The rally Gogoi and Dutta had addressed, was organised to protest the Centres move to amend the Citizenship Act, non-implementation of the Assam Accord of 1985, lack of constitutional safeguards for the protection of indigenous peoples in the state, and a recent incident of attack on surrendered ULFA members in Nagaon, about 125km east of Guwahati.

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An administrator of Ryan International School, arrested for negligence in the murder of an eight-year-old boy, on Wednesday requested the Supreme Court to transfer his case from Gurgaon to a Delhi court.

Francis Thomas, the administrator of schools north zone, told the court that lawyers in Gurgaon and neighbouring Sohna were not ready to represent him or other accused in the case.

Thomas was arrested on September 10, two days after the Class 2 student of Ryan International in Bhondsi, near Gurgaon, was found with his throat slit outside a school toilet, a murder that shook the country with parents seeking stringent action against the private school chain.

Thomass lawyer senior advocate KTS Tulsi told a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra that the district bar associations of both places had passed a resolution on September 9 not to defend the accused.

Lawyers from Delhi were physically prevented from appearing in the district court, Tulsi said, adding it amounted to denial of justice and violated the accuseds right to fair trial.

Francis wants the case to be heard by a Saket court.

The SC will next hear the case of September 18.

The top court had on Monday sought replies from the Centre, Haryana and others on a petition filed by the boys father for a CBI probe into his sons murder.

His sons death was a cold-blooded murder and police had failed to unearth the conspiracy, the father said as he also sought safety guidelines for schools so that such incidents were not repeated.

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Taking a dig at the Congress high command, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh, on Wednesday, said senior Congress leader Shushil Kumar Shinde, who is also the in-charge for Himachal, is not the final authority in the party.

His comments comes days after Shinde announced that the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will continue to remain the state Congress chief.

For long, Virbhadra has been pressurising the party high command to remove Sukhu as the state party chief. The two leaders do not share warm relations and have locked horns against each other to gain an upper hand in the ticket distribution and strategy formulation for the upcoming assembly polls.

Responding to question on Shindes stance on partys state chief, Virbhadra on Wednesday said, Shinde is not the final authority in the party. He added that his demand to sack Sukhu is because of their differing opinions.

I dont have any personal differences with anyone. However, there are differences in our opinions on policy and decision making, the chief minster said, adding that he has already appraised the party high command about this.

I have never stretched the issue to a breaking point. I belong to that era of Congress when even party leaders were elected, he said.

Responding to a query on whether he will contest the polls this time, Virbhadra said the option is open. It is a million dollar question, he said.

So far I have not decided whether to contest the election or not. I am also yet to decide how I will campaign for the party, he said.

Virbhadra has been making self-contradictory statements on the issue. At one point he announced that he will not contest the upcoming elections, only to take U-turn days later to announce that he will enter the electoral battle at the right time.

On Wednesday, Virbhadra also claimed that he has no immediate plans to meet the party high command.

Last week he had a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi and is learnt to have pitched his demand on removing Sukhu.

He also criticised the Bharatiya Jananta Party (BJP) for its Himachal maange hisab (Himachal demands accountability) campaign launched on Tuesday by BJPs national spokesperson Sambit Patra in Shimla. What accountability are they seeking from me? Everyone knows that central agencies are after me. Three different agencies CBI, enforcement directorate and the income tax are probing only one case against me, he said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Thursday laid the foundation of Indias first high speed rail project, linking countrys commercial capital Mumbai to Ahmedabad, the main city in Modis home state Gujarat.

The two countries also inked 15 agreements, including one to give a fillip to Indias Act East policy by enhancing connectivity and developmental projects in Indias northeast, and for more flights between the two countries.

Modi and Abe addressed the India-Japan Business Plenary held at the towns Mahatma Mandir centre.

This was the fourth summit meeting between Modi and Abe. The two leaders visited the Sabarmati Ashram on Wednesday after Abes arrival in Gujarat in the afternoon. The Japanese Prime Minister was on a two-day visit to Gujarat.

Here are the highlights:

9:35 pm: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to emplane for Tokyo.

5: 35 pm:

Showcasing the strong #IndiaJapan economic ties.

PM @narendramodi & PM @AbeShinzo take a tour of the exhibition halls pic.twitter.com/nU0NgS3Yek  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 14, 2017

5: 20 pm: With the strength of our friendship & trust, I invite more and more Japanese people and companies to come, live and work in India, says PM Modi as he concludes his speech.

5:16 pm: PM Modi thanks Shinzo Abe and Japan for being a perfect partner in mutual and global pursuit.

5: 16 pm: I have been saying that 21st Century is Asias century. Ive also been saying India and Japan will play a major role in Asias emergence: PM Modi.

He says the growing convergence between Japan and India on strategic and economic issues has capacity to stimulate the global economy: PM Modi.

5: 15 pm: PM Modi says India and Japan are ancient civilisations and vibrant democracies. We know how to distribute the fruits of progress and prosperity to the common man, says Modi.

5:12 pm: Japan can benefit tremendously with size and scale of our potential and skilled hands that India offers: PM Modi on India-Japan business relations.

5:11 pm: The project of Varanasi convention centre is a symbol of cultural co-operation of Kyoto and Varanasi. I named the project as a rudrakh- the symbol of love and prasad of Lord Shiva to humanity. This rudrakh will be a garland of love of Japan to Varanasi. It will also be a tribute to our shared Buddhist heritage: PM Narendra Modi.

5:11 pm: PM Modi says 4 locations have been finalized for development of Japanese Industrial Townships in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu.

He says the foundation has been laid for production of Lithium batteries for electric mobility.

5:10 pm: Gujarats industry and government still cherish the fact that Japan became 1st partner country in Vibrant Gujarat event: PM Narendra Modi.

5: 06 pm: My personal engagement with Japan decade old. Wanted to see mini Japan here. That dream has come true: Narendra Modi at India-Japan Annual Summit.

5: 02 pm: Japans PM Shinzo Abe addresses the India-Japan Annual Summit.

4:03 pm: Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe arrive at the India-Japan Business Plenary in Gandhinagar.

4:02 pm: PM Modi, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and Suzuki chairman Osamu Suzuki visit the Suzuki exhibition booth at Mahatma Mandir Centre in Gandhinagar.

4: 00 pm: Modi and Abe check the bullet train simulator.

3:42 pm: PM Narendra Modi and Japans PM Shinzo Abe inaugurate Bullet Train Research Institute in Vadodara via video conferencing.

3:32pm: Rohingya issue did not come up for any specific discussion, it came only as a passing mention: S Jaishankar on India-Japan talks.

3:30pm: Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav says the Narendra Modi government should have launched the bullet train project for New Delhi-Kolkata route.

3:20pm: Jaishankar says another issue which came up during India-Japan discussions was terrorism. Halting cross-border movement of terrorists was agreed upon. The two sides specifically agreed to cooperate in dealing with threats from al-Qaida, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terrorist groups.

3:15pm: There were a lot of discussions on North Korea. Japan underlined their concerns and it was a complete meeting of minds. We will fully abide by the UNSC resolutions passed over North Korea issue, the foreign secretary says. We agreed to hold the parties accountable who supported North Koreas nuclear programmes.

3:12pm: We agreed to explore co-operation and exchanges between our army and ground self-defence forces and Air Force and Japans Air Defence Force: S Jaishnakar

3:11pm: Japan will provide more help in infrastructure development of North East policy, says Jaishankar.

Foreign secretary S Jaishankar addressing the media at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. (AIR/Twitter)

3:10pm: Japan shares most of Indian concerns on Chinas one-road one-belt policy: Foreign secretary on India-Japan relations.

3:09pm: The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence and economic sectors. They discussed technology and equipment collaboration in defence sector, says Jaishankar.

3:07pm: Free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region a thrust area of the joint statement: Foreign secretary.

3:05pm: The welcome to Abe was unique in many ways... The two PMs had discussions over dinner last night, foreign secretary S Jaishankar says.

2.45pm: Foreign secretary S Jaishankar to brief media.

2.33pm: PM Modi and PM Abe look forward to convening 5th Japan-India consultation on terrorism and to strengthen cooperation against terrorists threats from groups, incuding Al Qaida, ISIS, JeM, LeT and their affiliates.

2.30pm: PM Modi and PM Abe call for Pakistan to bring to justice perpetrators of terror attacks, including 2008 and 2016 Pathankot attacks.

2:00pm: PMs Modi and Abe condemned North Koreas continued development of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

1:57pm: Japanese PM says Japan Promotion Board office set up in Gujarat to increase investment.

1:55pm: India, Japan and the US conducted joint maritime exercise in Malabar for the first time, based on strong ties of trust between PM Modi and President Donald Trump, says Abe.

1:53pm: We appreciate the warm welcome and hospitality. Dhanyawaad, says Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.

1:52pm: India Post and Japan Post will start a cool box service for Japanese living in India so that they can order their favourite food from Japan, says Modi.

1:50pm: I urge Japanese business community to open maximum number of Japanese restaurant chains in India: PM Modi

1:49pm:

Deepening the Special Strategic & Global Partnership. #IndiaJapan sign 15 agreements/documents during the 12th India Japan Annual Summit pic.twitter.com/4WwSFR5n0M  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 14, 2017

One of the agreements: To strengthen strategic collaboration, joint research programme and exchanges between University of Tsukuba, Japan and Sports Authority of India.

1:43pm: I heartily welcome the agreements signed today, they will strengthen India-Japan partnership: PM Modi.

Delegation-level talks between India and Japan. (Twitter/MEA India)

1:42pm: Japan is the third largest investor in India. In 2016-17 Japan invested 4.7 billion dollars in India, which is 80% higher than last year: Modi

1:41pm: Its a pleasure to welcome PM Abe on Indian soil, says Modi.

1:40pm: Modi begins his address to the press with Japanese greeting Konnichiwa, good afternoon.

One of the agreements: Indian and Japanese carriers can now mount unlimited number of flights to the selected cities of each others countries.

1:39pm: Altogether, 15 agreements signed between the two countries, including in the field of disaster risk reduction, Japanese language education in India, accelerate Japanese investments and in joint research, among others.

1:38pm: PM Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe witness exchange of agreements between the two nations.

1:30pm: A Chinese daily has said that close ties between New Delhi and Tokyo posed no grave threat to Beijing. It says China would never follow India and Japan who have somewhat lost themselves.

1:18pm: First Lady of Japan Akie visits Blind Peoples Association at Vastrapur in Ahmedabad.

12:50pm:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. (HT)

12:40pm: Delegation-level talks between India and Japan begin at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

Noon:

Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi & Japanese PM Shinzo Abe at Gandhinagar's Dandi Kuteer. pic.twitter.com/uaqREixe82  ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2017

11:50am:

I congratulate PM @narendramodi & Japanese PM @AbeShinzo for laying the foundation stone of path breaking Bullet Train project in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/JcSiGWbND1  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 14, 2017

11:45am: Modi and Abe visit Dandi Kutir in Gandhinagar. It is Indias largest and only museum built on the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi: ANI

11:30am: Shiv Sena calls Rs 1.08 lakh crore train project unnecessary and a dream for the wealthy. The Prime Ministers dream is not of the common man, but for the interest of the wealthy and the business class, the party says in an editorial.

11:15am: Modi and Abe also laid the foundation stone for the Vadodara High Speed training institute.

10:59am: The bullet train will depart from aamru Ahmedabad to aamchi Mumbai. We want the common man in our country to use high-end technology:PM

10:58am: Ground-breaking of high speed rail has happened in the 70th year of Indias Independence... I hope that we see the service operational on the 75th anniversary, says Modi.

10:55am: Our railway network is so huge that the number of people travelling in trains every week in India is equal to Japans total population: PM

10:50am: The Gujaratis have found a friend in Japan which has given Rs 88,000 crore at 0.1 % interest rate. This is a big deal for Gujaratis who celebrate even 0.5 % slash in interest rate: Modi

10:45am: High-speed corridor will emerge as single economic zone, says Modi.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ground breaking ceremony for high-speed rail project in Ahmedabad. (AP)

10:40am: Next generation growth will happen where there are high-speed corridors, says PM Modi.

10:35am: High-speed rail project is a sign of deepening ties between the two nations, says Modi.

10:33am: PM Modi takes the stage to address the crowd in Hindi and Gujarati, welcomes Japanese counterpart to India.

10:32am: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ends his address at Sabarmati ground with Dhanyavad.

10:31am: On my next visit I hope to take a ride on the high-speed rail Shinkansen with PM Modi, says Japanese Prime Minister.

10:30am: Japans JA and Indias I when combined becomes Jai in Hindi: Abe

10:28am:

I would like to state that India-Japan partnership is special, strategic and global: PM @AbeShinzo  PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 14, 2017

10:26am: PM Modi is a far sighted leader. He made a decision of making New India and chose Japan as a partner, we completely support it. Japan is committed to the scheme of Make in India: Abe



10:24am: More than 100 Japanese engineers came to India and joined hands with Indian engineers for the project, says Abe.

10:22am: A powerful Japan is in the interests of India and vice-versa, says Shinzo Abe.

10:15am: Indias first high speed rail project inaugurated by PM Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in Ahmedabad.

10:10am: We welcome Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and express gratitude towards Japan, says Gujarat chief minister.

10:05am: With the laying of foundation stone of the bullet train, we are also laying the foundation of New India, says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.

10:03am: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis also present at the inauguration event.

10:00am: Many people criticised the introduction of Rajdhani but now it is the train everyone wants to travel in, says Piyush Goyal.

9:58am: This bullet train will be a symbol of brotherhood between people of India and Japan, says railway minister Piyush Goyal at the event.

9:52am:

Japanese PM @AbeShinzo arrives at Sabarmati ground for ground breaking ceremony of India's first high-speed rail link #BulletTrain pic.twitter.com/r8wMk64tkD  Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) September 14, 2017

9:50am: Modi welcomes Abe. The two leaders inspect a model of the high-speed rail from Mumbai to Ahmedabad.

9:44am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Sabarmati athletic ground to welcome Japanese PM Shinzo Abe for the ground-breaking ceremony of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail in Ahmedabad. Abe to arrive soon.

9:00am:

Gujarat: Japan's first lady Akie Abe to visit Blind Peoples Association in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/wzq3s1Wtx7  ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2017

8:30am: Venue of Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail inauguration all set in Ahmedabad.

Check out the highlights from Day 1.

Here are six things you need to know about the visit:

1) Bullet train

Indias ambitious High Speed Rail (HSR) project is now at the take-off stage, coinciding with the visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe will lay the foundation stone of the 508-km long Mumbai-Ahmadabad High Speed Rail in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The cost of the project is Rs 1,10,000-crore. Once complete (scheduled in December 2023) the train which will have a top speed of 350 km per hour will reduce travel time between the two cities to around 2 hours from the existing 7 hours. The project is mostly on Japanese soft loan. But Japanese would also be happy as their high technology is under stiff competition from China and South Korea, who are trying to build similar rail corridors across the world

2) Expanding development cooperation

An ambitious agenda is on the cards at the summit, with Japan expressing its willingness to scale up its partnership in key flagship projects such as Make in India, Skill India and the Clean Ganga Mission. Most of it would be in continuation of the developmental-cooperation trajectory the two leaders had arrived at in 2015. India would benefit from Japanese technology on various sectors and now focus is on expanding the Japanese aid to India in areas such environment protection, sewage building, forest protection. Japanese are also keen on expanding the development cooperation to the north eastern parts of India

3) International cooperation/third country projects

Both the sides will also strive to enhance their international cooperation in Asian and African countries, with a sharp focus on infrastructural projects. This development comes in the wake of China aggressively pushing ahead with its one-road-one-belt connectivity project, which was boycotted by India but endorsed by its South-Asian neighbours like Sri Lanka and Nepal. While Indian companies enjoy a large presence in Africa, Japanese companies possess advanced technologies. If we come together there, it could be a win-win situation for both countries, Kenji Hiramatsu, the Japanese ambassador to India, told Hindustan Times in a recent interview.

Incidentally, the fact that the African Union has 54 members  one-third of the United Nations total membership  can even help India and Japan achieve their dream of becoming permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. China is already expanding its economic and strategic influence in the resource-rich continent. Its new military base in Djibouti  the first in the region  has raised global concerns over the Xi Jinping governments strategic intentions for Africa.

4) Expanding strategic and military cooperation

Japan has remained a key strategic partner for India. The two countries are also part of a trilateral military exercise with US (malabar exercise). Efforts are on to expand the cooperation into joint defence production  a topic under discussion for years but needs a definite boost at the high level. There may be specific discussions on long-pending Indian proposal to buy the US-2 amphibious aircraft from Japan and joint development of military equipment. The annual Indo-Japan summit is taking place amid escalating tension in the region in the wake of the nuclear test by North Korea and Chinas growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, and Modi and Abe are expected to deliberate on them.

5) Benefit for Gujarat

An agreement between the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Gujarat Maritime Board for developing the Alang shipbuilding yard, besides the establishment of two industrial parks, will be on the table during Abes visit.

According to Gujarat Chief Secretary, JN Singh, 15 Japanese companies are keen to invest in Gujarat and will be signing agreements with the state government. Some of these companies include Moresco, Toyoda Gosei, Topre and Murakami.

(With inputs from agencies)
Government-designated counselling authorities in states such as Bihar, Karnataka, Punjab and Puducherry allegedly adopted inconsistent norms to enroll students in the last round of admission to medical colleges for MBBS courses.

These norms contravened guidelines set by the Supreme Court, Medical Council of India and the health ministry.

For instance, Bihar opened the final counselling session at 5pm on August 31, the last day of admission, and asked candidates to bring demand drafts of more than Rs 10 lakh drawn in favour of colleges.

Parents alleged that no banks are open from 5pm to midnight. But candidates, who came through commission agents, had their demand draft ready in advance in favour of colleges they were supposed to be assigned after the counselling.

Similar irregularities happened in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry and Punjab.

The allegations defeat the purpose of the Supreme Court-mandated single entrance examination, called National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), for more than 60,000 MBBS seats in 474 private and government colleges in India.

Introduced last year to weed out corruption in medical education, NEET provides students rankings by which colleges offer admission through state-run counselling sessions. Complaints of irregularities surfaced in the final leg, called left-out or mop-up round, of the counselling process.

Deepak Kumar Gupta of Uttar Pradeshs Gorakhpur said he got a text message from Karnataka officials at 11pm on September 4 to appear in a final-leg counselling session the next day by 11am in Bengaluru.

He took a morning flight from Lucknow and reached the admission office at 10am.

The officer rejected my application because I didnt have the draft. I requested for time or take money through NEFT (online transfer). But it was turned down, he alleged.

Such irrational demands were allegedly made to deny deserving candidates seats and give admission to lower-ranked students.

Allegations have surfaced that officials and touts connived to deny meritorious students seats and these were then sold on the sly.

We have access to the majority of private colleges in Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry, a tout operating from east Delhi said.

Bihar medical education director Prabhat Kumar dismissed the allegations.

We started counselling at 3pm and allowed transfer of money through NEFT as well. We gave time till 1pm the next day, he said.

But Kumar admitted the mistake of not mentioning the payment mode in the official advertisement. Students denied the NEFT, or online payment, option.

Candidates scoring as low as 107 got seats during the second leg of admissions in Puducherry. But students such as R Akash, with 128 marks, didnt get admission despite officials calling a final round to fill 96 vacant seats.

Punjabs counselling authority, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), informed on September 2, which was a Saturday and a holiday for Eid, that students should appear for the final round with a demand draft at 11am on Monday.

BFUHS vice chancellor Raj Bahadur denied any wrongdoing. He said: We accepted bank drafts of any amount in the name of BFUHS so that colleges dont refuse admission to candidates.

In Madhya Pradesh, the final round began at 4pm on September 10 and ended at midnight, the last day of counselling.

A candidate with 191 marks was selected, but students with more than 400 marks were left out, a student alleged.

A Madhya Pradesh official clarified that it was done to give preference to candidates from the home state.

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Suresh Kumar refuses to believe his only daughter, Yukti Chabbra, a nursing student of AIIMS Rishikesh, had committed suicide three years ago, as police concluded.

His dogged quest to find her murderer has almost turned him into an investigator. Armed with uninvestigated loopholes and a few RTI applications, the Delhi native got the Uttarakhand high court to order the CBI to probe the murder and destruction of evidence in the case.

The badly bruised body of Yukti was found hanging in her hostel room in Rishikesh-based All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in June 2014. After a suicide note was found, police concluded that the 19-year-old girl had killed herself.

But Kumar refused to buy that.

There were deep wounds on her head, feet and arms. Her room, including the bathroom, had blood stains everywhere. Did she have the strength to hang herself after losing such a huge amount of blood? he asked.

They said she hanged herself by tying the noose. But my only daughter didnt know how to tie the knot. I and my wife, as indulgent parents, could never teach her tying the knot. Her mother was always there for tying knots of her salwars and pyjamas. When she went to study nursing at Rishikesh, my wife got her salwars with elastic due to her inability to tie knots, Kumar said.

Her classmates too hinted at something wrong, but they were not allowed to speak to me, Kumar told HT.

When the Uttarakhand police did not register any FIR on charges of murder, he approached a lower court under section 156(3) of CrPC. Following the directions of the court, an FIR was registered but the investigation did not move an inch, Kumar said.

He then approached the former state chief minister, Harish Rawat who agreed to send the case to the CBI for investigation. But the CBI refused to take the case citing shortage of manpower.

Kumar then filed RTI applications with the police to get copy of case documents and approached the high court which finally directed the CBI to take over case in the June this year.

Since the death of my daughter, I have visited Dehradun and Rishikesh more than 50 times. I have spoken to her friends and classmates and visited their houses in other states to know what exactly happened to my daughter, he said.

As per some of her friends, Yukti and another girl had a fight with two boys and an oral complaint was made to the principal about it. But no effort was made to trace the two boys.

Her call records were not analysed properly. I dont even know whether blood samples picked from my daughters hostel room were sent for forensic examination. I have also sought expert opinion on the handwriting on her suicide note and I have my doubts whether the handwriting in it is of my daughters, said Kumar, demanding answers to all these questions.

I am very sure she was murdered and I want to know who killed her, Kumar said, hoping that the CBI will be able to find the truth.

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Main export items include coffee beans with 38,667 tonnes and USD84,32 million, down 17 percent in volume but up 8 percent in value; phones and phone parts with USD58.77 million, down 3 percent; and rice with 29,311 tonnes and USD11.53 million, both up four fold.

Other items posting increases in revenues are pepper, steel products, seafood, computer, electronic goods and parts, machinery, equipment and tools.

Algeria is the fourth largest market in Africa of Vietnamese goods, behind South Africa, Ghana and Egypt.

As Vietnam and Algeria mark the 55th year of their diplomatic relationship this year, the Vietnamese trade mission has organized a range of trade promotion activities including business seminars and fair attendance.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has also sent delegations to Algeria to discuss measures to increase bilateral ties./.
The Haryana government on Tuesday shifted additional chief secretary (tourism) Virender Kundu as ACS (science and technology), a relatively low-key department. The move has fuelled speculation that the transfer could be result of Kundu standing up against Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala, whose son allegedly stalked Kundus daughter Varnika in Chandigarh recently.

Vikas Barala, the 23-year-old son of Subhash Barala, and his friend Ashish Kumar, 27, were arrested for stalking Varnika, who is a city-based DJ.

Reacting to Kundus transfer, senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted that the officer has been punished for standing up to BJP in quest for justice for his daughter, Varnika Kundu?

V.S.Kundu gets sidelined.

Punished for standing upto BJP in quest for justice for his daughter, Varnika Kundu? pic.twitter.com/NDiG6PyHO8  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) September 12, 2017

Arson after-effect?

Apart from Kundu, the Haryana government shifted out ACS (home) Ram Niwas, replacing him with ACS (food and supplies) Shyam Sunder Prasad.

The shifting of Niwas comes as a surprise, particularly since chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar had recently expressed satisfaction over the administrative and police measures taken to ensure the appearance of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh before a CBI court in Panchkula on August 25.

VARNIKA BACK ON CONSOLE Disc jockey Varnika Kundu will be performing for the first time on Wednesday night after the stalking episode. As part of the ladies night gala at a bar in Sector 26, Kundu will be live from 10 pm to midnight . The poster invite read, Ciroc Night  Unlimited shots on the house for all women in the house. Music by: Varnika. I had been performing gigs. The bars resident artist is one of the oldest DJs here. He had contacted me. On Tuesday. he sent me formal details and I am going ahead, she told HT.

Violence and arson broke out after the Dera head was convicted by the CBI court for raping two of his female disciples. Over 38 persons were killed in the violence. If the handling of the issue is the reason behind Niwass shifting, one can expect heads to roll in the police department as well.

Jyoti Arora, awaiting posting orders, has been posted as principal secretary (higher education) vice Mahavir Singh, who goes as principal secretary (labour).

Member secretary, Fifth State Finance Commission and Commissioner, Ambala Division, Vivek Joshi has been given the additional charge of chief administrator, Trade Fair Authority of Haryana relieving Anand Mohan Sharan.

Shekhar Vidyarthi, director, environment, and chief executive, Haryana Khadi and Village Industries Board has been given the additional charge of director and special secretary, welfare of scheduled castes and backward classes department, managing director, Haryana Scheduled Castes Development Corporation and managing director, Haryana Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections Kalyan Nigam Limited.

Ashok Kumar Meena, director and special secretary, development and panchayats, director, rural development and commissioner, municipal corporation, Panchkula has been posted as director and special secretary, development and panchayats and director, rural development.

Garima Mittal, director, elementary education, and Rajnarayan Kaushik, deputy commissioner, Mahendragarh at Narnaul will swap their places of posting.
Facing criticism by UN Human Rights Council over the issue of deportation of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmmar, the BJP government on Wednesday seemed to have taken a stronger stance over its plan of evicting 40,000 Rohingyas living across India.

The Centres plan to deport the refugees was discussed during a consultation meeting held at the Akbar road residence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh .The meeting was attended by senior ministers of the BJP government including finance minister Arun Jaitley, minister of external affairs Sushma Swaraj and road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari.

And even though officials of the ministry maintain that the meeting was a routine meeting sources in MHA told Hindustan Times that the issue of Rohingya refugees was discussed at length. Official sources also revealed that the government will maintain its stand on Rohingyas that all people entering into India illegally will have to go through the legal norms.

No one from the government has said illegal migrants will be thrown out of the country. All we are saying that the land of the law has to be followed and respected, an MHA official said on the condition of anonymity.

Another source privy to the details of the meeting between senior BJP ministers said,The meeting was basically to take views of the concerned ministries on multiple issues and topics ranging from law and order to infrastructure.Rohingyas were also discussed and if anything concrete is decided upon it will be made public. As for now it was a routine informal meeting.

Meanwhile the RSS too has shown concern over the influx of Rohingya refuges into the country. They have particularly flagged the issue if their settlement in Jammu and Kashmir.

On Wednesday, RSS leader Indresh Kumar said India cannot be blamed for not wanting to throw its doors open to the Rohingya refugees. He said the country, despite the constraints of its own population and land size has already given shelter to many refugees.

Kumar who was speaking the launch of his books Yaksh Prashno ke Uttar and  Jammu and Kashmir Se Sakshatkar, said it is imperative on the Muslim countries to look after the Rohingyas.

In a remark that can stoke a controversy, Kumar said Rohingyas are not the original inhabitants of India and it was time for Muslim nations to take them in and give them rights.

They have been known to indulge in terror activities and India cannot afford to take them in, Kumar said.
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha, is holding consultations over his predecessor Hamid Ansaris stand against the passage of bills in a din, a move that might brighten the prospects of contentious bills that are often held up in the absence of political consensus.

Opposition parties have stalled many bills in the Upper House where the ruling NDA is in a minority. Hamstrung by the lack of numbers required to get parliamentary approval of its proposed legislation, the NDA government often had to resort to money-bill-route in the past, triggering strong objections from opposition parties. The Upper House does not have a decisive say in money bills. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has even gone to the Supreme Court, challenging the Lok Sabha Speakers decision to certify the bill on Aadhaar as a money bill. With barely 21 months left in its current tenure, the government is keen on pushing its reforms agenda, especially in the labour sector, to give a fillip to the economy.

Sources said that Naidu was looking at precedents, including the period between 2004 and 2014 when the UPA government was in power, to see if Parliament passed bills amid disruptions by opposition lawmakers in the past. During the winter session in 2008, the Lok Sabha had passed many bills when the House was in disorder.

In the mean time though, the vice-president is meeting opposition leaders to try to build political consensus to ensure smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha. The government has often argued for voting on contentious bills in the House, contending that many smaller parties favoured them but disruptions by a few didnt allow them to express their support.

Naidu is also learnt to be examining the issue of expunction of unparliamentary words. There have been questions about its effectiveness, given that on many occasions they are all over TV channels and social media for hours before the Chair expunges them.

Even as Naidu, who completed one month in office last Monday, has been holding extensive meetings to familiarize himself with his new responsibility, he has decided to lend his weight behind schemes and programmes such as Swachh Bharat and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. He will take part in the governments fortnight long programme, starting from September 15, to promote cleanliness.

The V-P is also examining the functioning of the Rajya Sabha TV, which incurs huge expendituresof around Rs 75-80 crore annually. He is learnt to be reviewing the RS TVs contents and would like to have more programmes about states. He is also cleaning up the RS secretariat and is said to have ordered the removal of officials who got extension in violation of rules and procedures.
A varied Gujarati vegetarian platter cooked to spicy perfection and served in shiny copperware awaits the premier and first lady of Japan, a country known for its sushi and teriyaki.

The occasion: Prime Minister Narendra Modis dinner on Wednesday for state guests Shinzo Abe and wife Akie Abe in Ahmedabad.

The place chosen for the banquet is Agashiye, a popular terrace restaurant of the House of Mangaldas heritage hotel where a bustle of friendly staff in dhoti, kurta and safa, a headgear, wait on patrons.

The spread includes more than 30 items. Melt-in-the-mouth khaman dhoklas, raspatra and gota fritters, mushy rice khichdi, saucy kadhi, a bitter gourd and onion sabji called bharela karela-dungri, and flatbreads such as bhakri, rotla and roti, besides the deep-fried puri.

These will be accompanied by curries such as sev-tomato, mixed-vegetable undhiyu, a garlicky potato dish called lasaniya bateta, and an assortment of dals, yoghurt raita and srikhand. Wash it all down with cool masala butter milk.

For dessert, ghee-roasted gram flour sweet mohanthal, halwa and juicy jalebi are on the menu.

The restaurant staff have ticked their checklist already for the meal. They will have two government-appointed chefs from both countries to supervise whats cooking.

Located in the citys old eastern suburbs, Agashiye overlooks the Sidi Saiyyed mosque, famous for its intricate jali or stone lattice work.

Modi will be taking his guests for an evening walk to the iconic landmark before dinner.

Prime minister Abe will stay at the five-star Hyatt during his two-day visit, while Modi will be in Raj Bhavan.

Lunch on Thursday will be a vegetarian fare too. The two leaders will have bilateral talks at Mahatma Mandir, a convention centre designed around Gandhian philosophy.

Chief minister Vijay Rupani will host a banquet for the two prime ministers later at night.

Japan is known for its seafood and meat but it has an age-old relationship with vegetarianism. In the 13th century, Buddhist monks popularised a form of cuisine called shojinryori using seasonal vegetables, tofu and seeds.

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The Rajasthan agriculture department has brought out a book to help officials identify pests affecting crops and guide farmers on fighting them.

As a pilot project, the department has selected the Kota agro-climatic zone -- the state has 10 zones. The book carries pictures of pests, infections on crops and effective pesticides.

The project (called Production with Protection) was launched to provide security to crops, farmers and environment, said agriculture minister Prabhu Lal Saini.

The book, the minister said, will help agriculture supervisors diagnose pests and issue prescription slips, to be called Rajasthan Krishi Salaah Parchi, to disinfect cops and vegetables. This book is a bible for agriculture.

The objective of the project is to suggest pesticide use in right quantity to protect crops, environment and human health. The book has pictures of pests and their effects on stems, leaves, pods, fruits and roots.

Looking into the results, such books will be brought out for remaining nine agro-climatic zones by the end of this financial year, Saini said.

This initiative of Rajasthan will be taken up as a global project. Such books will be published for 128 agro-climatic zones in India, and later in Asian and African countries, he said.

About 6000 agriculture supervisors will refer to the book and prescribe pesticides to farmers in 10 agro-climatic zones in Rajasthan, said Prakash Gupta, state head of the project.

Farmers can come with the affected plants, otherwise agriculture supervisors will go to the fields to identify crop diseases and prescribe pesticides.

Gupta said the book for the Kota zone has 302 pages that highlight pest infections to major crops and vegetables -- rice, maize, soybean, wheat, mustard, gram, coriander, brinjal, tomato, chilli, okra, cauliflower and cabbage, cucumber and bottle gourd, garlic, guava and orange/lemon.

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Talks between the government and farmer leaders on Wednesday failed to make headway over the issue of loan waiver as thousands of farmers in Shekhawati continued their protest.

The government had on Tuesday invited farmer leaders for talks as the protest gained momentum. The stir spread from Shekhawati area to other districts like Nagaur, Kota, Bundi, Hanumangarh and Ganganagar.

The farmer leaders said the talks were stuck on the issue of crop loan waiver. There were parleys between the ministers and chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who was not in favour of announcing loan waiver, sources said.

Sources said the government did not want to be seen as giving relief to farmers under duress of the Left leaders. The ministers offered to set up a committee to look into loan waiver but it was rejected by the farmers representatives.

The farmers have an 11-point charter of demands including crop loan waiver of Rs 49,500 crore, purchase of crops at minimum support price (MSP), increasing farmers pension from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000, removing the ban on the sale of cattle imposed by the state government and implementation of the Swaminathan commission recommendations.

The government was represented by ministers Prabhulal Saini, Ajay Kilak, Dr Rampratap and Pushpendra Singh, along with state BJP president Ashok Parnami.

The farmers delegation included former MLAs Amraram and Pemaram, Mangalore Singh, Harphool Singh, Sheopat Singh, Gurcharan Singh, Narayanan Dudi, Lal Chand Bhadu and Chaggan Lal.

Meanwhile, thousands of farmers in Shekhawati area of north Rajasthan continued their sit-in for the 13th day. Link roads and national highway 52 have been blocked by the farmers and there were reports of daily essentials such as milk and vegetables being sold at high prices. There were also reports of lathicharge by police in Jhunjhunu and of a person being crushed under a tractor in Sikar.

On Thursday, 15 opposition parties including the Congress, JD(U), SP and CPM are gathering in Jaipur for a Sanjhi Virasat Bachao meeting.

The Left leaders, who warned of intensifying the stir, did not rule out the possibility of inviting Sitaram Yechury to address the farmers.
The Bengal unit of the CPI(M) decided to expel Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee for disciplinary reasons on Wednesday, despite the fact that the party has just nine members in the Upper House.

The 38-year-old parliamentarian had been taking potshots at the party leadership, going so far as to accuse it of being anti-Bengali, ever since he was charged with leading a flashy lifestyle and possessing wealth disproportionate to his income a few months ago. He also targeted politburo member Md Salim for allegedly maligning his image.

As Banerjee is a sitting member of Parliament, the decision of the West Bengal state secretariat will have to be endorsed by the CPI(M)s central committee, the highest executive body of the party, when it meets from October 14 to 15 in Delhi. A source said there was a high possibility of the panel going ahead with the expulsion.

There is also a chance that the party will not wait for the central committee to meet in October (to endorse the expulsion), because that would mean stretching the issue for too long. The politburo of the CPI(M) is empowered to endorse any decision of the Bengal state secretariat and make a formal announcement. That may be done any day now, said a senior central committee member.

The rebel party leader had launched a counter-offensive against the party after his bank statements were illegally downloaded to build a case against him. He shot off several letters to party chief Sitaram Yechury and other leaders in this regard. Someone has to bell the cat. In one of the meetings of the partys disciplinary cell, they produced my bank statement for the last three months. I was shocked. How could they access my bank account without my permission? Banerjee asked HT.

Banerjee is the sixth prominent party leader from Bengal likely to face the axe for disciplinary reasons in the recent past. Others in the list include Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee, state land reforms minister Rezzak Mollah, and former parliamentarians Anil Basu and Lakshman Seth.

Following his expulsion, Banerjee will be a free lawmaker who wont be bound by party whips or directives. While such a step would further deplete the CPI(M)s strength in Parliament, sources close to Banerjee say he may also start picking on the party and supporting the NDA on key bills and issues.

As a young MP, he has to think about his political future. Its clear that the CPI(M) no longer has a place for him, said a source.

A photograph posted on social media shows the CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP with his Apple watch and Mont Blanc pen circled in red. (Facebook)

Banerjee has been wading from one controversy to another since February, when a junior party member criticised him for flashing his Mont Blanc pen and Apple watch in a photograph. The parliamentarian responded by asking the persons company management to take punitive action against him, leading to an uproar in party circles.

In a television interview telecast on Monday evening, Banerjee accused the CPI(M) leadership of being anti-Bengali and alleged that politburo members Prakash and Brinda Karat had blocked general secretary Sitaram Yechurys return to the Rajya Sabha. The MP also said that Salim had bagged a place in the partys highest body solely because it has a quota for Muslims, and accused the politburo member and his son of spearheading a social media campaign to malign him.

Incidentally, Salim had headed the panel constituted to probe the charges against Banerjee.

A central committee member described Banerjees actions as a gross violation of party discipline. The CPI(M) simply could not allow this. We are also supposed to take a formal decision on a report submitted by a three-member inquiry committee that earlier found him guilty of having wealth disproportionate to his income and leading a life that communist parties dont permit, a central committee member told HT.

Banerjee, for his part, sounded shell-shocked by the news of the state units decision. Its like a blood relation (has cut off ties with me). I cant describe the pain (I have been in) since I heard about the decision. I cant talk, he told HT, choking on his words.

The party suspended the parliamentarian for three months on June 2, following complaints that he has been leading a lavish lifestyle  complete with romantic liaisons  and leaking party secrets to the media.

On August 8, the Bengal CPI(M) recommended his removal from the state committee after a three-member committee found some of the charges to be true. This infuriated Banerjee, who began taking potshots at a section of the party leadership on the social media.

Banerjee was close to former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who recommended his name for the post of Rajya Sabha MP in 2014.
The possibility of a tripartite meeting to end the impasse in north Bengal hills that crossed the three-month mark on Tuesday seemed to brighten with chief minister Mamata Banerjee saying that the government will explore options of such a meet. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung reiterated that the indefinite shutdown would end only after the date for a tripartite meeting is fixed.

The bandh will be withdrawn only after the date for a tripartite meeting is fixed, Gurung said in an audio clip circulated from an undisclosed location.

Read: Gorkhaland agitators meet Rajnath, request tripartite meeting

The chief minister indicated flexibility in exploring options of a tripartite meeting after representatives of all the parties who attended the bipartite meeting on Tuesday in Siliguri demanded a meeting with the Centre to resolve the impasse.

Complete paralysis of normal life and frequent clashes between the agitators and the police have marked the north Bengal hills for the past three months. (HT Photo)

She said that the decision about demand for tripartite talk between the parties demanding separate state of Gorkhaland, state government and the Centre would be taken in the third bilateral meeting to be held at the state secretariat on October 16. The first meeting was held on August 29.

On September 8, a team of leaders of the hill parties met Union home minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi and urged him to call a tripartite meeting for the creation of Gorkhaland. In a press statement, GJM said after that meeting that meetings with the state government were pointless since the chief minister has already made ti clear that discussing a new state was beyond the jurisdiction of her government.

On Tuesday Mamata Banerjee appealed to the parties to restore normalcy in the hills.

Read: Darjeeling talks: Separate Gorkhaland beyond our jurisdiction, says Mamata

Tuesdays meeting was attended by five hill parties including GJM ( Binay Tamang faction), Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), Jan Andolan Party (JAP), All India Gorkha League (AIGL) and Trinamool Congress. Two GJM MLAs from Darjeeling and Kalimpong also attended the meeting.

Addressing a press conference after a one-and-half-hour-long meeting, the chief minister remarked that she wants a permanent solution to the hill crisis. There was provision for tripartite talk in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Act. But as the GTA is now run by administrator, we have to look into the legalities before deciding on it, she said.

Read: Gorkhaland stir: No school, playground or internet for children in Darjeeling

The GTA, formed through a tripartite agreement on July 18, 2011, has already been rejected by all hill political parties. They want a separate state of Gorkhaland as permanent solution. But Mamata Banerjee has vowed to prevent another partition of Bengal.

Though Binay Tamang, the expelled assistant general secretary and chief coordinator of GJM, attended the meeting, the official faction of the Morcha led by Bimal Gurung was not invited in Tuesdays meeting.

On Tuesday evening, Gurung in an audio message said, I did not call the indefinite bandh. Binay Tamang called indefinite bandh after my home and office were raided by police on June 15. I was not in support of the shutdown. But since it has already been called, it should continue.

Gurung and several senior GJM leaders have been charged with sections of UA(P)A and are in hiding.

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Six months after the BJPs landslide win in the UP assembly election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on September 22 and 23 to thank the people and lay the foundation of several developmental schemes, party sources said.

The PM is most likely to call on a group of Muslim women which supported the NDA governments stand against triple talaq and offered prayers to Lord Hanuman on the issue.

The visit, the PMs first after the assembly polls, will begin with distribution of registration certificates to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Besides, the PM will lay the foundation of seven projects at Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) on September 22 afternoon.

Modi will also inaugurate 17 projects, including the Ramnagar- Samne Ghat bridge, Balua Ghat bridge on the Ganga and the second phase of the trade facilitation centre. The PM inaugurated the first phase of the trade facilitation centre in December last year.

He will stay overnight at the DLW guesthouse where he is likely to meet prominent people of Varanasi to seek their opinion on various issues.

He will inaugurate a big animal fair on 1800 acres of land in Shahanshahpur area here on September 23.

After addressing farmers, he will fly back to New Delhi the same day.

Party sources said chief minister Yogi Adityanath formally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kashi during his visit to New Delhi on Monday.

The PM had held road shows on March 4, 5 and 6 in Varanasi just before the last phase of the assembly elections.

The partys district unit president Hansraj Vishwakarma has confirmed the PMs visit, though the official itinerary is yet to be received.

GHATS TO GLOW ON PMS BIRTHDAY

The local BJP unit will light earthen lamps at 67 out of 84 ghats in Varanasi, major intersections and parks on Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday on September 17.

The BJP plans to carry out a cleanliness drive across the city, hold health camps in rural pockets, including PMs adopted villages Jayapur, Nagepur and Kakrahiya.

The BJP district unit president Hansraj Vishwakarma said, There will be a series of events to mark the PMs birthday. We will clean as many as villages we can cover in two of the five assembly constituencies, which are part of Varanasi parliamentary constituency, on September 17. We will also make people aware of the importance of cleanliness.

The BJP members will visit at least five schools in the city to distribute erasers, pencils and exercise books among the students. Cultural events have been planned in at least 12 schools of the city.

Kashi region BJP spokesperson Sanjay Bhardwaj said, Earthen lamps will be lit at the ghats and prayers will be offered for longevity and good health of PM Modi. The Kashi BJP with cooperation of locals wants to gift the PM a swachch Kashi on his birthday. The BJP members will carry out a cleanliness drive at various locations in Varanasi.

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After becoming the countrys first civil servant to scale the Mount Vinson Massif, the highest peak in Antarctica, Aparna Kumar, a UP Cadre IPS officer and mother of two, is now on her mission to climb Mount Manaslu in the west-central part of Nepal.

Though Mt Manaslu is not part of her seven summits but if she succeeds in her attempt, she will become the first Indian woman to scale the peak. At 8,163 metres above sea level, Mount Manaslu is the eighth highest peak in the world. Kumar has already reached the base camp at the height of 12,000 feet.

Aparna Kumar, who is posted as DIG, PAC Headquarter in Lucknow surprised the world after climbing six of the Seven Summits (the highest peaks of seven continents) in a span of two years.

She left for the mission on September 9 from Kathmandu along with a team having members from China, Korea, Japan and Australia. Depending on the weather condition her Manaslu expedition will most likely complete by October 5 to 10, shares Sanjay Kumar, district magistrate, Allahabad and Aparna Kumars husband.

Talking to Hindustan Times the DM said if Aparnas attempt becomes successful it would be a proud moment for the country as shell become the first woman to plant Indian National Flag on the peak of Mount Manaslu. Though beautiful, Mount Manaslu is a very high-altitude mountain and the climbers experience days of snowfalls, avalanches, falls etc. Temperature falls below minus 40 degrees and the mountaineers have to climb on the steep snow slopes in this extreme weather conditions.

It is more difficult than other mountains due to the snow, weather and length of the expedition. Aparna is climbing with all the climbing equipments, personal gear including food, clothing, sleeping bag etc which alone weighs over 50 kgs. A person that cooks food for the team accompanied them only till base camp. Aparna and the team will now manage their food on their own. In order to reach the summit Aparna will have to begin climbing by night so that they could be at the highest point by sunrise. All these takes years of rigorous training and experience, he added.
Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong presents letter to Director of Showa Inan hospital (Photo: vov.vn)

During the visit, the Ambassador directly presented a letter to thank the Mayor of the prefecture, the Director, doctors and nurses of Showa Inan hospital for their dedication in treating two Vietnamese trainees, N.A.T, who suffered a car accident, and N.H.N, who has cancer. Thanks to the thoughtful treatment, the two have recovered and returned Vietnam safely.



The Ambassador also visited the Yamaura company, which has received more than 40 Vietnamese trainees, to thank the company and International Manpower Development Organization (IM Japan) for ensuring the legitimate interests of the two Vietnamese trainees.



Mr. Y. Hayao, Director of the Yamaura company, expressed his appreciation for the interest of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan. He said that the company highly appreciates the skills and discipline of Vietnamese trainees and wishes to continue to receive and train Vietnamese trainees in the coming years.



On this occasion, the Ambassador also met with and encouraged Vietnamese trainees working for the company./.
Former DGP Prakash Singh on Tuesday said the domination of criminals and gangsters in state assemblies should be checked to improve law and order.

Addressing a programme Discourse on resurrection of police reforms in India organised by Lok Adhikar Manch, Singh said gangsters were taking to politics to escape the law.

Time for change in society Justice (retd) Kamleswar Nath said the Constitution has given rights and freedom to the people but the citizens are not performing their duties towards the country. There is no educational qualification for the MPs and MLAs. Even criminals can become peoples representative. Time has come for change, he said. Former chairman, NCERT, Jagmohan Rajput called for improvement in education system. President of Lok Adhikar Manch Anil Kumar Singh and head of SR Institute of Management and Technology Pawan Chauhan said the government should adopt apex court order on police reform to improve law and order situation.

Once these criminals become MP or MLA, the police have to salute them instead of taking action against them. This lowers the morale of the police force, Singh said.

Demanding more power and autonomy to the police force, he said, Since Independence, the country has made progress in various sectors but the police system continues to function like it did during the colonial rule. No amendment has been made in the working of the police.

He said the police force was the first to respond to the acts of militants, terrorists and Maoist groups and it should be given autonomy and power to work effectively.

Reform in police force is a must if the country has to move forward. Investment is required to bring about improvement in law and order or else we will be erecting development structures in the sand. Haryana has already suffered a loss of around Rs 20,000 crore due to the collapse of law and order in recent agitations, he said.

In 1902, the Fraser Commission termed the police force as corrupt and oppressive. Even after 115 years there is no change in its working. The situation has worsened with the politicisation and criminalisation of the police force, he said.

Blaming politicians and bureaucrats for delay in police reforms, Singh said they wanted the police force to remain a feudal oppressive tool to serve their vested interest.

He said the Supreme Court had advocated for the implementation of police reforms but the directives were yet to be implemented.

There is a need to fill vacant posts and improve infrastructure facilities. Instead of State list, the police should be included in Concurrent list. Police Commissioner system should be introduced in the state, he said.

POLICE FAILED TO PERFORM DESPITE AUTONOMY

Advocate general Raghvendra Singh on Tuesday said the state government has given maximum autonomy to the police to check crime but it has failed to produce desired result.

Stressing on the improvement of human values, Singh said some police officers were insensitive to the problems faced by the common people.

The quality of police recruitment process should be improved on priority. Under previous governments, there were complaints of corruption in recruitment of constables, he said.

Singh said psychological test of candidates appearing for the police recruitment examination should be conducted as was done in the army. If a candidate fails in psychological test, he should be rejected. Army jawans can work and live under difficult conditions as they are committed to their profession and country, he said.

The present police system is based on the Police Act, 1861. The British used the police to suppress the people. Today, political interference has worsened the working of the police force. The state government will focus on the training of policemen, Singh said.

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The UP state cabinet on Tuesday decided to set up an Uttar Pradesh Medical Supplies Corporation to introduce a centralized and transparent system of purchase and distribution of medicines and medical equipment.

The decision appears to be a fall-out of the controversy over death of large number of children in BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur following disruption in oxygen supply.

Minister for medical and health Siddharth Nath Singh said the setting up of the corporation under Companies Act-2013 would take about a year. So, the existing arrangement of buying medicines and medical equipment on Central Medicines Stores Department (CMSD) rates would end after one year.

Having headquarters at Lucknow, the corporation would have an IAS officer as managing director. The state government will provide a capital of Rs 20 crore for the corporation.

The state government studied prevailing models in other states, including Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, where corporations had been set up and medicines and medical equipment were being bought at competitive rates. Other states that have set up corporations include Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Haryana.

The cabinet meet, presided over by chief minister Yogi Adityanath, also decided to allot 4,050 square metre nazul land in Chhavni village of Sultanpur district for a token money of Re 1 to set up a 10 KV FM radio station there.

The cabinet approved an additional expenditure of Rs 791.81 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Sinchai Yoajana following change in central funding pattern.

It also approved guidelines for Mukhya Mantri Protsahan Puruskar Yojana announced by the chief minister on Rashtriya Panchayat Divas on April 24, 2017. Three village panchayats from each block will be selected for the award. A total of 2,553 village panchayats will thus be benefited.

Siddharth Nath Singh said the government may come out with a scheme on Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday on September 17.
A 14-year-old girl died at the SRN Hospital in Allahabad on Tuesday, a day after she was raped and set afire allegedly by her neighbour in Kaushambis Kokhraj area.

The accused  identified as Maan Singh  was arrested on Wednesday.

Only the girl and her grandmother were around when Singh allegedly entered their residence to commit the crime on Monday night. According to police, her parents were out visiting relatives at the time.

The accused fled when the girls grandmother raised the alarm, following which she was taken to the district hospital. The victim was later referred to the SRN Hospital, where she died during treatment.

Police rejected the claim that the girl was raped, stating that Singh had set her afire when she resisted. Angered by this, the victims family and other villagers blocked a nearby highway along with her body on Wednesday. They dispersed only after senior police officers reached the spot and pacified them.

Kokhraj station house officer Pradeep Kumar Singh said rape can be ascertained only after an autopsy.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday warned trouble makers against any misadventure during the festive season of Durga Puja and Dussehra that is coinciding with Muharram.

Yogi said guidelines would be formed for Muharram and Durga Puja and warned of a permanent ban on processions if any sort of trouble is created from any side.

The chief minister was speaking at Safaigiri awards programme organized by a Delhi-based media house in Lucknow.

When asked about ban on Durga visarjan on Muharram in West Bengal, Yogi said, I will not like to comment. However, such matters should be left to district administration as they decide what is good or bad for an area. You cannot dictate terms on celebration of festivals. If this continues Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal chief minister) would not be there in next term.

He said during the kanwar yatra four crore kanwarias hit the roads but not a single incident of indiscipline was reported. They purchase their food items, not loot them. So there is no need to restrict processions which are peaceful. However, processions which are violent will surely invite strict action and ban, he said.

Yogi claimed the crime graph of the state had come down after an initial burst as criminals were acting at the behest of some politicians.

Warning those who give shelter to criminals, he said, The state government is going to bring a new law in which punishment would be awarded to those who harbor criminals. People who are white collared but provide patronage to criminals would also be accused in crimes as their role is no lesser.

Speaking on the deaths of neonates in Gorakhpurs BRD Medical College, Yogi said, There was a lot of negative reporting. Any death is painful but it was written that we are insensitive towards death. We dont bother about the kids. Without mentioning the fact that we have immunized 92 lakh kids against JE, encephalitis, AE, and other vector and water borne diseases in 20 districts of eastern UP in just five months . 385 deaths that occurred in August was half compared to 688 in 2016. I am giving these figures for those who question our commitment instead of asking those who kept ruling for the last 15 years.

Yogi added: It is well known fact that cleanliness is important for eradication of AE and encephalitis. We distributed soaps among masses but it was reported that we were humiliating Dalits by distributing soaps. There has always been negative reporting about us.

About the recent incident at Ryan International School, Gurgaon he said, Our society will have to come out with the answers, and such sadist people will have to be identified by society and kept away from kids.

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iPhone X, or iPhone 10 as it is also being called, will be available in India from November 3. It may have a number of new features -- bezel-less, edge-to-edge screen, no home screen button, and so on -- but is it really worth blowing up Rs 89,000? To put things in perspective: The per capita GDP of India is Rs 116, 888.

A list of things you buy or do at the price of iPhone X:

Travel abroad

A super expensive phone is a risky investment. It can be stolen, damaged or lost, leaving you vulnerable to a stroke. An overseas vacation, on the other hand, will leave you with memories -- and photographs-- that will last a life time, and you will still have the bragging rights on Instagram.

An overseas vacation will leave you with memories -- and photographs-- that will last a life time. (Shutterstock)

For Rs 1 lakh, you and a friend, foe, spouse or boss -- your choice -- can have a budget trip to Thailand, Vietnam, Bhutan or Russia. If luxury is more your style, you can visit Israel, Maldives, Dubai, Bali, or Cambodia.

Invest your money and watch it grow

Why not put the money in a PPF account? It saves you tax as well. Or go for a fixed deposit or mutual funds. For instance, a lakh in a balanced fund will earn 15% interest and the amount will double in six years. If you opt for National Savings Certificates, you will get Rs 1.5 lakh after five years.

If you opt for National Savings Certificates, you will get Rs 1.5 lakh after five years. (Shutterstock)

Buy two iPhone 7s or get a small village connected

Priced at Rs 56,000, iPhone 7 was the best thing in the Apple basket until Monday. Add a little more and you can buy two of those for the price of one X.

Festival season is not, too, far and you can afford to be generous. For Rs 89,000 you can buy 654 Jio phone connections, enough for a small village.

A bag, a watch or even a diamond

If iPhone X is your thing to flaunt, there are other goodies with a snob value and they are, at least some of them, are an investment too. An LV bag, a TAG Heuer watch or a solitaire ring, take your pick.

A fancy bike

A 149 or 162 cc bike costs under a lakh. And unlike the phone that youll have to care for like a baby, it will take you places.

Mini gym at home

If you have the space and the inclination, this is definitely a healthier option than a pricey phone. A multi-function treadmill should cost you around Rs 30,000, an incline press machine Rs 19,000 and a multi exercise weight lifting bench Rs 7,149.

For Rs 1 lakh, you can set up a mini gym at home. (Shutterstock)

Five-star pampering

A four-day stay in a luxury room with a king-sized bed at The Taj in New Delhi costs Rs 90,000.

Do charity

With Rs 89,000 you could sponsor a childs education at SOS Childrens Villages for about eight years at Rs 10,800 annually. Read more here.

Buy diapers

iPhone X is worth a years supply of diaper pants. Okay, just letting you know.
Recently, some of the citys most influential chefs and tastemakers gathered at The Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square to hear which restaurant would be proclaimed top newcomer, top bar or pub, and most romantic dining destination in London.

Taking the biggest award of the evening was chef Marianne Lumb for her Notting Hill restaurant Marianne, where diners sit down to cooking of peerless perfection. An alumni of the 2009 edition of MasterChef the Professionals in the UK, Lumb opened her eponymously named restaurant in 2013, under a culinary ethos that favours local, seasonal ingredients.

Though menus change frequently, a sample dish could feature Scottish langoustines, for example, served with white asparagus; hot vichyssoise soup with Cornish salted caviar; and loin of Rhug estate lamb with green asparagus, morels and mint oil. Marianne beat out rivals The Ledbury, The Clove Club and Elystan Street for representing the pinnacle of London cuisine, said guide editor Peter Harden.

Roast Long Pepper and Tamworth Shoulder Curry at Kiln. (Kilnsoho/Facebook)

If you want to book a table, though, best be quick, as the restaurant is a small, intimate affair that seats just 14 diners. For this years awards, 8,500 people contributed 50,000 nominations. The final selection from the shortlist was made by Hardens editors. London visitors looking to book the quintessentially British experience  afternoon tea  may want to book a table at The Berkeley Hotels Collins Rooms, which took the title of Londons Best Afternoon Tea spot.

The tea room is particularly popular among fashionistas for its Pret-a-Portea service, where cookies and cakes are designed after the latest catwalk trends. For diners with discerning taste buds and tighter budgets, Thai eatery Kiln in Soho was named best cheap eats, for its palate-searing fare, while Borough Markets Kappacasein took the title of best street food for their cheesy raclette.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more
A 93-year-old woman , who is wheel-chair bound and a heart patient, was admitted to a hospital owing to the noisy Metro construction work next to her home at Dalamal Park Society in Cuffe Parade on Sunday.According to the family, Hira S Pithawalla has been having a harrowing time for the past two months.

She was suffering from atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeats), glaucoma and abdominal pain and was admitted to a hospital in south Mumbai. Her granddaughter Havovi Sukhadwala wrote to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) alleging that construction disturbed her sleep patterns that led to irregular bowel movements and recurring pain.

On August 12, the Bombay high court temporarily restrained the MMRC from carrying out any construction or ancillary work on the Metro 3 line between 10pm and 6am. Applicant and advocate Robin Jaisinghani filed the petition complaining that Metro work was being carried out in violation of noise pollution rules that led to the interim order.

This case study has been attached along with his petition, which is up for hearing on Wednesday. Meanwhile, residents said MMRC contractors began work at midnight on Sunday and only stopped after residents told them about the court orders. She felt strong tremors which give her strong palpitation in her heart and fear due to the high decibel (dB) sounds of 100 dB (as loud as a helicopter at 100 feet), her family members said. Noise Pollution Control Rules prescribe maximum noise levels of 55dB during the day and 45 dB at night in a residential zone.

Sukhadwala told HT that the metro work has affected her grandmothers mental and physical well-being. MMRC should not underestimate the importance of sound sleep for six to eight hours, especially for senior citizens. She has diverticulosis - a condition in which small, bulging pouches develop in the digestive tract  that got aggravated as a result of lack of sleep at night and during afternoon hours due to piling work for Metro 3, she said.

She added that the lack of sleep led a drop in her immunity levels. This further led to muscular dystrophy especially of her core abdominal muscles that lead to toxin build up infection and inflammation at her colon. The pain started almost a month and half ago till it became unbearable till last Sunday, said Sukhadwala

The senior citizens family requested MMRC to ensure no work was carried out between 10pm and 6am even after the HC hears the matter. We feel your organisation is very crude in their approach towards the project affected party. No amount of medication compared to sleep at night will help her recover faster, said Sukhadwala adding that MMRC never responded to her letter.

When HT asked MMRC for a response, they refused to comment regarding the matter.

DOCTORS SPEAK

High noise levels between 95-100dB can affect the inner ear and the nervous system. Prolonged exposure to these noise levels, especially for children and senior citizens, can cause irreversible hearing loss. We advise most of our patients in such cases to use hearing plugs, said Dr Bachi Hathiram, head of department ENT, Nair Hospital and senior ENT consultant, HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.

6,000 residents affected by noisy Metro work, says petitioner

Applicant and advocate Robin Jaisinghani, resident of Cuffe Parade, who filed the petition complaining that Metro work in south Mumbai is being carried out in violation of noise pollution rules that led to the interim order by the Bombay high court, said that almost 6,000 people from about 10 apartment complexes in Cuffe Parade were affected by high noise levels.

There are two types of people  one who are tolerating this nuisance without raising a voice against it and others who are scared to say anything. Ever since this work started, I have not been the same person because of severe sleep deprivation. All of us are falling sick. It has led to mental health issues, anxiety and palpations, said Jaisinghani.

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A 40-year-old man working with a private airline allegedly molested his junior, a 29-year-old woman, at the domestic airport last month. The woman filed an FIR last week with the airport police station but the accused could not be arrested as he is in the hospital for pain in his backbone.

According to the airport police, the incident took place around 1.30 pm on August 26 in the store room of the private airlines office on the ground floor of the domestic airport in Vile Parle (East). The woman, who works as a customer security executive, had gone to the store room to keep a some stuff a passenger had left behind. When she was returning, the accused came from behind and hugged her. He told her he wanted to be with her, said the police.

The woman raised an alarm and rushed out of the store room. She wrote an email to the airlines Delhi office complaining against her senior. The accused who works as a senior manager was summoned to the Delhi office last week. On his return from Delhi he complained of unbearable pain in his backbone owing to the flight travel and was admitted to a hospital in Mulund, said a police official from airport police station.

On September 7, the woman filed an FIR under section 354 A and D of the Indian Penal Code for sexual harassment and stalking against him at the airport police station. The police official added, As he is admitted in the hospital, we cant arrest him. We will wait till he gets discharged.
The Bombay high court on Wednesday refused to stay an amendment to the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, under which pre-censorship of scripts of plays is mandatory in the state.

A division bench of justices Shantanu Kemkar and Anuja Prabhudessai, however, expedited hearing of the petition filed by noted actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar, who has challenged the constitutional validity of section 33(1)(wa) of the Act and the rules framed under the section.

Palekars counsel advocate Shreehari Aney pointed out that several scenes were required to be deleted from Sakharam Binder, a well-known play, without any public performances.

He said that because of the section several plays were suffering similar fate. The bench, however, posted the petition for the final hearing on December 4 and said it was not appropriate to stay the statutory provision at the interim stage.

Section 33(1)(wa) empowers the commissioner or superintendent of police to frame rules to give license for dramas, plays and any other public performances. Under the rules, scrutiny of performance and scripts of plays has been mandatory for regulation in the interest of public order, decency or morality.

Palekar  who has been involved with the theatre for past 30 years as an actor, director and producer  said that pre-censorship leads to curtailment of artistic freedom because of which many historic plays have not been performed in their original form.

The actor cited examples of producers and directors of famous Marathi plays such as Sakharam Binder, Gidhade and Khairlanji had to fight against pre-censorship to retain original scripts.

He further argued that the decision of the Scrutiny Board reflected arbitrariness and substantial changes were observed in the its approach when new chairman and members were appointed. His petition stated that such pre-censorship for plays exist only in Maharashtra and Gujrat. In Tamil Nadu, a similar rule has been struck down by the high court, holding it unconstitutional.
Maharashtra legislature has decided to vacate the crumbling Manora MLA hostel in south Mumbai by November 1. The administration has found alternative accommodations for the legislators at a complex constructed by public works department in Ghatkopar.

The decision was made at meeting chaired by the chairman of the legislative council Ramraje Nimbalkar, and attended by assembly speaker Haribhau Bagade, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and other ministers and officials. The decision of shifting the MLAs to the buildings in Ghatkopar in the eastern suburbs was taken after the governments attempt to rent out flats to the MLAs in south Mumbai failed. The legislators living at Manora hostel will soon be given the vacation notices. About 140 legislators from various parties occupy two flats each at the Manora hostel.

The decision of vacating the hostel immediately was taken after the ceiling of a room accommodating an NCP MLA fell during the monsoon session last month. The government and state legislature has planned the reconstruction of the Manora hostel with the more than 750 flats measuring 350 and 650 sqfts. The reconstruction will be done by the National Building Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC), a public sector undertaking of the Centre, with an estimated cost of Rs700 crore.

During the meetings held on Tuesday, concerns were also raised over the deterioration of the Manora hostel towers in just 22 years of their construction, said an official from the PWD.

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Honda F1 boss Yusuke Hasegawa is hopeful of delivering a trouble-free race weekend to McLaren's drivers and an opportunity for points.

McLaren-Honda took no comfort from its disappointing end to the European season which saw Fernando Alonso retire both at Spa and Monza while Stoffel Vandoorne also failed to see the checkered flag in Italy.

As McLaren and Honda prepare to announce their split in Singapore, the Japanese manufacturer will likely be in the spotlight at the Asian venue as it subsequently reveals its 2018 partnership with Toro Rosso.

While its public relations machine will be working overtime next weekend, Honda won't lose its focus on a race which is seen as perhaps McLaren-Honda's best opportunity to shine.

"We had a disappointing result last time out at the Italian Grand Prix, however, it was still positive that we had good pace on such a power-hungry track," Hasegawa said.

"In stark contrast to Monza, with so many tight, slow corners, the Marina Bay Street Circuit is less reliant on outright power and plays more to our strengths as we saw at the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this season.

"The cars overall balance between power unit and chassis will be the key to a good weekend, so our engineers are hard at work preparing the ideal set-up.

"Hopefully we can provide the drivers with a good package so they can be in the hunt for much-needed points."

There could still be a few clouds lingering above the McLaren-Honda garage however as there is uncertainty surrounding the fate of Stoffel Vandoorne's Monza engines.

An MGU-K shaft failed on both of the Belgian's power units in Italy and the team awaits news on whether the issue will require another engine change, in which case Vandoorne would be hit with a grid penalty.

"Singapore is one of the best chances of the year in terms of matching our package to the characteristics of this gruelling street circuit," said McLaren's Eric Boullier.

"We've worked hard to try to avoid incurring any penalties which could halt our progress there, and we hope that following Stoffel's retirement in Monza we won't have to use any new power unit elements, although this is yet to be officially confirmed."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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Eight students of Madhavrao Rokde Madhyamik School in Goveli, Kalyan suffered injuries in a road accident on Wednesday morning at Dahagaon near Kalyan. After a ceiling slab collapsed at the Manori MLA hostel earlier this year,the Maharashtra legislature has decided to vacate the crumbling hostel in south Mumbai by November 1. In a bid to promote a cashless economy, the Maharashtra government is planning to shift entirely to a cashless transaction system. Mumbaiites woke up owing to thundershowers that lashed the city in the wee hours of Wednesday, viral infections are on a rise in the city, said doctors.

Here are todays top five picks:

1. 6 students injured after their school bus meets with accident near Mumbai

Eight students of Madhavrao Rokde Madhyamik School in Goveli, Kalyan suffered minor and severe injuries in a road accident on Wednesday morning at Dahagaon near Kalyan. The incident took place when the school bus carrying students collided with a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus at Dahagaon. The Titwala police have arrested the ST bus driver, and are probing the case. The injured students were taken to the nearby Goveli health care center after the accident.

2. Crumbling MLA hostel in south Mumbai to be vacated in six weeks

Maharashtra legislature has decided to vacate the crumbling Manora MLA hostel in south Mumbai by November 1. The administration has found alternative accommodations for the legislators at a complex constructed by public works department in Ghatkopar. The decision was made at meeting chaired by the chairman of the legislative council Ramraje Nimbalkar, and attended by assembly speaker Haribhau Bagade, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and other ministers and officials.

3. Maharashtra to go completely cashless, you will now have to pay all bills, fines, taxes digitally

In a bid to promote a cashless economy, the Maharashtra government is planning to shift entirely to a cashless transaction system. The state government will stop taking cash for all kind of fees, taxes and fines from the citizens soon. Instead, it will accept payments only through digital transactions. In rural areas, it plans to start with BHIM-Aadhaar Pay app and in cities, the existing credit card and other modes of cashless system will be continued.

4. Mumbai sees spike in viral infections, consult a doctor if your flu symptoms persist

Two weeks after Mumbai received record rains, viral infections are on a rise in the city, said doctors. Dr Gautam Bhansali, consultant physician at Bombay Hospital said that he has seen a spurt of dengue cases in the last three weeks. We have admitted at least 35 patients who had dengue viral infection. However, treatment has largely been symptomatic, he said. He added that every day, he sees close to 15 cases of viral infection, where patients come with acute sore throat, cough and cold. We are using antibiotics only in cases where viral infections have lead to secondary bacterial infection, he said.

5. Mumbaiites woken up by thunder and heavy rains, city records 103.2mm rain in four hours

Mumbaiites woke up owing to thundershowers that lashed the city in the wee hours of Wednesday. The heavy rain and wind started around 2am and stopped by 6am. The weather bureau said that the suburbs received 103.2mm of rain in just four hours. The Colaba station, representative of south Mumbai, received 58.6mm rain during the same period. Heavy rain was also reported at Thane, Navi Mumbai, Palghar, Panvel and many other parts of the state between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
For two days last week, motley groups of Mumbaiites gathered at multiple locations to protest the brutal murder of Gauri Lankesh, the Bengaluru-based editor of the weekly Gauri Lankesh Patrike. The liberal and secular slice of Mumbai society protested at Bandras Carter Road, shocked journalists gathered at the Press Club, the Left and affiliates protested at Hutatma Chowk, and other groups in Vashi.

Some protestors are familiar faces at such events. The words too are predictable. The secular, liberal and progressive voices are earnest, we mean well, we intend well. We have been around for decades protesting clampdowns on and challenges to freedom of speech and expression, raging against the attack on an independent-minded editor, the arrest of a cartoonist, the gunning down of a crime journalist, murders of Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and others.

At the protests against Lankeshs murder, the feeling was more or less the same that prevailed earlier: Shock at what happened, outrage at the forces that enabled it to happen, and assertions that something must be done to halt the march of fundamentalists. Many of us, or almost all, who gathered to protest Lankeshs murder had assembled less than three months ago to protest mob lynching in a series of #NotInMyName gatherings. Some had been to the massive rally last monsoon against the razing of Ambedkar Bhavan.

The protests, the candle light marches, the sloganeering are expressions of solidarity. They are also symbolism at work, necessary and urgent at a time when our civil liberties and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution are under threat. The symbolism carries its own message of commonality, camaraderie, perhaps even unity in a limited sense. Back in the 1990s, pseudo-secular was a slur; now, secular and progressive are hurled as insults, some liberals of the champagne sipping kind perhaps have it a tad easier.

But what comes after a protest? Little, until the next one. Till then, secular, progressive and liberal Mumbaiites seem to retreat into their clusters, do their own thing, march to their own tunes, maybe rant a bit on social media. People and organisations that can  and should  join forces against the common enemy of fundamentalism, speak in one language, lie fragmented by fine differences in ideologies or objectives, if not egos.

There is now an urgent need to broad-base the ideals and ideas that secular, progressive and liberal Mumabiites stand for, to reach out to younger and hitherto excluded sections of the city, to capture the imagination of the middle classes, to impress upon them the need to protect the values enshrined in the Constitution. This will take hard and sustained work, this will call upon secular, progressive and liberal people to generously devote their resources and energy, this will bring challenges and perhaps even repressive reactions.

There is an equally urgent need to strategise, both in the short-term and the long-term. The reactionary and fundamentalist forces, the forces that thrive on hate and othering are organisationally strong and tactically clever. In every assault, through every lynching and murder, they send out a message for those who challenge them. In every protest, they find something to deride and demean. This was on display in the days after Gauri Lankeshs murder. To take on such forces calls for a clear strategy, common minimum programme, and a sustained collaboration  if not unity  between different streams of secular, progressive and liberal people.

There is also a need to evolve a common language, beyond tired slogans. Remember what George Orwell wrote? Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind. How best should this be done and on what platforms?

Of course, this is political. A good fight always is. A protest should be merely a part of such a fight.

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The jobs offered by core engineering and information technology (IT) companies, which hire students in large numbers during campus recruitments at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), have dwindled over the past one year.

The annual placement report released by the IIT-B reveals that 64 IT companies that visited the campus in 2016-17 offered 184 jobs  a 32% drop compared  as compared to 270 jobs offered by 75 companies in to 2015-16. Similarly, job offers made by engineering and technology firms dipped from 371 to 345  a fall of 7% .

On the other hand, financial, analytical and research and development (R&D) sector have picked up last year, with more companies visiting the campus and more offers being made.

The placements at IIT-B often serve as an indicator of the direction of the market and the preferences of the students at the premier institute. The period after economic depression is usually a correction phase, with more emphasis on qualitative work than large-scale hiring, said Girish Tilak, director, Resume Management Consultants, a human resources (HR) consultancy.

Tilak said that the IT companies are still trying to fully absorb the graduates which were hired earlier. This year, the IT-based start-ups and e-commerce are hiring fewer students. Due to automation, the recruitment capacity of generic software companies has also reduced, he added.

A placement coordinator at IIT-B, however, said that the students are increasingly going for R&D and analytical companies, as they provide better opportunities for career advancement and exit options.

Kamal Karanth, an HR executive said that most of the analytical jobs are being offered by financial services firms, whose capacity has increased in recent years. Many banks have opened their global in-house centres in India, where IIT graduates are being inducted. Meanwhile, the scope for R&D is also increasing in the country. Top multi-national auto companies are performing R&D activities here, he said.

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To compensate for the days lost because of the delayed admissions, an outcome of the assessment mess at the University of Mumbai (MU), two law colleges in the city have decided to conduct special lectures for law aspirants.

These lectures will be held for free by KC College of Law, Churchgate, and MU Law Academy, Fort, and cover a part of the first-year LLB curriculum. Students, regardless of the colleges they are seeking admission to, can attend these lectures.

Owing to the delay in results, the admission process will continue till December. In order to avoid academic loss of students, we took up the initiative. We will try to cover as much portion as possible, said Sunita Khariwal, in-charge principal, KC College. The college will hold the special classes between September 18 and October 31, and will teach subjects such as Law of Torts, Law of Contracts and Legal Language, she added.

According to University Grants Commission (UGC) norms, the colleges are required to teach for at least 90 days in a semester. However, the colleges may not be able to meet this requirement owing to the prolonged centralised admission process (CAP). Many MU students are yet to receive their degree results and are unable to participate in the admission process. The state government has asked the directorate of higher education (DHE) to put the admissions on hold till all the MU results are declared.

Meanwhile, the varsitys own law academy is planning to hold special lectures for a month. We will teach some of the important topics from the first-year LLB curriculum. Regular and guest lecturers will be roped in for these sessions, said Ashok Yende, in-charge director, MU Law Academy.

The Academy had held similar classes for 200 aspirants last year as well, when the admission process had suffered from delays caused by confusion and lack of awareness about the centralised admission.

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Keeping with the annual tradition, this year the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) fined Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal for damaging roads and leaving behind more than 200 potholes during the 12-day Ganeshotsav. Last year, the mandal was fined Rs4.5 lakh, which it paid.

Vishwas Mote, assistant commissioner, F-south ward, said the mandal was fined Rs 4.86 lakh for damaging the road while erecting pandal and creating dividers for managing beeline queues of devotees.

An official from the F-south ward said, We have started fixing the potholes instead of waiting for the mandals to pay the fine. Even as we asses the damage done to the roads by pandals, all the roads will be repaired within a week.

Although civic officials have initiated the process of assessing road damage in all the 24 wards by Ganesh mandals, it will take at least a week for them to complete the inspection. The BMC charges Rs2,000 for every pothole.

Balasaheb Kamble, president, Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, said, We are yet to receive a BMC notice regarding the fine. We will pay if the roads were damaged because of our pandal. But this year, we took additional precaution and filled all the holes created by us. Its impossible that there are more than 200 potholes because of us. Moreover, our pandal was built on a ground. The queue for Lalbaugcha Raja is the longest, so the BMC assumes that all the potholes in the area were left by us.

As per BMC data, 1,165 mandals were given permission to erect pandals even though many more were constructed on roads hoping to get civic bodys permission during festival. The BMC had received 2,085 applications, of which it rejected 239 while approval for 678 is still pending.
After much debate, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Maharashtra government formally agreed to give land at the plush Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to the Union government to build the terminating station for the proposed showpiece Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, albeit with a caveat.

The state government wants the railway ministry to first examine the feasibility of the two alternative sites that the government has suggested and give them priority. Only if the railways does not find the two alternative plots technically viable, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the special planning agency for Bandra-Kurla Complex, will give the coveted plot in the business district.

After much flip-flop, the state cabinet took the decision in its meeting last week with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the project with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on September 14.

The Union government plans to take a loan of Rs 88,000 crore from the Japanese government to fund the bullet train project, estimated to cost Rs 1,08,000 crore.

The state has suggested two alternative plots: behind Dhirubhai Ambani International School at BKC and at Dharavi. The Union government has been keen on 0.9 hectares land in the G Text block of the business district. The state government has been reluctant to give this plot as it has earmarked it to build an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

UPS Madan, metropolitan commissioner of MMRDA, said, The state government has decided to give land in Bandra Kurla Complex. But railways should first check the feasibility of the land we are willing to offer in the G Block. Only if technically not feasible, the G Text land shall be given.

The state government has been keen on developing land at the G Text block as IFSC as it has about 30 hectares available for commercial use, adjoining 20 hectares of green area. Although the bullet train station is proposed to be built underground and the Centre needs just 0.9 hectare, state government officials have maintained that parking lots and related activities will take up space and may disturb the design of the IFSC.

The state cabinet also gave a formal nod for a 25% contribution to a special purpose vehicle comprising the Centre and the Maharashtra and Gujarat governments.

The state government will have to contribute Rs 5,000 crore with an initial investment of Rs 125 crore.

The cost of the BKC land will be offset against the state governments initial investment for the project. The cost of MMRDAs land over and above the states initial investment of Rs 125 crore will be deducted from the state governments total investment of Rs 5,000 crore in phases, a state government official said.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, which will cut the current six-hour journey between the two cities to 2-2.5 hours, will be 508 kilometres long, of which 120 kilometre will be in Maharashtra. Of the total 12 stations, four stations will be constructed in Maharashtra.

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Maharashtra environment minister, Ramdas Kadam, has set a target of completely banning plastic carry bags in Maharashtra from Gudhi Padwa, the traditional new year of Marathi Hindus falling in March-April, next year.

The Shiv Sena minister convened a meeting to discuss the proposal in Mantralaya on Tuesday with senior bureaucrats such as environment secretary Satish Gavai and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board member secretary PN Anbalgan.

Kadam said, We have invited proposals from various organisations to suggest alternatives to plastic bags. There is also a proposal of giving a subsidy to women self-help groups, and getting them to supply cloth bags.

The ban on the plastic bags below 50 microns was imposed by the government after the 2005 deluge that claimed several lives in Mumbai and its suburbs.

The minister plans to hold meetings with all municipal corporations across the state to discuss the ban on plastic carry bags.

We will publicise the initiative through All India Radio, FM radio stations and Doordarshan, the environment minister said.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had recently called for a ban on plastic entirely after the recent August 29 torrential rain and flooding that brought Mumbai to a standstill.

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A 45-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly abusing a woman by posting lewd comments on Facebook earlier this year.

Asif Amir Khan, the accused, was out on bail in another attempt to murder case. When he failed to appear before the court despite being summoned an arrest warrant was issued against him, the police said.

According to DN Nagar police, Khan is a resident of Gaondevi Dongar, a slum pocket in Andheri (West). A woman had filed an FIR against him in March this year for posting obscene comments on her Facebook profile and calling her a sex worker.

The victim said she had posted a picture appealing people to vote for a political party. Khan, who had a past enmity with her, started posting abusive comments below the picture.

A police official from DN Nagar said, When Khan got a whiff about the FIR, he fled from his residence. During patrolling yesterday night, we spotted him in the area and on cross checking we found that he was wanted in two cases. We placed him under arrest.

The FIR was registered under section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and 67 (Punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form) of the Information Technology Act. He was produced before a magistrate court and granted cash bail for Rs10,000, added the police official.
Officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations (BMC) assessment and collection department protested outside the civic headquarters on Wednesday against BMCs decision to assign some employees of the department to the general administration department. They said the civic bodys decision makes their work profile ambiguous and that this is happening when the assessment department needs more hands.

The assessment and collection department includes the property tax wing and an octroi wing. When the octroi department was abolished after GST, there were talks of absorbing these employees into the property tax wing following a written exam. However, on Tuesday, some employees from the property tax and octroi department were assigned to general administration. There is no decision yet about the said exam.

Meanwhile, employees claim that the property tax wing is already short staffed and over burdened with work, so the reshuffle is uncalled for.

Civic chief Ajoy Mehta, who met the employees on Wednesday, said, I have not accepted their demands. The employees have been asked to resume work. It is the managements prerogative to dish out work as per need.

Ramakant Bane, who heads the labour union and is an assessment official, said, The property tax department is short staffed, so octroi officials can be assigned here. There are about 750 officials in my department presently, and each one handles work of about 1,100-1,500 properties. This is contrary to suggestions of a norms committee set up in 2014, which mandated that one employee be given work of up to 350 properties only. If the BMC includes all employees from the octroi wing into the property tax wing, we will still be short staffed.

Bane said Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar wrote to BMC asking it to stay the transfer, until a decision is taken on their work profile. However, the administration has not paid heed to his letter, Bane claimed. The assessment departments employees have decided to meet the Mayor yet again on Thursday.

An official, who participated in a protest on Wednesday, said, There are presently 3 lakh properties in Mumbai, assessed by 750 property tax employees as each one handles around 1,100 properties. Norms committee calculated working days of a government employee, hours, and time required to assess one property. It then fixed that every employee should be given 305 properties. But suggestions of the committee werent followed. And now, employees have been reassigned.
The Juhu police detained and booked a 23-year-old man for allegedly stabbing a dog multiple times near Ekta Chawl, Nehru Nagar, Vile Parle on Tuesday. The accused was said to be drunk at the time of incident.

Plants and Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), Mumbai, an NGO, was informed by the residents around 7.30pm about the incident following which the NGO filed a police complaint.

The dog has sustained grievous injuries to his thighs and abdomen in the attack. It was rushed to the nearest veterinary clinic for treatment. While the dog is out of danger, maximum punishment should be given to the accused. He lives in Ekta Chawl, said Sunish Subramaniam Kunju, wildlife warden and secretary, PAWS.

An officer from Juhu police station told HT that investigations were on and no arrests have been made so far. We have got any confirmation from the eyewitnesses. We are questioning the 23-year-old, who was identified as the attacker by the animal welfare officers. Once we have clarity on what happened, arrests will be made, said Sunil Gomare, sub inspector and investigating officer of the case, Juhu police station.

A case has been registered under section 428 (mischief by killing or maiming animal of the value of ten rupees) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

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Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey is confident of soon reaching a deal to extend the Singapore GP's presence on the F1 calendar beyond 2017.

The event, in its final year of a five-year deal brokered by Bernie Ecclestone in 2012, is currently marked as 'to be confirmed' on next year's schedule as parties remain in discussion over the term renewal.

But Carey lavished praise on the race, reiterating his wish for the venue to continue beyond this season's 10th edition.

"We are actively engaged with our partners (in Singapore), our goal is to reach a new deal," Carey said on Wednesday.

"We have a great relationship with our partners, a deal has not been concluded but discussions are still ongoing."

The American executive did not reveal the details of the discussions but insisted the Marina Bay event represented a tremendous asset for Formula 1 and a crucial part of the sport's strategy in Asia.

"Singapore anchors our Asian strategy, it is the signature race for Asia," he said.

"This is the marquee race and our goal is to renew the contract. It is certainly a race we are proud of.

"Singapore is one of the gateways into Asia and it's incredible story of growth in the last 50 years had captures the world's attention."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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A 28-year-old man allegedly first set his wife ablaze in their home in Malwani on September 1 and then kept her inside for six days to treat with help from local doctors. It was only a week later, when the womans sister-in-law and her kids came to see her that the crime was unearthed.

Babu Khan, a local water supplier, got into a fight with his wife Anjum Khan, a mother of two  a boy aged seven and a girl aged three  at home on September 1. In a fit of rage, Babu poured kerosene on her and set her on fire. Anjum suffered burns on her back and hips but Babu did not rush her to the hospital and even the neighbours did not hear any screams. What the neighbours saw the next day was a doctor enter the couples home at Ambedkar Chawl.

After Babu told a neighbour that Anjum was ill, the neighbour told her brother Khalid Hashmi about it. I got a call from one of the neighbours about she being sick. I sent my wife and two of our sisters to see her that night and thats when I came to know what she has gone through. I got her admitted in the hospital the very next day, Hashmi told HT.

Hashmi also approached the Malwani police on September 8. We have registered a case of attempt to murder and arrested Babu, said Deepak Phatangare, senior inspector at Malwani police station.

Police investigations revealed that Babu had been assaulting her for two years and officials said he used to often get in fights with Anjum as he wanted to marry another woman. She was burnt on September 1. He kept her at home taking help of local doctors, who also did not inform the police. Even when we registered the case, he [Babu] fearlessly visited the hospital twice saying that he cannot be touched, the relative said.

Anjum, who was admitted at a civic hospital on September 8, was discharged on Monday.

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Two weeks after Mumbai received record rains, viral infections are on a rise in the city, said doctors.

Dr Gautam Bhansali, consultant physician at Bombay Hospital said that he has seen a spurt of dengue cases in the last three weeks. We have admitted at least 35 patients who had dengue viral infection. However, treatment has largely been symptomatic, he said.

He added that every day, he sees close to 15 cases of viral infection, where patients come with acute sore throat, cough and cold. We are using antibiotics only in cases where viral infections have lead to secondary bacterial infection, he said.

Dr Madukar Garodia, a physician at Malad, also said patients are coming in with complaints of runny nose, body ache and fever. If I see 100 patients a day, 20 to 30 patients have symptoms of flu. Out of these, 10% of the patients are diagnosed with swine flu.

He said all these symptoms mimic swine flu, which makes it very difficult to diagnose H1N1 from normal flu. If anyone has high fever, lasting over two days, they must not self-medicate and approach a doctor, Dr Goradia said.

Between September 1 and 11, the Brihanumbai Municipal Corporations (BMC) health department recorded 102 cases of dengue, 271 cases of malaria and 24 cases of leptospirosis. The body is yet to release data on the number of deaths recorded during the same period.

Dr Anita Matthews, an infectious disease specialist at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, Sion, said viruses thrive in fluctuating temperatures. Viruses spread in humid weather and rapidly changing temperatures. Off late, there has been an increase in dengue cases in both public and private hospitals, she said.

Doctors have advised people against self- medication, as it may delay the diagnosis. If fever lasts over four days, one must visit the doctor, said a doctor from KEM Hospitals medicine department.
The Bandra police investigating the alleged suicide of 29-year-old pianist Karan Joseph arrested an African national, who allegedly peddled drugs outside Concerde building. It is the same building from where Joseph had jumped off to death.

Morris Atiti was arrested after the watchman of the building told the police that he frequently visited the building. The Bandra police have registered a case of abetment after Josephs father and friends had alleged that he was threatened and beaten by an unidentified person.

The Family and friends said this may have led to Josephs suicide.

An officer from Bandra police station said, The watchman of the building informed us that Atiti, a drug dealer would come to Concerde building. We laid a trap and nabbed him from the same area on Monday.

Atiti claimed that he had lost his passport and just arrived from Goa, said the police. He told police that he is from the southern part of Africa, but had forgotten the name of the country he belonged to.

He is not disclosing his current address, but we believe he may be staying in Mira Road and would come to the city just to sell drugs, said an officer.

He was arrested under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act). The police have recorded the statements of more than 10 people.

The police said that Joseph met his two friends on Friday night. Later between 3am and 7am, he had left the house and returned depressed. He jumped off the 12th floor of the building in the presence of his two friends and two servants.

Till now we have learnt that he had two sets of friends, of which one group would tell him ill-effects of staying with Shah, while Shah would say bad things about the first group. We still have not reached any conclusions and are investigating thoroughly, said an officer.

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As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe lay the foundation stone for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project in Gujarat, tribals in Maharashtra and Gujarat will meet tehsildars of tribal areas that will be impacted by the project and submit letters of protest.

Tribals and farmers affiliated to 24 organisations across Maharashtra and Gujarat have joined forces to oppose the Modi governments proposed showpiece projects such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), the freight corridor, Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train and the Mumbai-Vadodara expressway. The projects pass through tribal belts in Maharashtra and Gujarat such as Thane, Dahanu, Palghar, Navsari, Valsad and the union territory of Dadra-Nagar Haveli.

Vinod Dumada, an activist with Maharashtras Adivasi Ekta Parishad, said, We are not against development, but we will oppose it if it is done at the cost of tribal life. The local tribal population will lose its land, livelihood to roads and industries. This area might progress with big buildings, malls and factories, but the original resident tribals will be driven out. The government hasnt given tribals the capacity to absorb this development.

In Maharashtra, activists plan to meet tehsildars of Dahanu, Palghar and Talasari tehsils to give letters of protest on Thursday. Similarly in Gujarat, activists across tehsils from Valsad to Ahmedabad will give their protest in writing to tehsildars offices, said Jayesh Patel, an activist working with the Ahmedabad-based Khedu Samaj Gujarat.

Vast tracts of land on either side of the freight corridor are being set aside for industrial use and this will result in many farmers losing their livelihood. We question the very need for an industrial corridor and transport projects such as the bullet train along this route passing through scheduled areas, Patel said.

The 24 organisations last month submitted a joint memorandum of their protest to the prime ministers office. While all these projects are being proposed, the cumulative effect of multiple projects in close proximity to one another will result in the physical, social and cultural upheaval of communities that live in relative symbiosis with nature. To understand the extent of destruction and upheaval it is necessary to view the multiple proposed projects not as individual separate projects, but as a composite whole, read the memorandum.

Besides questioning the requirement of these projects, in their letter to Modi, the organisations have also elaborated on how the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act is being violated with authorities blatantly ignoring resolutions passed by local gram sabhas against these projects. The consultative provisions of the PESA Act have been reduced to a farce. Survey work, which is part of the project, is being undertaken clandestinely without even informing the gram sabhas, read the memorandum.

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A complaint was filed against two hawkers after three people, including a policeman, were injured in an altercation between hawkers and the authorities at of Bandstand on Saturday evening.

Shehnaz Singh, 37, and Shabana Ansari, 23, were booked for assaulting a constable.

Residents, who have time and again complained about hawkers at Bandstand, said many illegal stalls have come up during the fair. BMC official Sanjay Mahajan, 49, filed the FIR stating that six hawkers, whose stalls were being removed on Saturday, abused and assaulted a police constable. There were five BMC officials and two cops at the spot, said the FIR.

A BMC official of the license department told HT that this was the fourth time in the last few months that an FIR was filed against hawkers for intervening in civic work. Illegal hawkers always come up at Bandstand. We will continue taking action against them, said the official.

Benedict Soares, trustee of Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust, said they are scared of vendors as they have threatened them too. We have written to the BMC asking them to make the area hawker free, said Soares.

The accused hawkers are members of the Azad Hawkers Union. They said they have the licence to sell eatables. Before I could show them the licence, they took all my goods. My 15-year-old daughters hand was fractured in the fight. We were only trying to get our goods back. We may have used abusive words, but how can a cop beat up women hawkers? said Singh.

The unions general secretary Salma Shaikh said, We asked the police to see the CCTV footage but they are not ready to.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday ordered an audit of financial accounts of all errant builders in Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway to probe the alleged diversion of funds.

Homebuyers, for a long time, have been demanding forensic audit of each errant builders accounts. The chief minister took this decision in a meeting attended by several top officials, including Meerut commissioner and Yamuna Expressway authority chairman Prabhat Kumar, in Lucknow. Noida authority chief executive officer Alok Tandon and other senior officials also took part in the meeting.

The government has decided to conduct an audit of accounts of every builder who has failed to deliver flats to homebuyers. The audit will cover accounts and construction status, including other aspects that are required to determine why the builders failed to finish projects despite collecting funds from homebuyers, said Dr Prabhat Kumar, chairman of the Yamuna Expressway industrial development authority. Kumar is also the commissioner of Meerut division.

Having collected funds from investors, the builders allegedly diverted the money to start new projects instead of investing them in the complexes for which they had got the funds. As a result, thousands of homebuyers are suffering, as housing projects have been delayed by four to eight years in areas under Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna expressway authorities.

Greater Noida has 203 housing projects, of which 82 are critical in nature and builders owe 7,200 crore to the authority. The Noida authority needs to recover 10,215 crore land dues from builders in around 90 housing projects. The Yamuna authority is struggling to recover around 3,000 crore from 13 builders.

Two Noida realty firms  Jaypee Group and Amrapali Group  are facing insolvency cases at the national company law tribunal after both failed to repay debt to banks. Most of the builders were supposed to start delivery of flats from 2012-13 onwards. However, they have failed to finish the projects and offer possession to buyers.

For the past three to seven years, we have been protesting at every platform available to us demanding justice. But the government has not addressed our grievances, Abhishek Kumar, president of Noida Extension flat buyers welfare association, said.

The builders who are involved in cheating buyers must face legal action. The government should ensure justice to buyers and punish those builders, who cheated us. We hope the government will audit their accounts quickly and punish the builders without any further delay, Kumar said.

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The district magistrate has given a deadline of 15 days to all Noida schools to make sure that all the CBSE guidelines are followed and proper safety measures are taken to ensure the welfare of students.

The deadline was given in a meeting between the district magistrate, senior superintendent of police, school authorities and other officials from the transport and police department.

SSP Love Kumar also suggested few safety measures to school authorities and management. Schools were also told the transport guidelines provided by the Central Board of School Education.

DM BN Singh has asked all schools to do the police verification of all their staff members to ensure safety of kids. Administration will be sending a form to all the schools wherein they will have to provide all the essential details of their employees including the contractual ones, an official said.

Kumar also suggested putting wired fences on the top of school boundaries to avoid any mischievous person from entering the premises. He said it will also help in stopping those students who run away from schools to bunk their classes.

Police verification is must for all the school staff. SP City is going to be available for school authorities to get the verification done, said Love Kumar. He also suggested that there should be a dedicated person to monitor CCTV cameras and footages. Verification of employees should be done in a weeks time, Kumar suggested.

A training session to sensitize school staff and on transport guidelines will be taking place on September 17. The duration of the training will be three hours. DM has asked all the schools to send their teachers, drivers, conductors and the management persons to attend the training.

Schools have been asked to fulfil all the safety related requirements latest by September 30. We will be checking each and every school to ensure that CBSE guidelines are followed properly. Strict action will be taken against those who will be found not taking the safety of students seriously, said BN Singh.

Schools have been told to install CCTV cameras and GPS device in their buses. No cost cutting should be applied on procedures meant for the safety of students. There should be a verified conductor and female guard present in the buses while picking up and dropping kids, added Singh.

Schools authorities also registered their complain that parents also compromise on the safety of their children in order to save some money. There is a requirement of a better understanding between the school authorities and parents to ensure smooth functioning with better safety measures, said Colonel (retd) DK Farashwal, Administrative Principal from Step By Step school.

Institutes have been told clearly that if any of their buses are found to be crossing the speed limit of 40kms/hour then strict action will be taken against them.
Nearly a week after the murder of a student at Ryan International School at Gurgaon, the district administration on Tuesday held a comprehensive meeting with the principals of private and government schools in Ghaziabad and made it clear that the guidelines and directions of the Supreme Court, CBSE and the state government will have to be complied with for the safety of the students.

Ghaziabad district magistrate Ritu Maheshwari on Tuesday chaired a meeting attended by nearly 700 delegates from schools across Ghaziabad district and has asked them to submit a compliance report on safety measures within a week.

The schools have to ensure the guidelines are fully implemented and followed strictly. The schools have to ensure that they make full use of the available technology and ensure monitoring and maintenance of the systems. A committee along with parents will have to be made to ensure that safety and food guidelines are followed and suggestions incorporated, Maheshwari said.

We make it clear that we will conduct surprise checks and erring schools will not be spared and action will be taken against them. The norms and guidelines will have to be followed, she added.

The meeting was held at Hindi Bhawan in Lohiya Nagar and attended by school delegates, senior superintendent of police, additional district magistrates, sub divisional magistrates, regional transport officer, fire department officials and other officials of the district administration.

While speaking at the meeting, the officials stressed on submission of building plan layouts of the school buildings, CCTV coverage plan, verification of school staff, especially the class IV staff and security agencies operating on the premises.

The schools must ensure that the security agencies hold a valid license which is issued by additional director general (law & order). In case the credentials of any staff is found suspicious, the schools are expected to terminate their services. All the staff should have ID cards, said HN Singh, senior superintendent of police.

The administrative officials also stressed on the issue of transport as number of cases emerge in which children often get injured or face issues while travelling back home or to school.

The directions of the Supreme Court in 1997 will have to be implemented regarding school transport. The regional transport officer will conduct checks. Buses should have helpline numbers, GPS systems, medical kits and other facilities , said Rajesh Kumar Yadav, ADM (finance & revenue).

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The magisterial inquiry into the death of a class IV student of GD Goenka school in Indirapuram yet to be concluded as Ghaziabad police officials have failed to submit the report to the inquiry officer.

The magisterial inquiry was ordered by the district magistrate after Arman Seghal died after a fall at the school premises on August 1. His parents lodged an FIR against the school authorities under IPC sections of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and destruction of evidence at the Indirpuram police station.

The inquiry was initiated on August 4 and yet to be concluded as the forensic report in the case is yet to be submitted to us. We have written two times to the station house officer but there is no response. On Wednesday, I wrote to the senior superintendent of police to submit the report at the earliest so that the inquiry gets concluded, said Rajesh Kumar Yadav, additional district magistrate (finance and revenue), who is conducting the inquiry.

The forensic team of experts had conducted an on-site inspection of school premises and had submitted the report to Ghaziabad police. Indirapuram SHO SC Dubey confirmed that the report was received but he has no access to the copy of the document as yet.

The school authorities had moved Allahabad high court in a bid to quash the FIR. The court had kept any coercive action in abeyance but had sought a report on the investigation from police authorities in its August 11 directions.

During a subsequent hearing, the police failed to file the post-mortem report of Arman before the court.

Learned AGA has filed counter affidavit from the perusal whereof, we find that copy of post-mortem report has not been filed, the high court said in its recent September 6 order.

During the hearing, the court gave three weeks to police to file a supplementary affidavit and also to attach a copy of the post-mortem report, which is a basic document in police investigation related to a death case.

I will check with the SHO why the forensic report has not been furnished before the inquiry officer, said Akash Tomar, superintendent of police (city).

Arman died on the second floor of his school premises. The corridor had no CCTV coverage, despite other areas kept under CCTV surveillance.

His parents had alleged laxity on the part of police. They had also met CM Yogi Adityanath when he arrived at Ghaziabad on August 31. The school maintained that it was just an accident.

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Representatives of various schools met the district administration officials and raised their issues, concerning the safety and security measures for school students.

They have asked the administration to intervene and help solve those issues.

One of the major issues which was raised by school representatives before the district administration and police officials was about the verification of staff which they said they find it difficult to undertake despite submission of documents to police.

We have been trying for the past three years to get the documents of our staff verified. The police tell us that the staff from outside cities will have to be verified at their native place. In such a case, the verification from our side is pending and never completed, said Jyoti Gupta, principal, Delhi Public School Ghaziabad at Meerut Road.

SSP HN Singh told the gathering that a list of verification of staff should be submitted at the office of SSP and he will ensure that the verification is done in a time bound manner, whether of a local person or from outside the city.

Our areas have several schools and more than 10,000 students come in the morning and move out in the afternoon after schools get over. In such a case, it becomes difficult to manage traffic and even outsiders arrive. We need traffic cops and women police personnel to manage the timings, said VK Chopra, representative from DAV School.

The representatives of St Thomas School, Indirapuram apprised the officials about a liquor vend operating barely 300 metres from the school premises and also requested for installation of speed breakers outside the school premises.

The CBSE guidelines say that the teachers should not be deputed on school transport duties. It becomes difficult for us to send teachers along with children in school buses. They sometimes refuse to cater to such activities, said the representative.

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After a seven-year-old boy was brutally killed in the toilet of Ryan International School, Gurgaon, private schools in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad have stepped up the security inside their school premises.

In order to assure parents that their wards are safe inside the school premises , the school management bodies across Delhi-NCR have introduced unique identification cards, extra CCTV cameras, background rechecks and regular counselling of children, parents, teachers and non-teaching staff members.

On September 8, a horrific incident shocked India when a class 2 student was found covered in blood with his neck in a severed state inside the toilet of his school in Bhondsi, Gurgaon.

Since the gruesome murder, other incidents of crime against children have also come under spotlight raising the pertinent question of safety of children inside the school premises. Many parents have demanded action against such schools that are negligent towards conducting background check of their staff and following norms laid down by Central Board of Secondary Education and other regulatory boards.

In the wake of rising concern among parents, Noida and Ghaziabad schools have decided to step up their security by introducing extra CCTV cameras appointing lady guards and providing unique ID cards.

At Delhi Public School Sector 30 Noida, the school management has introduced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card for students, teachers and non-teaching staff. The school intends to provide such unique cards to around 4,500 students from nursery to class 12 along with teachers and staff. The school management had asked parents to register for the unique card on August 24 and the cards are being issued.

The card will have special smart tracking chip which will help the school management and parents to keep track of the children. The card will have automatic recognition in the school buses so that when students enter and exit from their respective buses, their parents will receive an SMS alert on their phones. A similar alert will be sent to parents whenever their ward leaves from school and alights from the bus at his/her dropping point.

The RFID card has already been functional for students and currently, we have provided ID to all students from nursery to class 6 and the rest of the students are also being issued the cards, said a spokesperson of DPS, Noida.

Apart from introducing RFID cards, we have also been organising counselling sessions with teachers and school staff to sensitize them towards child safety, the spokesperson added.

At Amity International School, Noida, the school management has begun hiring female staff for school buses.

We have stepped up our vigilance to ensure safety of our children. No outsider is allowed inside the school premises without proper identification. We have started hiring female staff for our school buses. We have also increased the number of CCTV cameras. Special vigilance is shown towards spots such as bathrooms and urinals, said Renu Singh, principal, Amity International School, Noida.

Similarly, Delhi Public School at Noida sector 122 had invited parents representatives from each class to inspect the school regarding safety measures.

We recently had a meeting with 12 representative parents chosen for each class who also conducted inspection of the school premises. They have found that the school is in sync with the guidelines issued by CBSE. However, it is also important that we have value system in place and a balanced mindset to avoid repetition of such horrific crimes, said Indira Kohli, principal, DPS, sector 122.

In Ghaziabad, schools have increased vigilance around the children apart from conducting counselling sessions.

We are conducting mock safety drills. There are around 193 CCTV cameras at present and we are bringing in 45 more. Apart from this we would also keep male attendants in all the boys washrooms and female attendants in all the girls washrooms. We have also assured our parents for CCTV cameras in buses. Also, we pay special attention to the self defence learning in students so that they do not panic in adverse situations said Geeta Varshneya, Education Director, Khaitan Public School, Sahibabad.

Childs security is of utmost importance and we have stepped up surveillance and fortify the prevailing security measures to check any such mishaps. We need to invest time in teaching the students how to keep themselves safe and I am sure that with the support of parent, we can make the environment around our children safer said Manju Rana,Principal cum Director, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad.

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The police on Tuesday morning recovered a bullet ridden body of a 34-year-old man who was missing since Monday afternoon and had stepped out of a petrol pump to deposit nearly Rs17 lakh to a nearby bank in Crossings Republik area of Ghaziabad.

According to police, Sonu Sharma, 34, a resident of Vijay Nagar was a manager at a petrol pump in Crossings Republik and had gone out with nearly Rs17.5 lakh cash to deposit at a nearby bank.

However, police said that Sharmas dead body was found with two bullet injuries - one in his head and the other in his neck - in his car near an under construction electricity substation near Raj Nagar Extension.

The matter is complicated as we have also recovered Rs11 lakh from his car in which the body was found. Our teams are working on the case, said HN Singh, senior superintendent of police.

According to police officials, when Sharma did not return back by Monday evening to the petrol pump, the owners lodged a police complaint against him at Vijay Nagar police station. However, despite a search by his family members, the victim could not be found.

On Tuesday morning, police found his body on the driving seat in a WagonR car near Raj Nagar Extension.

We are yet to get close to the motive behind the murder. However, the case will now be transferred to Vijay Nagar police station as already an FIR was lodged there. The body was also sent for postmortem and the report will soon be received. Then, we will ascertain the exact time of his death, said Rakesh Kumar, station house officer, Sahibabad.

According to sources, the police also recovered four glasses from the car but denied any consumption of drinks.

Police sources said that prima facie the murder was committed by persons known to the victim who were apparently inside the car and shot him while sitting on the rear seat.

It is also surprising that the assailants did not take the Rs11 lakh cash which was kept in the car. It seems to be some personal rivalry motive and a robbery motive is certainly ruled out, a police source said.

Sharma is survived by his wife and two children, a daughter aged 12 and a son aged 7 years.

The police are also scanning the CCTV footage along the route which Sharma took while leaving Crossings Republik and reached a secluded spot near river Hindon at Raj Nagar Extension, nearly 15km away where police found him dead.

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The stalemate between the parents and the authorities of the Presidium School, Indirapuram, came to an end after both sides agreed that the contentious issues of Annual charge & development charge be put on hold till March 31, 2018, while the other components of the pending fees will be paid by parents.

The school authorities had issued transfer certificates (TCs) to 46 students whose parents had not paid fees. While parents of 27 students cleared their dues payable to the school and were readmitted, owing to non payment of some fee components by the parents of the remaining 19 students, the deadlock continued.

Following the decision, the school allowed the remaining 19 students, who were issued TCs, to attend the classes. The decision was taken at a meeting held between the parents and school officials at the district headquarters on Tuesday. Rajesh Kumar Yadav, additional district magistrate (finance & revenue), who mediated between the two groups, said the decision was in favour of 19 students who were issued TCs by the school earlier.

Both sides were willing to discuss the issue in order to prevent any loss of academic studies of the 19 children. There were a total of 46 students who were issued TCs. The terms agreed upon will be applicable to 19 students whose parents had not paid the annual charge & development charge, Yadav said.

The charges under these two heads will be on hold till March 31, 2018. In between, if there is any direction by the high court or the state government, both sides will abide. It is an interim arrangement and achieved to ensure that studies of the children are not affected, he added.

The parents had been on a week long protest outside the school premises and were demanding rolling back of TCs issued to the students. The protests also saw intervention from leaders of political parties and activists. The administration officials said the divisional commissioner (Meerut) Dr Prabhat Kumar had also written to Ghaziabad district administration to intervene and end the stalemate.

The 19 students went to school on Wednesday and also attended their exams. As per the decision arrived, we will pay the other components of the fees and expecting a decision by the state government or through my petition filed before the high court in this regard. Ghaziabad MP General VK Singh (retired) had also intervened and helped parents. The other parents have already deposited the fees, said Atul Srivastava, one of the parents who had filed a petition in Allahabad high court.

The officials from the school said that they agreed to the agreement to ensure that studies of children do not get affected during the mid session.

It is applicable only to 19 students while the rest of the parents have paid up. We agreed so that students dont lose upon studies in mid session, said GS Matharoo, CEO of the Presidium School.

On Srivastavas petition, the high court has issued notices to respondents, including the school, and has directed for a hearing scheduled on September 20.

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Noida

The Gautam Budh Nagar senior superintendent of police on Wednesday directed the station house officer of Sector 39 to file an FIR under charges of criminal breach of trust against multiple promoters of the Amrapali HeartBeat City housing project located in sector 107.

Love Kumars direction comes after a group of homebuyers met the SSP at his office in Greater Noidas Surajpur.

Since the SSP has directed me to file an FIR, I will get the FIR lodged on Thursday under charges of criminal breach of trust as demanded by the buyers. I could not file it on Wednesday because a buyer Sanjeev Priyadarshi, who wants the FIR to be filed, could not reach police station due to some work in his office, said AK Singh, SHO, Sector 39 police station.

Buyers alleged the builder diverted money collected from them and failed to resume construction at the site for the last four years.

It is a criminal breach of trust by the builder because he took the total flat cost from almost all the buyers in 2014 itself. And even after four years of delay, the builder is nowhere to meet us and tell us when he will deliver the flats. Neither the government nor the builder is coming forward to explain why he failed to deliver after taking money. We want him to be arrested immediately and justice should be delivered, said Punit Parashar, a buyer of Amrapali HeartBeat City.

Located in Sector 107, Amrapali HeartBeat City project was launched by Three Platinum Softech Private Limited, Pebbles Prolease Heart Beat City and Amrapali Group in 2009-10 with a promise of delivery in 2014. The project got delayed because of a land dispute between farmers and the Noida authority. The dispute was over by 2016-end. But the builder has not resumed construction.

Amrapali Heart Beat City, being built over 30,000 square metres, has 2,100 flats. Civil work has been completed.

Buyers want an FIR to be lodged against Amrapali Group CMD Anil Sharma, director Shiv Priya and other partners, including Ritik Kumar Sinha, Mohit Gupta and Nishant Gupta among others.

Buyers alleged that the builder has accumulated Rs200 crore that were not invested in the project.

NP Singh, legal advisor to the Amrapali HeartBeat City promotors, said,We got land from the Noida authority in 2010 for the housing project in sector 107. We spent money collected from buyers on construction. And then the Allahabad high court stayed construction in August 2013. Since then the construction is stopped. We demand interest waiver for the period when construction was stopped by the court. Once the Noida authority gives us interest waiver, we will resume construction and start delivering flats.

We have exited from the project. Now it is the responsibility of the other two partners to deliver, said Shiv Priya, director Amrapali Group.

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Pakistan and China have almost 67 years of diplomatic relations which are gaining strength with the passage of time.

Over the years, the bilateral ties have been described by both Beijing and Islamabad as all-weather, time-tested, stronger than steel, etc. All these expressions reflect the strength of the relationship built over the past six decades.

Beijing provides diplomatic support, economic investment and arms and technology for Pakistan. A major Chinese initiative on this front is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), where China has invested $46 billion to connect Kashgar, Xinjiang in China to Gwadar, Balochistan in the Arabian Sea.

But what is Chinas main vision? It is to have the largest network of road, rail and maritime routes, which will further spread Chinas economy. The One Belt One Road (OBOR), of which the CPEC is a part and lays the foundation for this economic vision. Tension in the South China Sea has meant that Chinas focus has turned to the east. The CPEC is in full swing, but India is reluctant to be a part of the initiatives. And it is here that Myanmar becomes important for China.

A friendly government in Myanmar will go a long way in ensuring Chinas economic interests in the region are safeguarded. Peace in the region is important for Chinas economic ambitions. This is probably one of the reasons why Beijing has expressed support to Myanmars military crackdown on the minority Muslim Rohingyas.

Given this, Pakistan must introspect: In future, if the choice was between furthering its economic dominance and standing by Pakistan, which would China choose?

The jury is out on that!

Anas Saleem is a freelance writer in Pakistan

The views expressed are personal
Do Indians have a sense of history? In ancient India, records were kept and references made to the past. The Mughals too did the same, with many of the emperors writing autobiographies, replete with details about the empire and themselves. The British were, of course, meticulous and the records of their time in India are a treasure trove of information. But increasingly in India, there seems to be a growing disconnect with history. Look at how citizens deface monuments; museums are also near-empty most of the time. Who is responsible for this disconnect: The State or the people? It is difficult to pin the blame on one party.

A latest example of this disconnect/disinterest comes from National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Pune.

According to a report in a national daily, 51,500 cans of film reels, and over 9,200 prints, are not physically present at the archives, and 4,922 cans containing 1,112 film titles, which are not listed in the NFAIs registers, were present in its vaults.

The missing list includes the best of world cinema, including celluloid prints of films by Satyajit Ray (Pather Panchali, its sequel Aparajito, Charulata), Mehboob Khan (Mother India), Raj Kapoor (Mera Naam Joker, Awaara), Mrinal Sen (Bhuvan Shome), Guru Dutt (Kaagaz ke Phool) and several other giants of Indian cinema. Prints of several international acquisitions were also missing, including films by Sergei Eisenstein (Battleship Potemkin), Vittorio De Sica (Bicycle Thieves aka The Bicycle Thief), Akira Kurosawa (Seven Samurai), Roman Polanski (Knife in the Water) and Andrzej Wajda (Ashes and Diamonds), said the report. Replying to a query from the newspaper, Prakash Magdum, director of NFAI, blamed poor record-keeping and shortage of staff for the mismatch.

Who is responsible for this mess? One would say the State and the NFAI but this disinterest is symptomatic of a lack of understanding of the value of institutional memory and a complete lack of a plan on how to even monetise precious archival material, considering how expensive maintaining these items are.

Most museums abroad have adopted measures to ensure to generate their own funds, by selling merchandise, organising tours/talks and even letting out their premises for cultural dos.

This lack of interest in our rich cultural history only makes us wonder why Indians from time to time demand that artefacts of Indian origin must be brought back to the country.

Before making such demands, we must try to evaluate whether we have the wherewithal to keep them safe and in good condition.
Union minister of state for health and family welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey, on Wednesday, declared that All India Institute of Medical Sciencies (AIIMS), Patna, would be fully functional by 2020.

Talking to newsmen here, Choubey said currently about 12 departments of the institute were operational  Very soon, we will closely examine the functioning of AIIMS, Patna and see to it that it becomes fully operational by 2020, he added.

Choubey, who has recently been inducted in the union council of ministers, said his ministry was very keen to develop AIIMS, Patna at the earliest, as it would substantially reduce the number of patients from Bihar seeking treatment in advanced centres outside the state.

This would also reduce the load of patients on AIIMS, New Delhi, he said.

On his maiden visit to Patna after taking charge of the health ministry at the centre, as MoS, Choubey said his ministry was also keen to start work on the second AIIMS in Bihar, as announced by the union government earlier.

 I will request chief minister Nitish Kumar to make available at least 200 acres of land in the state for the proposed institute. As soon as we get the possession of the land, we will start work, he said.

The minister informed newsmen that till date his ministry has not received any communication from the Bihar government in this regard.

When asked which would be the suitable place for the proposed AIIMS, he said he had no preference in the matter. It all depends on the state government, he said.

The minister also announced that the union health ministry would help the state government set up a geriatric ward in the Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH), with a projected cost of Rs 2.79 crore.

Four centres in the country have been selected for opening a designated ward for aged people and PMCH is one of them, he said.

Choubey said the Bihar health department would soon be asked to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed geriatric ward and accordingly work on the project would start.

He said as part of nationwide exercise to eliminate the cases of tuberculosis, modern diagnostic equipments for TB would be installed in every district in the country.  In Bihar too, we will equip every district with such facilities, he added.

Choubey had served as health minister in Bihar during the earlier NDA rule (2005-13).

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The state government will start providing compensation for crop damages in 21 flood-hit districts within a month and also prepare a comprehensive plan to tackle silt in the fields . The recovery of agricultural loan will also remain suspended in flood affected districts, along with the collection of rent from farmers.

Announcements to these effects were made by agriculture minister Prem Kumar on Wednesday following a review meeting on crop damages caused by the floods in the state. The minister said the farmers would be entitled to compensation for damages up to two hectares of land.

 Compensation would be given at the rate of Rs 13,500 per hectare for irrigated land and Rs 6,000 per hectare for non-irrigated land. The compensation would be given for a maximum of two hectares, said the minister, adding, the amount would be directly sent to accounts of beneficiary farmers.

He also informed reporters that the state government had sent an assessment report of crop damages worth Rs 1,093 crore.

The state government has sought Rs 10,000 crore from the centre for covering the damages in flood hit areas. There is a chance a central team would soon visit the state to assess the damages caused by the floods. The flash floods had affected 1.71 crore population in 21 districts and claimed 514 lives.

Officials said at the review meeting it was also decided to provide alternative crop plans to farmers who had suffered damages to the paddy crop in the Kharif season.

Farmers who have suffered paddy crop damages will be provided seeds of various alternative crops under the contingency crop scheme so that produce is ready before the rabi season. Efforts are being made to ensure that fields submerged under flood water start producing crops after the water recedes and there is production before the rabi season, said a senior officer.

The state agricultural officials would also undertake survey of fields in the flood hit areas and prepare a comprehensive plan to tackle the problem of silt as done in Kosi flood hit districts following the deluge in 2008. Farmers whose fields had high silt deposition would be given assistance to remove it and use the fields for growing new crops.

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More than 100 British MPs have asked the UK Statistics Authority to include Sikh as a separate ethnic box for the 2021 census to give the community a fair access to all public services in the country. The MPs include Indian-origin lawmakers Virendra Sharma, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Preet Kaur Gill, Seema Malhotra and Keith Vaz.

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs, alongside the Sikh Federation UK, are leading calls for the change. The Sikh body recalled that in 2002, an Early Day Motion on the subject was tabled in the House of Commons and received support from 174 MPs, including current Prime Minister Theresa May and former premier David Cameron.

The letter to John Pullinger, the UK national statistician and head of the Government Statistical Service, released on Tuesday, states: Sikhs are a legally recognised ethnic group and have been protected under the UK law following a House of Lords ruling in 1983. A number of issues faced by Sikhs ranging from the reporting of hate crimes through to accessing healthcare provisions in the UK are not receiving appropriate attention by public bodies as they often only monitor ethnic group categories specified in the census.

The minority Sikh community has therefore been campaigning in the last two censuses for inclusion of a separate Sikh ethnic tick box for the compulsory ethnicity question, the letter reads.

The letter states that in the 2011 census, around 84,000 Sikhs objected to the existing ethnic group categories by using the write-in option and specifying Sikh.

A separate Sikh category in the forthcoming census will also provide a better estimate of the community in the UK, the letter adds.

I believe that wherever possible, it is right that people should be given the opportunity to identify themselves. There are more than 4 lakh Sikhs in the UK, but there is no way to track them without a separate box on the census, said Virendra Sharma, one of senior-most Indian-origin Labour MPs in the British Parliament, who is among the 113 signatories of the letter.

The authority oversees the Office of National Statistics (ONS) had revealed it was undertaking research on adding Sikh and Kashmiri as separate ethnic tick boxes in the 2021 census earlier this year. We are a long way off as there is still a lot of research that needs to be done to ensure that the census held every 10 years collects all the right information, an ONS spokesperson said.

Ethnicity is just one aspect of this research and Sikhs and Kashmiris are among a number of requests we received, the spokesperson said. The MPs welcomed the research in their letter and claimed the demand within the British Sikh community is both high and continuing to grow.

Sikhs are a legally recognised ethnic group under the UKs Race Relations Act, 1976, and campaigners for the change believe this gives them a right to be able to identify themselves separately from current census options, such as Indian or British Indian.

Local authorities with huge Sikh populations are not recording data that will assist public health professionals to ensure services are being delivered that are being targeted correctly for communities, said Preet Kaur Gill, the first female British Sikh MP.

(with PTI inputs)
It took Punjab by storm in the 2014 parliamentary polls, winning four of 13 seats, and many expected the party to sweep to power in the assembly elections early this year. But the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) failed to live up to expectations and only emerged as a distant second on debut. The Gurdaspur Lok Sabha bypoll is a chance for the party to redeem itself.

The party leaders have been far from content with the assembly poll results, saying they lost a winning battle. Now, showing some semblance of unity after the post-poll fireworks, the party is already in poll mode.

A meeting of party MLAs and office-bearers has been convened at Chandigarh on Thursday to discuss the poll strategy and assign duties. We will have a clean and educated candidate from Gurdaspur. The name will be announced in 3-4 days, said leader of opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira.

A three-member committee, comprising Khaira, state unit president Bhagwant Mann and co-president Aman Arora, has been asked to send names of probable candidates. AAP national convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who is attending a 10-day Vipassana meditation camp in Maharastra, has authorised the apex body, political affairs committee, to take the call.

In its campaign, the AAP plans to go all-out against the Congress and the SAD-BJP combine, focusing on corruption, farmer suicides, atrocities on Dalits and the unfulfilled poll promises. Akalis had looted Punjab and the Congress government has proved to be an extension of their regime. Only party flags and colours of turbans of leaders have changed, said Khaira.

The partys past performance in the constituency makes it an uphill task. Sucha Singh Chhotepur, party nominee in 2014 LS elections, was a distant third with 1.73 lakh votes and has been ousted since. In the state polls, all its candidates, except one, lost deposit in assembly segments that fall in the parliamentary seat. Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi, who was third in Batala with 34,302 votes, also quit four months ago. The party leaders still want to give the bypoll their best shot nevertheless.

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Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) has recommended involving student representatives in child friendly school committees, in a meeting held with the core committee of principals at its office in Maloya on Tuesday. An advisory was also issued in this regard.

Advisory Separate washrooms for junior and senior wing Staff should wear ID cards Proper record of visitors to be maintained CCTV cameras to be in place No student to be left in classrooms alone at any time School building to be sanitised just after the closing time,no student should be inside after that Connectivity of the gate keeper with principal or concerned officer

This recommendation came after the murder of the 7-year-old child in Ryan International School in Gurugram on September 9. The police said that the bus conductor murdered the boy when he resisted sexual advances by him.

SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY

CCPCR chairperson Harjinder Kaur said, The safety of children should be a top priority in any case. Everything that can be done on the part of principals and teachers should be done so that the children are safe inside the school premises.

Reema Dewan, principal of Delhi Public School, Sector 40, stressed on the involvement of student representatives in the committees as students will feel comfortable in telling their problems to the students in the committee. Also the clubbing of grievance redressal committees with child friendly committees was suggested which was agreed upon.

She said, Student representatives might not be allowed to be part of the committee when the decision has to be taken in addressing the issue of a child as there can be so many serious issues. However, they should be part of the committees so that the students have more faith in the system.

PARENTS SHOULD BE INVOLVED TOO

Harjinder Kaur and Chanchal Singh, former deputy director school education endorsed this point and suggested that it should be in place soon. They said that the parents should also be involved regarding the matters of safety of children.

Nowadays the principals have stopped monitoring the school. CCTVs can come to the aid when the information is needed in an incident that has already happened. The principal cannot keep looking at the screen all day, said Naveen Sharma, member of CCPCR.

SEPARATE AREA FOR CLASS-4 EMPLOYEES

A suggestion for separate areas within the schools for bus drivers, conductors and other Class 4 staff was made which was not appreciated much as the principals.

They said that infrastructure in every school is different and the same cannot be implemented in every school. Some have their building away from the main gate while others have it just at the entrance. According to that, spaces can be maintained.

IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE

Chanchal Singh said, Though the incident has happened in Gurugram but it can happen anywhere. No room should be empty or unattended in the schools. There should also be a uniform for Class -4 employees.

Another problem discussed was that boys stand outside Government Girls Schools at 2pm. The schools demanded that there should be a PCR van around the schools. Harjinder Kaur assured to take up the issue with the SSP.

VISIT TO RIARKI SCHOOL SUGGESTED

Harjinder Kaur suggested that self-teaching by the senior classes should be introduced. Baba Aya Singh Riarki School, Tughalwala, was mentioned by Chanchal Singh where students teach junior classes and manage the whole school. CCPCR offered to take the principals for a visit to the school to see the system in place.
Thousands of people from Muslim community in Ludhiana on Tuesday protested against the killings of Rohingya Muslims in the Myanmar.

The protestors gathered near Jama Masjid at Field Ganj area and started marching towards the mini secretariat, raising slogans against the government of Myanmar for not taking requisite action to stop killings of Rohingyas in the country.

More than 8,000 protestors from the Muslim community raised slogans while marching towards deputy commissioners (DC) office and occupied more than one kilometre of area resulting in traffic snarls.

The protestors held placards in hands flashing slogans such as stop killing us for being Muslim, stop killing Muslims in Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi, shame on you and stop genocide of Muslims among dozen others. The protestors also carried Tricolour and Ahrar-e-Islam flags.

Meanhwhile, hundreds of commuters were stranded near Jagraon bridge, Bharat Nagar Chowk and Field Ganj.

Ranjan Verma, a commuter near Jagraon Bridge, said, I had to sit and wait for more than 40 minutes inside my car to let the protestors pass. It was really difficult for me and my 10 years old daughter to wait in the hot weather.

Muhammad Mustkeem, general secretary of the Shahi Imam said, We have submitted a memorandum to the DC of Ludhiana and also shot a letter to the United Nations to intervene and take necessary action. We have also requested the Indian government to help the Rohingya community in Myanmar.

Sukhpal Brar, additional DC (traffic), said, The number of protestors were in thousands so we had difficulty in managing traffic for a few minutes but since, the protest was peaceful, later it was easy for us to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
In a first-of-its-kind case, three people  sanitation workers  have been booked for littering after they dumped a truck load of garbage outside the office of Medical Officer of Health, 30 Bays building, Sector 17, Chandigarh, near the deputy commissioner office on Monday.

The complainant in the case is Parminder Singh Bhatti, medical officer of health (MOH), with the municipal corporation.

The accused  Kuldeep Singh, Gurcharan Singh and Sarbjeet Singh  have been booked under Sections 283 (obstruction of public way) and 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) at the Sector-17 police station. Conviction under Section 269 entails jail of up to six months or fine or both; under Section 283, the convict could be fined Rs 200. No arrests have been made.

Of late, the safai kamacharis have been at loggerheads with the civic body over privatisation of the sanitation department. Recently, they did not allow garbage vehicles to enter the garbage processing plant at Dadumajra in protest. They have also been demanding the filling up of 650 posts and giving of jobs to 238 people, whose kin died while they were employed with the MC.

The recent incident  where the booking has happened  is part of the protest.

The CCTV footage showed the accused dumping the garbage outside the office, the complainant added, claiming that the dumping of garbage increased the risk of an epidemic and obstructed traffic.
Man proposes God disposes, they say. The catchphrase stands apt in the case of 15-year-old Chami (name changed), a tribal girl from nondescript Talsada village located in the interiors of the famous Saranda forests in West Singhbhum district.

Born in an acutely impoverished family who could hardly manage two square meals a day, Chami grew up watching the teenage boys and girls in her village, including her own family, migrating to other states to eke out a livelihood as there was hardly any source of income available in the forest village where farming too is a tough task due to stringent forest laws.

With survival itself being a challenge, education was a farfetched dream as children either migrated or spent time fetching firewood and other forest products with older members of the family, who could not migrate, to supplement the family income. By the time, Chami was 10 her older siblings began preparing her for the imminent migration, tutoring her on the dos and donts to be followed in the alien lands. However, for an 11 year-old-girl, who couldnt even recall the name of her village properly, the journey ahead seemed highly adventurous and exciting.

Manpreet Singh Raja of Round Table who united the tribal girl to her family (HT Photo)

A year later, she took her first step out of her village on her maiden journey to earn with her elder brother. Destination was national capital, New Delhi, where her sibling worked as a labourer for over three years. Upon reaching the capital city, Chamis brothername preferably kept secrethanded her to a known employment agent.

She got her first job as a maid in a businessmans house. However, within six months, her agent shifted her to another house and fled away. By the time, Chami had lost her diary that carried her brothers contact number and her village address.

Left to fend for herself in the alien land, Chami somehow survived working in various homes for three years before she secured a job at the residence of one Sunil Khurana, an industrialist also associated with Round Table, an international friendship organisation that focuses on community service through various ways.

On the very first day, the Khurana family found that the girl was in distress. They made a lot of efforts in making her comfortable to open up and narrate her woes. The demure, shy girl eventually pleaded that she wanted to go back home but could not recall where her home was.

She could only recall that she had boarded the train to Delhi with her brother from Ranchi, said Khurana, adding, he immediately connected with Manpreet Singh Raja, Round Table India president and a native of Ranchi seeking his help to reunite the girl with her parents. Raja suggested Khurana to send the girl to Ranchi without delay.

Chami set off for Ranchi on September 6 with a staff couple of the Khuranas. Raja received the girl in Ranchi and began the daunting search operation for her parents. The 15-year-old had no idea where her village was expect that the railway station was barely 20 minutes drive from her village, he said, bewildered at the fate of his adventurous mission.

For nearly two days, Rajas employee and driver took Chami to several villages that had a railway station nearby, but to no avail. However, upon researching on the internet, he discovered that villages could be traced by local dialect. He made Chami talk to an old tribal man in Khunti, who immediately discovered that she hailed from the Ho tribe, who reside in West Singhbhum.

By then Chami could recall the name of Sonua railway station. Since the journey ahead was troublesome due to presence of Left extremists in the area, Raja sought the help of ADG, special branch, Anurag Gupta, who immediately offered them policemen to accompany.

The team took her to Sonua and she instantly recalled the presence of a market nearby. As they reached the market, Chami met and recognised a man from her village. The policemen asked the man to bring her parents to the police station. On Sunday, Chami reunited with her parents after going missing for nearly four years. I am happy that I could be of some help in reuniting the girl with her parents, said the ADG speaking high of the Round Tablers conviction and philanthropy.
Actor Ritu Varma will be playing Dulquer Salmaans leading lady in a yet-untitled Tamil film and she is thrilled to be joining the actor whom she considers a good performer. The film will mark the directorial debut of Desingh Periyasamy.

I signed the project recently. Dulquer is a really good performer and Im excited to be working with him. Although its too early to talk about the film or my character, I can say that Im really looking forward to starting work on this film, Ritu said.

This will be Dulquers fourth straight Tamil film. The project will go on the floor from October.

Ritus last outing was Telugu film Keshava. However, She rose to fame with 2016s runaway hit Telugu romantic-drama Pellichoopulu.

Did she turn choosy since Pellichoopulu, Ritu said: I know people have a lot of expectations. But I dont think I have become choosy. I still do projects which I find exciting. It could even mean a film with a newcomer.

Ritu believes script is the hero.

She also has Vikrams Tamil spy thriller Dhruva Natchathiram in her kitty.

I recently finished my portion for the film in Georgia. Ill join them soon in Turkey where they are currently shooting, she said.

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It looks like the time has come for Kamal Haasan to take the political plunge. Over the last few months, Haasan has been very vocal about the state of politics in Tamil Nadu and he feels theres a vacuum to fill, according to a report by The Indian Express. It is believed that the Hey Ram actor is most likely to float his own party by this month-end, keeping in mind the upcoming local body elections in November. Although there hasnt been any official announcement made yet, sources close to Haasan havent denied the reports. Haasan is believed to make an announcement regarding his political entry this Dussehra.

Actor Kamal Haasan being welcomed by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan at his official residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. (PTI)

This is the crucial time to enter. He thinks that there is a political vacuum in Tamil Nadu. He is overwhelmed by the response from the public on his recent statements taking on politicians in the state. He is busy meeting key faces of his fans groups besides sharing his ideas and draft papers for the new party with people whom he respects, a source close to Haasan was quoted by The Indian Express.

DMK Working President MK Stalin and actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan at the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the party's mouthpiece Murasoli in Chennai in August. (PTI)

However, Haasan has also said in the past that he doesnt have the financial stability to start and run a political party. It would be interesting to see him go against his own words and launch a party. On the career front, apart from being busy hosting the Tamil version of Bigg Boss, Haasan has resumed work on Vishwaroopam 2 and its expected to hit the screens later this year.

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Bollywood actor Shraddha Kapoor, who is awaiting the release of her film Haseena Parkar, has kick-started the shoot of her next Saaho, along with Prabhas in Hyderabad. While on the sets, the Half Girlfriend actor feasted on some lip-smacking Hyderabadi delicacies. On her work trip to Hyderabad, the actor was treated by the Baahubali star to quite a lavish spread. There were nearly 17-18 food items and Shraddha couldnt stop herself from enjoying the amazing food.

Shraddha came onboard Prabhas film after a long round of will-she-wont-she. While it was being speculated earlier that Shraddha had demanded extremely high fees for the project, the actor finally signed on the dotted line in August. Sharing her excitement about being a part of the film, she had also tweeted, So so excited to be a part of the Saaho team & to be working with Prabhas!!! Woohoo.

Saaho, which is an ambitious hi-tech action drama, will show Prabhas in a badass avatar. The film will showcase high-octane action sequences and is being shot simultaneously in three different languages - Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The film will hit theatres next year.

Directed by Sujith, and produced by Vamsi and Pramod, under their banner UV Creations, the film also stars a plethora of Bollywood actors other than Shraddha. While Neil Nitin Mukesh plays the antagonist, Jackie Shroff, Chunkey Pandey, Mahesh Manjrekar and Tinnu Anand will also be seen in important roles. Popular Malayalam actor Lal and Arun Vijay will also be a part of this ambitious project.

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A secular temple devoted to Oscar Wilde opened in the basement of a New York church Tuesday, crammed with devotional style religious art to honour a trailblazer of gay rights.Those involved in the project said it had been 20 years in the making but with transgender rights under threat from President Donald Trumps administration and gays feeling more discrimination, it was more timely than ever. Conceived by artists David McDermott and Peter McGough at The Church of the Village, the space will be open to members of the public five days a week and available for private ceremonies, including weddings.

Wilde, the Irish wit and playwright, was convicted of gross indecency, sentenced in 1895 to two years hard labor, most of which he served in the southern English town of Reading. He invoked all of us to rebel, that it was the inherent quality of human beings to be rebellious, to move society, to be individual, said curator Alison Gingeras, who organized the project.

McDermott said the temple was a place free of religious doctrine, honoring a watershed historical figure who pioneered the long struggle for equal rights for gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender peoples. Pastor Jeff Wells welcomed the collaboration, saying the installation fits so deeply into the ethos of this congregation, which we call radically inclusive.

The church, which has a strong LGBTQ contingent, is located in the heart of Greenwich Village near the Stonewall Inn, a landmark of the gay rights movement in the United States. The Oscar Wilde Temple transforms a basement chapel, which will continue to serve as a place of worship for deaf congregants on Sundays, back to 1882-83, the time of Wildes lecture tour to America.

The centre-piece is an altar built around a more than four-foot (1.2-meter) statute of Wilde, carved out of wood but made to resemble marble, and on the pedestal below, his prisoner number at Reading jail. Wilde wrote the Ballad of Reading Gaol under the pseudonym of that number, C33, after fleeing in exile and disgrace to France.

On the walls, hang seven oil and gold leaf canvases on linen based on newspaper coverage of his trial and imprisonment, and inspired by the Stations of the Cross paintings at the cathedral in Avranches, France. Also honoured are other leading lights who fell victim to homophobia, such as Britains Alan Turing, the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence.

All proceeds from private events and donations to the Temple will go to support LGBTQ youth at risk of homelessness. We hope that this temple is a place that is really used, said Gingeras. It will remain open until December 2 before moving to London.

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In an effort to attract big spenders and curb falafel-eating tourists, who spend most of their holiday loitering around the red-light district, Amsterdams city officials are considering a tourist tax hike that could make visits to the Dutch capital more expensive.

Currently, visitors pay 5% of their room rate in the city centre, which is expected to rise to 6% next year. But if Alderman Udo Kock has his way, that could rise to as much as 10 per night in 2019, according to local newspaper Het Parool. Because while the number of tourists has swelled from 12 million to 17 million over the last few years, a good portion of those visitors stayed in budget hotels and poured little into the local economy.

Last week, Amsterdam locals protested the gentrification of their neighbourhoods. (AFP)

Last week, fed-up locals took to the streets protesting unchecked development and gentrification in their neighbourhoods. Similar anti-tourism protests have been taking place in cities across Spain and Italy this summer amongst disgruntled locals, unhappy with the behaviour of disrespectful visitors and unsustainable tourist numbers.

Officials estimate that the new tourist hike could bring in 150 million to Amsterdams city coffers. In an interview with Parool, Kock said they prefer tourists who spend more than one night, visit museums and dine out at proper restaurants over visitors making a quick city break, strolling the red-light district with a falafel in their hand.



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Made famous by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who was exiled there from 1815 until his death in 1821, the island of Saint Helena has long been too remote to be affected by tourism. But this may be about to change. From October 14, the South African company Airlink will begin weekly flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg. Flight time will be about six hours with a stopover in Namibia. Until now, the tiny British territory was only accessible by boat.

Located in the South Atlantic to the West of the Namibian coast, Saint Helena is one of the worlds most inaccessible destinations, a fact that figured large in the decision to imprison Napoleon there in the 19th century. Until now, visitors to the minuscule British territory of 122 square kilometers have arrived on the Royal Mail Ship St Helena from South Africa, which takes at least five days to reach the island from Cape Town. Not surprisingly, the announcement of the new air link amounts to a revolution for the 5,000-strong community that lives on the volcanic tropical island.

Jamestown: The first and only port of call

Life in Saint Helena is focused around the islands only port, Jamestown, the point of arrival for visitors. The more courageous among them will climb the 699 steps of Jacobs Ladder, a historic staircase that offers panoramic views over the islands capital. Fitter visitors will also be keen to make Jamestown the point of departure for a trek to the nearby Heart Shaped Waterfall. A tour of the towns parks is also recommended for the opportunity to encounter some of the plants that are endemic to the island.

However, for a more potent experience of nature, Dianas Peak National Park, which is located 823 metres above sea level, features native snail and insect species as well as magnificent views of the island.

In Napoleons footsteps

Saint Helena continues to be associated with the French Emperors exile. The former Corsican general spent the last years of his life from 1815 to 1821 on the island, where he initially stayed in the Briars Pavillion before moving to his permanent residence in Longwood House. Both of these buildings are open to tourists, who usually conclude their historic tour with a visit to Napoleons tomb. The Saints, as the islanders call themselves, commemorate Napoleons death on May 5 every year.

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Actor Maniesh Paul is undoubtedly the king of the stage. His hosting prowess is unparalleled, with his wit and humour allowing him to get up, close and personal with Bollywood biggies effortlessly. Every reality show thus wants him to get on board as the host.

Recent reports suggest that the upcoming stand-up comedy show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, judged by superstar Akshay Kumar, had roped him in to host the show, with Elli Avram as the co-host. The two had starred in Manieshs Bollywood debut film mickey Virus (2013).However, a source close to Maniesh has denied the reports, saying, Reports (of Maniesh hosting the show) are absolutely fake and baseless.

The reports even mentioned that the makers were keen to take the fun quotient a notch higher with Paul and his antics.. to cover up Avrams bumbling Hindi when need be. However, Maniesh made it clear when he tweeted the following:

Chalo shukar hai sahi news finally out huyi!! https://t.co/KKxodeQxkl  Maniesh Paul (@ManishPaul03) September 12, 2017

Maniesh is currently busy with his show Science Of Stupids, and gearing up for the Da-Bangg tour with actor Salman Khan in UK.

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Russian security agencies evacuated at least 10,000 people from shopping centres, railway stations and universities in Moscow after receiving threats of buildings being rigged with explosives.

The threats were received almost simultaneously, RT reported, adding that bomb squads with sniffer dogs were present at the sites.

Tass news agency said security personnel were evacuating civilians from at least 20 sites. It quoted a source saying that it appeared to be case of telephone terrorism.

Russia has been plagued by a series of anonymous bomb threats over the past four days, leading to the evacuation of at least 45,000 people. Interfax news agency reported that the evacuations began in Omsk on Sunday and later occurred Ryazan. Over the next two days, anonymous threats were issued in Chelyabinsk, Ufa, Stavropol, Kopeisk, Perm, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and other cities.

The threats in Saratov region were made anonymously through internet voice calls, The Moscow Times quoted the Federal Security Services regional branch as saying on Wednesday.
Al Qaeda militants have called for support for Myanmars Rohingya Muslims, who are facing a security crackdown that has sent nearly 400,000 of them fleeing to Bangladesh, warning that Myanmar would face punishment for its crimes.

The exodus of Muslim refugees from Buddhist-majority Myanmar was sparked by a fierce security force response to a series of Rohingya militant attacks on police and army posts in the countrys west on August 25.

The Islamist group behind the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States issued a statement urging Muslims around the world to support their fellow Muslims in Myanmar with aid, weapons and military support.

The savage treatment meted out to our Muslim brothers ... shall not pass without punishment, al Qaeda said in a statement, according to the SITE monitoring group.

The government of Myanmar shall be made to taste what our Muslim brothers have tasted.

Myanmar says its security forces are engaged in a legitimate campaign against terrorists, whom it blames for attacks on the police and army, and on civilians.

The government has warned of bomb attacks in cities, and al Qaedas call to arms is likely to compound those concerns.

We call upon all mujahid brothers in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines to set out for Burma to help their Muslim brothers, and to make the necessary preparations  training and the like - to resist this oppression, the group said.
Arundhati Roy, who won the 1997 Man Booker Prize for Fiction for The God of Small Things, has failed to make it to the short-list for the prizes 2017 edition though her second novel, The Ministry Of Utmost Happiness, was on the long-list.

Pakistan-origin British writer Mohsin Hamid was among the six short-listed for the 2017 prize for his book Exit West, a tale of migration, mutation and life in war zones, the organisers announced on Wednesday.

Roys second novel, published this year, was on the 13-member long-list announced on June 27. Besides Hamid, others on the short-list that does not feature any Indian are Paul Auster, Emily Fridlund, Fiona Mozley, George Saunders and Ali Smith.

The winner will be declared in London on October 17.

The chosen books cover a wide range of subjects, from the struggle of a family trying to retain its self-sufficiency in rural England to Hamids love story of two refugees seeking to flee an unnamed city in the throes of civil war.

Lola Young, the chair of the judges, said: With six unique and intrepid books that collectively push against the borders of convention, this years shortlist both acknowledges established authors and introduces new voices to the literary stage.

Playful, sincere, unsettling, fierce: here is a group of novels grown from tradition but also radical and contemporary. The emotional, cultural, political and intellectual range of these books is remarkable, and the ways in which they challenge our thinking is a testament to the power of literature.

Ali Smith made the short-list for the fourth time (she was previously short-listed for Hotel World in 2001, The Accidental in 2005 and How to Be Both in 2014). This year also sees the repeat short-listing of Hamid, who made the list in 2007 with The Reluctant Fundamentalist.

First awarded in 1969, the winner of the Man Booker will receive 50,000, while the short-listed writers each receive 2,500 and a specially bound edition of their book.

The short-list of six novels:

Title Author (nationality) Imprint:

4321 Paul Auster (US) Faber & Faber

History Of Wolves Emily Fridlund (US) Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Exit West Mohsin Hamid (UK-Pakistan) Hamish Hamilton

Elmet Fiona Mozley (UK) JM Originals

Lincoln In The Bardo George Saunders (US) Bloomsbury Publishing

Autumn Ali Smith (UK) Hamish Hamilton

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Former US president Barack Obama has announced that his foundation will welcome civic leaders from around the world for a two-day global summit in Chicago.

The inaugural Obama Foundation Summit will bring hundreds of leaders from across the world for a hands down exchange of ideas, Obama said in a video posted on Twitter and his website.

An announcement from President Obama: get ready for the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit. https://t.co/WdBQALg9je pic.twitter.com/TwzsGzzhDj  The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) September 13, 2017

This leadership summit will be a place to gather and learn from one another, and then to go back to your communities and lead others towards hard work and change.

We want to inspire and empower people to change the world, he said.

Among the people who have been invited to the summit is Mumbai-based Trisha Shetty, the founder of SheSays, an NGO which aims at helping victims of sexual abuse, and promotes gender equality and further the rights of women.

Others invited include Sheldon Smith from Chicago, whose Dovetail Project gives young fathers such as himself the skills to be positive role models and responsible parents; and Emily May, the co-founder of New York-based The Peoples Supper that aims build understanding and trust over meals.
Edith Windsor, a gay rights pioneer whose landmark US Supreme Court case struck down parts of a federal anti-gay-marriage law and paved a path toward legalizing same-sex nuptials nationwide, died on Tuesday. She was 88.

Windsor died in New York, said her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan. The cause of death wasnt given, but Windsor had struggled with heart issues for years.

Former President Barack Obama called her one of the quiet heroes whose persistence had furthered the cause of equality.

Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor  and few made as big a difference to America, the Democrat said in a statement Tuesday, adding that he had spoken to her a few days earlier.

Edith Windsor is greeted by a supporter as she arrives for a news conference following the US Supreme Court ruling striking down as unconstitutional the Defense of Marriage Act. (REUTERS file photo)

Windsor already was 81 when she brought a lawsuit that proved to be a turning point for gay rights. The impetus was the 2009 death of her first spouse, Thea Spyer. The women had married legally in Canada in 2007 after spending more than 40 years together.

Windsor said the federal Defense of Marriage Acts definition of marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman prevented her from getting a marital deduction on Spyers estate. That meant Windsor faced a $360,000 tax bill that heterosexual couples would not have.

Edith Windsor greets the crowd after arguments in her case against the Defense of Marriage Act at the US Supreme Court. (REUTERS file photo)

Its a very important case. Its bigger than marriage, and I think marriage is major. I think if we win, the effect will be the beginning of the end of stigma, she told The Associated Press in 2012, after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.

Win she did: The justices ruled 5-4 in June 2013 that the provision in the law was unconstitutional, and that legally married same-sex couples are entitled to the same federal benefits that heterosexual couples receive.

The opinion marked a key moment of encouragement for gay marriage supporters then confronting a nationwide patchwork of laws that outlawed such unions in roughly three dozen states.

It also affronted conservatives who hewed to defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Then-Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia predicted the ruling would be used to upend state restrictions on marriage and warned: The only thing that will confine the courts holding is its sense of what it can get away with.

Ultimately, the opinion in Windsors case became the basis for a wave of federal court rulings that struck down state marriage bans and led to a 2015 Supreme Court ruling giving same-sex couples the right to marry from coast to coast.

One simply cannot write the history of the gay rights movement without reserving immense credit and gratitude for Edie Windsor, said Anthony Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union. He called Windsor one of this countrys great civil rights pioneers.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said he was heartbroken by the death of a woman who embodied the New York spirit, taking it upon herself to tear down barriers for others.

She was a finalist for Time magazines Person of the Year in 2013 (Pope Francis ultimately got the honor) and was invited the next year to a state dinner at the White House, honouring then-French President Francois Hollande.

Windsor herself marvelled at the arc of gay rights in her lifetime.

I grew up knowing that society thought I was inferior, she told the AP in 2012. Did I ever think we would be discussing equality in marriage? Never. It was just so far away.

Born in Philadelphia, she moved to Manhattan in the early 1950s after a brief marriage to a man; it ended after she told him she was gay.

She received a masters degree in mathematics from New York University in 1957 and went to work for IBM in senior technical and management positions.

Spyer came into her life in 1963, and they became a couple two years later. In court documents, Windsor said she told Spyer, If it still feels this goofy joyous, Id like us to spend the rest of our lives together. And we did.

Concerned that an engagement ring would bring unwanted attention to Windsors sexual orientation, Spyer gave her a diamond brooch instead. It was, Windsor later said in court documents, just one of many ways in which Thea and I had to mold our lives to make our relationship invisible.

Like countless other same-sex couples, we engaged in a constant struggle to balance our love for one another and our desire to live openly and with dignity, on the one hand, with our fear of disapproval and discrimination from others on the other, she added.

Spyer, a psychologist, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1977. The women married in Canada when they realised they might not live long enough to see New York legalise same-sex marriage. It did in 2011.

Last year, Windsor married her current spouse, Judith Kasen-Windsor, a banker.

Standing on the Supreme Court steps after the 2013 arguments in her case, Windsor called marriage a magic word.

For anybody who doesnt understand why we want it and why we need it, she said, OK: It is magic.
The Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah has declared victory in the Syrian war while Russia said government forces had driven militants from much of the country where President Bashar al-Assads rule seemed in danger two years ago.

The comments from two Syrian government allies mark the most confident assessments yet of Assads position in the war, though significant parts of the country remain outside the governments control. Russias assertion that the army had won back 85 percent of Syria was dismissed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. It said the government held 48 percent of Syria.

On Tuesday, Russias defence minister met with Assad in Damascus to discuss joint military efforts and the fight against Islamic State.

The governments most recent advances have recovered swathes of territory in eastern Syria from Islamic State, which is being targeted in the same region by U.S.-backed Kurdish and Arab militias.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, whose group has sent thousands of fighters to Syria, dismissed the fighting left to be done in Syria as scattered battles.

We have won in the war (in Syria), he said in comments reported by the Lebanese newspaper al-Akhbar.

Referring to Assads opponents, Nasrallah said the path of the other project has failed and wants to negotiate for some gains. The comments, made at a religious gathering, were confirmed to Reuters by a source familiar with the speech.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict, which has fractured Syria into a patchwork of areas and generated a refugee crisis of historic proportions, forcing millions of people into neighbouring states and Europe.

Military backing from Iran and Russia has proven critical to Assad in the war with insurgents including rebels who have been backed by Gulf Arab states, Turkey and the United States, which has decided to end a programme of covert support to rebels.

Rebel groups were making steady advances against Assad as recently as 2015, when the deployment of the Russian air force to Syria turned the tide in his favour.

Over the past year, Assad has crushed numerous pockets of rebel-held territory in the cities of Aleppo, Homs and Damascus, brokering local deals by which thousands of his opponents have been moved to remaining rebel-held enclaves of the country.

Ceasefire deals brokered by Russia, Turkey, Iran and the United States in remaining rebel-held areas of western Syria have freed up manpower on the government side, helping its advance east into the oil-rich province of Deir al-Zor.

AIR STRIKES

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu visited Assad on Tuesday on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, the ministry said.

The meeting focused on plans to recapture Deir al-Zor city and to strengthen efforts to combat terrorism in all Syrian territory until its utter annihilation, Assads office said.

Shoigu and Assad discussed the de-escalation deals in parts of Syria that have sped up the victories of the Syrian army and its allies in fighting terrorism in other areas, it said.

Government forces last week reached Deir al-Zor city, the provincial capital on the Euphrates River, breaking an Islamic State siege of a government-held pocket and a nearby air base.

To date, 85 percent of Syrias territory has been cleared of the militants of illegal armed groups, the RIA news agency cited Alexander Lapin, chief of staff of the Russian military contingent in Syria, as saying.

Lapin made no reference to a swathe of territory held in northern Syria by an alliance of U.S.-backed militias - the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which is led by the Kurdish YPG and is not at war with Assad. The Observatory said SDF-held territory amounts to 23 percent of Syria.

Lapin said Islamic State fighters are still in control of around 27,000 square km of Syrias territory.

The liberation of (Deir al-Zor) city is proceeding, Lapin said. Syrian troops are finalising the defeat of the ISIL group blocking the northern and southern districts of Deir al-Zor, he said. He said the assault was being led by General Suheil al-Hassan, a Syrian officer who has risen to prominence in the war.

Referring to the Russian figure of 85 percent, a Western diplomat said: Other numbers tell a darker story: over 400,000 killed; half the population displaced; millions of refugees.

The harder question for Russia to answer is whether any of its vaunted 85 percent is stable. The Assad state is a thin veneer stretched over a patchwork of fiefdoms.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said air strikes likely to have been carried out by Russian warplanes killed 69 people since Sunday near the Euphrates River in Deir al-Zor.

The Russian Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on Tuesdays report by the Britain-based monitoring group.

The Observatory, which identified the victims as civilians, said the air strikes had hit encampments on the western bank of the river and vessels crossing to the eastern side.

Syrian state television separately reported the army was conducting artillery and machine gun attacks on rafts carrying Islamic State militants to the eastern side of the river from their last positions in Deir al-Zor city.

ONLY ESCAPE ROUTE

Their only escape route out of the city is through rafts on the river, and god willing, we will target them in the water before they get away, a commander said in a televised interview.

Aside from the territory held by the SDF and Islamic State, rebels still control a corner of the northwest, a corner of the southwest, an area near Damascus, and an area north of the city of Homs.

Syrian government attacks in the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta region near Damascus suggest Assad may yet try to recapture the remaining rebel-held areas of the west, including enclaves at the borders with Turkey, Jordan and Israel.

A major general in the Syrian Republican Guard interviewed by a state-run TV station from Deir al-Zor on Monday warned Syrians who had run away or escaped from Syria to any other country not to return.

Major General Issam Zahreddine, head of the 104 Brigade which was under IS-siege for three years in Deir al-Zor, later issued a clarification on his Facebook page, saying his warning had been directed only at people who had taken up arms.
Syrias civil war has been one of the modern worlds most brutal conflicts and one of its most heavily filmed. Hundreds of thousands of amateur videos uploaded to YouTube document every heartbeat of the war over the past seven years, from momentous events like cities under bombardment to intimate scenes like a father cradling his dead children.

Syrian activists fear all that history could be erased as YouTube moves to rein in violent content. In the past few months, the tech giant has implemented new policies to remove material considered graphic or supporting terrorism, and hundreds of thousands of videos from the conflict suddenly disappeared without notice. Activists say crucial evidence of human rights violations risks being lost  as well as an outlet to the world that is crucial for them.

Activists are rushing to set up alternative archives, but they also recognize nothing can replace YouTube because of its technological infrastructure and global reach.

It is like we are writing our memories  not in our own book but in a third partys book. We dont have control of it, said Hadi al-Khatib, co-founder of the Syrian Archive, a group founded in 2014 to preserve open source evidence of crimes committed by all sides of the Syrian conflict.

In this Aug. 17, 2016 file frame grab taken from video provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Aleppo Media Center (AMC), 5-year-old Omran Daqneesh sits in an ambulance after being pulled out of a building hit by an airstrike in Aleppo, Syria. (AP)

Based on his database and review of around 900 groups and individuals, al-Khatib said some 180 channels connected to Syria were shut since June, when YouTube began using machine learning protocols to sift through videos on the site for objectionable content.

Working with YouTube, al-Khatibs group secured the return of about 20 channels, salvaging about 400,000 videos. But about 150,000 videos remain in jeopardy, pending a decision from YouTube, which is still reviewing whether to reinstate them, he said.

Nothing is lost forever yet, al-Khatib said, speaking from Berlin. But this is very dangerous, because there is no alternative for YouTube.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, says it will correct any videos improperly taken down and that it is in dialogue with the activists on a solution. But many activists fear a repeat or a permanent loss. The shutdowns were chilling for a community that had just celebrated a possible precedent for Syria when the International Criminal Court in August issued an arrest warrant based on video evidence for a Libyan military commander.

One prominent Syrian human rights group, the Video and Documentation Center in Syria, said it will stop using YouTube and will set up its own storage and platform. The risk became very big now and we dont trust this platform anymore for keeping violations evidence, Husam AlKatlaby, VDC executive director, said in an email.

VDC, registered in Switzerland, has specialized in documenting rights violations since 2011. Its founders are prominent activists, including one still missing after being kidnapped by gunmen in Syria. The group limited access to its YouTube channel since 2014, after the company warned it over graphic content.

But not everyone can afford to go on their own. Also, YouTube provides activists with personal accounts for free and technological tools to edit, translate and upload anytime  vital for people out in the field in dangerous circumstances taking video of events.

This undated file frame grab from video posted online Monday, May 29, 2017 by the Aamaq News Agency, a media arm of the Islamic State group, shows people inspecting damage from airstrikes and artillery shelling in the northern city of Raqqa, Syria. (AP)

Activists used YouTube first to report on the peaceful protests that erupted in 2011 against the rule of President Bashar Assad, using videos taken on mobile phones. As the conflict got bloody, so did the videos, catching the immediate aftermath of chemical attacks, spectacular aerial bombings, rescuers pulling children from rubble, and new strikes hitting rescuers and survivors. Militant groups uploaded videos of beheadings. Government supporters uploaded their own imagery and propaganda.

Often, the images were the only thing to grab the worlds attention in an intractable conflict. A video last year that was viewed more than 4.3 million times showed a child covered in blood and dust after surviving an airstrike in Aleppo, as government forces advanced to recapture the city from rebels.

YouTube previously relied in part on a system of community flagging of content deemed inappropriate.

In the Syrian context, that often turned political. Supporters and opponents of the Syrian government have waged digital wars reporting each others channels or videos, prompting YouTube to close some. Many videos were lost, including footage of a 2013 chemical attack in a Damascus suburb.

Under pressure in Europe and the West to do more to rein in extremist content, YouTube introduced a number of new measures, including machine learning, which trains itself to recognize patterns in enormous numbers of videos and police objectionable material, which then is reviewed by human experts to determine if it should be taken down.

A YouTube spokesperson said the machine learning can remove a lot of content at a scale.

The vast majority of time our reviewers get it right. And when we make mistakes, we act quickly to correct them, the spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with company regulations.

The spokesperson said activists need to improve their data when uploading videos, properly identify them as documenting ights violations and provide context. Meanwhile, the machine learning is being tweaked.

A Syrian rebel fighter poses for a picture with a Kalashnikov assault rifle while sitting in a fortified position in the central Syrian rebel-held town of Talbiseh, north of Homs, on August 3, 2017. (AFP)

But the closures suddenness and breadth stunned those documenting the conflict. Many opposition activists already feel the international political world is turning against them as the Syrian government and its allies make major battlefield gains. Some were convinced the YouTube shutdowns were because of political pressure.

There are attempts to finish off the conflict in Syria by any means, including having no coverage or a total blackout on the media by the Syrian opposition, said Tala Kharrat, spokesman for Qasioun News Agency, a news platform whose channel was among those shut down and subsequently reopened on appeal.

Another prominent news platform, the Shaam News Network, has nearly 400,000 videos on its YouTube channel, viewed some 90 million times. In July, its operators found a message saying their channel no longer exists.

Mizyan Altawil, spokesman for SNN, said his network is no stranger to scrutiny of its content, but this time the shutdown was different, with no prior warning. Even more confusing, the channel was reinstated, only to be closed again, then reopened. We are constantly on the alert, Altawil said.

The Syrian Archive reached out to activists and media groups affected by the removal and contacted YouTube to restore them. With a team of six and a budget of $96,000, the Archive is also downloading videos to its own server, an expensive and labor-intensive endeavor. The group is partially funded by Google through its Digital News Initiative.

Al-Khatib said the group knew the issue will come up one day, given the concerns over proliferation of violent content, and that it was always a grey area how long YouTube would handle graphic material. But, he said, the best evidence for war crimes can come from videos showing violence, even ones uploaded by the perpetrators with the intent to terrorize, like an execution video.

If they take it down, there will be no graphic content but there will be no evidence.
An Indian-American think tank has sought the intervention of the US and the UN in protecting the rights of Iraqs Yazidis ethnic community that has been facing brutal persecution by the Islamic State terror group.

Nearly 400,000 Yazidis have been displaced to different parts of Iraq, Turkey and other countries, according to a report Plight of the Yazidis that was released by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS-USA).

The report presents the facts and figures about the genocide of Yezidis which it alleged has been going on since 2014.

Mirza Ismail, a Yazidi and human rights activist based in Canada, elaborated how the Yazidis in Iraq had been brutally attacked by the ISIS since August, 2014. As many as 10,000 men have been killed and 7,000 women abducted from the community, the report said.

He also demanded the UN and international leaders to intervene and support the creation of an autonomous region for the Yezidis as given under the Iraqi constitution.

Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking minority with a pre- Islamic religion thought partly to have its origin in the Zoroastrianism of ancient Persia. They are neither Arab nor Muslim and the ISIS considers them polytheistic heretics.

The ISIS has been brutally attacking the Yazidis. It has led to their exile from their ancestral lands in Northern Iraq.

Yazidi women have been abducted under a so-called forced conversion campaign that has been carried out by the dreaded terror group in Northern Iraq.
The Wednesday report from semi-official YJC.ir says the suspect was in contact with 300 IS members and was planning attacks during Shiite ceremonies across the country next month.

Members of the elite Revolutionary Guard detained the suspect in a town near Tehran, according to the report, which did not identify the suspect. It said he spent a night in the Tehran neighborhood of Dolatabad, an Iraqi community, after arriving in the country.

Iran sometimes announces the detention of IS-linked extremists and the defusing of plots to carry out attacks.

IS claimed responsibility for attacks in Tehran that killed 17 people at the parliament and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in June.
An ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israeli lawmaker quit his seat on Wednesday under fire from religious colleagues and rabbis for attending a gay relatives wedding, his daughter said.

Yigal Guetta recently told a radio interviewer about the marriage of his nephew, which took place two years ago but still brought a harsh reaction from prominent rabbis, local media reported.

On Wednesday morning he handed his resignation to the chairman of his Shas party, Interior Minister Aryeh Deri.

His daughter Simcha Guetta said she was proud of him for his family loyalty.

Its his nephew, she told Israeli public radio.

In submitting his resignation he apparently knows what he is doing, she said. I am behind him all the way.

Yitzhak Vaknin, a fellow MP from the ultra-Orthodox Shas, said Guetta transgressed religious law by participating in a forbidden same-sex wedding ceremony.

Yigal should not have taken part in that celebration, he told army radio.

There is no situation in which it is permitted to take part in an event like that, he said. It is totally forbidden.

In the August 29 army radio interview that sparked the criticism, Guetta said although he wanted to stand by his nephew he made it clear to his own children that his lifestyle was taboo.

We went together to the wedding, me, my wife and my children, he said. I told them attendance is mandatory.

At the same time, I told my children ... be aware that the Torah says it is forbidden.

While the Jewish state is considered a trailblazer in the promotion of and respect for gay rights, homosexuality remains taboo among the religious and ultra-Orthodox parties wield significant political power.

Civil marriage does not exist in Israel, where marriage and divorce are entirely controlled by religious authorities and homosexual weddings are not recognised.

When the Israeli interior ministry announced in 2014 that it would, however, recognise same-sex marriages performed abroad, Shas MP Nissim Zeev lambasted what he called the dangerous institutionalisation of the phenomenon of homosexual families in Israel.

In 2008, another Shas lawmaker, Shlomo Benizri, blamed homosexuals for an earthquake that struck Israel and the region.

God says you shake your genitals where you are not supposed to and I will shake my world in order to wake you up, he said.
Myanmars presidential spokesman said 176 ethnic Rohingya villages are now empty after all of their residents fled during recent violence in Rakhine state.

Zaw Htay said there had been a total of 471 Rohingya villages in three townships. He said in addition to the 176 that were abandoned, some residents fled from at least 34 other villages.

Zaw Htay did not use the name Rohingya.
Pakistans former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his children were on Wednesday summoned by an anti- corruption court to appear before it on September 19 in a case linked to the familys company in the UK.

They were summoned after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) last week filed four cases against Sharif, his family members and finance minister Ishaq Dar.

The Islamabad-based accountability court on Wednesday ordered Sharif and his children -- Maryam, Hussain and Hassan -- to appear before it on September 19 in a case linked to the Sharif familys company, Flagship Investment Limited, in the UK.

Earlier, the court had returned the cases due to several mistakes but the NAB moved swiftly to remove the errors and re-filed the cases against Sharif.

Still the NAB has to fix mistakes in two cases and return them by Thursday.

The cases are based on the July 28 judgment of the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case. The court disqualified Sharif and ordered cases be registered against him and his family.

Meanwhile, a five-judge larger bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday started hearing of the review petitions by Sharif and others against the judgment.

Sharifs are unlikely to appear as they have already stated that they would not appear before the NAB courts until the decision by the apex court about the review petitions.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhis US tour, that started Monday with a speech at a California university ,had been months in the making, if not more, and was planned as part of a new conversation that the party wants to start about the future of India and its position in the world.

The Congress leader will be engaging innovators, thought leaders in varied fields, policy mavens and young minds as he traverses across the country, with two days in DC packed with back-to-back discussions at leading think-tanks, with experts on both the right and the left and political leaders.

This is a part of the beginning of a new conversation that had been in the works for a long time  about the future of India, and the ideas that could drive it, said Sam Pitroda, who has planned Gandhis US tour and who had ushered a telecommunications revolution in India decades ago while working with Gandhis father, then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Pitroda told Hindustan Times he will be working with The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), a Silicon Valley non-profit co-founded by one of the first Indian IT success stories  Kanwal Rekhi  to support start-ups, to develop white papers on four or five key areas to focus on, that could include energy, small and medium enterprises and healthcare.

The central pitch, according to Pitroda, is that the existing world order, which came up around the United States, is on its way out and India can take a lead in shaping the new order, which, for instance, is inclusive to begin with  you cannot ignore 200 million Muslims (in India).

The Congress vice-president, who touched upon some these themes in his prepared remarks at University of California, Berkeley, on Monday and may explore them in his deep-dives with experts and policy wonks he is scheduled to meet in DC later this week, starting with think tank Centre for American Progress (CAP).

The liberal-leaning CAP was founded by John Podesta, who chaired Hillary Clintons 2016 campaign, and is run by Indian American Neera Tanden, a veteran of many Democratic administrations, including President Barack Obamas. Former editor Gautam Adhikari is one of its experts.

Gandhi then visits another DC think-tank, the Atlantic Council, which has a strong focus on South Asia, and then the US-India Business Council, an advocacy group that works on promoting business ties between the two countries and which is now emerging from a specially bruising split.

Gandhi has an evening interaction with experts at an interaction organised and hosted by conservative-leaning Heritage Foundation and Republican strategist Puneet Ahluwalia. Experts invited include Ashley Tellis of Carnegie and Anish Goel, a former Obama White House India hand. Some Republican senators are expected swing by subject to them being in town, according to a source.

There has been some speculation that Gandhi may have a meeting at the White House, but organisers have strenuously denied it, saying there are no plans. Not yet.

The Congress leader then goes to Princeton University in nearby New Jersey, a state that has the countrys third highest concentration of Indian-descent Americans, for an interaction similar to the one in Berkeley, and ends his US trip in New York, with an outreach to Indian Americans at a hotel in Times Square.
A student shot and killed another student and wounded three others Wednesday at a high school in the northwestern state of Washington before being disarmed, authorities said.

The shooting took place at Freeman High School in Spokane County, Washington state, 285 miles (460 kilometers) from Seattle, where witnesses described a scene of terror as the heavily armed shooter stalked the halls.

County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich told reporters the shooter was a student who was armed with more than one weapon, reportedly a rifle and a handgun.

He proceeded to take his weapons out. At that point he attempted to fire one weapon and jammed, the sheriff said.

He went to his next weapon and a student walked up to him, engaged him, and that student was shot. That student did not survive, he said.

He then fired more shoots around down the hallway, striking three more students and those students are in the hospital, he said.

Knezovich said the shooter was finally disabled by a member of the Freeman community, before police arrived on the scene.

The Spokesman-Review, a local news site, said the student was tackled by a school custodian.

- A loud pop -

It said the bloodshed began outside a biology class on the schools second floor.

I was putting my backpack away and I heard a loud pop, and I turned around. He was walking around, Elisa Vigil, a 14-year-old freshman, told the Spokesman-Review.

He had his pistol. His face was completely passive. He shot someone in the head. I crouched down in the hall. I looked up and a girl screamed, Help me, help me, help me. The hall was empty. She was shot in the back. I looked to my right, and there was a boy and he was shot in the head.

The three wounded students were all girls, it said. They were reported in stable condition at a local hospital.

Students told the newssite the shooter was a sophomore who had ridden the school bus to classes with his weapons concealed in a duffel bag.

We need to understand whats going on in our society that students feel they need to take a weapon to solve the problems they are dealing with, Knezovich said.

- Nice and funny and weird -

Freeman High School has only 327 students, serving a small community near the city of Spokane.

Students said everyone knew each other, and some told local media they knew the shooter.

He was handing out a note to his friend saying he would do something stupid that could get him killed or in jail, one student told KXLY television. That was a few weeks ago.

Michael Harper, 15, told the Spokesman-Review that he was a good friend of the shooter.

He was weird, Harper was quoted as saying. And he loved the show Breaking Bad. He never really seemed like that person who had issues. He was always nice and funny and weird.

- Anxious parents -

A large contingent of police and firefighters responded to a call to their emergency line, and anxious parents began arriving at the school.

Cheryl Moser said her son, a freshman, called her from a second floor classroom after hearing shots fired.

He called me and said, Mom, there are gunshots. He sounded so scared. Ive never heard him like that, Moser told the Spokesman-Review.

The state governor, Jay Inslee, said the shooting was heart-breaking.

As Spokane County officials continue their investigation to get the answers to the questions so many of us have during these unthinkable tragedies, the Washington State Patrol and all state agencies will do whatever we can to help provide support and comfort in the days and weeks to come, Inslee said.

An active shooter was arrested last Friday at a school in Columbus, Ohio, although no one was injured in that incident.

A year ago, an adolescent killed his father and then shot and wounded two children and a teacher at a South Carolina primary school.

According to the Gun Violence website, 253 mass shootings -- defined as four or more people shot in a single incident -- have been reported in the United States so far this year, including Wednesdays shooting in Washington state.
Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday said that violence in Myanmar against the Rohingya Muslims marks the death of Nobel Peace Prize, a media report said.

Khamenei called Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a cruel woman since the crimes against Rohingya Muslims are taking place under her eyes, Tehran Times daily reported.

Suu Kyi, who was once hailed by the global community for standing up to the Myanmar military, has taken almost no action to put an end to the deadly violence against the Rohingyas. She has been sharply criticised around the world for her inaction.

Khamenei also strongly criticised the silence and inaction of international bodies and self-proclaimed human rights advocates on the ongoing atrocities in Myanmar.

He said the crisis in Myanmar is a political issue and should not be reduced to a religious conflict between Muslims and Buddhists.

This is a political issue because the party that has been carrying out the atrocities is Myanmars government, at the top of which is a cruel woman who has won the Nobel Peace Prize. And with these incidents, the death of the Nobel Peace Prize has been spelled, he said.

The United Nations says 370,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar since the Army launched a huge security operation in response to attacks by militants late last month.

Myanmars military says it is fighting Rohingya militants and denies targeting civilians. But many of those who have fled say troops responded to attacks by Rohingya militants with the brutal campaign of violence and burning of villages aimed at driving them out.

UN human rights chief Zeid Raad Al Hussein on Monday described the operation as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Khamenei called on Muslim nations to take practical steps to stop violence against Rohingyas in Myanmar. Of course, practical measures dont mean military deployments. Rather, they (Islamic states) have to increase their political, economic, and trade pressure on Myanmars government and cry out against these crimes in international organisations, he was quoted as saying by Press TV.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should convene to discuss the crisis in Myanmar, he said.
Babysitting is not a part of the course that Henry Musoma offers students at the Texas A&M University.

The international business teacher at Mays Business School went beyond his call of duty by offering to babysit the son of his student, a single mother, so that she does not miss her class.

He is being hailed as the super professor on the internet.

Musomas kind gesture has melted many hearts on social media after Ashton Robinson wrote a thank you note to him on Facebook on September 8. Robinson posted a picture and a seven second-second clip with her post of Musoma holding her son while taking the class.

Musoma is seen carrying Emmett during his lecture and briefly stops to tell him, They didnt read the book, while gesturing toward the lecture hall.

So today I emailed my Professor before class saying that something came up and I didnt have a sitter for Emmett and he called me back and said to please bring him!, she wrote on Facebook.

Being a single mom is so challenging but its people like Dr. Henry Musoma that make life just a tiny bit easier! THIS is why Im so proud to be an Aggie! Definitely something Ill never forget and cant wait to someday tell Emmett that its because of people like this that mommy was able to graduate from the best university in the world??, Robinson said in the post.

Her thank-you note was shared by more than 12,000 people and over 46,000 people liked it.

Many Facebook users commented on Robinsons post, praising Musomas selfless act.

Wouldnt it be great if more Professors, teachers and even bosses were like this? I hope your Professor gets an opportunity to read all of the comments that are being written!!!, one of the users commented.

Ive known Henry for about 20 years, and I can honestly say he is a true gentleman who is passionate about his work and people. We are all Blessed to have him in our lives, another user, who seemed to be familiar with Dr Musoma, said.

In May 2015, the photo of Jerusalem psychology professor Sydney Engelberg holding a baby during one of his lectures went viral. Engelberg told CNN that particular moment doesnt stand out in his mind because it happens fairly often.

A Facebook group for the National Union of Israeli Students later invited people to share other such examples of faculty holding babies.

And last year, Darryn Willoughby, an associate professor of health, human performance and recreation at Texas Baylor University did the same for one of his students. Willoughby carried the four-month-old Millie for about 55 minutes.
Former President Jimmy Carter offered a damning indictment of US foreign policy and domestic affairs Tuesday, saying money in politics makes the nation more like an oligarchy than a democracy and casting President Donald Trump as a disappointment on the world stage.

Carters criticisms, offered at his annual presentation to backers of his post-presidency Carter Center in Atlanta, went beyond Trump, but he was particularly critical of the nations direction under the Republican presidents leadership.

The 39th president, a Democrat, offered this advice to the 45th: Keep the peace, promote human rights and tell the truth.

Carter, 92, did not mention explicitly Trumps threatening exchanges this summer with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, but the former president said the US should engage directly with the insular leader and discuss a peace treaty to replace the cease fire that ended the Korean War in 1953.

I would send my top person to Pyongyang immediately, if I didnt go myself, Carter said, noting that hes been three times to the country, even as successive US administrations have refused to deal with the regime.

The North Koreans, Carter said, want a treaty that guarantees the US will not attack unless North Korea attacks the US or an ally, particularly South Korea. Until we talk to them and threat them with respect  as human beings, which they are  I dont think were going to make any progress, Carter said.

He also dismissed Trumps optimism that he can engineer Middle East peace. Trump has tasked his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, with handling the issue that has vexed US administrations for generations, but the president notably backed off the long-held US position calling for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.

Carter said he is practically hopeless that anything Trump comes up with would give justice to the Palestinians.

I dont think Trump or his family members are making any process in that respect, he said. Carter criticized both Israeli and Palestinian leaders for a lack of flexibility, but he singled out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu, a Trump ally, for having no intention at all of having a two-state solution.

The former president and his wife, Rosalynn, largely steer clear of partisan politics, long having yielded any active role in the Democratic Party. But they maintain their high-profile advocacy through the Carter Center, which focuses on human rights, public health and democratic elections.

Carter on Tuesday defended the centers role in monitoring the August presidential elections in Kenya that the countrys Supreme Court later discarded. The court has ordered a new election.

The Carter Centers monitoring team, led by former Secretary of State John Kerry, said days after the vote that the process of casting paper ballots was fair, but that the electronic tabulations were unreliable. Carter said Tuesday that international monitors were not allowed to observe the counting process.

The center also remains engaged in trying to end the Syrian civil war, Carter said. He noted that he and others from the center have engaged Russian President Vladimir Putin and others trying to broker peace.

Carter touted a program at his center that tracks social media usage in the war-torn nation. By identifying the locations of individual posters with known political and military affiliations, Carter said, analysts can discern which factions control various cities and provinces. Carter said the center shares that intelligence with the Pentagon, the State Department, various media outlets and foreign allies of the US.

Carter made no mention of ongoing inquiries into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential campaign or potential ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

At 92, Carter is second eldest living US president and fourth longest-lived president in history. His birthday is Oct. 1. George HW Bush, the eldest living president, turned 93 on June 12, putting him 92 days into his 94th year. Ronald Reagan was 120 days beyond his 93rd birthday when he died in 2004. Gerald Ford died two years later, having lived 165 days beyond his 93rd birthday.

Carter already has the longest post-presidency, having been out of office for 36 years and almost 8 months.
The White House is accusing former campaign rival Hillary Clinton of propping up book sales with false and reckless attacks.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says shes unsure if President Donald Trump will be reading What Happened, Clintons account of the 2016 campaign. She says the president is pretty well-versed on what happened.

Clintons book was released on Tuesday.

Sanders says Clinton ran one of the most negative campaigns in history and says its sad the last chapter of her public life will be defined by selling books with false and reckless attacks. Sanders did not elaborate or offer any specifics.
The Trump administration is considering reducing the number of refugees admitted to the country over the next year to below 50,000, the lowest number since at least 1980, a media report said.

US President Donald Trump promised during his 2016 campaign to deny admittance to refugees who posed a terrorist threat. During his first days in office he took steps to radically reduce the programme that resettles refugees in the US, capping the number admitted at 50,000 as part of his executive order banning travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

That was less than half the 110,000 refugees President Barack Obama said should be admitted in 2016, the New York Times reported on Tuesday.

But in recent weeks, as the deadline approached for Trump to issue the annual determination for refugee admissions required by the Refugee Act of 1980, some inside the White House -- led by Stephen Miller, Trumps senior adviser for policy -- have pressed to set the ceiling even lower, said the report by the daily, citing unnamed sources.

Trump is required by law to consult with Congress. The decision on the refugee ceiling should be made by October 1, the report said. The US Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the administration to maintain its policy on refugees.

The judges agreed to an administration request to block a lower court ruling that would have eased the refugee ban and allowed up to 24,000 refugees to enter the country before the end of October.

The order was not the courts last word on the travel policy that Trump first rolled out in January. The judges are scheduled to hear arguments on October 10 on the legality of the bans on travellers from six mostly Muslim countries -- Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen -- and refugees anywhere in the world.

Its unclear, though, what will be left for the court to decide. The 90-day travel ban lapses in this month and the 120-day refugee ban will expire in October.

The administration has yet to say whether it will seek to renew the bans, make them permanent or expand them to other countries.
How one ambitious American businessmanand his fleet of silver planeshelped the Allies win the war.

As searchlights scoured the skies over blacked-out, bomb-battered London in June 1941, Juan Trippe stood atop the roof of his hotel, his eyes sweeping the beleaguered British capital. Flashes from distant blasts illuminated the features that made Trippe look younger than his 41 yearsrobust build, round face, broad jaw, and coiffed hair the color of black coffee. Captivated, the quiet American watched, and listened.

Earlier in the evening, inside the subterranean recesses of the Air Ministry, Trippe had delivered the prestigious Wilbur Wright Memorial Lecture to the Royal Aeronautical Society. His topic was Ocean Air Transport. Then, crowded by Royal Air Force brass, Trippe had launched into another, albeit impromptu, lecture on how Britain could solve one of its most pressing problems: supplying its forces in the Middle East. All the while, the muffled, monotonous thump of explosions sounded in the background. Although Trippe had spent much of the previous decade preparing for war in one way or another, it was not until today that hed finally felt the bombs, heard them, seen themand the warwith his own eyes. And it was only now, at roughly 11 p.m. on the night of June 17, when a man emerged from the shadows to tap Trippe on the shoulder, that he began to realize that his trip to London was more significant than it had first seemed.

The Prime Minister asks that you join him for dinner.

Ive already had my dinner, Trippe replied. And I know when Im being kidded.

He wasnt. A car brought Trippe to No. 10 Downing Street, and to a seat in front of a crackling fire beside Winston Churchill. Churchill had heard about Trippes ideas and wanted to know if an air supply route to Cairo was feasible. The two men pored over maps. Scotch and ideas flowed. Two hours later, the clandestine conference adjourned.

Once back in Washington, an exhausted Trippe was rushed into the Oval Office. What did you tell the Prime Minister? President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked. The answer to that question would be revealed shortly thereafter, with the creation of a trans-African air route, a supply bridge through the skies that would become the Allies principal aerial lifeline during the early days of the war. The answers to other, more intriguing questionsWho was this man? Why was he conferencing with Churchill? And why is he such an important wartime figure? follow a more circuitous route.

The role Pan American Airways and its president, Juan Trippe, played in World War II is a tale of politics, high-stakes diplomacy, individual heroism, international intrigue, intrepid leadership, and impossible missions. Its the story of how the Roosevelt Administration, with Trippes help, secretly prepared an isolationist America for war. Of how, with Allied forces absorbing a staggering succession of early defeats, a commercial airline and its famed fleet of flying boats called Clippers became a lifeline. And how, as the war progressed, Pan Ams pioneering advances in organizational and operational procedures, as well as communications and transoceanic navigation, helped link America logistically and materially to far-flung fighting fronts and laid the foundation for what would become one of the most integral instruments of victory, the military air supply system known as Air Transport Command.

And though it contains a cast of thousandsPan American employees and an intriguing array of famous war figuresit is fundamentally the story of one man, one of Americas most significant yet obscure wartime leaders.

Jan Terry Trippe mapped air routes using pieces of parcel string and a giant terrestrial globe that dominated his office. It was an imprecise, idiosyncratic practice that commenced not long after he acquired the treasured antique in 1930, about three years after a group of army fliersincluding thenAir Corps Major Henry HapArnoldfounded Pan American Airways, and about two years after Trippe took control of the company.

A former navy pilot, Trippe was exceptionally secretive, and so closed-mouth that Yale classmates had called him Mummy. (Tripp himself went by Terry as a young man. Of northern European extraction, he had been named after his mothers stepfather, Juan Terry, and disliked the name.) But he proved a shrewd, relentless negotiator. In the late 1920s and early 30s he secured lucrative U.S. government contracts and landing rights to deliver airmail in Latin America. Seemingly overnight, construction crews carved airfields and weather stations out of foreboding jungles and remote mountainous regions. Under his leadership, Pan American grew exponentially, earning the airline substantial profits.

Trippe, though, was not content for the airline to be a regional mail carrier. He entertained visions of enormous long-range aircraft and air travel as an affordable means of masstransit, with Pan Am in the vanguard. In the early 1930s he began plotting the expansion of Pan Ams empire on a global scale. In so doing he would directly participate in the strategic, often secret, planning of Americas defense initiatives for the coming conflict.

Landing rights agreements between the United States and European countries prevented him from bridging the Atlantic. So Trippe spun his globe to the other side of the world. Inspired by the clipper sailing ships of the 19th century, Trippe envisioned giant seaplanes soaring to Asia via tiny Pacific island steppingstones. The plan stunned Pan Am personnel, as well as the U.S. government. Why, sometimes nobody in the State Department, or even in the Navy, had ever heard of some of the places we wanted to get to, Trippe recalled.

Undeterred, he embarked on a course that changed not only the world of aviation, but the world itself. While Trippes technical advisor, renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh, flew Pacific survey flights for Pan Am, Trippe steered the company through politically turbulent skies. Roosevelt feared that Trippe was building an air monopoly. But the president and the War Department, mindful of the rising sun of Japan in the Pacific, saw the potential value of air routes and weather and communications stations in the region, so Washington warily approved Trippes Pacific enterprise.

On November 22, 1935, 150,000 spectators watched the flying boat christened China Clipper depart Alameda, California. The plane was greeted with great fanfare, flower leis, and popping flashbulbs in Honolulu, Wake Island, Midway, and Guam before arriving in Manila seven days later, having completed the first trans-Pacific commercial airmail flight.

By the late 1930s, Pan Ams fleet of custom-built flying boatsSikorsky S-42s, Martin M-130s, and the largest, most technologically advanced of the amphibian behemoths, Boeings flagship B-314shad become a phenomenon, fueling a romantic fascination with international travel. Newsreels and travel posters conjured images of the shiny, aluminum-hulled Clippers as luxurious flying hotels, churning above the exotic South Seas and scudding to landings across palm-fringed island lagoons and bustling Oriental harbors. Trippes Clippers, each emblazoned with a large American flag, projected power and prestige around the planet.

In 1940, Trippes efforts on behalf of American defense continued in earnest in South America, where the War and State Departments assigned him the task of removing Axis-owned airlines that were perceived as threats. Trippe adroitly used Pan Ams controlling interest in a German-operated airline based in Columbia with Luftwaffe-trained pilots and management and routes uncomfortably close to the Panama Canal: he dismissed the Germans (ostensibly as a legitimate business move) and replaced them with Americans who had been smuggled into the country. Similar clandestine operations were launched in Bolivia and Ecuador, effectively evicting German aviation from the Western Hemisphere.

The United States intended to keep the Nazis out. In a secret conference in early 1941 that included FDR, Secretary of War Henry Stimson, and assorted military brass, Trippe was told that the United States planned to build a defensive barrier of 25 airfields and 9 seaplane bases in 14 Latin American countries. To avoid violating the host nations sovereignty rights, the initiative could not be a government operation. And only Pan Am, with its extensive experience in negotiations and construction, could pull it off. Trippe was initially indignantthe project seemed more an order than a requestbut he accepted Roosevelts challenge.Trippe always puts America first, a State Department official quipped. But sometimes it is hard to tell whether he is being pro-American or proPan American!

Soon, what could be best described as Pan Am expeditionary forcesmerchant vessels crammed with bulldozers, generators, radio equipment, and Adcock directional findersbegan steaming around the globe. With the near-instant formation of a subsidiary called Pan American Airways, Africa, Ltd.the result of Trippes June 1941 journey to Londona final piece of the Lend-Lease puzzle was in place.

As early as 1940, Pan Am had been secretly flying American planes to Britain via a Canadian subsidiary. In 1941, a jointly owned venture between Pan Am and the British Overseas Airways Corporation managed ferrying operations from the United States. But the creation of a route that crossed the south Atlantic and Africa was a huge breakthrough. By late 1941, Trippes construction crews had completed a series of South American airfields from which bombers could be ferried to Africa via Brazil. On the other side of the Atlantic, camels delivered aviation gasoline and workers toiled in temperatures surpassing 120 degrees to build the termini of the route, airfields in Ghana, Chad, Nigeria, Sudan, and, ultimately, a seaplane base on Fishermans Lake in Leopoldville, Belgian Congo.

Pan Am had become a key part of Americas defense apparatus. The airlines service covered two-thirds of the worlds circumference and sprawled 90,000 route miles, linking five continents via 322 airports scattered across 62 countries and colonies. It seemed as though the government could do nothingbe it construction, transportation, or intelligence gatheringwithout Trippe or Pan Am. As Life magazine observed: Clipper flights across both oceans are currently so packed with Government agents, military observers, official missions and ordinary U.S. spies, traveling under their own or other peoples names, that four-star foreign correspondents are regarded practically as stowaways.

On the eve of Pearl Harbor, Trippes projects had become largely public knowledge. His companys patriotic efficiency was so esteemed that Life, in late October 1941, opined, It has sometimes seemed that the rest of the defense effort, still largely composed of creaks and groans in Washington, should become an arm of Pan American.

Pan Am responded to the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor with an astonishing blur of activity: airborne pilots tore open sealed contingency orders, crews jury-rigged damaged aircraft, wire- less and Morse code signals beamed around the planet, alternate flight plans were devised. When a Japanese attack shattered Hong Kongs Kai Tak Airport on December 8, 1941, pilots and crew of a Pan Am subsidiary, China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC), fought fatigue and chaos to evacuate approximately 275 airline personnel, foreign nationals, and Nationalist Chinese VIPs to Chungking just ahead of the Japanese invasion. The feat would be hailed in the New York Times as the most perilous bit of work in the history of commercial aviation.

Then there was the odyssey of the Pacific Clipper, a B-314 that had been caught in the South Pacific when the Japanese attacked. Ordered to return to the U.S. one week after Pearl Harbor, the flying boats four Wright Twin Cyclone 14-cylinder engines squealed to life, its whirring props lifting Captain Robert Ford and his crew away from Auckland, New Zealand, and into history. Flying east in a series of haphazard hops, sometimes on low-grade automobile gasoline, the Pacific Clipper dodged Dutch fighter planes, buzzed a surfaced Japanese submarine in the Bay of Bengal, glided across the sands of the Arabian desert, and winged the Atlantic before safely touching down at New Yorks La Guardia Field on January 6, 1942. At 31,500 miles, the trip entered record books as the first round-the-world flight by a commercial airliner.

Besides a few converted B-24 Liberator bombers, the United States had no long-range transports, so once the Clippers returned to the States they were quickly conscripted into military service. (As per a prewar agreement, at the outbreak of hostilities Trippe sold Pan Ams Clippers to the government and leased them back. It was the only American airline to receive such special status for its equipment during the war.) Each was gutted of its civilian regalitythe beds, bone china, and sterling silver flatwareand their gleaming fuselages painted olive drab, battleship gray, or two-tone camouflage. The navy requisitioned six aircraft, the Pacific Clipper included; the Army Air Forces got four.

The golden age of air travel was gone forever, but in many respects the early phase of the war was perhaps Pan Americans finest hour. Mere days after Pearl Harbor, a Clipper daringly landed on the Ganges River with a load of tires for the P-40s of the Flying Tigers; the CNAC then flew the planes into China, enabling the American Volunteer Group to shoot down 26 Japanese planes near Rangoon, Burma, on Christmas Day 1941. Dust filters and antitank shells delivered by Pan Am helped General Bernard Montgomery defeat the Afrika Korps at El Alamein. And Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittles B-25 pilots, while training for their April 18, 1942, raid on Japan, received a crash course in transoceanic navigation at Pan Ams navigational school near Miami. Pan Am not only helped Doolittle to his rendezvous with destiny over Tokyo, it helped him home.

Special missions would become routine for Pan Am. Clippers were the preferred mode of transport for high-ranking brass, diplomats, foreign royalty, and celebrities traveling to USO shows. In January 1943, one secret mission was deemed so important that no mere military aircraft would do. Only when the mysterious Passenger Number One appeared in his wheelchair at the dock in Port of Spain, Trinidad, did the crew of the Dixie Clipper learn they would be transporting President Roosevelt and his advisors to the Casablanca Conference. FDRs flight would be the first time an incumbent president took to the skies and left the country in wartime.

But it was the thousands of unheralded missions that would prove to be Pan Americans most substantial contribution to the war. Despite the propaganda promulgated on both sides, Trippe knew that the war would not be won by ideology, or even American industry. This is a war of transoceanic transportation, he would say. Americas tremendous industrial output mattered little if the planes, weapons, munitions, medicine, and food could not reach the widespread theaters of war.

At any given moment during World War II, there were dozensif not hundredsof Pan American planes aloft around the world. In 1942 alone, Pan Am made 1,219 Atlantic crossings, and Pan American Ferries, Ltd. catapulted nearly 550 bombers through Latin America to Africa. Trippes Atlantic, Pacific, and Africa-Orient divisions transported government and military personnel, as well as countless tons of materials ranging from crude rubber, tungsten, mercury, blood plasma, and gold bars, to the most important of cargo (for soldiers and sailors that is): mail. The record postal run by a B-314 contained nearly 500,000 letters.

Pam Americans expansion into Latin America and Africa resulted in the Cannonball Route from Miami to India via South America and Africa, which at 11,500 miles became the longest big-scale air transport route in history. Waiting on the other end was CNAC, Chinas chief contact with the outside world upon the closing of the Burma Road. Between them loomed the infamous Hump, the air supply route over the Himalayas. CNAC pioneered the route in November 1941, at a time when the air force deemed the idea impossible. And CNAC pilots kept flying it, in unpressurized planes and temperatures well below freezing, through zero-visibility conditions, monsoons, and winds reaching 150 miles per hour, between Japanese patrols and over towering 20,000-foot peaks.Mastery of the Hump was one of the great epics of the war, the creator of the Flying Tigers, Major General Claire Chennault, said. However it posed no great problem for experienced personnel of commercial air-line caliber.

CNAC would fly more than 80,000 missions over the Hump from April 1942 to September 1945. The supplies kept China in the fight, tying up hundreds of thousands of Japanese troops that could have been employed elsewhere in the Pacific. Trippe had originally purchased CNAC in 1933 as an entry into Asia, yet the small subsidiary ended up surpassing anything even he, with his celebrated foresight, could have possibly imagined.

In fitting symmetry, Pan American helped bring about the end of the warthough indirectlywith a special Clipper flight that transported uranium from the Congo for use in the project to develop the atomic bomb. Pan Am, however, was beginning to be eclipsed long before August 1945.

Because Air Transport Command was comprised mostly of civilian airline personnel, it was essentially a military-controlled conglomeration of Pan Ams competitors, led in many cases by Trippes counterparts who, unlike Trippe, had accepted military commissions. By 1944, the colossal ATC usurped Pan Americans position as the worlds largest airline. Eventually the Clippers would be made obsolete. The storied seaplanes required more fuel and maintenance than land-based aircraft. Most would be retired to floating boneyards in San Diego or Baltimore after the war, sold for scrap or to start-up airlines in the United States and abroad.

Pan American was the largest single air transport contractor to the U.S. Navy and Army Air Forces, flying over 90 million air miles and more than 18,000 ocean crossings by V-J Day. Yet the enduring legacy of the role Pan Am played in the Second World War cannot be quantified in terms of mileage or tonnage.

Thanks to Juan Trippe, Pan American Airways had been uniquely prepared for war, with a logistical and operational system that would be the envyand later the salvationof both the army and navy. During those desperate days when good news was rationed, the airline gave America something to be proud of, and gave its armed forces a path to follow. Nearly all of the overseas routes Air Transport Command employed had been pioneered by Pan American as a commercial enterprise. Through its leadership and the collective heroics of its employees, Trippe and Pan American had essentially developed a flight plan that bridged America from the dark days of late 1941 to the victory of 1945.On all fronts, Trippe declared while the war was still in progress, the test of war emergency has been met with courage and resourcefulness.

Fifty years after the end of the war, a U.S. Senate resolution provided veterans benefits for Pan Am employees, and long overdue recognition to surviving Pan Am pilotsnamely those CNAC civilian fliers who flew the Humpby awarding them the Air Medal and the Distinguished Service Cross.

Trippe, conversely, would be feted shortly after the wars end, then forgotten. In 1946, President Harry Truman presented Trippe with the prestigious Harmon Aviation Trophy in recognition of Pan Ams contributions to the Allied victory. That same year, Trippe also received the Medal for Merit, the highest civilian award in the United States at the time and a forerunner of the modern Medal of Freedom. Trippe proudly displayed the citation in his office for the rest of his life, and habitually called visitors attention to it. To Juan Trippe, the award and what it representedboth his and his companys wartime service was the most important object in his office. More important, even, than his trusty globe.

Originally published in the October 2011 issue of World War II. To subscribe, click here.
L ondoners dont like to dawdle. Its just not in our nature. When we commute were eyeing up the quickest, most direct route before you can say Citymapper. And for years, there have been few areas more frustrating to navigate than Victoria.

The station is one of the biggest and best-connected transport hubs in London but take a wrong turn as you step outside and before you know it, you are lost in a complex network of back streets lined with high-rise blocks  or face to face with a wall of dust and building machinery.

The latter, at least, is all part of a solution to the problem Victoria has struggled with for years: how to shake off its label as an enduring no-mans-land.

Given its advantages of two Tube lines and main line rail, it is odd that the district has built up such a bad reputation for accessibility. Not even a prime central location, with the Thames to the south and the Royal Parks to the north, has been able to mitigate this albatross around Victorias neck.

Retail and office hub: Cardinal Place, near Victoria station / Alamy

It doesnt help that the area is clumsily carved up by a number of choked-up main roads including Vauxhall Bridge Road between the station and the river and Buckingham Palace Road to the north.

Until recently, most of the food and shopping options were concentrated in Victoria Street, referred to by Mark Fisher of local commercial property agents Union Street Partners as a Sixties canyon. Historically an uninspiring area of government buildings, Victoria has done little to charm us. Until now

BIRTH OF A HOTSPOT

Victoria is at last learning from its mistakes. The civil servants have moved out, bars and restaurants have moved in and residential developers are seeing the value of this central London location. Victoria is three years into a 2.2 billion regeneration project that could turn it into one of the hottest addresses north of the river.

As with any urban build, initial disruption means you cant see the future for the dust. However, home buyers would do well to consider Victorias excellent transport links, proximity to some of the most coveted green space in the city, and fine new-build homes.

Traditionally, it has suffered from a basic lack of housing stock, usurped by neighbouring Pimlico and Belgravia. But Victorias major overhaul is starting to take shape in terms of new homes and a changing vibe for the whole district, with developer Landsec in the driving seat.

The regeneration is anchored by Nova, the 130,000sq ft mixed-use development completed last year.

From 720,000: studios and flats at Nova, Landsecs signature development in Victoria. Call 020 8012 2684 / Alamy

Unhelpfully voted ugliest building in the UK, taking the 2017 Carbuncle Cup, Nova is nevertheless Victorias vehicle for transformation, a 350 million game changer. Its 170 studios and flats are priced from 720,000 (call Garton Jones on 020 8012 2684), while its 18 headline restaurants include Timmy Green, Riding House Cafe and the high-end Aster.

Union Street Partners Fisher says the new restaurants have elevated Victoria to new heights. It is definitely becoming more interesting and carving itself a place on the London map as a destination.

Timmy Green: one of 18 top new restaurants at Victoria's new restaurant quarter, Nova Food

THE HIDDEN VICTORIA

But will Victoria ever feel like home? The trouble is, the high street slicing through its centre, and those tall, soulless office blocks hide the little streets of attractive Victorian terraces and elegant red-brick mansion blocks.

There are homely corner pubs, and the hugely well-received and popular local theatre The Other Palace  which opened five years ago as the St James Theatre  has a restaurant thats packed every night, plus a jazzy basement cabaret cafe. These are the parts of Victoria people forget, says Fisher.

However, they are interesting to young professionals and also to empty nesters looking to downsize, and prospective home buyers should walk around them and take a look.

Up towards Belgravia there are places hidden away down backstreets, adds Fisher. Not just homes but small, tucked-away bars and restaurants that are really much more for local people. They are the places that commuters and office workers wouldnt stumble across. These are places with a much quieter, more community feel.

From 1.5 million: Barratt three- and four-bedroom flats at Chapter Street, SW1 (0844 811 4321)

The mere mention of Belgravia is enough to fuel an obvious question around price. Victoria is in an SW1 postcode bordering some of the most expensive residential areas in the city. And while the juxtaposition between Victorias prime location and its rough diamond status led a Knight Frank agent to refer to it as good value for money back in 2014, an influx of new, luxury development has seen average prices soar to 1.7 million, Estates Gazette research shows.

This lofty figure is boosted by new homes at the likes of super-prime developer Northacres No.1 Palace Street project, with 72 apartments completing in 2019.

Homes are to be had for less eye-watering prices, including a studio at Grosvenor Waterside for 525,000 (Garton Jones, as before).

From 899,000: Westminster Quarter, 91 studios and flats with up to three bedrooms (020 3004 4434)

Taylor Wimpeys Westminster Quarter flats start at 899,000 (call 020 3004 4434) and at Barratts Chapter Street, three- and four-bedroom homes start at 1.5 million (0844 811 4321).

Victoria is finding its way and home prices are keeping up the pace. Act now before the area reaches its full potential.
The Dublin four-piece, who blend Traveller and Irish traditional music with American dance will release their second album Between the Earth on October 27th.

Following up their debut record, Cold Old Fire, which saw them perform on 'Later... with Jools Holland', Between the Earth will be the band's first since signing to Rough Trade.

LANKUM are scheduled to play four Irish dates, including a performance at Dublin's National Concert Hall this October.

Irish Tour Dates

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21 September - De Barras, Clonakilty Guitar Festival

7 October - National Concert Hall, Dublin

19 November - Spirit Store, Dundalk

1 December - The Duncairn, Belfast
Ahead of its return to Dingle, Co. Kerry this December, eir Other Voices Festival 2017 has officially announced the first acts on the line-up, while also launching an annual open call for new artists.

The sixteenth edition of the festival, which takes place between the 1st and 3rd of December will feature, in St. James Church performances by Songhoy Blues from Timbuktu, Mali, Perfume Genius from Seattle, US and Aine Cahill from Co. Cavan, while Katie Laffan will be performing at IMRO Other Room.

Furthermore, this year sees the launch of the eir Other Voices Open Call, which offers new artists the chance to submit their music and potentially be selected to perform at this year's festival. The winner will earn a slot on the IMRO Other Room with the performance being broadcast on the RTE 2 series. The act will also receive a three-day recording session with an engineer, alongside the production company and budget for a performance music video, practical music industry mentoring, and travel and accommodation expenses covered.

Speaking about the open call ahead of its launch was Other Voices presenter, May-Kay and David McGloughlin of Le Galaxie.

Ive been asked so many times how to play at Other Voices and there are a lot of ways, May-Kay says. But this is the best way to do it. We want really good acts of any genre, of any style and size - if youre a band with ten members apply. The shortlist will be four acts, which you will then get to vote on for the Listeners Choice. These acts will get to play the IMRO Other Room too.

Theres a whole bundle of prizes to be had here, but even just being able to get up onstage with Other Voices is an incredible offer, David adds. Its quite something to step into that world. There is a unique feeling around the town and venues. When Le Galaxie first got up on the stage in 2016, we couldnt figure out how dance music could work in a church, but people are so responsive. Its a cauldron of love for music and it offers the best for all genres.

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Other Voices is a healthy environment for new artists to be in, May Kay continues. It is built on every act's ambition, enthusiasm and reliability. Nobody has been half-booked either, the quality is incredible from the church to the Music Trail and more importantly, nobody is above or below anyone else.

The eir Other Voices Open Call is now taking entries here and will close on September 22nd, 2017 at 6pm.
Following the sell-out success of 2016s Josephine Hart Poetry Hour at the Abbey Theatre, some popular faces from the Irish acting world will be reading poetry by W.H. Auden at the national theatre on 17 September.

The Josephine Hart Poetry Foundation returns to the Abbey Stage to celebrate the poetry of Pulitzer Prize winner, and one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, W.H. Auden.

Auden was a great admirer of Yeats and collaborated with the Thirties Poets Christopher Isherwood, Cecil Day-Lewis, Louis MacNeice and Stephen Spender.

Actors Angeline Ball (Redwater, The Commitments), Patrick Bergin (Red Rock, Patriot Games, Sleeping With the Enemy) and Ingrid Craigie (Special Tribute Award Irish Times, Striking Out, The Dead), along with writer Colm Toibin (House of Names, Nora Webster) will perform readings of some of Audens most famous poems, along with the greatly admired introductions written by Josephine Hart.

The programme includes Audens much acclaimed masterpiece In Memory of W.B. Yeats, and some of the most beautiful love poetry ever written, including Funeral Blues popularised as Stop All the Clocks in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral.

About The Josephine Hart Poetry Hour: Josephine Hart (1942  2011) was born and raised in Mullingar before moving to London in her twenties.

She was a publisher, a well-known and much-loved West End theatre producer and a best-selling author of six novels, including Damage which was adapted into a film starring Juliette Binoche and Jeremy Irons.

When Josephine Hart died suddenly in 2011 of peritoneal cancer, the Dean of Westminster Abbey arranged a memorial reading in Poets Corner, in recognition of her contribution to promoting poetry.

For over 25 years Josephine Harts hugely popular Poetry Hours were presented at such celebrated venues as The National Theatre, The Donmar Warehouse, The New York Public Library and Harvard University.

Now, Lord Saatchi, her husband of 27 years, through the Foundation continues the tradition at the British Library, London University and the Abbey Theatre in her memory. Luminaries from theatre, television, music and film, including Eileen Atkins, Bono, Sinead Cusack, Ralph Fiennes, Jeremy Irons, Elizabeth McGovern, Edna OBrien, Eddie Redmayne, Juliet Stevenson, Harriet Walter and Dominic West, perform at the Poetry Hours.

Tickets for the event cost 25 - 30 / 20 and are available from https://www.abbeytheatre.ie/whats-on/josephine-hart-poetry-hour-w-h-auden/ or (01) 87 87 222
It's never going to be "better than the real thing", but U2 fans won't want to miss the opportunity to party away in the company of some really good U2 tribute acts at a special two night event being organised at The Church Bar venue in Dublin later this month.

Entitled #WelcomeToTheNorthside, this is, in fact, actually the second time this year that this special U2 tribute event is being held at The Church. The now annual event was first staged in 2015 to celebrate U2's U2's 'iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE' show

After a jam packed weekend for the Joshua Tree gig in Dublin, which seen over 5,000 fans visit the Church Bar back in July to soak up the vibe The Church Bar will celebrate U241 on 22 and 23 September with U2 Tribute Zooropa and U2 inspired band December, who will travel from Scotland to launch their new album of U2 covers.



On Friday 22 September, the Scottish band December will kick off the weekend at 8pm, followed by Zooropa on Saturday.

The tribute act Zooropa consists of four dedicated U2 fans that are also from the Northside of Dublin... just like their idols!

They have spent the last five years perfecting their act across venues in Ireland and Europe, which has led to them performing a sellout show in Dublin's Button Factory on the eve of U2's Croke Park Joshua Tree gig.

Zooropa cover songs from U2's full discography, from the first single 'Out of Control' to 'Every Breaking Wave' and now the latest single, 'You're The Best Thing About Me'.

Zooropa, who've a reputation among many to be one of the closest live experiences next to actually being at a U2 show, also cover some rare tracks and B side tracks that U2 themselves have not played live, or in many a year.



The Church Bar Dublin has built up a strong rep as one of U2 fans favourite venues these days. It's now the base for the Official U2 Fans Touring Group who help fans secure tickets for sold out shows always at cost price use The Church as their base when in Ireland.

Last year, to celebrate U2s momentous milestone of 40 years together as officially the greatest band on the planet, a special tribute gig by cover band U2Baby was held in a packed to capacity Church Bar on Jervis Street.

The U2Baby band received great praise from former U2 band member Ivan McCormick who attended the gig. And I had to do a double-take when I saw these guys take to the stage in a crowded, hot and sweaty bar... With a few pints of Guinness blurring the edges - no pun intended  I was transported back to '78 and the Dandelion Market gigs, he told Hot Press.

And longtime friend of the band Guggi quipped: I thought U2Baby were amazing. I think I prefer them to U2  and it was much easier to get in!

And after the Joshua Tree gig back in July, even the 'Boy' himself Peter Rowen who graced the cover of all the early U2 artwork could be spotted mingling with the crowd.

"Over this special weekend we will also have #WelcomeToTheNorthside Cocktail Specials and some U2 prizes to be won," said a spokesperson for the event. "It promises to be a great Irish 'Welcome to The Northside of Dublin', to all who are travelling from across the globe to celebrate the greatest band in The World - U2."

The Church has a musical history that dates back to April 1742 when George Frederic Handel practiced his music from Messiah, before its first public performance on Fishamble street. The Church is the best spot in town to give visiting fans a Warm #WelcomeToTheNorthside of Dublin.

"There's No Cover charge for any of these events so get there early," the spokesperson added. "We Accept Bookings for Groups Of 10 + To Reserve an Area in our Restaurant or to reserve group area to see The Band Live Contact us at [email protected] Or Call (01)8280102."

Use the hashtags #WelcomeToTheNorthside and #TheChurchDublin to keep up to date.


Police on Tuesday said they are investigating the death of a man who sustained injuries in a fight outside a south Houston nightclub.

Mitchell Bluitt, 61, of Houton died Sept. 8 after being assaulted five days earlier.

Around 10:45 a.m. on Sept. 3, Bluitt was in the parking lot of the Turning Point nightclub at 3352 Old Spanish Trail when police said a fight broke out.

The fight, police said, spread to the 6500 block of Allegheny, where someone punched Bluitt. After falling and striking his head, Bluitt was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital, where he died Sept. 8.

Bluitt's death is the second since June 2016 to occur in the immediate area of the south Houston night club.

Last June, Mark Anthony Thomas, 48, was found dead in his car behind the club.
Jesse Perez, 41, a longtime resident of Galena Park, said he had grown accustomed to the smells of refineries and other plants in this heavily industrial community on the east side of Houston. But in that days that followed Hurricane Harvey's departure from the area, he said he never smelled such strong gasoline odors in his neighborhood.

"It was a heavy smell, and it even carried inside our house," Perez said. "We had to put air fragrances in the rooms just to air out the house."

Perez was among the Galena Park residents who complained of the strong odors and burning eyes for days, unsure of the cause. It was only after news reports of a spill of nearly a half-million gallons of gasoline that residents suspected the cause of their discomfort. So little information was released by state and federal regulators that Perez feared the smell was coming from the Arkema chemical plant fires in Crosby, which were too far away.

Federal and state agencies took almost two weeks to publicly acknowledge the extent of the spill that had occurred in a storage tank complex operated by Oklahoma pipeline company Magellan Midstream Partners. Magellan employees notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Coast Guard, the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, but the only public record were entries in databases available on the internet.

Both the Railroad Commission and Commission on Environmental Quality said they were aware of the spill, but did not publicize it. The Railroad Commission said it did not include the Galena Park release on its list of spills attributed to Hurricane Harvey because it was within the jurisdiction of other agencies.

The Galena Park spill was more than five times as big as all the other reported spills in Texas combined.

The Commission on Environmental Quality said it helped handled the spill alongside the Coast Guard, the Texas General Land Office and the EPA.

On Tuesday, the EPA released a statement on the spill, saying the vast majority of the leaked gasoline never escaped secondary containment booms and into nearby waterways, though some fuel seeped into the Houston Ship Channel. The cleanup operation, in which Magellan spread a blanket of foam over the gasoline to curb its volatile emissions, recovered about 8,000 of the nearly 11,000 barrels spilled, with a "significant" amount of the fuel likely evaporating, author ties said.

The EPA said it doesn't expect the spill to have adverse environmental or health effects.

In the days after Harvey's record rains, Texas energy companies reported a slurry of crude oil, wastewater and gasoline spilled from massive storage tanks across the state's oil patches and its seaside refining complex. About 100 miles west of Houston, several huge steel tanks owned by one oil company sprung free from their piping and toppled over, tearing flowlines and spewing 1,117 barrels of crude and wastewater at eight different well sites in Fayette County.

But even EnerVest Operating's series of spills, which made up more than half of the estimated 1,930 barrels of leaked oil and wastewater in 23 separate spills reported to the Texas Railroad Commission, was only a fraction of the Galena Park spill.

"Those add up to a lot, but nothing comes close to this one," said Luke Metzger, director of Environment Texas in Austin, referring to Magellan's spill.

Around 11:30 p.m., the night that Hurricane Harvey left Houston on an eastward arc toward Port Arthur, Magellan employees discovered gasoline seeping from two massive fuel tanks.

The workers called 911, evacuated upwind and reported the spill to federal and state regulatory agencies, still unsure of its size. The spill was originally estimated as a leak of about 1,000 barrels, but that was revised to more than 10 times that amount on Sept. 5 after Magellan fully assessed the leak and the equipment.

Magellan spokesman Bruce Heine said the company initially gave a conservative estimate of the leaked volume, but that the "unprecedented flood water" from Harvey hindered Magellan's access to the equipment and the true volume of the spill. Magellan actually thought it had overestimated the volume because only a "relatively small visible sheen" was seen on the contained water, Heine said.

The gasoline spill started from two above-ground storage tanks and, while Harvey's flood waters are the culprit, "the specific cause of the tank release is under investigation at this time," Heine said.

Metzger said he understands the delays in reporting the larger volume of the spill because of the floodwaters, but that it's still important for the industry to get the news out as quickly as possible to the public to ensure they're protected and informed.

News of the spill did not surface until six days after it was largely cleaned up, and the EPA did not craft a public statement on the spill until Tuesday, after the Associated Press broke the news about the spill on Monday.

Juan Flores, a lifelong Galena Park resident and former city councilman, said he and many other locals detected a strong petroleum smell -- which he described as an "extreme stench" -- for several days in Harvey's aftermath. People complained about the smell, burning eyes and more.

Flores, who does outreach with the nonprofit group Air Alliance Houston, said people didn't know where it was coming from for days until the news reports. They were closing doors and windows, but many still couldn't escape the odor, he said.

"Smells are a part of living in GP, but this time is was real, real bad," Flores said. "It's part of life but, at the same time, it's our kids who are suffering."

David Hunn contributed to this article.
NEW YORK - The out-of-court antics of Martin Shkreli, the former hedge fund manager convicted of defrauding his investors, may finally be coming back to haunt him.

A federal judge on Wednesday is scheduled to hold a hearing on whether to revoke Shkreli's $5 million bond after prosecutors complained that he had become a "danger to the community." Shkreli offered his Facebook followers $5,000 to grab a strand of Hillary Clinton's hair during her book tour, prompting the Secret Service to seek an interview with him. "Shkreli has engaged in an escalating pattern of threats and harassment," prosecutors said in a letter to U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto last week.

Shkreli, who has yet to be sentenced, apologized to Matsumoto in writing Tuesday and his attorneys argued that his comments, while distasteful, did not make him dangerous. "I understand now, that some may have read my comments about Mrs. Clinton as threatening, when that was never my intention when making those comments," Shkreli said in a letter to the judge.

"It never occurred to me that my awkward attempt at humor or satire would cause Mrs. Clinton or the Secret Service any distress."

Shkreli said he was not a "violent person" and that his bail should not be revoked.

But on Facebook, Shkreli has struck a more defiant note. "Lol Hillary Clinton's presumptive agents are hard at work. It was just a prank, bro! But still, lock HER up. Spend your resources investigating her, not me!!," he said in a post the same day prosecutors filed their motion to have his bail revoked.

More for you Martin Shkreli should have $5 million bail revoked for...

Shkreli's lawyers, meanwhile, compared his online comments to the political humor of Kathy Griffin, who held up a photograph of a faux bloody head of President Donald Trump and even Trump himself. During the campaign, Trump used "political hyperbole," Shkreli's attorneys said, when he said that his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, would abolish the Second Amendment if elected. "By the way, and if she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don't know," Trump said.

"Indeed, in the current political climate, dissent has unfortunately often taken the form of political satire, hyperbole, parody, or sarcasm," Shkreli's attorney, Benjamin Brafman, said in a letter to the court.

"While we do not condone Mr. Shkreli's comments, his constitutionally-protected political hyperbole does not rise to the level of making him a 'danger to the community' when he is not and has never been considered to be a danger."

This is not the first time prosecutors have complained to Matsumoto about Shkreli's conduct. During the trial, Matsumoto chastised Shkreli for speaking with reporters in the courthouse where jurors could potentially hear him. Prosecutors had complained Shkreli's comments - including mocking them as the "junior varsity" - were inappropriate and count taint the jury pool. Shkreli apologized after that incident too.

Shkreli, 34, is best known for raising the price of an AIDS drug by 5,000 percent but was convicted by a Brooklyn jury of defrauding the investors in his hedge funds. Shkreli lied to obtain investors' money then didn't tell them when he made a bad stock bet that led to massive losses, prosecutors argued. Instead, they said, he raised more money to pay off other investors or took money and stock from a pharmaceutical company, Retrophin, he was running.

Shkreli, who has indicated that he will appeal his conviction, argued at trial that he ultimately made money for his investors and did not intend to defraud them. He faces up to 20 years in prison, though his attorneys have said he would likely get much less.

Since his conviction, the loquacious executive has kept an active - and combative - online presence. In addition to asking for someone to grab a strand of Clinton's hair, he has offered investment advice and announced the sale of the only known copy of a "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin," a Wu Tang Clan album, that he purchased for $2 million in 2015.

"I hope someone with a bigger heart for music can be found for this one-of-a-kind piece and makes it available for the world to hear," he added.

The most recent bid is for $1,001,300 - a potential loss for Shkreli.
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There is a saying that soldiers too often prepare to fight the last war.

Human nature, after all, is to apply what we've learned most recently. What's difficult is learning from the past while also forecasting future threats.

Following Hurricane Harvey, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett have called for an overhaul of regional flood control efforts. The recent flooding gives impetus for taking long overdue action, but let's make sure we prepare for the next generation of storms, not just last month's.

Every hurricane has its idiosyncrasies. Harvey was a slow, meandering walker, dumping 20 trillion gallons of rain on Texas. Irma was larger and windier but delivered only 10 trillion gallons of water to Florida as it jogged straight to the Carolinas.

Different storms hitting different parts of Houston would cause very different types of damage with dramatically different implications for our city, our economy and our nation.

Houstonians today want to know why 136,000 homes filled with water from the third 500-year flood event in two years. As people repair their homes and replace lost belongings, they rightfully want assurances that another flood next year will not wipe them out again.

Emmett, a Republican, has called for a complete reassessment of the region's flood control strategy, to include buying thousands of homes, creating a regional flood control district and seeking authority from the state to levy a sales tax for the effort.

Even conservative state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, says tightfisted Republican senators are discussing new storm protections.

"I think everybody that looks at Harvey with a rational mind wants to change some things in the future," he said.

Emmett, Turner and Houstonians, though, should not focus solely on flooded bayous and creeks. Most of the damage from a typical hurricane comes from the surge of seawater ahead of the storm and high winds.

A Category 5 hurricane striking Houston would bring a whole different kind of disaster. A 20-foot storm surge moving through Galveston Bay and up the Houston Ship Channel would inundate Johnson Space Center, Texas City, the Bayport industrial complex, and dozens of refineries and petrochemical facilities. Not to mention thousands of homes.

Federal, state and local governments have spent millions of dollars studying the potential impact of just such a storm, and they paint a nightmarish scenario of ruined lives, crippled infrastructure and environmental ruin.

Harvey reached Houston as a mere tropical storm, and it managed to shut down a quarter of the nation's oil refining capacity for a week. Operators had to close critical pipelines carrying fuel to the southeastern U.S., creating a gas panic along the lower East Coast.

True fuel shortage

If a Category 5 storm shut down those facilities for weeks or months, the U.S. would experience a true fuel shortage and high prices nationwide, dragging down the economy. Gulf Coast refineries also supply the rest of the hemisphere, and losing them would spike fuel prices worldwide.

Closer to home, massive infrastructure damage would trigger major losses at Houston's largest employers and in financial markets.

Yet even though this particular future threat is perfectly predictable, we don't take it seriously because we haven't experienced it.

Houston needs a barrier to keep seawater out of the Ship Channel, what experts have dubbed a coastal spine. Consensus has built around a Texas A&M design called the Ike Dike, a seawall from the Bolivar Peninsula across the bay to Galveston. Ahead of a storm, an underwater gate would rise to keep the storm surge out.

Republican congressmen Randy Weber and Brian Babin support the idea, and Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush has asked President Donald Trump to dedicate $15 billion toward its construction.

Turner reiterated the importance of the Ike Dike on Tuesday.

"We cannot talk about rebuilding ... if we do not build the coastal spine," he said.

In an op-ed for this paper a month before Harvey struck, former mayoral candidate Bill King called on officials to stop dithering and build the Ike Dike.

"The sad history of projects like this is that no action has been taken until a catastrophic storm hits, killing a bunch of people," King wrote.

He's right, and with limited resources, neighborhood groups and business leaders will debate where to prioritize our storm protection dollars.

A moral imperative

While the tragedy of Harvey still tears at our hearts, logic dictates that the coastal spine must stop any flood control list. The petrochemical and refining capacity along the Ship Channel is critical for our nation's economy and security. Preventing the environmental disaster that a 20-foot storm surge would create is a moral imperative.

Turner says we shouldn't have to make these kinds of choices, but that's overly optimistic. There will be tough choices ahead, and we need to make them in a way that protects the most people, and that's more than just those who live here.
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WASHINGTON - Tens of thousands of former students who say they were swindled by for-profit colleges are being left in limbo as the Trump administration delays action on requests for loan forgiveness, according to court documents obtained by the Associated Press.

The Education Department is sitting on 65,000 unapproved claims as it rewrites Obama-era rules that sought to better protect students. The rewrite had been sought by the industry.

The for-profit colleges have found allies in the new administration and President Donald Trump, who earlier this year paid $25 million to settle charges his Trump University misled customers.

In August, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos picked Julian Schmoke Jr., a former associate dean at DeVry University, as head of the department's enforcement unit. More than 2,000 requests for loan forgiveness are pending from DeVry students.

The Obama rules would have forbidden schools from forcing students to sign agreements that waived their right to sue.

Defrauded students would have faced a quicker path to get their loans erased, and schools, not taxpayers, could have been held responsible for the costs.

Now, in a filing in federal court in California, acting Undersecretary James Manning says the department will need up to six months to decide the case of a former student at the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges and other cases like hers.

Sarah Dieffenbacher, a single mother of four from California, had taken out $50,000 in student loans to study to become a paralegal but then couldn't find a job in the field. She defaulted on her debt and could face wage garnishment.

"ED will be able to issue a decision with regards to Ms. Dieffenbacher's Borrower Defense claims within six months, as part of a larger group of Borrower Defense decisions regarding similar claims," Manning wrote to the court.

Department spokesman Liz Hill said the agency is working to streamline the process and resolve the claims as quickly as possible.

"Unfortunately, the Obama administration left behind thousands of claims," she said.

Hill said students with claims pending are not required to make payments on their loans.

But Dieffenbacher says the delay is costing her family dearly.

Alec Harris, a lawyer with Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School who is representing Dieffenbacher, said the inaction could put his client and her children on the street.

"This is a Department of Education that has seemingly sided with industry and stacked the deck against former students of predatory for-profit schools every step of the way," Harris said.
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WASHINGTON  After decades of banishment from Mexico's oil and gas fields, American companies like Exxon Mobil and Chevron are becoming a ubiquitous presence there again.

But just four years after Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto invited foreign companies back into his country to help modernize its struggling energy industries, the rise of populist politics in Mexico are driving concerns about the future of reforms that ended the national oil company's monopoly and opened markets to competition.

With the U.S. and Mexican governments renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, oil and gas companies, as well as the Pena Nieto administration, are pressing for protections in the treaty against any future efforts in Mexico to push out foreign oil companies.

"It's a bulwark, should Mexico change their minds on the reforms," said David Goldwyn, a former State Department special envoy during the Obama administration, who now heads the Atlantic Council's Energy Advisory Group, a think tank. "If someone wants to get nasty, this could go wrong a lot of different ways."

The front runner to succeed Pena Nieto in next summer's presidential election  the leftist former Mexico City mayor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador  has been a vocal critic of Pena Nieto and said if elected he would hold a referendum on the energy reforms.

Obrador, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, has also promised to take a harder line in trade negotiations between the two countries.

The statements have left U.S. officials and industry leaders scrambling to hedge against a change in relations.

"He has generally been supportive of NAFTA, but then in the next breath he will say he will review everything under this administration," said Antonio Garza, an attorney and former U.S. ambassador to Mexico. "There's enough menace in the 'but' for people to take pause."

During a press conference earlier this month, Mexico's chief trade negotiator, Kenneth Smith, said the Pena Nieto administration was seeking to write its energy reforms into NAFTA. Such a move would effectively make if far more difficult for Obrador to change course on energy, forcing him to pull out of a treaty that has helped drive the development of factories across the border and inland regions of Mexico

"We're working in this sense, analyzing all of the elements that need to be included in the energy discussion to reflect the reform Mexico established," he said, according to Reuters.

Mexico nationalized its oil industry more in the 193os and the state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, held a monopoly for some 75 years. But Pemex in recent years became burdened by debt and falling production, unable to invest in technology needed to increase output in aging fields and exploit new ones.

Since passing the reforms in 2013 with the aim of attracting foreign investment, Mexico has reduced the role of Pemex and steadily gained ground in modernizing its oil and gas sector. After early struggles to lure foreign companies, recent auctions have drawn competition between U.S. and European oil majors looking to tap Mexican waters.

In March, Italian firm Eni announced a large discovery in Mexico's shallow-water Gulf. Four months later, a consortium including Houston-based Talos Energy announced they had what was believed to be the fifth largest discovery in the world over the previous five years.

"Whatever they can do to strengthen the general impression of the solidity and irreversibility of the energy reforms, the oil companies want to see that happen," said George Baker, a Houston energy consultant and longtime publisher of the newsletter Mexico Energy Intelligence.

Last month, three trade groups representing oil and gas companies in North America, including the American Petroleum Institute, released a paper urging the NAFTA negotiators to preserve provisions within the trade agreement that allows companies operating in foreign lands the right to third party arbitration and restricts the ability of governments to seize foreign investment.

"We see the [protections] in there as essential to supporting continued investment in Mexico, preserving our opportunities in case there are any problems," said Stephen Comstock, director of tax and accounting at API.

Trump himself has been critical of such provisions, aligning himself with workers' unions that maintain they allow corporations to challenge government policies protecting workers and the environment if they are deemed harmful to the bottom line. But that stance runs afoul of many free-trade proponents, some even within Trump's own Cabinet.

"There's a Trump position and there's a Ross position. They're still arguing over it," Goldwyn said, referring to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. "It's an odd situation where you have the U.S. industry aligned with the Mexican government."

A spokesperson for the U.S. Trade Representative declined to comment.
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The notable drop in the rate of the people without health coverage in Texas and across the nation may feel like vindication for backers of the law known as Obamacare, but any victory lap is slowed by the uncertainty ahead.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported Tuesday that the rate of uninsured in Texas fell to 16.6 percent last year, down from 22.1 percent in 2013 when the Affordable Care Act's individual market plans first became available.

Overall, the nation's rate of uninsured dropped to 8.6 percent in 2016, down from 14.5 in 2013. That means that last year 91 percent of people had coverage, or about 320 million people nationally, according to the Census report.

"We were finally gaining traction," said Elena Marks, president and CEO of Houston's Episcopal Health Foundation, which focuses on health policy and access to care for the poor and uninsured.

She characterized the Census figures as "real and consistent improvement year after year - something that had not previously happened in Texas for a very long time."

Still, she worried about the toll from the divisive politics that surrounds all things about the health-care law, including declarations from the White House that the law was a "big, fat, ugly lie" that was deeply hurting people in the country.

While the Republican-led U.S. House narrowly passed a measure to dismantle major provisions of the law and replace it with one of their own, the Senate was unable to pass its version. The congressional fate of the law remains in limbo.

Marks said Tuesday that all of the fiery rhetoric, as well as a series of internal measures by the current administration to undercut the law from within, could stall additional progress.

A Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index this summer showed that the uninsured rate was starting to tick up in the first two quarters of this year.

It is unclear whether the slight increases were a blip or a harbinger of things to come.

Merrill Matthews, resident scholar at the Institute for Policy Innovation, a conservative think tank in Irving, said he was pleased that the rate of uninsured in Texas had dropped.

Still, he remains opposed to Obamacare.

"They did achieve a decline in the uninsured, but they did it in the worst possible way," he said.

Matthews said he also thinks merely reporting uninsured rates does not tell the whole story as many who gained insurance have been unable to use it because of high deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs they cannot afford.

Under the current law, most everyone is required to carry health insurance. But every replacement plan introduced so far has included scrapping that requirement.

While Congress has been unable to repeal and replace the current law legislatively, that does not mean another type of dismemberment appears to be underway.

President Donald Trump's first official action after inauguration was to direct federal agencies to discontinue any policies that regulate or carry out provisions of the health-care law. So far that has included pulling advertisements reminding people to sign up for coverage right before this year's enrollment ended and the Internal Revenue Service announcing it would no longer reject returns that did not included proof of coverage.

Also, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the law, has cut by half the enrollment period for 2018, launched a social media campaign featuring people who say they were harmed by the law, and canceled contracts to companies that have helped in sign-up efforts and outreach in past years.

At the same time, many insurers have dropped out of the federal exchanges, leaving fewer options for customers. Insurance companies have announced significant rate increases for 2018 in the individual market, some blaming the uncertainty blanketing their industry which leaves them with little choice but to inflate rate increase requests to build in a cushion.

Most people in the country get their insurance through their employer.

Health policy watchers are concerned that people in the more volatile individual market are left confused by the political posturing and may skip buying coverage altogether next year - which could create a spike in uninsured rates.

This is especially difficult for Texas, which continues to lead the nation in the uninsured. According to the Census report the state's 16.6 percent rate is close to exactly double the national rate.

While progress in Texas is undeniable, it falls well short of states that expanded Medicaid under the law. For instance, California recorded a 9.8 percent drop in its uninsured rate, the Census report showed. New Mexico and Kentucky had 9.5 and 9.2 percent declines, respectively.

The enrollment period for 2018 begins Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15.
At Cuchara, the Mexico-City-style bistro in Montrose that celebrates its fifth birthday this month, my eyes bugged out when my chile en nogada arrived.

The stuffed chile was huge. Where, I wondered, had they even managed to find poblano chiles that big? Co-owner Ana Beaven told me they have to weed through lots of poblanos to find the blimp-sized specimens. These monsters loom upon the plate in a manner that says, "I'm special. You are fortunate indeed to get me."

Indeed. September is the month for chiles en nogada at Cuchara. So there is double reason to pay a visit to this delightful restaurant, with its cheeky graphic-art murals and its salon-style hospitality  the signature of Mexico City native Beaven and her partner, Charlie McDaniel.

Chiles en nogada is one of those weird and wonderful dishes that summons up another age, or perhaps another solar system. I always think of this meat-and-fruit-stuffed poblano pepper, swathed in creamy walnut sauce and spangled with crimson pomegranate seeds, as the kind of thing that might be served at an imperial banquet on some distant planet.

So rich and colorful and strange is this stuffed chile, there is something medieval about it, too. The way the sweet elements of citron, raisins and peach contrast with the savory chopped pork and nuts of the filling, underlain by a heady tinge of cognac, all conspire to remind me of mincemeat pie  another festal dish, spurred into being by the Crusades, that's a holdover from centuries past.

The origin myth of chile en nogada holds that it was invented in 1821 by Pueblan nuns to honor a visit by a Mexican general. Hence its elaborate nature, and its hues of the then-new Mexican flag: green chile; white walnut cream; red pomegranate seeds. Today it is an intensely seasonal treat in Mexico, served mostly in the weeks around Mexican Independence day (Sept. 16), when walnuts and pomegranates come into season.

Cuchara's cooks don't fry the roasted-and-seeded green chiles in puffy egg batter like the originals. (To batter or not to batter is a continuing source of debate in modern Mexico.) And their walnut sauce has a warm brown tint rather than an ivory pallor. A whole dance ensues among savory pork and sweet fruit and earthy nuts, the tart crunch of pomegranate seeds bouncing off the swoony softness of the cream sauce and the dark, vegetal tones of the chile.

Normally I shun sweet meat dishes. Not this one. And the other evening, sitting at the lively Cuchara bar, I learned a whole new way of appreciating chiles en nogada.

Luis Alonso, the vocalist of American standards and Latin ballads who sings at the restaurant every second Tuesday, happened to be sitting a few seats down. When my chile en nogada arrived in all its glory, he leaned over to tell me that champagne was a traditional accompaniment to the dish in Mexico City. "Try it," he urged.

So I ordered a glass of Prosecco, the only sparkler on Cuchara's short wine list, and found he was right: its dry, fruity spritz cut cleanly against the rich complexity of the chile dish.

The $32 dinnertime price tag for the chile reflected its painstaking preparation. (During Cuchara's popular lunch hour comida corrida, the chile can be had for a $10 surcharge over the regular $15 three-course prix fixe.)

I even returned home with something by which to remember my chile: a frame-worthy little print by Cecilia Beaven, the restaurant's resident muralist and Ana Beaven's sister. Above a full-color depiction of the dish itself rode a legend: "This is our chile en nogada no. 80 of 2017. Enjoy!"

You can get your own chile en nogada at Cuchara throughout the month of September.

If you are tempted to go for dinner on Friday, Sept. 15, know that the restaurant will be celebrating both its fifth birthday and Mexican Independence Day at a big party featuring live music, Aztec dancers, mariachis, a DJ and dancing until midnight. Of the $10 cover charge, $5 will go to J.J. Watt's Harvey relief fund.
Niko Tavernise/HONS

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Luis Fonsi has released nine albums and earned six. No. 1 singles on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart across a career in music that has stretched almost two decades. But to many listeners, he's a new artist - thanks to "Despacito."

The song has become the most popular track of 2017 earning such distinctions as being the most streamed song ever. Of course, such widespread popularity means "Despacito" has also introduced Fonsi to audiences and countries he never imagined he'd reach.

"For the Spanish-speaking audience, they've seen me grow up. They know all my songs. They know my hits. And for a lot of people here in the U.S. and a lot of those European countries and Asian countries, I'm a new artist," he says.

"And that's OK. And it's exciting. And it keeps it refreshing. It's fun to do a tour where one day I do a stadium for an audience that will sing along to every song, and the next day, I do a smaller venue for an audience that really just knows one song."

Fonsi is in the midst of his Love & Dance Tour, which will visit 15 U.S. cities before heading to Peru, Chile and Mexico. He performs Sunday at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. (Story continues below.)

Luis Fonsi: Love & Dance World Tour When: 7 p.m. Sunday Where: Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd. Tickets: $59.50-$125; 281-207-6278 or smartfinancialcentre.net See More Collapse

"That keeps you respecting your craft and the audience. It keeps you on your toes, and it keeps you humble. It keeps that spark and that same feeling that I had almost 20 years ago when I released my very first single ("Dime Como") - that nervousness, that adrenaline to have to go out there and prove yourself," he says.

"Despacito" has topped Billboard's Hot Latin Songs for most of the year and got a big lift when Justin Bieber hopped on a remix. It then topped the Hot 100 for 16 consecutive weeks, tying a record set by the Mariah Carey/Boyz II Men ballad "One Sweet Day."

It's the first primarily Spanish-language song to top the chart since "Macarena" had us all doing the dance in 1996. The video for "Despacito" also became the first to hit the 3 billion mark on YouTube. And that success is ushering in a new Latin crossover era and opening up English-language radio to reggaeton acts like Nicky Jam, Maluma and J Balvin.

Fonsi talked about taking in the immensity of "Despacito" and what comes next:

Q: Have you been able to stop and process how huge this really is?

A: I am trying and making an extra effort to not let it go by so fast that I can't grasp it. I'm trying to really savor it because it is pretty special what's going on, and it is historic for Latin music and just for music in general. That's the good thing of having this happen to me 20 years into my career. If this would have been my first single, it would have probably been overwhelming. But I've been around the block a few times. I've had my ups, and I've had my downs. I can really appreciate and be very grateful for the moment that I'm living. I'm really just honored.

Q: When did you realize this was going beyond normal hit status and turning into a movement?

A: When it started picking up, the label started sending me all the facts. "We're about to break this artist's record." I'm like, "What? We have more views than who?" That's when it started just sinking in that this is special. We beat Adele's record and Bruno Mars' record. It's not about competition. It's not about breaking records. I'm still very surprised that it's a Spanish song and for some reason it just connected with a worldwide audience. A lot of people, they don't understand one word of the lyrics, but they're doing their best to learn it and to sing it and to dance it and to enjoy it.

Q: You said the idea for "Despacito" came to you in a dream. What do you dream about now?

A: I dream about getting as much sleep as possible. I dream about that snooze button. It's very normal for me to wake up with an idea in my head or with answers to the questions that I went to sleep with. It's a complete true story, as cheesy as it may sound. I literally woke up with that melody in my head, and I went running into my studio, and I recorded the idea. We made a song in four hours. Daddy Yankee came in and just completely put dynamite on it.

Q: How do you follow such a career-defining moment?

A: Nobody planned for the success of the song at this magnitude. We thought it was gonna be well-received in my typical audience. My album was completely done before I released "Despacito." Half of the songs were completely translated and recorded in English. I know that the world is changing. I'm the perfect example. I'm 100 percent boriqua, 100 percent from Puerto Rico. But I've lived in the United States since I was 10 years old. I consider myself bicultural.

There are a lot of people like myself. And it's OK to sing a song in Spanglish nowadays - or even just to have a fully Spanish song at No. 1 on the top 40. I went ahead and changed my sound. It still has some romantic songs, but it does have a lot of rhythm to it. There's a lot of fusion. My next song is ready. It's done. It's right there. It's in the bullpen. Do I expect to outdo "Despacito?" Absolutely not. This is going down in history.
A Conroe couple is behind bars after detectives say they critically injured two young children, and one of them was already under investigation for a similar crime earlier this year.

Adam Lee Thomas, 28, and Denise Rae Watson, 26, are each facing life in prison after two of Watson's children wound up in Texas Children's Hospital south of downtown Houston with life-threatening injuries in early September. The children, 2- and 3-years-old, were placed in a child intensive care unit with several injuries, including fractures, bruises and internal bleeding.

One of the victim's hands had a burn mark, detectives said. The other victim's face had a bite mark.

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Investigators with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office became aware of the children's condition after they were hospitalized on Sept. 3. Watson first brought the children to CHI St. Luke's Health  The Woodlands Hospital that morning and initially told hospital staff their injuries happened after a series of accidents, such as falling down stairs, falling off a toy wagon or playing too hard on a slip-and-slide at a relative's birthday party days earlier.

The children were then taken from the St. Luke's hospital to the Texas Children's Hospital because of the severity of their injuries. Detectives, after consulting with hospital staff, quickly realized the children's injuries were not in line with Watson story, they said in an arrest warrant affidavit.

Watson told detectives she and Thomas had been dating and living together at a home in the 11800 block of Twin Deer Road, just north of Texas 242 east of Interstate 45, for about six weeks. Hospital nurses told detectives some of Watson's children's injuries, specifically some bone fractures, likely happened about four weeks before their trip to the hospital.

9 KIDS IN SQUALOR: Spring parents charged with child endangerment

While at the hospital with Watson and the children, detectives asked if they could look at her cell phone. She said yes but asked to call Thomas first. Detectives said they saw Watson delete a text message off her phone as she was using it.

When detectives finally got a hold of her phone, they saw a text message from Thomas instructing Watson to tell authorities that the children received their injuries by falling down the stairs. In another text, he told her to say some of her children's injuries were self-inflicted and to say her dogs caused some of the injuries, court documents show.

Detectives also found a list denoting other reasons why the children could have injuries inside Thomas's work truck, according to court documents.

Thomas denied injuring the children. When detectives confronted him about the list they found inside his truck, court records indicate Thomas started crying and became reserved, ultimately ending the interview with detectives.

Watson told detectives she was untruthful with them and hospital staff because she was afraid of losing her children, court documents indicate. Her court-appointed attorney, Nicole Czajkoski, said she believes Thomas was the one who hurt the children.

At the time of his most recent arrest, other MCSO detectives were investigating him for a separate child abuse case from February.

That case is eerily similar to the case involving Watson's children. In the February case, two children  ages 2 and 3  were taken to CHI St. Luke's Health  The Woodlands Hospital with bruises and burns.

Those children, too, were taken to Texas Children's Hospital in the Texas Medical Center because of their injuries. Detectives claim those two children were under Thomas's care in February.

He is not facing charges for the February incident, although Czajkoski told The Courier the investigation into that incident is telling about his involvment with Watson's children's injuries.

"We believe, based on the evidence and the prior criminal investigation into (Thomas), that these injuries were caused by him," Czajkoski said. "The investigation is ongoing. All parties hope and pray that the children will fully recover."

Thomas's court-appointed attorney, Willis Smith, declined to comment. Thomas is sitting in the Montgomery County Jail with $400,000 in bonds, and Watson is in jail with $300,000 in bonds.

Both are charged with two first-degree felony counts of injury to a child, punishable anywhere from five years up to life in prison.

Court documents indicate the children were still in intensive care as of Sept. 5.
WASHINGTON - White House officials trying to jump-start work on the GOP's top fall priority - tax cuts - are coming up against the same obstacle that has vexed President Donald Trump all year: divided Republican lawmakers.

Trump advisers and top congressional leaders, hoping to assuage conservatives hungry for details, are working urgently to assemble a framework that they hope to release next week, according to White House aides and lawmakers. But after months of negotiations, the thorniest disagreement remains in view: how to pay for the giant tax cuts Trump has promised.

Negotiators agree with the goal of slashing the corporate income tax rate and also cutting individual income taxes. But they have yet to agree about which tax breaks should be cut to pay for it all.

In private talks, Trump advisers are pressing to eliminate or reduce several popular tax deductions, including the interest companies pay on debt, state and local income taxes paid by families and individuals, and the hugely popular mortgage interest deduction.

Several officials from the White House and Capitol Hill confirmed that those options are being considered - and that they are pushing to release broad outlines in about a week.

But that is where the agreement ends. Congressional leaders, for instance, believe the mortgage deduction is too popular to cut, according to several officials familiar with the discussions.

All of it has forced negotiators to consider scaling back their vision. And that is before any plan has even been presented to the rank and file.

"It is always difficult, because it means what do you cut?" said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. "Everything on the books has a constituency, and that's one of the problems."

White House officials are still hopeful that they can lower the centerpiece of their effort, the corporate rate, from 35 percent to 15 percent. Many congressional Republicans, however, think that goal is ambitious.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said at a forum hosted by the New York Times last week that individual deductions for mortgage interest, health insurance premiums and charitable donations should all be preserved. "We see those more as broad-based, important things that should be encouraged," he said.

That leaves negotiators with limited options to pay for the tax cuts they all seek.

Underlying the whole endeavor is the unresolved tension over whether it will constitute the sort of "tax reform" that Ryan has championed for years - an effort to reduce rates while maintaining federal revenue by eliminating "loopholes." A straight tax cut, meanwhile, could leave the loopholes intact but add trillions of dollars to the national debt.

Ryan and GOP allies have long promised "reform" in the spirit of the bipartisan 1986 rewrite of the tax code, which after three decades of revisions allows individuals and corporations to claim more than $1.6 trillion in tax breaks each year. But in recent months, key players have discussed something closer to the temporary, deficit-exploding tax cuts pushed by President George W. Bush in his first term.

"Just looking at all the promises that were made, you cannot do all those promises," said Mark Mazur, a former head of research, analysis and statistics at the Internal Revenue Service who was later the top tax official in the Obama administration. "Some things will have to get dialed back. They overpromised on a lot of things."

The process has taken on new urgency with Trump's recent exhortations to expedite what he has called the largest tax cut in U.S. history. He has traveled to Missouri and North Dakota in recent weeks to deliver speeches; in Missouri, he promised to reduce a "crushing tax burden on our companies and on our workers."

The White House and Republican leaders are trying a different approach than they used with the failed effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, hoping for more agreement upfront rather than risk late defections that doom the entire process.

Marc Short, the White House legislative affairs director, said administration officials have met with "more than 250 members," including Democrats, to discuss tax reform.

"Our outreach has been extensive," he said.

National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin huddled with key GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Tuesday afternoon to discuss next steps on the budget and taxes, according to Republicans familiar with the plans.

They discussed plans for a 2018 budget blueprint - a necessary first step before tax legislation can be taken up. And they drilled down with House and Senate negotiators on tax cuts.

Mnuchin also told a conference in New York on Tuesday that negotiators were still considering a number of unresolved issues. He said, for example, that they had not decided whether to cut tax rates for all 2017 income or just income in 2018 and beyond. He also said Republicans would assume that their tax cut plan would create hundreds of billions of dollars in new revenue just based on economic growth, an assertion that many budget experts have said is suspect.

Mnuchin also suggested Tuesday that companies could be treated differently under the GOP's tax proposal. He said, for example, that he favored charging a higher tax rate for accounting firms as opposed to manufacturing firms, which he says create jobs.

Later Tuesday, the president was scheduled to host a bipartisan dinner with three senior Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee and three conservative Democrats from states Trump won whose votes the president is courting for tax legislation.

Still, congressional GOP leaders are planning to use special budget procedures that would allow them to pass the tax bill with only Republican votes, skirting a potential filibuster from Senate Democrats. But they have made little progress in passing a key prerequisite, the budget blueprint, thanks to partisan infighting.

In the House, hard-line conservatives have demanded a more detailed tax plan before ponying up votes for a budget, which has created a chicken-and-egg problem for GOP leaders. In the Senate, the complication is a Budget Committee where Republicans have a single-vote majority, empowering any single GOP senator on the panel to negotiate the parameters of the tax bill.

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows, R-N.C., said it is "critically" important to have a better sense of what the emerging tax reform plan will look like before voting on a budget blueprint. He said he was hopeful about seeing more specifics "in the next couple of weeks."

There is also talk among some Republicans of what happens if GOP leaders are unable to work out their differences. One, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly, speculated that the White House is lying in wait to cut a deal with Democrats if Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., are unable to pass a budget.

Democrats, meanwhile, have launched a campaign called "Not One Penny" aimed at pressuring Republicans to avoid sending more relief to corporations and the wealthy than to the middle and lower classes.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Tuesday that Democrats would be willing to discuss tax proposals with Republicans - just not the ideas that GOP leaders are currently discussing.

"Trickle-down economics is what they have out there," Pelosi said. "It has nothing to do with tax reform. It only has to do with their warmed-over stew."

A key element of Trump's blueprint would drastically reduce rates for businesses and individuals, changes that could eliminate more than $5 trillion in government revenue over 10 years. The president also wants to reduce the number of tax brackets for families and individuals from seven to three - and essentially to lower rates for these earners.

Complicating matters is the fact that two of the largest tax breaks eyed by the White House - eliminating the deduction for state and local taxes, and scaling back the mortgage interest deduction - have powerful interest groups that have made it more difficult for the GOP to coalesce around a plan.

Eliminating the state and local tax deduction would raise $700 billion in new taxes over 10 years, mostly from a handful of states including California, New York and New Jersey. On the mortgage interest deduction, negotiators are looking at lowering the mortgage cap that people can claim from $1 million to a level that would depend on average home prices in particular regions.

Despite Trump's goal of cutting the corporate tax rate to 15 percent, negotiators are looking at options that would lower it to around 23 percent, with a 28 percent rate for small businesses that file their taxes differently, said several individuals briefed on the discussions.

The White House has not proposed eliminating a specific corporate tax loophole to offset the rate cut.

Other goals under discussion include eliminating the estate tax and the alternative-minimum tax, and doubling the standard deduction that many Americans can claim when they file their taxes.

Tax experts believe it would be difficult if not impossible to follow through on all of these proposals without adding trillions of dollars to the national debt - even with the elimination of numerous tax breaks. Negotiators are considering making some of the tax changes permanent and allowing others to expire after several years to conform with Senate rules governing expanding the deficit.

Pushing legislation through without relying on Democrats for support would require them to use a budget mechanism known as reconciliation.

But reconciliation comes with a strict rule that any tax change must not increase the deficit after 10 years. Many budget experts believe Trump's current plan would violate the rule.

Republicans control just 52 of the 100 Senate seats, giving them a very slim margin that just three defections would imperil.

That margin makes Trump's goal of driving down the corporate tax rate as low as he can all the more challenging - and helps explain why negotiators are scrounging for ways to raise new revenue. The White House also is counting on a rosy estimate of how much future economic growth can be presumed.

Mnuchin has said the majority of the new tax revenue they plan to raise will come from economic growth, but House and Senate leaders have suggested that such inflated assumptions won't pass muster with the Joint Committee on Taxation, a congressional body that provides a crucial review of all tax proposal.

"Tax reform is hard and hasn't happened for 31 years for a reason," said Doug Holtz-Eakin, a Republican and former director of the Congressional Budget Office. "If you are doing tax reform through reconciliation, it's like doing tax reform on a tightrope. There's just not a lot of room for maneuvering."

- - -

The Washington Post's Mike DeBonis contributed to this report.
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ROCKPORT - On Sunday morning, Houston plumber Danny Brown and his companion, Alita Miller, were literally picking up the pieces of the battered house that sheltered them through 14 hours of Hurricane Harvey.

The 108 mph winds that smashed this bayside community when Harvey came ashore Friday night had ripped off a large section of their living-room roof, forcing Brown and Miller to flee from the home set on pilings 12 feet above the ground.

The force of the wind prevented them from opening the front door, so they made their escape from the rear deck of the house, down a ladder and into one of their trucks.

"Everything was crashing, the house next door was getting blown off its foundation, the trees were cracking. The rain was torrential, for hours, and it was still in my head last night when I was trying to sleep," Brown said. "I was just so scared; that noise was 14 hours nonstop, with wind, rain, stuff blowing, metal flying everywhere."

The couple climbed into the back of a Chevy Suburban parked next to the shop behind the house and held on to each other.

At one point, they saw the chimney pipe fly by, ripped from the wood-burning stove they used to heat the home. Then, a thick limb snapped off from one of the trees lining the driveway and out the rear window.

"The scariest moment was looking at Danny's face, and I could see he was scared. I knew we were in trouble," Miller said Sunday.

So they moved again, this time into the sturdy workshop behind the house, where Brown rested in the front seat of the 1938 Ford Coupe he has restored. It, and the more than 600 bobble-head dolls he has displayed on the wall, were unscathed.

On Sunday morning, Brown, Miller and a friend were taking inventory of the damage.

The metal roofing on the deck was gone. Water was still pooled in the living room beneath the gaping holes in the roof. Outside, a carport next to the workshop had collapsed, and a storage shed had been blown open by the winds.

Three years ago, Brown, who owns Pure Plumbing in Houston, bought the house and the 3-acre tract on which it sat after he was told about a "quirky" trailer home that had been installed high on pilings and had a deck wrapped around it.

He and Miller decorated their home with eclectic Mexican folk art and sculptures, and enlarged a room in the carport beneath the deck where Miller - a chef and caterer - dished up smoked meats prepared on a trio of barbecue pits.

Brown, who did not carry insurance on the home, says he will find the money to get the house back in shape.

"We'll be all right," he said. "It is what it is, and we'll rebuild. We lost a little bit, compared to others."

Brown knows the decision to stay will be questioned, but he wasn't overly worried about a storm that for days struggled to become organized. Harvey, in little more than two days, built from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane. Instead of leaving, they bought beer and meat to grill.

"Next time I'll get more beer and steaks," Miller joked before turning serious. "The words thankful and grateful don't come close."
Ukraine's state-owned Ukroboronprom concern is studying the possibility of expanding cooperation with the United Kingdom under the aegis of the Defence Growth Partnership program.

Ukroboronprom's press service on Tuesday said during the DSEI 2017 military expo in London September 12-15 Ukroboronprom's delegation headed by its general director Roman Romanov conducted talks with the UK Defence Solution Center (UKDSC) on military cooperation under the aegis of the Defense Growth Partnership.

According to the press release, "special attention was paid to the radio-electronic warfare gear, including the possibility of production of relevant devices."

UKDSC specializes in the analysis of foreign markets, the search for potential areas of partnership, as well as new models for financing innovative projects. Specialists from world-renowned defense companies, including Lockheed Martin Corporation, and the British BAE Systems, are represented.

The partnership united the British government, defense research and industrial complex and is directed at strengthening the UK's defense sector.
AUSTIN - A divided U.S. Supreme Court blocked two lower court rulings late Tuesday that had required Texas to redraw certain congressional and state House districts after the lower courts ruled the district lines discriminate against minorities.

The 5-4 ruling almost surely means the 2018 elections will be conducted in the disputed congressional and legislative districts that federal judges have said were intentionally drawn to discriminate against Latino and African-American voters.

The justices gave no reasons in their one-paragraph statement granting a request from Texas that it not be forced to draw new districts until the Supreme Court reviewed the lower court's decision.

But the court's liberals signaled their unhappiness by noting they would not have agreed to Texas' request.

The court's intervention was a victory for Texas Republicans, who had drawn the districts. It disappointed civil rights groups, who had noted that even though growth in the state's Hispanic population was the reason for additional congressional seats, none were drawn to favor minority candidates.

"I can't say that I am pleased with this. I can't say that I am surprised either," said Jose Garza, counsel to the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. "At the end of the day it may all work out. Maybe it's better to have this discriminatory plan in front of the court and have the state of Texas try to defend it sooner rather than later."

The court was split over ideological lines, with liberal Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan in the minority.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who sought the stay, did not return a request for comment.

Chad Dunn, the Texas Democratic Party's general counsel, said he believes the evidence of discriminatory intent is so strong, the Supreme Court will agree.

"Getting a final resolution to this matter, that has essentially been pending since 2011, is a step in the right direction," he said.

One possibility is that the March elections are delayed. In 2012, the state was forced to postpone primary elections in the wake of legal challenges from civil rights groups and minority advocates to political maps drawn the year before.

Advocacy groups argue the maps in question intentionally dilute minorities' voting power, by cramming them into a single district, or splitting them up across too many.

The state has been operating under temporary court-ordered maps drawn for the 2012 elections and adopted by the Legislature in 2013. This summer, a three-judge federal panel in San Antonio invalidated some of those districts, finding they violate the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. Voting Rights Act.

The panel ruled that Texas' Congressional District 27, now held by Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, and District 35, now held by Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, were drawn with discriminatory intent aimed at diluting minorities' voting strength.

Chronicle wire services contributed to this report.
What's more daunting than a historic flood that killed more than 70 people, inundated thousands of homes and caused damage totaling an estimated $150 billion?

The realization that Harvey wasn't even the big one.

Houston-area leaders took a risk this week in asking people, some of whom still have ponds in their living rooms, to look beyond the current devastation to the storms that are still coming with growing intensity.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett took the bold step of calling for a sweeping review of the region's flood control efforts. He put everything on the table - large-scale buyouts of flood-prone homes, limiting development in some areas, a new storm water reservoir, and even a local sales tax to pay for flood protection that could total billions of dollars.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, meanwhile, asked people to consider an even worse scenario than Harvey. It is inevitable that at some point, Houston will suffer a direct hit by a powerful, high-category hurricane wielding a dangerous wall of water known as storm surge. Such a storm will take not only lives, homes and jobs, but it could cripple the largest petrochemical complex in the nation.

"Just imagine what the cost would be if the storm surge (during Harvey) had come through the Galveston Bay," Turner said this week.

The mayor led a bipartisan group of Houston-area officials in pledging to support the long-debated coastal spine, or "Ike Dike," as the cornerstone of a united regional flood prevention effort that could protect the region in a surge event.

After years of reluctance from local leaders to embrace the large-scale project, or any project, the commitment to real action was encouraging.

Turner called the coastal spine, a proposed system of massive floating gates stretching from the mouth of Galveston Bay, "an idea whose time has come." He challenged Houstonians to take the lessons of Harvey, Ike, and other storms, and to urge their national, state and local leaders to put them into action.

"Are we going to make the investment that can prevent huge losses or are we going to be short-sighted and think we have plenty of time and then wait until it's too late? And literally, we'd be spending $100 billion to replace the Gulf Coast?" Turner said.

It's a question every one of us needs to ask ourselves.

And it's refreshing turnabout from the response Turner's office provided investigative reporters for the 2016 project Hell and High Water, a collaboration between the Texas Tribune and ProPublica which depicted Houston as a sitting duck for a monster storm that would virtually wipe out Clear Lake and devastate the Houston Ship Channel.

Turner, a former state representative who was a new mayor at the time, declined an interview for that story, and his public safety and homeland security director initially provided a statement saying "only a small portion of the city of Houston is at risk for major storm surge." A follow-up statement put the onus on the federal government to safeguard the city against a monster hurricane.

The nation's problem

This week, Turner and other officials continued to argue, correctly, that the coastal spine should be built and paid for by the federal government. The project could cost as much as $14 billion, according to Bob Mitchell, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. He compared that to the $30 billion in damage wrought by Hurricane Ike.

But Turner and others now realize it will take local leadership to sell the idea to residents and to congressional leaders. As such, city officials presented a video titled "Unprepared  A Nation at Risk," which sought to explain a monster hurricane isn't just Houston's problem; it's the whole nation's problem.

Considering that the region refines 27 percent of the nation's gas and 60 percent of aviation fuel, among other vital products, officials surmised that a direct-hit to the area causing flooding could shut down refineries for 18 to 36 months, causing gas to surge to $8 per gallon.

Tying Houston's fate directly to that of the nation is key in getting congressional leaders to buy in to the expensive endeavor. In this post-earmarks era, such legislation will take hard-fought consensus. It's not there in Washington, yet.

Need to 'lock arms'

Locally, support for a storm surge solution has been growing over the past year, but Harvey seems to have created a sense of urgency that is compelling agencies across the six-county region to focus their efforts.

"It's going to require everybody to lock arms," said Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, who for a while seemed to be the only state leader losing sleep over Houston's vulnerability to hurricane destruction and flooding.

Bush's study of the coastal spine project helped move the idea forward, said the guy who first proposed it in Texas, William Merrell, a professor at Texas A&M-Galveston. Merrell, who was inspired by a similar system in the Netherlands that has been used successfully dozens of times, told me Tuesday he has new hope that the Gulf Coast version will finally get built now that leaders are demanding action.

"We're no longer just stuck there," Merrell said. "Now we have a path. We kind of know what we need to build."

Merrell stressed that the coastal spine will only help prevent surge, not the kind of fresh water flooding we saw after Harvey. He said that problem is complex and requires "a thousand points of light" to address, some of which he was glad to see Emmett putting on the table this week.

"It seems that Harvey has brought our community together," said Robert Eckels, the former Harris County judge who serves as president of the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District. "We're more united than ever to deal not just with the surge but with the flooding."

It shouldn't have taken this long for leaders to act. Now that they have, we need to insist they stay the course.

Harvey brought catastrophic devastation to the Houston region. The next storm may not be so kind.
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TIVOLI - There's a certain on-air personality for the Weather Channel who might need a bodyguard if he ever ventures into Bayside, Austwell and Tivoli, not to mention Rockport and Aransas Pass in the Texas Coastal Bend.

It was that meteorologist who repeatedly told his listeners that Hurricane Harvey was making landfall in an uninhabited area of the Texas coast. "Uninhabitants" up and down the coast were listening - until the power went out and 130-mph winds blew away houses, knocked down buildings and sent rivers raging out of their banks.

"If I ever see that guy, I might just wring his neck," said Arnulfo Perez, fire chief for the Tivoli Volunteer Fire Department. Harvey flattened his fire house and destroyed most of his trucks and equipment.

Tivoli, an unincorporated community between Port Lavaca and Rockport, about 20 miles inland, took a direct hit. The wind ripped up trees, smashed the little town's modest frame houses and blew down commercial buildings along Texas 35. Not one structure in the community of 479 people was spared at least minor damage. Although one resident suffered a fatal heart attack, no one was killed or injured.

Now Playing: The town of Tivoli, in Refugio County, was hit hard by Hurricane Harvey. Since the storm, members of the town have been doing everything they can to keep going in the face of huge odds. Video: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle

For the first few days, nobody seemed to care about the little Refugio County village, not only because a TV weatherman had ignored its existence but because the world was focused on Houston.

Until social media began spreading the word and help began arriving from outside, the people of Tivoli took care of themselves. Marcus Torres, 53, a burly volunteer fireman, former auto repair shop owner and lifelong Tivoli resident, took it upon himself to get things organized.

"He's a take-charge kind of guy," Perez said. "Sometimes I have to tell him to slow down."

Refugio County had no official shelter for those unable to evacuate, so Torres, whose own house was totally destroyed, got the keys to the Austwell-Tivoli High School on Friday night and with his son Justin helped families take refuge.

He helped organize community barbecues, coordinated relief efforts when it began to arrive, helped organize a search and rescue team in Tivoli and nearby Austwell, arranged for tents and portable toilets and helped set up a relief center for residents who needed basic supplies.

"I've been through it before, with Claudette in '98," Torres said. "I stayed, because nobody else was leaving. They couldn't leave, didn't have money to leave, didn't have transportation."

Torres would be the first to tell you that the whole town pitched in - and continues to pitch in. He took charge, he said, because, without a mayor or city council, there was no one else.

"It's part of my nature," he said.

Torres' wife, Angie, is one of several local women running a well-organized community center stocked with donated food, clothing and supplies in an abandoned auto-parts store. Rebecca Tijerina dropped by Tuesday afternoon and found three new toilet-bowl cleaners, a housewarming gift for the family that's taken her in.

In the spirit of helping themselves, a local company, JML Trucking, sent a truck to San Antonio for cases of water, since the town still has no gasoline, ice or a grocery store. James West, the owner of the Rockport Dairy Queen stores, gave Torres permission to use his Tivoli store as his command post, and locals brought food from home before it spoiled and cooked it at the DQ. Open since Monday of last week, the store has resumed its role as the community-gathering place.

"The only thing we were concerned about was getting the ice cream machine going," Marcus Torres said, grinning. "We needed our Blizzards."

The little town is finally getting the help it needs - from FEMA, state and county officials, the Department of Public Safety, the Salvation Army and volunteers from around the country.

"All the volunteers, the work crews, the Marines, all these people who've come to help us, I just cried," said Esther Hernandez, who worked at the local grocery store before Harvey flattened it.

The people of Tivoli will need help for months to come, said Susan Luttrell, director of serving and outreach for a United Methodist church in Mansfield, southeast of Fort Worth.

"I feel like Houston, and now Florida, has the eyes of America on it and these people are going to be forgotten," she said. "They need people - people to just come and help. Water bottles and clothes and diapers are important, but people here with them is what they really need."
Houston Association of Realtors

Some Houston-area locals are welcoming strangers into their homes in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. A handful of people have even listed their houses for free temporary stays to anyone affected by last month's disastrous floods.

The Houston Association of Realtors has launched a temporary-housing section on their website that allows people to search homes from all around the metro area, in price ranges starting at $0 through $100-per-week increments and for rental periods between one and 12 weeks.
AUSTIN -- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Education Commissioner Mike Morath signaled Wednesday that the state will use rainy day funds to help schools saddled with Hurricane Harvey-related expenses, but the chances are slim that the state will delay state standardized tests planned for next spring.

Patrick, a Houston Republican, made vows to close to 45 superintendents from storm damaged areas in southeast Texas that he would support holding funding at current levels for school districts losing students due to Harvey, and for increasing money for school systems gaining displaced students.

The challenge is figuring out how much to money to give districts that lost students due to damaged buildings or families displaced by the storm, said Morath, who leads the Texas Education Agency which oversees the education of more than 5 million public school students.

Morath said he'll also have to figure out how much more to fund school systems accepting hundreds of students temporarily forced out of their communities.

"It's kind of easy to pay people based on kids that are there," said Morath. "But if you're paying based on kids that aren't there, you have to come up with some sort of rationale."

Morath's statements came one day after Patrick met with superintendents vowing state aid for storm-related costs not covered by insurance or the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The promise came during a meeting Tuesday between Patrick and administrators of school districts affected by flooding.

In a press release sent late Wednesday, Patrick doubled down on that support, but stopped short of promising the state would cover all costs not covered by insurance plans and federal agencies.

The state aid could help prevent deep financial cuts in the hardest-hit school districts, and it could keep districts' "rainy day" funds intact. Several districts, including Houston and Aldine ISDs, dipped into their reserve funds this year to balance their budgets.

In a statement, Humble ISD Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen said Patrick "made it clear that it was his goal for districts to be made whole financially, both in terms of funding related to student attendance and facility repairs." District officials don't have an estimate of storm-related costs, but Kingwood High School, home to 2,800 students, will be closed for at least several months due to flood damage.

"The state's intent to protect schools will help make a very difficult year more manageable, and we are encouraged," Fagen said.

About 1 in 4 public school students were attending schools in counties mauled by Hurricane Harvey's winds or deluged by record rainfall that dumped more than 50 inches of rain in parts of Houston in late August and early September. The storm, which crept into Texas just as schools were ready to open their doors, caused many students to temporarily switch schools as their families try to piece their lives and damaged homes back together.

In total, the governor has named 58 counties disaster areas. Nearly all Houston-area schools have reopened, although many were damaged in the storm.

In a briefing with the State Board of Education during its quarterly meeting, Morath said he's about three weeks away from settling on a plan to keep finances stable for school districts slammed by the worst hurricane in Texas history.

Morath said the TEA can tap more state dollars without legislative approval, although state lawmakers will have to figure out how to fill the budget hole created by cleaning up after Harvey when they return in the 2019 Legislative session.

School districts across southeast Texas fixing damaged buildings and cleaning up waterlogged schools are hoping the state will lend them a financial hand as the storm uprooted families in those areas, causing them to look for other schools to send their children.

The federal government has agreed to reimburse 90 percent of Harvey-related costs, the remainder leaves 10 percent for school districts. Expenses not covered by insurance or FEMA will have to come from local or state tax dollars.

After meeting with Patrick on Tuesday, Sheldon ISD Superintendent King Davis said the pledge of state aid "looks promising." Davis' district, which serves about 9,000 students in northeast Harris County, sustained damage to four of its nine campuses, including its only high school.

"I think the response has been very positive," Davis said. "I feel like the support is there, so I'm pretty confident they're going to follow through on what's been conveyed to superintendents."

Davis said state officials have also assured him the district won't lose per-pupil funding if displaced students leave Sheldon and enroll elsewhere. Texas education code allows the TEA commissioner to alter a district's attendance totals, which dictates per-student funding, when a natural disasters has "a significant effect" on the number.

Sheldon ISD staff expect relatively few departures after making contact with about 90 percent of students since the flood. Sheldon ISD is the only Houston-area district that hasn't resumed classes. It plans to open its doors Monday.

"We feel very confident that the great, great majority of our students will return," Davis said.

A source close to House Speaker Joe Straus said the San Antonio Republican plans in the coming days to assign the House Public Education Committee to look closely at the effect Harvey could have on schools and affected students.

Also at issue post-Harvey is what effect the hurricane's disruption will have on standardized testing schedules. At this point, Morath said, it "doesn't look likely that we'll make too many changes" to the STAAR test or when it's administered, although that could have a negative impact on Houston ISD and its hopes of staving off state intervention due to habitually failing schools.

"We haven't made any final decisions," Morath told the Houston Chronicle about moving back the STAAR test, which will contribute to an A through F grading scale used to measure school performance.

While the TEA has power to change the timing of the tests, the issue is the feasibility of "rather complicated" logistics, he said. "While one in four students are in districts that are affected by Harvey, three in four are in districts that were not.

Ten consistently low-performing schools in HISD have one more school year to improve test scores before the state must close schools or take over the district's school board, a reality that already had district officials on edge.

Morath said he has no intention on cutting those schools a break in this year's testing season, but said the TEA has yet to make any decisions on what to do with low-performing schools it has the legal authority to take over.

"We haven't made any final decisions on it, but as of right now, the obligation to make sure we teach kids to read, write and do math is the same as it was before the storm," said Morath.

He said the TEA wants to support those schools and their struggling students, but are working on how.

"We're trying to figure out what resources we can bring to bear and of course each of the local school districts are also trying to do the same thing," Morath said.

Schools are also required to meet for a minimum number of class time each school year. While the state has offered to waive several days due to Harvey, he said he would work on a case-by-case basis with school districts hit particularly hard by the storm.

Harvey slammed schools in Beaumont and the Houston area, leaving many parents to figure out where else to send their child to school. Texas officials expanded a hotline for parents there with questions about their public school options. The phone number is 512-463-9603 and is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, including weekends, officials said.

Andrea Zelinski covers politics and education for the Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook. Send her tips at andrea.zelinski@chron.com.

Jacob Carpenter covers education for the Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter. Send him tips at jacob.carpenter@chron.com.
WASHINGTON - Two more Americans have been confirmed to be affected by unexplained health attacks against U.S. diplomats in Cuba, the United States said Tuesday, raising the total number of victims to 21.

The additional two individuals appear to be cases that were only recently reported but occurred in the past. The State Department said no new, medically confirmed "incidents" have taken place since the most recent one in late August. Earlier this month, the U.S. disclosed there had been another incident in August after previously saying the attacks had stopped.

It's possible the number could grow even higher as more cases are discovered. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the U.S. continues to assess its personnel.

The U.S. citizens were members of the American diplomatic community, the U.S. said. Officials have said previously that the incidents, deemed "health attacks" by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, affected diplomats posted to the embassy in Havana along with family members.

The U.S. didn't say how serious the newly disclosed incidents were. But the State Department said it was providing "the best possible medical evaluation and care" throughout the ordeal, including aid from a medical officer on staff at the embassy.

The union representing American diplomats has said mild traumatic brain injury is among the diagnoses given to some diplomats victimized in the attacks. The American Foreign Service Association has said permanent hearing loss was another diagnosis, and additional symptoms had included brain swelling, severe headaches, loss of balance and "cognitive disruption."

The evolving U.S. assessment indicated investigators were still far from any thorough understanding of what transpired in the attacks, which started in the fall of 2016. The U.S. has described them as unprecedented.

As the bizarre saga has unfolded, the U.S. has avoided accusing Cuba's government of being behind the attacks. The U.S. did expel two Cuban diplomats, but the State Department emphasized that was in protest of the Cubans' failure to protect the safety of American diplomats while on their soil.

U.S. investigators have been searching to identify a device that could have harmed the health of the diplomats, believed to have been attacked in their homes in Havana, but officials have said no device had been found.
Eric Gay/Associated Press

WASHINGTON  Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is scheduled to deliver what his office calls a "major policy speech" on tax reform Wednesday as part of a Tax Foundation think tank event.

Cruz, a 2016 Republican presidential candidate, is expected to sound many of the same themes laid out by President Donald Trump, who has been traveling the country in support of a GOP plan to streamline the tax code and make significant cuts to corporate and individual income tax rates.
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In a flood-ravaged city where debris piles have become a marker of misfortune, the residents of Rockport Apartments would appear to be among the lucky.

Two weeks into cleanup from Hurricane Harvey, the courtyards of their sprawling complex remained nearly devoid of the mounds of mattresses, cabinets and damp sheetrock that pimpled so much of their southwest Houston neighborhood.

The air thickened, however, as Susana Ortiz opened her front door earlier this week. Inside, globs of green and white mold crept up the walls like a putrid moss.

Ortiz is among hundreds of Rockport tenants scrambling to figure out their next steps as city officials converge on a property where management was, as of last Friday, charging rent for flooded apartments it had not even begun to repair.

Further complicating matters is that some of the tenants are living in the country illegally, making them ineligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"I don't even know what to do anymore," Ortiz said Monday, as neighbors, activists, attorneys and city officials traded conflicting information about tenant rights and when residents would need to vacate their units. "I just want a solution. Like, what can I do?"

No one seemed to know the answer, as some residents were under the impression they needed to leave that day, while others said they were told to be out by Thursday.

The complex owner's attorney Les Little, meanwhile, insisted management wanted to begin repairs but was not evicting anyone.

"We don't want anyone living in unsafe or unsanitary conditions, and that's why we're encouraging them to leave and making it as easy as possible for them to leave," Little said.

Such chaos has not been unusual for renters trying to navigate Harvey's aftermath, but the situation at Rockport, city officials agree, is extreme.

Not only have residents been living for two weeks in flooded apartments, but the owner did not immediately begin repairs after city inspectors visited last Friday, said Nancy Brewer, who manages the Department of Public Works and Engineering's habitability division.

"The difference is that the other apartments have actually taken steps to remediate the problem," Brewer said. "They've pulled out the flooring and they've cut the sheetrock and they've got the furniture out."

Longtime Rockport tenants are familiar with difficult disaster recovery.

At least nine of the sprawling complex's buildings at 8500 Nairn have remained vacant and boarded up since a tornado struck over Memorial Day weekend two years ago, according to city records, even though civil court documents from 2015 breach of contract lawsuit show the owner received at least $7.7 million in insurance payouts.

Little said the owner, Rukmini Investments LLC, repaired 82 of the apartments damaged two years ago and, before Harvey struck, was planning to eventually rebuild the rest.

Tenants whose apartments were spared by the tornado carried on in the interim, until water began seeping in during the early hours of Aug. 27.

Nine days after those six inches of floodwater came and went, Jose Zamora and his wife had resumed life in their first-floor apartment, where they cared for several of their neighbors' small children.

One napped last Tuesday afternoon in a hammock strung across the living room, as others toddled between pieces of flood-soaked furniture.

Zamora, 65, was in communication with the management office about repairs, and had been told to sit tight.

"They've told us they're waiting for FEMA to arrive first ... to assess the damage in each apartment," he said in Spanish.

"We hardly received any damage," Zamora added. "We feel good here."

City inspectors arrived last Friday to find repairs still had not begun, even though management was collecting September rent.

"They did not take action to return rent checks until a day after I demanded they do so," Houston Housing Director Tom McCasland said.

By Saturday morning, rumors about pending evictions began circulating among residents.

Laura Romero lives on the second floor, but said management told her first-floor neighbors they had to be out by Monday, per city orders.

"They're worried because the man told them they had to leave by today," Romero, 30, said in Spanish. "They don't have anywhere to go."

Ortiz, on the other hand, heard the deadline was Thursday.

"My neighbors, they said the office had said that we had to move. And then I'm like, how can I move in five days?" said Ortiz, 20, whose family pays $575 a month for their one bedroom apartment. "I need more days from that."

Little, the attorney for Rockport's owner, said he was unaware of any deadline to vacate.

"I'm not there, I don't know what management is telling people," Little said. He added, however, "We've never given anyone a deadline that I know of."

Deadline or not, residents' worries were heightened Monday, when the Red Cross, Lone Star Legal Aid, city officials and immigration advocates converged on the apartment complex with food and offers of legal and housing assistance.

"Most people are scared. People are scared to talk, and they think the people of the city work for Immigration," said Ortiz, who is a citizen. "That's why they don't report anything."

City health and housing officials are slated to be at the complex Wednesday, McCasland said, to ensure tenants are living in safe conditions and secure alternative housing as needed.
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Calling Tropical Storm Harvey's devastation a "game-changer," Harris County Judge Ed Emmett on Monday called for a sweeping reexamination of the region's flood control strategy, a process that could include billions of dollars to upgrade aging dams, building a new storm water reservoir and ramping up regulations to tamp down booming development in flood-prone areas.

The set of options outlined by Emmett on Monday, if implemented, would be the biggest change in decades to how the Houston region protects against its perennial rains and floods. Emmett said everything would be on the table, including large-scale buyouts, banding with surrounding counties to create a regional flood control district and seeking authority from the state to levy a sales tax to pay for what likely would be a massive initiative.

Emmett, a Republican who has served as county judge since 2007 and largely is seen as a pragmatist, likened the changes to a post-flood push in the 1930s that led to the creation of the Harris County Flood Control District and the construction of the Addicks and Barker dams on the city's west side, which today protect thousands of homes of homes, downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center.

"We can't continue to say these are anomalies," Emmett said. "You've got to say, 'We're in a new normal, so how are we going to react to it?'"

Jim Blackburn, an environmental lawyer and frequent critic of Harris County's flood control strategy, was encouraged after hearing Emmett's comments Monday.

"This is the single best piece of news I have heard post-Harvey from any elected official," said Blackburn, who has sued the county on several occasions and co-directs Rice University's center on Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters. "I would like to hear every one of them say that."

During Harvey's onslaught, up to 52 inches of rain fell across Harris County, flooding more than 100,000 homes, inflicting billions of dollars in damage to infrastructure and other public costs, according to county and city estimates provided last week, and killing more than 70 people.

The county's approach to flood control is two-pronged. The flood control district spends roughly $60 million every year to build detention basins, widen and straighten channels and conduct small-scale buyouts of properties that have flooded repeatedly. The county also requires developers and builders to offset the impact of paving over flood-absorbent ground by building detention ponds.

Flood control officials estimate nearly 178,000 structures are in the county's floodplain, most built before regulations were implemented in the 1980s. Only a fifth of the county's 2,450 miles of bayous, creeks and drainage channels can contain a 100-year storm event.

Flood control officials estimate that providing 100-year-flood protection to all the homes in the county would cost upwards of $20 billion.

Meanwhile, the Memorial Day 2015, Tax Day 2016 and Harvey floods all featured at least 500-year level rainfall; in Harvey's case up to 40,000-year rainfall, according to flood control district meteorologist Jeff Lindner.

Should Emmett generate a consensus on boosting area flood control efforts, the question then becomes one of how to pay for it. Emmett said some portion could come from the federal government, which routinely grants Harris County hundreds of millions of dollars for disaster recovery, housing and other infrastructure upgrades.

He also floated the possibility of reallocating Harris County's budget to make flood control a greater priority.

"I don't think there's a subject more important than what we do about flooding," the judge said. "I think it has jumped to the top of the list, ahead of transportation, ahead of crime, flooding is the issue we long-term need to address."

Instead of considering a property tax rate hike, he would look to state lawmakers to provide Harris County another stream of revenue, such as a sales tax.

Gov. Greg Abbott's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, had not seen the options outlined by Emmett, but said senators were discussing what changes could be made statewide in Harvey's wake.

"I think everybody that looks at Harvey with a rational mind wants to change some things in the future," he said.

Included in the options Emmett outlined Monday were buyouts, not just of individual homes, but whole tracts of land. He said a wish-list of homes that are not already being targeted by projects, such as the upgrades on Brays Bayou, could cost $2.5 billion.

A regional flood control district could be modeled after the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District, created in 1975 to oversee the conversion from well water to surface water after sinking ground alarmed residents and public officials.

Emmett said given the repetitive flooding, the 100-year standard the county uses to design projects and regulate development, would need to be reexamined.

"We basically had three 500-year events in two years,' he said.

An additional reservoir and a levee in the northwest part of the county to back floodwaters from Cypress Creek - both part of the options Emmett outlined - had been part of an original U.S. Army Corps plan when it built the Addicks and Barker reservoirs. Those projects failed to materialize, however, and land costs became prohibitive as people moved in.

The Army Corps did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday afternoon.

At least two of Emmett's colleagues on Commissioners Court agreed with the broad strokes of his comments.

"I think the judge is spot on," said Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle, a Republican, whose own home flooded during Harvey. "I would like to see us not only go forward to the reservoir, which had been previously planned in the 1940's, but that we would also examine all of our bayous and our creekways in terms of trying to increase the green space and the areas for which our waters can flow to."

Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, the lone Democrat on Commissioners Court, said the county needs to take a holistic approach that considers "everything from the long-term effects of climate change on our region to proper and equitable infrastructure investments to meaningful planning restrictions."
A court ruling to seize a 41% stake in Zaporizhia-based PJSC Motor Sich as part of an investigation by the SBU Security Service of Ukraine into the legality of the sale of a controlling stake in the company has not affected its work, Motor Sich's top managers told Interfax-Ukraine.

"The enterprise is not the owner of the shares, and the court's decision to seize them could not affect its work. Currently, Motor Sich continues to operate as usual," a spokesman for the company's management told the agency on Tuesday.

Answering a question whether the court ruling, which was made public on Monday, September 11, could be appealed, the representative said: "In this situation, it is logical to assume a possible reaction to the seizure of the shares by foreign owners and investors of the company: it is likely that they can appeal against the seizure of the shares."

In this connection, the representative stressed that the company's position regarding the accusations brought by Ukrainian law-enforcement agencies was previously announced in a joint statement of the board of directors and trade unions of the company, and it has not changed to date.

"The acquisition and sale of Motor Sich shares in the stock market were handled by the enterprise in accordance with the procedure established by law, through licensed and state-controlled securities traders," the source said.

As Interfax-Ukraine reported, Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky District Court on passed a decision on September 7 to freeze 41.00087% of shares in PJSC Motor-Sich (Zaporizhia) owned by five offshore companies that are on the accounts of Dragon Capital custodian (Kyiv). This move was connected with suspicions of an attempt to withdraw the assets of the enterprise from Ukraine, which will lead to its liquidation.

"The pre-trial investigation established that since 2016 until the present time unidentified persons from among the incumbent and former officials and ultimate beneficial owners of Motor Sich, acting on a preliminary conspiracy to weaken the state by destroying the said enterprise, have carried out a number of transactions to sell the controlling stake in the company to foreign companies that intend to move the company's assets and production capacity outside Ukraine, which will lead to its liquidation and destruction," the document reads.

The court ruling authorized the seizure of 207,783 shares (9.99923%) owned by Skyrizon Aircraft Holdings Limited (the Virgin Islands), 359,727 shares (17.31%) owned by Business House Helena, AG, 64,733 shares (3.115%) owned by Enfields Trade & Capital Corp, 27,086 shares (1.3%) owned by Granum Corporation (all in Panama), and 192,665 shares (9.27%) held by Waldo Trade Ltd (the British Virgin Islands).

As established by the investigation, after the Motor Sich share purchase and sale transaction handled in 2016, some 56% of the company's shares are indirectly held by a Chinese citizen, the owner of Beijing Skyrizon Aviation Industry Investment Co.
Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday voted to ask the federal government for $17 million to purchase 104 homes at the highest risk of flooding even as more than 1,000 residents have called the Flood Control District in recent days to request buyouts of their Hurricane Harvey flood-damaged homes.

The grant application for Federal Emergency Management Agency buyout funds is part of an annual application to Washington based on flooding in the previous two years, meaning it may not include homes flooded during Harvey.

If approved, officials plan to use the funds to continue the county's slow, piecemeal process to buy and demolish some 3,300 homes located at least 2 feet below the floodplain, also known as "hopelessly deep."

An estimated 136,000 homes and structures across Harris County were flooded as Harvey dumped more than 51 inches of rain in some areas, sending water into some homes for the third time in as many years and sparking increased calls for buyouts from property owners and local officials alike.

More than 1,000 residents have expressed interest in receiving buyouts of their flood-soaked homes in recent days, adding to calls by top FEMA officials and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett to expand and speed up the buyout process.

"It's absolutely, by far, the most significant and the most volume I've ever seen," said James Wade, property acquisition manager for the Harris County Flood Control District. "And, of course, this is also the largest flood event to ever hit Harris County. I guess it goes hand in hand."

Flood control district Executive Director Russ Poppe declined to divulge the exact areas targeted in the county's latest application, saying he wanted to protect homeowners' privacy. He did, however, say that the homes being targeted for buyouts are scattered across the county rather than clustered in one area.

Generally, the district has targeted watersheds along Greens Bayou, Hunting Bayou, Cypress Creek and the San Jacinto River, among other areas. Future buyouts, Wade said, largely would follow in areas the district has pursued in the past.

The flood control district has identified 65 areas and roughly 3,300 homes across the county - including in the city of Houston - that would be conducive to buyouts.

'A lot more players'

To date, the county has bought out more than 3,000 homes since the 1980s, about a third of which purchased with local funds rather than federal money.

The program is voluntary: homeowners register their interest with the district, which then bundles homes into grant applications to the federal government. Residents in targeted homes would have their properties appraised and are supposed to receive fair market value from the district.

Buying all of the homes in the area targeted by the county - before Harvey - would cost about $650 million, Wade said.

The city of Houston, or other local jurisdictions also can buy out properties that flood repeatedly, but the flood control district by far has been the most active.

Roy Wright, FEMA's Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation who runs the National Flood Insurance Program, said in an interview with the Houston Chronicle last week that FEMA wanted to accelerate buyouts of properties that have flooded repeatedly.

It is unclear where that proposal stands. Poppe said he was waiting to hear from FEMA on the next steps, and FEMA spokesman Peter Herrick said Tuesday the discussion involved several different participants, including the state of Texas, which forwards FEMA grant applications from local jurisdictions to the federal government.

"There's a lot more players in the ball game here," he said.

A small step

On Monday, in a wide-ranging call to re-examine the region's approach to flood control, Emmett floated the idea of large-scale buyouts.

Emmett said a wish list of homes not already being targeted by flood control projects, such as the upgrades on Brays Bayou, could cost $2.5 billion.

He called Tuesday's grant application a small step to address a far larger problem.

"When you're talking about buyouts, it isn't enough," he said.

Officials estimate nearly 178,000 structures are in the county's floodplain, most of them built before regulations were implemented in the 1980s. Only a fifth of the county's 2,450 miles of bayous, creeks and drainage channels can contain a 100-year storm event.

Flood control officials estimate that providing 100-year-flood protection to all the homes in the county - through infrastructure upgrades or buyouts - would cost upward of $20 billion.

Wade said while the flood control district has asked for more than $17 million, it is possible it will be granted far less. The earliest the county could see funds from Tuesday's application would be early 2018, he added.
Legend has it that a smart little boy playing around with a primitive computer back in the 1970s figured out something none of his teachers at River Oaks Elementary School knew how to do. Long before other kids started poking quarters into Pac-Man machines, the resourceful fourth grader hooked his school's terminal up to a mainframe downtown. Then he invited his friends to join him and stay after school playing video games.

When the budding computer nerd came back home to Houston to help his alma mater celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2004, Jeff Bezos was on his way to becoming one of the richest men in the world.

Now the business he founded, Amazon, is looking for a place to establish its second U.S. headquarters. The company plans to spend more than $5 billion building what Bezos calls "a full equal" to its sprawling base in Seattle. We're a little biased, but we can't imagine a better place than Houston.

Amazon's announcement has already triggered a battle pitting big cities across America against each other. The company clearly wants to ignite a bidding war between local governments eager to lure the new corporate headquarters with lavish tax breaks and other lucrative concessions.

We've always been deeply skeptical about government officials showering corporations with tax enticements that amount to little more than corporate welfare. But what we have here is not some questionable deal to sweeten the pot for a retailer moving into a shopping strip. Amazon's new headquarters is a special case, a major new employer whose potential benefit to our city fully justifies offering generous economic development incentives.

Amazon's 50,000 proposed new jobs would make it the city's largest employer. Just as important, most of those jobs would pay well, averaging more than $100,000 a year. Houston would become home not just to another Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, but also to the nation's largest online retailer. Anyone who lived through the economic bust of the 1980s knows the critical importance of diversifying the city's employment base beyond the oil and gas industry; Amazon would instantly establish Houston as an international hub in the explosively expanding world of e-commerce.

The company issued an outline of "key preferences and decision drivers" that reads like a laundry list of everything Houston brags about. Amazon says it wants a "stable and business friendly environment and tax structure," a diverse population, excellent institutions of higher education, a highly educated labor pool and an international airport with daily direct flights to Seattle, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC. On the list of Amazon's requirements, Houston checks every box. If it wants verification, just ask ExxonMobil. The oil giant recently opened a similar state-of-the-art campus north of Houston. It's employees have one significant benefit: no state income tax.

Bezos has already invested heavily in Texas. Amazon just bought Whole Foods Market, which is based in Austin. His Blue Origin suborbital launch facility is located in Van Horn, a couple of hours drive east of El Paso. The company plans to build its largest wind project, Amazon Wind Farm Texas, in Scurry County, about midway between Lubbock and Abilene. And it's already announced plans for two fulfillment centers in our area.

"Houston's open for business," Mayor Sylvester Turner has said repeatedly in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Nothing would shout that message to the world louder than Amazon establishing its second U.S. headquarters here. We look forward to welcoming that kid who tinkered with a computer at River Oaks Elementary School back to his boyhood home.
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Houstonians banded together like never before. We rescued our neighbors from flooded homes, volunteered at shelters and went door to door mucking out the houses of complete strangers.

We didn't wait for outsiders to save us - we saved ourselves.

And that spirit must continue.

We support - and hope you will, too - Mayor Sylvester Turner's proposed temporary property tax increase. Houston will receive a sizable amount of state and federal relief funding. The city's insurance policies will eventually pay out. But it is incumbent on all Houstonians to contribute to the recovery effort, even if it means a higher tax bill in 2018.

Nobody particularly enjoys paying taxes, and we sympathize with homeowners who feel the mayor's proposal adds insult to injury. We especially feel for those facing the prospect of paying more taxes for flooded homes that are suddenly worth a lot less.

Unfortunately, the city has little choice. Houston desperately needs extra funding to get back to normal as quickly as possible. City Hall, the municipal courts complex, and two wastewater treatment plants suffered major damage. More than 300 city vehicles were destroyed by floodwaters. And the city is on the hook for $20 million of the $200 million cost for debris removal (FEMA is covering the rest).

In 2013, Houston voters approved a revenue cap that has forced the City Council to cut the property tax rate in each of the past four years. The rate is now 58.64 cents per $100 of appraised value, the lowest it has been since 1987.

But the revenue cap also included a provision allowing the city to temporarily raise taxes in an emergency. To echo the mayor, if this isn't an emergency, what is? Enacting the proposed increase would return the city for one year to the rate we paid from 2009 to 2013, 63.87 cents.

That means the average homeowner would pay $118 more to the city in 2018.

An extra $10 a month isn't likely to bankrupt anybody. Provided the city uses the extra revenue appropriately - and we have a city controller who is supposed to be watching - the money will help us rebuild and prepare for the next flood. The mayor has promised the emergency increase will expire after a year and the city will return to a rate dictated by the revenue cap. The city's voters and City Council can hold him to that promise.

All of Harris County has been penny wise and pound foolish. Our aversion to taxes in any form and the infrastructure they fund is certainly a contributing factor to the mess we're in today. Turner's plan is necessary to clean it up.

So again we say band together and help City Hall rebuild. Support the mayor as he asks for resources Houston needs in an emergency.
As our resilient community rebuilds from Hurricane Harvey, now is a good time to focus on the critical role of public transit, and to recognize its value not only during natural disasters, but also during normal times in a region facing burgeoning population.

As rain pummeled our city and flooding overtook neighborhoods, Metro moved 10,000 people into shelters, helped Red Cross supplies reach their destinations, and provided transit for essential services. Metro is now an important part of our recovery, moving folks to temporary shelters or back home, transporting many students back to school, and resuming our regular service to get Houstonians back to work and to a semblance of ordinary life. For those who have lost cars or whose parking garages remain flooded, Metro is a new lifeline.

But Harvey also illustrates that we must significantly enhance our transit system to accommodate our region's exploding growth.

Our region's population will reach 10 million by 2040, a 50 percent increase equivalent to adding the combined populations of San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Corpus Christi and Arlington.

These numbers take on real-world significance when applied to how we live, work, access medical care and education, play, and transport even larger numbers of people in a crisis. Metro provides 116 million rides a year now. Expansion to meet population growth is essential to keep our region thriving and livable.

Metro already reduces congestion for today's population. Our commuter buses eliminate 20,000 automobile trips each day on crowded highways, and our 100 miles of HOV/HOT lanes divert 25 million people annually from regular lanes. One-third of downtown Houston employees use Metro instead of cars to get to work.

But as our population grows, our mobility options must keep pace.

Adding enough cars and roads to handle the growth is not feasible. The Katy Freeway was widened at a cost of $2.8 billion a decade ago and is already congested again. Houston-Galveston Area Council researchers estimate that if vehicle miles traveled increase at the same rate as population growth, the Katy Freeway will need 40 lanes!

And for many, cars are not an option. A Metro customer survey revealed that 45 percent of local bus patrons do not have access to vehicles and must rely on Metro for access to jobs, schools, health care and other resources.

For others, including many millennials, walking and transit are preferable and expected options in a vibrant community.

Transit accessibility is one of the most influential factors when choosing a neighborhood, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Fortunately, a robust public transit system is a sound economic investment. Research shows that, on a yearly basis, households can save $10,100 a year taking transit.

The larger region benefits too. According to the American Public Transportation Association, 87 percent of public transit trips impact the economy; every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns; every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates more than 50,000 jobs; and every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $32 million in increased business sales.

Transit also enhances property values. A Harris County Appraisal District three-year comparative study of property values within a one-mile radius of Metro rail lines reflected a 31 percent increase in value, from $58 billion to $76.3 billion.

Thus, high-capacity transit - regular buses, bus rapid transit, enhanced HOV lanes, various types of rail where appropriate, and all other feasible options for moving large numbers of people - is a sensible, comparatively cost-effective, and, in fact, critical part of our region's future.

In collaboration with the Houston-Galveston Area Council and other community partners, Metro is developing a Regional Transit Plan to meet our region's current and future transit needs. We hope our region's residents will participate in our robust community involvement process, which includes public meetings and online input at www.ridemetro.org. We are considering all ideas about the corridors or sections of town that need enhanced service, and the type of transit best suited for that corridor. New developments in transportation, such as autonomous vehicles and the role of transportation network companies (think Uber and Lyft), are important considerations in our planning.

And as we plan, we are always focused on enhancing the ridership experience by adding bus shelters and other amenities, enhancing safety and improving accessibility for those with impaired mobility.

If public transit can step up as 50 inches of rain falls, we can handle what comes next, whether it's a population explosion or a community crisis. With your help, we are ready for the challenge.

Patman is chairman of Metro.
Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens assured black faith leaders Monday in St. Louis the rights of peaceful protesters will be protected if unrest occurs after a judge rules in a former police officers murder trial.

But after the meeting at Washington Metropolitan AME Zion Church, the Republican governor stressed any protest veering into violence will not be tolerated.

Everyone has the constitutional right to peacefully protest, and we will protect those rights, Greitens said after talking privately with several dozen members of the clergy and other religious leaders.

But he warned, Flipping cars and burning homes is not the way to have a conversation.

Former St. Louis officer Jason Stockleys trial ended last month, but Judge Timothy Wilson has yet to rule.

The shooting death of 24-year-old Anthony Lamar Smith, who was black, by Stockley, who is white, reignited racial tensions in a region still healing from the 2014 fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.

Activists have threatened civil disobedience that could include shutting down highways, airports or businesses if Stockley is acquitted in Smiths 2011 death.

Barricades have been placed around two courthouses in downtown St. Louis and the police station.

For anyone who would come here and try and use a tragedy and the pain of this community for violence and destruction, they should know this: not on our watch, Greitens said. Not on our watch.

Greitens said he has met with St. Louis police leaders, state law-enforcement officials and others preparing for possible unrest, but he declined to share details about any plans. He has not ruled out using the National Guard.

At least one of the pastors who met with Greitens warned against the sort of military-style response that drew criticism in the early days of the protests that followed the Aug. 9, 2014, shooting of Brown, who was black and unarmed.

If a militarized police presence shows up, that will incite a certain response, said Linden Bowie, president of the Missionary Baptist State Convention.

He said faith leaders are opposed to violence but have no direct control over demonstrators.

More protests came after a St. Louis County grand jury in November 2014 declined to indict Darren Wilson, the white Ferguson officer who shot Brown. Wilson later resigned.

The handling of the protests in Ferguson, a St. Louis suburb, drew criticism not just for the militarized response that many thought fanned the anger of demonstrators.

Some said then-Gov. Jay Nixon should have been more aggressive in bringing in the National Guard to stop looting and violence. During the gubernatorial campaign last fall, Greitens was critical of Nixons response in Ferguson.

The encounter that led to Smith being shot began when Stockley and his partner tried to corner Smith in a fast-food restaurant parking lot after seeing what appeared to be a drug deal.

Stockley testified he saw what he believed was a gun, and his partner yelled, Gun! as Smith backed into the police SUV twice to get away.

Dashboard-camera video during the chase captured Stockley, saying, Going to kill this (expletive deleted), dont you know it. Defense attorney Neil Bruntrager said it was a heat-of-the-moment comment that came after Smith nearly ran over the officers.

Prosecutors alleged Stockley planted a gun in Smiths car after shooting him. They said the gun had Stockleys DNA on it, but not Smiths.

Stockley, 36, who left the police force in 2013 and moved to Houston, denied he planted the gun. He testified he felt he was in imminent danger when he opened fire.

Greitens said the judges ruling has the potential to hurt many people.

We have to listen to those who are angry, help those who are hurting, and comfort those who are upset, the governor said.

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The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine intends to privatize public joint-stock company Centrenergo (in spring 2018), public joint-stock company United Mining and Chemical Company, public joint-stock company Agrarian Fund, public joint-stock company Odesa Oil Refinery, public joint-stock company Odesa Port-Side Plant, public joint-stock company Ukrgasbank, state-owned enterprise (SOE) Ukrspyrt and other enterprises, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said.

"We are interested in having investors  high quality, competitive, with new technologies and new governance quality. The new bill [it was presented at a meeting of the National Reforms Council on Tuesday] creates equal rules for attracting investors. People at enterprises are waiting for new labor conditions and new technologies," he said at a meeting of the National Reforms Council, the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers reported.

The prime minister said that no more than 100 companies should remain strategic and state-owned in Ukraine. They could be modernized, corporatized and transferred to new management standards aimed at boosting their profits. The rest of over 3,000 facilities should be divided into facilities for concession or privatization.

"We offer large enterprises and companies operating in the unregulated sectors. State-owned company Centrenergo in spring 2018 is among them, as well as United Mining and Chemical Company, State Food-Grain Corporation, Agrarian Fund, Odesa Oil Refinery that was returned to the state, Odesa Port-Side Plant, Ukrgasbank, Turboatom, Ukrspyrt and other enterprises," he said.
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er decades of inferior arrangements, contract and part-time workers in Japan can look forward to better job security despite its potential to squeeze companies profits.



These contract and part-time workers, which make up to a third of Japans labor force, receive lower wages, with pay averaging at 211,800 (US$1,924) last year compared to 321,700 (US$2,932) for regular workers, Reuters reported. They also enjoy fewer benefits and are easy to hire and fire.



The shift is occasioned by Japans aging and declining population that has resulted in a tight labor market. In 2015, the number of full-time permanent workers stopped falling for the first time in eight years, according to the labor ministry. It has grown by about 800,000 since then to reach 33.7 million.

And last year, the share of non-regular workers stopped rising for the first time in seven years, now hovering at 37.5% of the total workforce.



The trend is expected to continue. A revised labor contract law, which will be in force next April, will also require companies to provide permanent status to temporary workers who have served for more than five years, if they request it.



We consider this as necessary investment for the future rather than a burden, Mayumi Kuroda, a spokeswoman for Credit Saison, told Reuters. This month her company plans to turn 2,200 part-timers and contract workers into regulars.



These employees will qualify for bonuses and benefits, such as retirement plans, when they join the regular ranks.



We are fully aware of the risk that keeping employees as regular workers will raise fixed personnel costs, said Takayoshi Hontao, chairman of Going.com.



But Muneaki Harada, president of plastering firm Harada Sakan, said the benefits outweigh the costs. Theres a risk of fixing costs, but I believe benefits outweigh costs, he said.



Expected benefits come in the form of keeping up motivation and boosting creativity.



When the company offered me a permanent job last year, I felt I was needed, which has increased my motivation. It opened the doors for my promotion to a section chief, and a pay raise, Mami Tanaka, a 29-year-old employee at Going.com, told Reuters.



Japans employment system has suffered since the early 1990s after an asset bubble burst. Companies with excess capacity and debt leaned toward non-regular workers to cut their costs. The practice has, however, curbed wages and consumer spending.



Its a step in the right direction, Takahiko Uesugi, a human resources section chief at Treebell Co., a computer system services provider, told Reuters.



The IT industry has relied so much on contract workers. It gives a bad impression that engineers are working under a poor labor environment. It has gone too far.


Apple is scrambling to identify the person behind the leak of its upcoming iPhone 8, with tech insiders speculating that a rogue employee tried to sabotage the companys product launch.Details of the newest iPhone were revealed when two news sites were given code for Apples newest iOS operating system, the BBC reports.The code revealed the company is planning to announce two iPhone 8 handsets, an iPhone X, and a new Apple Watch, at its product launch on Tuesday.The secretive tech giant takes great pains to keep new releases under wraps until its product launches, with the revelations prompting speculation an employee had tried to sabotage the company.The BBC reported that an anonymous source provided at least two tech blogs with links to Apples iOS master code, which enabled them to download software from the companys service.I'm nearly certain this wasn't a mistake, but rather a deliberate malicious act by a rogue Apple employee, tech blogger John Gruber wrote.Whoever did this is the least popular person in Cupertino (the California city where Apple is headquartered). More surprises were spoiled by this leak than any leak in Apple history.Apple employees and suppliers are required to sign extensive non-disclosure agreements, which reportedly ban workers from mentioning the company on their social media pages.Information is said to be distributed on a need-to-know basis, with different parts made by different suppliers to limit workers' knowledge of prototypes, including in windowless rooms on tightly-guarded campuses.Apple has not yet responded to the leak.Want the latest HR news direct to your inbox? Sign up for HRD Canada's daily newsletter

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Ukrzaliznytsia intends to launch UZ Cargo freight company at full capacity from 2018

Public joint-stock company Ukrzaliznytsia intends to launch UZ Cargo freight company at a full capacity early next year.

An Interfax-Ukraine correspondent has reported that that Ukrzaliznytsia acting Board Chairman Yevhen Kravtsov gave the information on Tuesday, presenting the company's development strategy.

"The freight company was created earlier. I think that from January 1, 2018 it will start operating at a full capacity," he said.

As reported, early 2017, it was decided to separate branch of Ukrzaliznytsia UZ Cargo and create UZ Cargo International, which will help developing international operations.
Farid_Ahmed via Getty Images

The last fortnight's spotlight on the Rohingya people of Myanmar has uncovered a ghastly truth that they are facing state sponsored genocide. In an address to the UN, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights denounced the "brutal security operation" against the Rohingya in Rakhine state, which he said was "clearly disproportionate" to insurgent attacks carried out last month.

"I call on the government to end its current cruel military operation, with accountability for all violations that have occurred, and to reverse the pattern of severe and widespread discrimination against the Rohingya population... The situation seems a textbook example of ethnic cleansing."

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The Myanmar regime continues to deny the Rohingya citizenship and blame them for a range of ills, dehumanising them to the rest of the population whilst it continues to carry out murder on an industrial scale. Hitler dehumanised the Jewish people in Germany before the Holocaust, the Serbs dehumanised the Bosnian Muslims leading to the Srebrenica genocide. The Myanmar government and its Buddhist extremists are doing the same thing.

History shows us that without external intervention the systematic butchery of a people will only continue through this state sponsored mass murder and burning of entire villages. The British and US governments have equivocated over the issue, failing to recognise the ethnic cleansing that is taking place in the face of China and India backing of Myanmar's actions without reservation. The UK government's complicity in allowing this to go ahead is demonstrated by the continuing programme of support for training the Myanmar army by educating soldiers in "democracy, leadership and the English language". This support costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of Pounds each year has continued despite Child Soldier International recording Myanmar's recruitment of hundreds of child soldiers and being accused by the Women's League of Burma of using rape as a weapon of war over many years.

Meanwhile the UN Security Council, the only body that would be able to take collective action against Myanmar, refuses to hold an open session to discuss the barbarity being witnessed on our television screens. If the Security Council truly wanted to stop the mass murder and ethnic cleansing taking place, it would force Myanmar to take the following steps:

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1.Create a safe zone for Rohingya refugees to return to their homes and villages. The Rohingya people must have the opportunity to bury their dead, reclaim and rebuild their homes, their land & their lives. The entire Rakhine state must be declared a safe haven by the UN and all military land or air activities by the Myanmar military must be prohibited.

2.Short term aid for refugee camps in Bangladesh and for those suffering within Myanmar must be provided immediately with the UN insisting using military force if necessary to ensure this aid reaches those in need. Western powers must provide Bangladesh and aid agencies with the necessary investment to ensure that in the short term it can cope with and support those seeking shelter in Bangladesh.

3.UN peacekeepers should be placed in Rakhine state with all Myanmar military or security personnel withdrawn. An immediate end to all forms of violence must be declared. A restored peace to then be monitored and maintained by the peacekeepers.

4.Give every Rohingya their Myanmar citizenship. They have lived there for generations, in some cases for hundreds of years. Making a people stateless is a clear violation of their basic human rights and part of the Myanmar regime's ongoing campaign to dehumanise them as a people.

5.The UN must send an investigation team to Rakhine to uncover the truth. The brutal oppression and persecution that is circulating on social media of gang rape, burning people alive, hacking people to death and burying men, women & children alive must be investigated. Every violation must be uncovered and the perpetrators tried and punished.

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6.The UN must implement an international arms embargo and strong economic sanctions against Myanmar. It is shameful that many European countries alongside Israel, China and Russia have been at the forefront of selling weapons to the Myanmar military junta. The dirty and unethical arms trade must stop now.

7.The UN should bring to trial Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hliang and Aung San Suu Kyi in The Hague for ethnic cleansing. It is under their leadership that these massacres have taken place and they must be held responsible. There should be international arrest warrants issued and all their international assets must be frozen.

8.The UN should subsequently support the development of a truth and reconciliation commission to defuse ethnic tensions in Myanmar. Ultimately the various ethnic and religious groups must learn to coexist. A commission to uncover the truth will help heal the long-standing division in Myanmar. Whether Buddhist, Hindu or Muslim all the people of Myanmar must live together in peace and harmony. A commission with a clear brief to help heal the communities will bring longer term peace and security to the country and region.

9.As well as the UN, other parties could take unilateral action. Aung San Suu Kyi's Nobel peace prize must be revoked. The Nobel Prize belongs to the best of human beings and not someone who by her words and inaction has demonstrated herself quite simply to be a racist, genocidal psychopath. This is not hyperbole - if you turn a blind eye to genocide when you could exert influence to stop it happening, you are as guilty as the soldiers who pull the trigger. She denies the rights of the Rohingya people and blames the victim for her government's own crimes. She should be stripped of this honour. We must demand that the Noble Prize committee strips Ms Suu Kyi of this title immediately. Tweet @NobelPrize to add to the voice of thousands who have already lobbied the Nobel Prize committee to revoke her award.

10.The Bangladeshi government must take more robust stance against Myanmar as it is destabilising Bangladesh and creating insecurity along its border. It should offer to send its troops as part of a UN peacekeeping mission. It seems more concerned with keeping its genocide endorsing friends China and India happy than in protecting thousands of people at threat of being butchered on its doorstep. Bangladesh must stand with the oppressed and against the oppressor.

As individual British citizens, at the very least we can shame the UK government into cancelling the farcical 'democracy training' for the genocidal Myanmar army. If we continue to provide such support it makes our country, our people, financial accomplices to genocide. We must raise our voices against our government's inaction and demand an immediate end to this support for the Myanmar army.
Christopher Furlong via Getty Images

In my sixteen years as a sex worker, I've met no-one without an opinion about how I earn a living. Often those opinions are strongly held and deeply personal. Although such feelings are entirely valid on an individual basis, they are not an adequate foundation for policy decisions.

Few people are familiar with UK law on prostitution, which is complicated, unclear and extensively criminalises people who sell sex and our clients. I've met few campaigners for criminalisation who seem to understand the three different legal models and often use the terms "legalisation" and "decriminalisation" interchangeably as if ignorant of their enormous differences. Legalisation holds sway in Nevada, Amsterdam and Germany, automatically criminalising any who do not comply with the regulatory regime - this may include those unwilling to register with the state, undergo high cost compulsory frequent medical checks or who wish to work in their own premises rather than large venues controlled by someone else.

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Decriminalisation, the removal of laws relating to consensual adult sexual behaviour, has been instituted nationwide only in New Zealand.

By far the most common approach is criminalisation, the position in Britain, the US and Sweden. The so-called "Swedish model" does not decriminalise people who sell sex as it is still illegal for us to work together and police cannot identify clients without targeting sex workers. The police in Nordic countries have variously: advocated filming us having sex with clients without our knowledge (Sweden), threatened landlords with prosecution for renting accommodation to alleged sex workers (Norway), and been accused of gang rape by sex workers (Sweden again).

TUC Congress will today debate a motion from train drivers' union ASLEF, asking for support for full and complete decriminalisation of consensual adult sex work.

We believe sex workers should have the same rights as every other worker in this country. This includes their right to join a trade union and organise.

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Current legislation forces these workers to work alone leaving them vulnerable to crime and afraid to report violence to the police through of fear of arrest. Decriminalisation would increase sex workers' safety, enhance access to health services and end criminal records - thereby making exiting the industry easier. We hope for an informed debate and a positive result for some of the most stigmatised workers in society.

Rights, respect and decriminalisation are the demands from a global movement of hundreds of thousands of sex workers - trade unionists know the solution to exploitation and abuse in any industry is the promotion of full human, civil and labour rights for those involved. GMB takes a lot of flak for including sex workers - yet trades union membership is in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is illegal for sex workers to share premises or organise work with others - but freedom of association is a fundamental right. And criminalisation deprives sex workers of equal protection of the law because people who sell sex do not trust the police not to prosecute them or their clients.

Ugly Mugs, the anti-violence project dedicated to sex workers' protection, sees the consequences of criminalisation. Only one in four sex workers reporting crimes to Ugly Mugs are willing to have contact with the police. This falls to zero in areas that actively enforce criminalisation, allowing violent perpetrators to operate with impunity.

CEO Georgina Perry says: "Every day, sex workers are told that the 'crime' of association with other sex workers, the 'crime' of seeking business, makes them liable to prosecution rather than protection and if they become victims of crime then this is less important than the laws they are breaking.

"National Ugly Mugs exists because the law actively discriminates against sex workers and this is wrong. We call for complete decriminalisation of all laws relating to the sale and purchase of sexual services."

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Although this view is controversial within the union movement, the need for decriminalisation is widely accepted, particularly in the public health field. Public health policy is driven by the evidence of 'what works' and both UNAIDS and the World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as myriad national and local bodies, acknowledge that treating sex workers as entitled to self-determination with the right and capacity to make decisions for themselves is the most effective way to tackle disease and violence. Amnesty International has undertaken extensive research on sex workers' lives under different legal regimes - and concluded that decriminalisation was the most effective way to improve our lives and increase our safety.

Prostitution is having sex for money, and neither having sex nor getting paid is inherently abusive, exploitative or harmful. Yes, there are people in prostitution who are coerced or drug dependent or have otherwise limited choices - the problem is coercion, drug dependency, lack of choice, social exclusion and stigmatisation. By confusing prostitution with a whole host of other problems, we allow those problems to continue to flourish. It is vulnerability that creates victims. We demand our rights and we demand justice.
Nearly half a million people in the UK are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) every year. There are many associated complications to contracting a sexually transmitted disease; your health can be affected, there is often a social stigma attached to STI carriers and, your current and/or future fertility may be put at risk. As a matter of fact, as many as one quarter of all infertility cases are thought to be caused by a previous case of STI.

As it is Sexual Health Week 2017, I will discuss the common issues associated with STIs and fertility:

1. Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious condition; PID is an infection in the upper genital tract and can be either asymptomatic or symptomatic. It is a serious condition because it can permanently damage the uterus and the fallopian tubes. However, if PID is mild and treated early, your chances of conceiving are high. Sadly, if you have severe PID or it goes untreated, the chances of your tubes becoming blocked are higher. It's estimated that one in five women with PID have fertility problems.

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2. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be very dangerous; Both infections present absolutely no obvious symptoms at all, so you might not even realise that you're infected. Therefore, it's extremely important to get tested regularly -- the longer you're infected with chlamydia or gonorrhoea, the greater the likelihood that these infections will damage your fallopian tubes and future fertility. It also means that you may be inadvertently infecting a partner, impacting their future fertility as well.

3. Gonorrhoea is the second most common bacterial STI in the UK; About 50% of women with the infection are asymptomatic. Symptoms and diagnosis are similar to that of chlamydia, although the vaginal discharge can often be watery, yellow or green. The infection is easily treated with antibiotics, but can lead to serious long-term health problems, including infertility, if left unsuccessfully treated.

4. Herpes; In most cases, the herpes virus does not affect either a woman or a man's ability to conceive. However, the biggest detriment that herpes will have on a couple's fertility is the need to abstain from intercourse during an outbreak in either partner. This can limit their chances of conceiving depending on how long the outbreak is and how often they experience 'flare ups'.

5. Male infertility; The negative impact of chlamydia on male infertility is often underestimated. Chlamydia in men can damage sperm and cause scarring in the reproductive tract (which can lead to permanent infertility). It is estimated around 25 - 50% of all male chlamydia cases go completely unnoticed

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Hedy Lamarr was a famous Hollywood actor best known for her role in Samson & Delilah; she also was the inventor of a weapons communication system that was a precursor to wireless technologies including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Her story represents the perfect counter-example to many preconceived ideas: that beauty and brains don't go together; that science is not feminine; but also, that people are either artistic or science-orientated.

Opposing the sciences to the humanities, particularly the arts, has been a persistent trend over recent decades, with countless debates and essays focused on demonstrating that one is more important than the other. Sometimes contextualised as the left side of the brain versus the right side - or logical thinking versus artistic creativity - the two are often described as polar opposites. The split was famously discussed in The Two Cultures, the first part of an influential 1959 Rede Lecture given by British scientist and novelist C. P. Snow.

This idea that one is either "arty" or "scientific" likely finds its roots in psychological research, which suggests that two types of thinkers can be distinguished: convergent thinkers, who are more likely to be good at science subjects at school and divergent thinking, who are more common in the arts and humanities. Such research was however carried out decades ago, since then, studies have shown that convergent and divergent thinking abilities aren't systematically innate, neither are they necessarily mutually exclusive. Importantly, new evidence shows considerable overlap in the cognitive processes supporting both scientific and artistic creativity and supports the idea that art and science students have similar creative problem solving skills.

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Despite this, the divide is still very much alive in school and university environments, where art and science faculties are well separated and introduced to students as leading to very different career options. Unsurprisingly, maybe, reports show that students do tend to categorise themselves as either an artist or a scientist. More alarmingly, a large proportion of children perceive science as an uncreative discipline with little opportunity for autonomy, discussion and design, best suited to the brainiest in the class. Science and creativity have been reported to be seen by students as opposite - whereby a career containing one cannot contain the other.

Opposing arts and sciences, combined with the subsequent stereotypical view that scientists and other logical thinkers are less likely to be artistic or creative, could have unintended consequences, likely contributing to reduced levels of, and less diverse participation in, key subjects at A-level and beyond. Reports indeed show that girls are far more likely to aspire to arts-related careers, with 64 per cent of girls aspiring to careers in the arts among 12-13 year old students.

At the same time, the idea that girls are more creative than boys has been widely promoted, with e.g. government figures reporting that 71% of five-year-old girls are imaginative in art and design, music, dance, role play and stories (compared with 52% of boys). It isn't then far stretched to assume that the gender divide in career aspirations at a young age is driven by societal expectations linking gender and creative abilities, and that these stereotypes ultimately contributes to the under-representation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

If we are to successfully diversify the STEM workforce, we do need, among other things, to stop propagating this idea that science and art live in separated boxes. Countless scientists have indeed been known to engage in arts and crafts pursuits, and in many cases science has allowed people to be artistic in ways they could not possibly have imagined: just think about the physics and maths behind games or movie post-production. Similarly, the arts do not just provide ways to illustrate and visualise current science and technology; they drive innovation - as illustrated by many science fiction books and movies that introduced technologies way before they were made possible.

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To demonstrate that creativity is at the core of both science and the arts, Soapbox Science, an initiative that brings cutting-edge science to the streets and promote gender equality in STEM careers, is launching a new series of events which will see pairs from the contrasting disciplines collaborate to explore ways of communicating their chosen topics and presenting them at UK art festivals. The series is kicking off at the London Thamesmead Festival on Saturday 16 September, with events also planned for Light Night in Leeds at the beginning of October and Lincoln's Frequency Festival at the end of the month.
PATRICK HERTZOG via Getty Images

The wind, says Jean-Claude Juncker, is back in Europe's sails. How wrong he is. In fact, the good ship Europe is sinking.

Ian Kearns and I have tried to sketch out the looming crisis weakening the West beyond the tragi-comedy of Brexit; the threats at our borders from countries like Russia, the new ambitions of China to roll East, and the crisis in the Atlantic alliance with America.

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But perhaps most corrosive of all, is the creeping crisis of democratic values threatening our ideals within Europe itself.

If there is one idea at the absolute core of European values, and indeed the European Convention on Human Rights, it is the idea of the rule of law. But what does that actually mean?

Well, in 2016 the Venice Commission -- part of the Council of Europe -- drew up a checklist around the consensus of the core elements covered by notions like Rule of Law, Rechtsstaat and Etat de droit. They are simple common sense ideals like: legality, legal certainty, the prohibition of arbitrariness, access to justice, respect for human rights, non-discrimination and equality before the law. Basic stuff.

But at last week's Council of Europe committee in Paris, a draft motion was passed revealing just how these ideas are under threat across a host of European nations. The key resolution is blunt. It warns that recent events "put at risk respect for the rule of law, and, in particular, the independence of the judiciary and the principle of the separation of powers."

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"This is mainly due to tendencies to:

limit the independence of the judiciary made though attempts to politicize the judicial councils and the courts (mainly in Bulgaria, Poland and Turkey),

massive revocation of judges and prosecutors (Turkey) or attempts to do so (Poland) and;

tendencies to limit the legislative power of the parliament (the Republic of Moldova, Romania and Turkey).

Moreover, corruption, which is a major challenge to the rule of law, remains a wide-spread phenomenon in Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova and Romania."

This is, bluntly, a crisis of values that demands our attention. The West cannot be strong abroad, when its basic ideals, its traditions, its way of life, are in such peril at home. Not least when this failure is coupled with such a faltering economic performance.

One way to look at this to look at this is to look the economic growth rates in economically and politically 'free' countries like Europe compared to the 'unfree' nations. If you believe that economic and political freedom are linked (as I do), you would assume that 'free' countries grow faster. For much of the post-war era that has indeed been true. But no longer.

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Back in 1980, countries defined as more economically free (using data from the Canadian-based Fraser Institute) grew on average by 3.8% - that's much faster than the 2.1% scored in nations with a below average 'economic freedom' score. By 2014, a different story emerges. Nations with a below average economic freedom score are growing at 3.97% - as opposed to the 3.1% scored in nations that are more free.

So: is the wind back in Europe's sails? I don't think so. Indeed, the biggest threat to Europe's future is precisely the sort of complacency that Mr Juncker offered us with such ill-judged brio.
Parinya Suwanitch via Getty Images

This may sound crazy, but I'm about to explain how the current plans in Parliament could allow Government to postpone the next General Election if it sees fit, and for as long as it chooses.

The Government has won two votes in Parliament this week - the second reading of the EU (Withdrawal) Bill (formerly the Great Repeal Bill), and a change to the makeup of Parliamentary Committees. The interaction between these two grants Government powers beyond imagination and reason.

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Firstly, a bit of Parliamentary background for those who don't already know it (and aren't already bored stupid by Parliamentary shenanigans).

Statutory Instruments (Sis) are a mechanism by which ministers can make minor changes to existing laws without the full argy-bargy of Parliament. For instance, changing the points system for motoring offences could be done under an SI without taking up parliamentary time. This mechanism is often criticised because it bypasses debate in Parliament and is thus open to abuse (& have been much used by recent Governments for just this reason). Instead of possible amendments and a vote, SIs go to a Parliamentary committee to pass or reject wholesale - and thereby pass into law.

The traditional composition of many Parliamentary Committees is that they contain MPs from the different parties in accordance to the number of seats they have in the House. So a Majority Government would have a majority of places on committees, official Opposition would have fewer places, and so on down. Last night a Government proposal was passed changing this rule to give the Government a majority of places on many committees, despite not having a Commons majority.

The EU (Withdrawal) Bill contains provisions for so-called "Henry VIII" powers, allowing ministers to amend, repeal and improve laws "as they deem appropriate to assist the Brexit process". Under the Bill, changes would take place under "Delegated Legislation", which are in effect Statutory Instruments.

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There is an obvious necessity for many EU laws which will be copied into UK law at Brexit time to be changed - for instance, where an EU body oversees some aspects of UK life which will be replaced by a UK body. But the relevant clauses in the Bill do not limit these powers to just EU laws - any existing UK law can be amended. Which brings us to the Fixed Term Parliaments Act (FTPA).

The FTPA (as anyone who has got this far probably knows) means Parliament will sit for a fixed 5-year term rather than the Prime Minister of the day calling a General Election when it suits them (yes, yes, I know). But it does limit the life of a Parliament to five years.

...except that under the Withdrawal Bill, a minister could argue that the Brexit process is still incomplete (it certainly won't be done & dusted by 2022) hence an amendment to the FTPA is needed to give Parliament more time. That change could be effected through Delegated Legislation and approved by a Government-headed committee. Hey Presto - Government for as long as Brexit persists.

There are safeguards built in to the Bill, the main one being that it applies only for the duration of this Parliament - but we see the obvious problem there. Plus there are 136 proposed amendments lined up for the Bill which of course could change things dramatically. But as it stands it's not a huge leap of imagination to think Government could use the powers they have to extend their stay.

Obviously this sounds mad - how could a Government get away with extending its own tenure, trampling over long-established constitutional principles? There'd be a Constitutional Crisis! Except that is exactly what they are doing now in the name of Brexit.

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The Withdrawal Bill gives ministers powers far in excess of what many believe they need, and bypasses Parliament in ways not seen for hundreds of years (they're not called Henry VIII powers for nothing). Government argued that these powers are necessary to allow Brexit to proceed without becoming "bogged down in Parliament" (i.e. by allowing Parliament Sovereignty over UK law). Clauses in the Bill even allow Government to change the scope of the bill itself after it's been passed.

The proposal for changes to Committee makeup used the same argument, that Brexit-related law changes could otherwise be rejected by Committee. Which is precisely what they are there for - to prevent bad law making.

One final change introduced in this Parliament, the annual Queen's Speech outlining the Government plans (with a Parliamentary vote which could topple a Government if defeated) have been shelved. The Queen is literally being pushed out of the way in the name of Taking Back Control.

In debates, Government has said "Trust us - we won't abuse powers in this Bill". So if you trust Government not to overstep their authority in this way, we've nothing to worry about.
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White Terrace Apartment Fire Ruled Accidental

Firefighters battle a blaze in the middle building of White Terrace Apartments. PreviousNext

Update: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 10:52 p.m.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Fire officials say the fire was caused by a battery charging on a bed and then catching the mattress on fire.

Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski said the electronic device set the mattress on fire. Doors were left open, allowing the fire to quickly spread to other units. From there, tenants on the third floor evacuated, leaving doors open and the fire expanded from there.

Czerwinski asks residents to remember to close doors to help restrict fire expansion.

Czerwinski said the building is "heavily damaged" but is still be assessed.

In total four people were transported to Berkshire Medical Center for treatment from the fire. all of the injuries were minor and no one was admitted. Only one of those were treated for injuries related to the fire while the other three were transported for minor issues not related to the fire.



A pet rabbit is among pets rescued from the building. Original: Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 9:26 p.m. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  At least two dozen people were forced from their White Terrace homes when their building caught fire.

The middle building of the three structures that make up White Terrace Apartments off North Street, two blocks from Berkshire Medical Center, was fully involved with flames and smoke pouring from the third floor.

The reports of a fire came in around 6:42 p.m. and firefighters and equipment from Dalton Hinsdale, Lanesborough and Lenox responded at the scene or to cover the Pittsfield station.

Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski said firefighters found heavy fire coming from the third floor on the front windows and west side of 6 White Terrace. "This was going pretty good," he said. "When I left my home in west Pittsfield, I had heavy smoke showing on West Housatonic Street." Firefighters attacking the blaze also found a tenant out on the east side fire escape who was rescued and taken to Berkshire Medical Center.

All 25 occupants of the dozen apartments in the building were evacuated. Czerwinski said it wasn't clear if the other two buildings had tenants at this time.

Mayor Linda Tyer, speaking to reporters at the scene shortly after 9 p.m., said she did not have details of the blaze she felt comfortable sharing at that point. She did, however, say the residents evacuated were being attended to.

"Our first concerns are the residents who have been displaced ... we've brought them down to the Senior Center so they'll be warm and have a place to feel safe and comfortable while we wait for the Red Cross," the mayor said. "We have 24-25 residents, some of them with young children, some of them with pets so there's a little bit of a process."

She was not aware of any serious injuries but there was, she said, "a lot of heartache."

The Salvation Army was also a the scene to help families displaced by the fire. People also brought pet carriers and food to help with the animals taken from the building.

North Street was closed to all vehicle traffic from Linden Street to Wahconah Street as firefighters battled the blaze.

Czerwinski said the cause is unknown at this point and it was hard to determine where the fire had started because it was burning on two ends and moved quickly through the building. "The construction of this building was very difficult to work with because there's a lot of void spaces and that's the same trouble we've run into with previous fires," he said. "There are a number of ways for that fire to communicate from floor to floor." The fire chief recalled several times when the department had responded to fires in the grouping of apartment buildings. One about 25 years had also been pretty significant, he said.

The fire attracted a crowd of at least a couple hundred people in the densely settled area. In the crowd on North Street, a number of people were seen being taken away on stretchers as smoke billowed over North Street. Police Chief Michael Wynn said the bystanders had to be pushed back twice and police tape put up to mark off the street and prevent people from getting too close to where the firefighters were working. Shift officer Lt. Michael Grady had committed the entire shift to the scene was was calling for more patrols officers, Wynn said. Two came in immediately and some came in early from the midnight shift. "Any critical incident like this is going to tax our resources and we have to call additional personnel in," he said. "Plus, while the critical incident is occurring, they're still trying to answer calls in the city." At one point, the force was down to three available officers and one of those was pulled to do security at the Froio Senior Center, where apartment evacuees were taken.

Built around the turn of the last century, the three buildings have gone through a number of renovations over the years. The latest proposal is a nearly $9 million revamping of all three buildings to create 41 market-rate apartments.

Czerwinski said the department was holding the scene for the state fire marshal and police investigators to determine the cause. The department was also looking into whether the fire alarms were activated; the report apparently came in as a phone call.
Northern Berkshire Community Coalition Executive Director Amber Besaw kicks off the first forum since spring on Friday, Sept. 8.

Coalition Brainstorms Needs of Northern Berkshire Community



Michael Obasohan, coordinator of the MCLA Multicultural Education Resource Center, makes a point about the importance of encouraging diversity and acceptance in the community.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Some familiar topics made the list of concerns that were articulated at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition's annual "needs assessment" forum: transportation, addiction, health care and poverty.

But on Friday, at the first monthly forum of the year, the 70 or so participants had a bit of a different kind of conversation about the community's needs: namely, how to shape how Northern Berkshire County wants to define itself going forward.

The subject was broached by local educator Kimberly Roberts-Morandi, who said students participating in MCLA's Summer Leadership Academy studied the issue of community identity by interviewing 70 people. Those conversations, she said, shared a common thread.

"They feel as though we don't have a real identity," she said.

That sparked a conversation about the divisions that exist in the community between lifelong and new residents, for example, or between artists and those who worked in manufacturing.

"Not everyone can open a restaurant or be an artist," said Mark Rondeau, president of the Friendship Center Food Pantry, adding that he sees the need for a "common discussion among groups."

Author Joe Manning said embracing a shared identity that includes the past, present and future is key to growing and surviving. That means accepting a changing population  "immigrants" from both foreign countries and other states  while still remembering what it is that people like about living here.

"You can't renew a community without new people," Manning said. "If you don't get people moving in here, the community will die.  There's got to be every welcoming side you can have."

That also includes figuring out how to retain students who might leave for college and never come back, or college students that come here to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts or Williams College and then leave for better opportunities elsewhere.

"Young people don't stay around," said Carrisa Sacherski, a UNITY program associate at the coalition, and the community needs to ask these students why that is. "Why did I stay here? What would make you stay here?"

The availability of jobs and support for those people were mentioned as topics to focus on in that vein, as was a targeted approach to encouraging diversity and discouraging racism.

Rachel Branch, a North Adams resident running for mayor, said she still sees racism and anti-Semitism in the community and thinks people need to talk to each other more to come together.

"I do believe the solutions are one to one to one to one," she said. "We are so blessed to live here in the Berkshires.  [But] we have to stand up and not be afraid. We can be a strong city right here, a community that keeps evolving, and do it with love."

Tom Bernard, also running for mayor, said he sees the lines between generations beginning to blur, as "newcomers" are more integrated into the community, but that more work can be done.

"We never want to take that for granted," he said. "Whether you have deep roots or are a transplant, we all live in the same soil."

And that has been evident in strides made in solving issues that have come up at previous needs assessment forums, said coalition Executive Director Amber Besaw. After a forum on housing needs last year, a work group has formed that has been doing real work, Northern Berkshire United Way Executive Director Crista Collier reported. And after years of discussing the topic of young people not having places of their own, the Roots Teen Center opened last year and the UNITY Skate Board & BMX Park opened this summer.

But Besaw was happy to have ideas for upcoming forums. Other ideas tossed out Friday include embracing environmental challenges, addressing the needs of the growing senior citizen population, encouraging a network of bike trails and outdoor recreation, and fighting nicotine addiction.

Although several of the months have already been scheduled  education in October, the Department of Corrections/criminal justice in November, and substance abuse prevention in December, there's room to tackle more topics during the monthly forums  and beyond. Participants in Friday's forum will get an email to select the topics they want to see addressed, and future forums will reflect those choices.

"We have three months left in our year we need to find topics for," Besaw said.
Kelly Bordeau and her daughter Danni outside their new home on West Shaft Road. Bordeau talks with Craig Hartman, left, and Brad Schueckler, who installed her new kitchen. Bordeau stenciled the saying at the entrance to her home. Her new shed was designed and built by Drury High School students. The home has three bedrooms and one and half baths. PreviousNext

Northern Berkshire Habitat Presents Keys to Latest Homeowner



Bordeau cuts the cake at Sunday's celebration with co-President Elizabeth Goodman. In the back is board member Jenny Dunning. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  A few years ago, Kelly Bordeau didn't think she had a chance at getting a new home.

But her friend Alison Rice encouraged her to apply to Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.

And on Sunday, Bordeau and her daughter Danni, 11, took possession of a three-bedroom house, becoming Rice's neighbor and the final owner in the cluster of Habitat houses built or renovated on West Shaft Road.

"It's nice being on my own. It's nice having the home my responsibility," she said, laughing, "it makes me more cautious about money."

Sunday's official handover came after hundreds of hours of volunteer labor and donations and support from dozens of businesses and contractors in the area.

Keith Davis, co-president of the nonprofit organization, said the group has built or renovated more than a dozen homes in the North Berkshire region since it's founding in 1990.

"This took about a year and four months," he said. "It was existing but it was in very bad shape. It took a lot of work."

The two-story home was re-sided, landscaped and painted. A dormer was built for the upstairs bathroom  Davis said it was hard to stand up in  and a new kitchen was installed by Brad Schueckler of Benchmark Kitchens, a member of the board of directors.

This was Schueckler's third Habitat house, and he "voluntold" Craig Hartman to help him install cabinets at the last house; now Hartman's part of the Habitat community having done the roofs on both Rice's and Bordeau's houses.

"What I love the most is working with these people, they'll just give you the shirt off your back, they'll be there, they'll help you," Davis said. "They're just wonderful people. You'd think digging a 4-foot hole full of rocks would be hard ... but somehow it turns out to be fun."

Davis ticked off a long list of volunteers, such as Mark and Cindy Vadnais who were there every week, Tom Bator and Jay Petri who donated time and equipment for the foundation and landscaping, and the students at Drury's computer-assisted drafting and construction classes who designed and built a shed for Bordeau.

Bordeau, a pediatric nurse, thanked those who helped her with her new home and said she'd learned a lot doing the sweat equity required by each Habitat homeowner.

"A lot of it was painting, insulating. We did siding. There' was so much," she said. "The bathroom was a huge part .. me and Cindy [Vadnais] worked on that. There was sheetrocking, filling in all the holes for painting. There was everything."

With this cluster built out, Habitat is looking to build in Williamstown in new format. Co-President Elisabeth Goodman said the organization has signed a purchase-and-sale agreement with the Williamstown Affordable Housing Trust to develop two lots.

"It includes a public process so we will have hearings on the plans," she said. "The lots will be ultimately restricted for affordable housing ... They will be homeowner owned, but when they sell, it will be affrodabe. We think it can work out."

The nonprofit is also working on some smaller projects, part of its "Brush with Kindness" for eligible peple who need minor exterior home repairs. Davis said they are working on some porches and stairs, at the moment.

Sunday, however, was a time for celebrating a completed project. Stop & Shop provided a cake, Big Y some chocolate chip cookies, and Where'd You Get That!? the blue and white balloons. The Rev. David Mangun gave a prayer, and Bordeau was presented the keys and with the manuals for maintaining her house.

And with the clip of a pink ribbon across the front steps, she was home.
Irreversible loss of another tool of energy blackmailing for Russia - Poroshenko on arrival of coal to Ukraine from U.S.

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has welcomed the arrival of the first batch of steam coal from the U.S. to Odesa port, noting that this fact is evidence of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries and an important contribution to the energy security of Ukraine.

"As agreed with President Trump, first American coal has reached Ukraine. It is a significant contribution to our energy security and a vivid proof of mutually beneficial strategic cooperation between our two nations. While it continues to steal Ukrainian coal from Ukrainian Donbas, Russia has lost yet another tool for its energy blackmailing," Poroshenko wrote on Facebook on Wednesday morning.

As reported, the vessel Ocean Ambitious on September 13 at 2:15 p.m. moored to the reloading complex of the state-run enterprise Yuzhny port (Odesa region) delivering 62,000 tonnes of steam coal from the U.S. for public joint-stock company Centrenergo on board. The press service of the state enterprise said stevedores plan to unload the imported cargo in three days.
The 41st annual Josh Billings Triathlon will take place on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Josh Billings RunAground Set for Sunday, Sept. 17

LENOX, Mass.  The 41st annual Josh Billings Triathlon will take place on Sunday, Sept. 17.

The race starts in Great Barrington and ends at Tanglewood in Lenox with a 27-mile bike ride, a 5-mile canoe, kayak, or paddleboard sprint, and a 6-mile run.



The Josh, which began in 1977, has been a fixture in Berkshire County ever since. Proceeds from the event benefit Berkshire United Way. Over the past decade, the Josh Billings has contributed over $70,000 to the organization in support of their mission to build a stronger community.



"The Josh is all about teamwork and community. In that spirt, Berkshire United Way is honored to invest proceeds back into the Berkshires to help thousands of children, teens and families build a stronger future," said Jenn Kerwood, vice president of development at Berkshire United Way.


The next International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to Ukraine to review the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) is expected to be on September 19, 2017, according to a preliminary offering memorandum for Ukraine's eurobonds, a copy of which has been sent to Interfax-Ukraine.

The document points out the importance of further cooperation with the IMF and implementation of the requirements outlined in the EFF.

"Should Ukraine be unable to obtain financing from external sources due to a failure to implement required structural reforms, the government's ability to meet the financing targets in the State budget could be jeopardized," the memorandum says.

As reported, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) David Lipton arrived in Kyiv on September 12. He will stay with an official visit until September 14.

As reported, the four-year EFF program launched by the IMF in March 2015, in the total amount of SDR 12.348 billion (around $17.25 billion), initially involved quarterly reviews of the program, with the first tranche of $5 billion, and the next three, SDR 1.18 billion each (around $1.65 billion), to be paid during 2015, and decreasing quarterly tranches to SDR 0.44 billion ($0.61 billion) in 2016-2018.

Ukraine was able to receive, with a slight delay, the second tranche, $1.7 billion, under this program, in early August 2015, followed by a lengthy pause because of the country's failure to meet a number of conditions, political crisis and changes in the government.

Since the arrival of a new government led by Volodymyr Groysman in April 2016 talks over continued funding have resumed but it was not until mid-September that the IMF decided to allocate the third tranche, $1 billion. The fourth tranche was received on April 3, 2017.

According to the new schedule presented in the materials of the IMF, three reviews are planned for late 2017: fourth review in the middle of May, fifth in the middle of August and sixth in the middle of November.

If Ukraine successfully conducts reforms after the fourth review the country could raise $1.907 billion, after the fifth review - $1.28 billion, sixth review - $1.28 billion. In general, some $4.46 billion could be attracted.

In 2018, four more reviews will be conducted and Ukraine could raise around $955 million after each review or some $3.82 billion in general.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to include Russia in the list of countries of migration risk until September 30.

The corresponding decision was made at a government meeting on Wednesday, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reported.

The government adopted a plan to implement the decree of the president on the entry into force of the decision made by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine dated July 10, 2017 "On Strengthening Control over the Entry into Ukraine, Departure from Ukraine of Foreigners and Stateless Persons, Compliance with Rules of Stay on the Territory of Ukraine" which is available to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

It is assumed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Security Service should ensure the updating of the list of countries of migration risk, in particular including Russia, and inform the Cabinet and the NSDC (National Security and Defense Council) about this.

In addition, the government ordered the Interior Ministry, the State Border Service, the State Migration Service, the Foreign Intelligence Service, and the Ukrainian Security Service to enhance control over the travel of foreigners, including Russian citizens, and stateless persons into and from Ukraine in the period before September 30.

The Interior Ministry and the Migration Service in cooperation with the Regional Development Ministry were ordered to improve the law on registration of the place of residence/stay in Ukraine by foreigners, including Russian citizens, and stateless persons from countries posing a migration risk or persons arriving from such countries in Ukraine in the period prior to September 20.

The Foreign Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Migration Service, and the State Border Service have been ordered to consider a mechanism and stages of the arrival of foreigners, including Russian citizens, in Ukraine with passports featuring contactless chips before October 30. The Ukrainian Security Service will participate in the consideration of a procedure in which foreigners will notify Ukraine of their pending arrival online.

The government ordered the Interior Ministry, the Migration Service, and the State Border Service to implement on January 1, 2018, the national system of biometric verification and identification of Ukrainian citizens, foreigners, and stateless persons by means of resources recording biometric data of foreigners, including Russian citizens, in the course of border control.

Back on August 30, 2017, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko enforced the National Security and Defense Council's decision dated July 10, 2017, on biometric data recording.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) backs the adoption of a bill envisaging the creation of the financial ombudsman institution for consumers of financial services, Deputy NBU Governor Kateryna Rozhkova has said.

"The National Bank supports the idea of introducing the institution of a financial ombudsman, which will make it easier for consumers of financial services to find a common language with financial institutions and resolve various conflict situations," she said at the international conference on the protection of the rights of consumers of financial services in Kyiv on Tuesday.

Expert of the USAID Financial Sector Transformation Project (FST) Tetiana Burak at the debut presentation of the document (the bill has not yet been registered in parliament) said that the new bill suggests creating a neutral and unbiased dispute resolution mechanism for consumers of financial services.

"According to the bill, the financial ombudsman is an independent public institution with the authority to promptly consider and resolve disputes between consumers and financial institutions. Unfortunately, at present, consumers of financial services, in the event of disputes, do not have any option to resolve these disputes, except how to apply to court, while only 10% of Ukrainians trust the judicial system," she said.

"The Ukrainian financial community requires this bill. Many bankers and representatives of the financial sector have already supported the idea of creating the financial ombudsman, because they know that a new fair system of dealing with consumer disputes will only contribute to the growth of the lending market," USAID FST Project Manager Robert Bond said.

Rozhkova also spoke in support of bill No. 2456-d on amending certain legislative acts of Ukraine on improving the protection of the rights of financial services consumers (passed at first reading) and bill No. 6027-d on amending certain legislative acts of Ukraine regarding the resumption of lending (ready for second reading).

"We all - banks, the National Bank, and, sure, consumers - are waiting for the bill, which is planned for second reading. With its adoption, the National Bank will have an opportunity to raise the financial literacy of banking services consumers. In addition, we will receive the right to develop disclosure standards for commercial banks with regard to the services provided, and these standards will be deeper, more substantial than we currently have. The combination of all these areas of work is sure to be fruitful: public confidence in financial services will be resumed," Rozhkova said.
The tariffs for freight transportation by rail in Ukraine will be increased by 22.5% from October 1, 2017.

This is outlined in a financial plan of public joint-stock company Ukrzaliznytsia approved at a government meeting on Wednesday.

Head of the State Regulatory Service of Ukraine Ksenia Liapina said at the government meeting that in the conditions of the absence of an independent regulator for monopolist Ukrzaliznytsia the introduction of the tariffs is a regulatory issue.

"The proposals of the tariff council of the Ministry of Infrastructure will be discussed and an analysis of the regulatory impact of the tariffs on the economy as a whole will be conducted, since the railway is a backbone infrastructure and a one-time increase of 22.5% can lead to serious and negative consequences for the economy," she said.

Liapina proposed to make an understandable tariff plan for three or five years, so that the business understood what to expect, and Ukrzaliznytsia understood what resources it had.
IEA Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol travelled to Mexico this week to hold talks with Energy Secretary Joaquin Coldwell on the final stages of Mexicos accession to the International Energy Agency. Secretary Coldwell noted that Mexico expects to complete the formal accession process within the coming months. Mexico would become the 30th member of the IEA following Estonias accession in 2014.

While in Mexico, the Executive Director delivered the keynote address to the 7th biennial International Renewable Energy Conference Ministerial, using the occasion to highlight the opportunities and challenges facing renewable energy as it continues to increase its share in the global energy mix. On the margins of the event, Dr Birol held bilaterals with a number of other high level attendees.

Dr Birol's other engagements included participation in a side event co-organized with the Mexican Energy Ministry (SENER) titled Energy Efficient Future. This event, opened by Undersecretary Beltran of Mexico and Anders Hoffmann, Deputy Permanent Secretary from Denmark, is the latest example of years of cooperation between the IEA and SENER on this important topic.
Imperial Valley News Center

New Method for Identifying Carbon Compounds Derived from Fossil Fuels

Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a laboratory instrument that can measure how much of the carbon in many carbon-containing materials was derived from fossil fuels. This will open the way for new methods in the biofuels and bioplastics industries, in scientific research, and environmental monitoring. Among other things, it will allow scientists to measure how much of the carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere came from burning fossil fuels, and to estimate fossil fuel emissions in an area as small as a city or as large as a continent.

This is possible because carbon atoms occur in heavy and light forms, or isotopes, and measuring the relative amounts of each can reveal the source of the carbon. Using carbon isotopes in this way is not a new idea, but it requires extremely preciseand expensivemeasurements. The new instrument, developed by NIST chemists Adam Fleisher and David Long and based on a technology called cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS), promises to dramatically reduce the cost of those measurements. They described the instruments performance in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters.

Measuring carbon isotopes is an extremely useful technique, but until now, it has found limited use because of the cost, said Long. Lowering the cost will open the way for new applications, especially ones that require testing a large number of samples.

The key to these measurements is carbon-14, a radioactive (yet harmless) isotope of carbon that is formed in the upper atmosphere. That carbon-14 finds its way into all living things. Unlike regular carbon, carbon-14 is unstable, with a half-life of 5,730 years. When living things die, they stop incorporating carbon into their bodies, and their carbon-14 starts to decay away.

Scientists can calculate how long ago something died by measuring how much carbon-14 is in its remains. That technique is called carbon dating, and scientists use it to date things like Neanderthal bones and ancient plant fibers.

Fossil fuels also are the remains of living things, mainly plants that died hundreds of millions of years ago. Virtually all their carbon-14 decayed away eons ago, so anything derived from them is marked by the absence of measurable amounts of carbon-14.

But carbon-14 is extremely rare, and to use it for identifying fossil fuels, scientists need to be able to measure it at concentrations as low as 1 part in 10 trillion. Thats the equivalent of a single grain of sand in 60 dump trucks full of the stuff.

To measure concentrations that low, you need an extremely sensitive measurement technique, and such a technique already exists. Archaeologists have been relying on it for decades. But that technique requires a particle accelerator to separate the isotopes (the heavier carbon-14 accelerates more slowly than everyday carbon-12), along with a facility to house it and a team of PhDs to run it.

The CRDS instrument that Fleisher and Long have developed can sit on a laboratory benchtop and is relatively inexpensive to operate.

CRDS instruments analyze gases by detecting the wavelengths of light they absorb. For instance, CO2 that contains carbon-14so-called heavy CO2absorbs a slightly different wavelength than regular CO2.

To measure how much heavy CO2 you have in a CO2 sample, you first inject the sample into the instruments measurement cavity (the C in CRDS), which is a tube with mirrors inside at either end. You then tune a laser to the exact wavelength that only heavy CO2 absorbs and shoot a burst of it into the cavity. As the laser light bounces between the mirrors, some of its energy is absorbed by the gas. The greater the absorption, the greater the concentration of heavy CO2.

To achieve the required sensitivity, Fleisher and Long enhanced existing CRDS technology by engineering a system that chills the cavity to a uniform minus 55 degrees Celsius and minimizes temperature fluctuations that would throw off the measurement. Making the cavity very cold allows their instrument to detect very faint signals of light absorption, the same way that you might be able to hear a pin drop if you made a room extremely quiet.

This and other improvements boosted the instruments sensitivity enough for accurate carbon dating.

To test biofuels and bioplastics, you would first burn those materials, then collect the resulting CO2 for analysis. This would allow you to test a fuel mixture to determine what fraction of it is biofuel. In the airline industry, for example, this would be useful because some countries require that aviation fuels include a specific biofuel percentage. Such tests could also be used to verify that bioplastics, which sell for a premium, do not contain petroleum-derived compounds.

To estimate fossil fuel emissions in a geographic area, you would collect many air samples across that area and analyze the atmospheric CO2 in those samples. Areas with high fossil fuel emissions, such as cities and industrial zones, will have below-normal concentrations of heavy CO2.

Fossil fuel emissions dilute the concentration of heavy CO2 in the air, said Fleisher. If we can accurately measure that concentration after its been diluted, we can calculate how much fossil fuel emissions are in the mix.

A report from the National Academy of Sciences estimated that 10,000 samples a year, collected at carefully chosen locations around the United States, would be enough to estimate national fossil fuel emissions to within 10 percent of the actual value. Such a system of measurements can increase the reliability of national emissions estimates. This would be especially useful in parts of the world where high-quality emissions data are not readily available.

There is a need for this type of measurement in many industries, Fleisher said. Weve demonstrated a path to meeting that need in a cost-effective way.

Paper: A. Fleisher, D. Long, Q. Liu, L. Gameson and J. Hodges. Optical Measurement of Radiocarbon below Unity Fraction Modern by Linear Absorption Spectroscopy. The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. Published online 7 September 2017. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.7b02105
Career Development Symposium Coming to San Diego

San Diego, California - The second annual Career Development Symposium (CDS) is coming to San Diego, California, on September 20-21 at the Anchors Conference Center, located near the "dry-side" of Naval Base San Diego.

The symposium, hosted by Navy Personnel Command (NPC), is designed to inform enlisted Sailors of opportunities to navigate their own careers, as well as to inform senior enlisted, junior officers and officers who lead enlisted Sailors. The theme of this year's symposium is "Take Charge of Your Career."



"Career Development Symposium 2017 aims to empower Sailors with the knowledge and tools they need to successfully manage their career," said NPC Force Master Chief Tuck Williams. "It is a great opportunity for Sailors to engage directly with detailers and get answers to their career questions."



Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from senior Navy leaders about leadership, policies, and how to make the most of opportunities offered in the Navy. CDS is scheduled to feature Navy leadership including Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran, Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Robert Burke, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Steven S. Giordano. Additionally, subject matter experts will lead sessions on topics such as the detailing process, changes to Career Management System Interactive Detailing CMS-ID, and the new Blended Retirement System.



Many enlisted detailers and community managers will be on-site to interact and discuss career management with Sailors from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Seven of 18 members of a group of persons suspected of spying for Russia arrested in Kharkiv during August have been notified they are suspected of state treason.

"Ukraine's Security Agency (SBU) agents served notices of suspicion pursuant to Part 1 of Article 111 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (state treason) to the organizer and six participants of a group of agents. Investigation into the activities of the other suspected criminals is ongoing," the SBU's press center said.

SBU agents established that a resident of Kharkiv region created a spy network of 18 persons. It included a spy-attack group and informers.

Law-enforcement officers arrested the organizer of the network receiving secret information about military equipment on order from Ukraine's military industrial complex. During searches of the person's dwelling SBU agents seized computer equipment and mobile telephones used to transmit confidential information. The organizer of the group was in possession of 14 information storing devices, including limited access devices, Internet drop box accounts with passwords and passwords for encoded communications with Russian secret service agents.

Searches of persons in the network were also conducted and evidence of their work for Russian special services was found. SBU agents also found the location of a secret hiding place for weapons and ammunition, seizing two RPG-22 grenade launchers, four F-1 grenades and a RGD-2 detonator with a TNT blasting cap.

As earlier reported, SBU chief Vasyl Hrytsak on September 4 announced the arrest of a large group of saboteurs in Kharkiv. He said then that seven of the 16 arrested had been served notices of suspicion and that the leader of the group worked with the Russian secret service out of Belgorod, Russia.

Hrytsak also said the SBU was investigating another group engaged in the same nefarious activity.
Award Recipient Probation Division Manager Iran Martinez

Long Beach, California - Earning a degree in Criminal Justice from San Diego State University, Iran began his career as a Deputy Probation Officer with Imperial County in 1999. Moving through the ranks with his skill and strong commitment to public safety, Iran accepted a supervisory position in 2008 with the Imperial Valley Street Interdiction Team. In his role as a leader with a multi-agency task force, Iran learned the value of working in close partnership with other entities, an attribute that continues to serve him and the Department well. In this position, Iran initiated a number of cases that resulted in dozens of arrests and the seizure of 60 kilograms of cocaine and a million dollars in cash.

In 2012, Iran promoted to Probation Division Manager, his current position. With Public Safety Realignment having recently been initiated through AB109, Mr. Martinez was tasked with opening the countys first Day Reporting Center (DRC) as the centerpiece for Evidence Based Practices and the re-purposing of Probation to include programs and services that reduce state prison commitments and better serve those individuals returning to their communities following incarceration.



Under Iran's direction, which featured a hands-on approach to collaboration, the DRC opened its doors in 2013 with a broad array of partners including the Imperial County Sheriffs Office, Child Support Services, Behavioral Health Services, County Free Library and Workforce Development Office. In addition, classes in both Anger Management and Cognitive Behavioral Training were developed and provided by partner agencies as well as probation officers specially trained in these areas. Recently, the Inside/ Out Program, a program where County Jail inmates attend college classes at the DRC in conjunction with the local community college, received a prestigious Challenge Award from the California State Association of Counties.

Today, the Imperial County Day Reporting Center stands as a testament to both the hard work and pursuit of excellence in programming that Mr. Martinez's leadership has provided. Irans commitment to the spirit of cooperation and team effort underscores the work of officers and staff within the Imperial County Probation Department. His mentoring of countless new staff over the years and strong support of community corrections has enriched both the Department and contributed to a safer environment for the residents of Imperial County.



Please join our Department in honoring Iran Martinez upon his receiving the 2017 University of Southern California Award through the California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association (CPPCA). The awards ceremony and luncheon will take place from September 13, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, as part of CPPCA's Annual Training Conference.
Naval Aviation Readiness Needle Trending Upward

Reno, Nevada - Naval Aviation has a ways to go in terms of readiness, but the needle is moving in the right direction, according to leadership.

During the final panel discussion at the 61st Annual Tailhook Convention on September 9, the Air Boss, Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, Commander, Naval Air Forces, and Vice Adm. Paul Grosklags, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), addressed an audience of Navy stakeholders and provided a candid assessment of the Naval Aviation Enterprise, acknowledging the enterprise-wide challenges of today and the ongoing efforts to address them.



"Readiness is our No. 1 priority," Shoemaker said, noting that the demand for readiness is exceeding the enterprise's resources to meet it.



"Meeting our commitments around the world is coming at the expense of our forces at home," he said.



Shoemaker cited the ripple effects of sequestration on defense spending as a major hindrance on readiness but noted that future readiness will benefit from a recent request for additional fiscal 2017 appropriations and a budget increase of $1 billion for naval aviation readiness.



"Readiness needles, they're moving slowly in the right direction," he said. "Not as fast as I would like, but they are trending in the right direction."



Among the major challenges that leaders and personnel at NAVAIR are focused on, Grosklags said, are current and future readiness, and an enterprise-wide redesign of the sustainment system that takes advantage of commercial tools and industry best practices.



He expressed some frustration over the slow progress on improving readiness. Naval aviation has quite a ways to go, he said.



"If you look at ready basic aircraft that we've had on the flight line, despite the efforts of hundreds, if not thousands of people," he said. "We have approximately 30 more ready basic aircraft today than we had in September of 2015."



But he said NAVAIR's efforts to increase the capacity and capability of the enterprise's fleet readiness centers (FRCs) means that in 2017, they will produce about 500 aircraft, nearly meeting the full requirement. The rates at which aircraft receive in-service repairs (ISR) have improved, too, thanks to investments in personnel and materiel.



"There are 81 fewer aircraft today that are in an ISR status than there were at the beginning of the calendar year," he said. "That's at the same time when the number of ISRs required-the amount of work required, has actually increased."



He also cited the "additional funding coming into the pipeline" over the summer that will provide for additional tech reps and engineers on the flight line, updates to technical publications and new training equipment. The funding, he said, will have a tangible effect on the mission-capable rate. But it won't happen overnight.



"That money will have real impact," he said. "You're not going to see it tomorrow, but you may see it next week."
State Department Releases Annual Fiscal Transparency Report

Washington, DC - The State Department, today, released the 2017 Fiscal Transparency Report (the Report) consistent with section 7031(b) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2017 (Div. J, P.L.115-31) (the Act). The Report found that 73 of 141 governments reviewed by the Department met minimum requirements of fiscal transparency. The report identified eleven governments found not to meet minimum requirements, but which had made significant progress toward meeting minimum requirements.

The Department evaluated the public availability, substantial completeness, and reliability of budget documents, as well as the transparency of processes for awarding government contracts and licenses for natural resource extraction. The Report can be found on the Departments website at http://www.state.gov/e/eb/ifd/oma/fiscaltransparency/ .

Fiscal transparency is a critical element of effective public financial management, helps in building market confidence, and underpins economic sustainability. It fosters greater government accountability by providing a window into government budgets for citizens, helping citizens to hold their leadership accountable and facilitating better-informed public debate. Annual fiscal transparency reviews provide opportunities for dialogue with governments on the importance of fiscal transparency.

The Report describes the minimum requirements of fiscal transparency developed, updated, and strengthened by the Department; reviews 140 governments that were originally identified as recipients of assistance in the 2014 Fiscal Transparency Report, plus Equatorial Guinea; assesses those that did not meet the minimum fiscal transparency requirements; and indicates whether governments that did not meet those requirements made significant progress during the review period of January 1  December 31, 2016, to publicly disclose national budget documentation, contracts, and licenses, which are additional to information disclosed in previous years. The fiscal transparency determinations may change from year to year due to updating and strengthening minimum requirements of fiscal transparency as required by law, changes in governments performance on public financial management, or new information coming to the Departments attention. As a result, some governments may fall short of these requirements, despite in some cases maintaining or even improving their overall level of fiscal transparency.
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Rebel Wilson has been awarded the largest payout for a defamation case in Australias history, the amount totalling A$4.5m (2.7m).

The Bridesmaids actor successfully argued that eight articles published by Bauer Medias magazines falsely portrayed her as a serial liar.

An Australian jury sided with Wilson back in June, concluding that the actor lost Hollywood roles and should be paid money as compensation.

Justice John Dixon told the Supreme Court of Victoria, via the BBC, that the defamation case was unprecedented" for the country.

A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration Show all 21 1 /21 A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration Untitled-3.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166648648.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166650385.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166653101.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166647460.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166648566.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166646781.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166652865_1.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166649859.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166652522.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166652252.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166652213.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166651795.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166651353.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166651113.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166650382.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166650343.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166648808.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166648640.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166648476.jpg Getty Images A fake beer belly, third nipples and best kiss gongs at the MTV Movie Awards 2013: Taylor Lautner, Rebel Wilson and Emma Watson at the youth culture celebration 166648421.jpg Getty Images

"Substantial vindication can only be achieved by an award of damages that underscores that Ms Wilson's reputation as an actress of integrity was wrongly damaged in a manner that affected her marketability in a huge worldwide marketplace, he said.

Bauer Media denies the articles were defamatory, a lawyer saying they are considering further action.

Wilson was not in court when the money was awarded but was present in June when the initial judgement was given.

"I had to stand up to a bully, a huge media organisation, Bauer Media, who maliciously took me down in 2015 with a series of grubby and completely false articles, she said, pledging to give the money to "charity, scholarships or [investment] into the Aussie film industry to provide jobs.

Wilson was present every day in court throughout the three-week trial, spending six days in the witness box. A six-woman jury rejected Bauer Medias claims that the articles were subjectively true and did not affect Wilsons acting career.
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American Assassin (18)



Dir. Michael Cuesta, 112 mins, starring: Michael Keaton, Dylan OBrien, Taylor Kitsch, Scott Adkins, Sanaa Lathan, David Suchet

In recent years, weve had American Gangster, American Hustle, American Sniper and American Made. Now comes American Assassin, an explosive and very silly thriller that draws on real-life events in an exploitative and dim-witted way.

The film, based on a novel by Vince Flynn, opens with a massacre on a beach. Mitch Rapp (Dylan OBrien) has just proposed to his girlfriend and is buying her a cocktail when, out of nowhere, machine gun-toting terrorists appear. His fiancee is among the victims.

We then flash forward 18 months. The personable, puppyish young Mitch we saw on the beach seems to have turned into a Travis Bickle-like psychopath. He has grown a beard and taken up mixed martial arts. He is so determined to avenge his fiancees death that he is attempting to infiltrate an Islamic terrorist cell.

Mitch has learned the Koran backward and knows just how to ingratiate himself with the terrorists. (He tells them he wants to bathe his hands in the blood of the infidel.)

As it turns out, all the references to Islamic terrorism are really just a red herring. The main plot here is about renegade Iranians trying to build nuclear weapons and Mitch trying to stop them while desperately attempting to work out where he belongs in the world.

Hes a Jason Bourne-like renegade whose parents died when he was a kid. The CIA recruit him and send him off to special agent finishing school with legendary operative Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton).

Dont come to American Assassin looking for sophisticated geopolitical analysis. Some bad people are doing some bad things and it is our job to stop them, is how Hurleys unit defines its role. Mitch has all the traits to make the perfect agent  top martial arts and guns skills, a non-compliant personality and a recklessness driven by his own grief.

He is (in the argot of the bosses) a section 8 with an axe to grind. The film becomes increasingly simple-minded and the jargon begins to fly. We are treated to lines like get a chopper! or hes got the nuke!

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Stan Hurley is the father figure, brutal but fair. He warns his charges early on that if they get caught in the field, they should kill themselves rather than face interrogation from their enemies. The big problem is that one of his favourite former students, Ghost (Taylor Kitsch), has turned against the US and is helping the Iranians procure their dirty weapon, which they plan to use against Israel.

If Stan is the brutal patriarch, CIA Deputy Director Irene Kennedy (Sanaa Lathan) is the mother figure who wants to nurture Mitch and make him the most effective killing machine possible. There are all sorts of strange family connections between the other characters too. They are linked in ways not properly explained to us.

 American Assassin - Trailer

American Assassin is nothing if not brutal. Theres a very grim torture scene in which one agent gets his arm put in a clamp and has his nails ripped out one by one. Stan makes sure his charges know just how best to stab and strangle their adversaries and when it is appropriate to bite off their ears. Blood is spilled by the gallon.

Its dismaying to see an actor as accomplished as Michael Keaton playing someone as dumb, macho and one-dimensional as Stan. Keaton just about gets away with it. He plays the role with such manic conviction that we almost believe in the character.

A few tourist-eye views of Rome and the opening beach scenes aside, theres barely a moment here that isnt at frantic pace. Mitch is far too driven to have any time for romance, even if he does briefly pretend to be the lover of the beautiful Iranian agent with whom he is working. Director Michael Cuesta, who made the almost equally harum scarum thriller Kill The Messenger, fills the movie with chases and fights. There are spectacular set-pieces involving cars, helicopters and speed boats.

The visual effects are a little creaky in places (the scenes with the US fleet confronted with gigantic waves look as if they might have been shot in the directors bath) but the stunts are performed with plenty of conviction.

American Assassin looks as if it is intended as the first in a series but theres nothing here which we havent seen countless times before in Jason Bourne or Jack Reacher stories or that justifies a new movie.

The Villainess (18)



Dir. Byung-gil Jung, 124 mins, starring: Eun-ji Jo, Ok-bin Kim, Seo-hyeong Kim, Ye-Ji Min, Ha-kyun Shin, Jun Sung

The Villainess is a wonderfully lurid and overcooked thriller with a plot so melodramatic that you half suspect the filmmakers borrowed it from an opera.

Director Jung Byung-gil certainly isnt the type to hang around. Within the very first minute or two of the film, the body count is already reaching into the dozens if not the hundreds. The opening is filmed with the ingenuity that used to be reserved for show-stopping numbers in old musicals.

Its an elaborately choreographed set-piece in which someone walks through the corridors of a warehouse/drugs lab, shooting, stabbing and strangling armies of gangsters. We see the slaughter from the point of view of the killer. We know by her breathing that she is a woman. The sequence is shot in a single take. It is macabre in the extreme but also very graceful in its own Kill Bill-like way.

The heroine Sook-hee (Kim Ok-bin) may have astonishing skills as an assassin but that doesnt make her life any less traumatic or complicated. As a child, she witnesses the killing of her father from under the bed. She is raised by a gangster boss who becomes her lover but also, potentially, her most bitter enemy.

She is recruited by the special forces who blackmail her into working for them by telling her it is the only way she can have a normal life with her beloved daughter, whom she is bringing up as a single mum.

The plotting is embroiled and, at times, confusing. Bizarrely, but very engagingly, the filmmakers take time-outs from the bloodletting to show us Sook-hees domestic life. Shes a doting mum. Her daughter is very sweet-natured.

The next door neighbour appears to be in love with her and is courting her in an old-fashioned way. If ever it rains, he is bound to be there with an umbrella. Its as if we are watching two separate movies.

Whenever the romanticism risks becoming too soppy, well be treated to some more highly stylised and kinetic violence. This is the kind of movie in which we see blood spurt onto the camera lens and in which characters have sword fights while riding motorbikes at breakneck speed. As the heroine, Kim Ok-bin is disarmingly sweet natured and demure. That, though, is when she is off duty. In the action scenes, she is lethal.

Against the odds, the film isnt just a self-conscious exercise in Nikita-like pastiche. There is heart here too. When theyre not killing each other, the characters become very emotional indeed. Sometimes, that emotion spills into the action sequences. Theres a lot of bluff and double bluff.

Vengeance is on everyones minds. Nonetheless, even the most hardened killers turn out to have a very sentimental side. It takes a special kind of chutzpah to make an action movie thats also a weepie.

The Villainess is a film that startles us not only with its violence and its incredibly intricate action scenes but also with its raw feelings. We are more shocked by the displays of gentleness and selflessness than we are by the expected scenes of stabbings, shootings and decapitations.

The Jungle Bunch (U)



Dir. Eric Tosti, David Alaux, 97 mins, voiced by: Michel Mella, Emmanuel Curtil (voice), Paul Borne (voice)

Theres a welcome strain of surrealist humour to this otherwise underwhelming kids animated movie. The main villain is a koala bear called Igor who is an expert at causing explosions. The hero is a penguin called Maurice who is under the illusion that he is a tiger and likes to paint stripes on himself. His son is a little fish.

For reasons only partly explained, Igor is determined to destroy the jungle. (He wanted to be part of the elite gang of animals preserving order in the jungle, but they rejected him.) When his first attempt at setting the trees on fire is nearly successful, he is banished to a desert island but he escapes back to the mainland with a metronomic crab as his new accomplice.

The Jungle Bunch started as a TV series. The filmmakers dont make that many concessions to newcomers who havent encountered any of these characters before. It isnt really explained how the penguin got to the jungle in the first place or why he thinks hes a tiger.

The lack of background information adds to the films disorienting effect. There are some very bizarre moments along the way (Maurice rubbing cream into the buttocks of a monkey; a rhino and an elephant having a fight underground; the toads Al and Bob being squashed so hard theyre almost fossilised).

The film doesnt make much sense and the animation isnt especially sophisticated but the young kids at whom it is aimed should warm to its cheery tone while the adults might appreciate its anarchic streak and some of its off-the-wall humour.

My Pure Land (15)



Dir. Sarmad Masud, 98 mins, starring: Suhaee Abro, Tayyab Ifzal, Eman Fatima, Syed Tanveer Hussain, Atif Akhtar Bhatti,

British-Pakistani director Sarmad Masuds impressive debut feature is a surprising affair: a drama set in rural Pakistan and based on a true story but that plays like a feminist version of Howard Hawks Rio Bravo.

Instead of John Wayne defending the prison house, we have the redoubtable 18-year-old heroine Nazo (played by actress and dancer Suhaee Abro) armed with an AK-47. She and her younger sister are defending the homestead from an uncle who claims the property should be his.

As Nazos beloved father tells the daughters: This isnt just land. This is your honour. (Land disputes are prevalent throughout Pakistan, the opening intertitles tell us. There are over one million cases pending. The bias remains firmly against female onwership.)

Masuds screenplay highlights the dismissive way in which women are treated by the menfolk. They have no property rights. They are beholden to their husbands. The uncle and his henchmen are contemptuous of Nazo, her mother and sister. The police are openly corrupt. The familys only other way of protecting itself is to hire mercenaries  but thats not something the father can afford to do.

In flashbacks, we learn how the father taught Nazo to shoot. At first, she hated guns and was terrified of them. Soon, though, she learned to use them. The story flits backwards and forwards in time in occasionally confusing fashion as the siege continues.

There are dream sequences too. The father is languishing in jail and Nazo is thinking back to happier times with him. He used to call his daughters outlaws and took pride in their self-reliance.

The tempo here is different to that of the westerns that clearly inspired the director. The film is reflective and lyrical. Masud throws in plenty of magic hour shots of sunsets over rolling landscapes or of cattle standing idly by as gunmen crawl through the undergrowth.

Nonetheless, were never under any illusion about the danger the women are in. The authorities arent going to help them even if the land legally belongs to them. Just occasionally, the dialogue feels forced.

Characters will utter lines like men are cheap but bullets are expensive that strike an incongruous note. One of the points of My Pure Land is that it is escaping from the usual macho stereotyping.

Suhaee Abro makes a very engaging heroine. She plays Nazo as a courageous figure but also a sensitive and idealistic one too. We cant help but root for her as the familys predicament grows ever more desperate.

The film was produced by Everton FC chairman Bill Kenwright. The controversial Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanovs name is also on the credits alongside that of Everton investor Farhad Moshiri.

Theyre unlikely supporters of a small art house film which sets out to expose corruption and misogyny in a small rural community in Pakistan but there are surely far worse ways in which they can spend their money.
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Pizza, pasta, mozzarella, burrata, parmesan, gelato, limoncello. Once you think you have conquered every type of mouthwatering Italian food, there is another to sample. Is there an end to the country's delicious fare? We sincerely hope not.

Recommended Chefs reveal near death experiences in the kitchen

So, how can the rest of us adopt some of the core philosophies of Italian cooking - fresh local ingredients and explosive flavours curated with love - in our own kitchens? We spoke to Italian cook Eleonora Galasso, who was born in Rome and is the author of As the Romans Do, to find out.

How has Italy maintained such a vibrant food culture?

Italy is divided into 20 regions and 110 provinces, each one of them resonating with a unique style of cooking. The food strongly represents our inner identity, so it's still the language we would definitely go by.

What are some of your fondest memories of food and eating growing up?

I grew up for most of the time on the heel of the boot, the Apulia region amidst voices of women, the smell of fresh ingredients, the mysterious secrets of the cupboard. As a child I wasn't really allowed into the kitchen, so I would spy from the keyhole limpet. I was forbidden from entering my great grandmothers kitchen, but I was allowed to taste the linguine to make sure they were al dente. The rest is history.

What are some mistakes people make when eating and preparing Italian food that are sacrilege?

In Italy we say that pasta needs to navigate in sea water, but should you put the salt (which should religiously be of the rock kind) in water before it boils, the result would be disastrous: not only would this slow down the whole process, as the water would take an eternity before boiling, but it would result in the product cooking unevenly.

Also, pasta is indeed the queen of the kitchen, so it should never be served as a side to whichever other dish, but on its own, in all its glory.

What do you say to people who think that food like pasta and pizza is unhealthy?

I would ask these people to look at history. Pasta has been eaten since ancient times, helping the growth of healthy populations, without this we wouldn't have gotten to where we are today.

Recommended Why dipping pizza crusts in sauce is sacrilege

However, there are over 1000 varieties of pasta and amongst those, a large number of shapes which are made of alternative flours. These can easily be suitable for those with all kinds of intolerances. So yes, pasta is a universal dish and a common language for all.

What ingredients does an Italian cook or chef always have in their kitchen?

That's easy! Extra virgin olive oil (cold pressed, of course), salted capers and anchovies in oil to add that salty twist to any dish, tomato puree to improvise that luscious sauce, and loads and loads of fresh as well as dry spices.

Recommended The secret to eating bread and not feeling bloated

Wine is also essential in the Italian kitchen. Each Italian region has its own flagship wine style, so if in doubt when choosing the wine to pair a meal with, check what the locals drink. In Italy, we believe what grows together goes together. I've developed a range of recipes with Italia Wines that reflect the different wine growing regions.

How can a person be more adventurous in the kitchen without being wasteful. Sometimes the idea of trying something new can be daunting when you worry that you won't use the new ingredients you use. Is there a clever way to plan your weekly meals that doesn't involve eating the same dish over and over?

In Italy we call it l'arte dell'arrangiarsi - also making do with what one has. So just have a look at those ingredients looking all gloomy in your cupboard or fridge, and starting from as few as a handful of them one delicious meal can be created. Also, it is essential to make good use of leftovers, as throwing them away would be considered sacrilege from where I'm from. This way, each meal would be the continuation of the previous one, in a sort of everlasting motion. Similarly, a leftover glass of Italia Prosecco can play a starring role in a risotto. Simply stir into the rice until absorbed (prior to adding stock) for a pleasingly crunchy outcome.

The world's biggest food fights Show all 11 1 /11 The world's biggest food fights The world's biggest food fights La Tomatina, Bunol, Spain Biel Alino/AFP/Getty Images The world's biggest food fights La Tomatina, Bunol, Spain Biel Alino/AFP/Getty Images The world's biggest food fights La Tomatina, Bunol, Spain Biel Alino/AFP/Getty Images The world's biggest food fights World Custard Pie Championship, Kent Funk Dooby/Flickr The world's biggest food fights World Custard Pie Championship, Kent Funk Dooby/Flickr The world's biggest food fights La Merengada, Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain Ajuntament de Vilanova i la Geltru The world's biggest food fights La Merengada, Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain Ajuntament de Vilanova i la Geltru The world's biggest food fights Battle of the Oranges, Ivrea, Italy Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images The world's biggest food fights Battle of the Oranges, Ivrea, Italy Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images The world's biggest food fights Clean Monday, Galaxidi, Greece Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP/Getty Images The world's biggest food fights Clean Monday, Galaxidi, Greece Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP/Getty Images

At the same time, are there foods that you would never, ever eat?

I don't think there are, no. I'm a pretty adventurous eater, and that's because I like to think that each food belongs to someone's tradition, and it's this ravenous anthropological research that drives me, eventually.

What are some Italian foods that people in the UK might not know about but need to taste?

Mostly there are regional foods that are still closed in local enclaves of cucina povera. It's about time the whole world discovers some of them, for example the very excellent canederli, Italian bread based dumplings, the caciucco, a typical spicy fish soup or the bottarga, which is compressed grey mullet roe - fantastic sprinkled on pastas and fish dishes. But, believe me, the list is long and goes on and on.
The bodies of the Ukrainian prosecutor's office are checking the request of the Georgian side for the extradition of the former Georgian president, ex-head of Odesa Regional State Administration and the leader of the New Forces Movement political party, Mikheil Saakashvili, Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko said.

"After receiving this request [from the Georgian side for extradition], all materials were sent to the prosecutor's office for an extradition check. This is a preliminary stage. If it [the verification] is completed with a positive conclusion, then it will be possible to take further procedural decisions in strict accordance with the law," Petrenko said at a briefing in Kyiv on Tuesday, answering journalists' question about what the Ministry of Justice's actions will be regarding the extradition request.
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When I started planning our holiday to Italy my teenage sons worried about being trapped for hours in museums. I promised that wouldnt happen. I still have flashbacks to my parents dragging my sisters and me on exhaustive and exhausting visits to museums and historic homes.

Our two-week trip turned out to be packed but balanced: Rome was more about the Colosseum and Pantheon and climbing the dome of St Peters Basilica than staring at medieval religious art. Much to my mothers chagrin, we didnt even go with her and my stepfather to the Borghese Gallery. Overall, we spent less time in museums than we did outdoors in places like Cinque Terre, Mount Baldo, Maremmas Etruscan ruins and the Carrara marble quarry.

Still, the day of reckoning finally came, the one day my promise was meaningless. With just one full day in Modena, seeing every masterpiece on our list required nearly nine hours in three museums.

The works of art, in this case, however, were cars. Well, thats underselling it. Here in the US, our 12-year-old station wagon is a car. The elite Italian models at the Museo Lamborghini and two Ferrari museums seemed like an entirely different species.

Lucas, who was 15 at the time, would later call this one of the trips five best days. For Caleb, who is a year older and who blogs about cars and draws vehicles of his own design, this was akin to a holy pilgrimage. Were he in charge we would have allowed time for the nearby Pagani, Ducati and Maserati collections and for travelling to car museums in Turin and Milan.

The 1947 Ferrari 125 S, left, beside 1935 Alfa Romeo Monoposto (Getty) (Getty Images)

Still, the Lamborghini and Ferrari collections would give him a chance to see important works, he said, penned by masters like Giorgetto Giugiaro and iconic design houses like Pininfarina and Bertone.

I lack Calebs love of cars but I understand his passion. Fortunately for me in Modena, the Lamborghinis and Ferraris were so stunningly dynamic, with such eye-popping design elements, that I remained engaged nearly the entire day.

We started at the two-story Museo Lamborghini next to the companys factory in SantAgata Bolognese, almost half an hour east of downtown Modena (although its presumably quicker in a Lamborghini). There were no factory tours or guides available in August, which left us to focus on the cars.

The exhibit started with early, less showy, Lamborghinis, such as the 400 GT 2+2 from 1966, which was the companys second model  it looked luxurious but not particularly sporty. But we quickly came to the slinky Miura, which Caleb called one of the most beautiful cars of all time, notable for its signature eyelashes around the headlights. (The museums rotate the cars they have on display, although many of the true classics are consistently exhibited.)

1913 Alfa Romeo 40-60 (Reuters)

Nearby is the Countach, with its low-to-the-ground, wedge-shaped front, massive hood and large vents that make it look futuristic even today. Back in the Seventies and Eighties it became an aspirational icon (or symbol of decadent excess), showing up in films from Cannonball Run to Rain Man and on posters that adorned nearly as many teenage boys walls as the one of Farrah Fawcett in her red bathing suit. Its successor, the menacing-looking Diablo with its massive wing in back, became the first 200mph Lamborghini; two models are on display here.

The first floor also features a few oddities like the LM002, a Humvee-like SUV made from 1986 until 1992. Caleb called it polarising. He and Lucas were seduced by its macho showiness but Time magazine once listed it among the 50 worst cars ever. I found its ungainly mix of obscene luxury and militaristic design off-putting even before I learned that Saddam Husseins deplorable son Uday had owned one.

The second floor had newer mainstream models (as mainstream as these cars get) like the Gallardo and a bright orange Murcielago, which was the ultimate supercar of the early 2000s  Bruce Wayne drove one in Batman Begins, and a rap song, Mercy, featuring Kanye West is devoted to it.

This floor also featured limited production runs and concept cars (never sold to the public) that were so outlandish they left in the dust any concern I had about the exhibits becoming redundant.

The most memorable was the Sesto Elemento, named because carbon is the sixth element and carbon fibre  a crucial advance in supercar design  keeps the cars weight down to just a ton, helping it reach 100kph (62mph) in 2.5 seconds. The dazzling black-carbon fibre surface features red accents in the hexagonal holes on the engine cover and on the dramatically sculpted hood. Nearby was the Egoista concept, a single-seater that looks like a plane, with an unusual split rear spoiler design that comes to a point.

The museums gift shop includes a showroom so you can splurge for a real car as a souvenir; other big ticket items include carbon fibre luggage that runs into five figures. Caleb settled for a shirt and a pencil.

Back in Modena, the Museo Enzo Ferrari is housed in a striking building designed by Czech architect Jan Kaplicky, with a curving glass front and a streamlined yellow roof  the colour of the companys logo with incisions that look like a cars air intake vents. There are secondary displays in a 19th-century brick building that housed Ferraris fathers workshop.

The 1986 Ferrari 637 designed by Gustav Brunner (Getty)

The museum offers detailed history panels, annually redesigned exhibitions and video presentations on a huge wall. The videos we saw were more a distraction than an enhancement, although these, like the cars, are changed regularly.

We refuelled with lunch in the museums stylish restaurant before heading to the main hall. The history panels tell Ferraris story, from his racing days through his years working for Alfa Romeo before starting his own company after the Second World War.

The first car was a 1948 effort, with two rows of seats, that looks far closer to a Packard than the slick showstoppers like the ones Sonny Crockett sped around in on Miami Vice in the 1980s. But the exhibit quickly jumped to flashier models, like a 1984 Testarossa with its side strakes and horizontal design elements that make it look impossibly low and wide.

My boys drooled over this model but Caleb had a mixed reaction to the unusual F100 R concept car nearby, with its curved windshield and angular slices holding three levels of headlights. I spent a lot of time standing there trying to decide whether I liked it or not and I still dont know, Caleb says later. He laments the bland surfaces of the 456 GT from 1992 that could have been made by any car company.

The Lamborghini museum is something of a pilgrimage for the car-lover

But there were plenty of other cars to rev them back up like the 2-ton 612 Scaglietti and the Ferrari 458 from 2009, which Caleb called the Testarossa of my childhood, with its seductive rear haunches and the stylish vents near the tail and headlights.

Perhaps most impressive in this sea of red was the collection of Ferraris halo cars, their ultra-sleek, top-of-the-line models from the 512BBi and 288 GTO of the 1980s to the more recent Enzo and the hybrid LaFerrari.

For racing fans the real attraction is the Museo Ferrari Maranello, about a half-hour southwest of its sibling in the town where Enzo Ferrari moved his factory when Modena was being bombed during World War II.

This features a Formula One Hall of Champions and a permanent exhibit on the race cars, which includes insights into the evolution of safety and other industry battles as well as a special edition Ferraris like the SP12EC, inspired by the 512BBi and commissioned by guitar legend Eric Clapton.

This feels like a modern museum, offering the chance to get your photo taken inside a Ferrari (a too-expensive, too-cheesy souvenir for our tastes) and interactive experiences like the Tyre Change pit stop experience for big groups and a chance to drive an F1 Simulator, which my boys eagerly took on. The concentration required for the seven-minute race was so intense they were drained afterward.

Oh, and there was a little something special for me too, although I had to wait until the next morning for my interactive experience. Ferrari museum ticket buyers are offered the chance to tack on a 15-minute driving session on the Autodromo di Modena, a track once used for F1 races and by Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati for testing cars. (Some promised goodies did not materialise  no hostess to welcome us, no hot food selection and no professional driver to talk through the tracks characteristics and the safety precautions required.)

These elite Lamborghinis are a different species

You can rent a Ferrari for a small fortune or take your own car out on the track. Seemingly everyone in Italy drives a tiny Fiat, which would probably handle the outrageously tight and frequent curves with aplomb. We, however, had rented a Lancia Voyager minivan to fit all six of us on our travels. Not exactly a supercar.

I was allowed one passenger at a time. My mum and stepfather refused but my wife Sharon went on my first lap before yielding to the boys, who encouraged me to push the limits as I took turns harder and faster each lap, the car shuddering, the tires screeching.

While the museums gave me a fuller appreciation for the thought and artistry that goes into the design of supercars, it was my morning on the track that made me fully appreciate the appeal of driving one.

Maybe one day.

If You Go

Museo Enzo Ferrari, Via Paolo Ferrari, 85, 41121 Modena; musei.ferrari.com/en/modena

Museo Ferrari Maranello, Via Alfredo Dino Ferrari, 43, 41053 Maranello; musei.ferrari.com/en/maranello

Tickets for adults are 16 (14) for each museum or 23.50 for a combined ticket.

Museo Lamborghini, Via Modena, 12 40019 SantAgata; lamborghini.com/en-en/experience/museum

Tickets for adults are 15.

 New York Times
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A startup thats using artificial intelligence to help analyse the human genome and then diagnose illnesses like cancer and metabolic disorders, has raised $30m in a recent funding round.

Sophia Genetics, which was founded in 2011 by academics from Stanford University and Switzerland, provides over 330 hospitals in more than 50 countries with software to analyse genomic profiles and diagnose patients.

It recently expanded into so-called liquid biopsies, offering an app that can help diagnose cancer by analysing DNA and tumour cells in blood, urine, cerebral spinal fluid and other liquid samples.

The latest funding round was led by London-based Balderton Capital, one of the largest venture capital firms in Europe. Balderton manages around $2.3bn in assets and has invested in more than 100 companies since 2000, including Betfair, before it publicly listed, and LOVEFiLM, before it was sold to Amazon in 2011.

Other investors that participated in the latest funding round include 360o Capital Partners, entrepreneur Mike Lynchs Invoke Capital and Alychlo, which was started by Belgian pharmaceutical entrepreneur Marc Coucke.

As diagnostic kits and sequencers become cheaper and more powerful, we believe that there is an opportunity to build the defining software layer on top of these technologies in genomics, just as Windows did for PCs and Android has for smartphones, and Sophia is already leading in this field, said James Wise, a partner at Balderton Capital.

Jurgi Camblong, chief executive and co-founded of Sophia said that the group aims to break down the information silos in healthcare, meaning that the information from a patient in London or Paris can for instance help better diagnose and treat a patient in Lagos or Rio.
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Atheists are more generous toward Christians than Christians are toward them, a new study has claimed.

Researchers at Ohio University asked participants to share monetary rewards with partners in a version of the dictator game, in which one person had no power to affect the division of the bounty.

When atheists were told of their partners religious beliefs, they behaved impartially toward ingroup and outgroup partners, the studys authors wrote in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

However, Christians consistently demonstrated an ingroup bias.

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Lead author and PhD student, Colleen Cowgill, told the PsyPost news website that previous research had demonstrated that the general population in America tends to stereotype atheists as being immoral and untrustworthy.

She added that many atheists found this reputation distressing.

My primary interest was in how atheists themselves respond to these negative stereotypes, she said. We often see that negative stereotypes about a group can lead members of that group to behave in compensatory ways that ostensibly seek to disconfirm that stereotype, such as when American immigrants strive to emphasise their American identity when it is threatened.

We found in multiple studies that our atheist participants behaved more fairly towards partners they believed were Christians than our Christians participants behaved towards partners they believed were atheists.

Whether this was specifically due to the wish to impress was not certain, she 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

The effect was eliminated when participants were told their religious beliefs, or lack thereof, were being kept a secret from their partners, the study found.

Earlier this year a study in Canada found a majority76 per centof people did not believe being religious made someone a better citizen.

And more than half of those polled believed faith did more harm than good.

In Britain, more people now profess to be nonreligious than Christian, according to research, with deconversion, or the religious losing their faith, deemed a major factor.

It came as only 72 per cent of UK Christians said they believed in the resurrection of Christthe central tenet of their faith. More than a tenth of active Christians told ComRes they did not believe there was an afterlife.
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A man arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of Loulla Michie at the Bestival music festival has been released under investigation.

The 28-year-old, named as her boyfriend and grime artist Ceon Broughton, was arrested on suspicion of murder and supplying a class A drug after Ms Michie, a model and actor, was found dead in Lulworth, Dorset.

Ms Michies father, the Holby City actor John Michie, previously said he believed her death was a tragic mistake, a tragic accident.

Recommended Actor John Michie pays tribute to daughter following Bestival death

He was reported to have rushed to the festival from his London home after receiving a WhatsApp message telling him of his daughters collapse, which included a map of her location.

Dorset Police had warned of pills containing unknown chemicals circulating at the festival.

A spokesperson for the force refused to comment on which class A drug the musician, who performs under the name CEONRPG, had been arrested on suspicion of supplying.

They added that an initial post-mortem showed no clear signs of an assault and that new tests, including toxicology, would be carried out over the coming weeks.

Former Coronation Street actor Mr Michie, 66, said the family had lost their angel.

She touched so many lives. She was so very positive, so bright, so out there. She had such energy. The tributes to her have been incredible, he told The Sun.

In a statement, his agent said Mr Michie and wife Carol  a former Hot Gossip dancer  asked for privacy during the traumatic time.

The organisers of Bestival said they were devastated by the death and were supporting police with the investigation.

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 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of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will 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 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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

Organised by DJ Rob da Bank and his wife Josie, it took place for the first time on the Lulworth Estate in Dorset this year, having previously been held on the Isle of Wight.

Acts including The XX, Dizzee Rascal, RagnBone Man, Pet Shop Boys, Wiley and Laura Mvula performed at the four-day event.

Mr Michie, who currently plays neurosurgeon Guy Self in BBC medical drama Holby City, has two other children, Daisy and Sam.

He played Karl Munro in Coronation Street from 2011 to 2013, having starred as Detective Inspector Robbie Ross in drama series Taggart from 1998 to 2010.

Additional reporting by agencies
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A woman has been arrested after breaking into the school attended by Prince George, Scotland Yard has said.

The 40-year-old woman was held on suspicion of attempted burglary.

A review has been launched of security arrangements at Thomas' Battersea school, London.

Recommended Worker sacked for Prince George rant claims discrimination

Prince George, third in line to the throne, only began his primary school education last week.

The institution costs nearly 6,000 a term.

George attended at school on Tuesday but it is unclear if he was on site when the incident happened.

Last week the school said new pupils were starting on half-days and building up to staying for lunch.

A police spokesman said: "The arrest at 14:15hrs on Wednesday, 13 September relates to an incident at Thomas' Battersea School on Tuesday, 12 September when an individual gained access to its premises.

"The arrested woman was taken to a south London police station where she remains in custody.

"We are working with the school, which is attended by His Royal Highness Prince George, to review its security arrangements after the incident.

"Police were alerted and officers attended immediately after the issue came to light.

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 the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty

"Police are part of the protective security arrangements for the Prince and we will continue to work closely with the school, which is responsible for building security on its site."

A Kensington Palace spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the issue but we would not comment further on security matters."
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Police have released a new image of a man they want to speak to after a woman was pushed in front of a bus on Putney Bridge.

The woman suffered only minor injuries thanks to the lightning reactions of the bus driver during the assault on 5 May.

The man is described as white, in his 30s, with brown eyes and short brown hair. He was wearing grey trainers, dark blue shorts and a grey t-shirt.

Police released this image of a man they want to speak to (Metropolitan Police)

Anyone with information should call Wandsworth CID on 020 3276 2606 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Detective sergeant Chris Griffith said: "Images of this alarming incident have been circulated widely and we continue to work through the information received to identify the man responsible.

"We are grateful to those who have assisted so far. However, I am also appealing for anyone who has given just a name to contact police or Crimestoppers again with as much information as possible so we can fully follow up those lines of enquiry."

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 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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 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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. 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The attack took place at about 7.40am. A 33-year-old woman was walking across the bridge when a male jogger knocked her into the path of a double-decker bus.

The vehicle, a number 430 service, swerved to avoid her.

Police said the man passed back across the bridge 15 minutes afterwards but did not acknowledge the victim, who tried to speak to him.

Officers arrested, and then released, two men aged 41 earlier this year.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has placed the former head of Kyiv, Leonid Chernovetsky, on its wanted list.

Chernovetsky is wanted for hiding from prosecution authorities, according to information found in the Wanted section of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry's website.

The man was last seen on July 24, 2017, the ministry said without specifying where.

The ex-mayor of Kyiv faces criminal charges of abuse of power. A court has permitted his apprehension for the purpose of bringing him before authorities, the ministry said.

On July 14 the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office announced that Chernovetsky is suspected of abusing his power and office during his time as a Kyiv mayor. He is suspected of involvement in an illegal land lease for the construction of a helicopter pad for close friends of Ukrainian ex-president Viktor Yanukovych.
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Down a muddy dirt track in the outskirts of Lagos, sitting in a bare concrete safe house behind an eight-foot fence, the women told me their stories. How they had left their homes on the promise of a better life in Europe, only to find themselves beaten, abused, raped, forced to work as prostitutes. How the promises of their traffickers turned out to be lies.



Recognised as victims of trafficking and returned to safety in Nigeria, these were the lucky ones  although some of them struggled to believe it. But in bleak rooms all over the UK, their fellow victims are still being exploited and abused, not knowing if they will ever escape.

Anywhere people dream of the wages of a big developed city, human traffickers lie in wait to take advantage of them. Just as it is an international centre of other kinds of business, the UK has become a global hub for modern slavery, with London at its heart.

London is a global city, truly multicultural, and while thats one of the best things about the capital, we know that criminals have also exploited that, said Kevin Hyland, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, to The Independent. London has a huge population with busy airports and a big economy. There is immense demand for illicit services.

The criminals have been getting away with it for far too long. Compared to smuggling guns or drugs, trafficking of people has been seen as low-risk. We need to develop an understanding of the whole threat picture. Until recently weve been operating on unfounded intelligence, or myths. If we dont get these basics right, our response will be wrong.

The nearly 4,000 potential victims identified by the National Referral Mechanism in 2016 originate from a staggering 108 countries. As our map shows, the most common foreign nationalities are Albania, Vietnam and Nigeria, followed by China and Romania. Given that the IASC estimates the true figure of victims to be much higher  at up to 13,000  its likely that there are even more countries involved.

Extrapolating from the figures, there are almost certainly thousands of Albanians, Vietnamese and Nigerians working as modern slaves in the UK.

Hyland was speaking around the launch of a report into the trafficking routes from Vietnam. One of his goals as Commissioner is to show the complex relationships between Britain and origin countries, each of which has distinct cultural factors that can seem alien to British observers. Nigerian women might fear juju curse. Vietnamese boys  young males make up the largest cohort of Vietnamese modern slaves in Britain  live in fear of debt.

A typical case might involve a friend or neighbour offering someone in north of the country work in London. As identified in the Commissioners report, the price for transport could be anything from 10,000-33,000. As collateral, the victims parents might hand over the red book: the deeds to their property.

The journey could take months, with various overland routes leading to France, where the victim will wait with hundreds of other Vietnamese for an opportunity to cross the channel. Along the way, beatings and rape are common. Even if they get to the UK, theyll almost never make the debt back.

Re-trafficking is another key issue. Once a Vietnamese person has been released from one exploitative situation, through escape  especially from less secures childrens facilities  or a bust, they can often find themselves walking the streets. Its easy for them to end up being exploited again. It might be a nail bar, for example, rather than a cannabis farm: often the two businesses are interconnected, with nail bars used to launder drug profits.

Parosha Chandran, the UKs leading anti-slavery barrister and a UN expert on trafficking, says part of the problem is the lack of a coordination between police departments. Too often, raids focus on disrupting the place of illegal cannabis cultivation, rather than investigating who is responsible for running the sophisticated, often multimillion pound drug business the trafficking victims are found caught up in. Until a landmark case which she won, children and adults found cultivating cannabis like this were prosecuted as criminals, rather than recognised as being victims of modern slavery.

Its time for some critical leadership on investigating modern slavery, she says. There are two crimes being committed [in these cases]: human trafficking and the illegal cultivation of drugs. Both have all the hallmarks of organised crime. Police departments must club together their expertise on financial crime, drug crime, modern slavery and witness protection to have an effective response.

They need to trace money streams, preserve evidence at the scene and offer witness protection to victims to encourage them to victims to come forward, to help with prosecutions. These gangs rule by fear.

While law enforcement has a part to play, it is not the only piece of the puzzle. People who use cannabis, or visit nail bars or car washes, have a responsibility to spot the signs, and fight the modern slavery that goes on under their noses.

Every day you may come across people who are caught up in modern slavery. Here are the key signs to watch out for:

Is someone always watching them?

Do they have injuries that appear to be the result of an assault?

Will they not look you in the eye or seem frightened?

Do they always wear the same few clothes?

Are they living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded condition?

Do they look starving or neglected?

Do they live and work at the same address?

Are they being controlled by a boyfriend?

Do they have ID documents?

Are their travel arrangements unusual?

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Britain will regret leaving the European Union, the President of the European Commission has warned.

Speaking in his annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg Jean-Claude Juncker said the EU would respect the will of the British people but that the bloc would move on from the UKs departure.

Mr Juncker unveiled plans for a summit to be held on 30 March 2019  the day after the UK leaves  in order to discuss the future of the bloc.

He also used the speech to spell out a major reform package for the EU: with a new push for all applicable member states to join the euro, the expansion of the borderless Schengen area to Romania and Bulgaria, as well as the merger of the presidencies of the European Commission and European Council.

He also backed the creation of a new European economics and finance minister, an idea proposed by Emmanuel Macron; as well as reforms to the European Parliament that would see some MEPs elected from European-wide lists voted on by all countries at once.

March 29th 2019. That will be the date when the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. This will be a very sad and tragic moment in our history  we will always regret this, and I think that you will regret it soon, if I might say, he said.

Nonetheless we have to respect the will of the British people, but we will have to make progress, we will move on, because Brexit isnt everything  its not the future of Europe.

The Commission President, a former prime minister of Luxembourg, said he believed that the EU would continue to enlarge and will have more than 27 member states  though he admitted it was unlikely to do so immediately during his term as President.

In the speech, the President painted a bright picture for the future of the EU. Mr Juncker rattled off economic statistics that he said showed the EUs economy was bouncing back.

 Thousands join anti-Brexit march in Westminster

All of this leads me to believe: the wind is back in Europes sails. We now have a window of opportunity but it will not stay open forever. Let us make the most of the momentum, catch the wind in our sails.

Mr Juncker said EU growth has outstripped the US for the past two years, while unemployment in the union is at a nine-year low, with eight million jobs created during his mandate as Commission President.

The European Commission cannot take the credit for this alone, he added. Though I am sure that had eight million jobs been lost, we would have taken the blame. But Europes institutions played their part in helping the wind change.

Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA

The annual State of the Union address comes hours after the UK and EU agreed to postpone the next round of Brexit talks, which were due to take place next week.

A British Government spokesperson said the delay was to allow more time for consultation, though the European Parliaments Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt has claimed Theresa May is set to make an intervention regarding the UKs position.
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A controversial motion that will grant the government the power to scrutinise Brexit legislation without wider parliamentary input has been passed.

The motion, brought by Commons leader Andrea Leadsom was passed by 320 votes to 301 late on Tuesday night.

It means the Conservatives, despite not winning a majority at the general election, will take control of a powerful Commons committee, and grant themselves the power to replace some aspects of EU legislation without it being voted on or debated in parliament.

With parliament needing to change, amend or import wholesale thousands of laws and regulation to prepare the UK for its exit from the European Union, the EU Withdrawal Bill has been designed to allow for new laws and regulations to be passed via controversial legislative device called a statutory instrument, which are debated in tiny standing committees.

But the government has now voted to give itself a majority on the little known Committee of Selection, which decides the make up of those committees, and in so doing has seized control of the whole process.

A motion allowing the Tories to have a majority on crucial legislative committees that drive the Commons agenda was approved by 320 votes to 301, majority 19.

The change will have an impact on public bill committees, which scrutinise legislation line by line and will no longer mirror the make-up of the Commons but have an inbuilt Conservative majority instead.

If Tory committee members remain loyal, this would allow Prime Minister Theresa May to ensure legislation is passed without fear of opposition.

Jeremy Corbyn accused the government of rigging the parliamentary system in its favour. The Labour leader said: The Tories are now rigging votes in parliament that they couldnt win at the election. Not content with grabbing powers through the EU Bill, they are fixing majorities that the public wouldnt give them.

Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA

Traditionally, minority governments do not hold a majority on the Committee of Selection, as to do so would be to effectively override the result of a general election.

Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Alistair Carmichael commented: This is a sinister power grab by an increasingly authoritarian Prime Minister.

The Tories didnt win a majority at the election, but are now hijacking Parliament to try and impose their extreme Brexit on the country.

It is a bitter irony that Brexiteers who spent their careers championing parliamentary sovereignty have now chosen to sell it down the river.

This wilful eroding of Parliaments ability to scrutinise legislation sets a deeply worrying precedent.

It is now incumbent on all MPs to work together to hold this government to account.

Downing Street previously claimed the motion would avoid unwarranted delays to legislation and claimed it would create the fairest balance between the Opposition and Government.

But The Independent revealed last week that the plan to take control of the Committee of Selection was set in motion between the Conservatives and the DUP immediately following the general election, when the Prime Minister knew instantly the loss of her majority would make it impossible to pass the Brexit legislation.

It was all decided in discussions between the Conservative and DUP whips immediately after the election result, a well-placed source told The Independent.

Dont forget those whips worked hand-in-hand through the Cameron and May mark one governments. So they were always going to in May mark two as well.

It had been suggested the government would try and quash opposition to the motion by delaying the vote on it until the early hours of the morning, by deploying willing backbenchers to filibuster on the Finance Bill that preceded it.

In the end the vote passed easily.

Introducing the motion, Commons leader Andrea Leadsom suggested there was historical precedent for a minority government holding a majority on standing committees, which happened under the Labour minority government of the late 1970s. But in that case, the Labour government began as a majority government and eventually lost it through a series of by-election defeats.
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Sir Michael Fallon has refused to say whether Britain will stop training Burmas armed forces amid allegations of textbook ethnic cleansing.

The United Nations said the Burmese army was accused of driving Rohingya Muslims out of Rakhine state, killing civilians and burning their homes to the ground.

But the UK has not announced any move to review training provided for the countrys military, despite calls to suspend the programme from 157 MPs and peers.

Asked whether the relationship had become uncomfortable, Sir Michael did not confirm any changes were taking place.

Speaking at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) event in London  the worlds biggest arms fair  he said the violence against Rohingya Muslims was obviously unacceptable.

Our ambassador has made representations to that effect to the Burmese regime, the Defence Secretary added.

 Rohingya Muslims flee violence in Burma

Like the arms that we export to any country, the training that we provide has to meet our criteria and is kept consistently under review.

His comments came a day after Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary, defended Britain's weapons sales to countries accused of committing war crimes, including Saudi Arabia.

The initiative in Burma does not include combat training but instead seeks to educate soldiers in democracy, leadership and the English language, cost the UK around 305,000 last year.

In November, then-defence minister Mike Penning said the Government does not know if any of the soldiers trained by the UK were involved in operations against Rohingya Muslims, adding that officials have not evaluated how the training has led to improvements in human rights.

World leaders have made appeals to Aung San Suu Kyi  a Nobel Peace Prize laureate  but she is still considered an ally by the British Government.

Boris Johnson was criticised for a gushing statement to the Burmese leader last week, where he called her one of the most inspiring figures of our age.

The Foreign Secretary added: But the treatment of the Rohingya is alas besmirching the reputation of Burma.

She faces huge challenges in modernising her country. I hope she can now use all her remarkable qualities to unite her country, to stop the violence and to end the prejudice that afflicts both Muslims and other communities in Rakhine.

It is vital that she receives the support of the Burmese military, and that her attempts at peacemaking are not frustrated. She and all in Burma will have our full support in this.

Rohingya refugees  in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees  in pictures A young girl and a baby wade through mud after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma on 10 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees walk through a camp in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after arriving from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures A young Rohingya refugee gathers firewood after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees wait for sacks of rice to be distributed in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees arrive on a boat in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after crossing from Burma on 8 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees react after being re-united with each other after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Getty Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees walk along the remains of a road after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Myanmar Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees stand in the rain after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Indian children hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma EPA/Raminder Pal Singh Rohingya refugees  in pictures Supporters of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), an Islamic organisation, listen to their leaders' speeches against Burma's persecution of Rohingya Muslims, during a demonstration in Karachi Reuters/Akhtar Soomro Rohingya refugees  in pictures Hundreds of Iranians take part in a protest against violence in Myanmar after weekly Friday prayers, in Tehran EPA/Abedin Taherkenareh Rohingya refugees  in pictures Indonesian Muslim activists hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya minority in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia EPA/Ali Lutfi Rohingya refugees  in pictures Members of an Islamic organisation shout slogans against the Burma government during a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh EPA

Burmese authorities have accused the Rohingya of destroying their own villages and claimed the security operations are a legitimate crackdown on militants who attacked security checkpoints last month.

But the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the brutal campaign was clearly disproportionate and without regard for basic principles of international law.

Zeid Raad al-Hussein dismissed the governments claims as a complete denial of reality, which he said was doing great damage to the international standing of the government.

He told the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva that more than 270,000 people had fled to Bangladesh, with more trapped on the border, amid reports of the burning of villages and extrajudicial killings.

I call on the government to end its current cruel military operation, with accountability for all violations that have occurred, and to reverse the pattern of severe and widespread discrimination against the Rohingya population, he added. The situation seems a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Mr al-Hussein said he warned last year that the pattern of gross violations against Rohingya suggested a systematic attack that could amount to crimes against humanity, but that the lack of access for investigators meant the current situation could not be fully assessed.

Human rights organisations have been warning over the plight of the ethnic minority for decades amid worsening persecution.

The Burmese government has long considered Rohingyas to be foreign nationals from Bangladesh, denying them citizenship and leaving them at the mercy of systematic abuse including restrictions on freedom of movement, work, privacy, marriage and access to basic health services and education.
The police of the Lviv region of Ukraine on Tuesday detained five people suspected of actively facilitating the violation of the Polish-Ukrainian border and identified six possible organizers of disturbances near the Shehyni checkpoint on September 10.

"In investigating criminal cases dealing with the events that took place at the Shehyni checkpoint at the Ukrainian-Polish border on September 10, the Lviv police on September 12 detained five active participants in those events [...] Law enforcement also determined the identities of six possible organizers of public order violations near the state border and 32 active participants in those events," the Ukrainian Interior Ministry communications department said in a statement on Tuesday.

Over 100 people have been questioned as witnesses, and some parliamentarians have been summoned to undergo investigative procedures, the statement said.

At the present time, the investigation has classified the events at the Shehyni checkpoint under four articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code: namely, illegal transfer of people across the Ukrainian border, resistance to law enforcement officials in the line of duty, threats or violence toward a law enforcement official, and collective violation of public order.

The Ukrainian State Border Guard Service has also drawn up 15 administrative reports under the Ukrainian Code of Administrative Offences article concerning illegally crossing or attempting to illegally cross the Ukrainian border. Among the individuals against whom administrative offence reports have been compiled are four members of the press and ten foreigners.

Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili arrived in Ukraine on September 10. His supporters gathered at the Shehyni checkpoint and began a fight with border guards in the transit zone, helping Saakashvili and a group of other people, including five parliamentarians, illegally cross the border. Eleven Ukrainian National Police officers and five border guards were injured in the incident.
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Calls to decriminalise sex work have been rejected by trade unions amid concern over exploitation of vulnerable women and girls.

The train drivers union Aslef put forward a motion to the TUC conference in Brighton calling for a New Zealand-style approach, where prostitutes are offered full legal protections to prevent unsafe working practices that leave them open to crime and violence.

The idea was opposed by a number of unions, who warned the move could benefit exploitative pimps and brothel owners rather than sex workers themselves.

Simon Weller, Assistant General Secretary of Aslef, told the conference: Decriminalisation would increase safety and provide a legal recognition of sex workers as workers, enhance health, free up the police time because then the focus is not on the sex workers themselves, and end the criminal records that the sex workers end up with which provides a bar to them leaving that trade.

On-street prostitution has increased by 60 per cent since 2010, which has been linked to an increase in benefit sanctions, he said.

Sue Ferns, representing the TUC General Council, which opposes the move, said the decriminalisation would further the exploitation of sex workers, the majority of whom were women and girls.

She said: While it is certainly true that women are driven into prostitution out of desperation, drug addiction and economic necessity, it doesnt follow that we should campaign for the decriminalisation of pimps and brothel owners who benefit from womens poverty.

Ms Ferns questioned calls for sex workers to have the same rights as other workers due to the nature of the job.

She said: "What other jobs are there where extreme violence, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies and rape as common workplace hazards?"

A report by the Home Affairs Select Committee called for an end to the criminalisation of sex workers, suggesting the laws should change around soliciting and brothel-keeping, which would allow sex workers to share premises.

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 the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty

Former Labour deputy

Former deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman intervened ahead of the debate, saying the move would legitimise the exploitation of sex workers.

Delegates voted overwhelmingly against the call on the final day of the TUCs annual conference.
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A lawyer who was investigating the abduction and death of Italian Cambridge student Giulio Regeni in Egypt has disappeared.

Ibrahim Metwally Hegazy had provided legal services to the family of Mr Regeni following his death.

The 28-year-old Cambridge student disappeared in January last year and his body was discovered more than a week later. He had been tortured to death.

Dublin-based rights group Front Line Defenders claims Mr Hegazy was arrested at Cairo International Airport two days ago.

He had been travelling to a UN meeting in Geneva on enforced disappearances.

Mr Hegazy is a member of the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF). He disappeared after speaking on the phone to his family on Sunday at around 8am, The Times reports, and had been due to discuss Mr Regenis case and state kidnappings in Egypt at his meeting in Geneva.

His whereabouts are now unknown.

The death of Mr Regeni remains unsolved and Italian prosecutors have complained that Egypt is not cooperating in the unsolved case. Italy recalled its ambassador in April last year in protest, but recently announced a new ambassador would return to the position, citing some improvement.

Mr Regeni had been researching independent labour unions in Egypt, which opposed President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, as part of his PhD at Cambridges Girton College when he disappeared.

His body was found by the side of a road in Cairo showing signs of extreme torture. A post-mortem reportedly showed Mr Regeni had suffered cigarette burns, cuts and contusions, had letters carved into his skin, had been severely beaten over a number of days, and suffered broken bones and shattered teeth. He was killed after his neck was broken, according to the report.

The countrys authorities initially claimed Mr Regeni had been killed by a criminal gang, and the Egyptian government faced heavy criticism for refusing to investigate claims that its security services may have been involved.

Egyptian police investigated Reuters News Agency in April last year when it reported Mr Regeni had apparently been detained by police on the night he disappeared. Authorities claimed the news wire had published false news aimed at disturbing public order and spreading rumours to harm Egypts reputation.

Mr Hegazy, whose own son disappeared four years ago, founded a group called Stop Enforced Disappearances in Egypt, The Telegraph reports.

Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, chairman of the European Parliaments committee on human rights, told the newspaper: It is unacceptable that a prominent lawyer should vanish at an airport. I urge the Egyptian authorities to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Metwally, a lawyer who is dedicating his life to denouncing this growing practice by Egyptian security forces of forced disappearances."

Additional reporting by AP
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Boris Johnson has landed on the island of Anguilla to witness first-hand the devastation unleashed by Hurricane Irma.

Ahead of touching down at the island's airport on board the Royal Air Force's Airbus A400M Atlas, which was packed with aid supplies and carrying the latest deployment of Royal Marine troops, he surveyed the damaged from the window of the cockpit.

Despite criticism British support for Caribbean communities wrecked by Irma was too slow and not enough, the Foreign Secretary insisted the UK responded "extremely fast" to help.

He said his visit was a "very important statement" by the Government to show it is "here for UK nationals" and was a "sign of our absolute commitment to them".

 Priti Patel defends Hurricane Irma relief effort

The chief minister of the British overseas territory of Anguilla backed Mr Johnson, saying he had called "within hours" of the passage of the most powerful storm ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.

Victor Banks said the 32 million pledged in aid to territories in the region is "significant", but added "it is not enough" and estimated the bill to repair his island's infrastructure alone could reach 1bn.

Speaking to the Press Association on a Virgin Atlantic flight as he headed towards the British territories, Mr Johnson said: "Most fair-minded people have said that the UK responded extremely fast and extremely well.

"We had [landing ship dock] RFA Mounts Bay in position in the region before the hurricane struck - it would have been totally absurd to bring troops in or bring heavy aircraft during the storm itself."

Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Recently planted palm trees lie strewn across the road as Hurricane Irma passes by in Miami Beach, Fla. 10 September 2017. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Damage outside the Mercure hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People pick up debris in Fajardo as Hurricane Irma howled past Puerto Rico after thrashing several smaller Caribbean islands Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Large waves produced by Hurricane Irma crash into the end of Anglins Fishing Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba. 10 September 2017 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A Royal Air Force Puma has been delivered to the US Virgin Islands to assist with the humanitarian efforts post Hurricane Irma. The Puma will be delivering Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief in support of the Department for International Development. Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo to the Caribbean to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma. RAF aircraft including, C-17 A400M and Voyager are supporting a Joint Task Force of RAF, Royal Marines, Army and RN personnel who are supporting the Department for International Development as it delivers aid to stricken Caribbean Islands. MoD Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, 9 September 2017 in Miami. Though most animals will reman in their secure structures, the cheetahs and some birds will ride out the storm in temporary housing. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Boats are seen at a marina in South Beach as Hurricane Irma arrives at south Florida, in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. 10 September 2017 Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Storm clouds are seen over Fisher Island as Hurricane Irma approaches on 9 September 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Waves crash over a seawall at the mouth of the Miami River from Biscayne Bay, Fla., as Hurricane Irma passes by. 10 September 2017 AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Some of the damage on Saint Martin EPA/Gerben Van Es/Dutch Department of Defence Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The skyline is seen as the outerbands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on 9 September 2017 in Miami, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4. Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree toped by hurricane Irma is seen on a empty street in Remedios, Cuba, 9 September 2017. Hurricane Irma reached Cuba bringing winds between 160 and 190 kilometers per hour. The hurricane has hit the north coast of the island. EPA Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures James Constantineau loads sands bags in his truck as he prepares for the approach of Hurricane Irma Saturday, 9 September 2017, in East Palatka, Fla. Gov. Rick Scott is urging anyone living in an evacuation zone in southwest Florida to leave by noon as the threat of Hurricane Irma has shifted west. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The Fort Louis Marina in Marigot is seen on 8 September 2017 in Saint-Martin island, devastated by Hurricane Irma. AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Destruction in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The wreckage in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures View of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile network tower snapped in two by the hurricane on the island of Barbuda ABS TV Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A house reduced to rubble on the island of Saint Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures General view of damage on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A damaged Casino Royale on Saint Martin after the passage of Hurricane Irma Anna Mazur/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch department of Defense shows the damage of Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, the Dutch section of the Caribbean Island Gerben Van Es/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flooded houses in Gustavia on the island of Saint-Barthelemy Kevin Barrallon/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The damage on the island of Saint-Martin, a day after Hurricane Irma hit AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man carrying an umbrella is battered by the wind in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A lone police car on patrol during the passing of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Jose Jimenez/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Haitian people walk through the wind and rain on a beach in Cap-Haitien on September 7 as Hurricane Irma approaches Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A flooded street on the island of Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree collapsed on a house in Saint Martin Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A hotel in Saint Martin is gutted by floodwater during the hurricane Guadeloupe 1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Cars submerged in Saint Martin Rinsy Xieng Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Debris floats amongst the floodwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Household items float down the street in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy Carole Greaux Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The coast of Saint Martin is flooded as the hurricane hits the island Meteo Express Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A whole street underwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A car crashes into the tree amongst the chaos in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A building on the Saint Martin seafront, destroyed by the hurricane @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile home overturned at Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Palm trees bend in the wind in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A woman runs in the rain as Hurricane Irma slammed into San Juan, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe Helene Valenzuela/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma Lionel Chamoiseau/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People in line at Costco, as they find out the store has ran out of water on September 5, 2017 in North Miami Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017 Hector Retamal/AFP

Hundreds of UK troops and 50 police officers have been sent to the British Virgin Islands, where around 100 "very serious" prisoners escaped from jail after the hurricane.

Mr Johnson said hundreds more troops were being deployed to the region. "The military presence is really ratcheting up now," he said.

"There were about 700 troops in the region, that has now gone up to 1,000. It will go up to 1,250 in the course of the next few days."

During his short visit to Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, Mr Johnson will meet governors and other officials leading the recovery work, and will see first hand some of the most hard-hit places.

RAF Medics from Tactical Medical Wing, RAF Brize Norton, along with British Army Engineers and Royal Marines assess the damage at Princess Alexandra Hospital, in the Island of Anguilla (CPL TIMOTHY JONES RLC/ MOD/EPA)

The Government has faced claims the UK had done less to evacuate its citizens than other nations and did not have the correct equipment in place to deal with the hurricane.

The former attorney general of Anguilla, Rupert Jones, described the 32 million in aid as a "drop in the Caribbean Sea".

Writing in The Guardian, Mr Jones said: "Johnson said on Monday that 28 million of that has already [been] spent. Are we to believe it will only release a further 4 million? This would be derisory - it would not even pay to rebuild one school. I am sure they will do much better.

"The Foreign Secretary has also pledged to match taxpayers' donations to the Red Cross. I just hope that we have not arrived at government-by-crowdfunding."

Additional reporting by PA
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Brazilian authorities have launched an investigation after gold miners bragged about massacring 10 members of an uncontacted indigenous tribe in the Amazon.

Brazil's agency on indigenous affairs, Funai, filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office in the state of Amazonas after a group of miners were recorded boasting about the killings.

"It was crude bar talk," Leila Silvia Burger Sotto-Maior, a coordinator for uncontacted and newly contacted tribes at Funai, told The New York Times.

"They even bragged about cutting up the bodies and throwing them in the river."

She said the miners claimed "they had to kill or be killed".

The killings are believed to have taken place near the Peruvian border in the Javari Valley, a territory where around 20 of 103 uncontacted tribes in Brazil live.

Another Funai official, Gustavo Souza, who heard the recording, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation the miners spoke of shooting at women and children who were on a riverbank.

He said he had seen a photograph of a hand-crafted paddle, which was reportedly taken from the indigenous group.

Federal prosecutor Pablo Luz de Beltrand confirmed an investigation had been opened after his department received the audio clip, which was recorded by an unidentified person.

It is the second such incident this year. Investigators said they were looking into claims of another killing of uncontacted indigenous people that allegedly happened in February.

Rights groups blamed austerity measures for an increase in attacks.

Brazil's president Michel Temer has overseen deep cuts to funding for indigenous affairs, resulting in Funai closing five of 19 bases used to protect uncontacted communities.

Vivid images of isolated stone-age tribe in Brazilian Amazon Show all 8 1 /8 Vivid images of isolated stone-age tribe in Brazilian Amazon Vivid images of isolated stone-age tribe in Brazilian Amazon The World Wildlife Fund believes up to 48 football fields worth of forest is lost every minute Ricardo Stuckert Vivid images of isolated stone-age tribe in Brazilian Amazon 'It was surprisingly powerful and emotional' Ricardo Stuckert Vivid images of isolated stone-age tribe in Brazilian Amazon Mr Meirelles guessed that there was up to 300 people in the tribe Ricardo Stuckert Vivid images of isolated stone-age tribe in Brazilian Amazon 'We live in an age when men have been to the moon. Yet here in Brazil there are people who continue to live as humankind has for tens of thousands of years' Ricardo Stuckert Vivid images of isolated stone-age tribe in Brazilian Amazon Forestry covers around 31 per cent of the planet Ricardo Stuckert Vivid images of isolated stone-age tribe in Brazilian Amazon 'I felt like I was a painter in the last century' said Mr Stuckert Ricardo Stuckert Vivid images of isolated stone-age tribe in Brazilian Amazon The World Wildlife Fund believes up to 48 football fields worth of forest is lost every minute Ricardo Stuckert Vivid images of isolated stone-age tribe in Brazilian Amazon Deforestation was estimated to have increased by 467 per cent year on year in 2014 Ricardo Stuckert

At the end of August it emerged Mr Temer's government had abolished the protected status of a vast portion of the Amazon rainforest.

Mr Temer is facing a barrage of corruption charges, which he denies, and critics claim he is attempting to win the support of mining lobbies to protect him from being ousted.

Campaign group Survival International said the incident amounted to genocide.

Director Stephen Corry said in a statement: If these reports are confirmed, President Temer and his government bear a heavy responsibility for this genocidal attack.

"The slashing of Funais funds has left dozens of uncontacted tribes defenceless against thousands of invaders  gold miners, ranchers and loggers  who are desperate to steal and ransack their lands.

"All these tribes should have had their lands properly recognised and protected years ago  the governments open support for those who want to open up indigenous territories is utterly shameful, and is setting indigenous rights in Brazil back decades.
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The mugshot of Brock Turner, the student who was convicted of sexual assault and served half of a six-month sentence, has appeared in a criminal justice textbook in a reference to rape.

The former Stanford University student was released from jail a year ago after serving three months. At the time, there was intense criticism of what was considered a lenient sentence, handed to him by Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky.

Many claimed that Turner was treated in such a way because he attended an elite university. The case was also notable for the powerful victim impact statement read out in court, detailing the impact the January 2015 attack had on her.

Brock Turner, the former Stanford swimmer convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, leaves the Santa Clara County Jail in San Jose, California, U.S. September 2, 2016. (Reuters)

It has now been reported that Turner, who was initially indicted for rape but charged and convicted of sexual assault, has appeared in a college textbook - his face next to an entry and a definition of rape.

The Daily Dot said that the entry was spotted by Washington State University student Hannah Kendall Shuman, who shared a photo of the entry on Facebook.

The textbook, Introduction to Criminal Justice, second edition, by Callie Marie Rennsion, shows the Stanford swimmer-turned mugshot next to an entry that defines rape.

 Brock Turner leaves prison

After describing the attack Turner carried out on the female student, who was unconscious, the entry says that many were shocked by the length of sentence the 22-year served.

Others who are more familiar with the way sexual violence has been handled in the criminal justice system are shocked that he was found guilty and served any time at all, it adds.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

In her statement, the victim of the 2015 attack spoke to Turner directly.

Every day, I have to relearn that I am not fragile; I am capable; I am wholesome; I am not just the livid victim, she wrote.

Your life is not over. You have decades of years ahead to rewrite your story."

She added: But right now, you do not get to shrug your shoulders and be confused anymore. You have been convicted of violating me intentionally, forcibly, sexually, with malicious intent.


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Edie Windsor, the American gay rights activist whose fight for same-sex marriage led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling, has died aged 88.

Her wife Judith Kasen-Windsor confirmed her death to The New York Times.

Windsors fight for recognition of same-sex married couples began after the death of her first wife, Thea Spyer, who she had been engaged to for more than forty years before they finally married in Canada in 2007.

Ordered to pay $363,000 (274,000) in federal estate tax, she argued that defining marriage as something between a man and a woman was unconstitutional, as it stopped her from getting a tax deduction given to married couples.

The seminal 2013 Supreme Court case, United States v Windsor, was successful and for the first time married couples of the same sex were granted federal recognition.

The case is credited with paving the way for the 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v Hodges, which gave same-sex couples the right to marry across the US.

The world lost a tiny but tough-as-nails fighter for freedom, justice and equality, Mrs Kasen-Windsor told reporters. Edie was the light of my life. She will always be the light for the LGBTQ community, which she loved so much and which loved her right back.

In a statement, Barack Obama said he last spoke to Windsor a few days ago and told her what a difference she had made in the US.

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

Because people like Edie stood up, my administration stopped defending the so-called Defence of Marriage Act in court, he said. The day that the Supreme Court issued its 2013 ruling in United States v Windsor was a great day for Edie, and a great day for America  a victory for human decency, equality, freedom, and justice.

Other politicians, activists and and celebrities also paid tribute to the feted New York-resident.

The arc of the moral universe bends toward justice. But sometimes it needs a good kick in the ass from people like Edie Windsor, tweeted New York Mayor Bill de Blasio. Windsor backed Mr de Blasio after the 2016 election, saying, We need him in office while Donald Trump is our president.

Anthony Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, credited Windsor as one of this countrys great civil pioneers.

One simply cannot write the history of the gay rights movement without reserving immense credit and gratitude for Edie Windsor, Mr Romero said.
Defense Minister of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak has said that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will continue building up their combat capabilities due to large-scale military exercises in order to be ready to deter any threats.

"We will continue building up combat capabilities through large-scale military drills so that the Ukrainian Armed Forces would be ready to deter any threats and protect their people," he wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

The minister said that units with combat experience continue to hone their skills at military training ranges. In particular, large-scale command and staff exercises Steadfast Firmness 2017 began throughout the territory of Ukraine on Tuesday, September 12.
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A criminal investigation has been opened after eight people died and more than 100 had to be evacuated when a nursing home was left without air conditioning in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

Officials said temperatures soared inside the Rehabilitation Centre at Hollywood Hills, 20 miles north of Miami, after enduring a prolonged power failure to the transformer that powered the air conditioning units. Three residents were found dead in the facility and five more died in hospital.

Its a sad event, Tomas Sanchez, the Hollywood Police Chief, told a news conference where he said an investigation was under way. As a precautionary measure, weve assigned police officers to go check all the other 42 assisted living facilities and nursing homes throughout the city to make sure theyre in sufficient care of the elderly.

Animals take shelter from Hurricane Irma at Zoo Miami Show all 8 1 /8 Animals take shelter from Hurricane Irma at Zoo Miami Animals take shelter from Hurricane Irma at Zoo Miami Jennifer Nelson, senior keeper at Zoo Miami, leads a cheetah named Koda to a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017 in Miami. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee Animals take shelter from Hurricane Irma at Zoo Miami Ryan Martinez, a trainer at Zoo Miami, places an Eurasion Eagle Owl into a crate AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee Animals take shelter from Hurricane Irma at Zoo Miami Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) Animals take shelter from Hurricane Irma at Zoo Miami Brown pelicans and an American white pelican take refuge in a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma at the zoo in Miami REUTERS/Adrees Latif Animals take shelter from Hurricane Irma at Zoo Miami An African crested porcupine is moved into a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma at the zoo in Miami, Florida, REUTERS/Adrees Latif Animals take shelter from Hurricane Irma at Zoo Miami A macaw parrot looks out of it's cage after being put into a shelter REUTERS/Adrees Latif Animals take shelter from Hurricane Irma at Zoo Miami An African grey parrot is moved into a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma REUTERS/Adrees Latif Animals take shelter from Hurricane Irma at Zoo Miami Cheetahs are photographed in a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma at the zoo in Miami, Florida, REUTERS/Adrees Latif

On Tuesday, the lowest temperature in Hollywood was 26C, according to the US National Weather Service. The nursing home remains without power due to Irma.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said he was heartbroken to learn of the deaths.

I am going to aggressively demand answers on how this tragic event took place, he said a statement. Although the details of these reported deaths are still under investigation, this situation is unfathomable.

 Footage reportedly shows Disney World during Hurricane Irma

Geane Mitchell, a nurse at the centre told the WSVN news channel, she was due to begin work at 7am, having been off for the last few days. However, when she showed up to work, paramedics were barring the doors and telling her she could not enter.

Television footage showed rescue crews arriving at the facility shortly after 7.30am on Wednesday and patients sitting outside in wheelchairs. Others were taken away on stretchers.

The Miami Herald quoted Flora Mitchell, a 61-year-old who had come to search for information about her sister, a resident there for 10 years. She said her sister could not talk or walk.

I dont know if my sister is living, said Ms Mitchell. Nobodys telling us nothing.

At least 27 people died in Florida and nearby US states, and destruction was widespread in the Keys, where Irma made initial US landfall on Sunday and became the second major hurricane to strike the mainland this season. More than 40 died in the Caribbean.

In the US, around 4.3 million homes and businesses, or about nine million people, were without power in Florida and nearby states today, according to Reuters.

Utility firm Florida Power & Light said it had provided power to some parts of the Hollywood nursing home but that the facility was not on a county top tier list for emergency power restoration.
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A group of Syrian refugees have responded to Hurricane Irma by cooking feasts for victims.

Abeer and Nora al-Sheikh Bakri, two sisters, fled their homeland in 2012 and settled in Georgia four years later.

After witnessing the destruction, they drove an hour to the Hamzah Islamic Centre in the city of Alpharetta, where they were told 39 evacuees were staying.

They then prepared a range of traditional Middle Eastern dishes and refused to take any payment for the food.

I called my sister Nora and we got cooking, Abeer, 28, told HuffPost. We were uprooted from war. We know the feeling of leaving everything behind.

Her sister, Nora, 30, said they did not want others to feel the way they had.

I was so afraid when we heard about the hurricane. Especially us Syrians. Were already traumatised, she said. I wanted to be able to help these people, so that these people can feel happiness. So they dont feel uprooted like how we felt.

Nazer Gazel, a 53-year-old Syrian refugee also living in Georgia, had the same idea and delivered home-cooked meals to Omar Bin Abdul Aziz mosque where roughly 25 evacuees had sought shelter.

We were forced to come to the US because of the war, but were here now and see good in this country, Mr Gazel, a chef and food artist, told the Huffpost. Its on us now to do good here. Were used to wars but not hurricanes. We werent that afraid, to be honest. Weve been through war.

Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Recently planted palm trees lie strewn across the road as Hurricane Irma passes by in Miami Beach, Fla. 10 September 2017. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Damage outside the Mercure hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People pick up debris in Fajardo as Hurricane Irma howled past Puerto Rico after thrashing several smaller Caribbean islands Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Large waves produced by Hurricane Irma crash into the end of Anglins Fishing Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba. 10 September 2017 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A Royal Air Force Puma has been delivered to the US Virgin Islands to assist with the humanitarian efforts post Hurricane Irma. The Puma will be delivering Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief in support of the Department for International Development. Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo to the Caribbean to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma. RAF aircraft including, C-17 A400M and Voyager are supporting a Joint Task Force of RAF, Royal Marines, Army and RN personnel who are supporting the Department for International Development as it delivers aid to stricken Caribbean Islands. MoD Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, 9 September 2017 in Miami. Though most animals will reman in their secure structures, the cheetahs and some birds will ride out the storm in temporary housing. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Boats are seen at a marina in South Beach as Hurricane Irma arrives at south Florida, in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. 10 September 2017 Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Storm clouds are seen over Fisher Island as Hurricane Irma approaches on 9 September 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Waves crash over a seawall at the mouth of the Miami River from Biscayne Bay, Fla., as Hurricane Irma passes by. 10 September 2017 AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Some of the damage on Saint Martin EPA/Gerben Van Es/Dutch Department of Defence Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The skyline is seen as the outerbands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on 9 September 2017 in Miami, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4. Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree toped by hurricane Irma is seen on a empty street in Remedios, Cuba, 9 September 2017. Hurricane Irma reached Cuba bringing winds between 160 and 190 kilometers per hour. The hurricane has hit the north coast of the island. EPA Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures James Constantineau loads sands bags in his truck as he prepares for the approach of Hurricane Irma Saturday, 9 September 2017, in East Palatka, Fla. Gov. Rick Scott is urging anyone living in an evacuation zone in southwest Florida to leave by noon as the threat of Hurricane Irma has shifted west. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The Fort Louis Marina in Marigot is seen on 8 September 2017 in Saint-Martin island, devastated by Hurricane Irma. AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Destruction in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The wreckage in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures View of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile network tower snapped in two by the hurricane on the island of Barbuda ABS TV Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A house reduced to rubble on the island of Saint Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures General view of damage on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A damaged Casino Royale on Saint Martin after the passage of Hurricane Irma Anna Mazur/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch department of Defense shows the damage of Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, the Dutch section of the Caribbean Island Gerben Van Es/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flooded houses in Gustavia on the island of Saint-Barthelemy Kevin Barrallon/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The damage on the island of Saint-Martin, a day after Hurricane Irma hit AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man carrying an umbrella is battered by the wind in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A lone police car on patrol during the passing of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Jose Jimenez/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Haitian people walk through the wind and rain on a beach in Cap-Haitien on September 7 as Hurricane Irma approaches Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A flooded street on the island of Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree collapsed on a house in Saint Martin Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A hotel in Saint Martin is gutted by floodwater during the hurricane Guadeloupe 1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Cars submerged in Saint Martin Rinsy Xieng Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Debris floats amongst the floodwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Household items float down the street in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy Carole Greaux Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The coast of Saint Martin is flooded as the hurricane hits the island Meteo Express Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A whole street underwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A car crashes into the tree amongst the chaos in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A building on the Saint Martin seafront, destroyed by the hurricane @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile home overturned at Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Palm trees bend in the wind in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A woman runs in the rain as Hurricane Irma slammed into San Juan, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe Helene Valenzuela/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma Lionel Chamoiseau/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People in line at Costco, as they find out the store has ran out of water on September 5, 2017 in North Miami Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017 Hector Retamal/AFP

Hurricane Irma, which has been categorised as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, has killed more than 60 people so far.

At least 18 people have died in Florida and nearby states and destruction has been widespread.
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Hillary Clintons campaign memoir may be at the top of the best-seller lists, but her favourability ratings are at an all-time low. Recent polling has her at 40 per cent  tied with Donald Trump, the least popular President in recent memory.

As Ms Clintons former competitor, Senator Bernie Sanders, put it recently: Look, Secretary Clinton ran against the most unpopular candidate in the history of this country, and she lost.

Many have ascribed Ms Clintons unpopularity to outside forces: sexism, Russian hacking, and undue focus on her private email server scandal. In her memoir, she discusses each of these at length.

But no campaign is perfect, and even Ms Clintons most die-hard supporters must be able to identify some things she did wrong  Right?

To find out, we stopped by the first event of Ms Clintons book tour and asked attendees: What was Hillary Clintons biggest campaign mistake?

Hillary Clinton's life in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Hillary Clinton's life in pictures Hillary Clinton's life in pictures Hillary Rodham Clinton as a Wellesley College senior Getty Hillary Clinton's life in pictures Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham in at Wellesley College Getty Hillary Clinton's life in pictures Hillary Rodham Working with the House Committee on Nixon's Impeachment Case Getty Hillary Clinton's life in pictures US Presidential candidate Bill Clinton with wife Hillary and daughter Chelsea at the Democratic National Convention Getty Hillary Clinton's life in pictures Bill and Hillary Clinton at the Inaugural Ball Getty Hillary Clinton's life in pictures Bill and Hillary Clinton with Barbara Bush Getty Hillary Clinton's life in pictures First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, President William Jefferson Clinton their daughter Chelsea, at the first state dinner of the Clintons administration Getty Hillary Clinton's life in pictures Hillary Clinton meets with 12 chidren in response to their letter to the President concerning their health problems Getty Hillary Clinton's life in pictures Nelson Mandela jokes with First Lady Hillary Clinton Getty Hillary Clinton's life in pictures Senator Hillary Rodham comforts Maren Sarkarat the conclusion of the Family Memorial Service held at Ground Zero of the WTC Getty

Laura Antoniou, 54

(Emily Shugerman (Emily Shugerman)

I think the biggest mistake in the campaign might have been that she trusted Bernie Sanders too much. And Im really, really disappointed in Bernie, who I would've supported as President, and whose liberal goals I am almost 99 per cent behind  The nine out of 10 Bernie Sanders supporters who did say that they came out and voted for her  that did not erase eight months of toxic language about her.

Pura Molina, 64

Pura Molina wears her barong tagalog to meet Ms Clinton (Emily Shugerman)

I think it was a perfect campaign. Her personality is her personality, you cannot change that. You cant say, Oh I wish that she was like Bill or Obama. Its not her fault, and I accepted that.

Melissa Noris, 23

(Emily Shugerman (Emily Shugerman)

I think that there were states that she should have probably visited. And she ran a very clean campaign against an opponent who was not clean  including Bernie Sanders, who got dirty and got negative way faster than he should have, and stayed negative way longer than he should have.

Nicole Rubin

(Emily Shugerman (Emily Shugerman)

Obviously she didnt connect to certain people. She connected to me, but Im a young white woman in New York trying to go to law school. That doesnt represent a lot of the country. And while, like I said, I dont understand why [people voted for Donald Trump,] she didnt either, and I think thats where she made the mistake.

Linda Lewis, 70

(Emily Shugerman (Emily Shugerman)

She took too much for granted; I think that was her big mistake. You have to go to every state and speak to the people. I looked at a programme on CNN with Van Jones Called The Messy Truth, and he interviewed people in Kentucky to find out why they voted for Trump. And they said: Look, I voted for Obama the last two elections. Even if he couldn't get here, he sent his people here. And she just blew us off. A lot of people may have felt that way.

Jean Moore, 70

(Emily Shugerman (Emily Shugerman)

I dont think she made a mistake. I think a lot of men were against her, and theyve been bad mouthing her for 25 years. And she, in my opinion, hasnt done any of the things theyve accused her of.

Julie Simeone, 36

(Emily Shugerman (Emily Shugerman)

There were probably some mistakes made in the final days of the campaign as to where she decided to have a rally or, for example, go campaign for other politicians who were running, as opposed to solely focusing on her campaign. But I think those are probably more nit-picky than anything that would likely have changed the election.

Brandon Powell, 24

(Emily Shugerman (Emily Shugerman)

I dont think she really did make a mistake. Its just that things went out of hand, out of her control ... But I dont think she did anything wrong. I think its just the times, and just the climate. People were tired of the last eight years  certain types of people were tired. And they came out in droves and they voted, and they made the difference.

John Eubanks, 31

John Eubanks waits in line with his dog, Harley Quinn (Emily Shugerman)

I forget which ones specifically, but in Wisconsin, Michigan, stuff like that, she went during the primaries, but she didnt go back  There was just kind of an assumption. And in the military we dont agree with the word assumption in any way. It is a four-letter word there. We use all the other four-letter words, but not that one.
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Federal investigators working for special counsel Robert Mueller have reportedly turned their attention to Michael G Flynn Jr, the son of embattled former national security advisor Michael Flynn.

The questions thought to be encircling the Flynn family offer the latest evidence that the work of the senior Mr Flynn's consulting group has emerged as a key matter for investigators tasked with probing potential ties between Donald Trump's presidential campaign and Russia. According to NBC News, which first reported that investigators are looking into the younger Mr Flynn, the son's work for his father's Flynn Intel Group is a topic of interest.

Both Flynns forfeited jobs working for the Trump administration, the elder Mr Flynn for having mischaracterised his contact with the Russian ambassador and his son - who served on the transition team - for promoting on Twitter a conspiracy theory linking Hillary Clinton to an alleged child pornography ring at a Washington DC pizza restaurant. They now share a status as people of apparent interest in a widening investigation that has encompassed multiple former members of Mr Trump's orbit.

Between being forced out of an Obama administration post in 2014 and coming on as a short-lived national security adviser to Mr Trump, Mr Flynn plunged into the world of private consulting, a period that has attracted interest from Congressional investigators and Mr Mueller's team.

Congressional panels have issued multiple subpoenas seeking to compel the elder Mr Flynn to reveal more about his work for foreign entities, and the White House was asked by Mr Muellers team to turn over documents related to Mr Flynn, according to the New York Times. It emerged earlier this year that Mr Flynn had not listed payments from two Russia-linked firms, including a paid speech in Moscow, on his financial disclosure forms. His firm also lobbied for the Turkish government, and investigators working for Mr Mueller have reportedly probed Mr Flynns work on behalf of a Turkish businessman.

The report of Michael G Flynn Jr drawing interest from federal investigators, follows allegations from Congressional Democrats that the elder Mr Flynn violated federal law by failing to disclose having met foreign officials to promote a joint Russian-American business deal. A letter from congressmen Elijah Cummings and Eliot Engel - a copy of which was sent to Mr Mueller - raises fresh questions about the extent of the retired lieutenant generals entanglements with foreign actors.

In June, the two congressmen wrote to the executives of companies who had allegedly worked alongside Mr Flynn to build nuclear infrastructure in the Middle East in partnership with Russia and with financing from Saudi Arabia, according to Newsweek.

Responses from the executives provided multiple independent confirmations of the trip, Reps Cummings and Engel wrote in a followup letter this week, allegedly putting Mr Flynn in violation of federal law because he did not report those trips on a 2016 application for high-level security clearance.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

The elected officials' letter quotes a response from Dr Thomas Cochran of ACU Strategic Partners, one of the companies involved in the proposed project, confirming that Mr Flynn travelled to the Middle East in 2015 to advance the construction of nuclear reactor and stating that Mr Flynn firmly believed in the necessity of the project from a US national security perspective.

Lawyers representing Mr Flynn refused to provide further details and did not refute allegations of Mr Flynn having broken the law, the legislators wrote, but said Mr Flynn was only responding to compulsory process.

 Comey: I took Trump's request to drop Flynn probe as a direction

In addition to warning that Mr Flynn could be exposed to criminal penalties, the letter questions whether the former prominent Trump aide continued talking to officials about the potential nuclear deal even after Mr Trump won the 2016 election and ascended to the presidency. The lawmakers asked for more documents that might illuminate such contacts.

The American people deserve to know whether General Flynn was secretly promoting the private interests of these businesses while he was a campaign advisor, a transition official, or President Trumps National Security Advisor, the congressmen wrote.

After the letter's release, the Wall Street Journal reported that the elder Mr Flynn had indeed promoted the nuclear power project while serving as national security adviser, citing former security council staffers.

Prior press reports detailed the effort to build nuclear reactors in the Middle East, which a business consortium promoted to the Obama administration as a bulwark against nuclear technology being put to sinister uses. Shortly before the 2016 election, Alex Copson of ACU Strategic Partners, who was involved in the venture and was one of the recipients of the letters from Mr Cummings and Mr Engel, told AL.com the idea was very important to the U.S./Russian collaboration to stabilise the Middle East through nuclear power.
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Republicans reportedly believe special counsel Robert Mueller is "going for the kill" in his investigation into links between Donald Trump's presidential campaign and Russian election interference.

Mr Mueller has hired lawyers experienced in handling money-laundering cases and the Mafia in his pursuit of witnesses and evidence, Axios reported.

The US President has previously warned Mr Mueller not to look into his family's finances beyond the scope of his investigation, saying it would be crossing a red line.

 Vladimir Putin insults American politicians and distances himself from Trump

Members of the GOP are concerned the new hires suggest Mr Mueller will begin looking into Mr Trump's financial dealings, including a proposal made during his election campaign to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.

It comes after Mr Trump's former advisor Steve Bannon told 60 Minutes the President's firing of FBI director James Comey may have been the worst mistake in "modern political history."

The website reports close White House allies believe Mr Mueller could use events concerning the firing to make an obstruction of justice case against Mr Trump.

The firing of Mr Comey led to the appointment of Mr Mueller to oversee the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

An "angry, meandering" draft letter justifying the firing of Mr Comey, which was never released but Mr Mueller has acquired, could be used as evidence, Axios also said.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

The Trump administration has reportedly already started handing over documents to Mr Mueller's team after the special prosecutor requested the White House preserve a number of documents relating to various members of Mr Trump's campaign team.

He also asked the White House to preserve evidence relating to former general Michael Flynn, who was forced to resign as Mr Trump's national security adviser, and a June 2016 meeting between a Russian lawyer linked to the Kremlin and the President's eldest son, son-in-law and campaign manager.
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The US government has banned federal agencies from using Kaspersky Lab security software, a Russian company, over concerns it may be tied to state-sponsored espionage.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke has issued a directive given at least six federal agencies a timeline to get rid of the software from government networks.

The move comes amid parallel investigations by Congress, and the FBI under Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and potential ties between Donald Trump's 2016 campaign team and Russian officials.

The agencies have 30 days to identify if they are using the software in question, 60 days to come up with a plan to uninstall it and find a replacement, and 90 days to actually begin uninstalling and replacing the Kaspersky software.

According to US officials not authorised to speak publicly about the matter, Ms Duke feels the company's relationship with the Russian government poses a security threat to the US government - the Kremlin could access federal information through a backdoor.

In a statement accompanying its directive, the Department of Hiomeland Security said it was concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies, and requirements under Russian law that allow Russian intelligence agencies to request or compel assistance from Kaspersky and to intercept communications transiting Russian networks.

It continued: The risk that the Russian government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates US national security.

The department said it would provide Kaspersky with the opportunity to submit a written response to address the allegations. The agency said other entities claiming commercial interests affected by the directive could also submit information

R. David Edelman, who leads a cybersecurity project at MIT's Internet Policy Research Initiative and Centre for International Studies, told The Independent that the move signals the idea that we're in a chilly period for U.S.-Russia relations, especially on cybersecurity matters.

Mr Edelman points out that the General Services Administration, an independent federal agency tasked with handling the basic functions of government, had taken Kaspersky Lab software off its approved vendor and procurement list back in July 2017.

For its part, Kaspersky said in a statement sent to The Independent that it has no ties to the Russian government.

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

No credible evidence has been presented publicly by anyone or any organization as the accusations are based on false allegations and inaccurate assumptions, including claims about the impact of Russian regulations and policies on the company, the company said.

Mr Edelman noted that the DHS decision was too big to have been made without some hard evidence of security risk and exposure, but that it likely involves sensitive materials requiring the agency to keep it away from the public.

Kaspersky also made the point that 85 per cent of its revenue comes from outside of Russia, which further demonstrates that working inappropriately with any government would be detrimental to the companys bottom line.

The company has not answered questions regarding how much of its business comes from the US federal and various US state governments.

Richard Ledgett, former National Security Agency Deputy Director, said the move by the US government was a wise one.

He told the Washington Post that Kaspersky is bound to comply with the directive of Russian state security services, by law, to share with them information from their servers.

The company contends Mr Ledgetts interpretation of Russian law is incorrect and Kaspersky Labs does not fall under the purview of the law because it only applies to telecommunications or Internet Service Provider (ISP) companies.

Its disconcerting that a private company can be considered guilty until proven innocent, due to geopolitical issues, the company said.

Mr Edelman said that there is potential fallout from DHS decision from the private sector as well as US authorities.

He said it prompts companies to ask: If cooperating with governments is dangerous business, wouldn't it also embolden companies to resist overtures from U.S. authorities as well?

The DHS directive also strongly urged state governments to stop using the software but the decision whether to continue using it or prematurely end contracts at the potentially high cost to taxpayers will be dependent on the state government's decision.
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The Justice Department is reportedly blocking Senate investigators from speaking with FBI officials who may provide first-hand testimony about Donald Trump's firing of ex-FBI chief James Comey.

It is the latest sign that Special Counsel Robert Mueller could be investigating the sacking as part of his Russia-related probe.

Mr Mueller is trying to determine if Mr Trump's campaign advisers colluded with the Russian government to influence the 2016 US election. That investigation also reportedly involves a probe into whether the President obstructed justice when he allegedly asked Mr Comey to drop an inquiry into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's possible ties to Russia.

Mr Flynn was dismissed from his role in February after it was revealed that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about his interactions with a Russian official.

Multiple congressional committees are also investigating Russia's meddling in last year's presidential race and any improper interference with the FBI's investigation.

The heads of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chairman Chuck Grassley and the ranking Democrat Dianne Feinstein, have repeatedly asked two senior FBI officials  Carl Ghattas and James Rybicki  to sit down for a transcribed interview to discuss the Comey firing, according to CNN.

But the Justice Department has refused, citing "the appointment of Robert S. Mueller III to serve" as special counsel, the media outlet reported.

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

"Under these circumstances and consistent with the Department's long-standing policy regarding the confidentiality and sensitivity of information relating to pending matters, the Department cannot make Mr. Ghattas nor Mr. Rybicki available for transcribed interviews at this time," according to a July letter signed by Acting Assistant Attorney General Samuel Ramer, which was reviewed by CNN.

The Justice Department's response has apparently irked the committee, CNN said.

It was reported last week that Mr Mueller hopes to speak with several of the Presidents current and former top aides who were privy to episodes relevant to his investigation.

Mr Mueller is said to have alerted the White House that he wants to interview former press secretary Sean Spicer, ex-Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, and current communications director Hope Hicks, among others, according to the Washington Post.

Each of the advisers are alleged to have been involved or aware of internal discussions that have drawn the interest of Mr Mueller during his investigation, including the conversations that led to Mr Trump's firing of ex-FBI chief James Comey and the dismissal of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.
Volker says Saakashvili has right to have case reviewed in Ukrainian court

Special U.S. representative on Ukraine Kurt Volker has said he believes ex-President of Georgia, ex-Odesa Regional Administration head and leader of the New Forces Movement Mikheil Saakashvili should have the opportunity to have his case reviewed in a Ukrainian court.

"Ukraine is a country where the rule of law reigns. Saakashvili has the right to have his case heard in a Ukrainian court. I hope that people will deescalate the political drama and concentrate on legal regulation. For Ukraine this is just as important as the war against corruption and economic reforms," Volkier said. His taped comments appeared on Saakashvili's Facebook page.

Volker said Ukraine should be a strong democratic and economic country to defend against Russian aggression and become a successful government in the future.

Volker also said he does not recommend arresting Saakashvili and proposed that Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko focus on Rule of Law, strengthening institutions and government administration.
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Sikh volunteers say they have begun handing out food and water to Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Burma.

The Khalsa Aid charity said volunteers from its India arm were "working in tough conditions on the border areas" in Bangladesh to provide aid.

The group, which is registered within the UK, had reportedly reached the village of Teknaf in the Cox's Bazar area, which has become a crossing point for tens of thousands of Rohingya.

Recommended Aung San Suu Kyi to give national address on Rohingya Muslim crisis

Dozens of Rohingya villages now lie empty after their residents fled violence in Rakhine state, according to Burma's government. One hundred and seventy-six of 471 villages were abandoned, spokesman Zaw Htay said.

Amarpreet Singh, managing director of Khalsa Aid India, told The Indian Express: "We had come prepared for providing relief to some 50,000 people, but there are more than three lakh [300,000] refugees here. They are living without water, food, clothes and shelter. They are sitting wherever they can find a corner."

Refugee camps had become overcrowded, he added.

Rohingya Muslims face widespread persecution in Buddhist-majority Burma, where the recent violence has driven hundreds of thousands to seek refuge overseas.

Zaw Htay did not use the name Rohingya. Members of the ethnic group are commonly referred to as "Bengalis" by many in Burma who insist they migrated illegally from Bangladesh.

Rohingya refugees  in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees  in pictures A young girl and a baby wade through mud after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma on 10 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees walk through a camp in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after arriving from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures A young Rohingya refugee gathers firewood after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees wait for sacks of rice to be distributed in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees arrive on a boat in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after crossing from Burma on 8 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees react after being re-united with each other after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Getty Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees walk along the remains of a road after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Myanmar Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees stand in the rain after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Indian children hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma EPA/Raminder Pal Singh Rohingya refugees  in pictures Supporters of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), an Islamic organisation, listen to their leaders' speeches against Burma's persecution of Rohingya Muslims, during a demonstration in Karachi Reuters/Akhtar Soomro Rohingya refugees  in pictures Hundreds of Iranians take part in a protest against violence in Myanmar after weekly Friday prayers, in Tehran EPA/Abedin Taherkenareh Rohingya refugees  in pictures Indonesian Muslim activists hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya minority in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia EPA/Ali Lutfi Rohingya refugees  in pictures Members of an Islamic organisation shout slogans against the Burma government during a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh EPA

He also said Burma would not allow all people who fled to return. He said: "We have to verify them. We can only accept them after they are verified."

The government blames the Rohingya for the violence, but journalists who visited the region found evidence that raises doubts about its claims that Rohingya set fire to their own homes.

Many of the Rohingya who flooded into refugee camps in Bangladesh told of Burmese soldiers shooting indiscriminately, burning their homes and warning them to leave or die. Others said they were attacked by Buddhist mobs.
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An 71-year-old mayor of a Belgian town has been found dead in a cemetery with his throat slashed.

Alfred Gadenne, the mayor of Mouscron in western Belgium, was found dead early on Monday evening. His throat is believed to have been cut with a box cutter.

Belgian authorities are questioning an 18-year-old man suspected of killing the elderly mayor.

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According to Frederic Bariseau, a spokesperson for the regional prosecutors office, police had received a phone call just before 8pm about the attack, from a person who claimed to be the killer.

Police and ambulance workers arrived at the scene to find the mayors body and the teenager, who was acting very calm and had a box cutter.

He identified himself as the caller. He presented himself to police and offered no resistance. He was standing in front of the cemetery waiting for police, Mr Bariseau said.

According sources and the suspects lawyer, the teenager told police he had been avenging his father, who killed himself two years ago after losing his job as a local council employee, public broadcaster RTBF reported.

Mr Gadenne had been mayor of the town for a decade and his death prompted tributes from across the national political spectrum.

"I have learned with horror of the brutal death of Alfred Gadenne," Prime Minister Charles Michel said on Twitter. "All my thoughts are with his family and friends."

Flowers have been left at the cemetery gates for Mr Gadenne and many have visited the town hall to sign a book of condolences.

Additional reporting by agencies
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The lead election candidate of a German anti-immigrant party has been accused of employing a Syrian asylum seeker at her Swiss home.

According to German newspaper Die Zeit, the lead election candidate of Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) Alice Weidel employed an asylum seeker to clean her house and paid her in cash so no records existed.

The anti-immigration politician, who lives with her partner Sarah Bossard and their two children in Biel, Switzerland, reportedly paid a local student 25 Swiss francs (19.60) per hour to clean the family home, and when she left, the job was passed on to the unnamed refugee.

When questioned about the legality of the arrangement, Dr Weidels lawyer told Die Zeit that the time they gave her to respond was too short for the elaboration of relatively complex legal issues.

But the claim is likely to raise eyebrows in Germany as it would appear to fly in the face of her own partys anti-immigration rhetoric.

AfD, which was originally founded in 2013 by Eurosceptic academics who avowedly rejected right-wing extremism, is known for its harsh rhetoric against refugees and ethnic minorities.

In 2016, the partys leader Frauke Petry said refugees attempting to cross the border from Austria to Germany should be shot on sight. Last month its deputy leader Alexander Gauland said Aydan Ozoguz, the German-born integration minister who is of Turkish descent, should be disposed of back to Turkey.

Dr Weidel, 38, herself was accused of sending a racist email where she called the German government pigs and said the country was overrun by Arabs, Sinti and Roma.

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

German newspaper Welt am Sonntag reported that the email from Dr Weidel to an unnamed confidante on 24 February 2013 accused the government of being puppets of the Western Allies who defeated them in World War Two.

Dr Weidel denied the existence of the email and her lawyers claimed it was libellous to publicly claim that our client wrote this text or even voice that suspicion.

But Welt am Sonnetag said that it had an affidavit and other statements from people who were part of her professional network at the time who could confirm it was true.
The UN monitoring mission on human rights in Ukraine is monitoring the situation around the deprivation of Ukrainian citizenship and the return of the leader of the New Forces Movement political party, ex-head of Odesa Regional State Administration Mikheil Saakashvili to Ukraine.

"As for the issue of Mr. Saakashvili. We are part of the UN system and we are aware of this situation, like other UN organizations. We are also monitoring this situation, its details," Head of the UN Human Rights monitoring mission Fiona Frazer said at a briefing in Kyiv on Tuesday, answering the question whether the organization is keeping track of the situation around Saakashvili's deprivation of Ukrainian citizenship and the circumstances of crossing the Ukrainian border.
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A Greek island is suffering from an ecological disaster after a tanker carrying more than 2,000 tons of crude oil sunk off the coast.

Drone footage captured the scale of pollution on the island of Salamis after a 45-year-old Agia Zoni II took on water near Athens over the weekend.

It subsequently sank, leaving a spill of oil spreading across almost a mile. It is thought thousands of marine animals, both over and underwater could be affected.

Recommended Hurricanes dent oil output as Saudi Arabia cuts supplies

The images taken by Up Drones show Selinia bay turning black. Large amounts of oil can also be seen washed ashore.

The Salamis Municipality said the oil had reached the beaches of Kinosoura and Selinia.

In a statement the local government said: The damage is great. The municipality will take legal action for damages and full liability of the ecological disaster. Companies with experience in such incidents have assured us that they will restore the coast and the sea to the former situation."

The thick oil spreads throughout the bay and washes up on the shore (Up Drones)

A resident of Selinia, told the Keep Talking Greece blog that the oil's smell had woken them up.

We went to the beach and saw several ships, we heard a tanker had sunk," they said. Later we found a dead bird. We were proud of Selinia, now it will take several years until it is clear again.

Residents reported seeing dead marine animals in the bay (Up Drones)

The mayor of Salamis, Isidora Nannou-Papathanasiou, has called on the Greek ministries of Marine and Environment to accelerate efforts and send more resources to work against the pollution.

It is not yet known how the tanker sank but it is reported that two members of the crew were rescued.
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An ultra-Orthodox Jewish politician has resigned from Israel's parliament after criticism for participating in a gay wedding.

Yigal Guetta, from the Shas party, announced his resignation on Wednesday.

In a recent radio interview, the 51-year-old politician disclosed he had a gay nephew who invited him to his wedding.

Mr Guetta said he attended out of respect for his relative and despite his own reservations.

The disclosure caused outrage in the ultra-Orthodox community, where homosexuality is taboo, and led to calls from rabbis for the politician to step down.

Shas chairman Arieh Deri said he respected Mr Guetta's decision to resign.

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

Israel accepts gays serving openly in its military and Tel Aviv is a popular gay-friendly destination.

But among the country's conservative ultra-Orthodox community, homosexuality is considered a sin and publicly shunned.

AP
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More than 10,000 airline passengers have missed worldwide connections due to storms sweeping across north-west Europe - with travellers later today also facing widespread disruption.

The Dutch airline KLM has cancelled dozens of flights serving its Amsterdam hub, including morning services to and from 12 UK airports: Aberdeen, Glasgow, Durham Tees Valley, Leeds-Bradford, Manchester, Norwich, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Heathrow, London City and Southampton.

Around 100 departures and arrivals at Schiphol airport have been cancelled before noon  the vast majority on KLM, but with British Airways, Aer Lingus and Flybe also affected.

KLM passengers who have yet to travel are being invited to postpone their journeys to a date up to and including Monday 18 September.

Recommended Meet the Tortola locals who lost everything to Irma

Eurocontrol in Brussels has published a map showing wind speeds of up to 59 knots (68mph) in the North Sea, with high winds across England, the Low Countries and north-west Germany.

British Airways has cancelled at least a dozen flights to and from Heathrow because high winds have slowed the normal flow rate to Europes busiest airport.

Departures to Aberdeen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Geneva and Nice have been grounded, along with the inbound legs. A spokesperson for BA said: "We're sorry that some of our customers' travel plans have been affected by the strong winds across the UK and northern Europe, which has led to a reduction in the number of aircraft which can land each hour at Heathrow.

"We are refunding or rebooking any affected customers onto alternative flights so they can continue their journeys as soon as possible. We are also using larger aircraft where we can to help fly customers from cancelled services to their destinations."

BA plans to send a Boeing 747 Jumbo jet to Amsterdam and back this afternoon to deal with the backlog.

The afternoon flight on easyJet from Gatwick to Amsterdam has been cancelled, with passengers told: "The crew on your flight have reached their maximum legal working hours as a result of air traffic control restrictions in Amsterdam due to the winds."

While disrupted passengers do not qualify for cash compensation, their airline has a duty of care to provide meals and accommodation until they can be flown to their destinations.

International air links are already under pressure due to the disruption caused by Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean and Florida. Airlines are sending some flights to the region to pick up delayed passengers, but cancellations are still taking place.
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Brittany and Scott Meyers and their three kids were a young family living the dream. Home was a 48 yacht called Legato moored in Nanny Cay, Tortola, one of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). They owned a popular day charter business on the 50-strong island group. The BVI is a fantastic place to live. Not too big, not too small with a healthy tourism sector and a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, Brittany says.

When Hurricane Irma first appeared in the weather forecasts, the Meyers felt pretty confident. The family was on an annual visit to the US, but Brittany says their boats were prepared: Our marina is a natural hurricane hole with a record of weathering storms really well.

Locals are scrambling to piece their lives back together (Jonathan Moynihan)

But as Irma intensified, the islanders began to worry. A friend offered to go to Legato and load up suitcases for us, says Brittany. In the end, it made no difference  their home sank and the items rescued from the boat were blown away when the friends own home was destroyed.

Now, with the remnants of Irma fading out somewhere over Indiana, its sinking in; the Meyers, like many people in the BVI, have lost their home, their business and the life we knew and loved so much.

Recommended Florida flights resume after Hurricane Irma but thousands are stranded

While much of the media focus has been on Florida and whether or not Disney World would have to close for the sixth time since it opened 50 years ago, these islands are where the real devastation happened. Described as apocalyptic and catastrophic, they were stripped of vegetation and infrastructure was devastated. The unofficial estimate puts the loss at 90 per cent of homes, businesses and boats. With the threat of another hurricane looming, it took several days for aid to arrive. Now the fear is that the islands will be forgotten. As expats such as Voyage Yacht Charters captain Jonathan Moynihan start to evacuate, its with mixed feelings. Its devastating, he says. Without help, people are going to die.

Moynihan doesnt want to leave the island without trying to get word out. For the Meyers, every moment is focused on helping. They are part of a citizens navy of sorts, working on raising money, sending supplies, flying in medical teams and evacuating people.

Joining dozens of other hands-on efforts like SailorsHelping.org, the International Rescue Group (IRG) and local veterinarians as they work to assist the BVIs recovery, the Meyers focus is on immediate relief.

An estimated 90 per cent of homes and businesses have been destroyed (Jonathan Moynihan)

For Brittany it means hours in front of the computer and on the phone trying to connect people and resources. Things move very quickly, like, There's a plane landing at 2pm, it has four empty seats. We try to get documents so people can evacuate. Meanwhile, she says her husband Scott is on the ground in Puerto Rico. Im not actually sure what hes doing. We havent had time to check in with each other.

Scotts days (and nights) are spent coordinating all the grass roots relief efforts; trying to get donated supplies loaded on volunteer transportation and then ensuring it reaches the people its intended for. The catastrophic destruction makes this trickier than youd think, he says: Today we were focused on delivering communication equipment like satellite phones and VHF radios to community leaders to re-establish distribution channels.

The Meyers lost the yacht they lived on to the storm (Jonathan Moynihan)

While not everyone is able to load boats with supplies or arrange to help evacuees, the Meyers say there are lots of ways to help the islands. Right now the donations need to keep flowing  theres an urgent need for food, water, cleanup equipment and building supplies.

Brittany is confident that if the people who love the islands come to their aid now, the strength and spirit of the islanders will persevere, The British Virgin Islands are loved for a very good reason. We'll be back.
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Earlier this week, a senior UN official described the plight of Burma's Rohingya people as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing. Although the Burmese government denies reports of rapes, killings and house burning, and it is difficult to be clear on exactly what is occurring, because of restricted media access, accounts of severe persecution continue to be heard from fleeing refugees. These stories include horrific accounts of Rohingya children being beheaded and civilians burned alive.

The Rohingya are an ethnic group, largely Muslim, who are often described as the worlds most persecuted minority. For centuries, they have lived in Buddhist-dominated Burma. However, since they are not recognised as an ethnic minority of Burma, they suffer from appalling discrimination and human rights abuses. Their rights to study, work, marry, travel, practise their religion and access health services have been restricted and they are unable to vote. From surveys completed by 500 participants in seven cities in Myanmar, it appears that 85 per cent claimed to dislike Muslims because of the fear of turning the country Islamic, undoubtedly fuelled by anti-Muslim propaganda.

Rashida, 25, recently fled with her husband and three children from Rakhine State, Burma, after her family home and the paddy fields they farmed had been burned. She says, The Bangladeshi people are being very kind and are donating clothes and food, but I have not seen any international organisation. I wish they would help us, too  we need food to eat. She is probably unaware that Burma has blocked all United Nations aid agencies from delivering vital supplies to Rohingya citizens.

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

Pakistani girls' and womens rights campaigner and Nobel peace winner, Malala Yousafzai, has called on her fellow laureate Aung San Suu Kyi (technically Burmas state counsellor as she is legally ineligible to hold the office of president) to put an end to the violence. Yousafzai is not the only Nobel peace laureate to call on Suu Kyi to stop the genocide. Desmond Tutu shamed Suu Kyi last week saying her silence is too high a price on the unfolding genocide.

One cannot help but draw parallels with Pakistans brutal suppression of the Bangladeshi uprising in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. It is estimated that more than three million people were killed, hundreds of thousands of women raped during the bloody nine-month battle and the ethnic cleansing of Hindus. In March 1971 the Pakistani army launched Operation Searchlight and began systematically killing of academics, teachers and professionals. General Tikka Khan was dubbed the Butcher of Bengal for his role in Operation Searchlight; similar to Burmas General Min Aung Hlaing role whose soldiers stand accused of rape, torture and murder.

 Rohingya Muslims flee violence in Burma

But for the persecuted Bengalis of 1971, India played a pivotal role in providing shelter, food and opened up its borders. Indias prime minister at the time, Indira Ghandi, played a pivotal role in mobilising world leaders to condemn the atrocities against the Bengali people and sent her army to support the Bengali freedom fighters.

The Bangladeshi government has the opportunity to offer support to the Rohingyas  together with international aid organisations  while they are taking refuge in makeshift camps in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina condemned Burma as has the opposition Bangaldesh National Party Leader, Khaleda Zia for atrocities that had reached a level beyond description. Sheikh Hasina has demanded that Burma bring the Rohingya back, while encouraging the international community to place pressure on Burma to ensure the safety of the Rohingya. Bangladesh has also proposed creating safe zones run by aid groups for the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine to stop hundreds of thousands of refugees crossing into its territory. Bangladesh needs world leaders to support this intervention  just like in the Bangladesh civil war.

 Rohingya crisis: Muslim village burnt to the ground

British Bangladeshis are also playing their part in raising funds and aid for the refugees and organising demonstrations over the past few weeks calling Burma to stop the persecution of the Rohingya people and for world leaders to intervene. For the once-persecuted people of Bangladesh it is a time to provide shelter to the stateless people of Rohingya  a time not to forget Bangladesh's bloody past but to act on the memory that justice and humanity must again prevail and silence is not an option.

Rabina Khan in a councillor in the Shadwell ward and group leader for Peoples Alliance of Tower Hamlets
James Brokenshire told MPs that the Government's "clear and resolute focus" is to re-establish devolved government at Stormont

The Northern Ireland Secretary has warned "time is short" as he urged the parties to continue to work to reach an agreement to restore powersharing as soon as possible.

James Brokenshire told MPs the Government's "clear and resolute focus" is to re-establish devolved government at Stormont.

Speaking during Commons Northern Ireland questions, he said: "Clearly we will do all that we can to support them in the days ahead and the time for action is now."

Prime Minister Theresa May has held separate telephone conversations with DUP leader Arlene Foster and her Sinn Fein counterpart in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, urging Northern Ireland's political leaders to bring back powersharing.

Mr Brokenshire said : "Northern Ireland still remains without a fully functioning, powersharing devolved government. Our clear and resolute focus is to re-establish devolved government at Stormont.

"Together with the Irish Government we are continuing to support the parties' efforts to find resolution and form an executive. However time is short and I urge the parties to continue to work to reach an agreement."

DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds said: "The Prime Minister has been in touch with the party leaders in Northern Ireland in recent hours and she will have heard from our party leader a total commitment to restoring devolution immediately, with no red lines or preconditions to get on with the job of dealing with health, education, jobs and investment in Northern Ireland."

Mr Brokenshire said the Government was seeing engagement between the DUP and Sinn Fein and he had been "encouraged" by the nature of the intensive engagement that they had shown, but acknowledged that agreement had not been reached.

He added there were a defined number of issues that remained outstanding and there needed to be focus on finding resolution and seeing devolved government restored.

Mr Dodds asked whether Sinn Fein "continue to adhere to the view these matters are not as important as seeking partisan, political demands to be fulfilled or whether any progress was made on that front?"

He added: "Certainly we will continue to intensively engage in those political talks, Northern Ireland needs a devolved government, it needs its executive."

Mr Brokenshire said he welcomed the comments from Mrs Foster about seeing that desire to get back into an executive.

He added: "I would also point to the comments of Michelle O'Neill who has said that she believes that whilst there are difficulties, that a deal is still doable.

"I would certainly encourage him and his party to engage in the way that they have and certainly encouraging all parties to have that focus on seeing devolution restored."

Conservative Edward Argar (Charnwood) thanked Mr Brokenshire for his "clear determination, commitment and hard work in the cause of seeking a return to the powersharing devolved administration we all wish to see".

He added: "It is vitally important that all parties in Northern Ireland continue to approach these discussions in a spirit of compromise and co-operation with our eyes firmly fixed on the need to secure agreement."
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Foreign Minister of Estonia Sven Mikser have coordinated their approaches to undertaking an initiative for sending a UN peacekeeping mission to Donbas.

At a meeting in Kyiv, the two coordinated approaches regarding ways of implementing the initiative to send a UN peacekeeping mission to Donbas, eastern Ukraine, to ensure proper implementation of the Minsk peace agreements, the presidential press service said.

"In this context, the Estonian foreign minister clearly stated the common position on the need to deploy the peacekeepers throughout the territory of separate regions in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including an uncontrolled section of the Russian-Ukrainian border," it said.

The sides also exchanged views on the content of the next Eastern Partnership summit in Brussels in November 2017.

Ukraine's interest in further use of Estonia's experience in the development of e-government was noted.

"The president expressed gratitude to the Estonian side for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, condemning and not recognizing the occupation and annexation of Crimea, and also a consistent position on the need to preserve European Union sanctions against Russia," the message reads.

Poroshenko thanked the Estonian foreign minister for the important humanitarian and technical assistance to Ukraine from Estonia, as well as for the treatment of wounded Ukrainian servicemen.
An artists impression of the data centre planned for Athenry in Co Galway

Apple has warned the Irish government that continuing delays around its proposed data centre in Galway may jeopardise the $1 billion project, according to Bloomberg.

The iPhone maker, which launched the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X yesterday, scouted 19 countries before choosing Ireland.

However, it has been revealed that concerns have been raised that the project has been hindered by problems with the planning process, according to people who asked not to be named as the matter is private.

The plan to build a data centre in a forest close to Athenry is set to cover 166,000 square meters, was announced in 2015 and had been expected to be completed this year.

However, as of yet nothing has been built, and Apple is still waiting on a court hearing into a challenge by people objecting to the planning approval for the project.

The objections appear to relate to environmental and economic issues.

Part of the problem is how difficult it is to achieve large infrastructure developments in Ireland, in comparison to other countries.

Another project, which was launched at the same time as the one in Ireland, has nearly been completed in Denmark.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook announced in July that Apple plans to build a second data centre in the Scandinavian country.

While the court probably wont block the centre, it could send the project back into the planning process if it finds flaws in the planning permission.

If this happens, Apple may quietly shelve the centre or scale it back the size of the operation.

Apple declined to comment.
Applegreen COO Joe Barrett (left) and Applegreen CEO Bob Etchingham at the launch of a recent Applegreen promotion. Mr Etchingham says that business ticks over even during bad times

Weak sterling has made the M1 corridor in Ireland more challenging for forecourt retailer Applegreen, but CEO Bob Etchingham has said he is not concerned about the UK economy, despite an approaching Brexit.

"The attractiveness of buying fuel in the south now has lessened because of the impact of sterling," he told the Irish Independent, adding that he wouldn't overstate the effect on the business.

Mr Etchingham was speaking as Applegreen unveiled a strong set of first-half results, with revenue rising 21pc to 672.5m and gross profits up 20pc to 82.2m.

Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation were 28pc higher at 16.6m in the period. Its performance was boosted by higher fuel margins and increased food sales.

Stock market-listed Applegreen generated 384m of its first-half revenue and 57.1m of its gross profits in Ireland. Of that, fuel accounted for 290.3m of sales and 18m of gross profits.

Food sales accounted for 35.9m of sales and 20.5m of gross profits; sales from its forecourt stores hit 57.7m and gross profits were 18.5m.

Revenue at the Irish operations was 15.4pc higher year-on-year while gross profit in the period was up 16.4pc. Shares in the company rose more than 4pc at one stage yesterday.

Mr Etchingham said that the UK economy remains solid, despite consumer unease surrounding Brexit.

"I think there are some signs, but they're relatively small," he said about the impact of the UK's planned exit from the European Union.

"It's a mixed message that we're getting in the UK at the moment. At the end of the day, people buy what we have. We find that even during bad times, our business keeps on ticking over quite nicely. We're not concerned about the UK economy."

In August, Applegreen agreed to pay 23m to buy seven sites in the UK, including six service areas, along the A1 motorway between London and the north. It currently has 85 sites in the UK.

It currently has three motorway service areas in early planning stages. Mr Etchingham said that Applegreen expects its success rate in terms of securing planning permissions for such schemes to be about one-in-three.

Applegreen's chief operating officer Joe Barrett said that the group is looking for opportunities to expand further north in the UK, but wouldn't go "too far north outside our comfort zone".

Applegreen also has operations in the United States and in July announced a deal to acquire a chain of 34 filling stations in South Carolina as part of a $75m transaction.
Just 58pc of the 200 company bosses surveyed by PwC now have a favourable outlook for the Irish economy - down from 71pc this time last year. Photo: iStock

Brexit's chill wind is whistling through the corridors of Ireland's businesses, with the number of chief executives here who see blue skies ahead for the Irish economy having fallen significantly over the past year, according to a new report from accountancy and advisory firm PwC.

Just 58pc of the 200 company bosses surveyed by PwC now have a favourable outlook for the Irish economy - down from 71pc this time last year.

And most of the country's leading business men and women believe high personal taxes, rising wage costs and a lack of affordable housing are key challenges for their companies.

The sharp drop in overall economic confidence also coincides with 68pc of executives demanding that the Government make developing a clear national strategy to deal with Brexit a top priority.

PwC managing partner Feargal O'Rourke said confidence levels were only "down slightly" on last year's CEO Pulse survey.

"This is hardly surprising given concerns relating to Brexit and other geopolitical factors," he said.

He pointed out that many chief executives in Ireland are still planning for growth despite the uncertainty created by the UK's planned exit from the European Union in 2019. Many of the CEOs are focusing on export markets to achieve growth, he said.

"Overall, in weighing up the opportunities and uncertainties, CEOs are slightly more cautious in their outlook with a consequent impact on the pace of investment decisions," said Mr O'Rourke.

"Nevertheless they remain focused on the growth potential of their businesses."

The survey found that despite their concerns, 49pc of chief executives still expect to hire more staff in the coming year.

But a lack of skilled staff is hampering their efforts to expand, with 81pc concerned about the availability of key skills.

Some recruiters have recently noted that some skilled foreign nationals such as tech workers offered jobs in Ireland have turned down posts because they viewed the cost of living here as being too high compared with other European cities with better transport infrastructure and housing availability.

PwC's director of people and organisation, Gerard McDonough, said that concerns around the lack of key skills in Ireland have been "very high" for the last five years.

The survey showed that 75pc of CEOs plan to grow their revenues in the year ahead, but 11pc expect to cut jobs.

Almost all of the chief executives of Irish divisions of multinational corporations - 96pc - said they were happy with their investments in Ireland, with 58pc citing the 12.5pc corporate tax rate as essential for preserving their investment here.

Some 47pc cited maintaining and increasing cost competitiveness as a critical factor in this regard.

Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald, said Brexit is a "key concern for policy makers and business leaders.

"This Government is doing everything possible to respond strongly to the impacts of Brexit by working with international and local stakeholder to provide supports to business and safeguard Irish jobs," she said.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has asked President Donald Trump to intervene in a dispute between Boeing Co and Canadian rival Bombardier to help secure thousands of jobs in Northern Ireland.

British ministers have also approached Boeing directly in an attempt to get the world's largest aerospace company to drop its challenge against Bombardier, which could endanger a factory that employs 4,500 people in the British province.

Bombardier is Northern Ireland's largest manufacturing employer and May's Conservatives are dependent on the support of the small Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) for their majority in parliament.

Ms May raised the issue with Trump in a call this month. She also plans to discuss the issue with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when they meet next week, a source close to the matter said.

Read more: Leave chiefs pear-shaped dream for a Britain free of European mandarins

May's trip had been scheduled in advance, and there will be other items on the agenda, a Canadian official familiar with the matter told Reuters.

"You have to try everything," Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Tuesday when asked about the joint approach with Britain, adding that she had spoken to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Monday.

"We are as one. We are closely allied and are making our case in very strong partnership," she said on the margins of a cabinet retreat in Atlantic Canada.

A US trade court is due to give a preliminary ruling on Boeing's complaint on 25 September.

"Our priority is to encourage Boeing to drop its case and seek a negotiated settlement with Bombardier," a British government spokesman said in a statement.

"The UK government is working tirelessly to safeguard Bombardier's operations and its highly skilled workers in Belfast."

Boeing this year asked the US Commerce Department to investigate alleged subsidies and unfair pricing at Bombardier, accusing it of having sold 75 of its CSeries medium-range airliners to Delta Air Lines at well below cost price.

A spokesman for Ms May said Bombardier's jobs were "of huge importance" to Northern Ireland.

A Boeing spokesman said on Tuesday the company would not comment on a meeting between heads of state.

Ms May is likely to find it difficult to convince Trump, who has made 'America First' a theme of his administration, to get one of the titans of US industry to back off from defending what it views as its trade rights.

But the DUP is certain to maintain its pressure on her.

"The engagement at governmental level with Boeing and with the US has been significant over the course of the summer because this is pivotal to the Northern Ireland economy," DUP lawmaker Gavin Robinson told the Irish national broadcaster RTE.

"We're not there yet, and the work still has to continue."

Bombardier makes the CSeries CS100 and CS300 state-of-the-art carbon wings at a plant in Belfast.

"Boeing had to take action as subsidized competition has hurt us now and will continue to hurt us for years to come, and we could not stand by given this clear case of illegal dumping," Boeing said in a statement.

"We believe that global trade only works if everyone plays by the same rules of the road."

Bombardier called the allegations absurd.

"Boeing's petition is an unfounded assault on airlines, the traveling public and further innovation in aerospace," a spokesman said.

Industry sources said Boeing was unlikely to back down in the case, which mirrors a wider row with Europe's Airbus over subsidies that it perceives as a strategic threat.

The row could also reopen a debate over Britain's own support for Bombardier in Northern Ireland. In 2008, the UK provided 113m in development loans plus other local aid for the production of CSeries wings, prompting a complaint from Brazil's Embraer. The EU rejected the claim.
Aldi in Sandyford is one of the supermarkets which is up for sale

AN Israeli property tycoon who funded supermarket expansion at the height of the financial crisis in 2010 has put a portfolio of four stores on the market for nearly 50m.

Igal Ahouvi has decided to cash in his investment, with agents TWM quoting an overall price of 49m for the Supermarket Collection - a portfolio of four properties incorporating almost 16,000 sq m (172,000 sq ft) of space which is leased to supermarket giants Tesco and Aldi.

The stores are in Roscrea, Co Tipperary; Sandyford, Dublin; Gorey, Co Wexford; and Cahir, Co Tipperary.

Mr Ahouvi went against the prevailing tide by providing the funding for a Tesco in Roscrea In 2010. Such was the level of despair in the commercial real estate sector, it was to be one of just two investment deals completed that year.

Seven years on, with the economy forging ahead, Mr Ahouvi is understood to be looking for fresh opportunities in the Irish property market.

Taken together, the properties are delivering 3.41m annual rental income and have an average unexpired lease term of 11.35 years.

Seventy-four per cent of the rental income is from Tesco, which has the second-largest share of the Irish grocery market at 22pc. Aldi, which has 11.5pc of the market, accounts for the remainder.

Potential purchasers can expect to secure a net initial return of 6.67pc based on the 49m guide price being quoted by the selling agents.

TWM's Sean O'Neill believes that the long-term secure income flow from Tesco and Aldi will suit investors seeking security in uncertain economic times.

Mr Ahouvi's decision to sell the four supermarkets would appear to be well-timed. Only yesterday, Savills Northern Ireland announced the sale for more than 27m (29.9m) of the Tesco Extra foodstore in Newry, Co Down. Built in 2013, the property was sold by Aberdeen Standard Investments to a private investor.

Let to Tesco on a 25-year lease from May 1, 2013 at an initial rent of 1,588,167 a year, it is set to deliver a net initial yield of 6pc for its new owner.

Ben Turtle of Savills Northern Ireland said with Tesco as a tenant, the property had seen strong demand throughout the sales process

Tesco is the largest supermarket chain in the North, with over 50 stores and 34.7pc market share.
Income volatility, Brexit and the fall in the value of sterling have been identified by ICOS and ICMSA as the most pressing issues which need to be addressed in the upcoming Budget.

Both organisations have called for the adoption of income stabilisation tools to dampen the impact of price volatility.

These proposals would involve a mechanism whereby farmers might defer income in a period of high prices and then draw it down in a year where prices are lower.

"ICOS is proposing that a farmer can enter into a voluntary agreement with their co-operative to defer up to 5pc of their gross annual income," explained ICOS president Martin Keane.

"The deferred income will be held in an account for the specific purpose of the scheme and can be drawn down at any time and subject to income tax at the time of draw-down.

"The proposal by ICOS can result in a significant stabilisation impact on the income of a typical family farm enterprise."

Such a move is supported by the ICMSA, and both organisations pointed out that the Government committed to considering the measure last year.

Speaking following a meeting with Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, ICMSA president John Comer said the recent fall in the value of sterling was a clear warning of the dangers facing farm incomes.

"ICMSA is proposing a Farm Management Deposit Scheme type concept whereby in a good year, a farmer can set aside some funds in a tax-efficient manner to be utilised in years of income difficulty," Mr Comer explained.

"Such an initiative is absolutely essential. The reality of Brexit and other volatility factors is that the links further up the supply chain will pass back all the negative impacts to farmers, so it is essential that there are farm-level initiatives to counter these."

The ICOS' pre-Budget submission also called for a menu of measures to assist the agri-food sector to adapt to a post-Brexit scenario.

"ICOS is calling for increased funding for key State agencies such as Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland to support the promotion of Irish agri-food exports on new markets and product diversification," Mr Keane said.

"The Government should also investigate the requirement for a national export credit scheme to assist businesses in expanding to new global markets.

"Further, the greater utilisation of EIB financing by the agricultural sector and rural businesses must be prioritised."
Farmers Co. Limerick have expressed their frustration with the lack of garda resources in rural areas, following a spate of quad bike thefts this year.

It is believed that at least 40 quad bikes have been stolen from farms in Co. Limerick so far this year, potentially meaning that losses to local farmers could be in the hundreds of thousands of euro.

A number of farmers in the county feel as though they are being targeted by organised gangs, which appear to be prominent in rural areas of the county, particularly the west and south, and north Cork.

More than 30 farmers attended a meeting at the Rathkeale House Hotel with Mayor Stephen Keary and gardai from the Newcastle West district last Thursday, to express their frustration.

The farmers believe that the same culprits are offending repeatedly. In some cases reported to the Limerick Leader, people who have replaced stolen quad bikes in the weeks after the first attack have been targeted for a second time.

They seem to be highly organised, because they are making away with quads easily, and they are coming with vans or whatever is needed to get them out.

Someone must be noticing vans driving around at 11 or 12 at night, vans they dont recognise. But when there are so few gardai around, they are able to get away with it, said one farmer who wished to remain unnamed.

They are bold, I have been broken into in recent weeks and I have CCTV, which I gave over to the gardai, but its no good because they cover their faces and break the locks and walk right in, said another farmer.

One person said that rural farmers are living in fear.

While they are there, they often take whatever else they can get their hands on, often power tools and other equipment. But the main attraction seems to be the quads.

Cllr Adam Teskey told the Limerick Leader that he has also been victim to a break-in in recent weeks.

The main concern voiced by the farmers who spoke to the Leader is the lack of garda resources.

Many of our garda stations are open for an hour or two in the middle of the day, or they are closed altogether, said a farmer who has been the victim of a theft.

Gardai are continuing to investigate the spate of thefts.
The European Commissions competition authorities were notified recently of meat processing giant ABP Food Groups plans to take a 50pc stake in the Linden Foods company.

Fane Valley Co-op and ABP Food Group announced plans several months ago to extend their joint venture relationship to include Linden Foods, the UK based meat processing business of Fane Valley

An agreement in principle has been reached by both parties subject to approval by the relevant regulatory and competition authorities.

The announcement follows last years Slaney Foods and Irish Country Meats joint venture between both parties.

As a result of the creation of the Slaney Joint Venture with Fane Valley Co-Operative Society cleared by the European Commission on in October of 2016, ABP Food Group currently holds at 12.3pc (non-controlling) interest in Linden Foods Limited. ABP is now proposing to acquire a further 37.7pc interest in Linden, with the result that ABP and Fane Valley will jointly control Linden.

Both parties have said the Joint Venture, which will continue to trade as Linden Foods under the current management team.

On preliminary examination, the Commission has found that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, it said the final decision on this point is reserved.

ABP Food Group is one of Europes leading privately owned agribusiness companies with 46 manufacturing plants across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. The company also operates substantial renewable, pet food and protein divisions. In Northern Ireland, ABP Food Group has two processing facilities located in Lurgan and Newry and employs 650 people.

Fane Valley Co-op is a progressive and successful agri-food business with interests in red meat, animal feed, agricultural supplies, porridge oats and breakfast cereals, animal by-products and fat processing. The co-operative was formed in 1903 and is farmer owned and farmer controlled. Linden Foods employs 1,100 people and is the meat processing division of Fane Valley Co-op in Northern Ireland and England.
Such was the demand for milkers in Waterford on the weekend of the All-Ireland hurling final, even Farm Relief Services (FRS) couldn't supply enough personnel to cover the enormous need.

"It was extraordinary, but not unexpected," explains Ned Dunphy, the manager of FRS in the county.

"Some of our staff were double-milking as the demand was so high. We were getting call after call from farmers who were intending to head for Croke Park."

On average they found due to herd size and time in Waterford it was costing the farmer approximately 80 for two milking sessions.

To meet demand on busy GAA weekends, and at other hectic times during the year, the FRS has been trying to recruit in the South East and in June initiated a pilot scheme where they trained interested applicants to become milking operators.

"We reached out to the likes of beef farmers, women from farming backgrounds, those who just need to earn a bit more at certain times of the year and were able to recruit a few new milkers," said Dunphy.

And in the coming weeks an additional course which aims to train jobseekers and people in receipt of Farm Assist payments to become dairy operatives is to begin.

An analysis of labour market needs for the local dairy sector was carried out by the South East Regional Skills Forum, and now the Department for Social Protection is working with Teagasc, the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), and FRS to highlight potential employment opportunities within the sector to jobseekers located in Waterford and Kilkenny.

"Attracting the right people is so very important," explains Ned Dunphy. "Not only do these people need to be well-trained so they can do the job to a high standard but also, of course, they need to be trustworthy and dependable.

"Our hope is the new schemes will help boost numbers so that if Waterford reach another final soon we'll have all the cover we need here and beyond."
Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze has said the decision of the United States to provide lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine is nearing.

"I certainly would not mention any dates when the decision to grant Ukraine a lethal defensive weapon from the U.S. will be finally made. But from the way we are negotiating and how the dialogue is developing, I would say that we've come very close to adopting such a decision by the United States, which for us will primarily mean an opportunity to better protect the lives of our defenders in the east and, in addition, raise the price of Russian Federation attacks against Ukraine," Klympush-Tsintsadze said in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) news agency, released on Tuesday.

The deputy prime minister said that the decision to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons would ultimately be a political decision of the U.S. authorities, and now "all pros and cons of such a decision are obviously being studied in the country, and "Ukraine's readiness for qualitative treatment with high-tech weapons and control" is being analyzed even from a purely technical point of view.
US funds management giant Pimco and Bank of Ireland are among four remaining suitors vying for Danske Bank's 2bn retail book as the race for the high-quality, performing loans nears a close.

The Irish Independent understands final bids are due at midday on September 25.

A successful contender will be selected shortly afterwards, with the Danish bank and its advisors - Bank of America Merrill Lynch - aiming to close the transaction by December.

According to sources close to the deal, the portfolio includes about 30,000 performing loans - 10,000 of which are mortgages tied to the borrower's principal private residence. Roughly 5,000 of the loans are buy-to-let mortgages.

The mammoth portfolio sale, the largest so far this year, represents the remnants of Danske's Irish retail banking business and is expected to attract a full valuation given the book's low level of arrears.

Less than 5pc of borrowers have fallen behind with repayments according to sources, a factor that has helped sustain the interest of the State's two pillar lenders, Bank of Ireland and AIB.

As this newspaper revealed last month, the California-based money-manager, Pimco, is also in contention for the Danske book with some in the market characterising the firm as the strongest bidder for the asset, alongside Bank of Ireland.

For Irish lenders the portfolio offers a vital opportunity for growth.

A dearth of supply in the housing market, the tougher regulatory environment and the toll of legacy era debts have weighed on balance sheets. In the first six months of the year gross new lending at Bank of Ireland fell to 6.6bn from 6.9bn in the previous period.

AIB, which is thought to be among the final four bidders, is encountering the same difficulty. Its latest results showed negative year-on-year loan growth of 4.7pc in the first half.

While the Danske portfolio contains a high volume of tracker mortgages, many issued in the peak boom years of 2006-07, the overall credit quality of the borrowers presents a key attraction. Danske, Denmark's largest lender, forged into the local market in 2004 with the acquisition of National Australia Bank's Irish subsidiaries, Belfast-based Northern Bank and Dublin-based National Irish Bank.

After suffering heavy losses in the crash, the Nordic lender opted to largely exit Ireland, scaling back its presence to a narrow focus on corporate and institutional clients.

Danske outsourced the management of the retail book to the Sydney-based financial services firm, Pepper.
Some 3,000 delegates are expected to attend, joining 200 speakers and 170 exhibitors at the annual event

Some 3,000 delegates are expected to attend, joining 200 speakers and 170 exhibitors at the annual event

Some 3,000 delegates are expected to attend, joining 200 speakers and 170 exhibitors at the annual event

Thousands of food industry professionals have gathered in Dublin's Citywest Convention Centre on Wednesday for the 4th National Food and Drink Conference.

Some 3,000 delegates are attending over the course of the day, joining 200 speakers and 170 exhibitors at the annual event, where over 20 conferences are taking place.

As Ireland's largest industry gears up for likely disruption as UK leaves the European Union, a new Brexit Food Summit will be ongoing throughout the day.

Speakers such as Karen Tyner from Bord Bia and Simon McKeever, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association are joining other experts to discuss the impact of Brexit on the industry at large and what a hard divorce could mean for our food producers.

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Shortly after midday, a panel including Dragon's Den investor Alison Cowzer, Tony Gordon of Atradius and the IIFA's Tom Thornton gathered to discuss 'Brexit - Navigating the Risks'.

Taking to the Commercial Kitchen Live stage, Owner of AOK Coffee Austin O'Keeffe spoke about the health benefits of coffee - and it significance in history.

"Coffee has its place in history; a number of historical events including the stock exchange French resistance, I believe, started in a coffee shop," he told independent.ie.

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An independent distributor for Malaysian company DXN, O'Keeffe said that it is the key ingredient, the mushroom Ganoderma, that ensures the firm's coffee success.

"Although it's a mushroom, taste-wise you actually wouldn't notice the difference," he said.

"It's one of the most alkaline herbs, it actually neutralises the acidity of the coffee. But it also has a lot of health benefits, it helps the body rejuvenate and improve itself.

"While it gives you a more prolonged alert feeling than other brands of coffee, it has actually been proven to aid restful sleep also."

Managing & Creative Director of Sadie's Kitchen, Sarah Kiely, spoke on the 'Food Start Up Expo' at the 4th National Food and Drink Conference.

Dragon Alison Cowzer was so impressed with her presentation of her bone broth brand that she invested 50,000 into the young health food company in return for a 20pc shareholding stake.

Ms Kiely shared a few of the tools of the trade - and showcasing her passion to succeed - with some of the 3,000 delegates that have turned up to the annual event at Dublin's Citywest Hotel.

With a background in public relations and freelance journalism, Ms Kiely realised all too well how late nights, bad diet and a dollop of stress can play havoc with digestive health.

Having tried a number of supplements and treatments to try and balance her gut imbalance, Ms Kiely happened upon bone broth "and Sadie's Kitchen was born".

Brexit is a dominant theme

Senior industry executives from across Ireland and Europe will also be there visiting summits and expos such as Tourism and Hospitality, Grow Your Food, Forecourt and Convenience Retail, Craft Beer and Spirits, to explore business opportunities.

The importance of technology in food production, retail and business marketing is recognised at many of the seminars today including IT, Data and Technology and The Digital Foodie Stage.

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Organiser Colin Murphy said that Brexit is a dominant theme at the conference this year.

"This is an important event for the food industry in Ireland. Its taking place at a time when there is a significant amount of apprehension ahead of Brexit," he said.

"The food industry in Ireland alone accounts for 230,000 jobs and contributes 25bn to the economy and Britain is a major part of that success. At the moment its not business as usual as businesses on both sides of the border are left in limbo until we know what happens next."

This afternoon, five leading food startups will have the opportunity to battle it out in front of a panel of well known business leaders.

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The 'Lion's Den' competition, which takes place for the second year running, is offering a top prize worth over 5,000 at the event next month.

These export ready food startups are fighting for a chance to increase their international exposure, with a free exhibition stand at the International Food Exhibition (IFE) in London next March up for grabs.

The IFE attracts over 30,000 key food and drink buyers from 108 countries, and the winning firm will also receive 1,500 cash for expenses.

The top five chosen firms will each be given ten minutes to impress the panel of judges which include co-founder of Applegreen Joe Barrett, Dragon's Den investor Alison Cowzer, co-founder of Freshly Chopped Brian Lee and Cully & Sully's Colm O'Sullivan.
An Tanaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Frances Fitzgerald TD joined Bill Graebel, CEO of Graebel Companies, to announce the creation of 125 new jobs at Graebel Companies in Dundalk.

The announcement was made at the opening of the companys Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) financial shared services and operations centre in Dundalk.

Recruitment for the positions is already underway and the investment is being supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

The roles being created will be in the area of general ledger, treasury and compliance, and customer support.

Graebel, which is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is a provider of workforce and workplace mobility services for Fortune 500 and Global 100 firms in 165 countries.

The Dundalk centre will serve as an additional operations centre in Europe to support Graebels EMEA headquarters in Prague, and the growing needs of Graebels clients in managing their international talent mobility and relocation programs.

"Our location in Dundalk will allow us to better serve our international clients and their employees needs, as we provide our duty of care that is central to our values. We look forward to working with the Irish government and IDA to further grow our business internationally and create jobs in Ireland for many years to come," Mr Graebel said.

Welcoming the announcement Minister Fitzgerald said that a key priority for the Government through the Regional Action Plans for Jobs, is to create jobs in rural Ireland and this significant number would be transformative for Dundalk.

While IDA chairman Martin Shanahan said that IDA Ireland had worked closely with the company in recent years to win this investment for Ireland.

"The types of roles being created coupled with strategic value of the centre is in line with IDAs strategic objective to win high quality investments in regional locations," Mr Shanahan said.
RTE chiefs are facing an angry backlash from staff after it emerged the stations long-awaited pay review will only include those on permanent and fixed term contracts.

The terms of reference for the review, seen by the Irish Independent, do not include those who have negotiated lucrative presenting contracts with RTE management.

It means the review will not even consider the salaries earned by the stations highest earners and whether there needs to be moves to close the gender pay gap.

The Irish Independent has also learned that staff who are members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) have arranged an urgent meeting in RTE today to discuss their response to the terms of reference.

Sources described the review last night as flawed and said staff are deeply unhappy that they were not invited to contribute to the terms of reference underpinning the review itself.

Unlike the BBC, this review will not look at contract staff. It is effectively a review being carried out by RTE itself, one source said.

Staff were given no input and there was no proper consultation, the source added.

The terms of reference were circulated to NUJ members in RTE last night.

They that the former chairman of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) Kieran Mulvey will present recommendations to RTEs Director General Dee Forbes by September 30.

As an equal opportunities employer with a close-to 50/50 gender profile across the organisation, RTE takes its obligations very seriously, the document states.

RTE has committed to conducting a review of Role and Gender Equality across employee groups to determine where gaps may exist.

But crucially, the document adds:

All permanent and fixed term contracted employees are in scope for this review.

The controversy surrounding the gender pay issue at Montrose was prompted by the decision by the BBC to publish the details of the salaries paid to its best-known stars.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar recently intervened in the pay row, telling station bosses that he believes strongly in the principle of equal pay for equal work.

But the decision to exclude contract staff means that the majority of presenters earning six figure sums will not be included.

This is despite the fact that the gender pay gap erupted over the discrepancy earned between presenters doing similiar work, notably news anchors Bryan Dobson, who is due to move to Morning Ireland, and Sharon Ni Bheolain.

RTE came under fire when it emerged Ms Ni Bheolain was paid up to 80,000 less than Mr Dobson, who is now moving to present Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One.

RTE recently brought forward for the publication date of the salaries of its highest paid earners in 2015 after coming under major pressure from both staff and politicians.

The figures show that Ryan Tubridy maintains his position as the best paid, with a salary of 495,000.

He is followed by Ray DArcy, who landed a 400,000 job after returning to RTE from Today FM.

Mr DArcy is followed by Joe Duffy (389,988), Miriam O'Callaghan (299,000), Marian Finucane (295,000), Sean O'Rourke (290,113) and Claire Byrne (201,500).
Minister of State for Trade and Employment, Pat Breen TD has issued a second call for up to 10 new Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Ireland competitive challenges at a conference in Enterprise Ireland today.

The competitive challenges are aimed at driving collaboration between Irish public-sector bodies and innovative SMEs to identify solutions to specific public-sector needs.

Expressions of interest specific to Irish Public Bodies will open in October 2017, with Enterprise Ireland co-funding up to 500,000 which has been made available to cover up to 10 challenges.

So far this year, Enterprise Ireland has successfully managed the launch of seven SBIR challenges, including a call to find solutions to wildlife activity around Dublin Airports runways, and a call by Irish Rail to develop a preventative warning system against railway bridge strikes.

"The SBIR process is a fantastic initiative, facilitating competitions that enable innovation-led businesses to connect with public sector bodies to provide ideas and solutions to challenges facing the public sector," Minister Breen said.

Minister Breen went on to say that the processes allows for improved efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public services that provide greater value for money outcomes.

"By supporting collaborations between SMEs and the public sector, we are harnessing innovative ideas and developing unique solutions which will ultimately have positive economic and societal benefits, not only here in Ireland but internationally as well," Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland said.
An organic food start up with ambition to connect soil health to food has walked away with the top prize at the Lion's Den competition at Dublin's Citywest Convention Centre.

Anu Dairy won the 'Lion's Den' competition at the pitching event which took place for the second year running.

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Four export ready firms were each given ten minutes to impress the panel of judges made up of well known business leaders.

These included Head of Operations at Applegreen Conor Lucey, Dragon's Den investor Alison Cowzer, co-founder of Freshly Chopped Brian Lee and Cully & Sully's Colm O'Sullivan.

The four competitors vying for the win, a prize worth over 5,000, which includes a free exhibition stand at the International Food and Drink Event (IFE), were The Lo-cal Juicing co., Just Add, Anu Dairy and Hapi Food Co.

The IFE attracts over 30,000 key food and drink buyers from 108 countries, and the winning firm will also receive 1,500 cash for expenses.

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Founder of Anu Dairy Kevin Kennedy spoke to independent.ie following the announcement of the pitching result.

"To be fair the other teams were fantastic and they were far ahead of us in terms of domestic sales but our company is based on export. So we've had to invest time into seeing how the export works and to see if we can get it to scale. If we can't get it to scale, it's not a runner," he said.

"Getting in front of people like this, who are in the industry and can ask me questions, that's really key as they know what they're doing. If they ask me a question and I can't answer, I'll go away and ask why can't I answer it."

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Some 3,000 delegates are attending over the course of the day at the 4th National Food and Drink Conference, joining 200 speakers and 170 exhibitors at the annual event, where over 20 conferences are taking place.
Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller introduces the new iPhone X at the Steve Jobs Theatre on the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. Photo: Getty Images

Apple's new flagship iPhone looks set to make facial recognition the new standard feature in the smartphone industry.

The iPhone X replaces the home button with facial recognition scanners for unlocking the phone and for paying in shops.

Some 30,000 facial points are measured by the new iPhone, which can't be fooled by beards, hats, tans or the natural ageing process, according to chief executive Tim Cook.

"Facial recognition is the future of how we will unlock our phones," said Apple executive Phil Schiller from the stage at Apple's new Steve Jobs Theatre at its headquarters campus near San Jose in California.

The technology is part of the company's new top iPhone, the screen of which covers the entire front of the device with no edges.

The phone's facial recognition abilities can also be used for new 'animoji', animated emoji that closely mimic a user's facial expressions and which can be used within iMessage.

The iPhone X also has advanced new cameras which are stabilised, shoot 4K video and have new portrait modes that enhance a person's facial lighting from either the selfie or rear cameras.

It will have wireless charging capability, with the company announcing a new wireless charging mat called AirPower.

However, the iPhone X will cost more than 1,000 when launched in Ireland as Apple tests its loyal customer base.

Apple also launched a new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, which are more conventional upgrades to the existing iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Using the same size screens, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus models also have better cameras and faster processors. However, they retain the Touch ID home buttons of previous iPhone models.

The new iPhones are being launched as smartphone penetration has plateaued in Ireland and Europe. With aggressive new rivals such as Huawei on its tail, Apple needs to maintain its famously high sales margins, which reach almost 50pc of the overall phone's cost.

The company also announced a new Apple Watch Series 3, which will come with a cellular Sim card built in. The move means that the Watch can be used by runners or fitness enthusiasts to listen to streamed music or check messages and notifications without having their phone with them. The device is set to cost more than 400 in Ireland when it launches later this month, with Apple retaining the Apple Watch 2 and Apple Watch 1 at lower price points. However, there has been no deal struck with any Irish operator at launch, while EE in the UK will be a launch operator for the Apple Watch 3.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook told the audience that the Watch is now the best-selling watch globally, ahead of rivals such as Rolex.

Apple also unveiled the Apple TV 4K, which can play movies and television programmes in high dynamic range (HDR) as well as more than twice the resolution of existing 'full HD'. The company will automatically upgrade any HD content on customer Apple TVs to 4K (where applicable), while 4K content will cost the same as HD content to download.

The iPhone launch occurred on the 10th anniversary of the original iPhone released by late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Some 1.2 billion have been sold in that time.
European banks are world champions in paying out dividends, even though they rank last in profits.

In the six years through 2016, Europe's biggest banks paid out 157bn to shareholders, about 40pc of after-tax profit, according to a report published on Tuesday by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision.

That beat the 25pc payout ratio of banks in the Americas, even though European profits were a third lower, the data show.

Irish banks have been slower than European peers to return to dividend payments after the crash.

AIB resumed its dividends with a 250m shareholder payout in the first half of the year, while Bank of Ireland owners will share a 70m payment this year.

The wider study feeds into a debate between global regulators and European banks on the impact of global financial standards.

The European Union bank lobby is one of the most vocal critics of the Basel Committee which sets global standards, and recently called on EU lawmakers to suspend implementation of two major pieces of the Basel III framework because of wavering US commitment.

Regulators argue that EU banks would be better off if they retained more earnings to bolster capital.

European banks have maintained their generosity toward shareholders even in lean years. Their capital ratios have increased in step with those of American banks, but where firms across the Atlantic relied more on retained earnings to strengthen their position, the Europeans used deleveraging and selling new shares.

"Since 2011, annual profits after tax have always been higher in the Americas and the rest of the world than in Europe," the Basel Committee said in the report.

"Overall, around 20 percent of the profits have been generated by Group 1 banks in Europe, more than 30pc in the Americas and almost half in the rest of the world. Conversely, almost 60pc of the CET1 capital raised has been raised by Group 1 banks in Europe."

The dividend analysis in Basel's study is based on a consistent panel of 91 large, internationally-active banks.

The European sample consists of 32 lenders, along with 20 from the Americas and 39 from the rest of the world. The report shows that global banks have largely closed their capital shortfalls of additional Tier 1 and other junior bonds.

Minimum requirements for common equity Tier 1, the highest-quality capital, were satisfied by all of them previously.

The 30 biggest banks, which will have to meet new requirements for total loss-absorbing capital, or TLAC, significantly closed their shortfall of such liabilities, according to the report.

Applying the final TLAC standard, the 25 of these banks that reported numbers narrowed the gap to 116bn at the end of December from 318bn six months' earlier.

Meanwhile, for 64 systemically-important banks in the European Union, a capital shortfall that had already closed reopened slightly, according to a separate report by the European Banking Authority, based on a purely EU-based sample.

In total, those banks' CET1 capital was 1.7bn short of the fully-loaded requirements of the EU's version of the Basel Committee's rules, EBA said. That gap had been closed six months' earlier. (Bloomberg)
Sean McLoughlin (27) is unknown to most of the Irish population

A young Irish YouTube millionaire has told how his swearing habit has made him a huge internet star.

Sean McLoughlin (27) is unknown to most of the Irish population, but well over 16 million subscribers watch him give foul-mouthed commentary as he plays computer games as his alter-ego Jacksepticeye.

The Athlone gamer is listed among the country's top 30 earners aged under 30, with new two-part RTE2 documentary Ireland's Rich List revealing he is worth 2.5m.

He revealed he has amassed his fortune simply by spending his time filming himself talking while playing video games - and usually turning the air blue.

"There's lots of swearing. The more you swear, the better. People react very positively to that apparently," he said.

"I do get a lot of complaints from parents who say I swear too much. I'm not kid-friendly, which I never said I was from the beginning."

Ireland's Rich List, presented by Joe O'Shea, examines how the nation's wealthy flash their cash.

Sean claims he has been very conservative with his riches, unlike other YouTube millionaires in his age bracket.

"It puts a lot of responsibility on you very quickly and you have to be wise about it," he said.

"A lot of YouTubers out there get a lot of money very quickly and splash it all on Lamborghinis and penthouse suites. If I ever buy a Lamborghini, someone can shoot me."

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Sean reveals that he was astonished to find out people made a living from filming themselves playing video games when he went on to YouTube to pick up tips while he was in college.

Video of the Day

"I watched one guy and figured out he did it as a job. It blew my mind," he said.

"I say I'm an online entertainer because, whenever I say I'm a YouTuber, people look at me weirdly and don't know what that is.

"The main source of income on YouTube is ads.

"These days it's all watch time-based, so the longer you can keep people on YouTube watching your content, the more YouTube is willing to favour you and willing to put stronger ads on your videos."

He said his family are proud of his success, though his dad isn't very internet savvy.

"Older Irish people really don't get the YouTube scene," he said.

"My father doesn't even know how to use a remote control half the time, so trying to explain YouTube was a big deal. I don't think he still understands what I do, but he's very proud of it anyway."

Ireland's Rich List will be shown on RTE2 tomorrow at 9.30pm.
There is no law currently that implements United Nations norms for protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's representative for Crimea Borys Babin has said.

"We do not today have a complete law upholding norms of the declaration that is registered in parliament on the issue of protecting the rights of indigenous peoples of Ukraine. We today do not see a joint vision for changing the Chapter 10 of the Constitution of Ukraine in order to defend the rights of indigenous peoples, as per the UN declaration," Babin said in Kyiv on Wednesday during a presentation of results of the two-year project on strategy of public diplomacy for Crimean Tatars in honor of the tenth anniversary of the UN Human Rights Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Babin also called for more active cooperation with international institutions defending the rights of indigenous peoples who live in Russia-annexed Crimea. He called for extending the public diplomacy project in order to give a boost for cooperation with international organizations.

Babin's work group earlier drafted legislation on indigenous peoples in Ukraine.
A caravan which the victims had to live in. Photo: Lincolnshire Police/PA

Nine members of an Irish Traveller family convicted of "completely unacceptable" slavery offences have been jailed, after a judge likened their victims' plight to that of medieval peasants.

The head of the UK-based slavery ring, 57-year-old Martin Rooney, was jailed for 10 years and nine months after being convicted of wounding and conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour.

Two family members got suspended sentences.

Sentencing Rooney, of Drinsey Nook, Saxilby, Lincolnshire, Judge Timothy Spencer contrasted the family's wealth, foreign holidays and expensive cars with the dirty caravans and squalid conditions in which their victims lived.

Spotless

The judge noted the UK-based Irish Traveller family's lifestyle and "spotless" living conditions.

Expand Close CONVICTED - Top row from left: Bridget Rooney, Gerald Rooney, John Rooney (53), John Rooney (31). Middle row from left: Lawrence Rooney, Martin Rooney (35), Martin Rooney Snr (35), Martin Rooney (23). Bottom row from left: Patrick Rooney (54), Patrick Rooney (31), and Peter Doran. Martin Rooney Snr and Patrick Rooney Snr were given suspended sentences while the nine others all got jail terms ranging from 15 to six years in prison. Photo: PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp CONVICTED - Top row from left: Bridget Rooney, Gerald Rooney, John Rooney (53), John Rooney (31). Middle row from left: Lawrence Rooney, Martin Rooney (35), Martin Rooney Snr (35), Martin Rooney (23). Bottom row from left: Patrick Rooney (54), Patrick Rooney (31), and Peter Doran. Martin Rooney Snr and Patrick Rooney Snr were given suspended sentences while the nine others all got jail terms ranging from 15 to six years in prison. Photo: PA

He said the comparison with the lives of their victims "was akin to the gulf between medieval royalty and the peasantry".

A total of 11 defendants were convicted of offences following a series of linked trials relating to modern slavery and fraud at Nottingham Crown Court.

Six people were initially arrested in September 2014 with seven warrants executed in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and London as part of inquiries into modern slavery.

All the victims of the offences - including a man kept in "truly shocking" conditions for decades - were described as extremely vulnerable, with some having learning disabilities and mental health issues.

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The victims were forced to work either on Travellers' sites or for the defendants' businesses repairing properties and paving driveways.

Prosecutors said that although food was promised, the victims, aged 18 to 63, were poorly fed and were paid little or nothing.

Superintendent Chris Davison, head of crime for Lincolnshire Police, said: "The severity of these crimes is underlined by the sentences imposed by the judge.

"The victims will never get the years back that were taken away from them but I hope this provides them with some comfort that justice has been served."
The State breached the constitutional rights to privacy of a prisoner who had to urinate and defecate in a chamber pot or other receptacle in front of a fellow or fellow prisoners and then slop out his shared cell, a High Court judge decided today.

Mr Justice Michael White said he was not awarding prisoner Gary Simpson damages because of his partly untruthful and sometimes highly exaggerated evidence about the alleged harmful effect the treatment meted out to him in Mountjoy Prison had on his health and wellbeing.

Judge White, in a reserved judgment, also refused Simpson a declaration that his constitutional rights not to be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment had been breached.

The court heard that Simpson had to use and empty chamber pots because he had no in-cell lavatory facilities and. He claimed he had been humiliated, degraded and had his human rights violated because of the practice forced on him.

He alleged he experienced feelings of worthlessness and that his mental health had been affected by having to endure the slopping out practices in Mountjoy.

Simpson claimed that in 2013 he had to tolerate the degrading conditions while sharing a single cell with another prisoner for a period of eight months in D1 wing of the prison.

The court was told he had been convicted of robbery and had been serving three years in the prison. He had been granted a voluntary personal protection transfer to D1 wing because he had felt vulnerable to attack from other inmates.

Judge White was told he was often subject to 23-hour lock-up and sometimes got out for less than an hour. He claimed he could have been locked up for longer than 23 hours before being let out.

Simpson alleged there was no in-cell sanitation and no running water and that prisoners would be provided with receptacles in which to urinate and defecate. They had to eat their meals in the same cell they had to urinate and defecate in. They were given a basin, soap and water with which to wash themselves.

He claimed he had difficulty defecating into the receptacles he had been provided with and would defecate into the pages of a newspaper which he would then use to wrap up his excreta and place in a plastic bag. He had no proper in-cell facilities for washing his hands after urinating or defecating and this created a considerable risk of infection.

Prisoners would have to dispose of urine and faeces in the slopping area and Simpson claimed some prisoners would urinate in sinks in the slopping out area that were designated for washing.

Simpsons counsel, Micheal OHiggins SC and James Devlin SC, had told the court that the slopping out regime had been condemned in 1993 by the European Committee on the Prevention of Torture and had also been criticised in a number of reports including by the State Inspector of Prisons.

A Report by the Thornton Hall Review Group had addressed the impact of such conditions on prospects of rehabilitation and, in 1995, the State had accepted their concerns. It had not been until 2010 that the State had started a programme of prison refurbishment to achieve single cell occupancy and in-cell sanitation.
Gardai were preparing to charge a man murdered in Dublin this week with the 2012 murder of Gerard Eglington, it has emerged.

Father-of-three Darragh Nugent (36) was gunned down outside his home on Wheatfield Avenue in Clondalkin on Monday night.

He was suspected of making threats against his local rivals in recent days just over six months after he was arrested by officers on his way to kill a senior member of the rival gang.

Now, Independent.ie has learned that Nugent was suspected of playing a central role in the murder of Eglington (27) who was gunned down at his home in Kilnacourt Woods in Portarlington, Co Laois in September 2012 as his stepdaughter, 11, and three-year-old son looked on.

Nugent was arrested over the killing, which was linked to the Crumlin Drimnagh feud, and gardai were about to send a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the case.

A senior source confirmed: "This man was a key suspect in the case and the file was almost concluded on him. Gardai were confident that he would be charged with the murder."

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Independent.ie has learned that detectives found evidence linking Nugent to a car that was seized in the aftermath of the murder.

Gardai carried out painstaking CCTV analysis which linked the car to the shooting.

"This was a lengthy and detailed investigation."

The Irish Sun is also reporting that Nugent was previously questioned by gardai over a pipe-bomb attack on the family home of RTE presenter Brian Ormond. The house was attacked in 2011 because Mr Ormond's brother is a serving garda.

The Herald is reporting that Nugent was the best friend of gangland criminal James 'Nellie' Walsh (31), who is serving a 10-year jail sentence for firearms offences linked to a botched hit on major gangland target Michael Frazer in March 2014.

Gardai have been investigating whether Nugent has been taking orders from Walsh, who embarked on a bitter feud almost four years ago that has now led to three unsolved murders in the Clondalkin area.

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The first murder in this deadly feud was that of innocent Dean Johnson (21) in August 2013. Tragic Mr Johnson was not involved in crime and it quickly emerged the intended target of his murder was Clondalkin hood Walsh, who escaped unharmed in the shocking incident.

Walsh, backed up by Monday night's murder victim Nugent, became a player in the west Dublin crime scene around five years ago and ended up getting involved in a bitter dispute with a Clondalkin gang with close links to the Kinahan cartel.

As the dispute intensified, the gang attempted to murder Walsh in the early hours of August 24, 2013 at Harelawn Green in Clondalkin.

Mr Johnson, who had been socialising earlier with the intended target, was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity.

Sources revealed this infuriated Walsh, who decided to take revenge on the rival mob.

Within five days, cartel-linked criminal Jason 'Jay' Carroll (39) was shot dead at his home at Cherrywood Drive in Clondalkin.

Nugent had served a number of jail sentences and was linked to a number of other serious criminals, including Robbie Ellis (25), who was stabbed to death in Clondalkin in November last year in another unsolved murder in the Garda district.

Meanwhile a Gofundme page has been created to help pay for Nugent's funeral. According to a post the page was set up on behalf of "Darragh's loving girlfriend, children and family".

"Most will know how this was a sudden shock for us all, his 3 beautiful children girlfriend & family would like to give him the best send off as they can, any little amount to help towards this cost would be hugely appreciated by them all.

"Let's come together and take a small amount of stress from them. Highly thankfull to anyone who is willing to help this loving family in their time of need... also if anyone has no bank card to donate a book of condolonces will be available any if anyone would like to donate this way just contact us thanks for taking the time to read."

On Wednesday night 75 of the 1,000 goal had been raised.
Donall O Cualain, the Acting Garda Commissioner, has revealed he will not put his name forward to replace Noirin O'Sullivan.

Mr O Cualain told a private meeting of garda management that he will remain in situ until Ms O'Sullivan's successor is appointed, Independent.ie can reveal.

Following queries from Independent.ie, the Acting Commissioner confirmed his decision.

I am honoured to have been appointed Acting Commissioner. My focus as Acting Commissioner is to ensure that An Garda Siochana continues to protect and support communities, while progressing the significant changes to the organisation under the Modernisation and Renewal Programme," he said.

Mr O Cualain spent several years serving as a sergeant on the Aran Islands.

Since leaving the Aran Islands for the mainland, Mr O Cualain is seen as someone who has risen through the force without trace.

Colleagues point out that unlike Ms OSullivan, many of his roles have been focused on strategy and planning - rather than front line policing.

Donall would be unusual insofar as he has not spent a whole lot of time in the policing frontline. Noirin at least was a street cop and was proud of that background. In fact she was the last garda to arrest crime boss Christy Kinahan back when she was in the Drugs Squad, said one senior officer. Donall is a very different fish altogether coming through the office route.

In the mid-nineties, Mr OCualain spent a short stint in the Organisational Development Unit in Garda Headquarters.

Since renamed the Policing and Planning Unit, officers based here spend their time researching other law enforcement agencies in order to improve the effectiveness of An Garda Siochana.

Only those with postgraduate qualifications take up a role in this unit.

Mr O Cualain fulfilled the criteria required to land a job in this office with his qualifications from NUI Galway and Harvard.

Following his promotion to the post of Chief Superintendent in 2005, the officer served for a short period in the divisions of Mayo and Sligo before taking charge of the Galway division.

In July 2012, Mr O Cualain got his first major break when he was appointed assistant commissioner with responsibility for the southern and then the western regions.

Just five months after Martin Callinans resignation, his replacement Ms OSullivan appointed Mr O Cualain as deputy commissioner with responsibility for governance and strategy.

Sources say he developed a close relationship with Ms OSullivan and was part of her inner circle.

He regularly sat alongside Ms OSullivan as she faced grillings from TDs at various Oireachtas committees.

He was also given the task of examining the practice of 999 calls being recorded in garda stations - which was the subject of the Fennelly Commission.

Mr O Cualain once again returned to his roots in 2015 when he was appointed head of the western division.

Given his predominantly office-focused environment, sources say there will now be a big focus on his battle against crime.

He has concentrated on the office environment and in academic qualifications and outside of the Garda Headquarters he would not be as familiar with the crime scene in Dublin, organised crime or the terror situation. In terms of background he is the first uniformed branch garda to fill the role since Larry Wren, an officer said.

This probably will mean the detectives or investigators will be looking for him to show his mettle in the battle on crime. That is something that will be closely watched by the specialist units who carry a lot of sway in the modern police service, the source observedO
Schools also have flexibility to use the JCPA report on other learning experiences or events in which the students have participated, such a science fairs, sporting activities or debating. Stock photo: GETTY

The traditional Junior Cert has gone and is being replaced with the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA).

The JCPA will include results from the written exams in June, along with, for the first time, a number of other components to reflect other achievements by students.

The new "certificate" is part of a junior cycle reforms package, a key element of which is a broader assessment process, which is being phased in up to 2020.

Schools will issue the JCPA to students towards the end of this year.

As well as the outcomes from the State exams, the JCPA will record students' achievements in a number of other new areas that will be assessed or recorded by the school.

The new elements include classroom-based assessments, such as an oral presentation in English, where the student achievement will be recorded using one of five descriptors: exceptional, above expectations, in line with expectations, yet to meet expectations, or, in a situation where a classroom-based assessment has not been given to a student, not reported.

Schools also have flexibility to use the JCPA report on other learning experiences or events in which the students have participated, such a science fairs, sporting activities or debating.

The template will be used for the majority of students, at what is known as Level 3, in a qualifications framework where the Leaving Cert is Level 4-5 and an honours degree is a Level 8. These are the typical junior cycle students who will take a number of subjects, or a combination and some of the new short courses, such as coding and Chinese.

Another template, for Level 2 students, generally those with general learning disabilities in the higher functioning moderate and low functioning mild categories, who undertake what are known as Priority Learning Units (PLUs) and short courses.

There is a also a template for students who have taken a combination of subjects/short courses at Level 3 and Level 2 PLUS and short courses.

English is the first subject to undergo reform. The results of the June exams for all subjects, except English, will continue to be recorded ABC-style until the changes are introduced for each one.

The outcomes for written English assessment will be either distinction, higher merit, merit, achieved, partially achieved and not graded.
The junior cycle reforms got off to a good start for pupils, with a higher number than usual scoring more than 55pc in the new-style English written assessment at both higher and ordinary level.

However, the numbers overall achieving the highest grades across all subjects is down on last year.

More than 61,500 students getting the results of the June exams today are the first to experience changes in the junior cycle experience.

English is the first subject to have undergone a reform in teaching, learning, assessment and grading. Similar changes in other subjects will be phased in over coming years.

Education Minister Richard Bruton led the congratulations to students, their parents and teachers, adding that it was "positive and encouraging to see the changes to the junior cycle coming to fruition".

The employers' body Ibec said it could be "the start of the single most radical educational change in decades" and called for similar changes in the Leaving Cert.

Among those celebrating today were four students who achieved 12 top grades, whether traditional As, or the new 'Distinction' for a mark of between 90-100pc in the new-style English assessment.

Results are available in schools today and online at www.examinations.ie, from 4pm. The overall numbers sitting the exam increased by 2.3pc on last year, an indication of the continuing surge in pupil numbers at second-level.

However, the number of pupils getting at least one A grade or distinction across all subjects is down to 21,833, compared with 22,608 in 2016.

This year also sees the replacement of the Junior Cert with the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA), which will record the results of the June exams as well as other student achievements, such as sporting or debating activities, recorded in school.

In the case of English, the result students get today incorporates the outcome of the June exam - reduced to two hours as part of the changes. It also includes a written task, overseen by teachers in schools, but marked by the State Examinations Commission.

A comparison of the results in English between 2017 and 2016 shows that at both levels, the proportion achieving 55pc or more in the subject was 81-83pc, compared with about 76-77pc last year.

However, the boundaries between grades have changed, so it is not possible to make direct comparisons within tighter bands.

This year also saw an increase in the number of students taking the higher-level English option, described as "encouraging" by Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) president Joanne Irwin. She said the TUI would continue to analyse English and other subject areas to see if any adjustments may be needed in the future.

The JCPA will also record, under a separate heading, a student's achievement in classroom-based assessments such as, in the case of English, an oral presentation which was graded by teachers.

However because of the lengthy campaign of opposition to the junior cycle changes by the Association of Secondary Teachers' Ireland (ASTI), its members refused to co-operate with such assessments.

As a result, when they receive their JCPA later this term, some students may have blank spaces in those boxes. The ASTI opposition to the junior cycle changes ended in June.

The changes to junior cycle will be phased in until 2020. Last year, first years were introduced to the new formats in science and business, and, this month, Irish, modern foreign languages and visual art, were rolled out in schools. The new area of learning, called wellbeing, was introduced this month.

Ibec welcomed the publication of results under the new junior cycle as "an important landmark in education reform".

Ibec head of education and social policy Tony Donohoe said the "economy and our prosperity are intrinsically linked to the strength of our education system and, in reforming the junior years of second-level education, we will deliver better outcomes for our students and help underpin our long-term prosperity".

He said the new curriculum gave teachers space to be innovative and provide a more rounded education experience - and should also equip students with skills and appetite for continuous learning.

He added: "This reform could mark the start of the single most radical educational change in decades. Moving away from the dominance of rote learning and written exams will help develop critical thinking skills, that are required in the modern workplace, from an early age."
Teenagers will be breathalysed to check whether they have been drinking alcohol at some Junior Certificate results parties tonight.

Kilkenny No Name Club is hosting an event at The Hub for anyone who is receiving their results, regardless of whether they are a No Name Club member.

Club chairman Shane Doyle was confident the night would pass without trouble because staff would be breathalysing anyone they think had been drinking.

He said: "We've been using the breathalysers for three or four years, we have two that I bought over the internet from a UK-based company.

"If someone fails the test we tend to take them to the side and wait with them until their parents come to collect them, we wouldn't let them off on their own."

Alcohol watchdog Drinkaware has warned students the earlier they begin drinking, the more of an affect it will have on their mental health.

Dr Liam Twomey, chief medical officer with the group, said "parents need to talk honestly" with their children.

A range of alcohol-free parties are happening - including at Tamango and The Wright Venue in Dublin, as well as The Hub in Kilkenny and Neptune Stadium in Cork.
The Canadian Embassy in Ukraine has urged the Ukrainian government to finance public broadcasting in full.

"Canada calls for full financing of the public broadcaster to guarantee its independence and modernization," the Canadian Embassy in Ukraine said on Twitter on Wednesday.

As reported, on July 6, 2017, the National Public Television and Radio Company of Ukraine called on the Ukrainian government to finance the creation of public television and radio broadcasting in Ukraine at an appropriate level.

Board Chairman of the National Public TV and Radio Broadcasting Company Zurab Alasania said that the sum provided to the company today is not enough to launch a quality product. "We have four times less for production [means] than for broadcasting. This huge system exists just to maintain itself - it's terrible. We hope that the missing amounts should be added and allocated not only for the existence, but also for the changes that must occur in the structure and on the air," he said.

He said that by autumn the funding should be increased to broadcast the quality product.

On September 11, the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine expressed concern about the inadequate level of funding for Public Broadcasting in Ukraine.

In 2017, the public TV and radio company was supposed to receive UAH 1.2 billion from the state budget, but only 75% of this sum was provided in the budget - UAH 309 million less.
Respite services to give carers a vital break have virtually collapsed, leaving thousands of people unable to ever take a day off.

Many of the silent army of 360,000 family carers are left struggling as respite care is now almost non-existent due to funding cuts, staff shortages and bed closures in facilities which have failed inspection standards.

Their plight was highlighted by the support organisation Family Carers Ireland which launched its fourth scoreboard, reviewing progress of the national carers' strategy launched in 2012. It found only 18 of the 42 actions in the strategy have achieved acceptable progress.

"We need respite care urgently to give family carers a vital break - and we are seeing the physical and mental health of carers across the country compromised due to lack of supports," said spokeswoman Catherine Cox.

"Family carers not being involved in planning the care of their loved ones remains a serious issue. Carers still report feeling sidelined or uninformed, and under-equipped to take on the role of caring for a loved one discharged from hospital."

Shirley Thornton, who cares full-time for her elderly mother Eva (83), said many carers are burned-out but they are being ignored by social services.

Ms Thornton, from Mount Merrion in Dublin, is a single mother to Lewis (11) and was the sole carer for both her parents until her father's death.

Frightening

About two years ago, the stress took its toll and she suffered a severe panic attack, the "most frightening experience" of her life.

"I was advised by my GP to take a break but then you feel guilty," she recalled.

Her parents were recommended for 42 hours of home help a week but they only got half of that from the HSE.

"There is somebody behind a desk saying we don't have that," Ms Thornton said.

When her father, Lewis, died, that home help was dramatically cut to just 10 hours for Eva.

"This was at a time she was grieving for her husband," said Ms Thornton.

"We are not just talking about the elderly. There are thousands of parents caring for children around the clock. But they can be getting just one night respite every six weeks. The more you are aware of what people are going through the more you find out the injustice of it all."
On the items branded Team Kinahan, the words "cartel motherf****r" appear across the top, along with an image of a sub-machine gun and the word "southside"

On the items branded Team Kinahan, the words "cartel motherf****r" appear across the top, along with an image of a sub-machine gun and the word "southside"

Team Hutch merchandise has the words "old skool motherf****r" on the chest, along with "northside" and an image of a knuckleduster

Team Hutch merchandise has the words "old skool motherf****r" on the chest, along with "northside" and an image of a knuckleduster

An Irish business has come under fire for advertising T-shirts and hoodies emblazoned with the words "Team Hutch" and "Team Kinahan" in reference to the two gangs involved in the deadly Hutch-Kinahan feud.

The gangs have been engaged for the past two years in a bloody quarrel that has led to 12 murders and several shootings in Ireland and abroad.

Local politicians have slammed the merchandise, describing it as "despicable" and "irresponsible".

Irish-based Craic Clothing, which operates under the German online retailer Spreadshirt, has advertised the attire on its website and social media accounts.

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Daithi de Roiste, who is the chairman of Dublin City Council's Joint Policing Committee (JPC), described the artwork as "despicable".

"I find it disgusting that this clothing is being genuinely advertised for sale by a business. Who in their right mind would buy one of these? It's absolutely off the wall," said Mr de Roiste.

Expand Close On the items branded Team Kinahan, the words "cartel motherf****r" appear across the top, along with an image of a sub-machine gun and the word "southside" / Facebook

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Whatsapp On the items branded Team Kinahan, the words "cartel motherf****r" appear across the top, along with an image of a sub-machine gun and the word "southside"

The Fianna Fail representative also called on people to boycott the line of clothing.

On the items branded Team Kinahan, the words "cartel motherf****r" appear across the top, along with an image of a sub-machine gun and the word "southside".

Expand Close On the items branded Team Kinahan, the words "cartel motherf****r" appear across the top, along with an image of a sub-machine gun and the word "southside" / Facebook

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Whatsapp On the items branded Team Kinahan, the words "cartel motherf****r" appear across the top, along with an image of a sub-machine gun and the word "southside"

Team Hutch merchandise has the words "old skool motherf****r" on the chest, along with "northside" and an image of a knuckleduster.

A spokesman for Spreadshirt would not say how many products bearing the gang names had been sold so far, and stated that the clothing and designs were "under review".

On the company's website, a disclaimer has been added alongside the hoodies and T-shirts.

"Craic Clothing takes no responsibility if you're stupid enough to wear this around town and get 'injured'," the disclaimer reads.

The online retailer has also described the unisex hoodies as "cuddly, warm and cosy" while adding that they are "a real classic for chilled days".

So far the Hutch-Kinahan feud has claimed 12 lives, with a further 30 saved by garda operations and interventions.

See full story in today's Herald
Following a similar protest in Dublin last week, independent coffee shops in Cork have given away free drinks to its customers to protest the rise of the number of Starbucks in the city.

Last Tuesday, some independent coffee shops in Dublin gave away free drinks to its customers following the announcement that a new Starbucks is to open in Temple Bar.

The protest was repeated in Cork yesterday as independent cafes gave away free coffees to encourage customers to focus on independent retailers.

It started off with Farmgate Cafe who ran their offer between 10am and midday, they passed the baton on to Electric Cafe and finally Rocket Man Salad Bar closed off the day with free coffees between 4 and 6pm for workers on the commute home.

Expand Close It's no coincidence that one of Cork's best restaurant's, Farmgate Cafe, is located upstairs in the English market. / Facebook

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Whatsapp It's no coincidence that one of Cork's best restaurant's, Farmgate Cafe, is located upstairs in the English market.

Rebecca Harte of Farmgate told Independent.ie that customers were "quite tuned into the politics of it".

"It was a very positive affair," she said. "We wanted to respond to the global reach of a brand who appear to be rolling out cafes in quite an agressive fashion.

"We used the free coffee offer as a springboard to bring the focus back on small, independent business and look at the socio-economic networks involved."

Ms Harte said she is not anti-Starbucks but she is in favour of choice.

"The real discussion around here is: how do you give customers choice? When you have, in a small city like Cork, three Starbucks within a three-minute walk from each other - when you swamp a high-street or town with these global chains - you're tipping the balance.

"Smaller businesses give that unique character to a town or city. Those of us coming out of the recession who survived, we really need to mind our businesses. We want to be here."

She added: "When you see vacant properties in town, you want to see young entrepreneurs take these shopfronts. You want to see them have a chance to make a business and a life that won't be snapped up like a corporate brand such as Starbucks."

Starbucks first arrived in Ireland in 2005 with a location in Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin.

Now the multinational cafe chain has upwards of 73 shops across Ireland. And growing.

52 of those outlets are based in the capital. Nine of them are in Cork with three currently located in the city at 11 St Patricks Street, 39 Princes Street and 11 Emmet Place.

According to the Evening Echo, Cork City Council has ordered Starbucks to cease the unauthorised use of the location on Patrick's Street.

The Council set a June 29 deadline but the location continues to operate as a coffee shop.

The latest Starbucks store opening is planned for Crompton's Square in Temple Bar after Dublin City Council granted planning permission for change of use of the basement and ground floor at the premises from office to cafe.

Ciaran Hogan of the Clockwork Door on Wellington Quay organised last week's protest in response to this.
Dart services between Dun Laoghaire and Lansdowne Road have been suspended this evening after a train derailed.

A spokeswoman for Irish Rail confirmed that the 4.45pm service from Howth to Bray was travelling at low speed when the incident happened shortly after 6.15pm just outside Dun Laoghaire.

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The train was travelling at low speed when it derailed.

The spokeswoman confirmed: "We currently have no services between Dun Laoghaire and Lansdowne and we don't expect to have them back for some time."

It is understood that the carriage derailed near the station.

Dublin Fire Brigade has sent two fire engines to the scene.

We've sent 2 fire engines (D Watch) & a senior officer to assist @LoughlinstwnNAS at the low speed train incident in Dun Laoghaire station pic.twitter.com/eyKIWHCRHM  Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) September 13, 2017

Earlier our #NEOC deployed a number of resources including crews from @LoughlinstwnNAS & @WicklowRR to a rail incident in south #Dublin. pic.twitter.com/8lkXl7nGr5  National Ambulance (@AmbulanceNAS) September 13, 2017

There were no reported injuries. An evacuation plan is being put in place for passengers stuck on board the train.

Dublin Bus are honouring rail tickets and the Rosslare services will be via bus transfers.

The spokeswoman confirmed that Irish Rail will launch an investigation and an independent enquiry will be carried out by the Rail Accident Investigation Unit.

Irish Rail staff are also on the scene.
The students are likely to lose their memories of childhood falling around Temple Bar tonight.

Tonight's the night. The Junior Certificate results came out this morning and the kids will be celebrating their achievements.

My boy will be among them, and already I've had to tussle to make him attend the paint-balling organised in an attempt to keep them out of trouble.

He'll still be back in time for the disco, though, and I'm worried.

There's well-intentioned advice from DrinkAware about celebrating without drink. The special discos are alcohol-free. But can you celebrate without alcohol?

It's not possible, is it? Even if they're still three years away from the legal drinking age.

Official Ireland ritualistically tut-tuts every year but does nothing to change our culture in the fundamental way that would be necessary to avoid having comatose kids on the pavement tonight.

Official Ireland washes its hands of results night. If it didn't, it would stop them going out and getting drunk and it would offer options.

I don't mean "Why don't you just stay in and order pizza while your friends are all out having a good time?"

I mean optional coming of age rituals, because that's what results night is. In some ways it's no different to coming of age rituals in primitive societies.

The children have to show physical strength to survive the poison of alcohol. Drinking also implies sexual availability.

It's one way to leave childhood behind and, in some ways, it's a bit more pleasant than some coming of age rituals around the world.

Girls in some communities in Paraguay and Brazil are tattooed all over.

While many of the girls' rituals are just about fertility, most of the boys' are about being a warrior.

One Indian tribe in Quebec imprisons young men and drugs them until their memories of childhood are gone.

They're likely to lose their memories of childhood falling around Temple Bar tonight.

However, it's definitely better than being scarred for life in one of the ghastly genital mutilation procedures that accompany puberty for women in parts of Africa.

Results night may be fairly tame by comparison with this barbarism, but it has all the hallmarks of a coming of age ritual, all the same.

With one exception - in all other societies it's parents and other adults who organise the ritual. In our society, the kids do.

I think that's the real problem here. Our failure as adults to take responsibility for how our kids enter our world.

I'm not looking for tattoos or neck rings or nose rings, but even in the US, 'Sweet Sixteen' parties are organised by parents on parents' terms.

The very expression Sweet Sixteen is stomach-turning, but at least the kids' stomachs aren't being turned by drink.

Which is just as well, because the keys of a new car are frequently handed over. That's a hefty enough price for making a child an adult.

However, what's important is the ritual of transition.

In the US, driving marks the transition to adulthood. Here, it's drinking.

We parents pretend otherwise. We look away and let them get on with it. They copy us. They get drunk.

The "psssht" of the ringpull on the beer can is the signal my 18-year-old gives his younger sibs that he's entered a different realm.

As a marker of adulthood, it's absolutely pathetic.

Even driving your new automatic car is harder than opening your mouth and swallowing a can of sugary liquid, something you learned to do when you were weaned on to bottles as a baby.

However, that's what our kids do to show they can "hold their drink". What does that expression mean?

That you can pour drink in and not pee or puke it out straight away? What a feat.

We don't need another day of well-meaning anxiety followed by pictures in the paper of our children being stretchered into ambulances.

We need a proper conversation about new rituals for entering our world, such as climbing a mountain or rowing to an island or walking a pilgrim road.

In a straight line.
Chernovetsky does not understand why he is wanted in Ukraine

Ex-Kyiv State Administration head and Kyiv Mayor Leonid Chernovetsky has said Ukraine's law-enforcers long ago received information about his residence abroad. He accused Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) chief Yuriy Lutsenko of deliberately hiding this information from Ukraine's SBU Security Service with the aim of prolonging the investigation into his alleged wrongdoings.

"I never hid from [Ukraine's] law-enforcement agencies. They know where to find me. My lawyers long ago give them information about my address. As a lawyer, I do not understand why they suddenly put me on the wanted list in Ukraine. The SBU should have inquired about my whereabouts with the PGO's office and my lawyers. Why look for me where I am not present?" Chernovetsky said on his Facebook page.

"I believe Lutsenko deliberately 'forgot' to inform the SBU of my whereabouts. He received information about my address several times," Chernovetsky said.

As earlier reported, on July 14, 2017 Chernovetsky was served a notice of suspicion of violating Part 2 of Article 364 of Ukraine's Criminal Code.

Ukraine's directorate for investigating crimes committed by criminal groups has mounted a pretrial probe into the construction of a helicopter pad on Kyiv's Parkova Road.

On July 25, PGO investigators received court permission to arrest Chernovetsky for arraignment in court to determine pretrial confinement measures.

The SBU on September 12 put Chernovetsky on the wanted list. Ukraine's Interior Ministry website says the SBU is searching for Chernovetsky, who is hiding from the PGO. The website says Kyiv's ex-mayor disappeared on July 24, 2017.
Diesel may be down but it's far from out. That's the conviction - to be expected, of course - from senior executives in KIA/Hyundai and BMW, whom I interviewed.

Michael Winkler, head of powertrain at Hundai, says diesel will remain the fuel of choice for large numbers of Europeans for years to come.

There has to be diversification share but diesel works on so many levels, especially on its low C02 emissions, he says.

"We will have different shares of powertrains for different markets. Diesel's share will decrease into the future but it still has a big, relevant role."

That will come as some comfort to Irish owners fearful of price rises at the pumps and lower trade-in values.

At industry level, Mr Winkler says the big challenge is to work out what will be in demand in future. Because of that uncertainty his company is building cars that can accommodate many powertrains - electric, hybrid, diesel or petrol.

And on the latter he forecasts growth in 'mild-hybrid' where the petrol engine gets a boost at critical times, leading to a significant drop in emissions.

He sees that as a big advantage over electrics and hybrids because there is no battery pack to lug around.
Air Canada has announced new direct services from Shannon Airport to Toronto, and from Dublin Airport to Montreal, starting next year.

The routes are part of a major expansion of the airline's Irish services.

Non-stop, seasonal flights between Shannon and Toronto, and Dublin and Montreal, will commence in June of 2018, Air Canada says.

The flights will be operated on Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft - the airline's newest single-aisle aircraft, with a Business and Economy cabin configuration.

As part of the expansion, Air Canada will also transfer its existing Dublin-Toronto service from Air Canada Rouge to Air Canada mainline from October 29 of this year.

The route will operate with increased frequencies this winter, with daily flights from Dublin to Toronto scheduled to start next summer.

The announcements come as travel between Ireland and Canada, and indeed North America as a whole, continues to boom.

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"Last year, Canada delivered a record 203,000 visitors to the island of Ireland, an increase of 11pc on the 2015," said Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland.

Expand Close Back row from left: Andrew Murphy, Managing Director, Shannon Airport, Matthew Thomas, CEO, Shannon Group, Kevin Vickers, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland and Trade Minister, Pat Breen. Front row are Declan Power, Head of Aviation Development, Shannon Airport and Blaithin ODonnell, Air Canada Sales Manager, Ireland. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Back row from left: Andrew Murphy, Managing Director, Shannon Airport, Matthew Thomas, CEO, Shannon Group, Kevin Vickers, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland and Trade Minister, Pat Breen. Front row are Declan Power, Head of Aviation Development, Shannon Airport and Blaithin ODonnell, Air Canada Sales Manager, Ireland.

There is also a strong corporate connection between the two countries.

Aer Lingus, WestJet, Air Transat and ASL Airlines France all fly to Canadian destinations from Dublin, and Air Canada will also be increasing its weekly flights between Vancouver and Dublin from three to five as of next summer.

Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison said he was delighted to see Air Canada go from strength to strength at the airport.

With 13pc of the Canadian population claiming Irish ancestry I have no doubt that Montreal will be a popular destination for both Irish and Canadian holidaymakers, he added.

Securing this direct Canadian service for Shannon has been one of our top priorities for some time now," said Matthew Thomas CEO of the Shannon Group.

Todays announcement is crucial in continuing and growing our political and economic partnership with Ireland," added Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canadas Federal Minister of International Trade.

Both the Shannon-Toronto and Dublin-Montreal services will operate four-times weekly next summer. They go on sale from September 19.

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Rohingya refugees jump from a wooden boat as it begins to tip over after travelling from Myanmar. Photo: Getty Images

The Bangladeshi prime minister demanded yesterday that Myanmar allow the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled recent violence in the Buddhist-majority nation - a crisis she said left her speechless.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh would offer the refugees temporary shelter and aid, but that Myanmar should soon "take their nationals back."

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"We will not tolerate injustice," she said at a rally at the Kutupalong refugee camp, near the border town of Ukhiya in Cox's Bazar district.

On Monday night, she lambasted Myanmar for "atrocities" that she said had reached a level beyond description, telling lawmakers she had "no words to condemn Myanmar".

At least 370,000 Rohingya have flooded into Bangladesh since August 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts, prompting Myanmar's military to retaliate with what it called "clearance operations" to root out the rebels.

The crisis has drawn sharp criticism from around the world. Yesterday, Iran's supreme leader called the killing of Muslims a political disaster for Myanmar. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also called Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, a "brutal woman", and urged other Muslim countries to "increase political, economic and commercial pressures" on the country to stop the violence.

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Whatsapp Rohingya refugee women break down in tears after jumping from a wooden boat that began to tip over as it hit the shore. Photo: Getty Images

The UN human rights chief said Myanmar's ethnic Rohingya minority was facing what "seems a textbook example of ethnic cleansing". UN rights investigators have been barred from entering the country.

"The Myanmar government should stop pretending that the Rohingya are setting fire to their own homes and laying waste to their own villages," Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein said in Geneva, calling it a "complete denial of reality".

Meanwhile, a Rohingya villager in Myanmar said security forces had arrived on Monday in the village of Pa Din village, firing guns, setting new fires to homes and driving hundreds of Rohingya to flee.

"People were scared and running out of the village," the villager said, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear for his safety.

Expand Close Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, waits for India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrive for their meeting at the President House in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Photo: AP / Facebook

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Whatsapp Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, waits for India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrive for their meeting at the President House in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Photo: AP

Myanmar police disputed that, saying the houses were burned by terrorists they called Bengalis. That term is used derisively by many in Myanmar to describe the Rohingya, who they say migrated illegally from neighbouring Bangladesh, though many Rohingya families have lived in Myanmar for generations.

Myanmar's military said that Rohingya villagers helped them arrest six suspected Rohingya insurgents armed with swords and slingshots on Monday. The military commander in chief's office said yesterday on its Facebook page that the six alleged insurgents were detained as they entered Ka Nyin Tan village in Maungdaw township.

In Bangladesh, Kutupalong and another pre-existing Rohingya camp were already beyond capacity. Bangladesh has said it would provide 2,000 acres for a new camp in Cox's Bazar district to help shelter newly arrived Rohingya. The government was also fingerprinting and registering new arrivals.

Some new arrivals were staying in schools, or huddling in makeshift settlements with no toilets along roadsides and in open fields. Basic resources were scarce, including food, clean water and medical aid.

Aid agencies have been overwhelmed by the influx of Rohingya, many of whom are arriving hungry and traumatised after walking for days through jungles or being packed into rickety wooden boats in search of safety in Bangladesh.

Many tell similar stories - of Myanmar soldiers firing indiscriminately on their villages, burning their homes and warning them to leave or die. Some say they were attacked by Buddhist mobs.

In the last two weeks, the government hospital in Cox's Bazar has been overwhelmed by Rohingya patients, with 80 arriving with gunshot wounds as well as bad infections.

At least three Rohingya have been wounded in land mine blasts, and dozens have drowned when boats capsized during sea crossings.

Myanmar's authorities said more than a week ago that some 400 people - mostly Rohingya insurgents - had died in clashes with troops, but it has offered no updated death toll since.

Rohingya have faced decades of discrimination and persecution in Myanmar and are denied citizenship despite centuries-old roots in the Rakhine region.

Before August 25, Bangladesh had already been housing some 500,000 Rohingya who arrived after bloody anti-Muslim rioting in 2012 or amid earlier persecution drives in Myanmar.
Boris Johnson talks to the pilots of an RAF A400M aircraft in Barbados, where he stopped on his way to visit British territories ravaged by Hurricane Irma

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has welcomed the commitment of an extra 25 million to help British Overseas Territories affected by Hurricane Irma, branding it "great news".

Undertaking a visit of Anguilla, where he saw first hand the damage caused to the island, when pressed for his impressions of what he had seen, Mr Johnson said: "You can't be but affected by the scale of devastation the people of Anguilla have endured."

Before heading to the British Virgin Islands, Mr Johnson visited Anguilla's Princess Alexandra Hospital, which suffered 60% damage as Hurricane Irma unleashed devastation, something he said was "pitiful" to witness.

Welcoming the announcement of an extra cash injection to immediately help British Overseas Territories battered by the storm, he told the Press Association: "It is great news another 25 million has been announced, that will help us get through this emergency period.

"But there are things we are going to have to do in the long term to make this island more economically self-sufficient and even more resilient, and we will certainly be thinking about that."

Whilst at the hospital, Mr Johnson could be heard saying "wow this is going to be a big, big job", and on seeing water damaged rooms - many with missing roofs, said "we need to put the pedal to the metal" to get things running fully again.

As Royal Marines and Royal Engineers arrived at the hospital to help with repairs, Mr Johnson said to them: "They need you badly in there."

He told the Press Association: "I am very pleased that since very early on, since Friday, we have had troops here and they helped to get things going. And here they are coming in again today to help to rebuild, this is going to be a big job."

During his Anguilla visit, he also toured the police headquarters, where despite losing 90% of its roof and having to deal with rain water flooding the building and cells, it remained fully operational throughout the hurricane.

With the clean up and repairs well under way at the station, he could be heard telling one of the officers they were doing a "great job" as he was shown the damage by the Police Commissioner Paul Morrison.

The Foreign Secretary then looked around the Anguilla Red Cross relief centre - inspecting the piles of bottled water, tinned food, UK Aid tarpaulins and toiletries.

He will be visiting the British Virgin Islands later today.
Brazil's top court has authorised a new corruption and money laundering investigation of President Michel Temer.

Supreme Court Justice Luis Roberto Barroso ruled there is sufficient evidence to investigate whether Mr Temer signed a decree in May 2017 to favour a company operating in the port of Santos in exchange for bribes.

The justice also authorised an investigation of Rodrigo Rocha Loures, a former Temer aide accused of carrying bribe money for Brazil's leader in a separate case.

Mr Temer said in a statement that he "had no interference in the debate" which led to the decree and that he "accepted the deliberations and technical advice, without any kind of political pressure staining the whole process".

Brazil's top prosecutor, Rodrigo Janot, whose attempt earlier this year to put Temer on trial for a corruption charge was rejected by Congress' lower house, will lead the new investigation until his term ends on Sunday. Raquel Dodge, an appointee of the president, will take over as chief prosecutor Monday.

There is no deadline for the top prosecutor to decide on the case.

If Mr Temer should be formally accused by Mr Janot or Ms Dodge, Congress would have to vote again on whether the president should be put on trial. If two-thirds of deputies agreed, Mr Temer would be suspended for up to six months and the leader of the Chamber of Deputies would fill the presidency until the end of the trial.

The justice said in his decision that the authorisation for investigation did not mean Mr Temer was guilty, but he called evidence against the president "plausible" and the request to investigate him "reasonable".

"No one should be indifferent to the personal and political onus for a public authority, notably the president, in appearing as investigated in a procedure of this nature. But that is the price imposed by republican principles," he wrote.

Mr Janot formally accused Mr Temer of corruption and money laundering in July, but the Chamber of Deputies decided not to suspend the president for allegedly being paid bribes by executives of JBS, a big meatpacking company.

On Monday, two executives of that company were arrested for allegedly hiding evidence from prosecutors.

Politicians expect Mr Janot to come forward later this week with a new charge against Mr Temer, this time alleging obstruction of justice and being member of a criminal organisation. That investigation was authorised by Supreme Court Justice Luiz Edson Fachin earlier this year.

AP
Osama bin Laden was killed in a helicopter raid on his refuge in Pakistan (FBI/PA)

A trove of al-Qaeda documents seized by US commandos in the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden is to be released to the public - with the exception of his pornography stash.

CIA director Mike Pompeo said the wide-ranging cache of files retrieved by Navy Seals from the late al-Qaeda chief's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, would be declassified within weeks.

Millions of electronic and paper documents seized contain family letters, papers on Islamic history, books, and notes about al-Qaeda's operations.

They also includes an extensive collection of modern pornography videos, according to US officials.

The government has previously released hundreds of files seized from the compound, including letters that revealed bin Laden's fear of surveillance and obsession with attacking the West.

Mr Pompeo told Fox News he believed it was important for national security to make most of the documents public, but added the explicit material would remain under wraps.

"Once we are sure that theres not classified material and that theres not things that we cant release, I want to make sure the world gets to see them so that we can have lots of hands touching them and making good judgments about how to make sure that we dont have a 9/11, that we dont have this kind of risk again," he said.

"Theres some pornography, theres some copyrighted material. Everything other than those items will be released in the weeks ahead."

In 2015, the CIA rejected a Freedom of Information Act request for access to bin Laden's pornography from the website, BroBible.

Michael Lavergne, the CIA's information officer, said the agency would be prohibited by federal law "from mailing obscene matter".

Bin Laden's compound is said to have been cut off from the internet and other hard-wired communications networks and it is unclear how the pornography would have been accessed.

Officials told Reuters they did not know who had been viewing it or if bin Laden himself had acquired or watched the material.

Materials seized from the hideaway included digital thumb drives, which officials believe may have been a key means by which couriers transported electronic messages to and from the al-Qaeda leader.

Digital texts found by US commandos also included works by linguist and writer Noam Chomsky and former intelligence official and anti-war activist Michael Scheuer, conspiracy writings about the 9/11 attacks that bin Laden himself had plotted, and a book by Bob Woodward.
The head of an international court renewed her call on Wednesday for the arrest of a Libyan military officer alleged to have been involved in the killing of 33 captives "in cold blood".

International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda issued the call amid conflicting reports over whether Mahmoud al-Werfalli has been arrested.

The court, which specialises in war crime and genocide cases, issued an arrest warrant for him in August.

Al-Werfalli is suspected of being behind a string of killings earlier this year in the city of Benghazi.

Victims' bodies were found in rubbish dumps with bound hands and gunshots to the head.

Al-Werfalli "stands accused of serious crimes. I therefore again call on Libya to take all possible steps to immediately arrest and surrender him to the ICC", Ms Bensouda said.

The appeal underscores the problems faced by the court, which has no police force of its own to arrest suspects, in getting custody of suspects in conflict-torn Libya.

The court has filed charges against five Libyans, including former dictator Muammar Gaddafi, but none of them has been arrested and sent to The Hague to face justice.

Gaddafi was captured and killed by rebels in 2011 and his son Seif al-Islam is wanted by the court.

Libya sank into chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled Gaddafi.

Now it is split between rival parliaments and governments in the east and west, each backed by a set of militias, tribes and political factions.

Al-Werfalli heads an anti-terrorism unit under Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter, who commands a self-styled national army that is battling Islamic militants in the east.

Mr Hifter is allied with a government based in the east and is supported by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia.

Ms Bensouda said that following publication of the warrant for Al-Werfalli in August the Libyan National Army announced he had been arrested.

However, Ms Bensouda added that she also has received reports that he remains at large "and may have been involved in additional killings since the ICC warrant of arrest was issued".

AP
Saakashvili plans on Wed to visit Lviv Forum of Publishers, leave for Chernivtsi

The leader of the New Forces Movement political party, former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili plans to visit the Forum of Publishers, which opens in Lviv on Wednesday, press secretary of the political party Mariana Poshtar said.

"Mikheil Saakashvili is planning to visit the Forum of Publishers today," she said in a comment to Interfax-Ukraine on Wednesday morning.

According to Poshtar, after lunch, Saakashvili intends to leave for Chernivtsi, where he will hold the first meeting with people in the framework of the previously announced all-Ukrainian tour.

The beginning of the meeting with the residents of Chernivtsi and the region is scheduled for 18:00 at the central square of the city.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker addresses the European Parliament during a debate on The State of the European Union in Strasbourg, France, September 13, 2017. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker addresses the European Parliament during a debate on The State of the European Union in Strasbourg, France, September 13, 2017. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker urged EU governments on Wednesday to take advantage of Brexit and an economic upswing to forge a tighter union at the heart of world trade.

In the EU's equivalent of a US president's State of the Union address, Juncker pledged to wrap up trade talks with Mexico and Brazil and proposed limiting China's ability to buy up European companies in infrastructure, hi-tech manufacturing and energy.

A veteran of dealmaking through decades of fractious European Union politics, Juncker said he had often despaired at the bloc. But he saw it now bouncing back, a decade after the global financial meltdown and ensuing euro zone crisis.

"The wind is back in Europe's sails," Junker told the European Parliament, citing recent faster economic growth than the United States.

"Now we have a window of opportunity, but it will not stay open for ever. Let us make the most of the moment: catch the wind in our sails."

Saying he regretted Britain's decision to leave the bloc in March 2019, Juncker called for the EU, the world's biggest trading bloc, to forge ahead with free trade deals as the United States under President Donald Trump takes a more insular turn.

"We will keep moving on because Brexit isn't everything, it is not the future of Europe," he said.

Following a July agreement for an EU trade deal with Japan, Juncker said the Commission - the bloc's executive arm - would now open free-trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand.

It would aim to conclude talks with Mexico and the South American trading bloc Mercosur, led by Brazil and Argentina, by the end of the year.

But he warned that the EU was not "naive", and proposed a so-called investment screening framework to address concerns about a surge of Chinese takeovers in the bloc.

"We are not naive free traders. Europe will defend its strategic interests with an EU framework for investment screening," he said, enlarging on a position that is strongly backed by France but likely to irritate Beijing.

WARNING FOR TURKEY

With the election in France of reform-minded President Emmanuel Macron in May, and with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the EU's pivotal leader, cruising to a fourth term later this month, Juncker's speech came as the bloc's key power tandem seeks to strengthen the euro common currency.

He renewed his call, also made by Macron, for a euro zone finance minister. But he stressed the EU did not need to create a new post, suggesting a senior European commissioner to coordinate economic policy across the euro zone.

Following the euro zone's near break-up during the 2010-2012 crisis, many economists argued the currency area can only survive as a proper monetary union like the United States.

Juncker also called for a euro zone budget but within the existing multi-annual EU budget, rather than a separate budget as Macron has proposed.

France has long sought a budget as a means to make fiscal transfers from richer to poorer euro zone states.

While Juncker had warm words for Western Balkan states seeking to join the EU, he warned Turkey that its membership bid was failing because of President Tayyip Erdogan's broad crackdown following a failed coup attempt last year.

"Our union is not a state but it's still governed by the rule of law," Juncker said. "And that rules out membership for Turkey for the foreseeable future."
This image of the suspect was published by police. Photo: Reuters

Police wish to trace the man pictured in relation to the assault of a woman who was pushed in front of a London bus by the jogger.

A CCTV image of the jogger sought by police over an incident in which a woman pedestrian was pushed into the path of a bus.

Detectives investigating the assault of a woman who was pushed in front of a London bus by a jogger have released a further CCTV image of the suspect.

The CCTV still was taken from the number 430 bus which narrowly avoided the woman as she was pushed into its path on Putney Bridge, south west London, on May 5.

About 15 minutes after the incident, the jogger came back the other way across the bridge. The 33-year-old victim tried to speak to him but he did not acknowledge her and carried on jogging towards the north side of the river.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said he is described as a white man, aged in his 30s, with brown eyes and short brown hair. He was wearing a light grey T-shirt and dark blue shorts with grey trainers.

Expand Close Police wish to trace the man pictured in relation to the assault of a woman who was pushed in front of a London bus by the jogger. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Police wish to trace the man pictured in relation to the assault of a woman who was pushed in front of a London bus by the jogger.

Two men, both aged 41, have previously been arrested in connection with the investigation but were released without further action.

Detective Sergeant Chris Griffith, of Wandsworth CID, said: "Images of this alarming incident have been circulated widely and we continue to work through the information received to identify the man responsible.

"We are grateful to those who have assisted so far. However, I am also appealing for anyone who has given just a name to contact police or Crimestoppers again with as much information as possible so we can fully follow up those lines of enquiry."

The bus driver, Oliver Salbris, has been labelled a hero for his quick actions in swerving to avoid the woman.

He told the Sunday Times he thought he was going to hit her.

"If I hadn't swerved, I would have smashed her head," he said.

"It was reflex. The consequences would have been terrible for her - and for me."

He said the jogger "looked like he was doing it on purpose".

"He needs to be caught and to explain himself. He needs to be prosecuted," Mr Salbris added.

Anyone with information should call detectives from Wandsworth CID on 020 3276 2606 or via 101, or tweet @MetCC.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police released this image of a man they want to speak to (Metropolitan Police)

Police have released a new image of a man they want to speak to after a woman was pushed in front of a bus.

The woman suffered only minor injuries thanks to the lightning reactions of the bus driver during the assault on 5 May on Putney Bridge in the UK.

The man is described as white, in his 30s, with brown eyes and short brown hair. He was wearing grey trainers, dark blue shorts and a grey t-shirt.

Detective sergeant Chris Griffith said: "Images of this alarming incident have been circulated widely and we continue to work through the information received to identify the man responsible.

"We are grateful to those who have assisted so far. However, I am also appealing for anyone who has given just a name to contact police or Crimestoppers again with as much information as possible so we can fully follow up those lines of enquiry."

The attack took place at about 7.40am. A 33-year-old woman was walking across the bridge when a male jogger knocked her into the path of a double-decker bus.

The vehicle, a number 430 service, swerved to avoid her.

Police said the man passed back across the bridge 15 minutes afterwards but did not acknowledge the victim, who tried to speak to him.

Officers arrested, and then released, two men aged 41 earlier this year.
A caravan which the victims had to live in. Photo: Lincolnshire Police/PA

A victim of the notorious Rooney family who were jailed this week for keeping 'modern slaves' has said he regrets not reporting the Irish family decades ago.

Rod Smith (46) ended up with the Rooney family after falling on hard times in London in the 1990s.

He was sleeping rough outside Waterlooo station in 1991 when he was picked up by members of the family and promised a home and work.

I bit their hand off," he told Sky News in an exclusive interview.

"I was just begging then, I'd fallen out of the army, my life was a mess and what they were promising me was an opportunity - I just wanted (to get) off the streets."

He laboured for the family business but was often not paid any wages and was forced to hand over his social welfare payments.

"They made me live in this cold brick toilet on their site in Washingborough just outside Lincoln, there was no choice like," he said.

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"Bridget (the mother) controlled what we ate. I always depended on them for food - they had us trapped."

Mr Smith described one instance when he was beaten by the gang.

"They beat the s*** out of me, I had to lift my lip off my tooth because the tooth had gone through it when they hit me.

"I just thought I've had enough," he said.

"It was 2am. Everyone was asleep and I just slipped out of a caravan and hitchhiked north, I was terrified they'd find me so I only hitchhiked at night and eventually got back up home to the Northeast."

Mr Smith did not report the family for their crimes and was unaware of the investigation into their modern slavery practices which led to nine members of the family being jailed on Tuesday.

"I never spoke out to anybody ... I regret it and I regret earning them so much money because that land that they now have, I was the person that earned them the money to buy that land," he said.

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It was only when the trial garnered media coverage did he realise that the family continued to victimise people for decades after his own abuse.

"So all those people that have suffered that is partly down to me," he said, growing emotional.

On Tuesday head of the UK-based slavery ring, 57-year-old Martin Rooney, was jailed for 10 years and nine months after being convicted of wounding and conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour.

Two family members got suspended sentences.

Sentencing Rooney, of Drinsey Nook, Saxilby, Lincolnshire, Judge Timothy Spencer contrasted the family's wealth, foreign holidays and expensive cars with the dirty caravans and squalid conditions in which their victims lived.

The judge noted the UK-based Irish Traveller family's lifestyle and "spotless" living conditions.

He said the comparison with the lives of their victims "was akin to the gulf between medieval royalty and the peasantry".

A total of 11 defendants were convicted of offences following a series of linked trials relating to modern slavery and fraud at Nottingham Crown Court.

Six people were initially arrested in September 2014 with seven warrants executed in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and London as part of inquiries into modern slavery.

All the victims of the offences - including a man kept in "truly shocking" conditions for decades - were described as extremely vulnerable, with some having learning disabilities and mental health issues.

The victims were forced to work either on Travellers' sites or for the defendants' businesses repairing properties and paving driveways.

Prosecutors said that although food was promised, the victims, aged 18 to 63, were poorly fed and were paid little or nothing.

Superintendent Chris Davison, head of crime for Lincolnshire Police, said: "The severity of these crimes is underlined by the sentences imposed by the judge.

"The victims will never get the years back that were taken away from them but I hope this provides them with some comfort that justice has been served."
Prince George holding hands with the Duke of Cambridge and Helen Haslem, head of the lower school, at Thomas's Battersea in London, as he started his first day of school. Photo: Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire

Prince George holds his father Britain's Prince William's hand as he arrives on his first day of school at Thomas's school in Battersea, London, September 7, 2017. REUTERS/Richard Pohle/Pool

Security is being reviewed at Prince George's school after a woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary.

The Metropolitan Police said it was working with Thomas's Battersea in south London following the break-in on Tuesday.

Expand Close A sign outside Thomas's Battersea in London, as a review has been launched of security arrangements at the school attended by Prince George after a 40-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary, Scotland Yard said. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp A sign outside Thomas's Battersea in London, as a review has been launched of security arrangements at the school attended by Prince George after a 40-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary, Scotland Yard said. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Prince George (4) was not understood to be at the independent school at the time.

The 40-year-old woman remains in custody after being arrested on Wednesday.

A police spokesman said: "The arrest at 14:15hrs on Wednesday, 13 September relates to an incident at Thomas' Battersea School on Tuesday, 12 September when an individual gained access to its premises.

"The arrested woman was taken to a south London police station where she remains in custody.

"We are working with the school, which is attended by His Royal Highness Prince George, to review its security arrangements after the incident.

"Police were alerted and officers attended immediately after the issue came to light.

"Police are part of the protective security arrangements for the Prince and we will continue to work closely with the school, which is responsible for building security on its site."

Prince George only started at the school last week, on September 7.

He was expected to begin by attending school for half-days, before building up to longer hours.

A Kensington Palace spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the issue but we would not comment further on security matters."

Thomas's Battersea educates 560 boys and girls aged from four to 13, with around 20 pupils in each class.

Fees cost 17,604 (19,542) a year, and increase to 19,884 (22,028)a year for those in year three and above.
The man was detained by police. Picture: @ladepechedumidi/Twitter

A man has been arrested after he reportedly stabbed a number of people including police officers in the French city of Toulouse, according to reports.

Local media is reporting that the man attacked innocent civilians while shouting Allahu Akbar. It is believed that he assaulted four people.

Police were called to the scene and three of them were injured during the arrest.

According to La Depeche , the three policemen on the patrol were injured "on the tibia, on the shoulder or on the cervical".

The man burst into tears when he was wrestled to the ground, according to the Daily Mail.

Two of the shoppers had to be taken to hospital for treatment but no one was fatally injured in the incident.

#BREAKING: BREAKING: Seven injured in attack by man shouting 'Allahu Akbar' in Toulouse, France pic.twitter.com/xA0E7ii8zH  Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) September 13, 2017

It is believed the man had been released from a psychiatric hospital in April.
An aerial view of the City of London

The chairman of Britains competition watchdog said he will step down to allow his successor to tackle Brexit.

Lord David Currie has told the Government to begin scouting out a replacement at the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to ensure they have enough time to plan for Britains exit from the EU.

The date of his departure has not been confirmed.

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The announcement comes during a busy time for the CMA, which is facing the prospect of investigating 21st Century Foxs bid for broadcaster Sky on top of ongoing probes, such as the 3.7 billion merger between Tesco and food wholesaler Booker.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will appoint his successor.

Sir David, who joined the CMA as its first chairman in September 2012, said: I have asked the Secretary of State to start the process to look for my successor and he has agreed. I will step down once that person is in place.

Brexit is likely to generate a big increase in the CMAs workload and its role in the world, and I owe it to my successor to allow them enough time to be involved in shaping its plans to respond to that challenge, and then take the organisation into the next phase of its development.

For that reason, I have concluded that the process to find my successor should be started now, rather than closer to March 2019.

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Under his tenure, Sir David oversaw a major shake-up when the Competition Commission merged with the Office of Fair Trading.

Sir David added: I feel confident that now is a good time to pass over the reins.

The CMA is firmly established and working effectively as a single competition body for the UK, helping ensure consumers and businesses get a better deal.

It has a strong and effective chief executive in Andrea Coscelli, whose recent permanent appointment from within the organisation ensures continuity of leadership.

The competition referee is currently investigating issues such as secondary ticketing, care homes and NHS drug prices.

Greg Clark, Secretary of State for BEIS, said: I want to thank Lord Currie for his five years of dedicated service as the first chair of the Competition and Markets Authority, a period which saw him oversee the establishment of the CMA as an effective new single unitary authority.

I wish him well in all his future endeavours.
The governor of the Bank of England has said the 2007 banking crisis left people in Britain an average of 20,000 worse off.

As the 10th anniversary of the collapse of Northern Rock approaches this week, Mark Carney insisted that measures have been put in place to avoid the crisis ever happening again.

He said the financial system was now safer, simpler and fairer.

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He told the Sun: When the global banking crisis hit, it spread panic through a banking system built on weak foundations and it left everyone in Britain an average of 20,000 worse off.

He added: By fixing the faults that caused the crisis, the financial system is safer because it has 10 times more capital  money put up by investors  to withstand losses.

Its simpler because the complex web that caused panic to spread in 2007 has been untangled.

He added that investors  not taxpayers  would now foot the bill if a bank fails, making it fairer for all.

But Sir John Vickers, the economist who led a major review of the UKs banking industry after the financial crash, has warned that more needs to be done to protect the economy from another meltdown.

Sir John said the system was only around halfway to where it should be in terms of the capital buffers banks are required to have to protect against a financial shock.

He said there had been some good building but there was an opportunity to go further and he was very disappointed that the Bank of England under Mark Carney appeared to consider that enough had been done.

He told BBCs Newsnight: Im really very disappointed that the Bank of England does take the view that it now takes  very different from the one Mervyn King took when he was governor  (and) think that we have built enough in terms of capital buffers.

I would say we are roughly, global level, halfway of where we ought to be.

I believe we would be in huge trouble if a very large, very complicated banking institution got into trouble.

Sir John, a former Bank of England chief economist, added: I think weve done some good building but theres an opportunity there to go a lot further, which should be taken. But the current policy stance is, no we dont need to.

A decade on from the collapse of Northern Rock, Sir John said there were now tools available to regulators which shift the odds in a slightly more favourable place.

But I certainly wouldnt bet on those working perfectly.
Damaged houses in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys (Washington Post/AP)

Five patients at a sweltering Florida nursing home died in Hurricane Irma's aftermath as people confronted new hazards in the storm's wake.

Police chief Tom Sanchez said investigators believe the five deaths at the Rehabilitation Centre at Hollywood Hills were heat-related, and added: "The building has been sealed off and we are conducting a criminal investigation."

He gave no details.

A total of 115 patients were evacuated from the nursing home, which lost power in the storm and had no air conditioning.

Mr Sanchez did not answer questions regarding whether a generator was running inside the place.

In the Miami area, a Coral Gables apartment building was evacuated after authorities determined a lack of power made it unsafe for elderly tenants, while officers arrived at the huge Century Village retirement community in Pembroke Pines to help people on upper floors without access to working lifts.

More than half the community of 15,000 residents lacked power.

Also, at least five people died and more than a dozen were treated for breathing carbon monoxide fumes from generators in the Orlando, Miami and Daytona Beach areas.

Aside from the nursing home deaths, at least 13 people in Florida were killed in Irma-related circumstances, many of them well after the storm had passed.

A Tampa man died after the chainsaw he was using to remove branches kicked back and cut his carotid artery.

Elsewhere, Irma has been blamed for four deaths in South Carolina and two in Georgia. At least 37 people were killed in the Caribbean.

In the battered Florida Keys, meanwhile, county officials pushed back against a preliminary estimate from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that 25% of all homes in the Keys were destroyed and nearly all the rest were heavily damaged.

"Things look real damaged from the air, but when you clear the trees and all the debris, it's not much damage to the houses," said Monroe County Commissioner Heather Carruthers.

The Keys felt Irma's full fury when the hurricane roared in on Sunday with 130mph winds.

President Donald Trump's homeland security adviser, Tom Bossert, said the federal government is working to help Florida Keys residents secure shelter through rental assistance, hotels or pre-manufactured housing.

Mr Trump plans to visit Florida on Thursday.

One of the biggest worries is the fate of Florida's many senior citizens.

The long-time retirement destination has the highest proportion of people 65 and older of any state, one in five of its 20 million residents.

On Tuesday, Florida governor Rick Scott said he had received a lot of calls from nursing homes and assisted living facilities having problems with generators.

"We're doing everything we can to help them get either generators, fuel, power back on. It's one of the things we're doing aggressively," Mr Scott said.

At the Hollywood nursing home, Jean Lindor, a kitchen worker, said through a Haitian Creole translator that the air conditioner had not been working since the storm and it had been hot inside.

Broward County medical examiner Dr Craig Mallak said the bodies of two victims,women ages 71 and 78, had been brought to county offices for post mortems.

"They were sick already. It's going to be tough to tell how much was the heat and how much of it was they were sick already," Dr Mallak said.

The number of people without electricity in the steamy late-summer heat dropped to 9.5 million, just under half of Florida's population.

Utility officials warned it could take 10 days or more for power to be fully restored.

About 110,000 people remained in shelters across the state.
Police were called at 10am and sealed off the area surrounding his mother's flat. Stock image

A man shot his own mother in the intensive care unit of a US medical centre and the facility was placed on lockdown for at least an hour.

Pamela Ferriere (70) was gunned down by her 49-year-old son, Travis Frink, at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

An active shooter alert was issued after police received a report of a shooting inside an ICU on the fourth floor of one of the buildings.

"The purpose of Mr. Frinks visit to the hospital was to kill his mother," Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said Tuesday night at a press conference.

The shooting happened at around 1.30pm and Frink was eventually captured by local police while attempting to leave the premises, WJAR reports.

He allegedly let off several rounds while inside the hospital but nobody else was injured.

Frink is due to be arraigned today and will be charged with first-degree murder.
No substantive talks on UN peacekeepers deployment to eastern Ukraine so far - Peskov

No substantive talks on a UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas have taken place so far, while there is no obstacle in this regard on the Russian part, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov has said.

"At this point, no substantive talks are being carried out on the modality of the UN monitoring mission in Donbas," Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.

However, Peskov noted that there are no barriers on the Russian part for any consultations on the initiative regarding a peacekeeping mission in Donbas.
The row over ownership of the selfie taken by endangered monkey Naruto has come to an end.

A novel US legal battle over who owned a famous smiling "selfie" taken by a critically endangered monkey six years ago - the animal who snapped the picture or the nature photographer who owned the camera - has been settled out of court.

Attorneys for Naruto, a rare crested macaque, and for David Slater, a British photographer, announced that Mr Slater has agreed to donate 25pc of the photograph's future revenue to charitable groups that protect Naruto and other members of his species in Indonesia.

Arguments

The two sides asked the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, which heard oral arguments in July after a lower court denied Naruto's claim, to dismiss the case.

The dispute stemmed from an image that Naruto, who lives on a nature reserve, snapped using a camera that Mr Slater left mounted and unattended during a 2011 trip. The photograph of his grinning visage, which Mr Slater published in a wildlife book, went viral.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) sued on Naruto's behalf, arguing the monkey was the legal owner of all photos he took.

But a federal judge in San Francisco ruled in January 2016 that copyright law does not apply to animals.

"Peta and David Slater agree that this case raises important, cutting-edge issues about expanding legal rights for non-human animals, a goal that they both support, and they will continue their respective work to achieve this goal," the two sides said in a joint statement.

Poaching

Peta's group's general counsel, Jeff Kerr, said the organization was happy the deal would provide support for crested macaques, whose existence has been threatened by poaching.

"Peta's groundbreaking case sparked a massive international discussion about the need to extend fundamental rights to animals for their own sake, not in relation to how they can be exploited by humans," he said.

It was not clear how much the photograph has been worth to Slater, who previously said that fewer than 100 copies of his self-published book had been sold despite the publicity.

His lawyer, Andrew Dhuey, was not immediately available for comment.

The case was brought in a US court because Slater's book was available for sale in the United States.
A shooter has opened fire at a school in the US state of Washington, killing one person and injuring at least three others.

Brian Schaeffer of the Spokane Fire Department told reporters that one person died at Freeman High School in Rockford, south of Spokane,on Wednesday and three injured victims were taken to hospital.

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Centre and Children's Hospital received three paediatric patients, spokeswoman Nicole Stewart said. They were in a stable condition, and family members were with them, she said.

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said at the scene that the shooter was in custody, The Spokesman-Review newspaper reported.

Cheryl Moser said her son, a pupil at Freeman High School, called her from a classroom after hearing shots fired.

"He called me and said: 'Mom there are gunshots.' He sounded so scared. I've never heard him like that," she told the newspaper.

"You never think about something happening like this at a small school."

Ambulances and a Lifeflight helicopter were sent to the school.

Stephanie Lutje told The Associated Press that she was relieved to hear her son was safe after his high school near Freeman was put on lockdown. She commended the school district for its communication with parents.

"It's been amazing, within probably 15-20 minutes of hearing about it, I'd already received a phone call, I'd already received a text message saying that their school is okay," she said.

She still worried for others she knew, including a co-worker who had yet to hear from her son, a pupil at Freeman.

"My stomach's in knots right now," she said

Governor Jay Inslee said that "all Washingtonians are thinking of the victims and their families, and are grateful for the service of school staff and first responders working to keep our students safe".
Residents returned yesterday to parts of the Florida Keys archipelago that was hammered by Hurricane Irma's high winds and storm surge, while the death toll rose in the second major hurricane to hit the United States this year.

Irma, which had rampaged through the Caribbean as one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, was downgraded to a tropical depression on Monday and was expected to dissipate from yesterday evening, the US's National Hurricane Centre said.

At its peak the storm prompted evacuation orders for 6.5 million people in Florida, the largest evacuation in modern US history.

Irma killed 43 people in the Caribbean and at least 11 in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

A local Florida official said there were more deaths yet to be reported, particularly on the Florida Keys, where Irma arrived on Key Cudjoe as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of up to 215kmh on Sunday.

Local authorities told around 90,000 residents of Miami Beach and people from some parts of the Keys they could go home, but they warned them that it might not be prudent to remain there.

"This is going to be a frustrating event," Brock Long, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told a news conference.

"It's going to take some time to let people back into their homes, particularly in the Florida Keys."

Millions of people were still without power in Florida.

The city of Jacksonville, in Florida's north-east, was recovering from heavy flooding.

"There are so many areas that you would never have thought would have flooded that have flooded," Florida Governor Rick Scott told reporters after a helicopter tour of the area.

Irma devastated several Caribbean islands en route to Florida.

It destroyed about one-third of the buildings on the Dutch-ruled portion of St Martin island, the Dutch Red Cross said yesterday.

The storm was the second major hurricane to hit the United States in a little more than two weeks.

Hurricane Harvey ploughed into Houston late last month, killing about 60 and wreaking some $180bn (150bn) in damage, largely through flooding.

Monroe County Commissioner Heather Carruthers said that people had been killed in the Keys, which have nearly 80,000 permanent residents, but she did not have a count on how many.

The US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln was off Florida's east coast and two amphibious assault ships were en route to help in the Keys.

Monroe County opened road access yesterday morning for residents and business owners from Key Largo, the main island at the upper end of the chain, as well as the towns of Tavernier and Islamorada farther to the south, fire officials said.

No timetable was given for reopening the remainder of the Keys, which are linked by a series of causeways and bridges down to Key West, a popular tourist spot on the southern tip of Florida.

Several major airports in Florida that halted passenger operations due to Irma began limited service yesterday, including Miami International, one of the busiest US airports.

Utility companies reported some 6.9 million homes and businesses were without electricity in Florida and neighbouring states, and said it could take weeks to fully restore service.
South Korea's Hyunmoo II ballistic missile is fired during an exercise at an undisclosed location in South Korea, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP)

South Korea's Hyunmoo II ballistic missile is fired during an exercise at an undisclosed location in South Korea, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP)

An Hyunmoo II ballistic missile is fired during an exercise in South Korea, (South Korea Defence Ministry/AP)

South Korea has conducted its first live-fire drill for an advanced air-launched cruise missile it says will strengthen its pre-emptive strike capability against North Korea in the event of crisis.

South Korea's military said the Taurus missile fired from an F-15 fighter jet travelled through obstacles at low altitudes before hitting a target off the country's western coast.

The missile, manufactured by Germany's Taurus Systems, has a maximum range of 500km (310 miles) and is equipped with stealth characteristics that will allow it to avoid radar detection before hitting North Korean targets, according to Seoul's Defence Ministry.

South Korea has been accelerating efforts to ramp up its military capabilities in face of a torrent of nuclear weapons tests by North Korea, which on September 3 conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date.

Shortly after the nuke test, Seoul announced it reached an agreement with Washington to remove the warhead weight limits on South Korean ballistic missiles, which under a bilateral guideline could be built for a maximum range of 800km (497 miles).

A pre-emptive strike against Pyongyang's leadership would be difficult to undertake, but it is widely seen as the most realistic of the limited military options Seoul has to deny a nuclear attack from its rival.

The North said its latest nuclear test was a detonation of a thermonuclear weapon built for its developmental intercontinental ballistic missiles that were flight tested twice in July.

The country is also developing solid-fuel missiles that could be fired from land mobile launchers or submarines. It flew a powerful new mid-range missile over northern Japan last month while declaring more missile tests targeting the Pacific Ocean.
People holds up a giant estelada or independence flag during the Catalan National Day in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday (AP)

Spain's top prosecutor is investigating more than 700 Catalan mayors for cooperating with a planned referendum on the region's independence after the nation's constitutional court ordered the vote put on hold.

Catalonia's regional police force is under orders to arrest the mayors if they refuse to appear for questioning, State Prosecutor Jose Manuel Maza's office said.

The announcement significantly raised the stakes in an increasingly tense standoff between Catalan independence supporters and national authorities over the referendum planned for October 1.

If mayors and their municipalities cannot help organise balloting, the vote is unlikely to proceed.

Mr Maza's order also puts regional police officers in the uneasy position of carrying out commands from Madrid in their towns and cities.

The pro-independence coalition ruling Catalonia has vowed to hold the referendum, defying a prohibition by Spain's Constitutional Court.

It has asked the 947 mayors in the northeastern region to provide voting facilities.

Mr Maza ordered the prosecutors in Spain's 17 provinces to investigate the 712 mayors who already have offered to provide municipal premises as polling stations.

Most of Catalonia's mayors have said they would cooperate with the referendum.

However, the willing mayors represent less than half of the region's voting-age population.

Urban support is key for the pro-independence movement, especially the Catalan capital of Barcelona, which is home to around 20% of voters.

Barcelona mayor Ana Colau, who opposes secession but supports a vote, says she wants to help arrange the referendum but will not do so without assurances that she and her staff would be acting legally.

Such assurance is unlikely to materialise, and without Barcelona's participation, the referendum would lack legitimacy.

Spain's prime minister Mariano Rajoy appealed to Catalans to ignore calls from independence supporters to turn out to vote.

"If anyone urges you to go to a polling station, don't go, because the referendum can't take place, it would be an absolutely illegal act," Mr Rajoy said.

Spain's King Felipe VI also entered the fray, stepping up the pressure on Catalonia by vowing that the Spanish Constitution "will prevail" over any attempt to break the country apart.

In his first comments on the growing political crisis, Felipe said the rights of all Spaniards will be upheld against "whoever steps outside constitutional and statutory law".

AP
Aung San Suu Kyi is not Burma's president but effectively serves as leader (AP)

Burma's leader Aung San Suu Kyi will miss this month's UN General Assembly amid criticism for the violence that has driven at least 370,000 Rohingya to flee the country.

Ms Suu Kyi will miss the assembly, which opened on Tuesday and runs through to September 25, in order to address domestic security issues, according to presidential office spokesman Zaw Htay.

Her appearance at last year's General Assembly was a landmark: her first since her party won elections in 2015 and replaced a military-dominated government.

Even then, however, she faced criticism over Burma's treatment of Rohingya, whose name she did not utter.

Members of the ethnic group are commonly referred to as "Bengalis" by many in Burma who insist they migrated illegally from Bangladesh.

Ms Suu Kyi is not Burma's president, her official titles are state counsellor and foreign minister, but she effectively serves as leader of the southeast Asian nation.

Zaw Htay said that, with President Htin Kyaw in hospital, second Vice President Henry Van Tio would attend the UN meeting.

"The first reason (Suu Kyi cannot attend) is because of the Rakhine terrorist attacks," Zaw Htay said.

"The state counsellor is focusing to calm the situation in Rakhine state. There are circumstances.

"The second reason is, there are people inciting riots in some areas.

"We are trying to take care of the security issue in many other places.

"The third is that we are hearing that there will be terrorist attacks and we are trying to address this issue."

The crisis erupted on August 25, when an insurgent Rohingya group attacked police outposts in Burma's Rakhine state.

That prompted Burma's military to launch "clearance operations" against the rebels, setting off a wave of violence that have left hundreds dead and thousands of homes burned, mostly Rohingya in both cases.

The government blames Rohingya for the attacks, but journalists who visited the region found evidence that raises doubts about its claims that Rohingya set fire to their own homes.

Many of the Rohingya who flooded into refugee camps in Bangladesh told of Burmese soldiers shooting indiscriminately, burning their homes and warning them to leave or die.

Others said they were attacked by Buddhist mobs.

Ms Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who lived under house arrest for many years under a military junta that ultimately gave way to an elected government, has faced a torrent of international criticism and pressure since the crisis erupted.

AP
An Israeli MP has quit following criticism for attending his nephew's gay wedding

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish politician has resigned from Israel's parliament after criticism for participating in a gay wedding.

Yigal Guetta, from the Shas party, announced his resignation on Wednesday.

In a recent radio interview, the 51-year-old politician disclosed he had a gay nephew who invited him to his wedding.

Mr Guetta said he attended out of respect for his relative and despite his own reservations.

The disclosure caused outrage in the ultra-Orthodox community, where homosexuality is taboo, and led to calls from rabbis for the politician to step down.

Shas chairman Arieh Deri said he respected Mr Guetta's decision to resign.

Israel accepts gays serving openly in its military and Tel Aviv is a popular gay-friendly destination.

But among the country's conservative ultra-Orthodox community, homosexuality is considered a sin and publicly shunned.

AP
CABARRUS COUNTY- Cabarrus Countys charter schools came in on the lower side with the School Performance Grades that were recently released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in its READY Accountability Report.

Carolina International School came in the highest with a C; Cabarrus Charter Academy and Kannapolis Charter Academy were given Ds; and A.C.E. Academy received an F.

School Performance Grades are based 80 percent on the schools achievement score and 20 percent on students academic growth during the 2016-17 school year.

Carolina International

For Carolina International, the grade was almost the same as last year when the school received a score of 58, which is also a C. This year the school received a 59 but according to the state, did not meet growth.

The report also breaks down scores for math and reading. Carolina International received a 63 in reading and a 48 in math.

David Kukielski, head of the school, said that although staff fully recognize that standardized testing results are important, they present at best only a partial picture of student progress and achievement.

He said the best educational practice is to differentiate curriculum, instruction and assessment according to student learning styles, ability/readiness levels and personal interest.

In other words, relative to assessment, students should be provided with multiple and varied means to demonstrate mastery, and standardized tests simply dont provide such but rather take a one-size-fits-all approach, an approach contrary to our schools philosophy of personalizing the learning experience for our students, Kukielski said.

However, he encouraged parents, grandparents and community members to look closely at the report card since it also includes school discipline, funds per student, demographics, teacher qualifications and class size.

The schools four-year graduation rate is also greater than 95 percent.

Cabarrus and Kannapolis Charter academies

Cabarrus Charter Academy received a grade of 54, which is D and did not meet its growth. DeShanda Hampton, K-12 leadership team member and lower school principal, said the school is fully committed to improving this score.

Breaking it down, Cabarrus Charter was given a 62 in reading and a 46 in math scores.

She also added that its important for everyone to remember that a single assessment is unable to tell you everything about the performance of a school or the opportunities it provides to students.

Our school has grown, and will continue to provide our students with quality programs such as intense remediation through our Saturday Academy and after-school tutoring programs, targeted grade level planning, individual student learning plans and our instructional framework of master, Hampton said. We believe that an increased focus on these programs along with our full staff of dedicated, certified teachers will positively affect our students outcomes in this school year.

Only in its first year, Principal Katrina Samuels said Kannapolis Charter Academy actually saw tremendous growth in its students. The school was given a D with a number grade of 54.

The school received a 56 in reading and 53 in math. However it did meet growth goals.

As a first year school, we have an opportunity to bring students who may have been struggling at other schools up to grade level and beyond, Samuels said. We saw some tremendous growth and are anticipating additional growth this year in both reading and math.

She added that the students and staff at the school are exceptional and know from experience that it can take a couple of years for students to reach grade level and exceed the standards.

It takes a lot of hard work and from what Ive seen over this past year, our school family has the grit to dig in every day and achieve greatness, she said.

Both charter schools are governed by the North Carolina Charter Educational Foundation and members of the Charter Schools USA family of schools.

A.C.E. Academy

Located on Caldwell Road in Harrisburg, A.C.E. (Academics Character Entrepreneurship) Academy came out with a 38, which is an F.

For its reading score, the school received a 48 and got a 31 in math. However, the school did meet growth expectations.

Representatives from the school were not available for comment.
The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine met on Wednesday to discuss defense-related articles of the draft national budget for 2018, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said.

"Defense spending in hryvnias ha significantly increased in 2017 compared to 2013. If we count in dollar terms, then spending is approximately similar but the army's supplies are at a much higher level than at that period," he wrote on Facebook on Wednesday, September 13.

"Now we are able to counter the strongest army on the continent, which is five times bigger than ours, and its military budget in some years exceeded ours by 16 times! We have learned to efficiently use every kopeck of the budget," Poroshenko summed up.
School nutrition professionals from Kannapolis and across the state are participating in the North Carolina K-12 Culinary Institute.

Michelle Moore, Pam Hatfield, Kim Simpson, Latoka Smith, Tammy Draper and Rose Ray from KCS attended a K-12 Culinary Institute regional workshop over the summer in Mooresville.

The N.C. K-12 Culinary Institute, designed to enhance nutrition offerings, is funded in part by a U.S. Department of Agriculture Professional Standards Training Grant received by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction School Nutrition Section.

"The K-12 Culinary Institute is a unique opportunity for our school nutrition professionals to enhance culinary skills and glean tools and information critical to their important roles in providing quality, nutritious school meals," Anne Treanor, director for KCS School Nutrition Program, said.

The K-12 Culinary Institutes five core objectives are:

Improve student health, well-being and academic success through nutritious, appealing meals at school;

Increase participation in high-quality, enticing school nutrition programs;

Expand capacity of local school nutrition programs to purchase, prepare and serve fresh, locally grown produce;

Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grain-rich foods; and

Provide continuing education opportunities for school nutrition personnel.

The menus and recipes developed for the K-12 Culinary Institute include:

Scratch, convenience, and modified scratch products and techniques;

Instructions written for production amounts consistent with pack or pan sizes commonly available in school kitchens; and

Nutritional analysis files for easy import into software programs and adjustments for standardization in Local Education Agencies.

Planned instructional segments include topics such as knife skills, weighing and measuring accurately, preparing foods for just-in-time service, work simplification and scheduling, effective use of equipment, and quality food preparation and service for a variety of meats, grains, fruits, vegetables, and condiments.

The N.C. K-12 Culinary Institute graduates will be chef ambassadors and culinary specialists. These ambassadors will be prepared to teach other school nutrition professionals at the local education agency and school level.
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Rahul Gandhi has been trolled a lot of times but the man still happens to make statements with which he easily hogs the limelight. This time, he was in Berkeley, USA, when he was addressing a press conference; and there as well, the man didnt shy away from taking potshots at the ruling party in India.

PTI

While talking about nepotism, he made a bizarre statement, perhaps trying to defend himself because apparently, he is also a product of the same.

He said, Most parties in India have that problem Mr Akhilesh Yadav is a dynast. Mr Stalin (son of M Karunanidhi of DMK) is a dynast even Abhishek Bachchan is a dynast. So, thats how India runs. So, dont get after me because thats how India is run. By the way, last, I recall, Ambanis are running the business. Thats also going on in Infosys. So, thats what happens in India.

BCCL

And this statement of his, of course, didnt go down well with many in the home country and sparked a face-off between the two parties. Among others, who were offended was Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor, who always voices his opinion on Twitter without any fear.

In his rant in a series of tweets, Rishi Kapoor accused Rahul Gandhi of earning respect through gundagardi.

Rahul Gandhi.In the 106 years of Indian cinema of India, Kapoor's contribution is 90 years. And each generation is chosen by public on merit  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

By God's grace we are in 4 generations.Prithviraj Kapoor.Raj Kapoor.Randhir Kapoor.Ranbir Kapoor-Males.Besides all others. You see otherwise  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

So don't bullshit people on "Dynasty" You have to earn people's respect and love through hard work not zabardasti and gundagardi.  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

We understand the aggression, but Rishi Kapoor, your argument was a very weak as well and didn't serve the purpose, seemingly.
After his mega hosting for Bigg Boss Tamil which is still keeping him busy on all Saturdays, Kamal Haasan is ready to enter the political arena. After much anticipation, the actor is ready to take the new plunge.

PTI

It looks like the time has come for Kamal Haasan to take the political plunge. Over the last few months, Haasan has been very vocal about the state of politics in Tamil Nadu and he feels theres a vacuum to fill, according to a report by The Indian Express.

There are reports he will start his own party by the end of this month. However, there are no official announcements from his end people are looking forward to his political party.

Twitter/Kamal Haasan

Earlier in July, BJP today took a dig at actor Kamal Haasan's tweet on his possible entry into politics, wondering why the celebrity,'without doing any service to the people,' has a 'sudden awakening' on entering the field.



The party's state unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan told reporters that actors, before entering politics, should think about their contributions to society, as many leaders are already there to serve the people.



"Without doing any service to people and society, why this sudden awakening for Kamal Hassan?" she asked.

We can't wait to see how life would turn out for Kamal post joining politics. Meanwhile he tweeted,
The difficulty for farmers n Madhya Pradesh does not seem to be ending anytime soon. After several rounds of protests, the helpless farmers are now resorting to suicide. According to reports as man as ten farmers have killed themselves in the last one week.

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Two farmers committed suicide yesterday among whom, Jagdish More, 35, consumed poison in Rampura area of Dhar Police Station.

Also Read: Three Killed In Police Firing On Protesting Farmers In Madhya Pradesh, Curfew Imposed

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Rajendra Navaria, the in-charge of Dhar Police Station, confirmed that the farmer committed suicide.

Also Read: Yet Another Farmer Kills Himself In Maharashtra, It's The Fifth Suicide In Just 3 Days

The deceased farmer's family told the police that he committed suicide as he was upset over the pressure built by the bank for repayment of debt.

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Another farmer named Imrat died after consuming sulphas pills in Chandlaun village in Gotegaon, Narsinghpur. He breathed his last enroute to Jabalpur for treatment.

Also Read: Another Farmer Suicide In Maharashtra, Amit Shah's Comment On Gandhi And Other Must Reads

R.K. Soni, the in-charge of Narsinghpur Police Station, told IANS that the farmer bought a piece of land 10 years ago but could not get it registered till date.

reuters

"He was disturbed as he could not get his agricultural land registered. So, he consumed sulphas pills and committed suicide. Even his family has acknowledged that he was depressed," he said.

Also Read: Farmers Body Draped In Tricolour At Funeral In MP, Protesters Demand 'Martyr' Status For Him

Madhya Pradesh has been witnessing widespread protests by farmers demanding loan waiver and remunerative prices for their produce. On June 6, five farmers were killed in police firing while another died of his injuries later in Mandsaur district.
A couple of city-based private schools are contemplating ways to offer admission to slain Pradhyumn Thakur's sister Vidhi and other students of Ryan International School, which is staring at cancellation of the CBSE affiliation in the wake of the seven-year-old's murder on the Bhondsi campus on Friday. Kunal Bhadoo, CEO of Kunskapsskolan International, met Pradhyumn's parents on Monday and offered free admission to their daughter Vidhi, who studies in Class 5 at Ryan's Bhondsi campus.

BCCL

"We have given an open offer to enrol the girl at Kunskapsskolan International (in DLF-1) without any admission fee. The school has also offered to charge a concessional nominal fee for her entire schooling, up to Class 12," he said.

"Other students (of Ryan) are also welcome, provided their parents meet all formalities related to admission," Bhadoo added.

The chairperson of another private school said they too were contemplating on how to offer admission to the students in case the board withdrew its affiliation to the Bhondsi campus. "It is our moral duty to help all the children. However, the process may be a little complicated as it is in the middle of the session. We, therefore, need some more time to take a final call on the entire matter," he added.

BCCL

Parents said over 500 students, who study in Class 12 and Class 10 and are going to appear for the board exams in 2018, would be the worst affected if the Bhondsi school was shut down.

The registration of the Class 12 students for the next year's board exams have already been done through Ryan International Bhondsi.

ALSO READ: Gurgaon School Murder: Cops Lathicharge Violent Protesters, Government Assures Speedy Justice

BCCL

"The Class 10 and Class 12 students are worried. Their half-yearly examinations have been postponed. Their syllabus is incomplete. We want the district administration to make some arrangements for the students if the affiliation is cancelled," said Siddharth, a parent.

A source in CBSE said, "The final decision will be taken only after the final report. However, we will keep the interests of all students in mind."
Ukraine may seek the extradition of deputy chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Akhtem Chiygoz, who is convicted in Russian-annexed Crimea, Chairman of the Mejlis and Member of Parliament of Ukraine from the Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction Refat Chubarov has said.

"We and lawyers have already drawn up a further plan how to save Akhtem Chiygoz, how to release other political prisoners," he said at a rally in support of Chiygoz in Kyiv on Wednesday.

At the same time, he admitted that the final decision is with the president of the Russian Federation.

"By taking legal action, by appealing and moving to the European Court of Human Rights, we will simultaneously try to force Russia to extradite, return Akhtem Chiygoz to Ukraine," Chubarov said.

There are all grounds for this, he said.

The fact that the verdict of the "Supreme Court" of annexed Crimea calls Chiygoz as a citizen of Ukraine gives a certain chance and leverage to use this instrument.

On September 11, the so-called "Supreme Court" of annexed Crimea sentenced Chiygoz to eight years in prison. He will serve his sentence in a penal colony.

Chiygoz was arrested on January 29, 2015, on charges of organizing and participating in civil unrest at a rally in Simferopol on February 26, 2014, prior to the referendum on Crimea's accession to Russia.
The images of helpless Tamil Nadu farmers eating rats and human faeces might have drawn the attention of people towards their cries, but it seems that the government have miserably failed to address their issue even after two months of continuous protest in New Delhi. The farmers are demanding their loan waiver from the government because they have suffered a lot of losses due to drought in the state.

The farmers who were in the national capital had held a 41-day-long sit in after which the government agreed to consider their demands.

AFP/ File

The farmers say that they were forced to come back to Delhi after the government did not do anything about them. But just like their first demonstration in Delhi, the government is yet to reach out to them or settle the issue.

Bobins Abraham/Indiatimes

The farmers, who are known to be using unique and innovative protests like, displaying skulls of their loved ones, eating dead rats and getting flogged publicly have done the same this time around too.

Farmers leader Ayyakannu said on Monday they ate human faeces and on Tuesday they consumed human flesh. But nothing seemed to get the attention of the Indian Prime Minister. So, on Wednesday they sought some divine intervention.

Bobins Abraham/ Indiatimes

One of the protesters, dressed as Lord Krishna 'appeared' out of a yahja and told a person wearing a mask with PM Modi's face to solve the issue of the farmers or he will kill him the way he killed his uncle Kamsa.

As bizarre as it sounds farmers leader, Ayyakannu, told Indiatimes that Narendra Modi as the PM has failed in his duty to address the issues of the farmers. Now with Lord Krishna's instruction, they hope PM Modi will listen to them.

The farmers said they will continue their demonstration until their demands are met or they will die in Delhi.

Bobins Abraham/ Indiatimes

"PM Modi don't to see or hear us. He doesn't want to resolve our grievances, that is why we are sitting here. We will be here till our death or till our problems are solved. Only then we will go back to Tamil Nadu," Ayyakannu said.

He also attacked the Tamil Nadu government for not doing anything to help the farmers.

"Since the death of Jayalalithaa there is no political leadership in Tamil Nadu. The leaders are fighting for posts and they have no time for the farmers," Ayyakannu said.

Bobins Abraham/ Indiatimes

He said that despite the recent rains in Tamil Nadu, most of the places are still facing water shortages as ground water has already dried up. With Karnataka refusing to share the Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, the farmers are pitching their hopes on the government's plan to interlink rivers across the country.

"Water resources minister Uma Bharati has submitted a feasibility report on interlinking of rivers. But the Prime Minister has not taken any steps on this despite his promise during the elections. Now he is treating farmers as slaves," Ayyakannu said.
Tamil Nadu farmers reeling under a financial crisis, are protesting at Delhis Jantar Mantar to demand loan waiver and drought-relief package. The farmers today beat themselves with flip-flops to protest the almost two-fold salary hikes state legislators have given themselves.

BCCL

Around 80 farmers shouted slogans against the state lawmakers calling the salary move "shameless" and describing their own condition as "worse than beggars".

"Farmers do not have food to eat or money to survive due to prolonged drought in our state. Instead of taking steps to provide them relief, our MLAs chose to increase their own salaries. We have been left speechless by their shameless action. We condemn it in very strong words," farmer leader P Ayyakannu told IANS.

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On Wednesday, Tamil Nadu legislators approved a hike in their salaries from Rs 55,000 to Rs 1.05 lakh per month, apart from an increase in MLA Development Fund from Rs 2 crore to Rs 2.5 crore.

Nearly 100 farmers from the agrarian crisis-hit state, who had suspended their 41-day long protest following government assurance in April, turned up again at the Jantar Mantar on Sunday to press for their demands.
The British authorities have frozen the properties belonging to fugitive underworld gangster Dawood Ibrahim worth $6.7 billion. Dawood who the Indian agencies believe runs a crime syndicate from his alleged residence of Cliffton area in Karachi, Pakistan, now appears on the consolidated list of financial sanctions targets of UK Treasury department.

PM Narendra Modi who had gone to the UK in November 2015, had handed over a dossier concerning the underworld don to the then UK PM David Cameron. According to Forbes, Dawood Ibrahim is one of the richest gangsters of all time. In 2015, Forbes estimated Dawood Ibrahim's net asset at $ 6.7 billion.

Dawood Ibrahim has his business interests in more than a dozen countries spread over Europe, Africa and South Asia. Dawood is believed to have assets of $450 million in the UK alone and is said to have invested in over 50 properties in different countries.

Dawood Ibrahim, who is an accused of carrying out 1993-Mumbai bomb blasts, has been named by the UN Security Council's IS and al-Qaida Sanctions Committee as the global terrorist.
While Tamil Nadu farmers are reeling under a financial crisis and have been asking for a loan waiver, MLAs from the state have given themselves a 100% hike in their salaries.

With a hike of Rs 50,000, the MLAs will now get a monthly salary of Rs 1.05 Lakh.

bccl

Pensions have also seen a steep jump. The Rs 12,000 pension has now been raised to Rs Rs 20,000 and the local area development fund to develop their constituencies has also been increased from Rs 2 crore to Rs 2.6 crore.

bccl

The announcement for the same was made by Chief Minister E Palaniswami made the announcement in the state Assembly today.

Tamil Nadu farmers are holding a protest at Jantar Mantar with skulls and rats seeking loan-waiver and drought-relief packages. The state is witnessing the worst drought in 140 years with 60 per cent deficit in rainfall. They have been demanding a drought relief package of Rs 40,000-crore.
A team of volunteers from Sikh organisation Khalsa Aid has reached Bangladesh-Myanmar on Sunday night, providing relief to the lakhs of Rohingya refugees who are dealing with food crisis.

Amarpreet Singh, managing director, Khalsa Aid, India spoke to Indian Express and said that the condition of the refugees living in camps was miserable to say the least.

Facebook

The group of volunteers reached Teknaf, a border town in Bangladesh where thousands of refugees have taken shelter.

It was our first day here today and we did a pre-assessment before launching a major relief operation. We had come prepared for providing relief to some 50,000 people, but there are more than three lakh refugees here. They are living without water, food, clothes and shelter. They are sitting wherever they can find a corner. It is raining, but people do not have anywhere to go. It is miserable to say the least. We will be providing them langar food (community kitchen) and shelter. We are arranging tarpaulins but since the number of refugees have overwhelmingly exceeded our preparations, it can some time to make arrangements, he told Indian Express.

Facebook

He said that there were huge gaps filled beyond the capacity. The Khalsa is and is serving food and water to the refugees. Another team is expected to reach the border in the coming days to assist in the relief operations.
As the Rohingya refugees continue to take refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has promised to ensure food and shelter to all of them. The Bangladeshi PM said that the country is ready to give food to an additional 7,00,000 people.

ap

We have the ability to feed 160 million people of Bangladesh and we have enough food security to feed the 700,000 refugees, the prime minister at a programme after visiting the The Kutupalong Refugee Camp in Ukhiya, Coxs Bazar, reported Dhakatribune.com.

The PM visited a struggling refugee camp that has been sheltering hundreds of thousands of Rohingya who fled recent violence in Myanmar  a crisis she said left her speechless.

AP

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina demanded that Myanmar take steps to take their nationals back, and assured temporary aid until that happened.

She also lambasted Buddhist-majority Myanmar for atrocities that she said had reached a level beyond description.
Over 1,100 Rohingya children feeling violence in Myanmar have arrived alone in Bangladesh since August 25, says a report by UNICEF. Many Rohingya children have made the journey alone to Bangladesh following strangers on the way.

These children are at a risk of sexual abuse, human trafficking and psychological trauma.

Reuters

UN rights chief termed the violence in Myanmar as ethnic cleansing after families were brutally massacred in the Rakhine state. Others narrowly escaped with their own lives -- some children arriving in Bangladesh bear shrapnel and bullet wounds.

Reuters

The number of children who crossed into Bangladesh alone, or were split up from family along the way is expected to climb as more cases are discovered.

More than half of the 370,000 Rohingya Muslims who have made it to Bangladesh since August 25 are minors, according to UN estimates.
Canadian Minister of National Defense Harjit Singh Sajjan will visit Ukraine at the end of September, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on its official site on Wednesday.

During the visit, the parties are planning to discuss further cooperation and practical aspects of the implementation of a defense cooperation agreement between the Ukrainian and Canadian defense ministries and the Canadian Armed Forces, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said during a meeting with Canada's high-level strategic advisor Jill Sinclair.

"The areas of assistance [to Ukraine] that Canada took upon itself have been extremely successful [...] I would particularly like to note the Operation UNIFIER [the Canadian Armed Forces mission to support Ukrainian armed forces in Ukraine] and the materiel aid Ukraine is receiving from Canada," Poltorak said.

Poltorak added that the Ukrainian side hopes that the cooperation with Canada will deepen.
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Israel, White House Abandon Pretense of Peace Process





Resolving conflict now an 'artifact of history' and Trump appears to care less.



By Geoffrey Aronson

September 12, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The remarkable run of international attention aimed at solving the Israel-Palestine conflict has run its course. In the decades from the Security Council deliberations leading the passage of UN Security Council Resolution 242 in 1967 to Secretary of State John Kerrys peripatetic wanderings, no other issue so animated international diplomacy. This sustained, top-level attention was no mean feat in a world where disasters are the order of the day. But although it often seemed to be the case, the peace process could not rivet the worlds fickle attention forever.

The dance ended with a whimper in 2014. Today, there is less interest in a solution to the Israel/Palestine/Arab conflict than at any time since Israels creation almost seven decades ago. True, there are other issues commanding international attention. But the conflicts absence from news headlines and the briefing books reflect much more substantive realities than the simple competition for headlines.

During the golden years after the Oslo agreement in 1993, diplomats and politicians alike contented themselves with the lazy analytical argument that the parameters of a deal were self-evident. Since we all know what the endgame looks like, the goal was simply to establish a mechanism that would produce a peace treaty between Israel and the PLO, conditioned by an agreed upon Israeli withdrawal from most (and as time passed decreasing percentage) of the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Such silliness passed for statecraft during the Bush and Obama years, and empowered a more determined and hardheaded Israeli set of diplomatic priorities. Top on this list was Israels relentless expansion of settlements throughout the West Banka reflection of the enduring Israeli consensus in its favor. Next was the decision by an aging Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to present Palestinians and his own successors with the fait accompli of an unconditional Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005, a decision that broke all the rules of the U.S.-led peace process and has been ratified consistently since then in serial wars between Israel and Gazas nationalist-Islamist rulers. Today, Gaza remains the most dynamic arena where often clashing, but occasionally intersecting, Israeli and Palestinian interests compete.

The agenda of Benjamin Netanyahus Israeli government provides instructive insights into the current state of affairs. Netanyahus interest in a two-state solution has always been conditioned by his assessment of the terms of an agreement favored by the U.S., which formally embraced a two-state solution during the George W. Bush administration.

During the Obama years, Netanyahu easily parried Washingtons ham-fisted efforts to secure a settlement freezethe original centerpiece of its first signature diplomatic initiative. Obama never established an agreed basis for substantive talks. Instead, Obama bequeathed to the Trump administration a historic unraveling throughout the Middle East. Palestine was delivered to the new administration as a scorched diplomatic landscape, characterized by despair and boredom with the continuing conflict.

Trumps sympathies on Palestine are clearly with Israels revisionist right wing. He and his aides have little idea and even less interest about how to approachlet alone solvethe conflict. As a consequence, Netanyahu has abandoned any pretense of interest in or commitment to the evacuation of West Bank territory in order to make room for the creation of a Palestinian state.

We are here to stay forever, he declared at a recent ceremony marking one half century of settlement in the northern West Bank. There will be no more uprooting of settlements in the land of Israel.

This is the inheritance of our ancestors. he said . This is our land.

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In contrast to his attention on the expansion of settlements, Netanyahu gives little thought to Mahmoud Abbas, who is distracted by challenges to his leadership, and the sclerotic PLO leadership that he is meant to represent. Gaza, which fields the first sovereign Palestinian national army, remains Netanyahus primary Palestinian distraction. Netanyahu worriesto a certain degreeabout preserving the stability of Hamas rule in Gaza from less disciplined, more radical challengers, but not enough to end the manufactured crisis that has plunged Gaza into penury and hopelessness for the last 15 years.

The strongest Arab states have been Netanyahus enablers. Since the adoption of the first Saudi peace plan in 1982 (to win Israels withdrawal) and the creation of a Palestinian state, this bargain at the heart of Arab efforts has been undermined by its proponents own readiness to advance their sovereign interests with Israel without any quid pro quo on Palestine. Egypt first, followed by Jordan, and most recently Saudi Arabia, consider the preservation of their own interests with Israel to be at odds with the Arab Peace Initiativethe centerpiece of which is an Arab readiness to live in peace with Israel in return for the creation of a Palestinian state. The Arab Peace Initiative has disappeared from the peacemaking lexicon even as Saudi Arabia has signed on as a formal participant and strategic partner in upholding the terms of the historic peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

This juxtaposition is no accident. In the current regional environment, shared interests between Israel and strong Arab states trump the Arab interest in Palestine or Israeli willingness to make territorial concessions on its behalf. In todays world, the API, much like the idea of an Israeli withdrawal and removal of settlements, is an artifact of history.

More broadly, Israels longest serving prime minister has resurrected an old-fashioned, Orientalist view of Israels international role as the long, militant, if civilizing arm of the West. At the American ambassadors residence in celebration of the Fourth of July, Netanyahu highlighted this self-interested if compelling narrative. Israel is also an aircraft carrier, he declared. Its an aircraft carrier for Western civilization; for the civilization of freedom.

Netanyahu is not the first to declare such sympathies. His predecessor Ehud Barak famously described Israel as a villa in the jungle. Such bombast resonates, particularly in Trumps world, and beyond. Greater Israel as a valued defender and enforcer of the Westthat is of civilization itselfpushes the prospect of consequential Israeli territorial concessions in the West Bank off the table.

Geoffrey Aronson is chairman and co-founder of The Mortons Group and a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute.
End Warrantless Deep State Spying: Don't Renew 702



It's time to rein in warrantless domestic surveillance before it's too late.



By Zach Weissmueller

September 12, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - As former NSA contractor Edward Snowden revealed to the world in 2013, the U.S. government routinely spies on its own citizens.

"I, sitting at my desk, could wiretap anyone, from you or your accountant, to a federal judge or even the president," Snowden told the journalists crowded into his hotel room before the publication of his leaked documents.

The leaks exposed lies from government officials about the mass surveillance of American citizens, with former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper testifying before Congress that the NSA didn't "wittingly" collect any data on millions of Americans.

Four years after the Snowden leaks, the government is still collecting Americans' private information. Though the NSA claims it ended bulk collection of domestic phone calls, the agency is still operating several other far-reaching domestic spying programs.

Now there's a way to end these unconstitutional practices. The NSA gets its authority to spy on U.S. Citizens from Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act . The law will expire this year after it hits its five-year sunset. Lawmakers will soon be deliberating over whether to renew Section 702 for another five or maybe even make it permanent.

Watch the video to see why it's vital that they let Section 702 lapse.

Produced by Zach Weissmueller. Music by Kai Engel and Lee Rosevere .

This article was first published by Reason -

See also - NSA Quietly Awarded a Classified $2.4 Billion Tech Contract With More to Come
Steve Bannon Declares War On The GOP

Watch - 60 Minutes - The Full Interview



Steve Bannon, Trump's ex-chief strategist, tells 60 Minutes why he's out at the White House and criticizes the GOP for not supporting the president. "They're gonna be held accountable," he says. Charlie Rose reports.

Bannon, Trump's ex-chief strategist, tells why he's out at the White House

Posted September 12, 2017





Also available here - https://www.cbsnews.com/videos/steve-bannon/

See also -

Watch: Chris Christie accuses Steve Bannon of lying about him

Watch: Catholic clergy fires back after Bannon criticism
What We Saw in North Korea Goes against Everything Western Media Wants Us to Believe

By Tim Anderson

September 12, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - In the current stand off between Washington and North Korea , western governments and media almost invariably present the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea) as a crazed aggressor.

Yet the recent confrontation comes 72 years after Roosevelt and Stalin divided the colonised Korean people at the 38th parallel, and 60 years after the US brought nuclear weapons to the peninsula. The US military still occupies southern Korea and, in the current climate, the reunification summits of 2000 and 2007 seem a distant memory.

Rarely do we listen to the North Korean side. Yet it should be no surprise that they have a distinct perspective on the successive Japanese and American attacks, invasions and occupations that have defined their past century. Even when UN commissioned ' human rights ' reports are prepared, it is not thought necessary to get the North Korean view, or even to visit the country.

Popular western history blames North Korea for starting the Korean war (1950-53). By this story the US is said to have intervened ( killing more than 4 million, according to the DPRK ) to 'protect' South Korea from 'communist aggression'.

However the North Koreans themselves, and many socialist historians, point to US military planning for complete annexation of the peninsula, as spelt out by the 1949-50 head of US occupation forces, General Roberts. Let's also remember that, immediately after the Korean War, the US backed military interventions and coups in Cuba, Guatemala and Iran and began its long war in Vietnam.

With two colleagues I visited the DPRK in late August. It is a beautiful, lush country with warm, friendly people. I was struck by the confidence and self-assurance of the many well educated North Koreans we met, in particular the women. That self-confidence seems to reflect the state slogan 'we envy nothing in this world', linked to an official _Juche _philosophy which stresses human creativity and self-reliance.

Between visits to schools, hospitals and farms we visited meticulously documented history museums. Amongst other things they show that, in the 1950s war, Pyongyang was hit by 428,000 US bombs, at a time when its population did not exceed 400,000. The capital's museums display evidence of Washington's use of chemical and biological weapons against the Korean people, and of 8,000 US breaches of the 1953 armistice, notably the captured US spy ship USS Pueblo.

Carrying out 'vox pop' interviews with professionals, students, workers and farmers we often met statements such as that of rural co-op worker Ms Song Myong Oh: 'of course we do not want war, but we are not begging for peace'. Most seem proud that their country is standing up to an imperial power that has occupied their country for a lifetime, while invading dozens of others.

If we read the official statements carefully, the DPRK's recent threats against the US have merely responded in kind to those of the US President. Of course, such threats carry new weight with the little country's nuclear capability. Yet the decision to go down this road came after repeated US refusals to convert the 1953 armistice into a permanent peace treaty.

North Korea fought for its independence from the Japanese Empire, fought a massive US attempt to destroy it, and is still technically at war. The little nation-state has been on a war footing for more than a century. In these circumstances it has permanently embedded the military at the centre its government; this is the Songun doctrine.

The DPRK Government says its nuclear capacity is an 'equaliser', to deter constant US threats. US manoeuvres to disarm and then destroy both Iraq and Libya are seen in Pyongyang as clear lessons of the consequences of weakness. Reunification is only possible, they say, if the US military withdraws and they can resume serious talks with an independent south.

Washington is accustomed to proclaiming that 'all options are on the table', including a pre-emptive nuclear strike. Indeed, the USA is the only country to have actually used nuclear weapons on human beings, and Hiroshima civilians at that. The North Koreans, for their part, are not inclined to lie down or 'bargain', in face of such threats.

Their country is often described as a 'Hermit Kingdom', because of its apparent isolation and the extreme reverence given to the late President King Il Sung and his successors. But the DPRK, while practising self-reliance, does not seek to cut itself off from the world. It is the US-driven economic sanctions that do that.

We visited a new 300 bed Children's Hospital, across the road from Pyongyang's Maternity Hospital. A boy was having a cranial CT scan with a German Siemen's machine. That test, like all health services, is free and at state expense. But the new sanctions regime means that the DPRK can no longer buy such machines or parts for them. North Koreans put a brave face on their self-reliance, and they do produce most of their essential medicines; but individual doctors expressed outrage.

*(Dr. So Yong in the Telemedicine centre. Condemns 'inhumane' sanctions. Image courtesy of Prof. Tim Anderson)

Dr Kim Un Song, for example, with two young children of her own, said she was 'very proud' of her country's 'free, universal and comprehensive' health system, while expressing anger at the sanctions. Dr So Yong in the TeleMedicine section, which arranges video conferences with all major hospitals in the country, said he 'strongly protests these inhumane sanctions which affect even children'

Former regional allies have proved unreliable. The DPRK suffered a great depression after the collapse of the USSR and its linked economic relations. The China relationship has also changed, with Beijing became more businesslike.

An alarming feature of the US-led assault on this little country is that it has virtually no public face. Western politicians can say almost anything about the country and get away with it. Foreign experience and understandings of the country are shallow.

Further, from 1 September onwards US citizens are banned from visiting North Korea (as they are still banned from visiting Cuba) without a US Government license. Such controls have long been part of the 'land of the free'.

For the rest of us, a visit to North Korea can be an eye opener. The contrast between the one dimensional western image and the reality of a visit with direct person-to-person contact is quite striking.

Dr. Tim Anderson is a Senior Lecturer in Political Economy at the University of Sydney. He researches and writes on development, human rights and self-determination in the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East.
Representatives from the French Senate and Foreign Ministry will pay a working visit to Donetsk region.

They will be accompanied by Heorhiy Tuka, Ukraine's Deputy Minister for the Temporarily Occupied Territories and Displaced Persons, parliamentarians, and diplomats.

"The purpose of the visit is to get familiar with the security and socio-economic situation in the conflict zone," the ministry said on its Facebook page on Wednesday.

The visit, scheduled for this Thursday, September 14, will be followed by a press conference from 18:15 to 19:00 on the same day, at the building of Donetsk regional administration in the town of Kramatorsk, featuring the following speakers: Minister Tuka; Pavlo Zhebrivskyi, head of Donetsk regional administration; Serhiy Shabliy, First Secretary at the Ukrainian Embassy in France; Floriane Gloaguen, First Secretary at the French Embassy in Ukraine; and Senators Herve Maurey, head of the France-Ukraine friendship group in the Senate, Jean-Yves Leconte, and Jacques Legendre.

The French senators have already held a number of meetings with Ukrainian leaders in Kyiv. This is not their first visit to Ukraine, but it will be their first to Donbas, where they will familiarize themselves with the security policy and the humanitarian situation.
Myanmar: Why the World Turns a Blind Eye to Another Muslim Genocide By CJ Werleman

September 12, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - If the apartheid state of Israel has taught the world anything, its if you wish to garner Western sympathy for your efforts to colonize, occupy, or ethnically cleanse a predominately Muslim population, your best bet is to stigmatize those you wish to conquer or suppress as radical Islamic terrorists.

For 50 years, Israel has conflated Palestinian resistance to Islamic terrorism.

Well, at least one Nobel Peace Prize recipient has been paying attention. As Myanmar carries out what effectively is genocide against its 1.3 million Rohingya Muslim population, its de facto leader Sang Suu Kyi has attempted to justify the states violence with accusations that the besieged are extremist terrorists  who target non-Muslims.

Time will tell whether or not Suu Kyis transparent ploy to divert attention away from her countrys systematic annihilation of Rohingya Muslims will distract the international community from the horrors taking place under her watch, but its also worth examining other reasons for why the world has done or said so little to bring a halt to the violence.

From the perspective of Western political elites, the extermination of Muslims in a far away land that neither threatens or benefits the interests and security of Western political elites. And when neither the interests and security of Western political elites is at stake, and when its the lives of Muslims or non-Westerners caught in the crosshairs of someone elses gun, and that gun is being held by a country that many Westerners cant find on a map, mobilizing enough political support to sustain any kind of intervention, militarily or diplomatically, is a heavy lift.

We have seen this dimension play out time and time again when Muslim lives are on the receiving end of genocide . When Serbian and Croatian forces were slaughtering Bosnian Muslims, both the United States and NATO stood passively on the sidelines for a full four years, 1991 to 1995. Even when the world learned of the atrocities carried out in Srebrenica, one that resulted in the murders of 8,000 Bosnian Muslims, only 36% of the US public supported an intervention.

Worse still, the US and Britain had six weeks warning that Serbian security forces and militias were plotting the Srebrenica massacre, but did nothing, instead sacrificing 8,000 Muslim lives in pursuit of an ill conceived grander strategy.

Myanmars slaughter of Rohingya Muslims has been increasing in both frequency and ferocity since 2010, when the country began its transition from a military junta to a somewhat quasi-democratic system. During this period, the government has openly courted an extremist Buddhist monk coalition, known as the 969 movement, headed by Ashin Wirathu, who has been described as the Burmese Bin Laden, portraying Rohingya Muslims as a dangerous, persistent threat to Myanmar society.

But as these extremist Buddhists juice the nation up for more bloodshed against their Muslim countrymen and neighbors, the reluctance of neighboring Asian states to offer meaningful assistance to Rohingya Muslims can only be described as on par with the West.

Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Indonesia are each Muslim majority countries, and each have washed their respective hands of the growing humanitarian crisis, each claiming theyre financially unable to accept more refugees. We have to send the right message that they are not welcome here, said Malaysias deputy home minister. Thailand has also made similar claims .

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Larger and more powerful Muslim majority countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, have also turned a blind eye to the plight of Rohingya Muslims. Again, like their Western counterparts, the systematic killing of Muslims in Myanmar doesnt threaten the interests of political elites in each of the two countries.

Despite their dire predicament, and the reluctance of both Western and Asian states to intervene , protests against Myanmars treatment of Rohingya Muslims is spawning a wave of grassroots political action across the globe. Over the weekend, tens of thousands took to the streets in Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Russia to express their disgust towards their respective governments passivity towards Myanmars violence.

These mass protests are creating media headlines, and from media headlines comes political pressure, and from political pressure comes new policy. For the sake of 1.3 million Rohingya Muslims, one must hope a more empathetic policy comes fast and furious.

CJ Werleman is a journalist, political commentator, and author of 'The New Atheist Threat: the Dangerous Rise of Secular Extremists.
The Superpower That Fought Itself -- And Lost





Out Everywhere and Winning Nowhere



By William J. Astore

September 12, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - When it comes to the  worlds greatest military , the news has been shocking. Two fast U.S. Navy ships colliding with slow-moving commercial vessels with tragic loss of life. An Air Force that has been in the air continuously for years and yet doesnt have enough pilots to fly its combat jets. Ground troops who find themselves fighting rebels in Syria previously armed and trained by the CIA . Already overstretched Special Operations forces facing growing demands as their rates of mental distress and suicide rise. Proxy armies in Iraq and Afghanistan that are unreliable , often delivering American-provided weaponry to black markets and into the hands of various enemies. All of this and more coming at a time when defense spending is once again soaring and the national security state is awash in funds to the tune of nearly a trillion dollars a year.

What gives? Why are highly maneuverable and sophisticated naval ships colliding with lumbering cargo vessels? Why is an Air Force that exists to fly and fight short 1,200 pilots? Why are U.S. Special Operations forces deployed everywhere and winning nowhere? Why, in short, is the U.S. military fighting itself -- and losing?

Its the Ops Tempo, Stupid

After 16 years of a never-ending, ever-spreading global war on terror, alarms are going off in Asia from the Koreas and Afghanistan to the Philippines, while across the Greater Middle East and Africa the globes last superpower is in a never-ending set of conflicts with a range of minor enemies few can even keep straight. As a result, Americas can-do military, committed piecemeal to a bewildering array of missions, has increasingly become a cant-do one.

Too few ships are being deployed for too long. Too few pilots are being worn out by incessant patrols and mushrooming drone and bombing missions. Special Operations forces (the  commandos of everywhere , as Nick Turse calls them) are being deployed to far too many countries -- more than two-thirds of the nations on the planet already this year -- and are involved in conflicts that hold little promise of ending on terms favorable to Washington. Meanwhile, insiders like retired General David Petraeus speak calmly about  generational struggles  that will essentially never end. To paraphrase an old slogan from ABCs Wide World of Sports, as the U.S. military spans the globe, its regularly experiencing the agony of defeat rather than the thrill of victory.

To President Donald Trump (and so many other politicians in Washington), this unsavory reality suggests an obvious solution: boost military funding; build more navy ships; train more pilots and give them more incentive pay to stay in the military; rely more on drones and other technological force multipliers to compensate for tired troops; cajole allies like the Germans and Japanese to spend more on their militaries; and pressure proxy armies like the Iraqi and Afghan security forces to cut corruption and improve combat performance.

One option -- the most logical -- is never seriously considered in Washington: to make deep cuts in the militarys operational tempo by decreasing defense spending and downsizing the global mission, by bringing troops home and keeping them there. This is not an isolationist plea. The United States certainly faces challenges, notably from Russia (still a major nuclear power) and China (a global economic power bolstering its regional militarily strength). North Korea is, as ever, posturing with missile and nuclear tests in provocative ways. Terrorist organizations strive to destabilize American allies and cause trouble even in the homeland.

Such challenges require vigilance. What they dont require is more ships in the sea-lanes, pilots in the air, and boots on the ground. Indeed, 16 years after the 9/11 attacks it should be obvious that more of the same is likely to produce yet more of what weve grown all too accustomed to: increasing instability across significant swaths of the planet, as well as the rise of new terror groups or new iterations of older ones, which means yet more opportunities for failed U.S. military interventions.

Once upon a time, when there were still two superpowers on Planet Earth, Washingtons worldwide military posture had a clear rationale: the containment of communism. Soon after the Soviet Union imploded in 1991 to much triumphalist self-congratulation in Washington, the scholar and former CIA consultant Chalmers Johnson had an epiphany. What he would come to call the American Raj, a global imperial structure ostensibly built to corral the menace of communism, wasnt going away just because that menace had evaporated, leaving not a superpower nor even a major power as an opponent anywhere on the horizon. Quite the opposite, Washington -- and its globe-spanning  empire  of military bases -- was only digging in deeper and for the long haul. At that moment, with a certain shock, Johnson realized that the U.S. was itself an empire and, with its mirror-image-enemy gone, risked turning on itself and becoming its own nemesis .

The U.S., it turned out, hadnt just contained the Soviets; they had contained us, too. Once their empire collapsed, our leaders imbibed the old dream of Woodrow Wilson, even if in a newly militarized fashion: to remake the world in ones own image (if need be at the point of a sword).

Since the early 1990s, largely unconstrained by peer rivals, Americas leaders have acted as if there were nothing to stop them from doing as they pleased on the planet, which, as it turned out, meant there was nothing to stop them from their own folly. We witness the results today. Prolonged and disastrous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Interventions throughout the Greater Middle East (Libya, Syria, Yemen , and beyond) that spread chaos and destruction. Attacks against terrorism that have given new impetus to jihadists everywhere. And recently calls to arm Ukraine against Russia. All of this is consistent with a hubristic strategic vision that, in these years, has spoken in an all-encompassing fashion and without irony of global reach, global power , and full-spectrum dominance.

In this context, its worth reminding ourselves of the full scope of Americas military power. All the world is a stage -- or a staging area -- for U.S. troops. There are still approximately 800 U.S. military bases in foreign lands. Americas commandos deploy to more than 130 countries yearly. And even the world is not enough for the Pentagon as it seeks to dominate not just land, sea, and air but outer space, cyberspace, and even inner space, if you count efforts to achieve  total information awareness  through 17 intelligence agencies dedicated -- at a cost of $80 billion a year -- to sweeping up all data on Planet Earth.

In short, Americas troops are out everywhere and winning nowhere, a problem Americas winningest president, Donald Trump, is only exacerbating. Surrounded by his generals , Trump has -- against his own instincts, he claimed recently -- recommitted American troops and prestige to the Afghan War. He's also significantly expanded U.S. drone strikes and bombing throughout the Greater Middle East, and threatened to bring fire and fury to North Korea, while pushing a program to boost military spending.

At a Pentagon awash in money, with promises of more to come, missions are rarely downsized. Meanwhile, what passes for original thinking in the Trump White House is the suggestion of Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater, to privatize Americas war in Afghanistan (and possibly elsewhere). Mercenaries are the answer to Washingtons military problems, suggests Prince. And mercs, of course, have the added benefit of not being constrained by the rules of engagement that apply to Americas uniformed service members.

Indeed, Princes idea, though opposed by Trumps generals, is compelling in one sense: If you accept the notion that Americas wars in these years have been fought largely for the corporate agendas of the military-industrial complex, why not turn warfighting itself over to the warrior corporations that now regularly accompany the military into battle, cutting out the middleman, that very military?

Hammering a Cloud of Gnats

Erik Princes mercenaries will, however, have to bide their time as the military high command continues to launch kinetic strikes against elusive foes around the globe. By its own admission, the force recent U.S. presidents have touted as the finest in history faces remarkably asymmetrical and protean enemies, including the roughly 20 terrorist organizations in the Afghanistan-Pakistan theater of operations. In striking at such relatively puny foes, the U.S. reminds me of the mighty Thor of superhero fame swinging his hammer violently against a cloud of gnats. In the process, some of those gnats will naturally die, but the result will still be an exhausted superhero and ever more gnats attracted by the heat and commotion of battle.

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I first came across the phrase using a sledgehammer to kill gnats while looking at the history of U.S. airpower during the Vietnam War. B-52 Arc Light raids dropped record tons of bombs on parts of South Vietnam and Laos in largely failed efforts to kill dispersed guerrillas and interdict supply routes from North Vietnam. Half a century later, with its laser- and GPS-guided bombs, the Air Force regularly touts the far greater precision of American airpower. Yet in one country after another, using just that weaponry, the U.S. has engaged in serial acts of overkill. In Afghanistan, it was the recent use of MOAB , the mother of all bombs, the largest non-nuclear weapon the U.S. has ever used in combat , against a small concentration of ISIS fighters. In similar fashion, the U.S. air war in Syria has outpaced the Russians and even the Assad regime in its murderous effects on civilians, especially around Raqqa, the capital of the Islamic State. Such overkill is evident on the ground as well where special ops raids have, this year, left civilians dead from Yemen to Somalia . In other words, across the Greater Middle East, Washingtons profligate killing machine is also creating a desire for vengeance among civilian populations, staggering numbers of whom, when not killed, have been displaced or sent fleeing across borders as refugees in these wars. It has played a significant role in unsettling whole regions, creating failed states , and providing yet more recruits for terror groups.

Leaving aside technological advances, little has changed since Vietnam. The U.S. military is still relying on enormous firepower to kill elusive enemies as a way of limiting (American) casualties. As an instrument of victory, it didnt work in Vietnam, nor has it worked in Iraq or Afghanistan.

But never mind the history lessons. President Trump asserts that his new Afghan strategy -- the details of which, according to a military spokesman, are  not there yet  -- will lead to more terrorists (that is, gnats) being killed.

Since 9/11, Americas leaders, Trump included, have rarely sought ways to avoid those gnats, while efforts to  drain the swamp  in which the gnats thrive have served mainly to enlarge their breeding grounds. At the same time, efforts to enlist indigenous gnats -- local proxy armies -- to take over the fight have gone poorly indeed. As in Vietnam, the main U.S. focus has invariably been on developing better, more technologically advanced (which means more expensive) sledgehammers, while continuing to whale away at that cloud of gnats -- a process as hopeless as it is counterproductive.

The Greatest Self-Defeating Force in History?

Incessant warfare represents the end of democracy. I didnt say that, James Madison did.

I firmly believe, though, in words borrowed from President Dwight D. Eisenhower, that only Americans can hurt America." So how can we lessen the hurt? By beginning to rein in the military. A standing military exists -- or rather should exist -- to support and defend the Constitution and our country against immediate threats to our survival. Endless attacks against inchoate foes in the backlands of the planet hardly promote that mission. Indeed, the more such attacks wear on the military, the more they imperil national security.

A friend of mine, a captain in the Air Force, once quipped to me: you study long, you study wrong. Its a sentiment thats especially cutting when applied to war: you wage war long, you wage it wrong. Yet as debilitating as they may be to militaries, long wars are even more devastating to democracies. The longer our military wages war, the more our country is militarized , shedding its democratic values and ideals.

Back in the Cold War era, the regions in which the U.S. military is now slogging it out were once largely considered the shadows where John le Carre-style secret agents from the two superpowers matched wits in a set of shadowy conflicts. Post-9/11,  taking the gloves off  and seeking knockout blows, the U.S. military entered those same shadows in a big way and there, not surprisingly, it often couldnt sort friend from foe.

A new strategy for America should involve getting out of those shadowy regions of no-win war. Instead, an expanding U.S. military establishment continues to compound the strategic mistakes of the last 16 years. Seeking to dominate everywhere but winning decisively nowhere, it may yet go down as the greatest self-defeating force in history.

A TomDispatch regular , William Astore is a retired lieutenant colonel (USAF) and history professor. His personal blog is Bracing Views .

Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook . Check out the newest Dispatch Book, Alfred McCoy's In the Shadows of the American Century: The Rise and Decline of U.S. Global Power as well as John Dower's The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II , John Feffer's dystopian novel Splinterlands , Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead , and Tom Engelhardt's Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World .
The Genocide of the Rohingya: Big Oil, Failed Democracy and False Prophets

By Ramzy Baroud

September 12, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - To a certain extent, Aung San Suu Kyi is a false prophet. Glorified by the west for many years, she was made a democracy icon because she opposed the same forces in her country, Burma, at the time that the US-led western coalition isolated Rangoon for its alliance with China.

Aung San Suu Kyi played her role as expected, winning the approval of the Right and the admiration of the Left. And for that, she won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1991; she joined the elevated group of The Elders and was promoted by many in the media and various governments as a heroic figure, to be emulated.

Hillary Clinton once described her as this extraordinary woman. The Lady of Burmas journey from being a political pariah in her own country, where she was placed under house arrest for 15 years, finally ended in triumph when she became the leader of Burma following a multi-party election in 2015. Since then, she has toured many countries, dined with queens and presidents, given memorable speeches, received awards, while knowingly rebranding the very brutal military that she had opposed throughout the years. (Even today, the Burmese military has a near-veto power over all aspects of government.)

But the great humanitarian seems to have run out of integrity as her government, military and police began conducting a widespread ethnic cleansing operation that targeted the most oppressed people on earth, the Rohingya. These defenseless people have been subjected to a brutal and systematic genocide, conducted through a joint effort by the Burmese military, police and majority Buddhist nationalists.

The so-called Cleansing Operations have killed hundreds of Rohingya in recent months, driving over 250,000 crying, frightened and hungry people to escape for their lives in any way possible. Hundreds more have perished at sea , or hunted down and killed in jungles.

Stories of murder and mayhem remind one of the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people during the Nakba of 1948. It should come as no surprise that Israel is one of the biggest suppliers of weapons to the Burmese military. Despite an extended arms embargo on Burma by many countries, Israels Defense Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, insists that his country has no intentions of halting its weapons shipments to the despicable regime in Rangoon, which is actively using these weapons against its own minorities, not only Muslims in the western Rakhine state but also Christians in the north.

One of the Israeli shipments was announced in August 2016 by the Israeli company TAR Ideal Concepts . The company proudly featured that its Corner Shot rifles are already in operational use by the Burmese military.

Israels history is rife with examples of backing brutal juntas and authoritarian regimes, but why are those who have positioned themselves as the guardians of democracy still silent about the bloodbath in Burma?

Nearly a quarter of the Rohingya population has already been driven out of their homes since October last year. The rest could follow in the near future, thus making the collective crime almost irreversible.

Aung San Suu Kyi did not even have the moral courage to say a few words of sympathy to the victims. Instead, she could only express an uncommitted statement : we have to take care of everybody who is in our country. Meanwhile, her spokesperson and other mouthpieces launched a campaign of vilification against Rohingya, accusing them of burning their own villages, fabricating their own rape stories, while referring to Rohingya who dare to resist as  Jihadists , hoping to link the ongoing genocide with the western-infested campaign aimed at vilifying Muslims everywhere.

But well-documented reports give us more than a glimpse of the harrowing reality experienced by the Rohingya. A recent UN report details the account of one woman, whose husband had been killed by soldiers in what the UN described as widespread as well as systematic attacks that very likely commission of crimes against humanity .

Five of them took off my clothes and raped me, said the bereaved woman . My eight-month-old son was crying of hunger when they were in my house because he wanted to breastfeed, so to silence him they killed him with a knife.

Fleeing refugees that made it to Bangladesh following a nightmarish journey spoke of the murder of children , the rape of women and the burning of villages. Some of these accounts have been verified through satellite images provided by Human Rights Watch , showing wiped out villages throughout the state.

Certainly, the horrible fate of the Rohingya is not entirely new. But what makes it particularity pressing is that the west is now fully on the side of the very government that is carrying out these atrocious acts.

And there is a reason for that: Oil.

Reporting from Ramree Island, Hereward Holland wrote on the hunting for Myanmars (Burma) hidden treasure.

Massive deposits of oil that have remained untapped due to decades of western boycott of the junta government are now available to the highest bidder. It is a big oil bonanza, and all are invited. Shell, ENI, Total, Chevron and many others are investing large sums to exploit the countrys natural resources, while the Chinese  who dominated Burmas economy for many years  are being slowly pushed out

Indeed, the rivalry over Burmas unexploited wealth is at its peak in decades. It is this wealth  and the need to undermine Chinas superpower status in Asia  that has brought the west back, installed Aung San Suu Kyi as a leader in a country that has never fundamentally changed, but only rebranded itself to pave the road for the return of Big Oil.

However, the Rohingya are paying the price.

Do not let Burmese official propaganda mislead you. The Rohingya are not foreigners, intruders or immigrants in Burma.

Their kingdom of Arakan dates back to the 8th Century. In the centuries that followed, the inhabitants of that kingdom learned about Islam from Arab traders and, with time, it became a Muslim-majority region. Arakan is Burmas modern-day Rakhine state, where most of the countrys estimated 1.2 million Rohingya still live.

The false notion that the Rohingya are outsiders started in 1784 when the Burmese King conquered Arakan and forced hundreds of thousands to flee. Many of those who were forced out of their homes to Bengal, eventually returned.

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Attacks on Rohingya, and constant attempts at driving them out of Rakhine, have been renewed over several periods of history, for example: following the Japanese defeat of British forces stationed in Burma in 1942; in 1948; following the takeover of Burma by the Army in 1962; as a result of so-called Operation Dragon King in 1977, where the military junta forcefully drove over 200,000 Rohingya out of their homes to Bangladesh, and so on.

In 1982, the military government passed the Citizenship Law that stripped most Rohingya of their citizenship, declaring them illegal in their own country.

The war on the Rohingya began again in 2012. Every single episode, since then, has followed a typical narrative: communal clashes between Buddhist nationals and Rohingya, often leading to tens of thousands of the latter group being chased out to the Bay of Bengal, to the jungles and, those who survive, to refugee camps .

Amid international silence, only few respected figures like Pope Francis spoke out in support of the Rohingya in a deeply moving prayer last February.

The Rohingya are good people, the Pope said. They are peaceful people, and they are our brothers and sisters. His call for justice was never heeded.

Arab and Muslim countries remained largely silent, despite public outcry to do something to end the genocide.

Reporting from Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine, veteran British journalist, Peter Oborne, described what he has seen in an article published by the Daily Mail on September 4:

Just five years ago, an estimated 50,000 of the citys population of around 180,000 were members of the local Rohingya Muslim ethnic group. Today, there are fewer than 3,000 left. And they are not free to walk the streets. They are crammed into a tiny ghetto surrounded by barbed wire. Armed guards prevent visitors from entering  and will not allow the Rohingya Muslims to leave.

With access to that reality through their many emissaries on the ground, western government knew too well of the indisputable facts, but ignored them, anyway.

When US, European and Japanese corporations lined up to exploit the treasures of Burma, all they needed was the nod of approval from the US government. The Barack Obama Administration hailed Burmas opening even before the 2015 elections brought Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy to power. After that date, Burma has become another American success story, oblivious, of course, to the facts that a genocide has been under way in that country for years.

The violence in Burma is likely to escalate and reach other ASEAN countries, simply because the two main ethnic and religious groups in these countries are dominated and almost evenly split between Buddhists and Muslims.

The triumphant return of the US-west to exploit Burmas wealth and the US-Chinese rivalries is likely to complicate the situation even further, if ASEAN does not end its appalling silence and move with a determined strategy to pressure Burma to end its genocide of the Rohingya.

People around the world must take a stand . Religious communities should speak out. Human rights groups should do more to document the crimes of the Burmese government and hold to account those who supply them with weapons.

Respected South African Bishop Desmond Tutu had strongly admonished Aung San Suu Kyi for turning a blind eye to the ongoing genocide.

It is the least we expect from the man who stood up to Apartheid in his own country, and penned the famous words: If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.

Dr. Ramzy Baroud is a US-Arab journalist, media consultant, an author, internationally-syndicated columnist, Editor of Palestine Chronicle (1999-present), former Managing Editor of London-based Middle East Eye (2014-15), former Editor-in-Chief of The Brunei Times, former Deputy Managing Editor of Al Jazeera online. http://www.ramzybaroud.net
The People of Afghanistan Have Had Enough of Western Imperialist Barbarism

By Andre Vltchek & Alessandro Biancchi, Chief Editor of Anti-Diplomatico

September 12, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - 1) AB: The geographic location of Afghanistan has always occupied a central role. The April peace talks between Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Russia and China seemed to have put an end to the persistent and dominant American presence in the country. Whats your opinion?

AV: What you have mentioned is extremely important, but Im not ready to celebrate, yet. This could be, at least in theory, the first step towards the end of one of the most destructive and brutal occupations in NATOs history, or in what the US mainstream press likes to describe as the longest American war.

Let us also not call it only the American presence. I know some Europeans lately love to portray themselves as some kind of victims, but they are definitely not. Europe is at the core of this entire global nightmare. And the US is nothing else other than its creation: it is Europes offspring. In many ways, the United States is Europe.

The UK is now well behind this horror through which Afghanistan is being forced to go through, at least theoretically; a sadistic revenge for all former British defeats in the country. The UK is responsible for more massacres worldwide than any other country on Earth. And now it is shaping the US and in fact the entire Western imperialism, ideologically. Its Machiavellianism, its propaganda machine is second to none.

What I can confirm from my first-hand experience is that by now the people of Afghanistan have had truly enough of this Western imperialist barbarism. They are exhausted after 16 years of the horror invasion. They dislike the West; mistrust the West... But most of them are silent, because they are constantly being frightened into submission. And also remember: collaboration with the Western occupation forces is now the greatest business in the country. Afghan diplomats, many politicians, countless military commanders, Western-funded NGOs, even thousands of educators, are all serving the occupiers. Billions of dollars are being made from such shameful collaboration. It is all one huge business, and the mafia of servile Afghan journalists, diplomats, governors and educators will never leave their lucrative positions voluntarily.

Western colonialism corrupts! It corrupts one generation after another in all conquered, occupied countries.

Afghans who are pure, Afghans who are proud, true patriots with beautiful hearts (and there are still many of such people in this country that became one of my favorite places on Earth) have presently no power, no say.

Fortunately, even the elites are now realizing that there is no way forward under the present regime, and under the present foreign rule.

In Kabul and in the provinces, people are beginning to look towards Russia, China, but also Iran, even India. Despite its terrible past track record in this part of the world, even Pakistan cannot be ignored, anymore. Anything is better than NATO.

2) AB: Like in other parts of the world, the presence of American troops does not fully explain the long-term goals of military planners. Afghanistan in some respects resembles a similar situation to Southeast Asia. In South Korea, the American presence has persisted since 1950, and with it the destabilization of the Korean peninsula. The American surge will not change the delicate balance negotiated between the parties back in April and it will not affect the efforts of Moscow and Beijing to stabilize the country. How do you define the US presence today in Afghanistan?

AV: I define it as inhuman, barbaric and thoroughly racist. And Im not talking about the US presence only, but also about the European presence, particularly the British one.

There could be absolutely no doubts regarding how deep once-socialist Afghanistan has sank under the NATO cruelty. It is enough to go even to the sites of the UNDP or the WHO and it all there, in details: Afghanistan is now the least developed (using HDI criteria) country in Asia. Afghan people have the lowest life expectancy on their continent.

The US alone claims that it has managed to spend, since the invasion in 2001, between 750 billion and 1.2 trillion dollars. Thats huge, an astronomical amount, even bigger than the entire Marshall Plan after WWII (adjusted to todays dollar)! But has it been spent to help the Afghan people? Of course not! It has gone mainly into corrupting of elites and their offspring, into the military, into the salaries of foreign contractors. Huge military bases were built; some were at some point decommissioned, others were moved somewhere else. Airports were constructed  all of them military ones. Private Western security firms are having a ball. I once calculated that if all that money were to be equally divided between all Afghans, the country would have had a much higher income per capita than relatively affluent Malaysia, for 16 consecutive years!

What the West has done to Afghanistan is insane! It is Orwell meeting Huxley, and all mixed with the worst nightmares of painters like George Grosz and Otto Dix.

Old trolleybus lines built by the former Czechoslovakia are gone; only stumps are left. But so much is still surviving. Soviet apartment buildings, so-called Makroyans, are still standing and flats there are in great demand to date. Water ducts in the countryside were built by Soviet Union, and so were irrigation canals around Jalalabad and elsewhere. India built dams. China constructed public medical facilities. What did the West create? Nothing else other than total misery, armed conflicts and above all  countless military barracks, tall concrete walls and fences, the drug trade, intellectual prostitution and as always, dark and complete nihilism!

In 2007, around 700 Afghan civilians were killed by Western airstrikes alone, a great increase even when compared with 2006.

Georgian military contractors who are working for the US occupation army recently told me: US have total spite for Afghan people. They even destroy unused food at its military bases, instead of giving it to starving children.

People of Afghanistan know perfectly well who are their friends, and who are enemies.

3) AB: The world is changing, and more and more fruitful efforts to replace the chaos wrought by US policies can be seen. The road to economic prosperity and a re-established unity among the Afghan people is still a work in progress, but once the country manages to establish its independence, Washington will have a hard time dictating conditions. Will countries like Russia, China and India be able to prevent a dangerous escalation in Afghanistan?

AV: Many people in Afghanistan are actually dreaming about true independence, and most of them remember with great love, all the kindness and internationalism given to them by the Soviet people. Unlike the Westerners, the Soviets came here first as teachers, doctors, nurses and engineers. They shared with the locals all that they had. They lived among them. They never hid behind fences. To date, in Afghanistan, you say you are Russian, and dozens of people will embrace you, invite you to their homes. It is all in stark contrast to the Western propaganda, which says that Afghans dislike Russians!

When it comes to Russia and China, yes, both countries acting in concert would be able to bring economic prosperity and social justice to Afghanistan. Im not so sure about India, which is, until now, clearly sitting on two chairs, but definitely China and Russia are ready and able to help.

The problem is that Afghanistan is still very far from any sort of independence. The West has occupied it for 16 years, thats terrible enough. But the country has also been sacrificed for the even more sinister designs of the US and NATO, for much longer than that: Afghanistan has been, for decades, a training ground for the pro-western jihadi cadres, starting with Al-Qaeda/Mujahedeen (during the Soviet War and the war against Afghan socialism). Now the Taliban is ruining the country, but also, increasingly, ISIS are murdering all in sight here. Recently, ISIS have been arriving from Syria and Lebanon, where they are in the process of being defeated by the Syrian army, by the Russians, but also by the Lebanese forces and Hezbollah. The ISIS was, as is well known, created by the West and its allies in the Gulf.

This is essential to understand: two countries that the West wants to fully destabilize are Russia and China. In both of them, Islamist fundamentalists have been fighting and bringing horrible damage. The West is behind all this. And it is using and sacrificing Afghanistan which is absolutely perfect for the Western imperialist designs due to its geographical location, but also because it is now fully destabilized and in a state of chaos. In Afghanistan, NATO is maintaining perpetual conflict. Jihadi cadres can be easily hardened there, and then they can be exported; to go and fight somewhere in Northwest China or in the Central Asian parts of Russia.

The destruction of Afghanistan is actually a well-planned genocidal war of the West against the Afghan people. But the country is also a training ground for jihadists who will eventually be sent to fight against Russia and China.

4) AB: While the United States exhales the last breaths as a declining global power, no longer able to impose its will, it lashes out in pointless acts like lobbing 60 cruise missiles at Syria or sending 4,000 troops to Afghanistan. Such acts do not change anything on the ground or modify the balance of forces in Washingtons favor. They do, however, have a strong impact on further reducing whatever confidence remains in the US, closing the door to opportunities for dialogue and cooperation that might have otherwise got on the table.

AV: Here I have to strongly disagree. Im almost certain that the West in general, and the United States in particular, are clearly aware of what they are doing. The US has some of the most sinister colonial powers as its advisers, particularly the United Kingdom.

The US will not simply go down the drain without a great fight, and dont ever think that Europe would either. These two parts of the world were built on the great plunder of the planet. They still are. They cannot sustain themselves just from the fruits of their brains and labor. They are perpetual thieves. The US can never be separated from Europe. The US is just one huge branch growing from an appalling trunk, from the tree of European colonialism, imperialism and racism.

Whatever the US, Europe and NATO are presently doing is brilliantly planned. Never under-estimate them! It is all brutal, sinister and murderous planning, but from a strictly strategic point of view, it is truly brilliant!

And they will never go away on their own! They will have to be fought and defeated. Otherwise they are here to stay: in Afghanistan, in Syria, or anywhere else.

5) AB: What is the role of Italian troops that you have seen in your last visit to Afghanistan?

AV: It is a usual cocktail consisting of what Italian fascism has been made of throughout its colonialist, fascist and NATO eras: a medley of cruelty, hypocrisy, as well as some great hope in Rome that Italy could finally become a competent and respected occupier... I saw the Italian troops in Herat... They occupied an ancient citadel of the city, jumping like members of some second-rate ballet troupe all around, just because some high-ranking Italian officer was bringing his family to visit the site. It was all tremendously embarrassing... I still have some photos from that event. But the best thing about Italians as occupiers is that they can hardly be taken seriously; they are disorganized, chaotic, and hedonistic even during war.

I actually love to see them in such places like Afghanistan, because they do very little damage. They are true showoffs. The French, Brits, and the US  they are efficient and brutal, true killing machines. Italians are still better at making movies, writing poetry and cooking, than murdering locals in occupied foreign countries.
Behold a Pale Horse, and its Rider is Death

Have Russia and China Capitulated Out Of Fear?

By Paul Craig Roberts

September 13, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Two of Americas most populous states, Texas and Florida, are in hurricane ruins, and Washington is fomenting more wars.

The US national debt is now over $20 trillion, and Washington is fomenting more wars.

The entire world is helping Washington foment warsincluding two targeted countries themselvesRussia and Chinaboth of which are helping Washington foment more wars. Believe it or not, both Russia and China voted with Washington on the UN Security Council to impose more and harsher sanctions on North Korea , a country guilty of nothing but a desire to have the means to protect itself from the US and not become yet another Washington victim like Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Serbia, and Ukraine overthrown in a US coup and now poverty-stricken.

I once thought that Russia and China were checks on Washingtons unilateralism, but apparently not. Both governments have been knuckled under by Washington and both voted to punish North Korea for striving to be sufficiently armed to protect its sovereignty from Washington.

Why are Russia and China repeating their same mistake that they made when they supported Washingtons no-fly UN resolution for Libya, a resolution that Washington and NATO stood on its head when they launched air attacks that helped the CIA organized jihadists overthrow Libyas progressive government and murder Gaddafi?

Russia knows that it is surrounded by US nuclear and military bases. So does China. The question is: have Russia and China capitulated out of fear? Or is their cooperation with Washington a ruse while they prepare their own strike on Washington, or are the two misguided governments trying to cooperate with Washington a la sanctions so as to avoid having to confront a US military attack on North Korea?

It requires much competence to confront evil, and there is probably more evil in Washington than there is competence in Russia and China, two countries interested in being rich to an extent that it might cost them their sovereignty and existence.

When you see such potentially powerful countries as Russia and China collapse under Washingtons pressure in the UN Security Council, it makes you wonder if the various analyses of Washingtons many weaknesses are real, and if they are real, if Russia and China are aware of them.

How does one go about explaining why two countries, whose sovereignty is in the way of Washingtons world hegemony, help their known enemy bully yet another small country, especially one in their orbit of influence? How can Russia complain of sanctions against Russia based on nothing but Washingtons propaganda when Russia supports sanctions against North Korea based on Washingtons propaganda?

Russia and China have nothing to fear from North Korean nuclear weapons. Indeed, no one does except a country that attacks North Korea. What is the explanation for Russia and China lining up with Washingtons foreign policy against North Korea when Russia and China know that Washingtons foreign policy is hostile to Russia and China?

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Just the other day Washington announced that it was increasing its navy warships in the South China Sea to make sure China doesnt think the South China Sea is Chinese, instead of American, territorial waters. Just the other day more election interfering charges were leveled against Russia. This time Facebook was the mechanism by which Russia stole the US presidential election.

These positions taken by Washington are absurd. Yet, they are becoming the reality. The frightening development is that the entire world, the entirely of the UN and Security Council are now captured by Washington in The Matrix. It seems that not even Russia and China can any longer see their own national interest.

Russia and China are working hand-in-hand with Washington toward their own demise.

It is becoming biblical. Washington the anti-Christ is subverting all good on earth.
China and Russia Warn the U.S.





Do Not to Seek North Korean Regime Change



By Ting Shi and David Tweed

Beijing, Moscow worked to weaken sanctions on North Korea

China says it will never allow war on Korean peninsula.

September 13, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - In supporting a watered-down version of North Korea sanctions, China and Russia had a stern warning for the U.S.: Dont try to overthrow Kim Jong Uns regime.

The measures passed on Monday at the United Nations Security Council included reducing imports of refined petroleum products, banning textile exports and strengthening inspections of cargo ships suspected of having illegal materials. U.S. envoy Nikki Haley called them the strongest measures ever imposed on North Korea even though they ended up dropping demands for an oil embargo and freeze on Kims assets.

More worrisome for China and Russia was Haleys remark that the U.S. would act alone if Kims regime didnt stop testing missiles and bombs. The UN representatives of both countries on Monday reiterated what they called  the four nos ": No regime change, regime collapse, accelerated reunification or military deployment north of the 38th parallel dividing the Korean Peninsula.

The Chinese side will never allow conflict or war on the peninsula, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement on Tuesday.

The comments in the wake of the sanctions signaled that both China and Russia are only willing to go so far in pressuring Kim to abandon his attempts to secure the ability to strike the U.S. with a nuclear weapon. Both nations have called for dialogue, something President Donald Trump has resisted.

China and Russia realize their combined effort works better than individual action, said Wang Xinsheng, a history professor at Peking University. Both oppose North Korea to become a full-fledged nuclear state, and both think parallel action from the U.S. is needed to affect any change in the situation.

China and Russia -- the biggest economic patrons of North Korea -- both share the view that North Korea wont give up its nuclear weapons without security guarantees, and they dont see the point in fomenting a crisis on their borders that will benefit American strategic goals. At the same time, they dont want Kim provoking the U.S. into any action that could destabilize the region.

"Sanctions of any kind are useless and ineffective," Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters earlier this month at a summit in Xiamen, China. "Theyll eat grass, but they wont abandon their program unless they feel secure."

Russia and China were singled out at a U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing Tuesday on financing for North Koreas nuclear program. Republican Chairman Ed Royce said the U.S. should target Chinese banks, including Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. and China Merchants Bank Co. , for aiding Kims regime. Assistant Treasury Secretary Marshall Billingslea said in prepared remarks to the committee that North Korean bank representatives operate in Russia in flagrant disregard of the very resolutions adopted by Russia at the UN.

U.S. officials said the new UN sanctions -- combined with earlier measures -- would cut North Korean exports by 90 percent, pinching the regimes ability to get hard currency. The textile export ban alone would cost North Korea about $726 million a year, the U.S. said.

Still, analysts saw the efforts to dilute the original proposal as successful.

The stiffer sanctions wont change anything in the near-term, said Stuart Culverhouse, head of macro and fixed income research at specialist frontier markets investment bank Exotix Capital. The new embargoes are incrementally tougher, but diplomacy meant they had to be compromised to an extent that they are very unlikely to change minds in Pyongyang.

Tactical Nukes

North Korea has said it will never give up its nuclear weapons unless the U.S. drops its hostile policies toward the regime. Kim has claimed the ability to fit a hydrogen bomb onto an intercontinental ballistic missile, but the U.S. military says he has yet to master re-entry and guidance systems that would allow him to target an American city.

Many analysts think Kim will wait until hes mastered his weapons before negotiating, as it would strengthen his hand. It might take tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea -- something President Moon Jae-in has opposed -- to bring Kim to the negotiating table earlier, according to Lee Ho-ryung, chief of North Korean studies at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses.

If South Korea, Japan, or both could have the U.S. deploy tactical nuclear weapons, thatll put pressure on Kim to come to dialogue, Lee said. When competition to have better weapons escalates, its always the poorer one who gives up."

George Lopez, a former member of the UN Security Council panel of experts for sanctions on North Korea, said that the U.S. should seek unity of message with China and Russia in addition to a unanimous vote on sanctions. The U.S. should look to engage diplomatically to find a level of security that North Korea and its neighbors will be happy with, he said.

We did it against powers that have thousands of nuclear weapons, Lopez said. We certainly should be able to do this against a power that has less than two dozen.

 With assistance by Kanga Kong, Enda Curran, and Kambiz Foroohar

This article was first published by Bloomberg -
There was a bit of unrest in Rivers State on Tuesday when some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) allegedly clashed with the Hausa community in Oyibo Local Government Area of Rivers.

According to an eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Frank, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident left many injured from both sides.

He said the incident started when the suspected members of IPOB gathered at Timber Junction awaiting other members to join a procession to Aba, Abia.

Thereafter, soldiers rounded up the IPOB members using force to disperse the gathering and leaving many IPOB members injured.

A deadly confrontation immediately ensued between IPOB members and soldiers and ultimately led to some members venting their anger on the Hausa community in the area, he said.

Another eyewitness, Ibiere Tamuno, said that several properties were destroyed during the clash.

According to her, the clash began around 1 p.m. and lasted few hours before the intervention of the army, police and other security agencies.

Oyibo section of the Aba-Port Harcourt expressway was shut down with human and vehicular movement restricted.

Col. Aminu Illiyasu, the Spokesman for 6 Division of Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, confirmed the clash and added that troops were deployed to restore law and order in the area.

We learnt that some IPOB members disturbed the peace by attacking the Hausa community and threatening to burn down a mosque in Oyibo Local Government Area in Rivers.

We are yet to confirm if anyone was injured or killed during the clash but be assured that normalcy is currently being restored to the area.

I am still awaiting the full report of event and as such details are still sketchy at the moment, he said.

Iliyasu said deployment of troops to the area was unconnected to Operation Python Dance, currently on-going in five states of the Southeast zone.

Source: ( NAN )
The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has declared three days curfew in Aba over security concern due tot he fight between the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Nigerian army.

This was confirmed by the governor, in a statement said the state had for the past few days been the focus of security searchlight occasioned by the reported skirmish between some groups in the State, especially Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with men of the Nigerian Army.

Government notes and has observed the frenzy of activities of members of IPOB within Afara  Umuahia, the ancestral home of the leader of IPOB for some months now. Government is equally aware of the recent proclamation by the Nigerian Army of Operation Python Dance II within the South-East geopolitical region of Nigeria.

The operation as declared by the Army is intended to check kidnapping, banditry, assassination, secessionist activities within the region, amongst other forms of criminal activities, he said.

Ikpeazu said the recent confrontation between the Nigerian Army and members of IPOB on Sunday, 10th September, 2017, could presumably be attributed to the commencement of the said Operation Python Dance II.

He added that the Abia State Government unequivocally stated that Abia is a component State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subscribed to the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other extant laws.

While the Government of Abia State recognizes the right of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, to perform their statutory duty of protection of lives and property of Nigerian citizens, such duties must be carried out within acclaimed Nigerian and international standards of engagement with the civil populace, with due respect to the human rights of citizens and sanctity of human lives.

The Abia State Government is committed to the protection of the lives and properties of its citizens and others residing and doing business within the geographical entity called Abia State. Abians and others living within Abia, are advised to remain law abiding and carry on their lawful business without fear, as efforts by Government will be made to reduce friction between the civil populace and military personnel in the State.

Meanwhile, Aba residents are advised to observe a curfew from 6pm to 6am from today 12/09/2017 to 14/09/2017. Persons residing within the State are strongly advised to remain law abiding, while going about their lawful business without fear of molestation, and, not engage in any form of confrontation with military personnel or other security agents, he stated.

According to him, the government recognised the constitutional Right to Freedom of Movement for all Nigerians, but objected to the influx of people into Abia State for purposes of unsettling the enduring peace in the State.

He said, Finally, Abia State will co-operate with security agencies to maintain the rule of law and order in the State,.

Source: ( PM News )
The Federal Ministry of Health has donated drugs and treated nets to people who were displaced by flooding in Makurdi, Benue.

This was made known by the Director, Media and Public Relations,Mrs Boade Akinola, Federal Ministry of Health, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

She said the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, handed over the items to Dr Cecilia Ojabo, the Benue Commissioner for Health in Makurdi on Sunday.

She added that the minister had earlier directed health personnel from Federal Medical Centre Makurdi to provide treatment to flood victims at no cost.

She quoted the minister as saying the essence of his visit to Makurdi was to complement the efforts of Benue Government and partners in providing healthcare services to the victims, as well as

get first-hand information from medical personnel on what they required in furtherance of medical activities in camps created for victims.

She also quoted the minister as saying we are ready to provide more support based on identified needs; we would provide more drugs and other commodities listed in the request,

She said the minister commended Nigeria Air Force for deploying medical personnel to work with other partners in the camp, noting that while addressing the victims, Adewole said we have come to share in your grief and to thank God that you are alive because in other parts of the world, many people die in such disaster.

We want to assure you that Federal Government is supporting Benue Government to ensure that you are well taken care of, so there is no cause to worry.

We will look after you, and as soon as things come back to normal, you should be able to go back to your various homes.

The minister, with other government dignitaries, inspected the International Market Camp and Federal Government Refugee Camp.

Source: ( PM News )
The Chairman, National Caretaker Committee, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmed Makarfi, said contrary to insinuations and reports, there is no dispute between former President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State.

He also denied claim that the former president was trying to hijack the party structure in the state, describing it as baseless.

Mr. Jonathan hails from the state.

Mr. Markarfi stated this when he received a delegation of Bayelsa Executive Committee of PDP led by its Chairman, Cleopas Moses, at the partys National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said both men had been working together for the partys progress in the state.

Mr. Makarfi said that he had been communicating with Mr. Jonathan and Mr. Dickson, adding there was no dispute between them.

He said that what he had found out was that some mischievous people were out to create crisis for the party in Bayelsa.

Dont allow yourself to be fragmented by rumour. Your executive has been ratified by the convention and that is final. There is no need to pander to rumour of an impending sack of the executive council, he said.

Immediately the rumour broke out, the former president called me to dismiss that rumour and said there is no iota of truth in the said petition against the Bayesla executive.

The NCC chairman advised leaders in Bayelsa to be wary of mischief makers trying to stir crisis within the party.

Earlier, Mr. Moses had said that there was no crisis in the PDP in Bayelsa.

He added that there was no challenge in PDP under his leadership in the state, saying that Messrs. Jonathan and Dickson were in cordial relationship.

The former president is no doubt, a respected national leader and we have been holding him in high esteem in Bayelsa as our father.

The governor is our leader in the State and the two of them have been relating well.

There is no feud between Jonathan and Dickson, I can confirm. Some people are just envious of the peace in Bayelsa PDP, Mr. Moses said.

He added that the state chapter was planning to hold an expanded caucus meeting to set up a committee to deal with disciplinary issues.

He said that the party was also going to establish a contact and mobilization committee to reach out to and welcome all former members back to the party.

Source : (NAN)
Leader of the New Forces Movement political party in Ukraine, ex-governor of Ukraine's Odesa region and ex-President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili has announced his arrival in Kyiv on Tuesday, September 19.

"I'll visit several more cities, then we'll go to Kyiv. [September] 19th is, as I was told during my trip, the day of Michael the Archangel, Kyiv's patron saint (I did not know that). Kyiv urgently needs to be saved!" he said in the western city of Chernivtsi on Wednesday.

Saakashvili was stripped of Ukrainian citizenship when he was abroad. Saakashvili arrived in Ukraine on September 10. His supporters gathered at the Shehyni checkpoint and began a fight with border guards in the transit zone, helping Saakashvili and a group of other people, including five parliamentarians, illegally cross the border. Thirteen Ukrainian National Police officers and nine border guards were injured in the incident.

Lviv region's police opened a criminal case in keeping with Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine ("illegal transfer of persons across the Ukrainian state border") on the fact of a border breakthrough. Other criminal proceedings were launched under Part 2 of Article 342 (resistance to law-enforcement officers who are on duty).
A 23-year-old Abuja-based female mechanic identified as Bassey Margaret, from Ikpo-asutan, Akwa Ibom State has told those who care to listen that she is proud of her vocation.

The last child of three girls, Margaret said she had to train as an automobile repairer because of her poor family background.

After spending a year and six months of rigorous training in Lagos, she arrived Abuja with dreams of making it in the male dominated occupation. Margaret got a job at a mechanic shop at Lokogoma, around airport road at N30, 000, monthly salary.

It hasnt been a walk in the park as she had faced her share of discrimination whenever she introduced herself as a mechanic.

However, some people, especially the men took her seriously, supported her because of competence. Speaking to Okwe Obi of The Sun, she recalled how her boss gave her a rather funny test.

When I went to seek employment, my boss surveyed me; and told me to stretch and fold my hands. He looked at them and told me to start working the next day.

Out of curiosity, I asked him what that meant. He told me that if he didnt find scars, on them that means I was not a mechanic. According to him, mechanics were synonymous with injuries considering the nature of the work.

When asked if she would love her love children to toe her path, she said:

I wont discourage them. It takes determination, patience and Gods grace to excel.

She has resolved to own a workshop someday, at least, to train others.

According to Okwe Obi, he booked the interview for 10am but I ended up interviewing her at 4:20pm seeing the influx of customers.

As she was up and doing even when I finally got her attention, she was still giving directives to apprentices. Most customers prefer her to fix their cars.

Paul Onenu, a customer, said whenever she fixes his car the problem stops

I prefer her working for me because of her meticulousness and dedication, he said.

Barong Joe said she was shocked upon sighting her.

This is somebody who wants to make a difference. Her mates are idling away and looking for men to foot their bills, but here is a girl surpassing all expectations. Honestly, I am touched.

Source: ( Linda Ikeji )
Policemen in India have caught up with 10 alleged Nigerian scammers using fake fund transfer to dupe people.

The Cyber Cell of Rachkonda Police on Monday, arrested 10 Nigerian nationals from New Delhi on charges of fake fund transfer. The gang, between the age group of 23-37 are Willams Akpobaroeh, Isic Prince Okonedo, Chukwuma Christopher, Eghosa Gobieit, Ijeoma Onyesom, Emmanuel Okafor, Chima Iweriebor, Tochukwu S/o Onwubiko Christian, Chidi Johnson Anaso Johnson, Paul Ifechukwu IfanyiIfanyi. They cheated several persons from different parts of the country in the past.

Police officers also recovered eight laptops, twenty-six mobile phones, one iPad, and thirty five sim cards from the fraudsters.

According to the police, a 36-year-old victim, who works as a Nurse in a corporate hospital in Secunderabad, accepted a friend request from one Agustin William, who introduced himself as a Pastor working in Northern Ireland.

After chatting for three months, the accused promised to send the victim gifts worth $50,000 along with I-phone, wrist watch and a gold set with pearls.

On March 15, the victim received a call from a man claiming to be a custom official working at Delhi Airport. He asked the victim to deposit Rs 27,500 as registration fee to claim the courier and then continued to persuade her to spend money citing various other

After the victim paid Rs 9,37,000, she grew suspicious and approached the Cyber Cell, which registered a complaint and began investigations. Based on the contents of the complaint, a case was registered under sections 417, 419, 420, 468, 471, R/w 34 IPC and Section 66 C and 66 D of IT Act.

A team led by Inspector S V Harikrishna, SIs Vikram Reddy, Anil Kumar under the guidance of Inspector Mohammad Riyazuddin of Cyber Cell, raided the hide out of the accused and seized 8 laptops, 26 mobiles/ I-pads, 10 internet dongles, 35 SIM cards used for commission of offence.

The arrested Persons include:

Watch video below:
Bauchi State Police Command have arrested four suspects who allegedly beat a 70-year-old woman to death for alleged witchcraft in Doka Village in Bauchi suburb.

The Police Public Relations officer, PPRO, of the Command, Kamal Mohammed, on Tuesday in his office said the incident happened at the village in Bauchi Local Government Area of the state on September 5.

Mr. Mohammed said that the suspects seized the deceased, Liyatu Michael, and another elderly woman whom they suspected of witchcraft, to a room in a house in the community and started beating them.

He said that report that reached the police indicated that on realising that one of the women had died, they took her lifeless body outside the room and dumped it in the backyard

The other victim identified as Keziya, survived the beating and has been hospitalised.

Mr. Mohammed explained that the police have arrested four suspects in connection with the crime while some suspects are still at large adding that the police are making effort to arrest them and bring them to justice.

He said that the police are investigating the circumstances that led to Ms. Michaels death while the four suspects would soon be charged to court for culpable homicide.

It was gathered that problem started for the two women after they allegedly confessed to be among those practising witchcraft that had caused many premature deaths and setbacks in the community.

The irate mob thereafter pounced on them in a bid to force them to confess more details of their alleged atrocities.

Our correspondent gathered that the youth were specifically angered that the duo was allegedly behind the grave illness of a young house wife in the community identified as Yelkon.

Yelkon has been bedridden and seriously sick immediately after she gave birth and we learnt that her illness was caused by the two women who confessed to have tied her in the coven and said she would be sick until she dies, a resident of Doka, who pleaded anonymity, said.

Source: ( Premium Times )
Ghanaian actor, Yaw Dabo, has said that all things being equal, he will announce the date for his wedding to his sweetheart, Vivian Okyere soon. In a recent interview, Dabo said that he was crazy about Vivian and had accepted her love with alacrity.

He said the two of them understand each other, and dismissed suggestions that Vivian could be after his money. He said Vivian genuinely loved him and was not in any way drawn to his riches.

The actor said he could announce a date to wed Vivian sooner rather than later. It wont be long at all, may be we can announce our wedding date, he said

source: IB9ja
A Chinese couple with seven daughters have allegedly spent more than 90,000 yuan (10,345) buying a son from strangers in order to carry on their family name.



The couple, named Mr and Mrs Chen by media, have been arrested and charged by the authority of Fengshun County in Chinas Guangdong Province.

According to a local report, the baby boy, just over a month old, had been abducted and sold to the couple, but Mr and Mrs Chen told the court that they had not been aware of the fact.

The incident was revealed by a recent report from a programmed called Mingsheng 820 aired on the Meizhou Broadcasting and Television Station.

Mr and Mrs Chen had been married for many years and were desperate to have a son because of their traditional mind-set, said the report.

They had been trying to have a baby boy. However, all of the seven children they have are girls and they are aged between two and 18, Mr Chen told a reporter from Meizhou TV. Therefore, the couple decided to buy a son.
Veteran rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem in a recent interview with LIB, has once again spoken about his famous beef with American rapper, 50 Cent.

13 years ago, 50 Cent was confronted by Eedris in a Lagos airport. The American rapper was billed to headline the annual Star Mega Jam when a mild drama ensued aboard an ADC airline from Lagos to Port Harcourt.

It was reported that Eedris attempted to sit in a seat reserved for 50 Cent, but was prevented from doing so.

Speaking at the interview, the Jaga Jaga rapper who claimed he was protesting to the treatment given to foreign and local acts during the musical tour, said the beef was the revolution that got every artiste respected in the Nigerian industry and outside the country.

In his words: When I was on the plane with 50, and he asked me to get the hell out of his seat. I said no, this is Nigeria, this is my country.

He cant come here and tell me shit, that isnt gonna happen. That was the revolution that got every artistes respected in the Nigerian industry and it took them all over the country.

That was the defending moment for the Nigerian artistes, I can remember at the back stage, Psquare was sent away, a couple of people were also sent a way and I wasnt happy about it.

But moving forward, Im happy for the Nigerian Industry and am happy with everything thats happening today.

3 years later, in 2007, the pair squashed off their beef when 50 Cent came to Nigeria to perform at media launch of the KORA Awards in Abuja, Eedris publicly apologised to him on stage.

source: 36ng
A popular Igbo market has reportedly been set on fire in Kaduna allegedly by some Northern Youths. Goods worth millions is said to have been gutted by fire, and Igbos and non indigenes have ran to barracks for safety.
Barrister Chijioke Christian Woke in a Facebook post has revealed how a police inspector with the SARS unit who went for a raid at a suspects house in Port-Harcourt was shot dead by the Inspector General of police (IGP) monitoring team in Rivers state.

It was gathered that the police inspector and a sergeant had gone to the suspects house with a search warrant when the suspect reportedly called his friend who is a member of the IGP monitoring team, allegedly telling him that his house was under siege by armed robbers.

The IGP team came and commotion ensued resulting in the death of the Police Inspector.

Woke wrote: IG. X- squad( Monitoring) shoot dead a police inspector. The inspector of police who belong to F- SARS Rivers was shut death by members of the IGPs monitoring today Monday 11th September, 2017 in port Harcourt.

The SARS officials the inspector and one Sergeant went for searching in a suspect house. There took with them a search warrant after the searching there discover some laptops and a locally made shot gun (pistol).

During the search one of the civilian boy call his friend from the IG x-squad that arm robbers are robbing their house. When the team came there order the SARS officials to surrender their arms. The inspector told them his name and rank and that of other his boy.(sic)

There said there are not convinced. The inspector told them if there are doubting there should call their O/C SARS with this number or better still take them there for confirmation, but the x-squad refused. He told them to call the CP or still take them there for confirmation there reply by saying there are not working with the CP that there are answerable to the IGP on that process the inspector said he will not surrender his arms to them during the argument one of the Sergeant open fire on the inspector and the Sergeant escaped to their O/C who brought the matter to us in CPS office.
A 23-year-old South African man accused of slaughtering and eating a woman died on Tuesday morning.

Aphiwe Mapekula died at the Nelson Mandela Central Hospital where he was admitted after he was shot by police who were trying to apprehend him, Live reports.

When police arrived at the crime scene on Saturday Thembisa Masumpa 35 had been beheaded. Police said Mapekula was busy feeding on the dead body. He allegedly ignored several warning shots to deter him and even when he was shot and wounded in the arm leg and abdomen he continued eating the womans flesh.

Health department provincial spokesman Sizwe Kupelo confirmed the death.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and newly appointed OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger met in Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss an initiative to deploy a UN peacekeeping mission to Donbas.

"The sides have synchronized approaches to the deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission throughout the occupied Donbas. Petro Poroshenko noted the importance of establishing an intensive dialogue between the OSCE and the UN in this matter," the Ukrainian president's press service announced after the meeting.

Poroshenko and Greminger also discussed the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission's (SMM) activity and the need to bolster the mission's field work. Poroshenko asked Greminger to facilitate the provision of new technical equipment to the SMM to improve the quality of its daily work. The parties emphasized the importance of the OSCE SMM's full and unimpeded access to the entire territory of Donbas, including the section of the Ukrainian-Russian border not controlled by Kyiv, according to the statement.

Poroshenko informed Greminger about the situation in Donbas in general and about the implementation of the Minsk Agreements and "outlined his vision of a strategy for ending the occupation of Crimea," the statement said.

The Ukrainian president called on the OSCE secretary general to employ all possible OSCE mechanisms to free "Ukrainian political prisoners" in Russia and Crimea and also hostages held in Donbas, the statement said.

Greminger became the OSCE secretary general in July 2017.
The Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola,on Monday, has inaugurated one 15 MVA transformer, 20 operational transformers and 20 vehicles at Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco) worth billions of naira.

Fashola inaugurated the projects shortly after the 19th Power Sector Stakeholders forum in Akangba Training School in Surulere, Lagos.

The minister expressed satisfaction on the performance of the management team of Eko Disco led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oladele Amoda.

l was not surprised when the owners of Eko Disco decided to keep him (Amoda).

He is not only a prolific scholar, who reads and writes well, he is also technically savvy as you can see in his unscripted remarks.

I want to thank Engineer Amoda for his warm remarks. I knew him way back when I was the governor here in Lagos. He was very responsive to our needs as a state then.

And I also warmly welcome the spirit with which he has reminded us that we have work to do on the transmission side, he said.

Earlier, Amoda had highlighted the achievements of his company since the last quarterly meeting was held.

In addition to what the Honourable Minister will be commissioning today which includes one 15MVA transformer that can transmit 12 MW of power, we have added 60MVA in Ajah, 15MVA in Oke-Ira, Lekki and Alagbon.

Others to be added are 15MVA at Fowler, Bourdillon, Anifowoshe and Akungba, he said.

He said the purpose of the huge investment was to key into the Federal Governments programme of incremental power output.

By the time we complete all our ongoing projects at Adelabu, Stadium, Tejuosho, Surulere, Coker, Ijora and its environs, the network will be able to receive increased power from the transmission company and distribute accordingly to our numerous customers, he said.

On embedded power initiatives, he said that First Power Company had built 13 MW embedded power, adding that we are getting an incremental power as directed by the minister.

We are waiting for tariff adjustment by NERC accordingly and this will attract more investors and promote willing buyers and willing sellers principles, he added.

Source: ( PM News )
Former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday debunked the rumour making the rounds that he stole money, he said he had never stolen a kobo of the nations resources while he held leadership positions.

Mr. Atiku said that Nigerians believed that he was corrupt because they always assume that a man cannot build himself without stealing.

It is sickening to continue to regurgitate allegations of corruption against me by people who have failed to come forward with a single shred of evidence of my misconduct while in office, he said.

People who are bereft of ideas about entrepreneurial spirit always think that everyone else is a thief just like them.

If Atiku is a thief merely because of his resourcefulness and successful investments, my political enemies should tell Nigerians the sources of their own stupendous wealth.

The former vice president challenged anybody who had evidence that he stole a kobo while he was head of Customs or during his tenure as vice president to confront him with evidence or file a petition against him.

I will shock everyone because I believe that I will fight corruption like never before.

Mr. Atiku is believed to be one of the wealthiest politicians in Nigeria and also partly bankrolled the campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

He recently caused a ripple in the polity when he slammed the ruling party, All Progress Congress, APC, for abandoning him after his support towards the partys clinching of the presidency in 2015.

Despite previous desperate efforts to link me with corruption, the William Jefferson trial in the United States ended in 2009 without indicting me or linking me to corrupt activities.

He vowed to fight corruption like never before if given the chance to preside over Nigerias affairs.

Source: ( Premium Times )
A Nigerian pilgrim from Goronyo Local Government of Sokoto state, Mamman Kwakwazo, has been sentenced to three months in prison by a Sharia Court in Makkah, Saudi Arabia for claiming a purse he found at the Holy Mosque in Makkah. The incident occurred at the Holy Mosque in Makkah, on Friday September 8. A Nigerian pilgrim from Goronyo Local Government of Sokoto state, Mamman Kwakwazo, has been sentenced to three months in prison by a Sharia Court in Makkah, Saudi Arabia for claiming a purse he found at the Holy Mosque in Makkah. The incident occurred at the Holy Mosque in Makkah, on Friday September 8.

It was gathered that the Secretary of Goronyo LGA, Lawal Yar-tsakuwa, while confirming the sentence said the pilgrim found a white pilgrims missing waist purse inside the Grand mosque on that fateful day (Friday). It was also said that Mamman Kwakwazo reportedly refused to give back the purse to the owner who was said to have seen it with him immediately he (the owner) lost it.

A hot argument was said to have ensued between them. Later they reported the matter to the Saudi security agents and he was immediately arrested. He was consequently detained at a police outpost at the Holy Mosque and was arraigned the following Saturday, he said.

According to the Secretary, the convicted pilgrim, who was not having any identification, was later brought to Sokoto pilgrims accommodation where he was confirmed to be a pilgrim.

The convicted pilgrim has been barred from entering Saudi Arabia for the next five years, Mr. Yarkasuwa added. Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that reports from Makkah, Saudi Arabia revealed that more Nigerian pilgrims took to defrauding their compatriots while on pilgrimage to the Muslim holy land.

Source: ( Naij.com )
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has inaugurated eight committees charged with the responsibility of rehabilitating the nations refineries.

In line with the Presidential mandate of rehabilitating the nations three refineries, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has inaugurated eight committees charged with returning the refineries to their nameplate capacities by the year 2019.

While inaugurating the committees on Tuesday, Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, charged them to deploy out of the box solutions to ensure that the refineries return to their good old days of top class performance.

I am convinced that the teams we have selected here today will give the necessary direction towards returning the refineries back to their optimal levels of performance, the GMD told members of the Committees.

The GMD explained that in executing the assignment, the Committees were expected to deliver well and within schedule as according to him, time was of the essence.

Although the target for the refineries rehab was to return them to 90%capacity utilization before the end of 2019, Dr. Baru stressed that with more commitment from the committees, 100% capacity utilization was achievable.

We want to show everyone that we can fully run the refineries. You must all work together to operate them at 100% capacity as this was the only way to ensure profitability, Dr. Baru stated.

The GMD also emphasized the importance of the workforce as according to him we can fix the refineries but without the right people to operate them, they would go back to where they were or even worse.

Earlier in the occasion, during his introductory speech, the Chief Operating Officer Refineries and Petrochemicals, Engr. Anibor Kragha, informed that the 2019 target was since for the first time in 20 years there was both the political will and the economic climate to ensure effective retrofitting of the refineries.

He further said that over 28 Expressions of Interest had been received so far for the financing of the rehabilitation project and that the goal was to get more by the end of the year.

Assuring everyone that the nation would not suffer financially from the project, the COO explained that the approved financial model would guarantee payment to partners only from incremental profits.

Payment is therefore hinged on performance, ensuring a win-win situation for Nigeria, Engr Kragha said.

Speaking on behalf of the committees, the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, Mr. Isiaka Abdulrazaq, reminded members of the newly inaugurated Committees that the rehabilitation of the refineries was one of the targets of the President Buhari administration.

Mr. Abdulrazaq expressed his confidence in every member of the committees to deliver on their various tasks.

The Committees inaugurated for the rehabilitation of the refineries would be be headed by a Steering Committee, chaired by the GMD.

Other Committees are: Rehabilitation; Stakeholder Management; Financing; Legal; Procurement; Pipeline and Crude Oil Supply and Security as well as Staffing and Succession Planning.

NDU UGHAMADU

Group General Manager

Group Public Affairs Division

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Abuja.

13th September, 2017.
Some pensioners have staged a protest in the Federal Capital Territory to condemn the non-payment of their arrears.

Some retired civil servants on Wednesday stormed the ministry of finance to protest the non-payment of their accrued pensions.

According to Vanguard, the workers numbering about 100 carried placards with various inscriptions demanding explanations from ministry officials on why the backlogs of their pensions have not been paid.

The demonstration which started at about 9am is a follow up to the series protest earlier done by the workers.

There were heavy presence of security personnel from the Nigerian Police Force at the ministry to ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order.

The development is gradually affecting activities at the ministry as a section of the gate leading to the ministry has been shut down.

More details later
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, on Tuesday, announced that the police will deploy 21,084 policemen to Anambra for the Nov. 28 governorship election.

Idris made the disclosure at the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room Dialogue session in Abuja.

He said that 17,320 policemen would be deployed to the 4,330 polling units across the state while 280 of them would be deployed to the collation centres.

The inspector-general said 2,484 of the security agents would be deployed to 414 major streets in the state throughout the election period.

He said that the Force Headquarters would provide additional 300 vehicles to the 80 operational vehicles in the Police Command in Anambra.

Idris said that additional police mobile force units had also been deployed to Anambra and other states in the South-East and South-South for the governorship election.

The IGP explained that the deployment was to ensure that criminal elements were removed from the states before the election.

The police boss said that extra security arrangements were being made for some flash and vulnerable points in the state.

He listed the areas to include: Otuocha, Ihiala towns, as well as Onitsha North and Onitsha South Local Government areas.

Others are Achala in Awka North, Ekwulobia in Orumba and Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Areas respectively.

He said that the deployment would build and increase the confidence of the people of the state in the police and other security agencies to protect them.

I want to assure you that all necessary manpower and logistics to secure the electorate, electoral officials, monitors, observers and materials have been provided for the command.

Idris said the police commissioner in Anambra had been instructed to carry along the state Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, in the deployment and implementation of security arrangements for the poll.

He said the command had also been directed to work with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Eminent Persons Forum and local associations in the state to ensure peace and order.

He said that there was a need for collaboration and synergy among Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in engendering secured environment for credible elections in the country.

These areas of cooperation will be further strengthened towards the 2019 general election and beyond he said.

The IGP said that no group under any guise would be allowed to cause violence, before, during and after the election.

He attributed the successes recorded in the Edo and Ondo governorship elections and the National Assembly re-runs in Imo, Kogi and Rivers in 2016, to the support and cooperation of the CSOs.

Source:( PM News )
Elderly African leader, Mr Mugabe has reportedly expressed his disapproval of a South African celebrity who refuses to wear panties.

South African entertainer, Zodwa Wabantu who is known for not wearing panties recently made news when she said that she would like to meet Zimbabwes 93 year old president, Robert Mugabe.

Zodwa said before she made the trip to Zimbabwe some fans warned her to behave because that countrys president is a strict man.

They were telling me that Mugabe does not allow nonsense. And as a result I would not be allowed into Zimbabwe because I am too sexy.Some feel I will be half Unclad and that he (Mugabe) knows that I dont wear panties, she told local journalists.

I would love to meet Mugabe if given a chance, she said. I dont live a fake life. This is me: I am not expensive. I am a kasi person. I love you all. God gave me this body and I am using it, she said to cheer.

Mugabe has however blasted Zodwa Wabantu for not wearing panties, and any form of underwear for that matter.

Speaking at a rally in front of a 10000-strong crowd in Bindura on Saturday, Mugabe said he is aware that a decision to ban her from participating at official government events which she had been earlier invited to in Zimbabwe made him a killjoy

TshisaLIVE quoted the President as saying; Im sorry we disappointed many men before questioning why Zodwa would attend parties without underwear.

You just come without covering your decency. What do you want? Men to see you? We dont want such he said.

The decision has drawn mixed reaction with political figures weighing in on the decision.

There are many things that are wrong in this country and they are not addressed. But suddenly someone asks about Zodwa and it becomes a national interest as if its a state of emergency said a prominent political activist Josphat Ngulube.
A young schoolgirl has helped her friend stab her own classmate for as many as 19 times, a development which has caused quite stir.

A deluded schoolgirl helped a friend stab their classmate 19 times so the fictional Slender Man character would not slaughter her family, a court heard.

Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser were both 12 when they allegedly knifed Payton Leutner in a frenzied attack and left her for dead in woods to please the creepy figure.

Despite being severely injured, Payton, then 12, survived and crawled out of the woods in Wisconsin, US, where she was found by a cyclist with wounds to her chest, stomach and arms.

Weier, now 15, pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree homicide in August and is now on trial over whether she should be held criminally responsible or committed to a psychiatric hospital.

Her lawyers have claimed Weier was suffering from a mental illness at the time and lost touch with reality.

Defence attorney Joseph Smith Jr yesterday told Waukesha County Court: Anissas broken mind caused her to lose touch with reality.

Anissa was under the command and control of a delusional disorder.

He played segments of Weiers police interrogation in which she described a plot to kill Payton in order to become a proxy of Slender Man.

She described the internet character as tall and faceless with numerous tentacles.

He could easily kill my whole family in three seconds, she told the detective.

Smith described Weier as a loner who struggled to fit in with her classmates and who found a friend in Geyser.

While Weier was dealing with her parents divorce, teachers began noticing symptoms of depression, he said.

The schoolgirl developed a delusional belief system with Geyser and together they made a plan to kill Payton and become Slender Mans proxies, Smith said.

Although Weier did not physically stab Leutner, in her mind she knew it had to be done, Smith told jurors.

Waukesha County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Osborne told jurors that Weier went along with the attack to preserve her one and only friendship with Geyser.

He said Weier knew the stabbing was wrong because she twice declined to do it herself as originally planned.

Instead, Weier told Geyser to do it. Go berserk, was the command, Mr Osborne said.

They knew this was wrong. They understood what they were doing was wrong, Mr Osborne added.

Weiers dad William said his daughter went through a difficult time after his divorce.

But he never saw anything to suggest she needed mental health care.

In my opinion, she was a normal child, he said.

One of the girls former classmates, who was also interested in Slender Man, told the court she had discovered how to become the characters servant  by killing a friend.

The girl, identified in court only by her initials, Kn, testified that Weier then told her: Dont worry, its not you.

Both Weier and Geyser were charged with being a party to attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

Weier struck a deal with prosecutors in August in which she pleaded guilty to being a party to attempted second-degree intentional homicide.

But she also pleaded not guilty due to mental illness of defect, setting up the trial on her mental status.

Judge Michael Bohren told jurors they must decide whether Weier had a mental illness at the time of the crime and whether she lacked the capacity to understand her wrongful conduct.

Psychologists testified at a previous court hearing that Weier suffered from persistent depression and a delusional disorder linked to schizotypy, a diminished ability to separate reality from fantasy.

At least 10 of the 12 jurors must agree on a verdict.

Geyser has pleaded not guilty to being a party to first-degree attempted homicide. Her trial is set to begin Oct. 9.
A tenant was burnt to death yesterday while a landlords son was injured during a morning inferno, which gutted a house at the Somolu area of Lagos State.

The fire, which ravaged a storey-building, started about 1a.m. from the first floor, where the landlords sons apartment is located.

The landlords son, Abiola, was said to have lit a candle and fell asleep. Unfortunately, the candle fell on the rug in his apartment.

The rug caught fire which spread to other apartments. The tenant, identified simply as Al-Wajud, was said to be drunk before going to bed and thus, was deep in his sleep when the fire started. He died before he could be rushed to the hospital.

The incident, which happened at House 4, Akinrinlo Street, threw occupants and members of the community into mourning.

One of the victims, who identified himself simply as Adebolawe, said: We were sleeping about 1a.m. when we heard a loud sound from the roof of the building. Immediately we heard the sound, every tenant in the house rushed out only to see flame on the roof of the building.

We started running around, looking for water to put out the fire. While we were looking for water, my wife was struggling to rescue the children and to savage some of our property. Unfortunately we couldnt bring out anything. Fire consumed everything.

Another victim, Mr. Akeem Ismaila, said:

The fire destroyed all I have laboured for in life. It was a terrible situation; right now, I dont know where to start from.

Even my wifes money, which she was supposed to use to stock her shop, was burnt to ashes. My children wouldnt be able to go to school as their uniform and school materials were all burnt.

Government should come to our aid. This is not the first time the building would go up in flames; two years ago, the building caught fire but was later rebuilt. This is another fire. Firefighters were said to have arrived the scene about 3a.m., after the fire had burnt down the whole building.
Some group of local hoodlums who were caught on CCTV camera have been declared wanted by the Police as the security agents are currently trailing them after they burgled a supermarket.

The operatives of the Nigerian Police Force are on the trail of thieves who broke into a supermarket in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital in the middle of the night.

The burglars were caught on CCTV camera moving out several items, as one of them is seen with plastics of custard, in an operation that lasted about 30 minutes.

The police and shop owner shared pictures of the looters online in a bid to apprehend them.

See more photos below;

Source: Tori
While speaking in an exclusive interview with The Sun, a 23-year-old female mechanic plying her trade in the federal capital, Abuja, opened on the discrimination, adding that she would never discourage her child to emulate her.

Bassey Margaret, a 23-year-old Abuja-based female mechanic from Ikpo-asutan, Akwa Ibom State is proud of her vocation.

The last child of three girls, Margaret said she had to train as an automobile repairer because of her poor family background.

After spending a year and six months of rigorous training in Lagos, she arrived Abuja with dreams of making it in the male dominated occupation.

Margaret got a job at a mechanic shop at Lokogoma, around airport road at N30,000, monthly salary.

It hasnt been a walk in the park as she had faced her share of discrimination whenever she introduced herself as a mechanic. However, some people, especially the men took her seriously, supported her because of competence.

Speaking to Okwe Obi of The Sun newspaper, she recalled how her boss gave her a rather funny test.

When I went to seek employment, my boss surveyed me; and told me to stretch and fold my hands. He looked at them and told me to start working the next day.

Out of curiosity, I asked him what that meant. He told me that if he didnt find scars, on them that means I was not a mechanic. According to him, mechanics were synonymous with injuries considering the nature of the work.

When asked if she would love her love children to toe her path, she said: I wont discourage them. It takes determination, patience and Gods grace to excel.

She has resolved to own a workshop someday, at least, to train others.

According to the journalist who interviewd the lady, he booked the interview for 10am but ended up interviewing her at 4:20pm seeing the influx of customers.

As she was up and doing even when I finally got her attention, she was still giving directives to apprentices. Most customers prefer her to fix their cars.

Paul Onenu, a customer, said whenever she fixes his car the problem stops. I prefer her working for me because of her meticulousness and dedication, he said.

Barong Joe said she was shocked upon sighting her. This is somebody who wants to make a difference. Her mates are idling away and looking for men to foot their bills, but here is a girl surpassing all expectations. Honestly, I am touched.
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A shuttered veterinary hospital in Coconut Creek, Fla., could soon be turned into a mixed-use development that would include a self-storage facility and a pet lodge. Leder Hillsboro Co. filed an application with the city for the 7.62-acre property it owns at 4171 and 4181 W. Hillsboro Blvd. The planning and zoning board is scheduled to vote on the proposal today, according to the source.

Situated between Lyons Road and Floridas Turnpike, the site includes a 10,000-square-foot building that once housed VCA Veterinary Hospital. Leder Hillsboro plans to demolish that structure as well as an existing kennel to build a 120,000-square-foot storage facility. The company will also construct a 15,000-square-foot pet lodge containing hundreds of large kennels. An existing 37,917-square-foot office on the property would remain but undergo renovations to the facade, the source reported.

Designed by Kenneth Carlson - Architect P. A., Gutierrez & Lozano Architects, and Keith & Associates Inc., the property will contain 170 parking spaces, two fountains and artificial turf fronting the street.

Leder Hillsboro is managed by Samuel Leder of Leder Corp. of Boca Raton, Fla.
Jerome Jerry Gottesman, the co-founder of New Jersey-based real estate development firm Edison Properties and New York-based self-storage operator Manhattan Mini Storage, died of natural causes on Sept. 10. He was 87.

Gottesman fell ill during a recent trip to Jerusalem with his wife, Paula, according to a statement from his family. Jerry was a towering figure in both physical stature and as a leader of our family, the Jewish and Newark, N.J., philanthropic communities and Edison Properties, the business that he co-founded in 1956 with his late brother Harold, the family said. Jerry was admired by those who knew him, and he cared deeply about those who worked for him.

Gottesman started his real estate career with one Newark parking lot in 1956. Today, Edison ParkFast is a network of 40 garages and lots throughout Baltimore, New York City and Northeast New Jersey. Manhattan Mini was founded in 1978 and today operates 17 self-storage facilities throughout New York City. Edisons other holdings include workspace offices, executive offices and pre-built suites, The Hippodrome office building, and The Ludlow, a luxury residential high-rise on NYCs Lower East Side.

The Edison portfolio includes 3 million square feet in Manhattan and Brooklyn, N.Y., and several million square feet in Newark, Baltimore and other cities, according to the company website. The firm currently employs about 600 people.

Jerry took immense pride in the business that he began with his brother, Harold, which has grown and sustained his family, his community, and the hundreds of families whose extraordinary contributions have made it so successful. The business will continue to honor Jerrys legacy, according to the familys statement. As a family, we cherish and honor Jerrys passion for Edison, its employees and its customers, and we are committed to protecting his legacy for years to come.

We will miss Jerry dearly and deeply appreciate all that he has done for Edison Properties during his lifetime, company officials said in a statement. This business is his legacy, and we are all honored to have been able to work with him and learn from him. While his presence and influence will be missed, the company will continue to operate as usual and continue to focus on honoring his memory.

Gottesman served as company chair until his death. A succession plan previously established by Edison directed the firm be run by its executive management team, according to a source.

Gottesman was also a noted philanthropist to the Jewish community in New Jersey. Among the donations he and his wife gave through the Paula and Jerry Gottesman Family Supporting Foundation were a $5 million grant in 2013 to help the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ create a community-based Jewish camp program and a $15 million challenge grant in 2014 to the Hebrew Academy of Morris County as part of a capital and endowment campaign, according to a source. The academy subsequently changed its name to the Gottesman RTW Academy and was scheduled to host Gottesmans funeral on Tuesday.

The Gottesmans also supported the launch of Lifetown, a Livingston, N.J.-based center that serves individuals with special needs. In 2015, the Gottesman foundation gave a $10 million grant to four Jewish day schools in New Jersey to attract new students and freeze tuition for 10 years, a source reported. The couple has also given more than $500,000 to PJ Library, an organization that provides free books and educational materials to young Jewish families around the world.

At the time of his death, Gottesmans net worth was estimated at more than $550 million, according to an Edison spokesperson, who told a source he left a substantial portion of his estate to charity.

He is survived by Paula, his wife of 55 years; four daughters; 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Sleiman Enterprises, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based real estate firm that specializes in the development and management of shopping centers in Florida and Southeast Georgia, has submitted a proposal to rezone 2.34 acres in Jacksonville with the intent of building a self-storage facility. The Kernan Self Storage planned-unit development (PUD) would be constructed at 11900 Atlantic Blvd. It would include a multi-story climate-controlled building and four additional storage structures comprising up to 6,000 square feet each, according to the source.

Sleiman owns the property southwest of Atlantic and Kernan Boulevards through its affiliate Property Management Support Inc., the source reported. The interchange area could be built with up to 2 million square feet of retail uses, according to the PUD notes. The site is just west of a Walmart Supercenter and shares the intersection with a BJs Wholesale Club, an LA fitness gym, a hotel, and other restaurant and retail uses.

The rezoning ordinance would amend the citys 2030 comprehensive plan and change the land-use designation to a business park from a combination of institutional, professional and residential uses. The property was intended to serve as a transition between commercial services and residential development, according to the source.

The Jacksonville Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss the rezoning proposal on Thursday.

Founded in 1955, Sleiman is a private real estate services firm that offers construction, design, development, leasing and property management, with an emphasis in retail centers. It operates a portfolio of 5 million square feet of retail space, according to the company website.
A North Melbourne broker has won $5,000 in gold bullion at the Underwriting Agencies Council-Lloyds Village at the 2017 NIBA Convention in Sydney.Cleveland Chu, an authorised representative for FP Insurance Brokers, won the prize after his passport was drawn from a pile of eligible entries, all of which were completed by visiting all 39 UAC member exhibitors in the village.The event, themed Insurance bridging communities, saw a flabbergasted Cleveland get his first win after 26 years of being a broker, and a one-in-25 chance to walk away with a return trip to San Francisco, valued at more than $10,000.Cleveland failed to get the travel prize in the lucky numbers draw, but was certainly happy to keep the gold.UAC GM William Legge thanked UAC member Beazley Underwriting, which had underwritten the San Francisco prize, and Cunningham Lindsey, an independent auditor who oversaw the travel prize draw.
Insurance Australia Group ( IAG ), Australasias largest general insurer, has been recognised as among the 50 companies that change the world, in the third annual Fortune Change the World list released last week.IAG, along with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank  another Australian firm and founding member of the Shared Value Project, a peak practice body for shared value in Australasia  was commended for having made an important social or environmental impact through its business strategy and operations.IAG adopted a 'shared value framework' as a core part of its business, delivering programs and initiatives aligned under three themes: safer, stronger, and more confident communities. It launched the 'Good Hoods' program, which aims to facilitate connection and interaction among neighbours by allowing them to share resilience-building initiatives so the good continues to grow.The recognition from Fortune reflects our strong focus on embedding shared value into our business and could not have been achieved without the support of our people, from the frontline to the boardroom, said Peter Harmer , IAG managing director and CEO. Shared value provides a pathway for us to approach every aspect of our business with our communities, customers, and people at front of mind, while still delivering the commercial value and strength our stakeholders expect from us.Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, meanwhile, was lauded for its Community Bank model, a community-owned company that operates in partnership with the bank. Through the model, communities are supported into running their own branches as franchisees. The bank also reinvests part of its revenue into communities to drive long-term growth.Peter Yates AM, chair of the Shared Value Project, congratulated the two Australian companies on their win.Both Bendigo Bank and IAG are great examples of organisations that have used their business capabilities and resources to address a pressing social issue in a measurable and sustainable way and improved their profitability, Yates said. Their recognition by Fortune as two of the 50 companies changing the world is a clear sign that Australian companies are achieving competitive advantage through the adoption of shared value.
An ASIC representative has praised the insurance broking industry for its conduct but issued a challenge for the industry to not stand by if it witnesses any wrongdoing.

I would argue that the focus and scrutiny on the insurance sector is broader and more intense than we have seen, perhaps, ever before, Kell said. Insurance brokers are not so much in the frame for us. The insurance broking area is not one that generates some of the same sorts of issues to the same degree as other sectors.

One area Kell chose to highlight was that of add-on insurance. Kell said that too many in the industry knew of the issues surrounding add-on cover and did not speak out, which has led to a lack of consumer trust and increased scrutiny of the industry. While brokers may not be directly involved in the sale of add-on insurance, Kell said that the issue offers the industry an example of how to self-regulate and raises concerns for the benefit of both consumers and the industry itself.

One of the things that weve been pleased about is that often the information we get about poor conduct on the part of brokers comes from other participants in the industry. I would encourage you to keep reporting problems you see, dont just let them drift by and assume someone else will make that call, Kell continued.

My question to you...is there anything like this [add-on insurance] that you are walking past? It may not be in your business, you may be doing a great job, but is there anything like this you are walking past more broadly?



Related stories:

Kell noted that last year, ASIC banned 45 financial advisers in one of its most active years to date but only six of those were brokers.
Manulife has announced several structural and leadership changes across its various segments.



We are confident that the changes we are making today will enable us to achieve our significant potential and deliver on our purpose of helping customers achieve their dreams and aspirations, said Manulife president and incoming CEO Roy Gori. Importantly, they showcase the bench strength of Manulifes senior leadership team, and position us strongly as we accelerate our transformation.



Celebrate excellence in insurance. Join us at the Insurance Business Awards in Chicago on October 26.



The company said that it has created a dedicated senior leadership role with direct responsibility for its closed legacy businesses in North America. These businesses include Manulifes legacy annuity business, long-term care insurance and select long-duration, guaranteed insurance products. Naveed Irshad, current Manulife Singapore CEO, has been appointed North America Legacy Business head, effective January 01, 2018. His career with the company spans 20 years, and he has extensive life insurance, product risk and reinsurance experience. Irshad will report directly to both the heads of Manulifes US and Canadian businesses, and he will join the companys executive committee.



Marianne Harrison was chosen to serve as president and CEO of John Hancock, Manulifes US business, effective October 01, 2017. Harrison is the current president and CEO of Manulife Canada. With three decades of experience in the financial services industry, she has spent nearly five years leading the companys US long-term care business.



Michael Doughty has been chosen to replace Harrison as president and CEO of Manulife Canada, also effective October 01, 2017. He has served as the interim president and CEO of John Hancock since May. Doughty joined Manulife in 1992, and has held senior positions in Manulifes Canadian insurance and pensions businesses.



It was also announced that Steve Roder, chief financial officer for the company, will be retiring. Current interim president and CEO of Manulife Asia Philip Witherington was tapped to succeed Roder.



I welcome these leaders to their new roles, and look forward to seeing the impact they will have on our teams and our business, commented Gori.



Manulife is embarking on a transformational journey and todays announcement marks a very significant and positive step in this regard, added outgoing Manulife CEO Donald Guloien.




America was punched in the face by two catastrophic hurricanes in quick succession  in the words of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.Florida is currently recovering from the wrath of Hurricane Irma, a devastating storm that claimed lives and left nearly four million people without power, spurring mass evacuations from the state.Meanwhile, Texas and Louisiana are just starting to lick their open wounds after Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc as one of the most economically impactful storms in modern US history.Thousands had their homes destroyed by Harvey  and the insurance operation underway is massive. One insurer playing a significant role in the Texas area is Farmers Insurance and company spokesman, Trevor Chapman, told Insurance Business about the trials of the past week.Dealing with such a catastrophic event like Harvey has been difficult, but our main concern has and continues to be our customers, Chapman said. Weve increased staffing in our contact centers to handle the influx of claims calls.Serving our customers remains our top priority. As an organization, we have a large presence in Texas and our main concern is with those who have been affected by Harvey.As of Friday (September 09), Farmers had received just over 37,000 Harvey-related claims across all lines of business, of which nearly half were homeowners claims. This number is likely to increase, so the extra hard work is only just beginning for the firm. The company should have a total claims forecast or cost later this week, according to Chapman.It can take time to gain access to the large impacted area. In some catastrophes, it can take three to six days or more to assess the damage, said Chapman. Even after access is granted it can be difficult to enter a customers home due to debris. The safety of both customers and employees is our highest priority.One factor that has significantly helped Farmers in its handling of the Harvey situation is its new relationship with Kespry, according to Chapman. The use of aerial technology has greatly increased the companys efficiency.As this is the first major hurricane in nearly a decade, technology is expediting our response. This is also the first major catastrophe where weve deployed drones, added Chapman. Efficiency is greatly increased with the use of drones, accelerating the claims filing process and providing dedicated resources to our customers.Our focus will be to leverage this technology to assist with our claim assessments and we believe our new drone program will help improve response time and safety for our claim representatives during their evaluations.
As Americans on one side of the country were facing a devastating, killer storm, one insurance company on the other side of the country decided to cancel a celebration in solidarity.With Hurricane Irma bearing down on Florida last week, AmWINS cancelled its annual Underwriter Appreciation Event at WSIA in California, which was to have taken place on Monday.James Drinkwater, president of AmWINS Brokerage, said the decision to cancel the event was ultimately about people.AmWINS has 174 staff in Florida alone, all of whom were at risk, given the size and intensity of Hurricane Irma.We felt that it would be inappropriate to host a celebratory event on the West Coast while our colleagues, clients and competitors are at risk on the East Coast, Drinkwater said.As a leader in this industry, its important for us to serve as an example and not ignore these types of issues. People are suffering, and we need to do what is right. Its what our firm is about. The feedback weve received following our decision to cancel has been enormously positive.Were pleased to donate the money we would have spent on the event to the American Red Cross, as it allows us to help those most in need.The decision to cancel the event was made as the Category 5 hurricane worked its way through the Caribbean on its collision course with Florida.On Friday, a note was sent out to the AmWINS event attendees, co-signed by the CEO, COO, and president of AmWINS Group, the president of AmWINS Access, and Drinkwater.Two weeks ago, we watched as Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas and the Gulf Coast, and now, our thoughts are with the millions of people who may be impacted by Hurricane Irma, the cancellation note said.At AmWINS, we believe strongly that insurance is a people business, built on relationships and providing protection in times of need. As such, out of respect for all those who will be in the midst of dealing with the aftermath of Irma or are still suffering as a result of the devastation caused by Harvey, we are cancelling our annual celebration at WSIA, previously scheduled for Sept. 11.In lieu of the event, AmWINS will make a financial donation to the American Red Cross to support hurricane relief and response. Thank you for the donations that many of you have already made to assist those in need and for your understanding of our decision to cancel this event.
Cyber risk is a top concern for reinsurers, according to a new report from PwC.PwCs new analysis ranks the most serious concerns for the reinsurance space. Cyber risk topped the list, followed by worries that the industry is unprepared for weather changes. The rankings are a departure from the past, when regulation and a challenging market environment regularly topped reinsurers list of worries.Cyber risk is now a systemic concern for insurers, reinsurers and clients, the Royal Gazette reported. However, PwC found that many businesses are aware of cyber risk but remain unwilling to buy cyber insurance because of restrictive coverage and limits.If risks are generally measured by their frequency and severity, then cyber adds the capacity to confound, Arthur Wightman, Bermuda insurance leader at PwC, told the Gazette. But cyber risk, if addressed through a combination of rigorous underwriting and active threat intelligence, is a sizeable opportunity for reinsurers to lead innovation in the marketplace and capture new sources of revenue in an otherwise soft market. The strategic nature of these risks means that the nature of the response from reinsurers will determine the success and, in some cases, survival, of market participants.
An insurance agent has received the Fernando Award  one of the highest honors for volunteerism in the country.Paul Davis, of Paul Davis & Alberta Bellisario Insurance Services, of Northridge, was presented the award at a black-tie dinner event that was attended by numerous civic leaders and their guests. The event was held at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Performing Arts Center at California State University  Northridge.According to San Fernando Valley Business Journal, Davis has been active in civic affairs for three decades. He began in 1986, when a high school friend introduced him to what is now known as the Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club. Davis went on to hold a variety of positions within the club, eventually serving as president.Davis has also been involved with other non-profits, such as New Horizons (which helps special needs individuals work and live in the community) and ONEgeneration (an organization that helps children, seniors and families). He has also lent his support to the Valley Community Healthcare community clinic.Both Davis and his partner have been members of six chambers; Davis has taken leadership roles in three of them.In a speech at the event, Davis said that his insurance business could have been more successful if he had spent less time volunteering. However, he also said that it was important to serve the community.He was nominated to be one of the awards finalists by the Encino and Northridge chambers of commerce.
Maines highest court will soon decide whether insurance should pay for pot.The Maine Supreme Judicial Court is set to hear arguments in a case over whether state law requires workers compensation insurance to pay for a millworkers medical marijuana  or if the insurer should be criminally charged as an accessory to a drug deal under federal laws.The case involves a former mill employee who was injured on the job. Gaetan Bourgoin, of Madawaska, Maine, sought reimbursement for medical marijuana which was prescribed to him for pain from a back injury he suffered at work in 1989, according to the Bangor Daily News. Bourgoin had tried several opiod-based prescriptions over the years, but none had worked, court documents claimed.In 2015, the Maine Workers Compensation Board ordered that Sedgwick Claims Management Services of Memphis, the company that administers the insurance plan for Bourgoins former workplace, reimburse him for medical marijuana.The cost of medical marijuana was about $350 to $400 per month, the Daily News reported. By contrast, Bourgoins opiod-based painkillers had cost more than $2,000 per month. Still, attorneys for the mill and Sedgwick argued that insurers cant be forced to pay for marijuana, which is illegal under federal law. They argued that the Justice Department could prosecute insurers for reimbursing people for purchasing illegal drugs.The mill and the insurer also argued that requiring reimbursement for medical marijuana violated a Maine statute that legalized the drug for medicinal use, the Daily News reported. The statute states that it may not require a government medical assistance program or private health insurer to reimburse a person for costs associated with the medical use of marijuana, the insurers attorneys argued.Bourgoins attorney argued that that the states workers compensation law entitles employees injured on the job to reasonable and proper medical, surgical and hospital services  paid for by the employer.Only one other states appellate court  New Mexico  has ruled on reimbursement by insurers for medical pot, according to the Daily News. The New Mexico court ruled that state law required insurers to pay for medical marijuana.
Brady Risk Program Managers and its partner companies, Tritan Risk Management Group and Healthcare Risk Management Group, have announced that Michael McKeown has joined the firm as senior vice president of brokerage and program management services.

In this role, McKeown will work to further develop the companys growing portfolio of regional and national programs. He brings experience within the industry, having spent the last three years at York Risk Services (formally the Risk Management Planning Group), where he was leading the brokerage division in the New York region.

Also joining McKeown is Tanaquea Rosario, the new director of program development and safety group executive for safety groups written in the New York State Insurance Fund, and Michelle Kuffo, a new senior account executive for large casualty accounts. Both Rosario and Kuffo also join the company from York Risk Services.

Sean M. Brady, president of Brady Risk Management Inc., stated in a company press release that the companys goal is to provide McKeown and his team with the most advance technology and proprietary systems that, when combined with their years of experience and knowledge, will drive meaningful financial results for clients.

Brady Risk Management Inc. is a Huntington, N.Y.-based, full service insurance service provider, offering customers a range of products and services to fit their needs.

Source: Brady Risk Management

Topics New York Risk Management
The historic but often decrepit buildings of Havana and other colonial Cuban cities couldnt stand up to Hurricane Irmas winds and rainfall, collapsing and killing seven people in one of the highest death tolls from the storms passage through the Caribbean.

Authorities said Monday that three more people were killed by falling objects or drowning, pushing the death toll to 10 in Cuba and at least 24 others in the Caribbean. It was Cubas worst hurricane death toll since 16 died in Hurricane Dennis in 2005.

Most of Cubas grand old buildings were confiscated from the wealthy and distributed to the poor and middle classes after a 1959 revolution that promised housing, health care and education as universal rights. But with state salaries of about $25 a month and government agencies strapped for cash, most buildings have seen little maintenance in decades.

Tropical rain and sea spray have chewed into unpainted facades and seeped through unpatched roofs. Trees have sprouted from balconies. Iron rebar has rusted, sloughing off chunks of powdery concrete.

Damage wasnt limited to Havana. More than 100 houses in a small town on Cubas coastline were destroyed in Matanzas Province when Irma swept through the area, leaving hundreds of people homeless.

In every neighborhood, residents talk warily about the buildings that are one hurricane away from total collapse.

That hurricane came Saturday and Sunday as Irma ground up the northern coast, sending chest-high seawater six blocks into Central Havana and blasting the city with 60 mph winds.

On Galeano Street in Central Havana, a fourth-floor balcony dropped onto a bus carrying Maria del Carmen Arregoitia Cardona and Yolendis Castillo Martinez, both 27. In the cities of Matanzas, Ciego de Avila and Camaguey, three men in their 50s and 60s died in building collapses. The government noted in a sternly worded press release that each did not observe the behavior recommended by Civil Defense.

On Animas Street in Central Havana, 51-year-old Walfrido Antonio Valdes Perez was caring for his older brother, Roydis, who worked as a florist until he was diagnosed with HIV. They lived on the second floor of building divided into 11 apartments, many of them divided by crude intermediate floors known as barbeques.

After midnight, as wind whipped the neighborhood, a wall collapsed onto the roof of their building, crushing the two brothers to death.

No one noticed until the next morning, when neighbors saw a foot sticking out of the rubble.

We felt something, but no one imagined the roof and barbeque had collapsed, said homemaker Yudisleidis Mederos, 34. These building are in really bad shape. Their room was the best one.

She and her neighbors remembered Roydis, 54, as a kind and helpful man who had become a virtual family member, helping care for their children, feed them and put them down for naps.

Neighbors said they were ready to evacuate Saturday but emergency officials never asked them to leave.

On Monday, they showed the cracks running through the walls of their building, water leaking through the halls and living spaces, naked metal beams and loose gas pipes and electric cables.

Weve been trying to fix things for years. Its a shame that maybe theyll come now, only after two people have died, said homemaker Laritza Penalver, 49.

Recovery Mode

Havana was in recovery mode Monday, with crews cleaning away thousands of fallen trees and electric restored to a handful of neighborhoods. Schools were closed until further notice. President Raul Castro issued a message to the nation that didnt mention the deaths, but described damage to housing, the electrical system and agriculture.

He also acknowledged destruction in the northern keys where Cuba and foreign hotel management firms have built dozens of all-inclusive beach resorts in recent years. The Jardines del Rey airport serving the northern keys was destroyed, the Communist Party newspaper Granma reported, tweeting photos of a shattered terminal hall littered with debris.

The storm hit some of our principal tourist destinations but the damage will be repaired before the high season, starting in November, Castro wrote.

To the east, in the Leeward Islands known as the playground for the rich and famous, governments came under criticism for failing to respond quickly to the hurricane, which flattened many towns and turned lush, green hills to a brown stubble.

Residents have reported food, water and medicine shortages, as well as looting.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson defended his governments response to what he called an unprecedented catastrophe and promised to increase funding for the relief effort. Britain sent a navy ship and almost 500 troops to the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos islands.

The U.S. government said it was sending a flight Monday to evacuate its citizens from St. Martin, one of the hardest-hit islands where 10 people were killed. Evacuees were warned to expect long lines and no running water at the airport.

A Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship was expected to dock near St. Martin to help in the aftermath, and a boat was bringing a 5-ton crane capable of unloading large shipping containers of aid. A French military ship was scheduled to arrive Tuesday with materials for temporary housing.

About 70 percent of the beds at the main hospital in the French portion of St. Martin were severely damaged, and more than 100 people needing urgent medical care were evacuated. Eight of the territorys 11 pharmacies were destroyed, and Guadeloupe was sending medication.

French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to arrive in St. Martin on Tuesday to bring aid and fend off criticism that he didnt do enough to respond to the storm.

The whole government is mobilized to help, said Interior Minister Gerard Collomb.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Hurricane
Devastation from Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean will sharpen the demands from small island nations that top fossil-fuel consumers help them cope with damage attributable to climate change, according to representatives of some of those countries.

That will put island nations on a collision course with the United States and other rich countries during United Nations climate talks in Bonn, Germany, in November.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, has expressed doubts about global warming and has vowed to withdraw from a global pact to fight it, while other wealthy nations have long resisted calls to pay for climate-related loss and damage abroad.

If ever there was a case for loss and damage, this is it, Ronny Jumeau, U.N. ambassador from Indian Ocean island nation the Seychelles, told Reuters, referring to Irma and other recent storms. The Seychelles is a member of the U.N. negotiating bloc Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Hurricane Irma graphically shows the destructive power of climate change and underscores that loss and damage isnt some abstract concept, but the reality of life today for the people who contributed least to the problem, said Thoriq Ibrahim, Maldives environment minister who chairs AOSIS.

Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, whose country will host the Bonn talks Nov. 6-17, has said the issue of who pays for loss and damage from climate-related disasters will be a key priority at the summit.

Irma barreled into Florida on Sunday, sparking one of the largest evacuations in U.S. history, after leveling Caribbean islands St. Martin, Antigua and Barbuda. Gaston Browne, prime minister of Barbuda and Antigua, said Barbuda is barely inhabitable.

Hurricane Harvey slammed into Texas on Aug. 25, triggering record flooding that killed around 60 people and caused billions of dollars in damage.

Ministers from island nations will point to the back-to-back storms to pressure negotiators at Bonn to agree to details of a mechanism for addressing loss and damage from extreme weather as well as slower changes such as sea level rises and desertification.

Climate scientists have said warmer air and water resulting from climate change may have contributed to the severity of the storms. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has disputed such claims as an attempt to politicize natural disasters.

RICH VS POOR

Loss and damage has been a contentious issue in climate negotiations for years, pitting rich countries against poor. Governments first approved a U.N. loss and damage mechanism in Warsaw in 2013 and reaffirmed it in the 2015 Paris Agreement. But it is unclear exactly what it would cover, who would pay, and how much it would cost.

Under pressure from the rich nations, the preamble of the Paris Agreement says the loss and damage mechanism does not involve or provide a basis for any liability or compensation.

Myles Allen, a professor of geosystem science at the University of Oxford in England, said developed nations dont want to open the door to legal liability. But he said there should be debate about whether major corporations, such as producers of coal and oil, or other parties could be held responsible.

Researchers at the Berlin-based Heinrich Boll Foundation have said at least $300 billion a year by 2030 would be needed to help people who lose their land and culture or are forced to migrate as a result of extreme climate-related problems.

Such spending would come on top of $100 billion a year in funding by 2020 that richer nations have promised poorer ones under the Paris Agreement to help them develop cleanly and adapt to climate change.

Trump and the U.S. Congress have said the United States will no longer contribute to that goal.

(Writing by Richard Valdmanis; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Hurricane Climate Change Pollution
QBE Insurance Group today announced that John Neal, Group chief executive officer, will be stepping down after five years in the role. The board of directors has appointed Patrick Regan, chief executive officer Australian and New Zealand operations and previously Group chief financial officer, to succeed Neal as Group CEO.

Neal helped turn around the insurer over his tenure, but in recent months became mired in scandal over an affair with his secretary that was not properly disclosed as part of QBEs code of conduct.

Regan will succeed Neal on January 1, 2018. Regan will remain on the board as an executive director.

The company said it has undertaken a detailed succession planning process over the last two years, and has carried out an internal and external candidate review process for this appointment.

Neal began with the company in QBEs European Operations in 2003 and moved to Sydney in 2011 as CEO, Global Underwriting Operations. He was appointed to the role of Group CEO in 2012, replacing long-time Group CEO Frank OHalloran.

As Group CEO, Neal embarked on a successful turnaround strategy for the insurer, which had been dealing with write-downs in North America and rising claims in Latin America. He changed the management team, including bringing on Pat Regan, and led efforts to improve underwriting standards, sell non-core businesses, raise capital and improve reserving.

In 2014, QBE returned to profitability on improved North American results.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to sincerely thank John Neal for his dedication and leadership of QBE over the last five years. John has led the business through a significant transformation and a challenging period in the insurance industry globally and has been working closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition for his succession, QBE Group Chairman Marty Becker said in prepared remarks.

The announcement of Neals departure comes seven months after the board decided to dock Neals 2016 bonus by 20 percent, or A$550,000 (US$422,444), as reported by Carrier Management. Neal had been involved in a personal relationship with his secretary but failed to report it immediately to the board of directors, which is required by QBEs code of conduct.

QBE CEOs Relationship With Assistant Distracts From Stellar Financial Results

The code of conduct is very clear in the expectations it sets. The board felt I was not completely in compliance with that code of conduct and hence the decision was taken to cut an amount of my STI [short-term incentive], Neal acknowledged during a press conference in February called to highlight what were strong financial results for QBE in 2016.

The companys 2016 annual report included this statement: The group CEO has had a commendable year and delivered a strong full-year result for QBE. His performance is well regarded by the board. However, both parties agree some recent personal decisions by the CEO have been inconsistent with the boards expectations. Therefore, the board has decided that his 2016 STI will be reduced by 20 percent [to A$2,210,117, or US$1.7 million].

His total remuneration for 2016, even with the reduced STI, was just over A$3 million [US$2.3 million].

Regan Bio

Neals successor, Regan, joined QBE in 2014 as Group CFO and was appointed to the role of CEO, Australian and Zealand Operations, in August 2016. Prior to joining QBE he was the CFO at Aviva in London (2010 to 2014), Group chief operating officer and CFO at Willis Group Holdings (2006  2010), Group financial controller at Royal & Sun Alliance (2004  2006) and AXA SAs Finance and Claims director for the UK General Insurance business (2001  2004).

Regan has also held senior positions at GE Capital Bank, GE Global Consumer Finance and Grant Thornton.

In the last 12 months Pat has led a strong turnaround in the Australian & New Zealand Operations highlighting his operational skills and business acumen and, in his previous role as Group Chief Financial Officer, had been pivotal in stabilising the balance sheet and enhancing the Groups capital management, said Becker.

In an interview with Insurance Journals L.S. Howard in June, 2016, Regan talked about why he left Aviva to take on the job as CFO at QBE. Regan said he took the job at QBE in 2014 because it felt like there was something we could create that was different and distinctive. He had also been involved in a major transformation project at Aviva.

He also discussed his management style. Rather than micromanaging, he lets his team of professionals around the globe do what they do best because they know how to do their jobs 100 times better than I could. While he makes sure theyre on track and have the help they need, he lets them fulfill their goals without hand holding.

Related:

Topics USA Australia
Sciemus, a specialty Lloyds MGA, is forming an investing partnership with HSCM Bermuda, a firm that invests in reinsurance and insurance-linked assets across all lines of business. The deal also calls for Sciemus to change its name as it evolves from consulting to underwriting.

The space, power, renewable energy, cyber and mining industries will be a focus of the partnership, which also includes a financial investment from HSCM Bermudas clients. With the agreement, Sciemus will be renamed Argon Underwriting, pending UK regulatory approval, according to the deal announcement.

Plans call for the London-based Sciemus to use the investment to develop its Lloyds underwriting platform and to further expand its data and modeling expertise into other areas of specialty and emerging risk.

Sciemus is changing its name to Argon Underwriting in order to reflect its strategic transformation from a consulting company to an underwriting company that wants to use its data and analytics expertise for more complex and emerging risks, both parties said.

With the investment, HSCM Bermuda Chief Operating Officer Tim Tetlow will join the Sciemus board of directors.

Sciemus CEO Rick Welsh said that the convergence between traditional insurance, reinsurance and the capital markets creates an opportunity in basic economic sectors involving both traditional and emerging risks that dovetail with property-cat. He said that his company is well suited to meet the new challenges.

Our approach to modelling and data science enables us to be more creative in our risk transfer and distribution, particularly in industries such as space, power, renewable energy, cyber and natural resources, Welsh said in prepared remarks. HSCM Bermuda shares this vision, and we are excited about exploring these opportunities with themparticularly in the burgeoning insurance-linked securities market.

Tetlow said in prepared remarks that both sides share the vision that superior data analytics can be harnessed to produce superior returns and that the convergence of capital markets and insurance will only continue.

HSCM Bermuda, launched in 2015 by former Goldman Sachs partner Michael Millette, invests in reinsurance and insurance-linked assets in the life, health, property and casualty sectors. Sciemus, launched in 2002, builds risk analysis models for assets that reflect complexity and technology. It is a specialty insurer of noncommoditized and emerging risk in cyber, space, renewable energy, power and mining, using proprietary data, deep industry domain expertise and rigorous modeling capabilities.

Source: Sciemus/HSCM Bermuda

Related:

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Excess Surplus Underwriting
Managing general agency and surplus lines broker J.M. Wilson has added Ryan Gibbons as assistant transportation underwriter in its Westerville, Ohio office.

Gibbons is responsible for assisting underwriters on a wide variety of commercial transportation risks, as well as quoting renewal business and servicing accounts for independent insurance agents in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Prior to joining J.M. Wilson, Ryan worked for a mortgage company. He is a graduate from Ohio State University, and holds a Bachelors Degree in Economics.

Source: J.M. Wilson

Topics Underwriting Ohio
Five drugmakers are asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Ohio attorney general that alleges they helped perpetrate the states addictions epidemic.

Attorney General Mike DeWine accuses the companies of intentionally misleading patients about the dangers of painkillers and promoting benefits of the drugs not backed by science.

DeWine announced the complaint in May as he accused the companies of creating a deadly mess in Ohio that they now need to pay to clean up.

Cleveland.com reports the companies filed documents in Ross County Court in Chillicothe last week arguing that federal requirements for their products preempt Ohio law.

The companies also argue DeWine failed to prove the companies actions caused the alleged harm.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Ohio
The Indiana Department of Transportation has proposed a way to make a deadly stretch of highway in western Indiana safer.

Department officials told the Vincennes Sun-Commercial that an intersection of U.S. 41 near Oaktown may be turned into a J-turn intersection. A J-turn is a type of median U-turn that could provide drivers with a safer way to cross the highway.

That portion of the highway has been the scene of more than 20 accidents and numerous fatalities in the past three years, according to Knox County Sheriffs department officials. There have been four fatalities caused by accidents there so far this year.

Sheriff Mike Morris said most crashes are a result of failing to yield the right of way.

Theres a slight curve there that gives the perception that vehicles are going slower than they actually are, so its kind of a mind game situation, he said.

Randy Rinsch, the town council president in Oaktown, said he knows how dangerous the highway can be because he travels in the area every day.

If you dont wait and look three times back and forth, you wont see a car regardless of what speed its going until its too late, Rinsch said. Youll pull out in front of it.

The project is still in its beginning stages. County commissioner Kellie Streeter said the department will survey the land to determine how much property it will need to acquire and will hold public hearings. Streeter said the plan may take years to implement.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Indiana
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is investigating whether chemical maker Arkema SA followed safety rules at its Crosby, Texas, plant where chemical containers exploded and burned for days after flooding from Hurricane Harvey, an EPA official said.

The EPA sent Arkema a letter asking for information that would help the agency determine whether the plant had followed chemical accident prevention rules and other parts of the Clean Air Act, according to a copy of the letter provided to Reuters by the EPA official, who did not want to be named.

Containers holding volatile organic chemicals ignited on Aug. 31, after flooding from Harvey knocked out power to the plant. Arkemas North America chief executive had warned there was no way to prevent them from igniting after the plants cooling systems shut and its workers evacuated.

We warned the public well in advance that fires would occur and of the danger of breathing the smoke from the fires at our site, Arkema spokeswoman Janet Smith said in an email to Reuters. We pleaded with the public, for their own safety, to respect the 1.5-mile evacuation zone imposed by the unified command well prior to any fire.

Smith said a number of government agencies were investigating the plant and the company was fully cooperating.

The Sept. 7 letter, from the EPAs Enforcement Division director, Cheryl Seager, said the company had 10 days after receiving it to comply with the agencys request. She said the EPA could use what it received in an administrative, civil or criminal action.

Containers at the plant, which each held around 500,000 pounds of organic peroxides, burned for days, leading the plants operators to evacuate the area around the plant and carry out a controlled burn of the remaining chemicals that had not yet ignited on their own.

Police and firefighters who responded to the fires are suing Arkema in a Texas county court, claiming negligence led to the fires and caused the first responders serious bodily injuries when they inhaled smoke.

The first responders filed their lawsuit the same day that Seager sent her letter.

We deeply regret that anyone suffered harm as a result of the havoc wreaked on our plant by Hurricane Harvey, the company said in a statement in response to the lawsuit.

The EPA is also testing areas around the plant for pollutants. It announced on Saturday it had not found any volatile chemicals in water runoff samples collected from the plant.

Reporting by Emily Flitter; Editing by Andrew Hay and Leslie Adler

Related:

Topics USA Texas Pollution Chemicals
As Florida residents return home after being evacuated by Hurricane Irma, the pressure is on the insurance industry to keep a bad situation regarding assignment of benefits abuse in the state from getting worse.

Florida regulators, carriers, industry trade groups and lawmakers are all echoing the same advice to policyholders: nows the time to contact your agent or insurer and file claims.

CFO Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier encourage Floridians to be prompt in notifying their insurance companies and cautious of repair deals that sound too good to be true, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation alerted consumers in a statement released Tuesday.

While Florida was spared the worst-case scenario by Hurricane Irma in terms of the storms strength, the state still suffered significant damage from wind and coastal flooding. Agents and carriers are just starting to deploy resources to affected areas, and stakeholders say timing will be of the essence as bad actors will be on the prowl for homeowners willing to assign to them the right to obtain insurance benefits to deal with damage to their homes.

All consumers need to be on alert as they recover from Irma for fraudulent schemes and assignment of benefit scams so they dont unknowingly sign away their rights, said Chris Gardner, chairman of Citizens board of governors. If unsure, agents are prepared to advise you and guide you through the claims process.

The assignment of benefits, or AOB, scams that the industry is warning against stem from certain contractors and attorneys cashing-in on homeowners who are dealing with a water loss, most commonly a burst pipe or roof leak. The bad actors, as they have been dubbed by the industry, use an AOB to acquire the homeowners insurance benefits, file inflated claims, and then pursue lawsuits against insurers when those claims are disputed or denied.

Because of Floridas one-way attorney fee statute, insurers are left footing the bill for the inflated claims and the attorney fees. Carriers across the state have seen an increase in litigation because of these inflated claims, but Citizens, the state-run insurer of last resort has borne the brunt of the abuse. It reported an average of 693 lawsuits per month between Jan. 2017 through July 2017. As of July 31, 2017, the company had 10,666 lawsuits pending  a 33 percent increase compared to the same time last year  with 93 percent of those lawsuits coming out of South Florida.

Escalation Concern

Many in the industry have worried that a significant catastrophe event will escalate the assignment of benefits abuse for Citizens and the private insurance market. Regulators arent wasting any time getting the word out to consumers to be wary of anyone asking them to assign benefits, and have sent out numerous communications and created an information site on how to file claims and an AOB Fact Sheet. OIR encouraged agents to use these resources to educate their clients.

Christopher Hackett, senior director for Personal Lines Policy for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), said agents will play an important role in informing policyholders about the risks associated with AOB.

Policyholders should understand they are relinquishing rights under their policy to a third party. A vast majority of insurance claims can be quickly and fairly settled without the involvement of a third party, he said. Third parties enter the picture for a reason  and it may not be the right reasons.

Jeff Grady, president of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA), said his group hadnt yet heard of the abuse occurring related to Irma, but he expects it wont be long as evacuees return to their homes, inspect damage and begin efforts to repair damage.

Most of the damage hes heard of so far is coastal flooding and some structure damage from wind.

That likely means many property losses will be uncovered [either] below the wind deductible or no flood coverage, he said.

Grady added that the early advisories from regulators are important in helping to stem fraud and abuse, and FAIA agents are doing their part to educate their customers.

The Florida Property & Casualty Association (FPCA), which represents Florida domestic companies, said it echoes the warnings and advice issued by Florida regulators regarding ways to avoid scams and fraudulent contractors.

The most important guidance our association has stressed is for homeowners to contact their agent and/or insurance company first, especially before signing anything. Agents should advise the same, said William Stander, FPCA executive director. Our members are ready to go and working diligently to handle claims and make customers whole again.

The Florida Chamber and the Consumer Protection Coalition, a group of stakeholders formed to fight AOB abuse, also encouraged agents to join the chorus of those educating Florida homeowners and auto owners so they know that they dont have to sign an AOB to get much needed repairs made.

Were working to protect Floridians from AOB scams, and the more Floridians know and are informed, the better we can protect them, said Florida Chamber of Commerces Vice President of Public Affairs Edie Ousley.

Ousley said agents can visit FightFraud.Today or FloridaChamber.com/Hurricane for more details on how they can help their clients.

Scott Johnson, president of consulting firm Johnson Strategies in Florida currently working with FAIA, said agents are making their way back to their own offices, executing their catastrophe plans, fielding calls, assisting with First Notice of Loss completion, explaining how deductibles work and explaining flood insurance.

He said FAIA has been advising agents to never recommend a vendor that uses an AOB, because most reputable vendors use an approach called direction to pay which eliminates the need for the homeowner to front money but does not usurp all of their rights and benefits.

There is always a water extraction firm, roofer, rebuild contractor available in every town in Florida that will do a good quality job, guarantee their work and not require an AOB be signed, Johnson said.

FAIA also entered into a partnership with a statewide water mitigation firm that doesnt use AOBs and is endorsed by carriers.

Hopefully agents are following FAIA advice in this regard and recommending [the firm] whenever theyre in doubt about what a carrier might prefer them to do, Johnson said.

Managed repair programs became a sore subject for some in the restoration industry early in the summer when Citizens announced it was seeking approval from Florida regulators for a $10,000 cap on non-weather-related water damages for clients who chose not to use a Citizens-approved contractor. They argue policyholders were being penalized for using their own contractors.

But the insurer said it was doing what it had to do to slow losses from AOB claims.

We cant sit back and do nothing while we dip deeper into reserves, said Citizens CEO Barry Gilway in an open letter to Insurance Journal in July. These new initiatives will allow us to be there for our customers when they need us most while helping to lower costs for all our policyholders and the people of Florida. The bottom line is that policyholders who Call Citizens First after a water loss can be assured prompt, hassle-free emergency services at no cost, and warrantied permanent repairs to get them quickly back on their feet.

OIR approved Citizens policy change request for the managed repair program on Aug. 15.*

*Correction: This story has been updated from an earlier version that incorrectly stated OIR had not yet approved Citizens policy change request. OIR approved the request on Aug. 15. Insurance Journal regrets the error.

Topics Carriers Florida Agencies Claims Flood Contractors Homeowners
A multi-car pileup on Interstate 55 in southern Mississippi has left two people dead.

Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesman Cpl. Brandon Fortenberry tells local media that seven vehicles, including an 18-wheel truck were involved in the Monday accident in McComb. He says several other people have been hospitalized.

Fortenberry declined to name the people who had died, saying officials were trying to notify their families.

Interstate 55 is under construction in part of the area, about 15 miles north of the Louisiana state line. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Auto Mississippi
The remnants of Hurricane Irma forced Atlantas international airport  the worlds busiest passenger airport  to cancel nearly 200 flights early Tuesday. The storm also claimed two lives in Georgia and two in South Carolina.

The flights canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport put the total number of interrupted trips there due to Irma at about 1,300, spokesman Andrew Gobeil said. The airport remained operational, with flights taking off and landing. However, some passengers were forced to spend the night at the airport. Gobeil said he didnt have the exact number.

Meteorologist Keith Stellman said Atlantas airport recorded sustained winds of 45 mph (72 kph) with gusts up to 64 mph (103 kph). The National Hurricane Center said it expected Irma to drop 5 inches to 8 inches (13 to 20 centimeters) of rain across South Carolina and the northern regions of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi through Tuesday.

Georgias Gov. Nathan Deal lifted a mandatory evacuation order for six coastal counties. The order allows local authorities to determine when residents may return home.

Deal called the storm unusual in that it affected the entire state, rather than being localized.

For that reason, Deal said, recovery could be a bit slower.

This is a different kind of natural disaster. We have not had one like this in the state of Georgia for a long time, Deal said in a news conference on Tuesday.

More than 1.2 million Georgia Power and Electric Membership Corp. customers were without power Tuesday morning. The utility companies said they would continue to assess damage as power is restored. The Alabama Power reported 20,000 outages mostly in eastern Alabama as the remnants of Irma toppled tree and power lines, but didnt cause major damage. The utilities said repairs could take several days.

In Atlanta, people nervously watched towering oak trees as the city, 250 miles inland, experienced its first tropical storm warning. Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority resumed full service Tuesday.

Weakened into a tropical depression after strafing the Caribbean and Florida, Irma still had enough force when it swirled into Georgia to cause significant damage.

Heavy rain and strong winds caused flooding along the coast, downed power lines and sent trees crashing onto homes. Traffic flowed easily on normally jammed Atlanta highways.

In Georgia, a man in his 50s was killed just outside Atlanta when a tree fell on his house, Sandy Springs police Sgt. Sam Worsham said; a woman died when a tree fell on a vehicle in a private driveway, the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office said on its website.

Some 540,000 people were ordered to evacuate days earlier from Savannah and the rest of Georgias coast. Irma sent 4 feet of ocean water into downtown Charleston, South Carolina, as the storms center passed 250 miles (400 kilometers) away. City officials urged residents to stay off the streets.

Charles Saxon, 57, became South Carolinas first recorded death when he was struck by a tree limb while clearing debris outside his home in Calhoun Falls amid wind gusts of about 40 mph (64 kph), according to a statement from Abbeville County Coroner Ronnie Ashley. Another man was killed in a wreck on a wet and windy interstate as Irma moved past. Public Safety Director Leroy Smith said 21-year-old Zhen Tain died in the crash on Interstate 77 just east of Columbia.

Communities along Georgias coast were swamped by storm surge and rainfall arriving at high tide Monday afternoon. On Tybee Island east of Savannah, Holland Zellers was grabbing a kayak to reach his mother in a home near the beach.

In the street right now, the water is knee-to-waist deep, Zeller said.

Tybee Island City Manager Shawn Gillen said waters were receding quickly, but many of the 3,000 residents homes were flooded.

I dont think people who have lived here a long time have ever seen flooding this bad, Gillen said.

The tidal surge sent damaged boats rushing more than three blocks onto downtown streets in St. Marys, just north of the Georgia-Florida state line, St. Marys Police Lt. Shannon Brock said.

In Alabama, hotels remained full of evacuees, most coming from Florida. A convoy of 180 FEMA trucks carrying relief supplies began making its way to Florida.

___

Bynum reported from Savannah. Associated Press reporters Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia; Seanna Adcox in Columbia, South Carolina; and Kate Brumback and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this story.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida Flood Aviation Georgia Alabama South Carolina
Aid rushed in to hurricane-scarred Florida early Tuesday as officials pieced together the scope of Irmas destructive path and displaced residents awaited word on hard-hit areas including the Florida Keys.

It was difficult to get detailed information on the condition of island chain where Irma first came ashore over the weekend because communication and access were all but cut off by the storms arrival as a Category 4 hurricane.

But after flying over the Keys Monday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott gave this assessment: Its devastating.

Authorities were letting residents and business owners to return to Upper Keys islands close to the mainland Tuesday morning, but people from the Lower Keys faced a longer wait.

Elsewhere, areas such as Tampa Bay had braced for the worst but emerged with what appeared to be only modest damage. Early Tuesday, the remnants of Irma were blowing through Alabama and Mississippi after drenching Georgia.

A Navy aircraft carrier was due to anchor off Key West to help in search-and-rescue efforts. Drinking water supplies in the Keys were cut off, fuel was running low and all three hospitals in the island chain were shuttered. The governor described overturned mobile homes, washed-ashore boats and rampant flood damage.

Key West resident Laura Keeney waited in a Miami hotel until it was safe to return home, and she was anxious to hear more about her apartment complex. Her building manager told her there was flooding there, but further updates were hard to come by because power and cell phone service have been down on the island.

They told me there is definitely water in the downstairs apartment, which is me, said Keeney, who works as a concierge at the Hyatt in Key West.

A stunning 13 million Florida residents were without electricity  two-thirds of the third-largest states residents  as tropical heat returned across the peninsula following the storm. In a parting blow to the state, the storm caused record flooding in the Jacksonville area that forced dozens of rescues. It also caused flooding and outages in Georgia and South Carolina as it moved inland Monday.

Six deaths in Florida have been blamed on Irma, along with three in Georgia and one in South Carolina. At least 35 people were killed in the Caribbean.

A tornado spun off by Irma was reported on the Georgia coast Monday, and firefighters inland had to rescue several people after trees fell on their homes. A tropical storm warning was issued for the first time ever in Atlanta, and school was canceled in communities around the state. More than 1.5 million customers were without power Monday night in Georgia.

More than 180,000 people huddled in shelters in the Sunshine State and officials warned it could take weeks for electricity to be restored to everyone.

The governor said it was way too early to put a dollar estimate on the damage.

During its march up Floridas west coast, Irma swamped homes, uprooted trees and flooded streets.

Around the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, where Irma rolled through early Monday, damage appeared modest. And the governor said damage on the southwest coast, including in Naples and Fort Myers, was not as bad as feared.

Still, Scott predicted that recovery could take a long time in many areas.

I know for our entire state, especially the Keys, its going to be a long road, he said.

He said the Navy dispatched the USS Iwo Jima, USS New York and the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln to help with relief efforts.

The Keys are linked by 42 bridges that have to be checked for safety before motorists can be allowed in, officials said. The governor said the route also needs to be cleared of debris and sand, but should be usable fairly quickly.

In the Jacksonville area, close to the Georgia line, storm surge brought some of the worst flooding ever seen there, with at least 46 people pulled from swamped homes.

The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office warned residents along the St. Johns River to Get out NOW on Monday as floodwaters rose.

Paul Johnson and Shonda Brecheen spent Sunday night in a house theyre remodeling in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville after working late on a remodeling project. Jonhson woke up Monday morning, looked out the window and saw boats passing by where cars used to drive in the neighborhood near the river.

The managed to push his truck through standing water to a nearby parking lot to dry out, but hes worried about damage to the swamped vehicle.

Im 32, Ive lived here most of my life, and Ive never seen anything like that, he said.

___

Ferguson reported from Jacksonville. Associated Press writers Seth Borenstein in Washington; Terry Spencer in Palm Beach County; Gary Fineout and Joe Reedy in Tallahassee; Jay Reeves in Immokalee; Terrance Harris and Claire Galofaro in Orlando; and Jason Dearen, Freida Frisaro, Curt Anderson and David Fischer in Miami contributed to this report.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida Flood Georgia
CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Co. announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire California-based workers compensation carrier Pacific Compensation Insurance Co. from Alleghany Insurance Holdings LLC for $150 million in cash.

The combined book of underwriting business for the two companies will represent roughly $400 million in premium and a combined asset base of nearly $4.1 billion, with $1.5 billion in policyholder surplus, according to CopperPoint.

PacificComp will continue to operate under its current name as part of the broader CopperPoint family of companies. Terms of the deal include the purchase of adverse development reinsurance cover on PacificComps pre-acquisition claims. The transaction is expected to close at the end of the year subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory review and approvals.

Phoenix, Ariz.-based CopperPoint provides workers comp insurance to more than 12,000 businesses. CopperPoint was privatized and converted to a mutual insurance company in 2013.

PacificComp provides workers comp insurance coverage exclusively through independent insurance brokers for California companies.

Alleghany Insurance Holdings is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alleghany Corp., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions California Workers' Compensation Talent
The largest gas storage facility in the West halted using a third of the wells pumping methane underground at high pressure just weeks after it resumed operations following a blowout that crippled it for nearly two years.

Southern California Gas Co. said it notified state regulators last month that 13 of 39 injection wells at Aliso Canyon were shut down after detecting a pressure buildup.

State regulators and the company said there were no risks to public health or safety and no release of gas into the atmosphere. But the revelation raises questions about how such a problem could crop up so soon after SoCalGas upgraded equipment, passed rigorous tests and began operating under stricter rules at the aging facility.

The state Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources said the real-time pressure readings that were required after the October 2015 blowout had led to a prompt response by SoCalGas that showed new safety requirements worked.

But Anneliese Anderle, a former inspector and supervisor at the state oil and gas division, called it an incredible failure that indicated a systemic problem.

Its a very high failure rate when you wouldnt expect any, said Anderle, who has consulted for a law firm suing the gas company. Its really an incredible number. Each of the 39 wells had gone through a lot of study and remediation. These were the 39 out of 114 that were their best.  Its not good.

SoCalGas resumed pumping gas July 31 into deep underground caverns that once contained oil in the Aliso Canyon field that sits atop a mountain overlooking the San Fernando Valley on the outskirts of Los Angeles.

The field was knocked out of commission when a blowout lasting nearly four months released the largest-known amount of methane in the nations history and drove thousands of families from their homes.

Many residents complained of ailments ranging from headaches and rashes to nosebleeds and nausea.

The cause of the blowout has not been determined, though a state engineer said it happened 895 feet below ground in a well more than 60 years old.

The pressure anomalies reported by the company in late August were discovered between a pipe used to inject the gas and a protective steel casing that surrounds it.

The state said pressure in that space increased to 700 pounds per square inch, which is a fifth of what it is tested to. The state said the reason for the pressure changes was that seals known as packers need to be readjusted.

Two of the wells shut down last month have since been repaired and put back in service, the state said.

SoCalGas spokesman Chris Gilbride said the other wells wont resume operating until the problem is identified and addressed.

Many of the residents who lived peacefully near the facility before the blowout want to see it permanently shuttered, though state and utility officials say it is needed to provide gas for home heating, cooking and to fuel gas-fired power plants.

Activists who want it shut down seized on the latest development to further their cause.

This strongly reinforces what we and community leaders have said repeatedly, which is that Aliso Canyon will never be safe and needs to be immediately closed, said Alexandra Nagy of Food & Water Watch.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California
Per cui giustizia, saggezza e umanita domandano che venga arrestata la corsa agli armamenti, si riducano simultaneamente e reciprocamente gli armamenti gia esistenti, si mettano al bando le armi nucleari. Cosi recita lenciclica Pacem in Terris, redatta da Giovanni XXIII nel 1963, in piena guerra fredda e con la minaccia che si scatenasse un conflitto con armi atomiche su scala globale.

Patrono dellEsercito italiano

Quelle parole profetiche hanno reso Papa Roncalli unicona di pace, universalmente riconosciuta. E per questo che in molti ritengono un controsenso che da oggi il Papa buono venga ricordato come patrono dellEsercito Italiano. E stato lordinario militare per lItalia, larcivescovo Santo Marciano, a consegnare ieri al Capo di Stato maggiore dellEsercito, il generale Danilo Errico, la bolla pontificia relativa al decreto della Congregazione per il culto divino.

Le ragioni

La scelta trae origine dal fatto che don Roncalli, oltre ad aver prestato il servizio di leva nel 1901, al tempo della Grande Guerra era tenente della Sanita e cappellano militare. Don Ezio Bolis, direttore della Fondazione Papa Giovanni XXIII, dalle pagine dellOsservatore Romano spiega che la decisione e motivata per il suo zelo, come cappellano militare, nel promuovere le virtu cristiane tra i soldati, il luminoso esempio di tutta la sua vita e il suo costante impegno in favore della pace.

Le perplessita dei vescovi

Ma non bastano queste ragioni ad arginare le polemiche, che si stanno abbattendo in particolare contro lordinariato militare italiano. Forse sarebbe stato meglio confrontarsi, come si e fatto in precedenti occasioni, allinterno della Conferenza episcopale italiana, commenta larcivescovo Giovanni Ricchiuti a nome di Pax Christi, come riporta Avvenire. Ma lo dico anche come semplice vescovo  aggiunge , e molti miei confratelli in queste ore mi stanno esprimendo la loro perplessita su questa scelta.

Bassetti ignaro

No comment da parte del card. Gualtiero Bassetti, presidente della Conferenza episcopale italiana, che sottolinea di esserne stato alloscuro fino ad oggi. E una questione in cui non voglio entrare perche purtroppo ne sono stato informato questa mattina e vedo che ci sono state delle polemiche  ha risposto ai giornalisti il porporato a margine della tre giorni del clero di Bologna a cui ha partecipato  ma voglio informarmi molto bene dalla Segreteria di Stato, dalla Congregazione per il culto divino; quindi non lascio dichiarazioni su questo punto.

La posizione della Comunita Papa Giovanni XXIII

La decisione ha provocato critiche anche allinterno dellassociazionismo cattolico. Sul tema e intervenuto Giovanni Paolo Ramonda, presidente della Comunita Papa Giovanni XXIII, fondata da don Oreste Benzi. Essa  rileva Ramonda  e sorta sul sogno di migliaia di giovani di donare la propria vita in una forma nonviolenta a servizio del Paese, nel bene comune e soprattutto nella condivisione con i piu poveri, scegliendo la possibilita del servizio civile e dellobiezione di coscienza alluso delle armi.

Magistero di pace

Ramonda spiega inoltre limportanza del Magistero di pace di Giovanni XXIII per la Comunita di cui e presidente. Tra le nostre fonti di ispirazione  afferma Ramonda  ce proprio il Magistero di pace di Papa Giovanni XXIII e il suo modo di operare sempre teso a favorire lincontro e non il conflitto. Famosa e la sua frase Insistete su cio che vi unisce piuttosto che su cio che vi divide, spesso citata dal nostro fondatore.

Patrono degli operatori di pace

Ramonda ritiene una forzatura farlo diventare patrono di un esercito. E aggiunge  a nome della Comunita Papa Giovanni XXIII  che ci sembrerebbe piu opportuno che il Papa Buono potesse essere patrono degli operatori di pace, a partire dai tanti giovani che svolgono con noi il servizio civile nelle zone di conflitto, per sanare le ferite e costruire ponti, come ha recentemente invitato a fare Papa Francesco.

Papa non va tirato per la mozzetta

In vista del Sinodo dellottobre 2018 sui giovani, Ramonda chiede inoltre che possa essere vagliata lipotesi di nominare Giovanni XIII patrono dei giovani. Lo riferisce a In Terris, e precisa inoltre che non si tratta di attaccare unistituzione, ma Papa Giovanni non puo essere tirato per la mozzetta, e un patrono universale. Con tutto il rispetto, lesercito e funzionale alla sopravvivenza degli armamenti e al loro uso. Dunque stona alquanto che il Pontefice della Pacem in Terris ne divenga il patrono.

Ramonda conclude quindi con una supplica al Cielo: Preghiamo che il Signore illumini i cuori per una scelta che tenga conto del sentire dellintero popolo di Dio.

Castagnetti: Scelta assurda

Il primo ad esprimere la sua contrarieta sulla scelta di Giovanni XXIII patrono dellesercito era stato con un post di lunedi scorso Pierluigi Castagnetti, ultimo segretario del Partito Popolare Italiano che su Facebook ha definito la scelta una cosa semplicemente assurda.

Che bisogno ci sia di designare un patrono dellesercito italiano non si capisce proprio  continua -. Ma se proprio fosse necessario  sostiene Castagnetti  mi chiedo perche questa scelta. E il Papa della Pacem in Terris. Si vuole associare allesercito un patrono che sia segno di contraddizione con la sua funzione istituzionale o si vuole contenere lo spessore profetico di un Papa la cui memoria nella coscienza di tutti e vissuta come il simbolo della bonta e della pace? Ma Papa Francesco ne e informato?.

Polemiche ricorrenti

Piu volte lordinariato militare italiano era stato investito da polemiche. Si tratta di quelle riguardo alla riforma dei cappellani militari, che dovrebbe prevedere la rinuncia ai gradi ed anche ai lauti stipendi che questa assegnazione comporta. Chissa che lintercessione dallalto del nuovo patrono non contribuisca a completare una riforma che, ad oggi, rimane incompiuta.
China is one of the most successful countries worldwide in greening the desert and has lessons to share with the world on curbing desertification, a senior United Nations official said.

UN Deputy Secretary General and the body's environmental agency UNEP Executive Director Erik Solheim said the main inspiration from China is not to see desertification as a problem, but an opportunity for job growth and poverty alleviation.

He made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua while attending the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP13) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

"What I really hope to see at this conference is China sharing its experience with the world," he said.

Solheim made reference to the Kubuqi Desert, China's seventh largest desert, which is located in the region. Covering an area of 18,600 square kilometers, it was once the source of frequent sandstorms hitting Beijing. Over the past three decades, one third of the desert has been greened and 102,000 people have been lifted out of poverty.

"In Kubuqi, they have provided jobs in solar energy, eco-tourism, and planting medicinal herbs. That's exactly what we need to do, to green the desert and get people out of poverty," he said.

A UNEP policy report said the core of the success in Kubuqi is its sustainable business model and the establishment of a system that incorporates policy instruments, investment from the private sector and active participation of locals.

Solheim said there are many positive examples from Xinjiang, Shaanxi, Gansu and other provincial-level regions

Countries along the Belt and Road launched a mechanism for cooperation to fight desertification on Sunday. Solheim said the Belt and Road Initiative is a way for China to share its desert greening experience with the world.

He said countries like Iran and others in central Asia and Africa can benefit from Chinese technology and know-how through cooperation.

About 1,400 delegates from 196 countries and regions and more than 20 international organizations attended the biennial conference. The main task of the session was to seek solutions for the UN sustainable goal of "achieving a land degradation neutral world by 2030" and to develop a new UNCCD strategy framework for the 2018-2030 period.
What Is Private Equity?

Private equity describes investment partnerships that buy and manage companies before selling them. Private equity firms operate these investment funds on behalf of institutional and accredited investors.

Private equity funds may acquire private companies or public ones in their entirety, or invest in such buyouts as part of a consortium. They typically do not hold stakes in companies that remain listed on a stock exchange.

Private equity is often grouped with venture capital and hedge funds as an alternative investment. Investors in this asset class are usually required to commit significant capital for years, which is why access to such investments is limited to institutions and individuals with high net worth.



Key Takeaways Private equity firms buy companies and overhaul them to earn a profit when the business is sold again.

Capital for the acquisitions comes from outside investors in the private equity funds the firms establish and manage, usually supplemented by debt.

The private equity industry has grown rapidly; it tends to be most popular when stock prices are high and interest rates low.

An acquisition by private equity can make a company more competitive or saddle it with unsustainable debt, depending on the private equity firm's skills and objectives.

Understanding Private Equity

In contrast with venture capital, most private equity firms and funds invest in mature companies rather than startups. They manage their portfolio companies to increase their worth or to extract value before exiting the investment years later.

The private equity industry has grown rapidly amid increased allocations to alternative investments and following private equity funds' relatively strong returns since 2000. In 2021, private equity buyouts totaled a record $1.1 trillion, doubling from 2020. Private equity investing tends to grow more lucrative and popular during periods when stock markets are riding high and interest rates are low, and less so when those cyclical factors turn less favorable.



Private equity firms raise client capital to launch private equity funds, and operate them as general partners, managing fund investments in exchange for fees and a share of profits above a preset minimum known as the hurdle rate.

Image by Sabrina Jiang A Investopedia 2020

Private equity funds have a finite term of 7 to 10 years, and the money invested in them isn't available for subsequent withdrawals. The funds do typically start to distribute profits to their investors after a number of years. The average holding period for a private equity portfolio company was about five years in 2021.

Several of the largest private equity firms are now publicly listed companies in the wake of the landmark initial public offering (IPO) by Blackstone Group Inc. (BX) in 2007. In addition to Blackstone, KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR), Carlyle Group Inc. (CG), and Apollo Global Management Inc. (APO) all have shares traded on U.S. exchanges. A number of smaller private equity firms have also gone public via IPOs, primarily in Europe.

2:10 Private Equity Fundamentals

Private Equity Specialties

Some private equity firms and funds specialize in a particular category of private-equity deals. While venture capital is often listed as a subset of private equity, its distinct function and skillset set it apart, and have given rise to dedicated venture capital firms that dominate their sector. Other private equity specialties include:

Distressed investing, specializing in struggling companies with critical financing needs

Growth equity, funding expanding companies beyond their startup phase

Sector specialists, with some private equity firms focusing solely on technology or energy deals, for example

Secondary buyouts, involving the sale of a company owned by one private-equity firm to another such firm

Carve-outs involving the purchase of corporate subsidiaries or units.



Private Equity Deal Types

The deals private equity firms make to buy and sell their portfolio companies can be divided into categories according to their circumstances.

The buyout remains a staple of private equity deals, involving the acquisition of an entire company, whether public, closely held or privately owned. Private equity investors acquiring an underperforming public company will often seek to cut costs, and may restructure its operations.

Another type of private equity acquisition is the carve-out, in which private equity investors buy a division of a larger company, typically a non-core business put up for sale by its parent corporation. Examples include Carlyle's acquisition of Tyco Fire & Security Services Korea Co. Ltd. from Tyco International Ltd. in 2014, and Francisco Partners' deal to acquire corporate training platform Litmos from German software giant SAP SE (SAP), announced in August 2022. Carve-outs tend to fetch lower valuation multiples than other private equity acquisitions, but can be more complex and riskier.

In a secondary buyout, a private equity firm buys a company from another private equity group rather than a listed company. Such deals were assumed to constitute a distress sale but have become more common amid increased specialization by private equity firms. For instance, one firm might buy a company to cut costs before selling it to another PE partnership seeking a platform for acquiring complementary businesses.



Other exit strategies for a private-equity investment include the sale of a portfolio company to one of its competitors as well as its IPO.

How Private Equity Creates Value

By the time a private equity firm acquires a company, it will already have a plan in place to increase the investment's worth. That could include dramatic cost cuts or a restructuring, steps the company's incumbent management may have been reluctant to take. Private equity owners with a limited time to add value before exiting an investment have more of an incentive to make major changes.

The private equity firm may also have special expertise the company's prior management lacked. It may help the company develop an e-commerce strategy, adopt new technology, or enter additional markets. A private-equity firm acquiring a company may bring in its own management team to pursue such initiatives or retain prior managers to execute an agreed-upon plan.

The acquired company can make operational and financial changes without the pressure of having to meet analysts' earnings estimates or to please its public shareholders every quarter. Ownership by private equity may allow management to take a longer-term view, unless that conflicts with the new owners' goal of making the biggest possible return on investment.

Making Money the Old-Fashioned Way With Debt

Industry surveys suggest operational improvements have become private equity managers' main focus and source of added value.



But debt remains an important contributor to private equity returns, even as the increase in fundraising has made leverage less essential. Debt used to finance an acquisition reduces the size of the equity commitment and increases the potential return on that investment accordingly, albeit with increased risk.

Private equity managers can also cause the acquired company to take on more debt to accelerate their returns through a dividend recapitalization, which funds a dividend distribution to the private equity owners with borrowed money.

Dividend recaps are controversial because they allow a private equity firm to extract value quickly while saddling the portfolio company with extra debt. On the other hand, the increased debt presumably lowers the company's valuation when it is sold again, while lenders must agree with the owners that the company will be able to manage the resulting debt load.

Why Private Equity Draws Criticism

Private equity firms have pushed back against the stereotype depicting them as strip miners of corporate assets, stressing their management expertise and examples of successful transformations of portfolio companies.

Many are touting their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards directing companies to mind the interests of stakeholders other than their owners.

Still, rapid changes that often follow a private equity buyout can often be difficult for a company's employees and the communities where it has operations.

Another frequent focus of controversy is the carried interest provision allowing private equity managers to be taxed at the lower capital gains tax rate on the bulk of their compensation. Legislative attempts to tax that compensation as income have met with repeated defeat, notably when this change was dropped from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.



How Are Private Equity Funds Managed? A private equity fund is managed by a general partner (GP), typically the private equity firm that established the fund. The GP makes all of the fund's management decisions. It also contributes 1% to 3% of the fund's capital to ensure it has skin in the game. In return, the GP earns a management fee often set at 2% of fund assets, and may be entitled to 20% of fund profits above a preset minimum as incentive compensation, known in private equity jargon as carried interest. Limited partners are clients of the private equity firm that invest in its fund; they have limited liability.

What Is the History of Private Equity Investments? In 1901, J.P. Morgan bought Carnegie Steel Corp. for $480 million and merged it with Federal Steel Company and National Tube to create U.S. Steel in one of the earliest corporate buyouts and one of the largest relative to the size of the market and the economy. In 1919, Henry Ford used mostly borrowed money to buy out his partners, who had sued when he slashed dividends to build a new auto plant. In 1989, KKR engineered what is still the largest leveraged buyout in history after adjusting for inflation, buying RJR Nabisco for $25 billion.

Are Private Equity Firms Regulated? While private equity funds are exempt from regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or the Securities Act of 1933, their managers remain subject to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 as well as the anti-fraud provisions of federal securities laws. In February 2022, the SEC proposed extensive new reporting and client disclosure requirements for private fund advisers including private equity fund managers. The new rules would require private fund advisers registered with the SEC to provide clients with quarterly statements detailing fund performance, fees, and expenses, and to obtain annual fund audits. All fund advisors would be barred from providing preferential terms for one client in an investment vehicle without disclosing this to the other investors in the same fund.

The Bottom Line

For a large enough company, no form of ownership is free of the conflicts of interests arising from the agency problem. Like managers of public companies, private equity firms can at times pursue self-interest at odds with those of other stakeholders, including limited partners. Still, most private equity deals create value for the funds' investors, and many of them improve the acquired company. In a market economy, the owners of the company are entitled to choose the capital structure that works best for them, subject to sensible regulation.
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The Government is to cap rental deposits at one months rent and has vowed to crack down on landlords in rent pressure zones who take advantage of tenants, writes Elaine Loughlin and Daniel McConnell.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy is due to announce a list of reforms to help struggling renters next week, but will discuss the overhauls with his Cabinet colleagues today.

Mr Murphy is eager to close the loopholes being abused by landlords in rent pressure zones and is expected to announce changes in the coming weeks.

The plans include a cap on the amount a landlord can demand as a deposit to the equivalent of one months rent.

It comes after it was reported that the countrys largest private landlord, Irish Residential Properties Reit (Ires Reit), has been asking for two months rent as a deposit.

Daft.ie now puts the national average rent at 1,159 per month, meaning a tenant could be charged a 2,318 deposit on top of their first month of rent before moving into a property.

Mr Murphy also wants to stop landlords from taking advantage of loopholes in legislation around rent pressure sones.

Annual rent increases have been limited to 4% in identified rent pressure zones such as parts of Dublin and Cork in a bid to ease the soaring cost of leasing a house. Under the legislation, landlords cannot increase rents for two years.

Threshold, which represents private sector tenants, has claimed landlords are now using minor refurbishments as an excuse to evict tenants and hike prices. Landlords in rent pressure zones are entitled to increase the rent if the property is significantly upgraded.

Launching it pre-budget submission, Threshold chairwoman Aideen Hayden claimed the practice is an incredibly sneaky way of getting around rent rules.

We have an example in Cork of a client who came to us, said Ms Hayden. The landlord put down new carpets and painted the house, and then asked for a 30% rent increase.

It is understood officials in the Department of Housing are working on ways to close these loopholes.

Mr Murphy will also bring a memo on the measures around housing and homelessness announced last week which include a funding shift toward direct building of social housing by local authorities instead of acquisitions from the private sector.

It comes as the latest Central Bank statistics reveal that one in 10 homeowners are behind with mortgage repayments. The report also shows the extent to which vulture funds have taken hold in the property market  with non-bank entities now holding 48,199 mortgage accounts in Ireland. One third of these are held by unregulated firms.

Meanwhile, the latest CSO figures show residential property prices have risen by 12.3% in the year to July.

The 12.3% increase compares with a rise of 7.1% during the same period last year.

Reacting to the figures, which show Dublin City saw the biggest jump in property prices at 13.6%, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said he would work closely with Mr Murphy on measures to solve the housing crisis ahead of the budget.

We are undertaking a review of the Rebuilding Ireland plan and we will look at any option open to Government which are affordable and which will increase the supply of housing, he said.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown had the most expensive house prices in the country at an average of 583,862, according to the CSO. The cheapest property prices are in Longford, where the cost of a home was 95,138.

Mr Donohoe ruled out Vat reductions for the construction sector as he said he does not believe it would improve supply.

I am not going to put large amounts of taxpayers money available to measures that I have no guarantee of delivery a return from and may not affect the price at all, said Mr Donohoe.

This story first appeared in the Irish Examiner.
Update 7.46pm: Two people are receiving medical attention after a DART train derailed in Dun Laoghaire earlier today.

"We have two people who are feeling unwell, and emergency services are with them at present," said Irish Rail spokesperson Jane Cregan.

Update 7.05pm: Irish Rail has said there has been no reports of injuries following a "low-speed" train derailment in Dublin today.

"The 16:45hrs DART service has experienced a low-speed derailment North of Dun Laoghaire at approximately 18:15," an Irish Rail statement read.

"There is no report of injuries to anyone onboard.

"Services are suspended between Lansdowne Road and Dun Laoghaire, until further notice. Dublin Bus are honouring rail tickets.

"Customers onboard this services and services that are currently between Dun Laoghaire and Lansdowne Road will be detrained and walked back to the nearest station by Iarnrod Eireann staff.

"Rosslare services will be bus transfers.

"Iarnrod Eireann, The Rail Accident Investigation Unit and the Commission for Rail Regulation will all be investigating this incident."

Update: Services remain suspended btwn Lansdowne Rd & Dun Laoghaire due to low speed train derailment. Dublin Bus are accepting rail tickets  Iarnrod Eireann (@IrishRail) September 13, 2017

Earlier:

A train has derailed in Dublin, it has emerged.

Irish Rail said that the "low speed" derailment occurred at Dun Laoghaire. As a result, services have been suspended for the time being.

There were passengers onboard at the time of the crash however it is not yet known if anyone has been injured.

Dublin Bus is accepting rail tickets. Bus transfers will operate for Rosslare services.

More as we get it.
A 29-year-old debut novelist has been shortlisted for this year's Man Booker Prize for a book she began writing on her mobile phone on her way to work.

British writer Fiona Mozley is up for one of the world's most prestigious literary prizes for Elmet, described by judges as "timeless in its epic mixture of violence and love".

She sits alongside heavyweights like Scottish author Ali Smith and Mohsin Hamid for this year's award.

Mozley began writing Elmet, set in the copses of Yorkshire, on a train from York, where she had been visiting family and where she grew up, to London, where she was going straight to work.

Elmet wrote the first chapter as the landscape of her native Yorkshire whizzed past the window.

The author previously said that she kept her writing secret from friends because it spurred her on.

"I did not want to set myself up for a fall, I didn't want to expect it to be published," the author, who has worked for a literary agency in London, previously told the Evening Standard.

"I thought, if I didn't tell my friends I was writing it I'd be more likely to finish. So I just got on with it."

The result, Elmet, has been described as a "forceful" and "tremendously potent" first novel, which is "also timely" on the "doomed resistance to the encouragement of an ever more faceless world".

Since the longlist was announced, Elmet's publisher, JM Originals, printed 13,000 copies but with the shortlist announcement it decided to make an additional 15,000.

Normally, titles on the JM Originals list have a print run of just 1,500.

Seen through the eyes of a child, Elmet is the story of a moody, philosophical bare-knuckle fighter who brings up his children "in defiance of social norms".

Heavyweight Arundhati Roy's second novel The Ministry Of Utmost Happiness - her first in 20 years - has not been shortlisted while British literary star Zadie Smith's Swing Time has also been dropped after making the longlist earlier this year.

Scottish author Smith has been shortlisted for the fourth time, this year for Autumn, a book "in part about Brexit".

Part of a quartet of books, it is the story of a dying man "whose country seems to have changed after the Brexit vote".

Judges said that it "deftly questions what it means to be displaced in one's own country" and is a "eulogy for lost time".

Half the authors on the shortlist - including the bookies' favourite to win, George Saunders for Lincoln In The Bardo - are US authors.

Lincoln In The Bardo focuses on a single night and actual historical event in the life of a "heartbroken" Abraham Lincoln, when he lays to rest his 11-year-old son in a Washington cemetery.

While readers "might expect a book set in graveyard" to "create a very dark world" the book was "a great expansive torrent of a novel", judges said.

Judges dismissed controversy over the number of US names on the list, saying that the shortlist - recently opened up to US writers - was "not about the nationality of the authors" but "what is the best book".

The other two US authors are Paul Auster for 4321, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and civil rights movement, and Emily Fridlund for History Of Wolves, which explores "the effects of neglectful parenting" and the repercussions of childhood isolation and loneliness and is set in "the austere wilds of Minnesota".

British-Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid completes the shortlist for Exit West, about the movement of large numbers of people across the globe in search of freedom and those "caught up literally and metaphorically in crossfire".

Judges said that while the topics were varied, many of the books tackled parenting.

The winner of the shortlist, which features three men and three women, will be announced on October 17.

The shortlist:
Director Brian Keegan said specific proposals in the review by economist Seamus Coffey for the Department of Finance on capital allowances for companies holding intellectual property in Ireland could lead to multinationals paying more tax.

Other recommendations in the report that touch on transfer pricing between companies could affect both foreign and Irish-owned companies by adding to the burden of paper work, said Mr Keegan.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said he welcomed Mr Coffeys findings that increases in corporation tax revenues were sustainable through 2020. Describing the report as a technical document, he said he would consult widely on the recommendations.

The report was commissioned by his predecessor, Michael Noonan, following the Governments decision to appeal the EU ruling that Apple repay the State 13bn in back taxes.

The 140-page report contains 18 recommendations, including measures to ensure the tax code does not favour individual taxpayers, as well as proposals for increased tax transparency.

On the report, Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone said that Ireland has taken concrete steps towards a better, fairer, and more transparent tax system.

The report was also commissioned following a period when multinationals faced scrutiny for their global tax affairs and Irelands tax regime and accounting arrangements, such as the double Irish, generated hostile media coverage across the world.

An initiative driven by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development subsequently led to multinationals rearranging their global tax affairs.

Multinationals transferred huge levels of intellectual property into Ireland, which helped increase the corporate tax base by billions of euro.

The jibe of leprechaun economics by a leading international economist came after the transfers artificially boosted the output of the Irish economy as measured by GDP.

The report recommends international transfer guidelines should be passed into Irish law and extended to non-trading income.

The rules could be applied to SMEs but only after taking into account the administrative burden on small firms.

It also calls for an adequately resourced body to ensure that Ireland protects its corporation tax base.

Chartered Accountants said: The Coffey report into corporation tax policy in Ireland was born of political necessity, but Government should be careful to use its recommendations to modernise the system, rather than as a justification to levy new taxes on business.

Ibec said the effects on SMEs must be carefully considered.

Fianna Fail finance spokesman Michael McGrath said Irelands tax regime must remain competitive. In addition to this, we must make sure it is sustainable in terms of our tax revenues and we must continue the progress made on tax transparency.

Christian Aid said Irelands rules on intellectual property in recent years has become a spectacular source of tax avoidance for multinational companies.
Chief executive Bob Etchingham warned that customers in the UK, an increasingly key market along with Ireland and the US, have become nervous because of Brexit.

Applegreen said it will continue to look at potential acquisitions in Ireland, the UK, and US, adding that an upturn in construction has been a boon to its foodcourt offering in the Republic, where it has a market share of around 15%.
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy is due to announce a list of reforms to help struggling renters next week, but will discuss the overhauls with his Cabinet colleagues today.

Mr Murphy is eager to close the loopholes being abused by landlords in rent pressure zones and is expected to announce changes in the coming weeks.

The plans include a cap on the amount a landlord can demand as a deposit to the equivalent of one months rent.

It comes after it was reported that the countrys largest private landlord, Irish Residential Properties Reit (Ires Reit), has been asking for two months rent as a deposit.

Daft.ie now puts the national average rent at 1,159 per month, meaning a tenant could be charged a 2,318 deposit on top of their first month of rent before moving into a property.

Mr Murphy also wants to stop landlords from taking advantage of loopholes in legislation around rent pressure sones.

Annual rent increases have been limited to 4% in identified rent pressure zones such as parts of Dublin and Cork in a bid to ease the soaring cost of leasing a house. Under the legislation, landlords cannot increase rents for two years.

Threshold, which represents private sector tenants, has claimed landlords are now using minor refurbishments as an excuse to evict tenants and hike prices. Landlords in rent pressure zones are entitled to increase the rent if the property is significantly upgraded.

Launching it pre-budget submission, Threshold chairwoman Aideen Hayden claimed the practice is an incredibly sneaky way of getting around rent rules.

We have an example in Cork of a client who came to us, said Ms Hayden. The landlord put down new carpets and painted the house, and then asked for a 30% rent increase.

It is understood officials in the Department of Housing are working on ways to close these loopholes.

Mr Murphy will also bring a memo on the measures around housing and homelessness announced last week which include a funding shift toward direct building of social housing by local authorities instead of acquisitions from the private sector.

It comes as the latest Central Bank statistics reveal that one in 10 homeowners are behind with mortgage repayments. The report also shows the extent to which vulture funds have taken hold in the property market  with non-bank entities now holding 48,199 mortgage accounts in Ireland. One third of these are held by unregulated firms.

Meanwhile, the latest CSO figures show residential property prices have risen by 12.3% in the year to July.

The 12.3% increase compares with a rise of 7.1% during the same period last year.

Reacting to the figures, which show Dublin City saw the biggest jump in property prices at 13.6%, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said he would work closely with Mr Murphy on measures to solve the housing crisis ahead of the budget.

We are undertaking a review of the Rebuilding Ireland plan and we will look at any option open to Government which are affordable and which will increase the supply of housing, he said.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown had the most expensive house prices in the country at an average of 583,862, according to the CSO. The cheapest property prices are in Longford, where the cost of a home was 95,138.

Mr Donohoe ruled out Vat reductions for the construction sector as he said he does not believe it would improve supply.

I am not going to put large amounts of taxpayers money available to measures that I have no guarantee of delivery a return from and may not affect the price at all, said Mr Donohoe.
The oversight means the electronic health record in the hospital and the electronic record held by family doctors cannot talk to each other  even though GPs and maternity hospitals operate a shared-care model for mums-to-be.

Sources told the Irish Examiner this digital gap had resulted in significant duplication, requiring double entry of information when resources are seriously overstretched, increasing the risk of human error.

It means information gathered during antenatal visits  for example, blood pressure, blood test, or urine test results  has to be entered both manually on a paper chart and electronically by staff working in both Cork University Maternity Hospital and University Hospital Kerry, where the new IT system, the Maternal and Newborn Clinical Management System (MN-CMS) has been rolled out.

The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), while supportive of system, has raised its concerns with Niall Sinnott, HSE delivery director for primary care IT programmes.

The group said that, before the MN-CMS was launched in Cork last year, ICGP representatives identified that there was no facility to communicate between GP records and the hospital system.

The ICGP received assurances that a resolution of this problem would be achieved within six months, and are critical of the ongoing delays.

Cork-based GP Frank Hill, who is involved with the College of General Practitioners at GP IT level, said it was only when the system was about to go live that GPs asked: How is this going to work?

There was an acceptance that you needed a form of linkage between the two systems  but it doesnt appear to have been in the spec, said Dr Hill. So now they have to go back and retrofit, which never works very well.

Conor OShea, ICGP national co-ordinator for the GP IT group, said while they believed a solution is in sight  testing is under way to make the two systems compatible  those driving the MN-CMS had acknowledged mid-launch the oversight wasnt their finest hour.

Dr Hill said the mistake was that the system was developed for maternity hospitals when it should have been developed for maternity services.

He said pregnant women should continue to bring paper charts to antenatal visits and make sure they were completed and this should work fine.

The Irish Examiner asked the HSE why the MN-CMS was launched with no facility to communicate with GP IT systems and who was responsible for the oversight.

A spokeswoman said the relevant contact was unavailable this week.
Mr Donohoe confirmed he gave the go-ahead to include the seven-month period she served as acting commissioner toward her pension, which pushed her over a crucial three-year mark enabling her to receive a full commissioners pension.

Mr Donohoe, speaking to reporters in Dublin, said he signed off on the pension deal  believed to involve a 300,000 tax-free lump sum and an annual pension of between 90,000 and 100,000  but that it was entirely consistent with existing policy.

He said he became aware of discussions between officials last week in relation to Ms OSullivans departure and he gave the OK to the deal last Friday.

I was made aware at the very end of last week that official discussions had been taking place with the Department of Justice in relation to her potential retirement. I became aware that she had retired on Sunday and she had handed in her formal notification to Justice Minister [Charlie] Flanagan, he said.

As part of that I became aware of and agreed to the proposal in relation to her pension and I believe it is an appropriate way of dealing with her pension as she was performing the duties of the Garda commissioner as acting commissioner.

Asked did he accept the charge that he approved what amounted to a sweetener to facilitate her departure, Mr Donohoe said he did not.

This was a decision that was made that was entirely consistent with how the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform handles the retirement of individuals who at times have been serving and leading organisations for a long period of time as she has. It was entirely consistent and I dealt with the Department of Justice on the matter. I had to make an agreement on the matter and I did.

Mr Flanagan is due to give an overview of Ms OSullivans departure and his subsequent discussions with the Policing Authority on how to find her replacement at the Cabinets meeting this morning.

However, asked if he will be raising how this appointment process will take place, how long it will take, and if it will include a potential salary hike to 300,000 to attract foreign applicants, a spokesperson for the minister refused to comment so as not to pre-empt further discussions with the Policing Authority.

The spokesperson also declined to say if Mr Flanagan will address reports that the Government agreed a deal to give Ms OSullivan her full pension in return for her leaving immediately at the weekend, saying there was no deal.

A spokesperson for the Independent Alliance, which has yet to meet since Ms OSullivans retirement, did not comment on the ongoing questions surrounding her departure.

It is understood that while Transport Minister Shane Ross and Disabilities Minister Finian McGrath are likely to raise the issues at Cabinet today, they are not opposed to the plans.

Mr Donohoe also said the HSE will not be receiving any additional monies to address a projected overspend of 300m, calling on it to manage the problem.

I expect the HSE Service Action Plan to be delivered because that money was made available to meet expectations set to me about services, he said. I expect any deficits to be managed and dealt with. All of this takes place at a time when our health services have never had more money.
American politics, with its dramatic turns and bitter twists, is front-page news most days and dominates conversations.

Everyone has an opinion on Donald Trump, the US president who appalls, shocks and provokes.

In an age of social media, 24-hour news and wall-to-wall coverage of American politics, every word, address and even gesture matters and is turned over.

Bob Schrum, once deemed the most important Democratic strategist in US politics says the clock is ticking on Trumps time in office. Mid-term elections will herald the beginning of his end.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, the political advisor, who also worked on election campaigns here, sets out why Hillary Clinton lost the White House race and why Trump won.

The celebrated speechwriter, who was a key speaker at this years Kennedy Summer School in New Ross explains why he thinks American politics evolves in cycles and why the current conservative wave sweeping the US will die out and Trump will be replaced.

You get this kind of reaction after a financial crisis, but you have to be careful about overstating things, he says.

Mr Schrum points to rallies in Boston last month, where a couple of hundred people promoted xenophobia and racism but where tens of thousands peaceful counter-protesters also turned up.

In many ways, this reaction that America is going to cut itself off from the world, that it is going to keep out refugees  all of that which is embodied in Trump  has spurred a lot of grassroots activity that moves in the opposite direction.

But I wouldnt over-read this [the situation]. I think there will be a big reaction in 2018 in the mid-term elections. I also think if the 2020 [US presidential] election happened now, for Trump, he would have a very difficult time getting elected.

There is all this noise about insularity on the ground and a conservative reaction, but in fact no major bill has passed [US] congress. The only thing that he has been able to do, and they are bad, is withdrawing from the Paris climate accord or using executive orders to hold back environmental protections.

Mr Schrum served as an advisor for many Democratic presidential campaigns contests, including for the late US Senator Edward Kennedy. He wrote the famous speech Mr Kennedy gave at the 1980 Democrat convention where he conceded to then-president Jimmy Carter, declaring that the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.

The advisor recalls how the Irish-American senator, who made a key intervention in the Norths peace process, was magnanimous and worked across the divides in the US senate.

He stood for the idea that in the United States that you have to advance economic and social justice together, you cant choose between one and the other, says Mr Schrum. He also stood for the idea that despite ideological differences, that it is possible to get things done.

So he was the liberal line of the Senate, was the conscience in many ways of the Democratic Party. We miss him in America today. There was no one who did what he was capable of doing and did all the time.

So how should politicians, not just in the US, reach out to voters?

You have to reach voters where they are, you cant tell them where they should be, he says. One of the worst errors that politicians make is to believe that they decide what the issues and campaigns were about because the voters decide what the issues are about.

That doesnt mean you cant inspire people and bring them to look at an issue that you have been thinking about. But it does mean that you cant just impose your plan, your idea on what the campaign should be about.

Mr Schrum believes this is partially where Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton went wrong during last years bitter race for the White House.

I think she lost the message battle, he says. She over-relied on data analytics where they took all the voter history, people in critical states. They created a computer programme, with simulation after simulation.

And she focused almost all of her advertising on criticising Trump. Only 9% of her ads ever mentioned jobs and the economy. Thats almost unheard of for a Democratic candidate.

So Trump went out and said he was going to fight for people. He spoke to disaffected folks who falsely blame their problems on trade and immigration. And he told them he was going to become president and he was going to be their voice, that he was going to engage in a trade war with China, crackdown on immigration and that coal and steel were going to come back.

Mr Schrum says Trump had a very effective message as a businessman who was going to fix the economy, especially so in Rust Belt states such as Michigan, Wisonsin, and Pennsylvania, while Clinton had a negative message and her mantra of stronger together was more a critique of Donald Trump than it was a sense of vision of what she would do as president.

I think that was a fundamental mistake, adds Mr Schrum.

Look at her advertising. [She said] Trump is a bum, he is unworthy, he is a misogynist, he is a racist, he says totally unacceptable things where people in areas for example outside Pittsburgh said maybe that is true about him but maybe hell do something about the fact that my job is gone.

Mr Schrum was also a strategist and senior advisor to the Kerry-Edwards 2004 presidential campaign and the Gore-Lieberman 2000 bid as well as a consultant for the Tony Blairs second-term campaign with Labour in 2001. So what makes a classic and influential political speech?

Authenticity, he says. The speech has to be true to who the candidate is, a capacity to talk in ways that connects with people.

So instead of just using abstract statistics, you discuss a problem in human terms, you picture it in human terms, and lastly, and not every candidate can do this, you need a capacity to inspire, to lift people up, to work their vision.

I think one test of greatness in an American presidency, people often dont talk about, is whether or not they enlarge that sense in ourselves, that they enlarge our conception of who we are as a country.

JFK did that, Ronald Reagan did that.

In those cases, their lever was words, they sent words into the battle for the American mind, the American spirit. The same thing is true anywhere in the rest of the world.

Bob Schrum was interviewed ahead of speaking at the Kennedy Summer School in New Ross, Co Wexford this month
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(File photo/Chinanews.com)

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China is in the middle of its biggest ever influx of foreign-educated graduates.

According to a survey released on Aug. 30 and jointly conducted by the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and two other state-level organs, more than 2.65 million people who had studied overseas had returned to China as of the end of 2016, 70 percent of whom returned after the 18th CPC National Congress in late 2012.

In 2016 alone, more than 432,000 foreign-educated Chinese had returned to the country, up 58.48 percent from that in 2012, according to a recent survey carried out among returnees by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), a major Chinese think tank.

While reuniting with family remains the main motive for most returnees, selected by 70.6 percent of those surveyed, favorable policies for overseas-educated students played a big part as well.

Another survey by China Youth Daily (CYD) showed that up to 71 percent agreed that their fellow returnees who chose to start businesses did benefit from the policies.

Zhang Shuhao, an entrepreneur who provides customized overseas journeys and a returnee himself, is among them.

"The benefits include special project incubators, funds, tax cuts, easier access to permanent residence in first-tier cities and others," he said. "From an entrepreneurial standpoint, they're quite appealing."

His words were backed by the numbers. For example, China has so far set up 350 industrial parks exclusively for the foreign-educated, where over 27,000 enterprises have settled.

Gu Zhijie, former researcher at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, is another beneficiary. In the summer of 2016, he received five million yuan (around 770,000 U.S. dollars) of support funds from east China's Zhejiang Province, and thus returned to China to start a business in photoelectric conversion materials.

"You can't get such favorable entrepreneurial conditions in Japan," he said.

According to Kuang Jianjiang, an educational secretary at the Embassy of China in Britain, the CPC Central Committee's growing emphasis on talent over the five years is the root cause to such an influx of returnees.

It was a similar case for returned job hunters.

"A lot of headhunting companies favor overseas graduates, especially for finance jobs," said Wang Yuxuan, a graduate of the University of Miami and a data analyst in Shanghai, who admitted that regardless of the policies, returnees do boast advantages in some cases.

The CCG survey showed that the top three advantages of overseas-educated graduates lie in their international perspective, foreign languages and cross-culture communication. Wang said factors such as career fairs and details including his dress code from life abroad are what helped him most in his career.

"They helped me a lot with my transition from campus to office," he said. "That was why I could get into form immediately after taking the job."

For some, however, both returnees and local governments could make improvements in work readiness.

According to the CCG survey, many overseas returnees saw their lack of adaptation to Chinese society and market environment as disadvantages in job hunting.

Their lack of knowledge about the employment situation and employers' demands back in China, as well as the lack of guidance in the direction of their careers also made the list.

"Some of them also miss the period for China's campus recruitment season," Wang added.

As a result, 59 percent of those surveyed would like a communication platform to be set up for young returnees.

Same goes for returned entrepreneurs. Lang Jing, secretary-general of a union of returned entrepreneurs, suggested local governments improve the service system for entrepreneurs, especially in targeted services and the protection of intellectual property.

"Despite the favorable policies, returnees should improve their own abilities, proactively learn more about the domestic environment and take advantage of the existing platforms," he continued.
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Kubuqi desert (file photo)

HOHHOT, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has praised China's work in greening one of its most formidable deserts.

More than 6,250 square kilometers of the Kubuqi desert has been reclaimed in the last 30 years, said a UNEP report.

Covering over 18,000 square kilometers, Kubuqi Desert lies in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Only 800 kilometers from Beijing, it used to be a significant source of dust storms in the capital.

The report, "Eco-Restoration and Wealth Creation," was released at the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on Monday. It is the first UNCCD report to specifically assess wealth created by desert restoration.

In the Kubuqi, 14.5 million tonnes of carbon was removed from the atmosphere, said the report. The project has created an estimated wealth of 24.4 billion yuan (3.7 billion U.S. dollars) in terms of water conservation, and the accumulated production of oxygen is 18.3 million tonnes, valued at 6.8 billion yuan.

Referring to the "Kubuqi model," UNEP executive director Erik Solheim said that instead of looking at desertification as a problem, it has been viewed as an opportunity for economic development and poverty alleviation.

Restored ecosystems increase biodiversity. It is estimated that the project had a value of 349 million yuan in biodiversity conservation.

In total, the Kubuqi project has created over 500 billion yuan, said the report. The project also took over 100,000 local people out of poverty and created over one million jobs.

The UNEP pointed to the "Kubuqi PPP (pubic-private partnerships) plus model" as the secret behind the success. Over nearly 30 years, a unique collaborative model for ecological restoration was built among "public, private, local community and international organizations."

The UN desertification conference opened on Wednesday and will last about two weeks. Its main task is to seek solutions for the UN sustainable goal of a "land degradation neural world by 2030" and to develop a new strategy for the 2018-2030 period.

About 1,400 delegates from 196 parties and more than 20 international organizations are attending.

The successes in the Kubuqi are a good example of the progress that China has made against desertification. Liu Dongsheng, deputy head of the State Forestry Administration, said desert was expanding at a rate of 10,400 square kilometers per year at the end of the last century, but is now shrinking by 2,424 square kilometers each year.

"China plans to reforest 50 percent of the desertified land that can be treated by 2020, and the rest by 2050," Liu said.

Pradeep Monga, deputy executive of the UNCCD, said the restoration of the Kubuqi showed the great efforts made by the Chinese people, businesses and government.
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A group of local Salvation Army officers helped with the relief effort Tuesday in Charleston, S.C., before they travel today to northeastern Florida to assist the storm victims there.

The officers will accompany a convoy of mobile canteens and support vehicles from the Carolinas, and travel to Starke, Fla,, said Bob Campbell, a spokesman for the Salvation Army for Greater Winston-Salem.

The Salvation Army mobile canteens can provide 1,500 meals a day to the storms survivors, Campbell said.

Maj. Stan Colbert, the area commander of the local Salvation Army chapter, said he was in Charleston on Tuesday. Maj. Syung Young Lee and Capt. Alan Gonzalez, both of the local chapter, traveled Tuesday to Charleston, Campbell said.

Another officer will join that group, Colbert said.

Ordained pastors will provide emotional and spiritual support to the survivors and first responders who have lived through a traumatic period, Colbert said.

The mobile canteens gathered in North Charleston on Tuesday to prepare for their trip to Starke, which is about an hours drive from Jacksonville, Colbert said.

We are loading thousands and thousands of pounds of food and water for the trip to Starke, Colbert said.

The storm caused tidal surges Monday throughout coastal South Carolina with heavy rain and flooding that put large sections of the Lowcountry in the Charleston area under water.

Many sections of Charleston historic neighborhoods were flooded with hip-deep water.

Charleston is recovering from the storm as the water recedes, Colbert said. Most of its businesses will reopen today and its school district will hold classes today, he said.

In Jacksonville, Irma brought storm surge and extensive flooding to that citys streets and neighborhoods, forcing many of its residents into shelters. Widespread power outages plague both cities, according to news reports.

Jacksonville had 143,502 power outages Tuesday while Charleston had 14,249 outages.

No deaths were reported in either city.

Jacksonville residents are slowly recovering from the storm, but the number of remaining flooded areas there has prompted the Salvation Army to stage its relief operation in Starke rather than in Jacksonville, Colbert said.

We will be sent everywhere there is a need in the state of Florida, he said.

We can sleep on the ground if necessary.

Colbert stressed that the Salvation Armys trip to Florida is part its spiritual mission.

Its a practical way to share Gods love to people who are hurting, he said. We feed them, and we pray with them. We are trying to comfort people who may have lost everything.
CHARLOTTE  The frenzy that hit Confederate memorials for their ties to slavery is apparently working its way back to the American Revolution.

Confusion reigned at a recent meeting of the Cumberland County Schools board in Fayetteville,when Superintendent Tim Kinlaw apologized for canceling an environmental program because the mascot is a Revolutionary War hero who owned slaves.

The hero in question  the Marquis de Lafayette  is the namesake of Fayetteville. He is credited with co-writing the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen with Thomas Jefferson.

The Fayetteville Observer reports the Cumberland County school board likely will reconsider sponsoring the environmental program, after historians noted Lafayette was an abolitionist who bought slaves with the intent to free them. Kinlaw told media outlets that he canceled the program because of sensitivity to issues concerning slavery.

It appears that by trying to be sensitive to part of the community, I was insensitive to another part, Kinlaw was quoted saying in the Fayetteville Observer.

Kinlaw told local media he got calls from some community members concerned that Lafayette would be offensive to some people in Fayetteville.

School board Chairman Greg West told the Fayetteville Observer after the meeting that the board likely will discuss the program at an upcoming committee meeting. A schools spokesperson did not return a call from the Charlotte Observer.

Lafayette was to be the mascot of a Flip-Tap-Stack program on Wednesday, to encourage school children to empty trash from their disposable cafeteria trays into trash cans and to stack the trays for disposal.
This year's Nov. 8 election didn't present any unforeseen outcomes, at least as it pertains to Dorchester County Council races. However, the competition between Republican Rita May Ranck and Democrat Carlisle Harrison was one of the more thrilling ones in the State, as the latter temporarily Read moreNewly elected Councilmember Rita May Ranck ready to 'work' and 'listen'
[JURIST] The House of Representatives [government website] on Tuesday passed a joint resolution [text], now awaiting President Donald Trumps signature, which condemns both the recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the hate groups involved. The bipartisan joint resolution, which was approved [CNN report] by the Senate on the previous day, acknowledges those affected by the mid-August events and explicitly rejects white nationalists, white supremacists, the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis, and other hate groups. The resolution further labels the events a domestic terror attack and calls on Trump to condemn and address forms of hate. It also calls on Attorney General Jeff Sessions [official website] and federal agencies to properly investigate hate groups and report on hate crimes. The joint resolution follows Trumps controversial response to the Charlottesville violence, which did not place blame solely on any involved group and referred to some white nationalists as very fine people. While the joint resolution now heads to Trump for signature, the White House has yet to comment on the matter.

The Unite the Right rally took place in mid-August to protest the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from the recently renamed Emancipation Park. The rally drew members of white nationalist groups who marched through the streets of Charlottesville Friday night carrying torches and chanting racist and anti-Semitic slogans. Counter-protesters clashed with these groups Saturday, and 34 were injured. In addition, two state troopers were killed Saturday when the helicopter they were using to monitor the protests crashed. On the following weekend, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced [JURIST report] a federal civil rights investigation into the events.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) [official website] announced [press release] on Tuesday that it will be not pursue charges against the six Baltimore police officers for the death of Freddie Gray, finding there was insufficient evidence prove beyond a reasonable doubt that officers willfully violated federal civil rights. The DOJ conducted an independent investigation into Grays death after Baltimore States Attorney criminal charges against the officers were dismissed. The DOJ determined that the requirements of the relevant criminal statute, 18 USC  242 [text], were not met, concluding that although Grays death is undeniably tragic, the evidence in this case is insufficient to meet these substantial evidentiary requirements  and for the reasons explained  this matter is not a prosecutable violation of the federal civil rights statutes. The DOJ further concluded that the officers had probable cause to arrest and search Gray after he made eye contact with one the officers and immediately fled in an area known for drug trafficking.

Grays arrest and death led to widespread protests and civil disorder in the city of Baltimore. In May 2015 the states attorney announced the indictment [JURIST report] of six police officers on charges including murder and manslaughter for his death, which took place while in police custody. After three acquittals, the charges were dropped [JURIST report] against the three remaining officers. Shortly after Grays death, Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] urged Baltimore police to exercise restraint [JURIST report] during protests, prioritize non-violent means and limit the use of force. Also in 2015, amidst national concern about police behavior, the DOJ announced a $20 million body camera grant [press release] program that includes training, technical assistance and evaluation to accompany $17 million for local law enforcement agencies to purchase body-worn cameras. Then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch said, Body-worn cameras hold tremendous promise for enhancing transparency, promoting accountability, and advancing public safety for law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.
[JURIST] The European Commission [official website] said [press release] Tuesday that Poland must address actions it has recently taken to undermine its own judicial system and the independence of Polish judges. In July the Polish Parliament [official website], under the control of the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) [party website, in Polish], approved a bill [JURIST report] that would allow the legislative body to appoint Supreme Court judges. In response, the EU initiated what is known as the infringement procedure [materials] against Poland. The infringement procedure empowers the European Commission to take legal action  against an EU country that fails to implement EU law. The Commission may refer the issue to the Court of Justice, which, in certain cases, can impose financial penalties. The European Commission has now initiated the second step of the procedure, which requires the Commission to send a formal request to the country in question to comply with EU law. The Polish government has yet to file a response to the European Commissions request. The EU has stated that if Poland does not address its recent attempt to reform its judicial system, the EU may pursue charges against the country in an attempt to have fines imposed on Poland.

PiS has drawn ire from those in the international community for threatening democracy in Poland. In August Polish President Andrzej Duda [official website] vetoed [JURIST report] two proposed laws that threaten to limit the judiciarys independence. The Polish Parliament is currently attempted to pass modified versions of both vetoed laws. In August 2016 Polish prosecutors began an investigation [JURIST report] into Constitutional Tribunal [official website] head, Andrzej Rzeplinski, to determine if he abused his power in preventing judges appointed by the ruling party to take part in decisions. In June of last year the European Commission issued a warning to Poland over the appointment of the three judges. The EU began examining Polands decision regarding the Constitutional Court [JURIST reports] in January 2016. That February the Polish government passed a controversial surveillance law [JURIST report] that grants the government [press release, Polish] greater access to digital data and broader use of surveillance for law enforcement. In December 2015 the leader of the European Parliament [official website] compared PiS rise to power in Poland to a coup [BBC report], leading to Parliament calling for an apology. PiS has rejected [DW report] criticisms that its policies are undermining democracy in Poland.
[JURIST] Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] reported [text] on Tuesday that five airstrikes launched by a Saudi-led coalition against Yemen in June amount to war crimes due to the indiscriminate killing of 26 children. In 2015, the coalition began unlawful airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen and violated numerous laws-of-war. More than 785 children were killed and 1,168 wounded in Yemen that year, and the UN had attributed 60 percent of those casualties to the coalition. The Saudi government had pledged to change its procedures and prevent further harm to civilians. According to HRW, however, civilians are still being harmed in the conflict and there has been no significant reduction in unlawful airstrikes. Regarding the five airstrikes in June, HRW made the following statement:

These attacks show that coalition promises to improve compliance with the laws of war have not resulted in significantly better protection for children. This underscores the need for the United Nations to immediately return the coalition to its annual list of shame for violations against children in armed conflict. The UN Human Rights Council should respond to continuing violations by the Saudi-led coalition, Houthi-Saleh forces, and other parties to the armed conflict by creating an independent, international investigation into abuses at its September session.

According to HRW, there should be no delay in beginning an international inquiry into the coalitions airstrikes. The coalitions Joint Investigation Assessment Team has yet to initiate any investigations.

The conflict in Yemen has resulted in thousands [JURIST report] of deaths since 2015, creating an ongoing concern for human rights. Last October, airstrikes led by the Saudi-led coalition killed [JURIST report] at least 90 prisoners and injured dozens more in the Zaydiyah district of the Red Sea port city of Hudaydah, Yemen. UN experts investigating [JURIST report] the October attack on a packed funeral hall in the Yemeni capital, which is currently under rebel control, accused the Saudi coalition last Thursday of violating international humanitarian law. Saudi Arabian led airstrikes on a funeral in Sanaa, Yemens capital, were [JURIST report] an apparent war crime, HRW said on the same day as it also called for a credible investigation.According to a report released in early October, the Obama administration conducted [JURIST report] a $1.3 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia last year despite warnings that such contribution to the countrys activities could implicate the US for war crimes
The council of Iraq [official web site] on Tuesday denied [official summary, Arabic] the referendum petition of Kurdistan to permit its independence. The council voted to keep Kurdistan in its region despite its ongoing tensions [JURIST op-ed] to maintain the regions stability.

The Council decided the following: Rejection of the referendum to be held within the borders of the Kurdistan region and beyond the borders of the province and in all the disputed territories, including Kirkuk and oblige the competent authorities to take the necessary to cancel it. The Iraqi government has the responsibility to maintain the unity of Iraq and to take all measures and decisions that guarantee the preservation of Iraqs unity. To oblige the federal government and the territorial government to begin serious dialogue to address outstanding issues under the constitution and the laws in force.

Additionally the council found the referendum vote violates the Iraqi constitution as it may threaten the peace and civil unity.

The tension between Iraq and Kurdistan have continued for years resulting in the referendum vote [NPR report]. In September the UN said [JURIST report] that civilians bear the brunt of the violence. Last August Human Rights Watch reported that Iraqi militias are recruiting children [JURIST report] from at least one civilian camp of displaced persons in the region of Kurdistan. Earlier in the same month the UN issued a report detailing the terrible atrocities [JURIST report] committed by IS against the Yazidi people and other ethnic and religious groups in Iraq.
[JURIST] A judge of the New Hampshire Superior Court [official court] on Tuesday blocked [order, PDF] SB 3 [materials], a New Hampshire law that would have potentially imposed a fine or potential jail time if voters did not submit proof of residence within 10 days of registering to vote. The bill, which was signed into law on July 10, applied to first-time voters who sought to register to vote 30 days before a scheduled election. Failing to provide the requisite proof could result in penalties of $5,000 and a year in prison. The court noted that these penalties would serve as a very serious deterrent on the right to vote, and if there is indeed a compelling need for them, the Court has yet to see it. While the court blocked these penalties from going into effect, the remainder of the bill, that is the proof of residency requirement, will take effect as intended.

Voting rights and how voters are grouped and counted has become and increasingly important issue over the past year. In June the US Supreme Court agreed [JURIST report] to hear a Wisconsin gerrymandering case. Earlier in June the Supreme Court affirmed [JURIST report] a lower court decision striking down a North Carolina state House and Senate redistricting effort as racial gerrymandering that disproportionately impacted black voters. In May the Supreme Court ruled [JURIST report] in Cooper v. Harris [SCOTUSblog materials] that North Carolinas redistricting of Districts 1 and 12 was unconstitutional because the state made no attempt to justify race-based districting there. In January the Department of Justice sued [JURIST report] Detroit suburbs over a potential Voting Rights Act violation regarding the ability of minorities to elect other minority members as council members. In April of last year the Supreme Court unanimously upheld [JURIST report] an Arizona commissions decisions regarding the redistricting of voting districts in the state.
The state of Ohio executed convicted killer Gary Otte Wednesday morning after the US Supreme Court [official website] denied [text, PDF] his request for a stay on Tuesday night. Otte was sentenced [AP report] to death in 1992 for the killing and robbing Robert Wasikowski and Sharon Kostura in Parma, Ohio. The Ohio Supreme Court [official website] had declined [text, PDF] to hear an appeal regarding the death sentence two hours before the scheduled execution time. Ohio Governor John Kasich [official website], also denied Otte clemency. Otte was the second person in Ohio to be executed by lethal injection this year. Prior difficulties in obtaining the lethal injection drugs resulted in a three-year delay in Ohio in which no executions had taken place.

Numerous states have switched to the three-drug protocol, which uses midazolam as a sedative before administering a second drug to paralyze and stop breathing and a third drug to stop the heart. In May the Delaware House of Representatives passed a bill [JURIST report] that would reinstate the death penalty. In February the US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio refused to lift [JURIST report] a preliminary injunction that delayed executions. In December the Mississippi Supreme Court allowed a challenge [JURIST report] to the use of the sedative. Also that month an inmate in Alabama coughed and struggled to breathe for 13 minutes [JURIST report] during the administration of midazolam, which death penalty opponents called an avoidable disaster. The US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Glossip v. Gross [SCOTUSblog materials] in 2015 that Oklahomas use of midazolam as part of its lethal injection protocol does not violate [JURIST report] the Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment [LII backgrounder].
In a one-sentence order [text, PDF] issued Tuesday afternoon, the US Supreme Court [official website] blocked a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals [official website] ruling in the matter of Trump v. Hawaii [opinion, PDF], thereby allowing the administrations travel ban to go into effect. The unsigned order from the court grants a request from the Trump administration to stay the decision of the Ninth Circuit as the case proceeds. The justices are expected to hear arguments [docket, PDF] related to the case on October 10.

The order comes a day after Justice Anthony Kennedy issued a temporary stay [JURIST report] of the Ninth Circuit Courts decision, in response to an emergency application [text, PDF] by the Justice Department.

Though claiming to serve the interest of national security, the travel ban has been widely criticized by organizations such as the ACLU and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project [advocacy websites] and has faced legal difficulties in court. The Trump administration policy restricts refugee and general travel from six predominantly-Muslim nations in the stated-interested of national security. Last month a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit questioned [JURIST report] the Justice Department lawyer representing the Trump administration in a hearing over the executive order restricting immigration from certain countries. In June the US District Court for the Western District of Washington [official website] denied in part [JURIST report] and granted in part a motion to dismiss a class action suit filed against President Donald Trump and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. In July, a federal judge expanded travel ban exemptions [JURIST report], though the Supreme Court later allowed the ban to apply to refugees [CNN report].
Last month marked a welcome trend in the Ukrainian conflict, with civilian deaths decreasing for the first time in three years, according to a report [text, PDF] released Tuesday by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) [official website]. The report attributes the reduced violence to the harvest ceasefire, which began in late June, while cautioning [press release] that the ceasefire never fully took hold, with hostilities suddenly flaring and then easing. In addition to updated statistics related to the conflict, which has claimed at least 2,803 lives to date, the report includes new allegations that some conflict-related detainees may be facing ill treatment, solitary confinement, and torture. The OHCHR says that one development compounding their concerns about the ongoing conflict is the detention of business people by governments on both sides of the conflict, on charges of financing terrorism, stemming from payments made as taxes to armed groups who control the area.

Russia and Ukraine have been in conflict since the annexation of Crimea [JURIST backgrounder] in March 2014. In July Amnesty International and Human Rights released the 56-page report detailing how Ukrainian government officials and Russia-backed separatists in Ukraine have subjected citizens to [JURIST report] prolonged, arbitrary detention, torture, or other forms of inhumane treatment, including refusing necessary medical attention. In July the Security Service of Ukraine accused [JURIST report] a cyber attack on Russia and the Kremlin. The SBU stated that the hackers behind the attack are the same as those who conducted an attack on the Ukrainian power grid in December 2016. In May an Austrian man was extradited from Poland to Austria to face war crimes charges [JURIST report] for allegedly killing civilians and surrendering troops while fighting for the Ukrainian army. A Ukrainian official said last January that the nation plans to sue Russia [JURIST report] in the International Court of Justice on claims of financing terrorism. In March 2015 the EU committed to stand by its policy of refusing to recognize Crimeas annexation [JURIST report].
Syria on Friday denied UN accusations that it was behind a sarin gas attack in April, saying the government does not use chemical weapons against its people.

On Wednesday, United Nations war crimes investigators said they had evidence Syrian government forces were behind a chemical attack using sarin gas on Khan Sheikhun in April that killed dozens.

"All evidence available leads the commission to conclude that there are reasonable grounds to believe Syrian forces dropped an aerial bomb dispersing sarin in Khan Sheikhun," a report by the UN Commission of Inquiry said.

In a letter to UN headquarters in Geneva, quoted by the official SANA news agency, the Damascus government denied the claim and said: "Syria has not and will not use toxic gases against its people because it does not have them."

Syria also accused the commission of "politicising" its work.

At least 87 people including more than 30 children died in the April 4 attack on Khan Sheikhun, a town in the opposition-held province of Idlib, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

The UN report gave a death toll of at least 83, a third of them children, and said nearly 300 were wounded in the attack.

Syria's government has constantly denied involvement in chemical attacks, saying it no longer possesses chemical weapons after a 2013 agreement under which it pledged to surrender them.

A fact-finding mission by the UN's chemical watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, concluded earlier this year that sarin was used in the Khan Sheikhun attack, but did not assign blame.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that the nuclear deal between world powers and Iran should be amended or canceled.

Speaking in Buenos Aires alongside Argentine President Mauricio Macri, Netanyahu said he wanted to correct the impression in recent media reports that Israel's position on the 2015 deal had softened.

"So let me take this opportunity and clarify. Our position is straightforward. This is a bad deal -- either fix it or cancel it. This is Israel's position."

Netanyahu has repeatedly taken aim at Iran since arriving in Argentina on Monday as the first sitting Israeli prime minister to visit Latin America.

He accused Tehran of operating "a terror machine that encompasses the entire world, operating terror cells in many continents, including Latin America."

"In the case of Iran, it's not only merely terror, it's also the quest for nuclear weapons that concerns us and should concern the entire international community."

In a veiled reference to the US and world powers' preoccupation with North Korea, he said: "We understand the danger of a rogue nation having atomic bombs."

Macri, who hosted Netanyahu at his Casa Rosada presidential palace, said the visit was "an important step" to improve commercial relations between their two countries.

As the Israeli government seeks partners and alliances, dozens of left-wing activists waving Palestinian flags protested Netanyahu's presence in Buenos Aires late Tuesday over his "bellicose and repressive policies" against the Palestinians.

- Business delegation -

Referring affectionately to Macri as "Mauricio, my friend," the Israeli leader said his visit marked the dawn of a new era -- "and not accidentally did we begin it here with you."

Netanyahu, who is accompanied by a 30-member delegation of Israeli business leaders, said Israel was an "innovation nation" eager to share opportunities with Argentina in agriculture, water, IT, cyber security and health.

The two presidents signed a series of agreements on social insurance, streamlining customs arrangements and police cooperation.

Macri also presented Netanyahu with some 140,000 historical documents and photographs from before and after World War II in digital form.

The documents will enable a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and crimes against humanity, Israel said.

On Monday, Netanyahu participated in a ceremony to remember victims of bomb attacks at the Israeli embassy in 1992, and at a Jewish community center in 1994.

The embassy attack killed 29 and injured 220, while the community center blast left 85 dead and 300 injured.

But some relatives of victims of the 1994 bombing refused an invitation to the event on Monday.

"Netanyahu did not come to commemorate the attack, but to increase business," said Diana Malamud, who heads a group called Active Memory.

"In these 23 years (since the bombing) Israel has been an observer, like any other country," and did not honestly help "search for the truth" behind the attack, she said.

During his stay in Buenos Aires, the Israeli premier was also to meet Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes, who traveled expressly to the Argentine capital for the meeting.

Following the two-day visit, Netanyahu will visit Colombia and Mexico before heading to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Two railway staff members who fell in love held their wedding ceremony on a high-speed train in northeastern Chinas Heilongjiang province on Sept. 9, China Daily reported.

The couple worked for the railways commuting between Harbin and Daqing in Heilongjiang. This time, they used Train No. D6907 as their wedding car, and their relatives and friends were invited to celebrate with the newlyweds.


American DJ duo The Chainsmokers have caused controversy online after cracking a racist joke with a Chinese reporter during a visit to China.

During a video interview at the Ultra Festival in Shanghai which the band originally posted on Twitter, a reporter asks band member Alex Pall if he brings his dog on tour with him.

Pall at first says his dog is badly behaved, before adding, Well I dont know if Id bring her to China.

Pall and fellow bandmate Andrew Taggart then start laughing, and laughter can be heard off camera, while the Chinese reporter looks at the camera in surprise.

The video, which has since been deleted from The Chainsmokers page, has been widely circulated online, prompting a slew of complaints.

On Twitter, @lushtae posted for the ppl who are confused the chainsmokers basically insinuated a racist remark abt asians eating dogs and laughed it off (sic).

While @szabts tweeted, soo how are the chainsmokers jus gonna be racist towards asians while they're in asia being interviewed by an asian interviewer in asia (sic).

The duo later tweeted an apology in which Pall said his comments came after reading reports about dogs being slaughtered in certain provinces in China.

He then added a link to the Stop Yulin Forever activist site, which aims to stop the controversial Yulin Dog Meat Festival which takes place every year in the southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

However, the apology didnt seem to convince many web users.

Right! Now they're making it a dog slaughtering issue when let's be honest, it was just a horrible racist joke, tweeted @lvyyaj92.

While @adoretoews posted, anyways this apology doesn't even sound genuine at all. keep it.

The controversy over The Chainsmokers joke comes two weeks after actress Chloe Bennet branded Hollywood racist after dropping her Chinese surname Wang immediately led to landing more roles.

She also spoke out in support of British actor Ed Skrein who recently withdrew from the movie Hellboy after discovering hed been cast to play an Asian character.
Chinas e-commerce giant Alibaba has recently launched the worlds first facial recognition payment technology at a KFC restaurant in Hangzhou, signifying that China has taken the lead in the commercial use of the technology, Workers Daily reported on Sept.13.

It takes approximately 10 seconds for a costumer to pay their bill using the facial recognition service, greatly increasing payment efficiency.

CNBC, Reuters, Yahoo News, and other Western media outlets praised China for taking the lead and putting the technology into commercial use.

Data shows that the market size of the facial recognition industry in China exceeded 1 billion RMB ($153.3 million) in 2016, and is estimated to reach 5.1 billion RMB by 2021.

However, many factors from the amount of light and to different angles influence the accuracy of the technology, so this mode of payment cannot be the only way for user authentication right now, said Liu Yunhuai, an expert at the third Research Institute of Chinas Ministry of Public Security.

In addition, the future of the payment service still depends on safety assessments by supervision departments, and the aided validation process limits its convenience, so it is difficult to promote the application of the technology widely, Li Junhui, a researcher at the China Institute of Political Science and Law, noted.

Despite various difficulties in promoting the service, Liu says that this mode of payment still has a bright future, as it is based on the data of users facial information and the application of artificial intelligence.
(file photo)

Freight trains have become an important link between China and European, Central Asian, and South Asian countries, as Lanzhou, capital city of northwest Chinas Gansu province, gears up to become an international trade and logistics center along the Belt and Road.

In 2015, thirty-eight freight trains set out from Lanzhou, and the number increased to 104 in 2016. By mid-July this year, the number of freight trains had surpassed the whole number of last year, said Xu Chunhua, director of Lanzhou International Trade and Logistic Park.

The park, planned in 2013 and put into use in 2016, was aimed at becoming an international logistics pivot under the Belt and Road Initiative and an important platform to open up the country westward.

Last year, the park handled 5 million tons of cargo worth $300 million in total. This year, the park plans to complete 8 million tons of cargo valued at $1 billion, Xie said.

The park has five core functions with a total investment of 10.5 billion yuan ($1.6 billion), said Luo Zhe, deputy director of the parks administrative committee. Other services, such as containers, special cargo, and bulk cargo have been formulated and put into operation, Luo added.

To date, more than 4,000 freight train journeys have been made between 28 Chinese cities and European and central Asian cities, and about 9 journeys are made per day, said Chang Ming, deputy director of the freight department under the Lanzhou Railway Bureau.

Lanzhou is the main junction of several railways and is a must-go spot linking Chinese cities with their European, Central Asian and South Asian counterparts, Chang pointed out.

In January 2016, the Gansu Government and the General Administration of Customs signed a memorandum on cooperation, agreeing to forge the Lanzhou Railway container center into a national station for China-Europe freight trains.

Under the framework of the Vision and Actions on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, China has opened several freight services between Gansu and European and Central Asian cities in recent years.

In August 2015, a freight train service between Hamburg, Germany, and Lanzhou opened. It takes about 15 days to travel the track to Hamburg, fifteen days less than travel by sea.

In 2016, the Lanzhou International Trade and Logistic Park launched international freight train services to Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Two to three journeys are made every week and 104 journeys have been made by 4,455 trains so far, delivering 103,000 tons of exports with a total value of $198 million.

Chinas freight train services have also connected Nepal and Pakistan, and radiated India, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries. Last year, 295 trains made 10 journeys between China and the South Asian countries, delivering over 10,000 tons of exports with a total value of $88.5 million.

Currently, Lanzhou is preparing to launch a second freight train service to South Asia. The new line will start from Lanzhou and travel through Kashgar in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the Gwadar Port of Pakistan.
The Disney-themed mooncakes launched by the Shanghai time-honored food brand Sunya gained wide popularity since they were launched on Wednesday for the upcoming Mid-autumn Festival, China News reported.
KEARNEY  Buffalo County property owners can expect to pay more taxes in 2018.

The Buffalo County Board of Commissioners approved the fiscal 2018 budget of about $47.55 million at its meeting Tuesday. According to Buffalo County documents on the Nebraska Auditors website, the proposed fiscal 2017 budget was about $49.38 million.

The 2017 budget was higher in part because of a higher net fund balance, according to Buffalo County Administrator Lynn Martin. The beginning net fund balance was about $10.6 million, compared to 2018s net fund balance of $9.88 million.

County department budgets were cut across the board by $3 million, Buffalo County Commissioner Sherry Morrow of Kearney said after Tuesdays meeting.

Morrow said the overall budget was increased by the maximum allowable spending lid of 2.5 percent. The board also approved an additional 1 percent emergency budget increase as allowed by law.

The additional funds will cover county employee salary and insurance increases, Morrow said.

Buffalo Countys tax levy, tax asking and property valuations have increased for 2018.

The increases are equivalent to an additional $57.67 tax cost for a $200,000 home.

The county tax levy was increased by 2.88 percent this year. The 2017 tax levy was 28.96 cents per $100 in valuation. The 2018 tax levy is set at 29.82 cents per $100 in valuation.

After the meeting, Martin said Buffalo Countys tax levy is well under Nebraskas maximum of 50 cents per $100 valuation.

The county tax asking has increased by about $1.35 million. The 2018 tax asking is about $18.29 million, up from the 2017 tax asking of about $16.94 million.

The countys property valuations went up about $283.69 million from about $5.85 billion in 2017 to $6.13 billion in 2018.

Because the property valuation in the county increased at a lower rate than the tax asking, Martin said the tax levy needed to be increased this year. The tax asking increase was necessary to meet the countys 2018 budget, according to Martin.

The 1,972 property valuation protests this year lowered the overall value of Buffalo County property valuations by about $66.92 million, according to Buffalo County Assessor Ethel Skinner. Property valuation protests last year totaled 2,566, which resulted in a reduction of total property valuations of about $82.63 million, according to a Kearney Hub report last year.

@erikadpritchard
KEARNEY  Updates on two projects west of Elm Creek to help reduce river depletions were the focus at the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program Governance Committee meeting Tuesday in Kearney.

Committee representatives from Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and the U.S. Department of Interior decided last fall to address water issues for threatened and endangered species habitat with several smaller projects than one big project that was in development.

The big project to construct two water-retiming reservoirs on the south side of the Platte River between Overton and Elm Creek was put on hold after it was determined to be too expensive. The goal of the J-2 project was to divert excess Platte flows, when available, through the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation Districts Phelps Canal and held for later releases to enhance river flows.

The alternatives are a broad-scale groundwater recharge project on Cottonwood Ranch, and installing slurry walls and a clay liner in a retired gravel pit to hold excess water for later releases.

An HDR Inc. engineering team led by Pat Engelbert described to the Governance Committee some pros and cons of using berm or dam construction for the recharge project.

The team recommended the berm design, which would initially create a 350-acre area holding water at 12 inches or less and cost around $3.3 million. Using a dam to create a 300-acre water-holding area would require more construction materials and cost an estimated $4 million.

The HDR team will have final designs and cost estimates on the berm design by the end of this year, while also working on required permits from state and federal agencies. If bids can be let by late March 2018, construction could start after spring migration season and the broad-scale project could be in use by mid-May to mid-June.

Water conveyance is the other part of the project, with options to pump in water with wells or use a pipeline to deliver surface water through the CNPPID system.

A proposed pipeline agreement between Central and the PRRIP was discussed at length Tuesday and tabled to address several questions raised.

PRRIP Executive Director Jerry Kenny said the proposed agreement, which would run through 2038, calls for the program to pay pipeline construction costs roughly estimated at $600,000-$800,000. CNPPID, which will own and operate the pipeline, would pay off the debt by not charging for water deliveries until the forgiven costs equal the payback amount.

The recharge water rate charged  $25 per acre-foot with an annual 2 percent increase  would be less than current rates for other projects in which Central diverts high river flows into its irrigation canals and Elwood Reservoir for groundwater recharge that eventually benefits the Platte River.

Kenny said the economics strongly favor the pipeline. The reasons include that wells require a power source while a pipeline would operate with gravity and a pipeline can capture high surface water flows more quickly.

CNPPID civil engineer Cory Steinke said the proposed pipeline could carry water at 60-65 cubic feet per second.

Kenny said the slurry wall project downstream of Cottonwood Ranch will have a wellfield.

The project will be on 60-80 acres at a sandpit owned by the Platte Program. It is being mined, but will be retired soon, he told the Hub.

Its hoped it can hold and later release to the river 2,000-3,000 acre-feet of water.

Design, permitting and construction will be more complicated for this project, Kenny said, which means construction might start in late 2018 or early 2019.

The Governance Committee was discussing selection of an engineering firm for the slurry wall project this morning.

Also on todays agenda was an update on a 2020-2032 extension of the programs first increment, rather than moving ahead on the second increment. While land habitat and other goals have been met, the water goals cannot be met by the end of 2019 when the first increment sunsets.

Kenny said work has started on a National Environmental Policy Act review required before extension approval can be sought from Congress. Governors of the three participating states also must sign off on an extension.

In other business Tuesday, the Governance Committee:

- Was told spending through 2017 on the J-2 project has been $5.14 million, but ongoing maintenance and monitoring costs will be near zero. The J-2 fund still has $15.33 million, mostly federal Bureau of Reclamation money, that will be held for possible use on the alternative projects.

- Approved renewing for two years the ongoing recharge agreements with CNPPID for water held in the Phelps Canal and Elwood Reservoir.

- Approved continuing a surface water leasing agreement in 2018, another full allocation year for CNPPID. Central customers can enroll up to 2,000 acres and receive a program payment of $220 per acre shifted from irrigated to dryland production. The unused water is credited to the environmental account held in Lake McConaughy.

Kenny said the project is establishing a water market in Nebraska and proving that water can be a commodity itself.
KEARNEY  Meeting habitat needs for threatened and endangered species, primarily in Nebraskas Central Platte River Valley, with a basinwide program will cost an estimated $421 million less than without the program.

George Oamek, an economist on the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program executive directors staff in Kearney, said Tuesday that complying with the federal Endangered Species Act will cost an estimated $700 million from 2007-2032 with the program. That compares to possible costs of $1.1 billion without it.

The U.S. Department of Interior, Colorado and Wyoming contribute cash funds to the Platte Program. Nebraskas share is the value of land habitat, water and other in-kind contributions.

There are a lot of assumptions that went into this, Oamek told the programs Governance Committee Tuesday, including guesswork about what would have happened that didnt happen.

The first 13-year phase of the program runs from 2007-2019 and work is in progress to extend it to 2032.

Oamek said that without the program, entities with federal licenses and leases faced onerous costs for ESA compliance on their own. That includes Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District and Nebraska Public Power District that have power plant operation licenses with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

For Nebraska, Oamek estimates costs of around $750 million without the program and $455 million with it. Thats a net benefit of approximately $300 million.

His report also considered studies of program benefits for targeted species. He found that habitat for piping plovers and least terns likely is better with the program. Whooping crane habitat also is likely better, Oamek said, but its more difficult to tie improvements to the program.

A related budget update by PRRIP Executive Director Jerry Kenny shows that program expenditures through budget year 2016 were $103.42 million. That compares to a total budgeted to date of $122.53 million.
HOLDREGE  A property tax levy of 2.7 cents per $100 valuation for fiscal 2018 was approved Tuesday by the Tri-Basin Natural Resources District board.

The levy was 3.9 cents for the fiscal 2017 budget.

At its Aug. 8 meeting, the board approved a $3,857,350 budget, including proposed spending and cash reserves. The property tax requirement of $1,473,708 compares to $2,018,983 for 2017, a drop of $545,275.

Tri-Basin General Manager John Thorburn said in August the property tax decline reflects a carryover of funds budgeted, but not used in 2017 for groundwater recharge projects. Reserve and sinking funds for other projects in progress have built up over the years and are adequate to allow them to proceed in 2018.

Also Tuesday, the board approved a two-year agreement with Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District to divert high Platte River flows for groundwater recharge that helps offset streamflow depletions.
KEARNEY  The University of Nebraska at Kearney has a long, successful history of bringing Japanese students to Kearney.

UNK entered its first student exchange partnership with Japans Sapporo University in 1983 and today has more than 20 similar agreements with Japanese institutions.

On Tuesday, UNK continued to strengthen its international ties when it signed a five-year agreement with Toyo University during the Midwest-U.S. Japan Association conference in Japan.

The new partnership includes student and faculty exchange between the two universities and focuses on areas such as research collaboration; joint seminars, guest lectures and workshops; sharing of academic materials, publications and information; and other educational programs.

Each year, three undergraduate students can enroll at UNK and Toyo, and get their tuition waived at both institutions.

This is another opportunity for our students to go abroad, grow their confidence and maturity, and experience personal development. Those are areas where our students really grow after pursuing these types of opportunities, said Ann Marie Park, assistant director of international education.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Gilbert Hinga and Satoshi Machida, professor of political science, represented UNK in Japan. A number of other Nebraska dignitaries also attended, among them Gov. Pete Ricketts, Sen. James Smith and George Behringer, honorary consul general of Japan in Omaha.

UNK has more than 500 international students from more than 50 countries, including 137 Japanese students. UNK offers an academic minor in Japanese, which requires 10 credit hours of introductory Japanese on the UNK campus and a year of studying abroad in Japan, said Park.

That is a major reason for the history of successful partnerships between UNK and Japanese universities, Park said.

Our goal is to bring more international students here, make them aware of UNK and hope they identify a pathway that makes our campus a potential site for them to study one or two semesters, Park said.

Toyo University is located in Tokyo, Japan, and consists of 11 graduate schools, one postgraduate law faculty, eleven undergraduate faculties and various research institutes, serving a student body of more than 30,000.

Recruiting international students to UNK is an important piece of our overall globalization strategy, said Dusty Newton, director of undergraduate recruitment and admissions. Students from all over the world have been coming to UNK for many years. Sapporo University in Japan was the first university that we developed a formal exchange relationship with, and Japanese students have been coming to study at UNK for nearly 40 years.
(Xinhua) 17:49, September 13, 2017

CHENGDU, China, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang on Wednesday called on countries to help unleash the potential in tourism growth in developing countries.

Wang made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 22nd session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan and the economic center of western China.

Wang said China will continue to support tourism development in developing countries while urging rich nations to help developing countries reach balanced development in global tourism.

The Chinese vice premier also said China is ready to align the Belt and Road Initiative with related plans in developing countries to help promote local tourism, which he said has been a bottleneck to their tourism development. The China-proposed Initiative aims to build infrastructure and trade networks along ancient trade routes in a bid to spur economic growth in participating countries.

More than 1,000 delegates, including tourism ministers from more than 130 countries attended the opening ceremony. Of the tourism ministers, 36 are from Africa. "Africa is an increasingly important force in the global tourism market. The continent is rich in cultural resources," Abdoulaya Ndiaye, assistant to UNWTO official responsible for Africa, told Xinhua.

In a congratulatory message read by Wang at the opening ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping wished the biennial UNWTO event a great success, and stressed that tourism is an "important channel" for mutual learning and cultural exchanges between countries as well as an "important industry" for promoting growth, creating jobs and improving people's livelihoods.

UNWTO chief Taleb Rifai said at the opening ceremony that countries should use tourism as an opportunity to address global challenges in order to enable the sector to contribute more to global growth and peace.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed in a congratulatory message the hope that the tourism conference, held during the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, will "chart the sector's course in helping to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

On Wednesday, tourism ministers also discussed issues related to sustainable development and the role of tourism at an open-door session. In addition, ministers from countries along the Belt and Road met and discussed enhancing cooperation in tourism development.

UNWTO has currently more than 150 members. The Madrid-based organization will also produce its next secretary general at the global tourism gathering that will last through Sept. 16. The last session of UNWTO general assembly was held in Medellin, Colombia.
The aftermath of the 1917 Halifax ship explosion is shown in a file photo. A fresh generation of children's books is finding the grace notes in Halifax's worst moment, a massive explosion that levelled much of the city 100 years ago but inspired acts of kindness that still resonate. THE CANADIAN PRESS/National Archives of Canada
Liberal Allan Joseph MacEachen smiles during a BBQ at the Liberal annual summer caucus retreat in Baddeck, Nova Scotia on Monday, August 30, 2010. Allan MacEachen, a long-serving Liberal MP and senator from Nova Scotia who was a driving force behind many Canadian social programs, has died at the age of the 96. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Dembeck.
B.C. Finance Minister Carole James leaves the legislative assembly after delivering the budget from the legislative assembly at Legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Monday, September 11, 2017. British Columbia's three-member Green party was a factor behind the absence of big-ticket election promises in the minority NDP government's first budget update, Finance Minister Carole James says. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
A man walks past a Chinese-language advertisement outside a business in Richmond, B.C., on Tuesday September 12, 2017. A Vancouver-area city known for its sizable Chinese population has opted for education and outreach instead of enforcement to encourage business owners to include English in their signs. Councillors for the City of Richmond have voted unanimously to formalize in writing a policy that has been in effect since 2014 that directs municipal officials to push for signage that has at least 50 per cent English. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
U.S. Air force personnel evacuate citizens from Princes Juliana International Airport in Philipsburg, after the passage of Hurricane Irma, in St. Martin, Tuesday, September 12, 2017. French President Emmanuel Macron said during his tour that the government's "top priority" was to help island residents return to normal life. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks at a meeting in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. Khamenei called the killing of Rohingya Muslims a political disaster for Myanmar and also urged other Muslim countries to "increase political, economic and commercial pressures" on Myanmar to stop the violence. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)
The sign for Freeman High School in Rockford, Wash., is seen outside the campus Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. Authorities say one student was killed and three others were injured in a shooting at the school. A suspect was taken into custody. (AP Photo/Nicholas K. Geranios).
Fire damage to the Rocking Heart Ranch just outside Waterton Lakes National Park is shown in a handout photo. With a forecast calling for rain for the next few days, crews fighting a wildfire in Waterton Lakes National Park and the surrounding area in southern Alberta have some reason for optimism. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Sierra Garner MANDATORY CREDIT
(source: Pakistani Embassy in Beijing)

Defence Day of Pakistan was commemorated with fervor and solemnity at the Embassy of Pakistan, Beijing on 12th September, 2017. Defence Day is dedicated to pay homage not only to the martyrs of the 1965 war, but to all those souls who rendered ultimate sacrifice for the defence of our homeland.

To mark the occasion, a reception was held at the Pakistan House. Lieutenant General Peng Bo, Deputy Commander of PLA Army was the chief guest. Major General Zhang Jin, Assistant Chief of Staff for PLA Air Force, Major General Xu Haihua, Assistant Chief of Staff for PLA Navy, and Major General Ci Guowei, Vice Chief of Office of International Military Cooperation (OIMC) of the Central Military Commission were also in attendance. Other guests included Ambassadors and members of diplomatic corps, Defence and Military Attaches, Chinese government officials and members of the media. Pakistani diaspora in China also participated in the event.

(source: Pakistani Embassy in Beijing)

The event started with the National Anthems of Pakistan and China. Lieutenant General Peng Bo and Ambassador Masood Khalid along with Defence Attache Brig. Ahmed Bilal cut a cake.

Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Masood Khalid said that Defence Day is commemorated as a tribute to our valiant Armed forces and to their inherent patriotism, discipline and commitment. He said that Pakistan seeks a peaceful and prosperous neighborhood which is the key principle of Pakistans Foreign Policy. He however lamented that despite sincere efforts by Pakistan, India has refused dialogue with Pakistan to resolve outstanding issues. Instead of addressing the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, India has unleashed a reign of terror in Indian occupied Kashmir. He reaffirmed Pakistans political, moral and diplomatic support to the just cause of the Kashmiri people.

(source: Pakistani Embassy in Beijing)

The Ambassador also highlighted the sacrifices of Armed forces of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed Pakistans resolve to root out terrorism. He thanked the Chinese Government and PLA for their friendship and support.

The large attendance at the occasion was a testimony to the strong ties between Pakistan and China and the militaries of the two countries.
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An asylum seeker who had been living in Ramsgate has been sent back to Afghanistan despite a High Court injunction demanding his immediate return to UK.

Samim Bigzad, whose lawyer has said is in fear for his life, was informed at 8am yesterday (September 12) that he would be sent to Kabul.

He was in Istanbul last night waiting on a connecting flight to Afghanistan when the High Court order was passed insisting that he be returned to UK on the next available flight.

Jamie Bell, solicitor in the public law department at Duncan Lewis, represents Mr Bigza and said that despite the injunction, he was put on a flight to Kabul.

He said: We expected the Home Office would act in compliance with that injunction.

We are now seeking to ensure that the order is complied with.

Samim is currently staying in a hotel in Kabul and is too scared to leave the accommodation.

A previous attempt to deport Samim was thwarted last month after the pilot refused to take him on board.

Following news of Samims deportation yesterday, Kent's Anti-Racism Network launched a last-minute campaign requesting people send tweets to the Turkish Airlines Twitter page using the hashtag #savesamim and urging them not to accept him on-board.

Mr Bigzads father, who has lived in Margate for 10 years, is too unwell comment.

A spokesman for the Home Office said: We do not comment on ongoing legal matters."
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Dozens of children in Kent have reportedly fallen victim to revenge porn attacks since 2015, figures from Kent Police have revealed.

A Freedom of Information request submitted to the force in March this year asked for a breakdown of cases reported to police in the financial year 2015/16 and April 1, 2016 to February 28 of this year.

Revenge porn, or the act of disclosing private sexual photographs with intent to cause distress, was made illegal in the UK after an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Courts Act in 2015.

Worryingly, a total of 18 under-18s reported having intimate photographs of themselves disclosed in Kent in the financial year 2015/16.

Between April 1, 2016 and February 28 a total of seven under-18s reported the same.

The youngest victim to make a report to the police in both time periods was just 14-years-old.

Since the revenge porn clause was introduced in 2015, there have been a number of high-profile cases in Kent.

In June this year a jilted-ex was jailed after posting intimate photos of his former girlfriend on social media, as well as to her friends and family.

Danny Wells, of Gordon Close in Ashford, was jailed for over two years for this and other offences, which even included sending a cow's tongue to his victim.

In January this year a Thanet man was jailed for 14 months for posting pictures of his ex-girlfriend, leaving her feeling "humiliated and embarrassed".

Heroy Bygrave, of Harold Road, Cliftonville activated a dormant Facebook account and added 150 of his victim's family and friends before posting nude pictures of her.


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Parents at a Tunbridge Wells grammar have voiced concerns after its new head told boys to shake their teachers hand every time they come into class.

The new policy introduced at the start of term last week means teachers could be shaking around 150 hands a day prompting some parents to raise fears about the spread of germs at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys.

Some teachers have taken to bringing in hand sanitiser in a bid to prevent bacteria being passed between the school's pupils. But one parent told Kent Live the new policy, imposed by headteacher, Amanda Simpson, was unwise as winter approaches with its seasonal threat of bugs and flu.

"It will be interesting to see what happens if there's an outbreak of Norovirus," she said.

"I assume it was introduced because the new head wanted to introduce some element of respect - but I wouldn't think that sort of thing would make any difference."

Kent Live also understands some teachers have voiced concerns about the amount of time shaking hands takes away from the start of each lesson.

But Mrs Simpson, the school's first female head, she had not received any complaints about the new handshaking policy.

I and other members of staff greet pupils with a handshake and a smile every lesson because we want them to feel welcome and appreciated.

We have had no negative reaction from pupils and they seem to appreciate the gesture.

I introduced this in my previous school without any complaint and without any increase in the rate of infection, so I believe the concerns are unwarranted.

Although we keep the school as clean as possible, pupils will inevitably touch handrails, doorknobs and other items which other boys have previously touched during the day, so to focus on contact through a simple handshake is strange.

In any event, hand sanitisers will be available throughout the school for anyone with concerns about infection.

The traditional greeting has already been phased out in some US hospitals because of the threat of spreading bugs and there have there have been calls for British hospitals to follow suit.

A scientific study published in 2014 found handshakes transfer an average 124 live bacteria far more than the fist pump used as an alternative in many American schools, as you can see in this YouTube clip.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now

But one of the country's leading bacteriologists, Professor Hugh Pennington said it would not be pupils who were were at risk from any handshake but teachers and other adults once boys returned home.

"The best people to spread viruses like flu in the community are the children because they get close to each other and they are not to good at washing their hands.

"Flu will get on to their hands but flu does not affect children in the same way as adults. It will be the teachers and when they get home poor old grandad sitting on the sofa - who are at risk," he said.

"But if this hand shaking policy was associated with a hand washing policy I would be very happy indeed."
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The head teacher of a Ramsgate school has sought to reassure parents over 'inaccurate reporting' of a child sex doll case.

On Friday, September 8, David Turner, 72, from Ramsgate was jailed for 16 months and was given a sexual harm prevention order.



Turner, of Hollicondane Road, Ramsgate, had previously pleaded guilty to charges relating to his importation of a child sex doll from China for the purposes of sexual gratification, as well as multiple counts of possession of indecent images of children ranging from the most serious category to the least serious.

He had around 30,000 indecent images of children on his home computer.



He had resigned as a volunteer and school governor of St Ethelbert's Church Primary School and from his role as warden of St Ethelbert's and Gertrude Church in Ramsgate following his arrest.

But today, the head teacher of St Ethelbert's Church Primary School John Letts says a BBC South East report of the case contained a "serious error."

A statement from the school said: "A report of the case, broadcast on BBC South East on Friday evening stated that some of the indecent images featured children at the school where he was governor - St Ethelberts Catholic Primary School.

Alarm

"However, this was totally incorrect and headteacher John Letts is angry that the parents of his pupils have been caused unnecessary alarm about the possibility of their children being among those photographed."

The BBC South East report did not name the school, but included a statement saying "some of the schoolchildren he was supposed to be looking after were included among the thousands of indecent images."

Mr Letts said: I saw the broadcast and it was immediately obvious that some of our parents would be extremely concerned.

"I completely understand why they would be worried.

Apart from their worries about their children, it has also damaged the public respectability of the school as the statement would imply that the school is negligent in basic safeguarding.

'No indecent images of pupils'

A statement from the National Crime Agency, which carried out the investigation into Mr Turners activities was also released.

Hazel Stewart, specialist advice and operations team manager, said: "There were no indecent images of pupils from the school found on any of former governor David Turners seized technology.

"Any reports to the contrary are wrong.

"This incorrect information has not been released by the National Crime Agency and we are keen to help correct it.
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A Dartford restaurant manager has slammed the appalling hygiene rating given to his restaurant by health inspectors.

Green Spice, in Green Street Green Road, was awarded just one star from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which meant major improvement was necessary.

Sam Islam, who manages Green Spice, said the report compiled after an inspection on March 24 this year is "very one-sided".

Mr Islam also said the restaurant, the winner of the 2015 British Curry Awards (London Suburbs) has not had any issues in the 17 years it has been open.

He said: "There was an inspection and the health officer came along and found slight minor issues - this was rectified within the week.

"We have done the work within the week and contacted them (the council) several times. Our customers are asking what is going on, they are concerned.

"We do not agree with the statement on the health report."

According to Mr Islam, the report took issue with the way chefs were storing food and the way staff filled out paperwork.

He added: "The report highlighted details such as how the chefs delivered the food and the paper work. How they were storing it.

"We always have a meeting and we told the staff the way to do things. The report is very one-sided.

"In 17 years we haven't had issues here. A lot of local people are loyal customers."

Food hygiene ratings

According to the Food Standards Agency, restaurants and other locations which serve food and drink are rated zero to five.

The ratings are as follows:

Zero - Urgent improvement necessary

One - Major improvement necessary

Two - Improvement necessary

Three - Generally satisfactory

Four - Good

Five - Very good
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Five terrorists and two Egyptian soldiers were killed on Wednesday in an exchange of gunfire following a failed attack on a military checkpoint in the restive North Sinai, Egypt's army said in a statement.

The shootout took place after a militant wearing an explosive belt attempted to storm the checkpoint before he was killed by security forces, military spokesman Tamer El-Rifaei said in the statement.

A number of militants fled the scene of the shootout.

Earlier this week, 15 policemen were killed after a bomb struck a police convoy near the North Sinai capital of Arish, anonymous sources told Al-Ahram Arabic news website. The interior ministry has not provided a specific death toll.

Security forces have been battling an Islamist insurgency for several years in North Sinai, with hundreds dead on both sides.

Militants have also carried out attacks elsewhere in the country.

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Tawasol for Public Relations, a subsidiary of the private Egyptian security company Falcon, has acquired Al-Hayat TV network, the company said.

Al-Hayat was owned by prominent Egyptian businessman and politician El-Sayed El-Badawy, who is also the chairman of the liberal Wafd Party.

Falcon Group provides security services for government authorities, diplomatic missions as well as UN offices in Egypt.

In July, Al-Hayat was temporarily taken off the air by the Egyptian Media Production City (EMPC), which is in charge of regulating private media companies in Egypt.

EMPC said the move was due to the network's failure to pay off debts amounting to over EGP 21 million.

Al-Hayat criticised the decision at the time, saying that EMPC owed the network a similar amount in debt over money paid by the broadcaster to acquire land from EMPC, which Al-Hayat could not eventually get due to issues regarding entitlement to the sale.

Al-Hayat was back on the air after almost three weeks of suspension.

A joint statement by Tawasol and El-Badawy's Sigma Group said on Tuesday that the new owner will take over the broadcaster's studios next week, with a restructuring of Al-Hayat network to take place.

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Egypt's High State Security Prosecution has ordered the detention of lawyer and human rights activist Ibrahim Metwaly for 15 days pending investigation into establishing an illegal group and spreading false news.

Metwaly was arrested on 10 September at Cairo International Airport as he was on his way to Geneva to address the UN working group on forced disappearances.

Egyptian human rights activists reported his disappearance after his family said that he did not board the flight.

Metwaly is accused of illegally founding and running the Association of the Families of the Disappeared rights group.

Metwaly founded the organisation in 2013 after the disappearance of his own son following clashes between supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and security forces.

The 53-year-old activist was also among the Egyptian legal team representing the family of Italian student Giulio Regeni, who was kidnapped and murdered in Cairo in early 2016.

On Tuesday, the chairman of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights Pier Antonio Panzeri issued a statement expressing concern about Metwalys arrest.

Panzeri demanded that Egyptian authorities unconditionally release Metwaly.

Human rights organisations and activists have long accused the Egyptian government of conducting "forced disappearance" against political activists, which Egyptian authorities have strongly denied.

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SHANGHAI, Sept 13 (Reuters) - China's Ministry of Finance on Wednesday auctioned 28 billion yuan ($4.29 billion) of two-year bonds at an average yield of 3.50 percent, and 40 billion yuan of five-year bonds at 3.5783 percent, traders said.

For the two-year bond, market estimates had centred around 3.51 percent and forecasts ranged from 3.47 percent to 3.53 percent.

For the five-year bond, market estimates had centred on 3.57 percent, and the outlook ranged from 3.53 percent to 3.61 percent.

The auction yield came in below Tuesday's benchmark secondary market yield of 3.5895 percent for five-year government bonds .

For stories on Chinese debt issues, click on ($1 = 6.5285 Chinese yuan)

(Reporting by Shanghai Newsroom; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
SEOUL, Sept 13 (Reuters) - South Korea is in talks with China on extending an existing bilateral currency swap agreement which is due to expire in October, a Bank of Korea official said on Wednesday.

"In regards to the currency swap (with China), working level officials are in talks with China to discuss extending of the deal," Lee Kang-one, head of BOK's financial cooperation team, said in a briefing in Seoul.

The briefing was held as central bank governors from South Korea, China, and Japan began their two-day meeting in the city of Songdo, west of Seoul. Lee said talks of currency swaps are not part of the official agenda, and declined to give details of the meeting.

A currency swap with China worth about $56 billion is due to expire this October, which South Korea's finance minister has publicly said should be extended. (Reporting by Cynthia Kim; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
A delegation from the Palestinian group Fatah will arrive in Cairo on Friday for a new round of talks with Egyptian officials on Palestinian national reconciliation, Egypt's state-owned news agency MENA announced on Wednesday.

The delegation will include the head of the Fatah parliamentary bloc in the Palestinian parliament Azzam Al-Ahmed, the minister of civilian affairs in the Palestinian authority Hussein Al-Sheikh, and commissioner of international relations for Fatah Rohi Fatouh.

Palestinian news agency WAFA quoted Palestinian president and head of Fatah Mahmoud Abbas as saying that the delegation will share its vision with Egyptian officials on how to achieve Palestinian national reconciliation.

In a meeting of Fatah's central committee on Wednesday, Abbas said that Fatah demands that Hamas disband its administrative committee in Gaza and empower the national unity government in the Strip, as well as prepare for presidential and legislative elections.

Earlier this week, a delegation from Hamas arrived in Cairo to continue talks that started in February regarding the situation in Gaza and bilateral relations with Egypt.

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* C.bank governors of China, S.Korea, Japan meet in Korea

* Talks of currency swaps not on official agenda for trilateral meeting

(Adds details of BOK press conference, background)

By Cynthia Kim

SEOUL, Sept 13 (Reuters) - South Korea is in talks with China on extending an existing bilateral currency swap deal, a Bank of Korea official, as policymakers between the two nations try to navigate a year-long diplomatic stand-off between Beijing and Seoul.

"In regards to the currency swap (with China), working level officials are in talks with China to discuss extending of the deal," Lee Kang-one, head of BOK's financial cooperation team, said in a briefing in Seoul on Wednesday.

The briefing was held as central bank governors from South Korea, China, and Japan began their two-day meeting in the city of Songdo, west of Seoul. Lee said talks on currency swaps are not part of the official agenda, and declined to give details of the meeting.

The comments come as Asia's fourth largest economy has been hobbled by a row with Beijing over Seoul's deployment of a U.S. anti-missile defence system in South Korea. Upset over Seoul's decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, Beijing has been boycotting made-in-Korea products and tour groups to its smaller neighbour, widening the nation's services account deficit to $15.7 billion in the first half - the worst on record.

The discord over the THAAD system has raised doubts on whether the $56 billion swap deal, due to expire on Oct. 10, would be extended.

South Korea's finance minister has publicly said the deal should be extended to cement existing financial safety nets. BOK's Lee said the three governors gathered in Songdo will discuss leverage levels in the region, as all three economies share concerns about rapidly rising debt across public and private sector.

"Leverage levels is high all across Korea, China Japan in macroeconomic terms, and that will be subject of discussion."

(Reporting by Cynthia Kim; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
(Updates to close)

Sept 13 (Reuters) - Australian shares ended flat on Wednesday, after financials pared earlier gains that had tracked Wall Street's highs and telecom stocks weighed on the index.

The S&P/ASX 200 index ended 0.04 percent lower or 2.141 points to 5744.3 after two sessions of gains.

Financials gave away most of the gains recorded earlier in the day with the sector index ending 0.3 percent higher after rising as much as 0.9 percent.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia ended 0.8 percent higher versus its intraday peak up 1.4 percent and National Australia Bank shed 0.2 percent.

Australia's prudential regulator said that money-laundering accusations levelled at Commonwealth Bank had not affected its depositors. Australia's corporate regulator on Tuesday took aim at the 'Big Four' major banks, saying they were very powerful with "a lot of hubris" and not used to being taken on by regulators. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd and Westpac Banking Corp gained 0.5 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively.

Material stocks outperformed other sectors with BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto leading the gains as iron ore futures in China jumped more than 2 percent. BHP Billiton ended 1 percent higher and Rio Tinto gained 1.1 percent to close three-and-a-half year high. South32 Ltd gained 0.6 percent to end at a record high.

Gold miner Newcrest Mining Ltd said on Wednesday it had restarted production at a second part of its flagship Cadia gold mine, which was damaged in an earthquake in April, pushing its shares 0.9 percent higher. Shares of Telstra Corporation Ltd dropped 1.9 percent while Wesfarmers Ltd slid 1 percent as Standard and Poor's revised the company's outlook to 'negative' from 'stable'.

A survey published earlier in the day showed that consumer sentiment bounced modestly in September as worries over family finances warred with growing optimism about the economic outlook. The survey showed that consumer sentiment rose 2.5 percent in September, from August when it dropped 1.2 percent.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell 0.2 percent or 12.98 points to 7827.43, as investors await Thursday's manufacturing PMI data.

The industrial sector led the declines with Auckland International Airport Ltd ending 1.4 percent lower followed by the material sector.

Fletcher Building Ltd fell 1.4 percent closing at 1 month low.

The health care sector provided some support to the index with Fisher & Paykel Healthcare ending an 11th consecutive session of gains to close at a record high.

(Reporting by Nicole Pinto in Bengaluru)
DUBAI, Sept 13 (Reuters) - A proposal by holders of $700 million of sukuk issued by Abu Dhabi-listed Dana Gas to restructure the Islamic bonds is "unrealistic" and "unacceptable", a source close to the company said on Wednesday.

As a result, Dana will continue to pursue litigation over the sukuk in United Arab Emirates and British courts, the source told Reuters.

The source was speaking after a committee of sukuk holders submitted a restructuring proposal to the management of Dana, which has been refusing to redeem the sukuk when they mature next month. Dana has not so far issued a public statement in response to the proposal. (Reporting by Davide Barbuscia; Editing by Andrew Torchia)
LONDON, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Discussions have started on a type of 'rainy day' fund that could help the euro zone address shocks such as the Greek debt crisis in the future, the head of euro zone rescue fund the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) said.

ESM chief Klaus Regling said, in comments made at London's Chatham House think tank on Tuesday and published on Wednesday, that a mechanism to counter "asymmetric shocks" was "an important gap in the euro area's fiscal tools."

"A discussion about a limited fiscal capacity that would fulfil this function has begun," Regling said.

"The tool can be designed without debt mutualisation, and without permanent transfers between countries," he added.

"In this context we could look at examples that exist in the U.S., for instance rainy day funds, or a complementary unemployment scheme."

Figures of around 100-200 billion euros ($119.74 billion - $239.48 billion) have been suggested privately by euro zone officials as a starting size for any such fund.

In the longer run Regling said the euro zone could also develop a "European safe asset", but that "it would require some debt mutualisation."

Debt sharing is currently not supported by the bloc's main members such as Germany.

It "cannot happen unless there is a lot more confidence that all euro area countries comply with the rules they have agreed to," Regling said. ($1 = 0.8351 euros)

(Reporting by Marc Jones, Editing by Abhinav Ramnarayan)
ATHENS, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Greek police fired tear gas at dozens of Eldorado Gold workers rallying outside the energy ministry in Athens on Wednesday to protest against potential job losses after the Canadian company threatened to suspend investment at its Greek mines.

Eldorado Gold Corp announced the possible suspension on Monday, blaming delays in getting permits, only days after the leftist-led government urged investors to show confidence in Greece as it emerges from crisis. About 100 workers, in yellow vests, rallied outside the ministry early on Wednesday unfurling a banner reading "Occupation" in front of a police cordon. Some of them stormed into the building, according to one police official.

Police later fired some rounds of tear gas at the protesters.

The company blames the government for not granting it all the necessary permits for its Skouries and Olympias projects, which represent one of the biggest foreign investments in the country. It says it employs about 2,000 people in Greece, where unemployment stands at 21.2 percent, the euro zone's highest.

The projects have provoked violent protests by locals who fear they will ruin the northern region of Halkidiki, a landscape of pristine beaches and lush forests.

The case has been a flashpoint with the authorities and a test of Greece's resolve to push ahead with foreign investments.

It is sensitive for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' Syriza party, which strongly opposed the investment before coming to power in 2015. The government now says it wants the project as long as it is "environmentally and economically sound".

Differences have dragged on for years over testing methods to comply with environmental regulations. An arbitration process is expected to begin this week.

(Reporting by Alkis Konstantinidis; Writing by Renee Maltezou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
(Kitco News) - North Korea looks to have found a new way to fund its regime amid new sanctions  bitcoin "mining," according to a report released by an intelligence research firm Recorded Future.

In-depth analysis of North Korean internet activity reveals an informed, modern, and technologically savvy ruling elite, said the report titled North Koreas Elite Are Not Isolated.

North Korea reportedly began bitcoin "mining" on a noticeably large scale on May 17.

Before that day, there had been virtually no activity to bitcoin-related sites or nodes, or utilizing bitcoin-specific ports or protocols. Beginning on May 17, that activity increased exponentially, from nothing to hundreds per day, specified the report, which was published in the end of July.

Bitcoin mining is a process that involves high-performance computers solving complex mathematical problems as well as verifying online bitcoin transactions.

The actual size of North Koreas bitcoin mining capacity is unknown, said Priscilla Moriuchi, the director of strategic threat development at Recorded Future. We weren't able to determine the volumes, like how many bitcoin they can generate per certain time period. We could just see activity.

The firm also said that North Korea could be using bitcoin to fund its regime.

First [hypothesis] is that the activity is sponsored by the state, as a way to generate funds for the regime, noted Moriuchi. The second hypothesis is that it's an individual user, among this small sliver of leaders and their families who have access to the internet.

In terms of who can be behind this new surge in bitcoin activity, the report pointed to elites of the country  the few who actually have open access to the internet.

While there are no reliable numbers of North Korean internet users, reporters estimate anywhere from only a very small number to the inner circle of North Korean leadership to just a few dozen families. Regardless of the exact number, the profile of a North Korean internet user is clear; trusted member or family member of the ruling class, the report said.

In fact, university students, government officials, and scientists have access only to a domestic intranet Kwangmyong, which gives individuals access to email and a number of approved websites only, but is disconnected from the rest of the world, according to media reports.

It is not clear who is running the North Korean bitcoin mining operations; however, given the relatively small number of computers in North Korea coupled with the limited IP space, it is not likely this computationally intensive activity is occurring outside of state control, added the report.

It is also possible that North Korea mined bitcoin prior to May 17, said Moriuchi. [North Korea] might have been mining bitcoin for a while, but they stopped for a period of time. ... or maybe they are using infrastructure and computers in other places.

North Korea potentially getting into bitcoin mining as a way to raise money for its regime could have serious consequences, especially in light of the new sanctions passed by the U.N. on Monday.

The new measures include capping North Koreas fuel imports, banning textile exports, and making all new commercial joint ventures with North Korean entities illegal.

Bitcoin has more than tripled in value since the beginning of the year, but this past week, the digital currency saw some major losses, falling below $4,000 level on Wednesday and last trading at $3,840.10, down 7.41% on the day. The latest big name to call out bitcoin and point to signs of a bubble was JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who referred to the cryptocurrency as a fraud, stating that someone is going to get killed.

The latest big name to call out bitcoin and point to signs of a bubble was JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who referred to the cryptocurrency as a fraud, stating that someone is going to get killed.

It's worse than tulip bulbs. It won't end well. Someone is going to get killed, Dimon said at a conference hosted by Barclays. Currencies have legal support. It will blow up.
LISBON, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Portugal's 10-year borrowing costs fell to their lowest level at a bond auction since November 2015 on Wednesday, to a yield below the secondary market.

State debt agency IGCP said it sold 850 million euros ($1.02 billion) of 10-year bonds, with the total coming in at the middle of its indicated offer range.

The 10-year bond yield fell to 2.785 percent from 3.085 percent at the last auction of a similar maturity in July. The yield on the country's 10-year benchmark bond traded around 2.82 percent in the secondary market after the auction.

"This is the lowest (rate) in terms of auctions since 2015," said Filipe Silva, debt manager at Banco Carregosa. "Portugal has benefitted from good economic data and the positive outlook (by Moody's), but also from the debt purchase programme of the European Central Bank."

Demand in the auction outstripped the amount placed by 2.06 times.

($1 = 0.8352 euros)

(Reporting By Axel Bugge, Andrei Khalip and Sergio Goncalves)
ANKARA, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will visit Ankara on Thursday to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish presidency said on Wednesday. The two leaders will discuss bilateral and regional issues, as well as international developments, the presidency said in a statement.

(Reporting by Ece Toksabay and Tuvan Gumrukcu)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
(Adds dropped word in final paragraph)

BERLIN, Sept 13 (Reuters) - German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said on Wednesday that European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's plan to build a closer European Union based on an expanded euro zone was largely in line with Germany's vision for the bloc.

Schaeuble said that Juncker had discussed with Chancellor Angela Merkel his annual State of the EU speech in which he spoke of a vision of a post-2019 EU where some 30 countries would be using the euro.

The plan also includes appointing an EU finance minister running key budgets to help states in trouble.

"It is good that he is putting pressure (to expand the euro zone) but the preconditions (for joining the euro zone) must be fulfilled," Schaeuble told the ARD broadcaster in an interview.

"It is in fact so that EU countries who fulfill the preconditions become members of the euro under the Lisbon Treaty".

He added that EU countries wishing to adopt the single currency should not do so before their public finances and economies are sound enough as they could face the fate of Greece, which had to be bailed out by the EU and IMF in 2010.

(Reporting by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Toby Chopra)
SEOUL, Sept 13 (Reuters) - South Korea decided not to issue 50-year treasury bonds this year, a finance ministry official told Reuters on Wednesday.

"Having conducted research, demand turned out to be weaker than we had expected earlier," a finance ministry official said, declining to be identified.

Earlier this month, the government said it may issue the bonds if there was enough demand. They would have been the nation's longest-ever maturity. The issue could proceed next year if there is enough demand and economic conditions are favourable, the official said.

(Reporting by Shin-hyung Lee; Writing by Cynthia Kim; Editing by Kim Coghill)
Egypt's Ministry of Interior signed on Wednesday a joint training protocol with Italy's interior ministry in Rome on organised crime and illegal immigration, the Egyptian interior ministry announced.

The protocol states that 360 policemen from 22 African countries will be trained on the latest methods to fight organised crime and illegal immigration under the supervision of Egyptian, Italian and European trainers.

The protocol, which is funded by Italy and Europe, will also involve workshops to exchange expertise between involved countries.

The agreement was signed by Egyptian aide to the interior minister and head of the Egyptian police academy Ahmed El-Amry and the director of the Central Directorate for Immigration and Border Police of Italy's interior ministry Massimo Bontempi.

On Thursday, the Italian ambassador to Egypt returned to Cairo more than a year after Rome recalled its envoy in the wake of the death of Italian student Giulio Regeni in Cairo.

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DUBAI, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabian food maker Savola Group , the country's largest food products company, said on Wednesday that it is selling a 2 percent stake in Almarai , the Gulf's largest dairy company for 1.12 billion riyals ($307.6 million).

The sale was conducted through an accelerated bookbuilding process, which will cut Savola's stake in Almarai to 34.52 percent from 36.52 percent, it said, adding that it will use the proceeds of the sale for general corporate purposes.

Savola said that completion of the deal to sell 16 million shares at a price of 70 riyals per share and receipt of the proceeds remained subject to the execution of the trades and the completion of the settlement.

The company said it had appointed HSBC as broker and bookrunner for the deal.

Savola will record a profit of 694.1 million riyals during the third quarter of the current financial year after the deal is complete, it said.

Savola's second quarter net profit dropped 9.6 percent, it said last month, blaming lower sales and lower margins in the retail sector and higher losses from an unnamed associate.

Saudi retailers have been struggling due to lower consumer spending as the kingdom's economy has felt the fallout from reduced government spending linked to smaller oil revenues.

($1 = 3.6415 Qatar riyals)

(Reporting By Tom Arnold; Editing by Saeed Azhar)
LJUBLJANA, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Slovenia offered on Wednesday to buy back or exchange about $400 million of dollar-denominated bonds to cut the cost of its debt.

The Slovenian Finance Ministry said it will buy back bonds maturing in 2022 and 2023 with coupons of 5.5 and 5.85 percent. The total outstanding value of the bonds is $1.6 billion.

The bonds can be repurchased or exchanged until Sept. 19 for a dollar-denominated bond which expires in 2024 and has a coupon of 5.25 percent, the ministry said in a statement.

Slovenia, which narrowly avoided an international bailout of its banks in 2013, hopes to reduce its debt to 77 percent of GDP in 2017 from about 80 percent last year and gradually bring it to 60 percent, the maximum allowed for euro zone members.

In the years following the onset of the global financial crisis, Slovenia's public debt almost quadrupled to 83 percent of GDP in 2015 from 21.8 percent in 2008.

(Reporting by Marja Novak; editing by Alexander Smith)
HANOI, Sept 13 (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 0404 GMT.

September 13 USD/VND mid-point 22,438 USD/VND interbank 22,724/22,726 USD/VND unofficial 22,720/22,735 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.56/36.78

Interbank offered rates Overnight 0.5-1.1

1 week 0.9-1.2

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)
CAPE TOWN, Sept 13 (Reuters) - South Africa's revenue service collected 13.1 billion rand ($999 million) less tax than forecast in the first quarter of the financial year, Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba told lawmakers on Wednesday. "We are currently assessing the implications of this for the fiscal framework," Gigaba said. The first quarter of the financial year ran until the end of June. ($1 = 13.1099 rand)

(Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Editing by Joe Brock)

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.
ZURICH, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The Swiss blue-chip SMI was seen opening unchanged at 9,058 points on Wednesday, according to premarket indications by bank Julius Baer .

The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks.

RICHEMONT The Cartier-maker said its sales rose by a better-than-expected 12 percent at constant currency in the five months to Aug. 31, helped by easy comparables and a strong performance in its jewellery business.

For more click COMPANY STATEMENTS * Baloise said it has placed an inaugural 500 million Swiss franc ($521.54 million) hybrid bond. * Charles Voegele said it was cancelling shares and delisting them from the Swiss exchange. * Vaudoise Assurance reported H1 consolidated profit of 57.9 million francs and said its 2017 should be good again but should remain below the previous year's result. * Varia US Properties said it intends to increase its share capital, offering a maximum of 665,871 registered shares at market price. The company said it expects to generate proceeds of roughly 20 million francs in cash from a new anchor investor. * Peach Property Group said it has acquired 266 apartments in Germany which should generate a monthly rent of around 1.1 million francs. * Clariant said it has signed a joint venture with Tiangang Auxiliary to produce high-end polymer additives in China. ECONOMY Switzerland's statistics office releases PPI figures at 0715 GMT

($1 = 0.9587 Swiss francs)

(Reporting by Zurich newsroom)

Daily Swiss stock market report in German................ All SMI constituent stocks............................ News on major Swiss stock price moves.................. FTSE Eurotop 300 index................................ DJ STOXX index........................................ Top 10 STOXX sectors............................. Top 10 EUROSTOXX sectors........................ Top 10 Eurotop 300 sectors....................... Top 25 European pct gainers... , losers... Swiss mid-cap index SMI futures Swiss all-share index Market statistics Swiss market digest Sector overview All Swiss news Swiss research news All equity news INTERNET ADDRESSES: Swiss Exchange / Eurex STOXX Ltd SPEED GUIDES: ))

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(Recasts with fresh quotes, details)

By Estelle Shirbon

LONDON, Sept 13 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron's labour reforms may not yield economic benefits for 12 to 18 months but neither that nor his falling popularity will slow his agenda for transforming France, a minister close to Macron said on Wednesday.

Benjamin Griveaux, a junior economy minister, said he had heard a lot of scepticism about the government's ability to deliver on its programme to revitalise France, but he was confident Macron would succeed where others had failed.

The reforms to France's complex employment laws, which many businesses say have deterred investment and job creation, were met with demonstrations on Tuesday, but participation was lower than during attempted reforms under previous governments. "The most important thing is (for the reforms) to have effects on our unemployment rate and positive consequences. This needed to be implemented fast after the election," Griveaux told reporters on Wednesday during a visit to London.

"Probably the positive effects of that will be seen in maybe 12 to 18 months, not before. But we are not here to adjust the model, we are here to transform it radically."

Griveaux is one of Macron's inner circle who were involved in setting up En Marche (On The Move), the new political movement that delivered victory in May's presidential election.

Asked whether the 39-year-old Macron would have as profound an impact on France as free marketeer Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher did on Britain in the 1980s, Griveaux said Thatcher was not the model.

"She did only freedom, not protection," he said. "Our platform is more balanced."

Griveaux said a sharp fall in Macron's popularity since the election would not slow the reform agenda, and that the president was determined to introduce the thorniest and most substantive reforms early on in his five-year term.

"If you run a country by watching your popularity rating every day, you don't do much," said Griveaux.

He said the government had certain assets that previous administrations which had tried structural reforms in France, only to be ground down by strikes and protests, did not.

He mentioned the presence in the government of ministers with substantial private sector experience, singling out Labour Minister Muriel Penicaud, a former head of human resources at major dairy products maker Danone.

Griveaux said that during negotiations ahead of the labour reforms, unions had found it useful to discuss issues with Penicaud and others who had worked in the real economy rather than those who had spent most of their careers in politics.

He said that was one of the reasons why only one of the three big unions, the hard-left CGT, had called for strikes and demonstrations on Tuesday.

Griveaux also said that some past administrations including that of Socialist President Francois Hollande, under whom Macron served as economy minister, had left it too late in their terms to attempt difficult reforms and had not allowed enough time for negotiations with unions ahead of introducing their bills.

(Reporting by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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ANKARA, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will hold talks in Ankara on Thursday with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, an ally of Doha in its dispute with Gulf Arab neighbours.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic and trade links with Qatar three months ago, suspending air and shipping routes with the world's biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas.

They say Qatar supports regional foe Iran and Islamists. Qatar denies the charges and says the economic boycott aims at neutering an independent foreign policy it says promotes peaceful regional reform and fighting terrorism.

Last month Turkey held joint military exercises with Qatari forces in the Gulf state. It has said it will deploy 3,000 troops at a military base there and has increased trade with Qatar since the start of the embargo.

Turkey's presidency announced Sheikh Tamim's trip in a statement on Wednesday but gave no details of the talks, which will coincide with a visit to Ankara by the prime minister of Kuwait, which has sought to mediate in the Gulf Arab dispute.

(Reporting by Ece Toksabay and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Dominic Evans)
(Updates share price, adds details, analyst comment)

Sept 13 (Reuters) - U.S. drug developer Amicus Therapeutics Inc said on Wednesday it would no longer invest in clinical trials of its drug for healing wounds after the experimental treatment failed a late-stage trial.

Shares of the company, which fell about 15 percent following the news, pared losses to trade 0.6 percent lower at $13.20 in trading before the bell.

"We believe this blip could be short-lived," said Leerink Partners LLC analyst Joseph Schwartz, pointing to investor optimism around other drugs in development in Amicus's pipeline.

Amicus said its wound drug, when compared with a placebo, did not show a statistical significance in reducing the time taken for wounds to close in patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a skin disease that causes blisters. The number of patients whose wounds had closed after taking Amicus's drug, SD-101, was also not different from the number of patients on a placebo whose wounds had closed, the company said.

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic disorder that causes severe skin blistering and open wounds that often begin at birth. It currently has no approved treatment.

Investors were "very cautious" about Amicus's EB program, expressing concern about the trial design and market opportunity, Schwartz said in a report to clients.

Amicus is in the early stage of developing treatments for Pompe disease, a genetic disorder, while European and Australian regulators have already approved the use of the company's drug to treat Fabry disease, another genetic disorder.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June gave Amicus the green light to submit an application to market its Fabry disease drug, migalastat, after having asked the company in November to conduct another late-stage study of the drug. Shares of Cranbury, New Jersey-based Amicus have more than doubled in value since the beginning of the year.

(Reporting by Manas Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar)
* Central bank raises growth forecast

* Govt will not give in to ally's calls for more spending -FinMin

* Govt able to pass budget that will prolong upswing -FinMin

(Recasts, adds quotes from FinMin and c.bank governor)

By Teis Jensen

COPENHAGEN, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The Danish government does not want to loosen fiscal policy next year and intends to hold its ground on that issue in budget negotiations with its powerful ally, the finance minister told Reuters on Wednesday.

His comments came after the central bank raised its economic growth forecast for Denmark but warned of risks of overheating if the government gives in to calls for more public spending.

"We do not want a more expansionary fiscal policy. We've proposed a budget that is balanced with the business cycle and the labour supply," Kristian Jensen said in a telephone interview.

The government has said its draft 2018 budget launched two weeks ago would slow economic growth slightly, but the Danish People's Party (DF), whose support it needs to pass laws, is pushing for increased welfare spending that could increase growth. "We believe there is every reason to be cautious," central bank governor Lars Rohde told Reuters. "We see no need for further stimulus, i.e further easing of the fiscal policy. That would add more fuel to the fire".

Rohde said that initiatives that could increase demand in the construction sector would be especially damaging as that sector would be the first to experience labour shortages and thus increased wages that would hurt competitiveness.

Wages in the construction sector rose 2.8 percent in the second quarter yr/yr, compared to 1.6 percent on average in the 13 countries Denmark does most of its trade with, according to figures from the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA).

"If you want more private or public growth it would require that you're ready to expand the labour supply. We intend to hold our negotiations partners to that," finance minister Jensen said.

The government has proposed tax cuts it said would encourage people to work more, but the DF has opposed some of them saying it saw no reason to ease taxes for the wealthiest.

Jensen said that he believed it would be possible for the government to pass a budget that would take some of the energy out of economy, and expand the workforce, in order to prolong the current upswing.

"It's too early to say if it will be of the magnitude the government wants. That's what we're negotiating," he said.

The central bank now expects the Danish economy to grow 2.3 percent this year up from a forecast of 1.8 percent issued in March, and above the government's 2.0 percent forecast published two weeks ago.

Denmark's GDP rose 2.7 percent in the second quarter from the same time last year. (Additional reporting by Julie Astrid Thomsen and Stine Jacobsen; Editing by Toby Chopra)
* Dozens of Eldorado Gold workers clash with police in Athens

* Minister says to grant permits for Olympias project this week

* Says Skouries, metallurgical plant to be discussed in arbitration

(Adds comments from Canada's trade minister and Eldorado CEO, share price)

By Angeliki Koutantou and Alkis Konstantinidis

ATHENS, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Greece said on Wednesday it would grant Canada's Eldorado Gold outstanding permits this week to enable it to fully operate one of its three Greek projects, days after the miner threatened to suspend a major investment in the country.

Eldorado's investment in northern Greece is among the biggest since its debt crisis began seven years ago and has long been viewed as a litmus test of Greece's resolve to attract foreign capital. But differences have dragged on for years, especially over compliance with environmental regulations.

Eldorado Gold said on Monday it would halt new investment into its Olympias and Skouries projects and the Stratoni mine from Sept 22 due to permit delays and lack of clarity on an upcoming arbitration process.

The announcement sparked an angry protest outside the energy ministry on Wednesday by dozens of Eldorado Gold workers worried about potential job losses. In an effort to diffuse tension, Greek Energy Minister George Stathakis said licensing for the Olympias project would be concluded "in the coming days, today and tomorrow.

"Three permits will be issued as we announced in August, allowing Olympias to be fully operational," he said.

It granted one operational permit for Olympias on Wednesday and will grant the other two this week, a ministry official said.

Eldorado's Chief Executive George Burns welcomed it as "a positive step forward" but said the miner was still waiting on permits for its other two projects. In a statement, Eldorado said it may re-assess its investment options once it has received all the required permits, clarity around the arbitration process and "a supportive government open to discussions surrounding the use and implementation of best available technologies."

SHARES HIT

The uncertainty about Eldorado's Greek projects has weighed heavily on its share price, which is down 48 percent in the past year, touching a 14-year low of C$2.24 on Aug. 4.

Canada's Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told Reuters on Wednesday he had flagged "troublesome" permit delays for Eldorado Gold Corp in a letter to Greece's energy minister earlier this year.

Champagne had said that Canadian companies expect to be treated fairly and Eldorado has done "everything it can in order to comply with local laws and regulations," he said.

Eldorado's shares were up 19.5 percent at C$2.88 in trading on Wednesday.

PROTESTS

Eldorado, which is targeting copper, gold, lead, silver and zinc, bought the Greek assets for nearly $2 billion in 2012 and has invested over $1 billion in developing them. It says it employs about 2,000 people in Greece, where unemployment remains the euro zone's highest at 21.2 percent.

About 100 workers in yellow vests rallied outside the ministry early on Wednesday unfurling a banner reading "Occupation" in front of a police cordon, and police fired some rounds of tear gas to disperse them.

Eldorado's plans to develop its mine operations in Halkidiki have also provoked violent protests by locals who fear it will ruin a landscape of pristine beaches and lush forests and destroy the region's tourist riches.

It is sensitive for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' Syriza party, which opposed the investment before coming to power in 2015. His government now says it wants it as long as it is "environmentally and economically sound".

Greece says the ores to be produced will contain arsenic well above accepted levels, and the government should make sure the company fully abides by environmental rules.

It also wants a metallurgical plant as part of its contractual obligations and for Eldorado to provide further detail on its investment plans.

The Greek energy ministry has said it would launch an arbitration process this week to ensure the company's Greek unit, Hellas Gold, respects its contractual obligations.

The process, expected to last at least three months, is aiming to resolve pending disagreements over the Skouries project and the metallurgical plant.

(Additional reporting by Lefteris Papadimas and Karolina Tagaris in Athens, David Ljunggren in HALIFAX, Susan Taylor and Nicole Mordant in TORONTO; Writing by Karolina Tagaris; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
Related UN refugee agency urges Hungary to join EU migrant quota plan

The Latest on the "State of the European Union" address by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (all times local)

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says "Europe has got a collective responsibility" to help improve migrant detention conditions in Libya.

Juncker told EU lawmakers that the European Union must work closely with the UN's refugee agency to ensure that this "scandalous situation" does not continue.

The EU has been criticized over Libya policies aimed at stopping people from fleeing Africa for Italy by sea but which see many migrants trapped in dangerous and squalid centers in the conflict-torn country.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says the European Union is "bouncing back" after a tough decade that's seen much of the 28-country mired in an economic crisis and Britain vote to leave.

In an annual "State of the European Union" address, Juncker told EU lawmakers Wednesday that "the wind is back in Europe's sails."

Juncker, whose Commission proposes EU legislation and polices the bloc's laws, said the EU is into its fifth year of economic recovery, with unemployment at a nine-year low.

He said "Europe can deliver for its citizens where and when it matters," even as nations remain divided over how best to manage the EU's refugee emergency.

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MOSCOW, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Russia will swap its Eurobonds maturing in 2018 and 2030 for additional issues due in 2027 and 2047, in a move to postpone payments of the external debt, the finance ministry said on Wednesday.

In 2016, the ministry announced the plan to swap some of the Eurobonds for ones with longer maturity, as it was looking to ease the budget burden. A nominal value of Eurobonds to be issued will be up to $4 billion, the ministry said on Wednesday.

Russia needs to pay almost $3.5 billion to the holders of Russia-2018, due July 24 next year, and a further $10.7 billion to Russia-2030 holders, according to Thomson Reuters data.

Initially, the ministry was planning to swap three issues - due in 2018 , 2028 and 2030 . The ministry did not explain on Wednesday why the 2028 issue was not offered for the swap.

Konstantin Vyshkovsky, head of the state debt department at the finance ministry, told Reuters on Monday the swap plan risked being scrapped if investors do not accept the ministry's conditions or if bondholders asked an unrealistic price. At least one of the Eurobonds planned for the swap had a distorted and artificially inflated market price as a large chunk of it is held by one investor, Vyshkovsky said.

Otkritie Bank , one of Russia's largest private lenders, holds Russia-30 bonds. Otkritie was recently rescued by the central bank.

Announcing the swap on Wednesday, the ministry said it would swap the 2018 paper at up to 107.8 percent of its nominal value and the 2030 Eurobond at up to 117.5 percent.

Bids will be accepted on Sept. 13-19, it added, and prices will be set on Sept. 20 with the settlements on Sept. 25.

State lenders Sberbank and VTB will organise the swap along with a subsidiary of Gazprombank, the ministry said.

(Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya and Elena Orekhova,; Writing by Dmitry Solovyov and Jack Stubbs; Editing by Katya Golubkova and Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
* Wound drug misses main goals in late-stage study

* Investor expectations from study were "very low" - analyst

* Amicus shares rise as much as 6 pct

* Analysts express optimism about upcoming trial data

(Updates share price, adds analyst comment)

By Manas Mishra

Sept 13 (Reuters) - Amicus Therapeutics Inc said on Wednesday it would stop developing its experimental drug for healing wounds related to a rare skin disease, but shares of the company rose as investors appeared to focus on the drug developer's expanding pipeline.

Amicus's shares rose as much as 6 percent in morning trading, recovering from a nearly 15 percent slide before the bell.

The company's wound drug, SD-101, failed to meet the main goals in a late-stage trial testing the treatment in patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare, genetic skin disease that causes severe blisters and currently has no approved treatment.

But analysts appeared optimistic about results from Amicus's upcoming trial testing a treatment for another genetic disorder, and said investor expectations from the SD-101 trial had been muted.

Investors had been "very cautious" about Amicus's EB program, expressing concern about the trial design and market opportunity, Leerink Partners LLC analyst Joseph Schwartz said in a report to clients.

Amicus is in the early stage of developing treatments for Pompe disease, a genetic disorder, while European and Australian regulators have already approved the use of the company's drug to treat Fabry disease, another genetic ailment.

"(The failed SD-101 trial) serves more as a clearing event ahead of upcoming Pompe data and Fabry program progress," Cowen and Co analyst Ritu Baral said.

In another sign of progress for Amicus's pipeline, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June gave the company the go-ahead to apply to market its Fabry disease drug, migalastat. That green light followed the FDA's demand in November for Amicus to conduct another late-stage study of migalastat. Amicus said SD-101, when compared with a placebo, did not show a statistical significance in reducing the time taken for wounds to close in patients with EB. The number of patients whose wounds had closed after taking Amicus's drug, SD-101, was also not different from the number of patients on a placebo whose wounds had closed, the company said.

Shares of Cranbury, New Jersey-based Amicus were up 4.4 percent at $13.87 in morning trade. The stock has more than doubled in value since the beginning of the year.

(Reporting by Manas Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar)
HARARE, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's Zimplats, which is majority controlled by Impala Platinum , will return some of the land it has not used for mining to the government, chief executive Alexander Mhembere said on Wednesday. Mhembere said Zimplats would not be seeking compensation for the land at this stage.

(Reporting by Macdonald Dzirutwe; Writing by Joe Brock; Editing by Ed Cropley)

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.
Key international players in Syria's civil war gathered in Kazakhstan Wednesday for a fresh round of talks aimed at pushing a Russian-led plan to ease fighting on the ground.

Representatives from regime backers Russia, Iran and rebel supporter Turkey held "talks on an expert level" to lay the groundwork ahead of the start of two days of meetings that will include the Syrian regime and opposition representatives, Kazakhstan's foreign ministry said.

The talks in Astana are the sixth round of negotiations Moscow has spearheaded since the start of the year as it seeks to pacify Syria after its game-changing intervention on the side of leader Bashar al-Assad.

This time around the sides are looking to nail down details of a proposed "de-escalation" zone in the northern Idlib province, after Moscow ploughed on with setting up three other safe areas around the country in a move that has seen violence drop.

There remain major disagreements over which force will be sent to police the zone covering rebel-held Idlib -- on Syria's northern border with Turkey -- as Ankara and Tehran jockey for influence.

Russia has so far deployed military police to patrol the boundaries of three zones agreed in the south, in Eastern Ghouta near Damascus, and in part of the central Homs province.

Yehya al-Aridi, an advisor to the Syrian opposition, confirmed the rebel delegation would arrive in Astana on Wednesday evening, headed by Ahmed Berri, chief of staff of the Free Syrian Army.

"The aim of our participation in this round is to strengthen the de-escalation zones in Syria, in Eastern Ghouta, the south, and north of Homs, and to discuss many violations that took place since the ceasefire agreement was signed in Ankara at the end of the last year," al-Aridi told AFP.

A Syrian pro-regime newspaper Al-Watan reported that the government's delegation, led by the country's United Nations envoy Bashar al-Jaafari, had arrived in Astana early on Wednesday.

The de-escalation zone in the south of Syria has also proved sensitive as it lies close to the borders of US-allies Israel and Jordan, and Washington is keen to make sure that Iran and its proxy forces are kept out.

The State Department confirmed that Acting Assistant Secretary of State David Satterfield will travel to Astana Thursday as an observer.

"Iran's activities in Syria and unquestioning support for the Assad regime have perpetuated the conflict and increased the suffering of ordinary Syrians," the State Department said in a statement.

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After breaking an Islamic State (IS) militant group blockade, Syria's army is seeking to encircle the remaining jihadist-held parts of Deir Ezzor city, a military source said Wednesday.

The city is the capital of oil-rich eastern Deir Ezzor province, regarded as a strategic prize by both Russian-backed Syrian troops and US-backed fighters.

In Damascus Wednesday, President Bashar al-Assad said the country was "advancing steadily towards victory thanks to the sacrifices of its army, the determination of its people and the support of its allies," state news agency SANA said.

Last week, Syria's army and allied fighters broke a years-long IS siege of Deir Ezzor, entering two regime-held sections of the city that had been cut off from each other.

Since then, the army has brought reinforcements to the city and is seeking to oust IS from eastern neighbourhoods that run along the Euphrates river, which slices diagonally through the province.

"The army is seeking to encircle Daesh from three sides by controlling the parts of the western bank of the Euphrates river," the source told AFP, using the Arabic acronym for IS.

Troops would target riverside territory on the city's northwestern edges as well as strategic areas on its southern outskirts, including the key military airport and the village of Al-Jafra, on the banks of the Euphrates.

The operation seeks to "oust Daesh from the city and the province completely," the military source said.

Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor, also reported that "fierce fighting has been ongoing since yesterday as the army seeks to expel IS and reach the western bank of the Euphrates."

If the army captures Al-Jafra, "Deir Ezzor will be encircled from three sides, so Daesh will have no way out except the Euphrates which is within firing range of regime artillery and Russian warplanes," he added.

As the Syrian army backed by Russian air support battles IS in Deir Ezzor, a separate offensive by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces is under way on the eastern side of the province.

The operation by the alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters began over the weekend, but the SDF has said it was not coordinating the fight with the regime.

Air strikes by Russian and US-led coalition warplanes in support of the separate offensives have killed dozens of civilians in recent days.

On Wednesday, the Observatory said suspected US-led coalition strikes on several parts of eastern Deir Ezzor province overnight and throughout the day killed 12 people.

On Tuesday, the monitor reported 35 people killed in Russian and US-led strikes on either side of the Euphrates.

More than 330,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests.

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Former Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey joins new lobbying affiliate of attorneys Farrar & Bates



NASHVILLE  Expanding on its expertise in the area of governmental relations, Farrar & Bates, LLP, announces the addition of former Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey to its new lobbying affiliate, Ramsey, Farrar & Bates, LLC.



Addison Russell (left), William N. Bates, J. Russell Farrar and Ron Ramsey



Ramsey served as Tennessees lieutenant governor from 2007 until his retirement earlier this year and was the first Republican to hold the post in 140 years. He was a member of the Tennessee General Assembly for 24 years, serving two terms as a state representative from the 1st District and four terms as a state senator from the 4th District. Ramsey held numerous leadership positions in the Senate and was named The Best Lawmaker for Business in Tennessee by Business Tennessee magazine in 2008 for his success in passing pro-growth policy to improve the states business climate.



We are pleased to welcome Ron to Ramsey, Farrar & Bates, says Russell Farrar, founding partner of Nashville-based Farrar & Bates and general counsel and lobbyist for the Tennessee Association of Realtors. This new subsidiary is a natural progression for our firm, and we look forward to the depth and perspective Ron will bring to our clients through this new partnership.



In addition to his political career, Ramsey is the longtime owner of Ron Ramsey & Associates, a real estate and auction company licensed in Tennessee and Virginia, which he started only three years after receiving his bachelors degree in building construction technology from East Tennessee State University. He is a current member and former president of the Bristol Tennessee/Virginia Association of Realtors, a member of the Farm Credit Association Advisory Board, and a former president of the Blountville Business Association.



For 30 years, Russ Farrar has been drafting legislation, managing the political landscape, and building close relationships with clients and elected officials, Ramsey says. It is an honor to work alongside my good friend, who is a dynamic leader and has a proven record of success throughout the state. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together for the people of Tennessee.



Established in 1992, Farrar & Bates, LLP, is a comprehensive litigation firm concentrating on trial and appellate practice in state and federal court, as well as administrative, arbitration and mediation proceedings. The firm specializes in the defense of real estate errors and omissions actions against real estate licensees, and also regularly represents Tennessee municipalities, municipal officers and municipal employees in the practice areas of employment discrimination and retaliation, premises liability, general tort liability, workers compensation, wage and hour disputes, police liability, civil rights, land use, zoning and planning, contract disputes and inverse condemnation. The firms offices are located in the heart of downtown Nashville within sight of the Tennessee State Capitol. Visit www.farrar-bates.com for more information.




Tennessee cotton forecast up 29 percent from 2016



NASHVILLE  The U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the September Crop Production report today, showing an increase in yields for most crops.



This is a very promising season for agricultural producers in Tennessee, according to Debra Kenerson, Tennessee State Statistician. With the exception of burley tobacco, which showed a 100 pound per acre decrease from the August forecast, the September forecasts show yield increases for all other crops.



Tennessee cotton production is projected to be 740,000 bales, up nine percent from the August forecast and up 29 percent from last year. Cotton yields are forecast to average 1,045 pounds per acre, up nine pounds from last month and down 59 pounds per acre from the previous year. Producers expect to harvest 340,000 acres, up 25,000 acres from the August forecast and up 90,000 acres from 2017. U.S. cotton production was forecast at 21.8 million bales, up six percent from the August forecast and up 27 percent from 2016. Yields are forecast to average 908 pounds per acre, up 16 pounds from last month and up 41 pounds from last year. Harvested acreage is estimated at 11.5 million acres, up four percent from the August forecast and up 21 percent from the previous year.

Corn production in Tennessee is forecast at 131 million bushels, up one percent from the August forecast and up five percent from the previous crop. Yield was estimated at 168 bushels per acre, up two bushels from last month and up 17 bushels from the 2016 level. Acres for harvest as grain were estimated at 780,000 acres, down 50,000 acres from 2016. The U.S. corn production is forecast at 14.2 billion bushels, up slightly from the August forecast and down six percent from 2016. Based on conditions as of Sept. 1, yields are expected to average 169.9 bushels per acre, up 0.4 bushels from last month and down 4.7 bushels from 2016. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 83.5 million acres, unchanged from the August forecast and down four percent from 2016.



Soybean production for Tennessee is forecast at 82.6 million bushels, up seven percent from the August forecast and up 13 percent from 2016. Yield was estimated at 48 bushels per acre, up three from last month and three from a year ago. Acreage for harvest as beans was estimated at 1.72 million acres, up 90,000 acres from the previous year. U.S. soybean production is forecast at 4.43 billion bushels, up one percent from the August forecast and up three percent from last year. Based on Sept. 1, conditions, yields are expected to average 49.9 bushels per acre, up 0.5 bushels from last month and down 2.2 bushels from last year. Area for harvest is forecast at 88.7 million acres, unchanged from the August forecast and up seven percent from 2016.



Tennessee burley tobacco production is forecast at 19.2 million pounds, down 19 percent from the August forecast, but up 19 percent from 2016. Yield was projected at 1,600 pounds per acre, down 100 pounds from last month and up 250 pounds from the 2016 crop. Harvested acreage was estimated at 12,000 acres, unchanged acres from last year's crop. For the burley producing states production is forecast at 161 million pounds, up one percent from the August forecast and up 15 percent from last year. Burley growers plan to harvest 81,500 acres, up two percent from 2016. Yields were expected to average 1,970 pounds per acre, up 223 pounds from last year.



Production of Tennessee dark fire-cured tobacco is forecast at 23.3 million pounds, up three percent from the August forecast and up 36 percent from the previous year. Dark air-cured tobacco production is forecast at 4.16 million pounds, up 28 percent from the August forecast and up 78 percent from last year.



Going forward, well need as much cooperation from agricultural producers as possible during our upcoming October Agricultural Yield Survey, so that we can more accurately forecast the effects of the rain and wind events resulting from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Kenerson said. Thank you to the Tennessee agricultural producers who make these reports possible not only for our state, but for the nation.



NASS gathered data for the September Agricultural Yield Survey earlier this month. The monthly yield surveys begin in May with the focus on small grains through July and shifts to row crops beginning in August through the remainder of the growing season.


Tunisia's parliament on Wednesday began debating a contested bill granting amnesty to officials accused of corruption during the rule of autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, triggering angry protests from the opposition and activists outside.

Opposition lawmakers sang the national anthem and shouted slogans before the session was temporarily suspended. Outside, dozens of demonstrators protested, chanting "This law will not pass" and "Whitewash corruption".

After months of protests, the bill was amended from an original draft which would have also granted amnesty to corrupt businessmen. As it stands, they will be liable to prosecution for crimes committed during Ben Ali's 24-year rule.

Critics of the so-called "Economic Reconciliation" bill say it is a step back from the spirit of Tunisia's 2011 revolution to oust Ben Ali, who fled after weeks of protests against corruption and inequality.

"This law is an advanced stage of counter-revolution," opposition lawmaker Ammar Amroussia said.

But government officials say the law helps to turn the page on the past, improves the climate for investment and gives confidence to the administration and officials.

"The time has come to stop the isolation of those officials who could contribute to the building of the new Tunisia," said Mohamed Souf of the governing Nidaa Tounes party. "We must reconcile, as happened in South Africa and Rwanda."

The bill was proposed by President Beji Caid Essebsi, himself a former Ben Ali official, and sent to parliament in 2015. But debate was postponed after criticism that the original bill benefited business elites tied to the government.

At Wednesday's session, tensions flared between the ruling coalition and the opposition lawmakers, who said the Supreme Judicial Council had not yet given its answer after being consulted by the parliament on the legality of the bill.

Despite the consensus between secular and Islamist parties that helped the country's transition towards democracy, the bill has divided Tunisians between those who want to draw a line under the past and those who say they cannot tolerate corruption.

Since the 2011 uprising, Tunisia has been held up by Western partners as a model of democracy for the region. Economic progress has lagged, though, and corruption remains a major problem in the North African state.

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UN chief Antonio Guterres called Wednesday on Myanmar to halt its military campaign against Rohingyas in Rakhine state, acknowledging that the Muslim minority was facing ethnic cleansing.

"I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military activities and violence and uphold the rule of law," he said in a press conference.

After describing reports of security forces attacking civilians as "completely unacceptable," Guterres was asked if he agreed that the Rohingya population was being ethnically cleansed.

"When one third of the Rohingya population has got to flee the country, can you find a better word to describe it?" he replied.

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By Chyung Eun-ju

North Korean hackers may try to steal bitcoins and other crypto currencies to dodge sanctions, according to a cyber security firm's report cited by Bloomberg on Tuesday (local time).

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appears to be interested in virtual cash because it is secure and secretive. A crypto currency would thus give leeway for the isolated state to move funds where it wants to and change it for various currencies.

In retaliation for North Korea's sixth nuclear test early this month, the United Nations Security Council on Monday approved sanctions that could reduce about 30 percent of oil exports to the North, cutting off more than 55 percent of refined petroleum product exports to the state.

The sanctions could also cut the country's textile exports by 90 percent.

"We definitely see sanctions being a big lever driving this sort of activity," said Luke McNamara, a researcher at FireEye and author of the report.

"They (North Korea) probably see it as a very low-cost solution to bring in hard cash."

McNamara's report said, "Since May 2017, we have observed North Korean actors target at least three South Korean crypto currency exchanges with the suspected intent of stealing funds."

Bloomberg tech reporter Yuji Nakamura said, "The reason they are targeting South Korean exchanges is obvious because of the language.

"I'm sure it's much easier for the hackers to get in there, but South Korea is actually one of the busiest trading hubs for bitcoin."

In June, North Korea allegedly attacked Seoul-based Bithumb, the world's second-largest virtual currency exchange by volume and number one for ethereum, a virtual currency.

Hackers use spearphishing  a method of sending emails of tax-themed lures and deploying malware  to steal virtual cash, according to FireEye.

North Korean hackers were suspected of infiltrating global banks through cyber attacks in 2016.

Security experts predict that North Korea's attempts to hack into digital cash will only increase as the new sanctions kick in.

A single bitcoin is worth more than 4.8 million won ($4,300). Bitcoin has shown stellar growth in 2017, with its value quadrupling from the start of the year to August.
The second floor of the newly-opened emart24 store in Samcheong-dong, northern Seoul shows tourist goods on display in an interior showing traditional Korean motifs. / Courtesy of emart24



By Kim Ji-soo



The pricy Whole Foods Market grocery stores in the United States make for an interesting visit because of the products and services they offer that are not yet available in Korean stores.

For example, one Whole Foods in Richmond, Virginia, features countless aisles of fresh produce, as well as so-called beer bars, salad bars and even olive bars. Shops in other regions exhibit for example more integrated online-offline shop features, as Amazon has entered the grocery market against the larger context where retailers are experimenting with different models of businesses.

Recently, Korean retailers, including hypermarkets, department stores and convenience stores, have also been diversifying their products and services. The strategy has especially been prominent among convenience stores, as more of them open up in tandem with the rising number of singles looking to shop in quantitative units and at nearby stores.

One latecomer to the Korean convenience store industry, emart24, has been adding such touches of luxury to its new stores.

The emart24 store in the northern Seoul neighborhood of Samcheong-dong near the presidential office looks more like a quaint shop on the street than a 24-hour convenience store.

The two-story store has wooden touches in its interiors and a smattering of traditional Korean motifs. Its first floor features an array of daily necessities and other goods, while its second floor features a cafe selling traditional Korean beverages. Also, there are sections offering lunch boxes developed by a chef and an array of tourist goods, including traditional Korean liquor. There is also a space where customers can sit down on the floor Korean-style to enjoy their purchases.

"We are seeing a lot of tourists come in, like 50 percent of the time on weekdays and 60 percent on weekends. I would say the reception of the store has been good in terms of sales," store manager Lee Byung-chan said.

"The people who work here basically know how to speak English, and some of us, Chinese."

The convenience store was known to consumers as With Me until last month, when the company began rebranding itself as emart24. In addition to the name change, the Shinsegae affiliate has been adding new concepts to its stores; its store at Starfield COEX Mall in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul, for instance, features freshly cooked rice.

The convenience store industry in Korea has been experiencing an uptick for the past several years, as single households continue to increase.

Statistics Korea estimated 5.1 million single-person households in the country in 2015, up significantly from 171,000 from a year earlier, owing primarily to the rising number of people moving out of their parents' homes, divorcees and elderly singles in a fast-aging society. These singles altogether account for 27 percent of the total estimated 19 million households in the nation, and the figure is expected to continue to grow for as long as the above factors, such as Koreans living apart from their parents and putting off marriage, persist.

The number of convenience stores may also increase, as many retirees and individuals are interested in opening their own stores. Statistics Korea data showed that convenience stores, along with fried chicken shops and coffee shops, comprised 38 percent of the 180,000 franchise stores in Korea at the end of 2015. This figure includes 30,000 convenience stores, 25,000 fried chicken shops and 14,000 coffee shops.

Thus, companies, including earlier entrants such as CU, GS25 and 7-Eleven, are working to retain or grab a larger share of the market by providing a diverse range of services, from postal to dry cleaning services.

Recently, 7-Eleven, an affiliate of Lotte Group here, began offering a return service where people can return items purchased from the group's home shopping channel through the convenience stores. The rebranding and upgrade by the late entrant emart24 is a similar attempt to capture a greater market share.

This August, emart24 said it will invest 300 billion won ($261 million) over the next three years to nurture its convenience stores and become a market leader, surpassing early market entrants who have been there since the 1980s.

"Based on Korea's population, the ideal number of convenience stores would be 18,000. But now, we already have 30,000 and that figure is expected to reach 40,000 by late this year. Latecomers must have a new competitive edge," said Suh Yong-gu, a professor of business administration at Sookmyung Women's University.

And as convenience store companies compete, consumers can expect to see a more varied shopping experience.

"The convenience stores will invariably face declining sales, but in the future, as Korean society rapidly ages, more consumers will shop for smaller units of necessary items at nearby convenience stores, just like in Japan, rather than at larger supermarkets," he said.




By Emanuel Pastreich





It has become popular for Korean businessmen and bureaucrats to argue that Korea needs to have its own nuclear weapons in order to assure its security. The change in thinking has been aided by a series of high-profile editorials in the Korean media, including editorials by moderate thinkers, advocating for the option of South Korean nuclear weapons as part of a general military build-up.

When Koreans start their argument for Seoul developing its own nuclear weapons, they refer to the importance of the non-proliferation treaty, but go on to suggest that we must be practical and that Seoul must seriously consider its own nuclear program for its own interests.

I understand why Koreans have come to the conclusion that Korea must have more independence in its security and intelligence policy. That judgment is absolutely correct. The Trump administration in specific, along with the entire Washington political culture, has become so corrupt and so ruthless that we cannot expect America to effectively stand up for Korea's interests.

However, the arguments advanced for the possession of South Korean nuclear weapons assume that if South Korea has nuclear weapons, and a larger military, it will be more secure.

There is no reason to make such an assumption.

In a simple conflict with a single clear enemy an argument can be made for increasing military strength. But South Korea's security is determined by a complex system that extends to China, Japan, Russia and the United States. Deterring North Korea is but one factor in the equation, and perhaps not the most important one.

The most likely scenario that will result if South Korea starts to develop nuclear weapons and to bulk up its military will be to encourage further a major arms race in East Asia between South Korea, Japan and China (and Russia, the United States and other nations). That race has already started, but it has not spun out of control yet.

If a full-fledged nuclear arms race takes off in Northeast Asia, we will all forget about North Korea's tiny stash of weapons very quickly.

Anyone who thinks that Seoul's development of nuclear weapons and expansion of conventional weapons will make Korea a safer nation is living in a parallel universe and has no sense of strategy or for that matter realism.

If South Korea starts developing ICBMs and nuclear weapons, even with the encouragement of the United States, so will Japan, and maybe other nations as well. The Trump administration does not care about Korea's long-term security and such foolish remarks by Americans should be simply ignored. All decisions should be based on objective domestic Korean research and a domestic debate based on the scientific principle.

What people are missing in this discussion is what we should be grateful for. China has maintained a relatively small military compared to its economic power and has kept its stash of nuclear weapons to under 300. But if South Korea starts to develop nuclear weapons, and the Abe administration announces similar intentions (which conservatives are already hinting at), China will feel entirely justified in increasing its stock of nuclear weapons.

China has a massive economy and considerable technological expertise. It could easily surpass the United States and Russia in nuclear weapons if it makes up its mind to do so, reaching ten thousand nuclear weapons in a few years.

And once the competition starts, the sky is the limit.

Japan might end up with 5,000 nuclear weapons, South Korea, 3,000, and Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia might follow into this dangerous nuclear arms race.

Would South Korea be safer in such an environment? No expert on nonproliferation and disarmament thinks so. But this discussion about nuclear weapons in Seoul is being led by people who do not know what they are talking about.

We can be sure of one thing: South Korea's economic scale and population is limited and it will not be able to compete if there is a full-blown arms race in Northeast Asia driven by Japan and China. The result of this foolish effort of Korea to increase its military power could be an environment that is even more dangerous for Korea and may lead to economic bankruptcy and an end to independence. We will look back with fondness to the age when North Korea had only a handful of weapons.

Korea would be better off it makes a series of proposals for talks on limitations on convention and nuclear weapons for the region, much as Europe did in the 1970s. If Korea lobbies hard for arms limitations, it can increase its stature in the region and save itself from a rather grim future.

Developing nuclear weapons in South Korea will significantly increase insecurity for the simple reason that South Korea will not be able to compete with the capacity of China and Japan to produce such weapons and because the instability in the region thus created will negate any marginal security for South Korea brought about by the new weapons.



Emanuel Yi Pastreich is a critic of literature, technology and international affairs. He teaches at Kyung Hee University and works at the Asia Institute. Contact epastreich@gmail.com.
Lotte Duty Free's Incheon International Airport store / Courtesy of Lotte Duty Free



By Park Jae-hyuk

Lotte has officially asked the state-run Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC) to lower its rent for the company's duty free shops at the airport, the retail giant said Wednesday.



The stores have experienced sluggish sales on the declining number of inbound Chinese tourists, following China's retaliation against Korea's deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system.

Korea's top duty free operator urged the airport operator to answer its request and asked the IIAC for a meeting to consult on the matter in one week.



Lotte Duty Free said it seeks to avoid the worst-case scenario, which is closing down and withdrawing its stores from the airport. Lotte threatened earlier this month to close its airport stores unless the IIAC accepts its demands.

The retail giant proposed the airport operator allow its duty free company to pay rent in accordance with its stores' revenue. The duty free stores have had to pay higher rent to cover the minimum guarantee.

The state-run Korea Airport Corp. (KAC), which operates the country's regional airports, has allowed Hanwha Galleria at Jeju International Airport to pay its rent in accordance with its sales. Hanwha was considering withdrawing its duty free shops from the island's airport last month.

Unlike the KAC, however, the IIAC has refused to cut the rent, saying the cost will be reduced after the opening of its second passenger terminal next year. It also said the airport operator cannot cut the rent without approval from the government, particularly, the infrastructure ministry, which oversees IIAC management.

If the IIAC refuses the proposal, Lotte Duty Free is expected to suffer losses worth 200 billion won ($177 million) this year and 1.4 trillion won over the entire period of its five-year contract with the airport, the retailer said. Lotte agreed to pay the IIAC 4 trillion won from September 2015 to August 2020, regardless of the stores' performance, when it was selected as the duty free operator for the largest space at the airport in 2015.

"Through the rent cut, we hope to boost competitiveness in the nation's tourism industry and achieve mutual growth with the IIAC," a Lotte Duty Free official said.

In addition to Lotte, mid-size duty free operators have urged airport operators to cut rent, following the drastic decline in the number of Chinese tourists.



Chinese travelers had been the stores' main customers until Beijing's de facto ban on Chinese tour agencies from offering Korea's tour packages. Tourists from Japan and Southeast Asia could not make up for their absence. Korea, as a result, suffered the biggest deficit in its travel services account in July.

Samick Duty Free recently filed a lawsuit against the IIAC over the rent issue. City Plus, another duty free operator at Gimpo International Airport, also filed a petition with the Fair Trade Commission, blaming the KAC for allegedly overlooking the market potential of the airport.
Slowing or cutting oil pipeline supplies to North Korea could be expensive to repair.



By Kristin Huang





An oil pipeline that supplies 90 per cent of North Korea's crude has been excluded from the latest United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang in part for one very practical reason: once China turns it off, it can't be easily turned back on again.

The Dandong-Sinuiju pipeline delivers more than half a million tonnes of crude oil to North Korea a year yet the supplies were explicitly excluded from the resolution passed by the UN Security Council on Monday in response to Pyongyang's sixth nuclear test.

Described by Washington as the strongest yet, the resolution included cutting off more than 55 per cent of refined petroleum products going to North Korea, capping imports of refined petroleum products at 2 million barrels per year, and freezing the existing amount of crude oil delivered to the hermit state.

But it also stated that the crude oil going through the Dandong-Sinuiju pipeline was exempted, prompting criticism that the resolution was a half measure.

Analysts said the exemption reflected Beijing's unwillingness to drive Pyongyang to even greater desperation.

But Liu Ming, a North Korean affairs analyst from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said technical factors with the pipeline were real and "could not be ignored".

"The crude oil transported via the Dandong-Sinuiju pipeline contains a high proportion of wax. If the flow of oil slows or stops, the pipeline becomes blocked, which in turn is expensive to repair. The pipeline can even be damaged beyond repair in extreme cases," Liu said.

The pipeline's crude supplies are from the Daqing oilfield in Heilongjiang province and are typically

low in sulphur and high in wax. The mix solidifies easily in cold weather or when the flow slows to a certain point, according to a PetroChina Pipeline Research and Development Centre report.

China would have to go to great expense to clear any solid wax inside the pipeline, and the infrastructure could be irreparably damaged if the wax content exceeded a threshold, the report said.

The pipeline, also called the Friendship Oil Pipeline, runs for more than 30km from storage facilities in the Chinese border city of Dandong to an oil depot in Sinuiju in North Korea.

It was completed in December 1975, and supplies 520,000 tonnes (3.64 million barrels) of heavy crude oil each year, according to its operator, China National Petroleum Corporation.

Chinese customs authorities have not publicly reported the total volume of crude exports to North Korea since January 2014, but in 2013, 590,000 tonnes went from China to its neighbour.

Once across the border, the crude is processed at North Korea's sole working refinery, the Ponghwa Chemical Factory, a facility built with Chinese support in the 1970s.

The refinery turns the oil into refined products for North Korea's government, military, transport, agricultural and fishing sectors, according to 38 North, a website run by the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Reports leading up to Monday's UN Security Council vote said the United States was pressing for a total oil embargo against North Korea, but China and Russia resisted the blanket ban and a "watered down" resolution was adopted instead.

Justin Hastings, an international relations specialist in Sino-North Korean trade at the University of Sydney, said Beijing did not want to generate more ill will from Pyongyang by cutting its lifeline, given that China's endorsement of previous UN sanctions had already triggered resentment from North Korea.

"China's policy is to force North Korea to the negotiating table, not to its knees, so it builds in exemptions like this to give it the ability to keep the regime alive," Hastings said.

"Perhaps more importantly, banning all crude oil imports except what China provides through one pipeline gives China a lot of leverage over North Korea, assuming other countries adhere to the ban. This may be just as important as the ban itself."

David von Hippel, from the California-based Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability, said Beijing did not want to see a humanitarian crisis in the hermit state.

"China probably excluded this pipeline for the same reason that it has insisted on humanitarian or normal economic trade clauses in previous resolutions  both to protect Chinese business interests and to keep the North Korea oil supplies at levels sufficient to ensure that [North Korea's] society will not break down," von Hippel said. "The Chinese fear [this] will result in a flood of refugees coming across its border, as well as ... geopolitical chaos."
The fourth edition of the Dublin Arabic Film Festival will take place between 6 and 8 October

The Egyptian film Ali, The Goat and Ibrahim will be screened within the fourth Dublin Arabic Film Fetsival, an event that takes place at the Irish Film Institute, in Dublin, Ireland, between 6 and 8 October.

Directed by Sherif El-Bendary, the film stars Ali Sobhy who won the Muhr Best Actor Award at the 13th Dubai International Film Festival (December 2016), where it premiered.

The film's screenplay was written by Ahmed Amer and is based on a story by Ibrahim El-Batout and stars Ahmed Magdy, Salwa Mohamed Ali and Nahed El-Sebaee.

The film centres on a man who believes that his dead girlfriend has been reincarnated as a goat, which he names Nada. At the healers clinic, Ali meets Ibrahim, and they are both diagnosed as being cursed.

When the healer prescribes a solution to break the spell, it sets them off on an adventure that takes them to the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Nile.

The Dublin Arabic Film Festival was launched in 2014, with an edition that honored late Egyptian film actor Omar Sherif.

In its fourth year, apart from Egypt's Ali, The Goat and Ibrahim, the festival will also screen drama romance Solitaire (Lebanon, 2016), drama Tramontane (Lebanon, 2016); documentary Gaza Surf Club (2016) and crime drama Beauty and the Dogs (2017).

The festival is presided by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jim Sheridan, and festival director Zahara Moufid.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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The ceremony was attended by French elites, the French minister of defence, and a number of foreign ambassadors

In a gala ceremony held on Tuesday night at the Petite Palais in Paris, Egypts embassy in France celebrated the 200-year anniversary of the discovery of the Abu Simbel temples.

The ceremony was attended by French elites, the French minister of defence, and a number of foreign ambassadors in Paris.

During the ceremony, Egypts Minister of Antiquities, Khaled El-Enany, delivered a speech relating the history of the temple salvage operation in collaboration with UNESCO, in 1962 during the building of the High Dam.

He also highlighted the archaeological value of both temples and the efforts exerted by the Egyptian government to preserve the country's heritage and to speed up all archaeological projects put on hold in the aftermath of the 2011 revolution.

At the end of his speech, El-Enany invited the attendees and all French citizens to visit Egypt and to explore and admire its unique heritage.

A replica exhibition was held on the margins of the ceremony, where a replica of King Tutankhamuns chariot and models of both Abu Simbel temples were displayed.

Also on display were bronze busts of three people who played a major role in the Nubia salvage operation: minister of culture during the salvage operation Tharwat Okasha, Egyptologist Selim Hassan, and French Egyptologist Christian Noblecourt.

These busts were created by the antiquities ministrys replica production unit and were borrowed by the foreign ministry for the celebration.

The busts will be returned to their original displays at the Abu Simbel Visitor Centre after the exhibition is closed.

Tharwat Okasha (1921-2012) participated in many cultural heritage projects, especially rescuing the Abu Simbel temples.

He played a pivotal role in the international campaign to save the monuments of Nubia.

Selim Hassan (1893 -1961) was the head of the Egyptian mission which evaluated the impact of the construction of the High Dam on the monuments of Nubia.

He published many reports and much research on the topic.

Christiane Desroches Noblecourt (1913-2011) was the first French woman to lead an archaeological excavation (in 1938).

She was also known for making an appeal for international support to save the monuments of Nubia. She is the author of many publications on Egyptian civilisation.

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Technical experts from Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia will meet in Sudan on Thursday to discuss technical issues related to studies on the impact of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on downstream countries, an Egyptian foreign ministry spokesman told Al-Ahram Arabic news website

The 15th round of the meetings in the north-eastern Sudanese city of Atbara will discuss a preliminary report about the technical methodology of the planned studies by French firms French firms BRL and Artelia, spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid told Al-Ahram Arabic website.

BRL said last year that the studies were scheduled to start in late 2016 and should take 11 months.

The latest meeting was held in Addis Ababa in May and concluded without resolving points of contention over the dam studies, which will assess the hydrological, environmental and economic impact of the megaproject on downstream countries Sudan and Egypt.

That meeting discussed the terms under which the studies are to be carried out, the data the two French firms commissioned with conducting the studies need to provide, and the mechanism of sharing and verifying information presented by the firms, the statement said.

The meeting also addressed points of concern by the three countries on an initial report delivered in late March by the French firms about the technical studies,

The 6,000-megawatt Grand Renaissance Dam, which is slated for completion this year, is situated close to Ethiopia's border with Sudan. Ethiopia hopes it will be able to export electricity generated by the dam.

Egypt, however, has expressed concerns that the dam might reduce its share of Nile water.

Ethiopia maintains that the dam will not have any negative impact on Egypt or Sudan.

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In our feverish media climate, we at times devote intense attention to issues of trivial importance in peoples livesfor several weeks this summer, for example, we were engrossed in news of the jellyfish bloom on the North Coastwhile other much more important events slide under the radar without adequate analysis.

A significant news item may be briefly covered for a day or two, but absent any in-depth discussion of its import for the future.

One example of just such an issue is that of financial inclusion, the topic of an international conference being held this week in Sharm al-Sheikh. Sponsored by the Central Bank of Egypt, the conference will bring together dozens of Egyptian and international financial institutions.

This is a subject that merits broad social interest and debate beyond narrow banking and financial circles.

The basic of idea of financial inclusion is to make financial and banking services available to as many citizens as possible, removing the legal, social, and cultural barriers that preclude broad access to these services.

This global trend is motivated by the belief that equitable, sustainable economic development requires opening up all channels of economic participation and enabling those with few resources and modest incomes to take advantage of the opportunities for financing, investment, and employment that financial services offer.

In the absence of financial inclusion i.e. in a restrictive climate that impedes access to financial services by all social strata the economy is less efficient, less competitive, and opportunities for social mobility are limited. Financial inclusion has thus become an important measure of inclusive development in various countries.

The idea isnt new; its been discussed increasingly around the world for at least a decade. But its gaining in importance now due to several factors.

For one, advances in communications and information technology make it possible to circumvent the need for travel, physical movement, paper-based transactions, and cash payments, while repeated global financial crises have prompted a reconsideration of many conventional ideas about banks and financing and their associated risks.

Theres also a growing trend to open up all fields for public participation and remove social and cultural barriers in general, whether in financing or elsewhere.

In this sense, financial inclusion is a way of democratizing the economy, giving every citizen access to all rights and opportunities without discrimination or exclusion.

Yet there are factors that impede financial inclusion, all of which are pertinent in Egypt at the present time. For example, laws issued over the past two decades have focused on combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes, which runs counter to the drive for simplification and fewer restrictions.

Banks and financial institutions have also shown little interest in attracting small depositors and investors given attractive, more guaranteed channels for investing private assets through public debt financing.

It has also proved difficult to adapt banking regulations and laws to the needs and circumstances of the informal sector and unregistered business activities. Last but not least, there is the implicit cultural bias in financial institutions against those segments of the public they rarely deal with.

Financial inclusion does not mean simply making it easy to enter a bank and obtain a loan or credit card. It means access to market information equal to that of large investors and depositors, equivalent legal protections, and the capacity to benefit from resources, services, and opportunities available in the economy.

Without this, financial inclusion becomes simply a tool for easy financing without conditions to ensure its successful deployment, which in turn leads to more debt, bankruptcy, and poverty.

I hope the Sharm al-Sheikh conference will address these issues and problems, perhaps offering innovative solutions. Financial inclusion is not merely a technical matter for bankers and financial experts. It is an issue of social and economic development of the foremost importance.

Its also political, insofar as it upholds the right of every citizen to participate in economic activity, and it is a key issue for the kind of social movement that every society needs to prosper and grow.

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Former La Jolla Park & Recreation, Inc. board chair Cindy Greatrex has been accused of stealing more than $67,000 from Rec Center funds, a charge she adamantly denies. She is to appear in Superior Criminal Court in San Diego on Friday, Sept. 15, where her lawyer is confident the charges of grand theft by employee, filed July 5, will be dismissed.

If convicted, the penalty for grand theft is based on several factors and determined by legal officials. It could include thousands of dollars in fines and/or jail time.

Greatrex is a former chair of the La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA), but vacated her board seat after missing three meetings to attend to her dying mother. At the Sept. 7 special election to fill the seat, Greatrex ran and was elected to a new term. She was present at the onset of that meeting.

Greatrex was also chair of La Jolla Park & Recreation, Inc. until spring 2017, when allegations of misuse of funds were raised. At that time, Greatrex stepped down as chair, citing conflict with other board members. La Jolla Park & Recreation, Inc. is in the midst of a playground renovation, and is currently discussing layout concepts and will soon begin fundraising.

According to court documents, over the span of about a year, Greatrex stole money belonging to La Jolla Park & Recreation, Inc.  She made out company checks made payable to herself or cash, and these checks were cashed by her through (bank) accounts. The loss total was $67,935.86. These checks contained just her signature; bypassing board policy of having two authorizing signatures, the document continues.

The declaration in support of an arrest warrant and warrant, deposed by San Diego Peace Officer Bernie Piceno, states that Piceno was instructed to speak with then La Jolla Park & Recreation, Inc. vice-president (now acting president) Mary Coakley Munk to investigate the alleged embezzlement. During such interview, Coakley Munk provided Piceno various documents (including)  spreadsheet itemizing stolen funds, copies of unauthorized checks, copies of invoices, copies of e-mails, and letters to and from Greatrex, among other items.

Picenos deposition goes on to state, During the course of my duties, I have learned the following information, based upon having read the reports of or talked with the named victim and witnesses, or by having read reports of or talked with other officers and investigators, who have spoken with the named victim and witnesses.

In the course of his research, Piceno said Greatrexs personal accounts showed 21 unauthorized La Jolla Park & Recreation, Inc. checks being deposited into her accounts, and numerous cash deposits being made into her accounts.

An appearance warrant and bail were set in July for Greatrex to respond to the charges against her.

In my case this makes sense, I travel two weeks of the month for work, so they wanted to make sure I showed up, which of course I did, she said, adding that bail in these circumstances is very normal.

When asked about the theft allegations, Coakley Munk told La Jolla Light neither she nor other members of the Parks & Recreation, Inc. board, could comment on the situation, and more information would be made available at the preliminary hearing, Sept. 15.

Greatrex maintains her innocence and said the funds in question were used to purchase grant writing for the Rec Center and other in-house items.

There are no missing funds, Greatrex told La Jolla Light. The checks were made payable to me because they were reimbursements for the grant-writing fees (I paid) over a long period of time. She added that the statement given that two signatures are required to cash the checks is inaccurate.

A Light review of the LJP&R, Inc. bylaws found no reference to the number of signatures required on checks cashed.

Her attorney Paul Neuharth reports he had recently submitted receipts to the District Attorneys office showing where and how the funds in question were spent, which he considers to be exonerating evidence. He said the evidence would be heard at the Sept. 15 preliminary hearing.

Greatrex said she questions the timing of when these charges were brought to light, given its correlation to elections at the LJCPA board level, of which she is part.

The original accusations arose around the time LJCPA held its annual election, where Greatrex was up for re-election. She was elected to another term, but was unable to continue as a trustee due to personal absences.

The most recent report on the charges became public before the LJCPA special election, for which Greatrex was again up for election. LJCPA makes recommendations to the San Diego City Council, Planning Commission and other agencies on land-use matters.

I believe this is about besmirching my name and removing me from La Jolla Park & Recreation, Inc. and La Jolla Community Planning Association boards, Greatrex said. She again pointed to a longstanding conflict with a current Park & Recreation, Inc. board member, who she believes filed the charges.

Greatrex is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 15 for a preliminary hearing, at which time both parties will have a chance to state their cases.
In summer 2016, La Jolla was experiencing an increase in residential burglaries and other theft-related crimes. The town responded with an increase in grassroots activism by way of Neighborhood Watch groups in sub-areas across La Jolla, and a citizens crime advisory committee under the La Jolla Town Council.

By September, 10 Neighborhood Watch groups had formed.

Now, one year after La Jolla Light published the story Neighborhood Watch programs become a force in La Jolla, the number of Watches has jumped to 44, and the La Jolla-area groups have refined their approach and seen a reduction in burglaries.

From a law enforcement standpoint, weve made huge strides in Neighborhood Watch, said San Diego Police Department Community Relations Officer Larry Hesselgesser, who is charged with helping to launch Watch groups. There are a lot more meetings, a lot more coordination, and we have Neighborhood Watch captains in certain areas who can take part of the work and help me out. Now, we have much more of a melding of police and citizens and working together, which has been much more effective (in fighting crime).

In the citizen groups, headed largely by Barber Tract resident Cynthia Chasan, there is also a hierarchy through which information is fielded. First, a Neighborhood Watch area is established, covering one block or several. Each of these areas has an assigned block captain.

Above them, there are six area coordinators working with Chasan, who oversees the La Jolla program. She works in concert with Hesselgesser to get crime information out to residents. The coverage area under the La Jolla Neighborhood Watch group includes Mount Soledad, The Village and Bird Rock.

In these areas, Chasan said there has been a reduction in burglaries. In 2016, from January to September, we had 178 residential burglaries. In 2017, weve had 54 residential burglaries, she said. So far this year, weve had 41 motor vehicle thefts, but our 10-year average is 128 motor vehicle thefts.

Tools for success

In addition to the communication structure, Hesselgesser said the most helpful resource has been the community-based social media site nextdoor.com on which residents report suspicious activities.

When it was introduced two or three years ago, the site helped us all come together and be more in tune to whats going on in a neighborhood. The residents talk, that information gets to the coordinators, and that gets to me, he said. In years past, we had meetings and then the momentum would just die out after a couple of months because people wouldnt communicate. Having the social media aspect makes it easier for people to know whats going on in their neighborhoods.

Chasan added that improvements in home surveillance have made documenting  and sharing  criminal activity easier. Specifically, she advocates for in-home equipment such as Ring doorbells (which automatically record people who come to a front door) or other cameras. We are capturing video of these people and we can post the video on nextdoor.com so people know what to look for; thats made a big difference, she said.

Growing the Watch program

To further improve the workings of the La Jolla Neighborhood Watch program, resident and La Jolla Town Council Crime Watch Committee co-chair Catharine Douglass designed new Neighborhood Watch signs that provide more information to deter criminals.

This new sign reportedly deters criminals by providing more details, suggesting the Neighborhood Watch is out in force. (Courtesy)

Chasan explained, This sign was designed specifically for La Jolla. We found research that suggests if your citys name is on the sign, it looks like someone is organizing the Watch, rather than it being a generic message. So we put La Jolla on the signs and a note that reads monitored video surveillance, and thats different from other signs.

If we can get 10-12 residents to gather and have a Neighborhood Watch meeting and get a few to put in Ring doorbells, we put one of these signs in their area.

One goal for the coming year is to get the decrepit old signs replaced she said. If someone has one of those (tarnished signs) on their street, I would like for them to contact the offices of City Council member Barbara Bry, who will, in turn, contact me. All they have to do is have a Neighborhood Watch meeting with about a dozen neighbors and we will replace their signs with newer ones.

Old Neighborhood Watch signs suggest the area is not being monitored, and the La Jolla Community Crime Watch committee wants them replaced soon. (Ashley Mackin)

Hesselgesser added that burglars casing a neighborhood will notice whether the signs are old and uncared for, or if they are new and specific.

Another goal is to expand the program into La Jolla Shores. Chasan reports the first Watch meeting in The Shores will be later this month.

The need continues

Despite the improvements in crime prevention due to the Neighborhood Watch program, crime will still be a reality, Chasan said. She pointed out that by January 2018, San Diego is going to have fewer than 1,800 officers in the department. With more than 1.3 million people, San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and the second-largest in California, according the the U.S. Census Bureau.

When you go on nextdoor.com, you see posts of people being on hold with the police for 45 minutes and asking what the point is of having a police department. We dont have an immediate fix for the lack of officers. People can complain all they want about this being the police departments fault. Its not. We have an understaffed police department, so we have to come together as a community at this point, she said.

Hesselgesser added, This is a little bit of a Band-Aid approach, but we dont have the ability to patrol like we used to and be proactive. We need more people to be aware of whats going on. We need the public to be the eyes and ears of the community and let us know whats going on.

Want To Know More?

La Jolla Town Council Crime Watch Committee website: lajollatowncouncil.org/crime-watch-committee Hesselgesser said the site contains answers to most of the questions he receives and describes how to start a Neighborhood Watch group.

City Council member Bry at sandiego.gov/cd1 has posted a link with resources Set Up Neighborhood Watch on Your Block. It has step-by-step instructions, contacts, resources and more.

nextdoor.com is a community-based social media site on which residents may report suspicious activities.
Paul Thomas Schneider passed away on Sept. 5, 2017, at his home in Blackfoot, Idaho, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Oct. 8, 1941, in Chicago to Paul James and Evelyn Marie Gogstad Schneider. He grew up in and attended school in Lake Geneva where he graduated from Badger High School in 1960. He attended the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, studying drama, radio and television.

He next transferred to the Brown Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to become a radio announcer. Upon completion, he took a job at KLIX radio in Twin Falls, Idaho, and he moved himself to Idaho in his new 1965 Ford Mustang.

While in Twin Falls, he fell in love with 4-year-old Marcy Herrick and married her mother. He adopted Marcy in 1967. A son, Aric, was born to this union in 1971.

The marriage later ended in divorce.

Paul completed his college education at Idaho State University earning a bachelors degree in speech with a rhetoric emphasis. Following graduation, he started working for Idaho Power Co. as a residential salesman.

It was here that he met Toiny Erickson who was a home economist for Idaho Power Co. They were married on Dec. 28, 1973, in Pocatello, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on Sept. 17, 1977. To this union four more sons were born, Layne in 1974, Kyle in 1976, Neil in 1980, and Darin in 1981.

Paul worked for Idaho Power Co. in Pocatello, Blackfoot, and Salmon. After 25 years of service with the power company, he retired as district manager. He then worked for Lemhi County, Bureau of Land Management, and Bingham County upon returning to Blackfoot in 2000.

Paul again retired in 2015 to complete many projects of his own.

He loved to help other people and could talk to anyone. He enjoyed traveling, preparedness, computers, genealogy, the outdoors, building, machinery, Walker Lawn mowers and creating things he could build.

Paul was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served as a bishop, high councilman, counselor, executive secretary, Young Mens president, teacher and nursery leader.

At the time of his passing, he was serving as a guest service missionary on Temple Square/Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

He is survived by his wife, Toiny; one daughter, Marcy (Craig) Funk, Ammon, Idaho; and five sons, Aric, Salem, Oregon; Layne (ShaLa), Johnstown, Colorado; Kyle (Kam), Lehi, Utah; Neil (Debra), Blackfoot, Idaho; and Darin (Keshone), Blackfoot; one brother, James Robert Schneider; 19 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Curtis Schneider.

The family received friends at Hawker Funeral Home, Blackfoot, from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 8. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m, at the Rose Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Blackfoot.

Interment at Groveland Cemetery, Blackfoot.
The Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha has called on Colombo Process (CP) member states to bring together consular representatives from Asian migrant sending countries in the GCC region, to share experiences and best practices in meeting the day-to-day consular support needs of migrants. Noting that low and semi-skilled migrant workers from the CP countries in the GCC faced similar issues, and recalling the decision of the CP Ministerial Meeting held in Colombo in August 2016 to embark on Consular Cooperation as a new thematic area among CP countries stationed in GCC, he welcomed the operationalization of this process through the recent convening of an IOM sponsored Migrants in Countries in Crisis Initiatives (MICIC) workshop in Kuwait to address the emergency aspects of Consular Support. He urged that the idea to bring together consular staff from CP countries in destination countries should be replicated in other GCC countries as well, and must also focus on the day-to-day consular support needs of migrants and to collaborate with destination countries for mutual interest .

Ambassador Aryasinha while congratulating Nepal for assuming the Char of the CP made these observations at the first Ambassadorial Level Meeting of the Colombo Process (CP)  a regional consultative process of contractual labour sending countries in Asia, convened by Nepal in Geneva recently, following the handing over of the CP Chairmanship that had been held by Sri Lanka from 2013-2017. The Ambassador of Nepal and all CP Member States thanked Sri Lanka as the outgoing Chair of the CP for the impressive action oriented work carried out for the expansion of CP, including by introducing four new thematic areas, namely consular support for migrant workers, promotion of equality for women migrant workers, operationalization of the migration-related SDG Goals, and migrant health, to the ongoing five thematic areas on ethical recruitment, skills development and recognition, pre-departure orientation, remittances, and labour market research.

Meanwhile addressing an Expert Level Meeting of the CP Member States in Geneva on 7 September 2017 to discuss the draft outcome Statement of the forthcoming Kathmandu Consultations on the Global Compact on Migration (GCM), Deputy Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva, Mrs. Samantha Jayasuriya has said, given its sheer size of the labour migration movements in the Asia-GCC Corridor and the specific challenges it faces in migration governance, in its submission to the GCM consultation process, the Colombo Process (CP) must flag more specifically the issues of interest to the CPs economic migration practices and its impact on development based on its all nine action areas of focus, rather than presenting issues of a generic nature.

Noting that the CP had during Sri Lanka's Chairmanship developed processes and best practices on managing labour migration and represents a unique and dynamic RCP, Mrs. Jayasuriya said, the CP should use the forthcoming opportunities within the GCM consultation process - in Nepal, Switzerland and Mexico, to highlight the concerns and views of the Asian labour originating countries.

Referring to Sri Lankas role as the current Chair of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) - a RCP consisting both the labour sending and receiving countries said that the ADD has already submitted its inputs for the GCM following consultations through correspondence and based on a two-day workshop held in Dubai. The ADD inputs focused on the four key areas adopted at the 4th Ministerial consultation held in Colombo in January 2017, namely ethical recruitment, skills recognition and development, comprehensive information orientation programme (CIOPs) and using advanced technology. She elaborated on the recommendations made on these themes and said in the destination countries in the GCC they are making certain changes including in the domestic labour management sector and there is prospect for collaboration within ADD to improve labour migration governance.

Sri Lanka as the Chair of the ADD and a member of the CP, will attend the Global RCP Meeting to be hosted by the IOM in Geneva in October, The 6th Informal Thematic Session of the ongoing UN Intergovernmental consultation on Global Compact on Migration on the theme of Irregular migration and regular pathways including decent work, labour mobility, recognition of skills and qualifications scheduled to be held from 12-13 October in Geneva, and the GCM stock taking meeting in Mexico in December.

Sri Lanka's period as Chair of the CP also saw an expansion in the CP membership, and the strengthening of relations with other migration related Processes and Partners, including the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD), the European Union (EU), the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) and the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants. During Sri Lankas stewardship the CP also strengthened the institution building process by operationalizing a self-funding mechanism and formalized the engagement among Geneva-based CP Member States to facilitate regular dialogue and work during inter-sessional periods between Senior Officials and Ministerial Meetings (SOMs).

Full Statement

Geneva

10 September 2017
PRESS RELEASE

Bannons Bull: He Gives the American System a Polk in the Eye

Sept. 12, 2017 (EIRNS)In a prominent interview with Charlie Rose on CBS News "60 Minutes" on Sept. 10, Brietbart chief Stephen Bannon, late of the Trump White House, purported to explain and defend the "American System of economy." Bannon praised President Trump, who reportedly watched and appreciated the interview. Trump, while Bannon was his "strategic advisor," became the first President in more than a century to give public speeches calling for the nation to return to the American System of economy. The President, no doubt by honest error, included President Andrew Jackson among American System leaders Alexander Hamilton, Henry Clay, and Abraham Lincoln. But Bannon, pretending to defend it, lacerated the American System and stood it up as a scarecrow of British imperialism; and his errors appeared deliberate.

"What built America is called the American System, from Hamilton to Polk to Henry Clay to Lincoln to the Roosevelts," Bannon argued to Rose. "A system of protection of our manufacturing, a financial system that lends to manufacturers, and the control of our borders."

Alexander Hamilton, the unchallenged founder of the American System, would have been surprised to find that "control of our borders" was among its precepts, and amazed to hear that national banking and internal improvements ("new infrastructure") were not! But the inclusion of President James Polk should raise the hackles of all American System proponents. Polk defeated American System leader Henry Clay for the Presidency in 1844; wanted Texas in the United States because it was anticipated to be divided into four slave states to "balance" the Northwest territories coming in; happily ceded what is now British Columbia to Great Britain; and above all, waged the Mexican War which American System leaders Lincoln and John Quincy Adams fought against.

By including Polk (and Teddy Roosevelt), Bannon is deliberately including aggressive war in the "American System." This is false, and British.

Then Bannon got to "citizenship" as the core of the American System. America, he argued strongly with Rose, has never been a nation of immigrants, but rather a nation of citizens. "As long as youre an American citizen, youre part of this populist, economic nationalist movement." But immigrant Hamilton was not an American citizen when he laid the foundations of the real American System. The Constitution merely referred to citizens of the states and of the United States, but defined neither. United States citizenship was not defined until the 14th Amendment after the Civil War.

Combined with Bannons claim that firing James Comey was a grave mistake by Trump; and his advocacy of a civilizational conflict against China, the interview made clear why Trumps letting Bannon go was not a grave mistake.
PRESS RELEASE

First-Hand Report on Kra Canal Conference

Sept. 12, 2017 (EIRNS)Pakdee Tanapura reported back today on the highly successful conference on the Thai Canal (Kra Canal) held on Monday, Sept. 11 in Bangkok. Over 250 people attended, including economists, scientists, officials, scholars, military and business leaders. Everyone was very moved by the enthusiasm of the speakers. He singled out the representative from Panama, who spoke on the history and the recent widening of the canal. A group of 30 community representatives from the south travelled to Bangkok to give support, and to refute those trying to stir up opposition on environmentalist and human rights grounds from the southern population.

There was no official government representation, which was somewhat expected, but the members of the Privy Council and the very high-level retired military leaders emphasized that the situation is ripe, and the government can and should join the effort. A former Supreme Commander (General Saiyud, who had also spoken at the 1984 conference with Lyndon LaRouche) suggested that the project be proclaimed a Royal Project, in order to avoid the political problems. Four Chinese speakers made it clear that China is just waiting for the government to endorse the project for them to fully engage.

No one from the U.S. Embassy attended, despite invitations, although the Indian Embassy and others did send representatives.

Several Chinese press were in attendance, and are expected to post articles soon. The Singapore-based China News Asia filmed the entire event and held interviews with several speakers, and plan to do a major story (Singapore has generally played the British game of opposing the Kra Canal, claiming it will undermine its strategic positioni.e., the British strategic positionon the Malacca Strait).

Another forum focused on the financing of the project will be planned soon. Tanapura believes the conference generated significant momentum and enthusiasm which will be hard to suppress.
PRESS RELEASE

New Jersey Businessman Publishes a Novel, but Not a New, Idea

Sept. 12, 2017 (EIRNS)Fox Business News today published a novel proposal from the CEO of a New Jersey-based financial company: Form a large national infrastructure bank from the Federal Reserve, by ordering it to place part of its assets into such a bank to issue masses of credit for new infrastructure.

Contacted today by EIR, WBI Investments head Don Schreiber said that the United States needs to invest "not $1 trillion, but $20 trillion over 20 years to build a new infrastructure." He added, "The economy is way underperforming, and the key thing is the new productivity you get from that." Schreiber said he had "gotten nowhere" circulating his idea so far, and was happy to get involved in broader efforts.

His Fox Business column notes that

"our current situation seems reminiscent of the events preceding the ... collapse of the housing market in 2007. Its clear that the monetary stimulus enacted by the Fed following the start of the 2008 Financial Crisis and Great Recession has now run its course and is failing to boost economic growth."

To do so, he says, would require a capital budget, but there has been none. Infrastructure is crumbling and we need

"$3.6 trillion investment by 2020 to prevent near-term disaster. This was true before Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on southeast Texas; now, the situation is even more dire."

Schreiber also cites the China model.

"China spends 8.6% of its GDP on building up roads and railways to support economic growththats more than triple the 2.5% the U.S. spends. In the past 30 years, China has grown from an emerging economy to the second largest in the world, and for the last 10 years, that growth has been primarily driven by infrastructure spending."

The novelty of Schreibers idea is that instead of starting to sell off its $4.5 trillion in "quantitative easing" assets, triggering terror of a financial crash from rising rates, the Fed should place a large part of those assets in an infrastructure credit bank, answering to the Treasury in the manner of a Government-Sponsored Entity (i.e., Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac).

Notably, President Franklin Roosevelt proposed very much the same thing as legislation in April 1934, which was blocked in the Senate Banking Committee. Fed Chair Ben Bernanke strictly rejected such an idea during Congressional testimony.

Schreiber writes,
PRESS RELEASE

Texas Goes for Federal Credit for Projects Due Decades Ago

Sept. 12, 2017 (EIRNS)Leading Texas elected officials are starting to look for Federal credit for major flood-control infrastructure projects which "should have been built decades and decades ago," in the words of Lt. Gov. Daniel Patrick. An interview with Patrick by the Texas Tribune was part of its Sept. 11 article, "Texas GOP Leaders Pushing for High-Dollar, Long-Delayed Flood Infrastructure." There is for Federal credit for this infrastructure, and a leader in it is Patrick, known as the leading "Tea Party" Republican in Texas.

"We need more levees," Patrick told the paper.

"We need more reservoirs. We need a coastal barrier.... These are expensive items and were working with [Senators] Cornyn and Cruz and our Congressional delegation ... to get this right. Weve now had three major floods in three yearsnothing at this level, but major floods."

The building of a series of sea walls and seagates to protect Gulf coastline north and south of the Houston Ship Channel, has been estimated at a $6 billion project.

"State and local officials have said such a project would have to be funded at the Federal level, and some Congressional delegation members namely Cornynhave begun pushing for that."

This is really part of the same pushjust encouraged by President Trumpof New York and New Jersey members for some $12-13 billion in Federal funding for the crucial "Gateway" rail, bridge and tunnel rebuilding project there.

The Tribune also reports that a new reservoir west of Houston, which requires more than $300 million in investment, is being pushed by Rep. Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. Rep. Al Green has been asking for appropriations for this for several years, but the situation may now have changed.

And Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is trying to get new EPA funds to the State Water Development Board, as leverage for loans to build other flood control infrastructure, not unnamed in this report. It was the Texas State Water Development Board which, 50 years ago, drafted the major plans for interbasin transfer canals and eight new reservoirs behind the Gulf Coast cities.
PRESS RELEASE

UN Covers Up for Saudi Killings of YemenisU.K. Blocked Probe!

Sept. 12, 2017 (EIRNS)With Saudi Arabia again exposed in helping prepare the 9/11 attacks, activists against the Saudi genocidal war on Yemen believe U.S. arming of that war can be stopped. This week amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act to stop it may be voted on in both Houses; the Senate version failed by only 47-53 in July. According to todays release from Robert Naiman of Just Foreign Policy, if five DemocratsSens. Claire McCaskill (Mo.), Joe Donnelly (Ind.), Mark Warner (Va.), Bill Nelson (Fla.) and Joe Manchin (W.V.)had voted for the amendment, the Senate would have blocked the Saudi arms deal.

A UN resolution, sponsored by the Netherlands, which would have created an international independent commission to investigate war crimes in Yemen, was blocked by the United Kingdom, which is providing the Saudi "coalition" with both arms and intelligence.

Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Sen. Jeff Merkley have introduced amendments of the National Defense Authorization Act would which block the arming of Saudi Arabias war crimes in Yemen. Senator Youngs amendment would prohibit any arms transfer to Saudi Arabia until the Saudis stop bombing hospitals and stop blocking humanitarian aid. Senator Merkleys amendment would prohibit the transfer of cluster bombs to Saudi Arabia.

This is the e-letter Robert Naimans cohorts are using in meetings with the U.S. Senate and House. Several are 9/11 widows, including Kristen Breitweiser and Monica Gabrielle, others members of the VIPS, such as Bill Binney and Colleen Rowley; John Kiriakou, former CIA Counterterrorism office and former senior investigator, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Barbara Bodine, former U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, (1997-2001); prominent law professors, international policy experts, prominent lawyers and activists.

Their statement says,

"Launched in 2015, the Saudi-U.A.E.-led war against the Houthi-Saleh alliance has directly led to the deaths of over ten thousand Yemenis. An unwarranted blockade on imports of food and medicine enforced by Saudi warplanes and navy, according to Idriss Jazairy, United Nations special Rapporteur on Human Rights and International Sanctions, is one of the main causes of the humanitarian catastrophe afflicting the country. The blockade involves grave breaches of the most basic forms of human rights law, as well as of the law of armed conflict, he concluded."

The letter concludes,
Video: Sam Rockwell and Martin McDonagh discuss Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Actor Sam Rockwell and writer-director Martin McDonagh sat down with the L.A. Times to discuss Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri at the Toronto International Film Festival. The quirky drama, which takes a look at contemporary life in Ameri
Boeing Co. has won a nearly $600-million contract from the U.S. Air Force to begin preliminary design efforts on the next generation of presidential aircraft.

The contract, awarded Tuesday, directs the Chicago aerospace giant to create an initial design that will incorporate a mission control system, a medical facility, electrical power upgrades, a self-defense system and autonomous ground operations capabilities into two existing commercial 747-8 planes that will serve as the next Air Force One aircraft.

The new Air Force One planes will replace the VC-25A aircraft currently used as the presidential planes, which have been used since President George H.W. Bushs administration in 1990.

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Boeing said in a statement that the contract was a great step forward on the next Air Force One.

The $600-million award is just one portion of the Air Force One contracts. After the initial design is completed, the Air Force is expected to award another contract modification next summer that will involve more detailed design, actual modification of the aircraft, tests and delivery of the planes. The jets should be in use by 2024.

The company won a contract last month to sell the two commercial planes to the Air Force. A Boeing spokeswoman said at the time that the aircraft were sold to the Air Force at a substantial discount from the companys existing inventory.

Trade publication Defense One has previously reported that the two Boeing jumbo jets were originally set for service with a now-defunct Russian airline. The planes were ordered in 2013 by Transaero, but the airline ceased operations two years later and never took ownership of the aircraft.

The jetliners are now parked along with other retired or surplus aircraft in a boneyard in the Mojave Desert, according to Defense One. Boeing has flight-tested the jets and had reportedly paid to store the planes in new condition while looking for a buyer.

Late last year, President Trump criticized the cost of the next generation of Air Force One, tweeting in December that the $4-billion price tag to build newly designed planes based on the 747-8 for presidential use was out of control.

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

Twitter: @smasunaga
When Amazon rolled out its public search for a second headquarters last week, the tech giant detailed attributes it deems key in selecting a winner: a large metropolitan area, an international airport, recreational opportunities and a top-notch university system.

Included in its request for proposals was something else Amazon said would be a significant factor in its decision: public subsidies.

They are asking these communities to dress up and go to the dance, said Larry Kosmont, a Los Angeles-area urban development consultant. What would you do for us, and what would you do for the area to make it better?

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The reality show-like announcement, economic development experts said, is likely to spark a race among American governors and mayors to offer public subsidies to land the company and its promise of up to 50,000 new jobs.

California and Los Angeles are sure to play along  but if history is a guide, they will be less generous than other states and municipalities, economic development experts said.

California has relied more on its inherent attractiveness, rather than large public subsidies such as those being debated in Wisconsin to give Taiwanese electronics company Foxconn a $3-billion package to open a flat-screen factory with 13,000 workers.

California can afford to be stingy because it has all these magnificent assets helping it grow, said Greg LeRoy, executive director of Good Jobs First, a Washington think tank thats critical of tax credits and other public subsidies.

Toyota announced in 2014 that it was moving its North American headquarters from Torrance, above, to Texas. (Christina House / For The Times)

Those assets include top-notch research universities like UCLA and UC Berkeley and major tech companies such as Google and Facebook. Theres the beach, Hollywood and the largest port complex in the nation in San Pedro Bay.

Southern California and the Bay Area also boast a deep pool of highly skilled workers. That is both an attraction to incoming employers and a reason why the state has less incentive to pull out the stops on tax breaks and other incentives to attract or keep employers.

Since 2012, the state economy has tended to grow faster than the rest of the nation, with the number of nonfarm jobs rising 15% in California since January 2012, compared with 10% nationwide. And given the states size, any one relocation, either to or from California, is a drop in the bucket.

For example, the 50,000 jobs Amazon said it hopes to create is huge for a corporate move, but it still represents only 0.3% of Californias total 16.8 million nonfarm jobs. If Amazon chose Denver, on the other hand, that would represent 1.9% of Colorados 2.6 million nonfarm jobs.

California officials have largely held their purse strings compared to other states, despite losing out on some high-profile competitions in recent years, including when Toyota announced in 2014 that it was moving its North American headquarters to Texas and Tesla chose Nevada to build its so-called gigafactory, also in 2014.

After losing Teslas lithium-ion battery factory to Nevada and its nearly $1.3-billion package, Gov. Jerry Brown said California fought hard for Tesla.

But Tesla wanted a massive cash upfront payment that I dont think would be fair to the taxpayers, Brown said.

That doesnt mean Southern California cities cant prevail in the bidding for Amazons second headquarters site, known as HQ2. Los Angeles and Irvine already have said they will submit proposals, and any lack of mega-subsidies may not be a deal breaker.

Economic development experts said the primary reason companies move or grow in an area is not a subsidy, but rather proximity to a skilled workforce, distribution routes, a strong customer base and an area in which executives want to live.

Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics, said Amazons decision likely will be based on such factors. He said the public search serves as an opportunity for the company to leverage a lucrative offer from a city where it has no intention of moving to get a better deal from the city it ultimately wants to call its second home.

From a business perspective, it makes total sense, said Thornberg, who thinks the Washington, D.C., area is a likely candidate because Amazon already has a West Coast base in Seattle. If someone is willing to give you money, you are a fool not to take it.

Peter Fisher, an expert on tax incentive programs, said only company executives truly know whether a subsidy made a difference. But research indicates the programs are an expensive deal for taxpayers and rarely needed.

It probably means in 90% of incentives, the company would have made that decision anyway, said Fisher, a professor emeritus of urban and regional planning at the University of Iowa.

Timothy Bartik, a senior economist at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, agreed, but said incentives can tilt the scale when a company decides two cities would work equally well.

Incentives do make some difference, he said.

Even if California hasnt shown an eagerness to offer packages on the scale of Nevada and Wisconsin, it does have some tools at its disposal.

The California Competes program has given out $555 million in state income tax credits for more than 750 companies since its launch in 2014, according to Sid Voorakkara with the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development.

Amazon was among the recipients in the inaugural year of the program when it got a nearly $1.6-million tax credit to build and expand warehouses in the Inland Empire and San Francisco Bay Area, projects it said would create 1,550 new full-time jobs.

The program  unlike those in some other states  functions as a credit, rather than an upfront payment. Companies have to hit specific job-creation milestones to get the break.

There also are one-off deals that can be crafted by the state Legislature or city councils such as Los Angeles. The city, in an effort to spur the revitalization of its downtown, has given subsidies to build new hotels in the city center.

For example, last year, the Los Angeles City Council approved a $198.5-million financial aid package for Related Cos. to build a hotel and residential project across from Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The deal allows Related to keep nearly half the $396.9 million in tax revenue that would be generated for the city by the project over 25 years. That money normally would flow into the general fund, which pays for police, firefighters and other city services.

In a statement Thursday, following Amazons announcement, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti did not mention any public subsidy, but said: L.A. is the perfect place for a company like Amazon to find talented workers, and an environment that nurtures growth and innovation.

Garcetti spokesman Alex Comisar declined to say whether the mayor would support subsidies. We are developing our bid, and look forward to participating as the process moves on, he said in an email.

Amazon declined to comment, besides saying it hasnt yet settled on any location.

Voorakkara of the governors economic development office declined to say whether Brown was willing to support an aid package for Amazon, citing a policy of not commenting on specific projects.

Carrie Rogers, senior vice president of business assistance and development with Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., said the organization is meeting with cities this week to put forth a regional proposal for L.A. County.

She said possible incentives could include the California Competes tax credit, which she said has successfully persuaded businesses to invest when they otherwise wouldnt. Other possibilities include partnering with LAX and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to make the movement of goods easier.

One of the last times California engaged in a campaign similar to Amazons request for proposals was when it tried to woo Tesla in 2014.

At that time, the state offered a number of tax breaks worth as much as $500 million. Legislation also was drafted that would have waived large portions of the landmark California Environmental Quality Act to speed construction of the battery factory.

However, the CEQA breaks stalled, and Nevada offered more than double the amount of incentives, including large breaks on local property taxes. Critics said the deal would starve local schools and agencies that would be providing services for the new workers.

Amazon could turn out different.

Californias bid for Teslas sprawling manufacturing plant was likely hurt by high land, labor and housing costs, experts said.

Besides subsidies, the things Amazon says it is seeking play more to Californias strengths and are much harder to replicate than empty land and manual labor: a top-notch university system, highly skilled labor and rich cultural amenities.

California is going to win on looks, not its wallet, said Kosmont, the development consultant.

andrew.khouri@latimes.com

Follow me @khouriandrew on Twitter

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Self-driving cars may not hit the road in earnest for many years  but autonomous boats could be just around the pier.

Spurred in part by the auto industrys race to build driverless vehicles, marine innovators are building automated ferry boats for Amsterdam canals, cargo ships that can steer themselves through Norwegian fjords and remote-controlled ships to carry containers across the Atlantic and Pacific. The first such autonomous ships could be in operation within three years.

One experimental workboat spent this summer dodging tall ships and tankers in Boston Harbor, outfitted with sensors and self-navigating software and emblazoned with the words unmanned vessel across its aluminum hull.

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Were in full autonomy now, said Jeff Gawrys, a marine technician for Boston startup Sea Machines Robotics, sitting at the helm as the boat floated through a harbor channel.

Roger that, computer scientist Mohamed Saad Ibn Seddik said as he helped guide the ship from his laptop on a nearby dock.

The boat still needs human oversight. But some of the worlds biggest maritime firms have committed to designing ships that wont need any captains or crews  at least not on board.

Distracted seafaring

The ocean is a wide open space, said Michael Johnson, chief executive of Sea Machines.

Based out of an East Boston shipyard once used to build powerful wooden clippers, the cutting-edge sailing vessels of the 19th century, his company is hoping to spark a new era of commercial marine innovation that could surpass the development of self-driving cars and trucks.

The startup has signed a deal with an undisclosed company to install the worlds first autonomy system on a commercial container ship, Johnson said this week. It will be remotely controlled from land as it travels the North Atlantic. He also plans to sell the technology to companies doing oil-spill cleanups and other difficult work on the water, aiming to assist maritime crews, not replace them.

Johnson, a marine engineer whose previous job took him to the Italian coast to help salvage the sunken cruise ship Costa Concordia, said that deadly 2012 capsizing and other marine disasters have convinced him that were relying too much on old-world technology.

Humans get distracted, he said. Humans get tired.

A global race

Militaries have been working on unmanned vessels for decades. But a lot of commercial experimentation is happening in the centuries-old seaports of Scandinavia, where Rolls-Royce demonstrated a remote-controlled tugboat in Copenhagen this year. Government-sanctioned testing areas have been established in Norways Trondheim Fjord and along Finlands western coast.

In Norway, fertilizer company Yara International is working with engineering firm Kongsberg Maritime on a project to replace big-rig trucks with an electric-powered ship connecting three nearby ports. The pilot ship is scheduled to launch next year, shift to remote control in 2019 and go fully autonomous by 2020.

It would remove a lot of trucks from the roads in these small communities, Kongsberg CEO Geir Haoy said.

Japanese shipping firm Nippon Yusen K.K.  operator of the cargo ship that slammed into a U.S. Navy destroyer in a deadly June collision  plans to test its first remote-controlled vessel in 2019, part of a wider Japanese effort to deploy hundreds of autonomous container ships by 2025. A Chinese alliance has set a goal of launching its first self-navigating cargo ship in 2021.

Cars vs. boats

The key principles of self-driving cars and boats are similar. Both scan their surroundings using a variety of sensors, feed the information into an artificial intelligence system and output driving instructions to the vehicle.

But boat navigation could be much easier than car navigation, said Carlo Ratti, an MIT professor working with Dutch universities to launch self-navigating vessels in Amsterdam next year. The citys canals, for instance, have no pedestrians or bikers cluttering the way, and are subject to strict speed limits.

Rattis project is also looking at ways small vessels could coordinate with each other in swarms. They could, for instance, start as a fleet of passenger or delivery boats, then transform into an on-demand floating bridge to accommodate a surge of pedestrians.

Since many boats already have electronic controls, it would be easy to make them self-navigating by simply adding a small suite of sensors and AI, Ratti said.

Armchair captains

Researchers have already begun to design merchant ships that would be more efficient because they dont need room for seamen to sleep and eat. But in the near future, most of these ships will be only partly autonomous.

Armchair captains in a remote operation center could be monitoring several ships at a time, sitting in a room with 360-degree virtual reality views. When the vessels are on the open seas, they might not need humans to make decisions. Its just the latest step in what has been a gradual automation of maritime tasks.

If you go back 150 years, you had more than 200 people on a cargo vessel. Now you have between 10 and 20, said Oskar Levander, vice president of innovation for Rolls-Royces marine business.

Changing rules of the sea

There are still some major challenges ahead. Uncrewed vessels might be more vulnerable to piracy or even outright theft via remote hacking of a ships control systems. Some autonomous vessels might win public trust faster than others; unmanned container ships filled with bananas might not raise the same concerns as oil tankers plying the waters near big cities or protected wilderness.

A decades-old international maritime safety treaty also requires that all ships shall be sufficiently and efficiently manned. But the International Maritime Organization, which regulates shipping, has begun a two-year review of the safety, security and environmental implications of autonomous ships.
Your passcode can be cracked, but your face is yours and yours alone. Thats the thinking behind Apples latest iPhone security measure, which is more high-tech and a bit more intimate than anything else on the market.

With Face ID, which Apple unveiled Tuesday, owners of the companys new top-of-the-line iPhone X will be able to unlock their phone, pay for products and use mobile apps just by glancing at their device.

Nothing has ever been simpler, more natural and effortless, Phil Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said during Apples first product launch at its new headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. Face ID is the future of how we unlock our smartphones and protect our sensitive information.

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Though still a novel concept for many Americans, biometric technology  which includes face, fingerprint, iris and retina recognition identification systems  has been a hotbed of research this decade. With Apples backing, the field just got its most high-profile boost yet and could soon become the industry standard, even if many consumers arent quite comfortable with the concept.

Technologists tout a futuristic experience that is more secure than entering a passcode. They predict the technology could one day be used to unlock cars, withdraw money from ATMs or enter connected homes.

You can share your password. You can share your car keys. But you cant share your biometrics, said George Avetisov, chief executive of biometric security firm HYPR Corp.

With Touch ID, Apples fingerprint technology, the chance that a random person could unlock your phone with his or her fingerprint is 1 in 50,000, Apple said; with Face ID, its 1 in 1 million.

Both systems store biometric data locally on the device rather than on a centralized server that could be targeted by hackers. That makes biometrics attractive from a privacy and security standpoint, Avetisov said.

Revenue for the biometrics scan software industry is projected to reach $5.5 billion this year, with estimated growth of 5.2% annually for the next five years, according to a May report from IBISWorld. The market research firm noted prolific expansion since 2012 and named biometrics one of the nations five top performing niche industries.

Facial recognition technology has slowly crept into everyday life, most notably with personal photos. Upload a picture to Facebook, and the social media giant suggests friends to tag. Google and Apple can automatically identify faces in photos, making it easier for users to search their photos for a specific friend or relative.

But Face ID takes facial recognition a step further. It works by relying on an advanced suite of tech  including an infrared camera, flood illuminator, front camera, dot projector, proximity sensor and ambient light sensor  packed into the front of the new iPhone X, which starts at $999.

To set it up, hold your iPhone X in front of your face and move your head around slowly. That becomes the stored version on your phone.

To use it, glance at the front-facing camera. The dot projector beams out more than 30,000 invisible infrared dots, and the infrared camera captures an image.

Apple uses the infrared image and dot pattern and pushes them through neural networks  a kind of machine learning model  to create a mathematical model of your face, and then checks that model against the stored image captured during the setup phase. Once it detects a match, the phone unlocks; Face ID will also work with Apple Pay and third-party apps.

Face ID is sophisticated enough to work in the dark, and to learn your face under different circumstances  so go ahead and wear those funky glasses or grow that hipster beard.

Schiller said Apple also worked hard to ensure the technology cant be easily spoofed. Photographs wont fool it, and Apple even worked with professional mask makers and makeup artists in Hollywood to protect against attempts to beat Face ID, he said.

The tech also requires user attention  your eyes have to be open, and you cant be looking away (meaning theres little risk of intrusion while you sleep).

Identical twins may trip up the system, but for them and anyone else averse to using their faces, the iPhone X can still be unlocked using an old-fashioned passcode.

Although Apple said Face ID will provide users with more security, the technology also raises unsettling questions about unauthorized uses, particularly by law enforcement.

Last year, federal officials dropped their legal fight against Apple after figuring out a way to unlock the iPhone used by an assailant in the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack. Apple had refused to comply with agencies request to engineer a way around the iPhones security measures, saying that doing so would set a dangerous precedent.

Ultimately, FBI technology experts were aided by an outside group, which provided a backdoor technique to extract information from the phone. That left a vexing debate over a users privacy versus collective security unresolved.

With Face ID set up, it is plausible that law enforcement could use a suspects face to unlock his or her iPhone, said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy.

Fatemeh Khatibloo, an analyst with Forrester Research, said authorities in the U.S. cannot compel you to provide your PIN or passcode. Faces, on the other hand, are public, so Face ID is functionally less private from a legal perspective, she said.

Apple did not respond to a call for comment on the matter; the FBI referred an inquiry to the Department of Justice, which said it did not have an immediate comment.

Many big tech companies have invested in facial technology in recent years. Facebook last year acquired FacioMetrics, which let smartphones analyze facial images in real time, and in 2015, Snapchat bought Looksery, a start-up that applied filters to users faces.

Apple reportedly acquired two companies that were developing facial recognition technology: Israeli start-up RealFace and San Diego start-up Emotient, which uses artificial intelligence to read facial expressions and emotions. According to Crunchbase, RealFace was acquired this year and Emotient was bought in January 2016.

Despite major investments in the biometrics field, shoppers outside the Apple store at the Grove on Tuesday afternoon overwhelmingly said they were squeamish about the idea of facial recognition.

It feels like privacy is getting scarce, said Byron Miranda, an audio visuals integrator from Los Angeles who was shopping with his family. There comes a point where you go too far. I dont want my phone recognizing me that way.

Shopper Mike Strong, a 29-year-old who serves in the Navy, simply called it creepy.

But just as users were quick to come around on Touch ID, the same is likely to happen with Face ID. Time and again, Apple has pushed through innovations and made them widespread while turning others obsolete. Think about what iPods did to compact discs, and what the iPhone did to the Blackberry.

As Steve Jobs famously said, A lot of times, people dont know what they want until you show it to them.

Deepak Dutt, chief executive of mobile security firm Zighra, credited Apples introduction of Touch ID in 2013 with bringing biometrics more into the consumer consciousness.

Now were just seeing the next wave and next generation, he said. Apple has a way of creating markets.

andrea.chang@latimes.com

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

Times staff writers Tracey Lien and Ronald D. White contributed to this report.
Hugh Hefner spoke with the L.A. Times often  and always had something memorable to say

(Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Understanding Playboy-in-Chief Hugh Hefners revered  and reviled  lifestyle was often just a question or two away.

The iconoclastic publishing mogul, who died Wednesday at 91, was an open book when it came to his views on swinging ways and sexuality, particularly how his puritanical upbringing shaped his career and gave rise to the revolutionary Playboy empire.

Over the years, the perennially pajama-clad Hef was interviewed often by the Los Angeles Times. Heres a sampling of some of his memorable quotes.

On sexualitys problematic origins in America:

Our society is fragmented, he asserted in 1994. Messages regarding human sexuality have always been mixed in America. We are a schizophrenic nation. We were founded initially by Puritans, who escaped repression only to establish their own. Then the founding fathers gave us the Constitution to separate church and state. But the one thing that got left out of all those laws was human sexuality.

On the life he made for himself:

Much of my life has been like an adolescent dream of an adult life, he told The Times in 1992. If you were still a boy, in almost a Peter Pan kind of way, and could have just the perfect life that you wanted to have, thats the life I invented for myself.

OBITUARY: Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, who shook up American morality with an ideal of swinging singlehood, dies at 91

On why he was so happy:

You will find in my bedroom images from long ago, little photographs and things from when I was a kid. Im a very happy guy, and part of that has to do with my connection to my childhood, he said in 2009.

On how he became Hef:

Through a lifetime, you reinvent who you are, he explained in 2009. I actually reinvented myself the first time when I was 16, when a girl rejected me. I started referring to myself as Hef, started changing my wardrobe  the same thing I did in 1959-1960 with the magazine, when I came out from behind the desk and started living the life and got the first Playboy mansion, started to drive a Mercedes 300SL.

On how the 1942 film Casablanca led to the Playboy Club:

I think I opened the first Playboy Club because of Casablanca. I wanted to have a place where people came to hang out as they did at Ricks, he said in 2010. It has everything  not only Bogies charismatic character, but lost love, redemption, patriotism, humor  it had a great musical score.

On traditional attitudes toward marriage and sex:

If you dont commit, he told The Times in 1994, you dont get hurt. I was always unwilling to commit to marriage because I was afraid to lose the romance.

On the Playboy brands global status:

It has been said that the two most famous trademarks in the world are Coca-Cola and the Playboy bunny rabbit, he said in 1994. There is certainly no one else in our area that represents the American dream in this particular kind of way. That rabbit means economic freedom, personal freedom and political freedom. That potential is unlimited.

On the Playboy Jazz Festival:

Ive never found anything that Ive cared more about than the music from my youth. I loved the Beatles, sure, but I never became  except for dancing purposes  a hard rocker. To me, there is something incredibly celebratory, and so wonderful about really good big-band swing and Dixieland, he said in 2002.

When I started, I just wanted to put out a mens magazine. But by the end of the 50s, it was so successful that I seized it as a vehicle for changing the direction of my life, he added. And that crucial change in my life was also associated with jazz, because it all began within a space of about six months after the first Playboy Jazz Festival in August of 1959.

Hugh Hefner, founder of the Playboy empire, relaxes during a visit to England in 1966. (John Downing / Getty Images)

On his personal legacy:

One of the reasons that I have such tremendous satisfaction at this point in my life is because I know Ive made a difference, he said in 1994. Ive made a difference in a way that really matters to me.

On publishings shift to digital:

I dont sit around thinking about, Gee, what happened to the new generation and they dont read enough and why is the internet replacing books? he said in 2009.

On his fame and sex appeal:

I think that just as [Henry] Kissinger said, power is the ultimate aphrodisiac. Celebrity is the ultimate aphrodisiac in todays world. And Im lucky enough to have fallen into a unique kind of celebrity, he said in 2009. So against all logic, nothing else matters  age doesnt matter. When [my last long-term] relationship ended, last year, they were climbing over the gate. ... young women. Endless numbers of young women.

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Darren Aronofsky wants to issue you an apology.

The brassy, flashy American auteur has made a movie in a fugue state about the worlds current state. Its a film set up as a marital drama and designed to feel like a horror movie. But those are just clothes, adornments to disguise the angry body throbbing underneath.

And given that hes made such a purposeful animal, he wants to tell you  part remorsefully and part anxiously and, OK, maybe a little boastfully  that he feels bad about your imminent experience watching it.

I apologize, he told the audience at the Toronto International Film Festival before the screening of the new film, for what Im about to do to you.

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That movie, mother!, comes to theaters from Paramount on Friday after disemboweling audiences at both TIFF and the Venice Film Festival.

This article could synopsize the plot, as newspaper convention dictates should be done in this space. And there are the rudiments to be shared: a young, soulful woman (Jennifer Lawrence) is intent on renovating the country house she shares with her creatively blocked writer-husband (Javier Bardem), when a pair of strangers (Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer) turn up unannounced.

But extensive plot summary wouldnt capture what mother! is about, not really. And besides, it would dilute the power of where the film goes, narratively and thematically and metaphorically; it would bridge too much the gap between viewer expectation and cinematic reality.

So suffice it to say that whatever you ultimately make of mother!, youre unlikely to see a movie with such spiritual and emotional urgency, with such a degree of second-person confrontational intensity, for a long time. Your first thought after watching it may well be: How could a Hollywood studio be doing this?

Your second thought might be: This is Darren Aronofsky, director of Black Swan and Noah and Requiem for a Dream, who had Natalie Portman stab herself on a ballet stage and Russell Crowe fight off a Midrashic apocalypse and Jared Leto engage in NC-17-worthy drug use. How could he not be doing this?

[The environment] is the issue of our time. ... Were so devoted to science with our phones, and yet people still deny whats happening.  Darren Aronofsky

 A couples relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. From filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream), mother! stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and

On a steam bath of an August day that will soon give way to rain, Aronofsky, in a white T-shirt and dark jeans, is in a Mediterranean restaurant eating lunch. Late the night before, he finished postproduction on the movie, a safe week away from its Venice premiere, and is beginning to emerge into the light of the non-editing world. The restaurant, which he has chosen, is not far from his home in downtown Manhattan. Fittingly, its the kind of place that evinces old-school values even amid the flash of gentrification around it; its the sort of venue that seems to be many things at once.

Is this a horror movie or a psychological thriller or a home-invasion film? All of those are good, he said of mother! But Im not sure what it is.

Aronofsky, 48, and his team at Protozoa Pictures have been going nonstop to get the film done. Protozoa is the Brooklyn-based collective he founded with a loose set of company roles: His longtime business partner Scott Franklin, for instance, makes stuff happen on the ground and in the halls of power, while Harvard classmate Ari Handel serves as more of a creative producer and conceptual force.

Ditto, for that matter, their loose set of creative rules. When people ask what Darren is looking for and wants to do next its always hard to say one thing, Handel later said by phone. I think the one ingredient the projects all have in common is that [they havent] been done before.

Handel sometimes writes with Aronofsky. But the filmmaker wrote this one himself.

Two summers ago, Aronofsky found himself alone in his Manhattan town house for a long holiday weekend. Struck by inspiration, and by anger about the environmental and moral state of the world, he began writing. And writing. He describes it as a kind of fever state, of little food or sleep, a contrast to his years of chiseling and tweaking most of his other scripts, often with a partner. Not long after he had about 70 pages down. Cameras were rolling basically within the year.

What happens in mother! is too unexpected and crazy to be believed, and even that feels like too much of a reveal because now youll be waiting for the crazy and unexpected. Perhaps the most accurate statement that could be made of the film without giving anything away is that its not what you think it is, which is to say its grander, deeper, bigger than any movie dressed like a country-house horror movie and/or marital chamber piece. There are numerous metaphoric readings, including a touchstone one heavily hinted at by Aronofsky. Once you see the film through that last lens, its impossible to unsee it, though there will be those who choose to view it all differently.

What is undeniable is the films environmental message: a flaming warning of what is being done to the world.

I think its the issue of our time, Aronofsky said at lunch. Theres a lot going on [in the news], but its all underpinned by the idea that our balance on the planet is for the first time ever in question. I just dont know how you can escape thinking about this. Were so devoted to science with our phones, and yet people still deny whats happening. Look at Houston right now, he said, referring to Hurricane Harvey. And I wanted to take that passion and follow its path writing this film.

Lawrence says she found her reaction to the films pages evolving as she moved through them. And then I got to the third act; I threw the script across the room and texted Darren that he had psychological problems, she said. Something was very wrong with him. His actions, she said, were brave and really bold, to unleash that kind of assault on the world.

For those who care about such things, there is a temptation to read mother!s depiction of a romance between a creative person solidly in their 40s and a woman in her 20s as a parable for Aronofskys own relationship with Lawrence. But life imitated art, Aronofsky says, who notes that their coupling happened after they finished shooting the movie.

Asked whether his longtime relationship with Rachel Weisz was the inspiration for a woman in love with a man consumed by creative passion. Aronofsky, well, doesnt deny that the Bardem character could be based on him, or by a fear of who he can sometimes be. But he demurs on the relationship part of the analogy. Its not Rachel, he says. For those who care about such things.

Where the Aronofsky darkness comes from is tough to say. He grew up in a middle-class neighborhood in south Brooklyn, near the beach, and his parents had solid middle-class jobs like high-school teacher.

Aronofsky still has a clear Brooklyn accent, with its gliding vowels and faintly dropped rs, and is as likely to reminisce about an 86 Mets anecdote as he is to invoke filmic references. He began to awaken to cinemas power to create currents like rage or off-kilter originality, he says, when the Spielberg and Lucas linchpins of his early childhood gave way to a discovery of Spike Lee and Jim Jarmusch.

There is sort of like a dissonance between the person Darren is and the films he makes, said Natalie Portman, who starred in Black Swan. He doesnt seem particularly dark and tortured when you meet him  his movies are expressing this inner side he doesnt show as a person.

Aronofsky does, however, have a well-earned reputation for control. Actors tend to use the word uncompromising  code for many takes  when describing the director. That could also apply to his interest in owning the process even when Hollywood convention says he shouldnt. An early marketing image on mother! came from his team at Protozoa, catching way off-guard executives at Paramount, who would typically convene and authorize such decisions themselves.

Asked about the move, Franklin said We did put out the initial image. I dont know they had a negative feeling, he added of the studio. The image was something Darren was passionate about and I think in the end everyone was happy with the outcome.

Franklin and the Protozoa team view themselves, with some justification, as streetwise outsiders. On-stage at the Toronto premiere, Aronofsky was so surprised by the sight of Franklin and Handel in suits he cracked to them, in front of the whole theater, You guys look like a couple of bankers.

The company also convinced Paramount not to test mother!, making the argument that there was little to be gained from showing a polarizing movie to unsuspecting preview audiences.

That somehow Protozoa and Paramount got back together in the first place after the famously epic edit-room battles over the big-budget Noah is testament to Aronofskys vision, Franklins persuasion and, perhaps, to the fact that Paramount chief Adam Goodman, an antagonist in that drama, is no longer with the studio.The movie was greenlighted by the late Brad Grey, shortly before he exited his role as Paramount chairman. It also helps that mother! only cost about $30 million.

Much of the reason for the lower budget is that the films energy source lies not with effects or other tricks (there is no music in the movie) but with the script. Though there are a few big set pieces, and Matthew Libatiques close-up and hand-held cinematography is notable, what distinguishes the film are the layered meanings of the words themselves. Rarely in this era of big thematic signposts has a movie been so interested in small verbal and visual cues as to what its really about, how much is happening subtextually.

Performing that much at once cant be easy, and Bardem said it wasnt.

If you asked me while we were shooting what my character was, I could give you hundreds of answers, and most of them would contradict each other, the actor said. But we played all the different instruments, used all those voices, and trusted Darren to take what he wanted.

Those contradictions, incidentally, are whats given Aronofsky a reputation among his critics as reaching beyond the point of cohesion. The negative line on him is that he likes the big idea but doesnt really have it all worked out; they cite The Fountain as a prime example.

Aronofsky says that such ambition has always been his oxygen and doesnt view too many ideas or notes as a problem. Ditto his genre blends.

Im not mixing genres consciously, he said. I just want to show something different and weird, and genre  or multiple genres  is the entry point for that.

People who go in without any sense of allegory will miss it. Which is bonkers, because the film goes off the rails.  Darren Aronofsky

From left, director Darren Aronofsky, actresses Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Lawrence and actor Javier Barden at the 74th Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy on Sept. 5, 2017. (Claudio Onorati / AP)

There is something about mother! that feels like a culmination of Aronofskys recent work. The film contains the idea of individuals connected to larger events from The Fountain, the notion of a woman losing her senses as horror creeps in a la Black Swan and, of course, the environmental concerns of Noah.

There will be many outside influences noted, especially Rosemarys Baby, but the biggest touchstone might be Luis Bunuels surrealist 1962 work The Exterminating Angel. Aronofsky and the cast had on-set what they called their chicken-foot moment, a reference to a scene from the Bunuel film that signals not all is what it appears to be.

mother! also will read differently in this climate. Aronofsky was editing it through the early days of the Donald Trump presidency, and he says that couldnt but animate his choices. There is something at the heart of mother! that is profoundly angry, using an adjective he comes back to several times, but also something sad because of what isnt being done to address global problems. (Lawrence calls the film an impotent scream.) An invite to the premiere in New York this week lists the attire as dress for a funeral.

So what will that mean commercially? Im scared of the CinemaScore, Aronofsky said, with a slightly larger hint of glee than the studio might not have. There will be agony and ecstasy. I dont know who will be interested. People who go in without any sense of allegory will miss it. Which is bonkers, because the film goes off the rails, he added.

Then he uses a metaphor from his youth to describe how he shaped the movie. Hopefully its a build. Its the Cyclone roller-coaster, the idea of going slow up that first hill, the anticipation of the rush, and then the rush.

He continued, speaking more broadly. The idea with all my films is to entertain, to give audiences a journey they havent had before. But I want to do it with a subject that makes me passionate. Whats the point if youre not doing that?

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

steve.zeitchik@latimes.com

Twitter: @ZeitchikLAT

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As though their star power could restore the electricity to storm-ravaged cities across the South, celebrities of all stripes gathered Tuesday evening for Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief, which aired live on the major television networks and was streamed across various social media properties.

George Clooney, Barbra Streisand, Beyonce, Julia Roberts, Drake, Luke Bryan, Cher, Tom Hanks  all of them spoke or performed (or at least sat behind a phone) on the hour-long telethon that featured virtually every A-list name in Hollywood, New York and Nashville.

Organized by music manager Scooter Braun (whose clients include Justin Bieber) and rapper Bun B (of the great Texas hip-hop duo UGK), Hand in Hand raised more than $14 million, according to a figure quoted by Billy Crystal, for victims of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. And that was before the special was broadcast on a tape delay for West Coast audiences.

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Yet it was a star not featured on the show whose presence seemed to hover over it, and that was Kanye West, the polarizing MC who famously declared, George Bush doesnt care about black people, on an earlier telethon dedicated to those affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Here, it was President Trumps controversial views on immigration and climate change that served as a surprising subtext for the standard do-gooder messaging and the calls for viewers to donate money to folks in desperate need.

Opening the show, Stevie Wonder introduced a typically ebullient rendition of Lean on Me by saying, Anyone who believes there is no such thing as global warming must be blind  wink, wink  or unintelligent.

Beyonce, a Houston native, delivered a video message in which she described the recent natural disasters as a cruel pile-on at a moment when violence and racism in this country have led many to think that it couldnt possibly get worse.

And Braun was almost certainly aiming at Trump when he referred to the images of hate and division he said were bombarded with these days  hate, he added, that runs counter to an American ideal.

Not everything on Hand in Hand had such an edge.

There were kindly performances by Usher and Blake Shelton, who joined forces for a tender Stand By Me; Dave Matthews, who did a hushed Mercy; and the appealingly unruly quartet of Brad Paisley, Demi Lovato, Darius Rucker and CeCe Winans, who romped through With a Little Help from My Friends at the Grand Ole Opry.

The telethon closed with another friendly group effort: George Strait leading Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, among other country acts, through his proud tribute to the Lone Star State, Texas.

But Braun seemed to get in one more jab by having Luis Fonsi  whose smash Despacito remix achieved Brauns goal of a Spanish-language song hitting No. 1 in Trumps time  join his client Tori Kelly for a passionate run through Leonard Cohens Hallelujah.

It was a call to action disguised as a prayer for healing.

mikael.wood@latimes.com

Twitter: @mikaelwood
Sonequa Martin-Green is struggling to express her feelings.

It takes very little time to realize that this is far from normal. The Alabama-born actress generally speaks in long, thoughtful streams of sparkling musicality that occasionally erupt into torrents of words, frequently punctuated by laughter and deliberate pauses in which she gathers her thoughts.

But at this moment, Martin-Green  who battled The Walking Dead as the ultimately doomed Sasha, courted laughs as Winstons prank junkie wife, Rhonda, on New Girl and threatened the very existence of Storybrooke as villainous Tamara on Once Upon a Time  is stumped and a little teary-eyed.

Sitting in a borrowed dressing room on the CBS Studio Center lot in Studio City, Martin-Green tries to process the fact that she is about to boldly go where no black woman has gone before: to the center of one of TVs most beloved franchises as the lead in the new CBS All Access series Star Trek: Discovery. (The show premieres Sept. 24 on both CBS and the streaming service and will live on the latter for the remainder of its 15-episode first season.)

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Walking Dead was such a big phenomenon in my life, and then to come from that phenomenon to this even bigger phenomenon  because of the length of time that its been so important to our society, she says before trailing off, her eyes starting to well. I always hope that I can completely encapsulate the way that I feel in words, and I can never quite get it, because it does mean so much.

Set 10 years before the original series, Star Trek: Discovery revolves around Martin-Greens character, First Officer Michael Burnham, who moves from the USS Shenzhou, helmed by Capt. Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh), to the USS Discovery, commanded by Capt. Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs), in a manner yet to be divulged. Although she is human, Burnham was raised on Vulcan by Sarek (James Frain), a.k.a. Spocks father.

To Star Trek fans wondering why they have never heard of Spock (played by the late Leonard Nimoy) having a foster sister, Martin-Green offers assurance that it will be addressed. Somehow.

[Executive producer] Alex Kurtzman actually spoke on that at Comic-Con, and he said, For those of you that are wondering, like, why was it never mentioned before? Give us a second. Were working on it, she says with a laugh.

More important is the nature versus nurture element to Burnhams journey.

It isnt just that there is the Vulcan way of thinking in [her], it is that [she] was completely indoctrinated with the Vulcan way of life, Martin-Green says of her character, the first human to attend the Vulcan Learning Center.

Its about acculturation versus assimilation, she says of Burnham, a xenoanthropologist who studies extraterrestrial life forms and experienced the culture shock of going from her human home to Vulcan.

[Burnhams] entire upbringing was a fight to assimilate. No one can really verbalize how difficult of a journey that is, she says. I hope that people who have had that journey in their lives, in whatever way, can relate and see truth in it, and can be maybe even comforted by it.

While that sounds a bit lofty for a space adventure, those concepts have always been embedded in the DNA of the Gene Roddenberry series. And Martin-Green believes the franchise has served as a powerful entry point for viewers to ponder many big issues, from the tangible  war and discrimination  to the existential  the qualities of being human and the nature of existence.

The fantasy opens them up for the societal themes and the interpersonal themes to get in, she says. Because sometimes when a story is on the ground, people are sort of closed off to it automatically when its too close to their own lives. But when something is so far-reaching, it activates the imagination and then little by little, the doorway of the heart is opened up.

And the 32-year-old can certainly relate to her characters culture shock. I feel it more than anything in my upbringing in the South as a black woman, she says. After graduating from the University of Alabama, she traveled to New York, losing her accent but keeping her unique first name, to begin her career on the stage. There, she met her husband, fellow actor Kenric Green, with whom she now has a toddler son. The couple eventually headed west to break into independent film and TV; she had guest and recurring parts on Army Wives and The Good Wife before landing her breakthrough role on The Walking Dead in 2012.

It was not a baby step, it was an adult step, she says of her time on the wildly popular AMC series. I almost see it as my post-graduate degree. It was roughly four years, five seasons. It was nothing but learning and education and preparation.

Her commitment to battling walkers almost kept her from boarding the USS Discovery. Originally, Star Trek: Discovery was to have been cast while Martin-Green was still under contract to The Walking Dead. But, in a twist of fate, the turbulence behind the scenes of Discovery  which led to the departure of original showrunner Bryan Fuller  meant that production was delayed just long enough for her to take the role.

We saw so many people who were so great in so many ways and brought that character to life in certain ways, but not all ways. It wasnt until Sonequa.  Gretchen J. Berg

We were stoked, recalls Gretchen J. Berg who, alongside her writing-producing partner Aaron Harberts, were handed the Discovery showrunning reins; Martin-Green had been on their wish list. That doesnt often happen where youre like, You know whod be great? OK, now lets turn the page. We saw so many people who were so great in so many ways and brought that character to life in certain ways, but not all ways. It wasnt until Sonequa walked in that we were like, Well, there she is. Thank God. There is Michael Burnham. Things work out for a reason.

Her costars are equally grateful, waxing rhapsodic about not only Martin-Greens talent but also her spirit and work ethic as No. 1 on the call sheet.

Its a responsibility, but its also an opportunity to set a tone that is collaborative and inclusive, a tone of incredible warmth and diligence and all those things. And Sonequa has done that in spades, says Anthony Rapp, the Broadway vet who is playing the first openly gay character on a Star Trek series, science officer Lt. Paul Stamets. She is so clearly ready for this moment in her life and in her career, and shes approaching it with incredible heart and commitment and gratitude and joy and openness and all the things that I would have ever hoped for.

I think in real life, Sonequa Martin-Green might be part Vulcan, because she has a retention rate of words that is otherworldly, says Doug Jones, who plays Lt. Saru, a new alien life form to the Trek-verse. Sometimes, well get a script the day before it starts filming and shes got paragraphs of tech talk to do and it comes out of her with understanding the next day. This is just not normal. I sit in amazement watching her every day, I really do.

Actress Sonequa Martin-Green does her best Vulcan sign -- Live long and prosper. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

If you watch Sonequa Martin-Green in stillness, its a master class in acting.  Yvette Nicole Brown

Talk about making a meal, she can do so much out of an eyebrow raise, says Martin-Greens friend, sitcom veteran Yvette Nicole Brown, a frequent guest on the Walking Dead after-show The Talking Dead and star of the upcoming ABC comedy The Mayor. If you watch Sonequa Martin-Green in stillness, its a master class in acting.

And, says Brown, Shes also the right spirit for whatever backlash shes going to get in the real world about her being chosen.

Martin-Green is indeed unruffled by the bizarre, un-Star Trek-like criticism the new show has already received for being, to put it politely, too diverse. She also recognizes that in the absence of actual plot lines to discuss, the diversity of the cast has become the discussion.

I hope that one day we wont have to discuss it, that we can just talk about the story and the phasers and the beings that we come in contact with, and how were changing each other, and the pain, and the heartbreak, and the victory, and defeat, and all of that stuff thats explored in our show, she says. But while I have a hopeful view of where we are now, I have a very realistic view of where we are now as well. I think that most likely, since conversation is still necessary, and since conversation is whats going to bring us together and bring us forward, I know its always going be a part of it.

As the words pour forth, its clear that in this instance, Sonequa Martin-Green knows exactly how to say what she feels.

I am grateful for the platform to speak on it, because I truly feel that weve taken on the role of activists. Star Trek always has. I only hope that I can facilitate the unity that were hoping will come from this.

sarah.rodman@latimes.com

Twitter: @SarahARodman

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Along the Santa Ana River in the shadow of Disneyland and Anaheim Stadium, scores of homeless people young and old have set up makeshift encampments of tarps and tents.

They have swelled in recent month and become the latest symbol of Orange Countys worsening homeless problem.

Many times, things appear hopeless because we have nothing  not even restrooms, said Tammy Schuler, 41, who shares her cluttered tarp-covered plot on the trail with her boyfriend and younger brother. We trade and try to help each other. We have no choice.

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But this way of life has sparked a backlash from nearby residents as well as joggers and cyclists who say the camps have increased crime and blight.

Anaheim this week declared a state of emergency, clearing the way for the removal of hundreds of people living in a landscape dotted with trash and used hypodermic needles and lacking toilet facilities.

Its the latest and perhaps boldest move to date to deal with the countys homeless problem. Earlier this summer, Anaheim removed bus benches across the street from Disneyland following complaints about the homeless population sleeping on them around the amusement park.

The Santa Ana River is just one of several flash points in Orange Countys homeless crisis. Another is the Santa Ana Civic Center, where a large homeless camp has formed.

In early May, authorities in Orange County reported an 8% increase in the areas homeless population over two years. Among nearly 4,800 homeless individuals, more than half were living without shelter. While cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have long dealt with large homeless communities, officials in Orange County said they are still working on ways to help with massive needs and coordinate resources among numerous cities.

Scott West, 55, who has been homeless for five years, opens his pantry inside his tent compound along the Santa Ana River Trail next to Anaheim Stadium. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The Anaheim City Councils vote just past midnight Wednesday morning came amid growing concerns about the swelling homeless population along the river, not far from Angel Stadium.

The vote followed a county Board of Supervisors vote Tuesday at which all five members approved an increase in the Orange County sheriffs patrol in the flood control channels along the riverbed. Residents and business owners said that for years, theyve tried to get the attention of the city and the county to clean up the area, which is a designated National Historic Trail. With the number of homeless people living along the riverbed growing, more than 13,000 people signed a petition calling for their removal.

We are trying to bring everyone to the table to work on this crisis. We need to be nimble moving forward, said Councilwoman Kris Murray, who initiated the emergency resolution named Operation Home S.A.F.E.

During almost four hours of public comment, speakers both praised and criticized Murray for the idea, with County Supervisor Todd Spitzer backing her and pledging funding.

I really believe the riverbed cannot become Orange Countys skid row, he said.

He predicted that with a stronger law enforcement presence, at least 20% of the homeless will leave willingly, fearing arrests for drugs or contraband. City Net, a group contracted to work with the riverbed population, last counted 422 adults at the site. Spitzer said statistics show that 12% come from outside California, while 26% are from Anaheim.

Mark Daniels, a lifelong resident of Anaheim, told the council that the crisis is so colossal, far beyond the reach of the county of Orange. Even if you clear the river out, where are these people going to go ultimately?

We need relief, fellow resident Mary Sitter said. I dont want to see needles in my yard, feces in my yard. Shame on all of you for letting this go as long as it has.

Homeless advocates appealed to the council not to play politics with peoples lives, pleading for authorities to add portable toilets and to treat the population with respect while searching for solutions.

These are our neighbors. Their only crime is not being able to afford a place to live, said Eve Garrow, a homelessness policy analyst for the American Civil Liberties Union, adding that the wait for affordable housing in one of the most expensive counties in the nation can stretch as long as 10 years.

Jodi Samhat, 34, stands outside her tent at a homeless encampment along the Santa Ana River bed in Anaheim. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Murrays resolution is designed to heighten awareness of the homeless chaos in Anaheim, whose street population has ballooned beyond 900, she said. Staff and officials plan to push for an additional 100 beds at the Bridges at Kraemer Place, a county-run shelter in Anaheim, in addition to asking armories that serve as seasonal shelters to open before winter.

She also suggested that the city and county link hands to set up a temporary, 500-bed shelter, apart from launching a community triage day when multiple groups including nonprofit and faith-based organizations along with agencies at every level would work to relocate the homeless. Once they leave the riverbed, officials could begin enforcing Anaheims anti-camping ordinance.

The riverbed is a prison without walls, said Councilwoman Lucille Kring, before embracing Murrays resolution.

Councilman Stephen Faessel urged his colleagues to name a homeless czar to be the point person responsible for executing Anaheims vision, saying services must be balanced with enforcement.

Nearing midnight Tuesday, after more than 60 people had spoken on the issue, the audience pushed for a vote. Councilman Jose Moreno spoke up and labeled the resolution a temporary fix, offering a series of amendments that he said would zero in on funding Murrays demands. He also said many of the actions she was proposing were already being done by staff. The two sparred on semantics, prompting more catcalls and muttered obscenities from observers.

Mayor Tom Tait spoke up, saying: This issue is so big. This is something that we as a society need to solve  and we need to solve in a humane, kind way.

After the ballot count, as a few dozen remaining people filed out of the council chambers before 1 a.m., some yawning loudly, one activist made plans with another to visit the riverbed over the weekend. She wondered if some of the out-of-towners will be making tracks to another state, trying their luck elsewhere.

anh.do@latimes.com

Twitter: @newsterrier

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8:45 a.m.: Updated with information about Santa Ana Civic Center.

Originally posted Wednesday at 2:25 p.m.
The FBI is investigating two Russian government-funded media organizations that operate in the United States following accusations that they were part of a massive Kremlin operation to help swing last years presidential election to Donald Trump.

Russia Today, Moscows flagship English language television broadcaster, and Sputnik News, a radio and wire service funded by the Kremlin, claim to be legitimate news gathering organizations, no different from the BBC.

But the FBI is exploring whether the two Russian organizations should be required to register as foreign agents, invoking a U.S. law originally passed before World War II to prevent the spread of Nazi propaganda.

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A U.S. intelligence community report on Moscows interference in the 2016 presidential race concluded in January that Sputnik and RT, as Russia Today is known, were part of a multi-faceted Russian intelligence operation aimed at discrediting democracy and helping Trump win in November.

Some former employees of the Russian media organizations, which operate from separate offices several blocks from the White House, agree with that assessment.

Sputnik is not a news agency. Its meant to look like one, but its propaganda, said Andrew Feinberg, a former White House correspondent for Sputnik. He said FBI agents interviewed him for two hours last month about the Russian governments influence over the operation.

Feinberg said that during his five months at Sputnik, his editors were interested almost exclusively in stories about political conspiracies, and made clear that the organization took orders from Moscow.

They always wanted to make the U.S. government look stupid, he said. I was constantly told, Moscow wanted this or Moscow wanted that.

The question of who dictated editorial decisions was of particular concern to the FBI agents who questioned him, Feinberg said.

They wanted to know, Did they get their direction from Moscow, and of course the answer was Yes, he said. He said he gave the FBI thousands of emails to and from editors from his time at Sputnik.

Mindia Gavasheli, the Sputnik bureau chief in Washington, declined to comment Wednesday.

RT said on its website Tuesday that it had received a letter from the Department of Justice requesting it register as a foreign agent. The company did not say if it would comply.

The war the U.S. establishment wages with our journalists is dedicated to all the starry-eyed idealists who still believe in freedom of speech, RT Editor in Chief Margarita Simonyan said. Those who invented it have buried it.

The FBI investigation was first reported by Yahoo News. It wasnt immediately clear if it was part of the much broader investigation being led by Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III into whether Trumps aides illegally cooperated with Russian authorities before or after last years election. Trump and Russias government have denied improper dealings.

The Foreign Agents Registration Act, passed in 1938, requires anyone in the U.S. who acts at the order, request, or under the direction or control of a foreign government to register with the Justice Department and to disclose financial information.

The statute, known as FARA, provides an exception for any news or press service as long at its coverage is not directed by a foreign government.

The exception has long allowed news organizations funded by foreign governments but free from their control over editorial decisions  like the British Broadcasting Corp. or Germanys Deutsche Welle  to operate on U.S. soil without registering with the Justice Department.

FARA experts say that if RT and Sputnik refuse Justice Department requests to register, they could face civil or criminal prosecution under the law. The law carries penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

If its the case that they are directed by the Russian government, then it raises a strong question as to why they are not registered under FARA because they would not be covered by the media exception, said Joe Sandler, a Washington attorney who is expert on what FARA covers.

Other foreign media under more direct government control have been registered for years. They include China Daily, a Beijing news outlet; NHK Cosmomedia, a Japanese TV news operation; and KBS Korean Broadcasting System, a South Korean company, records show.

RT and Sputnik differ from most foreign media based in Washington in that they produce English-language articles and programming intended for American audiences.

Their reporters show up routinely at White House and State Department briefings. Their broadcasts, news stories and opinion pieces frequently conform to Kremlin views on issues such as the war in Syria, Russias seizure of Crimea and U.S. sanctions on Moscow.

The U.S. intelligence report on Russian interference in the 2016 election describes RT and Sputnik as part of Russias state-run propaganda machine. It said they made increasingly favorable comments about Trump as the campaign progressed while consistently offering negative coverage of Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee.

Sputnik has expanded its U.S. operations since the election. In June, it announced that it had subleased a radio station in Reston, Va., and began broadcasting on July 1 into Washington and its suburbs in northern Virginia.

Using a signal that formerly broadcast bluegrass music, Sputnik shifted the programming to a 24-hour talk format that consistently criticizes U.S. government policy and parrots Kremlin themes.

Why the myth of Russian interference in U.S. election is destroying American democracy, was the subject of one recent Sputnik podcast.

Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), House sponsor of a bill to strengthen Justice Department enforcement of FARA, said RT serves as a propaganda arm for the Russian government to spread often false, always biased, information to benefit whatever whims of the Russian government and Vladimir Putin are the topic of the day.

But Alexandra Ellerbeck, North America program director for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said registering Russian media as foreign agents could have serious repercussions, especially in Russia.

The Russian government already requires foreigners working for nongovernmental organizations, such as human rights monitors and legal aid groups, to register. In an era of increasingly tense relations, and tit for tat diplomatic expulsions, Russia may now require any foreign media operating in Russia to register as well, she warned.

In a separate move Wednesday, the Homeland Security Department ordered federal agencies to stop using anti-virus software and other computer products from AO Kaspersky Lab, a privately owned Russian company, warning that Russian authorities might exploit the software to penetrate or disrupt sensitive U.S. digital systems.

The order, issued by Homeland Securitys acting secretary, Elaine Duke, gave federal civilian agencies 30 days to inventory all Kaspersky software products on their systems and 90 days to stop using it.

The department is concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies, Homeland Security said in a statement.

The risk that the Russian government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates U.S. national security, it added.

In a statement, Kaspersky denied inappropriate ties with any government and said it was disappointed by the order, which it called completely unfounded.

No credible information has been presented publicly by anyone or any organization as the accusations are based on false allegations and inaccurate assumptions, the company said.
Alexander von Wechmar and Rob Ramsey, who live down the street from each other, have seen a lot of befuddled drivers negotiate their long-troubled intersection in the Hollywood Hills.

Canyon Drive and Bronson Avenue come together in an awkward union. Its as if Bronson isnt sure where it wants to go, so it forks into Canyon at two points, forming a large triangle in the middle and confusing many a driver.

Its not clear who has the right of way, says Von Wechmar.

Stop signs have been mowed down repeatedly, says Ramsey. Von Wechmar says one motorist plowed through a temporary barricade in the middle of the triangle in 2005, blasted into Von Wechmars retaining wall and died.

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Its a wonder Batman and Robin managed to speed up to the Bronson Canyon caves all those years without killing someone.

Residents take on a dangerous intersection

After the motorist died, Von Wechmar and Ramsey stood at the intersection together one day and watched a driver spin around the circle like he was on a merry-go-round.

Rob said, This guys showing us what we need here,  recalls Von Wechmar, who had just returned from Germany and saw firsthand the benefits of a well-planned traffic circle.

And so began, in the year of the Lord 2005, a 12-years-and-running battle with L.A. City Hall in an attempt to safeguard pedestrians and motorists alike with the installation of a simple circular median.

In those early days, Von Wechmar approached Tom LaBonge, the districts city councilman at the time. Von Wechmar said LaBonge was receptive and consulted an engineer, then asked the city Department of Transportation to look into it.

The city provided a technical drawing, a birds eye view, says Von Wechmar, and a neighbor, artist Carolin Q. Wild, produced a lovely rendering of a landscaped traffic circle with a vintage street lamp in the middle of it.

But things grind along slowly at City Hall, and before long, residents were told the city did not have the money to install a traffic circle.

No joy in Bronson Canyon

It was designed to be one of those blow-off statements, says attorney Mike Gatto, who had not yet become a state assemblyman and was consulting the residents at the time. We dont trim the trees because we dont have the money. We dont pave the streets because we dont have the money. But what was different about this group was that they said, Okay, the city doesnt have the money. Then were going to raise it ourselves. 

Gatto helped them set up a nonprofit, the Oaks & Bronson Canyon Improvement Fund, which collected its first donations in late 2008.

They literally went door to door, said Gatto, and took in $10 here, $50 there, sometimes $100 and occasionally more.

The recession had hit by then, and the fundraising dragged but did not stop. In 2013, after five years of work, the group reached its goal of nearly $70,000.

But there would be no joy in Bronson Canyon.

Von Wechmar says the five-year approval period for the project had expired, triggering new discussions with bureaucrats. Then came a disagreement about whether to go with yield signs or stop signs, followed by doings with the streets department, engineering, the Department of Water and Power, and so on and so forth. The residents hired an engineer, at a cost of $2,500, to support their cause. Then came the back and forth about the street lamp.

Data had to be obtained from the manufacturer to calculate light distribution and output levels generated by the LED fixtures, Von Wechmar wrote in a summary of the ordeal.

Youd think we were asking for a zoning variance to build a nuclear reactor, says Ramsey (full disclosure, Ramsey and I are friends).

Gatto says its been like the drill where Charlie Brown keeps running up to kick the ball, and Lucy pulls it back at the last second.

$25,000 permit fee? This cant be true

When residents were finally hoping to proceed, the city informed them theyd have to pay permit fees to move things along.

To the tune of $25,000.

We said, Youve got to be kidding. This cant be true,  says Von Wechmar, whod had his fill of reminders that no good deed goes unpunished.

Im with Von Wechmar. The Oaks is not a low-income neighborhood, and the city  which still cant manage its budget or guarantee basic services  has lots of far more urgent matters to deal with than traffic circles. No question about it.

But when residents dip into their own pockets for street improvements, permit fees ought to be waived. Someone please send a memo to Mayor Eric Garcetti, Council President Herb Wesson and the rest of the gang. Are we going to be hauling our own trash soon and paying a permit fee at the dump?

Residents went back to LaBonge, who got the permit fee chopped to $18,500 and promised to cover the amount from his districts discretionary fund. But that took months for the city to process, and then LaBonge was termed out and replaced in 2015 by David Ryu, who set up a task force to review all discretionary-fund projects before money was released.

Can this intersection be saved?

That took several months. Next up, says Von Wechmar, the city told him only half the discretionary funds could be used to cover permit fees. He objected and never heard whether the matter was resolved.

Then I hear we need to get more testing done, welding joints have to be tested, this and that. Im trying to talk to a guy who I know has the authority to say yes to all of this, and he doesnt return phone calls or respond to my emails, said Von Wechmar. All the time I have invested in this is unbelievable. Its hours and hours and hours per week, and its insane.

But it got crazier still.

In mid-August, the city sent out a notice that it was repaving the street where the intersection sits. The notice advised that any street excavation will be prohibited for one year after the repaving, meaning the traffic circle project would be delayed, assuming it ever begins.

Whats all the more galling to Von Wechmar and Ramsey is that their street doesnt really need repaving. But the city often gives priority to moderately worn streets because the horrible ones are too expensive to fix.

I spoke to Ryu, who said hes on the case and intends to speed things up. The repaving has been delayed at his request, because as he said, it makes sense to install the traffic circle and repave the street at the same time.

When I visited the intersection, Ramsey pointed out where a jogger had tripped over a crack on his sidewalk and sued the city.

But the city dodged the issue, so he came after me, said Ramsey, whose insurance company paid the jogger $190,000 and threatened to cancel Ramseys policy if he didnt fix his sidewalk. Ramsey said he hired a friend to fix it, without a permit, and if city officials have a problem with that, hes ready to pump them a one-finger salute.

Across the street from his house is one of the most spectacularly uplifted sidewalks Ive seen in a city with thousands of them.

You need a sturdy rope and crampons to get by it, said Ramsey, a screenwriter, and he wasnt exaggerating.

Ramsey, Von Wechmar and I watched as one car after another blew through a stop sign and whizzed past the spot where there might be a traffic circle one day, in a not-too-distant decade, but whod put money on that?

Get more of Steve Lopezs work and follow him on Twitter @LATstevelopez

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How should California define underperforming schools and intervene in school districts that clearly need extra help?

Education officials have long been mulling these questions, but during the State Board of Education meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, they are expected to make key decisions and offer one last chance for public discussion of how the state will satisfy a crucial federal law.

Here are three key issues well be following, and we hope youll join us. You can watch the meeting here.

1) Whats going on with last years test scores?

First up, the board is scheduled to discuss the California Assessment for Student Performance and Progress, the states standardized tests.

While the agenda item largely focuses on training and reporting for future administrations of the test, the public does not yet have access to school and school district scores from last school year. (Parents received reports of their students individual scores this summer).

The California Department of Education was supposed to release the latest testing data in late August. But a few days before the scheduled date, staffers said the release would be postponed indefinitely due to data issues  specifically, a problem with categorizing special education students scores within their districts.

At least one education statistician, Doug McRae, has noted that this particular problem would not affect statewide averages. But CDE officials say they dont want to release scores at any level until they are certain the entire database is accurate. Unless theres another change this week, we can expect the scores sometime next week.

What exactly is an 'ineffective teacher?' California's definition doesn't include measures of performance 

2) What will the states final ESSA plan look like?

This summer, education experts sparred over Californias plan to satisfy the Every Student Succeeds Act, the 2015 replacement of the No Child Left Behind Act. The states plan  with the governors approval  has to be submitted to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Sept. 18.

Where No Child was reviled for being too prescriptive about how states should identify and sanction failing schools, ESSA gives states more agency  but still ultimately does require that states help underperforming schools. Under ESSA, states must identify the lowest-performing 5% of their high-poverty schools, as well as high schools with persistently low graduation rates, and help them improve.

Last month, a group of East Coast education experts released a report criticizing the states plan. David Sapp, the boards deputy policy director and legal counsel, said the reports conclusions were not valid because California is doing much more than the federal law specifies. Board president Mike Kirst also dismissed the critique.

Since the boards last meeting, the states draft plan slightly changed the definition of an ineffective teacher, removing intern-credentialed teachers from those who can be listed in that category. Teach for America corps members are intern-credentialed.

Several groups filed letters with the board in advance of the meeting calling for broader changes. Samantha Tran, the senior managing director of education for Children Now, a group that lobbies and organizes activists on behalf of children's rights, wrote that the plan lacked a key focus on equity.

With so little time left before the deadline, its hard to imagine the plan will change significantly. Kirst has said the plan is just one plank of Californias overall efforts at leveling the educational playing field and that he deliberately is keeping details minimal.

The Board should consider the central shortcoming of the current draft of the ESSA state plan  namely the lack of focus on equity."  Samantha Tran, senior managing director of education for Children Now

How should the state under its own laws help underperforming school districts?

This subject is also coming up Wednesday. The Local Control Funding Formula, a major California school finance law, came with its own school accountability system, separate from the federal governments requirements. Under LCFF, the state must identify and assist low-performing school districts.

The board will discuss how the state and county education offices should work with those districts. This November, county superintendents are supposed to contact districts eligible for extra help. Districts are supposed to conduct assessments to get at the root causes of their problems.

Ryan Smith, the executive director of the Education Trust-West  an Oakland-based nonprofit that advocates for educational equity  wrote to board members that he is concerned that the ideas for support give too much leeway to school districts. He urged the board to require that an external agency or provider work alongside districts in analyzing their problems, to ensure that the district is sufficiently functional to change.

In designing this process, the board is looking to other states. In Ohio, failing districts get extra technology, training and administrative services. In Texas, they can ask for specific things, such as discipline codes and special-education guidelines.

The board will discuss possible plans for helping school districts improve. The corresponding agenda item states that previous efforts for state intervention in underperforming districts have failed. The goal is for the new system to be different: Ideally, instead of imposing one-size-fits-all improvement plans, the state and counties are supposed to work with districts to create customized solutions.

To read the article in Spanish click here
Private investigators hired to crack down on the sale of counterfeit luxury goods had set up the undercover parking lot sting in Mission Valley after seeing an ad on Craigslist for Rolex watches. They didnt expect to find a Border Patrol agent hawking the timepieces from the trunk of his car.

Im going to lose my job, the agent, Martin Macias, 31, reportedly said as he was taken into custody after a second undercover buy Aug. 2, according to a search warrant affidavit unsealed last week.

Macias was arrested by sheriffs deputies on a state charge of selling counterfeit goods and released on $10,000 bail. No state charges have been filed for prosecution, though, and the case is apparently being considered for federal charges of trafficking counterfeit goods, according to the affidavit filed in San Diego federal court.

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Macias declined to discuss the case when reached by phone Tuesday. His employment status was unknown.

The investigation was launched by Investigative Consultants, a firm based in Torrance that represents about 200 brands by helping them detect counterfeit goods and protect their trademarks.

On May 18, one of the firms private investigators found a Craigslist ad for Rolex watches for sale and reached out. Someone named Carlos said hed meet her at the Target parking lot in Mission Valley. On May 25, the day of the meeting, a man named Martin texted her saying hed be there instead and to look for his white Volkswagen.

The investigator and a partner met Martin, later determined to be Macias, and he showed them a display case in the trunk of his car filled with four Audemars Piguet watches, four Cartier watches and six Rolex watches, the affidavit said.

Macias confirmed the watches were fake and each was worth $320. He said Carlos supplied him with the watches and that he could provide large quantities at wholesale prices, the affidavit said.

The investigator bought a Rolex for $320, then passed the case on to the Sheriffs Departments Border Crimes Suppression Team. As one of the detectives reviewed the evidence and Volkswagen records, he discovered the seller might be a Border Patrol agent.

The investigator set up another meeting, and Martin said he had five Rolexes for sale. They agreed to meet Aug. 2 at Target again, but he changed the location to the Babies R Us parking lot in Chula Vista.

The investigators partner met Macias this time and was shown a case of watches on the front seat of Macias black Chevrolet pickup: six Audemars Piguets, four Rolexes, two Hublots, one Armani and one childs Casio, the affidavit said.

During the sale, sheriffs detectives moved in to arrest Macias.

Macias explained to a sheriffs detective that a friend who lives in Mexico obtains the watches from an unknown source for about $110 each and advertises them on websites such as Craigslist and Offer Up. Because the friend doesnt come to the U.S., he asked Macias to deliver the watches to buyers.

Macias said his only sales were to the undercover investigators. He said he planned to collect about $250, the affidavit said.

He further admitted he knew what he was doing was illegal but likened it to running a red light, the court document said.

A search of Macias home did not yield other counterfeit goods.

The watches, if genuine, would sell from $10,000 to $79,000, experts said.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Davis writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Rafe Esquith may have been Americas most famous teacher  even, some said, its best  when the Los Angeles Unified School District fired him in 2015.

The three lawsuits prompted by that dismissal were put aside as the two sides settled and issued a brief joint statement Wednesday morning.

Esquith, 63, will receive lifetime health benefits, earned by his long tenure as a teacher, and the satisfaction that the settlement includes language intended to better protect the rights of teachers accused of wrongdoing. His attorneys describe the settlement as a major win for all L.A. teachers. The district says it reinforces changes it already has made to properly balance the rights of teachers with the need to protect students from harm and the district from liability.

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Mr. Esquith has tendered his resignation, effective October 31, 2015, and L.A. Unified has retroactively accepted it, the statement read. Mr. Esquith has helped teachers become more aware of the administrative reassignment process in place.

Esquiths attorneys also will receive an estimated $150,000 that is meant to cover a portion of their legal fees. Attorney Ben Meiselas, part of a team representing Esquith, said the vast majority of that money will be donated to a charity that will be inspired by the teachings of Rafe.

The lifetime benefits are worth an estimated $250,000 and will function for Esquith and his wife as a free Medicare supplement policy. According to L.A. Unified, Esquith had earned these benefits over 30 years of service as a teacher but had neglected to file for them, choosing instead to challenge his dismissal through litigation. As a result, he lost his eligibility to receive them. The settlement allows the benefits to be restored.

This is something that he was entitled to at the time, said David Holmquist, general counsel for L.A. Unified.

One of Esquiths three lawsuits challenged his dismissal. A second began as a federal class-action suit in which Esquith intended to fight on behalf of older, veteran teachers, who he claimed were systematically and illegally mistreated. The class-action claim hit a roadblock in federal court, and Esquith instead pursued another lawsuit in state court, alleging defamation, age discrimination and retaliation.

The settlement provides for teachers accused of wrongdoing to receive written notice about their legal rights and counseling from a district staff member, Meiselas said.

The school board approved the tentative settlement Tuesday in closed session by a vote of 6 to 1. Board member Nick Melvoin was the dissenter.

Esquith gained fame as a teacher for the annual Shakespeare productions performed by his fifth-graders at Hobart Boulevard Elementary, which serves a low-income neighborhood in Koreatown. The award-winning instructor also was well-known for his books such as Teach Like Your Hairs on Fire, and through extensive media profiles.

His troubles began when another faculty member reported in March 2015 that Esquith had made an inappropriate joke about performing a play in the nude. That offhand remark prompted a deeper review of Esquiths deportment with students and his management of a nonprofit and student field trips.

The district also looked into allegations of abuse that dated back decades, before Esquith became a teacher.

His defenders accused investigators of needlessly sullying Esquiths reputation with a fishing expedition that was determined to find behavioral blemishes or worse.

Seven months after the investigation began, the school board weighed the findings in closed session. Although none of the evidence resulted in criminal charges, the board voted to fire Esquith, prompting the litigation.

howard.blume@latimes.com

@howardblume
A McDonalds cashier is facing an attempted murder charge after giving birth to a boy while at work and then trying to flush the newborn down a toilet inside the Redwood City restaurant, prosecutors said.

Sarah Lockner was working as a cashier at the McDonalds restaurant on Chestnut Street on the evening of Sept. 4 when she complained of stomach pain, according to the San Mateo County district attorneys office.

During her night shift, prosecutors said, the 25-year-old Redwood City woman visited the restaurants bathroom multiple times, to the concern of a co-worker.

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When the co-worker entered the bathroom to check on Lockner, prosecutors said, there was blood on the floor.

Lockner tried to dismiss the bloody mess and blamed it on a heavy period, prosecutors said.

But Lockners behavior had drawn the attention of a second co-worker, who also decided to check on her.

The second employee walked into the bathroom, peered over Lockners stall and saw a newborn baby face down in toilet bowl, prosecutors said.

Lockner had her hand on the babys back, according to the district attorneys office. The employee then heard the toilet flush.

Lockner pleaded with her co-worker, asking her not to call police, prosecutors said.

Police arrived later to find the baby in Lockners arms, San Mateo County Dist. Atty. Steve Wagstaffe told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday.

The baby had no pulse and was not breathing, so officers performed CPR and rushed the infant to Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital in Palo Alto, he said.

The infant is alive and in stable condition, but the extent of the babys brain injuries was not known, Wagstaffe said.

Lockner claimed she didnt know she was pregnant, prosecutors said.

She has been charged with felony child abuse and inflicting great bodily injury, along with the attempted murder charge, prosecutors said.

Lockner is scheduled to be arraigned in San Mateo County court on Sept. 18. She is being held on $11 million bail.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA

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A Long Beach fire captain who witnessed a city police officer fire on an unarmed college student in 2015 told investigators the young man was under the influence of drugs but not acting violently during the fatal encounter in which he and other witnesses shouted for the officer not to shoot the victim.

Fire Capt. Robert Griego said that he was shocked when Officer Matthew Hernandez drew a gun and that he yelled, Hey, dont shoot him, before Feras Morad, 20, was struck and killed. Griego told detectives his fire crew at the scene would have intervened had he felt that Hernandez was in danger. But the officer never acknowledged the fire crew during the May 27, 2015, altercation, Griego said.

Griegos statement was included in a 31-page report released Tuesday by the Los Angeles County district attorneys office, which found insufficientevidence the officer committed a crime and concluded he acted in self-defense.

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The report documents a deadly encounter that lasted less than three minutes, with several witnesses, including Griego and two other firefighters, providing a detailed account of the incident.

Griego and others said that Morad appeared to be injured and in an altered state after jumping out of a second-story window and that he was resisting but not behaving violently toward Hernandez, according to the report. Two other witnesses said they also asked the officer not to shoot after he drew his gun.

But other witnesses described the veteran officer as in a fight for his life with a combatant Morad who was completely enraged. They said Hernandez shot the student after a stun gun, a flashlight and handcuffs failed to subdue him.

Morad was a talented, nationally known debating student slated to begin studies at Cal State Long Beach after attending Moorpark College. His death spurred protests by Black Lives Matter activists and students in the port city. Morads family filed a $28-million civil lawsuit against Hernandez and the city of Long Beach. Morads relatives said the young man made a mistake of experimenting with hallucinogenic mushrooms and had a bad reaction before the fateful confrontation. They contend that Hernandez should face criminal charges.

The fire captain made it clear it was an unlawful killing, and the district attorney should be ashamed at herself for not prosecuting, said Dan Stormer, a civil rights attorney representing the Morad family in the lawsuit.

Hernandez came upon Morad, shirtless and covered in blood with an arm injury, after responding that evening to a 911 call of a possibly violent person whod fallen from a second-story window in the 4600 block of East 15th Street.

Hernandez told investigators that he fired four times after the student raised his closed fists and aggressively moved toward the officer, yelling, I am coming to get you.

Griego said the young man was on one knee at the time the officer fired.

But the medical examiner, while noting the shots were fired downward, found the positioning of Morads arms and elbows showed he was standing when he was shot, according to prosecutors. Another firefighter said Morad only dropped to his knees after the first shot, according to the report.

The report documented the moments leading up to the shooting.

With Morad swinging his arm with closed fists, Hernandez said he ordered the man to stop and put his hands in the air while two of Morads friends also told the student to put his hands up, according to the report. When Morad got within 10 feet of him, the officer fired a Taser, which only momentarily stopped Morads advance, the report said.

According to prosecutors, witnesses said Morad repeatedly ignored commands and several times broke free after being subdued. In one of the struggles, Hernandez lost his handcuffs, and another time he tried to use his flashlight to trip Morad.

At one point, the officer dropped a Taser cartridge only to see Morad kick it back in his direction. After two Taser shots failed, prosecutors said Hernandez dropped the stun gun as he attempted to holster it.

That left Hernandez with his .45-caliber handgun as his lone weapon, according to the report. With Morad on the ground, Hernandez said he drew his gun to keep the student at bay until other officers arrived. According to Hernandez, Morad came at him again. When Morad was a few feet away, the officer fired, but the gun failed because he had not released the thumb safety, according to the report.

A few seconds later, the encounter would turn fatal as the officer claimed Morad threatened him and moved toward him again.

Though prosecutors noted that witnesses, including Griego and another firefighter, described Morad as not aggressive, only Griego claimed the student was on one knee when the shot was fired, the report said.

Given the coroners view that Morad was standing, prosecutors said Griegos statement on the position cannot be given much weight.

The evidence supports the conclusion that Hernandez actually and honestly believed he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily injury at the time he fired his weapon.

Long Beach Police Sgt. Brad Johnson said Hernandez remains assigned to the patrol bureau. Because of the ongoing litigation, Johnson said the department would not comment on specific findings in the report.

richard.winton@latimes.com

Twitter: @lacrimes

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A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has denied the release of hours of recorded interviews with one of the convicted killers in Charles Mansons cult.

The taped conversations between Charles Tex Watson and his late attorney were made in 1969  shortly after Watson and other Manson acolytes were arrested. Observers of the case have long viewed the recordings as an unparalleled window into the barbarous slayings carried out by Manson and his so-called family.

The recordings have never been made public, and the Los Angeles Police Department said it only recently obtained them.

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An attorney for Leslie Van Houten, who was convicted of killing Rosemary and Leno LaBianca, has been trying to unseal the Watson interviews as part of Van Houtens bid for parole.

Every shred of evidence [in the Manson case] is public record except those tapes, said Rich Pfeiffer, Van Houtens attorney. They are the most reliable description of what happened.

But the Los Angeles County district attorneys office has fought the tapes release, saying that Van Houten cannot obtain evidence after her conviction because she does not face a sentence of death or life without parole.

RELATED: Where are they now? Charles Mansons family, four decades after horrific murders

Prosecutors also say Van Houten, 68, could get evidence that would have been available only at the time of her trial. Because the tapes were protected by attorney-client privilege then, Van Houten would not have had access to them, prosecutors said.

In his ruling issued Tuesday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William C. Ryan agreed with prosecutors, adding that after reviewing a 326-page transcript, he did not find the content of the tapes relevant.

But even if Van Houten was entitled to the Tex Watson Interview Tapes, they would add nothing not already well known, Ryan wrote. Watson does talk about in several places how Charles Manson had a powerful influence over him and other members of the Manson family, but that information is also very well known.

Pfeiffer said he planned to appeal the ruling, and he has said in court papers that the tapes could help Gov. Jerry Brown make a more informed decision as he weighs whether to release Van Houten, who was again granted parole, from prison.

The district attorneys office declined to comment on the judges ruling.

The D.A.s office had claimed that the tapes release would compromise ongoing investigations, but an LAPD detective told the judge that no open investigations would be undermined by the tapes release.

Last week, a panel of state commissioners granted Van Houten parole. The panels decision is undergoing a legal review, and in about four months, the governor will have to decide whether to uphold, reverse or modify the parole decision. Brown also could send the decision to a full review by the full board of state parole commissioners.

Van Houten was not part of the Manson followers who on Aug. 9, 1969, stormed the Benedict Canyon home shared by pregnant actress Sharon Tate, 26, and her movie director husband, Roman Polanski, who was not at home at the time. Tate and four others were stabbed and shot to death that night.

Manson, 82, and other acolytes involved in the slayings are still behind bars. Watson and Patricia Krenwinkel each have been denied parole several times. Susan Atkins, who was denied parole 13 times, died in prison in 2009.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno

UPDATES:

10:40 a.m.: This article was updated with information about the killing of Sharon Tate.

This article was originally published at 9:55 a.m.
Former rap mogul Marion Suge Knights fiancee and business partner were each charged with violating a court order by selling sealed evidence related to his murder trial  a grainy surveillance video of Knight plowing his red truck into two men  to TMZ, officials said.

A grand jury in July indicted Toi-Lin Kelly, 36, and Mark Blankenship, 57, on one felony count each of conspiracy to violate a court order, conspiracy to obstruct justice and conspiracy to commit grand theft, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. The indictment was unsealed Wednesday.

Kelly has pleaded not guilty; Blankenship has not been arraigned.

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The charges mark the latest twist in Knights bizarre legal saga, which has dragged on for more than two years as prosecutors continue to raise new allegations against the former impresario and his associates.

The case has grown to involve accusations that Knight, 52, criminally threatened the man who directed the movie Straight Outta Compton and possibly discussed with his defense attorney bribing witnesses to fabricate testimony.

Just this week, Knight brought on a new criminal defense attorney to represent him in the threats case after prosecutors said theyd gathered evidence that the previous one, Matthew Fletcher, was involved in possible witness tampering, bribery and obstruction of justice.

Fletcher has denied wrongdoing, telling The Times that prosecutors had taken his words out of context.

Knight is accused of barreling his red truck into two men in the parking lot of a Compton burger stand in late January 2015 after an argument on the set of a commercial for Straight Outta Compton. One of the men, 55-year-old Terry Carter, died from his injuries.

Knight, who fled the scene but later turned himself in, has pleaded not guilty to murder and says he acted in self-defense. He is also charged in a separate robbery case.

Two weeks after the fatal hit-and-run, prosecutors said, Kelly and Blankenship began arranging the sale of the security video to TMZ.

Kelly was arrested Monday and is being held on $2-million bail. Attorneys representing her said the charges stem from conduct that occurred 2  years ago and at the direction of lawyers involved in Knights case.

At this point we believe the evidence will show that shes going to be exonerated by a jury, said Dmitry Gorin, one of her attorneys.

A bail review hearing is set for next week. Gorin called the $2-million bail excessive and unconstitutional.

Blankenship could not be reached for comment. It was unclear if he had hired an attorney.

In the indictment, prosecutors listed a series of communications  text messages, calls from jail and in-person meetings  related to the video sale that involved Kelly, Blankenship, Knight and two attorneys involved in the case.

Sheriffs detectives got a warrant to search Kellys cellphone, and prosecutors said they found messages between her and a TMZ correspondent negotiating a price for the video.

Prosecutors said the pair spent nearly a month brokering the sale with the celebrity news website, despite being aware the video was under a protective order.

I cant wait to get this video to you, Kelly texted the TMZ correspondent on Feb. 12, 2015, according to the indictment.

At first, Blankenship opposed releasing the video because of the protective order, but he later texted his business partners saying, New attny says ok to release it, according to the indictment. Its a huge move if we can get it out immediately.

A filing by prosecutors said Kelly and Knight communicated in code about a plan to sell the video for as much as $150,000.

On March 5, 2015, prosecutors said, the TMZ correspondent and Kelly agreed on a price: $55,000.

Days later, TMZ posted the two-minute video on its site.

Greg Risling, a spokesman for the district attorneys office, declined to comment Wednesday on whether the attorneys involved in the conversations will be charged.

If convicted, Kelly and Blankenship each face a maximum of three years in state prison.

Times staff writers Marisa Gerber and James Queally contributed to this report.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AleneTchek

UPDATES:

9:30 p.m.: This article was updated with details from the indictment, as well as a statement from Toi-Lin Kellys attorney.

This article was originally published at 4:20 p.m.
One of Alice Rogoffs first moves as the new owner and publisher of Alaskas largest newspaper was to demonstrate her faith in paper and ink. After paying $34 million for the Anchorage Daily News in 2014 and changing its name to the Alaska Dispatch News, she went out and bought a new printing press.

I dont see an end to print, said Rogoff, a former publishing executive in Washington, D.C., who maintained a long-distance marriage with her billionaire husband after she fell in love with Alaska. If I could see it, Id be preparing for it. Were not.

That was evident this week. The paper, founded in 1946, was on the verge of shutting down when a federal bankruptcy judge approved a deal in which a pioneering Alaska family purchased it for $1 million.

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The paper was losing an average of $125,000 a week, even after dropping its Saturday edition, according to court filings. It owed more than $2.5 million to vendors.

Rogoff personally lost millions. She had taken out a $13 million personal bank loan to help purchase the paper from McClatchy Newspapers and still owes the bank $10 million, the records show.

Her security to back that loan is money she receives from a marital agreement with her husband, David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group and whose personal net worth, according to Forbes, is $2.5 billion.

Though she spoke with half a dozen would-be buyers, she received only one bid for the paper, Rogoff told the judge during a Monday bankruptcy hearing.

That left the court with just one other option: Reject the sale and liquidate the paper. Thats hardly a rare outcome in an industry in which more than 125 newspapers folded between 2004 and 2014, according to Pew Research Center. In two decades, the number of newspaper employees dropped by 20,000, or 39%.

But Judge Gary Spraker said saving the Dispatch News  with Alaskas most-visited news website and a print circulation of 41,684 during the week and 47,028 on Sundays  was in the best interests of the community.

There is no more money. There is no more time. Theres also no more buyers, he said. I purposely bit my tongue and did not inquire why the buyer believes this is going to succeed going forward.

The buyers, the Binkley family of Fairbanks, which gained its wealth from hauling tourists and freight on the Yukon River for more than 100 years and five generations, stepped forward with the offer in August when the paper filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Rogoff, whod been trying to sell the paper, stepped aside and allowed Ryan Binkley, one of four siblings forming the buyers group, and a fifth investor, Jason Evans of Alaska Media LLC, owner of three rural papers, to take over as co-publishers. The change is expected to shift the papers liberal editorial views as voiced by Rogoff to a more conservative approach by the Republican-leaning Binkleys.

A front-page news story Tuesday detailed the sale, noting that some of the paperss 210 employees would be laid off and discussing the possibility the papers name may change again, perhaps back to the Anchorage Daily News. It also quoted Ryan Binkley as saying, Its vastly important for the community that the print paper continue to be put out and were committed to that.

The paper is being sued by telecommunications company GCI over a rental dispute involving the former Anchorage Daily News building where the paper is printed. GCI sought to evict the newspapers press operations, but the two sides are now negotiating.

Also on Tuesday, Binkley and Evans published a letter to readers, stating: The sale paves the way for a new era at the ADN as we chart our own course. The ADN is not going away. As owners we vow to do whatever it takes to set Alaskas paper of record onto a strong foundation that will last for generations.

The paper reported that Rogoff slipped out of the courthouse Monday almost unnoticed and disappeared down the street without further comment.

Her attorney, Bill Bittner, stayed behind to speak for her.

Through a series of missteps in business in terms of the press locations, its led to this, which has made her very sad for the people at ADN, Bittner said. Shes glad it is handed off to a prominent group of Alaskans that will hopefully continue the great traditions of the ADN.

Bittner said Rogoff would probably continue to live in Alaska. He didnt know her plans beyond that.

Rogoff, a former chief financial officer for U.S. News and World Report and one of the architects of the Washington Posts former weekly national edition, was a senior assistant at the Office of Management and Budget in the Carter administration.

She was smitten by wild and snowy Alaska during a 2001 vacation there and gave up Washington power parties to hunt moose, explore the Arctic and fly her own plane. She often ferried her reporters and photographers to cover news in the states remote corners.

I love my life, she told the Los Angeles Times in an interview last year. That new press she bought would enable her to publish an Alaska newspaper for years, and perhaps decades to come, she added.

The press, according to bankruptcy filings, is still sitting unused in an old Anchorage building.

Anderson is a special correspondent
The U.S. Justice Department will not bring charges against Baltimore police officers in connection with the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray from injuries sustained in police custody in 2015.

The agency said Tuesday that after an extensive review of this tragic event, conducted by career prosecutors and investigators, it had concluded that the evidence is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers involved in Grays arrest willfully violated his civil rights.

Accordingly, the investigation into this incident has been closed without prosecution, the agency said.

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The decision means no officers will be held criminally responsible for Grays death. The state previously filed local criminal charges against six officers in the case, but failed to secure a single conviction.

Former Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch announced that the Justice Department was conducting a criminal civil rights investigation into Grays death on April 27, 2015, the same day as Grays funeral and the eruption of rioting, looting and arson in Baltimore.

Lynch, who served under President Obama, said at the time that the department would continue our careful and deliberate examination of the facts in the coming days and weeks to determine whether any officers should be charged with violating Grays civil rights.

Now, nearly two-and-a-half years later and under the Trump administration, Justice Department investigators have concluded that no charges are warranted.

The Justice Department said that the evidence gathered during this investigation is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers violated Grays 4th Amendment rights against false arrest and unreasonable force, or his 14th Amendment right to be free from excessive force and deliberate indifference.

The department said the evidence did not show a rough ride  a theory of state prosecutors  and did not prove that officers were aware that their failure to secure Gray with a seat belt in the back of a police transport van put him in danger, or that he was injured and needed immediate medical care.

The department announced its decision Tuesday evening, several hours after the Baltimore Sun reported the decision based on sources familiar with the investigation.

Officials at the FBI and the Maryland U.S. attorneys office referred questions to the Justice Department.

William H. Billy Murphy, the Gray familys attorney, declined to comment.

Baltimore police spokesman T.J. Smith declined to comment.

Five officers still face internal discipline hearings in relation to the case.

Michael Davey, an attorney for the local police union, said he had not received any notice of an official decision in the case from the Justice Department as of Tuesday afternoon, but if the sources are correct, were obviously pleased.

We only wish that the Baltimore city states attorneys office would have done just as thorough an investigation before they brought their state charges, Davey said. If they would have done that, we believe they would have come to the same conclusion as the Department of Justice.

According to local prosecutors, Gray died after suffering a fatal spinal cord injury in the back of a Baltimore police transport van following his arrest on the morning of April 12, 2015.

Police accused Gray of running unprovoked in a high-crime area in West Baltimore and of being in possession of an illegal knife at the time of his arrest. He was handcuffed and shackled in the transport van, but not restrained by a seat belt.

Grays death a week later sparked widespread protests against police brutality in Baltimore. Clashes between police and civilians spiraled out of control on the day of his funeral, erupting into rioting that caused millions of dollars in damages. The city was put under a weeklong nightly curfew.

Days after the rioting, Baltimore States Atty. Marilyn J. Mosby filed local criminal charges against six police officers, ranging from misconduct in office and reckless endangerment to manslaughter and second-degree depraved heart murder.

All of the officers pleaded not guilty and none was convicted.

Officer Caesar Goodson Jr., Lt. Brian Rice and Officer Edward Nero were acquitted in bench trials before Circuit Judge Barry G. Williams. Mosby subsequently dropped the charges against Sgt. Alicia White, Officer Garrett Miller and Officer William Porter, citing the unlikely chance of a conviction with Williams scheduled to preside over their trials as well.

Porter had previously had a jury trial, which resulted in a hung jury and mistrial.

The Justice Departments decision not to bring charges in the case was anticipated by many legal observers, particularly given Williams rulings at the state level, as federal civil rights cases have a higher standard for securing convictions.

To secure convictions in such cases, federal prosecutors must establish that an officer willfully violated a persons civil rights, which experts said is not an easy task.

When Mosby dropped the state charges against the remaining officers in July 2016, Justice Department leaders in the Obama administration issued a statement saying the agency had been monitoring the states investigation and trials along with the FBI and the Maryland U.S. attorneys office. The statement said the Justice Department would continue its independent review of this matter, assess all available materials and determine what actions are appropriate, given the strict burdens and requirements imposed by applicable federal civil rights laws.

President Trump and his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, have both made comments skeptical of police reforms espoused by the Obama administration, making some experts even more confident that no charges would be filed in the Gray case.

Rector writes for the Baltimore Sun.

krector@baltsun.com

Twitter: twitter.com/rectorsun
The drive from Naples to Gainesville was 288 miles of gut-wrenching anxiety, and not because of destruction from the massive hurricane that tore through the day before.

Along that entire stretch of Interstate 75  four hours from far southwest Florida to nearly the top of the state  there was hardly a functioning gas pump to be found.

Mile after mile, motorists were exiting the freeway on fumes and encountering the same sorry sight: empty gas pumps covered with yellow bags, or even worse, wrapped in the dreaded shrink wrap.

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In Gainesville, Fla., and all along Interstate 75, gasoline is very hard to find. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

We are just trying to get back, said Rachel Monteagudo, who was hauling an oversized camper from Georgia back to Fort Lauderdale after fleeing the storm  but hadnt seen any gas since shed crossed the state line.

Hurricane Irma threw Florida into an epic gas crisis, turning the minor chore of filling up into what could feel like a fools errand. With ships unable to make deliveries through the storm and power outages forcing stations to close, up to 40% of the gas stations in the state were unable to provide fuel Tuesday, the online source GasBuddy reported.

As hundreds of thousands of evacuated Floridians motor back toward homes in areas ravaged by the hurricane, the hunt for gas has become a communal obsession.

People loiter at empty gas stations in the hope the situation might change. A car drives into an empty station and parks; soon a dozen more cars pile in, thinking the driver knew something they didnt.

This happened at a Thorntons filling station north of Tampa. An empty parking lot quickly came alive with chattering motorists hoping for gas. One motorist started pouring gas into her tank from big plastic containers. Nearby, a man had been snoozing in a jalopy he had aspirationally parked alongside a shuttered pump. Now he got out and approached the woman, wanting to know where shed gotten the gas.

It turned out it had been pumped days before, at a station hundreds of miles away.

Gasoline is scarce throughout north Florida, both on I-95 and I-78. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Some state ports where gas normally gets distributed are just now reopening. Regular gas refineries and supply lines disrupted by the wreckage Hurricane Harvey wrought last month in Texas are still recovering. And gas trucks were blocked for days making their way down the Florida coast as Irma passed through.

It all created a desperate situation up and down the state.

The one station that appeared to be open off I-75 north of Tampa on Monday night created chaos. A line down the exit ramp extended miles up the highway. Police lights glared by the intersection, with stressed officers trying to bring some order to the hordes of desperate drivers gridlocked at the filling station entrance.

The appearance of the gas line caused others to stop, setting off a chain reaction down the already clogged highway and bringing traffic to a near standstill for at least 15 miles.

Environmentalists have weighed in on TV, blaming the states heavy dependence on oil and pointing to how much less gas everyone would need had there been more hybrids on Florida interstates and fewer fuel-guzzling SUVs. SUV enthusiasts blamed environmentalists, complaining that their hostility to new oil pipelines worsened the shortages that choked Florida.

Often, motorists blamed one another.

When a couple of retirement age pulled up to a pump in Gainesville, they shot a look of incredulity and annoyance at a journalist who informed them there wasnt a drop of gas in the station  or pretty much any station for the next 250 miles.

Along a nearly 300-mile stretch of Interstate 75 there was hardly a functioning gas pump to be found. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

I dont believe what you are saying, the man huffed, signaling his intention to get back in the car with its nearly empty tank and keep heading toward Venice, some 200 miles away. All he needed to do was get a few miles off the interstate, he insisted, and he would find something.

His companions face went pale.

Stocking up on gas has become so advisable that even gas cans are hard to come by. One station owner charged $66 for three empty plastic gas containers. A police officer watched as he rang up the sale.

How do you live with yourself? he asked the owner.

Gainesville was the most fuel-parched city in the state, according to GasBuddy, making it probably the most parched place in America, though it wasnt clear why: The city made it through the storm in far better shape than other places that seemed to have more gas.

At one empty station in town, sheriffs deputies in several squad cars congregated at an apparently empty gas station. Asked by a reporter why they were gathered at a gas station with no gas, one of the officers responded warily. I have nothing to say about that, he said.

Nearby, Devontshe Care sat in his car by one of the empty pumps, looking forlorn. The Key West resident trying to get home figured he had enough fuel to make it maybe 50 miles. He had a lot farther than that to go. He had seen some open stations pumping gas farther north, but the lines were long. Hed kept driving.

I kept thinking, itll get a little better if I keep going, he said. It didnt get better. Now I dont know when I am going to make it back. Care, a candy store manager, fiddled with his phone, looking for recent reports of gas nearby. There were none.

Gas was trickling back into the state by Tuesday, though even then, it took unwavering determination to get any of it.

Frederick Wilson, 66, set out on a desperate search near Georgetown, where the storm had wrecked the roof of his home and knocked out electricity. A borrowed generator kept the refrigerator running and emergency cellphones charged.

But the generator was out of gas. Wilsons car was not far behind. Every gas station he went to was closed. He drove five miles, then 10. Nothing. At 15 miles, he said, I got into a gas line, circa the 1970s, referring to the long waits during the energy crisis of that decade. I got up to the third in line. Then they ran out.

He drove nervously on, his gas needle dropping.

Then, bingo: He saw a gas tanker pulled up at a station, and a fellow driver said fuel was about to flow. Wilson eagerly lined his own car up at the pump.

Presently, the driver of the tanker emerged from the convenience store, hopped in his cab and drove away. He didnt have gas. Hed stopped for snacks.

Wilson finally found fuel at a Flying J off I-95, another 15 miles away. Now I have to drive 30 miles back to my house, he said.

Soon, hed need more gas.

evan.halper@latimes.com

Follow me: @evanhalper

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Petrona Nunez cradled her 2-year-old daughter, Jazabell, in her arms and surveyed the damage to her family trailer.

The roof had caved in on the living room and bedroom. Debris was everywhere. Globs of pink insulation clung to furniture, walls and the floor, as did mud-like dollops of saturated roofing material.

A broken mirror and shattered door lay atop her bed. A plastic sheet served as a temporary roof, creating a diaphanous glow amid the chaos inside.

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Its so bad, Nunez, 24, said, clearly at a loss for words. Its pretty sad when your home is destroyed.

Hurricane Irma caused large-scale damage on its rampage through Florida, but this impoverished, largely Latino farming hub in the southwestern part of the state was among the areas hardest hit. While aid was being rushed to the Florida Keys and other ravaged coastal zones, as of Monday evening there was no sign of any help arriving to this rural backwater a day after the storm blasted through.

Immokalee  the name is said to derive from a Seminole word referring to home  is a place apart in Florida, remote and well off the tourist trail. Its poverty rate is among the states highest, encompassing more than one-third of the towns 25,000 or so residents  yet it is only 50 miles or so from seaside Naples, one of the states wealthiest communities and the hub of Collier County, which includes Immokalee.

Were part of Florida, were part of Collier County, but sometimes it doesnt feel like it, said Connie Velasquez, 22, a beauty parlor worker and lifelong Immokalee resident. Were usually the last to get help.

There is still floodwater sitting in residential neighborhoods of Immokalee, Fla. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Plywood boards mounted as protection from the storm still covered windows of the taco shops, Mexican-style grocery stores and other establishments along Main Street. There was no electricity; power lines were down on streets and in yards. Residents lined up at a generator rigged with extension cords to charge their phones.

Roofs were blown off many of the trailer homes and ill-constructed shacks that pass as housing here for the multitudes of farmworkers, mostly from Central America and Mexico, but with a considerable contingent from Haiti. Pools of water from the hurricane still were found on streets and front yards.

I dont know who is going to fix this, said Felipe Bartolo, 59, a native of Guatemala whose rented, one-room home had its tin roof sheared off.

He pays $70 a week rent for the claustrophobic accommodation, plus an $8-a-week surcharge to run the air conditioner, vital in this sweltering, swampy enclave. On a good day, he said, he earns about $70 picking tomatoes or doing other agricultural jobs in a region that provides much of the U.S. winter tomato crop.

The water came in, everything was soaked, said Bartolo, who, along with much of the town, was out cutting huge branches that littered front yards, roofs and sidewalks. No one helped us.

Despite considerable property damage, there were no reported serious injuries as Irma swept through town. Most people appeared to have taken refuge in shelters set up in schools and other buildings  despite widespread fears that using such facilities could expose immigrants in the country illegally to arrest and deportation.

A lot of people here were afraid to go to the shelters, Velasquez said. Finally they realized they wouldnt get deported and they went. That probably saved lives.

Immokalee achieved notoriety in 1960 when it was featured in the seminal CBS documentary Harvest of Shame, by Edward R. Murrow, which exposed the exploitation of migrant workers. Immokalee periodically hits the news in contemporary accounts of sub-minimum-wage salaries for farmworkers, slave-like conditions and other labor violations. Its not clear that the situation has improved for farmworkers here since Murrows expose.

The feeling is very Third World: Chickens wander about the streets, and most everyone sits outside in the evening to escape the heat, although there is not a lot to do. Spanish is the prevalent language. Strangers are eyed warily. On Monday, the entire town seemed to ignore what residents said was a 5:30 p.m. police curfew following Irmas rampage.

Irma essentially worsened  and in some cases finished off  what was already a dilapidated housing stock, which includes tree-shrouded parks with aging trailers and barracks-type apartments and houses erected years ago for migrant laborers. Parts of the town resemble a 1960s, B-movie set.

The agricultural belt here was created from drained swamps. A reserve for the endangered Florida panther is situated along nearby State Road 29, which features yellow Panther crossing signs, with the big cats outline. The main east-west drag, Interstate 75, is known as Alligator Alley.

Few government officials have arrived to assess the damage, residents said. There was widespread confusion about who can provide help. Cell phone coverage has been out, complicating matters.

I thought you guys were with the Red Cross, said Jerry Thomas, 40, who is among a remnant African American population here. Im looking for some help. My sister was supposed to call the Red Cross. You know anything about contacting FEMA? he added, referring to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Jerry Thomas works to clear out a fallen mango tree outside his house after the winds caused by Hurricane Irma toppled it. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Thomas, shirtless and glistening with sweat, was using a machete to pick apart a giant mango tree that had fallen in his front yard. Its roots had lifted up his fathers 1992 Saturn sedan, which had been parked out front. Thomas hunkered inside his home as the storm raged.

It was no big deal, just the wind and rain, but then I heard, boom! It was the tree going down, Thomas said.

Two pine trees also tumbled onto his driveway, damaging his cars, a 1992 Mercedes sedan and a 2003 Ford Explorer. The branches completely covered the vehicles. But no one was hurt.

I can only get so much done with this, he added, referring to the machete. I need someone with a chain saw to give me a hand.

Across from his house is another wounded trailer park. The worst-hit trailer belonged to Alice Barber.

This is my bedroom, said Barber, 59, standing next to a soaked queen mattress amid a pile of drenched sheets, pillows, towels and household items. The roof had been torn off. A line of ants marched along the floor, attacking Barbers feet.

Alice Barber walks through her damaged trailer home in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

As the storm closed in on Sunday, she gathered her valuables and moved to an apartment in a cellblock-like set of flats next to her trailer. She now lives in an apartment alongside her mother, Louise Lee, 86, who greets visitors with a warm hello. She brought her mom down here years ago to help her out, Barber said.

I hope FEMA comes around, said Barber, who says she survives on a monthly disability check and food stamps. But at least we all survived. And I have my mom.

She wasnt worried about looters.

They can take whatever they want, they already robbed the fan, Barber said. It was all wet anyway. But we need someone to come help us out. I have to take care of my mom  and my babies.

The latter are gaggles of cats, including sundry kittens, that gather around her destroyed home. She opened a can of cat food, prompting more tiny felines to emerge from the muddy mire beneath the trailer.

I love it here, said Barber, a native of Pennsylvania who said she initially went on the migrant trail with a Mexican boyfriend and settled in Immokalee more than 20 years ago. She speaks some rough Spanish. But we need help, we need FEMA. You have any idea how to reach them?

patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com

twitter: @mcdneville

Paradise has seen better days. The Florida Keys are battered, if not entirely bowed

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Irma hits Jacksonville, Fla., with its worst flood in a century
Francisco Rodriguez-Guardados first son was born just days after he was taken into custody by federal immigration officials for deportation back to his native El Salvador. He has yet to meet his son but is told theres a resemblance.

They tell me he has my eyes, the 43-year-old said with a mix of wistfulness and pride this month in an interview at the Suffolk County House of Corrections.

Rodriguez-Guardado, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology janitor whose case became a rallying cry for local opponents of President Trumps immigration crackdown this summer, awaits his fate in the Boston jail.

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His supporters say his case and others like it highlight how the Republican administrations get-touch approach on illegal immigration has swept up not just hardened criminals  the bad hombres Trump frequently railed against on the campaign trail  but also otherwise law-abiding, contributing members of American society.

Arrests of immigrants in the country illegally have increased about 37%, from about 55,000 during the first six months of last year to 75,000 in the first half of this year, according to data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Of those, non-criminal immigrants made up nearly 20,000 of all arrests, a 145% increase from the first half of last year.

Among the emblematic cases is that of Roberto Beristain, a restaurant owner in Granger, Ind., who was deported to Mexico in April after reporting to the local ICE office as requested. He was separated from his wife and children, all U.S. citizens, after living in the country for 20 years.

Rodriguez-Guardado did not have a criminal record and was a known commodity, volunteering at his church and his childrens school and even running his own carpet-cleaning business, argue his supporters, who include his labor union, the faculty at MIT and prominent politicians such as U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, both Massachusetts Democrats.

There was simply no need for detention, said Adriana Lafaille, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, which has filed legal briefs in support of Rodriguez-Guardado. This is someone who complied with everything the federal government asked him to do.

But Jessica Vaughan, a director at the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for more restrictive immigration policies, countered that Rodriguez-Guardado shouldnt be allowed to remain in the country because he had been granted multiple opportunities to resolve his legal status over the years.

I am sure this is hard on his family, but this situation is a result of his choice to come to the United States illegally, Vaughan said. It is not fair to the millions of people who qualify for legal immigration who pay their fees and wait in line.

Rodriguez-Guardado entered the U.S. illegally in 2006, was denied asylum in 2009 and had a subsequent appeal rejected in 2011. In June, ICE officials declined to renew the temporary authorizations that allowed him to remain in the country and ordered him to make travel arrangements back to El Salvador.

Rodriguez-Guardado was arrested July 13 because the plane ticket he booked wasnt timely, ICE spokesman Shawn Neudauer said. Rodriguez-Guardados lawyer, Matthew Cameron, maintains that the agency never specified a deadline, so his client booked the flight for after his sons expected birth date.

Cameron is asking the federal Board of Immigration Appeals to reopen Rodriguez-Guardados asylum case. He has sued ICE in federal court, accusing the agency of unlawful arrest and seeking his clients release, at least until the asylum question is resolved.

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Hurricane Irma has moved on, but its aftermath continued to ravage Florida on Wednesday, as authorities said eight patients died in a sweltering nursing home that the storm had left with limited power.

The victims were five women and three men who ranged in age from 71 to 99, according to local authorities.

The deaths at the facility in Hollywood, just north of Miami, drew outrage across a state with a large population of seniors  and where hundreds of thousands remain without electricity as a result of the hurricane that swept across the state beginning Sunday.

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Many Florida residents lacking electricity in their homes have moved in with friends or relatives or sought hotels with air conditioning as temperatures soared above 90 degrees.

Meanwhile, a number of other post-hurricane deaths were reported from a variety of factors, including toxic fumes from generators and at least one fatal chain-saw accident as residents sought to clear storm-blow brush from their properties.

Authorities said a criminal investigation had begun after more than 100 patients were evacuated from the Hollywood nursing home and a neighboring facility, many on stretchers and in wheelchairs.

Im going to aggressively demand answers on how this tragic event took place, Florida Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement. Although the details of these reported deaths are still under investigation, this situation is unfathomable.

The deaths at the nursing home, known as the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, may have been related to the loss of air conditioning, Hollywood Police Chief Tomas Sanchez told reporters.

We believe at this time they may be related to the loss of power in the storm, he said. Were conducting a criminal investigation, not ruling anything out at this time.

The air conditioning at the facility was out, Sanchez said, but it remained under investigation whether power was entirely cut. He declined to answer when asked if a generator had been running inside.

Yellow police tape cordoned off the two-story, 152-bed nursing home where police and media satellite trucks parked outside.

The facility is across the street from the sprawling Memorial Hospital complex, which reportedly did not suffer electrical outages.

Three patients were found dead at the nursing home early Wednesday, according to various accounts, and the others apparently succumbed later after being evacuated to area hospitals.

The deaths spurred new concern for the effects of widespread power outages in a state that has one of the highest proportions of senior residents in the United States.

Authorities said they were moving to check that other nursing homes and elderly-care facilities were safe.

About 150 of the almost 700 nursing homes and other care facilities in Florida do not currently have full power, the Florida Health Care Assn., an industry group, said in a statement Wednesday.

The nursing home where the deaths occurred issued a statement lamenting this unfortunate and tragic outcome, which it said was the result of a prolonged power failure to the transformer which powered the facilitys air conditioning system as a result of the hurricane. The facilitys administration said it was cooperating fully with local authorities in their investigation.

The federal Medicare agency, in its online assessment of nursing homes, gives the for-profit facility a health inspection rating of much below average and an overall rating of below average.

A Medicare agency inspection of the Rehabilitation Center this year found a number of problems, including inadequate communication systems in showers and bathrooms, improper disposal of garbage, a failure to handle linens in a manner to prevent the spread of infection, a failure to ensure that patients were being fed proper portions of food, and a failure to store, cook and serve food in a safe and clean way.

The report did not mention the generator or potential problems with electrical outages.

The nursing homes current ownership group took over in 2015 in bankruptcy auction proceedings after the previous majority owner was convicted in a Medicare fraud scheme.

1 / 79 Trailer homes at the Sea Breeze trailer park in the Florida Keys town of Islamorada were destroyed by Irma. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 79 Tom Ross inspects the damage to his three-story condominium building in Islamorada. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 79 The remains of a boat in Islamorada. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 79 Brooke Gilbert, 15, and her father, Mike Gilbert, look at the ruins of her grandparents condominium building in Islamorada. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 79 Laura Gilbert retrieves the mailbox from her fathers condominium in Islamorada after it was swept away during the storm. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 79 Sand and debris block access to trailer homes in Islamorada. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 79 Greg Garner embraces neighbor Linda Nettles in front of his longtime family home that lost part of its roof after Tropical Storm Irma hit Sullivans Island, S.C. (Mic Smith / Associated Press) 8 / 79 Israel Alvarado, 25, tries to open a gate blocked by fallen tree branches to retrieve a generator in Bonita Springs. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 79 Rescue workers help a couple evacuate their flooded home in Jacksonville. (John Raoux / Associated Press) 10 / 79 Charlotte Glaze, left gives Donna Lamb a hug as she floats out some of her belongings in floodwaters in Jacksonville,. (Dede Smith / Associated Press) 11 / 79 Ron Colby, 70, leaves his flooded Bonita Springs home after staying during Hurricane Irma. He said he was OK with the wind but that at 3:30 in the morning the water started to rise. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 79 A dresser floats by Gilberto Diaz in his Bonita Springs neighborhood. Originally from Guatemala, Diaz has lived in Florida since 1994. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 79 In Bonita Springs, floodwaters reached waist deep in some areas on Monday, flooding homes and cars. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 79 A block from the ocean in Naples, the water was still a foot deep from storm surge. Homeowner Terry Clontz put up a no wake sign because people were driving by too fast, pushing water farther onto his property. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 79 Floodwaters surround a marina in Key Largo on Monday following Hurricane Irma. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) 16 / 79 Mobile homes in Key Largo, Fla., lie in ruins on Monday after Hurricane Irma. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) 17 / 79 Floodwaters surround Gilberts Resort in Key Largo on Monday. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) 18 / 79 Kelly McClenthen returns to see the flood damage to her home with her boyfriend, Daniel Harrison, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Bonita Springs, Fla. (Gerald Herbert / Associated Press) 19 / 79 Terry Thompson is relieved. He rode out the storm in his home in Riverwood Estates in Naples. Although the Naples area of Florida was hit hard by Hurricane Irma, damage wasnt nearly as bad as anticipated. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 79 A woman leaves her flooded home the morning after Hurricane Irma swept through the area in Fort Myers, Florida. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) 21 / 79 People tend to a car that flipped over on Cape Coral Parkway during Hurricane Irma, in Cape Coral. (Gerald Herbert / AP) 22 / 79 A man clears the drain next to his house in Estero, Fla., during the lull in winds as the eye of the hurricane passes over. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 79 Evacuees use flashlights so others can maneuver around the stairway at Hampton Inn and Suites in Estero, Fla. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 79 Guests gather in the lobby of Hampton Inn and Suites in Estero, Fla., to watch the hurricane gusts. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 79 Darla Talia Ferro, 40, and her two parakeets ride out Hurricane Irma in the lobby of Hampton Inn and Suites in Estero, Fla. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 79 John Krowzow, 74, wades in floodwater to check out his homes in Corkscrew Woodlands, a park with 640 senior mobile home units in Estero, Fla. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 79 Peter Moodley wades through floodwater in downtown Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 79 Two men walk through a downed tree as Hurricane Irmas full force strikes Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 79 A woman films the damage from a house whose roof was blown off near downtown Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 79 A vehicle drives through debris caused by Hurricane Irma, in Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 79 Weather reporters in downtown Miami jump and cling on to illustrate the force of the winds caused by Hurricane Irma. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 79 Weather reporters do a stand-up as the force of the winds caused by Hurricane Irma hit Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 79 A cargo truck is tipped over by the wind caused by Hurricane Irma in Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 79 Storm surge floods the Brickell neighborhood of Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 79 Streets are empty in downtown Miami as the wind picks up speed during Hurricane Irmas approach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 79 Maria Koenig, 63, of Estero, Fla., and her dog, Baeley, sit by the window at their Estero hotel so Maria can keep an eye on the storm on Sunday. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 79 Glen Sinatra, 69, from Naples, says he feels lucky to be at a hotel in Estero instead of a shelter. Hes nervous about the storm and says hes trying not to worry his children about the conditions. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 79 Jimmy Alfano, of Ft. Myers, holds onto Alec Hoskins who is autistic, while watching the storm gusts through the window of their Estero hotel with Frank Pairs. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 79 A car sits abandoned in storm surge along North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard as Hurricane Irma hits the southern part of the state. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) 40 / 79 The metal canopy at a gasoline station is overturned by high winds brought on by Hurricane Irma. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) 41 / 79 Youssef Ezzou, left, and Fadel Beznbachir roam outside to check out the conditions in Miami as Hurricane Irma nears the mainland. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 79 A construction crane whose arm broke off towers over a building as high wind blows through downtown Miami on Sunday. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 79 A man and woman run to safety in Miami as winds from Hurricane Irma bear down on Sunday. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 79 Storefronts in Miami are damaged as Hurricane Irmas winds hit Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 79 Dustin Terkoski, Palm Bay Police officer surveys the scene after a possible tornado touched down at Palm Pam Bay Estates. (Red Huber / Orlando Sentinel) 46 / 79 A man braces against the wind by the Miami River on Sunday as water levels surge. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 79 A man stands by the Miami River as the water level surges on Sunday. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 79 The waves on the Miami River begin to surge Sunday as winds pick up speed upon Hurricane Irmas approach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 79 Brian Williams, of Maryland, fights the winds in downtown Fort Myers. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 79 Trees fall as winds pick up speed early Sunday as Hurricane Irma approaches Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 79 A TV reporter braces against the wind as Hurricane Irma approaches Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 52 / 79 The outer bands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on Saturday, with clouds over the Miami skyline. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images ) 53 / 79 People wade through a flooded street in Havana after Hurricane Irma battered central Cuba. (YAMIL LAGE / AFP/Getty Images) 54 / 79 Thousands wait Saturday to enter a storm shelter set up at Germain Arena in Estero, Fla., south of Fort Myers. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 55 / 79 Jean Turner, 79, waits to get into a shelter with a few of her belongings as rain begins to fall Saturday in Estero, Fla. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 56 / 79 Sherri Bourdo, 32, and Anthony Guidry, 40, look out over the water in Naples, Fla, in advance of the arrival of Hurricane Irma. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 57 / 79 Lisette Toroella and Tatiana Morera play on the beach as storm clouds approach in Miami Beach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 58 / 79 Adam Todd, does a handstand while skateboarding down a virtually empty Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 59 / 79 Abby Jenkins walks against the wind with her luggage and umbrella to get to safety, in Miami Beach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 60 / 79 James Sampero surfs in the churning ocean as Hurricane Irma approaches. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) 61 / 79 Cubans wade through the rubble from a collapsed building in Havana on Saturday. (Yamil Lage / AFP/Getty Images) 62 / 79 A woman and child use a blanket as protection from wind and rain as they walk in Caibarien, Cuba. Hurricane Irma battered Cuba on Saturday with deafening winds and unremitting rain, pushing seawater inland and flooding homes before turning toward Florida. (Desmond Boylan / Associated Press) 63 / 79 Annette Davis plays with her son Darius, 3, while staying at a shelter in Miami on Saturday after evacuating from their home in Florida City ahead of Hurricane Irma. (David Goldman / Associated Press) 64 / 79 Residents walk through rain brought on by Hurricane Irma in Caibarien, Cuba. The powerful storm battered Cuba on Saturday and continued its march toward Florida. (Desmond Boylan / Associated Press) 65 / 79 Palmetto Ridge High School is a shelter for people with special needs near Naples, Fla. Many seniors plan to ride out the storm there. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 66 / 79 Francesca DeLuca, age 20, will be waiting for 10 hours for her flight back to Milan, Italy. She had been visiting a friend in Miami by herself, but the area where she was staying is under mandatory evacuation. At Miami International Airport, the last flights will be this afternoon with the airport closing tonight at 6pm. Most travelers are taking flights to anywhere they can find. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 67 / 79 Boats that cant be evacuated are tied off in canals to protect them from Hurricane Irma on in Key Largo, Florida. The entire Florida Keys are under a mandatory evacuation notice as Hurricane Irma approaches the low-lying chain of islands south of Miami. (Marc Serota / Getty Images) 68 / 79 Hundreds wait in line on Friday at Home Depot in Miami to get supplies line sheets of plywood, and anything else they can find, to board up their homes. Police were on the scene to keep things orderly. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 69 / 79 In the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami, Fritz Drinks, whose family is from Haiti, helps load sandbags at Little Haiti Hardware and Lumber. Many people in the area are refusing to evacuate in advance of Hurricane Irma. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 70 / 79 In downtowm Miaimi, people wait to get on a bus headed to Orlando under a mandatory evacution plan. Preparations are underway for Hurricane Irma as the storm makes its way toward Florida. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 71 / 79 Stores are boarded up in Miami Beach in advance of Hurricane Irma. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 72 / 79 Preparations for Hurricane Irma are underway in Miami Beach as the storm makes its way toward Florida. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 73 / 79 Genaro Dacosta, 65, of Miami Beach loads sandbags in advance of Hurricane Irma. He says he cant evacuate the area because he has a monkey. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 74 / 79 An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch Department of Defense on Wednesday shows damage from Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. (Gerben van Es / AFP/Getty Images) 75 / 79 Juan Negron, third from left, prepares to start up a power generator in front of whats left of his damaged property in Culebra, Puerto Rico, after the passage of Hurricane Irma. (Carlos Giusti / Associated Press) 76 / 79 Residents come out to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Irma in Nagua, Dominican Republic. (Tatiana Fernandez / Associated Press) 77 / 79 People on Thursday look over damage from Hurricane Irma on a sand-covered street of Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the island of St. Maarten. (Lionel Chamoiseau / AFP/Getty Images) 78 / 79 Inmate trustees from the Brevard County Jail fill sandbags for Meritt Island, Fla., residents in advance of Hurricane Irma. (Brian Blanco / Getty Images) 79 / 79 Motorists leave Key Largo, Fla., ahead of Hurricane Irma. (Alan Diaz / Associated Press)

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) said he is asking the secretary of Health and Human Services to look into what happened.

State law mandates that nursing homes have emergency preparation plans in place  including emergency power options  for natural disasters. Industry representatives said they were taking additional steps to ensure safety in the wake of the storm.

In Miami-Dade County, nearly 442,000 of its 1.1 million customers had outages, according to Florida Power & Light. In Broward County, 300,000 were without power, and in Palm Beach County about 260,000 outages were reported, according to the company. Florida Power & Light estimates it will restore power to all of its customers in South Florida by the weekend.

Rising temperatures and a lack of power have made it difficult for seniors and children in the days since Irma. Officials from the Miami-Dade Public School District said schools would remain closed the rest of the week because of power issues.

The continued lack of power in South Florida has forced people to change their lifestyles and, in some cases, to find alternative short-term housing.

Its just been very hard, especially for our son, said Yulayki Guillen, 24, who found a hotel in downtown Miami along with her husband, mother and 5-year-old son, Luis.

The family spent Tuesday night in the hotel, paying about $200, after several difficult evenings without electricity in their condominium north of downtown.

Our son was very uncomfortable  he couldnt sleep, he was sweating, and he was out of his routine, said Guillen, sitting in the lobby of the hotel with her family. So we decided to come here. At least theres air conditioning. Luis likes it here. He wants to stay.

Food is another issue. Many stores remain closed because of the lack of electricity, meaning people are converging on the relatively few shops and eateries that are open. Waits are often considerable.

Even to get fast food at a Burger King or McDonalds, there was a line around the corner, Guillen said.

Since Irma made landfall on Sunday, 13 people in Florida were killed in storm-related circumstances  in some cases during the cleanup efforts  in addition to those who died at the nursing home. Elsewhere, Irma was blamed for four deaths in South Carolina and two in Georgia. At least 37 people were killed in the Caribbean.

President Trump plans to visit Naples, Fla., on Thursday to meet with first responders and residents affected by the storm.

McDonnell reported from Hollywood, Fla., and Lee from Los Angeles. Times researcher Scott Wilson in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

ALSO:

Paradise has seen better days. The Florida Keys are battered, if not entirely bowed

These migrant workers earn $350 a week in the fields. Now Irma has destroyed their homes

Irma hits Jacksonville, Fla., with its worst flood in a century

UPDATES:

4:50 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details.

2:15 p.m.: This article was updated with a new death toll, which rose to eight.

1:35 p.m.: This article was updated with pertinent state regulations for nursing homes and comments from an advocacy group for the elderly.

11:45 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from Florida Gov. Rick Scott and information about hospitalized patients.

9 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting and additional details, including a report of a sixth death at the Hollywood, Fla., nursing home.

This article was originally published at 7:40 a.m.
The grief and anger caused by the horrific killing in February of Officer Keith Boyer has moved policymakers to seek three changes in laws dealing with how criminals are punished and then supervised after their release from incarceration. But grief and anger seldom turn into good criminal justice policy and in fact too easily push in the opposite direction. Such is the case with these responses to the Whittier killing  a bill in Sacramento moving toward the governors desk, a resolution being taken up by Californias cities and a commission formed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, all aimed at least in part at rolling back important criminal justice reforms.

Michael C. Mejia is charged with shooting Boyer to death at the scene of a traffic accident on Feb. 20, shortly after allegedly killing his own cousin. Mejia had completed a prison term for robbery and then another for grand theft, and at the time of the shooting was under post-release supervision by the Los Angeles County Probation Department. The Board of Supervisors ordered a report to determine, in part, any role that recent measures such as AB 109 had played in the shootings. Thats the 2011 realignment law that transferred jurisdiction over many felons and parolees from state corrections to county jail and probation officials.

The board received its report in April but has withheld it from the public. (On Tuesday the board put off for a week a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn to release even a portion of the findings.) Documents reviewed by The Times, together with interviews with people familiar with the case, reveal that Mejia violated the terms of his release several times, prompting probation officials to impose flash incarceration  brief jail stays of up to 10 days for each new violation.

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When he was found in violation a third time, the Probation Department sought to revoke his community supervision and send him to jail for 90 days. That period is equivalent to the average stay in state prison for offenders whose parole was revoked before AB 109. The department also sought an additional 90 days of mandatory drug treatment for Mejia after the jail term.

Too many efforts to change laws are based on emotion rather than fact.

But the department was not included in the negotiations between prosecutors and defense lawyers, who agreed on a term of just 30 days, with no post-release treatment. Mejia was released after only 10. Then he again violated the terms of his release and received another flash incarceration before being let out one more time  in February, a week and a half before Mejias cousin and Boyer were slain.

The Assembly responded first by passing AB 1408, by Democrat Ian Calderon of Whittier, to eliminate a probation departments ability to select the proper sanction for violating the terms of release after a third violation. The Senate passed an amended version, and the bill is now back before the Assembly.

Its the wrong remedy. Probation departments are best able to properly tailor incentives, sanctions and supervision to offenders living in local communities. Besides, in Mejias case, L.A. County Probation did indeed seek a revocation hearing and made a good call  90 days in jail. It just was ignored by other players in the criminal justice process. The bill wouldnt fix that problem.

Meanwhile, the California League of Cities is taking up a resolution this week offered by the city of Whittier to amend AB 109 to, among other things, change the criteria justifying the release of non-violent, non-serious, non-sex offender inmates to include their total criminal and mental health history instead of only their last criminal conviction.

The resolution is based on a widely believed but false premise: that AB 109 changed whether, and when, any inmate is released from incarceration. It did not. It changed only where some felons can be sent (to county jail instead of state prison) and what happens after those inmates are released  whether they are supervised by state or county officers, and what choices those officers have for dealing with violations.

On a third front, the Board of Supervisors, with its Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Safety, is moving forward with its own critique of AB 109 and other criminal justice reform measures. In theory, the commission could provide a useful examination of how well or poorly the county has responded to its new challenges. But many of those involved have made it clear that their goal is not to appraise the countys approach but rather to modify or scrap reform laws that have given officials new tools to promote rehabilitation and protect public safety, if only they would use them.

Criminal justice reform laws should be periodically reviewed for their effectiveness and updated as necessary. The Calderon bill and the cities resolution do offer some good ideas, such as demanding that state and county agencies do a better job sharing information about the full records and risks of each incarcerated and released felon. For the most part, though, these and too many other efforts to change laws are based on emotion rather than fact and are thus woefully off target.

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You cant escape talk of tax reform. It remains the one demand that keeps the business community firmly engaged with President Trump. And in a crowded legislative calendar, its the one must-pass item that would constitute a really new policy initiative.

But we cant afford the tax reform many of us want, and many of us dont accept the importance of the tax reform we need.

The reform we cant afford is across-the-board tax cuts. The federal government is running unacceptably large deficits, and those are projected to increase over the next decade. Cuts would make the problem worse.

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What we actually need is authentic, wholesale reform of our business tax environment. The U.S. statutory (read: headline) corporate tax rate is a genuine outlier when benchmarked against our world peers. But the system is so porous that the effective tax rates paid by U.S. firms (read: their real economic tax burdens) often is much lower than world norms, and in any event, varies wildly from company to company. These are symptoms of a sick system.

Business taxation needs a radical rethink.

I have a better idea, which I call the Dual Business Enterprise Income Tax, or Dual BEIT  where BEIT is pronounced bite, as in a tax bite.

The Dual BEIT offers businesses a lower tax rate and pays for those lower company taxes in part by shifting some of the total business tax burden from the firms themselves to investors because they are less mobile. (They cant just pick up and move to Ireland.) And it addresses the international tax gaming through which many of our largest companies avoid taxes all over the world.

The Dual BEIT is growth-enhancing: company rates go down, and the tax applies neutrally to all business activity. That is, it applies to all businesses in exactly the same way, regardless of the form of organization chosen (corporate or partnerships, limited liability companies or S corporations), their funding (debt or equity), the type of investments they make and the percentage of their business that is international (U.S. firms are the grandmasters of the stateless income tax planning game).

As for the details, forgive me, this gets a little wonky.

The Dual BEITs key move is to identify an economy-wide average expected rate of return on ordinary business investments. Firms are excused from paying tax on this expected return, while investors are required to pay tax on it annually.

Instead of claiming deductions for interest payments to lenders, companies receive something better: a new Cost of Capital Allowance annual write-off equal to that economy-wide expected return, applied to all of their business investments, whether funded by issuing bonds or selling stock.

For example, if a firm wants to buy a new machine costing $1,000, and the COCA rate is 6%, the firm will deduct $60 in the first year no matter how much interest it owes. The combination of the firms future depreciation deductions (write-offs for wear and tear) on that machine plus the annual COCA deduction on the firms unrecovered investment is economically equivalent to writing off the cost of the machine in the year its purchased.

The Dual BEIT then applies a company tax rate of 25% to this narrower tax base. It addresses stateless income international tax gaming by requiring firms to consolidate their international and domestic results for tax purposes, just as they do already for financial accounting purposes.

Individual investors, meanwhile, pay tax based on the same expected return on business investment  6% in the above example.

So an individual with $1,000 in stocks would be deemed to earn $60 in income from that investment (6% x $1,000). He would pay tax on the $60 at the flat 25% rate (with allowances if hes a low-income investor or if his investment never actually yields the expected return)  for a total $15 tax bill.

And that would be it for tax obligations from an individuals investment. There would be no separate capital gains tax.

This may sound like a giveaway compared to current law, but an unavoidable 25% tax, measured and collected annually, would raise more revenue from individuals than does the current tax system  where capital gains tax in particular can be deferred indefinitely. Its also a progressive result, notwithstanding the flat rate, because the current ability to defer income indefinitely is a prerogative only of the most affluent.

The Dual BEIT system of course contains many details not outlined here, but overall its much simpler than the existing business tax rules and also much fairer. Business taxation needs a radical rethink. The Dual BEIT offers just that.

Edward Kleinbard is the Robert C. Packard Trustee chair in law at the USC Gould School of Law, the former chief of staff to the U.S. Congress Joint Committee on Taxation and author of We Are Better Than This: How Government Should Spend Our Money.

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Its way too early to think about the 2020 presidential primaries  too early for normal people, that is. But that hasnt stopped politicians in both parties from doing just that. And yes, that includes Republicans, many of whom are already pondering who might challenge President Trump for the GOP nomination three years from now.

I dont see how we can avoid it, Vin Weber, a former Republican congressman, told me recently. Its pretty clear someones going to do it.

I think hes inviting one, Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, one of Trumps GOP critics, said last month.

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There should and will be a challenge, agreed William Kristol, editor at large of the conservative Weekly Standard. Kristol, another Trump scourge, has launched a project he jokingly calls the Committee Not to Renominate the President.

The GOP is deeply divided, and the president hasnt done much to heal the breach. Quite the contrary.

Like so much else about the Trump presidency, this is unusual.

Presidents have faced challenges within their parties before, of course. Its happened four times since 1968, when Eugene McCarthy ran against Lyndon B. Johnson. But its unusual for intra-party feuding to begin this early, eight months into a newly elected presidents first term.

In Trumps case, the causes are easy to find.

The GOP is deeply divided, and the president hasnt done much to heal the breach. Quite the contrary. He has attacked his partys leaders in Congress. He has strayed repeatedly from GOP orthodoxy, most recently when he made a quick deal over the debt ceiling with Democrats Charles E. Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. He still tweets about Republicans as if he werent one of them  which, until recently, he wasnt.

If Trumps 2016 campaign was a hostile takeover, its a takeover that remains incomplete, especially in the partys political class. And by continuing to run against the establishment, Trump is increasing the chances that one of its members will run against him.

Besides, the president is unpopular. His approval rating in the Gallup poll has settled at a dismal 37%. That puts him in the zone of electoral vulnerability that drew challenges to Presidents Ford in 1976, Carter in 1980 and George H.W. Bush in 1992.

One more factor: the slim possibility that Trump might not run again, whether because of the investigation into his campaigns ties to Russia or, less likely, because hes tired of the job. Thats been enough to persuade some potential candidates to visit Iowa and New Hampshire, just in case.

Who might run?

At the very least, theres likely to be a conscience candidate, a Never Trumper who cant abide the thought of the president sailing to renomination without a fight. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska might fit that bill.

Theres a still-vocal runner-up from 2016: Ohio Gov. John Kasich. He says he wont run as a third-party independent, but he wont rule out entering the Republican race.

There could be a grudge candidate, someone savaged by Trump who might enjoy afflicting him in return. That could describe Flake or Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

And, circling nearby, theres a long list of more conventional candidates ready to swoop in if the incumbent falters: Sens. Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton  even, if the president should drop out, Vice President Mike Pence.

Trumps campaign organization, which never stopped for a rest after last years election, appears to take all this seriously. The president has already held rallies and fundraising events in swing states; thats unusual, too.

Last month, his campaign pollster, Tony Fabrizio, released survey results designed to show, in his words, Trump crushing a hypothetical GOP field. Actually, it showed the president winning a not-very-intimidating 50% of Republican votes, including 54% of Republicans who said they would definitely show up for the primaries. Cruz was in second place, with 14%; Kasich was third, with 10%.

Despite that less-than-impressive 50%, however, Fabrizio was right that Trump is likely to defeat any combination of rivals.

The history of recent primary challenges is remarkably consistent: The incumbent wins the nomination. Thats what happened when Ronald Reagan challenged Ford in 1976, when Edward M. Kennedy challenged Carter in 1980, and when Patrick Buchanan challenged Bush in 1992.

That doesnt mean a primary challenge has no consequences. In each of those three campaigns, the primary battle divided the party, sapped the incumbents popularity  and helped the other partys nominee win the general election in November. The most likely effect of a primary challenge, if one happens, is a boost for Trumps eventual Democratic opponent.

But the long odds may not deter potential challengers. We sometimes forget that politicians run for president for many reasons  reasons that often have little to do with the odds of success. Some run because they think they can win. Others run on sheer passion, to promote favorite ideas, to change their partys direction, or because they sense theyre running out of time.

Ive got a message, Kasich said last month. We all get old and we all leave this planet. So were going to be judged in many ways by what we did when we were here.

doyle.mcmanus@latimes.com

Twitter: @DoyleMcManus

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Election night 2016 was such a shocker nationally that maybe youve forgotten that, oh yes, California voted to legalize recreational marijuana . And come January, if youre at least 21, cannabis can be officially taxed and sold to you, just like, oh, the cheese doodles youll be wanting to eat after you light up. It is a massive undertaking, turning an illegal underground industry into a legal and legit one  a business that could put $50 million a year in tax money into the citys purse.

Last month, Mayor Eric Garcetti chose Cat Packer to be executive director of the department of cannabis regulation. He, and the City Council and a cannabis commission, will be crafting the citys rules and regulations for who can sell what where, and Packers office will be enforcing them. She was California coordinator for the Drug Policy Alliance, and she doesnt underestimate the scale of this, everything from how sellers get licensed to whether to put bins at the airport for tourists to throw away their pot before they board a plane. As L.A. becomes the biggest pot-friendly city in the nation, the nitty-gritty of making it work here could be the making or breaking of cannabis deregulation nationwide.

Click here for the full archive of "Patt Morrison Asks" podcasts 

This is a job thats never existed before. How do you create a job like this from scratch?

The City Council has been working on developing rules and regulations and policy in this area for about a year now. Were having conversations about how to make this right for Los Angeles, but I think this starts with having the right people at the table  community members, industry stakeholders, patients, consumers, community members who dont want anything to do with cannabis.

When you took the job, what was the responsibility? They said, go and do this. What is the this part?

My job will be implementation, because lots of the policy decisions will be made by the City Council. Youll have 15 members of the Los Angeles City Council deciding whats right for them  and lots of communities in Los Angeles look very different from other communities  and to try and create a comprehensive framework for what can be very polarized positions.

California and the way that its developed its cannabis policy is really going to be a model for the nation. Im hoping that Los Angeles can be a model for the nation as well. The reason I say that is California has the most social justice-oriented cannabis policy thats been developed thus far. How do you bring drug policy and social justice issues in the same world? How do those issues intersect? The reason why I actually got involved in cannabis policy is because of how drug policy and social justice concerns intersect.

It sounds like you came to this not thinking lets legalize marijuana but lets even the playing field, lets make things fairer.

America has operated under this system of prohibition for a very long time, and we know how impactful this policy has been in terms of criminalization. And so in my approach to cannabis policy, its really been trying to figure out, what are some smarter, safer, healthier alternatives to the war on drugs? And I think that deregulation is that safer alternative.

In California, weve waged this war on drugs using cannabis as the marker, and now under California law, cannabis is not even a drug anymore. By definition, cannabis is not even a drug.

I truly believe if we dont take the moment to acknowledge our past policies, the history of cannabis policies in this country, then were bound to make the same mistakes as we move forward.

You talk about social justice. How is this a remedy, or at least go some way toward a remedy?

In a number of different ways. One of the most interesting things Ive found about cannabis policy, particularly how its developed here in the United States, is that even from the beginning, in 1937, when cannabis was first made illegal here, there were racial overtones to how that policy was crafted.

There was a guy by the name of Harry Anslinger. He was the director of an organization, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, which was the predecessor to the Drug Enforcement Administration. And Harry Anslinger was a racist man. He felt as though only blacks and Latinos smoked cannabis, and that it made white women want to sleep with black men. He said this; all of this is recorded, this is history. But people dont know that.

And so we speed up to modern day. Were in a country where African Americans and Latinos are four times more likely to be arrested for cannabis. We had those same connotations and thoughts in our minds 70 years ago.

We know that for years and years weve had these disproportionate arrests, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color, and to me it asks us, are we going to be indifferent about it? Do we care about the fact that these community members have been denied access to housing, education, employment for the very same plant that is now an economic opportunity?

There is so much irony in that: You could literally have lost a job or been denied having a job for a past cannabis conviction, but now it is an entire job and industry.

Under California law, cannabis is not even a drug any more.  Cat Packer

Now Im in this position as this industry is laying its foundation: How do I, how does the city of Los Angeles, acknowledge these past cannabis policies and the role that its played? I think it requires us to acknowledge the harm that community members have experienced, and then try to create policies that address those harms. So one of the things that Los Angeles intends to do is to create a social equity program by where we would allow community members and individuals who had been most impacted by the war on drugs to have access to this industry in a very meaningful way.

To be sellers or growers?

Right, to participate in this legal industry. Because ultimately and even today, the difference between what is legal activity and illegal activity could be having a license from my department, or working for someone who has a license from my department. Its very important that they have these legitimate job opportunities because not having legitimate job opportunities means committing a crime.

I dont think this is going to happen overnight. This industry wasnt built overnight. There are folks who have been in this industry illegally longer than Ive been alive. Its going to take some time before we get this right, and even when we get this right, it will not be a perfect policy but I promise that it will be a better policy than prohibition, because prohibition has truly been a failure.

How useful have medical marijuana regulations been in crafting recreational marijuana regulations?

The Adult Use of Marijuana Act was built largely upon the medical regulations. Folks understood that the Legislature was moving in 2015 with the medical cannabis deregulation and safety act, and when they put this ballot initiative together, they understood they were building a framework on top of something that was already in existence. So theres a lot of consistency [with] the medical laws and rules.

But [in matters like] open container regulations, there are different exceptions for medical patients. Even in terms of how youre treated with regards to child custody status, medical patients get extra protection for their consumption. Even as you see cannabis policy develop, folks are going to try to differentiate  Oh, these folks are patients and these folks are consumers. And sometimes thats going to make sense, and sometimes its not going to make sense.

People may have voted for, yes, you can walk into a store and buy it  but I dont want that store in my neighborhood. How does Los Angeles deal with that part of it, which had to do with medical marijuana as well?

A lot of residents have very genuine concerns about their experience with a proliferation of unregulated, illicit, unlicensed businesses. Were going to take a very inclusive and community-centered approach, where we require businesses to have neighborhood liaisons. If theres a complaint, someone can be reached immediately to address that complaint.

What is the LAPD worried about as this rolls out?

Theyll primarily be responsible for enforcement against unlicensed businesses  and there are a lot of unlicensed [cannabis] businesses in the city. Its going to be my department, the city attorney and the LAPD working together, kind of as this enforcement trio, either against licensed businesses who are not in compliance, or unlicensed businesses who need to shut down.

The LAPD, of course, is going to have different concerns about how they police communities and individuals, because everythings not legal. There are still possession limits, there are still restrictions on where you can consume  all of these issues could pose public safety concerns.

Is there a public misunderstanding, that they think anybody can sell and now anyone can smoke at any time, like in the workplace  you cant fire me, its legal to smoke marijuana now?

Yes, theres truly been a lack of information, and I think that its part of my responsibility to try to disseminate as much information as possible. People think they can consume outside, people dont necessarily understand that consuming cannabis can be the very reason that keeps them from being employed, [or] if they are living in certain types of housing that they can be kicked out of their housing because of their cannabis use; they can be denied certain public benefits.

These are policy questions and decisions that still have to be made. Even at the state level, the regulations havent been fully developed yet. Theres this timeline, these parallel timelines where the city is setting up its regulatory framework and the state is setting up its regulatory framework, and there are going to be some hiccups along the way. But were going to do our best to make sure that the community has access to this information. Things change literally every single day. I learn something new on this job every single day.

What is your calendar right now? What things need to be done on what schedule?

Its all up in the air. Licensing of the applications is going to be made at the state level no later than January 2. We do have here in Los Angeles a number of folks who have been in business since 2007 who operate retail locations for medical marijuana, and in order for them to be able to continue their operations, theyre going to have to have some type of local authorization or permit or license before January 2. So part of my responsibility in working with other departments is to make sure that those individuals can continue to operate while the state is figuring out its framework.

There was a tussle over how many medical marijuana operations were permitted. Maybe the past experience will be instructive in this for you.

Right; I dont think the city of Los Angeles has ever truly understood the size of the cannabis market here.

How big is it?

Im still figuring it out! The size of the licensing and legal market has to meet the demand. Otherwise the demand is going to be met with illicit supply. There has to be a process of understanding whats the demand, and we need to make sure were issuing enough licenses to meet that demand.

Are the people who are licensed to grow and sell going to be cooperating in policing the illegal market now?

Ive heard from many industry participants from other jurisdictions that the legal cannabis industry becomes best friends with the folks who are doing the enforcement, to share information about folks who arent licensed, because essentially it cuts into their business profit. If you have a licensed dispensary whos had to pay tens of thousands of dollars to get their facility up and running, and then you have someone next door who hasnt paid any of those fees, I do think that youre going to see licensed cannabis businesses sharing information relative to illegal activity in the city.

Can cities say no to marijuana outlets completely?

Absolutely. Local governments have complete authority to ban commercial cannabis activity in their city. They cant ban personal cultivation, they cant ban indoor personal cultivation, they cant stop a business from driving on your street as it gets to wherever its going, but you can essentially stop delivery to your municipality.

Im sure youve heard some lame jokes on your job, and Ive tried a couple today. Are there any good ones? What are the bad ones?

This is a joke that Id like to play on folks: I think that around Christmastime, when theres an opportunity for folks to bring snacks, Im just going to bring a plate of brownies and let folks know that theyre from the department of cannabis regulation and see if anyone is brave enough to try the brownies. Or if they will assume 

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When I heard Hillary Clinton on the radio speaking about her new book, What Happened, I groaned. Even for those of us who supported Clinton, or just didnt want to see President Trump elected, retreading this well-worn path nearly a year after the election is an exercise in futility at best, foot-shooting at worst. Was the reason for Clintons defeat Russia, PC-culture backlash or Comey, Wikileaks, sexism or Clinton herself? Clinton may just be publicly arriving to this conversation, but politically engaged liberals and leftists had it ad nauseam  and have since begun the hard work of organizing a more vibrant, coherent and compelling movement. Ax-grinding, justified as it may be, does not change the outcome of the election; many on the left would prefer to build for 2018 and 2020 rather than relitigate 2016.

So it was with serious trepidation that I bought What Happened when it was released Tuesday. If reading this stuff wasnt part of my job, I definitely wouldnt have picked it up. That said, its much better than I expected. There are enough behind-the-scenes details to keep the casual reader engaged (Clinton tells us what kind of wallpaper she has in her bedroom and about how she confronted then-Rep. Ryan Zinke after he called her the Antichrist). It has enough insight to satisfy hardcore political nerds, and enough warmth and verve to satisfy those who believe Clinton is too careful to connect. What Happened doesnt take serious risks and is unlikely to rock anyones world, but as political memoir goes, its just fine.

And I wish she hadnt written it. Not right now.

Did Clinton have the right to write this book? Of course she did  of course she does. Its her experience, which the country lived alongside her, and as a 69-year-old woman who has spent her life in public service shes earned her memoirs. (I mean, Justin Bieber wrote one when he was 16.) But even as a former Clinton supporter, as someone who likes what Ive read of the book, and as a feminist, I do not want to see Clinton reenter public life at this particular moment. I do not want her to continue as one of the leaders of the Democratic Party.

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It is not the book that bothers. Its the accompanying media tour.

It is not the book that bothers. Its the accompanying media tour  its the inevitable distraction from issues on which Democrats are finally pushing forward. Its a refracturing of Clinton supporters and those of Sen. Bernie Sanders, a scratching at old wounds that are finally starting to heal, and redrawing divisions between organizations that are beginning to build together. Trump shores his base up by attacking others, and having Clinton back on the scene gives Trump prime ammunition after hes been weakened by a series of legislative and leadership failures. Trump has finally been forced to work with Democrats; for Petes sake, hes having Chuck and Nancy over for dinner tonight. Please do not let the price of Clintons renewed visibility be another round of Trump leading his minions in ever more demented Lock her up! chants.

People who hated Clinton last time  whether because they saw her as a corporate centrist warmonger or because they believed she was corruptible and inauthentic  will still hate her after reading this book. Her voice is defiant enough to anger those on the far right who always thought she just talked a little too damn much for a woman. And leftists will note that she fails to challenge any of her original premises or policy prescriptions.

I bristle at anyone who would tell a woman  whether she be a public figure or a regular Jane  to shut up or sit down, unless that woman is pure evil like Ann Coulter, in which case go ahead. But in one of Clintons first interviews, with NPRs Morning Edition, she goes in on Sanders and his supporters multiple times. She repeatedly says that he is not a Democrat (obviously true, and not a secret either; hes registered as an independent) and does not support Democrats (debatable).

I too was exceptionally upset at Sanders supporters who didnt vote for Clinton in the general election; the first time I saw a close friend who fits that description after Trump won, I was so spitting mad I literally could not speak. That was 10 months ago. We are all in a different place now. We have to be.

The fact of the matter is that many of Sanders supporters, Democrats and independents alike, would vote for Democratic candidates if they embraced more progressive policies. Democrats have been ceding ground to conservatives, losing easy local and national races for years. As someone who has generally sat on the center-left, even I had to look at our party after the presidential election and think  hell, we made all these policy compromises to win and we lost anyhow. So why not push for what we really want now? Whats the worst that could happen?

For all the particularities of Clintons race against Obama in 2008 and against Trump in 2016, she ran for president and lost twice. This does not indicate that she is not an effective politician or that none of her ideas should be heeded. It does indicate that she is not an effective figurehead for the Democratic Party.

Our political system has changed immeasurably since November 2016. Standards and norms have flown out the window. Partisan rancor is exceptionally high, with inter- and intra-aisle fighting encouraged by the president himself. The Trump administration has radicalized not just those on the right, but those on the left. The ranks of organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America are swelling; true progressives are starting to find a voice within dusty Democratic organizations; and Democratic representatives are finally starting to show some spine and unify around ideas such as single-payer healthcare, for which Sanders paved the way.

Clinton has the right to her book and her media tour. But if shed focus on herself rather than on advising and rebuking those on the left, shed help the party she claims to love move forward into a winning future.

Melissa Batchelor Warnke is a contributing writer to Opinion. Follow her @velvetmelvis on Twitter.

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To the editor: With hundreds dead, more missing and the threat of a cholera outbreak looming, the United States must do our part in providing lifesaving assistance to Sierra Leone. (Sierra Leone faces long slog to recovery after devastating mudslide, Sept. 7)

The situation there remains dire, which is why last month, I led 11 of my House colleagues in urging the administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to support increased funding to provide relief for Sierra Leone and other countries devastated by recent mudslides. In addition to immediate life-preserving support, additional funding combats the real possibility of another severe disease outbreak.

We must ramp up relief efforts and join the international community and the region to provide increased aid to assist Sierra Leone during this extraordinary time of need.

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Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles)

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California farmworkers will have to undergo sexual assault prevention training By Jazmine Ulloa Gov. Jerry Brown/ (Monica Davey/ EPA) Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday signed legislation to ensure farm labor contractors train employees on how to prevent and report sexual assault, a response to a 2013 PBS Frontline investigation that found sexual violence against women was a pervasive problem in California fields. Senate Bill 295 by Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel) makes sexual harassment training mandatory at all businesses that supervise farm employees or provide them with lodging, transportation or other services. The training has to be conducted or interpreted in a language that employees can understand, the law stipulates, and farm labor contractors will have to provide proof of all of their materials and resources to the Farm Labor Commission as part of the license renewal process. Under the new law, the state labor commission also will be able to charge a $100 civil fine for any violation of the new requirements. The PBS Frontline investigative documenatory, Rape in the Fields, The Hidden Story of Rape on the Job in America found more than half a million women work in U.S. fields. Most do not have legal residency in the country, and sexual harassment and violence often go unreported. A 2012 Human Rights Watch survey found 80% of 150 women in Californias Central Valley had experienced some form of the abuse. Facebook

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Los Angeles voters can cast ballots in Assembly race on Tuesday By Chris Megerian Wendy Carrillo is one of 13 people running for a state Assembly seat. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) The political dominoes from U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxers retirement are almost done falling. Her decision two years ago to forgo reelection led to a reshuffling that eventually left vacant a state Assembly seat in Los Angeles. There are 13 candidates running in the special election, and the primary is Tuesday. Read More Facebook

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Gov. Brown signs major housing legislation By Liam Dillon At a signing ceremony in San Francisco on Friday morning, Gov. Jerry Brown signed 15 bills aimed at addressing the states mounting housing problems. It is a big challenge, Brown said. We have risen to it this year. The bills could add nearly $1 billion in new funding for low-income housing developments in the near term as well as lessen regulations that slow growth. Read More Facebook

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Watch live: Gov. Jerry Brown signs bills to tackle Californias housing crisis Gov. Jerry Brown and state lawmakers are gathered in San Francisco for the signing into law of a package of proposals designed to tackle some of the most pressing parts of Californias housing crisis. Read More Facebook

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Businesses in California will be required to tell customers exactly how much their automatic renewal will cost By Mina Corpuz California will require online businesses that offer free trials to tell customers exactly how much an automatic renewal will cost under a law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday. The laws author, Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), thinks the bill, known as SB 313, will make it easier for customers to cancel service. Consumers need to know what they are signing up for and that they can just as easily cancel any service or subscription online as when they started it online, Hertzberg said in a statement. Streaming services like Hulu and Spotify and the file-sharing site Dropbox have elicited lawsuits and consumer complaints about their automatic service renewals, according to Hertzbergs statement. The law goes into effect in July. Facebook

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Heres why Californias early primary in 2020 is destined to pick the next president. (Nah, not really) By Mark Z. Barabak (Harry Chase / Los Angeles Times) Today we answer questions. Woo-hoo! Now that Gov. Jerry Brown has signed the bill, it looks like California is moving up its 2020 presidential primary. Finally! Uh. No more watching from the sidelines as small-fry states like Iowa and New Hampshire throw their weight around. Um. Im already fluffing pillows and prepping the guestroom for all the 2020 hopefuls wholl be camped out. Er. What? You dont seem too excited. Look, it would be great if California voted in a truly meaningful presidential primary. Its been about 50 years since that happened. But its about as likely in 2020 as President Trump dumping Vice President Pence and running for reelection on a unity ticket with Hillary Clinton. How can that be? Lots of reasons, both political and practical. Do tell. Read More Facebook

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Poll: Californians like Obamacare more than ever but are divided on single-payer healthcare By Melanie Mason Members of the California Nurses Assn. and other supporters rally at the state Capitol for a single-payer health plan June 28. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) As the latest attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act fizzles, the law has reached its highest popularity in California in four years, according to a new poll released Wednesday by the Public Policy Institute of California. Nearly 60% of the Californians hold a generally favorable view of the healthcare law, and just over a third of Californians see it unfavorably  the highest approval rating since PPIC began tracking the laws popularity in 2013. But while Democrats and independents back the law, known as Obamacare, with strong majorities, three-quarters of Republicans have negative views of it. Only 18% of Californians believe congressional Republicans should try again to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and 58% of adults want to see bipartisan efforts to improve the law. Underscoring the GOPs challenge in dramatically reducing governments role in healthcare, two-thirds of the states adults believe it is the federal governments responsibility to ensure that all Americans have health coverage. But Californians are divided on whether to substantially increase government involvement through a single-payer system, such as the Medicare for All proposal recently introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont). A national single-payer insurance program such as Medicare for All gets support from 35% of Californians, according to the poll. Support is higher among Democrats  44%  and independents  34%  than among Republicans. Only 6% of Republicans back such a system. But the current system, a patchwork of government and private insurance options, isnt particularly adored by Californians. Just under 30% of adults support continuing with a mix of private and public insurance options, while 36% of Democrats, 21% of Republicans and 31% of independents see that mixed system as the best way to provide health coverage. Facebook

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Half of Californias likely voters think Sen. Dianne Feinstein should retire, poll finds By Phil Willon (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) As Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein contemplates a 2018 bid for reelection, a new poll has found that 50% of Californias likely voters think she shouldnt run again. Just 43% of likely voters support Feinstein running for a sixth term, according to a Public Policy Institute of California poll released Wednesday. The results are similar among all California adults, not just likely voters, with 46% saying she should not run for another term and 41% saying she should run. Feinstein, 84, has come under increased pressure from members of Californias left, many of whom were infuriated when earlier this month she called for patience with President Trump and refused to back demands for his impeachment. Still, the poll found that Feinstein remains popular. More than half of likely voters  54%  approve of the job shes doing, compared with 38% who disapprove. Thats on par with Gov. Jerry Browns approval rating, and it bests the marks for Californias other Democratic senator, Kamala Harris. When likely voters were asked about Harris, the former state attorney general elected to the Senate in November, 47% approved of the job she was doing in Washington and 30% disapproved. Almost a quarter of voters didnt offer an opinion about Harris. The contrasting results on Feinstein are difficult to decipher but at the very least indicate voters remain restless. Partly, this is a holdover from last years election in which you saw many Democrats wanting a more liberal alternative at the presidential level and you saw many independents wanting an outsider, said Mark Baldassare, president of Public Policy Institute of California. As people are looking to next year, theres a desire for something new. Speculation continues that Feinstein may face a Democratic challenger. Among those who have been mentioned is state Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), who is weighing his next political move after he terms out of office in 2018. De Leon lashed out at Feinstein after her comments about Trump in early September. In her last election, Feinstein trounced her Republican opponent, Elizabeth Emken, by a 25-percentage-point margin in 2012. She won by almost an identical margin in 2006 when challenged by former Republican state Sen. Richard Mountjoy. However, California has since switched to a top-two primary system. The two candidates who receive the most voters in the June primary election will advance to the 2018 general election, regardless of their party. Two Democrats faced off in the finale of Californias 2016 U.S. Senate election, with Harris besting then-Rep. Loretta Sanchez. Facebook

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Barbara Boxer says if Sen. Dianne Feinstein runs for another term, she should expect a tough race By Mina Corpuz Former Sen. Barbara Boxer (Mina Corpuz / Los Angeles Times ) Its one of the hottest political parlor games in California right now: Will she run again? Everyone is waiting for Sen. Dianne Feinstein to announce if shell seek a sixth term. And even though they served as colleagues in Washington for more than two decades, former Sen. Barbara Boxer said she has no inside intel on what Feinstein will do in 2018. I believe she is running until I see any other indication, Boxer said Wednesday at a Sacramento Press Club lunch. Every single race is hard.... Anyone who runs against her will give her a tough race. Feinstein, 84, has made clear she is taking her time, even as ambitious politicians eye the seat she has held since 1992. One long-shot Democrat already is raising money for the race, and Feinstein recently drew criticism from California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, who has not ruled out a primary challenge against her. Boxer said Wednesday her own priority for next years midterm election is flipping several Republican-held House seats in Southern California. Theres no such thing as an off election year, she said. Its an on year. Much of this work will be done through the political action committee Boxer founded, PAC for a Change. The organization also supports electing more Democrats to the Senate and standing up to President Trumps policies, she said. Since leaving the Senate in January, Boxer has also given speeches and promoted her book, The Art of Tough. She doesnt like to consider herself a retiree. Boxer also skirted a question about her pick for governor in a race that already is crowded with several Democrats. All of the candidates, she joked, are like my sons and daughters. Facebook

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Californias top elections officer now says his agencys website wasnt the one scanned by Russian hackers By John Myers Secretary of State Alex Padilla (John Myers / Los Angeles Times) Five days after saying he had been told Russian hackers scanned the states main elections website for weaknesses in 2016, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla said Wednesday that it turns out it didnt actually happen that way. Padilla said that his office was given incorrect information by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and that the Russian operation was instead focused on scanning the network of the state Department of Technology. Our notification from DHS last Friday was not only a year late, it also turned out to be bad information, Padilla said in a statement. Bryce Brown, a spokesman for the states information technology agency, said officials had long known about suspect activity that occurred on our network last summer but didnt know anything else until the notification from federal officials. Although we did not have knowledge of the source until now, we have confirmed our security systems worked as planned and the activity was blocked as it happened in 2016, he said. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment. On Tuesday, the Associated Press reported that federal officials also reversed course in a notification they had made to Wisconsin elections officials about Russian activity. In June, federal officials told Congress that 21 states elections systems were targeted by Russian activity. Padilla insisted last week that the scanning incident found no vulnerabilities or access to any California voter information, and he criticized DHS officials for the delay in sharing information about 2016 activities. On Wednesday, he said hopes that federal officials will continue to work with the states in preventing cyberattacks. I remain committed to a partnership with DHS and other intelligence agencies; however, elections officials and the American public expect and deserve timely and accurate information, Padilla said. Facebook

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Hollywood tour buses could get more rules slapped on them under the law Gov. Jerry Brown just signed By Patrick McGreevy A tour bus passes the late Carrie Fishers gated home in Beverly Hills. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed legislation aimed at reining in the proliferation of tour buses offering to take fans to the homes and gathering spots of celebrities in Hollywood and other trendy neighborhoods. The measure allows cities and counties to adopt rules that restrict the routes or streets used by the tour buses, and prohibit the use of loudspeakers on open-topped buses and vans. Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian (D-Sherman Oaks) introduced the proposal in response to a report by NBC Los Angeles that found some tour buses were operating unsafely without proper permits. He also cited complaints about topless buses on narrow streets of the Hollywood Hills, Malibu and Bel-Air. Facebook

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Latino state lawmakers back Antonio Villaraigosa for California governor By Phil Willon Antonio Villaraigosa gives a pep talk in Los Angeles at Cathedral High School, where he once was also a student. ((Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) The Legislatures California Latino Caucus on Wednesday endorsed former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for governor. While expected, the nod from the politically influential caucus is a boon for Villaraigosa, a former Democratic Assembly speaker and the only major Latino candidate running for governor. Villaraigosa has lagged behind Lt. Gov. Gavin Newson in early polls and fundraising. As Assembly speaker and Los Angeles mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa worked to strengthen our economy, expand our healthcare, improve our schools and invest in strategic infrastructure projects that create middle-class jobs, Sen. Ben Hueso (D-San Diego), chair of the caucus, said in a statement Wednesday morning. An intriguing aspect of the endorsement is that one of the most prominent members of the California Latino Caucus is Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). In Sacramento, speculation abounds over whether De Leon may run for governor, and the Villaraigosa endorsement could indicate De Leon has other plans for his political future. Villaraigosa joins a slate of other Latino statewide candidates endorsed by the caucus: Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-Azusa) for lieutenant governor; current appointee Xavier Becerra for attorney general; incumbent Alex Padilla for secretary of state; Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) for insurance commissioner; and Assemblyman Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) for superintendent of public instruction. Facebook

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California is trying to educate people about marijuana before recreational sales start By Patrick McGreevy Months before California allows the sale of marijuana for recreational use, the state has launched an education campaign about the drug, including highlighting the potential harms of cannabis for minors and pregnant women. The state is scheduled to issue licenses starting Jan. 2 for growing and selling marijuana for recreational use, expanding a program that currently allows cannabis use for medical purposes. In response, the California Department of Public Health has created a website to educate Californians about the drug and its impacts, including how to purchase and safely store cannabis. We are committed to providing Californians with science-based information to ensure safe and informed choices, said State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. The website, Lets Talk Cannabis, notes it is illegal for people under 21 to buy marijuana for non-medical use and warns that using cannabis regularly in your teens and early 20s may lead to physical changes in your brain. The site also warns that marijuana edibles may have higher concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. If you eat too much, too fast you are at higher risk for poisoning, the website warns. The state urges parents and guardians to talk to their teenagers about legal and health issues surrounding marijuana use. The state officials also say consuming cannabis is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who plan to become pregnant soon, noting that it can affect the health of your baby. The website got good marks from legalization activist Ellen Komp, deputy director of Californias chapter of National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The website is fairly accurate, she said, but added, The risks with pregnancy are somewhat overstated, telling women they should not use cannabis for nausea or even if they are thinking of getting pregnant. Some 43% of Californians have used marijuana for recreational purposes and 54% said they have not, according to a USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll last November. Among those who have not used it, just 2% said they are much more likely to use it if Proposition 64 passed, which it did, while 5% said they are somewhat more likely to use it, and 89% said they are no more likely to smoke pot if it was legalized. Other advice from the states site: driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and increases the chance of a car accident, and cannabis should be stored in a locked area to avoid poisoning children and pets. Updated at 11:30 am to include data from poll on marijuana use. Facebook

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Todays newsletter: Republicans fail again to repeal Obamacare By John Myers Todays Essential Politics newsletter details the last gasp of the Republican efforts in Washington to repeal the Affordable Care Act, efforts that President Trump insisted on Tuesday arent over. We also take a look at the win by Roy Moore, a former chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, in a Senate runoff that saw the president back the losing candidate. And weve got the details of what happens if Gov. Jerry Brown, as expected, signs the sanctuary state bill into law. The newsletter comes out Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Are you a subscriber? Sign up below. Read More Facebook

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After meeting with Trump, California Democrats say they want a seat at the tax reform table By Sarah D. Wire Ahead of Republicans plans to unveil a more detailed overview of their tax reform plan Wednesday, President Trump sat down with a bipartisan group of members that included California Democratic Reps. Linda Sanchez and Mike Thompson. Sanchez, of Whittier, who serves on the House committee that has authority over tax legislation, said members didnt learn much about the details of the plan Tuesday. There were kind of generalities but no specificity, which is why were interested to see what they put out tomorrow, because clearly its not something thats had Democratic input, Sanchez said. According to a White House transcript of part of the meeting, Trump said the plan is focused on making the tax code simple and fair, increasing the deduction most families can take, lowering the business tax rate and bringing wealth stored overseas back to the United States. Thompson, of St. Helena, said the president listened to what Democrats had to say, but he didnt get the impression that the policy plan would change before it becomes public Wednesday. I dont think it was that kind of meeting. We all agreed we wanted a fair, easy-to-work-with tax code that generates more jobs, said Thompson, who is also on the committee. He said repeatedly he wants to be successful. Republicans are set to unveil a consensus document Wednesday they say will be a much more detailed overview than previous tax policy papers theyve released. But it is not expected to be an actual plan or bill. Republicans will huddle with Vice President Mike Pence for half of Wednesday to discuss tax reform. Democrats are holding their own tax reform forum too. Its been 30 years since Congress has passed a major tax overhaul, and Republican leaders have set an ambitious timeline for passing a tax-reform measure, indicating they want to get it to Trumps desk by the end of the year. Sanchez said she tried to stress in the meeting that Democrats should play a role in writing the final bill. There wasnt discussion about the group sitting down with Trump again, she said. The president was very pleased that it was a bipartisan effort, which sort of confused me because that was the first meeting where there were members of the Democratic side of the Ways and Means Committee there, Sanchez said. I dont know if theyve been telling him that the process is bipartisan or if he knew it wasnt bipartisan but didnt care, but I thought that was kind of odd. Facebook

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Judge rewrites summary of proposed gas tax repeal initiative, saying it was fundamentally flawed By Patrick McGreevy A Chevron gas station in Sacramento shows prices in February. ( (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) A judge on Monday rewrote the title and summary for a proposed initiative that would repeal recent gas tax increases in California. He rejected a title and summary written by the state attorney generals office as fundamentally flawed. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy M. Frawley criticized the attorney generals office for not mentioning in the title that the ballot measure would repeal newly approved taxes or fees. This is not a situation where reasonable minds may differ, Frawley wrote in his ruling. The Attorney Generals title and summary ... must be changed to avoid misleading the voters and creating prejudice against the measure. The initiative proposed by Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) would repeal a bill approved in April by the Legislature and governor that would raise the gas tax by 12 cents per gallon and increase vehicle fees in order to generate $5.2 billion for road repairs and to improve mass transit. The title and summary will be placed on petitions to be circulated by those trying to qualify the measure for the November 2018 ballot. The title and summary are also placed on the ballot if enough signatures are collected. The original title written by Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerras office was: Eliminates recently enacted road repair and transportation funding by repealing revenues dedicated for those purposes. Allens attorneys argued the voter could read that to mean that the Legislature identified existing funds for transportation and the initiative would take those funds away. The judges title says: Repeals recently enacted gas and diesel taxes and vehicle registration fees. Eliminates road repair and transportation programs funded by these taxes and fees. The judge also made it clear in the summary that an Independent Office of Audits and Investigations that would be eliminated by the initiative is newly established. Representatives of the attorney generals office were not immediately available to comment on whether the ruling would be appealed. Facebook

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Democrats to try to force vote on Dream Act with rarely successful procedural move By Sarah D. Wire House Democrats are trying to force a vote on Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allards version of the Dream Act, they announced in a news conference Monday. The House and Senate have less than six months to address the legal status of people brought into the country illegally as children before the program protecting them from deportation ends in March. In the weeks since President Trump announced he was ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, Democrats have pushed for a quick vote on Roybal-Allards bill, which is backed by every House Democrat and four Republicans. There are also a handful of other Republican-sponsored bills that could be considered. To force a vote, Democrats would need a majority of the House  218 members  to sign whats called a discharge petition to pull the bill from the House Judiciary Committee and bring it to the House floor. Roybal-Allard, a Democrat from Downey, said she believes there is enough support to pass the bill if Democrats can get it to the House floor. Democratic leaders said they expect all House Democrats will sign the petition. The American people overwhelmingly oppose deporting our Dreamers, Roybal-Allard said. But the Republican leadership is ignoring the wishes of a majority of the American people. Democrats hold only 194 seats, and would have to convince 24 Republicans to buck their party leaders and sign the petition. House leaders control which bills come to the floor for a vote and when. Although discharge petitions have been used in the past to shame congressional leadership into letting a bill move forward, the procedural move is rarely successful. This month, Republican Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado filed a discharge petition for the Bridge Act, a Republican- sponsored bill to address the legal status of people brought to the country illegally as children. Five members of Congress had signed on as of Monday. FOR THE RECORD Sept 26, 12:38 p.m.: An earlier version of this post identified the member of Congress who filed a discharge petition for the Bridge Act as Rep. Mike Thompson. It was Rep. Mike Coffman. Facebook

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California lawmakers grant some megaprojects relief from environmental law, but not others By Liam Dillon Developers plan to build two skyscrapers near the Capitol Records building in Hollywood. (Reed Saxon / Associated Press) When professional sports team owners, Facebook and big developers have asked California lawmakers for some relief from the states main environmental law over growth, the answer usually has been yes. The law, the California Environmental Quality Act, requires developers to disclose and reduce a projects effects on the environment  a process that often can get tied up in lengthy litigation. This year, legislators passed a measure aiming to shorten any potential environmental lawsuit against Facebooks expansion of its headquarters, two skyscrapers planned in Hollywood and other megaprojects to less than nine months. Doing so has led many to question why only big projects get such relief. Read More Facebook

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The fate of Californias biggest campaign donor disclosure bill may hinge on some small details By John Myers Members of the California Fair Political Practices Commission. (Rich Pedroncelli/AP) You wouldnt expect to see the leader of Californias campaign watchdog agency rooting for Gov. Jerry Brown to veto sweeping new disclosure rules for political donors. And yet, thats where things stand in a seven-year debate over helping voters follow the money. I think we can do better than this bill, said Jodi Remke, chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Remke and her staff have raised a red flag about the fine print tucked inside Assembly Bill 249, the California Disclose Act, that rewrites rules for campaign contributions that are earmarked. Read More Facebook

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Oceanside lifeguard receives Californias highest public safety honor By Mina Corpuz Medal of Valor recipient David Wilson stands with his parents, a family friend, Gov. Jerry Brown and Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra. (Mina Corpuz / Los Angeles Times ) An Oceanside Fire Department officer who risked his life to save a boater received the states highest award for public safety officers on Monday. Gov. Jerry Brown and Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra presented David Wilson with the Public Safety Medal of Valor at a ceremony at the state Capitol. In July 2016, Wilson rescued a man whose boat crashed into a jetty in Oceanside Harbor. The victim was barely conscious and jammed between two rocks. With only a short window between each set of waves, Wilson dove underneath the water and swam into the boulders to free the victims legs. You earned it, Brown said at the ceremony. You were assaulted by the waves and the rocks, and you went ahead anyways. Thats why you are the only one getting a medal of honor. A review board made up of law enforcement officers reviewed 21 nominations for the Medal of Valor. The award is given out once a year. There can be more than one recipient, but this year Brown chose one. Facebook

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7.5 million Californians could lose coverage under latest Obamacare repeal effort, state health insurance exchange says By Melanie Mason Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California, the states health insurance exchange, in 2013. (Rich Pedroncelli / AP) Californians who get their health coverage on the individual market could face dire consequences under the current Republican effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, warned a new analysis released Monday by Covered California, the states health insurance exchange. Under the latest plan, which is being led by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), 7.5 million Californians could lose their health insurance by 2027, the analysis said. It also said the repeal could trigger a collapse of the states individual insurance market. The Graham-Cassidy plan takes resources away from California and from the majority of states, which means that far fewer Americans would have insurance or the existing protections from insurers, said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California, in a statement. The effect on California would be devastating, and lead not only to there being more uninsured people than there were before the Affordable Care Act, but would also cause huge negative impacts on the health care delivery system, the economy and on those with employer-based coverage, Lee said. The report comes on the heels of another grim analysis by Gov. Jerry Browns administration, which estimated that the Senate proposal would strip California of nearly $139 billion in federal funds from 2020 to 2027. The Covered California report looked at two different scenarios for how state officials could respond to such a slash in federal dollars. If the state chose to prioritize protecting Medi-Cal, which provides coverage for low-income Californians, the analysis projects the collapse of the individual insurance market by 2021. If officials chose to direct attention to the individual market by stepping in to cover subsidies now paid for by the federal government, that could lead to large reductions in the Medi-Cal program. In both scenarios, the result would be up to 7.5 million fewer Californians with health insurance, according to the report. Proponents claim Graham-Cassidy gives states flexibility and choice, but in reality it puts states into a lose-lose situation, Lee said. Under this plan, California and states across the nation would be forced to either turn their backs on their most needy residents, or let the individual market be destroyed. Either way, millions lose coverage. Read More Facebook

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Todays newsletter: Sports spat starts with California teams By Christina Bellantoni Todays Essential Politics newsletter details President Trumps sports spat, which originated with California teams before becoming national political drama on football fields across America. It also notes last falls USC/Los Angeles Times poll, which found huge partisan divisions in how California voters viewed Colin Kaepernick at the time. Democrats liked him more, while he had just 6% favorability among tea party Republicans here. The state was evenly divided on whether to support his protest during the national anthem. The newsletter comes out Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Are you a subscriber? Sign up below. Read More Facebook

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Attorney running against Sen. Dianne Feinstein is hosting Hollywood fundraiser By Christine Mai-Duc Pat Harris may be a long-shot candidate for U.S. Senate, but hes not fundraising like one. On Monday Harris, a Democrat challenging Sen. Dianne Feinstein, is set to tread territory familiar to many prominent statewide candidates looking for cash: the Hollywood fundraiser. The event is to be held at the Catalina Jazz Club on Sunset Boulevard and is being billed as a CD release party for Carol Welman, a jazz musician and Harris wife. Tickets range from $150 for a single ticket to $2,700 for a VIP dinner for two. (An email to Welmans subscriber list earlier this week advertised tickets for as little as $30). Harris announced that he was running last month on a platform that includes support for single-payer healthcare and a pledge that he will only take campaign donations from individuals. Facing pressure from progressive activists, Feinstein has been coy so far about whether shell retire or run again in 2018. Either way, shes stockpiled $3.5 million in her campaign war chest. As of June 30, Harris had raised no money except for $104,685 he loaned his own campaign. Three other candidates have also filed to run against Feinstein: Democrats Steve Stokes and David Hildebrand, and independent Jerry Carroll. Facebook

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Rep. Keith Ellison headlines dinner for Orange County Democrats, who declare orange is the new blue By Christine Mai-Duc The focus was on 2018 as Orange County Democrats gathered Saturday night in Costa Mesa to bask in their high hopes here. Headliner and deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, urged unity as dozens of Democrats navigate crowded primaries throughout the state. Ellison getting star treatment tonight, speaking to VIP attendees & meeting congressional candidates & gubernatorial hopeful @DelaineEastin pic.twitter.com/2Bh8K5H1Qu  Christine Mai-Duc (@cmaiduc) September 24, 2017 Much of focus tonight on flipping 4 GOP congressional seats in OC. Ellison: "We need 24 more seats...I figure 4 of em we can get right here" pic.twitter.com/CDDbGWpNnT  Christine Mai-Duc (@cmaiduc) September 24, 2017 The theme of the annual awards dinner was Orange is the New Blue, a twist on the title of a popular Netflix show and the latest indication of Democrats rosy outlook as they try to flip the countys four GOP-held House seats next year. Ellison told the crowd it was not the proper role of the DNC to choose among the many primary contenders. But you will sort it out running spirited campaigns, you will sort it out over ideas, and when it is over we need you to hold hands and support the Democrat. Ellison pushed for a return to grass-roots organizing and outreach to voters of all stripes  and not just during election years. We cannot come a month before the election, tell them ... Come vote for us, Ellison said. Weve got to be in their lives in a physical, palpable way. Then we do have to have the right words, we do have to stand up for them. Ellison on more permanent solution for DACA: no wall, no increase in detention beds "but there might be some other things" Dems can agree to pic.twitter.com/yrmOGfXYan  Christine Mai-Duc (@cmaiduc) September 24, 2017 In an interview, Ellison also stressed the need to pass legislation for young people brought to the country illegally who were allowed to stay and work under the Obama Administrations Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Ellison said Democrats are open to negotiating certain immigration enforcement provisions in order pass a replacement for DACA, which President Trump announced he will end in March. But he said Democrats wont acquiesce to Trumps demand for a border wall or allow additional capacity for immigration detentions. There are certain things that are simply not on the table  the wall or more detention beds, were just not doing that, he said. Facebook

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Russians tried to find weaknesses in Californias election website last year, say state officials By John Myers Secretary of State Alex Padilla (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Californias chief elections officer said U.S. government officials believe Russian hackers tried to find weaknesses in the states election website during the 2016 campaign, but that theres no evidence their effort was successful. Secretary of State Alex Padilla said the Department of Homeland Security only told him on Friday of last years attempt. He described the attack as a scanning of the states website in hopes of finding weaknesses in its computer network. Our office actively monitors scanning activity as part of our routine cybersecurity protocols, Padilla said in a statement. We have no information or evidence that our systems have been breached in any way or that any voter information was compromised. Those involved were Russian cyber actors according to Padillas description of information he received from federal officials. In June, a top federal official told the Senate Intelligence Committee that systems in 21 states were believed to have been scoured by cyberattackers. The election website, www.sos.ca.gov, contains public information about voting procedures as well as data on past election results and current issues. More sensitive data, including the electronic files of some 17 million registered voters, are not included on the website. A leaked National Security Agency document earlier this year outlined a Russian effort to hack into devices made by a Florida-based voting software company. One California county, Humboldt, used the companys software, but did not find any evidence of tampering. Padilla, a frequent critic of President Trumps special panel investigating the potential of voter fraud, said federal officials should have notified him much earlier of the attempted breach. The practice of withholding critical information from elections officials is a detriment to the security of our elections and our democracy, he said. Facebook

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Antonio Villaraigosa jabs at Gavin Newsom over his apparent embrace of single-payer healthcare bill By Melanie Mason Supporters of a measure to establish single-payer healthcare in California were thrilled by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsoms embrace of their bill on Friday, but a rival gubernatorial campaign was less impressed with his position. A spokesman for former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa accused the lieutenant governor of flip-flopping because after Newsom was asked if he explicitly endorsed the legislation  Senate Bill 562  he responded that he endorsed getting this debate going again. This is an outrageous parsing of words when millions of people are at risk of losing their healthcare, Villaraigosa spokesman Luis Vizcaino said in a statement. It is a yes or no question, lieutenant governor. Are you for SB 562 or not? The nurses and California voters deserve the truth, Vizcaino added. The question of backing SB 562 is thorny since it was shelved earlier this year after Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) called it woefully incomplete. Backers have said theyd be willing to make changes to the measure, but the contours of those proposed changes have not been made public. Vizcaino said Villaraigosa has always supported universal healthcare and the concept of single payer, but agreed with Speaker Rendon that the bill couldnt be sent to the governor without a funding plan. Speaking to reporters, Newsom said he saw a single-payer system in which the government covers healthcare costs as the best way to achieve universal coverage and said he would be actively engaged in designing and developing it if SB 562 does not pass next year. RoseAnn DeMoro, executive director of the California Nurses Assn./National Nurses United, said she saw Newsoms remarks as a clear endorsement of their measure and a stance she said was not surprising. We always knew Gavin would support our bill, DeMoro said. She lambasted Villaraigosa  who does not support SB 562  for criticizing Newsom, whom her group endorsed nearly two years ago. I want Villaraigosa to explain to the Latino community why he doesnt think they should have ... comprehensive healthcare, she said. Villaraigosas being disingenuous. He knows better. Hes just politically posturing trying to find a wedge issue and he knows better. UPDATE 4:32 p.m.: This post was updated with an additional statement from Villaraigosas spokesperson on the former L.A. mayors support for universal healthcare. Read More Facebook

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In San Francisco, Bernie Sanders plays two roles: Obamacare defender and single-payer advocate By Melanie Mason View Twitter post Sen. Bernie Sanders headed west to drum up support for his recently unveiled Medicare for All proposal Friday, but first trained his sights on the Obamacare repeal bill currently gripping Congress. Sanders (I-Vt.), whose speech was the cornerstone of a California Nurses Assn. gathering in San Francisco, blasted the Republican plan led by Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina as horrific legislation. How cruel, how immoral it is, to say to those millions of Americans, we are going to take away that health insurance that keeps you alive, Sanders said. Sen. John McCain announced on Friday he could not support the measure, dealing the GOP plan a blow. Sanders thanked McCain for his stance, prompting the liberal crowd to cheer the Arizona Republican. Some Democrats had worried that Sanders push for his single-payer plan could distract from efforts to oppose the repeal bill. But the senator was explicit in his appeal to the approximately 2,000 supporters in attendance to focus their energy on defeating the repeal measure. Our job is to continue to make sure the Republicans do not get the 50 votes they need ... I beg of you, please, do everything you can to stop the bill, he said. Still, the crux of Sanders speech focused on his single-payer bill, which he sold as an improvement over the status quo. The Affordable Care Act, as we all know, made significant improvements to our healthcare system, Sanders said, citing the expansion of the number of Americans with health insurance and the ban on insurance companies ability to deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions. But we must be honest and acknowledge that with all the gains of the Affordable Care Act, it does not go far enough, he added. The bill expands the Medicare program to cover the healthcare costs of all Americans with no out-of-pocket payments for patients. The measure does not include a plan to finance such a system, but Sanders has released a report laying out various ways to cover the costs, including a progressive income tax. During his pitch, Sanders said the implications extended beyond health policy. It is a struggle about what this great nation stands for, Sanders said. It is a struggle about whether or not every working person in this country has healthcare as a right or whether we allow insurance companies and drug companies to continue to rip us off. Facebook

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Gas tax foes win victory as they try to get a repeal on November 2018 ballot By Patrick McGreevy A Chevron gas station in Sacramento shows prices in February. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) In a rare court rebuke of the state Attorney Generals Office, a judge said Friday that the title and summary written for a proposed initiative is misleading  and that hed do a rewrite himself to make it clear the measure would repeal recently approved increases to gas taxes and vehicle fees. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy M. Frawley said he would draft a new title and summary to be placed on petitions for the initiative after attorneys for the state and proponents of the ballot measure could not agree on compromise language. In this circumstance, I honestly believe that the circulated title and summary that has been prepared is misleading, Frawley told attorneys during a court hearing Friday. He hopes to release the new title and summary by Monday. The initiative proposed by Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) would repeal a bill approved in April by the Legislature and governor that would raise the gas tax by 12 cents per gallon and increase vehicle fees to generate $5.2 billion annually to fix the states roads and bridges and improve mass transit. Allen and his attorneys said the state attorney general sought to confuse voters with a title that does not use the words taxes or fees. The title was proposed to say: Eliminates recently enacted road repair and transportation funding by repealing revenues dedicated for those purposes. Allen, who is running for governor in 2018, said the court decision showed the attorney general was trying to sway voters against the initiative. Justice is being served for the voters of California, Allen said after the court hearing. I think that he [the judge] has properly seen that the attorney general has tried to intentionally mislead the voters of California because he has tried to prejudice their vote and tried to keep increased taxes for Californians. A coalition of business, labor and government officials called Fix Our Roads, which supports the gas tax legislation, had representatives in the courtroom who later criticized Allen for seeking political gain at the expense of California motorists. This is more about Travis Allens gubernatorial race than anything else, said coalition spokeswoman Kathy Fairbanks. Hes condemning voters to driving on potholed roads and being stuck in traffic. Allen said the initiative and his campaign for governor are both aimed at giving voters power to fight higher taxes. Finally ordinary Californians are understanding that they actually can hold Sacramento accountable, Allen said. This is why Im running to be the next governor of California, because for too long Sacramento has been run by out-of-touch elitists that are coming from Sacramento and the Bay Area of San Francisco. A second initiative to repeal the gas tax has been proposed by a different group of Republican activists. Allen said he supports the second initiative but noted it has to collect many more signatures because it seeks to change the state constitution. It has a long way to go, Allen said. If the judge issues a new title and summary Monday, Allen said the petitions will hit the streets immediately and he is confident they will get the 365,880 signatures to qualify the measure for the November 2018 ballot. Facebook

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We will have universal healthcare in the state of California, Gavin Newsom promises single-payer advocates By Melanie Mason View Twitter post Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has made his most explicit endorsement yet of a controversial single-payer healthcare proposal that has roiled Democratic politics in California. Newsom appeared Friday before the California Nurses Assn., the most ardent backers of SB 562, a stalled bill to establish a system in which the state would cover all residents healthcare costs. Theres no reason to wait around on universal healthcare and single-payer in California, Newsom said. Its time to move 562. Its time to get it out of committee. The line prompted cheers and a standing ovation from the audience of about 1,500 members of the nurses union. He capped off his remarks with a promise: If we cant get it done next year, you have my firm and absolute commitment as your next governor that I will lead the effort to get it done. We will have universal healthcare in the state of California. Enthusiastic nurses in the room heard an unequivocal backing of their effort to push forward with the bill. When he says hes going to get this done, he means, seriously, that he will pass SB 562 and make sure that there is healthcare for all Californians, said Catherine Kennedy, a neonatal nurse from Roseville. But speaking to reporters after his address, Newsom was less clear in embracing the specifics of the proposal. I 100% support moving this process along, getting this debate going again and addressing the concerns, the open-ended issues that the nurses themselves have acknowledged as it relates to the need of going through the legislative process and to fill in the blanks on the financing plan, among other issues, he said. Facebook

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President Obama appears in an Assembly race mailer in California  but read it closely By Christina Bellantoni The race to replace Jimmy Gomez, who was elected to Congress earlier this year, has so far been waged by mail and door-knocking in northeast Los Angeles. Most of the mailers feature local leaders and endorsements from groups including Planned Parenthood and the Sierra Club. But one mailer that arrived in my mailbox Thursday has a much more familiar face  former President Barack Obama. While it might seem like one to the casual voter sorting through junk mail, this isnt an endorsement. Want to know what kind of job Gabriel Sandoval will do in the Assembly? Listen to the people hes worked with in the past, the mailer reads, above Obamas official White House portrait. In small type, it notes that Sandoval served as a Senior Civil Rights Attorney and Senior Advisor for a White House initiative within the Department of Education. It features a glowing quote over an image of a July 12, 2013, letter from the president to Sandoval written on White House letterhead. Facebook

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Healthcare a hot issue in race for California governor By Phil Willon Antonio Villaraigosa, left, and Gavin Newsom (Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images; Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) With the hyperpartisan politics surrounding healthcare stirred up by efforts to repeal Obamacare and calls for a single-payer system, both Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa are claiming the mantle of healthcare visionary. On the campaign trail the two Democratic candidates for governor are touting their signature healthcare accomplishments from earlier in their political careers as their bona fides. For Newsom, its about Healthy San Francisco, the nations first municipal universal healthcare program, approved while he was mayor; and for Villaraigosa, its Healthy Families, which provided healthcare coverage to the children of Californias working poor, legislation he authored as a California assemblyman. But do they deserve all the credit? It sure doesnt look that way. Healthy San Francisco is one of the many topics Newsom is expected to highlight when he speaks to the California Nurses Assn. convention in the Bay Area on Friday morning. On Thursday night, Newsom took a shot at the latest Republican effort in Washington to roll back the Affordable Care Act  a bill written by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) The numbers on this make my skin crawl. Under Graham-Cassidy, an individual with metastatic cancer could see their premiums increase by $142,650. Diabetes? $5,600. Want to tackle the opioid crisis? Gets a lot tougher if an individual suffering from drug dependence sees their premiums go up by $20,450, Newsom said in an email sent out by his campaign. This is not a game. Lives are at stake. Read More Facebook

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Rep. Duncan Hunter calls for preemptive strike against North Korea By Joshua Stewart, San Diego Union-Tribune Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) introduces U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions at a news conference. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) Rep. Duncan Hunter said that the United States needs to launch a preemptive strike against North Korea in order to prevent the rogue nation from harming the U.S. first. You could assume, right now, that we have a nuclear missile aimed at the United States, and here in San Diego. Why would they not aim here, at Hawaii, Guam, our major naval bases? Hunter, an Alpine Republican, said Thursday during an appearance on San Diego television station KUSI. The question is, do you wait for one of those? Or two? Do you preemptively strike them? And thats what the president has to wrestle with. I would preemptively strike them. You could call it declaring war, call it whatever you want, Hunter continued. Hunter, a member of a House Armed Services Committee and the subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States nuclear arsenal, did not say whether the military should strike North Korea with conventional or nuclear weapons. Read More Facebook

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Will Bernie Sanders push for Medicare for All help or hinder the California effort for single-payer? By Melanie Mason When Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders visited Beverly Hills last May, he made a full-throated appeal for California to lead the country and pass a pending state proposal to establish single-payer healthcare. On Friday, hell return to California for a San Francisco speech trumpeting his own higher-stakes plan  a bill to drastically overhaul the nations healthcare system by covering everyone through Medicare. The push for single-payer, in which the government pays for residents medical care, has already rattled Californias political landscape. Now, the Sanders measure brings an additional jolt, elevating the issue to a national debate that has implications for the future direction of the Democratic Party and early jockeying in the 2020 presidential race. Read More Facebook

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What will Kevin de Leon do when his term in the California Senate expires next year? By Patrick McGreevy State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, speaks during the last regular Senate floor session of the year. ( (Rich Pedroncelli / AP)) As he gaveled down what may be his last full year as leader of the California Senate on Saturday, Kevin de Leon had still not said what he planned to do next. Will he run for governor or U.S. Senate? Does he want to be mayor of Los Angeles some day? De Leon told reporters they will have to wait to find out. His advisors, supporters and political observers have their own ideas what De Leon could do next. Read More Facebook

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Skelton: The presidential election bills on Gov. Browns desk may be satisfying politics, but theyre risky ideas By George Skelton Two presidential election bills are on Gov. Jerry Browns desk, sent to him by the Democratic Legislature. Both should be tossed in the trash. No doubt Im in the minority on this. These bills do offer some fun, even if theyre flawed. One has strong pluses that are outweighed by unacceptable minuses. The second is a mean-spirited gotcha bill aimed at the Democrats No. 1 enemy: President Trump. It may be satisfying politics, but it sets a risky precedent. The first bill moves up Californias presidential primary from June to March. Great idea. But it also moves up the state primary along with it. A horrible idea. The second measure would require all presidential candidates to release their tax returns for the last five years. Anyone who refused wouldnt be allowed on the California ballot. Thats a sharp poke at Trump, who in 2016 was the first presidential candidate in 40 years not to release his taxes. Yes, watching Trump squirm would be entertaining. And maybe the tax information would be useful for some voters. But even if the disclosure requirement were constitutional  and theres substantial doubt about that  its a crummy precedent. Read More Facebook

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California Senate leader preparing for legal fight over sanctuary state legislation By Sarah D. Wire California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown hasnt yet signed legislation making California a so-called sanctuary state, but state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon is preparing to defend it in court. In between several immigration events in Washington on Wednesday, De Leon (D-Los Angeles) said he met with former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr.  who has served as outside counsel to the Legislature for much of the year  to continue to further discuss inoculating California from [U.S. Atty. Gen.] Jeff Sessions Department of Justice. Passed early Saturday by the Legislature, the sanctuary state bill would limit state and local law enforcement communication with federal immigration authorities and prevent officers from questioning and holding people on immigration violations. Sessions has threatened to withhold some federal grant funds from cities and counties that refuse to assist federal immigration agents. Holder and other former Justice Department lawyers believe the bill is defendable, and if the Trump administration tries to compel California cities to act by withholding funds, it will find itself in court, De Leon said. Defenders of so-called sanctuary cities often rely on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling that cited the 10th Amendment and found the federal government cant compel local governments to cooperate with enforcing federal laws. It is immoral, and quite frankly un-American, that Americas top law enforcement official would withhold dollars that our local police officers need  precious dollars we need desperately to counter terrorism, to deal with the issue of human trafficking as well as international drug cartels, De Leon said. On Tuesday, Sessions urged Brown not to sign the bill, calling it unconscionable and a threat to public safety. Brown responded to Sessions comment on CNN by calling the legislation well-balanced. It protects public safety, but it also protects hardworking people who contribute a lot to California, Brown said. He has until Oct. 15 to sign the bill. De Leon also shot back against Sessions statement that the federal money isnt an entitlement, saying Californians pay more in federal taxes than they receive in federal funding. Thats not a gift or a grant from the Department of Justice to California. Those are our dollars; they belong to the people of California, he said. Facebook

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California, with alliance of states, pledges to keep pushing climate policies despite lack of federal progress By Chris Megerian (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California and a growing alliance of states committed to fighting global warming said Wednesday that theyre slashing greenhouse gas emissions at the rate required by the Paris climate agreement. However, the rest of the country would need to join their effort for the United States to actually hit the target of cutting emissions by at least 26% below 2005 levels by 2025. President Trump has pledged to pull the country out of the Paris deal, but the states reiterated their pledge to keep pressing forward during a news conference in New York. Were all in, California Gov. Jerry Brown said. Eventually, Washington will join with us. You cant deny science forever. Californias climate goal is even more ambitious than the Paris target. A law signed by Brown last year requires the state to cut emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. California became a founding member of the U.S. Climate Alliance, along with New York and Washington state, months ago. Either we end this problem, or this problem will end us, said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. On Wednesday, North Carolina became the 15th member of the U.S. Climate Alliance. Other members include Massachusetts, Oregon and Puerto Rico. Clean air and a healthy environment are vital for a strong economy and a healthier future, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a newly elected Democrat, said in a statement. Facebook

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Bay Area cities sue major oil companies over climate change By Chris Megerian (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) San Francisco and Oakland are suing to get five oil companies, including San Ramon-based Chevron, to pay for the cost of protecting the Bay Area from rising sea levels and other effects of global warming. These fossil fuel companies profited handsomely for decades while knowing they were putting the fate of our cities at risk, San Francisco City Atty. Dennis Herrera said in a statement. The lawsuits, which were filed Tuesday in state court in San Francisco and Alameda counties and announced Wednesday, dont ask for a specific dollar amount. But the cities could try to put oil companies on the hook for billions. Long-term improvements in San Franciscos seawall are projected to cost $5 billion, according to one of the lawsuits. The law is clear that the defendants are responsible for the consequences of their reckless and disastrous actions, Oakland City Atty. Barbara J. Parker said in a statement. A spokesman for Chevron, Melissa Ritchie, said the lawsuits would not help address climate change. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a global issue that requires global engagement and action, she said in a statement. Should this litigation proceed, it will only serve special interests at the expense of broader policy, regulatory, and economic priorities. Facebook

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California sues to stop Trumps border wall: No one gets to ignore the laws. Not even the president By Patrick McGreevy  California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announces lawsuit against Trump Administration. California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra filed a lawsuit Wednesday alleging that President Trumps proposal to expedite construction of a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border violates laws aimed at protecting the environment. Becerra announced the legal challenge standing in front of the existing border fencing at Border Field State Park near San Diego, saying the federal government failed to comply with federal environmental laws and relied on federal statutes that dont authorize border wall projects in San Diego and Imperial counties. No one gets to ignore the laws. Not even the president of the United States, Becerra said. The border between the U.S. and Mexico spans some 2,000 miles. The list of laws violated by the presidents administration in order to build his campaign wall is almost as long. He said the project involves the improper waiver of 37 federal statutes, many aimed at protecting the environment. Filed in federal court in San Diego and including the California Coastal Commission as a plaintiff, the lawsuit states its purpose is to protect the State of Californias residents, natural resources, economic interests, procedural rights, and sovereignty from violations of the United States Constitution and federal law. Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra at the U.S.- Mexico border where he announced lawsuit to stop a proposal for a border wall. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) The lawsuit also alleges that federal officials have not shown any data suggesting new border barriers in the San Diego area will reduce illegal entry into the U.S., nor that there is a significant problem in that area. It adds that the wall would have a chilling effect on tourism to the United States from Mexico. In August, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a notice that it was waiving federal and state laws on the environment to expedite the construction of prototypes of the wall along the San Diego border with Mexico. The California lawsuit claims the federal government violated the U.S. Constitutions separation-of-powers doctrine by vesting in the Executive Branch the power to waive state and local laws. The lawsuit also says the Department of Homeland Security decided to build the walls without complying with the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act. As a result, the lawsuit alleges, the federal government lacks proper environmental analysis of the impact of the 400-foot prototypes of the wall currently planned, as well as the 2,000-mile-long final wall. A federal official declined comment. As a matter of policy, we do not comment on pending litigation, said Tyler Q. Houlton, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security. State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) stood with Becerra at the event, saying the wall is unnecessary and will put a barrier between relations involving the two countries. Maybe to people in Iowa, it sounds like a really good idea, she said. We dont need more structure. We need a good relationship [with Mexico]. Times staff writers McGreevy reported from Sacramento and Ulloa from San Diego. AG @XavierBecerra takes some shots at Trump: He hasn't made the transition from candidate to president. #borderwall pic.twitter.com/liSJdrAK2v  Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) September 20, 2017 Facebook

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California to sue Trump administration over plan for U.S.-Mexico border wall By Patrick McGreevy California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra plans to announce a lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of the state that will challenge President Trumps proposal to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, a project Becerra has called medieval. Becerra is scheduled to travel to Border Field State Park near San Diego to announce that a lawsuit is being filed in federal court over construction of border wall projects in San Diego and Imperial counties. The lawsuit, which includes the California Coastal Commission as a plaintiff, states its purpose is to protect the State of Californias residents, natural resources, economic interests, procedural rights, and sovereignty from violations of the United States Constitution and federal law. It adds that the wall would have a chilling effect on tourism to the United States from Mexico. The states lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration has failed to comply with federal and state environmental laws and relied on federal statutes that dont authorize the proposed projects. The brief alleges the federal government violated the U.S. Constitutions separation-of-powers doctrine by vesting in the Executive Branch the power to waive state and local laws, including state criminal law.. The lawsuit also says the Department of Homeland Security decided to build the walls without complying with the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. As a result, the lawsuit alleges, the federal government lacks proper environmental analysis of the impact of 400-foot prototypes of the wall currently planned, as well as the 2,000-mile-long final wall. The Democratic attorney general has been critical of the wall for months, including in April during an appearance on ABCs This Week. Im still trying to figure out who believes that a medieval situation to fix our broken immigration system is what we need, Becerra said. He also accused Trump at the time of reneging on his promise to have Mexico pay for the wall. I think American taxpayers probably are very much aligned with Mexico. None of them, whether its Mexico or our taxpayers, wants to pay for a medieval wall, he said. This is the latest of more than two dozen lawsuits and legal briefs filed against the Trump administration by Becerra, who was appointed attorney general in January and is running for election to the post next year. He previously sued to challenge Trumps plans to end a program that protects young immigrants from deportation, ban immigration from some countries and roll back environmental laws. Last week, three advocacy groups sued the federal government to block construction of a border wall, alleging that the Trump administration overstepped its authority by waiving environmental reviews and other laws. The action by the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife and Animal Legal Defense Fund seeks to prevent construction of wall prototypes in San Diego. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said last month that prototypes for a border wall may be completed by the end of October. Becerras lawsuit is the latest attempt by California Democrats to fight the wall proposal. A bill that would have banned state government contracts for any company that helps build the wall passed the state Senate, but stalled recently in an Assembly committee. Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) authored the bill, testifying at a committee hearing that the wall is another attempt to separate and divide us. It sends a message that we are better off in a homogenous society. Todd Bloomstine, a lobbyist representing the Southern California Contractors Assn., opposed the bill, asking the panel, What next unpopular project would be [on the] blacklist? Read the lawsuit >> UPDATE 8:30 a.m. This article was updated to provide additional details of the lawsuit. This article was originally published at 6 a.m. Facebook

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Judge rules state used misleading language in summary of ballot measure to repeal California gas tax By Patrick McGreevy GOP Assemblyman Travis Allen, in red tie, with Democratic state Sen. Bob Hertzberg, left, and Charles Munger Jr., far right, in 2014. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A judge tentatively ruled Tuesday that the state-written title and summary of an initiative to repeal the recent gas-tax increases were misleading and should be rewritten by the state attorney generals office. The ruling by Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy M. Frawley, scheduled to be finalized at a court hearing on Friday, was welcomed by the initiatives lead proponent, Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach). This preliminary ruling is a major victory for Californians, Allen, a candidate for governor, said in a statement. This brings us one step closer to repealing Jerry Browns hugely unpopular gas tax. I look forward to the final ruling on Friday, and ensuring that the Repeal the Gas Tax Initiative receives the straightforward ballot title and summary that it deserves. Judge Frawley agreed with Allens legal claims that the title and summary drafted by Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerras office is confusing, misleading, and likely to create prejudice against the proposed measure. The judge said the initiative would repeal taxes and fees approved by the Legislature this year, but the title and summary issued by the state makes it sound like it would eliminate transportation funding without using the words taxes and fees in the title. He ordered state officials to come to Fridays hearing prepared to discuss alternate language for the ballot measure. To avoid misleading the voters and creating prejudice against the measure, the Attorney General must prepare a true and impartial statement that reasonably informs voters of the character and real purpose of the proposed initiative in clear and understandable language, the ruling says. The existing circulating title and summary fails this test. If the judge finalizes the order after hearing arguments Friday, Allen can use the new title and summary to circulate a petition. Allen needs to collect 365,000 signatures from registered voters in 150 days to put the measure on the November 2018 ballot. Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown: Trumps rhetoric about North Korea adds to non-rational bluster By Mina Corpuz (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California Gov. Jerry Brown said President Trumps name calling and threats at the United Nations can get in the way of diplomacy and statesmanship. Earlier Tuesday, Trump called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a Rocket Man on a suicide mission and said the United States may have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. It just raises the temperature and the exchange of non-rational bluster back and forth, Brown said in a interview with CNNs Jake Tapper. I dont think thats positive. Brown is in New York for some climate meetings related to the United Nations General Assembly. Facebook

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Yes, dahlink: Frederic Prinz von Anhalt, widower of Zsa Zsa Gabor, is running for California governor By Phil Willon Frederic Prinz von Anhalt, widower of actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, outside of the couples Bel-Air mansion in 2011. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) Frederic Prinz von Anhalt, widower of the whimsical celebrity and actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, is back. Von Anhalt has filed to run for governor of California  his second attempt after a short-lived campaign in 2010  saying hes fed up with seeing roads falling apart, people struggling to afford rent and an explosion of homelessness in the state. Ive lived in this city for 36 years. Ive never seen so many people eating out of a trash can in the Western world, Von Anhalt said Tuesday. We talk about Hollywood, and this being the entertainment center of the world. How is this possible? Von Anhalt, Garbors ninth and last husband, is running as an independent. He filed an official Candidate Intention Statement with the California Secretary of States office Monday, the first step in launching an official campaign. The 74-year-old Bel-Air resident, a German immigrant, said he has enough money to help support his own campaign. He said he dropped out of the 2010 governors race only because his wife became seriously ill. She died in December. She was the one  who wanted me run, Von Anhalt said. Von Anhalt also flirted briefly with a run for Los Angeles mayor in 2013, a race eventually won by Eric Garcetti. FOR THE RECORD 5:33 p.m.: An earlier of this post said Von Anhalt was age 71. He is 74. Facebook

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Assemblyman urges other legislatures to join California in censuring President Trump By Mina Corpuz Assemblyman Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) speaks with Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A California lawmaker who authored a resolution to support a censure of President Trump sent letters to 49 other state legislatures Tuesday to urge them to join the effort. Assemblyman Tony Thurmond, a Richmond Democrat, sent the letters days after the Assembly became the first state legislative body to support a congressional censure of the president. California has spoken and we look to the rest of the nation to join us, Thurmond said in a statement. Its important that all our states unite and show that the United States of America stands against hate. Read More Facebook

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After cap-and-trade vote, Assemblyman Chad Mayes faces a second Republican challenger for reelection By Patrick McGreevy Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley leaves the Assembly floor before resigning as Assembly Republican leader on Aug. 24. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) Former Palm Springs Police Chief Gary Jeandron on Tuesday became the second Republican to announce plans to challenge Assemblyman Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) in the 2018 election. Jeandron, a La Quinta resident, said he was angered over Mayes vote as Assembly Republican leader to support an extension of the states controversial cap-and-trade program, which requires businesses to buy permits to release greenhouse gas emissions. Jeandron saw the action as continuing a wrongful tax increase and said he is signing a no-tax pledge. I just dont believe [Mayes] has held Republican values, Jeandron told The Times. He has been blinded by ambition. He has been seduced by the governor. Mayes vote led to an outcry by Republican leaders, and he eventually succumbed to pressure to step down as leader of the Assembly Republicans. Mayes defended his position, telling colleagues during the floor debate, many of us believe that climate change is real and  we have to work to address it. Jeandron, who lost to Mayes in the 2014 election, joins San Jacinto City Councilman Andrew Kotyuk in planning to challenge Mayes for the 42nd Assembly District seat. Facebook

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Republican John Cox tasted political defeat many times before launching his bid for California governor By Phil Willon Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox speaks to the Lincoln Club of Riverside County in June. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) Candidate for California governor John Cox is relatively new to the states politics, but Cox has run for office multiple times, and even tangled with Barack Obama on the debate stage when the pair ran in the 2004 Illinois U.S. Senate race. Neither candidate was considered their partys favorite. But things began looking up for Obama, of course, who won the Senate race and then the presidency. Cox dropped out before the GOP primary election. It was his third try for elected office in Illinois and his third defeat. Now hes back, this time in his new home of California, running for governor against a trio of Democratic heavyweights. Once again, Cox is a practical unknown. Once again, the Republican is in a left-leaning state reaching for a coveted political office. Once again, Coxs campaign is being fed by cash from his own bank account. Read More Facebook

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After she was confronted by protesters, Pelosi says Democrats want a clean Dream Act  with no border wall By Jazmine Ulloa House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on Monday said she understood the fear in young protesters who shouted her down at a San Francisco news conference, asking for a legal path to citizenship for themselves and their parents. Speaking at Sacramento State hours after the disruption, Pelosi said she agreed with the protesters, pointing to the Dream Act as only the first step to broader immigration reform. We are all disrupters ourselves, she said, standing next to fellow congressional Democrats. So we recognize it and respect it in others. At Sac State, @NancyPelosi on SF protests today: We are all disruptors ourselves. So we recognize it and respect it in others. #dacadeal pic.twitter.com/W1WKQikmsc  Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) September 19, 2017 Both press events were scheduled by Pelosi to discuss a legislative fix to help thousands of young people affected by President Trumps decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The Obama-era policy provided temporary status for 800,000 people brought to the country illegally as children. Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York met with Trump last week after the termination of DACA was announced. In Sacramento, Pelosi said they had come to an agreement to a clean Dream Act, which would provide a path to permanent status for citizens who work, study or serve in the military, without tougher border enforcement or increased deportations. Meanwhile, Democrats are fighting with the president over the construction of a wall along the U.S-Mexico border. And House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin has made it clear he wants some kind of border security, Pelosi said. That is not under discussion, she said. We can discuss other issues, but we are not going to discuss how we protect the Dreamers. At Sac State, @NancyPelosi arrives to talk #DACAdeal and help for Dreamers. Elected officials from every level of government also present. pic.twitter.com/yoESsRC1Ok  Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) September 18, 2017 Facebook

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Feinstein, who called for patience with Trump, lashes out over his attacks on Clinton By Sarah D. Wire Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said it was appalling and disgusting to see President Trump retweet a video edited to look like he hit former rival Hillary Clinton in the head with a golf ball. He continues to obsessively lash out at her  at his rallies, with his words and now through social media  in a manner that is utterly unbecoming of the president of the United States, Feinstein said in a statement Monday. Every one of us should be offended by the vindictive and candidly dangerous messages the president sends that demean not only Secretary Clinton, but all women. Grow up and do your job. Clinton is out with a new book about the campaign, and Trump has repeatedly used Twitter to deride her as a sore loser. He retweeted the animated GIF Sunday which shows him hitting a golf ball that then knocks down Clinton. Feinstein, who has yet to say whether shell run again in 2018, has walked a fine line with Trump in recent months. Shes criticized him at times, but drew ire from some progressive Californians last month when she called for patience in dealing with the president, saying that Trump could be a good president if he learned and changed. Facebook

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California lawmakers are building a wall against President Trumps policies By George Skelton California state legislators ended their annual session the way they began it  building a wall to protect undocumented immigrants from President Trump. Not an iron wall, as Trump promised to erect along the U.S.-Mexico border, but a legal barrier to prevent local police and sheriffs from teaming with the presidents agents to enforce federal immigration law. The legislators did a lot of other things, too, before adjourning early Saturday until January. They sent Gov. Jerry Brown bills to address Californias dearth of affordable housing, to borrow $4 billion for parks and waterworks, to spend $1.5 billion in greenhouse-gas pollution fees, to provide tuition-free community college for first-year students and to lift some secrecy from prescription drug pricing. Earlier in the session, the heavily Democratic Legislature passed its boldest, most controversial bill of the year: A $5.2-billion annual increase in fuel taxes and vehicle fees to finance transportation infrastructure, especially to repair crumbling highways. Republicans will attempt to repeal the bill at the ballot box in 2018. Brown says that borders on insanity. Read More Facebook

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Trump is riding a very dead horse on climate change, Gov. Brown says at New York conference By Ann Simmons (Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday touted steps California has taken toward a healthier climate, but warned that powerful forces he called climate deniers are resisting technologies and policies designed to improve conditions. I like all the optimism around here, but I dont want to minimize the steep hill that we have to climb, Brown said at the start of a gathering of international leaders called Climate Week NYC. Decarbonizing the economy when the economy depends so totally on carbon is not childs play. Its quite daunting. Hosted by the Climate Group, an international nonprofit organization that works with business and government to promote clean technologies and policies, the event was scheduled to bring together high-profile governors, executives of Fortune 500 companies and leaders of multinational businesses for a week to share their strategies in tackling climate change. The discussions come amid concerns about global warming and after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma caused devastation in Houston, Florida and across parts of the Caribbean. Some scientists believe that warmer ocean waters caused by climate change are creating stronger storms. Read More Facebook

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Nancy Pelosi shouted down at DACA news conference for working with Trump By Sarah D. Wire Dreamer protesters have disrupted a Pelosi presser in CA, asking for protections for Dreamer & their parents: https://t.co/o3zGNJvblL  Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) September 18, 2017 More than four dozen immigration activists upset with Democrats for negotiating with President Trump shouted down House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi at a San Francisco news conference Monday. We are not your bargaining chip, the crowd chanted at one point, according to KCBS News political reporter Doug Sovern. VIDEO: Chaos at @NancyPelosi #DACA event as 40+ undocumented hijack her news conf in SF: "We are not your bargaining chip! Let us speak!" pic.twitter.com/KC2WyrjqSy  Doug Sovern (@SovernNation) September 18, 2017 'All of us or none of us' Crowd takes over DREAM Act event. Pelosi getting blasted by about 100 young 'undocumented youth' pic.twitter.com/RgwnZ4dB3O  Evan Sernoffsky (@EvanSernoffsky) September 18, 2017 San Francisco Chronicle reporter Evan Sernoffsky said on Twitter that some in the group were yelling, All of us or none of us. Other reporters said the group chanted, Shut down ICE. Pelosi held the news conference to advocate for speedy passage of a legislative fix to the legal status of hundreds of thousands of people brought to the country illegally as children. Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York met with Trump last week after he announced an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The Obama-era program deferred deportation for some people brought to the country illegally as children. Pelosi and Schumer said their discussion with the president included the possibility of adding more immigration enforcement  which some immigration advocates are against  to legislation to address DACA. At the news conference, Pelosi first made remarks and introduced an immigrant in the country illegally, at which point the shouting began, according to a Pelosi aide. The group surrounded Pelosi, with some gesturing close to her face. She attempted to calm the crowd for about half an hour before leaving the news conference. The aide said the group was made up of local DACA beneficiaries. We need to have a conversation, but that was completely one-sided; they dont want any answers, Pelosi told reporters afterward, according to a transcript. Pelosi said the activists should be focused on Republican members of Congress, not Democrats. I understand their frustration, Im excited by it as a matter of fact, but the fact is theyre completely wrong. The Democrats are the ones who stopped their assault on sanctuary cities, stopped the wall, the increased deportations in our last bill that was at the end of April, and we are determined to get Republicans votes to pass the clean Dream Act. Is it possible to pass a bill without some border security? Well well have to see. We didnt agree to anything in that regard, except to listen, Pelosi said. UPDATES

1:06 p.m. This post was updated with more details throughout and quotes from Pelosi. This post was originally published at 12:12 p.m. Facebook

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Democrats hopes of flipping seats in California are soaring, but it wont be as easy at it seems By Christine Mai-Duc (Associated Press / AFP/Getty Images) Democrats know they have to win at least a few seats in California if they want to regain control of the House in 2018. But though the energy and hopes of many Democratic activists here are soaring, flipping Republican-held seats here could be harder than it appears. There are a few bits of conventional wisdom that suggest Democrats have a long road ahead. For one, Republicans often turn out in greater numbers than their Democratic counterparts in midterm-election years. And even though Hillary Clinton won seven of the Republican-held districts Democrats are now targeting, past election data show voters there still lean much more conservative than other parts of the state. If past is prologue, says Rob Pyers, research director for the nonpartisan election guide California Target Book, Democrats will have a hard time picking up more than a couple of seats in California. With most voters unlikely to tune in until at least next spring, there are many factors that could affect the political calculus, including whether the California Republican Party will be able to field a competitive candidate for governor, or whether ballot initiatives such as a potential repeal of the newest gas tax hike will propel GOP voters to the polls. Read More Facebook

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California will be the keeper of the nations future in the era of Trump, state Democratic lawmakers promise By Melanie Mason State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, from left, Gov. Jerry Brown and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. (Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press) Within a day of President Trumps election last November, Californias top Democratic lawmakers responded with a joint statement that contained an audacious promise. It was their state, not Washington, D.C., that would be the keeper of the nations future. An artistic rendering of that vow, with looping calligraphy and a roaring grizzly, is now on display in the offices of Senate leader Kevin de Leon and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. In the wake of Trumps win, the words seemed to be a sort of foundational document  Californias declaration of resistance. That pugilistic posture is often conveyed in shorthand: California versus Trump. But the ensuing legislative year, which ended Friday, revealed the messy reality of squaring up against the federal government. Its been challenging, De Leon (D-Los Angeles) said, bleary-eyed as he took a break during the final days of the session. You have to debate, you have to negotiate, you have to make your case, and I think at the end of the day, well still have the most far-reaching policy in the nation. Read More Facebook

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California Politics Podcast: Lawmakers leave Sacramento after a busy year By John Myers From immigration issues to housing, some of the biggest debates of the Legislatures nine-month session happened at the very end. In governing, as in life, deadlines often make things happen. On this weeks California Politics Podcast, we take an early look at some of the most important decisions lawmakers made in the final few days of the 2017 session in Sacramento. That includes a landmark decision to intervene in the issue of illegal immigration, and to pass a long discussed package of bills to begin addressing Californias housing crisis. We also look at some of the broader political themes of the entire legislative year -- most notably, the effort by Democrats in the Legislature to provide a resistance to actions taken by President Trump. Im joined by Times staff writers Melanie Mason and Liam Dillon. Facebook

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Passage of sanctuary state bill draws rebukes from Trump administration officials, praise in California By Jazmine Ulloa Supporters of state sanctuary bill SB 54 rally outside the Hall of Justice. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) California lawmakers on Saturday passed a sanctuary state bill to protect immigrants without legal residency in the U.S., part of a broader push by Democrats to counter expanded deportation orders under the Trump administration. The landmark legislation by Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) would limit state and local law enforcement communication with federal immigration authorities, and prevent officers from questioning and holding people on immigration violations. But the bill sent to Gov. Jerry Brown drastically scaled back the version first introduced, the result of tough negotiations between Brown and De Leon in the final weeks of the legislative session. Its passage already is reverberating across the country. Trump administration officials have sounded off in opposition. And immigrant rights groups and some California law enforcement officials have come out in support of what they call a hard compromise. Read More Facebook

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Supporters unable to resurrect California clean-energy proposal on final day of legislative session By Chris Megerian Environmentalists rally in front of Assemblyman Chris Holdens office in Pasadena on Thursday. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) Despite a last-minute push from environmentalists and actors from The Avengers, legislation that eventually would require all of Californias electricity to come from clean sources failed to advance this year. Facing opposition from unions and utilities, Assembly leadership refused to put the measure, SB 100, up for a vote on Friday, the final day of the legislative session. The decision to not move the bill this year is disappointing, said Kathryn Phillips, director of the Sierra Clubs California chapter. But we are committed to moving this policy next year. Theres no time to waste. The measure, written by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (
Democrats are pushing for a vote on the Dream Act in a matter of weeks after President Trump told congressional leaders he wanted action on legislation to protect the young immigrants known as Dreamers.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday that Democrats are trying to force a vote, using a procedural maneuver or at least provide a show of strength that leaves Republican leaders few options but to call one.

The president asked them to bring it up, Pelosi (D-San Francisco) told a small group of reporters Tuesday in an interview at the Capitol. We told him ... we will not rest until its passed, and we want to do it as soon as possible.

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Though Trump terminated the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, he gave congressional leaders six months to come up with a legislative fix for the immigrants, who were brought illegally to the U.S. as children. DACA allows them to temporarily avoid deportation and work legally.

Pelosis efforts come as a top White House aide reiterated Tuesday that the administration is not insisting  at least not now  that funding for a proposed wall along the Mexican border be part of any deal. Trump promised during the campaign that Mexico would pay for the wall. The White House insists Mexico will reimburse the U.S., but Mexican officials contend that they will never pay for the wall.

The president is committed to sticking by his commitment that a physical structure is what is needed to help protect America, White House legislative director Marc Short told reporters at a breakfast Tuesday sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor. Whether or not that is specifically part of the DACA package, or a different legislative package, I am not going to prejudge here today.

Instead, both sides are more likely to come to agreement on a package of other border security measures that could be paired with the bill.

Trump, who had previously threatened a government shutdown over border wall funding, outlined the contours of a possible deal last week.

We want responsible immigration reform, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday. That hasnt changed. The presidents very much committed to the wall. Were also committed to some other principles that weve laid out, and none of those have changed.

Pelosi told reporters that Trump, during his recent meeting with congressional leaders, made clear he wanted to see legislative action on a DACA protection bill, and Democrats let the president know they will not allow wall funding as part of it.

Weve been very clear: There is no wall in our DACA future, Pelosi said. Its just not going to happen.

Democrats are gathering signatures in the House in support of their bill, sponsored by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard of Downey, to force a floor vote.

As the minority party, Democrats are trying to build support for a discharge petition, which is a procedural move to force a vote after Sept. 25, if enough Republicans agree.

More than two dozen House Republicans have already signaled support for similar DACA-like legislation, sponsored by Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.).

Democrats would need most of those Republicans to back their bill, and some may be hesitant now to do so. But Pelosi noted that even the threat of enough support could prod the majority party leadership to act.

Were hoping a number of them will come over, Pelosi said.

Meanwhile, the White House is preparing to release legislative principles in the weeks ahead on other border security measures as part of a DACA deal.

There are several things we think are important, Short said. We do think it is important to secure our border. We do think interior enforcement is critical. And we also think that we should be moving to a merit-based immigration system.

Short said those ideas could be part of one legislative package or multiple bills. One option would be to add a Dream Act bill to a must-pass, year-end legislative package to fund the government.

Top Democrats have signaled they are willing to consider security options, if the wall funding is not part of the package.

Experts have questioned the ability of a physical wall to deter illegal entries, and some lawmakers from both parties have suggested other border options to better secure the crossings.

There are a lot better ways and a lot cheaper ways to provide security at the border, said Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.). We want to do it smartly, and we certainly dont want the symbol of America to the world, which is now the beautiful lady in the harbor with the torch that I represent, to turn into a wall.

lisa.mascaro@latimes.com

@LisaMascaro

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Despite broad support from consumer advocates, state officials and healthcare leaders across the country, a bipartisan effort in Congress to stabilize health insurance markets and control rising premiums is being threatened by resurgent political fighting over the Affordable Care Act.

With time running out before millions of Americans could be subject to major rate hikes, it is increasingly unclear if Congress will be able to come together to offer relief.

On Wednesday, dueling new proposals from the right and left underscored partisan differences over health policy.

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Four GOP senators  led by Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina  introduced a sweeping bill to replace the 2010 healthcare law, often called Obamacare, and called on Congress to pass it by the end of the month.

And 15 Senate Democrats lined up behind a bill by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to move toward a single-payer model of healthcare in which nearly all Americans would get government health insurance akin to Medicare.

In contrast to these deeply divisive proposals, the bipartisan healthcare push in the Senate Health Committee  spearheaded by Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the senior Democrat  had spawned an unusual outbreak of harmony between Republicans and Democrats over the last several weeks.

And it fueled hopes that after seven years of bitter partisan fighting over the 2010 healthcare law, the two parties might be able to work together to help Americans burdened with rising healthcare costs.

The committee has been looking for ways to help consumers who get health insurance on their own, rather than from an employer or a government program such as Medicare and Medicaid.

These consumers, many of whom do not qualify for government assistance, have seen double-digit premium increases in recent years and could see even higher rates next year, driven in part by Trump administration moves that are undermining markets.

To stabilize the markets, which serve about 20 million people, Republicans and Democrats on the health committee have voiced support for continuing monthly payments to insurers that help them offer lower copays and deductibles to millions of low-income consumers.

The uncertainty over these so-called cost-sharing reduction payments  which the Trump administration has repeatedly threatened to withhold  has prompted numerous insurers around the country to warn that they must raise premiums by double digits next year to account for the possibility that they wont get the federal assistance.

Governors and state insurance regulators from both parties as well as insurance industry officials have called on Congress to end the uncertainty.

Tennessees regulator, Republican Julie McPeak, last week told the Senate health committee that ensuring consistent cost-sharing payments is the single most important issue to stabilizing markets.

Senators from both parties also have expressed interest in setting up new systems to protect insurers from big losses if they are hit with very costly patients.

Such reinsurance systems are used in other marketplaces such as the Medicare Part D prescription drug program and are seen as critical to controlling premiums.

But several senior Republicans  including Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)  have derided additional cost-sharing payments as a bailout for the insurers.

And many GOP lawmakers are demanding that Congress agree to give states greater flexibility to waive requirements in the 2010 healthcare law dictating minimum standards for what health insurance should cover.

There still are significant differences to deal with, Alexander warned this week, noting the importance to Republicans of granting states more power, which many conservatives believe could help lower costs.

A true compromise requires Democrats to accept something that Republicans want  more flexibility for states  and Republicans to accept something that Democrats want  continued funding for cost-sharing payments in the Affordable Care Act, Alexander said.

But Democrats and many consumer advocates worry that weakening insurance standards in the current law could make insurance more difficult to get for sicker Americans.

Democrats will reject any effort to use this discussion as a way to erode the guardrails and protections that so many patients and families rely on, Murray warned.

While debate over the future of consumer protections in the current law intensifies, partisan healthcare efforts are again proliferating on Capitol Hill.

Sanders single-payer bill, while popular with liberals, is vehemently opposed on the right.

And the last-ditch GOP effort to resuscitate the campaign to roll back the Affordable Care Act has stoked new ire among Democrats and many patient advocates.

The cornerstone of the Cassidy-Graham bill is a sweeping overhaul in the way the federal government provides hundreds of billions of dollars of healthcare assistance to low- and moderate-income Americans. That threatens health coverage for tens of millions of people, advocates warn.

The prospects for both efforts appear dim.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), a leading liberal, dismissed Sanders bill this week, saying her immediate goal is to protect the Affordable Care Act from President Trumps efforts to dismantle it.

And although Trump praised Cassidy and Graham for offering their new proposal Wednesday, Senate GOP leaders are not rushing to embrace it.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) compared the bills chances for passage to a double bank shot.

The GOP has less than three weeks before authorization expires to use a special procedure to advance repeal legislation with only 50 votes. I think thats just really, really hard, Thune said.

Alexander said he hopes he and Murray will be able to develop some compromise by the end of next week.

Insurance rates for 2018 for many state marketplaces are supposed to be finalized by the end of this month.

Obamacare 101: A primer on key issues in the debate over repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. 

Times staff writers Lisa Mascaro and Brian Bennett in Washington contributed to this report.

noam.levey@latimes.com

@noamlevey

UPDATES:

11:55 a.m.: This story was updated with new bills unveiled Wednesday and Trumps reaction.

This story was originally published at 6:35 a.m.
Like passengers leaping for a departing train, leading Democrats are scrambling to support single-payer health insurance, a system that would represent a huge expansion of government control over healthcare and which the partys presidential nominee declared last year would never, ever come to pass.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), whose support for universal coverage was central to his 2016 presidential campaign, on Wednesday unveiled the latest version of his plan to expand Medicare to cover all Americans.

After a parade of testimonials about the failures of the nations existing healthcare system, Sanders cast his measure as a moral and economic issue.

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Today we begin the long and difficult struggle to end the international disgrace of the United States of America, our great nation, being the only major country on earth not to guarantee healthcare to all of our people, Sanders said.

In the days before Sanders announcement, Democrats as ideologically diverse as liberal Sen. Kamala Harris of California and conservative Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia expressed support for his effort. Their statements reflect a significant shift within the Democratic party, driven by multiple developments: a belief that the window has closed on Republican efforts to repeal Obamacare; a surge in support for government-run insurance among younger, more activist Democrats; and looming 2018 and 2020 contests that demand clarity on what Democrats support  not just whom they oppose.

Most of the partys potential 2020 presidential candidates have now endorsed the single-payer idea, including Sanders, Harris, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Minnesota Sen. Al Franken.

Competing Democratic healthcare plans are due out soon, including one that would allow Americans to buy coverage through Medicaid and another that would expand Medicare, efforts less disruptive than Sanders proposal. But the authors of both have cast them as bridges to a time when a single government plan can gain a majority.

The shift toward single payer brings risk for Democrats. The party suffered huge losses after attempts to restructure the nations insurance system during the Clinton and Obama administrations.

And although polls show rising support for a government-run insurance plan, much of that increase comes among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents  meaning the party will be pushing an approach nearly as partisan as President Trumps recent efforts to repeal the current healthcare law. (The presidents press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, said Wednesday that Trump considers the new plan a horrible idea.)

Moreover, public opinion appears less than solid. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found support gyrating wildly when criticisms of a Medicare-for-all plan  including increased taxes and more government control over healthcare  were raised.

People dont like uncertainty, said Lynn Vavreck, a UCLA political scientist. Even the promise of something good might not be seen as better than what you have.

Already, elements in both parties are on the attack.

In Iowa, Republicans are accusing Democratic candidates for governor of supporting Sanders, citing a $32-trillion estimate for the senators 2016 campaign plan. In California, the fight has been between competing Democratic factions, leading to the threatened recall of the Democratic Assembly speaker after he set aside a single-payer bill pushed by a powerful nurses union because, he said, its financing was insufficient.

At his announcement, Sanders glided over the tough topic of how to pay for his proposal, saying only that the average American family would be better off and increased taxes will be more than offset by the absence of insurance premiums.

The swift embrace of a single government-run insurance program belies the long slog that veterans of the capitals healthcare wars predict would be required to sell the plan not only to a skeptical public but to legislators on Capitol Hill. For now, with a Republican president and both houses of Congress held by the GOP, the finish line is a distant one under most any calculation.

I hate to break it to anybody, but we are realistically not within four years of having a single-payer bill or a universal coverage bill passed, said Andy Slavitt, who oversaw Medicare, Medicaid and insurance markets during the Obama administration.

I strongly advise that Democrats invest the time in listening  [to] how people think about the trade-offs and how they think about the options and what features theyd like, he said.

Backers of the plan dismiss any political motives. Harris said Wednesday that the measure is a nonpartisan issue.

Despite admonitions from experts like Slavitt, support for a universal government program rapidly is becoming a litmus test for the partys national and state candidates.

Its going to be hard to win a Democratic primary in 2020 without supporting single payer, Democratic pollster Celinda Lake said.

Some in the party disagree with the rush toward a new program on the heels of existing healthcare fights.

Right now, Im protecting the Affordable Care Act, Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi, of San Francisco, said Tuesday, repeating her long-standing position that talk of a single-payer plan, which she supports in theory, remains premature. None of these other things  can really prevail unless we have the Affordable Care Act protected.

Lake and other pollsters say theres an even more basic reality: Most voters have little idea of what single-payer would do and how it would do it. In one focus group, for example, a participant expressed frustration over what single payer healthcare was, Lake said.

What does single payer mean? The only single payer is me, the focus group attendee said.

The label refers to a government program that would pay for and regulate healthcare for all Americans. It would replace the current system dominated by employer-supplied private insurance and supplemented by Obamacares government-assisted individual insurance plans.

It also would affect Medicare, which covers those 65 and older, and Medicaid, the program for lower-income people and the disabled that was expanded under Obamacare and now covers about 1 in 5 Americans.

As Sanders alluded to, it would eliminate the need to pay premiums to insurers for coverage but would require a very large tax increase.

The fact that most voters arent familiar with single payer could allow candidates who have endorsed it to define for themselves what theyve signed onto. Then again, they will be defined by opponents as embracing the most extreme version.

Theres a lot of energy for single payer, said Bill Burton, a former Obama spokesman and party strategist. But at this point, the parameters of a bill are unknown, he said.

Its an idea that people are supporting, not actual legislation.

Sanders will determine, in large part, how much flexibility his colleagues have. While he remains an independent, somewhat distant from the party whose nomination he sought last year, the Vermont senator has an unparalleled ability to draw in the young voters on whom the Democratic Partys future depends.

Last year, that ability came at the expenses of the party establishment and eventual nominee Hillary Clinton, with whom he clashed over healthcare.

Sanders argued that universal coverage was necessary both to protect Americans health and to break what he called the corrupt control of the healthcare system by pharmaceutical companies and other interests.

Clinton countered that his plan will never, ever come to pass.

Since the campaign  and the months-long, unsuccessful fight by Republicans to repeal Obamacare  things have changed.

A Pew Research poll in June found that the percentage of Americans favoring a single-payer plan had risen to 33%, five points higher than in January and 12 points higher than three years earlier. Two-thirds of Democrats younger than 30 favored a single government plan, as did 22% of young Republicans.

Sanders has said support for his plan should not be a litmus test for candidates, but some of his most loyal partisans disagree in words that conjure a coming fight.

Its a litmus test, said RoseAnn DeMoro, the executive director of National Nurses United. The Democrats hate it when I say that.

Any intra-party conflict will be piled upon the nervousness that defines every effort by either party to change the nations healthcare system. The persistent problem: Although Americans often vote for change, they also fear it.

Vavreck said she was surprised at the quick shift among Democrats from defending Obamacare, which kept much of the insurance system in place, to fighting for what has been deemed a long shot.

The idea that you go to the biggest, boldest idea seems to me an unusual way to make progress, she said. Sanders and other Democrats may have decided, she said, that if you dont push for a foot, you never get an inch.

cathleen.decker@latimes.com

Twitter: @cathleendecker

ALSO

The debate over single-payer healthcare in California isnt going away. Heres why

How does a progressive Democrat try to unseat a Republican? Step one: Dont talk about single-payer healthcare

Capitol Journal: Forget about single-payer healthcare. This California congressman has the real solution: Medicare for all

UPDATES:

1:15 p.m.: This article was updated with quotes from Sen. Sanders announcement.

The article was first published at 9:30 a.m.
This time next year, the mad scramble for control of the U.S. House of Representatives in all likelihood will dominate political conversation.

Loyal Essential Politics readers know weve been focused on Californias 2018 congressional races since the ballots were certified on the 2016 elections, and today were offering you an easy way to keep track of the contests that matter.

Our congressional tracker, shown first to subscribers of this newsletter, details the districts that well be talking about in the months to come. For Democrats to win control of the House next fall, they have to flip at least a handful of these seats.

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Democrats are attempting to take advantage of anti-Trump resistance movements and demographic change to further dominate the Golden State. They see opportunity in Orange County, which backed a Democrat for president for the first time in 80 years last fall. Several Republicans there havent faced tough races in a long time, if ever, making them vulnerable to an upset.

Republicans say they will play offense too. The party will spend money on a handful of races as an insurance policy against possible losses elsewhere. There will be millions spent in the state, one of the most expensive places to run a campaign.

The Times California politics editors have ranked the hottest races by the intensity of the fight the member of Congress looks to face. No. 1: Rep. Darrell Issa. See the rest.

Well be updating our rankings throughout the cycle, and subscribers to Essential Politics will be the first to learn whats changed.

And you can always keep up with these races in the moment via the Essential Politics news feed on California politics.

SANCTUARY STATE AGREEMENT HEADS TO A VOTE

In tough negotiations with Gov. Jerry Brown, Senate leader Kevin de Leon agreed Monday to amend a sanctuary state bill that would limit the role of state or local law enforcement agencies in holding and questioning immigrants in the country illegally.

The new version exempts state prisons and includes other changes to how law enforcement agencies will be affected. Immigrant advocates said the bill still sends an important message of support to immigrant communities living in fear under the Trump administration. At least one opposing law enforcement association switched its position to neutral, and the legislation now has the support of Speaker Anthony Rendon in the Assembly, where the bill faces its next hurdle.

As those negotiations were wrapping, California on Monday sued the Trump administration, challenging as unconstitutional the presidents plan to rescind DACA.

NATIONAL POLITICS LIGHTNING ROUND

Speaking of which, congressional Democrats are trying to force a vote on the Dream Act, using a procedural maneuver or at least provide a show of strength that leaves Republican leaders few options but to call one.

Weve got the top talkers in Hillary Clintons new book, including the former secretary of State saying that using a private email server was dumb.

So far, its been adoring crowds for Clinton, but lackluster reviews.

Lots of people are getting on board the Medicare-for-all bandwagon, but House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi isnt one of them.

Steve Bannon is coming to Berkeley.

Get the latest about whats happening in the nations capital on Essential Washington.

VILLARAIGOSA ADMITS HIS TIME MIGHT HAVE PASSED

Antonio Villaraigosa is craving one more act in public life. But as the former L.A. mayor travels the state running for governor, he knows better than anyone that the odds are stacked against him. In the latest in our series of profiles of the top gubernatorial candidates, Villaraigosa suggests as much to Michael Finnegan. Still, he vows to outwork his rivals and return, if he can, to center stage in California politics.

Dont miss Finnegans profiles of Treasurer John Chiang and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom.

DONT TOKE AND DRIVE

With state-licensed marijuana sales months away, Brown signed a bill that prohibits smoking or consuming cannabis while driving or riding in a vehicle in California. The new law makes a violation punishable with a $70 fine.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION ROUNDUP

With just a few days left in the legislative session, lawmakers have sealed the fate of a number of measures. One major pending issue is housing, as several bills have yet to come up for a vote. Legislators made some last-minute changes in trying to garner support for a package.

Heres a quick look at the rest.

-- A bill to let some counties and cities in California establish safe injection sites for drug users stumbled in the state Senate.

-- Iraqi and Afghan refugees could soon pay resident student tuition at California community colleges.

-- A California Assembly bill to protect tenants from deportation heads to Brown.

-- Lawmakers blocked an effort to allow 17-year-olds to vote in California elections.

-- A bill to provide free menstrual products in schools with low-income students headed to the governors desk.

-- Lawmakers signed off on a bill to give California teachers paid pregnancy leave.

-- Brown also has on his desk a measure that would limit mandatory sentences for some drug charges.

-- State lawmakers passed a bill making it easier for Uber and Lyft drivers to get permits.

-- State lawmakers on Monday gave final legislative approval to a bill that would reduce from a felony to a misdemeanor the crime of knowingly exposing a sexual partner to HIV without disclosing the infection.

-- A measure that would expand a firearms ban on school campuses in California won final legislative approval and was sent to Brown, a rifle owner who has been skeptical about some gun control measures.

-- A measure aimed at slowing the revolving door of California legislators becoming lobbyists is headed to Browns desk. Depending on when they step down, they could be banned for as long as three years under the new rule  with no lobbying allowed during the two-year session after they were elected, and one year after that session.

TRACKING THE MONEY RACE

Vice President Pence canceled a California fundraising trip to boost GOP congressional candidates scheduled for later this week because of hurricane recovery efforts, Seema Mehta reports. The trip has been rescheduled for October.

Rep. Keith Ellison, the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, is heading to Orange County -- a linchpin of the partys efforts to retake control of the U.S. House of Representatives -- when he headlines the county partys largest annual fundraiser later this month.

TODAYS ESSENTIALS

-- Newsom hired a veteran Democratic strategist as his campaign manager.

-- A court ordered Issa to pay his 2016 opponent Doug Applegate $45,000 after a failed defamation lawsuit.

-- Rep. Mimi Walters, No. 7 on our list, has a new Democratic challenger: ice cream shop owner and former healthcare administrator Greg Ramsay.

LOGISTICS

Essential Politics is published Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

You can keep up with breaking news on our politics page throughout the day for the latest and greatest. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics?

Miss Mondays newsletter? Here you go.

Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com.

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Trump Jr. to speak privately to Senate staff on Thursday

(Richard Drew / Associated Press)

President Trumps oldest son is expected to meet privately with a Senate committee investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, several senators said Wednesday.

Donald Trump Jr.'s appearance Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee would probably focus on a meeting he had with a Russian lawyer and others during the final stretches of last years campaign. Emails released in July show that Trump Jr. was told the session at Trump Tower in New York was part of a Russian government effort to aid his father, the Republican nominee.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating that meeting, also attended by Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman, Paul Manafort. A grand jury has heard testimony about it.

Trump Jr. has also agreed to appear in the coming weeks before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting its own investigation.

Separately, President Obamas national security advisor, Susan Rice, was meeting on Wednesday with the House Intelligence Committee, according to a person familiar with the interview. This person wasnt authorized to discuss the committees confidential work and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

That committee has subpoenaed the Justice Department and the FBI for documents related to a dossier of salacious allegations involving Trump and possible ties to Russia.

As for Donald Trump Jr., some Democratic senators said they planned to attend his session though tradition dictates that senators cannot ask questions at such interviews conducted by committee staff.

Sens. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said they would be there. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) was considering it.

I go in with an open mind, Durbin said. I want to hear his answers to questions  there are plenty of questions  about the involvement of the Trump corporation as well as the Trump campaign with the Russians and other foreigners, and I just want to hear what Mr. Trump has to say.

Durbin said he would be shocked if questions werent asked about whether Trump Sr. knew about the Trump Tower meeting.

The critical part of his testimony will be following the financial dealing, Blumenthal said. He said he also wants to find out what Trump Jr. may know about potential obstruction of justice, adding there may have been conversations between the two about the firing of FBI Director James Comey and other matters.

Blumenthal and Coons said the private interview is no substitute for a public hearing, which the committee chairman, Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), has promised will happen.

This meeting is far less important than his public testimony, under oath, before the American people, Blumenthal said.

Grassley would not say on Wednesday whether he would issue a subpoena for Trump Jr. if he refuses to testify publicly.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department is reviewing subpoenas from the House intelligence committee.

In a letter Friday that was obtained by the AP, the committee wrote that it had served subpoenas on Aug. 24 to the department and the FBI for documents related to the committees investigation of Russian meddling. The Justice Department and FBI had missed the original Sept. 1 deadline, so the committee extended the deadline to Sept. 14.

The letter was signed by the committee chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), who stepped back from the Russia investigation this year after he was criticized for being too close to the White House. Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas) took over the leading role, but his name does not appear on the letter.

As chairman, Nunes retains subpoena power in the committee.

According to the letter, the original subpoenas requested any documents related to the dossier and sought information about whether the department was involved in its production.

If the documents are not produced, the committee is seeking to compel Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, who has withdrawn from investigations examining connections between Trump and Russia, and newly installed FBI Director Christopher Wray to testify in an open hearing. The committee issued two additional subpoenas to Sessions and Wray on late Tuesday.

Resort to compulsory process was necessary because of DOJs and FBIs insufficient responsiveness to the committees numerous Russia-investigation related requests over the past several months, the letter said.

If the committee is unable to obtain documents or testimony, Nunes wrote, the committee expressly reserves its right to proceed with any and all available legal options, including a House vote to hold Sessions and Wray in contempt.

The Justice Department confirmed it was reviewing the subpoenas but declined further comment.

The dossier attracted public attention in January when it was revealed that then-FBI Director Comey had briefed Trump, soon before he was inaugurated as president, about claims from the documents that Russia had amassed compromising personal and financial allegations about him.

Its unclear to what extent the allegations in the dossier have been corroborated or verified by the FBI because the bureau has not publicly discussed it.

Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said Tuesday evening on MSNBC that the subpoenas were issued over the objections of Democrats. Schiff said Republicans are working harder to discredit those who compiled the dossier than to find out if the allegations in it are true. He said Republicans should be more focused on getting documents from the White House.

The subpoenas were first reported by the Washington Examiner.
Some local high school students are challenging Burbank Unifieds dress-code policy, saying it is sexist against girls, and they are planning to survey parents, teachers and students on how to amend the policy.

Eight students from Burroughs and Burbank high schools shared their personal experiences dealing with the dress-code policy during the public-comment period of a Burbank school board meeting last week.

According to the policy, clothing must not detract from the academic environment and cannot promote the use of illegal substances, alcohol and should be void of profanity and violence. Low-cut tops, spaghetti-strap shirts, short skirts and short shorts are not permitted, nor are beanies and hats.

If a student wears inappropriate clothing, they are asked to change or a parent is asked to bring appropriate clothing.

Burroughs High student Virginia Begakis said she was pulled out of an honors class earlier this month because she wore a shirt with straps that were too thin during a 110-degree day.

School is telling us female bodies are distracting, and its wrong, Virginia said, countering that the actual distraction is when teachers interrupt class to send a student away to change.

Hanna Mikaelian, another Burroughs student, showed board members a photo of an outfit she wore that violated the dress code because her bra strap was visible underneath what appears to be a sheer cardigan.

The issue was originally introduced to the board of education last month by Louie Kahn, student body president at Burroughs High. He said he was approached by several girls who complained about the policy during the first week of school.

To help make a strong case for revising the dress-code policy, Louie held a meeting in the schools auditorium prior to last weeks board meeting, where about 100 students attended to share what specifically theyd like to see changed.

He said students want more leniency with spaghetti straps, shoulder visibility and low-cut tops, especially during hot weather.

Im a boy and it hasnt affected me, but my job is to represent my constituents on campus, Louie said during a phone interview on Monday. Many students feel its sexist and it needs language that is more neutral Styles have changed and its time for an update to the policy.

In the coming weeks, Louie said surveys will be distributed to students, parents and teachers to gather information, such as reasons why a student violated the dress code. Results will then be shared with the school board.

Deborah Madrigal, principal at Burroughs High, said in a phone interview that shes glad students are demonstrating and participating in democracy and learning how to get something done.

When a student violates the dress code, Madrigal said administrators try to address it quickly without taking time away from class, and reactions can vary from person to person.

Madrigal said she hopes students are successful in updating the dress code to reflect current styles.

Generally, boys disobey the dress code by wearing shirts that show naked women, she said, but as a heat wave hit the area early in the school year, girls wore shorts and off-the-shoulder tops that arent allowed.

Its hard for girls to find shorts that officially fit our dress code. Its an older dress code, and you cant buy shorts that long anymore  its hard for them to find the right shorts, she said.

Supt. Matt Hill and John Paramo, district director of secondary education, visited Burroughs High to speak with the associated student body and explain how to create and implement policies.

He added that during the school board meeting last week, he sent emails to principals in the district stating they should be mindful of how a student is approached for violating the dress code.

We encourage them to have town halls or forums to invite everybody after [theyve] collected surveys so they can suggest changes for staff and the board to review, Hill said during a phone interview.

priscella.vega@latimes.com

Twitter: @vegapriscella

ALSO

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre season closer caps 15-year run, pays tribute to Armenians

John Burroughs High student selected as clarinetist for Los Angeles Youth Orchestra

Video-game giant Blizzard to open a dedicated e-sports facility in Burbank
Although hes been playing the clarinet for only a little more than a year, a John Burroughs High School junior was selected last month as one of four clarinetists in the Symphony Orchestra of the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra.

Turner Perez, 16, auditioned for a seat in the advanced group at the Encino Community Center on Aug. 20 after being encouraged by his teacher Marcus Eley, a professional clarinetist.

Turner said he felt confident in his newfound skills even though hes been playing for a limited time. He currently plays tenor and baritone saxophones at Burroughs High.

The audition required Turner to play orchestral clarinet excerpts from Aaron Coplands Hoe-Down and Antonin Dvoraks Carneval Overture as well as scales and sight-readings, where a musician reads and plays music in an arrangement theyve not seen before.

He said he was slightly nervous on his way to the audition, but that soon changed once he walked into the practice room.

When I heard the other players play, I thought I should be here, he said during a phone interview.

At the end of his audition, he said he had an inkling he snagged a spot based on feedback he received, and he walked out with a smile.

A few days later, his mom received a call from the youth orchestra notifying her that Turner had earned a spot in the clarinet section.

Im elated that he will be part of [such] a prestigious symphony as the L.A. Youth Orchestra, Kimberly Perez said. She credited Eleys support of her son as a main reason why he was successful in his audition.

Turners Sundays will now be dedicated to rehearsing with the youth orchestra along with other young musicians from more than 60 schools throughout the Los Angeles area.

He will practice alongside faculty, perform in concert halls and work with visiting world-class guest conductors, according to the Los Angeles Youth Orchestras website.

Turner said he is looking forward to performing at UCLA and at the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena in November. Once he graduates from high school, he said he plans to continue studying music at the Colburn School.

priscella.vega@latimes.com

Twitter: @vegapriscella
More air-quality testing could be coming to the Estancia High School science wing, which has been plagued by pungent, sewer-like odors for nearly a decade.

On a 6-0 vote Tuesday night, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District board, with trustee Vicki Snell absent, approved spending up to $60,000 for an industrial hygiene and environmental consultant to continue monitoring, if needed, six of the Costa Mesa campus science classrooms and roof.



For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that testing would be done. In fact, testing might occur if district officials request it.

Arcadia-based Executive Environmental would look for hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide and volatile organic compounds. No testing dates have been determined.

The boards decision comes after the Daily Pilot reported last week about health concerns from Estancia teachers exposed to sewer gases or sewage emanating from walls, sinks and floors in the science wing following a renovation project that was completed in 2008. One teacher, who remains on medical leave, contends the exposure has caused him to have migraines.

District officials have said there have been no indications of unsafe air in the classrooms. They attributed the problem to improperly capped sewer pipes, most of which were fixed this summer.

Executive Environmental also did monitoring at Estancia from May through July. It concluded that the science rooms were safe to occupy under California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Tuesdays vote paid for that work retroactively.

During Tuesdays meeting, school board members and Britt Dowdy, president of the Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers, questioned which standards should be applied in any new testing.

Dowdy referenced Michael Kleinman, an adjunct professor in UC Irvines Department of Medicine, who told the Pilot that Estancias testing should have gone beyond Cal/OSHA guidelines and adhere to the more-stringent standards of the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Tim Holcomb, Newport-Mesa assistant superintendent and chief operating officer, said he has since spoken with Kleinman. Holcomb noted that the difference in standards between Cal/OSHA and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment is vast and that each persons reaction to what may have been in the science wing is different and hard to standardize.

Holcomb said the district is trying to learn as much as it can about the situation  which can get very technical  and plans to take the issue back to the board at a later date.

Russell Lee-Sung, Newport-Mesas acting superintendent in place of Fred Navarro, who is recovering from an injury, emphasized that Newport-Mesa is concerned about Estancia.

This is something that were looking at very seriously and very deeply, Lee-Sung said.

bradley.zint@latimes.com

Twitter: @BradleyZint

UPDATES:

Sept. 19, 4:25 p.m.: This article was updated to add information about approval of a retroactive payment for work Executive Environmental did earlier this year.

This article was originally published Sept. 13 at 10:15 a.m.
Good morning. Its Wednesday, Sept. 13. Heres whats been happening around O.C.

Top story

Newport Beachs Irvine Co. plans to bid for Amazons second headquarters

The Irvine Co. said it plans to bid for Amazon.coms second headquarters, which Amazon says will employ up to 50,000 people. Los Angeles Times

Around the county

200 Ocean View High students walk out to protest Trumps decision to end DACA

About 200 students marched out of their classrooms at Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach to protest President Trumps decision to phase out a program that has protected many young immigrants from deportation. Daily Pilot

Politics

Ex-Rep. Loretta Sanchez will executive produce an NBC political drama

Ten-term former Rep. Loretta Sanchez is coming to Hollywood  only this time, instead of asking for money, it looks as if shes aiming to make some. Sanchez, a Democrat from Santa Ana who served 20 years in the House and ran for Senate in 2016, is named as an executive producer on a political drama that just got a script commitment from NBC. Los Angeles Times

Business & real estate

Fashion Island turns 50 with a challenge to remain in fashion

Fashion Island sees itself as a peerless luxury shopping experience uniquely situated minutes from Newport Beachs sandy shores, and over the weekend it marked a half century of operations. Daily Pilot

Former Angels slugger Vladimir Guerrero lists O.C. estate for $2.2 million

Vladimir Guerrero is ready to give up his home base. The former Anaheim Angel has put his Mediterranean-style home in Anaheim Hills on the market for $2.185 million. Los Angeles Times

Arts & entertainment

Disneyland fans gripe about Shanghai Disneys free digital Fastpass

Visitors to the Shanghai Disney Resort in China will soon get to use a smartphone app to reserve a time to visit their favorite attraction without waiting in a long line  at no additional cost. But some Disney fans are irked because the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim launched a similar app in July at a cost of $10 a day. Los Angeles Times

This Fender Stratocaster has the look and feel of Orange County

Imagine a part of Orange County style captured in a guitar. Mark Kendrick, a former Huntington Beach resident and former master builder at the Fender Custom Shop, did just that by designing a custom Fender Stratocaster for the shops 30th anniversary. Daily Pilot

Food & drink

Marche Moderne restaurant is ready to reopen at its new location

When husband-and-wife chefs Florent and Amelia Marneau took over Tamarinds former location in the Crystal Cove Shopping Center, the couple knew they were in for a design challenge. For the Marneaus, who opened the acclaimed Marche Moderne 10 years ago, the answer was simply to relocate their restaurants Provencal charm from Costa Mesa to Newport Coast. TimesOC

Five new O.C. brewery tasting rooms to check out this fall

Orange County is well on its way to being home to 40 breweries, but the place that was once considered mere overflow from San Diegos historic beer scene is showing no signs of over-saturation. TimesOC

Sports

Joey Yellen is making the most of his opportunity at Mission Viejo

It came as no surprise that Joey Yellen, wanting to play his junior season, decided to transfer from St. John Boscoe. He found Mission Viejo. Los Angeles Times

Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to dailypilot@latimes.com.
A long-time Huntington Beach resident is on a mission to inform the American public about this nations deadliest disaster on the high seas, and the U.S. governments lengthy attempts to cover up the catastrophe.

Janet Sidoti Delude also has a compelling, personal motivation for speaking up: Her father was aboard the British troop transport HMT (His Majestys Transport) Rohna, which was sunk by a German airborne missile during World War II, an event that caused the deaths of 1,050 American soldiers, 124 members of the ships 195-man crew and two of the three Red Cross workers aboard.

Secretary-treasurer of the Rohna Survivors Memorial Assn., Delude said the organization at its annual meeting next year will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the ships sinking that occurred in the eastern Mediterranean, about 15 miles off the coast of Algeria, at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 23, 1943, the day after Thanksgiving.

Although the passage of the Freedom of Information Act in 1967 forced the government to make public previously censored news of the tragedy, complete details still are not forthcoming, said Delude, 70, a retired manicurist who, along with her husband, Jim, a retired aerospace worker, divide their time today among Orange County, Long Beach and Coarsegold, north of Fresno.

Many of the Rohna survivors, for years, have had difficulty convincing their families and friends that they were aboard the Rohna, Delude said. I still receive letters from relatives of men who died or were injured on the ship, asking how, when and where they met death or were wounded. Its a mystery why the government still wont give us all the facts about a sea disaster that took place 74 years ago.

Theres no mystery, however, why U.S. military and civil authorities initially hushed up the Rohna sinking that fell nearly two years after the U.S. entered WWII following Japans attack on Pearl Harbor.

HMT Rohna, a 19-year-old, 461-foot former passenger and cargo liner that saw service in India and the Far East and was appropriated by the British in 1942 to transport troops to Asia, was sunk by a radio-controlled glide bomb dropped by a German Heinkel heavy bomber.

The fact that the Germans had developed this new technology was immediately kept secret by the U.S. and its allies, as it was feared our military and civilian population would be demoralized by the news if it leaked out, according to Delude. As a consequence, the Rohnas survivors, and the crews of the ships that rescued them, were sworn to secrecy. They were forbidden to speak or write to their families about the guided bomb. They couldnt even talk about it among themselves. They were told theyd be court-martialed if they disobeyed.

I understand the need for secrecy during the war, but the secrecy went on for many years after the war ended, she continued. And today, we still are stonewalled by the government when we try to get the complete story.

Deludes father, Army Air Corps Staff Sgt. Peter J. Sidoti, was the middle of 10 children born in Cleveland, Ohio, to a bakery owner and his wife.

Enlisting in the Army at 22 and trained as a bomber tailgunner, he was one of the approximately 2,100 U.S. soldiers aboard the Rohna when it was hit and sank.

And he was among the estimated 800 who survived.

My dad was playing cards when the bomb struck, she said. There was a huge fireball that engulfed the ship, and hundreds were killed at once. Although he suffered a head injury and burns to the arms and legs, Dad managed to reach one of the ships big guns and shoot down two or three German bombers. It may be the first time in history that an Army tailgunner shot down enemy aircraft from the deck of a sinking ship. Dad was a real hero!

The Rohna, which was named for a city in the Indian province of Punjab, immediately began to list, and those still alive struggled to reach the lifeboats, only to find most of them damaged by the German bomb or rusted to their davits,Deliude said. The survivors then jumped into the sea, many of them climbing aboard rubber life rafts that had floated free from the sinking ship, hatch covers or pieces of wood. Hundreds more died in the water. It was a horrific scene.

My father passed out on deck and was tossed into the sea. A shipmate was able to pull him aboard a big floating piece of wood.

The ship sank about an hour after it was hit, and the USS Pioneer, a 221-foot minesweeper, and several British warships protecting the Rohna and 24 other ships in a convoy that was heading to Asia, rescued Sidoti and the others. No other ships in the convoy were hit. It took many years for the crew of the USS Pioneer, like the dead and injured aboard the Rohna, to win recognition from the U.S. government.

Sidoti was transferred to a military hospital in the Algerian port city of Phillipeville, where he lay unconscious for three days. After awakening, he was shuttled to nearly a dozen hospitals in North Africa and the U.S. He received a medical discharge and got married three months after returning home.

He suffered PTSD, vision problems, constant headaches and had a metal plate put in his head by the surgeons, said Delude, a mother of three and grandmother of five. He found it difficult to hold down a job. But he joined the Air Force Reserve when he came home, and he did his best for his country. My father died in 1982 at the age of 60.

After government censorship decreased, Sidoti and the other survivors, and those killed aboard the Rohna, eventually received, posthumously, medals for their service. Several monuments honoring the ship and crew have been erected across the nation and congressional resolutions have honored them as well.

When the Rohna Survivors Memorial Assn. holds its meeting in Memphis in 2018, Delude hopes at least two of the estimated 20 living survivors will be able to attend the 75th anniversary of the disaster.

Of the 20 we believe are still alive, hardly any can travel. Theyre too old, ill or both, she said during an interview at the Laguna Woods home of Jo and Rod Duplechin, who formerly lived across the street from her family in Huntington Beachs Huntington Village neighborhood near Marina High School.

At the organizations meeting next year, Delude hopes attendees will join her in signing a petition asking the government to provide complete information about the disaster. Its difficult to believe the Pentagon is purposely hiding the complete facts about an event that happened so long ago, she said.

Contributor DAVID C. HENLEY lives in Newport Beach.
You cant talk about addressing the mental health crisis in this county without including the issues of homelessness and addiction.

This is why a coalition of addiction and mental health experts from Hoag and St. Joseph hospitals, as well as local and state government officials, have been meeting to come up with a plan.

No one facility or community can bear the burden, but networked campuses countywide just might.

Could a portion of the Fairview Developmental Center property in Costa Mesa be one of these?

Fairview is slated to close in 2021, with a proposed plan to transition residents into smaller regional centers.

The state Department of Developmental Services has the ability to lease the land to a nonprofit organization or sell it without any say-so from local city or county officials.

Faced with this possibility, Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) introduced Senate Bill 59 .

Co-authored with Sens. Ted Gaines (R-Redding), Mike McGuire (D-Eureka) and Jim Beall (D-San Jose), the bill would give local cities and counties a voice in repurposing the land.

Now that Gov. Jerry Brown is ready to sign a new budget, and theres $2 million allocated for a site study for Fairview, Moorlach says its time to move SB59 forward.

Moorlach has been meeting with Hoag and St. Joseph and county and Costa Mesa city officials, as the group looks to address mental health issues and homelessness as part of a larger county network.

We are meeting on a regular basis, and the coalition we are building is phenomenal, Moorlach says.

Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley says of the 105 acres at Fairview Developmental, 50% could be set aside for single-family housing, 25% for open space, 15% for mental health-institutional services of some sort and 10% to be determined.

Im hearing 25% for mental health, however, is being discussed by the coalition.

The mental health aspect of this plan would be part of a larger countywide public-private partnership.

Costa Mesa City Manager Tom Hatch likes the regional approach because trying to solve the countys homeless and mental health crisis with just one site isnt the answer.

Hatch wants help available in every community.

As part of this coalitions research, a group including Hatch, Foley and former assistant City Manager Rick Francis, hospital and county mental health officials, made a trip to Haven for Hope in San Antonio.

Haven for Hope is a successful model of how combining services with a public-private partnership, including local nonprofits, state and local agencies, can make a difference in addressing mental health services, addiction and homelessness.

A center there allows law enforcement to bring those needing to sober up only for the night as an alternative to taking up space in jails. Individuals opting for longer addiction care programs can stay.

Haven of Hope also has transitional housing for homeless families, along with more than 80 service providers, to help folks get back on their feet with training and job skills.

And it has a shelter for those looking for a safe haven for a night, rather than a long-term stay.

With a capacity of 1,500, the Haven of Hope model could be applied here.

In theory the concept being explored holds promise, but will political difference hamper progress?

Though Moorlach has reached across the political aisle, there are those with reservations.

Foley, a Democrat, is concerned the states assessment study could value Fairview at a high price, making it prohibitive for any kind of affordable project.

She questions why there isnt another O.C. senator supporting Moorlachs bill. Until I told her two Democratic senators co-authored it, she was unaware of the bipartisan cooperation and went online to look up the bills progress for herself.

Foley admits her trip to Haven of Hope was enlightening, and there are components  like having service providers for the homeless in one location and the transitional housing concept  that could work here.

But she isnt counting out another concept being considered by the city for Fairview: affordable housing. And she tells me there have been talks with a provider.

Theres certainly a need to address the full scope of local mental health issues. The coalitions plan may be a good start to a comprehensive solution, barring politics getting in the way.

BARBARA VENEZIA lives in Newport Beach. She can be reached at bvontv1@gmail.com.
Its that time of year when we all have to start thinking about health insurance plans and options.

Not only do I need to figure out if my current plan will be offered again next year, and with what changes, but my husband is over 65, so I also have to research the latest Medicare plans as well.

As a columnist, research is my thing, but this insurance stuff makes my head spin.

Like it or not its time to start researching as open enrollment begins. Covered California open enrollment is Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, and Medicares is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

At healthcare.gov, theres information about the various open enrollments, including for a Special Enrollment Period, due to a life event like losing other coverage, getting married or having a baby, as well as Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

The government site also provides tips regarding the Health Insurance Marketplace and whats required to be eligible to use these programs.

Making the right insurance choices can be confusing.

So I asked my pal Dr. Michael Brant-Zawadzki, FACR senior physician executive at Hoag Hospital, for some thoughts on how to maneuver through this medical insurance muddle.

Hoag is part of a 50, non-profit hospital system, the second largest west of the Mississippi, so I thought hed have some good advice, and he did.

Brant-Zawadzki agrees that Uncertainty about healthcare abounds, and it clouds our choices.

He says its important to look at options, as it can come down to a tradeoff: choice versus cost.

Even with workplace health plans, this is the case as, as employers increasingly select health plans that package hospitals and clinicians in a narrow network, hoping to spend less while maintaining quality and patient satisfaction.

I asked the good doctor about Medicare, as information is showing up in the mail, and from what I can see, its a bit confusing.

Brant-Zawadzki explained Medicare has two options.

Selecting the traditional Medicare provides full choice of physicians and facilities, but entails out-of-pocket co-pays, and many buy supplemental insurance to cover the costs that Medicare does not cover, he says.

The other choice, Medicare Advantage, is marketed to seniors by insurance companies and large health plans like Kaiser.

He says this is attractive because it promises low or no out-of-pocket costs for doctors, hospitalization and drugs.

But those choosing this option should be aware that Medicare Advantage plans offer members a network of physicians and facilities that they must use, according to the plan guidelines.

Medicare Advantage plans typically require access for all care through an assigned primary care physician, who directs the care plan, including which tests and specialists the member will need, says Brant-Zawadzki.

He explained these managed plans have contracted specialists, and sites of service, so patients choices of specialists is limited.

An unexpected emergency could find a patient here in a hospital not in their plan, resulting in transfer to a hospital within their plan.

Likewise, an on-call specialist seeing that ER patient may not be on the plan, and may bill separately for professional services, says Brant-Zawadzki.

This scenario causes confusion and frustration, as well as unexpected bills for the patient, not to mention the disruption in the continuum of care, he says.

Brant-Zawadzki says if Medicare Advantage is your preference, its a good idea to choose a plan that bundles the hospital, its facilities and the specialists you trust.

Just because your favorite hospital is in network on your plan does not mean that that hospitals out-patient lab, imaging, colonoscopy or even ambulatory surgery facilities are also in your plan, says Brant-Zawadzki.

Ask your primary care physician what contractual obligations he or she has within the plan youve chosen and what facilities and specialists to which youd likely be directed.

You may find yourself in a facility operated by an unfamiliar entity with an unknown diagnostician Brant-Zawadzki says.

Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans can be confusing.

Patients should access all care from the hospital network of their choice and ensure that the plan they select gives them access to not only inpatient hospital care, but all of the additional services, such as imaging, physical therapy and other outpatient services.

Cover your bases, as you research health insurance choices.

Speak to an independent insurance broker.

And you might want to attend Hoag Hospitals free seminars about the basics of Medicare, Medicare benefits, Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans, Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Classes begin in September and run through November at all three campuses in Newport, Irvine and Huntington Beach.

Reservations are a must and to find the location and times in your area visit hoagmedicalgroup.com/for-patients/classes/

BARBARA VENEZIA lives in Newport Beach. She can be reached at bvontv1@gmail.com.
ed

I live in College Park. The fireworks at the Pacific Symphonys Tchaikovsky Spectacular on Sept. 9 woke my entire family up right at 10 p.m. We called the police to register a noise complaint and we were told that this was not a noise violation because the event organizers had a permit to do this. I clarified with the police that this permit was granted and I was told that was correct.



For the record: An earlier version of this letter stated that the city granted event organizers a fireworks permit. That is incorrect. The city does not issue permits for events at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Section 13-238 of the Costa Mesa Zoning Code reads: It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully make or continue, to cause to be made or continued, any loud unnecessary and unusual noise, which disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area.

The zoning code also states, the standard whether a violation of the provisions of this section exist may include, but not limited to the following: (e) the proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities.

Let me assure you that the Orange County Fairgrounds are located next to residential sleeping facilities (known as College Park). Since this event was planned, then I can assume that the fireworks were willfully caused and this was not some random accident in the parking lot.

Please explain to my why this was allowed this to happen.

Emily Bees

Costa Mesa

Mesa Water needs to come clean about how money is being spent

Mesa Water is proposing a 5% per year, five-year rate increase; compounded, this equals 30% over the five years.

This rate increase will replace the previously adopted rate increase that was scheduled to become effective January 2018. That adopted rate would have increased the average household bill by 3%, so the proposed rate equals an increase of 7% even though the district lists it as 5%.

Mesa Water blames the rising cost of water but its current budget  which has an operating income of $8.6 million before depreciation  already included those increased costs. Even taking into account all the non-operating and capital the bottom line is still positive without this proposed increase. There have been items published lately about how much the board spends on travel and the general manager being one of the highest paid in the county.

And while in dollars the amount may be small, it does lead one to wonder: how else is public money being spent? It is difficult to determine that question as limited financial information is readily available. The only financial statement information online is the budget and annual financial report.

Monthly financial statements are provided at Finance Committee meetings but are not included in the minutes nor do the minutes include any discussion of financial conditions. Even the agenda where members propose the rate increase doesnt include any supporting documentation. How can the public have confidence that this rate increase is warranted when we know so little about Mesa Waters finances?

At its July 19, 2017 meeting the board affirmed a plan of putting $13 million toward their pension liability. While it may be a prudent financial decision, why isnt that stated as a reason for the rate increase? The board and district appear to be misleading the public as to the reason for this rate increase.

Glynis Litvak

Costa Mesa

Coddling students just makes more problems once they leave education

That Orange Coast College has to expend so much time and likely treasure to defend its handling of what appears to be a very troubled former student (Robert McDougal) lasers on the problem with our education system.

Imagine how much time his chemistry instructor would have to spend were she to grant every single student dissatisfied with his grade a special exam? Imagine how much disruption McDougal has already inflicted on the instructors classroom? And why should this student be qualified for college admission if what his attorney said about him is true: unable to comprehend the significance of a restraining order.

The major problem with our education system is that our teachers are forced to spend more and more time defending their action at the expense of real teaching. Coddling our students creates only more problems for them in the real world.

John T Chiu

Newport Beach

Cities actions have effects on non-residents

Living in south east Huntington Beach, I am only indirectly but still significantly affected by the decisions of local governments in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. Development projects in either city near me could affect both my transportation situation and my quality of life.

For example, I have opposed the proposed 19th Street/Banning bridge and the proposed Banning Ranch development not only because of the negative impacts but because of the pay-to-play politics I believe are involved in influencing local officials.

I am also opposed to elected representatives who arrogantly turn their backs on a majority of their constituents due to ideology or partisan special interests. I am therefore not a fan of embattled Newport Beach Councilman Scott Peotter. I believe he should be recalled not only because of his behavior, but also the damage he could do with his decisions and support over the next year. The benefits far outweigh the costs in my opinion.

Tim Geddes

Huntington Beach

Vape industry needs Congress to reign in the FDA

The recent Food and Drug Administration deadline extension for pre-market tobacco applications is a welcome reprieve for many vape manufacturers. However, unless there are significant changes to the impending regulations, the vape market will still crumble in 2022.

The vape industry provides healthy alternatives for combustible tobacco smokers and job opportunities for thousands of Americans.

There is a better solution: H.R. 1136, the FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2017. It will help keep vapor products on the market, effectively saving thousands of jobs and keeping many Americans healthy and smoke-free.

This issue is of particular importance to me because the ability to access vape products has saved me from smoking cigarettes and the sure death it would have caused. I truly believe vaping is a safer alternative to smoking.

Congress can help reign in the FDA by supporting a sensible legislative solution that preserves the vape industry.

Dirk Richmond

Huntington Beach

How to get published: Email us at dailypilot@latimes.com. All correspondence must include full name, hometown and phone number (for verification purposes). The Pilot reserves the right to edit all submissions for clarity and length.
A Sept. 11 remembrance motorcade filled with law enforcement officials, first responders and classic American vehicles made its way through the Crescenta Valley Monday morning honoring the firefighters, police officers and others killed in the 2001 attacks.

The Crescenta Valley Remembrance Motorcade, now in its fifth year, was organized by members of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce and included 50 vehicles along a 12-mile route.

Each vehicle had a few names of the fallen first responders on their doors, according to Dwight Sityar, a chamber board member and event organizer.

Sityar said the inaugural motorcade in 2013 had only 22 vehicles and a much shorter route. This year, the event has grown to its feasible vehicle limit, he added.

We noticed that after the 10th anniversary [of the attacks], not enough people were paying attention to the event anymore, especially those born after 9/11, Sityar said. We had to let the community know that Crescenta Valley will never forget.

The motorcade started in the parking lot at the Ralphs store on Foothills Boulevard and weaved throughout the Crescenta Valley to its end point at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada Flintridge. Major stops included six fire stations, local schools and the communitys Vietnam memorial.

At Monte Vista Elementary about 800 students were joined by administrators on the sidewalk to cheer the passing motorcade.

Suzanne Rissa, the schools principal, said she repeated a message to students that morning that another principal had sent out years ago.

My message was to just remember that Americans came together to help our firefighters, our police officers and soldiers regardless of religion, color, age  we came together as America, she said.

Tina Maluccio watched the motorcade with her 10-year-old daughter, a fifth-grader at Monte Vista. Maluccio said her daughter doesnt yet know the grim details of the 2001 terrorist attacks but she uses the remembrance to teach her about a day when Americans came together during a terrible tragedy.

We try and make sure that she understands that its not a parade, its a remembrance of the people that lost their lives as well as those who survived but dont have their friends or family anymore, Maluccio said. Its a day to remember that we are united.

Maluccios mother-in-law, Jean Maluccio, is one of the events organizers.

Later that evening, a tribute for the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks was held at Bob Smith Toyota as part of the Crescenta Valley remembrance.

jeff.landa@latimes.com

Twitter: @JeffLanda
The State Bar of California has recommended a Glendale-based attorney be disbarred after finding her culpable, or guilty, in an embezzlement scheme involving funds from a multimillion-dollar settlement relating to the Armenian Genocide.

The state bar has asked the California Supreme Court to strip Rita Mahdessian of her ability to practice law in the state after determining there was enough evidence that she had misled a judge, misappropriated funds and committed moral turpitude.



For the record: An earlier version referred to the State Bar of California as the bar association. It is the state bar.

This comes a year after she and her husband Vartkes Yeghiayan were accused of embezzling more than $300,000 of settlement funds from a class-action lawsuit over survivor benefits for descendants of Armenian Genocide victims.

Specifically, in its Aug. 29 recommendation for disbarment, the state bar said Mahdessian misappropriated $30,000 of that $300,000.

The organization said Mahdessian opened an investment account in which she transferred the funds and that the account was opened in her daughters name without the daughters knowledge or permission.

[Mahdessian] then continued to maintain control over the funds, about which the daughter had no knowledge until being subpoenaed by the state bar to testify in this matter, according to bar documents.

Although Mahdessian and her husband have denied any impropriety, state bar officials said there was enough evidence of culpability, or guilt, on Mahdessians part to recommend disbarment.

Jonah Lamb, a state bar spokesman, said its unknown when the court will make its decision.

Yeghiayan, who is also a practicing attorney, has similar but separate charges filed against him. However, Lamb said Yeghiayan has been suffering from health issues and the case against him has been postponed.

According to bar documents, Mahdessian and Yeghiayan misrepresented a pair of nonprofit groups they created to appropriate the settlement money.

The money was the result of a pair of class-action lawsuits in 2005 against French insurance company AXA and the New York Life Insurance Co. over survivor benefits for descendants of victims of the Armenian Genocide. The pair were co-counsels on the case against AXA.

The resulting $20-million settlement was split into two parts; $17.5 million was paid out to members of the class-action suit, while $3 million was set aside for an Unclaimed Benefits Fund, to which nine beneficiaries were named, according to court documents.

Any money left over after paying the main settlement and administrative costs would be transferred into the Unclaimed Benefits Fund, which could then be distributed to charitable nonprofit organizations recommended by the suits lawyers  Mahdessian and Yeghiayan.

The organizations were to advance the charitable interests of the Armenian community, according to documents from the state bar.

State bar officials said one of the nonprofits, the Center for Armenian Remembrance, was based out of the couples Glendale law firm and created three months after the settlements approval. A second nonprofit, the Conservatoire de la Memoire Armenienne, was also said to be based out of their office.

According to the state bar, Mahdessian and Yeghiayan requested more than $300,000 for the two nonprofits because of their supposed charitable status. However, according to court records, they were unable to provide any record of charitable activity and failed to disclose their ties to the two organizations.

The state bar said the couple used the funds for personal expenses such as issuing checks to their own law firm and paying law school tuition for their two children.

andy.nguyen@latimes.com

Twitter: @Andy_Truc
Cruise lines are changing some eastern Caribbean ports of call and heading to Cozumel, Mexico, and alternate ports of call in the wake of Hurricane Irmas destructive path.

More than 50 cruise ships have canceled or changed itineraries in the last few days because of Irma, which smacked some of the most popular cruise destinations in the world.

Common stops in the Caribbean such as the British Virgin Islands and the French-Dutch island St. Martin/St. Maarten were heavily damaged and continue to assess their losses. Its unknown when these islands may be ready for cruise ships.

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In Cuba, Irma damaged nearly every region of the island nation, staff writer Kate Linthicum wrote in this L.A. Times story.

Which is why, if you were planning to sail the eastern Caribbean in late September and even into October, you may find yourself in Cozumel instead.

Cozumel already is one of the biggest cruise ports in the Caribbean, said Chris Gray Faust, senior editor at Cruise Critic who has been writing about Irma and its effect on cruising.

Cozumel has already had up to five mega-ships in port in one day, she said. It has several different piers ships can dock at, and ships can tender there if they need to.

When Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., reopened to cruise ships Tuesday, the Carnival Conquest, which had been delayed from a scheduled departure Saturday, was expected to be sent on a four-day cruise to Cozumel.

Norwegian Escape, it was announced earlier, will abandon its eastern Caribbean itineraries through November and instead send passengers to Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, as well as Honduras and Belize.

If you wind up in Cozumel, whats there to do?

You can check out the Senor Frog bar scene, hang out at Playa del Carmen or visit ancient temples in Tulum, Gray Faust said.

Last time I was there I did a chocolate and wine pairing, she said.

But note that the U.S. State Department recently beefed up its travel warning to Mexico to include Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and other areas in Mexicos Quintana Roo state. The warning says violence related to a number of killings, usually because of turf battles among organized crime groups, has spilled over and harmed or killed innocent bystanders.

What if you dont want to go to Cozumel and other ports instead of wherever your cruise was supposed to take you?

Cruise lines have clauses written into the terms of contracts that allow them to change ports for any reason, not just hurricane and storm damage, Gray Faust wrote in an online story.

Technically, if the cruise isnt outright canceled, the cruise line doesnt owe the passengers anything if they decide to cancel.

Thats where travel insurance comes in, if you purchased the type that allows you to cancel for any reason.

Other than that, Gray Faust said, put things in perspective. Figuring out what island youre going to is a luxury, she said. [Some] islands are trying to come back from devastation.

Gray Faust answers more cruise-related questions in her story What to expect: cruising in the Caribbean after Hurricane Irma.

Adventure of the Seas on Sept. 10 delivered supplies and picked up stranded travelers from St. Maarten, which suffered major damage from Hurricane Irma. (Gerben Van Es / Dutch Defense Ministry / Associated Press)

travel@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimestravel

To read the article in Spanish, click here

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With Myanmar drawing condemnation for violence that has driven at least 370,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee the country, the government said Wednesday that its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, would skip this weeks U.N. General Assembly.

Suu Kyi was missing the assembly, which opened Tuesday and runs through Sept. 25, in order to address domestic security issues, presidential office spokesman Zaw Htay said. Suu Kyi is not Myanmars president  her official titles are state counselor and foreign minister  but she in effect serves as leader of the Southeast Asian nation also known as Burma.

Zaw Htay said that, with President Htin Kyaw hospitalized, the second vice president would attend the U.N. meeting.

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The first reason [Suu Kyi cannot attend] is because of the Rakhine terrorist attacks, Zaw Htay said. The state counselor is focusing to calm the situation in Rakhine state. There are circumstances. The second reason is there are people inciting riots in some areas. We are trying to take care of the security issue in many other places. The third is that we are hearing that there will be terrorist attacks and we are trying to address this issue.

The crisis erupted Aug. 25 when an insurgent Rohingya group attacked police outposts in Rakhine. That prompted the military to launch clearance operations against the rebels, setting off a wave of violence that has left hundreds dead and thousands of homes burned  mostly Rohingya in both cases.

The government blames Rohingya for the attacks, but journalists who visited the region found evidence that raises doubts about its claims that Rohingya set fire to their own homes.

Many of the Rohingya who flooded into refugee camps in Bangladesh told of soldiers shooting indiscriminately, burning their homes and warning them to leave or die. Others said they were attacked by Buddhist mobs.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who lived under house arrest for many years under a military junta that ultimately gave way to an elected government, has faced a torrent of international criticism and pressure since the crisis erupted.

On Tuesday, Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called the killing of Muslims a political disaster and called Suu Kyi a brutal woman. U.N. human rights chief Zeid Raad Hussein said the Rohingya were victims of what seems a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Bangladesh has been overwhelmed with the massive influx of Rohingya, many of whom arrived hungry and traumatized after walking for days through jungles or being packed into rickety wooden boats.

Before Aug. 25, Bangladesh had already been housing about 500,000 Rohingya refugees who fled earlier flashes of violence including anti-Muslim riots in 2012.

Prime Minister Sheik Hasina Wajed has pledged to help the new arrivals, but demanded that Myanmar take their nationals back.

With two camps packed beyond capacity, the government said it would provide 2,000 acres for a new camp in the border district of Coxs Bazar. Many of the new arrivals were staying in schools or were huddling under tarps in makeshift settlements along roads and in open fields.

Basic resources were scarce, including food, clean water and medical aid.

Dozens of foreign diplomats and aid agency officials were set to meet Rohingya refugees Wednesday near the Kutupalong refugee camp, said Kazi Abdur Rahman, additional deputy commissioner in Coxs Bazar district.

A humanitarian crisis is going on here, he said. The diplomats will visit camps, talk to them, see their condition. We need to work together during such a serious crisis.

Two human rights groups have accused the U.N. Security Council of ignoring the crisis.

This is an international peace and security crisis, and there is no excuse for the Security Council sitting on its hands, Louis Charbonneau of Human Rights Watch said Tuesday alongside representatives from Amnesty International at the U.N. headquarters

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the worlds largest Muslim body, urged Myanmar to allow in U.N. monitors so that they can investigate what it alleged was systematic brutality against the Rohingya. The U.N. Human Rights Council approved an investigative mission this year, but Myanmar in June refused to allow it to enter. An envoys visit in July was met with protests.

The Rohingya Muslim minority has faced decades of discrimination and persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship despite centuries-old roots in the country.

On Tuesday, the presidents office said Myanmars government had established a committee to address security and economic development in Rohingya areas. It said the 15-member committee would work on implementing recommendations made last month by a commission led by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Police charged 20 Lehigh University students with underage drinking last weekend, bringing the total arrests this year up to around 80.

What particularly concerns local law enforcement and university officials is the life-threatening behavior of some of the offenders at the Bethlehem school.

Bethlehem Police Chief Mark DiLuzio said police found one student passed out in the middle of a street during the weekend of Sept. 2-3. The student went to the hospital with severe alcohol poisoning.

"We found him lying between cars. He was that drunk. He nearly drank himself to death," DiLuzio said.

Also last weekend more than 50 students illegally consuming alcohol were crammed into a home on South Fifth Street with no way to get out in the event of a fire, DiLuzio said.

Five Lehigh students had to be hospitalized the weekend of Sept. 9-10 with dangerously high alcohol levels, according to Lehigh police Chief Edward Shupp. Their blood-alcohol contents were around 0.26 to 0.29, which is more than three times the legal limit to drive.

"Some of these kids are drinking so much it's like a sport to them," DiLuzio said. "They drink until they fall over."

Lehigh University spokeswoman Lori Friedman said the school offers amnesty to students who report classmates who need medical attention due to excessive drinking.

"Lehigh takes our efforts to ensure student safety very seriously," she said Wednesday. "These efforts include clearly communicating behavioral expectations and consequences for alcohol and other drug use and/or abuse, including health-related consequences."

Students who drink underage are held accountable by Lehigh's Student Code and the laws of Pennsylvania, she said.

DiLuzio said his officers arrested 12 students this past weekend for underage drinking. Lehigh University police arrested eight, Shupp said. The Bethlehem police arrests were at homes near the school campus on Fifth Street, Birkel Avenue and Hillside Avenue.

Bethlehem police charged 56 people with underage drinking over the weekend of Sept. 2-3, many of whom were in two homes near campus at 216-218 E. Fifth St.

Some were charged both weekend with disorderly house, a charge for parties with loud noise, litter or other problems that could upset neighbors.

One student was charged with violating the city noise ordinance at 4:30 p.m. Saturday when he blasted the song "F--k the Police" from his window. DiLuzio said the student was playing the song in response to the crackdown on underage drinking.

DiLuzio said Lehigh's alcohol policy has been in place for years.

"He needs to educate himself about what's going on," the chief said about the person playing the loud music.

He said Bethlehem police and Lehigh University police will continue to keep a sharp eye out for underage drinkers.

"It's the worst I've seen it in years," he said.

DiLuzio said it's hard to say why underage drinking, particularly extreme drinking, is on the uptick.

"I wonder if it has to do with phones and videos and everyone wants to be on social media with videos (of drinking stunts). Everyone wants to be a star. It's not worth dying for," he said.

LEHIGH GREEK VIOLATIONS

The blog "Lehigh Greek Community" has these updates on allegations of underage drinking at Lehigh fraternities and sororities.

Lehigh University police allegedly found kegs with no bartender at the Theta Xi fraternity on Aug. 26. A disciplinary hearing will be scheduled for the fraternity members' alleged lack of respect for the law, the community and themselves.

Pi Kappa Alpha received a disciplinary warning for hosting a large party on Aug. 27. Pi Sigma Alpha received a disciplinary warning for hosting a party on Aug. 25. Sigma Phi Epsilon received a disciplinary warning for hosting a large party on Aug. 26. Each of those three fraternities acknowledged it broke the code of conduct by failing to respect the law and the community.

Sigma Chi received a disciplinary warning for hosting a party and keeping kegs unsupervised by a bartender on Aug. 26. The fraternity members acknowledged they failed to respect the law, the community and themselves.

Alpha Gamma Delta sorority co-hosted a party with Phi Kappa Theta on Aug. 31. A Phi Kappa Theta member sent out a text message inviting students to a party and encouraging them to "drink alcohol until they pass out." Alpha Gamma Delta agreed to host or facilitate a conversation with other sororities to discuss their responsibilities related to risk management when co-hosting events off campus. The sorority is on probation through December 2017.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
A Bethlehem man stabbed in a domestic dispute told police they'd find a handgun and heroin in his mother's car, according to city police.

William Harry Nicholson (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

William Harry Nicholson, 26, of the 1800 block of Union Boulevard in Allentown, was telling the truth and was arrested on drug charges, police said.

He was not charged in the domestic dispute, in which he's accused of kicking his pregnant girlfriend in the stomach and pointing a gun at her shortly before 7:10 a.m. Sunday at her home in the 700 block of Dellwood Street in Bethlehem.

Police responding to the incident said they found the woman lying on the ground in the 800 block of Dellwood Street, complaining of pain, and say she admitted to stabbing Nicholson.

She was taken to St. Luke's University Hospital in Fountain Hill for treatment, and police set out to find Nicholson.

Officers found him standing outside the victim's house holding a blood-soaked towel over his right arm, court records say. He had a large cut consistent with being stabbed and said his girlfriend did it, police said.

The 31-year-old victim was not charged with any crime as of Wednesday, court records show. Nicholson was also taken to St. Luke's for treatment.

Police entered the Dellwood Street home to secure the residence, finding "a large amount of blood splatter, a blood-covered jacket and a broken knife in the kitchen," according to court records.

Officers said they also found in plain view blue-colored, stamped bags consistent with packaging of heroin for sale, what appeared to be an "owe sheet" of drug transactions and an empty firearm holster.

Nicholson, in the hospital, admitted to having a firearm on him at the time he was stabbed and said it could be found along with heroin in his mother's silver Ford Focus parked outside Dellwood Street home, according to police.

Police found more blood outside the vehicle and, inside, a .38-caliber handgun loaded with five rounds and five bundles -- or 50 individual bags -- of heroin, records say.

Police said they secured additional drug paraphernalia in the house.

An investigation continued into the assault.

Nicholson was arraigned Sunday afternoon before District Judge Douglas Schlegel on a felony charge of drug possession with intent to deliver and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of 10 percent of $5,000 bail and remained incarcerated Wednesday, court records show.

If released, he would need to remain under supervision of Northampton County Pretrial Services, remain drug- and alcohol-free and have no contact with the victim, pending a preliminary hearing scheduled Sept. 22 or until a protection-from-abuse order is entered.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Two men face felonies after allegedly trying to rob a man then chasing him down in a car Tuesday night outside a public housing high-rise apartment building on South Side Bethlehem.

Raphael N. Santiago, 23, of the 800 block of North Jordan Street, and Christopher D.G. Thomas, 31, of the 800 block of West Cedar Street, both in Allentown, confronted the victim just before midnight as he sat on the steps of the Fred B. Rooney Building at 4 E. Fourth St., according to Bethlehem police.

The pair accused the victim of loitering and watching them, police said, before directing him to empty his pockets.

Fearing for his safety, the victim ran toward Adams Street, followed on foot by the two assailants before both gave chase inside Santiago's Acura TL sedan, according to police.

Surveillance video shows the victim on his phone, presumably talking with police, while walking west on East Fourth Street.

"The white Acura was observed going slow at first, traveling west as well," police wrote in court records. "The victim looks over his shoulder and breaks into a run, heading west. The Acura accelerates at a high rate of speed in apparent pursuit of the victim."

By then, police were on scene and observed the Acura make a U-turn at South New and East Morton streets then head east on East Fourth Street, according to court records. Police stopped the car just east of Webster Street and took Santiago and Thomas into custody.

Thomas smelled of alcohol, and police recovered a small amount of marijuana where Santiago had exited the car, police said.

The victim was not reported to have been injured.

Santiago and Thomas were both arraigned before District Judge Douglas Schlegel on charges of robbery conspiracy, simple assault and harassment.

Santiago is also accused of keeping his hands in his pockets while talking to the victim, as if to suggest he was armed, and is additionally charged with robbery, as well as possession of a small amount of marijuana. Thomas is also charged with public drunkenness.

They were sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail each with preliminary hearings tentatively scheduled Sept. 26 before District Judge Nancy Matos Gonzalez.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Lafayette College freshman died Monday from blunt force trauma to the head, according to a news release from the Lehigh County coroner.

McCrae Williams, 19, was pronounced dead at 5:02 p.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, according to Coroner Scott Grim. The lacrosse goalie was found unresponsive the previous afternoon outside the dormitory Ruef Hall North, Easton police said.

A "chain of events" that began Saturday afternoon and went into the evening led to the medical emergency, police have said, adding that they want to know if alcohol played any role.

Grim will determine the manner of death after receiving toxicology test results. Those tests, which can take several weeks, could determine whether alcohol was a factor in the death.

There are five possible manners of death: accidental, undetermined, suicide, homicide or natural causes.

The Weston, Massachusetts, resident suffered a major head injury from a fall over the weekend, according to a letter from his former school, Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts, to the Class of 2017.

When asked if Williams' head injury was consistent with a fall, Grim said that's still under investigation. Williams had no other injuries, Grim said Wednesday.

Easton police deferred comment to the Northampton County District Attorney's Office. First Deputy District Attorney Terry Houck said Williams' death remains under investigation and the district attorney's office won't comment until that probe is complete.

A college spokesman said Wednesday afternoon that campus public safety personnel are investigating with Easton police, but the city force is leading the probe. Mark Eyerly said he did not know if Williams fell before he was found late Sunday afternoon.

The Lehigh County Coroner's Office is conducting an ongoing investigation into the death with the Easton Police Department, Northampton County district attorney's office and Lafayette College police.

Reporter Tony Rhodin contributed to this report.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
No one spoke as the Lafayette College men's lacrosse team walked, as a group, onto the grassy quad crisscrossed with brick walkways toward the south end of the Easton campus.

As dusk gathered Tuesday evening, they joined some 300 students for a vigil to remember a classmate many did not get a chance to know.

McCrae Williams, a 19-year-old lacrosse goalie from Weston, Massachusetts, was pronounced dead Monday evening at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township. He was taken for treatment Sunday afternoon after authorities responded to a medical emergency on campus. An autopsy was scheduled Wednesday to try to determine how he died.

Williams was a freshman. Classes just began on Aug. 28, two weeks before his death.

Lacrosse players with whom Williams might have played declined to speak with a reporter, refusing to comment and saying Tuesday's vigil was about coming together.

"Really our purpose tonight is this: to hold this space," said the Rev. Alexandra M. Hendrickson, college chaplain and director of religious and spiritual life on campus. "We want to spend some time being together.

"If you look around you will see fellow students, faculty, administrators, members who are here to support you. You will see friends or people who are soon to be your friends who are in the same situation. We have an opportunity tonight, to pull together, to look out for one another and to be a Lafayette family. We are holding this space for one another."

President Alison Byerly told of having spoken with some of the students who knew Williams, and that she passed along some of their memories to his father Tuesday afternoon.

"I was able to tell him that I've already heard many stories from some of you who have spoken with me about McCrae, his life here, things you enjoyed about him, what a great friend he was turning out to be even in the few weeks that you had been together," Byerly said. "And it was tremendously helpful, I think, to his father to feel that even though this was the start of his son's first year at Lafayette his son had already made friends, had already become part of the community and that that community was going to mourn his loss."

With about 2,500 undergraduate students, Lafayette is a community where the loss of a student amplifies the sense of tragedy, Byerly said.

The death of Williams follows the deaths of two Lafayette students last spring in vehicular accidents. Amanda Miner was celebrating her 21st birthday in March during spring break when the car in which she was a passenger was in a violent collision in New York City. Joe Kirkpatrick, 20, was killed in a all-terrain vehicle crash about two months later in Mexico.

"If this were a large university where you might go four years and scarcely know the names of the people on your hall, that would be one thing," Byerly said. "But this is a place where even in a few short weeks, McCrae Williams had time to make his mark and had time to be missed by those he left behind."

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
There were a lot of reasons the Karl Stirner Arts Trail shouldn't have been built.

It runs along part of an old rail line that hugged the Bushkill Creek in Easton, according to Becky Bradley. She's the executive director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, but she was Easton's planning director in the years leading up to the arts trail dedication in 2011.

Environmental regulations stood in her way. So did brownfield remediation requirements. So did a lack of funds. But with the help of passionate stakeholders, the trail was built, and art is steadily being added.

"This trail was really, really hard to build but everyone was so excited about it," Bradley said. "During construction we couldn't keep people away which was a public safety nightmare."

She presented the city with a 2017 Great Public Space award from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association. Only two other sites in the state won the award this year.

The trail is named for Karl Stirner, a German immigrant and artist who moved to Easton and helped transform the city into an arts community.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said you can't put a price tag on the trail's quality-of-life impact. Businesses and residents look for features like the trail when they decide to move to Easton.

"I want everyone to be proud of their city," he said.

OPEN SPACES OF EASTON CONTEST WINNERS

The Karl Stirner Arts Trail hosted a contest where artists submitted works depicting the trail, its nearby scenery or the adjacent cemetery. Winners were unveiled Wednesday.

First Place: Salon at the Silk owner Jo Ann Piserchio, "LUCY MINTURN BARNET 1851-1853, Easton Cemetery." Piserchio painted the infant grave of Lucy Miniturn Barnet. She plans to give half of the proceeds of the sale of the painting, about $500, to the arts trail fund.

Second Place: Donna Needs, "The Silk Mill Plays Peek-a-Boo." Needs painted a scene of the nearby silk mill smokestack as seen through trees on the trail.

Third Place: Paul Barton, "Angels at Dusk."

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
A Laois forecourt retailer has won a major prize at this years biggest retail awards ceremony in Ireland.

After rigorous judging, Manor Stone Service Station in Ballacolla won the new Motorway Services of the Year prize at the Irelands Forecourt and Convenience Retailer Awards.

The awards ceremony took place on September 6 at the Clayton on Burlington Road, Dublin.

Michael Petyt of Manor Stone Service Station Ballacolla claimed the coveted prize the night.

Its amazing to win! This prize however also recognises the effort of the entire team at the site, and the amount of hard work that has contributed to this win tonight.

It just goes to show what a well organised team can accomplish, and everyone at the site has contributed to this award, he said.

The ceremony was hosted by Irish broadcaster Miriam OCallaghan and the awards  now in their 16th year  celebrated the finest forecourt retailers from across the island.

The event also saw Topaz Dublin Port overcome world-class competition from throughout the island of Ireland to win the overall prize of Forecourt and Convenience Retailer of the Year.

Irelands Forecourt and Convenience Retailer Awards is a pivotal event for the Irish forecourt industry, acting as a benchmark of excellence for the sector and a key driver of innovation and aspiration.

The local forecourt industry has a significant and growing share of Irelands 18 billion Euro grocery and convenience market.

While recognised as one of most advanced forecourt markets in world, the sector across Ireland also plays a significant role in local communities, providing support and assistance for many local clubs and charities.

It is this variety of roles played by the sector that is recognised at these important awards.

Another significant winner on the night was Applegreen founder and current CEO Bob Etchingham.

Having spent almost 40 years in the Irish forecourt Industry, Mr Etchingham is now leading the charge of one of Irelands biggest and best forecourt companies as they continue their unprecedented rate of acquisitions and openings across the UK and US.

The events 450 guests gave a rousing standing ovation for the Applegreen boss as he took to the stage, telling guests of his delight at receiving the prestigious award.

Bill Penton, publisher of Irelands Forecourt & Convenience Retailer, welcomed the calibre of support and entries for this years awards.

These awards are an important institution for the industry, and the calibre of entries and people who attended the event is a reflection of the strength of not only the awards themselves but of the industry in general, he said.

Its an honour to have the opportunity to celebrate some of the most significant players in Irish business and see many of them give their support to these fantastic awards.

Sponsors for the event included a range of local and international success stories in their own right. The full list of sponsors for the event was Philip Morris, Irelands Wedding Journal, Suresite Group, Bord Na Mona, Revolution Laundrette, National Lottery, Smooch, Costa Express, MTS Security, Lindt, Cashzone, Parcel Motel, Fifo/Solv-X, Irish Prestige Signs, Petrocourt, and Nestle Professional.

The evenings awards followed an afternoon of industry talks and exhibitions as part of Irelands Convenience Retailer Summit.

The Summit, which involved a conference featuring an array of high profile international speakers along with a focused Trade Exhibition with 40 key exhibitors, welcomed some 400 delegates to hear about The Future of Convenience.

Irelands Forecourt & Convenience Retailer is Irelands number one trade publication for the retail and forecourt industry. Its annual awards are judged by an independent panel from Spotcheck, and regarded as the annual focal point the retailing calendar in Ireland.
As the housing crisis continues to affect Laois people, a solution requires extra money, Laois County Councils CEO has said.

Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland was among 31 local government chiefs attending the Housing Summit in Dublin last Friday September 8.

Speaking to the Leinster Express this week, he said the new policies planned by the government include building new homes rather than buying them, and using Compulsory Purchase Orders on vacant dwellings.

There is a government shift away from buying houses, to building them instead.

Budget is being redirected away from acquisitions and into direct build programmes for local authorities and housing bodies, the Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy stated after the summit.

The Laois CEO expects more money to build council homes.

I am looking forward to an increased provision in the 2018 budget, Mr Mulholland told the Leinster Express.

More money has indeed been promised.

The Government is committed to further increasing the number of new homes which will be built as part of the State Social Housing Build Programme. In the context of Budget 2018, discussions are ongoing with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and additional funding will be made available for social housing purposes and will be finalised in the context of the Budget, Minister Murphy said.

The government is also increasing its national target of 3,000 new homes in 2018 across Ireland, to 3,800 homes. Combined with Part VII homes delivered from private developments, and refurbished social houses, it promises 5,000 new social housing homes in 2018.

In Laois, at the last count in June, there were almost 1,500 names on the councils housing waiting list. In the first seven months this year, 131 people presented to county hall as homeless. Emergency accommodation was given to 34 of them.

The 2016 census recorded 3,000 vacant premises in Laois, but how many of those are houses rather than commercial properties, is not yet known.

Other measures by the housing Minister including making landlords notify the RTB if they are issuing a Notice of Termination to a tenant.

The RTB will write to each tenant providing them with advice and guidance, including the name and contact details of the relevant local authority officials to contact if they are having difficulty in accessing alternative accommodation, the Minister said.

For those in mortgage arrears, a new Mortgage to Rent scheme will be announced before the end of September.

Minister Murphy focused on measures to alleviate homelessness in Dublin in much of his statement. He hopes some will find homes in other counties.

Homeless families in Dublin wishing to move to locations outside Dublin will be facilitated where possible. A Place Finder Service in each local authority will assist these homeless households who wish to relocate to access a suitable property, he also stated.

There were three CEOs with strong Laois connections at the summit. Former Laois county manager Peter Carey, now CEO of Kildare, lives in the county. New Offaly CEO Anne-Marie Delaney was a former Director of Services in Laois and also lives in Laois.

Read Minister Eoghan Murphys full statement here.
A sculpture to commemorate Kildare town's cleanest town in Ireland title will be unveiled in St Brigid's Square next Friday, September 22 at 12 noon.

Kildare town was deemed cleanest town in 2016 IBAL Litter League and the public sculpture was commissioned by IBAL to mark this achievement.

Entitled 'Heart of Oak' it was sculpted by Noel Scullion and will be unveiled by the Mayor Martin Miley.

Kildare town scooped the title of Ireland's cleanest town at the final of the 2016 Anti-Litter League by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) in the Merrion Hotel in Dublin last January.

Kildare finished ahead of Roscommon and Ashbourne, with Waterford City in fourth.

An Taisce, which conducts the surveys on behalf of IBAL, commented in its report on Kildare: It is rare to find a town in such spotless condition throughout. The Link Road and both approach roads into Kildare Town got the top litter grade and this high standard was sustained for all sites surveyed.

Congratulating Kildare, at the time, Conor Horgan of IBAL said that once again a foremost artist would be commissioned in conjunction with the community at large to create a significant public sculpture in thetown in recognition of its success.

Each year IBAL intends to mark the winning towns achievement with a permanent piece of art that will enhance the local environment.
A 3,000 year old bronze age axe head, which was discovered in the canal near Milltown in Kildare, was handed over to the National Museum of Ireland last night.

Local man, Kit Dowling said he was unaware of the importance of the artifact when he initially discovered it.

They were repairing the canal at the time and there were big tractors and diggers coming in and out and I saw it in one of the big tracks left by the machines. I picked it up, brought it home, washed it, put it away and thought no more of it, he said.

The bronze age axe found in Milltown

That was until two weeks ago when Betty OShea held a photo exhibition for Heritage Week in the Heritage Centre in Milltown.

I was here that Sunday and Kit came up and saw the picture of this bronze age axe head. He said Betty, Ive one of them at home. I said would you go away. He chased home and came back with it. I couldnt believe it, said Betty.

Ms OShea contacted the National Museum of Ireland to see if they would be interested in exhibiting the artifact. However, she asked for some time to show it off, and bring it around to the local schools before it departed for Dublin.

Last night, the axe was the centre of attention with many locals getting their photos taken with this piece of history.

Museum representative, Maeve Sikora arrived down to the village to collect the bronze age item.

She said they would be interested in finding out more about the artifact, talk to the person who found it, and find out more about the area where it was found. She thanked Kit and Betty for contacting the museum.

SEE ALSO: Church's 200th birthday celebrated at St Brigids, Milltown

Betty recalled how she was just six years of age when members of the Dooley family from Newbridge found a bog body in Barronstown Bog in 1953 as they were out cutting turf, and how it had been in excellent condition, but had deteriorated when it hit the air.

She also pointed out a picture of a cloak that the body had been wrapped in, and this is on display in the museum. She spoke about the rich heritage of Milltown, at the foot of the Hill of Allen and tales of Fionn mac Cumhaill. She said it was a pity Kildare did not have a museum to display such artifacts.

If everybody keeps their eyes open, you never know what you might find in Milltown, she said.

Dep Martin Heydon said a countywide museum would be very welcome in Kildare. He said many places had bigger budgets for their Heritage Centres, but they did not have the spirit evident in Milltown. He said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was very impressed when he visited the centre last year.

Tribute was also paid to Jack Dunne for setting up the centre.

Kildare County Council Heritage Officer, Bridget Loughlin also praised the Milltown community and the centre. She urged people not to go out with metal detectors trying to find items, and if anybody found anything to contact the relevant authorities straight away.

Dep Martin Heydon, Kit Dowling, Betty O'Shea, Cllr Suzanne Doyle and Ceann Comhairle Sean O'Fearghail

Kit handing over the axe to Maeve Sikora from the National Museum of Ireland last night
A plot of land with three houses on just over half an acre in Dunlavin offers tremendous development potential, according to Jordan Auctioneers.

The site is situated on the Main Street in Dunlavin heading towards Kilcullen/Naas, opposite the old Court House, which is now the Library.

Dunlavin is a quaint village in West Wicklow, approximately 30 miles south west of Dublin just off the N81 Dublin/Baltinglass Road or also accessible from the N9 Kilcullen/Carlow road.

The surrounding towns of Kilcullen (7 miles), Blessington (11 miles), Baltinglass (10 miles) and Naas (10 miles) offer a wealth of amenities and facilities. The village has the benefit of schools, churches, pubs and shops.

The property comprises three houses in need of refurbishment standing on a superb 0.56 acre in the centre of the town. The first property covers 82.45 sq.m. (c. 887.5 sq.ft.) and is a two storey building with sitting room, kitchen, store and three bedrooms.

The second is built over 86.34 sq.m. (c. 930 sq.ft.) and is a single storey building with living room, kitchen, bathroom, three bedrooms and loft storage area (listed building).

The third property covers 103 sq.m. (c. 1,108 sq.ft.) and is a two storey building with hall, living room, kitchen and two bedrooms. The property is zoned town centre under the Wicklow Development Plan 2010  2016 but the auctioneers understand this is up for review. This is an ideal development opportunity to suit a smaller builder/developer.

The property is up for auction on Wednesday 4 October at 3pm in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge unless previously sold and it is guiding at 120,000.
Eoghan Murphy T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, has approved funding of 12 million for the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme.

The total of allocation to County Leitrim 231,102 which comprises a 90% contribution of 207,992 from the Department and a 10% contribution of 23,110 from Leitrim County Council.

The total allocation to neighbouring local authorities includes:

Cavan County Council - 353,709

Donegal County Council - 337,830

Longford County Council - 271,463

Roscommon County Council - 157,412

Sligo County Council - 418,013

In welcoming the efforts being made by Local Authorities to improve the quality of life for those with disabilities and those affected by over-crowding, Minister Murphy stated, this will greatly improve the housing conditions for those living with disabilities and addresses issues of overcrowding in existing social housing stock, while Improvement Works in Lieu provide an alternative to social housing for approved social housing applicants currently in private accommodation.

The Disabled Persons Grant Scheme provides funding for extensions and adaptations to existing social housing stock such as grab rails, disabled access ramps, wet rooms, etc. The scheme also provides extensions in cases of overcrowding.

The scheme also provides funding for Improvement Works in Lieu in order to improve or extend privately owned accommodation where the occupant is already approved for social housing, reducing the strain on current social housing stock.

In order to ensure that work by Local Authorities on housing adaptations and extensions on local authority stock could continue uninterrupted in 2017, all Local Authorities were informed earlier in the year that they could undertake works up to a maximum value of 65% of their 2016 allocation in advance of specific approval of the 2017 allocation.

This allowed them to plan and progress works under the scheme over the full year and will facilitate the full utilisation of their 2017 allocations.
The European Parliament has adopted a proposal this week aimed at providing free access to fast internet in local communities.

The WIFI4EU proposal establishes a scheme offering free wi-fi connections in spaces where public services are offered, such as public administrations, libraries and hospitals as well as outdoor spaces accessible to the general public.

A multilingual WiFi4EU portal will allow people to access a free, secure high-speed internet connection.

Independent MEP Marian Harkin has warmly welcomed the adoption of a proposal.

Over a period of three years, a total of 120 million from the EU's Connecting Europe Facility will provide financial support in the form of grants, and/or financial assistance, for the deployment of local wireless access points. The allocation of this money will be on a first come first served basis for Member States while ensuring a geographical balance across the EU and is expected to commence towards the end of this year.

This fund is an important step towards delivering the EU's goal that all Europeans should have access to internet speeds of above 30 Mbps and that 50% or more of European households should have internet connections above 100 Mbps by 2020.

Connectivity to the internet for local communities has an important role to play not only in the competitiveness of their local businesses but also for the social inclusion of their inhabitants, particularly in more rural areas.

I very much hope that the Irish Government will take full advantage of this new scheme to connect our communities and that rural communities in particularly are provided for, she said.
IT Sligo welcomed 1,200 new full-time students to its Induction programme last Monday as the 2017/18 academic year began in earnest.

The new students are taking courses across the Institutes three Schools of Learning: Engineering & Design, Science and Business & Social Sciences) were welcomed by the President of IT Sligo, Dr Brendan McCormack.

This is an exciting moment  an exciting chapter  in your lives, Dr McCormack told the students in the during his opening address at the Institutes Knocknarea Arena.

The staff of IT Sligo are very excited about helping you get the most from this journey.

Your IT Sligo journey is also is also going to be a time when you will make life long friends  and maybe even partners! They may already be seated beside you. You just dont know it yet. Get to know your classmates. As well as a friendship network, they will also provide an important support network for you during your time here.

IT Sligos new intake includes more than 350 international students. This includes a record number of Canadian students (50), as well as the colleges first student from Indonesia. Maria Tamtomo Putri is beginning IT Sligos BA (Hons) in Architectural Design course. Induction 2017 at IT Sligo is packed with range of activities, talks and induction events for the students  which are designed to help new students make a smooth transition into college life.

The Institutes new students were also joined by well known Social Media vlogger James Kavanagh, who was on campus this week to give his unique take on student life at IT Sligo.

As well as welcoming IT Sligos new full-time students, the Institute held a separate Induction event on Friday, September 8, for its distance learners who form a core part of IT Sligos student popluation.

With more than 2000 IT Sligo students currently studying online, distance learners make up one third of the Institutes entire student population. About 450 new online students came to campus for a series of orientation events and talks to help introduce them to their new college.
The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T.D, congratulated over 61,000 (61,654) students on receiving their provisional Junior Certificate/Cycle results today. I wish to congratulate all those who receiving their results today. Today marks the completion of your junior cycle and it is a proud moment for yourselves, your parents and your teachers. Today you are seeing the well deserved results of all the hours of hard work and dedication that have gone into preparing for your exams.

2017 marks the first year that English was examined under the new Framework for Junior Cycle. The grading system for English is different to other subjects this year in that, rather than the old A, B, C grade format, students will be awarded one of six grade descriptors, from Distinction to Not Graded. Speaking about these changes the Minister said, It is positive and encouraging to see the changes to the Junior Cycle coming to fruition. Students who received their results today are the first to benefit from this new broader assessment process.

Changes to Junior Cycle subjects are being implemented on a phased basis with both grading systems appearing together until 2021 at which time the last of the revised Junior Cycle subjects will be examined.

This year will also mark the first year that students will be awarded a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA), arising from the new Framework. The JCPA will replace the current Junior Certificate which students receive. The JCPA, which will be issued to students by their schools towards the end of this year, will report on all elements of assessment and will record students achievements both in State Examinations and in Classroom Based Assessments, Short Courses, Priority Learning Units and Other Areas of Learning.

The Minister stated that I recently launched new specifications for Junior Cycle Irish, Modern Foreign Languages and Visual Art which will be taught in schools from this month. The new area of learning entitled Wellbeing is also being introduced this month. The awarding of the new Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement later this year will mark a further important milestone on the journey of Junior Cycle reform.

The Minister concluded by congratulating students, parents and teachers and saying that he hoped students celebrated their results responsibly with their family and friends.

Results are available in schools today and online at www.examinations.ie
Following a front page story in this week's Leitrim Observer and a number of stories on leitrimobserver.ie Fianna Fail TD for Sligo-Leitrim Eamon Scanlon has hit out at the length of time it took an ambulance to arrive at the scene of an accident in Fenagh earlier this month.

A teenage boy was injured during a GAA match and was left lying on a cold, wet pitch for 80 minutes waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

There are serious issues with ambulance response times in rural areas, particularly here in the North West. Access to out of hours health services is extremely limited and the situation whereby it takes 80 minutes for an ambulance to arrive to the scene of an incident is completely unacceptable, but unfortunately appears to be a regular occurrence in rural areas. I am aware of other cases where it took an ambulance 75 minutes to arrive at the home of a man who had suffered a heart attack, while it took almost 85 minutes for an ambulance to reach another man who had fallen ill at his home, said Deputy Scanlon.

The current system is failing people living in rural areas and needs to be dramatically improved. The first responder service, which is so successful in other parts of the country, needs to be rolled out here.

In Dublin, firefighters are trained to paramedic level  this means there are paramedics available on a 24/7 basis in the every of an emergency. This system should be rolled out nationwide so that rural areas are not left behind.

Discussions between the National Ambulance Service and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management on the issue of first responder provision are underway and I have contacted the Health Minister Simon Harris to see if there was a timeline in place for these talks to conclude.

This issue is a matter of life or death. The current system, whereby people are waiting over an hour for an ambulance to arrive is simply not good enough. New initiatives are needed and I am calling on Minister Harris to expedite the introduction of a first responder scheme for the region.
Whatever happens after the Brexit negotiations the problem of ordinary folk not having a voice in the ever expanding global village will remain. Leaving the EU will not make a jot of difference to isolated Stoke or distant Newcastle. I firmly believe that the only way to give people a meaningful voice over their day to day living is through devolution.

As a Liberal Democrat I am excited by devolution.

Devolution is about bringing power, influence and decision making closer to those it affects. It is meant to mean Power to the People! So where is the enthusiasm? Where is the excitement? When did you last talk about it down at the pub or around your dinner table?

The truth is that the devolution conversation is limited to politicians who in their clunky, British, evolutionary way discuss, and agree, things like Combined Authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships. One step at a time! This hasnt stirred the local populous and I dont see many people manning the barricades. We need a singular vision, focus and leadership to thrill people, to show them that there is an exciting future for where they live. A future rooted in their quality of life both at work and at play. This, and only this, will generate the clamour for change.

To develop a coherent and exciting picture for devolution we have to cover a lot of ground including the areas of life we want to devolve alongside the actual power we are transferring from national government. For me permission to spend national taxes under the watchful eye of Westminster is not devolution. Hence I have called this first article Part 1 and rightly or wrongly I am going to start with the geography of devolution.

Like all good presentations I will start with a joke:

Have you heard the one about the Mayor of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire? No I am being serious! The Tories tried to establish a Combined Authority of all the councils in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire including the cities of Derby and Nottingham. Dont be fooled, nothing was meant to change for the councils. This was an additional authority, another level of government, with more politicians and more bureaucracy. No wonder we didnt take it seriously!

Tinkering is not the answer, there is an absolute need to create brand new, single unitary authorities sweeping away the current chaos of councils. A single council is the only way to get that strength of vision, singular focus and determination to drive change.

I have made the case to combine Derby, Nottingham and their hinterlands into a single unitary authority . The article identifies that the ancient boundaries of our historical counties do not make sense in the modern world. The boundaries of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire were essentially agree by Alfred the Great and the Viking warlord Guthrum, both counties have a proud history but, in governance terms, one that ignores the rapid expansion of Manchester and Sheffield during the industrial revolution. It also identifies that key strategic assets namely East Midlands Airport and Junction 24 of the M1 lack democratic focus with the subsequent missed opportunities for the area. Finally, for good measure, it shows savings in excess of 12.7 million in the cost of councillors and senior officers. It is interesting to note that the area is currently served by 614 councillors (excluding Parish), or one councillor per 2,374 persons compared to one councillor per 8,950 in Birmingham.

Exciting devolution cannot be achieved by tinkering, we need to redraw the boundaries of local government to reflect modern communities and how people live their lifes in them. I will turn to how big these authorities should be in future articles but the ability to deliver local services will be crucial. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the last major reorganisation which gave us the County of Rutland!

Agreeing on our communities, and what defines them, is the first step in building an enthusiasm for devolution and provides a framework for a sensible conversation between those who feel that they have been left behind and the politicians of the future.

* Following a career in the Royal Navy Steve has worked at a senior level within health, local government, criminal justice and voluntary sectors. Wilts County Councillor (1989) and NW Leicestershire District Councillor (1995)
For Dutch Social Liberals, being a party activist and being a feminist have always been strongly (90%) overlapping aspects of our social behavior and social activism. Whereas Dutch Social Democracy until 1934 neglected the womens emancipation struggle because the emancipation of all proletarians came first, we are proud that from the beginning, Dutch social-liberal parties (Radikale Bond/RB, 1892-1901, VDB, 1901-46, D66) have always had feminist spokespersons in their parliamentary parties. Aletta Jacobs, our most famous late 19th century feminist, was a RB founder/activist, and it was a VDB bill which gave Dutch women the vote. And the 1966 founders of D66 were strongly involved in the Second Feminist Wave (raising male consciousness about issues like equal pay, equal family law rights, childcare and family planning), and proudly conscious of the RB and VDB feminist tradition.

And British feminists, Millicent Garrett Fawcett (and her sister, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson) in particular, played an indispensable role in getting that Dutch feminist tradition going.

In 1870-76 a young Dutch liberal, Victor Gerritsen, lived in London where he immersed himself in the Radical and Liberal scene around John Stuart Mill and the Garrett sisters. In those years (thanks to permission by liberal prime minister Thorbecke), Aletta Jacobs was able to study medicine including her Ph. D. promotion. On his return here, Gerritsen heard about this, and that Jacobs wanted to study medical practices in London. Gerritsen wrote her, giving her useful contact addresses, and telling about the advent of British female medical doctors (this proved the start of their love- and later marriage relationship).

According to the authoritative biography of Jacobs, she visited London in March-September 1879. Via the brothers George and Charles Robert Drysdale (womens doctors and pioneers in Neo-Malthusianism) she met Elizabeth Garrett (Britains first female doctor meeting the first Dutch one), and worked with her in the London Medical School of Women, New Hospital for Women, and in Garretts St. Marys Dispensary aimed at mothers and children. Via Elizabeth, Jacobs also met Millicent Garrett and her husband, the Cambridge economist/suffragist Henry Fawcett (their mutual supportive, loving relationship was to be copied by Jacobs and Gerritsen), who were more involved in the womens voting right movement. Gerritsen already subscribed to the suffragist Englishwomens Review, and had his British friends send him new Liberal, feminist and radical publications; when the Dutch feminist movement got started in the 1880s, his substantial library was used by everybody in Dutch social liberalism and feminism.

Back in the Netherlands, Jacobs opened a similar Dispensary in the working class neighborhood Jordaan in Amsterdam. In 1883, aping the 1867 attempt by Lilly Maxwell to exercise her vote in a parliamentary by-election, Jacobs tried to get voting rights in the Amsterdam local election, and to mobilize women with property. Jacobs and Gerritsen founded the RB party and the Dutch Neo-Malthusian movement branch; and supported the launch of Toynbee Hall-like education and feeding centers in Dutch cities. Jacobs in 1903-19 led the womens suffrage association VVVK, and as such attended international conferences and associations like IWSA, presided by Fawcett.

Without the Garretts, Jacobs and Gerritsen couldnt have helped launch Dutch Social Liberalism. So we fully support the idea of a statue on Parliament Square!

* Dr. Bernard Aris is a historian, a D66 parliamentary researcher and a LibDem supporting member.
I am writing this in response to Paddy Ashdowns Essay to the Party of Monday 11th September in which he extolls us to follow Vince Cables lead and start coming up with our own new, dangerous ideas and debate them at conference.

I know from talking with friends and meeting people on the campaign doorstep that many people have a very negative attitude to the Liberal Democrats. I know from being a member since 2015 that the party is well organised, with plenty of ground troops, puts its principles into practice in how it deals with members, has socially valuable ideas and is full of very able and well intentioned people perfectly capable of government. However this does not seem to be picked up by many of the electorate. If we are to gain traction with the electorate something has to change. One aspect that I think would be worth looking at is our branding. If this was changed and was seen to be genuine in that the new branding reflected other more substantial changes I think it could have a positive effect. I know rebranding is often seen as a nightmare and certainly can be expensive but if done at the right moment can be effective.

I have not given great thought to how the branding could be changed but just a few comments. I think we should stick with the yellow colour but perhaps make it a more golden yellow. I personally like our present emblem with its sense of freedom and development but I wonder if it comes across as rather weak. One possible emblem, suitable in terms of shape, could be a sunflower head but it is yellow, possibly used by BP and would be probably perceived as too soft. Perhaps we should also consider changing the name of our party.

Perhaps we could discuss these ideas amongst ourselves at conference and then we could feed ideas to a committee of about six, made of people who are suitably skilled, experienced and motivated, who could take our ideas forward consulting with the membership on a final design.

Of course all of this will have been done before but perhaps it is time to do it again!

* Jane Reed is a Liberal Democrat member and activist in York
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Colourful Midland MP is hoping to find love on a TV dating show.

Michael Fabricant, Conservative MP for Lichfield, will appear on Channel 4s Celebrity First Dates.

His appearance in the forthcoming show was revealed by the Prime Minister Theresa May, who mentioned it to a bemused House of Commons today (Wednesday, September 13).

Mr Fabricant, who has previously described himself as not exclusively gay, had raised the West Midlands bid to host the Commonwealth Games when the PM made the revelation.

Mrs May said: I have noticed that he is shortly to appear on a Channel 4 programme called Celebrity First Dates. What Im not sure about is whether he is the celebrity or the first date.

The celebrity version of the popular reality show has previously included television presenter Esther Rantzen, EastEnders actor Richard Blackwood, weather presenter Sian Lloyd and Vamps lead singer Brad Simpson .

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Singletons are paired up for dinner at a central London restaurant and the date, as well as their reaction afterwards, is filmed.

Mr Fabricant, 67, instantly recognisable in Parliament for his unmistakable thatch of blond hair, was treated for prostate cancer last year.

(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

The Lichfield MP was first elected in 1992 and has been a party whip as well as a former Tory vice chairman.

He has previously turned down repeated requests for him to appear on I'm A Celebrity.. .Get Me Out Of Here .

It is not known when Celebrity First Dates will be screened on Channel 4 but the new series of First Dates returns on September 18 at 10pm.
Six pupils at one Limerick school are celebrating after they each achieved nine As in the in their Junior Cert exams.

The results are being handed out to more than 2,700 pupils at schools across Limerick this Wednesday.

Well done to all who got their Junior Cert results today and in particular to our high achievers Colm Downey & Cathal O'Brien pic.twitter.com/gTKRJPzytT  St.Clement's College (@clements_st) September 13, 2017

*Junior Cert Results*



Good luck to all our club members receiving their Junior Cert results today!  Milford GAA (@CLGBnaG) September 13, 2017

There were celebrations at Ardscoil Ris in the city as Jack Lynch, Stephen Cleary, Alex Angland, Robert Moloney, Michael Keane and Ronan Murphy learned they had each achieved straight As.

They were quite shocked seeing the nine As this morning but their hard work clearly paid off, and they can now enjoy transition year and look forward to starting fifth year, next year, said Tom Prendergast, prinicpal of Ardscoil Ris.

The students appreciate the hard work from the teachers and they were quite anxious opening the results this morning, but the six lads are over the moon today, he added.

Pupils who received their results are being encouraged to stay safe when celebrating tonight.
RYANAIR has announced its to launch a new service between Shannon and Barcelona next year.

The twice-weekly service to Reus airport, which will operate from March 27, 2018 to October 27, will give passengers direct access into one of the leading holiday and one of Europes most popular city destinations.

The new service, which last operated nine years ago, will see flights departing on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

This new Ryanair service from Shannon to Barcelona-Reus is very welcome news for the Airport. We know that this will also be welcome news for our passengers as Barcelona-Reus is not only a popular sun destination, but this new service opens up the European City break market for people in the region providing direct access to the beautiful city of Barcelona which is less than a 90 minute journey by train and bus from the town of Reus, said Andrew Murphy, managing director of Shannon Airport.

//BREAKING NEWS// @Ryanair have just announced a new route from Shannon Airport to Barcelona Reus from March 2018. https://t.co/5cXbVazpGf  Shannon Airport (@ShannonAirport) September 13, 2017

We are pleased to launch a new Shannon route to Barcelona Reus, with a twice weekly service for summer 2018, which is now on sale on the Ryanair.com website. To celebrate, we are releasing seats on sale from Shannon from just 16.99 for travel in October and November, which are available for booking until midnight this Friday, said Ryanairs Robin Kiely.

Declan Power, Head of Aviation Development at Shannon Airport says its hopes around around 20,000 passengers will fly on the route next summer.

This is another welcome boost for Shannon and the region and we look forward to working with them to ensure our passengers take absolute advantage of this exciting offering, he said.
AIR Canada has announced it will operate a new direct service between Shannon Airport and Toronto next summer.

The service, which will operate four days a week, will launch on June 2, 2018 and will continue until the end of October.

We are delighted at Air Canada to be announcing our new service from Shannon to Toronto for summer 2018. Canada is an increasingly popular destination for Irish holidaymakers with its great city life, fabulous scenery and friendly locals and with the increasing number of Irish emigrants living in Canada, visiting for friends and family living in the Shannon region will be even easier, said Blaithin ODonnell, Air Canadas sales manager for Ireland.

Welcoming the announcement, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland Kevin Vickers said: It is wonderful to have more flights to strengthen the bonds between our two countries. Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Shannon Groups Chairman and CEO in County Clare. I experienced first-hand the incredible heritage and tourist attractions and I know they will prove popular with Canadian visitors. Equally, Canada is a wonderful place for holidays and business and I look forward to seeing increased levels of tourism and trade because of this great new initiative.

Tourism Ireland has also welcomed the announcement that direct flights are to resume between Shannon and Toronto.

As an island destination, the importance of convenient, direct flights cannot be overstated  they are absolutely critical to achieving continued growth in inbound tourism. We look forward to working closely with Air Canada, Shannon Airport and other tourism interests, to maximise the promotion of this new flight and maintain the strong growth momentum, said its CEO Niall Gibbons.

Outlining the potential for the service, which will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Andrew Murphy, managing director of Shannon Airport said: Canadian tourists are high spenders and businesses along the Wild Atlantic Way in particular will benefit as the route will deliver significant Canadian visitors directly to their doorstep. We look forward to working with Air Canada and our tourism trade partners to ensure the success of the new service, he said.

Canada is the 10th largest economy in the world and is ranked 22nd out of 190 countries for ease of doing business. The new Toronto air service is particularly important following the signing of the Canada-Europe Trade Agreement (CETA), which will give both sides preferential access to each others markets and paves the way for new business opportunities when it comes into effect later this month. There were over 200,000 Canadian visitors to Ireland in 2016.

Earlier this Wednesday, Shannon Airport received another boost with confirmation that Ryanair is to begin flying to Barcelona from next March.
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In an effort to appease a flurry of complaints, the citys new permit program for private transit vehicles, like Chariot, will focus on keeping the passenger vans out of Muni bus lanes and crosswalks, and from replicating existing transit routes.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agencys Board of Directors will consider the new program at its meeting Tuesday. It is expected to cost $250,000 for the agency to enforce the new regulations. Of that, $240,000  the fee required for fleets of 151 or more vehicles  is expected to come from Chariot, the only major private transit company operating in San Francisco.

This is a global program, said Kate Toran, director of SFMTAs Taxis and Accessible Services Division. Though Chariot is the only player on the market now, we developed the program to make sense as an overall framework.

The decision comes after dozens of complaints have poured into the agency about Chariot vehicles double-parking in active driving lanes, blocking driveways and idling in Muni zones. The SFMTA received 62 public complaints through email or 311 since September 2015, and another 28 have been lodged this year. Most of the gripes have come from residents in the Richmond, the Marina, the Financial District, the Mission District and Noe Valley.

ALSO Renaming Sharon Meadow after Robin Williams gets official support

The citys former program regulating jitneys was repealed in 2011. Under the new Private Transit Vehicles Permit Program, companies like Chariot would be required to gather data to show how their service fits into San Franciscos existing transportation grid. The new regulations will allow the city to set its own rules and levy fees to violators.

Erin Simpson, a spokeswoman for the company, said Chariot has been collaborating with the city agency.

We have been engaged in collaborative discussions with the SFMTA for several months and continue to review proposed regulations as part of this process, Simpson said.

Chariot has been the only private transportation company to operate in San Francisco since 2014. It carries about 3,000 to 4,000 commuters across the city daily. Its main routes stretch from the Outer Richmond to the Haight-Ashbury, the Mission and the Marina.

While existing routes will be grandfathered in, any new drives that parallel a Muni express route by more than 75 percent will not receive approval.

Its a unique situation where someone has been operating for a few years and is popular with riders, said Alex Jonlin, a transportation analyst with the SFMTA. We arent compromising on our key goals. But we dont want to take away existing routes that might keep people off the road. The existing routes just arent always safe, so they will need to change.

Lizzie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ljohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LizzieJohnsonnn
Nothing shatters the mystique of the floating city like seeing a McDonald's in Venice. But such deflating sights have been the norm for years. American colonization of the world's economy is complete. This summer in Madrid's Puerta del Sol, we listened to music under a sun-blocking billboard for Netflix's "Glow."

That disorienting moment came back to me when I read the list of finalists for the Man Booker Prize. For the first time, half of the six nominees for Britain's most prestigious literary award are Americans:

"4321" by Paul Auster (U.S.)

"History of Wolves" by Emily Fridlund (U.S.)

"Lincoln in the Bardo," by George Saunders (U.S.)

"Exit West," by Mohsin Hamid (U.K.-Pakistan)

"Elmet" by Fiona Mozley (U.K.)

"Autumn," by Ali Smith (U.K.)

It's not that American novelists are suddenly writing better books. No, this U.S. invasion is the result of a controversial adjustment to the prize's eligibility rules. In 2014, the Booker judges opened their doors to include anyone writing a novel in English. (The prize had previously been limited to novels by authors in the Commonwealth, including Ireland, South Africa and Zimbabwe.) After that change, two Americans immediately made the shortlist. The next year, Marlon James, a Jamaican writer living in Minnesota, won the prize. In 2016, the American writer Paul Beatty won. This year, an American has a 50/50 chance of being the winner.

Some British writers, notably Booker winner A.S. Byatt, have complained about the way this change in the rules dilutes the prize's identity and creates an impossible task for the judges. With no criteria except "written in English," the Booker Prize sinks into an ocean of titles that no panel of readers can credibly survey. But that's a problem for the Brits to worry about.

As Americans, we should be more concerned about the loss of cultural diversity, about the closure of yet another avenue for us to experience something beyond our own ever-expanding borders. It's no criticism to say that this year's finalists by Auster, Fridlund and Saunders are all distinctly American novels. But for any serious reader of fiction in this country, the Americanization of the Booker Prize is a lost opportunity to learn about great books that haven't already been widely heralded.

As flattering as it is for our nation's novelists to be invited into the U.K.'s literary arena, Americans don't need any encouragement to trumpet their own books. As a nation, we're already depressingly xenophobic when it comes to our reading choices. While bookstores all over the world carry books by Americans, bookstores in the United States usually reserve a tiny, dusty shelf called "books in translation." (So strong is this bias against non-American writers that a New York publisher once told me that she planned to omit "Canadian" from an author's bio on the jacket flap.)

And besides, American novelists already have prestigious awards reserved just for them, including the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction and the National Book Awards. Opening the Booker up to any work of fiction written in English comes perilously close to creating another bloated monster like the Nobel Prize in literature, an award with such broad standards that it stands for nothing at all.

But literary prizes are conflicted organizations. They want to promote literary excellence, of course, but they also want to promote themselves. In a universe of ever-escalating awards and ever-diminishing attention, every prize is fighting for recognition. What better way to garner more press in the United States than to sprinkle some beloved American names among the finalists.

But that's a competition with diminishing returns. The Brits need to admit that they made a mistake in 2014. In an effort to broaden the appeal of their most august literary prize, they invited in Americans, who, predictably have taken over. For the good of the Commonwealth - and the United States - the Booker Prize administrators need to stage a literary Brexit.
It's tempting to frame the career of social-justice pioneer Dolores Huerta in the context of her partnership with Cesar Chavez, with whom she founded the United Farm Workers of America. Tempting, but wrong, as argued in "Dolores," a new documentary that spotlights her central role, outside of the labor leader's shadow, in the fight for workers' rights.

Despite a life devoted to grass-roots organizing that ultimately saw her sharing the stage with Barack Obama as a 2012 Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, Huerta's contributions have remained something of a footnote. But with this kaleidoscopic retrospective of Huerta's life and career, filmmaker Peter Bratt underscores her vital contributions, placing them on a par with those of other, better-known champions of the worker.

"Dolores" illustrates Huerta's life with archival and contemporary news footage, supplemented by peer testimonials and the recollections of family members. Woven together, these threads form a compelling portrait: Growing up among Latino farmhands in Central California, Huerta developed a social conscience early, fighting for workers' rights even at the expense of personal relationships. Several of Huerta's 11 children speak about the negative impact of her long absences - although they also say that she inspired them to take up social justice careers of their own.

Their candor is echoed in Huerta's frankness about how her work affected her marriages and later romantic relationship with Chavez's brother Richard, admissions that help humanize this fiery, larger-than-life figure. We see Huerta taking on the Teamsters; organizing the grape boycott of the late 1960s; and sharing the stage with Robert F. Kennedy. Although we don't often think about the sacrifices made by those who occupy the world stage, "Dolores" reveals the effects of its subject's choices, on a personal and political level.

The film captures Huerta's infectious energy - energy that changed the lives of the "worst paid workers on the planet," as one of the film's subjects describes farm laborers. But her influence goes well beyond that work, as evidenced by Angela Davis, Gloria Steinem and others, who note that Huerta made it acceptable for women to join picket lines, to demonstrate and, more generally, to make their voices heard. It was Huerta's gender, the film argues, that kept her from being credited as Chavez's equal.

"Dolores" is a fascinating corrective to 50-plus years of American history. It's educational, to be sure, but also exhilarating, inspiring and deeply emotional. As the film makes clear, Huerta has accomplished much and, at 87, continues to live by the words of the now-famous phrase she originated: Si se puede - yes, we can.

---

Three and one-half stars. Unrated. Contains footage of police brutality, the Robert Kennedy assassination and children with medical deformities. In English and Spanish with subtitles. 97 minutes.

Ratings Guide: Four stars masterpiece, three stars very good, two stars OK, one star poor, no stars waste of time.

End advance fri sept 15
Sandra Boynton lives on a farm in rural Connecticut. She works out of a converted barn, surrounded by pigs in overalls, frogs wearing cowboy hats, a clutch of bemused chickens and a few skeptical sock puppets.

Standing there, you get the feeling that at any moment they might all come alive and break into a high-stepping song-and-dance. Which they probably will. Because this is Boynton's world, and in Boynton's world, animals do whatever she wants. And what she wants them to do, mostly, is make her smile.

It's nice that along the way the charming creatures have sold tens of millions of children's books and hundreds of millions of greeting cards, recorded six albums, nabbed a Grammy nomination, and co-starred in a music video with B.B. King. They're not slackers, these furry and feathered friends. They always do their job - they make Boynton smile. And then they go out into the world and do the same for untold multitudes of kids.

Sandra Boynton hangs back at the farm. There's always another critter to conjure to life. Almost every waking moment she is working, bringing more lightness, more laughter into her world. And, thank goodness, into ours.

---

Perhaps you're so intimately familiar with Boynton that you can recite her books by heart. Bow to the horse. Bow to the cow. Twirl with the pig if you know how. Or perhaps you've never heard of her.

She is both ubiquitous and anonymous. She's one of the best-selling children's authors and card designers of all time, yet rarely recognized even in her own small town. This year marks the 40th anniversary of her first kids' book, and this month she'll release her latest record, "Hog Wild! A Frenzy of Dance Music," which includes the Laura Linney/"Weird Al" Yankovich duet the world has been waiting for. But chances are, if you're not currently driving a minivan with car seats in the back, you might miss it.

Boynton is 64. She wears Converse sneakers, jeans and her feathery blond hair pulled back in a ponytail. Red reading glasses hang around her neck. On a sunny day in July, she pops them on to inspect an image on her computer screen of a dinosaur walking out of his house. Then she adds a vase of red flowers. Because: Why shouldn't a T. rex have something lovely and civilized?

This is the irreverent whimsy at the heart of Boynton's world. A world she's been creating and re-creating for 60 years. As a 4-year-old in Philadelphia, she was hospitalized with encephalitis. She doesn't remember much except that it was scary, and that Bruce, a slightly older boy in the same ward, always looked out for her, but she knew, somehow, that he wasn't going to make it.

Somewhere around the same time, she illustrated a short paper book. Here's the text: "Once there was a funny animal. He had a birthday party. All the animals came. They did not like it, so they left. The end." Thematically, it's not that different from the 50-odd books she's published since.

Her intention then? And now? "I think," she says, "trying to create safety."

Boynton grew up Quaker. Her mother was a pointedly funny homemaker, she says, and her father a brilliant English teacher and headmaster of the school she and her three sisters attended. She enrolled at Yale with dreams of becoming a theater director. To help pay for college, she painted the cartoon-style animals she'd been sketching since childhood onto blank gift cards and sold them to specialty shops. Over the next two years she water-colored 60,000 cards by hand.

Just before heading to graduate school to study drama in 1976, Boynton swung an invite to a greeting card trade show. Company buyers were interested, but they wanted her to give the characters names and distinct personalities. "They were basically trying to turn me into 'Peanuts,' " she recalls. "I said, 'That's not what I'm doing.' "

Then she was introduced to the founders of a Chicago upstart called Recycled Paper Greetings. Mike Keiser and Phil Friedmann liked her animals and offered to pay her $50 a design. "I want a royalty," she remembers saying. "They said, 'It's just never done.' " But in the end, they agreed.

Keiser recalls that when Boyton signed on, the company was doing about $1 million a year in sales. Within five years their annual revenue topped $100 million, almost all because of Sandra Boynton.

"What a genius," says Keiser. He remembers walking into a Marshall Fields store and watching customers react to Boynton's cards. "They'd say, 'Oh, aren't these cute. And they're witty!' Women would buy clutches of them."

Her bestseller was a twist on the birthday song: "Hippo Birdie Two Ewes." To Keiser, "it's probably the best greeting card ever conceived by man." Er, woman. At any rate, Boynton's designs made them all multimillionaires.

When Boynton was at Yale, her mother had nudged her to take note of a classmate who'd won a bronze medal for slalom canoe in the 1972 Olympics. "I said, 'Mom there are 1,200 people in my class,' " Boynton remembers. "And she said, 'I'm sure he's more interesting than all of them.' "

Boynton's senior year, she wound up in an acting class with the handsome paddler, and by the end of the first semester, she and Jamie McEwan were in love.

Boynton dropped out of graduate school and devoted herself exclusively to the animals. Publishers passed on a children's book she'd written, so in 1977, Recycled Paper Greetings published "Hippos Go Berserk!" It sold 50,000 copies and got the publishing world's attention.

Boynton and McEwan married in 1978 and bought an early 18th-century farmhouse in the Berkshires, where McEwan could continue his training on the Housatonic River. They reconstructed an old barn, giving it his-and-hers offices upstairs and, eventually, a replica 1940s diner - complete with booths, stools and a mint-green refrigerator - where the whole family could hang out.

Here, for the past 35 years, Boynton has shifted attention between her great loves: Jamie, their four children, and those spirited little animals that keep scampering out of her pysche.

---

A cow says Moo. A sheep says Baa. Three singing pigs say "LA LA LA!"

Read through a bunch of lists of "best books for toddlers," and Sandra Boynton is, well, often not there. She has no Caldecott Medal. She's not frequently mentioned in the same breath as Dr. Seuss or Maurice Sendak, who was one of her professors at Yale.

In Boynton's books, there's no overt moral messaging. No arresting avant-garde visuals. (Drawing, she says, "does not come naturally to me.") There is only joy. Which is perhaps not enough for the critics doling out awards for literary distinction.

But for parents of tiny humans - perpetually on the verge of collapsing into inexplicable tears - joy is everything.

Darcy Boynton, Sandra's youngest child, reads all the private messages to her mother's Facebook account. "We hear a lot from parents whose kids have been really sick or who had really tough times as babies and young children and talk about how my mom's books helped them get through that time," she says.

In person, Sandra Boynton is warm and funny, with a throaty voice and a soft, easy smile. She's not an introvert, but those who know her best say she's somehow been able to hold on to childhood sensibilities that most of us surrender.

So the books, the drawings, the songs - "They're for me," she says. "They're for me as a child. Things I would respond to."

Wendy Lukehart chooses the children's books for the D.C. public library system. When she considers the authors whose books she has to replenish again and again, Boynton is at the top of the list. And to Lukehart, Boynton deserves a rank beside Seuss and Sendak.

"I just think she's brilliant," she says. "The wonderful thing about her books is that you can use them to develop children's sense of humor. You're helping them learn about the unexpected and ambiguity and surprise."

Boynton's characters have no race, no gender, no age. The animals are Everychild, with black dot eyes and curved mouths that convey every shade of human emotion. Including the difficult ones. "There's also a wistfulness in it," Boynton says of her work. "I guess I think things aren't truly joyful if they don't have a grounding component."

In 2015 the New Yorker published a critical review of Boynton's collective works. The author, Ian Bogost, deemed "But Not the Hippopotamus," a "board-book masterpiece," and wrote that Boynton's books are "rich works that all of us can and should enjoy far longer than the tiny sands that slip between crawling and preschool can measure." Boynton thought, when she read the piece, that Bogost was kidding. He insists, via email, that he was not.

---

Boynton isn't much of an advice giver. But there's one bit of wisdom she does like to dole out: "You need to know what to say no to."

She's said no to an awful lot: licensing agreements, television series, Boynton-themed tchotchkes at grocery-store checkout counters. The few products she has sold have been kept completely under her control.

"It's all her," says Suzanne Rafer, her longtime editor at Workman Press. "She's very serious about her work and pays extreme attention to every detail."

One idea she said yes to was making music. But after composing her first few songs, she cut out the producer who recruited her and began putting together her own records with Mike Ford, her longtime collaborator. The list of boldface names to appear on her albums is jaw-dropping: Meryl Streep, Alison Krauss, Ryan Adams and Kate Winslet, among others. Some she has connections to - Streep's kids went to the same high school school as hers - but most she has simply cold-called.

In recent years, Boynton began making videos to accompany the songs. "Jamie used to say that my books support my recording habit," she admits. And that's fine with her, because making music and videos is where she feels most at home. She's directing, just as she set out to do.

Jamie was always her sounding board, "just my best editor and check," she says. He was also "the greatest person in the world."

Today the lights in Jamie's office are dark. He died of cancer in 2014.

Sitting in a booth in the diner, Boynton looks out the window and far away as she talks about Jamie's illness. "I don't even go there very much in my head," she says. "I'm sorry."

She doesn't believe in the idea of passing grief. "To me, for a healthy person it never ends," she says. Her solace comes from their grown kids - all of whom sing on her new album - and her work. For her, the act of creating feels like "a place of not existing - of being in a kind of zone." She has never not been able to access that zone, she says, and - like a child who just wants to play - always relishes being there.

"I'm obviously creating a world that in certain ways is simpler and more benevolent than it can be," she says. "Except I think that's a kind of truth about the world, too. The world is so many things. So to say this is a skewed reality - well, it's all a skewed reality. Why not skew it in this direction? Why not posit a kind of benevolence? And humor."
The world premiere of "Dolores" was impeccably timed. The documentary about 87-year-old activist extraordinaire Dolores C. Huerta debuted at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 20, the night before women across the world marched for equality and human rights.

Huerta was at a protest, too. Where else would she be?

In Park City, Utah, she spoke at a rally following a march organized by Chelsea Handler. Huerta led a chant of "si se puede" - Spanish for "yes you can," a catchphrase that was Huerta's long before Barack Obama made "yes, we can" his own.

For many in the crowd, this might have been their first taste of public demonstration. Huerta has been doing it for seven decades.

The president and founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation rose to prominence after co-founding the United Farm Workers of America with Cesar Chavez in 1962. The documentary, directed by Peter Bratt, looks at the life of a woman who fought for migrant workers, then turned her attention to immigrants, women, minorities and other marginalized groups. Through it all, Huerta was marginalized, too. While the late Chavez has streets, statues and a holiday named in his honor, Huerta hasn't gotten the same recognition.

Still, Huerta hasn't slowed down even as she approaches 90. During a recent visit to Washington, D.C., with Bratt, she was bright-eyed and quick-witted, giving a rapid-fire list of her foundation's recent victories. She showed off the kind of memory that would make someone half her age jealous, throwing out all the names of "the martyrs" who died for the farmworkers movement, not to mention the people inspired by her foundation to get involved in local politics.

In some ways, her documentary is a blueprint for getting things done, which might come in handy for those in the #resistance. In that case, she has a few lessons for how activism is like a special power.

"It's like having a magic wand," she said.

For Chavez and Huerta, it all started with house meetings - organizing farmworkers to join the fight against harsh treatment, gaining the trust and solidarity to arrange the pivotal Delano grape strike in 1965. Huerta and Chavez decided the only way to help those toiling for long hours with meager pay was to live among them. So Huerta lived with her 11 children (four of whom were the product of a long-term relationship with Chavez's brother, Richard) in poverty with the people she aimed to assist.

No one said #resisting was easy.

Huerta endured sexism from outside the labor movement as well as within it. Her opponents tried to shame her for having so many kids - some out of wedlock - and for the fact that she wasn't at home taking care of them. In one telling archival interview in the documentary, a female reporter asks Huerta what she would do if someone gave her $5,000 to spend on herself. Huerta responds that she'd donate it to the movement.

"But don't you ever have the average woman's dream of going out to some spa and being relaxed and having a new hairdo and buying a great dress and having a big party?" the reporter asks.

A young Huerta laughs gamely; she's clearly heard this kind of question before.

"To me, being at a spa and having a new hairdo would be a terrible waste of time," she says with a smile.

In some ways, activism has changed over the years thanks to the internet. Huerta credits social media for getting tens of thousands to take to the streets of Boston in August to protest a rally that had echoes of the white nationalist march in Charlottesville, Virginia, a week earlier that left three dead. And yet, the internet can do only so much.

"What I learned from Dolores is nothing replaces the one-on-one in-person house meeting where you're actually interacting with community members," Bratt said.

Huerta, meanwhile, stresses that no tweet is as powerful as a vote - and that includes voting in local races.

"If you're Democrat or Republican or Green or Independent, get involved in your local political party so we can make sure progressive people get elected to office," she said. "No one is going to do it for you."

She's been banging this drum for nearly her whole life, and yet even she has to admit that the documentary comes at an auspicious moment.

"Artists are prophets," she said of the film's producers, including Carlos Santana, Bratt and his brother, actor Benjamin Bratt. "We started making this film almost five years ago, and all of the themes that they managed to cover are relevant today."

Bratt figured the story would hit home for some viewers, particularly people of color. The director, whose Quechua mother grew up in Peru, knew that, no matter how "post-racial" Americans claimed to be after Obama's inauguration, racism never really went away. He didn't predict how much it would speak to all Americans, though - particularly those horrified by white nationalists marching in Charlottesville.

"I knew it was going to resonate with our communities," he said, "but we had no idea that we would be watching men in the streets with hoodies and swastikas."

In 2017, not only is "Dolores" a reminder of what U.S. citizens have the power to do, it's also a testament to who they are.

"She's an American patriot and her story needs to be told," Bratt said. "It needs to be known."
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Emotional stories of hope and destruction, superstar performances and warnings to take heed of climate change highlighted "Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief."

Houston-based rapper Bun B and music manager Scooter organized the hourlong telethon to help those in Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey. It was expanded this week to also benefit victims of Hurricane Irma in Florida.

"Remember, when humanity needs your help, you don't hesitate. You activate," Bun B said as he stood next to Braun.

MUSIC HEALS: After the storm, the sound of hope, of release, of pain in Houston

"Hand in Hand" aired Tuesday night across several networks and streamed live on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Within just that hour, donations reached more than $14 million with more being accepted at handinhand2017.com.

Now Playing: Hand in Hand will feature special messages of support from Beyonce, Selena Gomez, Taraji P. Henson, Dwayne Johnson and Will Smith among others. Video: KOAT

Stevie Wonder kicked things off with a rousing "Lean on Me" featuring a gospel choice.

"When love goes into action, it recognizes no color of skin, no ethnicity, no religious beliefs, no sexual preferences and no political persuasions," Wonder said at the top of the program.

"It just loves  as we should begin to love and value our planet. And anyone who believes that there is no such thing as global warming must be blind or unintelligent.

"Lord, please save us all."

Dozens of celebrities manned the phones, including Jay Leno, Jared Leto, DJ Khaled, Stephen Colbert, Tom Hanks, Cher, George Clooney, Gwen Stefani, Julianne Moore, Daniel Craig, Nicki Minaj and Bruce Willis.

BEY WATCH: Beyonce meets with Hurricane Harvey survivors in Houston

Performances and testimonies were beamed in from Universal Studios-Hollywood, New York's Times Square and Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. Many urged viewers to let this be a call to heal a divided nation.

Oprah Winfrey and Cher held onto each other as they recounted the story of a human chain who linked together to save a stranger in Houston. A photo of the dramatic rescue was on the screen behind them.

"They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but this picture was worth more. It can heal, revive and inspire a nation," Cher said.

"This picture is us. Never forget, this is who we are. This is always who we are."

George Strait beamed in from his own benefit at the Majestic Theater in San Antonio, crooning "If It Wasn't for Texas" and "I Believe" alongside Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen. The feel-good performance was introduced by Uvalde native Matthew McConaughey.

SWEET SOUNDS: Houston musicians and performers organize Hurricane Harvey relief concerts

Usher and Blake Shelton performed "Stand by Me" from the Grand Ole Opry. Later, the same stage was occupied by Brad Paisley, Demi Lovato, Darius Rucker and CeCe Winans for a group run through "With a Little Help From My Friends."

Selena Gomez, who hails from Grand Prairie, broke down in tears as she recounted the story of the Saldivar family, who lost six members when their van was submerged in Houston.

Justin Bieber took part in a prayer with Rabbi Ari Lucas and Jihad Turk, director of religious affairs at the Islamic Center of Southern California. Tori Kelly and Luis Fonsi were an emotive, understated highlight during a bilingual "Hallelujah." Drake appeared briefly via a black and white video.

And, of course, Beyonce localized her prerecorded contribution in only the way she can.

"It doesn't matter if you're from Third Ward or River Oaks, we're all in this together," she said. "Seeing everyone of different racial, social and religious backgrounds put their own lives at risk to help each other survive restored my faith in humanity.

"The effects of climate change are playing out around the world every day. We have to be prepared for what comes next."

Between song and pleas, there was footage of daring Hurricane Harvey rescues, a tribute to Houston's first responders and a few flashes of Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Proceeds from "Hand in Hand" will benefit the United Way of Greater Houston, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, Feeding Texas and the Mayor's Fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief.
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Spaghetti Warehouse, a longtime fixture on the downtown dining scene, is not planning on leaving Houston after suffering significant damage as Buffalo Bayou flood waters inundated parts of downtown following Harvey.

The Dallas-based company issued a statement Wednesday following posts on social media that indicated the restaurant was permanently shuttering in Houston.

"Spaghetti Warehouse is not closing on a permanent basis in Houston," said David Ayers, spokesman for the restaurant.

Now Playing: The rains from Tropical Storm Harvey continue to pummel Texas, rescue efforts are being stepped up as rising waters threaten thousands of homes. At least five people have died in the Houston area, according to the National Weather Service, however, only two deaths have been confirmed. But officials warn that figure is likely to rise. Weve been hit from all sides on this. Certainly, there was no was no way to predict the amount of rain and all the bayous  everyone of them (bayous) coming out like this. But I want to also assure the public that we are doing everything we can to be there for you. Please help us out. Be our partners, Houston police chief Art Acevedo said in a press conference. Help is arriving from across the US with emergency workers being sent from Florida, Virginia and New York. More than 2,000 people have already been taken to safety. However, the National Weather Service warned that the catastrophic flooding is expected to worsen and could become historic. Video: Euronews

Ayers said that the flood prone building at 901 Commerce took on water up to the top of the first floor during Harvey. And while the restaurant remains closed, the company is currently in the process of evaluating "whether or not it will stay at the current location or locate elsewhere in the Houston area," Ayers said, emphasizing that the company will maintain a presence in Houston.

Ayers called the flood damage "substantial" and that structural engineers are trying to determine if the building can support reopening as a restaurant.

The local Spaghetti Warehouse employed just over 100 people, Ayers said. He added that the company is working with some employees to relocate them to positions at stores in Dallas and San Antonio.

The company has set up a funding page to help employees that need assistance.
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When Biby Dykema entered the architecture industry in 1979, she stood out in boardroom meetings in more ways than one. The first female architect in Corpus Christi and one of only two women who earned an architecture degree in her class at the University of Texas at Austin, she made waves in a male-dominated industry.

Her personal style was as brazen as her ambition.

A longtime collector of fine jewelry, who is not afraid to mix vibrant colors, patterns and fabrics, Dykema has a memorable sense of style. Her new Modern Moghul line of fine jewelry is an extension of that whimsy.

"A lot of my pieces are architectural and geometric," says Dykema, who splits her time between Austin and Corpus Christi and co-owns an architecture firm with her husband, overseeing mainly commercial projects. Her jewelry design and architecture careers have "parallels that are kind of striking."

Dykema began traveling frequently to India five years ago to research what would become Modern Moghul. Half that time was spent forming a relationship with the family of male craftsmen in Jaipur who now handmake her line. With an eye for quality, stonework and craftsmanship, she experimented with the designs for years, often via video conference. "People in India are very proud of their workmanship," she says. "It's a lot like construction and going to a job site."

A result of working with one private studio rather than several manufacturers and vendors, the fine jewelry is priced well below the industry standard. Prices range from $400 to $16,000.

Dykema says her customers are worldly, with a love for travel, like herself. "Ninety percent of it is bought by women for themselves, which surprised me."

One new fall collection is made entirely of diamonds and rubies, some of which are "the size of cough drops," Dykema jokes. Another collection, made of opals, emeralds and rose buds, was inspired by nature (insects, branches, animals) and the hiking Dykema does at her vacation home in Michigan.

Dykema expects she will devote more and more time to her passion project as the brand grows. "It takes my design skills in a different direction that is really fulfilling for me," she says. "This is kind of a spinoff. And it is a lot of fun."

Modern Moghul pieces are available at Kuhl-Linscomb, 2424 W. Alabama, where Dykema will host a trunk show Oct. 19-20; modernmoghul.com.
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George Venson painted in the jungle this summer for a hotel commission project. Belize luxury boutique property Itz'ana will open in December with his murals and other artwork in the reception area, bar and other parts of the resort (including some ceilings). The yearlong project was "very poetic," he says.

It's not the first time Rice University visual arts grad Venson, who was raised in San Antonio and now lives in New York, has been tapped by an upscale resort for his imaginative, vibrant work - but it's the first time he's been given so much artistic freedom. The 32-year-old felt inspired by the surroundings.

"The more isolated, the more off the grid, the better," he says. "It enables a lot more creativity and abstract thinking."

For similar "fantasy escape" projects in the future, perhaps he can pack his paint brushes in the luggage that's just been added to his growing lifestyle brand, Voutsa. Handmade in Italy, the take-notice trunks and trolleys are covered in, and silk-lined with, the same color-rich patterns on the wallpaper that put the young artist on the interior-design map.

"Really chic people are into them," Venson says of the luggage. When he carries pieces through airports, "every single person will ask about them."

His textiles, also made in Italy, are another new addition to the Voutsa line, which is often playful. Venson's signature lips decorate rooms in Liz Lambert's newly imagined Austin Motel. Other patterns feature tile, snakes, fish, butterflies, chickens, jewelry, octupuses and other sea creatures, plant life, genitalia and toga-clad Greek men playing instruments.

This original artwork is digitized via photography and scanning, then weaved before being printed on grasscloth wallpaper. A similar technique is used for the textiles. All of it can be purchased online - in the age of Instagram and Pinterest, decor should be available to anyone, Venson says, not just those who have hired a professional decorator.

Later this year, his wallpaper will be featured in the New Museum of Contemporary Art's 40th anniversary retrospective. His fall collection of textiles and wallpaper features florals.

"I love the diversity in the contemporary world of all these really different individuals consuming these things and living with them and enjoying them," he says. "It's the most fulfilling thing ever."

Voutsa textiles start at $200 a yard, wallpaper from $600 and luggage from $1,550; voutsa.com. Available in Texas through Supply Showroom; supplyshowroom.com.
The United States will stop issuing certain visas to Eritrean nationals and Guinean officials as of Wednesday, the embassies in those countries announced Tuesday.

The new restrictions are aimed at four Asian and African nations that have refused to take back citizens who've been deported. Under federal law, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson can stop all or specific types of visas from being issued to such nations.

The U.S. Embassy in Eritrea said in a statement that it will stop issuing business and tourism visas to Eritrean nationals, with "limited exceptions." Eritrean officials were not immediately available for comment.

The East African nation is a major source of migrants who say they are fleeing a system of forced military conscription that repeatedly has been criticized by the United Nations and human rights groups.

In the West African nation of Guinea, a U.S. Embassy statement said the new restrictions on business, tourism and student visas affect only government officials and immediate family members.

Cambodia and Sierra Leone also are expected to be affected by the visa restrictions, though there was no statement on those embassy websites Tuesday night.

U.S. officials first discussed the visa restrictions last month. The Department of Homeland Security said it had recommended the State Department take action against four nations out of a dozen it considers recalcitrant. Neither department would identify the nations by name.

It is not clear why only Cambodia, Eritrea and Guinea were selected for the sanctions or why Sierra Leone, which was last identified as "at risk" for recalcitrance, was included.

The State Department traditionally has been reluctant to impose visa sanctions because affected countries often retaliate through reciprocal restrictions on U.S. citizens and officials. The measures have only been imposed twice before, against Guyana and Gambia.

Other countries listed as being recalcitrant in accepting deportees from the U.S. include China, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Iran, Burma, Morocco and South Sudan.


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Jennifer Egan, who won the Pulitzer Prize for her last novel A Visit from the Goon Squad, turns to WWII historical fiction  with the atmosphere of a noir thriller  in Manhattan Beach, one of the big books of fall.

The publishing worlds busiest season also holds new books by National Book Award winners Jesmyn Ward (Sing, Unburied, Sing) and James McBride (Five-Carat Soul), as well as Grant, a big biography of Ulysses S. Grant from Ron Chernow, author of Alexander Hamilton, and more nonfiction releases ranging from astronaut Scott Kellys Endurance to Toni Morrisons The Origin of Others, a book of lectures that includes an introduction by Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Other big-name authors to look for this fall include Dan Brown, Stephen King (writing Sleeping Beauties with his son Owen), John Green, John le Carre, Salman Rushdie, Louise Erdrich, Celeste Ng and Carmen Maria Machado.

Coates, winner in 2015 of the National Book Award for Between the World and Me, is back with We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy, which chronicles life under Obama, with a subtitle pointing to Trump.

At a more local level, San Antonio historian Lewis Fisher explores the etymology of the word maverick as well as all of its manifestations in his new book Maverick: The American Name that Became a Legend (Trinity University Press, $27.50).

A Maverick by marriage, Fisher has spent years wrapping his head around the Maverick myth. His book is a tale that encompasses cowboys, rustlers, movie stars, athletes, novelists, lawyers, mayors and congressmen  as well as maverick brands ranging from Ford cars and air-to-ground missiles to computer operating systems, Vermont maple syrup and Australian wines.

Wings Press, based in San Antonio, is publishing a memoir by one of Texas true writing treasures, Carolyn Osborn, whose Durations (Wings Press, $16.95 ) ranges from her years growing up in WWII to her travels around the world. Osborn is the recipient of the 2009 Lon Tinkle Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Texas Institute of Letters.

Cinco Puntos, the hardest working little press in West Texas, has two stellar books in its fall lineup: The Last Cigarette on Earth (Cinco Puntos, $15.95) by the inestimable Benjamin Alire Saenz, and a mind-expanding childrens book, All Around Us (Cinco Puntos, $17.95), by Xelena Gonzalez, with illustrations by Adriana M. Garcia, both of whom have roots in San Antonio.

Le Carre is 85 now and has a new book, A Legacy of Spies, (Penguin Random House, $28), his 24th novel.

If Legacy isnt among Le Carres very best, its entirely readable and often ingenious, in part because it amounts to a sequel, more than 50 years later, to The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.

Le Carres work is often praised for its authenticity but perhaps not often enough for his lovely writing. Here are samples from the new novel:

The voice is knife-thin like the man - nasal, monotonous, and irritable as a spoilt childs.

The tortured are a class apart. You can imagine - just - where theyve been, but never what theyve brought back.

The elusive spy George Smiley, asked what book hes reading: Oh my dear boy, dont even ask. An old spy in dotage seeks the truth of ages.

Few writers publish first-rate novels for 50 years or more. Add John le Carre to that short list.

Cuz: The Life and Times of Michael A. (Liveright, $24.95), by Danielle Allen, is a compassionate retelling of an abjectly tragic story.

On Sept. 17, 1995, Michael Allen, the authors cousin, attempted to carjack the Cadillac of a 44-year-old man in a drab neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Allen didnt have a drivers license, and he didnt have much of a talent for violent crime, either. He kept his gun pointed toward the ground the entire time, allowing his victim the chance to wrestle it from him and shoot him through the neck.

In the ambulance, Allen immediately confessed to his offense; in the hospital, he waived his Miranda rights and added  out of guilt? naivete? fear?  that hed committed four robberies within the previous two weeks.

Before that moment, hed had no criminal record. Among the most valuable contributions Allen makes is forcing us to ask: To what end are we locking up our children? Are we not foreclosing their options before their lives have even begun?

sbennett@express-news.net
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Over the next few years, UISD will be making a slew of boundary changes as eight new schools are built.

These changes will affect thousands as UISD tries to reduce overcrowding and balance the number of students at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Last month, United Independent School District administration presented to trustees proposed boundary changes for the 2018-19 school year to accommodate two new middle schools. A projected 1,400 students would be affected in these adjustments.

On Tuesday, administration discussed with the school board's Instructional Committee proposed boundary changes needed for the opening of an elementary school in the San Isidro subdivision in August 2018. This new campus will reduce overcrowding at three elementary schools in north Laredo. The adjustments will affect over 600 students.

READ MORE: Laredo ISD Superintendent Sylvia Rios earns less than counterparts, survey says

Mike Garza, assistant superintendent for administration/support services, recommended to extend the boundary lines northeast of Loop 20 to encompass the San Isidro elementary school campus along with four others. Garza said moving the boundary line would impact Malakoff, Borchers and Col. Santos Benavides elementary schools.

In its first year in 2018-19, San Isidro elementary school is projected to have about 633 students. The new elementary school will welcome students from the surrounding three schools.

The student population at Col. Santos Benavides Elementary would be reduced from 1,033 to 807, as 198 students move to San Isidro and 28 head to Matias De Llano Elementary School. The number of students at Malakoff Elementary would decrease by 242, bringing its student body down from 995 to 772. That also includes the addition of 19 students from Borchers.

RELATED: Rank: The best, worst elementary schools in Laredo for the 2017-18 school year

San Isidro elementary will receive 193 students from Borchers, further reducing its number of students from 885 to 673.

The new school is funded by the $409 million bond that voters approved in 2013. The purpose of the bond package was to build new schools and in turn reduce overcrowding at various campuses.

Four new schools have already opened: Veterans Memorial Elementary, Freedom Elementary and ninth-grade campuses for United and United South high schools.

Ten new schools, including replacement campuses for Clark and Salinas elementary schools, will open over the next several years.
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A third person was recently arrested in relation with an embezzlement case involving the theft of over $200,000 from Texas Car Title and Payday Services, Laredo police said.

Elena Del Carmen Rivera, 31, was served with arrest warrants Aug. 28.

Rivera was charged with felony theft and engaging in organized criminal activity. The two others arrested in connection with the case  David Gutierrez, 44, and Arianne Isabel Lopez, 24  face the same charges.

Rivera remained behind bars at the Webb County Jail as of Monday evening. Gutierrez and Lopez are out on bond.

Laredo police said the case unfolded May 26, when a fraud examiner for Texas Car Title and Payday Loan Services reported the alleged theft.

READ MORE: Man assaulted girlfriend, punched her son in dispute about job interview, police say

An arrest affidavit states the examiner provided extensive paperwork showing Lopez and Rivera, with the assistance from other people, allegedly embezzled $212,335 through various fraudulent loans.

Authorities said the fraud scheme occurred between June 2015 and March 31, 2016.

Rivera agreed to meet with investigators at LPD headquarters on Aug. 11, 2016. She allegedly stated she did not make any loans without preparing or requesting proper paperwork, police said.

"She stated that running the business with only two employees was overwhelming. She also stated that the files she created for the loans had to be in the office. She stated that there are many boxes of files in the office and maybe they have not been located," the affidavit states.

Rivera stated that a water leak damaged some boxes containing files, police recounted in the criminal complaint.

The investigation also revealed that Lopez allegedly "did create proper loan files, which according to her, when she went back to file them, they were gone," the affidavit states. "She stated that a male by the name of 'David Gutierrez' would take many customers and have them create loans with a promise that he would return with the actual title, which was against procedures.

RELATED: Waco police arrest 17 in weekend prostitution sting

"She stated that she did create loans under her mother and father's information, which she did cash but only because 'Gutierrez' would tell her to. Lopez said she did not keep any of the money."

Police said they further discovered that Gutierrez allegedly received $100 for each referral he made to Texas Car Title and Payday Services. On July 25, police met with Gutierrez and told him his name came in the investigation because "people said that he asked them for a favor to co-sign for a loan that he was going to take care of and pay off and the money was given to them," the affidavit states.

Court documents state he denied the theft allegations. Gutierrez said the only money he took from the company was the loan for his truck, the affidavit states.
Archive Photos/Getty Images

If anyone had any doubt about the kind of direction Robin Williams wanted to take his film career after The World According to Garp, he answered with Moscow on the Hudson: He would not be Mork from Ork transferred to the silver screen, but an actor who could handle a variety of substantial dramatic roles.

Not that theres an absence of comedy in Paul Mazurskys excellent film about a Soviet musician who defects during a state-sponsored trip to New York. But Williams expands on the genuine pathos he established in Garp as a man who, despite his best efforts, would always be trapped in someone elses system. You dont cry into your beer; you laugh into it.
Two leading civil rights groups sued the federal government Wednesday in hopes of curbing the wide-ranging ability of federal agents to search and seize the smartphones and computers of travelers - including U.S. citizens - as they arrive on American soil but have not yet formally entered the country.

The practice, which remains rare but has grown more frequent in recent years, allows agents in border zones such as the arrivals areas of international airports to sidestep the Supreme Court's landmark Riley decision in 2014 requiring that law enforcement officers get search warrants before examining the contents of digital devices.

That ruling grew from the long-running contention by civil rights groups that modern digital devices carry such massive amounts of data - and such sensitive records including photographs, location data, e-mail communications, videos and Web browsing histories - that they should be afforded full Fourth Amendment protections against searches and seizures without warrants.

Wednesday's suit, filed against the Department of Homeland Security by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, demands stricter legal standard for device searches in border areas. They argue that relatively lax rules established for searching luggage or goods bought in duty free shops should not apply to modern smartphones, tablets and laptop computers routinely carried through borders.

The suit says that the number of such searches - conducted by Customs and Border Protection agents, sometimes with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement - have grown sharply in recent years and is on track to reach roughly 30,000 in the current fiscal year. That remains a tiny fraction of the several hundred million travelers who enter the nation every year.

"The government cannot use the border as a dragnet to search through our private data," said ACLU attorney Esha Bhandari in a statement. "Our electronic devices contain massive amounts of information that can paint a detailed picture of our personal lives, including emails, texts, contact lists, photos, work documents, and medical or financial records. The Fourth Amendment requires that the government get a warrant before it can search the contents of smartphones and laptops at the border."

A Department of Homeland Security spokesman, David Lapan, declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing department policy against discussing pending litigation. But he said that all travelers are subject to searches, including of their electronic devices, as they enter the United States.

"Over the past few years, CBP has adapted and adjusted our actions to align with current threat information, which is based on intelligence," Lapan said in a statement to The Washington Post. "As the threat landscape changes, so does CBP. Additional CBP officers have been trained on electronic media searches as more travelers than ever before are arriving at U.S. ports of entry with multiple electronics. Despite an increase in electronic media searches during the last fiscal year, it remains that CBP examines the electronic devices of less than one-hundredth of one percent of travelers arriving to the United States."

The lawsuit has 11 plaintiffs - 10 are U.S. citizens and the other is a permanent U.S. resident - including a U.S. military veteran, a NASA engineer and journalists. Several are members of ethnic or religious minority groups.

One of them, Suhaib Allababidi, 40, is a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Kuwait who owns a security business in suburban Dallas. On his return to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport from a business trip in January, a border control kiosk printed a piece of paper with a black "X" across it rather than an entry document when he tried to cross the border, he said. A CBP agent then brought him to an interview room and asked to examine the two phones Allababidi was carrying.

He agreed to the first search, of an iPhone that he mainly used for business travel to such countries as Kuwait, China, South Korea and Mexico - he was traveling that day from Dubai - but he objected to a search of his personal phone, a Samsung Android device. It included details of his personal life, including photos of his five children and his wife, also a Muslim, without the hijab head covering she ordinarily wears when appearing in public.

The agent, Allababidi said, took custody of the Samsung phone and promised to return it within 30 days. Federal agencies have forensic tools for examining the contents of many smartphones and other devices, though Allababidi's was secured with a numeric pass code consisting of more than 10 digits, likely making it harder to break into the device. Nearly eights months later, the federal agents have not returned the smartphone, he said, forcing him to spend more than $1,000 buying a series of second-hand replacement devices.

"I believe in the constitution of the land," Allababidi said. "No government should go through our private stuff unless they have a warrant."

The suit seeks to establish a stricter standard for such searches and seizures. The ACLU and EFF argue that agents must make a finding of probable cause before seizing a device and get a search warrant - which requires that a judge certify the finding of probable cause - before examining the devices. The civil liberties groups also call for a stricter timetable for returning devices to their owners.

"People now store their whole lives, including extremely sensitive personal and business matters, on their phones, tablets, and laptops, and it's reasonable for them to carry these with them when they travel. It's high time that the courts require the government to stop treating the border as a place where they can end-run the Constitution," said EFF staff attorney Sophia Cope in a statement.

The suit was filed in a federal court in Boston.
For the first time in almost 40 years, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute has not invited a sitting president to its annual convention, citing President Donald Trump's controversial actions and remarks about Latinos.

The White House did not reply to a question about the snub and whether Trump planned to sign an annual proclamation that Congress requires presidents to issue marking the period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 for celebrating the contributions of Latinos to the U.S.

CHCI, one of the leading institutions in the development of young Latino leaders, is holding its annual convention in Washington this week. While it is nonpartisan, only two Republicans are among the 25 members of Congress on its Advisory Council.

"The president was not invited this year based on his slanderous comments and strongly disagreeable actions for the Latino community in the United States," Rep. Joaquin Castro, Democrat-Texas, the group's chair, told the Associated Press on Tuesday.


Russia plans to hire an as yet unspecified prominent U.S. law firm to represent its interests - and its diplomatic property - in court, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax on Wednesday.

"I believe that fundamental preparations of both parties are an unalienable element of any legal action and an imperative. This is what we will be doing in cooperation with an acclaimed U.S. law firm," Ryabkov said. He also noted that the firm would be "authoritative and serious" and that the decision as to which firm, exactly, Russia will be using will be made "soon enough."

The U.S. State Department announced Aug. 31 that Russia must close its general consulate in San Francisco, in addition to a consular annex in New York and a chancery annex in Washington, D.C. (Staff in San Francisco and Washington followed the announcement with bonfires.)

This was after Russia, in July, ordered the United States to get its diplomatic staff down from 755 to 455 and close two compounds - which was itself a response to the U.S. seizure of two Russian compounds and expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats.

Both sides insist they are acting in the "spirit of parity." While the United States maintains it is acting in accordance with Vienna Convention, Russia insists U.S. actions are a breach of the Vienna Convention, as well as U.S. and international law, and so plans to take the United States to court.

"We realize it would be very hard to achieve the needed and only correct decision in our favor, considering that U.S. government lawyers are shrewd and must have considered every implication before the United States took the step with their approval," Ryabkov said in the Interfax interview.

Upping the ante, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that Washington had committed "barbaric acts" on Russian territory in the United States. She did not specify what those acts were, however.

Neither the Russian Embassy in Washington nor the U.S. Embassy in Moscow immediately responded to request for comment.

Also on Wednesday, Russia announced it would be taking away diplomatic parking spots for U.S. consulates in St. Petersburg and Ekaterinburg. According to Russian newspaper RBC, those spaces had been painted over with a pedestrian crossing.
AMARILLO  Michelle Renee Whitman, aka Michelle Renee Weaver and Raven, 46, of Amarillo, was sentenced Wednesday for printing counterfeit checks that were used at various stores and banks, announced John Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

Whitman, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to serve a total of 210 months in federal prison. Whitman pleaded guilty in June 2017 to two counts of uttering and possessing counterfeited securities of an organization. In addition, Judge Fitzwater ordered that Whitman pay $9,746.71 in restitution. She has been in custody since her arrest in April 2017.
Startup accelerators have been a critical component in the creation of thousands of startups, including such familiar names as Airbnb, Twitch, Stripe, Dropbox, Twilio, Simple, Pluto TV and ClassPass.

These startup-creation machines provide some combination of education, capital, co-working space, product-development support and access to a strong support network. They enable companies that are ready for venture capital to quickly get up to steam.

It should come as no surprise that the startup accelerator industry has been taking the world by storm in the last decade. From 2008 to 2014, the number of US-based accelerators increased by 50 percent each year, and things dont seem to be slowing down. The US remains No. 1 on the list of startups aided, but the trend is global.

What are the top accelerators in the United States, and what sets them apart from the rest? Lets take a look at the cream of the crop.

1. Y Combinator (1,464 Startups Served)

Y Combinator was born in 2005 in Mountain View, California. Their team is made up of 60 employees, and they have proudly helped 1,464 startups, including unicorns like Airbnb and Stripe.

Y Combinator remains the largest (and best) accelerator in the nation, and they have an unparalleled global reputation in the tech world. The traits that set them apart are their incredible mentorship and capital network.

The community at Y Combinator is active: they host office hours that give founders quality, one-on-one attention with their mentors. There is no limit to how many meetings one can have with a mentor, giving founders access to as much assistance as they need. And the help doesnt stop just because the accelerator program does.

Y Combinator has a huge alumni network, and theres a strong ethos of helping out fellow YC founders. So whatever your problem, whether you need beta testers, a place to stay in another city, advice about a browser bug, or a connection to a particular company, theres a good chance someone in the network can help you. -- Y Combinator

Related: Thinking of Joining an Incubator? Check Off These 5 Things First.

2. 500 Startups (1,306 Startups Served)

500 Startups, which was founded back in 2010, are neighbors to Y Combinator in Mountain View, California. They have 59 members on their team and have helped 1,306 startups. 500 Startups is best known for accelerating Twilio, which has a market cap of more than $2.5 billion.

500 Startups has a seed program and a series A program for investing, but thats not all they do. Their team remains passionate about fostering global partnerships, creating valuable startup ecosystems around the world and running educational programs, conferences and events. The thing that sets 500 Startups apart from the rest is their mission for diversity and inclusiveness in the startup world.

They recognize and support the idea that founders come from various backgrounds, genders and nationalities. They even have a special task force that is in charge of increasing the number of female founders they interview for their Seed Program. Additionally, 44.5 percent of their portfolio is made up of racial minorities. As part of their effort to boost less-represented groups, they created the 500 Startups Unity and Inclusion Summit, which was held in cities around the world.

Diversity is not just a strategy or tactic. Its who we are. -- 500 Startups

Related: Top 10 Global Accelerators for Overseas Startups

3. Techstars (1,204 Startups Served)

Techstars came alive in 2006 in the beautiful city of Boulder, Colorado. With 151 team members, they have successfully helped 1,204 companies. Their big win? ClassPass, with almost a $500M valuation.

Techstars is an extensive, worldwide network that provides their clients with a three-month program and a mentorship that is authentic, optimistic and empathetic. Once youre in the Techstars family, youre in for life. Techstars wants their members to feel cared for, and to give them the freedom to work in the environment best suited for them. Thats what makes them so unique! They offer 34 location options for their programs, giving these entrepreneurs plenty of choices.

Our global ecosystem of founders, mentors, investors, and corporate partners work together to create a network of support that lasts throughout your entrepreneurial journey. -- Techstars

Related: 10 Accelerators Helping Startups Grow to the Next Level

4. MassChallenge (1,211 Startups Served)

MassChallenge, based in Boston, Massachusetts, started in 2010. Their large team of 175 people has helped 1,211 startups and created over 60,000 jobs in the global market, including Boston, Israel, Mexico, Switzerland and the UK. Localytics, their most notable alumnus, has raised almost $60M in venture capital.

What makes this successful accelerator different from the rest? Theyre a nonprofit, making MassChallenge unique in this list. Additionally, they hand out over $2 million in equity-free cash prizes each year to help their startups succeed. Now we know why they call themselves the most startup-friendly accelerator on the planet!

We envision a creative and inspired society in which everyone recognizes that they can define their future and is empowered to maximize their impact. We are obsessed with helping entrepreneurs across any industry. No equity, and not-for-profit. -- MassChallenge

Related: Why the Number of Accelerators Is Accelerating

5. Plug and Play (462 Startups Served)

Plug and Play was born in Sunnyvale, California, in 2006, and currently has 125 employees. They have successfully helped thousands of startups, nearly 400 of which have their office space in the Plug and Play headquarters building. One of their big wins was LendingClub, which had an IPO and has a market cap of more than $2 billion.

Plug and Play has 22 locations around the world and aims to offer their members the total entrepreneur experience. What makes them so unique is how many startups they invest in each year.

They make seed investments for over 100 startups annually that they select from their space. They never take equity from those who join the program, and they accept startups of any size and at any stage in their development.

"Within the programs, we connect our 180 corporate partners to the startups that are directly impacting their space. These introductions help both parties thrive together through investments, pilots, acquisitions, and mutual growth." -- Plug and Play

Related: 4 Things Startup Leaders Need to Know About Accelerators

6. Coplex (250 Startups Served)

Emerging from the desert of Phoenix, Arizona, and with locations in Seattle and Los Angeles, Coplex has helped create over 250 software startups. With a team of 31, their track record includes LA-based Pluto TV, which recently hit a $140M valuation.

What makes them so unique? They only work with non-coding, subject-matter expert founders to co-create new software companies. The Coplex lean startup program is designed for founders who have strong business experience and are looking to start a software company to solve a problem in the space they know best. They start with ideas, take concepts to revenue in as little as 8 weeks and aim to graduate companies ready for an institutional seed investment.

We will be the platform to enable The New Entrepreneur (non-coder, subject matter expert founders) to start incredible new companies around the world. -- Coplex

Related: Accelerator vs. Incubator: Which Is Right for You?

7. Dreamit (222 Startups Served)

Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dreamit has successfully helped over 300 startups since 2008. SeatGeek is their big win, with around a $200M valuation.

Dreamit is an accelerator and a venture-capital firm that focuses solely on growth to create startups with market-ready products. They provide their members with access to investors, a sales pipeline and many other resources. What makes Dreamit unique, however, are their highly focused programs.

Members can choose between two programs: Dreamit Health and Dreamit UrbanTech. Dreamit Health has established one of the largest tech networks for the health tech industry and offers startups a chance to integrate their products into payers providers and pharma companies. Dreamit UrbanTech gives startups involved in real estate tech, construction tech, internet of things and other types of urban tech a chance to gain customers and integrate their products.

Post-seed, preSeries A startups with early traction are often left with limited resources and funding options. The Dreamit program is completely focused on customer growth and assisting startups as they approach their Series A. -- Dreamit

Each of the accelerators in this list is unique in their approach to helping startups write their success stories, and they all continue to make the startup world a thriving one.

Related:

America's Top 7 Startup Accelerators and What Makes Each Unique

Google Launchpad Accelerator Expands To Egypt, Morocco And Algeria

Start-ups, Take Note of One of India's Biggest Incubators



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Trump administration officials and congressional Republican leaders are promising a new framework in two weeks for legislation that would overhaul the U.S. tax code -- though they've shied away from releasing any details about how the changes would affect individuals or corporations.

Time is growing short for legislative action on taxes in 2017, and the promise of a framework during the week of Sept. 25 -- a document that House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady described as the "core elements of tax reform" -- comes as President Donald Trump is focusing on trying to attract Democrats' support.

Three Democratic senators joined the president for a White House dinner Tuesday aimed at winning their support on a tax bill. Trump has another meeting scheduled Wednesday afternoon with a bipartisan group of moderate House members, the Problem Solvers. And he's invited the Democratic leaders of the House and Senate, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, to dine with him at the White House on Wednesday, according to two people familiar with the matter.

While such details as the corporate tax rate and the tax brackets that would apply to individuals remain secret, Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat who dined with Trump Tuesday, said during a Bloomberg Television interview that the president is pitching tax relief for the middle class, not "a tax cut for the rich."

Still, even amid the president's bipartisan approach, lawmakers are laying the groundwork for getting legislation through the Senate without Democratic support.

During a closed-door meeting Wednesday, Brady thanked House Republicans for their hard work on a tax overhaul and emphasized that it's more important than ever for the GOP to deliver on its tax promises, according to a person familiar with the meeting who asked not to be named. Brady, a Texas Republican, told members that following the framework's release this month, the focus will turn to the House and Senate completing the budget process by mid-October, the person said. Brady added that the budget is necessary for a tax revamp.

House Budget Chairwoman Diane Black of Tennessee said Wednesday it's unlikely that the budget resolution will reach the House floor this month. Republicans have to agree on a 2018 budget resolution -- a necessary step to unlock the procedural maneuver they intend to use to pass the tax plan with 50 votes in the Senate while avoiding any Democratic filibuster. The party controls only 52 of the chamber's 100 votes.

Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus have said they won't vote to pass a budget out of the House until they get more details on tax changes. Black said the outline coming from the so-called Big Six -- the administration and congressional leaders who are shaping the tax framework -- should help to assuage those members' concerns.

If Congress follows Brady's schedule and adopts a budget resolution by the middle of October, there will be 28 legislative days left on the House calendar in 2017. And Congress must act by Dec. 8 to fund the government or face a shutdown, which could distract from the tax debate.

During a press conference last week, Brady, a member of the Big Six, wouldn't confirm whether any specific decisions had been made and declined to offer a timetable for releasing details or marking up legislation. The other members of the Big Six are House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch of Utah, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn.

Ryan said the outline that's coming this month would reflect agreement among the tax-writing committees in the House and Senate, and the administration. Subsequently, the committees will take feedback and write the bills in the weeks ahead.

"This is really the consensus of the tax writers themselves so that we're working from the same page," Ryan said during a press conference Wednesday. "The tax writers are going to take it from there on the details."

Hatch was less committal on the content and timing of any new tax framework. "It looks to me like there will be" a document released during the week of Sept. 25 that provides new details on the Republican tax plan, he told reporters on Wednesday. "But I'm not totally confident about that."

In response to a question about whether Ryan will insist that a tax proposal balance its cuts with revenue raisers to avoid increasing the federal deficit, the speaker said during an Associated Press event Wednesday that economic growth is more important than anything else. Ryan and McConnell have both said previously that a tax plan should be revenue-neutral.

Ryan also said during the press conference he would love to have the Democrats working with the GOP "but we're going to do it no matter what."

Meanwhile, achieving bipartisan support in the Senate may be difficult. Earlier this year, 45 of the 48 Democratic senators signed a letter that set three conditions for supporting tax legislation: that it not add to the deficit, that it not increase the burden on the middle class and that it go through the regular order process in Congress.

On the House side, at least one member's initial response to Wednesday's news was less than enthusiastic.

"Unfortunately the Republican tax principles we have seen so far have been largely vacuous, and I fear their updated framework to be released later this month will only be more of the same," Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement.

Trump continues to put pressure on lawmakers to get a tax bill completed -- he posted a Twitter message on Wednesday saying: "With Irma and Harvey devastation, Tax Cuts and Tax Reform is needed more than ever before. Go Congress, go!"

White House Budget director Mick Mulvaney said he thinks Democrats are interested in working together on a tax overhaul. "The question is will they have the political courage to look at the principles and the substance of the proposal and I hope they will," he said.

The budget director added during an interview on Bloomberg Television that the Trump administration wants to see a 15 percent corporate tax rate and that an overhaul should simplify Americans' ability to file taxes. He said the plan would help spur 3 percent annual economic growth.

"In order to get the size -- the magnitude of the reductions that we want in the corporate and the individual rates and in order to get the sweeping reforms that we so desperately need -- you absolutely will see an increase in the deficit in the short term," he said. "But the payoff in the longterm is actually that promise of balanced budgets."

---

Bloomberg's Jennifer Epstein and Anna Edgerton contributed.
Homeland Security officials plan to submit to the White House soon a report that is likely to shape the future of President Donald Trump's entry ban, a key portion of which is set to expire Sept. 24, authorities said.

The report is critical because it is being prepared in response to Trump's order that the Homeland Security secretary present him with a list of countries for inclusion in what effectively amounts to a more permanent ban. And because of impending deadlines, the White House will likely have to take action even before the Supreme Court hears arguments next month on whether the entry ban is at its core legal.

The White House has several options - including extending the current ban, modifying it or letting it lapse. The matter now sits in the hands of the Department of Homeland Security, which has been tasked with assessing the type of information that other countries provide so American officials can vet travelers wanting to come to the United States.

When Trump inked his revised entry ban in March, it was billed as a temporary measure, necessary to reduce officials' workload so they could review what information they were getting to vet people coming into the country.

The executive order barred citizens of six Muslim majority countries from entering the United States for 90 days, and banned refugees from all countries from entering for 120 days. Unlike a similar travel ban signed in January, the order exempted current visa holders and spelled out ways people might apply for a waiver.

The ban also established the cap on refugees for fiscal year 2017 at 50,000, and officials at the State Department, Homeland Security and the White House have been discussing possibly lowering the limit for fiscal year 2018, a level not seen in decades, according to a person familiar with the discussions. No final decision has been made, though, and the matter is ultimately up to the White House. The discussions were first reported by The New York Times. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

In March, with certain travelers prevented from entering, Trump commanded the Department of Homeland Security to conduct - within 20 days - a "worldwide review" of the information needed to vet travelers from other countries, and to come up with a list of those that did not provide adequate data.

Those countries were then to be given 50 days to start providing the information or come up with a plan to provide it. Those that didn't would risk being included in a presidential proclamation that would bar the entry of at least certain categories of their citizens, according to the executive order.

David Lapan, a Homeland Security spokesman, said his department delivered a report to the White House in early July on the results of its worldwide review and now was working on the report about countries that could not provide adequate information.

Lapan said officials had "a comprehensive understanding of the information we receive from all foreign partners" and would "provide a report to the President in the coming weeks." A State Department spokesman said that agency was "engaging with foreign governments in order to meet these new standards for information sharing." She said she could not "prejudge the outcome of this engagement."

A person familiar with discussions over the entry ban said it is possible Homeland Security's report - and what the White House decides to do with it - could have a significant impact on the legal wrangling surrounding the measure. If the ban were to lapse or be changed significantly, that could render the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on the matter moot, or it could spawn fresh legal challenges, the person said.

The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because discussions are ongoing, said it seemed unlikely that the White House would abandon the ban entirely but that establishing a permanent ban could make it harder to defend in court. The White House declined to comment on what it was considering.

Although Trump inked the travel ban in March, it was waylaid by court challenges before it could take effect, and the president issued a memo effectively declaring that the 90- and 120-day clocks wouldn't start running until the court-imposed blockades were lifted.

On June 26, though, the Supreme Court permitted a limited version of the measure to take hold - though it said the government could not bar those with a "bona fide" connection to the United States, such as having family members here, or a job or a place in an American university.

U.S. officials formally implemented the directive three days later. Justice Department and Homeland Security spokespeople said this week they consider the clocks to have started running when the Supreme Court ruled. That means the ban on citizens from the six countries will expire Sept. 24, and the ban on refugees will expire Oct. 24. On Oct. 10, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on whether the ban is legal.

That probably means by the time they issue a decision, both the refugee and ban on citizens of six countries will have expired.

As it stands now, the administration is allowed to implement a version of the ban that is far less forceful than it had hoped. After the Supreme Court ruled in the White House's favor in June, officials initially tried to block even grandparents and other extended relatives of people in the United States from entering - though a federal district judge ultimately stopped them from doing so, and the Supreme Court left that decision undisturbed.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, though, put on hold another portion of the district judge's ruling, which would have prevented the administration from banning refugees with formal assurances from resettlement agencies. That means the government can keep out a pool of about 24,000 refugees, despite the assertion by those suing over the ban that they had a bona fide connection to the United States and thus should be allowed in.
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THE WOODLANDS  Houston Methodist Cancer Center at The Woodlands opened its doors to the community on Wednesday providing tours of the state-of-the-art facility. Guests also visited the infusion center and learned about advances in cancer treatments and the availability of clinical trials in The Woodlands.

Dr. Peter Morgan, radiation oncology, and Dr. Priya Ramshesh, hematology/oncology, discussed multiple services available to families in Montgomery County, including screening, diagnostics, genetic testing, advanced technology and patient support.
China's Foreign Ministry in a statement Tuesday stressed its support for fresh UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea after its latest nuclear test.

The ministry said the UNSC resolution embodies the united position of the international community and called on North Korea to "no longer pursue" its nuclear weapons program.

But it also urged South Korea and the U.S. not to complicate the situation and urged them to embrace its own "dual track approach" and "suspension for suspension initiative," which are "the proposals put forward by China to fundamentally resolve the Korean Peninsula issue in a peaceful manner."

That would mean halting massive joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises on North Korea's doorstep if the North halts its nuclear program.

The state-run People's Daily in an editorial said the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery here is "part of a U.S. strategy targeting China and Russia" and warned that Russia and North Korea were threatening to strike the battery.

Teaming up with Russia, China opposed the U.S. push for a complete oil embargo against North Korea and kept North Korean leader Kim Jong-un from a blacklist.

"The U.S. first circulated a draft resolution that called for a full oil embargo on North Korea in an attempt to win more leverage," the official Global Times said. "Some Americans and South Koreans have attempted to collapse Pyongyang's economy and suffocate the current Pyongyang regime. This is dangerous."

"The international community is unaware that it is just as important for Washington and Seoul to lessen their military threats toward Pyongyang as it is for the latter to abandon its nuclear ambitions," it added.

Meanwhile, Japanese broadcaster NHK cited a Chinese source as saying that China's four state-run banks -- the Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China -- told all North Koreans including diplomats to withdraw their money by Aug. 31 and halted all further transactions with them.
President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire to dismantle the achievements of President Barack Obama, be they domestic reforms on health care, an executive order governing the status of undocumented youth, a landmark international agreement on climate change or the deal inked between world powers and Iran over its nuclear program.

Many of Trump's efforts to unravel Obama's legacy, though, have stalled. More often than not, they have also proved widely unpopular among the public, according to a slate of opinion polls. But there's one hot spot where Trump could probably walk back the effects of Obama's foreign policy with little condemnation: Myanmar, also known as Burma.

Just last year, many in Washington saw Myanmar's gradual transition away from military rule and toward democracy as validation of a largely bipartisan American policy of engagement. Under the Obama administration, the United States moved to ease trade sanctions on the once-isolated regime, reinstating Myanmar to a lucrative program that allows developing countries to export certain goods duty-free to the United States.

These measures all seemed to be part of Myanmar's steady path toward normal international relations after decades in the cold. "It is the right thing to do to ensure that the people of Burma see rewards for a new way of doing business," Obama said last year, calling Myanmar a "good-news story in an era when so often we see countries going the opposite direction."

The face of this transition was Aung San Suu Kyi, the acclaimed political prisoner and Nobel laureate who emerged from years of house arrest at the beginning of the decade, entered her nation's politics and eventually won election to parliament. She became Myanmar's state counselor in April 2016, a new post that made her the most powerful civilian leader in the country.

Fast-forward a year, though, and Myanmar is certainly not a "good-news story." An unprecedented refugee crisis is taking place along the Burmese border with Bangladesh, with about 370,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing a Burmese military offensive in northern Rakhine state. On Tuesday, numerous reports of widespread extrajudicial killings and other atrocities carried out by security forces led the U.N. human rights chief to describe what's happening as "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing."

The Burmese government, including Suu Kyi, insists it is simply carrying out "clearance operations" against Islamist militants. It also classifies the Rohingya, who were stripped en masse of full citizenship rights in 1982, as "Bengali" interlopers, a claim that is not accepted by most international organizations. Suu Kyi has come under widespread criticism abroad for largely dismissing the plight of the Rohingya and toeing the military's line on events in Rakhine state.

In Bangladesh, authorities are straining under the pressure of hosting the vast influx of people. There are about 700,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar living in temporary camps in Bangladesh, including tens of thousands who crossed over during earlier periods of violence. This population of de facto refugees is almost as large as the Rohingya population remaining across the border. On Monday, Bangladesh's foreign minister said "a genocide" was taking place in Myanmar and called for an international tribunal to investigate the violence of the past two weeks.

"We welcome the international community to come to the border areas in Bangladesh and see for themselves the plight of the people who fled the atrocities in Myanmar and ran for their lives to Bangladesh," a senior Bangladeshi official told The Post, contrasting Bangladesh's stance with Myanmar's refusal to allow access into Rakhine.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the burden of hosting these Rohingya as "unbearable" for his country and urged the world to "put pressure" on the Burmese government to end the violence. "We cannot solve the problem. The problem was created by Myanmar," he said. "The problem is in Myanmar, and Myanmar must take back these people and solve it."

An emergency session of the U.N.'s Security Council is expected to address the issue Wednesday, with many hoping for a strong statement calling for a cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access to Rakhine. Meanwhile, it seems Suu Kyi will not travel to New York this month for the annual session of the U.N. General Assembly, where multiple world leaders are expected to raise the Rohingya issue.

Suu Kyi's defenders, though, insist that she is in an awfully tight spot, having to manage her relationship with the bruising Burmese military at a time when public opinion largely supports its crackdown on the Rohingya.

"Critically, and many commentators seem to have forgotten this, the generals still have the constitutional authority to take control of the government - a legal coup - should they feel that order needs to be restored," former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd wrote. "While there is plenty of blame to place on the military for the current situation in Rakhine state, Suu Kyi is the only one seeking to walk a tightrope, between providing a positive way forward for the Rohingya on the one hand, while not providing the military the pretext for ending Myanmar's fledgling democracy on the other."

So what pressure can be exerted on Myanmar's military? Obama gave away valuable leverage last year in easing sanctions on Myanmar; the threat of restoring them could be a significant option. But it's hard to imagine Trump, distracted by a host of other concerns and crises, taking a particularly active role on the matter. "Part of the problem is that there is not the kind of strong interest in the White House as there used to be," Derek Mitchell, who was U.S. ambassador to Myanmar from 2012 to 2016, said to my colleagues last week.

After days of silence, the White House issued a statement Monday calling on "Burmese security authorities to respect the rule of law, stop the violence, and end the displacement of civilians from all communities." As thousands continue to flee, tougher talk - and action - will be needed.
The lobbying activities of Michael G. Flynn, the son of President Trump's former national security adviser, are being examined by the special counsel investigating possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election, according to people familiar with the probe.

The inquiry into the younger Flynn, first reported by NBC News, follows other indications this week that investigators are increasing pressure on his father, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who advised Trump during the campaign and briefly served in the White House before being ousted for misleading statements about his contacts with the Russian ambassador.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is looking at the younger Flynn because of his role as chief of staff to his father at the Flynn Intel Group, a lobbying and consulting firm that worked for international and domestic clients, according to the people familiar with the inquiry, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an open case.

Two senior House Democrats this week requested information from the elder Flynn and some of his business partners about a joint U.S.-Russia proposal to sell nuclear power plants in the Middle East.

The letter sent Tuesday by Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., sought details of Flynn's travels to the Middle East in 2015 to promote the nuclear project - trips that the lawmakers said were not disclosed by Flynn in early 2016 as required.

"It appears that General Flynn violated federal law by omitting this trip and these foreign contacts from his renewal application" for a security clearance, the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Flynn's attorney and two business partners.

Flynn's attorney, Robert Kelner, declined to comment on the letter. An attorney for the younger Flynn, Barry Coburn, declined to comment on the NBC report.

Lawmakers have been inquiring in recent months about the elder Flynn's connections to Turkish, Saudi and Russian interests. The Flynns flew together to Moscow in 2015 when the elder Flynn delivered a paid speech at a Russian Television anniversary celebration attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The lawmakers' interest in the nuclear power proposal was sparked by a June report by Newsweek detailing the unusual plan to jointly market nuclear power plants to Israel, Egypt and other countries in the region. Newsweek reported that Flynn flew to Egypt and Israel in June 2015 "to gauge attitudes in Cairo and Jerusalem toward a plan for a joint U.S.-Russian (and Saudi financed) program to get control over the Arab world's rush to acquire nuclear power."

The letter requested details of any communication Flynn had with foreign governments about the nuclear project and suggested that the general's interest in the proposed deals may have represented a conflict of interest.

"The American people deserve to know whether General Flynn was secretly promoting the private interests of these businesses" while acting in his official capacity as adviser to the Trump campaign, the transition and the president, the letter said.

Although Flynn's attorney has rejected past efforts by Democratic lawmakers to gather information, they have persisted. In addition to requesting documents Tuesday, they asked that Flynn and his business partners appear before House committees for transcribed interviews with staffers. In the past, Flynn's attorney has pledged to cooperate with congressional intelligence committees, which have subpoena power and can compel testimony.
Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton wants to move up to the state level.

As of Wednesday, Patton announced he is seeking the Republican nomination to run for the 56th District seat in the Illinois Senate following state Sen. Bill Haines decision to not seek re-election.

Haine will not be running again after receiving his diagnosis earlier this year of multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer.

A Democratic nomination for Haines seat is already in the running after Madison County prosecutor Rachelle Aud Crowe, of Glen Carbon, announced her candidacy Wednesday, Aug. 23.

Patton has served as the mayor of Edwardsville since 2013, with his current term anticipated to end in May of 2021. He is also the owner of Patton Dental and has been for 23 years and counting.

Patton has served for six years on the Edwardsville City Council and eight years on the Madison County Board. During his time on Council, Patton created the Edwardsville Beautification and Tree Commission in 2000, initiated the EHS Arboretum, and has played a role in developing Edwardsvilles Better Place to Play Campaign.

Being a lifelong resident of Edwardsville, Patton attended Edwardsville High School and graduated in 1986. Patton and his wife have three children  two in college and one in the fourth grade.

The 56th District includes all or parts of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Alton, Bethalto, Caseyville, Collinsville, East Alton, Elsah, Fairview Heights, Hartford, Godfrey, Granite City, Madison, Maryville, OFallon, Pontoon Beach, Roxana, Shiloh, South Roxana, Swansea and Wood River.
"In the last ten years our economy has grown at an average of only around 2 percent and some would say less than that. When I talk to the leaders of other countries - I speak to them all the time - they're unhappy about 7 or 8 points of growth - GDP [gross domestic product]. I spoke to a leader of a major, major country recently. Big, big country. They say our country is very big, it's hard to grow. Well believe me this country is very big. How are you doing, I said. 'Cause I have very good relationships believe it or not with the leaders of these countries. I said, how are you doing? He said 'not good, not good at all. Our GDP is 7 percent.' I say 7 percent? Then I speak to another one. 'Not good. Not good. Our GDP is only 9 percent.'"

- President Trump, remarks during speech on tax reform, Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 6, 2017

"So I'll call, like, major  major countries, and I'll be dealing with the prime minister or the president. And I'll say, how are you doing? 'Oh, don't know, don't know, not well, Mr. President, not well.' I said, well, what's the problem? 'Oh, GDP 9 percent, not well.' And I'm saying to myself, here we are at like 1 percent, dying, and they're at 9 percent and they're unhappy. So, you know, and these are like countries, you know, fairly large, like 300 million people."

- Trump, remarks during an interview with the Wall Street Journal, July 25

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The gross domestic product, or GDP, is the broadest measure of a nation's economy. But since the Great Recession ended in 2010, the U.S. GDP has only grown between 1.6 percent and 2.6 percent on an annual basis.

While this growth rate puts the United States on a par with developed nations like Canada and Britain, President Donald Trump thinks the United States could be doing better. He believes the United States should be able to reach upwards of 4 or 5 percent growth, though most economists believe that is unrealistic on a sustainable basis. (The United States last topped 4 percent GDP growth in 2000.)

To help spur this boom in the U.S. economy, Trump is pressing to overhaul the U.S tax code by cutting tax rates and eliminating complex tax rules. When he talks about his tax plan, that's when the president enviously highlights the GDP growth of other countries. On several occasions, Trump anonymously quoted heads of state who he claims are unsatisfied with GDP growth of 7-to-9 percent - more than five times the United States' 2016 rate of 1.6 percent.

Trump certainly speaks with foreign leaders on a regular basis, but very few countries have 7-to-9 percent GDP growth. We wanted to know: Who could he be quoting? Let's check the records.

The Facts

On July 25, Trump sat down with the Wall Street Journal's editor-in-chief Gerard Baker. During the interview, according to an unedited transcript obtained by Politico, Baker asked Trump what he thought was a reasonable corporate tax rate. Trump responded that he was "asking for 15 percent," before recounting an exchange about GDP growth he's had with several leaders of "major - major countries." Trump claims that these unnamed heads of state lament GDP growth of 9 percent while the United States sees only "1 percent" growth each year.

On Sept. 6, during a speech in North Dakota outlining the need for a new tax plan, Trump repeated the claim, almost verbatim, adding that he spoke "recently" with two leaders who were unhappy to report 7 and 9 percent GDP growth.

In both cases, Trump did not name the foreign leaders. During his interview with the WSJ, he did mention Malaysia, Indonesia and China as countries with large populations and high growth. In 2016, Malaysia, (population 30.1 million) saw a 4.2 percent increase in GDP, according to the World Bank. Indonesia's GDP grew 5 percent in 2016. And China's GDP increased 6.7 percent.

While Trump did not name the leaders, he did offer a few clues as to who he might have spoken to: He said the countries are "major, major" and they are "big, big" or "fairly large, like 300 million people."

We pored through the White House Press Office's log of the foreign leaders Trump has met with, or spoken to since taking office. Trump has spoken to 58 heads of state between Sept. 9 and Jan. 28, according to the White House records. Of these 58 countries only three had a 2016 GDP growth rate of roughly 7 percent or more: Iraq, India and the Philippines.

Could the mystery callers be Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, or Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi?

Here is a timeline of his meetings with each leader:

- On April 4, Trump spoke with Duterte over the phone.

- On July 11, Trump spoke with al-Abadi over the phone.

- On Aug. 18, Trump spoke with Modi over the phone. On June 26, Modi visited Trump at the White House.

In 2016, the Philippines' GDP grew by 6.9 percent, India saw a 7.1 percent increase, and Iraq had the largest increase of 11 percent. When Trump sat down with the WSJ in July, he had already spoken with all three leaders. While all of the countries have a GDP growth rate well above the United States, none can claim a 9 percent increase. This fact leaves us scratching our heads, and wondering, who is the president quoting? At best, Trump is mis-remembering the conversations, and at worst, he is making up the facts. The White House did not respond to repeated requests for information.

By September, Trump changed his claim slightly to include a leader who was unhappy to report 7 percent GDP growth.

Several signs point to India's prime minister as that unhappy head of state. First, India's population is 1.3 billion, which qualifies the country as "big big." Second, Modi and Trump spoke last in August, and Trump described the call as recent. Third, Trump and Modi share a similar "my-country-first" economic agenda. When Modi visited the White House on June 26, Trump praised Modi for making the largest tax cut in India's history.

Fourth, and most importantly, India routinely sees a higher GDP growth rate: 8 percent in 2015, 7.5 percent in 2014, and 6.3 percent in 2013. "India has the fastest-growing economy in the world," Trump exclaimed with Modi at his side. "We hope we'll be catching you very soon in terms of percentage increase - I have to tell you, we're working on it!"

Here's the catch: comparing the United States economic growth to India's is like comparing apples to oranges.

India is an emerging economy. An emerging economy is defined by rapid economic growth due to technological improvements, growing workforces, major capital investments, and changes in political and social practices. These countries are not as wealthy as the United States or Canada, but are trying to catch up.

India's emerging economy explains why India's GDP percentage growth tops the United States' year after year. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of the American Action Forum, a right-leaning policy organization, says it is much harder to make rapid economic gains in countries that have already experience a period of major investment. Instead, countries like the United States "are doing the hard work of keeping the economy churning along," said Holtz-Eakin, a former director of the Congressional Budget Office.

Jared Bernstein, senior fellow at the Center on Budget Policy Priorities, a left-leaning research and policy institute, shares Holtz-Eakin's analysis. Bernstein adds that Trump's assertion that the United States can match India by issuing major tax cuts is "nonsensical." Bernstein attributes India's growth to several factors, including a younger and growing labor force. In contrast, the United States has a shrinking and aging labor force.

"As long as I've been looking at the numbers, China and India have always grown faster than the U.S.," said Bernstein, an economic adviser to Vice President Joe Biden during the Obama administration. "They are more volatile. They might fall faster as well," he said.

Since meeting with Trump, Modi learned that India has hit an economic rough-patch. From April to June, India's growth slumped to 5.7, the lowest in three years, according to numbers released in September. Economists point to a decline in manufacturing growth, a sector Modi pledged to revitalize, as a key cause for the slump. Manufacturing growth bottomed out at 1.2 percent, from 10.7 percent during the same period a year ago.

The Pinocchio Test

By a process of elimination, it is possible the prime minister of India is the world leader who is unhappy with 7 percent growth rate. (He's probably even unhappier now that growth appears to be slowing.) Certainly, Trump has expressed interest in rivaling India's growth.

That's one world leader. But the world leader who Trump claims is unhappy with 9 percent growth appears to be a phantom. Of the 58 heads of state he's met or spoke with since taking office, not one can claim 9 percent GDP growth. Perhaps Trump misheard. Or perhaps the other leader was fibbing. Or maybe Trump just thought the pitch for a tax cut sounded better if he could quote two leaders.

In any case, Trump is making a major economic error in comparing the GDP of a developed country to a developing one. For his half-truths, and for comparing apples to oranges, Trump receives Three Pinocchios.

Three Pinocchios
The latest UN Security Council resolution against North Korea lays bare the precise volume of the regime's annual oil imports.

The resolution freezes the regime's imports of crude oil at the current level, which is presumed to be 4 million barrels a year or 540,000 tons. That is roughly equal to the 520,000 tons estimated by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency as the amount China is sending to the North via pipelines between Dandong and Sinuiju.

The UNSC also put a cap on the regime's imports of refined oil products, including gasoline, diesel and fuel oil, at 2 million barrels a year. That is about 55 percent of the regime's total annual imports, according to officials in Seoul and Washington.

If calculated back, the total is estimated at 4.5 million barrels, or about 600,000 tons. That means the North has been importing some 1.1 million tons of crude and refined oil products every year.
COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh - In a hospital bed in a strange country far from home, Mohammad Hasan cried out in pain and begged his son to call for help.

Hasan said he fled his village in northern Myanmar recently as the military and the local Buddhist civilians torched a nearby village. As he and his family approached the Bangladeshi border after an arduous days-long journey, he felt a small explosion and the ground move beneath his feet.Shrapnel ripped a gaping wound in his right leg.

Hasan and his family think the 70-year-old tripped a small explosive device planted in the grass: a land mine.

More than 300,000 members of Myanmar's ethnic minority Rohingya have poured into Bangladesh in recent days, after a brutal military crackdown the U.N. rights chief has said is tantamount to ethnic cleansing, with hundreds dead and thousands of villages burned to the ground.

Now, the Rohingya refugees have a new fear - land mines planted in the border. Human rights groups allege the devices were placed there by the Burmese military, which has long used the explosive devices to quell counterinsurgencies.

Shaheen Abdur Rahman Choudhury, the head of Sadar Hospital in Cox's Bazar, the biggest town near the border influx, said doctors have seen several patients in recent days with wounds consistent with those from land mines, most of whom had been taken to a larger medical college hospital in Chittagong for treatment.

Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque said in an interview Wednesday that the government has "reliable information" that Myanmar's security forces "laid land mines across a section of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border." Burma is also known as Myanmar.

A spokesman for Myanmar's government, however, countered that it was "very difficult to verify" who was planting the explosive devices at the border and suggested that it may be done by the Rohingya insurgent group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, or ARSA.

Rohingya fighters from ARSA attacked dozens of police posts and an army camp on Aug. 25, killing 12 and triggering the cataclysmic military response.

On Saturday, the human rights group Amnesty International said that land mines have injured at least three civilians, including two children, and reportedly have killed at least one man, calling their introduction into the crisis "another low in what is already a horrific situation in Rakhine State."

"With Bangladesh government's cooperation, both sides can verify whose mines by using expert teams," Zaw Htay, Myanmar's presidential spokesman, said Wednesday in an email.

A Burmese military source told Reuters news agency that land mines were laid along the border in the 1990s to prevent trespassing and that the military had since tried to remove them but that none had been planted recently.

The Burmese government also announced Wednesday that Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was canceling a speech at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York to stay home and deal with the crisis.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1991 for her fight for Myanmar's democracy, has come under intensifying criticism in recent days for her handling of the refugee crisis, where the numbers fleeing from Myanmar into Bangladesh have now topped 370,000, according to the United Nations.

About 1.1 million Muslim Rohingya live in Myanmar and have long endured a curtailment of their rights, including denial of citizenship, restrictions of movement and access to employment.

Clashes with the Buddhist villagers in 2012 resulted in more than 100,000 Rohingya being confined in camps, a humanitarian crisis that has festered. Critics have charged that Suu Kyi has done little to address the problem since her National League for Democracy won the country's first largely democratic election in 2015, but she has little power over the country's generals, who still control the country's security forces.

Chris Lewa, an activist with the Arakan Project, said this week that it appeared Buddhist villagers were now joining military forces to torch Rohingya homes, and satellite photos showed that the burning continued over the weekend. Large clouds of black smoke were plainly visible over the sea route corridor to Bangladesh on Wednesday.

"It's total devastation," Lewa said. "The villages are empty and every house is burned."

Myanmar's military and its armed insurgent groups have used land mines in their armed conflict for decades and continue to do so, rights groups say.

The military typically used the explosive devices to deter villagers from returning after their home areas had been "cleared" in searches for counterinsurgents.

But long-standing rebel groups in states along the border with Thailand and China have also used them to strike back at the military or protect their lucrative gem mines.

Hasan, who traveled from the Kumirkhali village in Maungdaw township in northern Rakhine state, said his son was forced to carry him in a bamboo basket for the rest of the journey. It was several days before they made it to the hospital, Hasan said, and now he fears he will lose his leg.

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Mushfique Wadud contributed to this report.

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VIDEO:

How Myanmar's Rohingya militants are involved in the crisis (Jason Aldag, Max Bearak/The Washington Post)

--http://wapo.st/2vQFNBn

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President Kim Street of The Rotary Club of Plainview has joined District Gov. Charles Starnes and the 51 Rotary Clubs of Rotary International District 5730 in a partnership with the High Plains Food Bank, the South Plains Food Bank, The West Texas Food Bank and HungerPlus to collect and deliver relief supplies for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Stretching from Perryton to Pecos covering the Panhandle, South Plains and Permian Basin, District 5730 Rotarians will be assisting area food banks in this important effort. Starnes said, These items will be needed for weeks to come as many victims will not be able to get into their homes for several weeks or may have to find a new home in a different area.
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, D, facing multiple child sex-abuse allegations dating to the 1970s, will resign Wednesday, saying the damaging claims have become a distraction that threatens to undermine the city government's ability to serve it citizens.

Murray's spokesman, William Lemke, told The Washington Post that the resignation takes effect at 5 p.m.

The announcement Tuesday came just hours after the Seattle Times reported new allegations that Murray, 62, sexually abused a relative in the mid-'70s. That relative, a cousin, was the fifth man to publicly accuse the mayor of sexual assault, the newspaper reported.

Murray continues to deny the accusations, saying his progressive political record and gay-rights advocacy made him a target for those determined to drag him down. His cousin's allegations, Murray told the Times, stem from "bad blood between two estranged wings of the family."

In a written statement issued by the mayor's office, Murray said, "While the allegations against me are not true, it is important that my personal issues do not affect the ability of our City government to conduct the public's business. . . . It is best for the city if I step aside. To the people of this special city and to my dedicated staff, I am sorry for this painful situation."

Elected mayor in 2013, Murray dropped his reelection bid in May after the first four men claimed that he had sexually abused them years earlier, when they were teenagers. One filed a lawsuit in April, alleging in lurid detail that Murray "repeatedly criminally raped and molested" him when he was a homeless 15-year-old in the 1980s.

The other alleged victims chose not to sue.

Murray resisted calls to resign, a decision some members of the Seattle City Council supported before his cousin's allegations surfaced this week. As recently as June, when the lawsuit was withdrawn, Murray even suggested he'd run again as a write-in candidate, saying he felt vindicated.

Seattle is home to nearly 715,000 people and one of the nation's fastest-growing economies, fueled in large part by the tech boom and steady expansion by several major firms headquartered there.

City Council President Bruce Harrell will step in to serve as mayor. Seattle's charter gives him five days to decide whether to remain through the rest of Murray's term, Harrell announced in a statement.

"I have a plan in place for a seamless transition in order for City operations to continue at the highest standard," Harrell's statement said. "Seattleites deserve a government that holds their full confidence and trust."

Harrell called the accusations against Murray "unspeakable," saying the city's criminal justice and social service systems have an obligation to address them "no matter how long ago they might have occurred."

Murray, who was raised in Seattle, became a campaign manager for Washington's first openly gay state senator in the 1980s. He went on to serve for nearly two decades in the state legislature, where he prioritized transportation measures, gay rights and marriage equality.

Murray continued to champion social justice issues while at city hall, winning the mayor's seat in part with a promise to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, which he accomplished through an executive order not long after his election.

He took on affordable-housing challenges and police accountability, and would become one of President Trump's harshest critics on the West Coast, particularly the administration's promise to target undocumented immigrants.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity to offer a frank assessment of Tuesday's announcement, a source in Seattle City Hall told The Post that Murray's resignation has left many in the government feeling "deflated."

The mayor's staff was in the midst of finalizing next year's budget, pursuing an ambitious agenda - on issues from homelessness to preschool - with the goal of cementing Murray's legacy as a public servant.

"There was still work to be done," the source said. "And there are a lot of questions about how this will play out."
With Breanne Deppisch and Joanie Greve

Hundreds of Washington insiders gathered last night in the Kennedy Center Opera House for an advance screening of Ken Burns's new documentary on Vietnam.

Before he showed half a dozen choice clips from his 10-part, 18-hour film, which premieres Sunday, the director asked everyone who served in the military during the war to stand so they could be recognized.

John McCain and John Kerry were among those who rose, along with other such famous veterans as Bob Kerrey and Mike Mullen.

Burns then asked anyone who protested Vietnam to also stand. Dozens did.

"I couldn't tell the difference," the director said, referring to the two groups.

The veterans, including McCain, joined the audience in applauding the antiwar demonstrators.

That moment set a tone of reconciliation and harmony for a discussion about one of the darkest and most divisive chapters in American history.

- Forty-two years after the fall of Saigon, McCain believes "it is the right time to take notes." "There has to be a period of time after a conflict where the passion cools," he said during a panel that followed the screening. "Maybe we can look back at the Vietnam conflict and make sure we don't make the same mistakes that we did before."

The 81-year-old, who is undergoing chemotherapy as he battles an aggressive form of brain cancer, said that watching "the magnificent work" reminded him of just how young so many of the Americans were who died. With sorrow in his voice, he talked about "the 18-, 19-, 20-year-old kids who had no idea what they were getting into."

"Their leaders didn't lead, whether they were military or civilian," said the Arizona Republican, who spent 5 years as a prisoner of war after getting shot down on a bombing mission over Hanoi in 1967. "By telling the American people one thing, which was not true, about the progress in the war and the body counts, it caused a wave of pessimism to go across this country, which bolstered the antiwar movement. We can learn lessons today because the world is in such turmoil: Tell the American people the truth!"

McCain said he visits the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as often as he can to take in the names of the more than 58,000 Americans who died. "Depends on the weather," he said. "Sometimes once a week. Sometimes once every couple of weeks. I try to go very early in the morning or when it's near sunset. . . . It's really an incredibly emotional experience. . . . These young men died because of inadequate or corrupt leadership."

As chairman of the Armed Services Committee, McCain is managing the defense reauthorization bill on the Senate floor this week. Whenever troops go into combat, he explained, it is essential that the country decides "what victory means" and, then, "do not forget it!"

"We need to be able to have leaders who will lead and who will be able to give (the troops) a path to victory so that we will not sacrifice them ever again in a lost cause," McCain said.

- Kerry, who captained a swift boat in Vietnam before returning home to protest the war, echoed similar themes and alluded to the Trump administration's credibility gap.

"Vietnam has always stood out to me a stunning failure of leadership," said the former secretary of state. "We were operating without facts back then. In today's world, it's (also) really hard to figure out what the facts are. And people won't honor facts. You know what they are, but you have your 'alternative facts.'"

The 73-year-old spoke of feeling betrayed by "the best and the brightest" who he had looked up to in the American government. He singled out Robert McNamara, who was secretary of defense under John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson.

"I thought I had felt all the anger I could feel about the war, but I hadn't until I read 'A Bright Shining Lie' by Neil Sheehan," Kerry said, referring to the classic book that came out in 1988. "All the way up the chain of command, people were just putting in gobbledygook information, and lives were being lost based on those lies and those distortions."

Martha Raddatz of ABC News, who moderated the discussion, asked Kerry how society can learn "the right lessons" from Vietnam. "A lot of people don't," he replied. "It's that simple."

The five-term Massachusetts senator said that war should always be "a choice of last resort" after diplomatic options have been exhausted. He spoke of the need to have an endgame before going in. "So many missed opportunities," Kerry said, shaking his head. "I hope never again will any generation have to face a moment like we did."

Kerry explained that his combat experience as a young man has been "tricky" at times, and that he tried to not let it overly color his approach to the world during his tenure at Foggy Bottom. "I wanted to make sure I wasn't a captive of Vietnam," he said. "Not everything is Vietnam!"

- By sparking new conversations, Burns and his co-director, Lynn Novick, hope to heal old wounds. Famous for his in-depth explorations of the Civil War and World War II, the director highlighted additional parallels between Vietnam and the present moment: "Mass demonstrations taking place all across the country against the administration. . . . A president certain the news media is lying. . . . Asymmetrical warfare that taxes the might of the United States military. . . . A country divided in half. . . . Huge document drops of stolen, classified material into the public sphere. . . . Accusations that a political campaign reached out to a foreign power during a national election to affect the outcome.

"So much of the division that we experience today, the hyper-partisanship that besets us, we think the seeds of that were sown in Vietnam," Burns said.

- Kerry recounted his work with McCain in the 1990s to normalize relations with Vietnam, which grew out a conversation they had during an all-night flight on a CODEL to the Middle East. "We decided consciously to work on this because we felt very, very deeply that the country was still at war with itself, and that we needed to move forward in the relationship with Vietnam in order to be able to move forward with the relationship here at home," Kerry said. "We wanted to be able to talk about Vietnam as a country, not as a war."

As the 2004 Democratic nominee for president spoke, the 2008 Republican nominee interjected to say that Bill Clinton deserves credit for backing them up at a time (before he got reelected) when it was not politically easy.

- Former defense secretary Chuck Hagel, who enlisted to fight in Vietnam and received two Purple Hearts as an infantryman, praised the documentary for humanizing the war. "We too often don't humanize the mechanics of war," the former Nebraska Republican senator lamented. "We say, 'Well, we're going to send six or seven divisions or three battalions or squadrons of planes.' But what does that mean to the men and women who are fighting and dying? . . . As secretary of defense, I saw that from many years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq. The same was true for Vietnam."

-"The Vietnam War" premieres Sunday on PBS at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.
Six years ago, President Barack Obama, in an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions, set a goal of reducing the cost of solar energy generated by utilities to 6 cents per kilowatt hour by 2020.

Under President Donald Trump, the agencies charged with enforcing that mandate are no longer undertaking a concerted effort to address climate change. Nevertheless, on Tuesday the Energy Department announced that Obama's goal has been met three years ahead of schedule - in part through research funded by the department's solar energy office.

Despite that success (or perhaps because of it), the Energy Department's Solar Energy Technologies Office is reorienting its mission.

"With the impressive decline in solar prices," Daniel Simmons, acting head of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said in a statement, "it is time to address additional emerging challenges."

Solar power makes up a slim portion - about 1 percent - of electricity generation in the United States. Most of that energy comes from photovoltaic solar panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity. But those panels can only do so when the sun is shining.

As such, solar panels evolve into a growing share of electricity, some within the Energy Department, including Energy Secretary Rick Perry, worry there may not be enough power plants in parts of the country capable of running continuously. The concerns include the availability of nuclear and coal-fired power plants, and their ability delivering electricity during peak evening hours.

So in August, the Energy Department published a 187-page report on grid reliability that drew criticism from the solar industry for recommending, among other things, that steps be taken to prevent solar (and wind) companies from driving the price of electricity provided to a grid below $0.

On Tuesday, DOE announced it intended to give out $62 million in grants for early-stage research into another way of generating electricity from sunlight called concentrated solar power.

A primer: Concentrated solar power, or thermal solar, works by using an array of mirrors to concentrate sunlight on troughs or towers that convert the energy into heat, which is used to boil water and drive a steam generator. Some of that heat can be stored in molten salt that can be used into the evening, when the sun goes down and residential energy demand goes up.

"We tap a large solar mass that can be used immediately or whenever the grid operator would like to have power," Charles Gay, director of the Solar Energy Technology Office, said in an interview. "How do we further advance the use of solar with concentrating solar and power electronics to weave the energy delivered by solar into the grid?"

The money for these new grants was appropriated by Congress before Trump became president. The department set a goal of getting the cost for utility-scale solar down to 3 cents per kilowatt hour by 2030, even though the White House has proposed shrinking the solar energy program's budget to $69.7 million from $241 million just a year earlier, a 71 percent slashing.

"The budget cycles may ebb and flow, but there's a solid commitment to solar," Gay said.

Despite the controversy over the grid study, many observers outside the federal government agree with the new direction for the solar program. Trump has also floated the idea of building a solar-powered wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, though the idea is not considered feasible by energy experts.

Given the gains made in reducing costs and improving efficiency for photovoltaic cells, it's time to turn the solar office's attention to thermal solar with or without the grid study, said David Hart, professor of science and technology policy at George Mason University.

"So for me it makes sense to rotate funding to less mature technologies," Hart said.

Concentrated solar power, which requires local workers to construct and operate plants, also fits snugly into another Trump goal of creating jobs.

"It generates local employment," said Yogi Goswami, a solar energy expert and professor at the University of South Florida. Photovoltaic panels, Goswami noted, can be (and are) manufactured abroad more cheaply in China.

Indeed, right now a case before the U.S. International Trade Commission could result in tariffs being slapped onto foreign solar imports. This month, the commission will determine if U.S. solar manufacturers are being harmed by cheap foreign-made solar equipment.

If the commission decides domestic panel makers are being hurt, Trump will then be able to levy a tariff against one of his favorite punching bag on trade, China.

On Tuesday, a group of conservative organizations, including the American Legislative Exchange Council, urged the U.S. International Trade Commission in a letter to avoid solar tariffs, which it worries could "lead to retaliation by our trading partners."
WASHINGTON - The U.S. government on Wednesday moved to ban the use of a Russian brand of security software by federal agencies amid concerns the company has ties to state-sponsored cyberespionage activities.

In a binding directive, acting homeland security secretary Elaine Duke ordered that federal civilian agencies identify Kaspersky Lab software on their networks. After 90 days, unless otherwise directed, they must remove the software, on the grounds that the company has connections to the Russian government and its software poses a security risk.

The Department of Homeland Security "is concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies, and requirements under Russian law that allow Russian intelligence agencies to request or compel assistance from Kaspersky and to intercept communications transiting Russian networks," the department said in a statement. "The risk that the Russian government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates U.S. national security."

The directive comes months after the federal General Services Administration, the agency in charge of government purchasing, removed Kaspersky from its list of approved vendors. In doing so, the GSA suggested a vulnerability exists with Kaspersky that could give the Kremlin backdoor access to the systems the company protects.

The company said in a statement Wednesday that it "doesn't have inappropriate ties with any government, which is why no credible evidence has been presented publicly by anyone or any organization to back up the false allegations made against the company."

It also said that the Russian law requiring assistance does not apply to the company.

"Kaspersky Lab has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyberespionage or offensive cyber efforts, and it's disconcerting that a private company can be considered guilty until proven innocent, due to geopolitical issues," Kaspersky said. "The company looks forward to working with DHS, as Kaspersky Lab ardently believes a deeper examination of the company will substantiate that these allegations are without merit."

The department is giving Kaspersky 90 days to prove its products are not a security risk or to mitigate the concerns.

"We've determined that [Kaspersky software] poses an unacceptable amount of risk based on our assessment," said Christopher Krebs, a senior DHS official in the National Protection and Programs Directorate. "If they want to provide additional information or mitigation strategies, our door is open."

The directive comes in the wake of an unprecedented Russian operation to interfere in the U.S. presidential election, with Russian spy services hacking the networks of the Democratic National Committee and other political organizations and releasing damaging information.

At least a half-dozen federal agencies run Kaspersky on their networks, U.S. officials said, although there may be other networks where an agency's chief information security officer - the official ultimately responsible for systems security - might not be aware it is being used.

The order applies only to civilian government networks. The Defense Department, which includes the National Security Agency, does not use Kaspersky software, officials said.

Meanwhile, the directive may also put pressure on state and local governments that use Kaspersky products. Many had been left to speculate about the risks of sticking with the company or abandoning taxpayer-funded contracts, sometimes at great cost. In July, The Washington Post found several state and local agencies that used Kaspersky's anti-virus or security software had purchased or supported the software within the past two years.

The U.S. intelligence community has long assessed that Kaspersky has ties to the Russian government. The company's founder, Eugene Kaspersky, graduated from a KGB-supported cryptography school and had worked in Russian military intelligence.

Rob Joyce, the White House cybersecurity coordinator and a former NSA official, hailed the move. The idea that data collected by software on government networks could wind up with Russian spy agencies "was an unacceptable risk," he said Wednesday at the Billington CyberSecurity Summit in Washington.

Concerns about Kaspersky software had been brewing for years. Federal law enforcement officials warned some congressional staffers as early as November 2015 not to meet with employees from Kaspersky, because of concerns about electronic surveillance. The concerns mounted in recent months, and DHS officials saw an opportunity to take action. Last week, Best Buy announced it would stop selling Kaspersky products, because of fears of ties to Russian government.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., an outspoken critic of Kaspersky, said the DHS announcement is "a significant step forward in improving our national security and protecting against such vulnerabilities on federal systems." She has proposed amendments to the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act that would ban the use of Kaspersky products at the Defense Department and across the government.

In announcing its July decision, the GSA underscored that its mission was to "ensure the integrity and security of U.S. government systems and networks" and that Kaspersky was delisted "after review and careful consideration." The action removed the company from the list of products approved for purchase on federal systems and at discounted prices for state governments.

Joseph Lorenzo Hall, chief technologist at the Center for Democracy and Technology, said he is concerned the public has not seen evidence of malfeasance by Kaspersky but only "intelligence-community rumblings about the potential for back doors" - a reference in the tech world to holes in software that allow unauthorized parties to gain access to a program or system.

But intelligence agencies have information that leads them to believe Kaspersky products are essentially conduits for Russian espionage, officials say privately. At a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in May, the chiefs of six major U.S. spy agencies all said they would not use Kaspersky software on their computers.

- - -

The Washington Post's Aaron C. Davis contributed to this report.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is consulting U.S. allies in Europe as he seeks a way to toughen restrictions on Iran's nuclear program a month before President Donald Trump faces a deadline to decide whether to walk away from what he's called "the worst deal ever."

U.S. diplomats have approached European officials to see if they would join in demanding an extension to limits on Iran's uranium enrichment that are set to expire in 2025 and 2030 under the nuclear accord reached in 2015, according to people familiar with the discussions. Critics say the prospect that Iran could set its nuclear centrifuges spinning again with few restrictions less than a decade from now is one of the accord's greatest flaws.

Tillerson, who has borne the brunt of Trump's frustration for certifying the deal twice so far this year, has to make his recommendation to the president before Oct. 15, when Trump must again notify Congress whether Iran is complying with the accord.

The secretary of state and other top administration officials believe remaining in the deal would ultimately be better than quitting it because Iran is widely seen to be complying with the letter of the agreement it reached with the U.S. and five other world powers, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing diplomatic efforts.

But they still have to convince Trump.

"If it was up to me, I would have had them noncompliant 180 days ago," Trump told the Wall Street Journal in July.

That's produced a search for new options before the Oct. 15 deadline under a law requiring the president to certify every 90 days that Iran is complying with the accord.

Now, Tillerson is evaluating whether European allies -- to say nothing of China, Russia and Iran -- can be talked into expanding upon their deal, which took months of negotiations to complete during President Barack Obama's administration.

With a broader Iran policy review under way in the administration, the consensus among Tillerson and other officials is to view the nuclear deal as one part of a broader strategy to counter Iran's destabilizing actions in the Middle East, including its program to develop ballistic missiles, its sponsorship of terrorist groups and its support for Bashar Assad's regime in Syria.

Rather than reopening the nuclear deal -- a prospect that other nations already have rejected -- the parties would seek a separate set of agreements to limit Iran's access to ballistic missile technology and its uranium enrichment after "sunset" provisions in the accord start to take effect in 2025.

State Department and Pentagon officials have approached counterparts from France, Germany and the U.K., according to the people. The administration is also weighing whether to pressure the International Atomic Energy Agency to more rigorously enforce the current terms of the deal by gaining access to military sites.

"When we were doing the negotiations, everybody understood and agreed that the sunsets were problematic," said Richard Nephew, who helped negotiate the original deal and is now a senior research scholar at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy. "It doesn't surprise me in the slightest to hear people are saying this."

France's President Emmanuel Macron said last month that the Iran agreement could be "supplemented" to address what happens after 2025 and deal with Iran's ballistic missile program.

The idea may meet more skepticism from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who cited the "good end" reached in the Iran accord in an interview published this week, saying the approach could be replicated in talks over North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

A European official, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private, described a visit by Americans as part of a listening tour on Iran policy and stressed there was no agreement. The official acknowledged that there may be ways to police the Iran deal more rigorously and said the accord is helpful because it averts a nuclear-armed Iran, while allowing the international community to focus on other issues.

"My sense is that it is well-understood in European capitals that the deal will need to be strengthened if it is to survive," said Michael Singh, managing director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. "I think there is actually plenty of room to work out a mutually agreed policy going forward. Whatever tactical disagreements may exist between the U.S. and Europe, there remains a rough strategic consensus about Iran among the allies."

Russia and China have made clear they'd vehemently oppose any move to revisit the Iran deal, although U.S. officials are betting they'd acquiesce if European allies join in pressing for action.

And then there's Iran, whose relations with the U.S. have only deteriorated further since Trump took office as his administration imposed more sanctions on the country to deter its involvement in Syria and punish it for pursuing a ballistic-missile program.

"This is not something we're going to get for nothing," said Barbara Slavin, director of the Future of Iran Initiative at the Atlantic Council in Washington. "What's the U.S. going to offer in return?"

Tillerson isn't the only administration official exploring ways to finesse certifying the Iran deal. Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, last week laid out a scenario under which Trump would keep the U.S. in the deal but refuse to certify Iran's compliance with it, kicking the problem to Congress and forcing it to decide whether to reimpose sanctions that were eased under the agreement.

People familiar with internal discussions said Haley's team didn't work out her speech with Tillerson and his team in advance. The U.S. Mission to the UN responded in a statement that "of course, she and her team discussed the content with the White House" and through the "interagency" process.

Pushing a decision off on Congress would be similar to Trump's recent moves on other key policies, including immigration, health care and tax reform.

"Under the law, Congress then has 60 days to consider whether to reimpose sanctions on Iran," Haley told the American Enterprise Institute in Washington. "During that time, Congress could take the opportunity to debate Iran's support for terrorism, its past nuclear activity and its massive human-rights violations."

--Bloomberg contributors: Jonathan Tirone, Helene Fouquet, Thomas Penny, Katharina Rosskopf and Kambiz Foroohar
According to the latest OECD educational index published Tuesday, the U.S., Chile, Japan, Canada and Australia are the only other member nations of the club of rich countries where fees are higher. The U.S., Australia and Japan had the most expensive private university fees, but they also have vastly more prestigious schools.

Tuition fees at Korea's state-run universities are the sixth most expensive in the OECD and at private universities the fourth most expensive even though few feature prominently in global rankings.

The average fees for state universities in Korea stand at W5.17 million, down from W5.4 million last year, and at private universities W9.27 million, down from W9.67 million.

Korea was the only OECD member country where tuition fees fell. An Education Ministry official said, "It appears that the fee burden has eased a little given that Korea ranked third for state-run university fees and second for private university fees last year. But it's true that Korea still ranks near the top of the world."

As the school-age population declines due to a persistently low birthrate, the teacher-to-student ratio fell to 1:16.8 for elementary schools, 1:15.7 for middle schools and 1:14.1 for high schools, down 0.1, 0.9 and 0.4.

Starting wages for teachers at public schools are relatively low, but salaries grow to surpass the OECD average with time. As of 2015, new teachers earned W32.02 million in elementary school, W32.08 million in middle school and W31.28 million for high school. The OECD average was W34.82 million, W36.36 million and W38.2 million.

But those with 15 years of teaching experience earned W56.01 million, W56.08 million and W55.28 million, compared to the OECD average of W48.41 million, W50.40 million and W52.67 million.


MOSUL, Iraq - The collapse of the Islamic State in its most important Iraqi strongholds has brought a rare moment of hope for a country mired in war for most of the past four decades.

It is also a moment of peril, as Iraq emerges from the fight against the militants only to be confronted with the same problems that fueled their spectacular rise in 2014.

Old disputes between Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds over territory, resources and power already are resurfacing as the victors of the battles compete to control liberated areas or jostle for political advantage in the post-Islamic State landscape.

These rivalries now are compounded by the mammoth task of rebuilding the towns and cities destroyed by the fighting, returning millions of displaced people to their homes and reconciling the communities that once welcomed the Islamic State's brutal rule as preferable to their own government's neglect and abuse.

A failure to manage the post-conflict situation risks a repeat of the cycle of grievance and insurgency that fueled the original Iraqi insurgency in 2003, and its reincarnation in the form of the Islamic State after 2011, Iraqis and other observers say.

But it is a vast and potentially insurmountable challenge, laid bare in the traumatized communities of Mosul. In the relatively unscathed eastern part of the city, life has bounced back. Traffic clogs the streets, music blares from markets and stores are piled high with consumer goods, such as cellphones, air conditioners and satellite dishes, that were banned or hard to find under Islamic State rule.

In the ravaged west, which bore the brunt of the fighting, entire neighborhoods have been leveled beyond repair. In the Old City alone, 230,000 people have been left without habitation, and "they are not going home soon; the whole district has to be rebuilt," said Lise Grande, the deputy special representative of the United Nations mission in Iraq.

So far, there is no sign of any reconstruction effort on the scale that will be required, said Hoshyar Zebari, a former Iraqi former foreign minister who is from Mosul and now works as an adviser with the Kurdish regional government.

"All the writing is on the wall that there will be another ISIS," he said, using an acronym for the Islamic State. "The scale of frustration. The lack of hope. The lack of government stepping in. What can you expect?"

Meanwhile, distractions loom as Iraq's attention shifts to the long-standing political rivalries that were put on hold by the imperative of confronting the Islamic State.

The Kurdish region is pressing ahead with a referendum on independence - over the strenuous objections of Iran, Turkey and the United States - that has the potential to ignite a new war before the present one is over. The vote is reopening the contentious question of where the borders of the Kurdistan region lie, and tensions are rising in areas where the Kurdish peshmerga forces and Iranian-backed Shiite militias have been brought face-to-face by the war against the Islamic State.

Rifts are emerging within Iraq's governing Shiite majority, which rallied behind the country's security forces and militias - known as al-Hashd al-Shaabi, or Popular Mobilization Forces - for the sake of fighting ISIS. There are sharp divergences, however, over the future identity of their country, over whether it should tilt further toward Iran or maintain an alliance with the United States, and over how far to go to reconcile minority Sunnis with the Shiites.

These issues are expected to come to the fore in elections due in the spring of 2018 that could become a focus for conflict as the political parties behind the powerful Iranian-backed militias that played a big role in the fighting seek to capitalize on their victories on the battlefield by winning a bigger share in parliament.

The country's Sunnis are in disarray, scattered among refugee camps or returning to wrecked homes in towns and cities that have been laid waste. Some 2 million of the 5 million people displaced by the fighting over the past three years have returned home. But 3.2 million still live as refugees, mainly in dismal camps, according to the United Nations. Many have no homes to which they can return, and others fear retribution from neighbors or the security forces, Grande said.

In Mosul, there is relief that the militants have gone but also trepidation about what the future holds. Multiple militias roam the streets, loyal to a variety of political masters, government ministers, tribal leaders and members of parliament. The government security forces are spread thin, and some have been withdrawn and deployed elsewhere for the other battles still to be fought before the final territorial defeat of the militants.

Some of the armed men in Mosul are local Sunnis, trained as part of a U.S.-promoted initiative to include locals in the city's future security arrangements. Others are members of the Iranian-backed Shiite militias that were kept out of the battle for fear they would inflame sectarian tensions, but which have moved in to set up offices and recruit local allies.

The militias are needed because there are not enough police and other security-forces personnel to keep the city safe, said Mohammed al-Sayyab, a businessman originally from the majority-Shiite city of Basra who heads a small Sunni fighting force controlled by the minister of education. "We cannot say it is 100 percent safe. It is 70 percent safe," he said. "There are still ISIS sleeper cells. We are working to clear them, but we are up against a very clever enemy."

Few think the Islamic State has gone away. Everyone, it seems, has a story about someone they know who was with the Islamic State and has reappeared in their neighborhoods, sometimes after being detained and released. Corruption within the security forces and judiciary contributes to the perception that Islamic State fighters have bought their way out of prison.

Omran Mohammed Bashir, 32, who runs a laundry in eastern Mosul, ticked off on his fingers the former Islamic State members he has seen around his area and elsewhere in the city. Among them are a relative who has not been detained, even though her father reported her to the security services, and a man who commanded the fighters in Bashir's neighborhood; Bashir ran into the man while visiting a different part of Mosul.

"I don't think there will be any support for another insurgency. The people of Mosul have learned a lesson," he said. "But it's unpredictable what will happen, especially if the situation continues like this, with no reconstruction and corruption inside the government."

But Iraq has no budget for reconstruction, government officials say. Years of declining oil prices and the financial demands of the war against the Islamic State have left the country bankrupt, forced last year to take a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

The absence of a discernible reconstruction plan in turn fuels perceptions among Sunnis that the Shiite-led government is neglecting them, said Hassan Alaf, the deputy governor of Nineveh, the province in which Mosul lies.

"It seems some of the politicians are not keen to bring life back to Mosul," he said. "We still suffer from sectarian conflict and its implications are reflected in the reconstruction."

It will be left to the international community to come up with the money to repair the damage, much of it caused by the relentless airstrikes and artillery bombardments conducted under the auspices of the U.S.-led coalition formed to fight the Islamic State, according to Grande, the U.N. representative. The United Nations is planning a fundraising conference in Kuwait this month at which it will seek up to $100 billion in donations for Iraqi reconstruction.

But the countries that so enthusiastically prosecuted the war are proving less willing to pay to fix the resulting damage, U.N. and aid agency officials say. The U.S. military has spent $14.3 billion on fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria over the past three years, according to Pentagon figures, but just 10 percent of that - or $1.4 billion - on repairs.

The State Department has asked for $300 million to fund basic repairs such as fixing electricity and water systems in 2018, but the United States does not plan to contribute to the reconstruction effort. The military coalition led by the United States against the Islamic State "is not in the business of nation-building or reconstruction," Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said earlier this year.

One glimmer of hope lies in a recent rapprochement between the Iraqi government and Saudi Arabia, which have been icily estranged since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion brought a Shiite-dominated government to power in Baghdad. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has visited the kingdom, and so has the Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who has broken ranks with Iran's Shiite allies in Iraq to champion calls for reconciliation with Sunnis.

U.S. and U.N. officials are hoping that the wealthy Arab states of the Persian Gulf will offer to provide much of the funding. But they are embroiled in their own conflicts, disputes and budget shortfalls, and may not have the will or inclination to come up with the many billions of dollars required.

- - -

The Washington Post's Kareem Fahim, Louisa Loveluck and Mustafa Salim contributed to this report.
"One of our goals for next year is to release a foldable phablet and we are currently on the way to overcoming the hurdles before making it commercially available," said Koh Dong-jin, the head of Samsung's mobile division at the launch of the Galaxy Note 8 in Seoul on Tuesday.

Samsung plans to launch a foldable smartphone next year in the Galaxy Note series.

Samsung has hinted at introducing bendable screens since the early 2010s. It has filed a series of patents on flexible or foldable displays, and piloted production of a prototype earlier this year.

Koh expressed confidence in the success of the Note 8, saying domestic pre-orders in the first five days have reached over 650,000 already, some 2.5 times more than those of its predecessor last year.

The Note 8 is released here on Sept. 21.
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Houston area officials and business leaders on Tuesday reaffirmed their demands for a federally-funded coastal wall that would protect the area from storm surges. State leaders, meanwhile, separately announced a new committee to study the viability of the long-debated project.

The so-called "Ike Dike" would create a "coastal spine" in Galveston Bay that could be opened and closed to control the massive flows of water that precipitate tropical storms and hurricanes.

On Tuesday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and others again urged Congress to fund the estimated $11.5 billion project along with the disaster relief package lawmakers are currently considering in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Get the latest news from Hurricane Harvey's impact on Texas

"We know there is going to be another storm," said Turner, who gave his strongest endorsement to date. "And the intensity of these storms are increasing. And, quite frankly, if we're going to be smart, then we're going to factor in mitigation."

"Let's not miss the lesson (of Harvey)," he said.

Devastating as it was, Turner and others said, Hurricane Harvey would be nothing compared to the myriad health and economic catastrophes that could occur if a storm directly hit the hundreds of businesses, plants and refineries in the Port of Houston.

In a video produced to support the project that was released at the Tuesday press conference, business leaders and officials imagined the fallout if the area's petrochemical and other factories were taken offline by a Category 5 hurricane.

"Either we are going to make the investment that can prevent huge losses," Turner said. "Or we're going to be shortsighted and think that we have got plenty of time, and then wait until it's too late and literally be spending $100 billion."

Similar projects have been built in the wake of disasters in New Orleans and on the East Coast. But nearly a decade after Hurricane Ike -- the storm which largely spurred talk of a dike in the first place -- Congress has yet to finance a project for the Houston-Galveston region.

On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick separately announced the creation of the Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System.

MUST-KNOW: From flooding to FEMA, information you can use

"In recent days we have seen how important it is that Texas has the best possible systems and infrastructure in place, not only for day-to-day operations, but also for unexpected and sometimes disastrous events," Patrick said in a statement to the media.

He said Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, and Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, will be part of the committee. Taylor in April introduced a bill to create an Ike Dike authority by expanding the purview of the Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority to the six counties protected by the hypothetical barrier.

Such an authority, of course, would be of little good without a barrier, or the federal funding for it.

"This is a huge part of the project and it also shows that Texas is very serious," Jackie King, Taylor's chief district director, said at the time. "Not a single ounce of what the authority does is impacted unless the feds approve construction of a coastal spine."
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He jumped down from the cab of the monster truck with a pencil behind his ear, looking a little like a vintage Nicolas Cage - thin and lanky.

Chris Ginter, a 34-year-old commercial real estate developer, became almost mythical in the days after Hurricane Harvey dumped heavy rains on the Houston area, plucking people from their flooded homes and streets and zipping them out in his brother's giant silver truck with 55-inch tires.

After the storm's worst, he continued providing rides for those in the city's Memorial area who seemed to be forgotten - their homes still flooded, yet with nary a cloud in the sky.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Get the latest on Harvey and damage along the Texas coast

Ginter is among hundreds of citizen volunteers who have hit the flooded streets to try to rescue or assist people, often in boats, canoes and kayaks but sometimes in modified pickup trucks like his.

After the storm hit, Ginter had one mission: to save his best friend, Robert Maguire, and his girlfriend, Gina Dyrda. That mission led to many more water rescues in West Houston, due to the release of water from nearby dams. Homes that had never flooded were suddenly underwater, leaving many to feel like their homes had been sacrificed for the greater good.

"We tried to get everyone out of that area that wanted to leave," the Houston volunteer rescuer said. "There were some two-story townhomes, so not everyone wanted to leave, of course. But the next day, more people wanted to leave, and two days later, we couldn't even get back there and people wanted to leave."

Undeterred helper

During the initial flooding phase, affected people would pass around Ginter's phone number, leading to a steady stream of addresses for stranded people who had thought they would ride out the storm. They called in hopes that his amazing rescue truck could whisk them back to dry land. In the post-flood days, his phone number again got passed around, this time from folks who wanted to see their homes and get a handle on the watery nightmare left behind.

He has remained undeterred in his mission to help.

On Saturday, as the water started creeping out of the Marywood Chase and Memorial Thicket subdivisions, Ginter aimed to help people get back into their homes, which for the most part remained inaccessible except by boat or kayak.

Residents wanted to assess the damage and bring in supplies, such as generators, fans and garbage bags.

Ginter met up with Gordon Miller and his family. Using a stepladder, they loaded cleaning supplies onto the bed of the truck. They were joined by some neighbors, who hopped on with waders and a rubber raft for the return trip. As Ginter inched the truck through the toxic floodwaters, he on occasion opened the door of his cab to check to see how high the water was hitting. If it went over the running boards, he would be too deep.

STORM RESOURCES: From flooding to FEMA, everything you need to know

A neighbor in waders warned him of debris in the street ahead. A few moments later, he slid out of the driver's seat and into the murky water, to use himself as a human measuring stick. The water was midway up to his chest, but he declared that he had enough clearance, trying to stay in the middle of the street to avoid hitting mailboxes and fire hydrants.

"I never make a wake, but if the water gets deep, I have to part the water a little bit, to get us back to safety," he said.

Ginter helped to unload supplies at each of the homes. When one of the men tried to put money in his pocket, he declined.

Just there to help, he said.

'True heroes'

At the Memorial Thicket subdivision, he was flagged down by Paul Branum, who was trying to deliver a generator and fans to a friend. The water in her home had gone down enough, but they could not get the generator into a boat, and the monster truck seemed like the perfect mode of transport. At one point a large, former military vehicle pulled up and someone on the truck yelled out, "Bad ass!"

"Hey, that's bad ass!" he yelled back.

"I was just telling them, this is my brother's truck. ... I would rather own that than this. That's cool!"

Moments later, Sonny Nejad, who had gotten a ride in a boat earlier in the day, waved him down for a ride back out of the community. Ginter piled Nejad, his wife and seven others into the truck for a return trip to Memorial Drive.

Asked about being a volunteer, he replied, "My job is easy compared to that. That's probably one of the toughest jobs, being a volunteer walking through the water, pulling people in and out, in a kayak or a boat. Those are the true heroes."

In fact, six volunteer rescuers drowned in separate incidents in the days after Harvey dumped as much as 51 inches of rain on parts of the Houston area.

As he deposited his precious cargo onto dry land, Nejad gave Ginter a bear hug.

Ginter smiled and said, "This is why I do this. This is a better reward than money."

"I'm blessed to be here doing this. I hope everyone else feels blessed that I am doing this ... spreading Jesus' love."
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A woman was sexually assaulted while running Tuesday morning in a North Side park.

A San Antonio police sergeant at the scene said the assault occurred around 9 a.m. on a trail in Hardberger Park, in the 13000 block of Blanco Road.

San Antonio Police Sgt. James Lint said the victim told police she heard a noise behind her moments before the attack.

"She didn't think much of it at first because of all the animals you have out there," he said.

RELATED: Suspect in Med. Center sexual assaults is recent Marshall graduate, played varsity basketball

She told police someone grabbed her from behind, took her behind a bush and raped her.

She fought back, freed herself and ran across the street to a friend's apartment, where she reported the attack to police, Lint said.

Police described the suspect as a white man in a grey hoodie.

Now Playing: SAPD investigates a report of a sexual assault on a trail in Hardberger Park, Tuesday morning, Sept. 12, 2017. Video: San Antonio Express-News

After having the victim help them find the crime scene, police are working to collect evidence, Lint said. A helicopter was brought in to search for the person responsible.

Lint said authorities detained a person of interest, though they are "not very sure" he was responsible for the attack.

Debra Nelson, of San Antonio, said she saw police officers driving the victim around the park on an ATV and taking her to an area at the back of the park on the Water Loop Trail.

"She was very scared, you know, traumatized," Nelson said, adding, of the area that police were searching, "There's a lot of bushes and narrow trails. It's secluded. Not a lot of foot traffic."

READ ALSO: SAPD: 23-year-old man fatally shot in chest at South Side park

Nelson said she's a regular at Hardberger Park and though the attack is shocking, she always considers the possibility it may happen to her when she exercises along the trails.

"I'm going to be very cautious about my surroundings, but already as a female I don't like going to that back area," she said. "It makes me uneasy being so far from a lot of these other more traveled trails."

Lint, a former sex crimes investigator himself, said police have responded to a few similar calls at Hardberger Park in the past, but they are uncommon.

"Most attacks by strangers are very rare," he said. "But they're the ones that make the highlights on the news."

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cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
AUSTIN -- A political reckoning is coming over the so called "sanctuary city" law in Texas, leaders of a new campaign against the law are promising.

Elected Latino leaders and advocacy groups gathered in Austin and other cities nationwide on Wednesday morning to announce a new campaign aimed at keeping the issue before the public and vowing to use it to put heat on Republican leaders up for re-election in 2018.

An organic movement is spreading throughout Texas cities that show working families are fed up with the type of leadership they are seeing in Austin, said Jose Garza of the Workers Defense Action Fund, a group that has joined in the lawsuits against Senate Bill 4 which was passed during the spring and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.

"We know that this fight is not over," Garza said. "We will continue to organize. We will continue to rally communities across this state. And there will be a reckoning for these kinds of discriminatory policies."

In June, Houston joined other major U.S. cities like San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and El Paso in suing to prevent the law from going into effect.

Despite the tough talk at Wednesday's event in Austin, groups organizing the event acknowledged that they still do not have a candidate for governor to take on Abbott and the policies like SB 4 that he has championed with little political consequence to date.

State Rep. Mary Gonzalez, a Democrat from near El Paso, said Democratic leaders were just meeting yesterday in Austin to talk about a candidate for governor.

"We are confident we will have a candidate," said Gonzalez, who could not say when that candidate would officially step forward to run.

State Rep. Celia Israel, D-Austin, said there are several people who are considering it but a lot goes into running and they are working through what it will take. Israel, who is also the Texas House Democratic Caucus vice-chair, said she is confident that even beyond the governors races there are going to be more candidates running for state House and Senate seats and challenging incumbents who supported SB 4.

"This initiative is about expressing that tension," Israel said of the new national campaign called Not In My State.

In other states, the campaign is aimed at making sure what passed in Texas doesn't spread to other parts of the nation, even as groups in Texas fight what they have called a "show-me-your-papers" law that they say makes some communities distrustful of law enforcement.
Before he recently voted to support a small dose of legal aid for the poor, District 6 City Councilman Greg Brockhouse expressed a concern. Would these funds help undocumented immigrants?

Brockhouse was clearly uncomfortable with this possibility, and expressed some uncertainty about how to explain this to his constituents. He had quite a testy exchange with District 4 City Councilman Rey Saldana, who had pushed for the legal aid, which he said would help families.

In the end, the Council supported the legal aid unanimously. Its not much money. The city is providing $150,000 to Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Catholic Charities and RAICES. The Vera Institute of Justice is kicking in another $100,000.

The legal services menu includes education, counseling and representation on veterans issues, landlord-tenant disputes, identification recovery, simple wills and immigration issues.

Since Brockhouse expressed anxiety about this vote, here are some points he can share with his constituents:

The city will provide $100,000 for immigration services (because of the match from Vera) and $50,000 for the other services. So, yes, funds will undoubtedly provide legal assistance to undocumented immigrants.

But even if a resident is here without documents, that person still has constitutional rights. Part of what is being offered is simply information. Know your rights.

Regardless of status, these are also city residents who pay sales tax and property taxes, often in the form of rent. And its not the citys responsibility to vet immigration statuses of its residents.

Its also an ethical and moral service that will serve citizens. Consider this very real hypothetical: There is a mother who lives and works in San Antonio, but immigrated here without documents. Her children were born in San Antonio and are U.S. citizens. If the mother receives legal aid through the city, she benefits. But so do her citizen children.

In the end, a number of council members  District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales and District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino, in particular  said they viewed these services as necessary after immigrant families, suddenly released from detention centers, overwhelmed the San Antonio Mennonite Church in December. Its the kind of resource that could provide clarity during a confusing and stressful situation.

With the states pending sanctuary cities law and President Donald Trumps decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), there is no shortage of confusion and fear. Legal aid could help separate fact from fear.

This is our immigration reality. A small dose of city-funded legal aid for the poor is not the problem.
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Investigations into improper teacher-student relationships jumped 36 percent in the 2017 fiscal year, records obtained by mySA.com show.

The Texas Education Agency opened 302 investigations into improper relationships in FY2017. It was at least the seventh year in a row that number has increased.

Improper relationships, which includes any sexual contact between a teacher and student, have plagued Texas school districts for years, with 1,503 investigations opened since the 2010 fiscal year. A slew of bills were filed to curb the issue during the 85th Legislative Session and Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 7 in May.

The new law, which went into effect Sept. 1, requires principals to report to superintendents if a teacher is terminated or resigns after being accused of an improper relationship with a student. It increases the penalty for superintendents who don't report the misconduct to the TEA and automatically revokes teaching certificates for educators who are required to register as sex offenders.

RELATED: Gov. Abbott signs crackdown on inappropriate teacher-student relationships

A request for comment from the TEA was not immediately returned.

Having sex with a student is a second-degree felony in Texas and records show six people were arrested for an improper relationship between an educator and student in Bexar County from September 2011 to July 17, 2017.

Between January 2010 and December 2016, 63 San Antonio-area educators had their teaching certificates revoked 24 of them were arrested, mySA.com found using an Austin American-Statesman database.

Here is a breakdown of investigations:

Fiscal year 2009-2010: 141

Fiscal year 2010-2011: 152

Fiscal year 2011-2012: 156

Fiscal year 2012-2013: 163

Fiscal year 2013-2014: 179

Fiscal year 2014-2015: 188

Fiscal year 2015-2016: 222

Fiscal year 2016-2017: 302

Months before the lawmakers convened in Austin this year, the TEA lamented social media had contributed to the rise in investigations.

"Unfortunately, social media has also made it more prevalent," said DeEtta Culbertson, TEA information specialist, in June 2016.

While social media does give educators more access to students, it also helps in reporting such cases, she said.

"There is more awareness, so there is more reporting," she said.

Twitter: @kbrad5
US Africa Command launched three precision airstrikes against Shabaab, al Qaedas branch in Somalia and East Africa, in southern Somalia earlier today. The US military has now targeted Shabaab forces five times and killed 10 jihadist fighters over the past week.

AFRICOM did not provide the precise location of the three strikes, but said they took place about 260 kilometers south of the capital Mogadishu. The strike likely took place somewhere near Jilib, a known safe haven for Shabaab. The strikes took place within a geographically-defined area in support of partner forces in Somalia, according to AFRICOM.

At the end of March, the Trump administration loosened the restrictions on the US military to use force against Shabaab after the Department of Defense noted that Shabaab has become more lethal and dangerous. Shabaab has killed hundreds of African Union and Somali forces while overrunning bases in southern Somalia, and has maintained its safe havens while expanding areas under its control during 2016.

Since the beginning of June, the US military has announced 13 strikes against Shabaab. The targets have varied. A June 11 operation hit a Shabaab command center and logistics node. A July 4 attack targeted Shabaab fighters as they massed for an attack in the south. A July 29 airstrike killed Ali Muhammad Hussein, a senior Shabaab leader, in a strike on the Mogadishu Attack Network.

AFRICOM has loosely described raids against targets such as IED facilities and training camps as counterterrorism operations, when in reality these are military operations, since they are often launched against well-defended and well-defined targets in areas under direct Shabaab control. Like other al Qaeda branches, Shabaab controls a significant amount of territory and operates a military, intelligence and services, and governs areas it controls.

The US State Department, in its Country Reports on Terrorism 2016, said that Shabaab has prospered over the past year due largely to lapses in offensive counterterrorism operations during 2016. Additionally, State noted that Somali security forces remained incapable of securing and retaking towns from al-Shabaab independently, and while not explicitly stated, hinted that the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is failing.

As in previous press releases, AFRICOM also noted that Shabaab has pledged allegiance to al Qaeda and is dedicated to providing safe haven for terrorist attacks throughout the world. The group has also publicly committed to planning and conducting attacks against the US and our partners in the region.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Alexandra Gutowski is a military affairs analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
The duo fell in love while working in Mumbai and came to Delhi by April-end or May first week after facing opposition from their families.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will on Wednesday resume the hearing in the former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav case,. Jadhav, 47, is on death row in Pakistan after the country's military in a secret trial in April found him guilty of espionage and terrorism. Pakistan's interior minister on Tuesday said Islamabad was effectively pursuing Jadhav's case at the International Court of Justice as it was a proof of India's intentions to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, according to a media report.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Jadhav's case was a proof of India's intentions to sabotage the $50-billion CPEC through terrorism, The News International reported. He said the CPEC was a result of unprecedented friendship between China and Pakistan. "Nobody can reverse it, it will succeed at any cost," he was quoted as saying in the report.

Pakistan claims it arrested Jadhav in March last year from its restive Balochistan province, where the CPEC culminates at the deep-water Gwadar Port. But India maintains Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy.

India challenged the verdict in the UN top court, which on May 18 asked Pakistan to not execute Jadhav before they decide the case. In its arguments before the court on May 15, India had expressed its fear that Pakistan could execute Jadhav even before the court gave its verdict. Both India and Pakistan will make their submissions before the ICJ. PTI
Kochi: The High Court on Wednesday deferred the hearing of Nadirsha's anticipatory bail plea to Monday, September 18. While ruling, the High Court also slammed the police team by asking that how long it will take to end the investigation. Launching a scathing attack against the investigation team, the court also asked that are they planning arrests every month.

The court warned police over the delay and said if this continues will consider as contempt of court. The court also mocked and asked whether the police is probing the case using mobile tower location or brain. The court reportedly also lashed up on the method of police interrogation, especially in the case of Pulsar Suni, the prime accused in the case and asked them not to make a mockery of the interrogation.

Nadirsha had approached the High Court on Thursday, seeking anticipatory bail, when police summoned him to question again. In his bail plea, he said that he is innocent but the police threaten to arrest him and are making baseless accusation against him.
COLLINSVILLEAll but one school is fully accredited now in Henry County and even that one missed it by less than one percent.

On Tuesday, the Virginia Department of Education released accreditation results for all school districts in the commonwealth. According to that data, which was based on spring 2017 Standards of Learning scores, 13 out of 14 Henry County schools met the requirements.

The department designated Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School's status as "to be determined." Local officials said Tuesday they expect FC to be partially accredited: reconstituted. Under reconstituted status, accountability plans must be developed for the school to address issues they are having that are hindering students learning abilities.

For full accreditation, a schools students must achieve an adjusted pass rate of 75-percent in English, which includes reading and writing, and 70-percent in mathematics, science and history and social science.

Fieldale-Collinsville missed the benchmark by one-seventh of one percent in English, but the school saw a seven-percent increase in reading and a six-percent increase in writing. The middle school surpassed required passing rates in all other areas, including a five-percent increase in mathematics.

We are very encouraged by the growth in student achievement last year, said FCMS principal Laryssa Hairston-Penn. As we move forward, everyone is working tirelessly to make sure each and every student reaches his or her full potential. These efforts, coupled with the collaboration between faculty, staff and administration, have created a very positive atmosphere at F-C. With that, all stakeholders have high expectations and are determined to keep moving forward toward full accreditation for the 2017-2018 school year.

The scores county-wide are up from last year, when 12 schools received full accreditation.

We are very pleased to have almost every school fully accredited this year and are so proud of the work of our staff and students to continue to grow and succeed in this particular area of student achievement, said Monica Hatchett, the school district's director of communications and organizational learning.

All 14 schools made gains in student performance based on score comparisons of the most recent data and the information collected the year before.

Campbell Court Elementary achieved full accreditation status, following two years of being designated as Partially Accredited: Approaching Benchmark.

At Campbell Court, we are pleased with the amount of academic growth that has taken place for each of our students, said Principal Shonna Pilson. We will continue to use research-based strategies to help all students achieve mastery of concepts. Our faculty and staff are committed to promoting a culture of high expectations in order to help each student achieve success.

While accreditation serves as a benchmark that helps schools gauge how theyre doing and how to move forward academically, its only one of the resources HCPS uses to determine a students academic success during the course of a school year.

Teachers are working collaboratively to plan units and lessons that support a students critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity, which we know ensures the students success in all areas, Hatchett said.

Each year, the district uses the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test to help determine student growth. MAP is an adaptive tool that allows students to be assessed at their own level and the results help teachers to make informative instructional decisions. Students in kindergarten to eighth grade take the MAP assessment in reading, math and language.

Teachers help students set goals for the year based on their initial MAP results in the fall. Students work with the teacher to devise strategies to help the pupils meet their learning growth goals from fall to spring. In 2017, students demonstrated growth in reading in every grade level assessed.

Students whose native language is one other than English participate in the WIDA: Access 2.0 assessment during the school year. English Learners receive services and resources during the school year and are assessed for growth in English language development. During the 2016-17 school year, 52-percent of the students who participated in the assessment demonstrated growth.

Though they have two years left in high school, 10th grade HCPS students participate in the Virginia Placement Test each year. During the 2016-17 school year, 73-percent of the students who participated met the liberal arts entry requirement in reading at the college level.

This year, HCPS plans to continue to focus on and offer a wide array of student growth assessments, Hatchett said.

As always, our staff is collaborating with families and continuing to work to support student growth in a variety of areas  and were seeing students succeeding in ways they never have before, said Division Superintendent Dr. Jared Cotton. While we always feel we have work to do to improve, the gains our students are steadily making in every area are cause for celebration.

In the classroom, Lisa Millner, HCPS Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, said that teachers, staff and administrators work hard to meet the needs of the students.

We strive daily to provide a supportive environment that promotes excellence. HCPS has set high expectations for students and we continuously motivate them to do their best. Though the SOL tests are just one measure of success, we are proud of the accomplishments that [the students] have made, Millner said. Are we satisfied? No. We must continue to assess our weaknesses and set goals to promote growth.

While in-classroom instruction is important to academic success, there are additional actions parents can take to foster a childs learning at home.

We so appreciate the partnership of our parents and families throughout the course of the school year as they engage in supporting each students learning, Hatchett said. Some of the best ways they help to guide their students is to encourage reading at home, practice practical math applications with students at home and around the community  estimating tax at a store, helping to figure costs, participating in measurement when following a recipe, etcetera  and to spend time discussing the students learning and future goals so that we can all work together to help the student realize his or her potential.
COLLINSVILLE  A Martinsville man who attempted to flee from police will spend some time in prison.

James Thomas Barrow, 37, pleaded guilty to feloniously eluding police by exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph or more and driving with a revoked license after a prior DUI. He was then sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison, with nine years suspended on conditions including supervised probation. Online court records list Barrows address as both Eden, North Carolina, and Martinsville.

Henry County Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Jessica Henson stated at a court hearing last month that on Sept. 12, 2016, Deputy J. Hatcher of the Henry County Sheriffs Office observed a Chevrolet Impala traveling north on Virginia Avenue in Henry County with a defective driver-side headlight. Hatcher turned on his patrol vehicles blue lights and attempted to stop the Impala. Hatcher saw that the Impala was occupied by two people at this time.

The Impala turned onto Smith Rucker Road and proceeded at about 25 mph. The driver of the Impala waved his hands and swerved along the road but didnt stop. About 50 yards past Hill and Dale Road, the driver threw a small, white object out of the drivers side window. Henson told the Martinsville Bulletin she did know was thrown out of the vehicle and no charges were brought based on that. After that, the vehicle turned right onto English Road, made another right turn onto Hill and Dale Road, proceeded to Smith Rucker Road, then turned onto Virginia Avenue, heading north.

Hatcher followed the Impala approximately one mile north on Virginia Avenue, where it turned right onto Sunset Road. At this time, the Impala did not appear to be speeding but was making no effort to slow down or stop. Once the Impala reached the end of Sunset Road, it made a U-turn and quickly accelerated past Hatcher. Hatcher turned around and continued pursuing the Impala at a much greater speed. At the preliminary hearing, Hatcher estimated the Impalas speed to be 35 to 45 mph in a 25 mph zone.

Sgt. Terry Farmer (of the Henry County Sheriffs Office) stationed his marked SUV, with flashing blue lights, at the end of Sunset Road in the middle of the road to discourage the Impala from proceeding. The Impala swerved off of the road, bypassed Farmers SUV and turned left onto Virginia Avenue, toward the city. Hatcher continued pursuing the Impala. Hatcher switched on his siren about this time.

The Impala continued up Virginia Avenue, frequently changing lanes without signaling and bypassing a number of traffic control devices while traveling at a speed significantly higher than the posted speed limit. Farmer moved his SUV in front of the Impala to attempt to slow it down. The Impala continued trying to swerve and turned right onto Askin Street in the city of Martinsville.

Two city police officers (Chris Bell and Rob Dunwoody) joined the pursuit at this time. The Impala turned left onto Oak Street, where it appears by body camera footage that a city police vehicle may have made contact with the rear of the Impala and the Impala then lost control and drove into a residential yard at 1042 Oak Street.

The Impala then backed up and hit the city police vehicle and then drove forward into a chain-link fence. The passenger was no longer in the Impala at this time.

Hatcher broke the passenger side window with his baton to gain access to the driver. Farmer and the two city officers struggled with the driver through the drivers side window, trying to gain control of him. The driver then tried to exit the vehicle by way of the passengers side, but Hatcher was able to keep him from exiting at that time.

The city officers deployed tasers twice, but the driver pulled the probes out and kept resisting. Hatcher then deployed OC (pepper) spray, which gave the officers the chance to pull the driver out of the Impala. At that point, the driver was identified as James Thomas Barrow.

HENRY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

Some other recent cases from Henry County Circuit Court follow:

Raymond Miller Minnick II of Patrick Springs, who pleaded guilty to possession or transportation of a firearm by a convicted felon and DUI-prior felony conviction, was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison, with a total of nine years suspended on conditions including supervised probation and a $1,000 fine. The offenses allegedly happened on Jan. 11.

Charles Allen Blackard of Ridgeway pleaded guilty to DUI-third offense within 10 years and feloniously driving after license revoked. Sentencing was set for Oct. 11. The offenses allegedly happened on Feb. 19. The prosecution dropped but could reinstate several other charges against Blackard.

Charles Douglas Coffin of Greensboro, North Carolina, who pleaded guilty to grand larceny, was sentenced to five years in prison, with four years and eight months suspended on conditions including two years of supervised probation and payment of $5,321.83 restitution. The offense allegedly happened on July 1, 2016.

David Doyle Looney of Ridgeway, who pleaded guilty to two counts of breaking and entering a dwelling, two counts of grand larceny and one count of grand larceny of a firearm, was sentenced to a total of 25 years in prison, with 23 years and five months suspended on conditions including supervised probation and payment of $400 restitution.Looney was charged in connection with break-ins of two homes in the Ridgeway area on July 14, 2016.

Richard Junior Hairston of Martinsville, who pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, was sentenced to five years in prison, all suspended on conditions including two years of supervised probation. The offense allegedly happened on July 30, 2016.

Victoria Lynn Browning of Ridgeway, who pleaded guilty to breaking and entering a building and grand larceny, was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison, all suspended on conditions including supervised probation and payment of $930 restitution. The offenses allegedly happened on Dec. 16, 2016.

Antonio Christopher Gilley of Collinsville, who was charged with assaulting a police officer but pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of felonious obstruction of justice, was sentenced to five years in prison, with four years and six months suspended on conditions including two years of supervised probation. The offense allegedly happened on Jan. 29.

Justin Lee Sowder, who pleaded guilty to three charges of grand larceny, was sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison, with 14 years suspended on conditions including supervised probation. The offenses allegedly happened on Sept. 22, 2016, and Jan. 17, 2017. Online court records list Sowders address as Bassett and Martinsville.

A charge of felonious hit and run resulting in death or personal injury against Kevin Wayne Loflin of Denton, North Carolina, was dismissed. He was charged after an incident on Dec. 22, 2014.

In another case Monday in Henry County General District Court, a judged sent to Circuit Court a charge of feloniously eluding police against Canei Maurice Marshall, 19, of Danville.

A criminal complaint by Trooper John Andrew Compton of the Virginia State Police alleged that on July 11, a tan-colored car passed Compton westbound on Route 58 at the Brosville Fire Department in Pittsylvania County at a speed of 86 mph in a 55 mph zone. That car sped up when Compton turned on his vehicles blue lights, reaching speeds of 109 mph at times. The driver of the car continued toward Henry County on Route 58 and the pursuit continued through Henry County and into Franklin County momentarily.

The vehicle that was eluding Compton nearly missed two cars, ran multiple stop signs and traveled into oncoming lanes multiple times. That vehicle was stopped by a spike strip and rolling road block about a mile north of the Henry County Courthouse on Kings Mountain Road without further incident.

The driver was identified as Canei Marshall of Danville.

MARTINSVILLE CIRCUIT COURT

Charles Douglas Coffin of Dublin, who pleaded guilty to credit card forgery and obtaining property or money by false pretenses, was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison, with all but eight months suspended on conditions including supervised probation. The offenses allegedly happened on July 1, 2016.

Jacqiel Shariftavon Edmunds of Martinsville, who was charged with arson, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of misdemeanor destruction of property, and was sentenced to 12 months in jail, with 11 months suspended on conditions including one year of supervised probation. The offense allegedly happened on Dec. 22, 2016.

Stephen Dewitt Secrest of Martinsville was found not guilty of violating a protective order. He was charged after an incident on April 5.

Leslie Nichole Biggs of Bassett, who was charged with four felony charges -- altering/forging certificate of title/registration, obtaining documents when not entitled, unlawfully obtaining DMV documents, and perjury in DMV matters  pleaded no contest to reduced charges of three counts of misdemeanor using false information to get a title and one count of misdemeanor unlawful possession of DMV documents. She was sentenced to a total of 42 months in jail, all suspended. The offenses allegedly happened on May 17, 2016.

Christopher Morgan Odell of Danville, who was charged with arson, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of misdemeanor property damage and was sentenced to 12 months in jail, with 11 months suspended on conditions including one year of supervised probation and payment of $71.91 in restitution. The offense allegedly happened on Dec. 22, 2016.
In recent years the struggle against gender oppression and sexual orientation-based discrimination has developed into mass movements in many countries. We have seen large-scale protests expressing anger and rebellion  that had been building up for years and decades  against an exasperating interference of a system that not only forces you to struggle daily to make ends meet, but also claims the right to decide what you can or cannot do in your private lives, who you can have a relationship with, sexual or otherwise, whether you can raise a child, etc., and subjects anyone who departs from the norms of the so-called traditional family to a social and legal ghetto.

[This article was first published in the Italian theoretical journal Falce Martello]

With their demands for liberation and their mass base, these protests have within them an intrinsic revolutionary potential. At the same time, there is also a conscious attempt to reduce these issues to a question of culture and limit the goals of the movement to fighting for small concessions that are compatible with the normal (i.e., oppressive) functioning of capitalism. A lot of coverage is given to theories that on the surface appear radical but which in practice channel the struggle of the LGBT movement along idealist and existentialist lines which end up in a blind alley, when what is really needed is to change the material conditions.

It is vitally important for the victory of the LGBT movement that it adopt a class approach, uniting the struggle against homophobic oppression and for full civil rights with the general struggle for a decent life, free from economic and social oppression. It is equally important that the labour movement take up the LGBT struggle, overcoming the divide that has existed historically, in particular due to the reformist and Stalinist leaderships of the Left.

As revolutionaries, this objective is a vital part of our political activity, and this article is offered as a basis for further theoretical debate on this question.

Discrimination and homophobia today

Today homosexuality, or any other related behaviour, is still officially illegal in 72 countries, with punishment ranging from a month to 15 years imprisonment, to life imprisonment, and even the death sentence (in 8 countries). In countries such as Saudi Arabia, the death penalty is carried out by stoning, while in other countries forms of corporal punishment such as lashes are meted out. Same sex marriage is only recognised in 23 countries and in a further 27 civil unions are recognised.[1]

However, even where there exist forms of legal protection, official discrimination takes on many forms. In several US states, for example, there exist laws against the promotion of homosexuality that limit specific behaviour or provide guidelines for the type of sexual morals to be taught in schools and other public institutions. This is all too familiar in Italy, where the right wing and the Catholic Church have launched crusades against so-called gender theory in Italian schools. These people encourage the far-right to take action, organising groups to carry out violent attacks against gays (as well as immigrants and left-wing activists). It is not by chance that a draft law against the incitement to homophobic hatred and aggravating circumstances has been gathering dust in a parliamentary commission for the past three years. While this law does not go far enough, it would at least guarantee some greater degree of protection. Evidently, the Minniti bill which would allow the expulsion of immigrants who have survived crossing the Mediterranean by boat is much higher up their list of priorities!

On top of all this, discrimination permeates everyday life in schools, in the workplace, in housing, and is felt in the constant ideological and social pressure that weighs down on LGBT people. According to research by ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) in 2011, due to the fear of mobbing or being fired, only one in four gay workers declares openly their sexual orientation, a trend that is particularly evident in the provinces. According to an EU poll, 68% of EU citizens are of the opinion that discrimination based on sexual orientation does exist. According to another poll, in Italy only 6% of LGBT teenagers in high schools are fully open about their sexual orientation within the wider community, while a further 39% are only partially open within a smaller circle of friends  the averages in other EU countries are similar. That 94% of LGBT teenagers prefer to hide their sexual orientation, partially or totally, speaks volumes about the personal hardship that social discrimination creates. Such pressure does not stop at home, and the family is actually often the first place where non-acceptance is to be found, and it extends to all kinds of violence, from being locked in the home, to beatings and corrective rape. It is not uncommon to read news of teenagers who have committed suicide because of being gay, the final tragic outcome of the psychological pressure generated at the social and family level.

What traditional family?

Every homophobic campaign is based on the argument that homosexuality is fundamentally against nature. The most vulgar displays of this line of thought are to be found in religious fundamentalism, but the argument was for a very long time also present in the scientific world  a confirmation of the fact that science is conditioned by the dominant ideology. In psychology, homosexuality was for a long time considered pathological by the majority of the scientific community, or at least as a non-physiological condition, even by the most progressive psychologists. Such was the case of Freud, who, although he did not encourage discrimination, deemed it to be an interruption of sexual development. Even Wilhelm Reich, in general a supporter of sexual liberation, who also had a materialist and revolutionary outlook (in the early part of his life at least), defined homosexuality as the consequence of a very early disorder in the development of the affective and sexual functions. Only in 1973 did the APA (American Psychiatric Association) cease to regard homosexuality as a pathology, and in 1986 finally removed the category of ego-dystonic homosexuality (a presumed form of pathological homosexuality, regarded as a source of stress, as opposed to physiologically-based ego-syntonic homosexuality), in recognition of the fact that the psychological stress was in reality caused by the social pressures suffered by homosexuals. Four years later, on 17th May 1990, the World Health Organisation finally removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses.

The fact that there is nothing abnormal about non-heterosexual orientations and behaviour is confirmed simply by their widespread presence throughout human history and around the world, a fact abundantly documented by anthropological, historical and literary studies.[2] There are records of so-called people of the two spirits among Native Americans, men who dressed and behaved as women, and vice versa, and who were often involved in religious ceremonies. It is well known that in Thebes, in the 4th century BC, a sacred battalion was created, formed of 150 male soldier couples, whose invincibility in battle lay in the desire of each soldier to protect his own partner and appear valiant in front of him  every soldier would have thrown all his energy into each battle. It is also widely known that in Athens and Rome (male) homosexual relationships were socially and legally recognised. That said, however, it would be wrong to think of these as examples of complete freedom of sexual relations, as we see in some superficial interpretations, or to look for a golden age of homosexuality before modern-day repression.

In Athens, socially regulated male homosexual relations in the pre-urban period and in the first years after the birth of the polis, consisted of a pederast relationship between a free adult male citizen (usually over 25 years old), and a free male adolescent (between the age of 12 and 17), that had as its purpose the education of the youth towards adulthood and the status of citizen. The sexual relationship was a part of this educational relationship, inherited from a much older initiation rite into adulthood, where the roles were rigidly fixed: the adult as the active suitor, and the youth as submissive and shy, who would yield only when the seriousness of the suitors intentions was demonstrated. This relationship would continue until the younger partner reached adulthood, then passing through a period of abstinence and after that assuming another role until marriage. No relations were permitted with slaves  as these would not have had any educational purpose, as slaves were not destined to become citizens  or (at least in theory) between adults. Such relations were common to all before marriage, and only in some cases continued afterwards. Women, on the other hand, were secluded within the home and banned from social life, while lesbian relations were considered distasteful, although they did exist, especially in schools for the education of young women (Sappho was an educator) before they were finally secluded within the home. Over the centuries, the diffusion of male homosexual relations and a weakening of the division of roles led to a certain social stigmatisation.

In Rome, on the other hand, sexuality was proof of male domination, and it was therefore unacceptable for a free citizen to take on a passive role (even at young age). Homosexual male relations were considered wholly legitimate on condition that the submissive partner was a slave or a male prostitute  the Lex Scatinia (3rd or 2nd century BC) forbade sexual harassment of young free males, and banned them from assuming a passive role with adult males, and punished such behaviour with fines. Gradually, during the period of the Empire, due to Greek influence, a relationship analogous to Hellenic pederasty spread. And with a gradual deregulation, passive sexual behaviour among free men, slaves and male prostitutes spread, including prominent figures such as Julius Caesar and Caesar Augustus. Subsequently, however, from the 4th century AD onwards, homosexual relations began to be limited by law, with the punishment of castration for passivity (342 AD), death by burning at the stake for passive male prostitutes (390 AD), death for all passive males (438 AD) and finally for all forms of homosexual activity (533 AD).

A decisive role in repressing homosexuality was played by the emergence of Christianity as the dominant religion. The Church was the first to decree homosexual relations as being against nature, an idea which still persists in religious morality to the present day. This was a completely new concept, given that previously even those who opposed homosexual relations did not condemn them as being against nature, but rather mostly wanted to strengthen the role and stability of the family in society, often arguing that it was necessary for population growth. It was Justinian who first raised the idea of divine punishment for homosexuals. This repression of homosexuality went hand in hand with the concept of Christian abstinence, according to which sexual intercourse is legitimate only when carried out with the aim of procreation, and therefore uncontrolled and adulterous intercourse must be repressed (previously adultery was socially accepted  of course only for men).[3]

From this brief historical overview, we can draw some conclusions. Firstly, homosexual and bisexual behaviour has always existed, as is evident from social practice but above all from the fact that limitations were imposed on non-regulated homosexual relations (for instance between adult male citizens or between women, both in Greece and in Rome), namely those closer to homosexual love in the modern sense, which has appeared repeatedly throughout history.

Secondly, we can see that in different historical periods different social norms regarding sexuality have existed, a fact that proves there is no basis for the concept of the traditional family, much less a traditional monogamous family with mutual bonds of fidelity, as is insisted on today. This model was only adopted under Christianity, and even then only as an ideal. The social reality of adultery and prostitution available to men is quite different, and it has undergone countless transformations, existing today in many forms, depending on the social and economic context (just think of the difference between the old extended family of peasants compared to the mononuclear family of blue-collar or white-collar workers today).

Thirdly and lastly, we need to note that these norms were in no case an expression of sexual and emotional freedom. To begin with, slaves and women were totally excluded, and only certain forms of behaviour were considered legitimate, while others were forbidden, and, at least in the case of Greece, pederast relationships were a social institution that did not take account of the sexual orientation of either the citizen or the young boy involved, who may have experienced it with discomfort.

Thus, to conclude, such laws were in effect different forms of regulation of emotional, domestic and sexual life, including repressive measures when lawful behaviour was violated, where what was deemed to be lawful depended on the structure of society.

Also, in view of these considerations, we can assert that, generally speaking, the repression of non-heterosexual (homosexual, bisexual) behaviour has emerged throughout human history with different degrees of intensity and with different levels of limitation, with the aim of stabilising family relations, particularly to ensure the foundation and strengthening of the monogamous family.

As Engels explained in The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State, and as has been confirmed by the key conclusions of several recent anthropological studies, the family is not a stable institution that has always existed. During the hunter-gatherer stage, when the management of economy, food and tools and the raising of children were conducted at community level, women had a prominent role and society was matrilineal. It was thanks to the domestication of animals, the agricultural revolution, and the concentration of the means of production in the hands of men, that patriarchal oppression originated  together with class society  and that monogamous marriage became the basis of the new family structure, its primary purpose being to guarantee paternity in inheritance. From this stems the sense of ownership over wife and children which is still so widespread today, and that affects the lives of billions of individuals.

It is in this context that the oppression of women, their marginalisation within society, and the repression of their sexual behaviour emerged, reducing them to mere instruments of reproduction (caring for the household and children), and became structural and embedded historically, together with the evolution of various family and social structures. Attitudes towards sexual behaviour that falls outside of reproduction within the monogamous family, on the other hand, depends on how much they are considered as a threat to the family as an institution. Homosexual love between women has been subject to varying degrees of repression at different periods in history (we have only mentioned a few above). We can argue, however, that as long as the monogamous family is considered the fundamental cornerstone of society and the only model for legitimate emotional and sexual behaviour, it will be impossible to overcome social discrimination based on sexual orientations.

Class Struggle and Gay Emancipation

The struggle against sexual discrimination is linked to the struggle against class society in general for several reasons.The first, as we have explained, is that only the abolition of class society can create the material economic basis and cultural drive necessary to overcome a condition in which the man-woman monogamous family is considered the only legitimate form as the basic unit of society. By socially carrying out all the tasks that are today assigned to the sphere of the family, and mostly to women (cooking, cleaning, raising children), and by allowing the free development of individuals with access to the best material and cultural resources society can provide, it will be possible to facilitate a process by which interpersonal and family bonds are gradually freed from material necessity and correspond solely to romantic and sexual desires, thereby dissolving the oppressive norms and discriminations that exist at present.

The second reason is that the vast majority of LGBT people are workers, youth, temporary workers, unemployed, who on top of being exploited in the workplace and having to worry about earning a wage, a place to live, etc., are also oppressed because of their own sexual identity and orientation. Uniting the struggles against these two injustices is therefore the most natural thing, especially when we consider that the enemy is the same. Moreover, it should not be forgotten that homophobic prejudices are also fostered to divide workers  for example, to make heterosexual workers believe that, while they may be oppressed, they are still superior to the gay person (how satisfying!), in the same way that racist prejudices are nurtured. The role played by the right wing in this process is self-evident.

Whoever says that the two fronts of struggle must be separated is playing into the enemy's hands. And often, in the LGBT movement, those people promoting this stance are wealthy individuals who do not experience the material problems faced by LGBT workers and youth. In fact, they limit the movement to calling for small concessions from the government, without making too much noise and often without making any substantial gains. That is the case, for instance, of the gay-friendly movements of the 1950s (both in Italy and internationally), which were later strongly criticised by the gay liberation movements of the 1960s and 1970s, which developed along revolutionary lines on the basis of the waves of class struggle during those years.

On the other hand, it should be noted that a large share of responsibility for the split between the LGBT movement and the workers movement in the second half of the 20th century falls on the leadership of the Communist parties who, on the basis of Stalinist degeneration, adopted openly homophobic positions. These softened only at a later stage, and then mostly to assume a reformist view of the struggle for civil rights, mirroring the reformism of their political programme.

However, it was not always like this. Although in the writings of Marx and Engels there is no mention of the homosexual question, there are several statements by leaders of the old German Social-Democracy expressing opposition to any discrimination towards homosexuals or punishment of homosexuality in German law. It is no accident that, when Magnus Hirschfeld founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee at the end of the 19th century to promote the abolition of paragraph 175 of the German Penal Code that rendered homosexuality illegal, his petition, discussed in parliament in 1898, received only the support of the minority SPD in parliament. The work of Hirschfeld continued with the launch of the Institute for Sexual Research and the subsequent organisation of the First Congress for Sexual Reform in 1921 (along with the participation of a Soviet delegate). The work of Hirschfeld marks the first great effort in modern times to decriminalise homosexuality based on scientific debate. Hirschfeld himself considered homosexuality to be a pathological  or at least non-physiological  state, for which, however, there was no reason to impose punishment. Article 175, however, was not abolished and the triumph of Nazism over the German workers movement opened a period of black reaction that relentlessly crushed gay people. The Institute for Sexual Research was among the first buildings to be raided on 6th May 1933 by Nazi youth, who burned in the square all the texts found in the library. The Nazis worsened the punishments decreed by Article 175, leading to the arrest of 100,000 gay people, 60,000 prison sentences, internment in psychiatric hospitals, and forced sterilisation. Gays were among those sent to the concentration camps, together with Jews, Socialists and Communists.

The condition of homosexuals after the October Revolution

The Bolshevik revolution of 1917, in which workers took power into their hands for the first time in history (with the exception of the brief period of the Paris Commune in 1871), changed the lives of millions not only in political and economic terms, but in regard to the family as well. The Soviet government granted women the same rights as men, legalised divorce and abortion, and promoted the intensive development of social services, to provide the economic foundations for liberation from family duties: nurseries, public canteens, laundries, day hospitals, cinemas, theatres, etc. At the same time, with the abolition of the Tsarist penal code, homosexuality was decriminalised (whereas, under the Tsar, it was punishable with severe prison sentences).

The position of the Bolshevik party was that sexual behaviour belongs to the private sphere, and as such was not to be sanctioned or regulated, unless it harmed others (for example, if coercion or violence were involved). In Russian scientific debate, homosexuality was still regarded as an illness  as in every other country  but no discrimination arose out of this opinion. Among the concrete examples of the attitude of the Soviet government on the issue, we can quote the participation of a Soviet delegate to Hirschfeld's Congress for Sexual Reform as well as the appointment of Georgy Chicherin, who was openly gay, as Commissar for Foreign Affairs in 1918. Such a situation, given the historic context, was unparalleled anywhere else in the word.

The traditional family began to be broken up by social changes: men and women were called on to participate in social life and the youth were, at least partially, freed from traditional family authority and strived for new social (including sentimental and sexual) relations,[4] especially within the youth groups. However, very soon the radical changes opened up by the revolution, even in family and in sexual relations, came up against the problems caused by the isolation and economic difficulties that the revolution was facing. Material resources were too limited to offer an alternative: often public services were of such low quality that of necessity there was a tendency to return to the old family structure. At the same time, the bureaucratic deformation that led to Stalinism was beginning to take place, which meant breaking with the ideals of Lenin, Trotsky, and the October revolution.

This phenomenon had two consequences. On the one hand, given the lack of a material base for developing family and emotional relationships on a more advanced, social level, the traditional family made a comeback; it would take decades to fully overcome this, even in the best of conditions. On the other hand, the Stalinist regime saw in the return to the family and traditional morals a source of stability for the regime, in particular an instrument for strengthening the idea of authority (beginning with that of the head of the family over the children) which was actively promoted.

Trotsky wrote in The Revolution Betrayed:

The triumphal rehabilitation of the family, taking place simultaneously  what a providential coincidence!  with the rehabilitation of the rouble, is caused by the material and cultural bankruptcy of the state. Instead of openly saying, We have proven still too poor and ignorant for the creation of socialist relations among men, our children and grandchildren will realize this aim, the leaders are forcing people to glue together again the shell of the broken family, and not only that, but to consider it, under threat of extreme penalties, the sacred nucleus of triumphant socialism. It is hard to measure with the eye the scope of this retreat. (The Revolution Betrayed, Chapter 7, Family, Youth and Culture, Thermidor in the Family).

This process also changed attitudes towards homosexuality. Instead of relying on the urban proletarians, that had overcome prejudices against gays more spontaneously, the regime relied on the petty bourgeois elements and the underdeveloped far-eastern regions. (In 1925, for example, in Turkestan, an additional clause was added to the Penal Code of the Soviet Union that provided punishments for homosexuality). And in 1933-34 the prohibition of male homosexual relations was restored, punishable with prison sentences. In 1935 divorce was severely restricted; recognition of free partnerships was abolished, and in 1936 abortion was once again made illegal. If, to put it in Trotsky's words, the dogma of family had become the cornerstone of triumphant socialism, homosexuality, seen as a threat to the family, had become a vice of bourgeois decadence. This homophobic position later deeply infected the Communist (Stalinist) parties on an international level, jeopardising what should have been a naturally developing gay movement, one interlinked with the revolutionary movement itself.

From Stonewall to a lull in the movement

After the Second World War, in a period of general ebb of the class struggle, a leading role was played by those gay groups which, as explained above, tried to establish dialogue and a soft approach towards governments to win some minimal rights, bit with little success. After a period of ebb in social struggles and the weakening of the gay movement, it erupted once more (or, in a certain sense, for the first time) as a mass movement in 1969 in New York, with the Stonewall riots. During the night of 28th-29th June, the umpteenth police raid on a gay bar (the Stonewall Inn)  considered routine practice up until then  was for the first time met with mass resistance, which developed into a battle spanning two days, in which a thousand people were involved.

The Stonewall revolt changed the face and nature of the gay movement, which assumed a character no longer of small circles of scientists or committees, and broke with the idea of homosexuality as an abnormality, but instead expressed pride in it. Under the influence of the wave of class struggle at the end of the 1960s and the 1970s, we witness a significant shift to the left within the movement, and small groups emerge who define themselves as revolutionary, even though they had a confused and eclectic theoretical base.

After Stonewall, at the beginning of July 1969, the Gay Liberation Front was founded in the USA. It adopted anti-capitalist and third-worldist positions, and came out in support of the struggle of the Black Panthers. Similar organisations were set up in several countries: the Gay Liberation Front in the UK in 1970, which would proceed to gather hundreds of activists but then fragment politically, the Front Omosexuel dAction Revolutionnaire (FHAR) in France, and the Mouvement

Homosexuelle DAction Revolutionnaire (MHAR) in Belgium.

In Italy in 1971 the Fronte Unitario Omosessuale Rivoluzionario Italiano (FUORI, the acronym means OUT in Italian) was founded. As for the other groups, their numbers were not massive: barely a hundred activists in three groups in Turin, Milan and Rome (with big political differences between the three cities). Initially their newspaper was sold monthly in the kiosks, with a print run of 8 thousand copies.

On 5th April 1972, in the city of Sanremo, FUORI organised the first public demonstration against the International Congress of Sexology, which had on its agenda a discussion on the causes of homosexuality and possible curative therapies. To give an idea of the tenor of the discussion, one suggested therapy was to administer mild painful electric shocks associated with pictures of naked men but not of naked women, while another was to selectively remove cerebral tissue.

Outside the congress, dozens of activists picketed shouting slogans such as We are normal! We are normal! and holding placards reading Psychiatrists, stick your electrodes in your own brains. Inside the conference hall, Angelo Pezzana, a member of FUORI, took the floor, opening with the famous words I am homosexual and happy to be so. The demonstration marked a turning point in the gay movement and a break with the moderate pro-gay organisations.

The attempts to seek links with the labour movement were important: in the first issue of the paper, the editorial board addressed the revolutionary [heterosexual] comrades asking them to be the first to understand the reality of homosexuals, given that sexual repression is the first, the most devious and most dangerous method of subjugation of any repressive system. We argue continued the militants of FUORI, for the need of a sexual revolution, parallel to and integrated with the political revolution that is already underway in every country.[5]

We are dealing here with a politically confused and dishomogenious organisation, but which is pushed by the material conditions towards the idea of a general transformation of society. If the labour movement had had a revolutionary Marxist leadership, this would have been able to offer a concrete theoretical basis for such change, combined with a revolutionary programme able to unite the struggle against capitalist exploitation together with that against homophobic oppression. On the contrary, the reformist and Stalinist leaders replied with an openly hostile stance.

A few weeks after the Sanremo demonstration, on 1st May 1972, the Rome branch of FUORI, together with other groups, organised a demonstration in Campo de' Fiori square, a celebration of joy, against work and for sexual liberation. At a certain point a group of activists from the extra-parliamentary Left arrived, declaring themselves to be members of Potere Operaio [Workers Power, an ultra-left group], while shouting 'Faggots out from Campo de Fiori, they started throwing buckets of water on the campaigners.[6]

As for the Italian Communist Party (PCI), which had never officially dealt with the matter, it published in 1974, in issue 3-4 of the magazine Critica Marxista, an article by Luciano Gruppi in which the following ideas were put forward: It is precisely the relationship that we argue must be established between society and nature that tells us how much homosexuality, on the contrary, breaks such a relationship by contradicting a fundamental instinct of every living being: the continuity of the species. Homosexuality, therefore, impoverishes and deeply modifies the personality of man. Often born out of solitude, it often also ends in solitude too.[7] There is no need to comment on how uncomfortable gay workers and students must have felt being active in that party. It was the murder of Pier Paolo Pasolini in 1975 that opened up a debate within the party, which changed its position on homosexuality by the end of the 1970s, just before the beginning of the decline of the wave of militant struggle that had swept Italy since 1968, and all this was framed within an increasingly reformist policy of the party.

So instead of offering a perspective of general political struggle to the activists of the new gay movement, which could have overcome the general political eclecticism, those activists were pushed away by the labour movement, and thus they ended up taking different paths. From an organisational point of view, in 1974 FUORI merged with the Radical Party  that in those years was leaning to the left  thereby finally abandoning the idea of any revolutionary perspective and merely struggling for civil rights within the limits of bourgeois society. Some leading figures of the FUORI, among them Mario Mieli, broke with the movement because of this, and turned towards the extra-parliamentary left, unfortunately at a moment when it too was about to enter into an irreversible crisis.

In the context of lull, which ensued after the huge wave of class struggle in the 1970s, we witness a fragmentation of the gay liberation movement, which retreats to the level of campaigning for welfare, particularly in regard to the issue of AIDS in the 1980s, of solidarity against homophobic violence, and of struggle for laws against discrimination and later for the recognition of civil rights. Thus, on the one hand there was a return to the reformist and conciliatory approach of the gay groups of the 1950s, while on the other hand it rested on the gains of the struggle of the 1970s that once and for all declared the naturalness of being gay, of pride and dignity. All this also forced the scientific community to change its approach in subsequent years and acknowledge the legitimacy of homosexual behaviour, thus breaking the isolation of the gay rights struggle. On this basis, the Italian Arci-gay association developed, growing from a few branches in the early 1980s to its present nationwide network.

New Theories or Dead Ends?

While the decline of the movements in the 1980s and 1990s leads to a demobilisation and retreat from open struggle, in the academic world a debate opens up, particularly about the issue of gender identity, which leads to so-called queer studies, or queer theory. The term dates back to 1990. One year earlier, Judith Butler had published Gender trouble, which became a point of reference for further elaborations.

Even though such elaborations never developed into a general theory, the central point is the critique of the idea that gender identity and a male/female biological sex exists in nature, and that these are rather the product of a heteronormative society, that is a society which establishes as a norm (and via power relations) a binary division based on a heterosexualised discourse. This is the final link in a chain of thought that begins with feminist separatism (against patriarchal society, pitting woman against man), goes through lesbian separatism (woman is not to be affirmed any longer because she is defined as a woman in relation to men: only a lesbian in the political sense can rebel against ideological male dominion) and ends up with queer theory (any form of gender identity is the result of heterosexual patriarchal ideological domination, therefore they must all be rejected).

Now, to those who are not allowed to freely express their own gender identity or their own sexual orientation, these theorisations may appear as a radical rejection of social impositions and hence be attractive. The problem is that, as soon as one digs a bit deeper, they turn out to be a dead end for anyone trying to actually change things.

According to Butler, gender identity is not natural but is created performatively, that is, on the basis of the repetition of acts determined by socially established norms and discourse.[8] It is this artificially produced identity which in turn gives us the idea that in nature there exist two sexes, male and female. This theory is borrowed from Foucault: For Foucault, the body is not sexed in any significant sense prior to its determination within a discourse through which it becomes invested with an idea of natural or essential sex. The body gains meaning within discourse only in the context of power relations. Sexuality is an historically specific organization of power, discourse, bodies, and affectivity. As such, sexuality is understood by Foucault to produce sex as an artificial concept which effectively extends and disguises the power relations responsible for its genesis.[9]

Thus male and female, but also heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, would all be illusory categories resulting from this mechanism, because given that the biological sexes do not exist, then sexual orientations do not exist neither.

This is a classic example of how a partial truth can be taken and disconnected from reality and made the be all and end all of an argument that leads nowhere. No one questions the fact that a person's consciousness is strongly influenced by the social context in which it develops. However, starting out from this correct premise, what is the point of denying the existence of the male and female sex, with all their anatomic and biological differences?[10] This has a certain importance if we move, for example, from the world of academic hypotheses to medical therapies, or to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Furthermore, even if I state that my consciousness (and hence the way I perceive my own gender identity) is determined by the social conditions in which I live, does that make it any less real? No, it reflects my real conditions of existence, both natural and social, and will evolve with the evolution of society.

But, above all: in view of this theory, how can I fight for sexual liberation? Put very simply, I cannot. To quote Butler again: Hence, power can be neither withdrawn nor refused, but only redeployed. Indeed, in my view, the normative focus for gay and lesbian practice ought to be on the subversive and parodic redeployment of power rather than on the impossible fantasy of its full-scale transcendence.[11] That is, the best we can achieve is a creative parody, a caricature of gender identities, to show that they are not natural entities but, indeed, a product. By doing that we show that gender does not exist, and there is then possibility for proliferating gender configurations outside the restricting frames of masculinist domination and compulsory heterosexuality.[12] The mountain has given birth to the postmodern mouse: I can see gender oppression but I have abandoned a class analysis of society, and so I can no longer see the causes of this oppression; then I raise oppression (or better: one single or particular aspect of oppression, the heterosexualising power) to a metaphysical entity on which everything depends, and I have not got the slightest idea of how to overthrow it; the only form of subversion I have left is to fall into a subjectivism in which I deny reality and I argue that everyone can invent their own reality, without changing anything at all outside my own consciousness.

It comes as no surprise that the ruling class does not fear these theories. At the same time it is evident that these same theories have little or nothing to offer outside a circle of academic debate. All those who have the pressing need to fight for their own rights in the real world, would do better to arm themselves with sharper theories and forms of struggle.

Here it is worth looking briefly at the idea of intersectionality, which has become very popular lately among some layers of the movement. It means, more or less, that in society there exist several forms of oppression (based on gender, race, class, sexual orientation, etc.), and these are intertwined and overlap transversally, hence the transversal nature of the movements and the possibility of bringing them together in coalitions.

Butler herself highlights the fact that the need to weaken the universal category of woman arises from criticisms from women who claim that the category of women is normative and exclusionary and is invoked with the unmarked dimensions of class and racial privilege intact.[13] Correct! Indeed, gender oppression is not the same for the worker woman and the bourgeois woman, and the struggle for the liberation of women, when it questions the privileges of the ruling class, leads to a division along class lines with the bourgeois women breaking away, because they have to defend their material class privileges, even remaining subordinate to their (bourgeois) husbands within the home.

We see the same thing in the LGBT movement when we enter the realm of economic struggles (for housing, jobs, healthcare and so on), which is what renders civil rights concrete. This simply tells us that the fundamental contradiction in society, the class contradiction, is what determines the framework within which we struggle and that only by advancing the class struggle until the overthrow of capitalism can we offer a perspective of victory to movements fighting against the many forms of oppression present within society.

If we abandon the idea that the class struggle is central to everything, what is left? We have a constant  and incomplete  striving to build coalitions between different movements (LGBT, anti-racist, green, etc.), of varying compositions and balances, depending on which of these is the strongest in any given moment. In the post-modern outlook, this approach goes as far as redefining the very identity of the participants: An open coalition, then, will affirm identities that are alternately instituted and relinquished according to the purposes at hand; it will be an open assemblage that permits of multiple convergences and divergences without obedience to a normative telos of definitional closure. So, even my identity can change on each occasion, according to the composition of a meeting or what it decides! No wonder that people are confused by all this

It is not surprising that these theories gained ground in a period of lull in the class struggle, when the main point of reference  the working class  was missing, and could not offer a real possibility of overthrowing capitalism and with it all the forms of oppression that it creates or perpetuates. The rise of the class struggle, as always, will have a clarifying impact in the ideological sphere as well.

Civil Rights during the Crisis of Capitalism

Since the year 2000 we have seen in many countries the passing of laws against discrimination and for civil rights, from gay marriage to civil unions. These important conquests have been achieved thanks to the constant pressure on the part of gay activism and the growing support in society, including among heterosexual people, for equal rights. Today the banner of civil rights has been taken up not only in the Left, but also within sections of the capitalist class and of their political representatives: we have International Day Against Homophobia promoted by the European Union, we see resolutions adopted by the United Nations on this question, and so on.

We cannot, however, harbour any illusions nor have an ambiguous approach to any of this. These liberal governments and enlightened sectors of the bourgeoisie are the same people who support dictatorships in various parts of the world where gays and lesbians are hanged or beheaded. Thus, we see how the US government  under both Trump and Obama  supplies arms to Saudi Arabia. The same is the case with all the major European powers that, while legalising gay marriage, at the same time support the Al-Sisi regime in Egypt which, apart from all the arrests, murder and torture of political opponents, has also launched harsh repression against gays. This hypocrisy can be used for reactionary purposes and the defence of the rights of LGBT people can become a pretext for supporting imperialist policies. This is clearly the case when we are told that Israel is the country in the Middle East with the most advanced legislation on LGBT rights. Does this authorise Israel to massacre, to bomb and to impose embargoes on the Palestinians, whose administrations are less concerned about legislation on civil rights? In the Netherlands, the government uses the upholding of LGBT rights to limit so-called homophobic immigration, even with entrance exams in Dutch embassies around the world. If we lose sight of the overall picture, and especially if we abandon the class perspective, we can very quickly end up in the camp of reaction, as some LGBT rights groups have done, more concerned with winning positions of power and more than willing to turn a blind eye to what allied governments are doing.[14]

From a bourgeois point of view, making concessions on civil rights has both an economic and a political objective. Economically, LGBT people are simply a market sector, so a gay friendly company profile can attract customers. Ikea has no problem in putting pictures of male couples in its catalogue, provided that they have the money to buy the kitchen. In the same way, it has no problem in including divorced parents in its advertising, provided that they have the money to buy the exact same furniture for two bedrooms for the child, so they can be exactly the same in both homes. Unemployed gay people, on the other hand, must live with the fact that they do not exist as far as the world of advertising is concerned, just as heterosexual unemployed people do not exist.

On the political front, however, a section of the ruling class is trying to defuse a field of possible social conflict, taking on board what can be absorbed into the system, and seeking support from the moderate leaders of the LGBT movement, while at the same time promoting xenophobic, anti-working, draconian austerity policies, and cuts in key services.

Thus we see how, faced with a crisis of the family and because of pressure from below, a wing of the ruling class has accepted the legal recognition of gay couples, while at the same time pushing gay people back to the fundamental role of the family in capitalist society, and to support for the ideological outlook of the bourgeoisie. Hence we have the promotion of gay marriage, which, however, must adapt to the model of the monogamous family. This leads, in some cases, to a replication of male/female gender roles within the gay couple, including the division of tasks of domestic work and all the traditional bourgeois values.

Does this mean that we underestimate the question of civil rights? Absolutely not! We struggle for the full recognition and application of civil rights, namely complete parity of family and individual rights, regardless of gender and sexual orientation. This includes the right to marriage and adoption (which must also be applied to single people as well) and stepchild adoption (that is, the right to adopt the child of ones partner) also for gay couples.

However, we must not lose sight of the overall picture and we must not forget which side of the barricade we are on in the class struggle.

That is why among the rights we defend we do not include the legalisation of surrogacy, which we oppose, because under capitalism it necessarily involves the creation of a market of women who, because of economic need, sell their bodies and undergo highly traumatic experiences such as going through a pregnancy and then having the new-born baby removed, with all the physical and psychological consequences that this implies. We do not doubt that there are cases where this is done voluntarily, as a gift, but the predominant social reality is very different from this, and we cannot accept it.

We should also emphasise the fact that the desire to have biological offspring, or the idea that emotional attachment to a child is of necessity linked to biological parenthood, has been drummed into us by the need to transmit property through the monogamous family, which did not exist before the rise of private property:

'You white people,' a native American said to a missionary, 'love your own children only. We love the children of the clan. They belong to all the people and we care for them. They are bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh. We are all father and mother to them. White people are savages; they do not love their children. If children are orphaned, people have to be paid to look after them. We know nothing of such barbarous ideas.[15]

Revolution and Liberation

We struggle for the recognition of all civil rights, and we welcome them enthusiastically when they are granted, even under capitalism. But we must also be aware of the fact that at any moment the sharpening of the class struggle can push the ruling class to opt for a more reactionary approach, and therefore take back what they have previously granted. Let us remember that the Clintons lead to the Trumps, the Macrons to the Le Pens, unless they are stopped by class struggle. No conquest is guaranteed to last, as long as we remain within the capitalist system.

And where these rights have been granted, is the aim really that of gays and heterosexuals being equally exploited? What can I do with civil rights if I am not guaranteed a house or a job, if the healthcare system is in a state of collapse and I dont have the money for medical care for myself and my loved ones, if I do not have a residence permit? What use is the right to gay marriage if I have to dedicate all my time and energy to a boss and end up exhausted when I return home?

Once we enter into the problems of everyday life, a class division opens within the LGBT movement, because everyday life varies greatly depending on the class one belongs to. We saw this clearly in Italy during the 2016 mobilisations in support of civil unions, where the mass base of the movement, made up mostly of young people, temporary workers and students, was much more radical than the leadership (among which the Arci-gay), who saw the mobilisations merely as a means of garnering support for the new law, and possibly to put a bit of pressure on the right wing of the parliamentary group of the PD (Democratic Party). What we then saw was the PD scrapping stepchild adoption and limiting the scope of the reform. The leadership of the movement accepted this compromise but the rank and file demanded a relaunching of the protests.

This split between the leadership and the mass of protestors was clearly visible to us when we intervened in the movement, calling for a generalisation of the struggle against the PD government to include the struggle for jobs, housing and welfare. The majority of protestors enthusiastically took up our slogans, while the leadership  sometimes the PD itself, who organised meetings to show how much it cared about civil rights  looked around embarrassed, calling on people not to exaggerate. We cannot delegate to these people the task of leading the struggle for our rights.

We saw crowded squares where those demanding full civil rights for all were not just LGBT people, but also many heterosexuals, and we also saw how the struggle for civil rights immediately connected with the struggle for housing, jobs and healthcare. Such unity is what can lead to victory. What is required is for the LGBT movement to develop along class lines, with its full integration into the workers movement and for the labour movement to adopt a revolutionary programme.

We need to overthrow capitalism, free ourselves of the ruling class, take over the productive resources and wealth and use these in a planned and harmonious manner, not for the profits of the few but for the collective needs of society. Housework needs to be socialised; and the care and education of children must be of high quality. Everyone should have the right to a home; working hours should be reduced so that everyone has the time and energy to live ones life.

On this material basis we will be able to break with the morality perpetuated by the bourgeoisie in terms of the structure of the family and sexual orientation. We will be able to throw patriarchy and homophobia into the dustbin of history, and we will be free to live our lives as we wish and everyone will be able to freely express their own sexual and emotional feelings. Deciding how this is to be done, in what forms and which family relations society will have, is a task that belongs to the future generations.

Notes

[1] Source: ILGA, state-sponsored homophobia report 2017

[2] We quote solely as a supplementary argument the diffusion of homosexual behaviour in the animal kingdom, which highlights its presence in nature, but is not conclusive because of the differences between human and animal social and emotional behaviour. To quote just one of the latest studies, published as part of the Against nature? exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Oslo, homosexuality [] has been reported in more than 1500 animal species, and is well documented for 500 of them, but the real extent is probably much higher.

[3] See, among the many texts on this: Eva Cantarella, Bisexuality in the Ancient World, Yale University Press, 2002.

[4] On this attempt, and its failure, see Wilhelm Reich, The Struggle For a New Life in the Soviet Union, in The Sexual Revolution, 1936. See also Leon Trotsky, Problems of Everyday Life, and the chapter Family, Youth and Culture in The Revolution Betrayed.

[5] Quote from Gianni Rossi Barilli, Il movimento gay in Italia (The gay movement in Italy, not translated into English). Feltrinelli, 1999, p. 5152.

[6] Ibid., page 59.

[7] Quote from Fabio Giovannini, Comunisti e diversi: il PCI e la questione omosessuale, (Communists and the diverse: the PCI and the homosexual question, not translated into English), Edizioni Dedalo, 1980, p. 72.

[8] In other words, acts and gestures, articulated and enacted desires create the illusion of an interior and organizing gender core, an illusion discursively maintained for the purposes of the regulation of sexuality within the obligatory frame of reproductive heterosexuality. (Judith Butler, Gender Trouble, Routledge, 1990)

[9] Ibid.

[10] It is not the aim of this article to establish the origins of gender identity. From a materialist point of view, we limit ourselves here to stating that it develops necessarily from a mix of natural (physical and biological), psychological and social elements.

[11] Ibid.

[12] Ibid.

[13] Ibid.

[14] See the cases reported in: https://paper-bird.net/2016/11/02/selling-out-the-gays-and-governmentality

[15] M.F. Ashley Montagu, Marriage: Past and Present, a Debate Between Robert Briffault and Bronislaw Malinowski, Boston, Porter Sargent Publisher, 1956, p. 48.
The murder of former African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) Secretary-General, Sindiso Magaqa, was received with shock, anger and revulsion across the country. Although his shooting is connected to the infighting in the ANC at local level, it reflects the present crisis in the party generally. Now, three months before of the National Conference, the factions in the party are in an open civil war with serious consequences for the class struggle.

Sindiso Magaqa and two of his comrades were shot multiple times in July while they sat in a car outside a tuck shop in Umzimkhulu, in southern Kwazulu-Natal. But although the car was riddled with bullet holes, miraculously, all three occupants survived the assassination attempt. Reports indicate that Magaqa was recovering well in hospital but then suddenly complained about stomach pains and died soon after. The police are now investigating whether a second attempt was made on his life, possibly through poisoning.

The radicalization of the youth

Magaqas passing has been met with widespread outrage and anger. This is connected to his role in the upsurge of the class struggle in the previous period and the mass radicalisation of the youth. The period between 2009- 2013 saw a massive upsurge in the class struggle and an exponential rise in strikes, wildcat strikes and mass community protests.

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Driven by the masses, the victory of the left wing at the Polokwane Conference in 2007 lead to a sharp swing to the left in large sections of the ANC. After the 2009 national elections there was an unprecedented rise in strikes and protests and generally there was a qualitative change in the class struggle.

A clear example of this was the ANCYL. Sindiso Magaqa was a central figure in the process of the radicalization of the youth. As Secretary-General of the ANCYL he played a key role in swinging the League to the left by promoting the programme of Economic Freedom in our Lifetime. This was a programme which was adopted by 5000 delegates at the historic 24th National Congress of the ANCYL in 2011 which called for the land expropriation without compensation and the nationalisation of the countrys mines and monopoly industries. The new leadership of the League openly campaigned for nationalisation and held economic freedom marches, which were attended by tens of thousands of youth.

This caused concern amongst the ruling class. The rising mass movement and the spreading of the idea of nationalising certain sectors of the economy was extremely dangerous for the bourgeoisie. A whole period of open conflict opened up in which the ANCYL, under the leadership of Julius Malema and Sindiso Magaqa, openly challenged the leadership of the ANC. The slogan of Economic Freedom in our Lifetime, connected with the process of radicalization amongst the youth.Together with Malema and other ANCYL leaders he became the face of the awakening of a new generation of youth. A large part of the masses, especially the more radical layers, have not forgotten this.

The fragmentation of the ANC

Zuma came to power on the back of the left wing of the ANC, but came under pressure from the ruling class to put a halt to the leftward drift of the party. In this, he was aided and abetted by the Communist Party. Had the SACP put itself at the head of the call for nationalisation then the situation in the country could have been very different today. But the SACP leaders had no intention of moving in the direction of Socialism. Instead the party leaders started to attack the leadership of the Youth League. It had changed its constitution to allow its full-time leaders to become part of the Cabinet and act as a left cover for an openly capitalist government. After this, the SACP leaders like Blade Nzimande also broadened their campaign to attack the left wing in the trade union movement. This lead to the split in the unions and a general weakening of the influence of the trade union movement in the ANC. Soon the Polokwane coalition began to break down, thereby allowing Zuma and the ruling class breathing space to implement their openly capitalist programme.

The result was that the leadership of the Youth League became isolated in the party. Malema, Magaqa and others were persecuted. The ANC on the other hand, took a sharp shift to the right after the National Conference of 2012 in Mangaung. The Zuma faction consolidated their hold on power which allowed it to purge the entire leadership of the Youth League. The whole National Executive Committee of the Youth League was disbanded and many of its leaders were either expelled or suspended. People like Malema and Floyd Shivambu later formed the Economic Freedom Fighters, while others like Magaqa were suspended from the party.

Although Magaqa was suspended for a period of one year, he decided to return to the party although not in his previous positions. At the time of his death he was working as a councilor in the rural areas of Kwazulu-Natal. He believed that the party could still be won over to a radical programme and even called on the ANC to readmit Malema back to the party. He based himself on the lingering flame of revolt in some parts of the Youth League even after the national structures were disbanded. In fact, the right wing of the party cancelled the relaunch of the League on two occasions because there were still pockets of resistance in its ranks. It was only after the resistance was finally crushed, that the League was finally set up again directly under the control of the Zuma faction. Malema says that before his death Magaqa had been contemplating joining the EFF and was killed before he could take a decision.

The ANCYL of today is composed of lackeys and stooges of Zuma and the Gupta family and has nothing in common with previous generations. Now the radicalisation of the youth has shifted outside of the League to the EFF and the student movement of the last two years.

Under the upsurge of the class struggle after 2009 there was a general process of fragmentation of the ANC. It is part of a broader process in which the masses have again and again taken to the road of mass struggle in search of solutions to the social and economic crisis. Over the last decade there have been waves of mass struggle which have taken various shapes and forms. These struggles, especially in the period between 2009-2013, saw an explosion of strikes which battered the political landscape and ushered in a period of political realignment. There were big developments to the left of the ANC with the formation of the EFF and other formations like SAFTU, the new trade union federation. For the first time since the 1950s, big sections of the youth and the advanced workers are now outside of the ANC and the tripartite alliance.

The civil war in the ANC

Meanwhile the party itself has been completely destabilised by years of crisis. With the main elements of the left wing pushed out, the party has now been fully taken over by careerists, tenderpreneurs and other parasitic elements. The party of liberation is rotting from top to bottom. All its structures, from the leading bodies to the branch level, are being torn apart by different local and national cliques and gangs fighting over the resources which the party has access to.

On a national level the party is caught up in an open civil war between two camps which are aligned to two rival bourgeois factions. Under the impact of the general crisis of Capitalism this struggle is intensifying. The Zuma-Gupta faction which has grown fat on the looting of state resources, is desperately fighting for survival against the faction of the big bourgeois of Cyril Ramaphosa.

On a local level the breakdown of discipline, caused by the political crisis, is palpable. This in turn, has led to fighting over resources at local level. This infighting has degenerated into a wave of political assassinations at local level. The province of Kwazulu-Natal, for instance, has become the epicentre for political assassinations in the country. Here more than a dozen ANC leaders were murdered in the months leading up to the 2016 municipal elections. Since then, the political assassinations in the party have increased sharply. Magaqa became the fifth councillor in the Umzimkhulu municipality to be shot in the last few months.

Intra-party violence has ballooned across Kwazulu-Natal with political killings now becoming a weekly occurrence. At the Glebelands hostel in Umlazi, south of Durban, more than 90 people were killed in the last two years in ANC infighting. The situation has reached such levels, that there are now hitmen or contract killers, who are used to eliminate rivals from opposing factions in the party, living in the open in the hostel. This is despite the heavy deployment of police in the area. In fact, nobody has ever been convicted of any of these murders, suggesting the involvement of high ranking leaders and state officials.

It is generally accepted that the source of the political murders in the province is the infighting in the ANC, although the secretary of the ANC in Kwazulu-Natal in the province, Super Zuma, suggested that there was a mysterious third force behind it. This theory received a heavy blow on the same day he suggested it. In a 19-second video clip which exploded on social media, two bodyguards of the secretary of the ANCs eThekwini region, Bheki Ntuli can be seen cocking firearms, including an AK-47 Kalashnikov (a prohibited weapon in South Africa) and threatening to kill a dog. The video pushed the ANC top to deal with this potential smoking gun by firing the two bodyguards. The police later confiscated the three weapons and said they would send them for ballistic testing to see if any of them can be linked to the numerous assassinations in the province. Of course, the main interest of all of these parties is to brush the whole affair under the carpet.

Revolutionary consequences

Three months before the 54th National Conference hardly anyone can deny that the ANC is at its lowest point in its 105 year history. The party is rotting from its NEC to its branches. Even the parliamentary caucus is in crisis. Recently around 27 MPs actually voted with the opposition in a secret parliamentary ballot to remove Zuma as president. The narrow margin of the defeat of the motion split the caucus in two. In the Western Cape, the presidential succession race has split the Provincial Executive of the Youth League. In Kwazulu-Natal, the ANCs biggest province, the two factions have also battled it out in court to decide which faction is to form the legitimate leadership in the province. Now that the court has ruled that the 2015 congress which elected the current provincial leadership was unlawful, the ANC in Kwazulu-Natal is in tatters. This is a big blow for the Zuma faction and it could lead to further crises around the December conference. This is a general picture across the country. The stakes are extremely high and the next few months could see even more convulsions in the ANC.

The fate of the ANC will have a direct result on the class struggle. For decades the ANC has had a virtual monopoly of support of the black population. But 23 years of rule on a capitalist basis have changed the party. The Marikana massacre, the never ending corruption scandals and the waves of attacks against the working masses on behalf of the bosses has undermined the former liberation movement. Parts of the most radical layers have split off or are in the process of splitting off, while other layers, seeing no credible alternative, have retreated into passivity. Now the crisis is threatening to break the party up. Under these conditions, the ANC will see all kinds of convulsions raging in its ranks. In turn, this can continue to drive the party in a vicious downward spiral. This is a nightmare scenario facing the ruling class. The collapse of the moral authority of the ANC means that there will be nothing to hold back the working class masses. The fortunes of the ANC, in one way or the other, will have a direct influence on the inevitable rise in the class struggle in the next period.
The Boston Bruins are set to open training camp on Thursday morning at Warrior Ice Arena, and one of their top players is reportedly not expected to be in attendance.

Forward David Pastrnak -- who has still not come to terms on a new contract with the Bruins -- is remaining in the Czech Republic and "has not intention of flying over" to Boston until he inks a new deal, per TSN's Darren Dreger.

Dreger added that Pastrnak could potentially start skating with another team in Europe in order to stay in shape, adding that the KHL remains as a possible destination for the 21-year-old winger if he cannot agree to a contract extension with the Bruins.

Pastrnak has been linked to the KHL over the last few days, with Dreger noting that Pastrnak has the potential to make over $6 million annually in the league, while also getting the chance to represent the Czech Republic in the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Despite the current deadlock between the Bruins and Pastrnak, Dreger also said that he has "a feeling" that something conclusive will happen between both parties by Wednesday night.

Dreger said that multiple contract offers have been brought up by both groups, with extensions ranging between five and eight-year terms on the table. Dreger ended his stream of tweets by stating that "a final push is up to the Bruins."

Both the Bruins and Pastrnak have gone back and forth on a long-term deal for most of the summer -- with both the team and Pastrnak working on an eight-year contract extension as late as last week.
Will Amazon.com Inc. wind up putting its second headquarters in the city of Boston?

On Tuesday, Bloomberg, citing a person briefed on the matter, reported that several senior Amazon executives are pushing to put a second headquarters in the city -- although Amazon quickly refuted the accuracy of the story without taking on the heart of the report.

Identifying leading candidates or ruling others out could cost Amazon in negotiations with public officials for subsidies or other incentives.

"The Bloomberg report is incorrect -- there are no front-runners as this point," said Amazon spokesman Drew Herdener. "We are just getting started with the process, and every city is on an equal playing field."

The tech giant last week released a request for proposals for a $5 billion second headquarters campus with a deadline of Oct. 19. The Seattle company, which will announce its headquarters decision next year, is looking to build a 8 million-square-foot campus that could fit 50,000 workers.

"We are energized by the response from cities across North America who have already reached out to express their interest in participating in the HQ2 RFP," said Herdener.

Bloomberg reported that those executives were looking favorably at Boston because of its proximity to Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Boston also has a major airport with flights to Seattle and Washington, D.C. and a "lower cost of living" than other big cities, the report noted.

Amazon clearly likes Massachusetts. The company's robotics division was formed after the acquisition of North Reading-based Kiva Robotics -- and it's already set up a major office in Cambridge that works on its Alexa voice technology. It's also planning another big office in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood, with plans to hire 900 workers.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker told the Business Journal recently that the combined city and state effort to woo General Electric Co. from its Fairfield, Connecticut headquarters was a good primer for the type of work that will need to be put in to lure Amazon's second headquarters. Boston pitched 20 potential sites to GE officials and offered a combined $125 million incentives package before the multinational conglomerate picked a 2.5-acre site on the Fort Point Channel for its new headquarters.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the city was looking at a public-private partnership to pull together a response to the RFP.

"Some people have offered their expertise. They have no interest in this at all other than trying to bring Amazon to Boston," Walsh said. What's more, Walsh said that while he didn't personally know Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, "I have plenty of people that do, and we will make sure to reach out."
HOLYOKE -- In the annual rhythm of the Pioneer Valley's natural world, the fall hawk migration can offer some of the most spectacular moments: dozens, if not a hundred or more, hawks congregate in large, swirling groups called "kettles," sweeping through the skies on their journey south.

One of the state's best migration viewing spots is at the Mount Tom State Reservation, and an event on Sunday, Sept. 17 will offer a chance to view hawks, owls and other birds of prey both up close and in the wild.

Now in its fifth year, "Hawks Over Mount Tom" will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with activities centered near the reservation's visitor center and playground.

"If people don't know the value of Mount Tom, then we really have to take the time to let them know about its beauty, and its value for an urban environment," said veterinarian Linda Henderson of Holyoke, one of the event's organizers.

Henderson, who operates the Holyoke Animal Hospital on Easthampton Road, is an avid birder and skilled wildlife photographer. For the past half decade, she has worked with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation -- as well as local businesses and nonprofits -- to stage the event, designed to draw attention to Holyoke's opportunities for hawk watching.

After debuting at the Mount Tom reservation in 2013, the event has also been held at Heritage State Park and the Holyoke Public Library.

This year's event highlights include:

10 a.m.: Naturalist Marcia Wilson's "Reading with Owls" program, which features Wilson reading an owl-themed children's book, teaching owl calls and showing off live owls. "I wish I had this when I was a kid," Henderson said in describing the presentation.

12 p.m.: Retired Massachusetts Environmental Police major Tom Ricardi, who operates a raptor rehabilitation center in Conway, offers his live birds of prey demonstration. For decades, Ricardi has brought his program to classrooms and community events, touching on a range of environmental issues as he treats his audiences to an intimate look at the hawks, falcons and other birds under his care.

2 p.m.: Marcia Wilson returns with her husband, wildlife photojournalist Mark Wilson, for their program featuring live owls from New England and beyond. The Wilsons operate Eyes On Owls, offering their program at schools, museums and other venues throughout New England and New York.

All day: Naturalists, including staff from MassAudubon, will be on hand at the Goat Peak and Bray towers, assisting observers hoping to spot broad-winged hawks and other species moving through the region.

The hawk migration typically begins in mid-September, with birds riding the thermal updrafts found along ridges like the Mount Tom and Mount Holyoke ranges. Those updrafts carry the birds into higher altitude windstreams, allowing them to soar south with less effort.

While the number of hawks seen on any given day can vary widely depending on the conditions, a good day can see hundreds -- if not thousands -- of hawks moving through the area. Observers at Mount Tom have logged an average of roughly 2,500 hawks over just a few days, according to Eastern Massachusetts Hawk Watch.

Some of the best days come after a storm, with partly sunny skies, a steady northwest wind and an approaching high-pressure weather system, according to the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Whether or not the weather sends a lone hawk or countless kettles overhead Sunday, Hawks Over Mount Tom is designed to show people what they can see when they turn their eyes to the sky -- and how lucky they are to have a resource like the mountain nearby.

"It really does let people have more respect for what's there," Henderson said of the event.

The event is free, but the Department of Conservation and Recreation will charge the reservation's standard vehicle entry fee: $5 for Massachusetts residents, $10 for non-residents. Entrances to the reservation are accessible from Route 5 in Holyoke and Route 141 on the Easthampton-Holyoke border.
Three teenagers who were arrested in connection to a shooting on Boston Common Tuesday night have been released Wednesday morning, according to police.

Boston Police flooded the Common and Financial District Tuesday night after a 19-year-old Hyde Park man was shot near the park's bandstand area, a central location in one of the country's oldest public parks, around 7 p.m. Officers took three unnamed suspects into custody.

At an impromptu press conference Tuesday night, Boston Police said the victim and alleged suspects knew each other. Two teens fled the scene on a moped while the third ran into the MBTA subway station near Tremont Street. A police officer chased the suspect down into the train tunnels, police said.

But those three teens were arrested, questioned and released Wednesday morning, and Boston Police now say the investigation into the shooter is "active and ongoing."

The 19-year-old victim suffered life-threatening injuries following the shooting, and police have no current update on his condition.

Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said a firearm was recovered, and that the shooting sprang from an argument between the parties involved.

"I mean, bullets were flying, that area was loaded with people coming from work, with students now coming back from Emerson [College] ... there were people walking, tourists walking on Tremont Street," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh told Boston Herald Radio Wednesday morning.

Walsh told Herald Radio that city officials are considering re-designing the historic public park, adding cameras and additional lighting.
Mayor Marty Walsh condemned the Tuesday evening shoot-out in Boston Common and said city officials are considering re-designing the historic public park, adding cameras and additional lighting.

Appearing on Boston Herald Radio Wednesday morning, Walsh said he couldn't get into further details about what happened since police are still investigating the incident, which featured "two groups of folks shooting at each other, or two individuals shooting at each other."

Police flooded the adjacent Financial District neighborhood and chased a suspect onto train tracks under Boston Common. Three people were arrested, but no charges have been announced.

"The fact that they were shooting at each other, in Boston Common, on the bandstand, I mean, bullets were flying, that area was loaded with people coming from work, with students now coming back from Emerson [College]...there were people walking, tourists walking on Tremont Street," Walsh said.

Police officers were deployed to the park on Wednesday to ensure people feel safe, Walsh added.

The mayor said city officials are considering re-designing Boston Common, adding cameras and better lighting to America's oldest public park through the proceeds from the sale of the city-owned Winthrop Square garage.

Millennium Partners is planning to build a tower there, though the height was recently reduced to roughly 700 feet, from 775 feet, due to federal aviation rules and nearby Logan Airport, according to the Boston Globe.

Walsh said earlier this year that $100 million from the sale will be set aside for public housing in East Boston and South Boston, as well as Franklin Park and Boston Common.
AMHERST - The School Committee wants Town Meeting to oppose the expansion of the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School.

The Hadley charter school applied to the state in August for permission to expand. The state six months earlier rejected a similar proposal. The school wants to add 452 slots for students; the state currently allows the school to have 584.

A proposed Town Meeting resolution from the School Committee states that the Amherst School District invests "significant resources to meet the diverse needs of low-income students, English language learners and students with disabilities, including transportation, social support services and specialized programming." In contrast, the committee wrote, the charter school "has historically been and currently remains far short of meeting this essential mandate."

According to the resolution, "all schools funded by public tax dollars should be driven by this central mandate."

In fiscal 2017, Amherst and the Amherst-Pelham regional schools sent 122 students to the charter school, along with a total tuition payment of $2,244,828. According to the resolution, that payment would rise to $4,937,668 if the sending rate remains the same and the charter "meets their requested enrollment maximum."

According to the resolution, "The charter tuition formula is fundamentally flawed, based on the spending level of the sending district, taken directly from the sending district's funding, and without consideration for the need level of the students sent."

Town Meeting could take up the resolution in November.

"Basically this is an attempt to encourage another elected body ... to take up an issue that has a huge effect on school finances," said Amherst School Committee Chairwoman Phoebe Hazzard.

The charter school accepts students from more than 30 communities and teaches Chinese by immersing them in the language starting from kindergarten. It was granted a charter in 2007 to teach 300 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. In 2012, the state allowed the school to add a ninth grade, then in 2013 allowed the school to add grades 10 through 12, with the cap at 584 students.

School officials sent letters in opposition to the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education when the proposal came before the board earlier.

The resolution to be placed on the fall Town Meeting warrant suggests that the charter school wait two years before submitting any new expansion proposal.

Hazzard said the resolution "is a challenging and sensitive thing to take up." Committee members have friends who send their children to the school and she said the resolution is not a criticism.

"They should be thinking (about) what's best for their child," she said. But she said the committee is tasked with "supporting our schools."

Executive Director Richard C. Alcorn has said the charter school asked for the expansion because it wants to build a new high school and needed to be able to expand to apply for and secure a mortgage.

Alcorn said the school's trustees want to offer a high school that's similar in size to others that offer the International Baccalaureate diploma program, which the charter school began offering in 2015. He expects an expansion would be phased in over about 13 years.

In a statement Wednesday, Alcorn said, "The real issue here is the way schools are funded in Massachusetts. PVCICS supports education in all its forms in western Massachusetts, and success for any school is a success for all of our kids."

"I personally support efforts to increase funding for all public schools as outlined by the Foundation Budget Commission's recommendations and hope all public schools, including charter schools, can work together to support all kids," Alcorn wrote.

The state education board will vote on the expansion request anytime between December and February, according to spokeswoman Jacqueline Reis.
Salisbury - An Amesbury man faces his 10th drunk driving charge after he was arrested by Salisbury police Sunday.

Robert Sheridan, 54, was stopped after Salisbury police and witnesses saw him weaving in traffic, speeding and run over a traffic island and knocking down a traffic sign.

According to the Newburyport News, Sheridan had at least eight prior convictions for drunk driving in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire and one charge continued without a finding. His license was revoked for life in 2005. The pickup truck he was driving is registered to a woman who lives at the same address as Sheridan.

The arresting officer said in a court filing that when Sheridan was stopped he had an overewhelming odor of alcohol about him, and was unsteady on his feet. The officer conducted a field sobriety test on Sheridan and determined he was under the influence.

Sheridan was arraigned in Newburyport District Court and ordered held without the right to bail pending a dangerousness hearing next Monday.
EASTHAMPTON -- The Easthampton public schools' director of curriculum will act as the district's first diversity officer, Superintendent Nancy Follansbee has announced.

Julie Anne Levin will lead the schools' diversity initiatives on an interim basis until a permanent officer is named, Follansbee said at Tuesday's School Committee meeting.

Among other responsibilities, Levin will convene a stakeholder advisory committee to "monitor, provide feedback, communicate, and help design" ongoing "climate and culture" work within the schools. The committee, comprised of administrators, teachers, students, and parents, has yet to be named.

The office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey last month required the appointment of a diversity officer as part of a consent agreement to ensure compliance with civil rights laws at Easthampton High School.

An investigatory report by the AG's office, released to School Committee chairwoman Debora Lusnia on Aug. 25, found longstanding disparities in discipline based upon race, and a pervasive culture of bullying and harassment that high school administrators had failed to acknowledge or address.

To prevent further civil rights enforcement, an 11-point memorandum of agreement with the AG's office was signed by members of the School Committee during a closed-door session on Aug. 24.

The school district must now update its harassment policies and procedures, institute bullying and harassment programs for students, offer programs for parents, provide training and professional development for staff, improve record-keeping around student discipline, revamp policies governing police in the schools, undergo an annual discipline audit, and provide the AG's office with documentation on an annual basis through 2021.

There is considerable overlap between the Attorney General's agreement and a 10-point "action plan" developed by Follansbee.

Tuesday night, Follansbee said the district has made progress in meeting the terms of the agreement. For instance, teachers and staff across the district have already received diversity and inclusion training. The new school year started on Sept. 5.

Levin, hired as curriculum director in 2016, will earn a stipend and report directly to Follansbee in her additional role as interim diversity officer. Levin will not report to high school principal Kevin Burke, Follansbee confirmed. Levin was not present at Tuesday's meeting.

The stakeholder advisory committee meetings will not be open to the public, Lusnia said, adding that the committee will release regular reports and information.

State and federal civil rights laws prohibit discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. The laws prohibits discrimination against students in public schools.
The specific skills you need to excel in the working world will vary depending on your field. But there are 8 general skills all recruiters hope to see, whether listed or implied, on your resume. Not only will these skills help you get your foot into the door, but theyll also make you a competent and respected employee.

If you dont have any of these skills, it might be time to acquire a few. If you do have em, great! Start showcasing them on that resume.

Michael Hoon, The Job Network

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/careers/resumes-cover-letters/2017/09/13/recruiters-look-for-these-8-skills-in-every-resume/105231406/
Hallmark said the transfers "seemed designed to disrupt the functioning of the agencies involved, and likely to drive as many executives as possible into retirement or quiescence. Zinke could not possibly have assessed the strengths and weaknesses of all these executives."

By Joe Davidson

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/09/12/interiors-unusual-transfer-of-senior-executives-spurs-official-probe/?hpid=hp_hp-cards_hp-card-fedgov%3Ahomepage%2Fcard&utm_term=.e28226b2187c
The Wyoming tourism industry says it wants to tax itself in order to cover the cost of promoting the Cowboy State to visitors around the country and world. But while legislators were generally supportive of the concept, the specifics may trip up the proposal.

"The devil will always be in the details," Rep. Cathy Connolly, D-Laramie, said at a meeting of the Joint Revenue Committee in this quiet mountain town, itself a tourism destination, on Tuesday.

Arno Rosenfeld 307-266-0634, [email protected]

http://trib.com/lifestyles/recreation/should-wyoming-tax-bars-restaurants-museums-and-hotels-to-pay/article_78ef8d83-7c07-5f4a-9996-35d632a05ec0.html
Join us for a business-focused review of the Supreme Courts recent decisions on patent venue and patent exhaustion, with a look at the overall effect on day to day decisions and strategy.

Wednesday,

October 18, 2017

Registration is complimentary, but space is limited to 150 people.

WEBINAR SCHEDULE

9:00 am  10:00 am PDT

10:00 am  11:00 am MDT

11:00 am  12:00 pm CDT

12:00 pm  1:00 pm EDT

Webinar dial-in information will be sent in a confirmation email once you register.

https://sites-dorsey.vuture.net/58/543/september-2017/10-18-intellectual-property-webinar-series(3).asp?sid=0765d450-38ca-4845-9848-e92fbb3d616e
The Alliance will: catalyze bankable, greener infrastructure projects at scale and speed; raise up to $500 million of early-stage project development and project preparation capital which aims to generate up to $10 billion in investment opportunities; support the continents transition to Net Zero emissions with investments in greener, climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

The African Development Bank Group and Africa50, in partnership with the African Union Commission and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), are exploring collaboration with global partners to create an Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa.

African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina made the announcement on Thursday while speaking at a thematic roundtable on climate change and energy transition at the 6th European Union-African Union Summit in Brussels, Belgium.

The European Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the French Development Agency, AFD, and the Rockefeller Foundation have expressed their interest in joining the Alliance. And there is a strong push to attract more African and global partners.

It is globally acknowledged that climate change continues to devastate Africas economies and the livelihoods of its people, despite the continents minimal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change has taken lives, caused food insecurity, displaced populations, damaged critical infrastructure, and disrupted economies. Increased geopolitical tensions could further threaten livelihoods and stability.

The key challenge for infrastructure development on the African continent is the dearth of bankable opportunities. Therefore, project development and preparation are critically important. Evidence shows that there is enough capital looking for yield. However, what is missing, is a robust pipeline of de-risked projects with stable long-term cash flows. There is also increasing institutional investor appetite for green, sustainable, environmental and social investments. That is why these African institutions and global partners are intent on mitigating the adverse effects of climate change through prompt investment in greener, climate-resilient, inclusive, quality and sustainable infrastructure.

The Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa will complement, enhance and partner with continental and global initiatives to crowd in private capital to fund green infrastructure projects. The idea is to bridge investment gaps and engender financing at scale and with speed.

The Alliances overarching goal will be to leverage the private sector to transparently develop transformative infrastructure that sustainably bridges Africas infrastructure deficit in a climate-resilient manner. It will do this by addressing universal energy access and strengthening Africas energy systems, while minimizing sovereign debt accumulation, especially during this period of limited fiscal capacity across Africa.

Specifically, the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa will raise significant capital to accelerate Africas just and equitable transition to Net Zero emissions, with two strategic objectives: (i) to develop and fund a robust pipeline of transformational bankable greener projects, and (ii) to catalyze financing at scale and speed for Africas greener infrastructure.

To build a robust pipeline of bankable projects, the Alliance will raise up to $500 million to provide early-stage resources to develop greener infrastructure projects. This will start at the pre-feasibility stage all the way through to commercial and financial close.

These resources will also support the development of innovative ideas for accelerating the transition to Net-Zero which, if proven sustainable, can be further scaled up and replicated across countries.

To achieve scale in greener infrastructure project development, the Alliance will execute its program with three categories of infrastructure project developers: a scaled-up Africa50; Africa50 in co-development with local African developers; and select experienced third-party private infrastructure developers.

The Alliances project development activities are projected to generate up to $10 billion in investment opportunities. This will be mobilized from a combination of co-investments, co-financing, risk mitigation and blended finance from Alliance members, other development finance institutions, commercial financial institutions, and foundations; public and private global and African institutional investors; project sponsors; and multilateral development banks sovereign operations and G-20 bilateral donors.

Alliance members will come together to use their collective efforts to expedite Africas transition to Net-Zero by bridging the climate-resilient infrastructure gap, thus helping Africa to meet its global development ambitions

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Updated handicap signs, a concerned mother starting a drug awareness program and an update on the towns caboose fire were discussed in Mondays Old Fort Board of Aldermen meeting.

In the biggest announcement of the evening, Old Fort Mayor Rick Hensley stated that the town would be implementing updated handicapped signs for businesses to place in their parking lot. According to Hensley, numerous complaints were raised in the past regarding handicap signs that did not display fines or statutes, resulting in the general public taking spaces without being issued tickets.

The Old Fort Police has talked to local businesses and they are all in agreeance to mark handicap parking all through town, said Hensley. Some of the people whove been parking in these spots are going to be surprised when they find that big ticket

Hensley said the town has received the new signs and will be going up on a later date.

In public comments, Julie Monte, a Texas mother who moved to McDowell in the last year and a half, raised concerns about after-school activities for children well as the ongoing drug problem in the county.

My first question has always been, What is there to do around here for the children? My family and I go to Morganton, we take our children to Asheville, we spend our money there and we spend our money there, Monte said. All of that time and money spent over there just to have something for our kids to do because there isnt much to do here. Aside from that question, the other question has been, Why is there such a huge drug problem in our county? I got a lot of different answers, and when it came down to it, people want to see something done to give activities for children that they look forward to that keeps them busy.

Her solution: MADE (McDowell Anti-Drug Education), a weekly anti-drug program aimed at educating children on identifying and avoiding substance abuse and peer pressure. According to Monte, MADE would comprise DVDs tutorials sponsored by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and parent-involved activities like role playing and comments from local law enforcement that would further illustrate the hazards of drugs and alcohol.

This will not solve all of our countys problems, but provides positive options that werent there previously, said Monte.

The aldermen were enthusiastic about her proposal and, in an effort to help facilitate her requests  including raising funds, offering printing services and information booths at upcoming events  also recommended taking the issue to Marion City Council and the County Commissioners.

In other business:

 In a public statement, the Aldermen offered their thoughts on 9/11 and urged citizens to give thanks to every law enforcement officer or firefighter they see for their daily contributions. In addition, the board wished to keep those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in their thoughts.

 In regard to the recent news about the vintage caboose burned over this weekend, Hensley confirmed that the fire was ruled intentional and that Old Fort Police are investigating the case. The caboose will be closed to the public for Railroad Day, but the outside will still be available for public viewing. In final remarks on the issue, Hensley said, Old Forts resilient, weve been knocked down before, but we always get back up.

 In old business, the board thanked Alderman Melvin Lytle Jr. and the Department of Transportation for paving work.

 Hensley offered a Mayor Recognition Award to retired Old Fort teacher and longtime volunteer Terry Wilson. (Terry) has volunteered more hours than anyone I know of. He has offered more services, set a great example for our community and is an outstanding citizen in the town of Old Fort, said Hensley.

 The board briefly discussed uses for the towns recent beautification grant, with suggestions ranging from street lights, concrete, benches, the Rockett Building and repairs on the burned caboose.

 This years Oktoberfest in Old Fort is slated for Oct. 6 and 7; Railroad Day is scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 16.

The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 9.
A trolley ride from the Old Fort Depot to historic Andrews Geyser and a hike along the Point Lookout Trail led by the McDowell Trails Association will be two of the highlights of Mountain Gateway Museums annual Railroad Day.

This years Railroad Day celebration in Old Fort will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16.

The event also will feature the popular Norfolk Southern Lawmen Band, a model railroad layout, several pieces of rolling stock, the Route 70 Cruisers antique cars, presentations by railroad historians and authors, and displays by a variety of railroad-related organizations, such as the N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation, the National Railway Historical Society - Asheville Chapter and the N.C. Geological Survey. Artists, craft vendors and demonstrators, special artifact displays, food trucks, live music and railroad-related childrens games and activities will round out the one-day festival, according to a news release.

Created to celebrate Old Forts rich railroading history, Railroad Day will kick off at 10 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. at two locations: Mountain Gateway Museum at 24 Water St. and the Old Fort Depot just two blocks north of the museum on West Main Street.

Festival admission is free. Parking will be available in the lot at the end of Water Street. There will be a $3-per-person charge to ride the trolley, but children younger than 5 can ride free. Tickets will be sold at the Old Fort Depot.

The air-conditioned trolley car will depart from the depots parking lot on West Main Street at the top of each hour, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Using the trolleys announcer system, an on-board tour guide will relate stories about the Western North Carolina Railroad (WNCRR) during the 15-minute ride to Andrews Geyser.

This McDowell County landmark is a gravity-generated fountain first built by the railroad in 1885 as a tourist attraction. At its prime, the geyser could spew water 250 feet into the air. It was rebuilt in 1911 and was named in honor of Col. A.B. Andrews, who was instrumental in building the railroads through the mountains.

One of the engineering marvels of the 1870s, the WNCRR was plagued early on by war, financial fraud and political corruption. Many of the convict laborers used to build the rail line up Old Fort Mountain and over the Eastern Continental Divide died during the process, the victims of explosions, cave-ins, mudslides, and other catastrophes. But through their efforts, seven railroad tunnels and 13 miles of ascending, looping tracks were completed, and the WNCRR reached the top of the mountain at Ridgecrest on March 11, 1879, according to a news release.

As an added attraction this year, trolley riders will be taken onto the grounds of the Round Knob Lodge, where they can enjoy the view overlooking Andrews Geyser. Southern Railroad executives had the 6,500-square-foot lodge built in the early 1930s as a retreat for railroad workers. Now privately owned, the lodge is available only for rentals.

Also new this year is the hike along the Point Lookout Trail. Led by members of the McDowell Trails Association, the hike will be on a paved trail that follows Old Highway 70 West up Old Fort Mountain toward Ridgecrest, roughly paralleling the train tracks.

The hike will begin at 9 a.m. at the Point Lookout trailhead, near Piney Grove Baptist Church, 2737 Old Highway 70 West in Old Fort. The hike to Point Lookout is 5.2 miles with a 900-foot change in elevation (in other words, 2.6 miles up and 2.6 miles down). However, participants will have the option to turnaround at any point on the trail because it is an in/out hike, according to the news release.

For those who want a greater challenge, the hike will continue to a point on the trail offering views of the railroad and one of the seven tunnels built on the Old Fort Loops. This will add another two miles or so to the hike.

The hike is open to everyone, but anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes (sneakers or hiking/walking shoes), and bring water, as none is available along the trail or at the trailhead. Also bring a lunch or snack to enjoy at Point Lookout, according to the news release.

In case of rain, the hike may be cancelled. A notice of cancellation will be posted at the Mountain Gateway Museum by 8:30 a.m. and at the trailhead at 8:45 a.m. For more information, contact Steve Pierce at stevepierce50@gmail.com.

Back at the historic Old Fort Depot, inside the former baggage area, several railroad authors and historians will be signing and selling copies of their books and giving presentations at intervals throughout the day.

Matt Bumgarner, award-winning writer and regional publisher of the Tarheel Press, will discuss his new book, Saluda: From Top to Bottom. Marion Mayor and railroad author Steve Little will portray a convict laborer who worked on the WNCRR. Wayne Erbsen of Native Ground Books & Music in Asheville will entertain with railroad stories, humor, and songs. And Jerry Ledford with the National Railway Historical Society - Asheville Chapter will do a presentation about logging railroads in western North Carolina and also operate a switching layout in the depot.

Other speakers will include Ray Rapp, a former state legislator and college administrator now working with the Western North Carolina Rail Corridor Committee to restore passenger rail service to Asheville; Rocky Hollifield with the Craggy Mountain Line Railroad in Woodfin; railroad historian Dr. Fred McConnel of Atlanta; Roger Smock, a rail safety consultant with the N.C. Department of Transportation; and Bill Hendley with the McDowell Trails Association who will discuss Southern Railways old Peavine rail line, now a walking and bicycle trail in Marion.

The Old Fort Depot Museum, owned by the town and located in the central area of the depot, will be open on Railroad Day, allowing visitors to freely view a topographical model of the Old Fort Loops, as well as railroad objects and equipment used in the former rail station. The caboose parked at the west end of the depot also will be open.

On the grounds of the Mountain Gateway Museum, the Norfolk Southern Lawmen Band (mixed genre) will take the stage in the creekside amphitheater at 11 a.m., and the Possum Creek Band (bluegrass) will perform at 1 p.m.

Craft demonstrators and vendors, including quilters, needleworkers, woodcarvers, jewelry makers, broom makers, soap makers, beekeepers, and others, will be scattered across the museums grounds, as will the booths of numerous community organizations.

The N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation will have a display with touchable objects and railroad-related activities for children. And a representative from the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site will talk about Sandburgs days as a hobo and help participants create cigar box-banjos and play along to songs from Sandburgs book of folk songs. Face-painting, a costume dress-up/photo op with a locomotive cutout, and train-related games will be part of the childrens area.

If all the activity makes you hungry, vendors in the museums food court area around the outdoor fountain will offer hamburgers, hotdogs, barbecue, fried-fish sandwiches, funnel cakes, ice cream, popcorn, pretzels, cotton candy, shaved ice, soda, and bottled water, according to the news release.

For more information about Railroad Day 2017, please contact RoAnn Bishop at Mountain Gateway Museum either by phone at 828-668-9259 or by e-mail at roann.bishop@ncdcr.gov.

Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center is the westernmost facility in the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of State History Museums. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of historic Mill Creek in downtown Old Fort, the museum uses artifacts, exhibitions, educational programs, living history demonstrations, and special events to teach people about the rich history and cultural heritage of the states mountain region, from its original inhabitants through early settlement and into the 20th century.

Located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort, Mountain Gateway Museum is open year-round. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m.; closed Monday. Admission is free.
As the late media activist Danny Schechter wrote, when it comes to the corporate broadcast media: The more you watch, the less you know.

Schechters observation only fails in one key respect: mainstream output does tell us a lot about which foreign governments are being lined up for regime change.

In 2013, it was remarkable to see the BBC reporting claims from Syria on a daily basis in a way that almost always blamed the Syrian government, and President Assad personally, for horrendous war crimes. But as the New York Times reported last month, the picture was rather less black and white. The US was embroiled in a dirty war that was one of the costliest covert action programs in the history of the C.I.A, running to more than $1 billion over the life of the program. Its aim was to support a vast rebel army created and armed by the US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey to overthrow the Syrian government.

The BBCs relentless headline stories were mostly supplied by activists and rebels who, in fact, were militants attempting to overthrow Assad, and whose claims could not be verified. Veteran Middle East correspondent Patrick Cockburn described the problem afflicting virtually all mainstream reporting on Syria:

All wars always produce phony atrocity stories  along with real atrocities. But in the Syrian case fabricated news and one-sided reporting have taken over the news agenda to a degree probably not seen since the First World War The real reason that reporting of the Syrian conflict has been so inadequate is that Western news organisations have almost entirely outsourced their coverage to the rebel side.

There was a simple reason why rebel claims were uncontested: they originated from areas controlled by people so dangerous no foreign journalist dare set foot among them. The additional point being that it has never been plausible that unaffiliated local citizens would be allowed to report freely.

This was obvious to everyone, doubtless including the BBC, which nevertheless produced a tsunami of rebel-sourced propaganda. Crucially, these stories were not balanced attempts to explore the various claims; they sought to establish a version of events justifying regime change: rebels and activists were good, Assad was bad and had to go. Journalist Robert Parry explains:

The job of the media is not to provide as much meaningful information as possible to the people so they can exercise their free judgment; it is to package certain information in a way to guide the people to a preferred conclusion.

The BBC campaign was clearly inspired  whether consciously or otherwise  by a high-level decision to engineer regime change in Syria.

The key moment arrived in August 2013 when the US came very close to launching a major attack against Syrian government forces, supposedly in response to Assads alleged use of chemical weapons in Ghouta, Damascus. Only the UK parliaments rejection of the case for war and warnings from US generals on doubts about the claims, and likely fallout from regime change, prevented Obama from attacking.

Particularly disturbing was the fact that, as the possibility of a direct US regime change effort faded, so too did the steady flow of BBC atrocity claims. It was as if, with the goal temporarily unattainable, the propaganda tap was simply closed. It was later re-opened ahead of an anticipated, pro-war Clinton presidency, and then as part of an attempt to push president-elect Trump to intensify the Syrian war.

Well, Shock, Shock, Its The Oil!

This year, we have witnessed a comparable BBC propaganda blitz on Venezuela centred around opposition claims that President Maduro has eroded Venezuelas democratic institutions and mismanaged its economy.

The BBC campaign has again been characterised by daily reports from Venezuela presenting a black and white picture of the crisis: Maduro bad, opposition good. The BBC has again promoted the sense of an escalating crisis that will inevitably and justifiably result in regime change. It is no surprise, then, to learn from the Independent:

The head of the CIA has suggested the agency is working to change the elected government of Venezuela and is collaborating with two countries in the region to do so.

CIA director Mike Pompeo said he was hopeful that there can be a transition in Venezuela and we the CIA is doing its best to understand the dynamic there.

No eyebrows were raised in a US political culture obsessed with unproven claims of Russian interference in last years US presidential elections. Last month, Pompeos boss, President Trump, commented on Venezuela:

We dont talk about it but a military option, a military option is certainly something that we could pursue.

Pompeos and Trumps statements indicate a continuation of US policy that supported a 2002 coup that temporarily overthrew (then) President Chavez and which was closely tied to senior officials in the US government.

Political analyst Ricardo Vaz notes the ironic fact that many of the opposition leaders denouncing Maduros alleged attacks on democracy, including Henrique Capriles, Julio Borges, Leopoldo Lopez and Maria Corina Machado, were directly involved in the 2002 coup attempt.

US interest in Venezuela was explained with admirable candour in a classified US government document from December 12, 1978:

OUR FUNDAMENTAL INTERESTS IN VENEZUELA ARE: 1. THAT VENEZUELA CONTINUE TO SUPPLY A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF OUR PETROLEUM IMPORTS AND CONTINUE TO FOLLOW A MODERATE AND RESPONSIBLE OIL PRICE POSITION IN OPEC

According to the respected BP Statistical review of world energy (June 28, 2015), proven oil reserves in Venezuela are the largest in the world, totalling 297 billion barrels.

The US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, naturally shares Trumps and Pompeos view of the country, commenting:

We are evaluating all of our policy options as to what can we do to create a change of conditions where either Maduro decides he doesnt have a future and wants to leave of his own accord or we can return the government processes back to their constitution. (Our emphasis)

The fact that Tillerson was chairman and chief executive officer of the worlds largest oil company, ExxonMobil, from 2006-2016, having joined the company in 1975, might give cause for pause in considering the change of conditions he has in mind. In 2007, the Evening Standard reported:

BP and the other majors are taking a hard line with Chavez, demanding conditions and compensation for [Venezuelan policy changes] Exxon Mobil chief executive Rex Tillerson said that unless the negotiations produce a profitable proposal, we wont be staying. (Oil giants face reserves blow in Venezuela grab, Evening Standard, April 30, 2007)

And of course Trump has left us in no doubt about who is the rightful owner of the worlds oil:

I wasnt a fan of Iraq, I didnt want to go into Iraq. But I will tell you  when we were in, we got out wrong. And I always said, in addition to that: Keep the oil! So we shoulda kept the oil. But okay, maybe well have another chance But the fact is: we shoulda kept the oil.

Our search of the Lexis database (August 30, 2017) for UK national press articles mentioning Tillerson, Exxon and Venezuela over the seven months since Tillerson was made Secretary of State generated precisely three hits. None of these discussed oil as a possible motive driving US policy  a taboo subject.

Investigative journalist Greg Palast describes why and when Venezuela became an Official Enemy of the West:

Well, shock, shock, its the oil! Chavez, back in 2000, 2001, decided that he wasnt going to give it away anymore Big US oil companies were paying a royalty for Venezuelas super-heavy oil of about 1 per cent  1 per cent!  okay. And for the regular oil, the heavy oil, it was 16 per cent. So the oil companies were keeping 84 per cent, and Chavez said: Youre going to have to pay 30 per cent, you can only keep 70 per cent of our oil You gotta split off a bit for the people of Venezuela. And, of course, that made him enemy number one  not to Americans, but to Americas landlords, the oil companies.

Regional specialist Mark Weisbrot commented recently on the Venezuelan oppositions US allies:

These right-wing U.S. politicians  with much cooperation from all of the U.S. administrations of the past 15 years  have consistently fought to overthrow the Venezuelan government. This is all they can think about, regardless of the consequences of escalating violence, increased suffering, or even civil war.

Weisbrots overly-optimistic conclusion:

The U.S. strategy of regime change has contributed to the death of hundreds of thousands of people  mostly civilians  in Iraq, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan. It has also had a hideous history in the Americas. Hopefully something has been learned from these crimes and tragedies.

The BBCs Propaganda Blitz

In numerous reports, the BBC has presented damning criticism of the Venezuelan government, often with no or nominal balance. We will sample below from a large number of similar offerings with a few related examples from other corporate media.

On May 6, the BBC published a piece titled: Venezuela protests: Women march against Maduro. The article reported:

The US has also expressed concern about what UN ambassador Nikki Haley called a violent crackdown. At least 36 people have died and hundreds have been injured in weeks of protests.

This gave the impression that a government crackdown was responsible for the deaths. But the truth was more mixed. In July, Venezuela Analysis reported that since violent anti-government protests began on April 4, there had been 14 deaths caused by the authorities and 23 direct victims of opposition political violence, with 61 deaths disputed or unaccounted for.

Like so many BBC articles, this one focused on claims that Venezuela is a dictatorship:

The dictatorship is living its last days and Maduro knows it, former MP Maria Corina Machado told AFP news agency at the womens march.

The BBC even included a comment presumably intended to remind readers of the infamous toppling of the statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad (in fact orchestrated by US forces):

Meanwhile video posted on social media purportedly showed the pulling down of a small statue of Hugo Chavez in the western town of Rosario de Perija.

In similar vein, a May 9 BBC piece included the comment:

The secretary general of the Organisation of American States (OAS) likened the country to a dictatorship.

While recognising that the Maduro government certainly merits criticism for mishandling the current situation, both economically and politically, political analyst Greg Wilpert noted that none of the arguments against the democratic legitimacy of the Maduro government hold much water. Moreover, polls repeatedly indicate that even though Maduro is fairly unpopular, a majority of Venezuelans want him to finish his term in office, which expires in January 2019.

Western media devoted intense coverage to Maduros decision to hold elections for a Constituent Assembly in July. In response, the Trump administration extended sanctions. Mark Weisbrot commented:

The pretext for the sanctions is that the new Constitutional Assembly will essentially carry out a coup detat, abolishing the National Assembly  which the opposition won by a wide margin in December 2015  and allowing President Nicolas Maduro to cancel presidential elections, which are due next year.

But as Weisbrot noted, such a cancellation will not happen automatically as a result of the Constituent Assembly election, and so it does not make sense that the sanctions should be triggered by the election itself.

On May 11, the BBC published Inside Venezuelas anti-government protests. The first comment relayed by the BBC:

Theres no freedom of expression here in Venezuela. Theres no freedom of any kind.

Media analyst Joe Emersberger describes the reality:

The biggest lie told over the past fifteen years about Venezuela is that its media is cowed by the government and that it has rendered the opposition voiceless.

He adds:

In fact the protests and the leading opposition leaders take on the protests are being extensively covered on the largest private networks: Venevision, Televen, Globovision. If people abroad sampled Venezuelas TV media directly, as opposed to judging it by what is said about it by the international media and some big NGOs, theyd be shocked to find the opposition constantly denouncing the government and even making very thinly veiled appeals to the military to oust Maduro.

The BBCs second quoted opinion:

Were here to put an end to the dictatorship in Venezuela, so that our children can grow up in a free Venezuela.

There was no balance and there have been no similar compilations looking inside Venezuelas pro-government protests. One would hardly guess that Maduro was elected president on April 14, 2013 in a democratic election.

In a May 12 report, Venezuela protests: a week in pictures, the BBC included two successive photo captions, which read:

People angry with the government of President Nicolas Maduro have been taking to the streets almost daily since the beginning of April.

And:

Many have been injured, and there have been close to 40 protest-related deaths.

This again suggested that people angry with the government had been killed. Opposition violence has included bomb attacks on police, grenades thrown at the supreme court building from a helicopter, a government supporter burned alive, shootings, attempted lynchings, and so on. This violence was not mentioned by Paul Mason when he condemned Maduros crackdown in the Guardian. A New York Times op-ed under the title, Venezuela Needs International Intervention. Now., commented in similar vein:

President Nicolas Maduro has responded with an iron fist. More than 50 people have been killed, 1,000 injured, and 2,700 arrested

The bomb attack on Venezuelan National Guard soldiers shown in this video, severely injuring several of the soldiers and cheered by people watching, would of course have been described by all US-UK media as a terror attack, if it had happened in the West.

The Guardian published a similar photo gallery of anti-government protestors, but not of pro-government protestors. The compilation came with remarkable captions of this kind:

Drawing inspiration from Ukraines 2013-14 revolt, young protesters in Venezuela carry Viking-like shields as they battle government security forces during protests against President Nicolas Maduro

One photo caption read:

Miraflores on fire is written on the front of this shield. Miraflores Palace is the presidents official workplace

Another:

The opposition says President Maduro has created a dictatorship. The last parliamentary vote held in 2015 gave the opposition a majority but the government has repeatedly blocked any attempts to oust Maduro

The BBCs May 16 piece was titled, Venezuela: Teenager killed as mass protests rage. A May 18 BBC piece maintained the sense of developing crisis: Venezuela: Soldiers sent to quell looting amid protests. On May 22, a BBC report opened with these words:

Venezuela is now a dictatorship, says Luis Ugalde, a Spanish-born Jesuit priest who during his 60 years living in Venezuela has become one of the South American nations most well-known political scientists.

The BBC later offered another inside look at anti-government protestors: Apathy to activism: Venezuelan students on why they protest. Mario Bonucci, rector of the University of the Andes, was quoted:

This is an institution where you can speak your mind freely without fear of repercussion and thats uncomfortable for this government.

A remark that again ignored the fact that widespread criticism of Maduros government is published and broadcast by many Venezuelan media. The BBC offered no balancing comment.

The 2002 Coup  Telling Omissions

On July 9, the BBC wrote of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez:

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has praised the decision to release from prison one of the countrys main opposition leaders, Leopoldo Lopez Mr Lopez was serving a 14-year sentence for inciting violence during anti-government protests in 2014, a charge he has always denied. The Supreme Court said he was released on health grounds.

There is rather more to be said about Lopez. Venezuela Analysis commented:

Lopez is also well known in Venezuela for his active participation in the April 2002 coup against the democratically elected president Hugo Chavez. During the coup, using his authority as Mayor of Chacao, he led the illegal arrest of Minister of Justice Ramon Rodriguez Chacin.

The report continued:

In a joint appeal with Maria Corina Machado, Lopez called on citizens to join his La Salida campaign (The Way Out), described the government as a dictatorship and called on Venezuelans to rise up emulating the example of January 23, 1958 (when a popular uprising overthrew the Perez Jimenez dictatorship). The message was clear: Venezuela was a dictatorship, the government had to be overthrown by force.

The Guardian also reported on Lopez:

Security agents have since seized two opposition leaders from their homes after they called for protests against the vote.

Joe Emersberger pointed out some telling omissions:

Umm no. Leopoldo Lopez  while already under house arrest  made a video in which he called for a military coup. Dont try this while under house arrest in the UK, where you can get put away for Facebook posts advocating a riot (even if you are not under house arrest at the time).

Writing for OffGuardian, Ricardo Vaz asked of corporate media performance:

Why is there never a mention that the opposition leadership is full of protagonists from that US-backed military coup that ultimately failed? Quite simply because it would undermine the entire democracy vs. dictatorship propaganda narrative.

Numerous journalists have attempted to use the Venezuelan crisis to also attack Jeremy Corbyn as part of the relentless smear campaign against him. In The Times, David Aaronovitch wrote of the Venezuelan revolution:

I believe we need to know why you [Jeremy Corbyn] think its failed.

This from the columnist who has tirelessly backed wars of liberation generating mass death and utter disaster in Iraq, Libya and Syria.

Conclusion  Enforcing The Truth

The goal of a mass media propaganda campaign is to create the impression that everybody knows that Saddam is a threat, Gaddafi is about to commit mass murder, Assad has to go, Corbyn is destroying the Labour party, and so on. The picture of the world presented must be clear-cut. The public must be made to feel certain that the good guys are basically benevolent, and the bad guys are absolutely appalling and must be removed.

This is achieved by relentless repetition of the theme over days, weeks, months and even years. Numerous individuals and organisations are used to give the impression of an informed consensus  there is no doubt! Once this truth has been established, anyone contradicting or even questioning it is typically portrayed as a shameful apologist in order to deter further dissent and enforce conformity.

A key to countering this propaganda is to ask some simple questions: Why are US-UK governments and corporate media much more concerned about suffering in Venezuela than the far worse horrors afflicting war-torn, famine-stricken Yemen? Why do UK MPs rail against Maduro while rejecting a parliamentary motion to suspend UK arms supplies to their Saudi Arabian allies attacking Yemen? Why is the imperfect state of democracy in Venezuela a source of far greater outrage than outright tyranny in Saudi Arabia? The answers could hardly be more obvious.

DE
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Terens Quick, held a telephone conversation, late yesterday, with the Mayor of Tarpon Springs, Florida, Chris Alahouzos, on the impact of hurricane Irma.



Mr. Alahouzos, who is of Greek origin, said the hurricane was losing strength, adding that, due to timely preparation, there were no victims, only material damage. He also expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Kotzias, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Terens Quick, who responded promptly, lending their support during the storm.

Mr. Alahouzos took the opportunity to brief Mr. Quick on the decision of the City Council of Tarpon Springs to visit Kalymnos this coming Eastern and sit, for the first time, in a joint meeting with the Municipal Council of Kalymnos. Mr. Quick congratulated Mr. Alahouzos on this initiative and committed the support of the Secretariat General for Greeks Abroad.
HARBOR BEACH -- Two new Harbor Beach administrators took the reins during a recent board of education meeting after being hired during the summer.

Both had attended board of education meetings during the summer, but this month was the first time they attended a meeting while school was actively in progress.

Superintendent Shawn Bishop addressed the board early in the meeting.

"We had an incredibly good start to the school year," Bishop said. "Kudos to the administrative staff for that."

Bishop told the board it is his intent to keep the board well informed and be a strong superintendent.

He hopes to form committees this school year. He hopes each would have a couple board members along with school staff and interested community members as participants.

In other matters, Bishop noted the school building had an ant problem, but the facility had been treated inside and out to eradicate them.

In Principal Aaron Bulgrien's address to the board, he noted his staff had scheduling difficulties starting back in August due to a computer glitch. It caused a large problem, but it has since been solved.

"We think we've found the problem, and will correct it for next year," he said.

The new principal would like to start a Quiz Bowl this year. He will look into whether there is enough interest to make this happen.

He reported the high school currently has an enrollment of 227 students.

K-8 Principal Tumara Johnston told the board the school year has started well. PBIS Assemblies went very well on the first day of school. She reported two important things will take place this week.

First, NWEA and Dibels testing will begin. In addition, third graders will participate in Project Red.

She said there were 171 students registered in grades K-5, and there were 107 students in grades 6-8.

While the board discussed new business, it was learned Jon Fruytier had been hired part time to teach Spanish classes. He will teach at Zion Lutheran School and Our Lady of Lake Huron School, through the Harbor Beach School District. It was also learned the school district is actively working to finish the Secretaries Collective Bargaining Contract.

In other business:

 The board agreed to purchase a new lawn mower from Osentoski Farm Equipment Company. The current mower has had major repairs more than once, and maintenance personnel think it has a very short life expectancy. Although the new mower is a 2015 model, it is brand new. It will have a 60-inch deck and is a zero-turn lawn mower.

 Board members accepted the resignation of part-time physical education instructor Marilee Schock.

"She will be very much missed. She did a great job for us," Bishop told the board and audience.

The next Harbor Beach Board of Education meeting will take place Sept. 18. It was changed from Sept. 20 due to scheduling conflicts.
UBLY  Ubly Community Schools is once again looking for another principal for the junior/senior high school.

The Ubly school board accepted the resignation of Ryan Cayce at its Monday night meeting.

Cayce said he was taking a job as the director of digital learning for the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.

"I'm going to be designing professional development, trainings and online course content for other principals and teachers across the state to use," he told board members. "I'm also going to be leading and facilitating some workshops over in the Thumb area and more PD (professional development) training on a variety of topics. I'll do a lot of it from home."

Cayce has been the principal for just over a year.

"I thought overall, the staff and students and admin team helped show me the ropes as the new guy here," he said. "But I think we accomplished a lot. I think we developed relationships, we increased communication between the parents and students in the community. The students performed very, very well on the spring assessments. I think we had a successful year and I think they will keep it going with Mr. Warner."

Jeremy Warner was approved as interim principal while the district looks for a permanent replacement. Warner has been a teacher at Ubly Community Schools since 2007.

Cayce said he was going to miss "the relationships and the camaraderie with the teachers and students."

"It is a great community and place to work without a doubt," Cayce said. "I had a blast. It's a great place to work and educate kids. I just had an opportunity to spend more time with my family."

Superintendent Joe Candela gave Cayce credit for helping foster a better relationship with the teachers.

"He came in and the culture was tough," Candela said. "The teachers had four or five principals and they've had that change. But Ryan came in and brought a culture of working together, working as a team, the whole team concept that this is the whole team's school. It's not just the principal's school, it's not just Joe Candela's school, but it's everyone's school. He changed the culture of the school in a year."

Candela said Cayce also started a communication reminder that came to teachers and staff every Sunday night.

"Great, great communicator and a great culture-builder," he said.

Cayce said he would stay on to help Warner get going as principal before starting his new job.

Candela said during the school board meeting he would post the position and see if there were qualified candidates, and if not, he would seek to remove the "interim" title off of Warner.
Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go.

Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune...
A military recruitment program thrust into the spotlight by President Donald Trump's recently announced immigration reform plans is a victim of bad American immigration policy, its creator said.

"DoD has killed the program through bureaucratic bumbling," said Margaret Stock, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who created the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program in 2008.

"The Pentagon killed the goose that laid the golden eggs ... because the Pentagon is so xenophobic right now, they view all foreigners as sort of a threat," she said.

Trump early this month ordered an end in six months to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program, an Obama-era immigration initiative.

Congress is expected to take action before the end date, and Pentagon officials said last week they are coordinating with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security regarding the impact on about 900 military DACA recipients.

Stock, then part of the Army's military police, helped design MAVNI to assist the military in solving what she saw as a major security issue -- a lack of recruits who understand foreign culture or fluently speak foreign languages.

By tapping into a pool of highly skilled foreign nationals who wanted to become American citizens, Stock believed the Pentagon could gain recruits with much-needed language or professional skills, such as doctors.

And it worked. Among its 10,000 recruits are Spc. Paul Chelimo, a Team USA track-and-field silver medalist, and 2012 soldier of the year Sgt. Saral K. Shrestha, an expert in Urdu who served with Army Special Forces.

But in 2012, the Obama administration used the MAVNI program to address a separate problem: how to give undocumented immigrants who had been living in the U.S. since childhood, also known as Dreamers, a path to citizenship by joining the military while enrolled in DACA.

In the wake of that decision, the DoD changed the way MAVNI operated, requiring additional security screenings for those waiting in the MAVNI pipeline and creating a substantial backlog.

In 2016, the Pentagon effectively shuttered the program, closing applications and stalling those recruits who had already started the process.

About 360 DACA applications are waiting in the MAVNI pipeline, Stock said. The fate of those users could depend on what, if any, action Congress takes before DACA's ordered expiration date.

The decision to pair MAVNI with DACA sounded the death knell for the program, Stock said, because MAVNI was never intended as way to address the political hot potato of citizenship for undocumented long-term residents.

"They made a colossal error, frankly," she said. "Instead of trying to recruit the DACAs separately, they tried to shove the DACAs into the MAVNI program. And that wrecked both programs."

That's because MAVNI sought candidates with hard-to-fill specialties, such as licensed medical professionals, or highly sought language skills.

DACA candidates rarely meet those qualifications, either because they are undocumented or because they have been in the U.S. so long.

"There are DACAs that speak the strategic languages, but there aren't thousands of them," Stock said.

-- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com.
"It's not over, it's not over," Sen. John McCain said of the Vietnam War.

McCain, a POW in Hanoi for five years, had been asked by Military.com on Tuesday night whether he agreed with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns that Vietnam is still "unfinished business" -- for the U.S. and for Vietnam.

"It's true. The war's not over" in the minds of Americans, McCain said, before entering the Kennedy Center Opera House for a preview and panel discussion on the 10-part, 18-hour PBS series "The Vietnam War," co-directed by Burns and Lynn Novick, that will begin airing Sunday night.

"It's the right time to tell it," McCain said. "Maybe we can look back at the Vietnam conflict and make sure we don't make the same mistakes that we did before."

John Kerry, the former senator from Massachusetts and former secretary of state, said the nation still needs a reckoning with Vietnam.

"I think this film will be enormously helpful. People can make their own judgment," he said.

McCain and Kerry in ways represent the yin and yang of the war.

McCain was career Navy. He was flying an A4E-Skyhawk when he was shot down.

Kerry commanded a Swift Boat. He got out of the Navy when he could and, for a time, led the group Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

Yet they became friends when happenstance put them next to each other on a long-ago plane ride to the Mideast, Kerry said.

They would later join in pushing former President Bill Clinton to re-establish relations with Vietnam -- a politically dicey thing for Clinton, given his own history with the draft and the anti-war movement.

Burns said later that he relied on McCain and Kerry for encouragement in the 10-year preparation of the series.

Both McCain and Kerry appear in archival footage in the series, but Burns said he did not interview them. He wanted to avoid the appearance of a political slant in the project.

Immense Generational Baggage

Novick said that the subject matter came with immense generational baggage and the track record of previous attempts at storytelling that devolved into coulda', shoulda', woulda' blame games.

"There's no agreement among scholars, or Americans or Vietnamese, about what happened -- the facts, let alone whose fault, let alone what we're supposed to make of it," she said.

"Lynn and I believe that the Vietnam War was the most important event in American history since [World War II] and so much of the division that we experience today -- the hyper-partisanship that besets us -- we think the seeds of that were sown in Vietnam," Burns said.

"Many of us have buried our heads in the sand about it. It didn't turn out very well for us," he said. "We are hoping that we can change that with this film."

According to the promotional material, the series "will open up conversations -- sometimes painful and long overdue -- about the legacy of the war and what we can learn from it today."

Before playing clips from the series, Burns asked the Vietnam veterans in the audience to stand. There was applause.

Then he asked those who protested against the war to stand with the vets. There was more applause.

"I couldn't tell the difference," Burns joked.

America's 20th Century Civil War

The theater went dark for the first clip from the opening of the series. There was a rumbling sound and the foreboding whup whup of a helicopter over a blank screen.

Then the crackle of weapons on full automatic. Cut to stock footage of bare-armed U.S. troops in the flak jackets of the time firing at something, somewhere. Mortar rounds walk up a too green hillside.

The narrator gives some statistics for context. Overlay Bob Dylan: "Tell me where have you been my blue-eyed son  "

Then the film goes backward, literally. The cameras are thrown into reverse, past the fall of Saigon, past the napalm, past the protests and counter-protests. The effect is that the viewer is thrust back into the '60s, about to be immersed, again, in what has often been described as America's 20th Century Civil War.

Drawing Parallels

Inevitably, parallels with be drawn from the events depicted in the series to the current state of American politics and foreign affairs, Burns said.

He asked the audience to consider a time when there were "mass demonstrations taking place all across the country against the administration ... A president certain the news media is lying ... Asymmetrical warfare that taxes the might of the United States military ... A country divided in half."

Enough said, parallel drawn

Martha Raddatz of ABC News, who moderated the panel discussion, said the film delivered "a glorious gut punch that is designed not to knock you out -- it wakes you up."

Many Contributors

It's more a series of gut punches. In a clip shown Tuesday night, Roger Harris talked of his experience as a Marine at the Con Thien firebase near the DMZ, which was constantly in danger of being overrun.

"A lotta' mud, blood, artillery," he said. "You'd find a boot with a leg in it." White guy? Black guy? No way to tell, he said.

His mother told him he would survive because she had prayed for him and he was "special." He told his mother, "I put pieces of special people in bags."

Veteran Phil Gioia said, "I think the Vietnam War drove a stake right into the heart of America. Unfortunately, we've never moved really far away from that. And we never recovered."

Gioia and Harris were among about 80 people who offer their comments in the course of the series.

The roster included U.S. veterans and POWs, former diplomats, Gold Star mothers, an anti-war protest organizer, an army deserter who fled to Canada, and journalists who covered the war, such as Neil Sheehan, of The New York Times, and Joe Galloway, of United Press International.

It also includes South Vietnamese veterans and civilians, and former Viet Cong guerrillas and North Vietnamese Army regulars.

For background, Burns and Novick have an original soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of "Nine Inch Nails," Oscar winners for "The Social Network," and there are contributions from the cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble.

In addition, music from the '60s and '70s fades in and out -- from Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, the Animals, Janis Joplin, Wilson Pickett, Buffalo Springfield, the Byrds, and the Rolling Stones.

Old Arguments Resurface

In the panel discussion that followed, old arguments about the way the war was fought and who was responsible resurfaced, but the back-and-forth was cordial.

Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, an Army sergeant in Vietnam who received two Purple Heart medals, said that Vietnam "changed our society, changed our generation."

"There was a division in America because we had the draft," and so many were exempted for various reasons, he said.

"That's not right," Hagel said. "If you're going to have a war, everybody has to go."

Burns and Novick were careful throughout the film to reference the American effort in Vietnam as a "failure," rather than a "defeat."

Kerry and McCain agreed that it was a failure of leadership.

The 81-year-old McCain, who is being treated with chemotherapy and radiation for brain cancer, called "The Vietnam War" a "magnificent work" that brought back to him just how young those who died were -- "the 18-, 19-, 20-year-old kids who had no idea what they were getting into."

"Their leaders didn't lead, whether they were military or civilian," he said.

"By telling the American people one thing, which was not true, about the progress in the war and the body counts, it caused a wave of pessimism to go across this country, which bolstered the anti-war movement," McCain said.

Kerry, at times, fell back on cliches: "Don't confuse the warrior with the war" and treat "Vietnam as a country, not as a war."

He also echoed McCain: "Vietnam has always stood out to me a stunning failure of leadership."

"We were operating without facts back then. In today's world, it's [also] really hard to figure out what the facts are. And people won't honor facts. You know what they are, but you have your 'alternative facts.' "

Raddatz asked Kerry if there were "right lessons" to be learned from Vietnam.

"A lot of people don't" want to know, Kerry said. "It's that simple."

The Wall

The last clip shown by Burns and Novick was from the last episode and focused on the building of the Vietnam War Memorial and the controversy that surrounded it.

Critics at the time called the black granite triangles listing the names of the more than 58,000 killed on the U.S. side a "black gash in the earth" and a "tribute to Jane Fonda."

The film portrays the memorial as common ground where all can shed their political differences and doubts, and be reconciled to the overwhelming fact of loss.

The Wall changed her, said Nancy Biberman, who had joined in the huge demonstrations against the war.

"When I look back at the war and think of the horrible things that we said -- calling them 'baby killers' and worse -- I feel very sad about that," she said. "I can only say that, you know, we were kids too, just like they were.

"It grieves me. It grieves me today, it pains me to think of the things that I said and that we said," she said. "And I -- I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

In an earlier episode, the film focused on 17-year-old old Denton "Mogie" Crocker of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., who was eager to join up and was in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division.

In the last episode, his kid sister, Carol, spoke of the first time she went to the Wall to see the listing of her brother's name.

"I didn't want to go. And it was a beautiful summer morning. I went to the Lincoln Memorial first, a comforting place to be," she said.

"Then I crossed the street and walked into the entrance. And at first you can't really see the wall. And when I caught sight of it, I truly lost my breath. Of course, I wept," she said.

"I needed help getting up to touch his name. I looked at my brother's name in the company of all those other people" whose names were listed, she said.

"There was sadness. But now he wasn't alone either," she said. "He was in the company of people, and he was there for people to know and to think about. And he wasn't forgotten and he wasn't lost."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
The Argyle mine, located in the Kimberley region in the far north-eastern area of Western Australia, was the worlds largest single producer of diamonds. The mine lies some 550km south-west of Darwin by air. The region is remote, rugged and hot, with temperatures of more than 40C during the wet season from October to March.
Tech Professionals and Engineers Week at Kansas Overseas Careers

On the occasion of the IT Professionals Day and Engineers Day, 2017 Kansas Overseas Careers is encouraging Engineers and IT professionals to obtain international permanent residency. From Sep 11 to Sep 19, 2017 Engineers of any stream and Tech Professionals of all areas (who are eligible) can apply for a PR visa to Canada or Australia at a price comparatively low price and under a unique procedure.

Engineers and Tech professionals can walk-in to any branch of Kansas Overseas Careers in Hyderabad, Vizag, Chennai or Bangalore. Experts in evaluation will conduct eligibility check for Canada and Australia immigration and generate the report within 3-4 hrs. IT professionals and Engineers who have skills, experience, education and eligible points to get through the evaluation test will be offered a PR visa service at a 35% discounted amount. In this service, on behalf of the candidate, initial profile will be created, application will be made, documents will be verified as per the checklist provided, documents will be then submitted and on selection by the immigration authorities, final PR visa application will be made.

As a complimentary service for PR visa registrants, job search assistance shall be provided. In this service, aspects like Resume preparation, CV preparation, job search, job filter, applications, interview scheduling (on employee confirmation) interview preparation, etc. will be covered. As an advantage of this week, the Resumes of eligible Engineers and Tech professionals will be prepared by the Resume Writing Experts of Indias largest online job search portal-Shine.com.

Additionally, PR visa will be processed for entire family at no cost. For instance, if anyone is moving with family (spouse and dependent children) from Hyderabad, most Australian visa consultancies in Hyderabad charge an additional fee for the entire familys visa process. But, at Kansas Overseas Careers this will be done for free. Candidate can incorporate spouse and dependent in the same application and under the same service fee. Additionally, job search service for spouse will also be provided under the same package.

Along with a dedicated Case Officer for the process, Kansas Overseas Careers will provide aspirants of this Week with a dedicated Customer Service Officer. This means that during the process if the candidate feels a need to escalate any issue or raise any kind of complaint, he can do so with his Customer Care officer. Since the file is marked as high priority, any issues or escalations made shall be dealt at a priority level and at the fastest pace.

Kansas Overseas Careers has helped thousands of professionals from various sectors to obtain international PR and enjoy an amazing overseas career. The clientele record and appraisals received throughout the establishment has now made Kansas Overseas Careers vote among Top 10 Promising Immigration Consultants in India, 2017, by Silicon India.

Aiming to give wings to the settle abroad dreams of Tech professionals and Engineers, Kansas warmly invites to take the best advantage of this Week. Should you wish to seek any further details of this special event, speak to an Expert on 08030010515 or write to info@kansaz.in.
[September 13, 2017] 4G Insurance Core System behind China's First Life Mutual Insurer

SHANGHAI, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, China's first mutual life insurance organization - Trust Mutual Life Insurance Company (Trust Mutual) launched their business in China, becoming the first production client of eBaoTech Corporation's (eBaoTech) new generation of LifeSystem Suite V4. Since its inception, Trust Mutual Life has been mainly centering on a particular group's demand for pension and health, and focusing on the development of long-term insurance products, such as pension and health insurance, in an effort to address the needs of such group. With this in mind, Trust Mutual Life provides convenient and affordable insurance service, further showcasing financial sharing and public welfare. Chen Dangyang, CTO of Trust Mutual Life, said that "Internet can aggregate the group with the same insurance needs against homogeneous risks in a larger scope, forging more favorable conditions for the development of mutual insurance. The openness, collaboration and connectivity within eBaoTech's LifeSystem Suite V4 help facilitate the development of tailored mutual insurance products and service." "In the mobile Internet era, insurance IT will transform from internal process-based design in the past 10 years to a design featuring ral-time interaction with external mass data, applications, scenarios and channels. The core technology of insurance is spurred to change from 3G technology (e.g. Java) to 4G technology (e.g. micro-services and cloud-native-architecture)", Dr. Woody Mo, CEO of eBaoTech, has remarked.



eBaoTech's latest generation of insurance core business system is designed based on the micro-services and cloud-native-architecture to connect and enable cloud ecosystem. It provides agile meta-data driven model and fast component/asset management platform, whereby the latest consumer demands in the mobile Internet era is met. Chen Dangyang said that "eBaoTech's LifeSystem V4 is based on an open system architecture for digital insurance, with the capability to facilitate the integration of internal and external data as well as the consolidation into the vast digital ecosystem. Such feature accords with our organization and service philosophy, and our requirements for the policy administration system. In addition, V4 system enables to rapidly launch new products and new functions by quickly assembling insurance services, fully supporting the membership system functions under mutual insurance." eBaoTech's V4 core system supports on premise, SaaS and hybrid cloud deployments. With V4's configuration platform, the system effectively manages the function component assets delivered by each project, client and partner and progressively achieves the rapid assembling products and services by using repeatable component assets, as a result, facilitating and speeding up the delivery.

About Trust Mutual Life Insurance Company Trust Mutual Life is the first mutual life insurance organization in China. It was established with the official approval from China Insurance Regulatory Commission on May 5, 2017. Ant Financial Services Group, Tianhong Asset Management, GuojinDingxing Investment, Chengdu Jia Chen, By-Health, Tempus, Nexgo, Beijing Vision and Chinahrt are the founding members of Trust Mutual Life. With the membership system, Trust Mutual Life focuses on the needs of specific groups for assurance, and develops long-term pension and health insurance. Trust Mutual Life was registered in Beijing with initial operation fund of CNY 1 billion. More Chinese information at www.trustlife.com. About eBaoTech eBaoTech's mission is "make insurance easy". Since its founding in year 2000 and pioneering the 3G insurance tech, or Java based core insurance system, eBaoTech has grown fast and today has business in more than 30 countries globally, serving more over two hundred carriers and numerous agents, brokers, and other ecosystem players. Digital insurance is the coming wave. In eBaoTech view, digital insurance means connected insurance. To enable connected insurance, eBaoTech led the world again in developing 4G tech for insurance industry and offer it in both software and cloud business models. eBao Cloud is an Open API platform to provide real connectivity and enablement for insurers, traditional channels, affinity partners, and FinTech startups. eBao Software mainly include core system suites for life, general, and health insurers as well re-insurers. More information at www.ebaotech.com. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170913/1938367-1-b SOURCE eBaoTech Corporation

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The 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company was convened and held today i.e. 13th September, 2017 at 10.00 am at ISKON Auditorium, Hare Krishna Hill, Sant Nagar Main Road, East of Kailash, New Delhi-110065 and concluded at 11.45 am.In the AGM, all the items of business mentioned in the notice were duly considered and discussed. However, the consolidated results of voting by Poll at the AGM and remote E-voting opted by the Shareholders will be provided separately, once the report from the scrutinizer will be received.Source : BSE

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FILE PHOTO: A worker checks the valve of an oil pipe at the Lukoil owned Imilorskoye oil field near Kogalym, Russia, January 25, 2016. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin/File Photo

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Bharat Petroleum, which has just been upgraded to a Maharatna company, today said it has lined up capital expenditure of Rs 1.08 trillion for the next five years.

The public sector oil retailer will spend the money on capacity expansion of refineries as well as marketing and upstream activities, its chairman and managing director D Rajkumar told reporters at a post-AGM press meet here late evening.

The chairman said the company will focus primarily on going global to further expand the business, especially in upstream activities.

On the performance of the company in the year gone-by, he said both marketing and refinery businesses did well, with the refinery capacity utilisation touching 112 per cent.

On the upstream front also it has done relatively well, he added.

From the upstream business, the first dividend from the Russian assets have already come, which is roughly USD 27 million in the first quarter, Rajkumar said.

On the benefits of Maharatna status, Rajkumar said it will help the company raise cheaper funds, apart from giving it financial freedom.

"For instance this will empower our board to sanction investments of up to Rs 5,000 crore in a single project, which is five-times more than when we were a Mini-ratna company," he said.
Yogesh Mehta of Motilal Oswal told CNBC-TV18, "We have all buy calls today. Number one is Reliance Industries, the bellwether on the Nifty component. Rs 848-849 is the current price, keeping a stop loss of Rs 820, one can look at Rs 895-900 as the price target. It is into all-time high territory right now in the last 10 years."

"Bank of Baroda (BoB) on the PSU banks side is a buy. Currently quoting at Rs 144.50 in future segment, Rs 136-137 is a very good strong support. It was languishing there and near to the lows. Target could be in the range of Rs 154-155 levels keeping Rs 140 as a stop loss, or Rs 139 at best."

"Another one is Ashok Leyland which is near to its all-time high. Post GST and all we have seen in last one month good traction from Rs 109 to Rs 118. Currently it is quoting at Rs 118.50-118.16 in futures segment. Keeping Rs 116 as a stop loss, one can look at Rs 123-125 as a price target," he said.

: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd
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Microfinance industrys poster child Bharat Financial Inclusion --formerly SKS Microfinance--had some months ago decided not to continue as a standalone micro financier. Failure to win a small bank licence in 2015 and then suffering collateral damage during demonetisation prompted the management to look out for a strategic partner.

It has found an interested suitor in IndusInd Bank with whom a merger is being discussed. Should the deal happen, Bharat Finance will get access to a strong line of credit and IndusInd Bank will get a high margin business with a huge client base. The only hitch could be the merger ratio as each party would want the best deal for its shareholders.

More importantly, the deal sends out an unmistakable signal that the end game for micro-finance companies has begun.

There are over 40 microfinance companies in the country who are in regular need for funds given the huge un-banked population in the country. A key ingredient for a successful micro finance lender (for that matter any lender) is to be well capitalised and have ready access to low-cost funds.

There is a limit to which a bank can raise equity to capitalise itself, without being listed. Further, with Jan Dhan Yojana, the market for un-banked customers is fast-shrinking. Banks with low-cost funds can easily snatch away a micro financiers customers. Furthermore, banks can offer a variety of other financial products which a microfinance company cannot, because of regulations.

There are very few circles left for microfinance companies to grow. Data shows that client acquisition growth in urban areas is in low single digits, and in only some pockets of rural areas does it exceed 20 percent.

Thankfully, for the microfinance companies, banks are also seeking partners to expand their business and boost profit margins. Banks have understood that the risky client is not the poor villager who borrows money for livestock. Rather, it is the corporate who borrows money for an over inflated project and conveniently forgets to pay or uses political pressure to delay the inevitable. The repayment record of all micro-finance companies testifies to the credit worthiness of the poor.

Micro-finance companies have two options before them to survive and thrive. One is to become a bank like Bandhan, and the second is to look out for a strategic partner, like Bharat Financial has. Unless they choose one of the two, they would be no better than the traditional moneylender who keeps on milking his limited customer base.

For more research articles, visit our Moneycontrol Research Page
PepsiCos biggest Indian partner for beverage bottling  Ravi Jaipuria's RJ Corp  has come up with its own salty snacks brand which could set the stage for competition between the two corporate allies.

Kaabuli, which is a new salty snack product launched by Jaipurias RJ Corp, bears similarities to PepsiCos Kurkure products, an industry executive close to the development told The Economic Times.

RJ Corp has, however, denied any possibility of competing with Kurkure products, as per the report. The companys spokesperson said that Kaabuli products were priced at entry level and would not compete with the value-added products under Kurkure brand. Moreover, Kaabuli products will be on sale only in RJ Corps retail outlets called JMart.

PepsiCo also officially concurred with RJ Corp and underlined that the Kaabuli branded products would be sold exclusively through JMart.

Nonetheless, a source aware of the developments in the company, was quoted as saying that PepsiCo did not take its partners new venture in good spirit.

The two companies might run into conflict soon over the clash of interests although the no-compete contract between RJ Corp and PepsiCo is officially regarding beverage products.

While RJ Corp is aiming for corporate expansion by diversifying products and services and has set its sights on at least tripling its present USD 1.6 billion revenue, PepsiCo is facing strong competition for its mass-market products with regional brands like Balaji Wafers, Bikaji Foods, Bikanervala gaining ground.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has identified 106,578 directors of shell companies to be disqualified in a move to strengthen its battle against shell companies.

Earlier, the government had cancelled the registration of over 2.09 lakh shell companies which have not been carrying business activities for a long time. The Finance Ministry had also directed banks to restrict bank operations of shell company accounts.

The disqualification comes as a stern step under Section 164 2(A) of the Companies Act which states that any director violating the regulatory requirements could be subject to penalization and disqualification.

A director of a company that has not filed financial statements or annual returns for three financial years continuously would not be eligible for re- appointment in that company or any other firm for five years, the Act says.

CNBC TV18 reported that Ministry of Corporate Affairs is currently probing the personal details and background of all the directors of the 2.10 lakh shell companies which are under scrutiny.

Minister of State (MoS) PP Chaudhury is personally monitoring the probe which is enquiring instances of money laundering and matters related to black money.

Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), Registrar of Companies (ROC) and other enforcement agencies are assisting the corporate affairs ministry in the probe.

The ministry, which is implementing the companies law, has also identified professionals, chartered accountants, company secretaries and cost accountants associated with the defaulting companies.

There are about 11 lakh companies with active status after deregistration of over 2.09 lakh firms.

"The fight against black money shall be incomplete without breaking the network of shell companies. The possibility of using the shell companies for laundering the black money cannot be undermined," Minister of State for Corporate Affairs PP Chaudhary said.

He also said that the whole exercise would go a long way in creating an atmosphere of confidence and faith in the system paving the way for ease of doing business in India.

(With PTI inputs)
Representative image

The European Union is looking at a bilateral summit with India next month that would act as a catalyst for resumption of talks on the free trade agreement encompassing goods, services and mutual investment protection, according to a senior EU official.

Talks on the Bilateral Trade Investment Agreement (BTIA) - the official title of the pact -- started in 2007 but have been marred by various flip-flops and disagreements. The discussions have remained deadlocked on issues like tariffs on automobiles and wines and spirits, EU trade officials said.

They hoped that the 14th EU-India Summit, likely in early October "will get the economic dialogue going as a precursor to relaunching talks on FTA". The last summit on March 30, 2016, saw discussions focused on trade and investment, energy and climate, water, migration and foreign and security policy.

"Unfortunately, Indian policy has created major uncertainties for us because your government has taken policy decision to let bilateral investment treaties, which gave very clear rules, lapse," said a senior EU official, who did not want to be named. The 28 member states of the EU wanted the pacts to continue until they are replaced by EU-India FTA that would have had an investment chapter.

"Indian side thought it was wiser to let the bilateral investment treaties (BITs) lapse," the official said, adding that EU investors, in many cases, no longer have bilateral investment protection. The official said EU not just wants an FTA but "also an investor certainty created by provisions of treaty".

The EU push for the pact comes amid many countries world over, including the US, questioning the system of free trade. The US has pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and has questioned the benefits of globalisation and free trade.

Expressing dismay over India's decision to do away with bilateral investment treaties with its member states, the EU official said: "All the EU member states wanted to prolong these until it would be replaced by EU wide treaty with India in form of FTA, which would have had an investment chapter".

On the expected deliverables of the EUIndia Summit, another official said that besides joint declaration on climate change and clean energy, a likely one is on a partnership for smart and sustainable urbanisation -- linking the EU's Urban Agenda with India's '100 Smart Cities Mission'. European Investment Bank (EIB) loan for Bangalore metro development, is also on the cards.

"The European Investment Bank which sits is Luxembourg, had in the last summit signed a major loan for Lucknow metro development. And I think now there will be new loans for Bangalore metro development," an EU official familiar with the development. He declined however to specify the size of the new loan being negotiated.

The loan is in the process of finalisation, the official added. The two sides may also look to strengthen security cooperation such as by expanding the scope of counter-piracy dialogue to maritime security and establishing a new dialogue on cyber crime and space.

Also, it may support India-Europol cooperation on issues like cyber crime and counter terrorism. "We have had recently good and concrete dialogue on cyber security and counter terrorism and on maritime security. And these are certainly key fields where we can deepen our cooperation," the EU official said.

On the new areas of cooperation, he said a strategic cooperation with Europol, which is the Europe wide agency for police cooperation, is being talked about. "We are looking forward to having some form of strategic cooperation between India and Europol. So these are examples of increased cooperation in security," said the official.
manufacturer of Titanium alloys in India.

The Odisha government exhorted the downstream industry to invest in steel and stainless steel sectors in the state and avail benefits of investment-friendly schemes.

The industries department held talks with over 70 companies in this regard, an official statement said.

The state has invited them to invest in the downstream ecosystem and assured them of the best infrastructure, it added.

The industry meet saw attendance of several ancillary firms from Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra.

Sanjeev Chopra, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, outlined the comprehensive strategy the state has put in place to accelerate growth of the downstream sector.

"A special category has been given to the downstream sector in the state's industrial policy and there is great scope for growth... This is an opportune time for the industry to closely look at setting up base at Kalinganagar industrial region," Chopra was quoted as saying.

Nearly 10 per cent of the land for large projects has been earmarked for setting up ancillary and downstream industrial facilities, the official added.

He promised that on the basis of nature of investments, the state will provide a host of fiscal incentives, including power subsidy, and other non-fiscal ones to downstream companies.

He also assured them not to worry about the shortage of raw materials.
2. COSYN | Return in December 2017: 21.96% | 2016: 58.69% | 2015: 22.67%

As part of Nitish Kumar government's resolve to provide free electricity connection to every household by end of this year, 38,596 villages out of a total of 39,073 villages have been electrified and work is on to accomplish the task on time.

"Only 477 villages are left and work is in full swing to electrify all the villages by end of December 2017," an official statement issued after review meeting on progress of "seven resolves" chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, said.

The review meeting to take stock of progress of schemes under "seven resolves" of good governance was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, state police chief P K Thakur and senior officials of all the departments.

Kumar government has been working on "seven resolves" of good governance which incorporates popular programmes like free electricity connection to every household, drinking water, sewage, toilet and road in every villages among others.

The CM's initiative of seven resolves which was adopted as policy of good governance by the Grand Alliance ministry is continuing in the new JD(U), BJP coalition government.

During review of progress of the scheme of building toilet in every household, it came to light that 16,726 village wards, 478 panchayats, 25 blocks and one sub-division have already been declared ODF (Open Defecation Free) so far, the statement said.

The CM instructed the disaster management department to do needful for toilets damaged in the recent flood in parts of Bihar.

Taking stock of schemes for youths, the meeting was told that 4,44,603 applications have been received so far in district registration-cum-counselling centres.

Out of this while three per cent applications were for availing student credit card that promises to provide interest free loan of Rs 4 lakh for pursuing higher studies, 41 per cent for monthly allowance of Rs 1000 for two years during search of job and 56 per cent related to youth skill development programme, the statement said.

The meeting was told that as part of programme to provide free Wi-Fi in every college and university of the state out of a target of 319 such institutions 300 have been equipped with the Wi-Fi, it added.
Local toy manufacturers are a worried lot as the government has imposed strict quality norms on imported toys and mandated certification, reports Economic Times.

The main worry for the local industry is how they will be able to cope with the rise in demand and the quality norms during the festive season.

A comprehensive notification issued earlier this month prescribes norms for physical and mechanical properties, chemical content, flammability, and testing for indoor and outdoor toys for both electrically and mechanically operated ones.

The compliance has to be certified by an independent laboratory approved by accredited authorities under the Department of Science and Technology.

The local toy industry is particularly concerned about the consignments which have already been booked before the new norms came into force.

"This is the peak time for the toy industry and will continue till January," President of All India Toy Manufacturers Association Manish Kukreja told ET. "If some importer has ordered in August and his consignment is to land in September, then he will face a lot of problems to get clearance. We are not sure which are the laboratories from where we will get the conformance certificate."

The norms

The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notification issued on September 1 states specific quality norms of the toys, physical and mechanical properties, flammability, testing for indoor and outdoor toys, among other specifications. The qualities norms are now stricter than before.

The notification says that imported toys will be permitted freely only if the manufacturer abides by norms of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The norms will affect 70 percent of the Chinese imports available in the Indian market.

On the bright side

While there are worries about how Indian firms will cope with the norms on such short notice, a part of the industry is welcoming the norms with open arms.

Owing to the intense competition, at least 40 percent of the more than 2,000 registered firms shut shop in the last five years. Many players used to find it difficult to compete with the cheaper Chinese products.

With the government's latest move, some feel the domestic toy manufacturers will be encouraged to adhere to the norms and eventually, India will do away with the Chinese imports.
SBI Life Insurance Co will launch next week what will be India's first billion-dollar initial public offering since 2010, paving the way for a record-setting year for IPOs in the country.

SBI Life, a unit of top Indian lender State Bank of India (SBI), will open the share sale to the public on Sept. 20 and close it on September 22, according to a filing.

The shares, that will begin trading Oct. 3 will be sold in a price range of 685-700 rupees apiece, raising as much as 84 billion rupees ($1.3 billion) for SBI Life's main shareholders - SBI and BNP Paribas Cardif - which are paring their stakes.

Strong stock markets have fuelled a surge in equity deals in Asia's third-largest economy, with IPO proceeds so far this year crossing $3 billion. While last year's $4 billion fund-raising from IPOs is set to be surpassed, some expect proceeds to even top the record $8.5 billion raked in seven years ago.

High inflows including from retail investors into equity markets are driving sectors that historically never listed in India to explore IPOs, said Arun Kejriwal, founder of Kejriwal Research & Investment Services.

"This augurs well for the capital markets. However a note of caution: valuations are steep," Kejriwal added.

SBI Life's IPO, the third insurer to list in the country, will be the biggest since state-run Coal India's 155 billion rupee ($2.4 billion) IPO in 2010.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co's IPO to raise up to $890 million opens on Friday, while HDFC Standard Life Insurance is expected to hit the markets in coming weeks with what is likely to be another billion-dollar offering.

That will be followed by two other big insurer listings - state-run reinsurer General Insurance Corp of India (GIC Re) and non-life insurer New India Assurance Co, estimated to raise a total of more than $3 billion.

While the insurers are betting on lower penetration and rising income levels bolstering demand for their products, the government's plan to pare its stake in five state-run general insurers through IPOs is also going to drive offerings.

In the SBI Life IPO, SBI is selling up to an 8 percent stake, while BNP Paribas Cardif is selling up to 4 percent. The two currently own 70 percent and 26 percent, respectively.

The IPO price range values the insurer at about $11 billion, versus the $7 billion valuation at which SBI sold a nearly 4 percent stake to KKR and Temasek in December.

The listing comes at a time when Indian banks, including the SBI, need billions of dollars to make higher provisions for record soured assets and meet stricter global banking regulations known as Basel III by March 2019.

Basel III, designed to avoid a repetition of the 2008 financial crisis, include tighter capital requirements.
Neelkanth Mishra, MD & India Equity Strategist, Credit Suisse does not think the Indian market is anywhere close to a bubble territory. For the market as a whole, if one looks out the price to earnings premium to world or asset classes like 10-year US bond yield, it does not look like a bubble territory, he said.

In terms of earnings per share (EPS) growth for the Nifty, for FY18 they are at 11 percent and for FY19 at 23 percent, said Mishra.

Sector specific the house is overweight on IT, energy and metals, said Misha. There is value in IT, he added. They also like private sector banks, despite the fact that earnings cut could happen.

The house is not so upbeat on broad based consumption themes like staples, cement and would prefer to stay away from them, he said.

Telecom although on a relative basis had done well over the last 12 months, there is still some pain left for that space and could see negative surprises, said Mishra.

Below is the verbatim transcript of the interview.

Q: It is always a pleasure to talk to you and especially at a time when markets are at all-time highs, record inflows into the domestic mutual funds. Are we heading towards a bubble or do you think valuations are still quite reasonable at this point of time?

A: I do not think we are anywhere close to a bubble. In specific stocks, maybe outside the top-200 that started to become visible, but for the market as a whole, if you look at our price to earnings premium to world or to asset classes like the 10-year US bond yield, I do not think this is really bubble territory.

Q: But the biggest worry for the market for the last many quarters or many years has been earnings cut. Even you now, expect a sharp earnings cut in FY19 as well. Is that priced in or do you think that could probably jolt or upset the rally at least in the near-term?

A: What matters in the markets is the piece of earnings cut faster than the roll forward growth. We always start with 15-20 percent growth one and two years out. So, if you move forward three months, you gained four percent. Now if the three-monthly pace of earnings cuts is 4 percent then you have not moved. And therefore, we have seen the last 3-4 months, the market has stagnated.

If the pace of cuts exceeds 4-5 percent then the market may fall a few percentage points. If it is 1-2 percent then actually it may start doing well. Therefore, cuts are something that we have to assume will happen.

Q: So what are you pencilling in, in terms of FY19 earnings?

A: I think that at least 2-3 percent every quarter is something that should happen. So right now, FY18 is at 11 percent, FY19 is at 23 percent. We think that FY18 could settle mid-single digit, maybe 5-6 percent, so another 5 percent cut in the next 6-7 months and on that low base, FY19 to come down to maybe 10-12 percent. We are talking about a 15-20 percent cut. So 3-4 percent a quarter, maybe slightly more.

Q: So, in that context, what are you advising clients to position because earlier this year, when I spoke to you, your big call was IT and that is largely on the back of global growth. What are you telling clients right now?

A: That is one sector where I think there is value, so free cash flow yields, so at the point that we started highlighting that we had cut our underweight, I think it was too early. We went overweight about a month and half back formally. We cut weight to pharmaceuticals and added to IT.

So value has started to work, low price-earnings ratio (P/E) has started to work. So energy, metals, remain overweight, now gone formally overweight IT as well. We still like private sector banks, despite the fact that we expect earnings cuts to happen in them as well. We think that anything that is broad-based consumption in India, will see disappointment. So staples, cement, sectors that we would like to stay away from. We think telecom, that is one sector that has done very well in the last 12 months on a relative basis, but we think that the pain in telecom is still not fully felt. We will see negative surprises and we are marginally overweight utilities.

Q: I must ask you think because the one big sector call which has gone really right for you has been the metals space. You have been much ahead in terms of having an overweight stance on metals. It has rallied pretty hard off late, most of the stocks have been up 50-60 percent. Is the good news priced in or do you think there is still some more room left for outperformance of metal stocks from here?

A: Metals, as a sector, even when we upgraded and we upgraded after five years of underweight, when we upgraded, I thought it was a 12-month call and we reassess every three months. So I still think it is a 12-month call and we will reassess every three months. The things that have happened that we did not expect in February, March, April last year, was that global growth started stabilising and surprising on the upside.

So who would have though Europe would grow at 2 percent plus? Who would have thought that Chinese gross domestic product (GDP) growth estimates would be bumped up? Who would have thought that China will constrain supply so strongly? And, they have done that in steel, they are doing it in aluminium, partly doing it in power, now they are starting to do it in refineries. So, those are all positive developments.

A global growth stabilises, like in Europe, after years of uncertainty whether Europe will be together or not, we are starting to see it being a given. And that, post elections, what people think why the German elections may still matter, the uncertainty is gone, is that further consolidation moves may start to happen in Europe. Now that will encourage new investment. So I think that the demand can surprise and most people assume that refining margins and metals margins will fall next two years. Therefore, we see scope for positive surprise. But this again is a call that we have to reassess every three months. This is not something that you buy for the next five years and go to sleep.

Q: We all saw what happened in 2003-2007 when there was a big global growth and India also actually did really well. Are you getting now signs that we are getting into that phase which would mean that markets can really outperform for the next 4-5 years from now on the back of very strong global growth?

A: Nifty and global proxies have actually been very strongly correlated in the past. So oil and Nifty are positively correlated, global growth and Nifty are positively correlated because there are a lot of global growth proxies in the market. The constitution of the market right now is slightly different though.
A Jet Airways passenger plane takes off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad

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Jet Airways continues to face turbulence compared to its peers. The company nevertheless posted a decent set of numbers for the quarter ended June 2017 with growth in the operating revenues and an improvement in the load factor. However, the EBITDAR (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization and lease rental) margin was marred by higher fuel prices and maintenance charges.

We have a neutral stance on the company on the back of its under-investment in the domestic market and tepid capacity expansion despite some benefits coming out of cost optimisation and rise in codeshare agreements.

Revenue from operations witnessed a growth of 9.6 percent (YoY) led by an increase in revenue passengers (8.1 percent) and a little support from an increase in yield (1.6 percent). Additionally, the load factor witnessed a growth of 70 bps over the same quarter last year.

Despite the growth in the top line, the company witnessed a decline of 202 bps (YoY) in EBITDAR margin. The decline was attributed to the rise in fuel prices (up 417 bps as a percentage of operating revenues), and aircraft maintenance cost (up 177 bps as a percentage of operating revenues) that were partially offset by the reduction in the other expenses (down 206 bps as a percentage of operating revenues).

EBITDA margin was down by a more respectable 136 bps, supported by the reduction in the aircraft lease rentals.

Why is Jet losing out when the industry dynamics are improving?

Jet has underinvested in the domestic business as is evident from the fact that it employs 60 percent of ASKM (Available Seat Kilometres) to international business. Consequently, Jet continues to cede its market share to other players in the domestic market. It has lost significant (900 bps) domestic market share over FY12-17.

India has been witnessing double-digit domestic passenger growth for the last 35 months and load factor above 85 percent. The industry is navigating smoothly on the back of benign fuel prices and increase in middle-class affluence. However, in this favorable domestic environment, Jet is not well placed to capture the opportunities unfolding in the Indian skies.

While other players in the industry are expanding their capacities, Jet has lagged behind. It has added only 5 aircraft in its fleet in a year and its capacity as measured by ASK (Available Seat Kilometres) has increased by 9.1 percent (YoY) in this quarter as compared to 18 percent added by SpiceJet and 18.6 percent added by IndiGo. The management plans to add 8 aircraft during the year.

Moreover, as of March 2017, Jet had an order book of 75 aircraft, compared to 411 aircraft and 155 aircraft of IndiGo and SpiceJet, respectively. This tepid capacity addition would limit the growth of the carrier, going forward.

The management indicated that the company is also facing infrastructure challenges. It is not able to get additional slots at Mumbai airport which is the hub for Jet. The proposed new airport at Navi Mumbai would take time to be fully operational. Hence, this is limiting the growth for the carrier.The management indicated that the yields in the international market, especially Gulf region (Jet deploys 20 percent of the international capacity in the Gulf region) were under pressure in the quarter gone by and yield would continue to be under pressure, at least in the short-term.Jet has a stretched balance sheet which continues to put pressure on the bottom line. Leverage, as measured by Net debt to EBITDA, stood at 6 times at the end of FY17. In 1Q18, the Company reduced its gross debt by INR398 crore, however, the net debt was almost flat at INR 8,078 crore.

The management has indicated that they are focusing on retiring the debt from the cash generated through operations and would take 4-5 years to retire the debt. The leverage in the Balance Sheet that is thwarting its expansion amid positive industry dynamics, increases the likelihood of a stake sale to raise capital in the future.

Jet is trying to fix the problem to an extent through

The airline continued its focus on operational efficiencies across its entire business thereby reducing costs. While fuel costs is beyond control, they are trying to optimise other expenses. The companys efforts have helped it to partially counter the increase in fuel and aircraft maintenance cost as other expenses as a percent of operating revenues fell by 206bps in the quarter.Jet continues to expand its codeshare partners leading to increase in an overall number of codeshare guests and revenues. In 1Q18, the Company witnessed a growth of 22 percent in the codeshare guests and 76 percent in the revenues from this source.

For the understanding of our readers, a codeshare agreement is one wherein two airlines share the same flight in the sense that one airline markets and sells the flight of other as if it is their own flight and vice-versa)

The company can get a strong boost if media news of IndiGo picking up equity stake were to fructify. We have analyzed the deal in our earlier article.At the current price, the stock is quoting at 3.7 and 3.4 times FY18 and FY19 projected EBITDAR. While the current state of affairs in the company doesnt excite us, we would be carefully monitoring any equity deal in the future that has the potential for re-rating the stock given the favorable industry dynamics.

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I must have been in the bathroom when the decision was approved, legendary investor and Berkshire Hathaway boss Warren Buffett once remarked on the companys decision to pay a dividend in 1967. Since then, Berkshire has never paid a dividend on the Buffett philosophy that there are better ways to reward shareholders like acquiring other firms or buying back shares when the stock price is depressed.

Over the last five years, Indian companies seem to have taken a leaf out of Buffett playbook while rewarding shareholders. (See table below)

What has triggered this trend?

The 2016 budget introduced a 10 percent additional tax on dividends above Rs 10 lakh in the hands of a single shareholder. This was in addition to the 20 percent existing dividend distribution tax which companies had to pay even for dividends below Rs 10 lakh.

Firms with high promoter holdings were unhappy with the move as a big chunk of the dividend went to the promoters. The choice was between the companies shelling out the additional tax, or lowering the dividend to a point where it did not increase the tax liability.

Companies like Wipro, where promoters hold close to 73.18 percent stake, reduced its dividend to Rs 873 crore in FY17 as against Rs 3,549 crore in FY16 and Rs 2,945 crore in FY15. Had Wipro maintained FY17 dividend at the same level as the previous year, it would have to fork out an additional Rs 262 crore as per the revised tax rate.

Nevertheless, in April 2016, the company proposed to buy back up to 4 crore shares worth Rs 2,500 crore. This financial year, it announced a Rs 11,000 crore buy back to return cash to shareholders.

Wipro is not alone in using the buyback route to return cash to shareholders. So far this financial year, 20 companies have announced buybacks cumulatively worth Rs 24,215 crore.

We analysed the data of BSE-500 companies where promoters hold 50 percent or more stake, excluding the state owned companies. We found that dividend distributed by this set of companies has fallen 33 percent from Rs 30,700 crore in FY15 to Rs 20,306 crore in FY17. Furthermore, in companies where promoters held more than 70 percent, dividend payout fell 43 percent in this period.

What could spoil the party?

A report in the Hindu Business Line says the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is examining if profits from share buybacks can be subject to long term capital gains tax.

"Today if a promoter of a listed company participates in a (share) buyback, he will be exempted from long term capital gains if the securities were held for more than 12 months. Even if for some reason a promoter has not held the shares for one year, he is still better off paying short-term capital gains tax of 15 percent than the dividend distribution tax of 20 percent," said Bobby Parikh of BMR Advisors.

While details of such taxation are clear, experts speculate the taxman is likely to target only investors holding shares above a certain threshold level. Taxing all investors equally would make the buyback process unattractive, as investors would then prefer to sell the shares in the open market rather than tendering shares in the buyback.
The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) on Wednesday stepped in to resolve the woes of homebuyers who are facing delays in delivery of flats due to insolvency procedures carried on real estate firms.

The apex body for private real estate developers in India, CREDAI, held a series of meetings with political leadership in Uttar Pradesh, following which, it presented a bouquet of options to the government.

Getamber Anand, Chairman and Jaxay Shah, President CREDAI met Hardeep Puri, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister on Wednesday to discuss the need for revival of real estate industry for national GDP growth and for the solution to the issues faced by the homebuyers.

Also Read: Should insolvency code be amended to protect home buyers?

"CREDAI has spearheaded the movement for customer protection by setting up Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum much before RERA. However, policing the real estate sector is not sufficient by itself to ensure housing for all or delivery of stalled projects. CREDAI wishes to engage with the government to realise the full meaning of infrastructure status to affordable housing and improve ease of doing business," Shah said.

The main thrust of these options is to bring in credible and resourceful developers into the delayed projects, as investors or co-developers who would complete the projects and use an escrow mechanism to ensure that cash flows from unsold portion of the project inventories are used up towards balance cost of construction.

Also Read: Jaypee case: SC ruling protects both homebuyers and bankruptcy law

"CREDAI has long stood to safeguard customer interests and has the requisite technical and financial depth to revive stalled projects. More importantly, CREDAI enjoys the trust of both homebuyers and financial institutions which is a prerequisite for mutually acceptable solution," Getamber Anand, Chairman CREDAI said.
The government is considering amending the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) to protect the interests of home buyers who have invested their savings to buy a house. There are two options before it  amend the bankruptcy law to ensure that buyers get their due and not lose out to banks and financial institutions when a defaulting builders properties are liquidated and debts settled or to change the laws operational rules to make home buyers trustees so that their investments are mandatorily protected.

IBC versus RERA

Some experts agree that the insolvency law is the most effective mechanism available to resolve distress situations and that some cracks in the law can be amended to address issues faced by stakeholders. A few safeguards for home buyers need to be built in, they say. However, there are other analysts who believe that instead of amending the IBC, which is a general law, the best approach will be to amend the sectoral law, which in this case is the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA).

A specific amendment to the IBC code could just create an interpretational issue and may lead to many classes/sectors demanding such amendments. Other laws such as the RERA can be amended to provide a better framework governing developers, says Param Pandya, Research Fellow in the Corporate Law and Financial Regulation Vertical at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy.

What this means is that IBC is a general law and is applicable to all sectors. Apart from real estate firms, automobile companies also take an advance for booking a vehicle, so should insolvency law provide an exception for them too?

One has to be careful about amending the IBC, providing for a general exception and not providing amendments for a specific sector. Therefore, amending IBC for every sector may not be ideal, it may only make a general law get too complicated, says Pratik Datta, a public policy researcher.

So, IBC should be sector neutral. Therefore, the next best option is to amend the central RERA to include a provision that escrow account is kept outside the liquidation and insolvency estate, he suggests.

The escrow account provision in which 70 per cent of the amount is set aside for construction could be amended to say that the amount set aside in an escrow will be outside the purview of the insolvency resolution professional in the event of the company becoming insolvent, he says.

But there is a downside to this too. Not all sectors can utilise money given as advance by consumers as working capital and that may have serious implications on the business model. In case of a telecom company, it is not necessary that the company will use the funds collected from consumers to build towers as the basic infrastructure is usually in place before the service is rendered to a customer. While telecom firms may afford to keep the amounts collected from consumers in a separate fund, it may not be the case for real estate companies where amounts collected from buyers are used as working capital to construct buildings. If the escrow account provision in RERA is amended to state that the advance funds or pre deposits collected from home buyers should be bankruptcy remote, the business model of the sector may also have to be altered as developers depend on the advances collected from home buyers for construction purposes, he says.

Should buyers seek secured creditors status

Homebuyers who had bought apartments and plots in projects by Jaypee Infratech against which the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has started insolvency proceedings are seeking the status of secured creditors like banks as well as being made a party to the insolvency proceedings. During proceedings in the Supreme Court this week, lawyers representing Jaypee home buyers resisted any suggestion that kept them out of the resolution process. "We are financial creditors. Jaypee owes us Rs 15,000 crore, more than what it owes IDBI. They can't have a resolution plan without us. We must be part of it," senior advocate Ajit Sinha argued on their behalf. Senior advocate P Chidambaram, appearing for some associations of home buyers, also urged the court to treat home buyers as financial creditors.

The chief justice of India also agreed. "This is a citizenry problem, a human problem of great magnitude. IDBI can't be selfish. The home buyers have invested their lifetime savings in these projects," the CJI said and the court appointed Shekhar Naphade, senior counsel and Shubhangi Tuli, advocate on record, to participate in the meetings of the insolvency resolution professional and support the cause of home buyers. "Be it clarified that we have passed this order keeping in view the provisions of the Act (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016) and also the interest of the home buyers," the court said in its order.

Buyers have been asking for Section 53 to be amended to provide them secured creditors status because they figure low in the creditors order for payment of dues under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). IBC rules (Section 53) lay down that in case the defaulting builders properties are liquidated, the proceeds must first be used to recover liquidation costs, pay workmen such as security guards, wages and any unpaid dues owed to employees other than workmen, settle the dues of banks and financial institutions, pay the salaries of other employees and clear government dues. Homebuyers come only towards the end of this list, which means that by the time their turn comes, there might be nothing left of the proceeds to settle their dues.

If home buyers are brought under the category of financial creditors, then in case the company/developer is declared insolvent and a resolution professional is appointed, homebuyers can participate in the resolution process thereby making their voices heard. They will be placed higher than non-financial unsecured creditors, says Pandya.

Sitesh Mukherjee, who heads the dispute resolution practice at Trilegal, says that as long as homebuyers get a priority above secured creditors, their interests are safeguarded. In case of insolvency, the land, assets are worth something and sufficient to at least get home buyers the money with interest.

Theres yet another view to this. Datta says that even if buyers are elevated to the position of financial creditors or secured creditors at par with banks, their assets are not fully protected. Banks are in the business of disbursing loans and in the process are taking a risk. If buyers are brought at par with banks they may have to bear a similar risk. "Buyers should instead demand a third party status or treatment as third party trustee wherein their funds are bankruptcy remote and not merged with those who are on under the committee of creditors."

Most buyers pay the real estate developer in advance for delivery of the property at a future date. The problem begins when the developer defaults in delivering the property on time. Buyers resort to various legal actions either to get possession of the property or to get their money back. Clearly, in these cases, the buyers are not creditors of the realty company. They are merely consumers of its services. Just like a pre-paid mobile customer is a consumer of the telco, he says.

In one exceptional case - Nikhil Mehta v. AMR Infrastructure - NCLAT held the concerned flat buyers to be "financial creditors". But this was because of an exceptional clause in their agreement. The developer had contractually agreed to pay a monthly amount to the buyers till the property was delivered to them. In view of this unique clause, NCLAT held that these flat buyers were "financial creditors" of the developer company. This is not a principle of general applicability. Therefore, it can be concluded that all flat buyers are consumers but not necessarily financial creditors.

It could be legitimately argued that the funds and properties held by the insolvent real estate company in trust for the third party consumers (flat buyers) should get the protection under section 36. In that case, these funds and properties cannot be taken away by the creditors (like banks) of the real estate company, he says.

Section 36 of IBC refers to assets held in trust for third party trustees. The following shall not be included in the liquidation estate assets and shall not be used for recovery in the liquidation: (a) assets owned by a third party which are in possession of the corporate debtor, including (i) assets held in trust for any third party; (ii) bailment contracts

Experts also point out that changes in section 53 of the code will require an amendment, which will take time. But elevating home buyers to a new category of trustees could be done through a notification.

The Jaypee story so far

The Jaypee Infratech case involving almost 40,000 homebuyers was a unique case because other companies that were taken up under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code were business-to-business firms such as steel and power companies but Jaypee Infratech involved thousands of home buyers. Also, this week the Supreme Court has lifted the stay on the insolvency resolution proceedings against ailing real estate firm Jaypee Infratech and reinstated the National Company Law Tribunal-appointed insolvency resolution professional (IRP) Anuj Jain asking him to submit an interim plan to the apex court within 45 days. It also ordered JP Associates, the parent company, to deposit Rs 2000 crore before the Supreme Court by October 27.

vandana.ramnani@nw18.com
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "Manappuram Finance is a little less strong than Muthoot Finance. However, even there we could see maybe Rs 125-130 happening soon."

"I think Edelweiss Financial Services is kind of consolidating. That could really move up even further. Motilal Oswal is just below its all-time high. Emkay Global Financial Services is moving from strength to strength. Even here short term trader can buy because it corrected for a couple of days. JM Financial is the one which could really do a catch up. So, if I have to choose, probably I would still go with JM Financial."

"Ashok Leyland was a great buy at Rs 80-85. Now if you hold it from there, maybe you can get another Rs 10-15. However, if you buy here, it is a trade, it is not a great investment. So maybe keep Rs 110-112 type of stop loss and look for Rs 135," he said.

"I think Ceat can get back up to Rs 1,900. MRF also participates in most tyre rallies. So, this is a market leading group. Any time market gets to fresh highs, they will see buying but they are not outperforming in this rally. So, that you need to understand that possibly you will get back to previous highs and we will have to see whether they can do much more."

"JSW Energy and Tata Power breakout and then nothing really comes out of them. So I am much more interested in Capital First call than maybe JSW Energy or Tata Power, because over there we can see follow through. JSW Energy now hits resistance around Rs 86 and similarly Tata Power needs to get past levels of Rs 90 before it can do anything significant," he added.

"Infosys is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 890 and target of Rs 865. Balkrishna Industries is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 1,690 and target of Rs 1,750. JSW Steel is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 265 and target of Rs 282."

"Reliance Industries is also making a move after several days. So, chances are that we could get new highs even on Reliance. So, that is one of the leaders today and hence market is very likely to get past previous highs."

: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd
US-based Amazon on Wednesday launched its largest standalone Fashion Imaging Studio in Gurgaon to support its rapidly growing India fashion retail business.

The facility called 'Blink' will offer solutions for photo shoots, editing as well as catering to sellers and manufacturers who wish to avail its service to better display their products on Amazon India.

The studio measures 44,000 sq. feet with state-of-the-art digital imaging facility. It is first of its kind in India and only third of its kind globally by Amazon. Other fashion studios of the company are in New York and London.

In addition to 16 individual high-tech photography bays, the studio also has a large editorial suite, video editing facilities, and creative spaces.

At Amazon, we are always thinking about how we will raise the bar, how we will redefine the way the customer discovers, engages with, and shops for fashion online. All our efforts that we have made for this studio in terms of technology, scale and talent are designed to deliver high-quality imagery that inspires and educates our customers, said Arun Sirdeshmukh, Head of Amazon Fashion India.

Established as a Centre for Creative Excellence, the studio will enable Amazon Fashion to creatively collaborate with Fashion brands and partners to produce lakhs of high-quality images for its fashion merchandise every year.

With this studio, we will continue to strengthen our relationships across the entire industry  with brands, designers, and creative talent. This is part of our plan to innovate in how fashion is displayed on the site and be the best possible place for fashion brands to present themselves online, he added.

Since the start of 2017, Amazon Fashion added close to 50 top fashion brands to its offerings including iconic fashion brands that debuted in India like Under Armour, Steve Madden Jewelry, Juicy Couture watches and more.

The company's growing selection includes brands such as Marks & Spencer, New Balance, Forever 21, French Connection, Calvin Klein, watches from Michael Kors, Emporio Armani, and Versus by Versace.

The company is also gearing up for the Diwali sale.

"For this Diwali, we will offer about 150 million products on sale. Anything from smartphone to home appliances to apparels, we now have the largest collection of exclusive products on sale," said Manish Tiwary, VP of category management at Amazon India told Moneycontrol.
Micro credits have been a part of our lives since time immemorial.

Remember those credit accounts one had with the chailwala or the paanwala? Now the online world is adopting the same  buy now, pay later  the new trick in the e-commerce game to attract more traffic and transactions from Indian users.

The early adopters are in the food-tech and online shopping sectors such as Flipkart and Zomato, and the micro credit system is quickly gaining popularity with other online based transactions also.

IRCTC, the Indian Railways ticket-booking system, has also tied up with a service provider to let users book the tickets instantly, but pay at a later date.

There are three such prominent service providers operating in India  Simpl, ePaylater, and Lazypay by PayU.

They are offering customers the option to buy now and pay later option on online fashion portals, ticket booking websites, food ordering portals, aiming to migrate all cash transactions to digital.

Ours is a cash-driven economy, accounting for at least 68 percent. In the US, it is at 9 percent. On the other hand, US has over 48 percent population using credit cards, against just 3 crore credit cards in India. To get people to move away from cash, you need to give them a fitting alternative which will be frictionless, says Aurko Bhattacharya, co founder of ePayLater.

The company handles about 2,500 transactions a day. "It also takes care of the trust factor. The user can buy and experience their purchase before paying for it," adds Aurko.

Nitya Sharma, co-founder of another such service provider, Simpl, feels that to create a digital economy, it is important to create utility value propositions for users to move away from cash. A few merchant partners of Simpl, such as Faasos, also offer the pay-later service as a loyalty customer reward.

For the e-commerce companies, it is a good proposition to arrest the loss of sale opportunity due to transaction failures that account for at least 30 percent of their traffic.

If we take in other interferences into account, the number of people who intend to buy a product but abandon the cart just before payment stands at about 70 percent.

As PayU we have been in the payments industry for long. The need for a service like LazyPay came about because merchants wanted to do away with payment drops. For consumers it is a frictionless transaction, eliminating the need for repeated OTPs, CVV numbers or net banking details, Pallav Jain  Head, Consumer Business, PayU India said.

According to Jain, the online portals lost USD 4.4 billion in revenue in 2015, about 30 percent of which was due to transaction failure at the payment page.

LazyPay, which went live in March, has tie ups with a host of companies such as Box8, Zomato, Jazz Cinemas, Netmeds, PVR, Innerchef, D Vois, Abhibus, Salad Days, Faasos, and FreshMenu.

The company has over 150,000 users, and handles about 100,000 transactions a month, with an average ticket size of Rs 600-650.

PayU will invest USD 50 million in LazyPay over the next two years with an aim to reach out to 10 million users.

The pay later service also works as a customer acquisition tool for the online portals.

A quick and convenient payment mode ensures the customers come back for another purchase. According to Sharma of Simpl, their merchant partners have seen their conversion rate increase by 50 to 80 percent.

Simpl has partnerships with over 30 merchants, including BookMyShow, Faaso's, FreshMenu, Box8 and Zipgo.

This is how it works: The service providers tie up with online portals to add a pay later option.First-time users of the service will have to create a profile with them, feed in personal identity details such as Aadhaar number, phone number, and email id.

A backend algorithm then reads through the users transaction history, value of transactions, browsing pattern, products of interest, and so on, to determine the users eligibility.

Post this its a one-click transaction if you choose to pay later on partner ecommerce websites.

The user can then settle a cumulative bill in a stipulated cycle, typically 14 days, through a digital payment mode.

Its a micro credit system that attracts a late pay penalty, like any other credit system. For late payments, Simpl levies a penalty of Rs 50-100, while ePayLater charges a flat 3% per month, on a daily accrual basis. LazyPay also charges Rs 10 per day for non-payment.

However, these companies are consciously steering away from an aggressive recollection approach and are rather adopting automated, non-intrusive reminder system.

We dont see late fee as a revenue stream. We waive off the late fee for first three transactions anyway. We dont operate with the mindset that the user is trying to cheat us. Sometimes we waive off the late fee at users request also.

What if, the user doesnt pay at all?

Thats the biggest risk this service entails, says Jain of PayU.

The companies take in account about 0.5% t0 1.5% of delinquency rate on an average.

In case of a transaction turning a non-performing asset, the companies also have a legal backup since the service is based on a contract with the user.

But till now, none of the companies have taken the legal route to settle non-payment of bill.

Sharma of Simpl adds that a legal route makes sense for a high value transaction. We rather focus on weeding out such users, says Sharma.

Simpl however also sends automated reminders in a baritoned voice asking users to pay-up or face legal action.

However, some like Bhattacharya of ePayLater admit that there is little companies can do as it is not a legal contract with a collateral for users to pay up. "We have not seen high delinquencies. However we can ask merchants to bar such users," he tells Moneycontrol.

The companies safeguard against such defaults by using technology to filter users.

LazyPay is engineered with proactive analytics and machine learning algorithms. PayU processes three million transactions every day. Each transaction generates 15 direct variables, which helps to draw up a profile of the customer and come up with a trust score, Jain explains.

Simpl and ePayLater also have similar algorithms in place that use machine learning and advanced analytics to capture a users credit-worthiness, called Trust score.

The most prominent users of this facility are the customers who are categorised as online first. The service is opened up to selective customers, with high transaction frequency, while the amount of micro credit extended to a user also depends on the rating.

While LazyPay is backed by one of the biggest payments solutions companies globally  PayU, Mumbai-based Simpl has raised seed funding from Green Visor Capital and IA Capital. ePaylater has raised USD 2 million from multiple investors.
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Geojit's research report on Sun Pharmaceutical Industries

Sun Pharma is Indias top drug maker and world's fourth largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company by revenue with 42 manufacturing facilities spread across 6 continents. US contributes 37% to the revenues.  Revenue plunged 25% YoY in Q1FY18 due to lower US and India sales.  US sales declined 42% YoY mainly on account of sharp fall in Taro sales (down 31% YoY) due to continued pricing pressure in the US and high base impact.  The domestic formulations business fell by 5% YoY primarily impacted by temporary disruption due to GST implementation.  EBITDA margin contracted 1760 bps YoY to 17.1% led by lower than expected US and India sales, decline in Taro margin and high base effect. Taros EBITDA margin fell to 50.5% from 62.6% in Q1FY17.  We reduce our revenue and PAT estimates for FY18/19E by 16%/14% and 69%/44%, respectively to factor in lower than anticipated growth in the US.  Given continued pricing pressure in the US generics business due to increased competitive intensity & customer consolidation and delay in Halol plant resolution restricting new launches, we change our rating to SELL from BUY with a revised target price of Rs 413 based on 20x FY19E PE.

Outlook

Following a dismal US performance in Q1, we significantly lower US revenue growth rate. We expect US business to decline by 10% CAGR over FY17-19E due to persistent pricing pressure in the US generics business and delay in Halol plant resolution. Uncertainty over Halol plant resolution remains a key overhang on the stock, although, the company has taken remedial measures to address the observations raised by USFDA and awaits approval from the regulator. Despite a disappointing first quarter performance, the company has guided for a single digit decline in revenue for FY18 and expects an expansion in EBITDA margin to 20-22% in H2FY18 as against 17.6% in Q1FY18. We expect revenue to grow at a CAGR of ~1.4% over FY17-19E. However, PAT is expected to decline by 14% CAGR due to weak operating profitability and higher tax outgo. Hence, we change our rating to SELL from BUY with a revised target price of Rs 413 based on 20x FY19E PE.

For all recommendations report, click here

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Moneycontrol Research

Petronet LNG successfully renegotiated the terms of its LNG import deals with Exxon Mobil from the Gorgon facility in Australia recently, thereby reducing the effective price of the LNG contract. This move stands to benefit the downstream gas marketing companies like GAIL, BPCL and IOCL (as LNG is generally priced at a margin above cost in the downstream market).

While GAIL stands to benefit from this renegotiation, it has made GAILs own US shale gas import contracts look relatively expensive. Although changing market dynamics from being a supply empowered market towards a demand-driven one might help GAIL in renegotiating its terms with US companies, chances of success are slim. Offloading the entire contracted supply will be a major challenge for GAIL in times to come and this could impact margins.

Background

During 2011-13, when crude was crossing the USD 100 mark there was a definite incentive to switch to cheaper fuels. A sudden increase in US shale gas exploration led to a fall in gas prices and made it an attractive cheaper alternative.

Foreseeing increased energy demand in years to come, GAIL had entered into long-term contracts for importing US shale gas, which is scheduled for delivery from the beginning of next year.

The company also entered into gas import contracts with Russias Gazprom. Over the years, market dynamics has altered drastically. Given the steep fall in crude prices over the last years, these contracts, which were once cheap and attractive, are now looking expensive. Not only have the contracts become expensive, GAIL is also facing lower-than-expected demand from the industrial sector as companies are switching to renewable energy sources.

Contracts

GAIL had entered into a 20-year contract with Cheniere Energy for the supply of 3.5 million tonnes of LNG per year and with Dominion Energys Cove Point liquefaction plant for the supply of another 2.3 million tonnes per year. They also signed a deal whereby Royal Dutch Shell would buy 0.5 million tonnes of this LNG. This leaves GAIL with a potential of 5.3 million tonnes of the expensive LNG.

Impact

These contracts have put GAIL in a position where it has more upcoming supply than demand. Moreover, owing to the changed industry landscape over the last few years and recent renegotiations, GAILs US LNG has become very expensive and less competitive. Hence, offloading the upcoming inventory will not be easy. In order to offload this expensive LNG, GAIL will have to compromise on margins or else its volume will take a hit.

Steps to overcome the issue

In an attempt to offload the expensive inventory, GAIL has entered into time, destination and physical swap deals for more than 60 percent of the contract. The company has entered into three time swap deals where it will take deliveries in order to cater to the current demand and sell later in 2019 when it receives the supplies from US.

Destination Swap Agreements - GAIL is actively looking at destination swaps that would enable the company to save on the freight charges. These contracts, if they come through will provide significant savings and be positive news for the company.

Building Supply - The management is actively pitching to enter into supply contracts with domestic firms and is already in advanced stages for supply of the US LNG to domestic fertilizer and refining companies (PSUs).

Will it work?

Although the management recognises this risk and has been working to remove/reduce this, the old contracts nevertheless stand to impact profitability.

Time swap agreements might provide a breather in the short-term, but the impact of expensive contracts would only be deferred to a later year. Sale to a PSU might provide some relief but there would be limited volume. Cushion from the renegotiated terms of Petronet contract would provide some relief but supply from Petronet is very small as compared to US contracts (0.43 MT vs 5.8MT). Renegotiating the terms of the US contracts would be the only solution. With markets turning in favour of the buyers, is there a silver lining amid the dark clouds?

Follow @Ruchiagrawal

For more research articles, visit our Moneycontrol Research Page.
UM Lohia Two-wheelers, the domestic partner of the US-based UM International, will set up its second manufacturing and new R&D facilities in Maharashtra.

The company already has one manufacturing facility in Kashipur in Uttarakhand.

"For expansion we are looking at setting up another manufacturing facility and a new R&D centre. We haven't finalised the place, but it's going to be in Maharashtra for sure," UM India director Jose Villegas told reporters here.

"During the next three years we will invest Rs 100 crore for the new R&D facility which will develop new platforms and the new manufacturing plant. We are developing a strong products pipeline here," he said.

The company today launched the new Renegade Commando Classic and Renegade Commando Mojave bikes in the city.

The Kashipur plant has a capacity of 5,000 units per month and the new plant is going to be built for a capacity of 10,000 units per month with a possibility for further expansion, Villegas said, adding the second plant will come up in 18 months.

To a query, he said, "currently, localisation of components is 72 per cent. Our target is to localise 100 per cent of the bikes in the next 12-15 months. We are enhancing capacity with new models and new capacity engines."

The company has sold 10,000 motorcycles in the country over the past 10 months and it has set a target to sell another 10,000 units more by December end and to sell a total of 28,000 units by March 2018, he added.

"The Western and Southern markets are important for us with 60 per cent of sales coming in from these regions," Villegas said.

He said they are already exporting bikes to Nepal, Bhutan and soon it will be exported Bangladesh from the Kashipur facility and "we will start exporting to Europe from March-April next year.
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India Farhod Arziev today assured that the frequency of flights operating between the two countries would be increased by 2018, the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) said.

He was speaking during an interactive session on 'Investment Opportunities' in Uzbekistan, organised here under the aegis of the BRICS CCI.

"Arziev announced setting up of a Special Economic Zone in Uzbekistan especially for Indian pharmaceutical companies which are keen to set up manufacturing facilities in Uzbekistan," BRICS CCI said in a statement.

He also spoke about simplifying its visa regime. In reply to a question, the ambassador assured of reducing its tourist visarelated administrative fee for visitors soon, the CCI said.

Arziev also emphasised on setting up of a waste management base in Uzbekistan along with Indian companies dealing in the same field.

"In order to foster educational cooperation with India in solar training and other vocational courses, the ambassador willingly invited team of educationists from India to explore possible opportunity in the said field," it said.
bipin Rawat_army

The Army's new long-range ultra- light (ULH) howitzer M-777 was damaged during a field trial in Pokhran firing range and a probe has been ordered into the incident, Army sources said.

The sources said the barrel of the US-manufactured gun exploded when it was firing Indian ammunition on September 2.

India had received two M-777 ultra-light howitzers in May, each worth around Rs 35 crore, after a gap of 30 years since the Bofors scandal broke out, and the accident took place in one of them.

The field trials of the 155 mm, 39-calibre guns manufactured by BAE systems were being carried out at Pokhran in Rajasthan with an aim to collate and determine various critical data like trajectory, speed and frequency.

"During the firing, the projectile which was fifth of the series, exited the barrel in multiple pieces, causing the accident," an army source said.

There was no injury to anyone.

"The barrel of the gun has been damaged, the extent of which is being assessed by Joint Investigation Team," the source said.

The Army had received the howitzers as part of an order for 145 guns. Three more guns are to be supplied to the Army in September 2018 for training.

Thereafter, induction will commence from March 2019 onwards with five guns per month till the complete consignment is received by mid-2021.

The Army badly needs the howitzers considering the evolving regional security scenario.

India had last procured howitzers in the mid-1980s from Swedish defence major Bofors. The alleged payoffs in the deal and its subsequent political ramifications had severely crippled the Indian Army's procurement of artillery guns.

India had struck a government-to-government deal with the US last November for the supply of the 145 howitzers at a cost of nearly Rs 5,000 crore.

While 25 guns will come in a flyaway condition, the rest will be assembled in India by the BAE Systems in partnership with Mahindra Defence.

The Army has been pressing the government to speed up its modernization programme.
Bullet train

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will lay the foundation stone for Indias first high-speed railway project, popularly called the "bullet train" on Thursday.

The service, modelled on Japan's famous Shinkansen bullet train, will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Construction of the project, pegged at Rs 1.08 lakh crore, is scheduled to begin by the end of 2018 and completed by 2022. Japan will be providing 80 percent of the total funding as a loan.

Travelling at an average speed of 320 kilometres per hour (kmph), the train will cover the 508-km distance mostly on elevated tracks and partially through a sea tunnel in Mumbai.

While existing trains connecting the two cities take a minimum of six hours, the bullet train, which will use the Shinkansen technology, is expected to take less than three hours to complete the journey.



PM @AbeShinzo & I will attend the programme to mark the start of work of Indias first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad & Mumbai.

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

Currently, the fastest Indian train  Gatimaan Express  runs at a top speed of 160 kmph. This means the bullet train, with a maximum speed of 350kmph, can more than double that pace.

However, India's bullet train ambitions don't end there. Riding on the potential of high speed railway, the government has identified five other high-speed corridors for future development.

The Centre is planning to extend the line up to Delhi, connecting Mumbai and the national capital, with a bullet train. A Mumbai-Chennai high speed rail corridor is also under consideration.

Some of the other proposed corridors include Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Nagpur and Mumbai-Nagpur.

In August, media reports suggested that the government was mulling another bullet train line connecting Delhi and Amritsar via Chandigarh and Ludhiana.

Running between 300 to 350 kmph, the 458-kilometre long route is expected to be covered in 2 hours and 30 minutes from a current duration of around six hours.
Moneycontrol News

Karan Bhalla, 30-year old man who was unable to land any job, decided to take things to the next level by posing as an IAS Officer posted working as a joint secretary in the Prime Ministers Office and sending emails to the CEOs of various companies, says a report in Indian Express.

Whats more surprising is that within five months he actually ended up landing a job at a major events management company in Gurgaon.

Bhalla even managed to get visas for US and Germany after sending emails to embassies by using the same tactic.

The fraud was ultimately spotted in 2015 by K K Dhingra, an officer who was on special duty with the PMO in 2015, who brought the matter to light by reporting it to the CBI.

Dhingra learned about the fraud when Yogesh Chander Deveshwar Chairman of ITC approached him regarding a mail he had received on February 24, 2015, which was written by Bhalla.

The case took two years to solve and it was only two days back that Bhalla was arrested from his Gurgaon home.

Also Read: Kolkata: Fake placement agency busted, kingpin arrested

The investigation brought to light all the other emails that had been sent by Bhalla to other companies.

As per sources quoted in the report, the list of companies to whom mails were sent by Bhalla included Vodafone, Idea, HCL, Flipkart, Tata Motors, Encompass and Unilever.

After his arrest, Bhalla was produced in a Delhi Court after which he was sent to police custody. His house is being raided and investigations have revealed he was behind all the emails sent.

Bhalla's case, however, brings to light the bigger issue of how candidates are verified by companies and especially embassies who gave away visas without subsequent verification.

Also Read: Staff who got jobs on fake caste certificates to be sacked: Government

Last month, background verification company SecUR Credentials launched the 10-digit code (SecUR Number) that will be available to candidates from entry level to senior levels.

The code is to ensure that the candidate applying for the position is genuine and the time and resources invested by the company are not wasted.

While in some regions, it is the educational records that are fudged, in IT sector hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad, the candidates produce fake employment or job experience certificates that are sourced for as little as Rs 10,000.
#suitcase murder suspect Justice minister orders extradition of 'suitcase' murder suspect to New Zealand South Korea's justice minister on Monday ordered the extradition of a woman believed to be the mother of two children whose bodies were found in suitcases in New Zealand in August,...

#KBO KBO sets salary cap for 1st time In an unprecedented move designed to ensure a level playing field, the top South Korean baseball league announced Monday it has set a salary cap for the next three seasons. The ...
One of the NSUI poster used during campaign

In a major setback to BJP-affiliated ABVP in the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections, two crucial posts of President and Vice President positions have been won by Congress-backed National Students Union of India. ABVP could manage only two seats of Secretary and Joint Secretary in DUSU this year.

Rocky Tuseed of NSUI defeated Rajjat Chaudhary of ABVP for the President's post. Rocky received 16,299 votes whereas Rajjat received 14,709 votes. For the Vice President's post, the battle was much closer. Kunal Sehrawat of NSUI defeated Parth Rana of ABVP by a mere 175 votes. Kunal polled 16,431 votes whereas Parth received 16,256 votes.

For the post of Secretary, ABVPs Mahamedhaa Nagar received 17,156 votes who defeated NSUIs Minakshi Meena who received 14,532 votes. The post of Joint Secretary was awarded to ABVP but a recounting of votes happened as NSUI protested that their candidate was ahead all the time. However, ABVP was finally declared victorious.

NSUI said they will move to the High Court asking for a stay on the secretary and joint secretary post.

This is the first time in last four elections when NSUI has grabbed the post of President and Vice President. In 2014 and 2015, ABVP grabbed all seats in the keenly watched DUSU polls and in 2016, NSUI won a consolation post of Joint Secretary while other three posts went to ABVP.

Congress top brass has congratulated the winning candidates of NSUI and they are to meet Sonia Gandhi in the evening.

Apparently, the involvement of ABVP in Ramjas college controversy earlier in May and a general anti-incumbency has cost the party dearly.
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Commercial vehicle maker Force Motors said it has tied up with Rolls Royce Power Systems to set up a joint Venture to produce engines for multiple applications like railways and power generation.

Under the partnership, the Pune-based firm will set up a a dedicated manufacturing facility meeting the standards and specifications laid down by Rolls Royce at Chakan near Pune.

"It is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that Rolls Royce Power Systems has decided to partner with Force Motors for manufacture of engines for their rail and power generation systems," Force Motors Managing Director Prasan Firodia said in a statement.

The joint venture will produce complete power generation systems including associated spare parts for Indian as well as global markets. The company, however, did not share financial details.

Rolls Royce Power Systems portfolio includes high speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, power generation, heavy land, rail and defense vehicles. The company has customers in more than 150 countries, including 400 airlines, 160 armed forces, 70 navies and more than 4,000 power and nuclear customers.

Force Motors is the only company in the world that produces engines for two of the leading European premium car makers Mercedes and BMW. It also sells Traveller and the Trax vehicles, which are market leaders in their respective segments.
While much of the focus on big-ticket deals during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abes visit is going to be on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed train, one other deal will quietly makes waves in defence circles.

India is all set to buy the US 2i amphibious aircraft ShinMayWa from Japan in a record deal of 1.3 billion dollars.

India will procure 12 of these aircrafts in flyaway condition. Another 18 will be jointly produced in India as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis ambitious Make in India programme.

The negotiations had been stuck on this deal since 2010 because of excessive price. Japan has had 3 Prime Ministers since then. But last December when both the Prime Ministers met for their annual summit, they decided to give it a push.
Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who arrived here today on a two-day visit, was accorded a warm welcome by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the Ahmedabad airport.

Abe, who is accompanied by his wife Akie Abe, has a hectic schedule for the next two days in Modi's home state, including laying of the foundation stone for India's first bullet train, to be run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, and to attend the 12th Indo-Japan Summit.

Abe was presented a guard of honour at the airport, after which artistes performed the traditional Gujarati dance showcasing the state's rich cultural traditions.

A group of Buddhist monks were also present at the airport to welcome Abe and his wife.

The twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, which will host a slew of programmes during the high-profile visit, are all decked up to welcome the foreign dignitary with streets shimmering in fluorescent lights, and hoardings and banners welcoming Abe dotting them.

Robust security arrangements have been put in place for the 12th Indo-Japan Summit and business meet where Japanese companies are likely to announce major investments in Gujarat.
Moneycontrol News

In a first incident ever since the Centre introduced the no-fly list norms against passengers who misbehave, an IndiGo crew member has filed a complaint against an unruly passenger, who allegedly became aggressive with them on a Jaipur-Mumbai flight (6E-394).

The passenger too has filed a counter claim against the crew.

As per the complaint that was filed by domestic carrier Indigo at the police station in Vile Parle at around 8.30 pm on Monday, one of the Indigo security staff requested for the help of CISF against Ms R Thakur, who had allegedly misbehaved against the on-board crew.

The members of the crew later escorted the passenger to the airport police station.

As per a senior police officers statement in an Indian Express report, The crew complained that the passenger refused to keep quiet during the precautionary demo of safety rules inside the aircraft before the flight starts. The passenger, who told us she suffered from a breathing problem, wanted to drink water on an urgent basis at the same time. The crew and the passengers then got into a tiff on the same which turned violent.

IndiGo sources confirmed the incident but did not comment on whether they will ban the passenger from flying with the airline.

Ms Thakur filed a cross complaint of misbehaviour against one of the flight crew members under section 506 of IPC (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).

Non-cognizable offences have been registered against the passenger and the crew member. The police are currently investigating the case.

As per the rules unveiled last week, a passenger who indulges in disruptive behaviour onboard a plane, even when it is on the ground, can face a flying ban ranging from three months to a lifetime.

Such passengers will also be included in the no-fly list compiled by the aviation regulatory body DGCA.

According to the revised Civil Aviation Requirement of the aviation regulatory body DGCA, after an airline receives a complaint about an unruly passenger it has to constitute a committee to decide the severity of the offence and rule on the duration of the ban.

This panel will have to give its decision within 30 days failing which the passenger is free to fly.

Until the committee gives its decision the airline may ban the traveller from flying for no more than 30 days.

(With additional inputs from PTI)
Ryan School, Gurugram

A seven-year old student of Gurgaons Ryan International School was murdered in a washroom at the school on Friday, sparking angry protests from the parents of children at the school.

Ashok Kumar, a bus conductor, was said to have confessed to killing Pradhyuman Thakur, the boy, after trying to sexually assault him. However, Thakurs parents did not believe the story and Kumars wife said he was being framed.

The police later arrested Ryan Group of Institutions CEO Ryan Pinto and co-founders AF Pinto and Grace Pinto in connection with the murder. Ashok Kumar was arrested and kept in judicial custody for three days. The judicial custody has now been extended to September 18.

AF Pinto and Grace Pinto approached the Bombay High Court for an early hearing of their plea for anticipatory bail. Ryan Pinto is still in the process of filing his plea, which will be heard, along with that of his parents, on Wednesday.

One of the major fallouts of this case is that schools in Delhi and the National Capital Region will now have to undergo mass police verification in the following three weeks.

This decision was taken after the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, the Haryana government and the Central Board of Secondary Education following the boy's father in seeking a CBI investigation into the murder and safety guidelines for schools.

"In every school in Delhi, rigorous police verification should be done of every staff, every person who enters the school premises within three weeks," Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Monday.

The unfortunate incident also resulted in protests by angry parents, some of which turned violent. Protesters set fire to a liquor shop in the neighbourhood, prompting the police to use lathis or batons to control the mob.

A large number of policemen were stationed at the school on Tuesday after it was decided that the school will remain shut for now, except for students of classes 6 through 12, who sit for their exams from Wednesday onward.

In a fresh development on Tuesday, the police claimed that evidence from the scene of the crime was tampered with. Teachers and staff from the school were questioned at the school and the principal, Neerja Batra, was detained and questioned till after midnight on Monday.

A three-member special investigation team said that numerous CCTV cameras in the school premises were not working. It said that it suspected the involvement of a third person who may have escaped through one of the windows in the washroom, which had a broken window and was located on the ground floor.

The team also found that the school did not have separate washrooms for drivers and conductors and that it had hired a lot of staff without proper background checks and police verification.

In response to all this, Haryana Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said that the state government was not opposed to the idea of CBI probe into the matter.
September 14, 2017 / 10:48 PM IST

22:47 That's all from the India-Japan Annual Summit. For more news and updates, stay tuned to Moneycontrol.

22:46 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe departed for Tokyo from Ahmedabad, a while ago.

21:18 Bullet train should run between Delhi, Kolkata: Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party supremo target="_blank">Akhilesh Yadav today said the Narendra Modi government should have launched the bullet train project for New Delhi-Kolkata route.

"In my opinion, it should have been between New Delhi and Kolkata passing through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which have maximum number of unemployed and poor," Yadav said. Read the full story here.

20:55 Modi faces fire as he launches bullet train project

The main opposition Congress called the Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed train an "election bullet train" project launched with an eye on the upcoming Gujarat Assembly polls, BJP's ally Shiv Sena said it might be a dream project of PM Modi but not for the common man. Read the full story here.

19:28 India, Japan agree to strengthen cooperation against Pak-based terror groups

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe asked Islamabad to bring to book the perpetrators of terror strikes, including those involved in the Mumbai (2008) and Pathankot (2016) attacks, according to a joint statement issued after their annual summit. Read the full story here.



PM @narendramodi and Japanese PM @AbeShinzo at the India-Japan Annual Summit in Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/En1IjtDhN9

 PIB India (@PIB_India) September 14, 2017

19:01



Sharing my speech at the India-Japan business plenary held at Mahatma Mandir. https://t.co/FMhWdQrpyM  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 14, 2017



18:28 Here's the full address of PM Modi at the India-Japan Business Pleanery

Presented the book, #MannKiBaat- A Social Revolution on Radio to PM @AbeShinzo, whose message also appears in the book. pic.twitter.com/TMmr1uVlx0 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 14, 2017

17:50



Showcasing the strong #IndiaJapan economic ties.

PM @narendramodi & PM @AbeShinzo take a tour of the exhibition halls pic.twitter.com/nU0NgS3Yek  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 14, 2017



17:42 India-Japan make progress on aviation

The two countries have signed an agreement under which airlines from both countries can operate an unlimited number of flights to and from the two countries.

Japan's All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, and India's Air India and Jet Airways will benefit from the agreement.

Reinvigorating our business engagements.

PM @narendramodi & PM @AbeShinzo meet with the members of #IndiaJapan Business Leaders Forum pic.twitter.com/5iV93WH3u6  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 14, 2017

17:25 The India-Japan Business Plenary has now concluded.

17:23



With the strength of our friendship & trust, I invite more and more Japanese people and companies to come, live and work in India: PM Modi  PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 14, 2017



17:22 PM Modi while addressing the India-Japan Business Plenary said, "21st century is Asia's century".

He urged more Japanese companies and people to work in India and assured them support "wherever it is required".

A series of administrative reforms have significantly improved the business sentiment in the country: PM Modi PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 14, 2017

17:17



Japan can benefit tremendously with the size and scale of our potential & skilled hands that India offers: PM @narendramodi  PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 14, 2017



17:15 PM Modi speaks at the Business Pleanary

PM Modi announces that four locations across the country have been finalized for Japanese Industrial Townships development. The townships will be established in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu.

PM Modi said that the two sides had concluded a number of agreements on very important issues and that over the last three years, India has worked very hard on the front of 'ease of doing business'

These reforms and initiatives are all geared to preparing India for the 21st century, PM Modi said.

"We are positioning India as a global manufacturing hub," he added.

17:10 PM Modi speaks at the Business Pleanary

Speaking at the India-Japan Business Plenary, Indian PM Modi said, "When I first visited Japan as CM of Gujarat, I had said that I want to see a mini Japan in Gujarat. Today that dream has come true".

The prime minister also said that Gujarats Industry and Government still cherish that Japan was the first partner country in the state's Vibrant Gujarat event.

17:07 PM Abe speaks at the India-Japan Business Plenary

Speaking at the India-Japan Business Plenary, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appreciated PM Narendra Modi's 'decisive leadership'.

He also said that the two sides had received 'very positive' recommendations from the India-Japan Business Forum.

The Japanese prime minister also said that people to people contact and tourists visiting Japan have doubled in last five years and that he wants to 'more and more people visit' Japan.

16:50

16:39 India-Japan ties 'blossoming'

Ties between India and Japan have blossomed as Modi and Abe increasingly see eye-to-eye in countering growing Chinese assertiveness across Asia, a report in Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper has said.

Japanese investment into India has surged in areas ranging from automotives to infrastructure in the remote northeast, making Tokyo its third-largest foreign direct investor, it further said.

Tokyo hopes that by gaining a head start on rival exporters of rail technology such as China and Germany, its companies will be able to dominate business in one of the most promising markets for high-speed rail equipment, it added.

16:28 Here's the full India-Japan Joint Statement. Read it here.

Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi & Japanese PM Shinzo Abe at India-Japan Business Plenary in Gandhinagar pic.twitter.com/H4sVMF0WD1 ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2017

16:07 PM Modi and PM Abe inaugurated the Bullet Train Research Institute in Vadodara via video conferencing.

16:02 Fearing land acquisition, farmers protest bullet train project

Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe launched the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, a group of farmers from Boisar in Palghar district protested against the project fearing acquisition of their lands, reports PTI.

The farmers, who held the demonstration outside Boisar railway station, said they will be ruined if their agricultural lands are acquired for the project.

15:53



We agreed to explore co-operation & exchanges b/w our Army&Ground Self defence force & Air Force & Japan's Air Defence Force: S Jaishnakar pic.twitter.com/r5f4APwVna  ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2017



15:48 Here are some of the MoUs signed between the two sides today:

MOFA

- MEA andsigned the Japanese Language education in India and Japan- India-Japan Act East Forum agreement- India Post and Japan Post signed an agreement related to Administrative Instruction for the Implementation of Cool EMS service- DIPP and METI signed the India-Japan Investment Promotion Road map- International academic and sports exchange between Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE)and Nippon Sports Science University, Japan (NSSU)- MOC between METI and the State of Gujarat on Japan-India special programme for Make In India in Mandal Bechraj-Khoraj in Gujarat- Exchange of RoD on Civil Aviation Cooperation also known as the 'Open Sky' policy- Agreement for exchange programme between interdisciplinary theoretical and mathematical sciences programme (iTHEMS), RIKEN and National Centres for Biological Sciences (Simons-NCBS)- Disaster risk management agreement- Joint Research Contract between National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT)- Letter of intent exchanged between Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) and University of Tsukuba, Japan- Letter of intent between Sports Authority of India (SAI) and University of Tsukuba, Japan

- Between RIS and IDE-JETRO for promotion of Cooperation in Research Related Activities

15:22 Quick recap of what the two leaders discussed earlier today:

India and Japan inked 15 agreements boosting cooperation in various sectors, including civil aviation, trade and science and technology.

Referring to the Malabar Japan-India-US naval exercise, the leaders said cooperation would be further strengthened.

The duo said that Indo-Japan ties were not limited to bilateral or regional spheres and that the two sides also closely cooperated on key global issues.

15:10



The stage is set at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar to host #IndiaJapan Business Plenary. Stay tuned for more updates.#IndiaJapanAnnualSummit pic.twitter.com/w7LYKCEv5z  Vibrant Gujarat (@VibrantGujarat) September 14, 2017



15:00 PM Abe is expected to address the India-Japan Business Plenary at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar in an hour's time.

Expanding the horizons of bilateral relationship.

The two leaders witness the exchange of MoUs/Agreements between #IndiaJapan pic.twitter.com/OBARyOTGOy  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 14, 2017

14:44 Some excerpts from the joint statement:

Both leaders called for Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attack and the 2016 strike on a military base in Pathankot.

Indian and Japan have also resolved to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups including al Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad , Lashkar-e-Taiba and their affiliates.

14:39 Modi and Abe have condemned North Koreas continued development of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

14:33 China has dismissed the 10th summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe as emotional moves bereft of any impact on the ground, reports Global Times.

China is not scared of the two countries coming together despite all the talk of Japan sharing submarine technology with India which would be an effective counter to China's expanding influence the Indian Ocean.

Nor does it seem to have affected by the two countries planning an Asia Africa Growth Corridor, an answer to China's much hyped Belt and Road Initiative.

14:21 India and Japan signed MoU on international academic and sports exchange between Sports Authority of India and Nippon Sports Science University.

The two countries also signed a MoU between Department of Biotechnology and National Institute of Advanced Science & Technology.

A MoU on the promotion of cooperation in research-related activities has also been signed.

13:53 Shinzo Abe is speaking now. The Japanese PM recounts his visit to the Sabarmati Ashram and thanks India for the warm welcome accorded to him and his wife.

13:52 The two countries have signed a series of agreements.

13:50 The bullet train project, which was launched today, is India's new lifeline, says Modi.

13:45 In 2016-17, Japan invested $4.7 billion in India, an 80 percent increase from the previous year: Modi

13:41 Modi says Japan has now become the third largest investor in India.

13:40 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe are making a joint statement now.

13:30 In case you're just joining us, here are 10 things to know about India's first bullet train project, which was flagged off today.

13:10 Meanwhile, the politics continues over the bullet train project. NDA ally Shiv Sena said the project was not a dream of the common man but that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Sena, in an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', sought to know if the Ahmedabad-Mumbai high speed train project really fits into the needs of the country.

"We are getting a bullet train without asking for it. We do not know exactly which problem will this problem solve," the Sena said. Out of the estimated Rs 108,000 crore cost of the project, at least Rs 30,000 crore would have to be shelled out by the Maharashtra government, it stated.

12:50 The Japanese Prime Minister is scheduled to leave for Tokyo after 9pm tonight.

12:36 The two Prime Ministers have now reached the convention centre in Ahmedabad where the summit will take place.

12:13 Modi shows his guest around Dandi Kutir - the biggest Gandhi museum in the world.

11.53 Modi and Abe have now arrived at Dandi Kutir in Ahmedabad.

11.50 Delegation-level talks between India and Japan are scheduled for this afternoon.

11.20 Next on the agenda for the two leaders is a visit to Dandi Kutir - the Gandhi museum.

11.08 Modi and Abe shake hands and with that the ceremony is over.

11:06 If technology is used to empower the poor we can win the fight against poverty, says Modi.

11:04 Modi stresses that despite the technology being borrowed from Japan, the bullet trains will be assembled in India.

11:01 "It is also my dream that Abe and I would travel in the bullet train together, the next time he's in India," says PM Narendra Modi.

10:59 A new India needs an integrated transport system, says Modi.

10:52 Modi: It's a common perception that all new technology comes only for the rich but the reality is usually different. We want the bullet train to be accessible for the common man of India.

10:49 The train will go from "Aapro Ahmedabad to Aamchi Mumbai", says Modi.

10:47 Discussing the funding of the project, PM Modi says Japan has proved to be a better friend than the banks.

Japan is funding 80 percent of the project at a mere 0.1 percent interest rate.

10:44 More productivity with high-speed connectivity, says Modi.

10:43 The PM says the bullet train project will generate employment.

10:42 Modi says a high quality transport system is a must for every developed nation.

10:40 I congratulate every citizen of India for the groundbreaking ceremony of India's first bullet train. It is human-friendly and eco-friendly: Modi

10:38 Modi thanks Abe for making the bullet train project a reality.

10:35 Prime Minister Modi is addressing the crowd and is greeted with the now-customary chants of "Modi, Modi".

10:33 "Jai India, Jai Japan  PM Narendra Modi and I will ensure that it is so. I hope to travel with Modi on the Shinkansen the next time I'm in India. Dhanyawaad,"' says Abe as he ends his speech.

10:31 If we work together nothing is impossible: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe on India-Japan partnership. He says Japan is committed to the Make in India project.

10:28 Abe assures the audience that the Shinkansen trains are the safest in the world and there has been no major accident since they were launched in 1964.

10:26 There are over a 100 engineers from Japan who are already working in India, says Abe.

10:25 Abe says he is pleased to be a part of the bullet train project. He praises Narendra Modi's leadership and thanks him for picking Japan's Shinkansen technology for the high-speed rail project.

10:22 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is speaking now. Greets the audience with a "Namaskar"' that draws huge cheers.

10:21 A foundation stone is unveiled at the venue while a bulldozer breaks the ground at the bullet train construction site in Ahmedabad.

10:19 Modi and Abe are now inaugurating the ground-breaking project via video conference.

10:12 It's now the turn of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani to speak. He says all of Gujarat is experiencing great joy today.

10:08 Fadnavis invites PM Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe to travel to Mumbai in the bullet train's inaugural run.

10:05 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is on the podium now. He says the bullet train project will help fulfil the Prime Minister's pledge for a New India.

10:02 The minister refers to another famous Indo-Japanese collaboration, Maruti Suzuki, which changed the landscape of the auto industry in India.

10:01 Goyal thanks Japan for providing financial assistance for the bullet train project.

10:00 Goyal talks about the infamous incident when Mahatma Gandhi was thrown out a train in South Africa and contrasts it with today, when two friendly countries are working together on a railway project.

09:58 Railway Minister Piyush Goyal is now addressing the gathering.

09:57 A massive crowd has gathered at the Athletic Stadium in Ahmedabad. Modi and Abe are now seated on the stage.

09:54 Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis are also attending the ground-breaking ceremony.

09:51 Prime Minister Modi and PM Abe have arrived at the venue of the ceremony.

09:48 While on the subject of safety, the last coach of the Jammu Rajdhani derailed on arrival at New Delhi Railway Station at 6 am today. No injuries or casualties have been reported.

09:43 The ceremony is scheduled to begin in the next 10 minutes.

09:32 The bullet train will use Japan's Shinkansen technology, which is renowned for its safety. No passenger has ever been killed in a crash on Japan's high-speed trains ever since they first took to the tracks more than 50 years ago.

09:21 Earlier this week, new Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said the deadline for the bullet project had been advanced to August 15, 2022  less than five years from now.

09:10 While the bullet train project is the centre of attention, there's plenty of other Indo-Japan projects on the anvil.

08:53 Japan's first lady Akie Abe is set to visit Blind Peoples Association in Ahmedabad.

08:42 The Congress has raised questions over Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's state visit to Ahmedabad and not the country's national capital and hoped it would not be used for political purposes in view of the forthcoming Gujarat assembly elections.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said it was "quixotic" that Abe was not being hosted in Delhi.

08:15 Last night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted dinner for his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie at famous 'Agashiye' restaurant, known for its elegance and kosher Gujarati cuisine.

07:55 India's bullet train dream officially begins today as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abe will launch work on the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad project. The high speed train is likely to be operational by August 15, 2022.

22:24



Mrs. Abe viewing textile exhibits at the venue of the dinner hosted by PM @narendramodi for Mrs. Abe and PM @AbeShinzo. pic.twitter.com/yrXwUY2po3  PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 13, 2017



20:21



Sharing glimpses of India Cultural Road Show at Ahmedabad. #SwagatShinzoSan pic.twitter.com/In1CqEzoPj  Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) September 13, 2017



20:11 Here's the full itinerary of PM Abe's India visit: Access it here.

19:58

Tree of life in Indias 1st World Heritage city.

PM @AbeShinzo and PM @narendramodi visit the Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali#SwagatShinzoSan pic.twitter.com/KxX5S4tTt4  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 13, 2017

19:35 Post-dinner walk by the river

PM Modi and PM Shinzo Abe are expected to take a walk along the Ellis Bridge across the Sabarmati River, after dinner.

The famous bowstring arch truss bridge was constructed in Ahmedabad in 1892.

19:24 'India truly values relationship with Japan', Modi had tweeted earlier.

"I look forward to welcoming PM @AbeShinzo. I will be hosting him in Gujarat in our fourth annual summit together," Modi tweeted in English as well as in Japanese.

"PM @AbeShinzo and I will attend a wide range of programmes on 13th and 14th September 2017, aimed at further boosting India-Japan ties," he added.

"India truly values the relationship with Japan and we look forward to further boosting our bilateral ties in a wide range of sectors," the prime minister said in another tweet.

19:16 India's bullet train ambitions

Japanese PM Abe and Indian PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for Indias first high-speed railway project, popularly called the "bullet train" on Thursday.

With half-a-dozen high speed rail projects under consideration, India's bullet train dreams have only just begun. Read the full story here.

19:08

19:00 15 Japanese firms to invest in Gujarat

As many as fifteen Japanese firms would sign agreements to invest in Gujarat during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit, while the state would also get cheaper loan for infrastructure development from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Read the full story here.

Ahmedabad: High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train) simulator at Mahatma Mandir Exhibition. PM Modi & PM Shinzo Abe will visit the exhibition tomorrow pic.twitter.com/tRAXyTQ5oJ ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

18:45 Japan PM Shinzo Abe arrived to a warm welcome earlier today. Read more here.

18:35 Dinner by the Sabarmati River

The duo will proceed for dinner at the famous 'Agashiye - House of MG' restaurant close to the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque.

According to media reports, PM Modi and PM Abe will be served an all-vegetarian Gujarati meal, including Handvo and khichdi kadhi - personal favourites of the Indian prime minister. Some Japanese dishes will also be in the offering.

18:29



PM Modi, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe & his wife Akie Abe at 'Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali, the famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/yK7t8VM4yP  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017



18:28 Following a visit to the mosque, PM Modi and PM Abe are on their way to the Agashiye restaurant for dinner.

#Watch: PM Modi & Japanese PM Shinzo Abe visit 'Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali, famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad https://t.co/0qYkw6TcXo ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

18:22 PM Modi and PM Abe have arrived at the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque premises.

18:21

18:18 Next up: PM Modi and PM Abe will visit the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque close to the Sabarmati riverfront.

The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, popularly known as 'Sidi Saiyyid ki Jaali' was built in 1573. The mosque is famous for latticework windows on the side and rear arches.

17:56



Rousing welcome,electrifying atmosphere!

Cultural groups perform along the route as both PMs travel to Sabarmati Ashram#SwagatShinzoSan pic.twitter.com/gEUnDpmDL5  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 13, 2017



17:50 Here's the schedule for Thursday's Indo-Japan Annual Summit:

> 09:50 Ground Breaking Ceremony of High Speed Rail (bullet Train project) at the Athletic Stadium, near Sabarmati Railway Station.> 11:30 PM Abe will visit to Dandi Kutir.> 12:00 The two leaders will reach the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar - the venue of the summit.> 12:05 The delegation level talks will be held.> 13:00 The two sides will exchange agreements and the two leaders will issue Press Statements.> 16:00 India-Japan Business Plenary will begin.

> 21:35 PM Abe will depart from Ahmedabad for Tokyo.

17:41 Getting down to business

All the diplomatic engagements between the two leaders will happen tomorrow at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

PM Shinzo Abe will address the India-Japan Business Plenary there.

Signing of several agreements is also expected to happen tomorrow.

Ahmedabad: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe & his wife Akie Abe sign the visitor's book at Sabarmati Ashram. pic.twitter.com/QG3ifIzz7v ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

17:25



#SwagatShinzoSan

Awaiting the arrival of PM @AbeShinzo, take a look back to when the Crown Prince & Princess of Japan travelled to India pic.twitter.com/fYPtDAELMs  Indian Diplomacy (@IndianDiplomacy) September 13, 2017



17:19 Here's what the two Prime Ministers do next:

The two will visit the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, where PM Modi will 'guide' PM Abe.

Soon after the visit, they will proceed to the 'Agashiye - The House of MG' restaurant nearby.

17:14 India is all set to buy the 'US 2i' amphibious aircraft Japan's ShinMayWa in a record deal of 1.3 billion dollars. Read the full story here.

17:09 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abes visit to India will not only kick start the bullet train project, it will also advance the commercial ties between India and Japan in areas of defence and development projects. Read the full story here.

17:04 What has happened so far:

> Japanese PM Shinzo Abe landed at the Ahmedabad airport at half past three today. Breaking protocol, PM Modi received his Japanese counterpart.

> The two prime ministers then travelled to the Sabarmati Ashram, as different performances were held at 28 locations along the 8 km road show route.

> PM Abe and his wife Akie Abe visited the Sabarmati Ashram, where they payed tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

16:55 Prime Minister Abe has now left for the Hyatt hotel while PM Modi is on his way to the Circuit House. The two leaders are expected to meet at the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque later in the evening.

16:45 PM Modi and Shinzo Abe have reached Sabarmati Ashram, which was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhi led the Dandi march in March 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram.

16:40 The twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, which will host a slew of programmes during the high-profile visit, are all decked up to welcome the foreign dignitary with streets shimmering in fluorescent lights, and hoardings and banners welcoming Abe dotting them, reports PTI.

16:37 Abe, who is accompanied by his wife Akie Abe, has a hectic schedule for the next two days in Modi's home state, including laying of the foundation stone for India's first bullet train, to be run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, and to attend the 12th Indo-Japan Summit.

16:10 Prime Minister Modi and his counterpart have embarked for the 8km-road show to Sabarmati Ashram.

15:52 The leaders will now proceed for the 8Km cultural road show where artists of 28 states will display diversity of the Indian culture.

15:48 Japanese PM Shinzo Abe accorded ceremonial reception on his arrival at Ahmedabad Airport.

15:44 PM Modi breaks protocol to meet PM Abe at the airport.

As per the procedure laid down for the heads of government visits is that a Cabinet minister usually greets the dignitary at the airport.

15:31 Japanese PM Shinzo Abe arrives in Ahmedabad

15:27 PM Modi arrives at Ahmedabad airport to receive Japanese PM Shinzo Abe who is expected to arrive shortly.

14:56 Modi is expected to arrive at Ahmedabad airport at 3:30 pm, media reports say.

14:34 Shinzo Abe last visited India in December 2015, while Modi's most recent trip to Japan was in November last year.

14:25 The Rs 600-crore high-speed rail training centre for testing the first bullet train project will be set up in Vadodara, a senior official of the National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRC) said on Wednesday.

14:13 Meanwhile, China on Wednesday showed interest in reviving its proposal to build high speed railway projects in India which has chosen Japan as a partner for the country's first such venture.

China has been aggressively marketing its high-speed rail technology abroad and in the past lobbied hard to get the first contract in India. It had taken up a feasibility study for the New Delhi-Chennai corridor but no headway has been made in this regard so far.

14:06 India is all set to buy the US 2i amphibious aircraft ShinMayWa from Japan in a record deal of USD 1.3 billion.

13:47 A day after the two-day visit ends, a high level delegation with the representatives from 55 other Japanese firms would visit several industrial clusters in the state.

"Officials of 55 Japanese companies will visit industrial clusters at Mandal and Sanand taluka of Ahmedabad, as they want to have a first-hand information about the infrastructure before deciding to invest," Thara added.

13:46 According to Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation vice-president and managing director D Thara, of the total 17-18 agreements to be signed during the summit, 15 will be between Japanese firms and the GIDC.

"Fifteen Japanese companies have already committed to invest in Gujarat, for which they've started the process of purchasing land from GIDC. These 15 companies will sign MoUs with GIDC during the summit," Thara told PTI.

13:43 Fifteen agreements will be signed for investments in Gujarat during the visit of the Japanese prime minister, Gujarat chief secretary JN Singh told PTI.

13:42 The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction, said a statement on Narendramodi.in.

13:36 Security in Gujarat has been tightened ahead of Abe's visit. Ahmedabad and Gandhingar will hold a slew of programmes over the next two days. Artists of 28 states will display a diversity of Indian culture in the 8Km cultural road show.

Ahead of Abe's visit, Prime Minister Modi on Twitter said that India values its ties with Japan and looks forward to boosting bilateral relations between the two countries.

13:26 India will make all efforts to complete the project by 2022, a year earlier than planned, the government said this week.

Japan will put in 81 percent of the funding for the Rs 1.08 trillion project, through a 50-year loan at 0.1 percent annual interest, reports Reuters.

13:21 The highlight of the visit is laying down foundation of India's first bullet train.

Modi has made the 500-km- (311-mile-) long high-speed rail link between the financial hub of Mumbai and the industrial city of Ahmedabad in western Gujarat a centrepiece of his efforts to showcase India's ability to build cutting-edge infrastructure.

The leaders will launch the start of work on the line on Thursday, India's railways ministry said in a statement.

"This technology will revolutionize and transform the transport sector," said Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, welcoming the prospects for growth brought by Japan's high-speed "shinkansen" technology.

13:14 Abe's visit will begin on Wednesday with an 8Km road show. Modi and Abe will then visit the Sabarmati Ashram and Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in the Ahmedabad.

Modi will also host dinner for Abe on Wednesday in a hotel in the old city area, reports PTI.

The 12th India-Japan Annual Summit will be held at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on the September 14. This will be the fourth Summit between the countries.

The leaders will also lay foundation for India's first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

13:10 The leaders will also lay foundation for India's first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

13:09 PM Modi and PM Abe are expected to review the 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' between India and Japan during the summit.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will soon arrive in Ahmedabad for a two-day visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive Abe for the annual bilateral summit meeting between the two countries.
BJP president Amit Shah said that his party has removed dynastic politics from India and introduced the politics of performance.

"We do not believe in the politics of appeasement which is votebank politics. We have removed dynastic politics from India. We believe in the politics of performance," he said during an interaction with intellectuals on the second day of his three-day visit to this city.

His remarks came on a day Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said that dynasties were commonplace in India, from politics to business, and asserted that a person's capabilities were more important than pedigree.

The BJP attacked Gandhi calling him as a "failed dynast" and a failed politician.

Shah said the Narendra Modi government has in the last three years shown the political will to take decisions unlike the previous Congress-led government which had suffered from policy paralysis.

For the first time since Independence, India has a government which is not only for urban India but also for rural India, he said.

The Modi government has taken several 'historic steps' -- from opening bank accounts to providing LPG connection for poor families and construction of 4.5 crore toiletshe said.

It has also taken decisions like demonetisation, introduction of the GST and the surgical strikes, he said. The biggest achievement of the Modi government, however, is that it changed the scale of India's thinking and even its biggest critic cannot level any corruption charge against it, Shah said.

The government has the political will to take strong decisions for the benefit of the people in the country, he said, noting it is easy to pursue populist policies but tough to take strong decisions.

Highlighting the achievements of the Modi government in terms of economic growth, Shah said, "In the last three years, India has emerged as the fastest growing economy in the world and this was not an easy task. We have controlled price rise in the country."

Claiming that the BJP is the biggest political party in the world, the party chief said that its government has taken tough decisions for other political parties as well.

Earlier, a political party could receive cash donation up to Rs 20,000 but now it has been brought down to Rs 2,000 only, he said.

Shah said the government has also taken strong steps to unearth black money.

Earlier, talking to reporters, Shah accused the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal of unleashing violence against BJP workers in the state and urged human rights organisations to speak against it.

The BJP leader said no violence can stop the growth of his party in Bengal, he said.

"Today, I met the family members of the victims of political violence in West Bengal in the last six months... All these happened because they did not support the ideology of the Trinamool Congress.

"I want to ask the people here -- is this Rabindranath Tagore's Bengal? Is this Swami Vivekananda's Bengal? No one has the freedom to be a part of any political party other than the TMC," he said.

This kind of violence was perhaps not seen anywhere else, Shah said.

Several people have been killed, many injured and their property destroyed, he alleged targeting the state government led by Mamata Banerjee.

The BJP chief said development cannot take place in the state under such circumstances and urged human rights organisations to report political violence against BJP workers in the state.

The victims of the alleged violence from various parts of the state today met Shah at the ICCR auditorium.

Sentu Mondal and Hemen Mondal from Malda district who were allegedly attacked by TMC activists last year during Durga Puja met Shah.

"I have told Amit Shahji how my husband was killed by TMC goons just for believing in the ideology of the BJP and RSS," Prova Mondal, the widow of another victim, alleged.
In order to stand out in the high-end consumer tech market, hours before Apples iPhone X launch, Samsung announced it will launch a foldable smartphone next year under its Galaxy Note brand.

However, the company said that there are certain hurdles which need to be resolved for 2018 release. In case the problems are not solved, the South Korean company can push back the release date.

"As the head of the business, I can say our current goal is next year," Koh Dong-jin, president of mobile business at Samsung Electronics told Associated Press. "When we can overcome some problems for sure, we will launch the product."

Samsung has been toying with the idea of a bendable smartphone since 2013. Throughout the year, the company exhibited a prototype called Youm at technology conferences and media events. Post Galaxy Note 7 debacle, the desire to try and come up with something different will be keenly watched.

Watch || Samsung GALAXY YOUM Flexible Display Prototype

Bendable smartphones are not the only way company is trying something different. It is rumoured that the company is building an AI-based speaker to compete with Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple HomePod.

The company has been mum about when the speaker will be launched. It is expected that the speaker will use South Korean company's Bixby voice assistant.
The Uttar Pradesh government has begun the first phase of farm loan waivers amounting to Rs 7,371 crore, according to an official statement on Tuesday.

The government said that the loans of 11.93 lakh small and marginal farmers will be resolved in this phase.

However, Livemint looked at data which shows that the loan amounts waived are as low as as Rs 1-100 per farmer for 4,814 farmers and anywhere between Rs 100 and Rs 500 for 6,895 farmers, whereas amounts greater than Rs 10,000 were waived for 1.12 lakh farmers.

The report also quoted a rights activist from Hamirpur who stated that some farmers received loan waiver certificates for amounts as low as Rs 10.

The government in an official statement said that the low amounts are owing to the unpaid amount of interest dues that have been waived for farmers who have repaid most of their crop loans.

In April, the Uttar Pradesh state government had announced a waiver of crop loans of up to Rs 1,00,000 for every small and marginal farmer owning less than five acres of land. The total amount to be waived was estimated to be Rs 36,359 crore for 8.6 million farmers.

Following UP's loan waiver announcement, Punjab, Maharashtra and Karnataka followed suit , where a total of Rs 85,000 crore is to be waived for 14.9 million farmers in these four states.
Dawood Ibrahim

The British government has seized the UK properties of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, reports CNN News-18.

The UK authorities froze Ibrhaim's assets including a hotel in Warwickshire and other residential properties across the Midlands. The Midlands' properties were under the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) radar as well. India has been in talks with the UK authorities in this regard and had sent a related dossier in 2015.

According to UK news media group Mirror, Ibrahim appeared on the latest UK Treasury departments Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets which was updated last month.

The list includes 21 of Dawood's aliases including Abdul Aziz, Abdul Hamid, among others.

ED officers are also targeting other assets of Dawood Ibrahim such as a hotel in Dartford, Kent, another in Essex and several more in central London.

The ownership patterns and other financial details are currently being probed.

India had earlier sent a list to Scotland Yard of over a dozen properties  houses, flats and hotels  spread across London and its outskirts that are allegedly owned by Ibrahim through his known associates.

Earlier this year, the UAE government had reportedly seized Ibrahim's assets in the country worth Rs 15,000 crore.

The UAE government was said to have begun an inquiry into properties of Ibrahim in Dubai after receiving a confidential list from India.
Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Omans Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Affairs (L) is welcomed upon his arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan March 28, 2017. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed - RC15CC1377C0

The Centre on Wednesday said no ransom amount was paid to abductors for the release of Father Tom Uzhunnalil and underlined that the Ministry of External Affairs "works quietly without noise, but ultimately gets the work done".

The Keralite priest was abducted by Islamic State terrorists during a deadly attack on a care home in the port city of Aden in war-ravaged Yemen on March 6, 2016. At least 15 people at the old-age home were killed in the attack.

"Release of Father Uzhunnalil yesterday [on Tuesday] underlines one thing that the Ministry of External Affairs works quietly and without noise, but ultimately gets the work done," Union Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told a press conference in New Delhi.

The Union minister said "no" when asked whether any ransom was paid for the release of the priest.

"We know the type of criticism that had come a couple of times when Father Uzhunnalil disappeared in Yemen. We are very happy that he has come back safely and I'm sure people will appreciate that we were able to get him out safe and sound," Singh added.

On the role played by Oman, Singh said various methods were adopted to tackle a problem.

"If a direct method failed to yield results, indirect methods are adopted and the aim is to get the problem solved," he said.

Asked whether Uzhunnanlil contacted any Indian officials to thank the government following his release, Singh said, "I'm quite sure that he will do it after he gets back from the Vatican."

It was for the priest to decide when he would come to India, Singh said responding to a question.

A video of Uzhunnalil had surfaced in December last year in which he appealed to the government to free him.

In the clip, Uzhunnalil was seen saying, "If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously. I'm from India. I'm perhaps not considered of much value."

In July, Union minister Sushma Swaraj had taken up the issue of Uzhunnalil's abduction with the Deputy Prime Minister of Yemen and requested him to secure the release of the priest.

Last year, Swaraj had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has spoken to various countries so that the priest could be released.
This information may probably make you shift in your chair a little.

Prolonged inactive time at your workstation increases the risk of premature death, says a new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

And no, it doesn't matter if your legs were down or crossed.

Monika Safford, who was part of the team, added: Sitting really is the new smoking.

The study that was led by a Columbia University Researcher Keith Diaz, included monitoring the movements of 8,000 adults over 45 years of age by asking them to wear an accelerometer on their hip.

The figures revealed are quite shocking: Sedentary or seated/relaxed positions made up 12.3 hours out of the 16 hour waking day, which is a whopping share of 75 percent of a normal day in a person's life.

After tracking the participants for four years, the data revealed that those who spent the most time sitting were also the most likely to have died during the study period.

And this was even after taking into consideration factors such as time spent exercising.

The findings are in support of another study that Cambridge University had conducted last year which found that one in six deaths - a total of 90,000 per year- were caused by 9 to 5 office lifestyles, the Sun had reported.

Whats the cure?

As per the authors of the study, the people who tend to sit down for prolonged periods of time because of their job should get up and move around every 30 minutes to reduce the threat of premature death.

Walk around the office and stretch every now and then. Move while waiting for programs on the computer to load.

If you need to go to another floor in the building, take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Outside of the office clocked hours, join the gym, go for a walk. Try to spend some time in nature if possible to unload the stress of the workday and give your eyes and lungs a break.

If you're stressed, try breathing exercises or meditation.

Lastly, get enough sleep for the next day.
Vijay Mallya at an interview with FT

Embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya is set to return to court in London on Thursday for a hearing in his ongoing extradition case over economic offences in India.

The 61-year-old businessman is out on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard on behalf of the Indian authorities in April.

He had been exempt from appearing before Westminster Magistrates' Court for case management hearings by Chief Magistrate Emma Louise Arbuthnot before his trial begins on December 4.

However, his legal team had indicated to the court that Mallya, wanted in India over a default on loans worth around Rs 9,000 crores to his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, likes to be present at the hearings.

"All matters are on track," official sources had confirmed to PTI in reference to the timeline set by the court for the Indian authorities  represented by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)  to provide Mallyas defence team with a detailed opening note on the case.

The defence response from Mallya's legal team on the paperwork was to have been completed this week.

The CPS, arguing on behalf of the Indian government at the last hearing on July 6, had told the court that they had "excellent cooperation" with the Indian authorities in the case and had sufficient material to establish a prima facie case for the extradition of the UB Group chief.

"We have completed a review of materials and I am happy to state that we have had excellent cooperation with the Indian authorities in this case. We are ready and willing to proceed and would invite the court to fix a hearing date at the earliest," CPS barrister Mark Summers had said.

The judge agreed with the CPS to "progress with some rigour" and set December 4 as the start date for a final hearing in the case.

If the Chief Magistrate rules in favour of extradition at the end of the trial, the UK home secretary must order Mallya's extradition within two months of the appropriate day.

However, the case can go through a series of appeals before arriving at a conclusion.

India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 1992 and in force since November 1993, under which recently a Bangladeshi national wanted in the UK on murder charges was to be extradited from India.

Mohammad Abdul Shakur is accused of murdering his wife Juli Begum and two daughters in the UK in 2007 before fleeing the country. He was arrested in Assam and his repatriation to the UK was delayed due to an ongoing court case in New Delhi.

Another extradition request under the treaty involved Ashok Malik, which was withdrawn by the Indian authorities last month after Malik offered to return to face the Indian justice system voluntarily.

Malik, the exact charges against whom are not known, was expected to appear at a hearing in a Delhi court this week.

So far only one successful extradition has taken place from the UK to India under the treaty  that of Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post- Godhra riots of 2002.

According to the last government statement in the Rajya Sabha, the other Indian extradition requests pending with the UK include fugitives Rajesh Kapoor, Tiger Hanif, Atul Singh, Raj Kumar Patel, Jatinder Kumar Angurala, Asha Rani Angurala, Sanjeev Kumar Chawla and Shaik Sadiq.
China and Russia have assured Pakistan at the diplomatic level that they would veto any US move in the United Nations to slap economic sanctions on Islamabad over failure to eliminate terror safe havens, according to a media report today.

The ties between Pakistan and the US deteriorated after US President Donald Trump in August criticised Islamabad for providing safe havens to terrorists.

The Express Tribune and its sister publication Daily Express reported that the US has hinted at imposing sanctions on Pakistani officials allegedly having links with militants.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had warned on Monday that any targeted sanctions against Pakistani officials would not help in US counter-terrorism efforts.

The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has been in contact with two veto-wielding powers  China and Russia  who have opposed the American policy of putting undue pressure on Pakistan.

The two key world players have assured Islamabad of every possible support at all forums, it said.

Pakistan would also approach other Western nations, especially France and the United Kingdom, to drive home its viewpoint, according to report.

Islamabad-based diplomatic sources told Daily Express that foreign policy wizards, security officials and top government functionaries have been brainstorming to chart out new policy vis-a-vis Washington.

It has been decided that Pakistan would phase out its dependence on the United States. And high-level contacts with Washington would be restored only after the Trump administration acquiesced to assuage Pakistans legitimate concerns on the new US strategy for Afghanistan and beyond.

There has been no top level contact between Trump's aides and Pakistani officials since the inauguration of the new US strategy, though US Ambassador David Hale has met senior Pakistani civil and military leaders in an attempt to soothe frayed tempers in Islamabad.

Pakistan has started approaching key international and regional players to garner their support in the wake of scathing criticism from President Trump. In this context,

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has already launched a diplomatic offensive to garner support for Pakistan. He travelled to China, Iran and Turkey this week.
Marconi Society will honour three Indian-origin scientists for their contribution in the field of communication and information technology. Ananda Theertha Suresh, Thomas Kailath and Arun Netravalli will receive the awards at a special ceremony in New Jersey on October 3.

Arun Netravalli will receive this years Marconi prize for his pioneering work in the field of video technology. Originally from Karnataka, he is an alumnus of Mumbais Elphinstone College and IIT Bombay. He has also received a doctorate from Rice University, Houston.

New York-based Ananda Theertha Suresh will receive the Paul Baran Young Scholar award for developing technology that makes search faster and easier even on low-end mobile devices, with basic Internet. The Bengaluru born Google research scientist is an alumnus of IIT Madras and has a PhD from the University of California.

Padma Bhushan recipient Thomas Kailath will be felicitated with the life time achievement award by the society. Hailing from Pune, Kailath was a professor at Stanford and is currently an emeritus professor of engineering at the university. The 82-year-old will be given the award in view of his contributions in the field of modern communication.

Set up in 1974, by famous scientist Guglielmo Marconis daughter Gioia Marconi Braga, in honour of her Nobel laureate father, the society awards scientists whose achievements in communications and information technology have influenced the social, economic and cultural development of all humanity.
The United Nations have appealed to the entire international community to keep the political differences aside and support the ongoing humanitarian efforts to help Rohingya Muslim refugees.

"We have made very clear our concern at the ongoing tragedy of the Rohingyas, people who have been forced to leave their homes. The reports we're getting, the pictures all of us are seeing are heart-breaking to say the least," Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson to the UN Secretary-General told reporters at his daily noon conference at the UN headquarters in New York.

"I think the entire international community should support the ongoing humanitarian efforts, regardless of politics. These are people in need. These are very vulnerable people who have crossed the border, who've, as we said, are hungry and are malnourished and deserve to be helped," he said.

The spokesperson was responding to a question on role of regional players in helping Rohingya refugees.

"Are you disappointed that major regional players, including in India, in particular, have actually sort of made their stand about this Rohingya crisis very clear and actually not come out and supported when their support could have been quite crucial?" he was asked.

United Nation's humanitarian wing, he said, have done emergency planning for about 300,000 Rohingya refugees.

"That number has now definitely crossed that line. We are urgently appealing for more funds," he said.

"Whether it's UNHCR, WFP and other agencies, (we) are trying to get as much aid into the country as quickly as possible. Obviously, from what we've read out, we haven't been able to reach all the people that we need to.

"The added challenge is that a lot of people are crossing the border, going to makeshift settlements, or otherwise living outside more organised structures, which could make it easier for us to reach them," he said.

Dujarric said the government of Bangladesh has asked the UN to help establish a new camp to house the newly arrived refugees.

A flight chartered by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) carrying emergency aid  such as shelter materials, sleeping mats and other supplies  for Rohingya refugees has landed in Bangladesh.

The cargo has been loaded onto trucks which will bring the supplies to the refugee camps at Cox's Bazar.

A second flight, donated by the United Arab Emirates, has also landed in Bangladesh, carrying some 2,000 family tents.

The supplies in both flights will help 25,000 refugees, and further flights are planned so that 120,000 people can be reached in total.

For its part, WFP is concerned about the health of women and children who are arriving in Bangladesh hungry and malnourished.

WFP has been providing food to some 70,000 people as they arrive in Cox's Bazar and to nearly 60,000 people living in camps and makeshift settlements in the region, he said.

Across the border in Myanmar, UN continue to be concerned about reports of violence, fires and displacement of tens of thousands of people in Rathedaung township in Rakhine State.

"Most aid activities on the part of UN agencies and international non-governmental organisations across northern Rakhine remain either suspended or severely interrupted, although some assistance is being delivered by the government and through the Red Cross," he said.

"The UN and its partners continue to offer support to the government to meet the needs of all affected communities and are liaising with authorities to resume humanitarian operations as soon as possible," the UN Spokesperson said.
I have a guy who needs convincing. Him: No, no way, nope. Me: Oh, come on. Well get up at 4 a.m., sunrise already in some parts of the world. Well throw our coats over our pajamas and take a...
Rabbis installation at Keneseth Israel will get a boost of student creativity
Friends In Pink is still on the radar and growing every year
Education

Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu.

Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu.

Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events:

International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu.

EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu.

Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale  an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s  will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets  June Homecoming: Participant  $18 per person; Sustainer  $25 per person; Benefactor  $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler  Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events:

SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available  for information call 610-275-1960

Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above)

SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.  4 p.m.  computers are available during those hours.

Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863.

Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376.

Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com.

The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes:

Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at

other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020.

CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313.

The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events:

Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30.

Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301.

For Kids & Families

The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443.

Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950.

Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required.

The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950.

Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus.

Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage.

Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun.

Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train.

Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world!

Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class.

Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org.

Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583.

Community Events at the Ambler Y:

-YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register.

Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org.

Health

Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot.

The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information.

Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245.

Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net.

Spring Aquatic Programs  UDHS Pool:

-Summer is just around the corner  Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required.

 Shallow Water Aerobics  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR.

 Adult Swim Instructions  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR

-Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21.

-Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday  Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m.

-Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons.

-Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates.

Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994.

SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com.

Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org.

Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs:

FITNESS CLASSES

Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month.

Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30  9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000.

Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30  7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047.

New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.  12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30  4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931.

Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325.

Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes.

Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com.

Librarytalk

Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744

www.upperdublinlibrary.org

APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS:

Storytimes: Please register in the library.

o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m.

o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m.

o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6.

APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS:

North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee

APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS:

NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org.

One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register  contact info above.

Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744.

o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register.

Meetings:

Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m.

Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m.

Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org.

For children and teens at Blue Bell:

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m.

* May 14  Despicable Me

* June 11  Alpha and Omega

* Special Events

* April  watch for date of spring/Easter events

* April 14 at 4:30 p.m.  Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children.

* April 14 at 7 p.m.  Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided.

* April 16 at 1 p.m.  Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King.

* April 16 at 1:30 p.m.  Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes?

* April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button.

* April 30 through May 3  Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults.

* May  sign up for Science in the Summer

* June  sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children

* June  sign up for Summer Reading, all ages

For adults at Blue Bell:

* Daytime Book Discussion Group  fourth Tuesday, Jan  April at 1:30 p.m.

* April 26  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Night-time Book Discussion Group  third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

o April 19  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges

o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked?

*Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs

* Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class.

* Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class.

* Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m.

* Giant Book Sale, April 29  May 3

o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults!

o Held during library hours.

o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m.

o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join.

* Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series

o May 11 at 1 p.m.  Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society

* Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room.

* Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read.

* Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome.

* Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome.

*Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older.

* Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours

* Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours

* Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday!

Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library.

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* For adults:

* Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn.

* Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net

* Special Events:

* April 14 at 1:30 p.m.  Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian.

* April 19 at 7 p.m.  Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m.

* April 21 at 7 p.m.  Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades.

*May 2 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

*May 10  Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*May 12 at 1:30p.m.  Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.

*May 17  Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*June 13 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

Meetings and Lectures

The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833.

The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200.

The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/.

LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings.

Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org.

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org)

-Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them.

The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter.

For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps.

Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin.

Special Events

The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County.

The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065.

Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members.

Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex.

The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com.

The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348.

The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org.

Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163.

The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu.

The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com.

The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net.

Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages.

13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries.

Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family.

The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler.

JPRN  Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them  Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike.

Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.

Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately.

Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways.

Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table.

Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp  Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall:

-Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store.

Music and Theater

The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220.

Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html.

Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free.

The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org

Religious News

The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276.

Reunions

St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net.

Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572.

Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779.

Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net

Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net

The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411.

Support

New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149.

PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931.

The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296.

Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656.

Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group  every other Wednesday, 7  8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support  second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner  Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers  Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information.

CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7  8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich,
The History Museum of Burke County will welcome a special guest on Friday at 10 a.m., who will dive deep into the history of Fort San Juan.

Dr. Omar H. Ali, dean of the Lloyd International Honors College and professor of African-American and Latin-American history at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, will be the next featured speaker in the museums Coffee at the Museum series. Ali will speak on the topic, Resistance to 16th Century Iberian Expansion in the Carolinas: At the Intersection of Indian, Spanish and African Encounters. The presentation is free and refreshments will be served.

Ali is world-renowned for his expertise in these areas of history, particularly in global and comparative African Diaspora history, according to his biography. He is the author of five books on African and Islamic history and has written numerous contributions to other books, scholarly journals and papers.

He has spoken about history on a variety of national news media, including CNN, CSPAN, NPR, PBS, Al Jazeera, Black Network Television and Huffpost Live, and was a featured TEDx speaker on the subject, Race: A Function of Power.

His biography includes a long list of awards, fellowships and honors he has received during his career, most recently being named the North Carolina Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

His academic positions include a year working as a Library Scholar at the David Rockefeller Center for Latin-American Studies at Harvard University, and another year as a Fulbright Visiting Professor at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia at Bogota. He also holds an appointment with the French Ministry of Education as inspector of the International Baccalaureate in History and Geography in the U.S., France, South Africa, China and Ireland.

Ali said he has found the history of the local archeological site of 16th century Fort San Juan to be a particular point of interest in his research.

The archaeological findings of the Fort San Juan offer us an opportunity to understand anew the resistance and role of Native Americans in pushing back on Iberian expansion in the Carolinas, Ali said. Locating the story of Spanish efforts to gain a foothold in the area of Burke County within a larger, hemispheric understanding of Indian and African resistance to Iberian imperial expansion, provides a local view into the vital role that the country played in the larger struggles and movements of people across the Americas.

For more information on the Coffee at the Museum series, contact the museum at 828-437-1777.

Tammie Gercken can be reached at tgercken@morganton.com.
Catawba Brewing celebrates the 20th anniversary of their award-winning spiced pumpkin ale recipe, with the release of King Dons Pumpkin Ale on Friday, Sept. 15. This seasonal favorite traces its roots to the old Cottonwood Brewery in Boone, N.C., where head brewer, Don Richardson, perfected his pumpkin ale in 1997.

A few years later after Cottonwood had sold, Don generously agreed to lend his pumpkin beer recipe to his good friend, Scott Pyatt, co-owner of Catawba Brewing. Cottonwood has since gone on to open Quest Brewing in Greenville, S.C. Meanwhile, Catawba has continued to faithfully reproduce his recipe as an annual limited release since 2001, under the King Dons name to honor its original brewer.

King Dons Pumpkin Ale (5.5 percent ABV) is deep amber in color, and uses five separate barley varieties, fresh pumpkin, and an assortment of spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, clove, nutmeg) to create its complex flavor profile. Find it in Catawbas four tasting rooms, and in 5-state distribution  on draft and in new full-color 6-pack cans.

SMALL BATCH:

On Thursday, Sept. 14, Catawba taps a Marzen Lager (5.3 percent ABV). Brewed as a fundraiser for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, Catawba will donate $1 from each pint sold. The beer highlights its European malt bill  Munich, Pilsen, and Vienna  lending deep amber color and rich flavor notes of toffee and lightly toasted bread. It finishes clean and well-balanced with a touch of Noble hop bitterness.

Marzen is Passport Beer No. 37 in Catawbas 2017 Small Batch rewards program. Brewed in their Asheville South Slope brewhouse, the beer is available in Catawbas four tasting rooms, and in limited distribution. This is the second of three consecutive German-style beer releases leading up to the Catawba Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 30.

About Catawba Brewing Company:

Founded in 1999 by the Pyatt family, natives of Western North Carolina, Catawba Brewing operates a main production facility in downtown Morganton, NC at 212 S. Green St; a boutique brewery/tasting room in downtown Asheville, NC at 32 Banks Ave; a tasting room in Ashevilles Biltmore Village at 63 Brook St.; and a new Catawba brewery/tasting room in Charlotte's Plaza Midwood neighborhood at 933 Louise Ave. Catawba beers can be found in NC, SC, TN, AL, and now in GA. Find us at www.catawbabrewing.com
LINCOLNTON  A Valdese man was among six people arrested by undercover police for attempting to meet a child for sex.

Robert Richard Quigg, who is already a registered sex offender, was arrested and charged by Lincolnton police with two counts of soliciting a minor for sex and appearing.

The arrest occurred during a two-month-long undercover operation, according to a Lincolnton Police Department press release. As of Sept. 8, six arrests had been made.

The operation included detectives pretending to be children on social media, the release said. The detectives messaged back and forth with the alleged offenders, which led to an agreement to meet in Lincolnton for sex.

The men all arrived at a pre-determined location to meet the child and were arrested without incident, the release said.

Each offender received one count of soliciting a child for an unlawful sex act by computer, the release said. The suspects then received additional charges depending on their situation.

Each of the offenders were transported to a magistrates office, where they were given a secured bond. Quiqqs bond was set at $100,000, the release said.

The Lincolnton Police Department will continue to go after child predators, the release said. All available resources will be utilized in an effort to deter and arrest anyone who solicits a child for sex or exploits children for obscene photos or videos.

Other people arrested in the operation were Loy Everette Huckle, of Dallas; Devin Cole Mayberry, of Statesville; Timothy Harold Purkey, of Newton; Michael Lee Williams, of Polkton; and James Frederick Turner, of Charlotte.

Parents are strongly encouraged to go through each follower and friend on their childs social media account and make sure your child knows them, the release said. If not, that person needs to be deleted. Parents must also be extremely cautious of fake and cloned profiles of people on social media.

The release also warns that the apps Snapchat and KiK are among the most frequently used by sexual predators because of self-destructing messages. Snapchats new Snap Map feature also allows users locations to be made public if the user allows.

Predators are even using video game systems to seek out victims, the release said. They also are known to blackmail children into sending more photos once they send an initial photo.

There are no boundaries and absolutely no walls or borders protecting our kids, the release said. This is a massive epidemic that is sweeping our country and our county due to the power of the internet and social media.

LPD is asking anyone with information about sexual predators to call the department at 704-736-8900 or the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Crimestoppers at 704-736-8909.

The Burke County Sheriffs Office also encourages people to submit tips by calling its office at 828-438-5500 or Morganton-Burke Crimestoppers at 828-437-3333. All tips in Lincoln and Burke counties are anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

The case is still active, and additional charges are possible, the release said.
Neil Macker: Despite Netflix (NFLX) blowing away its subscriber growth guidance in the second quarter, our long-term thesis remains in place, and we still see the shares as meaningfully overvalued.

Management has attributed the subscriber outperformance to excitement around original content, and it appears that the large slate of originals released in the quarter helped build subscriber interest. However, these original shows come at a cost as the firm continues to burn cash at a faster pace with a free cash flow loss of over $1 billion in the first half of 2017 versus a loss of over $500 million in the first half of 2016.

Looking ahead, we expect net new subscribers in the U.S. to decline by 18% a year from 2018 to 2021, but our projections (and consensus) may prove to be optimistic. Netflix will need to continue to ramp up its investment in original content at the expense of acquired content, possibly increasing pressure on margins and free cash flow.

All in, we're retaining our narrow moat rating and $73 per share fair value estimate.
Two significant pieces of news will have attracted the attention of investors in the renewable energy sector this week.

Firstly, on Monday, the price of offshore wind generation dropped below the price of nuclear power for the first time. The news came after an announcement that Denmarks Dong Energy has won a contract to build the worlds biggest windfarm off the coast of Yorkshire, England. The price guaranteed for the Hornsea 2 Project was confirmed at 57.50 per megawatt hour, significantly below that of under-construction nuclear plant Hinkley Point.

UK investors wanting direct access to wind power have a few choices among UK-listed companies  FTSE 100 energy firm BP (BP), which has a three-star Morningstar equity analyst rating, meaning it is fairly valued, does have wind farm assets, but they are based in the United States. Four-star rated British Gas-owner Centrica (CNA) sold its remaining stakes in wind power generation assets at the start of this year, although it remains a purchaser of renewable energy power. Four stars indicates that equity analysts believe it is currently trading below fair value. Similarly rated Amec Foster Wheeler (AMFW) provides engineering support to renewable energy firms through its Amec Wind division. Shell (RDSB) also has a renewable energy division, with wind power assets in the US and the Netherlands. For the UK investor, there are a range of open-ended and closed-ended funds that have exposure to Dong Energy. These include income, European and renewable energy funds. Dong makes up just under 1% of the four-star rated Fidelity Global Situations, which has a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Silver. Newton Continental European Fund has Dong Energy as 2% of its holdings. The fund also has a Morningstar Sustainability Rating of four globes, meaning it scores above average on environmental, social and governance grounds. Dong makes up more than 3% of Legal & General Real Income Builder. Other income funds backing the stock include Omnis Multi-Asset Income Fund and Newton Multi-Asset Income Fund Of the investment trusts, Witan (WTAN)  with a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Silver  holds a stake in Dong. As does Jupiter Green (JCG), whose objective is to to generate long-term capital growth through a diverse portfolio of companies providing environmental solutions.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 61F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy this evening with showers developing after midnight. Thunder possible. Low 53F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Whitney Lebron is a Reference Librarian at Mt. Pleasant Regional Library, 1133 Mathis Ferry Road, 843-849-6161. Shes a huge mystery genre fan and credits G. M. Malliets Max Tudor series for getting her back into reading in 2013. Along with writing Between the Stacks, Whitney also writes the Mount Pleasant Library Blog that can be viewed at http://mtplibrary.blogspot.com.
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The post-Harvey spike in gasoline prices is the biggest jump in fuel costs since Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans and much of the Southeast 12 years ago.

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is up about 33 cents, to $2.65, since the days before Harvey made landfall Aug. 25, AAA said. After Katrina the average price jumped 49 cents.

POST-HARVEY TRAFFIC: Closed roads and displaced commuters create congestion

In Texas, the increase is larger. Houston-area prices are up about 37 cents, to $2.47, while prices in Dallas ($2.71) and San Antonio have risen by 50 cents or more per gallon, according to data collected by GasBuddy.

Overall, fuel prices are at their costliest since the summer of 2015 more than two years ago.

"Every state has seen average gas prices rise. Texas saw shortages at hundreds of stations. It's been one of the most challenging weeks faced in years," said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. "Until Texas can recover from Harvey, gasoline prices will likely continue to remain elevated. The situation is beginning to look up, with many refineries either back online or in the process, and gasoline production is ramping back up."

RELATED: First Corpus Christi refinery back online amid Texas gasoline panic

The historic storm triggered fears of gasoline shortages in Texas and beyond. Gasoline hoarding exacerbated shortages, creating long lines and fuel scarcity in many areas.

Countless gas stations are still closed in the Houston area because they were damaged or can't replenish fuel supplies.

As Texas refineries work to restart, shortages will continue to plague the Southeast and mid-Atlantic, DeHaan said.

"While it may be weeks or longer before all refineries are back online," he said, "we now turn our attention to Hurricane Irma," the Category 5 hurricane bearing down on Puerto Rico.
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As cities all over the U.S. clamor to be the home of Amazon's new $5 billion campus, there are a few reasons why Texas might have an edge.

Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos has numerous ties to the Lone Star State.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Texans young and old have pulled together to help in what will be a long-term recovery. La Mesa Elementary staff and students wanted to take part in those recovery efforts and found a unique way to extend a helping hand.

The campus reached out to Magnolia Elementary in Magnolia -- a city within the Houston metropolitan area.

La Mesa Principal Vickie Young had become acquainted with Magnolia Elementary Principal Lettie Roman during a summer leadership conference at Harvard University a few years ago.

Young made a phone call to Roman to inquire how her campus could best support the recovery for the Magnolia school. Roman reported that the school building had suffered some leaks, but had received minimal damage following the hurricane. Her biggest concern was for the students whose families had suffered property losses due to flooding in the area.

Together, the two principals decided that collecting new packages of socks and underwear might be the best way the Plainview students could show support for the Magnolia families.

On Aug. 30, La Mesa excitedly launched their Sock it to Harvey Drive over social media. Notes were also sent home to parents explaining the drive.

Almost immediately, new packages of socks and underwear began to pour into the donation box not only from La Mesa families, but from members of the community who heard about the drive and wanted to participate.

In little more than a week, the campus had collected approximately 155 lbs. of new socks and underwear.

Young says thats when Larson International stepped in to help.

The company volunteered to re-pack the items into heavy-duty boxes for shipping and offered to pay the shipping costs.

The boxes were packed on Tuesday, supplemented with notes of encouragement from the La Mesa students, and are now on their way to the Magnolia school.

The successful campaign to Sock it to Harvey was not only a great way to support those in need, but also a good lesson in philanthropy for the Plainview students.
Police investigating a reported burglary of a building in the 1200 block of West Fifth Street discovered that property at that location had been vandalized. Damage is estimated between $100 and $2,500. The incident occurred between 6 p.m. Monday and 8:20 a.m. Tuesday.

--A 19-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Wednesday on bonds totaling $400 on active municipal warrants for consumption of alcohol by a minor and bail jumping/failure to appear. He was arrested about 3 p.m. Tuesday in the 200 block of East Roselawn.
Northrop Grumman Corp. is expanding its presence in San Antonio with new office space to house an expanded team focused on its cybersecurity work for the Air Force.

The defense contractor said Tuesday it has signed a 5-year lease with Port San Antonio to occupy 7,700 square feet at the port on Billy Mitchell Boulevard, deliberately situated close to its customer.

An expanded team of employees working exclusively on military cyber programs will use the space, Northrop Grumman said. Its work in San Antonio includes a contract it won earlier this year to develop the Air Forces Cyber Mission Platform, which is part of a three-year task order that has a potential value of about $37 million, according to the announcement.

Dedicated to supporting the Air Forces cyber mission needs, this new space features a cyber integration lab that will enhance collaboration and leverage expertise from across Northrop Grumman to generate technology solutions quickly and affordably, said Bobby Lentz, vice president of global cyber solutions at Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman won in 2014 the original contract to develop the platform, and announced last week it had won the recompete. The company was awarded a contract with a $9.4 million one-year base period. The task order could be worth up to about $37 million if it extends for three years, according to the announcement.

Through the platform the Air Force will be able to manage and operate its cyber tools and weapons, the contractor said in the announcement.

The new space at the port includes the cyber integration lab, a user experience capability to enhance process improvements and workflow, warehouse and meeting space, and production facilities, according to the announcement. In San Antonio Northrop Grumman has 35 employees who work on other cyber programs and missile defense, said spokeswoman Marynoele Benson via email.

Eight of those have been dedicated to work on the cyber mission platform, Benson said, but the company expects to hire to grow that number.

San Antonio offers an exceptional talent pool, as well as opportunities to expand partnerships with local small business, Lentz said in the announcement.

sehlinger@express-news.net

Twitter: @samehlinger
Most San Antonio gas stations now have fuel, but drivers arent traveling smooth roads yet  the supply disruptions linked to Hurricane Harvey continue to limit the types of gasoline for sale.

Many pumps around the city are operating, but only with regular gasoline. Some stations still have homemade sold out paper signs covering the midgrade and premium options.

Its nothing personal, luxury-car drivers.

Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for gas price tracker GasBuddy, said that because the majority of gasoline purchased by customers is lower-octane regular fuel, the midgrade and premium grades are getting a little neglected.

Refiners are trying to get regular gasoline  the most popular  to stations as fast as possible because there still are stations without any fuel of any kind.

In the San Antonio metro area  which includes Bexar County and the surrounding six counties  21 percent of gas stations reportedly remained without fuel Tuesday, DeHaan said.

That compared to metro area fuel outages of 17 percent in Austin, 10 percent in Dallas and Houston, and 7 percent in Corpus Christi. Statewide, 6.5 percent of gas stations were out of fuel.

It wasnt immediately clear why San Antonio had a higher rate.

DeHaan said the extent of outages in San Antonio may explain why its taking longer to restore fuel supplies.

At its peak on Sept. 2, nine of 10 stations were out of gas, or at least 575 of the 630 gas stations within San Antonios city limits, according to the tracker, which is based off consumer-submitted data and isnt verified by GasBuddy.

Rodney Fischer, president of New Braunfels-based fuel wholesaler Midtex Oil, said his supplier, Shell, is focused on producing regular after the great hoardfest of last week emptied many gas stations.

When these refineries come online they are filling most of their product at their most consumed grade of fuel, Fischer said.

About 70 percent of what he sells is regular fuel. Midtex owns and operates 19 stores in and around New Braunfels, San Antonio and the Hill Country.

Jesus Azanza of the Texas Food and Fuel Association said premium fuels take longer to make because they require mixing of other materials to raise their octane.

The bulk of a gas stations fuel volume (how much it sells) is targeted toward drivers of vehicles that use regular gasoline, Azanza said in an email.

In June, 82 percent of the 25.6 million gallons of motor gasoline sold daily in the U.S. was regular gasoline, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Theres a light at the end of the tunnel for San Antonio area drivers, though.

On a Tuesday morning conference call, Fischer said Shell told wholesalers that it hopes the fuel situation will look pretty close to normal to the public by the end of the week. Fischer said Shell added that behind the scenes there still could be some issues for wholesalers like him.

Thats an improvement from previous calls when Fischer was told resupply dates were unknown.

On the North Side, Naveed Muhammad, who owns an Exxon franchise, said Monday marked his first shipment of premium fuel in a week. Muhammad blamed Harvey-related refinery and pipeline shutdowns and damage inspections for continuing to hobble fuel shipments.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, a real, but relatively minor, supply issue was exacerbated by worried drivers buying 21/2 times the usual amount of gasoline in San Antonio.

The trouble all started when refineries pre-emptively shut down in Corpus Christi before Harvey made landfall as a Category 4 storm Aug. 25. More refineries in Houston, Beaumont and Port Arthur followed suit.

At one point more, than 20 percent of total U.S. refining capacity was taken offline. Texas pipelines bringing fuel inland from the coast also were shut down, further cutting supply.

Gas stations began depleting distribution terminals. Some stations in South and West Texas ran out of gas entirely.

Refiners have been trying to restart their plants. Industry research firm IHS Markit expects the amount of offline refining capacity to fall to around 10 percent by next week.

The EIA estimated that in September, U.S. crude oil refineries will process an average of 15.3 million barrels per day, down from an average of 17.1 million barrels per day in August.

Drivers also have been paying more at the pump.

On Tuesday, the EIA said that national average gas prices for regular, at $2.69 a gallon, were the highest since August 2015.

AAA said on Monday that national gas prices appeared to be leveling off at $2.67 for a gallon of regular, just 3 cents higher than a week before. AAA Texas Sarah Schimmer said Tuesday that San Antonios price had leveled at $2.53 a gallon from a week prior.

And for now, drivers with cars that take premium gasoline may have to settle for filling up with regular, which wont damage a finely-tuned engine, at least not for a few months, experts said.

High-performance engines may not like low-octane fuel, but the engines computer can adjust how it uses the fuel and risks little chance of damage.

An earlier version of this article had incorrect information about higher octane fuels. Higher octane levels allow higher-grade fuels to be compressed at higher rates than regular gasoline.

rdruzin@express-news.net
Seadrill Ltd., the offshore driller controlled by billionaire John Fredriksen, filed for bankruptcy protection after working out a deal with almost all its senior lenders to inject $1 billion of new money into the company.

Under the proposal, lenders will extend the maturity on $5.7 billion in debt, with no amortization payments due until 2020. Should lower-ranking creditors join the proposal, $2.3 billion in unsecured bonds would be converted into a 15 percent stake in the company, Seadrill said in a statement.

The deal gives us a great liquidity cushion, allowing Seadrill to survive the mother of all downturns, Chief Executive Officer Anton Dibowitz said by phone. The new capital is underpinned by top shareholder Hemen Holding Ltd. and more than 40 percent of bondholders support the plan along with 97 percent of Seadrills secured bank lenders, he said. Dibowitz expects more bondholders to sign up to the deal.

RELATED: Little optimism offshore

Fredriksen spent more than 18 months trying to strike an agreement with creditors to restructure the industrys biggest debt-load after crudes collapse curbed demand for Seadrills services. Earlier this year the company gave itself a deadline of Sept. 12 to file a Chapter 11 reorganization case in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, just three days before $843 million of bonds mature.

Deal Structure

The new $1 billion investment will comprise $860 million in secured notes and $200 million in equity, and shareholders will receive about 2 percent of the post-restructured equity, according to the statement. Seadrill expects to emerge from Chapter 11 in six to nine months, Dibowitz said.

The shares whipsawed in Oslo on Wednesday, swinging between a 14 percent gain and a 20 percent loss before trading down 0.6 percent at 12:38 p.m. local time. More stock traded in the first 15 minutes than on an entire average day during the previous three months.

RELATED: Transocean acquiring Songa Offshore

The company said hedge fund Centerbridge Partners is investing in the restructuring deal, confirming a Bloomberg News report last week that Fredriksen and Centerbridge were in talks. Aristeia Capital and Man Group Plcs GLG unit as well as Saba Capital LP, Whitebox Advisors, ARCM and Fintech are also investing in the new secured notes and equity, Dibowitz said.

Current shareholders may end up with as little as 3 to 4 cents a share, while unsecured bondholders may see a direct recovery for unsecured claims of about 6 percent if they dont participate in new secured debt, analysts at Clarksons Platou Securities AS wrote in a note.

We see significant risk of the final words not being said yet and the Chapter 11 process might be a long and painful process, the analysts said.

The companys Chapter 11 petition Tuesday said that Seadrill had struck two deals to help it reorganize under court protection: a restructuring support agreement and an investment agreement. The initial court filing didnt include details about either deal. Seadrill doesnt envision asset sales as part of the restructuring plan, Dibowitz said.

The company must get court permission to sign the lender proposal, which will then be incorporated into a reorganization plan that will go to creditors for a vote. The judge will take that vote into consideration before deciding whether to approve the plan.

Court Petition

The company listed a range of $10 billion to $50 billion in debt and assets in its petition, which was filed in federal court in Victoria, Texas. Deutsche Bank Trust Co. was listed as the companys biggest unsecured creditor with bond debt totaling $1.74 billion.

Samsung Heavy Industries Co. said Wednesday it has been in discussions with Seadrill on delaying deliveries of two vessels. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. said it already set aside provisions for possible losses on its order of two drillships and isnt concerned about additional losses arising from the latest development. Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. said it doesnt have any outstanding orders with Seadrill.

Should the plan be implemented successfully, we consider it to be good for Seadrill as an operating company, analysts at DNB ASA wrote in a note. The plan seems to give Seadrill a solid liquidity runway and improved visibility, which we believe could help it win more contracts going forward.

Seadrill has hired Kirkland & Ellis LLP as its bankruptcy law firm, Houlihan Lokey Inc. as financial adviser, and Alvarez & Marsal as restructuring adviser.

The case is In re: Seadrill Americas, Inc., 17-60077, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas (Victoria).

--With assistance from Luca Casiraghi

To contact the reporters on this story: Steven Church in Wilmington, Delaware at schurch3@bloomberg.net, Mikael Holter in Oslo at mholter2@bloomberg.net, Angelina Rascouet in London at arascouet1@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editors responsible for this story: James Herron at jherron9@bloomberg.net, Amanda Jordan

2017 Bloomberg L.P.
TRUMBULL  After roughly six hours, the incident at the Royce at Trumbull apartment complex has been resolved Wednesday evening, police said.

Trumbull police were notified by another law enforcement agency that a woman was being held hostage inside one of the Royce apartments by a man who was armed with a weapon, Trumbull police Lt. Douglas Smith said at 7 p.m. Police checked the information provided and learned that the male was also a fugitive.

Police stressed that residents are not in danger in any way and that a fugitive is not on the loose in the area but were not able to elaborate further Thursday afternoon.

Smith said police were assisted by the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team and responded to the complex located on Old Town Road around 1 p.m. Police closed the complex and created a perimeter around the building. Nearby apartments in the complex were evacuated as a precaution, Smith said.

Police made numerous attempts to contact the apartments occupants but all attempts were unsuccessful, Smith said. The emergency response team gained entry to the unit around 5:30 p.m. and found the apartment unoccupied.

The lockdown at the apartment complex was lifted soon after and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, Smith said. Police are attempting to locate the unidentified woman who made the initial call to police to ensure her safety and well-being.

Bridgeport police and K9 units from Fairfield and Shelton police departments assisted Trumbull police with the situation.

As a result of the police activity nearby, Bridgeports Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Multi-Magnet High School was in lock-in/lock-out mode Wednesday afternoon due to police activity in the area, Bridgeport police spokesman Av Harris said.

City spokeswoman Rowena White said the school was put on lockdown as a precaution because a rear entrance/exit to the school is near the apartment complex on Old Town Road. Bridgeport police Chief Armando Perez said locking the school down was a precautionary procedure effort but that no one at the school was involved or in danger during the incident.

The school dismissed the children around 4:40 p.m. and closed for the day. This late dismissal caused delays in dismissals from other schools in the area, John Lischner, an assistant superintendent,said.

Bridgeport police cleared from the scene around 5 p.m., Perez said. He said the officers sent to assist helped with traffic control.

Staff writer Linda Conner Lambeck contributed to this report.
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NEW HAVEN >> It wasnt even close. Not by any measure.

Mayor Toni Harp secured the Democratic Partys nomination to seek a third term after handily defeating mayoral hopeful Marcus Paca during Tuesdays primary, according to preliminary election results.

Harps campaign claimed victory over Paca shortly before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, with Harps campaign polling figures showing a decisive 3-1 lead over Paca. The preliminary figures showed there was a roughly 19 percent voter turnout rate among active registered Democrats.

I am deeply grateful and honored for the faith you have in my experience, Harp told the large crowd celebrating her landslide victory.

The win moves Harp, 70, closer to continuing her historic run as the citys first female mayor. After spending 20 years in the General Assembly, Harp was first elected mayor in 2013 before easily winning reelection in 2015. Tuesdays win means the two-term incumbent will represent the Democratic Party during Novembers General Election. The ballot will include Pacas name after he successfully petitioned to appear on the ballot.

Harp addressed a boisterous crowd at Vanity on Temple Street, thanking her supporters, who she said was a crowd that, looked liked New Haven. She called for more unity in the city to ensure, our communities are thriving.

I want to thank the people of New Haven who took the time to come out to the polls despite the many responsibilities that you have throughout the day, Harp said. Im glad that you all rejected the disparaging characterization of our great city and our hard-working people.

During her campaign, Harp regularly touted her administrations success in addressing public safety in the city, attracting more development and improving graduation rates in city schools. Harp said Tuesday moving forward, she will continue focusing on developing projects like Downtown Crossing and Hill-To-Downtown. She added that she would like to continue improving schools, developing business and keeping New Haven a sanctuary city.

Together, we will build bridges, not walls, Harp said.

The two candidates were on the same block on Temple Street for their after-parties, but the turnout and atmosphere was striking with a packed crowd at Vanity Bar and only a handful at Ah-Beetz as they waited almost two hours for Paca to arrive.

Harp faced a spirited primary challenge from New Haven native Marcus Paca, a former one-term alder and city labor relations director, who was hired, and later fired, by Harp.

The candidates recently had a raucous debate at which Harp accused Paca of being incompetent as her labor director and generally criticized his work record. Paca said it was another example of the mayor exercising character assassination.

The candidates thrashed out different positions on economic development, taxing Yale New Haven Hospital, affordable housing, hiring qualifications, the homeless, sanctuary cities and gentrification.

Paca had hoped for a major upset to earn the Democratic Partys mayoral nomination for Novembers general election. Harp earned the partys nomination in July.

On Tuesday night, Paca said he is going to give himself a few days to absorb the loss, but said he is leaning toward running in the general election.

He said he was disappointed that Tuesdays turnout was abysmal.

We as Democrats have to find a new way to engage voters, Paca said. Obviously, the vast number of Democrats dont feel that our elections are worth coming out to vote for.

The first-time candidate said he would expect to pick up votes from independents and Republicans in the general election.

I think I can make up a tremendous amount of ground in the next two months, he predicted.

He blamed the huge gap in the vote on mitigating circumstances, but he didnt go into specifics.

Paca congratulated Harp on her win.

She took the Democratic machine and she used it to her advantage. A win is a win. I dont take that away from her, but I have to believe that the vast amount of New Haveners, from what I have seen, want a change in leadership.

Waiting at the bar for Paca at Ah-Beetz, just after 8 p.m., with three other voters, was Patricia Kane.

I think it was a good debut, she said of Pacas showing.

Bill Saunders said people are in shell shock from the last election, referring to the presidential results.

Ed Joyner, who is an elected member of the Board of Education, said it is really hard to beat an incumbent.

Given the low turnout, there are a lot of people out there who have not expressed their opinions. What I found around the city is people are not well informed, Joyner said.

It is sad. Most people are only concerned with one or two issues, he said.

The polls opened with a level of 11th-hour intrigue when, less than 12 hours earlier, news broke that Alexion Pharmaceuticals, which had opened a $100 million, 14-story headquarters in the city last year, was moving its headquarters to Boston.

The announcement on Alexion had left political observers, even inside the Harp administration, wondering whether the timing of the announcement might provide a boost for Paca.

We absolutely have taken note, Paca field worker Kelly Moore said Tuesday morning. She said that Harp has more than once mentioned Alexion as a example of her administrations work to create jobs.

Tuesday night, as final vote tallies were coming in, it became clear that the Alexion announcement didnt sway many  if any  undecided voters.

James Staggers Jr., father of former Ward 30 Alder Carlton Staggers, said early Tuesday that he cast his vote for Harp, but he had a prediction. Its going to be closer than people think it is, but shes going to win, he said.

A lot of people like (Paca). Ive talked to a lot of people in the city and a lot of people like him, Staggers said.

Harp, who was first elected in November 2013 and re-elected in 2015, had raised more than $85,000 for this primary campaign, far more than Paca, who had $37,415 to work with, $19,040 of which came from New Haven Democracy Fund.

Before serving as New Havens first female mayor, Harp spent more than 20 years as a state senator representing New Haven.

The latest available figures from the citys Registrar of Voters office indicate there are 38,031 active registered Democratic voters. They represent a majority of the 55,467 registered voters, which include 14,557 unaffiliated voters and 2,365 Republican voters.
WACO -- The Texas Farm Bureaus Agriculture Research and Education Foundation today announced it has received a donation of $50,000 from CoBank and Farm Credit Bank of Texas to aid the states farmers and ranchers as they work to recover and rebuild following Hurricane Harvey.

Homes, crops and livestock were devastated by high winds and flooding throughout the state, impacting both lives and livelihoods. In response, Texas Farm Bureau established a relief fund specifically to support agricultural producers. One hundred percent of donations made to the fund will be dispersed directly to farmers and ranchers located in the counties that have been designated as disaster areas by the federal government for this event.
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Port Arthur residents looking for temporary shelter are still in limbo, after barges that Mayor Derrick Freeman announced would house up to 600 displaced people failed Coast Guard inspections.

The barges, which were located in Houma, Louisiana, had broken guardrails and "all kinds of safety violations," Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick said Thursday.

Port Arthur spokeswoman Risa Carpenter said the city is "working with all of our local, federal and state partners trying to find the most agreeable solutions," but said she couldn't provide details.

Branick said he was told FEMA is now considering two locations in Port Arthur for temporary housing, but said the process is "fluid" and could change.

As an example, on Thursday morning, he said Ford Park was an option.

By Thursday afternoon, the entertainment complex on Interstate 10 in Beaumont was off the table.

Freeman, who did not respond to requests for comment, said in a Facebook post Wednesday night that about 270 people are still sheltered at Thomas Jefferson Middle School.

In a post on the Port Arthur ISD website on Monday, Superintendent Mark Porterie said the evacuees will be moved from the school before classes begin on Monday.

"It wasn't a permanent fix, it was temporary," he said of the shelter.

Another 300 residents are in Dallas, San Antonio and Garland, Freeman said. He estimated that another 250 or more have been displaced since they were evicted from their apartments after the storm.

Freeman estimated that more than 4,000 people are sheltering in their homes.

Branick said Wednesday that local city and county officials were expecting to receive information on housing options from FEMA to determine the best fit for each municipality.

FEMA received almost 100,000 disaster assistance registrations from Jefferson, Hardin, Orange, Jasper, Newton and Tyler counties as of Tuesday. More than half were from Jefferson County, and about one-quarter from Orange County.

Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas expects to seek more than $50 billion in federal housing funding after Harvey, The Associated Press reported.

Abbott said at a news conference Thursday that those displaced by the storm can seek help via community development grants covering long-term housing needs as well as temporary costs while waiting for their homes to be repaired.

The governor said he's been told by the White House and members of Congress that as many as three more federal aid packages for Harvey victims may be approved before the end of the year. Congress already passed $15.3 billion for initial Harvey recovery.

Abbott said nearly 4,000 Texas homes and other facilities still don't have power after Harvey, which killed more than 70 people.

LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com

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Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media

NORWALK  Police ordered a brief lockout at Brookside School and Brien McMahon High School on Wednesday afternoon as they set up a perimeter to search for a drug sales suspect that fled police.

The lockout at Brien McMahon was about five minutes, a student told Hearst Connecticut Media about 1 p.m.
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An Alameda County judge tossed out criminal charges on Wednesday against a former Oakland police officer at the center of a police sex-abuse scandal.

The former officer, Brian Bunton, 41, was charged with obstruction of justice and engaging in prostitution stemming from his alleged encounters with the now 20-year-old Richmond woman formerly known as Celeste Guap.

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Jon Rolefson dismissed the charges Wednesday, saying there was insufficient evidence to show Bunton exchanged anything for sex.

The outcome of todays hearing is very disappointing, said Teresa Drenick, a spokeswoman for the Alameda County district attorneys office. We firmly stand behind the criminal charges that we filed and wholeheartedly believe that the evidence supports the charges.

The woman  who now uses her true first name, Jasmine  had testified at a preliminary hearing in May that she and Bunton engaged in sex acts and that he warned her about an undercover prostitution sting.

During the hearing, Judge Thomas Rogers ordered Bunton to stand trial, saying he acted like a pimp in his encounters with the teen.

In one liaison in March of 2016, Bunton texted Jasmine where undercover officers would be busting prostitutes that weekend. The Oakland Police Department, though, concluded there had been no such operation, according to testimony during the hearing.

What Bunton said from the beginning is while he obviously made some extremely bad decisions and some bad judgments, no criminal conduct occurred, said Buntons attorney, Dirk Manoukian. He was off duty and there was no agreement to exchange anything of value for any act.

The reason Bunton made up the story about the sting was to keep Jasmine off the streets, Manoukian said.

Jasmine  the daughter of an Oakland police dispatcher  said other officers told her that Bunton was part of a club of cops who gossiped about having sex with her.

She told The Chronicle that she had sex with 29 law-enforcement officers from around the Bay Area. Some of the encounters started before she was 18, and officers would occasionally pay her or tip her off about police operations, she said.

The scandal was first revealed when Oakland Police Officer Brendan OBrien left a note detailing Jasmines sexual relationships with officers before he killed himself in 2015.

The revelation prompted a wide-ranging sexual misconduct investigation into the Oakland Police Department and other jurisdictions. Twelve Oakland officers were disciplined and four  including Bunton  were among the six Bay Area officers criminally charged.

The city of Oakland agreed to pay Jasmine about $1 million to settle a lawsuit against the city stemming from the scandal. She has filed a similar suit against Richmond and legal claims  precursors to lawsuits  against Livermore and San Francisco police along with the Alameda and Contra Costa county sheriffs offices.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
Students lose nearly half of the college credits they earn transferring from one school to another, placing them at risk of exhausting federal grants and loans to repeat courses, according to the Government Accountability Office.

To save money, some students start at low-cost community colleges before heading to a university to complete their bachelor's degree. They are often frustrated to learn that the math or science courses they took do not meet the standards of their new school, where they must now enroll in classes they've already completed. That means more money and more time before they can graduate.

Using the most recent available data from the Education Department, researchers at the GAO estimate that students who transferred from 2004 to 2009 lost on average 43 percent of their credits. Two thirds of those transfer students had federal loans and almost half received Pell grants - aid for students whose families typically earn less than $60,000 a year. Both forms of student aid have eligibility limits based on lifetime use or program length, 12 semesters for Pell and six years for direct loans.

"Students who lose credits may use more financial aid to pay for repeated courses at additional cost to the federal government, or they may exhaust their financial aid eligibility, which can result in additional out-of-pocket costs," the GAO said in a report released Wednesday.

At the very least, researchers at the GAO say schools should be more transparent about their transfer policies. Many public universities have what's known as articulation agreements with local community or regional colleges that make it easier for students to transfer credits. While the Education Department requires schools to post basic information about transferring on their websites, the agency stops short of making schools disclose articulation agreements online. Some schools list the schools they partner with, but nearly a third of the colleges the GAO reviewed did not.

In a letter responding to the GAO report, Acting Assistant Secretary Kathleen Smith said placing special emphasis on articulation agreements could "seriously mislead students" because the lack of such partnerships is not a true measure of whether credits will transfer.

"A community college could have articulation agreements with a number of local four year colleges; but there could be many other colleges that will accept most, if not all, of the credits earned by students at the community college," she wrote. "A student who sees the few schools with articulation agreements listed on the school's website will think that he/she will not be able to transfer credits to any other school."

Smith did agree, however, that the Education Department must do more to provide students and their families with general transfer information, as recommended by the GAO. She said the Office of Federal Student Aid will flesh out the information provided on StudentAid.gov.

Even with transfer agreements between schools, students have no guarantee of a smooth transition. A National Student Clearinghouse Research Center study of students who entered community college in 2007 found that only 42 percent of those who transferred earned a bachelor's degree within six years of starting school. The results also varied by state and income level, with just a third of low-income community college students earning four-year degrees.

Several state higher education systems, including those in Tennessee, North Carolina and Texas, are using innovative strategies to streamline the transfer process. The University of California system, for instance, has "guided pathways" that chart the sequence of courses needed to transfer. Some schools, such as George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, offer dual enrollment for some majors.

While the GAO noted difficulties in transferring course credits across the higher education landscape, the problem was most acute for students coming out of for-profit colleges. Students who moved from private for-profit colleges to public schools lost an estimated 94 percent of their credits, while those moving between public colleges - the largest population of transfers - lost roughly 37 percent of their credits, according to the report.

The closure of for-profit colleges ITT Technical Institutes and Corinthian Colleges exposed the challenges students face in trying to get public and nonprofit private colleges to accept their credits. In the days following ITT's collapse, the Education Department pleaded with community colleges to welcome the school's former students.

A part of the problem is for-profit schools are typically nationally accredited whereas public and private nonprofit colleges are regionally accredited, and prefer to accept credits from other regionally accredited schools, the GAO said. National accreditation is seen as less stringent than regional accreditation, and the coursework at career schools can be difficult to transfer because of the focus on vocational education.
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Just days after Montgomery County commissioners were told 26 trucks would be collecting debris, they voiced disappointment Tuesday over the amount of work accomplished following Hurricane Harvey.

The county has a contract with Alabama-based Crowder Gulf to pick up and manage the debris sites. The company specializes in debris removal following disasters.

Hurricane Harvey slammed the Texas Coast during the early morning hours of Aug. 26 before moving inland where it was downgraded to a tropical storm. Harvey dumped more than 30 inches of rain in Montgomery County, flooding a few thousand homes and forcing residents to seek safety from floodwaters.

According to Darren Hess, with the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the amount of debris in the county will surpass 50,000 cubic yards, which is how much debris was left following the Tax Day and Memorial Day floods combined. A cubic yard is about 27 cubic feet of debris.

During Friday's special Commissioners Court meeting, Hess said his office had identified sites to stage the debris for pick-up in each precinct. Once those sites are approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Hess added, they will be ready for the debris.

However, despite contractual obligations, Crowder Gulf was unable to secure crews for the work in Montgomery County after many left for Harris County to earn more money per load of debris.

Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack said Crowder Gulf needs to correct the situation.

"I have one truck from your company in Precinct 3; that is really underperforming your contract," Noack said. "The patience of this community is being tested. My men have been working seven to seven  doing your job, and that is really frustrating.

"I want to know when you are going to bring assets into this community. No more talking; when are you going to do it?"

Lyman Ramsey, vice president with Crowder Gulf, apologized for the situation and said that is why he is in town.

"I came out here last week to see what was going on; and by Thursday, I was very disappointed and made the decision to bring company assets of our own," Ramsey said. "I have never seen the level of greed, deceit and lies that have been told over the last week in this state by people.

"I have my own people coming in here to make sure we live up to the contract we have with you. I cannot apologize enough. I understand everybody's frustration. I'm embarrassed and as disappointed as I can be, and it has my family's name on it."

Ramsey said he is committed to honoring the contract with the county.

"We are making a change," he said. "Our focus is to continue to bring people to the table to get it done. I'm here until it is done."

Hess said he will meet with Crowder Gulf representatives each day to ensure an adequate number of trucks are responding in the county.

For more information about debris pick-up, visit www.mctxoem.org.
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Precious Armstrong and her family lived in the Tram Road area until Harvey allowed the uninvited Pine Island Bayou to move in.

The storm sent Armstrong, her husband, William, and their two little girls to hard-hit Houston, of all places to seek shelter.

Since Armstrong couldn't commute to her job in Beaumont with National Oil Well, the family has moved in with her mother locally until a better situation can be worked out.

That might be tough because FEMA originally left

Jefferson County off its emergency housing list. County Judge Jeff Branick spent Monday on the phone with state and federal officials to get the county listed.

Branick said he got a text at 5:44 a.m. Tuesday informing him that FEMA now recognized the county's critical housing shortage.

"They thought we had plenty of hotels and apartments," said Branick with just a bit of frustration.

"We did three weeks ago, but we don't now," he said.

Armstrong's home is covered by flood insurance - "Thank God," she said - but that's a longer-term fix.

Right now, along with thousands of others with flood-damaged homes, she needs temporary housing.

"I hope it'll be a place to stay, like a travel trailer on my property or an apartment, though they might be tough to come by," she said.

On Tuesday, Armstrong was out shopping for her 6-year-old daughter London's school supplies, which were lost in the flood. London starts school today at Legacy Christian Academy.

Also starting today at 7 a.m. is the FEMA disaster assistance center in the old Goodwill store space at Gateway Shopping Center, 3871 Stagg Drive.

The center will have staff there to help people register for disaster assistance or to check on their status if they already have registered at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Armstrong said she tried to apply online, but the website is overloaded and she can't get on yet.

FEMA figures show that 221,000 people from Texas have had requests for registration approved so far out of 708,000 requests, a figure expected to spike sharply upward in the coming days.

So far in Jefferson County, almost 59,000 people registered, with approvals of $12 million in assistance.

The figures from around the region show that urban areas were hit harder than rural counties, but figures from across the region are expected to climb once people are able to get back to their homes to assess damage.

"The disaster is still unfolding," said Deanna Frazier, spokeswoman for FEMA in Texas.

Generally, in disasters, FEMA opens registration for assistance for 60 days, but Texas doesn't even have a start date because people are still displaced, she said.

That means no cutoff date has been determined.

"We're looking at ways to provide long-term housing," she said.

Frazier said a decision on what to provide should be reached by the end of the week. That could be manufactured houses, travel trailers or rentals, if any apartments or undamaged homes can be found.

The main FEMA assistance program is the Individuals and Household assistance program. It offers repair assistance or addresses other critical needs displaced people might have.

In Jefferson County, which has about 81,000 single-family homes, an estimated 14,000 to 16,000 are flood-damaged, including 3,000 in unincorporated areas like Bevil Oaks, Northwest Forest, the China-Nome area, and Hamshire, Branick said.

Port Arthur is particularly hard-hit with about 7,000 homes flooded; Groves, 2,700; Port Neches, 572; Beaumont, 2,000.

Greg Fountain, the county emergency management coordinator, said less than one-fourth of single-family homeowners carried flood insurance.

Branick said one of the earliest efforts people will see is the STEP program, or Sheltered Temporary Electric Power.

That means contractors can get into homes and tear out flood damage and help make the places livable in the short term. That could take between one and two weeks to start up.

"It'll help make the house safe and healthy so people can shelter in place," he said.

Dan Wallach is a freelance writer.
GOFFSTOWN, N.H. - President Donald Trump's "election integrity" commission, a source of roiling controversy since its inception, convened here Tuesday amid fresh discord over an unfounded assertion by its vice chairman that the result of New Hampshire's Senate election last year "likely" changed due to voter fraud.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (R) largely defended an article published Friday in which he pointed to statistics showing that more than 6,000 people had voted in a close election here using out-of-state driver's licenses to prove their identity. He suggested that was evidence of people taking advantage of New Hampshire's same-day registration and heading to the Granite State to cast fraudulent votes.

New Hampshire only requires voters to state their "domicile," a looser standard than residency, and college students and others routinely vote without state-issued driver's licenses.

Kobach's article has been rebuked by election experts and among those who criticized his argument was New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner (D), a fellow commission member and host of Tuesday's meeting of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. After an organizational gathering in July, the panel is holding several meetings around the country.

Gardner said the distinction between residency and domicile requirements is complicated and is one that his state is working on. But Gardner defended the Senate election result as "real and valid" and said Kobach's article - which appeared in Breitbart, the publication led by Stephen Bannon, the recently ousted White House chief strategist - showed why the commission needs to be more careful about its assertions moving forward.

Gardner noted that Kobach said at the previous meeting there should be no "preordained" or "preconceived" notions about what the group will conclude after studying data and hearing from experts.

"That is something that we all need to stay focused on," Gardner said. "I hope we all learn from this."

Another Democrat on the commission, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, called Kobach's Breitbart piece "reckless" and said he shouldn't be comparing requirements for voting and obtaining driver's licenses. Doing so, he said, is "almost as absurd as saying if you have cash in your wallet that's proof that you robbed a bank."

Kobach told fellow commissioners Tuesday that he was still wrestling over his word choices and conceded there was no way to know for certain whether Democrat Maggie Hassan's election to the Senate was illegitimate.

"It's a very difficult issue to condense into a short article," Kobach said of his Breitbart piece.

The commission - which heard several hours of testimony Tuesday about voting trends, allegations of voter fraud and ways to manipulate electronic voting machines - was spawned from Trump's baseless claim that illegal voting cost him the popular vote in the November presidential election against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump named Vice President Mike Pence as chairman, but he has largely ceded leadership of the commission to Kobach, who has pursued cases of voter fraud in Kansas and is now running for governor.

Democrats in Washington have derided the commission as a waste of resources targeting a problem that is not remotely as prevalent as Trump has suggested.

During a floor speech in the Senate on Tuesday, Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., called the commission "a punishment in search of a transgression that never happened" and said its real purpose is to tamp down Democratic turnout in the future.

The commission faced widespread pushback from an initial request to states to obtain voter information, including from some Republican officials, who questioned its reach. And a federal judge last month tore into the commission for reneging on a promise to fully disclose public documents before its first public meeting.

Democratic senators have also voiced frustration that the commission has not responded to requests for information from lawmakers with oversight responsibilities. A letter Tuesday from Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., accused the commission of "failing to comply with standards set forth by the laws that govern presidential advisory commissions."

The latest controversy over Kobach's article emerged days before the scheduled meeting here at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.

In a statement issued Tuesday before the meeting, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., chastised Kobach for using "deceptive and irrelevant data to rehash the same false claims that have been debunked time and time again by independent analysis and by members of both parties in the Granite State."

"Granite Staters are not gullible or naive, and we do not appreciate those who impugn the integrity of our state's voting systems based on unsubstantiated accusations," she wrote.

Since Friday, Gardner - one of five Democrats on the 12-member commission - has faced calls to resign from the commission from fellow Democrats, including Shaheen.

At the outset of Tuesday's meeting, he said he considered it his civic duty to continue serving.

"New Hampshire people are not accustomed to walking away or stepping down from their civic duty, and I will not either," Gardner said.

Alan King, another Democrat on the commission, skipped Tuesday's meeting, citing a conflict. In a phone interview, King, a probate judge in Alabama, said he told Pence's staff that he would be unavailable for three days in September, including Tuesday.

"They've known this since July," King said. "But I get it. I'm just one person."

King, who has voiced strong skepticism about Trump's voter fraud claims, said he had heard a lot of "pushback" about his service on the commission but plans to continue participating "as of right now."

"As long as I believe I have a voice for truth I plan to continue to serve," he said. "But I have a serious question about whether differing views are welcome."

More than a dozen invited witnesses addressed the commission on Tuesday, including John Lott, an independent researcher and Fox News commentator, who argued that a background check system for gun purchases, could be used to screen new voters.

Lott said that the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) flags many of the same concerns that could disqualify voters. Democrats have praised the system, he said, and Republicans are eager to have tighter controls against voter fraud.

"It might be a solution that might please both sides," Lott said.

Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, also made a presentation to his fellow commissioners, detailing a database that he said showed 1,071 proven incidents of election fraud.

The value of the database has been disputed by the Brennan Center for Justice, a New York-based law and policy institute, which said in a recent analysis that it "substantially inflates and exaggerates the occurrence of voter fraud" and that most cases are more than five years old.

Commission members were greeted here Tuesday morning by several dozen protesters holding signs and chanting, "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Trump's sham commission has got to go."

Among those to address the group outside the college was Jason Kander, the former secretary of state of Missouri.

"This commission was formed to justify the biggest lie a sitting president has ever told," Kander said. "They should be ashamed of themselves."
Wolfgang Schaeuble can expect to be offered another term as German finance minister if Chancellor Angela Merkel wins re-election on Sept. 24, according to four people familiar with the government's deliberations.

Schaeuble has signaled his interest for the post and Merkel would be willing to pay a high political price to extend his tenure, the people said. All asked not to be named as no decision has yet been made and because Schaeuble's chances are likely to depend on coalition negotiations after the election.

With his hand on the purse strings of Europe's biggest economy since 2009, Schaeuble has become one of the continent's most divisive politicians, earning plaudits and criticism alike for his role as the dominant enforcer of fiscal discipline in the euro area. As a result of the strategic power the German treasury bestows, there's no other role in government Schaeuble would take, according one of those with knowledge of his thinking.

"Wolfgang Schaeuble is a heart-and-soul politician and a man with a sense of duty," said Hans-Peter Repnik, a former Christian Democratic Union lawmaker who has known Schaeuble since university times and talks with him regularly. If Merkel offered him a rerun as finance minister, "I do believe that you could count on him once again," Repnik said.

While all polls show Merkel's CDU-led bloc is on course to win the election, they point to a coalition government requiring compromises on policy and cabinet posts. The Finance Ministry declined to comment on Schaeuble's future.

Less than two weeks before the vote, Schaeuble's next move is the subject of intense speculation in Berlin given that it affects everything from possible debt-sharing in the euro area and relations with France to Merkel's domestic strength if she wins a fourth term. His sheer political longevity -- Schaeuble turns 75 next Monday, and has served 45 years as a lawmaker -- make his a European voice that commands investors' attention.

Reviled in parts of Europe during the debt crisis when he gained a reputation for an inflexible commitment to austerity, he nonetheless enjoys respect among his euro-area peers. If anything, he's now more contested at home, with two potential coalition partners -- the Social Democrats and the more hardline Free Democrats -- already staking claims to the finance post after the election.

Still, any prospective coalition partner that tried to wrest control of the ministry would have to put up a credible candidate as minister and Merkel wouldn't accept just anybody, said one of those with knowledge of the process. The chancellor has learned to rely on Schaeuble's loyalty, even on matters such as Greece where they differed, so it's in her interest to hold the post open for him, the person said.

The German election is being closely watched by Emmanuel Macron's administration for clues to the new government's emerging approach to France. As Macron seeks to team up with Germany to further integrate the 19-nation euro area and address some of the flaws that caused the currency's crisis, Schaeuble's fate is a key piece of the puzzle.

Of all possible candidates for the post, Schaeuble has the gravitas that would be required to sell policy shifts to his home audience in Germany, according to Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a senior fellow with the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.

"If Merkel would engage in a further integration of the euro zone, Schaeuble would be a strong ally in this debate," Kirkegaard said by phone. "With him on board, it would be easier for Merkel to strike a deal with Macron. Nobody in Germany has such a long track record of pro-European politics."

Eager to bolster Macron, Schaeuble and Merkel have been sending out signals to Paris, opening the door to a euro-area budget and an expansion of the euro area's crisis backstop, the European Stability Mechanism, into a European monetary fund. "We'll firmly grasp Macron's outstretched hand," Schaeuble said Sunday in a show of his ability to compromise.

Strengthening the French-German partnership as Brexit decimates the EU would be a fitting task for Schaeuble, who grew up in southern Germany's wine-making Baden region, across the Rhine river from France. His almost two decades in government include helping to negotiate German reunification in 1990 after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Yet he is also the man who dangled Greece out of the euro in 2015 during a showdown over its bailout. Greek Economy Minister Dimitri Papadimitriou called Schaeuble "dishonest" in June for denying his country debt relief, and Portugal's government angrily denied his assertion in 2016 that the country needed another aid program.

"His policy is a big factor in creating divisions between Europeans," Sigmar Gabriel, then head of Germany's Social Democratic Party and now foreign minister, said last year.

For France's loftier projects, it may not matter whether Schaeuble sticks around, said Erik Nielsen, chief economist at Unicredit in London.

"Macron's vision of a European finance minister and a budget can't happen without a treaty change -- and that will not happen in the short term or probably in the period where Schaeuble is around anyway," Nielsen said.

For the EU Commission, as well as for euro-zone countries like Greece, some policies would be made easier if he was replaced by someone more amenable to their point of view on matters such as the banking union. At the same time, they are aware that a Merkel-led coalition with the Free Democrats rather than the current "grand coalition" with the SPD could make life tougher, all the more so if Schaeuble was no longer at the finance ministry.

Even if Schaeuble takes a very rigid stand on austerity which Italy's government opposes, he remains pro-European and is someone whose door is always open, according to an Italian official who asked not to be named discussing political personalities at election time.

Merkel's goal of holding Europe together while fending off calls for joint euro-area debt are reason enough for her to keep Schaeuble, said his friend Repnik. "It would perhaps be the great challenge of a further term in office," one for which Schaeuble has the "required authority in European circles," he said.

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Bloomberg contributors: Esteban Duarte, John Follain, Viktoria Dendrinou, Helene Fouquet and Joao Lima
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Ukraine's deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, tossed out plenty of messages during her visit this week to Washington, stressing especially the need for sustained U.S. support for Ukraine's "fight against Russian aggression."

But she also had a very clear message for one Mikheil Saakashvili, the now-stateless former president of Georgia and governor of Odessa. Saakashvili was stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship this July while out of the country, and then forced his way back into Ukraine, without documents, on Sept. 10.

Misha, as he is known by millions, had previously sworn that he would get his day in court, insisting that Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had breached international law by rendering him stateless. Saakashvili lost his Georgian citizenship when he got a Ukrainian passport, and there was indeed immediate speculation from the international community as to whether Poroshenko and the Ukrainian government had acted illegally.

For Ukrainian authorities, though, the apparently guilty party is Saakashvili himself.

"I hope that everybody understands that he has violated [the] Ukrainian border and he has violated Ukrainian law by passing through the border without going through the border control," Klympush-Tsintsadze told Foreign Policy. "I would like to see law and the rule of law working in terms of sorting out this case."

Does that mean kicking him out of the country, or taking him to court?

"I think procedures are there to go [to] court in Ukraine. If he is not satisfied by the result, by the outcome, then he can get to European court on human rights and deal with the issue there."

Saakashvili's stateless anabasis comes amidst a war of words between the controversial Georgian and Ukraine's leaders.

"It is from his home, Ukraine, that Mikheil Saakashvili will continue the fight to regain his citizenship, which was cancelled in July by President Poroshenko, violating both Ukrainian and International law, making him a de facto 'stateless' person," read the statement released by Saakashvili's team after he returned to Ukraine.

Saakashvili himself took aim at Kiev, provocatively comparing its behavior in his case to the way Russia might handle human rights.

"The fact that so many different opposition leaders came in support yesterday shows that what happened to me goes further than just me, it is about Maidan's heritage, it is about what direction Ukraine is taking, whether it is the Russian violations of human rightsor the pro- European respectful of the rule of law," he said in the statement.

Klympush-Tsintsadze said she was "saddened by the fact that former President Saakashvili is not separating his personal agenda from the interest of my country, which I care for." She also noted that Saakashvili's lawyers did not appeal to Ukrainian courts to contest his loss of citizenship while he was out of the country.

"He did not choose to go by law. He's more focusing on the public affairs," Klympush-Tsintsadze said. "Which he's very good at."
President Donald Trump praised a long-shot Senate effort Wednesday to take another crack at eliminating the Affordable Care Act.

"I applaud the Senate for continuing to work toward a solution to relieve the disastrous Obamacare burden on the American people," Trump said in a statement issued by the White House.

He was referring to a proposal from Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina that would provide block grants to states for health care and eliminate many of the subsidies and requirements of the ACA.

"If you believe repealing and replacing Obamacare is a good idea, this is your best and only chance to make it happen because everything else has failed except this approach," the Associated Press quoted Graham as saying as he and Cassidy introduced the legislation Wednesday.

Trump has repeatedly blasted Senate Republicans, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in particular, for failing to finally "repeal and replace" the 2010 law this year, despite myriad promises to do so. The Cassidy-Graham bill faces obstacles including internal divisions among Republicans and a very short window before Congress plans to leave town.

"My Administration has consistently worked to enact legislation that repeals and replaces Obamacare, and that can pass the Senate and make it to my desk," Trump said.

He called the health-care law "a complete nightmare for the many Americans who have been devastated by its skyrocketing healthcare premiums and deductibles and canceled or shrinking plans," assertions that most Democrats and some Republicans dispute.

"As I have continued to say, inaction is not an option, and I sincerely hope that Senators Graham and Cassidy have found a way to address the Obamacare crisis," Trump said.
Whats the best way to handle failure? Feel the pain.

Thats right, instead of simply recalling past mistakes and thinking about how to prevent them, a recent study found that going through the emotional pain of failing is the best approach for correcting your mistakes and preventing future failures.

Related: 6 Proven Strategies to Rebound From Failure

Researchers from Ohio State, University of Kansas and Stanford conducted multiple experiments to uncover the most long-lasting and effective ways for people to deal with failures. They found that the pain failing causes has a more impactful effect compared to simply reflecting on a failure, which often does not involve thinking about ways to avoid similar mistakes.

In one experiment, the researchers asked 98 students to price search online for a blender. The person who found the lowest price would be deemed the winner and receive a cash prize. Before the winner was announced, half of the participants were instructed to focus on their emotions whether they won or lost, while the other half was told to focus on their thoughts over how they performed. In the end, the task was rigged, and all the students lost. The students were told to write down their experiences after each task.

Related: Learning From Failure Is What Makes Entrepreneurs Better Leaders

In the same experiment, to find out if the students had improved and learned from the failure, researchers gave the participants an opportunity at redemption. However, the researchers also wanted to see if students would make the same mistake completing a similar task vs. a completely different task.

While some students were still told to focus on their thoughts and others their emotions, this time, half the students were given another price-related task and told to look for the most inexpensive book to gift for a friend. The other half was given a new task to find any book they thought would be the best gift for a friend. As a result, the students completing the price-related task who were focused on their emotions spent 25 percent more time -- and hence, were more motivated -- searching for the lowest-priced book, compared to students focused on their thoughts. All of the students tasked with finding the best gift did not show any difference.

"When the participants focused on how bad they felt about failing the first time, they tried harder than others when they had another similar opportunity," explained Ohio State professor and study co-author Selin Malkoc. "But the situation has to be similar enough to trigger the pain of the initial failure."

To understand why students who simply thought about failure did not try to work harder to correct their mistakes, researchers found that those people were more protective of their egos. By looking at what they wrote down about the experience, most of their thoughts were excuses such as This wasnt my fault rather than self improvement-focused, for example, I can do better next time.

Related: 3 Ways to Make Your Next Failure a Learning Opportunity

In another experiment, researchers did not instruct participants on how to respond to failure -- it was up to them to take either the emotional or cognitive routes. By default, a majority of participants thought about failure, and these thoughts were again self-protective rather than self-improvement based.

"Emotional responses to failure can hurt. They make you feel bad. That's why people often choose to think self-protective thoughts after they make mistakes," Malkoc said. "But if you focus on how bad you feel, you're going to work harder to find a solution and make sure you don't make the same mistake again."

Related:

The Best Way to Improve from Failure Is to Feel the Pain

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An image posted to a Pentagon media site and tweeted by Scottish journalist Ian Keddie, shows the USS Jimmy Carter, a Seawolf-class nuclear-powered submarine, returning to her home port in Washington Tuesday flying the American flag alongside the unmistakable pirate skull and crossed bones, known as the Jolly Roger.

The 450-foot-long boat is one of three in its class and is specially modified to conduct some of America's most covert underwater operations. That fact alone - as Keddie points out - makes the appearance of the black and white flag significant.

The Jolly Roger's presence on the conning tower of submarines goes back to 1914, at the beginning of World War I, when a British submarine, HMS E-9, commanded by Lt. Cdr. Max Horton sunk the German Battle Cruiser Hela, according to Richard Compton-Hall in his book "Submarines at War 1939-45." Upon his return to port, Horton struck up the iconic pirate flag, signaling he had successfully sunk an enemy warship. As Horton's kills accumulated, he began denoting them by affixing bars to the flag.

Ali Kefford, in an article for the Mirror, said that Horton's decision to fly the black flag stemmed from insults made roughly 14 years before by British Adm. Arthur Wilson, the then-Controller of the Navy. Wilson said submarines were an "underhand form of attack" and that their crews would be "treated as pirates in wartime." Wilson went on to say that the undersea boats were "weapons of a weaker power and can be no possible use to the Mistress of the Seas."

At least one other submarine took up Horton's tradition during the Great War, according to Compton-Hall, but it didn't catch on in the Royal Navy until World War II.

In 1940, the submarine HMS Osiris, infiltrated the Adriatic Sea, a body of water that then-Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini said could not be penetrated. Once inside, the Osiris sunk the Italian destroyer Palestro. Upon its return to one of the British flotillas in the Mediterranean, the flotilla's commander signaled to the Osiris that the submarine would fly a special recognition following its successful mission and that the Osiris was "not to come alongside until the identity signal is showing," Compton-Hall wrote. A launch from the flotilla then delivered a package marked "JR" to the Osiris. Inside, was the iconic black and white pirate flag which the Osiris then proudly ran up its tower before reuniting with the flotilla. From then on, flotilla commanders awarded the Jolly Roger to submarines following their first successes. It was up to the signalmen aboard the underwater boats to ensure their flags were updated with the symbols that denoted their sinkings and patrols, according to Compton-Hall.

For the British subs operating out of Malta, flags were supplied by Carmela Cassar, a business executive who maintained a lace shop supplied by the city's surrounding convents, according to Compton-Hall. Her flags were 12 by 18 inches and "beautifully embroidered." When the submarines failed to return, her flags were sometimes all that remained.

While the tradition stayed mostly with the British submarine fleets, Compton-Hall writes that Allied submarines also occasionally flew the Jolly Roger. After World War II, the flag popped up sporadically, appearing on the Churchill-class HMS Conqueror upon its return from the Falkland Islands in 1982. During its deployment, the Conqueror sank an Argentine cruiser with two torpedoes.

So why did it a U.S. submarine return home flying an undoubtedly British tradition? Much is unclear. U.S. submarine activity is rarely discussed by the Pentagon, and the vessels operate in almost complete secrecy. While it's unlikely the Carter torpedoed an enemy ship or fired one of its cruise missiles, the flag could represent the success of a more covert mission. The Carter can insert commandos, deploy unmanned submersible vehicles, and likely splice undersea cables all while using specially outfitted thrusters to almost hover off the seafloor. One of the Seawolf class's namesake participated in the Cold War-era operation Ivy Bells that saw U.S. submarines tapping Soviet underwater communication lines.
A man sentenced to death for homicide 14 years ago was acquitted on Tuesday because of "insufficient evidence" after a retrial in Fujian province.

Miao Xinhua, 40, was convicted in 2004 of killing a woman in Ningde and then chopping up the body. Four of his relatives, including his father, were also jailed for supposedly helping to cover up the crime.

Yet judges at the Fujian High People's Court exonerated all five, saying the original verdict was based on "unclear facts and insufficient evidence".

Mao Lixin, the lawyer representing Miao, said his client's first task upon release will be to help his family arrange a funeral for his father, who died last year. He will also begin the process of applying for state compensation.

Police claimed at the first trial that all five had confessed during interrogation, but Mao said none of the men confessed in court or entered a guilty plea.

"Their confessions were obtained illegally, because each one was not the same, or was inconsistent," he said, adding that officers may have used torture during the interrogations.

At his first trial at Ningde Intermediate People's Court, Miao was found guilty of strangling the victim, surnamed Yang, during a quarrel on April 6, 2003, and then chopping her into seven pieces with help from his father, Miao Deshu, and his brother, Miao Xinrong.

It was said at the first trial that the body parts were put in a plastic bag and transported by tractor by the three men along with Miao Xinguang, another brother, and the accused killer's uncle, Miao Jinjia, to a shabby house in Fujigang village.

Miao Xinhua was sentenced to death, while the others were given prison terms ranging from three to eight years. All five appealed the verdict.

In 2006, the high court upheld Miao Xinhua's conviction but reduced his sentence to death with a two-year reprieve. The other sentences remained unchanged. Further appeals resulted in the high court agreeing in 2016 to retry the case, and the hearing was held on July 28.

Mao, the lawyer, was thrilled when his client was declared not guilty.

"This shows the country's progress in the rule of law and also exemplifies the principle of not handing down punishments in doubtful cases," he said.

Prosecutors could not prove that "hairs collected in a bathroom at Miao Xinhua's home belonged to the victim Yang, and investigators didn't find any fingerprint or footprint from my client at the crime scene", he said.

Ji Chunwei, a criminal lawyer and a former forensics officer from Guangdong province, said the acquittal showed that judicial authorities have given more weight to physical evidence than to oral confessions.

"The best way to root out such wrongful convictions is to make everyone involved in a case - including the judge, prosecutor, police officers and lawyers - uphold the accuracy of evidence and effectively enforce legal principles," he said.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn

Miao Xinhua (left) and his brother, Miao Xinrong, walk out of a local court in Nanping, Fujian province, after their murder conviction was overturned by the Fujian High People's Court on Tuesday. The two men had been wrongly accused, along with three other family members, in the killing of a woman in 2003.Chen Leizhu / For China Daily

(China Daily 09/13/2017 page4)
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With a mandatory evacuation in place, residents in Aransas Pass and surrounding cities either fled their coastal homes or stocked up on supplies as Hurricane Harvey made made its fateful journey to Texas late last month.

Davonn Phothiboupha did neither.

The 20-year-old self-proclaimed "faith junkie" made plans to weather the storm in a beach pavilion.

"I thought it would be a good place to experience (Harvey) from," he said. He had experienced 10 hurricane warnings in Hawaii that didn't result in much, so he figured this one would be the same.

RELATED: Touching video shows moment Rockport man finally speaks to mom days after Harvey

That was his plan, at least, until Aug. 25, when a woman named Arianna, who he had met two weeks before, called Phothiboupha "out of the blue" with an invitation to stay in a survival capsule owned by a woman named Linda Castor on Holiday Beach.

Phothiboupha, a new Texas resident from Iowa, dropped his original plan and joined the women in the pod around 7 p.m. on Aug. 26, after stocking it with supplies.

More for you Texas couple finds ring lost in tornado, immediately gets engaged

Castor told her guests that she had bought the bright orange spaceship-looking shelter from a Corpus Christi flea market a few years earlier.

"She said God told her to buy it," Phothiboupha said.

Castor told the Corpus Christi Caller Times that she bought the pod for $5,000. According the newspaper's archives, the pod was once a survival capsule used on an offshore drilling platform.

UPDATE: How businesses in Port Aransas, Rockport, Corpus Christi are doing after Hurricane Harvey

When Phothiboupha asked if they would be "blown away," Castor answered, "Well if the wind can blow 14,000 pounds."

Phothiboupha said the bottom of the pod was buried into the ground, but he was weary of its fiberglass construction.

"We didn't know what to expect," he said. "It was pretty intense, we could feel the build up."

He fell asleep around 10:30 p.m. and didn't wake up until "the scariest moment of the night," after the eye of the hurricane passed and a nearby shed crashed onto the pod.

"Really big gusts would make it shudder, but it didn't rock or sway," he added.

The pod wasn't equipped with air conditioning and inside was stuffy. Puddles formed on the floor throughout the night.

RELATED: 'Tons' of S.A. families are buying emergency bunkers from North Texas company

The group was awakened around 10 a.m. by patrolling police, asking if they were OK.

They stepped outside of the pod to see what the hand-me-down shelter had protected them from.

Phothiboupha said Castor's home had an apartment built on top of it.

"That completely blew off, so did the roof," he said. "Certain houses look like they just got blown up, some people describe it as looking like a war zone."

Phothiboupha, who turns 21 on Sept. 23, said where he was staying before Harvey is "completely trashed" and he's unsure of what's next for him, but he's staying busy with volunteer work at a local church.

"I'm just waiting on the Lord," he said. "Just helping out where I can, cutting up trees, moving brush to the side of the road, that's the main task here."

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
A South Texas police department called "fake news" on a Washington Post report officials claimed sensationalized the effects of Hurricane Harvey, which was a Category 4 storm at landfall, on the town.

The Aransas Pass Police Department shared a photo of CNN's logo changed to say "Fake News Network," on Facebook Tuesday. The post included a link not to CNN but to a Washington Post article titled: "'Nowhere else to go': Small Texas towns decimated by hurricane struggle to rebuild amid poverty."
Bexar County commissioners on Tuesday lowered the county tax rate by nearly a half-cent and approved a $1.76 billion budget for 2017-18 after making numerous amendments that boosted spending by $9 million.

Public praise greeted last-minute decisions to raise the minimum pay for county workers to $14.25 an hour, to underwrite the restoration of a local conjunto landmark and to create a program to help military personnel transition into civilian life.

I think weve got a very good budget this year, said County Judge Nelson Wolff before the unanimous votes to adopt the budget and tax rate. Im real proud of the work weve done.

The budget developed by County Manager David Smith calls for overall county spending to increase nearly $48 million over the current bottom line of $1.72 billion.

It includes $563 million for operating expenditures, $807 million for roads, floods and capital projects, $141 million for debt service, $18 million for contingencies, and a carryover/reserve balance of $231 million.

General fund expenditures will be $461.55 million in the new fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, up from $430.34 million in the current budget.

The spending plan includes funding for 94 new positions on the county payroll, taking it to more than 4,700 workers, including 14 authorized in the amendments Tuesday.

The new tax rate is 30.4097 cents per $100 property value, compared with the current levy of of 30.8950 cents.

The adopted rate is 5 percent higher than the effective tax rate of 29.9816 cents, which is the levy needed to generate the same amount of tax revenue raised in county taxes this year given changes in property values.

Since the net value of all taxable property in the county climbed 8 percent, to $150.9 billion, many local homeowners will see their county tax bill increase despite the tax rate reduction.

Commissioner Paul Elizondo stressed that its climbing property appraisals that are fueling any higher county tax bills, noting this marks the 23rd consecutive year that commissioners have kept the county rate unchanged or reduced it.

I just want to make sure word gets out there, he said.

Commissioner Tommy Calvert laid much of the blame for escalating tax bills on the Legislature, saying, You want real relief? Youve got to get your legislators in line.

The budget changes, resulting from deliberations at recent workshops, included allocating $250,000 for a new community veterans transition organization.

Were hoping its a game-changer and can become a model, said Commissioner Kevin Wolff, identifying the programs goal as helping departing military members line up housing, jobs and continuing education.

Commissioners originally planned to boost employees base pay from $13.75 to $14 an hour. But on Tuesday they set the new minimum at $14.25, a change that also triggers raises for other employees and required an additional $1.46 million in spending.

We believe the county can do as well, or better than, the city, said Molly Martinez of COPS/Metro Alliance during a public hearing Tuesday on the budget, noting San Antonio raised its starting pay from $13.75 to $14.25 in its new budget.

Nelson Wolff responded, I hope you will remember the city drug its feet  They kind of fought it, but they came along.

Other budget changes approved Tuesday included allocating $3.36 million for raises to managers, directors and other professional-level employees, and $1.54 million more for pay increases to ensure all workers see at least a 3 percent salary increase. Commissioners also allocated $680,000 for retiree cost-of-living pension increases.

Following the citys lead again, commissioners allocated $500,000 to help restore the historic North Zarzamora Street building that housed Lermas Nite Club from 1951 to 2010, when it closed.

Were thankful the county is helping preserve this building by matching the city money, said Susana Segura, project manager for the Esperanza Center for Peace and Justice, which hopes to reopen the site as a community cultural center and BiblioTech branch.

Calvert joined other officials in applauding the teamwork shown in crafting the budget, particularly during these very difficult times, fiscally speaking.

He cited the jail as a pull on county resources.

The Sheriffs Office adult detention center budget is $62 million, including $4 million to cover the cost of housing prisoners in other counties, if necessary, because of overcrowding at the county jail.

zeke@express-news.net
AUSTIN  Democratic state lawmakers and minority advocacy groups promised a reckoning at the ballot box Wednesday, over a series of anti-Latino policies including the states new law banning so-called sanctuary cities.

Although Democrats have no candidate in sight to challenge Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who signed the anti-sanctuary city law, party members said it's not too late to mount a competitive challenge.

"We are confident that we will have a candidate," said Rep. Mary Gonzalez, D-Clint. "We are confident that there will be some strategy to make sure we are organizing communities of color and low-income communities to be presently engaged in the Democratic process."

At a news conference Wednesday, the group launched the Not in My State campaign to fight against anti-Latino policies they say limit economic growth and instill fear in immigrants. They slammed Senate Bill 4, a ban on sanctuary cities signed by Abbott this year, and President Trumps recent decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which shields young, undocumented immigrants who have lived most of their lives in the United States from deportation.

Now Playing: 5 video address the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Video: San Antonio Express-News

"Texans are fed up with this brand of leadership," said Jose Garza, executive director of the Workers Defense Action Fund. "We will continue to organize, we will continue to rally communities across this state, and there will be a reckoning for these kinds of discriminatory policies."

Though the filing period for the March primary elections begins in two months, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate has yet to emerge. A group of "local leaders" discussed potential options this week, Gonzalez said, but she declined to name any.

Democrat Wendy Davis didnt announce her 2016 campaign against Abbott until October before the primary contest, Rep, Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, pointed out.

I know we are all eager, but its not too late, said Hinojosa, who added Democratic candidates are signing up to run in state House districts across Texas. Its important to look up and down the ballot, she said.

Meanwhile, Abbott continues to pad his campaign war chest, which is now more than $41 million.

The first-term governor hasn't staked out a clear position on the DACA program, having said recently that it's up to Congress to decide whether thousands of immigrants keep their status under the Obama-era policy. During the regular legislative session, Abbott made SB 4 a priority and said the law was needed to keep Texans safe.

A federal judge recently blocked most of SB 4 from taking effect, dealing a blow to the state, which has pledged to appeal the decision. San Antonio was one of several cities that sued to stop the law, amid concerns it would lead to racial profiling and cause immigrants to live in fear. SB 4 ensures local police can ask people they detain about their immigration status and drew large protests during the Legislative session.

The Not My State campaign is led by the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs and includes at least nine other states, which are seeking to prevent policies such as SB 4 from catching on outside Texas. Taking an economic approach, the group warned that alienating Latinos would hurt businesses and growth. About 120,000 DACA recipients live in Texas, and generate upwards of $6 billion annually to the economy, Garza said.

At the end of the day, we want everyone to realize cities or states that dont value diversity are becoming impediments to attracting investments, said Norbert Morales, representing the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

amorris@express-news.net
A Kentucky man whose pickupwas seized two years ago by federal agents at the border in Eagle Pass sued the government Wednesday to try to get his vehicle back and to provide others in similar situations prompt hearings in asset forfeiture cases.

The federal class-action lawsuit, filed in Del Rio by the Virginia-based Institute for Justice on behalf of Gerardo Serrano and others in situations like him, is the latest effort by Serrano to get his 2014 Ford F-250 back.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents seized the truck on Sept. 21, 2015, at the international bridge in Eagle Pass as Serrano was headed to Piedras Negras, Mexico to visit relatives. Serranos truck was seized under the governments asset forfeiture program, a civil process for taking money or property the government believes is involved in a crime.

In an interview, Serrano said he believes agents seized the truck to retaliate because he stood up for his rights. Serrano said agents questioned him about pictures he had snapped on his cellphone of a tolling area on the bridge. When he wouldnt give them the pass code to log into the phone without a warrant, they pulled him out of the truck and searched it.

They found a pistol magazine in the truck loaded with five .380-caliber rounds. The truck was being used to smuggle arms or munitions of war, according to documents Serrano received from CBP. Serrano denies that, and hes never been charged.

During the dispute, one agent told him I dont care about your rights, Serrano alleged, adding that another laughed when Serrano was told the CBP was seizing the truck.

All they wanted was to hurt me, Serrano, 59, said. All they wanted to do is circumvent our rights  yours and mine  to achieve a goal that is unconstitutional. That does not belong here. It belongs in Cuba or it belongs in Venezuela.

Serranos situation isnt unique. Several people, many of them innocent, have lost property to the feds because of controversial asset forfeiture laws Congress passed years ago that gained traction in the 1980s during the war on drugs.

The civil forfeiture law turns the ordinary criminal process on its head, said Robert Everett Johnson, an attorney with the Institute for Justice. It forces people to prove their innocence in order to get their property back.

In Serranos case, he had to post a $3,800 bond to seek a hearing. The federal government deposited his check, but they have yet to give him a hearing, or even file a forfeiture lawsuit to get the court process going, Johnson said.

In the meantime, Serrano said hes had to keep up loan payments on the truck of $673 a month, plus more than $700 a year to keep his insurance current. And, hes had to find alternate transportation for the two years hes been without a vehicle.

As a matter of policy, we do not comment on pending litigation, the CBP said in a prepared statement Wednesday. However, lack of comment should not be construed as agreement or stipulation with any of the allegations. In DHSs homeland security mission, our trained law enforcement professionals adhere to the Departments mission, uphold our laws while continuing to provide our nation with safety and security.

Activists on the right and the left have called for reform to federal asset forfeiture laws, which they say have a standard of proof thats too low and create a process thats too confusing, making it easy for the government to take private property.

Supporters of asset forfeiture say not only does it allow police to take proceeds of crime and property used to commit crimes away from criminal networks, but it provides much-needed funding to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Bills have been introduced in Congress over the past two years to reform the forfeiture laws and rein in governmental abuses cited in scathing Congressional reports, but none have yet been signed into law.

This is why you never want to give a government so much power, said Serrano, who unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for one of Kentuckys congressional seats in 2014. Theres no reason for them to hold my truck for two years.

gcontreras@express-news.net
Future cooperation between China and the European Union should be seen as a stepping stone to a wider global governance partnership and reform, according to a new report.

The document  EU-China Economic Relations to 2025: Building a Common Future identifies key trends and areas of potential economic collaboration.

It cites the "significant opportunities" and benefits for China and the EU to deepen their economic ties, with scope for an "enormous increase" in investment.

But it also warns of potential obstacles, including "significant differences" between the political and economic systems of China and the EU.

"Building a genuine strategic partnership will require greater effort from both EU and Chinese leaders," the report says.

The document, which was published on Wednesday, is the culmination of an 18-month study by the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, Brussels-based economic think tank Bruegel, Chatham House, and the Institute of Global Economics and Finance at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

It says the EU and China should conclude an "investment agreement" that would pave the way for a future free-trade pact and relax visa requirements for each other's businesspeople and students.

It also calls for joint research and innovation projects and for greater cooperation on energy security and climate change.

"Against a background in which the United States is increasingly drawing into question its commitments to free trade and the global commons  and with the uncertainty resulting from Brexit  there clearly exists a need for China and the EU not only to increase the breadth and depth of their cooperation, but also to act more strategically in the way they relateto each other," the report says.

The Belt and Road Initiative is seen by the reports authors as a platform for further expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, with the EU potentially becoming its "western anchor". They say the "strategic goal" of China and the EU should be to move closer "in response to US uncertainty".

"This is a critically important moment for the EU and China to consider how to deepen the full range of their bilateral economic relationship," it says.

Trade is the most developed area of interactions between China and the EU, with each being the others largest source of imports and second-largest export destination.

While trade relations are well developed, the report says there is room for improvement in foreign investment levels, cooperation on industrial and technological innovation, and financial market integration.

It adds that only a "sensible" Brexit deal will enhance benefits of closer China-EU relations and the economies of China, the UK, and the EU "have a mutual self-interest in seeing a constructive outcome from the Brexit negotiations".

Trade between China and the EU reached 515 billion euros ($614 billion) in 2016, compared with 113 billion euros in 2001.

The EU and China are each other's largest source of imports and their second-largest export destinations. Last year, China accounted for 20.2 percent of all EU imports, while Europe provided 13.1 percent of Chinese imports. China was the destination for 9.7 percent of EU exports, with the EU taking 16.1 percent of Chinese exports.

Mike Harrison is a media consultant to China Daily UK.
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A 27-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in connection with a fatal shooting at a Southeast Side bar.

David Hinojosa, 27, was charged with murder in the death of 37-year-old Joseph "Dash" Torres, who was, according to a GoFundMe page created to raise money for his family, a father of four.

Hinojosa is accused of gunning down Torres at the Sugartime Texas bar in the 2700 block of Bill Miller Lane around 8 p.m. On Aug. 14.

Witnesses reportedly told police Torres and Hinojosa were arguing on the patio of the bar when Hinojosa pulled out a gun and shot Torres.

RELATED: Man fatally shot on patio of Southeast Side bar identified

Now Playing: David Hinojosa, 27, was arrested Sept. 13, 2017 in connection to a fatal shooting at the Sugartime Texas bar on Bill Miller Lane. Joseph "Dash" Torres, 37, was killed in the shooting. Video: San Antonio Express-News

"They were acquaintances," said Sgt. Michelle Ramos, a spokeswoman for the San Antonio Police Department. "They were regulars at the bar."

Ramos said detectives conducted interviews with witnesses to the shooting and reviewed security camera footage during the investigation, and eventually named Hinojosa as a suspect in the shooting.

It is unclear if anyone else is wanted in the slaying.

The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force found Hinojosa Wednesday on the Southeast Side and arrested him on an unrelated warrant, Ramos said. He was brought in for questioning and police secured a warrant for his arrest on a charge of murder. He was later escorted to the Bexar County Jail.

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Police on Tuesday identified the eight people who were shot and killed Sunday at a Dallas Cowboys watch party in Plano, Texas.

The eight victims were gunned down by 32-year-old Spencer James Hight around 8 p.m. at the home of his ex-wife, 27-year-old Meredith Emily Hight, in the 1700 block of West Spring Creek Parkway.

RELATED: Possibly sleeping driver killed after sports car 'tumbled end over end,' burst into flames

Several neighbors reported the shooting to police, and an officer was dispatched to the Hight home. He heard gunshots and entered the property through the back.

"He observed shooting victims down in the backyard and immediately understood what was occurring," said Plano Police Chief Gregory Rushin.

The officer, who has not been identified, entered the home, found Spencer Hight and fatally shot him, ending the attack.

In total, Hight killed eight people and injured one other. Plano police identified the victims as Hight's ex-wife, Meredith; 33-year-old Anthony Michael Cross; 24-year-old Olivia Nicole Deffner; 29-year-old James Richard Dunlop; 22-year-old Darryl William Hawkins; 31-year-old Rion Christopher Morgan; 28-year-old Myah Sade Bass and 25-year-old Caleb Seth Edwards.

The surviving shooting victim has yet to be identified.

Meredith Hight's mother told The Associated Press that her daughter owned the home and had recently divorced Spencer Hight following six years of marriage.

RELATED: Police searching for suspects who stole hot rod, El Camino from North Side business

According to posts on Meredith Hight's Instagram, the couple had a wedding ceremony in Jamaica in May 2012.

"Pretty much what I live for," reads the caption of a photo of Spencer and Meredith from January 2015 on Meredith's Instagram.

But by April of this year, Spencer Hight referred to Meredith as his ex-wife in Facebook posts.

Plano police said the investigation into the shooting has been handed over to the Texas Rangers.

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WASHINGTON  Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz laid out a sweeping vision for tax cuts Wednesday that would go significantly further than what House Republicans and some in the Trump administration have proposed so far.

In what his office billed as a "major policy speech," Cruz proposed scrapping some GOP plans that call for tax cuts to be offset by corresponding tax measures to make them "revenue neutral."

"Tax reform should not be revenue neutral," Cruz said in a speech at the Tax Foundation, a conservative think tank that helped work out some of the tax proposals of his 2016 presidential campaign, when he advocated for the dismantling of the IRS.

Cruz's formulation is more aggressive than a House Republican tax reform blueprint that calls for tax cuts to be paid for to avoid deepening deficits and debt. One of chief proponents of that approach is Republican Rep. Kevin Brady, of The Woodlands, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

"I believe, both the most pro-growth approach we can take, and the fiscally responsible approach we can take, is to break even with the budget, counting on just solid, verifiable economic growth," Brady said at a Financial Services Roundtable event earlier this year.

Many Republicans, however, argue that in general tax cuts pay for themselves, an idea that descends from the supply-side theories of the Reagan era, which former President George H.W. Bush famously called "voodoo economics."

But with Republicans pressing for the first major tax overhaul in more than 30 years, Cruz's speech encapsulates an ongoing debate as to whether a final GOP tax plan should maintain current revenue levels.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, in an interview Wednesday with the Associated Press, declined to say whether he expects a GOP tax overhaul to be "revenue neutral," leaving open whether Republicans are willing to increase the national debt to enact major tax cuts.

"We want pro-growth tax reform that will get the economy growing, that will get people back to work, that will get middle income taxpayers a tax cut and that will put American businesses in a better competitive playing field," Ryan said. "That is more important than anything else because if we have tax reform that doesn't actually fix our problems, then we'll lose more and more businesses, and the deficit will go even higher."

In an address before an influential group of policy analysts, conservative thinkers and Capitol Hill staffers, Cruz argued that the federal government should actually lower the amount the government takes in from taxpayers, rather than simply shifting the burden from one group to another.

Cruz's plan comes at a time when President Donald Trump and Republican leaders in Congress are trying to iron out the final details of a GOP tax package that's been in the works for the past year.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump made a public plea to Congress on Twitter: "The approval process for the biggest Tax Cut & Tax Reform package in the history of our country will soon begin. Move fast Congress!"

In a meeting with lawmakers from both parties Wednesday, Trump called for a bill focused on middle-class and business tax cuts.

"The rich will not be gaining at all with this plan," he told reporters. "We are looking for the middle class and we are looking for jobs  jobs being the economy." He also said he's open to a tax hike for the wealthiest Americans. "I think the wealthy will be pretty much where they are, pretty much where they are," Trump said. "If they have to go higher, they'll go higher."

Brady has promised to get a tax package through Congress by the end of this year, a timetable that many analysts see as wildly optimistic, given a crunch of politically-tricky legislative demands such as a getting a budget agreement, passing a government funding bill, and raising the debt limit.

Up to this point, the House Republican tax plan had been advertised as being revenue neutral, meaning that lawmakers would have to find some way to pay for it without adding to annual deficits within a 10- year budget window.

That requirement has left GOP lawmakers facing a policy impasse, particularly as the Trump White House and many Senate Republicans balked at a controversial House "border tax" plan to raise new revenues with a 20 percent tax on imports.

Cruz, like other Republicans, has suggested that the predicted economic lift from individual and business tax cuts could chip away at budget deficits and the national debt.

"If we focus on growth," he said, "it helps everybody."

Like the House GOP blueprint, Cruz's plan would compress tax rates from seven to three or less, while eliminating or simplifying credits and deductions so that taxpayers could file their returns on a postcard.

Unlike the House GOP's proposed postcard, however, Cruz's postcard does not specifically include the popular mortgage interest deduction used by millions of U.S. homeowners, though aides said it could be an itemized deduction. Some Republicans have called for at least capping the deduction.

In some respects, Cruz has backed off some of the bolder tax ideas of his 2016 campaign. As a presidential candidate, he argued for repealing corporate income taxes, collapsing seven individual income tax rates to a single 10 percent rate, and eliminating most deductions and credits. He also proposed a new broad-based 16 percent consumption tax.

The consumption tax, which would have been a tough sell in Congress, is now gone. Like Trump, Cruz would now set corporate tax rates at between 15- and 20 percent, down from the current 35 percent maximum, which he called "punitive."

While Republicans have yet to unveil any specific tax rate proposals, Democrats argue that the plans that have been floated so far would disproportionately benefit the wealthy and add to the deficit. The Tax Policy Center estimated that Cruz's election-year plan would have reduced federal tax revenues by $8.6 trillion over a decade.

But Cruz argued Tuesday that rather than assuming a static economy, any Republican tax plan should be judged by the expected economic growth from tax cuts, a concept known as "dynamic scoring."

On that point, he has significant GOP support, said Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. "I am concerned that in the long-run we continue to have deficit and debt problems," he said. "But I think this is something that will be addressed in part by greater economic growth and, thus, more revenue brought into the treasury."

Cruz also proposed lengthening the customary budget window from 10 years to 20 or 30 years, a period that would allow for more permanent tax cuts to take hold.

Cornyn said that while there has been some discussion in the Senate about a longer time frame for balancing the government's books, "there hasn't been any decision on that."

For decades, the Senate has required that changes in the tax code, without a supermajority, must come into balance over 10 years.

Facing that limitation, Republicans have set out to enact their tax cuts under a process called "budget reconciliation," which requires only a simple Senate majority, rather than the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

That procedural hurdle is considered critical to any GOP tax cut proposal because of the likelihood of a filibuster by Democrats who oppose tax cuts that they say disproportionately benefit the wealthy at the expense of workers and domestic programs like Socials Security and Medicare.

Although Trump has made overtures to Democratic leaders on tax reform, Cruz termed the likelihood that Democrats will join in a GOP tax proposal as "virtually nill."
Houstonians desperate to have their ruined living rooms hauled away before the piles of floorboards, drywall and couch cushions kill their grass can call their elected officials to complain, but may have trouble finding a working number for perhaps the main culprit: Irma, the former hurricane now working its way up the Appalachians.

Many waste contractors who otherwise would have headed for Houston appear to have noted Irma's path and stayed put, hoping to benefit from higher pay and, experts said, an easier type of cleanup in Florida.

The dynamic of competing hurricane recovery zones is complicating what already was expected to be a months-long undertaking to remove mountains of debris from Cypress to Baytown.

In response, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has directed staff to begin negotiating contracts at a higher rate per cubic yard of debris than the $7.69 the city had secured in competitively bid contracts long before Harvey came ashore, in hopes of luring more local trucks into service and, perhaps, draw some to Texas rather than Florida.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reimbursing 90 percent of local governments' costs for removing storm debris, but could force Houston to foot the full bill for any payments above the city's competitively bid rate.

FEMA officials said they are reviewing Turner's request that the extra payments be reimbursed at the same rate, but the mayor said work must proceed quickly even if his request is denied. Turner has cited debris removal costs as one reason he is proposing an emergency one-year tax hike to help fund Harvey recovery efforts.

"We will pay more to get these contractors rolling. I can't wait," Turner said. "Debris removal is the No. 1 priority, and I'm not going to wait to go through the red tape. I'm going to assume the risk."

Patiently waiting, for now

Citizens in neighborhoods across Houston last week said they were not bothered that the city had not yet reached their trash heaps, noting the widespread damage wrought by Harvey. There are signs that patience may be wearing thinner, however.

Maryland Whittaker, a civic leader in Lakewood Park in northeast Houston - where endless rows of debris soaked with Halls Bayou floodwaters line the streets - said she cannot fault waste contractors for seeking better pay, and backed the mayor's plan to pay more to speed up the work.

"It's still 90 percent not picked up. The odor is beginning to get to us and a lot of the streets are still impassable," Whittaker said. "And what they're doing is sending dump trucks, private contractors, so they're cleaning up a little bit but their dump trucks don't hold much. We still need the big trucks out."

Irma's landfall in Florida on Sunday is the reason Whittaker is seeing so few gargantuan debris haulers, said Kurt Thormahlen, general manager of DRC Emergency Services, the debris removal contractor for the city and Harris County.

DRC acts as a coordinator, subcontracting nearly all storm response from independent truckers around the country. Thormahlen estimated there are about 300 self-loaders in the country - those operating mechanical claws to pick up debris and deposit it in truckbeds and attached trailers - who typically draw their incomes from the timber industry in the Carolinas, Arkansas, Tennesse, Missouri and northern Alabama.

"Normally, a storm the size of Harvey would muster all the assets - especially what we consider the big boys, the self-loaders - bring them straight down here and they'd be working," he said. "Well, with Hurricane Irma, they're sitting and waiting, also because it's closer to home."

Harder debris to collect

Harris County Engineer John Blount noted that, in contrast to the downed limbs produced by Hurricane Ike a decade ago - which were easy to load, haul and grind into mulch - Harvey's floodwaters have produced bulky construction and demolition debris, all of which must be trucked to area landfills.

Blount, who said more than 64,000 cubic yards of debris had been sent to local landfills from unincorporated Harris County as of midnight Monday, said he has heard of hours-long waits for truckers to unload debris. Those factors make lower debris removal rates even less attractive to truckers, he said.

"Traditionally, this region has got a substantially better rate on debris removal than the rest of the country," Blount said. "What that tells you is, if there's an event somewhere and we're traditionally paying less, there's less of an incentive to drive down here."

Thormahlen echoed that, saying Irma also has produced mostly downed tree limbs and other "vegetative" debris, he said, which are quicker to load and easier on haulers' equipment.

Only about 80 of the country's 300 enormous self-loaders are operating in Houston, Thormahlen said, plus 120 smaller trucks. He said he has been impressed with the ingenuity of gravel haulers who have never loaded construction and demolition debris before, but that does not make up for a lack of hauling capacity.

"I have no reservations about being able to keep the trucks we have here, but (Turner's proposed rate) increase would definitely help," he said. "You have a finite number of large trucks, but if we can start bringing the smaller trucks on and they can make money doing that, you're able to supply a lot of these guys who are local."

When Councilman Larry Green said last week that local truckers had told him the city's debris rates did not allow them to turn a profit as subcontractors, Turner initially was reluctant to step outside of FEMA procurement rules. Instead, he said, his administration was signing mutual aid agreements with other Texas cities to make up the deficit, such as by sending San Antonio city waste crews into Kingwood last weekend.

"We simply don't want to do things where we don't get reimbursed, because we're talking about a $200 million deal and we don't want to be stuck with a bill at the end," the mayor said, referring to the city's preliminary estimate of what the debris removal effort will cost.

Upping the offer to get the service

By Monday, however, Turner had directed his legal department to begin negotiating debris contracts at higher rates than those produced through the competitive bidding process.

Nottingham Forest civic leader Katie Mehnert said speeding debris removal would help her "keep the peace" among her neighbors on the hard-hit westside.

Flooding at two area sewage treatment plants has many residents worried that their debris piles are infused with raw sewage, along with the other contaminants from flooded Buffalo Bayou.

"The biggest concern right now is when are they going to get here and do we have a health problem," she said. "If it were me, I'd be looking at the city and saying, 'Where do we have potential health and safety concerns?' and prioritizing trash removal from those areas. It just makes for a more toxic situation."
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
In a move that will further militarize police departments across the country while decreasing accountability, the president issued an executive order that strips away limits on weapons of war that the Department of Defense can hand over to state and local police forces.

The presidents order expands an existing Pentagon program that authorizes the transfer of military-grade tactical weapons, surveillance equipment and vehicles to civilian police departments, eliminating restrictions on the types of weapons that can be transferred and vastly reducing oversight of the program.

The weapons program became notorious when police fitted with battle gear were photographed pointing assault weapons at protesters in the streets of Ferguson, Missouri. President Barack Obama then issued an executive order that placed restrictions on the program.

The Obama-era order prohibited weapons such as bayonets and grenade launchers from being transferred to local law enforcement. Reversing the ban, the Trump order places weapons designed to be used by soldiers on battlefields in the hands of police, opening the door to intimidation and abuse of civilians. This could have a chilling effect on public dissent and protest.

At the same time, abuses will be harder to detect. The presidents executive order will scrap minimal transparency requirements that had applied to the already secretive program.

It took a strategic campaign by journalists and open government advocates to pry information from the Pentagon and local police departments to get basic figures on the amount and type of equipment that local police and sheriffs received, exposing just how prevalent the program is across the country. Now, even those minimal accountability measures have been stripped away.

Contrary to the administrations claims that the program will make us safer, expanding the weapons transfers while reducing accountability exacerbates the threat to public safety. Just last month, a government watchdog agency exposed how easy it is for military weapons to fall into the wrong hands.

Posing as a fake law enforcement agency, investigators requested and received over a million dollars in rifles, pipe bomb equipment and night vision goggles after the Department of Defense failed to verify the identity of individuals receiving the equipment. By expanding the program and decreasing safeguards to prevent abuse, the president increases the likelihood that dangerous weapons could fall into the hands of individuals who intend to do us harm.

It now falls to Congress to push back against the creeping authoritarianism evidenced by the presidents decision to further militarize law enforcement while shackling oversight. Congress must, at a minimum, assert its oversight authority and put in place requirements to ensure that if any transfers are permitted, they are subject to transparency mandates and that the Pentagon and police departments remain accountable to the public.

Lisa Rosenberg is the executive director of OpenTheGovernment, a nonpartisan coalition advancing transparency and accountability.
House Speaker Paul Ryan promised Obamacare repeal, funding for the wall and tax reform, all by the end of August. For the GOP, it is now September, both literally and metaphorically.

In the spring of their hopes, Republican leaders placed a bet  which seemed reasonable at the time  that they could contain President Trump and pass legislation despite him. This required looking away from the uglier aspects of Trumps appeal  his Twitter transgressions, his appallingly frenzied rallies, his rule by ridicule. All this was worth swallowing because Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would pass their conservative agenda.

The wager was large and lost. The attempt to revive a health care alternative in the Senate seems halfhearted and doomed by the same ideological dynamics that killed the legislation the first time. Republican enthusiasm for the Mexican border wall is limited by the fact that it is among the most wasteful, impractical and useless ideas ever spouted by an American president. And ambitious tax reform has been tabled in favor of a few tax cuts that are likely to reaffirm public impressions that the P in GOP stands for plutocracy.

In the process, Republican leaders have been made to look hapless and pathetic, not least because Trump has taken to taunting them.

Those Republicans who believe that Trump is being cynical, disloyal or politically calculating continue to misunderstand the man. The president has no discernible political philosophy or strong policy views to betray. His leadership consists mainly of instincts, reflexes and prejudices, which often have nothing to do with self-interest. Trump reads events moment by moment, making him a cork on the waves of cable coverage. Any choice he makes is correct by definition, because he has made it. And any person  on his staff or on Capitol Hill  who does not precisely mimic his political gyrations is disloyal and should be punished.

Most public officials have never worked with anyone like this before. Among other things, it means that any vocal conviction politician  any leader, such as Sen. John McCain, who regularly heeds the whisper of duty and conscience  will be Trumps enemy. With a little patience.

What have Republican leaders who bet the other way  on accommodation  lost in the process?

The wager has been a disaster in the realm of policy. During legislative debates on issues such as health care, Trump has been erratic, unfocused, impatient and frighteningly ignorant. His White House policy staff  some of whom are responsible and talented  try to work with Capitol Hill, but always under the threat that their efforts will be destroyed by a tweet.

The wager has been a disaster in the realm of politics. The president takes it as an accomplishment to secure the support of about 35 percent of the public. This leaves Republicans in the worst of political worlds, where the intensity of Trumps base is increased by words and policies that alienate the majority  making Trump a powerful force within the party and a scary, galvanizing figure beyond it. The damage is broad, profound and generational. A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll recorded 26 percent approval for the president among those aged 18 to 34.

The wager has been a moral disaster. News accounts following Trumps betrayal of Republican leaders on the debt limit reported them to be livid. What does it tell us about Republican politicians that they were livid about a three-month debt limit extension but not so much about misogyny, nativism and flirtation with racism? Or maybe they were, but still thought the wager might work. Such lack of wisdom and proportion is an indictment as well.

All Republican efforts  at least in the traditional wing of the party  must now be bent toward one, difficult end: Establishing a GOP identity apart from Trump. And that will require Republican leaders to cease being complicit in their own humiliation and irrelevance.

michaelgerson@washpost.com
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STAMFORD  The citys police union has filed a labor complaint because officers are now required to carry a life-saving drug thats not included in their contract.

Members of the Stamford Police Department began carrying Narcan in July after the city experienced a spike in overdoses, including three in one day over the summer.

The unfair labor complaint was filed last week with the state Board of Labor Relations, but Police Union President Kris Engstrand said his members do not object to carrying Narcan.

We welcome carrying a new tool that can help out not only our members, but the public, too. We welcome the opportunity, he said. But this is an additional workload and so it is the subject of bargaining.

Stamford medics have been carrying the opioid antidote for more than three decades and city firefighters have been using it since 2015 after heroin deaths in Fairfield County jumped by more than 50 percent between 2012 and 2013.

Stamford first responders administered a record 32 doses of Narcan in June. Thats more than triple the monthly average of around 10 times in 2015.

A total of 79 Stamford police officers have begun carrying the syringe-looking device that can inject the antidote in a persons nose to reverse the effects of heroin and other more powerful drugs such as Fentanyl.

Narcan can also be used on first responders who are exposed to Fentanyl, which can cause an overdose by coming in contact with a persons skin.

The state office of the chief medical examiner said there were 917 accidental overdose deaths in 2016  up from 495 in 2013. Of the deaths last year, 853 involved opioids.

Stamford Assistant Police Chief James Matheny said carrying Narcan is a commonsense measure to increase safety for the public and members of his department.

It is an excellent product that has been proven effective, Matheny said. We are hopeful that a resolution will be reached and the result will be that officers will be carrying Narcan.

The police union filed a similar unfair labor practice complaint last year when the department began a program to implement body cameras. Engstrand said the requirement for some officers to carry the cameras represented a change of working conditions that was not included in the police union contract.

A date has not been set for the police union and the city to meet with a labor board mediator to discuss the Narcan issue.

The city has met with the union to discuss this matter, Mayor David Martin said in a statement. We have a difference of opinion and will wait to see what the state of Connecticut Labor Board has to say.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
WILTON  Like many in town with family in Florida, Genevieve Eason worried for her fathers safety after a hurricane warning was issued Friday night.

Her father lives in Clearwater near Tampa, which almost landed itself in the path of Category 5 storm Hurricane Irma, but miraculously made it through the storm without any impact, she said. He went to his cousins house early last week for shelter.

As of today both his house and his cousins still have electricity and no damage, Eason said Tuesday. So we are counting ourselves lucky.

Federal officials estimate Irma destroyed one-fourth of homes in the Keys and was responsible for seven deaths in Florida, along with four in South Carolina and two in Georgia, the Associated Press reported. Officials expect it could take 10 days or more for power to be restored, as 10 million  half of Floridas population  are without electricity, the AP added.

Weve got a lot of work to do, but everybodys going to come together, said Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who visited Jacksonville Tuesday. Were going to get this state rebuilt. This state is a state of strong resilient people.

A few days earlier, Irma ravaged the Caribbean islands and left at least 34 dead and caused widespread damage to buildings and power lines.

When the storm hit the small eastern Caribbean island of Anguilla on Wednesday, Sept. 6, Ted Riegel and his wife Tess anxiously awaited updates from their general manager.

The Wilton couple own a unit at the villa-style resort, Carimar Beach Club, where they had their honeymoon almost 20 years ago.

They first visited the island in 1988 and have become friends with the islanders and other tourists ever since. So it was heart-wrenching to hear about the storms destruction on the phone while they were hundreds of miles away, said Ted Riegel, also the owner of Travel Bureau Inc. in Wilton.

Churches were destroyed. Power lines were knocked down. Palm trees were cut in half, he said. The first thing you worry about is obviously the people and whether theyre going to survive.

While the storm spared the hotel, many staff members were left with damaged homes, cars and belongings. And yet, most returned the next day to start cleaning up the property.

Knowing this, the Riegels had a hard time sitting still.

And so, Ted Riegel plans to visit Anguilla with the hotels board chairman to provide direct aid once the airport opens to those outside of emergency services.

Were going to see whats going on and see what they need help with and see if we can take anything down, Riegel said.

For the time being, Carimar Beach Club is providing free housing for more than 50 people, from displaced staff and locals to officials from the United Nations, UNICEF, the British government, the military and several insurance companies that arrived to help assess damage.

A generator at the hotel is providing running water and electricity, with a desalination plant on site.

This is probably the best condition that any hotel is in on the island, Riegel said.

A GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com/carimar) was also set up to help staff get back on their feet, with owners offering matching the donations. As of this week, the campaign raised more than $21,000 out of its $50,000 goal.

Despite the damage done in Anguilla, Riegel has hope the people on the island will recover from the devastation.

Theyll get by. Theyre tough people, he said. Its terrible to say theyre used to it, but theyve gone through this before.

skim@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2568; @stephaniehnkim
Botswanas president Ian Khama was for a long time the MDC-Ts best friend and at one time Morgan Tsvangirai would even flee to Khamas private residence and spend weeks inside there. But the events of the last 5 weeks the man has turned his back on Tsvangirai, according to a ZANU PF leader.

Khama is now full swing behind ZANU PF and has done several things so far including deporting Emmerson Mnangagwas arch enemy, Phelekezela Mphoko, the ruling partys UK chairman Nick Mangwana says.

Mangwana writing on Tuesday morning, scoffed at the MDC saying, who are the MDCs fraternal allies in the region? Botswanas BDP is back in brotherhood with Zanu PF.

President Khama attended EDs inauguration, sent PR Mphoko back in a Kombi and sent Rtd Lt Gen Masire to Congress with high praises for the new admin showing, a turn in relations, he wrote on his Twitter portal. ZimEye

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THOUSANDS of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters turned Marondera into a sea of yellow in anticipation of a rally that was eventually thwarted by armed anti-riot police officers at Rudhaka stadium Saturday.

A High Court judge who was supposed to preside over the case could not be located for the whole of Friday night and Saturday morning.

Police had to call for reinforcement from Harare after realising the constantly growing number of supporters could not be handled by dozens of police details initially deployed to the venue Saturday morning.

Armed with teargas canisters, rifles, baton sticks and water canons, police sealed off all entrances into Rudhaka stadium forcing supporters to converge in the larger space outside.

Not even an unprecedented move to confront the police commander by CCC president Nelson Chamisa could get them to budge.

They maintained orders had been given from Harare for them to ensure he does not conduct the rally, with a female commander overhead communicating with an unknown caller, she would not allow him to speak.

A High Court urgent application to reverse a Friday ban of the rally was not sat for judgement as the judge disappeared according to Chamisa.

All that did not dampen spirits of his supporters however as they spent the whole day singing, marching, eating and drinking as if oblivious to risk of a violent clampdown by police.

Having been denied an opportunity to address his supporters, Chamisa left for further consultations before making a dramatic comeback to bid farewell to them while standing at the back of a party vehicle.

We had come here to have a peaceful rally but the police have stopped us. Do not blame them, they are just doing their job, there is a hand that directed them from behind, said Chamisa.

Yesterday our lawyers were at the High Court seeking reversal of their ban but the judge was nowhere to be found the whole night.

Our lawyers basically slept at his doorstep and that is where we are also coming from.

Fears of Gokwe repeating itself eventually subsided as the supporters made their way back home, singing and seemingly happy they had at least heard Chamisa speak.

Police teargassed CCC supporters in Gokwe, dispersing them from a rally which had been given a greenlight by the High Court in Harare.

We are working on another plan for Marondera, we will advice you on the way forward, said Chamisa as he bade his supporters farewell.

He has been to Harare, Gokwe, Kwekwe, Bulawayo and Gweru with his by-election campaigns ahead of the March 26 council and parliamentary plebiscite.

He is set to address party supporters in Beitbridge Sunday before heading to Tsholotsho on Monday and Binga on Tuesday.

 NewZimbabwe

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INDIANAPOLIS  Indiana convenience stores arent asking to add more alcoholic products to their shelvesthey just want to sell beer at a colder temperature. We want to take the product that we currently sell warm and sell that product cold, said Matt Norris, representing the Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association in the Tribune Star.

This week, the association and convenience store owners made their case before the two-year legislative committee tasked with reviewing Indianas alcohol laws. The association supports additional measures, such as only allowing cashiers 21 and old to sell alcohol, along with state licensing and training of staff. Plus, Norris said retailers would be fine with mandatory carding for all customers who want to buy alcohol.

At the hearing, retailers told the committee that convenience stores need to change to meet customer demand. I feel like the state is picking and choosing winners and losers in businesses. ... I dont think the market should be set by edict. I think it should be set by our consumers on what we can sell, said Jay Ricker, co-owner of Rickers Convenience Stores.

Tourists often complain about the lack of cold beer at convenience stores. This tourist destination brings a lot of out-of-state people to the area. Theyre confused and frustrated when they come in and just want to buy cold beer and we tell them they cant, David Kenny with Super Test Oil said. The retail landscape has changed and competition from other channels of retail has made running a profitable business much harder.

Currently, Indiana is the only state with regulations as to the temperature of beer. A few other states only let convenience stores sell 3.2% beer or have alcohol sales separated from the food area.
The Forgotten Genius of Oliver Heaviside: A Maverick of Electrical Science Basil Mahon Prometheus: 2017. 9781633883314 | ISBN: 978-1-6338-8331-4

You know you're in an electrical-engineering department when you encounter students wearing T-shirts depicting four differential equations. They will tell you that these equations are named after nineteenth-century physicist James Clerk Maxwell, who used them to formulate a unified theory of light, electricity and magnetism.

Today, Maxwell's equations are used to solve practical problems in electronics and telecommunications. But why do they look the way they do? In his 1865 treatise 'A dynamical theory of the electromagnetic field', Maxwell laid out 20 equations using esoteric mathematical expressions known as quaternions. How did the 20 become 4, expressed in simpler vector terminology? Who converted Maxwell's theory into practical equations? In The Forgotten Genius of Oliver Heaviside, electrical engineer Basil Mahon provides the answer. Oliver Heaviside's work is still used by electrical engineers. Credit: SSPL/Getty

As Mahon shows, Heaviside (18501925) was a self-educated recluse who invented his own mathematical terminology. He worked at the intersection of engineering practice, academic physics and abstract mathematics, and wrote papers that confounded all three audiences. Throughout his life, he refused to join the scientific community, but by the 1910s, engineers were applying his approach to knotty communication problems. Heaviside's ideas came to be central to modern electrical engineering.

Heaviside was born in London's Camden Town. Like his contemporary, US inventor Thomas Edison, he contracted scarlet fever as a child, leaving him partially deaf. His father, an engraver, struggled to maintain middle-class status as printing technology rapidly evolved; thus Heaviside, although an excellent student, had to leave grammar school and go to work at 16.

By a stroke of fortune, Heaviside's aunt was married to Charles Wheatstone, an expert in electromagnetism and co-inventor of a successful telegraph system. Wheatstone secured a position for his nephew with the DanishNorwegianEnglish Telegraph Company in 1868. The company was just then laying a cable between Britain and Denmark, and Heaviside learnt at first hand the challenges of getting a new line up and running. Puzzled by the fact that the cable sent messages more efficiently in one direction than the other, Heaviside used mathematics to understand how the signals travelled.

To develop a complete theory of transmission lines, he left his job and moved in with his brother's family. He soon showed that by distributing the line's inductance uniformly, it was possible to diminish both the signal's attenuation and its distortion. To attract attention to his work, Heaviside boldly sent an early publication to the leading physicist William Thomson, who praised it. Yet the same work infuriated influential engineers such as William Preece, who blackballed him and tried to deny him membership of the Society of Telegraph Engineers.

Although squarely outside the professional community, Heaviside persevered and published a stream of papers in the 1880s and 1890s, many in the trade journal The Electrician, which paid him 40 per year. (He also published in Nature.) Despite this meagre income, he managed to recast Maxwell's equations, introducing vectors to represent the magnitude and direction of electrical and magnetic fields. To permit differential equations related to vectors to be solved using algebra, he also deployed operational calculus. Although dense, his papers were appreciated by scientists such as Oliver Lodge, George FitzGerald and Heinrich Hertz, all of whom corresponded with him.

In the late 1890s, as Guglielmo Marconi and Nikola Tesla were investigating wireless telegraphy, theoreticians puzzled about the propagation of radio waves. For Maxwell, radio waves were the same as light waves, and both travelled in straight lines; yet radio waves didn't race off into space, but instead seemed to follow Earth's curvature. Why? In 1902, Heaviside theorized  at the same time as US engineer Arthur Kennelly  that radio waves propagated around the world because they bounced off a layer of charged gas particles in the ionosphere. Experimentally confirmed in the 1920s, this reflective portion is now known as the KennellyHeaviside layer.

The importance of Heaviside's work was recognized, but he received no compensation from practical applications. A case in point was the long-distance telephone network built by the American Telephone and Telegraphy Company (AT&T). AT&T asked engineers George Campbell and Michael Pupin to study Heaviside's papers on transmission lines. Using his mathematics, they designed inductive loading coils, enabling calls to be made from New York to San Francisco, California, by 1915. They became wealthy from their patents. AT&T offered to pay Heaviside for his early contribution, but he insisted that he be given full credit for using induction coils on transmission lines. When AT&T proved unwilling to do this, Heaviside refused to take the money.

Heaviside's scientific peers, however, eventually recognized his contributions, making him a fellow of the Royal Society; the Institution of Electrical Engineers bestowed its Faraday Medal on him. Still embittered by his experience with the Society of Telegraph Engineers, Heaviside turned his back on it all. He spent his final years living modestly in Devonshire and died in 1925.

Drawing on his previous works, such as the Maxwell biography The Man Who Changed Everything (Wiley, 2003), Mahon superbly explains Heaviside's ideas and how they came to define electrical engineering. He deftly pieces together, from letters and notebooks, the scant details we have about Heaviside's personal life. In Mahon's hands, the story resembles a play by Henrik Ibsen, with an angry, complex central character whose life plays out in difficult family relationships. Yet ultimately, Mahon struggles to illuminate the inner Heaviside, and I was left wondering what motivated this extraordinary engineer to pursue the mathematical rendering of electricity with such intensity. What prompted the young telegrapher to dig so deeply into esoteric theory and mathematics, and to isolate himself from people?
In 1987, researchers in Switzerland described two sisters who were born separately but had similar abnormalities. A curl of tissue in their cerebellums was missing. Their hearts contained holes and clefts. One died aged three following cardiac surgery; her sister had a similar operation at age four, but survived. Because neither of the girls' parents had these abnormalities, the researchers concluded that their daughters had inherited two copies of an atypical gene, leading to a previously unknown syndrome1. The human interactome: each dot is a protein and each line an interaction. Credit: Andrew Garrow

The scrambled nucleotides responsible for the girls' condition may reside in a single gene. Yet several other genes have subsequently also been associated with what has been dubbed RitscherSchinzel syndrome. The functions of those genes, and how they related to the syndrome, remained a mystery for years.

Today, those molecular underpinnings are coming into focus thanks to the systematic study of proteinprotein interactions, a discipline called interactomics. By mapping the network of connections between proteins, three research teams independently discovered a complex called Commander that's made up of proteins produced by the mutated genes2. Commander is an essential cell component that sorts and delivers proteins, and its malfunction causes the devastating defects of RitscherSchinzel syndrome.

Proteins and other biological molecules rarely work alone; they brush up against one another in fleeting interactions or band together to form complex cellular machines. Only through such partnerships can proteins perform their many functions. Breakdowns in those interactions can affect human health.

If you break a gene coding a protein that goes into a complex, then that complex is dysfunctional in some way and that gives rise to a condition or disease, says Edward Marcotte, a systems biologist at the University of Texas at Austin.

Biochemists have long studied the ways in which one or a few proteins interact with others. But now they are developing tools to chart more comprehensive sets of proteinprotein interactions at levels from organellar to organismal. These interactomes typically look like dense starbursts, with protein dots or nodes joined by the interactions between them. Self-contained clusters of interconnected proteins that emerge from these webs may represent key complexes and communal functions or, as in the case of RitscherSchinzel syndrome, provide clues to the roots of disease.

In the past three years, research groups have published the first high-quality maps of the human interactome3,4,5,6. Together, the most recent iterations of those maps have identified around 93,000 unique proteinprotein interactions.

The technologies underlying these maps are not new; protein-interaction mapping dates back to the 1990s. And researchers have been producing interactome maps since at least the early 2000s. But methodological refinements as well as advances in protein purification, mass spectrometry and gene-editing techniques have empowered researchers to explore the interactome  and the insights it promises into development and disease  with ever-finer precision.

It isn't easy: capturing all interactions is a challenge, as the set of protein partners varies across different tissues, cells and even time. The interactome is dynamic, breaking and forming connections as the cell responds to its environment. Mapping it to completion may require fresh methods and ways of thinking about systems biology.

Still, the field is yielding results. New machines that are ubiquitous but deeply understudied  that's fundamental biology coming out of the maps. Marcotte says. We've clearly passed a critical threshold.

Numbers game

There essentially are two approaches to building interactome maps. The yeast two-hybrid assay tests for direct interactions between protein pairs by coupling gene expression to protein interactions in the cell. The second approach maps both direct and indirect protein contacts by isolating complexes with antibodies and identifying their component parts with mass spectrometry (see 'Pick A or B' and 'Mapping tools').

Marcotte's laboratory uses a variation on the second approach that involves biochemically separating proteins  for instance, using sucrose density gradients  to see which molecules tend to stay together.

The resulting maps allowed Marcotte and Anna Mallam, a postdoctoral researcher in his lab, to draw inferences about the Commander complex's cellular role2. Previous studies revealed that two components were structurally similar to proteins that build and maintain eukaryotic hair-like structures called cilia and flagella; other components seem to move proteins across membranes. Those data and other findings suggest that Commander moves specific proteins from the cell membrane to a compartment called the Golgi apparatus, where they are recycled.

The largest maps encompass thousands of proteins, resembling tangled hairballs more than starbursts. But by unravelling them, researchers have identified signatures that distinguish cancer-causing genes from 'normal' ones, and that define key biological processes, such as chromosome segregation during cell division.

Even with multiple approaches, interactome maps are still largely incomplete, says computational biologist Katja Luck at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. It's a question of numbers. The human genome contains roughly 20,000 protein-coding genes. If one assumes that each protein has only one form  a massive oversimplification  there are approximately 200 million possible interactions. The real number is likely to be much smaller because many interactions are indirect; estimates for one-to-one interactions range from 120,000 to 1 million.

Proteins are incredibly diverse, biochemically speaking, and thus their interactions cannot be captured by every assay equally. Membrane- protein interactions, for instance, are difficult to study because when the membrane is stripped away, their shape and behaviour changes; they may not link with their typical partners. But, the extent to which this incompleteness alters the current maps isn't yet clear. We are just at the beginning of understanding the biases of different methods, Luck says.

As a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of geneticist Marc Vidal, Luck has helped to implement protocols to eliminate errors in their two-hybrid approach. The core method dates back to the 1989. We are just doing some tweaks to make it better, she says. By tagging the protein genes with barcodes, the team can test more than one interaction at a time in a large range of growing yeast. Rigorous attention to detail, automation of key steps and sequencing in quadruplicate has allowed them to identify more than 60,000 interactions, the majority of which were previously unknown.

That data set forms the bulk of the interactions reported in the collaborative Human Reference Protein Interactome Mapping Project, and it is still growing. By 2020 we want something that people will be able to refer to as a reference map for the human interactome, Vidal says. The work hasn't always gone smoothly. The early days of interactomics generated error-prone networks. Only about 3% of identified interactions had support from more than one method, according to one 2006 review7. People were extremely cautious about using those data sets, Vidal says. But in ten years we have made really incredible progress.

Better mapping with CRISPR

The eventual reference map Vidal envisions is likely to contain only a subset of all possible interactions. Cell and tissue variation as well as shifting cellular responses add up to many possible versions of the full interactome. For Matthias Mann, a biochemist at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, Germany, those variations are daunting. But he is optimistic about the power of gene-editing technology, such as CRISPRCas9, to address them.

Mann's mapping method involves libraries of cell lines expressing hundreds of proteins, which are tested for interactions using an ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometer called Orbitrap. The bait proteins are fused to a green fluorescent protein, producing a luminosity profile that allows the researchers to quantify interactions through live-cell imaging. In the late 2000s, creating the cell-line library was quite laborious, he says. Now our method gets wings due to the CRISPR engineering that can be brought to bear.

Since introducing the quantitative approach in 2010, Mann's team has mapped and quantified the strength of more than 28,000 interactions. Interactions in which the partners exist in one-to-one ratios are considered 'strong' and are likely to exist in stable and abundant complexes. Without such information, it is very hard to say something about the structure of the network, Mann explains. Analysis of his team's map showed that the human interactome is dominated by weak associations, which may reflect low-abundance regulatory proteins acting on more stable protein machines.

Subtle tweaks

A common trend across the field is the adoption of relatively gentle protocols for sample preparation that aim to faithfully capture all proteinprotein interactions in the cell.

We are trying to find less disruptive methods, says Rosa Viner, a biochemist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a life sciences company in San Jose, California. The firm's focus on improving sample preparation, workflow and mass-spectrometry technology aims to help researchers identify interactions as they exist in cells. This is the hardest challenge: finding the methods that will give us the best picture without any artefacts, she adds.

Artefacts can include protein complexes that fall apart before their interactions are detected. To hold complexes together, Viner has worked with researchers at the University of California, Irvine, to chemically fuse complexes, an approach called crosslinking, before mass-spectrometric analysis. A strategy called QMIX (quantitation of multiplexed, isobaric-labelled crosslinked peptides) has been developed that integrates crosslinking compounds with chemical labels to allow researchers to stabilize as well as track protein complexes8.

Good analysis also takes into account the blind spots of any given method. There are still classes of proteins that are very challenging, says Wade Harper, a cell biologist at Harvard Medical School in Boston. When you do high-throughput analysis, you are limited in how much care you can take with individual protein. That's because such analyses tend treat every reaction the same, leaving little room for customization.

Harper and his colleague Steven Gygi, also at Harvard, created a lab group to fine-tune their approach. With a relatively small team of four to six people we can create four or five hundred cell lines a month, he says. That dedication has yielded the largest collection of human-protein-complex data yet achieved from a single pipeline. Their map, called BioPlex, includes around 120,000 interactions.

Big picture

But to get a closer look at interactions, researchers must dive into the crowded landscape of the cell itself.

Anne-Claude Gingras, a biochemist at the University of Toronto in Canada, uses a technique called BioID, which tags proteins on the basis of their proximity to one another. The tagged protein of interest adds a chemical tag to nearby proteins, leaving evidence of its interactions like a crayon-wielding toddler's trail through the house.

The result is a map of the physical neighbourhood surrounding the initial protein. Identifying a protein's larger community is likely to reveal details about its cellular function, Gingras explains.

Proximity mapping also allows researchers to track proteins that cannot be picked up by other assays, such as difficult-to-isolate membrane-embedded proteins. We and others have looked at proteins on chromatin, mapped the organization of the centrosome and detected interactions that span all kinds of membranes, Gingras says. Using BioID, the group found new components in a signalling pathway that regulates organ size during development9.

Harper's lab uses a similar method called APEX. In it, an engineered plant enzyme called ascorbate peroxidase chemically restricts the time window during which the protein of interest can tag others, resulting in a fainter but more spatially precise signal.

If we are going to understand how cells are working, it is critical to connect all the proteinprotein interaction maps with spatial maps within the cell.

Having multiple approaches in interactomics means that when interactions appear on more than one map, they carry more weight. That is where the insights will come, says Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz, a cell biologist at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia. If we are going to understand how cells are working, it is critical to connect all the proteinprotein interaction maps with spatial maps within the cell, she says.

Cells are packed with large structures or organelles, all floating in the protein-rich soup of the cytoplasm. Understanding which proteins are interacting and why will require researchers to actually see what this world looks like.

Lippincott-Schwartz's lab has developed an arsenal of tools for visualizing proteins inside living cells using fluorescent labels. These tools have revealed six organelles  the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes and lipid droplets  moving and interacting in 3D. The team calls it the organelle interactome10.

The interactome, Lippincott-Schwartz says, is a hypothesis generator for cell biologists. You go in and start testing once you see a protein you know interacting with a whole bunch of other proteins that have functions you didn't know.

With interactome maps finally becoming fleshed out with high-quality, abundant interactions, researchers can start putting those hypotheses to the test.
With Berkeley having become a political battleground for the far-left and far-right, its City Council on Tuesday approved the police chief's request to lift a 20-year-old ban on the department's use of pepper spray.

The City Council during a special meeting voted 6-3 in favor of Chief Andrew Greenwoods proposal. The decision comes just days before former Breitbart News editor Ben Shapiro is scheduled to make an appearance at UC Berkeley, and that event is expected to draw protests.

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin said the new rule will allow police officers to use pepper spray on violent people in a crowd  not for crowd control.

"They understand that we are asking them for this tool for specific circumstances where we deal with potential where folks can use violence to possibly break through a police line," Greenwood said of the council's decision.



Until Tuesday, officers had been prohibited from using pepper spray as a way to control crowds, Greenwood wrote in a memo to the City Council. However, it can be a mode of "effective intervention in violent crowd control situations involving direct coordinated attacks on police lines," he continued.

Greenwood stressed the Berkeley Police Departments commitment to upholding peoples First Amendment rights  no matter where on the political spectrum they may fall.

In 2017, however, "Berkeley has been the focus of an unprecedented effort to be made a battleground for extremist groups," Greenwood wrote.

The city has experienced a spike in "violence and criminal behavior" by these clusters of people "who have launched brutal and determined attacks against officers and people whom they have determined should not be allowed to speak or publicly assemble," he added.

Greenwood listed chaotic and bloody riots that broke out at "March 4 Trump" and "Patriots Day" rallies. In both cases, hundreds of protesters descended on Berkeley, fights broke out, some people were injured and others were arrested, and property was destroyed. On Aug. 28 again, more than 100 black-clad Antifa members pushed their way past police barricades, and attacked right-wing protesters.

To make his case, Greenwood on Tuesday displayed an arsenal of weapons that were wielded at the numerous protests. He also brought along photographs, one of which showed officers in riot gear responding to an explosion at Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park.

"We want you to see for yourself weapons brought to the fray," Greenwood said.

Protesters were also armed with shields, which rendered most of the polices non-lethal weapons useless, Greenwood said.

"Pepper spray is markedly more effective against those using shields, as shields do not give full protection against the effects of directed, focused applications of chemical irritant," Greenwood explained.

Berkeley police officers have been permitted to use batons, projectiles and tear gas. However, tear gas emits "a cloud of chemical irritant" that has the potential to impact even peaceful demonstrators or witnesses, he wrote. Batons pose "an inherent risk of injury to both suspects and officers," he added.

By contrast, pepper spray makes it possible "to repel specific attackers," Greenwood said.

"The availability of pepper spray as a force option to use against specific violent offenders in a crowd situation would allow for more safety for officers and the public, and increase the likelihood of apprehension and criminal prosecution of suspects, while reducing the potential for injuries to suspects and officers," according to Greenwood.

Nearly all police departments across the United States use pepper spray as an "intermediary form of force as an alternative to tear gas and batons," Greenwood wrote.

It is widely recognized that pepper sprays benefits include "cessation of attack and creation of space between police and violent individuals and their targets, and opportunities to carry out focused arrest efforts on violent offenders," he wrote.

The lack of that option has restricted Berkeley police officers so "unchecked violence can escalate, creating a need for more significant use of force," Greenwood said.

Police officers are expected to submit "Use of Pepper Spray" reports to the City Council every time a pepper spray canister is used. It will also not be used against peaceful demonstrators or observers, and officers will make a concerted "attempt to limit collateral exposure to non-involved parties."

Further, Greenwood wrote, "Where there is probable cause to arrest for a crime, officers shall prioritize where practical the arrest of individuals upon whom pepper spray has been deployed."

The timing of Tuesday's meeting was determined by the fact that the University of California, Berkeley is preparing to host controversial speaker and former Breitbart News editor, Ben Shapiro, on Thursday.

The city and campus reportedly amassed roughly $600,000 worth of damage in February when Milo Yiannopoulos, an "alt-right" speaker, who also worked at Breitbart News, was scheduled to speak on campus. Thousands rioted, starting at UC Berkeley and ending up in the streets of the city. Yiannopoulos speech was canceled, but that didnt stop protesters from setting trash on fire, lighting fireworks, vandalizing businesses, and starting fights.

Arreguin has called on UC Berkeley leaders to nix Shapiros speech. However, the university has demurred because registered student groups are permitted to invite speakers of their choice to campus, according to spokesman Dan Mogulof.

Thursdays event will unfold on campus, but Berkeley police officers could be asked for assistance, officials say. UC Berkeley is also preparing for Free Speech Week between Sept. 24 and 27, during which controversial speakers Milo Yiannopoulos, Steve Bannon and Ann Coulter are expected.

NBC Bay Area's Jodi Hernandez contributed to this report.

Below is Chief Andrew Greenwood's entire report to the Berkeley City Council:
Amid a push for more progressive leadership, Contra Costa Countys Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed retired Superior Court Judge Diana Becton as interim district attorney.



Becton, whose term begins next Monday, is the first woman and the first African-American to hold the position in the countys 168-year history. She will be replacing Mark Petersen, who resigned in disgrace after being charged with perjury and grand theft for using $66,000 in campaign cash as a personal slush fund.

Despite being one of two candidates who admitted to plagiarizing sections of their applications, Becton was able to maintain vocal community support in the weeks leading up to Tuesday's meeting. She lifted significant portions of her application from a variety of sources, including from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and an op-ed by U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris.

Becton addressed the plagiarism charges at Tuesday's meeting, saying she drew liberally from sources in an attempt to lift certain issues up.

I recognize that I should have used quotation marks when I used the words of other people, and I didnt do that, she said. I have owned that mistake; I dont hide from it.

The vote was close, with supervisors Candace Andersen and Karen Mitchoff signing off on applicant Paul Graves, a senior deputy district attorney in the county who had the support of law enforcement. Supervisors John Gioia and Diane Burgis, meanwhile, threw their weight behind Becton, who stressed the need for bail reform and restorative justice.

In breaking the tie, Supervisor Federal Glover said he recognized the need to restore "public trust" and "promote different voices."

Becton, who has never been a prosecutor, told the supervisors that she was dedicated to changing the culture of the District Attorneys Office and returning its focus to just outcomes. For too long, the office has been consumed with sentences and convictions and getting cases out, she said.

Im here because I want to do what Ive done for the last 22 years as a judge, and that is to stand for what is right, Becton, who also holds a masters degree in theology, said. My mission is clear, and that is to make Contra Costa County a place that is safer for everyone while were promoting fairness and justice in our system.

The former judge received a bachelors degree in economics from San Francisco State University and a law degree from Golden Gate University. Before becoming a Contra Costa County judge in 1995, she worked for the City of Richmond and as a private attorney. Last year, she was elected president of the National Association of Women Judges.

Sheriff David Livingston wrote a letter to the Board of Supervisors and appeared in person to oppose the potential appointment of Becton or Tom Kensok, the other candidate who plagiarized portions of his application. Livingston said any of the other three candidates  Graves, Santa Clara County deputy district attorney Patrick Vanier, and Judge Danielle Douglas  would be a better choice.

Appointing either Kensok or Becton would be offensive to law enforcement, Livingston said. His remarks were met with hisses from the crowd of onlookers, many of whom spoke in support of Becton.

Richmond resident and Cease Fire coordinator Darnell Jones took to the podium to defend the former judge, lambasting Livingston for railroading his community "with gang enhancement charges.

We should not look at a persons writings, but a persons work, Jones said. Im not going to let someone who helped destroy our communities talk about one of my sisters.

Bectons interim term will last until January 2019. If she chooses to run for election in 2018, she will face off against Graves and Vanier, who have already filed election paperwork.
When Dalice Elizabeth Winery postponed one of its summer clam bakes, Southington native, Marisa Debboli, and 13 of her friends had to change plans.

With less than a month to go before her best friends wedding, Debboli thought she did everything right as a maid of honor. She planned the bachelorette party almost six months in advance and bought tickets to the event, costing the group $521.

Debboli was ready for a relaxing mid-July night out with friends at the Preston winerys beach side clambake and then, the day before, she got bad news.

"I checked in to email just to see that we were all setthat we could show up and nothing else was needed," Debboli said. "And I was told that the event was actually going to be canceled the next day for inclement weather."

The winery offered to reschedule but with the wedding just weeks away, Debboli decided to take the group out for a nice dinner instead.

Meanwhile, she made every effort to get the group a $521 refund. Dalice Elizabeths owner agreed and six days after the scheduled event, an employee told her the check was in the mail.

She waited, but the check didn't arrive.

"A lot of times I was passed on to, 'Ill leave a message with the person who handles our finances... hes not in right now... Ill leave a message with the owner,' but there was no callback," Debboli said. "And after a while, there was just no more responses."

That was the most frustrating part, she said. She didnt want to feel ignored.

"I think sometimes people might give up in that situation," Debboli said. "I wouldnt have given up for $100. Its just not who I am."

Then, family members pointed her to NBC Connecticut Responds.

"Both my parents and (the brides) parents were like, 'Hey, you know, NBC (Connecticut) Responds, they get back to everybody. You should at least email them and see if its something they can try and help you with'," Debboli said.

The day after NBC Connecticuts consumer team reached out, Debboli received a message saying her check was ready and available for her to pick up at her convenience.

"I cant thank (NBC Connecticut Responds) enough for actually trying to advocate for consumers," said Debboli.

The employee who Debboli spoke with said the delay was due to a recent death in the family which required their full attention.
The New Haven Board of Education has set a deadline to announce the next superintendent of schools by Monday, October 16.

Bobbie Maebry is a substitute teacher in the New Haven school system and she has a daughter in one of the magnet high schools.

"They have a lot of resources and connections to like universities and colleges," Maebry said.

The New Haven mother shared with NBC Connecticut qualities shed like to see in the school districts next superintendent.

"An understanding of the community in which they work," Maebry said. "Some history in the city, definitely, and just a really strong passion for seeing our children succeed in education."

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Education (BOE), President Dr. Ed Joyner said the firm hired to conduct the search has identified "six exceptional candidates" to lead New Haven schools. He added the firm presented final steps for the process at a Monday meeting.

The first round of interviews will start on Sept. 20. The second round of interviews will be held on Sept. 26 and 27. After that, the committee will evaluate, run background checks and negotiate a contract to prepare for the October announcement.

In a memo sent Monday to the Illinois-based search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, Board of Education member Darnell Goldson writes:

"Unfortunately, as to this date the public has made it clear at BOE meetings, in calls to me, as well as comments in the press that they are wholly unsatisfied with the public participation."

"The public should be informed of everything that goes on, our tax dollars are going toward the school system," Phillip Dozier of New Haven said.

Dr. Reginald Mayo continues to serve as interim superintendent after Garth Harries left the position last fall, almost two years before his contract was up. The school district paid his salary for the remainder of the 2016-17 school year after he stepped down on Nov. 1, 2016.

"We never as a public knew why (Harries) was eliminated from the school system here in New Haven," Dozier said. "And I think thats wrong."

Joyner said there are no internal candidates among the six being considered for superintendent. He said key stakeholder groups like parents, students, teachers and clergy will be included in the final decision.
A student who opened fire in a hallway at a Washington state high school killed a classmate who confronted him Wednesday and wounded three others before being stopped by a staff member, authorities said.

The suspect, who a classmate described as being obsessed with previous school shootings, was taken into custody. The wounded victims were expected to survive, officials said.

The shooter brought two weapons to Freeman High School in Rockford, south of Spokane, but the first one he tried to fire jammed, Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich told reporters.

"He went to his next weapon," Kzenovich said. "A student walked up to him, engaged him, and that student was shot. That student did not survive."

The sheriff said the shooter fired more rounds down the hallway, striking the other students, before a school staffer could stop him. Kzenovich called it a courageous act that prevented further bloodshed.

Elisa Vigil, a 14-year-old freshman, told The Associated Press that she saw one male student shot in the head who janitors covered with a cloth and another female student wounded in the back.

Michael Harper, a 15-year-old sophomore, said the suspect had brought notes in the beginning of the school year, saying he was going to do "something stupid" and might get killed or jailed. Some students alerted counselors, the teen told AP, but it wasn't clear what school officials did in response.

A call to the school was not immediately returned.

Harper said the shooter had many friends and was not bullied, calling him "nice and funny and weird" and a huge fan of the TV show "Breaking Bad." He also said the suspect was obsessed with other school shootings.

Students say the shooter was armed with a pistol and rifle and had carried a duffel bag to school. After shots were fired, students went running and screaming down the hallways, Harper said.

Authorities didn't release the suspect's identity or a possible motive. The victims also were not named.

Luis Prito, an assistant football coach at Freeman High, called the shooting devastating.

"This is a real close-knit community," he said.

A two-lane road into the town of about 500 people near the Idaho border was clogged as worried parents sped to the school. Some people abandoned their cars on the street to make it to their children.

Cheryl Moser said her son, a freshman, called her from a classroom after hearing shots fired.

"He called me and said, 'Mom, there are gunshots.' He sounded so scared. I've never heard him like that," Moser told The Spokesman-Review newspaper. "You never think about something happening like this at a small school."

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital received three pediatric patients, spokeswoman Nicole Stewart said. They were in stable condition and surrounded by family, she said.

Stephanie Lutje told AP she was relieved to hear her son was safe after his high school near Freeman High was put on lockdown. She commended the school district for its communication.

"It's been amazing, within probably 15-20 minutes of hearing about it, I'd already received a phone call, I'd already received a text message saying that their school is OK," she said.

She still worried for others she knew, including a co-worker who had yet to hear from her son, a sophomore at Freeman.

"My stomach's in knots right now," she said.

Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement that "all Washingtonians are thinking of the victims and their families, and are grateful for the service of school staff and first responders working to keep our students safe."
The restaurant and food industry continues to have issues when it comes to people getting the pay they earned. The NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters have documented this in a series of reports over the past several years, yet the problem persists.

This time, NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters helped two out of three people who complained about not getting paid.

A young man from Avon with special needs says he hoped working as a dishwasher at Friendly's last summer would help him stash cash for college. But Alex Ryan's checks never came, "(they) said wait a couple days and we'll give you money and then we waited a couple days and we still never got the money for it."

Alex and his family contacted the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters, who helped him get in touch with the right people at the CT Department of Labor, and his roughly $400 check showed up, ten months after he earned it.

For its part, Friendly's said:

"Alex was with us as part of a program the Avon, CT Friendly's formerly took part in with the local high school, where special needs students take part in a workplace setting to gain experience. In June 2016, Alex applied to be considered for employment but was not hired at that time. Alex continued at the location for a few weeks and restaurant management thought this was a continuation of his high school program. We regret this confusion."

Alex's family disagrees with Friendly's account and said the restaurant asked him to work.

Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) student Jordan Resnisky also reached out to the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters after he said he had trouble getting paid by the owner of Meadow Stone Farm, a Brooklyn, Connecticut, cheese maker.

He shared texts with us showing he worked there two days and was let go for not working fast enough at a farmers market, but said when he asked about getting paid for the days he did work, the owner, Julie Lamothe, never replied.

NBC Connecticut urged Resnisky to get in touch with the CT Department of Labor right away, who got him his $143 paycheck. Lamothe told us via text that Resnisky only wanted $100 to work a day or two, known as a quick hit, adding "his check has always been waiting for him."

Resnisky denies Lamothe's claim about a quick hit and said she never told him his check was available.

Then there's Walter Cousins, who said he worked at Us Restaurant and Lounge in Middletown, which abruptly closed.

One of its owners, Earl O'Garro, eventually went to prison in a high profile, but unrelated, financial fraud case. Cousins reached out to see if we could help get the money owed him, but the CT Department of Labor says it rarely can help in cases like this.

NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters could not get in touch with OGarro, or his ex-wife, who also played a role in running the restaurant, for their take on what happened with Walter Cousins. In spite of his failure to get paid, in most cases, you can fight back. The CT Department of Labor helps out people working for smaller businesses that do most of their work in the state, the U.S. Department of Labor takes cases involving larger employers engaging in interstate commerce.
The full-court press is on to shut down Dallas County Schools for good.

A referendum on the November ballot could close the troubled school bus agency and pave the way for local districts to take over busing duties.

Now, a local state senator and two members of the Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees are launching a new political action committee that will raise money and support for shuttering DCS, the agency that has driven Dallas-area kids to school for decades.

State Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas, will head the new PAC called "Protect Dallas Kids," along with Edwin Flores and Dustin Marshall, Dallas ISD trustees who say they are fed up with poor service from DCS, which buses Dallas ISD students under a contract.

The state legislature put the future of DCS on the November ballot after NBC 5 Investigates uncovered serious safety concerns at DCS and millions of dollars of taxpayer money squandered on risky business deals.

DCS says it has become safer, more responsible with money, has a new management team in place, and deserves a second chance.

Huffines disagrees.

"It's dangerous, they are unreliable and it's definitely ripping off taxpayers," Huffines said Tuesday in an interview with NBC 5.

"This is one of only two remaining county-wide school districts in the state of Texas. They have justified their existence for decades by providing transportation and they do a terrible job of it," Huffines said.

Marshall and Flores say they are not eager to see Dallas ISD take over busing duties but feel they have no choice, given their concerns about what they describe as poor service from DCS.

Critics of the plan to close DCS argue Dallas ISD will not be ready to run a bus operation if DCS no longer exists. But Flores and Marshall insist Dallas ISD has plans in place.

"Part of our task will be to educate voters that there will be an orderly transition where DISD will absorb the buses, absorb the drivers that are skilled and qualified, and that kids will not be left on the street corner," Marshall said.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said Tuesday that he is also supportive of efforts to close DCS.

"We need to have the best transportation system possible for our schoolchildren. That's why it's time for us to unite against Dallas County Schools," Rawlings said, in a statement he issued as a private citizen, not officially as mayor.

City ethics rules limit how elected officials can be involved in activities surrounding a PAC.

However, Rawlings' support indicates DCS may face significant opposition from some political heavyweights.

DCS offered no official response to the announcement of the new PAC. The agency's hands are tied because it is prevented from using taxpayer money to campaign in the election.

But unions that represent bus drivers and local teachers plan to fight back with their own effort to get out the vote to save DCS.

"Of course we are disappointed that Sen. Huffines and the trustees would put together a PAC to do away with DCS. Our campaign is going to be a grassroots effort, and we are definitely the underdog. I still think we are going to win out," said Dale Kaiser, a board member with the National Education Association (NEA).

The NEA and the Texas State Teachers Association have both suggested they may also use their own PAC funds to fight for DCS to continue operating.

The vote is on Nov. 7.
Police say a 21-year-old Texas man has been found fatally shot in southeast Oklahoma City.

Officer Megan Morgan says officers responding to a reported shooting about 10:30 p.m. Monday found Jesus Fernandez of El Paso, Texas, on the front porch of a home.

Morgan says Fernandez was dead at the scene with a gunshot wound.

No arrests or suspect information have been announced.
Six U.S. Marines were critically wounded and nine others injured in a fiery training accident involving an Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, according to the Marine Corps.

The land-based training accident happened at approximately 9:33 a.m. Wednesday, 1st Marine Division public affairs officer 1st Lt. Paul Gainey said. Camp Pendleton is a U.S. Marine Corps base located north of San Diego; the base had more than 42,000 active duty personnel.

At the time of the incident, the Marines were conducting a scheduled Combat Readiness Evaluation, a standard training for infantry battallion, Gainey said.

The AAV had an accident and caught on fire, a Pendleton spokesman said. The vehicle is used to transport Marines from sea to land and has been used since the 1970s.

The incident injured 15 Marines from 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment and 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion.

Eight Marines were medically evacuated to the UC San Diego Health's Burn Center. Of those eight Marines, three are in critical condition and five are in serious condition.

Four other Marines were taken to the University of California Irvine Medical Center. Three of those Marines are in critical condition and one is in serious condition.

One Marine was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and is in stable condition.

Two Marines were taken to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton with minor injuries.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Marines and their families as they receive medical care," Gainey said in the statement.

The incident is just the latest in a string of accidents at the base, some fatal.

Earlier this month, U.S. Marine Corps officials announced that another Marine had died during training at the base north of San Diego County. On Aug. 30, Private First Class Michael P. Giannattasio was found unresponsive during a land navigation training event with the Basic Reconnaissance Course, School of Infantry West, aboard Camp Pendleton. When medics arrived, they tried to resuscitate the Marine, but it was too late. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In 2015, a Marine was discovered dead at a shooting range on the base; he was participating in a training exercise in which live ammunition was used.

Several years ago, in Nov. 2013, four U.S. Marines were killed during a range maintenance operation.

Wednesday's accident remains under investigation.

No other information was available.

Please refresh this page for updates on this story. Details may change as more information becomes available.
Rod Blagojevich makes no bones about it.

Hes doing a great job in his current position.

Ive been given the jurisdiction to sweep and mop two floors, he says. So my jurisdiction has shrunk from the fifth biggest state in America, to these two floors. But I dont care what anybody says, I believe in clean government, and I believe in clean floors.

Now in his sixth year at the federal penitentiary in suburban Denver known as FCI Englewood, the former two-term Illinois governor still adamantly maintains his innocence. And says he has managed not to become bitter about his plight.

I take one day at a time and I have a purpose, he says. My purpose is very strong that I have to be strong and deal with this affliction and accept the fate thats been assigned to me.

It is Blagojevichs first public comment since he entered FCI Englewood five and a half years ago. Over the course of two one-hour conversations with NBC 5, the former governor spoke of his family and his desire to set the record straight through another appeal to the United States Supreme Court.

What sustains me during this very difficult long hard trial is the love I have for my children and my wife Patti, he said. My kids can see from both of their parents that when adversity enters their life, when your calamity comes on like a whirlwind, and just about everythings been taken from you, that you dont quit---you keep going and you draw from the hardest suffering the inspiration to carry on.







Blagojevich is now housed in the camp at the Colorado prison, a lower-security facility where he enjoys more freedom. But he still faces the balance of a 14-year sentence and a scheduled release date in 2024.

Do you realize, I have twice been given a longer prison sentence than Al Capone? he says. Ive been given a prison sentence by the same judge who gave a mafia hit man...he acknowledged under oath, a contract killer, my judge gave me a longer sentence than him!

Blagojevich is correct. And he drew that 14-year sentence in a case where the government was never able to prove that he took any money. Still, his case achieved worldwide notoriety, branding Blagojevich as a virtual poster child for political corruption. And the U.S. Attorneys office in Chicago is preparing to vigorously fight still another Blagojevich appeal.

All Im asking for is--apply the law, he says. And if you apply the right law, I didnt cross the line.

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LEAVING HOME

For Blagojevich, the world changed radically on the day he walked into FCI Englewood, March 15, 2012.

You walk in there on the first day and your hearts broken, he says. Youre in there and then they close the gates on you, and youre in prison. And youre yearning for your children and your wife and your home, and youre looking at 14 years. And you cant even see the flicker of a light at the end of a tunnel.

At the other end of that tunnel, wife Patti has essentially become a single mother to the two Blagojevich daughters.

Life has been a challenge for the last five years, she says. The first couple of years were super hard, super distressing. Every single birthday, every single Christmas, Halloween, every single event would go by and Rod wouldnt be there--so heartbreaking!

But the sad thing is right now, its almost like you dont expect him to be there, because hes gone for(on the day of the interview) tomorrow is Amys 21st birthday. This is the sixth birthday that hes missed. So its like, youre not looking for him anymore.

Patti Blagojevich says she remembers vividly the day her husband was arrested in December of 2008.

Phone rings at six in the morning and its the FBI, and they say we have a warrant for your husbands arrest, she says. I think I hung up on them--I thought it was a joke. They called back and said if we dont come down, they were going to bust the door open.

I would say if you had to talk about the worst days of your life, that was one of them, she says. When they took him away, I just knew at that point nothing in our lives would be the same again.

LIFE INSIDE

Blagojevich spent his first three months in the main institution at FCI Englewood like any other inmate---in the kitchen. But he quickly took on other responsibilities, in the classroom.

I taught for maybe 30, 29 months in the higher security prison---I taught Civil War history and history of World War II, he says. I gave the example of Abraham Lincoln and the difficulties he had to go throughand I tell stories to these guys and say, If you think youve got it hard, think about him!

And Ive got to say, my classes were always sold out---I felt like Elvis for a second, you know?

To Illinoisans who were familiar with the sight of Blagojevich jogging through Ravenswood with his bodyguards in tow, it should not be a surprise that he continues to run on the prison track. He spends time in the weight room. And, he catches up on his reading.

Way more than I ever hoped for, he notes.

I try to work on writing, so Ive been working on a series of essays for my daughters, he says. These essays are profiles of people who have gone through crushing adversity, and the purpose is to write these stories and give them to my daughters so they can draw some inspiration from what other people have had to go through when things were difficult for them.

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THE CASE

The former governors 14-year sentence came as the result of two criminal trials, two appeals, and one abortive trip to the Supreme Court. Out of all of those, he did manage to get five counts dropped from his convictions. But his sentence was not shortened. And now he is preparing a second trip to the nations highest court, insisting that everyone up to this point has gotten it wrong.

The rule of law is not a lump of clay, to be put into the hands of prosecutors, to be shaped by them any way they want, to fit any facts, in order for them to ensure convictions. he says. The law is the law, and the law is what the Supreme Court says it is.

Now, Blagojevich is once again hoping that the Supreme Court will listen as he essentially asks them to use his case to clarify when a politician steps over the line in fundraising. Because, he insists, he always stayed on the right side of that line. And those who prosecuted his case got it wrong.

The result, after two criminal trials, was a sentence which is one of the longest ever levied against a politician in America. Blagojevich and his legal team point to other notable cases where there were much smaller penalties: former governor George Ryan did only 6 and a half years; many other governors in other states who were convicted of taking money or accepting lucrative favors have done fewer than two years in prison.

Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, whose life collapsed in a child abuse scandal, spent only 13 months behind bars. Jesse Jackson Jr., the former congressman, admitted looting his campaign fund of $750,000, but only drew a 30-month sentence.

Evidence in the Blagojevich trial showed he never received a penny in bribes. But he is doing 14 years in prison.

FELLOW INMATES

Blagojevich says he gets on well with his fellow inmates. Indeed, on that day he arrived, they knew he was coming, because they watched it live on TV.

They call me Dawg or govvie, or sometimes they call me G, he says. They gathered up a care package to give me some of the necessary things Id need til I was able to go to the prison store and get stuff, like coffee, toothpaste, a toothbrush, they even had a yellow legal pad in there--it was really kind of touching!

At his resentencing last year, many inmates wrote letters on Blagojevichs behalf. He says he has tried to help many of them to prepare for life on the outside.

Especially in the higher security prison next dooryouve got a lot of kind of a tougher crowd over there, he says. I spent a lot of time with several of them, walking around the track and actually doing some mock job interviews, helping them try to make their case to a prospective employer that they should not be prejudiced against them because theyve been incarcerated.

And then there was the band.

Yeah, the group was originally called G-Rod and the Jailhouse Rockers, he says. But that sounded too gang-bangerish, and so the powers that be said just call it Jailhouse Rockers.

His group performed for a GED graduation in June of 2013.

And you know, my two-bit Elvis impersonation got a little less bad and I was able to work on the singing, he notes. We worked frankly hours my first year and a half, probably five hours a day, getting ready for that GED concert.

The result was a vast reportoire which included Thats Alright Mama, All Shook Up, and of course, Jailhouse Rock.

And if I ever have a chance to be in a place other than this, I feel like my version of Jailhouse Rock is much better, because Ive actually lived it!

THE FUTURE

For now, Blagojevich waits. He sees his family, on average, three times a year. And insists he is optimistic about the future.

I would do a shoutout to my fellow underdogs, that are facing powerful forces among us, he says. Dont ever quit. Even if you hit rock bottom, as I have, put faith over fear, youve got to go through the fire. Run with patience and endurance in the race thats set before you, and if you have to, take a stand.

Even if the world misunderstands you, criticizes you and say youre crazy, take a stand. Because you know what the truth is. And when you do it, my experience tells me, trust in God. Youre not alone. You never go alone. Put your faith in Him.

TUESDAY NIGHT:

The Blagojevich legal case. And why he maintains, the courts got it wrong.
Should bartenders and servers be trained to know how much alcohol is too much for their customers?

A California bill that awaits the governor's signature would require DUI prevention training for bartenders.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego), who authored the bill, said the tragic deaths of two promising UC San Diego medical students in a wrong-way collision with a drunk driver prompted the legislation.



"A few years ago the UCSD medical students lost a few of their colleagues in a wrong way drunk driving accident and the perpetrator had clearly drank too much at an establishment and continued to be served," said Fletcher. "So they looked for a way they could actually change the law in a positive way so this doesnt happen to somebody else."

She said the friends of the UCSD medical students played a key role in creating the bill. The students hope to prevent further DUI fatalities.

"Im most excited for these students who took a tragedy and looked at it. They took a data-based approach and said what can we do to make sure this doesnt happen to more people," said Fletcher. "And these students were so diligent, they looked at studies, they looked at possibilities. They helped write the actual bill."

The legislation offers a way to better equip those who serve alcohol and help them identify and understand ways to intervene before a drunk driver gets behind the wheel.

The bill would require bartenders and servers to get mandatory training on alcohol responsibility. The training would cover a variety of topics, including the legal obligations of their employer, how to avoid over-serving customers and ways to spot other similar issues. The training would be a state requirement.

Similar mandatory training already exists for other local governments, according to Fletcher's office. In Oregon, the same program caused drunk driving fatalities to decrease. She hopes for a similar outcome in California.

"We know when Oregon put into law the same program where servers were actually educated on how to responsibly serve alcohol, when to cut it off, when to say enough is enough, and when to ensure that people werent driving, that fatalities and crashes went down," said Fletcher. "So were hopeful that will happen in California as well."

Many bartenders are unaware how many drinks will make someone too intoxicated to drive, she said.

"This is a way to turn a personal tragedy into good for all of us and protection for all of us," added Fletcher.



On Monday, the bill passed the Assembly 51 to 1. It previously passed the Senate by a 35 to 3 margin on Sept. 7. Now, it heads to the Governor's desk for final approval.
A Long Beach man was sentenced 41 years to life in prison on Tuesday for killing his 9-year-old stepdaughter by slashing her throat with a razor blade, after forcing her to endure a series of sexual abuses.

Jacinto Trujillo, 36, of Long Beach, California, pleaded no contest to first-degree murder and oral copulation with a child 10 years old or younger and admitted that he used a razor blade as a deadly weapon to kill her. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gary J. Ferrari immediately handed down the sentence and ordered Trujillo to register as a lifetime sex offender.

Prosecutors said Trujillo had raised his stepdaughter identified in the criminal complaint as Xiomara J. since she was an infant.

Late in the evening on April 27, 2012, Trujillo was walking hand-in-hand with the fourth-grader near Woodruff Avenue and Willow Street in Long Beach when he pulled out the blade, cut her throat and left her bleeding in the nearby parking lot of Los Altos Methodist Church. Officers found Trujillo near the girl's body with self-inflicted stab wounds.

He later admitted to investigators that he had orally copulated the girl on multiple occasions. Prosecutors said the abuse took place from Nov. 1, 2011 until the girl's death.

The original charges against Trujillo included a special circumstance allegation that the victim was killed because she was a witness to a crime, making her stepfather eligible for the death penalty.


Mexico's top diplomat will make a two-day visit to immigrant-friendly California amid strained relations between his country and the U.S. over President Donald Trump's border wall and immigration and trade proposals.

Mexico's Foreign Relations Secretary Luis Videgaray is expected to meet Monday with Gov. Jerry Brown and state legislative leaders in California's capital. He will later head to Los Angeles to announce support for young immigrants whose protection from deportation is being terminated by Trump and meet with business and community leaders. He also plans a trip to Washington later in the week, officials at the Los Angeles consulate said.

The trip comes at a critical time in relations between the two countries. In the last few weeks, Trump has stepped up efforts to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and moved to end the program that let roughly 800,000 immigrants -- three-quarters of them Mexican -- work in the country even though they lack immigration status.

It also comes as negotiations to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, demanded by Trump, got off to a rocky start.

The trip aims to awaken Mexico's so-called natural allies and send a message to Washington that the countries ought to work together, said Rafael Fernandez de Castro, director of the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California, San Diego.

"It is complicated to have a strong relationship with the White House because of who is there, so now Mexico is playing the Washington game and the Washington game is very decentralized," he said. "He is coming, I would say, to friendly ground in which his message is going to be well-received."

Mexico and the United States share a long border and extensive ties. But the relationship has faced new challenges since the election of Trump, who referred to Mexican immigrants as criminals and rapists during his campaign and has taken a series of measures to boost immigration enforcement.

California has pushed back against Trump's efforts to enlist local law enforcement to carry out his immigration plans. The state is home to 10 million foreign-born residents, about 4 million from Mexico.

On Monday, Videgaray will meet with some of the immigrants currently protected under the program that Trump is rescinding. The Obama administration began the program in 2012 to let immigrants brought to the country as children work even though they don't have legal status here.

He will also discuss ways the Mexican government can support these immigrants. The country last week lamented Trump's decision to yank the program and announced plans to create a special job bank for those affected and support their education.

Videgaray met with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in late August, just days before Trump announced his decision on the program.

Mexico and the United States recently participated in a second round of NAFTA renegotiations along with Canada. Trump has said he could withdraw the United States from the 23-year-old pact, and Mexico said it won't stay at the table if it doesn't get a fair deal. The talk has raised concerns among businesspeople on both sides of the border.
Eight residents at a Hollywood, Florida, nursing home left without power in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma have died, officials said Wednesday morning.

Four of the deaths happened at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, and three others died later at a nearby hospital, officials said Wednesday. An eighth person died at the facility Tuesday night and was taken to a funeral home.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott ordered the Agency of Health Care Administration to issue an emergency moratorium for the Hollywood facility. The moratorium prevents the nursing home from admitting any patients until it's lifted.

Late Wednesday afternoon, a second nursing home in North Miami Beach evacuated 84 patients. The evacuation happened after one of the generators failed at Krystal Bay Nursing & Rehabilitation Center along West Dixie Highway.

Five patients were taken to Aventura hospital as a precaution due to dehydration. The other patients were transported to 13 other facilities throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Aerial footage showed workers placing patients into vans in the parking lot. The patients were evacuated to prevent a similar tragedy that occured at the nursing home in Hollywood.



Officials released the names of the eight victims at the Hollywood facility: Bobby Owens, 84, Manuel Mario Medieta, 96, Miguel Antonio Franco, 92, Estella Hendricks, 71, Gail Nova, 71, Carolyn Eatherly, 78, Betty Hibbard, 84 and Albertina Vega, 99. The causes of death have yet to be determined.

Rescue crews responded to the facility at 1200 N. 35th Avenue early Wednesday and found patients "in varying degrees of medical distress," with some in critical condition, Hollywood police said.

A total of 158 people were evacuated from the home and taken to area hospitals "due to conditions in the facility," Hollywood police said.

The facility was evacuated due to a "prolonged power failure" to a transformer which powered the facility's A/C system, the facility administrator, Jorge Carballo, said in a statement to NBC 6.

Carballo also added that the center had a generator on standby that powered life-saving devices and seven days of food, water, ice and other supplies. "Additionally, when the transformer powering the A/C went down, staff set up mobile cooling units and fans to cool the facility. Our staff continually checked on our residents' well-beingour most important concernto ensure they were hydrated and as comfortable as possible," said Carballo.

Hollywood Police Chief Tom Sanchez said investigators believe the eight deaths were heat-related, and added: "The building has been sealed off and we are conducting a criminal investigation." He did not elaborate.

Officials with Memorial Regional Hospital said the patients were treated for respiratory distress and heat-related issues, including dehydration. Some of the patients were taken to area hospitals including Memorial Memorial Regional Hospital South, Memorial Hospital West, Memorial Hospital Pembroke, Memorial Hospital Miramar, Cleveland Clinic, Broward Health and Aventura Hospital, officials said.

Florida Light & Power released a statement in response to the tragedy:

"We extend our deepest sympathies to those who lost their loved ones. Because of the current investigations associated with these tragic events involving the nursing home, we are limited in what we can say. What we know now is that a portion of the facility did, in fact, have power, that there was a hospital with power across the parking lot from this facility and that the nursing home was required to have a permanently installed, operational generator. In March, we met with Broward county officials to identify top critical facilities that require priority power restoration. While this nursing home was given a level of priority, in working with county officials, other critical facilities, such as hospitals and 911 centers, were identified as higher priorities."

Nursing homes in Florida are required by state and federal law to file an emergency plan that includes evacuation plans for residents. County officials released documents showing that the Hollywood facility was in compliance with that regulation and that it held a hurricane drill with its staff in October.

Calls to the owner and other officials at the Hollywood home were not immediately returned, but the facility's administrator, Jorge Carballo, said in a statement that it was "cooperating fully with relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances that led to this unfortunate and tragic outcome."

Five other people have died in the Orlando, Miami and Daytona Beach areas of carbon monoxide poisoning from running generators after Irma left them without power. Their deaths were among 13 storm-related fatalities reported by the Florida Division of Emergency Management as of Tuesday afternoon.

Elsewhere, Irma has been blamed for four deaths in South Carolina and two in Georgia. At least 37 people were killed in the Caribbean.



Officers are checking all of the other 42 assisted living facilities in Hollywood as a precaution, officials said. Approximately 150 facilities out of the nearly 700 facilities in the state do not currently have full power restored, according to the Florida Health Care Association.

Family members can inquire about the welfare of a loved one by calling Memorial Regional Hospital at 954-265-3000 or 954-265-1074.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott said he was "heartbroken" to learn of the deaths at the nursing home. He announced the Florida Department of Children of Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration have begun an investigation.

"I am going to aggressively demand answers on how this tragic event took place," Scott said in a statement. "Although the details of these reported deaths are still under investigation, this situation is unfathomable."

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said he spoke with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to get to the bottom of the tragedy. He was scheduled to visit the facility Wednesday evening.

"This is an inexcusable tragedy that frail patients would die of heat exhaustion without it being recognized and taking them to the hospital next door," Nelson said in a statement.

A third nursing home in North Miami Beach that lost power had contacted police, city and state officials asking FPL to restore power. The Douglas Gardens Community Health Center said it has one generator powering only the kitchen.

The Hollywood stop is a "common stop" for fire rescue crews in the city, said Raelin Storey, spokesperson for the City of Hollywood.

"Our fire crews have responded to this facility 127 times over the last 12-month period," Storey said at a press conference Wednesday evening.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which regulates nursing homes, gives the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills a below average rating, two stars on its five-star scale. But the most recent state inspection reports showed no deficiencies in the area of emergency plans.



In 2015, Larkin Community Hospital acquired the rehab facility and adjoining hospital, formerly known as Hollywood Pavilion Hospital, in a bankruptcy auction after its former CEO was convicted of running a Medicare fraud scheme, according to a Larkin press release announcing the purchase. Karen Kallen-Zury, Hollywood Pavilion's majority owner, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2015 for fraudulently billing the government more than $39 million.

The 152-bed rehabilitation center was fined $5,500 on Feb. 18, 2016, according to a Medicare website. A 2016 inspection report dated the same day noted a series of deficiencies.

It said that the center had failed to provide daily living activities, leaving one woman in her nightgown facing a television that had not been turned on and in a room with the curtains drawn and the lights out.

Another man had long, jagged fingernails with a black substance under the nails on his right hand and a thick yellowish spongy substance under the left hand fingernails, according to the report. His skin was fragile with multiple bruises and scratches on both arms and he was unshaven.

Dentures, glasses and hearing aids were not provided to residents, the report noted.

The center also failed to provide housekeeping and maintenance needed for a sanitary building. Paint was peeling, a sink and tiles were cracked, a door was rusted, trash was overflowing, doors were dirty and a soiled wheelchair was left in a room.

Finally, the center failed to provide proper wound care in a way to prevent potential contamination, the report said. One wound-care nurse was observed doing the following, according to the inspection report: She placed the used scissors on the clean wound care supply field and without removing her gloves, washing her hands and donning new gloves, she cleansed the left heel wound with sterile normal saline and dried the area with dry gauze. In reaching for the dry gauze, the plastic bag containing Venelex wound ointment sitting on the clean field, fell on the floor. She proceeded to pick up the plastic bag off the floor and placed it back on the clean wound care supply field.

The director of nurses, when told of the observation, responded that she could not understand why the nurse had performed so poorly because she had watched the nurse wound care in the past with no issues, the report said.

A report in March found that one woman had had only two showers between March 10 and March 20, though she was supposed to be on a schedule of three showers a week.

In addition, two of 10 residents surveyed had not been assessed for what care they needed within the required timeframes. A coordinator acknowledged during an interview that the center was a year behind in completing the assessments for one resident.

In the kitchen, instant mashed potatoes and pureed vegetable were boiled for up to three hours, food was not being stored and served safely, according to the report. A micro-wave oven was soiled with black matter, the wall near the serving area had dust and dried food on it and small black insects were flying near a bin of uncovered fresh onions, the report said. The center failed to dispose of garbage properly.

"The entire ground area including the alley street area was strewn with trash, garbage, plastics, and used nursing/medical supplies," the report said.

--The Associated Press contributed to this story
People were drooling over a selfie posted to the Gainesville Police Department's Facebook page as Irma made her way across Central Florida Sunday. The viral photo has inspired the police department to create a calendar to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Irma.

The photo featured three photogenic police officers with the caption "Officers Nordman, Hamill and Rengering...part of the night crew getting ready to do some work."

Once the photo was posted, the comment section lit up with more than 89,000 flirtatious messages. By Tuesday night, the post had more than 141,000 shares with people from across the nation gushing over the officers' attractive features and making "special" requests.

Miranda Jo English wrote: "Packs up and moves to Florida to start living a life of petty crime."

In another hilarious comment, Jamie Lee Daniels wrote: "The hunkapotumus is a rare, elusive, and mythical creature. Here we are lucky to see 3 huddled together in the wake of hurricane Irma. I'm a well trained hunkapotumus handler. Send them my way and they will be well taken care of."

Gainesville police had some fun with the flirty commenters and listed an update to the hunky selfie:

"1. We are dying with the comments. You've actually made our chief blush with some of them.

2. MRS. Nordman and MRS. Hamill have also enjoyed knowing how millions of women are going crazy over their husbands.

3. We can confirm that Officer Rengering (far right with the amazing hair) IS SINGLE.

4. On another note, Officer Rengering is being placed into Cougar Prey Protective Care, similar to the witness protection program for his safety.

5. Please do not call 9-1-1 and request this group respond to your "incident"

6. There WILL be a calendar.

Thank you all for the hilarious comments...they have brightened our time up here. As for the calendar, we are going to try and do something fairly quickly and funds raised will go to Hurricane Irma recovery here in Florida."

Many commenters seem to be looking forward to a calendar. Facebook user Alaina Craven wrote: "Do a calendar, add puppies and I'm pretty sure we can rebuild Texas and Florida."

The police department later posted a selfie featuring another hunk of a cop, which of course garnered hundreds of flirtatious comments a few hours after it was posted.

Facebook user Danielle Motley wrote: "I'm starting to think Gainesville PD sold their soul to have the most beautiful police force I've ever seen."
What to Know The arrests come months after a bombshell I-Team report exposed allegations of extreme hazing of customs officers at Newark Airport

Authorities announced in July they had broken up a customs team at Newark Airport and suspended nearly a dozen officers

One officer claims there was a notorious conference table known as "the rape table" in middle of the room where senior officers went wild

Three Customs and Border Protection officers have been arrested following a bombshell I-Team report exposing allegations of extreme, sexually abusive hazing of colleagues at Newark Airport, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.



Tito Catota, 38, of Lyndhurst, New Jersey; Parmenio Perez, 40, of Hawthorne, New Jersey; and Michael Papagni, 32, of Staten Island, are charged with forcibly assaulting, impeding, intimidating and interfering with two male customs officers while they were on duty.



All three men appeared in federal court later Wednesday and were freed on $100,000 bond. Attorney information for the men wasn't immediately available.

A spokesman for Customs and Border Patrol told News 4 in a statement it welcomes the indictments and that it "fully supported" the investigation by the Inspector General.

"We do not tolerate misconduct in our ranks and are committed to a safe workplace environment free of harassment or intimidation," said spokesman Anthony Bucci, adding that CBP authorities took "administrative and management actions to correct the situation."

He added, "The overwhelming majority of CBP employees, and our men and women in uniform at the port of Newark, perform their duties with honor and distinction, working tirelessly every day to keep our country safe."

According to the criminal complaint, all three officers were assigned to the agency's pPassenger Enforcement Rover Team (PERT), an elite passenger screening team at Newark that was disbanded in May, two days after the exclusive I-Team report.

The removal of the team wasn't revealed until July, though, when acting CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan disclosed in a letter to U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), who had sought action in the case, that 11 officers had been suspended pending the outcome of a federal investigation.



The two male victims referred to in the criminal complaint are not named, though three came forward publicly to the I-Team months ago with allegations matching the behavior described in the federal court documents.



According to the complaint, one victim was assigned to PERT in October 2016. Within his first two weeks on the job, Papagni allegedly told him that the PERT office table in the team's second-floor officer at Terminal C was known as the "rape table," and threatened that the victim would have to get on it.



Months later, the victim was asked to forward a document related to the prior drug seizure. While the victim and another individual were scanning it, Papagni allegedly warned the victim he had five minutes to get out of the office or Papagni would teach him "what this team is about." Moments later, another individual with customs shut off the lights in the PERT office. Papagni, Catota and another person held the victim down, according to the complaint.



While they did so, Perez allegedly got on top of the victim and grinded against his genitals through his clothing in a motion simulating a sex act, the complaint says. The victim tried to push him off but could not. Eventually, Perez got up and the three people holding down the victim let him go, the complaint says.



The second victim was also forced onto the purported "rape table;" in his case, it was in November 2016, the complaint says. He allegedly saw one officer lock one of the doors to the office and tried to leave, but was grabbed by Catota, Papagni and Perez and thrown onto the table, the complaint alleges. While two of the defendants held him down, the other got on top of him and grinded against his leg, again simulating a sex act, the complaint alleges. The victim struggled to break free until the suspects eventually released him.

Wednesday's arrests come nearly four months to the day the I-Team exposed the hazing allegations in an exclusive report. The hazed officers told the I-Team the abuse happened for years in that secure room in Terminal C. Though no victims are identified in the criminal complaint, officers came forward to the I-Team with allegations similar, if not exactly akin, to what prosecutors allege.

"Once the lights go out, they grab you up like a gang, and they forcibly throw you on the table and one officer ended up mounting me and pretty much riding me like a horse," CBP officer Vito Degironimo said, describing it as sexual attack. "Im grabbed by other officers against my will. I dont know how much more criminal you can get."

"Hazing wouldnt do this justice. This is complete assault. They take you in a room and your fellow officers are all watching as officers grab you," he said.

CBP officer Diana Cifuentes, who also said she suffered abuse at the hands of fellow officers, said, "Im afraid for my life, my safety."

In June, a fourth officer who was not assigned to PERT and did not want to be named, told the I-Team hed been taped to a chair by fellow officers and feared suffocation when a plastic bag was placed over his head.

The DHS Office of Inspector General launched an investigation in late January after CBP headquarters became aware of the alleged misconduct at Newark Airport. All of the officers who spoke with the I-Team have been interviewed by the DHS Office of Inspector General and all requested transfers out of Newark.



McAleenan said in his July letter to Waterson Coleman that managers and enforcement team trainers from JFK Airport had been assigned to Newark to review and assess operations, provide training, and assist with the organization of Newarks Enforcement Team."



Federal prosecutors said Wednesday they were appalled by the allegations.

"The defendants, who were members of a unit responsible for identifying dangerous contraband and threats to national security, allegedly subjected their own colleagues to senseless physical abuse, all while on duty at Newark Liberty International Airport," Acting U.S. Attorney William Fitzpatrick said in a statement. "This behavior would be abhorrent in any environment, especially one serving a critical law enforcement function. The hardworking men and women who protect our borders deserve better."

Watson Coleman commended CBP and DHS for taking action on the Newark allegations, but said now the attention needs to focus on preventing such alleged abuse in the future.

"Beyond the outcome of this specific incident, we need to work diligently to ensure that CBP and DHS leadership take the steps necessary to eliminate abuse and other inappropriate conduct issues within the agency," Watson Coleman's statement said. "It is imperative the men and women who help keep our nation secure can do their jobs safely and with dignity and that they are held to the highest legal, ethical and performance standards."
At Eglise de Dieu de Lesperance, a small Haitian church in Brooklyn, theyve noticed their congregation is quickly vanishing. Every Sunday, more faces are disappearing.

All the chairs are empty. They are empty, said the Rev. Wilkens Fenelon. Its not only my church. Its all the community, the Haitian community.

In Flatbush, Haitian-Americans have seen it happening for months. Many told us they have family, friends, and neighbors who have left.

They gave up everything. Their house, their job, said Ralph Mythril, a host at a Haitian radio station in the borough. Kids right now are asking their mommy, What are we doing here? Why did we leave our house in Brooklyn?

Its part of a new exodus -- thousands of immigrants fleeing America, fearing deportation under the Trump administration, including many Haitians who came to America as refugees after a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked the Caribbean nation.

After that quake left more than 100,000 dead and leveled swaths of Port-Au-Prince, the U.S. welcomed nearly 60,000 Haitians as refugees; many of them settled in New York and Miami.

Those refugees were granted Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, in America. But recently, the Trump administration has indicated it may allow the Temporary Protected Status program to expire in January, saying its an action requiring legislative action.

Now, thousands of refugees who fled Haiti are running again -- this time, from the U.S. They fear deportation to Haiti, a country still wracked by poverty, instability, and political violence. Theyre escaping to Canada, seeking asylum.

The I-Team travelled to a country road in Champlain, New York, right on the New York-Canada border. So many refugees have been crossing there, Canadian authorities have set up a temporary police checkpoint.

That's where Johnny, a refugee who refused to give his last name, told the I-Team hes a Haitian immigrant in the U.S. legally under the TPS program. But hes afraid his legal status in America will be taken away by the Trump administration, so he gave up his life in Miami and traveled 1,600 miles by bus and taxi in hopes of a new life in Canada.

I leave my car, I leave everything. I give up my job, Johnny said. Im very scared about President Trump.

Johnny said he was desperate and that he was afraid the U.S. would send him back to Haiti. But Johnny didnt realize is Canada isnt the safe haven he was led to believe.

As he approached the border, a Canadian officer stopped him in the woods just 10 yards before the border. She warned him hed be arrested if he crossed over.

Thats not what Johnny expected. He and thousands of others were led to the Canadian border by lies on social media. Viral social media posts shared on WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube claimed Canada would welcome Haitian immigrants with open arms.

One of the most widely shared posts by someone claiming to be immigration attorney Macx Jean-Louis even states the Canadian government will pay the fees of Haitian asylum seekers. But the real Jean-Louis told the I-Team it was a hoax.

If you look at it, my name is spelled wrong, he said. None of this is true.

That post is what brought Johnny there. He told us he had didnt know what would happen to him when he crossed the border.

The truth is, there are no guarantees in Canada, either. Most who cross into Canada illegally are immediately arrested and put into a makeshift refugee camp built by the Canadian military. They may eventually be placed into one of Montreals overcrowded shelters, stuck in limbo for weeks as the Canadian government decides the fate of their asylum applications.

Canadian officials have said asylum would only be granted in extreme cases. Experts say most of the thousands crossing over to Canada will be deported. But not to where they think.

Theyre not going back to the United States, said Jean-Louis. Theyre going to be sent back to Haiti.

Johnny eventually heeded the officers warnings and decided to try and cross legally into Canada at another border crossing. He said he knew his chances of getting asylum are low, but his wife is already in Canada, which could help his chances.

I feel worried, he said.

Back in Brooklyn, all Fenelons dwindling congregation can do is pray for Johnny and others like him. More and more Haitians are leaving every week.

Its very sad, because they love America. They want to stay in America. They love America, Fenelon said.
What to Know Parts of Florida inched back toward normal with workers restoring power, clearing roads and replenishing gas supplies

Millions of women may soon have to decide between a routine Pap or a newer test that detects if they have a cancer-causing virus

The husband of a "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star says prison officials are preventing him from entering an alcohol-treatment program

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Work to Do for Florida to Recover After Irma, Governor Says

Parts of Florida inched back toward normal with workers restoring power, clearing roads and replenishing gas supplies, even as teams scoured the state's southernmost islands and authorities warned of mass devastation. Residents drifted back from shelters and far-away havens to see Hurricane Irma's scattershot destruction. Flooded streets remained, and the count of damaged and totaled homes ticked upward even as some curfews were lifted, flights resumed and amusement park rides again twirled. "Everything's gone," said Jen Gilreath, a 33-year-old bartender whose Jacksonville home filled with knee-high floodwaters. As crews labored to repair the lone highway connecting the Keys, residents of some of the islands closest to Florida's mainland were allowed to return and get their first look at the devastation two days after Irma roared in with 130 mph winds. An officials said preliminary estimates suggested 25 percent of the homes in the Keys were destroyed and 65 percent sustained major damage.

Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Continue Ban on Most Refugees

The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to maintain its restrictive policy on refugees. The justices agreed to an administration request to block a lower court ruling that would have eased the refugee ban and allowed up to 24,000 refugees to enter the country before the end of October. The order was not the court's last word on the travel policy that President Trump first rolled out in January. The justices are scheduled to hear arguments on Oct. 10 on the legality of the bans on travelers from six mostly Muslim countries and refugees anywhere in the world. It's unclear, though, what will be left for the court to decide. The 90-day travel ban lapses in late September and the 120-day refugee ban will expire a month later. The administration has yet to say whether it will seek to renew the bans, make them permanent or expand the travel ban to other countries.

DOJ Won't Bring Charges Against Officers in Freddie Gray Case

The U.S. Department of Justice won't bring federal charges against six police officers involved in the arrest and in-custody death of Freddie Gray, a young black man whose death touched off weeks of protests and unrest in Baltimore. The officers were charged by state prosecutors after Gray's neck was broken in the back of a police transport wagon in 2015. The 25-year-old was handcuffed and shackled at the time, but he was unrestrained by a seat belt. Three officers were acquitted at trial, and Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby later dropped the remaining state cases. The Gray family's attorney, Billy Murphy, said the Justice Department informed him that no federal charges would be filed. The decision means none of the officers will be held criminally responsible for Gray's death.

Age Matters When It Comes to Screening for Cervical Cancer

Getting checked for cervical cancer isn't one-size-fits-all: Millions of women may soon have to decide between a routine Pap or a newer test that detects if they have a cancer-causing virus. Draft national guidelines released for the first time say either option is reasonable for certain women  those ages 30 to 65. Paps, a mainstay for women's health for decades, can spot pre-cancerous abnormalities in time to prevent cancer. Newer HPV tests detect the virus that causes nearly all of that cancer, and while they're widely used to confirm Pap results, most U.S. medical groups haven't yet pushed them as a stand-alone alternative for screening. The proposal doesn't signal an imminent end to the Pap era. Paps, not HPV tests, still are recommended for screening women in their 20s, stressed the guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, GOP Pushing Banner Health Care Bills

Liberal Sen. Bernie Sanders is ready to unveil his bill for starkly reshaping the country's current hodge-podge health care system into one where the government provides medical insurance for everybody. Republican senators are preparing to roll out details of a last-ditch effort to repeal and replace President Obama's health care law. The rival packages have little in common, other than the likelihood that neither is going anywhere. Seven weeks after the GOP drive to uproot Obama's 2010 health care law crashed in the Senate, two Republican senators, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Louisiana's Bill Cassidy, on Wednesday were releasing their plan for trying again. They've struggled for weeks to round up sufficient support for the package. It would cut and reshape Medicaid, disperse money spent under Obama's law directly to states and erase Obama's penalties on people who don't purchase coverage.

Husband of Real Housewives of New Jersey Star Challenges Prison Ruling

The husband of a "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star says prison officials are improperly preventing him from entering an alcohol-treatment program. Giuseppe "Joe" Giudice made the claim in a court filing. He says authorities at Fort Dix are using a detainer placed on him by Immigration and Customs officials as a reason to exclude him from the prison's treatment program. The federal Bureau of Prison's website notes that inmates can't join the program if a detainer prevents completion of the community treatment aspect. The husband of reality star Teresa Giudice was recommended to participate in the program after his October 2014 sentencing for bankruptcy fraud and false loan applications. It would have helped Giudice reduce his prison sentence for up to one year.

White House Accuses Clinton of Reckless Attacks in Book

The White House response accused former campaign rival Hillary Clinton of "propping up book sales with false and reckless attacks." White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says she's unsure if President Trump will be reading "What Happened," Clinton's account of the 2016 campaign. She says the president is "pretty well-versed on what happened." Sanders says Clinton "ran one of the most negative campaigns in history" and says it's "sad" the last chapter of her public life will be defined by selling books with "false and reckless attacks." Sanders did not elaborate or offer any specifics. Hundreds of people crowded into a New York City bookstore to see Hillary Clinton. The former Democratic presidential nominee appeared at the store to promote her new book about the 2016 presidential campaign.
A man is in custody after allegedly shooting and killing his mother at New Hampshire's largest hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

According to New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon MacDonald, 49-year-old Travis Frink of Warwick, Rhode Island, shot and killed his 70-year-old mother, Pamela Ferriere, while she was in the intensive care unit.

"Facts gathered to this point reveal that the purpose of Mr. Frink's visit to the hospital today was to kill his mother," MacDonald said Tuesday night.

MacDonald said Frink signed in at the visitors desk at 1:15 p.m., and within nine minutes, police had received a 911 call that shots had been fired at the hospital.

Silas Baker, who was in the ICU recovering from brain surgery at the time of the shooting, said he heard five or six shots and was absolutely terrified. He said he didn't know when the shooter was going to stop.

Frink was caught by Lebanon and Canaan police as he tried to leave hospital property, MacDonald says.

Federal, state and local law enforcement officials all responded to the shooting around 2 p.m. Tuesday. Lebanon police, special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' Boston office and representatives of the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, including state police, are expected to remain at the scene until at least 10 p.m.

Calling the incident "tragic," Dartmouth-Hitchcock chief legal officer John Kacavas said the hospital's medical teams are trying to make sure there is "as little interruption to patient care as possible."

A silver SUV at the entrance of the hospital's campus was surrounded by police after the hospital was locked down following the reports of an active shooter. Although law enforcement officials have not confirmed whether the car was connected to the incident, Rhode Island State Police confirmed to local NBC affiliate WJAR that the SUV belongs to the suspect after authorities contacted them regarding the vehicle's Rhode Island license plates.

Police had been looking for a man described as 6'1" tall, with salt and pepper blonde hair, wearing a red camouflage shirt and possibly carrying a camouflage backpack in connection to the incident, according to Dartmouth College in neighboring Hanover.

Dartmouth College said its Hanover campus was not on lockdown and classes were going on as scheduled.

Lora Charbonneau said she and her husband, who is a police officer, were on their way to Dartmouth-Hitchcock to see his mother when they got a call about an active shooter and lockdown at the hospital.

"We got here as quick as we could and obviously we couldn't go any further," she said. "My husband being the wonderful officer he is, obviously, jumped right out and volunteered to do whatever he could, so he's out there directing traffic."

Frink is due to be arraigned Wednesday at Grafton County Superior Court on a first-degree murder charge. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call state police 603-223-8568.
Hillary Clinton appeared on the "Today" show Wednesday morning in her first live TV interview since Election Day, saying that she believes she didn't make enough mistakes on her own to lose the election and that former FBI Director James Comey was the determining factor in President Donald Trump's win.



The interview comes a day after Clinton released "What Happened," which recounts the 2016 presidential campaign. It runs through Clinton's bid for president, why she believes Trump won and how she felt afterward. She blames herself for the loss, but singles out other factors as well.

The book was meant to be both "personal and historical," Clinton said on "Today," looking at "what was at work here, in addition to the mistakes that I made."

Some of those other factors include the long-simmering investigation into her private email server that never turned up criminal conduct, Russia's attempts to sway the results and how the media covered what she called "the first reality TV candidate," meaning Trump.



"Today" co-host Matt Lauer asked Clinton if she made enough mistakes on her own to lose the election.



"I will say no, Matt," Clinton said. "I don't think that will surprise you."

Her book has already attracted the attention of the White House. On Tuesday, Trump's press secretary criticized Clinton for "propping up book sales with false and reckless attacks."

Asked to single out the single biggest factor in her loss, Clinton pointed to Comey, then the FBI director, announcing less than two weeks before the election that there was new evidence pertinent to his investigation into her private email server. It left her stunned and dumbfounded, she said, and she said it cut her lead in half in a crucial part of the swing state of Pennsylvania.

"I understand why voters would be shaken by it and we didn't have time to recover from it," Clinton said.

Trump later fired Comey. The administration mentioned his handling of the email investigation in its justification but Trump also said he was thinking of Russia at the time. Clinton believes Comey was fired for the wrong reason but should have been disciplined in some way for the email investigation, she said.



Lauer asked if Clinton believed that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia, but Clinton deferred to the investigation now underway by a special federal prosecutor.

She did give her reaction to the new revelation that Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., having a meeting during the campaign with people associated with Russia in which he was promised dirt on Clinton.



"It's ridiculous. It's another absurd lie to cover up what really was going on which I hope we uncover and finally understand," Clinton said.

Clinton also implied that more needs to be done to investigate election security.

"If I had been elected and this had come to light  I would have stopped at nothing to make sure this never happened again to anybody," Clinton said.

Clinton has given several interviews to talk about the book and the election, though none on live TV, and on Tuesday signed hundreds of copies of the book at a Barnes & Noble in Manhattan.

"I go back over my own shortcomings and the mistakes we made. I take responsibility for all of them," she writes in the book. "In my more introspective moments, I do recognize that my campaign in 2016 lacked the sense of urgency and passion that I remember" from Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign.
A Berks County father is accused of murdering his infant son.

Joshua Eric Leas, 31, of Robesonia, Pennsylvania, is charged with criminal homicide, 1st and 3rd degree murder, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children.

The investigation began on June 16 around 11:15 a.m. when Leas contacted South Heidelberg Township Police and reported that his 4-month-old son Logan Jeffrey Leas was unconscious. The baby was taken to the Reading Hospital and Medical Center where doctors discovered he was suffering from a brain bleed. He was then transported to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Center for further treatment.

Physicians determined the child was suffering from a subdural bleed, an injury normally caused by a head injury. They also found old bruising on his back and right side of his body. The baby died from his injuries three days later on June 19.

On June 22, an autopsy revealed the baby died from a subdural hemorrhage caused by a traumatic head injury. On August 31, investigators determined the hemorrhage was caused by violent shaking of and impact to head. On September 5, his death was ruled a homicide.

Based on the investigation, police determined Leas killed his son by physically assaulting him. He was arrested Wednesday at his job in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania and is currently awaiting arraignment. Officials say no bail amount will be set due to the nature of the charges.


A Philadelphia mother was arrested after she allegedly left multiple bags of the highly addictive opioid Fentanyl at a Delaware County Catholic elementary school while dropping her child off at Kindergarten.



Police say Dollinda Williams, 29, was dropping her child off at St. Bernadette of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School in Drexel Hill Thursday when she accidentally dropped a plastic bag containing dozens of smaller bags with a white powder inside in the schools parking lot.

Parents discovered the bag and gave it to the schools principal who contacted police.

Police determined there were 41 bags in all, 12 empty and 29 full of Fentanyl. No children were injured during the incident.

"It's scary to find out that it's here," said Jennifer Hoyt of Drexel Hill. "It's so close to us."



After an investigation, Williams was arrested Tuesday and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of children. She is currently out on bail.

NBC10 reached out to Williams' attorney who had no comment.



Ken Gavin, a spokesperson with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, confirmed with NBC10 that Williams is a parent of a student at St. Bernadette. He also said she is not an employee or volunteer at the school.



Fentanyl is a powerful opioid approximately 100 times more potent than heroin. When used illegally, it is often converted to powder form by drug dealers.


A young man was arrested for allegedly groping three women and exposing himself to one woman at a Delaware park.

Tomiere Harris, 19, was arrested and charged with unlawful sexual contact and sexual harassment.

Police say the first incident occurred In October of 2016. Harris allegedly inappropriately touched a 43-year-old woman who was walking at Glasgow Park in New Castle County, Delaware. A month later, Harris opened the door of a portable bathroom at the park and exposed himself to a woman inside, according to investigators.

In July Harris inappropriately touched a 59-year-old woman who was walking in the park, police said. He also allegedly inappropriately touched a 43-year-old woman walking in the park earlier this month.



Investigators determined Harris was the suspect in all four incidents and obtained a search warrant for his home in Wilmington, Delaware where they found more evidence, police said.

Harris was arrested, arraigned and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute after failing to post $4,200 cash bail.

While Harris is in custody, the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information please contact Detective Rhonda Cras at Rcras@nccde.org or New Castle County Police at (302) 573-2800. You can also submit a tip by visiting the New Castle County Police website or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.


Senate Republicans are struggling with how many billions of dollars President Donald Trump's tax code overhaul will add to the deficit as they work on a GOP budget plan that's a prerequisite to any far-reaching change in the nation's tax system.

Trump had dinner Tuesday with a group of Republican and Democratic senators to talk taxes, after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and GOP members of the Budget Committee met with two top Trump administration officials to make progress on forging the budget plan, which is required to stave off potential Democratic blocking tactics and pass the subsequent tax bill with just GOP votes.

Trump will have dinner with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday night, the latest overture by the Republican president to work with his adversaries.



The as-yet-undrafted bill to overhaul the tax code is the top priority for Trump and Republicans after the collapse of their effort to dismantle Barack Obama's health care law. Trump's top economic adviser, Gary Cohn, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met with McConnell, R-Ky., and budget panel members.

House Speaker Paul Ryan declined Wednesday to say the evolving Republican tax cut plan won't add to the nation's already mammoth budget deficits. A chief goal of the effort will be to spark economic growth, he said in an AP Newsmaker interview.

Ryan, R-Wis., said the GOP's goal is to enact tax overhaul into law by the end of this year, not simply push it through the heavily Republican House, "so that we start 2018 in a new tax system."

"From my standpoint, let's set ourselves up for success on tax reform," Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., a member of the committee, said before the meeting with Cohn and Mnuchin.

The meeting ended in late afternoon without specific proposed numbers for the size of the budget coming forward. Not wanting to show disappointment, participants stressed that it was intended to be preliminary.

Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Orrin Hatch said afterward that the group, which discussed the broad outlines of the deficit trade-off for a new tax bill, had not reached an agreement. Hatch, R-Utah, said he expected more information to come soon.

Mnuchin signaled ahead of the meeting that the administration would be open to changes sought by lawmakers to improve the chances for passage of a tax overhaul this year. In an interview with CNBC, Mnuchin also said the administration would "absolutely" consider making tax cuts retroactive to the start of this year if overhaul legislation didn't pass until 2018.

In addition, the administration would consider including an infrastructure spending bill as part of the tax legislation, Mnuchin said.

"This is a pass-fail exercise," he said, indicating that the critical goal was to enact legislation. "Passing tax reform, which hasn't been done in 31 years, that is a win," he said.

Capitol Hill Republicans have promised that the tax rewrite will be "revenue neutral" and not add to the nation's $20 trillion-plus debt, but they are in fact counting on budget maneuvers to find hundreds of billions of dollars to help maximize cuts to corporate and individual tax rates. For starters, they are going to assume the tax legislation will mean higher economic growth and greater future tax revenues.

Underscoring the president's desire for tax legislation, Trump hosted a bipartisan group of senators for dinner at the White House, including a trio of moderate Democrats from states Trump won last November and whose votes he'd like to have on a tax bill.

Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Donnelly of Indiana were joined at dinner by Republican Sens. John Thune of North Dakota, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Hatch, the White House said.

"I had a productive conversation with @POTUS @realDonaldTrump about ways we can work together in a bipartisan manner on tax reform," Manchin tweeted after the dinner, along with a photo of himself and the president. He said in a statement that he would "continue to fight for a simpler tax code that lowers rates for West Virginians," but said that must be done "without adding to our staggering debt."

Heitkamp said she welcomed any chance "to talk with the president about issues important to North Dakota" and was looking forward to reviewing Trump's plans in more detail.

"It's encouraging that this meeting included Republican and Democratic senators, as I've long said I want to work with those on both sides of the aisle on a comprehensive, permanent tax reform plan that works for North Dakota workers and retirees and helps grow the economy, and I hope these bipartisan discussions continue," she said.

Manchin, Heitkamp and Donnelly are the only Democratic senators who did not sign a letter addressed to Republican leaders and Trump that said the Democratic caucus would not support a tax overhaul that cuts taxes for the "top 1 percent" or adds to the government's $20 trillion debt.

The White House, meanwhile, said the president "looks forward to continuing to work with members from both parties to grow the economy, provide tax relief and look for real solutions."

"When members of different parties sit down together for friendly conversation about the legislative agenda, after not doing so for 8 years, it certainly is progress," Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.

House action has been held up by a battle between moderates and conservatives over whether to pair spending cuts with the filibuster-proof tax measure. Senate action has been on hold while the House struggles.

An impasse could doom the tax overhaul effort.

GOP aides say the Senate panel is also likely to reject a House plan to link $200 billion in spending cuts to the tax legislation  a key demand of House conservatives.

The momentum toward deficit-financed tax cuts runs counter to the longtime promises from top Capitol Hill leaders that this year's effort to rewrite the tax code wouldn't add to the government's $20 trillion-plus national debt. And it sets up a scenario in which many of the promised new tax rates would expire after 10 years. That's because of the Senate's arcane rules.

On the budget panel, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., is hoping to limit the deficit cost of the tax effort, while Toomey is on the other end of the spectrum favoring more robust deficit-financed tax cuts. GOP leaders have asked them to try to craft an agreement among the 12 budget panel Republicans. Any Republican defection on the budget plan would deadlock the narrowly divided committee.

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.
The Trump administration is back at the Supreme Court, asking the justices to continue to allow strict enforcement of a temporary ban on refugees from around the world.

The Justice Department's high court filing Monday follows an appeals court ruling last week that would allow refugees to enter the United States if a resettlement agency in the U.S. had agreed to take them in. The appellate ruling could take effect as soon as Tuesday and could apply to up to 24,000 refugees.

Justice Anthony Kennedy issued a brief order Monday that will keep the ruling on hold for the time being, at least until the ban's challengers submit written arguments by midday Tuesday and the full court has a chance to act.

The administration is not challenging the part of the ruling that applies to a temporary ban on visitors from six mostly Muslim countries. The appeals court ruled that grandparents and cousins of people already in the U.S. can't be excluded from the country under the travel ban.

The Supreme Court already has weighed in twice on lower court rulings striking down or limiting the travel and refugee bans, though it has to rule on their validity.

In June, the high court said the administration could not enforce the bans against people who have a "bona fide" relationship with people or entities in the United States. The justices declined to define the required relationships more precisely.

In July, the justices issued an order that temporarily allowed strict enforcement of the exclusion of refugees. But the Supreme Court refused to go along with the administration's view that it could keep out grandparents, cousins and some other family members.

The 90-day travel ban affects visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

The high court is scheduled to hear arguments about the legality of the travel and refugee bans in October. By that point, the original 90-day travel ban will have lapsed and the 120-day refugee ban will have just a few weeks to run. The administration has yet to say whether it plans to renew the exclusions, expand them or make them permanent.

The administration told the court Monday said that changing the way it enforces the policy on refugees would allow "admission of refugees who have no connection to the United States independent of the refugee-admission process itself."
What to Know Irma was one of only four hurricanes that have reached maximum sustained wind speeds of 185 mph+

Irma maintained those winds for 37 hours, the longest on record.

Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida on September 10, once in the Keys and again near Marco Island.

A Southern California couple say they felt their lives were in danger and they had to arm themselves with a machete and a kitchen knife in the hours after Hurricane Irma struck the small Caribbean island of St. Martin.

Its not every day you have to go in survival mode, Dr. Lachlan Macleay said Tuesday on CNN.

No one was going to protect us other than ourselves, he said. We had to rise to the occasion and just band together.

Macleay and his wife Kaiann were vacationing at the Grand Case Beach Club on the French side of St. Martin when the Category 5 hurricane struck the island on Sept. 6.

They put a mattress and a dresser up against the hotel room sliding glass door. Then they moved into the bathroom when the winds picked up. Water seeped through the cracks of the wall and ceiling and collected to about 5 inches of water on the floor.

For three to four hours, they took cover in a door frame.

The door frame against the metal door was really the safest spot, said Kaiann Macleay.

She was grateful to be alive but when she saw the devastation, she was terrified.

I was faced with the reality that we were in a really, really bad situation, she said.

Lachlan Macleay, a physician at Palomar Health, sent a text message to a colleague describing what they faced.

We are unable to evacuate. International Airport on Dutch side closed for repair until Saturday 9/16. No water, power and food will last for 2-3 days. Military is trying to control chaos but nothing is safe after dark, lots of looting. I was on patrol last night with machete until sun came up. We are in the remains of the Grand Case Beach Club on French side St Martin. Please alert media, Red Cross and state dept that we are in dire straights. Hurricane Jose to hit this afternoon. Double whammy!

In the interview with CNN, Macleay said there was no real communication from the authorities so he and a group of tourists decided to set up patrols the night after the hurricane.

There were several tourists including myself that volunteered to stay up through the night with what little we had to defend ourselves with, he said.

We didnt have any significant encounters but we did make sure we were all going to be safe.

The next day, the couple took back roads to the Dutch side where eventually they were transported from the island on a cargo plane.

On Tuesday, they were in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they were waiting to take a flight home.

Their story is one of many of travelers in distress.

A Delaware couple who were vacationing at the same resort to celebrate their 50th anniversary described using gin and vodka to try and disinfect wounds of the injured.

A Scripps Ranch family is scheduled to return to California from Puerto Rico after surviving Irma on the British Virgin Islands.

Some resorts on the island have reported they will be closed indefinitely due to the damage.
Some of the best sushi in the world has finally arrived in Washington, D.C.

Los Angeles-based fine dining spot Nobu opened Tuesday, according the restaurant's website.

The famous sushi chain, founded by celebrated chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro and former Hollywood producer Meir Teper, has more than 30 locations in the trendiest of cities around the world.

Nobu's newest home at 2501 M St. NW includes two private patios overlooking Rock Creek Park, a sushi bar, a cocktail bar, a main dining room and two private dining rooms in over 11,000 square feet of space.

The menu's unique blend of Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients present a combination so savory that people wait months for a reservation.
Before Donald Trump was elected president, before "antifa" became a household term and before the FBI classified Insane Clown Posse music fans as a gang, Christy Coyne and Kevin Bobsein met at a military base in Kuwait.

The year was 2010. He was a computer engineer with the government. And she worked in academic support for a university that provided higher education on the base.

The nonmilitary Americans on the base stuck together, and Bobsein, 33, asked for her number one day when they saw each other eating. She nearly ripped a page out of the book she was reading to write it down, but he told her not to ruin the book, and she knew right then she liked him. They went to a local flea market together on their first date where they ate sandwiches and saw everything from used underwear to furniture for sale. They traveled to Dubai, Jordan and throughout Europe together and now live in a cramped apartment in Northeast D.C. with their 18 pound cat, Mr. Miyago.

But one of the more unusual events they may experience together may unfold right in their backyard -- on their wedding day.

The couple is planning their Sept. 16 wedding at the D.C. War Memorial -- an idyllic and popular wedding location that on this particular day will be nestled between a pro-Trump rally, a rally for Insane Clown Posse fans and charity events. Insane Clown Posse fans call themselves Juggalos and are more known for wearing clown face paint and outrageous antics than blending into idyllic wedding locales.

"I figure they're humans, they'll be okay, they'll see it's a wedding and stay away,'' Bobsein said. "Or, who knows, maybe it'll make for good photos."

"I laughed I was like, Oh my gosh, half of my family is afraid of clowns," said Coyne, 38. "Everyone's just rolling with it, there's nothing we can do about it."

The couple applied for the $90 National Park Service permit to have their wedding at the D.C. War Memorial in March. At the time, they knew there would be other events on the Mall, but didn't know just how many they would be, or how ridiculous they would sound to their out of town guests.

The National Park Service says Sept. 16 is one of its busiest days of the year, with more than 30 groups and people seeking permits for events on federal park space across the District. The events include protests, charity races, group exercise classes and two weddings at the D.C. War Memorial.

The pro-Trump "free speech" rally dubbed the Mother of All Rallies will take place near the Washington Monument. The Juggalo rally, which is protesting the FBI's 2011 classification of the group as a gang after crimes were committed by people who identified as Juggalos, will start near the Lincoln Memorial, according to Park Service permits issued to the group. More than 3,000 Juggalos are expected to attend.

Another anti-Trump rally will unfold near the White House. The D.C. War Memorial is in a secluded area near the Washington Monument.

Bobsein and Coyne said a National Park Service employee alerted them in June that their wedding coincided with the Juggalo rally and asked them if they wanted to change dates. By then, it was too close to the wedding date and they decided to stay put. They say they don't expect any issues or interruptions during their short afternoon ceremony, but conceded that all the hubbub on the Mall could make it a little noisy.

They acknowledge that they did start looking into the Juggalos gang classification when they learned their wedding coincided with their protest. Though they had never listened to any Insane Clown Posse music, they do sympathize with their mission.

"I support their cause, it seems ridiculous," Coyne said of the FBI gang classification. "Let them be."

The ceremony will be less than an hour, in the middle of the afternoon, with a fairly quick exit so they can clear out in time for another wedding later in the afternoon. They plan to take professional photos at the memorial, and then head to their reception in D.C.'s Brookland neighborhood.

Their 150 guests could interact with some of the protesters as they find Ubers and cabs to take them across town to the venue, where local pizza, beers and a DJ await them.

"Our goal is just for everyone to have a good time, a lot of drinking and a lot of dancing," Bobsein said.

The U.S. Park Police wouldn't discuss its security plan for the day, but said the agency is prepared for all the events.

The Juggalos said they expect their event to be peaceful and don't plan to interact with any of the political protesters.

"We will definitely try to walk around the weddings,'' Jason Webber, an organizer of the Insane Clown Posse rally, said in an interview last month. But, he added, "Juggalos make excellent wedding guests."

Bobsein said they plan to have a very D.C. celebration. Their reception will be catered by Petworth's Timber Pizza, and the "godmother" of D.C.'s popular bocce ball leagues will be officiating the wedding ceremony. (Bobsein and Coyne are big bocce ball players.) So all the events on the Mall happening at the same time as their wedding will just be part of it.

It is not clear if any of the protest groups plan to confront their opponents during the day. And while the couple didn't want to get into politics, they said they haven't participated in any protests in the Trump era and do not plan to start on their wedding day. But, they said, their wedding will be open to two D.C. guests who they never officially sent an invitation to.

"If President Obama and Michelle want to stop by, they are welcome to," Bobsein said.
A Maryland man said he experienced a move from hell because of the moving company he hired.

Al Wilkins said he hired Swift Van Lines LLC to move his things from Fort Washington until District Heights.

I had asked if they wanted to come out and take a look, and he said that wasn't necessary so I said, OK, well great, Wilkins said,

He said he received an estimate from the companys owner, Juan Carlos Martinez, of $590 for a four-hour move plus travel time.

I knew that was not going to happen with the amount of stuff that I had in that house, Wilkins said.

So he budgeted for twice the estimate. He said he put a $118 deposit on his credit card and told Martinez hed pay the balance on the card as well.

And he said that would be fine, Wilkins said.

On moving day, the movers showed up two hours late, at 2 p.m., Wilkins said. Only three men showed up, not the promised four, he said.

They took one truckload to the new house, then returned for a second load, which Wilkins said took until about 4:30 a.m.

Wilkins said he waited for an hour and a half for the second load to arrive at his new house. Then he called Martinez.

He said, Let me reach out to them and find out where they are and I'll give you a call back, Wilkins said.

The movers showed up with Martinez about 10:30 a.m., Wilkins said.

(Martinez) said, Well, do you have the remaining balance? Wilkins said. I said, Yes, I have my credit card and we can do it on the card, and that's when he told me, Well, no you have to have cash.

Wilkins said Martinez also told him he now owed $2,800.

I said, Well, are you crazy? Wilkins said. I said, $2,800? I said, You gotta be kidding me!

Wilkins said Martinez agreed to reduce the total to $2,400. Wilkins said he offered $300 in cash but Martinez insisted on the full payment.

He said, I have to go. We've got another job so you call me when you get the money, and then they left, Wilkins said.

And they took his possessions on the truck, Wilkins said.

Over the next two days, Wilkins said, Martinez repeatedly called him.

He was harassing me, Wilkins said. 'When you going to have the money? When you going to have the money?

I said, Look, I already told you, I will make the payment with my credit card, Wilkins said. And he said, No, that's not going to work, that's not going to work.

Wilkins said Martinez finally agreed to accept a check. Wilkins made it out to Swift Van Lines and met Martinez at a Citibank in D.C.

Wilkins said the bank told Martinez the check could be deposited into his business account but Martinez said he couldn't do that.

Martinez wanted to cash the check, Wilkins said, so they went a few blocks away to Bank of America where Martinez has a personal account. The teller had Wilkins add Martinezs name to the check and cashed it.

Meanwhile, Wilkins said he had no idea movers were at his house unloading the truck.

When i walked in the house, I saw stuff kind of in disarray, kind of everywhere, he said.

He said his furniture and boxes had just been tossed into random rooms and several items were broken.

He said he called Martinez several times to complain but never got a response

This was the move from hell, because this company has done me wrong any way that you look at it, Wilkins said.

Martinez hung up on News4 three times and did not return text messages.

It appears the company failed to follow three Maryland consumer protection laws:

It is illegal for companies to charge more than 125 percent of a non-binding estimate. In this case, they charged 400 percent.

Companies are not allowed to hold belongings hostage over a payment dispute.

And Wilkins was never given any kind of a receipt, which is required by law.

Every instance in violation of the consumer protection act, theres a potential fine of $1,000, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh said.

Wilkins filed a complaint with his office after the move, but the attorney general cant comment on his case since it is still open.

Frosh has taken legal action against moving companies in the past.

If we find that kind of activity anywhere else, we are going to pursue it and get justice for the consumers who were ripped off, he said.

News4 found a document showing Martinez created the company in 2013. It was called Revolution Moving and Storage LLC. In April 2016, the Maryland Insurance Administration fined Revolution $7,500 for providing a fraudulent certificate of insurance to a potential client in 2015. A month earlier, Martinez filed a document with the state, changing the name of his company to Swift Van Lines LLC.

The state said Martinez has not paid that fine. He also hasnt filed a personal property return for his business since 2015.

The Swift Van Lines website claims to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau, but thats not true. The BBB said they sent the company a cease and desist letter.

Angies List said it is also taking action for misuse of its logo.

And while Swift advertises for long-distance moves the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration confirmed the company does not have the authority to conduct interstate moves. In Wilkins case, he moved within Maryland, so federal authority is not required. The state allows moving companies to operate as long as they have a valid U.S. or Maryland DOT number, which Martinez has.

You dont need a license to operate in Maryland, Frosh said.

He said if licenses were required in the state, Martinez would likely no longer have one because of that unpaid 7,500 fine.

Theres a clear line that would stop folks from continuing to rip consumers off, Frosh said.

State Del. Robert Flanagan was surprised to learn about the lack of regulation and oversight and is drafting a bill to change that.

Craft legislation that doesn't harm the good ones, that encourages people to make wise choices when they select movers, but really puts the boot and kicks out those people who are taking advantage of the system and really ripping off consumers, he said.

Hed also like to see stricter penalties for those who violate certain parts of the Consumer Protection Act.

I think we need to make it very clear in the law that if there is a violation, a clear violation and refusal to turn over goods, that if that is flagrant,it really should be a criminal violation, he said.

Flanagan pointed out there are a lot of good moving companies, but he has a message for the ones who try to take advantage of consumers.

Well, watch out! We are going to go after you! he said. From a legislative standpoint we're going to working on it next year. You're not going to stay in business very long.

Flanagan said the attorney generals office or the Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation would likely be responsible for overseeing moving companies. Frosh said he would support the legislation.

What you need to know if you are moving in:

Virginia: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/moving/#movers.asp

Maryland: http://www.mdmovers.org/ and https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp/a_z/moving_storage.html

D.C.: https://oag.dc.gov/node/442992

Interstate (Federal): https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/consumer-protection/household-goods/protect-your-move
Silent in his public comments for five-and-a-half years, Rod Blagojevich has no apologies to offer.

After all, the former Illinois governor still insists he did nothing wrong  and that he will prove it.



Watch Part 1 of NBC 5's exclusive interview with Rod Blagojevich

"The rule of law is not a lump of clay to be put into the hands of prosecutors, to be shaped by them any way they want, to ensure convictions, Blagojevich told NBC 5, breaking his silence for the first time since entering prison. "The law is the law, and the law is what the Supreme Court says it is."

The Supreme Court is where Blagojevich is about to take a last stand.

Blagojevich was relaxed, freewheeling and at times even funny over two hours of conversations with NBC 5. The former governor spoke of his family and his desire to set the record straight, once and for all.

"What sustains me during this very difficult long hard trial is the love I have for my children and my wife Patti," he said. "My kids can see from both of their parents that when adversity enters their life, when your calamity comes on like a whirlwind, and just about everythings been taken from you, that you dont quit---you keep going and you draw from the hardest suffering the inspiration to carry on."

The former governors 14-year sentence came as the result of two criminal trials, two appeals and one abortive trip to the Supreme Court. Federal prosecutors insisted at that time that the venue was inappropriate, because Blagojevich still had to be re-sentenced in the District Court, and the high court did not take his case.



Out of all of those, he did manage to get five counts dropped from his convictions in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. But when re-sentencing finally happened, his 14-year term was not shortened.

Now he is preparing a second trip to the nations highest court, insisting that everyone up to this point has gotten it wrong.

I believe, because of the practical considerations, because of the fact that the law is what it is, by the Supreme Court being the highest court in the land and what they say is the law, that sooner or later what happened to me has to be corrected, he said.

Blagojevich is hoping the Supreme Court will listen as he essentially asks them to use his case to clarify when a politician steps over the line in fundraising because he insists he always stayed on the right side of that line and those who prosecuted his case got it wrong.

They not only didnt follow what the Supreme Court says was the law, they actually followed what the Supreme Court said was not the law, he said. Now Im fighting obviously for my vindication for, you know, my freedom, for a future, for what I believe is right. But Im also fighting for the rule of law.

Specifically, he points to the landmark court case McCormick vs. the United States. That case said political fundraising crosses the line when a public official makes an explicit promise to perform an official act in exchange for a campaign contribution.

"By lowering that standard and saying that if an elected official seeks a campaign contribution from someone who may have benefitted by his or her administration, then thats a crime?" he asks. "Then every former president thats still alive is coming to prison, every governor that asks for campaign contributions, every mayor, every congressman, every senator. Because every single day they raise campaign contributions from people in and around the halls of government who do things."

The government argues it's not that simple.

Prosecutors have long argued that Blagojevich did make clear to certain donors what he wanted them to do--if they wanted to see key projects go forward. Essentially, they argue, there were explicit promises, ala McCormick, communicated in an implied way. But Blagojevich and his lawyers insist that was never the case.

"The law is very clear. The only thing you must not do, you cannot make a specific promise," he said. "I never did. The government listened to all the tapes. They know I never did. They dont even allege that I ever did. But in order to convict me, they moved the line and essentially convicted me on jury instructions that were nearly identical to what the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court, said was not the law!"



When he agreed to the interviews with NBC 5, Blagojevich imposed no restrictions but said he wanted to talk about the case. And he wanted to talk about every aspect.

Take the allegations that he had attempted to shake down racetrack owner John Johnston for campaign contributions, in exchange for his signature on a bill favorable to the racing industry.

I had that bill for nine days, he said. The legislature just passed that bill a week or two before, and they were all raising money from those same horse racing guys at the time they were actually voting on the bill.

Prosecutors charged that undercover recordings made clear that Blagojevich was prepared to sit on the racing bill unless Johnston delivered. He insists that was not the case.

They sent me to prison because I did nothing one way or the other on that bill after having it for nine days, he says. The idea that they would hold me accountable when I havent done anything one way or the other on a bill, having it for nine days and I have fifty one more days to act on it, to me shows how these are non-existent crimes.

Then there were the allegations that Blagojevich was looking favorably at the prospect of giving the Barack Obama Senate seat to Jesse Jackson Jr., in exchange for a promise of over $1 million in campaign contributions from Jackson supporters. One key phone call involved a conversation between Blagojevich and his brother, who was working as his chief fundraiser. It was during that conversation that Blagojevich uttered a now famous admonition, to assume the whole world is listening.

I dont tell him to promise the Senate seat, there was never any conversation like that, he insists. There was no agreement to make him a senator---I was never going to make him a senator.

They dont play the conversation the very next day when my brother and I discuss what hes going to say if someone comes up to him and approaches him, and he says very clearly we discussed, Im going to tell him, that if you want to help us raise money, fine, but ones not for the other and theres no promises.

Ironically, despite the allegations of the Jackson overture, he was never charged in connection with Blagojevich. Jackson would later be incarcerated himself, for looting his own campaign fund of $750,000.



He drew only 30 months in prison.

"Yeah, hes lucky. Its good that hes back with his family. I dont wish him ill, Blagojevich said. "You know, I think its important that he made his responsibility for what he did and that was clearly illegal, and a betrayal to his contributors, but he went to prison and he suffered and lost his seat and all the rest, so  its good to know that hes back with his family.

And what of Tony Rezko, the Svengali-like character and Blagojevich fundraiser, who went to prison himself? Rezkos name never figured prominently in the former governors criminal trials, but he was portrayed by prosecutors as a master-manipulator behind-the-scenes, doing Blagojevichs bidding.

"Well, Tony Rezko was a big supporter of mine and President Obama," Blagojevich said. "I met Barack Obama through Tony Rezko."

"Rezko was a respected businessman in the minds of those who knew him as well as we did, and we didnt know as much as we should have, obviously," he said. "And those were mistakes that the governor Illinois made, and the president of the United States made. And I would mitigate my mistake by saying, yeah, Ive got some pretty good company there!"

He is quick to point to his former chief of staff, Lon Monk, who testified against him but received two years in prison himself.

I think that proves my innocence, Blagojevich says. Why would you have to bribe the chief of staff if you can get the governor?

Still in the familys familiar Ravenswood Manor home, Patti Blagojevich expressed frustration that others either cant or wont see her husbands arguments.

"Everything he said about political deals he was trying to make being legal actually was true they were legal," she said. "I firmly believe he was always on the right side of that line, and I really firmly believe that the government moved that line just to convict him."

Indeed, the former first lady argues that once he was impeached on the state level, federal prosecutors had to come away with a finding of guilty.

"They had no choice but to convict him," she said. Lets say they go to trial and they lose. Then what did they just do? They unseated a governor! They just took him out of office and caused his impeachment!

Regarding that impeachment, Blagojevich is almost philosophical about how he was removed from office.

It was inevitable they were going to do that, and when I gave that speech I was pretty confident that I wouldnt get many votes, he said. And I was right about that! But I felt I should go down there and make my case anyway. I felt I owed it to the voters who elected me twice!

That was all about (Michael) Madigan and them trying to  thinking they could get someone in there that they could control, Patti Blagojevich adds of the Illinois House speaker. I mean, you know as well as I do that Rod was not about to be pushed around.

The result after two criminal trials was a sentence which is one of the longest ever levied against a politician in America. Blagojevich and his legal team point to other notable cases where there were much smaller penalties: former governor George Ryan did only six-and-a-half years; many other governors in other states who were convicted of taking money or accepting lucrative favors have done fewer than two years in prison.

Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, whose life collapsed in a child abuse scandal, spent only 13 months behind bars.

Evidence in the Blagojevich trial showed he never received a penny in bribes. But he is doing 14 years in prison.

In terms of the people that have done this to me, I refuse to allow myself to hate them or to wish them any ill will other than I wish they would recant, the former governor says. Other than I wish they would recant. I wish they would acknowledge what the law says, and let me go home.
A convicted sex offender was sentenced to 48 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty in the deaths of two young Maryland sisters who vanished in 1975, a crime that went unsolved for four decades and haunted parents and children in the suburbs of Washington.

Lloyd Lee Welch Jr. pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree felony murder in the slayings of 10-year-old Katherine and 12-year-old Sheila Lyon. The 48-year sentence is part of a plea agreement that also calls for him to receive a 12-year concurrent sentence for two unrelated sexual assaults in northern Virginia.

The Lyon sisters disappeared on March 25, 1975, after walking from their home in Kensington, Maryland, to a nearby shopping center to have pizza and look at Easter decorations.

A friend of the girls later told police she saw a man staring at the girls and following them at the mall. Welch, then 18, was questioned by police, but was dismissed as a suspect as authorities focused on a description given by other witnesses of an older man with a tape-recorder.

In 2013, cold case detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland took another look at Welch after they noticed a striking resemblance between a sketch in the case file and a mug shot of Welch from the late 1970s.

Welch was charged in the girls' killings in 2015 after members of his extended family said they saw him carrying two large duffel bags on property the family owned on Taylor's Mountain in Bedford County, Virginia.

During Welch's plea hearing in Bedford Circuit Court Tuesday, Commonwealth's Attorney Wes Nance said witnesses told authorities Welch put a green duffel bag in a large fire burning on the mountain. Nance said other witnesses recalled that the fire burned for days and had "the stench of death.'' The girls' remains were never found.

Welch, now 60, did not speak during the hearing, except when asked to enter his plea. "My plea is guilty to felony first-degree murder,'' he said twice. He did not address the Lyon family when asked by Judge James Updike Jr. if he had anything he wanted to say.

Welch's attorney, Tony Anderson, said Welch acknowledges participating in the girls' kidnapping from the mall, but continues to insist that he never participated in any sexual assault of the girls and did not play a role in their killings.

"It's our hope that with this agreement...will in some way add some closure in a meaningful, meaningful way to the Lyon family and Mr. Welch," Anderson said.

Nance said Welch repeatedly changed his account of who else was involved in the sexual assault and killing of the girls over the course of 13 interviews with police, beginning in 2013. "His credibility is open for questioning," he said.

Authorities had named Welch's uncle as a person of interest in the case, but Nance said they were never able to develop enough evidence to charge him or anyone else.

Nance said Welch's admission that he participated in the kidnapping fits the definition of felony murder - a killing that occurs during the commission or attempted commission of a felony.

Welch had faced the possibility of the death penalty. Nance said prosecutors decided against pursuing a death sentence based on changes in the law that could have prompted years of appeals and the Lyon family's wish to bring the case to a close.

The girls' parents, John and Mary Lyon, and her two brothers, thanked Montgomery County police for sticking with the investigation.

"We just want to say, simply, 'thank you,' and it's been a long, long time, and we're tired, and we just want to go home," John Lyon said.

Welch is now serving a prison sentence in Delaware for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl. Once he completes that sentence in 2026, he will begin serving his sentence in Virginia.

Nance said because the crime was committed in 1975, before truth-in-sentencing laws were passed, Welch could become eligible for parole when he reaches his early- or mid-80s. But he called the chances of Welch actually getting paroled "very slim or none."

The Lyon sisters' disappearance shattered the sense of security in Kensington, Maryland, rattling parents to the point where they no longer let their children play outside or walk to the mall without an adult.

"It deeply affected everybody in a very large radius within the D.C. suburbs. People always wanted to know who did this, who was this person, what happened?" said Teresa Brookland, a former schoolmate who remembers Katherine as sweet and friendly.

Harry Geehreng, a retired Montgomery County police sergeant who searched the mall and surrounding woods for the sisters after they disappeared, said it took a couple of days for it to sink in that the girls may have been abducted because it was a sleepy area with little crime back then.

"It was just an innocent time and people never thought the worst," Geehreng said.
Three suspects who were taken into custody Tuesday night in connection with a shooting on the Boston Common have been released after being interviewed, police said Wednesday.

The victim  a 19-year-old Hyde Park man  is still fighting for his life after the shooting, which was reported just before 7 p.m. by the bandstand near Tremont Street.

Police arrested two teens who fled on mopeds and another that fled on foot. Boston Police Commissioner William Evans had previously said all three suspects and the victim were known to each other and the shooting was not random.

Officers were back on scene canvasing the area for evidence on Wednesday.

According to city leaders, the issue at hand isn't just that a man was shot in one of the most-visited destinations of the city, but the ages of those believed to be involved.

"There's way too many guns in the hands of way too many young kids and, unfortunately, kids don't appreciate the value of life," said Police Commissioner William Evans.

Since the beginning of the month, five teenagers have been arrested on gun charges in Boston alone. That includes a 15-year-old.

In all five cases, police report the guns were loaded.

"I think it's a state of emergency," said Monica Cannon, founder of the group 'Violence in Boston.' "It's been that way."

Cannon said change with teens being able to access guns hasn't been coming from city leaders, therefore, it must come from the ground up.

"Well, it's hard to listen to anyone who won't come into the community and actually engage them," said Cannon when asked if city teens are listening to Evans and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh's call to end violence.

Tuesday night, Walsh said this was not the time to point fingers and blame each other, but for everyone to get to work.

"We don't have national gun policy in America and too much access to guns and you can go over the border of Massachusetts and buy a gun," said Walsh. "That's a problem."

Police said Tuesday's shooting was not a random crime.

No other arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
A Massachusetts man is facing multiple charges in connection with a non-fatal shooting in Cambridge, Massachusetts, over the weekend.

Cambridge police say Lamaree Wallace, 20, of Boston, was arrested Wednesday morning after an investigation into the shooting on River Street on Sunday evening determined he was one of their suspects.

Wallace was seen walking on William Street earlier Wednesday morning with another man, which is when police approached them and took Wallace into custody.

It's unclear when Wallace will be arraigned on multiple charges, including firearms offenses and drug possession with intent to distribute.

The other man who was with Wallace, identified as 21-year-old Boston resident Frantz Teneus, was also arrested and charged with drug possession with intent to distribute.

Cambridge police are still seeking other suspects in connection with the shooting, and anyone with information is asked to call them at 617-349-3300, text an anonymous tip to Tip411 (847411) by beginning the message with Tip650, or email Cambridge police via their app Cambridge Police MyPD or visiting their website.

It's unclear if Wallace or Teneus have attorneys.
A man accused of shooting and killing his mother at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center was ordered held without bail on Wednesday.

New Hampshire authorities say 49-year-old Travis Frink of Warwick, Rhode Island, shot and killed his 70-year-old mother, Pamela Ferriere, four times Tuesday afternoon while she was in the hospital's intensive care unit.

The victim's husband, Robert Ferriere, is still in shock and can't believe the love of his life since high school is gone.

"It's painful," he said through tears. "She was the most loving and caring person I have ever known."

Autopsy results revealed Ferriere suffered wounds to the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Her death resulted in blood loss, according to Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Jennie Duval.



Frink was ordered to be held without bail during his Wednesday afternoon arraignment on a first-degree murder charge. A judge also granted prosecutors' request to prevent Frink from contacting his stepfather, whom officials say witnessed his wife being shot multiple times by her son.

"Facts gathered to this point reveal that the purpose of Mr. Frink's visit to the hospital today was to kill his mother," MacDonald said Tuesday night.

MacDonald said Frink signed in at the visitors desk at 1:15 p.m., and within nine minutes, police had received a 911 call that shots had been fired at the hospital.

He was caught by Lebanon and Canaan police as he tried to leave hospital property.

A police affidavit released earlier Wednesday described how Robert Ferrieresaw his stepson point a gun at his wife and fire several shots before walking away without saying a word.

Ferriere then called for help after the shooting, and when Frink was arrested, he told police he went to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center with the sole intention of killing his mother, according to the affidavit.

Through tears, Ferriere said Pamela Ferriere had suffered a brain aneurysm and was planning to go home on Friday when her son visited and opened fire.

"I was there, I saw him kill her," he said.

In a letter to staff late Tuesday night, DHMC's CEO and president Dr. Joanne Conroy thanked them for their response to the shooting, including treating patients in the parking lot and comforting patients and families.

"This is not an event that we can anticipate or prevent ... but that is why we drill and train," Dr. Conroy wrote.

"We've trained for this, and people were ready  ready for something that we should never be ready for," Dartmouth-Hitchcock Chief Clinical Officer Edward Merrens added Wednesday. "We're incredibly proud of the care that was provided and the commitment to patients and the resilience of our organization."



Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call state police 603-223-8568.
The youth group at Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham were forced to meet at a secret location earlier this month when the Lighthouse building had, supposedly, been shut down by the authorities.

The youth group at Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham were forced to meet at a secret location earlier this month when the Lighthouse building had, supposedly, been shut down by the authorities.

Christmas pud workshop at Norwich church Not made your Christmas pudding yet? Don't know where to start? Come along to a Christmas pudding workshop at Norwich Central Baptist Church on November 21 with MasterChef contestant Jane Wyndham. Read more

Norwich Foodbank provides over 4,700 food parcels Norwich Foodbank gave out 4,793 emergency food parcels to people across Norwich in the last year  with 1,790 of these going to children. Read more

Poppies cascading in Sheringham church A fall of poppies cascades from the pulpit in St Andrews Methodist Church in Sheringham, and anyone is welcome to come and see them. Read more

Bishop Graham's prayers for COP27 climate conference Bishop Graham is publishing daily prayers on social media for the current COP27 climate conference, and is asking all to join. Read more

Discovering the Orange in your life The vibrant colours of autumn have been inspiring regular contributor Jane Walters to focus on the positive. Read more

YMCA annual celebration set to inspire YMCA Norfolk is set to hold its much anticipated 2022 annual celebration and awards ceremony on November 17, after almost 3 years since the last event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

Hub manager vacancy at community shop Earlham Community Shop Community Interest Company is looking to appoint a manager for this new venture being developed in the heart of NR5 Norwich. Read more

Abbey Days brings Christmas Magic to Wymondham Visitors to Wymondham Abbeys Christmas fair will be able to treat their children to a magic show and fun baking workshop while they browse more than 60 stalls. Read more

Salvation Armys new Christmas Appeal in Norfolk The Salvation Army has launched their new Christmas appeal across Norfolk which, this year, has evolved from the much-loved Toys and Tins appeal. Read more

Are we storing up treasures on earth? Rising prices affect us all, and Anna Heydon urges us to spare a thought for those who will be struggling with the cost of living this winter. Read more

Latest Norfolk Christian community events Events of interest to the Norwich and Norfolk Christian community happening over the next few weeks are listed. Read more

Covid leaf memorial at Norwich church St Peter Mancroft Church Norwich Presents The Leaves of the Trees an installation by sculptor Peter Walker which provides a memorial for those who died of Covid-19 Read more

Community Chaplaincy Norfolk begins a new chapter Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) celebrated the beginning of a new chapter this week, as the new chair of trustees Chris Tomlinson led his first annual meeting. Read more

Lowestoft Christians launch on-line bible helps app The Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth branch of Good News for Everyone (GNFE), formerly the Gideons, have introduced a new mobile phone app called On-line Bible Helps. Read more

Addicts' rehabilitation centre plan for Drayton Hall Christian addiction charity Teen Challenge London is planning to turn Drayton Hall near Norwich into its headquarters and a rehabilitation centre for men, after it was gifted the freehold of the hall by its owner, the Lind Trust. Read more

The power of positive protest Philip Young encourages us to take a stand for what we believe, and has just written to Therese Coffey regarding climate change and the forthcoming COP 27. He explains why we should be prepared to protest. Read more

Norwich church celebrates with cribs and trees Rosebery Road Methodist Church in Norwich will be holding its annual Cribs and Trees Festival in December. Read more
Objections mount to IKEA Reading navigation tower

OBJECTIONS are stacking up against IKEAs plans to build a navigation tower at its store in Calcot.

The Swedish furniture giant wants to build the 187ft tower to make drivers aware of the stores location as soon as is practicable, to ensure they can make a safe exit from the carriageway.

It added that, as a trip to IKEA was not a daily occurrence for most customers, an awareness of the store location on the journey to the store will further improve the customer experience when visiting.

But the prospect of a towering beacon has led residents to submit 13 letters of objection to West Berkshire Council.

Calcot resident Kevin Flood said: This will be an eyesore and is not required. If folks dont know where IKEA is, thats a marketing issue that we as residents shouldnt have to suffer for.

Reading resident Alan Smith said he would have to drive past the eyesore on his way to work.

This is simply an advertising sign and would be a blot on the landscape, spoiling the view for miles around, he said.

The idea that the sign helps navigate to it is a joke.

Its at junction 12  after that, trying to follow the tower rather than the road signs will result in more accidents, not less.

The precedent set potentially allows for 50m high golden arches over McDonalds at Reading services, giant KFC signs at Chieveley and, before long, a string of American highway-style signs destroying our countryside.

The director of the Englefield Estate, Edward Crookes, said the tower would have an unacceptable impact on the landscape.

The estate manages 14,000 acres of land in West Berkshire and Hampshire and Mr Crookes said that the tower would be highly visible from numerous viewpoints within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the registered parkland.

IKEA withdrew an application for a smaller, 137ft tower in February last year, after West Berkshire Council advised that it would have been entirely unacceptable.

The smaller tower also drew the ire of residents and local parish councils, with Holybrook, Theale and Tidmarsh with Sulham all objecting.

Restating their objections, Tidmarsh and Sulham Parish Council said the tower was a solution to a non-existent problem and uses the facade of being a navigational aid to conceal the primary purpose of advertising.

It said: The council considers that there is no practical reason why this tower should not have been included in the original application for the store and concludes that, had it been, it would have afforded substantial grounds for outright refusal.

A decision is expected from West Berkshire Council by Monday, October 2.
By Reuters

MUMBAI: Ericsson's Indian subsidiary has filed insolvency petitions against Reliance Communications and two of its companies to recover unpaid dues, the Indian mobile operator said in a stock exchange filing on Wednesday.

The Swedish telecoms equipment maker, which signed a seven-year deal in 2014 to operate and manage Reliance Communications' nationwide network, is seeking a total of 11.55 billion rupees ($180 million) from the three companies, the filing said.

Reliance Communications said it planned to challenge the insolvency petitions. The filing said the Ericsson case would go before the National Company Law Tribunal, the designated court for bankruptcy cases in India, on Sept. 26.

"Ericsson has done this as a last resort in order to resolve an issue regarding debt that Reliance owes to Ericsson for services provided under a contract. As the legal process is ongoing, we don't have any further comments at this point," the Swedish company said.

The petitions come as the Indian phone company controlled by billionaire Anil Ambani races against time to seal deals to sell a stake in its tower assets to Canada's Brookfield and to merge its mobile services business with rival Aircel.

Reliance Communications reported its third quarterly loss in a row last month and is trying to find ways to cut its debt after creditors gave it a reprieve on loan repayments until the end of 2017.

The Brookfield and Aircel deals are expected to reduce its debt burden by 250 billion rupees. Ambani said at the time of the loan reprieve that he expected to complete the deals by September.

The company's losses are, in part, a result of competition from free voice and cut-price data plans offered by Reliance Jio Infocomm, the telecom start-up backed by Ambani's elder brother and India's richest man Mukesh Ambani.

Ericsson is aiming to recover 4.91 billion rupees from Reliance Communications, 5.35 billion from Reliance Infratel and 1.29 billion rupees from Reliance Telecom, the filing said.

Reliance Communications shares closed 4 percent lower on Wednesday before the filing was released, after local media reports said Ericsson had filed an insolvency plea.

India last year revamped its bankruptcy laws to help cut a record $150 billion in impaired bank loans. The rules allow financial as well as business creditors to trigger bankruptcy proceedings against a company which has defaulted on payments.

MUMBAI: Ericsson's Indian subsidiary has filed insolvency petitions against Reliance Communications and two of its companies to recover unpaid dues, the Indian mobile operator said in a stock exchange filing on Wednesday. The Swedish telecoms equipment maker, which signed a seven-year deal in 2014 to operate and manage Reliance Communications' nationwide network, is seeking a total of 11.55 billion rupees ($180 million) from the three companies, the filing said. Reliance Communications said it planned to challenge the insolvency petitions. The filing said the Ericsson case would go before the National Company Law Tribunal, the designated court for bankruptcy cases in India, on Sept. 26. "Ericsson has done this as a last resort in order to resolve an issue regarding debt that Reliance owes to Ericsson for services provided under a contract. As the legal process is ongoing, we don't have any further comments at this point," the Swedish company said. The petitions come as the Indian phone company controlled by billionaire Anil Ambani races against time to seal deals to sell a stake in its tower assets to Canada's Brookfield and to merge its mobile services business with rival Aircel. Reliance Communications reported its third quarterly loss in a row last month and is trying to find ways to cut its debt after creditors gave it a reprieve on loan repayments until the end of 2017. The Brookfield and Aircel deals are expected to reduce its debt burden by 250 billion rupees. Ambani said at the time of the loan reprieve that he expected to complete the deals by September. The company's losses are, in part, a result of competition from free voice and cut-price data plans offered by Reliance Jio Infocomm, the telecom start-up backed by Ambani's elder brother and India's richest man Mukesh Ambani. Ericsson is aiming to recover 4.91 billion rupees from Reliance Communications, 5.35 billion from Reliance Infratel and 1.29 billion rupees from Reliance Telecom, the filing said. Reliance Communications shares closed 4 percent lower on Wednesday before the filing was released, after local media reports said Ericsson had filed an insolvency plea. India last year revamped its bankruptcy laws to help cut a record $150 billion in impaired bank loans. The rules allow financial as well as business creditors to trigger bankruptcy proceedings against a company which has defaulted on payments.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) has asked Vikram Bakshi, the estranged partner of McDonald's in India, to sell his stake in the JV firm CPRL to the US-based fast food chain, said sources.

In its 2:1 majority award, the arbitration panel has asked Bakshi to transfer his 1,45,600 shares in the 50:50 joint venture Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL) to McDonald's India at a fair valuation in accordance with their JV agreement, they said.

The LCIA directed appointment of independent experts to determine fair market value for McDonald's to buy out Bakshi's stake, they added.

The international arbitration tribunal in London has also rejected Bakshi's claim that McDonald's India did not validly terminate the JV.

The CPRL, a JV between Vikram Bakshi and McDonald's India Pvt Ltd (MIPL), operates 169 McDonald's restaurants in north and east India. Of these, 43 outlets have been shut.

As part of the licence termination, CPRL was asked to stop using McDonalds's name, system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, with effect from September 6.

The LCIA also noted that all shares held by Bakshi are liable to be transferred and registered in McDonald's India upon payment of price determined in accordance with the methodology set out by the JV agreement, according to sources.

The arbitrator appointed by McDonald's and the Chairman, who was selected jointly by the both parties, have ruled in favour of McDonald's India, while Bakshi's nominee had a dissenting opinion, they added.

The LCIA has also rejected Bakshi's relief seeking a declaration that the JV agreement remains in force and effect, they said. It has also asked Bakshi to co-operate with McDonald's in obtaining all approvals under applicable law.

Commenting on the development, a McDonald's spokesperson said: "We are pleased with the decision by the Tribunal in what has been a protracted legal dispute with a former partner. Our intention now is to take the appropriate steps to enforce the award, which we believe is right for the business and our customers."

There were, however, no immediate comments from Bakshi.

Bakshi is at loggerheads with McDonald's since 2013. Later, he had approached the NCLT after McDonald's removed him from the post of MD of CPRL in 2013. In July this year, the tribunal restored him to his position. It was challenged by McDonald's in the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) where the appeal is pending.

Simultaneously, Bakshi also challenged the termination of franchise licence by McDonald's at the NCLAT but was refused any interim relief. Both the appeals filed by the parties are listed for hearing on September 21.

As part of the licence termination, CPRL was asked to stop using McDonalds's name, system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, with effect from September 6.

Except the 43 outlets in the national capital that were shut in June due to non-renewal of eating house licences, the remaining ones continue to operate.

NEW DELHI: The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) has asked Vikram Bakshi, the estranged partner of McDonald's in India, to sell his stake in the JV firm CPRL to the US-based fast food chain, said sources. In its 2:1 majority award, the arbitration panel has asked Bakshi to transfer his 1,45,600 shares in the 50:50 joint venture Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL) to McDonald's India at a fair valuation in accordance with their JV agreement, they said. The LCIA directed appointment of independent experts to determine fair market value for McDonald's to buy out Bakshi's stake, they added. The international arbitration tribunal in London has also rejected Bakshi's claim that McDonald's India did not validly terminate the JV. The CPRL, a JV between Vikram Bakshi and McDonald's India Pvt Ltd (MIPL), operates 169 McDonald's restaurants in north and east India. Of these, 43 outlets have been shut. As part of the licence termination, CPRL was asked to stop using McDonalds's name, system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, with effect from September 6. The LCIA also noted that all shares held by Bakshi are liable to be transferred and registered in McDonald's India upon payment of price determined in accordance with the methodology set out by the JV agreement, according to sources. The arbitrator appointed by McDonald's and the Chairman, who was selected jointly by the both parties, have ruled in favour of McDonald's India, while Bakshi's nominee had a dissenting opinion, they added. The LCIA has also rejected Bakshi's relief seeking a declaration that the JV agreement remains in force and effect, they said. It has also asked Bakshi to co-operate with McDonald's in obtaining all approvals under applicable law. Commenting on the development, a McDonald's spokesperson said: "We are pleased with the decision by the Tribunal in what has been a protracted legal dispute with a former partner. Our intention now is to take the appropriate steps to enforce the award, which we believe is right for the business and our customers." There were, however, no immediate comments from Bakshi. Bakshi is at loggerheads with McDonald's since 2013. Later, he had approached the NCLT after McDonald's removed him from the post of MD of CPRL in 2013. In July this year, the tribunal restored him to his position. It was challenged by McDonald's in the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) where the appeal is pending. Simultaneously, Bakshi also challenged the termination of franchise licence by McDonald's at the NCLAT but was refused any interim relief. Both the appeals filed by the parties are listed for hearing on September 21. As part of the licence termination, CPRL was asked to stop using McDonalds's name, system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, with effect from September 6. Except the 43 outlets in the national capital that were shut in June due to non-renewal of eating house licences, the remaining ones continue to operate.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Visvesvaraya Technogical University (VTU) has come out with a temporary solution for year-back and critical year-back system. In the executive council meeting held on Tuesday it was decided to allow students to attend classes regularly, even of 5th and 6th semester. But to take 5th semester exams one must clear the backlogs in the first and second semesters.

With the existing system, if a student fails even one subject in the first and second semester, they are not allowed to attend classes for the third semester. Considering that many students sit idol because of the year back and critical year back system, it has been decided to allow them to attend classes, a VTU official said.

The varsity has also decided to conduct weekend exams for those students who have back logs.

Critical year back system is a system which is followed by VTU, where if a student fails even in a single subject in the first year the student will not be allowed to attend classes of third year. Similarly, if there are back log subject in the second year, students will not be allowed to enter the fourth year.

BENGALURU: Visvesvaraya Technogical University (VTU) has come out with a temporary solution for year-back and critical year-back system. In the executive council meeting held on Tuesday it was decided to allow students to attend classes regularly, even of 5th and 6th semester. But to take 5th semester exams one must clear the backlogs in the first and second semesters. With the existing system, if a student fails even one subject in the first and second semester, they are not allowed to attend classes for the third semester. Considering that many students sit idol because of the year back and critical year back system, it has been decided to allow them to attend classes, a VTU official said. The varsity has also decided to conduct weekend exams for those students who have back logs. Critical year back system is a system which is followed by VTU, where if a student fails even in a single subject in the first year the student will not be allowed to attend classes of third year. Similarly, if there are back log subject in the second year, students will not be allowed to enter the fourth year.
Abinaya Kalyanasundaram By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Happiness comes in many forms, and for this group in Chennai, this statement is literally true! The Goodwill Tribe, as their name suggests, believe in the purity of kindness and that human connection can change the World. Currently in 10 cities across the world  Dubai, Sydney, London, Kuwait, Bangalore, Mumbai  to name a few, the Chennai chapter was started three years ago by Thangaswathi Arumugam, and her co-founder Shashi. As we meet the young group at one of their events, Letter Earthlings, held in the city recently, we learn more about their activities in Chennai and how they wish to spread Goodwill in the city, one serendipitous human connection at a time.

A volunteer with letters and messages

Arranging colourful papers and bright pens on a table, Swathi elucidates the story behind the initiative, Letter Earthlings. You might know someone going through a bad time, or is feeling suicidal. You can get in touch with us through our portal, describe the situation and the person to us, and well get to work! she exclaims.They spread cheer and good vibes through words and letters; they take requests from people who want to make their loved ones feel better. After their monthly letter writing meet-ups, the colourful bunch of letters are decorated and then sent their way. When someone reads the letter, they will feel that somewhere, someone believes in them and will feel motivated, says the 25-year-old freelance counsellor, adding that their events are open to anyone with a good heart with some time to spare. We are not a closed community, people are welcome to join our events! she quips.

Neeta, a city-based interior designer who regularly requests letters for her friends, feels that through these letters from strangers, people feel good. We cant do anything to heal a persons problems. Our motive is just to let people know theyre not alone. Having moral support gives you the courage to cope up with any of the situation, she narrates.As the letters are signed off anonymously, or as Love, from Hope or From, a Friend, receivers never know who theyre from. Swathi recollects a moment when they got together to write letters from a grieving colleague who had lost his father, and also his home to the Chennai floods. I left a bunch of letters in his bag, and he knew it was from my group. He was really happy, and keeps those letters till date, she smiles.

There are moments when letters are given out spontaneously. During one of our meetings in a cafe, we saw a girl who was crying to her brother about some issue. We just wrote a letter and left it for her. She was really happy after that, and told us it made her day! she laughs.Letters arent their only weapons of mass benevolence. The Goodwill Tribe loves to do quirky small deeds around Chennai. They hand out Japanese Jars, leave a message in a bottle with motivational quotes, and also host events like Blind date with a book, a completely wrapped book that can be picked up for free! The ideology behind the Japanese Jar is that every time you give someone a jar, they get more luck. For instance, a jar of Hope, or a jar of Love. It can be anything, she recollects a time when they once walked up to people in Chennais Besant Nagar beach, and handed out jars to a few fighting couples and other visitors.

Get in touch with the group on their Facebook page, The Goodwill Tribe

CHENNAI: Happiness comes in many forms, and for this group in Chennai, this statement is literally true! The Goodwill Tribe, as their name suggests, believe in the purity of kindness and that human connection can change the World. Currently in 10 cities across the world  Dubai, Sydney, London, Kuwait, Bangalore, Mumbai  to name a few, the Chennai chapter was started three years ago by Thangaswathi Arumugam, and her co-founder Shashi. As we meet the young group at one of their events, Letter Earthlings, held in the city recently, we learn more about their activities in Chennai and how they wish to spread Goodwill in the city, one serendipitous human connection at a time. A volunteer with letters and messagesArranging colourful papers and bright pens on a table, Swathi elucidates the story behind the initiative, Letter Earthlings. You might know someone going through a bad time, or is feeling suicidal. You can get in touch with us through our portal, describe the situation and the person to us, and well get to work! she exclaims.They spread cheer and good vibes through words and letters; they take requests from people who want to make their loved ones feel better. After their monthly letter writing meet-ups, the colourful bunch of letters are decorated and then sent their way. When someone reads the letter, they will feel that somewhere, someone believes in them and will feel motivated, says the 25-year-old freelance counsellor, adding that their events are open to anyone with a good heart with some time to spare. We are not a closed community, people are welcome to join our events! she quips. Neeta, a city-based interior designer who regularly requests letters for her friends, feels that through these letters from strangers, people feel good. We cant do anything to heal a persons problems. Our motive is just to let people know theyre not alone. Having moral support gives you the courage to cope up with any of the situation, she narrates.As the letters are signed off anonymously, or as Love, from Hope or From, a Friend, receivers never know who theyre from. Swathi recollects a moment when they got together to write letters from a grieving colleague who had lost his father, and also his home to the Chennai floods. I left a bunch of letters in his bag, and he knew it was from my group. He was really happy, and keeps those letters till date, she smiles. There are moments when letters are given out spontaneously. During one of our meetings in a cafe, we saw a girl who was crying to her brother about some issue. We just wrote a letter and left it for her. She was really happy after that, and told us it made her day! she laughs.Letters arent their only weapons of mass benevolence. The Goodwill Tribe loves to do quirky small deeds around Chennai. They hand out Japanese Jars, leave a message in a bottle with motivational quotes, and also host events like Blind date with a book, a completely wrapped book that can be picked up for free! The ideology behind the Japanese Jar is that every time you give someone a jar, they get more luck. For instance, a jar of Hope, or a jar of Love. It can be anything, she recollects a time when they once walked up to people in Chennais Besant Nagar beach, and handed out jars to a few fighting couples and other visitors. Get in touch with the group on their Facebook page, The Goodwill Tribe
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Facing an uncertain future, thousands of Rohingya Muslims gathered outside the embassy of Myanmar on Wednesday.

Taking their demands to the doorsteps of the country from where they have fled due to violence, the thousands of men, women and children sought the intervention of the government to put pressure on Myanmar.

The crowd which had Rohingyas mostly from the national capital and its neighboring areas, senior lawyer and the one who filed the PIL in the Supreme Court against the deportation of Rohingyas was also present.

The central government has made it clear that the members of the community who are staying without any papers in the country will be deported; the issue has become a national topic of debate.

What our demand is that these people who are residing in the country are facing brutal violence in Myanmar, the present government should put pressure on them (Myanmar) for a pro-people decision said Nadeem Khan, human rights activist and one of the organizers of the protest.

NEW DELHI: Facing an uncertain future, thousands of Rohingya Muslims gathered outside the embassy of Myanmar on Wednesday. Taking their demands to the doorsteps of the country from where they have fled due to violence, the thousands of men, women and children sought the intervention of the government to put pressure on Myanmar. The crowd which had Rohingyas mostly from the national capital and its neighboring areas, senior lawyer and the one who filed the PIL in the Supreme Court against the deportation of Rohingyas was also present. The central government has made it clear that the members of the community who are staying without any papers in the country will be deported; the issue has become a national topic of debate. What our demand is that these people who are residing in the country are facing brutal violence in Myanmar, the present government should put pressure on them (Myanmar) for a pro-people decision said Nadeem Khan, human rights activist and one of the organizers of the protest.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: A missing persons case turned into a murder investigation, when the body of a Class 12 student of Hyderabad, missing from Saturday, was found in the outskirts of the city on Monday. Police have turned to CCTV footage to track down the murderer, suspected to be someone close to the victim.

The victim, 17-year-old Chandni Jain, left her home in Miyapur at 5pm on Saturday to meet friends. She was found dead in the hillocks in Ameenpur on city outskirts Monday evening. Cyberabad police suspect she was strangled to death by a person seen walking with her on Saturday. Chandni was a student of Silver Oaks international school in Bachupally. After her familyy was unable to reach her on Saturday, they started looking for her before lodging a complaint at 12.30 am on Sunday.



On Monday night, Ameenpur police received information that the decomposed body of a woman was found in the hillocks.On Tuesday morning, Chandnis family went to the spot and identified her body. First we saw her jacket lying there and then saw the tattoo on her hand, with which we confirmed that the body was that of my sister, said Niveditha, Chandnis older sister. Chandni had a tattoo of her date of birth in Roman letters. Miyapur police said the body was shifted to Gandhi Hospital for postmortem exam and the missing person case was now a murder investigation.



THE last Chandni Jains family saw of the 17-year-old was Saturday evening. Chandni returned to her home in Deepthisri Nagar after college and spent time with her mother, Kavitha, and, elder sister, Niveditha, before going to meet friends at 5pm. When I called her at around 6.30 pm, her phone was switched off. After searching at all possible places, we lodged a complaint with the Miyapur police at around 12.30 am on Sunday, said Niveditha.



Cops have been able to trace her movements after analysis of CCTV footage from 100 cameras including those installed at apartments where Chandni lived. It is this footage that has indicated that someone known to Chandni may have been involved in her death as she was seen near crime scene with a man wearing shorts. She (victim) left the home at around 5 pm. She was seen on the main road getting out of an auto at 5.28 pm and at around 6 pm, her phone was switched off. The last incoming call was from her sister at 3.30 pm. The girl and the suspect spent sometime in the isolated area which was few meters from the crime scene. There were chocolate wrappers left at that spot. The girls jacket was also removed from her body, which may have been used to strangulate her, said sources. The duo was seen conversing and no altercation was seen between them while walking into the isolated area, an officer said.

HYDERABAD: A missing persons case turned into a murder investigation, when the body of a Class 12 student of Hyderabad, missing from Saturday, was found in the outskirts of the city on Monday. Police have turned to CCTV footage to track down the murderer, suspected to be someone close to the victim. The victim, 17-year-old Chandni Jain, left her home in Miyapur at 5pm on Saturday to meet friends. She was found dead in the hillocks in Ameenpur on city outskirts Monday evening. Cyberabad police suspect she was strangled to death by a person seen walking with her on Saturday. Chandni was a student of Silver Oaks international school in Bachupally. After her familyy was unable to reach her on Saturday, they started looking for her before lodging a complaint at 12.30 am on Sunday. On Monday night, Ameenpur police received information that the decomposed body of a woman was found in the hillocks.On Tuesday morning, Chandnis family went to the spot and identified her body. First we saw her jacket lying there and then saw the tattoo on her hand, with which we confirmed that the body was that of my sister, said Niveditha, Chandnis older sister. Chandni had a tattoo of her date of birth in Roman letters. Miyapur police said the body was shifted to Gandhi Hospital for postmortem exam and the missing person case was now a murder investigation. THE last Chandni Jains family saw of the 17-year-old was Saturday evening. Chandni returned to her home in Deepthisri Nagar after college and spent time with her mother, Kavitha, and, elder sister, Niveditha, before going to meet friends at 5pm. When I called her at around 6.30 pm, her phone was switched off. After searching at all possible places, we lodged a complaint with the Miyapur police at around 12.30 am on Sunday, said Niveditha. Cops have been able to trace her movements after analysis of CCTV footage from 100 cameras including those installed at apartments where Chandni lived. It is this footage that has indicated that someone known to Chandni may have been involved in her death as she was seen near crime scene with a man wearing shorts. She (victim) left the home at around 5 pm. She was seen on the main road getting out of an auto at 5.28 pm and at around 6 pm, her phone was switched off. The last incoming call was from her sister at 3.30 pm. The girl and the suspect spent sometime in the isolated area which was few meters from the crime scene. There were chocolate wrappers left at that spot. The girls jacket was also removed from her body, which may have been used to strangulate her, said sources. The duo was seen conversing and no altercation was seen between them while walking into the isolated area, an officer said.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: The Cyberabad police Wednesday claimed to have cracked the murder of missing teenager Chandini Jain. The class 12 student of Silver Oaks was indeed murdered in a pre-meditated manner by a close friend, also 17 years old, with whom she had been in a relationship, police commissioner Sandeep Shandilya said.

Chandini Jains decomposed body was found on the outskirts of Ameenpur village in Sangareddy district on Tuesday night after she had been reported missing on Saturday evening.

The murder was the outcome of a relationship gone wrong, Shandilya said.

The juvenile accused, a resident of Miyapur, used to be Chandinis classmate at Silver Oaks school in Bachupally and left to join a junior college in Kompally after class 10, while the girl continued her education in the same school.

The juvenile accused suspected that she had grown closer to two other boys and wanted to break up. But she insisted on continuing the relationship. On Saturday, he asked to meet her, ostensibly to sort out the differences.

On Saturday, the day Chandini Jain went missing, they met up at the Deepthisri Nagar crossroads and took an auto to Mahdavpuri Hills on the outskirts of Ameenpur village. In the auto, the juvenile accused covered his face with a scarf, probably to conceal his identity from the auto driver, Shandilya said.

He took her to an isolated spot and a heated argument broke out between the two regarding the relationship. Shandilya said, She slapped him and threatened to commit suicide. The agitated JCL (juvenile in conflict with the law) pushed her down, gave her fist blows and then throttled her to death. Later he dragged the dead body to a cliff and pushed it over. On the way back he threw the cell phone of the deceased into a pond."

On Sunday, Chandini Jains sister lodged a missing person complaint with the Miyapur police. A case of kidnap was registered and an investigation was taken up.

"Police formed search teams to locate the girl and secured information about the presence of all her friends, classmates, schoolmates and relatives. The teams also visited various locations and collected mobile, social media and other data," said commissioner Shandilya.

It was on Tuesday night that police received information about the body of a female at an isolated place on the outskirts of Ameenpur village.

During investigation, CCTV footage revealed that a man had arrived at the place along with the deceased in an autorickshaw. Later the person was identified as a former classmate of deceased.

HYDERABAD: The Cyberabad police Wednesday claimed to have cracked the murder of missing teenager Chandini Jain. The class 12 student of Silver Oaks was indeed murdered in a pre-meditated manner by a close friend, also 17 years old, with whom she had been in a relationship, police commissioner Sandeep Shandilya said. Chandini Jains decomposed body was found on the outskirts of Ameenpur village in Sangareddy district on Tuesday night after she had been reported missing on Saturday evening. The murder was the outcome of a relationship gone wrong, Shandilya said. The juvenile accused, a resident of Miyapur, used to be Chandinis classmate at Silver Oaks school in Bachupally and left to join a junior college in Kompally after class 10, while the girl continued her education in the same school. The juvenile accused suspected that she had grown closer to two other boys and wanted to break up. But she insisted on continuing the relationship. On Saturday, he asked to meet her, ostensibly to sort out the differences. On Saturday, the day Chandini Jain went missing, they met up at the Deepthisri Nagar crossroads and took an auto to Mahdavpuri Hills on the outskirts of Ameenpur village. In the auto, the juvenile accused covered his face with a scarf, probably to conceal his identity from the auto driver, Shandilya said. He took her to an isolated spot and a heated argument broke out between the two regarding the relationship. Shandilya said, She slapped him and threatened to commit suicide. The agitated JCL (juvenile in conflict with the law) pushed her down, gave her fist blows and then throttled her to death. Later he dragged the dead body to a cliff and pushed it over. On the way back he threw the cell phone of the deceased into a pond." On Sunday, Chandini Jains sister lodged a missing person complaint with the Miyapur police. A case of kidnap was registered and an investigation was taken up. "Police formed search teams to locate the girl and secured information about the presence of all her friends, classmates, schoolmates and relatives. The teams also visited various locations and collected mobile, social media and other data," said commissioner Shandilya. It was on Tuesday night that police received information about the body of a female at an isolated place on the outskirts of Ameenpur village. During investigation, CCTV footage revealed that a man had arrived at the place along with the deceased in an autorickshaw. Later the person was identified as a former classmate of deceased.
By IANS

NEW DELHI: American DJ, record producer and musician Niles Hollowell-Dhar, popularly known as DJ KSHMR, will tour six cities across India starting from October 20.

Promoted by Percept Live, he will be performing in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

The artiste, of Kashmiri descent currently living in California, ranked No. 12 in a list of the world's top 100 DJs released by DJ Mag last year.

"I attribute a large part of my success to India and the country has always held a special place in my heart. This is my first tour in India -- a homecoming of sorts and a moment I've long waited for. I plan to give people an experience that reflects just how important it is to me," DJ KSHMR said in a statement.

KSHMR will donate proceeds of his New Delhi event titled "KARMA" to the charity Child Rights And You (CRY) that works for the welfare of underprivileged children through dignity, justice and equity for all.

"Having CRY a part of this show is a huge honour for me because they address poverty at its brunt -- the children. They are the window of time through which we may leave some good beyond our own," added the artiste, who has tracks like "Secrets", "Bazaar" and "Megalodon" to his credit.

The artiste, who also headlined this year's Ultra Music Festival in Miami, will perform at India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida, on October 20, E-Zone, Bengaluru, on October 21, VGP Beach Resort, Chennai, on October 22, Aquatica, Kolkata, on October 27, HITEX Exhibition and Convention Centre, Hyderabad, on October 28, and Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai, on October 29.

KSHMR has worked with artists like Enrique Iglesias, Robin Thicke, Selena Gomez, R3hab, Tiesto, Carnage, DVBBS, Borgeous, Dimitri Vegas Like Mike and Bassjackers, among others.

Karan Singh, Global CEO at Sunburn, said: "KSHMR is an act like no other. Right from the curation of his sets, to the grand visuals that he incorporates that come together to make a truly multi-sensory experience.

"We had a phenomenal turnout and response last New Year's Eve when KSHMR headlined the finale set at Sunburn 10. Taking it a notch higher this year we are curating a-one-of-a-kind arena tour that will bring to life an unparalleled live music experience and a memorable one for all attendees," he added.

NEW DELHI: American DJ, record producer and musician Niles Hollowell-Dhar, popularly known as DJ KSHMR, will tour six cities across India starting from October 20. Promoted by Percept Live, he will be performing in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. The artiste, of Kashmiri descent currently living in California, ranked No. 12 in a list of the world's top 100 DJs released by DJ Mag last year. "I attribute a large part of my success to India and the country has always held a special place in my heart. This is my first tour in India -- a homecoming of sorts and a moment I've long waited for. I plan to give people an experience that reflects just how important it is to me," DJ KSHMR said in a statement. KSHMR will donate proceeds of his New Delhi event titled "KARMA" to the charity Child Rights And You (CRY) that works for the welfare of underprivileged children through dignity, justice and equity for all. "Having CRY a part of this show is a huge honour for me because they address poverty at its brunt -- the children. They are the window of time through which we may leave some good beyond our own," added the artiste, who has tracks like "Secrets", "Bazaar" and "Megalodon" to his credit. The artiste, who also headlined this year's Ultra Music Festival in Miami, will perform at India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida, on October 20, E-Zone, Bengaluru, on October 21, VGP Beach Resort, Chennai, on October 22, Aquatica, Kolkata, on October 27, HITEX Exhibition and Convention Centre, Hyderabad, on October 28, and Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai, on October 29. KSHMR has worked with artists like Enrique Iglesias, Robin Thicke, Selena Gomez, R3hab, Tiesto, Carnage, DVBBS, Borgeous, Dimitri Vegas Like Mike and Bassjackers, among others. Karan Singh, Global CEO at Sunburn, said: "KSHMR is an act like no other. Right from the curation of his sets, to the grand visuals that he incorporates that come together to make a truly multi-sensory experience. "We had a phenomenal turnout and response last New Year's Eve when KSHMR headlined the finale set at Sunburn 10. Taking it a notch higher this year we are curating a-one-of-a-kind arena tour that will bring to life an unparalleled live music experience and a memorable one for all attendees," he added.
By ANI

WASHINGTON D.C: Transgender patients with diabetes may not be adequately treated for risk factors, says a recent study.

Transgender diabetics treated with hormones for gender confirmation have several modifiable factors that contribute to diabetes severity and complications, including elevated levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) and high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol.

This study draws attention to this vulnerable group who need more specialist support and evidence-based programmes to improve diabetes care.

Transgender individuals have a gender identity that is different from their sex assigned at birth. Recent estimates from state and federal data suggest that around 0.6% of the adult population in the USA (1.4 million adults) identify as transgender. Close to half (40%) of the adult population of the USA is expected to develop type 2 diabetes at some point during their lifetime, and about 1.25 million Americans are currently living with type 1 diabetes.

People with diabetes are known to have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), osteoporosis, and depression. An important part of diabetes management is reducing other CVD risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Although gender affirming hormone treatment is known to have effects on lipid profiles, blood pressure, weight, and blood glucose, the hormones' effect on diabetes risk or disease course is unclear. Furthermore, the management of diabetes in transgender patients has not been specifically studied.

In this small study, Dr Patricia Kapsner and colleagues from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA analysed data from all 300 transgender patients attending their multidisciplinary gender health clinic. They describe the characteristics of the nine individuals with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, and the specialist support that was needed to improve the quality of their care.

The researchers found that their patients with diabetes on hormones for gender confirmation had increased modifiable risks associated with diabetes. Triglycerides tended to be high in transgender women, most likely due to diabetes and use of oestrogens.

LDL cholesterol was higher and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or 'good' cholesterol was lower in obese patients with T2D. They also found that diabetes patients had low levels of vitamin D which needed treatment to prevent osteoporosis. Transgender women with T2D also tended to be obese, requiring intensive weight loss management. The research team note that the dysphoria and high level of psychosocial issues (e.g., current or past substance abuse) added to the difficulties of managing diabetes and comorbidities.

The researchers point out that even with support from their multidisciplinary team (including endocrinologists, psychiatrists, diabetes educators, nutritionists, nurses, and social services), recommended targets for patients with diabetes are not always achieved.

The authors conclude: "For both transgender men and women, it is critical to reduce risk factors for diabetes in order to prevent cardiovascular disease and other complications. We hope that our research will help boost transgender health and diabetes services to provide effective support and medication to those who need it most."

The findings have been suggested by a small study being presented at this year's European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal

WASHINGTON D.C: Transgender patients with diabetes may not be adequately treated for risk factors, says a recent study. Transgender diabetics treated with hormones for gender confirmation have several modifiable factors that contribute to diabetes severity and complications, including elevated levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) and high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol. This study draws attention to this vulnerable group who need more specialist support and evidence-based programmes to improve diabetes care. Transgender individuals have a gender identity that is different from their sex assigned at birth. Recent estimates from state and federal data suggest that around 0.6% of the adult population in the USA (1.4 million adults) identify as transgender. Close to half (40%) of the adult population of the USA is expected to develop type 2 diabetes at some point during their lifetime, and about 1.25 million Americans are currently living with type 1 diabetes. People with diabetes are known to have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), osteoporosis, and depression. An important part of diabetes management is reducing other CVD risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Although gender affirming hormone treatment is known to have effects on lipid profiles, blood pressure, weight, and blood glucose, the hormones' effect on diabetes risk or disease course is unclear. Furthermore, the management of diabetes in transgender patients has not been specifically studied. In this small study, Dr Patricia Kapsner and colleagues from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA analysed data from all 300 transgender patients attending their multidisciplinary gender health clinic. They describe the characteristics of the nine individuals with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, and the specialist support that was needed to improve the quality of their care. The researchers found that their patients with diabetes on hormones for gender confirmation had increased modifiable risks associated with diabetes. Triglycerides tended to be high in transgender women, most likely due to diabetes and use of oestrogens. LDL cholesterol was higher and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or 'good' cholesterol was lower in obese patients with T2D. They also found that diabetes patients had low levels of vitamin D which needed treatment to prevent osteoporosis. Transgender women with T2D also tended to be obese, requiring intensive weight loss management. The research team note that the dysphoria and high level of psychosocial issues (e.g., current or past substance abuse) added to the difficulties of managing diabetes and comorbidities. The researchers point out that even with support from their multidisciplinary team (including endocrinologists, psychiatrists, diabetes educators, nutritionists, nurses, and social services), recommended targets for patients with diabetes are not always achieved. The authors conclude: "For both transgender men and women, it is critical to reduce risk factors for diabetes in order to prevent cardiovascular disease and other complications. We hope that our research will help boost transgender health and diabetes services to provide effective support and medication to those who need it most." The findings have been suggested by a small study being presented at this year's European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: Two days after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the pellet guns were now being sparingly used in Kashmir, the international human rights watchdog Amnesty International India Wednesday called on Government of India (GoI) to stop the use of pellet guns in Kashmir.

Executive Director of Amnesty International India, Aakar Patel, released the report, Losing Sight in Kashmir, The Impact of Pellet Guns, here today. The report has documented 88 cases of people, whose eyesight was damaged by pellets between 2014 and 2017 in security forces firing in Valley.

Their lives have changed entirely, and they are struggling to cope, states the report.

According to Amnesty report, pellet gun has been responsible for blinding, killing and traumatizing people in Kashmir, where security forces have been using pellet guns since 2010.

These inherently inaccurate shotguns (pellet guns) fire hundreds of metal pellets, which spread over a wide area and their use has blinded hundreds and killed at least 14 people since July 2016, it said.

Over 8000 people had sustained pellet injuries, most in eyes, in security forces firing during over five month long unrest in Valley after Hizb commander Burhan Wanis killing on July 8, 2016.

According to the Amnesty report, school-going boys and girls have lost vision in one or both eyes, and have difficulty reading, playing with their friends, or watching TV.

College students have had to give up their dreams of pursuing higher education. Young men and primary breadwinners of families now cannot earn a living anymore as they are now a liability for their families, it said.

Several people, the report said, have not regained eyesight despite going through repeated surgeries, and are spending considerable amounts on medical treatment. Some still have pellets inside their eyes, because it is medically risky to remove them.

According to the report, many show symptoms of psychological trauma and all of them face everyday struggles: of dealing with the darkness.

This is the human cost of the governments heavy-handed crackdown in Kashmir, it said.

The report said the manner in which the pellet guns were used in Kashmir violate international standards on the use of force. Law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty.

The Amnesty International India, according to the report, also obtained information through Right to Information (RTI) applications from the police, which suggests that the use of the inherently inaccurate pellet-firing by security forces has injured other security force personnel.

At least 16 personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police were treated for pellet injuries in border district of Kupwara in 2016, the report said adding the group had sought further information from J&K police and CRPF but those were not provided by the security agencies.

The Amnesty report recommended that government should immediately stop use of pellet-firing shotguns in the State and ensure that use of other weapons is in line with international human rights standards on the use of force.

It also recommended full reparation in line with international standards be provided to those, who have been injured by pellet-firing and to the families of those killed.

This must include adequate compensation and rehabilitation, including any medical and psychological care that may be needed, it recommended.

The Amnesty report also sought prompt, independent and impartial civilian criminal investigations into all incidents where the use of pellet-firing led to deaths or serious injuries to establish whether arbitrary or excessive force was used, and where sufficient evidence is found, prosecute those suspected of responsibility in civilian courts.

The report recommended that government should provide relevant training on crowd control measures and the use of force and firearms to security force personnel of J&K police and paramilitary forces as laid out in the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials and UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials.

SRINAGAR: Two days after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the pellet guns were now being sparingly used in Kashmir, the international human rights watchdog Amnesty International India Wednesday called on Government of India (GoI) to stop the use of pellet guns in Kashmir. Executive Director of Amnesty International India, Aakar Patel, released the report, Losing Sight in Kashmir, The Impact of Pellet Guns, here today. The report has documented 88 cases of people, whose eyesight was damaged by pellets between 2014 and 2017 in security forces firing in Valley. Their lives have changed entirely, and they are struggling to cope, states the report. According to Amnesty report, pellet gun has been responsible for blinding, killing and traumatizing people in Kashmir, where security forces have been using pellet guns since 2010. These inherently inaccurate shotguns (pellet guns) fire hundreds of metal pellets, which spread over a wide area and their use has blinded hundreds and killed at least 14 people since July 2016, it said. Over 8000 people had sustained pellet injuries, most in eyes, in security forces firing during over five month long unrest in Valley after Hizb commander Burhan Wanis killing on July 8, 2016. According to the Amnesty report, school-going boys and girls have lost vision in one or both eyes, and have difficulty reading, playing with their friends, or watching TV. College students have had to give up their dreams of pursuing higher education. Young men and primary breadwinners of families now cannot earn a living anymore as they are now a liability for their families, it said. Several people, the report said, have not regained eyesight despite going through repeated surgeries, and are spending considerable amounts on medical treatment. Some still have pellets inside their eyes, because it is medically risky to remove them. According to the report, many show symptoms of psychological trauma and all of them face everyday struggles: of dealing with the darkness. This is the human cost of the governments heavy-handed crackdown in Kashmir, it said. The report said the manner in which the pellet guns were used in Kashmir violate international standards on the use of force. Law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty. The Amnesty International India, according to the report, also obtained information through Right to Information (RTI) applications from the police, which suggests that the use of the inherently inaccurate pellet-firing by security forces has injured other security force personnel. At least 16 personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police were treated for pellet injuries in border district of Kupwara in 2016, the report said adding the group had sought further information from J&K police and CRPF but those were not provided by the security agencies. The Amnesty report recommended that government should immediately stop use of pellet-firing shotguns in the State and ensure that use of other weapons is in line with international human rights standards on the use of force. It also recommended full reparation in line with international standards be provided to those, who have been injured by pellet-firing and to the families of those killed. This must include adequate compensation and rehabilitation, including any medical and psychological care that may be needed, it recommended. The Amnesty report also sought prompt, independent and impartial civilian criminal investigations into all incidents where the use of pellet-firing led to deaths or serious injuries to establish whether arbitrary or excessive force was used, and where sufficient evidence is found, prosecute those suspected of responsibility in civilian courts. The report recommended that government should provide relevant training on crowd control measures and the use of force and firearms to security force personnel of J&K police and paramilitary forces as laid out in the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials and UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: Controversial CPM Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee was expelled from the party Wednesday after he claimed that the politburo has a quota for Muslims and accused the central leadership of being anti-Bengali.

After a meeting at the party headquarters, the West Bengal state committee sent a letter to the central committee seeking approval to expel Banerjee. The central committees approval is needed as Banerjee is a sitting Rajya Sabha MP of the party.

Someone had to bell the cat. I have been an SFI national general secretary for eight long years and was in the party since 1996. Expelling me from the party is like cutting off my umbilical cord. I cannot think of anything other than CPM. Several state leaders are with me. I will rise and take on the expulsion head on. The red flag is not the fiefdom of any individual or group, he said while breaking down in front of the media.

Speaking on the expulsion, West Bengal Assembly Left Front leader Sujan Chakraborty said some people misuse the freedom given by the party. Speculation was rife that Banerjee may move over to the BJP. There have been rumours of Banerjee meeting BJP state president Dilip Ghosh at a Kolkata hotel.

The expulsion came after Banerjee, in an explosive interview with a Bengali news channel Tuesday night, claimed that CPM Lok Sabha MP Mohammad Salim was nominated to the politburo because he was a Muslim. Why should there be quotas for Muslim and women in the politburo of a communist party? Mohammad Salim became politburo member on the basis of his religion, Banerjee said.

Mohammad Salim heads a committee formed to look into the alleged lavish lifestyle of Banerjee, who came under scrutiny for his Mont Blanc pen and Apple watch in January. The past 90 days of the committee probe have been the most hellish days of my life. Mohammad Salim and his son Russel Aziz indulged in malicious campaign against me on social media.

The committee even hacked my account details and got hold of my bank statement and questioned me based on that. I have given a formal complaint to finance minister Arun Jaitley on August 11 for hacking my bank details. I will take legal action against the committee as well, he said.

The kangaroo committee had hanged me even before the trial commenced. The party mouthpiece pronounced the result of the trial even before it started. To expose the eyewash of the trial, I had secretly taped the proceedings of the committee, he added. Mohammad Salim said: Such doubts and questions are raised by Hindutva proponents BJP and RSS. No communist would make such allegations.

KOLKATA: Controversial CPM Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee was expelled from the party Wednesday after he claimed that the politburo has a quota for Muslims and accused the central leadership of being anti-Bengali. After a meeting at the party headquarters, the West Bengal state committee sent a letter to the central committee seeking approval to expel Banerjee. The central committees approval is needed as Banerjee is a sitting Rajya Sabha MP of the party. Someone had to bell the cat. I have been an SFI national general secretary for eight long years and was in the party since 1996. Expelling me from the party is like cutting off my umbilical cord. I cannot think of anything other than CPM. Several state leaders are with me. I will rise and take on the expulsion head on. The red flag is not the fiefdom of any individual or group, he said while breaking down in front of the media. Speaking on the expulsion, West Bengal Assembly Left Front leader Sujan Chakraborty said some people misuse the freedom given by the party. Speculation was rife that Banerjee may move over to the BJP. There have been rumours of Banerjee meeting BJP state president Dilip Ghosh at a Kolkata hotel. The expulsion came after Banerjee, in an explosive interview with a Bengali news channel Tuesday night, claimed that CPM Lok Sabha MP Mohammad Salim was nominated to the politburo because he was a Muslim. Why should there be quotas for Muslim and women in the politburo of a communist party? Mohammad Salim became politburo member on the basis of his religion, Banerjee said. Mohammad Salim heads a committee formed to look into the alleged lavish lifestyle of Banerjee, who came under scrutiny for his Mont Blanc pen and Apple watch in January. The past 90 days of the committee probe have been the most hellish days of my life. Mohammad Salim and his son Russel Aziz indulged in malicious campaign against me on social media. The committee even hacked my account details and got hold of my bank statement and questioned me based on that. I have given a formal complaint to finance minister Arun Jaitley on August 11 for hacking my bank details. I will take legal action against the committee as well, he said. The kangaroo committee had hanged me even before the trial commenced. The party mouthpiece pronounced the result of the trial even before it started. To expose the eyewash of the trial, I had secretly taped the proceedings of the committee, he added. Mohammad Salim said: Such doubts and questions are raised by Hindutva proponents BJP and RSS. No communist would make such allegations.
By IANS

LONDON: In a boost for Indian agencies, authorities in the United Kingdom have seized properties belonging to fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim, the media reported on Wednesday.

Dawood Ibrahim's name appears on the latest UK Treasury Department's "Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets", the Birmingham Mail reported.

The assets which have been frozen include properties in Midlands. Dawood Ibrahim owns a hotel in Warwickshire and residential properties across the Midlands, according to the report.

The Treasury sanction document lists three recorded addresses for Dawood Ibrahim in Pakistan including one called The White House in the seaside Clifton area in Karachi. It also lists 21 aliases used by the don.

The sanctions prohibit the transfer of funds to anyone on the list and freezes any assets the targets may hold in the UK.

The Indian investigators had been pursuing Dawood Ibrahim's assets in the UK and visited the Midlands in 2015 to identify his assets.

According to an Enforcement Directorate official, a large chunk of Dawood Ibrahim's money has been invested in the UK and in Dubai and India.

Dawood Ibrahim is also reported to have properties in Dartford and Essex and in central London.

Dawood Ibrahim is on India's most wanted list for his role in the 1993 Mumbai blasts. UN documents identify him as an associate of Al Qaeda while the US Treasury Department declared him a global terrorist in 2013.



LONDON: In a boost for Indian agencies, authorities in the United Kingdom have seized properties belonging to fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim, the media reported on Wednesday. Dawood Ibrahim's name appears on the latest UK Treasury Department's "Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets", the Birmingham Mail reported. The assets which have been frozen include properties in Midlands. Dawood Ibrahim owns a hotel in Warwickshire and residential properties across the Midlands, according to the report. The Treasury sanction document lists three recorded addresses for Dawood Ibrahim in Pakistan including one called The White House in the seaside Clifton area in Karachi. It also lists 21 aliases used by the don. The sanctions prohibit the transfer of funds to anyone on the list and freezes any assets the targets may hold in the UK. The Indian investigators had been pursuing Dawood Ibrahim's assets in the UK and visited the Midlands in 2015 to identify his assets. According to an Enforcement Directorate official, a large chunk of Dawood Ibrahim's money has been invested in the UK and in Dubai and India. Dawood Ibrahim is also reported to have properties in Dartford and Essex and in central London. Dawood Ibrahim is on India's most wanted list for his role in the 1993 Mumbai blasts. UN documents identify him as an associate of Al Qaeda while the US Treasury Department declared him a global terrorist in 2013.
By PTI

CHANDIGARH: The Haryana police will soon interrogate Dera Sacha Sauda chairperson Vipassana Insan in connection with the violence that had broken out in Panchkula and Sirsa following the sect head's rape conviction.

Vipassana is one of the likely successors of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and is the chairperson of the Dera.

"Sirsa police will soon ask Vipassana Insan to join the investigation," Haryana DGP B S Sandhu said here today.

The police said it was making efforts to nab Ram Rahim's confidant and adopted daughter, Honeypreet, and key Dera functionary, Aditya Insaan who they believed are still in the country.

"We have sent police teams to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to track them. We are presuming that they are hiding somewhere in the country," said Sandhu, adding that a lookout notice against them was also issued following apprehensions that they might try to "escape the country".

Efforts to trace Honeypreet were initiated after the questioning of Surinder Dhiman Insan, another sect functionary who was arrested on charges of instigating violence, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to facilitate the Dera chief's escape after he was convicted of raping two disciples.

The Haryana police had earlier conducted raids at various places and police teams were sent to various locations, including Mumbai and the Nepal side. It was also in touch with the police of other states.

Three Punjab police officers, who were deployed to provide security to the Dera chief, were also arrested last week for conspiring to free Ram Rahim after his conviction.

"Three Punjab cops have been taken into custody and we have issued notices to five other cops, asking them to join investigation," Sandhu said.

The DGP said that several vehicles that were a part of the cavalcade of Dera chief on August 25 were impounded.

"Notices have also been sent to the owners of remaining vehicles," he added.

Violence erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana and parts of Punjab and Delhi on August 25 following the conviction of Ram Rahim. The mayhem left 35 dead in Panchkula and six in Sirsa.

CHANDIGARH: The Haryana police will soon interrogate Dera Sacha Sauda chairperson Vipassana Insan in connection with the violence that had broken out in Panchkula and Sirsa following the sect head's rape conviction. Vipassana is one of the likely successors of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and is the chairperson of the Dera. "Sirsa police will soon ask Vipassana Insan to join the investigation," Haryana DGP B S Sandhu said here today. The police said it was making efforts to nab Ram Rahim's confidant and adopted daughter, Honeypreet, and key Dera functionary, Aditya Insaan who they believed are still in the country. "We have sent police teams to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to track them. We are presuming that they are hiding somewhere in the country," said Sandhu, adding that a lookout notice against them was also issued following apprehensions that they might try to "escape the country". Efforts to trace Honeypreet were initiated after the questioning of Surinder Dhiman Insan, another sect functionary who was arrested on charges of instigating violence, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to facilitate the Dera chief's escape after he was convicted of raping two disciples. The Haryana police had earlier conducted raids at various places and police teams were sent to various locations, including Mumbai and the Nepal side. It was also in touch with the police of other states. Three Punjab police officers, who were deployed to provide security to the Dera chief, were also arrested last week for conspiring to free Ram Rahim after his conviction. "Three Punjab cops have been taken into custody and we have issued notices to five other cops, asking them to join investigation," Sandhu said. The DGP said that several vehicles that were a part of the cavalcade of Dera chief on August 25 were impounded. "Notices have also been sent to the owners of remaining vehicles," he added. Violence erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana and parts of Punjab and Delhi on August 25 following the conviction of Ram Rahim. The mayhem left 35 dead in Panchkula and six in Sirsa.
By ANI

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who arrived here today on a two-day visit, was accorded a warm welcome by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the Ahmedabad airport.

Abe, who is accompanied by his wife Akie Abe, has a hectic schedule for the next two days in Modi's home state, including laying of the foundation stone for India's first bullet train, to be run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, and to attend the 12th Indo-Japan Summit.

HIGHLIGHTS:

PM Modi, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe at 'Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali, the famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed the visitor's book at Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Ashram in Japanese. pic.twitter.com/6THrormUgt  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe sign the visitor's book at Sabarmati Ashram.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, his wife Akie Abe and PM Narendra Modi pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.

PM Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe reach Sabarmati Ashram.

Cultural performances being held as PM Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's roadshow to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad continues.

Shinzo Abe to visit Ahmedabad Mosque.

Japan PM Shinzo Abe along with Narendra Modi set on the road show in Ahmedabad. (ANI)

According to TV reports, around 9,000 policemen are deployed across Ahmedabad.

First of a kind 9-km long roadshow to follow post the grand welcome of Shinzo Abe and wife.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe accorded a guard of honour.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe inspects a guard of honour upon his arrival in Ahmedabad. (AP)

PM Modi receives his Japanese counterpart at Ahmedabad airport.

The two leaders will visit Gandhi Ashram.

Japan PM Shinzo arrives in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.

Prime Minister reaches Ahmedabad to receive his Japanese counterpart who is scheduled to reach at 3.30 PM.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being received by Gujarat Governor O P Kohli and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on his arrival in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. (PTI)

The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

An India-Japan Business Plenary will also be held. Today, the two Prime Ministers will visit Sabarmati Ashram, which was established by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the River Sabarmati.

#Gujarat: Visuals from Ahmedabad ahead of PM Modi & Japan PM Shinzo Abe's visit, they will hold a roadshow to Sabarmati Ashram pic.twitter.com/bDZsOJpbKI

They will also visit the Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali - a famous 16th-century mosque in Ahmedabad. Besides, the two leaders will visit Dandi Kutir, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Mahatma Mandir.

Ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit, Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday said that Ahmedabad is all set to welcome the Prime Minister of Japan.

ALSO READ: Modi, Abe to explore ways to ramp multifaceted cooperation at annual Summit

The 12th edition of the summit, which will be the fourth meeting between PM Modi and Shinzo Abe, will be held in Gandhinagar tomorrow.

Ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit, PM Modi on Tuesday said in a tweet that India truly values its ties with Japan and looks forward to further boosting the bilateral relations in a wide range of areas.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who arrived here today on a two-day visit, was accorded a warm welcome by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the Ahmedabad airport. Abe, who is accompanied by his wife Akie Abe, has a hectic schedule for the next two days in Modi's home state, including laying of the foundation stone for India's first bullet train, to be run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, and to attend the 12th Indo-Japan Summit. HIGHLIGHTS: PM Modi, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe at 'Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali, the famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad. Gujarat: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed the visitor's book at Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Ashram in Japanese. pic.twitter.com/6THrormUgt  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017 Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe sign the visitor's book at Sabarmati Ashram. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, his wife Akie Abe and PM Narendra Modi pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. PM Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe reach Sabarmati Ashram. Cultural performances being held as PM Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's roadshow to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad continues. Shinzo Abe to visit Ahmedabad Mosque. Japan PM Shinzo Abe along with Narendra Modi set on the road show in Ahmedabad. (ANI) According to TV reports, around 9,000 policemen are deployed across Ahmedabad. First of a kind 9-km long roadshow to follow post the grand welcome of Shinzo Abe and wife. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe accorded a guard of honour. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe inspects a guard of honour upon his arrival in Ahmedabad. (AP) PM Modi receives his Japanese counterpart at Ahmedabad airport. The two leaders will visit Gandhi Ashram. Japan PM Shinzo arrives in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. Prime Minister reaches Ahmedabad to receive his Japanese counterpart who is scheduled to reach at 3.30 PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi being received by Gujarat Governor O P Kohli and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on his arrival in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. (PTI) The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction. An India-Japan Business Plenary will also be held. Today, the two Prime Ministers will visit Sabarmati Ashram, which was established by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the River Sabarmati. #Gujarat: Visuals from Ahmedabad ahead of PM Modi & Japan PM Shinzo Abe's visit, they will hold a roadshow to Sabarmati Ashram pic.twitter.com/bDZsOJpbKI  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017 They will also visit the Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali - a famous 16th-century mosque in Ahmedabad. Besides, the two leaders will visit Dandi Kutir, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Mahatma Mandir. Ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit, Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday said that Ahmedabad is all set to welcome the Prime Minister of Japan. ALSO READ: Modi, Abe to explore ways to ramp multifaceted cooperation at annual Summit The 12th edition of the summit, which will be the fourth meeting between PM Modi and Shinzo Abe, will be held in Gandhinagar tomorrow. Ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit, PM Modi on Tuesday said in a tweet that India truly values its ties with Japan and looks forward to further boosting the bilateral relations in a wide range of areas.
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: Schoolchildren in Madhya Pradesh will soon be required to answer Jai Hind when their roll call is taken in class daily.

The new diktat is to be implemented in government schools in Satna district from October 1. If it is successful, it's likely to be replicated in schools in the other 50 districts of the state.

The announcement was made by Madhya Pradesh school education minister Kunwar Vijay Shah at a divisional meeting of teachers, principals, Jan Shikshaks and block resource coordinators in Satna district on Tuesday.

CLICK BELOW TO WATCH VIDEO:

For now, it's a suggestion to private schools in Satna, Shah said, hoping that all schools will heed his suggestion.

"If they don't follow it, we'll put you (media) behind them," the minister added, smiling.

Vijay Shah added that he'll seek permission from chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for implementing the Jai Hind attendance call initiative in schools across the other 50 districts of MP.

BHOPAL: Schoolchildren in Madhya Pradesh will soon be required to answer Jai Hind when their roll call is taken in class daily. The new diktat is to be implemented in government schools in Satna district from October 1. If it is successful, it's likely to be replicated in schools in the other 50 districts of the state. The announcement was made by Madhya Pradesh school education minister Kunwar Vijay Shah at a divisional meeting of teachers, principals, Jan Shikshaks and block resource coordinators in Satna district on Tuesday. CLICK BELOW TO WATCH VIDEO: For now, it's a suggestion to private schools in Satna, Shah said, hoping that all schools will heed his suggestion. "If they don't follow it, we'll put you (media) behind them," the minister added, smiling. Vijay Shah added that he'll seek permission from chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for implementing the Jai Hind attendance call initiative in schools across the other 50 districts of MP.
Vikram Sharma By

Express News Service

NITI: With repeated representations to the authorities to improve infrastructure and boost tourism in this scenic village falling on deaf ears, the 70-odd residents of Niti -- the last Indian village along the India-China border in Uttarakhand -- have taken it upon themselves to attract tourists and make a living.

Niti residents now randomly walk up to tourists they happen to spot in Joshimath or Tapovan and invite them to their village by giving a brief account of its history and its natural beauty. Taking this a bit further, the villagers have now decided to build a museum on their own, showcasing the artefacts used by the Bhotiya tribe back in the 1950s and 1960s -- which they feel will be a major attraction to tourists.

''We have come to believe that the government will do nothing to improve infrastructure here. They have declared this village as a tourist destination and they think their responsibility ends there. We are trying to develop this village on our own. To sustain ourselves, we need tourists. Therefore, we decided to construct a museum, all by ourselves which will showcase antiques used by our ancestors,'' said Aashish Rana, head of Niti village.

Aashish and other villagers are now leaving no stone unturned to curate artefacts used by their earlier generations.

Aashish Rana

''We already have assembled quite a few articles our elders used decades ago which will give a glimpse into the life of the Bhotiya tribe. We have brass hookahs, knives, swords, pots, utensils, kettles and jewellery. We are looking for more. We have already finalised the place in the village where the museum will come up and the villagers are excited about this,'' said Rana.

Brass hookah used by ancestors

''We also have people who will explain to tourists the history of the Bhotiya tribe, their lives in the mountains, their trade with the people of Tibet before 1962, their eating habits, rituals, etc. Though the government should have done its bit in improving infrastructure so that tourists can visit this village, we thought enough is enough and lets do something ourselves,'' says another villager S S Rana.

While work on the museum is underway, villagers randomly meet tourists and invite them to their village. ''We met two bikers in Joshimath and invited them to visit Niti. They were part of a motorcycle company and assured us that about 40 of them would be visiting Niti soon and spend at least two days here. They will be staying with us in our homes where they can have locally-made liquor and delicious food,'' said Rana, adding that with the younger generation leaving the villages for jobs, the Bhotiya culture and tradition is being forgotten.

NITI: With repeated representations to the authorities to improve infrastructure and boost tourism in this scenic village falling on deaf ears, the 70-odd residents of Niti -- the last Indian village along the India-China border in Uttarakhand -- have taken it upon themselves to attract tourists and make a living. Niti residents now randomly walk up to tourists they happen to spot in Joshimath or Tapovan and invite them to their village by giving a brief account of its history and its natural beauty. Taking this a bit further, the villagers have now decided to build a museum on their own, showcasing the artefacts used by the Bhotiya tribe back in the 1950s and 1960s -- which they feel will be a major attraction to tourists. ''We have come to believe that the government will do nothing to improve infrastructure here. They have declared this village as a tourist destination and they think their responsibility ends there. We are trying to develop this village on our own. To sustain ourselves, we need tourists. Therefore, we decided to construct a museum, all by ourselves which will showcase antiques used by our ancestors,'' said Aashish Rana, head of Niti village. Aashish and other villagers are now leaving no stone unturned to curate artefacts used by their earlier generations. Aashish Rana ''We already have assembled quite a few articles our elders used decades ago which will give a glimpse into the life of the Bhotiya tribe. We have brass hookahs, knives, swords, pots, utensils, kettles and jewellery. We are looking for more. We have already finalised the place in the village where the museum will come up and the villagers are excited about this,'' said Rana. Brass hookah used by ancestors ''We also have people who will explain to tourists the history of the Bhotiya tribe, their lives in the mountains, their trade with the people of Tibet before 1962, their eating habits, rituals, etc. Though the government should have done its bit in improving infrastructure so that tourists can visit this village, we thought enough is enough and lets do something ourselves,'' says another villager S S Rana. While work on the museum is underway, villagers randomly meet tourists and invite them to their village. ''We met two bikers in Joshimath and invited them to visit Niti. They were part of a motorcycle company and assured us that about 40 of them would be visiting Niti soon and spend at least two days here. They will be staying with us in our homes where they can have locally-made liquor and delicious food,'' said Rana, adding that with the younger generation leaving the villages for jobs, the Bhotiya culture and tradition is being forgotten.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Wednesday seized three jars of Cobra venom worth Rs 100 crore after a joint operation Forest Office and Police Narco Cell of West Bengal.

The contraband was being smuggled to China before the consignment was seized by the agencies. The SSB along with the State officials also apprehended three smugglers.

The operation was conducted jointly by the SSB, Forest Office Barasat (West Bengal) and Police Narco Cell, Kolkata.  It was a well co-ordinated operation based upon specific information, the SSB said in a statement here.

The cost of seized item as per international market rate is approximately Rs 100 crores. The seized three jars of Cobra venom are having venom in the form of liquid, crystal and powder, the SSB said.

The Cobra venom is very much in demand in China for medicine purpose specifically used for radio therapy and for cancer treatment among others.

The apprehended persons include Narayan Das, 26, from Madhygram, North 24 Parganas, Debojyoti Bose, 43, Tolygunj, Kolkata and Buddhadev Khanna, 40, for Jadhavpur, South Kolkata.

The venom was meant to be smuggled to China through Siliguri Corridor in three conspicuous jars. The three nabbed persons are part of an international gang that smuggles snake venom to the neighbouring country. The forest department has taken possession of the venom, the SSB further said.



The SSB and the Customs Department had also carried out a major operation in Siliguri this May, resulting in the arrest of two persons and seizure of venom worth of Rs 70 crore.

NEW DELHI: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Wednesday seized three jars of Cobra venom worth Rs 100 crore after a joint operation Forest Office and Police Narco Cell of West Bengal. The contraband was being smuggled to China before the consignment was seized by the agencies. The SSB along with the State officials also apprehended three smugglers. The operation was conducted jointly by the SSB, Forest Office Barasat (West Bengal) and Police Narco Cell, Kolkata.  It was a well co-ordinated operation based upon specific information, the SSB said in a statement here. The cost of seized item as per international market rate is approximately Rs 100 crores. The seized three jars of Cobra venom are having venom in the form of liquid, crystal and powder, the SSB said. The Cobra venom is very much in demand in China for medicine purpose specifically used for radio therapy and for cancer treatment among others. The apprehended persons include Narayan Das, 26, from Madhygram, North 24 Parganas, Debojyoti Bose, 43, Tolygunj, Kolkata and Buddhadev Khanna, 40, for Jadhavpur, South Kolkata. The venom was meant to be smuggled to China through Siliguri Corridor in three conspicuous jars. The three nabbed persons are part of an international gang that smuggles snake venom to the neighbouring country. The forest department has taken possession of the venom, the SSB further said. The SSB and the Customs Department had also carried out a major operation in Siliguri this May, resulting in the arrest of two persons and seizure of venom worth of Rs 70 crore.
Anand S T Das By

Express News Service

PATNA: After managing to ward off a split in its Bihar legislature party, the Congress is likely to replace its state president and leader of the legislature party as both leaders no longer enjoy the trust of the high command.

Despite most Congress leaders desiring that the party break its alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadavs RJD as soon as possible, it is unlikely to happen, at least till the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. A majority of the partys 27 MLAs in Bihar recently told Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi about the necessity of snapping ties with the RJD. But Gandhi appeared unwilling, said sources.

State Congress chief Ashok Chaudhary, who was one of four Congress ministers in the grand alliance government that collapsed in July, and Congress Legislature Party leader Sadanand Singh are likely to be replaced, said the sources.

Both these leaders, known for their proximity to chief minister Nitish Kumar, allegedly tried to engineer a split in the legislature party as per a plan to join the ruling JD(U). Chaudhary and Singh were warned against their anti-party activities by both Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi recently.

A change of guard in the state Congress is almost certain. Only putting the right caste combination in place is what is delaying it. The high command feels the incumbent leaders are hindering the growth of the Congress in Bihar, said a senior leader familiar with the developments.

Chaudhary, a 49-year-old Mahadalit leader and one-term MLA who became the BPCC chief in March 2013, was known to be a favourite of Rahul Gandhi till he was accused of leading a defection bid. Gandhi stonewalled several efforts by state Congress leaders to replace him in the past two years. Sadanand Singh, a party veteran and nine-term MLA, comes from Nitish Kumars Kurmi caste, an OBC group.

Since the Congress plans to continue its alliance with the RJD and believes that Lalu Prasad has a solid grip on the OBC and Dalit communities, the state unit chiefs post may go to an upper-caste leader  either a Bhumihar or a Brahmin. These two castes, previously Congresss traditional voters, are currently with the BJP.

Senior Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh, a Bhumihar and a former Union minister who quit the RJD to join the Congress in 2010, is considered the frontrunner for the state unit chiefs post. Ashok Ram, a well-known Dalit leader and six-term Congress MLA, is likely to be appointed the legislative party leader, said sources.

Rahul Gandhi may hold another round of discussions with Congress leaders and MLAs from Bihar before he names the two leaders in these important posts. The party is as keen to protect its 27 MLAs as it is to ensure Congresss growth in the state, said a senior leader.

PATNA: After managing to ward off a split in its Bihar legislature party, the Congress is likely to replace its state president and leader of the legislature party as both leaders no longer enjoy the trust of the high command. Despite most Congress leaders desiring that the party break its alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadavs RJD as soon as possible, it is unlikely to happen, at least till the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. A majority of the partys 27 MLAs in Bihar recently told Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi about the necessity of snapping ties with the RJD. But Gandhi appeared unwilling, said sources. State Congress chief Ashok Chaudhary, who was one of four Congress ministers in the grand alliance government that collapsed in July, and Congress Legislature Party leader Sadanand Singh are likely to be replaced, said the sources. Both these leaders, known for their proximity to chief minister Nitish Kumar, allegedly tried to engineer a split in the legislature party as per a plan to join the ruling JD(U). Chaudhary and Singh were warned against their anti-party activities by both Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi recently. A change of guard in the state Congress is almost certain. Only putting the right caste combination in place is what is delaying it. The high command feels the incumbent leaders are hindering the growth of the Congress in Bihar, said a senior leader familiar with the developments. Chaudhary, a 49-year-old Mahadalit leader and one-term MLA who became the BPCC chief in March 2013, was known to be a favourite of Rahul Gandhi till he was accused of leading a defection bid. Gandhi stonewalled several efforts by state Congress leaders to replace him in the past two years. Sadanand Singh, a party veteran and nine-term MLA, comes from Nitish Kumars Kurmi caste, an OBC group. Since the Congress plans to continue its alliance with the RJD and believes that Lalu Prasad has a solid grip on the OBC and Dalit communities, the state unit chiefs post may go to an upper-caste leader  either a Bhumihar or a Brahmin. These two castes, previously Congresss traditional voters, are currently with the BJP. Senior Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh, a Bhumihar and a former Union minister who quit the RJD to join the Congress in 2010, is considered the frontrunner for the state unit chiefs post. Ashok Ram, a well-known Dalit leader and six-term Congress MLA, is likely to be appointed the legislative party leader, said sources. Rahul Gandhi may hold another round of discussions with Congress leaders and MLAs from Bihar before he names the two leaders in these important posts. The party is as keen to protect its 27 MLAs as it is to ensure Congresss growth in the state, said a senior leader.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: The Assam police on Wednesday arrested RTI activist and peasant leader Akhil Gogoi for allegedly instigating people to take up arms and slapped the charge of sedition against him.

Police said a case under sections 120(B), 121, 124(A), 109, 153 and 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code was registered on the basis of speeches made by Akhil Gogoi and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) pro-talks leader Jiten Dutta at a public rally on Tuesday.

Police said Akhil Gogoi, who is a leader of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samitee, and Jiten Dutta instigated the common people to wage war against the nation and also delivered speeches against communal harmony. They also announced that they would use arms to fulfil their demands including hangdangs (machetes) and AK-47 rifles.

The public rally which Akhil Gogoi and Jiten Dutta addressed was organised to protest against the central governments move to amend the Citizenship Act, non-implementation of the Assam Accord, lack of constitutional safeguards for the protection of indigenous people in the state, a recent attack on surrendered ULFA men in Nagaon.

IPC Section 121 deals with waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India. Punishment under this section is death or life imprisonment.

The charge under IPC 124(A) is sedition. The section states: Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law in India, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.

GUWAHATI: The Assam police on Wednesday arrested RTI activist and peasant leader Akhil Gogoi for allegedly instigating people to take up arms and slapped the charge of sedition against him. Police said a case under sections 120(B), 121, 124(A), 109, 153 and 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code was registered on the basis of speeches made by Akhil Gogoi and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) pro-talks leader Jiten Dutta at a public rally on Tuesday. Police said Akhil Gogoi, who is a leader of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samitee, and Jiten Dutta instigated the common people to wage war against the nation and also delivered speeches against communal harmony. They also announced that they would use arms to fulfil their demands including hangdangs (machetes) and AK-47 rifles. The public rally which Akhil Gogoi and Jiten Dutta addressed was organised to protest against the central governments move to amend the Citizenship Act, non-implementation of the Assam Accord, lack of constitutional safeguards for the protection of indigenous people in the state, a recent attack on surrendered ULFA men in Nagaon. IPC Section 121 deals with waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India. Punishment under this section is death or life imprisonment. The charge under IPC 124(A) is sedition. The section states: Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law in India, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.
Swaran Singh By

Japans PM Shinzo Abe arrives in Ahmedabad today for the 12th India-Japan annual summit. The most important issue on his mind will be North Koreas incessant missile tests and its hydrogen bomb test earlier this month. This has to be read in the backdrop of Pyongyangs closest ally Beijings aggressive posturing in the South China Sea. China has not only been building artificial islands in the sea but also deployed forces. It has defied all laws and norms including the Hague court of arbitrations ruling that had last year adjudged Chinas claims to be invalid.

With regard to India, this will be Modis fourth summit with Abe. But it is the first time a Japanese leader who is visiting India will not be travelling to New Delhi. Also, unlike Chinese president Xi Jinping, the only other leader hosted in Gujarat before coming to New Delhi, Abe will spend all three days therea state which has received over $1 billion of Japanese investments which are expected to rise up to $3 billion in next three years. The Modi-Abe duo will be meeting for the tenth time and they display warm chemistry which would trigger speculations in media commentaries.

Not to ignore the perennial presence of the big dragon in their colloquy, the two will announce $40 billion to take forward their Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC). The AAGC is seen as their counter to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or Maritime Silk Road which has witnessed Chinas increasing naval presence in the Indian Ocean rim.

The idea of AAGC was sealed during their 11th summit in Tokyo last November and its joint vision document was released at the annual general meeting of the African Development Bank in May at Gandhinagar. India remains keen on working with Japan in promoting connectivity, infrastructure, capacity-building across the Indo-Pacific community which has been a pet project of Abe.

More recently, owing to Chinas expanding maritime presence from the Sea of Japan to the Indian Ocean rim, Japan has become equally keen in building a maritime partnership with New Delhi. Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces have operated from Djibouti since 2009 and even built a permanent base in 2011. But in 2015, China also signed up for a similar base with Djibouti for availing logistics support for its anti-piracy operations off the Somalian coast. And last year, China also built a permanent naval base there. It became operational last month.

All these have brought Japan closer to India. The annual Japan-India joint military exercises have taken place since 2012, and in the India-Japan-US Malabar naval exercises, the nations brought their largest naval ships together leading to harsh reactions from Beijing. Even in the latest Doklam standoff Japan not just supported India but also criticised China for its expansionist policies.

As regards their bilateral initiatives, Indian diplomacy has made major strides in building a closer cooperation in civil nuclear energy and defence. Japan has become increasingly receptive in this regard especially since the two finally signed their long-pending Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy last December. This was agreed upon when Modi visited Japan last November and has come into force in July. Negotiating this was especially difficult given Japans historic experience of being the only victim of nuclear attack and all efforts had come to naught following the nuclear accident at Fukushima in 2011.

Their mutual synergy was surely energised by Modis hyperactive foreign policy since 2014. An MoU was signed during Abes 2015 India visit and it proved to be a turning point in their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

This has also facilitated Indo-US nuclear cooperation. Westinghouse, a US-based company which manufactures nuclear reactors, was supposed to set up six nuclear reactors in Andhra Pradesh. The company is now owned by Toshiba. Japans reluctance had caused hurdles in US deliveries. Now, as agreed during Modis visit this June, Westinghouse, in spite of its bankruptcy problems, agreed to supply technologies to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) which will be building these six nuclear reactors.

The two have also taken defence cooperation forward. The Indian Navy has finally bought 12 Japanese ShinMaywa US-2i amphibious aircraft in a $1.3 billion deal. After gruelling negotiations for these expensive planes since 2010, the deal for these search-and-rescue maritime surveillance planes was facilitated first by Japan in 2014 lifting its 47-year ban on weapons exports. The deal was finalised last week by some final discounts agreed upon when Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera visited India. India will be building 18 more of these as part of the Make in India programme which would also entail some amount of technology-transfer exercise.

As regards their cooperation in infrastructure building, the two prime ministers will witness the signing of some 10 MoUs and launch a couple of projects. This includes laying the foundation stone for the Rs 1.1 lakh-crore 500-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, expected to be completed by 2022, and the Rs 3000-crore Suzuki car manufacturing plant at Hansalpur, about 70 km from Ahmedabad. Japan has not only offered a $12 billion soft loan for building their first bullet train and another $12 billion incentive package for Japanese companies working on this project, it also wants to build many more bullet trains in India and the two are already negotiating another project between Varanasi and New Delhi. At this speed, the India-Japan relationship can surely become the defining partnership of the 21st century.

Swaran Singh

Professor, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi

Email: ssingh@jnu.ac.in

Japans PM Shinzo Abe arrives in Ahmedabad today for the 12th India-Japan annual summit. The most important issue on his mind will be North Koreas incessant missile tests and its hydrogen bomb test earlier this month. This has to be read in the backdrop of Pyongyangs closest ally Beijings aggressive posturing in the South China Sea. China has not only been building artificial islands in the sea but also deployed forces. It has defied all laws and norms including the Hague court of arbitrations ruling that had last year adjudged Chinas claims to be invalid. With regard to India, this will be Modis fourth summit with Abe. But it is the first time a Japanese leader who is visiting India will not be travelling to New Delhi. Also, unlike Chinese president Xi Jinping, the only other leader hosted in Gujarat before coming to New Delhi, Abe will spend all three days therea state which has received over $1 billion of Japanese investments which are expected to rise up to $3 billion in next three years. The Modi-Abe duo will be meeting for the tenth time and they display warm chemistry which would trigger speculations in media commentaries. Not to ignore the perennial presence of the big dragon in their colloquy, the two will announce $40 billion to take forward their Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC). The AAGC is seen as their counter to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or Maritime Silk Road which has witnessed Chinas increasing naval presence in the Indian Ocean rim. The idea of AAGC was sealed during their 11th summit in Tokyo last November and its joint vision document was released at the annual general meeting of the African Development Bank in May at Gandhinagar. India remains keen on working with Japan in promoting connectivity, infrastructure, capacity-building across the Indo-Pacific community which has been a pet project of Abe. More recently, owing to Chinas expanding maritime presence from the Sea of Japan to the Indian Ocean rim, Japan has become equally keen in building a maritime partnership with New Delhi. Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces have operated from Djibouti since 2009 and even built a permanent base in 2011. But in 2015, China also signed up for a similar base with Djibouti for availing logistics support for its anti-piracy operations off the Somalian coast. And last year, China also built a permanent naval base there. It became operational last month. All these have brought Japan closer to India. The annual Japan-India joint military exercises have taken place since 2012, and in the India-Japan-US Malabar naval exercises, the nations brought their largest naval ships together leading to harsh reactions from Beijing. Even in the latest Doklam standoff Japan not just supported India but also criticised China for its expansionist policies. As regards their bilateral initiatives, Indian diplomacy has made major strides in building a closer cooperation in civil nuclear energy and defence. Japan has become increasingly receptive in this regard especially since the two finally signed their long-pending Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy last December. This was agreed upon when Modi visited Japan last November and has come into force in July. Negotiating this was especially difficult given Japans historic experience of being the only victim of nuclear attack and all efforts had come to naught following the nuclear accident at Fukushima in 2011. Their mutual synergy was surely energised by Modis hyperactive foreign policy since 2014. An MoU was signed during Abes 2015 India visit and it proved to be a turning point in their Special Strategic and Global Partnership. This has also facilitated Indo-US nuclear cooperation. Westinghouse, a US-based company which manufactures nuclear reactors, was supposed to set up six nuclear reactors in Andhra Pradesh. The company is now owned by Toshiba. Japans reluctance had caused hurdles in US deliveries. Now, as agreed during Modis visit this June, Westinghouse, in spite of its bankruptcy problems, agreed to supply technologies to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) which will be building these six nuclear reactors. The two have also taken defence cooperation forward. The Indian Navy has finally bought 12 Japanese ShinMaywa US-2i amphibious aircraft in a $1.3 billion deal. After gruelling negotiations for these expensive planes since 2010, the deal for these search-and-rescue maritime surveillance planes was facilitated first by Japan in 2014 lifting its 47-year ban on weapons exports. The deal was finalised last week by some final discounts agreed upon when Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera visited India. India will be building 18 more of these as part of the Make in India programme which would also entail some amount of technology-transfer exercise. As regards their cooperation in infrastructure building, the two prime ministers will witness the signing of some 10 MoUs and launch a couple of projects. This includes laying the foundation stone for the Rs 1.1 lakh-crore 500-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, expected to be completed by 2022, and the Rs 3000-crore Suzuki car manufacturing plant at Hansalpur, about 70 km from Ahmedabad. Japan has not only offered a $12 billion soft loan for building their first bullet train and another $12 billion incentive package for Japanese companies working on this project, it also wants to build many more bullet trains in India and the two are already negotiating another project between Varanasi and New Delhi. At this speed, the India-Japan relationship can surely become the defining partnership of the 21st century. Swaran Singh Professor, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi Email: ssingh@jnu.ac.in
Ajay Kanth By

Express News Service

KOZHIKODE: The news about the return of Fr Tom Uzhunnalil from the jaws of militants came as a pleasant surprise for Reji Joseph, a native of Koorachundu here. Reji, a 35-year-old software professional, knows the agony of being held a captive by an armed group in hostile surroundings.A year after his return from Libya, after being held captive for 96 days by a rival militia group, Reji shudders at the thought of his harrowing ordeal. After his life was brutally ripped apart in captivity, Reji had no hope of a return. He had a lucky escape thanks to the efforts made by the India Embassy.

Reji Joseph

I am really thankful to the God for giving me back my life. I had no hope of meeting my family during the days when I was kept locked in a room at an undisclosed place in Libya, said Reji, who runs a small business unit at Kooranchundu. I will never leave India again. I am really happy to be with my wife and children. The India Government acted promptly to secure my release, he told Express.Reji has been in Libya from 2007 working for a private software firm. Though he returned in 2011, he again went to Libya in 2014 to take up a fresh assignment. On March 31, 2016, a group of armed men abducted Reji.

I was employed with a firm handling data of the Civilian Registration Authority in Tripoli, Libya. My abductors belonged to a rival military group in the war-torn Libya and they thought I will be useful in hacking into the government server. They gave me food and water but I was kept locked inside a room. Its hard to forget the mental torture I underwent. I was really lucky to return alive from the war-ravaged country, he said. I had no hope of a return. I was not confident regarding the efforts made by the Indian Embassy to save me, said Reji.

KOZHIKODE: The news about the return of Fr Tom Uzhunnalil from the jaws of militants came as a pleasant surprise for Reji Joseph, a native of Koorachundu here. Reji, a 35-year-old software professional, knows the agony of being held a captive by an armed group in hostile surroundings.A year after his return from Libya, after being held captive for 96 days by a rival militia group, Reji shudders at the thought of his harrowing ordeal. After his life was brutally ripped apart in captivity, Reji had no hope of a return. He had a lucky escape thanks to the efforts made by the India Embassy. Reji JosephI am really thankful to the God for giving me back my life. I had no hope of meeting my family during the days when I was kept locked in a room at an undisclosed place in Libya, said Reji, who runs a small business unit at Kooranchundu. I will never leave India again. I am really happy to be with my wife and children. The India Government acted promptly to secure my release, he told Express.Reji has been in Libya from 2007 working for a private software firm. Though he returned in 2011, he again went to Libya in 2014 to take up a fresh assignment. On March 31, 2016, a group of armed men abducted Reji. I was employed with a firm handling data of the Civilian Registration Authority in Tripoli, Libya. My abductors belonged to a rival military group in the war-torn Libya and they thought I will be useful in hacking into the government server. They gave me food and water but I was kept locked inside a room. Its hard to forget the mental torture I underwent. I was really lucky to return alive from the war-ravaged country, he said. I had no hope of a return. I was not confident regarding the efforts made by the Indian Embassy to save me, said Reji.
Chandrakanth Viswanath By

Express News Service

KOTTAYAM: Ever since their beloved Tom Achan was abducted last year, the relatives of Father Tom Uzhunnalil have been devastated and were praying for his safe release for the past 18 months. When the news of his release reached them, it was music to their ears. The happy news reached them while they were returning home after participating in a baptism at Ramapuram on Tuesday. Without delay, they returned to Ramapuram to attend a thanksgiving prayer service. It is indeed great news for us, Uzhunnalils cousin Augustine Mathew told Express.

For the past one year, we were conducting a prayer meeting on Sundays for the release of Fr Tom. Now the Lord has answered our prayers. All the political leaders were supportive. Minister for External Affairs Sushama Swaraj was very cordial and cooperative. Jose K Mani MP as well as the state government was with us from the beginning. Top politicians, including BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan, LDF convenor Vaikom Viswan and former Minister P C Thomas, P J Joseph came to pledge their support. The Union Government and the Church kindled our hopes when many of us had lost it, said the lawyer based in Thodupuzha.

According to him, as many as 100 family members attended the evening prayers at the residence of Uzhunnalil at Ramapuram. We are all excited with this news, said Ramapuram-based Thomas Uzhunnalil, a cousin of the priest.

A nuns testimonial

According to Jose K Mani, who played an active role in the attempts to release the priest, it was a testimonial by a nun which played a vital role in his release. When I was in Rome for the canonisation of Mother Teresa, a nun named Sister Sally came to meet me after learning I am from Kottayam, he told Express. A member of the Missionaries of Charity congregation founded by Mother Teresa, she was an invitee to the function and had witnessed the abduction of Fr Tom after the slaying of four fellow nuns. Her words carried the air of the bloodshed she witnessed. Soon, I introduced her to Sushama Swaraj leading the Indian delegation to the Vatican.

According to Jose, this nun from Thodupuzha narrated the incident to the minister. I met her a few times with regard to the abducted priest and communicated with her at least a dozen times. She was very keen in this matter. Whenever some bad news surfaced, she used to tell me Fr Tom is alive. Many things could not be divulged as it would have affected his release. So she stated there would not be any statements in this matter for the safe release of the priest, he added.

News of great joy whole world was waiting for

Kochi: It is a news of great joy the whole world has been waiting for, said Syro-Malabar Church head Cardinal Mar George Alencherry on the release of Fr Tom Uzhunnalil, who was held captive by extremists in Yemen for 18 months. We understand the Oman Government had made crucial intervention recently. The Gover-nment of India and Vatican had also made sincere efforts. Bishop Paul Hinter, the current vicar apostolic in the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, had been coordinating with the governments, the Cardinal said. He expressed Churchs gratitude to the governments of India, Oman, and Vatican.

He even thanked the extremist group which freed Fr Uzhunnalil. The Syro-Malabar Church expresses the gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Government of Oman and Bishop Paul Hinter, whose interve-ntion made the release of Fr Uzhunnalil possible. God acts through certain persons, the Cardinal said. However, Alencherry said he had no information about Fr Uzhunnalils arrival in Kerala. Asked whether the priest was freed after paying a ransom, Cardinal said he had no information about that. We are yet to receive such details, he said.

KOTTAYAM: Ever since their beloved Tom Achan was abducted last year, the relatives of Father Tom Uzhunnalil have been devastated and were praying for his safe release for the past 18 months. When the news of his release reached them, it was music to their ears. The happy news reached them while they were returning home after participating in a baptism at Ramapuram on Tuesday. Without delay, they returned to Ramapuram to attend a thanksgiving prayer service. It is indeed great news for us, Uzhunnalils cousin Augustine Mathew told Express. For the past one year, we were conducting a prayer meeting on Sundays for the release of Fr Tom. Now the Lord has answered our prayers. All the political leaders were supportive. Minister for External Affairs Sushama Swaraj was very cordial and cooperative. Jose K Mani MP as well as the state government was with us from the beginning. Top politicians, including BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan, LDF convenor Vaikom Viswan and former Minister P C Thomas, P J Joseph came to pledge their support. The Union Government and the Church kindled our hopes when many of us had lost it, said the lawyer based in Thodupuzha. According to him, as many as 100 family members attended the evening prayers at the residence of Uzhunnalil at Ramapuram. We are all excited with this news, said Ramapuram-based Thomas Uzhunnalil, a cousin of the priest. A nuns testimonial According to Jose K Mani, who played an active role in the attempts to release the priest, it was a testimonial by a nun which played a vital role in his release. When I was in Rome for the canonisation of Mother Teresa, a nun named Sister Sally came to meet me after learning I am from Kottayam, he told Express. A member of the Missionaries of Charity congregation founded by Mother Teresa, she was an invitee to the function and had witnessed the abduction of Fr Tom after the slaying of four fellow nuns. Her words carried the air of the bloodshed she witnessed. Soon, I introduced her to Sushama Swaraj leading the Indian delegation to the Vatican. According to Jose, this nun from Thodupuzha narrated the incident to the minister. I met her a few times with regard to the abducted priest and communicated with her at least a dozen times. She was very keen in this matter. Whenever some bad news surfaced, she used to tell me Fr Tom is alive. Many things could not be divulged as it would have affected his release. So she stated there would not be any statements in this matter for the safe release of the priest, he added. News of great joy whole world was waiting for Kochi: It is a news of great joy the whole world has been waiting for, said Syro-Malabar Church head Cardinal Mar George Alencherry on the release of Fr Tom Uzhunnalil, who was held captive by extremists in Yemen for 18 months. We understand the Oman Government had made crucial intervention recently. The Gover-nment of India and Vatican had also made sincere efforts. Bishop Paul Hinter, the current vicar apostolic in the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, had been coordinating with the governments, the Cardinal said. He expressed Churchs gratitude to the governments of India, Oman, and Vatican. He even thanked the extremist group which freed Fr Uzhunnalil. The Syro-Malabar Church expresses the gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Government of Oman and Bishop Paul Hinter, whose interve-ntion made the release of Fr Uzhunnalil possible. God acts through certain persons, the Cardinal said. However, Alencherry said he had no information about Fr Uzhunnalils arrival in Kerala. Asked whether the priest was freed after paying a ransom, Cardinal said he had no information about that. We are yet to receive such details, he said.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Father Tom Uzhunnalil, the Indian priest allegedly kidnapped by IS militants in March 2016, has finally been released, thanks to an initiative from the Oman Government at the behest of Vatican. Father Uzhunnalil was brought to Muscat, capital of Oman, in a Royal Air Force of Oman aircraft and then taken to Rome. He will remain there for recuperation after which he will return to his home state - Kerala.

The news of his release was first announced by the state-run Oman News Agency along with pictures of him alighting from the aircraft and inside a palace. Oman Information Service also released brief videos where the frail priest with a long beard was seen wearing a black shirt and thanking, God almighty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the ruler of Oman, my brothers, sisters, relatives and friends who prayed for my safety and release.

Fr Uzhunnalil, hailing from Ramapuram in Kottayam district of Kerala, was posted at Aden in Yemen in charge of a care home for the elderly run by the Missionaries of Charity. He was abducted during an attack on the home on March 04, 2016 by a group of terrrorists, allegedly from IS. Four Indian nuns were among 15 who lost their lives in the attack. The kidnappers later posted two videos of the priest pleading for his life and seeking help to release him from captivity triggering reports that the attackers were looking for ransom. In the second video the priest said his health was deteriorating fast and needed hospitalisation. He had blamed both the Indian Government and Vatican for their failure in securing his release and said he faced the fate as he was an Indian. There were also rumours suggesting he would be crucified on Good Friday this year.

Though the official statement suggested he would be returning home, it was later informed by Vatican to the Salesian community province in Bengaluru that he would first be flown to Rome.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who had taken up the matter with the Oman Government, tweeted, I am happy to inform that Father Tom Uzhunnalil has been rescued. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also expressed his happiness over the release of the priest and promised the state would do everything possible to help him regain health.

In response to the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and as per a request from the Vatican to assist in the rescuing of a Vatican employee, the authorities concerned in the Sultanate, in coordination with the Yemeni authorities, have managed to find a Vatican government employee. He was transferred this morning to Muscat in preparation for his return home, said a statement from the Sultanate of Oman.

For the past one year, on Sundays, we were conducting a weekly prayer meeting for the release of Fr Tom. Now the lord has answered our prayers. All the political leaders were supportive. Minister for External Affairs Sushama Swaraj was very cordial. Jose K Mani MP, as well as the state government, were with us from the beginning. Top politicians, including BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan, LDF convenor Vaikom Viswan, former Minister P C Thomas and P J Joseph came to pledge their support. It was the Union Government and the Church that kindled our hopes when many of us had lost it at times.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Father Tom Uzhunnalil, the Indian priest allegedly kidnapped by IS militants in March 2016, has finally been released, thanks to an initiative from the Oman Government at the behest of Vatican. Father Uzhunnalil was brought to Muscat, capital of Oman, in a Royal Air Force of Oman aircraft and then taken to Rome. He will remain there for recuperation after which he will return to his home state - Kerala. The news of his release was first announced by the state-run Oman News Agency along with pictures of him alighting from the aircraft and inside a palace. Oman Information Service also released brief videos where the frail priest with a long beard was seen wearing a black shirt and thanking, God almighty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the ruler of Oman, my brothers, sisters, relatives and friends who prayed for my safety and release. Fr Uzhunnalil, hailing from Ramapuram in Kottayam district of Kerala, was posted at Aden in Yemen in charge of a care home for the elderly run by the Missionaries of Charity. He was abducted during an attack on the home on March 04, 2016 by a group of terrrorists, allegedly from IS. Four Indian nuns were among 15 who lost their lives in the attack. The kidnappers later posted two videos of the priest pleading for his life and seeking help to release him from captivity triggering reports that the attackers were looking for ransom. In the second video the priest said his health was deteriorating fast and needed hospitalisation. He had blamed both the Indian Government and Vatican for their failure in securing his release and said he faced the fate as he was an Indian. There were also rumours suggesting he would be crucified on Good Friday this year. Though the official statement suggested he would be returning home, it was later informed by Vatican to the Salesian community province in Bengaluru that he would first be flown to Rome. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who had taken up the matter with the Oman Government, tweeted, I am happy to inform that Father Tom Uzhunnalil has been rescued. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also expressed his happiness over the release of the priest and promised the state would do everything possible to help him regain health. In response to the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and as per a request from the Vatican to assist in the rescuing of a Vatican employee, the authorities concerned in the Sultanate, in coordination with the Yemeni authorities, have managed to find a Vatican government employee. He was transferred this morning to Muscat in preparation for his return home, said a statement from the Sultanate of Oman. For the past one year, on Sundays, we were conducting a weekly prayer meeting for the release of Fr Tom. Now the lord has answered our prayers. All the political leaders were supportive. Minister for External Affairs Sushama Swaraj was very cordial. Jose K Mani MP, as well as the state government, were with us from the beginning. Top politicians, including BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan, LDF convenor Vaikom Viswan, former Minister P C Thomas and P J Joseph came to pledge their support. It was the Union Government and the Church that kindled our hopes when many of us had lost it at times.
By PTI

LONDON: Over 100 British MPs, including Indian-origin lawmakers, have asked the UK Statistics Authority to include Sikhs as a separate ethnic box for the 2021 census to give the community a fair access to all public services in the country.

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs alongside Sikh Federation UK are leading calls for the change.

"I believe that wherever possible it is right that people should be given the opportunity to identify themselves. With more than 400,000 Sikhs in the UK but no real way to track that without the separate box on the census, now is the right time to let people define as they wish," said Virendra Sharma, one of senior-most Indian-origin Labour MPs in the British Parliament.

Sharma is among the 113 signatories of the letter addressed to John Pullinger, UK National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority. The British Sikhs claim the move will ensure Sikhs have fair access to all public services in the country.

The authority oversees the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which had revealed it was undertaking research on adding Sikh and Kashmiri as separate ethnic tick boxes in the 2021 census earlier this year. "We are a long way off as there is still a lot of research that needs to be done to ensure that the census held every 10 years collects all the right information," an ONS spokesperson said.

"Ethnicity is just one aspect of this research and Sikhs and Kashmiris are among a number of requests we received," the spokesperson said.

The MPs welcomed the research in their letter and claimed the demand within the British Sikh community is "both high and continuing to grow". They said: "The Census 2011 saw around 84,000 Sikhs object to the existing ethnic group categories by using the write in option and specifying 'Sikh' for the ethnicity question. This was nearly an eight-fold increase compared to the Census 2001 and several times higher than any other group".

A number of issues faced by Sikhs, ranging from the reporting of hate crimes through to accessing healthcare provision in the UK, are not receiving appropriate attention by public bodies as they often only monitor ethnic group categories specified in the census, the MPs said.

Sikhs are a legally recognised ethnic group under the UK's Race Relations Act 1976 and campaigners for the change believe this gives them a right to be able to identify themselves separately from current census options, such as Indian or British Indian.

"Local authorities with huge Sikh populations are not recording data that will assist public health professionals to ensure services are being delivered that are being targeted correctly for communities," said Preet Kaur Gill, the first female British Sikh MP and chair of the APPG for British Sikhs.

The other newly-elected British Sikh MP in the June general election, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, is also among the signatories of the campaign. "Around 40,000 schools, hospitals, local authorities and other public bodies use ethnic group data as defined in the census at the local and national level to plan and make decisions on public service provision. Sikhs want public bodies to separately monitor them as an ethnic minority and to acknowledge their legal responsibility towards the Sikh community by ensuring fair access to public service provision," said Sikh Federation UK in a statement.

Sikhs are already recognised as a separate religion within an optional religious question introduced in the 2001 Census. In preparation for the 2021 census, which is expected to be conducted largely online, the ONS ran a test version of the census this year with "Sikh" included as an option under ethnicity in areas with large Sikh populations  Hounslow in west London and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region of England. It found that almost a quarter of those who specified Sikhism as their religion also chose Sikh as their ethnicity.

LONDON: Over 100 British MPs, including Indian-origin lawmakers, have asked the UK Statistics Authority to include Sikhs as a separate ethnic box for the 2021 census to give the community a fair access to all public services in the country. The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs alongside Sikh Federation UK are leading calls for the change. "I believe that wherever possible it is right that people should be given the opportunity to identify themselves. With more than 400,000 Sikhs in the UK but no real way to track that without the separate box on the census, now is the right time to let people define as they wish," said Virendra Sharma, one of senior-most Indian-origin Labour MPs in the British Parliament. Sharma is among the 113 signatories of the letter addressed to John Pullinger, UK National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority. The British Sikhs claim the move will ensure Sikhs have fair access to all public services in the country. The authority oversees the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which had revealed it was undertaking research on adding Sikh and Kashmiri as separate ethnic tick boxes in the 2021 census earlier this year. "We are a long way off as there is still a lot of research that needs to be done to ensure that the census held every 10 years collects all the right information," an ONS spokesperson said. "Ethnicity is just one aspect of this research and Sikhs and Kashmiris are among a number of requests we received," the spokesperson said. The MPs welcomed the research in their letter and claimed the demand within the British Sikh community is "both high and continuing to grow". They said: "The Census 2011 saw around 84,000 Sikhs object to the existing ethnic group categories by using the write in option and specifying 'Sikh' for the ethnicity question. This was nearly an eight-fold increase compared to the Census 2001 and several times higher than any other group". A number of issues faced by Sikhs, ranging from the reporting of hate crimes through to accessing healthcare provision in the UK, are not receiving appropriate attention by public bodies as they often only monitor ethnic group categories specified in the census, the MPs said. Sikhs are a legally recognised ethnic group under the UK's Race Relations Act 1976 and campaigners for the change believe this gives them a right to be able to identify themselves separately from current census options, such as Indian or British Indian. "Local authorities with huge Sikh populations are not recording data that will assist public health professionals to ensure services are being delivered that are being targeted correctly for communities," said Preet Kaur Gill, the first female British Sikh MP and chair of the APPG for British Sikhs. The other newly-elected British Sikh MP in the June general election, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, is also among the signatories of the campaign. "Around 40,000 schools, hospitals, local authorities and other public bodies use ethnic group data as defined in the census at the local and national level to plan and make decisions on public service provision. Sikhs want public bodies to separately monitor them as an ethnic minority and to acknowledge their legal responsibility towards the Sikh community by ensuring fair access to public service provision," said Sikh Federation UK in a statement. Sikhs are already recognised as a separate religion within an optional religious question introduced in the 2001 Census. In preparation for the 2021 census, which is expected to be conducted largely online, the ONS ran a test version of the census this year with "Sikh" included as an option under ethnicity in areas with large Sikh populations  Hounslow in west London and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region of England. It found that almost a quarter of those who specified Sikhism as their religion also chose Sikh as their ethnicity.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: China and Russia have assured Pakistan at the diplomatic level that they would veto any US move in the United Nations to slap economic sanctions on Islamabad over failure to eliminate terror safe havens, according to a media report today.

The ties between Pakistan and the US deteriorated after US President Donald Trump in August criticised Islamabad for providing safe havens to terrorists.

The Express Tribune and its sister publication Daily Express reported that the US has hinted at imposing sanctions on Pakistani officials allegedly having links with militants.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had warned on Monday that any targeted sanctions against Pakistani officials would not help in US counter-terrorism efforts.

The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has been in contact with two veto-wielding powers  China and Russia  who have opposed the American policy of putting undue pressure on Pakistan.

The two key world players have assured Islamabad of every possible support at all forums, it said.

Pakistan would also approach other Western nations, especially France and the United Kingdom, to drive home its viewpoint, according to report.

Islamabad-based diplomatic sources told Daily Express that foreign policy wizards, security officials and top government functionaries have been brainstorming to chart out new policy vis-a-vis Washington.

It has been decided that Pakistan would phase out its dependence on the United States. And high-level contacts with Washington would be restored only after the Trump administration acquiesced to assuage Pakistans legitimate concerns on the new US strategy for Afghanistan and beyond.

There has been no top level contact between Trump's aides and Pakistani officials since the inauguration of the new US strategy, though US Ambassador David Hale has met senior Pakistani civil and military leaders in an attempt to soothe frayed tempers in Islamabad.

Pakistan has started approaching key international and regional players to garner their support in the wake of scathing criticism from President Trump. In this context, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has already launched a diplomatic offensive to garner support for Pakistan. He travelled to China, Iran and Turkey this week.

ISLAMABAD: China and Russia have assured Pakistan at the diplomatic level that they would veto any US move in the United Nations to slap economic sanctions on Islamabad over failure to eliminate terror safe havens, according to a media report today. The ties between Pakistan and the US deteriorated after US President Donald Trump in August criticised Islamabad for providing safe havens to terrorists. The Express Tribune and its sister publication Daily Express reported that the US has hinted at imposing sanctions on Pakistani officials allegedly having links with militants. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had warned on Monday that any targeted sanctions against Pakistani officials would not help in US counter-terrorism efforts. The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has been in contact with two veto-wielding powers  China and Russia  who have opposed the American policy of putting undue pressure on Pakistan. The two key world players have assured Islamabad of every possible support at all forums, it said. Pakistan would also approach other Western nations, especially France and the United Kingdom, to drive home its viewpoint, according to report. Islamabad-based diplomatic sources told Daily Express that foreign policy wizards, security officials and top government functionaries have been brainstorming to chart out new policy vis-a-vis Washington. It has been decided that Pakistan would phase out its dependence on the United States. And high-level contacts with Washington would be restored only after the Trump administration acquiesced to assuage Pakistans legitimate concerns on the new US strategy for Afghanistan and beyond. There has been no top level contact between Trump's aides and Pakistani officials since the inauguration of the new US strategy, though US Ambassador David Hale has met senior Pakistani civil and military leaders in an attempt to soothe frayed tempers in Islamabad. Pakistan has started approaching key international and regional players to garner their support in the wake of scathing criticism from President Trump. In this context, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has already launched a diplomatic offensive to garner support for Pakistan. He travelled to China, Iran and Turkey this week.
By Associated Press

NEW YORK: Edith Windsor, a gay rights pioneer whose landmark Supreme Court case struck down parts of a federal anti-gay-marriage law and paved a path toward legalizing same-sex nuptials nationwide, died Tuesday. She was 88.

Windsor died in New York, said her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan. The cause of death wasn't given, but Windsor had struggled with heart issues for years.

Former President Barack Obama called her one of the "quiet heroes" whose persistence had furthered the cause of equality.

"Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor  and few made as big a difference to America," the Democrat said in a statement Tuesday, adding that he had spoken to her a few days earlier.

Windsor already was 81 when she brought a lawsuit that proved to be a turning point for gay rights. The impetus was the 2009 death of her first spouse, Thea Spyer. The women had married legally in Canada in 2007 after spending more than 40 years together.

Windsor said the federal Defense of Marriage Act's definition of marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman prevented her from getting a marital deduction on Spyer's estate. That meant Windsor faced a $360,000 tax bill that heterosexual couples would not have.

"It's a very important case. It's bigger than marriage, and I think marriage is major. I think if we win, the effect will be the beginning of the end of stigma," she told The Associated Press in 2012, after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.

Win she did: The justices ruled 5-4 in June 2013 that the provision in the law was unconstitutional, and that legally married same-sex couples are entitled to the same federal benefits that heterosexual couples receive.

The opinion marked a key moment of encouragement for gay marriage supporters then confronting a nationwide patchwork of laws that outlawed such unions in roughly three dozen states.

It also affronted conservatives who hewed to defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Then-Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia predicted the ruling would be used to upend state restrictions on marriage and warned: "The only thing that will 'confine' the court's holding is its sense of what it can get away with."

Ultimately, the opinion in Windsor's case became the basis for a wave of federal court rulings that struck down state marriage bans and led to a 2015 Supreme Court ruling giving same-sex couples the right to marry from coast to coast.

"One simply cannot write the history of the gay rights movement without reserving immense credit and gratitude for Edie Windsor," said Anthony Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union. He called Windsor "one of this country's great civil rights pioneers."

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said he was heartbroken by the death of a woman who "embodied the New York spirit, taking it upon herself to tear down barriers for others."

She was a finalist for Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2013 (Pope Francis ultimately got the honor) and was invited the next year to a state dinner at the White House, honoring then-French President Francois Hollande.

Windsor herself marveled at the arc of gay rights in her lifetime.

"I grew up knowing that society thought I was inferior," she told the AP in 2012. "Did I ever think we would be discussing equality in marriage? Never. It was just so far away."

Born in Philadelphia, she moved to Manhattan in the early 1950s after a brief marriage to a man; it ended after she told him she was gay.

She received a master's degree in mathematics from New York University in 1957 and went to work for IBM in senior technical and management positions.

Spyer came into her life in 1963, and they became a couple two years later. In court documents, Windsor said she told Spyer, "'If it still feels this goofy joyous, I'd like us to spend the rest of our lives together.' And we did."

Concerned that an engagement ring would bring unwanted attention to Windsor's sexual orientation, Spyer gave her a diamond brooch instead. It was, Windsor later said in court documents, "just one of many ways in which Thea and I had to mold our lives to make our relationship invisible."

"Like countless other same-sex couples, we engaged in a constant struggle to balance our love for one another and our desire to live openly and with dignity, on the one hand, with our fear of disapproval and discrimination from others on the other," she added.

Spyer, a psychologist, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1977. The women married in Canada when they realized they might not live long enough to see New York legalize same-sex marriage. It did in 2011.

Last year, Windsor married her current spouse, Judith Kasen-Windsor, a banker.

Standing on the Supreme Court steps after the 2013 arguments in her case, Windsor called marriage a "magic word."

"For anybody who doesn't understand why we want it and why we need it," she said, "OK: It is magic."

NEW YORK: Edith Windsor, a gay rights pioneer whose landmark Supreme Court case struck down parts of a federal anti-gay-marriage law and paved a path toward legalizing same-sex nuptials nationwide, died Tuesday. She was 88. Windsor died in New York, said her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan. The cause of death wasn't given, but Windsor had struggled with heart issues for years. Former President Barack Obama called her one of the "quiet heroes" whose persistence had furthered the cause of equality. "Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor  and few made as big a difference to America," the Democrat said in a statement Tuesday, adding that he had spoken to her a few days earlier. Windsor already was 81 when she brought a lawsuit that proved to be a turning point for gay rights. The impetus was the 2009 death of her first spouse, Thea Spyer. The women had married legally in Canada in 2007 after spending more than 40 years together. Windsor said the federal Defense of Marriage Act's definition of marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman prevented her from getting a marital deduction on Spyer's estate. That meant Windsor faced a $360,000 tax bill that heterosexual couples would not have. "It's a very important case. It's bigger than marriage, and I think marriage is major. I think if we win, the effect will be the beginning of the end of stigma," she told The Associated Press in 2012, after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case. Win she did: The justices ruled 5-4 in June 2013 that the provision in the law was unconstitutional, and that legally married same-sex couples are entitled to the same federal benefits that heterosexual couples receive. The opinion marked a key moment of encouragement for gay marriage supporters then confronting a nationwide patchwork of laws that outlawed such unions in roughly three dozen states. It also affronted conservatives who hewed to defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Then-Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia predicted the ruling would be used to upend state restrictions on marriage and warned: "The only thing that will 'confine' the court's holding is its sense of what it can get away with." Ultimately, the opinion in Windsor's case became the basis for a wave of federal court rulings that struck down state marriage bans and led to a 2015 Supreme Court ruling giving same-sex couples the right to marry from coast to coast. "One simply cannot write the history of the gay rights movement without reserving immense credit and gratitude for Edie Windsor," said Anthony Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union. He called Windsor "one of this country's great civil rights pioneers." New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said he was heartbroken by the death of a woman who "embodied the New York spirit, taking it upon herself to tear down barriers for others." She was a finalist for Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2013 (Pope Francis ultimately got the honor) and was invited the next year to a state dinner at the White House, honoring then-French President Francois Hollande. Windsor herself marveled at the arc of gay rights in her lifetime. "I grew up knowing that society thought I was inferior," she told the AP in 2012. "Did I ever think we would be discussing equality in marriage? Never. It was just so far away." Born in Philadelphia, she moved to Manhattan in the early 1950s after a brief marriage to a man; it ended after she told him she was gay. She received a master's degree in mathematics from New York University in 1957 and went to work for IBM in senior technical and management positions. Spyer came into her life in 1963, and they became a couple two years later. In court documents, Windsor said she told Spyer, "'If it still feels this goofy joyous, I'd like us to spend the rest of our lives together.' And we did." Concerned that an engagement ring would bring unwanted attention to Windsor's sexual orientation, Spyer gave her a diamond brooch instead. It was, Windsor later said in court documents, "just one of many ways in which Thea and I had to mold our lives to make our relationship invisible." "Like countless other same-sex couples, we engaged in a constant struggle to balance our love for one another and our desire to live openly and with dignity, on the one hand, with our fear of disapproval and discrimination from others on the other," she added. Spyer, a psychologist, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1977. The women married in Canada when they realized they might not live long enough to see New York legalize same-sex marriage. It did in 2011. Last year, Windsor married her current spouse, Judith Kasen-Windsor, a banker. Standing on the Supreme Court steps after the 2013 arguments in her case, Windsor called marriage a "magic word." "For anybody who doesn't understand why we want it and why we need it," she said, "OK: It is magic."
By PTI

BRUSSELS: The European Union is looking at a bilateral summit with India next month that would act as a catalyst for a resumption of talks on the free trade agreement encompassing goods, services and mutual investment protection, according to a senior EU official.

Talks on the Bilateral Trade Investment Agreement (BTIA) - the official title of the pact -- started in 2007 but have been marred by various flip-flops and disagreements.

The discussions have remained deadlocked on issues like tariffs on automobiles and wines and spirits, EU trade officials said.

They hoped that the 14th EU-India Summit, likely in early October "will get the economic dialogue going as a precursor to relaunching talks on FTA".

The last summit on March 30, 2016, saw discussions focused on trade and investment, energy and climate, water, migration and foreign and security policy.

"Unfortunately, Indian policy has created major uncertainties for us because your government has taken policy decision to let bilateral investment treaties, which gave very clear rules, lapse," said a senior EU official, who did not want to be named.

The 28 member states of the EU wanted the pacts to continue until they are replaced by EU-India FTA that would have had an investment chapter.

"Indian side thought it was wiser to let the bilateral investment treaties (BITs) lapse," the official said, adding that EU investors, in many cases, no longer have bilateral investment protection.

The official said EU not just wants an FTA but "also an investor certainty created by provisions of treaty".

The EU push for the pact comes amid many countries world over, including the US, questioning the system of free trade.

The US has pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and has questioned the benefits of globalisation and free trade.

Expressing dismay over India's decision to do away with bilateral investment treaties with its member states, the EU official said: "All the EU member states wanted to prolong these until it would be replaced by EU wide treaty with India in form of FTA, which would have had an investment chapter".

On the expected deliverables of the EUIndia Summit, another official said that besides joint declaration on climate change and clean energy, a likely one is on a partnership for smart and sustainable urbanisation - linking the EU's Urban Agenda with India's '100 Smart Cities Mission'.

European Investment Bank (EIB) loan for Bangalore metro development, is also on the cards.

"The European Investment Bank which sits is Luxembourg, had in the last summit signed a major loan for Lucknow metro development. And I think now there will be new loans for Bangalore metro development," an EU official familiar with the development.

He declined however to specify the size of the new loan being negotiated. The loan is in the process of finalisation, the official added.

The two sides may also look to strengthen security cooperation such as by expanding the scope of counter-piracy dialogue to maritime security and establishing a new dialogue on cyber crime and space.

Also, it may support India-Europol cooperation on issues like cyber crime and counter terrorism.

"We have had recently good and concrete dialogue on cyber security and counter terrorism and on maritime security. And these are certainly key fields where we can deepen our cooperation," the EU official said.

On the new areas of cooperation, he said a strategic cooperation with Europol, which is the Europe wide agency for police cooperation, is being talked about.

"We are looking forward to having some form of strategic cooperation between India and Europol. So these are examples of increased cooperation in security," said the official.

BRUSSELS: The European Union is looking at a bilateral summit with India next month that would act as a catalyst for a resumption of talks on the free trade agreement encompassing goods, services and mutual investment protection, according to a senior EU official. Talks on the Bilateral Trade Investment Agreement (BTIA) - the official title of the pact -- started in 2007 but have been marred by various flip-flops and disagreements. The discussions have remained deadlocked on issues like tariffs on automobiles and wines and spirits, EU trade officials said. They hoped that the 14th EU-India Summit, likely in early October "will get the economic dialogue going as a precursor to relaunching talks on FTA". The last summit on March 30, 2016, saw discussions focused on trade and investment, energy and climate, water, migration and foreign and security policy. "Unfortunately, Indian policy has created major uncertainties for us because your government has taken policy decision to let bilateral investment treaties, which gave very clear rules, lapse," said a senior EU official, who did not want to be named. The 28 member states of the EU wanted the pacts to continue until they are replaced by EU-India FTA that would have had an investment chapter. "Indian side thought it was wiser to let the bilateral investment treaties (BITs) lapse," the official said, adding that EU investors, in many cases, no longer have bilateral investment protection. The official said EU not just wants an FTA but "also an investor certainty created by provisions of treaty". The EU push for the pact comes amid many countries world over, including the US, questioning the system of free trade. The US has pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and has questioned the benefits of globalisation and free trade. Expressing dismay over India's decision to do away with bilateral investment treaties with its member states, the EU official said: "All the EU member states wanted to prolong these until it would be replaced by EU wide treaty with India in form of FTA, which would have had an investment chapter". On the expected deliverables of the EUIndia Summit, another official said that besides joint declaration on climate change and clean energy, a likely one is on a partnership for smart and sustainable urbanisation - linking the EU's Urban Agenda with India's '100 Smart Cities Mission'. European Investment Bank (EIB) loan for Bangalore metro development, is also on the cards. "The European Investment Bank which sits is Luxembourg, had in the last summit signed a major loan for Lucknow metro development. And I think now there will be new loans for Bangalore metro development," an EU official familiar with the development. He declined however to specify the size of the new loan being negotiated. The loan is in the process of finalisation, the official added. The two sides may also look to strengthen security cooperation such as by expanding the scope of counter-piracy dialogue to maritime security and establishing a new dialogue on cyber crime and space. Also, it may support India-Europol cooperation on issues like cyber crime and counter terrorism. "We have had recently good and concrete dialogue on cyber security and counter terrorism and on maritime security. And these are certainly key fields where we can deepen our cooperation," the EU official said. On the new areas of cooperation, he said a strategic cooperation with Europol, which is the Europe wide agency for police cooperation, is being talked about. "We are looking forward to having some form of strategic cooperation between India and Europol. So these are examples of increased cooperation in security," said the official.
By Associated Press

BAGHDAD: Baghdad's central criminal court sentenced a Russian national to death by hanging for his membership in the Islamic State group, the court said in a statement.

The man was arrested as Iraqi forces pushed the extremist group out of Mosul's western half, according to the statement released late Tuesday.

The fight for Mosul's west was the second phase of the operation to retake Iraq's second largest city from IS that was launched in October of last year and declared complete in July.

The individual was tried under Iraq's anti-terrorism law and confessed to carrying out "terrorist operations" against Iraqi security forces since 2015, said Abdul-Sattar Bayrkdar, spokesman for Iraq's supreme judicial council.

Earlier this week, Iraqi forces announced they were holding more than 1,300 foreign women and children from 14 countries at a camp for displaced people in northern Iraq.

The individuals from 14 countries surrendered to Kurdish forces at the end of August after an Iraqi offensive drove the extremist group from the northern town of Tal Afar, near Mosul, Iraqi security officials said.

The women and children will not be charged with crimes and will likely be repatriated to their home countries, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

In 2016, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi attempted to fast-track death sentences as his government faced growing anti-government protests demanding reform.

However, he United Nations warned the move would likely result in "gross, irreversible miscarriages of justice ...

given the weaknesses of the Iraqi justice system," according to a statement from U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein.

Rights groups criticize Iraq's widespread use of the death penalty. In 2016, Iraq executed more than 88 people, topped only by Saudi Arabia, Iran and China, according to Amnesty international.

BAGHDAD: Baghdad's central criminal court sentenced a Russian national to death by hanging for his membership in the Islamic State group, the court said in a statement. The man was arrested as Iraqi forces pushed the extremist group out of Mosul's western half, according to the statement released late Tuesday. The fight for Mosul's west was the second phase of the operation to retake Iraq's second largest city from IS that was launched in October of last year and declared complete in July. The individual was tried under Iraq's anti-terrorism law and confessed to carrying out "terrorist operations" against Iraqi security forces since 2015, said Abdul-Sattar Bayrkdar, spokesman for Iraq's supreme judicial council. Earlier this week, Iraqi forces announced they were holding more than 1,300 foreign women and children from 14 countries at a camp for displaced people in northern Iraq. The individuals from 14 countries surrendered to Kurdish forces at the end of August after an Iraqi offensive drove the extremist group from the northern town of Tal Afar, near Mosul, Iraqi security officials said. The women and children will not be charged with crimes and will likely be repatriated to their home countries, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. In 2016, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi attempted to fast-track death sentences as his government faced growing anti-government protests demanding reform. However, he United Nations warned the move would likely result in "gross, irreversible miscarriages of justice ... given the weaknesses of the Iraqi justice system," according to a statement from U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein. Rights groups criticize Iraq's widespread use of the death penalty. In 2016, Iraq executed more than 88 people, topped only by Saudi Arabia, Iran and China, according to Amnesty international.
By IANS

DHAKA: Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged Myanmar to take back the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence in Rakhine state to her country.



Speaking as she visited Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar district, Hasina urged Myanmar to view the situation with humanity, saying innocent people were suffering.



Hasina accused the Myanmar military of committing atrocities and said its actions were in "violation of human rights", and added that Rohingya refugees are Myanmar's nationals and it must take its citizens back.



"Bangladesh wants to maintain peace and good relations with its neighbouring countries, but it cannot accept 'unjust acts' the Myanmar government is committing," the Prime Minister was quoted as saying by the Daily Star newspaper.



"Still, the fire is burning there... people can't find their family members... the bodies of infants and women are floating on the Naf River... these go completely against humanity and are violations of human rights," Hasina said.



Some 370,000 Rohingyas have crossed the border since the violence began in August, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday. Myanmar's military says it is fighting Rohingya militants and denies it is targeting civilians.



But many of those who have fled say troops responded to attacks by Rohingya militants on August 25 with a brutal campaign of violence and burning of village aimed at driving them out.



"My personal message is very clear, that they should consider this situation with the eyes of humanity," the Prime Minister told the BBC.



"Because these people, innocent people, the children, women, they are suffering. So these people, they belong to Myanmar. Hundreds of years they are staying there. How they can deny that they are not their citizens?"



Hasina said her country would offer Rohingyas shelter until Myanmar took them back. She also condemned the militants for their role in the violence but said Myanmar's government should have dealt with the situation more patiently.



She said Bangladesh protests this injustice and inhumane attitude towards Rohingyas in Rakhine state, and renewed her call to the international community to mount pressure on the Myanmar government to take back their nationals.



"Myanmar has to take back their nationals, give them a safe place to live in their homeland. The international community should put pressure on Myanmar... this has to be stopped," she added.



Bangladesh's Parliament passed a resolution on Monday night urging the UN and other countries to mount diplomatic pressure on Myanmar. The government has also decided to collect biometric data from the refugees for a database.



There have been protests in several Muslim-majority nations.



UN human rights chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein said on Monday that the security operation in Rakhine appeared to be "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing".



DHAKA: Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged Myanmar to take back the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence in Rakhine state to her country. Speaking as she visited Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar district, Hasina urged Myanmar to view the situation with humanity, saying innocent people were suffering. Hasina accused the Myanmar military of committing atrocities and said its actions were in "violation of human rights", and added that Rohingya refugees are Myanmar's nationals and it must take its citizens back. "Bangladesh wants to maintain peace and good relations with its neighbouring countries, but it cannot accept 'unjust acts' the Myanmar government is committing," the Prime Minister was quoted as saying by the Daily Star newspaper. "Still, the fire is burning there... people can't find their family members... the bodies of infants and women are floating on the Naf River... these go completely against humanity and are violations of human rights," Hasina said. Some 370,000 Rohingyas have crossed the border since the violence began in August, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday. Myanmar's military says it is fighting Rohingya militants and denies it is targeting civilians. But many of those who have fled say troops responded to attacks by Rohingya militants on August 25 with a brutal campaign of violence and burning of village aimed at driving them out. "My personal message is very clear, that they should consider this situation with the eyes of humanity," the Prime Minister told the BBC. "Because these people, innocent people, the children, women, they are suffering. So these people, they belong to Myanmar. Hundreds of years they are staying there. How they can deny that they are not their citizens?" Hasina said her country would offer Rohingyas shelter until Myanmar took them back. She also condemned the militants for their role in the violence but said Myanmar's government should have dealt with the situation more patiently. She said Bangladesh protests this injustice and inhumane attitude towards Rohingyas in Rakhine state, and renewed her call to the international community to mount pressure on the Myanmar government to take back their nationals. "Myanmar has to take back their nationals, give them a safe place to live in their homeland. The international community should put pressure on Myanmar... this has to be stopped," she added. Bangladesh's Parliament passed a resolution on Monday night urging the UN and other countries to mount diplomatic pressure on Myanmar. The government has also decided to collect biometric data from the refugees for a database. There have been protests in several Muslim-majority nations. UN human rights chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein said on Monday that the security operation in Rakhine appeared to be "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing".
By AFP

SEOUL: North Korea's latest nuclear test probably had a yield of 250 kilotons, a US monitoring group said today -- much higher than official estimates.

Pyongyang conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test last week -- saying it was a hydrogen bomb that could be fitted into a missile -- prompting global condemnation and heightening tensions over its weapons ambitions.

The US Geological Service put the magnitude of the resulting earthquake at 6.3, and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) and Norwegian agency NORSAR had raised their initial figures to 6.1.

As a result, the respected US website 38 North, which is linked to Johns Hopkins University, said it was raising its estimate for the yield of the blast to "roughly 250 kilotons".

The figure is more than 16 times the size of the 15kiloton US bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945.

"This large explosive yield is also quite close to what 38 North had previously determined to be the maximum estimated containable yield for the Punggye-ri test site," said 38 North.

Governmental estimates of the yield vary from South Korea's 50 kilotons to Japan's 160.

US officials have said they are still assessing whether it was an H-bomb, also known as a thermonuclear weapon, but that "so far there is nothing inconsistent with the North Korean claim that this was a hydrogen bomb".

According to 38 North, satellite pictures from last Friday, five days after the test, showed new activity in alternate tunnel portal areas at the Punggye-ri test site including parked trucks, mining carts and other equipments.

"Onsite work could now be changing focus to further prepare those other portals for future underground nuclear testing," it said.

Pyongyang has staged a series of missile tests in recent months that appeared to bring much of the US mainland into range, followed by the September 3 nuclear blast.

It prompted the United Nations Security Council to adopt its eighth set of sanctions on North Korea, but previous resolutions have done little to halt Pyongyang's weapons ambitions.

SEOUL: North Korea's latest nuclear test probably had a yield of 250 kilotons, a US monitoring group said today -- much higher than official estimates. Pyongyang conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test last week -- saying it was a hydrogen bomb that could be fitted into a missile -- prompting global condemnation and heightening tensions over its weapons ambitions. The US Geological Service put the magnitude of the resulting earthquake at 6.3, and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) and Norwegian agency NORSAR had raised their initial figures to 6.1. As a result, the respected US website 38 North, which is linked to Johns Hopkins University, said it was raising its estimate for the yield of the blast to "roughly 250 kilotons". The figure is more than 16 times the size of the 15kiloton US bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945. "This large explosive yield is also quite close to what 38 North had previously determined to be the maximum estimated containable yield for the Punggye-ri test site," said 38 North. Governmental estimates of the yield vary from South Korea's 50 kilotons to Japan's 160. US officials have said they are still assessing whether it was an H-bomb, also known as a thermonuclear weapon, but that "so far there is nothing inconsistent with the North Korean claim that this was a hydrogen bomb". According to 38 North, satellite pictures from last Friday, five days after the test, showed new activity in alternate tunnel portal areas at the Punggye-ri test site including parked trucks, mining carts and other equipments. "Onsite work could now be changing focus to further prepare those other portals for future underground nuclear testing," it said. Pyongyang has staged a series of missile tests in recent months that appeared to bring much of the US mainland into range, followed by the September 3 nuclear blast. It prompted the United Nations Security Council to adopt its eighth set of sanctions on North Korea, but previous resolutions have done little to halt Pyongyang's weapons ambitions.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said his country is willing to set up joint patrols with Afghanistan to combat militants along their porous border.

His remarks came weeks after US President Donald Trump criticised Pakistan for providing safe havens to militants. Abbasi said Pakistan was committed to peaceful resolution of the Afghan issue.

"We are open for joint patrolling (along the border with Afghanistan)," Abbasi said.

Abbasi also referred to fencing of the 2,600-km-long border with Afghanistan, which has already started.

"We will put up a fence there (on our side of border). The Afghans are welcome to put up another fence on their side," he said.

He said that Pakistan was open to bilateral verifications and joint patrols to screen the visitors who cross the border every day.

Pakistan has suffered massively due to instability in Afghanistan and believes that the solution to the Afghan conflict should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned, he said.

He rejected the allegations about terrorists' sanctuaries inside Pakistan and said Islamabad was fighting to eliminate militancy.

He claimed the militants were actually based in Afghanistan and carry out cross border attacks in Pakistan.

Abbasi said that Pakistan was ready to work with the US in the fight against terrorism and the two sides should address any concern on the subject through dialogue.

He said the US-Pakistan ties were more than 70-year-old and should not be defined through Afghanistan.

To a question, he said Pakistan had not received any specific demands from the US and would take action if any information was shared.

"We respect other's sovereignty and expect the same from them," he said.

He said the United States had not clarified some of the perceptions that were created after President Trump's policy statement on Afghanistan and South Asia.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said his country is willing to set up joint patrols with Afghanistan to combat militants along their porous border. His remarks came weeks after US President Donald Trump criticised Pakistan for providing safe havens to militants. Abbasi said Pakistan was committed to peaceful resolution of the Afghan issue. "We are open for joint patrolling (along the border with Afghanistan)," Abbasi said. Abbasi also referred to fencing of the 2,600-km-long border with Afghanistan, which has already started. "We will put up a fence there (on our side of border). The Afghans are welcome to put up another fence on their side," he said. He said that Pakistan was open to bilateral verifications and joint patrols to screen the visitors who cross the border every day. Pakistan has suffered massively due to instability in Afghanistan and believes that the solution to the Afghan conflict should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned, he said. He rejected the allegations about terrorists' sanctuaries inside Pakistan and said Islamabad was fighting to eliminate militancy. He claimed the militants were actually based in Afghanistan and carry out cross border attacks in Pakistan. Abbasi said that Pakistan was ready to work with the US in the fight against terrorism and the two sides should address any concern on the subject through dialogue. He said the US-Pakistan ties were more than 70-year-old and should not be defined through Afghanistan. To a question, he said Pakistan had not received any specific demands from the US and would take action if any information was shared. "We respect other's sovereignty and expect the same from them," he said. He said the United States had not clarified some of the perceptions that were created after President Trump's policy statement on Afghanistan and South Asia.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his children were today asked to appear before an anti-corruption court on September 19 in a case pertaining to the family's company in the UK.

They were summoned after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) last week filed four cases against Sharif, his family members and finance minister Ishaq Dar.

The Islamabad-based accountability court today ordered Sharif and his children - Maryam, Hussain and Hassan - to appear before it on September 19 in a case pertaining to the Sharif family's company, Flagship Investment Limited, in the UK.

Earlier, the court had returned the cases due to "several mistakes" but the NAB moved swiftly to remove the errors and re-filed the cases against Sharif.

Still the NAB has to fix mistakes in two cases and return them by tomorrow.

The cases are based on the July 28 judgment of the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case. The court disqualified Sharif and ordered cases be registered against him and his family.

Meanwhile, a five-judge larger bench of the Supreme Court today started hearing of the review petitions by Sharif and others against the judgment.

Sharifs are unlikely to appear as they have already stated that they would not appear before the NAB courts until the decision by the Supreme Court about the review petitions.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his children were today asked to appear before an anti-corruption court on September 19 in a case pertaining to the family's company in the UK. They were summoned after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) last week filed four cases against Sharif, his family members and finance minister Ishaq Dar. The Islamabad-based accountability court today ordered Sharif and his children - Maryam, Hussain and Hassan - to appear before it on September 19 in a case pertaining to the Sharif family's company, Flagship Investment Limited, in the UK. Earlier, the court had returned the cases due to "several mistakes" but the NAB moved swiftly to remove the errors and re-filed the cases against Sharif. Still the NAB has to fix mistakes in two cases and return them by tomorrow. The cases are based on the July 28 judgment of the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case. The court disqualified Sharif and ordered cases be registered against him and his family. Meanwhile, a five-judge larger bench of the Supreme Court today started hearing of the review petitions by Sharif and others against the judgment. Sharifs are unlikely to appear as they have already stated that they would not appear before the NAB courts until the decision by the Supreme Court about the review petitions.
By PTI

KARACHI: A teen couple in Pakistan were electrocuted to death allegedly by their own families on the order of a tribal council after they eloped, in the latest case of honour killings in the country.

Authorities exhumed the bodies of the 16-year-old girl and her 18-year-old lover in Karachi's Ibrahim Hyderi area and the post-mortem conducted today confirmed that they were killed with electric shocks, police officer Amanullah Marwat said.

"The boy and the girl had eloped last month from their home in Ibrahim Hyderi but their families reached an agreement and persuaded them to come home, assuring marriage," he said. However, when the youngsters returned home, the matter was taken to the tribal council by their families.

A tribal council of elders of the ethnic Pashtun community ordered that they both be killed by electric shocks. "The post-mortem has confirmed they were killed with electric shocks. The boy was given electric shocks to his head and chest, Marwat said.

Kamal Shah who runs the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum in Ibrahim Hyderi which is home to the fishermen community said they had brought the matter to the notice of the police after learning about the honour killing case.

"The two were apparently tied to a wooden charpoy and given electric shocks. The boy was killed by his father and uncle and the girl by her father and uncle, Shah said. Another senior police official said that some members of the council had been arrested but the main elders are absconding.

Karachi, a metropolitan city, is a home to many ethnic groups with Pashtuns residing in different areas of the city in large numbers. Although tribal council of elders giving their verdict on disputes and honour cases is common in Pakistans tribal areas this tradition is also followed among Pashtun communities living in Karachi.

KARACHI: A teen couple in Pakistan were electrocuted to death allegedly by their own families on the order of a tribal council after they eloped, in the latest case of honour killings in the country. Authorities exhumed the bodies of the 16-year-old girl and her 18-year-old lover in Karachi's Ibrahim Hyderi area and the post-mortem conducted today confirmed that they were killed with electric shocks, police officer Amanullah Marwat said. "The boy and the girl had eloped last month from their home in Ibrahim Hyderi but their families reached an agreement and persuaded them to come home, assuring marriage," he said. However, when the youngsters returned home, the matter was taken to the tribal council by their families. A tribal council of elders of the ethnic Pashtun community ordered that they both be killed by electric shocks. "The post-mortem has confirmed they were killed with electric shocks. The boy was given electric shocks to his head and chest, Marwat said. Kamal Shah who runs the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum in Ibrahim Hyderi which is home to the fishermen community said they had brought the matter to the notice of the police after learning about the honour killing case. "The two were apparently tied to a wooden charpoy and given electric shocks. The boy was killed by his father and uncle and the girl by her father and uncle, Shah said. Another senior police official said that some members of the council had been arrested but the main elders are absconding. Karachi, a metropolitan city, is a home to many ethnic groups with Pashtuns residing in different areas of the city in large numbers. Although tribal council of elders giving their verdict on disputes and honour cases is common in Pakistans tribal areas this tradition is also followed among Pashtun communities living in Karachi.
By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: The UN has appealed to the international community to keep aside politics and support the ongoing humanitarian efforts to help Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar.

The Rohingyas are a Muslim minority that live in the Buddhist-majority state of Rakhine, and they have experienced decades-long persecution in Myanmar, which  since gaining independence in 1948  has refused to recognise the group as citizens.

The latest calamity was spurred when Rohingya militants attacked dozens of police posts and a military base on August 25.

The state military responded with a counter-offensive, burning down villages and driving out civilians, whose population is estimated to be around 1.1 million.

The Rohingya crisis from Myanmar has caused more than 300,000 to flee Myanmar.

Expressing concern over the situation, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson to the UN Secretary-General said: "The reports we're getting, the pictures all of us are seeing are heart-breaking to say the least."

"I think the entire international community should support the ongoing humanitarian efforts, regardless of politics. These are people in need. These are very vulnerable people who have crossed the border, who've, as we said, are hungry and are malnourished and deserve to be helped," he said.

The spokesperson was responding to a question on the role of regional players in helping Rohingya refugees.

"Are you disappointed that major regional players, including in India, in particular, have actually sort of made their stand about this Rohingya crisis very clear and actually not come out and supported when their support could have been quite crucial?" he was asked.

The United Nation's humanitarian wing, he said, has done emergency planning for about 300,000 Rohingya refugees.

"That number has now definitely crossed that line. We are urgently appealing for more funds," he said.

"Whether it's UNHCR, WFP and other agencies, (we) are trying to get as much aid into the country as quickly as possible. Obviously, from what we've read out, we haven't been able to reach all the people that we need to.

"The added challenge is that a lot of people are crossing the border, going to makeshift settlements, or otherwise living outside more organised structures, which could make it easier for us to reach them," he said.

Dujarric said the government of Bangladesh has asked the UN to help establish a new camp to house the newly arrived refugees.

UNITED NATIONS: The UN has appealed to the international community to keep aside politics and support the ongoing humanitarian efforts to help Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar. The Rohingyas are a Muslim minority that live in the Buddhist-majority state of Rakhine, and they have experienced decades-long persecution in Myanmar, which  since gaining independence in 1948  has refused to recognise the group as citizens. The latest calamity was spurred when Rohingya militants attacked dozens of police posts and a military base on August 25. The state military responded with a counter-offensive, burning down villages and driving out civilians, whose population is estimated to be around 1.1 million. The Rohingya crisis from Myanmar has caused more than 300,000 to flee Myanmar. Expressing concern over the situation, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson to the UN Secretary-General said: "The reports we're getting, the pictures all of us are seeing are heart-breaking to say the least." "I think the entire international community should support the ongoing humanitarian efforts, regardless of politics. These are people in need. These are very vulnerable people who have crossed the border, who've, as we said, are hungry and are malnourished and deserve to be helped," he said. The spokesperson was responding to a question on the role of regional players in helping Rohingya refugees. "Are you disappointed that major regional players, including in India, in particular, have actually sort of made their stand about this Rohingya crisis very clear and actually not come out and supported when their support could have been quite crucial?" he was asked. The United Nation's humanitarian wing, he said, has done emergency planning for about 300,000 Rohingya refugees. "That number has now definitely crossed that line. We are urgently appealing for more funds," he said. "Whether it's UNHCR, WFP and other agencies, (we) are trying to get as much aid into the country as quickly as possible. Obviously, from what we've read out, we haven't been able to reach all the people that we need to. "The added challenge is that a lot of people are crossing the border, going to makeshift settlements, or otherwise living outside more organised structures, which could make it easier for us to reach them," he said. Dujarric said the government of Bangladesh has asked the UN to help establish a new camp to house the newly arrived refugees.
By Associated Press

ROCKFORD: A shooter opened fire at a high school in Washington state on Wednesday, killing one person and injuring at least three others, authorities said.

Brian Schaeffer of the Spokane Fire Department told reporters that one person died at Freeman High School in the tiny town of Rockford, south of Spokane, and three injured victims were taken to a hospital.

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital received three pediatric patients, spokeswoman Nicole Stewart said. They were in stable condition, and family members were with them, she said.

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said at the scene that the shooter was in custody, The Spokesman-Review newspaper reported.

Worried parents rushed to the school in the town of about 500 people near the Idaho border, about 25 miles southeast of Spokane. The two-lane road into town was clogged as people sped to the school.

Cheryl Moser said her son, a freshman at Freeman High School, called her from a classroom after hearing shots fired.

"He called me and said, 'Mom there are gunshots.' He sounded so scared. I've never heard him like that," Moser told the newspaper. "You never think about something happening like this at a small school."

Ambulances and a Lifeflight helicopter were sent to the school.

Stephanie Lutje told The Associated Press that she was relieved to hear her son was safe after his high school near Freeman was put on lockdown. She commended the school district for its communication with parents.

"It's been amazing, within probably 15-20 minutes of hearing about it, I'd already received a phone call, I'd already received a text message saying that their school is OK," she said.

She still worried for others she knew, including a co-worker who had yet to hear from her son, a sophomore at Freeman.

"My stomach's in knots right now," she said.

Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement that "all Washingtonians are thinking of the victims and their families, and are grateful for the service of school staff and first responders working to keep our students safe."

ROCKFORD: A shooter opened fire at a high school in Washington state on Wednesday, killing one person and injuring at least three others, authorities said. Brian Schaeffer of the Spokane Fire Department told reporters that one person died at Freeman High School in the tiny town of Rockford, south of Spokane, and three injured victims were taken to a hospital. Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital received three pediatric patients, spokeswoman Nicole Stewart said. They were in stable condition, and family members were with them, she said. Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said at the scene that the shooter was in custody, The Spokesman-Review newspaper reported. Worried parents rushed to the school in the town of about 500 people near the Idaho border, about 25 miles southeast of Spokane. The two-lane road into town was clogged as people sped to the school. Cheryl Moser said her son, a freshman at Freeman High School, called her from a classroom after hearing shots fired. "He called me and said, 'Mom there are gunshots.' He sounded so scared. I've never heard him like that," Moser told the newspaper. "You never think about something happening like this at a small school." Ambulances and a Lifeflight helicopter were sent to the school. Stephanie Lutje told The Associated Press that she was relieved to hear her son was safe after his high school near Freeman was put on lockdown. She commended the school district for its communication with parents. "It's been amazing, within probably 15-20 minutes of hearing about it, I'd already received a phone call, I'd already received a text message saying that their school is OK," she said. She still worried for others she knew, including a co-worker who had yet to hear from her son, a sophomore at Freeman. "My stomach's in knots right now," she said. Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement that "all Washingtonians are thinking of the victims and their families, and are grateful for the service of school staff and first responders working to keep our students safe."
By AFP

MIAMI: Eight residents died at a Florida nursing home which has been without power since Hurricane Irma and the state governor vowed a full investigation into what he called an "unfathomable" event.

The nursing home deaths brought the total number of storm-related fatalities in Florida to 20 and illustrated the urgency of restoring electricity to millions of people across the southern state.

Around 115 residents of the retirement home in Hollywood, north of Miami, were immediately evacuated after a nearby hospital began receiving patients suffering from heat-related problems.

"It's a sad event," Hollywood police chief Tomas Sanchez told a news conference. "We believe at this time they (the deaths) may be related to the loss of power in the storm."

Governor Rick Scott said he was absolutely heartbroken to learn of the deaths of the elderly retirees.

"I am going to aggressively demand answers on how this tragic event took place," Scott said in a statement. "Although the details of these reported deaths are still under investigation, this situation is unfathomable."

The governor said he has ordered a probe by state authorities.

"If they find that anyone wasn't acting in the best interests of their patients, we will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law," he said.

Sanchez, the police chief, said a criminal investigation had been launched.

The Sun-Sentinel newspaper, citing the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office, said the eight people who died were between the ages of 71 and 99 years old.

Dr Randy Katz, medical director of the emergency department at Memorial Regional Hospital, said the hospital began receiving patients early on Wednesday.

"(We) quickly identified some issues inside the facility with fire rescue and immediately evacuated the building," Katz said.

He said most of the patients admitted to the hospital have been treated for respiratory distress, dehydration and heat-related issues.

Florida officials have made restoring electricity to the millions who have lost power a priority and tens of thousands of utility company workers, many from out of state, are engaged in the huge effort.

Florida residents who evacuated ahead of the storm were facing lengthy traffic jams, meanwhile, as they returned to check out their homes after days in shelters or with friends or family.

Irma, which made landfall Sunday morning in the Florida Keys as a Category Four hurricane, had triggered orders for more than six million people to flee to safety, one of the biggest evacuations in US history.

Some residents of the Keys were met with scenes of devastation on Tuesday after police lifted roadblocks and began allowing people to return to the string of islands off Florida's southern coast.

At least a quarter of the homes in the Keys were destroyed, according to federal emergency management officials, and 65 per cent suffered some damage.

The storm also cut off power, water and sewage to the islands, which are home to some 70,000 people.

"Bad, it's real bad," Keys resident Bryan Holley told NBC News.

"It's gonna take months, maybe years to get this cleaned up," said Holley, who ignored orders to evacuate and braved the storm on Cudjoe Key.

President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, were to visit Florida to survey the damage on Thursday.

MIAMI: Eight residents died at a Florida nursing home which has been without power since Hurricane Irma and the state governor vowed a full investigation into what he called an "unfathomable" event. The nursing home deaths brought the total number of storm-related fatalities in Florida to 20 and illustrated the urgency of restoring electricity to millions of people across the southern state. Around 115 residents of the retirement home in Hollywood, north of Miami, were immediately evacuated after a nearby hospital began receiving patients suffering from heat-related problems. "It's a sad event," Hollywood police chief Tomas Sanchez told a news conference. "We believe at this time they (the deaths) may be related to the loss of power in the storm." Governor Rick Scott said he was absolutely heartbroken to learn of the deaths of the elderly retirees. "I am going to aggressively demand answers on how this tragic event took place," Scott said in a statement. "Although the details of these reported deaths are still under investigation, this situation is unfathomable." The governor said he has ordered a probe by state authorities. "If they find that anyone wasn't acting in the best interests of their patients, we will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law," he said. Sanchez, the police chief, said a criminal investigation had been launched. The Sun-Sentinel newspaper, citing the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office, said the eight people who died were between the ages of 71 and 99 years old. Dr Randy Katz, medical director of the emergency department at Memorial Regional Hospital, said the hospital began receiving patients early on Wednesday. "(We) quickly identified some issues inside the facility with fire rescue and immediately evacuated the building," Katz said. He said most of the patients admitted to the hospital have been treated for respiratory distress, dehydration and heat-related issues. Florida officials have made restoring electricity to the millions who have lost power a priority and tens of thousands of utility company workers, many from out of state, are engaged in the huge effort. Florida residents who evacuated ahead of the storm were facing lengthy traffic jams, meanwhile, as they returned to check out their homes after days in shelters or with friends or family. Irma, which made landfall Sunday morning in the Florida Keys as a Category Four hurricane, had triggered orders for more than six million people to flee to safety, one of the biggest evacuations in US history. Some residents of the Keys were met with scenes of devastation on Tuesday after police lifted roadblocks and began allowing people to return to the string of islands off Florida's southern coast. At least a quarter of the homes in the Keys were destroyed, according to federal emergency management officials, and 65 per cent suffered some damage. The storm also cut off power, water and sewage to the islands, which are home to some 70,000 people. "Bad, it's real bad," Keys resident Bryan Holley told NBC News. "It's gonna take months, maybe years to get this cleaned up," said Holley, who ignored orders to evacuate and braved the storm on Cudjoe Key. President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, were to visit Florida to survey the damage on Thursday.
Portsmouth, Middletown headed to Super Bowls. How they did it.

While Portsmouth and Middletown will play for championships, Rogers will be left out following semifinal loss.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Sunshine and a few afternoon clouds. High 42F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy. Snow showers developing late. Low near 30F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
Columnist

Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich).
German car maker Porsche is attending this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, which opens to the public September 16, 2017, to premiere a boosted version of its super sporty 911 GT3.The Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package is a new version of brand's sporty model, which gets a variable rear spoiler instead of the traditional fixed rear wing.This latest model is powered by a four-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with 500 horsepower, the most powerful petrol engine developed by Porsche for its cars approved for road use. The 911 GT3 with Touring Package promises 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 316km/h. The car is only available with manual transmission, featuring a six-speed manual gearbox to maximize driving sensations. On the inside, the traditional Alcantara interior is replaced with leather.The "Touring Package" name makes direct reference to a variant of the 911 Carrera RS produced in 1973.Porsche has announced that orders for the 911 GT3 with Touring Package are already open.
Chanakya, who is believed to be the greatest Indian strategist ever, had one lesson for all his disciples: Never share your secrets with anybody. That will destroy you sooner or later.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah follows this lesson in letter and spirit. Kisi Prakalp ki safalta uski gopniyata par nirbhar karti hai (A projects success depends on its secrecy), is an oft-repeated phrase in 11 Ashoka Road, New Delhi  the BJP headquarters he lords over.

No wonder Shahs decisions surprise not just the masses but also those who used to be considered well-entrenched in Delhis circles of selective leaks and gossips.

Amit Shah goes deeper into a matter and as the PM has said, he has brought back the core values which have been the mainstay for us since the Jan Sangh days. Amit Shah goes deeper into a matter and as the PM has said, he has brought back the core values which have been the mainstay for us since the Jan Sangh days.  Ravi Shankar Prasad

Shah doesnt believe in the old-style politics of obliging people or of keeping leaders in good humour. He is a man on mission who wants to convert the popularity that the BJP has earned under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi into consolidation of votes and to make BJP a truly pan-India party, said a top BJP leader.

Shah believes in leading from the front. In his 36-month tenure as BJP president, he has travelled 5,68,940 km, covering 325 out of 680 districts. He has attended 575 rallies and events, and chaired 2203 organizational meetings.

SHAH THE STRATEGIST

He considers organization as something larger than a team. A leader privy to the restructuring at 11 Ashoka Road told News18 that when Shah took charge, he didnt replace the staff of the presidents office. And unlike popular perception, there is just one person from Gujarat in the current office of the party president who handles Gujarat affairs for him. When Shah took charge, he dismantled cells within the party organisation, which were functioning as silos. Instead, he carved out 19 departments and 10 projects to ensure smooth and effective functioning. These departments, his close aides say, were to give a message that a party with 11 crore members must have a robust organizational and scientific methods of functioning.

National President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Amit Shah visits party worker's home in slum area at Chetla in Bhabanipur in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's constituency in Kolkata, on 26th April , 2017. (Photo by Sonali Pal Chaudhury/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Another key message was: Party ki sanskriti ko badle bina party ke kaam kaaj ka aadhunikaran. (Modernisation of the organization without changing its basic tenets). This is visible in the way the departments have been designed. For example, there is a department on good governance, policy research, documentation, party journals and publications. Emphasis is also on training and feedback.

Among the 10 projects being undertaken is one on office modernization and district office construction. By 2017, every district in India will have a BJP office. Such is the drive that even in Lakshadweep  a small Muslim-dominated union territory in the Arabian Sea  Shah held a booth Vistarak meeting in the third week of May. Shah has also ensured that party leaders and ministers also hold booth-level interactions.

Shah believes in leading from the front. In his 36-month tenure as BJP president, he has travelled 5,68,940 km, covering 325 out of 680 districts. He has attended 575 rallies and events, and chaired 2203 organizational meetings. Shah believes in leading from the front. In his 36-month tenure as BJP president, he has travelled 5,68,940 km, covering 325 out of 680 districts. He has attended 575 rallies and events, and chaired 2203 organizational meetings.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told News18, Shah goes deeper into a matter and as the PM has said, he has brought back the core values which have been the mainstay for us since the Jan Sangh days. We have to go to the booths and hold reach out programmes at all levels. He has tightened the organizational nuts and bolts.

In the last week of April, Shah started the project of spending three days in all big states, two days in small states and one day in each union territory. In all, he will be spending 95 days, travelling over 2 lakh km. His booth Vistarak plan began in West Bengal, a state which ebbed Modi wave in 2014. Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJPs national general secretary and in-charge of Bengal, recalls his meeting before Shah undertook this yatra. He asked me  sabse kathin kskhetra kaun sa hai? [Which is the toughest region] And then he said, lets begin from there,  said Vijayvargiya.

We are strengthening at the booth level and it would be wrong to look at Shahs BJP as an election winning machine. Its the one thats doing politics with a mission of achieving greatness of India. We are strengthening at the booth level and it would be wrong to look at Shahs BJP as an election winning machine. Its the one thats doing politics with a mission of achieving greatness of India.  Vinay Sahasrabuddhe

Shah holds a review meeting on West Bengal every three months and sets goals for the next three months. Banjar bhoomi mein bhi woh hariyali karte hain [He can turn barren land into an oasis], said Vijayvargiya. His conversation with Shah was brief: He called him and said the organisation is weak in Bengal and he wants to build the party from the ground up.

PLAYING ON FRONT FOOT

Another interesting aspect is that Shah doesnt believe in having a core team. He relies on different people for different jobs. It neutralizes the negative impact of having a coterie, said another BJP leader.

When asked, a top BJP leader explained Shahs style of picking people for various jobs with an example. Once Shah picked a little known Sunil Bansal, who was in ABVP and had first worked in Rajasthan and Delhi. Shah sent Bansal to oversee the implementation of his plans in Uttar Pradesh before the Lok Sabha elections in 2013. His micromanagement gave us 71 MPs, he said. Bansal also played a key role in delivering the UP state assembly polls for BJP in 2017.

BJP President Amit Shah during a press conference at BJP Headquarters, on November 5, 2015 in New Delhi. (Photo by Sanjeev Verma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Besides Bansal, Shahs trust in Ram Madhav as in-charge of strategically crucial Jammu & Kashmir and North East has earned dividends for the party. Madhav is seen as the man behind BJPs turnaround in Assam. The party is in power in Arunachal Pradesh, is part of the Nagaland government, and it managed to wrest control of Manipur. In the first week of May, Shah travelled to Tripura and launched a scathing attack on Manik Sarkar government. Soon, six Trinamool Congress MLAs rebelled and joined the BJP.

Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, party vice-president and Rajya Sabha MP, feels Shahs BJP is much more than a ruthless election-winning machine. We are strengthening at the booth level and it would be wrong to look at BJP as an election winning machine. Its the one thats doing politics with a mission of achieving greatness of India.

There can be no denying that Shah has taken BJP to heights it has never seen in its four-decade history. Political analyst Neerja Chaudhury said, Shah is unlike the usual politician we have seen. He is hard working, driven with killer instincts, his hunger for power makes him a formidable foe for the Opposition. One may disagree with his approach, but his performance will ultimately be judged by how he has delivered. When Shah arrived in Delhi, the BJP had government in 7 states, now that number is 18.

Like Modi, he doesnt take rest and doesnt let us take rest. Like Modi, he doesnt take rest and doesnt let us take rest.  A BJP leader

A DAY WITH SHAH IN THE FIELD

At 1pm its 36 degree Celsius in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. At the Terminal 2 of Biju Patnaik International Airport, BJP workers are waiting patiently for the party president. This is Shahs third visit to the state in six months, the first was for the BJP national executive meet that happened soon after the partys Uttar Pradesh victory. Out of 150 Lok Sabha seats identified by BJP as its target territories, 62 are in Odisha and Bengal. Straight from the airport, Shah and his team head to the state guesthouse where he will stay for the next 3 days. First on Shahs schedule is a meeting with district presidents and other state leaders.

At Kushabhau Thakre hall, Shah is seeking accountability and giving management lessons. What is the status of grading the booths? And whats happening with local-level meetings? Learn to distribute the work and the art of getting things done, Shah tells partymen.

Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who has worked closely with Shah in multiple state elections, told News18 in Odisha, Shah is a taskmaster and that is his style. He is very methodical and has redefined political activism within the party. Gone are the days of leisure and enjoyment.

Political analyst Nilanjan Mukopadhyay said Amit Shah has been a very different BJP president, the kind that BJP has never had. Amit Shah has been able to bring in a kind of cohesion between the party and government, which was non-existent when Vajpayee was the PM. Earlier, BJP and government were often at loggerheads; whereas now you have synergy between the two. This speaks volumes on the way various differences have been handled within the Sangh Parivar, said Mukopadhyay.

On Day 1 of his Vistarak Yatra, Shah addressed a group of retired professors, teachers and lawyers at Pall Heights Hotel in Bhubaneshwar. His focus was on comparative study of political parties. Hemant Parekh a doctor from Odisha, who was present at the meet, said, Our CM is disconnected from the ground, he doesnt step out to interact. The BJP is making an effort.

LESSER KNOWN SIDE OF SHAH

Sahasrabuddhe recalled how six months ago Shah had asked him to suggest some books on Maratha history. I went to the Parliament library and picked 12 books for Shah, of which, half of them he returned within 2-3 months. He is a keen student of history and also reads on literature and culture.

Only a few people know that he maintains meticulous diary before calling it a day. And amid his packed schedule, Shah never forgets to FaceTime with his one-year-old granddaughter. He prefers to take a regular flight and not a private plane for his party visits. He stays at government guesthouses and holds meetings in party offices.

BJP MP Bhupendra Yadav, who has worked closely with Shah for over 7 years, said Shah plays pakhawaj (a classical instrument).

BJP National President Amit Shah and Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during the release of a book ' Bhavishya Ka Bharat' authored by Nitin Gadkari, at Maharashtra Sadan on August 14, 2015 in New Delhi. (Photo by Sonu Mehta/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

As Shah has entered Rajya Sabha, a sense of panic has set in among the MPs, some of whom were recently pulled up for defying the party whip during the OBC Bill, which left the government red-faced as the Opposition managed to push through some amendments. A junior minister, who was reprimanded for being absent, told News18 that he didnt leave the Parliament for five days after the matter.

The man who catapulted brand Modi has a unique relationship with the PM. Like Modi, he doesnt take rest and doesnt let us take rest, said a party leader. Someone who has seen generations of such pairs, from Nehru-Gandhi to Indira-Kamraj to Chandra Shekhar-VP Singh had an interesting observation to make: Their equation is about perfect mutuality; nation has seen several pairs, but this one is about trust, confidence and respect.
New Delhi: The Coal Ministry is set to digitize all its records by the end of September after it was reprimanded by the Supreme Court for missing coal block allocation scam-related files.



Over missing files, the government, then led by the UPA, had incurred the wrath of the Court when the Ministry was asked in 2013 if it was "an attempt to destroy records" to impede the CBI investigation.



The top court had then pointed out that the missing files could be the crucial records for certain cases being probed, and that if the Ministry was unable to trace them, the CBI should register complaints into the issue.



On its directive, the CBI had in September 2013 lodged two preliminary inquiries into missing records, which comprised at least 18 files related to allocation of coal blocks.



The then leaders of opposition in both the houses of the Parliament -- Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj -- from the BJP, had alleged that the files were made to disappear pursuant to a conspiracy by the UPA to screen some offenders



Later, when the BJP came to power, the Coal Ministry was again questioned by a special bench of Justice Madan B Lokur, Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice AK Sikri about the missing files and their recreation through supporting documents.



The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which has been assigned the task of vetting investigation reports of the CBI, also commented in a report pertaining to missing files that the Coal Ministry required improving maintenance of files and record management system.



Acting on the observations made by the CVC and also repeated warnings by the Court, the Ministry of Coal recently informed the bench that the process of digitization had begun.



Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand submitted that the digitization work had started in June after floating of tender and it was expected to be completed within three months.



Anand said that the Ministry has taken it upon itself to complete the work in a time-bound manner to prevent recurrence of what happened in the past.



Expressing satisfaction, the bench then recorded the Law officer's statement: "Learned ASG, on behalf of Ministry of Coal, says that necessary steps have been taken and will be completed within a month."



Anand added that a report regarding digitization will be sent both to the CBI as well as to the CVC.



"A copy of the report be placed on the record of this Court as well. No further action is required to be taken on the observations of CVC," the bench then recorded in its order.


The close bond between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe was on full display on Wednesday as the cavalcade of the two leaders rolled on the streets of Ahmedabad as part of an 8-km roadshow, the first such event by the Indian premier with a visiting head of government.Modi held Abe in his characteristic bear hug after the Japanese Prime Minister, accompanied by wife Akie, landed at the Ahmedabad airport. In a gesture symbolising the growing ties between the two nations, Abe wore a kurta-pyjama and a royal blue Nehru jacket while his wife donned a red salwar-kameez as they accompanied Modi.The road show, designed to showcase India's cultural diversity, saw artistes from several states performing on 28 stages erected by the roadside. Crowds lined up the streets and cheered lustily as Modi and Abe waved at them. Akie happily clicked photos with her phone. People were seen waving Indian and Japanese national flags at several places.PM Narendra and Shinzo Abe's friendship was on full display at the Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday. (Photo: MEA/Twitter)They performed folk dances in traditional attires. At several places along the way, people in customary Japanese ensemble carrying parasols were also seen breaking into a jig to welcome the dignitaries.The road show, which began from the Ahmedabad airport ended at the Sabarmati Ashram after traversing eight kilometres. The visiting dignitaries and Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the ashram where the Father of the Nation had lived for 12 years.Love and Thanks, Abe wrote in a short message in Japanese on the visitors' register, which was also signed by his wife. The three later sat for some time by the serene Sabarmati Riverfront, chatting and laughing.Crowds lined up the streets and cheered lustily as Modi and Abe waved at them. (Photo: MEA/Twitter)The two leaders will get down to business on Thursday when they would jointly lay the foundation stone for the high-speed train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai that is expected to be completed by 2022. The train would cover the distance of over 500-km in around two hours. Japan has extended a soft loan for the ambitious project.Modi and Abe will hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar after which agreements will be signed. Later, an India-Japan business plenary meeting will be held. Fifteen agreements will be signed for investments in Gujarat during the visit of the Japanese prime minister, Gujarat chief secretary J N Singh had said on Tuesday.Abe's spouse will visit a number of places including an NGO - Blind People's Association. Modi had hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife in Ahmedabad in his home state Gujarat in September 2014.Abe's visit comes amid rising tensions in the Far East where North Korea recently launched a ballistic missile that flew over Japan. Growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea is also a cause of concern in the region and could come up for discussion between the two leaders.(With inputs from PTI)
Where is law? Is this Wild West? Free speech anyone? Shocking! Today Kerala, tomorrow any part of India! Wake up!  Rajesh Kumar (@raje147) September 13, 2017

Shame shame shame on these communist criminals...Indian democracy had become hostage to this blood soaked left tirade  Nation modern (@VivekSurana9) September 13, 2017

Sanghi being killed is Secularism, tolerance. Only Vitriolic #GauriLankeshMurder will hv protests of Intolerance , Freedom @vijayanpinarayi  Ashok #NewIndia (@cashkumark) September 13, 2017

cc @TheKeralaPolice. Street drama circulated as murder to incite riots. Take note of fake news and arrest this person.  F R Choudhury (@ExpertAnalystix) September 13, 2017

What nonsense? This is a street drama against murder! What nonsense?  Savithri Thekkumpat (@ammusavithri) September 13, 2017

What rubbish..posting a street play to protest against gauri lankesh murder as a RSS worker killed in kerala?  Priya Shankar (@Ppriyacee) September 13, 2017

A video circulated widely on social media as the "murder of a Hindu woman by communists and jihadis" in Kerala has turned out to be fake - in fact it was a scene from a street play.The video tweeted out from handles of right-wing sympathisers was ironically from a street play organised by DYFI (Democratic Youth Federation of India ) against the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh.In the video, two men drag the woman out of her car and when she resists, they shoot her. The woman collapses in a heap and a man then addresses the onlookers in Malayalam. The only word non-Malayalam speakers can make out in this monologue is RSS.The video surfaced on social media sites on Wednesday and has been tweeted hundreds of times. One of the first to tweet the video was a Twitter user called Amitesh Kumar, who called it another gory murder in Kerala by Commie/Jihadi goons.However, DYFI said the video was a part of a street play held at Manjeri in Malappuram district of Kerala. According to the DYFI president PA Mohammed Riyas, their intention was to highlight the role of RSS in the attack on freedom of speech.In the clip that was meant to be an enactment of the Lankesh murder, the man was actually saying that the RSS murdered her for speaking against them. He goes on to say, This is the real face of RSS. Traitors. They are a threat. Silence is dangerous. This silence, despite fascism making its way into your kitchen, is dangerous.Instead, they ended up giving ammunition to the fake news brigade. This is a planned campaign. They are trying to defame the state. This is part of the planned sangh parivar campaign to malign the state with the help of the central government, alleged Riyas.DYFI has decided to file a complaint against those who are promoting such fake messages.But some damage had already been done. Many twitter users fell to this bit of fake news, including a national news channel that later retracted the story.Many Twitter users, however, were quick to point out that this is not the real story and asked the authorities to take action.
Chandigarh: The DNA sample of the newborn daughter of the 10-year-old Chandigarh rape victim does not match to that of rape accused, the victim's uncle. This shocking revelation came after the forensic report was submitted to the Punjab and Haryana Court, compelling the police to investigate the case further.



The 10-year-old, a student at a Chandigarh government school, had complained of stomach pain in July 2017. The medical examination disclosed that she was six months pregnant. The Chandigarh police had filed a FIR against her maternal uncle for having sexually abused the girl repeatedly over a period of time.



The family wanted the foetus aborted, but the advanced stage of pregnancy and medical reasons couldn't have allowed that. The family knocked on the doors of Supreme Court, seeking the permission to abort the foetus, but the plea was rejected.



The girl delivered a baby on August 17, and a DNA test was conducted on the maternal uncle the same day. The Chandigarh police filed a chargesheet against the accused on August 25, and charges were framed on August 30.



On August 31, the 10-year-old girl and her mother recorded their statement at the Chandigarh district court where they named the maternal uncle again. However, the DNA report has once again brought the investigation to a standstill. The girl will record her statement once again before the District Magistrate on September 15.




A team of hackers, who call themselves Kerala Cyber Warriors, on Wednesday took down several websites linked to the Ryan International Group, which runs a chain of schools including the one in Gurugram where a 7-year-old student was murdered on Friday.The hackers said they had targeted the schools websites as a tribute to the victim. They posted a photo of the boy along with the message, you may be gone but you will never be forgotten.The group hacked four websites. At the time of filing the report, however, the groups main website was back up and seemed to be functioning normally. It is not clear how long the websites were down.The hack came on the same day when the Bombay High Court granted relief to Augustine Francis Pinto, founder of the Ryan International School and his wife Grace Pinto, managing director of the group in connection with the murder.In a message to the school management, the hackers said they demand justice for the boy who died because of the schools negligence. They criticised the management for alleged security lapses like no background checks, non-functioning CCTV cameras, allowing vendor staff like bus drivers and conductors into the school building and allowing others to share the students washroom.They signed off by saying education is not a business and left a warning message at the end - expect more such action from them in the future.A Class II student's throat was, allegedly, slit by a bus conductor in the schools washroom on Friday. Apart from the conductor, two top officials of the schools management  the legal head and the human resources head - have been arrested so far.Gurugram police is also looking into the role of the school's top management and questioned all the teaching staff for several hours on Wednesday. Police commissioner Sandeep Khirwar on Monday had said that acting Principal Neerja Batra was also detained and is likely to be arrested soon.
New Delhi: India will file its written submission in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case with the International Court of Justice in Hague on Wednesday. In its earlier order, the UN top court had asked India to submit its arguments by September 13.



The ICJ will resume hearing in the case on Wednesday. Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of acting as an Indian spy.



The Pakistan government is supposed to submit their arguments by December 13.



The Indian government had challenged Pakistans execution orders in the international court in May. The top court had ruled in favour of India and prevented Pakistan from executing the 47-year-old Indian naval officer.



In its submission, the Indian government is expected to chart out its arguments seeking relief for Jadhav and how Pakistan had violated the Vienna Convention by denying consular access to him.



Jadhav was arrested from the Balochistan province in April and was apprehended as a spy. While India has requested for consular access at least 16 times, Pakistan rejected them every time. Ultimately, the Indian government approached the ICJ to stop the neighbours from executing Jadhav.



Noted Indian lawyer Harish Salve pleaded at the ICJ that Pakistan was violating the Vienna Convention agreement, which binds the countries to give access to each others nationals being held prisoner on the others soil. The court then stayed the execution order.



While Pakistan held Jadhav guilty for waging war against the country, India has maintained that he was kidnapped from Iran, where he was looking after his business after retiring from the Indian Navy.
London: Embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya is set to return to court in London on Thursday for a hearing in his ongoing extradition case over economic offences in India.



The 61-year-old businessman is out on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard on behalf of the Indian authorities in April. He had been exempt from appearing before Westminster Magistrates' Court for case management hearings by Chief Magistrate Emma Louise Arbuthnot before his trial begins on December 4.



However, his legal team had indicated to the court that Mallya, wanted in India over a default on loans worth around Rs 9,000 crores to his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, likes to be present at the hearings.



"All matters are on track," official sources had confirmed to PTI in reference to the timeline set by the court for the Indian authorities represented by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to provide Mallyas defence team with a detailed opening note on the case.



The defence response from Mallya's legal team on the paperwork was to have been completed this week. The CPS, arguing on behalf of the Indian government at the last hearing on July 6, had told the court that they had "excellent cooperation" with the Indian authorities in the case and had sufficient material to establish a prima facie case for the extradition of the UB Group chief.



"We have completed a review of materials and I am happy to state that we have had excellent cooperation with the Indian authorities in this case. We are ready and willing to proceed and would invite the court to fix a hearing date at the earliest," CPS barrister Mark Summers had said.



The judgeagreed with the CPS to "progress with some rigour" and set December 4 as the start date for a final hearing in the case.



If the Chief Magistrate rules in favour of extradition at the end of the trial, the UKhome secretary must order Mallya's extradition within two months of the appropriate day.



However, the case can go through a series of appeals before arriving at a conclusion.



India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 1992 and in force since November 1993, under which recently a Bangladeshi national wanted in the UK on murder charges was to be extradited from India.



Mohammad Abdul Shakur is accused of murdering his wife Juli Begum and two daughters in the UK in 2007 before fleeing the country. He was arrested in Assam and his repatriation to the UK was delayed due to an ongoing court case in New Delhi.



Another extradition request under the treaty involved Ashok Malik, which was withdrawn by the Indian authorities last month after Malik offered to return to face the Indian justice system voluntarily.



Malik, the exact charges against whom are not known, was expected to appear at a hearing in a Delhi court this week.



So far only one successful extradition has taken place from the UK to India under the treaty that of Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post- Godhra riots of 2002.



According to the last government statement in the Rajya Sabha, the other Indian extradition requests pending with the UK include fugitives Rajesh Kapoor, Tiger Hanif, Atul Singh, Raj Kumar Patel, Jatinder Kumar Angurala, Asha Rani Angurala, Sanjeev Kumar Chawla and Shaik Sadiq.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed Japanese premier Shinzo Abe at the Ahmedabad airport, a gesture Modi had reserved until now for only a handful of leaders. Abe will inaugurate the groundbreaking Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. Both the countries are also expected the finalise the 1.3 billion dollars deal for the US 2i amphibious aircraft ShinMayWa.

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New Delhi: The seven-year-old student, found in a pool of blood in Ryan International School washroom, was not sexually assaulted and died of excessive bleeding, the doctor who conducted the autopsy said on Tuesday.



"The second point that came out in the report is that the child died due to excessive bleeding. There was no sexual assault on the minor and no semen marks were found on his school dress," he said.



Dr Deepak Mathur, who conducted the post mortem, also said there were two cuts on the boy's body and a nerve was slashed due to which he could not cry for help when he was attacked.



A three-member fact-finding committee, constituted by Gurugram district administration, in its report to the District Commissioner, identified lapses on the part of the school.



District Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh told PTI that the report underlined there were "broken window, ill-equipped fire extinguishers, common toilets, no police verification of conductors and drivers and other ground staff, broken boundary wall and low quality CCTV without having wide-angle facilities, students' toilets without guard" in the school.



Meanwhile, police recorded statements of two students in connection with the murder of their schoolmate.



"The SIT recorded statements of two students who went to change their Taekwondo dress inside the toilet at the time of the crime. The team is also questioning the suspended school principal Neerja Batra and two other female teachers," a senior police officer said.



Schoolbus conductor Ashok Kumar, who allegedly tried to sexually assault the class II student in a toilet and slit his throat with a knife when he resisted last Friday last, was sent to judicial custody till September 17.



As police are working to crack the case, Subhash Garg, a businessman, claimed the conductor carried the injured boy to a car to be shifted to a hospital on the orders of two teachers.



Garg said he had gone to deposit his son's fees on Friday and was standing at the main reception in the school when he heard some commotion.



"I saw two female teachers and two students were following an injured student who was being carried by Ashok Kumar. One of the teachers was weeping at that moment. She ordered Kumar to place him at the rear seat of the car," Garg told PTI.



"There were also blood stains spread all over the place in a small toilet at the ground floor of the school building. There were blood stains on Kumar's shirt which may be due to the fact that he was carrying the boy," he claimed.



He further claimed that Kumar was behaving normally which is a rare thing for someone who has committed a crime, adding he recorded 1.14 minute video.



In a related development, the Bombay High Court granted interim protection from arrest to Ryan International Group's founding chairman Augustine Pinto and his wife and managing director Grace till tomorrow in connection with the murder.



The school, where the boy studied, is run by the group in Gurgaon.



Group CEO Ryan Pinto filed an anticipatory bail application in the high court this evening, their lawyer said.



(with inputs from PTI)
New Delhi: Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will roll out the red carpet for Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday when he arrives on a two-day visit to India.



PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart will lay the foundation stone for the country's first ever bullet train project.



The twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are all decked up, with streets dotted with hoardings and banners of Abe.



The visit will begin Wednesday afternoon with an 8 km road show where Abe will be accorded a grand welcome, officials said.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present through the road show with Abe with people lining the streets their cavalcade would pass through.



They will visit Sabarmati Ashram and iconic Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in the eastern part of the city famous for its intricate stone lattice work tomorrow.



Prime Minister Modi will host dinner for Abe at a hotel in the old city area.



Ahmedabad has been recently included in the World Heritage City list. Japanese PM will be given an overview of the heritage of the city in prime minister Modi's home state.



On Thursday, Abe and Modi will lay the foundation stone for the high-speed train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai which is expected to be completed by 2022, and is likely to traverse the distance of over 500 km between in around two hours.



Japan has extended a soft loan for the ambitious project conceptualised by Modi.



The two leaders will hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar after which agreements will be exchanged. Later, an India-Japan business plenary meeting will be held.



"We are thankful to the Japanese PM for selecting Gujarat for his visit to India," Gujarat chief secretary J N Singh said.



Fifteen agreements will be signed for investments in Gujarat during the visit of the Japanese prime minister, he said.



Abe's spouse Akie Abe will accompany him and also have a busy schedule. She will be visiting a number of places including an NGO -- Blind People's Association.



(with PTI inputs)


New Delhi: KJ Alphons, BJPs face in Kerala and one of new faces introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Union Cabinet, told News 18 that there are nuts in every society and one particular party or leader shouldnt be blamed for lynching or violence.



When asked about cases of mob lynching and communal clashes, Alphons said, Any incident of lynching, violence or murder is bad and is criminal. Anybody who indulges in these activities must be booked and in jail. The PM himself has said that. In a country of 1.3 billion, there are some people who are nuts. And there are such people all over the world, be it New York, Paris, London or anywhere else, he said.



He added that because of these nuts the so-called liberal media blames the PM or the BJP of doing it. This is extremely unfair. The PM has said that these are criminal acts and he has urged people to grow together.



Alphons was in news recently last week, when just a day after assuming his new office he created a stir by claiming that BJP had no problem with beef. This he followed with a statement, that foreigners could eat beef in their own countries and then visit India, absolutely in contrast with what he had spoken earlier.



Speaking exclusively to News18, Alphons said that he had been misquoted earlier. Clarifying his position, Alphons said, Ive repeatedly said people will decide what they want to eat, no matter what area they belong too. One cant be more liberal than that. These are non-negotiables in a democracy.



Alphons who was made MoS (Independent Charge) Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, is a minority in the Union Cabinet twice over  as the only present representative from Kerala and an only Christian.



Alphons represents a community in Kerala whose votes BJP wants crucially if it is to look for a break into the state. BJP, by elevating him as an MoS, will be hoping to create a sense of goodwill among the Christians in the state.



He also will have to perform in his party activities  he has been made poll in-charge of Meghalaya and will be used by the party extensively in their campaign in Kerala. As he told News 18, he cant wait to get cracking.
New Delhi: Kannantham Alphons switched on his mobile phone after his flight taxied to a halt at Kampe Gowda International Airport, Bangalore. The connecting flight to Calicut would leave in an hour where he was to give a lecture next day at a function organised by the Art of Living Foundation.



Going through the list of missed calls, it occurred to him that someone in the national capital was desperately trying to get in touch with him in the all of two-odd hours his phone was switched off while he was air bourne.



I thought Ill reach Calicut, finish my speech and then return the calls. Then when I was about to board the plane, I received a call from the PMs Officer on Special Duty saying that the PM wanted to discuss political violence in Kerala, Alphons told News 18.



It was a 50-year-old subject, Alphons replied, which could perhaps wait another day. Delivering a lecture to a lot of youngsters was perhaps more important. But the OSD told me come to Delhi by the next flight.



It was odd that the Prime Minister wanted to discuss an old political phenomenon a day before the big event  the Cabinet reshuffle, Alphons thought while sipping coffee at India International Centre in New Delhi.



At about 6 pm he received a call from the Prime Minister. Alphons, you take oath tomorrow. And join me for breakfast tomorrow at 9 am. That was it. In two sentences the PM delivered what Alphons describes a big shock.



Next morning Alphons reached 7 Lok Kalyan Marg with all new ministers to have breakfast  Gujarati Dhoklas, cookies and tea  with the PM.



That's how most of the new ministers who joined Modi government came to know of their nomination to the Union council.



It is a big shock from which Im still recovering, one week after assuming my new responsibilities, Alphons said smiling, sitting in his office on Parliament Street.



But then, that's how turn of events "just like this" have surprised him to open up new vistas in life. For instance, the decision to contest assembly election in Kerala.



He was a noted bureaucrat who had demolished, as he 24 years later still remembers, fourteen thousand three hundred and ten illegal buildings, as the chief of Delhi Development Authority.



But then just like that he decided to join politics while he still had a good eight years left in service. A friend MA Baby, a politburo member of CPI(M), introduced him to the then general secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, and told him that Alphons wanted to contest from Kanjirappally.



In 10 seconds he agreed. And 32 days later I was elected an MLA, Alphons says, giving credit to Vijayan, with whom he still shares a good rapport, of introducing him to politics.



Though, as he himself admitted, hes still recovering from a shock, Alphons doesnt have the luxury of time with him. He has been given responsibilities as MoS (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Tourism and MoS in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. And then there are general elections due in one-and-a-half years.



Hes working to expand his partys work in Meghalaya and then there is the state of Kerala itself, his own state. And Alphons says he cant wait to get cracking.
Kolkata: The Bengal Secretariat of CPI(M) recommended the expulsion of Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee from the party on Wednesday, just a day after he gave an explosive interview against the partys central leadership.



Banerjee has been under suspension since June over allegations of leading a lavish lifestyle and hobnobbing with BJP leaders. Party insiders said that a majority of the state committee members supported his expulsion at the meeting on Wednesday.



Even some of the senior party leaders who had backed Ritabrata on many occasions in the past decided not to save him this time as he had stepped the line by speaking against the central leadership, a CPI(M) member said.



As per norms, the state committees decision on Ritabratas expulsion will now be sent to central committee for a final decision. This is just a formality because central committee members have already decided to expel him from the party. His expulsion will be official very soon, a senior party leader said.



Speaking to News18, Left Front legislative party leader Sujan Chakraborty, without confirming that he was expelled, said that the decision was not taken in haste. Our decision will be communicated to the media soon, he said.



In a television interview on Tuesday, Banerjee had said that the central CPI (M) leadership was anti-Bengali and alleged that politburo members Prakash and Brinda Karat had blocked general secretary Sitaram Yechurys return to the Rajya Sabha.



He had also slammed the central leadership by alleging that politburo member Mohammad Salim managed to get some space in partys highest body because the politburo has a quota for Muslims. He had accused Salim and his son, who is also a party member, of spearheading a social media campaign to malign him.



I am a victim of jealousy by some of my party leaders who were always busy to heckle me or malign me. They somehow convinced the party to take a decision against me, the CPI(M) youth leader had told a Bengali TV channel.



On June 2, Ritabrata was suspended from the party for leading a lavish lifestyle and for using expensive watches and electronic gadgets as this goes against the partys ideology. The party had then formed a three-member commission to look into his suspension in August. The commission was headed by Mohammed Salim.



Banerjee is the former General Secretary of the Students Federation of India. He is said to be very close to former CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and he is the one who had recommended his name for the Rajya Sabha seat.



Opponents have often taken a potshot at Ritabrata on social media for his use of expensive gadgets and luxury items. Sources said the party was also annoyed with him for his meetings with union ministers of BJP and representatives of big industrial houses in New Delhi.



The party had finally decided to suspend him when he abandoned CPI (M) Politburo member and Lok Sabha MP Md Salim to face police wrath at Lefts Nabanna Chalo Abhiyan on May 22. On that day, Banerjee was actively participating in party work but is alleged to have disappeared when police resorted to lathicharge the protesters.


New Delhi: A third-year Kashmiri student at Delhi University has a stone that adorns his apartment near North Campus. I got this seven months ago, when I went to Ramjas College. An ABVP goon threw this at me. I could have thrown it back at him, but I picked it up, kept it in my pocket and smiled at him. That really riled him up and he tried to run after me. I have kept this stone with me since then as a memento. This is to remind me of what happened that day, he says.



The day that he spoke about was February 21, 2017. Ramjas College cancelled a seminar called 'Culture of protest'. This was done after Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), student wing of the RSS, protested against the participation of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) research scholar Umar Khalid and former JNUSU vice-president Shehla Rashid. ABVP activists disrupted the event. Anubhav Chakraborty, who was present in Ramjas that day, recalled and said, When we were sitting inside, the windows of the Ramjas seminar room came crashing down. The ABVP was hurling rocks at us. We were stranded inside for hours and then had to be escorted out by the cops.



The next day, a protest march was organised from Ramjas College to Maurice Nagar police station to protest against the ABVP's actions. The protests were met with violent resistance as the ABVP clashed with agitating students. Journalists covering the event were also manhandled during the chaos. Five months later, Delhi Police submitted a report in the court saying the footage of students and teachers shouting "anti-national" slogans may be doctored. But the debate was far from settled.



The National Students Union of India (NSUI), student wing of the Congress, staged a dramatic comeback in the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) polls by winning two out of four seats. Emblazoned on top of the NSUIs manifesto for the 2017 DUSU elections were the words Take Back DU! But who are they taking it back from? Neeraj Mishra, NSUI National Media Coordinator, said, We have taken the University back from the ABVP and its politics of violence. The Ramjas incident played a very important role this year. After ABVP goons attacked students, we took out a peace rally. We sent our volunteers from classroom to classroom and promised students that we would rid the campus of violence.



The NSUI is not the only student outfit that made this their central plank. The left wing All India Students Association (AISA), though still the number three player, campaigned aggressively and made Violence Free DU! their rallying cry. Congratulating DU students on the win, AISAs National President Sucheta De said, DU Students have given their mandate. And it is a rejection of state-backed hooliganism, violence and hate mongering. Its a rejection of the ABVP.



While memories of rocks flying in from all directions, fisticuffs breaking out and paramilitary troopers marching on their beloved campus are still fresh in the minds of students, they say they feel assured that their vote counts for something.



We want to reclaim our campus. DU is famous for open debates at chai shops and street corners. That day, the very idea of DU was challenged.



Amaan Shreyas, student at Delhi School of Economics, said, "I am glad we are taking back the university from the disruptive forces, reclaiming our space meant for liberal values of democracy and dissent. DU is not the property of any one outfit. The campus belongs to us all."



The Kashmiri student, who has preserved the rock hurled at him seven months ago, says they should not do to the ABVP what the ABVP did to them. Main jis campus ka khwab dekhta hoon, usme ABVP bhi shaamil hai. Yeh Azadi sabki azadi hai. (The campus of my dream also has a place for the ABVP. This freedom is freedom for everyone).
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Wednesday dismissed reports of "preferential treatment" was being given to AIADMK leader V K Sasikala at the central jail here and said she was being treated like any other ordinary prisoner.



"There is no truth in reports suggesting that Sasikala and (her relative) Elavarasi have been given preferential treatment at the prison. I had been there yesterday and I saw it for myself," state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy told reporters.



He said the two, serving imprisonment in a corruption case, were being treated like any other ordinary prisoners.



"I have not enquired about Sasikala, whether she has been given any work at the prison, but if the court orders are there then she has to be given work," Reddy said to a query.



The AIADMK's General Council in Chennai had on Tuesday annulled appointment of Sasikala as party's interim general secretary and declared all appointments/removals made by her invalid.



Sasikala is lodged at the central jail at Parapanagrahara since February after the Supreme Court convicted her and two others in disproportionate assets case.



In July, the then DIG of Prisons, D Roopa, had submitted a report to the Director General of Prisons stating that Sasikala was given preferential treatment in the prisons and there was "a talk" that Rs two crore had exchanged hands.



Subsequently, both the DIG and DG were transferred after they were locked in a public spat over the issue and a high-level probe ordered into the claims.
New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh School Education Minister Vijay Shah on Wednesday directed all schools in Satna district to ensure that students answer their roll call in the classroom with "Jai Hind" instead of the conventional "Yes, Sir/Madam".



The diktat comes into force from October 1, 2017, news agency ANI reported, adding that steps will be taken to implement the measure in the entire state, depending on its success.



"For now, this is just a suggestion to private schools in Satna," Shah said, hoping the schools will "adhere to his advice since it was related to patriotism".



The minister also said that he will seek chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's permission for the statewide implementation of his diktat.



Shah issued these instructions at a divisional meeting of teachers, principals, Jan Shikshaks and block resource coordinators in Chitrakoot. The minister had earlier commanded schools to hoist a Tricolor and make sure that the national anthem is sung every day.



In April this year, a school in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut district had allegedly asked students to get a haircut similar to that of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, prompting some parents to oppose the diktat.



However, the school administration reacted to the controversy saying that Yogi's haircut was cited just as an example to maintain uniformity among students.


Just a few days in office as tourism minister, Alphons Kannanthanam said that tourists dont come to India to eat beef. Alphons, who was once an independent candidate backed by CPI (M), speaks to News18 on beef, his personal equation with BJP's arch rival Pinarayi Vijayan, and how political killings in Kerala have maligned the image of a peace-loving state. Edited excerpts:



Your comments on eating beef in India created quite a stir. You first said BJP has no problem with people eating beef, and then that foreigners should eat beef in their own country before visiting India. As a tourism minister and a BJP leader from Kerala, what are your views on the subject?

I was misunderstood. What I meant was that nobody comes to India with a purpose of eating beef. That said, India is a democratic country. People of the country will decide what to wear and what to eat. This is very clear. One cant be more liberal than that. These are non-negotiables in a democracy.



There are news reports which indicate that Kerala BJP leadership is not too happy with your elevation.

Thats not true. Look at the reception I received when I was in Kerala. It was massive. All state leaders were there and were very happy.



In 2006 you contested elections as a CPI(M)-backed independent candidate and now you are with the BJP. What made you change your political association?

Im pro-poor person at heart. Call me Left, Right or Centre it doesnt matter to me. It is true that I fought as an independent candidate backed by CPI (M), but as a citizen of this country, I had begun to wonder, sometime in 2011, the direction in which India was headed. One slice of India was being sold out every day by [UPA] ministers. Scandals, scams, money laundering were the order of the day. I realized we needed a strong leader for India and the only one I could spot was Narendra Modi. His stint in Gujarat was proof of his leadership abilities. Thats how the switch happened.



After assuming your role in the Union Cabinet, you had a lunch with Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala CM. What sort of rapport do you share with him?

I have a fantastic personal equation with him. He is the one who got me into politics. He had seen my work as a bureaucrat. So when I expressed my wish to join politics, MA Baby [CPI(M) politburo member] set up my meeting with him. It took Pinarayi Vijayan 10 seconds to hand me a ticket for Kanjirappally. In politics, its important to get along with everyone. We can have political, ideological differences and thats what democracy is all about. We must, in the end, get along well in administration.



Political murders in Kerala have been going on for years. How will these killings end?

We have to sit together and decide that we cant let this happen. So many young people are losing their lives and it is bringing bad reputation to Kerala, which is a beautiful and peace-loving state. We need discussions, and that is one of the reasons why I maintain a good relationship with the CM.



How do you look at the charges of lynching and intolerance against the BJP?

In a country of 1.3 billion, there are some people who are nuts. Who go about doing such criminal things, after which the so-called liberal media blames the PM or the BJP. This is extremely unfair. The PM has said that these are criminal acts and those indulging in it must be booked.

Also, before BJP came to power in 2014, there was widespread propaganda that mosques and churches will be destroyed, lives will be in danger. Tell me how many churches, mosques have been burnt down? We cant put the blame on the PM or the ruling party for a section of the society which is crazy and nuts.



Recently a Kerala BJP leader, in a series of tweets laid down historical facts about how a church in Arthunkal was actually a temple. Then we have Yogi Adityanath questioning the symbolism of Taj Mahal. How do you view such comments?

They are respected leaders. But my view is that we have to learn from history. If we go back in time, what will we do  take revenge? Millions of Jews were butchered, so do we now go and kill Germans? No. History exists and we cant rectify the wrongs of that. Accept both defeat and glorious moments.



Of the three ministries (tourism, culture, IT) whose MoS you are, which do you find the most challenging?

Tourism is my main charge. I want people across the world to experience and feel India because we are such an incredible civilization. I want them to go like Wow, this country is great. I am a junior minister in IT and its a complicated sector with data, AI, digital payments. Im still learning a few things there.



Are there any immediate goals in tourism that you are looking at?

Starting next month, well be visiting site after site to see how we can attract tourists there  be it by cleaning, lighting it up or developing eating places around it. We want money to come in too  that is one of the objectives of tourism.



Considering general elections due in 2019, how much time do you think youll have in terms of understanding the ministry and working on the same?

We really dont have much time. Not just because elections are going to happen, but also because India is a young country and it cannot wait. We have a lot of catching up to do. And, of course, I would be required by the party to travel to Kerala and Meghalaya (where Ive been made poll in-charge).
New Delhi: Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi for breaking the "well-laid tradition" of not speaking against the government on foreign soil, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said the Modi government does not need a certificate for its performance from the Congress vice president.



He also had a dig at Gandhi, saying it took him years to understand that Congress lost power due to its "arrogance", and for that he had to go all the way to California for the realisation.



"Rahul Gandhi is breaking the well-laid tradition of Indian polity --that is when you go abroad, you don't speak ill about the government," he told reporters in New Delhi. He was asked to respond to Gandhi's criticism of the Modi government at an event at the University of California in Berkeley in the US.



"We used to go abroad at the height of corruption by Manmohan Singh government, but we never spoke like this. We were muted despite international outcry," the Law minster said.



He said the BJP does not expect the Congress leader to appreciate its work. But at the same time, the government does not require a certificate from the opposition party.



"Can Rahul Gandhi appreciate us? We don't want a certificate of our performance from Rahul Gandhi -- a person who is not ready to accept that his party has lost elections in a big way. It took him years to understand that Congress was arrogant and to accept that he had to go to California," he said taking a swipe at the Congress leader.



In his speech in the US, Gandhi criticised Modi, accusing him of divisive politics and causing "tremendous damage" to India's economy with "reckless and dangerous" decisions like demonetisation and GST. He also argued that India was being run by dynasties and cited the examples of Samajwadi Party, DMK and even Bollywood.
Chennai: AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran on Wednesday lashed out at the party faction led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam, accusing them of targeting his supporters.



This comes a day after police officials from Coimbatore visited a resort in Coorg, Karnataka where MLAs supporting Dinakaran have been holed up.



Tamil Nadu police said they visited Paddington Resort where MLAs loyal to Dinakaran are staying in Coorg searching for P. Palaniappan, an MLA and a former minister, who was not there.



However, Dinakaran accused them of trying to threaten and intimidate his supporters.



"Palaniappan did meet with CB-CID on a case related to the death of a civil contractor earlier. Now, he is being threatened with arrest for accepting the summons. They are ready to go to any level to save their government. EPS knows that he doesn't have 117 MLAs and that's why he is doing this," Dinakaran said.



V Senthil Balaji, one of the MLAs staying at Paddington Resort, has filed a police compliant stating that Tamil Nadu officials under the instructions of EPS are threatening him along with 16 MLAs.



In his complaint, Balaji said, "police officials are acting under the instructions of Palaniswami who is misusing his official capacity and intentionally abetting unlawful act."



He further said police officials threatened that false cases will be registered against them. "Police are forcing us to talk to the honourable CM E Palaniswami through police officers' phones. When we refused, they told us 'if you do not contact CM immediately within the next two days, all the MLAs who are staying here will be disqualified by the speaker of Tamil Nadu," Balaji said.



"Moreover, the police officers threatened that 'false cases will be registered against all of us and our family members' if we do not yield to their request," he added.



The case goes back to RK Nagar by-poll when the Income Tax Department conducted searches at health minister Vijaya Bhaskar's residence and his associate KR Subramaniam, a civil works contractor. Subramanian, who appeared before I-T Department for inquiry twice, was then found dead along with a letter reportedly written by him. The letter mentioned Palaniappan.



A police source told CNN-News18 that Palaniappan was issued summons and since he didn't appear, they visited the resort.



Dinakaran said Palaniappan hasn't done anything wrong and willingly took part in the probe.



Meanwhile, the other MLAs loyal to Dinakaran continue to stay at resort.



Dinakaran openly threatened to pull down the government, and said that he will decide his next course of action by Thursday after consultation with his lawyers. I will take a call on the ongoing crisis tomorrow and decide my next course of action. I have 21 MLAs and EPS and OPS faction dont have the majority. We also have a few' sleeper MLA cells, he said.



They gave us updates on what happened in the general council meeting. Whoever participated in the meet are not part of the General Council. EPS sacked OPS and his team in February and now they took centrestage in yesterday's meeting," he added.



On Wednesday, the general council passed a resolution removing VK Sasikala and Dinakaran from their posts. But Dinakaran said it can be only validated by the Madras High Court and the hearing in the matter will begin only on October 23.



There were rumors that Dinakaran will join hands with the DMK but he denied them, saying that the DMK is his party's enemy. Meanwhile, DMK has filed a writ petition demanding a floor test for EPS to prove his majority. The case is likely to come up for hearing on Thursday.
Washington: U S President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the U N sanctions on North Korea agreed this week were a small step and nothing compared to what would have to happen to deal with the country's nuclear program.



U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned China, North Korea's main ally and trading partner, that if it did not follow through on the new measures, Washington would "put additional sanctions on them and prevent them from accessing the U.S. and international dollar system."



Another senior administration official told Reuters any such "secondary sanctions" on Chinese banks and other companies were on hold for now to give time for China to show it was prepared to fully enforce the latest and previous rounds of sanctions.



The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to boost sanctions on North Korea on Monday, banning its textile exports and capping fuel supplies, drawing from Pyongyang a threat of retaliation against the United States.



The U.N. action was triggered by North Korea's sixth and largest nuclear test this month. It was the ninth Security Council sanctions resolution over North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear programs since 2006.



A tougher initial U.S. draft was weakened to win the support of China and Russia, both of which hold U.N. veto power. Significantly, it stopped short of imposing a full embargo on oil exports to North Korea, most of which come from China.



"We think it's just another very small step, not a big deal," Trump told reporters at the start of a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.



"I don't know if it has any impact, but certainly it was nice to get a 15-to-nothing vote, but those sanctions are nothing compared to what ultimately will have to happen, said Trump, who has vowed not to allow North Korea to develop a nuclear missile capable of hitting the United States.



Asked if Trump was considering other actions, including cutting off Chinese banks from the U.S. financial system, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said: "All options are on the table. The president has also said that he wants every country involved to step up and do more."



Washington so far has mostly held off on new sanctions against Chinese banks and other companies doing business with North Korea, given fears of retaliation by Beijing and possibly far-reaching effects on the world economy.



Russia and China both say they respect U.N. sanctions and have called on the United States to return to negotiations with North Korea.



CHINA AND NORTH KOREA



Trump is likely to make a stop in China in November during his first official visit to Asia. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson held talks in Washington on Tuesday with China's top diplomat, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, at which details of the trip were expected to be discussed.



The State Department said Joseph Yun, the U.S. special representative for North Korean policy, was in Moscow on Tuesday for talks with Russian officials.



North Korea said its Sept. 3 test was of an advanced hydrogen bomb and it was its most powerful nuclear blast by far. It has also tested a missile capable of reaching the United States, but experts say it is likely to be at least a year before it can field an operational nuclear missile that could threaten America.



The North Korean ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Han Tae Song, rejected the U.N. resolution as "illegal and unlawful" and said Washington was "fired up for political, economic, and military confrontation."



North Korea is "ready to use a form of ultimate means," Han said. "The forthcoming measures ... will make the U.S. suffer the greatest pain it ever experienced in its history."



Han did not elaborate, but North Korea frequently vows to destroy the United States.



The latest U.N. resolution calls on countries to inspect vessels at sea, with the consent of the flag state, if they have reasonable grounds to believe ships are carrying prohibited cargo to North Korea.



It also bans joint ventures with North Korean entities, except for nonprofit public utility infrastructure projects, and prohibits countries from bringing in new North Korean workers.



U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said the sanctions could eventually starve North Korea of an additional $500 million or more in annual revenue. The United States has said that a previous round of sanctions agreed in August was aimed at cutting North Korea's $3 billion in exports by a third.



Joseph DeThomas, a former State Department official who worked on Iran and North Korea sanctions, questioned whether the new steps would have a major impact, saying the labour ban would be almost impossible to police and that trade statistics greatly overstated North Korea's earnings from textiles.



Another senior administration conceded the new sanctions would not be enough in themselves to change North Korea's behaviour, but would help measure compliance with U.N. restrictions by other countries.



Frustrated U.S. lawmakers called at a House hearing on Tuesday for a "supercharged" response to North Korea and said Washington should act alone if necessary to stiffen sanctions on Chinese firms and any country doing business with Pyongyang.



At the hearing, U.S. officials released intelligence findings they said showed how North Korea smuggles coal and other commodities to Russia and China.
Yangon: Myanmar's national leader Aung San Suu Kyi, facing outrage over ethnic violence that has forced about 370,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh, will not attend the upcoming UN General Assembly because of the crisis, her office said on Wednesday.



The exodus of refugees, sparked by security forces' fierce response to a series of Rohingya militant attacks, is the biggest problem Suu Kyi has faced since becoming Myanmar's leader last year. Critics have called for her to be stripped of her Nobel peace prize for failing to do more to halt the strife.



In her first address to the UN General Assembly as national leader in September last year, Suu Kyi defended her governments efforts to resolve the crisis over treatment of the Muslim minority.



This year, her office said she would not be attending because of the security threats posed by the insurgents and her efforts to restore peace and stability.



"She is trying to control the security situation, to have internal peace and stability, and to prevent the spread of communal conflict," Zaw Htay, the spokesman for Suu Kyi's office, told Reuters.



International pressure has been growing on Buddhist-majority Myanmar to end the violence in the western state of Rakhine that began on Aug. 25 when Rohingya militants attacked about 30 police posts and an army camp.



The attacks triggered a sweeping military counter-offensive against the insurgents, who the government has described as terrorists.



But refugees say the security operation is aimed at pushing Rohingya out of Myanmar.



They, and rights groups, paint a picture of widespread attacks on Rohingya villages in the north of Rakhine State by the security forces and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, who have put many Muslim villages to the torch.



But authorities have denied that the security forces, or Buddhist civilians, have been setting the fires, and have blamed the insurgents instead. Nearly 30,000 Buddhist villagers have also been displaced, they say.



Despite worries that a humanitarian crisis is unfolding, Myanmar has rejected a ceasefire declared by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army insurgents to enable the delivery of aid there, saying it did not negotiate with terrorists.



The Trump administration has called for protection of civilians, and Bangladesh says all of the refugees will have to go home and it has called for safe zones in Myanmar to enable them to do so.



But China, which competes with the United States for influence in the Southeast Asian nation, said on Tuesday it backed Myanmar's efforts to safeguard "development and stability".



PUBLIC SUPPORT



The military, which ruled with an iron fist for almost 50 years until it began a transition to democracy in 2011, retains important political powers and is in full control of security.



While Suu Kyi and her civilian government have no say over security, critics say she could speak out against the violence and demand respect for the rule of law.



But anti-Rohingya sentiment is common in Myanmar, where Buddhist nationalism has surged since the end of military rule.



Suu Kyi, who the military blocked from becoming president and who says Myanmar is at the beginning of the road to democracy, could risk being denounced as unpatriotic if she were seen to be criticising a military operation that enjoys widespread public support.



The UN Security Council is to meet on Wednesday behind closed doors for the second time since the latest crisis erupted. British UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said he hoped there would be a public statement agreed by the council.



However, rights groups denounced the 15-member council for not holding a public meeting. Diplomats have said China and Russia would likely object to such a move and protect Myanmar if there was any push for council action to try and end the crisis.



The exodus to Bangladesh shows no sign of slowing with the number of refugees rising to 370,000, according to the latest UN estimate on Tuesday.



Bangladesh was already home to about 400,000 Rohingyas.



Many refugees are hungry and sick, without shelter or clean water in the middle of the rainy season. The United Nations said 200,000 children needed urgent support.



Two emergency flights organised by the UN refugee agency arrived in Bangladesh on Tuesday with aid for about 25,000 refugees. More flights are planned with the aim of helping 120,000, a spokesman said.



Muslim-majority Indonesia sent four aircraft to Bangladesh on Wednesday with 34 tonnes of tents, rice, water and blankets. President Joko Widodo, at a military base to see the flights off, told reporters more would be sent.
Yangon: Myanmar's national leader Aung San Suu Kyi, facing outrage over violence that has forced about 400,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh, will not attend the upcoming UN General Assembly because of the crisis, her office said on Wednesday.



The exodus of refugees, sparked by the security forces' fierce response to a series of Rohingya militant attacks, is the most pressing problem Suu Kyi has faced since becoming leader last year.



Critics have called for her to be stripped of her Nobel peace prize for failing to do more to halt the strife which the UN rights agency said was a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing".



Aid agencies will have to step up operations "massively" in response to the refugee flow into Bangladesh, a senior UN official said, adding that the $77 million the United Nations had appealed for last week would not be enough.



But a Bangladeshi border force officer said the number of people crossing into his area had fallen sharply, apparently because everyone had left districts most affected by the violence.



Suu Kyi, in her first address to the UN General Assembly as leader in September last year, defended her governments efforts to resolve the crisis over treatment of the Muslim minority.



This year, her office said she would not be attending because of the security threats posed by the insurgents and her efforts to restore stability.



"She is trying to control the security situation, to have internal peace and stability, and to prevent the spread of communal conflict," Zaw Htay, the spokesman for Suu Kyi's office, told Reuters.



International pressure has been growing on Buddhist-majority Myanmar to end the violence in the western state of Rakhine that began on August 25 when Rohingya militants attacked about 30 police posts and an army camp.



The raids triggered a sweeping military counter-offensive against the insurgents, described by the government as terrorists. Refugees say the security operation is aimed at pushing Rohingya out of Myanmar.



They, and rights groups, paint a picture of widespread attacks on Rohingya villages in the north of Rakhine State by the security forces and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, who have torched many Muslim villages.



Authorities have denied that the security forces, or Buddhist civilians, have been setting the fires, and have blamed the insurgents. Nearly 30,000 Buddhist villagers have also been displaced, they say.



The Trump administration has called for protection of civilians, and Bangladesh says all the refugees will have to go home and has called for safe zones in Myanmar.



But China, which competes with the United States for influence in Asia, said on Tuesday it backed Myanmar's efforts to safeguard "development and stability".



The U.N. Security Council is to meet on Wednesday behind closed doors for the second time since the crisis erupted. British UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said he hoped there would be a public statement agreed by the council.



However, rights groups denounced the council for not holding a public meeting. Diplomats have said China and Russia would likely object to such a move.



PUBLIC SUPPORT



Myanmar's military, which ruled for almost 50 years until it began a transition to democracy in 2011, retains significant political powers and is in full control of security.



Nevertheless, critics say Suu Kyi could speak out against the violence and demand respect for the rule of law.



But anti-Rohingya sentiment is common in Myanmar, where Buddhist nationalism has surged since the end of military rule.



Suu Kyi, who the military blocked from becoming president and who says Myanmar is at the beginning of the road to democracy, could risk being denounced as unpatriotic if she were seen to be criticising a military operation that enjoys widespread support.



A mob in central Myanmar threw stones at Muslim shops on Sunday but there have been no serious outbreaks of communal violence elsewhere.



The government has warned of bomb attacks in cities and those concerns are likely to be compounded by an al Qaeda call to arms in support of the Rohingya.



"The savage treatment meted out to our Muslim brothers ... shall not pass without punishment," al Qaeda said in a statement, according to the SITE monitoring group.



Bangladesh was already home to about 400,000 Rohingya who fled earlier conflict and many of the new refugees are hungry and sick, without shelter or clean water.



"We will all have to ramp up our response massively, from food to shelter," George William Okoth-Obbo, assistant high commissioner for operations at the UN refugee agency, told Reuters during a visit to the Kutupalong camp in Bangladesh.



He declined to say how many people he thought might come but Bangladeshi officer Lieutenant Colonel Ariful Islam said numbers were falling off sharply in his area.



"The people who arrived in the early days after the atrocities, now they've come out," Islam told Reuters.
Saudi Arabia has urged its people to report subversive comments spotted on social media via a phone app, a move denounced by a human rights watchdog as "Orwellian".



The appeal, announced on a Twitter account run by the interior ministry late on Tuesday, coincides with an apparent crackdown on potential government critics and a call by exiled opposition figures for demonstrations.



"When you notice any account on social networks publishing terrorist or extremist ideas, please report it immediately via the application #We're_all_security", it said, referring to a mobile phone app launched last year to enable civilians to report traffic violations and burglaries.



Hours later, the public prosecutor tweeted a section of the kingdom's terrorism law which states: "Endangering national unity, obstructing the Basic Law of governance or some of its articles, and harming the state's reputation or status are terrorist crimes."



Exiled Saudi critics have called for demonstrations on Friday to galvanise opposition to the royal family and prominent clerics, intellectuals and activists, including prominent Islamist cleric Sheikh Salman al-Awdah, have been detained this week, activists say.



Activists circulated lists of people detained on social media showing the number had risen to around 30 on Wednesday, including some with no clear links to Islamist activity or obvious history of opposition.



Protests are banned in Saudi Arabia, as are political parties. Unions are illegal, the press is controlled and criticism of the royal family can lead to prison.



Riyadh says it does not have political prisoners, but senior officials have said monitoring activists is needed to maintain social stability.



The detentions reported by activists follow widespread speculation, denied by officials, that King Salman intends to abdicate to his son, Crown Prince Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who dominates economic, diplomatic and domestic policy.



There are also growing tensions with Qatar over its alleged support of Islamists, including the Muslim Brotherhood which is listed by Riyadh as a terrorist organisation.



Some Twitter users expressed support for the government's approach, using the "We're all Security" hashtag.



"No flattery, no silence whether for a relative or friend in securing the homeland," said one. "Defend your security. Chaos starts with slogans of freedom and reform. Do not believe them."



Another user called on people to photograph any "low-lifes" protesting on Friday and upload them to the app.



"ORWELLIAN REALITY"



Human Rights Watch, a New York-based watchdog, condemned the government dragnet, saying it called into question the authorities' commitment to free speech and the rule of law.



"Saudi Arabia is reaching a new level of Orwellian reality when it goes beyond security services' repression and outsources monitoring of citizens' online comments to other citizens," said Middle East director Sarah Leah Whitson, referring to English writer George Orwell's dystopian novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four".



"Saudi Arabia's new leadership is quickly showing it has no tolerance for critical thought or speech and is marshalling Saudi society to enforce red lines by spying on itself."



The government has not clearly acknowledged this week's detentions or responded to requests for comment.



But state news agency SPA said on Tuesday authorities had uncovered "intelligence activities for the benefit of foreign parties" by a group of people it did not identify.



A Saudi security source told Reuters the suspects were accused of "espionage activities and having contacts with external entities including the Muslim Brotherhood", which Riyadh has classified as a terrorist organization.



The government toughened its stance on dissent following the Arab Spring in 2011 after it averted unrest by offering billions of dollars in handouts and state spending.



But the Brotherhood, which represents an ideological threat to Riyadh's dynastic system of rule, has gained power elsewhere in the region.



Since the kingdom's founding, the ruling Al Saud family has enjoyed a close alliance with clerics of the ultra-conservative Wahhabi school of Islam. In return, the clerics have espoused a political philosophy that demands obedience to the ruler.



By contrast the Muslim Brotherhood advances an active political doctrine urging revolutionary action, which flies in the face of Wahhabi teaching.



The Brotherhood-inspired Sahwa movement in the 1990s agitated to bring democracy to Saudi Arabia and criticised the ruling family for corruption, social liberalisation and working with the West, including allowing U.S. troops into the kingdom during the 1991 Iraq war.



The Sahwa were largely undermined by a mixture of repression and co-optation but remain active.



The al-Saud family has always regarded Islamist groups as the biggest internal threat to its rule over a country in which appeals to religious sentiment cannot be lightly dismissed and an al Qaeda campaign a decade ago killed hundreds.



Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and transport links with Qatar in June over its alleged support for Islamist militants, a charge that Doha denies.
Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi will address the crisis engulfing Rakhine state next week, in her first speech since scores were killed in violence that has sent nearly 380,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh and sullied her reputation as a defender of the oppressed.



A crackdown by Myanmar's army, launched in response to attacks by Rohingya militants on August 25, has pushed vast numbers of refugees from the stateless Muslim minority across the border.



The violence has incubated a humanitarian crisis on both sides of the border and put intense global pressure on Suu Kyi to condemn the army campaign, which the UN has described as having all the hallmarks of "ethnic cleansing".



At a press conference on Wednesday government spokesman, Zaw Htay said Suu Kyi would "speak for national reconciliation and peace" in a televised address on September 19.



He said the Nobel laureate, who has been pilloried by rights groups for failing to speak up for the Rohingya minority, would skip the United Nations General Assembly next week to tackle the crisis unfurling at home.



She was needed in Myanmar to "manage humanitarian assistance" and "security concerns" caused by the violence. Competing rumours have intensified anti-Muslim rhetoric across the Buddhist-majority country.



In the northern area of Rakhine, 176 of the 471 Rohingya villages there were empty after "the whole village fled", Zaw Htay said, adding others were partly deserted or intact.



Suu Kyi has been condemned for a lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of a crisis that has shocked the international community.



Her limited comments so far have referenced a "huge iceberg of misinformation" and played down alleged atrocities against the Rohingya.



Bangladesh is struggling to provide relief for exhausted and hungry refugees -- some 60 percent of whom are children -- while nearly 30,000 ethnic Rakhine Buddhists as well as Hindus have also been displaced inside Myanmar.



Nine thousand more Rohingya refugees poured into Bangladesh on Wednesday, the UN said, as authorities worked to build a new camp for tens of thousands of arrivals who have no shelter.



Suu Kyi, Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades, has no control over the powerful military, which ran the country for 50 years. A free election was finally held in 2015.



There is also scant sympathy among Myanmar's Buddhist majority for the Rohingya, who are branded "Bengalis" -- shorthand for illegal immigrants.



But outside of her country, Suu Kyi's reputation as a human rights champion is in ruins.



Rohingya refugees have told chilling accounts of soldiers firing on civilians and razing entire villages in the north of Rakhine state with the help of Buddhist mobs.



The army denies the allegations.



The UN Security Council was scheduled later Wednesday to discuss the refugee crisis in a closed-door meeting, with China expected to block any attempts to censure its Southeast Asian ally.



Ahead of the meeting, 12 Nobel laureates signed an open letter urging the Security Council to "intervene immediately by using all available means" to end the tragedy and "crimes against humanity" unfolding in Rakhine.



- Fallen star -



Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner garlanded for her dignified and defiant democracy activism under the former junta, was once the darling of the international community.



She made her debut before the UN assembly last September, winning warm applause for a speech delivered months after she became Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades.



In it, she vowed to find a solution to long-running ethnic and religious hatred in Rakhine "that will lead to peace, stability and development for all communities within the state".



In a sign of how far her star has fallen, the same rights groups that campaigned for her release from house arrest have blasted her for failing to speak up for the Rohingya.



Sympathisers say her hands are tied by the army, which still runs parts of the government and has complete control over all security matters.



While the US and other Western powers -- as well as the Muslim world -- have criticised the military campaign, Beijing on Tuesday offered Myanmar support, saying the country was entitled to "safeguard" its stability.



Human Rights Watch's Phil Robertson urged the Security Council to pass a "global arms embargo" on Myanmar's military but said he expected China to water down any moves.



The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have long-lasting roots in the country.



Bangladesh does not want the group either, though it is providing the refugees with temporary shelter.



Many Rohingya have died making the perilous journey across the border, with nearly 100 drowning in boat trips across the Naf river that divides the two countries.
BEDFORD  Bedford Middle School students identified different trees in front of the school with their agriculture teacher Lindsay Tomlinson on Tuesday.

The lesson was part of a brand new middle school elective, introduction to agriculture, that Bedford County Public Schools began offering at Bedford and Staunton River middle schools this August, at the request of parents.

Tony Francis, the divisions director of secondary programs and career technical education, which includes agriculture programs, said the district was able to offer the agriculture program to middle school students this year, because the Bedford County School Board included money in the divisions fiscal year 2017-18 budget to fund additional programs.

The district offered the program at those middle schools because they are the feeder schools for Staunton River High School and Liberty High School, which are the two high schools in the county that have agriculture programs those students can participate in, Francis said.

[The program] gives students the opportunity to be leaders and develop those skills to go out in industry and business, Francis said. Thats what were really excited about, because its a hands-on experience.

As part of the class, 17 eighth-graders at Bedford Middle have been learning about planting and managing trees. Using a tree scale stick, students measured a trees diameter Tuesday to estimate how many 16-foot logs could be harvested from it, Tomlinson said.

Bedford Middle student Abby Delong said she took the class because she wanted to try something new and learn leadership skills. While the eighth-grader doesnt think shed want to pursue a career in forestry, she said she may continue studying agriculture in high school. Other students in the class said they joined because they were interested in farming; repairing small engines, such as lawn mowers; or they were interested in welding.

The class provides students a foundation in agriculture, teaching them about natural resources, horticulture, animal systems, food processing and leadership, Tomlinson said.

Traci Blido, economic development director for the county, said Bedford County boasts more than $28 million in annual farm sales and more than 2,800 ag-related jobs.

The total economic impact of agriculture and forestry in Bedford County is $135.7 million, according to Blido.

What Im excited about with offering middle school students this program, we can expand education for young people, and they can see the variety of choices and careers in agriculture, Blido said.

Tomlinson said offering the program to middle school students means they get exposed to agriculture earlier and helps connect them with resources like the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, and the agriculture programs in the high schools.

FFA not only helps kids build skills in the agriculture industry, but it also promotes leadership development, Tomlinson said. Were really big on trying to develop these soft skills thatll help them be more successful in the workplace.

Francis said 36 students at Bedford Middle plan to take the one-semester course during the 2017-18 school year. At Staunton River Middle, 24 students have signed up.

Tomlinson, who teaches agriculture at Liberty High School and Bedford Middle School, said there are 200 students who participate in the agriculture program at Liberty High School. School division spokesman Ryan Edwards said there are more than 170 students enrolled in the program at Staunton River High School.

Instead of taking an introduction to agriculture class in ninth grade, students who take the class in middle school will be able to immediately enroll in either agriculture mechanics or animal systems electives once in high school, Tomlinson said. A third class offering still is being decided, which could be either horticulture or environmental science, which includes agritourism.
The Virginia Cooperative Extension will hold an informational meeting about the Greater Appalachian Sheep and Goat Improvement Initiative Grant at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Office, at 163 Kabler Lane, Rustburg.

The grant opportunities are open to residents of Bedford, Campbell, Halifax and Pittsylvania counties.

Information will be provided about funding opportunities for new and existing sheep and goat producers, cost-share guidelines and eligibility requirements.

The initiative is funded by a grant from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commissions Agribusiness program.

For more information, contact the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Office at (434) 332-9538.
Update: The Virginia Department of Education released accreditation ratings Wednesday, and the results are largely positive for Lynchburg-area schools.

Overall, most schools across school divisions in Central Virginia either gained or kept fully accredited status.

Seven of Lynchburg City Schools 16 schools are fully accredited  Bedford Hills Elementary, E.C. Glass High, Paul Munro Elementary, Robert S. Payne Elementary, Sandusky Elementary, Sheffield Elementary and T.C. Miller Elementary schools  up from five last year.

At a news conference Wednesday, LCS Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning and Success Jay McClain was optimistic. We have more than double the number of schools fully accredited than we did two years ago. Were definitely on the right path of progress, he said.

To be fully accredited, schools must have a pass rate of 75 percent or higher on the English Standards of Learning test and 70 percent or higher on math, science and history tests. High schools also must meet graduation requirements.

E.C. Glass, Robert S. Payne and T.C. Miller are new additions to the fully accredited list this year.

T.C. Miller Elementary Schools principal, Amy Huskin, said she was so excited by the full accreditation, calling it the culmination of a long journey. She said the school has been working toward the label for four years. Now she intends to initiate a sustainability plan to retain the improvement. Even as T.C. Miller has improved scores, Huskin said the magnet school for the arts is not all about testing.

Weve been able to give kids enriched experiences through the arts, she said, adding they havent thrown out other things that matter in pursuit of full accreditation.

It is the third year in a row Paul Munro, Sandusky Elementary and Sheffield have been accredited fully.

Derrick Womack, principal at Sandusky Elementary School, said he was definitely excited about the results but also recognizes theres still work to be done.

Womack said the schools biggest strategy to continue to improve is to live by his motto: We do it better when we do it together.

Heritage High School was fully accredited last year but received a partially accredited label this year. It fell short of the state benchmarks in math and science. Four schools have a rating of to be determined, which means they failed to meet state requirements for more than four years and will be reviewed by the Virginia Board of Education before they are given their final accreditation label.

Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation and Dearington, Heritage and Perrymont elementary schools have to be determined designations this year, In Virginia, there are 92 schools with this status, compared to 145 last year.

Interim LCS Superintendent Larry Massie said the school division will continue to work with schools that are not fully accredited to ensure they improve.

Each school is an individual, has an individual set of problems and characteristics, Massie said. We work very closely with the principal, which is the most important factor in the process. Its my job to provide as much support to each principal as we possibly can and listen to them when they ask for personnel or they ask for equipment or instructional supplies  to provide what they need to do a great job.

He said he expects to see all the Lynchburg City Schools accredited in three to four years.

Amherst County

Of the nine schools in Amherst County Public Schools, six were awarded full accreditation, two were given to be determined status and one has been denied accreditation two years in a row.

Madison Heights Elementary School has been denied accreditation again, missing the mark in English, math and science.

Amherst County Superintendent Steven Nichols said in an email Wednesday that Madison Heights Elementary will experience greater oversight from the state as this is the schools second year being denied accreditation. Additional oversight could include more site visits from the VDOE staff.

While there are some bumps, Nichols said Madison Heights Elementary has seen success in the past several years in history test scores, improvement in fourth-grade math and an overall improvement in the performance of students with disabilities.

According to VDOEs data, Amelon and Central elementary schools have to be determined statuses. Amelon achieved the benchmarks in all subjects this year except English, and Central reached the benchmark in all subjects except science.

Nichols said overall he is encouraged by the divisions accreditation results, and the Amherst community should be proud of the countys schools. Just four years ago, Nichols said, only two of Amhersts schools were accredited, while this year, there is the possibility of having only one out of full compliance.

Yes, there are still things to address, but this school division is producing a level of quality that inspires confidence, Nichols said.

Appomattox County

All four of Appomattox Countys schools are fully accredited, as they were last year. According to the divisions Director of Curriculum and Instruction Annette Bennett, scores for elementary school reading fell short of expectations despite their full accreditation status. She attributed the setback to a change in reading curriculum and the need to retrain teachers.

Our elementary reading and language arts are kind of in a transition stage, which may indicate why weve had a little bit of a dip, Bennett said in an interview. Our students made amazing growth in their reading achievements, so were really excited about that but it didnt necessarily reflect on the SOL test because thats a proficiency test.

In order to improve, Bennett said they will refocus on preparation for SOL testing in addition to the new reading program to make sure what is being taught in the classroom corresponds to the test.

Bennett said the division continues to be proud of the school systems gains in mathematics on the secondary level, which rose slightly from 93 percent last year to 94 percent proficiency this time around.

Those were our weakest scores a few years ago, she said. [The math team] has made amazing gains, and theyve kept those gains.

Bedford County

Of the Bedford County Public School districts 19 schools, all were fully accredited this year except for Bedford Middle School, which received a partial accreditation. Last year, 17 were fully accredited.

Bedford Middle School was partially accredited because the schools English score fell. Superintendent Doug Schuch said missing one benchmark at Bedford Middle School in one year is not cause for alarm.

Thats an example of where the staff is aware of where they need to put their energy, Schuch said.

Schuch added this years accreditation ratings show the district has been improving. Three years ago, during the 2014-15 school year, seven of the 21 schools received full accreditation. (Since then, two elementary schools were closed).

The trend line is positive and also positive in the overall scores, Schuch said.

Two schools, Moneta and Montvale elementary schools, improved their standing.

Schuch said Moneta Elementary Principal Shawn Trosper took the schools helm last year after the schools accreditation was denied and came in with his eyes open, understanding this is an area of need for the school.

I believe he did a great job pulling that staff together, Schuch added. Its a difficult situation, because schools do a lot more than test kids.

Montvale Elementary brought up its partial accreditation to a full accreditation this year.

An accreditation program  shouldnt be about ratings, Schuch said. It should be about, I think, giving transparency to the community and also for the staff to say this is where we need to focus on in the future and also to celebrate achievements in the past.

Campbell County

Campbell County now has all but two of its 13 schools fully accredited. Rustburg Middle School, which had a to be determined status last year, is fully accredited. The school saw substantial improvement in English, up five points from last year.

Rustburg Elementary and Altavista Elementary schools are partially accredited. Rustburg Elementary fell three points in its one problem area, English. Altavista needs to improve in the same area but is improving, by four points in the past year.

Superintendent Robert Johnson said the results were what we had expected.

He attributed continued emphasis on the divisions strategic plan to the schools success. He also noted its not the programs, its the people that brought up the scores, stressing the importance of faculty and staff.

Nelson County

Nelson County maintained its number of fully accredited schools from last year, with one of four schools that did not reach the benchmarks. Tye River Elementary School was assigned a to be determined status.

This year, Tye River Elementary failed to meet the English and math benchmarks, while last year, they only missed English.

According to Superintendent Jeff Comer, the division has filed an appeal with the Virginia Department of Education, asking Tye River be qualified as a partially accredited: reconstituted school, which means they will not be at risk of being denied accreditation, and should hear whether the appeal has been granted by November.

In the meantime, Tye River plans to continue a plan to improve SOL scores they began working on before the school year started, Principal Marti Bradt explained, saying the school especially is focused on improving math and reading.

When you determine something isnt working, youve got a diagnosis, and then you have to prescribe how to fix it. Bradt said.

Tye River now has a math coach who works with both teachers and students, and Bradt said all the teachers shifted schedules to allow for more time for math each day.

Bradt said the school also is preparing to hire math tutors to work with students who need more help during the school day.

Staff writers Emily Sides, Emily Brown, Nicole Steenburgh and Margaret Carmel contributed.

Earlier: All Appomattox County Public Schools, seven Lynchburg City public schools, 18 Bedford County public schools, six Amherst County public schools, 11 Campbell County public schools and three Nelson County public schools are fully accredited according to a news release issued by the Virginia Department of Education Wednesday morning. School accreditation is based on student's performance on Standards of Learning and other state-approved assessments in English, mathematics, science and history during the 2016-2017 school year.

According to a news release from the state, for a school to earn full accreditation, students must achieve adjusted pass rates of at least 75 percent in English and at least 70 percent on assessments in mathematics, science and history. High schools must also meet a benchmark for graduation and completion. Accreditation ratings may also reflect an average of achievement over several years.

Moneta Elementary School in Bedford County and T. C. Miller Elementary School in Lynchburg, two schools that were denied state accreditation last year because of persistently low achievement last year are now fully accredited, according to the state.

Madison Heights Elementary School in Amherst County and Lynchburgs Linkhorne and William M. Bass elementary schools, and Linkhorne and Sandusky middle schools have been denied state accreditation for 2017-2018 because of persistently low student achievement.

Schools denied accreditation are subject to corrective actions.

The Board of Education has yet to determine the fate of 92 schools at risk of being denied accreditation. Local schools whose status has not been determined include Nelson Countys Tye River Elementary School, Lynchburgs Dearington Elementary School, Heritage Elementary School, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation, Perrymont Elementary School, and Amherst Countys Amelon and Central elementary schools.

I congratulate the teachers, principals, support staff and other educators in these schools for their hard work and dedication to helping students meet the commonwealths high expectations for learning and achievement, Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples said in the news release.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages all people in the commonwealth 6 months and older to get an influenza vaccine.

Flu season, the period of highest influenza activity, normally begins in early October and ends in late May. Influenza vaccination should begin soon after vaccines become available. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons, influenza activity peaks in January or later.

A flu vaccine is needed every season because the bodys immune response from vaccination declines over time, and the formulation of the flu vaccine is updated annually to keep up with changing flu viruses.

For more information on seasonal influenza and getting vaccinated, visit www.misstheflu.com.
BEDFORD  An agonizing span of four decades ticked by since the disappearance of two young sisters upended the lives of the Lyon family before the girls parents could get a glimpse of justice. But when they did, it came swiftly in a Bedford courtroom:

I plead guilty to felony first-degree murder.

Uttering those words, Lloyd Lee Welch Jr. met the fate of a life behind bars, and by admitting to his role in the crime Tuesday, closed at least a part of the story of what happened to Sheila and Katherine Lyon when they ventured to a Maryland shopping mall and never came home in 1975.

With John and Mary Lyon seated silently only a few feet behind his orange jumpsuit-clad figure, Welch entered guilty pleas to two felony murder charges before a packed Bedford courtroom, where he was prosecuted because the sisters remains are thought to have been transported by Welch to a secluded Thaxton mountain.

Documents reveal grisly details of 1975 murders of Lyon sisters in Bedford County Newly unsealed search warrant affidavits offer a glimpse for the first time of how authoriti

Welch, 60, will serve 48 years in prison on the felony murder convictions under a plea deal in which he avoids capital punishment. Circuit Judge James Updike Jr. approved the agreement in a half-hour hearing that caps a remarkable journey by prosecutors in one of the countrys oldest and most watched cold cases.

Its been a long, long time, and were tired, and we just want to go home, John Lyon said in a rare public appearance beside several relatives after Tuesdays hearing.

In court, Welch showed little emotion as he briefly answered a series of standard questions by the judge. He declined to make any comment before the sentencing, and gave most answers in clipped yes-or-no form.

Lyon sisters case adds chapter to crime history in Bedford After a blessed hiatus of more than two decades, national attention is once again focused on a murder case with Bedford County connections.

Welch is accused of snatching 12-year-old Sheila Lyon and 10-year-old Katherine Lyon in March 1975. Authorities believe he burned the girls' bodies on a remote mountain in Bedford County, where his family owned land. Their bodies were never recovered.

After the hearing Tuesday, Bedford County Commonwealth's Attorney Wes Nance did not rule out the possibility of future indictments of others related to the case. Its much too early to say, however, Nance said in a news conference.

Nance also said because of Welch's age, the sentences are effectively a life sentence. Taking the death penalty off the table was key to the negotiations, according to Nance, whose office successfully argued in court early this year capital punishment should be possible.

As part of the final stage of plea talks, Welch recently provided law enforcement with a final proffer of evidence in the case, Nance said, but he did not divulge further details.

An attorney on Welchs defense team, Anthony Anderson, noted in a separate news conference Tuesday his client pleaded guilty to felony murder, not to directly killing the girls. Welch didnt have knowledge of imminent homicide when the abduction occurred, the lawyer said.

The plea was made under a concert of action legal theory in which Welch took responsibility for his role in the crime but not for actually murdering the Lyon sisters, he said in court.

Nance later called it an open question who else may have been involved in the crime and could yet be charged for their involvement.

Welch had been scheduled to go on trial Tuesday, but his trial request was withdrawn last week. Anderson said in the news conference talks started weeks ago on a plea deal.

Because of the plea, Nance said, Tuesdays hearing closed the Lloyd Welch chapter of the decades-old case, which he pointed out was one of the oldest prosecutions lacking body evidence the country has seen.

Nance credited law enforcement, and in particular cold-case investigators in Montgomery County, Maryland, for making Welchs prosecution a reality.

While Welch changed his story to investigators multiple times, his credibility and the extent of his participation in the crime still are not fully clear, Nance said. Once again, he limited his role and blamed others, he said.

The Lyon sisters' disappearance shattered the sense of security in Kensington, Maryland, rattling parents to the point where they no longer let their children play outside or walk to Wheaton Plaza.

It deeply affected everybody in a very large radius within the D.C. suburbs. People always wanted to know who did this, who was this person, what happened? said Teresa Brookland, a former schoolmate who remembers Katherine Lyon as sweet and friendly.

Harry Geehreng, a retired Montgomery County police sergeant who searched the mall and surrounding woods for the sisters after they disappeared, said it took a couple of days for it to sink in that the girls may have been abducted because it was a sleepy area with little crime back then.

It was just an innocent time, and people never thought the worst, Geehreng said. Just the idea that a total stranger absconded with these two little girls, it was really beyond belief. People were genuinely shocked.

Cold case detectives began focusing on Welch in 2013 after they noticed a composite sketch that resembled a 1977 mug shot of Welch in a burglary near Wheaton Plaza.

When the girls disappeared, Welch was an 18-year-old former worker at a traveling carnival.

A friend of the girls told police she saw a young man leering at them and following them in the mall. Based on her description, a detective drew a composite sketch of a young man with long hair and facial scars from acne.

Police didn't release the drawing to the public because they were focused on another sketch based on descriptions from witnesses who said they saw the sisters talking to an older man who had a microphone and cassette recorder. After the sketch of the older man was made public, Welch told a security guard at the mall that he seen the sisters leave with that man. Police interviewed Welch but released him because they believed he was trying to get the $9,000 reward being offered.

In interviews with police beginning in 2013, Welch acknowledged he was at the mall that day and said he believed the girls had been abducted, raped and burned up, according to court documents.

He was charged in their deaths two years ago.

Welch, who already is serving a long prison term in Delaware for sexually molesting a 10-year-old girl, also received 12-year sentences in two unrelated sexual assault cases in Prince William County in Virginia.

Welch's two 48-year sentences will be served concurrently and also concurrently with the 12-year sentence. They do not run at the same time as the prison term in Delaware, where Welch will return to be incarcerated until 2026.

After that, he is expected to be taken back to Virginia for the sentences ordered Tuesday, where he will get credit for about two years already served for the murder case.

The Associated Press contributed.
"He should know that intelligence does not come merely by occupying a higher office. He should know that in order to introduce meaningful reforms, there should be meaningful engagements. They do not have money to fund their so-called new curriculum and they want to bleed schools out," said Dr Zhou. tellzim
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Dov Charney once ran a pioneering clothing company. Now he sleeps on a mattress on a factory floor. At the Guardian, Hadley Freeman digs deeper into the American Apparel founder's downfall and what he hopes will be his resurrection. Fired from American Apparel in 2014 following accusations of sexual misconduct, Charney, 48, is now working on wholesale basics label Los Angeles Apparel, which he describes as "a continuum" of his previous brand using the same people, materials, and controversial work environment. Before entering Los Angeles Apparel's factory, Freeman is warned there may be people "undressed," though Charney's assistant assures her this is no different from athletes getting naked in a locker room, "so it's weird people get freaked out by it."

Freeman doesn't encounter any nudity, but at one point Charney grabs a pair of panties and states that a female intern wore them in front of him. "It's not inflammatory, it's totally normal," he says. "I abhor all forms of sexual harassment, period," he continues. But "sleeping with people you work with is UNAVOIDABLE!" He adds he'll "never" change his outlook on a lack of sexual boundaries at work because "it wouldn't be good for society." His creativity and stance on worker's rights is so much more important, he adds. The problem as Freeman sees it: "If you are not willing to keep it zipped to pursue your dreams, you will only run so far before tripping over your trousers." Click for more, including Charney's interesting take on Donald Trump's lewd comments. (Read more Dov Charney stories.)
Who would steal a blind baby goat? That's what Canadians are asking this week after heartless thieves snatched Daisy from an animal sanctuary. Rescued when she was a newborn, nearly dead after crows had pecked out her eyes, Daisy has passed her last few months wearing flower necklaces at Alberta's Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement until Sunday, when she disappeared from her pen. "She means the world to us," founder Melissa Foley tells CBC News. The rescue is offering a $10,000 reward for Daisy's safe return, "no questions asked." A teary Foley says she knew something was wrong when she returned home Sunday evening after a quick trip running errands and didn't hear Daisy's usual excited cries.

Daisy "has suffered a lot of trauma in her life," Foley tells CTV News, including most of her tongue being pecked out, too. "The moment she hears any sort of movement or my voice she instantly starts this bleating," Foley adds, calling the episode a "nightmare." Foley can't imagine who would want to steal Daisy, but says "you kind of just assume the worst." A neighbor told her that while she was out, someone was on the property and dogs were barking; a bungee cord on the gate was also tied to it in a different way than it's usually secured. Security cameras weren't working because the batteries were dead. Foley tells CBC the property was robbed twice in the past year. Police are on the case, and volunteers have combed animal auctions andgulpmeat processing plants. Wherever Daisy is, Foley says, "I can imagine she's very scared." (Grazing goats on campus prompt lawsuit.)
The mayor of Seattle is resigning after a fifth personhis cousinpublicly accused him of sexual abuse, the Seattle Times reports. Joseph Dyer, 54, says Ed Murray, 62, forced him to have sex in a bedroom they shared at the home of Dyer's mother four decades ago. Murray, a Democrat elected in 2013, denies Dyer's claims and says they're based in grievances between various estranged sides of his family. Regardless, Murray announced Tuesdayhours after Dyer went public with his allegationsthat he would be stepping down as Seattle's mayor effective Wednesday evening. While the allegations against me are not true, it is important that my personal issues do not affect the ability of our city government to conduct the publics business, Murray says in a statement.

The first allegation against Murray came in the form of a lawsuit filed in April, the Washington Post reports. A man claimed he was repeatedly raped by Murray when he was a homeless teen in Seattle in the 1980s. The lawsuit, which was later withdrawn, was followed by three other men accusing Murray of sexually abusing them as teens, according to CNN. Murray ended his re-election campaign in the face of the allegations. He denies any claims of sexual abuse, saying he's being targeted for his progressive politics and support for gay rights. Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell will take over mayoral duties for at least the next few days. He calls the accusations against Murray "unspeakable." (Read more Ed Murray stories.)
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Equifax has decided not to anger 143 million Americans any further by charging them to protect themselves from its massive data breach. The credit-monitoring company, facing a flood of complaints about its handling of the breach, bowed to public pressure Tuesday and said it would drop fees until Nov. 21 for people seeking to freeze their credit reports, the New York Times reports. Experts have suggested that people affected by the breach consider freezing their credit files, which would prevent thieves from using stolen information to get loans and credit cards in their names, the AP reports. Consumers have also been advised to closely monitor their credit reports for a long time to come.

A class-action lawsuit was filed against Equifax last week after the breach became public. Authorities in states including Massachusetts also plan to sue the company over what analysts say could be the worst leak of personal information ever. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey says the breach "may be the most brazen failure to protect consumer data" that her office has ever dealt with. Sen. Dick Durbin, the second highest-ranking Democrat in the Senate, tells Bloomberg that the breach is "exhibit A" in the case for stronger regulation and higher fines for companies that mishandle consumers' personal information. (Three Equifax execs sold stock days after the breach was discovered.)
South Korea has taken the unusual step of publicly speaking about plans to assassinate Kim Jong Un and other North Korean leaders in the event of conflict. After North Korea's latest nuclear test, South Korean Defense Minister Song Young Moo told lawmakers that he was speeding up the creation of a "decapitation unit" capable of crossing the border for nighttime missions against North Korean facilities and its "wartime command," the New York Times reports. Officials say the special forces unit, which will apparently be comprised of members of the "Spartan 3000" unit, will be capable of striking anywhere in the Korean Peninsula within 24 hours. Song has said he wants to have the unit ready by the end of the year.

The creation of the unit is part of South Korea's "Massive Punishment and Retaliation" plan for possible war with the North, Vox reports. Analysts say that by disclosing facts about the "decapitation unit," Seoul appears to want to make Pyongyang nervous enough to think twice about its nuclear program and return to the negotiating table. "The best deterrence we can have, next to having our own nukes, is to make Kim Jong Un fear for his life," says retired Gen. Shin Won Sik, formerly the South Korean military's chief strategist. President Trump, meanwhile, said Tuesday that tough new sanctions are "no big deal" compared to "what ultimately will have to happen" to North Korea, CNN reports. (Read more North Korea stories.)
A woman is suing a Denver Starbucks over a spilled cup of hot tea she claims caused second-degree burns that disfigured her and killed her dog, the Denver Post reports. A federal lawsuit filed by Deanna Salas-Solano, 58, contends an employee at the drive-thru window didn't secure the lid to the "unreasonably hot" 20-ounce tea she ordered in September 2015. The complaint says the cup was so hot it began to burn her hands; tea then spilled onto her lap, melting her clothes and scalding her stomach, legs, and lap. Her dog, Alexander, was splashed and burned. He was taken to the vet and died shortly after. With 2% of her body surface severely burned, Salas-Solano underwent surgery the following day and needed to get skin grafts. The legal action seeking more than $75,000 for injuries, emotional distress, and lost wages notes Salas-Solano hadn't ordered an "extra hot" tea.

The barista didn't slip a cardboard sleeve on the hot cup and, contrary to Starbucks policy, didn't use a second cup, the suit says. A wall timer marks how fast employees fill orders, per the filing. Starbucks denies the charges, saying a video contradicts the woman's claims. Their legal teams wouldn't provide a copy of it, but KDVR watched it and says it's "not conclusive" what happened. The footage shows Salas-Solano on her cellphone, with her dog on her lap, but the station says it's unclear if she spilled the tea because the cup was hot, she got distracted, or due to a jostle by the dog. Starbucks says in a statement: "We don't have any reason to believe our partner (employee) was at fault." (McDonald's has been sued more than once over hot coffee.)
In a case that has shocked Italians, two American students are accusing two Italian national policemen of rape, ABC News reports. The women, 19 and 21, were leaving a disco early Thursday when they accepted a ride home from two Carabinieri paramilitary officers, who had responded to reports of a fight at the club. They say the cops raped them at their apartment building. Prosecutors will use DNA samples taken from the landing and elevator there to determine whether the cops had sex with the women, per the AP, but one cop says via his lawyer the sex was consensual and "she invited me to go upstairs." Prosecutors questioned the second cop for two hours on Tuesday; both have been suspended. Under Italian law, the women were incapable of giving consent if they were intoxicated.

Tests showed the women had indeed been drinking heavily, per the AP, and the women say they smoked marijuana, reports the New York Times. Officials appeared to lend support to the women's claims. Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti, who is in charge of the Carabinieri, says there appears to be "some basis" to the "extremely serious" allegations, per the Times and the AP. Police Chief Franco Gabrielli says, per ABC, that such cases "should be judged  with extreme severity." Former PM Matteo Renzi calls the incident "a blood-curdling use of the uniform." It's not the only case gripping the nation: the rape of a young Finnish woman over the weekend in Rome has triggered outrage, reports the AP. (An Italian judge released a rape suspect because the woman didn't scream.)
The White House has a new suggestion for Attorney General Jeff Sessions: Consider going after James Comey. Press chief Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president doesn't have the authority to order such an investigation but strongly suggested it would be a good idea. I think if there's ever a moment where we feel someone's broken the law, particularly if they're the head of the FBI, I think that's something that certainly should be looked at, Sanders said Tuesday, per the Washington Post. But she added that it's "not the president's role" to recommend such an investigation. As for the laws Comey is alleged to have broken, Sanders said Comey "leaked privileged government information" to the New York Times, though the Post notes the memo she's referring to wasn't classified.

Sanders also pushed back against criticism of Trump's firing of the FBI chief. The president is proud of the decision that he made," she said, adding that he did so knowing it would be poltically unpopular. "The president was 100% right in firing James Comey." The comments come days after former White House adviser Steve Bannon told 60 Minutes that the firing was the biggest mistake in "modern political history," notes the New York Times. Previously, Comey told Congress that Trump asked him to drop an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn, an accusation Trump denies. (Flynn, meanwhile, is refusing to speak to the Senate Intelligence Committee.)
Not every Burger King deliversbut that didn't stop two women from having their babies on back-to-back days in the parking lot of the same Burger King restaurant in New Jersey. Denville police say they were called to the restaurant at 7:24pm Friday for a woman going into labor, the AP reports. They say the parents were on the way to the hospital but got stuck in traffic and had to pull over. The Daily Record reports the traffic was from a fatal car accident in Roxbury. Officers and emergency responders helped the woman deliver a healthy son. "Our @denvillepd officers and Denville Fire members delivered a baby in the Burger King Parking lot this evening. Great Job!," Denville Police noted on Twitter later that night.

Almost exactly 25 hours later, the same patrol officers went back to the restaurant for a report of another woman going into labor. Authorities say the couple was heading to the hospital when the woman started experiencing severe contractions. Officers helped deliver another baby boy in the couple's vehicle. "The police officers are quite simply just happy that they could be of assistance to both of the families," Capt. Keith Partin tells the Record, which notes some BK night-shift workers were present for both births. (Read more Burger King stories.)
Six people died after losing air conditioning at a Florida nursing home whose power was knocked out by Hurricane Irma, Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief confirmed in a press conference Wednesday. Sharief said three people died at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills and two more were declared dead at a hospital, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports. A sixth death was announced in a press release later Wednesday morning. It may have all been due to extreme temperatures at the facility, though the causes of death haven't yet been officially determined. A police rep simply said "a number of people" were "in respiratory distress" at the facility; 115 people were evacuated from it. More on the deaths and other Irma-related news:

Hollywood Police Chief Tom Sanchez says precautionary checks are being performed at the other nursing homes in the area, the Miami Herald reports. Sanchez says a criminal investigation into the deaths has been opened.

The Airstron employee who had been trying to fix the AC unit tells Local 10 that a fuse needed to cool the unit popped out during the hurricane. He says he's been trying to repair the facility's unit for days, but Florida Power & Light (FPL) has yet to fix the fuse for him despite his phone calls.

The Washington Post reports a rep for FPL noted the county didn't designate the facility as "top critical"meaning a place given priority attentionduring a 2017 hurricane planning meeting.

The Post separately reported that as of Wednesday morning some 40% of the state was still without power, and that some may not see it for as long as weeks. The mayor of Naples, Fla., put it bluntly: "The biggest issue is power. Its 92 degrees and the sun is out and its smoking out there. FPL's best estimate at this point for when power will be restored to those along the state's west coast: Sept. 22.

Carbon monoxide is also an issue in the wake of the storm: The Los Angeles Times reports that at least five people have died and more than a dozen others have been treated after breathing carbon monoxide fumes from generators.

(Read more Hurricane Irma stories.)
It appears US diplomats in Russia will be spending less time trying to smooth relations with that country and more time circling the block after Moscow revoked diplomatic parking privileges in two cities, the AP reports. According to a report from Russian state-owned TV, officials painted over parking spots outside the US Consulate in St. Petersburg, turning them into a pedestrian crossing. They also removed special parking signs from outside the US Consulate in Yekaterinburg. Vice, citing a Russian newspaper, reports Russian officials are also considering removing special diplomatic parking spaces near the US Embassy in Moscow. Moscow is said to be the third worst city in Europe for drivers, and New York reports St. Petersburg isn't far behind at seventh.

The removal of diplomatic parking spots follows Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying on Monday that Russia is seeking "full parity" between Russian and US diplomatic missions. The Russian envoy in the US doesn't get reserved parking. But really this is just the latest volley in a diplomatic spat that started with Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election, following which the US seized Russian compounds in New York and Maryland and booted dozens of Russian diplomats. Russia retaliated by reducing US diplomatic staff by 755 positions. Last month the US closed a Russian consulate and two annexes. In addition to making US diplomats hunt for parking, Russia is considering domestic travel restrictions, staff reductions, and fewer points of entry into the country for US diplomats. (Read more Russia stories.)
One person is dead and three more injured after a shooting at Freeman High School in Washington state's Spokane County Wednesday, KHQ reports. According to KXLY, authorities say they have the only shooter in custody. The three injured people are hospitalized in stable condition with one scheduled for surgery. Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer described the victims as "children," but no other information was available, NBC News reports. It's unclear if the suspect is a student at the school. Other area schools were on lockdown as a precaution. (Read more school shooting stories.)
It seems Russia was ready and willing for a fresh start under President Trump only to be rebuffed by the new administration. Citing an official Russian document, BuzzFeed News reports the Kremlinon the instructions of President Vladimir Putindelivered a plan to the US State Department in April for immediate normalization of relations with the US. The plan would have restored military, intelligence, and diplomatic channels that were cut in the wake of Russia's actions in Ukraine and Syria. While the State Department isn't commenting, the Kremlin confirmed the authenticity of the offer to CNN. "Moscow systematically advocated for a resumption of the dialogue for an exchange of opinion and for attempts at finding joint solutions," a Kremlin spokesperson says. "But, unfortunately, it saw no reciprocity."

That Russia made such an offer shows it assumed Trump wouldn't be upset with its involvement in the 2016 election and would be open to normalization. It just ignores everything that caused the relationship to deteriorate and pretends that the election interference and the Ukraine crisis never happened, says a former national intelligence officer. A spokesperson for the National Security Council blames Russia's optimism on false media reports about Trump's love of Russia. However, Trump himself has expressed his desire for improved relations with Russia on numerous occasions. Regardless, the offer was never accepted and the relationship between the two countries has continued to go downhill. (Read more Russia stories.)
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New Delhi:

The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday filed chargesheet against Shivani Saxena who is director of Dubai-based company in AgustaWestland Case. This is second supplementary chargesheet in case.

Chargesheet was filed against Shivani Saxena under various charges of Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The next hearing will be on September 19.

Earlier on September 1, CBI chargesheeted Former IAF Chief S P Tyagi and 9 others in connection with a bribery case in the Rs 3,500 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

Besides him, the agency has also chargesheeted retired Air Marshal J S Gujral along with eight others, including five foreign nationals, in the charge sheet filed before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar.

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New Delhi:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday issued summon notice to Karti Chidambaram, son of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in Aircel Maxis case. The CBI has asked Karti Chidambaram to appear before it on Thursday.

Earlier on August 28, the CBI grilled Karti Chidambaram for 7 hours in a corruption case of alleged clearance to INX Media Pvt Ltd owned by Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani for bringing foreign funds into their Venture.

The agency is examining him in connection with a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to media group INX Media for receiving funds from Mauritius when his father P Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

The sources said a firm indirectly controlled by Karti received money from INX Media, run by the Mukerjeas, who are currently in jail, charged with the murder of Indranis daughter.

The CBI had also questioned Karti on August 23.

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New Delhi:

Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars along the Line of Control in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Two security personnel were injured due to firing by Pakistani troops.

Indian Army is retaliating strongly and effectively to the provocation.

Earlier on September, Pakistan Army broke ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan violated ceasefire by resorting to firing at P-1and P-2 posts in Shahpur Sector of district Poonch, said a police official.

The violation comes only two days a 22-year-old civilian was injured in another ceasefire violation by the Pakistani Army in Poonch.

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New Delhi:

A 23-year-old woman from Jharkhand was allegedly raped by a taxi-driver near Red Fort in Delhi on Tuesday early hours.

The incident came to surface on Wednesday the after the girl lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police on Wednesday.

According to the complaint lodged by the rape-survivor she purchased a general ticket of a train for Ludhiana. The train was scheduled at 4:30am on Tuesday, so she was waiting at platform number 8.

She further wrote in the complaint that a youth around 2am at beside him and started a conversation with her.

He introduced himself as a taxi driver and told me that my train has been cancelled, she wrote in the complaint.

Narrating her ordeal she told the police that while she was going to the ticket counter to get the ticket council he informed her that cancellation can only be done after 8am.

He offered me a lift to the bus station, the victim mentioned in the complaint.

She further added in the complaint that the accused stop the taxi at a secluded place near the Red Fort and raped her inside the car.

According to the victim the accused drop her at the railway station and threatened her of dire consequences if she reported the incident to anyone.

she was waiting for train at platform number 8 of New Delhi Railway station wh

We have arrested the accused, said a senior police official not authorised to talk to the media.

The arrested has been identified as Chunnu Kumar.

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New Delhi:

After the counting of votes for Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) polls ended, DUSU made the official declaration of the final result on Wednesday afternoon. While ABVP managed to secure the post of the Secretary and the Joint Secy, NSUI came out victorious by clinching the coveted posts of President and Vice President.

"The morning colleges of the Delhi University has recorded voter turnout of 45.3 percentage while he consolidated figure will be revealed after the final tally," S B Babbar, DUSU Chief Election Officer was quoted earlier while interacting with PTI.

He later told PTI that the final tally of the elections was 43 per cent.

According to professors tracking the polls, far flung colleges under the central varsity recorded a poor turnout, whereas campus colleges exhibited a relatively higher voter turnout.

In the college unions polling, which took place simultaneously with the DUSU polls, Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) won all the top positions - president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary - in Laxmi Bai College, Vivekananda College and Shri Venkateshwara College.

The students' outfit also won top two positions in SGTB Khalsa College, Zakir Hussain College (Morning), Bhagini Nivdita College (BNC) among others.

Also Read | DUSU Elections Latest: HC allows to declare result for DUSU president

Bigwigs like NSUI and ABVP flooded the streets with pamphlets near Satyawati College. NSUI supporters were seen campaigning for their presidential candidate Rocky Tusheed with loud music systems blaring 'We love We Love Rocky'.

The left-affliated AISA also distributed pamphlets to students and was campaigning in support of their candidate Parull chauhan.

Here are the Live Updates of DUSU elections result 2017:

#The students' outfit won top two positions in SGTB Khalsa College, Zakir Hussain College (Morning), Bhagini Nivdita College (BNC) among others.

#In the college unions polling, which took place simultaneously with the DUSU polls, Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) won all the top positions  president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary  in Laxmi Bai College, Vivekananda College and Shri Venkateshwara College.

#According to professors tracking the polls, far flung colleges under the central varsity recorded a poor turnout, whereas campus colleges exhibited a relatively higher voter turnout.

#Students enrolled for the regular  day classes  cast their votes from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm on Tuesday. The evening classes students had exercised franchise from 3.00 pm to 7.30 pm on Tuesday.

#ABVP has fielded Rajat Choudhary for the post of the President, Parth Rana for Vice President, Mahamedha for the post of General Secretary and Uma Shankar Joint Secretary.

#Rocky Tuseed has been choosed for the post of president at NSUI while Kunal Sehrawat is selected for the post of vice-president, Meenakshi Meena for Secretary and Avinash Yadav for Joint Secretary.

#According to reports, there was around 14 per cent polling in Aryabhatta College, 45 per cent in Shraddhanand College and 557 voted out of 1,594 in Bhagini Nivedita College while in Aditi Mahavidyalaya, out of 2,300 students, 690 voted.

#The RSS student wing ABVP, the Congress NSUI and left wing outfits were seen making last minute efforts to garner votes for their candidates.

#Latest media report suggests that the counting of the votes has already been started and is underway. Moreover , a tight security has been deployed at community center for the DUSU election counting.

#According to source ABVP is leading in all 4 seats till the time.

#Representatives of major students political outfits are present outside counting centre.

#Counting of votes for DUSU elections is underway at a community hall near Kingsway Camp amid tight security.

#At present NSUI is leading in 3 out of 4 seats after 8 rounds of polling, while RSS-backed ABVP is leading in the one.

#Out of 126 ballot boxes eight have been taken for counting in each round.

#ABVP is leading on Vice President and Secretary posts while NSUI is ahead on President and Joint Secretary posts.

#NSUI wins President Post, ABVP wins Secretary post

#ABVP wins Secretary and the Joint Secy Post, NSUI snatches two other posts - President and Vice President

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New Delhi:

In a tragic incident on Tuesday, a 20-year-old girl committed suicide by hanging herself in Nair Hospital Hostel. Kumari Bhagya Laxmi, a second-year student of Bachelor of Dental Science course at Nair Hospital Dental College hanged herself in her hostel room, police said.

According to reports, she was rushed to KEM hospital, where the doctors declared her brought dead. The Residents Doctors Association said that Laxmi was under tremendous pressure because of her studies.

Accidental death report registered at Kalachowki Police Station.





#Mumbai: 20-year-old girl committed suicide by hanging in Nair Hospital Hostel yesterday,accidental death report registered at Kalachowki PS pic.twitter.com/ppFgBfVkUc a ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

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New Delhi:

Senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar on Tuesday said Islamic nations should come forward in absorbing the Rohngiyas and offer them their citizenship.

Rohingyas are not inhabitants of India. If you go by history, they purely belong to Bangladesh, so how can they be allowed to stay in India? said Kumar.

Kumar added, Moreover, they (Rohingyas) have been involved in terrorist activities here."

"I want to know one thing why not Islamic nations come forward and offer citizenship to Rohngiyas. Whereas in our country, we already have a huge population and comparatively small land size," he added.

The BJP-led Central government had recently received flak from the United Nations for its response towards Rohingya crisis after Union Minister of State of Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju had earlier said that the Rohingyas were illegal immigrants and stands to be deported.

United Nations human rights chief Zied Raad al Haussein flayed any attempts by India to deport the immigrants to Myanmar.

The BJP-led Central government had on August 9 informed the parliament that more than 14,000 Rohingyas staying in India are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi:

The family of Pradyuman Thakur on Wednesday reached Mumbai to present the victimas version in Mumbai High Court.

Sushil Tekriwal, advocate of Pradyuman, told that they will oppose the transit bail application filed by Ryan Pinto, CEO, Ryan International Group.

The lawyer said that they would make all effort and put forth arguments in the high court, saying that the bail shouldn't be extended to such kind of accused.

The accused bus conductor's blood sample has been sent to FSL lab,A Karnal for DNA test. A unit of FSL team reached Ryan International School.

We are opposing transit anticipatory bail application filed by Ryan Pinto, CEO,Ryan International Group:Sushil Tekriwal, advocate #Pradyuman pic.twitter.com/x6jVZDba6B a ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

On the other hand, the arrested officials of Ryan International School, Gurugram moved to Supreme Court requesting to transfer their case from Sohna court to Saket court in Delhi. The Apex court will hear the matter on Monday.

Will make all efforts&put forth arguments in Bombay HC saying bail shouldn't be extended upon such kind of accused: Sushil Tekriwal,advocate pic.twitter.com/XAbh9tqb5e a ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

A team of CBSE also reached Ryan International School on Wednesday. The team willA prepareA a report regarding examination schedule and reopening of the school which is closed ever since the gruesome incident occurred. A

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New Delhi:

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is all set to visit India on Wednesday for a two-day trip. Moreover, for the first time, he along with PM Modi will take part in a road show in Ahmedabad, Gujarat today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that India truly values its ties with Japan and that he looked forward to further boost the bilateral relations in a wide range of areas. The annual India-Japan Summit is set to begin on Wednesday in Gandhinagar, the capital of the prime ministeras home state Gujarat.

aI look forward to welcoming PM @AbeShinzo. I will be hosting him in Gujarat in our fourth annual summit together,a Modi tweeted in English as well as in Japanese.

aPM @AbeShinzo and I will attend a wide range of programmes on 13th and 14th September 2017, aimed at further boosting India-Japan ties,a he added.

India truly values the relationship with Japan and we look forward to further boosting our bilateral ties in a wide range of sectors. a Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

In another tweet, he said the two leaders will attend a programme to mark the start of work of Indiaas first bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Ahmedabad is all set to welcome the PM of Japan, Mr. @AbeShinzo, who will be on his India visit starting tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/gZsVsDgMQw a PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 12, 2017

The train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the world. aIndia truly values the relationship with Japan and we look forward to further boosting our bilateral ties in a wide range of sectors,a the prime minister said.

The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their aSpecial Strategic and Global Partnershipa and will set its future direction, said a statement on Narendramodi.in.

A civic reception will be held for the Japanese prime minister in Ahmedabad on Wednesday evening where the cultural diversity of India will be showcased through a series of performances. The two prime ministers will visit Sabarmati Ashram, established by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Sabarmati river.

PM @AbeShinzo & I will attend the programme to mark the start of work of Indiaas first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad & Mumbai. a Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

They will then visit the Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali, a famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad.The two leaders will also visit Dandi Kutir, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Mahatma Mandir. Tight security arrangements have been put in place and more than 9,000 policemen will be deployed in Ahmedabad as a part of security cover.

PM @AbeShinzo and I will attend a wide range of programmes on 13th and 14th September 2017, aimed at further boosting India-Japan ties. a Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

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New Delhi:

According to the reports of Ekatha Ann and statistics sourced by TOI, the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu may have made an improvement as far as the distinction of high-prevalence state for HIV-AIDS is concerned, but the dark spot in its success story is the rising rate of deaths among those living with the infection in the last three years.



Despite the decline in the prevalence of the infection, the crisis is far from over as 4,397 people infected with HIV had died in 2016, pushing up the average increase in the number of deaths by 70 per cent from what it was till 2013. Low HIV AIDS awareness among people could have led to an increase in late referrals, high dropout rates, and poor treatment outcomes.



According to experts, several national surveys, including the National Family Health Survey and the District Health Surveys, have pointed the spike in death among those diagnosed with AIDS more than a decade ago.

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New Delhi:

BJP-led Uttar Pradesh governments initiatives to protect women in the state seems to be only on papers as in the last 48 hours two incidents have surfaced up in which victims were raped and then brutally murdered.

In the first incident, a class five student was raped on Tuesday evening at Kokhraj, around 170 kilometers from state capital Lucknow. Her perpetrator to hide the evidences burnt the girl alive.

The victims family members told the media that their daughter was rushed to Allahabad for immediate medical attention where she succumbed to her injuries.

The family members also claimed that the local police did not lodge their complaint and were forcing the family to perform last rites of the nine-year-old girl.

However, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Crime Chandra Prakash told the media that the police have arrested the accused.

In the second incident, a 35-year-old rape survivor was attacked with acid by her perpetrators.

In a statement given to the police she said, I was attacked by the three men who had raped me in May.

A senior police official not willing to be quoted told News Nation that the victim told the police that she was returning home after visiting her lawyer. She was forced into a van and taken to an unknown place where she was kept for a day.

The officer further added, She told us that the two of her offenders who raped her were out on bail and the third one declared absconding.

The ADGP crime told the media that raids are being made to nab the criminals.

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New Delhi:

While, mothers are said to be God's angel, who can dedicate all their life to keep their children happy and protected, this time Carrie, a mother of six beautiful babies has proved the same yet another time.

According to reports, back in April Carrie was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and rapidly growing form of brain cancer. She went for a check up after she started vomiting every now and then. Carrie was also suffering from a severe headache believing it to be a hint of migraine.

The sudden shock hit the family at a time when Carrie was eight weeks pregnant. The group of doctors suggested marry either to take chemotherapy in order to start a battle against the deadly disease or bring the baby to the world without chemotherapy. While, taking a chemotherapy meant termination of pregnancy, refusing the chemo was a step towards death.

Without a second thought, Carrie refused to take chemo and gave her unborn baby a chance at life. Latest media report suggests that, the Michigan mother of six sweet children has breathed her last on Saturday, three days after giving birth to a beautiful daughter. Doctors tried hard and finally took Carrie off life support, as suggested by her husband, Nick Deklyen.

Also Read: Constant stress at work may ruin sex lives of Delhiites: Study

"We gave up all of Carrie's treatment to give Life a chance to survive," Nick was quoted while interacting with people.com.

Though it is no wonder that every one can sacrifice more or less for their loved ones, this tale of Carrie and her daughter will make them memorable to the world forever and ever.
New Delhi:

The Soyuz-FG carrier rocket with the Soyuz MS-06 spacecraft was launched on Wednesday from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, heading for a five-month mission. The spacecraft, carrying Russiaas Aleksandr Misurkin, and NASAas Mark Vande Hei and Joseph Acaba, has been successfully put into the designated orbit.

According to reports, the spacecraft's journey to ISS is expected to take six hours. However, the spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the Poisk module of the Russian section of the ISS at 5:57 Moscow time. The Soyuz crew will enter the orbital station between 7:40 and 8:10 Moscow time.



"The launch of the Soyuz-FG carrier rocket with the Soyuz MS-06 spacecraft was performed at 00:17 Moscow time," a spokesman for the Russian space agency Roscosmos said.

This is the first time that two US astronauts have blasted off together on a mission to the ISS from Russia's Baikonur since June 2010.

Speaking at the pre-launch news conference on Monday, Acaba, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, said he would be taking some "musica Latina" on board to lift his crewmates' spirits.A

"I can guarantee my crewmates they will not fall asleep during that music and if you want to dance at about 3 am tuned into our Soyuz capsule I think you'll enjoy it," he told journalists.

On Monday, Vande Hei left a note in a pre-launch tweet.

"L-2 days. Sunrise over Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Praying for the people of Florida as well as the continued recovery of the Texas Gulf Coast," he said.

The ISS orbits the Earth at a height of about 250 miles (400 kilometres), circling the planet every 90 minutes at a speed of about 17,500 miles (28,000 kilometres) per hour.

Three new crew members arrive at station after their Soyuz spacecraft docks to the Poisk module at 10:55pm ET. https://t.co/3TkVqwjYbO pic.twitter.com/irQkM5uYl0 a Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) September 13, 2017

Soyuz pauses less than 200 meters from station. Quick checks before final approach begins to a 10:57pm ET docking. https://t.co/yuOTrZ4Jut pic.twitter.com/086RYjz8qY a Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) September 13, 2017

Soyuz spacecraft with crew begins flyaround less than 400 meters from station before docking to Poisk port. https://t.co/qpyi2LM11l pic.twitter.com/4nOa6lBfcp a Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) September 13, 2017

Two astronauts and a cosmonaut are about to dock to station at 10:57pm ET. Watch @NASA TV now for live coverage... https://t.co/qpyi2LM11l pic.twitter.com/CiliAdoFV4 a Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) September 13, 2017

The Soyuz rocket blasts off today at 5:17pm ET carrying Exp 53-54 crew towards station. https://t.co/2yhQbkFuId pic.twitter.com/wXMdfq9fWP a Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) September 12, 2017

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New Delhi:

The Central African Republic has witnessed a lot of bloodshed in recent clashes among several armed groups. As per the UN, nearly 25 people have died, while thousands have been made homeless by the violence.

In the central city of Bria, preliminary estimates indicate at least 10 bodies and about 50 wounded after fighting between two rival factions of an armed group on September 7 and 8, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its weekly report.

In the east of the poor landlocked country, around 15 people were killed and some 80 houses torched in a violent confrontation between two communities in the village of Yakapi, OCHA added. OCHAs death toll is in addition to at least six people killed since Thursday in Batangafo, a northwestern town where more than 28,000 are without aid, according to several humanitarian sources.

The UN humanitarian coordinator in Central Africa, Najat Rochdi, condemned the attack targeting civilians and humanitarian organisations at Batangafo, where an NGO worker was among those killed.

Half of the 4.5 million Centrafricans depend on humanitarian aid, according to the UN. On Friday, Amnesty International reported that civilians in central areas of the country were enduring a horrifying surge in torture, pillage and forced displacement.

The number of displaced people has grown from 400,000 in January to 800,000 in August, according to the countrys committee for international NGO coordination.

The Central-African Republic, a former French colony, was pitched into a war between Muslim and Christian militias in 2013 after president Francois Bozize, a Christian, was overthrown by a coalition of Muslim-majority rebel groups called the Seleka, who in turn were driven from power.

Renewed violence among different armed groups has erupted as they fight to establish zones of influence and gain control of natural resources, which include diamonds, timber and gold.UN aid chief Stephen OBrien warned in late August that there were early signs of genocide in the country, according to diplomats.

With PTI inputs

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New Delhi:

Indian underworld gangster Dawood Ibrahim's properties were frozen by British authorities on Wednesday. As per reports, assets worth USD 6.7 billion belonging to the wanted underworld don have been seized by British authorities.

Dawood, who Indian agencies claim runs his crime empire from Cliffton area in Karachi, Pakistan, appears on the latest UK Treasury department's Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets, updated last month.

The action against Dawood Ibrahim comes nearly two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's UK tour. PM Modi, during his November 12-14, 2015 tour, had reportedly handed over a dossier concerning the underworld gangster to his then British counterpart David Cameron.

According to Forbes, Dawood Ibrahim is one of the richest gangsters of all time. In 2015, Forbes estimated Dawood Ibrahim's net asset at US$ 6.7 billion. Dawood Ibrahim has his business interests in more than a dozen countries spread over Europe, Africa and South Asia. He has assets worth US 450 million in the UK alone. He is said to have invested in over 50 properties in different countries

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New Delhi:

An establishment personality Halimah Yacob has been named Singapore's first female president on Wednesday but this was criticised by citing her selection undemocratic after she was handed the job without a vote. In this election, there were no other contenders for the position.

Halimah Yacob, a former speaker of parliament from the Muslim Malay minority, did not have to face an election for the largely ceremonial post originally due this month after authorities decided her rivals did not meet strict eligibility criteria.

It was not the first time in the affluent city-state  which is tightly controlled and has been ruled by the same party for decades  that the government has disqualified candidates for the presidency, making an election unnecessary.

But there was already unease about the process as it was the first time that the presidency had been reserved for a particular ethnic group, in this case, the Malay community, and the decision to hand her the job without a vote added to the anger.

Social media was abuzz with criticism after this announcement. A Facebook user Pat Eng wrote, "Elected without an election. What a joke."

"I will call her President Select from now on," said Joel Kong on the networking site, while some posts were marked with the #NotMyPresident.

Halimah, a member of parliament for the ruling People's Action Party for nearly two decades before resigning to contest the presidency, tackled the doubts about the selection process in a speech to a cheering crowd after she was named president-elect. "I'm a president for everyone.

Although there's no election, my commitment to serve you remains the same," she said. Authorities had decided to allow only candidates from the Malay community to put themselves forward for the presidency, a bid to foster harmony in the city-state of 5.5 million people which is dominated by ethnic Chinese.

Singapore's head of state has limited powers, including vetoing senior official appointments, but an establishment figure has always held the role and there are rarely tensions with the government.

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United Nations:

UN chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called on Myanmar to halt its military campaign against Rohingyas in Rakhine state, acknowledging that the Muslim minority was facing ethnic cleansing.



I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military activities and violence and uphold the rule of law, he said in a press conference.



After describing reports of security forces attacking civilians as completely unacceptable, Guterres was asked if he agreed that the Rohingya population was being ethnically cleansed.



When one third of the Rohingya population has got to flee the country, can you find a better word to describe it? he replied.

Also read:



RSS leader Indresh Kumar asks Islamic countries to offer Rohingyas citizenship

Rohingya issue: India rejects UN human rights chief's criticism

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New Delhi:

Prosecutors in Catalonia have ordered the seizure of all ballot papers, election flyers and other items ahead of a banned independence referendum deemed illegal. The vote on breaking away from Spain is set for October 1 and the northeastern regions separatists are determined to go ahead with it despite Madrids refusal and a court ban, as the struggle between Catalonia and Spains central government escalates.

On Tuesday, the chiefs of the Guardia Civil and National Police forces, and of the Mossos dEsquadraa regional squad controlled by the Catalan governmentwere called to the prosecutors office in Barcelona.

They were then ordered to take action against authorities, civil servants or individuals to avoid offences being committed, prosecutors said in a statement after the meeting.

Under Spanish law, prosecutors have the power to give instructions to judicial police forces in investigating offences, as do judges.Police officers will directly adopt the measures necessary to seize resources destined at preparing or holding an illegal referendum, they said in the statement.

Specifically, they ordered police to confiscate items such as ballot boxes, electoral envelopes, instruction manuals for members of polling stations, election flyers, election propaganda."

Catalonias pro-independence executive, headed up by regional president Carles Puigdemont, called the referendum last week and they have vowed to see it through despite a ban by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoys conservative government and the Constitutional Court.

Prosecutors have launched an official complaint against Puigdemont and members of his government, accusing them of civil disobedience, misfeasance and misappropriation of public fundsthe latter carrying jail sentences of up to eight years.

But the order given to the police forces leaves the Mossos dEsquadra in particular in a tough spot.On the one hand, by law they have to follow prosecutors orders, but they are also directly dependent on the regional government against which they have been told to act.

Justice Minister Rafael Catala told Spanish television that the Mossos are there to serve citizens, all of them, not just a few.

With PTI inputs

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Washington:

The White House on Tuesday informed that US President Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American Raj Shah to a key position in his communications team.

The officials further said Trump also named his confidant Hope Hicks as his Communications Director.

Erstwhile, Hicks served as Assistant to the President and Interim Communications Director.

Raj Shah will serve as Deputy Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary, the White House said in a statement.

Shah formerly served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Communications Director.

Mercedes Schlapp, a Fox News contributor and columnist for The Washington Times, will serve as Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications.

Trump also appointed Steven Cheung as Director of Strategic Response.

He previously served as Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Communications Director.

Shah, 32, was one of the few handful of Trumps aides who landed in the White House within hours of him being sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on January 20.

In April he was identified as one of the three West Wing Power Player in the White House along with Hope Hicks and Eli Miller.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Shahs parents migrated to the US in 1980s. His parents are from Gujarat.

His father, an engineer by profession, moved to Mumbai at a young age while his mother hails from Bhujpur in Kutch.

Shah was Director of Opposition Research in the Republican National Committee before moving to the White House.

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Saga Prefectural Police have arrested a male government official for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a woman for two hours at a park in Saga City earlier this year, reports the Asahi Shimbun

Between 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. on May 26, Kazuhiro Hiwatashi, 56, crisis management officer at the Saga Regional Meteorological Observatory, attempted to rape the woman, aged in her 30s, at the park.

Hiwatashi, was has been accused of attempted rape, denies the charges.

Prior to the incident, the suspect called out to the woman she walked home on a street. He then forced her into the park, where she resisted his attempted rape for some two hours, police said, adding she suffered no injuries.

Hiwatashi took up his position at the observatory in April 2016 and showed no work attitude issues, according to the general affairs division of the Fukuoka District Meteorological Observatory.

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A Peruvian man indicted in the 2015 killings of six people in Saitama Prefecture has a mental illness, sources said Tuesday, a development that could affect whether he can be held criminally liable.

Vayron Jonathan Nakada Ludena, 32, turned out to have a mental illness according to the results of a psychiatric test conducted at the request of defense lawyers. The outcome contrasts with an evaluation conducted by prosecutors ahead of the indictment that said the man does not have a mental illness.

Nakada broke into three homes in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, and killed the occupants during a spree from Sept. 14 to 16, 2015.

The victims were Minoru Tasaki, 55, and his wife, Misae, 53, Kazuyo Shiraishi, 84, and 41-year-old Miwako Kato and her two daughters, 10-year-old Misaki and 7-year-old Haruka.

Nakada was arrested on Oct. 8 in the year in connection with the Tasaki deaths, having spent over a week unconscious in a hospital after plunging from a second-floor window at Kato's home on Sept. 16.
Japan's Financial Services Agency and National Police Agency plan to start discussions shortly to make it possible to complete online procedures needed for opening bank accounts, aiming to improve convenience for users, according to informed sources.

Currently, it takes time for online applicants to open bank accounts and actually start using services, because they need to verify their identifications by receiving cash cards or other documents by mail from the banks.

The two agencies plan to consider measures for ID confirmation by looking at examples in foreign countries, including combinations of video chat and ID presentation, as well as those obliging users to make first deposits from their existing bank accounts, the sources said.

The agencies hope to revise rules for the enforcement of the law on the prevention of transfers of criminal proceeds, which set out methods for ID confirmation to counter money laundering, within this year, the sources said.
STAMFORD  When flying, one doesnt usually think of the math behind it. But for Connecticut Teacher of the Year semifinalist Vincent Urbanowski, thats how he makes the content real, or visible, for his students.

At the end of every academic year, Urbanowski, a mathematics and engineering teacher at the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering in Stamford, takes students to a grassy airfield. Each is given a soaring lesson from a pilot in a small airplane as it glides through the air, suspended from a rope. He said this is where some of his proudest teaching moments have occurred, as the students better understand the physics of a flying object after experiencing it firsthand.

Being proud of being a teacher is being proud of something a student learned, Urbanowski said. All the best things in the world are invisible, and mathematics makes certain invisible things visible.

Urbanowski will travel to Hartford on Friday for his semifinalist interview. After he was chosen as Stamford Teacher of the Year, he applied to be the Connecticut Teacher of the Year.

Only 15 teachers in the state were chosen for the competition and three of the semifinalists will advance to the next round. Despite being a math teacher, Urbanowski doesnt want to speculate the odds. For him, its all part of the job.

The title teacher of the year sounds like its a crown to honor a designation, he said. But its really a job. Its a job of articulating what it means to be a teacher and to speak for other teachers whenever thats necessary.

Urbanowski regularly compares math and art: he said both take those invisible entities  gravity and love, for example  and create something from them. Math, like art, tells a story. The story of a falling object, for instance, makes for an equation, he said.

Both are ways to talk about these invisibilities that make up the basic experience of being human, he said.

In high school, Urbanowski loved the arts. He wanted to be a writer and was a musician. In fact, he still builds and tunes pianos in his spare time. What he didnt love, though, was math.

As an artist, I thought it would hurt my soul, somehow, to be good at math, he joked.

Instead, he dabbled in nerdy things that eventually led him to math  building model airplanes and working on pipe organs. He did everything that future engineers would do growing up besides the math.

The good thing about pipe organs and pianos is that, if you look, you can see how it works and theres a certain amount of intuition you can bring thats both mechanical and intellectual, he said. I just loved that so much. I loved working on instruments even more than playing them.

This motivated him to go Norwalk Community College, then called Norwalk State Technical College, to get an associates degree in electrical engineering. After graduating, he started working at a factory in Norwalk, but he didnt enjoy the job.

Whats funny about life is that I remember that as a happy time, but when I think about it, I remember being really unhappy there, because it was a factory and there would be days where I was in a corner just testing things, he said.

Urbanowski wanted something more. He left the factory and began working in advertising until he had a son and realized he wanted to become a teacher. He went back to school for his bachelors in electrical engineering at Fairfield University and masters in education at the University of Bridgeport.

He has been a teacher at AITE for 10 years and says its the most emotionally and physically demanding  but also rewarding  job hes had.

If youve ever thrown a party for kids and you think of all the planning it takes to plan that two-hour birthday party, imagine throwing a five-hour party and having learning requirements as part of that and supervisors who care about what you do, he said.

However, what he loves about teaching trumps any of the tiring demands of the job. For starters, teaching gives him more freedom compared to his early careers in engineering and advertising.

You bring the best of yourself to the profession, he said. Not only are you allowed to, but you really must. The best you can be is your true authentic self, he said. That means that the content will be authentic and the students will understand the authenticity.

tclark@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2265; @travclark2
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An Odd Couple, one of the largest state employee unions has enlisted a millionaire CEO from Stamford to push for higher taxes on the rich.

On the eve of a potential vote to break a three-month budget stalemate, CareCentrix chief executive John Driscoll starred in a television ad paid for by the Service Employees International Union 1199 New England that calls 1-percenters and corporations to do their part to close a $3.6 billion deficit.

The 30-spot titled The Right Thing to Do debuted statewide Wednesday as Republicans and Democrats, who hold a slim minority in the House and tie-breaker with the lieutenant governor in the Senate, clash over proposed tax increases and spending cuts.

It shows Driscoll sitting at his desk at the health care management firm, which has more than 400 employees between its Hartford headquarters and Stamford office. Driscoll is a member of the group known as Patriotic Millionaires, a coalition of more than 200 high net worth individuals that supports tax increases for those in the top brackets.

Successful people and successful corporations have to pay their fair share, Driscoll said in the commercial. I love Connecticut, its my home. We arent going to leave just because we have to be part of a budget solution.

Republicans pointed out that Driscoll is a registered Democrat and that CareCentrix received $24 million in grants from the state as part of an economic incentive package awarded by Gov. Dannel P. Malloys administration in 2012. The terms of the deal called for the private company to save 200 existing jobs and create 290 jobs as part of an $86 million expansion. Driscoll was named the companys CEO in 2013.

The union ad features a registered Democrat who is part of group of wealthy people that has contributed thousands to Democratic campaigns, and whose company received corporate welfare from the state of Connecticut. And hes advocating for higher taxes. What a shock, said House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby.

Connecticut and Wisconsin share the dubious distinction as the only states still without a budget. Republicans and Democrats have gone back and forth over a now-scuttled sales tax increase, cuts to municipal aid and other budgetary fixes since the end of May.

In July, the Legislature narrowly passed a highly controversial union concessions package along party lines, with Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman casting the tie-breaker in the Senate. Supporters say its the first step toward ending the budget impasse, with a combination of wage freezes, three furlough days, higher co-pays and transition of new hires to a defined contribution plan saving the state $1.5 billion during the next two years.

Critics of the deal say it locks the state into a no-layoff guarantee for the next four years and extends benefits to public sector workers that are more generous than those in the private sector through 2027. The overwhelming ratification of the deal by 33 bargaining units earlier this month gave detractors further pause.

Driscoll opens the video by saying that state needs to raise revenue.

I hope the political leadership is listening, Driscoll said. We all have to be part of the solution to balance the budget. Its the right thing to do.

http://twitter.com/gettinviggy; nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436
There is a bottom line people lose sight of when discussing the opioid crisis sweeping the country: Millions of Americans experience chronic pain every day. They need help, and painkillers created using opioids are highly effective.

The problem, of course, is that they also are highly addictive.Since the number of deaths from painkiller overdose has swelled into tens of thousands each year, new regulations are in place to ensure doctors prescribe the most powerful painkillers only in limited cases.

Some versions have been banned in some states and at the federal level. Still, opioid-derived painkillers remain legal. Marijuana, which has led to zero overdose deaths, remains illegal at the federal level, even though some studies and many people say it helps them deal with pain.

Why?

While no one reason answers that question, two main areas control the status of prescription opioids and marijuana. One revolves around the medical benefits of both. The other, particularly for marijuana, involves a long history of politics and government machinations.

Related: To Understand the Forces Favoring and Opposing Legal Marijuana, Study Arizona.

Opioids

Chronic pain is an issue millions deal with daily. Drug companies created synthetic painkillers to combat the issue. The include oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine among many others, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

They prove extremely effective when dealing with pain. They react with opioid receptors in the body and brain, lessening pain. However, they also provide a sense of euphoria and well-being, which leads to people taking more than they need.

However, it remains legal because it is an extremely effective pain reliever. Taken for a short period of time as prescribed by a doctor, painkilling drugs prove safe. However, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out, the powerful euphoria can outweigh any advice from a doctor. Nearly half of the 33,000 opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2015 involved prescription drugs, the CDC reports.

Part of the issue also is an active black market, where painkilling pills are available without a doctors prescription or the oversight of medical professionals.

Related: Not Exactly Penpals: Governors Debate Marijuana Facts With Jeff Sessions via Snail Mail.

A Civil War

In a way, its somewhat like alcohol. Small amounts, even daily, are not harmful and can even prove beneficial to health. However, about 88,000 alcohol-related deaths occur annually in the U.S., according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse, including almost 10,000 involving drunk driving.

Debate on the painkiller issue has led to debate among medical professionals. Some advocate eliminating opioid painkillers all together or putting strict restrictions on their use. In addition to addiction, they list other side effects, including depression, anxiety and a loss of sleep.

Others argue that the risks of opioids are not that much higher than other drugs. A Stanford University professor told PBS that 15,000 people die annually from anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. They argue for better education for patients on pain medication use.

New Book on Marijuana

The legalization of marijuana, on the other hand, has taken a completely different road.

It remains illegal at the federal level. That is primarily because the federal government does not recognized that it has any medical benefits. That makes it different than opioids (if not alcohol).

In her book on the War on the Drugs, British journalist Johann Hari provides a detailed account of how marijuana went from a plant prescribed and even used by doctors to becoming listed as one of the most dangerous drugs in the country.

How marijuana ended up listed as a Schedule I illegal drug by the federal government can be read here.

Hari goes back even further. Her investigation into marijuana found the big turning point came with a government bureaucrat in the 1930s who she claims wanted to keep the position he held during the Prohibition Era for alcohol.

Related: Is Big Pharma for or Against Legalizing Medical Marijuana? Maybe Both.

Harry J. Anslinger became the first commissioner of the U.S. Treasury Departments Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Hari argues that once prohibition against alcohol ended, Anslinger turned his attention to making marijuana illegal, despite his previous statements that marijuana caused no public health hazard.

He asked 30 medical professionals if marijuana should be illegal. Of them, 29 said no. Still, Anslinger pressed the case for making marijuana illegal by focusing on a Florida case where teenager Victor Licata killed his family with an axe. Anslinger claimed marijuana use led to the horrific murders.

Later investigations showed Licata did not use marijuana. Instead, he suffered from severe mental illness. However, the case provided the push Anslinger needed to get marijuana listed as an illegal drug. Its been there ever since and was placed on the Schedule I of illegal drugs during the Nixon Administration.

Follow dispensaries.com on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest cannabis news.

Related:

Why Are Opioid Painkillers Legal But Marijuana Isn't?

Marijuana Advocates, Your Enemy Has a Name: SAM

3 Must-Dos to Prepare for When Cannabis Is Federally Legal



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


They say happiness is a state of mind, but it also depends on your statethat is, where you live. And according to a recent study by WalletHub, the happiest state in the U.S. is a shocker: Minnesota. Who would have guessed this chilly hinterland could inspire such euphoria?

"There are quite a few surprises on the list, not least of which is Minnesota, which is infamous for its dreary winters," says Brian Davis, director of education at SparkRental.

While WalletHub's analysis did take weather into account, it was just one of 28 metrics the team considered. They included factors such as the average number of hours people worked, commute times, hours slept, as well as rates of depression, suicide, and obesity. And, harsh winters aside, Minnesota has a lot to offer on these fronts.

"Minnesota is great if you can stand the cold," says Tyler Drew, who has invested in real estate across the country. "Out of the northern Midwest states, it has the most functional state government, the best schools, and the strongest economy. It's primarily agricultural, unlike Michigan or Illinois. It also survived the last housing crisis relatively unscathed."

As for the unhappiest place? West Virginia takes the ignominious crown, due to a hodgepodge of problems.

"West Virginiaas well as Oklahoma and Louisianahave systemic poverty combined with a lack of a decent educational environment," says Drew. "That leads to a negative feedback loop. There aren't any jobs, and the people who live there rarely have any skills outside a poor high school education. Teacher flight is also a very real thing in these states, and it dramatically affects how people buy their homes. No one wants to raise their kids in a state where there are no teachers."

As a result, "in these three states, I don't see gentrification happening any time soon," says Drew. "Oklahoma and Louisiana run on the cyclical oil industry that may or may not be around in 30 years. And West Virginia's main industry is already deadcoal is never coming back. Its state government seems to be perpetually looking to the past rather than the future. Their governor is a former coal company CEO, so that's not surprising."

To top things off, "add in a massive heroin epidemic, and West Virginia is not even a place I'd ever consider going to again," says Drew, "let alone invest in."

Does happiness affect real estate?

The take-home lesson for all? Do your homework on an area where you want to live before you put down roots.

"People looking to move should first do some research on the state or city they are interested in and see what type of environment it offers," says Diana Popa at WalletHub. "Happy states tend to offer communities with strong social ties and economic environments that are thriving with low unemployment rates and high job satisfaction."

So do people pay top dollar to buy a home in happy states? Not necessarily.

"Real estate values are quite low in the least happy states, presumably because there are few job opportunities or other strong reasons for happy, healthy, wealthy people to move there," says Davis. "But among the happiest states, its a surprisingly mixed bag. Utah, California, and Hawaii are all in the top 10 states for real estate values. But Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota? Not so much."

In other words, if you're looking for a happy place to live (and who isn't?) but want a bargain to boot, you might want to don a parka and move north.

10 happiest states

Minnesota Utah Hawaii California Nebraska New Jersey South Dakota Iowa Wisconsin New Hampshire

10 unhappiest states

West Virginia Oklahoma Louisiana Alabama Arkansas Mississippi Kentucky Missouri Tennessee Alaska

The post Do You Live in a Happy Place ... or a Pit of Despair? Find Out Here appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - 01 Communique Laboratory Inc. (ONE:TSX-V) today announced results for its third quarter fiscal 2017, which ended July 31, 2017. The Company produced a profit for the quarter of $68,383 (2016  loss of $162,660). The adjusted profit for the quarter, which excludes non-cash expenses for stock-based compensation and depreciation, was $79,261 (2016  loss of $79,883). The Company generated positive cash flow in the third quarter completing the period with $243,638 of cash and cash equivalents.

"We remain committed to our plan of continuing operations as well as pursuing the matter with Citrix Systems Inc. ("Citrix") until its conclusion," said Andrew Cheung, President and CEO for 01 Communique. "With respect to the lawsuit with Citrix, we filed a Notice to Appeal of the district court's decision with the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on March 30, 2017 and are progressing with the appeal process. We remain confident in the merits of our appeal."

An Update on the Company's Operations follows:

The Company reduced its operating expenses significantly in January 2016 as it prepared to work through the appeal process in its patent litigation against Citrix. In addition to moving forward with the appeal process the Company plans to continue to work with Hitachi Solutions Create as well as make its products available from its web site. Substantially all development work has been completed on the products that the Company is looking to license and with respect to the appeal process the Company relies on its lawyers and hence minimal internal resources are expected. Accordingly the Company was able to significantly reduce its expenses. The Company makes use of third party contractors for the development and support of its products as required.

For the three months ended July 31, 2017 there was a profit of $68,383 compared to a loss of $162,660 in 2016.

Revenue for the third quarter 2017 was $247,269 (2016 - $9,453) an increase of $237,816. Earlier in fiscal 2017 a co-development agreement had been signed with Hitachi Solutions Create to enhance DoMobile which is a remote access offering built on the Company's I'm InTouch platform and marketed exclusively in Japan by Hitachi Solutions Create under agreement with the Company. The Company completed development and recognized revenue in the third quarter 2017 resulting from these development efforts. In addition to the revenue from this co-development agreement the Company also received royalties for the Company`s share of revenue received from third parties for the sale of DoMobile in Japan by Hitachi Solutions Create.

Cash operating expenses, which exclude stock based compensation and depreciation, for the third quarter 2017 were $153,663 (2016 - $65,984) an increase of $87,679. The majority of this increase is due to an increase in amounts paid to third party development contractors that were required to complete the development efforts as part of the co-development agreement with Hitachi Solutions Create and withholding taxes paid on revenue from Japan.

There were no patent enforcement and re-examination expenses for the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2017 and 2016. Patent enforcement and re-examination expenses have fluctuated in the past with the level of activity in respect of the Company's patent litigation and the re-examination requested by Citrix. With respect to the Citrix litigation, expenses have reached a cap and the Company's lawyers are now responsible for such expenses for which they are to be reimbursed out of proceeds of settlement or an award of damages, if any.

As previously announced on June 7, 2017 stock options were granted to members of the Company's executive management and directors. There were 835,000 stock options granted to executive management and directors with a 4 year term expiring on June 7, 2021, with an exercise price of $0.05. These stock options vest on December 7, 2017.

Background on the Company's patent lawsuit against Citrix:

In February 2006, the Company commenced a lawsuit in the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, against Citrix alleging infringement by their GoToMyPC product line of the Company's patent, United States Patent No. 6,928,479, (" the '479 Patent"). On January 11, 2016 a jury trial commenced in the lawsuit with the jury reaching and returning a unanimous verdict on January 19, 2016. The Court entered Judgment as follows:

1. Defendants Citrix have not infringed claims 24 or 45 of the '479 Patent;

2. Claims 24 and 45 of the '479 Patent are not invalid;

3. Plaintiff 01 Communique takes no damages from Citrix;

4. Except as set forth above or adjudicated through Summary Judgment, all other claims and counterclaims in this matter were dismissed;

5. On March 7, 2016 the Company filed post-trial motions with the District Court that presided over the trial. These included motions for renewed judgment as a matter of law and for a new trial.

6. On March 21, 2017 the District Court issued its order denying the Company's motion for judgment as a matter of law and for a new trial.

7. On March 30, 2017 the Company filed a Notice to Appeal the District Court's Order with the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The Company is working through this process and while the Company is confident in the merits of its appeal there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its appeal.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About 01 Communique

Established in 1992, 01 Communique Laboratory Inc. (TSX-V:ONE) offers a suite of remote access services designed for small-medium sized business, mobile professionals and IT service providers. 01's software as a service offerings are deployed on-demand and include functionality enabling on-line meetings, remote computing and IT support. 01's suite of products includes its remote access offering I'm InTouch (www.imintouch.com), its online meeting offering (www.imintouchmeeting.com) and its remote support offering I'm OnCall (www.imoncall.com ) products are protected in the U.S.A. by its patents #6,928,479 / #6,938,076 / #8,234,701 and in Canada by its patents #2,309,398 / #2,524,039 and Japan by its patent #4,875,094. For more information, visit www.01com.com or call (905) 795-888 or (800) 668-2185 (North America only).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements.

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking" statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, such statements use such words as "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan", "intend", "are confident" and other similar terminology. These statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk and Uncertainties" in the company's Management`s Discussion and Analysis document filed on SEDAR. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.



01 Communique Laboratory Inc. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)

















31-July-17

31-Oct-16







Assets





Current assets







Cash and cash equivalents $ 243,638

$ 173,424

Accounts receivable 33,883

27,696

Prepaid expenses and other assets 12,803

6,975

290,324



208,095









Plant and equipment 1,921



3,965

$ 292,245

$ 212,060









Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity

















Current liabilities









Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 518,372

$ 522,119

Deferred revenue 11,690

12,075

Current liability portion of Debenture 387,065

---

917,127



534,194









Liability portion of Debenture ---



374,476









Shareholders' equity









Share capital 40,832,777

40,832,777

Contributed surplus 5,394,655

5,311,155

Equity portion of Debenture 47,111

47,111

Deficit

(46,899,425)



(46,887,653)

(624,882)



(696,610)











$ 292,245

$ 212,060

01 Communique Laboratory Inc. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income For the 3 and 9 month periods ended July 31, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)









for the 3 months ending

for the 9 months ending

31-Jul-17 31-Jul-16

31-Jul-17 31-Jul-16











Revenue $ 247,269 $ 9,453

$ 384,362 $ 56,456 Cost of revenue - -

- -

247,269 9,453

384,362 56,456











Expenses (income):









Selling, general and administrative 71,054 130,594

233,581 583,682 Patent litigation & re-examination expenses - -

- - Research and development 93,487 27,844

119,998 266,923 Interest (7) (81)

(34) (844)

164,534 158,357

353,545 849,761 Profit (Loss) before interest and accretion on









liability component of debenture $ 82,735 $ (148,904)

$ 30,817 $ (793,305)











Interest on debenture 10,000 10,000

30,000 30,000 Accretion on liability portion of debenture 4,352 3,756

12,589 10,866











Profit (Loss) for the period and comprehensive profit (loss) $ 68,383 $ (162,660)

$ (11,772) $ (834,171)



































Loss per common share









Basic $ 0.001 $ (0.002)

$ (0.000) $ (0.013) Diluted $ 0.001 $ (0.002)

$ (0.000) $ (0.013)











Weighted average number of common shares Basic 66,543,807 66,543,807

66,543,807 66,468,807 Diluted 66,543,807 66,543,807

66,543,807 66,468,807

01 Communique Laboratory Inc. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the 3 and 9 month periods ended July 31, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)













three months ending

nine months ending



31-Jul-17 31-Jul-16

31-Jul-17 31-Jul-16 Cash provided by (used in):























Operating activities:











Income (Loss) for the period $ 68,383 $ (162,660)

$ (11,772) $ (834,171)

Adjustments to reconcile the loss for the period









to net cash flows from operating activities













Depreciation 378 1,204

2,043 4,080



Stock-based compensation 10,500 91,250

83,500 368,940



Accretion on liability portion of debenture 4,352 3,756

12,589 10,866



Interest paid on debenture 10,000 10,000

30,000 30,000



Interest income (7) (81)

(34) (844)

Change in non-cash working capital 71,474 10,619

(16,146) (12,094)



165,080 (45,912)

100,180 (433,223)

Interest income received 7 81

34 844



165,087 (45,831)

100,214 (432,379)















Financing activities:













Issue of common shares - -

- 123,000



Interest paid on debenture (10,000) (10,000)

(30,000) (30,000)

Investing activities:













Purchase of capital assets - -

- (655)

Increase (decrease) in cash 155,087 (55,831)

70,214 (340,034)















Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 88,551 267,003

173,424 551,205

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 243,638 $ 211,172

$ 243,638 $ 211,171

SOURCE 01 Communique Laboratory Inc.

For further information: INVESTOR CONTACT: Brian Stringer, Chief Financial Officer, 01 Communique, (905) 795-2888 x204, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.01com.com


Submit ideas to The Aviva Community Fund by October 2 for a chance to share over $1 million in funding

TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Aviva Canada announces Canada's longest running online funding competition, Aviva Community Fund, is back again for its ninth year with over $1 million in available funding. Canadians with ideas for positive change in their community are encouraged to submit them by October 2 for a chance to win funding.

"We recognize that the charitable sector is evolving. Emerging new players are redefining the definition of charitable giving and philanthropy. We are adapting to these changes and have expanded eligibility beyond registered charities this year to also include social enterprises, registered B corporations and nonprofits," says Debora Hendrickson, Senior Vice President, Customer & Marketing of Aviva Canada.

Also new to this year's competition is the introduction of Community Legacy  a category in honour of Canada's 150th anniversary. Community Legacy encourages seasoned or aspiring social entrepreneurs aged 18 to 25, to submit an original solution that tackles the consequences of climate change. The $150,000 prize for the category is in addition to the share of $1 million from Aviva Community Fund.

Click here to see a video on how past ACF idea submitters, Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services and Salvation Army Harbour Light, have been positively influencing their community.

Canadians can start making a difference in their community today by submitting an idea to the Aviva Community Fund. Visit avivacommunityfund.org or check out Twitter and Facebook to find out more about the competition.

Notes to editors:

There are four ACF categories: Community Resilience, Community Health, Community Development and Community Legacy, as well as two funding levels: small ideas for under $50,000 and large ideas for $50,000 to $100,000 .





and large ideas for . Idea submission closes on October 2 and voting begins on October 10, 2017 . Finalists will be revealed on November 1 and the winners announced on December 5, 2017 .





and voting begins on . Finalists will be revealed on and the winners announced on . ACF has extended its funding period from one year to two years. This allows ideas that require implementation over a two-year period to apply.

About Aviva Canada

Aviva Canada Inc. is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country, providing home, automobile, leisure/lifestyle and business insurance to 2.9 million customers. A wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the company has more than 4,000 employees focused on creating a bright and sustainable future for our customers and our communities.

Aviva Canada invests in positive change through the Aviva Community Fund, Canada's longest running online community funding competition, which has awarded $7.5 million to over 250 charities and community groups nationwide since its inception in 2009. Aviva Canada was the first insurer to become a national corporate partner of the Canadian Red Cross' Ready When the Time Comes program, to be there for Canadians when disaster strikes. With a strong commitment to prevention and protection, the company has partnered with the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, and launched the Plan & Protect app, to help Canadians prepare for unforeseen weather events and natural disasters. In 2016, the company was announced as a winner of The Burns & Wilcox Award for Philanthropy & Community Service. At Aviva Canada, protecting the people and things you love, supporting the causes you care about most and strengthening your local community is just good thinking.

For more information visit Aviva Canada's Corporate Responsibility page, or blog, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

SOURCE Aviva Canada Inc.

For further information: Media Contact: Liz Wood, Aviva Canada Inc., Mobile: 437 346 1924, Email: [email protected]

Related Links

www.avivacanada.com


TSX: ELD NYSE: EGO

VANCOUVER, Sept. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Eldorado Gold Corporation ("Eldorado" or the "Company") confirms that it has today received the Olympias Operating Permit and the modified Electromechanical Installation Permit for the tailings management facility at Kokkinolakkas from the Ministry of Energy and Environment. The Olympias Operating Permit is valid for a period of three years from the date of issue.

At this time, remaining outstanding is:

approval of the Technical Study for the old Olympias Mine closure and the Installation permits for the paste plants at Olympias; and

the amended Electromechanical Installation permit for the Skouries flotation plant,

as well as other matters including, but not limited to, the relocation of antiquities at the Skouries site.

The Company is also awaiting additional detail from the Greek Government regarding the pending arbitration process, which the government has publicly indicated that formal notification will be issued on 15 September, 2017. Eldorado is confident that any potential arbitration will again demonstrate the Company's adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.

Upon approval and receipt of all the required permits, clarity around the arbitration process and a supportive government open to discussions surrounding the use and implementation of best available technologies, the Company will then be in a position to re-assess its investment options in Greece.

George Burns, President and CEO for Eldorado Gold said: "This is a positive step forward; however, we are still waiting on other permits. Open dialogue with the Government would be the Company's preference rather than legal recourse and arbitration but we are confident that any potential arbitration will again demonstrate Eldorado's adherence to all applicable laws and regulations and its commitment to developing its Greek assets safely, responsibly and with utmost care for the environment."

About Eldorado Gold

Eldorado is a leading intermediate gold producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Turkey, Greece, Romania, Serbia, Canada and Brazil. The Company's success to date is based on a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, safe and responsible operations, a portfolio of high-quality assets, and long-term partnerships with the communities where it operates. Eldorado's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: ELD) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EGO).

Cautionary Note about Forward-looking Statements and Information

Certain of the statements made and information provided in this press release are forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Often, these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "continue", "projected", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements or information contained in this release include, but are not limited to the Company's Greece Update, including statements or information with respect to: our guidance and outlook, including expected production, projected cash cost, planned capital and exploration expenditures for 2017; our expectation as to our future financial and operating performance, including future cash flow, estimated cash costs, expected metallurgical recoveries, gold price outlook; and our strategy, plans and goals, including our proposed exploration, development, construction, permitting and operating plans and priorities, and related timelines.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information.

We have made certain assumptions about the forward-looking statements and information, including assumptions about the geopolitical, economic, permitting and legal climate that we operate in; the future price of gold and other commodities; exchange rates; anticipated costs and expenses; production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries, the impact of acquisitions, dispositions, suspensions or delays on our business and the ability to achieve our goals. In particular, except where otherwise stated, we have assumed a continuation of existing business operations on substantially the same basis as exists at the time of this release.

Even though our management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statement or information will prove to be accurate. Many assumptions may be difficult to predict and are beyond our control.

Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following: geopolitical and economic climate (global and local), risks related to mineral tenure and permits; gold and other metal price volatility; mining operational and development risk; foreign country operational risks; risks of sovereign investment; regulatory environment and restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; risks related to impact of the sale of our Chinese assets and the acquisition of Integra on the Company's operations; risks related to impact of the integration of Integra; additional funding requirements; currency fluctuations; litigation risks; community and non-governmental organization actions; speculative nature of gold exploration; dilution; share price volatility; competition; loss of key employees; and defective title to mineral claims or property, as well as those factors discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk factors in our business" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form & Form 40-F. The reader is directed to carefully review the detailed risk discussion in our most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR under our Company name, which discussion is incorporated by reference in this release, for a fuller understanding of the risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business and operations.

Forward-looking statements and information is designed to help you understand management's current views of our near and longer term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Except as required by law, we do not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change and you are referred to the full discussion of the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the U.S.

Financial Information and condensed statements contained herein or attached hereto may not be suitable for readers that are unfamiliar with the Company and is not a substitute for reading the full annual financial statements and related MD&A available on our website and on SEDAR under our Company name. The reader is directed to carefully review such document for a full understanding of the financial information summarized herein.

SOURCE Eldorado Gold Corporation

For further information: Investor Relations: Krista Muhr, Vice President Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, 604.601.6701 or 1.888.363.8166, [email protected]; Media: Louise Burgess, Director Communications & Government Relations, 604.616.2296, [email protected]
Youth facing barriers to employment benefit from job skills training and employment opportunities

SAINT JOHN, Sept. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - Building a strong middle class means giving Canada's youth the tools they need to find and keep good jobs.

Today, Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced a new project that will give youth in southern New Brunswick job skills training and hands-on work experience. Up to 48 youth in St. Stephen, Saint John and Sussex will participate in the project, which will be delivered by the John Howard Society of Saint John over 28 months.

The Government of Canada will provide $722,546 in funding for this project through the Skills Link program of the Government's Youth Employment Strategy. Skills Link supports projects that help young people who face more barriers to employment than others develop basic employability skills and gain valuable job experience, which, helps them in making a successful transition into the workforce or to return to school. These youth could include those who have not completed high school, single parents, Indigenous youth, young persons with disabilities, youth living in rural or remote areas or newcomers.

Quotes

"We know that our communities are healthier and stronger when everyone can fully participate. Supporting youth as they transition into the workforce is a key way in which we can grow our economy and strengthen the middle class. These youth will benefit tremendously from the opportunity to develop their skills and gain valuable workplace experience."

- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

"Developing Canada's youth is a priority. John Howard's project is a concrete example of what we can achieve for youth by working in partnership with organizations across the country. Projects like this one can help put regular paycheques into the reach of those who need it. But more than that, they give young Canadians the chance to change their future."

- Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay

"It is tremendous to see the Federal Liberal Government taking the lead on projects of this magnitude. Ensuring everyone has the skills required to find and maintain solid employment is a huge befit for everyone long term. Our vision on this project is to ensure everyone looking for work can find it and today is an important first step!"

- Susan O'Neil, Manager, John Howard Society of New Brunswick

Quick Facts

Skills Link is one of three program streams under the Government's Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Each year, the Government invests more than $330 million in YES to help support young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 to get the information, skills, job experience and abilities they need to find and maintain good employment.

in YES to help support young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 to get the information, skills, job experience and abilities they need to find and maintain good employment. Total funding for YES was increased by $278 million in 201617, representing the largest investment since its launch.

in 201617, representing the largest investment since its launch. Budget 2017 is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years for YES, starting in 201718.

over three years for YES, starting in 201718. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help:

more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school;



create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and



provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector.

Related Products

Backgrounder

Associated Links

Youth Employment Strategy

Skills Link Program

Backgrounder

Youth Employment Strategy

The Youth Employment Strategy (YES) is the Government of Canada's commitment to help youth make a successful transition to the workplace. YES helps youth between the ages of 15 and 30 get the information and gain the skills, job experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition to the workforce. YES includes Skills Link, Career Focus and Summer Work Experience and is delivered by 11 federal departments.

Summer Work Experience provides wage subsidies to employers to create summer employment for secondary and post-secondary students. The Summer Work Experience program includes Canada Summer Jobs.

provides wage subsidies to employers to create summer employment for secondary and post-secondary students. The Summer Work Experience program includes Canada Summer Jobs. Skills Link helps youth facing barriers to employmentincluding single parents, youth with disabilities, Indigenous youth, young newcomers and youth in rural and remote areasto develop employability skills and gain the experience they need to find a job or return to school.

helps youth facing barriers to employmentincluding single parents, youth with disabilities, Indigenous youth, young newcomers and youth in rural and remote areasto develop employability skills and gain the experience they need to find a job or return to school. Career Focus helps post-secondary graduates transition to the labour market through paid internships. It helps provide youth with the information and experience they need to make informed career decisions, find a job or pursue advanced studies.

Each year, the Government invests more than $330 million through YES to help young people gain the skills and experience they need to find and keep good jobs.

Budget 2016 provided $165.4 million in 201617 for YES to create new green jobs for youth, increase the number of youth who access the Skills Link program and support employment opportunities in the heritage sector. In 2016, the Government of Canada nearly doubled the Canada Summer Jobs program, creating tens of thousands of additional jobs for young people each year.

To further expand employment opportunities for young Canadians, Budget 2017 provided an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 201718 for YES.

Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector.

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: Matt Pascuzzo, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, 819-654-5611; Sue O'Neil, Manager, John Howard Society of New Brunswick, 1-506-657-5547 Extension 207; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - The Greater Toronto Area will get more affordable housing, thanks in part to a special effort involving a coalition of religious communities. On September 13th, leaders from a variety of faith communities will come together on a Habitat for Humanity GTA build site in east end Toronto to help build 15 homes for working, low-income families. Brought together by Faith in Canada 150  a program of think tank Cardus  these faith leaders will build on the common ground of multi-faith dialogue and solidarity. Their contributions to the build site on Pinery Trail will help provide affordable homeownership to families in need of a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.

What: Faith Leaders' Build





When: Wednesday, September 13, 2017





Where: 140 Pinery Trail (near Neilson Rd. & Finch Ave. E)

8:00am to 4:00pm





Who: Ene Underwood, Habitat GTA, CEO

Ray Pennings, Cardus, Executive Vice President

Rabbi Baruch Freydmon-Kohl, Beth Tzedec, Senior Rabbi

Ahmet Tamirci, Intercultural Dialogue Institute, National Director

Bishop Vincent Nguyen, Archdiocese of Toronto

Imam Dr. Hamid Slimi, President, Faith of Life Network



About Habitat for Humanity GTA

Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is a non-profit housing organization that brings communities together to help working, low-income families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. With the support of donors and volunteers, Habitat GTA builds homes alongside partner families in Toronto Brampton, Caledon and York Region. Since 1988, Habitat GTA has built more than homes for more than 330 families, including over 1,000 children.

About Faith in Canada 150

Faith in Canada 150 is a program of Cardus that exists to celebrate the role of faith in our life together during Canada's anniversary celebrations in 2017. For more than 450 years, faith has shaped the human landscape of Canada. It has shaped how we live our lives, how we see our neighbours, how we fulfill our social responsibilities, and how we imagine our life together. To learn more, visit: faithincanada150.ca/about and follow us on Twitter @FC150.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity GTA

For further information: MEDIA INQUIRIES Noah Kravitz, Habitat for Humanity GTA - Communications Manager, Office: 416-755-7353 ext. 243, Cell: 647-828-6171, [email protected]; Daniel Proussalidis, Cardus/Faith in Canada 150 - Director of Communications, Office: 613-241-4500 ext.508, Cell: 613-899-5174, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.torontohabitat.on.ca


Projects will engage local women leaders in pan-Canadian network to support a thriving gender equality movement

VANCOUVER, Sept. 8, 2017 /CNW/ - As Canada marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation, it is important to reflect on our legacy for the future. Despite the important milestones witnessed in these 150 years, women, girls, and gender-non-conforming people still face hardships. There is more work remaining for gender equality to become a reality in Canada. By investing in a strong and thriving women's movement today, we are laying the foundation for gender equality tomorrow.

Today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, along with the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced Government of Canada funding for seven projects that will help advance gender equality in British Columbia.

The following organizations are receiving funding of more than $2.2 million for projects that will challenge barriers to gender equality:

Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC) ($290,000) : to improve the way workplaces in BC respond to gender-based violence and support survivors.

: to improve the way workplaces in BC respond to gender-based violence and support survivors. Inform'elles Society ($270,000) : to improve support for francophone women who experience violence in British Columbia and Yukon .

: to improve support for francophone women who experience violence in and . Minerva Foundation for BC Women ($337,076) : to increase women leaders in B.C.'s technology sector.

: to increase women leaders in B.C.'s technology sector. Multilingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities (MOSAIC) ($275,132) : to increase gender diversity in Vancouver's news media.

: to increase gender diversity in news media. Rise Women's Legal Centre ($375,000) : to improve women's access to legal services.

: to improve women's access to legal services. Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) ($345,190) : to increase and promote gender diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields in Vancouver .

: to increase and promote gender diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields in . WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre ($320,000) : to improve the response of the B.C. justice system to survivors of sexual violence.

These initiatives are part of an investment of over $18 million by the federal government to support grassroots organizations and engage 150 women leaders across the country. These leaders will work together as part of a pan-Canadian network to support feminist action for gender equality at the national level. The network is being convened by the Canadian Women's Foundation.

As a digital partner with Status of Women Canada, Instagram offered participants at the event a learning session on social media best practices to create communities and maximize audiences.



Quotes

"Strong, dynamic leaders are the heart of the women's movement and their passion and engagement are the key to achieving gender equality. Today's panel discussion shows the power of these leaders and their organizations to catalyze change and inspire action that benefits all of us, here and in the entire country. I am proud to support their efforts and of our government's ongoing commitment to gender equality."

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Status of Women

"Gender-based violence can affect every aspect of a woman's life, including her work life and career. We are excited to work on this project with our partners, including professional associations, to improve the way that gender-based violence is addressed in the workplace and to provide employers with support to effectively prevent and respond to this violence."

Tracy Porteous

Executive Director

Ending Violence Association of BC

"We are pleased to work with the Government of Canada on this project to ensure that francophone women in British Columbia and Yukon have access to the support they need. This project will allow us to better coordinate the French-language services offered to survivors of gender-based violence in the region."

Marie Dussault

President

Inform'Elles Society

"Women continue to be under-represented in leadership positions in many workplaces and the technology sector is no exception. Through this project we will work with the technology industry to support the advancement of women into executive positions and ensure that the sector is equipped to retain and develop their talented women leaders."

Jennifer Murtagh, Chief Executive Officer

Minerva BC

"The news media plays a powerful role in our culture and the way that women are portrayed in the news influences the way they are seen in society. Through this project, we will address issues like discrimination, stereotyping, representation and coverage of gender-based violence in the news media. This work will help news media organizations ensure gender diverse, culturally sensitive broadcasts. "

Chany Chea, Coordinator of Innovative Projects

MOSAIC

"We are excited to work with the Government of Canada on this project to improve women's access to legal services in British Columbia. Women who have experienced violence need support when navigating the family law system. This project will allow us to work with our partners in the community to streamline and enhance the way we work together to serve our clients."

Kim Hawkins, Executive Director

Rise Women's Legal Centre

"Women have the education, skills and drive to succeed in every field, yet they remain under-represented in STEM. Through this project, we will take a hard look at the barriers in STEM workplaces that prevent women from advancing and work with the sector to find solutions that allow women to thrive."

Dr. Christin Wiedemann, President

Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology

"There continues to be a lack of confidence in the criminal justice system among women survivors of sexual assault, including a pervasive concern that participants are not treated fairly by the justice system and are re-victimized by the process and by criminal justice professionals."

WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre

Quick Facts

In October 2016 , Status of Women Canada invited organizations to propose projects that advance gender equality across Canada . As of June 2017 , some 50 projects have been approved for over $18 million in Funding to Advance Gender Equality with the goal of empowering great Canadian women and enabling their good work to set the stage for the next 150 years . This is the most funding to ever be approved through a Status of Women Canada call for proposals. Approved projects will take place over a period of three years.

, Status of Women Canada invited organizations to propose projects that advance gender equality across . As of , some 50 projects have been approved for over in with the goal of empowering great Canadian women and enabling their good work to set the stage for the next 150 years This is the most funding to ever be approved through a Status of Women Canada call for proposals. Approved projects will take place over a period of three years. The Women's Program at Status of Women Canada supports eligible organizations to carry out projects to advance equality by addressing systemic barriers that contribute to gender inequality in Canada .

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Ce texte est egalement disponible en francais.

For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.

Follow Status of Women Canada:

Backgrounder

Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC)  $290,000

EVA BC works to coordinate and support the work of victim-serving and other anti-violence programs in British Columbia through the provision of issue-based consultation and analysis, resource development, training, research and education.

Through this three-year project, EVA BC will work to improve the way workplaces in BC respond to gender-based violence and support survivors. The organization and its partners will collaborate to design and implement policies to prevent and respond to women who experience sexual violence and harassment. The results of the project will be shared with stakeholders, including professional associations.

Inform'elles Society  $270,000

Since 1998, Inform'elles has provided British Columbians French-language information, awareness and support services on violence against women and girls.

This three-year project will improve the coordination of support for francophone women who experience violence in British Columbia and the Yukon. An advisory committee will identify best practices and make recommendations to address current support gaps. Working with its partners, the organization will design, test and share a framework to ensure that francophone women of diverse backgrounds have access to culturally appropriate French-language services.

Minerva Foundation for BC Women  $337,076

The Minerva Foundation is a registered, non-profit charitable organization that supports women and girls throughout British Columbia to gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their leadership potential through initiatives like leadership programs, education awards, and culturally relevant programming developed in partnership with Indigenous women.

This three-year project will increase the representation of women in leadership roles in British Columbia's technology sector. The organization will work with industry stakeholders to address the representation of women executives in the sector by identifying barriers, adopting promising practices to address them and creating a gender diversity assessment tool.

Multilingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities (MOSAIC)  $275,132

MOSAIC is a registered charity serving immigrant, newcomer and refugee communities in Greater Vancouver for the past 40 years.

Through this project, MOSAIC will work to increase gender diversity in Vancouver's news media by addressing such issues as discrimination, stereotyping and lack of representation of female experts. It will develop and pilot a culturally sensitive gender framework for media content and coverage for news media organizations when reporting on violence against women, which will include a self-assessment standards booklet and a gender equality charter for the media.

Rise Women's Legal Centre  $375,000

Rise Women's Legal Centre is a community legal centre striving to create accessible legal services that are responsive to the unique needs of self-identifying women, particularly those who are victims of violence, abuse and unequal power dynamics.

Through this three-year project, the organization will work to improve women's access to legal services in British Columbia, particularly in a family law setting. The organization will work with partners in the community, including women who have experienced violence, to identify and implement promising practices for providing legal assistance to survivors of violence. Findings will be shared with community organizations and policy makers.

Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST)  $345,190

SCWIST is a non-profit association that promotes, encourages and empowers women and girls in science, engineering and technology.

This three-year project will increase and promote gender diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields in Vancouver. Working with its partners, SCWIST will address barriers to women's inclusion and advancement in the sector, such as human resources and workplace practices that do not meet the diverse needs of women. Results will be shared broadly among sector stakeholders.

WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre  $320,000

WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre works to end all forms of violence against women. It provides all women who have experienced any form of sexualized violence with support and healing, and engages with youth to develop leadership for prevention of future violence.

Through this three-year project, the organization will work to improve the response of the B.C. Justice System to survivors of sexual violence. The organization will bring the voices of survivors and those that work with them forward and work with partners to develop a strategy to increase survivors' confidence in the justice system.

Call for proposals: Funding to Advance Gender Equality in Canada  Over $18 million

In October 2016, Status of Women Canada invited organizations to propose projects that advance gender equality across Canada. As of June 2017, some 50 projects have been approved for over $18 million in Funding to Advance Gender Equality.

Over the course of 36-months, the projects will address systemic barriers in Status of Women Canada's three areas of focus: increasing women's economic security and prosperity; encouraging women and girls to be better represented in leadership and decision-making roles; and ending violence against women and girls.

The Canadian Women's Foundation will convene a strong, independent, pan-Canadian network of women leaders to support feminist action for gender equality at the national level. These leaders have been chosen for their remarkable efforts at the local level to advance gender equality with women, girls and gender non-conforming people. By creating a network of visionary women, we will broaden the reach of their efforts beyond their communities  inspiring others from across the country to add their voices and contribute their ideas towards achieving real progress.

It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence

It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence is the Government of Canada's response to gender-based violence (GBV). It builds on current federal initiatives, coordinates existing programs and lays the foundation for greater action on GBV.



The Strategy is based on three pillars:

Prevention;

Support for survivors and their families; and

Promotion of responsive legal and justice systems

SOURCE Status of Women Canada

For further information: Inquiries: Celia Canon, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 613-862-3270; Leonie Roux, Public Affairs Officer, Status of Women Canada, 819-420-6821
TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2017 /CNW/ -- The 2017 Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS), being held during the ongoing observance of Canada's sesquicentennial, will welcome attendees to a new world of manufacturing innovation and opportunity. CMTS, produced by SME, returns to The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Sept. 25-28.

Manufacturing has long been a critical component of the Canadian economy  even before formation of the Dominion in 1867.

In 1809, a steamboat built entirely in Montreal was launched by the Eagle Foundry. Innovation and expansion continued, from Canada's first paper mill (1805) to powered machines for industrial textile production (1826); the first steam locomotive-powered railway service in Canada was offered in 1836.

Both the First World War (1914-18) and the Second World War (1939-45) spurred Canadian heavy manufacturing to unprecedented expansion and achievement; by 1945, nearly one-quarter of all Canadian workers were employed in the manufacturing sector.

Today, more than 1.7 million Canadians are employed at 90,000 manufacturing enterprises across the country, making manufacturing the largest sector of the Canadian economy. Manufacturing contributes $610 billion to the nation's GDP, and trends indicate industry has continued to expand through 2017.

"Canadian manufacturers wanting keys to maintaining a competitive advantage will find insight and expertise at CMTS," says Julie Pike, director of SME Canadian Events. "Enhancing productivity, building the smart factory of tomorrow, addressing the skills gap: CMTS covers those and myriad other topics that manufacturers need to know."

The largest manufacturing event in the country, CMTS will show the next steps forward in Canadian innovation and manufacturing enterprise, welcoming more than 9,000 manufacturing professionals to experience exhibits from more than 700 leading suppliers. CMTS also offers attendees two informative conferences  Advanced Manufacturing Canada and RAPID Canada  each featuring two days of presentations, workshops and panel discussions intended to provide information on the latest developments in the areas of additive manufacturing, automation economics and robotics, workforce development and more.

Canada celebrates a rich, historic manufacturing past  and through CMTS, Canadian manufacturers can experience, in one setting, the industry leadership, advanced technologies, and current trends that will shape an equally impressive and expansive manufacturing future.

For more information, or to register, visit cmts.ca.

About CMTS:

The Canadian Manufacturing Technology show is Canada's largest and most influential manufacturing event. For more than 40 years, CMTS has connected manufacturers of all sizes and from all sectors to the equipment, technologies, services and experts best suited to streamline operations and improve results. Learn more at cmts.ca, follow @SME_Canada or facebook.com/CMTSevent.

About SME:

SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skills needed for the industry. Learn more at sme.org, follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.

SOURCE SME

For further information: Greg Owens, CMTS PR Representative, 613.804.1978, [email protected], http://www.sme.org

Related Links

http://www.sme.org


OTTAWA, Sept. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, on the tenth anniversary of the UN adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Marie-Claude Landry, Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, issues the following statement:

"Ten years ago today, the United Nations adopted a declaration that affirmed to the entire world, the rights of Indigenous peoples as equal members of the human family. For Canada, it meant that the rights of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples were now given due recognition by international human rights law.

"In the decade since its adoption, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has become a signal of the international community's recognition of the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples. Here in Canada, we have seen a tangible shift over the past decade in public awareness of the historic wrongs and the current injustices that too many Indigenous people have faced, and continue to face.

"Last year, an Environics study on Canada's public opinion of Indigenous peoples found that overall, more and more Canadians have a deeper understanding of the gaps in equality, the history of the residential schools and the need for overall public engagement on Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.

"Along with increased understanding, we have seen a growing momentum and desire for change  at the highest levels of government. The calls for change are not just coming from Indigenous peoples  they are coming from people across Canada.

"Yet, much more remains to be done to achieve equality in the daily lives of Indigenous peoples, an issue that was front and centre in the recent child welfare case.

"Issues such as access to clean drinking water, adequate housing, education, child welfare services on reserve, access to justice  these are all, at their core, human rights issues facing Indigenous peoples. And they are priority issues for us at the Commission, and for the many other dedicated organizations working for Indigenous rights in Canada. It is our hope that together, over the course of the next decade, we can all continue the momentum and make great strides towards full equality, full access to justice, and full inclusion for Indigenous people in Canada."

Marie-Claude Landry, Chief Commissioner

Quick Facts

Half of children in foster care in Canada are Indigenous. Source

of children in foster care in are Indigenous. Source Over 150 First Nations communities do not have access to clean drinking water. Source

First Nations communities do not have access to clean drinking water. Source 37% of housing units on First Nations reserves are in need of major repairs. Source

of housing units on First Nations reserves are in need of major repairs. Source The murder rate of Indigenous women is 4.5 times higher than other women in Canada . Source

than other women in . Source 1 in 4 federal inmates are Indigenous. Source

federal inmates are Indigenous. Source The suicide rates among Inuit youth are among the highest in the world 11 times the national average. Source





the national average. Source The 2016 Environics study found that:

Six out of ten non-Indigenous Canadians believe there is a large gap in the standard of living between themselves and Indigenous peoples;

non-Indigenous Canadians believe there is a large gap in the standard of living between themselves and Indigenous peoples;

Two-thirds of non-Indigenous Canadians have heard or read something about Indian residential schools;

of non-Indigenous Canadians have heard or read something about Indian residential schools;

42% of Canadians report being aware of the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples in the residential schools, including the abuse and molestation of students; and

of Canadians report being aware of the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples in the residential schools, including the abuse and molestation of students; and

84 % of non-Indigenous Canadians are aware that individuals have a role to play in bringing about Reconciliation.

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter @CdnHumanRights and Facebook.

Watch us on YouTube.

SOURCE Canadian Human Rights Commission

For further information: Media Contacts: Media Relations, 613-943-9118, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca


TORONTO and CHERRY HILL, N.J., Sept. 12, 2017 /CNW/ -- TD Bank Group and its subsidiary, TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, today announced donations to the relief efforts surrounding Hurricane Irma in Florida, the Carolinas and the Caribbean.

This includes $250,000 from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts in Florida and the Carolinas. Additionally, the Foundation will provide $250,000 in relief funding to local organizations through employee and community matching gift donations.

TD Bank Group donated $100,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross to support relief efforts in the Caribbean.

"With more than 1 million customers and employees in Irma's path, TD is committed to providing emergency assistance to help those impacted by this devastating storm," said Greg Braca, President and CEO of TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank. "These are our neighbors, our colleagues and our friends, and we'll stand beside them as they work to rebuild their lives."

TD is partnering on the ground in Florida and the Carolinas to help those impacted by:

Stocking company vehicles with supplies for those in need

Relocating two TD mobile banks to provide banking services to the hardest hit areas

Taking steps to make banking as easy as possible for customers  including waiving fees, issuing debit and credit cards overnight, and offering a grace period for mortgage and home equity payments

TD Bank is committed to helping its communities recover from the most severe natural disasters. In addition to providing support for Hurricane Irma, it recently donated $225,000 to the American Red Cross to fund similar relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey.

Additional Relief Efforts to Be Provided

TD Bank will raise funds through its Bring Change and Coins for Caring charitable-giving program at the majority of its stores beginning Sept. 12. Proceeds will benefit the Red Cross relief efforts.

TD's Bring Change and Coins for Caring program raises money to fund community nonprofits that are making a meaningful impact and assist individuals in need from Maine to Florida. The program addresses issues impacting low- to moderate-income populations as well homelessness, food insecurity, services for those with special needs, and disaster-recovery efforts.

American Red Cross donations provide shelter, food, comfort and emergency support for people affected by tragedies, such as Hurricane Irma, including cots, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, comfort kits, kitchen supplies and cleaning supplies. The American Red Cross also supplies emergency vehicles, shelter and hospital services to individuals in need.

For those interested in helping those impacted by the storm, donations can also be made directly to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

"As one of the nation's leading banks, we have a responsibility to help people begin to rebuild their lives and their communities," said Braca.

About TD Bank Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group ("TD" or the "Bank"). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves more than 24 million customers in three key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Retail, including TD Canada Trust, TD Auto Finance Canada, TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, TD Auto Finance U.S., TD Wealth (U.S.), and an investment in TD Ameritrade; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with approximately 10 million active online and mobile customers. TD had CDN$1 trillion in assets on April 30, 2015. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.

About TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank

TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 9 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,200 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.

TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol "TD". To learn more, visit www.td.com.

SOURCE TD Bank

For further information: Manokia Musonge, TD Bank, 856-813-4203, [email protected], http://www.TDBank.com

Related Links

http://www.TDBank.com


Tampa Electric Company made formal request for assistance yesterday

TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - Toronto Hydro has sent 28 employees and 15 trucks to Florida to help restore power following Hurricane Irma.

Damage throughout Florida is severe and millions of customers are without power. Our crews are travelling to the Tampa area, which is on Florida's Gulf Coast, to provide emergency assistance and help restore power to people dealing with the devastating aftermath of the hurricane.

We had offered up resources to any utility in Florida that needed help on Sunday. Tampa Electric accepted the offer late in the afternoon on Monday.

Crews are driving bucket trucks and other vehicles to Florida and the trip is expected to take approximately two and a half days. They departed from our Etobicoke location at around 9:30 a.m. today.

QUICK FACTS

Tampa Electric Company serves about 730,000 customers in West Central Florida

Toronto Hydro is a member of the North Atlantic Mutual Assistance Group (NAMAG). NAMAG is a consortium of 26 utilities from across the North Atlantic that have signed an agreement to share resources during an emergency, like the 2013 ice storm, tropical storms, hurricanes, and other disasters

Tampa Electric Company belongs to a similar mutual aid group called the Southeast Electric Exchange (SEE). NAMAG and SEE are working together to coordinate requests for assistance

QUOTES

"The destruction in Florida is extreme. The images on the news show severe damage to numerous towns and cities. Electricity will be essential for the re-building process, which is why we're answering the call for help and sending crews to Tampa."

- John Borowitz, General Manager, Distribution Grid Operations and Emergency Management, Toronto Hydro

ABOUT TORONTO HYDRO

Toronto Hydro owns and operates the electricity distribution system for Canada's largest city. A leader in conservation and demand management, it has 765,000 customers located in the city of Toronto and distributes approximately 19% of the electricity consumed in Ontario.

Twitter - twitter.com/torontohydro

Facebook - facebook.com/torontohydro

YouTube - youtube.com/torontohydro

Flickr - flickr.com/torontohydro

LinkedIn - Linkedin.com/company/toronto-hydro

SOURCE Toronto Hydro Corporation

For further information: Tori Gass, Communications and Public Relations, 416-903-4037, [email protected]; 24-hour media line: 416-903-6845, [email protected]

Related Links

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Government of Canada awards $175,000 to support project by the Corporation pour le developpement de l'ile Saint-Quentin

TROIS-RIVIERES, QC, Sept. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Trois-Rivieres families will enjoy safer play spaces for their children and improved areas for socializing and physical activity thanks to $175,000 in funding from the Government of Canada to upgrade the facilities in Parc de l'ile Saint-Quentin (website in French only).

The investment was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.

The funding will go towards building a new tobogganing hill and permanent shelter and buying and installing lights along the trails.

The investment has been granted through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150), a $300 million fund that was established to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary through investments in community spaces that bring Canadians together. Up to $63.5M of this amount will be invested in Quebec.

The Corporation pour le developpement de l'ile Saint-Quentin is a non-profit organization mandated to manage and develop the ile Saint-Quentin site, which belongs to the City of Trois-Rivieres. Its mission is to provide Trois-Rivieres residents and other visitors access to a relaxing green space for recreational and educational outdoor activities.

Quotes

"This investment is part of a community construction project celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary. There is no better way to mark this milestone than to celebrate the places that bring us togetherthe places that allow us to stay fit, unwind and connect with our friends and neighbours. That is how we establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the world. The values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians are forged in our community spaces."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED

"Facilities like those in the Parc de l'ile de Saint-Quentin are gathering places that also contribute to our region's reputation. The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will help us preserve and improve our community infrastructure so that Canadians and their families can enjoy it for many years to come. I am proud to know that residents of Trois-Rivieres and the surrounding areas will benefit from this program."

The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-MauriceChamplain and Minister of International Trade

Quick facts

Since its creation in 2015, CIP150 has invested nearly $61M in more than 470 projects contributing to the vitality of Quebec's communities.

in more than 470 projects contributing to the vitality of communities. CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Related link

CED  Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

Stay connected

Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube

Follow Parc de l'ile Saint-Quentin on Facebook

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

For further information: Karl W. Sasseville, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Tel.: 343-291-2500; Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: 514-283-7443, Email:mailto:[email protected] [email protected]
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The mugshot of Brock Turner, a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault in 2016, appears in a college textbook beside a definition of "rape."

Washington State University student Hannah Shum stumbled upon the mugshot while completing homework for her Criminal Justice 101 class. The criminal justice major posted a photo of the textbook page on Facebook, and the image quickly went viral.

The mugshot is featured on page 20 of "Introduction to Criminal Justice: Systems, Diversity, and Change" (Sage Publications), according to online texts published on Google Books and Amazon.

The caption beneath the mugshot reads:

"Brock Turner, a Stanford student who raped and assaulted an unconscious female college student behind a dumpster at a fraternity party, was recently released from jail after serving only three months. Some are shocked at how short this sentence is. Others who are more familiar with the way sexual violence has been handled in the criminal justice system are shocked he was found guilty and served any time at all. What do you think?"

The authors  University of Colorado law professors Callie Marie Rennison and Mary Dodge  include a definition of rape below the caption.

On Thursday, the authors and publisher released a joint statement: "The statutory definitions of rape in the State of California (where Turner was convicted of three charges of felony sexual assault) differ from those of the FBI. Turner's actions, as determined by the California jury, fit the standards for the FBI definition of rape, as well as certain other state definitions, but not the California definition as of the time of the final book manuscript. The authors and publisher will further clarify the differing definitions of rape in California compared to the FBI in future reprints of the book."

Turner, who faced up to 10 years in prison after his conviction in Santa Clara County Superior Court of three counts of sexual assault, served three months of a six-month sentence in Santa Clara County jail. A petition for the recall of Turner's sentencing judge, Aaron Persky, began circulating shortly after his ruling.

Shum is pleased her textbook photo went viral, calling it a "little bit of justice served."

"It seemed like it had nearly disappeared and America just wanted to forget it," she said of the Turner case. "I'm super glad [the textbook authors aren't] letting that happen."

The San Francisco Chronicle's Peter Fimrite contributed to this report.

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
Eversource crews arrived Tuesday in Florida and will be dispatched early Wednesday morning on assignments to help the state bring some 5 million electricity customers back online who lost power in Hurricane Irma.

Some 100 Eversource employees from Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire headed south in 70 vehicles on Sept. 9, among convoys of crews from utilities nationally heading to Florida. Eversource will assist Florida Power & Light Co., with Eversource having also devoted call center agents to provide support to customers of Tampa Electric Co.
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We just received a letter from the prosecutors office that says you need to testify regarding a Twitter posting from Dec. 19, 2016. I suggest that you do it immediately, said the lawyer from Cumhuriyet, the Turkish newspaper where I write a column.

A chill went down my spine, even though it was early June. After all, I live in Turkey  not the worlds easiest place to be a journalist these days  and my paper has been on the receiving end of the governments crackdown on media.

Human rights groups estimate that there are roughly 170 Turkish journalists in jail. At the time of my conversation with the lawyer, 12 of them were writers and executives from my paper.

Most imprisoned Turkish journalists are charged with supporting terrorism - based on their alleged sympathy for Kurdish militants or their presumed links to the religious group known as the Gulenists, whom Ankara holds responsible for last years failed coup. But in the case of Cumhuriyet - Turkeys oldest, perennially dissident and staunchly secularist paper - it was hard to provide a direct link to either of these groups. So the prosecutors argued that the papers writers, though unconnected to the Kurdistan Workers Party or the Gulen network, were nonetheless committing crimes on behalf of these organizations, ostensibly through their articles.

Authoritarianism always comes with absurdity. In the case of Cumhuriyet foreign affairs columnist Kadri Gursel, for example, the prosecutors alleged subliminal support for the failed coup in a column entitled Erdogan wants to be our father. In criticizing the Turkish president, the indictment claimed, Gursel was trying to create the impression that Turkey is an authoritarian regime.

I asked the lawyer which tweet I was under investigation for. Although I am a critic of the government, Im always very careful about how I phrase my opposition, weighing each word to avoid any grounds for charges of libel or support for terrorism. We dont know, the lawyer said. Youll find out when you see the prosecutor.

Hearing the panic in my voice, he then added, Look, dont worry too much. As a rule of thumb, if youre asked to come in to testify, that usually means you walk out of that office free. If they want to arrest you, they just knock on your door early one morning.

Somehow I didnt feel reassured.

Since the coup, sanity has drained out of the national justice system. The July 2016 coup attempt was a serious trauma for Turks, and few raised objections to prosecuting those who were actually involved (many of whom were sympathetic to U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen). The government crackdown, however, has extended to many government critics, Kurdish politicians and leftist dissidents. In most cases, prosecutors and judges dont seek reasonable doubt before throwing suspects in jail. It often takes months before those detained appear before a judge.

I went through my tweets from Dec. 19. That turned out to be the day of the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Ankara, who was killed by a policeman-turned-religious fanatic trying to protest the war in Syria.

Most of my tweets reported details of the incident. But in one, in which I tried to say, We yearn for the days Turkey is not front-page news, there was a spelling error. So the tweet ended up sounding like, We yearn for Turkey front-page news.

Thats it, I thought! Even though I had immediately corrected my two-letter slip-up the next morning, I was still attacked by an army of trolls - possibly for wishing to see Turkey in headlines with horrific assassinations.

Repressive regimes make you insane. You walk on eggshells and become paranoid to survive. I became convinced that the prosecutor would ask whether I somehow supported the assassination of the Russian ambassador.

That night, I stayed up to prepare a nice dossier of my tweets and other writings, all intended to show I was neither a supporter of terrorism nor a Gulenist nor someone who thought killing the Russian ambassador was a good idea. A folder to prove my innocence and loyalty to the fatherland!

The next day, the prosecutor in the big courthouse at the heart of Istanbul was polite and professional. He explained that a citizen had filed a complaint about me with the prime ministry for insulting the legacy of Turkeys founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. This is about your tweet on the death of Zsa Zsa Gabor, he explained, half-embarrassed.

It turned out that on the morning of Dec. 19, I had shared Gabors obituary from British newspaper the Guardian. In the article was the claim that she had had an affair with Ataturk when she was 15. Now an upright citizen was accusing me of suggesting that our founding father was a pedophile. Or something.

I was lucky. The prosecutor was reasonable and saw no grounds for further investigation - and that was the last I heard of Zsa Zsa.

Needless to say, Im not relating this story to make light of a horrific story - the crushing of Turkish media freedoms and the dismantling of democracy.

In July, after nine months in jail, 12 jailed Cumhuriyet journalists made their first appearance before a judge. They are old-school leftists who had criticized the growing influence of Gulenists under the reign of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Now prosecutors were accusing these same men of complicity with the coup plotters. The newspapers ombudsman, Guray Oz, explained that the terrorist he was accused of having contacts with was the pizza deliveryman he regularly called to order lunch. Akin Atalay, a senior executive, mocked the prosecution for trying to depict a payment he made seven years ago while renovating his apartment as a financial link to the coup. The papers longtime book editor, Turhan Gunay, beautifully lectured, as if in a graduate seminar, on the fine art of reviewing.

Their courage was exemplary. Seven of them were released after the hearing. Yet fve remained in prison.

I cannot vouch for every journalist or detainee in Turkey. But I can say that articles, opinions and tweets are not terrorism. Next week, on Sept. 11, there will be another hearing for our papers journalists. I dont know what the judge will decide, but I can say that Turkey has already embarrassed itself enough with these journalist trials.

So release them all, I say.

Courtesy of The Washington Post
NEW HAVEN >> A federal jury Tuesday concluded two police officers did not violate a mans civil rights during a 2016 arrest.

After four hours of deliberations, the eight-member panel unanimously found in favor of defendants Detective Daniel Conklin and Lt. Jason Rentkowicz, who were accused by Dennis Serfilippi, a consultant for startup companies, of false arrest and maliciously prosecution.

Were very happy with the outcome. Our officers didnt do anything wrong and acted appropriately, and thats what the jury found, said Michael Wolak, the citys attorney, who represented Conklin and Rentkowicz.

Despite losing the legal argument, Serfilippi said he was not surprised by the verdict as he knew going in the chances of winning in federal court were slim. He proceeded, nonetheless, because he wanted more than anything ...a public forum in order to show exactly how these two officers behaved that day.

The law, especially in Connecticut, gives a lot of discretion to police officers, and in many cases it should, Serfilippi said. When I filed the case, the caption on the complaint reads Serfilippi v. Conklin and Rentkowicz, but I was filing it on behalf of all of the residents of the city of New Haven.

Joseph Merly, Serfilippis attorney, said cases of this nature are challenging.

The federal law in Connecticut is very favorable to police officers..., he said. Its always sort of an uphill battle when youre suing police officers for false arrest and malicious prosecution.

The civil lawsuit stemmed from an incident Jan. 11, 2016, when Conklin was working an extra-duty job near Serfilippis Elm Street residence around 2:30 p.m. The amended complaint alleged Serfilippis mother was unable to exit her driveway for a very long period of time, so he stepped into the street and helped his mother get her car out of the driveway as Conklin allegedly was socializing with the construction crew and ignoring the needs of [the] motorists. Serfilippi then returned to his home.

However, the police report asserted Conklin had stopped traffic from proceeding...so the [construction crews] roller machine could operate in a safe manner. A few minutes later, he allegedly heard shouting and saw Serfilippi talking with the foreman. Serfilippi then allegedly entered the roadway and started to direct traffic in the middle of the roadway, nearly causing an accident between a sedan and the roller machine, according to the police report.

When Conklin ordered Serfilippi out of the street, the police report stated, Serfilippi yelled, Do your job so I dont have to. Serfilippi eventually complied, and when Conklin asked for identification, Serfilippi claimed he had none on him and returned to his house with Conklin following.

Mr. Serfilippi then opened his front door and began to speak with me again inside his doorway. I again reiterated that I was issuing him an infraction ticket and requested his information or a form of identification, Conklin wrote in the police report. At that point Mr. Serfilippi shouted, Get an arrest warrant and slammed the front door with my right index finger in the doorway. This cause a significant amount of pain as well as bleeding under the nail, a broken nail, bruising, and blistering.

In contrast, the amended complaint asserted after Conklin observed Serfilippi helping his mother, Conklin became enraged and began pounding his fist on [Serfilippis] front door, demanding Serfilippi come onto the porch. After asking Conklin to leave, Serfilippi, in fear for his safety, then called 911 and requested a police supervisor.

Rentkowicz arrived and assisted in arresting Serfilippi without a warrant or probable cause, the complaint states. Serfilippi was detained for one hour before being taken to the station, the complaint states. According to Serfilippi, the officers also seized his cell phone which contained video of the incident, and the device was never returned. The police report did not mention any mobile device.

Serfilippi was charged with assaulting a police officer, interfering with police and disorderly conduct but the charges were later nolled and ultimately dismissed, in February 2016.

[Conklin] could have destroyed my career if I was found guilty of assault on a police officer, Serfilippi said. Every time Id go to find a new client, Id have a police record that said, assault on a police officer. Not too many people or startup companies that want a CFO with that background.
NEW HAVEN >> Older, terminally ill patients could improve the quality of their last days by accessing hospice services much sooner, according to a Yale School of Medicine-led study.

The study found that, while Medicare covers hospice when a patient is given a prognosis of six months or less to live, most patients dont turn to the services until the very end of life. The prognosis is made according to Medicare criteria for each condition.

I think the main message is that there are opportunities to improve care at the end of life in terms of addressing bothersome symptoms  through earlier referral to hospice, said Dr. Thomas Gill, professor of geriatric medicine and director of the Yale Program on Aging, who is the studys first author.

The study followed 562 people, aged 70 and older, who were not disabled at the beginning of the study but who died in the next 16 years. Gill said the average age of the patients who sought hospice services was 88.

Of those studied, 244, or 43.4 percent, utilized hospice services during the last year of life, but about half of those entered hospice less than two weeks before they died, and hospice is not as effective over a short period of time as [it] might be for a longer duration, said Gill, who also leads the Yale Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, where the study was conducted.

Hospice care includes symptom relief and other forms of palliative care and therapy. Most hospice services are provided to patients in their homes, according to Gill and Deborah Hoyt, president of the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home, based in Wallingford, which represents 26 of the 31 hospice agencies in the state.

Hospice is designed to identify and alleviate bothersome symptoms and to provide comfort and other measures at the end of life with the goal of enhancing quality of life rather than increasing the duration of life, and we cant tell from our study whether hospice discussions were not occurring until near the end or whether families were unwilling to have those discussions, Gill said.

When youre in your 80s and you have a condition such as cancer or serious heart failure, another thats considered terminal, those are the times in which a patient and their physician can initiate discussions of what the goals of care are at the end of life, he said.

Patients with cancer and advanced dementia were admitted to hospice care most often, while those who were frail were least likely to benefit. However, frailty was the most common condition that ultimately led to death, followed by organ failure, advanced dementia and cancer, according to a press release. Symptoms that might suggest hospice care include fatigue, nausea, depression, anxiety and difficulty sleeping or with memory.

Gill and Hoyt both said families should discuss patients desires before their illnesses become debilitating. It puts that issue on the table and then it can be revisited at a later point, Gill said.

He said a hospice nurse can make recommendations about other types of equipment that may be available through Medicare to optimize ones function at home.

Also, if things go well and the patient stays stable and it appears that the patient no longer needs hospice, they can transfer back to the traditional Medicare benefit, Gill said. Fifteen percent of hospice patients leave hospice care, he said. Its not a one-way ticket.

Hoyt said too many people try to avoid turning to hospice. They call it the H-word, she said. People dont want to think of it.

As providers of care for senior adults or people with terminal illness  we want to encourage them to speak with their doctors and family members about their legacy and their preferences in terms of end of life, Hoyt said.

Rather than lying in a hospital bed hooked up to all kinds of wires and machines  they can remain comfortable, pain-free and at home surrounded by loved ones, she said.

Besides specialized hospice nurses, hospice care can include social workers, music therapists and volunteers to be with the patient, make sure that all of their final wishes are met, that theyre comfortable and they feel that theyre mentally and physically prepared for their end-of-life transition, Hoyt said.

Connecticut ranks last in the nation in terms of people accessing hospice care and the average length of stay in the state is six days, she said.

A doctor needs to have a conversation and refer the patient to a hospice provider and physicians dont always feel comfortable having that conversation with patients. Theyd rather try to treat them until their last breath and were trying to turn that around, she said.

Hoyt said hospice agencies served by her organization can be located by town or provided services on the associations website, www.cthealthcareathome.org.

The study was published Sept. 12 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Editor's note: This story was edited to correct the number of hospice agencies represented by the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home.

Call Ed Stannard at 203-680-9382.
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BRIDGEPORT  Idalyn Vargas said she never saw the car coming, but she heard it as it mounted the sidewalk. And by the time she saw the car, it was too late.

Vargas, 50, and Leonard Lenny Hunter, 68, were hit by a car Tuesday morning around 8 a.m. as they stood on the sidewalk at the intersection of Park and North avenues. The two are crossing guards that have worked together for nine years, Vargas said.

Thank God there were no kids around, Vargas said. We were standing on the corner, like we do every day, and all of a sudden I heard the noise.

That noise was Larissa B. Fountain, 47, mounting the curb before she hit Hunter and Vargas. Police spokesman Av Harris said Fountain had just dropped her daughter off at nearby Geraldine Johnson Elementary School.

(She) said she blacked out prior to the crash, police spokesman Av Harris said Tuesday. As of Wednesday afternoon, Harris said, Fountain had not been charged.

More News Crossing guards, driver identified after serious accident

The investigation is ongoing, he said. No charges will be filed (until) the investigation is complete.

Harris said Hunter remained in critical condition Thursday. Harris said Hunter suffered two broken legs and a brain bleed. He underwent surgery Tuesday and a second operation at St. Vincents Medical Center on Wednesday.

Considering the severity of his injuries, he is lucky to have survived the crash, Harris said.

Working as a crossing guard might have seemed safe compared to Hunters time as a soldier in Vietnam. He grew up in Stamford as one of 11 siblings. He and four brothers served in the Army, while another was in the Air Force. All five returned home after their service.

After Hunters three years in the Army, he took a position with the U.S. Postal Service, working there for 37 years before retiring. Hunter is the commander of the Darien Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Though Hunter remains hospitalized, Vargas was released from the hospital on Wednesday. She said she was struck by the cars outer side mirror and suffered minor injuries. Hunter got the worst of it.

Im OK. Im a little sore, but Ill survive, Vargas said. But when I saw Lenny (Hunter) get hit  to tell you the truth, when I saw him go in the air, I closed my eyes.

Harris said Hunter was dragged about 40 feet from the initial impact of the accident. Vargas said the two did not even see the car coming because they were facing traffic in the other direction.

Im going to visit him tomorrow (Thursday), Vargas said. She said she didnt have any updates on his condition.

She said she hopes the accident will change the way residents drive in the area.

I think that people should pay more attention, Vargas said. We have uniforms and they see it. But a lot of people dont respect us. They have to realize we are there for the safety of the kids.

Crossing guards near the school will have some backup to keep intersections safe through Friday, Harris said.

Police officers (School Resource Officers) will be manning the intersection (Wednesday) and for the rest of the week, he said.
BRIDGEPORT  Driving through downtown Wednesday, Ramon Alers spotted Ernie Newton on foot and had to pull over.

Newton, as usual, was well-dressed and impossible to miss, particularly on a late summer day: Straw hat, dark suit, tie, handkerchief, cufflinks.

Congratulations my friend. Congratulations, an elated Alers exclaimed as he warmly embraced Newton.

East End residents like Alers turned out Tuesday in a show of support for the quirky, charismatic, storied and controversial Newton as he took a big step toward regaining a more influential position in city politics.

Newton, an ex-City Councilman who graduated to the state legislature and was then jailed for corruption, has remained a vocal black community leader. On Tuesday he came in second in a four-way Democratic primary for a pair of council seats, giving him a solid shot at returning to Bridgeports legislative body.

The people like him, Alers said. Thats why he win.

Newton has not won quite yet.

Seven votes separate him and third place contender Wanda Simmons, so a recount of Tuesdays primary results will be scheduled. If Newton remains in the lead, he and Councilwoman Eneida Martinez, who received the most support, will be the endorsed Democrats come Novembers general election.

But Simmons will still be a contender as candidate for the aggressive Working Families Party.

Im in a good place, said Simmons, who moved back to the city three years ago and got involved in education issues. She noted that she held her own against Newton, Martinez and Councilman James Holloway, who came in fourth in Tuesdays East End contest.

Still, Newton on Wednesday was acting fairly confident and being treated as if his return was a pretty sure thing.

Congratulations, bro, said state Rep. Ezequiel Santiago as the two men met on the sidewalk. Oh man  check that out.

Thank you, man, Newton said. I look forward to working with the (Bridgeports legislative) delegation.

Another admirer, Edner Lors, also recognized Newton while downtown.

Im happy. Hes outspoken. We need a voice like Ernie, Lors said. Hes not afraid to step in the firing line.

Newton has plenty of political wounds, so far none of them fatal.

He served on the City Council in the 1980s, eventually becoming the president. Then Newton was elected to the state House of Representatives and, later, the state Senate.

He was convicted of corruption in 2005 and sentenced to five years in a minimum security federal prison.

Newton tried, twice, to return to the legislature in 2012 and 2014. Both times he lost Democratic primaries in part because of fears that his re-election would do further damage to the citys reputation for producing tainted politicians.

By 2015, those opponents fears appeared justified. Newton was convicted of three violations of campaign finance law related to his 2012 comeback attempt and sentenced to six months in prison.

He is free on appeal and Newton and his attorney have continually expressed optimism about his case.

We're gonna win, Newton reiterated Wednesday.

But Democratic leaders were not buying it this summer. They instead nominated Martinez and Holloway for the East Ends council seats at the party's summer convention. So Newton collected the signatures needed to force Tuesdays primary.

It shows perseverance pays off, Santiago said. "He put up a fight for what he believed in and was successful.

I do think its unfair to put his supporters in that position because were really not sure what his legal outcomes are going to be, said Simmons, who likewise petitioned her way onto the primary ballot. He should have resolved those issues before he ran.

But, Simmons added, Outside of that, I have the most respect for him in the world. Everyone does have a past.

Even Bridgeports mayor, insisted Alers. Joe Ganim was convicted of corruption in 2003 after 12 years in office, then waged a successful comeback in 2015, appealing to many of the same constituents who believe Newton too deserves a second chance.

Look, the mayor did the same thing  and hes the mayor (again), laughed Alers.

Council races can be more intimate affairs than legislative contests, which might help explain why Newton performed better Tuesday than in 2012 or 2014. But he also believes that his more recent activities  being vice president of an East End planning group and his job with Career Resources Inc. helping ex-offenders find work  had an impact.

People got to see me do some things, Newton said.

Newton said he could not sleep after learning of the primary results.

There was tears in my eyes. It was more like being in shock, Newton said. Youve gotta understand what Ive been through. I know Ive done some good in this city.
FAIRFIELD  It has been nearly 10 years since Christopher Hubingers family laid him to rest after he was killed during a drunk driving incident.

As a memorial to Hubinger, this years Fairfield County Walk like MADD event will be held in his memory. The walk is a national event that takes place across the nation hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Michelle Lettieri, manager victim services for the Connecticut office of MADD, said Hubinger was chosen this year by the Victim Services Department.

Every year we pick a victim to honor, Lettieri said. We picked Chris (Hubinger) this year because its going to be the 10-year anniversary (of his death) in December. We figured this was a wonderful time to honor him.

Hubinger, of Seymour, was killed on Dec. 2, 2007, at the age of 22 when the driver of a vehicle he was a passenger in crashed after driving while intoxicated.

Lettieri said the department reached out to Hubingers family to see if they were willing to participate in the walk in his memory.

MADD mission as the largest non-profit in the nation that works to protect families from drunk driving, drugged driving and underage drinking. The organization was founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver.

Lettieri said the event begins with breakfast and opening speeches, followed by the main event: the three-mile walk. She said the money raised at this event will stay in the state of Connecticut to help with the mission of MADD.

The Fairfield County event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Fairfield Theatre Company at 70 Sanford St. in Fairfield. Registration runs from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and the walk is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Lettieri was the advocate for the Hubinger family after his death. She said that meant she would assist the family with support and whatever they needed. In the Hubingers case, Lettieri said she went to court with them and helped support them during the legal process.

I was at their home shortly after the incident, when they reached out, Lettieri said. Anything that they needed, I tried to help them out. Through this tragedy, I feel like Ive become a part of their family.

A team for the Walk like MADD event is named after Hubinger and is made up of more than 20 participants.

The teams page said Hubinger went out with three friends and appointed a designated driver since they would be drinking. But, the page said, the designated driver  Franklin Mattice of Oxford  ended up having a few drinks.

A recap of that night

The accident that took Hubingers life was on Derby-Milford Road in Orange around 2 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2007. Mattice, who was in his mid-20s at the time of the accident, lost control of the car and struck a tree and a utility pole before bursting into flames.

The two backseat passengers managed to get out of the car after the crash, the page said. The driver and Hubinger remained in the car. The page said a passerby, a nurse, noticed the accident and was able to pull Mattice from the car as it caught fire.

(She) yelled, Is there anyone else in the car? the page said. The other boys said no, and moments later the car was engulfed in flames. Chris (Hubinger) never made it out of the car.

The two backseat passengers suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Mattice will need to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life, his lawyer said when he was sentenced. He was badly burned and was in a coma for five months. Mattice is unable to use his legs, feet or hands and he has to take several medications, he lawyer said.

Police charged Mattice with second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, second-degree assault with a motor vehicle, third-degree assault, driving under the influence, reckless driving and operating without a license.

A judge sentenced Mattice to serve four years in prison on April 29, 2010, followed by five years of probation  which could land him another six years in prison if violated. He must make a donation of at least $50 annually for five years in Hubinger's name to MADD.

By the numbers

There are 300,000 incidents involving drunk driving a day, there are 290,000 injuries in drunk driving accidents and there are more than 10,000 drunk driving-related deaths a year, according to the MADD website.

Those numbers mean that every two minutes someone is injured by drunk driving and every 51 minutes someone is killed by drunk driving.

This years event is held in recognition of what will be the 10-year anniversary of Hubingers death this December. Those interested in participating or donating can be a part of a team or a sponsor.

Our hearts ache every day for Chris, but we know he would want us to make something good of this, the page for the team named after Hubinger said. So we decided to share this painful and personal story with you to help others from making the same tragic mistake of drinking and driving.
HAMDEN >> Residents will see new faces in politics with the elections of two political outsiders to the Legislative Council Tuesday evening.

Justin Farmer and Athena Gary won Democratic primaries that secure them council seats in the 5th and 3rd Districts. They both beat party-endorsed candidates.

Gary, who ran in the 3rd District, won against incumbent Oswald Brown, 106 votes to 53, and challenger Marlo Lewis who received six. Farmer, who ran in the 5th District, won against the De mocratic Town Council-endorsed candidate Alyson Heimer.

Gary is a newcomer to politics but has lived in the 3rd District for 14 years. Throughout that time, Gary said she hasnt seen any change in the district, but its time for something different. Brown served 10 years on the Legislative Council.

Im not big into politics, she said, but Im big into community.

Gary said she wants to improve southern Hamden, starting by cleaning up the area and providing kids with safe recreational spaces.

Im ready to begin whatever work I need to do, she said.

Farmer is a student at Southern Connecticut State University and, at 23, is the youngest candidate of both elections. He forced a primary by collecting enough signatures on a petition in August to get on the ballot. Current seat holder Kathleen Schomaker is leaving the council to focus on her new position as town Energy Efficiency Coordinator.

Farmer held cleanups around the 5th District throughout his campaign as part of his mission to improve the condition of the area. He said he wants a revitalized community center, investments in infrastructure and better care of his district.

Voter turnout in the 5th District was steady throughout the day, while the 3rd District saw fewer voters overall. Each candidate remained at the polling stations the entire time they were open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is looking for workers to help the region recover from the damage left behind by Hurricane Harvey.

FEMA is offering between $14 and $34 an hour for people to work locally and across the state in administrative, logistical and technical jobs involving recovery work. Those hired will be put to work with any number of local, state, federal or volunteer agencies helping in the recovery.

The open FEMA jobs include positions in administrative support, civil engineering and construction cost estimating. The agency also needs couriers, crisis counselors and nurses, as well as specialists with experience in environmental matters, floodplain management, graphics, hazard mitigation outreach and historic preservation.

FEMA reports as Texans clean up from Harvey, recovery help is coming from a number of organizations, including AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team (A-DRT) programs, Texas Conservation Corps and Southwest Conservation Corps. In all, more than half the state's 254 counties have been eligible to receive assistance under six federal disaster declarations in the past year.

The work can be far from glamorous, with some of it involving clearing out flooded out homes.

"This is an emotional time for homeowners," a FEMA blog quoted one of its staffers in describing the work. "Their lives have been forever affected, and potentially changed, by the disaster. All we can do is help them get back on their feet and provide other support, such as a listening ear or friendly conversation when needed. And sometimes that's all a homeowner needs" FEMA did not identify the worker.

In Conroe, officials say about 209 people reported damage to their homes, while 18 businesses were damaged. In the River Plantation area, which is outside of Conroe's city limits, officials have reported 504 homes were damaged.

To apply for a position with FEMA, applicants must first register online with the Texas Workforce Commission at WorkInTexas.com. The commission also has a Workforce Solutions office in Conroe at 2018 Interstate 45 N.

Calls to the Texas Workforce Commission and to Workforce Solutions seeking details on how many people would be hired were not returned by deadline.
Contributed

NORTH HAVEN  The lecture, In the Irish Tenement Kitchen, will take place at 6 p.m. Oct. 10, in the auditorium in the Center for Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Quinnipiac University, 370 Bassett Road, according to a release.

The lecture, which is among the events being held to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Irelands Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac, is free and open to the public, but registration is required at ighm.org.
The death toll left behind by Hurricane Irma continued to rise Wednesday, as six people died at a South Florida nursing home that apparently was without air conditioning amid ongoing power outages statewide, according to local officials.

Three people died at the facility in Hollywood, Florida, and three others were pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital, the city of Hollywood said Wednesday afternoon. Authorities evacuated more than 100 other people from the facility, they said, including bringing some to nearby hospitals.

Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said it was not immediately clear what caused the deaths at the nursing home, which is believed to have lost air conditioning after the storm.

"We're conducting a criminal investigation into the deaths that occurred here," Tomas Sanchez, the Hollywood police chief, said at a news briefing Wednesday. "It's a sad event."

Sanchez said that officials believe the situation at the nursing home "may be related to the loss of power" caused by Irma, but said they were not ruling anything out. He declined to say whether the electricity was entirely out at the facility or if only the air conditioning was out, saying that was still under investigation.

The rehabilitation center is located across the street from Memorial Regional Hospital, the flagship facility of the Memorial Healthcare System and one of the largest hospitals in the state. An official from Memorial said that the healthcare network was helping with evacuating people from the rehabilitation center, which is not part of the Memorial system, and will take some to their other hospitals in the region.

The facility's administrator did not return messages left by The Washington Post.

At a news conference, Florida Power and Light said it serviced portions of the facility. Robert Gould, the utility's chief communications officer, said he understood that certain parts of the facility had power. He said Broward County did not list the facility as critical infrastructure - the places where restoring power is a top priority after a storm - in a hurricane planning meeting earlier this year.

"This facility was not listed as a top critical" by Broward County, Gould said.

"What we've seen is something extremely tragic that points to the need to having plans in advance when it comes to emergency preparation. I would be remiss if i didn't say our deepest sympathies goes out to the families of those (who) lost their lives," Gould said.

Millions of people across Florida have lost power since Irma began lashing the state, and utilities have warned that some of the outages could extend for days or even weeks. This has cut off air conditioning for scores of Floridians, and it poses an acute danger for the particularly young or old in a state known for its sweltering temperatures.

Florida's heat adds a perilous element to the ongoing outages. In Hollywood, where the nursing home is located, temperatures are expected to reach the 90s this week. The storm has presented risks and challenges for the elderly population in Florida, where about one in 5 residents are age 65 or older.

"As with millions of other Floridians, our centers are coping with the loss of power and infrastructure in the communities that were most affected by the devastation," the Florida Health Care Association said in a statement Wednesday. "Approximately 150 facilities out of the nearly 700 facilities in the state do not currently have full power services restored."

Earlier this week, a dangerous scene played out inside an assisted care facility for patients with dementia and memory impairment in Cape Coral, Florida, on the state's Gulf Coast. For three days, the facility lacked power, and for three days, elderly patients suffered in rising heat.

Humidity made the hard-surfaced floors slick with condensation, while patients gathered in a small day room to catch a slight breeze from screened windows. A handful of small fans powered by a borrowed generator were all that kept the situation from devolving into a medical emergency, said Dan Nelson, Cape Coral Shores' chief operating officer.

A state official eventually said they found a generator and gas, but it was not needed: The power turned back on.

The five people who died Wednesday in South Florida were part of a death toll that, while relatively low compared to other massive storms, has slowly climbed in recent days. That toll also included two people in Georgia killed when trees fell on them and a man in Winter Park, Florida, near Orlando, apparently electrocuted by a downed power line in a roadway.

Officials were investigating a number of deaths believed to be related to the storm, though it was not clear whether Irma was directly responsible in every case. The Associated Press reported that before the deaths at the Hollywood nursing home, Irma was blamed for a combined 19 fatalities in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Even as Irma dissipated and moved inland, another danger emerged for those without power: generators. Authorities have warned that these devices can be deadly, noting they can easily sicken or kill people inside homes.

The Daytona Beach Fire Department said Wednesday morning that one person was dead and three others taken to a hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator inside a home there, and the department pleaded with people to keep their generators outside.

All across Florida and the American southeast, people have grappled with the aftermath of Irma, which slammed into the Sunshine State over the weekend and tore apart trees and buildings with slashing winds and pounding rain. Jacksonville, a sprawling city on the state's northeast coast, was deluged with historic flooding.

More than 6 million people were evacuated from their homes in Florida, and they have slowly begun to return, even as roadways remain littered with debris, homes lack electricity and traffic signals have gone dark.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said about half of the county's traffic signals were out. Sharief, the Broward County mayor, has said the number was closer to 45 percent of traffic signals there.

Across the state, the explanations for the outages were visible alongside the road.

"It's a lot of trees and power lines and snapped poles," said Kate Albers, a spokeswoman for Collier County, which stretches across southwestern Florida and includes Marco Island, where Irma made her second landfall.

"I can tell you from driving around you see lines down all over the place," Albers said. "You see trees thrown through power lines and you'll see an occasional pole."
IPOB, an acronym for the Indigenous People of Biafra, was created by prophet Nnamdi Kanu under the divine direction that Biafra must be restored in truth and in honesty, because Biafra is the long awaited kingdom of God here on earth.The land of Biafra shall only be inhabited by custodians of truth, because it is a sacred land of the Most High and the Supreme creator of the heavens and the earth, Chukwuokikeabiama.It is therefore cognoscible and imperative to note that Biafra is not just a nation, but a divine mandate through which the lost glory of God to mankind shall be restored forever and in its fullest. Biafra, as we have always maintained, is a divine agenda already stamped and okayed in heaven, which will in no distant time manifest fully on earth. The restoration of Biafra will change Africa and the world at large. The world shall continue to stand amazed at the glaring incredible tidings that Biafra shall bring unto humanity.The dreaded and renewed movement for Biafra restoration under the umbrella of IPOB, as well as the bravery, adept and supereminent of the leader and director of Radio Biafra/Television, Prophet Nnamdi Kanu is the largest and best of its kind in the history of freedom fighting, owing to the very fact that it's pillar and foundation is built on nothing else but the truth. Let it be known that IPOB is waxing strong and standing tall, because of her uncompromising and unflinching stance on the truth.Biafra is the truth, and that affirms to the cogent reason it stands undefeatable. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has the truth as the greatest weapon which is being utilised in combating our enemies. IPOB is revealing to the entirety of humanity today, that truth is our logo, our motto and our weapon of warfare.In line with this, whatsoever IPOB does is strongly anchored on truth, especially her media wings. All Biafra media outlets are overhauled by truth and that is why we report news the way it is, even when it indicts us. We say the truth not minding who it hurts or who it offends, because truth is all we have been mandated to preach and that is exactly who we are.It is now verily substantiated that the known Biafra media outfits which includes the following, The Biafra Herald, Biafra Telegraph, The Times of Biafra, Biafra Television and Radio Biafra London, are homogeneously built and anchored on the altar and rock of truth, and the truth will continue to prevail no matter how hard one may fight to subdue it. This is the reason IPOB is winning in this media war we are engaging with the deleterious Nigeria media. Their media will keep lying against us, but we will not stop telling the truth about them. Surely time will tell who wins.The media blackout against the people of Biafra has led to the establishment of our own indigenous media, to enable us tell our story and report to humanity the truth about ourselves. Be rest assured that every information coming from the aforementioned media outfits are genuine and authentic. Biafrans are the only specie of humans who believe in "eziokwu bu ndu" which translation reads; "truth is life". Let it be known that IPOB has come to restore justice and sanctity unto humanity. That is why we say " Egbe bere ka ugo bere, nke si n' ibeya amambe nku kwakwa ya" which translates, "live and let live, whosoever that never wanted others to live will definitely not live too" And another has it that "Onuru ube nwanne agbala oso" meaning "he who hears the cry of a fellow should not run away but come to his or her rescue" and that is the kind of world we want to live.Biafra media does not spread nor promote lies, because we are inherently and naturally truthful people. Biafrans are the victims of horrendous legacies of Britain and the rancid Nigeria, hence we have learnt our bitter lessons from the aftermath of lies and deceit.Our unflinching resolve to restore Biafra is poised at it's peak; therefore, Biafra must be restored in truth and in honesty. We (Biafrans) remain the chosen people of the Supreme creator who has vowed in convent to give us Biafra. We do not lie, because any day we start dwelling on lies, then shall we begin to loose Biafra within a twinkle of an eye, because Biafra is God's own project.Biafrans are the practical manifestation of God Almighty on earth, we are made in his image and likeness, and that is the only reason they hate us. IPOB abhors lies to the core because of the devastating damages it has caused and has continued to cause to humanity. We want to live in a world devoid of lies and deceptions. Also in our daily endeavours, we practice this, and our media is geared towards restoring absolute truth unto humanity.This is therefore a clarion call to the general public and the entirety of humanity, especially conscientious beings and those who care for the truth to stay glued to all Biafra approved and recognized media outlets for impeccable and reliable information.
In another 10 days, Nigerias exemption from production quota will be reviewed by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna, Austria. The Federal Government plans to plead with the cartel to grant it a seven-month grace to stabilise its oil production.

Nigeria will resist any attempt to curb its oil production, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, has said.

The minister spoke ahead of the countries meeting with the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia before the end of the month.

Nigeria and Libya, two members of the oil cartel enjoying exemption from oil production cut deal have been invited to an OPEC Committee meeting scheduled for September 22 in Vienna, Austria.

But 10 days ahead of the meeting where the latest developments in the oil sectors of both countries would be reviewed, Kachikwu gave reasons Nigeria must not be told to cap its oil production quota.

Kuwaits Oil Governor Haitham al-Ghais told Al-Rai newspaper penultimate week that the oil cartel will be consulting with Nigeria and Libya to review the latest development in their oil sectors.

He said the group will hold a technical committee meeting on September 20, looking at the continued effects of the United States (U.S.) shale oil on the global market and the impact of Hurricane Harvey.

Ghais said: The amount of production affected by the hurricane is estimated at 700,000bpd, which may strengthen the status of the market.

He added that U.S. production had increased by 500,000bpd so far this year, compared to last years.

It was learnt that the September 20 meeting will be followed by another meeting on September 22, where a committee overseeing the deal, composed of oil ministers from Kuwait, Russia, Venezuela, Algeria, Oman and Saudi Arabia, would be in attendance.

The Nigerian position may pose a threat to the cartels effort to cut global supplies and boost crude prices towards $60 a barrel. The price prices hovered around $54.42 yesterday.

Kachikwu told the Financial Times that Nigerias energy sector was still suffering from years of violent disruptions and needed more recovery time before joining a supply deal agreed last year between some of the worlds biggest oil producers.

The minister, who was at OPEC meetings, said in an interview, that Nigeria would not consider sealing its production until at least March next year.

According to him, there has been no proof that the countrys rebound in production would last.

We have a nine-month exemption period within which to come back to the table, Kachikwu said, referring to the decision to extend the near two million barrel a day supply cut deal from June.

You need that timeframe to see if any recovery is sustainable, the minister explained.

His stance puts Nigeria on a potential collision course with other OPEC members as the countrys output has rebounded strongly in the past 12 months, blunting the effectiveness of a deal between 24 countries to shave almost two per cent of global oil output.

Nigeria and Libya were exempted from the cuts due to disruptions of oil production by militants in the Niger Delta. The agitations of the restive militants and the internal crisis in Libya, led to serious drop in oil output in both countries.

However, productions have improved following negotiations with leaders from the region. The Pan Niger Delta Development Foundation (PANDEF) has been negotiating with the Federal Government as part of efforts to restore peace to the oil producing region.

Nigerias production rose by 50,000 barrels a day in June, according to a Bloomberg survey.

Abdulsamad Al-Awadhi, a London-based analyst and Kuwaits former representative to OPEC, said capping Libya and Nigeria might help but would not cut the supply by much.

Al-Awadhi said: OPEC needs to have better compliance, and it must respect the right of Libya and Nigeria to go back to the market.

Other countries that raised output while Libya and Nigeria are out should do more and give space to these two countries to go back to the market.

The decision to grant Libya and Nigeria exemptions to production cuts was a collective decision, and any proposal to include them in OPECs plans will also require a joint decision, Secretary-General Mohammed Barkindo told reporters at an event in Istanbul.

OPEC and non-OPEC members agreed to cut oil production at its meeting in Austria on November 30 last year. The decision followed an agreement by OPEC members at a meeting in Algiers, Algeria on September 28 to limit supply with special conditions given to Libya, Nigeria and Iran, whose output has been hit by wars and sanctions.

The agreement was tagged Algiers Accord. The production cut agreement, which began January 1, compelled OPECs 14 members and 10 non-OPEC countries, led by Russia, to cut a combined 1.8 million bpd in output through March.

Militants rescind threat

A coalition of militants in the Niger Delta, who had previously vowed to attack oil and gas pipelines if their demands were not met by October 1, has agreed to rescind their threats on the fossil fuel infrastructure in the oil-bearing region.

The Presidency held talks with the coalition last week, after which the group declared its loyalty to the PANDEF, which is negotiating with the Federal Government to increase the proportion of oil revenues used to develop the oil-rich delta.

A statement by the group reads: Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the coalition of Niger Delta agitators, which comprises over 250 groups with their leaders and representatives present at yesterdays (last week) meeting, officially withdraw our quit notice issued to the Northerners and Yorubas living in Niger Delta region; call off planned resumption of attacks on oil and gas installations across the Niger Delta region and beyond from September 10, 2017; suspend the October 1, 2017 declaration of the Niger Delta Republic; declare support for the Pan Niger Delta Forum.

We have also resolved to work with PANDEF and give it our maximum support and we urge the federal government to continue a dialogue and implement the 16-point demand presented by PANDEF on behalf of the Niger Delta region.

The news of the rescinded threat came as foreign companies start reinvesting in Nigeria after a year of high militant activity in 2016.

Shell has begun pumping natural gas from the second phase of development at the Gbaran-Ubie Niger Delta project at the end of last month. The gas from the expanded project will go to both the local market and export markets and will be transported via a new pipeline connecting the central processing facility at Gbaran-Ubie to a non-associated gas plant.

Hurricane concerns

Oil prices rose yesterday after OPEC forecast higher demand in 2018 and said its output fell in August.

The cartel has agreed that its production-cutting deal with non-member countries could help reduce the global crude glut.

In its monthly report, the OPEC also said the two hurricanes that hit the U.S. in recent weeks would have a negligible impact on demand.

The market was assessing Hurricane Irmas effect on demand, even as key refinery restarts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey boosted expectations for crude oil consumption.

Weekly U.S. inventories data will shed light on the hurricanes impact. Analysts forecast crude inventories last week rose while products drew down.

The American Petroleum Institutes (APIs) data report was due last night and the U.S. Department of Energys Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports expected today.

This weeks numbers might be incomplete indicators of the longer-term supply and demand outlook, said Mark Watkins, regional investment manager at U.S. Bank.

Over the next two to three weeks, the EIA inventory numbers will be rather sloppy because you have production disrupted, refineries going offline and online, he said, adding that OPEC figures are a better signal. Thats why you have to look out further.

Brent crude LCOc1 rose 43 cents or 0.8 percent to $54.27 per barrel by 1:14 p.m. (1556 GMT). During the session it traded as low as $53.42.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) CLc1 was up 21 cents or 0.2 percent to $48.40 a barrel. It hit a session low of $47.73.

Output by OPECs 14 member countries fell in August by 79,000 barrels per day (bpd) from July to 32.76 million bpd.

Should OPEC keep pumping at Augusts rate, the market would see a small supply deficit next year, versus a 450,000-bpd surplus implied by last months report.

OPEC said inventories were falling and an increased premium of Brent crude for immediate delivery over that for later supplies raised hopes that the market was rebalancing.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration said it expects U.S. crude oil production in 2018 to rise by more than previously expected.

The agency forecast that 2018 crude oil output will rise 590,000 barrels per day to 9.84 million bpd. Last month, it expected a 560,000 bpd year-over-year increase to 9.91 million bpd.


Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has backed out of the mediation between his group and the South-East Gove...

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has backed out of the mediation between his group and the South-East Governors.

Kanu, who had earlier met the Governors few days back was scheduled to be at the Enugu Government House for a continuation of the dialogue on Friday.





However, in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen, Kanu said his security was no longer guaranteed.





The development is not unconnected with the alleged invasion of his house by Nigerian military.





It read in full:
The former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has reacted to the reported Nnamdi Kanu house arrest after the Nigerian army reportedly surrounded his house in Umuahia, Abia state.Recall, Nnamdi Kanus lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor had yesterday cried out to the public over concerns about the IPOB leaders safety, claiming his client has been placed under house arrest by the Nigerian army.Kanus counsel, also claimed soldiers allegedly invaded the IPOB leaders country home in UmuahiaNow, the former minister, who took to his Facebook page condemned the action of president Muhammadu Buhari vowing to hold him responsible should anything happen to Kanu.He wrote;The behaviour of the military against a defenceless and unarmed civilian population in Abia state is reprehensible.What has Nnamdi Kanu or indeed the Igbo people done to warrant this primitive show of barbarism and force? We are on the brink of a total breakdown of law and order and a prolonged and bloody armed conflict.I urge restraint on all sides and I call on President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw the army from the east and leave Nnamdi Kanu alone.Terrorising your own people with soldiers is not the act of a courageous man but rather the act of a tyrant, a coward and a bully.We call on the international community to bear witness to what is unfolding in Nigeria and we will hold Buhari responsible and accountable in the event of any loss of life.
Some workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos over delayed paym...

Some workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos over delayed payment of entitlements estimated at over N78 billion.The protest, which started about 8.00 a.m., worsened the vehicular gridlock around the airport for over two hours.The aggrieved workers of the defunct national carrier, which was liquidated by President Olusegun Obasanjos regime in 2005, carried placards with various inscriptions.Some of the inscriptions read: Pls, pay our severance benefits in full, We need our pay-off, not monthly pension, and Mr President, we prayed for your recovery every Friday since May 2017, among others.Addressing journalists, Mr Sam Nzene, the Chairman, Nigeria Airways Chapter of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, said it was unfortunate that the former workers were yet to receive their entitlements in spite of the Presidents approval. We understand the funds are ready because bond was floated and the bond has since matured in June, but up till now, what we are saying is that nobody has called us for negotiations on the next line of action.By now, we should be working with the unit that has been mandated to pay us, but up till now they are doing the payment in secret.They do not want us to know. Even the aviation ministry is not so much in the know of what they are doing, so we want the President to please call those concerned to order.We are not seriously quarreling that we have not been paid, but that the union should be aware of what they are doing, so that we can equally tell our members to remain calm that we will get our money.According to him, the union has written several letters and made attempts to see the officers in the unidentified unit.Since the approval came, nobody has told us what has been approved, but as long as we are concerned, our money is N78 billion; 5,909 workers and pensioners are to benefit, he said
THE police in Germany have arrested five people for allegedly smuggling Nigerian men into the country through arranged marriages.

THE police in Germany have arrested five people for allegedly smuggling Nigerian men into the country through arranged marriages.A statement by the German police said 400 police officers raided 41 apartments and rooms suspected to be linked to the gang in Berlin and other German cities.Reuters reported that the gangs suspected leaders  four women and a man, ranging in age from 46 to 65  were arrested.Germanys newspaper, Bild, said police investigation conducted with Portuguese authorities and Europol, revealed that no fewer than 70 men were brought in illegally through arranged marriages with Portuguese women.According to the police, Europol, the European Unions law enforcement agency, served as the host for operational meetings between the Portuguese and German investigators.Clients had paid up to 13,000 for fake certificates, with part of the sum going to women who would fly from Portugal to join their husbands at the German immigration office to apply for an EU residency permit.Similar cases were detected in June when the police found out that more than 700 German men in Berlin had married pregnant asylum seekers for money.
Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, who is currently battling with his constituencys attempt to recall him, has said that he ...









Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, who is currently battling with his constituencys attempt to recall him, has said that he is ready for dem bad people.He posted this on his Instagram page, complete with photographs of him wearing combat camouflage ensemble.Recall that the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to proceed with the senators recall process that was suspended.
The northern youths group called Arewa Youths, under the aegis, the Northern Youth Coalition, has urged all northerners residing in any part of Nigeria to henceforth, ignore any agitation or activity whatsoever, from the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his supporters, saying the whole essence of Kanu and his IPOBs agitation was to provoke reactions and or reprisals from Northerners and make Nigeria ungovernable.Spokesman of the group, AbdulAziz Suleiman, alongside other leaders such as Yarima Shatima and Mastura Sharif gave the statement in Kano on Wednesday during a press conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Press Centre.Recall that the northern group had given all Igbo resident in the 19 northern states an eviction notice to vacate the region before October 1, 2017. The group later withdrew that order, saying they were misconstrued.Also, following the deployment of military troops to the five south-eastern states by the Nigerian army in an exercise it tagged, Operation Python Dance II, clashes between the army and IPOB supporters as well as between IPOB supporters and Hausa communities in Umuahia and Rivers respectively erupted between last week Sunday and Tuesday.The clashes heightened tension in some parts of the country, especially in the eastern region with many thinking there would be reprisal attacks.But the Northern Youth Coalition said northerners would not be provoked into launching a reprisal attack, knowing full well that taking such moves would simply play into the calculations of IPOB.The northern group also said that the singling out of Buhari for attacks by IPOB is a tactics to cause inter-regional crisis, adding that the Buhari/Osinbajo administration has since inception in this political dispensation been attacked by IPOB all to usher in a change of government by whatever means.It however the armys exercise in the south-east region as well as commended the Abia state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for declaring curfew in the state as part of the ways to salvage the volatile situation in Abia. According to the group, all the violent activities playing out are well planned to escalate by 2019, and starting from 2018 to prevent a successful conduct of elections and eventually the collapse of this Buhari government and democracy in Nigeria.In this situation, it is essential that the north and northerners remain restrained and refuse to be provoked into reprisals which is the ultimate hope of the conflict instigators.The agitations and disturbances that have been ongoing ceaselessly since the coming of Buhari/Osibanjo administration are aimed at rendering the country practically ungovernable and ushering in of anarchy and instability, thereby occasioning a change of government by whatever means.And the singling out of Buhari for attacks is a tactics to cause inter-regional crisis possibly leading to general unrest.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has inaugurated eight committees charged with returning the nations three refineries to their nameplate capacities by the year 2019.A statement by Ndu Ughamadu, NNPC spokesperson, said the move was in line with the presidential mandate of rehabilitating the nations three refineries.The statement noted that the Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Maikanti Baru, charged the committees to deploy out of the box solutions to ensure that the refineries return to their good old days of top class performance.I am convinced that the teams we have selected here today will give the necessary direction towards returning the refineries back to their optimal levels of performance, Mr. Baru said.The GMD explained that in executing the assignment, the committees were expected to deliver well and within schedule as according to him, time was of the essence. He noted further that although the target for the refineries rehab was to return them to 90 per cent capacity utilisation before the end of 2019, but with more commitment from the committees, 100 per cent capacity utilisation was achievable.We want to show everyone that we can fully run the refineries. You must all work together to operate them at 100 per cent capacity as this was the only way to ensure profitability, Mr. Baru stated, adding that we can fix the refineries but without the right people to operate them, they would go back to where they were or even worse.In his remarks, the Chief Operating Officer Refineries and Petrochemicals, Anibor Kragha, informed that the 2019 target was the first time in 20 years that there was both the political will and the economic climate to ensure effective retrofitting of the refineries.He further said that over 28 Expressions of Interest had been received so far for the financing of the rehabilitation project and that the goal was to get more by the end of the year.Payment is therefore hinged on performance, ensuring a win-win situation for Nigeria, Mr. Kragha said.
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced the restriction of the operation of inter-state buses and vehicles operating along Ikorodu Road from going beyond Ojodu Berger and Ojota Motor Parks.The State Government has also issued a seven-day ultimatum to the operators to relocate to the designated inter-state motor parks at Ojodu Berger and Ojota, after which stiff sanctions would apply to defaulters.Speaking after embarking on a joint inspection tour of ongoing construction of Modern Bus Terminal at Yaba and the beautification project at Jibowu, the States Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, said the decision of the government was in line with the determination of Governor Akinwunmi Ambodes administration to free the city of avoidable nuisances and install sanity and civility in the environment.He said the inspection was a follow-up to an earlier visit by the Governor to the area, adding that all the necessary quit notices have already been served on the affected operators.He said: This is a follow-up on the visit of Governor Ambode to this axis last night and was very displeased with what he saw particularly in the manner with which long buses, inter-state buses are using the main town and what we have done so far is the initial announcement to say that henceforth, we will no longer allow inter-state buses to be along Ikorodu Road.Henceforth, they will have to go to Ojota and Ojodu Berger which are the two designated inter-state motor parks. The ones that we have here in Jibowu will have to move and there is a 7-day ultimatum for everyone of them beginning from the ones in this axis to move, Ayorinde said.Speaking on the reason for the ban, the Commissioner said activities of the operators had not been tidy and decent despite repeated warnings, and that government could no longer sit and watch such to continue in the overall interest of the people.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday expressed optimism that in no distant time, Lagos would produce its first elected female Governor of the State.Ambode, who spoke when he received the One-Day Governor of the State, Miss Zuffon Bukola and members of her cabinet at the Exco Chambers, Lagos House in Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria said that the emergence of Miss Zuffon and the One-Day Deputy Governor, Miss Rosemary Ogidan was a signpost to what the future portends for the State.Zuffon, a 16-year-old SS 2 student of Awodiora Senior Secondary School, Ajegunle emerged the One-Day Governor of the State after she emerged winner at a keenly contested Spelling Bee Competition in June 2017, while Ogidan, also an SS 2 student of Methodist Senior High School, Badagry finished as runner up.According to the governor, the emergence of two females as One-Day Governor and Deputy Governor of the State clearly indicated that a female could likewise be elected as the Governor of the State.He said: This is a significant day for Lagos State and it also signals what the future actually holds for Lagos State in which we have seated here, two female strong members of the new State Executive Council and we have a female Governor and a female Deputy Governor.It is also telling us a story about what the future of Lagos is all about that one day we would find seated here, not just a day governor, but for a period or tenure of four years, there would be a female Governor in this State.Weve had female Deputy Governors in this State; it also says something that these younger ones are telling our women in Lagos to rise up and actually take their position.He said the state government was encouraged by the exploits of past One Day Governors and their cabinet members who were excelling in their various endeavours, just as he commended parents of the students as well as the school management for all the efforts put into bringing out the best in them.Ambode also commended Zuffon and her cabinet members, noting that their feat was an indication that the funds expended by the State Government to improve the educational sector was not in vain, adding that efforts would be intensified to further develop the sector.I want to congratulate her and her cabinet members for also showing to us that the future of education in Lagos is strong. We believe that the resources we are spending in the educational sector are not going to be a waste and they have also shown that they are ready to succeed us as long as we encourage them.So well do everything just like what we have been doing in the last two years to continue to pay greater attention to education and also make sure that we do so much in youth development to allow them to be mentally capable of succeeding us even as we move away from all the things we have done in the public service, the governor said.In order to encourage their efforts, Ambode awarded full scholarship to the One Day Governor, Miss Zuffon and her Deputy, Miss Ogidan while also announcing a cash donation of N1 million each to them.The governor also awarded a cash donation of N500, 000 each to members of the One Day Governors cabinet consisting of Master Tovishede Ayobami (Secretary to the State Government); Master Philip Daniel (Speaker of the House of Assembly); Master Durojaiye Oluwasegun (Commissioner for Education); Master Atabo Ufedojo (Commissioner for Science and Technology).Earlier, Miss Zuffon while addressing Ambode and members of the State Executive Council commended the governor for his visionary leadership and numerous achievements, especially in the educational sector, saying that despite the economic challenges, teachers salaries and entitlements were being paid as at when due.Zuffon, who is aspiring to become a lawyer, also seized the occasion to request for a School Bus, renovation of the schools multipurpose hall as well as construction of drainage channels in her school, which Ambode expressly granted.In a related development, wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode who received Zuffon and her cabinet members congratulated them for emerging winners in the various categories of the keenly contested competition and for doing their families, schools and local governments proud.She charged them to remain focused and study harder to actualize their dreams, praying that God would take them to higher positions in life.The wife of the governor commended the initiator of the Spelling Bee Competition, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the organizers for their steadfastness since inception of the competition 17 years ago.
A director in the Lagos State Ministry of Youths, Mr. Oludare Buraimoh, has allegedly committed suicide.

A director in the Lagos State Ministry of Youths, Mr. Oludare Buraimoh, has allegedly committed suicide.Buraimoh, who lived on Unity Estate, Phase II, Gbonagun, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was reportedly found dead in his room at about 4pm on Monday shortly after attending to his son, Dotun, who was ill.The News Agency of Nigeria reports that many sympathisers were seen in the deceaseds compound.Dotun told NAN that the incident happened after his father gave him a drug to treat malaria.He said, He gave me a drug to treat malaria. Later, when I went to his room, I found him dangling from a traditional Aso Oke tied to a hook in the ceiling. There was a stool with which he committed suicide on the floor.I then alerted the neighbours; and later, the police, Dotun said.The wife of the deceased said she had yet to come to terms with her husbands act.I dont know what came over him.He did not show any sign of depression. What led him to this remains a riddle, she said.It was gathered that the matter was reported at the Obantoko Police Station.The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said no foul play was suspected.He said, There was no suicide note or anything to show why he killed himself. Nobody has any clue why he committed suicide. We are not suspecting any foul play.
Following the recent face-off between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Nigerian military in Abia State, the South ...

Following the recent face-off between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Nigerian military in Abia State, the South East Renewal Group (SERG) has blamed Nnamdi Kanu as the root cause of the bloody clash.

Recall that loyalists of Nnamdi Kanu and soldiers clashed in Umuahia near the residence of the IPOB leader.





The development forced the state government to declare three days of curfew across the state.





Reacting, SERG called on Igbo leaders to do the needful to avoid an impending war.





Speaking at a press conference Wednesday morning, Charles Mbani, National President of the group lamented that from his discovery, the IPOB youths have been brainwashed into seeing the army as the enemy.





According to Mbani, You must have, like other Nigerians, watched recent events in Igboland with a sense of foreboding, concern and utmost dread. Images emerging from the southeast, our homeland, are as troubling as they are worrisome with the most recent being those of youths attacking military detachment with all manners of crude weapons including catapults, cudgels, machetes, sticks and others.





These youths are being put up to this mischief after being brainwashed by the so called Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, which is now militarizing them as its fighting force. These misguided youths have been deceived into thinking they are making the right sacrifice of protecting Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader whereas the only thing they sacrificing is their lives that they are throwing away on the alter of ignorance.





The soldiers attacked by these uncouth elements are the ones taking part in Egwu Eke II (Operation Python Dance II), which we find most ridiculous considering that the same operation last year ensured that kidnappers and armed robbers that were desecrating our land were curtailed to a point where Igbos enjoyed peaceful 2016 Yuletide. We are therefore wondering if there is a nexus between IPOB and the crimes being eradicated by the military for its youths to become virulent on the scale being witnessed.





Speaking further, the SERG leader condemned the confrontation with the military in the strongest terms.





He added, We urge other well meaning elders of our land to join in condemning the incidents. The unnecessary attempt to provoke the military into using stick to address the Biafra issue would be catastrophic and those who love the region should do so well to warn their children from setting region ablaze.





May we emphasise that Igbo leaders of thought must tarry no further in doing the needful before its too late. The conspiracy of silence on the part of these leaders is what has made Nnamdi Kanu fill the resulting vacuum as a demagogic evil that is leading out youth population astray. This disposition of indifference was displayed as the hate speech championed by Kanu gained momentum until it got to a point where other ethnic groups in Nigeria basically developed a morbid collective disdain for the Igbo.





The hate speech has now crystallized and is the bedrock of the aggression being exhibited against the military. It nothing urgent is done the next phase in this ugly evolution could threaten our existence as a people.





We have interrogated the situation and discovered that the IPOB youths have been brainwashed into seeing the army as the enemy, which is most unfortunate since the person whom they think they are defending is their real enemy. Nnamdi Kanu holds dual citizenship and will escape to the United Kingdom once he has the opportunity to flee across the border. He is going to leave behind broken bodies and damaged youths that would have destroyed their lives in pursuit of what is meaningless relative to contemporary world reality.





The group further noted that some of those sponsoring the growing violence in south eastern Nigeria are those who lost money and political relevance having edged their bets in favour of former President Goodluck Jonathan being re-elected.





Interestingly, Jonathan has moved up but these loser remained locked in the past and think their only access to redemption is to send our youths on suicide mission. We counsel such persons to desist forthwith for the Igbo nation is larger than the mess of pottage that they are bitter over.





We have also noted the role of shameless politicians in Igboland that see the madness being advocated by Nnamdi Kanu as something to be milked for political capital. We have in the recent days seen such politicians rushing to tacitly endorse violence as the answer when other ethnic nationalities are pushing for restructuring. If violence is activated as being advocated the forget that our land would burn while other parts of the country continue with their life, Mbani added.





Meanwhile, the Biafra National Guard (BNG) has declared war against the Nigerian Army.





It said the launch of Operation Python Dance II to be carried out in the South-east was targeted at Nnamdi Kanu and other agitators.
Some retired civil servants on Wednesday stormed the ministry of finance to protest the non-payment of their accrued pensions.The workers numbering about 100 carried placards with various inscriptions demanding explanations from ministry officials on why the backlogs of their pensions have not been paid.The demonstration which started at about 9am is a follow up to the series protest earlier done by the workers.There were heavy presence of security personnel from the Nigerian Police Force at the ministry to ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order.The development is gradually affecting activities at the ministry as a section of the gate leading to the ministry has been shut down.
The Federal Executive Council meeting is underway in Abuja, with President Muhammadu Buhari presiding.This will be the first FEC that Buhari will be presiding since his return from his medical vacation on August 19, 2017.The President arrived at the Council Chambers at about 11.am.Most of the cabinet ministers are in attendance including Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan.Last weeks FEC meeting had been cancelled.
President Muhammadu Buhari will demand the repatriation of looted public funds to countries of origin, including Nigeria, at the fort...

President Muhammadu Buhari will demand the repatriation of looted public funds to countries of origin, including Nigeria, at the forthcoming 72nd United Nations General Assembly holding in New York, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, said on Tuesday in Abuja.Onyeama explained that the President would lead a large delegation to the Assembly, which would hold between September 12 and 25, 2017.Onyeama told journalists at a briefing that the fight against terrorism, human rights protection, and repatriation of illicit financial assets to countries of origin, among other global issues, would top Nigerias agenda at the UN.He pointed out that the Federal Government was facing challenges of repatriating stolen funds stashed in foreign countries.He said, The country would push to actualise the UN resolution on Promotion of International Cooperation to Combat Illicit Financial Flows, so that all the countries of the world would be fully engaged in repatriating stolen funds to countries of origin.For Nigeria, it is a developmental issue  it impacts directly on the developmental trajectory of Nigeria and other developing countries that resources that we need to promote development in the country are being siphoned out of the system and this has negative impact on the developmental challenges that we face.He added that Nigeria would renew calls for international support for the release of the remaining Chibok girls.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on Wednesday appealed to the Lagos State Government (LASG) to carry its leadership along in its proposed plan to relocate some motor parks from their present sites elsewhere.Mr Tajudeen Agbede who is the chairman, Lagos State chapter of the union, made the appeal while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.Agbede said that the union had written several letters in the past to the state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Olanrewaju Elegushi on the need for both to synergise on the matter.He said that the union told the government that it was imperative for the state government to always carry the unions officials along in its policy formulation and implementation for the convenience of commuters in the state.We wrote the government that before relocating and diverting our members activities from one park to another, the government should dialogue with us on the possible alternative location being proposed as motor parks.Such dialogue will afford us the opportubnity such locations tom ascertain whether they are suitable for our members and their intending passengers during the road constructions, he saidAgbaje lauded the state government for carrying along the union when it wanted to reconstruct Mosafejo-Oshodi and Yaba areas of the state .Our members have been operating well in areas allocated to them as motor parks without and complaints from them there.He said that his members were law abiding citizens and were also working with the state government to make Lagos a mega city.The NURTW chairman appealed to intending passengers to patronise the alternative parks provided by the government rather than patronising illegal and road-side parks for their safety and security.When you patronise designated parks, the advantage outweighs the disadvantage, he said.He also advised passengers to always fill the manifest correctly before embarking on any journey.Some of the drivers who spoke to NAN under the condition of anonymity appreciated their union officials efforts by always fighting for their interests.Gone were the days when commercial transport operators were treated like nobody but with this regime our welfare is paramount, one of them said.Some passengers told NAN that the relocation of the parks to Mosafejo was adversely affecting them as they had to pay extra fares to get there.Mrs Taiwo Adewunmi said that she had to pay extra N150 from Mushin to Mosafejo to board a bus to Abeokuta.This is an additional expense on me. In the past l would have boarded a commercial bus to Abeokuta from Mushin and paid the same fare,Adewunmi said.Another intending passenger, Mr Emmanuel Shokunbi, said it was not easy getting access to bus parks except one make inquiries.The passengers appealed to the government to hasten the contractors working on the motor parks for them to complete them on time.NAN reports that the state government relocated four parks to Mosafejo, Mushin, Odi-Olowo and Oshodi from their former locations.
A THREE-DAY curfew has been imposed on Umuahia and Aba as the government of Abia State battles to stem a major security problem.

A THREE-DAY curfew has been imposed on Umuahia and Aba as the government of Abia State battles to stem a major security problem.There has been a clash between soldiers and members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in the state, prompting Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to take the action.The stay-at-home will run betwem 6pm and 6am for the period, the governor said in a statement he personally signed yesterday.Abia has been under security focus because of the activities of the separatist group and its leader Nnamdi Kanu.Last week the Army deployed troops for Operation Python Dance 2. During a show of force on Sunday, Kanu alleged that troops shot and injured his men near his Umuahia home.But the military said its men only shot into the air to scare away a mob that threw stones at its convoy.There was tension in different parts of Aba, as soldiers reportedly clashed with members of IPOB.It could not be confirmed if anybody died in the fracas.Some members of IPOB who left Aba for Umuahia in solidarity with Kanu were alleged to have been stopped by soldiers at Isiala Ngwa junction on the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway.The IPOB members who escaped after being stopped by the soldiers were said to have met another set of soldiers at Osisioma Junction, a few kilometers away. A face-off reportedly ensued.The soldiers were said to have shot sporadically into the air while the IPOB members moved towards Ariaria International Market. There was confusion. People ran helter skelter.The chaos at Osisioma stretched beyond Ariaria market to the Flyover Junction, a distance of over eight kilometres. Some vehicles were destroyed. Many people were injured.There was pandemonium within the city centre as soldiers cordoned off roads leading to the Aba Central Mosque to prevent hoodlums from vandalising the facility.They shot into the air to ward off intruders, and people ran for their lives. Traders hurriedly closed their business.Ikpeazu said: Government notes and has observed the frenzy of activities of members of IPOB within Afara  Umuahia, the ancestral home of the leader of IPOB for some months now.Government is equally aware of the recent proclamation by the Nigerian Army of Operation Python Dance II within the Southeast geopolitical region of Nigeria.The operation as declared by the Army is intended to check kidnapping, banditry, assassination, secessionist activities within the region, amongst other forms of criminal activities.The recent confrontation between the Nigerian Army and members of IPOB on Sunday, 10th September, 2017, could presumably be attributed to the commencement of the said Operation Python Dance II.The Abia State government unequivocally states that Abia is a component State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subscribes to the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other extant laws.While the government of Abia State recognises the right of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, to perform their statutory duty of protection of lives and property of Nigerian citizens, such duties must be carried out within acclaimed Nigerian and international standards of engagement with the civil populace, with due respect to the human rights of citizens and sanctity of human lives.The Abia State government is committed to the protection of the lives and properties of its citizens and others residing and doing business within the geographical entity called Abia State.Abians and others living within Abia are advised to remain law abiding and carry on their lawful business without fear, as efforts by government will be made to reduce friction between the civil populace and military personnel in the State.Abia residents are advised to observe a curfew from 6pm to 6amfrom today 12/09/2017 to 14/09/2017.Persons residing within the State are strongly advised to remain law abiding, while going about their lawful business without fear of molestation, and, not engage in any form of confrontation with military personnel or other security agents.The government recognises the constitutional Right to Freedom of Movement for all Nigerians, but objects to the influx of people into Abia State for purposes of unsettling the enduring peace in the State.Abia State will cooperate with security agencies to maintain the rule of law and order in the State.The Southeast Governors Forum set up a seven-man committee to probe the Sunday clash between the Army and IPOB members in Umuahia.Mr Michael Udah, the forums Director of Media and Communications, in a statement, said the committee was expected to submit its report during the forums meeting on Friday.Udah did not mention the leader of the committee, but said that it was set-up to proffer lasting solutions to such problems and forestall future occurrences.Udah said the governors were consulting with stakeholders in the zone, including the military, to ensure clarity of positions.
President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana has said he and many other world leaders were worried over the health of President Muhammadu Buhari wh...

President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana has said he and many other world leaders were worried over the health of President Muhammadu Buhari when the latter was away for medical treatment in London.Akufo-Addo said in an interview he granted State House correspondents on Tuesday after holding a meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.The Ghanaian President said leaders within and outside Africa were anxious about the Presidents well-being and prayed for his safe return to Nigeria.He said he was in Nigeria to felicitate with Buhari on his return and also to engage him on other bilateral issues on the relationship between the two countries.Akufo-Addo said, We have been anxious of his well-being and are happy that he is back to the country. I came to see for myself to know how he is. The President is vigorous and very engaging on our affairs.We reviewed issues of interest to both countries and those of the Economic Community of West African States. Our big brother in Nigeria is well.The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the meeting of the two leaders would cement bilateral relations between the two countries.
HACKENSACK - A woman who went by the nickname "China White" pleaded guilty Wednesday to prostituting a 16-year-old girl -- reported missing from Brooklyn -- in North Jersey motels, authorities said.

Jessica Copeland

Jessica Copeland, 29, of Newark, pleaded guilty in Bergen County Superior Court to second-degree facilitating human trafficking, according to N.J. Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino.

Under a plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend at Copeland's Oct. 25 sentencing that she serve six years in state prison with no parole for three years.

Copeland acted as a boss over prostitutes in a ring, which offered escort services and displayed nude or semi-nude photos of young women on websites such as Backpage.com, Porrino said.

The teenage victim appeared on a Backpage.com sex ad with her breasts exposed, Porrino said.

"This defendant threatened a 16-year-old girl with violence to keep her trapped in a hellish life of sexual slavery," Porrino said in a statement.

"This is a classic case of human trafficking in which the perpetrators isolated and intimidated a vulnerable victim so they could exploit her for their profit," Porrino said.

Copeland was one of five people indicted in April 2015 following an investigation between the state and South Hackensack police. The five were accused of trafficking the girl from Brooklyn to North Jersey, where they made her work as a prostitute in South Hackensack and Clifton, Porrino said.

Glen Bowman Sr., 42, of Newark, and his wife, Ernestine Bowman, 32, of Orange, allegedly ran the ring.

In December, Ernestine Bowman pleaded guilty to second-degree facilitating human trafficking. She faces 10 years in prison with 39 months of parole ineligibility, Porrino said.

Glen Bowman Sr. awaits trial on charges of conspiracy, human trafficking and promoting prostitution of a minor, Porrino said.

The couple's son, Glen Bowman Jr., 23, of Brooklyn, previously pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy to promote prostitution and faces a recommended sentence of seven years in prison, according to Porrino.

Tokina Williams, 33, of Raleigh, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to second-degree promoting prostitution, Porrino said.

The investigation began on Oct. 1, 2014 when an undercover officer with the South Hackensack Police Department called a Backpage.com advertisement with the 16-year-old victim's semi-nude photo, Porrino said.

After learning they could have sex for $160, undercover officers went to the motel and arrested the teenager and Tokina Williams, who was hiding in a bathroom, Porrino said.

"The teenage girl invited Williams to come out and told her that the client had paid to have sex with both of them," Porrino said.

At that point officers entered the motel room, taking both the girl and Williams into custody.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
United Airlines will begin flying seasonally to two more European destinations in the spring.

Daily nonstop service to Porto, Portugal and Reykjavik, Iceland starts May 4 and May 23, respectively, the airline said in a statement Tuesday.

In 2018, flights to those cities will continue until Oct. 3. United hasn't announced dates for subsequent years.

The eastbound Iceland flight from New Jersey is scheduled to last 5 hours, 40 minutes. The return trip is scheduled for 6 hours, 10 minutes.

Flight times to and from Portugal will be 7 hours, 5 minutes eastbound and 8 hours westbound.

In May, United added service between Newark and Buenos Aries, Argentina. Daily flights to the South American city begin Oct. 28.

United also announced it was adding a route from San Francisco to Zurich, Switzerland as well as service from Dulles Airport in the Washington D.C. area to Edinburgh, Scotland. Those flights begin next year.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
NEWARK -- Two North Jersey residents admitted their roles in a drug trafficking scheme that involved obtaining prescriptions for oxycodone and selling the narcotics for profit, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Rhonda Musallam, 41, of Fairview, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Newark federal court to an oxycodone distribution charge, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced in a statement.

Another member of the scheme, Robert O'Brien, 60, of Bloomfield, pleaded guilty Aug. 15, to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, officials said.

Fifteen of the 16 people charged in the drug conspiracy have been convicted, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The 16th person died in April 2015.

Those involved in the scheme obtained prescriptions for oxycodone and other drugs from New Jersey doctors, filled them at pharmacies in Belleville and other areas to sell the narcotics for profit, officials said.

Musallam admitted she supplied others in the plot with oxycodone between June and July 2014, according to documents filed in the case. She confessed to selling 70 pills for $1,000.

For his part, O'Brien admitted that he received and paid for filled prescriptions for oxycodone pills on behalf of others in the drug scheme.

Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration uncovered the drug trafficking operation in an investigation that involved confidential sources, surveillance and intercepted text messages and phone calls.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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UPDATE: A United Airline spokeswoman sought to clarify certain allegations in the story, saying, "While we offered our customer a hotel and to take her there, she declined our offer of assistance. We checked on her throughout the evening. We have since spoken with our customer's family to express our sincere apologies. We are working with our team at Newark to review what happened and to ensure we learn from this incident."

NEWARK -- A 77-year-old woman who uses a wheelchair was left alone and stranded at a gate at Newark airport for 12 hours after United Airlines bumped her from her London-bound flight, the woman's son alleges, according to a report.

The woman's son, Steven Williams, had left his mother in the care of United Airlines staff on Friday at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., where she then flew to Newark airport to catch a connecting flight to London, Williams told WUSA 9.

The United Airlines staff, Williams told WUSA 9, help customers in wheelchairs through the airport and to their flights.

At Newark airport, however, Williams told the station that United staff left his mother stranded and alone in her wheelchair for roughly 12 hours after she got bumped from her flight to London.

Williams told the station that he wants an apology from the airline, saying that he had entrusted his mother to the care of the staff members who are supposed to assist customers in wheelchairs get through airports and onto their flights.

Williams -- who does still not know why the airline bumped his mother from her flight -- said he only learned his mother never made it to London after receiving a text from the driver hired to pick her up.

United issued an apology to the family, adding that it was actively working to learn what occurred to ensure such an incident never happens again.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.
CLAYTON - Bernadette Blackstock is thrilled that after seven years, she is finally starting to see a plan to house local veterans come to fruition.

Ground was broken Tuesday on Camp Salute, which will be a 76-bedroom apartment complex on Delsea Drive behind the Clayton Mews apartments.

The buildings will feature 19 apartments set aside for veterans with disabilities, a community room, and the South Jersey Veteran Resources Center. There, staffers from the People for People Foundation, of which Blackstock is the CEO, will help veterans - including those who live outside Camp Salute - access services like their educational benefits.

"It didn't hit me until this morning, 'Oh my God, today's the day,'" Blackstock said, gesturing to a 57-acre dirt lot behind the Mews, covered in CAT construction vehicles and trailers for construction employees to lead the work at the job site.

The day has been a long time coming.

The idea for the project came about in 2010 when Allan Connors, a Vietnam vet who spoke at the ceremony, proposed the idea of a space to house veterans in need. The next five years were spent selecting a site, Sam Leone, president of Conifer Realty, said at the event. Then, financing had to be secured for the project, for which development is expected to cost nearly $23 million.

A rendering of the apartments' expected appearance. (Courtesy of People for People Foundation)

Funding for the project is helped by Low Income Housing Tax Credits which total about $18 million in equity. There is also a construction loan of about $12.6 million and a mortgage of about $3.6 million from Capital One.

The goal is to have one building completed by January or February, if weather allows for that pace of construction, Blackstock said. The remaining six buildings should be completed by summer or fall of 2018.

A quarter of the units will fix the rent at 30 percent of a tenant's income. For the remaining units, a one bedroom will cost $714-$870; $845-$1,120 for a two-bedroom and $981-$1,197 for a three-bedroom unit.

The event featured several speakers including Clayton Mayor Tom Bianco, state Sens. Stephen Sweeney and Fred Madden, Freeholders Heather Simmons and Joe Chila, and the veterans liaison from U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo's district office.

Dignitaries unearth dirt at the site of a $22M veterans housing complex in Clayton on Tuesday. (Joe Brandt | For NJ.com)

Blackstock, accompanied at the event by her husband Paul, the chairman of the foundation's Board of Directors, told the story of her father-in-law, J.P. Blackstock, who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and was disfigured in a later battle. After years of rehab and help from volunteers, he dedicated the rest of his life after his service to volunteering with veterans.

"To be able to do all this in the memory of my father-in-law, to get affordbale housing built for veterans, it's just a massive feeling," Blackstock said.

Joe Brandt can be reached at jbrandt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JBrandt_NJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A Hudson County man is facing a decade in prison after being found guilty of attempted murder for a 2015 hammer attack in northern California, officials announced.

Adam Kendall, 28, of Harrison, was convicted on Sept. 5 in Mendocino County court for an assault in Covelo that left a 40-year-old man with serious injuries, California authorities said.

On May 16, police were called to a neighborhood about 175 miles north of San Francisco on reports of one man beating another with a hammer. Kendall ran from police when they arrived, authorities said at the time.

Kendall was found hiding in a trailer a short time later and surrendered to police. Authorities say the 28-year-old had flown to California the same day as the assault with the purpose of attacking the victim over an unpaid debt.

The victim's injuries included a broken eye socket and wrist, police said.

Kendall is expected to be sentenced on Thursday, The Ukiah Daily Journal reported.

One report described Kendall as a "bi-costal drug dealer." In 2014, he was arrested for punching and spitting on three cops after fleeing a crash in Jersey City. He was charged with DWI in that case.

Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
A federal judge in New Orleans this week rejected a challenge to the way jury pools are formed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, downplayi
Orleans jail worker said he took $200 from inmate to sneak in marijuana, tobacco: warrant
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.
PAPILLION, Neb.  A woman who was reunited with her lost pig last week might be separated again.

Jo Ann Hagan said she was cited last week by the Nebraska Humane Society because pet pigs are not allowed in Papillion city limits.

She said she was cited for owning both Tori  the 5-month-old, 28-pound pig that was lost  and another potbellied pig she owns  a full-grown, 70-pounder named Lucy. She said the Humane Society told her that she can longer keep the animals and has 30 days to find them new homes.

She hopes to persuade the city to change its regulations.

Mark Langan, vice president of field operations for the Humane Society, said the agency learned about Hagans pig because of social media buzz about the lost pet, which was seen around 72nd Street near the Sarpy County YMCA. He said the agency did not receive complaints about the pig.

Hagan is scheduled to meet this week with Papillion City Administrator Chris Myers.

Trent Albers, the citys spokesman, said it would be up to the City Council to make any change in regulations. He said it would be unlikely that any revision allowing pigs could be made within the 30 days that Hagan was given to find her pets new homes.

But he said city staff is glad to take an initial step of listening to Hagans pitch.

In 2011, the Papillion City Council rejected a proposed ordinance that would have allowed miniature pigs as pets.

Hagan said minipigs make great pets and remind her of the two dogs she owns.

They are easy to care for, theyre loving and theyre smart, she said.

That may be the case, but  like Papillion  the animals would also not be welcomed in Council Bluffs, according to the longtime head of the citys animal control department.

Pigs are prohibited and that has been in the code for as long as Ive been here, Galen Barrett said, adding that it wouldnt matter what kind of pig, either  all types are prohibited.

Weve dealt with some before, but the numbers have been small, Barrett said.

If people were caught having pet pigs in the city, they would be cited with a municipal infraction with a fine up to $750, plus court costs, he said. More likely, however, his office would prefer helping those people find new homes outside the city for those pigs, he added.

Pigs are also prohibited in both Missouri Valley and Glenwood, officials in those communities told The Nonpareil. But potbellied pigs could live in Avoca as long as they were in a kennel, said City Clerk Teresa Hoepner.

They would also need to be confirmed as potbellied by a vet, she said. Regular, farm-size hogs are still prohibited in Avoca, Hoepner said.

Hagan, the Papillion woman, said she wouldnt have bought the pigs if she knew that they werent allowed in her city. Her citation, she said, says she must appear before a judge in Sarpy County Court in November.

Kelli Brown, director of field operations for the Nebraska Humane Society, said typically its up to a judge to set the amount of any fine for the violation, which is a misdemeanor.

Brown said Hagan has several options for the pigs. She could surrender the pets to the Humane Society, which could find them new homes.

She could also find a new home for the minipigs with a family in a city that allows them. In Nebraska, residents of Bellevue, Springfield and Omaha may have pigs as pets, according to the Nebraska Humane Society.

Langan said the Omaha City Council recently approved a change in the citys animal control ordinance allowing residents to keep as many as two minipigs, up from just one pig.

He said there are 15 licensed pigs in Omaha. Langan said that his agency doesnt get many complaints about pet pigs and that they are a smart, low-maintenance animal.

Tori got loose from Hagans yard on Aug. 29. The pig was caught eight days later about a mile from Hagans home, near a cornfield at East First and 72nd Streets in Papillion.

The woman who caught the pig said it shot out of the cornfield, ran into 72nd Street and was clipped by a car.

Hagan said because of the injuries, a veterinarian had to amputate the pigs right rear leg on Monday. She said the vet is hopeful that Tori will recover and will be able to get around on three legs.
A presentation on Islamic terrorism thats been promoted by the Pottawattamie County Republican Party chairman is drawing criticism, including from the Iowa chapter of an Islamic civil rights organization.

The event, titled Understanding the Threat  the Muslim Brotherhoods Secret Strategies for the USA, will feature a presentation by former FBI agent and current law enforcement trainer John Guandalo and Chris Gaubatz, author of The Muslim Mafia: Inside the Secret Underworld Thats Conspiring to Islamize America.

The event  which is scheduled to run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Oakland Community Center, 614 Dr. Van Zee Road in Oakland  is being hosted by the Omaha-based Global Faith Institute and 88 Tactical Elite Training Organization. The partners are also hosting an event with the speakers in Omaha tonight.

The Iowa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations has issued a statement calling Guandalo an anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist. The organization aims to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, according to its website.

Additionally, the Southern Poverty Law Center has issued a statement saying Guandalo has a history of making anti-Muslim statements. The nonprofit center is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry, according to its website.

Jeff Jorgensen, chairman of the Pottawattamie County Republican Party, isnt convinced.

There are a lot of allegations about this guy. The question is, Are these allegations fact? Theres always two sides to a story, he said. We want to hear his side of the story and make up our own mind. We need to become better informed; were promoting people attend.

In past interviews on The Jim Bakker Show and The Alex Nitzberg Show about his area of expertise, Guandalo has said that the majority of roughly 3,000 Islamic centers in the U.S. are controlled by the Muslim Brotherhood.

Guandalo said that the Islamic terrorist movement in the U.S. works directly with Black Lives Matter and other groups. He also mentioned the amount of Muslims that work in convenience stores, hotels and as taxi drivers as a sign of the Muslim Brotherhoods infiltration in the U.S.

The way you know an Islamic leader is lying is when hes talking to you, when his mouth is moving, he told Nitzberg in a podcast episode.

Guandalo has also alleged that CAIR is connected to terrorist organization Hamas. CAIR has also been a lightning rod for Republican lawmakers in years past.

Jorgensen said the Pottawattamie County GOP is not a sponsor of the event. He said the event will discuss attempts by the Muslim Brotherhood and other outside actors to influence American politics.

We want to know more, Jorgensen said. Weve been hearing, whether its rumor or not, there are Muslim international front businesses.

He said that the American Muslim Alliance is moving from Washington, D.C., to Des Moines.

Why would the AMA move to Des Moines? he said, adding that he wants to know if internationally-backed organizations are trying to influence the Iowa caucuses.

I think this is a legitimate concern we have. What is going on with these outside, international organizations that are looking to influence Iowa elections? he said.

KCCI in Des Moines reported in June that the American Muslim Alliance is now headed by Iowa State Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad of Des Moines, whos moved its offices to his hometown.

Asked for evidence or where he had heard about international Muslim organizations working to influence Iowa politics, Jorgensen said: Im not at liberty to say.

Jorgensen questioned CAIRs backlash to the Oakland event.

Why would there be so much interest in a little event in Oakland, Iowa? This is beyond the pale, in my opinion, he said.

Miriam Amer, executive director of CAIRs Iowa chapter, said the organization is speaking out because every hate crime starts with a drop. A single seed.

Were really upset that this is happening. These people are being pushed as experts on Islam and neither of them are. These guys are liars, Amer said. Im all for freedom of speech. But there are consequences when that speech is lies. This isnt something these men should be getting paid for. Theyre getting rich doing it. Theyre getting rich out of fear. Unfortunately, Islamophobia is lucrative for many people.

Islamophobia is the irrational fear of or discrimination against Islam and its practitioners.

If you want to know about Islam, talk to a Muslim, Amer said. Mosques are open. We are not hiding anything.

She said she is working to prevent hate crimes against Muslims in the state.

People that have been beat up, treated terribly. Why? Because people like these two guys are spreading lies, Amer said. Thats my job  to make sure their work does not influence anyone.

Jorgensen, Naomi Leinen and Jan Tatum, all members of the Pottawattamie County GOP Executive Committee, confirmed to The Nonpareil that both the five-member executive committee and 70-member Central Committee had voted against having the party host, sponsor and pay for an event with Guandalo and Gaubatz. Jorgensen was the lone vote on the Executive Committee in favor of the party hosting the event.

The County Central Committee and Executive Committee voted this down when Jeff brought it up, Leinen said. Our mission statement is to get Republicans elected and support the Republican party platform for Iowa. We thought the event wasnt doing anything to get Republicans elected.

Leinen and Tatum said that Jorgensen does not speak on behalf of the party in his promotion of the event. The party also issued a statement on the matter, which is posted to its social media accounts: The Pottawattamie County GOP is not sponsoring, hosting, or otherwise participating in the event in Oakland on September 14.

Amer commended the GOP for not supporting the event.

At least two protests are planned on Thursday night at the Oakland Community Center.

Indivisible Iowa will host a Hate Has No Home Here event, with the Facebook page noting, Our intention is not to disrupt, but to remind people who we are as Iowans. At a national level, Indivisible states that local groups are organized to resist the Trump agenda.

Glenn Hurst, whos declared hell run in the 2018 Pottawattamie County Supervisors race, has organized a Religious Tolerance Gathering and Sit-in at the event.

They are playing on the fears of good Iowans as we face real problems, like an impending farm crisis and economic uncertainty, Hurst said in a press release.

Jorgensen said Indivisible Iowa is upset with the election of President Donald Trump.

They are opposing everything Trump. Theyre just an opposition, Jorgensen said, stating that the groups are trying to stifle free speech and that liberal opposition is too often referring to Republicans as racist Islamophobes.

I went to college with Muslim students, he said. I had Muslim professors. I dont have a problem with Muslims. What I do have a problem with is Muslim organizations that want to influence the election.

On Wednesday, Hurst said well be in the event, but we will not be participating.

Well occupy seats (at the community center) and well hold up our newspapers and read our papers for two hours and demonstrate this persons speech is not being heard, he said.

On the allegation of suppressing free speech, Hurst said: This isnt protected speech; this isnt free speech. Were not free to yell fire in a theater. We dont stand around and debate what we think of the fire.

He continued: This event is hate speech. It incites violence. It is not protected.

In general, however, hate speech in the United States is still protected by the First Amendment in most cases. Yelling fire falls under an exception for speech that could cause imminent danger, according to the 1969 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brandenburg v. Ohio.

The Supreme Court recently reaffirmed the hate speech protection in June in the case of Matal v. Tam.

A law that can be directed against speech found offensive to some portion of the public can be turned against minority and dissenting views to the detriment of all, Justice Anthony Kennedy in the decision. The First Amendment does not entrust that power to the governments benevolence. Instead, our reliance must be on the substantial safeguards of free and open discussion in a democratic society.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos will make a stop across the Missouri River today as she swings through several states  not including Iowa  for her Rethink School tour.

DeVos will visit the Omaha campus of Midland University at 6 p.m., according to the U.S. Department of Education. Nebraska Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt will join her on the visit to Midland, which is based in Fremont, Nebraska.

Lincoln Public Schools officials also have confirmed that DeVos will visit with staff and students at the Science Focus Program in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Thursday.

DeVos office also contacted two other schools about potential visits: Bryan High School in Bellevue, Nebraska, part of the Omaha Public Schools, and the private Nelson Mandela Elementary School in north Omaha. Tours of those schools have not been confirmed.

DeVos Rethink School tour starts today in Wyoming. She will also visit schools in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Indiana to highlight teachers or programs taking an outside-the-box approach to education.

 Erin Duffy, BH News Service
WASHINGTON, D.C.  The trip was about honor: honoring the veterans who served and honoring the memories of those who fell.

On Tuesday morning, the Western/Central Iowa Honor Flight boarded more than 200 veterans  many of them from the Vietnam War  aboard two airliners from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. The trip was the programs 13th flight.

As the veterans walked through the Des Moines International Airport before dawn, they were greeted by applause and a color guard bearing the stars and stripes. It was becoming a familiar scene for the group: the night before the flight, they were escorted to a special dinner in their honor by several honor guards comprised of military members and fire and police departments from the Des Moines area.

Richard Fichter of Council Bluffs is a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam in 1972 on a repair ship. It was the first time he had visited Washington, D.C. since 1977. He said sitting among his fellow veterans on the plane brought back a lot of memories.

Its exciting. Its an honor to be here, Fichter said, adding that the trip wasnt about closure for him, as it was for some of his fellow veterans. However, he said the Honor Flight program is a great idea  something every veteran should get to do.

I wasnt expecting that, Fichter said, referencing the crowds of people at the airports cheering the veterans arrival. It was neat.

Of the group, about 15 veterans were from Pottawattamie County and the surrounding area. For many, it was a trip they had waited years to take.

The group boarded two 737 jets headed for Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. The flights were paid for with $370,000 in donations from the Polk County Board of Supervisors, Hy-Vee and Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Des Moines.

The group landed in D.C. and again were greeted with applause as bystanders held signs that read Thank you and shook their hands.

Deb Bernhardt of Council Bluffs is a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran. While she was in the military during the Vietnam War, she was not deployed there.

She said she was overwhelmed by the news she would join this honor flight. She said seeing the appreciation veterans were receiving was something she wished young people could someday understand.

I think everyone should serve. They would know how to appreciate it more after being in a veterans shoes, Bernhardt said.

Carter Lake resident Merlin Harder served in Vietnam with the Navy in 1968. There, he was an airplane mechanic working on Lockheed P-2 Neptunes, a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

Harder said a friend of his recently went on the Nebraska Honor Flight and implored Harder to do the same. Harder said the difference between how veterans are treated today compared to the Vietnam era was worlds apart.

Getting spat upon and yelled at. Now, people come out to shake our hands and wave flags. It means a lot to all of the vets, Harder said.

After being seated, the caravan of buses began to drive to their separate destinations surrounding the National Mall: the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the United States Air Force Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

At Arlington, the veterans witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. At the tomb, they were silent as the guard was changed, the echoing click of the guards metal heels loud in the quiet. Afterward, the veterans visited the grave of Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated soldiers of World War II.

The group also visited the memorial for the astronauts who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger and the Space Shuttle Columbia.

At each stop, veterans would step off the buses and walk along the statues, pillars and engraved walls honoring their fellow servicemen and women. Volunteers with the program aided those who needed help walking or using wheelchairs. The veterans eagerly took pictures next to the Iowa pillar of the World War II Memorial, and pressed engravings onto paper with graphite of those they served with at the Vietnam War Memorial.

Dennis Skelton of Ankeny finished tracing the names of Fredrick Lennon and Carroll ONeill onto paper from the wall. Skelton, a Vietnam veteran, knew both men from Sioux City when they were still high school-age.

Of the 175 guys in our class, about 120 served in Vietnam, Skelton said. Thats so many for such a small town.

David Bradley, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the Navy and lives in Council Bluffs, said he served two tours, in 1971 and 1972.

They thought I liked it so much, they sent me back for more, he said with a laugh. It was his first time in D.C. and he was moved by the history and the pain he felt at the Vietnam wall.

It brought up some deep emotions. Two of my shipmates names are on that wall. Im glad I could finally see it myself, he said.

Minden native Larry Hammitt, who served in the Army and deployed to Vietnam in 1968 as an infantryman, shared that grief. Seeing the names of those he served with on the wall brought up pangs of survivors guilt.

It could have been my name on that wall. Im fortunate to be alive, but their families havent had them, havent seen them in more than 50 years, Hammitt said.

Still, he was thankful he came along and said every veteran should get the chance to do the same.

Korean War-era veteran and Shelby native Robert Thoms settled back on the bus with his friends as the day came to a close before the trip to Dulles and their return flight home.

While Thoms had initially been apprehensive, the Army veteran said it was an honor to have been a part of the trip.

With overwhelming demand for more trips, organizers said another Honor Flight may happen in October.

This was interesting, Thoms said. Its a day Ill remember.
HAMBURG, Iowa  Authorities say a man and his 7-year-old child have been burned while refueling an all-terrain vehicle in southwest Iowa.

The Fremont County Sheriff's Office says deputies were dispatched around 4:40 p.m. Saturday to check a report about the fire just outside Hamburg. Deputies were told fuel ignited while the ATV was being filled up and that 43-year-old Shane Adams and his child, Chevy, were burned.
Amber Barr of Council Bluffs is one of hundreds of American Red Cross volunteers from around the country heading for Florida to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

While Barr is the first Council Bluffs Red Cross volunteer to be deployed to Florida to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Jill Orton, regional chief executive officer, American Red Cross Kansas/Nebraska/southwest Iowa region, said her region has deployed a record number of more than 70 volunteers to Hurricane Harvey. The Council Bluffs Omaha Metro has currently about 20 volunteers deployed.

Hurricane Irma grew into a dangerous Category 5 storm on Tuesday and showed no signs of losing strength. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Irma was a potentially catastrophic storm with winds that extend 50 miles from the center.

The center of the storm is expected to cross near Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba and possibly Florida. It could arrive in South Florida this weekend as a Category 4 or 5 storm. The last major hurricane to hit Florida was in 2005.

Barr said she will be flying to a staging area being established in Orlando and then will likely be reassigned to a shelter location elsewhere in Florida. She expects to be in Florida for two weeks, possibly longer.

Although new to volunteering with the Red Cross, Barr is no stranger to travel and volunteer work.

A 2007 Lewis Central High School graduate, Barr enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls where she majored in marketing and advertising, graduating in 2011. During her junior year, she spent six months studying management and marketing in New Castle, Australia, as part of a UNI overseas study program. The Australian experience, she said, was the beginning of her love of travel.

She joined the corporate world after graduating from UNI, working for five years for Sherwin-Williams.

To create more time to travel, she left Sherwin-Williams and went to work for Arbonne, an online supplier of health and wellness products.

You could call me a free spirit. The fact that Arbonne is an online business allows me to work from anywhere  to travel and volunteer until I decide to settle down, Barr said. Though she currently owns a home in Portland, Oregon, shes yet to decide where shell land when the urge to travel and see the world settles down.

Last year, freed from the corporate world, Barr volunteered at a refugee camp in Greece, spent six months backpacking through southeast Asia and another three months backpacking through Europe.

Her volunteer work with the American Red Cross began when Hurricane Harvey thwarted her plans for an extended backpacking trip through Central America.

I was supposed to fly through Houston on Aug. 29, but Hurricane Harvey closed the airport there, Barr said. I wanted to do something to help, so I volunteered with the American Red Cross.

While her plans remain flexible depending on the time she remains in Florida volunteering with the Red Cross, she said the next stop will be volunteering at an orphanage in Guatemala that was started by her employer, Arbonne. She said shell probably be there for a couple of weeks  but thats not carved in stone.

Whats next?

Africa is on the top of my list, Barr said.

Im a free spirit, she said. I like helping people, and I love traveling.
DACA repeal is bad for U.S.

President Obamas DACA executive order protecting young aliens within our land was as much about ending the crushing of lives by the prejudicial disregard of some white supremacists as was Abe Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation executive order that freed people legally held as slaves in the states that had rebelled with the stated intent of their Confederate Constitution that plantation masters could keep humans that they owned as property held down in bondage and collaterally scorn others as white trash.

Like Lincoln, Obama faced a Congress that was not disposed to the kind of governance of equality for all that the Founders had declared on July 4, 1776  so like Lincoln, Obama took action.

Trump pretends that what he is doing has been forced on him by the neglect of others (it was actually Republicans in Congress that blocked via Senate filibuster rule Obamas attempts for legislative redress of the whole matter). It is all someone elses fault and Trump along with those that intentionally blocked action are now all full of love, compassion and intent to set things right.

So, Trump insists that he neither has nor Obama had any presidential power to provide even the slightest ray of hope for the dreams of the young people that were granted temporary succor via DACA. But, Trump did find a way to permanently free a thug of a sheriff from his being held responsible under the law for the criminal maltreatment of these same people.

Gee, why doesnt Trump just use his power of pardon to free from the law these hundreds of thousands of illegals?

Sam Osborne, West Branch

Please push back start times for Council Bluffs middle schools

I think middle school starts too early. I have to be at the bus stop at 6:50 a.m., even though I am almost the last stop, so I usually dont have time for breakfast. Other kids at my school have to be at their stop by 6:10 a.m.

Also, when I get to school I cant do as well on my work because I am so tired.

Research shows that kids my age do not get enough sleep. We need about 9  hours of sleep to be healthy, but on average kids get just 7  hours of sleep. To get enough sleep I would have to be asleep at 9:20 p.m. just to get up at 6:50 a.m., not to get up and get ready and go to the bus stop. Other kids would have to be asleep by 8:40. Kids have other stuff to do too, like homework, sports, Boy/Girl Scouts and after-school activities.

If we get more sleep well have more time for breakfast. Also, we would concentrate better in school if we had food and we werent really tired. That is why I think that middle school should start later.

Matthew Sanchez, Council Bluffs

Delay on lights worsen, not help, at pedestrian crossings

I wonder whose bright idea it was to come up with a countdown timer on pedestrian crossing signals. Its great! Not only do pedestrians (those who pay attention) know how long theyve got to cross, drivers also know that when the timer hits 0 the traffic light will switch to yellow. It gives them plenty of warning to stop.

So, I wonder whose bright idea it was to change that. Now when the countdown timer hits 0, the light will stay green and drivers dont know when theyll get a yellow, then red. Yeah, thats the way it was when I started driving, but this is the 21st century. Arent we supposed to be progressing?

Im told it improves traffic flow. Right. Seems to me the rationale is raising revenue for the city. And since you cant count on it even on red light camera intersections, yeah, that rationale makes more sense.

Jack Hofmockel, Council Bluffs
The 34th Annual Heritage Quilt Guild Quilt and Needlework Show starts Sept. 15 in conjunction with the 2017 Applejack Festival in Nebraska City.

The show is held in the lower level of the Bethel United Church of Christ, 2400 Central Avenue.

A preview night is 5-8 p.m., Sept. 15. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be nearly 200 items of quilts and needlework on display.

Sheri Dowding from Syracuse is the featured Guild Member, Quilter/Needlework Artist. The guest Featured Quilter is Sandra Anderson from Lincoln.

The 2017 Raffle Quilt, Autumn Splendor, was pieced by Linda Hug and Delta Budt and quilted by guild members Pam Estrada of the Fabric Fairie. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Quilt Show or from any guild member. Tickets are also available at the Sew Enchanting Quilt Shop in Nebraska City, the Fabric Fairie Quilt Shop in Auburn and the Quilters Boutique in Rock Port, Mo. The winning ticket will be drawn 3:45 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

The guild is a nonprofit organization devoted to preserving and promoting the diverse needlework available from the past, present and future. Guild meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 314 South 16th St., Nebraska City. More than 60 members come from southeast Nebraska, southwest Iowa and northwest Missouri.
Liberty Baptist Church, located at 11th and Main streets in Fremont, will host its Fall Revival meetings Sept. 16-22.

The special speaker will be Evangelist Rick Flanders of Vassar, Michigan. Flanders has been at Liberty Baptist for two previous meetings. The activities will start on Saturday with a youth rally and a men's prayer meeting.

There will be regular services on Sunday. Services will be at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Services will continue Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. There is a nursery provided in each service. Rev. Roger Luiken invites visitors to these special meetings.
As the summer sun sets on another growing season, cooler weather is beginning to arrive. On Nebraska's farms and ranches, corn and beans are drying, and calves are growing stronger. Like every fall, weather challenges may be just around the corner for our ag producers. These hardworking men and women of Nebraska are the unsung heroes of the American dinner table, and we are always ready for whatever obstacles we face. I keep this in mind as I promote common-sense policies for our nations agriculture industry.

Nebraskans know agriculture production serves as the economic engine of our state. The fact that one out of every four jobs is related to production agriculture illustrates the industrys vast economic finger print. However, as most Nebraskans know, the ag economy is currently in a cyclical downturn, which has farmers and livestock producers facing weak prices and tight margins.

It is imperative for Washington to hear from our ag producers, especially as discussions surrounding the 2018 farm bill begin. There is no better venue to hear from our producers than the Nebraska State Fair, which is why the entire Nebraska congressional delegation came together to hear from ag industry leaders about smart farm policy.

We heard loud and clear that farmers and livestock producers must have an affordable and viable farm safety net. Most importantly, producers depend on a strong crop insurance program to allow them to plan for the future. Without this critical risk protection, ag producers will not have the certainty required to invest in advanced technology that enables them to be the most efficient producers in the world. As the Senate moves toward the farm bill debate, I will continue to staunchly defend and advocate for crop insurance programs.

Good farm policy also depends on smart trade policy. Over 95 percent of the worlds population lives beyond the borders of the United States, and they are hungry for Nebraskas high-quality ag products.

In early September, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Agriculture announced another opportunity for Nebraska producers to expand their global reach across the Pacific Ocean. Vietnam has agreed to reopen its market and accept imports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), an ethanol byproduct used in animal feed, from the United States. Reopening the third-largest market for DDGS grants Nebraska an excellent opportunity to expand the successful exporting of agricultural products from our state.

While we should look for new countries to export our products, we must also work to maintain the trade agreements we already have in place. Thats why I recently sent a letter to President Trump encouraging him to maintain the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement. South Korea is Nebraska's sixth-largest agriculture trade partner and a major market for Nebraskas pork, corn, ethanol, beef, and wheat. South Korea represents a market worth nearly $400 million. Selling them our goods helps Nebraska prosper and should be continued.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that September 17 through September 23 is National Farm Safety and Health Week. Our farmers and ranchers often face dangers as they work to produce high-quality food. We wish them well as they continue to feed the world.

Thank you for taking part in our democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
A woman was taken to the hospital with a medical condition after the car she was driving hit a pickup Tuesday.

The woman was northbound near South Sycamore and G streets about 12:30 p.m. when her 1995 Toyota Corolla hit an eastbound Ford F-250.

She either didnt stop or didnt yield, said North Platte Police Officer Adam Charter.

The womans Corolla was towed away, but the 17-year-old boy in the pickup was able to drive away.

Upon evaluation, emergency responders determined that the woman had low blood sugar, Charter said. She also had a minor head injury from the wreck.

The woman was taken to Great Plains Health. Charter said he was not sure whether the womans low blood sugar played any part in the wreck.
A man charged with attempted assault after a sexual relationship with a teenager will spend time in jail.

Jordan Biere, 22, was sentenced in Lincoln County District Court on Monday. He was spared time in the Nebraska prison system, as Judge Donald Rowlands instead gave him one year in the Lincoln County Detention Center. Biere was given credit for four days served; he has two weeks to report.

Bieres attorney, Kent Florom, asked the judge for probation, saying the time since Bieres arrest has helped change his life, and that he has a minimal criminal history.

Ive been working to try and make better what I made wrong, Biere said, adding that time in jail changed his life, and that prison wouldnt be effective given his progress in the meantime.

Rowlands noted Bieres medium risk to reoffend and minimal criminal past, as found in his pre-sentence investigation. But Rowlands also said that in more than 30 years, the court has shown sexual-assault cases that include minors to be dealt with harshly.

While Biere said during the pre-sentence investigation that he had assumed the 15-year-old victims verbal consent was enough, Rowlands pointed to the Nebraska law that a person of that age cannot consent to sex with an adult. The Nebraska age of consent is 16.

Rowlands and Florom both noted that the Nebraska prison is attempting to reduce overcrowding, and Rowlands chose the jail sentence. Biere will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years.

In January, a witness reported having seen Biere have sex with the 15-year-old girl, North Platte police said at the time. The girl was interviewed at Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center, where police determined that she and Biere had a sexual relationship.

Also in Lincoln County District Court on Monday:

 Wray Dodrill, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts in three cases: failure to update homeless status as a sex offender, failure to change address as a sex offender and receiving stolen property.

Deputy County Attorney Angela Franz said an iPhone that was taken from Wild Bills Wings and Bowling was found in Dodrills possession. He will be sentenced Oct. 16.

 Charles Tyan, 51, pleaded not guilty to possession of child pornography. He will appear again Oct. 16.

 Corey Havens, 29, had his charges  two counts of assault on a peace officer or health care professional  dropped at states cost, without prejudice. In May, Havens pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He was arrested in March after a report that Havens had hit another man in the face with a handgun; when Havens was arrested later, he acted combative toward North Platte police, Investigator John Deal said at the time.

 Scott Brown, 54, pleaded no contest to his third DUI; he will be sentenced Nov. 20.

 Alyssa Deibert, 34, pleaded no contest to possession of methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 18 months of a specialized substance-abuse probation.

 Timothy Dike, 21, had his probation revoked and will appear in court again Nov. 6.
Current, former Telegraph employees win first place for photography, writing

A North Platte Telegraph reporter and a former reporter each took home awards from the National Federation of Press Womens communications contest.

Kamie Stephen won first place for a news or feature photo and second place for enterprise reporting.

Heather Johnson, now a communications specialist for North Platte Community College, took home the first-place award for multiple news or feature releases, as well as an honorable mention for online publications and magazines.

The federation held its conference and award ceremony in Birmingham, Alabama, over the weekend; Johnson attended.

In Stephens award-winning photo, a little girl is running toward a water slide during North Plattes Kids Klub Mud Day in May 2016.

I knew I loved that photo as soon as I took it, Stephen said, adding that the colors and composition enhanced the photo. When I started this job, I didnt even know how to zoom in and out on our cameras. It means so much to me to have grown enough to earn this kind of recognition.

Searching for a hero For 24 years, Jennifer Hardie-Fehrer has replayed over and over in her mind what little she 

Reunited with her hero Interstate 80 crash survivor meets again with rescuer 24 years after the accident

Stephens enterprise reporting, Searching for a Hero," followed Jennifer Hardie-Fehrers search for a truck driver who helped her after a 1992 wreck on Interstate 80 when she was 12. Stephen ultimately found the man, Chris Scaff, now living in Pennsylvania. Stephen flew to Pennsylvania to cover their reunion.

Hardie-Fehrer had to rely on the kindness of a stranger to live, Stephen said. I had to rely on the kindness of several strangers to find the man she was looking for.

Out of all her entries, Johnson said her favorite was a piece about Polly Shahan, a pioneer in the colleges nursing program.

Polly expressed so much emotion during the interview, Johnson said. She had influenced hundreds of nursing students over the years, but maintained that the greater impact was made on her.

She also enjoyed her first-place entry, about two businessmen who entered the colleges HVAC-R program, just to realize they wanted to own their own HVAC-R business.

Johnson called the national conference the best one shes ever attended, with journalists, public relations professionals, writers and other media professionals in attendance.

It was humbling just to look around the room and see all the talent surrounding me, she said.
First responders were honored Tuesday as a business continued its trip across Nebraska hosting a road rally.

The MacQueen Emergency Group gave donations to fire and rescue departments across Nebraska, beginning in Scottsbluff on Monday, to mark Sept. 11. The business plans to end its trip Friday in York.

The North Platte Fire and Rescue Department used its donation to purchase hamburgers for a grill-out in the parking lot at 201 E. Sixth St., the former ALCO building. There, first responders chatted with personnel from MacQueen and looked at its equipment.

MacQueen has sold large equipment for about 50 years, said Allie Keller, director of marketing for the company. About a year ago, it became a dealer of Pierce fire equipment. She said the company hoped to meet with fire and rescue departments across the state and had invited fire and rescue departments within a 90-mile radius to Tuesdays event.

Assistant Fire Chief Trent Kleinow said Pierce is one of the best brands of fire equipment, but for the last five to 10 years, a Nebraska dealer was unavailable. Based out of St. Paul, Minnesota, MacQueen covers a five-state radius, Keller said.

Fire department personnel ate burgers while looking at the three Pierce trucks that MacQueen brought. One was especially hard to miss, with its 107-foot ladder on a single axle.

Thats the first of its kind, Keller said.

Kleinow said the event spoke volumes for company relations, as the fire department had never actually purchased trucks from them. He added that the firefighters appreciated being honored near Sept. 11.

Were happy to do it, Keller said. Its nice to meet everybody.
I read the other day that Gov. Kenneth Mapp of the U.S. Virgin Islands signed an emergency order that allows the territorial government to seize private guns and ammunition and any other private property the National Guard may deem necessary to respond to Hurricane Irma.

I read that the Lincoln City Council has proposed an anti-hate resolution. It says that the City of Lincoln recognizes values and will proactively work to promote diversity and inclusion within the community.

What values? Does the city council have a right to tell individual citizens what to feel? What to say? How to think? What if a pastor preaches against homosexuality in a Sunday sermon from a pulpit in a Lincoln church? Will the city work to promote diversity and inclusion to respect everyones convictions and beliefs, or will the pastor be branded as intolerant by the city? Will the city council condemn the vulgar attacks against University of Nebraska-Lincoln sophomore last week when she tried to recruit for a conservative student organization on campus? Is she worthy of inclusion?

Does the city council realize there is no such thing as hate speech in America, that promoting such a falsehood is nothing more than an attack on our First Amendment rights? If you dont like what someone says or how they think, move on. Ignore them. Dont try and silence the bigots; let them speak. Let their bogus ideas be laid bare for all to see.

I saw that Oregon Gov. Kate Brown approved gun control legislation that would force people to surrender their firearms.

This law allows the police or a member of a subjects family or household to file a petition with the local court, which could then issue an order prohibiting someone from firearms possession if the court believed they posed an imminent risk to themselves or others. The person then has 30 days to request a hearing to get back the firearms confiscated from them, assuming a judge agrees. Otherwise they lose them for a year.

A person does not have to commit a crime and be arrested to lose their Second Amendment rights in Oregon. A judge simply has to think they shouldnt be allowed to have them. No arrest. No charge. No trial. No jury. No due process, just one persons opinion who has no idea who this person being deprived of their rights really is. Demanding that ones fellow citizens be degraded and stripped of their most basic constitutional rights is tyranny, plain and simple.

Why is the Second Amendment to the Constitution the only amendment that people need to get permission from the government to exercise? Did you need to get permission to read this newspaper, or did the First Amendment protect your right to do so?

What do these three stories have in common? A total lack of respect for constitutional republicanism.

We are a constitutional republic. We have inalienable, individual rights in that republic. We are Americans. Our country is built upon the sovereignty of the individual, and upon the rule of law that forms the basis for a civil society. Examples like these show me the relentless march of progressive elitism leading a counter-revolution to wreck our country. Every day is another example of our country drifting farther away from its founding principles, unmoored from our Constitution, slipping closer to the tyranny of rule by a privileged few. The examples of mob rule weve seen in the news lately and the never-ending drumbeat of political correctness to silence free speech sicken me.

Please contact my office with any comments, questions or concerns. Email me at tbrewer@leg.ne.gov or call us at 402-471-2628.
Congress has a lengthy to-do list this fall, but I am grateful to have spent August traveling the 3rd District and hearing directly from Nebraskans on your priorities.

On my farm bill listening tour, I made stops in Broken Bow, Beatrice and South Sioux City, in addition to stops in Scottsbluff and Aurora earlier this year. These open forums led to constructive discussions about what is and is not working in the current farm bill and how we can improve agriculture policy moving forward. Many attendees spoke about the importance of crop insurance, which is a vital and successful public-private partnership we must continue to support.

I appreciated having Nebraska Director of Agriculture Greg Ibach join us for these listening sessions, and I congratulate him on his nomination as U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. President Trump has made an outstanding selection for this position, and the vast knowledge with which Director Ibach has served Nebraska so well will now benefit agriculture nationwide.

Additionally, it was productive to come together with the entire Nebraska congressional delegation at the State Fair  our states celebration of agriculture  to talk about farm bill priorities. Our delegation is united around the need to grow our agriculture economy and open more doors for selling Nebraska agriculture products to consumers around the world.

I also held public meetings across the Third District, including Arthur, Elwood, Falls City, Kimball, Neligh and Wayne. These discussions covered many different topics, from tax reform to trade to health care. It was abundantly clear Nebraskans are ready for relief from our broken tax code and health care system and also want to see our country pursue strong trade policies.

In Congress, we remain committed to pursuing tax reform this fall. Speaker Paul Ryan stated at the start of September we want Americans to wake up on New Years Day 2018 with a new tax system. The conversation has shifted from whether tax reform will happen this year to what it will look like, which is a positive step forward. Simplifying our tax code is the best way to grow our economy, and both President Trump and Congress are making it the top priority.

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I also continue to push for more opportunity for Nebraska exporters to sell their products around the world. Renegotiation among the United States, Canada and Mexico on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is underway, and I am optimistic producers can benefit from modernizations as long as the current market access granted to U.S. exporters through NAFTA remains the baseline.

There were recent concerns about the Trump administration pulling the U.S. out of KORUS, our trade agreement with South Korea. I opposed withdrawal, both for the health of our economy, as South Korea is an important trading partner, and from a geopolitical perspective. We cannot afford to damage our relationship with this important ally, especially given the dangerous advancements in North Koreas nuclear program. Thankfully, it has been reported the Trump administration plans to uphold the agreement.

Many Nebraskans are understandably concerned about health care, as the impacts of Obamacare continue to worsen. We worked through the process in the House to put forth a bill which would lower premiums while still making sure those with pre-existing conditions have access to care. We need the Senate to move forward so we can come together and provide relief. New legislative solutions are being discussed, and I will be carefully considering all the details.

The list of issues we have to tackle in Congress goes on, but the time I was able to spend with Nebraskans in August was immensely valuable. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and share your thoughts on the challenges facing our country.
A Journal Star headline on Sept. 5 read Task force gets heros welcome, as the collection of firefighters and civilians from Lincoln, Omaha and Papillion known as Urban Search and Rescue Nebraska Task Force 1 returned home from rescue operations in Texas following Hurricane Harvey.

By Sept. 8, they were being deployed again, with that days headline being: Task Force 1 headed to Florida to face Irma.

But by no means were the 80 members of Task Force 1 the only such team of Nebraskans responding to the destruction two hurricanes wrought in Texas and Florida. In fact, the outpouring of time and talents residents of this state are giving to people down south, whose lives and livelihoods have been turned upside-down by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, has been overwhelming.

Following the worst of what Mother Nature had to offer, Nebraskans, in turn, were among those who replied with the best of humanity.

A map on the front page of Saturdays Journal Star highlighted 13 cities in four states where Nebraskans answered the call for assistance for hurricanes. They ranged from the tireless first responders from Task Force 1, the Nebraska National Guard and the Red Cross on the front lines of rescue operations to a couple dozen students from Union College helping residents clean up after the storms dissipated.

As Irmas winds die down and storm surges recede, Nebraskans will also play a role in repairing infrastructure and trying to get Florida back to normal. Technicians and experts from a handful of utility companies recently arrived in Florida to aid in efforts to restore power to some of the estimated 7 million Floridians who lost it during the storm.

Nebraska certainly isnt the only state to provide the people and resources needed in the immediate aftermath of these back-to-back Category 4 hurricanes. But those who hail from this state and left their friends, families and comforts of home behind  some for the second time in as many weeks  to help those battling natural disasters deserve recognition for those efforts.

The phrase Nebraska nice may be overused to describe the Midwestern hospitality on which we pride ourselves here. Theres no equivalent phrase to describe packing up, hitting the road and helping those on the front lines of a hurricane more than 1,000 miles from home  with a potential third assignment to U.S. islands in the Caribbean possibly awaiting Task Force 1.

As Texas slowly begins its journey back to the way things were before Harvey struck and Florida surveys the damage from Irma, theyll be surrounded by helpers from across the country  among them plenty of Nebraskans doing admirable work.

 Journal Star, Sept. 12, 2017
The owner of two Northwest Indiana nursing homes has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to resolve overtime violations, according to a news release from the agency.

Indianapolis-based Ide Management Group LLC has agreed to pay 594 workers at 23 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana $165,379 in back wages and damages.

In Northwest Indiana, IMG will pay 38 employees at Chesterton Manor in Chesterton $3,399 and 24 employees at Colonial Nursing & Rehab in Crown Point $2,416.

The Department of Labor found that IMG failed to include nondiscretionary bonuses and shift differentials in its overtime rate calculations, a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

"It was a minor issue with our time clocks, and all errors have been corrected. Employees have been paid," said Donna Draper, vice president of human resources for IMG.

IMG has since implemented a new payroll service and software to ensure it correctly computes wages in the future.

Failing to include shift differentials and bonuses  such as those paid for attendance and retention  when computing an employees regular rate of pay is a common overtime violation, stated Karen Chaikin, regional administrator for the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. We encourage all employers to take advantage of the divisions education and outreach efforts to help them understand their responsibilities and how to properly calculate overtime rates.
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VALPARAISO  Two people were flown to a Chicago-area hospital and a 27-year-old Valparaiso woman was arrested on drunken driving charges early Monday after she crashed into a home off Vale Park Road, police said.

Valparaiso police responded to the scene about 1 a.m. and found a trail of damage along Vale Park Road just east of Calumet Avenue.

A vehicle had crashed through two fences and struck a home in the 1500 block of Aster Avenue, trapping the two residents in their bedroom, police said.

The driver of the vehicle, Ivoree Richardson, 27, of Valparaiso, showed strong signs of intoxication, police said. Officers also found an alcoholic beverage bottle in her vehicle.

Valparaiso Fire and EMS personnel freed the residents, a 45-year-old man and 45-year-old woman. Their conditions were not known late Wednesday morning, police said.

Richardson was taken to Porter Regional Hospital, where her blood alcohol content was found to be 0.434  more than five times the legal driving limit of 0.08, police said.

Richardson was treated and released from the hospital. She was booked into the Porter County Jail on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury, operating while intoxicated with a prior/felony, operating while intoxicated while endangering others and operating while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of more than 0.15.
Police said a Valparaiso woman charged Monday after an active pipe bomb was found in her car told them it belonged to her ex-boyfriend and she didn't know how it ended up in her car.

Katrina L. Franzen, 32, of Valparaiso, was found about 11:50 a.m. Saturday asleep at the wheel of a car parked in the area of Division Road and Woodruft Drive in Center Township, according to Porter County court records.

Franzen smelled of alcohol and told a Porter County sheriff's officer she had been drinking the night before, court records say.

The officer found the pipe bomb after Franzen consented to a search of her car, records said.

The bomb was in a small box, which was closed with a clasp but not locked. The officer opened the box and saw a metal pipe with a wick in one end and a cap on both ends, records said.

"I knew it to be a pipe bomb," Officer Robert Gosbin wrote in a probable cause affidavit. "I then placed the open box on the ground and left the area and called for a bomb squad member to respond."

The Porter County Sheriff's Department bomb squad determined the device was active and rendered it safe, records said.

When told of the pipe bomb, Franzen told the officer it belonged to an ex-boyfriend who is imprisoned in Missouri. Franzen claimed the ex-boyfriend left it in her residence when he left the area, and she left it locked in her home because she didn't know what to do with it, records say.

"I then asked her how it got into her vehicle, and she said that she did not know," the officer wrote. "I asked her if she had any ill intentions with the bomb, and she said that she did not."

Franzen later told detectives during an interview that the device had been in her car for the last two weeks and she was planning to take it to a friend to make it safe, Porter County sheriff's police said.

Franzen told police she had not been parked in the area for long, but a witness said he first spotted her vehicle about 7 a.m., records said. The witnesses also told police Franzen had been seen parked in the area on several other occasions for several hours at a time.

Franzen faces a felony count of possession of a destructive device.

Police said Frazen's case is not related to the pipe bomb explosion last week at the East Chicago post office.
CHICAGO  More than five years into his 14-year sentence on corruption convictions, Rod Blagojevich, who once held the highest office in Illinois, finds himself on cleaning duty at a Colorado federal prison.

"I've been given the jurisdiction to sweep and mop two floors," he said in an interview with WMAQ-TV in Chicago from prison released Monday, along with an interview in Chicago magazine. "So my jurisdiction has shrunk from the fifth biggest state in America, to these two floors. But I don't care what anybody says, I believe in clean government, and I believe in clean floors."

Blagojevich still maintains his innocence and hopes to make another appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The 60-year-old reported to prison in 2012 after he was convicted on several counts, including for trying to sell former President Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat.

The former governor is now housed in a lower-security section of the prison and said he spends time running on the prison track, working out in the weight room and reading. His fellow prisoners gave him a care package when he first arrived, he said.

"You walk in there on the first day and your heart's broken," he says. "You're in there and then they close the gates on you, and you're in prison. And you're yearning for your children and your wife and your home, and you're looking at 14 years."

Blagojevich sees his family on average three times a year.

"What sustains me during this very difficult long hard trial is the love I have for my children and my wife Patti," he said.

Blagojevich said he is optimistic about the future.

"Even if the world misunderstands you, criticizes you and say you're crazy, take a stand," he said. "Because you know what the truth is. And when you do it, my experience tells me, trust in God."

___

Information from: WMAQ-TV.
INDIANAPOLIS  The Gary Community School Corp. will continue to need state loans, likely on a monthly basis, to maintain basic operations, as the district's emergency manager works to increase enrollment and reduce expenses.

Peggy Hinckley, who was appointed six weeks ago to lead the financially struggling school district, told the Indiana Distressed Unit Appeals Board Tuesday that ongoing state support is necessary due to the projected loss of 500 students compared to last year and district financial records that are "in total disarray."

She said the district currently is running a $1.7 million monthly deficit that almost is certain to get worse based on the results of the upcoming student count date.

Each lost student costs the district about $8,000 a year in state funding.

Moreover, she said the district is trying to reduce the approximately $8.5 million in accounts payable to vendors and the IRS for expenses incurred prior to the state seizing authority from Gary's elected school board and giving near-total control to Hinckley.

Records show the district also owes $40 million for past state loans, another $40 million in private loans and $15 million on school construction bonds.

"This is an assessment time for us to figure out not only how did we get here in Gary, but (also) how we get out of it," Hinckley said. "We can't make enough cuts to eliminate all these issues."

In the meantime, the four members of the state's distressed unit board endorsed Hinckley's request for a $3.11 million Common School Fund loan to pay off overdue employee health insurance premiums and meet payroll through mid-October.

She indicated that her team from MGT Consulting Group expects to be back for more loans every month going forward until they can put in place a comprehensive plan that balances district revenues and expenses.

The September loan recommended by DUAB now must be officially authorized by the State Board of Finance, composed of the governor, state auditor and state treasurer, which is next scheduled to meet Sept. 19.
Five years ago, Nilda Seuberling said she had to talk herself into getting out of bed in the morning.

The Lake Station woman was tired all the time. Bruises covered her body. She couldn't muster the energy to continue caring for her sick parents.

Her diagnosis: chronic myeloid leukemia.

Her doctor recommended target therapies, designed for her specific form of cancer. She tried a couple of medications before she found one without unpleasant side effects.

Now, the 64-year-old retiree's cancer is in remission. She can once again care for her mother (her father has since died).

"I now use my treadmill, do Pilates  stuff I couldn't do before," she said. "I feel more energized, more able to get up and do things."

Seuberling is one of a number of Northwest Indiana residents who have benefited from local advances in cancer treatments in recent years. Oncologists say the cancer care in the Region often rivals that offered at university hospitals in Chicago.

"Twenty years ago, chronic myeloid leukemia used to kill everyone who had it within five years," said Seuberling's oncologist, Dr. B.H. Barai, medical director of the Methodist Hospitals Oncology Institute. "Now more than 90 percent survive a natural lifetime."

As in Seuberling's case, cancer treatment has become much more targeted and, in turn, the side effects have lessened.

"In cancer, we know what cells we want to kill," Barai said. "But how do we differentiate between normal cells that we don't want to harm and cancer cells we want to kill?"

Traditional chemotherapy and radiation often kill the good cells along with the bad ones, leading to ill effects, including early death.

The new approach, Barai said, is more like a "GPS guided bomb." "You want to hit the particular building while causing minimal or no collateral damage," he said. The new drugs are also much more lethal. Using another war analogy, Barai compared them to missiles with nuclear warheads.

Older drugs couldn't be as lethal specifically because they weren't as targeted, he said.

He expects cancer treatment to become more targeted, in the form of genomic editing, where immune cells would be genetically edited to kill cancer cells. He predicts the treatment will be in wide use in 20 years, transforming cancer care.

Immunotherapy, technology advance care

Another promising advancement in cancer treatment is immunotherapy, where drugs stimulate the patient's immune system to fight the cancer.

Dr. Janet Retseck, a medical oncologist with the Porter Physician Group, explained that cancer cells put the brakes on healthy immune functioning.

"What these drugs do is take these brakes off and allow the immune system to recognize cancer cells as something foreign or bad and destroy them," she said.

She said immunotherapy has been most effective against melanoma and renal cell cancer but is expanding into breast, prostate, bladder, head and neck cancers.

"We're all very excited about immunotherapy," she said. "I've heard stories of people who had been ready for hospice, at the end, taking immunotherapy, and the cancer vanishing, being able to go back to regular daily activities. That's why we do this."

Cancer screening is also becoming more accurate. One advancement is 3-D mammograms.

"Those are good at unveiling cancers in breasts with dense tissue," said Dr. Chadwick Mills, a diagnostic radiologist with Franciscan Health hospital in Crown Point.

He expects the diagnostics to continue to advance.

"Just in the time since I started medical school, I've seen the technology rapidly improve," he said. "Do I think there'll be a new technology that will replace mammography? I do."

He predicts the next forefront in diagnostics will be molecular imaging, which provides detailed pictures at the molecular and cellular levels.

Increased customization

Cancer treatment is increasingly being customized to each patient.

Dr. Mohamad Kassar, an oncologist with Community Healthcare System, brought up the case of a middle-age woman with an aggressive form of breast cancer that had spread to her liver.

"She was very disturbed about her diagnosis," he said.

She got a second opinion at a hospital that recommended palliative chemotherapy, predicting that she had no chance of living past a couple of years.

She went back to Kassar, who chose to be aggressive with dose-dense chemotherapy, which delivers chemo in shorter intervals than the traditional version, as well as beam-directed radiation. She is now in remission.

"We are getting smarter now in the way we treat cancer," he said. "We are not going to provide the same recipe to everyone with cancer."
The New York City Police Department reportedly plans to release footage from last week's police-involved shooting in the Bronx.

It was the first of its kind captured on body cameras.

Newsday says Police Commissioner James O'Neill has discussed the case with Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.

They agreed the images should be released in a way that does not affect the investigation.

Officers were doing a wellness check on a 31-year-old man at a home in Edenwald last Wednesday.

Once inside, sources say they found Miguel Richards with a knife in one hand and the other behind his back.

Police told him to drop the knife, and that's when Richards pulled out what was later determined to be a fake gun.

Officers shot Richards several times and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Law enforcement sources tell the paper the NYPD will release about 12 minutes of video taken from four officers.
A so-called "genius" school to make the city a "global center of technology and innovation" officially opened on Roosevelt Island on Wednesday, realizing an idea first proposed by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg a half-dozen years ago. NY1 Education Reporter Lindsey Christ has the story.

With the cut of a ribbon, Cornell Tech opened Wednesday on Roosevelt Island. It's among the city's most ambitious projects over the past decade: a graduate school to help New York compete with Silicon Valley as a technology industry hub.

"This school is an investment in the future of New York City and that future belongs to generations to come and the students who will help build it," former mayor Bloomberg said. "The companies they create will generate jobs for people across the economic spectrum. They'll generate revenue that will help the city to pay for vitally-important services."

In 2011, the Bloomberg administration sought proposals to expand or create an applied sciences graduate center. A partnership between Cornell University and Technion in Israel was selected, and given $100 million in city funding to build the $2 billion tech campus.

Bloomberg also personally donated $100 million. One of the three new buildings is named for his children.

"The best inheritance that I can leave my daughters and my grandchildren is a better city and a better world," Bloomberg said at the press conference. "I think it's fair to say there are few projects that can do as much for both places as this one."

The ceremony was filled with veiled political drama. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has a strained relationship with Mayor Bill de Blasio, heaped praise on de Blasio's predecessor.

"Mayor Bloomberg, thank you for today, and thank you for 12 years of extraordinary service," Cuomo said. "You, my friend, left New York City better than you found it, and there is no higher praise for a public servant."

When it was de Blasio's turn, he also complimented his predecessor after reminding everyone that he was not usually a Bloomberg fan.

"I don't think I've been accused of being a Mike Bloomberg sycophant. So, I will say that, therefore, I hope the praise is seen as that much more genuine," de Blasio said at the press conference. "We are standing here because of one person who had the vision and had the persistence to believe this could happen."

Classes for Cornell Tech students began in 2012 in Google's Manhattan headquarters. This month, students and faculty moved to the permanent space on an East River island.

This was Phase One of construction. When the work is completed, there will be 2 million square feet of space and an estimated 2,000 graduate students.
A tech startup issued a clarification about its idea to sell goods in cabinets in locations like apartment buildings and offices after an article about the concept sparked backlash on Twitter on Wednesday.

Ex-Google employees Paul McDonald and Ashwath Rajan launched a new concept that they are calling "Bodega."

A blog post Wednesday written by McDonald describes the "Bodega" concept as "8 square feet of retail shelf space that can sell anything," items like toiletries or snacks. He says the items are tailored based on specific cabinet locations, such as offices, apartments or dorms.

The company says customers can access the shelves with the tap of a button. Cameras scan what the customers take, and the customers' credit cards are automatically charged.

A Fast Company article presented the startup as a company that "wanted to make bodegas and mom and pop corner stores obsolete." But in the blog post, McDonald said the company was not trying to put corner stores out of business.

"Rather than disrespect to traditional corner stores  or worse yet, a threat  we intended only admiration," McDonald wrote.

"They stock thousands of items, far more than we could ever fit on a few shelves," he added. "Their owners know what products to carry and in many cases who buys what. And theyre run by people who in addition to selling everything from toilet paper to milk also offer an integral human connection to their patrons that our automated storefronts never will."

The concept was met with displeasure and derision when Fast Company initially posted the article to its Twitter page.

Some Twitter users took issue with the company's decision to name itself "Bodega" after the term for corner stores.

1. Name your box bodega

2. Logo is a cat



When asked if name might be insulting Im not particularly worried about it  Yung Guac  (@tothe9s_) September 13, 2017

Then to actually NAME it "Bodega" after the exact thing they're trying to gentrify & put out of business? Wow. Such disrespect  Persephone (@ASamantha) September 13, 2017

In the Fast Company article, McDonald is quoted as saying they did surveys in the Latin American community asking if the name "bodega" was a misappropriation of the term, and he said the surveys' results indicated it wasn't.

In the blog post, McDonald admitted that the company did not fully understand the backlash they would receive from the company name and apologized.

He referenced that they did "homework - speaking with New Yorkers, branding people, and even running some survey work asking about the name and any potential offense it might cause.

"But its clear that we may not have been asking the right questions of the right people," he added.

The concept itself also received some backlash from users on Twitter. Some Twitter users compared it to a vending machine.

A vending machine isn't part of the community. People running our corner markets are.  Eva Destruction (@EvaDestrction) September 13, 2017

You hope to destroy thousands of small businesses w a box with doors? You made a dumbed-down vending machine & are selling it as innovation https://t.co/w5JD8z0DME  Lucas Wozniak (@lucas_j_wozniak) September 13, 2017

In a Forbes article, McDonald disagreed with that notion: he called his invention "the iPhone of the retail world," and said a vending machine was like "the payphone of the retail world."

Other Twitter users praised the sense of community they get from visiting bodegas.

That they have the nerve to call it Bodega isn't offensive b/c it's "cultural appropriation" it's offensive b/c REAL bodegas mean COMMUNITY.  Cocky McSwagsalot (@MoreAndAgain) September 13, 2017

the bodega is a cornerstone of their communities. https://t.co/4Ots6Bf9uL   yung polaris  (@tylrmntg) September 13, 2017

Others tied the idea to the concept of gentrification.

Two ex-googlers who most likely never lived in a neighborhood that has a Bodega are attempting to gentrify it.  King Michael (@MichaelFranco84) September 13, 2017

they are literally calling it "bodega". gentrification is violence. example a: https://t.co/6y9954l2De  Jason Rosenberg (@mynameisjro) September 13, 2017

The company's blog page says 30 "Bodegas" are currently operating in the Bay Area. The FastCompany article says the company "plans to quickly go national."
The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) will hold its annual private sector development awards for the seventh year running tomorrow.

Speaking at the launch of the awards last week, Gideon Badagawa, the executive director of PSFU, said since the awards were introduced, a lot of progress has been made, especially in corporate governance.

There are still challenges with our systems and these awards encourage companies to embrace good governance practices, he said.

The awards, which will take place at Royal suites, Bugolobi, will recognize individuals, entrepreneurs, business associations and cooperative and community groups that have contributed to the economic empowerment of its people.
The Uganda Revenue Authority has been tipped to collect the monthly parking fees from commuter taxi/buses in parks, according to a proposal from the ministry of Local Government.

In July 2013, the ministry of Local Government issued a three-year policy guideline on management and development of taxi parks in local governments. That policy expired on June 30, 2016.

According to the fresh set of guidelines, the of local government notes that there have been persistent cases of disputes and public outcry over the management of taxi/bus parks in some local governments. As a result, the ministry is considering handing over the assignment of collecting fees from parks to URA.

Taxis currently pay monthly taxes to KCCA

Speaking to The Observer on the sidelines of an event last week, Vincent Seruma, the assistant commissioner, public and corporate affairs at URA, confirmed that they had received a communication from the local government but could not delve into details, saying discussions were still ongoing.

There was a budget conference and most likely it [the proposal for URA to collect the monthly fees] came through. What we need is human resource, Seruma said.

The recently-released Local Government ministry guidelines directed each agency not to levy more than Shs 80,000 per vehicle for each calendar month. It said the vehicle owners and drivers pay the fees to a local government or urban authority, where the vehicle picks and drops passengers routinely.

The rate may be reviewed and revised by the minister in consultation with key stakeholders every financial year, Tom Butime, the Local Government minister, said then.

The proposal for URA to take over the role was debated recently at the accountability sector annual review workshop in Munyonyo by some officials from the local government ministry.

If URA takes over, officials from KCCA say they are likely to lose more than Shs 1.8bn that they have been collecting.

However, the commuter taxis working within the central business district might feel more burdened. For instance, KCCA currently charges taxi operators in the city a monthly road fee of Shs 120,000.

This means that commuter taxi and bus operators working within Kampala will have to remit at least Shs 200,000 to government monthly.
A least eight legislators from ruling party, opposition and independents today, Wednesday vowed to block any attempts by their colleagues to have the 75-year presidential age limit cap lifted.

This comes after over 245 National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs and NRM-leaning independents on Tuesday agreed to table a private members bill seeking to amend Article 102(b), which provides that for a person vying for the seat of president, ought to be between 35 and 75 years.

At a press conference held at parliament today, the MPs including Wilfred Niwagaba (Ndorwa East) Barnabas Tinkasimire (Buyaga West), Felix Okot Ogong (Dokolo south), Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga), Betty Nambooze (Mukono County North), John Baptist Nambeshe (Manjiya County), Muhammad Nsereko (Kampala Central) and Moses Kasibante (Rubaga North) were angry that their colleagues move would plunge the country into disaster if not countered.

MP Theodore Ssekikubo holding a copy of the Constitution as his colleagues look on

According to the legislators, they are in the process of ensuring that the debate on the age limit lifting is blocked in addition to making sure speaker of parliament does not preside over the matter.

This thing called age limit will not be lifted. We are disturbed the blackmail is put on all NRM MPs including myself. I would go home, get a hoe to cultivate for basic survival than take a single coin to betray Ugandans, I took oath, Tinkasimiire said.

The group argued that it was shameful that all Ugandan MPs have to walk the walk of shame because of the actions of some of their colleagues; after they took oath to uphold Constitution.

I am so surprised that leaders and MPs that I respect have decided to betray Ugandans to amend the Constitution that we all respect and we have sworn to defend it and protect it, Okot Ogong said.

Niwagaba, also shadow attorney general urged Ugandans to resist the removal of the presidential age limits as it has been with the amendment of Article 26 concerning acquisition of land so that the two constitutional amendments can be thrown out.

Its quite a sad story that people who have been elected and have sworn to uphold the constitution have decided to rape the constitution.

Either we stop calling it the Constitution of the republic of Uganda and call it the Constitution of NRM and Museveni, fold our hands and let the country go to the dogs as it surely will unless citizens resist this or all of us take the mantle and challenge to stop this business of people raping our constitution, Niwagaba said.

Nambeshe noted that it was it was disturbing to see that when articles affect individuals in the Constitution they are amended, adding that this was time to test the constitution.

Why would an Article like 102(b) of removal of presidential age limit never been tested and tried be allowed to happen? Whenever an article will affect an individual in Uganda here so must it be removed? Nambeshe said.

Who are they trying to hoodwink when they set the nomination fees for the president at Shs 50m? Which young person graduating from university, who does not even have the entandikwa (startup capital) going to get Shs 50m to raise as nomination fees to stand as president, Tinkasimire said.

Nambooze called on all Ugandans to rally join in the fight against the removal of age limits adding that all political parties and leadership need to come up. Kampala Central MP, Muhammad Nsereko called for the isolation and detesting of all members of parliament lobbying for the lifting of the presidential age limit, and also President Museveni who is always ducking on the matter.

Nsereko said it is time to talk about privileges a retiring leader of the nation should have.

We should be talking about what privileges will he [Museveni] get. How many medical check- ups will he go for, will he be entitled to use the presidential airforce plane or not, will he be writing novels and calling grand children to read for them some stories?

These are the things to be talking about. Leave a legacy. You have been quoting Mwalimu Nyerere, Nyerere, Nyerere, but why dont you quote and live by his path? Nsereko said.

namuloki16@gmail.com
Ask anyone if they would pay anything to own anothers persons poop, and they will most likely say hell, no. But everything changes when the said poop becomes a work of art. Case in point, Artists Shit, a collection of 30g tin cans allegedly containing the poop of Italian artist Piero Manzoni. Art collectors are buying them for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When Piero Manzoni came up with the idea to can his own poop, in 1961, he probably had no idea that his 30g metal containers would one day sell for astronomical prices. In 2007, the Tate art gallery in London, bought one of Manzonis 90 cans for 22,350 ($30,000), and while that may seem like a lot for what is literally just canned crap, they actually got a great deal. In 2007, another can of Merda dArtista was auctioned off in Milan, for a whopping 81,000 ($108,000). Crazy, right? Not really, just another good deal, because Manzonis cans of poop are currently worth around $300,000 apiece. Last year, someone bought can no. 54 for 182,500 ($242,000). At this rate, theyll soon be worth millions.

So who was Piero Manzoni? Apparently, he was originally an aristocratic Italian artist specializing in conventional painting, but that all changed one day in January 1957, when he visited an exhibition of Yves Kleins blue paintings at Galleria Apollinaire in Milan. The display of canvas after canvas of simple blue paint had a huge impact on 23-year-old Manzoni, completely changing his perception of art.

In 1958, the young artist exhibited his first avant-garde artworks, a series of completely white, achromatic pictures, and followed that up, just a year later, with some sheets sealed up in boxes. ,On the boxes would be written the length of the line, its date and, of course, his signature, Tony Godfrey writes in Phaidons Conceptual Art Book. Here was a truly immaterial and invisible work: if the seal was broken it ceased to be art.

Manzoni just kept putting out unconventional artworks, like a series of hard-boiled eggs signed with his thumbprint, a series of balloons inflated by him, called Artists Breath, and in May 1961, he created the work he would become most famous for, Merda dArtista.

Taking advantage of his fathers can factory, Manzoni created a collection of 90 tin cans, all signed by him and labeled as Artists Shit, Freshly Preserved, Produced and Tinned in May 1961. Each contained 30g of poop and was originally priced according to the gold market at the time, which meant that Manzoni was literally selling his crap for its weight in gold.

The point of Merda dArtista was to highlight and satirize the gullibility of post-WW2 art collectors, who, fueled by the countrys economic boom, would spend big money on virtually anything, even poop. But even Manzoni himself couldnt have foreseen that his tin cans would end up selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Piero Manzoni died in 1963, at the age of 29, and never got to enjoy the success of his most controversial piece, to its full extent. Those who knew him said that he had all kinds of outrageous projects lined up, but he sadly never got the opportunity to share them with the world.

Do Artists Shit cans actually contain Manzonis waste, or anyones waste, for that matter? According to Agostino Bonalumi, who worked with the Italian artist, the containers are filled with plaster, I can assure everyone the contents were only plaster, Bonalumi told Corriere della Sera. If anyone wants to verify this, let them do so.

But thats the thing, no one will dare open one of the cans to see the contents for themselves, not with them costing them a fortune as works of art. Popping the lid of one of the 90 cans pretty much compromises its value as a collectors item, and many believe that the mystery is actually a big part of the artworks charm.

At the same time, the contents of Artists Shit tins raises question of authenticity in art. If an artwork is not what its supposed to be, does it really deserve all the attention it gets, and the money spent on it? Its an interesting dilemma, to be sure, one that it yet to be solved.

So, if youve ever wondered what the most expensive and sought-after piece of crap is, now you know.
Susan Foster

California firefighters are used to saving lives, and if SB 649 passes through the California Legislature this week, it looks like the lives they may be saving are their own.

For the first time in U.S. history, a health exemption has been granted to firefighters for their stations in California. The states firefighters have a history dating back to the late 1990s of fighting to get cell towers off their stations, and in a preemptive move the firefighters asked for and the legislators granted an exemption from SB 649.

This legislation, the Wireless telecommunications facilities bill, is essentially a telecom takeover giving wireless carriers the right to force cities and counties to lease available lampposts, the right-of-way and public buildings  with the exception of fire stations.

If Bill Passes, as Expected, Veto Needed

The Assembly, in a late afternoon vote Sept. 13, passed SB 649 on an initial vote of 45-23 with 21 abstentions. It now goes to the Senate for ratification of added amendments. It then goes to Gov. Jerry Brown.





Gov. Jerry Brown

Unless Brown vetoes the bill, cell towers will dot the landscape as never before for the questionable purpose of blanketing California neighborhoods, cities and counties with untested 5G millimeter waves. 5G, or 5th generation wireless, is virtually untested on human beings outside the military, although Soviet science is extensive and concerning with respect to heating of the eyes, skin and testes. Electrical equipment the size of refrigerators will be allowed, along with back-up generators filled with diesel fuel.

Bills like SB 649 have been introduced, and some have already passed, in over half the states.

The mighty telecom lobby would prefer the granting of an exemption for fire stations go unnoticed. In fact, the word health is not even mentioned in SB 649. An exemption for fire stations is simply granted.

Calif. Firefighters Have Fought Cell Towers

California firefighters have a strong 17 year history of fighting cell towers on their stations, beginning in 2000 when a small fire department sued Nextel for health damages related to neurological impairment after towers were activated adjacent to their stations.

The men suffered from headache, insomnia, brain fog, getting lost in the same town they grew up in, sometimes forgetting protocol in routine medical procedures, mood swings and infertility.

In 2004 a SPECT brain pilot study was conducted on California firefighters who had lived in the shadow of a tower for over five years. The study, conducted by Gunnar Heuser, MD, PhD, found brain abnormalities in all six men, including delayed reaction time, lack of impulse control, and cognitive impairment.

IAFF Demanded Moratorium

As a result, Resolution 15, a collaborative expert/firefighter effort calling for further study and a moratorium on placing cell towers on fire stations throughout the US and Canada, was passed by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) in Boston in 2004 by 80 percent.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 trumps Res. 15, so the moratorium was in spirit only, yet the sentiment of the rank and file was clear. In order to do their jobs and serve the public as they were sworn to do, the firefighters did not want to suffer the impairment imposed by RF radiation coming from the towers.

The firefighters fight against the towers extended into 2015 when firefighters in Los Angeles threatened to pull their rigs into the streets to block traffic if FirstNET  the first responders telecommunications network  went ahead with plans to put 100 and taller towers on most stations.

And again in 2017California firefighters are fighting for their right to not only be safe, but to fully serve their communities by keeping SB 649 cell towers off their fire stations.

The burning question that legislators should be asking themselves is this: If we exempt fire stations to protect firefighters, why are we allowing cell towers throughout neighborhoods, in front of preschools, schools, hidden in church steeples, on lampposts, utility poles and on most public buildings if these are too dangerous for fire stations?

***

Susan Foster is a medical writer who has worked with firefighters on health, safety and policy with respect to cell towers on their stations since 2000. She organized a brain study of California firefighters in 2004 and was the original author of Resolution 15 passed by the IAFF in 2004. She is an Honorary Firefighter with the San Diego Fire Department and a U.S. Adviser to the UKs Radiation Research Trust.
The behavior of management and the ways in which an organization impacts society are now widely responsible for peoples perceptions of a company. And if the numbers are any indication, many of the worlds top companies arent considering the political and societal forces influencing their reputations as well as their brands ability to maintain relevance with todays audiences, according to a study of global consumers released by FleishmanHillard.

The report, which sought to measure the divide between consumers expectations and their actual experiences with global companies, suggests that the private sector needs to play a greater role in the issues of the day and pay more attention to the myriad external factors influencing their storytelling, lest they risk becoming irrelevant in the eyes of consumers. Specifically, the study found that about half of those polled  51 percent  said their perceptions of a company were influenced merely by their expectations of its products and services. However, almost the same number  49 percent  said their perceptions of a company are now shaped by information regarding how its management behaves and the impact that the company is having on society as a whole.

When it comes to what drives a brands authenticity, 51 percent of consumers say customer benefits shape their perceptions of a companys products or services. However, almost the same number now say their opinions of a company are driven either by management behaviors (24 percent) or society outcomes (25 percent).

Consumers across the world now widely recognize companies societal influence, and a growing number expect the private sector to play a more active role in solving social issues. Almost three-quarters 74 percent  said they wanted companies to go beyond mandated regulations, and 63 percent said they believe companies should lead the charge when it comes to driving the worlds interchange of ideas, products and cultures. A vast majority  81 percent  also said they believe a companys ethical treatment of its employees goes beyond pay and benefits and also includes notions of equality and inclusivity.

A large percentage of this responsibility, according to consumers, falls on the shoulders of management. More than three-quarters  78 percent  said the behaviors and integrity of a CEO reflect the belief system of the company he/she leads. On the other hand, consumers were three times more trusting of a companies employees than its CEO when it comes to delivering the truth regarding how a company behaves.

Consumers will always place value at a premium, but the study also shows that our concept of value has changed, and is no longer limited to the mere price we pay for a product or service. Specifically, value is now an idea consumers map onto our feelings regarding the perceived ethical behavior of a companys leadership. An overwhelming majority of consumers polled across the world  82 percent  said they believe value now pertains to company transparency in regards to their products manufacturing process and source of materials. The role of customer care also plays a noted role in shaping our views on value, especially for consumers in the US, Canada and the UK, who ranked this concept as one of the top three authenticity-signifying agents for more than 75 percent of industries.

F-Hs Authenticity In An Uncertain World study, the fourth such annual report released by the Omnicom unit, analyzed companies perceived authenticity across nine different drivers pertaining to society outcomes, management behaviors and customer benefits. The study was conducted by FleishmanHillard Global Intelligence in conjunction with independent research firm Lepere Analytics. Research came as a result of a comprehensive study of about 300 companies conducted with nearly 5,500 consumers across five countries. Research was gathered between March and April.
More than 180 scientists and medical doctors from 35 countries today pleaded for a halt to the proposed rollout of 5G celltowers in Europe.

In California, more than 300 of the 400 city and county governments are opposing SB 649, an industry-sponsored bill which overrides local control over the wireless industrys access to utility poles and public buildings for 5G deployment.

Environmental health advocates fear that exposure to the added radiation from 5G infrastructure will contribute to increased health problems.

If this bill passes, many people will suffer greatly, and needlessly, as a direct result. This sounds like hyperbole. It is not. according to Beatrice Golomb, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine in the medical school at the University of California, San Diego. In her open letter which summarizes the research on the effects of radio frequency radiation, she concludes, Let our focus be on safer, wired and well shielded technology  not more wireless.

Scientists Contact EC

The scientists and doctors sent a declaration today to officials of the European Commission based in Brussels. They demanded a moratorium on the increase of cell antennas for planned 5G expansion. Concerns over health effects from higher radiation exposure include potential neurological impacts, infertility, and cancer.

Roll-out of 5G in the US

In the U.S., the wireless industry is promoting legislation in at least 20 states to facilitate the roll-out of 5G in addition to sponsoring legislation at the federal level.

Here is part of the release datelined Sept. 13 in Orebro, Sweden.

The wireless industry is trying to deploy technology that may have some very real unintended harmful consequences, explains one of the organizers of the letter, Lennart Hardell, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Orebro University, Orebro, Sweden. Scientific studies from years ago along with many new studies are consistently identifying harmful human health impacts when wireless products are tested properly using conditions that reflect actual exposures. With hazards at those exposures, we are very concerned that the added exposure to 5G radiation could result in tragic, irreversible harm.

5G expansion, which is designed to carry higher loads of data more rapidly through wireless transmission, will require the construction of cell towers every 10-20 houses in urban areas.

In their letter to the European Commission, the scientists write:

We, the undersigned, more than 180 scientists and doctors from 35 nations, recommend a moratorium on the roll-out of the fifth generation, 5G, for telecommunication until potential hazards for human health and the environment have been fully investigated by scientists independent from industry.

University of California, Berkeley public health researcher Joel Moskowitz, PhD, explains:

Peer-reviewed research has documented industry influence on studies of the health impacts of wireless radiation. We are insisting on a moratorium on 5G until non-industry research can be conducted to ensure the safety of the public.

The press release, the declaration and a list of signatories can be found at: http://bit.ly/5Gscienceappeal

Ellie Marks, chair, Calif. Brain Tumor Assn., made the following statement today:

Interesting that the Calif. Assembly and Senate are voting this week on deploying 5G statewide without any input from your local government or from YOU- this equipment will be in front of every few homes (in the rights of way), near schools, in parks and on public buildings. There is nothing you can say or do about it.

"Call your legislators TODAY- Assembly Member and Senator to vote NO on SB 649- you will be sorry later on when you see this ugly thing in your yard - there are serious health ramifications- but also think about property values and aesthetics.

Visit NOON649.org to find your legislator and donate for our continued efforts. Thank you."

Ellie Marks
Saudi Arabia is planning a worldwide communications campaign to counter its negative press coverage and is in the market for PR firms eager to handle the effort, according to the Financial Times.

The program calls for information hubs to be established in London, Berlin, Paris and Moscow, according to a document reviewed by the FT. Additional hubs could be established in Mumbai, Beijing and Tokyo in 2018.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The hubs would produce press releases, publish social media content and invite influencers to visit Saudi Arabia.

The information ministry wants PR firms to set up operations to distribute the Saudi perspective on global developments in response to negative/inaccurate publications about the kingdom, according to the document.

The PR initiative comes as Saudi Arabia spearheads an economic and political blockade against neighbor Qatar, and wages war in Yemen, where it has been accused of bombing civilians.

Andrew Bowen of the American Enterprise Institute told the FT that Saudi Arabia is losing the communications war with Qatar.

He noted that while the Saudis have gone negative, Qatar has tried to take the moral ground." Qatar, according to Bowen, so far is winning the war for western hearts and minds.

Saudi Arabia uses Qorvis MSLGroup, Podesta and Harbour Group for PR in the US.


Patrick Clifford

Dana Gorman





Abernathy MacGregor promotes Patrick Clifford, Dana Gorman, Kate Murray and Pat Tucker to managing director. Clifford, who has been with the firm since 2007, provides strategic counsel to leading global investors. Gorman handles mergers and acquisitions and corporate reorganizations. Murray, who previously was communications director for the New Orleans City Council, advises companies on public and investor relations. Tucker does hostile transactions and mergers challenged by elected officials for firm clients. Patrick, Dana, Kate and Pat embody what sets Abernathy MacGregor aparttrusted counsel, the highest quality work and a powerful entrepreneurial spirit, said firm CEO Tom Johnson.



Nick Macouiller

Tunheim brings on Nick Marcouiller as a digital consultant. Previously, he was Minnesota deputy digital director of Hillary for America and began his career on the Obama 2012 campaign, where he supported the team innovating campaign technology by transforming social media audiences into volunteers and small donors. At Tunheim, he will participate in developing strategic campaigns, as well as cultivating relationships with stakeholders and community leaders in the public affairs, corporate and non-profit sectors.

R&J Strategic Communications,Bridgewater, NJ, promotes Maria Bayas to digital account coordinator. Before coming to R&J, Bayas interned at the Rutgers University Career Services office as a marketing assistant and directed the Rutgers University Programming Assn., where she planned and executed events on campus.



Madalyn

Holyfield-Gawronski



Sterling Corp., conservative issue management and fundraising firm, hires Madalyn Holyfield-Gawronski as senior associate. Holyfield-Gawronskijoins Sterling from the Michigan Department of Transportation, where she focused on legislative issues. Prior to her work at MDOT, she worked for the House Republican Campaign Committee. In her new role, Holyfield-Gawronski will work with fundraising practice senior director Heather Lombardini to support the firms fundraising clients, and will provide strategic consulting.



David Vorland



Dezenhall Resources, Ltd., Washington-based crisis/issues management shop, enlisted David Vorland as VP. He goes to Dezenhall following eight years at the Pentagon, where he served as a policy advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Im excited to welcome Dave, his defense and public sector expertise will be very valuable to our team and to our clients, said Eric Dezenhall, CEO.

Nyhus Communications of Seattle tapped Sam Jeffries, VP at Dezenhall, for director duty, with a remit covering public affairs strategy and crisis communications.
Nebraskas big trucking firms say they are already using electronic record-keeping devices soon to be required of all truckers  including smaller owner-operators who say the regulations are an overreach.

The technology in question is called the electronic logging device, an on-board computer that tracks the myriad pieces of information truckers must report to stay in compliance with rules such as those limiting the number of hours they drive in a given period.

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted down a bill that would have further delayed the requirement that large commercial trucks begin using ELDs by December. That means the federal rules mandating ELDs will take effect as scheduled. The big trucking companies loudly cheered, while smaller owner-operators frowned.

Make no mistake, the time for debate about electronic logging is over, and were pleased that Congress has rejected this ill-conceived effort to delay their implementation, said Chris Spear, president of the American Trucking Association, which represents firms operating major national and regional fleets.

On the other side of the debate, there is the Missouri-based Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which represents about 150,000 truckers who own and operate their own vehicles.

The concerns raised by us, by Congress and industry stakeholders have not changed, the group said in a statement. There are too many unanswered questions related to enforcement, connectivity, data transfers, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and many other legitimate real-world concerns.

Small-operator objections include the cost of the on-board systems, possible violations of driver privacy and claims that they dont improve safety.

But at large fleets, the electronic systems that are hooked into the trucks engine have been the norm for some time, recording speed, fuel economy and other information, as well as tracking driver work hours and rest breaks.

What it comes down to is that if the truck was moving, there is an electronic record of it, making it virtually impossible for drivers to say they were sleeping when in fact they were trucking on down the road.

We are very much in favor of the implementation of ELDs, said Tonn Ostergard, president of Lincoln-based Crete Carrier, which operates about 5,000 trucks already equipped with the devices. The technology ensures consistent compliance with the law as it exists and will assist law enforcement in keeping over-hours drivers off the road. We feel this technology is important to safety and compliance.

Historically, paper logs have been used to track trip information for commercial trucks, making subterfuge more easily concealed. Current federal regulations on driver rest periods take into account a wide variety of details but basically mandate 10 hours off duty for each 11 hours spent driving.

A tired driver is a liability, said Tim McCormick, chief executive at Fremont Contract Carriers, which started using ELDs in 2009. You cant afford to have someone running renegade.

The cost of such systems has dropped in recent years, from around $2,500 per unit. Now, the devices cost around $500, and subscription-based systems can be had for $20 a month, advertised with no upfront hardware costs.

It was a better argument a few years ago, McCormick said, speaking of the cost-related objections.

As far as safety goes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says ELDs will prevent 2,000 crashes, 600 injuries and 25 deaths a year by keeping tired drivers off the road. The ELD rules will apply to large commercial trucks driven by drivers who are required to keep hours of service logs for inspection by law enforcement authorities, which basically means heavy freight trucks making long-distance trips.

Lt. Dan Doggett of the Nebraska State Patrol said ELDs in no way change the charge of his carrier enforcement unit, which performs in-depth inspections of commercial trucks. (Every trooper can stop a truck and check it for safety, but his are specially trained for a deeper dive.) Doggett said nothing is impossible when it comes to subterfuge.

However, the computer logs will be of great assistance when his specialized unit comes across a carrier with a pattern of violations, when the group does a full audit of the trucking firm looking for more shenanigans.

Most drivers are very professional, Doggett said. But that is what ELD will assist with.

The motor carrier safety agency estimates that 3 million U.S. truckers are still using paper logs and that they will need to spend about $1 billion to get compliant.

The transition wont be seamless, according to Derek Leathers, CEO of Omaha-based Werner Enterprises, one of the nations largest truckers, with about 7,000 vehicles. Werner began adopting ELDs in 1998. Leathers said that those who have not adopted ELDs might struggle at first with the expense and the transition from paper logs, which typically takes some time for drivers to fully master.

Theres a long learning curve with ELDs, and you have to find that snap back when productivity recovers, said Leathers.
LINCOLN  More than 700,000 Nebraskans and nearly 1.1 million Iowans had their personal information exposed because of the massive security breach at credit reporting company Equifax Inc.

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller revealed the scope of the breach Tuesday, warning citizens to take steps to protect their identities.

I would encourage everyone to act immediately to see if their identity information was part of the breach, Peterson said.

In Iowa, Miller said he has opened an investigation into the security breakdown.

Both urged people to go to a web portal created by Equifax  equifaxsecurity2017.com  to see if their information was affected.

State Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln wants the company to actively notify Nebraskans affected by the data breach.

Morfeld on Tuesday sent a letter to Equifax CEO Richard Smith calling for the company to comply with a Nebraska law requiring businesses to notify residents of security breaches that expose personal information.

Peterson said his office is committed to ensuring that Equifax complies with all applicable state laws.

Morfeld also called for Equifax to provide free credit monitoring for life to Nebraskans affected by the breach. The company has promised free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services for one year. Morfeld said that offering only a year of free monitoring means that Equifax, which provides credit monitoring as a paid service, stands to profit from its security breakdown.

Equifax announced to the public last Thursday that a cybersecurity incident had exposed the personal information of approximately 143 million Americans. The company said it became aware of the breach on July 29.

The information includes Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some cases, drivers license and credit card numbers.

Peterson said his office was notified of the breach directly from Equifax on Friday. His office is working with other state attorneys general to gather additional information from the company.

At the Equifax web portal, people have to enter their last name and the last six digits of their Social Security number to find out if their information was involved. The company also has set up a dedicated call center at 866-447-7559, available from 6 a.m. to midnight central time.

Peterson cautioned those affected to be sure they are signing up for Equifaxs free service and not its paid service. He also said other companies offer similar services.

He and Miller recommended that people affected by the breach take the following steps:

 Closely monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free credit reports.

 Actively monitor your financial statements. Promptly dispute any unauthorized charges.

 Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report. That prohibits a credit reporting agency from releasing any information from your credit report without written authorization and makes it harder for an identity thief to access credit in your name. Fees may be applied for placing, temporarily lifting or removing a security freeze.

 Be wary of breach-related scams. Do not provide or confirm personal information to a caller who claims the call is related to the data breach. Be wary of emails, which can be fake but look authentic.

For more information, visit the Nebraska Attorney Generals Offices Consumer Protection Division website at protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/identity-theft or the Iowa Attorney Generals office, iowaattorneygeneral.gov.
Japan is not interested in the type of bilateral trade agreement President Donald Trump has proposed, and instead is holding out for the United States to rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts heard this week from some of the Japanese business and government officials he met during a trade mission.

That could leave Nebraska at a lasting disadvantage when exporting beef and other commodities to one of its top trading partners, as other countries do business with Japan under the more favorable terms of multilateral agreements. Such agreements often include significantly lower tariffs.

Ricketts, who supported Trump in last years presidential election, said he has been pressing U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to negotiate new agreements between the U.S. and Japan.

Im encouraging him to move quickly on these agreements, Ricketts said, adding he is stressing how important those trade opportunities are, in particular to Nebraska agriculture.

He said he also encouraged Japanese officials to engage with the U.S. on those talks.

But Japanese trade officials may not be receptive. Ricketts said some of the Japanese officials hes talked with this week hope the U.S. will rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trump withdrew the U.S. from the TPP, a free-trade agreement among 12 nations.

In my conversations with the Trump administration, theyve been very clear that is not what their plan is, Ricketts said, speaking by phone to Nebraska news media Tuesday.

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson, who is also on the trip, said he was surprised by how much he heard about the agreement. There was certainly a lot of effort to try to convince us that we should still be part of TPP, Nelson said.

He and Ricketts said theyre hopeful Vice President Mike Pence will make progress on the issue during talks planned for October.

Adding urgency for Nebraska, in late July Japan raised tariffs on imports of frozen beef from the U.S. to 50 percent, up from the usual rate of 38.5 percent and nearly double the rate paid by competitor Australia. The protectionist move was triggered because imports from the U.S. rose faster than a threshold level.

Ricketts said at the time that he expected the move to have a serious economic impact on Nebraskas beef industry, which is looking to expand exports as the states cattle herd grows. Japan is the nations and Nebraskas largest export market for beef. Nebraska exported $316 million worth of beef to Japan in 2016 out of total beef exports worth more than $1.1 billion.

He said Nebraskas beef exports to Japan are still growing but added, Wed be growing faster without that tariff. We just dont know how much faster wed be growing.

The governors trip also has included attendance at the Midwest-Japan Association Conference in Tokyo and meetings with companies that do business or seek to do business in Nebraska and the Midwest.
A former Council Bluffs assistant city attorney pleaded not guilty Wednesday to drug-related charges.

A federal grand jury in August charged Don Bauermeister, 44, of Omaha, with possessing with intent to distribute about 13 pounds of marijuana.

Wednesdays hearing took place at the federal courthouse in downtown Omaha. Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson allowed Bauermeister to continue to be released on his own recognizance.

The indictment is a momentary aberration in an otherwise exemplary life, and we will deal with it accordingly, Bauermeisters attorney, J. William Gallup, said after the hearing.

A Bluffs city employee since February 2003, Bauermeister resigned in mid-June. At the time, City Attorney Dick Wade said Bauermeister gave no reason for his resignation.

The indictment allegation covered a period from November 2016 to Jan. 9, 2017.

The maximum penalty Bauermeister faces if convicted is five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a three-year term of supervised release, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Nebraska.
One of the sisters of quadruple killer Nikko Jenkins was sentenced Monday in Lincoln to 14 months to two years in prison after pleading no contest to a cocaine possession charge.

Sophia Jenkins, 34, was arrested in 2015 in connection with an incident at the Walgreens at 17th and South Streets. A companion was charged with felony shoplifting from the store; Jenkins was charged as an accessory.

She was later charged with cocaine possession after officers found a baggie coated with white powder on her during the investigation, said Pat Condon, chief deputy for the Lancaster County Attorneys Office. The accessory charge was later dropped.

In August, Douglas County District Judge Kim Pankonin sentenced Jenkins to 22 to 30 years in prison after she was convicted of second-degree assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony after beating a cousin with a beer bottle at a now-closed west Omaha bar.

The cousin suffered a goose-egg-sized bump on her forehead, cuts to both cheeks and a cut next to her left ear that required stitches, according to a detectives affidavit. She is listed as an inmate at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York.

Her drug sentence from Lancaster County will be served once the assault and weapon use sentences are completed, Condon said.

Nikko Jenkins killed four people in Omaha shortly after his release from prison in 2013. A three-judge panel in May sentenced him to death.
U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos will visit three schools in Omaha and Lincoln on Thursday.

The Department of Education released her official schedule, which will include stops at the private Nelson Mandela Elementary School in north Omaha, St. Marys Catholic School in Lincoln and the Science Focus Program  known as the Zoo School  in Lincoln.

DeVos day will start at 7:50 a.m. with a visit to Nelson Mandela, followed by a 10:30 a.m. drop-in at St. Marys and a noon tour of the Zoo School.

DeVos visited the Omaha campus of Midland University Wednesday night to see its new Code Academy.

Devos kicked off a multistate Rethink School tour in Wyoming Tuesday, where she visited a teacher-led K-8 school in Casper and St. Stephens Indian High School on the Wind River Reservation.

Wednesday, she started her day in Colorado, visiting the Firefly Autism House in Denver  which factored into a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding special education services  and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

The other states included on the six-state tour are Kansas, Missouri and Indiana.

Lincoln Public School Superintendent Steve Joel said he views the secretarys visit as an opportunity to showcase whats right about our public schools both in the Capitol City and in Nebraska.

Were really excited that weve been selected as the school district to demonstrate to the secretary that choice is alive and well, our students are engaged, we have innovative curriculum, and were continuing to think about what does their future hold in terms of how we can arrange the delivery of that curriculum, he said.

The Zoo School is one of three focus programs in the Lincoln system. The two others are an arts and humanities focus school and a new career academy, operated in collaboration with Southeast Community College.

Joel said he expects the visit will include time for DeVos to hear from LPS Board President Lanny Boswell, Lincoln Childrens Zoo President and CEO John Chapo and others. She also will get a tour of the Zoo School area and spend some time in the classroom.

He acknowledged that DeVos visit has been controversial in the community, including among LPS board members, because of her history of support for publicly funded charter schools and private school vouchers.

Joel noted that protesters have showed up when she visited other parts of the country and said he believes Nebraska citizens also will make sure that their points are raised during her visit. For that reason, he said the district has beefed up security for the occasion.

He said the Zoo School students have been told to act normally during her visit. He said they have not gotten any specific instructions about how to dress or behave.

Bishop James D. Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln, speaking for Nebraskas three Catholic bishops, said they are honored DeVos will visit St. Marys Catholic School.

Private, parochial schools have been part of the educational fabric of this country for well over a century, Conley said. They serve students from all cultures and income levels, including immigrants, refugees and children with special needs. We hope the secretarys visit will help highlight this good work being done across Nebraska.

Mandela Head of School Susan Toohey said, This is a great opportunity to show Secretary DeVos how great our public schools are in Omaha and how our private school is incorporating innovative approaches to elementary education.

World-Herald staff writer Martha Stoddard contributed to this report.
The Metro Community College board Tuesday night showed support for DACA and passed its annual budget.

The Metro board approved a resolution on an 8-2 vote with one abstention to support the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, a policy executed by President Barack Obama five years ago. DACA at least temporarily prevents some children brought to this country illegally from being deported and allows them to pursue education and jobs. President Donald Trump this month said he intends to phase out the program.

The Metro board also passed a budget, retaining its property tax rate at 9.5 cents per $100 of property. That is $142.50 on a $150,000 house.

Board members Brad Ashby and Phil Klein voted against the resolution supporting DACA, and Michelle Nekuda abstained.

Ashby said the board had as much business taking a position on DACA as it does on abortion, gun control or capital punishment. Those are federal matters over which the board has no control, he said.

Ashby also accused board member Kara Eastman of playing politics with the issue. Eastman is running for the 2nd Congressional District seat held by Republican Rep. Don Bacon. Eastman is a Democrat.

Eastman didnt respond. Seven of the 11 board members introduced the resolution, including Eastman.

Board Chairman Roger Garcia said that the federal government has an impact on Metro and that the college doesnt want its DACA students negatively affected. The nation has been forced to analyze this issue, he said, and its citizens need to make their voices heard.

Board member Michael Young read from the two-year colleges mission statement, which includes serving a diverse community of learners and giving students the tools needed to reach dreams.

Its about whats right, Young said of the resolution in support of DACA.

Board member Ron Hug said his grandmother came to the United States from Poland as a little girl. She might have been undocumented, he said, and many people in the board room might have similar ancestry.
That was close.

Westside Community Schools voters approved a 15-cent tax levy override by a slim margin, preliminary results from Tuesday night show.

According to unofficial results from the Douglas County Election Commission, 51.3 percent of voters favored the levy override, while 48.6 percent voted it down.

Roughly 7,500 mail-in ballots were received by the 5 p.m. Tuesday deadline.

I think these types of elections are always very close, Superintendent Blane McCann said. I think it just tells us we always have to be very vigilant and efficient with the dollars were provided, and our community is watching what were doing.

McCann and the school board president, Beth Morrissette, both said theyre grateful that Westside voters agreed to invest more in the school district, especially after several years of rocky budget cycles that have resulted in cuts to staff and programs.

Were so grateful for our community that has listened to our call and demonstrated their commitment to high-quality education and outstanding teachers, Morrissette said.

The Millard school district will hold its own levy override vote this fall, with a mail-in election scheduled for Nov. 14. If the override is approved by voters, the school board could levy up to 9 extra cents for programs and operations.

Westside asked residents to approve a levy override of up to 15 cents per $100 valuation for a five-year period. That extends and increases a 10-cent levy override set to expire at the end of the 2017-18 school year. The last override election was in 2012, when 65.5 percent of voters gave Westside the green light to raise additional revenue.

The new override will go into effect in the 2018-19 school year.

Since 1998, voters have over and over again approved a series of overrides that allowed District 66 to exceed the states $1.05 general fund property tax levy limit. Under state law, districts can ask voters for permission to raise that lid.

Past votes have been approved by even narrower margins. The first override election in 1998 passed by 82 votes. In 2002, the margin of victory was just 29 votes. Tuesday night, the yes votes were ahead by 199.

For the past several years, the district has been levying the full 10 cents allowed, McCann said. The district has struggled to balance its budget in the face of a sluggish tax base and flatlining state aid. That has led to roughly $10.5 million worth of cuts that have eliminated staff positions, elementary foreign language classes and summer camps.

While officials have cautioned that they may not need to levy the full additional 5 cents, the extra taxing authority could bring in an additional $1.75 million each year to preserve popular Westside programs, offer competitive teacher pay, expand mental health support for students and keep class sizes smaller.

Weve had to make cuts to make sure were living within our means, Morrissette said. The cuts are getting to the point where its reaching the classroom. This levy override will allow us to continue to support our teachers ... and really have the skilled teachers we need to support our kids.

The districts current general fund budget is $71.1 million, with a levy of about $1.32 per $100 valuation, which includes the 10-cent override. For the owner of a home assessed at $150,000, that translates to a school tax bill of $1,980. If the district were to add 5 cents, that bill would increase by $75 to $2,055.

The Westside board will vote on its 2017-18 budget Monday.
MASON CITY | Jodi Draper, Jacob Schweitzer and Alan Steckman have been elected to the Mason City School Board, pending confirmation of election results.

Draper was elected to her second term, while Schweitzer and Steckman are each newcomers to the board. According to initial election results, Draper received about 23.5 percent of the vote, with Schweitzer and Steckman getting 22.3 percent and 21.4 percent of the vote respectively. All three will serve four-year terms.

Draper, a chief financial officer for County Social Services, said she was appreciative of the opportunity to serve for a second term, and added relationships between school officials and the board are paramount.

"First and foremost, I want us to build trust with the staff and community," she said. "That teachers know there's an open-door policy with the board and vice versa."

Schweitzer, a local firefighter, was "humbled" by the opportunity and looks forward to helping improve the school district. He added that defining what pay and benefits look for non-bargaining staff members will be vital.

"That seems to be some of the areas where we've run into issues," he said.

Steckman, a retired postmaster, was "thrilled and honored" to be elected to his first term. He said he doesn't have any specific goals set as a board member, but said cooperation between school officials is important moving forward.

"I don't know what the plans are at this moment," Steckman said. "Just to have the best interests in teachers, students, and the administration."

According to results released Tuesday night, about 6.7 percent of registered voters participated in the election. Two years ago, turnout was about 5.5 percent.

Board President Janna Arndt, the other incumbent seeking re-election, finished last in voting, behind Richard Haas. Arndt received about 14.9 percent of the vote.

Draper, the incumbent who was re-elected, said she would "let the board decide" who its new president should be.

"Janna was a great director, and I want to thank her for her service," she said.
A Nebraska rescue group is returning home after traveling to Florida last weekend to assist in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

Nebraska Task Force 1 was not assigned any missions in Florida. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which had requested the aid, later determined that it had enough rescue groups and other help already in place to handle recovery efforts, said Micheal Despain , chief of Lincoln Fire and Rescue, which coordinates the task force.

The team was to start its two-day trip home Wednesday.

The task force and its participating local governments are reimbursed by the federal government for costs associated with the trip.

The task force spent nearly two weeks assisting with rescues in Texas following Hurricane Harvey.

The 80-member task force consists of firefighters from the Lincoln, Omaha and Papillion fire departments, as well as civilians who are doctors, structural engineers and heavy rigging specialists.
Omaha could someday stretch beyond the Elkhorn River as the city continues to march westward.

Mayor Jean Stothert recently floated the idea of annexing Waterloo, saying that bringing the small town into Omaha city limits is always under consideration.

If the idea moved forward, it would be Omahas first annexation of a free-standing community since Elkhorn a decade ago.

And like in the case of Elkhorn, Waterloo would almost certainly not be in favor of the action.

Stothert brought Waterloo up during a discussion last month of the Elkhorn fire district, which had briefly announced plans to end a contract with the City of Omaha for fire protection services.

She said that as many as two-thirds of the 77 sanitary and improvement districts within the fire district  which is a large area west of 180th Street  could be ripe for annexation by Omaha in the next five years.

Waterloo, which is just beyond the fire districts territory, is among the areas evaluated to see if its ready to come into the city, Stothert said.

Waterloo is under consideration, too, she said. Its easy to make it contiguous with the city.

Nothing has been decided about the citys next annexation package, and the city would only annex if it made financial sense, Stothert said.

Still, Waterloos residents would object to being absorbed by Omaha, said Village Board Chairman Travis Harlow.

Wed love to keep Waterloo its own small town, said Harlow, who is also Waterloos volunteer fire chief and was involved in the Elkhorn fire district fight. Waterloo thrives because of its small town atmosphere.

State law allows Omaha to annex adjacent cities in Douglas County with fewer than 10,000 people, with or without their approval. And theres precedent for Omaha taking over towns against their will.

When then-Mayor Mike Fahey said he intended to annex Elkhorn in 2005, leaders there tried to halt those plans by pushing the population above 10,000 people.

Omaha prevailed after a battle in court, and Elkhorn officially became a part of Omaha in 2007. Some Elkhorn residents still bristle at the takeover.

In that case, Elkhorn was annexed so that Omaha wouldnt be blocked from future growth westward, said Paul Landow, who served as chief of staff to Fahey during the Elkhorn annexation.

A city cant leapfrog areas to annex property; it must be contiguous to land already within city limits.

Omaha city limits come within a mile of Waterloo, which covers the area roughly from the Elkhorn River to 240th Street, and West Maple Road to Blondo Street.

Annexing Waterloo would put Omaha nearly at the doorstep of the larger community Valley, which has about 2,000 residents and is home to a Valmont Industries plant.

Theres nothing we can do to stop it if thats what the city chooses to do, Harlow said. I would assure you theres probably not going to be any fans if that happens.

Along the Elkhorn River and near the Platte River, Waterloo began in the 1860s. It officially incorporated in 1883.

Harlow said the community of about 850 has high-quality services, including its own police, fire and maintenance departments.

The village, along with roughly 150 sanitary and improvement districts, will be evaluated for possible annexation when the annual analysis begins next year, said Cassie Paben, Stotherts deputy chief of staff for economic development.

Stothert said that analysis involves looking ahead over a 10-year period to determine the cost of providing city services, fire and police coverage and maintaining acres of parks, among other information.

She said she would pursue annexation only if its a net positive for the city at the end of 10 years.

She pointed out that Waterloos bond debt is relatively low and Omahas tax rate is a bit lower.

Stothert said that while no area is off the table for annexation, some communities very close to Omaha have high debt and problems with infrastructure. Those areas, including Ralston, arent under serious consideration right now, she said.

Taking in Waterloo, like other areas under consideration, would broaden the citys tax base, Stothert said.

Past administrations have viewed the Elkhorn River as a natural barrier to the citys western edge. But Stothert said we just have to be open to what we have in Douglas County.

As mayor, Stothert has brought more than 27,000 people into the city limits through annexations. She said she aims to continue annexing, particularly islands of property that are surrounded by city limits.

Annexation packages are proposed by the Mayors Office before going before the City Council.

City Councilman Brinker Harding, whose district includes much of west Omaha and the Elkhorn area, noted that the city would have to annex other areas to get to Waterloo. He said he thinks Omaha needs to continue to grow in a well-organized, managed way.

He said he wants to make sure all areas of the city receive the same level of basic city services, from police and fire protection to garbage collection.

Councilman Pete Festersen said he supports annexation and continued growth but said extending that far west doesnt seem like a good idea right now.

Its not contiguous and we have plenty of street and public safety needs to catch up to inside current city limits, he said.

Tom Fencl, one of the owners of Publication Printing, a longtime downtown Waterloo business, said hed be concerned about maintaining the quality of services if Omaha took over.

Waterloo does a very good job of taking care of Waterloo, said Fencl, who lives in Elkhorn and observed that annexation. The smaller towns typically do. Theyre familiar with what goes on there.
A Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District subcommittee on Tuesday unanimously recommended that the full board adopt the proposed 2018 fiscal year budget.

The board will vote Thursday evening at its meeting in Dakota City, Nebraska.

Under the budget, the district would spend $66.7 million next year, with about $23.7 million of that coming from property taxes.

The overall budget is down a bit from the 2017 budget, which was $70.5 million. But the proportion that comes from property taxes would be slightly more  last year it was $22.8 million.

The districts mill levy will nose down slightly to 3.78 cents per $100 of valuation.

This means that the owner of a home valued at $150,000 would pay $56.70 per year.

A taxpayers overall bill would be much higher because the NRD is just one of many entities that make up each tax bill.

Even when the property tax rate goes down, a homeowner can pay more if the valuation rises. All of the counties in the district except one had overall valuation increases  6.84 percent for Sarpy and 4.39 percent for Douglas, according to district figures.

The Papio-Missouri River NRD covers Douglas, Sarpy and Washington Counties and parts of Burt, Thurston and Dakota Counties.

The 2018 budget runs from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018.
As North Korea flaunts its nuclear muscle, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is visiting U.S. Strategic Command to spotlight the overwhelming numerical superiority of Americas doomsday arsenal.

Mattis will receive briefings Thursday at StratCom, based at Offutt Air Force Base south of Omaha. StratComs top officer would command nuclear forces in war.

The visit comes a day after a U.S. think tank said North Koreas powerful nuclear test this month may have been even stronger than first reported, equivalent to roughly 17 times the strength of the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in World War II.

It also comes the day after Mattis dropped in on a hub of American nuclear firepower: Minot Air Force base in North Dakota, which operates land-based nuclear missiles and is home to nuclear-bomb-toting aircraft.

On the way to Minot, he told reporters flying with him that he has become convinced that the United States must keep all three parts of its nuclear force, rather than eliminate one, as he once suggested.

Some argue that ground-based missiles may no longer be necessary to Americas policy of deterrence. Mattis has called the submarine-based component sacrosanct and has said it is necessary to retain the ability to fire nuclear weapons from planes.

Together, those three prongs constitute the Pentagons nuclear triad.

Before he took over in January as President Donald Trumps Pentagon chief, Mattis had suggested that long-range, silo-based weapons, known as intercontinental ballistic missiles, might be expendable. Ive questioned the triad, Mattis said Wednesday, but said his view has changed.

I cannot solve the deterrent problem reducing it from a triad. If I want to send the most compelling message, I have been persuaded that the triad in its framework is the right way to go, Mattis said.

His visits to Minot and Offutt were scheduled before a recent series of North Korean nuclear and missile tests, but they give Mattis a chance to highlight what the Air Force touts as an always-ready fleet of land-based missiles and B-52 bombers equipped to deliver nuclear devastation to nearly any point on the globe in short order.

Minot and StratCom also are timely backdrops for a related political message: The Trump administration intends to press ahead with a multibillion-dollar modernization of the entire nuclear arsenal.

The visit comes as tensions with North Korea ratchet up. The countrys Sept. 3 nuclear test, its sixth and biggest, showed how much progress the country has made on its nuclear program.

A think tank called 38 North, run by the U.S.-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, released a new estimate Wednesday of the latest bombs yield, which is the amount of energy released by the blast.

Updated seismic data showed that the magnitude of the earthquake caused by the detonation was between 6.1 and 6.3. That means the yield of the latest test was roughly 250 kilotons, reported 38 North. That would put it into the realm of thermonuclear weapons, supporting North Koreas claim that it had tested a hydrogen bomb.

The new estimate is much higher than initial ones from U.S. intelligence sources and allies. A U.S. intelligence official said the 38 North analysis is consistent with the range of estimates by the intelligence community.

Offutt personnel may play a big role in whatever happens regarding North Korea.

If Trump should decide to inflict fire and fury on North Korea, as he warned last month, hell use plans crafted by military experts at Offutts U.S. Strategic Command, drawing in part from intelligence gathered by Offutt-based 55th Wing air crews. And if North Korea is deterred from launching their missiles, credit in part the arsenal of nuclear, cyberwarfare, space and missile defense weapons arrayed against him  all under StratComs control.

Minot hosts the 91st Missile Wing, which operates one-third of the nations 400 Minuteman 3 missiles.

In June, the Air Force finished reducing the number of Minuteman 3 missiles by 50 to a total of 400, the lowest since 1962. But Mattis appears to have been persuaded by the argument that keeping ICBMs deployed in underground silos sprinkled across the western Great Plains is key to deterrence because an attacker would have to use hundreds of weapons to destroy all 400 launch facilities.

Chuck Hagel, once a senator from Nebraska, called for elimination of ICBMs before becoming Barack Obamas defense secretary, but then changed his mind.

StratCom commander Gen. John Hyten, like his predecessors, said the United States still needs the ground-based ICBMs just as much as the other elements.

I cant imagine a world where somehow we say we can have a deterrent capability without the three legs of the triad, Hyten said in a March speech to the group Military Reporters and Editors.

The World-Herald contributed to this report, which also includes material from the Washington Post and Tribune News Service.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  In a state built on air conditioning, millions of Florida residents now want to know one thing: When will the power be back on?

Hurricane Irmas march across Florida and into the Southeast triggered one of the bigger blackouts in U.S. history, plunging as many as 13 million people into the dark as the storm dragged down power lines and blew out transformers.

It also shattered the climate-controlled bubbles that enable people to live here despite the states heat, humidity and insects.

David Guerra stood in his yard in southeast Miami, sweating. Hed suffered through the terror of 100 mph-plus winds flung off by Irma and was now descending into the special hell of a storms aftermath.

A big tree next door had toppled onto a power line at 4:10 a.m. Saturday. Sparks flew, a transformer exploded, the lights went out.

Guerra and his wife and son faced the misery of going days if not weeks without a working stove or refrigerator or, most important, air conditioning.

Before AC, nobody lived in Florida  and for good reason, Guerra, 55, said when the temperature was sitting at 88. Its easy to forget that this is really a jungle we live in. Were going to go back to the jungle.

Look how much I smell, my dog smells, everyone smells. All you do is think of how you can escape. But there is no escape.

The state may have been spared the most horrible loss of life and destruction of property so many had predicted, but its hard to overstate the scale of devastation Irmas fury brought to the power grid and those who depend on it.

Power, power, power, Gov. Rick Scott said. The biggest thing weve got to do for people is get their power back.

It was once the standard sarcastic reply of a generation of American parents when their baby boomer children said they wanted a pony or a battleship or a house made of gumdrops and cake frosting: There are people in hell who want ice water.

But in a Florida without electricity in September that is the spitting image of hell, the aphorism turned literal: Everybody wants ice. And they arent going to get it anytime soon.

With ice factories up and down the state shut down by Hurricane Irma and emergency services such as police and hospitals getting most of what little supply remains, ice cubes might as well be made of gold.

More than 50,000 utility workers  some from as far away as Canada and California  are responding to the crisis.

The states largest utility, Florida Power & Light, said Irma caused the most widespread damage in company history, affecting all 35 counties in its territory, which is most of the states Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast south of Tampa.

Many power lines and transformers are above ground, attached to poles. Irmas winds turned trunks and limbs into effective line cutters, causing damage to all 27,000 square miles of its service territory, the company said.

On Tuesday, the company announced that it expected to have the lights back on by the end of the weekend for the states east coast.

Customers living in the hard-hit neighborhoods in southwest Florida, where damage was much more extensive, were expected to get power restored within 10 days.

The company said it had restored service to nearly 1.8 million customers, but about 10 million customers still lacked power Tuesday.

Any disaster that wipes out electrical service hits especially hard in the South, where tens of millions rely on the cocoon of comfort provided by air conditioning. Without it, many cities could barely exist, let alone prosper. When the lights go out in Florida, the muggy, buggy reality can be jarring even to longtime residents.

Some people were growing angry and tired of waiting. Others steeled themselves for an extended period without electricity.

Standing in front of a produce cooler at a reopened Publix grocery store in Naples, Missy Sieber said the worst thing about not having electricity is not having air conditioning.

Its miserably hot, Sieber said. I dont mind standing in line here.

Dan Eckler sat next to his luggage Tuesday at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, waiting for a ride after scoring a seat on one of the few arriving flights after the airport reopened.

Im soaking up a few last minutes of AC before I return to my house with no electricity, said Eckler, 46, who lives in Fort Lauderdale and went 16 days without power after Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

You learn what you can cook on your grill. I cooked a frozen pizza because it was about to go bad, he said, referring to his experience after Wilma. And you finally meet your neighbors.

In Miami, firefighters evacuated a building that had been without power since Sunday, concluding that it was not safe for elderly tenants.

A 97-year-old woman had to be brought down 12 flights of stairs.

In Texas, meanwhile, at least 10,700 people remained without power.

This report includes material from Bloomberg News and the Miami Herald.
A 57-year-old North Platte man has died in an accident involving farm equipment south of the city.

Lloyd Behrens was pronounced dead Tuesday at the scene on West Watts Road, the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office said.

Deputies had received a report that a man was pinned in the mechanical part of a piece of farm equipment. The Sheriffs Office said deputies and North Platte rescue squad personnel found Behrens trapped in a potato-collecting machine.

Behrens became entangled in moving belt parts and suffered fatal injuries, officials said.
ORLANDO, Florida | Former North Iowans living in Orlando have been without power all week and have been told it will be at least Sunday before they get it back.

"Trees and power lines are down everywhere and most businesses are closed because there is no power," said Matt Werner, a Lake Mills native who lived in Mason City with his wife, Erin, before moving to Orlando several years ago.

Hurricane Irma swept through the Orlando area and its impact will be felt for a long time, Werner said.

"She punched us in the mouth," he said.

In addition to flooding and trees and power lines down, Werner said there have been several deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning  the result of fumes from generators operating too close to houses.

Also, he said, many people have had sewers backing up into their homes.

Without power, there is no way to refrigerate food, which is a problem not only for consumers but for grocery stores that depend on refrigeration.

Former North Iowans brace for Irma in Florida ORLANDO, Florida | Matt Werner and his family are closely watching the path of Hurricane Irm

Twenty-six area schools are closed because of the power outage, as well as downed tree limbs and electrical lines making travel unsafe for school buses.

Werner said planes are now coming in and out of Orlando which means hundreds of tourists can return home. "Most of them were trapped," he said.

Werner's wife, the former Erin McMillan, who grew up in Manly and also lived in Mason City, is a nurse who has had trouble getting to work at the hospital where she was needed. Last year, during a hurricane, she spent three days and three nights there without coming home.

This year, she got to work, but it wasn't easy. "First there was the hurricane on Monday," said Werner, a stay-at-home dad and a former flight nurse at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa. "Tuesday, she couldn't get out because of a tree that fell on our driveway. Then the exit she usually takes to get to the hospital was washed out."

Werner said he spent much of Tuesday with a chainsaw helping clean-up efforts in his neighborhood.

The recovery process will be long, he said, but it could have been worse, like it was in many other parts of Florida.

"We're the lucky ones," he said.

Alliant Energy announced earlier this week its trucks would assist in the massive effort to restore power across Florida.

More than 200 line workers, safety staff, vehicle mechanics, support staff and managers from Iowa and Wisconsin volunteered to help, the company said in a news release.

They will join more than 18,000 utility crews from across 30 states and Canada working to restore power to more than 6 million people affected by the hurricane.

Florida utilities  which are responsible for the costs, not Alliant Energy's customers  requested help through a nationwide mutual assistance program among utilities, Alliant said.

Many southern power companies were already assisting with response to Hurricane Harvey, and damage from Hurricane Irma was so extensive the request for help extended to Midwestern energy companies.
WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Wednesday stood by his suggestion that Congress will be able to act in the next six months to address a program that shields from deportation those brought into the country illegally as children.

We expect to have a hearing in the next few weeks, Grassley, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, told reporters Wednesday.

When President Donald Trump announced that he would phase out his predecessors Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, he included a six-month delay to give Capitol Hill lawmakers time to craft a fix.

But recent developments have raised questions about whether Congress can move that quickly, including the Judiciary Committees indefinite delay of a DACA hearing that had been scheduled for this week.

Grassley said conversations are ongoing among committee staff and members, and he stressed that any proposal will have to feature compromise on both sides to reach the Senates required 60-vote threshold to break a filibuster.

Otherwise, we arent going to get anything done.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., is a member of the Judiciary Committee but has not weighed in on Trumps DACA decision or how Congress should respond.

Grassley said he wasnt feeling left out of the discussions other lawmakers were having with the White House.

Grassleys comments came before the news late Wednesday that the top House and Senate Democrats reportedly reached agreement with Trump to protect the young immigrants from deportation.
LINCOLN  State Sen. Bob Krist left the Republican Party on Wednesday hours after officially launching a campaign aimed at unseating incumbent Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Acknowledging his bid to win the Governors Office in 2018 represents an uphill battle, the Omaha senator ruled out running as a Democrat or Libertarian. Rather, he changed his voter registration to nonpartisan and said he will file with an independent party to be named, assuming he can collect the required 5,000 signatures from registered voters.

Krist, a moderate in the Nebraska Legislature who has often defied the GOP, hopes to tap into what he says is a rejection of partisanship by Nebraska voters. He promised to offer independent leadership that will seek out solutions to high property taxes, education funding and prison overcrowding.

Partisan bickering in Washington has spread to our nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature, and our current governor has worsened the situation by personally bankrolling challengers to senators who dont vote right down the line with him, Krist said.

Jessica Flanagain, the governors campaign manager, declined Wednesday to respond to Krists announcement.

At this point, theres no party, theres no ballot access, theres not a lot to say, Flanagain said.

The top official with Krists former party, however, wasted no time in criticizing the candidate as a political opportunist. On Twitter, the Nebraska GOP quickly posted a photo of Krist with the caption broken promises that accused the senator of party shopping for higher office.

He has flip-flopped so often on what he believes, he hasnt even been able to choose a party for the ballot, said Kenny Zoeller, executive director of the state Republican Party.

The Nebraska Democratic Party, on the other hand, said Krists decision to enter the race is good for Democracy. The Democrats have yet to announce their own candidate for Nebraska governor.

More ideas, beyond the dominant party in our state, are needed to grow the good life for all Nebraskans, said Jane Kleeb, chairwoman of the state party.

Krist said he considered running as a Democrat, which potentially would have come with the organizational structure and funding help he will now have to assemble from the ground up. But he said he could not align himself with the partys support for abortion rights.

Krist broadly outlined his campaign priorities as reducing property taxes while adequately funding education at all levels, reducing the size of state government and addressing the ongoing problems with the prison system.

He said Nebraskas tax three-pronged tax system relies too heavily on property taxes and not enough on income and sales taxes, something he said he would address.

If (Im) elected governor, the talking will stop and the action will start, he said. I will get it done.

Whether his third-party approach can appeal broadly to voters while generating the financial backing it would take to seriously challenge a well-funded incumbent remains to be seen. He declined to reveal the current balance of his campaign account, but he said he thinks he would need to raise $3 million for the race.

Former Gov. Dave Heineman gave the retired Air Force officer his first political opportunity in 2009 when he appointed him to the Legislature. Krist twice won election as a Republican, although he broke with party ranks on several high-profile issues and wasnt reluctant to criticize either Heineman or Ricketts.

Krist said he will embark on a statewide listening tour by the end of the month.
An important but little publicized development has happened in the Middle East: The regions most determined foes of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad  the governments of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Jordan  all have ceased trying to topple him. So have Western powers such as the United States and Britain.

Its a bow to reality, given the military facts on the grounds, but its nonetheless lamentable that a bloody tyrant has prevailed.

Before the war, Syria had a sizable middle class that, inspired by the political ferment of the Arab Spring, launched a revolt with commendable hopes of replacing a dictatorship with a government responsive to the people.

Assad responded by targeting moderate forces, either killing them outright or forcing them into exile. Assads regime brazenly bombed civilian populations and used chemical weapons  war crimes. Syrias allies, Russia and Iran, backed Assads bloodthirstiness.

Vladimir Putins government cynically encouraged an outflow of 6 million Syrian refugees that put pressure on countries in the Middle East and Europe. The instability from the war has created ongoing stresses for Syrias neighbors Jordan and Iraq.

U.S. forces are providing military support as Raqqa, the Islamic States self-declared capital, is retaken  a complex, delicate task. Other appropriate priorities: seeing that aid reaches Syrian refugees in the region, that Jordan remains stable and that cross-border fighting doesnt erupt between Israel and militant forces in southern Syria.

All these conditions are painfully different from the possibilities had the Syrian peoples revolt managed to replace Assads abhorrent regime with a responsible government.
Did you know that Creighton Universitys health sciences programs have international partnerships with 10 universities or hospitals in China, two in Japan, one in Korea, one in Chile, one in England, two pending in Denmark and more developing in the Middle East?

Through these partnerships, Creighton faculty and students in dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy and physical therapy have opportunities to travel abroad and learn about various health care systems and cultures. Creighton also hosts visiting international scholars and students in the health sciences, with a focus on global collaboration.

In addition, Creighton health sciences students have been traveling to the Dominican Republic through the Institute for Latin American Concern for the past 40 years, providing care to the poor and underserved.

Other opportunities for health-related global service-learning include student organizations such as Project CURA in the School of Medicine , through which students have volunteered in Ghana, Guatemala, Ecuador, Romania, Peru, Uganda, Southeast Asia and India.

These partnerships bring Creighton to the world and the world to Creighton, said Keli Mu, PhD, director of the International Office for Health Sciences and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Creighton.

They provide our health sciences students with unique opportunities to gain a global perspective on health and health care, which will make them more well-rounded dentists, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physical therapists and physicians.

Mu, who was born and raised in China, has led efforts and established programs at Creighton to enhance international exchange and collaboration.

In May, he traveled to China with Chris Bradberry, PharmD, dean of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, and Creighton President the Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, to secure the latest partnership with Xian-Jiaotong University.

The American Occupational Therapy Association honored Mu with its International Service Award in April.

Creighton University offers a top-ranked education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Read more about the university, and connect with Creighton on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
19 paise waiver in UP, 10 lakh fake accounts in Maharashtra: The farm loan mess

India

oi-Anusha

Farmers in Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka heaved a sigh of relief when farm loan waivers were announced earlier this year. Months have passed by but lakhs of farmers are yet to get benefits of the assured loan waiver.

From waiver of 19 paise to a farmer in Uttar Pradesh to unearthing a million fake bank accounts in Maharashtra, the mess over farm loan waiver is real. "Forget the loan waiver, give us minimum support price", is now the demand by farmers.

Uttar Pradesh has begun disbursing farm loan waiver. While thousands of farmers stand to get a waiver for loans up to Rs 1 lakh, there have been multiple incidents of minuscule amounts, some as low as Re 1 or 19 paise, being waived off. The opposition has called it a mockery and an exercise to inflate the number of beneficiaries for loan waiver scheme. The Yogi Adityanath government has moved to disburse the first phase of farm loan waivers for small and marginal farmers at a cost of Rs 7,371 crore.

According to the Uttar Pradesh government's statistics, 1,193,224 small and marginal farmers stand to benefit out of phase one of loan waiver scheme. However, 4,814 farmers will receive loan waiver certificates for amounts between Rs 1 and Rs 100, some of them have received the certificates for amounts as small as 19 paise. While there are no doubts about lakhs of farmers getting actual relief, numbers as small as Rs 1.79 for a farmer in Etawah or 19 paise to one in Bhartana of the same district or Rs 10.37 waiver given to a farmer in Maudaha has come as a mockery of the distress.

"The loan waiver is a sham. Of what use is Rs 1 lakh loan waiver for a farmer who is drowning in a debt of Rs 5 or 10 lakh? We neither want your sympathies nor your waiver. Let us, the farmers, live a life of dignity. All we seek is competitive minimum support price. We are willing to pay taxes if the government is willing to offer an acceptable minimum support price for our produce," said Ayyakannu, a farmer who is leading the protests in New Delhi for the cause of farmers.

In Maharashtra, a state where technology was used to identify eligible beneficiaries for the scheme, the problem exists in a whole new avatar. On Tuesday, Maharashtra's revenue minister Chandrakant Patil said that the government had found at least 10 lakh fake bank accounts claiming to be those belonging to farmers. The Maharashtra government took to Aadhaar-linked identification tools to zero in on farmers who qualify for the loan waiver. "The software we use is helping us identify farmers who actually own agricultural land and have availed some loan. We have realized that more than 10 lakh bank accounts under farmers' names are fake. They were probably opened by banks or credit societies for siphoning off the loan amount," Chandrakant Patil said.

The government has come to a conclusion that accounts are fake based on their software's cross-verification analysis. The system requires detailed information for every account through which applications for loan waivers have been filed. Verification includes documents of land ownership or lease agreement, bank account statement etc. The minister added that the "expose" on fake accounts will bring down the actual estimate of farmers eligible for loan waiver from the initial 89 lakh. A massive Rs 34,000 crore is what the Maharashtra government announced as farm loan waiver scheme.

Tired of the red-tapism that follows every loan waiver announcement, farmers now seek relief from the hassles of disbursal. "Harassment, exploitation of farmers continues unabashedly simply because we are an unorganized sector. If this continues, the government has many challenges to face from within the farming community," warned Ayyakannu.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 19:25 [IST]
What amendment of Payment of Gratuity Bill 2017 means

An amendment to the bill is aimed at increasing the limit of tax free gratuity for formal sector employees to Rs 20 lakh. The Union Cabinet agreed to table the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in Parliament. The Union Government is of the view that the entitlement of gratuity should be revised for employees who are covered under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, on account of inflation and increase in salaries of employees working in the private sector. The main factor behind this Act is to ensure social security of salaried employees after retirement, irrespective of the fact whether it is because of rules of superannuation, or physical disablement or impairment of vital parts of the body.

How will it benefit employees

This amendment bill will benefit employees working in the private sector, as well as staff members of public undertakings and autonomous organisations under the government who are not covered under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules. As of now according to the Act, they are entitled to tax-free gratuity up to Rs 10 lakh. The amendment will bring their gratuity at par with central government employees, which is Rs 20 lakh.

How to calculate gratuity

Gratuity is a sum of money an employee receives from his or her employee in exchange of services rendered to the organisation. Gratuity, however, is paid only to employees who have worked for five years or more in a company. The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 applies to organisations with a workforce of ten or more employees. Gratuity is paid to employees under private sector, public undertakings and autonomous institutions under government but not covered under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972. The objective is to ensure social security of salaried employees after retirement, irrespective of the reason for retiring. The formula presently used to calculate gratuity incorporates the number of years the employee has worked with the establishment and the last basic salary he or she has withdrawn along with the DA. The formula is (number of years of service)x(last basic pay + dearness allowance)x15/26. The employer can choose to pay more than the amount that is calculated with the above formula as gratuity. Employers may even pay gratuity out of their own pockets or take a group gratuity plan with an insurance provider.

7th Pay Commission recommended increase

Based on the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, the limit of tax-free gratuity for central government employees under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 was increased to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh last year. Following this the government began the process to amend the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.
Don't allow next Doklam in Arunachal, says BJP MP; claims China has encroached upon 60 km of state

After Doklam standoff, China has no plans to share river data with India

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

New Delhi, Sep 13: At the time India and China were involved in a standoff near the tri-border junction at Doklam in the Sikkim region in August, another controversy was brewing between the two nations over the sharing of hydrological data of the Brahmaputra river.

In spite of an end of the Doklam standoff, it seems China is in no hurry to share the hydrological data of the Brahmaputra river, which originates from China, and is a major cause of flood woes in Assam.

On Monday, China said it cannot share with India the hydrological data of the Brahmaputra river because of upgrade of a data collection station in Tibet. However, China expressed readiness for talks to reopen the Nathu La in Sikkim for Kailash Mansarovar yatra.

China is expected to share hydrological data on the Sutlej and Brahmaputra rivers with India during the flood season--May 15 to June 15--under a bilateral expert-level mechanism established in 2006.

"For a long time we have conducted cooperation on the river data with the Indian side. But to upgrade and renovate the relevant station on the Chinese side, we do not have the conditions now to collect relevant statistics of the river," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told.

Asked when China would provide the data, which was reportedly suspended due to the Doklam standoff, he said: "We will consider that later."

Asked whether India has been informed about not sharing of the hydrological data, he said according to his information, the Indian side is aware of the relevant situation.

On August 18, spokesman for India's external affairs ministry Raveesh Kumar had said there is an existing expert-level mechanism, established in 2006, and there are two MoUs under which China is expected to share hydrological data on the Sutlej and Brahmaputra rivers with India during the flood season from May 15 to June 15.

"For this year, we have not received hydrological data from the Chinese side," Kumar had said. The data shared by upper riparian state China to lower riparian states India and Bangladesh is essential every monsoon to allow anticipation of flow of water and take necessary measures to deal with floods in India's northeastern states.

China's stand, citing technical reasons, not to provide the hydrological data could pose major problems for India, especially to manage floods and droughts.

Beijing has been building major dams on the Brahmaputra to generate hydel power. It has operationalised the Zangmu hydroelectric project in October, 2015, and three more are under construction.

While the dams have raised concerns over water shortages in India and Bangladesh which are lower riparian states of the Brahmaputra known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet.

China says its dams aim to generate power and is not aimed at storing water. Geng sounded positive on reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route through Nathu La in Sikkim which was suspended over the Doklam standoff. Geng said China is ready to "keep communication" with India on this issue.

"For a long time China made efforts against all odds to provide necessary convenience to the Indian pilgrims. According to the agreement between the two leaders and based on the fact that the western section of the India-China boundary has been recognised by the two sides, China opened the pass to the Indian pilgrims," he said, replying to a question when China would open the route for Indian pilgrims as the Doklam standoff has been resolved.

The Chinese spokesman said opening of Nathu La was suspended as the Indian troops "illegally crossed the border, leading to tensions". "The Indian troops had illegally crossed the border, leading to tensions there. So the opening of the pass was suspended," he said.

"China stands ready to keep communication with the Indian side in regard to opening of the pass and other issues relating to the pilgrims," he said. India and China last month ended a 73-day standoff in the Doklam area in the Sikkim sector that was triggered by China's move to build a road in the border area.

The Sikkim route to Mansarovar was opened in 2015, enabling pilgrims to travel the 1,500-km route from Nathu La to Kailash by bus.

In August, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Assam approached the Centre--where again saffron party is in power-- to seek hydrological data from China to find out the "real reasons" behind the third wave of floods in the state that killed more than 60 people.

"We are flagging this issue because the third wave of floods took everyone by surprise as there was no unnatural rain. We are not linking the flood to release of water from dams on the Brahmaputra in China. There is a lot of speculation but it's a fact that China, according to the ministry of external affairs, has not shared data from May 15 as per the agreement signed in 2006 and 2013. The data has to be shared periodically and daily during the flood season," senior cabinet minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said last month.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 6:53 [IST]
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
Rahul appears before ED: 'Bulldozers missing', says Karti as he takes dig over heavy deployment near Cong HQ

CBI summons Karti Chidambaram tomorrow in Aircel Maxis corruption case

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) summoned Karti Chidambaram in Aircel Maxis corruption case tomorrow.

The FIR lodged by the CBI on May 15 had alleged irregularities in Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Karti's father, P Chidambaram, was the Finance Minister.

The CBI had claimed that the FDI proposal of the media house, cleared by Chidambaram, was "fallacious".

The FIR was registered on May 15 before the special CBI judge in New Delhi and the registration of the case was followed by searches at the residences and offices of Karti and his friends on May 16.

A SC bench had said that its direction staying the Madras High Court order on look out circular issued against Karti would remain in force in the meantime. As a result, Karti will not be able to leave India.

(With agency inputs)

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 18:00 [IST]
G-7 plan for a price cap on Russian oil unlikely to sell in China and India

Crude prices, dip in production are reasons behind fuel price hike: Govt

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

The Union Government on Wednesday said that sharp hike in fuel prices was due to the rise in crude oil prices in the international market. Reports quoted Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as saying that crude prices rose by 15 percent due to a dip in production.

"Oil sector is related to the international market. There was a 13% dip in refinery production due to Texas hurricane. It'll ease," Pradhan told media.

Pradhan said that the government wanted the fuel prices to come under the ambit of GST which is likely to lessen the price burden on consumers. He said it will also lessen the unpredictability of fuel prices.

The government has excluded petrol and diesel from the ambit of GST, however, petroleum products still attract state and central levies such as excise duty and VAT.

The price of petrol in Delhi has increased by Rs 7.29 since July 1.

The fuel prices are at their peak in the last three years. The petrol price is almost touching Rs 80 a litre in Mumbai.

[Fuel prices skyrocket across nation, petrol price almost Rs 80/litre in Mumbai]

Petrol price in Delhi on Tuesday was at Rs 70.38 per litre, whereas in Mumbai a litre of petrol costs Rs 79.48. In Chennai, the price of petrol is Rs 72.95 while in Kolkata it is Rs 73.12.

In the month of September itself, the petrol price on an average has gone up by almost 1.53-1.80 per cent while that of diesel by 2.78-2.96 per cent.

From June 16 onwards, the major oil companies decided to revise petrol and diesel prices on a daily basis. Before that, the prices used to be revised on a fortnightly basis.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 18:06 [IST]
Dalai Lama expresses deep sorrow over the ongoing violence in Myanmar

India

oi-Oneindia

By Vijyender Sharma

SHIMLA: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing violence in Rakhine state of Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

It is reported that around 300,000 ethnic Muslims from the region have fled into Bangladesh following a security clampdown by the Burmese armed forces, prompted by militant attacks organised by fringe Muslim groups on Burmese military outposts in late August.

Dalai Lama wrote a letter to fellow Nobel Peace laureate and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.

"May I take the liberty of writing to you once again to tell you how dismayed I am by the distressing circumstances in which the situation seems to have deteriorated further," Dalai Lama wrote in his letter to Daw Ang San Su Kyi.

"It is disappointing to observe that the problem appears to be getting worse and the violence is increasing. I appeal to you and your fellow leaders to reach out to all sections of society to try to restore friendly relations throughout the population in a spirit of peace and reconciliation," read the letter.

"As a fellow Buddhist and Nobel Laureate, I am appealing to you and your colleagues once more to find a lasting and humane solution to this festering problem," he has added.

A champion of peace and a strong advocate of religious harmony, Dalai lama has consistently denounced violence in the name of religion and has discouraged use of labels such as 'Muslim terrorists' and 'Buddhist terrorists'. He has vehemently spoken against violence in the name of religion and has maintained that those who indulge in violence cannot be true followers of any religion as all religions advocate a universal message of love, peace and warm-heartedness.

Dalai lama has also made repeated calls to learn from the mistakes of the 20th century and make the 21st century a century of peace based on the power of dialogue to resolve conflicts.

Describing the situation as tense, Dalai Lama has said that the plight of the fleeing minority has made him 'very sad'."Those people...harassing some Muslims...should remember, Buddha definitely would have helped those poor Muslims. I feel...so very sad," Dalai Lama told .

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 13:28 [IST]
'Deporting Rohingyas is condemning them to hell': Petition to Modi govt

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

New Delhi, Sep 13: As lakhs of Rohingyas in Myanmar are fleeing their homeland to save themselves from violence and persecution at the hands of the military in the country, around 40,000 of them staying as refugees in India are facing the risk of deportation.

Taking into consideration the risk involved in sending back the refugees to Myanmar right now, a group of Indian citizens have signed a petition addressed to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh requesting him to continue granting asylum to the Rohingyas in India.

The petition, titled, India, Don't deport Rohingya refugees, has been started by Subodh Bedre, a resident of Mumbai. Those who are interested to sign the petition can visit change.org.

"It is an accepted fact that the Rohingyas are facing persecution and systemic abuse in Myanmar by Myanmarese officials and the state security apparatus. According to an United Nations (UN) report, the Rohingyas are facing extrajudicial executions or other killings, including by random shooting; enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention; rape, including gang rape, and other forms of sexual violence; physical assault including beatings; torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; looting and occupation of property; destruction of property; and ethnic and religious discrimination and persecution in Myanmar," the petition stated.

"In such a scenario, deporting the Rohingyas is nothing short of condemning them to hell," added the petition.

The petition cited Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju's earlier statement in Parliament where he stated that the government has issued detailed instructions for deportation of illegal foreign nationals including Rohingyas.

"While the honorable minister is right that India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, customary International law mandates not forcibly returning refugees to a place where they face a serious risk of persecution," stated the petition.

Bedre in the petition wrote, "I am just a common Indian citizen and have always been very proud of my country; not least because India has always provided a safe haven to persecuted people from all over the world. Right from the Jews (from Spain, Portugal, Iraq, Pakistan), the Parsees from Persia, and in recent times, people from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Do we not learn from our heritage, our culture, that it is a sin to drive away a 'sharanagati', a refugee?"

Till the time of filing this report, the petition has got 192 signatures supporting the cause of the Rohingyas.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 10:05 [IST]
If Cong is elected in HP, decision on 1 lakh govt jobs, pension scheme in 1st cabinet meet: Rahul

Don't 'b*****it' on dynasty, you have to earn respect: Rishi Kapoor tells Rahul Gandhi

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Rahul Gandhi's remark in the US on the dynastic legacy in India has not gone down well with Rishi Kapoor. The veteran actor lambasted the Congress vice-president, saying respect of the people needs to be earned through hard work and can not be taken "zabardasti" (forcefully).

When asked about dynastic politics in India, Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-week visit to the US, gave examples of several political families and said: "that's how the entire country is run."

This Rishi Kapoor fuming and he took to twitter to vent his ire.

Rahul Gandhi.In the 106 years of Indian cinema of India, Kapoor's contribution is 90 years. And each generation is chosen by public on merit  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

By God's grace we are in 4 generations.Prithviraj Kapoor.Raj Kapoor.Randhir Kapoor.Ranbir Kapoor-Males.Besides all others. You see otherwise  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

So don't bullshit people on "Dynasty" You have to earn people's respect and love through hard work not zabardasti and gundagardi.  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2017

Rahul also drew flak from different quarters especially from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party which called him a "failed dynast".

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Tuesday said, "A failed dynast spoke on a failed political journey in the US...Fact that he says that dynasts and dynasties are the very fulcrum of India in itself is an anomaly."

"After failing to connect with Indians, Rahul chooses a platform of convenience for berating political opponents," Irani added.

[BJP tears into Rahul Gandhi, calls him a 'failed dynast']

Rahul, in his address to students of the University of California, Berkeley, said, "Dynastic politics is a problem in all political parties. Akhilesh (Yadav son of Mulayam Singh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party), (MK) Stalin (son of M Karunanidhi in DMK), Abhishek Bachchan (son of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan) -- are all examples of dynastic legacy, also (Mukesh and Anil) Ambani (son of Dhirubhai Ambani), that's how the entire country is running."

OneIndia News
Delhi University Admission 2022: 3rd merit list for UG courses to be out today

SC seeks reply from HCs on plea for 'Gram Nyayalayas'

DUSU polls 2017: 43 per cent voter turnout recorded, counting today

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, September 13: In the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections held on Tuesday a total of 43 per cent voter turnout was recorded. The counting of votes will take place today.

"The morning colleges of the varsity recorded voter turnout of 45.3 percentage. The consolidated figure will be revealed after the final tally," S B Babbar, DUSU Chief Election Officer, said earlier.

He later told PTI that the final tally of the elections was 43 per cent.

According to professors tracking the polls, far flung colleges under the central varsity recorded a poor turnout, whereas campus colleges exhibited a relatively higher voter turnout.

In the college unions polling, which took place simultaneously with the DUSU polls, Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) won all the top positions - president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary - in Laxmi Bai College, Vivekananda College and Shri Venkateshwara College.

The students' outfit also won top two positions in SGTB Khalsa College, Zakir Hussain College (Morning), Bhagini Nivdita College (BNC) among others. Bigwigs like NSUI and ABVP flooded the streets with pamphlets near Satyawati College.

The left-affiliated AISA also distributed pamphlets to students. NSUI supporters were seen campaigning for their presidential candidate Rocky Tusheed with loud music systems blaring 'We love We Love Rocky'.

PTI
DUSU results: After NSUIs win, Rahul says result shows reposing faith in Cong ideology

India

oi-Madhuri

The results of the elections to Delhi University Students' Union were declared after 42.8% voter turnout was reported on Tuesday. The NSUI won President and Vice-president while the ABVP has managed to win the Secretary post. After the University declared joint secretary for ABVP, the NSUI moving HC asking for a stay on the secretary and joint secretary post.

Congress leaders were quick to declare NSUI's victory as a sign of revival for the party. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi thanked DU students for "reposing faith in Congress' ideology".

Party leader Deepender Hooda also claimed that NSUI had won three seats but one seat went to ABVP after recounting.

Congress MP from Gujarat Ahmed Patel, too, congratulated NSUI. Shashi Tharoor Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram also congratulated the NSUI on their victory.

Started in 1954, students from 50 Delhi University colleges vote to elect office bearers to the positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Joint Secretary.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 18:28 [IST]
'Kantara' box office: Even as Bollywood's Akshays and Ajays struggle, this one hits Rs 75-crore mark

Gauri Lankesh murder: Nothing revealed so far, says Home Minister

India

oi-PTI

Bengaluru, September 13: Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday said the investigation has made no headway yet in the probe into the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh.

He also dismissed as "mere speculations" reports about the modus operandi of the assailants and the type of weapons used to kill 55-year old Gauri, who was shot dead at her residence by unidentified assailants on the night of September 5.

"The investigation is going on into Gauri Lankesh's killing. You have to wait and I am also waiting for something substantial from investigation. We (state government) don't interfere in SIT probe.

Nothing has been revealed so far. Reports appearing in media are mere speculations," Reddy told reporters after a cabinet meeting here. The Karnataka government has formed an SIT, headed by IGP (Intelligence) B K Singh, to probe the gunning down of Lankesh, known for her left-leaning outlook with a strident stand against Hindutva politics.

The Karnataka government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the coldblooded killing that has caused nationwide outrage and protests. On September 10, Reddy had said SIT had gathered "some clues" in connection with the case. The government also announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh to anyone providing clues.

The media has been speculating about the modus operandi of the crime committed by assailants, and type of weapons used to kill Lankesh.

There were also reports of the Andhra Pradesh Police forming a special team to assist the Karnataka Police.

There were also reports that the SIT had interrogated as many as 80 people across Karnataka. Reacting to the reports, Investigating Officer M N Anucheth told PTI that there was no substance in them.

He said that he could only say, there was no substance in such media reports. "When there is something concrete, we would certainly brief the media," he added.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 17:55 [IST]
Pradyuman murder: Why is the juvenile being tried as an adult accused

Ryan International School murder case: Court to decide if juvenile accused to be tried as adult

Ryan school murder: Accused juvenile to be tried as an adult

Gurgaon schoolboy's murder: Ryan school's northern zone head sent to police remand till Sep 16

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Ryan International Group's northern zone head Francis Thomas was sent to police remand till September 16. Also, the HR head was sent to judicial custody till September 18.

Earlier, the northern zone head Francis Thomas requested the Supreme Court to transfer the case out of Haryana.

KTS Tulsi, representing the school management requested the apex court to transfer the case out of Haryana to Delhi's Saket Court. The court decided to hear the matter on Monday.

Francis Thomas and HR head Jeyus Thomas were arrested last Sunday night following the interrogation in the murder case of Pradyuman Thakur.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court adjourned the transit anticipatory bail applications of Ryan International Group's top officials- AF Pinto, Grace Pinto and Ryan Pinto- for tomorrow.

The high court had, on Tuesday, granted interim protection from arrest to Ryan International Group's top officials till Wednesday in connection with the murder of a boy on the school's premises in Gurugram. On Monday, founding chairman Augustine Pinto (73) and his wife Grace Pinto (62), the managing director, had approached the HC seeking anticipatory bail apprehending arrest in the case.

Earlier, Lawyers of Varun Thakur, the father of the murdered student of Ryan International School, opposed the transit anticipatory bail application filed by the Ryan Group CEO.

Sushil Tekriwal, an advocate, said he was opposing the anticipatory bail application filed by Ryan Pinto, CEO, Ryan International Group.

"Will make all efforts and put forth arguments in Bombay HC saying bail shouldn't be extended to such kind of accused," said Tekriwal.

Will make all efforts&put forth arguments in Bombay HC saying bail shouldn't be extended upon such kind of accused: Sushil Tekriwal,advocate pic.twitter.com/XAbh9tqb5e  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

Class 2 student Praduman Thakur was found with his throat slit in a school washroom on Friday last. The murder, in connection with which a bus conductor has been arrested, has triggered a major outrage.

OneIndia News
Tuesday is now No Meeting Day in Haryana and officers to be with people on Friday

Haryana: Police to interrogate Dera chairperson Vipassana Insan in relation to violence

India

pti-PTI

Chandigarh, Sep 13: The Haryana police will soon interrogate Dera Sacha Sauda chairperson Vipassana Insan in connection with the violence that had broken out in Panchkula and Sirsa following the sect head's rape conviction.

Vipassana is one of the likely successors of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and is the chairperson of the Dera. "Sirsa police will soon ask Vipassana Insan to join the investigation," Haryana DGP B S Sandhu said here today.

The police said it was making efforts to nab Ram Rahim's confidant and adopted daughter, Honeypreet, and key Dera functionary, Aditya Insaan who they believed are still in the country. "We have sent police teams to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to track them. We are presuming that they are hiding somewhere in the country," said Sandhu, adding that a lookout notice against them was also issued following apprehensions that they might try to "escape the country".

Efforts to trace Honeypreet were initiated after the questioning of Surinder Dhiman Insan, another sect functionary who was arrested on charges of instigating violence, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to facilitate the Dera chief's escape after he was convicted of raping two disciples.

The Haryana police had earlier conducted raids at various places and police teams were sent to various locations, including Mumbai and the Nepal side. It was also in touch with the police of other states.

Three Punjab police officers, who were deployed to provide security to the Dera chief, were also arrested last week for conspiring to free Ram Rahim after his conviction. "Three Punjab cops have been taken into custody and we have issued notices to five other cops, asking them to join investigation," Sandhu said.

The DGP said that several vehicles that were a part of the cavalcade of Dera chief on August 25 were impounded. "Notices have also been sent to the owners of remaining vehicles," he added. Violence erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana and parts of Punjab and Delhi on August 25 following the conviction of Ram Rahim. The mayhem left 35 dead in Panchkula and six in Sirsa.

PTI
MASON CITY | Records obtained by the Globe Gazette show the more than 100-year-old Armory building near downtown Mason City underwent two asbestos abatements since March, causing a delay in its demolition.

Nathan Stueve, a member of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' asbestos program, said he inspected the building, located at 130 West State St., less than six months ago. He added the issue is common with older buildings, especially given the materials in those structures.

"The thing you have to understand is there are over 3,000 building materials that could have asbestos in it," he said. "Sometimes, it's hard to find everything with asbestos."

DNR records show that there were two asbestos abatements on the building: one from June 22 to July 9, and another from Aug. 21 to Sept. 7. Both times, Site Services, Inc. of Algona was in charge of the asbestos removal.

Complete demolition of a building cannot be done until most of the asbestos has been removed, Stueve added. If it gets airborne, it could present a health hazard, he said.

Wayne Clegg, president of Site Services Inc., said there was nothing abnormal about the asbestos removal.

"It's just another abatement process," said Clegg, who has been in the business for 37 years.

According to EPA guidelines, demolition cannot occur if asbestos covers 160 square feet or more of facility components. DNR records indicate that 150 and 50 square feet of asbestos was removed during the first and second abatements, respectively.

Jeff Tierney, the owner of the building and the crew completing the building's demolition, didn't return multiple calls from the Globe Gazette this week.

By Wednesday afternoon, most of the building's north, east and west sides had been destroyed.

This past March, workers started demolition by removing the roof of the building. That continued last week, shortly after the second abatement had finished.
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar says he had no role in Ram Rahim's parole

Haryana police will soon interrogate Dera chairperson Vipassana Insan

India

oi-PTI

Chandigarh, September 13: The Haryana police will soon interrogate Dera Sacha Sauda chairperson Vipassana Insan, one of the likely successors of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, in connection with the violence that had broken out in Panchkula and Sirsa following the sect head's rape conviction.

"Sirsa police will soon ask Vipassana Insan to join the investigation," Haryana DGP B S Sandhu said here today.

The police said it was making efforts to nab Ram Rahim's confidant and adopted daughter, Honeypreet, and key Dera functionary, Aditya Insaan who they believed are still in the country.

"We have sent police teams to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to track them. We are presuming that they are hiding somewhere in the country," said Sandhu, adding that a lookout notice against them was also issued following apprehensions that they might try to "escape the country".

Efforts to trace Honeypreet were initiated after the questioning of Surinder Dhiman Insan, another sect functionary who was arrested on charges of instigating violence, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to facilitate the Dera chief's escape after he was convicted of raping two disciples.

The Haryana police had earlier conducted raids at various places and police teams were sent to various locations, including Mumbai and the Nepal side. It was also in touch with the police of other states.

Three Punjab police officers, who were deployed to provide security to the Dera chief, were also arrested last week for conspiring to free Ram Rahim after his conviction.

"Three Punjab cops have been taken into custody and we have issued notices to five other cops, asking them to join investigation," Sandhu said.

The DGP said that several vehicles that were a part of the cavalcade of Dera chief on August 25 were impounded.

"Notices have also been sent to the owners of remaining vehicles," he added.

Following the conviction of Ram Rahim Singh violence erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana and parts of Punjab and Delhi on August 25 in which 35 people were killed in Panchkula and six in Sirsa.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 18:37 [IST]
Finally, a course in Hinduism with Indian POV, global reach and beyond mantras and havans

Invoking Charvaka and Beheading for Posts Cant Go Together

Govt commission to soon study status of Schedule Castes converts to Islam, Christianity

'Hinduness' accepts everyone irrespective of what they eat or wear: Mohan Bhagwat

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Making a strong statement in the context of the debate over intolerance Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said that "Hinduness" accepts everyone, irrespective of what the person wears and eats.

He was speaking at an interactive session in New Delhi with foreign diplomats from more than 50 missions.

"Hinduness is about accepting others as they are and Hinduness is the ever-changing quality of Hinduism," he said.

His comments has come at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders are criticised for following trolls on social networking sites who allegedly celebrated the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh.

"No discrimination and oneness of our nation and oneness of the world is our goal, he said.

On relationship with the BJP, the RSS chief reiterated that the Sangh does not interfere in the party's affairs.

The RSS, which is the BJP's ideological mentor, doesn't run the BJP as the BJP doesn't run the Sangh. "As Swayamsevaks, we consult and exchange notes, but are independent in functioning," he said.

Hitting out at the Social media trolls Bhagwat said that "we don't support trolling and aggressive behaviour on the internet," adding that Trolling amounts to hitting below the belt. We do not support those who display such aggressive nature.

The RSS chief also sad that his organisation would be bound by the Supreme Court verdict on the Ram Temple-Babri Masjid issue in Ayodhya.

The final hearing in the Supreme Court on the Ayodhya case is slated for December 5, a day before the 25th anniversary of the Babri masjid demolition.

OneIndia News
Kulbhushan Jadhav case: India submits written plea to ICJ

India

oi-PTI

India on Wednesday submitted written pleadings to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

The ICJ has suspended the death sentence of Jadhav pending final judgement by it after India moved the court in May, requesting immediate suspension of the sentence.

"India has, today, submitted its Memorial (written pleadings) to the ICJ in the Jadhav case involving egregious violation of Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 by Pakistan. This is in furtherance of our application filed before the Court on May 8, 2017," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Pakistan claims to have arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan in March last year. However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had legal business interests after retiring from the navy.

After discussing with both India and Pakistan, President of the ICJ Ronny Abraham, asked India to make its submission by September 13. He also asked Islamabad to make its counter- submission by December 13 before the UN court starts hearing the matter. "

At a meeting held by the President of the Court with the Agents of the Parties on 8 June 2017. The Agent of India requested that each Party be granted a period of four months for the preparation of its pleading; and whereas the Agent of Pakistan indicated that periods of two months would be sufficient," the ICJ said.

"Taking into account the views of the parties, the Court fixes the following time-limits for the filing of the written pleadings -13 September 2017 for the Memorial of India; 13 December 2017 for the Counter-Memorial of Pakistan; and Reserves the subsequent procedure for further decision," it added.

On May 8, India moved the ICJ for instituting proceedings against Pakistan for violations of the Vienna Convention "in the matter of the detention and trial of an Indian National, Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav", sentenced to death in Pakistan and requested immediate suspension of the sentence of death awarded to the accused.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 22:04 [IST]
Govt to allow spouses of Indian nationals to convert visa category even if married abroad

Married daughters too entitled for job on father's death: HC

India

oi-PTI

In an important judgement, the Chhattisgarh high court has ruled that a married daughter is equally entitled to a government job on compassionate grounds on her father's demise.

Justice Sanjay K Agrawal made the observation on Tuesday while hearing a petition filed by Sarojani Bhoi (28) who had challenged the state government on the ground that she was not given the job of her father who passed away in 2011.

The HC cited that "policy of compassionate appointment excluding married daughters for consideration is a retrograde policy of the welfare state, and violative of Article 16 (2) (no discrimination on grounds of religion, caste, sex etc) of the Constitution."

Father of Sarojani, Jaldev Pradhan who was working as Amin Patwari in the water resources department of the state's Mahasamund district, died on January 6, 2011.

He left behind his wife Hemkanti and two married daughters Sarojani and Sanyukta, he said.

The petitioner made an application for compassionate appointment pleading that after the death of her father she is maintaining her family including her mother as she has no other source of income.

The state government had rejected her application holding that as per clause 3 (1)(c) of the policy dated 10/06/2003, the married daughter of the deceased government servant is not entitled to compassionate appointment.

Thereafter, Sarojani filed the writ petition challenging the legality and validity of the clause,

Contending that the state policy is "unconstitutional" Sarojani said a married daughter holds equal rights as that of a married son to get her deceased father's government job.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Agrawal observed that prohibiting the consideration of the married daughter from seeking compassionate appointment merely on the ground of marriage is plainly arbitrary and violative of constitutional guarantee envisaged in Article 14, (equality before law) 15 (no discrmination on grounds of religion, caste and sex etc) and 16 (2) of the Constitution of India, he said.

The state government's policy of 2003 in this regard was "void and inoperative", the court observed and ordered the state government to reconsider the claim of the petitioner within 45 days.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 22:39 [IST]
Patidar agitation rears its head again: Two buses set ablaze in Surat

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Two buses were set ablaze allegedly by Patidar youth in Kapodra area of Surat, Gujarat, on Tuesday night. The incident took place after the Surat police detained some people allegedly associated with the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS).

According to ANI, 20 people have been detained following the incident.

Hardik Patel-led PAAS is a body which has been demanding reservation for people of Paridar community and has staged several agitations in the past, some of them taking a violent turn.

On Tuesday, the city police detained some people, allegedly associated with the PAAS. They had tried to hold a protest at Saurashtra Bhavan where a meeting of Gujarat BJP's youth wing was being held ahead of the elections to the 182-seat assembly later this year.

"Some persons created ruckus at the venue and also threw stones at police. They even torched two buses at Hirabaug circle. Luckily, no one was injured. The situation is now under control in Kapodra area as well as rest of the city," Surat Police Commissioner Satish Sharma said.

To bring the situation under control, police used lathi-charge and also detained around 10 persons, said a PTI report.

"The ruckus was created by 6 to 7 persons. Otherwise, the entire Patel community is with us," said Rutvij Patel, president of state BJP's youth wing.

Hardik Patel later claimed in a statement that the protest was peaceful and the police used baton charge for no reason. He also asked the police not to allow any programme in the Patidar-dominated areas of the city.

Starting in July 2015, the people Patidar community, seeking Other Backward Class (OBC) status, held public demonstrations across Gujarat. The largest demonstration was held in Ahmedabad on 25 August 2015, and was attended by thousands. Later, there were incidents of violence and arson across the state, resulting in a curfew in several cities and towns. Properties and vehicles worth crores of rupees were damaged and destroyed.

OneIndia News with PTI inputs

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 8:55 [IST]
Rushdie attack a reminder of how big a threat Iran is to the US, others

RSS chief on nationalism: Says it is not a threat to others

PFI ban and after: Why the threat still looms large?

In the killing of those protecting Hindus in Punjab, a massive ISI plot revealed

Rohingya Muslims a threat to national security: Rajnath

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Rohingya Muslim issue with be dealt with firmly, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said while terming it as a national security threat.

"The illegal foreign immigrants will be strongly dealt with," Rajnath said in reply to a question about Rohingya Muslim refugees living in different parts of the country, including Jammu.

In August, the Centre had declared that the Rohingyaspose serious security challenges as they may be recruited by terror groups, and asked the state governments to identify and deport them.

A communication issued by the Union ministry of home affairs said the infiltration of these refugees from the Rakhine state of Myanmar to several parts of the country infringes on the rights of Indian citizens, besides burdening the limited resources of the country.

Last month, Union MoS for home Kiren Rijiju had said that over 40,000 Rohingyas staying illegally in India were largely located in Jammu, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan.

OneIndia News
Tamil Nadu opposition parties demand exemption from NEET

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Tamil Nadu opposition parties on Wednesday held a protest in Chennai's Tambaram demanding exemption from NEET exam even after the Supreme Court upheld NEET as the sole basis for admission to MBBS and BDS courses.

MK Stalin, DMK working president, said the protestors that today's protest was not for political reasons, not aimed at capturing power but 'it is a protest for safeguarding the interest of students'.

Today's protest not for political reasons,not aimed at capturing power but it is a protest for safeguarding interest of students: MK Stalin pic.twitter.com/jRBJjH4nbH  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017

S Anitha, a 17-year-old medical aspirant from Ariyalur committed suicide after she failed to secure a medical seat as NEET was made compulsory in Tamil Nadu for medical admissions this year.

The protest was held after the Supreme Court directed the Tamil Nadu government and administration to ensure that law and order situation prevails in the light of the tense atmosphere in the State over the NEET protests.

Also, the court clearly distinguished between the right to peaceful dissent and creation of violence in the name of protest. "We may clearly state here that a peaceful protest or criticism or dissent is different than creation of a law and order situation. Every citizen of this country has a fundamental right to peacefully protest and demonstrate, but not to cause a situation that results in violence and paralyses the law and order situation," the Supreme Court held.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 12:21 [IST]
Telugu actor Ram Charan tests positive for COVID-19, fans trend 'get well soon' on Twitter

The Ghost has 'Boring Story & Screenplay': The 'first review' on net about Nagarjuna-starrer

Telangana govt reschedules World Telugu Conference for December

India

oi-PTI

Hyderabad, September 13: The five-day World Telugu Conference, earlier scheduled to take place next month, has been rescheduled by the Telangana government for December 15.

"Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has decided to organise World Telugu Conference here for five days from December 15 to 19. He has instructed that the preparatory programmes should start forthwith," an official release said today.

"The government had earlier decided to organise the conference in October. However, a World Tourism Conference is going to take place from October 5 to 9, in which representatives from 90 countries are participating," it said.

The CM has announced the sanction of Rs 50 crore for organising the World Telugu Conference and the Telangana Sahitya Academy will be the nodal agency for it, the release added.

"The CM has instructed all the educational institutions in the state, both private and public, to teach Telugu as a compulsory subject from Class I to XII.

He has made it clear that it is only the educational institutions that are teaching Telugu, as a compulsory subject will be given recognition and permissions to function," it said.

According to the release, the CM has asked the Sahitya Academy to prepare syllabus for the Telugu subject to be taught to primary, secondary and higher and intermediate classes. Those opting for Urdu, it should be offered as an optional subject, it said.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 8:58 [IST]
The Ghost has 'Boring Story & Screenplay': The 'first review' on net about Nagarjuna-starrer

Telugu compulsory in all Telangana schools from 1st to 12th std

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Telugu will be compulsory in all schools in Telangana. Chief Minister of the state K Chandrasekara Rao instructed officials in the education department to make Telugu as a compulsory subject from 1st to 12th standard.

He further said that only education institutions teaching Telugu as a compulsory subject should be given permission and recognition to function. This order would come into force immediately and the education department is required to steps to ensure the implementation of the Chief Minister's orders compulsorily.

Further the CM also said that all public and private establishments and institutions in Telangana must have Telugu display boards. He said that the names of the organisations must be displayed in Telugu.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 8:25 [IST]
'TN cops offered bribe, threatened us to join EPS,' Dinakaran loyalists file complaint

India

oi-Anusha

TTV Dinakaran loyalists lodged in a resort in Karnataka's Kodagu have accused the Tamil Nadu police of threatening them. Two AIADMK MLAs and TTV loyalists, Senthil Balaji and Thanga Tamilselvan have accused the Tamil Nadu police of attempting to bribe them to join the Edappadi Palanisamy faction of the party.

"We were harassed by police officers who came to our rooms. They searched our rooms and threatened us. They offered us bribes of Rs 10- Rs 15 crore to support Edappadi Palanisamy and threatened to file cases if we do not accept the offer," alleged Senthil Balaji. He along with Thanga Tamilselvan filed a complaint with the local Shuntikoppa police in this regard. The MLAs have attached videos and photographs of Tamil Nadu police visiting the resort along with their complaints.

[TN police surrounds Dinakaran loyalists staying in Coorg resort]

"We have no security in Tamil Nadu and hence came to Karnataka but it turns out, we are not safe here too," said Thanga Tamilselvan. Earlier in the day, journalists accused the MLA of attempting to intimidate them. The MLA was caught on camera menacingly walking towards a television journalist threatening him.

21 MLAs of the AIADMK who have pledged their support to TTV Dinakaran have been lodged at resorts and hotels in Puducherry, Mysuru and now Kodagu. On Wednesday, Dinakaran claimed that he would "go to any extent" to save his party. Incidentally, Karnataka has become the destination for party leaders to hoard their legislators. Less than two months ago, legislators from Gujarat sought refuge in a resort in Bengaluru and now legislators of a broken AIADMK have sought refuge in a Kodagu.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 20:07 [IST]
Jharkhand crisis: UPA to stage protest across state on Nov 5 against 'attempts to destabilise govt'

Unaccounted transactions of Rs 100 cr found during IT raids in Jharkhand

Jharkhand passes bill to use 1932 land records to determine domicile status

Two Maoists killed in encounter with security forces

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

At least two Maoists, including a female cadre, were killed in an encounter with the Jharkhand Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Singhbhum district.

As per ANI, the encounter occurred when the troops of 94 Battalion CRPF and the Jharkhand Police carried out a special operation.

The security forces recovered a gun, and one Carbine mag from the spot. The identification of the deceased is yet to be established.

The search operation is still underway.

(More details are awaited)

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 12:37 [IST]
'Undercurrent of hate is very real,' say writers, scholars; BJP disagrees

India

oi-Anusha

Even as thousands marched condemning the 'death of dissent' in Bengaluru on Tuesday, prominent Dalit thinker and writer Kancha Ilaiah filed a police complaint alleging threat to life in Hyderabad. While hundreds, including writers and progressive thinkers who took part in Tuesday's rally, claimed that undercurrent of hate is very real in today's India, threats to writers like Ilaiah seem to only prove the claim.

Professor Ilaiah in his complaint to the Osmania University police said he felt "terribly threatened" by phone calls from unidentified persons. The "threat calls", he claimed were in opposition to his book, 'Samajika Smugglurlu Komatollu'. The phenomenon is not new. A host of writers have complained about threat calls and letters over their body of work. Now, researchers say that the anger is spilling on to scholars as well.

"The undercurrent of hate is very real and very deep. My family is scared of the threats I receive for m research work. I have been asked to stop any research that doesn't impress one political colour," said a political analyst from Karnataka who did not wish to be named for reasons of security than anything else. He added that the undercurrent has seeped enough to have the last ring of public agitated over writings that do not ascribe to their political ideology.

"The threats are very evident and real. I go to the police every time I receive a threat call or letter because that is all I can do. The government has provided gunmen who are with me 24/7 making me feel safe. All attacks have been when the victims have been alone," K S Bhagwan, a prominent writer in Karnataka whose rationalist outlook has brought him many death threats.

A Congress party leader who did not wish to be named spoke about how the environment of hatred is impacting his family. "My phone was not reachable for just two hours last week and my wife was petrified. She was sobbing when I called her back. That is the reality we live in today. She was worried because Gauri had shared many of my posts that were in disagreement with the BJP and Sangh," he said.

Girish Karnad, writer, a Jnanpith awardee and a prominent face of 'I am Gauri protest' has a simple question. "If there was no threat perception, why would all these people come and protest?". He added that whether or not a protest makes a difference, people should raise their voice. "We are supporting a cause. People should speak up against violence to send out a message that they oppose it," he said.

The BJP in Karnataka as well as at the center, is not in agreement with the claims. "The protest and for now the entire outrage over Gauri's murder is merely a front for RSS and BJP bashing. With such protests, they want to create another wave of Award Wapsi but it won't work. Is there really a genuine concern for justice for Gauri or is her death being used for political mileage?" asked Malavika Avinash, spokerson BJP.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 12:46 [IST]
Victory of justice over money and muscle power, says DUSU poll winner NSUI

India

oi-Shreya

By Shreya

The Delhi University has always witnessed a steep battle between the RSS backed ABVP or the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and the Congress-backed NSUI - National Students Union of India in the polls. The victory of NSUI in the Delhi University Students' Union Poll after a gap of four years since 2012, means a crushing defeat for the ABVP.

The NSUI won the DUSU Poll held on Tuesday, and recorded a voter turnout of 42.8%. The NSUI was declared the winner on Wednesday, winning the posts of President and Vice President. The ABVP had to settle for the posts of Secretary and Joint Secretary.

NSUI supporters called this victory, a victory of justice and truth over 'Goondaism', money and muscle power which being openly promoted in the campus by ABVP cadres. Shehzad Poonawalla of the Congress said that the victory for NSUI is a rejection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP's agenda by the younger generation. He said, "The result of DUSU poll will have much larger political ramification in the State and Central elections."

He also added that the win of NSUI signifies the rejection of the culture of violence perpetuated by the ABVP. Taking on the BJP government strongly, Shehzad said, "For long has Modi distracted people from real issues, like jobs and education, but the younger generation today rejected such politics,"After the results were declared, the NSUI also claimed that the cameras were turned off during the evaluation of votes for the posts of Secretary and Joint Secretary won by the ABVP, and that the former would approach the Delhi High Court regarding the matter.

The left leaning AISA which came to the limelight this year after a dispute in the Ramjas College of Delhi University also garnered a support base. Kawalpreet Kaur, President AISA put out her statement on social media, saying, "ABVP's defeat in DUSU is a welcoming news! We congratulate all students of DU who voted against communal and fascist ABVP. We believe that it was our struggle against campus violence that made ABVP lose DUSU. We ask the student community to remain vigilant against NSUI too and build together a movement against Money-Muscle politics in DU. AISA retains its support base in these Elections marked with Goondaism and open violation of code of conduct. On president post we maintain 5K votes, on VP 7.5K, on Secretary 8.5K and on Joint Secretary 9K."

However, the AISA though initially welcomed the victory of NSUI, later speaking to Oneindia said, the NSUI and ABVP are nothing but two sides of the same coin. Presidential Candidate Parul Chauhan said that the NSUI had spent huge amount of money for campaigning which exceeded the Rs 5000 mark as directed by the Election Committee. She also said that when the committee was apprised of the blatant flouting of rules by both ABVP and NSUI, the committee said that they cannot help as they were threatened. Kawalpreet Kaur also reiterated the claims of Parul Chauhan.

When Shehzad Poonawalla was questioned about the alleged flouting of rules by the AISA, he refuted the claims saying that AISA is trying to cover up its deficiency by such framing such blatant allegations.

He said, if AISA feels that they have been wronged, they should go to the court instead of indulging in such blame game.

Overall, the election in JNU as well as in DU makes it evident that the younger generation is losing its faith in the ABVP school of politics. Losing JNU even after the Left was in a legal controversy for its protest against the death sentence of 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru is a massive blow to the ABVP, only reinforced by its defeat in the DUSU polls.

Umar Khalid, Student Activist said, "One University after the other is rejecting ABVP. There may not be a democratic alternative everywhere yet, but one thing is amply clear - the students and youth of this country are rejecting the fascists. The Left, democratic and Ambedkarites forces need to carry on this momentum and build that alternative, which will defeat the murderous hate-mongers of the Sangh and their poisonous ideology."

Congress Vice President, who is in the US at the moment, took to Twitter to congratulate NSUI. He said, "Congratulations NSUI on a stellar performance & Pres win in DUSU! Thank students of DU for reposing faith in Congress ideology #NSUIWinsDU"

After the two major defeats in JNU and DU, the question remains, will this only be limited to campus or will shift in the thoughts of the young generation spread its tentacles throughout the nation?

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 22:01 [IST]
The NIA, ED dossiers that led to the raid on the PFI

Keep it clean, keep it safe: How the federal agencies raided the PFI

7 day custodial probe of PFI leaders granted to ED by Special Court

'Why no CBI, ED action over Morbi incident?' asks Mamata

VVIP chopper scam case: ED files supplementary chargesheet

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, September 13: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday filed chargesheet against Shivani Saxena, director of two Dubai-based firms and the companies in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP choppers money laundering case.

In the supplementary charge sheet filed before Additional Sessions Judge Arvind Kumar, the ED named Shivani Saxena as an "active" director of Dubai-based M/S UHY Saxena and M/S Matrix Holdings.

Both the companies have also been chargesheeted by the agency in the charge sheet under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

On January 1, 2014, India scrapped the contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force over the alleged breach of contractual obligations.

The company was charged with paying kickbacks to the tune of Rs 423 crore for securing the deal.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 18:54 [IST]
PM Modi likely to visit Arunachal on Oct 30 to inaugurate greenfield airport

No news about 2 Arunachal youths who went missing from near China border in August

Who are Chakma and Hajong refugees ?

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

The government is all set to give citizenship to over one lakh Chakma-Hajongs, Buddhists and Hindus who fled to India in the 1960s to escape religious persecution in the Chittagong Hill area of Bangladesh.

The move came following an order of the Supreme Court, which in 2015 had directed the Central government to grant citizenship to the Chakma and Hajong refugees, mostly staying in Arunachal Pradesh.

Who are Chakma and Hajong refugees ?

The Chakma are an ethnic group who began fleeing in the 1960s to northeastern India from former East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, partly because they were being persecuted because of their religion.

Out of those who reached India, most of them were Chakmas and only 2,000 were Hajong.

They are scattered in Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya and West Bengal as well as in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and western parts of Myanmar.

The Chakmas are Buddhists; the Hajongs are Hindus. Both groups originally entered India through the then Lushai Hills district of Assam (now Mizoram) and were then moved to Arunachal.

The Chakma and Hajong refugees did not have citizenship and land rights. They were provided basic amenities by the state government.

However, some organisations and people in Arunachal have argued that granting citizenship to refugees would reduce indigenous tribal communities to a minority and deprive them of opportunities.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, had recently raised the citizenship issue at a Northeast meet chaired by Rajnath Singh.

In 2015, the Supreme Court had given a deadline to the central government to confer citizenship to these refugees within three months.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 18:13 [IST]
Why are Buddhists up in arms against Muslims in Ladakh

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A feud between the Muslims and Buddhists at Ladakh has broken out and the latter have decided to petition the Prime Minister about the same. While there have always been undercurrents on this issue, the problem intensified after a Buddhist woman married a Shia Muslim after converting her religion.

The Buddhists are at a thin majority of 51 per cent in Ladakh when compared to the 49 per cent Muslims. The Buddhists say that they have been repeatedly complaining to the government about the conversions that are taking place, but the same has fallen on deaf ears.

The Buddhists complain that since 2003, at least 45 girls have married Muslims. They suspect that this part of a cleansing process and the Jammu and Kashmir government is not hearing their grievances. The Muslims however argue that the conversions are not one sided. Many Muslims too have converted to Buddhism they allege.

The situation is volatile and the state cannot afford a repeat of 1989 when violent clashes broke out between the Muslims and Buddhists. These clashes led to the Ladakh Buddhists Association for a social boycott of the Muslims. This was however lifted in 1992.

The Association says that their pleas before the state government have fallen on deaf ears. They now intend petitioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bid to find a solution. They say that the government cannot continue to ignore these conversions that are taking place.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 7:36 [IST]
Why BJP is to blame for accusations against right wing over rationalists' killings

India

oi-Anusha

A week has passed since the killing of senior journalist and editor of Kannada language tabloid Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. But an eerie silence continues on the otherwise active Twitter handle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Quick to condemn acts of terror (especially in foreign countries), greet people and advertise his government's achievements, Modi's silence on Lankesh's murder has left the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fending off allegations- on itself and the Sangh Parivaar- of condoning hatred and giving a free hand to fundamentalists.

Gauri Lankesh was killed by unidentified persons in Bengaluru on September 5. Though a special investigation team (SIT) is yet to make any headway in the case, activists, academicians and political opponents have been quick to point that the senior journalist- a vocal critic of right wing ideology- was silenced by those associated with the Sangh Parivar, a term used to refer to a collection of Hindus Nationalist organisations.

Though the BJP unit in Karnataka was quick to make a non-partisan statement on the Lankesh's death, the silence of Modi made opposition voices grow louder, albeit rhetorically as well.

"I am not saying that pin the blame for the murder right now. But this (protest) is against this totally uncouth, uncivilized violent culture that has been bred by essentially the Sangh and in particular by Mr Modi and Mr Amit Shah," said senior Supreme Court advocate and activist, Prashant Bhushan at the "I am Gauri" protests in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

The inability to control abusive trolls and rewarding hate spewing politicians with cabinet posts is not doing the BJP nor its ideological parent any good. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) continues to follow 1,778 people on Twitter, many of whom are chronic abusers. Some even making derogatory references to Lankesh.

"He (Modi) believes in freedom of speech and has never blocked or unfollowed anyone on Twitter," Amit Malviya, chief of BJP's IT wing said in a statement. The hate and abuse, conveniently disguised as freedom of speech, is the irony. Freethinkers and rationalists, Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, M M Kalburgi and now Lankesh, have been killed (allegedly) for exercising their right to free speech and dissent.

"Who else do you blame for such incidents? All those killed were critics of the RSS and workers of the Sangh celebrated their deaths," Brijesh Kalappa, Congress spokesperson and senior advocate said.

Political analysts say that vague statements, days after such a ghastly incident, can be best termed 'whataboutery' and can do little to quell outrage or change fast cementing perceptions.

"Such killings should have been condemned univocally but what we saw was whataboutery. The fact that 'if' and 'but' along with comparisons are being used to condemn a brutal killing is an indication of polarisation in the country," said Dr Sandeep Shastri, political researcher, and analyst.

Malavika Avinash, Karnataka BJP spokesperson said that her party does not believe in politicisation issues like this. "Politicization of Gauri's death was initiated by the Congress and BJP had no option but to defend itself," she said while adding that it was forced to defend the Sangh after the Congress indulged in RSS/BJP bashing.

Not the first time though as the Sangh, or those associated with it, have been named by protesters and political parties alike after almost every incident of atrocities against Dalits, minorities and mob lynching by self-styled cow vigilantes since Mohammed Akhlaq in Dadri (Uttar Pradesh) in September 2015.

The hatred following Gauri's death from right wing supporters, analysts believe, is a dangerous trend. "One must condemn killing no matter what color it is. This (celebration over Gauri's death) is a dangerous kind of polarisation that threatens the very idea of India," said Harish Ramaswamy, Psephologist and professor of political science at Karnatak University.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 17:34 [IST]
Will Modi wave work for BJP in Meghalaya Assembly elections in 2018?

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Shillong, Sep 13: Currently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in power in three states of the Northeast India. As the Assembly elections are scheduled in Meghalaya and Tripura in the early part of 2018, it has to be seen if the "Modi wave" (popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi) will work wonders for the saffron party in these two states also.

Clearly in Assam and Manipur, where the Assembly polls were held in 2016 and 2017 respectively, the "Modi wave" was the prime reason for the BJP to sweep elections in these two states.

Now, as Meghalaya is gearing up for polls, the BJP is once again banking on the "Modi wave" to come to power in the state. However, the Congress rejected the idea that the PM would have any influence in the upcoming state elections.

In fact, the BJP is facing great resistance in the state over its stand on beef eating. While the majority of Meghalaya's population, like in Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, consumes beef, the Centre plans to implement beef ban across the country earlier had backfired badly for the saffron party in the state as several of its own leaders openly defied the diktats of the "high command" and hosted beef festivals.

Many of the former BJP leaders left the party over the beef ban debate. On Tuesday, Meghalaya Congress president DD Lapang said the "Modi wave" would not work in the state. "I do not see that Modi wave will work here."

Lapang, the five-time Chief Minister of the state, added that he foresaw no threat from the BJP or any other party in the 2018 Assembly elections. The veteran leader is confident of the Congress' win as he sees no strong opponent against the grand old party in the state. Lapang claimed that his party would come back to power once again.

"Looking at past records, including the last election in 2013, there is none (strong opponent) but it is too early to say how many seats the Congress will get this time," he added.

"I am not judging the performance of other parties but past records show the Congress has always been strong and has emerged as the single largest party," he said.

Currently, CM Mukul Sangma is heading the Congress government in Meghalaya with 30 MLAs, including the Speaker.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 8:38 [IST]
Biden vows to 'rebuild it all' in Puerto Rico after Fiona

International news brief: 28 dead as hurricane Julia drenches Central America with rainfall and more

Irma wreaks havoc in Florida, death toll climbs to 12

International

pti-PTI

Miami, Sep 13: Hurricane Irma, which wreaked havoc across the Caribbean islands and Florida, has resulted in deaths of 12 people.

Irma cut a deadly path of destruction through the idyllic Key islands and deep inland in the southeastern US state, said an official.

"Currently, the number of confirmed deaths attributable to Hurricane Irma stands at 12," Florida Division of Emergency Management spokesman Alberto Moscoso told AFP yesterday, as workers picked through the rubble left by the storm.

After leaving at least 25 people dead in the Caribbean islands, Hurricane Irma battered Florida knocking out power across the southern tip of the state.

Winds and rains due to Hurricane Irma knocked out power for 6.5 million people in the state. That's more than a quarter of the state's population without electricity.

Irma first made landfall as a Category Five storm in Camaguey Archipelago on Cuba's north-central Atlantic coast late on Friday. Then it rampaged through Florida before being downgraded to category 1 storm on Tuesday.

PTI
Panama Papers: Nawaz was unanimously disqualified by all 5 judges, says Justice Khosa

International

pti-PTI

Islamabad, Sep 13: Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who headed the five-member Supreme Court bench said that disqualification of Nawaz Sharif was based on unanimous decision by five-members of the bench.

Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who is heading the original five-member panel to review Sharifs petitions, clarified that the final judgment was approved by all five judges. The confusion was created as the court gave two verdicts in the Sharif corruption case, including the minority 3-2 judgement of April 20 and three-member unanimous judgement of July 28.

Justice Khosa and Justice Gulzar disqualified Sharif on April 20 while three fellow judges - Ejaz Afzal, Azmat Saeed and Ijazul Ahsan - demanded more probe and set up Joint Investigation Team (JIT). They gave their disqualification verdict on July 28 after the JIT report was submitted and discussed. But the July 28 verdict was also signed by Justice Khosa and Justice Gulzar, despite the fact they were not part of bench after April 20. Sharif's lawyer Khawaja Harris objected how they could have approved the verdict by three other fellow judges when they were not part of the bench.

Justice Khosa said that initially all five members of the bench had agreed on the disqualification of Sharif but three members wanted more probe to clarify certain points. He said the conclusion of all the judges were same that Sharif should be disqualified, therefore the final judgment was approved and signed by all five judges.

"None of the three judges (who ruled in favour of further investigation on April 20) had disagreed with the minority verdict (of disqualifying Sharif)," he said. He also rejected Sharif's lawyer's argument that the two judges after April 20 judgement could not have signed the verdict of July 28. Haris said that Sharif was disqualified under Article 62 (1)(f), which deprived him of the right of appeal.

"Sharif should have been given the chance of a fair trial," he said. He also objected to the Supreme Court's decision to appoint a supervisory judge to oversee proceedings of corruption cases against the Sharif family, which, he said, was against the fundamental rights.

"We don't have any example from the past that a judge who was a part of the panel which issued the verdict was also made the supervisory judge," said Haris. The counsel also raised objection to the formation of the JIT and its report. He was still arguing when the court adjourned the hearing until tomorrow.

PTI




Hamilton, Bermuda (September 13, 2017)

Reference is made to the press release on August 9, 2017 regarding the award of a four year contract for P&A rig operations by Archer for Repsol Norge AS .

Archer is now pleased to announce that Repsol also has awarded Archer Wireline and Archer Oiltools four year frame agreement contracts for additional P&A services for Repsol Norge AS. The contract scope for Archer Wireline includes mechanical wireline services as well as pipe recovery and other electric-line logging services. For Archer Oiltools the contract scope includes barrier testing, establishing rock-to-rock barriers and permanent downhole mechanical isolation.

"The award of these additional contracts evidences Repsol's confidence in Archer's capabilities in providing integrated P&A services." said John Lechner, Archer CEO, "These additional contracts for Wireline and Oiltools services strengthens our long-term business relationship with Repsol and our position as a provider of integrated P&A services on the Norwegian Continental Shelf."



This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.




Bharat Jodo Yatra will proceed to Srinagar, come what may, says Rahul Gandhi as march enters Maharashtra

Demonetisation deliberate move by 'PayPM' to help his friends: Rahul Gandhi

If Cong is elected in HP, decision on 1 lakh govt jobs, pension scheme in 1st cabinet meet: Rahul

Himachal will vote for...: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's appeal to people on election day

Cong leader Abhay Thipsay who defended Nirav Modi in UK court now at Bharat Jodo Yatra

Rahul in US: Congress VP visits solar research center in Silicon Valley

International

pti-PTI

Washington, Sep 13: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-week US trip, has visited a research centre in California and interacted with scientists to understand the utility of solar power for India.

Gandhi spent several hours at Sun Power and sought information on its advantages and disadvantages.

"Idea (behind visiting the centre) was to really understand implications (of solar energy) in India," senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda, who accompanied Gandhi, said after his visit to Sun Power's research centre in the Silicon Valley.

After his visit to the solar research centre, Gandhi flew to Los Angeles.

He is scheduled to interact with members of the think- tank community and local leaders there. A day earlier, Gandhi visited the Tesla factory in Fremont in California.

"To me, Rahul Gandhi is not just India's leader, he is a global leader. Today there is a vacuum of global leadership," Pitroda said.

Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to the United States, addressed students at the University of California, Berkeley on Tuesday. He spoke on several issues such as Congress' decline, Kashmir conflict, demonetisation, GST and unemployment, among others.

PTI
D-Syndicate raises its ugly head again: This time on the target are Hindu leaders

4 Pak addresses, 25 alias, 4 passports: Here's all on Dawood Ibrahim, terrorist on NIA radar

NIA chargesheets Dawood Ibrahim, Chota Shakeel, others in fresh case against D-company

UK seizes properties belonging to Dawood Ibrahim

International

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

In a major victory for Indian government, the United Kingdom (UK) government has seized properties belonging to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

The Birmingham Mail reported that Dawood owns a hotel in Warwickshire and other residential properties across the Midlands.

The UK authorities froze Ibrhaim's assets including a hotel in Warwickshire and other residential properties across the Midlands.

Dawood Ibrahim is the only 'Indian national' on an updated list of financial sanctions released by the UK in August this year.

In 2015, Enforcement Directorate officials had visited the Midlands to identify and seize the Mumbai serial blasts mastermind's UK assets.

India has been in talks with the agencies in the United Kingdom regarding the properties of Dawood Ibrahim.

The Treasury sanction document lists 21 aliases and three recorded addresses for Ibrahim in Pakistan including one sprawling property called The White House near the Saudi mosque in the seaside suburb of Clifton in Karachi Pakistan.

"Kaskar Dawood Ibrahim" is recorded to have lived at: House No 37, 30th Street - Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, Pakistan; Noorabad, Karachi, Pakistan (Palatial bungalow in the hilly area); and White House, Near Saudi Mosque, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan.

A fourth address on record until last year - House no.29, Margalla Road, F 6/2 Street no.22, Karachi, Pakistan - is no longer part of the records, reports PTI.

OneIndia News
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 Supreme Court allows Trump's refugee ban order

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

The US Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed President Donald Trump to broadly enforce a ban on refugees.

The justices granted a request from the Trump administration to block a federal appeals court decision that, according to the Justice Department, would have allowed up to 24,000 additional refugees to enter the United States than would otherwise have been eligible, Reuters reported.

The Supreme Court ruling gives Trump a partial victory as the high court prepares for a key October hearing on the constitutionality of Trump's controversial executive order, which banned travelers from six Muslim-majority countries and limited refugee admissions.

The March 6 order suspended travel for people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days and locked out most aspiring refugees for 120 days.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 7:43 [IST]
Two presidents of Venezuela clash over aid; Guaido vows to bring in foreign help in country

Venezuela political crisis: Maduro to accept talks with opposition

International

pti-PTI

Caracas, Sep 13: Amid political crisis in Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro has said he was prepared to meet the opposition for talks brokered by the Dominican Republic and former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero.

"Zapatero and President (Danilo) Medina know very well that I have been a promoter of this dialogue and I accept this new day of dialogue," the president said yesterday during a cabinet meeting broadcast on television.

The opposition announced in turn that it would hold a meeting today with the Dominican president.

"It has been decided to send a delegation to meet with President Medina to present the objectives of the national democratic struggle," the opposition coalition Democratic Unity Roundtable said in a statement.

Venezuela's deep economic and political crisis has caused food and medicine shortages, deadly unrest and calls for Maduro to quit. Clashes with security forces at anti-government protests have left some 125 people dead since April. Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian raised the possibility of a resumption of talks in the Dominican Republic. In a statement published after his meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, Le Drian welcomed what he called "good news," expressing hope the move would "result very quickly in concrete gestures on the ground."

A month of talks late last year between Maduro's government and the opposition collapsed in mutual recrimination.

PTI
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PRESS RELEASE

13 September 2017

WENTWORTH RESOURCES LIMITED

("Wentworth" or the "Company")

Wentworth to Present at the Pareto Securities Oil & Offshore Conference - Oslo

Updated Corporate Presentation

Wentworth, the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: WRL) and AIM (AIM: WRL) listed independent, East Africa-focused oil & gas company, is pleased to announce that Managing Director, Geoff Bury, will be presenting a corporate overview at the Pareto Securities Oil & Offshore Conference on Thursday, 14 September 2017 at 09.30 CEST. The conference is being held at Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel, Kongeveien 26, Oslo.

The latest version of the Company's Corporate Presentation is available by visiting the Company's website at www.wentworthresources.com.

-Ends-

Enquiries: Wentworth Geoffrey Bury,

Managing Director gpb@wentworthresources.com

+1 403 993 4450 Lance Mierendorf,

Chief Financial Officer



lance.mierendorf@wentworthresources.com

+1 403 680 8773 Katherine Roe

Vice President Corporate Development & Investor Relations



katherine.roe@wentworthresources.com

+44 7841 087 230 Crux Advisers Investor Relations Adviser

(Norway) +47 909 808 48 Carl Bachke



Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited AIM Nominated Adviser and Broker (UK) +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 Callum Stewart Ashton Clanfield



GMP FirstEnergy Broker (UK) +44 (0) 20 7448 0200 Hugh Sanderson



FTI Consulting Investor Relations Adviser (UK) wentworth@fticonsulting.com

+44 (0) 20 3727 1000 Edward Westropp

Kim Camilleri

About Wentworth Resources

Wentworth Resources is a publicly traded (OSE: WRL, AIM: WRL), independent oil & gas company with: natural gas production; exploration and appraisal opportunities; and large-scale gas monetisation initiatives, all in the Rovuma Delta Basin of coastal southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking information. The words "expect", "anticipate", believe", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "forecast", "plan", and similar expressions are used to identify forward looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made in light of management's experience, current conditions and expected future development in the areas in which Wentworth is currently active and other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Wentworth undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcome will not occur, including some of which are beyond Wentworth's control. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to: the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in exploration, development and production, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, the imprecision of resource and reserve estimates, assumptions regarding the timing and costs relating to production and development as well as the availability and price of labour and equipment, volatility of and assumptions regarding commodity prices and exchange rates, marketing and transportation risks, environmental risks, competition, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources and changes in applicable law. Additionally, there are economic, political, social and other risks inherent in carrying on business in Tanzania and Mozambique. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could vary or differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. See Wentworth's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016, available on Wentworth's website, for further description of the risks and uncertainties associated with Wentworth's business.

Notice



Neither the Oslo Stock Exchange nor the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange has reviewed this press release and neither accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
by  Graham Pierrepoint



Neural network's findings are 81% accurate

Technology moves in bizarre ways  often for good, but sometimes fairly creepily. The speed at which our smartphones, tablets and other devices have taken over our lives is stunning enough  at least for those of us who didnt see it coming  and with technology being asked to do more and more as our everyday lives are becoming increasingly autonomous, it is hardly surprising that so many people find the future of tech more than a little intimidating. This week, however, artificial intelligence just developed a whole new skill  and its more than a little unsettling, and possibly even debate-enraging.

Researchers have been able to build and train AI to look at patterns in peoples faces in an effort to look for correlation in sexual orientation. Taking into account more than 35,000 different faces, faces were split up into either heterosexual or homosexual  and the findings were scarily accurate. When asked to correctly identify the orientation of the person whose face was being analyzed, the neural network trained by the researchers managed to score a staggering 81% success rate. This means that, when presented with one image at a time, the AI was able to figure out who is heterosexual and who is homosexual with worrying accuracy.

It is worrying as it could fuel debate  should AI be able to do this? Is this technology that makes presumptions that could be considered distasteful? According to one of the studys authors, Michal Kosinski, heterosexual men have (typically) larger jaws, shorter noses, and smaller foreheads, while homosexual males possess narrower jaws, longer noses, larger foreheads and less facial hair. The author also advised that female homosexuals generally possess more masculine faces than heterosexual women. Could these points be generalizations  or could there be answers lying in what we are all exposed to during growth in the womb?

The study suggests that prenatal hormones and exposure during gestation could point towards the sexual orientation we grow into  though it should be noted that this is not considered the sole driver for such factors.

Does this AIs results show that defining sexual orientation is as simple as reading faces? Does it spell a scary future for technology as we know it? Or has the study opened up a can of worms that is just getting spilled? Lets wait and see  as fascinating as this work may be.
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NEWTOWN, Conn., Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The value of the anti-ship missile market is expected to climb over the next 15 years, according to data compiled by Forecast International.

The anti-ship missile market will be worth about $20 billion during the 2017-2031 period, based on data derived from Forecast International's Platinum Forecast System. During this time, the market's value of production will steadily climb, from $1.089 billion in 2017 to a peak of $1.467 billion in 2027; the market will slightly taper off in the outyears.

"China will produce the most missiles, but Western firms and Russia will win the greatest number of individual export contracts," said Larry Dickerson, senior missile analyst at FI.

"The systems are overshadowed by their anti-armor and strike counterparts, which are routinely hitting targets in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Libya," said Dickerson. "Anti-ship missiles have had few opportunities to shine in the last 20 years. Nevertheless, these systems remain an important part of naval combat."

New systems are in development, but will not be available until the 2020s. Europe is considering the joint development of a new anti-ship missile to replace a plethora of existing systems.

Dickerson notes that the anti-ship market could eventually merge with its strike missile counterpart.

"Today, different missiles, such as Harpoon and SCALP-EG, perform these missions," Dickerson said. "Yet missiles capable of engaging a wider array of targets than their predecessors are growing in popularity. Eventually, a single missile could be capable of hitting surface warships and land-based targets, meeting the military's anti-ship and strike mission requirements with a single weapon."

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Amana Healthcare to lead GCC Patient Experience Summit with joint staff-patient presentation on the role of innovative technology and service design on patient experience in long-term care and rehabilitation

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Industry leaders to highlight key elements to patient experience and discuss future trends and learning opportunities at the 1st GCC Patient Experience Summit in Abu Dhabi.Abu Dhabi: In keeping with its role as the leading provider of post-acute healthcare services in the Middle East, Amana Healthcare will play a key role at the upcoming inaugural GCC Patient Experience Summit with a joint staff-patient presentation on the role of innovative technology and service design on patient experience in long-term care and rehabilitation.Organized by Fleming. and endorsed by Health Authority  Abu Dhabi (HAAD), this visionary event is set to be held from the 18  19 September 2017 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE.As a specialized provider of long-term acute care, post-acute rehabilitation, transitional care and home care services, Amana Healthcare is supporting the GCC Patient Experience Summit as its Exclusive Rehabilitation and Long Term Care Partner. Lulu Hamdan from Amana Healthcare is scheduled to speak at the event on how a patient can regain independence with maximum recovery through intensive rehabilitation, the role of technology and the significance of environmental and social elements for effective patient development.Speaking to Lulu Hamdan, Healthcare Technology Specialist and Communications Manager at Amana Healthcare, she said Each patient requires a unique medical approach for their condition. At Amana Healthcare, we turned this challenge to an opportunity by arranging for multi-disciplinary teams to work closely together to develop customized plans for each individual, helping them regain their independence with maximum recovery through intensive rehabilitation and/or customized programs for long-term care.Elaborating on how Amana Healthcare assists in enhancing patient experience for the medically complex patient, Ms. Hamdan said: While each patient and their condition differ, the common approach across all patients is to provide them with a happy, medically safe, and comfortable environment where they can fully develop their potential despite the complexity of their underlying conditions.On the subject of how technology is playing a key role at Amana Healthcare, she explained how Amanas rehabilitation hospital in Abu Dhabi is using robotic technology like the Rex Bionics device, a self-supporting and self-balancing exoskeleton that allows people with severe mobility impairments, and an eye-tracking device, Eye-gaze, which allows users to communicate and interact with the world by using proprietary eye-tracking technology.Joining Ms. Hamdan to further emphasize on the importance of patient experience will be Ms. Maryam Khamis Zayed Al Ali, a long-term ventilator care patient at Amana Healthcare Abu Dhabi who will provide a first-hand account of her journey as a medically complex patient.The summit will address various topics pertaining to patient experience such as the integration of the concept of service excellence in healthcare, essence of synergistic staff engagement, regulations and standards to optimize patient journey and tools and metrics to measure patient experience to name a few.The summit plays host to experts representing organizations such as Health Authority Abu Dhabi(HAAD), Dubai Health Authority, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Arab Hospital Federation, Sidra Medical & Research Center, American Hospital Dubai, Frost & Sullivan, Abu Dhabi Health ServicesCompany (SEHA) and Universal Hospitals to name a few.About Fleming.Fleming. connects great people, useful know-how and valuable opportunities. With 13 years in the business and 300+ events organized annually, Fleming. has grown to offer a portfolio of Conferences, Trainings, Exhibitions, Blended Learning and Online Conferences. Present on five continents, Fleming. has partnerships to always stay one step ahead. More than 50,000 satisfied companies participating at our events every year prove that Fleming. is the right partner. For more information, visitAbout Amana HealthcareAmana Healthcare is the leading provider of post-acute healthcare services in the Middle East. Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, Amana Healthcare currently operates two hospitals  a long-term care hospital for medically complex patients in Al Ain and the first specialized inpatient rehabilitation hospital in the UAE in Abu Dhabi  and is the largest and fastest-growing provider of long-term acute care, post-acute rehabilitation, transitional care and home care services in the Middle East. Amana Healthcare operates the only CARF-accredited inpatient rehabilitation hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Amana Healthcare was established with the philosophy to provide each patient the right type of care, in the right setting, at the right time.Contact Details:Manohar BharwaniHead of Middle East Marketing+971 4609 1570manohar.bharwani@fleming.eventsAddress:Mlynske Nivy 71821 05 BratislavaSlovak Republic
Global Zipper Pouch Market Professional Survey Report 2017

Global Zipper Pouch Market Professional Survey Report 2017

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The Global Zipper Pouch Market Professional Survey Report 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Zipper Pouch industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Zipper Pouch Industry 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 Zipper Pouch 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.This report studies Zipper Pouch in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringAmcor LimitedBemis Company, Inc.Uflex Ltd.Sealed Air CorporationMondi PlcWinpak Ltd.Constantia Flexibles Group GmbHGlenroy, Inc.Huhtamaki OyjSonoco Products CompanyClondalkin Group Holdings B.V.Ampac Holdings LLCFlair Flexible Packaging CorporationBerry Global, Inc.AE Adams (Henfield) Ltd.Paharpur 3PPrintpack, Inc.RCP Ranstadt GmbHSharp Packaging ServicesDeVe-PackOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoBy Material TypePlasticPaperAluminium LaminatesOthersBy Product TypeStandup Zipper PouchFlat Zipper PouchBy Closure TypePress to Close ZipSlider ZipBy Application, the market can be split intoFoodPharmaceuticalsCosmetics & Personal CareOthersBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaTo ask a professional report sample or make an order, please browse our detailed product link:Table of contents:1 Industry Overview of Zipper Pouch2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Zipper Pouch3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Zipper Pouch4 Global Zipper Pouch Overall Market Overview5 Zipper Pouch Regional Market Analysis6 Global 2012-2017E Zipper Pouch Segment Market Analysis (by Type)7 Global 2012-2017E Zipper Pouch Segment Market Analysis (by Application)8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Zipper Pouch9 Development Trend of Analysis of Zipper Pouch Market10 Zipper Pouch Marketing Type Analysis11 Consumers Analysis of Zipper Pouch12 Conclusion of the Global Zipper Pouch Market Professional Survey Report 2017List of Tables and Figures:Figure Picture of Zipper PouchTable Product Specifications of Zipper PouchTable Classification of Zipper PouchFigure Global Production Market Share of Zipper Pouch by Type in 2016Figure Plastic PictureTable Major Manufacturers of PlasticFigure Paper PictureTable Major Manufacturers of PaperFigure Aluminium Laminates PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Aluminium LaminatesFigure Others PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Others......Related Reports:Europe Zipper Pouch Market Professional Survey Report 2017China Zipper Pouch Market Professional Survey Report 2017USA Zipper Pouch Market Professional Survey Report 2017Korea Zipper Pouch Market Professional Survey Report 2017Japan Zipper Pouch Market Professional Survey Report 2017India Zipper Pouch Market Professional Survey Report 2017Contact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchAdd: Room 2905 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe DistrictGuangzhou City Guangdong ProvinceEmail: sales@qyresearcheurope.comTel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)QYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. 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QYResearch: Marketing Survey and Report of Cobalt Steel Twist Drills Industry 2017

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Global Cobalt Steel Twist Drills Industry Market Research Report 2017SummaryThe Global Cobalt Steel Twist Drills Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Cobalt Steel Twist Drills industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Cobalt Steel Twist Drills 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 Cobalt Steel Twist Drills industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Ask a sample or any question, please email to:sales@qyresearchglobal.com or hebe@qyresearchglobal.comGlobal Cobalt Steel Twist Drills market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the players list(Partly, Players you are interested can also be added):Sandvik CoromantOSGKennamtelSECOStanley Black & DeckerMitsubishiGuhringNachiISCARSumitomoWalter AGBoschMapalKorloyTriumphKey Topics Covered:Chapter One Industry Overview of Cobalt Steel Twist DrillsChapter Two Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Cobalt Steel Twist DrillsChapter Three Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Cobalt Steel Twist DrillsChapter Four Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Cobalt Steel Twist Drills by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Five Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Cobalt Steel Twist Drills by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Six Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of Cobalt Steel Twist Drills by Regions, Types and ApplicationsChapter Seven Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of Cobalt Steel Twist DrillsChapter Eight Major Manufacturers Analysis of Cobalt Steel Twist DrillsChapter Nine Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of Cobalt Steel Twist DrillsChapter Ten Industry Chain Analysis of Cobalt Steel Twist DrillsChapter Eleven Development Trend of Analysis of Cobalt Steel Twist DrillsChapter Twelve New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Cobalt Steel Twist DrillsChapter Thirteen Conclusion of the Global Cobalt Steel Twist Drills Industry 2017 Market Research ReportRelated Reports:US Cobalt Steel Twist Drills Industry Market Research Report 2017Europe Cobalt Steel Twist Drills Industry Market Research Report 2017India Cobalt Steel Twist Drills Industry Market Research Report 2017China Cobalt Steel Twist Drills Industry Market Research Report 2017Korea Cobalt Steel Twist Drills Industry Market Research Report 2017Japan Cobalt Steel Twist Drills Industry Market Research Report 2017Note:We also offerGermany/Korea/Australia/Brazil/Russia/India/Indonesia/ Malaysia/Saudi Arabia/Middle East/Europe/Asia/Asia-Pacific/Southeast Asia/North America/ Latin America/South America/AMER/EMEA/Africa etc Countries/Regions and Sales/Industry Versions RespectivelyContact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchContact Person: Hebe Leung | Professional Market Research Report PublisherEmail: sales@qyresearchglobal.com or hebe@qyresearchglobal.comTel: +86-20-22093278(CN)Web:About QYResearch Co.LtdQYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, database and seminar services. the company owned a large basic database (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business. Through the companys years of effort and a lot of customer support, QYResearch consulting group creative design method of many high-quality markets investigation and research team with rich experience. Today, QYResearch brand has become the consulting industry with quality assurance consulting brand. The company has 2500 global well-known customers, covering energy automobile pharmaceutical chemical agriculture more than 30 industries, services from the data analysis and recommendations-Consulting landing one-stop solution, and research regions cover China,US,EU,Asia,Middle East and Africa,South America,Australia,etc Global all regions,and also built research or marketing center in China USA UK France Hongkong etc regions. currently, QYResearch has become the first choice and worth trusted consulting brand in Global and China business consulting services.Media ContactCompany Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITEDContact Person: HebeEmail: hebe@qyresearchglobal.comPhone: +86-20-22093278Address: Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe DistrictCity: GuangzhouCountry: ChinaWebsite:(US) |(EU) |(JP)
Global Hearing Healthcare Devices Market 2017-William Demant, Sonova, GN Store Nord, Sivantos Group

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The Report entitled Global Hearing Healthcare Devices Market 2017 analyses the crucial factors of the Hearing Healthcare Devices market based on present industry situations, market demands, business strategies adopted by Hearing Healthcare Devices market players and their growth scenario. This report isolates the Hearing Healthcare Devices market based on the key players, Type, Application and Regions.The Hearing Healthcare Devices industry research report mainly focuses on Hearing Healthcare Devices industry in global market. The major regions which contribute to the development of Hearing Healthcare Devices market mainly cover Hearing Healthcare Devices market in North America, Hearing Healthcare Devices market in the United States, Hearing Healthcare Devices market in Europe, Hearing Healthcare Devices market in China and Japan.For Any Kind of Query Visit Here:Hearing Healthcare Devices Market 2017: Leading Players and Manufacturers AnalysisWilliam DemantSonovaGN Store NordSivantos GroupWidexStarkeyCochlearMED-EL GmbHNatus MedicalInteracousticsNurotronPATH MedicalINVENTISRIONMICRO-DSPHearing Healthcare Devices Market: Type AnalysisHearing DevicesHearing ImplantsDiagnostic InstrumentsHearing Healthcare Devices Market: Application AnalysisHospital & ClinicsHome & Consumer UseOthersThe Hearing Healthcare Devices report provides the past, present and future industry trends and the forecast information related to the expected Hearing Healthcare Devices sales revenue, Hearing Healthcare Devices growth, Hearing Healthcare Devices demand and supply scenario. Furthermore, the opportunities and the threats to the development of Hearing Healthcare Devices market are also covered at depth in this research document.Initially, the Hearing Healthcare Devices manufacturing analysis of the major industry players based on their company profiles, annual revenue, sales margin, growth aspects is also covered in this report, which will help other Hearing Healthcare Devices market players in driving business insights.To Download A Sample Of The Report Click Here:Key Emphasizes Of The Hearing Healthcare Devices Market:The fundamental details related to Hearing Healthcare Devices industry like the product definition, cost, variety of applications, demand and supply statistics are covered in this report.Competitive study of the major Hearing Healthcare Devices players will help all the market players in analyzing the latest trends and business strategies.The deep research study of Hearing Healthcare Devices market based on development opportunities, growth limiting factors and feasibility of investment will forecast the market growth.The study of emerging Hearing Healthcare Devices market segments and the existing market segments will help the readers in planning the business strategies.Read More-Finally, the report Global Hearing Healthcare Devices Market 2017 describes Hearing Healthcare Devices industry expansion game plan, the Hearing Healthcare Devices industry data source, appendix, research findings and the conclusion.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc.We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.Read More-News Network:S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041
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Wireless Charging Market share is forecast to cross USD 14 billion by 2024; as per a research report published by Global Market Insights, Inc. Growing demand of the technology across the automotive sector owing to rising pollution concerns as well as depleting fossil fuels is expected to drive the wireless charging market over the forecast timeline.

Manufacturers have recognized that consumers are increasing their spending capacity and are ready to invest in premium products. Several automotive manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Daimler and Toyota are actively researching the technology. The industry is characterized by a considerable amount of R&D, which is expected to contribute to overall growth.

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A huge opportunity for the technology exists in the highly automated & connected industries, as the battery power is a vital factor in several industrial applications. Wireless charging in industrial settings helps reduce the risk of explosions caused by stray sparks which occur during the connection and disconnection of current carrying power cables. In industrial applications of unmanned systems and robotic vehicles which require high voltages of electricity to operate efficiently, the technology is providing a consistent, high efficiency power supply to batteries which is expected to enhance the wireless charging market growth.

Browse key industry insights spread across 140 pages with 62 market data tables & 75 figures & charts from the report, Wireless Charging Market Size By Application (Automotive, Consumer, Industrial, Healthcare, Aerospace & Defense), By Technology (Inductive, RF, Resonant), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Mexico), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024 in detail along with the table of contents:

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Resonant technology accounted for more than 25% of the wireless charging market share in 2016. The technology does not require direct contact for charging of devices and allows several devices to be charged simultaneously. It has a competitive advantage over the inductive technology as it offers wireless transfer of power at a long range for multiple devices. The technology is anticipated to become more widely available at coffee-shop tables and in offices under the desks.

Healthcare is a promising application segment for the wireless charging market. The usage of medical implants in advanced medical therapies for a variety of chronic conditions is growing, with the ability to safely charge such devices opens new opportunities to several treatment options thereby driving the wireless charging market growth. Moreover, wireless charging technology is offering its end-users the ability to extend the lifetime of an implant as the battery can be recharged, and can also eliminate the battery need in some cases.

The players operating in the wireless charging market include WiTricity Corporation, Integrated Device Technology, Inc., Texas Instruments, Inc., Qualcomm Inc., Energizer Holdings, Inc, PowerbyProxi Ltd., Powermat Technologies, Powercast Corporation among others. The industry is extremely competitive in nature, which has led several manufacturers to develop and commercialize several key technologies that are implemented in smart devices and contribute towards the end-user demand.

Companies are licensing their product portfolio which include patent rights, and which are beneficial in the manufacturing and distribution of wireless charging products. Moreover, several vendors are extending their businesses to emerging markets such as Asia Pacific and MEA as the North America wireless charging market appears to be comparatively mature in terms of infrastructural development.

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Wireless Sensor Network Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany, UK, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024

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Perineal Care Market to Record Sturdy Growth by 2025

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The global perineal care market is segmented by product type, distribution channel, and region. Based on product type, the global perineal care market can be further segmented into, moisturizers and skin protectants, cleansers, washcloths, and oral pain medicines. Based on the distribution channels, the global perineal care market can be further segmented into, hospital pharmacies, clinics, e-commerce, long-term care centers and ambulatory care centers.A sample of this report is available upon request @The increasing prevalence of urine or fecal incontinent and demand for personal hygiene care products have been some driving factors for the growth of perineal care market. The moisturizers and skin protectants segment is expected to register significant CAGR during the forecast period of 2016-2024, due to positive patient outcomes, and its functional properties which help in moisture barriers that limit the exposure of irritants and moisturizers reduce the skin friction and prevent from tissue injury.The perineal care market is expected to grow exponentially during the forecast period, primarily due to increase in the prevalence of sphincter and obstetric injury, increasing vaginal child delivery procedures, spontaneous tears which require stitches, and perineal trauma during first vaginal delivery. Moreover, malposition or large fetus, poor nutritional state, mode of delivery, increasing demand for hygiene care products and shorter recovery time is another significant driver for perineal care market. However, patients clumsiness, social taboos and side effect with medicines are proving a major challenge for the overall growth of perineal care market. However, this billion dollar industry is likely to witness upward trend during the forecast period 20162024, primarily due to rise in demand for personal care products.Alternative to conventional suturing such as absorbable synthetic stitches and catgut sutures, premoistened and disposable washcloths with dimethicone are some of the factors expected to drive the growth of the global perineal care market. Based on geography, the global perineal care market is segmented into five key regions, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America accounted for the largest share of the perineal care market in 2015 followed by Europe. Government initiatives, educational programs and patients awareness, are the factor which has increased the use of perineal care products among patients which ultimately drives the growth of the global perineal care market.Also, there is a high patient awareness, healthcare infrastructure, research and development activities and production facilities, which is driving the perineal care market in North America and Europe. Asia-Pacific is expected to witness remarkable CAGR during the forecast period, due to the large patient base, increase in geriatric population and high birth rate. However, lack of healthcare facilities and low patient awareness in developing countries is anticipated to affect the adoption of perineal care products in these countries.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the major players in the global perineal care market include ConvaTec Inc., 3M, DermaRite Industries, LLC. GOJO Industries, Inc., Sage Products Inc. and Coloplast. The global perineal care market is fragmented with the presence of many small-scale vendors which impacts the growth opportunities for international players.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:
Beauty Devices Market North America is Expected to be the Fastest Growing Region During 2017  2023

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Increasing prevalence of skin diseases, growing aging population, increasing hormonal disorders and high disposable income are some of the major factors driving the growth of the global beauty devices market. The market is further expected to gain revenue due to increasing hormonal disorders and increasing awareness about beauty devices. Introduction of new beauty devices, increasing utilization of electronic beauty devices and rising inclination of consumers towards easy to use at home beauty devices are some of the major trends observed in the global beauty devices market.As per the findings of research, hair removal devices held the largest share in the global beauty devices market in 2016, primarily due to increasing prevalence of PCOS and other hormonal problems among females. The light/LED therapy and photorejuvenation devices (LT&P) market is expected to witness fastest growth during the forecast period. The higher growth for LT&P is attributed to the increasing awareness about advanced features offered by light/LED therapy and photorejuvenation devices for treating wrinkles, blemishes and sagged skin.Request for sample this research report :Geographically, North America has been the largest market for beauty devices, with the U.S. being the major contributor to the regional market as compared to Canada. The key factor driving the North American beauty device market include increasing aging population and rising prevalence of skin related problems in the region. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 85% of the population in the U.S. suffers from acne every year. There is a large population of the patients suffering from acne scars in the country.Pre-Purchase Enquiry:Key players in the beauty devices market are collaborating to offer better advanced beauty devices. In January 2017, L'Oreal signed an agreement with Valeant pharmaceuticals to acquire its the skincare brands including CeraVe, AcneFree and Ambi for a consideration of $1.3 billion in cash. The acquisition is aimed to expand LOreals Active cosmetics division.Some of the other key players in the market include LOreal SA, Panasonic Corporation, Home Skinovations Ltd and Photomedax Inc., Carol Cole Company, Lumenis Ltd., The Proctor & Gamble Company, Syneron Medical, TRIA Beauty, Inc., and Koninklijke Philips N.V.Contact:Mr. Kundan KumarManager  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +18887787886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:347 5th Ave. #1402- 210 New York City, NY 10016 United States
Heart Rate Monitors Market Report Now Available at Top Global Research Firm of 2017

Heart Rate Monitors Market

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Global Heart Rate Monitors Market Research Report 2017 Production, Demand, Growth, Size, Supply, Market Development, Application, Segmentation, Opportunity, Forecast and Analysis by 2022The Heart Rate Monitors Market Report includes the overall market view of the Heart Rate Monitors market. In order to provide complete information about the market, chronological data was collected which also included the statistical data. Rigorous researches and studies were made while collecting the data and with the help of reliable methodologies, the data collected was verified and validated. The opinions from the industry experts were taken into consideration while studying the report.Request for Sample Report:This study estimates, analyzes, and forecasts the global Heart Rate Monitors market in terms of revenue and volume. The market numerals provided in the report portray the global demand for the product, except the supply or production. The Heart Rate Monitors Market report also examines a number of restraining and driving factors and their effect on the global market in the future.The report furnishes an in-depth analysis of the global Heart Rate Monitors market by its key applications too. The report further categorizes the global Heart Rate Monitors market on the basis of key geographical areas as Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. In addition, the report provides revenue and volume for each application segment for every region. This comprises several unique country-specific information.On the basis of country and application, the Heart Rate Monitors Market report highlights the magnetism of every country and segment with the help of various tool. The overall study consists of value chain analysis that gives a thorough understanding of major players in the supply chain, particularly ranging from raw material manufacturers to end-users. Moreover, the report provides the global market cutthroat competition with the help of Porters Five Forces Analysis.Check discount before purchasing this report @This Heart Rate Monitors market report also includes all the major market players involved in the global market. The complete company profiles are included. The companys production, sales, future market plans and strategies, challenges that are being faced, the advancements that are made in the technology, and various aspects are all included within the market report.Finally, the conclusion section consists of the opinions made by the industrial experts and other observations that were made about the market.9D Research Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact UsJoel JohnTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@9dresearchgroup.comWeb:
Australia Ammonia Market is projected to Reflect CAGR of 6.3% over the 2024

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By product type, anhydrous ammonia segment is expected to continue to dominate the market in terms of value and volume share throughout the forecast period (20162024). Production of ammonium nitrate by explosives manufacturers to cater to demand for industrial explosives from the mining sector is anticipated to drive growth of the Australia ammonia market over the forecast period. Also, increasing demand for nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as DAP and MAP is expected to drive volume sales of ammonia during the forecast period. However, volatility in natural gas prices and increasing dependency on fertilizer imports are factors expected to restraint growth of the ammonia market in Australia.Persistence Market Research delivers key insights on the Australia ammonia market in its latest report titled, Australia Market Study on Ammonia: Increasing Consumption in Nitric Acid Production to Drive Growth by 2024. The ammonia market in Australia is estimated to register 5.8% Y-o-Y growth in 2016 over 2015 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period (2016-2024).A sample of this report is available upon request @On the basis of end use, nitric acid segment is expected to exhibit relatively strong projections by 2024 end, owing to pivotal use of nitric acid both directly and as precursor to other downstream products. The segment is expected to continue to account for major value and volume shares in the Australia ammonia market throughout the forecast period, to account for 46.2% by 2024 in terms of value and expand at a CAGR of 7.9% in terms of volume during the forecast period. Ammonium nitrate segment in the Australia ammonia market is expected to be valued at US$ 172.0 Mn by 2016 end, registering 7.3% Y-o-Y growth over 2015.Request to view table of content @On the basis of application, industrial chemicals segment is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Explosives segment is expected to register the second-highest CAGR of 7.5% over the forecast period, to reach value of US$ 298.2 Mn by 2024 end.Western Australia is the largest market for ammonia. The market in the region is estimated to be valued at US$ 230.7 Bn by 2016 end. The ammonia market in New South Wales is anticipated to expand at a significant CAGR of 7.2% in terms of value over the forecast period.Browse Complete Report @Key players in the Australia ammonia market include Yara International ASA, Orica Limited, Incitec Pivot Limited, and CSBP Limited (Wesfarmers Limited). The Australia ammonia market is highly consolidated, with limited number of ammonia manufacturers and suppliers. However, major players in the market are focusing on expanding their production of ammonium nitrate to cater to demand for industrial explosives from the mining industry. Increase in ammonium nitrate production is anticipated to significantly increase demand for ammonia and nitric acid.Global Market Study on Australia Ammonia Market is available at $3900 @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 Radar Applications Industry Market Trends and Global Forecast to 2022

Automotive Radar Applications Industry Market

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Market Highlights:The automotive radars are devices used in advanced cruise control systems to direct a vehicles accelerator and braking systems. It also helps maintain a distance between two vehicles. The radar sensors take note of vital information, such as doppler velocity, range and angle. This information is used to determine the driving situation and intimate the driver of potentially dangerous events ahead.The major drivers for automotive radar application industry market are increase in awareness about the driving safety among the end consumers and various government initiatives to reduce the road accidents.Request for Sample Copy @Key Players: Robert Bosch GMBH (Germany) Panasonic Corporation (Japan) Valeo (France) Continental AG (Germany) TRW Automotive (U.S.) Hella KGAA Hueck & Co. (Germany) Delphi (U.K.) Sabertek (U.S.) Denso (Japan) Fujitsu Ten Ltd (U.S.)Regional Analysis:Europe accounts for the largest share of 35.98% in the global automotive radar applications market in 2015. Europe is one of the major revenue generator as well as producer of automotive radar however, for the manufacturer there will be an extreme opportunity to invest or increase the production capacity. It is followed by North America which accounts for 26.16% for the market share.Brief TOC:1 Executive Summary2 Research Methodology2.1 Scope of the Study2.1.1 Definition2.1.2 Research Objective2.1.3 Assumptions2.1.4 Limitations2.2 Research Process2.2.1 Primary Research2.2.2 Secondary Research2.3 Market size Estimation2.4 Forecast Model3 Market Dynamics3.1 Market Drivers3.2 Market Inhibitors3.3 Supply/Value Chain Analysis3.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis4 Global Automotive Radar Application Industry Market, By Application4.1 Parking assistance4.2 Forward collision warning system4.3 Adaptive cruise control4.3 Lane departure warning system4.3 Blind spot detaction5 Global Automotive Radar Application Industry Market, By Frequency5.1 Introduction5.2 24 GHz5.3 77 GHz5.4 79 GHzContinueBrowse Full Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: salesteam@marketresearchfuture.com
Top mounted industrial agitators Market - Global Industry Analysis 2025

Top mounted industrial agitators Market

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Top mounted industrial agitators are being used for the purpose of mixing and agitating process liquid in various industries, which includes wastewater and different types of industrial applications. They do ensure homogenous mixing result, higher process reliability, higher efficiency, low operating cost and very low environmental stress. SALOMIX L top mounted vertical agitators are being used for the purpose of mixing and agitating process liquid in demanding industrial application. Continuously growing need of versatile and high-efficiency mixing top mounted agitators is the main factor anticipated to drive the market for top mounted industrial agitators during the forecasted period.For purpose of in depth analysis, the top mounted industrial agitators market is been segregated on the basis of applications andgeography. Based on the application, the Top mounted industrial agitators market has been segmented into five types they are like application in mixing in basins and the tanks, viscose liquids, large solids which contains liquids, suspensions and dispersions.Top mounted vertical agitators are mainly used for the purpose of agitating and mixing the process liquids in different industries which includes wastewater and the industrial applications. Moreover, this report also provide cross functional analysis of all the above mentioned segment across different regions such as Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa.Browse Market Research Report @Long and very trusted experience in different industrial segment and very quick and easy installation of the top mounted industrial agitator are the key drivers of the market. Very unique product portfolio and superior designing features of top mounted industrial agitators which minimizes the overall life cycle cost of the product are also one of the major drivers of the Top mounted industrial agitators market. Therefore, the continuously growing need of reliable, versatile and high-efficiency mixing hydraulic agitators is the main factor anticipated to catalyze the growing demand of different top mounted agitators during the forecasted period from 2017 to 2025. In addition to that modular design structures and reliable operation along with reduced cost is also anticipated to increase the demand of top mounted industrial agitators in the upcoming years. In turn this is also projected to affect the top mounted industrial agitators market in a positive manner during the forecasted period.Inspite of many driving factors, the top mounted industrial agitators market is expected to show a fluctuation in its growth rate because of the high maintenance and installation cost of the top mounted industrial agitators. Mixer which is having centrally disposed anchor or the helical agitator are also acting as a restraining factor for the Top mounted industrial agitators market during the forecasted period from 2017-2025.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Top mounted industrial agitators held the largest market share because ofease of industrial operation, option of customization and very high level of efficiency. Top mounted industrial agitators are expected to achieve highest growth during the forecast period because of its major industrial applications which includes digester mixing, agriculture, biogas among others.Geographically, the global Top mounted industrial agitators market is mainly driven by North America region. Presence of large number of manufacturing companies in food & beverage, chemical and in pharma industry of among the others is driving the market of North Americaregion. Rapidly growing demand oftop mounted industrial agitators in the chemical industry because of availability of the natural gas produced from the shale gas is expected to drive the top mounted industrial agitators market rapidly. This region is expected to maintain its dominance in the market during the forecasted period from 2017-2025.Some of the leading players operating in top mounted industrial agitators market include SPX Flow (The U.S.), Ekato Holding GmbH (Germany), Sulzer Ltd. (U.K), Dynamix Agitators Incorporate. (Canada), Tacmina Corp.(Japan), Statiflo International Limited(The U.S.), Mixer Direct Inc. (The U.S.), Silverson Machines Incorporate (The U.S.) among others.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog:
Automotive Gear Market Is Expected To Grow At A CAGR Of 6.4% By 2023

Automotive Gear Market

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Market Highlights:The automotive gear market is anticipated to witness the growing market due to changing preference of automated transmission system as well as due to the technological advancement coupled with electrical vehicle. Gears are a common component of modern machinery which found in gearheads, watches, motors, furnaces and automation equipment. Due to the ease of manufacturing and the variety of alloys available, metal alloys are the most common material used for gears. Moreover, increased production of automobiles results in increased demand for gear systems. Factors such as better steering and handling control, flexible as well as cost effective nature are some of the factors driving the market of automotive gear market. Automotive gear market is growing in Asia-Pacific region with China and India expected to be the most promising markets. However, the high cost of components is a major challenge for the market.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Automotive Gear Market: Eaton Linamar Corporation NSK Ltd. Bharat Gears Ltd. Neapco Inc. Mitsubishi Group Dana Holding Corporation Robert Bosch GmbH ZF TRW GKN plcBrief TOC:1 Executive Summary2 Research Methodology2.1 Scope of the Study2.1.1 Definition2.1.2 Research Objective2.1.3 Assumptions2.1.4 Limitations2.2 Research Process2.2.1 Primary Research2.2.2 Secondary Research2.3 Market size Estimation2.4 Forecast Model3 Market Dynamics3.1 Market Drivers3.2 Market Inhibitors3.3 Supply/Value Chain Analysis3.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis4 Global Automotive Gear Market, by material4.1 Metallic4.2 Plastic5 Global Automotive Gear Market, by product type5.1 Introduction5.2 Planetary5.3 Bevel5.4 Helical5.5 Non-Metallic5.6 OtherContinueMarket Research Analysis:Asia-Pacific is leading the market of automotive gear. With increasing vehicle production in countries such as India and China as well as the manufacturers focus on increasing production capacity, demand for automotive gear is anticipated to grow significantly. Growing purchasing power, low penetration of automobiles, and infrastructure development in emerging nations have resulted in an increase in demand for personal transportation and commercial vehicles. Increasing operational performance, improving drivability and ensuring safe transport of cargo and passengers is the top priority of automobile manufacturers. Additionally, increasing need for fuel-efficient vehicles with light-weight automotive parts and the increase in the demand for vehicles are the two factors driving the growth of the market. Europe and North America are referred as mature markets for the automotive gear. Whereas, North America holds the second largest market share in market followed by Asia-Pacific.Access Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Technologies and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) Market Outlook 2017-2022 Danfoss, Vacon, Rockwell Automation, Eaton

Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) Market

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Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) Market Research ReportA market study based on the " Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market on the basis of this analysis.Request For Sample Copy of Report:Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) Market Top Manufacturers - ABB GE Rockwell Automation Schneider Electric Siemens American Electric Technologies Amtech Electronics Crompton Greaves Danfoss Eaton Emerson Fuji Electric Hiconics Drive Technology Hitachi Honeywell International Johnson Controls Kb Electronics Mitsubishi Electric Toshiba International Vacon Yaskawa ElectricThe report studies the industry for Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market and dynamics of demand and supply of Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) into consideration. The ' Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market globally, which starts from the definition of the Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) industry and develops towards Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market is differentiated and researched on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market. The geographical segmentation of the Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive scenery of the global market for Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) is determined by assessing the various industry measures, production capacity, Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market globally.Browse Complete Report:The global Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market 2017 is also evaluate on the basis of product pricing, Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) production volume, data regarding demand and Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various analytical tool of Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) across the globe.Global Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market research report will help you understand, formulate and implement strategic decisions by offering critical data, insights and analysis from technology as well as commercial perspective on the Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) Market. Global Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market research report consist of comprehensive market data, on a granular level, providing a holistic picture of the Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) market for maximum clarity and understanding.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
Analysis and Assessment on Wireless Ultrasound Scanner Market by Future Market Insights ( 2017-2027)

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A wireless ultrasound scanner is devices which can help physician for high-quality scans in minimum time when they have limited access to traditional machines. Wireless ultrasound is a pocket sized device which can wirelessly connect to smart devices, and it can fit in the palm of a hand. This device is powered by rechargeable batteries. The scanned images can be transferred to the smart device, where they can be reviewed or shared on the cloud platform. Wireless ultrasound scanner can image abdomen, lungs, and hearts. The wireless ultrasound scanner is Class III medical devices and required 510(k) clearance for its approval. The main advantage of wireless ultrasound scanner is that it eliminate the risk of infection.Wireless Ultrasound Scanner Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe primary factors driving the growth of wireless ultrasound scanner is the capability to offer a quick diagnosis. Recent advancement in computing platform to reduce the size of ultrasound machine is also responsible for the growth of wireless ultrasound devices market. Increasing demand for portable ultrasound machines and point of care diagnosis will propel the growth of wireless ultrasound scanner market. Reducing cost of diagnosis and improved experience of patients during diagnosis by wireless ultrasound scanner will boost the growth of this market. The lack of expertise to hand wireless ultrasound scanner can restrain the growth of this market. Besides that, less installation of wireless ultrasound scanner in diagnostic center will hamper the growth of this market.Request For Report Sample@Wireless Ultrasound Scanner Market: SegmentationThe global Wireless Ultrasound Scanner Market is classified on the basis of product type, application areas and end user.Based on product type, Wireless Ultrasound Scanner Market is segmented into following:Hand heldLaptopPalmtopLarge PortableBased on application areas, Wireless Ultrasound Scanner Market is segmented into following:Emergency RoomAcute Care UnitsIntensive care unitsOb-Gyn unitsOperating roomsBased on end user, Wireless Ultrasound Scanner Market is segmented into following:HospitalsClinicsDiagnostic CenterAmbulatory Surgical CenterOthersWireless Ultrasound Scanner Market: OverviewWireless ultrasound scanner is expected to show significant growth over the forecast period owing to increasing demand for point of care diagnosis. Wireless ultrasound scanner is used for the diagnosis of lungs and abdomen, beside that it is also used for diagnosis of veterinarians. Wireless ultrasound scanner market is segmented on the basis of product type, application and end user. Based on product type wireless ultrasound scanner is segmented as handheld devices and large portable devices. Handheld devices is expected to gain maximum value share over the forecast period owing to its quick diagnosis method. Among all end user hospital segment is expected dominate the market share due increasing number of installation of wireless ultrasound scanner in hospitals.Wireless Ultrasound Scanner Market: Regional OverviewBased on the geographical region wireless ultrasound scanner market is segmented into seven key regions i.e. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to dominate the market share in term of value over the forecast period due high healthcare infrastructure in this region. This market is then followed by Western Europe and APEJ region. In APEJ region China and India are expected to be major market place owing high population in this countries.Visit For TOC@Wireless Ultrasound Scanner Market: Key PlayersExamples of some of the market participants in Wireless Ultrasound Scanner Market identified across the value chain include Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Clarius Mobile Health, SonopTek Co.,Ltd., Meditech Equipment Co.,Ltd, Sonostar Technologies Co. Ltd., Shantou Easywell Technologies Co.,Ltd.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACTFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Tunnel Construction The Americas Market 2017 - Current and Future Plans

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Pune, India, 13th September 2017: WiseGuyReports announced addition of new report, titled Project Insight - Tunnel Construction Projects: The Americas.SynopsisThe report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights based on almost 130 CIC projects in The Americas market. The report provides detailed metrics on the region's tunnel related construction projects (as tracked by CIC) split by country, type and value. Detailed metrics are also provided for the top 10 countries.GET SAMPLE REPORT @SummaryConstruction Intelligence Center (CIC) is currently tracking tunnel related construction projects in the Americas with a total value of US$242.4 billion, which includes projects from the announced to execution stages. The US has the highest value project pipeline, with a value of US$149.9 billion, followed by Canada with projects valued at US$22.2 billion. Chile and Peru follow, with projects valued at US$13.0 billion and US$10.4 billion respectively.ScopeThe report provides analysis based on CIC projects showing total project values for The Americas market and analysis by stage and funding for the top ten countries. Top project listings and top participants for the sector are also shown. Tunnel length and tunnel method eg tunnel boring machine is provided if known.Reasons to BuyProviding insight into main drivers of activity and forecasts, providing an understanding of key trends, analysis of projects by value for the Americas market and main countries enabling clients to target products and services for each type of project. Analysis of main projects participants by value for the sector enabling clients to target products and services for each type of project. Providing top projects data with location, value, stage and start date.Key HighlightsThe highest value of project completions will be in 2019, with a value of US$18.2 billion. Funding for projects is predominantly public with 76% followed by public/private with 23%. Private investment is responsible for only 1% of tunnel related project investment in the region.Table of Content: Key Points1. Regional Overview2. Key Operators3. Project Analytics by Country3.1. The US3.2. Canada3.3. Chile3.4. Peru3.5. Venezuela3.6. Brazil3.7. Colombia3.8. Argentina3.9. Mexico3.10. Panama4. Methodology5. DisclaimerContinuedACCESS 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
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Paris, VMworld 2017 Europe, Barcelona, 13th September 2017 - Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, today announces the integration of VMware Workspace ONE (TM) into its Atos Digital Workplace offering. The fully managed digital workplace service, powered by the VMware Workspace ONE digital workspace platform, will transform employee experience and enhance business performance.

The user is in control

VMware Workspace ONE is a digital workspace platform that integrates endpoint management technology with end-user identity to deliver a consumer-simple experience with enterprise-class security. It enables the IT departments to deliver a digital workspace that empowers employees to securely bring the technology of their choice - devices and apps - at the pace and cost the business needs.

Coupled with Atos' world-class services, as part of the Atos Digital Workplace offering, this new holistic solution brings together the combined expertise and experience from Atos and VMware to enable workforces to connect, collaborate and communicate simply and securely, while improving personal and business performance. Atos delivers this transformation with complete end-to-end management: a unified workplace management solution with a 'single point of access' to data and applications, at the time of need, intuitively and securely - from any device.

Peter Pluim, Executive Vice-President, Infrastructure & Data Management Services at Atos says: "VMware is a key partner for Atos Digital Workplace, enabling us to jointly deliver new Digital Workplace experiences to our mutual customers. Atos' services enabled by VMware technology gives businesses a commitment that they will achieve exceptional and measurable user satisfaction and offers a new way of managing and enabling the workforce. This allows users to collaborate simply and securely, with the technology of their choice and at the same time improve both personal experience and business performance."

Sumit Dhawan, senior vice president and general manager of End-User Computing at VMware says: "We are pleased to have a global leader like Atos select VMware Workspace ONE as part of the Atos Digital Workplace offering. The combination of Workspace ONE and Atos' services and expertise can help mutual customers speed their digital transformations by unifying PC and mobile device management and enabling consumer simple user experiences with a digital workspace."

Key features the enhanced Digital Workplace solution offers:

Freedom and control for both employees and IT - freedom to choose any device and way of working, whilst maintaining IT's control and oversight

Built-in security and robust compliance - with users' profile/persona governing access to data and apps, providing a true 'consumer simple; enterprise secure' workplace.

More engaged employees - end-users could potentially reduce the time it takes to set up on a new laptop from 90 minutes to five. Companies with engaged employees outperform those without by up to 202%. Dale Carnegie

Atos has recently been recognized as a Global Leader in Workplace Services by Everest Group in its 2017 Peak Matrix(TM) Assessment and as a Leader in Digital Workplace Services worldwide by leading global technology research and advisory firm, Information Services Group (ISG), in its 2017 ISG Provider Lens(TM) Archetype report.

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VMware, VMworld, Workspace ONE, and Horizon are a registered trademark of VMware, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with approximately 100,000 employees in 72 countries and annual revenue of around  12 billion. The European number one in Big Data, Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing and Digital Workplace, The Group provides Cloud services, Infrastructure & Data Management, Business & Platform solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting-edge technologies, digital expertise and industry knowledge, Atos supports the digital transformation of its clients across various business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Energy & Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications, Transportation. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline. Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index. www.atos.net

About Atos Digital Workplace

More information on Atos Digital Workplace , part of Atos' full suite of Digital Transformation Factory solutions, can be found at: https://atos.net/en/solutions/atos-digital-workplace.

Press contact:

Laura Fau laura.fau@atos.net +33 6 73 64 04 18 @laurajanefau
SpecialtyCare, Natus, NuVasive, Medtronic, inomed Medizintechnik GmbH to lead the global intraoperative neuromonitoring IONM market.

Intraoperative Monitoring (IONM) Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017 - 2022

https://www.arizton.com/reports/healthcare-lifesciences/intraoperative-neuromonitoring-market-ionm-market

https://www.arizton.com/reports/healthcare-lifesciences/surgical-equipment-market-global-outlook-and-forecast-2017-2022

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https://www.arizton.com/reports/healthcare-lifesciences/intraoperative-neuromonitoring-market-ionm-market

The global IONM market is expected to cross $4 billion, growing at a CAGR close to 7.8% during 20162022. The market for IONM is relatively entrenched in developed countries, especially in the US and Europe. North America will lead the market and the US will have the maximum share (90%) of the total market share in the region. The orthopedic surgery segment is likely to post the highest growth CAGR in the application segment, whereas the neurosurgery segment will remain the largest market. The EP segment will dominate the market during the forecast period.View report:Vendors majorly focus on merger & acquisition to strengthen their presenceThe global IONM market can be termed as attractive one because of the growth prospects it holds. Mergers and acquisition are the major strategies used by vendors in the market. The report includes the news and details of the key mergers and acquisition of major vendors in the industry. Major vendors in the global market SpecialtyCare, Natus, NuVasive, Medtronic, inomed Medizintechnik GmbH.Other emerging vendors are Accurate Monitoring, Cadwell Industries, Computational Diagnostics, Bromedicon Neuromonitoring, Clinical Neurodiagnostics, CNS Neuromonitoring, Dr. Langer Medical GmbH, IntraNerve, Medsurant Health, Neuro Alert, Neurophysiology Services Asia, and Nihon Kohden Corp.Advent of portable and multi-modality IONM devices to boost the marketIncrease in volume of surgical procedures, growing utility of intraoperative neuromonitoring in varied surgeries, technological innovations and increase in use of out-sourced IONM by small and rural healthcare centers are the major factors that are enhancing the growth of the market. Increasing demand for tele-neuromonitoring, advent of portable and multi-modality IONM devices, increase in strategic consolidations and integration of MI surgeries with intraoperative neuromonitoring are the latest trends that will boost the market and will pave the way for growth opportunities.Neurosurgery segment is going to dominate the market during the forecast periodOutsourced intraoperative neuromonitoring is growing at a rapid pace due to its benefits over in-sourced monitoring. Hospitals prefer outsourced monitoring as it eliminates the need for purchase of premium priced IONM capital equipment and avoid the requirement to appoint full-time IONM professionals.In terms of modality, the EP segment dominated the market with a major share of 68.25% of the global IONM market due to its broad range of surgical applications and the high utilization rate. This segment is anticipated to be driven at a slightly growth rate during 20162022 and will retain to be major segment of the global IONM market by modality type during the forecast period. In terms of the growth rate, orthopedic surgeries are likely to grow at a higher CAGR than other surgical types. However, neurosurgery will remain the major revenue contributor during the forecast period in the application segment.Related Reports:1) Surgical Equipment Market  Global Outlook and Forecast 2017  2022Click Here:2) Functional Chewing Gum Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017-2022Click here:Source : Arizton Advisory and Intelligence ReportClick :About AriztonArizton  Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.Arizton has gained a paramount standpoint in the market research arena as it offers top of the line solutions to clients to assess market landscape and to finalize foolproof business strategies. We are committed to provide inclusive market research reports and consulting services to clients from diversified industries including Consumer Goods & Retail Technology, Automotive and Mobility, Smart Tech, Healthcare and Lifesciences, Industrial Machinery, Chemicals and Materials, IT and Media, Logistics and PackagingArizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.Arizton Advisory & IntelligenceChicago, Illinois, 60605Mail: enquiry@arizton.comCall: +1-312-465-7864
Military Antenna Market to be at Forefront by 2025

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Increasing modernization of the military equipment coupled with the boost in legacy system around the world is expected to fuel the demand of military antenna market. Military antennas provide highly accurate tracking, surveillance, ground mapping, warning against aircrafts, weapons, etc. thereby enhancing the security. Apart from all the above mentioned features, military antenna used in the radars also provide missile guidance for accurate target tracking. The rise in border infiltration, terrorism activities, inter country conflicts, and attack prone borders are expected to drive military antenna market in the near future.On the basis of platform, ground platform is expected to dominate the military antenna market as they help in providing real time information related to ground penetration, unexploded tunnels, etc. during the war. However, the market for space based platform is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Based on application, homeland security system is estimated to dominate the global military antenna system market over the forecast period. The advancement in the surveillance system such as 3D drones and multifunctional radars is estimated to have high potential to drive the military antenna market globally.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Military Antenna Market: DriversA major factor driving the growth of the global military antenna market is the rise in military spending. Moreover, escalation in the need for better border security is expected to upsurge the demand for military antenna market. Moreover, technological mushrooming coupled with the need of modern battle equipment is expected to fuel the betterment of military antenna market during the forecast period. Increasing use of military antenna in armored vehicles, naval vessels, aircraft, etc. speed up the expansion and growth of the global military antenna market.Global Military Antenna Market: RestraintsHigh initial costs coupled with the large spending on R&D activities is expected to hamper the growth of military antenna market. Moreover, economic crisis in the European countries like Germany, Russia, U.K. etc. is expected to restrain the growth of the global military antenna market.Global Military Antenna Market: SegmentationGlobal Military antenna market can be segmented on the basis of platform, product type, frequency, applications, and regions. On the basis of platform, the market can be segmented into airborne, ground, naval, and space. On the basis of product type, the global military antenna market can be segmented into vehicle mount antennas, base station antennas, shipboard antennas, man-pack and portable antennas, and asset tracking antennas. On the basis of frequency, the market can be segmented into High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF). On the basis of applications, global military antenna market can be segmented into homeland security system, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and handheld equipment. On the basis of regions, market can be segmented into North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global Military Antenna Market: Region wise OutlookBased on regions, North America is expected to be the most prominent revenue generating region in the global military antenna system market. North America spent nearly US$ 596 Bn., which holds nearly 36% of the entire worlds spending on military, in 2015. However, in the U.S., there is a decline in spending on military by 2.4% in 2015. Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The military spending in Asia Pacific increased by 5.6% in 2015. Moreover, APAC and China accounted for nearly 50% share in the total military spending which is nearly four times the spending in military by India. Additionally, increasing border disputes in APAC is expected to drive the growth of military antenna market in this region. Latin America is projected to witness sluggish growth due to severe economic crisis.Global Military Antenna Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the prominent players identified in the global military antenna market are as follows,MTI Wireless EdgeEylex Pty Ltd.Cojot OyAntenna Products CorporationComrod CommunicationsBarker and WilliamsonRohde & SchwarzLockheed Martin CorporationRaytheon CompanyTermaHarris CorporationAbout 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:
Solid Beverage Sales Market by Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value), Region Opportunities and Forecast 2022

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, title Global Solid Beverage Sales Market Report.Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Solid Beverage for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGET SAMPLE REPORT @Solid Beverage market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Solid Beverage sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingNestleStarbucksAJINOMOTO GENERAL FOODSAMT CoffeeCOLCAF S.A.S. - INDUSTRIA COLOMBIANA DE CAFInterNatural FoodsThe J.M. Smucker CompanyKraft HeinzLavazzaStrauss CoffeeTata CoffeeTchibo CoffeeTrung NguyenNanguo FoodstuffMondelez InternationalChunguangSoconaJDEKeurig Green MountainOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoInstant CoffeeInstant Orange Juice PowderInstant Coconut PowderOtherOn 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 Solid Beverage for each application, includingAge 0-18Age Above 18Table of Contents1 Global Solid Beverage Sales Market Report 20172 Global Solid Beverage Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application3 United States Solid Beverage (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 China Solid Beverage (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 Europe Solid Beverage (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Japan Solid Beverage (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 Southeast Asia Solid Beverage (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 India Solid Beverage (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Global Solid Beverage Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data10 Solid Beverage Maufacturing Cost Analysis11 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers12 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Global Solid Beverage Market Forecast (2017-2022)15 Research Findings and Conclusion16 Appendix..CONTINUEDFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPh: +91 841 198 5042info@wiseguyreports.com
Van Drum Brake Market Share 2017-2022 ZF, Aisin, Akebono Brake Industry, CBI

Van Drum Brake

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http://www.depthmarketresearch.com/global-van-drum-brake-market-2017-demand-key-players-application-forecast-2022/

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Van Drum Brake Market Research ReportA market study based on the " Van Drum Brake Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Van Drum Brake Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Van Drum Brake industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Van Drum Brake market on the basis of this analysis.Request For Sample Copy of Report:Van Drum Brake Market Top Manufacturers -1. ZF2. Aisin3. Akebono Brake Industry4. CBI5. Continental6. Nissin Kogyo7. Mando8. APG9. Knorr-Bremse10. Wabco...The report studies the industry for Van Drum Brake across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Van Drum Brake market and dynamics of demand and supply of Van Drum Brake into consideration. The ' Van Drum Brake ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Van Drum Brake market globally, which starts from the definition of the Van Drum Brake industry and develops towards Van Drum Brake market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Van Drum Brake market is differentiated and researched on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Van Drum Brake market. The geographical segmentation of the Van Drum Brake industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive scenery of the global market for Van Drum Brake is determined by assessing the various industry measures, production capacity, Van Drum Brake market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Van Drum Brake market globally.Browse Complete Report with Full ToC:The global Van Drum Brake market 2017 is also evaluate on the basis of product pricing, Van Drum Brake production volume, data regarding demand and Van Drum Brake supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various analytical tool of Van Drum Brake such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in Van Drum Brake market research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Van Drum Brake across the globe.Global Van Drum Brake market research report will help you understand, formulate and implement strategic decisions by offering critical data, insights and analysis from technology as well as commercial perspective on the Van Drum Brake Market. Global Van Drum Brake market research report consist of comprehensive market data, on a granular level, providing a holistic picture of the Van Drum Brake market for maximum clarity and understanding.About Us:"Depth 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, USAContact: +1-214-661-1669Web:
Now Available Global Neurodiagnostics Market Forecast And Growth 2016-2023

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Neurodiagnostics or neurodiagnostic tests monitor and record electrical activities of patients brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that approximately one in four individual suffers from diagnosable mental disorder each year. One in seventeen which is approximately 13.6 million people live with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder. Serious mental illness costs the United States approximately USD 193.2 billion losses each year. Among other neural disorders, mood disorders such as depression are one of the most common causes of hospitalization among youth and adults in the U.S. aged between 18 years to 44 years.Obtain Report Details @According to a report by the Alzheimers Association approximately 5.1 million people in the United States suffers from Alzheimers disease in 2012 and by 2020, the statistical data is likely to touch 16 million bar with one new case appearing in every 33 seconds. Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders, according to an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control is estimated to affect 1 in every 88 children in the U.S. Similar studies conducted in other countries, for instance the UK National Health Service estimates the prevalence of Autism Spectrum disorders among adults in England is approximately one percent in 2012. The economic cost associated with Autism in the U.S. and U.K. is estimated to be approximately USD 35 billion and USD 45 billion (27 billion) respectively each year.Prevalence of other prominent diseases such as multiple sclerosis, narcolepsy and sleep disorders and strokes among others accounted for 400,000, 14.3 million and 4,700,000 individuals respectively between 2001 and 2014. With such a growing population of neurological disorders across the globe the market for neurodiagnostics will positively emerge out as a prospecting and lucrative market in coming years. Diagnosis of these neurological disorders is rapidly changing as new tools now a day developed are coming up with the sole intention of rendering personalized assessment and treatment. In general the market for neurodiagnostics can be segmented on the basis of nuroimaging techniques, in-vitro diagnostic techniques and disease type. The market for neuroimaging techniques can be further sub-segmented into electro-encephalography, nuclear medicine imaging (pet), magneto-encephalography, and computed tomography among others. Whereas, market for in-vitro diagnostic include protein biomarker assay and genetic testing and pharmacogenomics among others.The commonly occurring disease type encompasses attention disorder, Alzheimer's, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, depression, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, sensory disorders, and sleep disorders among others. Major drivers for the neurodiagnostics market comprises advances in diagnostic equipments, developments in biomarker assay techniques and increasing use of imaging techniques in drug development. Growing trend of cloud computing based EEG devices which can store all the diagnosis report, medication schedules and sharing of real time analysis with patients as well as other physicians is likely to uplift the neurodiagnostics market in coming years. The lack of regular diagnosis and mental health check up not in developing and emerging economies but even in developed parts of the world is one of the prominent and major restraints to the neurodiagnostics market. There are still millions of people who are yet undiagnosed and a large chunk of the affected population are carrying them for more than 5 years.Fill the Form to Gain Deeper Insights on this Market @Some of the prominent players in the neurological disorders include Neuro Diagnostic Devices, Inc., Lifelines Neurodiagnostics Systems Inc., Zynex NeuroDiagnostics, Digital NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, Ridge Diagnostics among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700,Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Automotive Clutch Market Trends and Global Forecast to 2022

Automotive Clutch Market

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Market Scenario:The growth in the Automotive Industry has led to a significant increase in demand for automotive Clutch market. Automotive Clutch helps to enjoy a smooth start and facilitate shaft. It also prevent the transmission overload and reduce the impact of torsional vibration. Features such transmitting required power as well as serve as safety device are acting as a primary factor for the growth of market. Stringent emission norms, need for fuel efficiency as well as technological advancement such as the dual clutch transmission system are driving the market of Automotive Clutch Market. Moreover, shifting preference towards manual or fully-automatic transmission systems spur the market growth.Request for a Sample Copy @Key PlayersThe major player operating in the market of Global Automotive Clutch are Eaton Corporation, Magneti Marelli, Valeo, Aisin Seiki, EXEDY, FCC, Schaeffer, BorgWarner Clutch Auto Limited and ZF Friedrichshafen.Brief TOC:1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope Of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure1.3.1 Global Automotive Clutch Market: By Transmission Type1.3.2 Global Automotive Clutch Market: By Clutch Type1.3.3 Global Automotive Clutch Market: By Vehicle Type1.3.5 Global Automotive Clutch Market: By Region2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Transmission Type2.2 Primary Researchpt2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast Model2.4.1 Market Data Collection, Analysis & Forecast2.4.2 Market Size Estimation2.4.3 Market Crackdown & Data Triangulation3 Market Dynamics3.1 Introduction3.2 Market Drivers3.3 Market Challenges3.4 Market Opportunities4 Executive Summary5. Market Factor Analysis5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis5.2 Supply Chain AnalysisContinueBrowse Full Report @Regional AnalysisAsia pacific is dominating the market of clutch due to majority of automotive sales in the region as well as technological advancement such as duel clutch transmission system and automated manual transmission systems which helps the market to grow in this region. Development of automotive manufacturing industries in developing economies such as china and India are driving the market for automotive Clutch. Factors such as availability of low-cost manual transmission clutches as well as consumer preference towards convenient mode of transmission are some of the factors pushing the market of automotive Clutch. Whereas, increasing vehicle purchase as well as shift towards electric vehicle are some of the factors driving the demand for clutch market in the North American region.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Vehicle Surveillance System Market Analysis 2017-2022 Robert Bosch GmbH, Delphi Automotive PLC

Vehicle Surveillance System

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http://www.depthmarketresearch.com/global-vehicle-surveillance-system-market-2017-demand-key-players-application-forecast-2022/

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Vehicle Surveillance System Market Research ReportA market study based on the " Vehicle Surveillance System Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Vehicle Surveillance System Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Vehicle Surveillance System industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Vehicle Surveillance System market on the basis of this analysis.Request For Sample Copy of Report:Vehicle Surveillance System Market Top Manufacturers -1. Robert Bosch GmbH2. Delphi Automotive PLC3. DENSO Corporation4. Continental AG5. Honeywell Security Group6. Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd.7. COMM-PORT Technologies8. Law Enforcement Associates9. SecuScan....The report studies the industry for Vehicle Surveillance System across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Vehicle Surveillance System market and dynamics of demand and supply of Vehicle Surveillance System into consideration. The ' Vehicle Surveillance System ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Vehicle Surveillance System market globally, which starts from the definition of the Vehicle Surveillance System industry and develops towards Vehicle Surveillance System market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Vehicle Surveillance System market is differentiated and researched on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Vehicle Surveillance System market. The geographical segmentation of the Vehicle Surveillance System industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive scenery of the global market for Vehicle Surveillance System is determined by assessing the various industry measures, production capacity, Vehicle Surveillance System market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Vehicle Surveillance System market globally.Browse Complete Report with Full ToC:The global Vehicle Surveillance System market 2017 is also evaluate on the basis of product pricing, Vehicle Surveillance System production volume, data regarding demand and Vehicle Surveillance System supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various analytical tool of Vehicle Surveillance System such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in Vehicle Surveillance System market research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Vehicle Surveillance System across the globe.Global Vehicle Surveillance System market research report will help you understand, formulate and implement strategic decisions by offering critical data, insights and analysis from technology as well as commercial perspective on the Vehicle Surveillance System Market. Global Vehicle Surveillance System market research report consist of comprehensive market data, on a granular level, providing a holistic picture of the Vehicle Surveillance System market for maximum clarity and understanding.About Us:"Depth 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, USAContact: +1-214-661-1669Web:
Global Lead Mining Market 2017- Revenue, Price and Gross Margin Research Report 2020

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, title Global Lead Mining."Global Lead Mining to 2020", provides global lead reserves by country, by major operating mines and grade; historic and forecast data on global lead mine production, lead metal consumption and price. The report also covers factors affecting the demand for lead and region-wise data on active, exploration and development lead projects. It also gives profile of largest lead mining companies in the world.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- Information on global lead reserves by country, reserves by major operating mines and lead grade.- Historic and forecast lead mine production, lead metal consumption and price data from 2000 to 2020.- Comprehensive information of major operating lead mines in Asia-Pacific (APAC), Europe, Oceania, Middle East and Africa (MEA), South and Central America (SCA), North America (NA) and Former Soviet Union (FSU)- Comprehensive information of major exploration and development lead projects in APAC, Europe, Oceania, MEA, SCA, NA and FSU.- Obtain various factors affecting the global lead industry and demand for the commodity.- Company profile, including company overview, business description and information on current and upcoming lead projects.Key points to buy- Get an overview of global lead reserves and bifurcation by country, selected operating mines and lead grade.- Obtain historic (2000-2015) and forecast data on lead mine production, lead metal consumption and prices to 2020.- Identify various factors that drive and affect the lead demand.- Information about various active, exploration and upcoming lead projects with bifurcation by region.- Identify and understand various companies operating in the global lead mining industry with complete profile and business description.Table of Contents1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2 GLOBAL LEAD MINING - RESERVES, PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION3 MAJOR LEAD PRODUCERS GLOBALLY4 APPENDIXFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra
Healthcare Analytics Market Share, Size, Trends, Forecast (2017-2024)

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Healthcare Analytics Market size is projected to exceed USD 16 billion by 2024; according to a new research study published by Global Market Insights, Inc.The growing need to control healthcare cost and growing adoption across the globe will drive healthcare analytics market growth. Healthcare analytics and data analytics would reduce overall healthcare cost by identifying inefficiencies in current delivery methods, reduce the frequency of hospital visits and eliminate the need for unnecessary testing. Rapid adoption in developed regions and growing acceptance of advanced technologies in emerging economies should fuel healthcare analytics market size. Promising improvements in healthcare infrastructure, growing disposable income levels and increasing application of these solutions should boost industry growth.Request sample copy @Providing individualized solutions through effective usage of electronic health records and analytical software will stimulate healthcare analytics market demand. Rising social media usage coupled with technological innovation in analytics should further facilitate industry expansion.Increasing R&D investments in advanced healthcare analytics should serve as a significant driver in the developed nations. Moreover, favorable government initiatives and emergence of big data analytics in the industry will further augment healthcare analytics market growth in the coming years.Make inquiry about this report @Data safety and integrity concerns, rigid healthcare structure restricting seamless data sharing among healthcare providers and lack of skilled people and organizational procedures for data sharing may hinder industry growth over the forecast years.Healthcare predictive analytics market share is projected to exceed USD 5 billion by 2024. Increasing use of predictive analytics in developed countries to design and develop future healthcare solutions should largely contribute to the segment growth.Population health management improves health outcomes and lowers medical costs through data integration, risk stratification and effective management of patient care. It is widely used as a tool for preventive care and better health management. Population health management should witness a robust 13% CAGR owing to increasing application of healthcare analytics.Increasing number of clinics worldwide have significantly contributed to expansion of healthcare analytics industry. Modernization of clinics has enabled implementation of EHR and increased adoption rate of healthcare analytics solutions among providers.U.S. healthcare analytics market accounted for more than 90% of regional industry share. Widespread adoption of EHR and other technologies for effective healthcare delivery and increasing funding for development of innovative solutions should stimulate industry growth. Germany held over 25% of Europe healthcare analytics market share owing to growing need to curb rising healthcare cost coupled with spurring adoption of advanced healthcare technologies. Increasing number of hospital setups and growing implementation of EHR should also drive business growth in coming years.Japan healthcare analytics market is set to witness more than 12% CAGR over forecast years. Increasing application of predictive and prescriptive analytics, improved economic indicators, and growing adoption of advanced technologies should stimulate business growth. Growing geriatric population and increasing need to curtail the associated costs should fuel the industry growth.Some of the industry players offering unique and advanced products in healthcare analytics market include IBM, OptumHealth, McKesson Corporation, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Cerner Corporation and Health Catalyst. Other notable companies such as GE Healthcare, Influence Health, Evolent Health, Inovalon Computer Programs and Systems are in pursuit of gaining healthcare analytics market share.Mergers and acquisitions, provision of customized solutions and expansion in commercially unexploited geographical markets are some of the major strategies adopted by industry participants. Companies are heavily investing in R&D to come up with innovative analytics platforms with enhanced features as a part of their commercialization strategy.Healthcare analytics market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD from 2013 to 2024, for the following segments:Healthcare Analytics Market by ProductDescriptive analyticsPredictive analyticsPrescriptive analyticsHealthcare Analytics Market by ApplicationOperations managementFinancial managementPopulation health managementClinical managementHealthcare Analytics Market by End UserHospitalClinicsPhysiciansOthersThe above information is provided for the following regions/countries:North AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyUKFranceSpainItalyRussiaAsia PacificChinaIndiaJapanAustraliaSouth KoreaLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoMiddle East and AfricaSouth AfricaSaudi ArabiaAbout Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Doxorubicin Market to Witness an Outstanding Growth by 2024

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Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide with 8.2 million cancer related deaths in 2012 estimated by World Health Organization (WHO). Anthracycline especially doxorubicin has been the mainstay of cancer treatment since many years. Doxorubicin also known as doxorubicin hydrochloride is an antibiotic belonging to class of medication known as anthracycline antibiotics, and is the first liposomal encapsulated anticancer drug to receive clinical approval and is used in the treatment of several types of carcinomas. Doxorubicin is produced by the soil fungus belonging to genus Streptomyces. The drug is used in combination with other drugs to treat cancers such as, breast, lung, bladder, stomach, ovarian, neuroblastoma, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and certain types of leukemias. It is less commonly used in treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck, cervix and vagina, carcinomas of testes and prostate. The drug kills the cancerous cells in several ways including intercalation between DNA pairs thereby preventing replication of cancer cells, DNA strand breakage and inhibition with enzyme topoisomerase II. Doxorubicin is marketed either in the powdered or in solution form and is administered intravenously every 21 to 28 days. However, the treatment depends upon the type of cancer being treated, the types of other drugs that are taken during the treatment and how well the body response to the medicine. The drug is sometimes given as a continuous infusion wherein the drug is infused slowly into the patients body.Global doxorubicin market is expected to witness upsurge in its revenue over the forecast period attributed to growing prevalence of cancer worldwide. WHO estimates that cancer prevalence is expected to increase at an estimated rate of 50% by 2050. Furthermore, increasing use of drug in the treatment of ovary cancer is further expected to increase the sales of the doxorubicin over the forecast period. The drug is also known to have high treatment efficacy in patients with AIDS-related Kaposis sarcoma after failure of prior systemic chemotherapy. However, conventional doxorubicin treatment imposes several side effects such as nausea and vomiting that may last 2448 hours after treatment, hair loss, myelosuppression, loss of appetite, diarrhea, localized swelling etc. Therefore, the need for development of doxorubicin with liposomal formulation arose improving therapeutic index of conventional doxorubicin. This strategy resulted in preferential accumulation of doxorubicin within the cancerous cell in order to maximize the drug efficacy and minimize toxicity, thus fueling the doxorubicin market growth in the near future.A sample of this report is available upon request @One of the most common and prevailing side effect of doxorubicin is cardiomyopathy with an estimated incidence of 4% at a dose of 500550 mg/m, subsequently leading to congestive heart failure. The rate of cardiomyopathy reaches to 36% when the dose exceeds 600 mg/m. This may lead to introduction of drugs with lesser side effects replacing the doxorubicin in the future. However, ongoing shortages of the drug has also affected the revenues of the doxorubicin market contently.The global market for Doxorubicin is segmented on basis of formulation, cancer type, distribution channel and geography:Segmentation by FormulationLyophilized Doxorubicin PowderDoxorubicin SolutionSegmentation by Cancer TypeBreast CancerProstate CancerOvary CancerLung CancerBladder CancerStomach CancerLeukemiaOthersSegmentation by Distribution ChannelHospitals PharmaciesRetail PharmaciesE-CommerceIncreasing prevalence of several cancer types have resulted in increasing usage of doxorubicin in clinical practice thus driving the revenues for the same. By formulation, the global market for doxorubicin has been classified into, lyophilized doxorubicin powder and doxorubicin solutionBy cancer type, the global doxorubicin market is segmented into, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovary cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, stomach cancer, leukemia and others. Breast cancer and prostate cancer segments are expected to account for maximum revenue share in global doxorubicin market over the forecasted period.On the basis of distribution channel, the global doxorubicin market is segmented into, hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and e-commerce.On the basis of regional presence, global doxorubicin market is segmented into five key regions viz. North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America will continue to dominate the global doxorubicin market attributed to growing number of cancer epidemiology in the region. Furthermore, doxorubicin shortages in the past few years due to manufacturing issues have resulted in entry of increasing number of players in the market. This has substantially improved the revenue of global doxorubicin market in the near future. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in global doxorubicin market attributed to increasing prevalence of breast and lung cancer.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the major players operating in global doxorubicin market are Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., MicroBiopharm Japan Co., Ltd., and Synbias Pharma. Companies are involved in collaboration agreements for R&D in order to exploit maximum potential.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:
Press Release



Evaluation of technologies to provide the most effective path to 5G and enable Telefonica to create and deliver new services

Trials of Nokia 4.5G, 4.5G Pro and 4.9G will help efficiently evolve network performance to meet increasing demand

Focus on innovations including massive MIMO, Cloud RAN, Multi-access Edge Computing and network slicing





13 September, 2017

Espoo, Finland - Nokia and Telefonica have signed an agreement to evaluate technologies enabling an efficient network evolution to 5G in line with Telefonica's business objectives. The companies will assess how higher performance 4G and 5G networks will lead to the creation of compelling new services.

Nokia has created a path to 5G for operators such as Telefonica using its 4.5G, 4.5G Pro and 4.9G technologies, which deliver advances such as increased speed, capacity and improved latency where and when needed. Under the agreement, Nokia will focus on trials that maximize the use of Telefonica's existing network assets, ultimately helping it meet the growing and evolving demands of individual subscribers and the internet of things (IoT).

Leveraging licensed and unlicensed spectrum as well as Nokia massive MIMO capabilities, the companies will conduct trials to increase capacity in busy city center hot spots as well as in suburban and rural areas, particularly in markets where traditional LTE spectrum is limited. Other trials will use Nokia Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) for the delivery of ultra-low latency communications. MEC allows data to be processed closer to the end-user to enable the faster network response time required by critical machine-to-machine type communications in enteprises such as factories and mines, and to deliver an immersive virtual reality video experience in stadiums.

Nokia and Telefonica will also investigate network slicing techniques on a cloud-native core network using Telefonica's UNICA cloud platform. This will allow Telefonica to leverage a common network infrastructure to deliver discrete services to a variety of new and exisiting customers. Telefonica established the UNICA program with the aim of using network functions virtualization and software defined networking to transform the way it delivers customer services, meeting new customer demands rapidly and in the most efficient way.

Enrique Blanco, Systems and Network Global Director at Telefonica said: "As demand rises, we want to deliver the greatest possible network experience even as we expand our offering to both existing and new customers. Working with Nokia we will explore the potential of key technologies that allow us to do this in the most effective way on the path to 5G."

Pedro Hernandez, Vice President of Telefonica Global Business at Nokia, said: "Nokia has defined a comprehensive portfolio of technologies and services that will allow any operator to move to the cloud and 5G at a pace that meets their objectives and the demands of their customers. We are pleased to leverage these technologies and expertise to help Telefonica transform its network and evolve its service offer to anticipate and satisfy changing market demands."

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Telefonica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world by market capitalization and number of customers with a comprehensive offering and quality of connectivity that is delivered over world class fixed, mobile and broadband networks. As a growing company it prides itself on providing a differential experience based both on its corporate values and a public position that defends customer interests.

The company has a significant presence in 21 countries and 346 million accesses around the world. Telefonica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe and Latin America, where the company focuses an important part of its growth strategy.

Telefonica is a 100% listed company, with more than 1.5 million direct shareholders. Its share capital currently comprises 5,037,804,990 ordinary shares traded on the Spanish Stock Market and on those in London, New York, Lima, and Buenos Aires.

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We create the technology to connect the world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing.

From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. www.nokia.com

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Insurance in Cameroon Market 2017 - Opportunity, Driving Trends and deep study.

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Pune, India, 13th September 2017: WiseGuyReports announced addition of new report, titled The Insurance Industry in Cameroon, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021.Synopsis'The Insurance Industry in Cameroon, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021' report provides detailed analysis of the market trends, drivers and challenges in the Cameroonian insurance industry.It provides key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review period (20122016) and forecast period (20162021).GET SAMPLE REPORT @The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Cameroonian economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country.The report brings together research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.Summary'The Insurance Industry in Cameroon, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Cameroonian insurance industry, including: The Cameroonian insurance industry's growth prospects by segment and category A comprehensive overview of Cameroonian economy and demographics The detailed competitive landscape in the Cameroonian insurance industry The various distribution channels in the Cameroonian insurance industry Detailed regulatory policies of the Cameroonian insurance industry Analysis of natural hazards in Cameroonian insurance industryScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the insurance industry in Cameroon: It provides historical values for the Cameroonian insurance industry for the reports 20122016 review period, and projected figures for the 20162021 forecast period. It offers a detailed analysis of the key segments in the Cameroonian insurance industry, along with market forecasts until 2021. It covers an exhaustive list of parameters, including written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and retentions. It analyzes the various distribution channels in Cameroon. It profiles the top insurance companies in Cameroon and outlines the key regulations affecting them.Reasons to Buy Make strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Cameroonian insurance industry and each segment and category within it. Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Cameroonian insurance industry. Assess the competitive dynamics in the Cameroonian insurance industry. Identify the growth opportunities and market dynamics in key segments. Gain insights into key regulations governing the Cameroonian insurance industry and their impact on companies and the industry's future.Key Highlights By the end of 2017, the National Inter-sector Technical Committee is expected to finalize and present a framework for the development of a universal healthcare system in Cameroon. In July 2017, Cameroonian insurance authorities released a tender inviting consultant to develop motor third-party liability premium pricing. From January 1, 2017, the Cameroonian government announced changes in the road tax collection method. Motorists are now required to pay a road tax to the insurance company at the same time they pay for motor insurance. In 2016, the World Bank, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and insurance industry stakeholders, announced plans to develop index-based agricultural insurance.Table of Content: Key Points1 Key Facts and Highlights2 Executive Summary3 Economy and Demographics4 Industry Outlook4.1 Regional Comparison4.2 Industry Indicators4.2.1 Gross written premium4.2.2 Claims4.2.3 Assets and investments5 Life Insurance Outlook5.1 Individual Life Insurance5.1.1 Direct written premium5.1.2 Penetration5.2 Group Life Insurance5.2.1 Direct written premium5.2.2 Penetration6 Non-Life Insurance OutlookContinuedACCESS 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
Glazing for Automotive Market Trends and Global Forecast to 2022

Glazing for Automotive Market

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Market Highlights:The glazing for automotive market is growing rapidly, owing to factors such as improved balanced climate and increased privacy, comfort, & reduced energy demands of customers. The factors such as increased security and enhanced aesthetics are expected to be factors that drive the glazing for automotive market demand. The demand of the market is further expected to be driven by the integration of ultraviolet filter glass which can help in considerably extending the life of material and fabrics of the automobile. However, cost and complexity pertaining to glazing are projected to hinder the growth of the market.Request for a Sample Copy @Key Players:The key players of Glazing for automotive market are Pilkington Group Limited, Research Frontiers, American Glass Products, Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd, Asahi Glass Co Ltd., Central Glass Co. Ltd., Guardian Industries Corporation, NordGlass, Pittsburgh Glass Works, LLC, Nippon Sheet Glass Company Ltd. and others.Market Research Analysis:Based on the advanced applications, hydrophobic glazing segment is expected to be the highest growing segment for glazing for automotive market, owing to features such as self-cleaning, reducing the foam in showers on the automobile windows. Other features such as anti-fogging, and acid resistance are also contributing to the growth of hydrophobic glazing for automotive.Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the glazing for automotive market with the highest CAGR. Developing nations, in the region such as China and India are exhibiting a considerable growth due to growing health & safety concerns. The increase in demand of automotive due to the rise in the purchasing power, is also expected to contribute to the growth of this region.Browse Full Report @Scope of the Report:This study provides an overview of the Global Glazing for automotive market, tracking three market segments across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Rest of the World (ROW). The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years for each region. The scope of the study segments the Global Glazing for automotive market by its application, advanced application, vehicle type and region.By Application Sidelite Sunroof Backlite LightingBy Advanced Application Large Windscreen SunControl Hydrophobic Glazing HUDBy Vehicle Type On-Highway Vehicles Off-Highway VehiclesBy Region North America Asia Pacific Europe Rest of the WorldAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Side Guard Door Beams Market Analysis 2017-2022 H-one, Aisin Takaoka Thailand Group, GNS Automotive

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Side Guard Door Beams Market Research ReportA market study based on the " Side Guard Door Beams Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Side Guard Door Beams Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Side Guard Door Beams industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Side Guard Door Beams market on the basis of this analysis.Request For Sample Copy of Report:Side Guard Door Beams Market Top Manufacturers -1. H-one Co., Ltd2. Aisin Takaoka Thailand Group3. GNS Automotive4. KIRCHHOFF Automotive GmbH5. Benteler Automotive Corporation6. FOUNDER LAND7. DuPont8. KVA Stainless...The report studies the industry for Side Guard Door Beams across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Side Guard Door Beams market and dynamics of demand and supply of Side Guard Door Beams into consideration. The ' Side Guard Door Beams ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Side Guard Door Beams market globally, which starts from the definition of the Side Guard Door Beams industry and develops towards Side Guard Door Beams market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Side Guard Door Beams market is differentiated and researched on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Side Guard Door Beams market. The geographical segmentation of the Side Guard Door Beams industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive scenery of the global market for Side Guard Door Beams is determined by assessing the various industry measures, production capacity, Side Guard Door Beams market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Side Guard Door Beams market globally.Browse Complete Report with Full ToC:The global Side Guard Door Beams market 2017 is also evaluate on the basis of product pricing, Side Guard Door Beams production volume, data regarding demand and Side Guard Door Beams supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various analytical tool of Side Guard Door Beams such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in Side Guard Door Beams market research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Side Guard Door Beams across the globe.Global Side Guard Door Beams market research report will help you understand, formulate and implement strategic decisions by offering critical data, insights and analysis from technology as well as commercial perspective on the Side Guard Door Beams Market. Global Side Guard Door Beams market research report consist of comprehensive market data, on a granular level, providing a holistic picture of the Side Guard Door Beams market for maximum clarity and understanding.About Us:"Depth 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, USAContact: +1-214-661-1669Web:
Air Independent Propulsion Systems for Submarine Market Dynamics, Forecast, Analysis and Supply Demand 2017-2022

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Market Research Future Publish a New Report on - Air Independent Propulsion Systems for Submarine Market -forecast to 2022Exclusive Summery About Report:Submarine is a major weapon in the hands of the navy. Traditional diesel-electric submarines have an underwater endurance of only a few days and they need to surface frequently to charge their batteries. As battery technology improved the endurance of these submarines but it was not enough. While underwater, the batteries on board power the propeller and other electrical systems on the submarine. These batteries run out of charge within 4-5 days and needs to recharge them. This is done by snorkelling, which exposes them to detection by enemy radars and makes them an easy target. Hence we need a system which can allow diesel-electric submarines to recharge their batteries without running their engines. This will allow them to continue sailing underwater and remaining undetected. The system which permits all this is Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). Such systems are majorly used for enhancing the performance of small defensive submarines. Moreover, increasing importance of submarines in naval warfare, submarine upgradation programs over the years to drive the market for combat systems, among others can be considered as the indirect factors driving the AIP systems market. The AIP technology can be installed on existing older generation submarines by inserting a new hull section during a retrofit.Access the market data and information presented through over 60 tables and figures spread 80+ pages of the project report. Avail in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on Air Independent Propulsion Systems for Submarine Market -forecast to 2022"Air Independent Propulsion Systems for Submarine Market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including SAAB AB (Sweden), Siemens AG (Germany), DCNS SA (France), China Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (China), UTC Aerospace Systems (U.S.), Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.), General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.), Kongsberg Gruppen ASA (Norway),Request a Sample Report @Intended Audience Manufacturing Industries consultants and Investment bankers Government as well as Independent Regulatory AuthoritiesRegional AnalysisNorth America region dominates the global air independent propulsion systems for submarine market followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific. This is mainly due to countries such as U.S., Canada, spending heavily on their navy which ultimately drives the growth of this market. Whereas, the Asia-Pacific economies are projected to drive sixty percent of the global increase in defense acquisition, research and development, and thirty percent of the global defense acquisition budget in the near future.The report for Global Air Independent Propulsion Systems for Submarine 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.If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.For further information on this report, visit @Study Objectives of Global Air Independent Propulsion Systems for Submarine market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast till 2030 for the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Air Independent Propulsion Systems for Submarine market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To Analyse the Global Air Independent Propulsion Systems for Submarine market based on various factors 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 fit, by type, and region. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Air Independent Propulsion Systems for Submarine market.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.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 Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Aircraft Engines Development Market Research Report 2017-2022 by Players, Regions, Product Types & Applications

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"Global Aircraft Engines Market Research Report 2017-2022 by Players, Regions, Product Types & Applications" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-The global Aircraft Engines market is valued at XX million USD in 2016 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.This report offers an overview of the market trends, drivers, and barriers with respect to the Aircraft Engines market. It also provides a detailed overview of the market of different regions across United States, Europe, China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia and Others. The report categorizes Aircraft Engines market by By Aircraft type, By Platform, and application. Detailed analysis of key players, along with key growth strategies adopted by them is also covered in this report on Aircraft Engines market is valued at XX million USD in 2016 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Get Sample Report With TOC @-- This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:-- Key PlayersAdvance Motor Manufacturing Company (UK)Aerojet (US)Aeromarine (US)Aerosila (Russia)Aerosport (US)Aerostar (Romania)Agusta (Italy)Aichi Kokuki (Japan)Air Cooled Motors (US)Airdisco (UK)Alfa Romeo (Italy)Clerget-Blin (France)Coventry-Victor (UK)Douglas (UK)Elizalde (Spain)Svenska Flygmotor (Sweden)-- Key RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanada-- Latin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthers-- EuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthers-- Asia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustralia-- Southeast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthers-- Africa & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthers-- Main types of products-- Aircraft Engines Market, by Aircraft typeTurboprop EngineTurbofan EngineTurboshaft EnginePiston Engine-- Aircraft Engines Market, by PlatformFixed WingRotary Wing-- Aircraft Engines Market, by Key ConsumerCommercial AviationMilitary AviationGeneral Aviation-- Table of ContentsGlobal Aircraft Engines Market Research Report 2017-2022 by Players, Regions, Product Types & ApplicationsChapter One Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source1.2.1 Secondary Sources1.2.2 Primary Sources1.3 DisclaimerChapter Two Aircraft Engines Market Overview2.1 Market Coverage2.2 Global Aircraft Engines Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-2017Chapter Three Aircraft Engines by Key Players 2012-20173.1 Global Aircraft Engines Sales Volume Market Share by Key Players 2012-20173.2 Global Aircraft Engines Revenue Share by Key Players 2012-20173.3 Global Key Players Aircraft Engines Key Product Model and Market Performance3.4 Global Key Players Aircraft Engines Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceChapter Four Aircraft Engines by Regions 2012-20174.1 Global Aircraft Engines Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20174.2 Global Aircraft Engines Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20174.3 Global Aircraft Engines Price by Regions 2012-20174.4 North America4.4.1 United States4.4.2 Canada4.5 Latin America4.5.1 Mexico4.5.2 Brazil4.5.3 Argentina4.5.4 Others in Latin America4.6 Europe4.6.1 Germany4.6.2 United Kingdom4.6.3 France4.6.4 Italy4.6.5 Spain4.6.6 Russia4.6.7 Netherland4.6.8 Others in Europe4.7 Asia & Pacific4.7.1 China4.7.2 Japan4.7.3 India4.7.4 Korea4.7.5 Australia4.7.6 Southeast Asia4.7.6.1 Indonesia4.7.6.2 Thailand4.7.6.3 Philippines4.7.6.4 Vietnam4.7.6.5 Singapore4.7.6.6 Malaysia4.7.6.7 Others in Southeast Asia4.8 Africa & Middle East4.8.1 South Africa4.8.2 Egypt4.8.3 Turkey4.8.4 Saudi Arabia4.8.5 Iran4.8.6 Others in Africa & Middle EastChapter Five Aircraft Engines Market by Product Types5.1 Aircraft Engines, by Aircraft type 2012-20175.1.1 Global Aircraft Engines Sales Market Share by Aircraft type 2012-20175.1.2 Global Aircraft Engines Revenue Market Share by Aircraft type 2012-20175.1.3 Global Aircraft Engines Price by Aircraft type 2012-20175.1.4 Turboprop Engine5.1.5 Turbofan Engine5.1.6 Turboshaft Engine5.1.7 Piston Engine5.2 Aircraft Engines, by Platform 2012-20175.2.1 Global Aircraft Engines Sales Market Share by Platform 2012-20175.2.2 Global Aircraft Engines Revenue Market Share by Platform 2012-20175.2.3 Global Aircraft Engines Price by Platform 2012-20175.2.4 Fixed Wing5.2.5 Rotary WingChapter Six Global Key Players Profile6.1 Advance Motor Manufacturing Company (UK)6.1.1 Advance Motor Manufacturing Company (UK) Company Details and Competitors6.1.2 Advance Motor Manufacturing Company (UK) Key Aircraft Engines Models and Performance6.1.3 Advance Motor Manufacturing Company (UK) Aircraft Engines Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast6.1.4 Advance Motor Manufacturing Company (UK) Aircraft Engines Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin6.2 Aerojet (US)6.2.1 Aerojet (US) Company Details and Competitors6.2.2 Aerojet (US) Key Aircraft Engines Models and PerformanceFull Report @ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
Smart Door Lock Global Market Share, Size, Trend and Growth 2017-2022

Smart Door Lock Market

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2248897-global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east

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Smart Door Lock Market 2017Executive SummarySmart door locks are widely available, and allow users to open & close a door without keys. Smart door locks can provide people with a high level of safety that is not provided by typical locks and alarms.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Smart Door Lock in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request a Sample Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversASSA ABLOYSamsungAllegionKwikset (Spectrum Brands)MIWA LockMaster Lock (Fortune Brands)Guangdong Be-TechAdelAugustHoneywellJiangmen Keyu IntelligenceTenonLocstarProbuckGuangdong Level Intelligent LockDessmannMarket 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, coversElectronic Cipher LocksFingerprint LocksZ-wave LocksWi-Fi LocksBluetooth Low Energy LocksOtherMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoHouseholdCommercialOthersComplete Report Details @Table of Contents Analysis of Key Points1 Market Overview1.1 Smart Door Lock Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Electronic Cipher Locks1.2.2 Fingerprint Locks1.2.3 Z-wave Locks1.2.4 Wi-Fi Locks1.2.5 Bluetooth Low Energy Locks1.2.6 Other1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Household1.3.2 Commercial1.3.3 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 ASSA ABLOY2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Smart Door Lock Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 ASSA ABLOY Smart Door Lock Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 Samsung2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Smart Door Lock Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Samsung Smart Door Lock Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 Allegion2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Smart Door Lock Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Allegion Smart Door Lock Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 Kwikset (Spectrum Brands)2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 Smart Door Lock Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 Kwikset (Spectrum Brands) Smart Door Lock Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5 MIWA Lock2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 Smart Door Lock Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 2....ContinuedBuy 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.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
The global functional chewing gum market is expected to cross $9 billion by 2022

Functional Chewing Gum Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017 - 2022

https://www.arizton.com/reports/healthcare-lifesciences/functional-chewing-gum

https://www.arizton.com/reports/healthcare-lifesciences/surgical-equipment-market-global-outlook-and-forecast-2017-2022

https://www.arizton.com/reports/healthcare-lifesciences/intraoperative-neuromonitoring-market-ionm-market

https://www.arizton.com/reports/healthcare-lifesciences/functional-chewing-gum

The global functional chewing gum market is expected to cross $9 billion, growing impressively at a CAGR of 4.7% during 20162022. With increasing health consciousness among people globally, the demand is expected to increase during the forecast period. The demand for functional gums is increasing globally, especially from emerging markets such as APAC and MEA. North America and Europe are witnessing a steady demand for functional chewing gums. The nicotine gum is likely to be the dominant segment, whereas the weight management gum segment is expected to witness the fastest growth.View Report:Major vendors profiled in the report are as following: Mars Incorporated Mondelez International Inc. PerfettiOther vendors include Cloetta, Khloros Technologies, Lemon Pharma, Functional Gums s.r.l., Ezaki Glico, Meiji Holdings, Orion Group, Project 7, Masterfoodeh Co., Mastix , Vitaball Inc., and WUGUM.Increased use of fat burning and anti-hunger gums are likely to drive the market growthIncrease in alertness and attention and reduction of anxiety offered by chewing gum are major factors, which are attracting customers towards functional chewing gums. Growth in smoking population in developing regions and increased use of fat burning/slim and anti-hunger functional gums are among the other significant factors that are expected to drive the market during the forecast period. The study also discusses the latest trends that are going to push the market growth for the next five years. Introduction of innovative functional gums such as cancer detecting and health benefits, and the increase online retailing impacting the consumers purchasing decision are among the emerging trends that are going to shape the market positively during the forecast period. Fluctuation in pricing strategy and lack of regulations are some of the restraint that are going to affect the market. The report discusses the trends, drivers, restraints and their impact on the market. The report also provides Porters Five Force Analysis and their impact on the market.The Nicotine gums segment is likley to be the largest segmentIn terms of product type, the Nicotine gums segment is expected to have maximum contribution to the global market. These gums are getting more prefernce from the increased number of smokers who want to quit smoking. Also, the weigth management gums are going to have the highest growth rate during the forecast period.The revenue generated by the sale of functional chewing gum through physical stores or offline channels made up 93.14% of the market in 2016, clearly indicating that majority of consumers prefer to buy functional chewing gum from physical stores. However, due to the growth of online retailing stores, the online channel is expected to post a high growth rate over the next five years.APAC to constitute approximately 47% of the global market shareThe market is dominated by APAC, followed by Europe and North America. The demand for lifestyle gum is expected to come more from North America and Europe than developing countries. The market in Latin America and MEA is also likely to get momentum. A chewing gum is considered as a fashion statement in the UAE, which is likely to impact the demand. Also, increasing health consciousness among people is expected to increase the demand for sugar-free chewing gum in the region.Related Reports:1) Surgical Equipment Market  Global Outlook and Forecast 2017  2022Click Here:2) Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017-2022Click :Source : Arizton Advisory and Intelligence ReportClick :About AriztonArizton  Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.Arizton has gained a paramount standpoint in the market research arena as it offers top of the line solutions to clients to assess market landscape and to finalize foolproof business strategies. We are committed to provide inclusive market research reports and consulting services to clients from diversified industries including Consumer Goods & Retail Technology, Automotive and Mobility, Smart Tech, Healthcare and Lifesciences, Industrial Machinery, Chemicals and Materials, IT and Media, Logistics and PackagingArizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.Arizton Advisory & IntelligenceChicago, Illinois, 60605Mail: enquiry@arizton.comCall: +1-312-465-7864
EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Microturbines Market Report 2017

EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Microturbines Market Report 2017

https://www.qyresearcheurope.com/goods-719194.html

The EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Microturbines Market Report 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Microturbines industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Microturbines 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 Microturbines 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.In this report, the EMEA Microturbines 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 EMEA into Europe, the Middle East and Africa, With sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Microturbines for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast)Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Benelux;Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Iran;Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria.EMEA Microturbines market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Microturbines sales volume (K Units), price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingCapstoneElliottFlexEnergySolar Turbines IncorporatedAnsaldo EnergiaMicro Turbine TechnologyNiigata PowerBLADON JETSOn 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 intoUnrecuperated MicroturbinesRecuperated MicroturbinesOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume (K Units), market share and growth rate of Microturbines for each application, includingCritical Power SupplyEnergy EfficiencyRenewable EnergyMoblie ProductionOtherTo ask a professional report sample or make an order, please browse our detailed product link:Table of contents:1 Microturbines Overview2 EMEA Microturbines Competition by Manufacturers/Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application3 Europe Microturbines (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Players, Countries, Type and Application4 Middle East Microturbines (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Region, Type and Application5 Africa Microturbines (Volume, Value and Sales Price) by Players, Countries, Type and Application6 EMEA Microturbines Manufacturers/Players Profiles and Sales Data7 Microturbines Manufacturing Cost Analysis8 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers9 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders10 Market Effect Factors Analysis11 EMEA Microturbines Market Forecast (2017-2022)12 Research Findings and Conclusion13 AppendixList of Tables and Figures:Figure Product Picture of MicroturbinesFigure EMEA Microturbines Sales Volume (K Units) by Type (2012-2022)Figure EMEA Microturbines Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2016Figure Unrecuperated Microturbines Product PictureFigure Recuperated Microturbines Product PictureFigure EMEA Microturbines Sales Volume (K Units) by Application (2012-2022)Figure EMEA Sales Market Share of Microturbines by Application in 2016Figure Critical Power Supply ExamplesTable Key Downstream Customer in Critical Power SupplyFigure Energy Efficiency ExamplesTable Key Downstream Customer in Energy Efficiency......Related Reports:Global Microturbines Market Report 2017China Microturbines Market Report 2017USA Microturbines Market Report 2017Korea Microturbines Market Report 2017Japan Microturbines Market Report 2017India Microturbines Market Report 2017Contact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchAdd: Room 2905 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe DistrictGuangzhou City Guangdong ProvinceEmail: sales@qyresearcheurope.com or tinaning@qyresearch.comTel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)QYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business.Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe District
Global Nanofiber Materials Development Market for Biomedical Industry 2017-2021

http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1142846

http://www.researchmoz.us/global-nanofiber-materials-market-for-biomedical-industry-2017-2021-report.html

"Global Nanofiber Materials Market for Biomedical Industry 2017-2021" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-This industry research report identifies Ahlstrom, Asahi Kasei, Donaldson, Nanofiber Solutions, SNS Nanofiber Technology, TEIJIN, and Toray as the key vendors in the global nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industry. This industry research report also presents a competitive analysis of the market by product type (synthetic polymers, natural polymers, ceramic and inorganic, carbon and graphene, and metallic), by application (filters and membranes, medical textiles and wound dressings, tissue engineering, and drug delivery), and by geography (the Americas, APAC, Europe, and ROW).Get Sample Report With TOC @Overview of the global nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industryMarket research analysts at Technavio predict that the global nanofiber materials market for biomedical industry will grow steadily at a CAGR of over 23% by 2021. This market research analysis identifies the need for implants with enhanced functional life and biodegradability as one of the primary growth factors for this market. The traditional implant materials have short functional life, with failures arising from implant loosening, inflammation, infection, and wear debris. This resulted in the need for the development of new cytocompatible bone substitutes with substantially enhanced functional life to regenerate bone tissues. Titanium and its alloys are widely used in orthopedic and dental implant materials due to their compatible mechanical properties and biocompatibility.One of the latest trends that will gain traction in the nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industry in the coming years is the growth of the medical filters market. The growth and demand for high-purity medical filters market is mainly due to the advancement in the healthcare industry, biotechnology, and advanced medical devices. There is an increase in the demand for nanofiber filters and membranes as it offers filtration solutions to several rising incidences including kidney failure, diabetes, sterilization, blood filtration, and other filtration techniques for recovering proteins and enzymes.-- Competitive landscape and key vendorsThe nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industry is highly-competitive due to the presence of several vendors. It is crucial for the vendors to develop innovative products to acquire large market shares and to effectively provide advanced health and clinical solutions to end-users. Furthermore, technological breakthroughs will help vendors gain an advantage over their competitors and increase the sales volume, which in turn, will benefit consumers with better options at competitive prices.The leading vendors in the market are -AhlstromAsahi KaseiDonaldsonNanofiber SolutionsSNS Nanofiber TechnologyTEIJINTorayThe other prominent vendors in the market include 3-D Matrix Medical Technology, AMSilk, Argonide, Collagen Matrix, eSpin Technologies, FibeRio Technology, Hollingsworth & Vose, NANOVIA, and NXTGEN NANOFIBER.-- Segmentation by product type and analysis of the nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industrySynthetic polymersNatural polymersCeramic and inorganicCarbon and grapheneMetallicDuring 2016, the synthetic polymers segment accounted for the major shares of the nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industry. The utilization of synthetic polymers in wound dressing and healing applications will contribute to the growth of this market segment in the coming years.Geographical segmentation and analysis of the nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industry-- AmericasAPACEuropeROWCompanies in the Americas are using nanofibers for diverse biomedical applications and are increasing R&D expenditures to introduce specialized and advanced products. This market research study estimates that in terms of geographic regions, the Americas will be the major revenue contributor to the nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industry by the end of the forecast period.-- Key questions answered in the report includeWhat will the market size and the growth rate be in 2021?What are the key factors driving the global nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industry?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industry?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in the global nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industry?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industry?Trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, Europe, and ROW.What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global nanofiber materials market for the biomedical industry?Technavio also offers customization on reports based on specific client requirement.Nanofibers are proving to be an important material for applications in biomedical industry including medical filters and membranes, medical textiles, wound dressings, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensors. Technavio has offers a wide collection of research reports for the chemicals and materials industry, including the metals and minerals sector. The upcoming report on the global nanofiber materials for biomedical industry market contains detailed market analysis by considering critical market assessment factors such as market size, key drivers, and market growth potential, which helps clients in their business decision-making process.Key business performance metrics such as profit, revenue, production capacity, market share, and growth rate are analyzed by research analysts at Technavio to forecast a more accurate picture of the market over the years. Primary and secondary research methodologies are used to gather detailed information on the market to help the client in making critical business decisions. The upcoming report on the global nanofiber materials for biomedical industry market covers players like Ahlstrom, Teijin, Nanofiber Solutions LLC, SNS Nanofiber Technology LLC, RevolutionFibres, FibeRio, Donaldson, Finetex EnE, and Sigma Aldrich.Full Report @ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
Global Noninvasive Prenatal Testing Market Revenues to Exceed US$ 1,447.2 Mn Value during 2016-2024

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https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/non-invasive-prenatal-testing-nipt-market/toc

https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/non-invasive-prenatal-testing-nipt-market.asp

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Advancing the prenatal care services provided across the globe has become an uphill battle for medical practitioners and drugmakers. Fortunately, this struggle is being eased by active participation of parents from all around the world in protecting the health of their soon-to-be-born babies through prenatal disease detection methods. Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) procedures are, hence, being rapidly adopted, which is prompting healthcare service providers to increase their focus on such prenatal diagnosis & screening services. Persistence Market Research recently published its study on the global market for noninvasive prenatal testing, which projects the market to bring in US$ 1,447.2 Mn revenues by the end of 2024.A sample of this report is available upon request @At present, Persistence Market Research values the global noninvasive prenatal testing market at just over US$ 665 Mn, and expects the market to incur revenue growth at an impressive 10.2% CAGR. According to the report, titled Noninvasive Prenatal Testing Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast, 2016-2024, the global demand for noninvasive prenatal testing will keep surging on the account of rising innovations in prenatal screening products. Growing presence of ADHD disorders among young adults is also triggering the adoption of noninvasive prenatal testing. Moreover, the demand for noninvasive prenatal tests is expected to grow as a majority of young adults are being introduced to generic medications. Nevertheless, stringent usage regulations and records of drug abuse are expected to curb the growing adoption of noninvasive prenatal testing to some extent.Request to view table of content @Some of the prominent companies providing noninvasive prenatal testing in the world are identified as, Ariosa Diagnostics, Inc., BGI Diagnosis Co. Ltd., Berry Genomics Corporation, Illumina, Inc., LifeCodexx AG, Natera, Inc., Sequenom, Inc., Quest Diagnostic Incorporated, and Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings. A majority of these companies are based in the US, which is why North America is projected to procure an average 60% of global NIPT revenues through 2024. The demand for noninvasive prenatal testing will also be more in Asia-Pacific, and the regions NIPT market is looking at an opportune US$ 18 Mn increment in 2017 over 2016. Europes noninvasive prenatal testing revenues, on the other hand, will also grow aggressively  registering a 10% CAGR during the forecast period.The report reveals that a considerable share of global NIPT revenues will be derived from higher preference to panel 1 test type. Adoption of panel 1 noninvasive prenatal testing has been projected to rise, bringing in over US$ 850 Mn revenues by the end of 2024. On the hand, global revenues from panel 2 tests are anticipated to soar at a healthy CAGR of 9.7%. Correspondingly, hospitals will remain the largest end-users of noninvasive prenatal testing throughout the forecast period. In the due course of this period, hospitals will not only account for half of global NIPT market value, but will also exhibit revenue growth at highest CAGR of 11.1%.Browse Complete Report @Global Noninvasive Prenatal Testing Market  Key TrendsImpact of changing lifestyles: Urban livelihood and rising per capita income of individuals has propelled the occurrence of high-risk pregnancies. Unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking and working around the clock has given rise to complications in maternal and neonatal outcomes.Advanced maternal age: Occurrence of women in their late 30s giving birth for the first time has increased. To avoid birth defects and consider the advanced age of mother, doctors are also promoting the adoption of noninvasive prenatal screening.Classification as LDT: More healthcare & pharmaceutical companies are entering the global NIPT market as these tests have been tagged as lab-developed tests by the FDA.Global Market Study on Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing is available at $4900 @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:
United Kingdom, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

13th September 2017  Koreas largest bank, KB Kookmin Bank, has worked with Trustonic and ATsolutions to secure its new peer-to-peer (P2P) payment and messaging app, Liiv TalkTalk. The state-of-the-art Trustonic Application Protection (TAP) solution encrypts and secures both the banks and end users data across the full range of Android and iOS devices.

KB Kookmin Bank launched Liiv TalkTalk to its 30 million customers in July 2017 and it offers encrypted messaging for both consumers and businesses. It is the first app in Korea to provide financial services - such as P2P payment and pension, credit card and savings account enquiries - via interactive messaging. In order to enhance its existing security infrastructure, KB Kookmin has used the TAP solution to protect personal and financial data by securing the private keys used to decode chat messages. It is the worlds first P2P payments and messaging app to be protected by TAP. The bank has also added TAP to the Liiv app to provide a safe and easy authentication service, in particular through the secure storage of authentication data.

Hyoung Joo Park, General Manager of the Smart Strategy Dept. at KB Kookmin Bank commented: We take the protection of both our customers data and our applications very seriously. We needed to ensure the integrity of our new app, which combines social media and financial services, across all devices. With ATsolutions and Trustonic working with our agile team we have achieved that goal in just 35 working days. We are confident that Liiv TalkTalk can offer a complete banking platform based on secured messaging and will continue to extend the services that it offers. We are now looking at other areas where both KB Kookmin Bank and our customers can benefit and look forward to bringing further updates soon.

Connected devices are being used to perform increasingly sensitive tasks, which makes them extremely interesting to hackers and fraudsters comments Ben Cade, CEO of Trustonic. Consumers need to feel safe when using services and any data theft can lead to both

financial loss for individuals and to irreparable damage to brands. This is why application protection has never been more important. Were seeing a huge increase in demand for on-device software and hardware protection and we look forward to continuing our work with KB Kookmin Bank.

Jong Seo Kim, CEO of ATsolutions, said: We have taken great care to prioritize the customers security and convenience by embedding TAP into KB Kookmin Banks Liiv TalkTalk, Liiv and ATsolutions Smartpass, delivering an easy and reliable authentication service. We are now looking ahead and plan to continue to expand the use of TAP into new business areas.

To find out more about Trustonic, visit the website and blog.

[ENDS]

For further information please contact Rob Peryer or Erin Lovett at iseepr on: +44 (0) 113 350 1922, or email rob@iseepr.co.uk / erin@iseepr.co.uk

Notes to editors

About KB Kookmin Bank and KB Financial Group Inc.

KB FGI is a comprehensive financial group with 422 trillion KRW in assets (as of June 2017) and the largest domestic customer base, as well as the widest network of service branches in Korea.

KB Financial Group was founded on September 29, 2008 to effectively cope with rapidly changing financial environment at home and abroad. We are the nations largest financial group, providing comprehensive financial service in a wide variety of areas, including banking, investment and insurance. There are currently 12 subsidiaries in the Group.

KB Kookmin Bank was founded through the consolidation between the former Bank and the former Hounsing & Commercial Bank in 2001. Boasting a strong brand power and wide network of distribution channels, Kookmin Bank has attracted more than 30 million customers and has ranked first at the National Customer Satisfaction Index (NCSI) ten times - a first in the banking sector.

About Trustonic

Trustonic is a venture formed in 2012 by blue chip leaders in the semiconductor industry (ARM) and digital security (Gemalto). Trustonics mission is to protect, enrich and simplify peoples digital lives by enabling optimum security on all smart connected devices and associated services and applications. Trustonic has already pioneered the adoption of advanced Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) security technology into the worlds leading mobile devices, such as those from Samsung, vivo, OPPO, Xiaomi, LG, Meizu and Gionee, and has working solutions today underpinning Samsung Knox, Samsung Pay, Alipay and Symantec VIP. Trustonic Application Protection (TAP) gives app developers a single set of APIs to enable market-leading protection for mobile apps and associated sensitive data across any device.

About ATsolutions

ATsolutions is a pioneer in delivering trust and business productivity solutions to the digital market. ATsolutions develops next generation technologies (Smart Pass) that enable lots of financial institutes and banks to achieve their digital agenda, deliver an enhanced customer experience and meet regulatory requirements. ATSs TEE and TAP based solutions combine to form a powerful trust platform that empowers businesses by incorporating identity, fraud prevention and mobile application protection. Learn more about ATsolutions at www.atsolutions.co.kr

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Aerospace Fasteners Market Analysis and Value Forecast Snapshot by End-use Industry 2017-2021

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Market Research Future Publish a New Report on - Aerospace Fasteners Market Research Report- Forecast to 2021Exclusive Summery About Report:The global aerospace fasteners market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 7% during 2016-2021. The growing air traffic, fleet utilization, and replacement has strengthen the line fit and retrofit aerospace fasteners market.Geographically, North America would be the largest market for aerospace fasteners market and APAC is likely to be the fastest growing market due to the significant increase in the number of aircraft in the region. Next generation aircraft like A320, B787, B777X, and A380 constitute approx. 2.4 million to 3 million fasteners in an aircraft. The combined backlog of Boeing and Airbus as of today has an order book, of close to 12,000 aircraft, representing between eight and 10 years production. Majority of backlogs are for A320 family aircraft and B737Max aircraft where fasteners are mainly used. Thus the demand for fasteners will significantly grow in the forecast period.Access the market data and information presented through over 60 tables and figures spread 80+ pages of the project report. Avail in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on Aerospace Fasteners Market Research Report- Forecast to 2021"Aerospace Fasteners Market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including 3V Fasteners, Alcoa, B&B Specialties, KLX, LISI Aerospace, STANLEY Engineered Fastening, NAFCO, Stanley Aerospace Fastening, Acument Global TechnologiesRequest a Sample Report @Key Findings In 2015, the Americas had the largest share of 45% in the market and is expected to lead with 40.5% market share by 2021 APAC is likely to be the fastest growing market, due to the significant increase in the number of aircraft in the region Growing air traffic and aircraft utilization are the driving factors for aerospace fasteners market Alcoa, 3V Fasteners, LISI Aerospace, B&B Specialties are the major vendors of aerospace fasteners market By 2021, commercial aerospace is likely to have the largest market share of around 62%Study Objectives of Aerospace Fasteners Market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Aerospace Fasteners Market To provide country-level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country-level analysis of the market for segment by types and applications To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Aerospace Fasteners MarketIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.For further information on this report, visit @The reports also cover country level analysisAmericas (North and Latin) US Canada Brazil OthersEurope Germany France Italy Spain U.K Rest of EuropeAsia  Pacific China India Japan Australia/New Zealand Rest of Asia-PacificMiddle East & Africa UAE Kuwait Israel Rest of middle East & AfricaThe market report for Aerospace Fasteners 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.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 Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global 3D Printing in Low-Cost Satellite Development Market 2017-2021

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"Global 3D Printing in Low-Cost Satellite Market 2017-2021" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-This industry research report identifies Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Stratasys as the key vendors in the global 3D printing in low-cost satellite market. A comprehensive analysis of this market is also presented by the satellite part (antenna, framework, and power system) and by geography (the Americas, APAC, and EMEA).Get Sample Report With TOC @Overview of the global 3D printing in low-cost satellite marketMarket research analysts at Technavio predict that the global 3D printing in low-cost satellite market will grow steadily at an impressive CAGR of nearly 56% by 2021. This market research analysis identifies the reduction in satellite manufacturing time as one of the primary growth factors for the 3D printing in low-cost satellite market. Unlike conventional manufacturing methods, 3D printing allows cost-efficient and precise engineering of satellite parts with rapid changes in the design of internal features in satellites. These advanced technologies will be adopted by several satellite manufacturing companies for the design and development of satellite systems. 3D printing also enables manufacturers to fully automate the development process of a satellite which considerably lowers satellite manufacturing time. For instance, Lockheed Martin implemented 3D printing in designing satellite parts and components and this helped the company gradually reduce the manufacturing and launch costs and significantly shorten the manufacturing time.The utilization of new-generation and reusable launch vehicles will result in the successful and cost-effective makeover of satellite systems. The introduction of 3D printing enables satellite manufacturers to build rocket engines in shorter durations and will considerably reduce operational and launch costs. One of the leading companies, RocketLab has already developed an orbital launch vehicle named Electron rocket that will cut the cost and time to launch satellites into space. According to the company, the Electron rocket will lower launch costs by almost 95% and reduce the launch time of a satellite from years to weeks.Competitive landscape and key vendorsThe 3D printing in low-cost satellite market is characterized by the presence of global, regional, and local vendors. With all the players competing to gain the maximum revenue shares, the market appears to be highly-competitive. The vendors in the market compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and aftermarket service. To survive and succeed in this intensely competitive market, vendors have the need to provide advanced and high-quality 3D-printed low-cost satellite systems.The leading vendors in the market are -AirbusBoeingLockheed MartinStratasysThe other prominent vendors in the market are Aerojet Rocketdyne and ExOne.Segmentation by satellite part and analysis of the 3D printing in low-cost satellite marketAntennaFrameworkPropulsion systemDuring 2016, the propulsion system segment accounted for the major shares of the 3D printing in low-cost satellite market. The utilization of these systems in commercial, military, and civil satellites will be the major factor fueling the growth of this market segment.Geographical segmentation and analysis of the 3D printing in low-cost satellite marketAmericasAPACEMEAThis market study estimates that in terms of geographic regions, the Americas will be the major revenue contributor to the market throughout the forecast period. Initiatives to develop lightweight 3D-printed satellite systems from NASA and SpaceX and the increased spending on space-based projects, will be the major factors driving the growth of the 3D printing in low-cost satellite market in this region.Key questions answered in the report includeWhat will the market size and the growth rate be in 2021?What are the key factors driving the global 3D printing in low-cost satellite market?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global 3D printing in low-cost satellite market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in the global 3D printing in low-cost satellite market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global 3D printing in low-cost satellite market?Trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global 3D printing in low-cost satellite market?Technavio also offers customization on reports based on specific client requirementThis upcoming industry research report on the global 3D printing in low-cost satellite market offers insights into the key trends and emerging drivers influencing the growth of the aerospace and defense industry. Our market research reports for the aerospace and defense also industry follow a meticulous data collection methodology and offer an analysis of rapidly growing market segments like space.By implementing an extensive research approach of quantitative and qualitative methods and assessing the demand-supply landscape of the space industry, the upcoming report on the global 3D printing in low cost satellite market offers insights into the key market drivers, trends, and eminent challenges that will influence the growth of the all suppliers in this market space. Furthermore, our research practices help clients develop effective growth strategies and stay updated with the ever-changing market landscape. This market study also presents an extensive analysis of various space products and services based on the interpretation of the statistics gathered from specific resources such as channel partners and market stakeholders. This upcoming report on the global 3D printing in low cost satellite market also offers an insight into the competitive landscape and covers vendors like Stratasys and Lockheed Martin.To correctly estimate the growth of the global 3D printing in low cost satellite market, the market research analysts at Technavio follow a combined approach of primary and secondary research and analyze the data collected from various sources including industry experts, research journals, and manufacturers. This market research report on the global 3D printing in low cost satellite market also takes into account the growth of similar markets like low-cost satellite and electric propulsion satellite, which are anticipated to post an impressive CAGR of over 6% and close to 14%, respectively during the forecasted period.Full Report @ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
Global Endoscopy Development Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2016-2020)

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"Global Endoscopy Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2016-2020)" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-Endoscopy is a procedure to scan and diagnose the patients body from inside, in which a tube like instrument is put inside the body of the patient through a cut in skin or mouth or anus. This procedure is very much different from procedures like X-ray, CT scan, Ultrasound and other imaging test. The global endoscopy market has three main segments i.e. endoscopic equipment, accessories and service & repairing. Worldwide, several big medical technology companies are engaged in manufacturing endoscopes and its related market products.Get Sample Report With TOC @The report Global Endoscopy Market provides an in-depth analysis of the global market along with its segments. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the industry are being presented in this report. The key players in the industry, Medtronic Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Olympus Corporation and Boston Scientific are being profiled.The key factors driving the growth of endoscopy market are growing ageing population, growing obese population, increasing number of diabetic patient, accelerating economic growth, rising demand of laparoscopic surgery, growing demand of minimally invasive surgery and growing demand for GI procedure. Some of the noteworthy trends and developments of this industry are technological advancement and assisting algorithms. However, the expansion of endoscopy market is hindered by associated patient risk and environmental issues.Table of Content1. Endoscopy Market - An Overview1.1 An Introduction1.2 Use of Endoscopy1.3 Types of Endoscope2. Global Endoscopy Market Analysis2.1 Global Endoscopy Market by Value2.2 Global Endoscopy Market Forecast by Value2.3 Global Endoscopy Market Segments2.3.1 Global GI Endoscopy Market by Value2.3.2 Global GI Endoscopy Market Forecast by Value2.3.3 Global Laparoscopy Market by Value2.3.4 Global Laparoscopy Market Forecast by Value2.3.5 Global Urology Endoscopy Market by Value2.3.6 Global Urology Endoscopy Market Forecast by Value2.3.7 Global Arthroscopy Market Forecast by Value3. Global Flexible Endoscope Market Analysis3.1 Global Flexible Endoscope Market by Value3.2 Global Flexible Endoscope Market Forecast by Value3.3 Global Flexible Endoscope Market by Volume3.4 Global Flexible Endoscope Market Forecast by Volume3.5 Global Flexible Endoscope Forecast Average Selling Price4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.1.1 Growing Ageing Population4.1.2 Growing Obese Population4.1.3 Increasing Number of Diabetic Patient4.1.4 Accelerating Economic Growth4.1.5 Rising Demand for Laparoscopic Surgery4.1.6 Growing Demand for Minimally Invasive Surgery4.1.7 Growing Demand for GI procedure4.2 Market Trends4.2.1 Technological Advancement4.2.2 Assisting Algorithms4.3 Challenges4.3.1 Associated Patient Risk4.3.2 Environmental Issues5. Competitive Landscape5.1 Global Flexible Endoscope Installed Base Share by Company5.2 Global Flexible Endoscope Installed Base Forecast Share by Company5.3 Global Flexible Endoscope New Placements Share by Company5.4 Global Flexible Endoscope New Placements Forecast Share by Company6. Company Profiles6.1 Medtronic Inc.6.1.1 Business Overview6.1.2 Financial Overview6.1.3 Business Strategies6.2 Johnson & Johnson6.2.1 Business Overview6.2.2 Financial Overview6.2.3 Business Strategies6.3 Olympus Corporation6.3.1 Business Overview6.3.2 Financial Overview6.3.3 Business Strategies6.4 Boston Scientific6.4.1 Business Overview6.4.2 Financial Overview6.4.3 Business StrategiesList of TableEndoscopic OperationsList of ChartEndoscopy TechnologyGlobal Endoscopy Market by Value (2010-2015)Global Endoscopy Market Forecast by Value (2016-2020)Global GI Endoscopy Market by Value (2010-2015)Global GI Endoscopy Market Forecast by Value (2016-2020)Global Laparoscopy Market by Value (2010-2015)Full Report @ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
Automotive Mirror Systems Market Demand 2017-2022 Magna International, Ficosa International

Automotive Mirror Systems

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Automotive Mirror Systems Market Research ReportA market study based on the " Automotive Mirror Systems Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Automotive Mirror Systems Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Automotive Mirror Systems industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Automotive Mirror Systems market on the basis of this analysis.Request For Sample Copy of Report:Automotive Mirror Systems Market Top Manufacturers -1. Magna International2. Ficosa International3. Gentax Corporation4. Samvardhana Motherson Group5. Flabeg Automotive Holding6. Milenco7. Murakami CorporationThe report studies the industry for Automotive Mirror Systems across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Automotive Mirror Systems market and dynamics of demand and supply of Automotive Mirror Systems into consideration. The ' Automotive Mirror Systems ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Automotive Mirror Systems market globally, which starts from the definition of the Automotive Mirror Systems industry and develops towards Automotive Mirror Systems market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Automotive Mirror Systems market is differentiated and researched on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Automotive Mirror Systems market. The geographical segmentation of the Automotive Mirror Systems industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive scenery of the global market for Automotive Mirror Systems is determined by assessing the various industry measures, production capacity, Automotive Mirror Systems market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Automotive Mirror Systems market globally.Browse Complete Report with Full ToC:The global Automotive Mirror Systems market 2017 is also evaluate on the basis of product pricing, Automotive Mirror Systems production volume, data regarding demand and Automotive Mirror Systems supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various analytical tool of Automotive Mirror Systems such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in Automotive Mirror Systems market research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Automotive Mirror Systems across the globe.Global Automotive Mirror Systems market research report will help you understand, formulate and implement strategic decisions by offering critical data, insights and analysis from technology as well as commercial perspective on the Automotive Mirror Systems Market. Global Automotive Mirror Systems market research report consist of comprehensive market data, on a granular level, providing a holistic picture of the Automotive Mirror Systems market for maximum clarity and understanding.About Us:"Depth 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, USAContact: +1-214-661-1669Web:
MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices Market Poised to Expand at a Robust Pace Over 2016 - 2024

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Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound is a non-invasive treatment that combines two tools, focused magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound. The beam of ultrasound focused on targeted sites and penetrates through the soft tissues and, using MRI for monitoring guidance. The ultrasound beam causes an increase in temperature at target tissue and resulting in necrosis of tissue, while the surrounding structure is not disturbed by the beam. The associated MRI to provide guidance also provide imaging that provides temperature map to confirm the therapeutic effect of the ablation treatment and allows real time adjustments of treatment parameters.The increasing demand for minimally invasive methods will drive the market for MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices. The system has several advantages such as the possibility of retreatment, alternative therapy after radiotherapy and surgery over traditional therapy and increasing awareness about the treatment option in developed countries will fuel the market for MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices. MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound system offers fast recovery time and also has low complication rate as compared to surgery.A sample of this report is available upon request @The market for MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices is segmented as device type, application, end user and geography. The device type market is further segmented by two type such as focused ultrasound device and magnetic resonance imaging. These are the two different devices which are used together to and forms MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound system. By Application the market of MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices is segmented as Cancer (Brain Tumor, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Bone metastases, liver cancer, kidney cancer and pancreatic cancer, etc.), uterine fibroids, Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, etc. The increasing prevalence of cancer globally will drive the market for MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices in the forecast period. MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound system is incision-less, noninvasive method used to treat abnormal benign growths in a womans uterus known as fibroid tumors or fibroids. Uterine fibroids are one of the most common disorders of the uterus and mainly seen in women. The patient with essential tremor and not responding for medication MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery is the best option of treatment for them.By End User, the MRI-Guided Focused ultrasound devices market is segmented in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, diagnostic centers and clinics. Hospitals segment hold the largest share in MRI-Guided Focused ultrasound devices Market due to the availability of facilities are good in hospitals. After hospitals, Ambulatory surgical centers governs the market growth of MRI-Guided Focused ultrasound devices.Recent conferences and workshops and rise in the number of surgeries performed by focused ultrasound surgery demonstrate that the technology is viable and is likely to see substantial development in the near future. MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery was also named by many published medical agencies as one of top twenty most important invention and would be most useful in near future.Geographically North America hold largest market share in overall MRI-Guided Focused ultrasound devices market was owing to increasing demand for non-invasive method and high product approval in the region for treatment. The market of Europe for MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound devices will grow in forecast period due to the availability of devices in the region and awareness about system among people. The market in Asia Pacific will be smaller than North America and Europe due to less new product penetration in the region. The Latin America and the Middle East & Africa will less contribute in growth of MRI-Guided Focused ultrasound devices market.In July 2016, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved first MRI-guided focused ultrasound device ExAblate Neuro to treat essential tremor. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, several million Americans, usually those over age 40, are affected by the condition. ExAblate Neuro uses magnetic resonance images taken during the procedure to deliver focused ultrasound to destroy brain tissue in a tiny area thought to be responsible for causing tremors. InSightec Ltd is the company which developed the system. In 2012, United States F.D.A. approved the MRI-Guided Focused ultrasound devices to initiate phase one study.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the major market players in MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices Market globally include Koninklijke Philips N.V., Toshiba Corporation, Siemens AG, Hitachi Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Esaote S.p.A., Mindray Medical International Ltd., and Analogic 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:
Global Luggage & Leather Goods Market To Be Worth US$ 361.3 Bn by 2024-end

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Innovatively designed baggage & leather goods will remain in great demand as tourists from all parts of the world will prefer travelling in style. Soaring demand for trendy suitcases and hand bags will also be instrumented by higher durability of leather goods and luggage. A latest report published by Persistence Market Research projects that during the 2016-2024 forecast period, the global market for luggage & leather goods will reach US$ 361,326.1 Mn value. The report further estimates that the market, which is presently valued a little over US$ 244,000 Mn, will soar steadily at a CAGR of 5%.Request to view table of content @Key factors impacting the dynamics of the global luggage & leather goods market are compiled in the report, which follow:Growing preference to vegetable-tanned leather is influencing the global consumption of leather luggage. Manufacturers of such goods are labelling their products according to such popular consumer preferences.Flourishing tourism industry is directly boosting the global sales of luggage & leather goods, with favors pouring in from both domestic and international tourism.However, the demand for luggage & leather goods is also expected to witness restrain from surging adoption of substitute materials. The demand for leather luggage products is expected to lose traction, gradually, to polyester, nylon, rexine, and other equally-durable synthetic materials.A sample of this report is available upon request @Rising demand for lightweight bags, organic leather products and affordable luggage goods is also expected to favor the growth of global market for luggage & leather goods. Over nine out of every ten luggage goods sold in the world will continue to be leather goods. The report predicts that by the end of 2024, the world will have witnessed sales of US$ 331,000 Mn worth of leather goods. Among which, footwear and leather accessories are anticipated to be top-selling leather products.The report further reveals that specialty & multi brand stores, single brand stores, and general retail outlets will collectively serve as largest sales channels for luggage & leather goods. In 2016, over 2,000 million units of luggage & leather goods were sold through general retailers, while online sales accounted for a little over 4.5% revenue share. Key findings in the report also exhibit that North America and Europe will collectively dominate the global market for luggage & leather goods. Nevertheless, these regions are likely to showcase value CAGRs below 5%. Contrary to this, Latin Americas luggage & leather goods market is projected to soar at 5.3% CAGR. Asia-Pacific region, on the other hand, will witness fastest revenue growth at 5.8% CAGR.Browse Complete Report @The report has also profiled globally-prominent manufacturers of luggage & leather goods, which include, Knoll, Inc., Samsonite International SA, Hermes International SA, American Leather, Inc., Aero Leather Clothing Ltd., Timberland, Woodland, Johnston & Murphy, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, and VIP Industries Ltd.Global Market Study on Luggage and Leather Goods is available at $4900 @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:
Worldwide Brake Fluid Market Analysis, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies & Forecast by 2022

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MarketStudyReport.com adds a new Brake Fluid Market research report that provides a detailed market overview as well as industry analysis for / of companies, manufacturers and distributors covering data on gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, sale price and more."Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in hydraulic brake and hydraulic clutch applications in automotive, motorcycles, light trucks, Agriculture Vehicles, off highway, motorsport, etc. It is used to transfer force into pressure, and to amplify braking force. The function of brake fluid is to provide an incompressible medium to transmit the drivers foot pressure on the brake pedal through the master cylinders to the calipers in order to clamp the friction material against the discs. The foot pressure is multiplied by the mechanical pedal ratio and the hydraulic ratio of the master cylinders, booster and caliper pistons."Request a Sample Copy of Global Brake Fluid Market Research Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Brake Fluid 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 Brake Fluid Market report covers as Dow, BASF, BP, Exxon Mobil, Total, Valvoline, Shell, Chevron, Fuchs, CCI, Bendix, DATEX, Repsol, Morris, Bosch, Gulf, ATE and Motul.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 Brake Fluid Market Segment by Type, covers as DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5 and DOT 5.1Global Brake Fluid Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Passenger Vehicle, Commercial Vehicle and OthersEnquire Discount on Global Brake Fluid Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Brake Fluid market.Chapter 1, to describe Brake Fluid Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Brake Fluid, with sales, revenue, and price of Brake Fluid, 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 Brake Fluid market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Brake Fluid, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to Brake Fluid Industry analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the Brake Fluid Market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Brake Fluid market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Brake Fluid Industry sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Related Reports: -North America Brake Fluid Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022This report focuses on the Brake Fluid in North America market, especially in United States, Canada and Mexico. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries, 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:
Anti-Corrosion Coating 2017 Global Key Players AkzoNobel, PPG, Sherwin-Williams, Henkel, Valspar, Jotun, RPM International, Nippon Paint Market Analysis And Forecast To 2022

Anti-Corrosion Coating Market

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Anti-Corrosion Coating Market 2017Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Anti-Corrosion Coating-Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Manufacturers, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2022 To Its Research Database.Description:This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a Detailed Analysis report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Anti-Corrosion Coating industry.This report splits Anti-Corrosion Coating market By Solvents, By Application Environment, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Major CompaniesAkzoNobelPPGSherwin-WilliamsHenkelValsparJotunRPM InternationalNippon PaintBASFChugokuHempelAxaltaSikaKansai PaintKCC Corporation3MHB FullerCarpolyShenzhen Zhanchen paintsShawcorShanghai CoatingsXiangjiang PaintSK KAKENTiannucoatingDAW SECromologyBaotashanTwin Tigers CoatingsJangsu Lanling GroupQilushuiqiRequest for Sample Report@Main Regions:North AmericaUnited StatesCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain Product Type;Anti-Corrosion Coating Market, by SolventsWater-Based CoatingSolvent-Based CoatingOthersAnti-Corrosion Coating Market, by Application EnvironmentGeneral Anti-Corrosion CoatingHeavy-Duty Anti-Corrosion CoatingMain Applications:MarineContainersOffshore ConstructionsIndustrialOthersEnquiry before Buying @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of Contents:Global Anti-Corrosion Coating Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022Chapter One Anti-Corrosion Coating Market Overview1.1 Global Anti-Corrosion Coating Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20221.2 Anti-Corrosion Coating, By Solvents 2012-20221.2.1 Global Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Market Share by Solvents 2012-20221.2.2 Global Anti-Corrosion Coating Revenue Market Share by Solvents 2012-20221.2.3 Global Anti-Corrosion Coating Price by Solvents 2012-20221.2.4 Water-Based Coating1.2.5 Solvent-Based Coating1.2.6 Others1.3 Anti-Corrosion Coating, by Application Environment 2012-20221.3.1 Global Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Market Share by Application Environment 2012-20221.3.2 Global Anti-Corrosion Coating Revenue Market Share by Application Environment 2012-20221.3.3 Global Anti-Corrosion Coating Price by Application Environment 2012-20221.3.4 General Anti-Corrosion Coating1.3.5 Heavy-Duty Anti-Corrosion CoatingChapter Three Anti-Corrosion Coating by Players 2012-20173.1 Global Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Volume Market Share by Players 2012-20173.2 Global Anti-Corrosion Coating Revenue Share by Players 2012-20173.3 Global Top Players Anti-Corrosion Coating Key Product Model and Market Performance3.4 Global Top Players Anti-Corrosion Coating Key Target Consumers and Market Performance...Chapter Five Global Top Players Profile5.1 AkzoNobel5.1.1 AkzoNobel Company Details and Competitors5.1.2 AkzoNobel Key Anti-Corrosion Coating Models and Performance5.1.3 AkzoNobel Anti-Corrosion Coating Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.1.4 AkzoNobel Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.2 PPG5.2.1 PPG Company Details and Competitors5.2.2 PPG Key Anti-Corrosion Coating Models and Performance5.2.3 PPG Anti-Corrosion Coating Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.2.4 PPG Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.3 Sherwin-Williams5.3.1 Sherwin-Williams Company Details and Competitors5.3.2 Sherwin-Williams Key Anti-Corrosion Coating Models and Performance5.3.3 Sherwin-Williams Anti-Corrosion Coating Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.3.4 Sherwin-Williams Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.4 Henkel5.4.1 Henkel Company Details and Competitors5.4.2 Henkel Key Anti-Corrosion Coating Models and Performance5.4.3 Henkel Anti-Corrosion Coating Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.4.4 Henkel Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.5 Valspar5.5.1 Valspar Company Details and Competitors5.5.2 Valspar Key Anti-Corrosion Coating Models and Performance5.5.3 Valspar Anti-Corrosion Coating Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.5.4 Valspar Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.6 Jotun5.6.1 Jotun Company Details and Competitors5.6.2 Jotun Key Anti-Corrosion Coating Models and Performance5.6.3 Jotun Anti-Corrosion Coating Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.6.4 Jotun Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.7 RPM International5.7.1 RPM International Company Details and Competitors5.7.2 RPM International Key Anti-Corrosion Coating Models and Performance5.7.3 RPM International Anti-Corrosion Coating Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.7.4 RPM International Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.8 Nippon Paint5.8.1 Nippon Paint Company Details and Competitors5.8.2 Nippon Paint Key Anti-Corrosion Coating Models and Performance5.8.3 Nippon Paint Anti-Corrosion Coating Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.8.4 Nippon Paint Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.9 BASF5.9.1 BASF Company Details and Competitors5.9.2 BASF Key Anti-Corrosion Coating Models and Performance5.9.3 BASF Anti-Corrosion Coating Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.9.4 BASF Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.10 Chugoku5.10.1 Chugoku Company Details and Competitors5.10.2 Chugoku Key Anti-Corrosion Coating Models and Performance5.10.3 Chugoku Anti-Corrosion Coating Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.10.4 Chugoku Anti-Corrosion Coating Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.11 Hempel5.12 Axalta5.13 Sika5.14 Kansai Paint5.15 KCC Corporation5.16 3M5.17 HB Fuller5.18 Carpoly5.19 Shenzhen Zhanchen paints5.20 Shawcor5.21 Shanghai Coatings5.22 Xiangjiang Paint5.23 SK KAKEN5.24 Tiannucoating5.25 DAW SE5.26 Cromology5.27 Baotashan5.28 Twin Tigers Coatings5.29 Jangsu Lanling Group5.30 QilushuiqiContinued..Buy now @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
Market Intelligence Report Automotive Soft Trim Interior Materials Market, 2016-2026

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Automotive Soft Trim Interior popularly known as Soft Trims belongs to automotive interiors segment being a part of the automotive ancillaries sector. The nomenclature is derived from the nature of the product application compared to the hard exterior body & spare parts of the vehicle. It is used in seats, doors, floor liners, pillar covers, cockpit, headliners, etc. of the vehicle. The material used is primarily of 3 types: Leather, Textile/Fabric & Chemical Polymers. Leather is used in Premium automobile models, whereas the latter two cater to Mid & Base Level models in exterior furnishing/covering as well fabrication of core interior body parts. The product has a blend of critical traits more than just the aesthetics aspect; such as Acoustic Control, Durability & Ergonomics, and Feather Weight Capability.Automotive Soft Trim Interior Market SegmentationThe Automotive Soft Trim Interior market is segmented on the basis of the materials involved. The major materials types can be classified as:Leather which can be further classified as per Texture & Finish, Heat Absorption CapacityFoams which can be also classified such as Backed & Unbacked Types, Texture e.g. Poker Rail, Sew foam & Grade e.g. Residential or Commercial grade on durability basisCoated Fabrics which can be classified as per coating material such as Polymer Coated, Rubber Coated & Other Substrate Coated for having properties like fire, & water resistance and wash proofTextiles & Acoustic Barriers-which can be classified as per area of furnishing whether seating, safety belts, flooring, lining on doors, roof, shelves etc. & also the grade/quality of material used such ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), Polyurethane reactive (PUR) for properties similar to coated fabrics & noise and sound proofing as well .Request Report Sample@Automotive Soft Trim Interior Market Dynamics & TrendsThe entire 4 wheeler-Automotive vehicle segments such as Light Motor Vehicles, Heavy Commercial Vehicles etc. are major consumers whom the product caters to. It has both OEM & Aftermarket channel sales market. Leather, Coated Fabrics & Textiles is used for seats, door-side handles, head rests, arm-rests, seat belts, fasteners & cockpit sections. The premium/luxury model of the vehicle employ leather type whereas the standard models employ the latter types owing to the material quality & its associated cost. Foams & Acoustic Barriers are used in auxiliary interior body parts. The product is thus driven both by the automotive OEM for their varied models as well as by end user as per his budget. It can be noted that the existing manufacturers of this material already have a sound access to procurement chemicals & related raw materials. The companies can be a registered to a particular or multiple automotive OEMS which is a determining factor of the companys standing in the market. These companies are also focusing on different strategies such customized design in order to maintain the market share in the market. Continuous emphasis on new product innovation development by automotive OEMs exists to maintain the competitive advantage by providing more efficient & economic options in the market during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Automotive Soft Trim Interior Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the Automotive Soft Trim Interior industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Western & Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. America, Germany, China and Japan are the major producing nations. In terms of raw materials, Middle East & African countries are major suppliers of Leather; Chemicals by North America, Europe & Asia Pacific including Japan. The market is projected to grow at a steady growth rate. The market would be volume driven across all regions & vehicle segments. Market coverage in existing & untapped regions with OEM order bank would be critical to the companys business.The market does not sees any immediate or external threat at present, only material substitution by advanced types may cannibalize the existing material types.Automotive Soft Trim Interior Market PlayersThe major players identified across the value chain of The Haartz Corporation, Benecke Kaliko, Polyone Corporation, Recticel, Classic Soft Trim, and Auto Trim Inc. in terms of manufacturing apart from regional /Medium & Small-scale companies, Material Suppliers & Distributors etc.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Know the Current Scenario and Insights of Purlins and Side Rails Market 2017

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ReportsMonitor.com has added a new report to its database Global Purlins and Side Rails Market Report 2017.This report identifies the Purlins and Side Rails 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 Purlins and Side Rails market.Purlins and Side Rails 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, coveringAdeilad CladdingAccord Steel CladdingLindabAlbion SectionsBW IndustriesArcelorMittalAtlas WardFlexospan Steel BuildingsTata BlueScope SteelKingspan GroupThe competitive landscape of the global market for Purlins and Side Rails is determined by evaluating the various market participants, production capacity, Purlins and Side Rails markets production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Purlins and Side Rails market worldwide.This report segments the Purlins and Side Rails marketButtedSleevedDouble SpanOn the basis of application:ConstructionsAutomotiveWarehouse & LogisticsEnergy & PowerOtherFor comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, the Purlins and Side Rails market is analyzed across key geographies namely:North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaEach of these regions is analyzed on basis of market findings across major countries in these regions for a macro-level understanding of the market.Browse Full Table of Contents and Report Description @Some points from TOC:Global Purlins and Side Rails Market Research Report 20171 Purlins and Side Rails Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Purlins and Side Rails1.2 Purlins and Side Rails Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Purlins and Side Rails Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2022)10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders10.1 Marketing Channel10.1.1 Direct Marketing10.1.2 Indirect Marketing10.1.3 Marketing Channel Development Trend10.2 Market Positioning10.2.1 Pricing Strategy10.2.2 Brand Strategy10.2.3 Target Client10.3 Distributors/Traders ListReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform to meet the market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Office C & D - 4th Floor,Siddhi Towers,Above Rupee Bank,Kondhwa Road,Pune 411048,Maharashtra,IndiaIndia: +91 2069535353Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
RENO, Nev., Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NuLegacy Gold Corporation reports that it has discovered another important gold zone on its 38-square mile (98-square km) flagship Red Hill property in Nevadas Cortez gold-trend, one of the worlds premier gold mining jurisdictions.



Hole VIO17-01, drilled into the VIO zone, which is over four kilometers east of the Iceberg gold deposits, returned:

33.5 meters (110 feet) of 0.65 grams/t gold and 5.5 grams/t silver starting at 99.2 meters and includes,

9.1 meters (30 feet) of 1.8 grams/t gold and 17.6 grams/t silver.

The gold encountered in this drill intercept appears to be epithermal-style of gold mineralization, an entirely different deposit type to that of our Carlin-style gold deposits. This is an exciting new development for building potential gold resources at Red Hill, commented James Anderson, NuLegacys CEO.

The VIO zones gold mineralization is hosted in mafic to intermediate volcanic flows interpreted to be of Miocene age with the characteristics and geochemistry typical of an epithermal gold system. This contrasts with the several Carlin-type gold systems discovered on the Red Hill property to date that host gold in Devonian carbonates.

Important epithermal gold deposits exist within the Northern Nevada Rift, which crosses the Cortez trend through NuLegacys Red Hill property. Examples of epithermal mines are the nearby past producing Buckhorn and Mule Canyon gold mines and the currently producing high-grade Fire Creek and Midas gold and silver minesii.

This new discovery at VIO is almost four kilometers from Icebergs North zone and is in the western margin of the Northern Nevada Rift as it transects the Red Hill property, said Garrett Frey, NuLegacy Senior Geologist. The Red Hill is uniquely positioned at the intersection of the Cortez-trend and the Northern Nevada Rift, two of Nevadas richest gold trends. While weve primarily focused on the Red Hills Carlin-type gold prospects we were cognisant of the possibility of higher-grade epithermal gold mineralization like the nearby Fire Creek and Mule Canyon mines. The discovery at VIO moves this beyond the concept phase.

The VIO drilling was targeted via the completion of a 6-line kilometer CSAMT survey in the heart of the VIO prospect. To compliment this work, 332 soil and rock chip samples were collected:

The soil geochemistry survey identified multiple areas with highly anomalous gold values

There were numerous rock chip samples with greater than  gram/t gold values.

These robust gold values and geochemical anomalies occur proximal to a series of structures identified by the CSAMT and geologic mapping program. These structures are sub-parallel to the north-west/south-east striking Iceberg fault system, which is an important orientation for mineralization in the Cortez trend. Follow-up drilling at VIO will commence after further study of geochemical and geophysical data has helped to determine appropriate drill sites, and those sites have been permitted.

The application of our old school/new school science by our dynamic exploration team and the resulting 2017 summer wildcat drilling program (65% of the 2017 35,000 ft./40 hole drilling program dedicated to exploring for prospective deposits) has been a resounding success, said NuLegacys Chairman, Albert Matter, To date we have added the Avocado, Deep Iceberg, Western Slope, Serena and VIO prospects to our original complement of the North, South and Central Iceberg gold deposits. We now have over ten square km of gold mineralization in the central mineralized zone of the Red Hill property.

Drilling to further define these recent discoveries and expand on the gold content of the Iceberg gold deposit will resume in the fall. Three wildcat holes were also drilled into the Jasperoid Basin area and four into other geophysical and geochemical targets mostly west and southwest of Icebergs central zone. These holes contained either anomalous gold values or no significant gold values; holes with anomalous values may be followed up on later.

About NuLegacy Gold Corporation: NuLegacy is a Nevada exploration company focused on discovering additional Carlin-style gold deposits on its premier district scale 98-sq. km (38 sq. mile) Red Hill Project in the prolific Cortez gold trend of Nevada.

To date NuLegacy has discovered the Icebergi and the Avocado Carlin-style gold deposits and has identified four more highly prospective exploration targets that are being drilled this year.

NuLegacys Red Hill Project is located on trend and adjacentii to three multi-million ounce Carlin-type gold deposits (the Pipeline, Cortez Hills and Goldrush deposits) that are amongst Barrick Golds largest, lowest cost and politically safest gold minesiii.

i An established exploration target of 90-110 million tonnes of 0.9 to 1.1 grams of gold per tonne. These figures are conceptual in nature and derived from a compilation of 149 historic and 111 NuLegacy drill holes. To date, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.

ii The similarity and proximity of these deposits in the Cortez Trend is not necessarily indicative of the gold mineralization in NuLegacys Red Hill Project.

iiiAs extracted from Barricks Q4-2013 and Q1-2014 reports.

Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance: All sampling was conducted under the supervision of the Companys project geologists and the chain of custody from the project to the sample preparation facility was continuously monitored. A blank or certified reference material was inserted approximately every 20th sample. The samples were delivered to American Assay Labs preparation facility in Sparks, NV. The samples were crushed, pulverized and sample pulps were analyzed by American Assay Labs certified laboratory in Sparks, NV. Pulps were digested and analyzed for gold using fire assay fusion and an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish on a 30-gram split. All other elements were determined by ICP analysis. Data verification of the analytical results included a statistical analysis of the standards and blanks that must pass certain parameters for acceptance to ensure accurate and verifiable results. The reported intercepts are not necessarily true widths as there is insufficient data at this time with respect to the shape of the mineralization to calculate its true orientation.

On Behalf Of NuLegacy Gold Corporation

James E Anderson, Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please phone 604-639-3640 or contact James Anderson (CEO) at james@nuggold.com, Albert Matter (Chairman) at albert@nuggold.com or Roger Steininger, (CGO) at roger@nuggold.com, or Frank Lagiglia (ICM) at frank@nuggold.com or visit www.nulegacygold.com.

Dr. Roger Steininger, NuLegacys Chief Geoscience Officer is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG 7417) and the qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects responsible for preparing and reviewing the scientific and technical information contained in this news release

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of gold, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, availability of financing and other risks in the mining industry. There are no known resources or reserves in the Red Hill Project and the proposed exploration programs are exploratory searches for commercial bodies of ore. In addition, the presence of gold deposits on properties adjacent or near the Red Hill Project is not necessarily indicative of the gold mineralization on the Red Hill Project. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com including our annual managements discussion and analysis dated July 26, 2017 for the year ended March 31, 2017. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required under applicable securities legislation.
Gas Gensets Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth 2024

Gas Gensets Market

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Gas gensets is a reciprocating internal combustion engine that is used across the globe for distributed power production. Gas gensets employ natural gas to power generators and produce electricity. Currently, the market for gensets is dominated by diesel gensets. Diesel is used to fuel the generators; however, many countries have laid several norms to regulate the high levels of harmful emissions from diesel powered gensets. This is expected to positively influence the global gas gensets market in the near future.Demand for gas gensets is driven by the widening electricity demand-supply gap, rising industrialization, low operational cost, and rising carbon emissions. Gas gensets are broadly used in various end-user segments such as pharmaceutical & health care industries, communication & transportation systems, landfill sites, and manufacturing & water treatment facilities as a back-up power source during grid failure or power outages. The gas gensets market is expected to expand at a healthy pace in the near future due to the rise in environmental concerns, increase in awareness about greenhouse gas emissions, and volatility in the oil & gas market.Browse Market Research Report @The gas gensets market can be classified into two segments: application and geography. On the basis of application, the gas gensets market can be divided into standby power, primary power, and peak shaving. Many developed regions, where electricity outages are less frequent, use gas gensets for standby power. On the other hand, many developing regions where electricity demand is very high and power cuts are more common, gas gensets are used as the primary power supply, particularly in hospitals. Gas gensets also allow companies to lower expenses, as these may be deployed when the price of electricity is very high. Gensets can be configured easily to form multiple-unit power plants and the product range is suitable for a variety of business applications, regardless of location. The in-built heat-recovery process gives it competitive advantage over others, which eliminates the need for additional power required to drive the cooling system and thus increasing overall efficiency.The gas gensets market can also be segmented on the basis of geographical regions. North America is one of the rapidly growing regions for the gas gensets market. The market is dominated by the U.S. due to the tremendous growth in the production of natural gas and shale gas. The region has seen a steep decline in natural gas prices. Strong opportunity for growth exists in the next few years in the developing economies of Asia Pacific owing to the rapid globalization in countries such as Japan, China, and India. The poor distribution and management of power grids, leading to a rise in power outages, in developing economies is expected to continue to remain a major factor in boosting the demand for gas powered generators in Asia Pacific.For more information on this report, fill the form @Europe also accounts for a large share of the gas gensets market. Gas gensets are mainly used as standby power sources in the region. Major players operating in the gas gensets market are largely focusing on the developing economies for their immense market potential. Competition from diesel powered gensets is likely to be stiff due to their reliability and low maintenance cost, however the increasing use of eco-friendly fuels amid the growing restriction and regulations by governments, the global gas gensets market is expected to experience remarkable growth in the next eight years.Major players operating in the gas gensets market include Caterpillar, General Electric Company, Cummins, Dresser-Rand, MTU Onsite Energy GmbH, Generac Power Systems, and Wartsila.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Automotive Stamping Market To Increase at Steady Growth Rate 2016-2026

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Stamping is a metal working process by which a desired shape and structure of a material is achieved. This metal working process is adopted in manufacturing industries engaged in processing of hardened surfaces such as sheet metal and plastics components. Stamping process forms the base of all the building process in automotive industry as more than 80 percent of the components that make up a vehicle is produced by stamping. Both the interior structural components and the exterior build components are produced by this process.Since 2010, the demand for automobiles has increased exponentially after the global economic downturn during 2009. This has led to an increase in demand of the stamping machines so as to meet the demand of an impeding growth in the automotive sector. The increase in usage of stamping machines in the automotive sector attributed to the growth of stamped automotive parts and is forecast to expand at a increasing growth rates during 2016-2026.Automotive Stamping Market DynamicsThe market for stamping machines in the automotive sector is driven by reduced lead times required for manufacturing vehicles. The machines are extremely versatile as different modules can be achieved by changing the necessary die. This process has also led to reduced labor requirements as the process can be automated with the help of computers thereby reducing the labor costs. The process helps in reducing scrap wastage as precise amount of raw material is utilized. The production cost incurred in the stamping process is very low and is replacing other metal working processes such as forging and die-casting.Request Report Sample@Automotive Stamping Market: SegmentationOn the basis of forming temperature, Automotive Stamping Market can be segmented as:Hot StampingCold StampingOn the basis of Stamping process, Automotive Stamping Market can be segmented as:Mechanical ProcessHydraulic ProcessPneumatic ProcessOn the basis of the number of stations required, Automotive Stamping Market can be segmented as:Single Tool StationProgressive StationsVisit For TOC@Automotive Stamping: Regional OutlookThe Global automotive stamping market can be divided into seven geographical locations such as North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Asia-Pacific market is anticipated to grow steeply in the stamped components, as the automotive sector in China, Japan and India is growing at a rapid pace. In Latin America, Brazil is the strongest automotive stamped components market preceded by Mexico and Argentina, due to improved production and sales of automobiles in these regions. European countries such as U.K. and Germany are also expected to grow in the stamped component market as demand for vehicles in these regions has increased exponentially.Automotive Stamping Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players which provide the Automotive Industry with Stamping Presses areSchuler GroupAIDA GlobalOrchid InternationalEagle Press & Equipment Co. Ltd.Hyundai RotemMacRodyne Hydraulic Presses & AutomationSantec GroupJier North AmericaRidgeview IndustriesBliss-Bret IndustriesABOUT 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:
Network Security Market Forecast and Segments, 2016-2024

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Global Network Security Market: OverviewThe global market for network security is witnessing constant growth, thanks to the increasing visualization of servers resulting in the adoption of innovative and new network security solutions. In addition, the rise in the use of network security solutions by medium- and small-sized businesses across the globe is expected to accelerate the development of the overall market in the next few years. The growing demand for workforce mobility, which is projected to offer improved security solutions in order to protect PDAs, laptops, and smart phones from cyber-attacks and malwares is further anticipated to contribute towards the markets growth.The research study offers a detailed overview of the global network security market, providing information related to the market dynamics, which are likely to impact the growth of the market in the near future. In addition, the growth drivers, barriers, latest trends, opportunities, and challenges in the global market have been highlighted to offer a strong understanding of the market.Obtain Report Details @Global Network Security Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe tremendously rising use of mobile devices and the rising demand for integrated security solutions are some of the important factors that are anticipated to fuel the growth of the global network security market in the next few years. In addition, a significant rise in the regulatory compliance requirements is likely to accelerate the growth of the overall market in the next few years. The growing popularity of Software as a Service-based network security solutions is considered as a major factor encouraging the growth of the overall market.On the flip side, the absence of efficient security solutions and complexity of network infrastructure are estimated to hamper the growth of the global network security market. Additionally, threats arising from open-source network security solutions and technical defects are some of the other factors predicted to inhibit the markets growth in the next few years. Nevertheless, a significant rise in the number of DDoS attacks and the rising number of mergers and acquisitions are estimated to contribute towards the growth of the market.Make an Enquiry @Global Network Security Market: Key SegmentationThe global market for network security can be categorized on the basis of product type into intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IDP), next generation hybrid solutions, low end hybrid solutions, high end hybrid solutions, and virtual private network (VPN) gateways. The increasing need to implement network security, owing to the increasing use of mobile phone is accelerating the market growth. In addition, new products and the rising number of applications are likely to encourage growth in the near future. The share, size, and the projected growth rate of each segment have been included in the scope of the research study.Furthermore, on the basis of geography, the global network security market can be divided into four segments. As per the research study, North America is projected to witness progressive growth throughout the forecast period. Technological advancements in this field and innovations are some of the key factors that are estimated to boost the growth of the network security market in North America in the next few years.Key Players Mentioned in the Research Report are:The global network security market is predicted to witness progressive growth throughout the forecast period. The growing emphasis on technological developments and new product development are anticipated to offer promising opportunities for market players in the next few years. Some of the leading players operating in the network security market across the globe are Enterasys, WatchGuard, Fortinet Inc., Symantec, Juniper Networks Inc., Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., NFR, Avaya, IBM ISS, Nokia, Alcatel, Assured Digital, CyberGuard, NetScreen, ISS, Lucent, McAfee, Fortress, SonicWall, Network Associates, Cisco Systems Inc., Computer Associates, Nortel, and Intrusion.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Acute Care Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth 2024

Acute Care Market

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Acute care is a branch of secondary health care in which short term treatment is provided to patients for their various medical conditions such as severe injury and recovery from surgery. Acute care medical services are usually provided to patients by health care professionals including medical and surgical specialties. Acute care may necessitate stay of a patient in hospital emergency department and ambulatory surgery center. Hospital-based acute inpatient care typically has the goal of discharging patients as soon as they attain healthy and stable medical condition. Usually acute care settings include emergency department, coronary care, intensive care, neonatal intensive care and cardiology.Acute care market segmentationBased on the medical condition of the patients, acute care services can be segmented as emergency care, urgent care, short term stabilization, pre-hospital care, critical care, trauma care and acute care surgery. According to Heart Foundation projected that Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of death, accounting for 17.03 million deaths per year. It projected that the number will grow to more than 23.06 million by 2030.Browse Market Research Report @The market for acute care is expected to show tremendous growth rate throughout the forecast period 2014 to 2020. The rising number of elderly people across the globe is one of the many reasons for acute care market growth as they usually suffer from various acute diseases such as viral infection and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, increasing number of hospital owing to rising healthcare expenditure would further drive the growth of acute care market.Large revenue contribution of the region is due to the presence of large number of patient population. In addition, presence of large number of hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers in the region further propels the growth of acute care market. Likewise, large number of emergency visits in hospitals across North America due to huge incidences of trauma injury has also contributed heavily in collecting largest share of the global acute care market. Europe accounted for the second largest share of global acute care market owing to presence of significant number of patient population.The acute sector is involved in two types of vanguards; sites that encourage the spread of excellence between hospitals covering over 15 million people, and sites that focus on integrated care between different services and local areas.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Acute care market growthAccording to the World Health Organization, around 80 percent of the total CVD deaths occur in developing countries. These unmet medical needs of the population in emerging economies will support the growth acute care market. In addition, increase in healthcare infrastructure and medical expenditure by the governments in Asia-Pacific will also increase the number of medical institutions such as hospitals that would provide acute care services. Likewise, rise in healthcare expenditure will also widen the entry of acute care service provider in the market. For instance, it has been estimated that Chinas healthcare expenditure was USD 357 billion and is expected to reach USD 1,000 billion in 2020.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Behenyl Alcohol Market to Record a Sluggish CAGR of 4.5% through 2015 - 2021

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According to the latest market report published by Persistence Market Research titled  Global Market Study on Behenyl Alcohol: Asia Pacific to Witness Highest Growth by 2021, the global behenyl alcohol market to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period, 2015 - 2021.Behenyl alcohol (CAS: 661-19-8), often referred to as docosanol, is a saturated fatty alcohol used to thicken and stabilise formulations. It is categorised on the basis of purity level. Behenyl alcohol with the purity level of 70% is most commonly used. However, behenyl alcohol with purity over 80% is very rarely used. Behenyl alcohol accounted for a mere 1.4% share of the overall fatty alcohols market, and for 14% share of the overall C16+ fatty alcohols market in 2014.Request to view table of content @Global behenyl alcohol market is projected to account for 54,200.9 metric tons by the end of 2021. In terms of value, the global behenyl alcohol market accounted for US$ 119.4 Mn in 2014. It is projected to witness the increase in volume due to rising demand from end-use segments.The report analyses the global behenyl alcohol market in terms of market value (US$ Mn) and market volume (metric tons), by end-use segment, region and application; and provides information regarding market dynamics, value chain, competitive landscape, current trends, market estimations and forecast.Globally, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period and is projected to witness a 1.4X increase in its volume production by the end of 2021. While Japan and India are two major exporters of behenyl alcohol chemicals globally, South Korea is one of the key importers of behenyl alcohol in Asia Pacific. In Asia Pacific, India is the largest producer of rapeseed and behenyl alcohol.A large number of companies based in the country export rapeseed to North America, Europe and other parts of Asia. Sun care products are widely used in Asia Pacific. It accounted for nearly US$ 2.2 Bn in 2014. The increase in demand for sun care products, in turn, is expected to boost overall demand for behenyl alcohol globally.Though the market is gaining traction in Asia-Pacific, low presence of Chinese players in the behenyl alcohol market has significantly reduced price competitiveness among the companies based in Japan, India and Europe. As a result, manufacturers are expected to generate high-profit margins in the Asia Pacific region. Europe is the next lucrative destination for behenyl alcohol manufacturers.A sample of this report is available upon request @Among the end-use segments, behenyl alcohol finds the largest application in the cosmetics industry, followed by pharmaceuticals and others. The pharmaceuticals end-use segment is expected to gain traction in the near future due to increasing demand for behenyl alcohol in ointments. Increasing demand for high-quality cosmetic products is influencing manufacturers to opt for high-quality ingredients such as behenyl alcohol, which has a relatively non-sticky property as compared to other ingredients.Globally, per capita consumption of cosmetics is increasing at a rate of 3.4% per year. Per capita consumption of cosmetics is expected to grow exponentially in the near future due to a significant rise in geriatric population, especially in Japan and China.Browse Complete Report @By application type, the behenyl alcohol market is segmented into emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners and others. The emollients segment is expected to dominate the overall behenyl alcohol market by the end of the forecast period, i.e. by 2021. The segment is projected to register an above average growth rate over the forecast period. Global consumption of emollients stood at 130,000 metric tons in 2014. Consumption of behenyl alcohol as an ingredient in emollients accounted for a significant proportion of the total emollients consumed globally.Key market participants covered in the report include BASF SE, Kao Corporation, VVF Chemicals Limited, Godrej Industries Ltd., Sasol Ltd. and Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.Global Market Study on Behenyl Alcohol is available at $4900 @Persistence 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.Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA,Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Automated CPR Devices Market to Witness Comprehensive CAGR of 11% Growth by 2025

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Demand for automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) devices will surpass US$ 60 million by the end of 2016, up from US$ 50.7 million in 2014. Strong demand for automated CPR devices from EMS and hospitals is expected to fuel the market in the future.Favourable government support is driving the adoption of automated CPR devices, especially in developed economies. For instance, Harris County Emergency Ambulance Authority in the US approved purchase of 10 automated CPR units to be carried on-board ambulances.Rising awareness on survival strategies during a cardiac arrest have also brought automated CPR devices in the limelight. The recent study by Institute of Medicines (IOM), titled, Strategies to Improve Cardiac Arrest Survival: A Time to Act has provided an impetus to the use of CPR devices in emergency situations. Increase in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest incidences is also fuelling the adoption of automated CPR devices.High Cost Remains a Key Challenge for Widespread AdoptionAlthough FMI maintains a positive outlook on the global automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) devices market, high cost remains a key challenge for adoption. The average cost of a CPR device is nearly US$ 10,000, making it difficult for healthcare institutions to adopt them en masse.Automated CPR Devices Market Report Overview@Europe and North America Most Lucrative MarketsEurope and North America are the largest markets for automated CPR devices. Demand for automated CPR devices in Europe was to the tune of US$ 18.3 million in 2014; FMI expects it to reach US$ 22.5 million by the end of 2016. Europes share in the global automated CPR devices market is expected to reach 38% by 2025, gaining 180 BPS between 2014 and 2025.The automated CPR devices market in Europe is fuelled by strong demand from Germany and U.K. Demand for automated CPR devices in Germany is expected to reach US$ 5 million by 2016 end, whereas U.K.s market is anticipated to be worth US$ 3.5 million.The U.S. remains a lucrative market for automated CPR devices, accounting for over 80% market value share in North America. In contrast, demand for automated CPR devices in Canada was worth US$ 2.3 million in 2014; FMI expects it to reach US$ 2.8 million by 2016.Request to View Table Of Content@ZOll Medical Corporation will Surpass Physio-Control, Inc. by 2016 to become the Leading PlayerZOLL Medical Corporation, Physio-Control, Inc., Brunswick Biomedical Technologies, Michigan Instruments, and SunLife Science Inc. are the key players in the global automated CPR devices market. Physio-Control, Inc. and ZOLL Medical Corporation collectively hold nearly two-thirds of the market share currently. North America remains the most lucrative market for all the key players, except SunLife Science Inc., which has a strong presence in Asia Pacific.Physio-Control is the dominant player in the automated CPR devices market, accounting for nearly 40% market share. The company offers LUCAS, a pneumatically-driven piston CPR device. FMI forecasts Physio-Control to lose market share to ZOLL Medical Corporation on account of gradual decrement in the use of piston-driven devices.ZOLL Medical Corporations flagship offering AutoPulse is fast gaining popularity owing to its thoracic compression theory. FMI expects ZOLL Medical Corporation to surpass Physio-Control by 2016, holding a 38.6% market share vis-a-vis 36% share of Physio-Control.A Sample Report is Available Upon@Michigan Instruments, SunLife Science Inc., and Brunswick Biomedical Technologies will account for less than 10% share of the global market by 2020, owing to consolidation by ZOLL Medical Corporation and Physio-Control.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 :
Gastritis Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth 2024

Gastritis Market

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Gastritis is characterized by a set of conditions that cause inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach, for a short or long time. Upper abdominal pain or discomfort is the most common symptom of Gastritis. There are two forms of gastritis, a brief and sudden illness, acute gastritis occurs suddenly, which involves sudden and severe inflammation; and chronic gastritis which develops slowly may last for years due to long-term inflammation. An upset stomach following the consumption of alchohol or certain medications is one of the common examples of acute gastritis. There are various causes of gastritis but one of the most common causes is Helicobacter pylori, a kind of bacterium that infects the lining of the stomach. If left untreated, gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori can lead to ulcers and stomach cancer.Browse Market Research Report @Though foods which cause gastritis are different from person to person and may not always be consistent with the severity of the disease , spicy, fatty and fried foods are commonly avoided to set off symptoms of gastritis. Bleeding inside the stomach occurs in a case of severe gastritis. Other causes of gastritis include autoimmune disorders, digestive disorders and stress caused by severe injury. Various symptoms associated with gastritis are as follows:NauseaAbdominal painAbdominal bloatingVomitingLoss of appetiteBlack and tarry stoolFeeling of fullnessGASTRITIS MARKET SEGMENTATIONBased on diagnosis, the gastritis market can be segmented as follows:pyroli test: This test is used to determine the presence of bacterium H. pyroliBlood test: Red blood cell count is checked to determine whether an individual has anemia or notEndoscopy: A thin with a tiny camera (endoscope) is inserted into ones stomach to check for inflammationX-ray of upper digestive system: X-ray creates images of esophagus, stomach and small intestine and is used todiagnose abnormalities.Based on treatments, the gastritis market can be segmented as follows:Acid blocking medications: Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid) and esomeprazole (Nexium) block cells that form stomach acid.Acid reducing medications: Histamine (H-2) blockers (acid blockers) such as ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid) reduces the amount of acid released into the digestive tractAntacids: Antacids act as a neutralizing agent for the stomach and provide rapid relief from gastritis painAntibiotics: Combination of antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) and metronidazole (Flagyl) are used to kill the bacterium H.pyroli and thereby aids in the treatment of gastritisBased on geography, the gastritis market can be segmented into four major regions:North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). Out of all, North America dominates the gastritis market followed by Europe. The prime factors that are driving the growth of the market in these regions are high prevalence of gastritis and increasing unhealthy lifestyles of the population. According to a published survey, the prevalence rate of gastritis is approximately 1 in 100 in the US.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Asia Pacific is the most lucrative market for the growth of gastritis market and is developing at an extremely rapid pace. The factors which would augment the growth of the market in Asia Pacific region are increasing rate of various viral and autoimmune diseases, rapid spread of infection from one person to another and development of various sophisticated therapeutic tools for gastritis. Furthermore, other benefits such as favorable taxation policy and reimbursement scenario, and easy market penetration in developing countries such as China, India, and Malaysia would also fuel the growth of the gastritis market in the coming years.Presently, the gastritis market is fragmented and various companies are developing therapeutic drugs for the treatment of gastritis.Gastritis Market Key PlayersSome of the top players operating in the gastritis market are AstraZeneca PLC, Novartis AG, Zydus Cadila Healthcare Limited, PT Otsuka Indonesia and others.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Automotive Injector Nozzle Market 2017- Bosch (GER), Continental (GER), Delphi Automotive (US), Denso (JP), Keihin Corporation (JP) and Magneti Marelli (IT).

Automotive Injector Nozzle Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Automotive Injector Nozzle Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Automotive Injector Nozzle Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Automotive Injector Nozzle industry, and estimates the future trend of Automotive Injector Nozzle market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Automotive Injector Nozzle Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportBosch (GER)Continental (GER)Delphi Automotive (US)Denso (JP)Keihin Corporation (JP)Magneti Marelli (IT).The market research report explores the Automotive Injector Nozzle market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Automotive Injector Nozzle Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Automotive Injector Nozzle market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Automotive Injector Nozzle. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Automotive Injector Nozzle market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Automotive Injector Nozzle is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Automotive Injector Nozzle market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Automotive Injector Nozzle market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Automotive Injector Nozzle market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Automotive Injector Nozzle production volume, data pertaining to demand and Automotive Injector Nozzle supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Automotive Injector Nozzle along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Automotive Injector Nozzle across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Insulin Resistance Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share 2024

Insulin Resistance Market

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Diabetes has become a major concern across the globe owing to its increasing prevalence. Statistics published by World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that over 350 million individuals suffer from diabetes globally. The data also details that more that 80% cases are recorded in low and middle income countries, majority of which are from Asia Pacific, the Middle East and African countries. India accounts for maximum cases of diabetes with more than 30 million cases registered in year 2000. According to Medscape, a healthcare website, in the United States, the prevalence of insulin resistance is over 3%.Insulin resistance is a complication in which body develops resistance to insulin due to its over production. As the sensitivity towards insulin decreases, body produces excess insulin for better absorption of glucose. This conditions leads to development of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose level is higher than the normal level, but not enough for proper diagnosis of diabetes. Although exact cause of insulin resistance is not known, scientists and doctor believe that excess and sedentary lifestyle are main causes for development of the disorder.Browse Market Research Report @Major symptoms of insulin resistance are lethargy, hunger, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and kidney damage. Insulin resistance diagnosis is difficult and involves combination of tests. Usually hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp test is used to measures the amount of glucose which is necessary to compensate for increased insulin level without causing hypoglycemia. Other tests include glucose tolerance test and fasting insulin level.Insulin Resistance Market: Drivers and RestraintsFew drugs approved by FDA are available in the market for treatment of insulin resistance. Humulin by Lilly LLC, and Novolin and Velosulin by Novo Nordisk, are the major brands in the market. Various off label drugs are also prescribed to suppress the symptoms of insulin resistance. Inadequate clinical information on insulin resistance has restricted the scope of drug development. Although scientists are trying to gain insight for exact cause of insulin resistance, development of drugs may take more time owing to lengthy clinical trials.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Diabetes and the consequent insulin resistance being a major concern in most of the countries, government initiatives to motivate research in diabetes is expected to give rise to more research projects for diabetes and insulin resistance. Aging population and increasing obesity prevalence in developing countries is expected to give rise to patients suffering from insulin resistance. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 35% of the U.S. population is obese. In another data published by OECD, more than 50% of the European Union population is overweight or obese. Obesity prevalence rates are on the rise in China, India and Brazil, making more and more population suitable to insulin resistance. China is now the second obese country in the world followed by India.Adoption of sedentary life style due to and reduced physical activities are adding to worries. Various educational institutes are taking serious steps to curb child obesity by increasing physical activities in schools. These factors are expected to increase the prevalence of increase prevalence of insulin resistance in India, China and other countries. Developing healthcare sector, increasing per capita income and increasing awareness about medical treatments will drive the market in these countries. Reimbursement and other government policies governing pricing will also play a major role in determining the future of the market.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Automated Material Handling Equipment and Systems Market - Global Industry Analysis 2024

Automated Material Handling Equipment Systems Market

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Material handling generally refers to short distance mobility between an automobile and a building, and within the boundaries of buildings. It uses a broad range of automated, semi-automated and manual equipment. Material handling equipment and systems are mechanical equipment and systems used to move, store, control, and protect materials, products and good during the course of manufacturing, circulation, consumption and clearance. This generates utility by means of storage, handling, and control of materials. The prime goals of these systems are development of product quality, productivity and labor safety, and decline in labor costs, operating costs and lead time for manufacturing.One of the key driving factors for the global automated material handling equipment and services market is the increase in automated adoption. Another aspect boosting growth of this market is the focus on safe conditions for working in industries. Besides, the advancing applications in case of e-commerce evoke the companies to react rapidly as far as outbound and returns logistics is concerned, and this simplifies the processes of ordering. Moreover distribution systems and automation warehouses satisfy the logistic needs of this sector.Browse Market Research Report @The development of the global automated material handling equipment and systems market is restrained by issues such as rise in prices, high expenditure on capital, high maintenance costs of equipment and systems, concerns regarding manual labor replacement, and shortage of skilled labor supply. The challenge towards the end-use industries lies in the choosing of technology that is sufficient for the business needs and balances the trade-off between the performance and cost of the automated material handling equipment and systems.The increase in demand for a diverse range of automated material handling equipment and systems encourages the producers to lay emphasis on innovation to bear the competition. This exhibits massive promise for the global market. Furthermore, automation investment is, at times, considered to be a technological upgrade and not a separate application.The global automated material handling equipment and systems market is segmented according to application, equipment, and operation type. On the basis of application, this market can be segmented into retail, automotive, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and other applications. Manufacturing and automotive are leading the market at present, together consisting of a majority of the market share. Due to the rapid increase in demand for products of e-commerce, the retail segment is forecast to account for the highest rate of growth.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @The segments on the basis of equipment are automated storage and retrieval systems, automated guided vehicle systems, robotic systems, and sortation and conveyor systems. Guided vehicle systems are forecast to account for the highest growth rate, while robotic systems has been dominating the market in terms of market share. On the basis of operation type, the global market is categorized into assembly, packaging, logistics, transportation, distribution, and other operation types. The logistics sector, consisting of handling and storage, has been recording the largest market share, while the fastest growing segments are packaging and transporting.On the basis of geography, the global automated material handling equipment and systems market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World. With countries such as Germany, France, and the U.K. adopting automated material handling equipment and systems rapidly, Europe records about a third of the total market share globally. In terms of growth rate, the Asia Pacific region is the fastest growing owing to rising demand for automation, and advancement in the manufacturing segment.The key players in the automated material handling equipment and systems market globally are KION Group, Toyota Industries Corporation, Bastian Solutions, Daifulu Co., Beumer Group, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Dematic Gmbh, JBT Corporation, KUKA AG and Jungheinrich AG.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Europe Liberty Forum #EuropeLF17, sponsored by Atlas Network with organizing host the Hungarian-based Free Market Foundation (FMF), is a gathering of the best and the brightest in Europe to discuss and exchange solutions that help break down barriers to prosperity and opportunity in the region.



What: Europe Liberty Forum, hosted by Atlas Network with local organizing host Free Market Foundation. Major sponsorship generously provided by the John Templeton Foundation and the Smith Family Foundation.

When: September 21-22, 2017

Where: The Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary

Press Contact: Daniel Anthony, Daniel.Anthony@AtlasNetwork.org, or local Hungarian contact, Mate Hajba, hajba.mate@gmail.com or 0036309976078.

How: To attend or arrange for interviews, you must contact Mate Hajba at hajba.mate@gmail.com or 0036309976078.

Europe Liberty Forum Highlights

Keynote speech from Leszek Balcerowicz, professor of economics at the Warsaw School of Economics and former chairman of the National Bank of Poland

Session on defending European liberty from hybrid warfare, featuring Remigijus Simasius, Mayor of Vilnius, Lithuania

Special talks from Zoltan Kesz, Member of Hungarian Parliament and a founder of Free Market Foundation, and Peter Kreko, Ph.D., social psychologist, political scientist, and director of Political Capital Institute

Panel on fighting back against illiberalism, featuring Dr. Tom G. Palmer, George M. Yeager Chair for Advancing Liberty and Executive Vice President for International Programs at Atlas Network

Regional Think Tank Shark Tank competition, where contestants pitch their innovative project before a panel of philanthropists and the regional network of free-market think tanks for the chance to win $5,000

Announcement of the winner of the 2017 Europe Liberty Award

Special pre-event day tour of Budapest including the House of Terror Museum, Heroes Square, and Buda Castle

FULL SCHEDULE AVAILABLE HERE

About Atlas Network

Washington-based Atlas Network is a nonprofit organization that strengthens the worldwide freedom movement by connecting more than 470 independent partners in over 90 countries that share the vision of a free, prosperous, and peaceful world where limited governments defend the rule of law, private property, and free markets. Learn more about Atlas Network.

About the Free Market Foundation

The mission of Free Market Foundation is to represent, defend, and advance classical liberal values, ideas, and policies in Hungary and among speakers of the Hungarian language. Learn more about FMF.

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Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f0b76422-9ee4-4de4-99dc-5fc991c6cdfa
Automotive OLED Lighting Industry Review, Development Trends and Forecasts to 2022

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ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global Automotive OLED Lighting Market Research Report 2017 The report focuses on global major leading players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD) , market share and growth rate of Automotive OLED Lighting in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast) , covering United States, EU, China, Japan, South Korea and India. Global Automotive OLED Lighting market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including Astron FIAMM, LG, OSRAM, Royal Philips, GE, Konica Minolta, Nippon Seiki, Winstar and Visteon.Get free sample copy of report atOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Exterior Lighting and Interior Lighting. On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales) , market share and growth rate of Automotive OLED Lighting for each application, including Commercial Vehicle and Passenger Vehicle.Get more information about this report atTable of Content1 Automotive OLED Lighting Market Overview2 Global Automotive OLED Lighting Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Automotive OLED Lighting Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Automotive OLED Lighting Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)5 Global Automotive OLED Lighting Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Automotive OLED Lighting Market Analysis by Application7 Global Automotive OLED Lighting Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Astron FIAMM7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Automotive OLED Lighting Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Astron FIAMM Automotive OLED Lighting Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 LG7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Automotive OLED Lighting Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 LG Automotive OLED Lighting Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 OSRAM7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Automotive OLED Lighting Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 OSRAM Automotive OLED Lighting Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview8 Automotive OLED Lighting Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Automotive OLED Lighting Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and ConclusionPurchase this report on discounted price atContact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail: sales@reportsweb.comOrganization: ReportsWebPhone: +1-646-491-9876ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Payroll Deductions 2017: What Can and Cannot be Deducted from an Employees Wages

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Edupliance announces webinar titled, Payroll Deductions 2017: What Can and Cannot be Deducted from an Employees Wages that aims to update attendees and provide solutions to issues like what can and what cannot be deducted from an employees regular paycheck as well as their final one, which taxes are mandatory, courtesy or controlled by employees and deductions on basis of uniforms and meals/lodging. The event goes LIVE on Wednesday, September 27, from 01:00 PM to 02:30 PM, Eastern Time.In payroll, we calculate the gross wages of an employee by meticulously following strict regulations on what must be or must not be counted as hours worked and taxable income. We pay the employee their net paycheck only by the payment method that is permitted. But what about in between? When it comes to deducting from the employees gross wages to achieve the net income are you also adhering strictly to the rules? Failure to follow the regulations pertaining to employee wage deductions can result in substantial penalties and interest!The 90-minute webinar will be conducted by Vicki Lambert, CPP, who has over 35 years of hands-on experience in all facets of payroll functions as well as over 20 years as a trainer and author. Ms. Lambert has become the most sought-after and respected voice in the practice and management of payroll issues. She has conducted open market training seminars on payroll issues across the United States that have been attended by executives and professionals from some of the most prestigious firms in business today.Session Highlights: Taxeswhich are mandatory, which are a courtesy, and which ones the employee controls Child supportthe limits but not beyond Tax leviesfederal and state Creditor garnishmentshow many can you honor and how often Voluntary wage assignments for payday loanswhen are they required to be honored Handling fringe benefits such as health insurance or group term life Uniformswhen the employer pays for it and when the employee furnishes it Mealswhen they become part of the employees wages Lodgingwhen it is part of the employees wages and when is it a perk Shortagesthe employee came up short so they have to cover that right? Breakageyou broke it so you have to pay for it, legal or not Overpaymentsthe employee was overpaid so you can just take the money back or can you? Advanced vacation paythe employee knows the vacation hours were advanced so we can take them back when the employee quits cant we? Loans to employees: what terms can be set while the employee is still active and what can be taken when the employee terminates Employee purchasesactive employees and terminated employees Anti-wage theft laws and the stateTo register for the webinar, visitAbout EduplianceEdupliance is a online information provider which offers webinars (Live and On-Demand), DVDs and downloadable resources that cover concurrent topics pertaining to various industries. With an expert panel of guest speakers, Edupliance brings state-of-the-art virtual technology solutions and industry-leading training sessions that are easy to learn, easily accessible and cater to people with varied interests. Edupliance is privately held and located in Hillsboro, Oregon. For more information, visitMedia Inquiriessupport@edupliance.comP:- +1-844 811 1150A:- Edupliance - #101, 4660NE Belknap Court, Hillsboro,OR 97124 |
Vinyl Tiles Flooring 2017 Global Key Players  Tarkett (France), Forbo (Switzerland), Beaulieu (Georgia), Mohawk (U.S.), Gerflor (France), DLW Flooring (Germany), James Halstead (U.K.) Market Analysis And Forecast To 2022

Vinyl Tiles Flooring Market

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Vinyl Tiles Flooring Market 2017Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Vinyl Tiles Flooring-Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Manufacturers, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2022 To Its Research Database.Description:This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a Detailed Analysis report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Vinyl Tiles Flooring industry.This report splits Vinyl Tiles Flooring market By Material, By Tech/Tool, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Major Companies:Tarkett (France)Forbo (Switzerland)Beaulieu (Georgia)Mohawk (U.S.)Gerflor (France)DLW Flooring (Germany)James Halstead (U.K.)Amtico (U.K.)Armstrong (U.K.)Mannington Mills (U.S.)Shaw (U.S.)Congoleum (U.S.)NOX Corporation (Korea)LG Hausys (Korea)TOLI (U.S.)Naibao Floor (China)Request for Sample Report@Main Regions:North AmericaUnited StatesCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain Product Type:Vinyl Tiles Flooring Market, by MaterialDry BackClickLoose LayOthersVinyl Tiles Flooring Market, by Tech/Tool3D360AR/VR toolOthersMain Applications:Commercial FlooringResidential FlooringEnquiry before Buying @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of Contents:Global Vinyl Tiles Flooring Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022Chapter One Vinyl Tiles Flooring Market Overview1.1 Global Vinyl Tiles Flooring Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20221.2 Vinyl Tiles Flooring, By Material 2012-20221.2.1 Global Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Market Share by Material 2012-20221.2.2 Global Vinyl Tiles Flooring Revenue Market Share by Material 2012-20221.2.3 Global Vinyl Tiles Flooring Price by Material 2012-20221.2.4 Dry Back1.2.5 Click1.2.6 Loose Lay1.2.7 Others1.3 Vinyl Tiles Flooring, by Tech/Tool 2012-20221.3.1 Global Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Market Share by Tech/Tool 2012-20221.3.2 Global Vinyl Tiles Flooring Revenue Market Share by Tech/Tool 2012-20221.3.3 Global Vinyl Tiles Flooring Price by Tech/Tool 2012-20221.3.4 3D1.3.5 3601.3.6 AR/VR tool1.3.7 OthersChapter Three Vinyl Tiles Flooring by Players 2012-20173.1 Global Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Volume Market Share by Players 2012-20173.2 Global Vinyl Tiles Flooring Revenue Share by Players 2012-20173.3 Global Top Players Vinyl Tiles Flooring Key Product Model and Market Performance3.4 Global Top Players Vinyl Tiles Flooring Key Target Consumers and Market Performance...Chapter Five Global Top Players Profile5.1 Tarkett (France)5.1.1 Tarkett (France) Company Details and Competitors5.1.2 Tarkett (France) Key Vinyl Tiles Flooring Models and Performance5.1.3 Tarkett (France) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.1.4 Tarkett (France) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.2 Forbo (Switzerland)5.2.1 Forbo (Switzerland) Company Details and Competitors5.2.2 Forbo (Switzerland) Key Vinyl Tiles Flooring Models and Performance5.2.3 Forbo (Switzerland) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.2.4 Forbo (Switzerland) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.3 Beaulieu (Georgia)5.3.1 Beaulieu (Georgia) Company Details and Competitors5.3.2 Beaulieu (Georgia) Key Vinyl Tiles Flooring Models and Performance5.3.3 Beaulieu (Georgia) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.3.4 Beaulieu (Georgia) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.4 Mohawk (U.S.)5.4.1 Mohawk (U.S.) Company Details and Competitors5.4.2 Mohawk (U.S.) Key Vinyl Tiles Flooring Models and Performance5.4.3 Mohawk (U.S.) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.4.4 Mohawk (U.S.) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.5 Gerflor (France)5.5.1 Gerflor (France) Company Details and Competitors5.5.2 Gerflor (France) Key Vinyl Tiles Flooring Models and Performance5.5.3 Gerflor (France) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.5.4 Gerflor (France) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.6 DLW Flooring (Germany)5.6.1 DLW Flooring (Germany) Company Details and Competitors5.6.2 DLW Flooring (Germany) Key Vinyl Tiles Flooring Models and Performance5.6.3 DLW Flooring (Germany) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.6.4 DLW Flooring (Germany) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.7 James Halstead (U.K.)5.7.1 James Halstead (U.K.) Company Details and Competitors5.7.2 James Halstead (U.K.) Key Vinyl Tiles Flooring Models and Performance5.7.3 James Halstead (U.K.) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.7.4 James Halstead (U.K.) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.8 Amtico (U.K.)5.8.1 Amtico (U.K.) Company Details and Competitors5.8.2 Amtico (U.K.) Key Vinyl Tiles Flooring Models and Performance5.8.3 Amtico (U.K.) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.8.4 Amtico (U.K.) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.9 Armstrong (U.K.)5.9.1 Armstrong (U.K.) Company Details and Competitors5.9.2 Armstrong (U.K.) Key Vinyl Tiles Flooring Models and Performance5.9.3 Armstrong (U.K.) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.9.4 Armstrong (U.K.) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.10 Mannington Mills (U.S.)5.10.1 Mannington Mills (U.S.) Company Details and Competitors5.10.2 Mannington Mills (U.S.) Key Vinyl Tiles Flooring Models and Performance5.10.3 Mannington Mills (U.S.) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.10.4 Mannington Mills (U.S.) Vinyl Tiles Flooring Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.11 Shaw (U.S.)5.12 Congoleum (U.S.)5.13 NOX Corporation (Korea)5.14 LG Hausys (Korea)5.15 TOLI (U.S.)5.16 Naibao Floor (China)Continued..Buy now @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
Commercial Airport Baggage Handling Systems Market: 2017 Leading Countries, Industry Analysis and good fortune, appraisal 2021 Research Report

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Market Research Future Publish a New Report on - Commercial Airport Baggage Handling Systems Market Research Report - Forecast to 2021Exclusive Summery About Report:The global Airport Baggage Handling Systems is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 7.56% during 2016-2021. This growth is driven due to increasing air traffic, up gradation and modernization of airports.As per the MRFR analysis, increasing focus on airport efficiency and focus on customer satisfaction are some of the other factors that are significantly contributing to the growth of the market.Asia Pacific is leading the global market with around 40% market share and will remain the dominant player during forecast period. As per the estimates, the region would have an annual average growth of 6.3% in passenger traffic for the next 20 years. It is estimated that almost 50% of global air passengers traffic over the next 20 years will originate from APAC. These factors will boost the demand for airport baggage handling systems market.Access the market data and information presented through over 60 tables and figures spread 80+ pages of the project report. Avail in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on Commercial Airport Baggage Handling Systems Market Research Report "Commercial Airport Baggage Handling Systems Market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including Vanderlande Industries, Daifuku Company Ltd, Siemens AG, Pteris Global Limited, Beumer Group, Grenzebach Maschinenbau GMBH, Fives Group, BCS Group, G&S Airport Conveyor, Logplan LLCRequest a Sample Report @Study Objectives of Commercial Airport Baggage Handling Systems To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the global Commercial Airport Baggage Handling Systems market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To Analyze the Commercial Airport Baggage Handling Systems market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, Porters five force analysis. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to six main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East, and Africa To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by Airport Class, by Type, by technology, by service and by region as well as its sub segments To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and new product developments in the global Commercial Airport Baggage Handling Systems marketIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.For further information on this report, visit @The reports also cover country level analysis:Americas (North & Latin) US Canada Brazil OthersEurope Germany France Italy Spain U.K Rest of EuropeAsia  Pacific China India Japan Australia/New Zealand Rest of Asia-PacificMiddle East & AfricaUAEKuwaitIsraelRest of Middle East & AfricaThe market report for Commercial Airport Baggage Handling Systems of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance.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 Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Barcode Scanner Market to expand at a CAGR of 7.6% by 2027

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The advent of barcode technology has greatly reduced the hassles of tracking supply and commodity sale records for retailers across the globe. Over the years, the technology has been consistently improved and made more efficient. Currently, barcode solutions are being used across various domains owing to their exponential capabilities in systematically recording information such as product count, date of manufacturing, date on which the product was supplied to the retailer and selling price. Moreover, the emergence of e-commerce and intra-regional markets that offer specialised services to a wide range of sectors has further expanded its application base. Future Market Insights (FMI) in its latest report titled Barcode Scanner Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 20172027 reveals that use of barcode technology is rapidly rising in both retail and manufacturing industries. Barcode scanners have become one of the best solutions for recording product information without making any major manual effort. The technological advantages and cutting-edge features of barcode scanners are also making them popular in the healthcare industry. Barcode technology can help rectify medication errors, medical practitioners and physicians can easily get information about medicines as well as their manufacturing dates.The report further cites that the global barcode scanners market will expand at a CAGR of 7.6% over the forecast period (20172027) and account for US$ 10.8 Bn by 2027-end. During the same duration, the market is also expected to reflect a CAGR of 6.4% in terms of volume, reaching 38.7 Mn units over 2027-end. Around 20.7 Mn units of barcode scanners are expected to be sold by the end of 2017.Barcode Scanner Market Report Overview @Additional Highlights of the report Include:In 2017 and beyond, laser-based scanner is expected to remain as the prime technology. Laser scanners are widely used in regions with established manufacturing and retail sectors such as Western Europe and North America. By the 2017-end, laser scanners are estimated to accounts for 32.3% revenue share of the market and will continue to be the most preferred barcode reader technology throughout the assessment period. However, camera-based reader is anticipated to see the fast adoption as these scanners are innovative and configured with advanced 2D imaging technology. Based on product type, portable/handheld scanners are expected to remain top choices of barcode scanners amongst consumers over the forecast period. Owing to characteristics such as faster print speed and versatility, demand for portable/handheld barcode scanners is rapidly increasing in various parts of the world. Use of barcode scanners in the retail and commercial sector continues to be the highest and is expected account for a major chunk of revenue over the forecast period. Meanwhile, the healthcare industry is swiftly adopting the barcode technology as well.Request to view Table of Content@Amongst regions, markets in Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) and North America are expected to exhibit high growth potentials. In APEJ, China and India are projected to achieve impressive growth of their barcode scanner market. By 2017-end, the region is projected to account for a revenue share of 29.5%, which is expected to increase to 33.8% towards the end of the forecast period. Market players are targeting APEJ as their key sales region. Zebra Technologies Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., DataLogics S.P.A, Cognex Corporation, OCOM Technologies, Wasp Barcode Technologies, JC Square Inc., SATO Holdings Corporation, Scandit AG and Toshiba TEC Corporation are some of leading companies profiled in the FMI report.A Sample Report is Available Upon Request @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.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:
Cardboard Packers Market - Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2023

Cardboard Packers Market

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Cardboard packers are a prefabricated boxes usually use for packaging and protecting goods. These boxes are light weighted and easy to handle while transporting from one place to another. These are quite cheap as compared to plastic packaging and are easily available. In present time, cardboard packers are not limited to protecting or packaging, it is used for informational as well as marketing purpose by using designer boxes, it can be used to display the product which help in sales and promotion and it will help in creating brand awareness and optimize use of shelf space by creating shelf ready packaging.Global Cardboard Packers Market DynamicsOne of the factor that is driving the cardboard packers is the growth of online shopping. The online vendors need to deliver the item safely to the consumer which increases the demand for the cardboard packers. Government regulation on plastic use is also driving the market for cardboard packers. The growing demand for point of sale display, retail ready packaging and merchandise unit will create a need for the cardboard packers. Environmental concerns might affect the growth of the cardboard packers as trees are the primary raw material used to make cardboard. Another major issue that cardboard packers face is that they are re-usable for a limited amount of time and after expiry there fibre will get weak and they needed to be dump.Browse Market Research Report @Global Cardboard Packers Market SegmentationCardboard packers are available in different shapes with different dimension, types, design, internal padding, flutes and sectors. If the product is fragile in nature or need to be kept separately, internal padding boxes cater that. These boxes are available in different sizes based on the number of segments that user needs. Cardboard packers are further segmented into different types named as Shelf Ready Boxes, Archive Lid & Box, Lid & Box, Die-Cut, Envelope Base, Five Panel Wrap, Full Overlap, Packing Carton, Packing Wallet, Pizza Style, Self-Locking and Self Locking Tray. The sectors that these packers covers are food products, durable goods, non-durable goods, retail sector, wholesale trade and service sector.Global Cardboard Packers Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the Global Automotive Cyber Security Market can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East & Africa. Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America are the prominent market for cardboard packers. Emerging markets such as India and China grow with a significant CAGR from 2016 to 2026. Overall cardboard packers industry expected to gain as many countries are pushing paper packaging against plastic packaging as it is a threat to environment.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Global Cardboard Packers Market PlayersThe major players identified across the value chain of global cardboard packers market include Cascades Inc., DS Smith PLC, International Paper, ITC Limited, Mondi Group, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Packaging Corporation of America, and Fencor Packaging Group Limited. The companies are focusing on developing advanced and recycled products in order to cater the growing demand from the end users and rising environmental concerns.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
GPS Running Watches Global Market Key Players  Garmin, Polar, Casio, Rolex, Soleus Analysis and Forecast to 2022

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SummaryThis report studies GPS Running Watches in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringGarminPolarSuuntoAdidasTomTomTimexLife TrakCasioRolexSoleusApple IncBasisOmegaWithings PulseRequest a Sample Report @By types, the market can be split intoGPS Heart Rate WatchesGPS Step Counting WatchesOtherBy Application, the market can be split intoTrainingRacingOtherBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaAt any Query @Table of ContentsGlobal GPS Running Watches Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of GPS Running Watches1.1 Definition and Specifications of GPS Running Watches1.1.1 Definition of GPS Running Watches1.1.2 Specifications of GPS Running Watches1.2 Classification of GPS Running Watches1.2.1 GPS Heart Rate Watches1.2.2 GPS Step Counting Watches1.2.3 Other1.3 Applications of GPS Running Watches1.3.1 Training1.3.2 Racing1.3.3 Other1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of GPS Running Watches2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of GPS Running Watches2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of GPS Running Watches2.4 Industry Chain Structure of GPS Running Watches.8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of GPS Running Watches8.1 Garmin8.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.1.2.1 Product A8.1.2.2 Product B8.1.3 Garmin 2016 GPS Running Watches Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.1.4 Garmin 2016 GPS Running Watches Business Region Distribution Analysis8.2 Polar8.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.2.2.1 Product A8.2.2.2 Product B8.2.3 Polar 2016 GPS Running Watches Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.2.4 Polar 2016 GPS Running Watches Business Region Distribution Analysis8.3 Suunto8.3.1 Company Profile8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.3.2.1 Product A8.3.2.2 Product B8.3.3 Suunto 2016 GPS Running Watches Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.3.4 Suunto 2016 GPS Running Watches Business Region Distribution Analysis8.4 Adidas8.4.1 Company Profile8.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.4.2.1 Product A8.4.2.2 Product B8.4.3 Adidas 2016 GPS Running Watches Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.4.4 Adidas 2016 GPS Running Watches Business Region Distribution Analysis8.5 TomTom8.5.1 Company Profile8.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.5.2.1 Product A8.5.2.2 Product B8.5.3 TomTom 2016 GPS Running Watches Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.5.4 TomTom 2016 GPS Running Watches Business Region Distribution Analysis8.6 Timex8.6.1 Company Profile8.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.6.2.1 Product A8.6.2.2 Product B8.6.3 Timex 2016 GPS Running Watches Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.6.4 Timex 2016 GPS Running Watches Business Region Distribution Analysis8.7 Life Trak8.7.1 Company Profile8.7.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.7.2.1 Product A8.7.2.2 Product B8.7.3 Life Trak 2016 GPS Running Watches Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.7.4 Life Trak 2016 GPS Running Watches Business Region Distribution Analysis8.8 Casio8.8.1 Company Profile8.8.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.8.2.1 Product A8.8.2.2 Product B8.8.3 Casio 2016 GPS Running Watches Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.8.4 Casio 2016 GPS Running Watches Business Region Distribution Analysis8.9 Rolex8.9.1 Company Profile8.9.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.9.2.1 Product A8.9.2.2 Product B8.9.3 Rolex 2016 GPS Running Watches Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.9.4 Rolex 2016 GPS Running Watches Business Region Distribution Analysis8.10 Soleus8.10.1 Company Profile8.10.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.10.2.1 Product A8.10.2.2 Product B8.10.3 Soleus 2016 GPS Running Watches Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.10.4 Soleus 2016 GPS Running Watches Business Region Distribution Analysis8.11 Apple Inc8.12 Basis8.13 Omega8.14 Withings PulseBuy Now @Continued....Contact Us: sales@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 LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Market  Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Analysis, 20172025

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Positron emission tomography (PET) is an imaging technique that is used to examine the diseases and metabolic activities of the tissues and organs inside the body with the use of radiotracer that is administered intravenously.. In this technique the scan uses a special dye that has a radioactive tracers, this tracer is administered as an intravenous injection labelled with oxygen15, nitrogen13 and fluorine18 (C-11, Fl-18, O-15 or N-13). These tracers are injected in the peripheral vein and move through the blood circulation that helps to identify the blocked areas of peripheral veins precisely. Generally, the scan takes around 40 minutes to complete without pain and it also measures the rate of glucose in the body. PET procedures provides information about the organs and tissues, shape, size and the position. PET is widely used by the oncologist for diagnoses of various types of cancer and cardiologists in order to diagnose cardiovascular diseases as the clinical use of PET is that it can also distinguish between the non-malignant tumors and malignant tumors. PET is also used to map brain function and diagnosis of condition of diseases such as Alzheimers disease.Request a sample pdf Copy of report:Positron emission tomography market taxonomyPositron Emission Tomography Market by Product Type:Full ring PET scanners,Partial ring PET scanners,.Positron Emission Tomography Market by Application:Oncology,Cardiology,Neurology,Orthopedics,Urology,Gastroenterology,Others,.Positron Emission Tomography Market by End User:Hospitals,Clinics,Others (Imaging Centers and Academic and Research Centers),.Positron Emission Tomography Market by Geography:North America,Latin America,Europe,Asia Pacific,Middle East,Africa,.Ask for Discount before buying the Report:Rise in number of chronic disease cases such as cancer and increase in the prevalence of Alzheimers disease (AD) around the globe is expected to boost the growth of positron emission tomography market in the forecast periodNorth America and Asia Pacific are expected to dominate the positron emission tomography market in the near future, due to the factors such as raised prevalence of cancer and Alzheimers disease. The increase in cancer incidence rates around the globe expected to create a high conducive environment for the growth of PET system. According to World Health Organization (WHO), around 8.8 million deaths occurred due to cancer in 2015. Furthermore, WHO had launched the global action plan for the prevention and control for cancer and other diseases in 2013 that aims to reduce around 25% of early stages of mortality from cancer by 2025. Also, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 2016, it was estimated that around 1,685,210 cases of cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. mainly due to the factors such as excess consumption of alcohol and smoking, which accounts for high proportion of cancer patients in the U.S., this will led to the demand for the growth for positron emission tomography market in the near future.As PET techniques are performed in order to assess the progress of the treatment of diseases such as chronic diseases hence the rise in prevalence of diseases will increase the demand for PET market. As per the estimation by WHO, in 2017, the number of people living with dementia worldwide is around 47 million and is projected to increase to around 75 million by the year 2030, and the number of cases will rise almost triple by 2050. The risk factors for this disease can increase a persons chance to lead one or more kinds of dementia, also the risk goes up with advanced age, excess alcohol consumption. According to Alzheimer's Australia, in 2017, more than 413,106 Australians are living with dementia. Furthermore, among these, the number of female contributed more, around 228,238 (55%) are female and 184,868 (45%) are male and the total number is expected to reach around 536,164 by 2025, moreover dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australians, contributing to 5.4% of deaths in males and 10.6% in females every year. Thus the increase in number of diseases will favor the demand for the positron emission tomography market in the near future.Positron Emission Tomography Market Key Players Include:Toshiba Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Siemens AG, Hitachi, Ltd., Positron Corporation, Mediso Ltd., Radiology Oncology Systems, Inc., Yangzhou Kindsway Biotech Co. Ltd., Positron Corporation, Segami Corporation, Spectrum Dynamics Ltd., Naviscan, Inc. and MedX Holdings Inc., IBA- Ion Beam Applicattions, and Modus Medical Devices Inc.Get More Details About This Report:About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com
Digital Notes Market Business Overview, Development Trends and Growth 2017-2022

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ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global Digital Notes Market Research Report 2017-2022 The report focuses on global major leading players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD) , market share and growth rate of Digital Notes in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast) , covering United States, EU, China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Global Digital Notes market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including Wacom, Kent displays, Moleskine, Livescribe, Luidia, Neo smartpen, NoteSlate, I.R.I.S., Sony, ACE CAD Enterprise and E-pens.Get free sample copy of report atOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Digital Notepad and Smart Pen. On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales) , market share and growth rate of Digital Notes for each application, including Professional Design, Business and Education.Get more information about this report atTable of Content1 Digital Notes Market Overview2 Global Digital Notes Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Digital Notes Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Digital Notes Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)5 Global Digital Notes Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Digital Notes Market Analysis by Application7 Global Digital Notes Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Wacom7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Digital Notes Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Wacom Digital Notes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Kent displays7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Digital Notes Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Kent displays Digital Notes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Moleskine7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Digital Notes Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Moleskine Digital Notes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview8 Digital Notes Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Digital Notes Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and ConclusionPurchase this report on discounted price atContact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail: sales@reportsweb.comOrganization: ReportsWebPhone: +1-646-491-9876ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Single-Cell Analysis Market - Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025

Single-Cell Analysis Market

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Single-cell analysis consists of studying the structure of various types of cells relevant to human life at a cellular level. The detailed analysis provided by this type of analysis is helpful in various sectors and has been aided by the continuous technological updation in research implements. The booming healthcare and pharmaceutical industries have been at the forefront of driving the global single-cell analysis market and are likely to remain the most influential consumers in the coming years.The single-cell analysis market studied in this report includes instruments and consumables that aid in the process of single-cell research. The market for single-cell analysis has been growing enormously owing to the increasing research on single-gene disorders, in-vitro fertilization processes which employ single-cell analysis to study the human embryo prior to implantation, cancer research, stem cell research, and neurological research, among others.The global single-cell analysis market was valued at over US$2 bn in 2017 and is expected to rise to US$6.4 bn by 2025 at a robust 15.4% CAGR.Obtain Report Details @Consumables Likely to Dominate Single-Cell Analysis Market due to Need for Repeat OrdersThe single-cell analysis market has been segmented based on product and end user. Based on product type, the market has been segmented into instruments and consumables. Single-cell analysis instruments include cell counters, spectrophotometers, cytometers, sequencers, imaging systems, PCR, and others. The consumables segment of the single-cell analysis includes reagents and kits, micropipettes and micro plates, and others. Consumables were the dominant segment in the global single-cell analysis market in 2016 and are anticipated to remain dominant throughout the forecast period owing to the increasing research in the field of single-cell analysis, which increases the need for repeat orders for reagents and kits, which contribute to high revenue generation.Among single-cell analysis instruments, sequencers are anticipated to grow at a significant high CAGR in the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for the NGS technique for analysis of single cells due to the accuracy and effectiveness of the process. This is anticipated to be followed by PCR systems, their growth being driven by the widespread application of real-time digital PCR systems in single-cell analysis and their ability to interpret the results with no errors.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Asia Pacific Markets Rapid Growth Unlikely to Unsettle North Americas DominanceGeographically, the single-cell analysis market is segmented into five regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America dominated the market in 2016 owing to factors such increasing research funding, the presence of well-developed infrastructure, growing awareness among people, and increasing prevalence of cancer and infectious diseases, among others. The North America market for single-cell analysis was valued at US$715.7 mn in 2017 and is expected to rise to more than US$2.1 bn by 2025 at a steady 15% CAGR.North America was closely followed by Europe in global singe-cell analysis market figures. Asia Pacific is also anticipated to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period owing to the rising preference for distribution agreements between multinational and regional players; significant growth in the field of genomics, increasing prevalence of cancer and infectious diseases, dropping prices of treatment, low technology costs, and increase in medical tourism. The single-cell analysis market is expected to exhibit a higher CAGR in both Europe and Asia Pacific, with the former expected to rise at a 16.4% CAGR through the 2017-2025 forecast period, and the latter expected to reach a valuation of US$1.5 bn by 2025 at a robust 17.7% CAGR.Major players in the single-cell analysis market include Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., WaferGen Bio-systems, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, Fluidigm Corporation, Eppendorf AG, QIAGEN N.V., NuGEN Technologies, Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Illumina, Inc., and 10x Genomics, among others.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gold Standard Ventures Corp. (TSXV:GSV) (NYSE AMERICAN:GSV) (Gold Standard or the Company) announces that all resolutions were passed at the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) held on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, in Vancouver, British Columbia, and after the Meeting, Alex Morrison and Zara Boldt were appointed to the Board of Directors.



The voting at the Meeting was conducted by a show of hands and all resolutions were approved. Had a poll been taken, the detailed results of the votes cast by proxy in respect of the election of the directors is set out as below. At the Meeting, all director nominees listed in the Companys management information circular dated August 1, 2017, were elected as directors of the Company.

Director Votes For Percentage For Jonathan T. Awde 134,015,412 98.83% D. Bruce McLeod 118,521,093 87.41% Robert J. McLeod 118,544,080 87.42% Richard S. Silas 133,945,261 98.78% Jamie D. Strauss 116,933,744 86.24% William E. Threlkeld 134,464,121 99.17%

In addition, the shareholders appointed Davidson & Company LLP as the auditor of the Company and approved the Companys shareholder rights plan, the Companys restricted share unit award plan, and the Companys stock option plan (the Stock Option Plan) and the amendments thereto.

The Company is also pleased to announce the appointments of Alex Morrison and Zara Boldt as directors of the Company.

Mr. Morrison is a Chartered Professional Accountant with 30 years of mining industry experience. Mr. Morrison has held senior executive positions at a number of mining companies, including Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Franco Nevada Corporation (2007 to 2010). At Newmont Mining Corporation, Mr. Morrison was Vice President, Operations Services and Vice-President, Information Technology (2002 to 2007). Prior to that, Mr. Morrison was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NovaGold Resources Inc., Vice President and Controller of Homestake Mining Company and held senior financial positions at Phelps Dodge Corporation and Stillwater Mining Company. Mr. Morrison began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP after obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Trinity Western University. Mr. Morrison currently sits on the Board of Directors of Detour Gold Corporation, Taseko Mines Ltd., Gold Resource Corp. and Pershing Gold Corporation.

On Alex Morrisons appointment, Jonathan Awde, a Gold Standard director and its Chief Executive Officer, noted that Mr. Morrison strengthens the boards depth of expertise at a time when the Company is advancing its Dark Star and Pinion deposits toward a Preliminary Economic Assessment in Q4, 2017. Alex brings a wealth of experience in all aspects of strategic planning, project development, mine finance, mergers and acquisitions. Alexs extensive mining industry and board experience will play a key role in further elevating governance standards at the Company. The appointment comes at a key time in the Companys development, and we are very pleased that he has accepted our invitation to join our board.

Ms. Boldt is a professional accountant (CPA, CGA) with over fifteen years of progressively senior financial leadership roles with public companies in the mineral exploration and development industry. Most recently, Ms. Boldt served as Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary of Kaminak Gold, where she was responsible for corporate due diligence and the negotiation, documentation and execution of a Plan of Arrangement for an acquisition transaction valued at C$520 million. Prior to Kaminak, Ms. Boldt served as the Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Stornoway Diamond Corporation where she was a member of the senior management team responsible for arranging financing in excess of $900 million for the development of the Renard Project in Quebec. Ms. Boldt is the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary for Strongbow Exploration Inc.

On Ms. Boldts appointment, Jonathan Awde commented: As we advance the company towards the potential permitting and development of our Dark Star and Pinion deposits, Zaras experience at Kaminak and Stornoway will be invaluable to us. Once more, we believe this appointment will further endow our board with the required expertise and experience to fully realize the Companys potential.

The Company further announces that Richard Silas has decided to resign from the Board of Directors to focus on new business opportunities. Jon Awde commented: We would like to thank Richard for his outstanding service to the Company in its formative years and to wish him the best in his new business opportunities. Richard has been at Gold Standard since the Companys inception and we are very grateful for his contribution as a founding director.

Finally, the Company also announced today that pursuant to the Stock Option Plan, the Company today has granted certain directors incentive stock options to purchase 600,000 common shares of the Company at yesterdays closing price for a term of five years (the Stock Options).

The Stock Options are subject to the terms of the Stock Option Plan and regulatory approval.

ABOUT GOLD STANDARD VENTURES  Gold Standard is an advanced stage gold exploration company focused on district scale discoveries on its Railroad-Pinion Gold Project, located within the prolific Carlin Trend. The Company has successfully consolidated the southern end of the Carlin Trend by patiently assembling a 208-sq. km. (80 sq. mi.) land position containing four gold deposits, two of them discovered by Gold Standard. The 2014 Pinion and Dark Star gold deposit acquisitions offer Gold Standard a potential near-term development option and further consolidates the Companys premier land package on the Carlin Trend. The Dark Star deposit, 2.1 km to the east of Pinion, now has a resource estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) consisting of an Indicated Mineral Resource of 15.38 million tonnes grading 0.54 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au), totaling 265,100 ounces of gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 17.05 million tonnes grading 1.31 g/t Au, totaling 715,800 ounces of gold, using a cut-off grade of 0.20 g/t Au. The Pinion deposit has a resource estimate prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 consisting of an Indicated Mineral Resource of 31.61 million tonnes grading 0.62 g/t Au, totaling 630,300 ounces of gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 61.08 million tonnes grading 0.55 g/t Au, totaling 1,081,300 ounces of gold, using a cut-off grade of 0.14 g/t Au (announced March 15, 2016). The 2014 through 2017 definition and expansion of these two shallow, oxide deposits demonstrates their growth potential.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) nor the NYSE AMERICAN accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include references to potential near-term development option and the reference to growth potential. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements about our proposed exploration programs, potential near-term development option, proposed Preliminary Economic Assessment in Q4, 2017, and growth potential of our gold deposits are forward looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risk factors affecting the Company include, among others: the results from our exploration programs, global financial conditions and volatility of capital markets, uncertainty regarding the availability of additional capital, fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; the ability to obtain regulatory approval for the grant of the Stock Options; and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com) and with the SEC on EDGAR (available at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml). These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

CAUTIONARY NOTE FOR U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING RESERVE AND RESOURCE ESTIMATES

All resource estimates reported by the Company were calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for descriptions of mineral properties in SEC Industry Guide 7 under Regulation S-K of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933. In particular, under U. S. standards, mineral resources may not be classified as a reserve unless the determination has been made that mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. Accordingly, information in this press release containing descriptions of the Companys mineral properties may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. public reporting companies.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Jonathan Awde

Jonathan Awde, President and Director
Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems Market 2017 - Enercon, Siemens, GE, Goldwind and XEMC Windpower

Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems industry, and estimates the future trend of Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportEnerconSiemensGEGoldwind and XEMC Windpower.The market research report explores the Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems production volume, data pertaining to demand and Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems across the world.About UsApex Research offer latest market research reports 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 Chemica1l 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.bizPhone: +177390426831155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606
Small Molecule API Market Estimated to Exhibit 4.9 CAGR through 2027

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An exhaustive market evaluation put forth by Future Market Insights on the small molecule API market in a new research study titled Small Molecule API Market: Global Industry Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027 focusses on the demand from in-house production as well as outsourced API production. The market research involves analyses on various grounds covering all the major geographies with an excellent forecast model that portrays the global market picture 10 years down the line.Global Small Molecule API Market: Regional InsightsThe APEJ region shows a high growth to register a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period, followed by Japan, Western Europe, North America and Eastern Europe. The main reason for this growth in the APEJ region can be attributed to the outsourcing of APIs done on a large scale. Top contributors in the APEJ region are China and India, which exhibit the highest production of API. In India the local consumption is also high making it more essential to focus on higher manufacturing of APIs. China stands first in the line as far as growth is concerned, followed by India and rest of APEJ. Moreover, the easy availability of raw materials needed to manufacture APIs coupled with low labour cost fuel the growth of the small molecule API market in the APEJ region. Moreover, the distribution network of companies in China and India manufacturing APIs is strong in the overseas market, especially in South Africa, United States, and Europe.ABC Market Report Overview @Global Small Molecule API Market: Segment-wise HighlightsThe high potency API (HPAPI) segment by molecule is poised to show higher growth rate during the period of forecast as compared to the standard API. However, as of 2017, the standard API dominates the market in terms of revenue. The HPAPI (High Potency API) is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.6% during the period of forecastThe Oncology Segment by therapeutic area is expected to grow at a higher rate during the period of forecast. Neurology and urology segments reflect similar growth patterns and are poised to grow at an equal pace in the forecast period. However, the infectious diseases segment by therapeutic area will experience sluggish growth throughout the 2017-2027 periodOutsourced segment by production will grow at a robust rate to reflect a 6.4% CAGR during the period of forecast. The Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region is the main contributor for this segment to grow, as many companies in the developing countries of China and India manufacture APIs on a large scale and outsource themIn terms of application, the commercial segment will dominate in terms of value and register a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast periodTrends and Drivers Impacting the Overall Growth Rate of the MarketThe report covers all the drivers and trends that influence global market growth during the 2017-2027 period. Few of these are highlighted below.The high growth rate of HPAPI is a key driver fuelling the global market growth during the period of forecastMany pharmerging countries are being explored as alternative destinations for sourcingThe increased sourcing of APIs from U.S based Indian pharmaceutical manufacturersIncrease in investments thereby facilitating an increase in in-house production of APIsThe current strong demand for CMO/CDMO services is driven by a number of factors, which include a robust industry pipeline, the ability to raise public and private financing, and successful market approvalsGrowing demand for Quality-by-Design (QBD) servicesRapid increase in the Indian generics market will aid regional market growthRequest to view Table of Content@Competitive Landscape: Tier Companies and their AnalysisThe report on the global small molecule API market presents a detailed analysis of the leading companies involved in this market. Some of the top companies profiled in the report are Johnson Matthey, Siegfried Holding AG, Pfizer, Sanofi S.A, Novartis AG, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Albany Molecular Research Inc., Bachem Holding AG, PCAS, Patheon N.V, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co. Inc., BASF SE, Catalent Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Cambrex Corporation and Gilead Sciences Inc.A Sample Report is Available Upon Request @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.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:
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Market is Expected to Witness a Steady Growth by 2026

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An Implantable cardioverter defibrillator is an instrument that is placed under the skin which is battery powered that monitors the heart rate in the patients with sustained tachycardia or fibrillation. Such devices are very much useful in avoiding impulsive deaths in patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. The term Defibrillation is defined as the heart beating dangerously fast and a high-energy shock is delivered to the muscles of the heart in order to restore normal rhythm. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator devices are also known to have a crucial role in avoiding cardiac arrest with previous history and tachycardia associated with pulseless ventricle. Michel Mirowski invented implantable cardioverter defibrillator device in the late 1960s as his mentor was suffering with recurring ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators delivers the necessary therapy for maintaining standard heart rhythm.A sample of this report is available upon request @Programs like cardio and anti-tachycardia pacing can be fed in implantable cardioverter defibrillators. A chain of minor electrical impulses are carried and delivered to the muscles of heart in order to restore standard heart rate and normal rhythm. Low level of energy shock is administered simultaneously in order to restore the standard heart rhythm in Cardio. The term Bradycardia pacing denotes slow beating heart. This also means tiny electrical impulses are carried to the heart muscles to stimulate heart muscles in order to maintain appropriate heart rate.The increasing demand of implantable cardioverter defibrillator devices in the emerging economies like middle east and Asia Pacific is due to rise in the prevalence of cardiovascular disorder including the use of implantable cardioverter devices. The awareness about the treatment options has improved drastically in the since the last decade which has improved the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillator devices in the above mentioned economies. There are several training workshops for patients as well as for the surgeons regarding the implantable cardioverter defibrillator devices organized by various manufacturers of implantable cardioverter defibrillator devices which has also led to the increase in the awareness amongst the surgeon and the patients.Implantable cardioverter defibrillator market poised to witness significant growth owing to its ability to treat various diseased conditions of heart. Availability of several brands with customization help to boost this market over the forecast period. However lack of training or skilled professionals to operate and apprehensions about its safety among different population groups may hamper the growth of the Implantable cardioverter defibrillator market over the forecast period.Global Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Market has been segmented on the basis of product types, procedure type, and end user typeBased on the product type, the global Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Market is segmented into the following:Single ChamberedDual ChamberedBiventricular Implantable Cardioverter DefibrillatorsBased on the type of procedure, the global Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Market is segmented into the followingTrans-Venous Implantable Cardioverter DefibrillatorsSubcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter DefibrillatorsBased on the end user type, the global Implantable Cardioverter defibrillators Market is segmented into the following:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersSpecialty ClinicsGlobal Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Market is undergoing market changes due to the higher competition among key players. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator systems are not harnessed to their potential, in spite of strong scientific evidence. Rising evidence about safety of these systems and effective marketing campaigns by various manufacturers in the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Market is expected to change the market dynamics over a given period of forecast.Geographically, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Europe, APAJ, Middle East and Africa. In terms of geography North America accounts for the largest market share in global Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Market followed by Europe. Favorable policies, regulations and sophisticated healthcare infrastructure with increasing FDA approvals is expected to drive the growing need of therapeutic laser system in the near future. Asia Pacific represents the fastest growth market for therapeutic cryoablation devices owing to growing number of manufacturers and rising incidences of cancer coupled with rising demographics in the regionTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the key players in global Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Market includes MicroPort Scientific Corporation, Imricor Medical Systems, Inc., LivaNova PLC Company, Mayo Clinic US, Medtronic plc, St. Jude Medical, Inc., MRI Interventions, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, and others. These players are entering into strategic collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, and product portfolio expansions, which are their key sustainability strategies to maintain their profit margins in the long run. Also many startup companies have entered in this lucrative market space to capitalize over the opportunities present in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Exfoliators and Scrubs Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size 2025

Exfoliators and Scrubs Market

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Exfoliators and scrubs are used to remove the dead skin cell present on the skins outermost surface. Exfoliators and scrubs are useful for all the skin types. Exfoliation involves the process of all facials and can be done through chemical and medicinal process. The process of exfoliation involves scrubbing of the skin with the help of an abrasive. Exfoliators and scrubs consists of fine diatoms that protects the skins surface and are largely preferred among the consumers. Scrubs available in the markets include, white tea, green tea and other oils for moisturizing which are used during the process of exfoliation. Rising awareness regarding getting proper and healthy skin among the consumers are driving the exfoliators and scrubs market over the years. Exfoliation can be done with the help of exfoliating cleanser, pumice stone, loofah,and body brush and body lotion. Increased focus towards addressing both maturing and pre-maturely aging skin coupled with inclination towards proper skin treatment among the population are triggering the growth rate of the global exfoliators and scrubs market.The global exfoliators and scrubs market are segmented on the basis of distribution channel and end user. By distribution channel the global exfoliators and scrubs market are segmented into online distribution channel and offline distribution channel. Offline distribution channel of exfoliators and scrubs is further segmented to hyper markets, super markets, departmental stores, specialty stores, pharmacies and drug stores and others. Online distribution channels of the exfoliators and scrubs are gaining significant importance over the years for exfoliators and scrubs due to its rising convenience, reduction in search costs among the consumers and presence of large number of international brands. Booming e-commerce industry of exfoliators and scrubs has resulted in the introduction of certified websites of the companies over the years.Browse Market Research Report @However, offline distribution channels of exfoliators and scrubs are still preferred among the large percentage of population due to the delay involved in online purchase and consumption among the consumers.By end user the global exfoliators and scrubs market are segmented into men and women. Beautification among women regarding proper healthy skin are always a growing since a long time ago whereas demand for exfoliators and scrubs have become a new attraction in recent times.The global exfoliators and scrubs market are mainly driven by the rise in demand for the skin lightening products which helps in reducing discoloration, pigmentation, age spots, acne marks. Aging has become a growing concern among the population. Rising technology coupled with continuous research and development has resulted to the inclination towards use of exfoliators and scrubs products which improves the skin quality and thus generates quick solutions.Key players are introducing new products of exfoliators and scrubs that helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, black textures and also improves the skin quality by increasing the oxidation levels in the skin. This is triggering the growth rate of the global exfoliators and scrubs market in recent years. Manufacturers of exfoliators and scrubs are also focused towards continuous research and development in order to develop new products of exfoliators and scrubs which serves multiple functions such as two in one mask and scrub. The combined products of exfoliators and scrubs results to quick solutions to the skin care requirements to the consumers. However, side effects on skin resulting from the excess use of exfoliators and scrubs are restraining the global exfoliators and scrubs market.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @In the region wise study, the global exfoliators and scrubs market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Europe which includes Germany Italy, France, and Russia among the other regions is expected to dominate the exfoliators and scrubs market in 2016.Asia Pacific which includes China, India, and Japan among the other regions showed the fastest growth rate for exfoliators and scrubs during the forecast period due to the rising number of manufacturers coupled with continuous research and development in order to develop new products of exfoliators and scrubs.The global exfoliators and scrubs market faces some intense competition from the major players operating in the exfoliators and scrubs market. Global key participants exfoliators and scrubs in the industry include Estee Lauder, LOreal, Procter and Gamble, Shiseido, Unilever, Amway, Avon Products, Oriflame, Chanel, Clarins, Helen of Troy, Kao Corporaton, Boticario among others.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Trauma Fixation Market  Growth Opportunities & Global Scenario, 2017-2024

Trauma Fixation Market Analysis 2017  Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024

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The Global Trauma Fixation Market by Types (Internal Fixator Devices (Plates, Screws, Rod Wires & Pins, Fusion Nails), External Fixator Devices), By End-User (Hospital, Orthopedic Clinic) By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa)  Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024The Global Trauma Fixation Market is expected to reach USD 13.2 billion by 2024 from USD 8.2 billion in 2016, at a CAGR of 6.1% in the forecast period 2017 to 2024. The new market report contains data for historic years 2014 and 2015, the base year of calculation is 2016 and the forecast period is 2017 to 2024.Request for Sample Report Visit @Trauma Fixation Market  Geographical SegmentationBased on geography, the global trauma fixation devices market covers data for 52 countries across multiple geographies such as North & South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and, Middle East & Africa. Some of the major countries covered in this report are U.S., Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Brazil among others. North America holds the largest market followed by Asia Pacific which is growing rapidly.Trauma Fixation Market  Competitive Landscape:The global trauma fixation market is highly fragmented with various companies operating in local regions. The major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market.The global trauma fixation market report contains an in-depth profiling of the key market players, along with the recent developments (new product launches, partnerships, agreements, collaborations, and joint ventures) and strategies adopted by them to sustain and strengthen their position in the market. Some of the major players operating in this market are DePuy Synthes Company, Smith & Nephew, Tornier, Inc., Biomet, Inc., Stryker, and Zimmer Inc., among other companies.Inquiry before Buying Visit @The main driver of global trauma fixation market is upsurge in the geriatric population worldwide this is because the aged people possess higher risk for osteoporosis that spur the demand for trauma fixation devices market. The advancements in the healthcare technologies, increased disposable income boosts the global trauma devices market. However the necessity of devices over the globe is increasing and expected to grow at a CAGR of 6 percent to 9 percent. Favorable reimbursement policies and awareness about latest progressions in medical field with inaccessibility of advanced medical facilities contributes to the growth of trauma fixation devices market.Trauma Fixation Market  Market Segmentation:The Global Trauma Fixation Devices is segmented on the basis of type and end-user.On the basis of types, the market is segmented into internal fixator devices and external fixator devices. Internal fixator devices are further segmented into plates, screws, rod wires and pins, and fusion nails. The market report covers market value and volume of the segments mentioned earlier.The global trauma fixation market is further segmented based on end-user into hospital and orthopedic clinic.The global trauma fixation market is segmented into two types of distribution channel into over the counter and direct tenders.Browse Full Report Visit @Related ReportEurope Orthopedic Prosthetics Market  Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Europe Orthopedic Prosthetics Market, By Product Type, End User, Geography (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Rest of Europe)Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Report Access:About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Vishal DixitData Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: Sales@databridgemarketresearch.comInvestor: investors@databridgemarketresearch.comVisit Blog:Follow us on LinkedIn:
Global Specialty Insurance Market 2022 Reviews, Applications & Services - Zurich, Hudson, Ironshore, Hiscox, Manulife

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Specialty Insurance Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 to its huge collection of research reports.This report on the global Specialty Insurance market has been developed by a selected group of professional market research analysts, with a solitary goal to present the existing scenario of the market for Specialty Insurance and shed light on its growth prospects. The report targets audiences such as manufacturers of Specialty Insurance, government agencies, and other research consultancy service providers. The report presents extensive assessment of the crucial factors that may influence the demand in the global Specialty Insurance market, studies the challenges or pitfalls, and make a note of the latest trends, which the existing players must take into consideration in order to keep up in the market competition.To Get Free Sample Copy of Report visit @This report on the global Specialty Insurance market provides estimations related to the market size in terms of value (USD million). It includes both bottom-up and top-down views so as to estimate and authenticate the size of the Specialty Insurance market and of numerous other associated submarkets in the overall global market. The opportunities that may open up in the market for Specialty Insurance by manufacturing countries, type, and application are presented for the duration of [Forecast period] have also been provide in the research report.As the study report targets the shareholders of the global Specialty Insurance market, it is only wise that some of the leading vendors that currently ply their trade in this market are profiled so as to represent their product portfolio, market share, and recent tactical decisions. This chapter is also focused at grasping the potential of the emergence of new players. Leading players in the global Specialty Insurance market have been singled out with the help of secondary research, and their market dominance in respective regions have been assessed through rigorous primary as well as secondary research methodologies.The major players in global market includeUnitedHealthcareAXAAllianzAIGTokio MarineACE&ChubbChina LifeCheck Discount @Table of Contents4 Global Specialty Insurance Market Size by Product and Application (2012-2017)534.1 Global Specialty Insurance Market Size by Product (2012-2017)534.2 Global Specialty Insurance Market Size by Application (2012-2017)545 North America Specialty Insurance Development Status and Outlook565.1 North America Specialty Insurance Market Size (2012-2017)565.2 North America Specialty Insurance Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016-2017)566 Europe Specialty Insurance Development Status and Outlook596.1 Europe Specialty Insurance Market Size (2012-2017)596.2 Europe Specialty Insurance Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016-2017)597 Japan Specialty Insurance Development Status and Outlook627.1 Japan Specialty Insurance Market Size (2012-2017)627.2 Japan Specialty Insurance Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016-2017)62Browse Complete Report with TOC @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Global Specialty Insurance Market Size (B USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1Table Global Market Specialty Insurance Revenue (B USD) Comparison by Regions 2012-20172Figure Global Specialty Insurance Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)2Figure North America Specialty Insurance Market Size (B USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)3Figure Europe Specialty Insurance Market Size (B USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)4Figure Japan Specialty Insurance Market Size (B USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)5Figure China Specialty Insurance Market Size (B USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)6Figure India Specialty Insurance Market Size (B USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)6About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact usBrooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Portable Spectrophotometer Market Research 2017-2021: X Rite US, Datacolor, BYK Gardner, Elcometer

Portable Spectrophotometer market

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Portable Spectrophotometer Market Research 2017A market study  Global Portable Spectrophotometer Market  examines the performance of the Portable Spectrophotometer market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Portable Spectrophotometer market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Portable Spectrophotometer market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Portable Spectrophotometer Market 2017 report includes Portable Spectrophotometer market Revenue, market Share, Portable Spectrophotometer industry volume, market Trends, Portable Spectrophotometer Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Portable Spectrophotometer Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Sample Report Of Portable Spectrophotometer Market:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Portable Spectrophotometer Market 2017 : X Rite US. Konica Minolta (Japan) Datacolor (U.S.) BYK Gardner(Germany) Shenzhen 3nh Technology (China) Elcometer (UK) Hangzhou CHNSpec Technology co.ltd (CN)Firstly, the report covers the top Portable Spectrophotometer manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Portable Spectrophotometer report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Portable Spectrophotometer industry, Portable Spectrophotometer industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Portable Spectrophotometer Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Access Report :The Portable Spectrophotometer 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 Portable Spectrophotometer market revenue worldwide.Finally, Portable Spectrophotometer market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Depth Market Research" is a 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
Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem Global Market Key Players  Allianz Insurance, SCHECTER, Jackson, Farida, SoftBank Analysis and Forecast to 2022

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SummaryThis report studies the global Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem market, analyzes and researches the Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeAllianz InsuranceAmTrust International UnderwritersAssurantAsurionAvivaBrightstar CorporationGeek SquadGoCare Warranty GroupHollard GroupSCHECTERJacksonPeaveyWashburnTaylorFaridaKarl HofnerVodafoneT-MobileTelefonicaSprintMTN?GroupOrangeEtisalatVerizon?WirelessAT&T?MobilityOoredooMTSAirtelSoftBankAmerica MovilRequest a Sample Report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Application, Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem can be split intoPhysical DamageTheft & LossOtherAt any Query @Table of ContentsGlobal Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System1.1 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Market Overview1.1.1 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System 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 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Market by End Users/Application1.3.1 Physical?Damage1.3.2 Theft?&?Loss1.3.3 Other2 Global Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System 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 Allianz Insurance3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 AmTrust International Underwriters3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Assurant3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Asurion3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Aviva3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Brightstar Corporation3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Geek Squad3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 GoCare Warranty Group3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Hollard Group3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 SCHECTER3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 Jackson3.12 Peavey3.13 Washburn3.14 Taylor3.15 Farida3.16 Karl Hofner3.17 Vodafone3.18 T-Mobile3.19 Telefonica3.20 Sprint3.21 MTN?Group3.22 Orange3.23 Etisalat3.24 Verizon?Wireless3.25 AT&T?Mobility3.26 Ooredoo3.27 MTS3.28 Airtel3.29 SoftBank3.30 America Movil4 Global Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.2 Potential Application of Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem System in Future4.3 Top Consumer/End Users of Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem SystemBuy Now @Continued....Contact Us: sales@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 LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) Market Research 2017-2021: Konica Minolta, Shenzhen, Elcometer, Datacolor

Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) market

https://goo.gl/z53NUX

http://www.depthmarketresearch.com/global-phasor-measurement-units-pmu-market-2017-demand-key-players-application-forecast-2022/

Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) Market Research 2017A market study  Global Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) Market  examines the performance of the Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) Market 2017 report includes Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) market Revenue, market Share, Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) industry volume, market Trends, Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Sample Report Of Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) Market:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) Market 2017 : X-Rite (U.S.) Konica Minolta (Japan) Datacolor (U.S.) BYK Gardner (Germany) Shenzhen 3nh Technology (China) Elcometer (UK) Hangzhou CHNSpec Technology co.ltd (CN)Firstly, the report covers the top Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) industry, Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Access Report :The Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) 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 Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) market revenue worldwide.Finally, Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Depth Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Global Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems Market 2017 by key Players - Energinet, ABB, Nexans, Sumitomo, Vattenfall

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https://goo.gl/cts3QR

www.fiormarkets.com

www.albaniantimes.com

The report titled Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems is an in-depth and a professional document that provides a comprehensive overview of the global Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems market.The report provides an executive-level blueprint of the Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems market beginning with the definition of the market dynamics. The analysis classifies the Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems market in terms of products, application, and key geographic regions. Presenting a detailed value chain analysis, the study evaluates the set of region-specific approaches forged by the industry. To determine the market potential for Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems in the international scenario, the study delves into the competitive landscape and development landscape exhibited by the key geographic regions.Download Free Sample Report @The reports analysis is based on technical data and industry figures sourced from the most reputable databases. Other aspects that will prove especially beneficial to readers of the report are: investment feasibility analysis, recommendations for growth, investment return analysis, trends analysis, opportunity analysis, and SWOT analyses of competing companies. With the help of inputs and insights from technical and marketing experts, the report presents an objective assessment of the Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems market.This report also presents product specification, manufacturing process, and product cost structure etc. Production is separated by regions, technology and applications. Analysis also covers upstream raw materials, equipment, Downstream client survey, Marketing channels, Industry development trend and proposals. In the end, the report includes Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems new project SWOT analysis, Investment feasibility analysis, Investment return analysis, and Development trend analysis. In conclusion, it is a deep research report on Global Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems industry. Here, we express our thanks for the support and assistance from Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems industry chain related technical experts and marketing engineers during Research Teams survey and interviews.Access Full Report @The business overview, recent developments, key strategies, and revenue share of key market players in the global Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems market have been covered in the research report. Other important aspects that have been meticulously studied in the Submarine Electricity Transmission Systems market report are: Demand and supply dynamics, import and export scenario, industry processes and cost structures, and major R&D initiatives. The new opportunities they present to market players have been mentioned in the report.About Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerOffice-102, Sanskriti AspirationsBaner Road, Pune,MH 411045IndiaPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY

A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser: OCTOPUS INVESTMENTS LIMITED (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):

The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:

Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Clinigen Group plc (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:

For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 12/09/2017 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?

If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" NO

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:







Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 5,088,587 4.42 (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:



TOTAL: 5,088,587 4.42





All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchase/sale



Number of securities Price per unit



0.1p Ordinary Purchase



19,420 11.105

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. CFD Nature of dealing

e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit





(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type

e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit





(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing

e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)





4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



None





(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:

(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or

(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



None





(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO

Date of disclosure: 13/09/2017 Contact name: Annaliese Maisch Telephone number: 0207 710 6477

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
Bulletproof Helmet Global Market 2017: Key Players  3M, BAE Systems, MKU, ArmorSource, Aegis Engineering, Argun

Bulletproof Helmet Market

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2248945-global-bulletproof-helmet-market-research-report-2017

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Bulletproof Helmet Market 2017Wiseguyreports.Com adds Bulletproof Helmet Market Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2022 To Its Research Database.Report Details:This report provides in depth study of Bulletproof Helmet Market using SWOT analysis i.e. Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat to the organization. The Bulletproof Helmet Market report also provides an in-depth survey of key players in the market which is based on the various objectives of an organization such as profiling, the product outline, the quantity of production, required raw material, and the financial health of the organization.Global Bulletproof Helmet market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including3MBAE SystemsMKUArmorSourceAegis EngineeringArgunHard ShellNingbo Chihan ProtectionPoint Blank EnterprisesProtection Group DanmarkRabintexSarkar Defence SolutionsSinoarmorUlbrichts ProtectionThis report has a complete understanding of market value and quantity, technological progress, macro-economic and governmental policy based on past and present data along with the current and upcoming trends in the market.Request a Sample Report @Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Bulletproof Helmet in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoMetal MaterialNonmetal MaterialComposite MaterialOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Bulletproof Helmet for each application, includingMilitary DefensePoliceIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Complete Report Details@Major Key Points in Table of Content:Global Bulletproof Helmet Market Research Report 20171 Bulletproof Helmet Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Bulletproof Helmet1.2 Bulletproof Helmet Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Bulletproof Helmet Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Bulletproof Helmet Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Metal Material1.2.4 Nonmetal Material1.2.5 Composite Material1.3 Global Bulletproof Helmet Segment by Application1.3.1 Bulletproof Helmet Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Military Defense1.3.3 Police1.4 Global Bulletproof Helmet Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Bulletproof Helmet Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Bulletproof Helmet (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Bulletproof Helmet Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Bulletproof Helmet Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)7 Global Bulletproof Helmet Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 3M7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Bulletproof Helmet Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 3M Bulletproof Helmet Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 BAE Systems7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Bulletproof Helmet Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 BAE Systems Bulletproof Helmet Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 MKU7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Bulletproof Helmet Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 MKU Bulletproof Helmet Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 ArmorSource7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Bulletproof Helmet Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 ArmorSource Bulletproof Helmet Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Aegis Engineering7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Bulletproof Helmet Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Aegis Engineering Bulletproof Helmet Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Argun7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Bulletproof Helmet Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Argun Bulletproof Helmet Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Hard Shell7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Bulletproof Helmet Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Hard Shell Bulletproof Helmet Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Ningbo Chihan Protection7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Bulletproof Helmet Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Ningbo Chihan Protection Bulletproof Helmet Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Point Blank Enterprises7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Bulletproof Helmet Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Point Blank Enterprises Bulletproof Helmet Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Protection Group Danmark7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Bulletproof Helmet Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Protection Group Danmark Bulletproof Helmet Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.11 Rabintex7.12 Sarkar Defence Solutions7.13 Sinoarmor7.14 Ulbrichts ProtectionContinued.Buy now @Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Sales@Wiseguyreports.ComPh: +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 LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Vacuum Valves Market Research 2017-2021: Convum, KOGANEI, PISCO, YOSHITAKE, TACO

Vacuum Valves market

https://goo.gl/dhqg5c

http://www.depthmarketresearch.com/global-vacuum-valves-market-2017-demand-key-players-application-forecast-2022/

Vacuum Valves Market Research 2017A market study  Global Vacuum Valves Market  examines the performance of the Vacuum Valves market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Vacuum Valves market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Vacuum Valves market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Vacuum Valves Market 2017 report includes Vacuum Valves market Revenue, market Share, Vacuum Valves industry volume, market Trends, Vacuum Valves Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Vacuum Valves Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Sample Report Of Vacuum Valves Market:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Vacuum Valves Market 2017 : CKD KOGANEI PISCO SMC ORION Convum AYUMI FUJIKIN YOSHITAKE VENN Prius TACOFirstly, the report covers the top Vacuum Valves manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Vacuum Valves report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Vacuum Valves industry, Vacuum Valves industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Vacuum Valves Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Access Report :The Vacuum Valves 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 Vacuum Valves market revenue worldwide.Finally, Vacuum Valves market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Depth Market Research" is a 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
Gas Circuit Breakers Market Research 2017-2021: CHINT, Megger, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Hitachi, Eaton

Gas Circuit Breakers market

https://goo.gl/yt6W73

http://www.depthmarketresearch.com/global-gas-circuit-breakers-market-2017-demand-key-players-application-forecast-2022/

Gas Circuit Breakers Market Research 2017A market study  Global Gas Circuit Breakers Market  examines the performance of the Gas Circuit Breakers market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Gas Circuit Breakers market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Gas Circuit Breakers market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Gas Circuit Breakers Market 2017 report includes Gas Circuit Breakers market Revenue, market Share, Gas Circuit Breakers industry volume, market Trends, Gas Circuit Breakers Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Gas Circuit Breakers Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Sample Report Of Gas Circuit Breakers Market:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Gas Circuit Breakers Market 2017 : Mitsubishi Hitachi CG Siemens Toshiba Schneider Electric Megger Group Eaton CHINT Lucy Electric Fuji ElectricFirstly, the report covers the top Gas Circuit Breakers manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Gas Circuit Breakers report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Gas Circuit Breakers industry, Gas Circuit Breakers industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Gas Circuit Breakers Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Access Report :The Gas Circuit Breakers 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 Gas Circuit Breakers market revenue worldwide.Finally, Gas Circuit Breakers market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Depth Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Global Diisobutyl Adipate Market, 2017-2022 by Segmentation: Based on Product, Application and Region

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ReportsMonitor.Com Adds Global Diisobutyl Adipate Market Professional Survey Report 2017 to Its Database.This report studies Diisobutyl Adipate in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringBasfKAOLanxessDomus ChemQianyang TechHallstarDEZAVarecoDemeter ChemJiuhong ChemTianyuan TechGET SAMPLE REPORT @On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoDIBA (Di isobuthyl Adipate)DBA (Di buthyl Adipate)By Application, the market can be split intoPlasticizerCosmeticCoatingBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaTable of ContentsGlobal Diisobutyl Adipate Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Diisobutyl Adipate1.1 Definition and Specifications of Diisobutyl Adipate1.1.1 Definition of Diisobutyl Adipate1.1.2 Specifications of Diisobutyl Adipate1.2 Classification of Diisobutyl Adipate1.2.1 DIBA (Di isobuthyl Adipate)1.2.2 DBA (Di buthyl Adipate)1.3 Applications of Diisobutyl Adipate1.3.1 Plasticizer1.3.2 Cosmetic1.3.3 Coating1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Diisobutyl Adipate2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Diisobutyl Adipate2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Diisobutyl Adipate2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Diisobutyl AdipateBROWSE FULL TABLE OF CONTENTS and REPORT DESCRIPTION @About Us:Reports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform to meet the market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact Us:Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Micellar Casein Market: Fresh Dairy Products and Protein Fortification Application Segments Expected to Gain Significant Market Share by 2026 End

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Latest industry research report on: Micellar Casein Market | Industry Size, Share, Research, Reviews, Analysis, Strategies, Demand, Growth, Segmentation, Parameters, ForecastsIncreasing health awareness among consumers is a key factor fuelling global micellar casein market growthMicellar Casein is used in a wide array of applications such as beverages and smoothies, clinical nutrition, bakery, meat products, nutritional powders and bars, protein fortification, dairy beverages, supplements, infant nutrition, fresh dairy products, cheese and others. In terms of value, the global Micellar Casein market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period and is expected to be valued at over US$ 1,000 Mn by 2026 end. Fresh dairy products segment is expected to witness comparatively high CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing use of micellar casein in products such as yogurts is driving revenue growth of this segment.Request For Sample Report @Fresh dairy products and protein fortification segments are expected to gain significant market share by 2026 endSupplements segment in the global micellar casein market is estimated to account for more than 20% value share by 2026 end.The fresh dairy products segment is expected to gain 70 BPS over the forecast period and is expected to account for more than 10% value share by 2026 end. This is attributed to increasing use of micellar casein as a functional ingredient in dairy products.Clinical nutrition segment is expected to register a relatively high CAGRThis segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 5.9% over the assessment period and be valued at more than US$ 100 Mn by the end of 2026.This segment is estimated to create an incremental $ opportunity of nearly US$ 50 Mn between 2016 and 2026.Complete Report Details @Increasing demand for high proteins baked goods is expected to drive growth of the bakery segment over the assessment periodThis segment is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period and be valued at nearly US$ 35 Mn by the end of 2026.This segment is estimated to create an incremental $ opportunity of nearly US$ 15 Mn between 2016 and 2026.Increasing demand for healthy snacks by health conscious consumers globally is expected to drive revenue growth of the nutritional powders & bars segmentThis segment is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period and be valued at nearly US$ 60 Mn by the end of 2026.This segment is estimated to create an incremental $ opportunity of nearly US$ 25 Mn between 2016 and 2026.Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @Application wise market trends in the global micellar casein marketUse of micellar casein and whey protein blends, which are high in amino acids and provide functionality similar to natural milk, has been witnessing significant increase. Whey and casein are an ideal combination as they have a complementary effect on the body, wherein whey helps in the rapid increase of protein synthesis while casein prevents protein breakdown.Quest Nutrition, a major manufacturer of nutritional bars and powders in the U.S., launched Quest Protein Powder in 2014, which is a blend of micellar casein, whey isolate and milk protein.Cheese is a major application for micellar casein, but is prone to various regulations. These regulations are based on the fact that raw milk can be a potential carrier of pathogens. Fat content of cheese is regulated in some regions, and addition of micellar casein alters this fat content. As per FDA cheese standards, fat content in cheese should be between 23% and 44%.Increasing consumer preference for natural or organic ingredients that are free from any additives is resulting in increasing demand for products such as micellar casein.The high stability of micellar casein enables it to undergo ultra-high temperature treatment, thereby making it suitable for use in shelf-stable beverages.Micellar casein is shelf-stable and soluble only at neutral pH. As most flavoured carbonated drinks are acidic in nature, they are not suitable for using micellar casein as an ingredient.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Endoscope Reprocessing Device Market Size to Grow at a Steady Rate During Forecast Period ( 2016-2026)

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Endoscope are important diagnostic tool and therapeutic tool in modern age. Endoscope reprocessing device are used for cleaning, sterilization and disinfection of an endoscope. Physician uses endoscope for number of time to diagnose and treat various disease. Endoscope are used on number of patients, after use it is contaminated with microorganism and it is necessary to clean it and make it microorganism free. To avoid risk of infection endoscope must be sterile before use. Endoscope are cleaned with special care and cleaned by a professional person. Proper technic and methods are performed to clean the endoscope. Design of endoscope are in such a way that it is reprocessed easily and properly. Flexible endoscope poses high level of microorganism, because they are used in various cavity of body for diagnosis. Each endoscope have been different type of cleaning and sterilization process, it is given by manufacturer on the label of the product. For cleaning, sterilisation and disinfection of endoscope and use of endoscope reprocessing device, one must follow the manufacturers direction and various standard organisation process to achieve the micro- organism free cleaning and to avoid the future complications.Endoscope Reprocessing Device Market: Drivers and RestraintsEndoscope reprocessing device market is expected to rise due to increase in the number of the endoscope surgical procedures and also rise in the hospital acquired infections. Apart from this, increased awareness about sterilization and disinfection and ageing population who are more prone to disorders and requires frequent medical check- ups, this positively impact endoscope reprocessing device market over the forecast period. However limitation in cleaning the endoscope such as heat sensitive material or chemical sensitive material, skilled and professional person are required to use the device to avoid future complications may hamper the growth of endoscope reprocessing device market over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample@Endoscope Reprocessing Device Market: SegmentationGlobal endoscope reprocessing device market has been segmented on the basis of product type, modality, end user and region.Based on the product type, the endoscope reprocessing device market is segmented into the following:Ultrasonic washersPasteurizersWasher-disinfectorsSterilizersAutomated endoscope reprocessors (AERs)Single basin automated endoscopic reprocessorsDouble basin automated endoscopic reprocessorsBased on the modality, the endoscope reprocessing device market is segmented into the following:Stand- alone endoscopic reprocessorsBench top endoscopic reprocessorsBased on the end user, the endoscope reprocessing devicemarket is segmented into the following:Hospital500 Bedded+250-499 BeddedLess than 250Ambulatory Surgical CentersSpecialty ClinicsEndoscope Reprocessing Device Market: OverviewEndoscope reprocessing device market is changing continuously due to increase in the uses of endoscope in various disease and disorders. Furthermore several companies in the market place increasing their product portfolio in endoscope reprocessing device market may change the market dynamics over a given period of forecast. By product type segment such as automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) in the global endoscope reprocessing device market are expected to grow in positive traction and success rate in cleaning endoscopes. Automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) has two types i.e. single basin automated endoscopic reprocessors and double basin automated endoscopic reprocessors are like to show positive impact on the market. By modality, bench top endoscopic reprocessors are tend to show higher growth rate as they are easy to handle and can be move freely with less efforts. The bench top endoscopic reprocessors can perform at bedside of patient or in Operation Theater.Endoscope Reprocessing Device Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, endoscope reprocessing device market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America and Europe will remain key markets for endoscope reprocessing device market due to high number of the endoscope surgical procedures and strong presence of big players in the market. Asia Pacific is tend to show a positive growth owing to large number of patient pool, rising geriatric population and increased scope medical tourism.Visit For TOC@Endoscope Reprocessing Device Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the Global endoscope reprocessing device market are STERIS Plc., Cilag GmbH International, Soluscope, ENDO-TECHNIK W.Griesat GmbH, Getinge AB, Wassenburg Medical B.V., Steelco S.p.A., MEDIVATORS Inc. (Cantel Medical Corp.), Johnson & Johnson and Minntech Corp.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.CONTACTFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Silo Bags Market - North America Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2017 - 2026

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Increasing demand for storage during harvest season coupled with growing consumer spending are the key growth drivers of the North America silo bags market over the forecast periodThe need for a cost-efficient solution for storage of grains and animal fodder has led to extensive preference for silo bags among farmers in the U.S. and Canada. The North America silo bags market is expected to witness healthy growth rate owing to small farmers demanding silo bags for short-term and affordable packaging and storage purposes. Silo bags, also known as harvest grain bags are used as an alternative storage system for grains such as wheat, corn, maize, sorghum, etc. in order to fulfil shortage of cattle fodder during dry seasons. The North America silo bags market is expected to create good opportunities for suppliers, distributors and manufacturers operating in the market.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Revenue generated from the North America silo bags market is estimated to touch nearly US$ 34 Mn in 2017 and is forecast to reach nearly US$ 51 Mn in 2024, registering a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. In terms of volume, the North America silo bags market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.4% to reach 62,700 units by 2026.Factors fuelling the demand for silo bags in the North America regionRising demand for convenience packaging among new generation farmers has compelled the manufacturers of silo bags to innovate in terms of optimum space requirements, storage efficiency, high performance and flexible plastic sheets. A growing trend among manufacturers and suppliers of silo bags in North America is to leverage the changing demographics of farmer size. Manufacturers are increasingly addressing the demand from small farmers who prefer silo bags over capital intensive silo systems for storage purposes. Farmers with very short-term storage requirements prefer renting or leasing silo bags as silo bags have good reusability and longer product life.The North America silo bags market is characterised by substantial consolidation among market players. In order to expand their market presence and strengthen order fulfilling capacity, large players are strategically acquiring smaller manufacturers to serve a broader customer base.Restraints limiting the growth of the North America silo bags marketStringent guidelines issued by regulating authorities concerning food and environment have consequential implications on the silo bags market in North America. Stringent FDA regulations regarding the use of harmful chemical substances, and also various regulations for specific thickness, length and breadth for manufacturing of silo bags has led to market preference for alternative environment friendly products.Browse Market Research Report @North America Silo Bags Market Forecast, by Application, 20162026Among all applications of silo bags, grains is predicted to be an attractive segment for investment during the forecast periodBy application, the North America silo bags market can be segmented into grains, forages, fertilisers, dried fruits and others. The demand for silo bags is prominently for storage of grains, which is estimated to constitute over 60% of the North America silo bags market.Grains storage is expected to be a highly attractive packaging type among silo bags manufacturers due to its wide usage by farmers. The Forages segment is likely to maintain its market share with a steady rise in CAGR over the forecast period.About FMIFuture 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 centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Contact FMI3rd Floor, 207 Regent Street,London W1B 3HHUnited KingdomT: + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790D: +44 (0) 20 3287 4268Email:sales@futuremarketinsights.com
Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Will Expand At A CAGR Of 4.76% During The Period From 2015 To 2023, Rising To US$3 bn

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market (Gloves, Wipers, Adhesive Mats, Apparels, Cleaning Products, and Cleanroom Stationary) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023" to its huge collection of research reports.This report on global healthcare cleanroom consumables market analyzes key market trends and provides market estimates and forecast of various consumable products used in healthcare cleanrooms. The market is studied from three main perspectives including products, applications and geography. The global healthcare cleanroom consumables market is studied from the products point of view for gloves, wipers, adhesive mats, apparels, cleaning products, and cleanroom stationary. Cleanroom wipers market is further studied for dry and wet wipers; cleanroom apparels market is sub-segmented into coverall, frock, boot cover, shoe cover, bouffant, sleeves, and others. Cleaning products are further segmented into mops, buckets, wringers, squeegees, validation swabs, and cleaning chemicals. Cleanroom stationary market is segmented into paper, notebook and adhesive pads, binders and labels. From the applications point of view, global healthcare cleanroom consumables market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices and others (academia and hospitals).To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The healthcare global cleanroom consumables market is segmented into four main geographies including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. Each of the geographies is further segmented into major countries. North America cleanroom consumables market is studied for U.S. and Canada, Europe market is studied for Germany, U.K. and rest of Europe, Asia Pacific market is studied for Japan, China and rest of Asia Pacific and rest of the world market is studied for Latin America, and Middle East and Africa.Market revenue for each of the aforementioned segments and sub-segments is provided in USD million considering 2013 and 2014 as base years, while forecast is provided from year 2015 to 2023. The report also includes qualitative information about key players and market trends. The report collates information from various sources including company annual reports, press releases, investor presentations, analyst blogs and government websites. The research methodology mainly relies on inputs from industry experts and key opinion leaders.Browse Detail Report With TOC @Major factors driving and restraining the healthcare cleanroom consumables market also have been discussed in the report. Furthermore, lucrative opportunities in the cleanroom consumables market are also discussed in the report. This report provides detailed Porters five forces analysis that provides birds eye view to competitive scenario of the market. The report also provides attractiveness analysis of the healthcare cleanroom consumables market, which provides insights to most lucrative geographical markets in the future. Comprehensive market share analysis has been provided for nine leading players in the global healthcare cleanroom consumables market.Lastly the healthcare cleanroom consumables market report profiles major players providing cleanroom products considering attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. This sections also provides insights to major mergers and acquisitions and other strategic agreements in the recent past. Major players profiled in the report include DuPont, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, KM Corporation, Micronclean (skegness) Limited, Micronova Manufacturing, Inc., Nitritex Ltd., Texwipe, and Valutek.Table of ContentChapter 1 Introduction1.1 Report Description1.2 Market Segmentation1.3 Research Methodology1.4 AssumptionsChapter 2 Executive Summary2.1 Comparative Analysis: Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market, by Geography, 2014 & 20232.2 Waterfall Chart: Global Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market, by Product, 2014 (US$ Mn)2.3 Market Snapshot: Global Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables MarketChapter 3 Global Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market Overview3.1 Introduction3.2 Market Dynamics3.2.1 Drivers3.2.2 Restraints3.2.3 Opportunities3.3 Porters Five Forces Analysis: Global Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market3.4 Global Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Geography, 20143.5 Global Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market Share Analysis, by Key Players, 2014 (Value %)Chapter 4 Global Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market, by Products, 2013  2023 (US$ Mn)4.1 Introduction4.2 Cleanroom Apparels Market, by Product Types, 2013  2023 (US$ Mn)4.2.1 Coverall4.2.2 Frock4.2.3 Boot Cover4.2.4 Shoe Cover4.2.5 Bouffant4.2.6 Sleeves4.2.7 Others (pants, face masks, hood)4.3 Cleanroom Cleaning Products Market by Product Types, 2013  2023 (US$ Mn)4.3.1 Cleanroom Mops4.3.2 Buckets, Wringers, Squeegees4.3.3 Validation Swabs4.3.4 Cleaning Chemicals4.4 Cleanroom Stationary Market by Product Types, 2013  2023 (US$ Mn)4.4.1 Paper4.4.2 Notebook and Adhesive Pads4.4.3 Binders and Clipboards4.4.4 Labels4.5 Cleanroom Wipers Market by Product Types, 2013  2023 (US$ Mn)4.5.1 Dry4.5.2 Wet4.6 Cleanroom Gloves Market by Product Types, 2013  2023 (US$ Mn)4.7 Cleanroom Adhesive Mats Market by Product Types, 2013  2023 (US$ Mn)Chapter 5 Global Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market, by Application, 2013  2023 (US$ Mn)5.1 Introduction5.2 Pharmaceutical5.3 Biotechnology5.4 Medical Devices5.5 Others (Academia and Hospitals)Chapter 6 Global Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market, by Geography, 2013  2023 (US$ Mn)6.1 Introduction6.2 North America Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market, by Country, 2013  2023 (US$Mn)6.2.1 U.S.6.2.2 Canada6.3 Europe Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market, by Country, 2013  2023 (US$Mn)6.3.1 U.K.6.3.2 Germany6.3.3 Rest of Europe6.4 Asia Pacific Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market, by Country, 2013  2023 (US$Mn)6.4.1 Japan6.4.2 China6.4.3 Rest of Asia Pacific6.5 Rest of the World Healthcare Cleanroom Consumables Market, by Geography, 2013  2023 (US$Mn)6.5.1 Latin America6.5.2 Middle East and AfricaContinued...Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Liquid-immersed Transformers Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20172025

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Transmission and distribution of electrical energy from power generating sources to user end requires step-up and step-down of voltages at different ends that necessitate the utilization of transformers at every stage. Moreover, requirement to reduce the transmission losses and short circuit in high voltage transmission, liquid-immersed transformers that have mineral oil as an electric insulating medium to act as an arc-quenching medium and provide optimum operational temperature range are expected to drive the industry growth through the forecast period.Increasing demands for electrical energy and proliferating energy generating capacities of renewable sources are expected to fuel the industry growthAccording to International Energy Outlook 2016, by U.S. Energy Information Administration, world energy consumption is expected to witness surge of over 48% by 2040, with China and India accounting the major share of the increased demands. Moreover, increasing reliance on renewable fuels that include solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal are among the major forms of energy to for on grid installations are expected to attract major demand. Requirement to step-up the voltage and transmit the electrical energy over the long distance range is expected to be the primary growth factor over the forecast period. Moreover, increasing kWh demands in conjunction with the increasing costs of space, specifically in the urban areas, will present substantial growth prospects for the liquid-immersed transformers market.Request a sample copy of this report:Liquid-Immersed Transformers Market Taxonomy:On the basis of dielectric fluids, the global liquid-immersed transformers market is classified into:Natural estersSynthetic estersMineral oilsSilicone oilsOn the basis of application, the global liquid-immersed transformers market is classified into:Power transformersDistribution transformersResidentialCommercialIndustriesAccess Table of Content (TOC) of the report:Better performance characteristics such as long life cycles, low noises and smaller sizes are expected to garner higher consumer inclinationMost commonly used alternative products used in the all the major applications includes dry-type and pad-mounted transformers. However, other than low cost of the dry type alternatives, liquid immersed transformers are featured with longer operating lifecycles, minimal or no annual maintenance time and costs, no outages over its lifecycles, and enhanced safety against fire hazards. Increased power capacities also result in significant decline in the overall capital expenditure, owing to the economies of scale. Moreover, capability of the equipment to repairable is among the chief advantageous factors which has led to increased applications specifically at power generation end.Transformer oil is the most widely used form of insulating medium owing to its low affinity towards oxidationWindings are insulated with cellulose which has substantial affinity to oxygen. When immersed in oil, the exposure to air is cut off. Moreover, it has been the most conventional form of fluid that has been used in these applications for arc quenching, in conjunction with other switchgears and circuit breakers. However, in order to reduce the environmental impacts and the carbon footprint, several other ecofriendly biodegradable substitutes have started gaining momentum in the industry applications. In conjunction with minimal environmental impacts, these offer enhanced life cycle and considerably reduce the maintenance requirements, in turn leading to increased inclination of the users and manufacturers.Asia Pacific is expected to remain the most dominating regional segment, primarily owing to the large scale requirements, and the presence of the largest consumer base. Technological advancements that can enhance the functioning of these equipment by several decimal units will find increased consumer inclinations owing to the energy efficiency that can be achieved owing to large scale power requirements.Key liquid-immersed transformers market participants include CG, ABB, Schneider Electric, GE, and Siemens. Industry presence is characterized by the presence of several regional participants competing in their specific region with the international players. Since pricing is the chief perspective in the transmission and distribution segment, regional players are expected to present significant challenge to the international players. Some other vendors in the industry include Altrafo Transformers, CNC Group, CELME, Dandong Xintai Electric, China XD Group EREMU, and Elsewedy Electric.View this full report:About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr.ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email:sales@coherentmarketinsights.com
Consumer Products and Retail Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2022

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Albany, NY, 13th September : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of " Analysis of Consumer Products and Retail Market in Global Industry : Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2017-2022 " globally.Product lifecycle management (PLM) represents an overall vision and systematic data management related to the product design, production, support, as well as its ultimate disposal in a product development process in organizations. There are certain variables such as time, functions, performance, and price that change frequently in tandem with the product lifecycle processes. Therefore, the product innovation process should be based on changes in the aforementioned variables to meet the market demand. Delivering the right product at the right time is the major goal of enterprises in the market. PLM provides many benefits to organizations, such as significant reduction in time-to-market for the product, production cost minimization, and product quality and reliability enhancement. The various challenges faced by product development teams in enterprises include globalization, as well as growing demand for mass customization and quick innovation. These challenges are leading to the growing need for PLM solutions, which provide the collaborative environment and knowledge management of a products lifecycle process.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @This research report provides in-depth analysis of the global consumer products and retail market and global PLM market for consumer products and retail end-users. Report analysis for global consumer products section is based on different sector types while for the global PLM market for consumer products and retail end-user section, the analysis is based on component types, end-use applications, and geography. In terms of geographical regions, the report segments the global consumer products and retail market and global PLM market for consumer products and retail end-user into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America, which are analyzed in terms of revenue generation. North America is further segmented into the U.S. and Rest of North America, while Europe is divided into EU7, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and Rest of Europe. Moreover, Asia Pacific is subdivided into Japan, China, South Asia, Australasia, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Also, MEA is further segmented into Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, North Africa, Southern Africa, and Rest of MEA, while Latin America is subdivided into Brazil and Rest of Latin America.The PLM market is categorized based on component types into software and services. The market is experiencing implementation of PLM software in both on-premise as well as cloud based models. The report further segments both on-premise and cloud-based PLM into various software types including CAD/CAM/CAE (CAx), numerical control (NC), simulation and analysis (S&A), architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), collaborative product definition management (CPDM), digital manufacturing, electronic design automation (EDA), and others. The PLM services market is also subdivided into consulting, integration, and operation & maintenance. This research report provides complete insights into different consumer products and retail end-use application sectors of PLM including footwear, apparel, durables, consumer packaged goods, and others (toys, jewelry, and electronic consumer appliances). The report analyzes each of these segments for various geographical segments considered under the scope of the study.Furthermore, the report analyzes the factors that drive and restrain the growth of the PLM market for consumer products and retail end-use. The report also discusses the prevailing market trends, prospective growth opportunities, and major strategies increasing the popularity of PLM software and services. It also provides the market estimates and forecasts for all the segments in terms of revenue. Also provided is the market positioning of key players in the global PLM market for consumer products and retail end-use.Make an Enquiry about TOC @Additionally, the report includes competitive profiling of the major players engaged in offering consumer products and retail market and PLM software and services. Major business strategies adopted by them, their market positioning, and various recent developments have also been identified in the research report. The key market players profiled in this study include both software vendors and service providers. The major retail providers profiled include Metro AG, Kroger Company, Carrefour SA, Tesco PLC, Costco Wholesale Corporation, and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Consumer products major include Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, Amway, Unilever PLC, Procter & Gamble, LOreal Group, Nestle S.A., and PepsiCo, Inc. The major PLM software vendors profiled in the report are Dassault Systemes, PTC, Inc., Autodesk, Inc., SAP SE, Oracle Corporation, Gerber Scientific, Inc., Infor, Centric Software, and Selerant Corporation. The major service providers of PLM profiled in the study are IBM Corporation, Accenture PLC, Atos SE, and Hewlett-Packard Company.The Global Consumer Products and Retail Market has been segmented as follows:Consumer Products and Retail Market, by SectorFootwearApparelDurables (Sporting Goods and Furniture)Consumer Packaged GoodsOthers (Toys, Jewelry and Electronic Consumer Appliances)Consumer Products and Retail Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.Rest of the North AmericaEuropeEU7 (U.K., Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands)CISRest of EuropeAsia Pacific (APAC)JapanChinaSouth Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, & Sri Lanka)Australasia (Australia, NZ & Guinea)Rest of APACMiddle East & Africa (MEA)GCC CountriesNorth AfricaSouth AfricaRest of MEALatin AmericaBrazilRest of the Latin AmericaPLM Market for Consumer Products and Retail End-use, by ComponentSoftware (On-Premise Software and Cloud-based Software)Services (Consulting, Integration, Operation, & Maintenance)PLM Market for Consumer Products and Retail End-use, by SectorFootwearApparelDurables (Sporting Goods and Furniture)Consumer Packaged GoodsOthers (Toys, Jewelry, and Electronic Consumer Appliances)PLM Market for Consumer Products and Retail End-use, by GeographyNorth AmericaThe U.S.Rest of the North AmericaEuropeEU7 (U.K., Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands)CISRest of EuropeAsia Pacific (APAC)JapanChinaSouth Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, & Sri Lanka)Australasia (Australia, NZ & Guinea)Rest of APACBrowse Report @Middle East & Africa (MEA)GCC CountriesNorth AfricaSouth AfricaRest of MEALatin AmericaBrazilRest of the Latin AmericaResearchMoz 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.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
CENTRAL LAKE, Mich., Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Central Lake Armor Express, Inc. ("Armor Express"), a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance body armor solutions, is proud to announce that the U.S. Marshals Service has awarded the Company a contract to outfit Officers in the Western District of Virginia with its latest helmet innovation, the Busch AMP-1 TP ballistic helmet certified to the VPAM standard.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/abd5bb74-24d8-4878-ac3d-abac392199a9

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is the primary federal agency charged with conducting fugitive investigations throughout the country. The agency regularly works in concert with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to seek out and arrest violent fugitives and sex offenders, and has established task forces throughout the nation to facilitate the apprehension of fugitives.

We are honored to support this crucial branch of Federal Law Enforcement and stand ready to service their requirements, stated David Jones, Director of Federal Sales. We worked to ensure they have the most reliable, high-performance head gear. The Armor Express team understands the enormous danger that USMS officers face when dealing with the most violent fugitives and offenders, and having state-of-the-art protective equipment is of critical importance. We look forward to growing our partnership through the development and delivery of life-saving armor solutions that enable our men and women in uniform to do their job and return home safely.

Introduced in early 2017, the Busch PROtective AMP-1 TP helmet is certified to VPAM (HVN-2009), the Gold Standard of ballistic testing within Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and brings first rate protection to tactical law enforcement, anti-terror and specialized police officers who may be exposed to close quarter combat and increased risk of being shot within the head region. The helmet is constructed of a multi-layered aramid composite, using a patented EBSP method  a unique production technique that creates elite ballistic capabilities previously attainable only in Titanium helmets.

Weighing an average of 3.6 pounds, the AMP-1 TP is able to stop ballistic threats as close as .78 from the edge and multiple shots on a small surface area. Its increased edge and multi-impact capabilities enhance the helmets protective area by up to 50%, compared to standard ballistic helmets. For the risk of taking multiple hits at close range, another key protective element is the helmets ability to transfer and dissipate energy around its shell, thereby reducing blunt force trauma. The helmets EBSP process counters this threat, thereby significantly reducing the energy transfer to the skull to less than 25 joules. VPAMs extremely high testing requirements measure back-face deformation, ensuring when the helmet is hit by an incoming round, there is minimal energy transferred from the helmet shell to the users head. Further, the AMP-1 TP offers high fragmentation protection of more than 2,034 f/s, according to STANAG 2920.

The helmet comes with a unique rail-system with speed-connect system (SCS) technology, advanced protective padding system certified to the EN 397 (impact/shock attenuation standard), wheel dial for ultimate uni-sizing flexibility, and protective bag. The uni-size feature is instrumental, helping departments with typical limited budgets to remove the cost of having to purchase multiple units based on individual fit. The special rail-system with speed-connect system (SCS) gives the wearer even more tactical and modular protective capability. The modular protective visors with varied protection levels (Blunt Impact, Fragmentation, or 9mm/44Mag) can be added/removed from the helmet within seconds, without ever having to take off the helmet  providing the benefit of always being protected. Additional accessories include the NVG 3-hole shroud, helmet cover (black or green color), helmet Velcro kit, helmet counter weight kit, visor protective cover and side-rail adaptor. The AMP-1 TP helmet comes in black, green and sand colors.

For more insights on the Busch AMP-1 TP helmet, along with all soft and hard armor solutions, visit the Armor Express website at www.armorexpress.com.

About Armor Express

Armor Express is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance body armor systems. Founded in 2005, the Company has grown to become one of the largest providers of soft and hard armor products and accessories, serving the domestic and Federal law enforcement market, U.S Military and Americas allies around the world. Through its strategic partnerships with technology innovators and its unwavering commitment to advance research & development, the Companys customers benefit from state-of-the-art protective solutions and best-in-class service. For more information, please visit www.armorexpress.com.

@ArmorExpress

Connect with Armor Express on social media; search Armor Express on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Company Contacts:

Glenn Wiener and Dionne Manchester

GW Communications (for Armor Express)

Tel: 212-786-6011 / 212-786-6068

Email: gwiener@GWCco.com / dionne@GWCco.com
Global interactive pet monitors market is expected to cross $128 billion by 2022

Interactive Pet Monitors Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017 - 2022

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The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 40.8% and 50.2% in terms of revenue and volume, respectively, during the forecast period 20162022, Says the latest report by Arizton Advisory & Intelligence.The revenue is expected to increase during the forecast period due to rising awareness, improving internet connectivity and smartphone penetration, growing working population, and increasing demand from the millennial generation. Further, innovations in interactive pet monitors would boost investors confidence in the market, and the market will witness an increase in the VC funding during the forecast period. Monitoring devices with integrated food dispenser would pick up the pace and will be the largest market both in terms of sales volume and revenue. North America region will be the dominant region both in terms of revenue and shipment followed by Europe.View report:Major vendors profiled in the report are as following: Petcube Motorola Mobility ReolinkOther vendors in the market include Tomofun, Petzila, iBaby Labs, CleverPet, Shanghai PETKIT, Feed and Go, Anser Innovation, and Pawbo.The report considers the present scenario of the global interactive pet monitors market and its strategic assessment for the period 20172022. It includes a detailed study of growth drivers, trends, and restraints. The report also profiles the leading vendors in the market and other key vendors.To arrive at the market size, the study considered the global population of households has one or more pets, and it only takes companion pets i.e. dogs and cats into consideration. The report provides the analysis of the key segments of the market by product type, technology, geography, country, and vendors. It provides a detailed analysis of revenue from various segments:Product Type : Stand-alone monitoring devices , Monitoring Devices with Integrated food dispensersTechnology : Mobile monitoring devices, Stationary monitoring devicesBy Geography: APAC, Europe, North America, RoWBy Country: Australia, Canada, China, Germany, UK, USMonitoring devices with integrated food dispenser will surpass stand-alone devicesThe stand-alone monitoring devices segment held 52.06% of the volume sales in the global interactive pet monitors market in 2016 and accounted as the largest segment. However, the market is likely to witness a major shift in this segment, and the monitoring devices with integrated food dispenser will surpass the stand-alone devices in 2022. Food integrated devices will constitute more than 73% of the global sales volume. Also, in terms of revenue, food integrated devices will be a dominant segment. The ASP of interactive pet monitors devices is expected to decline during the forecast period because of high demand.North America to remain the dominant marketGlobally, North America is the largest market for pet care, and the interactive pet monitors market is growing rapidly. This will fuel the demand for interactive pet monitors in the region coupled with the rise in adoption of pets in the region. Europe, led by the UK and Germany, will continue to be the second largest market. The market in APAC is characterized by demand for low-cost products. Further, there was limited awareness of interactive pet monitors in the region. However, as the awareness about the devices grows during the forecast period along with the better internet infrastructure and the rise in internet and smartphone penetration, the interactive pet monitors market is likely to witness growth in the adoption of interactive pet monitors in the region.Related Reports1) Smart Home Hub Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017-2022Click Here :2) Pool Equipment and Maintenance Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017-2022Click Here:Source: Arizton Advisory & Intelligence ReportsClick here:About AriztonArizton  Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.Arizton has gained a paramount standpoint in the market research arena as it offers top of the line solutions to clients to assess market landscape and to finalize foolproof business strategies. We are committed to provide inclusive market research reports and consulting services to clients from diversified industries including Consumer Goods & Retail Technology, Automotive and Mobility, Smart Tech, Healthcare and Lifesciences, Industrial Machinery, Chemicals and Materials, IT and Media, Logistics and PackagingArizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.Arizton Advisory & IntelligenceChicago, Illinois, 60605Mail: enquiry@arizton.comCall: +1-312-465-7864
Food Safety Testing Market Research Report 2017 : Competitive Analysis And Forecast 2022

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This report studies the Food Safety Testing market status and outlook of global and major regions, from angles of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top manufacturers in global and major regions, and splits the Food Safety Testing market by product type and applications/end industries.The global Food Safety Testing market is valued at XX million USD in 2016 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Request For Free Sample Of The Report @The major players in global Food Safety Testing market include3MPURE BioscienceMerieux NutriSciencesDuPontAgilentAmetekDanaher LabsBrukerCharm SciencesPerkinElmerThermo Fisher ScientificNeogenElisa TechnologiesIdexx LaboratoriesQiagenBio-Rad LaboratoriesMarshfield Food SafetyObtain Report Details @About UsAlltake Market Research is division of the Alltake LLC. that offers premium quality market intelligence, market research, industry analysis reports & forecast data for different domains across the business industry.Alltake Market Research understands the importance of market analysis for any strategy that is implemented in any organization or association. In order to provide the best solution, Alltake Market Research have associated with major organizations within market research and consultancy firm. This portfolio offers market analysis report at one place for different business verticals. Alltake Market Research ensures to offer you with the most reliable and quality market research available.Contact UsAlltake Market Research16192, Coastal Highway Lewes,DE 19958, United StatesUS - 188 8587 9717UK - 4480 0680 0195Email sales@alltakemarketresearch.com
New Release | Global 4K2K TV Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2016-2020) - Researchmoz

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global 4K2K TV Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2016-2020)" to its huge collection of research reports.Display Resolution, also known as screen resolution, is the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed. It is identified by the width and height of the image as well as the total number of pixels in the image. There are number of display resolution present today like high definition TVs, full HD TVs and many more. In terms of television resolution, 4K is the latest technology.4K resolution, also called 4K, refers to a horizontal resolution on the order of approximately 4,000 pixels and vertical resolution on the order of 2,000 pixels. Television systems with 4k resolutions are regarded as ultra-high definition systems. The 4K2K TVs have become the most popular choice today mainly because it provides picture clarity, better image debt & color handling, and a more cinematic and immersive experience.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Asia pacific is the largest market of 4K2K TVs. It is the manufacturing hub for 4K2K TVs and the region is home to all the leading vendors of IC drivers, panel displays, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). All the latest innovation and technological developments in the TV market comes from Asia Pacific.The key factors driving growth of the 4K2K TV market includes increase in the 4K2K panel shipments, falling average selling price, greater adoption rate year after year, rising popularity of 4K UHD content, growing awareness about the 4K technology and rise in middle class population and lifestyle. However, market growth is hindered by the factors such as limited adoption of 4K2K technology in 48 inch TV sets and high costs of 4K2K TVs. The major trends featuring the market includes rising proportion of 4K2K TV Panels using RGBW technology, use of LED backlighting in 4K2K TVs and entry of new Chinese vendors in the market.The report offers an in-depth analysis of the Global 4K2K TV Market with special focus on Asia Pacific. It covers the regional and global aspect of the market. The top notch players in the market exhibit a very close competition. The report profiles Samsung, Panasonic, LG Electronics and Hisense.Browse Detail Report With Full TOC @Table of Content1. Market Overview1.1 Resolution1.2 Common TV Resolution1.3 4K2K TV Resolution2. Global 4K2K TV Market2.1 Global 4K2K TV Market by Value2.2 Global 4K2K TV Market Forecast by Value2.3 Global 4K2K TV Market by Shipment Volume2.4 Global 4K2K TV Market Forecast by Shipment Volume2.5 Global 4K2K TV Market Volume by Region2.6 Global 4K2K TV Market by Penetration Rate2.7 Global 4K22K TV Market Penetration Rate by Type3. Regional 4K2K TV Market Analysis3.1 Asia Pacific3.1.1 Asia Pacific 4K2K TV Market by Shipment Volume3.1.2 Asia Pacific 4K2K TV Market Forecast by Shipment Volume3.1.3 Asia Pacific 4K2K TV Market Volume by Country3.1.4 China 4K2K TV Market by Shipment Volume3.1.5 China 4K2K TV Market Forecast by Shipment Volume3.1.6 Korea 4K2K TV Market by Shipment Volume3.1.7 Korea 4K2K TV Market Forecast by Shipment Volume3.1.8 Japan 4K2K TV Market by Shipment Volume3.1.9 Japan 4K2K TV Market Forecast by Shipment Volume3.2 The Americas3.2.1 The Americas 4K2K TV Market by Shipment Volume3.2.2 The Americas 4K2K TV Market Forecast by Shipment Volume4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.1.1 Rise in Global LCD TV Panel Shipment4.1.2 Decline in Average Selling Price (ASP) of 4K2K TVs4.1.3 Rising Popularity of 4K HD Content4.1.4 Growing Awareness about 4K Technology4.1.5 Rise in Middle Class Population and Living Standards4.1.6 Rise in Number of Urban Households4.1.7 Rise in Global GDP Per Capita4.2 Key Trends and Developments4.2.1 Increase in 4K2K TV IC Driver Demand4.2.2 Rising Proportion off 4K2K TV Panels using RGBW Technology4.2.3 Entry of Several Players from China & Other Asian Regions in Market4.2.4 Increasing Usage of LED for Backlighting in 4K2K TVs4.3 Challenges and Issues4.3.1 Limited 4K2K Adoption in Smaller Size TV Sets4.3.2 High Cost of 4K2K TVs5. Competitive Landscape5.1 Revenue Comparison5.2 Market Cap ComparisonContinued...Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Air Care Market is expected to reach US$11.7 bn by the end of 2021

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Europe Could Lose Leading Position to APAC in Air Care Products RevenueExpanding at a predicted CAGR of 2.6% within a forecast period from 2015 to 2021, the global market for air care products is expected to reach US$11.7 bn by the end of 2021. By the end of 2016, its revenue is expected to reach US$10.5 bn.Europe is the leading consumer region of air care products in the world for now. By 2021, it is expected to reach US$3.68 bn in revenue, but will most likely be overtaken by Asia Pacific thanks to the rapidly increasing demand for air care products in this region.View Full Report:The retail sales of air care products exceed B2B sales by a huge margin. By the end of 2021, the overall retail sales of air care products are expected to reach US$11.28 bn. The demand for spray or aerosol air fresheners is expected to remain high till 2021. It will end up reaching US$3.94 bn in revenue by the end of 2021.Globally Improving Living Standards and Increasing Air Pollution Push Air Care Product SalesA lot of countries are showing a very positive rate of development, states a TMR analyst. The quality of life in Asia Pacific, for instance, is fast improving, and the disposable income that individuals hold is increasing as well. This is turning many consumers towards retail markets such as air care products for their cars and their homes, thus adding a significant weight to the demand for air care products on a global level.Request to view Sample Report:Asia Pacific and Latin America are most visibly showing high economic growth rates and preference for a wide array of air care products. This also applies to countries from other regions such as Egypt, where the massive amounts of dust in the air is creating an equally high demand for air care products.Substitute Products Expected to Continue Slowing Air Care Product SalesA lot of countries, especially from the economically developing regions, still make use of homemade or locally produced dried herbs, flowers, and plant essences for fragrances and air cleansing. These are direct substitutes of air care products and are therefore reducing the effective consumer base for them.Request to download and view full ToC:The impact of substitute usage is expected to remain high between 2015 and 2021 owing to their lower costs and the current lack of awareness of the diverse range of air care products.SC Johnson & Son, Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Plc., and Procter & Gamble Co. held a collective share of 60% for air care products in 2014. While they do hold the majority of the market value together, the number of regional players offering air care products is still very high. Most of the manufacturers of air care products are beginning to focus on attractive market segments such as candle air fresheners. This is due to a growing concern over environmental issues and the consequent reduction in the use of aerosols and sprays.Global Air Care Market is available @ US$ 5795Candle air fresheners provide one of the most eco-friendly air care means, which is making them highly preferred in many regions. According to a new publication by Transparency Market Research, other products such as beads, plug-ins, and oils are also gaining popularity due to advancements in technology that make it feasible to sell these items on a large scale.About us:Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Industrial Fastener Market: Analysis By Type (Standard, Aerospace, Special), By Sub-Type (External, Internal, Non-Threaded), By End User, By Region, By Country (2017-2022)

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Industrial Fastener Market: Analysis By Type (Standard, Aerospace, Special), By Sub-Type (External, Internal, Non-Threaded), By End User, By Region, By Country (2017-2022) - By Region (N. America, L. America , Europe, APAC, ROW), By Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, China, Japan, India, South Korea, U.K, Germany, France, Italy, Israel, Turkey)" to its huge collection of research reports.A comprehensive research report created through extensive primary research (inputs from industry experts, companies, stakeholders) and secondary research, the report aims to present the analysis of Global Industrial Fastener Market on the basis of By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia pacific and ROW) and By Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil , Argentina, China ,Japan , India, South Korea, U.K., Germany, France, Italy , Israel , Turkey).To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Over the recent years, the global industrial fastener industry has been growing rapidly as the global automotive , construction sector has been witnessing the rapid growth . Globally, the growth in the industrial fastener market is driven by increase in local manufacturers, government investment in the urbanization, changing automotive industry trends of light weighting vehicles and rise in aerospace industry.According to Azoth Analytics research report, Global Industrial Fastener Market: Analysis By Type (Standard, Aerospace, Special), By Sub-Type (External, Internal, Non-Threaded), By End User, By Region, By Country (2017-2022) - By Region (N. America, L. America , Europe, APAC, ROW), By Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, China, Japan, India, South Korea, U.K, Germany, France, Italy, Israel, Turkey), among the regions, Asia is predicted to advance at the highest rate, mainly driven by the Chinese manufacturers who provide fastener at the low price, investment by the European companies. Among the countries, China is predicted to rise at the highest rate driven by high investments by the native companies and government regulatory framework.The report titled, Global Industrial Fastener Market: Analysis By Type (Standard, Aerospace, Special), By Sub-Type (External, Internal, Non-Threaded), By End User, By Region, By Country (2017-2022) - By Region (N. America, L. America , Europe, APAC, ROW), By Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, China, Japan, India, South Korea, U.K, Germany, France, Italy, Israel, Turkey) has covered and analysed the potential of Global Industrial Fastener Market and provides statistics and information on market size, shares and growth factors. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the report also identifies and analyses the emerging trends along with major drivers, challenges and opportunities in the global food service equipment market. Additionally, the report also highlights market entry strategies for various companies across the globe.Browse Detail Report With Full TOC @Scope of the ReportGlobal Market (Actual Period: 2012-2016, Forecast Period: 2017-2022) Total Industrial Fastener Market By Type (Standard, Aerospace, Application-Specific, Others) By Standard Sub-Type (External Threaded, Internal Threaded, Non-Threaded) By End-User Industry (Automotive, Construction, MRO, Mechanical, Agriculture, Aerospace, Others)Regional Markets  North America, Latin America , Europe, APAC, ROW (Actual Period: 2012-2016, Forecast Period: 2017-2022) Total Industrial Fastener Market By Type (Standard, Aerospace, Application-Specific, Others) By Standard Sub-Type (External Threaded, Internal Threaded, Non-Threaded) By End-User Industry (Automotive, Construction, MRO, Mechanical, Agriculture, Aerospace, Others)Country Analysis - U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil , Argentina, China ,Japan , India, South Korea, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Israel, Turkey (Actual Period: 2012-2016, Forecast Period: 2017-2022) Total Industrial Fastener Market Countries - Exports and Imports By End-User Industry (Automotive, Construction, MRO, Mechanical, Agriculture, Aerospace, Others)Other Report Highlights Market Dynamics  Trends, Drivers, Challenges Policy and Regulation Company Analysis  Sundram Fasteners, LISI, ITW, Simmond Marshall, Bulten, Bossard, Fastenal, TR Fastening, TriMAsMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Satellite Modem Market Research Report 2017 : Technological Advancement & Development by Companies

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In this report, the global Satellite Modem market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Satellite Modem in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaRequest For Free Sample Of The Report @Global Satellite Modem market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingORBCOMM INC.ViaSat Inc.Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.NovelsatComtech EF Data CorporationNewtec Cy N.V.Datum SystemsTeledyne Paradise DatacomHughes Network Systems, LLCAdvantech WirelessWORK Microwave GmbHAyecka Communication Systems, Ltd.Amplus Communication Pte LtdOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoBy Channel TypeSingle Channel Per Carrier (SCPC) ModemsMultiple Channel Per Carrier (MCPC) ModemsBy Data RateHigh-Speed Data Rate ModemsMid-Range Data Rate ModemsEntry-Level Data Rate ModemsOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Satellite Modem for each application, includingEnergy & UtilitiesMiningTelecommunicationMarineMilitary & DefenseTransportation & LogisticsOil & GasOthersObtain Report Details @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.About UsAlltake Market Research is division of the Alltake LLC. that offers premium quality market intelligence, market research, industry analysis reports & forecast data for different domains across the business industry.Alltake Market Research understands the importance of market analysis for any strategy that is implemented in any organization or association. In order to provide the best solution, Alltake Market Research have associated with major organizations within market research and consultancy firm. This portfolio offers market analysis report at one place for different business verticals. Alltake Market Research ensures to offer you with the most reliable and quality market research available.Contact UsAlltake Market Research16192, Coastal Highway Lewes,DE 19958, United StatesUS - 188 8587 9717UK - 4480 0680 0195Email sales@alltakemarketresearch.com
Make Strategic Business Decisions Using In-Depth Historic And Forecast Market Data Related To The Cameroonian Insurance Industry

Insurance Industry in Cameroon

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "The Insurance Industry in Cameroon, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.'The Insurance Industry in Cameroon, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021' report provides detailed analysis of the market trends, drivers and challenges in the Cameroonian insurance industry.It provides key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review period (2012-2016) and forecast period (2016-2021).To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Cameroonian economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.Summary'The Insurance Industry in Cameroon, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Cameroonian insurance industry, including:The Cameroonian insurance industry's growth prospects by segment and categoryA comprehensive overview of Cameroonian economy and demographicsThe detailed competitive landscape in the Cameroonian insurance industryThe various distribution channels in the Cameroonian insurance industryDetailed regulatory policies of the Cameroonian insurance industryAnalysis of natural hazards in Cameroonian insurance industryBrowse Detail Report With Full TOC @ScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the insurance industry in Cameroon:It provides historical values for the Cameroonian insurance industry for the reports 2012-2016 review period, and projected figures for the 2016-2021 forecast period.It offers a detailed analysis of the key segments in the Cameroonian insurance industry, along with market forecasts until 2021.It covers an exhaustive list of parameters, including written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and retentions.It analyzes the various distribution channels in Cameroon.It profiles the top insurance companies in Cameroon and outlines the key regulations affecting them.Reasons To BuyMake strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Cameroonian insurance industry and each segment and category within it.Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Cameroonian insurance industry.Assess the competitive dynamics in the Cameroonian insurance industry.Identify the growth opportunities and market dynamics in key segments.Gain insights into key regulations governing the Cameroonian insurance industry and their impact on companies and the industry's future.Key HighlightsBy the end of 2017, the National Inter-sector Technical Committee is expected to finalize and present a framework for the development of a universal healthcare system in Cameroon.In July 2017, Cameroonian insurance authorities released a tender inviting consultant to develop motor third-party liability premium pricing.From January 1, 2017, the Cameroonian government announced changes in the road tax collection method. Motorists are now required to pay a road tax to the insurance company at the same time they pay for motor insurance.In 2016, the World Bank, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and insurance industry stakeholders, announced plans to develop index-based agricultural insurance.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Construction Intelligence Center (CIC) Is Currently Tracking Healthcare Construction Projects Globally With A Total Value Of US$406 Billion

Healthcare Construction Projects

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Project Insight - Global Healthcare Construction Projects" to its huge collection of research reports.The report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights based on over 1910 CIC projects in the Global market. The report provides detailed metrics on health construction projects (as tracked by CIC) split by country, type and value. Detailed metrics are also provided for the top 10 countries.SummaryTimetrics Construction Intelligence Center (CIC) is currently tracking healthcare construction projects globally with a total value of US$406 billion. Of this US$209 billion is already in execution.The Americas accounts for the highest share with US$138.2 billion. Europe is in second place, with projects with a value of US$116.5 billion, ahead of Asia-Pacific in third with projects valued at US$96.5 billion.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Overall this pipeline of projects equates to 514,000 new beds being added, including over 43,000 in the US alone.The largest projects currently in execution are the US$5.47 billion DNV Godstrup Regional Hospital in Denmark, the US$3.4 billion Jeddah Security Forces Medical City and the US$3.39 billion Riyadh Security Forces Medical City, whilst in development are the US$10.0 billion Chengdu Healthcare Park in China, the US$4.3 billion Gaustad Hospital Development in Norway and the US$2.3 billion University Hospital Redevelopment in Zurich, Switzerland.ScopeThe report provides a detailed analysis of 1913 projects tracked by CIC between announced and execution, illustrating pipelines by region and key country by stage, funding type, and listing the top 50 projects globally and top ten for each country.Browse Detail Report With Full TOC @Reasons To BuyProviding insight into main drivers of activity and forecasts for the healthcare construction sector. Gives analysis of key trends and projects by value for the global market, regions and top 10 countries enabling clients to target products and services for each type of project. Listing of main projects by value for the sector showing country, stage and bed capacity (if known).The report enables clients to plan campaigns by country and target specific project opportunities. Purchasers of the report will also receive the Excel sheet showing full details for the 1913 projects analyzed.Key HighlightsThe highest value of projects are at the execution stage, with US$208.8 billion, closely followed by projects at the planning stage with US$114.4 billion.Public investment is responsible for the funding of the highest proportion of projects, with 47%, The US has the highest value of healthcare construction projects, according to the pipeline tracked by the CIC, with US$101.7 billion, followed by China with US$31.2 billion.Assuming all projects proceed as planned, annual spending will reach around US$84 billion in 2018.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Marine Electronics Market Trends, Forecast, and Analysis by Future Market Insights( 2016-2026)

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Global Marine electronics market is witnessing an exponential growth, opens new business opportunities for manufactures, dealers and suppliers across the world. Increasing maritime operations in emerging markets and introduction of new technological solutions for longer-term challenges are identified as the significant growth factors will drive the growth of marine electronics across the world. Marine electronics is refers to electronic system used in the marine environment. Electronic devices used in marine services largely consist of global positioning system (GPS) devices, navigation instruments, chart plotters, display units, satellite communications equipment, sonar and radar. Marine electronic devices are designed to withstand to extreme marine environments such as salt water, direct sunlight and rough waves. The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) , a U.S based organization - committed to enhancing the safety and technology, NMEA sets various protocols and standards for marine electronics benefitting recreational and regulated vessels.Global Marine Electronics Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing globalization of world trade, development of blue economy in emerging markets, exploitation of electronics across various marine applications and the moving trend towards marine communication is accelerating the growth of marine electronics market across the world. Increasing awareness among vessel owners to utilize the benefit of modern technologies in various applications such as automation and control system to implement real-time fleet tracking, electronic navigation system for route optimization and fuel efficiency, multi-function displays to integrate various function into single big screen device are some of the major growth factors driving the growth of global marine electronics market. Furthermore, global investment in marine fisheries and technology advancement in commercial fishing fleets operations influences the growth of global marine electronics market. However, lack of various after-sales support such as maintenance & service, warranty claim and upgrade services across regions is identified as the restraints for the growth of global marine electronics market.Request For Report Sample@Global Marine Electronics Market: SegmentationGlobal marine electronics market segmented on the basis of end user, display type, system and region. On the basis of end user the marine electronics market is segmented into commercial shipping, work boats, naval, fishing vessels and recreational boats. On the basis of display type marine electronics market is segmented into multi-functional and instrumental. By System the marine electronics market is segmented into control systems, monitoring systems, navigational system and communication system. Regionally marine electronics market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA), Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) and Japan.Global Marine Electronics Market: Regional OutlookGlobal marine electronics market is witnessing substantial growth in all major regions including North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. North America and China will lead the navel segment due to increasing defense spending. North America and Europe will dominate the leisure sector, due to presence of large manufactures and consumers for recreational boats. Overall Asia Pacific market is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period particularly such as India and china due to growing economy, technological advancement, industrialization marine infrastructure development and increasing ocean trade activity,Visit For TOC@Global Marine Electronics Market: Competition LandscapeThe key vendors in the global marine electronics market include Navico, FURUNO ELECTRIC Co. Ltd, Garmin Ltd, FLIR Systems (Raymarine), Transas, Kongsberg Gruppen, Intellian, Honeywell Process Solutions, Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.(Humminbird) and Icom America Inc. Actuations collaborations with other players in the marine electronics market to expand the product portfolio, is the strategy followed by major market vendors 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.CONTACTFuture 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 Spinal Cord Stimulation Market Is Expected To Grow In Future Due To Growing Ageing Population, Increase In Health Care Expenditure And Rising Obese Population

Spinal Cord Stimulation Market

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Spinal Cord Stimulation Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021)" to its huge collection of research reports.Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a therapy for people who are not relieved from back or neck pain by surgeries and other treatments. It helps to treat pain by hiding pain signals before reaching brain. A device is implanted in body to deliver the signals to spinal cord. Battery attached to pulse generator are of two types, non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries for the power demand of device.Failed back surgery is the most common reason for spinal cord stimulation surgery. SCS is a two step process to determine whether spinal cord stimulation will work for the patients or not. Trial spinal cord stimulation is a test drive to determine if therapy will provide pain relief to the patient or not. After the implantation in trial, patient considers the permanent implantation of device based on pain relief improvement.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The U.S. is the main contributor to the SCS market with increasing chronic back pain prevalence and rising addressable population for SCS. The U.S. has great potential in the years ahead with favorable reimbursement policies and improved health service quality. The growth of SCS outside the U.S. is driven by increasing awareness and need for new therapies and devices. The market is relatively small due to lack of reimbursements, that limits the growth of the market.The global SCS market is expected to grow in future due to growing ageing population, increase in health care expenditure and rising obese population. Key trends of this market include favorable reimbursement landscape in the U.S., launch of new products, awareness regarding early treatments, increase in trial SCS treatments, increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, increase SCS for predominant back pain and rising mergers & acquisitions activities. However, high cost of treatment, tough regulatory problems and dependency on traditional therapies are some of the factors posing challenge for the market growth.The report Global Spinal Cord Stimulation Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) by Koncept Analytics provides an extensive research and detailed analysis of the present market along with future outlook. The report discusses the major growth drivers and challenges of the market, covering the U.S. and Outside the U.S. region. The report profiles the key players of the market including Nevro Corporation, Medtronic Plc., Abbott Laboratories (St. Jude) and Boston Scientific.Browse Detail Report With Full TOC @Table of Content1. Market Overview1.1 Introduction1.2 Spinal Cord Stimulation Devices1.3 Conditions for SCS Treatment1.4 Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapies1.5 Surgical Procedures2. Global Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Market2.1 Global SCS Market Forecast by Value2.2 Global SCS Market by Region2.3 Global SCS Addressable Population Forecast2.4 Global SCS System Implant Volume Forecast3. Regional Market3.1 The U.S.3.1.1 The U.S. Chronic Back Pain Prevalence Forecast3.1.2 The U.S. SCS Market Forecast by Value3.1.3 The U.S. Addressable SCS Population Forecast3.1.4 The U.S. SCS System Implant Volume Forecast3.2 Outside the U.S.3.2.1 Outside the U.S. SCS Market Forecast by Value3.2.2 Outside the U.S. SCS Addressable Population Forecast3.2.3 Outside the U.S. SCS System Implant Volume Forecast3.2.4 Outside the U.S. Rechargeable SCS Market Forecast by Value4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.1.1 Rising Ageing Population4.1.2 Increasing Healthcare Spending4.1.3 Rising GDP Per Capita4.1.4 Increase in Obese Population4.2 Key Trends & Developments4.2.1 Increase in Trial Units for SCS in the U.S.4.2.2 Mergers and Acquisitions4.2.3 Increasing SCS Implants for Predominant Back Pain in the U.S.4.2.4 Accelerating Use of Percutaneous Lead Technology in SCS Treatments4.2.5 Increasing Demand for Minimally Invasive Devices4.2.6 Rising Awareness of Early Treatment for Chronic Pain4.2.7 New Product Launches4.2.8 Burden of Chronic Pain in the U.S.4.2.9 Favorable Reimbursement Policies in the U.S.4.3 Challenges4.3.1 Dependence on Traditional Therapies4.3.2 High Cost Related to SCS Treatment4.3.3 Tough Regulatory Problems5. Competitive Landscape5.1 Global SCS Market5.1.1 Revenue and Market Cap Comparison5.1.2 Global SCS Market Share by Company5.1.3 Key SCS Product Comparison by Company5.2 Regional SCS Market5.2.1 The U.S. SCS Market Share by Company5.2.2 Outside the U.S. SCS Market Share by CompanyContinued...Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CAST, a leader in software analysis and measurement, today announced that Jeff Hendren has been appointed General Manager of North America at CAST. In this role, Hendren will be responsible for driving customer success and adoption of CAST software analytics in the North America region. Hendren has more than 20 years of experience in enterprise software and helping C-level executives and business leaders make successful technology decisions.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fcaa091d-eb81-454f-98d0-48d5bd798314



Hendren joins CAST from Quovo, a data science platform for the financial services industry. Prior to Quovo, Hendren was CEO at Kurtosys, where he launched the company in North America and grew operations by more than 300 percent within four years. Prior to Kurtosys, Hendren was co-president of PerTrac Analytics and Senior Vice President at Thomson Reuters.

Jeffs experience of expanding operations in North America comes at a pivotal time for the company as we continue to grow our products and services for US-based businesses, said Vincent Delaroche, Chairman and CEO, CAST. Im thrilled to welcome Jeff as a key member of the global leadership team. His track record in the analytics space will no doubt benefit our customers and further our vision to make the invisible visible to Fortune 500 CIOs in the region.

I am honored to join CAST not only because I agree with our core values, but because I believe in the power analytics have to transform the business of the future, said Hendren. CAST is doing software analytics unlike any other company on the market today  providing unmatched contextual insight that helps executives make smart technology decisions  and I look forward to further evangelizing this message in North America.

Coming from financial services and consumer-packaged goods, Hendrens focus at CAST will remain cross-industry, including retail, oil and gas, and energy and others. Hendren holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Miami University in Ohio.

About CAST

CAST is the world leader in software analysis and measurement, with unique technology resulting from $150 million in R&D investment. CAST introduces fact-based transparency into application development, transforming software into Superware - resilient, responsive, safe and secure. More than 250 companies rely on CAST to prevent business disruption while reducing hard IT costs and software risk. Founded in 1990, CAST is listed on Euronext (CAS) with offices in North America, Europe, India and China.

For more information about CAST:

Web: http://www.castsoftware.com

Blog: http://blog.castsoftware.com

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PR Contacts: Britney Schaeffer (communications@castsoftware.com) +1 212-871-8361
North America Railway Traction Motors Market is estimated to amount to US$13.21 bn by 2024

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The opportunity in the North America railway traction motors market is expected to rise from US$10.05 bn in 2015 to US$13.21 bn by 2024, reporting a 3.1% CAGR therein.Innovation in Railway Technologies Boosts Demand for Traction MotorsThe ongoing investments in research and development have significantly driven the railway traction motor market in North America. The development of regenerative brakes, hybrid locomotives, and transformers for voltage modulation, among others, is a result of rising investments in innovative railway technologies, the lead analyst states.View Full Report:A steady rise in railway passenger traffic in North America has compelled rolling stock manufacturers and railroad companies to focus on the modernization of passenger railcars. Looking to improve overall comfort, enhance performance, minimize quality issues and design errors, and reduce need for frequent maintenance, companies across the region have already initiated the process of modernizing passenger rail cars. This modernization is expected to boost the demand for improved rail equipment such as traction motors.The only restraint OEMs in this market face is the lengthy timeframe for manufacturing and delivery. Moreover, replacement requests from end users are exceptionally low and this adds to the wait. However, the impact of this deterrent on the North America railway traction motors market is projected to be medium over the forecast period.Request to view Sample Report:U.S. to Continue to Present Highly Lucrative Options for GrowthBy type of motor, the market is led by alternating current traction motors and the segment is projected to account for a revenue share of over 50% by 2024. This segment is also poised to be a highly attractive market with a 3.5% CAGR from 2016 to 2024.By application, diesel-electric locomotives will retain their lead in the North America railway traction motors market throughout the forecast period, followed by diesel locomotives. The segment of electric locomotives, on the other hand, is projected to register a considerable CAGR from 2016 to 2024. In terms of country, the U.S. accounted for the leading share in the railways traction motors market in North America and is projected to generate just under US$8 bn by 2024, registering a 3.5% CAGR during the forecast period.Request to download and view full ToC:The railway traction motors market in North America is consolidated to a certain degree, with the five leading players collectively accounting for a share of over 55% in 2015. These players are ABB Ltd., Bombardier Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Alstom S.A., and Siemens A.G. Transparency Market Research states that considering the current trends in the railway traction motors market in North America, the market shares of some of the key players are likely to undergo significant moderations during the course of the forecast period.In order to retain their lead position in the market and gain a larger share, companies have been focusing on a number of strategies, including investment in research and development, enhancing product offerings, expansion of sales and marketing networks, acquisitions, emphasizing on emerging markets, and synchronizing with upcoming technologies and companies, the author of the study observes.North America Railway Traction Motors Market Report is available @ US$ 5795About us:Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Electric Passenger Vehicles Market 2017 Share, Trend, Segmentation and Forecast to 2024

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Market OverviewGlobal electric passenger vehicles market has witnessed major growth in the past few years on the back of rising emission and environmental pollution. Rising number of electric vehicles states that major market players of automotive industry are experiencing intense and prolonged challenges such as innovative technologies, stringent fuel-efficiency regulations and new competitors such as Google and Tesla Motors. Regardless of low oil prices, global sales of electric vehicles have been increased from 36,000 units in 2011 to more than 2.5 million units in 2015. Despite massive increase in sales, market share of electric vehicles was only 0.3% in 2015. Growing global pressure on major economies and developing countries to reduce the carbon footprint is one of the primary factors for the adoption of electric vehicles. Rising awareness among the population towards the rising emission from gasoline vehicles and its affect on health and environments are some of the major factors driving the growth of electric passenger vehicle market. Additionally, government campaigns for consumer awareness to inform them about the benefits of electric vehicles and about the incentive programs of the government are also supporting the rising demand for electric passenger vehicles. Robust research and development activities and consumer awareness campaigns will shore up the global electric passenger vehicles market.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Despite on-going research and developments to improve the battery performance and to reduce its cost, electronic vehicles still face major challenge as batteries are still expensive and increase the final price of the electric passenger vehicles. Moreover, lack of awareness among the population in developing countries, is also hindering the growth of global electric passenger vehicles market.Market SegmentationBy Technology Type Hybrid cars Plug-in Hybrid Cars Battery Electric VehiclesBy Vehicle Type Four Wheelers Two WheelersBy Geography North America (US, Canada) {Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million), Product Sales (Units)} Europe (UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Sweden, Russia, Poland and Rest of Europe) {Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million), Product Sales (Units)} Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries, North Africa, South Africa and Rest of Middle East & Africa) {Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million), Product Sales (Units)} Latin America (Brazil, Mexico and Rest of Latin America) {Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million), Product Sales (Units)} Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Rest of Asia-Pacific) {Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million), Product Sales (Units)} Rest of the World{Market Share (%), Market Size (USD Million), Product Sales (Units)}Growth Drivers and RestraintsContinuous advancement in battery technologies and mass production of vehicle batteries results in decline of battery costs and large scale deployment of electric vehicles. Continuous improvement in battery technology ensures the contraction of cost competitiveness between electric vehicles technology and internal combustion engines (ICEs). Estimation of target by countries, OEMs announcement of electric vehicle deployments seem to drive the market growth significantly. These factors are indicating positive signs and it is estimated that electric vehicles stock will range between 30-50 million units by 2024. Electric Vehicle initiative (EVI), a multi government policy forum, devoted to introduction and adoption of electric vehicles globally. EVI forum provided the investment of more than USD 8.1 billion for research & development activities to overcome the major hurdle to adopt electric cars by considerably reducing battery costs. EVI also supports various consumer awareness campaigns, which helps in raising the electric passenger vehicle market growth. Presence of passenger vehicle charging infrastructure in countries like U.S, China and regions such as Western Europe plays an important role for the rising sales of electric passenger vehicles. There were more than 1.4 million electric charging stations across the globe in 2015 and these charging stations are expected to increase exponentially over the forecast period. Publically accessible charging stations play significant role in adoption of electric passenger vehicles. China and Japan accounts for more than 65% fast-charging stations globally. Form the market point of view, U.S and China dominates the global electric passenger vehicle market in terms of providing better charging infrastructure and after sales service. One of the major trends for the electric passenger vehicle market is the presence of monetary and non-monetary government subsidies. For instance, in Norway government are providing subsidies on electric vehicle purchase and also non-monetary government policies such as access to bus lanes and free parking for electric vehicles are also increasing the adoption rate of electric passenger vehicles in the country.Market Size and Forecast (2016-2024)Global electric passenger vehicles market accounted for the USD 92.3 billion in 2015 which is projected to reach USD 312.2 billion by 2024. Further, the market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 16.4% during forecast period between 2016 and 2024.Norway has the highest adoption rate of 29% of electric passenger vehicles in 2015 in terms of deployment of electric vehicles. In China and The UK, 1.5% of the total numbers of vehicles are electric vehicles. China accounts for more than 40% of the electric vehicles sales globally, which is twice the units of cars sold in United States. In terms of volume, China is the dominating region in global electric passenger vehicle market and it is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period on the back of large number of regional electric passenger vehicles manufacturers. In 2016, China became the largest electric car market with largest electric car stocks of more than 200 million two-wheelers, more than 3 million low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) and more than 300 thousand stock of electric buses. Moreover, government initiatives in developing countries towards the adoption of electric vehicles are also raising the demand for electric passenger vehicle.Key Players Tesla Motorso Synopsiso Business Strategyo Product Portfolioo SWOT Analysis Nissan Motor BMW AG General Motors The Geely Group Volkswagen BYD Co. Ltd. Ford Motors Mitsubishi Polaris Ingersoll Rand Mercedes-Benz VolvoScope BackgroundMarket SynopsisContinuedACCESS 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 Pharmaceutical Robots Industry 2017, Trends and Forecast Report | Now Available at Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Pharmaceutical Robots Industry 2017, Trends and Forecast Report" to its huge collection of research reports.Pharmaceutical Robots Report by Material, Application, and Geography Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, united Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China).The report firstly introduced the Pharmaceutical Robots 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.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) basic information;2.) the Asia Pharmaceutical Robots Market;3.) the North American Pharmaceutical Robots Market;4.) the European Pharmaceutical Robots Market;5.) market entry and investment feasibility;6.) the report conclusion.Table of ContentsPart I Pharmaceutical Robots Industry OverviewChapter One Pharmaceutical Robots Industry Overview1.1 Pharmaceutical Robots Definition1.2 Pharmaceutical Robots Classification Analysis1.2.1 Pharmaceutical Robots Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Pharmaceutical Robots Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Pharmaceutical Robots Application Analysis1.3.1 Pharmaceutical Robots Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Pharmaceutical Robots Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Pharmaceutical Robots Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Pharmaceutical Robots Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Pharmaceutical Robots Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Pharmaceutical Robots Product Market Development Overview1.6 Pharmaceutical Robots Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Pharmaceutical Robots Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Pharmaceutical Robots Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Pharmaceutical Robots Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Pharmaceutical Robots Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Pharmaceutical Robots Global Market Development Trend AnalysisBrowse Detail Report With Full TOC @Chapter Two Pharmaceutical Robots 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 Pharmaceutical Robots Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Three Asia Pharmaceutical Robots Market Analysis3.1 Asia Pharmaceutical Robots Product Development History3.2 Asia Pharmaceutical Robots Competitive Landscape Analysis3.3 Asia Pharmaceutical Robots Market Development TrendChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia Pharmaceutical Robots Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast4.1 2012-2017 Pharmaceutical Robots Capacity Production Overview4.2 2012-2017 Pharmaceutical Robots Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2012-2017 Pharmaceutical Robots Demand Overview4.4 2012-2017 Pharmaceutical Robots Supply Demand and Shortage4.5 2012-2017 Pharmaceutical Robots Import Export Consumption4.6 2012-2017 Pharmaceutical Robots Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginChapter Five Asia Pharmaceutical Robots Key Manufacturers Analysis5.1 Company A5.1.1 Company Profile5.1.2 Product Picture and Specification5.1.3 Product Application Analysis5.1.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.1.5 Contact Information5.2 Company B5.2.1 Company Profile5.2.2 Product Picture and Specification5.2.3 Product Application Analysis5.2.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.2.5 Contact Information5.3 Company C5.3.1 Company Profile5.3.2 Product Picture and Specification5.3.3 Product Application Analysis5.3.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.3.5 Contact Information5.4 Company D5.4.1 Company Profile5.4.2 Product Picture and Specification5.4.3 Product Application Analysis5.4.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.4.5 Contact Information......Chapter Six Asia Pharmaceutical Robots Industry Development Trend6.1 2017-2021 Pharmaceutical Robots Capacity Production Overview6.2 2017-2021 Pharmaceutical Robots Production Market Share Analysis6.3 2017-2021 Pharmaceutical Robots Demand Overview6.4 2017-2021 Pharmaceutical Robots Supply Demand and Shortage6.5 2017-2021 Pharmaceutical Robots Import Export Consumption6.6 2017-2021 Pharmaceutical Robots Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginContinued...Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
China $1.7 NIPT Test Market Outlook 2017-2024

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China Potential NonInvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) market is likely to reach more than US$ 1.7 Billion by 2024.Longterm Growth Projection and Development: It is predicted that China Actual NIPT test volume will increase to 1.6 Million by 2024 More than 3,00,000 NIFTY tests done in 2016 Berry Genomics completes US$ 648 Million reverse merger in Shenzhen TwoChild policy is likely to boost China NIPT marketGrowth in China NIPT market can be attributed to factors such as high incidence rate of babies born with Down syndrome, no risk of miscarriage with NIPT and shifting trend towards child bearing at advanced maternal age (35 years or older). High test cost, strict regulatory requirements and ethical hurdles is restraining the growth of China NIPT market. Due to expanding patient access to NIPT test, the China NIPT test market is poised to have a positive outlook in the year ahead.The research report titled NonInvasive Prenatal Testing(NIPT) Market Outlook 2024: China Opportunity and Demand Analysis, Market Forecast 20172024 examines the market dynamics, competitive landscape and discusses major trends. The study describes an indepth analysis of the China actual and potential NIPT market.The report contains a granular analysis of the market segmentation, reveal facts on the market size, volume and revenues; and provides forecasts through 2024. It also includes a snapshot of the NIPT implementation in the low and middle-income countries. The report also explores detailed description of growth drivers and inhibitors of the China NIPT Market.The report concludes with the profiles of major players in the China NIPT Market. The key market players are evaluated on various parameters such as company introduction, NIPT test portfolio, NIPT test analysis with volume and market revenue and latest development/updates of the NIPT Market in China.Complete Report @Key Topics Covered in the Report 2013 - 2024: China Potential NIPT Test Market Size & Analysis (Volume and Value) 2013 - 2024: China Actual NIPT Test Market Size & Analysis (Volume and Value) NIPT Test Implementation in Low & MiddleIncome Countries Key Companies Analysis Key Drivers and Inhibitors of the China NIPT Test MarketKey Companies Covered in the Report are as follows: Berry Genomics BGI Diagnosis Co., Ltd BasetraDPI 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.Contact Us:Maria RaiTel :+91 -7289949987Email: sales@dpiresearch.comWebsite:
Peptide Therapeutics Market | Analysis and Forecast up to 2024

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The Global Market For Peptide Therapeutics has been dominated by Teva, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Sanofi, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a research report. These players collectively held a share of over 75% in the global peptide therapeutics market in 2015. These market players are directing thorough research and have taken up different improvement activities to highlight their particular shares in the overall industry, which is probably going to build the competition inside this market, states the research report.According to a TMR analyst, The global market for peptide therapeutics was pegged at US$21.3 bn in 2015 and is expected to rise to a valuation of US$46.6 bn by 2024. The market is expected to expand at a 9.10% CAGR from 2016 to 2024.View Report-Immunopeptides to be in High DemandThe report breaks down the worldwide market for peptide therapeutics on the premise of various market parameters. One among them is the kind of molecule, in view of which, the market has been arranged into somatostatin, natriuretic, vasopressin, calcitonin, and immunopeptide. On account of the expanding use of immunopeptide for the treatment of a few conditions, for instance, tumors and cancers, the immunopeptide segment has been enlisting a higher development than others.Since the treatment of these maladies is complex, more ventures is being made by the key market players in innovative development of various different treatments, among which the immuno treatment is the most supported one. This, thus is foreseen towards positive development of the immunopeptide segment soon, takes note of the investigation.Request to download and view full ToC -Region-wise, the report sections the overall market for peptide therapeutics into the Middle East and Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. In 2015, North America procured the main position in the worldwide market with a share of over 38.8%. It is anticipated that this region will hold its position over the time of the conjecture, because of the infrastructural headways in the healthcare and medical industry. The rise of peptide therapeutics as an exceptionally intense medications for the treatment of malignancy and different ailments and the prevalence of market leaders in the U.S. are additionally anticipated to help the North America market for peptide therapeutics in the coming years.Request to view Sample Report -Rising Use of Peptide for Treatment of Cancer to Bolster AdoptionThe core reason behind the substantial growth of the global market for peptide therapeutics is the growing prevalence of cancer. As indicated by the WHO, almost 7 million individuals face death from cancer consistently and there will be more than 16 million new growth cases each year by 2020. Since chemotherapy is confronting significant difficulties because of its powerlessness to convey the right measure of medication directly, the utilization of peptides in tumor treatment has expanded, opening new roads for future development.Going ahead, the rising rate of metabolic issue is probably going to make lucrative prospects for the players operating in the global peptide therapeutics market in the years to come. In any case, the absence of administrative models may confine the market from developing throughout the forecast period.Peptide Therapeutics Market Report is available @ US$ 5795About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Healthcare Informatics and Patient Monitoring Market Share, Size, Technology Advances in India Industry Analysis, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Global Healthcare Informatics and Patient Monitoring Market: OverviewThis report on the healthcare informatics and patient monitoring market studies the current and future prospects of the India market. Healthcare informatics and patient monitoring devices enables monitoring of patients health and assists medical practitioners in deciding the treatment regimen as well as track the disease progression during treatment. Patient monitoring is effective in the management of post-acute care and chronic disease. Geriatric population is observed to be at a high risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases. Thus, rising geriatric population propels the prevalence of chronic diseases leading to accentuate the growth of healthcare informatics and patient monitoring market in India.Get The Sample Copy Of Report :The healthcare informatics and patient monitoring market report comprises an elaborate executive summary, which includes a market snapshot that provides information about various segments and sub-segments of the market. It also provides information and data analysis of the healthcare informatics and patient monitoring market with respect to market segments based on the type and demography of end-users and their geographic analysis.Global Healthcare Informatics and Patient Monitoring Market: SegmentationBased on demography, the healthcare informatics and patient monitoring market has been segmented into two major categories: metropolitan and urban hospitals and healthcare facilities and rural hospitals and healthcare facilities. Based on type, the market has been categorized into three segments: Ambulatory care, hospitals and home health care. The market segments have been extensively analyzed based on usefulness, efficacy, revenue, and geographical coverage. The market size and forecast in terms of US$ million for each segment has been provided for the period from 2015 to 2025. The report also provides the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) for each market segment for the forecast period from 2017 to 2025, considering 2015 as the base year.Send An Enquiry :Global Healthcare Informatics and Patient Monitoring Market: Regional Outlook and Drivers and RestraintsGeographically, the healthcare informatics and patient monitoring market has been categorized into four major regions: North, East, West and South. The market size and forecast for each of these regions has been provided for the period from 2015 to 2025, along with their respective CAGRs for the forecast period from 2017 to 2025, considering 2015 as the base year. The research study also covers the competitive scenario in these regions.A detailed qualitative analysis of factors responsible for driving and restraining the growth of the market and future opportunities has been provided in the market overview section. This section of the report also provides market attractiveness analysis, value chain analysis, Porters Five Forces analysis, and market share analysis by key players, thus presenting a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the healthcare informatics and patient monitoring market.Browse Full Report :Global Healthcare Informatics and Patient Monitoring Market: Competitive DynamicsA list of recommendations has been provided for new entrants as well as existing market players to assist them in taking strategic initiatives to establish a strong presence in the market. The report also profiles major players in the healthcare informatics and patient monitoring market based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. Major players profiled in this report include Philips India Ltd., Wipro GE Healthcare, Mindray Medical India Pvt. Ltd., Nihon Kohden India Pvt. Ltd., Schiller Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd., Drager India Pvt. Ltd., BPL Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd., India Medtronic Pvt. Ltd.The Indian market for Healthcare Informatics and Patient Monitoring has been segmented as follows:Global Healthcare Informatics and Patient Monitoring Market, by DemographyMetropolitan and Urban Hospitals and Healthcare FacilitiesRural Hospitals and Healthcare FacilitiesGlobal Healthcare Informatics and Patient Monitoring Market, by TypeAmbulatory Care CentersHome HealthcareHospitalsGlobal Healthcare Informatics and Patient Monitoring Market, by RegionNorthEastWestSouthTo order report Call Toll Free: 866-997-4948 or send an email on sales@marketresearchreports.bizMRRbiz 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
CHETU NAMED TO INC.'S 36TH ANNUAL AMERICA'S FASTEST-GROWING PRIVATE COMPANIES LIST

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Plantation, Fla. (August 21st, 2017)  Chetu was recognized with an inclusion on the 36th Annual Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of America's fastest-growing private companies. This recognition marks the 6th year in a row Chetu has been featured. This renowned list of the nation's most successful private companies has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial accomplishment.The 2017 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2013 to 2016. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2013. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent. Chetu can be found on the list at"The Chetu team is honored to be recognized for our dedication to excellence," stated Atal Bansal, CEO of Chetu, Inc. "Our continued success is attributed to our outstanding team, who provides world-class software development services to gain repeat business from our happy customers. Thank you to everyone on the Chetu team."As an Inc. 5000 honoree, Chetu now shares a pedigree with Microsoft, Dell, Oracle, and other notable alumni."The Inc. 5000 is the most persuasive evidence I know that the American Dream is still alive," says Inc. President and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg. "The founders and CEOs of the Inc. 5000 tell us they think determination, risk taking, and vision were the keys to their success, and I believe them."This announcement comes in the wake of other exciting news from Chetu as The South Florida Business Journal recently honored Chetu, Inc. as one of the Top 100 Private Companies in South Florida.About Chetu, Inc.Founded in 2000, Chetu Inc. is a global provider of customized software development solutions combining technological expertise, specific domain experience and passion for excellence to deliver enterprise-grade solutions to start-ups, SMBs and fortune 5000 companies. Chetu is a true and seamless backend technology partner, helping businesses accelerate the development of desktop, mobile & web-based apps with on-demand developers. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Chetu has fourteen locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. For more information visit:Media Contact:Seth Burger and/or Carolina Nunezmarketing@chetu.com954-342-5676Chetu is a custom software development company servicing startups, SMBs & Fortune 500 firms worldwide with specialized technology solutions. We provide on-demand programming from senior-level software developers who are dedicated to advancing your business technology objectives.Chetu Inc.10167 W Sunrise Blvd,Suite 200, Plantation,FL 33322
Respiratory Devices Market | Trends, outlook and Opportunity Analysis 2025

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http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/28073

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Transparency Market Research (TMR) in one of its recent reports observes The Global Respiratory Devices Market to be fragmented with the presence of several small and medium-size companies that operate in niche market segments. In order to sustain the competition, leading players are striving to leverage new technologies to upgrade their existing products as well as to expand their product portfolios.Some of the key players in the global respiratory devices market are Chart Industries Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Resmed Inc., GE Healthcare, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Teleflex Incorporated, Medtronic plc, Smiths Medical, Dragerwerk AG & Co., KGaA, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited, and Getinge AB.TMR estimates the global respiratory devices market to be worth US$22.1 bn by the end of 2025 expanding at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2017 and 2025.View Report-Increased Use of Home Care Devices Makes North America LeaderThe segment of therapeutic devices is the leading contributor to the global respiratory devices market vis-a-vis revenue mainly due to the increasing need for respiratory devices and high cost of these devices. The segment of ventilator within therapeutic devices segment held the maximum share in 2016 in terms of value, and going forward too the trend is expected to continue. This is followed by the segment of monitoring and diagnostic devices in terms of revenue contribution to the overall market.Application-wise, asthma is the leading segment followed by COPD in terms of revenue. As per the Global Asthma Report, by 2014, 34 million individuals were registered to be suffering from asthma.North America is the leading regional segment in the global respiratory devices market. The increasing demand for devices for home care settings is an important factor contributing to the growth of this regional market.Request to download and view full ToC -Need for Assisted Breathing for Several Clinical Conditions Favors GrowthThe rising incidence of diseases such as COPD, asthma, and other respiratory disorders is the primary factor propelling the growth of global respiratory devices market. Rising pollution level and changing environmental conditions has led to the increasing incidence of COPD and asthma. Moreover, the increasing use of tobacco, and a large population of smokers is also increasing the incidence of respiration related dysfunctioning, says the author of the study. According to WHO, in 2015, COPD accounted for 3 million deaths globally, which was 5% of the total deaths in 2015. The majority of deaths due respiratory disorders occur in low and middle income economic groups. Moreover, a large population of the world that suffers from breathing problems from young age that worsens with age also an important factor contributing to the growth of respiratory devices market.Request to view Sample Report -Every year, a large number of pneumonia cases are reported across the world, majority of which are from developing nations. Progression of the disease worsens the breathing pattern that may lead to the need for assisted breathing for patients. This is carried out with the aid of respiratory devices. As per the WHO, pneumonia accounts for 16% of deaths every year globally; in 2015, 920,136 deaths of children were reported due to pneumonia.Some other crucial factors propelling growth of the global respiratory devices market are innovation in medical devices, increasing awareness regarding home care respiratory devices, strategic alliances between market participants for technology transfer and to build strong distribution networks.Respiratory Devices Market Report is available @ US$ 5795About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Women Cotton Socks Market 2017 Virat Industries, Jiahe Knitting Socks Factory, Vidhaan, Mustang, Hodo, Beijirong, Ry International, Zkano

Women Cotton Socks

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The latest report Women Cotton Socks by QY Research added to it's database and brings to light the comprehensive study and factual information of global market. The report also provides the global market segmentation based on applications, end-users, technology, and geography. The Women Cotton Socks research report offers a comprehensive assessment of the Women Cotton Socks market and consists of historical data, scope, significant approaches and statistical data of the global market. Besides these, it also includes anticipated facts that are assessed with the aid of an appropriate set of postulations and techniques.Do Enquiry Before Buying This Report @The report includes rigorous data, in-depth analysis in two ways, namely, quantitative and qualitative, industry professionals inputs and data given by the industry members and industry analysts involved in the complete value cycle. The report features thorough study of important market and their current trends, coupled with respective market segments. Information about the numerous factors and their influence on the global market and its segments is also mentioned in the Women Cotton Socks report.Request for FREE SAMPLE Report @The study report evaluates the range factors of the Women Cotton Socks industry, such as definition, demands, share, analysis, supply, sales, size, specification, forecast trends, production, classification, industry policy, news, and application. The global Women Cotton Socks market report will provide significant and reliable information on the market clearly in structured format. The report will offers you a key manufacturer of the products, applications, DROS and others.Report on the Global Women Cotton Socks Market 2017 gives the complete description of the market across the globe. The contents that are provided in the report are briefly discussed below.Global Women Cotton Socks market competition by top manufacturersPalyboyDatang Hosiery GroupHengYuanXiang GroupLI-NINGVirat IndustriesJiahe Knitting Socks FactoryVidhaanMustangHodoBeijirongRy InternationalZkanoOn the basis of productSport StyleBusiness StyleLeisure StyleOtherOn the basis on the end users/applicationsAdultsChildrenBrowse Complete Report With TOC Available @MRS Research Group is the worlds giant collection of the Market research Reports. Where we specialized in global publisher, tailor made reports and specialists consulting. Global Publisher provides in-depth analysis of global and Chinese market. Tailor-made reports represent methodologies deliverable to proper insight of the client. While, expertise research specialist helps to provide strategic solution in specialists consulting. It consists of head such as, latest report, category, niche market and news.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
Clinical Laboratory Services Market Overview, Share, UAE Industry Analysis, Size, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a MarketResearchReports.Biz report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Clinical Laboratory Services Market.This report splits Clinical Laboratory Services Market by Product & Service, by Test Type, by Allergen, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.Clinical Laboratory Services includes test types and service providers that are used to offer a high quality, cost-effective service and clinical expertise to the hospitals, and other healthcare units. The report on UAE clinical laboratory services market, analyzes the current and future prospects of the market. The report consists of an executive summary that provides information about the test types, and its segments market opportunity analysis, along with a market snapshot and comparative analysis, in terms of revenue %, for 2016.Get The Sample Copy Of Report :A detailed overview of market dynamics, including the drivers, restraints, and opportunities of the clinical laboratory services market, along with PEST analysis, of the UAE market, has been provided in this report. Market revenue analysis for all the above mentioned segments, and their sub segments has been provided for the forecast period of 2017-2025, considering 2016 as the base year, and 2015 as the historical year, along with compound annual growth rate (CAGR %), for the forecast period of 2017-2025. Market share estimations were based on in-depth analysis and study of test types, service providers, and their features, prices etc.UAE Clinical Laboratory Services Market: Scope of the ReportThis report provides in-depth analysis of the clinical laboratory services market. The stakeholders for this report include laboratories and pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies providing clinical test solutions and laboratory services. For providing a snapshot of this market to the stakeholders, executive summary section is included in this report, which summarizes the market size, trends and competition for different test types and service providers. Market share analysis among the market players is analyzed to signify percentage share of the major players operating in the UAE clinical laboratory services market. Furthermore, the report incorporates market attractiveness analysis by test types and service providers that depicts the most attractive and significant segments in the UAE market in 2016.Send An Enquiry :The research methodology is a combination of primary and secondary research. Primary research includes information collected via e-mails, and telephonic interviews of Key Opinion Leaders (KOL), and forms the bulk of our research. Secondary research includes information collected from various sources, by study of company websites, annual reports, stock analysis presentations, press releases, and various national and international databases.UAE Clinical Laboratory Services Market: SegmentationBased on test types, the UAE clinical laboratory services market has been segmented into clinical chemistry, medical microbiology & cytology, human genetics, tumor genetics. The clinical chemistry test type considered in the study include biochemistry, endocrinology. Based on medical microbiology & cytology test type, the clinical laboratory services market is segmented into HLA typing, haematology, blood bank/transfusion medicine, andrology, and toxicology. Based on service providers, the clinical laboratory services market is segmented into hospital-based laboratories, clinic-based laboratories, standalone laboratories, and clinical research organizations.Browse Full Report :Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe report also comprises list major players in the market, their SWOT analysis, market share of these players in the Clinical laboratory services market, key business strategies, product portfolios, and recent developments. Key market players profiled in this report include, Abbott Laboratories, MIRACA HOLDINGS, Inc., Scientific Clinical Laboratories, Freiburg Medical Laboratory Middle East, National Reference Laboratory, STAR Metropolis Clinical Laboratories & Health Services, Anglo Arabian Health Care, Bio-Reference Laboratories, Charles River Laboratories, Genoptix Medical Laboratory and others.The UAE clinical laboratory services market has been segmented as follows:UAE clinical laboratory services Market, by Test TypesClinical ChemistryBiochemistryEndocrinologyMedical Microbiology & CytologyHLA TypingHaematologyBlood Bank/Transfusion MedicineAndrologyToxicologyHuman GeneticsTumor GeneticsUAE clinical laboratory services Market, by Service ProviderHospital-based LaboratoriesClinic-based LaboratoriesStandalone LaboratoriesClinical Research OrganizationsUAE clinical laboratory services Market, by CountryUAEMRRbiz 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
Miami, FL `, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Troy Lowman, CEO of SNM Glogal Holdings (OTCPink:SNMN) interviews on the Uptick Network Stock Day Podcast with Host Everett Jolly. During the interview, CEO Mr. Troy Lowman elaborates on the potential of the Reg A+ in funding seven term sheets and the properties in sight of purchase. Mr. Lowman overviews what funding the term sheet for Funky Biscuit means and how this could be a great asset to the Company. Mr. Lowman reviews the elimination of 70% of the Companys float, where the shares are at today and the positive effects this has on the company and shareholder. Furthermore, Mr. Lowman discusses the potential in selling the Reg A+ and what this will do for investing in the Company assets. In closing, Mr. Lowman highlights his goal of up listing the company and where he wants the company to be at in the next three years when acquiring the seven assets.



In a final closing statement, CEO Troy Lowman states, We are only going to invest in things that we feel are revenue producing and attractive to the SNM brand. Were not really looking for something that has a lot of money burnt into it, an intellectual property; were buying real businesses that we feel have potential and have the real revenue base that will get us to a higher exchange.

To listen to the full interview please click here or the following link: https://upticknewswire.com/featured-interview-ceo-troy-lowman-of-snm-global-holdings-otcpink-snmn

To learn more about SMN Global Holdings please visit http://www.snmholdings.com/.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release includes forward-looking statements. While these statements are made to convey to the public the company's progress, business opportunities and growth prospects, readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements represent management's opinion. Whereas management believes such representations to be true and accurate based on information and data available to the company at this time, actual results may differ materially from those described. The Company's operations and business prospects are always subject to risk and uncertainties. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ are and will be set forth in the company's periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: Uptick Newswire
Global Urine Collection Bags Market 2017 Coopetition Med, BICAKCILAR Tibbi, Flexicare Medical, UROlogic Aps, Medline, Steris, Urocare, Coviden

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The latest report Urine Collection Bags by QY Research added to it's database and brings to light the comprehensive study and factual information of global market. The report also provides the global market segmentation based on applications, end-users, technology, and geography. The Urine Collection Bags research report offers a comprehensive assessment of the Urine Collection Bags market and consists of historical data, scope, significant approaches and statistical data of the global market. Besides these, it also includes anticipated facts that are assessed with the aid of an appropriate set of postulations and techniques.The report includes rigorous data, in-depth analysis in two ways, namely, quantitative and qualitative, industry professionals inputs and data given by the industry members and industry analysts involved in the complete value cycle. The report features thorough study of important market and their current trends, coupled with respective market segments. Information about the numerous factors and their influence on the global market and its segments is also mentioned in the Urine Collection Bags report.Request for FREE SAMPLE Report @The study report evaluates the range factors of the Urine Collection Bags industry, such as definition, demands, share, analysis, supply, sales, size, specification, forecast trends, production, classification, industry policy, news, and application. The global Urine Collection Bags market report will provide significant and reliable information on the market clearly in structured format. The report will offers you a key manufacturer of the products, applications, DROS and others.Report on the Global Urine Collection Bags Market 2017 gives the complete description of the market across the globe. The contents that are provided in the report are briefly discussed below.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global marketConvatecApexmedCoopetition MedBICAKCILAR TibbiFlexicare MedicalUROlogic ApsMedlineSterisUrocareCovidenHillside MedicalVygon VetBy types, the market can be split intoBed Urine collection bagsLeg Urine collection bagsNight BagsOthersBy Application, the market can be split intoHospitalHomeOthersBy Regions, this report coversNorth AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaDo Enquiry Before Buying This Report @MRS Research Group is the worlds giant collection of the Market research Reports. Where we specialized in global publisher, tailor made reports and specialists consulting. Global Publisher provides in-depth analysis of global and Chinese market. Tailor-made reports represent methodologies deliverable to proper insight of the client. While, expertise research specialist helps to provide strategic solution in specialists consulting. It consists of head such as, latest report, category, niche market and news.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
Global and United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Market Analysis 2017-2022 - Researchmoz

Air Traffic Control (ATC)

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global and United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The report is based on the market historical data from 2012 to 2016 and forecast the market trend from 2017 to 2022.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 Air Traffic Control (ATC) industry.Major CompaniesThales SA (France)Indra Sistemas, S.A. (Spain)Raytheon Company (US)Frequentis AG (Austria)Northrop Grumman Corporation (US)Intelcan Technosystems Inc. (Canada)Searidge Technologies (Canada)NATS Holdings Limited (UK)SkySoft-ATM (Switzerland)ACAMS Airport Tower Solutions (Norway)Honeywell International Inc. (US)Lockheed Martin Corporation (US)Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG? (Germany)ALTYS Technologies (France)To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Key RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCaliforniaTexasNew YorkOthersCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain types of productsAir Traffic Control (ATC) Market, by AirspaceAir Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC)Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC)Traffic Radar Approach Control (TRACON)Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)Flight Service Station (FSS)Air Traffic Control (ATC) Market, by SectorCommercialDefenseAir Traffic Control (ATC) Market, by Investment typeGreenfieldBrownfieldAir Traffic Control (ATC) Market, by SystemHardware SystemsSoftware SolutionsAir Traffic Control (ATC) Market, by Key ConsumersCommunicationNavigationSurveillanceAutomationBrowse Detail Report With Full TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal and United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022Chapter One Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Market Overview1.1 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20171.2 Air Traffic Control (ATC), by Airspace 2012-20171.2.1 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Market Share by Airspace 2012-2017a1.2.2 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Revenue Market Share by Airspace 2012-20171.2.3 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Price by Airspace 2012-20171.2.4 Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC)1.2.5 Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC)1.2.6 Traffic Radar Approach Control (TRACON)1.2.7 Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)1.2.8 Flight Service Station (FSS)1.3 Air Traffic Control (ATC), by Sector 2012-20171.3.1 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Market Share by Sector 2012-20171.3.2 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Revenue Market Share by Sector 2012-20171.3.3 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Price by Sector 2012-20171.3.4 Commercial1.3.5 Defense1.4 Air Traffic Control (ATC), by Investment type 2012-20171.4.1 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Market Share by Investment type 2012-20171.4.2 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Revenue Market Share by Investment type 2012-20171.4.3 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Price by Investment type 2012-20171.4.4 Greenfield1.4.5 Brownfield1.5 Air Traffic Control (ATC), by System 2012-20171.5.1 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Market Share by System 2012-20171.5.2 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Revenue Market Share by System 2012-20171.5.3 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Price by System 2012-20171.5.4 Hardware Systems1.5.5 Software SolutionsChapter Two United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Market Overview2.1 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20172.2 Air Traffic Control (ATC), by Airspace 2012-20172.2.1 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Market Share by Airspace 2012-20172.2.2 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Revenue Market Share by Airspace 2012-20172.2.3 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Price by Airspace 2012-20172.2.4 Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC)2.2.5 Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC)2.2.6 Traffic Radar Approach Control (TRACON)2.2.7 Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)2.2.8 Flight Service Station (FSS)2.3 Air Traffic Control (ATC), by Sector 2012-20172.3.1 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Market Share by Sector 2012-20172.3.2 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Revenue Market Share by Sector 2012-20172.3.3 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Price by Sector 2012-20172.3.4 Commercial2.3.5 Defense2.4 Air Traffic Control (ATC), by Investment type 2012-20172.4.1 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Market Share by Investment type 2012-20172.4.2 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Revenue Market Share by Investment type 2012-20172.4.3 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Price by Investment type 2012-20172.4.4 Greenfield2.4.5 Brownfield2.5 Air Traffic Control (ATC), by System 2012-20172.5.1 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Market Share by System 2012-20172.5.2 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Revenue Market Share by System 2012-20172.5.3 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Price by System 2012-20172.5.4 Hardware Systems2.5.5 Software SolutionsChapter Three Air Traffic Control (ATC) by Regions 2012-20173.1 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20173.2 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20173.3 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Price by Regions 2012-20173.4 North America3.4.1 United States3.4.1.1 California3.4.1.2 Texas3.4.1.3 New York3.4.1.4 Others in United States3.4.2 Canada3.5 Latin America3.5.1 Mexico3.5.2 Brazil3.5.3 Argentina3.5.4 Others in Latin America3.6 Europe3.6.1 Germany3.6.2 United Kingdom3.6.3 France3.6.4 Italy3.6.5 Spain3.6.6 Russia3.6.7 Netherland3.6.8 Others in Europe3.7 Asia & Pacific3.7.1 China3.7.2 Japan3.7.3 India3.7.4 Korea3.7.5 Australia3.7.6 Southeast Asia3.7.6.1 Indonesia3.7.6.2 Thailand3.7.6.3 Philippines3.7.6.4 Vietnam3.7.6.5 Singapore3.7.6.6 Malaysia3.7.6.7 Others in Southeast Asia3.8 Africa & Middle East3.8.1 South Africa3.8.2 Egypt3.8.3 Turkey3.8.4 Saudi Arabia3.8.5 Iran3.8.6 Others in Africa & Middle EastChapter Four Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) by Companies 2012-20174.1 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Volume Market Share by Companies 2012-20174.2 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Revenue Share by Companies 2012-20174.3 Global Top Companies Air Traffic Control (ATC) Key Product Model and Market Performance4.4 Global Top Companies Air Traffic Control (ATC) Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceChapter Five United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) by Companies 2012-20175.1 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Volume Market Share by Companies 2012-20175.2 United States Air Traffic Control (ATC) Revenue Share by Companies 2012-20175.3 United States Top Companies Air Traffic Control (ATC) Key Product Model and Market Performance5.4 United States Top Companies Air Traffic Control (ATC) Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceChapter Six Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) by Consumer 2012-20176.1 Global Air Traffic Control (ATC) Sales Market Share by Consumer 2012-20176.2 Communication6.3 Navigation6.4 Surveillance6.5 Automation6.6 Consuming Habit and PreferenceContinued...Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Dutyl Cellosolve Industry 2017, Trends, Top Players, Growth Opportunities Analysis and Forecast Report till 2022

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The report on Dutyl Cellosolve 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 Dutyl Cellosolve Industry Overview along with the analysis of industrys gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, and sale price. The leading companies of the Dutyl Cellosolve Market, manufacturers, and distributors are profiled in the report along with the latest Industry development current and future trends.Request Free Sample Report@Dutyl Cellosolve Report by Material, Application, and Geography Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, united Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China).The report firstly introduced the Dutyl Cellosolve 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.The report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) basic information;2.) the Asia Dutyl Cellosolve Market;3.) the North American Dutyl Cellosolve Market;4.) the European Dutyl Cellosolve Market;5.) market entry and investment feasibility;6.) the report conclusion.Browse Full Report with TOC@Table of ContentsPart I Dutyl Cellosolve Industry OverviewChapter One Dutyl Cellosolve Industry Overview1.1 Dutyl Cellosolve Definition1.2 Dutyl Cellosolve Classification Analysis1.2.1 Dutyl Cellosolve Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Dutyl Cellosolve Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Dutyl Cellosolve Application Analysis1.3.1 Dutyl Cellosolve Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Dutyl Cellosolve Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Dutyl Cellosolve Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Dutyl Cellosolve Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Dutyl Cellosolve Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Dutyl Cellosolve Product Market Development Overview1.6 Dutyl Cellosolve Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Dutyl Cellosolve Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Dutyl Cellosolve Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Dutyl Cellosolve Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Dutyl Cellosolve Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Dutyl Cellosolve Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Dutyl Cellosolve 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 Dutyl Cellosolve Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Three Asia Dutyl Cellosolve Market Analysis3.1 Asia Dutyl Cellosolve Product Development History3.2 Asia Dutyl Cellosolve Competitive Landscape Analysis3.3 Asia Dutyl Cellosolve Market Development TrendChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia Dutyl Cellosolve Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast4.1 2012-2017 Dutyl Cellosolve Capacity Production Overview4.2 2012-2017 Dutyl Cellosolve Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2012-2017 Dutyl Cellosolve Demand Overview4.4 2012-2017 Dutyl Cellosolve Supply Demand and Shortage4.5 2012-2017 Dutyl Cellosolve Import Export ConsumptionContinued.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: 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read Industry News at -
Nitrogen Generator Market by Manufacturers,Types,Regions and Applications Research Report Forecast to 2022

Nitrogen Generator Industry

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - Nitrogen Generator Market by Manufacturers,Types,Regions and Applications Research Report Forecast to 2022.Global Nitrogen Generator market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingIGS GeneronCompressed Gas TechnologiesOn Site Gas SystemsAtlas CopcoProtonSouth-Tek SystemsLinde EngineeringHoltec Gas SystemsNOXERIOR S.r.l.Parker HannifinPCI-IntlSAM GAS ProjectsAir LiquideGet a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Nitrogen Generator in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoPSAMembraneCryogenic AirOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Nitrogen Generator for each application, includingFood IndustryChemical IndustryElectronicsOtherAsk Query @Table Of Contents  Major Key PointsGlobal Nitrogen Generator Market Research Report 20171 Nitrogen Generator Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Nitrogen Generator1.2 Nitrogen Generator Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Nitrogen Generator Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Nitrogen Generator Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 PSA1.2.4 Membrane1.2.5 Cryogenic Air1.3 Global Nitrogen Generator Segment by Application1.3.1 Nitrogen Generator Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Food Industry1.3.3 Chemical Industry1.3.4 Electronics1.3.5 Other1.4 Global Nitrogen Generator Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Nitrogen Generator Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Nitrogen Generator (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Nitrogen Generator Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Nitrogen Generator Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Nitrogen Generator Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Nitrogen Generator Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Nitrogen Generator Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Nitrogen Generator Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Nitrogen Generator Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Nitrogen Generator Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Nitrogen Generator Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Nitrogen Generator Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Nitrogen Generator Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Nitrogen Generator Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion.7 Global Nitrogen Generator Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 IGS Generon7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Nitrogen Generator Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 IGS Generon Nitrogen Generator Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Compressed Gas Technologies7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Nitrogen Generator Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Compressed Gas Technologies Nitrogen Generator Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 On Site Gas Systems7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Nitrogen Generator Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 On Site Gas Systems Nitrogen Generator Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Atlas Copco7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Nitrogen Generator Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Atlas Copco Nitrogen Generator Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Proton7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Nitrogen Generator Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Proton Nitrogen Generator Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 South-Tek Systems7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Nitrogen Generator Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 South-Tek Systems Nitrogen Generator Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Linde Engineering7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Nitrogen Generator Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Linde Engineering Nitrogen Generator Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Holtec Gas Systems7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Nitrogen Generator Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Holtec Gas Systems Nitrogen Generator Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business OverviewContinue.For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comBuy 1-User PDF@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.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028.
Global Noise-Cancelling Headphones Market 2017 Regional Analysis, Industry Growth, Size, Share, Forecast 2022

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

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Market Research Explore : The report 2017 Global Noise-Cancelling Headphones Market mainly highlights thoughtful facts and intelligence of Noise-Cancelling Headphones market in conjunction with prevailing and future market trends throughout the forecast period from 2017 to 2022. It additionally executes the great study of price, current geographical zones, technology, demand-supply and therefore the consequences it might wear the market growth of Noise-Cancelling Headphones trade.Do Enquiry concerning this analysis Report :Noise-Cancelling Headphones is a type of high performance headphones taking Active Noise Reduction Technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. This is distinct from passive headphones which, if they reduce ambient sounds at all, use techniques such as soundproofing. In this report, Noise-Cancelling Headphones refer to Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones.Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones is used in the sophisticated noise-cancelling headphones that pilots use. Headphones like this have a small microphone built into their case.The microphone constantly samples the background noise and feeds it to an electronic circuit inside the headphone case. The circuit inverts (reverses) the noise and plays it into the loudspeaker that covers your ear. The idea is that the noise you would normally hear is canceled out by the inverted noiseso all that's left (and all you hear) is near-silence or the music you want to listen to.The graph of Noise-Cancelling Headphones trade can show increase rate among next 5 years which can, in turn, cause the conclusive outlook of future for varied promoting players considering the profit chain of Noise-Cancelling Headphones market. The report additionally performs in-depth analysis and appraisal of Noise-Cancelling Headphones industry that may embellish shoppers to possess a substantial share within the Noise-Cancelling Headphones market.Noise-Cancelling Headphones market analysis based on leading market players:BoseAudio-TechnicaBeatsSonyAKGSennheiserHarman KardonPhilipsLogitech UEPlantronicsSYLLABLEMonsterPHIATONJVCKlipschThe report wraps major countries concerned in Noise-Cancelling Headphones market. It additionally imparts effective study on varied sections of Noise-Cancelling Headphones market like opportunities and market arrangement of high leading players.The global Noise-Cancelling Headphones market is well- organized consistent with leading players/manufacturers, geographical zones, applications and merchandise varieties. Thorough analysis for every class is provided within the report in conjunction with its forecast amount and market volume. Analyzing every category helps investors to realize data regarding the actual marketplace for a specific space.The report highlights the efforts taken by survey team to investigate separate varied system accommodations, vendors, dealers and business associates can get benefitted with this report.Access Full Report with TOC at :The report additionally covers profiles of the key Noise-Cancelling Headphones vendors within the international market together with their monetary survey, market winning ways, new developments and merchandise offerings within the global Noise-Cancelling Headphones market.Hence, this report can useful for Noise-Cancelling Headphones vendors, system integrators, and connected business partners to acknowledge key investment regions and outline their ways.About Us :MR Explore provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of MR Explore cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact Us :Enid SteelEmail : sales@marketresearchexplore.comUnited States
Global Spinal Cord Stimulation Market Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021)

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"The Report Global Spinal Cord Stimulation Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a therapy for people who are not relieved from back or neck pain by surgeries and other treatments. It helps to treat pain by hiding pain signals before reaching brain. A device is implanted in body to deliver the signals to spinal cord. Battery attached to pulse generator are of two types, non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries for the power demand of device.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Failed back surgery is the most common reason for spinal cord stimulation surgery. SCS is a two step process to determine whether spinal cord stimulation will work for the patients or not. Trial spinal cord stimulation is a test drive to determine if therapy will provide pain relief to the patient or not. After the implantation in trial, patient considers the permanent implantation of device based on pain relief improvement.The U.S. is the main contributor to the SCS market with increasing chronic back pain prevalence and rising addressable population for SCS. The U.S. has great potential in the years ahead with favorable reimbursement policies and improved health service quality. The growth of SCS outside the U.S. is driven by increasing awareness and need for new therapies and devices. The market is relatively small due to lack of reimbursements, that limits the growth of the market.View Report @The global SCS market is expected to grow in future due to growing ageing population, increase in health care expenditure and rising obese population. Key trends of this market include favorable reimbursement landscape in the U.S., launch of new products, awareness regarding early treatments, increase in trial SCS treatments, increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, increase SCS for predominant back pain and rising mergers & acquisitions activities. However, high cost of treatment, tough regulatory problems and dependency on traditional therapies are some of the factors posing challenge for the market growth.The report Global Spinal Cord Stimulation Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) by Koncept Analytics provides an extensive research and detailed analysis of the present market along with future outlook. The report discusses the major growth drivers and challenges of the market, covering the U.S. and Outside the U.S. region. The report profiles the key players of the market including Nevro Corporation, Medtronic Plc., Abbott Laboratories (St. Jude) and Boston Scientific.Table of Content1. Market Overview1.1 Introduction1.2 Spinal Cord Stimulation Devices1.3 Conditions for SCS Treatment1.4 Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapies1.5 Surgical Procedures2. Global Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Market2.1 Global SCS Market Forecast by Value2.2 Global SCS Market by Region2.3 Global SCS Addressable Population Forecast2.4 Global SCS System Implant Volume Forecast3. Regional Market3.1 The U.S.3.1.1 The U.S. Chronic Back Pain Prevalence Forecast3.1.2 The U.S. SCS Market Forecast by Value3.1.3 The U.S. Addressable SCS Population Forecast3.1.4 The U.S. SCS System Implant Volume Forecast3.2 Outside the U.S.3.2.1 Outside the U.S. SCS Market Forecast by Value3.2.2 Outside the U.S. SCS Addressable Population Forecast3.2.3 Outside the U.S. SCS System Implant Volume Forecast3.2.4 Outside the U.S. Rechargeable SCS Market Forecast by Value4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.1.1 Rising Ageing Population4.1.2 Increasing Healthcare Spending4.1.3 Rising GDP Per Capita4.1.4 Increase in Obese Population4.2 Key Trends & Developments4.2.1 Increase in Trial Units for SCS in the U.S.4.2.2 Mergers and Acquisitions4.2.3 Increasing SCS Implants for Predominant Back Pain in the U.S.4.2.4 Accelerating Use of Percutaneous Lead Technology in SCS Treatments4.2.5 Increasing Demand for Minimally Invasive Devices4.2.6 Rising Awareness of Early Treatment for Chronic Pain4.2.7 New Product Launches4.2.8 Burden of Chronic Pain in the U.S.4.2.9 Favorable Reimbursement Policies in the U.S.4.3 Challenges4.3.1 Dependence on Traditional Therapies4.3.2 High Cost Related to SCS Treatment4.3.3 Tough Regulatory Problems5. Competitive Landscape5.1 Global SCS Market5.1.1 Revenue and Market Cap Comparison5.1.2 Global SCS Market Share by Company5.1.3 Key SCS Product Comparison by Company5.2 Regional SCS Market5.2.1 The U.S. SCS Market Share by Company5.2.2 Outside the U.S. SCS Market Share by CompanyAbout 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.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
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XB Software Ltd., an IT outsourcing company from Belarus, focused on custom web application development has announced the launch of smart contracts and blockchain application development services. The company is an acknowledged provider of secure web solutions and mobile apps for its customers from different business spheres all over the world. By adding another innovative web service to its list competences, XB Software seeks to strengthen its presence in the market as a forward-thinking service provider.XB Software's developers have strong knowledge of Ethereum (Solidity, Web3), Azure, Node.js, and other web and blockchain technologies and frameworks. With the use of Ethereum blockchain platform, the companys developers build decentralized apps (DApps) such as:- Digital signatures that ensure authenticity and proof de-risking- Apps for intellectual property protection- e-Trading platforms- Platforms for crowdfunding- Decentralized marketplaces- Apps for mobile payments services- Apps for authenticating users and managing processBlockchain development service is advantageous for the following industriesAccounting and FinanceInsuranceTradingHealthcareLogisticsInformation TechnologyFor more information about the company and its services and own products, refer toXB Software is a full-cycle custom web development company from Belarus. They also develop and provide own successful web products and solutions. With XB Software, it becomes possible to deliver robust solutions and undertake clients' most complex business challenges. XB Software develops customer-centric apps and solutions for businesses operating in different industries: Logistics, Education, Business Services, Financial Services, Information Technology, etc.3a ollektornaya Street, Minsk 220004, Belarus
Development Analysis of China Aseptic Package Market Analysis And Forecast 2017-2022

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"The Report Market Research on Aseptic Package in China 2017-2022 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"From the perspective of aseptic packages sales volume, the Western Europe (including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Portuguesa, Spain, Swiss and UK) is the largest market, for that UHT mike is popular in countries like Spain and France. And China is the largest market as a single country.In 2013, sales of aseptic packages grew rapidly in China. From 2014 to 2016, due to slowly increasing market demand, speed of aseptic packages sales decreased as well. In 2016, the sales volume was about 81 billion. Aseptic packages are mainly used in liquid milk products and non-carbonated soft drinks.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @China has been one of Tetra Paks major markets all the time. And for that local enterprises enter into the aseptic package industry, Tetra Paks shares in China market have fallen down. From 2012 to 2016, price of the package tends to decrease. In the future, if Tetra Pak implements strategic price competition, the price will even reduce at some degree. But along with competitions being more stable, the price will gradually stabilize as well.For recent years, China has invested more in development of aseptic package technology and equipment. Guangdong, Beijing, Shanghai, Wenzhou and Ningbo are able to produce aseptic packing machines of paper boxes and plastic cups and equipment and packaging materials of ultra-high temperature sterilization.View Report @At present, application of aseptic packages in China remains lower than the international level. Driven by great domestic consumption, aseptic package industry has a well prospect. Years from 2017 to 2022 are predicted to the time when the industry grows the fastest.Table of ContentsExecutive SummaryMethodology1 Development Environment of Aseptic Package Industry in China1.1 Economic Environment1.2 Policy Environment1.3 Global Aseptic Package Market2 Development Analysis of Aseptic Package Industry in China, 2012-20162.1 Overview2.2 Supply2.3 Demand2.4 Price3 Analysis of Key Enterprises in China Aseptic Package Industry3.1 Tetra Pak China Co., Ltd.3.2 SIG Combibloc (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.3.3 Greatview Aseptic Packaging Co., Ltd.3.4 Shanghai PRECISE Packaging Co., Ltd.3.5 Qingdao Likang Packing Co., Ltd.4 Forecast and Investment Strategy of Aseptic Package Industry in China, 2017-20224.1 Forecast4.2 Investment Strategy4.2.1 Meaning of Strategy Planning4.2.2 Principles of Strategy Planning4.2.3 Analysis on Strategy Planning4.2.4 Key Customer Strategy Table 1 Chinas GDP distributions, 2014-2016About 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.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Market Research on High-end Equipment in China 2017-2022

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The Report Market Research on High-end Equipment in China 2017-2022 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.bizFor the recent ten years, high-end equipment manufacturing industry in China has formed a certain industrial scale and the overall technical level has been increased continuously. Due to urgent demand from industries of national economy, a batch of high-end equipment with intellectual property rights has been developed, such as million-kilowatt-grade ultra - supercritical thermal power generating units, sets of equipment for million-kilowatt-grade PWR nuclear power plants, 1,000 kV UHV AC power transmission equipment, sets of 800KVDC power transmission equipment, million-ton ethylene equipment, etc. In 2016, market scale of high-end equipment industry in China has reached nearly RMB eight trillion.View Report @In China, ocean engineering equipment manufacturing is qualified with well-developed foundation. In 2016, scale of new orders in ocean engineering market was over USD3 billion. Among the total investment in ocean engineering equipment, drilling equipment takes the largest proportion, reached 40%In 2016, market scale of intelligent production was nearly RMB1.2 trillion. In 2015, output of numerical control machines for metal cutting was about 220 thousand units and metal forming 21 thousand units.In the 13th five-year planning, high-end equipment manufacturing industry is obviously viewed as the most outstanding industry. As one of the emerging and strategic industries, high-end equipment manufacturing industry has certain technical foundation and talent support. Energy conservation and emission reduction, high-speed railway, communication apparatus, intelligent electricity grid, national defense and military industry, aviation and so on, all might grow rapidly for the next ten years. In 2022, it is forecasted that the market scale of high-end equipment industry will be about RMB17 trillion.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Table of ContentsExecutive SummaryMethodology1 Development Environment for High-end Equipment Industry in China2 General Development of High-end Equipment in China, 2011-20163 Segments of High-end Equipment Industry in China3.1 Aviation Equipment3.1.1 Passenger Plane3.1.2 General Aviation3.2 Ocean Engineering Equipment3.2.1 Drilling Platform3.2.2 Production Facility3.2.3 Auxiliary Vessel3.3 Satellite Navigation3.3.1 Industry Scale3.3.2 Application Field3.3.3 Consumption Field3.4 Rail Transit3.4.1 Infrastructure3.4.2 Operation Mileage3.4.3 Regional Distribution and Planning3.4.4 Vehicle3.4.5 Investment and Construction3.5 Intelligent Production Equipment3.5.1 Industry Scale3.5.2 Numerical Control Machine3.5.3 Robot4 Analysis on Key High-end Equipment Manufacturers in China4.1 Ocean Engineering Equipment4.1.1 China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation4.1.2 China State Shipbuilding Corporation4.1.3 China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd.4.1.4 Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd4.1.5 CSSC Offshore & Marine Engineering (Group) Company Limited4.2 Intelligent Equipment4.2.1 Weihai Huadong Automation Co., Ltd4.2.2 Shenyang SIASUN Robot & Automation Co., Ltd.4.2.3 Qinchuan Machine Tool & Tool (Group) Corp4.2.4 SANY Heavy Industry Co., Ltd.4.2.5 Shenyang Machine Tool Co., Ltd.4.2.6 Greatoo Intelligent Equipment Inc.4.2.7 AVIA Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd.4.3 Other High-end Equipment4.3.1 AECC Aviation Power Co., Ltd.4.3.2 AVICOPTER PLC4.3.3 China Spacesat Co., Ltd.4.3.4 CRRC Corporation Limited5 Forecast of High-end Equipment Industry in China, 2017-2022 Table 1 Chinas GDP distributions, 2014-2016About 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.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Market Research on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle in China 2017-2022

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"The Report Market Research on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle in China 2017-2022 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"In the global fuel cell vehicle industry, Japan, South Korea, Europe and the US are in the lead. In 2016, breakthrough has been achieved in the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, register of which accounted for over 23 million, rising by more than 200% compared to the amount in 2015 and taking a small percentage in the sales of new energy vehicles. And most hydrogen fuel cell vehicles sold in 2016 are made by Toyota.So far, China has developed more than 200 fuel cell vehicle of variety of kinds and conduct demonstration operation during different time periods. According to related statistics, only ten fuel cell vehicles were produced and qualified with certificates. Research and manufacturing companies of fuel cell vehicles are Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. and SAIC Motor Corporation Limited.View Report @In China, there are several hydrogen stations, but without long-term planning. Most stations are built for grand matches. Fuel cell stacks are the power source of fuel cells, as well as the most important part, which costs about 60% of the total cost. Markets of fuel cells include stationary power sources, transport and portable power sources, in which transport is the field paid the greatest attention to.Although there exist several unfavorable factors for the fuel cell vehicle industry in China, they are transferring to better directions. According to statistics published by Society of Automotive Engineers of China (SAE-China), in 2030, fuel cell vehicles will account for nearly a million. In Technology Roadmap for Energy Saving and New Energy Vehicles published by SAE-China in 2016, it is brought out that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be developed from demonstration operation to mass application from 2020 to 2030.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Table of ContentsExecutive SummaryMethodology1 General Development Analysis of Battery Industry China1.1 Lithium Battery1.2 Lead-acid Battery2 Development Analysis of New Energy Vehicle Industry in the Globe and China2.1 World Market2.2 China Market3 Industrial Chains of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Industry in China3.1 Upstream3.2 Midstream3.2.1 Proton Exchange Membrane3.2.2 Catalyst3.2.3 Diffusion Layer3.2.4 Bipolar Plate3.3 Downstream4 Construction Analysis of Hydrogen Stations in the Globe and China4.1 Globe4.2 China5 Analysis of Key Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Manufacturers5.1 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Manufacturers5.1.1 Sunrise Power Co., Ltd5.1.2 Shanghai Shen-Li High Tech Co., Ltd.5.1.3 Wuhan WUT New Energy Co., Ltd.5.1.4 Hynergy Technologies International, Ltd.5.1.5 Beijing SinoHytec Co., Ltd.5.2 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Manufacturers5.2.1 Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd.5.2.2 SAIC Motor Corporation Limited6 Forecast and Analysis of Investment in Chinas Hydrogen Fuel Cell Industry6.1 Forecast6.2 Investment6.2.1 Meaning of Strategy Planning6.2.2 Principles of Strategy PlanningAbout 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.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Five Star Diamonds Limited (TSXV:STAR) (the Company or Five Star Diamonds) is extremely pleased to provide the following update on its 100% owned Riachao Diamond Project (the Riachao Project or the Project) in Piaui State, Brazil.



Highlights

The Riachao diamond discovery is a new and exciting large scale diamond-bearing kimberlite discovery in Brazil.



The discovery of the kimberlite pipe at the Riachao Project has previously been interpreted to be approximately 25Ha in size. This is the largest kimberlite pipe the Company has identified to date amongst its 24 diamond projects in Brazil.



Caustic fusion and microdiamond analysis from two mini-bulk samples yielded a total of 13 natural diamonds.



The 13 natural diamonds are transparent, with 10 of the stones being white/colourless.



Significant historical commercial alluvial diamond production in the region surrounds the kimberlite discovery at Riachao.



A detailed ground magnetic survey has been previously completed by the Company and the weathered kimberlite at the Project outcrops at surface.



Geological mapping and kimberlite Indicator Minerals (KIM) studies conducted by the company have been highly encouraging .



Additional work programmes are to commence immediately at the Riachao Project. This will include auger drilling, surface mapping and further bulk sampling.

RIACHAO DIAMOND PROJECT, PAIUI STATE

Five Star Diamonds Riachao Diamond Project comprises one Exploration Licence covering a total area of 1,278,13 hectares located on the southern portion of Piaui State, within a geological province known as the Gilbues Diamondiferous Province.

In May 2017, the company completed a detailed ground magnetic survey over a small pre-selected target area inside the Riachao mineral property and, as a result of this survey, a potential kimberlite target was delineated with an interpreted size of approximately 25 hectares. A preliminary surface inspection revealed the presence of a series of weathered kimberlite outcrops. Two outcrops (28 metres apart) were selected on the eastern side of the target and one mini-bulk sample was collected on each of these two sites. The surficial exposure of the selected outcrops were cleaned and volumetric samples of clay weathered kimberlitic rocks were manually collected with the help of a hoe and a hammer, roughly on sub-vertical channels. The mini-bulk samples were labeled as CF-R1-1 and CF-R1-2, with each one weighting approximately 100 kilograms.

Sample of Riacho Kimberlite Pipe: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c39e0782-5fd7-4793-b1bf-728c0c86b2a5

Subsequently, the two mini-bulk samples collected from clay weathered kimberlitic material were submitted to The MSA Group (Pty) Ltd (MSA) in South Africa for caustic fusion and microdiamonds analysis. The mini-bulk samples were processed at Min-Met Equipment (Pty) Ltd (Min-Met) using caustic fusion digestion. Min-Met is an approved service provider to MSA. The residues from the caustic fusion digestion were processed by MSA (SANAS ISO/IEC17025 accredited) for microscopic sorting to the recovery of microdiamonds down to a minimum size of +75 microns. The two residues for samples CF-R1-1 and CF-R1-2 were sorted twice to ensure the total recovery of all diamonds down to a bottom cut off of +75 microns."

As quality control and assurance procedures, 220 synthetic diamonds in total (-425 m to + 75 m) were added by MSA as spikes to the samples at the beginning of the caustic fusion process. All 220 spikes added were recovered resulting in a 100% recovery rate.

In total, the two mini-bulk samples yielded 13 natural microdiamonds from the combined weight of 195.25 kg kimberlite treated, indicating that both samples (CF-R1-1 and CF-R1-2) are diamondiferous.

Composite Sample ID Composite Sample weight (kg) Spikes Taken Total Spikes Added Total Spike Recovery% No. of natural diamonds recovered CF-R1-1 99.50 110 110 100 % 11 CF-R1-2 95.75 110 110 100 % 2 Total 195.25 220 220 100 % 13

Diamond recovery details on the 2 mini-bulk samples from Riachao Project (bottom cut off + 75 microns): http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f77f9021-a6f3-4705-b6a1-3db9f238985d

Two octahedral diamonds recovered from sample CF-R1-2: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/51e619fb-777f-4824-a2c8-50eee4920a51

Diamonds recovered from sample CF-R1-1:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0fa04a15-622c-47df-b586-c75a32a9861c

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a19f71e8-3db0-416a-b4cb-d9f67e48ff3d

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f0c7781-370d-430a-8a97-801669071633

The microdiamond population from the two composite samples consists of 38% broken dodecahedra (five stones), 23% octahedral crystals (three stones), 15% octahedral contact twins (two stones) and 15% fragments (two stones), with one dodecahedral crystal.

The 13 natural microdiamonds are all transparent, and 10 of the stones are white/colourless. The remaining three stones are brown in colour.

Crystal shapes and number of microdiamonds recovered from the 2 mini-bulk samples: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/857a1647-f2c8-4d12-9e0f-a3e86afed48e

Next Steps

These are exceptional early results at the Riacho Diamond Project and additional assessment will need to be undertaken on this very large kimberlite pipe. Initial work undertaken by the Company indicates that the Riachao kimberlite is a diamond-bearing pipe, which occurs close to surface and the Company will be able to undertake its initial follow up programmes at a modest cost and quick manner. Work programmes will continue immediately on the Riachao Project and will include auger drilling, surface detailed mapping and additional bulk sampling and diamond analysis. In addition, the company is near to complete a detailed remote sensing analysis over the whole mineral property and it is anticipated that some circular to sub-circular features have already been selected to be tested with a detailed ground magnetic survey.

ABOUT FIVE STAR DIAMONDS

Five Star Diamonds is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol STAR and has recently signed a cooperation agreement with leading global diamond house Hennig Limited.

The Company controls a dominant and highly enviable position in the Brazilian kimberlite diamond sector owning 24 diamond kimberlite projects comprising an aggregate of 80 exploration licences and applications across 185,980 hectares.

Five Star Diamonds is focused on acquiring and developing advanced staged diamond projects in Brazil. Since it was established, it has pursued an accelerated growth strategy and aims to be one of the first producers of diamonds from kimberlite deposits in Brazil. The Company is focused on the development of sustainable kimberlite pipes and is not involved in alluvial diamond mining with its associated environmental issues. The Company works closely with local, state and federal authorities in Brazil to foster an open, transparent and legal diamond industry in Brazil.

This release is an update by the Company on its 100% owned Riachao Diamond Project. The Company is also running active programmes across its 100% owned Jaibaras, Catalao, Verissimo and Caiapo Diamond Projects. It is expected that the company will be able to provide further updates over the coming months and we look forward to keeping shareholders informed of our progress as we move towards building a truly unique Brazilian Diamond Company.

Qualified Person

Mr Paulo Ilidio de Brito

BSc Geology

Mr. Paulo de Brito is a geologist based in Brazil, has over 30 years of experience in the mining industry, dealing primarily with gold, copper, nickel, iron, industrial minerals and more recently diamonds. Mr. Brito is a Principal of consulting group Brasgeo and was until recently Exploration Manager of Paringa Resources Limited. Previously, he worked as a senior geologist with WMC Resources Ltd for 18 years until the closure of their activities in Brazil in 2002.

The exploration activities and their related results included in this announcement were directly supervised and managed by Mr. Brito. According to Mr. Brito, all exploration work carried out to date on the Projects mentioned in this release follow clear mining industry standards.

Mr. Brito, is a member of AIG (Australian Institute of Geoscientists), a member of AusIMM (The Minerals Institute) and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Brito reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this press release.

On behalf of the Board

Five Star Diamonds Limited

Matthew Wood

Chairman of the Board, President and CEO

For further information, please contact:

Five Star Diamonds Limited

Joe Burke, GM Marketing

jburke@fivestardiamonds.net

Rajan Raj Rai

rrai@fivestardiamonds.net

+1 778 835 9200

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, many of which are beyond the Companys control. Such factors include, among other things: variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, significant downward variations in the market price of any minerals produced, the Companys inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities, to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

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.
Global Shower Cap Market 2017 Puyang Qiyue Housewares, TOWA, Keman, Vagabond, The Morris Design Group, Dilly Daydream, EQUIP, MOZI, Hubei Huanfu Plastic

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The latest report Shower Cap by QY Research added to it's database and brings to light the comprehensive study and factual information of global market. The report also provides the global market segmentation based on applications, end-users, technology, and geography. The Shower Cap research report offers a comprehensive assessment of the Shower Cap market and consists of historical data, scope, significant approaches and statistical data of the global market. Besides these, it also includes anticipated facts that are assessed with the aid of an appropriate set of postulations and techniques.Browse Complete Report With TOC Available @The report includes rigorous data, in-depth analysis in two ways, namely, quantitative and qualitative, industry professionals inputs and data given by the industry members and industry analysts involved in the complete value cycle. The report features thorough study of important market and their current trends, coupled with respective market segments. Information about the numerous factors and their influence on the global market and its segments is also mentioned in the Shower Cap report.Request for FREE SAMPLE Report @The study report evaluates the range factors of the Shower Cap industry, such as definition, demands, share, analysis, supply, sales, size, specification, forecast trends, production, classification, industry policy, news, and application. The global Shower Cap market report will provide significant and reliable information on the market clearly in structured format. The report will offers you a key manufacturer of the products, applications, DROS and others.Report on the Global Shower Cap Market 2017 gives the complete description of the market across the globe. The contents that are provided in the report are briefly discussed below.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global marketTOWAKemanVagabondThe Morris Design GroupDilly DaydreamEQUIPMOZIHubei Huanfu PlasticLouvelleKimiricaBetty Dain CreationsGoodyShoweristaBy types, the market can be split intoReusable Shower CapDisposable Shower CapBy Application, the market can be split intoCommercial UseHome UseBy Regions, this report coversNorth AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaDo Enquiry Before Buying This Report @MRS Research Group is the worlds giant collection of the Market research Reports. Where we specialized in global publisher, tailor made reports and specialists consulting. Global Publisher provides in-depth analysis of global and Chinese market. Tailor-made reports represent methodologies deliverable to proper insight of the client. While, expertise research specialist helps to provide strategic solution in specialists consulting. It consists of head such as, latest report, category, niche market and news.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
Market Research on ITO film in China increased with a CAGR of 10.3% in 2017-2022

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"The Report Market Research on ITO film in China 2017-2022 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Up to now, there are plenty of ITO conductive film manufacturers in China, which are all small scale. Chinas major ITO film manufacturers include Jiangsu Rijiu Optoelectronics Jointstock Co., Ltd., Kangdexin Composite Material Co., Ltd., Shenzhen O-film Tech Co., Ltd., Shantou Wanshun Package Material Stock Co., Ltd., etc., and Jiangsu Rijiu Optoelectronics Jointstock Co., Ltd., as the company early involving in the industry, has mastered the core technology and kept creations. In 2016, the output of ITO films in China reached about 25 million square meters and the market scale achieved near RMB4.5 billion.View Report @China has become the biggest producer of flat plate displays, which has contributed to development of photoelectronic film industry. Moreover, decorating materials of easy molding and touch screen industry develops explosively, making photoelectronic film one of the strategic raw materials in optoelectronic industry. It is forecasted that photoelectronic film and its matching industries will welcome a new opportunity for further development. It is known that, the shipments of touch screens in China increased with a CAGR of approximately 29% in 2013-2016. As well as, shipment of smart phones reached around 470 million in 2016, rising by approximately 10%.In the next few years, ITO film industry in China will increase by the annual growth of 10.3%, the output of which is forecasted to reach nearly 45 million square meters. Since ITO films are used in more fields, the demand for the film will rise up as well. The market scale of the film will grow by the annual speed of 15%, which will exceed RMB ten billion in 2022.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Table Of Contents :Executive SummaryMethodology1 Development Environment for ITO Film Industry in China1.1 Economy1.2 Policy2 Supply and Demand of ITO Film in China, 2013-20162.1 Supply2.1.1 Manufacturers2.1.2 Cost Distribution2.1.3 Gross Profit Rate2.1.4 Output2.2 Demand2.3 Price3 Industrial Chains of ITO Film Industry in China3.1 Upstream3.1.1 PET Basal Film3.1.2 ITO Target Material3.2 Downstream3.2.1 Touch Screen3.2.2 Smart Phone4 Analysis on Key Touch Screen Manufacturers in China4.1 Wintek Corporation4.2 Young Fast Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.4.3 J TOUCH Corporation4.4 HannsTouch Solution Incorporated4.5 Dahong Advanced Technology Co., Ltd.4.6 TPK Holding Co., Ltd4.7 Chung Hua EELY Enterprise Group4.8 Mutto Optronics Corporation4.9 Shenzhen Laibao Hi-tech Co., Ltd.4.10 Shenzhen O-Film Tech Co., Ltd.4.11 Shenzhen Each Opto-Electronics Co., Ltd.4.12 Toptouch Electronics Co., Ltd.4.13 Shenzhen Junda Touch Windows Co., Ltd.5 Analysis of Key ITO Film Enterprises in China5.1 Shantou Wanshun Package Material Stock Co., Ltd.5.2 Kangdexin Composite Material Co., Ltd.5.3 Jiangsu Rijiu Optoelectronics Jointstock Co., Ltd.5.4 Triumph Science & Technology Co., Ltd.5.5 Zhuhai Singyes Applicable Materials Co., Ltd.5.6 Shenzhen Lanhaizhizhou Photoelectric Co., Ltd.5.7 Other Manufacturers5.7.1 Nanjing Hui Jin Jinyuan Photoelectric material Co., Ltd.5.7.2 Changzhou Jiyou Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Adherence Monitoring Cap Market Growth to be Stimulated by Brisk Technological Expansions

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The first understanding which strikes our mind with the word adherence monitoring cap is that packaging targeted only to specific age of people who are in urgent need and capable to handle such system for their own benefits . Adherence monitoring cap has been engineered for convenience of senior aged people who has specific needs such as easy reminder of medication dosage, visually detectable, clearly communicates the benefits of taking the product and the repercussions on skipping or neglecting the prescribed dosages.A sample of this report is available upon request @Adherence monitoring caps are integrated with microcircuits which does records the date and time whenever a patient opens a vial. The adherence monitoring cap which wirelessly transfer dosing data when used in conjunction with a cap reader.Adherence monitoring caps also features an LCD that displays the number of doses taken in the past 24 hours and the number of elapsed doses. Adherence monitoring cap also acts serves the purpose of child resistant packaging and minimizes the fatality of child poisoning. With expansion in population of those aged 50 plus and beyond and subsequent demands of intelligent packaging for consumers, the market of adherence monitoring cap market is bound to grow at a healthy CAGR over the forecast period.Market: Drivers & RestraintsRise in senior age population, governing agencies pushing stricter norms on packaging and growing public interest for smart packaging are few of the drivers which will drive adherence monitoring cap market. The average age of the entire population of the globe is almost crossing 35 years. In coming next 5 -10 years this population will be beyond 45. With increase in age the ability to remember and the urge of doing something in routine diminishes. Further the change in habit of consumer in present times, educated and affluent class reach for goods and products which are inundated with smart technology that can contribute vastly towards consumers comfort and thus diminishes effort.High price of adherence monitoring market, sophistication of adherence monitoring cap will lead to restriction its usage in more robust way, lack of awareness about product can be possible few of the restraints of the adherence minoring market.Adherence Monitoring Cap Market: SegmentationThe global Adherence Monitoring Cap market is segmented on the basis of product, sales channel and region.On the basis of type of applications, the global Adherence Monitoring Cap market is segmented into:Capsule DispenserLiquid DispenserOn the basis of end users, the global Adherence Monitoring Cap market is segmented into:PharmaceuticalsFood IndustryHealth SupplementsOn the basis of sales channel, the global Adherence Monitoring Cap market is segmented into:B2BB2CAdherence Monitoring Cap Market: Regional OutlookBased on the geographies, global Adherence Monitoring Cap market is segmented into five key regions -- North America, Latin America, Europe, AP EJ, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Among the aforementioned regions, North America market is expected to be the dominant region for adherence monitoring cap market in terms of value share, which can be attributed to the rise in population of senior age population in North America and the expansion of packaging industries which manufactures adherence monitoring cap followed by Western Europe.In APEJ region the senior packaging market is in introduction phase, the market is growing and will eventually gain a strong foothold over the forecast period in countries such as South Korea, China owing to the availability of R&D activities to develop such adherence monitoring cap for general public usage at a reasonable price. Japan being one of the formidable player in developing various electronic commodities will also gain a strong foothold in adherence monitoring cap.Moreover Japan has the worlds oldest population who will be in need of such adherence monitoring cap package system for their medication usage. In MEA and Latin America at present the market is yet to acknowledge the idea of adherence monitoring cap product and those market demand of adherence monitoring cap mostly relies on imported products but with rise in awareness and growing demand the market will witness growth by the end of our forecast period.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Adherence Monitoring Cap market: Key PlayersSome of the major players identified in the global Adherence Monitoring Cap market areWestRock CompanyetectRxVitality, Inc.Vitality, Inc.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Specialised Container Market 2017 - Sea Box, CIMC, SINGAMAS, CXIC Group, Maersk Container Industry,

Specialised Container Market

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Global Specialised Container Market 2017 Survival Strategies explore Economic Impact in Global Industries Manufactures, Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Development Challenges and Opportunities till 2022A Research study on " Global Specialised Container Market 2017-2022 " represent the market share and size of Specialised Container in international Industry. MRS Research Group added latest market research report by QY Research. Research Report provides an essential information and statistically evaluated data about the Specialised Container . The research report provides a detailed study of the Specialised Container market, enlightening the major areas such as future market scenario, market growth factors, market growth restraints, and others. The advanced technological trends and various new opportunities are also provided in this research report.Read Detail Information of Research Report @Report Focuses on Some Important Manufacturers in Global Market Includes :CIMC, SINGAMAS, CXIC Group, Shanghai Universal Logistics Equipment, Maersk Container Industry, Charleston Marine Containers, Sea Box, Hoover Container SolutionsReports Describes Product Type Devided by :40 ftReport Focuses on the Status and Outlook for Major Applications/End Users Includes:Food, Chemical, Steel, OtherThe research report provides the Specialised Container markets classification in detail. The Specialised Container market is bifurcated into a number of segments on the basis of materials,types,applications,and end-users. The geographical analysis of the global Specialised Container market is also coveredin the report. The vital information mentioned in the research report helps in significantly predicting the future scope of the global market.Get Free Sample Copy Of Report @The various segmentation of the global market is based on the overall product profit, costing, global market growth, and manufacturing processes. The report covers a region-wise analysis which provides the customer with different market studies that give a detailed analysis of the product and its impact on the global market. The Specialised Container report also highlights the growth statistics depending on the supply and demand in the different regions.Features of our report: The market analysis of the global market share, position, and size from the different regions are done. The admired players in the market and their share in the global market are discussed. Suggestions and the strategic plans that will help the new market players to maintain the competitive edge are also included. Several other major points that are included in the Specialised Container Market report are growth factors, limiting factors, challenges that are faced, new upcoming opportunities, the technological advancements, and much more. On the basis of the estimations of the global market, the recommendations and the observations are included in the business segments. The current trends that are being followed in the market are included along with examples. How the technological advancements and the research and development activities are impacting the market are further explained in detail.Read Complete Report with TOC @The Specialised Container report covers the precisely studied and evaluated data of the global market players and their scope in the market using a number of analytical tools. The analytical tools such as investment return analysis, SWOT analysis and feasibility study are used to analyze the key global market players growth in the Specialised Container industry.About Us: MRS Research Group provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Prof Research cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
Transformer Oil Market: Challenges and Opportunities Report 2015 - 2025

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In order to meet the residential, commercial and industrial energy requirements and ensure a smooth operation of power supply transformer plays an important role. During transformer operation, transformers dissipate heat which can damage the system if not controlled. In order to achieve seamless operation of transformer by preventing from heat damage the oil are used. Transformer oil is used in oil-filled and submersible transformers to maintain temperature of transformer. Application of transformer oil can also be seen in high-voltagecircuit breakers and switches. Since the oil is in constant contact with components it is therefore susceptible to chemical interaction. It is therefore essential to check for the quality of transformer oil at regular intervals since with continuous reaction the chemical composition of the oil may change and this may render it unfit for use.The market for transformer oil is subjected to the demands of the various end-use industries such as chemicals and automotive, and the type of transformer used. The oil used in transformers is hydrocarbon mineral oil. There are two major types of transformer oil used in the industry; naphthenic and paraffinic based. Though bio based transformer oil have gained attention due to stringent environmental issues but their usage is restricted due to limited advantage. The market of transformer oil will be driven by the expanding energy demand and growing installation of power grids in urban scenario. Due to growing population, the power grid companies needs to expand and upgrade their existing capacities causing penetration of transformers to increase which in turn fuel the market for transformer oil. The transition towards renewable sources of energy, strict environmental laws and shift towards organic oils may restraint the market of mineral based transformer oil.Request For Report Sample@Asia is one of the largest consumer of transformer oils followed by North America, South America and Europe. For the forecasted years Asia-pacific transformer oil market will continue to lead in terms of consumption. The demand for transformer oil in Asia Pacific is rapidly growing for emerging markets of India and China. This demand is transformer oil is attributed to the increasing focus on rural and urban development in infrastructure. This involves a shift in focus from high capacity transformer to small and mid-segment transformers for domestic and agricultural uses. The transformer oil markets of China, India and also Brazil will dominate owing to the government initiative for the electricity accessibility to the countrys population. The demand for in the mineral based is anticipated to stabilize due to the shift towards green (bio based) alternatives. The demand for transformer oil in regions of Americas and Europe is related to high capacity industrial transformers. The demand for transformer oil in these regions is anticipated to be slower than those in Asia Pacific owing to the significant development of renewable sources of energy and reduced dependability on conventional sources of energy.Visit For TOC@Transformer Oil Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the transformer oil market are Hydrodec Group PLC, Nynas AB, Calumet Specialty Products Partners, Valvoline,APAR Industries, Sinopec Corporation, Engen Petroleum Limited.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Cognitive Systems, Content Analytics and Discovery Software Market exhibit an exponential CAGR of 23.5% from 2017 to 2025- Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends

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The report analyzes and presents an overview of "Cognitive Systems, Content Analytics and Discovery Software Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025" worldwide.Global Cognitive Systems, Content Analytics and Discovery Software: OverviewIncreasing demand of connected healthcare systems is also an important trend in the global market. Connected healthcare systems are likely to collect real time data and information which helps in assisting clinicians in delivering better care and empower people to make better choices.Get Sample copy of this Report @It helps in reducing medical errors and enhances medical administration efficiency. Adopting cognitive systems in healthcare is likely to help physicians to find connections and correlations and identifying new patterns and insights to quicken treatments, discoveries and insights.Cognitive Systems, Content Analytics and Discovery Software: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing demand of artificial intelligence is a key trend in the market. Demand for artificial intelligence is increasing significantly with the advancement in technologies, and it is an important trend in the cognitive systems, content analytics, and discovery software market. Artificial intelligence is witnessing market growth due to the rise in large and complicated data sets. The biggest revolution is machine learning, where instead of providing linear instructions to a computer, considerable amount of data is supplied and let the computer learn and interpret on their own.Increasing use of competitive intelligence and advanced analytics escalating data driven decision making is one of the key driving factors in the cognitive systems, content analytics and discovery software market globally. It is very difficult to access and keep track of each and every individual data due to the rise of big data. Therefore, it is necessary to implement competitive intelligence and advanced analytics tools that are likely to help gather, examine, and distribute intelligence of products, competitors, and customers, and also help discover deeper insights, generate recommendations, and make predictions. These tools help identify potential opportunities and risks beforehand. Advanced analytics techniques comprise data mining, text mining, pattern matching, graph analysis, and neural networks. Competitive intelligence is focused on external business environment and is involved in collecting information and converting it into intelligence, which is then employed for making decisions. Presently, business intelligence tools require very less support from the IT department. The changes in how data is visualized and mined allows the business activities to work with analytics tools and make data driven decisions with or without any technological background. Increasing volume of data tends to increase the need of data driven decision-making software that easily derives actionable data in real-time. Utilizing the analytics and discovery software is likely to support organizations in making decisions and anticipate the market trends and possible risks.The factor responsible for setting back the growth of this market is due to the prediction based on the past data. The cognitive systems, content analytics and discovery software technologies are at the budding stage due to which they faces various restraining factors. Past-based predictions is a major limitation in the market. Market dynamics are changing over time due to which predictions and analysis based on past data might not be helpful. Chances are that the analysis of the last ten years data is irrelevant to the current market scenario. These technologies when anticipating human behavior sometimes fail to consider certain variables that influence customer purchasing patternsView Report @ Cognitive Systems, Content Analytics and Discovery Software: SegmentationBased on application, the global cognitive systems, content analytics and discovery software market is bifurcated into machine learning, natural language processing, automated reasoning, speech analytics, text analytics, social media analytics and others. On the basis of industries, the market has been bifurcated into banking, retail, healthcare, IT and telecom, transportation and others. Moreover on the basis of deployment type, the market has been bifurcated into on premises and cloud. The regional split of the market encompasses North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.Some of the key companies in the global cognitive systems, content analytics and discovery software market includes Microsoft Corporation (U.S.), International Business Machines Corporation (U.S.), Google Inc. (U.S.), Symantec corporation (U.S.), SAP SE (Germany), Adobe Systems Inc.(U.S.), Palantir Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), Oracle Corporation (U.S.), OpenText Corporation (Canada),SAS Institute, Inc. (U.S.) among others.The market has been segmented as follows:Cognitive Systems Content Analytics and Discovery Software Market, by Application:Machine LearningNatural Language ProcessingAutomated ReasoningSpeech AnalyticsText AnalyticsSocial Media AnalyticsOthers?Browse more Software Market Research Reports @Cognitive Systems Content Analytics and Discovery Software Market, by Industries:BankingRetailHealthcareIT and TelecomTransportationOthers?Cognitive Systems Content Analytics and Discovery Software Market, by Deployment Type:On premisesCloud?Request for Enquiry @Cognitive Systems Content Analytics and Discovery Software Market, by Geography:North AmericaU.S.CanadaRest of North AmericaEuropeU.K.GermanyFranceItalyRest of EuropeAsia PacificIndiaChinaJapanRest of Asia PacificMiddle East & AfricaSouth AfricaU.A.E.Rest of Middle East and AfricaLatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaAbout 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
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Treatment Market to Reach a Valuation of US$2,908.1 Million by the end of 2025

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As per the projections of the TMR report, the demand in the global alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency treatment market will augment at formidable CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025, estimated to reach a valuation of US$2,908.1 mn by the end of 2025, remarkably up from its evaluated worth of US$1,224.5 mn in 2016. In the near future, a number of new biotechnology companies are expected to have a foray in the alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency treatment market, developing novel treatment processes, personalized medicines for genetically inherited disorders, and invest on the research and development of stem cell based therapeutics.Based on treatment type, in 2016, the augmentation therapy segment served the maximum demand, whereas bronchodilator treatment earned a strong second position in terms of volume of demand. Parenteral route of administration is leading over oral and inhalation methods, while hospital is the most important end-user category. Geographically, North America the most profitable region for the stockholders of the global alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency treatment market, with prevalence of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, increasing diagnosis rate, high plasma yield, and high per capita health care expenditure.Request to download and view full ToC -High Unmet Demand in Emerging Economies to Boost MarketPrevalence of respiratory disease worldwide, recent advancements in the diagnosis of apha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, increased government support in several emerging economies for the improvement of healthcare facilities, high unmet demands in both developed and developing regions, and novel product opportunities are some of the key factors driving the demand in the global apha-1 antitrypsin deficiency treatment market.As per estimation of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), more than 200 million people are affected by COPD, which is emerging as the fourth leading cause of death across the world by 2030. On the other hand, asthma is detected in about 235 million people globally. With technological improvements, production and purification processes of alpha-1 antitrypsin are now much safer and free from virus, protein, and other contaminants. This has increased clinician preference for usage of plasma products. This in turn is expected to boost demand for plasma-derived products such as alpha-1 antitrypsin and IVIG.Request to view Sample Report:According to the Alpha-1 Foundation, up to 3% of all people who are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may have undetected alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. As a result, AlphaKit QuickScreen has been developed by Grifols, a diagnostic kit that aids in quick identification of the mutated Z gene.Stringent Regulations Hindering Prosperity of MarketOn the other hand, stringent regulations, limited plasma fractionation capacity, shortage of alpha-1 antitrypsin supply, and high cost of drugs are a few factors challenging the global anti-trypsin deficiency treatment market from attaining its true potential. The vendors of this market are expected to gain new opportunities via strategic alliances, patient assistance programs, and increasing awareness about therapy.A recent intelligence study by Transparency Market Research (TMR) has detected that the global alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency treatment market is divided among a vast number of global and regional players. The report anticipates that this fragmented scenario of the market for alpha-1 antitrypsin will prompt an increase in the number of mergers and acquisitions that can benefit both parties. Some of the key companies in the global alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency treatment market identified by the report are: Baxter, Pfizer Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, AstraZeneca, Grifols S.A., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Shire plc, CSL Behring LLC, LFB Biomedicaments S.A., and Kamada Ltd.Buy Global Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Treatment Market Report for US$ 5795 @About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Membrane Separation Market to 2019: Trends, Business Strategies and Opportunities

Membrane Separation Market

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The global membrane separation market is estimated to expand positively at a CAGR of 10.8% during the period between 2013 and 2019. Projects market to be worth US$39.2 bn by the end of 2019. The overall market stood at a valuation of US$19.0 bn in 2012.In the membrane separation technology, a semipermeable barrier controls the rate of movement of various molecules between two gaseous phases or two liquid phases or a gas and a liquid phase. The widely used membrane separation processes include ultrafiltration, microfiltration, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, dialysis, electrolysis, membrane distillation, and others. In the recent times, the membrane separation technology has gained popularity amid rapid industrialization and water pollution.The report points out that the growing demand for clean water from the municipal sector is driving the growth of the global membrane separation market. The rising interest in water reuse and wastewater treatment, coupled with stringent environmental regulations regarding water pollution, has boosted the demand for membrane separation. The rapid industrialization across the developing economies and the growing population in water stressed areas are expected to augment the growth of the market during the forecast horizon. However, high operational and installation costs and the lack of funds in the developing countries will restrict the growth of the market. Nevertheless, the global membrane separation market has a huge opportunity to grow with the shift towards chemical free water treatment process across industries.Request to view Sample Report:In terms of process, the report broadly segments the global membrane separation market into microfiltration, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and ultrafiltration. Microfiltration holds more than 35% of the market. On the basis of end users, the report categorizes the market into industrial, healthcare, and water and wastewater treatment. Water and wastewater treatment is the largest end user segment and accounts for over 36% of the market.The report studies the membrane separation market across four key regions: Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World. Owing to the growing demand from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, India, and China, Asia Pacific is expected to contribute significantly towards the growth of the global market for membrane separation during the forecast horizon. The growth of the market in this region can be attributed to the rapid industrialization which is leading to water pollution. The increasing population in Asia Pacific and growing scarcity of potable water have compelled authorities to focus on waste water treatment measures.Request to Download TOC of the Report:Describing the competitive landscape, the report profiles some of the key players in the global membrane separation market such as Hyflux, Kubota, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Pentair X-Flow, Pall Corporation, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, GE Water & Process Technologies, IDE Technologies, TriSep Corporation, 3M Company, The Dow Chemical Company, Koch Membrane Systems Inc., and Sartorius AG. The report further provides insightful information about the key players including their product segments, financial performance, and strategic developments.Global Membrane Separation Market Report is available @ US$ 5795 :About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Antivirus Software Package 2017 Global Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 10.20% and Forecast to 2020

Antivirus Software Package 2017

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - Antivirus Software Package 2017 Global Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 10.20% and Forecast to 2020.The analysts forecast the global antivirus software package market to grow at a CAGR of 10.20% during the period 2016-2020.An antivirus scans a computer's system and mobile device memory, system files, and operating system (OS) using heuristic detection methods, signature-based detection methods, real-time scanning, and rootkit detection to prevent computers and mobile devices from being infected with malware. Malware is software that loads on the computer and mobile devices through the Internet or while downloading unauthorized applications. It spreads from one device to another in different ways such as through networks, the Internet, and e-mails.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comCovered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global antivirus software package market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of antivirus software packages for personal computers (PCs) and laptops (including netbooks and MacBooks), used by corporate users [(large enterprises and small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs)] and home users (individual consumers).The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: APAC Europe MEA North America South AmericaThe report, Global Antivirus Software Package Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors AVAST Microsoft AVG Avira McAfee SymantecOther prominent vendors Baidu Bkav Bitdefender BullGuard Check Point Software Technologies Comodo Group Doctor Web Emsisoft ESET Fortinet F-Secure IObit Kaspersky Lab Lavasoft Malwarebytes Panda Security Qihoo 360 Software Safer-Networking Sophos Group ThreatTrack Security WebrootMarket driver Increase in cybercrime For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Adoption of pirated antivirus software by consumers For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Partnerships between antivirus software vendors and telecom vendors For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be? What 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?Ask Query @Table Of Contents  Major Key PointsPART 01: Executive summary HighlightsPART 02: Scope of the report Antivirus software definition Base year and forecast period Estimation of market Vendors Major-vendor offeringsPART 03: Market research methodology Research methodology Economic indicatorsPART 04: Introduction Key market highlights Types of threats iOS and Android threats on mobile devices Types of antivirus software packages Advantages of antivirus software packagesPART 05: Market landscape Global antivirus software package marketPART 06: Market segmentation by device Global antivirus software package market by devicePART 07: Market segmentation by end-user Global antivirus software package market by end-userPART 08: Geographical segmentation Segmentation of global antivirus software package market by geography 2015-2020 Global antivirus software package market by geography 2015-2020 ($ billions)PART 09: Buying criteria Cost Security Interoperability ScalabilityPART 10: Market drivers Increase in cybercrime Rise in number of online transactions Growing dependence on InternetPART 11: Impact of driversPART 12: Market growth inhibitors Adoption of pirated antivirus software by consumers Threat from inexpensive security solutions Lack of advanced virus detectionPART 13: Impact of drivers and challengesPART 14: Market trends Partnerships between antivirus software vendors and telecom vendors Emergence of cloud-based antivirus software Increased market consolidationPART 15: Five forces modelPART 16: Vendor landscape Competitive scenario Vendor ratingPART 17: Description of major vendors AVAST Software Microsoft AVG Avira McAfee Symantec Other prominent vendorsContinue.For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comBuy 1-User PDF@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.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028.
Global Steering Column Control Modules Market 2017 - ZF TRW, Leopold Kostal, Ididit, Valeo

Steering Column Control Modules Market

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Global Steering Column Control Modules Market 2017 Survival Strategies explore Economic Impact in Global Industries Manufactures, Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Development Challenges and Opportunities till 2022A Research study on " Global Steering Column Control Modules Market 2017-2022 " represent the market share and size of Steering Column Control Modules in international Industry. MRS Research Group added latest market research report by QY Research. Research Report provides an essential information and statistically evaluated data about the Steering Column Control Modules . The research report provides a detailed study of the Steering Column Control Modules market, enlightening the major areas such as future market scenario, market growth factors, market growth restraints, and others. The advanced technological trends and various new opportunities are also provided in this research report.Read Detail Information of Research Report @Report Focuses on Some Important Manufacturers in Global Market Includes :ZF TRW, Leopold Kostal, Delphi Automotive, Ididit, Nexteer Automotive, ValeoReports Describes Product Type Devided by :Hydraulic Steering, Electric Powered Hydraulic SteeringReport Focuses on the Status and Outlook for Major Applications/End Users Includes:Passenger Vehicle, Commercial VehiclesThe research report provides the Steering Column Control Modules markets classification in detail. The Steering Column Control Modules market is bifurcated into a number of segments on the basis of materials,types,applications,and end-users. The geographical analysis of the global Steering Column Control Modules market is also coveredin the report. The vital information mentioned in the research report helps in significantly predicting the future scope of the global market.Get Free Sample Copy Of Report @The various segmentation of the global market is based on the overall product profit, costing, global market growth, and manufacturing processes. The report covers a region-wise analysis which provides the customer with different market studies that give a detailed analysis of the product and its impact on the global market. The Steering Column Control Modules report also highlights the growth statistics depending on the supply and demand in the different regions.Features of our report: The market analysis of the global market share, position, and size from the different regions are done. The admired players in the market and their share in the global market are discussed. Suggestions and the strategic plans that will help the new market players to maintain the competitive edge are also included. Several other major points that are included in the Steering Column Control Modules Market report are growth factors, limiting factors, challenges that are faced, new upcoming opportunities, the technological advancements, and much more. On the basis of the estimations of the global market, the recommendations and the observations are included in the business segments. The current trends that are being followed in the market are included along with examples. How the technological advancements and the research and development activities are impacting the market are further explained in detail.Read Complete Report with TOC @The Steering Column Control Modules report covers the precisely studied and evaluated data of the global market players and their scope in the market using a number of analytical tools. The analytical tools such as investment return analysis, SWOT analysis and feasibility study are used to analyze the key global market players growth in the Steering Column Control Modules industry.About Us: MRS Research Group provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Prof Research cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Rock Resources Ltd. (TSX.V:GRK) (Gray Rock or the Company) is pleased to announce that a drill is now on site for the 2017 program on Gray Rocks Hot Bath Project near Dease Lake in northwestern British Columbia. This seasons drill program will start within the next few days.



Gray Rock acquired its option on the Hot Bath property from DeCoors Mining in June 2017 (see the Companys press release dated June 19, 2017 for further details). The property was originally acquired by DeCoors in 2014 based on results from an airborne magnetic geophysical survey, rock geochemistry and geological mapping completed as part of Geoscience BCs Quest Northwest study. This study supports the interpretation of mid-Jurassic calc-alkaline intrusives that are known to be favourable host rocks for copper-gold mineralization.

Subsequent exploration by DeCoors in 2015 and 2016 included 760 MMI geochemical samples, 12 line kilometers of Induced Polarization and 3.5 line kilometers of magnetometer geophysical data. This data identified an extensive area, 800 meters by 1 kilometer of coincident high chargeability geophysical values and anomalous MMI copper, and other indicator minerals in soils. During DeCoors exploration program, an oxidized quartz-chalcopyrite vein near the centre of the MMI/IP anomaly was exposed and sampled. Rock samples from this vein returned values over 3% copper and 3 grams per tonne gold. These rock samples were selective and may not be indicative of the mineralization of the property (please refer to the Companys press release dated June 19, 2017 for further details).

From the previous work on the project potential copper-gold porphyry targets have been identified. The First target has been identified as a large (300m x 300m) subcropping body interpreted from the chargeability values from the induced polarization survey. It lies under copper and gold anomalies detected in the MMI geochemical survey. The drill holes were primarily selected from Induced Polarization chargeability anomalies with supporting evidence from MMI geochemical sampling. The program calls for 1,000 meters of drilling in up to 5 holes. Permits are in place, drill platforms and field camp has been constructed and the drill and field crews are mobilizing. Drilling is anticipated to begin this week.

Qualified Person

Mr. John Buckle, P.Geo., P.Geoph., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release. Mr. Buckle is a director of the Company, and is not an independent Qualified Person.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"David Wolfin"

_________________________________

David Wolfin

President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This release contains statements that are forward-looking statements and are based on numerous assumptions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks inherent in mineral exploration and development, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any projected future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such information contained herein represents managements best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Head Office:

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ir@grayrockresources.com

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Bug Tracking Software Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20162024

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A bug tracking system, also known as defect tracking system, is a software tool that tracks reported programming bugs in software development projects. It might also be regarded as a type of issue tracking system. Database, which is a major component of bug tracking software, records all facts about known bugs. Moreover, a bug tracking system permits administrators to configure the product according to the status, either delete the bug or move the bug to another status.Request Sample Copy of this Report:One of the key factors driving the global bug tracking system market is increased spending in the development of novel software testing programs. A bug tracking system is an integral part of any software testing program. Advanced testing technologies such as automated testing system are expected to bolster the growth of bug tracking software market worldwide. Implementation of bug tracking system in the initial stage itself will reduce the time and cost required to address the issues. This in turn has resulted in the swift growth of global bug tracking software market.Bug Tracking Software Market TaxonomyOn the basis of deployment model, the global bug tracking software market is classified into:Onpremises modelCloud-based modelThe cloud-based deployment model held the largest share of the global bug tracking software market in 2016. The bug tracking software venders and users are increasingly opting cloud platform, which will further boost the market over the upcoming years. For example, Atlassian, an Australia-based enterprise software company provides cloud bug tracking software i.e. JIRA Software. Similarly, JetBrains Prague, a Czech Republic-based software company also provides cloud bug tracking software, YouTrack. Moreover, Google Drive and Microsoft Azure are empowering the adoption of cloud-based solutions from the on-premises software model. In addition to this, factors such as cost-adequacy and simple up gradation of cloud-based infrastructure over their counterparts are further advancing the utilization of cloud-based solution, which helps in increasing the adoption of bug tracking software.On the basis of end-use industries, the global bug tracking software market is classified into:Banking, Financial services, and InsuranceTelecommunicationMediaInformation technologyRetailOthersTo Check the Trendings Repots of Bug Tracking Software Market:Bug Tracking Software Market Outlook  North America accounts for largest market shareOn the basis of geography, global bug tracking software market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. North America bug tracking software market held the largest market share in 2016 and is projected to continue its dominance over the forecasted period. The U.S. and Canada are some of the countries, which drive the bug tracking software market in North America. The significant presence of software testing companies and increasing investment in development of software testing tools are expected to fuel the bug tracking software market in the region.Atlassian, Inc., International Business Machines Corporation, JetBrains s.r.o., Zoho Corporation, Axosoft, LLC, Bugsnag, Inc., Countersoft, DoneDone, LLC, Fog Creek Software, INC., Inflectra Corporation, Macropod Software Pty Ltd., OverOps Inc., Raygun, Rollbar, Sentry, Sifter, and Variad Corporation are some of the key players identified across the value chain of bug tracking software market.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact UsMr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
Building Energy Management Services in India 2017 Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 28.59% and Forecast to 2020

Building Energy Management Services in India 2017

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - Building Energy Management Services in India 2017 Global Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 28.59% and Forecast to 2020.The analysts forecast the building energy management services market in India to grow at a CAGR of 28.59% during the period 2016-2020.BEM services refer to dedicated energy solutions provided to end-users in terms of energy savings and optimization. These services include the installation of an energy-efficient product, maintenance of existing machinery to reduce consumption, and concerted consulting in the forms of energy audits, monitoring, and control.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comCovered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the building energy management services market in India for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report presents the vendor landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of prominent vendors operating in the market.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Mumbai and Pune Delhi-NCR Bangalore Hyderabad Others (Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh)The report, Building Energy Management Services Market in India 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors Honeywell Schneider Electric Bosch Secure Meters SiemensOther prominent vendors Delta India Electronics TCS Allied Digital CMS ComputersMarket driver Protecting investments made in building assets. For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Workforce mobility in BEM services market. For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Technological advancements in BEM services. For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be? What 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?Ask Query @Table Of Contents  Major Key PointsPART 01: Executive summary HighlightsPART 02: Scope of the report Market overview Top-vendor offerings Other prominent vendorsPART 03: Market research methodology Research methodology Economic indicatorsPART 04: Introduction Key market highlightsPART 05: Market landscape Market overview Market size and forecast Five forces analysisPART 06: Market segmentation by services Market overview BEM services market by consulting services in India BEM services by system integration in India BEM services by maintenance and support in IndiaPART 07: Market segmentation by end-user Market overview BEM services market in commercial buildings in India BEM services market in residential buildings in India BEM services market in healthcare sector in India BEM services market in education sector in IndiaPART 08: Geographical segmentation Market overview BEM services market in Mumbai and Pune BEM services market in Delhi-NCR BEM services market in Bangalore BEM services market in Hyderabad BEM services market in other citiesPART 09: Market driversPART 10: Impact of driversPART 11: Market challengesPART 12: Impact of drivers and challengesPART 13: Market trendsPART 14: Competition analysis Competition review Honeywell Schneider Electric Bosch Secure Meters SiemensPART 15: Appendix List of abbreviationsContinue.For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comBuy 1-User PDF@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.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028.
Research on NMR Spectrometer in China market Covering Key Development Trends, Opportunities and Growth Forecasted Till 2022

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently added a new report to its vast online database. For the present, there exist over 30 enterprises working in global NMR spectrometer markets, led by three enterprises, which are Bruker Corporation in Germany, Varian Medical Systems, Inc. in the US and JEOL Ltd. in Japan.Request For Free Sample -NMR spectrometers, an important instrument widely used in life science, material science, public safety, etc., play a significant role in various fields, including scientific research, education, production, information, health and human life. While in China, NMR spectrometers are mostly imported from foreign countries, accounting for 90%. Main suppliers of the spectrometer are Bruker Corporation and JEOL Ltd. and the former one takes about 90% in the total import and 80% market share. As for domestic manufacturers and research institutes, there are Shanghai Huan Tong Science and Education Equipment Co., Ltd., Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics (WIPM) of Chinese Academy of Sciences, etc.At present, the total amount of NMR spectrometers exceeds 300 units in China. Along with increasing demand from downstream, in 2016, sales of the spectrometer reached about 120 units. Besides scientific research, the spectrometer is also applied in inspection organizations and manufacturers of medicine, chemical and food industry. Since China has released a series of supportive policies to the spectrometer, it is estimated that the demand for the spectrometer will continue its rising trend, although the growth speed is of uncertainty. In 2022, the demand for the spectrometer is forecasted to be more than 210 units. And the market pattern is forecasted to remain as it is for next few years.Browse Full Report With TOC -Executive SummaryMethodology1 Development Environment for NMR Spectrometer Industry in China1.1 Economy1.2 Policy1.3 Society1.3.1 National Key Laboratory1.3.2 R&D Institutes in Colleges and Universities1.3.3 National Key Laboratories in Enterprises1.4 Technology2 Supply and Demand of NMR Spectrometer in China, 2013-20222.1 Supply2.2 Demand2.3 Price3 Import and Export of NMR Spectrometer in China3.1 Import3.2 Export4 Analysis of Key NMR Spectrometer Manufacturers of Foreign Countries4.1 Bruker Corporation4.2 JEOL Ltd.4.3 Varian Medical Systems, Inc.4.4 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.5 Analysis of Key NMR Spectrometer Manufacturers in China5.1 Shanghai Huan Tong Science and Education Equipment Co., Ltd.5.2 Beijing OuBeier Scientific Instrument Technology Co. Ltd.Continue.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 Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free : 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email : press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite :Read Industry News at -
Transdermal Scopolamine Market is Poised to Reach a Valuation of US$585.3 Million by 2024

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A new study by Transparency Market Research (TMR) indicates that Novartis AG, alone, contributed nearly 41.0% of the overall revenue of the global transdermal scopolamine market in 2016. Other two torch bearers in the market, namely, GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Baxter International Inc., commanded a cumulative share of 49.0% in the same year. Even though, the number of small players in the market is less, the degree of competition within the arena will remain low over the forthcoming years. The leading participants are focusing towards acquiring small companies in order to consolidate their position in the market, says the author of the report.The opportunity in the global transdermal scopolamine market was pegged at US$330.0 mn in 2015 and is poised to reach a valuation of US$585.3 mn by the end of 2024, progressing at a healthy CAGR of 6.70% between 2016 and 2024.Request to download and view full ToC -North America to Stay Ahead through 2024, thanks to Robust Healthcare FacilitiesGeographically, North America will continue to be at the forefront of the growth of the global market for transdermal scopolamine until 2024. The presence of an advanced healthcare infrastructure along with the increasing consumer healthcare spending is acting as the primary factor driving the regional market. The market in North America is witnessing increased usage of transdermal scopolamine in surgeries and post-operative treatments. However, the growth of the region is impeded by the limited availability of generics. Owing to these factors, the region will exhibit a CAGR of 6.40% during the forecast period.Europe and Asia Pacific are expected to register strong growth during the same period. The growth of Europe can be attributed to the widening pool of travelers and the presence of a state-of-art healthcare industry.Request to view Sample Report:Increasing Number of Surgeries Performed Worldwide to Stir up Uptake of Transdermal ScopolamineThe global market for transdermal scopolamine is gaining significant momentum, thanks to the increasing awareness among consumers regarding its high effectiveness in treating motion sickness. The growing number of travelers worldwide are, therefore, shot in the arm for the global market. Transdermal scopolamine is also being increasingly used in surgeries as it aids in controlling hyper salivation and helps in recovering from anesthesia-induced and postoperative vomiting and nausea, says a TMR analyst. Hence, the dramatic rise in the number of people undergoing surgeries every year is reflecting positively on the global sales of transdermal scopolamine patches. Researchers anticipate that the market will continue to post phenomenal growth in the coming years as well.Side-effects of Transdermal Scopolamine to Limit their Widespread AdoptionOn the flip side, the upward growth of the market is marred by the side-effects caused by the consumption of these patches, such as retarded motion, drowsiness, and diluted pupils. Besides this, the rising reporting of cases of adverse withdrawal symptoms for these patches and the presence of stringent rules and regulations pertaining to the manufacturing and marketing of these products are limiting the global transdermal scopolamine market from realizing its utmost potential.Nevertheless, emerging countries are expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities. The proliferation of small- and medium- scale players in developing regions is boosting the scope of market expansion. The improving healthcare sector and booming medical tourism are providing the immense potential to these countries, which in turn is likely attract the attention of key global players.Buy Global Transdermal Scopolamine Market Report for US$ 5795 @About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Research on Olive Oil in China Market Analysis Revealing Key Drivers & Growth Trends through 2022

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Olive oil production is concentrated in countries along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, including Spain, Italy, Greece, Tunisia, Turkey, Syria and Morocco, and olive oil produced by the seven countries takes 90% of the total output. Spain, Research on Olive Oil in China Market Italy and Greece are the three major producers and exporters of olive oil.Request For Free Sample -China has planted olive since 1960s. In 2016, world output of olive oil was about 2.6 million tonnes, falling by 18%. And the consumption represented 2.8 million tonnes, falling by 2%. From 2012 to 2016, the outputs compound annual growth rate is about 29%. In 2017, the output is forecasted to exceed three million tonnes and the consumption will be close to three million tonnes.In China, olive planting is mainly located at valleys of Bailong River and Jialing River in Sichuan, Gansu, Shaanxi and Yunnan. Up to the end of 2016, about 5,600 tonnes olive oil was produced and the retail volume was about 38,000 tonnes, rising by 14%. The retail value reached RMB3.9 billion, rising by 14%.Since a series of supportive policies published by local governments in suitable regions for olive planting has been implemented, planting area of olive will increase at a stable speed. At the same time, technologies of olive oil in China are being improved step by step, which will contribute to the rising trend of olive oil output. In 2022, the output is forecasted to be nearly 13,000 tonnes, the retail volume will be 70,000 tonnes and the retail value will exceed RMB seven billion.Browse Full Report With TOC -Executive SummaryMethodology1 General Status of Global Olive Oil Market2 Development Environment for Olive Oil Industry in China2.1 Economy2.2 Society2.3 Policy3 General Status of China Olive Oil Market3.1 Supply3.2 Demand3.2.1 Retail Volume3.2.2 Retail Value3.3 Balance3.4 Consumer Survey Analysis3.4.1 Gender3.4.2 Age3.4.3 Educational Background3.4.4 Income3.5 Market Survey Analysis3.5.1 Purchase Type3.5.2 Brand Awareness3.5.3 Purchase Frequency3.5.4 Purchase Channel3.6 Attitude and Influence of Customers3.6.1 Price3.6.2 Promotional Channel3.7 Regional Retail Scale4 Import and Export of Olive Oil in China4.1 Virgin Olive Oil4.1.1 Import4.1.2 Export4.2 Refined Olive Oil4.2.1 Import4.2.2 ExportContinue.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 Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free : 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email : press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite :Read Industry News at -
Fixed Satellite Service Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application  global Forecast to 2022

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 124 pages on title 'Global Fixed Satellite Service Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes North & South America ,Europe,America ,Middle East and Africa and important players such as SingTel Optus, Star One, Arabsat, Hispasat ..................An FSS is a type of service that uses geosynchronous satellites to broadcast through TV and radio, telecommunications, and satellite communication that are used by governments, military organizations, small and large enterprises, and other end-users. It can provide information to intelligence and security organizations. FSS is classified into wholesale services and managed services. The satellites used for FSS have low-power output and require larger dish-style antennas than direct broadcasting satellites. FSS works with bands such as C-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band.Request a sample report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Fixed Satellite Service 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 coversSESIntelsatEutelsat CommunicationsTelesatSKY Perfect JSATSingTel OptusStar OneArabsatHispasatAsiaSatThaicomRussia Satellite CommunicationChina Satellite CommunicationsBuy this report @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversType 1Type 2Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoVideoEnterpriseGovernmentMake an enquiry before buying this Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Fixed Satellite Service market.Chapter 1, to describe Fixed Satellite Service Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Fixed Satellite Service, with sales, revenue, and price of Fixed Satellite Service, 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 Fixed Satellite Service, 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, Fixed Satellite Service market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Fixed Satellite Service sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceView 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 :Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA  08837sales@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218
Research on PET Sheet in China Market Share, Revenue, Trends and Growth Opportunities Forecasted till 2022

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently added a new report to its vast online database, In China, large-sized state-owned manufacturers of PET sheets represent a small number, Research on PET Sheet in China Market which produce PET sheets as their sideline. Professional manufacturers of the sheet are most of medium- and small-sized privately-operated companies which invest relatively less in scientific researches and have weak development ability,Request For Free Sample -leading to their little products of high-tech content and high added value. Since people become more aware of environment protection and the demand for high quality packaging materials increases, PET sheet industry has a large development space. In 2016, the output of PET sheets in China was about 300,000 tonnes, and the market scale was close to RMB three billion.Plastic products, especially those of high polymer, are a key industry in new material field with the support of Chinese government policies, including National Medium and Long Term Science and Technology Development Plan (2006-2020), Measures for the Administration of the Accreditation of High-Tech Enterprises, Plan on Adjusting and Revitalizing Light Industry, Decision on Accelerating the Fostering and Development of Strategic Emerging Industries, and so on. For recent years, China has paid great attention to the product and implemented a series of policies to encourage their positive development.For example, the State Council has issued a planning outline for national science and technology development for a medium- and long-term period (2006-2020) and brought out that prior will be given to researches of green materials, including high-performance composite materials, high-performance engineering plastics and materials featured environment protection and health function. Based on historic statistics, in 2022, it is forecasted that the output of PET sheets will reach about 400,000 tonnes, and the market scale will exceed RMB3.6 billion.Browse Full Report With TOC -Executive SummaryMethodology1 Development Environment for PET Sheet Industry in China1.1 Economy1.2 Policy1.3 Technology and Technique2 Supply and Demand of PET Sheet in China, 2013-20162.1 Capacity2.2 Output2.3 Demand2.4 Price2.5 Gross Profit Rate2.6 Import2.7 Export3 Analysis of Key PET Sheet Enterprises in China3.1 Zhejiang Sheng New Materials Co., Ltd.3.2 Jiangsu Suzhou Kunshan HengGuang Plastics Co., Ltd.3.3 Jinda Technology Co., Ltd.3.4 Guangdong Jinbang Plastic Packaging Co., Ltd.3.5 Yangzhou Jinfeng New Material Co., Ltd.3.6 Suzhou OCAN Polymer Material Co., Ltd.4 Forecast and Investment Suggestions of PET Sheet Industry in China, 2017-20224.1 Forecast4.2 Investment Suggestion4.2.1 Meaning of Strategy Planning4.2.2 Principles of Strategy Planning4.2.3 Analysis on Strategy Planning4.2.4 Key Customer StrategyContinue.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 Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free : 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email : press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite :Read Industry News at -
Decorative Glass Market Demand 2017-2022 Therma-Tru, PPG, Pilkington, Kenyons Glass

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Global Decorative Glass Market by manufacturers, Types, Segment and RegionA market study  Global Decorative Glass Market  examines the performance of the Decorative Glass market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Decorative Glass market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Decorative Glass market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Decorative Glass Market 2017 report includes Decorative Glass market Revenue, market Share, Decorative Glass industry volume, market Trends, Decorative Glass Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Decorative Glass Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Inquiry For Sample Report, Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Decorative Glass Market 2017:1. Therma-Tru2. PPG3. Pilkington4. Kenyons GlassFirstly, the report covers the top Decorative Glass manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Decorative Glass report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Decorative Glass industry, Decorative Glass industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Decorative Glass Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Complete Report with Full ToC:The Decorative Glass 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 Decorative Glass market revenue worldwide.Finally, Decorative Glass market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Depth Market Research" is a 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, USAContact: +1-214-661-1669Web:
Global Biodiesel Market Analysis  Forecasts to 2025

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Business Intelligence Report - By Application (Fuel, Power Generation), By Feedstock Type [Vegetable Oils (Canola Oil, Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, Corn Oil), Animal Fats (Poultry, Tallow, White Grease)], By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Central & South America, Middle East & Africa) End-use Landscape, & Competitor AnalysisRequest a sample of the report @:Market AnalysisIn 2016, the global biodiesel market analysis was estimated at USD 28 billion. This market is influenced by the growing preference for a clean and cost-efficient alternative to conventional fuels. The growing need for the product in the automotive, power, agriculture, and marine sectors are anticipated to foster demand over the coming years.Biodiesel is a clean-burning, domestically produced, renewable substitute for petroleum and diesel. Its use as a vehicle fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions and increases energy security.Advantages such as fuel lubricity improvement, rise in the cetane number of the fuel, reduction in sulphur oxide emissions, and higher flashpoint contribute to the consumption of the product in a wide range of applications. Government regulations and programs in countries such as Canada, Germany, Brazil, and India are anticipated to augment market growth over the coming years.Application InsightsBiodiesel finds application in the automotive, power generation, construction, marine, and cement industries. In 2016, the automotive industry was one of the largest applications of bio-fuel. The increasing preference for cleaner burning alternative to petroleum and diesel is anticipated to augment market growth and bring down greenhouse gas emissions by over 80%.Use of biodiesel in the marine industry is slowly gaining pace because unlike conventional fuels, it contains 0% sulphur thereby reducing sulphur oxide emissions. The product is also safe as a diesel fuel, has a higher flash point, and is non-toxic, free of aromatics and biodegradable.The agriculture sector has also experienced a shift towards the use of the renewable fuel in farm equipment and vehicles that are used for harvesting, land tending, and planting. The products usage gives rise to sustainable farming, zero emissions and reduced crop & food prices.Biodiesels application in power generation and cement manufacturing is projected to rise over the coming years. Its use in cement manufacturing reduces the production costs of cement, waste disposal and helps in non-renewable resources conservation. Electricity generated through biofuels reduces emissions into the atmosphere and helps conserve fossil fuels.Check the Table of Content for the report @:Feedstock InsightsBiodiesel is produced by transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats. Vegetable oils obtained from feedstock such as palm, canola, and soybean are used in the production of these fuels. The ready availability of used vegetable oil makes it a cost efficient and a effective feedstock. Vegetable oil is easy to process due to its low content of saturated fat thus bringing down its manufacturing cost.Palm oil is expected to occupy the highest market share due to its large-scale production. The largest producers of palm oil based biodiesel in Europe are Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. European countries are dependent on imports from worlds top palm oil producers located in Asia, such as Indonesia and Malaysia.Soybean and canola as feedstock for vegetable oil are expected to rise as they contribute to a sizable percentage of oil for world biodiesel production. The market is dominated by vegetable oil as feedstock due to the technological edge obtained by most manufacturers. Grease can also be converted into biodiesel however its use as feedstock is limited due to the high processing cost and low per gallon yield.Animal fat has been identified as a good feedstock for biodiesel production due to improved volatility, combustion behaviour and viscosity as compared to conventional fuels. Lard, poultry fat, fish oils, and tallow are some of the animal fats used in the manufacture of bio-fuels. The cost of animal fat is low as compared to vegetable oils and its demand is expected to grow a slow pace in the coming years due to the shortage in raw material availability.Regional InsightsEurope has occupied the largest market share for this fuel since the past few years, this can be attributed to the early shift to the product, high R&D investment and government emphasis on the use of low carbon emitting fuels. Demand is expected to arise from countries such as Germany, Italy, France, and the UK. The application and demand are more in the automotive industry of the region.Central & South America are projected to have the highest growth in the market on account of the growing production and consumption in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. Promotion of biofuel usage to reduce the impact of conventional fuels on the environment is anticipated to favour the sector.India and China in the Asia Pacific region are expected to grow at a significant rate owing to the rising application of the product in the automotive and agriculture sector. In India, the government is encouraging the use of biodiesel in vehicles to reduce dependence on crude oil and prevent pollution.End-Use LandscapeThe end-use landscape entails a list of current and prospective consumers prevailing across the regions. This section provides company addresses, contact details, products, and regional presence of companies who are purchasing or are likely to purchase biodiesel over the coming years. Some leading consumers of this renewable fuel are Ford Motor Company (The U.S.), Audi (Germany), Lafarge (France), American Electric Power (The U.S.) and Doosan Group (South Korea).Competitor AnalysisThe global market for this product is fragmented owing to the presence of numerous suppliers. However, there exists a demand supply gap in this industry. Companies are entering into collaborations and partnerships in order to cater to growing demand. This industry also encourages new entrants with a technological edge and capital.Partnerships and technological collaborations are prevalent in the industry. Total S.A. and Amyris Biotechnologies partnership in 2010 to produce biomass based fuels and chemicals. Neste Corporation and Haltermann Carless Solutions Group entered into a partnership to produce renewable distillates.The key players in the industry include Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) (The U.S.), Wilmar International Limited (Singapore), Neste Corporation (Finland), Cosan (Brazil) and Renewable Energy Group (The U.S.).In January 2016, Renewable Energy Group, Inc. and ExxonMobil (a global leader in advanced fuel research) signed an agreement to study biodiesel produced by fermenting agricultural waste. This research is aimed at discovering breakthrough technologies that will increase energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.In October 2016, Neste Corporation announced that the San Diego, California is using Neste Renewable Diesel in its fleet vehicles such as refuse packers, construction equipment, dump trucks and service trucks. This is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% and help improve the air quality thus contributing to the San Diegos ambitious climate targets.Pre-book the report @:Research Methodology:1. The global biodiesel market report has been studied from the year 2016 till 2025. However, the CAGR provided in the market study is from the year 2017 to 2025. The market research method involved three stages: Desk research, Primary survey research, and Analysis & Output from the entire research process.2. The desk research involved a robust background study which meant referring to paid and unpaid databases to understand the industry analysis; industry trends; market analysis; market trends; market dynamics; mapping contracts from press releases; identifying the key players in the market, studying their product portfolio, competition level, annual reports/SEC filings & investor presentations; and learning the demand and supply side analysis for the biodiesel market.3. The primary research activity included telephonic conversations with more than 50 tier 1 industry consultants, VPs, CEOs, COOs, financial consultants, business consultants, strategy consultants, project management consultants, business management consultants, distributors, and end-use product manufacturers.4. Finally, based on the above thorough research process, an in-depth analysis was carried out considering the following aspects: market attractiveness, current & future market trends, market share analysis, demand forecasting, SWOT analysis of the companies, and customer analytics.Were a team of 50+ full-time and 200+ part-time analysts who have proven record in business intelligence and consulting. Weve expertise across various industry verticals including Aerospace & Defence, Agriculture, Automotive & Transportation, Chemicals & Advanced Materials, Food & Beverages and Healthcare.Name: Global Market Estimates Research & Busines ConsultantsAddress: A-9, Silver Croft CHSL, Mumbai:400064, IndiaContact No,: +91 9146632316Email Addres: sales@globalmarketestimates.com
Research on Stevioside in China Market Share, Growth, Size, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2022

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Stevioside is the main sweetener with rebaudioside A, found in the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a plant originating in South America. Dried leaf, as well as aqueous extracts, has been used for decades as a sweetener in many countries, Research on Stevioside in China Market notably in Latin America and Asia (Japan, China). Especially in Asia, South America and the US, stevioside is largely used in food manufacturing. In 2016, about 3,000 kinds of products containing stevioside were newly introduced.Request For Free Sample -Although stevioside has a long history in South America, China is the major producer, taking 90% of the global capacity, making it the largest planter of stevia rebaudiana, the largest producer and exporter of stevioside. More than 70% of stevioside produced in China is exported, which means overseas demand has bigger influence on the countrys output. In 2016, the output of stevioside in the country reached nearly 8,000 tonnes.In the future, stevioside will be affected by per capita consumption of zero-calorie beverages and new stevioside products costing less and benefitting peoples health. Emerging markets and developing regions create opportunities for investors. Because stevioside has a zero glycemic index and zero calorie, it is popular in many countries.In recent years, stevioside has replaced some other sweeteners in food, medicine and daily chemical industries, driving continuously rising demand for the sweetener and providing more space for leading enterprises in the industry. At the same time, along with the downstream s development, the demand for high-purity stevioside will increase as well, which brings new profits to manufacturers with innovative ability. In 2022, sales volume of stevioside is forecasted to reach about 4,000 tonnes and the market scale will be around RMB3.4 billion.Executive SummaryMethodologyBrowse Full Report With TOC -1 Development Environment for Stevioside Industry in China1.1 Economy1.2 Policy1.3 General Development Analysis of Plant Extracts in China2 General Status of China Stevioside Market, 2012-20162.1 Supply2.1.1 Capacity2.1.2 Output2.2 Market Scale2.3 Demand2.4 Price2.5 Export3 Industrial Chain of Stevioside in China3.1 Planting Area of Stevia Rebaudiana3.2 Downstream4 Analysis of Key Stevioside Enterprises in China4.1 PureCircle (Jiangxi) Co. Ltd.4.2 Zhucheng Haotian Pharm Co., Ltd.4.3 Qufu Lvtianyuan High Technology Co., Ltd4.4 Biolotus Technology Jiangsu Inc.4.5 Chenguang Biotech Group Co., Ltd.5 Forecast and Investment Suggestions of Stevioside Industry in China, 2017-20225.1 Forecast5.2 Investment Suggestion5.2.1 Meaning of Strategy Planning5.2.2 Principles of Strategy Planning5.2.3 Analysis on Strategy Planning5.2.4 Key Customer StrategyContinue.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 Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free : 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email : press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite :Read Industry News at -
Kyoto and Santa Clara, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ROHM has recently announced the availability of a DC/DC converter with built-in MOSFET that achieves the highest step-down ratio in the industry (at 2MHz) required for 48V automotive systems such as mild hybrid vehicles.

The BD9V100MUF-C integrates ultra-high-speed pulse control technology (Nano Pulse Control) created by combining proprietary circuit design and layout with original processes, enabling low voltage 2.5V output from 60V (max.) input at 2MHz (resulting in the industrys highest step-down ratio: 24:1). This makes it possible to miniaturize peripheral components while at the same time configure voltage conversion from high to low voltages using a single IC whereas 2 or more ICs are conventionally required, contributing to greater miniaturization and simpler system design.

In recent years, in the automotive sector where energy savings and environmental performance are increasingly demanded, mild hybrid vehicles utilizing 48V systems that provide better cost performance than full hybrid cars and improve fuel efficiency over conventional 12V power supply systems are attracting increased attention.

However, while 2MHz operation is always required for automotive systems, until now there has not been a power supply IC capable of stepping down 48V to the 3.3V or 5V needed for ECU drive, typically involving 2-stage step down to an intermediate voltage such as 12V.

In response, ROHM leveraged its vertically integrated production system that includes analog design technology and power processes to develop an ultra-high-speed pulse control technology Nano Pulse Control that achieves a 1-chip power system.

Availability: Now (Samples), December 2017 (OEM quantities)

Key Features

The BD9V100MUF-C integrates ultra-high-speed pulse control technology (Nano Pulse Control) created by leveraging high voltage BiCDMOS processes and ultra-high-speed pulse control to achieve the industrys highest step-down ratio through an unprecedented ON time of 9ns (switching ON time is the control pulse width of a power supply IC, in this case 10-9).

This makes low 3.3V or 5V (2.5V min.) output possible from high input voltages up to 60V for driving ECUs at 2MHz which will not affect the AM radio band (1.84MHz max.). The ability to provide voltage conversion from high to low voltages in systems such as 48V power supplies used in mild hybrid vehicles with a single IC halves the number of parts required, reducing application size and simplifying system design, while high-frequency operation enables the use of smaller external components (i.e. coils).

What is Nano Pulse Control?

Nano Pulse Control refers to ultra-fast pulse control technology achieved by combining analog circuit design, layout, and processes utilizing ROHMs vertically integrated production system. This contributes to greater miniaturization and system simplification in 48V applications ranging from mild hybrid vehicles and industrial robots to base station sub power supplies.

About ROHM Semiconductor

ROHM Semiconductor is an industry leader in system LSI, discrete components and module products, utilizing the latest in semiconductor technology. ROHM's proprietary production system, which includes some of the most advanced automation technology, is a major factor in keeping it at the forefront of the electronic component manufacturing industry. In addition to its development of electronic components, ROHM has also developed its own production system so that it can focus on specific aspects of customized product development. ROHM employs highly skilled engineers with expertise in all aspects of design, development and production. This allows ROHM the flexibility to take on a wide range of applications and projects and the capability to serve valuable clients in the automotive, telecommunication and computer sectors, as well as consumer OEMs.

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The Float Level Switch Market Analysis development trends, marketing channels, demand & Supply

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Global Float Level Switch Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 117 pages on title 'Global Float Level Switch Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes North & South America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , Middle East and Africa and important players such as ATMI, Dwyer, Magnetrol, RIKO Float..................Float level switch is a device which can detect liquid levels or interface between liquids such as oil and water, or liquid and solid interface. Float level switches are used in a number of liquid container monitoring applications including flow line monitoring, heaters and furnaces.Request a sample report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Float Level Switch 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 coversGEMSSJE-RhombusWIKA GroupEmersonE+HZhejiang HuanliATMIDwyerMagnetrolRIKO FloatFine TekKoboldNivelcoBaumerYOUNGJINTowa SeidenMadisonSMD Fluid ControlsBestaHy ControlEmco ControlXiFulaiZhejiang KRIPALBuy this report @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversTop-mounted TypeSide-Mounted TypeMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoOil & Gas IndustryChemical IndustryWater/Wastewater ProcessingFood & BeverageBoiler Control and etc.Make an enquiry before buying this Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Float Level Switch market.Chapter 1, to describe Float Level Switch Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Float Level Switch, with sales, revenue, and price of Float Level Switch, 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 Float Level Switch, 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, Float Level Switch market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Float Level Switch sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceView 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 :Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA  08837sales@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218
Hormonal Contraception Market Insights and Analysis for Period 2016 - 2026

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Hormonal contraception is type of pregnancy prevention techniques which act on the endocrine system. In this method various female hormones are used to prevent ovulation. Two forms of hormonal contraceptive formulations are available in combination forms such as estrogen and a progestin. However, progestogen is the only method which contains progesterone or any one of its synthetic analogues. In combination method the therapeutic effect is achieved by suppressing ovulation and thickening of cervical mucus, whereas progestogen only method decrease the frequency of ovulation.Various types of hormonal contraception methods are now available in the market which includes oral pill, skin patch, intrauterine device (IUD), injection, and implantation of rod that is worn underneath the skin. Depending upon type of hormonal contraception it is determined whether the hormonal exposure is continuous or intermittent. All approaches of hormonal contraception are based on prevention of implanting a fertilized egg in females womb (uterus) and start to develop or preventing sperm and egg from fertilization. New and improved methods of hormonal contraception are being developed as the efficacy of several methods may differ under various circumstances.Request For Report Sample@Hormonal Contraception Market: Drivers and RestraintsGlobal hormonal contraception are widely used globally by females. Adoption of hormonal contraception for birth control is increased due the community awareness in making precise decisions relating to reproductively and sexual health. The growth of hormonal contraception market is fuelled by rise in female population globally, urbanization and increased consciousness about hormonal contraception and also encouraging NGO and government policies to promote hormonal contraception. Implementation of temporary and low cost contraceptive practices instead of permanent contraception is the vital factor driving global market for hormonal contraception market. The adverse side effects linked with use of hormonal contraceptives acts as major barrier for global market during the forecast period.Hormonal Contraception Market: SegmentationThe hormonal contraceptionmarket is classified on the basis of product type and end userBy Product Type:Oral PillSkin PatchIntrauterine Device (IUD)InjectionImplantationBy End Use:HospitalsHomecare SettingsGynecology CentersClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersHormonal Contraception: Market OverviewIncreasing support by the government in populated countries, rising awareness towards personal healthcare and monitoring, and wide acceptance of hormonal contraception among females around the globe are the factors driving the growth of hormonal contraception market. The fact that pregnancy can be resumed after terminating the use of hormonal contraception plays key role for growth of the global hormonal contraception market. The global hormonal contraception market is expected to grow at a remarkable CAGR in the forecast period (2016-2026).Hormonal Contraception Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region hormonal contraception global market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.Hormonal contraceptives are dominating in North America due to their ease of use. Europe and Asia pacific regions are likely to grow at a significant CAGR for hormonal contraception market. Countries like China and India are promising to contribute to the hormonal contraception market due to vast population pool.Visit For TOC@Hormonal Contraception Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the global hormonal contraception market are Bayer Pharma AG, Merck & Co., Inc., Afaxys, Inc. Charleston, SC., Agile Therapeutics Inc, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, 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:
Aspartate Aminotransferase Market Size 2017-2022 Audit Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories

Aspartate Aminotransferase

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Global Aspartate Aminotransferase Market by manufacturers, Types, Segment and RegionA market study  Global Aspartate Aminotransferase Market  examines the performance of the Aspartate Aminotransferase market 2017. It encloses an in-Spire Research of the Aspartate Aminotransferase market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Aspartate Aminotransferase market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Aspartate Aminotransferase Market 2017 report includes Aspartate Aminotransferase market Revenue, market Share, Aspartate Aminotransferase industry volume, market Trends, Aspartate Aminotransferase Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Aspartate Aminotransferase Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Inquiry For Sample Report, Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Aspartate Aminotransferase Market 2017:1. Audit Diagnostics2. Abbott Laboratories3. SHINO-TEST CORPORATION4. Human GmbH5. Guizhou Angel Medical Equipment6. Beckman Coulter7. HUMAN Gesellschaft fur Biochemica und Diagnostica mbH8. Hefei Tianyi Biotechnology Institute9. Yangzhou Comay Bio-Medical Electronics10. BIOSINO Biotechnology11. Beijing Jin Hao Pharmaceutical12. Anhui Daqian Biological Engineering....Firstly, the report covers the top Aspartate Aminotransferase manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Aspartate Aminotransferase report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Aspartate Aminotransferase industry, Aspartate Aminotransferase industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Aspartate Aminotransferase Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Complete Report with Full ToC:The Aspartate Aminotransferase 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 Aspartate Aminotransferase market revenue worldwide.Finally, Aspartate Aminotransferase 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, USAContact: +1-214-661-1669Web:
Ethyl Formate Market 2017 - Fushun Shunte, Huanggang Longqing, Jiangxi Benyue, Linshu Huasheng

Ethyl Formate

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Ethyl Formate Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Ethyl Formate Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Ethyl Formate industry, and estimates the future trend of Ethyl Formate market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Ethyl Formate Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This Report Fushun Shunte Huanggang Longqing Jiangxi Benyue Jiangxi Haiquan Linshu Huasheng 10+ companies coveredThe market research report explores the Ethyl Formate market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Ethyl Formate Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Ethyl Formate market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Ethyl Formate. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Ethyl Formate market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Ethyl Formate is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Ethyl Formate market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Ethyl Formate market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Ethyl Formate market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Ethyl Formate production volume, data pertaining to demand and Ethyl Formate supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Ethyl Formate along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Ethyl Formate across the world.About UsWe provide global enterprises and businesses across different industry verticals comprehensive market research services from off-the-shelf research reports to customized research conducted by our highly experienced industry analysts.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Head155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606Phone: +17739042683Email id - sales@apexresearch.bizWebsite -
North America Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Converters Market is Rising at a CAGR of 5.30% from 2016 to 2024

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In 2015, the North America market for wheelchair accessible vehicle converters was worth US$1.74 bn. According to researchers, the markets future looks bright, rising at a CAGR of 5.30% from 2016 to 2024 and reaching US$3.47 bn by the end of 2024.North America Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Converters Market: SnapshotThe North America wheelchair accessible vehicle converters market has been displaying significant growth rate over the last few years, thanks to the increasing number of patients with disability. In the years to come, the market is likely to gain substantially from the rising demand for user-friendly accessible vehicles and the surge in the launch of affordable mobility gadgets. Apart from this, the mounting number of trauma cases, leading to disability and the escalating geriatric population is also expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities for the wheelchair accessible vehicle manufacturers in the near future.Request to download and view full ToC -Full Size Vehicles to Continue as Leading Contributor to North America MarketOn the basis of the type of vehicle, the North America market for wheelchair accessible vehicle converters has been classified into three broad categories, i.e., full size vehicles, medium size vehicles, and small size vehicles. Full size vehicles have been leading this market in terms of revenue; however, the demand for medium size vehicle is higher in North America. In 2015, the full size vehicle segment accounted for more than 48% of the overall market. With the increasing uptake of wheelchair accessible vehicles as family cars among families with disabled people, the revenue generated from this segment is likely to augment in the near future, ensuring its lead.Request to view Sample Report:Based on the entry modality, the market has been categorized into ramps and lifts. The demand for ramps, which are mainly used for the medium size and small size vehicles, has been higher than lifts, which mostly find utilization in the case of a full size vehicle. The relatively low installation and maintenance costs of ramps have kept them a step ahead of lifts. The ramps segment led the North America wheelchair accessible vehicle converters market in 2015 with a share of 48.1%. Thanks to the ease of usage, ramps are expected to remain high in demand in this region over the next few years.Demand from U.S. to Remain HighIn terms of geography, the market for wheelchair accessible vehicle converters in North America has been segmented into the U.S. and Canada. With a share of nearly 95%, the U.S. led the overall market in 2015. The scenario is expected to remain so over the next few years, thanks to the presence of a large base of disabled population. The rising adoption of wheelchair accessible vehicles, stimulated by the increasing number of awareness initiatives by the manufacturers of vehicle converters, increasing cases of trauma resulting in disability, and the surge in the government funding for wheelchair accessible vehicles are also projected to boost the U.S. market for wheelchair accessible vehicle converters in the years to come.The North America market for wheelchair accessible vehicle converters is fragmented and highly competitive in nature. Mobility Ventures LLC, Vantage Mobility International, and BraunAbility are at the forefront of this market. Some of the other prominent vendors of wheelchair accessible vehicle convertibles in this region are Toyota Motor Corp., Rollx Vans, and Freedom Motors USA.Buy North America Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Converters Market Report for US$ 5795 @About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Calcium Nitrate Market Outlook: Rising food concerns and declining pure water sources to drive the industry growth over 2016-2024

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Escalating food demand across the globe owing to rapid rise in the population is anticipated to boost Calcium Nitrate Market value over the next few years. As per Global Market Insights, Inc., report, Calcium Nitrate Market revenue is expected to hit USD 12.6 billion by 2024.  Booming wastewater treatment chemicals sectorwill further drive the industry revenue, owing to the ability of the chemical compound to reduce foul odor emissions.For instance, the wastewater treatment sector in Brazil, India, Mexico, and China, which was estimated at USD 3 billion in 2008, hit nearly USD 7 billion in 2015. The growth of the sector can be attributed to the relatively higher rise in wastewater pollutants, owing to a comparatively higher rate of industrialization in these countries. Furthermore, the rapid rate of industrialization across the globe resulting in the decline of pure water sources along with strict government norms related to wastewater pollutants disposal will boost calcium nitrate market size.Sample Copy of this Report @The extensive usage of calcium nitrate in fertilizers to enhance the crop production will significantly add to calcium nitrate industry size over the coming timeframe. Global calcium nitrate market share in fertilizers is anticipated to register an annual growth rate of 4.5% over 2016-2024. Today, the use of calcium nitrate in fertilizers has risen, owing to the high worldwide demand for soybeans, wheat, and corns. For instance, the production of wheat across the globe in 2008 was estimated at nearly 680 million tons and reached up to 720 million tons in 2015.Calcium nitrate also finds applications in explosives, molten salts, concrete manufacturing, farming, cold packs, and latex coagulants. Calcium nitrate industry value from the concrete manufacturing sector, which was worth USD 900 million in 2015, is forecast to grow noticeably over the coming years. High demand for the chemical compounds across the construction sector for enhancing the concrete properties will drive the growth.Geographical Trends pertaining to Calcium Nitrate Market over 2016-2024 are given below: North America Calcium Nitrate Industry size, which was estimated at USD 1.5 billion in 2015, will exhibit a massive expansion over the coming seven years. High application of chemical compounds in explosives coupled with rising government expenditure on defense activities will significantly contribute toward the business expansion. The U.S. is expected to make substantial contributions toward the regional share. Rising industrialization along with high requirement for increasing the crop production due to tremendous rise in population is expected to complement Asia Pacific calcium nitrate market growth, which is forecast to register an annual growth rate of 5.5 % over 2016-2024. Indonesia, China, and India are anticipated to be the key regional revenue pockets.Market players will try to increase their profits by employing key business growth strategies such as high R&D investments and strategic mergers & acquisitions. Some of the key players of calcium nitrate market are Vardhaman Fertilizers and Seeds Private Limited, Haifa Group, Agrium Incorporation, Shanxi Jiaocheng Tianlong Chemical Industry Company Limited, Prathista Industries Limited, GFS Chemicals Incorporation, Rural Liquid Fertilizers, Sterling Chemicals Limited, Uralchem Holding PLC, Airedale Chemical, and Yara International ASA.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone:1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
Global and United States Emergency Room Equipments In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022

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"The Report Global and United States Emergency Room Equipments In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"The report is based on the market historical data from 2012 to 2016 and forecast the market trend from 2017 to 2022.View Report @This report focuses on the U.S. market and presents volume and value of market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also changes in prices. As an in-depth report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinions in Emergency Room Equipments industry.Major CompaniesCovidien (Ireland)Eithicon (U.S.)GE Healthcare (UK)Philips Healthcare (U.S.)Zoll (U.S.)Boston Scientific (U.S.)St. Jude Medical (U.S.)Biotronik (Germany)Cook Medical (U.S.)Spectranetics (U.S.)Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Key RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCaliforniaTexasNew YorkOthersCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersView Sample PDF @Main types of productsEmergency Room Equipments Market, by ProductMonitorCardiopulmonary Resuscitation DeviceCardiac PacemakerECG MachineOthersEmergency Room Equipments Market, by TechnologyDigitalSimulationEmergency Room Equipments Market, by Key ConsumersHospitalsClinicsOthersAbout 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.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Smart Audio Device Market 2017: Sony Corporation (Japan), Bose Corporation (U.S.), Sennheiser Electronic (Germany), LG Electronics (South Korea), Apple (U.S.)

Smart Audio Device Market 2017

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Global Smart Audio Device Market 2017-2022QY Market Research include new Smart Audio Device market research report "2016-2022 Report on Global Smart Audio Device Market Competition, Status and Forecast, Market Size by Players, Regions, Type, Application" to its huge collection of research reports.This report on the global Smart Audio Device market is highly useful as it covers all the aspects which are important in determining the future of this industry. The Smart Audio Device report is collated by experienced analysts who have made use of their market intelligence to cover all basic and important data about the global Smart Audio Device industry.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:The Smart Audio Device market report makes use of tables, charts, graphs, maps, and statistics to present the data in the easiest to understand way. The Smart Audio Device market report is a comprehensive analysis of the key factors impacting the global Smart Audio Device industry. This Smart Audio Device market report includes both the driving factors as well as the restraining factors that are influencing the market's performance positively and negatively, respectively.Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research Report,1. Sony Corporation (Japan)2. Bose Corporation (U.S.)3. Sennheiser Electronic Gmbh & Company Kg (Germany)4. LG Electronics (South Korea)5. Sonos, Inc. (U.S.)6. Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands)7. Vizio Holdings, Inc. (U.S.)8. Apple Inc. (U.S.)9. Voxx International Corporation (U.S.)10. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd (South Korea)The current trends shaping the global Smart Audio Device market and how it will influence the Smart Audio Device market in the future are also studied. In addition to this, the future opportunities within the Smart Audio Device market that have the potential to help the market to expand are also given in the Smart Audio Device report.Enquire Here:The segments within the global Smart Audio Device industry and their sub-segments are also studied in detail. This ensures that the entire Smart Audio Device market is covered. The leading segment along with the declining segment and the most promising segment has been given in this Smart Audio Device report. This helps the readers, investors, new entrants, and established players to decide which segment or sub-segment to invest on so as to reap maximum profits.The Smart Audio Device market report discusses the degree of competition, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, and a threat of substitutes, both internal and external substitute of Smart Audio Device market. The threat of new entrants or the barriers faced by new players in entering the global Smart Audio Device market has been discussed. This gives new players an idea as to whether they can survive in the competitive Smart Audio Device market.About Us:Business Worldwide is a trusted brand in the research industry with a capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Business Worldwide, we believe in building long-term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries including Energy, Chemicals and Materials, Automotive and Aerospace.Contact Us:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803
Global and United States Anti-Corrosion Coating In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022

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The report is based on the market historical data from 2012 to 2016 and forecast the market trend from 2017 to 2022.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 Anti-Corrosion Coating industry.Major CompaniesAkzoNobelPPGSherwin-WilliamsHenkelValsparJotunRPM InternationalNippon PaintVIew Report @BASFChugokuHempelAxaltaSikaKansai PaintKCC Corporation3MHB FullerCarpolyShenzhen Zhanchen paintsShawcorShanghai CoatingsXiangjiang PaintSK KAKENTiannucoatingDAW SECromologyBaotashanTwin Tigers CoatingsJangsu Lanling GroupQilushuiqiKey RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCaliforniaTexasNew YorkOthersCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomGet Sample Copy Of This Report @ranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain types of productsAnti-Corrosion Coating Market, by SolventsWater-Based CoatingSolvent-Based CoatingOthersAnti-Corrosion Coating Market, by Application EnvironmentGeneral Anti-Corrosion CoatingHeavy-Duty Anti-Corrosion CoatingAnti-Corrosion Coating Market, by Key ConsumersMarineContainersOffshore ConstructionsIndustrialOthersAbout 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.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Data Warehousing Solutions Market Size will Escalate Rapidly in the Near Future

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Data Warehousing Solutions Market: IntroductionWith the increasing need of data management, more enterprises are investing in data warehousing solutions to gain better insights about their business. These solutions integrate and analyse business data using historical and real-time data, enabling executives to make better decisions based on accurate understanding.A sample of this report is available upon request @Data warehousing solutions coupled with business intelligence tools help enterprises implement efficient business analytics. This data can be accessed by users across the organization using ad hoc SQL queries, periodic reports and dashboards. Even though data warehousing is beneficial for the business, but it can be complex to set up and involves investments even after set up to prevent loss of data. Moreover, recent trends involving huge volumes of data are obstructing the performance of data warehouse systems.Data Warehousing Solutions Market: Drivers and RestraintsBusiness data is acquired from internal as well as external sources and is diverse in nature. Due to the exponential growth of this data, and the need to analyse this data for a better understanding is driving the market for data warehousing solutions. Enterprises are opting for solutions that maximize performance and enable a fast data flow with real time analytics, which are offered by efficient data warehousing solutions. Another major driver for this market is using data to perform trend analysis and data mining for future trends prediction. Inadequate time to build in-house software is making end users invest in data warehousing solutions and helping the market grow. Major restraint for this market is poor data quality because of unavailability of required data and inefficient data warehouse architecture, which isolates the customers from using data warehousing solutions.Data Warehousing Solutions Market: SegmentationData warehousing solutions can be segmented on the basis of type of offering, type of data, type of deployment, end users, verticals and regions. The different types of offerings under data warehousing include extraction, transportation and loading (ETL) solution, statistical analysis, data mining, and others. The types of data used in data warehousing solutions are structured and unstructured data. Data warehousing solution can be segmented on the basis of deployment type of its system into on-premise, cloud based and hybrid. The end users for data warehousing solutions are SMEs and large enterprises. Data warehousing solutions are applicable in the following verticals, government, BFSI, retail, healthcare, IT and telecom, manufacturing, energy and utilities, transportation and logistics, and others. Regionally data warehousing solutions can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East and Africa.Data Warehousing Solutions Market: Regional OutlookData warehousing solutions market is dominated by the North America region at present due to the fact that North America readily invests in new technologies. Asia Pacific, Japan and Western Europe are expected to be emerging regions in this market and will see a good growth rate in the future. Asia Pacifics and Japans growth is due to its steady economic growth and growing commercial activity. Western Europe will see a good growth owing to the efforts European Union intends to make to promote the growth of big data in this region. Eastern Europe is expected to see a moderate growth rate with a few enterprises looking to invest in this region.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Data Warehousing Solutions Market: Competition LandscapeThe key players involved in data warehousing solutions market are Oracle Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Teradata Corporation, IBM Corporation, SAP SE, Amazon Web Services Inc., MarkLogic Corporation, Infobright, Cloudera Inc., MapR Technologies, Inc., and Hortonworks Inc. Recent trends involved in data warehousing solutions include a shift to cloud based services and investments in latest technologies to cope up with competition in the market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The advanced manufacturing sector is the focus of a trade mission to Europe led by Wavefront Wireless Commercialization Centre Society (Wavefront), a Centre of Excellence with offices in Vancouver and Toronto. Five Canadian tech companies are taking part in a market linkages trip to the Netherlands and Germany from September 18-22. In addition to attending the Industry of Things World industry event in Berlin, the trade mission will travel to manufacturing centres for business-to-business meetings with potential customers and partners.



The companies selected in a nationwide search to take part in the trade mission are:

Distrix has a novel SDN-based architecture that allows a wide variety of sensors and devices to easily and securely communicate with the products and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) equipment.





has a novel SDN-based architecture that allows a wide variety of sensors and devices to easily and securely communicate with the products and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) equipment. Element AI is pioneering an AI-First world by turning the worlds most important AI research into transformative business applications.





is pioneering an AI-First world by turning the worlds most important AI research into transformative business applications. mnubo is an IoT analytics and data science as-a-service solution for connected product manufacturers.





is an IoT analytics and data science as-a-service solution for connected product manufacturers. Sendum help shippers who must know where their cargo is and that it is being handled safely by providing the best tracking and monitoring solution available today.





help shippers who must know where their cargo is and that it is being handled safely by providing the best tracking and monitoring solution available today. Skynet is a global leader in real-time middleware products that allows you to securely acquire, monitor, control, visualize, network and consolidate live process data in-plant or over insecure networks.

Wavefronts Global Market Entry Program helps Canadian mobile and IoT (Internet of Things) companies explore new global markets through market linkage trips to countries around the globe. These bespoke trips are focused on a specific sub-sector of the wireless industry and tailored for a small, select group of Canadian companies.

We are looking forward to connecting these companies with potential partners and customers that could open up significant global markets for them, says Brian Roberts, Vice President, Global Services with Wavefront. In our experience taking more than 235 Canadian companies to 35 countries, we find face-to-face meetings can lead to hugely valuable connections.

This is Wavefronts third international trade mission this year. Three more are scheduled for 2017: to Washington D.C. (Smart Cities), Taiwan & Japan (Smart Manufacturing) and Smart Retail in the Pacific Northwest. Find out more at wavefront.ca.

About Wavefront

Wavefront is Canadas leader in transforming business through mobile and IoT innovation. We are a centre for commercialization for companies in the wireless and IoT technologies space. Our vision is to build a globally relevant, nationally connected ecosystem that delivers digital capacity, competitiveness and prosperity for Canadians.

For more information, contact:

Michelle Sklar, VP Marketing & Communications, Wavefront

michelle.sklar@wavefront.ca

(778) 331-7498
XYZ Market Size will Observe Substantial Growth by

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Jojoba oil is the liquid which is extracted from the seed of jojoba plant. Jojoba seeds are mainly produced in Arizona, California, and in Mexico.A sample of this report is available upon request @Jojoba seed can produce 50.0% of its weight of oil, which mainly contains free fatty acids like palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, eicosenoic acid, lignoceric acid, and nervonic acid. Due to high content of free fatty acids in jojoba oil derivatives are beneficial for skin, due to which jojoba oil derivatives are mainly used in cosmetics and personal care products.Jojoba oil is a liquid wax which composed of acids and contains no glycerides which makes it unique vegetable oil. Due to high nutrient properties of jojoba oil in comparison to other vegetable oil such as corn, olive, peanut, soybean and castor makes it healthy substitute.Jojoba oils pureness, resistance to rancidity, and lack of smell, sort it as natural base for ointments and creams. Jojoba oils sulfurized or sulfurhalogenated derivatives can have high lubricity and a long performance life. Jojoba oil can also have positive use in antifoaming agents, detergents, disinfectants, driers, emulsifiers, fibers, plasticizers, protective coatings, resins, and surfactants.Jojoba Oil Derivatives Market: SegmentationGlobal jojoba oil derivatives market is segmented on the basis of product type, application and region. Based on Product type, global jojoba oil derivatives market is segmented into lipids, esters, alcohol, wax, proteins, and others. Among these jojoba oil derivatives segments, lipids and wax segments contributes major market share. Based on the application, global jojoba oil derivatives market is segmented into cosmetic & personal care products ingredients, food, lubricants, waxes, other applications. Among these jojoba oil derivatives segments, cosmetic & personal care products ingredients contributes to higher market share in terms of value. On the basis of region, global jojoba oil derivatives market is segmented into five regions, North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.North America and Europe is the leading market for jojoba oil derivatives due to increasing demand of surging alternative bio lubricant feedstock, rapid technological innovations, and high investment on research and development in these regions. Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at a substantial growth due to large consumer base, and high disposable income will contribute to the global jojoba oil derivatives market value exhibiting a robust CAGR during the forecast period, 2016-2024.Jojoba Oil Derivatives Market: DriversThe factors driving the jojoba oil derivatives market are significant growth in overall cosmetic industry, increasing alternative bio lubricant feedstock demand particularly in developed markets of North America and Europe, high nutritional value of jojoba oil derivatives, and Increasing concern regarding side effects of chemicals and synthetic additives used in food and beverages and in cosmetics is fuelling demand for natural alternatives like jojoba oil derivatives in the market.However, long-term jojoba oil production varies on the regular supply of resources and capabilities to replace industrial oil with various applications at comparable price. Production yield of the crop highly varies on the farming method. The seeds takes more than five years to become completely accessible. This possibly will act as a major barrier for the market.Jojoba Oil Derivatives Market: OverviewThe global jojoba oil derivatives market is anticipated to expand at a healthy CAGR in terms of value and volume, during the forecast period (20162024). Factors such as increasing urge of the consumers for living a healthy lifestyle, coupled with increasing alternative bio lubricant feedstock demand, is fuelling the market growth across the globe.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Jojoba Oil Derivatives Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating player in global jojoba oil derivatives market are Vantage Specialty Ingredients, Inc., Charkit Chemical Corporation, ECO OIL ARGENTINA, Desert Whale Jojoba Company, Purcell Jojoba International, Egyptian Natural Oil Co., Mosselman s.a, LaRonna Jojoba Company, and others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Market to Rear Excessive Growth During 2017 - 2025

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Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Market: OverviewInternet protocol television is considered as an effective technology that offers several television services through a packet-switched network although remaining within a large number of internet protocol suites. With the tremendous rise in the online traffic, the need for internet protocol television is expected to rise substantially, thus encouraging the overall development of the market. Moreover, the growth in the internet video advertising is expected to accelerate the growth of the global internet protocol television market over the next few years.Furthermore, the emergence of new technology and advanced products are estimated to generate promising growth opportunities for the leading players operating in the internet protocol television market in the near future. The lack of verification of effective locations for servers and the lack of proper accounting are estimated to curtail the growth of the market in the coming years. In addition, the rising need to meet the customer preference is considered to act as a major barrier for the development of the market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Nonetheless, the growing need of consumers for high-quality and reliable online experience is likely to offer growth opportunities in the near future. Moreover, the rise in the use of internet and the advent of mobile CDN is estimated to accelerate the markets growth in the near future. The developed economies across the globe are expected to offer lucrative benefits for the market players, whereas the rising population in developing economies is likely to fuel the development of the global internet protocol television market over the next few years.Global IPTV Market: SnapshotIPTV stands for Internet protocol television, a technology that delivers television services over a packet-switched network while remaining within the Internet protocol suites. With IPTV, smaller batches of media can now be streamed directly on customers devices in smaller batches. As per the International Telecommunication Union, IPTV functions over an IP-based network that enable high level of security, quality of service, reliability, and interactivity. With the widespread outreach of the Internet and direct to home (DTH) services, and technological advancements in interactive television, the global market for IPTV is projected for a robust growth rate during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025.Broadly, there are three types of services offered by IPTV: live television, time-shifted television, and video on-demand (VOD). Live television is streaming of current events broadcast on television while time shifted services allows used to replay the content after delays. VOD refers to services wherein customers select a video of choice from a catalog of videos offered by the service providers. Major components involved to deliver IPTV services include TV head-end, interactive portal, VOD platform, home gateway, delivery network, and set-top box. The two basic types of architectures used for delivering IPTV are distributed architecture and centralized architecture. IPTV is implemented using several protocols such as H.263 for video compression, modified discrete cosine transform (MDCT) for audio compression, and Real-time Protocol (RTP) for live streaming and VOD.Request TOC of the Report @Global IPTV Market: Trends and ProspectsDTH services have gain immense popularity in the recent past, which is clearly reflecting on increased demand for VOD services. Additionally, IPTV offer value added services such as e-mail, voicemail and others, which is further fueling the market. Moreover, several telecommunication services have entered the IPTV market recently, including Verizon, Vodafone, and British Telecom. These new entrants with strong financial background are expected to escalate the level of competition, which will eventually lead to reduced cost to the consumers and thereby increase the demand in the global IPTV market. However, for the proper functioning of IPTV, minimum bandwidth required is around 10 mbps of high speed Internet connectivity, which is not available all across the globe. This is the solitary restraint over the growth rate of the global IPTV market, although the effect of this factor is expected to reduce over the duration of forecast period as several next-generation spectrums are being launched by several governments.Global IPTV Market: Segment AnalysisIPTV market can be segmented on the basis of end-users and geography. Corporate consumers and individual consumers comprise end-users. Currently, corporate consumers serve the maximum demand but, with improving network infrastructure, the segment of individual consumers will also escalate significantly during the forecast period. Geographically, the report studies the lucrativeness of the regional markets of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world. Though the developed countries in North America and Europe are currently serving the maximum demand, vast population base in Asia Pacific is expected to surge ahead in terms of demand towards the end of the forecast period.Request Discount of the Report @AT&T, Cablevision, China Telecom, Comcast, Bharti Airtel Limited, Reliance Communications Limited, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, British Telecom, Deutsche Telecom, Etisalat, France Telecom, Telecom Malaysia, NTT DOCOMO, Telenor, Verizon, and Vodafone are some of the key players currently operational in global IPTV market.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
Oil Well Logging Market : Analysis and Forecast with Focus on Key Manufacturers 2025

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Global Oil Well Logging Market: SnapshotOil well logging is considered as one of the most vital procedures for each and every oil well that is drilled across the globe. The well logging helps the oil and gas companies in maintaining a log of several geological formations that are observed while the drilling processes. This helps the companies in analyzing the drilling related data and further offers solutions to reduce the chances of maintenance failure while the drilling procedures. With these advantages, the global market for oil well logging is projected to witness a significant growth over the next few years.The development of the oil and gas industry across the globe and the rising number of drilling activities are anticipated to supplement the growth of the oil well logging market in the next few years. In addition to this, the strict government regulations and rules for the maintenance of well logging is likely to offer lucrative opportunities for the key players operating in the global oil well logging market in the coming years.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The growing focus of the prominent players on technological developments and the emergence of innovative and effective products are anticipated to accelerate the growth of the global market in the near future. Furthermore, the rising level of competition and the rising awareness among the oil and gas companies regarding the benefits of oil well logging are estimated to stimulate the development of the market and offer lucrative opportunities for the leading players operating in the oil well logging market across the globe.Global Oil Well Logging Market: OverviewOil well logging is a primary procedure that helps characterize the subsurface search for hydrocarbons. Currently, well logging has become a routine procedure for every oil well drilled in the world. Logging helps analyze drilling-related data as well as to reduce the chances of maintenance failures while drilling. In the earlier stages of its development, the applications of this process were limited to basic lithologic description and strati-graphic correlation. Today, the global oil well logging market is a crucial part in the analysis of a location in detail such as the characterization of rock facies and depositional reconstruction.The recent advances in electronics and computer have also helped reduce the costs in the global oil well logging market and facilitated the improvements in the technology. Oil well logging is expected to gain a tremendous demand over the coming years on account of the stabilizing oil extraction industry.Request TOC of the Report @Global Oil Well Logging Market: Top Drivers and TrendsThe ever-increasing demand for oil as a fuel in the automotive and other industries is pushing the oil and gas industry to find ways to improve extraction procedures from their oil wells, thereby considerably pushing the global oil well logging market. As the demand for oil and crude-based derivatives increases around the world at staggering speeds, so will the rate of oil extraction, or the functioning of oil wells. This will provide the impetus that players from the global oil well logging market need to evolve their business over a greater number of locations and in a more accurate analytical sense.The oil well logging process is, however, receiving a somewhat negative perspective from the oil and gas industry, due to its extremely high dependency on the reliability of data generated from any geographical location, a process which is relatively risky and often falls to human errors. This is currently restricting the global oil well logging market. However, the technological advancements in the geographical surveys such as seismic technology and implementation of better and automated technology for well logging brings new opportunities for the global oil well logging market.The global oil well logging market is segmented on the basis of the types of log techniques, into electrical logs, porosity logs, and lithology logs. Electrical logs are further classified into resistivity and image logs. Resistivity logs are further classified into Latero logs and Induction logs.Request Discount of the Report @Global Oil Well Logging Market: Geographical AnalysisOn the basis of geography, the global market for oil well logging market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world. In North America, the U.S. and the Canada are the currently high value proponents in the global oil well logging market, providing better opportunities to the existing and new market players in market. In the Asia Pacific region, China, Indonesia, India, and Malaysia are the leading countries currently producing crude oil and thus attracting new investments in the oil well logging market. In Europe, Norway and the U.K. are the key countries producing crude oil. Also, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, being the leading regional producers of crude oil, are where the bulk of all opportunities lie in the global oil well logging market.Global Oil Well Logging Market: Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe key players in the global oil well logging market so far have included Advanced Reservoir Technologies, Inc., Baker Hughes Incorporated, Canadian Sub-Surface Wireline and Production Services, Inc., Cardinal Surveys Company, CL Consultants Limited, Collier Consulting, Inc., and Crosco Integrated Drilling & Well Services Co. Ltd.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Facial Injectable Market is relied upon to achieve USD 9.04 Billion by 2021 with a CAGR of 13.2%

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Market Research Future adds new report of Global Facial Injectable Market Research Report- Forecast to 2021 it contains Company information, geographical data and Table of ContentCompetitive Analysis:Some of the key players in his market are: Allergan Galderma Integra Lifesciences Merz Pharma Sanofi SciVision Biotech Inc. Sinclair Suneva Medical Valeant PharmaceuticalsKey Findings The facial Injectable global market and is expected to reach USD9.04 billion by 2021. Botulinum Toxin holds the largest share of the market. North America holds the largest market share of facial injectable market and is anticipated to reach USD 3.42 billion by the end of forecast period. Globally, Asia-Pacific the fastest growing region and expected to grow at the CAGR of 13.6% during the forecast period.Get a Sample Report @Market Segments:Global Facial Injectable market has been segmented On the basis of Types which comprises of botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, polymers & particles, and collagen. Polymers and particles are further divided into calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-l-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate. On the basis of Application which consists of Facial Line Correction Treatment, Face-Lift, Lip TreatmentsMarket Highlight:Facial Injectable or also known as dermal fillers are products which help in a trending application known as bio-engineering or facial rejuvenation. As humans age the facial skin is bound to lose subcutaneous fat naturally, the skin is lured closer to the facial working muscles hence smile lines and wrinkles over the face become more visible. The global market for facial injectable is expected to reach USD 9.04 billion by the end of the forecasted period and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.2%Browse Report Details @Study Objectives of Facial Injectable Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 6 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the facial injectable market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the Facial Injectable market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. 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 type, by application and its sub-segmentsIntended Audience Facial Injectable manufacturers Facial Injectable Suppliers Pharmaceutical companies Research and Development (R&D) Companies Medical Research Laboratories Academic Medical Institutes and UniversitiesEnquire about this Report @Regional Analysis of Facial Injectable Market:Globally North America is the largest market for Facial Injectable. The North American market for facial injectable is expected to grow and is expected to reach at USD 3.42 billion by the end of the forecasted period. This is due to increasing approvals of facial inject-able products in emerging markets. Europe is the second-largest market for facial injectables. Whereas Asia pacific is expected to be a growing market for facial injectable and expected to grow at a rapid rate.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
SaaS based SCM Industry Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share and Forecast 2017

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The Insight Partners added SaaS based SCM Market to 2025 to its research database. The report is spread across 219 pages and supported by 10 company leaders.In the era of automation, programmed machineries play a vital role in reducing cost and time taken to produce goods or to cater services. The users of applications are enabled to have more control over the sensitive data with features like 24/7 monitoring and security. Rapid digitization has added pressures on the organizations today to rely on cloud based applications. A cloud based application can be used to easily scale up or scale down the operations as per the demand being currently witnessed in the market. It handles flexibility to the application users. Flexibility offered by the SaaS model for SCM applications gives competitive advantage to users by letting them to quickly adjust to the demands of their respective customers and incorporate the necessary changes in the operations efficiently. Users derive high efficiency through this with reduced cost pressures that makes them highly competitive in the market. SaaS has been integrated by major upcoming and leading SCM software companies with major adoptions witnessed by the SMEs. The advantage offered is the faster responsiveness to the rapidly changing customer demands.Get Flat 25% Discount in This Report at(Offer available up to October 15, 2017)The global SaaS based SCM market is segmented based on deployment model as: private cloud, public cloud, and hybrid cloud. The SaaS based SCM market can be further divided by solutions into manufacturing Planning, Sourcing and Procurement, Supply Chain Planning, Warehouse Management, Transportation Management and Others (S&OP, Import/ Export Planning, EDI, Demand Planning). Various industry verticals are into adoptions of the SaaS based SCM solutions and they can be classified as Transportation & Logistics services, Manufacturing industry, Retail industry, public sector, and distribution industry. On the basis of end-user SaaS based SCM market can be further divided into small & medium enterprises (SMEs), and large enterprises.Request a Sample Report atThe global SaaS based SCM market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 22.6% during the forecast period 2016  2025 and accounts for US$ 36.72 Bn in the year 2025. In case of a centralized on-premise supply chain management solution for a large organization, if there is some problem at the central server, there can be a catastrophic loss to the entire data, while in case of cloud based service, the data is processed from servers to servers at a very fast speed. Even if one server collapses, there are other servers that ensure the continuity of the operations and thus reducing the downtime of services. Realizing the cost efficiencies, redundant services and the need to cater to ever increasing demands, customers are steadily making a shift to cloud based supply chain services.View Complete Report atEach customer has become a separate segment today. Demands of any customer rapidly change today and companies offering services to them have to respond quickly. Survival in a highly dynamic environment requires quick response and that is provided by SCM software. These factors have led to increased adoptions of SaaS based SCM software. IBM Corporation, Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, Descartes Systems, Infor, JDA Software, Epicor, Manhattan Associates, Kewill and HighJump Software are some of the major players in the global SaaS based SCM market.Contact 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
Smart Grid Cyber Security Market : Opportunities and Threats 2025

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Global Smart Grid Cyber Security Market: SnapshotSmart grids, considered next-generation power system, combine sophisticated computing and communication technologies to better efficiency and reliability of power systems. Emergence of renewable energy in response to rising demand for electricity, has particularly stoked their uptake. On account of their salient features which consists of millions of interconnected electronic devices across power facilities heavily reliant on communication networks, cyber security emerges to be a critical issue for smart grids.This has spawned the market for smart grid cybersecurity, which tackles both deliberate attacks from terrorists, business enemies, and disgruntled employees and inadvertent ones resulting from equipment failures, errors by users, and natural disasters. The primary benefit of smart grid security is its ability to counter any contingency brought about by power failure of any crucial component of the power system by facilitating a reliable and stable power system. A challenge facing the market currently is the lack of standard reference architecture for the smart grid and the dearth of release mechanisms.Request Sample Copy of the Report @From a geographical standpoint, North America and Europe generate maximum demand in the global market for smart grids cybersecurity. On account of a slew of guidelines and policies pertaining to data security and privacy in countries of Germany, the Netherlands, and the U.K., the market in Europe is slated to see good growth in the upcoming years. Asia Pacific, powered by China, will also likely emerge as a key market in the next couple of years.Siemens AG, VeriSign, Lockheed Martin Corp., ViaSat Inc., Industrial Defender Inc., IOActive Inc., and IBM Corp are some of the main providers of smart grid cybersecurity.Global Smart Grid Cyber Security Market: Inclusive InsightCyber security comprises checking damage, illegal usage, and misuse of communication systems, electronic information, and the information contained therein to ensure availability, integrity and confidentiality. It also includes restoration of electronic information and communication systems in case of natural disaster or deliberate attack. The components within smart grid that are prone to cyber-attacks include operational technologies, IT systems, and end access points. The operational technologies which are exposed to cyber threats are power line communication devices, supervisory control, intelligent electronic devices, and data acquisition (SCADA) and energy management systems.Request TOC of the Report @This industry research report is a brief review of the growth trail in terms of existing, past, and future scenarios of the global smart grid cyber security market. It deals with the evaluation of the aspects that are expected to influence the development of the market and the primary trends have also been specified in the research study. The research study also offers a broad lookout on the vendor landscape of the market through Porters five forces analysis. The research report offers references of the research and development activities, mergers and acquisitions, and specifics on licensing and collaborations. The report probes into the strategies related to publicity, shares, and product range of the key participants in the global smart grid cyber security market.Global Smart Grid Cyber Security Market: Drivers and InhibitorsThe growing demand for power along with growing global mandate for smart grid technologies is expected to bolster the progress of the global smart grid cyber security market. A smart grid provides a network of electricity for consumers and suppliers to regulate the demand for energy and flow of information through the high-end devices. The communication layer is the backbone of the smart grid and is susceptible to cyber-attacks. The smart grid is envisioned to decrease the vulnerability of the electricity systems and improve emergency response. Smart grid security is an important parameter to maintain reliable and stable power system during the contingency situation due to power failure of any critical power system component.Request Discount of the Report @The chief driver of growth of the global smart grid cyber security market is the increasing occurrence of cyber threats owing to rising interconnection and integration. Furthermore, the new two way communication systems and growing risk to operations are expected to boost the demand for smart grid cyber security technologies globally. Nevertheless, the dearth of standard reference architecture for the smart grid and the lack of release mechanisms is expected to hamper the growth of the market.Global Smart Grid Cyber Security Market: Regional OutlookCurrently, North America and Europe account for the peak demand of cyber security. In European nations such as the UK, German and the Netherlands, there are several of guidelines and policies for data security and privacy. The market for smart grid cyber security in Europe is estimated to rise progressively in the near future. In Asia Pacific, China is expected to drive the growth of the smart grid cyber security market mostly driven by methods to reinforce the smart grid systems.Global Smart Grid Cyber Security Market: Competitive LandscapeThe key market players operating in the market are VeriSign, ViaSat Inc., Siemens AG, Industrial Defender Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp., IOActive Inc., IBM Corp, and BAE Systems PLC among others.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
Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem | MarketResearchReports.Biz

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This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a MarketResearchReports.Biz report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem.Given the increasing prevalence of expensive household goods, cars and consumer electronics, insurance has become an unavoidable and often necessary cost in modern life. Mobile phones, and smartphones in particular are no exception to this trend.Most major wireless carriers, insurance specialists, device OEMs, retailers and even banks now offer insurance plans that cover theft, loss, malfunctions and damage of mobile phones. Many policies now also integrate enhanced technical support and additional protection features such as data backup facilities, allowing users to securely backup their phone data online.SNS Research estimates that the global mobile phone insurance market is expected to account for nearly $20 Billion in revenue by the end of 2016. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 12% over the next four years, eventually accounting for over $30 Billion in revenue by the end of 2020.Get The Sample Copy Of Report :The "Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem: 2016  2030  Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts" report presents an in-depth assessment of the mobile phone insurance ecosystem including market drivers, challenges, opportunities, value chain, future roadmap, case studies, ecosystem player profiles and strategies. The report also presents market size forecasts from 2016 through to 2030. The forecasts are segmented for 5 regional and 25 country level markets.Key Findings:The report has the following key findings:SNS Research estimates that the global mobile phone insurance market is expected to account for nearly $20 Billion in revenue by the end of 2016.The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 12% over the next four years, eventually accounting for over $30 Billion in revenue by the end of 2020.In an effort to boost the uptake of mobile phone insurance, wireless carriers and insurance providers have extensively enhanced their insurance offerings with the addition of location tracking, data protection/recovery features and integrated technical support.The success of mobile phone insurance plans has driven several wireless carriers, such as NTT DoCoMo and Orange, to invest in the sales of other insurance products through mobile phones and their retail outlets.New insurance models are also beginning to emerge, such as London-based So-Sures social insurance for mobile phones, which allows customers to get up to 80% of their money back, if they and their friends dont claim.Device OEMs are beginning to invest in tailored plans to suit the specific requirements of certain regional markets. A good example is Xiaomis Mi Protect plan in India, which covers accidental and liquid damage, for as little as $7 per year.Send An Enquiry :Topics Covered:The report covers the following topics:Mobile phone insurance ecosystemMarket drivers and barriersInsurance policy structure, distribution channels and key trendsCase studies of mobile phone insurance initiativesIndustry roadmap and value chainProfiles and strategies of over 40 leading ecosystem playersStrategic recommendations for ecosystem playersMarket analysis and forecasts from 2016 till 2030Forecast Segmentation:Market forecasts are provided for the following regional and country level submarkets:Regional SegmentationAsia PacificEuropeLatin & Central AmericaMiddle East & AfricaNorth AmericaCountry Level SegmentationArgentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, UK & USAKey Questions Answered:The report provides answers to the following key questions:How big is the mobile phone insurance opportunity?What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth?How is the ecosystem evolving by region?What will the market size be in 2020 and at what rate will it grow?Which countries will see the highest percentage of growth?Who are the key market players and what are their strategies?What risks are typically covered in mobile phone insurance offerings?How can insurance plans help wireless carriers in reducing churn?What strategies should wireless carriers, device OEMs and insurance providers adopt to remain competitive?Countries covered:ArgentinaAustraliaBrazilCanadaChinaColombiaFranceGermanyHong KongIndiaIsraelItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandRussiaSaudi ArabiaSingaporeSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSpainTaiwanUKUSAList of Companies Mentioned:The following companies and organizations have been reviewed, discussed or mentioned in the report:A WirelessAIG (American International Group)Allianz InsuranceAllianz SE GroupAmerica MovilAmTrust International UnderwritersAonAppalachian WirelessAppleAssurantAsurionAT&TAT&T MobilityAvivaAXABarclaysBest BuyBouygues TelecomBrightstar CorporationBT GroupCellebriteChubbCWS (Connected World Services Distributions)Diamond WirelessDixons CarphoneDT (Deutsche Telekom)EEeSecuritelFonesureFortegraGeek SquadGoCareGroupamaHollard GroupHSBCInhance TechnologyiQmetrixLiberty Mutual Insurance GroupLifestyle Services GroupLookoutMarkerstudyMicrosoftMobi PCSMobile Rhino (Stuckey & Company)MTNNIA (New India Assurance)Nippon Life InsuranceNokiaNQ MobileNTT DoCoMoOptusOrangePier Insurance Managed ServicesProtectCELLSafewareSalt MobileSamsung ElectronicsSFRSingtel GroupSoftBank CorporationSo-SureSpark New ZealandSPBSprint CorporationSquareTradeSun CorporationSupercover InsuranceSwisscomTelefonica GroupTelefonica InsuranceTelstraT-Mobile USATokio MarineVerizon CommunicationsVerizon WirelessV-Key SolutionsVodacomVodafone GroupTo order report Call Toll Free: 866-997-4948 or send an email on sales@marketresearchreports.bizMRRbiz 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
Third Party Banking Software Market : Emerging Trends, Growth and Analysis 2017-2025

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Global Third Party Banking Software Market: SnapshotBanking has undergone a paradigm shift over the years on account the gigantic strides made in technology. From credit cards and ATMs to the latest chatbots, they are known to have leaned on technology heavily to improve operations, better serve customers, and thereby increase their profit margins. An emergent trend in that direction is leveraging third party banking software.A third party banking software helps them to reduce operational costs and hence enhance profits. It also helps them to better understand a customers changing demands and facilitate flexible operations. Commercial banks go for installation of third party software solutions to connect to a desired interbank network as well as to other modular software. Trading banks and retail banks, for example, use it to streamline their operations.A third party banking software can serve as a core banking software, multi-channel banking software, business intelligence software solution, and private wealth management software. Increasing demand for standardized activities by the banking sector is the primary growth driver of the market for third party banking software worldwide. This is because of the rising complexity of even the basic banking activities. Besides, demand for sophisticated software solutions to manage various financial stuff using a very flexible process is also resulting in increased uptake of the software.Request Sample Copy of the Report @From a geographical standpoint, Europe and North America are dominant regions in the global market for third party banking software. This is because of the amount of demand they generate and also because of being home to a copious number of important players.Global Third Party Banking Software Market: OverviewThird party banking software finds a massive scope of use for the automated and manual managing of nearly all bank functions to enhance the throughput and cut down on service time for its customers. The intention of implementing third party banking software solutions is to allow generally the commercial banks to connect to a desired interbank network as well as to other modular software. Based on functions, the global third party banking software market can be segmented into core banking software, business intelligence software solution, multi-channel banking software, and private wealth management software. Third party banking software is commonly used by trading banks and retail banks to streamline their operation.Request TOC of the Report @Global Third Party Banking Software Market: Top Trends and ProspectsThe global third party banking software market is currently being driven by factors such as the growing demand for standardized activities in the banking sector. There has been a sea of change in banking operations over the recent years and the growing complexity even basic banking activities has necessitated for efficient and competent banking software solutions. Banks today want advanced solutions in software which can help them handle all their financial needs through a highly flexible process. The economic crisis of the past decade has made a lot of large banking firms reevaluate their business and expansion strategies. A lot of them are progressing with the intention of adopting advanced risk management and information management systems, as long as they fall within the limitations set by the concerned national regulatory framework.However, the global third party banking software market is currently being stifled by the reluctance of several key banks due to the high costs of moving from legacy systems to the new automated systems. The task of upgrading existing systems is also a very crucial activity that involves the creation of complex system networks, therefore requiring a lot of skilled labor which is unfortunately in short supply currently.Request Discount of the Report @Recent trends in the global third party banking software market show an increase in the implementation of online banking and mobile banking by customers. The users are showing a high level of inclination towards accessing their account details and perform financial actions and make transactions by using their smartphones, laptops, tablets and other handheld devices. this presents a vast scope of new opportunities for players in the global third party banking software market, especially in developing economies where the above trends have only just started to pick up pace.Global Third Party Banking Software Market: Region-wise OutlookNorth America and Europe have so far been the leaders of the global third party banking software market in terms of both demand volume and prominence of players. Both regions are expected to witness very high growth rates over the coming years. The growth rate of both regions is owed to a growth in the use of banking software solutions in various business activities as well as the large presence of globally leading financial institutes here. Asia Pacific, on the other hand, with its rapidly growing banking sectors and flourishing economies, is a promising market and is expected to show a substantial growth in this market.Global Third Party Banking Software Market: Key Companies Mentioned in the ReportSome of the leading players operating in the global third party banking software market include Sungard Ambit., Sopra Banking Software, Polaris Financial Technology, Path Solutions, Nucleus Software, Misys Plc., Jack Henry & Associates, Infosys Ltd., Fiserv Inc., FIS Group, Diasoft Software Solutions, Datapro Inc., Temenos Group AG., Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., SAP AG, and Oracle Corp.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
Touch Screen Panels Market : Rugged Expansion Foreseen by 2025

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Global Touch Screen Panels Market:OverviewDeepening penetration of smartphones and tablet PCs has majorly boosted the demand for touch screen panels. This has led to the rise of many new manufacturers of touch screens, which has driven up the competition in the market, which in turn has literally precipitated a price war.The different touch-sensing technologies are projected capacitive, in-cell, resistive, and on-cell. Besides finding application in smartphones and tablet PCs, touch screens also are used in portable media players (PMPs), portable gaming devices, notebooks, personal navigation devices (PNDs), personal digital assistant (PDA), camcorders, e-book readers, digital signage, automotive, medical devices, wearable devices, and other consumer medical devices.A challenge facing the market for touch screen panels is problems associated with technical compatibilities of the touch screen panels when it comes to refresh rate, response time, and the consumption of power. To be able to refresh fast in a large screen, the touch screen panel has to cover a substantial surface area and collect data from all the intersections before processing it. The power consumption of a touch screen panel is another factor restricting faster fresh rates.Request Sample Copy of the Report @From a geographical perspective, Asia Pacific is the most attractive market that is poised to grow at a healthy clip in the near future. This is because of the nations of China and India accounting for a substantial sale of smartphones and also because of the numerous electronics manufacturing plants in Taiwan, China, and South Korea. Europe, North America, and Latin America are other key markets witnessing a steady uptick in demand.Global Touch Screen Panels Market: SnapshotWith the escalating demand for smartphones and tablet PCs, the market for touch panels, especially capacitive touch panels, has gained significant growth. The industry is experiencing entry of several new players leading to a price war and this represents a concern for market participants. Further, with the introduction of Windows 8, there has been an increased focus on providing touch functionality on laptops and PCs and this represents an opportunity for growth in touch panels market. Various application segments of touch panels include smartphones, tablet PCs, portable gaming devices, personal navigation devices (PNDs), portable media players (PMPs), personal digital assistant (PDA), notebooks, e-book readers, digital signage, camcorders, automotive, medical devices and other consumer medical devices.Request TOC of the Report @Various touch-sensing technologies include projected capacitive, resistive, in-cell, and on-cell. Depending upon the position of sensing layer, different categories of capacitive touch panels include cover window integrated touch, display integrated touch and add-ons. The end-users come from a wide range of industries such as consumer electronics, banking, automotive, healthcare, retail, industrial, and many others.The global market for touch screen panels is projected for robust growth rate during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025. This report is a comprehensive analysis of the market in its current scenario and presents figurate estimations of the opportunities available over the course of next nine years. The report also profiles some of the key vendors currently operation, presenting their market share, product portfolio, and strategic developments.Request Discount of the Report @Global Touch Screen Panels Market: Trends and ProspectsAccording to a February 2016 report by Cisco, since the first camera mobile phone was introduced in 2000, the number of mobile users has escalated exponentially, and the figure is estimated to reach 5.5 billion by 2020, accounting for 70% of the global population. The demand from this vast population is the primary driver in the global touch screen panels market. The increasing application of touchscreens in wearable devices and automobiles is another factor positively favoring the market. In addition to it, another considerable opportunity in the future for the touch screen panels is the growing trends of touch screens in the educational and banking sectors as well as the Internet of Things (IoT).Conversely, issues pertaining to technical compatibilities of the touch screen panels with regard to refresh rate, response time, and the power consumption is expected to hinder the growth rate. In order to maintain fast refresh rates in a large screens, the touch screen panel needs to sweep greater surface area and collect data from all the intersections before processing it. The power consumption of a touch screen panel is another factor restricting faster fresh rates.Global Touch Screen Panels Market: Geographical OutlookAsia Pacific is currently the most lucrative and rapidly growing market driven by significantly high growth in smartphone sales and quick expansion of electronics manufacturing sector, especially in the regions including China, Taiwan and South Korea. North America, Europe and Latin America are also experiencing significant growth in demand.Key Players in the global touch screen panels market include AU Optronics Corp., Cando Corp., Chunghwa Picture Tubes Ltd., DMC Co., Ltd., JTOUCH Corporation, Cermate Technologies, Inc., SPK Electronics Co., Ltd., Top-Touch Electronics Co., Ltd., Innolux Corporation, Shantou Goworld Display Co. Ltd., HannsTouch Solution Incorporated, and LG Innotek, Ltd. among others.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
Ultimate Study on Big Data in Healthcare Market and Global Forecast to 2027

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Market Research Future published a research report on Big Data in Healthcare Market Research Report - Global Forecast to 2027  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2027.Global Big Data in Healthcare Market Research Report, by Hardware (Routers, VPNs), by Software (EHR, Practice Management), by Analytical service type (Descriptive, Predictive, Prescriptive) by region (Europe, Americas, APAC & MEA) - Forecast to 2027Big Data in Healthcare Market Report: OverviewBig data means a large set of database which could be structured and unstructured, which can be effectively assessed in order to disclose the trends & patterns for present and future. In healthcare the big data refers to use of the analytic services which is predictive, prescriptive and descriptive to evaluate the information of patients healthcare in order to make the clinical output more effective (clinical analytics), improving the revenue of business of healthcare companies, hospitals, clinic centers by financial analytics, and utilization of workforce of healthcare service providers for the higher productivity by operational analytics. The global big data in healthcare market is expected to reach Significant Market Size during the forecast period. This market is currently growing with the Lucrative CAGR.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Global Big Data in Healthcare Market Report: Key PlayersThe prominent players in the market of Big Data in Healthcare are: MCKESSON COGNIZANT EPIC SYSTEM CORPORATION CERNER CORPORATION DELL GE HEALTHCARE OPTUM SIEMENS PHILIPS XEROXGlobal Big Data in Healthcare Market Report: ApplicationsThe applications of big data in healthcare are clinical data analytics, financial analytics and operational analytics. Clinical data analytics comprises the quality care, clinical decision support, population health management, precision health and reporting and compliance. The financial analytics application comprises various claims processing, revenue cycle management and risk management of various divisions of healthcare industry. The last application is operational analytics which comprise the workforce analysis and supply chain analysis.Global Big Data in Healthcare Market Report: Market InfluencerThere are three major factors which is driving the market of Big Data in Healthcare. Government initiatives, technological advancement and pressure to curb healthcare costs. Government initiatives like release of data from the agencies like FDA and CDC are helping in the research activities. These datas are available publically and helping the researchers to deeply understand the cause of the disease and other causes. Technological advancement talks about the key developments like mHealth, IOT and wearable devices. A study shows that in the US more than 60% of people want wearable devices and more than 30% people want healthcare application to self-monitor their health conditions. Going ahead pressure to curb healthcare costs are also playing very important role in the overall development of big data.Browse Full Report Details @Global Big Data in Healthcare Market Report: Market SegmentationFor the better understanding of the report Global Big Data in Healthcare Market has been segmented on-- On the basis of Hardware- Routers- Firewalls- VPNs- Data Storage- Email servers and Access Points- On the basis of Software- EHR- Revenue Cycle Management- Practice Management- Workforce Management- On the basis of analytical service types- Descriptive- Predictive- Prescriptive- On the basis of Analytical service applications- Clinical analysis- Financial analysisOperational analysisEvery report 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 also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Big Data in Healthcare Market Research Report - Global Forecast to 2027 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
SMITHFIELD, Va., Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kretschmar Premium Deli Meats & Cheeses is inviting food enthusiasts to enter for a chance to win a legendary cooking experience with world-renowned chefs in Napa Valley, through the brands new online recipe contest.



A grand prize winner and three guests will enjoy a foodies dream weekend in wine country, where they will participate in a cooking class at the Culinary Institute of America. The three-night prize package also includes lodging, transportation, spending money, and an opportunity to experience the breathtaking views and exquisite dining Napa Valley has to offer.

From September 13, 2017, through October 31, 2017, Kretschmar Deli fans can enter for a chance to win by visiting www.KretschmarDeli.com/Napa, entering an original sandwich recipe featuring Kretschmar Premium Deli Meats & Cheeses, and submitting a photo of the recipe. After October 31, 2017, the winner will be announced on Kretschmars Facebook and Twitter pages. Recipes will be judged on creativity and originality, quality of submission, and how well they fit with the contest theme.

Our goal is to pair the best cooking instruction with the best culinary facility, in order to offer an unparalleled experience, said Michael Baughman, Smithfield Foods director of marketing. Kretschmar Premium Deli Meats & Cheeses stands for legendary taste, and we wanted to offer our consumers the chance to win an unforgettable weekend celebrating the joy of good food.

Fans entering the contest will also have the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes by visiting www.KretschmarDeli.com/Napa. The sweepstakes gives consumers the chance to win prizes such as a wine satchel or a decanter with wine glasses.

For more information about Kretschmar Deli, or to review the complete set of rules and enter the sweepstakes, please visit www.KretschmarDeli.com/Napa.

Kretschmar is a brand of Smithfield Foods.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.), 21 YEARS AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Enter Contest and Sweepstakes by: 10/31/17. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit KretschmarDeli.com/Napa. Sponsor: John Morrell & Co., 805 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45246.

About Kretschmar

Kretschmar Premium Deli Meats & Cheeses has meant quality since 1883. Our hams are made with a unique hardwood smoking process. Kretschmar poultry and beef are hand-trimmed using the finest cuts. Our full line of Off-The-Bone deli meats are delicately sliced from the leanest, most tender cuts. And our premium Wisconsin cheeses repeatedly win in competitions world-wide. Try the Legendary Taste of Kretschmar today. For great recipes and more, like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/kretschmardeli or visit our website at www.kretschmardeli.com.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the worlds largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathans Famous, Farmland, Armour, John Morrell, Cooks, Kretschmar, Gwaltney, Curlys, Margherita, Carando, Healthy Ones, Krakus, Morliny and Berlinki. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

About Culinary Institute of America

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the worlds premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers bachelors degree majors in management, culinary science, and applied food studies; associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; and executive education through its Food Business School. The college also offers certificate programs and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of 49,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food business. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.
Coiled Tubing Market : Size, Industry Analysis And Forecast 2025

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Global Coiled Tubing Market: SnapshotCoiled tubing is expected to gain a significant traction on account of its efficient capability to support an expandable linear system while keeping the deployment process a reliable and routine operation.In a recent 30-stage fracturing operation of a Marcellus Shale natural gas well in Pennsylvania, the operator in charge found coiled tubing as an efficient and a quick fix for effectively dealing with a casing integrity problem encountered at the 12th stage. A leaking connection marked at the heel of the well was deemed to be the cause of the problem, which halted the completion of the rest of the 18 stages. Apart from the ability to hold against the pumping pressures of over a whopping 10,000 psi, the solution was also required to work out in an environment of stiff time restrictions.The workover rig was one of the options considered to resolve the issue. However, high rental costs, logistical obstacles, and limited footprint availability on the mountainside work site discouraged the operator to adopt the workover rig solution. Another option was to run a cement squeeze to separate the exposed part of the wellbore. Unfortunately, the operator did not find this option suitable either, owing to the less reliability of the squeeze to bear the massive pumping pressures and longer time required.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Finally, coiled tubing came to the rescue which supported a wellbore integrity restoration technology which required only 24 hours to complete vital procedures such as pressure testing, installation, and cleanout run. With no drilling out required, the repairing of the parted pipe was in operation as soon as the coiled tubing was removed.Another operation in Alaska saw the employment of coiled tubing to support a multi-joint expandable liner system in a distant multilateral well.Global Coiled Tubing Market: OverviewThe increasing number of oil fields getting matured and a subsequent decline in the global production of oil volumes are compelling companies in the exploration process to adopt high-performing products. This has escalated the growth of the global coiled tubing market over the past few years. Coil tubing is likely to find its way in tight reserves in the offing due to its high longevity, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Owing to its numerous advantages such as smaller trip times, contained well pressure, and less labor requirement, the market is expected to witness a significant growth in the near future.Request TOC of the Report @The research report extensively covers all the important aspects of the global coiled tubing market. These aspects include, but are not limited to, market dynamics, competitive landscape, and technological developments. It profiles key players in the market along with their business strategies, latest developments, and contact information. The statistics pertaining to the market are presented at both global and regional levels.Global Coiled Tubing Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe robust growth of the oil and gas industry is effectively supplementing the growth of the coiled tubing market. In addition, the increasing spending on oil and gas projects is fuelling the market. Moreover, the discovery of new reserves along with the redevelopment of mature fields is providing a significant boost to the growth of the market. Growth in shale gas exploration, especially in the U.S., coupled with the growing offshore and deep-water drilling activities across the globe is augmenting the market.Request Discount of the Report @On the other hand, stringent government regulations pertaining to well intervention and drilling activities are hindering the growth of the market. Furthermore, the decreasing rig count is negatively influencing the growth of the market. However, the growing focus on unconventional reservoirs is unfolding ample growth opportunities for the market.Global Coiled Tubing Market: Regional SegmentationThe key regions studied in the report are Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World. North America is expected to command a large share in the global market throughout the forecast period. The rising extraction of shale oil and increasing exploration activities are contributing to the growth of the region. The market in North America is centralized in the U.S.Asia Pacific is likely to exhibit a noteworthy CAGR during the same period, with China being a major contributor. The growth of the market can be attributed to the growing investments by private and public organizations in this field. The Rest of the World region is expected to emerge as a promising segment owing to increasing demand for innovative technologies in the Middle East for oil and gas exploration. The booming crude oil production in the U.A.E, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia is providing a fillip to the growth of the region.Global Coiled Tubing Market: Key Players Mentioned in the ReportSome of the key players in the Coiled Tubing Market are Halliburton Co., Cwc well services Inc., Sanjel Corp., C&J Energy Services Inc., Calfrac Well Services Ltd., Baker Hughes Inc., and Aker Solutions ASA.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
Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market to Surge beyond US$ 1.4 Billion by 2025 on the Back of Rising Prevalence of Cardiac Arrhythmia

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The Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market was valued at US$ 754.9 million in 2015 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period (20172025), as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Technological developments like the innovative portable monitoring device, rising incidences of unhealthy lifestyle related disorders and the enhancing healthcare infrastructure are expected to be major factors driving growth of the global remote patient monitoring devices market over the foreseeable future.Request for sample copy of this report :According to the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine 2017, around 30 million people suffer from sleep deprivation and sleep disorders, also known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can even cause serious health consequences by increasing the risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart attack if not diagnosed or treated. The collaboration of Telenor Connexion and French eHealth provider, SRETT, in 2014, provides a connected solution for remote monitoring of patients affected by sleep apnea. SRETT has developed a universal solution T4P for all types of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The T4P is the only solution adapted to fit all CPAP devices on the market. The connected T4P collects and analyzes data from the CPAP remotely and in real-time, thereby reducing travel time and hospital visits. The patient data is uploaded automatically to healthcare professionals facilitating personalized and ongoing monitoring of patients condition.According to the World Health Organization 2017, one third of ischemic heart disease is attributed to high cholesterol. The raised cholesterol is estimated to cause 2.6 million deaths (4.5% of total) and 29.7 million disability adjusted life years. The remote patient monitoring device provides easy-to-use and portable system with correct assessment of the cholesterol levels.Cardiac arrhythmia is a condition characterized by the hearts failure to beat slower or faster than normal. According to the World Health Organization 2013, 33.5 million people or 0.5% of the global population is estimated to have Atrial fibrillation, a major condition leading to cardiac arrhythmia. The remote patient monitoring devices provide real-time remote continuous cardiac arrhythmias detection and monitoring platform, allowing easy diagnostics facilitating early clinical intervention of cardiac arrhythmia among high-risk patients. The innovative devices allows the patients to lead a normal life while being remotely monitored in real-time by ambulatory ECG sensor. For instance, Nihon Kohden introduced the Bedside Monitor, BSM-3500 in 2016, which is designed to meet the needs of ambulatory surgical centers and specialty centers. The device offers advanced patient care which includes real-time mini trends for early detection of vital sign variability during outpatient procedures and is also designed to integrate with electronic medical records systems.Get discount on this report :Key takeaways of the Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market:The global remote patient monitoring devices market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period (20172025) as there exists a huge demanding market especially in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.The cardiac monitors dominates the market in the product segment, as these portable devices continually monitor electrical activity of the cardiovascular system while performing daily activities.The cardiac arrhythmia dominates the market in the application segment, as the cardiac monitors available for monitoring cardiac arrhythmia are easily usable and largely available in medical healthcare facilities and home care settingsHospitals and home care settings are the major end users of remote patient monitoring devices market, as these devices offer reliability and accuracy with periodic measurements of physiological parameters like heart activity, blood pressure, body temperature, pulse rate and other clinical conditions.Some of the major players involved in global remote patient monitoring devices market are Abbott Laboratories, GE Healthcare, Omron Healthcare, Medtronic, Nihon Kohden, Smiths Medical, Philips Healthcare, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. And Kokinklijke Philips N.V. and St. Jude Medical.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite:
Commercial Pharmaceutical Analytics Market to Cross USD 9,308.4 Million, At CAGR of 20% from 2016 to 2027

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Market Research Future published a research report on Global Commercial Pharmaceutical Analytics Market Research Report- Forecast to 2027  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2027.Global Commercial Pharmaceutical Analytics Market Information, by Types (Prescriptive, Descriptive, Predictive), by Deployment (Cloud, Web Based), by Applications (R&D, Marketing & Sales, Supply Chain Optimizations) - Forecast To 2027Market Synopsis of Commercial Pharmaceutical Analytics Market:Market Scenario:Globally the market for commercial pharmaceutical analytics is increasing rapidly. The major factor that drives the growth of commercial pharmaceutical analytics is growing adoption of new technologies and analytical tools, increasing usage of analytical tools to streamline the business process, growing pharmaceutical industry and others.Globally the market for commercial pharmaceutical analytics market is expected to grow at the rate of about 20.0% from 2016 to 2027.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Key Players for Commercial Pharmaceutical Analytics Market: Allscripts (U.S) Microsoft (U.S) Wipro Limited (U.S) Statistical Analysis System (U.S) Northwest Analytics, INC. (U.S) International Business Machines Corporation (U.S) ORACLE (U.S) Citiustech INC (U.S) Scio Health Analytics (U.S) Take Solutions LTD (U.S) Trinity Pharma Solutions (U.S) Fuzzy Logix INC (U.S)Key Finding The global commercial pharmaceutical analytics market and is expected to reach $9,308.4 million by 2027. Descriptive analytics accounted for the largest market share registering 78.34% of market share in 2015 Regionally, North America holds the largest market share 48.6% of global commercial pharmaceutical analytics market and is expected to reach $4,299 million by 2027 from $507.4 million in 2015. Asia Pacific market is expected to be the fastest growing market, and expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.8% from 2016 to 2027 On the basis of applications, research & development segment holds 40.8% market shareBrowse Full Report Details @Study Objectives of Commercial Pharmaceutical Analytics Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the commercial pharmaceutical analytics market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the commercial pharmaceutical analytics 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- Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segments by type, by component, by applications and its sub-segments. To provide overview of key players and their strategic profiling 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 marketIntended Audience Healthcare & Life Science Analytics Software Companies Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Research and Development (R&D) Companies Government and Independent Regulatory Authorities Market Research and Consulting Service Providers Academic Medical Institutes and Universities Hospitals & ClinicsSegments:Global commercial pharmaceutical analytics market has been segmented on the basis of types which comprises of prescriptive analytics, descriptive analytics, and predictive analytics. On the basis of deployment the market is segmented into cloud based and web based. Furthermore, based on applications the market is segmented into R&D, marketing & sales, supply chain optimizations, internal reporting and others.Regional Analysis of Commercial Pharmaceutical Analytics Market:Globally, North America is the largest market for commercial pharmaceutical analytics.Europe is the second-largest market for commercial pharmaceutical analytics. The market is anticipated to reach at $2,613.1 by 2027.Due to the increasing adoption rate, Asia-pacific is estimated to be the fastest growing region globally, registering 20.8% CAGR during the forecast period.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Global Commercial Pharmaceutical Analytics Market Research Report- Forecast to 2027 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Colocation Market : Status and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Global Colocation Market: SnapshotJust about every business sector and geographical region is envisaged to be advantaged by better data management solutions such as colocation. Players operating in the global colocation market are not only advised to tap into newer geographies but also untapped industries. In the foreseeable future, the global colocation market could gain a large impetus on the back of a perpetual growth triggered by a diverse range of industries, including IT, power, energy, government agency, and healthcare. It is not just North America that is envisioned to bring in lucrative opportunities for players, Europe could also step into the action and draw a heavy demand on account of the rising growth in cities such as Amsterdam, Paris, and London.In terms of type of service, vendors of wholesale services could clinch some profit-making business deals in the global colocation market while riding on economical rates and lower space and power consumer requirements. As a result, wholesale services are prophesied to be highly adopted among business enterprises.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Interxion had partnered with Microsoft in May 2015 for deploying the Microsoft cloud at its colocation data center with the help of Azure ExpressRoute solutions. Colocation facilities are not just online, physical structures located close to vital power hubs could function to maintain data centers. One of the reasons for physical colocation facilities to be placed near power hubs is prognosticated to hold a strong relation with accessible connectivity. Colocation centers could also help consumers with bandwidth, cooling, and power security.Global Colocation Market: OverviewWith the growing data production, companies across the world are increasingly searching for creative and cost effective data center services. Colocation solutions are being increasingly acknowledged as an effective way of managing files across small, mid-sized, and even large organizations. These solutions aid in enhancing business potential by cutting down in house IT maintenance and operational expenditures and maximizing the ability to focus on the core business. The major end-user verticals of the market are banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), telecomm and IT, government, utilities, and healthcare and life sciences.The research report serves as a reliable source of analysis and information regarding various vital parameters of the global colocation market including its dynamics, geographical segmentation, and vendor landscape. It profiles prominent companies operating in the market along with their latest developments, business strategies, and contact information.Request TOC of the Report @Global Colocation Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe non-availability of strategic location for the data centers is translating into the greater adoption of cloud computing. The increasing implementation of cloud technologies is leading to the introduction of the concept of hybrid platform, which is an amalgamation of traditional and cloud colocation that eases the storage and management of data. This, in turn, is augmenting the market. Moreover, the increasing emphasis on improving business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities is creating a staggering volume of demand for colocation services. However, the high cost of initial start-up and the growing skepticism regarding the loss of direct control over the servers is limiting the global colocation market from realizing its utmost potential.Global Colocation Market: Geographical SegmentationThe regions methodically examined in the report are North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. North America is expected to account for a substantial share in the colocation market throughout the forecast period. The early adoption of cloud computing provides the region an edge over other regions. Rapid technological advancements and robust IT infrastructure are contributing to the growth of the region.Request Discount of the Report @Asia Pacific is expected to progress at a brisk pace during the same period. The paradigm shift towards cloud technologies along with the overall increase in data production is providing a fillip to the growth of the region. Furthermore, the emergence of the region as a dynamic hub for e-trading is attracting global players to invest in the region. Countries such as Japan, India, China, and Taiwan will be the major contributors in the Asia Pacific market.Global Colocation Market: Vendor LandscapePlayers in the global colocation market are focusing towards offering products with unique scalability, data security, and cost-effectiveness in order to stay relevant. Key companies are investing large amounts in the research and development of new ways of securing and controlling data to stay ahead in the market. Some of the key players in the global colocation market are AT&T, Colt, Coresite, Digital Realty Trust, Dupont Fabros Technology, Equinix, IBM, Internap, Navisite, Verizon Terremark, and NTT Communications.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Global Clinical Chemistry Analyzer Market Poised to Grow at a CAGR of 6.0% by 2024

Global Clinical Chemistry Analyzer Market - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024

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Global Clinical Chemistry Analyzer Market accounted to USD 9.2 billion in 2016 growing at a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2024. The upcoming market report contains data for historic years 2015, the base year of calculation is 2016 and the forecast period is 2017 to 2024.Request for Sample Report @Major market drivers and restraints: Global Clinical Chemistry Analyzer Market Rapidly aging population Increasing healthcare expenditure Increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases Increasing use of point of care testing devicesThe market is segmented on the basis of technology, end-user, and geography.Browse Full Report @On the basis of product type the market for global clinical chemistry analyzer market is segmented into analyzers, reagents, and other products. The analyzers segment is further segmented into small, medium, large, and very large. The reagents segment is further segmented into calibrators, controls, standards, and others reagents.Based on type of test the market for global clinical chemistry analyzer market is segmented into liver panels, electrolyte panels, thyroid function panels, lipid profiles, basic metabolic panels, and renal profiles.Request for TOC:On the basis of end-user the global clinical chemistry analyzer market is segmented into hospitals, diagnostic centers, research institutions, and pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies.On the basis of geography, global clinical chemistry analyzer market report covers data points for 28 countries across multiple geographies such as North America & South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Some of the major countries covered in this report are U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Brazil among others. In 2017, North America is expected to dominate the market.Major Market Competitors: Global Clinical Chemistry Analyzer MarketSome of the major players operating in global clinical chemistry analyzer market are Abbott Laboratories, Danaher Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, Siemens AG, Elitech Group, Horiba, Ltd., Mindray Medical International Limited, Randox Laboratories Ltd. among others.Inquiry before Buying @Related ReportGlobal Biopreservation Market  Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Global Biopreservation Market By Product Type, End User, Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA)Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Report Access:About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Vishal DixitData Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: mailto:Sales@databridgemarketresearch.comInvestor: mailto:investors@databridgemarketresearch.comVisit BlogFollow us on LinkedIn:
Development and Market of Flask growth prospects forecast period of 2017-2021

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 111 pages on title 'Global Flask 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.Request a sample report @The Flask market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.Buy this report @Global Flask Market: Product Segment AnalysisFlat bottomRound bottomGlobal Flask Market: Application Segment AnalysisISOLABDURANNalgeneTianjin TianboShuniuBOMEXGlobal Flask Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaGet Customization in the Report, Enquire for Discount @Table of ContentChapter 1 About the Flask Industry1.1 Industry Definition1.1.1 Types of Flask industry1.1.1.1 Flat bottom1.1.1.2 Round bottom1.2 Main Market Activities1.3 Similar Industries1.4 Industry at a GlanceChapter 2 World Market Competition Landscape2.1 Flask Markets by Regions2.1.1 USAMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market OverviewMajor Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.2 EuropeMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market OverviewMajor Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.3 ChinaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market OverviewMajor Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.4 IndiaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market OverviewMajor Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.5 JapanMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market OverviewMajor Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.6 South East AsiaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market OverviewMajor Players Revenue (M USD) in 2015.. ContinuedRead Detailed Table of Content @HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road, Edison, NJ USA - 08837sales@htfmarketreport.comPh: +1 (206) 317 1218
Market Research ,Trends, Production, Revenue on ITO film in China Reports Untill 2022

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A fresh report has been added to the wide database of Market Research Hub (MRH). The research study is titled Market Research On ITO firm In China September 2017which encloses important data about the production, consumption, revenue and market share, merged with information related to the market scope and product overview. The report anticipates that the sector for machinery industry would rise at a positive CAGR during the period 2017-2022.Request free Sample Report:Till Up to now, there are plenty of ITO conductive film manufacturers in China, which are all small scale. Chinas major ITO film manufacturers include Jiangsu Rijiu Optoelectronics Jointstock Co., Ltd., Kangdexin Composite Material Co., Ltd., Shenzhen O-film Tech Co., Ltd., Shantou Wanshun Package Material Stock Co., Ltd., etc., and Jiangsu Rijiu Optoelectronics Jointstock Co., Ltd., as the company early involving in the industry, has mastered the core technology and kept creations. In 2016, the output of ITO films in China reached about 25 million square meters and the market scale achieved near RMB4.5 billion.China has become the biggest producer of flat plate displays, which has contributed to development of photoelectronic film industry. Moreover, decorating materials of easy molding and touch screen industry develops explosively, making photoelectronic film one of the strategic raw materials in optoelectronic industry. It is forecasted that photoelectronic film and its matching industries will welcome a new opportunity for further development. It is known that, the shipments of touch screens in China increased with a CAGR of approximately 29% in 2013-2016. As well as, shipment of smart phones reached around 470 million in 2016, rising by approximately 10%.In the next few years, ITO film industry in China will increase by the annual growth of 10.3%, the output of which is forecasted to reach nearly 45 million square meters. Since ITO films are used in more fields, the demand for the film will rise up as well. The market scale of the film will grow by the annual speed of 15%, which will exceed RMB ten billion in 2022.Browse Full Report With TOC:Executive SummaryMethodology1 Development Environment for ITO Film Industry in China1.1 Economy1.2 Policy2 Supply and Demand of ITO Film in China, 2013-20162.1 Supply2.1.1 Manufacturers2.1.2 Cost Distribution2.1.3 Gross Profit Rate2.1.4 Output2.2 Demand2.3 Price3 Industrial Chains of ITO Film Industry in China3.1 Upstream3.1.1 PET Basal Film3.1.2 ITO Target Material3.2 Downstream3.2.1 Touch Screen3.2.2 Smart Phone4 Analysis on Key Touch Screen Manufacturers in China4.1 Wintek Corporation4.2 Young Fast Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.4.3 J TOUCH Corporation4.4 HannsTouch Solution Incorporated4.5 Dahong Advanced Technology Co., Ltd.4.6 TPK Holding Co., Ltd4.7 Chung Hua EELY Enterprise Group4.8 Mutto Optronics Corporation4.9 Shenzhen Laibao Hi-tech Co., Ltd.4.10 Shenzhen O-Film Tech Co., Ltd.4.11 Shenzhen Each Opto-Electronics Co., Ltd.4.12 Toptouch Electronics Co., Ltd.4.13 Shenzhen Junda Touch Windows Co., Ltd.5 Analysis of Key ITO Film Enterprises in China5.1 Shantou Wanshun Package Material Stock Co., Ltd.5.2 Kangdexin Composite Material Co., Ltd.5.3 Jiangsu Rijiu Optoelectronics Jointstock Co., Ltd.5.4 Triumph Science & Technology Co., Ltd.5.5 Zhuhai Singyes Applicable Materials Co., Ltd.5.6 Shenzhen Lanhaizhizhou Photoelectric Co., Ltd.5.7 Other Manufacturers5.7.1 Nanjing Hui Jin Jinyuan Photoelectric material Co., Ltd.5.7.2 Changzhou Jiyou Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.6 Forecast and Investment Suggestions of ITO Film Industry in China, 2017-20226.1 Forecast6.2 Investment Suggestion6.2.1 Meaning of Strategy Planning6.2.2 Principles of Strategy Planning6.2.3 Analysis on Strategy Planning6.2.4 Key Customer StrategyContinuedEnquire About this Report:About Market Research HubMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of ICT research market 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: 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read Industry News at -
Construction Dumper Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20172025

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Construction dumpers find major application in transportation of loose materials such as gravel, sand, aggregates and other related materials and equipment. It consists of an open bed box at the back-end of the truck, with a hydraulic piston to lift the trailer or hauler for dumping the material at the required location. Several factors that include growth of infrastructure activities, growth of rental equipment industry, smart city infrastructure demands and the changing regulatory scenario for the emission standards are expected to fuel the industry growth through the forecast timeframe.Request a sample pdf Copy of report@Growing infrastructure activities, specifically for residential and transportation, are anticipated to be the primary growth factorAccording to Coherent Market Insights, global construction market is expected to witness growth at over 3% CAGR over the forecast period, owing to high infrastructural developments taking place across the major economies, specifically that includes Middle East countries and emerging economies in Asia Pacific such as India, Malaysia and Indonesia. Moreover, proliferating smart city projects, government initiatives regarding provision of residence to the middle and lower economic class population, and the requirement to enhance transport facilities to boost the trade avenues of the country are projected to present strong growth prospects for construction dumper market over the forecast period.For instance, a white paper released by Government Technology under the name, Evolution of Smart Cities and Connected Communities, co-sponsored by the United Parcel Service (UPS) and the Consumer Technology Association, have reported development of around 600 smart city projects in India and around 285 similar projects in China. Interest subsidies for first time home buyers in India, government initiatives to help build new residences on brownfield lands in UK are few of the instances supporting the development of residential sector. This are few of the many factors that will fuel the infrastructure demands which will in turn drive the construction dumper market.Construction Dumper Market TaxonomyOn the basis of trucks, the global construction dumper market is classified into:Standard dump truckSuper dump truckArticulated dump truckTransfer dump truckDump truck and pupSide dump truckSemi-trailer end dump truckSemi-trailer bottom dump truckDouble and triple trailer bottom dump truckOthersOn the basis of transmission, the global construction dumper market is classified into:AutomaticManualOn the basis of fuel type, the global construction dumper market is classified into:GasolineDieselCNGOn the basis of ownership type, the global construction dumper market is classified into:Outright purchaseRentalDevelopment of regulations to restrict the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are expected to drive the innovation in the heavy load vehiclesEU and U.S. among few other regions are taking substantial leaps to reduce the emission of pollutants and their impacts on the environment, in conjunction with the increased fuel economies. For instance, Environmental protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in U.S have introduced the requirement of reduction in emissions over the next few for heavy vehicles manufacturers. Similarly, European Council (EC) has set certain fuel economy related expectations to be met in the coming years. Such initiatives are expected to propel the innovation and developments in the construction dumper market through the forecast period.Ask for Customization @Construction dumper accounts for the largest number of accidents in the infrastructure segmentsSeveral causes of dumper accident includes overturning, collisions at the blind spots, and incompetence of the drivers among few others. According to our research, around 35% of the overall accounted incidents in the infrastructure segment reported, were related these heavy load vehicles. Requirement to reduce the accidents is expected to be the prominent challenge for the industry participants. Moreover, high total cost of ownership (TCO) is expected to remain the primary challenge for the new equipment sales. Thus, rental segment is expected to present considerable growth prospects for the industry participants, which will lead to significant decline in the new product sales.Industry is highly consolidated owing to the presence of international players providing extensive portfolio for infrastructural development. However, industry is expected to remain moderately competitive owing to presence of regional dealers and contractors intervening the businesses in some regions. Key players in the construction dumper market include Caterpillar, Komatsu, J.C. Bamford Excavators, Ashok Leyland, AB Volvo, BEML, Asia Motor Works, CNH Industrial America, Deere & Company, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Kenworth, KAMAZ Motors, Mercedes-Benz, New Holland, Liebherr Group, and Navistar.Browse full reportAbout 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: +1-206-701-6702
Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales Market Report 2017 : Boston Scientific, BTL Industries, Cyberonics

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The financial and commercial settings of global markets have gone through a lot of changes over the past couple of years, after the economic downturn. These conditions have pushed a number of players in the global External Electrical Stimulation Devices market to adapt a more dynamic approach in the midst of this market scenario. Keeping this change in market flow as a primary factor of analysis, researchers have compiled a new research report for the global External Electrical Stimulation Devices market.The report contains all the core facts and statistics for the market, all compiled into easy to understand tables, charts, and figures that are needed to simplify the categorization of the different successful efforts made by the players in this market and the projections for it over the coming years. The research report is broken down into multiple chapters and segments to analyze all aspects of the global External Electrical Stimulation Devices market.The research report takes the global External Electrical Stimulation Devices market and divides it on the basis of applications, services, technologies, and major geographical regions. The report incorporates a SWOT analysis to identify the factors of influence that are judge the progress of each segment and key players in the global External Electrical Stimulation Devices market for the given forecast period.Fill the form for free to gain deeper insights on this market @This report studies sales (consumption) of External Electrical Stimulation Devices in Global market, especially in United States, China, Europe and Japan, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, coveringBoston ScientificBTL IndustriesCyberonicsDJO GlobalMedtronicNevro CorpNeuroMetrixSt. Jude MedicalCogentix MedicalZynexThe research report also comprises a chapter on key vendor profiles, complete with updated company profiles of top names in the global External Electrical Stimulation Devices market. It also contains valuable data on the innovative progress made by these companies, their financial overview, research and development activities, and their plans for the near future.Table of Contents1 External Electrical Stimulation Devices Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of External Electrical Stimulation Devices1.2 Classification of External Electrical Stimulation Devices1.3 Application of External Electrical Stimulation Devices1.4 External Electrical Stimulation Devices Market by Regions1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of External Electrical Stimulation Devices (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Browse Press Release of this Research Report:2 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices (Volume and Value) by Type2.3 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices (Volume and Value) by Regions2.4 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices (Volume) by Application3 United States External Electrical Stimulation Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 China External Electrical Stimulation Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 Europe External Electrical Stimulation Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Japan External Electrical Stimulation Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 Southeast Asia External Electrical Stimulation Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 India External Electrical Stimulation Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Manufacturers Analysis9.1 Boston Scientific9.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.1.2 External Electrical Stimulation Devices Product Type, Application and Specification9.1.3 Boston Scientific External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.2 BTL Industries9.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.2.2 External Electrical Stimulation Devices Product Type, Application and Specification9.2.3 BTL Industries External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.3 Cyberonics9.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.3.2 External Electrical Stimulation Devices Product Type, Application and Specification9.3.3 Cyberonics External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview14 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Market Forecast (2017-2022)14.1 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales, Revenue and Price Forecast (2017-2022)14.2 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast by Regions (2017-2022)14.3 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales, Revenue and Price Forecast by Type (2017-2022)14.4 Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales Forecast by Application (2017-2022)Request A Discount on This report @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of External Electrical Stimulation DevicesTable Classification of External Electrical Stimulation DevicesFigure Global Sales Market Share of External Electrical Stimulation Devices by Type in 2015Figure Global Sales Market Share of External Electrical Stimulation Devices by Application in 2015Figure Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Table Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)Table Global External Electrical Stimulation Devices Sales Share by Manufacturers (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 US:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.comBlog  qyresearch-group.blogspot.in
Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20172025

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Unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), also called as combat drones are used as missiles and other ordnance carriers that do not require the onboard human pilots for the control and operation of the drones. These are featured with remote, real time controlling from distant locations with varying levels of autonomy. Drones were primarily utilized for the patrolling and reconnaissance, however, with the growing requirement and the increased risks involved in the operations, these UAVs were armed and converted for the combat missions.Increased life threats in the low success rated missions, UCAVs are expected to find significant applications through the forecast periodRequest a sample pdf Copy of report@These find significant applications for surveillance, artillery fire direction, gathering electronic intelligence (ELINT) data, lasing targets for fighter planes, and post-strike damage assessment. These critical missions have high risks associated with the human lives. Moreover, defense forces find these missions to be significantly important, are however, reluctant to face the loss of human lives. Moreover, utilization of these unmanned combat aerial vehicle also reduces the requirement of additional equipment required for the human pilots such as the cockpit space, ejection seat, flight controls, armor, and environmental controls for oxygen and pressure. This is expected to be the prominent factor driving the demand of these armed UAVs.Discrete Capacitors Market TaxonomyOn the basis of UCAV types, the global discrete capacitors market is classified into:Medium-altitude UCAVsHigh-altitude UCAVsOthersRequirement to establish military supremacy, sustain upper hand in the territorial disputed nations, and counter the extremist terrorist activities will drive the UCAV marketLarge number of territorial disputes existing between the nations that specifically include the Asia Pacific and the MEA region are expected to fuel the overall demands for development and manufacture. Some of the chief countries involved in territorial disputes that utilize these drones for various operations include China, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Turkey. Some of the major economies that utilize these operational armed drones include Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, UK and the U.S. These countries are increasingly focusing on the development of these UAVs for domestic warfare and counter-insurgency, which are extensively used to monitor disputed areas and enhance the country security at a lower cost. The changing nature of next generation warfare will propel the global unmanned combat aerial vehicle market over the coming years.Incorporation of artificial intelligence in these drones and development of long range spy combat drones are few key market trends gaining global market tractionAsk for Customization @In July 2017, U.S. Navy sent out proposals to four defense contractors to the General Atomics, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman for modulated reconnaissance requirement while enhancing the proposed unmanned aircrafts aerial tanking duties. UCAVs with long-ranged striking capabilities are incorporated with Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems into airborne platforms, which are capable of deploying precision-guided munitions, bombs, and missiles. These factors are expected to drive the demands through the forecast period.Medium-altitude UCAVs was the largest revenue contributor in 2016, is expected to remain the largest revenue contributor over the next few yearsIn conjunction with the growing requirement for multi-purpose drones, the defense agencies are increasingly emphasizing on the medium-altitude UCAVs development owing to better striking and surveillance capabilities, difficult detection, and high combat sustainability. Moreover, owing to these factors these are expected to dominate the industry through the forecast period.U.S. is expected to continue its dominance through 2025, primarily owing to the largest defense budget, increased focus on minimal troop casualties, minimize the financial wastage, and increased focus on the development of advanced airborne systems. Moreover the country is also featured with the presence of few major industry participants that include General Atomics, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman among many others.Browse full reportIndustry presence is highly fragmented owing to distributed presence of the major industry participants. Key players in the UCAV market include BAE Systems, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Israel Aerospace Industries, Denel Dynamics, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, and Elbit Systems.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702
Millis, MA 02054, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Over half of the United States population may have had their personal information exposed in an historic data breach with one of the three largest credit-reporting bureaus. In an unprecedented step, the company is offering every U.S. consumer a comprehensive package of identity theft protection, and credit file monitoring at no cost, along with a special call center to assist consumers through the process. The incident once again underscores cybersecurity issues, and raises questions about the vulnerability of sensitive information with access to the internet, regardless of cybersecurity efforts. Kanguru, a manufacturer of highly-certified data security solutions, explores this incident and explains how organizations can separate sensitive data from the internet, without sacrificing convenience...

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TrendSights Analysis-Environmental Responsibility-Meeting consumers' environmentally conscious expectations

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ReportsWeb.com published Environmental Responsibility 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.Environmental Responsibility is a constituent trend within the Sustainability & Ethics mega-trend. It reflects consumers' broadening concern about the global environment and how that is influencing their attitude towards consumption and brands and producers.Consumers and brands/producers are all increasingly making decisions based on responsibility towards the natural environment, driving a need for continual improvement in genuinely responsible products and services.For more information about this report atScope- Consumers are becoming more educated about the environmental impact of their product choices and increasingly basing those choices, at least partially, on a more responsible ethos with respect to natural impact.- Brands are responding through targeting "green" consumers mainly by using environmentally friendly claims on product packaging (e.g. "recyclable," "natural ingredients," "eco-friendly," "locally produced").- With consumers inclined to be critical of brands' messages, the onus is on producers to convince beyond mere marketing copy and be committed to mitigating the environmental impact of their products and businesses.Reasons to buy- Understand the role of environmental responsibility in changing consumer attitudes and behaviors.Request a sample copy atTable of ContentTrend snapshotWhat is Environmental Responsibility-Why is Environmental Responsibility important-Who is driving Environmental Responsibility-How can Environmental Responsibility be capitalized on-What next in Environmental Responsibility-AppendixCompanies MentionedTrader Joe'sRaw Food CentralVarni BrothersBanrock StationGroundedBody ShopCarrefourInquire 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
Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Market - Evolving Oil & Gas Industry Trends and key Insights by 2024

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MaketStudyReport.com adds a New Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Market Research Report for the period of 2017-2024 that shows the growth of the market is rising at 2024.Global Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Market size is set to exceed USD 2 trillion by 2024, as reported in the latest study.Growing discoveries of unconventional reserves coupled with increasing number of gas fired power generation stations across the globe will drive the gas pipeline infrastructure market size. In 2016, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) published that shale production in the country surpassed 15.2 trillion cubic meter (tcm) in 2015 experiencing over 1.7 tcm year on year increase.Get sample Copy of this report:Global Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Market, By Application: Onshore, Offshore.Global Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Market, By Operation: Transmission, Distribution.The above information is provided on a region basis for the following: North America, U.S, Canada, Mexico, Europe, UK, Germany, Italy, Hungary, France, Turkey, Russia, Asia Pacific, China, Australia, India, Indonesia, Middle East & Africa, Iran, Algeria, Egypt, Latin America, Brazil, Argentina.Growth drivers:New discoveries of unconventional gas fields, Growing natural gas demand, Increasing gas fired electricity generation.Italy gas pipeline infrastructure market is projected to surpass cumulative installation of 300 ?000 km by 2024. Rising investments to develop transmission links to cross border transactions through offshore routes will complement the business growth. In 2016, Saipem entered into an agreement with Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG to develop 105 km of 36? offshore gas pipeline between coastlines of Italy and Albania.Rising energy demand across the developing economies owing to evolving substructure and rapid urbanization will foster the gas pipeline infrastructure market share. Increasing development has resulted in exponential growth of cross border exports and imports through pipeline networks. In 2016, the EIA reported that natural gas pipelines exports from Russia and Norway to Europe were raised by 16% in the last three quarters of 2015 when compared with 2014 level.Upsurge in the need to enhance the international natural gas trade to suffice the energy demand and generation targets will positively drive the transmission gas pipeline infrastructure market. In 2016, Spectra Energy and TransCanada awarded contract to combinedly build, own and operate the new pipeline from Texas to Tuxpan, Mexico. The aim of the USD 3.6 billion worth 270-km pipeline plan is to successfully supply the U.S. shale to power plants in Mexico by 2018.Increase in production of unconventional resources coupled with strict government norms toward adoption of low emission fuel will embellish the U.S. gas pipeline infrastructure market. Ongoing expansion of existing pipeline networks favored by increasing demand for exports will further complement the industry outlook. In 2017, the EIA published that natural gas production is expected to hold around 40% of the total energy production by 2020.Get Discount on this Report:Algeria gas pipeline infrastructure market is predicted to grow over 6% by 2024. Substantial administration funding for extension of the national transmission and distribution networks will augment the industry growth. In 2016, the Algerian government owned O&G company, Sonatrach announced to invest USD 3.2 billion over four years to enhance the pipeline capacity.Growing number of connected end users coupled with positive outlook toward hydrocarbons trade with nearby nations will propel the onshore gas pipeline infrastructure market. Regional governments have introduced targets and schemes to expand the existing network to reach customer base. In 2015, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR), Turkey underlined a strategic plan with an objective to add at least two more countries to the list of pipeline natural gas importing nations by 2019.Key players across the gas pipeline infrastructure market includes Europipe, Gazprom, Enbridge, Snam Rete, APA Group, Saipem, Perusahaan Gas Negara, GAIL India, Engas, and National Oilwell Varco.Related Report:Global Tubular Steel Wind Tower Market Research Report 2017In this report, the global Tubular Steel Wind Tower 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 202Marketstudyreport.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:
Carbon Energy Software Market : An Insight On the Important Factors and Trends Influencing the Market

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Increasing need to reduce energy consumption and operational costs has led to the rising demand for carbon and energy software, globally. In addition, rising concerns towards climatic changes and global warming have made it imperative for various governments across the world to work towards reducing carbon emissions. Thereby, energy intensive industries including oil and gas, energy and utilities, and manufacturing need to monitor and assess their energy consumption.Carbon and energy software has offered a viable solution to such industries to effectively monitor and assess overall energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with various business operations within an organization. Furthermore, increasing popularity of sustainability management across various organizations in the IT and telecommunication, retail and manufacturing industries is further driving the demand for carbon and energy software market.Obtain Report Details @Increasing complexities and expansion of supply chain in various organizations across the world have led to increasing operational costs. Thereby, organizations seek to deploy carbon and energy software in order to efficiently map, monitor, and assess energy consumer by various individual processes throughout the supply chain.Depending on their specific requirements, customers can choose between the on-premise and hosted carbon and energy software solutions. Increased control over information and higher privacy offered by the on-premise carbon and energy software solutions has led to the higher adoption of these solutions across critical industries such as oil and gas; and energy and utilities.Increasing need for enhanced scalability and rising penetration of Internet has led to the increasing popularity of hosted or cloud-based carbon and energy software solutions. Reduced initial investments and enhanced convenience are expected to drive the growth of hosted carbon and energy software market.Make an Enquiry @Based on the end-use, the carbon and energy software market is segmented into oil and gas; energy and utilities; IT and telecommunication; manufacturing, and others (retail, automobiles, construction, medical, etc.). In 2013, IT and telecommunication held the largest market share in the overall carbon and energy software market.By geography, North America led the overall carbon and energy software market in terms of revenue in 2013 on account of higher adoption of this software solution in the region. Europe held the second largest revenue share of the overall carbon and energy software market in 2013. Carbon and energy software market in Asia Pacific is expected to achieve significant growth during the forecast period from 2014 to 2022.Intelex Technologies, Inc., IBM Corporation, CA Technologies, Inc., Enablon North America Corporation, and IHS, Inc. were identified to be the top five players in the carbon and energy software market in 2013. Other key players include Enviance, Inc., Thinkstep AG (PE International), ProcessMAP Corporation, Verisae, Inc., and SAP SE.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Access Control Authentication Market : Emergence of Advanced Technologies and Global Industry Analysis

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Rising security concerns, growing awareness and acceptance of the benefits of electronic security among the masses and government regulations are the key factors driving the growth of access control and authentication market.The global access control and authentication market (electronic access control (EAC), automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), and document readers) was valued at US$ 18,723.6 Mn in 2013 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.3% during the forecast period (2014  2020) to reach a market size of US$ 49,890.3 Mn by 2020.In 2014, EAC systems occupied a major share of the access control and authentication market. This was due to the large demand for access control and authentication systems from various end-use sectors to enhance security. Furthermore, EAC systems are relatively mature technologies compared to ANPR and document readers. Rise in the number of road accidents due to breach of traffic laws is a common phenomenon observed across the globe.Obtain Report Details @Thus, in order to cater to the need of hour, traffic police departments across different regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East are increasingly incorporating new technologies to improve road safety.A large number of traffic departments, primarily in Europe and North America, have installed ANPR systems. Automatic number plate recognition is an important tool in traffic management as it ensures mobility and traffic safety.Transportation and logistics was the largest end-use segment in the access control and authentication market in 2013. Security in the transportation and logistics sector is a major concern for any economy. Prevention of terrorism, crime, smuggling, trafficking, and vandalism in transportation and logistics is extremely important.Make an Enquiry @Governments across the globe have formed various regulations in order to boost security for transportation sector. North America was the largest market for access control and authentication in 2013, while Asia Pacific is anticipated to register fastest growth during the forecast period.Growing demand from economies such as China, India, Vietnam and Indonesia would be a key driver for the growth of access control and authentication in Asia Pacific.A merciless business climate and increasing competition with transition happening to newer technologies such as the shift towards mobility-based solutions and stringent customer demands seem to be the current trend in the access control and authentication market.With growing competition, product margins continue to erode and manufacturers are realizing the need to shift their business models for maintaining profitability. Mobility technology is changing the security industry, especially in EAC systems.The market for access control and authentication is highly fragmented with the presence of a large number of players with smaller market shares. In 2013, 3M Company, Bosch Security Systems, Honeywell International, Inc., and Morpho Safran, Inc. were identified to be the key players in the access control and authentication market.qTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Smart Mobile Supply Chain Solutions Market : Advanced Technologies & Growth Opportunities in Global Industry

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Supply chain management is defined as the management of flow of goods within the supply chain. It majorly includes the storage and movement of raw materials, inventory management, and management of finished goods from point of production to consumption point. Interlinked and interconnected channels, networks, and node business are involved in the management of products and services which are required by the end customers in the supply chains.The global smart and mobile supply chain solutions market was valued at US$ 7,095.3 Mn in 2013 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period 2014  2020.Obtain Report Details @On the basis of component type, software and services are the two major types of smart and mobile supply chain solutions. Software component include software such as connected transportation management systems (TMS), connected warehouse management systems (WMS), connected sourcing and procurement, connected supply chain planning (SCP), connected manufacturing execution systems (MES), and connected analytics. Whereas, consulting, management and integration are the three types of services considered under services segment.Moreover, retail, IT and telecommunication, manufacturing, banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), government, energy and utility, healthcare, logistics and transportation among others are the different types of end-use application segments of smart and mobile supply chain solutions market.Make an Enquiry @Globalization and rising demand for advanced SCM solutions from emerging markets in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions are some of the major factors driving the demand for smart supply chain solutions.In 2013, North America and Europe were the largest markets for smart and mobile supply chain solutions in terms of revenue. These regions have experienced significant adoption of smart supply chain solutions due to the presence of better IT infrastructure and growing organized retail industry. Retail and manufacturing are expected to remain the major end-use application segments over the forecast period.The global smart and mobile supply chain solutions market is led by players such as SAP SE, Oracle Corporation, JDA Software Group, Inc., Manhattan Associates, Inc., Epicor Software Corporation, IBM Corporation, Descartes Systems Group, Inc., Infor Global Solutions, Inc., GT Nexus Inc., and Kewill Systems Plc.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
South East Asia RPO Market : Evolving Technology, Trends and Industry Analysis

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Recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) refers to outsourcing of different recruitment processes to an external service provider. It is a type of business process outsourcing (BPO) where the employer eliminates all or a part of recruitment processes to the RPO provider.RPO providing companies work as an extension to the human resource department of the client organization and manage the recruitment process depending upon the requirements of the client.The market for recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) in Southeast Asia is majorly driven by high advantages offered by these solutions over conventional in-house recruitment processes. The most significant advantage of outsourcing the recruitment processes is the reduction in operational costs.Obtain Report Details @The market for recruitment process outsourcing in Southeast Asia is also driven by the rapidly growing economic development in the region. Countries such as Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia have emerged as among the most lucrative destinations for different industries such as manufacturing; healthcare and pharmaceuticals; information technology (IT); IT enabled services (ITeS) and others.The recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) market in Southeast Asia is segmented on the basis of engagement type, end-use industries and geographic regions. Based on the engagement type, the RPO market is further segmented into on-demand RPO and end-to-end RPO. Amongst these engagement types, the on-demand RPO segment led the Southeast Asia market with highest revenue share in 2013. This was mainly due to superior advantages of on-demand RPO engagement type as compared to the end-to-end RPO type.Make an Enquiry @In 2013, the Rest of Southeast Asia (RoSEA) accounted for the largest market share of around 78% of the Southeast Asia recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) market. This growth was attributed to fairly high adoption of these services in Malaysia and Singapore.The major companies in the Southeast Asia recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) market include Kenexa Corporation (an IBM Corporation Company), Randstad Holding Company, Accolo, Inc., Atterro Human Capital Group, Kelly Outsourcing and Consulting Group, Cielo, Inc. (Pinstripe, Inc.), ManpowerGroup Solutions, Pure Recruitment, Argus Recruitment Solutions, Pontoon Solutions, Zyoin Web Pvt. Ltd., Futurestep (a Korn Ferry Company), TalentFusion, Inc., Alexander Mann Solutions and Hudson Global, Inc.The RPO market in Southeast Asia is highly consolidated with major players in the market accounting for over 80% of the total market revenue. Major players such as ManpowerGroup Solutions, Hudson Global, Inc., Kelly Outsourcing and Consulting Group and others focus on targeting international organizations penetrating in the region.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Market 2017 Industry Trends, Growth, Analysis and Overview: QYResearchReports

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Market Professional Survey Report 2017 to its huge collection of research reports.The report on the Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights market is prepared with the help of a wide array of primary and secondary research incorporating inputs from leading market experts, industry strategists, research organizations, and business executives. The report titled Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights market research report offers in-depth insights into the current market status, share and size of major segments, notable trends, emerging business risks, and competitive landscape. The Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights market dynamics is undergoing several interesting shifts invigorated by constant technological advances and favorable changes in government policies in some regions. The report takes a closer look at the emergent strategic and tactical risks driven by changes in regulatory framework in key regions. In addition, it covers major research and development activities in recent decades expected to unlock exciting opportunities for market players.Get A PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @Gleaning through the report, market participants can get clear indications of various trends anticipated to gain traction and those that are likely to lose their sheen in the coming years. The report employs a host of industry-wide quantitative tools to assess the strategic landscape. Based on the volumes of data collected over the historic period and insights offered by the vast current statistics, the study presents a 360 degree view of the growth dynamics of the Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights market over the forecast period. Using Porters five forces analysis and SWOT analysis, the report offers a holistic overview of the vendor landscape. The study is unique in its approach as it offers crystal clear view of the factors likely to tilt in favor of new entrants, thereby altering the intensity of competition in the Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights in the not-so-distant future.Table of ContentsGlobal Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights1.1 Definition and Specifications of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights1.1.1 Definition of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights1.1.2 Specifications of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights1.2 Classification of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights1.2.1 Crystalline Panel1.2.2 Thin Film Panel1.3 Applications of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights1.3.1 Industrial1.3.2 Commercial1.3.3 Residential1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 IndiaAccess the Report and full TOC @2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2012-2017E Global Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Sales Price4.4.2 2016 Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)Request A Discount on This report @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic SkylightsTable Product Specifications of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic SkylightsTable Classification of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic SkylightsFigure Global Production Market Share of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights by Type in 2016Figure Crystalline Panel PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Crystalline PanelFigure Thin Film Panel PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Thin Film PanelTable Applications of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic SkylightsFigure Global Consumption Volume Market Share of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Skylights by Application in 2016Figure Industrial ExamplesTable Major Consumers in IndustrialFigure Commercial ExamplesTable Major Consumers in CommercialQYReseachReports.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
Smart Watch Market : Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored

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A smartwatch is a wrist-worn type of wearable device providing various functionalities to its user and acting as a companion device with smartphones. Smartwatches are mostly need to be paired with a smartphone using any connecting technology such as near-field communication (NFC) or Bluetooth.Global smartphone shipments are expected to increase continuously in the coming years due to developing network infrastructure and increasing internet penetration. The global smartwatch market was valued at US$ 701.2 Mn in 2013 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 53.6% during the forecast period 2014  2020.Obtain Report Details @On the basis of price range, the global smartwatches market is segmented into high-end smartwatches, mid-end smartwatches, and low-end smartwatches. Smartwatches with price above US$ 250 are considered under high-end smartwatches segment.High-end smartwatches segment is anticipated to witness strong growth in next few years (2015 - 2017) due to number of large smartphone manufacturers such as Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics Inc., and Sony Corporation focusing on the development and launch of their high-end smartwatch models.However, unwillingness to pay above US$ 250 for a smartwatch and low awareness pertaining to wearable technology and products is the major concern for the growth of smartwatches market.Make an Enquiry @In 2013, North America was the largest market for smartwatches in terms of revenue. The region has experienced significant adoption of high-end smartwatches due the presence of tech-savvy and health conscious users in this region. Fitness and health are expected to remain the major applications of smartwatches over the forecast period.This is attributed mainly to the high smartphone penetration in the North American region. Furthermore, awareness among end-users and higher purchasing power is anticipated to drive the regional market over the forecast period 2014  2020.Europe and Asia Pacific are anticipated to witness healthy growth over the forecast period. Demand from countries such as China, India, Japan, and Australia is anticipated to drive the Asia Pacific market in the next few coming years. Mass adoption of mid-end and low-end smartwatches in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Eastern Europe is expected to drive the demand for this market over the forecast period.The global smartwatches market is led by players such as Pebble Technology Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Apple Inc., Nike Inc., Garmin Ltd., Sony Electronics Inc., Fitbit Inc., Martian Watches, ConnecteDevice Ltd., Qualcomm Incorporated and others.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Bipolar Junction Transistors Market Dynamics, Forecast, Analysis and Supply Demand -2025

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Bipolar junction transistor is a sort of transistor which primarily uses both hole and electron and charge carriers. The primary function of a BJT (bipolar junction transistor) is to amplify current. Bipolar junction transistor has application as switches or amplifiers. Moreover, it also has wide range of applications across electronic devices and equipment which includes televisions, computers, audio amplifiers, mobile phones, radio transmitters and industrial control. The bipolar junction transistor market is segmented by type which includes NPN transistors, PNP transistors and heterojunction bipolar transistor. The market for bipolar junction transistor is segmented on the basis of application which includes temperature sensors, electronics, digital logic, amplifiers and logarithmic converters among others. The market for bipolar junction transistor has been segmented geographically into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South America and Middle East and Africa.Request Sample Copy of the Report@There is a functional difference between an NPN transistor and PNP transistor. The proper and exact polarity of the junctions when operating is the main difference. At the time of operation, the voltage polarities as well as current directions for each kind of transistor are exactly opposite to each other. The prime function of the bipolar transistors controls and regulates the current in any device. Transistors restrict the amount of current passed according to a smaller, controlling current. A positive voltage is given to the collector terminal to produce a current flow from the collector to the emitter in an NPN transistor. Moreover, a positive voltage is transferred to the emitter terminal to allow current flow from the emitter to collector in a PNP transistor. Increasing demand of high end and technologically upfront consumer electronic products is also considered as one of the prime drivers for the market. Bipolar junction transistor primarily improves the performance and workflow of the switches and other electronic devices. Bipolar junction transistors also have wide range of applications in different industrial applications which include different sort of operational equipment. Amplifiers, logarithmic converters and digital logic are some of the prime application area of bipolar junction transistors. Design complexities are one of the major restraining factors of the market which may inhibit the growth of the market over the forecast period. However, research activities in the field of bipolar junction transistors is opening huge application opportunities in automotive, medical and lab equipment which may fuel the growth for the market in near future.In 2016, Asia Pacific is leading the market for bipolar junction transistors in terms of revenue, followed by North America and Europe globally. China is leading the market for bipolar junction transistors owing to its technological advancement across different end use industry, followed by Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and India among others. Growing industrialization and increasing number of semiconductor manufacturing hubs are also contributing in the market growth. In North America, the U.S. is leading the market for bipolar junction transistors, followed by Canada and Mexico. Germany, the U.K., Italy and France contributed prominent shares in the bipolar junction transistors market in terms of revenue across Europe. South Africa, the U.A.E and Brazil among other countries are dominating the market for bipolar junction transistors across Middle East and Africa and South America.ON Semiconductor (The U.S.), NXP Semiconductors N.V. (The Netherlands), Renesas Electronics Corporation (Japan), STMicroelectronics (Switzerland), Texas Instruments Inc. (The U.S.), Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc. (The U.S.) and Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (The U.S.) among others are some of the prime players operating in the bipolar junction transistors market globally. Research activities along with business partnerships with other companies are some of the major business strategies followed by the companies. Strengthening business relationships with the raw material suppliers and distributers along with geographical expansion by establishing new research centers and sales offices are some of the prime business strategies adopted by the companies.Request TOC of the Report@The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Market 2017-2021: Key vendors dominating this space are Apple, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Samsung

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Market Professional Survey Report 2017 to its huge collection of research reports.The global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices market is presented here with the intention of providing a sound understanding of the current and future trends and more aspects such as those pertaining to business opportunities. Using a perfect combination of primary and secondary research, the authors of the report offer a deep study of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices, so as to help interested parties secure a strong foothold in the market. Although there could be some factors restraining the growth of the market, the report authors identify potential prospects capable of bringing the demand back to the industry. Participants could count their future plans on these analytical findings to stay afloat in the competitive environment of the market.Get A PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @With regard to competition, the report sheds light on some of the leading companies of the global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices market. The company profiling section could include an evaluation of their business products, specifications, revenue, and future business plans. The analysts also gauge the nature of the market and its competitive landscape with the help of statistics and deeper knowledge gained through extensive research. The market shares of different players studied in the report could provide a clear understanding of how the market will be contributed to in the near future.Each segment, be it related to product, application, or region, is highly evaluated for its potential to draw growth and add to the demand in the global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices market. Forecast statistics with the latest years taken into consideration are provided to relate to the growth of the overall market and also its individual segments.Table of ContentsGlobal Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices1.1 Definition and Specifications of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices1.1.1 Definition of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices1.1.2 Specifications of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices1.2 Classification of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices1.2.1 3D1.2.2 2D1.3 Applications of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices1.3.1 Smartphones1.3.2 Tablets1.3.3 Portable PCs1.3.4 Other1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 IndiaAccess the Report and full TOC @2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2012-2017E Global Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Sales Price4.4.2 2016 Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)Request A Discount on This report @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Gesture Recognition For Mobile DevicesTable Product Specifications of Gesture Recognition For Mobile DevicesTable Classification of Gesture Recognition For Mobile DevicesFigure Global Production Market Share of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices by Type in 2016Figure 3D PictureTable Major Manufacturers of 3DFigure 2D PictureTable Major Manufacturers of 2DTable Applications of Gesture Recognition For Mobile DevicesFigure Global Consumption Volume Market Share of Gesture Recognition For Mobile Devices by Application in 2016Figure Smartphones ExamplesQYReseachReports.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
OTTAWA, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- betterU Education Corp. (TSX VENTURE:BTRU) (FRANKFURT:5OGA) (the Corporation or betterU), is pleased to announce that after ten months of discussions it has executed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) to jointly support both organizations' efforts towards the skilling of millions of professionals across Indias Telecom sector.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee440fe4-4962-43b2-ae54-c0b695bd7a87

In Nov 2016, betterU held its first Skills Leadership Summit in Delhi that included many industry, academia and government leaders. A passionate panelist, the CEO of TSSC, Lt. Gen SP Kochhar (Retd) was outspoken about the importance of skills development and the required collaboration of Industry and educators. Over the following year, betterU continued to grow its relationship with TSSC and many other Sector Skill Councils. The company began its efforts this year towards the development of an individualized skill-based program that would provide sector skill councils such as TSSC with the ability to support mass training across the many skilling needs of the country.

betterU and TSSC will advance their combined efforts to support multiple skilling initiatives including the:

development of TSSC / betterU country wide learning centers;

development and acquisition of localized Hindi / English educational programs;

development of rural area mobility learning, and

further advancement of a customized skilling platform providing access to a breadth and depth of international education.

Supported by TSSC, betterU will map the industrys national occupational standards, occupational roles and national job requirements into the skilling platform interlinking corporate requirements with international educators, assessments, learning modules and global employment outcomes. As part of betterUs commitment, they will assign dedicated resources to operate within the TSSC offices ensuring such programs are advancing. We are excited to have partnered with betterU in our efforts to skill upwards of 8.78 million people to meet the growing needs of the telecom sector by 2022. betterUs vision is very much aligned with our own and to bring together a collaborative effort from global educators is something we see as a great benefit for India, said Lt. Gen SP Kochhar (Retd), Chief Executive Officer Telecom Sector Skill Council.

The TSSC / betterU partnership will tap into thousands of skill development courses already available on betterUs global education marketplace and when combined with TSSCs government, industry and academia relationships will provide the ultimate benefit to the country. betterUs model is unique in that it integrates top quality educators from around the world along with their educational programs, assessments and employment opportunities into one collaborative education-to-employment ecosystem. Combined with TSSCs already developed technology, assessments and employment partnerships makes this relationship even stronger. The collective collaboration of educators and employers is something we both believe is key to the mass educating of the country. We are very excited to be working with one of Indias leading flagship sector leaders, said Bradley Loiselle, President and CEO betterU.

About Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC)

Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) is a Not for Profit PPP between NSDC & Telecom Industry. TSSC is committed to develop world class skilled manpower for the Telecom Industry  Nationally & Internationally.

Mandated to skill up 5 million people by 2022.

Skill and certify 45 Lacs personnel in 150 trades, train 24,000 trainers, accredit 500 training organizations and to cover the whole country progressively over a period of 10 years.

Develop necessary framework for standards, curriculum & quality assurance at all levels in vocational/technical programs to meet the need of the Industry.

Participate in regional & International vocational telecom sector development initiatives.

About betterU

betterU, a global education marketplace, aims to provide access to quality education from around the world to foster growth and opportunity to those who want to better their lives. The company plans to bridge the prevailing gap in the education and job industry and enhance the lives of its prospective learners by developing an integrated education-to employment ecosystem. betterUs offerings can be categorized into four broad functions: to compliment school programs with flexible KG-12 programs preparing children for next stage of education, to foster an exceptional educational environment by providing befitting skills that lead to a better career, to bridge the gap between ones existing education and prospective job requirement by training them and lastly, to connect the end user to various job opportunities.

www.betterU.ca and www.betterU.in

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements and information, which may involve risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, competitive developments, risks associated with betterUs growth, the state of the financial markets, regulatory risks and other factors. There can be no assurance or guarantees that any statements of forward-looking information contained in this release will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These and all subsequent written and oral statements containing forward-looking information are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, betterU disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should not place undue reliance on any statements of forward-looking information that speak only as of the date of this release. Further information on betterUs public filings, including their most recent audited consolidated financial statements, are available at www.sedar.com.

For further information, please visit http://www.betteru.ca/investor-overview/.

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.

Investor contact:

Gurinder Sandhu, Investor Relations

1-613-695-4100 Ext. 233

Email: ir@betteru.ca
Bio NEMS Market size and Key Trends in terms of volume and value -2025

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Bio NEMS (Nanoelectromechanical systems) are a particular class of devices integrating mechanical as well as electrical operation and functionality on the nanoscale. Moreover, NEMS form the logical next miniaturization step from MEMS devices which is known as microelectromechanical systems. NEMS primarily integrates transistors for instance nanoelectronics with pumps, motors, and mechanical actuators. The market for Bio NEMS is segmented on the basis of application which includes bionics, atomic force microscopy, neural implants and ENT implants among others. The market for Bio NEMS has been segmented geographically into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South America and Middle East and Africa.Request Sample Copy of the Report@These bio-NEMS have wide range of applications in clinical diagnostics along with research based on healthcare field. The complex techniques being used in bio-NEMS in order to aid help in treatment of critically diseases having huge opportunities of growth in the coming years. Rising advancement in the field of medical devices and healthcare equipment is fueling the growth of Bio NEMS market across different regions. Research activities in the field of Bio NEMS are another major factor contributing in the positive development of the market. One of the prime application areas of Bio NEMS is atomic force microscopy. The increased sensitivity achieved by Bio NEMS leads to smaller, miniaturization and more efficient sensors to detect and identify vibrations, forces and stresses in the chemical and atomic level signals. There are two major fabrication approaches of the Bio NEMS for instance top down and bottom up approach. Top down approach is one of the most conventional approaches. Thermal treatments and optical electron beam lithography are applied to manufacture devices. Moreover, bottom-up approaches primarily uses the chemical properties of single molecules. The complex fabrication process involved with the implementation of Bio-NEMS along with technologically advanced medical infrastructure has been a major restraint restricting the growth of Bio-NEMS market globally. Increasing research and development activities and increasing application of Bio NEMS in research lab equipment is major opportunity for the market.In 2016, North America is dominating the market for Bio NEMS in terms of value, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific globally. In North America, the U.S. is leading the market for Bio-NEMS, followed by Canada and Mexico. Technological advancement and increasing demand for high end devices in the medical sector is one of the major driving factors for the market in the North America region. Germany, France, Italy and the U.K contributed prominent shares in the Bio-NEMS market in terms of revenue across Europe. China is leading the market for Bio-NEMS owing to its increasing application of high end healthcare devices for better operations, followed by Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and India among others. Increasing demand for the miniaturization devices and advancement in the medical devices is one of the major reasons behind the growth of Bio NEMS market across Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to register fastest growth in the Bio NEMS market. South Africa, the U.A.E and Brazil are holding prominent position in the Bio NEMS market across Middle East and Africa and South America.Some of the leading players in the global Bio-NEMS market are Abbott Laboratories (The U.S.), Boston Scientific (The U.S.), Becton Dickinson (The U.S.), Perkin Elmer (The U.S.), Baxter International Inc. (The U.S.), Teledyne Dalsa Inc. (The U.S.) and Medtronic (The U.S.) among others. Research activities along with business partnerships with other companies are some of the major business strategies followed by the companies. Strengthening business relationships with the raw material suppliers and distributers along with geographical expansion by establishing new research centers and sales offices are some of the prime business strategies adopted by the companies.Request TOC of the Report@The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Web Crawling Services Market Growth, Trends, Absolute Opportunity and Value Chain -2025

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Web crawling services refer to the software based extraction of useful data from the entire web. It is generally performed by custom applications, known as the crawler or web spider. A crawler or web spider is a web based software program or application, which has been developed specifically to visit all the websites present in the internet and to gather the desired information from the same. The extracted information is then categorized and indexed. The web crawling software visits each website at a specific time gap. The time gap varies from website to website, depending on several factors. These factors include authority of the website, the websites rate of change in content, nature of the website, and the importance of the website among others. Depending on such factors, web crawlers automatically visit the websites and gather the necessary data. In general, search engines such as Google and Bing, have their own web crawling software. However, data gathered by such software cannot be accessed by companies and corporations for their data needs. Web crawling services attend to such needs of various companies, who are searching for meaningful data from across the web. Certain web crawling service providers provide customized services for their clients. For example, the client can save monetary resources by specifying the time interval of the crawler. The prices of such services increase with the decrease in time gap and hence such customizations are highly valued by organizations that may not require intensive web crawling.Request Sample Copy of the Report@The market for web crawling services is primarily driven by the growing demand for business intelligence. Business intelligence currently plays an important role in providing organizations with a competitive edge over rivals. It can provide information on end user needs and demands effectively, coupled with information on upcoming market trends and technology among others. Web crawling services attend to such demands effectively, by gathering information from across the web, indexing the gathered data, and then providing the required data to the end user. Owing to such offerings, the demand for web crawling services has been growing at a fast pace globally. Additionally, with higher penetration of the internet, growth of the data as a service (DaaS) market, and rise in internet of things (IoT), more and more businesses are relying on business automation products. Furthermore, the growing number of internet users and popularity of online shopping is leading to availability of better knowledge on customer requirements on the internet. The market for web crawling services is growing globally as a conjoint effect of such factors. However, several organizations rely on their internal web scraping and crawling products while several other organizations are unaware of the availability of such services or are relying on traditional methods of data gathering. This in turn has been restraining the growth of the web crawling services to some extent. The market for web crawling services is comparatively new and is expected to witness ample growth opportunities during the forecast period.The global market for web crawling services has been segmented on the basis of type into large web crawl and custom web crawl among others. On the basis of region, the market for web crawling services has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America was the largest market in 2016, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific.Request TOC of the Report@The major companies in the web crawling services market are Datafiniti, LLC (The U.S.), Datahut (The U.S.), Intelliswift Software, Inc. (The U.S.), Octopus Data, Inc. (The U.S.), Scrapinghub (Ireland), Apifier (Czech Republic), PromptCloud (India), and iSolve Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (India) among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Europe Surgical Gloves Market By manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast To 2022

ReportsWeb

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ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Europe Surgical Gloves Market Forecast to 2022 The report focuses on Europe major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.Surgical gloves are personal protection equipment (PPE) designed to protect clinicians in operating room (OR) environments. The primary purpose of surgical gloves is to act as a protective barrier for surgeons and nurses to prevent possible transmission of diseases or pathogens during procedures while working with surgical instruments.Key Market PlayersAnsell HealthcareTop GloveMedline IndustriesCardinal HealthMolnlycke Health CareKossanMotex GroupAnhui Haojie Plastic and Rubber ProductsSemperitHutchinsonShangdong Yuyuan Latex GlovesGlobusKanam Latex Industries Pvt. Ltd.Asma Rubber Products Pvt. Ltd.Kurian Abraham Private Limited (KAPL)Market SegmentsMarket Segment by Countries, coveringGermanyUKFranceRussiaItalyGet Sample of this Report @Market Segment by Type, coversNatural Latex Surgical glovesNon-Latex Surgical glovesMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoHospitalNon-HospitalGet complete access of this reportChapter in Surgical GlovesChapter 1, to describe Surgical Gloves 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 Surgical Gloves, 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 in Europe, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the Europe market by countries, covering Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia, with sales, price, revenue and market share of Surgical Gloves, 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 and application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, to analyze the key countries by manufacturers, Type and Application, covering Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia, with sales, revenue and market share by manufacturers, types and applications;Chapter 12, Surgical Gloves market forecast, by countries, 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 Surgical Gloves sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 16 and 17, to describe Surgical Gloves Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data sourceGet Discount @Table of Content1 Market Overview2 Manufacturers Profiles3 Europe Surgical Gloves Market Competition, by Manufacturer4 Europe Surgical Gloves Market Analysis by Countries (2012-2017)5 Europe Market Segmentation Surgical Gloves by Type6 Europe Market Segmentation Surgical Gloves by Application7 Germany Surgical Gloves Sales, Revenue, by Type, Application and Manufacturers8 UK Surgical Gloves Sales, Revenue, by Type, Application and Manufacturers9 France Surgical Gloves Sales, Revenue, by Type, Application and Manufacturers10 Russia Surgical Gloves Sales, Revenue, by Type, Application and Manufacturers11 Italy Surgical Gloves Sales, Revenue, by Type, Application and Manufacturers12 Surgical Gloves Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Surgical Gloves Manufacturing Cost Analysis14 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers15 Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersBuy Report here @Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comAbout ReportsWeb:ReportsWeb.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
Public Safety in-Building Wireless Distributed Antenna System Market Size, Analysis, and Forecast Report -2025

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Public safety in-building wireless Distributed Antenna System (DAS) are systems which aid in communication during an emergency situation inside a building, where chances are high that electricity supply would be cut and normal modes of communication may be hampered. Public safety in-building wireless DAS are installed to enable communication in such situations. These systems allow a trapped person, during an emergency situation, to connect with rescuers. Also, such systems allow the rescue personnel to convey instructions to the persons in distress in an effective manner, thus avoiding any untoward incidents during emergency exit. Traditional public safety systems have several issues regarding effective conveyance of instructions, power failure, and limited capability to stop panic. Most public safety in-building wireless DAS are advanced systems, having higher capability and efficient power back-up systems, which allows for rapid rescue operations and effective communications during distress situations. Most DAS are designed to support the bands from multiple cellular network providers. Several vendors offer public safety in-building wireless DAS with wireless broadband connectivity and hence can effectively reach most inhabitants of a building through such connections, in a distress or emergency situation.Request Sample Copy of the Report@The market for public safety in-building wireless DAS is primarily being driven by growing stringency of fire safety protocols for buildings, globally. In the U.S., the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires 90% coverage of a building, for public safety systems, while the International Fire Code (IFC) stipulates public safety systems to cover 95% of a building. Such regulations and recommendations for public safety systems are required to be strictly adhered to and are expected to cover 100% of a building, in the near future. This in turn has been promoting the application of public safety in-building wireless DAS in several commercial and residential buildings, thus positively impacting the growth of the global market. Additionally, growing penetration of high speed internet technology, such as 4G and 5G, has been leading to modifications of public safety in-building wireless DAS to support such internet speeds. This in turn has enabled a wider reach and has been promoting the growth of the market. Furthermore, the growing trend toward making a city smart and development of smart city projects in emerging economies, has been leading to faster application of public safety in-building wireless DAS in several residential and commercial building complexes. This has again positively impacted growth of the global public safety in-building wireless DAS market. However, the high initial cost and requirement of skilled personnel to utilize such systems during an emergency are some factors which have been restraining the growth of the market. Considering the growing safety protocol stringency in emerging economies, coupled with development of smart cities, the market for public safety in-building wireless DAS is expected to be offer several growth opportunities during the forecast period.The global market for public safety in-building wireless DAS has been segmented on the basis of components, into antennas, cables, master unit, remote unit, repeater and others. On the basis of end use, the market has been segmented into airports, hospitality sectors, healthcare sector, commercial buildings, and others. On the basis of region, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America was the largest market in 2016, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region, during the forecast period.Request TOC of the Report@Major companies active in the public safety in-building wireless DAS market are AT&T, Inc. (The U.S.), Anixter International (The U.S.), Verizon Communications, Inc. (The U.S.), Nokia Corporation (Finland), TE Connectivity, Ltd. (Switzerland), Cobham, plc.(The U.K.), and Smiths Group, PLC (The U.K.) among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Transparent Cache Market 10-Year Market Forecast and Trends Analysis Research Report

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Caching is the short-term storage of web content for quicker access. Transparent caching is a key that allows the service supplier to discharge an important amount of content in a cached copy of the standard content adjacent to the edge of the network, which is distributed to an end-user directly from the brink of the network instead of from the source. It is unseen to both the end-user and content originator; therefore, the name. Key beneficiaries of transparent caching are internet service providers and the end users. From a fiscal perspective, if a service provider uses a CDN to assist on content, the content still essentially navigates a portion of the backbone of the ISPs, adding extra transport charges for every video served. However, in a transparent caching situation, most of the content of interest to the ISP's precise user base is accessible.Request Sample Copy of the Report@The transparent cache market is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of internet expected during the anticipated period. Internet traffic is growing at a rapid pace which is mainly driven by videos. As rich media downloads and video streaming continue to deluge operator networks, with no end in sight, network operators are deploying and assessing transparent Internet caching inside the networks to report a wider choice of Internet content. It is used to decrease the network bandwidth and infrastructure costs related to over the top content and also to distinguish their consumer broadband service and provide improved user performance. By eradicating possible delays related to content origin and Internet, caching permits the operator to emphasize their investment made in the network access and offer more content at top speeds. Cost efficient solutions are also likely to be a factor responsible for the growth of the market during the forecast period. The swift upsurge in demand for video streaming solutions and volume of online video content has pushed Internet service providers to increase additional bandwidth to cater to the rise in demand.Browse dependency is one of the factors hindering the growth of this market. To operate successfully, most of the transparent caches depend on the browser delivering the host name in the HTTP request header of the origin server. This is essential since these caches are unable to use the end point IP address of the origin server from the IP address of the packet. Some initial browsers do not offer this information and consequently are not likely to work correctly with these transparent caches; however, today 90% of the browsers satisfy the above requirements.Based on type, the transparent cache market has been bifurcated into transparent video caching and transparent non-video caching. Based on core solutions, the market has been segregated into cloud security, media delivery, and web performance optimization. The regional bifurcation of the market encompasses North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.The transparent cache market is distinguished by the existence of several vendors and is extremely competitive. Factors like rapid advances in technology, intense competition, and regular changes in consumer preferences are considered as significant risks to the growth of the companies in this market. Companies are progressively competing against each other based on factors like innovation, performance, cost, and financial stability. The competitive environment of the market is likely to strengthen in the near future due to rapid technological changes and product extensions. To succeed and survive in this extremely competitive environment, companies are progressively focusing on differentiating their services and product offerings through a unique and clear value proposition.Request TOC of the Report@Some of the key companies operating in the global transparent cache market include Akamai Technologies (U.S.), Blue Coat Systems (U.S.), Juniper Networks (U.S.), PeerApp (U.S.) and Qwilt (U.S.) among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
U.S. Carbon And Graphite Products Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2025

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IndexBox has just published a new report "U.S. Carbon And Graphite Products Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2025" ().The report provides on a detailed survey of the U.S. carbon and graphite products market. It presents the latest data of the market size and volume, domestic production, exports and imports, price dynamics and turnover in the industry. In addition, the report contains insightful information about the industry, including industry life cycle, business locations, productivity, employment and many other crucial aspects. The Company Profiles section contains existing data on the major players in the industry.Countries coverage: the U.S.Product coverage:Carbon and graphite electrodes for electric furnaces and electrolytic cell use; All other carbon and graphite products, including carbon and graphite fibers, brushes, brush plates, contacts, excluding refractories; Carbon and graphite product manufacturing, nsk, totalAbstract:In 2015, the value of carbon and graphite products production in the U.S. amounted to $3.1B, stagnating at the previous year level.Overall, the U.S. carbon and graphite products output pursued a measured growth from 2007 to 2015. The total output figures increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2010, when the output figure increased by +40% from the previous year level. Over the period under review, the total value of carbon and graphite products shipments in the United States attained its maximum level of $3.2B in 2013. Afterwards, the growth in terms of the carbon and graphite products production failed to regain its strength through to 2015.All other carbon and graphite products, including carbon and graphite fibers, brushes, brush plates, contacts, excluding refractories accounted for the highest share (60% in 2015) of U.S. carbon and graphite products manufacturing, leaving a considerable room for carbon and graphite electrodes for electric furnaces and electrolytic cell use (37%). The other related products with less notable individual shares together comprised approx. 3% of the total output.Companies mentioned:Graftech International Holdings,Toray Composites (america),Showa Denko Carbon,Cobham Composite Products,Helwig Carbon Products,Poco Graphite,Zoltek Companies,Toyo Tanso Usa,National Electrical Carbon Products,Toho Tenax America,Quatro Composites,De Nora Tech,Graftech Usa,Mersen USA Bn Corp.,Mitsubishi Rayon Carbon Fiber and Composites,Graphite Metallizing Corp,Cytec Carbon Fibers,Graphite Machining,Sigmatex High Technology Fabrics,Sgl Carbon, Toray Carbon Fibers America,Morgan Advanced Materials and Technology,Graftech International,Mersen USA Greenville-Mi Corp,The Carbide/Graphite Group,Hh Liquidating Corp,Mersen USA St Marys-PA Corp.,Schunk of North America,Poco Graphite Holdings,Asbury Louisiana,Alliance Spacesystems,Spacesystems HoldingsData coverage: Carbon and graphite products market size; Carbon and graphite products production, value of shipments; Key market players and their profiles; Exports, imports and trade balance; Import and export prices; Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term; Key industry statistics; Life cycle of the carbon and graphite products industry; Number of establishments and their locations; Employment data; Carbon and graphite products industry productivity.Reasons to buy this report: Take advantage of the latest data; Find deeper insights into current market developments; Discover vital success factors affecting the market.Source:IndexBox is a leading market research publisher in the world. You can find more than 25,000 research reports in our web store, which cover global industries and regional markets. All the worldwide marketing data you need is at your fingertips.Company Name: IndexBoxContact Person: Kirill BezverhiEmail: kirill.bezverhi@indexbox.co.ukPhone: +44 20 3239 3063Adress: United Kingdom, 44 Main Street, Douglas, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML11 0QW
Connected Medical Devices Security Market Volume Forecast and Value Chain Analysis -2025

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Connected Medical Devices Security Market: IntroductionIn recent years healthcare industry has witnessed increasing penetration of medical devices connected and communicating with each other such as wireless monitoring services, and these devices are increasingly been adopted by the healthcare industry. But with the adoption of these technologies, a new hostile environment has emerged posing threat to the security of these devices connected to networks and prone to cyber-attacks and security breaches, which is why a need for security of connected medical devices has emerged so as to protect against unauthorized access and cyber-attacks.Connected Medical Devices Security Market: Market DynamicsThe US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidelines for the security of connected medical devices which will force medical device manufacturers to implement set of practices ensuring the security of medical devices from cyber-attacks and unauthorized access. The guidelines will create awareness among the healthcare professionals to prepare against these security issues and invest on security devices hence will drive the demand for connected medical devices security market. Increasing adoption of medical devices connected via IoT will increase vulnerability against these security breaches and will increase the need for connected medical devices security.Connected Medical Devices Security Market SegmentationSegmentation of Connected Medical Devices Security Market on the basis of component:HardwareSoftwareNetwork ComponentsSegmentation of Connected Medical Devices Security Market on the basis of end user:HospitalsLaboratoriesClinicsSegmentation of Connected Medical Devices Security Market on the basis of geography:North America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands,Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia-Pacific Excluding Japan (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanThe Middle East and Africa (GCC, South Africa, North Africa)Regional OverviewOn the basis of geography, connected medical devices security market can be segmented into seven key regions namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan and Middle East & Africa. Among various regions, the connected medical devices security market in North America is expected to dominate during the forecast period because of strong presence of companies from healthcare industry and presence of companies providing connected medical devices security solutions in the region. North America region is expected to be followed by Western Europe and APEJ. APEJ is expected to drive the demand for connected medical devices security market, supported by increasing penetration of healthcare companies in the region.The US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for implementation of connected medical devices security supported by increasing awareness among healthcare professionals for implementation of these security devices will drive the demand for connected medical devices security market. Increasing usage of medical devices connected via IoT in the healthcare sector will increase the risk of these security issues which in turn will force more and more healthcare professionals to implement security solutions for connected medical devices and will support in the increase in demand for connected medical devices security market. Lack of awareness among healthcare professionals about the availability and offered benefits from these security devices will affect the demand for connected medical devices security market.Competitive LandscapeSome of the major players in the field of connected medical devices security include UL LLC, Whitescope Limited, Battelle, Coalfire Systems Inc., Drager Medical GmbH, Extreme Networks Inc., Synopsys Inc. etc.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Connected Medical Devices Security Market SegmentsConnected Medical Devices Security Market DynamicsHistorical Actual Market Size, 2014 - 2016Connected Medical Devices Security Market Size & Forecast 2017 To 2027Supply & Demand Value ChainConnected Medical Devices Security Market Current Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedConnected Medical Devices Security TechnologyConnected Medical Devices Security Value ChainConnected Medical Devices Security Market Drivers and RestraintsRegional analysis for Connected Medical Devices Security Market includesConnected Medical Devices Security Market by North AmericaUS & CanadaConnected Medical Devices Security Market by Latin AmericaBrazil, Argentina & OthersConnected Medical Devices Security Market by Western EuropeEU5NordicsBeneluxConnected Medical Devices Security Market by Eastern EuropeRussiaPolandRest of Eastern EuropeConnected Medical Devices Security Market by Asia PacificAustralia and New Zealand (ANZ)Greater ChinaIndiaASEANRest of Asia PacificConnected Medical Devices Security Market by JapanConnected Medical Devices Security Market by the Middle East and AfricaGCC CountriesOther Middle EastNorth AfricaSouth AfricaOther AfricaRequest TOC of the Report@The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative, and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Shoreline Spray Bottles Market Volume Analysis, Segments, Value Share and Key Trends-2025

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Global Shoreline Spray Bottles Market: OverviewShoreline spray bottles are light weighted plastic bottles which are an ideal solution for mist spray or drizzling application. Shoreline spray bottles are mostly used for the household, commercial, consumer and industrial-strength cleaners, fabric cleaners and room fresheners. Shoreline spray bottles are manufactured using the thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, and low-density polyethylene. The resultant of polymer in the form of shoreline spray bottle is rigid, lightweight and strong. Sizes and shapes of shoreline spray bottles are manufactured according to the capacity of the liquid to be provided in the bottles by the end user preference. Shoreline spray bottles can be opaque or transparent in nature with its surface ability to be hot stamped, printed or labeled.Global Shoreline Spray Bottles Market: DynamicsShoreline spray bottles are a dynamic innovation regarding liquid dispensing for industrial and consumer products. Shoreline spray bottle application is in great demand for liquid dispensing of various concentrated chemical and cleaner used for the commercial and industrial purpose. Moreover, the concept of do it yourself is a potential factor for the growth of shoreline spray bottles market owing to the household sprays manufactured for several purposes such as pesticides spraying, fabric cleaners, sink & drain cleaner. Shoreline spray bottles are ideally useful for mist spraying for an indoor plant with water which is further supporting as a potential factor to the growth of shoreline spray bottle market. Shoreline spray is also ideal for drizzling spray to clean glass fencing, windows, tables, and mirrors which are another potential factor that supports the growth of the shoreline spray bottles market. The ability of customization of shoreline spray bottles for the end user preference is one of the reasons driving the growth of the shoreline spray bottle market. Moreover, shoreline spray bottles are reusable and do not break or crack easily. Manufacturers in the shoreline spray bottles market are developing solutions to supply the market with eco-friendly shoreline spray bottles. The factors as mentioned earlier are some of the major potential factor driving the growth of shoreline spray bottle market. Challenging factor for shoreline spray bottles market are pump & pressure sprays which are hindering the growth of shoreline spray bottles market owing to the pressure created by spray which gives the continuous mist or drizzle spraying.Global Shoreline Spray Bottles Market: SegmentationBased on material: Global Shoreline Spray Bottles Market is segmented intoPET (polyethylene terephthalate)HDPE (high-density polyethylene)LLDPE, & LDPE ( low-density polyethylene)OthersBased on shape: Global Shoreline Spray Bottles Market is segmented intoOvalOblongRound sprayersquare & tube shapesBased on capacity: Global Shoreline Spray Bottles Market is segmented into1/6 oz8/16 oz16/32 ozAbove 32 ozBased on Applications: Global Shoreline Spray Bottles Market is segmented intoPesticidesWater gunCosmeticsOthersGlobal Shoreline Spray Bottles Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global shoreline spray bottles market is divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The global market of shoreline spray bottles is expected to grow at a moderate CAGR during the forecast. North America in the global shoreline spray bottles market holds a dominant share is owning to higher consumption of the shoreline spray bottles in the regions. U.S in North America for shoreline spray bottles has higher consumption owing to the higher performance bottles which are used for concentrated chemicals and cleaners for household and commercial purposes. North America is followed by Western Europe which holds second major share in the global shoreline spray bottles market. Countries such as Germany and France contribute to the major share of the shoreline spray bottles market. Developed regions for the global shoreline spray bottles market are expected to grow at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period. APEJ in global shoreline spray bottles market is anticipated to increase at a relatively higher CAGR in the forecast period owing to the rise in spending in countries such as India and China for consumer products.Global Shoreline Spray Bottles Market: Prominent PlayersFew of the prominent players in the shoreline spray bottles market are as followsBerlin Packaging L.L.C. (Freund Container)Pack LogixCanyon Plastics IncMJS PackagingAll American Containers Inc.Delta IndustriesKaufman ContainerPB PackagingRequest TOC of the Report@The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Hermetic Laser Packaging Market Growth, Trends, Absolute Opportunity and Value Chain -2025

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Global Hermetic Laser Packaging: Market OverviewPackaging is the process of protecting the product through various layers applied of different material to avoid direct contact with the external atmosphere. Packaging and its modernization have proved to be the latest trend in the packaging market as it provides the manufacturers to have value additions to their product. Packaging is the foremost factor which attracts the customers and thus is the targeted section in the product sale. Hermetic packaging is such a unique packaging in which the product is wrapped in a way that there is no space for air or any such elements and thus provide sufficient protection from the outer environment. The hermetic packaging is expected to gain traction as it is widely used in various industrial applications such as defense, military, aeronautics and other. The primary benefit of hermetic packaging is that it protect the electronics such as sensors, laser diodes and other such components that are sensitive and has to be protected with extra layers. Thus the global hermetic laser packaging market is expected to grow with significant CAGR in the forecast period.Global Hermetic Laser Packaging: Market DynamicsThe major factor that drives the global hermetic laser packaging market is the rising demand from the industrial applications such as electronics, aeronautics, defense, and military. The global hermetic laser packaging market is expected to gain traction in the forecast period as it is reliable, durable, provide effective protection, avoid contact with the oxygen and moisture, flexible and is effective to use. The increase in the demand for the multi-layer ceramic packaging for wireless, optical and data communication propels the growth of global hermetic laser packaging market in the forecast period. The demand for the hermetic laser packaging is triggered considering its ability to withstand higher temperature providing ease to the user irrespective of any temperature constraints. The hermetic laser packaging protects and safeguard the highly sensitive electronic components and thus is high in demand for the automobile industries, aeronautics and other defense and military applications. The manufacturers to attract the customers with the quality of the product and to provide the high degree of protection to the product, are more inclined towards the use of hermetic laser packaging. It thus fuels the growth of global hermetic laser packaging market during the forecast period 2017-2027.However, the stringent military standards, the cost associated with the packaging and risk related to the adoption of new techniques by the manufacturers affects the demand for the global hermetic laser packaging market. The availability of various economic and effective packaging process affects the growth of the hermetic laser packaging market in the forecast period.Global Hermetic Laser Packaging: SegmentationBased on the configuration, the global hermetic laser packaging market is segmented intoMultilayer Ceramic PackagesMetal Can PackagesPressed Ceramic PackagesBased on the material type, the global hermetic laser packaging market is segmented intoCeramicMetal Sealing (CERTM)GlassMetal Sealing (GTMS)Passivation GlassTransponder GlassReed GlassBased on the application, the global hermetic laser packaging market is segmented intoTransistorsSensorsLasersPhotodiodesAirbag IgnitersOscillating CrystalsMEMS SwitchesOthersBased on the end-use industries, the global hermetic laser packaging market is segmented intoMilitary and DefenseAeronautics and SpaceAutomotiveEnergy and Nuclear SafetyMedicalFood and beverageTelecommunicationOtherGlobal Hermetic Laser Packaging: Segment OverviewThe global hermetic laser packaging market is segmented into various categories such as type, applications, configurations and end use industries. The global hermetic laser packaging market is segmented into various applications in which the MEMS switches, sensors, lasers and other such components are used. The increase in the demand for the atomization of automobiles favors the MEMS switch market in the hermetic laser packaging market. Based on the end use industries the global hermetic laser packaging market is dominated by the military, defense, and aeronautic industries. Based on the configuration, the multilayer ceramic packaging leads the configuration segment in the global hermetic laser packaging market.Global Hermetic Laser Packaging: Regional OverviewGeographically the global hermetic laser packaging market is segmented into seven regions such as North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe. The strong economic conditions and higher investment in the defense and military favor the North America Market in the consumption of global hermetic laser packaging market. Asia Pacific excluding Japan is the potential target market for the global hermetic laser packaging market owing to increase in the energy needs, development in the defense, military, and aeronautics in the region and development in the economic status favors the global demand for the hermetic laser packaging market. Thus the global hermetic laser packaging market is expected to have the positive outlook in the forecast period.Request TOC of the Report@Global Hermetic Laser Packaging: Market PlayersSome of the prominent players for the global hermetic laser packaging market includesSCHOTT AG, Amkor Technology, Texas Instruments Incorporated, LaserSharp FlexPak Services Llc, EB Industries, Remtec, Inc.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Plum Extract Market Segments, Opportunity, Growth and Forecast By End-use Industry -2025

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Plum is a fruit which belongs to the genus-Prunus and can be clustered along with other fruits such as peaches, cherries, and apricots in the rose family. The prime characteristics which differentiate all these fruits into different subgenera are the orientation of shoots, leaves, and flowers. The taxonomists have approximated the number of existing species of plum to be between 19 and 40. From this diversity, only two species, namely the European plum (Prunus domestica) and the Japanese plum or Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) are of worldwide commercial significance and have gained major popularity amongst people. Prior to when plums started to be consumed as a fruit, they were used for medicinal purposes in ancient China. When it comes to making an extract or a concentrated juice out of plums, the dried Japanese plums which also goes by the name of Umeboshi or when translated into English: Japanese salted plums or pickled plums. The Umeboshi plums are made by the lactic fermentation process using Japanese plums, shiso leaves, and sea salt. Although on the backdrop of exceeding demand of the extract, the companies may or may not use artificial dyes or preservatives.Segmentation:-The plum extract has gained widespread popularity as a product itself amongst consumers as well as an ingredient among the manufacturers thereby making it a successful B2B and B2C product. The plum extract market can be segmented on the basis of application, form, product type and distribution channels. On the basis of application, the plum extract market can be segmented into culinary, nutraceuticals, foods & beverages, cosmetics as well as confectionary. On the basis of form, the plum extract market can be segmented into liquid, paste, powder as well as solid. On the basis of the product type, the plum extract market can be segmented into natural, organic as well as artificial. On the basis of distribution channels, the plum extract market can be segmented into online retailing, specialty stores, hypermarkets/supermarkets and convenience stores.Global market drivers and trends:-The plum extract is a reservoir of natural minerals such as sodium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous and potassium owing to its support in dealing with a vast number of issues such as obesity, diabetes, Osteoporosis, constipation, Alcohol poisoning, age-related cognitive impairment, atherosclerosis, cancer, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, weight loss, anemia, anxiety, influenza, muscular degeneration and others.The plum extract market is gaining widespread recognition owing not only to its medicinal properties but also of its culinary application such as using the plum extract as dressings, dips, and marinades. The salty and sour properties of Umeboshi plum extract make it an excellent accompaniment to rice dishes. Furthermore, vinegar can also be made from the plum extract owing to the presence of a considerable amount of citric acid in it. The plum extract can also be added to jams, puddings and jellies. The plum extract is also visible to be employed in the preparation of alcoholic beverages. Moreover, the plum extract concentrate works deliciously well as a filling for candies and confectionery products.Regional outlook: -The leading countries in terms of the manufacture and export of plum extract are the ones belonging to Europe viz. Spain, France, Italy followed by the Asian countries like China, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and others. Significant production of the plum extract is noticeable in countries like Australia, Germany, United States of America as well as Netherlands.Request TOC of the Report@Market Key players:-Some of the key players who are driving the plum extract market globally are Swanson Health Products, Hong SsangRi, HUZHOU N.B.C. BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL CO, LTD., MUSO co., Ltd., NATIVE EXTRACTS, MIKI Corporation and others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
MANALAPAN, NJ, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RxS LLC (RxS), a privately held company providing multi-channel sample management solutions to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, announced today its move to a new location to accommodate the companys continued growth and success. Remaining in Manalapan, NJ, RxS is now operating at:

195 Route 9 S., Suite 208

Manalapan, NJ 07726

Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are often burdened by the regulations surrounding sample management, and thats where RxS comes in. RxS offers customizable solutions for multi-channel sample management to companies of all sizes, ensuring compliance, state-of-the-art reporting, and outstanding customer service. We are a service organization enabled by technology, says Mark Jara, Principal, Managing Director. Because RxS has proven to be a valuable business partner for so many companies, RxS has moved to a new location to accommodate our growth and success.

RxS has maintained organizational growth year after year, including sales, clients, employees, and services. Over the past two years they had a surge in new clients and business expansion. The new office space will support RxSs promising trajectory as well as creating a high tech collaborative environment to optimize customer service and enhance technical development.

The move, however, is just one of several new developments for RxS. Concurrent to this action, the company is continuing the growth of its European footprint. In addition, RxS has entered the planning phase for a proposed satellite location in southeastern Florida slated to open by mid-2018.

RxS has become a leading provider of multi-channel sample management solutions. RxSs growing presence and continued success is credited to its leadership team that collectively has more than 75 years of pharmaceutical expertise, along with the employees immense knowledge and understanding of the pharma and biotech industries. Beyond that, RxS has been built on technology and is committed to providing superior customer service.

By having technology at its core, RxS can provide offerings that ensure Prescription Drug Marketing Act compliance and also supply valuable reporting and analytics data. Customers can access up-to-date reporting and analytics data 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a feature that makes proactive monitoring possible. This results in customers having the tools to advance marketing reach and optimizing sample effectiveness.

Customer service is paramount to the team at RxS. In the client-supplier relationship, the company views itself as a business partner rather than simply a vendor as account representatives learn each clients needs and provide client centric solutions designed to drive success. RxS has found this to be a most effective approach, as the solutions they provide clients are transparent and value-centric in terms of pricing.

RxSs success is a direct reflection of the value it has provided and continues to provide its customers. For example, by applying industry experiences and a consultative approach, RxS was able to provide a small-sized client with guidance on best practices, lead-in project management and technical integrations during their first prescription representative product sampling launch. The result was an overwhelming success that relieved the client of startup complexities while achieving compliance through a solid forward thinking framework, on time and on budget.

The value RxS provides customers extends also to more established pharmaceutical and biotech companies. For instance, a client needed to transition from having multiple vendors to a consolidated solution, so RxS provided such a solution and also strategic value during the transition. RxS achieved this by working with numerous internal and external stakeholders to identify scope and requirements. The outcome was a solution that met the deadline and budget and also had a positive impact throughout the company, from headquarters to customers.

RxS works with companies of all sizes and provides truly client centric solutions that meet each clients needs. To learn more about RxS offerings please visit rxsinfo.com. To schedule a visit to their new headquarters, please email sales@rxsinfo.com.

About RxS LLC

RxS LLC, a privately held company in Manalapan, New Jersey, is the leading provider of multi-channel sample management solutions for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Supported by more than 75 years of combined pharmaceutical leadership experience, RxS has been partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies since its founding in 2011 to provide regulatory compliance in order to lessen the administrative burden of the Prescription Drug Marketing Act. RxS offerings go beyond regulatory compliance, providing solutions to increase marketing and sample effectiveness. Driven by technology, RxS offers a suite of proprietary services and software solutions to ensure regulatory compliance and maximize analytics data.

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Galla Chinensis Extract Market Value Share, Supply Demand, share and Value Chain -2025

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Galla chinensis extract is used in food and pharmaceutical industries due to its strong antibacterial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties. Galla chinensis extract is derived from Rhus chinensis, or the nutgall tree, which is primarily cultivated in mainland China, and is traded regionally and globally. Since, the galla chinensis extract is used in several other industries such as, chemical industries, petrochemical industries, water treatment industries, timber industries and ink industries, the growth and demand for galla chinensis extract has higher correlation with the overall performance of mentioned industries. Apart from this, galla chinensis extract is also used in cosmetic industries for its antioxidant properties. Attributed to its health benefits which include lowering blood pressure, acid regulation, etc., the product has witness increased traction.Galla Chinensis Extract Market Segmentation:Galla chinensis extract market can be segmented on the basis of application as:Food industry:Galla chinensis extract is used in food industry as preservative and anti-foul ant in the food industry. Cheaper and easier availability of the product as compared to other preservative is improving the market for Galla chinensis. Recently Galla chinensis extract is also being used as health supplement, fueling the market for Galla chinensis extract.Petrochemical engineering:Galla chinensis extract is used in petrochemical engineering as filler and additive.Water treatment industry:Galla chinensis extract is used in water treatment as adsorbent and flocculent.Timber industry:Galla chinensis extract is used in timber industry as surface coating and adhesive.Ink industry:Galla chinensis extract is used in the manufacturing of blue ink and tanned leather.Galla chinensis extract market can be segmented on the basis of distribution channel asSupermarketSpecialty storesOnline salesRetail storesGalla Chinensis Extract Market Regional Outlook:Galla chinensis has been traditionally used in China as herbal medicines. Galla chinensis extract market is considerably growing more in Asia Pacific region in comparison to other regions. China is the prominent consumer for the product, apart from this it is also the prominent manufacturer of Galla chinensis extract. The market for Galla chinensis extract is slowly expanding to other regions like North America and Europe. A few suppliers and manufactures are strengthening their distribution network to increase market foothold in markets that has high potential and are unorganized.Galla Chinensis Extract Market Drivers & Opportunities:Galla chinensis extract has various industrial applications, which is significantly driving the market for Galla chinensis extract. Apart from this recent studies on Galla chinensis extract published in NCBI and other reputed science journals suggests that several traditional medicinal applications and properties of Galla chinensis extract are true and can be used in pharmaceutical industries for drug development for diseases like diarrhea, which is significantly increasing the market growth for Galla chinensis.Galla chinensis extract market in North America and Europe is fairly unorganized with lots of room for improvement. These are high potential market for Galla chinensis extract, leading to the development for opportunities of gala chinensis manufacturers.Galla Chinensis Extract Market Restraints:Galla chinensis extract manufacture is mainly limited to mainland China. Although there are a lot of Chinese manufactures who are exporting Galla chinensis extract in global market but poor distribution channel is a major setback for Galla chinensis extract market. Galla chinensis extract has been introduced to the new potential markets like Europe, but the lack of proper advertisement and information among the consumers and buyers is a significant restraint for Galla chinensis extract market.Request TOC of the Report@Galla Chinensis Extract Market Key Players:Some of the key players in galla chinensis extract market are Hanson TRG Biotech Co.,Ltd, Shaanxi NHK Technology Co., Ltd., Hunan Nutramax Inc., Xi'an Hygethy Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nutra Green Biotechnology Co.,Ltd. and others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Multi Cloud Storage Market Globally Expected to Drive Growth through 2025

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Multi Cloud Storage Market: IntroductionMulti cloud storage is adopted by most of the enterprises in order to use numerous cloud environment to satisfy the business requirement. An enterprise application might have multiple clouds such as private cloud, public cloud and hybrid cloud including managed service providers. Multi cloud storage can be used by web providers, enterprises, and other businesses in order to minimize the risk of data loss and also it helps to improve the quality of service. Multi cloud storage offers several functions for storing and retrieving data and they are widely used as a shared storage solution for distributed applications.The multi cloud storage helps organizations to adopt changing IT environment to minimize cost and to reduce the need to hardware and appliances.Multi Cloud Storage Market: Drivers and ChallengesThe heavy adoption of emerging cloud based platform-as-a- service (Paas) by several enterprises is one of the major factor driving the multi cloud storage market. Multi cloud storage provides easy access to end users working on the different platform. The implementation of multiple cloud services is increasing as it helps to reduce dependency on a single vendor. The multi cloud application management storage platform helps the organization to improve its overall performance by means of different infrastructure services to fulfill the computing needs of its users.Integration issues of multi cloud storage is one of the major restraint faced by the multi cloud storage market.Multi Cloud Storage Market: SegmentationSegmentation on the basis of deployment type:PublicPrivateHybridSegmentation on the basis of Enterprise size:Small and Medium EnterprisesLarge EnterprisesSegmentation on the basis of verticals:BFSIRetailEnergy and UtilityHealth care and Life scienceGovernmentOthersMulti Cloud Storage Market: Regional OverviewPresently, North America region is holding the largest market share of multi cloud storage market followed by European and APAC region. In this regions, Multi cloud storage market is growing gradually owing to the adoption of various several cloud storage platforms services by small and large scale enterprises.Request TOC of the Report@Multi Cloud Storage Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players of the multi cloud storage market are: IBM Corp., SAP SE, Microsoft Corp., Gosun technology, Google, VMware and EMCThe report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Daisy Extract Market Analysis, Segments, Growth and Value Chain -2025

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In the new aura of modern world, people have started to prefer natural and herbal products instead of high priced artificial products. Bellis perennis commonly known as Daisy plant is herbaceous perennial plant with various benefits like skin care, cosmetic applications, and pharmaceutical applications. Daisy extract is composed of flower and leaf extract. It is used as an ingredient in various pharmaceutical products, and skincare products. Daisy flower extract is also used for lightening the skin tone by interrupting the path of melanin formation as it contains a combination of polyphenols that inhibits the tyronase formation which suppresses the melanin formation. Daisy flowers are edible and possess anti-bacterial properties, hence used in teas to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Daisy extract have history of healing wounds, hence exceptionally repair the skin tissues.On the basis of region, Daisy extract market is holding the highest share in Europe, followed by North America and Asia, where they are often considered as weed. Daisy extract market is expected to grow during the forecast period.Daisy Extract Market: SegmentationDaisy extract is an herbal alternative used in cosmetic, skin care and pharmaceutical industries. Daisy extract market can be segmented on the basis of form, applications, variety, and region.On the basis of form, Daisy extract market can be segmented into Daisy extract powder and liquid Daisy extract.Daisy extract market can be further segmented on the basis of applications into pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products, skin care products and teas. Leaves of Daisy plant possess anti-bacterial properties.On the basis of variety, Daisy extract market can be segmented into organic Daisy Extract and Conventional Daisy extract. Organic products are more preferred in the market.Daisy extract market: Drivers, Restraints and TrendsDue to change in the market trend, people are more interested in natural products which will play an important role in the present Daisy extract market as it can suffice the need. The Daisy extract is new in a lot of the countries and has a potential market to grow. Improved farming techniques in the producing regions and plants own ability to grow fast have created a good surplus yield, which is leading to the easy availability of cheap raw source for the Daisy extract market, hence could be considered as a driving force. Anti-bacterial properties of Daisy extract are exploited by pharmaceutical industries, hence could be a driving force for the market.Less awareness among the population about the Daisy extract could be considered as a restraint for the market. Also, the quality of the final product is determined by pre-harvest and post-harvest factors like harvest time of the plant or the moisture content of the extract.Daisy Extract Market: Regional OutlookDepending on the geographic regions, Global Daisy extract Market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, APAC and MEA.Europe holds the largest share of Daisy extract Market followed by North America which also possess a large Daisy extract Market. U.K, Denmark, Lithuania, France, and Netherlands hold the top list of producers in Europe.Asia Pacific Daisy extract Market is expected to grow during the forecast period because people have started to opt for herbal products. China holds the largest share. Middle East and Africa is expected to grow in forecast period.Population around the globe is getting aware slowly about the health benefits and products of Daisy extract. The recent trend is people are looking for more health beneficiary herbal products.Request TOC of the Report@Daisy Extract Market: Key PlayersThe local manufacturers could be the key players in uprising Daisy extract Market. Some of the prominent manufacturers of Daisy extract are Florihana, Burts Bees, Sisean cosmetics, Bristol botanicals ltd., Rhonda Allison, Carruba, Inc., Changsha Vigorous-Tech Co. Ltd., SRS Aromatics and few other regional players.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Rental Air Compressors Market Dynamics, Forecast, Analysis and Supply Demand -2025

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Air compressor is a machine used to convert power from electric motors into kinetic energy. Rental air compressors are customized compressors made available to the client on rent. Rental air compressors is a good option to meet short- or long-term demand and unexpected contingencies or emergencies. The use of these compressors reduces the additional repairing cost arising out of system breakdown and the risk of financial loss. They also offer significant cost advantage. The purchase and installation of new compressors incur significant costs. The shift in trend toward renting compressors with operational expenses is a key factor driving the demand for rental air compressors. Failure and frequent replacement of aging equipment, changing emission standards, and the recovering petrochemical & refining sector are some of the factors fuelling the demand for rental air compressors. Additionally, growth of the manufacturing sector and the coal & mining equipment sector is expected to propel the demand for rental air compressors during the forecast period. Development of more efficient air compressors to mitigate the concerns pertaining to noise pollution and air pollution and potential innovations in technology are likely to boost the use of rental air compressors in the construction industry. These factors are expected to positively influence the demand for rental air compressors in the near future.Based on compressor type, the market for rental air compressors can be divided into reciprocating and rotary screw air compressors. In 2016, rotary screw was the dominant segment holding a significant share of the market. Rotary screw compressors are increasingly being employed as a power tool in the construction industry. They are also used in the oil & gas industry in oil rigs operations to extract crude oil. As a result, the rotary screw segment is expected to witness remarkable growth during the forecast period. This growth is also attributable to growth of construction and oil & gas sectors, particularly in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Depending on end use, the market for rental air compressors can be segmented into construction, mining, oil & gas, power generation, manufacturing, and chemical. Rental air compressors are widely used as pneumatic tools in manufacturing and construction industries. Increase in infrastructural development and boom in residential and commercial construction activities, particularly in Asia Pacific, drive the demand for air compressors in bulk handling and drilling applications. As a result, the construction segment held a major market share in 2016. The mining sector has been witnessing sluggish growth for the last few years, due to abridged investments and reduced demand in North America and Europe. However, unexplored regions such as Africa and Latin America present significant growth opportunities for the mining equipment sector. The mining segment is estimated to expand significantly in the next few years. Rental air compressors, especially rotary screw compressors, are widely employed for heavy-duty applications in the mining industry owing to their high efficiency and safe performance during mining operations. The chemical segment is expected to witness impressive growth during the forecast period, owing to use of rental air compressors in automatic control systems, spot cooling, and molding plastics applications.In terms of geography, Asia Pacific held a major share of the global rental air compressors market in 2016. This is attributable to flourishing construction and manufacturing sectors in the region. Most of the end-user firms in the two industries are capital-intensive and they prefer using air compressors on rent rather than buying them.Request TOC of the Report@Key players operating in the global rental air compressors market include Ingersoll Rand, Caterpillar, Atlas Copco, Aggreko, and Hertz Equipment.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Market size and Key Trends in terms of volume and value -2025

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Cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance, is essential for the preparation of hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help in the digestion of food. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) carry cholesterol throughout the body. LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, leads to a buildup of cholesterol in arteries causing atherosclerosis. HDL cholesterol, also known as good cholesterol, is responsible for the removal of cholesterol from the body through the liver. Maintaining a proper balance among them is important for a healthy heart. Total cholesterol in the blood below 200 mg/dL is a desirable category. Increase in the level of LDL cholesterol causes deposition of cholesterol on walls of artery in the form of plaques. When these plaques start breaking, blood clots appear around the plaques leading to narrowing of blood vessels and reduced oxygen carrying capacity. Changing lifestyles, lack of exercise, and increase in the intake of saturated and trans fat, smoking, and alcohol consumption are major factors contributing to the increased prevalence of high cholesterol levels in patients. Genetics can be another reason for high cholesterol levels in blood as high LDL levels are found in people who have familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition. Abnormal levels of cholesterol also occur due to presence of one or more conditions such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, underactive thyroid gland, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy, and other conditions that increase the level of female hormones and drugs that increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol (progestins, anabolic steroids, and corticosteroids). Moreover, increasing intake of white bread & pastas instead of whole wheat and rising consumption of cheese, whole milk, and red meat are driving the growth of the market for cholesterol lowering drugs.The global cholesterol lowering drugs market can be segmented as drug class and region. Based on drug class, the market is segmented as statins, bile acid sequestrants, nicotinic acid, fibrates, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors. Statins, bile acid sequestrants, and ezetimibe lower the LDL cholesterol while nicotinic acid lowers LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides. Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are the first line drug therapy to lower LDL cholesterol and also help in the prevention of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Few examples of statin drugs include lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, and rosuvastatin. Among these, atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) are leading the market. In addition, the added anti-inflammatory property of statins has increased the demand for statin drug class. However, development of statin resistance in some patients and rhabdomyelosis, a severe side effect caused by statins, are restraining the market growth. The availability of generic drugs of leading brands is likely to restraint the market growth during the forecast period. Drug class of bile acid sequestrants include cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam. These drugs are not effective when used alone. Hence, they are recommended to be used along with statins. Ezetimibe is an adjuvant therapy to be used with statins to manage hyperlipidemia. PCSK9 is a protein that blocks the LDL cholesterol binding sites in the liver thus lowering LDL cholesterol removal from body. PCSK9 inhibitor is an emerging class of cholesterol lowering agent. Monoclonal antibodies such as Repatha (evolocumab) by Amegen and Praluent (alirocumab) by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. are few examples which come under this class. The approval of Repatha and Praluent has influenced the immediate cost of drugs under PCSK9 inhibitors.Geographically, the cholesterol lowering drugs market is distributed over North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Europe is the largest market for cholesterol lowering drugs owing to high prevalence of hyperlipidemia. According to the WHO, 133 million people suffer from bad cholesterol in EUs five countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the U.K. North America is also a large market for cholesterol lowering drugs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 610,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. every year. Drivers boosting the market growth in this region are unhealthy lifestyles and genes. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia is increasing in some countries of Asia and South American. Thus, these regions are emerging markets for cholesterol lowering drugs.Request TOC of the Report@Key players operating in the cholesterol lowering drugs market are AstraZeneca, Merck, Pfizer, AbbVie, Novartis, Sanofi, Kowa, Daiichi Sankyo, and Amgen.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Felix Shipkevich to Speak at RevCon2017 Regulatory Panel

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Felix Shipkevich, founder and Principal of Shipkevich PLLC, will be a guest speaker next week at RevCon2017, a yearly convention for debt relief and financial services. Having extensive involvement with the debt relief industry, this convention presets a mutual opportunity for Mr. Shipkevich to speak in the regulatory legal panel, his area of expertise.Mr. Shipkevich's area of practice focuses on regulatory compliance, debt consolidation, and enforcement defense. He has experience representing clients investigated by the regulatory agencies that govern the debt relief industry such as the Consumer Financial Services Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).RevCon2017 focuses on bridging the gap between regulatory bodies and consumers, hence attorneys and experts will be speaking in the regulatory panel to connect business owners with the rules set forth by regulatory agencies. Mr. Shipkevich is also editor-in-chief of Debt Relief Watch, a resource benefiting business owners and compliance practitioners track changes in the regulatory legal landscape.Mr. Shipkevich has previously spoken in various panels for the debt relief services industry and he is frequently published in Compliance Reporter, e-Forex, and FX Week. As a special professor of Corporate Finance at Hofstra University School of Law, Mr. Shipkevich offers clarity in explaining legal stature and interpreting rules and regulations set forth by governing entities. The debt relief industry has been segmented by divisions over compliance and ethical practices. This convention offers communication between both parties and experienced attorneys are essential channels to convey mutual understanding.In accordance with RevCon2017 innovative financial services endeavors, Shipkevich PLLC believes that "A new future cannot be envisioned with an old mindset" and constantly surpasses the outdated model to better serve the needs of their clients. The firm's growth is fueled by a foundation built on respect and trust with its partners and clients, and this convention is an extension of those core values.The regulatory panel will be held in the morning of the second day of RevCon2017, September 19th, 2017. The convention will take three days in in Las Vegas, NV.Shipkevich PLLC is a hyper-growth, forward thinking law practice with offices in New York and London, featuring a team of world-class, diverse professionals relentlessly surpassing the outdated model of a traditional law firm. For more information, please visitorShipkevich PLLC65 Broadway, Suite 508New York, NY 10006Press Contact:Walter A. Avaloswavalos@shipkevich.com2122523003
Global Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market Geographical segmentation Market landscape 2024

Global Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market  Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024

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Global Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market,By Product (instruments and analyzers, consumables (assays and reagents), and software & services), By Test Type (Laboratory Tests and Imaging Tests), By Applications (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Tuberculosis (TB), Chlamydia Trachomatis and Gonorrhea, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), others), By Techniques (Conventional Techniques, Biochemical Techniques, Molecular Techniques), By End User (Diagnostic laboratories, Academic and medical institutes, Hospitals and Ambulatory clinics), By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa)  Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024The Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market accounted to USD 12.6 billion in 2016 growing at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2024. The upcoming market report contains data for historic years 2015, the base year of calculation is 2016 and the forecast period is 2017 to 2024.Request for TOC@Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market  Market Segmentation:By product type the infectious disease diagnostics market is segmented into instruments and analyzers, consumables and software & services.Consumables are further segmented into assays and reagents.On the basis of test type the market is segmented into laboratory tests and imaging tests.By Applications the market is segmented into Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Acquired Immuno deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Tuberculosis (TB), Chlamydia Trachomatis and Gonorrhea, Human Papilloma virus (HPV), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and others.By Techniques the market is segmented into conventional techniques, biochemical techniques, and molecular Techniques.On the basis of End User the market is segmented into diagnostic laboratories, academic and medical institutes, hospitals and ambulatory clinics.Browse Full Report with Details TOC @Based on geography, the market is segmented into five geographical regions: North America Europe Asia-Pacific South America Middle East and AfricaThe geographical regions are further segmented into 29 major countries such as U.S. Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Belgium, Switzerland, Belgium, Turkey, Japan, China, Singapore, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa and others.Request For Sample:Some of the major players operating in this market areSome of the major players operating in infectious disease diagnostics market are Becton Dickinson & Company, Abbott Laboratories, Hologic Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Thermo Fischer Scientific, Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Danaher Corporation, DiaSorin, Affymetrix, BioMerieux among others.Related ReportGlobal Hemostats Market- Trends and Forecast to 2024Global Hemostats Market, By Product Type (Thrombin Based, Combination, Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose Based, Gelatin Based, Collagen Based Hemostat), By Indication (Wound Closure, Surgery), By End-User (Hospitals, Clinics, Ambulatory Centers, Community Healthcare, Others), By Geography (North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa)  Trends and Forecast to 2024About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Ankit SinghData Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: Sales@databridgemarketresearch.comInvestor: investors@databridgemarketresearch.comVisit BlogData Bridge is an organization lead by well versed forecasters, analysts and researchers who indulge in detailed and diligent research on different markets, trends and emerging opportunities in the successive direction to cater to your business needs. Data Bridge aims to make your organization well acquainted with profound knowledge of the global and local market statistics.Data Bridge Market ResearchOffice Number 402 & 317, Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road, HadapsarPune  411028Maharashtra, India
Microplate Readers Market Global Industry Analysis and Trends till 2025

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Microplate readers are also known as plate readers or microplate photometers. This instrument is used to detect biological, physical, and chemical events of samples in microtiter plates. Microplate technologies are flexible, configurable, reliable, and ubiquitous in structure. The system handles the routine upgradeable design which creates new assay possibilities. Its unique technology and software features ensure better functional ability, and also increase the productivity of the lab in near future. There are many types of microplates, which depends on density of wells structure, color, material of plastic and various coatings. However, new developments in medical devices allow to detect the diseases or infection at the cellular and molecular level, paving the way for early diagnosis and treatment of diseases.Request Sample Copy of the Report @High prevalence of diseases such as influenza, rising patient awareness, growing research and development initiatives, advent of high-throughput screening (HTS) for drug discovery, and genomic technology are important driving factors for the growth of the microplate readers market. According to the World Health Organization, India and Bangladesh have been detected with high proportion of influenza A (H1N1). In southern China, 1,074 specimens were tested positive for influenza in April 2012. In 2012, there were 119 influenza-associated SARI cases reported between January 13 and April 18, out of which 58% of cases was known to be fatal. In 2015, the WHO stated that the number of new cancer cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next two decades. Growth in technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, which rely on sensitive biologic fluorescent imaging reagents, is projected to fuel the growth of the overall microplate readers market. However, factors such as high cost of reagents, label-free technologies, and sensitivity towards storage conditions are expected to hamper the growth of the global microplate readers market.The global microplate readers market has been segmented on the basis of product, technology, application, end-user, and region. In terms of product, the market is classified into single mode reader, absorbance reader, fluorescence reader, and multimode reader. In terms of technology, the market is classified into nanotechnology, biologic targeting, microfluidics, supramolecular chemistry, protein engineering, and others. In terms of application, the market is classified into oncology, biotechnology, neurology, and others. Biotechnology is a fast growing segment owing to increasing funds in research and technology globally. In terms of end-user, the market is classified into diagnostic laboratories, pathology labs, life sciences and research lab, and others.In terms of region, the market is distributed over North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Geographically, North America dominates the global microplate readers market due to increase in funding for the development of research and health care infrastructure. Growing incidence of epidemic diseases and early phase diagnosis and treatment of diseases are driving the medical biotechnology segment, which in turn is expected to boost the growth of the market for microplate readers in North America. Europe is the second largest market for microplate readers as there are favorable government policies regarding the development of health care infrastructure and molecular device companies. Asia Pacific is expected to expand at a high growth rate during the forecast period due to rising population, changing lifestyle, growing awareness among patients, and increasing per capita expenditure. In addition, the economic growth in India and China is supporting the health care infrastructure as well as expansion of pharmaceutical companies and biotech labs.Major players operating in the global microplate readers market include PerkinElmer, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, MDS Analytical Technologies, Tecan, BioTek Instruments, Inc., Corning, and Greiner Bio-One among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Pharmaceutical Contract Sales Outsourcing (CSO) Market 2017-2025

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Changing dynamics of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries has led to innovation and modifications in the pharmaceutical sales model. Many small- and medium-scale pharmaceutical companies are outsourcing their sales and marketing operations to contract service providers known as contract sales organizations (CSO). Changes in market access, reimbursement policies, and industry competitive environment are key factors that are driving the expansion of contract sales organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. The contract sales organizations (CSO) offer varied services, ranging from telemarketing to sales training, to field management and sales force deployment. CSOs offer customized services to their clients such as dedicated sales or syndicated sales, which make them the preferred choice for managing result-oriented commercial partners for numerous pharmaceutical companies.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Increasing R&D and other operating costs in pharmaceutical industries are forcing many medium and big pharmaceutical companies to outsource their sales operations, as it offers cost controls, better results, and flexibility in terms of operations. CSOs offer expertise in terms of market access, healthcare authorities, and key account management on local level, which has led to the rise in number of CSOs in recent years and is estimated to continue in the near future. According to an independent survey in the U.S., 8% of pharmaceutical representatives were outsourced in 2011, which has risen to 11% in 2015, while in Europe, around one-third of pharmaceutical representatives are from CSOs. However, few CSOs offer their sales and marketing services to multiple companies operating in the same specialty, which may lead to a conflict of interest. This is a major concern among pharmaceutical players. Moreover, the increasing digitalization of marketing and sales of pharmaceuticals is anticipated to restrain the pharmaceutical sales outsourcing market.The global pharmaceutical sales outsourcing market is segmented on the basis of sales model, service type, territory or area of coverage, and geography. In terms of sales model, the global pharmaceutical sales outsourcing market can be segmented into dedicated sales model and syndicate sales model. The dedicated sales model is found to be more attractive among specialty drugs manufacturer and big pharmaceutical companies. In terms of service type, the global pharmaceutical sales outsourcing market can be segmented into personal promotion, non-personal promotion, and other services. The personal promotion services segment can be further sub-segmented into sales force deployment, vacancy management, key account management, physician education services, and others. The non-personal promotion services segment can be sub-segmented into telesales, medical call centers, online marketing and sales, e-sampling, and others. Similarly, the others services segment can be sub-segmented into sales training, field management, medical science liasoning and others. The non-personal promotion segment has been widely adopted by most pharmaceutical companies for telemarketing and online and digital marketing and sales of their pharmaceutical products. In terms of territory or area of coverage, the global pharmaceutical sales outsourcing market can be segmented into country level and multinational.In terms of geography, the global pharmaceutical sales outsourcing market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Europe is estimated to hold a prominent share of the global pharmaceutical sales outsourcing market and is anticipated to expand at a high growth rate due to price constraints for pharmaceutical companies. Asia Pacific is projected to follow Europe in terms of growth rate due to increasing expansion of international pharmaceutical companies in this region and need for CSO to handle the varied market dynamics across the countries in Asia Pacific.Major players operating in the global pharmaceutical sales outsourcing market include Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services (UDG Healthcare PLC), Publicis Touchpoint Solutions, Inc., inVentiv Health, Inc., QuintilesIMS, PDI, Inc., Granard Pharmaceutical Sales & Marketing, Vanguard Pharma Inc., GTS Solution, MABICO S.A., and Sales Partnerships, Inc.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Packaged LED Market Dynamics, Segments and Supply Demand 2017-2025

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Packaged LED are continuing to advance in terms of color quality, efficacy, and lumen outputs. Evolution in architecture, component and package developments are trending in the packaged LED market. The market saw consolidation in years 2014 and 2015 owing to overcapacity caused by LED TV and the entry of Chinese players in the industry. Most of the small players went bankrupt and mid players have been acquired to decrease the competition and stabilize the price erosions. The packaged LED market experienced massive hit owing to drastic price erosions along with discordant exchange rates in most of the regions. Decline in displays and mobile markets in 2015 was another reason for companies to compete in this industry. The average selling price (ASP) for mid and low powered LEDs declined about 30%-40% thus resulting in revenue decline in 2015. This decline was indicated by the lower-than anticipated demand from LED lighting and backlight markets.Request Sample Copy of the Report @LED industry is innovating, moving and continuing to pace itself as compared to the situation in 2015. The industry has paced to recover from 2016 and the manufacturers are focused towards increasing their activity in automotive industry as the automotive application is experiencing growth as compared to lighting segment. The ASPs have mostly stabilized for highly commoditized stocks such as low-power and mid-power LEDs. The demand for lighting application is rising along with the competition being stiffer leading to significant drops in LED prices as the competition intensifies.The lighting sector is expected to witness steady growth in the packaged LED market owing to its use in commercial luminaires, replacement lamps and outdoor luminaires. The LED lighting market is yet to reach its tipping point owing to the dropping prices, incentivizing rebates and manufacturers innovating new technologies to make LED lighting desirable and relevant. Technological advancements have enabled customers to adopt LEDs thus opening up new opportunities in this industry. Smart lighting with controllable options is expected to have a positive impact on the adoption rates owing to various benefits such as indoor navigation, energy savings, and improved security.Automotive sector is expected to have substantial growth prospects as the increasing adoption of daytime running lamps and LED headlamps in mass production cars is anticipated to support the demand for packaged LED market. Chip-scale and high-luminance packaged LEDs enable vehicle headlight to be significantly smaller having new dynamic functions. For instance, the low-beam headlamps have been enabled with single lamp as light source to create the cut-off pattern. LEDs have the advantage of being smaller and brighter than the traditional lamps, and thereby are widely used in both luxury and standard automobiles.Rising adoption of packaged LEDs in medical devices, smart street lights, refrigerators and other diversified applications is expected to surge the demand over the forecast timeframe. Some of the ongoing advancements in the medical industry include light intensity improvement, long term reliability, product weight and size and use of specific wavelengths in photo physicsIncreasing demand of smartphones is expected to support the packaged LED industry over the forecast timeframe. Research and developments in smartphone backlight display has opened up new opportunities for the LED displays. For instance, the Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) are used in high-end smartphones as they are brighter than LEDs, increases the battery life and also have better response time for sensing the finger touch. Currently, the OLEDs are quiet costlier than LCD and LED displays and the costs are expected to reduce over the years owing to the economies of the scale.The packaged LED industry is highly competitive owing to strong price pressure. The LED manufacturers are looking for business opportunities by adapting different strategies for the development. Some of the prominent industry participants of the packaged LED market are Lumileds, Philips, Cree, Osram, Samsung, Nichia, Sharp and Citizen. Product and application diversification are the major strategies adopted by the manufacturers. Product diversification include chip on board (COB), flip chip (FC), LED filaments and chip-scale package (CSP) LEDs. Application diversification include focusing on niche markets such as horticultural lighting, automotive lighting among others. Other industry participants are developing disruptive strategies for new growth relays such as focusing on non-visible LEDs such as IR and UV LEDs or vertical integration towards LED modules.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amlan International, a leader in intestinal health in the global animal health and nutrition industry announces that Dr. Margie D. Lee, Professor of Population Health & Diagnostic Laboratory Director, Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center & College of Veterinary Medicine at The University of Georgia, will speak at their Global Sales Meeting on Wednesday, September 13th. Her presentation will focus on bacterial pathogenesis and potential mechanisms of antibiotic alternatives in poultry production.



Dr. Lees research is focused on epidemiology of meat and poultry-borne food safety pathogens, microbial pathogenesis, and ecology of poultry intestinal microbiome. Her research has been featured in 77 peer-reviewed publications as well as chapters in the Merck Veterinary Manual and the Laboratory Manual for Isolation.

Dr. Ron Cravens, President of Amlan International, a Nevada corporation, stated, We are excited to have Dr. Lee address our team. I am confident that her industry experience will provide helpful insight in communicating with our customers.

Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE:ODC), a Delaware corporation and doing business as Amlan International, has grown its product offering across the intestinal health and AGP-alternative market, driven largely by the research conducted in its laboratory campus in Vernon Hills, IL. In 2013, the companys global reach expanded with the establishment of its China subsidiary in Shenzhen. Further information on Amlan International is available at Amlan.com.

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Reagan B. Culbertson

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Europe Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Market 2017 Share,Trend,Segmentation and Forecast to 2022

Europe Vegetarian Softgel Capsules 2017

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - Europe Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Market 2017 Share,Trend,Segmentation and Forecast to 2022."Vegetarian Softgel Capsules is a kind of Softgels, a solid outer shell and inner surrounding a liquid or semi-solid (inner fill) active ingredient that can be incorporated into the outer shell, the inner fill, or both.Vegetarian Softgels are all-natural, GMO free, plant-based shell, free from animal derivatives, gluten, and modified sugars. Nowadays, Vegetarian Softgels can be divided into several kinds such as Plant Polysaccharides (Pullulan), Starches, and Hydroxyl Propyl Methyl Celluloses. Vegetarian Softgels possess the benefits of suited for Halal or Kosher certification; Pure, clear and elegant appearance with no taste or odor; Ideal for improving the bioavailability of oil soluble ingredients; Easy to swallow, safe, non-carcinogenic and tamper evident, etc."Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Vegetarian Softgel Capsules in Europe market, especially in Germany, UK, France, Russia, and Italy. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversCatalentProcaps LaboratoriosEuroCapsBest FormulationsAenovaCaptekSIRIOBahrain PharmaRobinson PharmaMarket Segment by Countries, coveringGermanyUKFranceRussiaItalyMarket Segment by Type, coversStarchPullulanOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoPharmaceuticalHealth SupplementsOthersAsk Query @There are 17 Chapters to deeply display the Europe Vegetarian Softgel Capsules market.Chapter 1, to describe Vegetarian Softgel Capsules 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 Vegetarian Softgel Capsules, 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 in Europe, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the Europe market by countries, covering Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia, with sales, price, revenue and market share of Vegetarian Softgel Capsules, for each country, from 2012 to 2017;Continue.Table Of Contents  Major Key Points1 Market Overview1.1 Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Starch1.2.2 Pullulan1.2.3 Others1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Pharmaceutical1.3.2 Health Supplements1.3.3 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Countries1.4.1 Germany Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 France Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 UK Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Russia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Italy 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 Catalent2.1.1 Profile2.1.2 Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 Catalent Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.1.4 Business Overview2.1.5 Catalent News2.2 Procaps Laboratorios2.2.1 Profile2.2.2 Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Procaps Laboratorios Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2.4 Business Overview2.2.5 Procaps Laboratorios News2.3 EuroCaps2.3.1 Profile2.3.2 Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 EuroCaps Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3.4 Business Overview2.3.5 EuroCaps News2.4 Best Formulations2.4.1 Profile2.4.2 Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 Best Formulations Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4.4 Business Overview2.4.5 Best Formulations News2.5 Aenova2.5.1 Profile2.5.2 Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 Aenova Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5.4 Business Overview2.5.5 Aenova News2.6 Captek2.6.1 Profile2.6.2 Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 Captek Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6.4 Business Overview2.6.5 Captek News2.7 SIRIO2.7.1 Profile2.7.2 Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 SIRIO Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7.4 Business Overview2.7.5 SIRIO News2.8 Bahrain Pharma2.8.1 Profile2.8.2 Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 Bahrain Pharma Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.8.4 Business Overview2.8.5 Bahrain Pharma News2.9 Robinson Pharma2.9.1 Profile2.9.2 Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Type and Applications2.9.2.1 Type 12.9.2.2 Type 22.9.3 Robinson Pharma Vegetarian Softgel Capsules Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.9.4 Business Overview2.9.5 Robinson Pharma NewsContinue.For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comBuy 1-User PDF@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.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028.
Tomato Paste Market Dynamics, Forecast, Analysis and Supply Demand 2017-2025

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Tomato Paste Market Introduction:Tomato is one of the major vegetable crop grown worldwide. Tomato paste is a concentrated long shelf life product used as an important food ingredient worldwide. As per Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2011, the global tomato production was approximately 130 million tons with China and Europe as leading tomato producing regions currently. Other major tomato producers across the globe are India, U.S. and Turkey. Tomato paste is prepared by removing skin, pulp of tomatoes to create tomato juice which is then concentrated generally by evaporation method in order to obtain a thick paste. Tomato paste market is expected to witness significant market growth during the forecast period owing to its widespread application in food industry.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Tomato Paste Market Segmentation:Increasing demand for organic tomato paste is expected to uplift the global market revenues of tomatoes globally in the coming years. The global tomato paste market is segmented into, product type, packaging type, area of application, sales channels and by region. By product type, the global tomato paste market is segmented on the basis of dry matter content into, single concentrate, double concentrate and triple concentrate. Double concentrate is the most common type of tomato paste currently available in the market. By packaging type the global tomato paste market is segmented into, cans, carton packaging, bottles and pouches. Cans are the preferred mode of packaging for tomato paste due to its convenient packing and to increase the shelf life of the tomato paste based products. By application the global tomato paste market is segmented into, industrial, household and commercial applications. In industrial application the tomato paste is widely used in making sauces, and in finished products such as, pizzas, soups jams and others. By sales channels the global tomato paste market is segmented into, hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, E-commerce and pother retail formats.Tomato Paste Market Regional Outlook:On the basis of region the global tomato paste market is segmented into, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa. North America and Western Europe are expected to account for significant revenue shares in the global tomato paste market over the forecast period. In European countries tomato is one of the most important vegetable consumed accounting for an approximate share of 19% as the largest fresh vegetable crop. Per capita tomato consumption is high in countries such as, Germany, Spain and France. Household use of tomato is increasing in countries such as China, India, Africa and U.S. where consumers use it for making several recipes thus, contributing towards escalating market revenues of tomato over the forecast period. Tomato paste manufactured in China enjoys great popularity in the world market because of its high quality. Also, growing manufacturers efforts to increase their tomato production capabilities is expected to fuel the tomato paste market growth over the forecast period.Tomato Paste Market Drivers and TrendsGrowing demand for convenience food products, shift towards organic and clean label products and growing consumption of tomato paste is expected to fuel the market revenue growth of tomato Paste market over the forecast period. Furthermore, growing demand for fresh tomatoes has contributed towards its escalating production across the globe. For example, in the U.S., California is the leading producer of tomato paste with fresh tomatoes production taking place across all the states in the region. Domestic tomato producers have recognized limited market opportunity in the global tomato business hence, a number of new greenhouse/hydroponic operations have come online in several States over the past few years which will further accelerate the tomato paste market growth in terms of value and value both.Tomato Paste Market Key Players:Some of the key players offering Tomato Paste include; Conagra Brands, Del Monte Foods, Inc., Olam Spices & Vegetables Inc., Los Gatos Tomatos, Cento Fine Foods, Muir Glen Organic, Vigo Importing Co., PANOS brands, Bionaturae, LLC and others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Aerospace Bearings Market Revenue, Opportunity, Forecast and Value Chain 2017-2025

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The market for aerospace bearings is heavily driven by the increased demand for aircraft deliveries. Air traffic is growing in developed as well as developing nations which is leading to enhanced demand for more aircrafts. This has led aircraft manufacturers as well as aircraft engine manufacturers to procure bearings at a faster rate than before. Moreover, the need to modernize the older aircrafts with new, reliable, and latest technologies is also encouraging manufacturers to upgrade the older aircrafts with advanced bearing, which in turn is fueling the market for aerospace bearing.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The growth of aerospace bearings market is affected by the steep cost of raw materials. Engineered plastic, stainless steel, and alloys are extremely costly due to their various capabilities which increase the cost of the products. This in turn is increasing the cost of the final bearing which is limiting aircraft manufacturers and aircraft engine manufacturers from procuring these advanced material bearings, thus restraining the growth of the bearings market in the aerospace industry. Moreover, maintenance of these bearings is also high which is another factor negatively impacting the market for aerospace bearing.The market for aerospace bearing is estimated to witness significant growth over the years due to the increased use of fiber reinforced composites bearings. These bearings are capable of carrying heavy loads and are self-actuating, which is increasing the interest among bearing manufacturers. Owing to the capability of carrying heavier loads compared to stainless steel and aluminum alloys bearing, aircraft manufacturers and aircraft engine manufacturers are heavily procuring fiber reinforced composites. This move by manufactures of aircrafts as well as aircraft engines is anticipated to boost the market for aerospace bearing.The market for aerospace bearing is segmented on basis of product types, application, material, aircrafts, and geography. The various types of aerospace bearing includes roller, ball bearing and others. The different roller bearing includes cylindrical roller bearing, needle roller bearing, tapered roller bearing, and self-actuating roller bearing. Among the different types of roller bearing, the cylindrical roller bearing is the most widely used bearing in the aerospace bearing market. The roller bearing captured the market and is anticipated to surge over the period at a faster rate due to varied application in the aerospace industry.Based on application, the market for aerospace bearing is categorized as aerostructure, flight control surfaces, engine, landing gear and others. Rapid growth in air traffic across the globe has increased the demand for latest aircraft engines which in turn has increased the requirement for bearings among the engine manufacturers. Owing to this fact, the engine segment held the largest market share and is estimated to retain its dominance. The materials used to manufacture bearings for aerospace industry includes stainless steel, fiber reinforced composites, metal backed, aluminum alloys, engineered plastics and others. The stainless steel segment held the largest share due to the capability of sustaining any condition or temperature. However, fiber reinforced composites are capable of carrying heavy load and are self-lubricating. Owing to this capability, manufacturers are increasingly opting for fiber reinforced composite bearing for the aerospace industry. The various types of aircraft operating in the aerospace industry are narrow body aircrafts, wide body aircrafts, very large body aircrafts, fighter jets, business jets, and helicopters. Geographically, the market for aerospace bearings is segmented on basis of five strategic regions globally, namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. The market for aerospace bearings is dominated by North America followed by Europe.The top players operating in the market for aerospace bearing are AST Bearing LLC (U.S), JTEKT Corporation (Japan), SKF Group (U.S), GGB Bearing Technology (France), RBC Bearing Inc. (U.S), NSK Ltd. (Japan), The Timken Company (U.S), Aurora Bearing Company (U.S), National Bearing Precision (U.S), and NTN Corporation (Japan).Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Aerotropolis Market Volume Analysis, Segments, Value Share and Key Trends 2017-2025

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An aerotropolis is a metropolitan area in which the layout, economy, and infrastructure are centered on an airport, which serves as the airport city. Aerotropolis is like metro cities, which contain a core commercial city and transport linked suburbs. An aerotropolis has all the major facilities of a metropolis, such as medical facility, offices and hotels, IT sectors, retail and wholesale merchandize marts along with an airport.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The major driving factor of the aerotropolis market is passenger experience enhancement. Airport authorities are constantly focusing on enhancing passenger experience with reliable operations at airport terminals. The aerotropolis offers passengers various options to engage in during their travel wait time such as attending official meetings, hospital facilities, and shopping among others. These features of an aerotropolis that help passengers to meet their requirements during their travel wait time, will lead to rapid adoption of the aerotropolis across the globe. Moreover, the aerotropolis provides an opportunity to drive businesses in the suburbs. An aerotropolis provides various advantages to a business in the new speed driven globally networked economy. The aerotropolis provides an attractive location for the business services sector especially corporate regional headquarters, business representative offices, conference centers, and IT firms that require executives and professional staff to undertake frequent long distance travel.The growth of the aerotropolis market is limited by the infrastructure cost. An aerotropolis is similar to a metropolitan city which has infrastructure such as airport, residential areas, hospitals, offices, and hotels. The cost involved in building this infrastructure is exorbitant, which is limiting construction companies as well as different airport authorities from opting for the new aerotropolis infrastructure. This in turn is inhibiting the aerotropolis market from expanding over the years.The development of smart cities around an airport is poised to bolster the aerotropolis market in the coming years. It has been noted that the development of airport centered smart cities which have increased connectivity with large, efficient, and well networked airports have gained interest among construction companies. This is leading to adoption of new technologies at a rapid rate in order to provide passengers with enhanced experiences as well as help business hubs to grow. Rapid adoption of aerotropolis systems is anticipated to expand the aerotropolis market in the coming years.The aerotropolis market is segmented on the basis of types, and geography. The two types of aerotropolis are greenfield airport aerotropolis and brown field airport aerotropolis. The greenfield airport aerotropolis market accounted for maximum share due to the rapid increase in air traffic across the globe and surging demand for air travel. Owing to this, airport authorities are constantly focusing on enhancing non-aeronautical revenues by offering passengers with better value added services even during their wait. Owing to the fact that, the construction companies along with airport authorities opt to build their own airport infrastructure rather than purchasing or leasing an existing area, and construct it as per their requirements, the greenfield airport aerotropolis are the most demanding types in the recent years and is anticipated to witness substantial growth in the coming years. Geographically, the aerotropolis market is segmented on basis of five strategic regions. These includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. The major revenue contributor to the aerotropolis market in the past few years is Asia Pacific due to increased number of airports being constructed in the region. The market in Europe, and Middle East and Africa is anticipated to grow at a faster rate than the other regions in the coming years.The leading vendors in the market for aerotropolis includes Turner Construction (U.S), Skanska AB (Sweden), Walsh Group (U.S), Manhattan Construction Company (U.S), The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company (U.S), HENSEL PHELPS (U.S), Austin Industries (U.S), Clark Construction (U.S), Balfour Beatty (U.K), and McCarthy Building Companies (U.S).Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Infrared Search and Track Systems Market Globally Expected to Drive Growth through 2025

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The infrared search and track systems is a phenomena of locating and tracking objects using infrared radiations. These systems does not fire any radiating beams unlike radar, thus, making it difficult for the enemy to detect the origin of the radiating beams.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The major advantage of infrared search and track systems market is the demand for enhanced situational awareness is growing at a rapid rate across the globe. The situational awareness is a major factor during combat, and infrared systems increases the situational awareness among the defense forces by helping them during search and rescue or track operation in the dark. This factor is increasing the demand for infrared search and track systems among the defense forces worldwide. In addition, the defense budget is increasing in developed as well as developing countries in comparison to last couple of years. The increased defense budgets is helping the defense forces to adopt latest technologies to benefit the military troops on the battleground.The key challenge faced by the defense forces during procurement of the infrared search and track systems is the limited operational range of the systems. Due to technological constraints from various defense authorities across the globe, the manufacturers of infrared search and track systems restricts the operational range and which in turn limits the procurement of the systems among the defense forces, resulting in negative impact on the growth of the market in future.The defense forces are investing heavily in the modernization of the military forces, air forces, and naval forces, with the latest technologies. This factor is acting as an opportunity for the infrared search and track market to grow in future. The modernization of military includes incorporation of technologically advanced weaponries, technologically robust situational awareness systems and latest wearable. Thus, modernization of military forces, air forces, and naval forces across the globe is expected to grow the market for infrared search and track systems in the coming years.The market for infrared search and track systems is segmented on basis of components, platform, end users and geography. The different components integrated in the infrared search and track systems includes scanning head, processing and control electronics, and display. The scanning head segment is further categorized as infrared module, optics and laser range finder. Among the various types of components, the scanning head led the market in the past few years and is expected to lead the market in future. This is due to the fact that, the infrared module and laser systems helps in enhanced search and tracking of enemy as well as enemy vehicles and armories. On basis of platform, the market for infrared search and track systems is segmented as airborne, naval and land. The airborne platform is sub segmented as aircrafts and unmanned aerial vehicle. The naval platform is further broken down into destroyers, offshore patrol vessels, amphibious warships, cruisers, aircraft carriers and others. The land platform is sub segmented as armored vehicle, and military personnel carrier others. The airborne segment dominates the market in the current scenario and is also expected to lead the market in the coming years due to the rapid modernization of military aircrafts, which enhances the search and track systems. The infrared search and track systems is categorized on basis of end users as defense sector, law enforcement agencies and homeland security. The defense sector captures the majority of market share in the past few years and is expected to dominate the market in future due to growing defense budgets across the globe. Globally, the market for infrared search and track systems is categorized as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.The top ten players present in the market for infrared search and track systems includes, Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S), Aselsan A.S. (Turkey), Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S), Safran SA (France), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), Thales Group (France), Leonardo S.P.A. (Italy), HGH Infrared Systems (France), Tonbo Imaging (India) and MBDA (France) among others.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Military Laser Designator Market Forecast and Trends Analysis Research Report

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A laser designator is an electro-mechanical device used to detect a target such as laser guided missiles, bombs, or precision munitions. The beam generated from a laser designator, is invisible when a target is detected and the laser signal bounces on the target in the sky, which then steers itself towards the center of the reflected signal.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The major factor acting as a driving force to the market for military laser designator is the demand for enhanced security in order to combat laser guided munitions. The modern laser designators fires a complex, unique pattern of beam which distracts the laser guided munitions to other directions and thus disabling laser guided munitions to home on the intended target. Hence, resulting in enhanced safety during combat. Another prominent factor fueling the growth of military laser designator market is the increased demand for use of miniature laser designators to mount on unmanned aerial vehicle. The defense forces in the developed and developing nations are investing heavily in the development of miniature laser designators in order to meet the growing demand for the same.The growth of market for laser designators is affected by the reduced operational efficiency in extreme weather conditions. The military laser designators are highly effective against any incoming missiles, laser guided bombs or munitions in clear weather condition, however in bad weather conditions such as smoke, cloud cover and rain, the effectiveness of laser designators against the intended targets reduces and sometimes the beams are impossible to locate or detect the target. Owing to this factor, defense authorities across the globe are limiting their procurement of these electro-mechanical devices, which in turn is hindering the growth of the market in future.The manufacturers of military laser designators, along with different defense authorities are researching on development of drones as laser designators. This development will help the military forces to procure single system instead of two different systems for the same usage. This factor is anticipated to boost the growth of market for military laser designators in future.The market for military laser designator is segmented on basis of types, end user, technology and geography. The various types of military laser designators are man-portable laser designators, vehicle mounted laser designators, and unmanned aerial vehicle mounted laser designators. Among the different types, the vehicle mounted laser designators dominated the market for military laser designator in the past few years and is also expected to dominate the market in future. This is attributed to the fact that, defense authorities across the globe are investing heavily on ground based, airborne, and shipboard high energy laser designators. The defense sector and homeland security constitutes the end user segment, where the defense sector captured the largest market due to the enhanced benefits such as detecting, warning, targeting and destroying the intended target and causing less collateral damage. In terms of technology, the military laser designators market is segmented as solid state laser designators, fiber laser designators, chemical laser designators, and semiconductor laser designators. The solid state laser designators dominate the market as the solid state laser designators use material in the solid form and not in the gas or liquid form, hence chances of material wastage is reduced. Moreover, the construction of solid state laser designators are simple and are easy to maintain. Geographically, the military laser designator market is categorized on basis of five strategic regions globally. These includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America. The leading region in the global military laser designators market in North America, owing to the fact that huge military spending and technological enhancement in the region is helping the region to lead the market.The leading companies operating in the military laser designator market includes UTC Aerospace Systems (U.S), Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S), Thales Group (France), L-3 Technologies Inc. (U.S), Leonardo S.P.A. (Italy), General Atomics (U.S), Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel), FLIR Systems Inc. (U.S), RPMC Lasers (U.S), and Gooch & Housego (U.K).Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Remote Weapon Station Market Global Industry Analysis and Forecast Till 2025

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The major driving factor for the remote weapon station market is the increasing need for remote weapons station in the defense forces across the globe. The remote weapons station helps the military troops efficiently during close-in combat situations. Owing to this fact, the demand for remote weapons station is increasing among the defense forces in the developed as well as developing nations. Moreover, rise in political conflicts, and regional conflicts in different parts of the world is also increasing the usage of remote weapon stations by the homeland securities and law enforcement agencies, which is boosting the market to grow over the period.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The growth of market for remote weapon stations is hindered by the high development cost of the stations. The remote weapon stations consists of various expensive sensors and fire control systems which increases the price of the ultimate product. This in turn limits adoption rate of the systems among the defense forces in many emerging nations.The increase in military spending to innovate and develop robust weapon systems in order to modernize the defense forces across the globe is acting as a major opportunity for the market for remote weapon stations. This is attributed to the fact that, the developed countries such as the U.S, the U.K, Germany, Russia, China among others and developing countries such as India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa among others are investing substantial amounts in developing latest technology weapons which include remote weapon stations. The growing investments in the research and development among the defense forces are expected to boost the market for remote weapon stations in the coming years. In addition, the growing demand for remote weapon stations in the emerging countries such as India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil in order to equip the defense forces and homeland security with the latest weapons and armaments, is also anticipated to bolster the remote weapons stations market.The market for remote weapons station is segmented on basis of components, weapon caliber, application, platform, and geography. The various components of remote weapons station are sensors, fire control station and weapon & armament. The fire control systems segment accounted for the majority market share and the sensors segment is expected to expand at an influential rate. Small caliber and medium caliber segments constitute the weapon caliber segment in the remote weapons station market. Due to the growing demand for long range lethal weapons, the medium caliber segment led the market and is expected to lead the market in future. In terms of application, the remote weapons station market is bifurcated into military forces and homeland security. The military forces dominated the market in past, due to increased usage of active weapons and non-lethal weapons in the defense forces across the globe. The platform segment in the remote weapons stations market includes airborne, naval and land. The land segment sis further segmented as main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers. The naval segment is sub segmented as remote gun turret and close-in weapons stations. The land segment dominated the market in 2016 and is expected to retain its dominance over the period due to increased focus on close combat warfare systems, and demand for soldier safety on a battleground. Geographically, the market for remote weapons stations is categorized as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America. The huge investments from the U.S in order to develop technologically robust weapon stations led North America to dominate the market in 2016, while continuous focus on up gradation of weaponries is helping the Europe market for remote weapons stations to grow in future at a faster rate.The major players operating in the field of remote weapons staions across the globe are Raytheon Company (U.S), Elbit Systems (U.S), Kongsberg Gruppen (Norway), General Dynamics Corporation (U.S), Leonardo S.P.A. (Italy), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Israel), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), BAE Systems Plc (U.K), Saab AB (Sweden), Aselsan A.S (Turkey) and others.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Automotive Solenoid Market Global Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecast, 2017-2025

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Global Automotive Solenoid Market: OverviewSolenoid is mainly a coil that is enfolded around a resolutely packed helix. When explained in terms of physical science, it is also a coil whose length is actually greater than its diameter and the coil is enveloped around a metallic core that produces a smooth magnetic field at the time when electric current moves through the solenoid. At several cases, the purpose of solenoids is to restrict the fluctuations in the electric current. It is then instead of electromagnet, it is referred to as an inductor. However, it should be noted that not all electromagnets and inductors are solenoids.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Coming to automotive solenoids, it may be employed for a broad range of purposes such as automatic transmission and for starting the car. A solenoid in automobiles is a crucial piece of the starter and it functions as a sort of contact for power to reach the starter from the respective battery. As the generation of vehicles is expanding at an enduring rate, so is the interest of manufacturers solenoids. Another factor that is probably going to pick up force is the utilization of solenoid in the programmed transmission of automobiles. Contemporary programmed transmission autos utilize a water driven liquid under pressure with a specific end goal to change gears. The trend of engine downsizing is also expected to gain traction in the years ahead, thus benefitting the market in return.A solenoid is a coil that is wrapped around a firmly packed helix. In physical science, solenoid is a coil, the length of which is considerably larger than its diameter, wrapped round a metallic core that generates an even magnetic field in space when electric current passes through the solenoid. It is a kind of electromagnet, the purpose of which is to produce a meticulous magnetic field. Sometimes the function of solenoids is to inhibit the alterations in the electric current; the solenoid is then called an inductor, and not an electromagnet.However, not all inductors and electromagnets are solenoids.An automobile solenoid may be used for a variety of purposes including car start and automatic transmission. A solenoid in cars is a vital part of the starter and it works as a kind of liaison for electricity to reach thestarter from the battery. As the production of vehicles are increasing at a steady rate, so is the demand for solenoid. According to OICA, 94,976,569 cars were produced in 2016, a 4.6% rise from the 2015 figures of 90,780,583 cars. Therefore, the automotive solenoid market is likely to gain traction in the coming years owing to the increasing demand for cars.Another factor that is likely to gain momentum is the use of solenoid in the automatic transmission of cars. Contemporary automatic transmission cars use a hydraulic fluid under pressure in order to change gears. Each time a gear is changed, the cars computer system activates a solenoid (transmission), which then directs the transmission fluid into the body of the valve in order to employ the right gear. As the need for automatic transmission is increasing around the globe, the market for automotive solenoid is poised to grow at a considerable rate as well.The global automotive solenoid market is segmented on the basis of function, vehicle type, application, and geography. By function, the market is segregated into fluid control, gas control, and motion control. The motion control segment in the global automotive solenoid market owing to the growing prevalence of automation of body control applications in a vehicle. In terms of vehicle type, the market can be divided into passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and electric vehicles. The passenger vehicles segment accounted for the maximum market share of the market in 2016 owing to high number of passenger vehicles and in every vehicle, automotive solenoids are used. The electric vehicle segment is likely to as the use of solenoid in electric vehicles cars is gaining momentum owing to high number of solenoids being used per car. Based on application, the market is classified into engine control and cooling system, fuel and emission control, body control and interiors, HVAC system, safety and security, others. The body control and interiors sectorheld the maximum market share in 2016 owing to its varied applications in all passenger vehicle as well as commercial vehicles and the incorporation of the same from the manufacturers end.In terms of geography, the global automotive solenoidmarketcan be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America,and Middle East &Africa.Asia Pacific is likely to dominate the global market during the forecast period. The region consistsof some of the major developing countries including India,China, and South Korea. This has resulted intoa rise in automotive solenoid volumes, with original equipment manufacturers catering to both domestic and overseas demand.Key players operating in the global automotive solenoidmarketinclude Continental AG (Germany), Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Delphi Automotive PLC (U.K.), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), Johnson Electric Holding (China), and BorgWarner (U.S.)Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Vision Positioning Systems Market for the forecast period, 2017-2025

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The rapid increase in industrial automation in the different regions across the globe is a major driving factor for the vision positioning systems market. The industrial automation employs wide variety of robots in order to reduce the manned workforce and to perform the intended task in a better and faster way. Owing to this fact, the robots used in industrial purpose are equipped with vision positioning systems with an objective to maximize the obstacle detection during performing tasks. Moreover, the increase in usage of robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles in the commercial and defense sectors is also bolstering the growth of the vision positioning systems market. The manufacturers of robots or unmanned systems along with different governments and defense forces are enhancing their products with the vision positioning systems in order to equip them with the technologically latest products for their convenience. This has increased the procurement of robots or UAVs integrated with vision positioning systems in the commercial and defense sector.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The market growth for vision positioning systems is hindered by the risk of malfunctioning of the sensors or cameras during operation. The malfunction of these components can lead to huge damage to the entire system which is restraining the end users to procure the robots or unmanned systems equipped with vision positioning systems. Moreover, the vision position systems employs expensive sensors, cameras and display units, which increases the cost of the ultimate product. Owing to this factor, the end users are limiting their procurement of these systems, which is inhibiting the growth of the market.The vision positioning systems market is likely to grow in the coming years due to the huge investments from various region of the globe in order to develop robots equipped with sensors to sense artificial intelligence. Countries such as the U.S., the U.K, France, Germany, China, Japan, and South Korea among others are investing huge amounts in the development of sensors recognizing artificial intelligence with an objective to reduce human workload.The market for vision positioning systems is segmented on basis of various parameters such as components, solutions, platform, end users, and geography. The different components attached to the vision positioning systems are sensors, markers, cameras, and displays. The sensors constitutes the primary component in the vision positioning systems and thus leads the market followed by the cameras. In terms of solutions, the vision positioning systems are used for a wide range of solutions such as navigation, tracking, analytics, and industrial solutions among others. The growing industrial automation has led the industrial solutions segment to dominate the market for vision positioning systems in terms of solutions followed by the navigation solutions and analytics. The vision positioning systems are installed on a number of platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicle, automated guided vehicles, unmanned underwater vehicles, robotics and space vehicles among others. The robotics segment is the dominating platform segment of the vision positioning systems market and the automated guided vehicle leads the second position in terms or market dominance. The defense and commercial sector constitute the end users segment of the vision positioning systems market. Commercial sectors includes industrial solution, warehousing and retail sectors. Due to the extensive use of these systems in the industrial sectors and warehousing, the commercial sector dominates the market. Globally, the vision positioning systems market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America. The leading region in the global vision positioning systems market is Europe, due to huge investments in the research and development of these systems from various governments and defense authorities.The top players operating in the market for vision positioning systems includes Fanuc Corporation (Japan), ABB (Switzerland), Cognex Corporation (U.S), Senion AB (Sweden), Omron Corporation (Japan), Insoft GmbH (Germany), Parrot SA (France), Locata Corporation Pty. Limited. (Australia), Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH (Germany), and Sick AG (Germany).Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Whole Milk Powder Market 2017 Global Analysis by Key Players  Fonterra, Lactoland, Gracia Hnos Agroindustrial SRL, Regilait, Rawa Pharm Forecast 2023

Whole Milk Powder Market, Whole Milk Powder Industry, Whole Milk Powder Size, , Whole Milk Powder Segmentation

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Global Whole Milk Powder Market Revenue Analysis, Growth Rate, Size, Trend, Key Players and Forecast 2023SummaryGlobal Whole Milk Powder Market Information- by Process (Spray drying, Freeze drying, Evaporation and others), by Packing type (Vaccum packing, Nitrogen packing, and others), by Application (Bakery, Confectionery, Dairy, Infant formula and others) and by Region - Forecast to 2022Browse Complete report @Study Objectives of Whole Milk Powder Market Detailed analysis of segments and sub-segments of whole milk powder. To estimate market size by processing type, by packing type and by application Market dynamics including trend and factor analysis for supply and demand of whole milk powder Region level market analysis and market projections for North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) and their countries Competition mapping and positioning of major market players, evaluation of key company strategies Company profiling of major players in the market Value chain analysis and supply chain analysis Analysis of historical market trends, and technologies, and current government regulatory requirementsKey Findings: Secondary data reveals that the whole milk powder exports is projected to grow more than 4.5% annually post the year 2022 The top 5 exporters of whole milk powder include New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands, U.S. and FranceRequest a Sample Report @Key PlayersThe key players profiled in whole milk powder are Nestle (Switzerland), Alpen Dairies (Netherland), Miraka (New Zealand), Fonterra (New Zealand), Lactoland (Germany ), Gracia Hnos Agroindustrial SRL (Argentina), Regilait (France), Rawa Pharm(Slovakia), DANA Dairy Group Ltd (Switzerland), Synlait milk ltd (New Zealand), Lakeland dairies (Ireland)Reasons to buy The study includes detailed market analysis of whole milk powder market encompassing its macro and micro-markets It covers market segmentation by process, packing process and application It helps in identifying region-wise major suppliers and understand consumption patterns The report will provide useful and premium insights that will support in investments for whole milk powder and allied companies providing details on the fast growing segments and regions In addition, it will provide key findings that will help the companies to improve profitability by using supply chain strategies, cost effectiveness of various products mentioned in the report The data used in the report is primarily based on primary interviews with the major producing companies and industry experts and also supported by authentic industry data from secondary sourcesIntended Audience Whole milk powder manufacturers Dairy product manufacturers Dairy co-operatives Retailers, wholesalers E-commerce companies Traders, Importers and exportersAbout Market Research Future:Contact: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.Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WageWorks, Inc. (NYSE: WAGE), a leader in administering Consumer-Directed Benefits, announced the completion of its expansion renovation of new office space in Commerce Crossings Business Park in Louisville, Kentucky. Earlier this year, WageWorks acquired 50,000 square feet of unused office space to increase capacity and support growing demand for its benefit offerings.

Our organization has seen tremendous growth over the past five years, and the expansion of our footprint in Louisville will enable us to deliver the client service and innovation that defines WageWorks as an industry leader, said Joe Jackson, Chairman and CEO of WageWorks. WageWorks investment in the Commerce Crossings Business Park is a reflection of our commitment to employees, the Louisville market and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

To celebrate the expansion and opening of the new office space, WageWorks is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony with remarks from WageWorks executive leadership on Tuesday, September 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at 5200 Commerce Crossings Drive, Louisville, Kentucky.

WageWorks currently employs more than 200 people in Louisville and the surrounding area.

The site is being established by WageWorks as a center of excellence for administration of public sector Consumer-Directed Benefits. In addition to supporting public sector clients, including the U.S. Office of Personnel Managements Federal Flexible Spending Account Program, FSAFEDS, WageWorks teams in Louisville administer Flexible Spending Accounts, Consumer Health Spending Accounts, COBRA administration and other Consumer-Directed Benefits for employers across the country. Those interested in job opportunities with the company should visit https://www.wageworks.com/about/careers.aspx.

About WageWorks

WageWorks (NYSE: WAGE) is a leader in administering Consumer-Directed Benefits (CDBs). WageWorks is solely dedicated to administering CDBs, including pre-tax spending accounts, such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), as well as Commuter Benefit Services, including transit and parking programs, wellness programs, COBRA, and other employee benefits. WageWorks makes it easier to understand and take advantage of Consumer-Directed Benefits for more than 100,000 employers and approximately 6.5 million people. WageWorks is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with offices in major locations throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.wageworks.com.

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Automotive Optoelectronics Market Global Industry Analysis and Trends till 2025

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Automotive optoelectronics deals with application of electronic system and devices in automobiles, which use, detect and control light. Optoelectronics is increasingly being used in modern cars for advanced automated services. Automated headlights for better visibility, automatic brakes for higher safety, advanced driving assistance systems, night vision systems and active or passive infrared systems are some of the major applications of automotive optoelectronics in automobiles. The major components of automotive optoelectronics are infrared emitters, photo detectors, LEDs, solid state relays, optical interrupters and ambient light sensors. Infrared emitters are used in night time illumination for heads-up displays, occupant sensing arrays, driver assist systems and rain sensors. Ambient light sensors allows the headlights, backlights and other automotive systems to sense and respond to light just like a human eye. Optical interrupters are used for gear shift position sensors, climate and radio control knobs, and in steering wheel sensor.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The automotive optoelectronics market can be classified by components, by application and by geography. The component segment can be classified into infrared emitters, photo detectors, LEDs, solid state relays, optical interrupters and ambient light sensors. By application, the market can be segregated as passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles. By geography, the market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.The growth in the global automotive optoelectronics market is directly related to the growth of the global automobiles market. In addition, increasing production and usage of hybrid and electric vehicles are set to increase the application areas of automotive optoelectronics, globally. Therefore, with the increasing sales of automobiles globally, the demand for automotive optoelectronics are set to grow. In regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America, an immense rise in the usage of passenger vehicles is expected over the forecast period, which is set to bolster the growth of the automotive optoelectronics market in such areas. In addition, economic reforms in countries coupled with growth in the automotive sector and increasing private equity investments in automotive optoelectronics manufacturing companies are crucial factors influencing the growth of global automotive optoelectronics market. Rising concern for road safety and increasing stringent automobile standards and guidelines is another major driving factor for the automotive optoelectronics market.In the automotive optoelectronics market, Asia Pacific holds the largest market share in terms of revenue followed by Europe, North America, Latin America and, Middle East and Africa (MEA). In the Asia Pacific region, countries such as China and India has been witnessing heavy demand and production for passenger vehicles. This in turn is increasing the application of automotive optoelectronics in passenger vehicles of above mentioned countries. The market in North America and Europe tends to be a bit saturated but the market is expected to remain stable during the forecast period. By the end of the forecast period, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America are expected to show significant growth, considering the growth in automotive sector and rising demand for passenger and commercial vehicles in the regions.The report also provides company market share analysis of the various industry participants. Acquisition is the main strategy being widely followed by leading market players. In case of an acquisition, the acquirer takes advantage of existing synergies. As a result, both companies are expected to emerge more profitable and stronger than before. Key players in the global automotive optoelectronics market have been profiled and their company overview, financial overview, business strategies and recent developments have been covered in the report. Major market participants profiled in this report include: Osram Licht AG, Avago Technologies, Sharp Corporation, Texas Instrument Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Autoliv Inc., FOSP Optoelectronics Co Ltd., Foryard Optolectronics Co., Vishay Intertechnology and OSI Optolectronics AS among others.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Handset Power Amplifiers Market 2017-2025

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Handset Power Amplifiers used to support various operating modes like UMTS, CDMA, GSM/EDGE LTE and multiple frequency bands which offer premium performance with very small form factor. Most of the power amplifiers for the mobile applications are been manufactured using gallium arsenide based bipolar transistor and a comparatively small number of handset power amplifiers are being manufactured using silicon CMOS. CMOS does offer the tantalizing possibility of having much higher levels of integration and comparatively lower cost to GaAs. The growth of handset power amplifier market is highly reliant on the increasing internet penetration globally.Request Sample Copy of the Report @For purpose of in depth analysis, the handset power amplifiers markethas been segmented on the basis of technology, type, application andgeography. Based on the technology, the market has been segmented into two types they are like GaAs, GaN, & SiGe and CMOS. Based on the type, the market has been segmented into two types they are like audio power amplifier and radio power amplifier.Various types of applications of handset power amplifiers includes application in featured phones, smart phones and others.. Moreover, this report also provide cross functional analysis of all the above mentioned segment across different regions such as Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.Increased internet penetration is one of the major driver for the growth of the handset power amplifiers market. Growing demand for the higher network bandwidth and continuously increasing M2M communication are the key growth drivers for this market. Therefore, thecontinued global migration from 2G to 3G devices is also one of the main factor anticipated to catalyze the growing demand of different handset power amplifiers during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025. In addition, growth of the audio and video conference using the notebook platform is also anticipated to increase the demand of handset power amplifiers in the upcoming years. In turn this is also projected to affect the market of handset power amplifiers in a positive manner during the forecasted period.In spite of many driving factors, the handset power amplifiers marketis expected to show a fluctuation in growth rate because of the more stringent requirement in performance, functionality, cost and size in multimode multiband power amplifier. The added complexity inthe multi-band and multi-mode handsetsis also one of the key restraining factor for handset power amplifiers market. Increase in the wafer size and rise in number of M&A is going to create significant opportunity for handset power amplifiers in coming years.By application, the smartphone segment held the largest market share because of the strong demand for the smartphones with advanced technologies like 3G and 4G, gesture recognition, hapticsand voice recognition. This segment is expected to maintain its dominance in the forecast period because of surge in the use of the mobile and internet subscriber base.Geographically, the global handset power amplifiers market is mainly driven by Asia Pacific region. Increasing awareness about the data center and the better availability of the high-speed network such as 3G, 4G and LTE will further spur the growth of the handset power amplifiers market in the region. Rapid adoption ofthe smartphones among different developing economies like China and India is expected to influence the growth of the handset power amplifiers market in this region. This region is expected to maintain its dominance in the market during the forecast period owingto the presence of huge number of semiconductor wafer manufacturers in countries like South Korea and Japan among others.Some of the leading players operating in the handset power amplifiers market includes Broadcom (The U.S.),Qorvo (The U.S.),Skyworks Solutions (The U.S.),Texas Instruments (The U.S.),Analog Devices (The U.S.), Maxim Integrated (The U.S.) ,Alcatel-Lucent (France), Hitachi Kokusai Electric (Japan),Infineon Technologies (Germany) among others.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Fiber-Optic Attenuator Market Dynamics, Segments and Supply Demand 2017-2025

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Fiber-optic attenuator is as electronic device which primarily lowers and reduces the amplitude of an electronic signal. It is device which primarily consist a unique arrangement of resistors which helps in to reduce the strength of an audio and radio signal. Fiber-optic attenuators are majorly used is fiber optic communications. The fiber-optic attenuator market is segmented by type which includes fixed attenuators, loopback attenuators, flange style fiber optical attenuator, adjustable fiber optical attenuator and built-in variable attenuators among others. The market for fiber-optic attenuator is segmented on the basis of application which includes test and measurement equipment, local area networks (LAN), telecommunications networks and cable television (CATV) systems, power devices, fiber optic sensors and electronic devices among others. The market for fiber-optic attenuator has been segmented geographically into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South America and Middle East and Africa.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Fiber optic attenuator name is based on the attenuation level and type of connector. Increasing advancement in the field of telecommunication networking is one of the major driving factors for the market. Fixed value fiber optic attenuators primarily reduce the power of fiber light at a fixed value loss. There are also different sort of handheld variable fiber optic attenuators; which have found applications across test equipment. Testing instruments along with fiber optic sensors are some of the major application areas for the fiber optic attenuators. Increasing number of semiconductor manufacturing stations along with rising demand for high end networking devices is contributing in the development of the fiber optic attenuators market in developing economies. The fiber optic attenuators are generally used to test power level margins which in turn are increasing its application in different industries like consumer electronics, power generation, automotive among others. Rising demand for reliable yet cost effective solutions for testing and controlling power levels is boosting the market growth for fiber optic attenuators globally. Design complexities are one of the major restraining factors of the market which may inhibit the growth of the market over the forecast period. However, research activities in the field of fiber-optic attenuator is opening huge application opportunities in medical, lab equipment and automotive which may fuel the growth for the market in near future.In 2016, North America is dominating the market for fiber-optic attenuator in terms of value, followed by Asia Pacific and Europe globally. In North America, the U.S. is leading the market for fiber-optic attenuator, followed by Canada and Mexico. China is leading the market for fiber-optic attenuator owing to its increasing application of high end transistors across different industries for better operations, followed by Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and India among others. Increasing number of semiconductor companies along with growing industrialization are also contributing in the market growth IN Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to register fastest growth in the fiber-optic attenuator market. Germany, France, Italy and the U.K contributed prominent shares in the fiber-optic attenuator market in terms of revenue across Europe. South Africa, the U.A.E and Brazil are holding prominent position in the fiber-optic attenuator market across Middle East and Africa and South America.KINSOM Technology Limited (China), Thorlabs, Inc.(The U.S.), 3M (The U.S.), FLEXOPTIX GmbH (Germany), Molex Incorporated (The U.S.), Amphenol Corporation (The U.S.), Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (Japan), DiCon Fiberoptics (The U.S.) and Alcoa Fujikura, Ltd. (The U.S.) among others are some of the prime players operating in the fiber-optic attenuator market globally. Research activities along with business partnerships with other companies are some of the major business strategies followed by the companies. Strengthening business relationships with the raw material suppliers and distributers along with geographical expansion by establishing new research centers and sales offices are some of the prime business strategies adopted by the companies.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Image Sensor Industry 2017By Identifying the Key Market Segments Poised for Strong Growth in Future 2023

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Market Research Future published a research report on Image Sensor Market Research Report- Global Forecast 2023  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2023.Market Synopsis of Global Image Sensor Market:Market Scenario:The emerging trend in image sensor market is its application in numerous industries. Sony Corporation has come up as a separate company for lucrative image sensor division. Image sensor is one of the companys most profitable business. It is also the companys key focus area. The semiconductor business is highly profitable owing to multipurpose utilization of image sensor in smartphone and in DSLRs cameras from manufacturers like Nikon and Sonys own popular cameras is fuelling semiconductor business. Samsung develops its new advanced pixel technology in CMOS image sensor known as ISOCELL. The company has converted one of its water fabrication lines in CMOS image sensors in order to meet the growing demand of image sensor in mobile imaging, high end photography and security and surveillance application.Asia-Pacific region is dominating the global image sensor market with the largest market share, and thereby is the fastest growing region with a CAGR of 15.39% between 2017-2023.Get Sample of Report @By application segment the image sensor market consists of commercial, healthcare, consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace and defense and others. CMOS image sensor with back side illumination is used in smartphones and tablet computer owing to its focus speed of 300ms or less and low lighting condition. Due to the advancements in image sensor it is used portable devices, home automation, robotics and digital health. By application segment consumer electronics accounts for high market share owing to the demand for dual cameras in mobile that results into increase in phone shipment of image sensors.The major growth driver of image sensor market includes rising demand for camera enabled mobile phones, low power consumption and compactness of CMOS image sensor, and increased use of image sensors in biometric applications among others. Hence the market for image sensor market is expected to grow approximately with a CAGR of 14% between 2017-2023. However, high power consumption in CCD image sensors and falling market of digital still camera are the factors among others which are hindering the growth of image sensor market.The image sensor market is expected to grow at approximately USD 19,616 Million by 2023, at 14% of CAGR between 2017 and 2023.Key Players Sony Corporation (Japan) Samsung Semiconductor Inc. (South Korea) OmniVision Technologies Inc. (U.S.) ON Semiconductor (U.S.) PixArt Imaging Inc. (Taiwan) GalaxyCore Inc. (China) SK Hynix Inc. (Korea) Teledyne Technologies (U.S.)Get Complete Report @Segments:Image sensor market for segment on the basis of technology, optical format, linearity, spectrum and application.Image sensor Market by Technology: CMOS CCD sCMOS OthersImage sensor Market by Optical Format: 1/10 TO 1/6 inch image sensor 1/5.9 TO 1/4 inch image sensor 1/3.9 TO 1/2 inch image sensor 1/1.9 TO 1 inch image sensor Above 1 inch image sensorImage sensor Market by Linearity: Linear Non-LinearImage sensor Market by Spectrum: Visible Spectrum Invisible SpectrumImage sensor Market by Application: Consumer electronics Automobile Surveillance Medical OthersAbout Us: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.Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Silicon Wafers Market: Recent Industry Trends and Projected Industry Size by 2016  2022

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Market Research Future published a research report on Silicon Wafers Market Research Report- Global Forecast 2022  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2022.Market Synopsis of Global Silicon Wafers Market:Market Scenario:Silicon wafer provides the data processing capabilities and are majorly used in integrated circuits. Integrated circuits are used in many various devices like computers, smart phones, gaming device and military weapons among others. In the recent times market has grown immensely and the reason behind it is technological development and the advancement in the silicon wafers technology used in the electronic industry. Moreover, the growing demand for the solar energy will contribute to the growth of the solar panel and solar cells which in turn will boost up the silicon wafer market as the silicon wafers are widely used in the manufacturing of the solar cells.Get Sample of Report @As per the trend, 300mm silicon wafers have captured the market of the silicon wafers as it is widely used by the semiconductor industry however the major players have restricted their investments in new technology i.e. 450mm wafers, due to its high manufacturing costs of processing and lower expected returns on investments. Moreover, silicon wafers also has the growing demand in electronic industry due to its flexible and small size, high reliability, low weight, and low power consumption.Currently this market has been growing with the very high CAGR of 8.5% and has been valued at US $333 million in 2016. It is expected that Global silicon wafers Market will reach the market size of US $503 million by the end of forecasted period 2022.Segments:The Silicon wafers market has been segmented on the basis of-By Size - 150 mm, 200mm, 300mm, and 450mm.By Type  N-Type and P-Type.By Application - Solar cells, Integrated Circuits, Photoelectric Cells, and Others.Key Players Elkem AS (Norway) Addison Engineering (CA) Renewable Energy Corporation (Norway) Shin-Etsu Handotai Co. Ltd. (Japan) Siltronic AG (Germany) MEMC Electronic Materials Inc.(California) LG Siltron Inc.( South Korea) Advance Semiconductor Inc.(U.S.) SUMCO Corp.(Japan)Get Complete Report @Study Objectives of Silicon Wafers Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the Silicon Wafers market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future perspective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segmentation on the basis of product, resolution and application. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for Silicon Wafers To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Silicon WafersRegional Analysis:Asia pacific market is expected to dominate the market of silicon wafers. Emerging countries like China, India and Japan is expected to dominate the region. The rising disposable income of the consumers, funding from government with growing demand for the electronic product by one of the largest population of the region is boosting the silicon wafer market in the region. North America is expected to show the moderate growth due to the growing market of solar cell in the region. European region will show the steady growth in the silicon wafers market as the automotive, electronic market which make use of the silicon wafers are already established in the region. The need for safe, reliable, and clean energy source in various countries is likely increase the demand for solar cell, which in turn helping the market of silicon wafers to develop.Make an Enquiry @About Us: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.Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
5K Display Resolution Market Segmentation & Market Analysis Research Report 2017

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Market Research Future published a research report on 5K Display Resolution Market Research Report- Global Forecast 2023  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2023.Market Synopsis of Global 5K Display Resolution Market:Market Scenario:5K display resolution market offers just over seven times the resolution of 1080p full HD both horizontally and also vertically. It is a display resolution of about 5000 pixels. The most commonly used resolution is 5120  2880, which has an aspect ratio of about 16:9 and is about 14.7 million pixels. It is most commonly used in computer monitors and is rapidly reaching other market areas. In comparison to 4K, it offers 1280 extra columns and 720 extra lines of display area which is almost equivalent to an increase of 33.33% in each dimension.Get Sample of Report @Major factors driving the growth of 5K display resolution market are the growing demand in the consumer electronics market segment. 5K video cameras are majorly used for digital cinematography. 5K resolution provides a crisp and clear image which does not get distorted while editing.The 5K display resolution market has been segmented on the basis of product, resolution and application. The resolution segment is further bifurcated into different resolutions such as 5120  2160 resolution, 5120  2700 resolution, 5120  2880 resolution, 5120  3200 resolution, 5120  3840 resolution and 5120  4096 resolution. Out of these, most commonly used resolution is 5120  2880 resolution, which is widely used in televisions.Currently as there is an increase in 4K market, the demand for 5K display resolution is estimated to increase in near future.Key Players Dell Inc. (U.S.) Apple Inc. (U.S.) LG Electronics Inc. (South Korea) Philips (Netherlands), HP (U.S.) Samsung Electronics (South Korea) Red Digital Cinema Camera Company (U.S.) Sharp Corporation (Japan) Sony Corporation (Japan) Canon Inc. (Japan)Get Complete Report @Study Objectives of 5K Display Resolution Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the 5K display resolution market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future perspective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segmentation on the basis of product, resolution and application. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for 5K display resolution To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the 5K display resolutionSegments:5K display resolution market can be segmented on the basis of following:By Product Monitors Televisions Cameras Laptops Smartphones and Tablets OthersBy Resolution 5120  2160 Resolution 5120  2700 Resolution 5120  2880 Resolution 5120  3200 Resolution 5120  3840 Resolution 5120  4096 ResolutionBy Application Retail Consumer Electronics Advertisements Education OthersMake an Enquiry @Regional Analysis:The regional analysis of 5K display resolution market is being studied for regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. It has been observed that Asia Pacific region is estimated to account for the largest share of the market, whereas North America is projected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. The major growth in 5K display resolution market in Asia Pacific region attributes to the technical advancements and increasing use of mobiles devices in that region.About Us: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.Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Oxygen Concentrator Market Report for Period 2017 till 2023 Inogen, Yuyue Medical, Philips, DeVilbiss Healthcare, AVIC Jianghang, GF Health Products, Linde and Others

Oxygen Concentrator Market

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Global Oxygen Concentrator market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Linde, Nidek Medical, Air Water Group, Precision Medical, Haiyang Zhijia, Shenyang Canta, O2 Concepts, Invacare, Teijin Pharma, Chart Industries, Inogen, Yuyue Medical, Philips, DeVilbiss Healthcare, AVIC Jianghang, GF Health Products, Inova Labs and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Oxygen Concentrator Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:InvacareTeijin PharmaChart IndustriesInogenYuyue MedicalPhilipsDeVilbiss HealthcareAVIC JianghangGF Health ProductsLindeNidek MedicalAir Water GroupPrecision MedicalHaiyang ZhijiaShenyang CantaO2 ConceptsInova LabsOthersGlobal Oxygen Concentrator Market: Key Product TypePortable Medical Oxygen ConcentratorStationary Medical Oxygen ConcentratorOthersGlobal Oxygen Concentrator Market: Key ApplicationHospitalsHome CareAmbulatory Surgical CentersTravelingOthersGlobal Oxygen Concentrator Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)OthersThe Global Oxygen Concentrator Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Oxygen Concentrator Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Oxygen Concentrator Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Oxygen Concentrator Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Non Lethal Weapons Market Report for Period 2017 till 2023 Taser International, Raytheon, Bazalt, Colts Manufacturing, Penn Arms, Heckler & Koch and Others

Non Lethal Weapons Market

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Global Non Lethal Weapons market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Taser International Raytheon Bazalt Colts Manufacturing Remington Arms Zarc International Penn Arms Heckler & Koch LRAD Corporation O.F. Mossberg & Sons Smith & Wesson Non Lethal Technologies Textron Systems Boeing Lockheed Martin BAE Systems General Dynamics and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Non Lethal Weapons Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Non Lethal TechnologiesTextron SystemsBoeingLockheed MartinBAE SystemsGeneral DynamicsTaser InternationalRaytheonBazaltColts ManufacturingRemington ArmsZarc InternationalPenn ArmsHeckler & KochLRAD CorporationO.F. Mossberg & SonsSmith & WessonOthersGlobal Non Lethal Weapons Market: Key Product TypeGases and SpraysDirected Energy WeaponsElectro Shock WeaponsOthersGlobal Non Lethal Weapons Market: Key ApplicationLaw EnforcementMilitaryResidentialOthersGlobal Non Lethal Weapons Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)The Global Non Lethal Weapons Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Non Lethal Weapons Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Non Lethal Weapons Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Non Lethal Weapons Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
N-butanol Market Report for Period 2017 till 2023 Dow Chemical, OXEA Corporation, Formosa Plastics Corporation, SASOL, PetroChina Company, Eastman Chemical, Perstorp and Others

N-butanol Market

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Global N-butanol market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely PetroChina Company, Eastman Chemical, Perstorp, Mitsubishi Chemical, Cobalt Technologies, OXO Corporation, KH Neochem Co. Ltd., Dow Chemical, OXEA Corporation, Formosa Plastics Corporation and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global N-butanol Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Dow ChemicalOXEA CorporationFormosa Plastics CorporationSASOLPetroChina CompanyEastman ChemicalPerstorpMitsubishi ChemicalCobalt TechnologiesOXO CorporationKH Neochem Co. Ltd.OthersGlobal N-butanol Market: Key Product TypePurity: 74%Purity: 99%OthersGlobal N-butanol Market: Key End UsersButyl AcrylateButyl AcetateGlycol EthersDirect SolventPlasticizersOthersGlobal N-butanol Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)The Global N-butanol Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global N-butanol Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global N-butanol Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Table of Contents:1 N-butanol Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of N-butanol1.2 N-butanol Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global N-butanol Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2023)1.2.2 Global N-butanol Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Purity: 74%1.2.4 Purity: 99%1.2.5 Other.................................Continue (Global N-butanol Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
mPoS Terminals Market Report for Period 2017 till 2023 Samsung, Verifone, NEC, Ingenico and Others

mPoS Terminals Market

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Global mPoS Terminals market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely SZZT Electronics, Verifone, NEC, Samsung, Ingenico, PAMPOS TERMINALS Technology and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global mPoS Terminals Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:IngenicoPAMPOS TERMINALS TechnologySZZT ElectronicsVerifoneNECSamsungOthersGlobal mPoS Terminals Market: Key Product TypePoS TerminalCard ReaderOthersGlobal mPoS Terminals Market: Key End UsersRestaurantRetailLogisticsIndustrialMedical and HealthcareIT and TelecomFinancialOthersGlobal mPoS Terminals Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)The Global mPoS Terminals Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global mPoS Terminals Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global mPoS Terminals Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Table of Contents:1 mPoS Terminals Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of mPoS Terminals1.2 Classification of mPoS Terminals by Product Category1.2.1 Global mPoS Terminals Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2023)1.2.2 Global mPoS Terminals Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 PoS Terminal1.2.4 Card Reader.....................................Continue (Global mPoS Terminals Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Sydney, Australia, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heron Resources Limited (ASX:HRR TSX:HER, Heron or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has filed a final short form prospectus (the Final Prospectus) with the Ontario Securities Commission to qualify 39,285,715 ordinary shares of the Company (Underlying Shares) issuable upon the conversion of 39,285,715 subscription receipts of the Company (Subscription Receipts) issued by way of private placement on August 1, 2017 (the Offering). A copy of the Final Prospectus is available under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com.

The Subscription Receipts were issued pursuant to a subscription receipt agreement dated August 1, 2017 (the "Subscription Receipt Agreement") between the Company, Paradigm Capital Inc. (the Agent), as agent for the Offering, and Capital Transfer Agency Inc. (the Subscription Receipt Agent), as subscription receipt agent. Pursuant to the Subscription Receipt Agreement, the gross proceeds from the Offering were placed in escrow pending delivery of a notice that the escrow release conditions set out in the Subscription Receipt Agreement (the "Escrow Release Conditions") have been met. The Escrow Release Conditions comprise all of the following conditions precedent: (i) the holders of ordinary shares of the Company (the Shares) shall have passed a resolution to approve the issuance of the Underlying Shares; (ii) the Company advising that all conditions precedent to completion of the Cornerstone Equity Financing (as described in the Companys press release dated June 30, 2017 (the Financing Announcement)) have been satisfied or waived; (iii) receipt of governmental and internal approvals required by investors to complete the Cornerstone Equity Financing, including, if applicable, Australian Foreign Investment Review Board approvals; (iv) the receipt of all required approvals including, without limitation, the conditional approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) for the financings as described in the Financing Announcement, if applicable, and the conditional approval of the TSX and ASX for the listing of the Underlying Shares; and (v) the Company and the Agent shall have delivered a joint notice to the Subscription Receipt Agent confirming that the conditions set forth in (i) through (iv) have been met or waived. If the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied by 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on or before September 30, 2017 (the Escrow Release Deadline), then the escrowed funds will be released to the Company.

The Company will use such funds for the construction and ramp-up of its 100% owned Woodlawn Zinc-Copper Project, located in New South Wales, Australia. If either (i) the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied by such time, or (ii) Heron advises the Agent or announces to the public that it does not intend to satisfy any of the Escrow Release Conditions, then at the earlier of such time, the Subscription Receipts will be deemed to be cancelled and holders of Subscription Receipts will receive a cash amount equal to the offering price of the Subscription Receipts plus the amount of any interest earned on the escrowed funds.

Pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement, since the Escrow Release Conditions were satisfied before the Escrow Release Deadline, each Subscription Receipt will be automatically converted into one Underlying Share, without any further payment or action on the part of the holder and subject to adjustment in certain circumstances at 12:01 a.m. (Toronto time) on September 18, 2017, being the third business day after the issuance of a final receipt by the Ontario Securities Commission for the Final Prospectus qualifying the issuance of the Underlying Shares.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Subscription Receipts or any Shares, nor shall there be any sale of the Subscription Receipts or any Shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The Subscription Receipts and any Shares being offered will not be, and have not been, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person.

About Heron Resources Limited

Heron is engaged in the exploration and development of base and precious metal deposits in Australia. Herons primary development project is the high-grade Woodlawn Zinc-Copper Project located 250km southwest of Sydney, New South Wales.

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.
RF Market Report for Period 2017 till 2023 Microchip, Texas Instruments, Samsung, Microsemi, Cypress and Others

RF Market

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Global RF Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Microchip, Texas Instruments, Samsung, Microsemi, Cypress and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2023, etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global RF Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:SkyworksQorvoAvagoMurataSumitomo ElectricMitsubishi ElectricAnalog DevicesInfineonRDAMicrochipTexas InstrumentsSamsungMicrosemiCypressAnadigicsChina UnichipIDTVanchipJunhengMACCMOthersGlobal RF Market: Key Product TypePower AmplifiersTransceiversWi-FiBluetoothNFCGPSRF MEMSOthersGlobal RF Market: Key RegionNorth AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaThe Global RF Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global RF Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global WiFi Wireless Speakers Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global RF Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Location of Things Market Report for Period 2017 till 2023 Google, Qualcomm Technologies, Bosch, Tibco Software and Others

Location of Things Market

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Global Location of Things market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Google, Bosch, Wireless Logic, Navizon, Tibco Software, TruePosition Inc., Qualcomm Technologies, Intel Corporation, Trimble, Pitney Bowes and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Location of Things Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:GoogleQualcomm TechnologiesIntel CorporationTrimblePitney BowesBoschWireless LogicNavizonTibco SoftwareTruePosition Inc.OthersGlobal Location of Things Market: Key Product TypeMapping and NavigationAsset ManagementLocation IntelligenceMedia and Marketing EngagementOthersGlobal Location of Things Market: Key ApplicationRetail and Consumer GoodsGovernment, Defense, and UtilitiesManufacturing and IndustrialTransportation and LogisticsHealthcareOthersGlobal Location of Things Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)The Global Location of Things Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Location of Things Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Location of Things Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Table of Contents:1 Location of Things Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Location of Things1.2 Classification of Location of Things by Product Category1.2.1 Global Location of Things Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2023)1.2.2 Global Location of Things Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Mapping and Navigation1.2.4 Asset Management1.2.5 Location Intelligence1.2.6 Media and Marketing Engagement.......................Continue (Global Location of Things Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Sodium Polyacrylate Market Report for Period 2017 till 2023 Nuoer Group Quanzhou Banglida Zhejiang Weilong Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid

Sodium Polyacrylate Market

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Global Sodium Polyacrylate Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Nuoer Group Quanzhou Banglida Zhejiang Weilong Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2023, etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Sodium Polyacrylate Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Sumitomo KeiretsuSanta Cruz Biotechnology, IncDanson TechnologyBasf-YPCZhejiang SatelliteNuoer GroupQuanzhou BanglidaZhejiang WeilongShanghai Huayi Acrylic AcidTangshan Boya ResinJinan HaoyueWanhuaSDP ChinaNippon Shokubai ChinaPFC ChinaShenghongOthersGlobal Sodium Polyacrylate Market: Key Product TypePowderFree-flowing GranularOthersGlobal Sodium Polyacrylate Market: Key ApplicationThe Baby DiaperAdult Protective UnderwearElectrical Power CablesConstruction WorksFood PackagingAgricultural Soil ConditionersOthersGlobal Sodium Polyacrylate Market: Key RegionUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaThe Global Sodium Polyacrylate Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Sodium Polyacrylate Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global WiFi Wireless Speakers Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Table of Contents:1 Sodium Polyacrylate Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Sodium Polyacrylate1.2 Classification of Sodium Polyacrylate by Product Category1.2.1 Global Sodium Polyacrylate Market Size (Sales) Comparisonby Type (2012-2023)1.2.2 Global Sodium Polyacrylate Market Size (Sales) Market Shareby Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Powder..............................................................................Continue (Global Sodium Polyacrylate Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United StatesAbout Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Embedded Analytics Market Report for Period 2011 till 2023 Microsoft Corporation, Opentext Corporation, Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, SAS Institute, Tableau Software Inc. and Others

Embedded Analytics Market

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Global Embedded Analytics market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Microsoft Corporation, Opentext Corporation, Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, SAS Institute, Tableau Software Inc. and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2023, etc.In this market research report, the global Embedded Analytics market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2023.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Embedded Analytics Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Microsoft CorporationOpentext CorporationOracle CorporationSAP SESAS InstituteTableau Software Inc.BIRST, Inc.Information BuildersLogi AnalyticsMicrostrategy IncorporatedSisense, Inc.Tibco Software, Inc.Qliktech International AbYellowfin International Pty LtdOthersGlobal Embedded Analytics Market: Key Product TypeSoftwareServicesGlobal Embedded Analytics Market: Key Application TypeBanking, Financial Services, and InsuranceHealthcare and Life SciencesRetail and Consumer GoodsEnergy and UtilitiesTelecommunications and ITOthersGlobal Embedded Analytics Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)The Global Embedded Analytics Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Embedded Analytics Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Embedded Analytics Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Table of Contents:1 Embedded Analytics Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Embedded Analytics1.2 Embedded Analytics Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Embedded Analytics Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2023)1.2.2 Global Embedded Analytics Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Software1.2.4 Services1.3 Global Embedded Analytics Segment by Application1.3.1 Embedded Analytics Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2023)1.3.2 Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance1.3.3 Healthcare and Life Sciences1.3.4 Retail and Consumer Goods1.3.5 Energy and Utilities1.3.6 Telecommunications and IT1.3.7 Others......................Continue (Global Embedded Analytics Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Industrial And Commercial LED Market for Period 2017 till 2023 Philip Electronics N.V, Toshiba Corp, Digital Lumens Inc, Osram Opto and Others

Industrial And Commercial LED Market

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Global Concrete Sealer market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Osram Opto, Digital Lumens Inc, GE, Toshiba Corp, Dialight Plc, Cooper Industries Plc, Philip Electronics N.V, Cree Corporation and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Concrete Sealer Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Philip Electronics N.VCree CorporationOsram OptoDigital Lumens IncGEToshiba CorpDialight PlcCooper Industries PlcOthersGlobal Concrete Sealer Market: Key Product TypeType IType IIOthersGlobal Concrete Sealer Market: Key ApplicationIndustrialCommercialArchitecturalOutdoorOthersGlobal Concrete Sealer Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)The Global Concrete Sealer Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Concrete Sealer Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Concrete Sealer Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Concrete Sealer Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
3D Concrete Printing Market Report for Period 2011 till 2023 DUS Architects, Skanska, Fosters + Partners, WinSun Global, Sika, LafargeHolcim, Balfour Beatty, Carillion Plc, and Others

3D Concrete Printing Market

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Global 3D Concrete Printing market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely AMicrosoft Corporation, Opentext Corporation, Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, SAS Institute, Tableau Software Inc. and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2023, etc.In this market research report, the global 3D Concrete Printing market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2023.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global 3D Concrete Printing Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:DUS ArchitectsSkanskaFosters + PartnersWinSun GlobalSikaLafargeHolcimBalfour BeattyCarillion PlcOthersGlobal 3D Concrete Printing Market: Key Product TypeReady-mix ConcretePrecast ConcreteShotcreteHigh-density ConcreteLightweight ConcreteLimecreteStamped ConcreteGlobal 3D Concrete Printing Market: Key Application TypeArchitectural ConstructionIndustrial ConstructionDomestic ConstructionOthersGlobal 3D Concrete Printing Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)The Global 3D Concrete Printing Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global 3D Concrete Printing Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global 3D Concrete Printing Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Table of Contents:1.3D Concrete Printing Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of 3D Concrete Printing1.2 3D Concrete Printing Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global 3D Concrete Printing Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2023)1.2.2 Global 3D Concrete Printing Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Ready-mix Concrete1.2.4 Precast Concrete1.2.5 Shotcrete1.2.6 High-density Concrete1.2.7 Lightweight Concrete1.2.8 Limecrete1.2.9 Stamped Concrete1.3 Global 3D Concrete Printing Segment by Application1.3.1 3D Concrete Printing Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2023)1.3.2 Architectural Construction1.3.3 Industrial Construction1.3.4 Domestic Construction1.3.5 Others......................Continue (Global 3D Concrete Printing Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
White Coffee Market Report for Period 2017 till 2023 KOPIKO(Indonesia), Alicafe(Malaysia), Oldtown(Malaysia) and Others

White Coffee Market

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Global Concrete Sealer market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Ahhaut(Malaysia), Alicafe(Malaysia), Aik Cheong Coffee Roaster Sdn.Bhd.(Malaysia), Oldtown(Malaysia), KOPIKO(Indonesia), Super Group Ltd(Malaysia) and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Concrete Sealer Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Oldtown(Malaysia)KOPIKO(Indonesia)Super Group Ltd(Malaysia)Ahhaut(Malaysia)Alicafe(Malaysia)Aik Cheong Coffee Roaster Sdn.Bhd.(Malaysia)OthersGlobal Concrete Sealer Market: Key Product TypeOrganic White CoffeeGround White CoffeeInstant White CoffeeClassico WHITE CoffeeOthersGlobal Concrete Sealer Market: Key ApplicationDrink To GoTakeawayRestaurant ServiceCoffeehouse ServicePersonal UseSupermarkets ServiceConvenience Stores ServiceVending Machines ServiceOthersGlobal Concrete Sealer Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)The Global Concrete Sealer Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Concrete Sealer Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Concrete Sealer Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Table of Contents:1 Southeast Asia White Coffee Market Overview5.4.2 Southeast Asia 2012-2017E White Coffee Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.4.3 Southeast Asia 2012-2017E White Coffee Sales Price Analysis5.4.4 Southeast Asia 2017 White Coffee Market Share Analysis5.5 Japan White Coffee Market Analysis...............................Continue (Global Concrete Sealer Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Pet Supplements Market Report for Period 2011 till 2023 Diamond Pet Foods, Blue Buffalo, WellPet, Total Alimentos, ALC INovators, Robinson Pharma, Gemini and Others

Pet Supplements Market Report for Period 2011 till 2023

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Global Pet Supplements market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Diamond Pet Foods, Blue Buffalo, WellPet, Total Alimentos, ALC INovators, Robinson Pharma, Gemini and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2023, etc.In this market research report, the global Pet Supplements market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2023.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Pet Supplements Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Mars PetcareNestle PurinaNutramax LaboratoriesHills Pet (Colgate-Palmolive )Diamond pet foodsBlue BuffaloWellPetTotal AlimentosALC INovatorsRobinson PharmaGeminiIon LabsOtherGlobal Pet Supplements Market: Key Product TypeMultivitamins & MineralsEssential fatty acids.Digestive enzymesProbioticsPrebioticsAnti-oxidantsOtherGlobal Pet Supplements Market: Key ApplicationDogCatOthersGlobal Pet Supplements Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)The Global Pet Supplements Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Pet Supplements Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Pet Supplements Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Table of Contents:Global Pet Supplements Sales Market Report 20171 Pet Supplements Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Pet Supplements1.2 Classification of Pet Supplements by Product Category1.2.1 Global Pet Supplements Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2023)1.2.2 Global Pet Supplements Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Multivitamins & Minerals1.2.4 Essential fatty acids.1.2.5 Digestive enzymes1.2.6 Probiotics1.2.7 Prebiotics1.2.8 Anti-oxidants1.2.9 Other1.3 Global Pet Supplements Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Pet Supplements Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2023)1.3.2 Dog1.3.3 Cat1.3.4 Others1.4 Global Pet Supplements Market by Region1.4.1 Global Pet Supplements Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2023)............ContinueGlobal Pet Supplements Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Global Semiconductor Packaging Material Market By Manufacturers, Type And Application, Regions, Forecast to 2027

Semiconductor Packaging Material Market

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Semiconductor Packaging Material Market 2017Summary:Global Semiconductor Packaging Material Market Information by types (organic substrates, bonding wires, encapsulation resins, ceramic packages, solder balls, wafer level packaging dielectrics and others) by technology (Grid Array, Small Outline Package, Dual Flat No-Leads, Quad Flat Package, Dual In-Line Package and others) - Forecast To 2027Key PlayersThe leading market players in the global semiconductor packaging material market primarily includeHenkel AG, Hitachi Chemical, Sumitomo Chemical, Kyocera Chemical, Mitsui High-Tec, Toray Industries Corporation, Alent PLC, LG Chemical and others.The reports also covers brief analysis of Geographical Region includes:North AmericaUSCanadaEuropeGermanyFranceItalySpainUKRest of EuropeAsia  PacificChinaIndiaJapanAustralia/New ZealandRest of Asia-PacificLatin AmericaBrazilOthersMiddle East & AfricaThe market report for Semiconductor Packaging Material 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.Request For Sample Report @Market Synopsis of Semiconductor Packaging Material MarketThe global semiconductor packaging material has witnessed a remarkable growth over the past year owing to the rising demand for mobile phones, tablets and other communication devices and as per the estimation the market will keep on growing during the forecast year. The semiconductor packaging materials is major platform to the success of the semiconductor business across the globe and the changing in consumer electronics are driving the changes in packaging materials market. The major factor which is driving the global market is continuously growing mobile industry and technological advancements. Owing to the increased demand for mobile and other communication devices has augmented the semiconductor packaging material market. Geographically, Asia-Pacific is one of the crucial market due to the presence of vast electronic industry in China, Japan and South Korea. This factor has placed Asia-Pacific the leading market in near future followed by North America and Europe.Study Objectives of Semiconductor Packaging Material MarketTo provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Semiconductor Packaging Material MarketTo provide insights about factors affecting the market growthTo Analyse the Global Semiconductor Packaging Material Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc.To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW)To provide country-level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospectiveTo provide country-level analysis of the market for segment by technology and typesTo provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the marketTo track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Semiconductor Packaging Material MarketSegmentationAs per MRFR analysis, the global semiconductor packaging material market has been segmented into:By Types: organic substrates, bonding wires, encapsulation resins, ceramic packages, solder balls, wafer level packaging dielectrics and others.By Technology: Grid Array, Small Outline Package, Dual Flat No-Leads, Quad Flat Package, Dual In-Line Package and others.Complete Report Details @Table of ContentsREQUEST FOR TOCContinued.Buy Now @CONTACT US:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.comAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Solutions, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.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.Address:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Pregnancy Pillow Market Is Expected To Grow At A Cagr of 7% Till 2023

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Market research future has a half cooked research report on global pregnancy pillow market. The global pregnancy pillow market is growing at an average rate and is expected show the similar trend during forecast period.Global Pregnancy Pillow Market Information; by type (U shaped, J shaped, C shaped and others (wedge, full length etc.)); by material (hypoallergenic fillings, memory foam, organic fillings and others); by end users (hospitals, maternity homes or clinics, household and others) - Forecast to 2023Market Scenario:A pregnancy pillow can be defined as the highly specialized pillows which are designed in order to accommodate the changing body of a pregnant mother, commonly known as maternity pillow. It is generally used in the later stages of pregnancy where expecting mothers finds difficulty in sleeping and sitting.Rising number of cases for pregnancy losses due to pregnancy complications, uncomfortable sleeping positions, rising risk of stillbirth due to wrong sleeping positions are some of the major reason for the market growth. On the other hand high price of the products are the major factors restricting the market growth.Test the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread over 80 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on Global Pregnancy Pillow Market Research Report  Forecast to 2023.Get a sample report atGlobal Pregnancy Pillow market Players:Key players profiled in the report are Leachco (US), My Best Friend (US), Pharmedoc (US), Naomi Homes (US), and Boppy (US), and Todays Mom (US).Leachco, being the major market player in the global pregnancy pillow market with its product Snoogle. The company operates majorly in the U.S. with the tie ups with major online and offline retailers. The manufacturer have tie ups with more than 30 online local and national retailers and also with more than 8 offline retail stores in US selling its product throughout the world. Most sold products include the Leachco BackNBelly Contoured Body Pillow. It is proved to be one of the best body pillow by the number of sales and positive reviews from customers.Boppy, is another major market player. The companys product price ranges from $13 to $100. The company provides wedge pillow, bump support pillow, slipcover and multiuse pillow in their product range. The company has tie ups with some of the major online and offline retailers including amazon, Walmart, Kmart etc. the company majorly sells its product through offline market retailers in North America and in other places through online retailers. The company promotes its product majorly through various social events and charity in newborn and baby programs such as Denver healths foundations Newborn program etc.My best friend, is also one of the major company in the market with the U.S. as a base area. The company had patented wrap around design, which are being sold in around 35 countries. The company has tie ups with many of the major retailers and online portals and also had their own stores in some places in Europe.Some of the other companies includes Todays Mom and others which are also contributing large market share of global pregnancy pillow market. These companies are currently focusing on developed regions with minimum efforts were made to sell their products in other areas.Browse complete report atSegmentation:The Global Pregnancy Pillow Market is segmented on the basis of type or shape of pillows, and materials. Based on the type or shape of the pillow, the market has been segmented as C shaped, J shaped, U shaped and others, other types comprises of low selling types such as wedge and full length etc. U shaped pillow is the most common form used by the pregnant ladies and hence commands the maximum market share in 2016 and is anticipated to show similar growth during the forecasted period. Based on materials, the market has been segmented into hypoallergenic fillings, memory foam, organic fillings and others. Memory foam as being the soft and more comfortable commands the maximum market share in 2016 the only factor restricting the market growth for such material is the cost. Further on the basis of end users the market has been segmented as hospitals, maternity homes or clinics, household and others. Pregnancy pillows are more commonly used in homes by the pregnant women during late pregnancy to support bump and hence household commands the maximum market share while hospitals and maternity homes are expected to show significant growth in the coming years.Study objectives:To provide detail analysis of the market structure along with estimated future growth forecast for the next 6 years about various segments and sub-segments of the global pregnancy pillow market.To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth.To analyze the global pregnancy pillow market based on various factors - price analysis, supply chain analysis, Porters Five Force Analysis etc.To provide past and estimated future revenue of the markets segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries - Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific along with Middle East & Africa.To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future growth prospect.To provide country level analysis of the markets segments which includes by type, by materials and by end users.To provide overview of key players and their strategic profiling in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies and drawing a competitive landscape of the market.To track and analyze developments which are competitive in nature such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments along with research and developments currently taking place in the global pregnancy pillow market.Request for discount atThe report for Global Pregnancy Pillow Market by Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detail analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain a deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives a clear picture of current market scenario which includes past and estimated future market size with respect to value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides detail information about and strategies used by top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact usAkash AnandPune -Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: Akash.Anand@Marketresearchfuture.Com
FORT LAUDERDALE/DAVIE, FLA, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

U.S. News & World Report ranked Nova Southeastern University (NSU) within their 2018 list of top 200 Best Colleges. NSU is officially ranked at number 198 for National Universities (up 16 spots). This is the second time this year that the university was ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In January, the magazine recognized three NSU online programs. NSUs Criminal Justice graduate program was ranked 26th out of 41 programs; its Education graduate program was 84th out of approximately 200 (up 11 spots); and its Nursing graduate program was 47th out of more than 100 ranked programs (up two spots).

"We are extremely proud to be listed in U.S. News & World Reports top 200 Best Colleges. These rankings show that were recognized as a premier, private, not-for-profit university of quality and distinction, said NSUs President Dr. George Hanbury.

The U.S. News and World Report rankings are based on several key measures of quality including graduation and retention rates, assessment of excellence and student selectivity. Scores for each measure are weighted to arrive at a final overall score.

NSU has also made the list for A-plus schools for B students for the first time.

U.S. News & World Report screened colleges and universities to identify those where non-superstar students have an opportunity at being accepted and thriving  where spirit and hard work could make all the difference to the admissions office. To make this list, schools had to admit a meaningful proportion of applicants whose test scores and class standing put them in non-A territory.

You can view the full list of U.S. News & World Reports rankings for best colleges HERE.

Be sure to sign up for NSUs RSS feed so you dont miss any of our news releases, guest editorials and other announcements. Please sign up HERE.

# # #

About Nova Southeastern University (NSU): Located in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a dynamic research institution dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and first-professional degree levels. A private, not-for-profit institution, NSU has campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Miramar, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Tampa, Florida, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico, while maintaining a presence online globally. For more than 50 years, NSU has been awarding degrees in a wide range of fields, while fostering groundbreaking research and an impactful commitment to community. Classified as a research university with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, NSU is 1 of only 50 universities nationwide to also be awarded Carnegies Community Engagement Classification, and is also the largest private, not-for-profit institution in the United States that meets the U.S. Department of Education's criteria as a Hispanic-serving Institution. Please visit www.nova.edu for more information about NSU and realizingpotential.nova.edu for more information on the largest fundraising campaign in NSU history.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9604ce54-bf23-4a96-9ff8-1abe075007b8
http://www.bildungsserver.de

http://www.eduserver.de

http://www.education-worldwide.de

The German Education Server has been revamped, now presenting educationally relevant web resources in a more modern, user-friendly design. The new layout has been adapted to mobile devices such as smartphones. As before, the German Education Server addresses all areas of education and all interested parties and stakeholders. The new design has been launched as a beta version and users are invited to give feedback. International users will find newly designed English language catalogues.---Numerous photos and icons, explanatory texts, a clear layout: many developments of the German Education Server are immediately evident. But the relaunch of your guide to education brings about even more changes. A responsive design now enables users to access the portal via smartphone more comfortably, paying attention to accessibility standards. The navigation menu is always just one click away. The editors of the English language catalogue of the German Education Server explain that: "We aim to provide all users with a modern, targeted means of searching for information. We will continue to prepare the contents on the basis of our expertise while striving for more clarity and a cutting-edge design." International users can take advantage of all these developments as well. They can immediately access the newly designed English language service, Eduserver, and its sister service, Education Worldwide. Because the German Education Server emphasises communication with its users, a beta version has been released and the team of the Server is inviting everybody to respond.Regardless of all adaptations, the German Education Server, a joint venture of the federal government and the federal states which is co-ordinated by the German Institute for International Educational Research (DIPF), retains one core purpose: Pursuant to its remit, the portal collects and connects to educationally relevant web resources from the government and federal states, the European Union, universities and schools as well as research, service and information institutes. The sources are carefully documented and updated. This service is made available free of charge, via databases and edited contributions. Contents are structured according to thematic catalogues. As one of these catalogues Education Worldwide informs about international developments. And Eduserver invites international users to browse English language information concerning aspects of education, life and work in Germany.The German Education Server welcomes feedback from users. You can contact the editors, or suggest a link. International users can access an English language RSS feed and Twitter account. The new German Education Server: The new Eduserver: Facebook: English Twitter account: E-Mail:Contact:German Education Server: Axel Kuhnlenz, DIPF, +49 (0)69 24708-320,Eduserver: Dr. Gwendolyn Schulte, DIPF, +49 (0)69 24708-342,Education Worldwide: Nadia Cohen, DIPF, +49 (0)69 24708-349,Press: Philip Stirm, DIPF, +49 (0)69 24708-123, ,About DIPF:The German Institute for International Educational Research (DIPF) delivers empirical educational research, digital infrastructure and targeted knowledge transfer, thus contributing to coping with challenges in education. Knowledge for education is processed and documented by the Leibniz Institute to support science, politics and practice in education  to the benefit of society.Weitere Informationen: German Education Server Eduserver Education WorldwideQuelle: idw
European Foundations Unite to Tackle Global Challenges

Three of Europe's biggest philanthropic foundations have joined together to award 5 million euros to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges of our time: Wellcome Trust, Riksbankens Jubileumsfond and Volkswagen Foundation have funded six research groups from across Europe to drive action through cross-border collaboration.



---

The announcement comes as the leading European foundations met together to discuss how they can share experience, best practice and work more closely together. The European foundations will also soon be meeting with Carlos Moedas, the EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, to discuss European philanthropy and research and how that might contribute and complement the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation framework programme as it is developed.



Millions of people in countries across the world are facing major challenges that affect their health, safety and livelihood. The world is tackling the largest refugee crisis since World War II and social inequality and extreme weather events threaten more lives. The scale of these issues means that no one nation can tackle them independently.



Six interdisciplinary research groups have been awarded funding for projects that range from understanding how asylum policies impact refugee decision-making, to strengthening climate action in the global south. Each partner will fund two projects directly.



This new funding builds on the relationship that the three foundations have had over the past few years as part of the Europe and Global Challenges initiative. The unique partnership sees the cross-European funders working together on global problems and encourages researchers to form new collaborations with colleagues from across the world.



The six projects that receive funding are:



 Erik Berglof at London School of Economics, to investigate where and how to best protect and integrate Syrian refugees.

 Jenny Phillimore at the University of Birmingham, to explore sexual and gender-based violence in the refugee crisis.

 Thomas Hale at the University of Oxford, to investigate how to strengthen non-state climate action in the global south.

 Anders Levermann at the Potsdam-Institut fur Klimafolgenforschung, to investigate the impact of intensified weather extremes on Europe's economy.

 Till Barnighausen, Universitatsklinikum, Heidelberg, to investigate the ethics of health policy experiments and use this to develop a framework for design and oversight.

 Sarah Hawkes at University College London, to investigate how to identify and implement policy responses for improving the sexual health of migrants and refugees.



Goran Blomqvist, chief execute of Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, said: "Our cooperation is an explicit European initiative. The aim is to jointly fund research with a potential to widen the existing horizons and to open for new and unexpected perspectives. With the partnership, the three foundations wish to send a strong signal about their readiness to support and promote the new types of scholarly work that is necessary in disrupted and fragmented times."



Jeremy Farrar, Director of Wellcome Trust, said: "The world is facing problems that cross borders, continents and nationalities. We want our solutions to reflect the nature of these issues, and by working together across Europe and beyond we can bring a collective voice and action. Only through international partnerships such as this can we hope to create real and tangible solutions for millions of people."



Wilhelm Krull, Secretary General of the Volkswagen Foundation, said: "We live in a world that faces numerous economic, environmental and social challenges that are globally interconnected such as climate change, social inequality, epidemics, terrorist attacks, to name only a few. In order to provide fundamental insights on understudied issues of global relevance, European foundations will cooperate across borders and jointly launch calls for proposals on respective topics. It is wonderful to see so much interest and enthusiasm of the European research foundation leaders for this endeavor."



The successful applicants were assessed by an international panel comprising researchers from all over the world, and from several different disciplines. Almost 300 applications were received from research groups from around the world, and 14 moved on to the second round.



Weitere Informationen:

- http://www.volkswagenstiftung.de/en/europe-and-global-challenges Further information on the funding initiative "Europe and Global Challenges".

- http://www.rj.se/en Link to the Riksbankens Jubileumsfond website.

- http://wellcome.ac.uk/ Link to the Wellcome Trust website.

- http://www.volkswagenstiftung.de/nc/aktuelles-presse/presse/pressedet/news/detail/artikel/european-foundations-unite-to-tackle-global-challenges/marginal/5381.html The press release on the website of the Volkswagen Foundation.



Quelle: idw

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http://www.uni-mainz.de/bilder_presse/08_physik_komet_magnet_saw.jpg

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-00456-0

http://www.klaeui-lab.physik.uni-mainz.de

http://www.mainz.uni-mainz.de/

http://www.uni-mainz.de/presse/20410_ENG_HTML.php

http://palgrave.nature.com/nmat/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nmat4593.html

https://www.uni-mainz.de/presse/63817.php

Using advanced dynamic imaging, researchers have been able to visualise deformation (sound) waves in crystals and measured the effect on nanomagnetic elements. This offers new low power magnetization manipulation for memory or logic applications and the methodology offers a new approach for analysing dynamic strains in other research fields: nanoparticles, chemical reactions, crystallography, etc.---Controlling the magnetic properties of materials is fundamental for developing memory, computing and communication devices at the nanoscale. As data storage and processing are evolving quickly, researchers are testing different new methods to modify magnetic properties of materials. One approach relies on elastic deformation (strain) of the magnetic material to tune its magnetic properties, which can be achieved by electric fields. This scientific area has attracted much interest due to its potential to write small magnetic elements with a low power electric field rather than magnetic fields that require high power charge currents. However, studies so far have mainly been done at very slow time scales (seconds to milliseconds).One way to produce rapid (i.e. subnanosecond scale) changes of strain and, thus, induce magnetization changes is by using surface acoustic waves (SAWs), which are deformation (strain) waves. Now, imagine an iron rod being hammered in one side. When the rod is hit, a sound wave propagates the deformation along it. Similarly, a surface acoustic wave propagates a deformation, but only in the surface layer, similarly to waves in the ocean. In certain materials (piezoelectrics), which expand or contract when applying a voltage, SAWs can be generated through oscillating electric fields.In a collaboration with groups from Spain, Switzerland and Berlin, the group of M. Klaui at JGU has used a new experimental technique to quantitatively image these SAW and demonstrate that they can be used to switch the magnetization in nanoscale magnetic elements (the surfers) on top of the crystal. Results showed that the magnetic squares changed their properties under the effect of SAWs, growing or shrinking the magnetic domains depending on the phase of the SAW. Interestingly, the deformation did not occur instantaneously and the observed delay (see Figure 1) could be modelled. Understanding how the magnetic properties can be modified on a fast time scale is key to design low power magnetic devices in the future."For highly complex measurements, close international cooperation with leading groups and a strong Alumni network are a strategical advantage. We have teamed up with a group from the Synchrotron Radiation Source ALBA in Spain where a former PhD student from our group is working and leading this project. The work was carried out also in conjunction with a PhD student from the MAINZ Graduate School of Excellence and it is great to see that our students and alumni are so successful. emphasized Professor Mathias Klaui of the JGU Institute of Physics, who is also Director of MAINZ.Establishment of the MAINZ Graduate School was granted through the Excellence Initiative by the German Federal and State Governments to Promote Science and Research at German Universities in 2007 and its funding was extended in the second round in 2012. It consists of work groups from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, TU Kaiserslautern, and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz. One of its focal research areas is spintronics, where cooperation with leading international partners plays an important role.ReferenceDirect imaging of delayed magneto dynamic modes induced by surface acoustic waves M. Foerster, F. Macia, N. Statuto, S. Finizio, A. Hernandez-Minguez, S. Lendinez, P. Santos, J. Fontcuberta, J. M. Hernandez, M. Klaui, L. Aballe Nature Communications 8, 407 (2017)Illustration:Figure. Two examples of imaged strain and resulting magnetization configurations. Left: Images of the strain wave around the magnetic square. The waves pass across the magnetic square centre (white, 2 m lateral size) and depending on the timing the square is imaged in the unstrained state (top) and in the strained state (bottom). Corresponding experimental images with magnetic contrast showing the magnetic domains in the square are shown as well. Right: Schemes of magnetic domains in a magnetic square with low strain (top, arrows indicate magnetic directions and grey colour contrast) and magnetic domain configuration with strain (bottom), favouring horizontal magnetization (black and white domains).ill.:/: Michael Foerster, ALBAPublication:Michael Foerster et al.Direct imaging of delayed magneto dynamic modes induced by surface acoustic wavesNature Communications, 8, 407 (2017) published 1st September 2017DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00456-0Further information:Professor Dr. Mathias KlauiCondensed Matter Theory GroupInstitute of PhysicsJohannes Gutenberg University Mainz55099 Mainz, GERMANYphone +49 6131 39-23633e-mail:Graduate School of Excellence "Materials Science in Mainz" (MAINZ)Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz55099 Mainz, GERMANYphone +49 6131 39-26984fax +49 6131 39-26983e-mail:Related links:Related links:(Abstract)(press release "Physicists observe motion of tiny magnetic whirls", 3 February 2016)Quelle: idw
Hotel Business News and Analytics

Important! This article is written by orangesmile.com editors and is protected by copyright law. The article can only be re-used with a direct link to www.orangesmile.com

NEWS BLOCKS:

The Most Dangerous Countries for Travelers Revealed

The World Economic Forum (WEF) published its traditional annual report Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. In the paper, there is a list of the most dangerous destinations for travelers and, surprisingly, there are countries that are rather popular with Europeans, such as Thailand, Jamaica, and Egypt.



The report contains the analysis of 136 countries of the world and their rating of safety for international guests. Different criteria were applied in order to make the list. According to WEF, they took into consideration potential security risks of tourists and business people and the frequency of violence acts in the country such as terrorism and other attacks that harm people.



Surprisingly for many Europeans, there is Thailand on the list. It occupies position #19 out of top 20 most dangerous countries. Within the past 13 years, more than 6,500 people died in the southern part of the country. Such provinces as Narathiwat, Yala, Songkhla, and Pattani are considered the most prone to violence. Therefore, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) recommends travelers to refrain from visiting these parts of the country. According to the companys website, attacks in the deep south of Thailand have taken place nearly every day since 2004. Some foreigners were killed or injured during these attacks.



Colombia occupies the top spot on the list. Terrorist attacks, kidnapping, trafficking, and many violent gangs make this country a poor choice for tourists. Egypt, which was very popular with travelers from all over the world a few years ago, is now on the 7th place due to ISIS groups targeting tourist destinations. Finally, Jamaica is #18 because of criminal activity.



The full list of the most dangerous countries for travelers is the following: Columbia, Yemen, El Salvador, Pakistan, Nigeria, Venezuela, Egypt, Kenya, Honduras, Ukraine, Philippines, Lebanon, Mali, Bangladesh, Chad, Guatemala, South Africa, Jamaica, Thailand, and The Democratic Republic of Congo. WEF also notes that these destinations are particularly dangerous during the peak holiday season. Low season is slightly safer. The report may harm tourism industries of the countries mentioned above as, for example, 97% of Britons name safety the primary concern when traveling abroad. That said, Europe is also considered unsafe in June to August due to recent terrorist attacks.

13.09.2017Stay in touch with the latest news of a worldwide hotel industry. All up-to-date analytics, reports , and news about hotel business trends on OrangeSmile.com.
MIDWEST CITY, Okla., Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and perfectly seasoned deli meats, partnered with WinCo Foods and Operation Homefront to honor an Edmond, Oklahoma military family on Wednesday, and thank them for their service.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a7264eee-a4aa-4504-a5d1-8c9d559a4620

When the Campbell family arrived to the neighborhood WinCo store, Eckrich surprised the family with a grocery shopping spree. Then at checkout, the brand provided the family with another surprise: a gift of free groceries for a year at WinCo Foods, valued at more than $10,000.



Retired Petty Officer Jim Campbell served honorably with the US Navy for more than a decade as a Mass Communications Specialist during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. During his service, he was awarded several medals and ribbons. Jim and his wife, Selena, have been married for six years. Selena is Jims full-time caregiver and a member of Operation Homefront's Hearts of Valor program, a network of more than 3,000 caregivers of wounded service members which provides annual retreats, support groups, and online communities.

"We are humbled by this gift of groceries from Eckrich and WinCo Foods," said Selena Campbell. "Serving as Jim's full-time caregiver does not allow me to work outside of our home so this gift of groceries will relieve some financial stress from our family."

The surprise is part of the ongoing campaign by Eckrich to honor, thank, and support military families through its partnership with Operation Homefront. Eckrich, now in its sixth year of the partnership, has donated more than $2.5 million to the organization since 2012. Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive  not simply struggle to get by  in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.



Eckrich is proud to support military families across the country, and we are grateful for WinCos continued partnership, said Mike Paribello, Smithfield Foods senior director of marketing. We are inspired by the sacrifices made by the Campbell family and we hope this gift of groceries will serve as a sign of our appreciation for all that they do.

For more information about Eckrich, please visit www.eckrich.com or follow Eckrich on Facebook and Twitter. Eckrich is a brand of Smithfield Foods.

About Eckrich

Founded by Peter Eckrich in 1894, Eckrich has a rich heritage starting from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through it all, Eckrich meats have been recognized for their great taste and supreme quality, craftsmanship, care and pride. For more information, visit www.eckrich.com.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, Farmland, Armour, John Morrell, Cook's, Kretschmar, Gwaltney, Curly's, Margherita, Carando, Healthy Ones, Krakus, Morliny and Berlinki. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

About Operation Homefront

Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive  not simply struggle to get by  in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves Americas military families. For more information, go to www.OperationHomefront.org.




DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods Helping Hungry Homes initiative, a program focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure, joined forces with Hy-Vee Inc. to donate nearly 40,000 pounds of protein to the Food Bank of Iowa. The donation, equivalent to nearly 160,000 servings, will help those fighting hunger across Des Moines and surrounding communities, where one in 175,000 Iowans are food insecure.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3bf5314e-c723-454d-af35-08ad9131ebcd

With the help of our generous friends at Smithfield, were able to better nourish our community, said Michelle Book, President & CEO at the Food Bank of Iowa. As protein is one of the most requested and hard to secure items for food banks, we are incredibly appreciative for this nutritious donation, as it is a vital resource for families in need.

Smithfield and Hy-Vee representatives presented the donation to the Food Bank of Iowa this morning at an event that raised awareness of hungers impact in the local community. Members from all three organizations discussed the significance of protein donations in helping the 175,000 individuals, including one in five children, who face hunger each day in the 55-county region.

Like Smithfield, Hy-Vee is committed to the well-being of the communities we serve, said Brian Bieker, Store Director, West Des Moines Hy-Vee Drugstore. We understand food insecurity is a concern for our community members and are proud to partner with Smithfield in support of the food banks efforts to help end hunger in Iowa.

Smithfields donation to the Food Bank of Iowa was a part of the Helping Hungry Homes 2017 nationwide donation tour. Throughout the annual tour, Smithfield will provide large-scale protein donations to nearly 60 food banks across the country. This donation adds to the more than 65 million servings of protein donated since 2011.

As a global food company, we recognize our responsibility to relieve hunger and appreciate partnering with others committed to doing the same, said Dennis Pittman, senior director of hunger relief for Smithfield Foods. Along with Hy-Vee, todays donation of delicious protein to thousands in Iowa allows us to further deliver on our dedication to providing for communities in need.

Following todays event, Helping Hungry Homes will visit Boise, ID, Thursday, Sept. 14. For more information about Helping Hungry Homes and a list of upcoming donation events, visit helpinghungryhomes.com.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, Farmland, Armour, John Morrell, Cook's, Kretschmar, Gwaltney, Curly's, Margherita, Carando, Healthy Ones, Krakus, Morliny and Berlinki. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

About Food Bank of Iowa

Food Bank of Iowa is a private, not-for-profit organization committed to its mission of providing food to Iowa children, families and seniors to lead full and active lives, strengthening the communities where they live. Food Bank of Iowa distributes donated food and grocery products through Iowas largest network of emergency food providers, consisting of about 500 partner agencies in 55 counties. Last year, Food Bank of Iowa distributed more than 13 million lbs. of food through a network of 500 partners, including food pantries, homeless shelters, schools, and more. To learn more, visit www.foodbankiowa.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/foodbankiowa.

About Hy-Vee Inc.

Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 240 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $9.8 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 10 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of Americas Top 5 favorite grocery stores. The companys 84,000 employees provide A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.

Media Contacts:
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ten Peaks Coffee Company Inc. (Ten Peaks) today announced the declaration of a cash dividend of $0.0625 per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The dividend will be an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes, and will be paid on October 16, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 29, 2017.



Company Profile

Ten Peaks is a publicly traded company that owns all of the interests of the Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company Inc. (SWDCC), a premium green coffee decaffeinator located in Burnaby, BC. It also owns and operates Seaforth Supply Chain Solutions Inc. (Seaforth), a green coffee handling and storage business located in Metro Vancouver.

About SWDCC

SWDCC employs the proprietary SWISS WATER Process to decaffeinate green coffee without the use of chemicals, leveraging science-based systems and controls to produce coffee that is 99.9% caffeine free. The SWISS WATER Process is a 100% chemical free water process for coffee decaffeination, as well as the worlds only consumer-branded decaffeination process. It is certified organic by the Organic Crop Improvement Association.

SWISS WATER Process decaffeinated green coffees are sold to many of North Americas leading specialty roaster retailers, specialty coffee importers and commercial coffee roasters. SWDCC also sells coffees internationally through regional distributors.

About Seaforth

Seaforth provides a complete range of green coffee handling and storage services, including devanning coffee received from origin; inspecting, weighing and sampling coffees; and storing, handling and preparing green coffee for outbound shipments. Seaforths warehouse and handling operation is certified organic by Ecocert Canada.
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HC2 Holdings, Inc. (HC2) (NYSE:HCHC), a diversified holding company, announced today that a subsidiary of HC2 Holdings has agreed to enter into an agreement with Mako Communications, LLC and certain of its affiliates (Mako) to purchase all the assets in connection with Makos ownership and operation of low power television (LPTV) stations. The transaction would result in HC2 acquiring 38 operating stations in 22 cities and is subject to the approval of the Federal Communication Commission, as well as other customary closing conditions.



Further details regarding the asset purchase agreement will be provided in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 8-K.

About HC2

HC2 Holdings, Inc. is a publicly traded (NYSE:HCHC) diversified holding company, which seeks opportunities to acquire and grow businesses that can generate long-term sustainable free cash flow and attractive returns in order to maximize value for all stakeholders. HC2 has a diverse array of operating subsidiaries across seven reportable segments, including Construction, Marine Services, Energy, Telecommunications, Life Sciences, Insurance and Other. HC2's largest operating subsidiaries include DBM Global Inc., a family of companies providing fully integrated structural and steel construction services, and Global Marine Systems Limited, a leading provider of engineering and underwater services on submarine cables. Founded in 1994, HC2 is headquartered in New York, New York. Learn more about HC2 and its portfolio companies at www.hc2.com.

About Mako

Mako Communications, LLC is a family owned and operated business headquartered in Corpus Christi, Texas, that has been acquiring, building, and maintaining Class A and low power television stations all across the United States since 2000. Mako currently operates stations in 11 of the top 20 U.S. television markets and in 16 of the top 50 markets.



Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains, and certain oral statements made by our representatives from time to time may contain, forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements include information describing actions, events, results, strategies and expectations and are generally identifiable by use of the words believes, expects, intends, anticipates, plans, seeks, estimates, projects, may, will, could, might, or continues or similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this press release include without limitation statements regarding our expectation regarding building shareholder value. Such statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of HC2's management and the management of HC2's subsidiaries and portfolio companies. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and the Companys actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative, that may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Such important factors include, without limitation, issues related to the restatement of our financial statements; the fact that we have historically identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, and any inability to remediate future material weaknesses; capital market conditions; the ability of HC2's subsidiaries and portfolio companies to generate sufficient net income and cash flows to make upstream cash distributions; volatility in the trading price of HC2 common stock; the ability of HC2 and its subsidiaries and portfolio companies to identify any suitable future acquisition opportunities; our ability to realize efficiencies, cost savings, income and margin improvements, growth, economies of scale and other anticipated benefits of strategic transactions; difficulties related to the integration of financial reporting of acquired or target businesses; difficulties completing pending and future acquisitions and dispositions; effects of litigation, indemnification claims, and other contingent liabilities; changes in regulations and tax laws; and risks that may affect the performance of the operating subsidiaries and portfolio companies of HC2. These risks and other important factors discussed under the caption Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and our other reports filed with the SEC could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to HC2 or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. All such statements speak only as of the date made, and HC2 undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For information on HC2 Holdings, Inc., please contact:

Andrew G. Backman

Managing Director - Investor Relations & Public Relations

abackman@hc2.com

212-339-5836
JERSEY, United Kingdom, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The PayByPhone mobile parking app has launched at the Green Street multi-story car park, with a full rollout at on-street and off-street locations across the Island to follow. The new payment method is an innovative alternative to paycards, which must be pre-purchased by motorists. The service is the first of its kind in Jersey, adding to PayByPhones 300 locations across the globe.



The user-friendly app offers several convenient features, including a countdown timer, and smart notifications that remind you to extend your parking before the time runs out. There is even the option to extend a parking session from anywhere, such as a restaurant, store or meeting. Email receipts are also available through your account, helping keep track of parking expenses for personal or business use.

DfI has listened to public feedback when they have said they wanted an alternative to paycards and this service provides one, said Deputy Eddie Noel, Minister for Infrastructure. It will provide users with the flexibility to top up their parking remotely if they decide they want to stay longer and it can also provide you with a reminder that your paid parking is coming to an end if you take up the notifying option. We hope this trial goes well and we can roll it out to our other car parks in the near future and on street at a later date.

PayByPhone leverages the latest cashless payment technology to provide a flexible and sustainable solution to parking, said Kevin Bird, Commercial Director of PayByPhone U.K. The app delivers a customer-focused approach to parking management, while also helping regions more effectively manage their parking infrastructure.

To download the free PayByPhone app, visit the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store. Registration is easy to complete and can also be done at www.paybyphone.co.uk

ABOUT PAYBYPHONE

PayByPhone is one of the fastest growing mobile payments companies in the world, processing more than 253 million in payments annually. Through the company's mobile web, smartphone and smartwatch applications, PayByPhone helps millions of consumers easily and securely pay for parking without the hassles of queues, having to carry change or risking costly fines. Registration is quick and easy and the app reminds the user when their parking is about to expire, allowing them to top up from anywhere, at any time.

Many of the largest and most complex parking operations in the world use PayByPhone, including San Francisco, Miami, Seattle, Vancouver, London and Paris. PayByPhone is wholly-owned by Volkswagen Financial Services, part of the largest auto manufacturer in the world, with brands that include VW, Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini and Ducati.

CONTACT:

Thomas Nguyen, Marketing Manager

tnguyen@paybyphone.com
Goose Creek, SC (29445)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High around 60F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible late. Low around 50F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 87,110 new melanomas diagnosed in 2017. Fifty-two thousand will be in men and 35,000 in women. Nearly 10,000 people will die of this skin cancer this year.

Melanoma is skin cancer and is 20 times more common in whites than in black-skinned people. The lifetime risk for whites is about one in 40, while in blacks it is one in 1000. For Hispanics it is one in 200.

Most people who develop melanoma have significant risk factors, though melanoma can also occur in those without any risk factors.

Risk factors include:

 Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, tanning beds and sun lamps.

 Frequent sunburns, especially in childhood, that occur on the chest, back and legs, which are areas not usually exposed to UV light, have been strongly linked to melanoma.

 Those with fair skin, freckling and light hair, who are easily burned, are at increased risk.

 Statistics prove, and it is almost always true in people who visit our office, that melanoma patients have blue or green eyes.

 If a first-degree relative (parents, brother, sister or child) has melanoma, then a persons risk rises significantly. Ten percent of people with melanoma have a first-degree family member with the disease.

 Similarly, if you yourself have had a melanoma, or indeed any other skin cancer, your risk increases.

 Immune suppression can also lead to melanoma.

 Organ transplant patients have a 10 percent risk of dying from squamous cell cancer and their risk of melanoma is also higher. The same is true in those infected with HIV/AIDS.

 Getting older is in itself a risk factor! Although we have seen a melanoma in a 4-year-old and in 20-year-olds, melanoma is more likely to occur in people over the age of 60. Melanoma, however, is one of the most common cancers for people younger than 30, especially young women.

 Those with many moles are more likely to develop melanoma.

We have been told to watch for changes in moles as one of the key ways to diagnose melanoma at an early stage. Early detection leads to better survival. Most of us have been taught the ABCDEFG paradigm. A is for asymmetry (most benign moles should be smooth on the edges and more circular than irregular), B is for bleeding, C is for change (color, size, edges), D is for diameter (greater than a pencil eraser), E is for elevation, F is for a change in feeling of a mole (it may cause itching or it may actually feel different  most melanomas are firm and not squishy), and G for growing.

When I attended the University of Queensland course on Detection and Treatment of Skin Cancers, one of the things they said that caught me by surprise is that most melanomas do not arise in previously existing moles. I was so surprised by this that I called the director of the Melanoma Clinic at the University of Michigan and asked him if this was true. He confirmed it.

Now, a study has been published in the Aug. 29 Journal of the Academy of Dermatology confirming the fact that most melanomas are not malignant transformation of previously existing moles. The authors performed an extensive review (38 studies involving 20,126 melanomas) of the medical literature and found that 29 percent of melanomas were associated with a previously existing nevus, but 71 percent had arisen de novo  they were totally new. It is especially of special concern if true nevi develop after the age of 35. Twenty-three percent of melanomas were associated with congenital nevi (moles present at birth).

It is quite a challenge for patients to discern which lesions are significant and which are not. As we age, we develop many pigmented changes on our skin. Some are lentigos (liver spots), or seborrheic keratoses (those raised up crusty-looking brown lesions that most everyone over 50 has). It is very difficult for the average patient to know what to worry about and when to see their doctor, even considering the ABCDEFG rules above.

Trying to describe to a patient what is normal and abnormal is difficult to convey in print or conversation. When I taught courses across the country, I would ask doctors to describe to me the color orange. How do you put that in words? Or, tell me how a strawberry tastes. How would you describe that? I suggest that you go to the internet and look up seborrheic keratosis and lentigos. There will be many pictures of both of these lesions. Then look up melanoma. Youll see the difference. You are far and away more likely to have lentigos or seborrheic keratoses as you age, than a melanoma.

What is more surprising to me is that patients tell me again and again that doctors are now performing physicals without even having the patients take their clothes off. The Medicare physical turns out to be more of a question/answer protocol to comply with the government than a true physical. I tell patients with skin growths and moles to demand a good skin screening from their primary care provider.

If you are concerned, it may help to take pictures and compare changes about four times a year (Jan. 1, April 1, July 1, and Sept. 1). Cell phones now take excellent photos. Just be sure to keep the camera the same distance away from the skin for each photo. For suspicious lesions, lay a ruler next to the lesion and take the picture. Compare the size. If it is enlarging, it should be evaluated and possibly biopsied. As we age, it is not only important that we look over our skin well at least on a quarterly basis, but also that a family member or partner checks us over too, especially since we cant evaluate our back.

It is the end of summer. We probably exposed ourselves to the sun more than we should have in spite of using sunscreens, hats and more. If you see a new mole develop, better get it checked out.

Dr. John L. Pfenningers office, Medical Procedures Center, is located in Midland.
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In the wake of Hurricane Irma, the destruction suffered in the British Virgin Islands has been described as apocalyptic and devastation reminiscent of total war.

"It's just carnage here," Freeman Rogers, a local resident and the editor of the BVI Beacon, told The Washington Post last week.

That imagery is not lost on Virgin Group founder Richard Branson. The British billionaire rode out the storm in the wine cellar of his private Caribbean island, then wrote in a blog post that he had "never seen anything like this hurricane."

RELATED: Richard Branson says Hurricane Irma 'utterly devastated' his private island

On Sunday, he invoked a post-World War II reconstruction effort in Europe to describe what he believes must take place to help the Caribbean islands hammered by Irma's historically savage winds and flooding that has left at least 34 dead, the Associated Press reported.

Now Playing: Hundreds of people across an island shared by Dutch St. Martin and French St. Martin are trying to rebuild the lives they had before the hurricane hit. Video: TMTime

"The region needs a "Disaster Recovery Marshall Plan" for the BVI and other territories that will aid in recovery, sustainable reconstruction and long-term revitalisation of the local economy," he wrote Sunday on the Virgin blog, his platform of choice since Irma passed over Branson's Necker Island.

"The UK government will have a massive role to play in the recovery of its territories affected by Irma -- both through short-term aid and long-term infrastructure spending," Branson wrote.

The European Recovery Program was a U.S.-led effort to inject $13 billion into the economy of 16 European nations with agriculture and industrial production hollowed out by the war. It has been forever linked to then-Secretary of State George C. Marshall, who powerfully called for substantial aid to Europe during a speech at Harvard University in 1947.

ALSO: 'Worst ever seen': European leaders view devastated islands

By many measures, the plan was a success, with a 150 percent increase in standard of living over the next three decades in participating countries, according to the Marshall Center, and stronger ties with Europe on diplomatic and economic levels. Launched in 1948, the aid effort concluded in 1952.

"Over the coming weeks, we'll have to assess exactly what is needed. It is clear to me creating jobs is paramount - there will be a huge amount of rebuilding to be done and people will need work to help rebuild their lives as well as their homes," Branson said in his blog.

MORE: Irma devastates Cuba

Branson and his company are looking to plant seeds in the recovery effort by tasking his foundation, Virgin Unite, to coordinate aid and supplies in the short term and reconstruction efforts in the months ahead, Branson wrote.

Last week, Branson dictated his vivid updates and notes on the destruction near Necker Island through a satellite phone after communications networks were brought down.

"The boats are piled up like matchsticks in the harbour. Huge cargo ships were thrown out of the water and into rocks. Resorts have been decimated," Branson said Friday after a tour of Virgin Gorda, a nearby island southwest of Necker. "The houses have their roofs blown off; even some churches where people sheltered have lost roofs. But the whole British Virgin Islands community is rallying round," he said.

Branson had said earlier this week his compound was built with reinforced hurricane blinds designed to withstand high winds. But that wasn't the case for the surrounding area or the rest of 74-acre Necker Island, his property for four decades.

"I have never seen anything like this hurricane. Necker and the whole area have been completely and utterly devastated. We are still assessing the damage, but whole houses and trees have disappeared," he said.

"Outside of the bunker, bathroom and bedroom doors and windows have flown 40 feet away."

Branson is the 324th wealthiest person in the world, with a net worth of about $5 billion, according to Forbes, which notes that he bought Necker Island for $180,000. A few hours before Irma's impact, Branson wrote that he planned to retreat with his team to his concrete wine cellar below "the Great House."

"Knowing our wonderful team as I do, I suspect there will be little wine left in the cellar when we all emerge," he wrote on his blog.
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CHICAGO  An apologetic Matt Sorensen was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison Tuesday for a wire fraud scheme related to consulting work he did for State Farm.

The former McLean County Board chairman acknowledged his serious mistake that humiliated his family, friends and the community he served as an elected official for more than 20 years.

"I should have known better. I did know better but I agreed to take it," Sorensen said of the scheme to submit false invoices for consulting work to McKinsey and Co., a Chicago consulting firm that did work for State Farm.

Several of Sorensen's relatives and supporters wiped away tears as he read his statement to the judge. The group of about 20 filled most of the seats in the courtroom.

Sorensen, 51, declined to comment after the hearing. His lawyer, Stuart Chanen, said "we're pleased with the sentence. The judge took the whole person into account and the service Matt provided to the community over many, many years."

Sorensen admitted he took part with McKinsey staffer Navdeep Arora in the plan that cost the company about $490,000.

Sorensen pleaded guilty in November to submitting false invoices to McKinsey & Co. for consulting work he did not perform for the Bloomington-based insurer, his employer for more than 20 years before he was terminated in 2012 after the fraud scheme was uncovered.

Arora also has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and will be sentenced Oct. 18.

U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Guzman ordered Sorensen to report to federal custody on Nov. 27.

Both men are equally liable for $490,475 in restitution to McKinsey.

State Farm was repaid its fees by McKinsey, but the insurer was unsuccessful in its bid to recover almost $2 million related to the investigation into the fraud.

In his comments, the judge recognized Sorensen's long history of public service.

That record is "a remarkably impressive pattern of community involvement," said Guzman.

But the sophistication and duration of the fraud demanded time in prison, he added.

"These are pure choice crimes," committed by "thinking people" who were not without the means for living a good life, said Guzman.

In a sentencing memorandum filed last week, federal prosecutors asked the judge to consider between 27 and 33 months in prison for Sorensen.

The defense, which asked for probation, denied that Sorensen provided confidential State Farm information to Arora about the consulting contracts overseen by Sorensen.

Rather, Sorensen befriended Arora, who lied about his life circumstances to garner Sorensen's trust, Sorensen told the judge.

But Sorensen is not the good man portrayed in letters of support provided to the judge, said Assistant United State's Attorney Sunil Harjanii.

"He's someone who was out for himself," said the prosecutor.

Sorensen must serve at least 85 percent of the sentence. He will be on parole for a year on the felony conviction after he is released.
Donations go to food bank, Red Cross

NORMAL  Midwest Food Bank has received $50,000 from Growmark Foundation to assist the food bank, 2031 Warehouse Road, with its relief efforts for hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

American Red Cross Central and Southern Illinois Region has received a check for $4,144.38 as a result of the canister drive at the 15 Bloomington-Normal area McDonald's restaurants Sept. 1-2. That money will go to Red Cross hurricane relief work.

People who wish to become trained Red Cross disaster relief volunteers may participate in free training 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Red Cross, 1 Westport Court, Bloomington. Volunteers must register at 309-662-0500, ext. 7428, or by email at Laura.Streid@redcross.org.

Drinking-water pollution topic of talk

NORMAL  Bonnie K. Cox, president of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, will speak about "Nutrient Pollution: An Unprecedented Environmental Challenge" at 7 p.m. Thursday at Normal Public Library.

Cox will speak about the increasing dangers of nitrates and phosphates in waterways from farm fertilizer and other forms of runoff. These nutrients can cause toxin algae blooms in area waterways used for drinking water and are a particular problem in agricultural areas such as McLean County.

Incidents of Blue Baby Syndrome as well as bladder cancer and thyroid cancer have been traced to the presence of high levels of phosphates and nitrates in drinking water sources.

The talk is sponsored by the McLean County League of Women Voters and is free and open to the public.
MIAMI (AP)  Residents were allowed to return Tuesday to some islands in the hurricane-slammed Florida Keys as officials sought to piece together the scope of Irma's destruction and rush aid into the drenched and debris-strewn state.

Two days after the storm roared into the Keys with 130 mph winds, the full extent of the damage there was still a question mark because communications and access were cut off in many cases.

At the northern end of the Keys, residents and business owners from Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada were allowed back for their first look.

The Lower Keys  including the chain's most distant and most populous island, Key West, with 27,000 people  were still off-limits, with a roadblock in place where the single highway to the farther islands was washed out. Road repairs were promised in the coming days.

Corey Smith, a UPS driver who rode out the hurricane in Key Largo, said that power was out on the island, there was very limited gas and supermarkets were closed. Branches and other brush blocked some roads.

"They're shoving people back to a place with no resources," he said by telephone. "It's just going to get crazy pretty quick."

Still, he said people coming back to Key Largo should be relieved that many buildings escaped major damage.

On Tuesday morning, the rainy remnants of Irma pushed through Alabama and Mississippi after drenching Georgia. Flash-flood watches and warnings were issued around the Southeast.

Seven deaths in Florida have been blamed on Irma, along with two in Georgia and two in South Carolina. At least 35 people were killed in the Caribbean.

As many as 13 million Florida residents  two-thirds of the state's population  were without electricity as sweltering heat returned across the peninsula in the storm's wake, and officials warned it could take weeks for power to be fully restored. About 110,000 people remained in shelters statewide.

"I know for our entire state, especially the Keys, it's going to be a long road," Gov. Rick Scott said.

Authorities were stopping people to check documentation such as proof of residency or business ownership before allowing them back into the Upper Keys. All three hospitals on the island chain were still closed.

After flying over the Keys on Monday, the governor described overturned mobile homes, washed-ashore boats and other damage. A Navy aircraft carrier was due to anchor off Key West to help in the search-and-rescue effort.

Crews were working to reopen U.S. 1 through the Keys. Officials said there was no immediate sign of serious damage to the 42 bridges that link the islands, but they were still checking.

Key West resident Laura Keeney waited in a Miami hotel for word that it was safe to return home. She was anxious to hear more about her apartment complex. Her building manager told her about flooding there, but further updates were hard to come by because of limited phone service.

"They told me there is definitely water in the downstairs apartment, which is me," said Keeney, who works as a hotel concierge.

Lower Keys resident Leyla Nedin said she doesn't plan to return anytime soon to her home near where Irma came ashore on Cudjoe Key.

"There are still nine bridges that need final inspections. Plus we are still without water, power, sewer, gas and cell service," she said. "My concern is that even if we get to go in to the Lower Keys, our fragile infrastructure could be even more compromised."

In a parting blow to the state, the storm caused record flooding in the Jacksonville area.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said 356 people were rescued from the floodwaters on Monday. On its Twitter account, the sheriff's office said it hopes "people who had their lives saved yesterday will take evacuation orders seriously in the future."

Paul Johnson and Shonda Brecheen spent Sunday night in a house they were remodeling near downtown Jacksonville after working late on the project. Jonhson woke up Monday to see boats passing by where cars normally drive.

They managed to push his truck through standing water to a parking lot to dry out, but he's worried about the swamped vehicle.

"I'm 32, I've lived here most of my life, and I've never seen anything like that," he said.

-- Mendoza reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Terry Spencer in Palm Beach County; Gary Fineout and Joe Reedy in Tallahassee; Jay Reeves in Immokalee; Terrance Harris and Claire Galofaro in Orlando; and Jason Dearen, Curt Anderson and David Fischer in Miami contributed to this report.
The woman who was critically injured when a massive tree fell on her and her children in Central Park last month is "completely immobilized," according to her attorneys, who are planning a $200 million lawsuit against the city. Lawyer Jordan Merson said that Anne Monoky Goldman is "not allowed to move her neck for at least two to three months  that is a form of torture. She cant pick up her baby, she cant breast-feed, she cant do her job."

Monoky Goldman had been in the park with her month-old baby son strapped into a carrier on her chest, two-year-old son and four-year-old son on August 15 when a 75-foot-tall tree near near 61st Street and Central Park South suddenly fell. A witness said, "The tree fell, she never saw it coming and it landed right on top of her and her kids. It was giant, it was across all of them, we were able to pull the branches back and get the [kids] out pretty easily but then the baby was strapped to her so that took a little bit. They had the stroller tipped up against her so I think that kind of saved them."

The two-year-old child, Grant Goldman, suffered a concussion and brain hemorrhaging. "Merson said the blow to his skull could affect his development," according to the Daily News.

The Central Park Conservancy said that the tree had decay in the root system, with a spokesperson explaining, "The tree had been inspected annually over the last six years, most recently in November 2016, and there were no visible signs of decay or disease. The Conservancy employs tree crews seven days a week who regularly inspect and maintain Central Parks nearly 20,000 trees according to industry standards."

In 2009, a 33-year-old man was paralyzed by a 100-pound tree branch struck him on West Drive. The next year, a 58-year-old man was killed by a falling branch near 68th Street and East Drive; a few months later, three people were injured by a falling branch near 74th Street and East Drive and a six-month-old baby was killed when a branch struck her and her mother near the Central Park Zoo. The NYC Parks Department says 31 people have been struck by falling branches or trees between 2011 and 2015.



Where the tree once stood, August 21, 2017 (Jen Chung / Gothamist)

Attorneys for Monoky Goldman and her family are going to file a notice of claim, indicating their intention to sue the city for $200 million. They note that Goldman had been on maternity leave from her position as a social media director at Tory Burch.

Merson said, "The way Ms. Monoky laid out to protect her children, it was heroic and she truly took the brunt of the force of the tree... She has complete memory loss from the time of the accident."
MONTICELLO  Though he loves his home in Monticello, Piatt County Chairman Randy Keith said he is ready to head to Springfield to represent his community and other parts of Central Illinois.

Keith, surrounded by dozens of friends and relatives outside the Piatt County Courthouse in Monticello on Tuesday afternoon, became the latest Republican seeking the soon-to-be vacant seat in the 101st House District.

He is the third candidate to announce for the seat since Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, who has served in the House since 1999, announced Aug. 3 that he would not seek re-election in 2018.

Keith, 65, focused much of his announcement on Tuesday toward on the goal of bringing common-sense practices to fixing the states problems. He noted several times that he would push for term limits on lawmakers, adding he would not serve longer than two, two-year terms in Springfield.

I love Piatt County and this is where I want to get back to, he said.

While he touched on a common Republican position that the state should make more budget cuts before raising taxes, Keith said three major issues he would focus on if elected were term limits, redistricting reform and a new capital bill to fix the infrastructure in rural parts of Central Illinois.

These things wont be easy, and I know Im only one man, he said. But I will never rest until we make this state better.

Keith was elected to the Piatt County Board in 2010 and has served as its chairman since 2014. Before that, he worked for 40 years at the Kraft plant in Champaign, retiring in 2011 after overseeing large parts of its multimillion-dollar cheese production department.

He also volunteered for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served for two years as a military police officer in Germany.

Keith is among a handful of Republicans who have announced their interest in running for the district, which covers parts of Champaign, DeWitt, Macon, McLean and Piatt counties.

Both Cerro Gordo school board President Todd Henricks and former Decatur City Councilman Dan Caulkins have announced bids for the seat while Clinton resident Joe Alexander and DeWitt County Republican Party Chairman Dustin Peterson have previously expressed interest in running.

Keith points to his private business experience as well as his role leading the board that oversees operations of the county and its nearly 17,000 residents as what helps him stand out among the candidates.

Ive been doing this government stuff, Keith said, noting his board has worked together to balance the countys budget and guide it through difficult financial times.
Was this book necessary? Hillary Clintons anguished, angry memoir of her presidential campaign, What Happened, is out, complete with television appearances and a 15-city lecture tour.

Other Democrats have been dreading this moment for months.

I love Hillary, Al Franken, the senator from Minnesota, said a few weeks ago. I think she has a right to analyze what happened. But we do have to move on.

A backward-looking slog through the disappointments of last years campaign is not what most Democratic politicians want to dominate the news this fall.

And that, judging from the many excerpts that have leaked, is exactly what Clintons book is: a long and dutiful post-mortem on how she lost to an unqualified blowhard who was even less popular than she was.

Clinton doesnt spare herself from blame. She admits mistakes large and small. Its fair to say that I didnt realize how quickly the ground was shifting under our feet, she writes. She acknowledges that she never came up with a theme as compelling as Trumps Make America Great Again.

But she doesnt spare anyone else from blame, either. Her list of the guilty begins with James Comey, Julian Assange and Vladimir Putin, all justifiably. Less justifiably, she also blames Bernie Sanders, and even  in smaller ways  Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Her decision to relitigate her bitter primary battles with Sanders has especially distressed other Democrats because it rolls a grenade into their not-yet-successful efforts to reunify the party.

The independent senators attacks on her big-dollar fundraising made it easier for Trump to paint her as Crooked Hillary, Clinton complains. I dont know if that bothered Bernie or not.

Sanders  who, as luck would have it, is on a book tour of his own  fired back. Secretary Clinton ran against the most unpopular candidate in the history of this country and she lost, and she was upset about it and I understand that, he said last week. But our job is not to go backward.  I think its a little bit silly to keep talking about 2016.

This, of course, is a gift to Trump and his conservative allies. Theyd like nothing better than to make Clinton the public face of the Democratic Party again  especially since her approval rating in the polls, at 30 percent, is even lower than the presidents. Fox News Channel is giving the book launch lavish coverage, including segments re-examining the controversy over her emails.

Clintons excuse: I had to get this off my chest! she writes at one point, an explanation that pretty much covers all 512 pages.

But most losing presidential candidates dont write books about the experience. And the ones who do normally wait a decade or so before ripping the bandages off their wounds.

Mitt Romney didnt do it after 2012. John McCain didnt do it after 2008. (As he noted last week, Youve got to move on.) To find a loser who did memorialize his defeat, you have to go back to Richard M. Nixon in 1960  not a model you might have expected Clinton to emulate. Theres a reason for that. Airing grievances, even when theyre justified, rarely shows anyones most appealing side. For losing candidates, even in arguably stolen elections, the tradition has been stoic silence.

It would be one thing if Clintons book delivered new insights about what went wrong. But it doesnt. Every one of her explanations has been hashed out already.

Heres the pity: She could have written a different book  a book that briskly summarized the lessons of her loss and suggested a path forward for the causes she loves. It wouldnt have been a bestseller, but it might have been more useful. Needless to say, the relatively brief, forward-looking part of Clintons message has been swamped in media coverage by all the juicy score-settling.

Clinton appears to intend her book to be a vehicle for her re-emergence onto the public stage. There were plenty of people hoping that I, too, would just disappear, she writes. But here I am.

She has set up a new fundraising organization to support progressive causes and serve as her platform. (Its called Onward Together, a name even less inspiring than her campaign slogan, Stronger Together.)

But after all her reflection, she still hasnt quite figured out what went wrong.

What makes me such a lightning rod for fury? she writes. Im really asking. Im at a loss.

With that question unanswered, she might have been better off stowing What Happened in a desk drawer. The lesson shes learning is a harsh one: After a disastrous election, even the supporters of a defeated candidate may not be eager to have her around.
With most of the nation focused on hurricane damage and most of Illinois relieved the state finally has a budget, it's easy to overlook the need for a community campaign that supports local agencies.

Yet, that's exactly what United Way of McLean County does as it starts a campaign unlike any in its past.

The organization will continue traditional, workplace fundraising campaigns this fall, but is emphasizing social media and direct-to-donor appeals to prompt new donors to open their wallets and for repeat donors to open their wallets wider.

"We won't have the same structure and tactics as we have in the past," United Way President David Taylor told The Pantagraph last week. "United Way is adapting our approaches to changes in the marketplace."

United Way raises money for 64 human services programs. Its traditionally structured campaigns, which focused on workplace giving, have not brought in enough money in recent years, which means programs have received much less money.

The United Way has changed up its process this year: The campaign will be ongoing, rather than having a scheduled beginning and ending. It will not have a designated campaign chairman. And it won't have a specific campaign goal.

In years past, employers (particularly large companies) encouraged workers to donate to United Way by writing a check or having money deducted from their paycheck. Employers hosted parties and contests to up the "fun" factor, and often matched employee gifts. But those practices have changed with changing workplaces, and company leaders understand the choice of giving should be just that.

In addition, today's younger donors  who may work at smaller companies or work from home  are more apt to give directly to an organization or program, rather than to an umbrella organization that doles out the money.

They'll give via a Twitter appeal or through PayPal or through a credit card that offers a match. They may choose to give to an organization or program not covered by United Way. Senior or retired donors may choose to give year-round.

Last year, United Way of McLean County raised $1.8 million, compared with $3.5 million the year before. When the board decided which programs to fund, and by how much, the total dropped to $1.1 million compared to $2.4 million.

The programs still needed the money. Even more, in fact, because so many of them receive state funding. With the lack of a state budget, and related budget cuts, people who need the most help  seniors, children, the poor, and under-educated  were most affected.

United Way can help, but it needs your help. If you're unsure how your money will be used, visit 180United.org, which shows how local donations meet local needs.

United Way helps a lot of people; the campaign restructuring is an attempt to meet the needs of the agencies that, in turn, are obligated to meet the needs of those they serve.

But it needs our help to do the job right.
Constitution Week is the commemoration of the ratification of the United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution initiated the observance in 1955 and petitioned Congress to dedicate a week to that purpose.

Congress adopted the resolution and the first celebration was held in 1955. Constitution Week was so successful that President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the event into public law in 1956 as an annual weeklong Sept. 17-23rd observance in perpetuity.

The United States Department of Education, by public law, requires all education institutions that receive federal dollars to instruct students in the Constitution on or around Sept. 17.

Studying the Constitution is important because each generation needs to know not only the rights and privileges granted by the Constitution, but also the obligations of its citizens.

At 3 p.m. Sept. 17, the Letitia Green Stevenson Chapter will be ringing bells at Uptown Circle in Normal.

Patricia LeVee Radue, Normal
You may not know Chelsea Fairless' name but odds are you have read one of her gimlet-eyed captions on the addictively popular IG: @EveryOutfitOnSATC (Sex and The City), the account she runs with her friend and collaborator Lauren Garroni chronicling the.well, it's pretty self explanatory. Fairless is also a bit of a fashion and pop culture zelig, having been an original employee of downtown cool collective VFILES as well as the fiancee of Orange Is the New Black star Lea DeLaria (the two split amicably last winter). Her considerable caftan collection would make even Gloria Guinness jealous and her eye for kitsch and absurdity in the sunny environs of her adopted home of LA are like having a dishy girlfriend just a click away. Now, add housewares mini-mogul to the list of slashes as she launches her line of campy and collectible objects d'maison, aptly titled "Female Trouble," this week. From Nunsploitation throw pillows ($65) to Showgirls nameplate necklaces ($80), the range is bananas and perfectly priced. We caught up with Fairless to talk about queer sensibilities in home furnishings, Jean Seberg's FBI file, and the importance of going HAM with hot pink every once in a while.





To take things quite literally, do you now, or growing up, have a relationship to Female Trouble the film and how, if at all, did it inform this project?

For legal purposes I have to state that the brand is not a direct extension of the film Female Trouble. But of course I am hugely inspired by John Waters, particularly his affinity for camp, sleaze, and tackiness. And of course I've always been in love with his outrageous sense of humor. If anything, John Waters has inspired me to take risks and not give a shit about what people think. Once I sat in front of him and Patricia Hearst at a screening of Carol and I was losing my mind.

Where did the idea to do this first begin? Was there one product or category that was sort of the cornerstone?

I always wanted to do pillows because I could never find ones that I liked that weren't super expensive. So that was always a goal, although I didn't want to exclusively do pillows. I also wanted to see a brand that existed within home goods sphere that wasn't about minimalism, that wasn't danish modern, that wasn't mid-century modern, that wouldn't be sold in the MoMa design store. I've always had very particular tastes when it comes to interiors so I wanted to create a line that reflected that.

What do you hope the pieces project to someone visiting the site?

Fun and functionality. I want to make things that serve a real function in someone's life. But I also want these products to imbue people's lives with a little bit of fun or a little bit of glamour. That's equally important to me.

What was your biggest fear about doing this? Your greatest joy in working on it?

I suppose that the fear is always failure, or perhaps being misunderstood but the public. But I'd rather run the risk of failure then be one of those frustrated creative types that doesn't actually make anything. So I suppose the fear of that now outweighs the fear of failure . The greatest joy for me has been creating stuff that I would like to see on the market. And I love the details, the hang tags, the stickers, and whatnot. I love designing the little things just as much as I love designing the products themselves.

Did you have to workout anything re. Female Trouble through John Waters Inc. ? Or any of the other merch referenced from film or cultural icons?

I trademarked the phrase "Female Trouble" in several product categories to avoid any legal issues. Like I said, the line itself is not affiliated with John Waters or the film Female Trouble. As for the other stuff, the short answer is no. I'm not making huge quantities of anything, so if I get a cease-and-desist it won't be the end of the world.

That Jean Seberg news page is insane and I can't believe I've never seen it before; how did you decide to make that a focal point?

I'm fascinated with how cruel and unintentionally hilarious tabloid journalism can be. The late '60s era-tabloid that is referenced in the "Washed Up" blanket and dress is certainly both of those things. For some reason that image has always stuck with me, even though there are a million equally ridiculous tabloid headlines from that era. But I'm also fascinated with Jean Seberg, and with her story. She was targeted by the FBI for her financial contributions to the Black Panther party. In the age of Snowden, her story is more relevant than ever.

Also how was there not already a Showgirls nameplate necklaceseems like a no-brainer!

That is an example of a product that I designed purely because I personally wanted to own it. I love that film, I always will love that film, and the fans of Showgirls are particularly passionate.

I have to ask: Are Cha Cha heels in the future for the collection?

God, I hope so. Would love to do a Female Trouble x Jeffrey Campbell cha cha heels collab to be honest.

There is obviously a queer / camp sensibility to this, can you articulate that aspect of it ? Is that something you saw lacking otherwise in the market for the categories you're offering?

Definitely. Appropriating the campiest aspects of mainstream culture has always been huge part of queer culture. And that could encompass everything from loving Faye Dunaway's career-killing performance in Mommie Dearest to decorating your apartment with Catholic kitsch. That is something that I have always really loved about the queer community and it certainly has influenced the brand. Also I'm a femme lesbian so I didn't hesitate to go HAM with the hot pink and whatnot. I would love to see more designers with a queer femme sensibility. Especially because there are so many gay men who have made their mark on the design world. And thank god for that.

You have a great aptitude for fashion verbiage, in your best Vreeland or Elsa Klensch, (or LBR Jeanne Beker) sum up the Female-Trouble collection in a dictum:

Why don't you.

decorate your apartment with dozens and dozens of animal print throw pillows?

Why don't you.

adorn your neck to with a solid-gold homage to Paul Verhoeven's professional rock bottom?

Why don't you

paint your entire apartment in shades of baby pink like Catwoman?

See this is that queer appropriation thing that I was talking about!

You're a fashion person and since it's fashion week here in New York, have you been looking at the collections? Anything you're loving or were excited to click through?

I'm excited by Calvin Klein, I love the American horror film references and one of my dearest friends did a lot of the graphics for that collection. And I just heard that Telfar is designing the new White Castle uniforms. That is more exciting to me than the vast majority of New York fashion week shows. But I'm obviously really fucking jaded at this point.

Did you ever imagine when you started Every Outfit that it would become what it has; that you would become (one of) "the persons behind it", essentially a social media celeb? Do you see that crossing over into this project?

I definitely did not anticipate the response, @everyoutfitonsatc started as an inside joke with my friend Lauren, who runs the account with me. In the beginning we just wanted an excuse to revisit Miranda's early series outfits. And now Sarah Jessica Parker and Carine Roitfeld follow us. So it's a been a truly bizarre turn of events to say the least. I definitely won't be doing SATC-inspired stuff for Female Trouble, although the bitchy, pop culture-obsessed voice that the account has will definitely cross over to this project.

Shop the entire collection at Female Trouble's online outlet.

Photos courtesy Female Trouble
NYFW has gotten a lot of flack lately; designers departing (Rodarte and Proenza Schouler for Paris), foregoing runway shows (Zac Posen, Narciso Rodriguez, J.Crew), a convoluted schedule, distracting street style jockeying, to name but a few of the grumbles. Yes, fashion has changed, so naturally the show paradigm is changing with it and New York is having a few growing pains. Lest we forget it was a Helmut Lang, an Austrian, who made NYFW go first in the fashion month in the 90s so as to combat accusations that American designers were copying the French (it still persists). Which is to say, the way New York presents its collections has been a meandering, and often contentious, story. The halcyon days of one-stop showgoing in the Bryant Park tents may have gone the way of the flared jean, but there is a hearty group of NYC stalwarts who are battening down the runway hatches and staying put, and thank goodness for them.

Marc Jacobs

Jamie McCarthy / Getty

For the last two decades, this has been the unmissable New York show. Often at one of the two hangar size armories on Lexington or Park Avenue uptown (a minor detail: the bane of many a fashion editor who has hurried to arrive at one to find out that this season is indeed at the alternate), or at an iconic and evocative locale such as the Ziegfeld Theatre before it is gutted and transformed, the man will put on a show. From elegiac Noh-like processions with Lady Gaga to the in-reverse, inside-out fantasia for Spring 2008, there is nothing formulaic or expected ever; a Herculean feat after so many season under his MJ-studded belt. He has also moved the show from Thursday to Wednesday evening to accommodate editors and buyers heading to London in a signal that New York is taking a more diplomatic approach to keeping the international crowd interested and seats filled.



Alexander Wang

Thomas Concordia / Getty

What more evidence do you need that Wang is in New York to stay than his multi-borough romp in a party bus over the weekend?The downtown wunderkind-turned-international fashion star after a stint at Balenciaga wasted no time digging his black sneaker heels into his adopted hometown after Paris and giving us shows worth remembering. Yes he kept a lot of *very* important people waiting on Saturday night, maybe not the best look, but a little time in Bushwick is good for the soul(less). Never leave us!

Calvin Klein

Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho / Getty

The Belgian Raf Simons is definitely doing a lot of heavy lifting for American fashion at the moment what with his takeover of iconic US brand Calvin Klein and his recent CFDA Award wins for both mens & womenswear (a feat only ever achieved by Mr. CK himself). He is winning raves for his two outings for the label so far, and with an energetic re-design of the flagship store on Madison Avenue, he is making his presence on the streets of New York very apparent and hopefully permanent.

Jeremy Scott

Ben Gabbe / Getty

20 years at the topsy-turvy peak of fashion is like a century in any other endeavor, and Jeremy Scott celebrated just that this past weekend. With an international exposure through his winning directorship of Moschino (and unflagging support from industry kingmakers like Karl Lagerfeld, Carlyne Cerf and Carine Roitfeld), he never forgets where he came from. With a rollicking anniversary show starring Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss and aughts icon Devon Aoki, he proved with his deliciously deranged junkyard glamour that New York isn't just suits and separates.

Ralph Lauren

Desiree Navarro / Getty

The headlines for the Ralph Lauren brand have not been the most winning in the past year, but that is hardly stopping the 77-year-old king of American glamour. Instead of scaling back to say showroom appointments or no-shows altogether, RL is hosting a blacktie show and candlelit dinner at his legendary "garage" ( car palace?) in Bedford Hills, NY, on Tuesday. Who knows what the future will hold for the brand's bottom line, but you can be sure Lauren will not let a global economy and a little bad press cramp his grand style.

DVF

JP Yim / Getty

Even after she passed on creative duties of her signature brand to Brit Jonathan Saunders last year, her Sunday night show is still a stalwart of the NYFW schedule with no indication of departing. She was perhaps the first Belgian savior of American fashion in the 70s and New York has never been the same since.

Michael Kors

Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho / Getty

As legend has it, it was a plaster disaster (some overly amped speakers broke open the ceiling above Suzy Menkes and Carrie Donavan) at a Kors show in the 90s that galvanized a more formal organization of what we came to know as NYFW. But Kors did not let that inauspicious mishap stop him from becoming one of the top shows of the week, historically bright and early on Wednesday morning. Full of celebrity devotees, cheery models and music, Kors knows exactly what his audience wants and serves up such a show unerringly season after season, with no sign of stopping.

Tom Ford

Randy Brooke / Getty

After a quick departure to LA, Ford returned this season to New York with a flirty and F*cking Fabulous show to kick off the New York collections. Done with his see-now buy-now experiment of last year, he is back to delivering just the kind of daring and debonair show that he is known for. If he can wrangle Beyonce to walk for him (as he did for his original comeback show in 2011), who knows what kind of fashion sorcery he is capable of, and we hope it will always be a part of NYFW. And with a newly revamped store uptown as well, it seems his well-heeled foothold in New York is glamorously secure.
Nika Roza Danilova has always been fascinated by the horrors of the world. In her new album, Danilova, who performs under the moniker Zola Jesus, delves even deeper into the void--but this time it's personal. Okovi, out last Friday, is what Danilova described as a snapshot of one of the darkest periods of her life. During the three years she created the album, she fell into a deep depression as she watched a close friend attempt suicide and another diagnosed with terminal cancer. While the record is weighty and steeped with pain, it isn't nihilistic, instead focusing on gaining hope and rising above grief. Each song is a personal letter to specific people in her life who suffered, and for her is "a conduit for letting go and reconciliation."

However, Okovi isn't just about mortality. Danilova has always been vocal about her love of the natural world (which is why she lives in rural Minnesota) and it's inherent magic, and she's not afraid to show its more mysterious, ethereal nature. We chatted about the role of nature in her music, her favorite video games, and even described herself as a huge dork.

Nature plays a major role in the record. Did recording it in Minnesota help bring on that feeling to the album?

I think it was more insidious, where I was living in Seattle in the beginning of this process and I was feeling very depressed, very disconnected from my roots. So I decided to move back to the woods where I grew up. Just being here was inspiring in that I felt very whole. I felt very connected. So the woods became kind of a spiritual place for me. So that's how it made its imprint on the record.

I feel like this album highlighted an evolution of your sound. What sparked this album's sonic aesthetic?

I really liked the idea of it being a journey and it being much more about atmosphere and texture. Because what I was going through was so intense and emotional on a personal level, I wanted the music not only to be "songs", but I wanted it to be felt through the sonics and through the music itself. So that was something that was really important to me. It wasn't just about the songs, but it was about everything around them. It felt more environmental.

Can you talk a little bit about the album title?

"Okovi" means shackles in a bunch of Slavic languages  specifically Russian, Ukrainian, Slovenian. I chose it is because it brings together a lot of different parts of myself and my heritage. But at the same time, the idea of shackles, that all these different countries very often are at war with each other, has this word in common. No matter what language you speak or where you live or where you're from, you're all bound to something, whether it's to yourself, to your family, to your body, to your mind. In one way or another, no one is truly free. I felt that when making the record. I felt like myself and everyone around me at the time were all shackled to something different but in the same way. It just felt like the appropriate title to capsule these songs.

Speaking of this, I think of the song "Soak," which is about taking stock of your life after becoming a serial killer's victim. So what was the process of writing that song?

It was so unconscious. It started with a beat and I built upon it very quickly. Then when the lyrics came out, I just started to channel these feelings that I've been thinking about and the idea of losing control, especially in the case of being a victim of a heinous crime. Doing a thought experiment about how would you act and how would you deal, how would you find peace in those last moments of your life. It's something that, at the same time, not only was I singing through [the character's] voice, but I was singing through the voice of my own pain. It mirrored my own struggles as well.

While listening to the song, I couldn't help thinking about how a story about a woman losing ownership of her body is relevant today. Was this song also a comment on current societal issues?

Not so much societal issues, but more so the complexities of womanhood. For me it's a very specific image of a man taking a woman's life, which is very common with serial killers. It's almost always a woman as a victim. I was thinking about the complexity of how a woman would deal with that emotionally in that moment. How we feel a deep sense of empathy for everybody, especially someone that would be taking their life. And also resentment. Just all the shades of what I would be experiencing personally I think are colored by womanhood. But when it comes to societal issues, it was much more visceral than that. When I wrote the song, I wasn't able to really be too cerebral about it.

The "Exhumed" music video really encapsulates a lot of the themes in the album  about nature, fighting for life, facing mortality, and escapism. How did you come up with it?

It was all pretty intuitive. First of all, it was shot on my land, which felt was really important because I felt like it was very familial, very deeply connected in what the album's about and where I am in my life. Very symbolic. Just the exhumation... I felt like that needed to be visually mirrored as it is in the song. It's like this coming back, especially after a couple years of being so deeply, deeply sad and sick, just feeling like I could be restored to where I once was. So all the themes of just inner power and aggression and inner violence, I wanted that to be displayed very monochromatically in this video.

The video does have a lot of elements of horror, and even some "witchy" themes.

I think I'm just drawn to  that's who I am [Laughs]. In a sense there's definitely an inner violence to me. Sometimes I just try to quell that, but for this video I said, "I'm going to do my first thought," and my first thought was exactly what you see.

Are you drawn to darker themes in general, whether it's in music, film or literature?

Yeah, definitely. Darker themes and the darker edges of life are more real and more honest than something closer to the middle or closer to escapist media. I feel like no matter who you are, we're all living in this world together. The challenges that I face emotionally in life are shared by everybody else. When I see that reflected in other art, whether it be a movie or a book or something, I feel a little bit less alone.

Splash photo by Tim Saccenti


On Wednesday, nearly six years after winning then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg's competition to develop an applied-sciences campus in New York City, Cornell Tech officially opened on Roosevelt Island.

A partnership between Cornell University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, the tech-focused graduate school had operated out of Google's Chelsea building since 2012. This fall, the university will begin classes at its permanent home with around 300 students and 30 faculty members. In the coming years, Cornell Tech plans to enroll 2,000 graduate students and hundreds of faculty and staff.

"This is an exciting day for New York, obviously," Governor Andrew Cuomo said during Wednesday's ribbon cutting. "The opening of Cornell Tech is an extraordinary, extraordinary singular achievement. Just the design, the look, the feel of the campus you know is something different."

Billed as the first campus designed for the digital age, the school features three new high-tech buildings, including the Emma and Georgina Bloomberg Center, a four-story, 160,000 square foot academic center that generates all of its power on campus. There's also a 270-feet tall dormitory, which is said to be the tallest building in the world to meet rigorous passive house standards, DNAinfo reports.

The 2 million square foot campus cost $2 billion to build, with $100 million in capital funding from the city, $100 million from Bloomberg's private foundation, and additional philanthropic funding. Officials hope Cornell Tech will be an engine for New York City's tech industrythe second largest contributor to the city's private sector economy, according to a report commissioned by Bloomberg's foundation.

"High-tech companies and new, small companies that will be the next big companies, they tend to be created where the founders go to school, Bloomberg told the Times. "You see that in Silicon Valley. Here was a chance to get a bunch of people educated and create the economy of the future for New York City."

Hopefully they'll keep their innovations away from our bodegas.
In Apple's special event keynote yesterday Apple's CEO was keying up the introduction to Apple Watch series 3 and started with an amazing little factoid. Cook noted that "Last year we told you that the Apple Watch had already become the number two watch in the world. Today, I'm thrilled to tell you the Apple Watch is now the number one watch in the world."

Then came the news that the new Apple Watch was able to make and receive phone calls and it was clear that the number one watch in the world was only going to become a bigger powerhouse.





The news of this fact about the Apple Watch sent stock prices of their competitor fall. Bloomberg reports that "Swatch Group AG shares fell as much as 3.2 percent on concern Switzerland's largest watchmaker will face more competition from the latest version of the Apple Watch, which can make calls and send messages without requiring a mobile phone.

Apple Inc. unveiled Series 3 of its smartwatch Tuesday, with prices starting at $329. Swatch shares dropped as low as 377.3 francs as of 11:50 a.m. in Zurich on Wednesday.

Jon Cox, an analyst at Kepler Cheuvreux weighed in by saying that "The fact the new watch is untethered from the phone has the potential to be a game changer. It is a fight for wrist real estate and superb functionality versus a simple quartz watch. In many cases the quartz watch is going to lose."

Other companies hardest hit by new competition from smartwatches include Swiss watchmaker Movado Group Inc., fitness-band producer Fitbit Inc. and Dallas, Texas-based Fossil Group Inc."





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Im proud of those whove signed on to this. It will earn them a torrent of abuse and hatred in certain circles  in fact, it has already begun to do so  but its the right thing to do:

LDS Church, 22 Utah senators back Colorado baker in Supreme Court case

To reiterate: I do not believe that a cake decorator or an artist or a musician has a legal or ethical obligation to join in celebrating something with which she deeply disagrees.

And yes, to the question of whether I think a cake decorator, artist, or musician has both the legal and moral right to decline participation in celebrating, say, a Latter-day Saint baptism or temple wedding, I do indeed believe that.

I might decide, thereafter, not to patronize that cake decorator, not to commission anything from that artist, or not to hire that musician. That is my right. And even, should I so choose, to suggest to other Latter-day Saints and friends that they not retain services from those people. That, too, is my right.

Just as it is the right of a black cake decorator to refuse to design a cake celebrating the birthday of the Ku Klux Klan on 24 December 1865. Just as a Catholic artist has the right to decline a commission for a work that features a crucifix immersed in urine. Just as Andres Serrano had the right to create precisely such a work. Just as it is the right of a Jewish string quartet to refuse to play for a fancy dress ball sponsored by the leadership of the American Nazi Party. (The power to compel Jewish string quartets to play for officers balls belongs more fittingly to Auschwitz, where it was exercised, than to a free republic like the United States.)

I do not know which way the Supreme Court will rule on this case. They dont always get things right. (Think of Roe v. Wade, Dred Scott v. Sandford, and Kelo v. City of New London.) But we can hope. And I do.

***

I dont believe that Ive yet called attention to this roughly 36-minute podcast:

Learning from an Impatient Biblical Job

Enjoy!

***

I also very much like this not-quite-five-minute-long video of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:

For Times of Trouble

The word like is actually a bit . . . weak. What hes saying isnt nice. If taken seriously, its profound and difficult.

***

Heres a nineteen-minute video that I also recommend:

Why I Joined the Mormon Church  Kakus Story
Zen in Orange County

Join us for a day-long Zen meditation intensive led

by Roshi James Ishmael Ford

& Sensei Gesshin Greenwood.

This event is sponsored by the Blue Cliff Zen Sangha & the Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church.

This is our inaugural Blue Cliff (soon to be Bright Cloud) intensive Zen meditation retreat. It consists almost entirely of zazen in twenty-five minute sessions broken with five to seven minute kinhin (slow follow-the-leader walking meditation).

There will be a liturgy in the morning. There will be a dharma talk in the afternoon. Also in both the morning and afternoon during meditation there will be opportunities to meet with a teacher in brief private interviews (dokusan).

There will be a one hour lunch break (brown bag or there are fast food restaurants in the area, although we discourage leaving campus during the break) We will end a few minutes ahead of five as we must clean up and be gone before six.

It is this Saturday, June the 24th, 2017

from 9am (promptly) to 5pm (with a one hour brown bag lunch break).

Our retreat leaders are:

James Ford, the guiding teacher of Blue Cliff Zen is an ordained Soto Zen priest and a founding teacher of Boundless Way Zen. James is the author of four books on Zen. His fifth book The Language of Dragons: Zen Meditation and the Koan of Our Lives is due out from Wisdom Publications in September of 2018.

James blogs as Monkey Mind.

Gesshin Greenwood is an ordained Soto Zen priest and the author of the forthcoming book Bow First, Ask Questions Later: Reluctant Wisdom on Ordination, Love, and Zen Training in Japan, due out from Wisdom Publications in May of 2018.

Gesshin blogs as Thats So Zen.

We will also be assisted by Boundless Way senior Dharma teacher Jan Seymour-Ford.

Our retreat will meet at the Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church

845 Mesa Verde Drive E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

We will gratefully accept free-will donations to help defray the costs to the church.

To register or for more information write us at bluecliffzensangha@gmail.com

Blue Cliff Zen Sangha


As Jesus was greeted by crowds of people, he climbed a mountain. At the top, he sat down with his disciples and began to teach. Blessing them, he said:

In the barrenness of your longing, you taste heavens riches.

There is comfort in your broken heart.

Open to life you are content with who you are and what is, you walk free on lifes path.

In your hunger and thirst, here, in your very desire for righteousness, you are filled.

You will find mercy in your mercy.

When the heart and mind are sound, the world opens to you.

When you are at peace, others benefit, together we journey home.

Scorned and reviled, persecuted, you find strength in God.

Paraphrase of the 5th chapter of Matthew by the Reverend David Parks-Ramage

When my grandmother died, for complex reasons, including the fact that her church had a brand new minister, I was asked to deliver her eulogy. It was the first time Id been inside a Baptist church in several decades. It was also the last time Ive been in a Baptist church since.

There was, however, a sense of home inside that small rundown building. I recognized the plain, not precisely ugly interior with colored plastic pasted on the windows giving a stained-glass effectat least if you squintedand stood at a cheap lectern facing people sitting in metal folding chairs. There was a vague sense of home to it all that was confirmed for me with the first hymn, which cascaded echoes of memory all around me. As I proceeded, I felt the energy from the amen corner, mostly murmurs, but occasionally a full on amen when I spoke of my grandmother as a prayer warrior, who lived her faith day and night.

I learned my bone and marrow commitment to the spiritual life in little Baptist churches just like that church. And I continue that full-on engagement. I continue to have a sense of connection to the Christian communion, if somewhat tenuous. I am after all a Soto Zen Buddhist priest. And, I am most clearly defined within the frame of Zen, if with a modernist and rationalist streak.

But, Im also very much aware of the Christian Zen stream. And, I know if a couple of things went a couple of different ways, I could have been counted in that crowd.

I find the mess that is sometimes called Christian Zen a compelling discipline. Its practitioners are frequently criticised by both Christians and Buddhists  which somehow I find attractive. I deeply respect many Christian Zen teachers, count one of them, Roshi Ruben Habito among my personal guides on the great way, and follow the currents of this community writ large with great interest.

Their approaches are as multiple as the numbers who follow this way. Some are clearly Christians whove adapted Zen Buddhist practices to their own purposes. Blessings on them. Some seem simply Zen Buddhists to me, who for complex reasons are unwilling or unable to separate from their Christian connections. Blessings on them. And, then there is a third grouping, people who can walk comfortably among their Christian sisters and brothers, and just as easily walk among their Buddhist sisters and brothers. Theirs is a way between, I guess, now Buddhist, now Christian, tangled by neither, freed by both. Blessings on them.

Among my favorites of these Christian Zen teachers toiling in that difficult but rich field is the Reverend David Parks-Ramage.

David served as a United Church of Christ minister for some thirty years, recently retiring as pastor of the First Congregational Church, UCC, in Santa Rosa, California. He is also a long time student of Zen, has completed the Harada Yasutani Soto Zen reformed koan curriculum, and has been designated a sensei, or teacher, within the Pacific Zen Institute. This means were dharma siblings.

I hesitate to name David Christian or Buddhist. Hes fluent in both languages. I guess Id put him in that third category. What he is, is a competent guide through the thicket of our lives, someone who can point sure, and be of use.

David has recently returned to his native Kentucky where he is starting a sangha, the Panola Ridge Zendo in Waco, Kentucky. I dont think it is meant to be specifically Christian Zen, but rather offers an interfaith approach while being faithful to the transmission of shikantaza and formal koan introspection. If youre in the area, not a bad place to find a forming sangha and an authentic guide on the ways of heart and mind.

And at no extra charge a few words from the late Father Thomas Hand on walking the Zen Christian path
Patna: Police in Patna on Tuesday arrested six men in connection with a three-month old armed robbery of employees of a petrol pump on Patna-Masaurhi Road under Gaurichak police station in which the criminals had gotten away with nearly Rs. 19 lakh in cash.

The robbery occurred on June 12 when two employees of the petrol pump were going to a local bank to deposit cash from sales from the previous day.

The criminals were identified as Pramod Kewat, Rahul Kumar, Rahul Kumar Chandra, Krishnakant Tiwari who is the son of an army jawan, Nitish Kumar, and Ravi Kumar.

During the investigation, police had arrested one Wazir Ali of Sonepur. Based on the information provided by him, police raided several places in Patna and around on Tuesday and arrested six men who are said to be part of a robbery gang active in Patna, Muzaffarpu, Jehanabad, and Saran.

Police seized deposit receipts and a bank pass-book from Pramod's house. They also recovered two country-made pistols and five bullets during the raid.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manu Maharaj said that after the daring heist, the money was split between the robbers. While some money was used to purchase luxury items, some others were used to repay past loans to local loan sharks.
Earlier this year, we learned that Daily Show correspondent and legitimately tall person Jordan Klepper had won the spin-off lottery and would be taking over the 11:30 p.m. post-Daily Show slot (formerly home to Larry Wilmore). We already got to see a short trailer, but the first clip from his new show, The Opposition with Jordan Klepper, gives us a much better idea of what kind of persona Klepper will be taking on, satirizing "alternative-news" purveyors like Breitbart and InfoWars.

"We are anti-mainstream," he tells people at a Trump rally in Arizona. "Anti-Soros, anti-globalists...we're anti-Oprah's book club, we're anti...pho? Not antifa the movement, the Vietnamese soup." And of course, Hillary Clinton, "public enemy #1." What is to be done about a problem like Hillary? "I supported this shirt and Hillary going to prison," one person wearing a "Hillary For Clinton" shirt told him. Somehow, that leads to Klepper leading a chant of "impeach Hillary."

The show premieres on Comedy Central on September 25th.
Patna: The Lalu-Tejaswi father-son duo, at a press conference at their residence in Patna on Tuesday, said that until they were successful in getting FIRs lodged against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi in connection with the multi-crore rupees Srijan scam, they would not rest.

"We are not going to rest until FIRs are lodged against Nitish and Modi who were lying when they said they were not aware of the scam taking place. Nitish said that he found about the scam when a check bounced on August 7 but two checks had earlier bounced on July 10 and July 29. He knew about it but hid it from public knowledge for 27 days. He was telling my son to come clean on corruption charges against him so why is he not coming out clean on Srijan matter? He needs to explain to the public about charges leveled against him," Yadav, who came out as the biggest loser after the JD-U leader walked out of the Mahagathbandhan, said.

Not only power, money, and perks were snatched away from the hands of Yadav's both sons after Kumar pulled off from the ragtag alliance of RJD, JD-U, and Congress, the entire family is now under the radar of the Income Tax department and other anti-corruption agencies in connection with a number of high-priced properties obtained through dubious means and a host of other charges including money-laundering.

Accusing Kumar of colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to avoid scrutiny in the Srijan scam, the RJD chief questioned the Chief Minister's frequent trips to Delhi between July 10 and July 26.

"He was promised by the BJP that if he walks out of the Mahagathbandhan, he would be given full protection in the Srijan scam," Yadav claimed though he did not offer any evidence to support his assertion.

Yadav's son and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav, calling Kumar the 'Bhishm Pitamah' of corruption, said that the CBI, under pressure from the Narendra Modi government, was not taking any action against the Chief Minister and instead, was focusing on him and his family members.

"We will move the Supreme Court to monitor probe in the Srijan scam," the younger of the two sons of Lalu and Rabri Devi said.

Recently reinstated party leader Shivanand Tiwari and Jagadanand Singh were also present on the occasion.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Anti-War Organizations Urge Congress to Protect Iran Nuclear Deal, Prevent Backslide to War Under Trump

09/13/17

Press Release by NIAC Action

Trump Must Renew Waivers on Iran Sanctions on September 14th, Certify the Nuclear Deal to Congress on October 15th

More than 80 experts urge Trump not to abandon Iran nuclear deal https://t.co/48TqDAkGrt pic.twitter.com/FEMmAT0sYE  POLITICO (@politico) September 13, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a new letter sent to members of the House of Representatives and Senate this morning, anti-war organizations representing tens of millions of Americans are urging Congress to do everything within their power as a co-equal branch of government to prevent Donald Trump from dismantling the Iran nuclear deal and putting the U.S. on a path to war with Iran.

The letter, signed by NIAC Action, Americans for Peace Now, Council for a Livable World, CREDO, Daily Action, Daily Kos, Demand Progress, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), Indivisible, J Street, Just Foreign Policy, MoveOn.org, Peace Action, VoteVets, Women's Action for New Directions (WAND) and Win Without War warns that, while the JCPOA has blocked Iran's pathway to a nuclear weapon, the Trump Administration appears inclined to renege on U.S. commitments under the agreement, which could terminate the accord and plunge the U.S. into an eventual war with Iran. The letter reads, in part:

Americans are all too familiar with the consequences of a war of choice in the Middle East following the war in Iraq. Thousands of our brave men and women in uniform were killed, tens of thousands more were wounded, hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi lives were lost and taxpaying families have shouldered trillions of dollars of debt. And still today, the fallout from the invasion is undermining U.S. national security. A war against Iran, with more than twice Iraq's population and nearly four times its size, would likely be more devastating. Abandoning a diplomatic success and launching another costly war of choice would be rightly seen as one of history's great blunders, devastating America's standing and security while destroying countless lives. Iran engages in harmful non-nuclear behavior that poses challenges to the United States and the region. Yet the most successful effort to resolve challenges with Iran has been through diplomatic engagement, which produced the historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The JCPOA is successfully blocking Iran's pathways to a nuclear weapon, re-obligating the Iranian government in perpetuity to never acquire a nuclear weapon and to permit intrusive inspections. Iran's compliance has been repeatedly and consistently certified by the International Atomic Energy Agency and supported by the assessment of the U.S. intelligence community.



VIEW THE FULL LETTER



"Donald Trump is on the brink of provoking an international crisis that would pit the U.S. against our closest allies and put us on a path to war with Iran," said Jamal Abdi, NIAC Action Executive Director. "The last thing Americans need is for Donald Trump to make himself a wartime president and Congress must do everything in its power to make sure that does not happen."

Anti-War Organizations Urge Congress to Protect Iran Nuclear Deal, Prevent Backslide to War | #SaveTheIranDeal https://t.co/6RTcQE2GO1  NIAC Action (@NIACAction) September 13, 2017

The letter comes as President Trump has suggested the U.S. will unravel the nuclear agreement ahead of two key upcoming deadlines, even as international nuclear inspectors continue to confirm Iran's full compliance with the accord. Trump must actively renew waivers on Iran sanctions to uphold U.S. commitments under the nuclear deal on September 14th. Trump must also certify the accord's status to Congress on October 15. He has indicated he will not do so, which would trigger an expedited process in Congress to reinstate nuclear sanctions in violation of the JCPOA.

# # # # #

About NIAC Action:

NIAC Action is the grassroots, civic action organization committed to advancing peace and championing the priorities of the Iranian-American community. We are a nonpartisan nonprofit and the 501(c)4 sister organization of the National Iranian American Council, which works to strengthen the Iranian-American community and promote greater understanding between the U.S. and Iran.
In the early hours of Monday August 14th, this year, the Central Bank of Ghana, which is the main regulator of the banking and non-banking financial sector of Ghana, issued a press statement in which the Central Bank announced the revocation of the banking licenses of two major Ghanaian banks, the UT Bank Limited and the Capital Bank Ltd.



The Central Bank explained that this action against these banks resulted from the severe impairment of their capital. The statement also indicated that the Central Bank had approved a Purchase and Assumption transaction under which one of Ghanas largest bank, the GCB Bank Limited [formerly the Ghana Commercial Bank Limited] would assume all deposits and selected assets of UT Bank Ltd and Capital Bank Ltd. Messers Vish Ashiagbor and Eric Nana Nipah of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) were appointed by the regulator as receivers to marshal the remaining assets and to settle the liabilities of the two now defunct banks.



Acting on cue, the GCB Bank Limited had, within two hours of the announcement of the Central Banks action, already moved into the premises of the two defunct banks and rebranded the headquarters and branches of the former banks with its logo. This rebranding took place just in time for the former branches of the two defunct banks to open, by lunchtime, as branches of the GCB Bank. The Central Banks release of the statement and the rebranding process by GCB, appear to have been carefully orchestrated and carried out with pinpoint precision. However, an opacity or lack of transparency continues to hang over the process. Questions persist about the series of events that led to the downfall of the Banks. Additional queries surround the seeming uncertainties about the resilience of Ghanaian corporate governance structures. These lingering issues set up an interesting opportunity to assess the maturity of the regulatory  both legal and institutional  environment of Ghana.



In this note, I explore briefly a number of important legal and policy issues that remain open as a result of this crucial action by the Central Bank. A number of additional factors make this mini [read Lehman Brothers-esque by Ghanas standards] banking crisis particularly interesting. First, this is the first time that the Central Bank has revoked the banking licence of a major bank in Ghana for reasons related to an inability to maintain capital adequacy positions. Second, the Purchase and Assumption transaction, that the Central Bank approved, was executed under powers granted the Bank in a law, which came into force barely a year ago in September 2016. Third, the announcement by the Bank of Ghana, that it would consider prosecuting officials of both Banks would be the first such action of its kind in Ghana. Fourth, in a country with no clear antitrust legislation on its books, it will be interesting to see how the potential antitrust issues that the Purchase and Assumption agreement raises are dealt with. Finally, how did the UT Bank Limited and the Capital Bank Ltd, which in recent years, have, individually, won several notable industry awards, including the coveted Bank of the Year award by the UT Bank in 2011, end up in this situation? How did industry watchers miss this apparently rapid deterioration in their operations?



The Power of the Central Bank to Put a Bank into Receivership



The Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930) was passed in July 2016 as part of a legislative overhaul and consolidation of the regulatory powers of the Central Bank. The Central Bank gained, under section 106 of this law, the power to place a significantly undercapitalised bank into official administration or revoke its licence or registration and initiate a receivership process.



However, according to Act 930, if the licence of a bank is revoked and a receivership process is initiated for reasons linked to the banks significant inability to maintain adequate capital positions, then such revocation and receivership cannot be undertaken unless the Central Bank arrives at a determination that the relevant bank is insolvent or is likely to become insolvent within the sixty days. In effect, while the press statement of the Central Bank notes without clarifying, that the revocation of the licences of the two banks was due to the severe impairment of their capital, this finding alone would not have justified revoking their licenses and initiating the receivership process. In a way, the Central Bank may have put this issue to bed in a supplemental Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) released in tandem with the original press statement, which stated:



UT Bank and Capital Bank were deeply insolvent, meaning that their liabilities exceeded their assets, putting them in a position not to be able to meet their obligations as and when they fell due. Despite repeated agreements between the Bank of Ghana and UT Bank and Capital Bank to implement an action plan to address these significant shortfalls, the owners and managers of UT Bank and Capital Bank were unable to increase the capital of the banks to address the insolvency.



Despite this assertion, to date, neither the Central Bank nor the appointed Receiver has disclosed to the public the exact value of the assets and accumulated liabilities of these banks. The failure of the Central Bank to release this information potentially leaves depositors, creditors, and interested third parties in a limbo that is disruptive of their ability to make critical and informed business decisions. Though the Central Bank is not legally required under the current law to disclose this information, it is not prohibited from doing so either. The discretionary power that the Central Bank gains as a result of the laws silence thrusts it into the sort of policy scenario where the choices it makes are anvils on which its mettle as a regulator is tested. In an era of rampant fake news, the informational void created by the regulators tight lip creates room for the sort of mischief reporting that could undermine the stability of the financial industry as well as torpedo the Central Banks control over events.



Identity of the Receiver



According to section 123 of Act 930, the Bank of Ghana is required to appoint a Receiver at the effective time of revocation of the licence. To qualify as Receiver, a person must, either hold an office in the private sector or be an official of the Bank of Ghana. In addition, the law requires that the Receiver must have satisfied other qualifications prescribed by the Bank of Ghana. However, because the Bank of Ghana has not prescribed any such qualifications, it is unclear how the Central Bank, in this case, reached its decision regarding whom to appoint as the Receiver. In a regulatory environment where the actions of policy makers and regulators are routinely viewed with paternalistic skepticism, the Central Bank not only jeopardizes the credibility of its own actions when it acts under hazy, nebulous, or arcane standards but also creates an avenue for industry uncertainty. Rule of Thumb: Uncertainty is always bad for the markets!



Further, the press statement of the Bank and the subsequent FAQ document appear to contradict each other as to whom the appointed Receiver is. Whereas the press statement indicates that Messers Vish Ashiagbor and Eric Nana Nipah of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have been appointed as receivers the FAQ document notes that the Receiver is PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). Which is the Receiver  these individuals or PwC? This contradiction should not be glossed over. For instance, under the law, the Receiver is given significant powers, which include succeed[ing] the rights and powers of the shareholders, the directors and the key management personnel of the bank [section 127]. Placed in such a position, the Receiver assumes, by law, fiduciary duties, which can expose the person to significant legal liability for any improper discharge of her duties as a fiduciary. It is thus important to determine clearly, who bears ultimate legal responsibility for actions taken during the receivership. While, Messrs Vish Ashiagbor and Eric Nana Nipah may work at PwC, they are not PwC. Neither is there a legal basis to hold PwC liable for any [mis]conduct of these individual in the performance of their fiduciary duties.



Whats more, a careful reading of section 124 of the law shows that only a natural person can be appointed as a Receiver. According to section 124, a person is only qualified to act as Receiver if that person either (a) holds an office in the private sector; or (b) is an official of the Bank of Ghana who meets the qualifications prescribed by the Bank of Ghana. In both cases, it is clear that neither an institution nor a legal entity can hold an office in the private sector or be an official of the Bank of Ghana. It is true that the law uses the word person, which under the law of interpretation of Ghana [Interpretation Act, 2009 (Act 792)] includes, unless the context otherwise indicates, both a physical and legal person. However, in this case, such exclusionary context clearly exists.



If the intention of the Bank of Ghana were to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers, a legal entity, as the Receiver in this case, it is evident, as shown, that this would offend the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930). However, if the intention of the Bank was to appoint the two senior officials of PwC, in their individual capacities, as the Receiver, questions abound as to what role PwC would play in the process. For instance, would the Receiver be in the legal wrong if it engaged PwC to assist them in the discharge of its functions as Receiver. What conflict of interest issues arise if the Receiver purported to employ its employer?



Procedural Irregularities in the Approval of the Purchase and Assumption Agreement



In the FAQ document, the Central Bank states that it has undertaken the following actions: Revoke the licenses of UT Bank and Capital Bank; Possess the banks and appoint a Receiver; Execute a Purchase and Assumption Agreement (P&A) allowing GCB Bank to take over all the deposits and purchases of selected assets. The rest of the liabilities would be settled by the receiver through the realisation of the assets. [Emphasis added]. In the press statement, published on its website, the Central Bank also records that it has approved a Purchase and Assumption transaction with GCB Bank Ltd that transfers all deposits and selected assets of UT Bank Ltd and Capital Bank Ltd to GCB Bank Ltd. Yet, in the version of the press statement published in the newspapers, on the same day, the Central Bank indicated that through a Purchase and Assumption transaction, the [Joint Receivers] passed control over the operations to GCB Bank. In effect, the processes leading to the P&A transaction remains unclear.



Because of the seeming disparities in the three documents made available to the public by the Bank of Ghana, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact nature of the Central Banks role in the Purchase and Assumption transaction through which GCB Bank came to cherry pick selected assets of the two Banks. Suppose, arguably, that the Bank of Ghana, as it stated in its FAQ document, execute[d] and approve[d] a Purchase and Assumption Agreement on its own initiative. Such an action would be fraught with significant procedural irregularities that could possibly open the actions of the Bank, to multiple legal claims by the affected creditors and shareholders of the two banks. According to the relevant section 123 of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930), the only action that the Central Bank must undertake at the time of the revocation of the licenses of the affected banks is to appoint a Receiver. However, the power to initiate and execute a Purchase and Assumption transaction is exclusively vested in the Receiver. [Section 127] This is without prejudice to the Central Banks power to approve the transaction.



A combined reading of section 126 of the Act, which provides that the Receiver shall act in accordance with the directives, instructions, and guidelines given by the Bank of Ghana in the course of the liquidation, and Section 127(10) which, provides that the receiver may, upon the prior written approval of the Bank of Ghana and according to its guidelines, inter alia, dispose of the assets and liabilities of a bank or specialised deposit-taking institution through a purchase and assumption transaction, shows that the autonomy of the Receiver is significantly whittled down to the point of being quasi inexistent. However, the fact that the law grants limited autonomy to the Receiver does not ipso facto translate into a grant, to the Bank of Ghana, of the power to suo motu, initiate, execute and approve a Purchase and Assumption agreement. To bring the point home, one can analogize this to the relationship between the President and Parliament in the law making process. The fact that a law passed by Parliament only becomes effective upon the assent of the President does not mean that the President can elect to do without Parliament in the process.



It is true that the law effectively makes the Receiver a puppet of the Central Bank, however, the puppeteer cannot then be her own puppet. In executing and approving the Purchase and Assumption transaction on its own initiative, the Bank of Ghana would not only have acted without legal authority but would have also usurped legitimate rights of shareholders of the banks and of the banks themselves. This creates a legal situation that could make both the Central Bank and the GCB Bank, which purported to acquire the assets of the affected Banks, extremely vulnerable to a lawsuit.



It could be argued that an action by the Central Bank to proprio motu, execute and approve the Purchase and Assumption transaction is grounded in the Central Banks power under section 133 of Act 930 to determine claims against banks by prescribing the liquidation of the asset[s] of the banks. However, this argument falters or is at least weakened by a number of reasons. First, and perhaps more importantly, the scope and import of that section is very imprecise. The explanatory memorandum that accompanied the law explains the provision thus:



Clause 133 empowers the Bank of Ghana to prescribe the procedure for determining the validity and priority of a claim the liquidation of the asset of a bank or a specialised deposit-taking institution, and the return of the property of a customer of a bank or a specialised deposit taking institution.



However, short of summarizing the provision, the explanatory memorandum does not aid much in giving substance or clarity to the provision.



An ordinary reading of section 133, which takes account of the heading of the provision [Determination of Claims] would suggest that, the section gives the Bank of Ghana adjudicatory powers [or quasi-judicial functions] over claims brought against banks operating in Ghana. In that sense, creditors of a bank, rather than resort to the regular judicial process, may elect to present their claim against a bank operating in Ghana, to the Bank of Ghana. Section 134 of the Act, which requires that the Central Bank, when considering claims relating to eligible financial contracts, give effect to the termination provisions of those contracts, reinforces this reading of section 133.



Second, it is implausible that this is what happened in the case of the two Banks because nowhere does the Bank of Ghana claim to have relied on section 133. The fact that the Bank of Ghana does not attempt to ground its actions on section 133 is perhaps the clearest indication that the said actions cannot fall under section 133. If our reading of section 133 is correct, what this means is that, it would offend natural justice for the Bank of Ghana to purport to act, simultaneously, as the complainant, adjudicator, and executioner. In effect, the Bank of Ghana can only exercise its powers under section 133 if a proper complaint or claim has been made against a bank operating in Ghana by a third party. In the case of the Capital Bank and the UT Bank, there has been no suggestion or indication that this was the case. However, suppose, for the purpose of argument, that third parties had in fact brought claims against the two banks, then the Bank of Ghana as an adjudicator can only prescribe the liquidation of the asset[s] of the banks. The enforcement of the prescription, -if any- of the Bank of Ghana would have to be pursued by the claimants independently in a court of law.



Finally, Act 930 defines a Purchase and Assumption transaction as an agreement in which a part or the whole of the assets of the failed bank are purchased and all or some of the liabilities are assumed by an acquiring bank [Section 156]. The fact that Act 930 purposely defines the Purchase and Assumption transaction means that it qualifies as a term of art. As a result, a Purchase and Assumption transaction for the purposes of Act 930 can only be brought into effect in the manner directed by the Act. Moreover, a prescription by the Bank of Ghana for the liquidation of the asset[s] of the banks does not amount to an agreement.



However, is it possible that the Purchase and Assumption transactions in the case of the two banks emanated exclusively from the Receiver, and that, all the Bank of Ghana did was to approve the resulting agreement? According to the notice placed, by the Receiver, in the print version of the Daily Graphic on 15 August 2017, the Receiver was appointed at 7 oclock in the morning on 14 August 2017.

However, the FAQ document and the press statement of the Bank of Ghana were uploaded to the website of the Bank of Ghana, according to the time-stamp on the Banks website, at 7: 50 am and at 8 oclock am respectively on 14 August 2017. This would mean that, within 50 minutes after having been appointed, the Receiver, went through the books of account of the two major banks [see section 129]; prepared a new inventory of assets, determined the liquidation values of the assets of the banks, and established a new financial position of the banks based on that information [see Section 130]; and reviewed all pre-receivership transactions of the two banks [Section 132]. In addition, that during the same period, the Receivers invited bids from interested banks to conclude a Purchase and Assumption agreement, received these bids and reviewed them on the basis of purchase price, cost of funding, branches to be retained, staff to be employed and impact on the acquiring banks capital adequacy ratio. [See press statement of the Bank of Ghana]



It is not the proper place nor scope of this note to question whether these series of events did in fact occur. Moreover, nowhere does the law expressly require that the Receiver undertake all these actions before arranging the Purchase and Assumption transaction. However, gaining a full and considered understanding of the books of account of the defunct banks before executing the Purchase and Assumption transaction is not only de rigueur but also crucial to properly discharging ones functions as a Receiver. It is thus not fortuitous that the law expressly requires that a Receiver undertake those actions in the course of her duties as Receiver.



Unfortunately, we are left with a transaction clouded in a haze and uncertainty that is enough to raise a presumption of legal irregularity, or at the very least cause questions to be asked of the Bank of Ghanas regulatory maturity. Worse, the [in]actions of the Receiver could spark a series of legal claims for a failure to discharge its duties diligently.



How did industry watchers miss this?



According to the Central Bank, [d]espite repeated agreements between the Bank of Ghana and UT Bank and Capital Bank to implement an action plan to address these significant shortfalls, the owners and managers of UT Bank and Capital Bank were unable to increase the capital of the banks to address the insolvency. Also, a leaked 2014 memo signed by the CEO of the Capital Bank at the time warned that Capital Bank had capitalisation issues and may not be able to meet its obligations to its clients. In addition, within 15 minutes of the revocation of the licenses of the two banks, the Ghana Securities and Exchange Commission which has oversight of the Ghana Stock Exchange announced that the Commission had, following the revocation of the licenses of the Banks, delisted UT Bank ltd from the Ghana Stock Exchange. It subsequently emerged that the UT Bank had since 2015 not filed its financial statement in breach of exchange rules.



It is curious however that, despite all the signs on the wall, no major media outlet had any knowledge of, or reported on the likelihood of the revocation of the licenses of the banks, the first of its kind in Ghana. As a result, the Central Banks actions before and after the revocation of the licenses of the banks, have not received the level of public and industry scrutiny that would have ultimately enhanced the Central Banks regulatory effectiveness.



One of the key challenges for developing countries in attaining economic competitiveness is the chronic lack of information that depreciates investor confidence in the economy as well as the severe unpredictability of the regulatory and business environment in general. For instance, in its 2017 assessment of the Risk-based minimum regulatory capital regime in Ghana, the PwC, had cause to complain about the Bank of Ghanas ineffective communication regarding whether or not the Central Bank planned to increase the minimum capital requirements for Banks. As the PwC noted on that occasion.



[W]e also perceive the measure of uncertainty that the lack of guidelines from the regulator is engendering among bank executives. There has been occasional snippets of information from the regulator over the last year, hinting at attempts to adjust the minimum capital requirements of banks but there has been no firm communication as to the nature and form of the change. This presents planning challenges to the banks. While some banks may overestimate the nature of the change, others may also be well underprepared when the directive eventually comes, if it does. We therefore urge the regulator to expedite any ongoing reviews and consultations to enable it to swiftly communicate its plans. This will ease uncertainty and provide much needed clarity to the banks and other industry participants.



The manner in which the revocation of the licenses of the two banks in Ghana occurred also reveals how this is still a chronic concern for many investors looking to Africa. In addition, the sequence of events, if nothing at all, reveal the slumber of regulatory institutions, notably the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the inefficacy of corporate governance watchguards in Ghana such as the Registrar Generals Department.



Any Positives?



During the recent two decades or so, we are witnessing a gradual-yet-intensive diversification of many developing economies across Africa. In many of these frontier markets, including Ghana, business decision makers, and regulators are, increasingly confronted with novel situations that challenge, and sometimes even displace, their grasp on their economies. Admittedly, it is easy sometimes in assessing the policy measures taken by regulators and business leaders alike in these emerging markets to lose sight of the fact, for the most part, economic and regulatory decisions are being taken with no homegrown guiding precedents.



In a country still adapting to life in its recently gained identity as a middle-income economy, the failure of two major banks in Ghana throws an unpredictable gauntlet to regulators across the board. So far, there is both reason to be encouraged and many positives to be drawn from the manner in which the Central Bank and other regulators have stepped up to the plate. For instance, the Central Bank deserves credit for the swiftness in which customer deposits were safeguarded and for ensuring that, within a couple of hours, the customers of the defunct banks could access their deposits without any serious fear of dispossession. Through its actions, the Bank of Ghana managed to avert the sort of cyclical bank-run contagion that most western economies have experienced, and which could have undermined long-term efforts to gain the trust of the countrys largely underbanked population as well as torpedoed the Ghanas policy aspiration for a cash-less economy.



Further, following the failure of the two banks, there have been strong indications that the Bank of Ghana is eager to go back to the drawing board and relook at a Banking Sector Stability Report, which was conducted earlier this year. In addition, there appears to be a strong incentive to, significantly, revise the Central Banks roadmap for recapitalization, which is currently being implemented to reduce risk concentration in the banking sector. Luckily, the recent Banks and Specialized Deposit-Taking Institution (SDI) Act provides the supervisory and resolution framework that would be critical to succeeding in this endeavour.



Already, we are seeing the Bank of Ghana go on a new offensive. On 11 September 2017, the Central Bank formally directed banks in the country to raise their minimum capital by 233 percent to GH400 million [roughly equivalent to US$100 million]. This move not only constitutes the biggest increase in the minimum capital requirement for banks in Ghana but could also represent the death knell for several other domestic banks in the coming months.



Whats more, the case of Ghanas disappearing banks seems to have already served a necessary jolt to regulatory institutions across the board. For instance, on 28 August 2017, two weeks after the delisting of the UT Bank from the Stock Exchange, the Securities and Exchange Commission has announced the suspension of five companies for failing to organize annual general meetings and for failing to file audited financial statements. In addition, on 5 September 2017, it was announced that the Parliament of Ghana would soon consider two proposed legislation: a Corporate Insolvency Bill, which is expected to provide a framework for restructuring viable but temporarily distressed businesses and a new Companies Bill, which will repeal the current legislation, in force since 1963 and modernize corporate governance in Ghana.



What Lessons Going Forward?



In the memorandum accompanying Act 930, the Bank of Ghana disclosed that the financial system in Ghana is now relatively diversified and the number of financial intermediaries and the scale of operations have increased notably in the banking sector. Currently, the banking sector constitutes over seventy percent of financial sector assets in Ghana. However, according to the Central Bank, even though the banking sector in Ghana is competitive, and has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly with respect to domestic banks, the banking system is fragmented, and concentration of banking assets is relatively low. [See Explanatory Memorandum to Act 930]



These developments challenge the vigilance and prudence of the Central Bank as well as demand a growth in regulatory sophistication and maturity. It is true that many regulators in Africa are only now getting their act together and that for the Bank of Ghana; this is the first time, in its history, that it has had to revoke the licenses of banks in Ghana as well as to oversee the process of their liquidation. The seeming procedural irregularities associated with the Central Banks and inconsistencies in the Central Banks communications with the public may raise more questions than they answer about the Central Banks readiness to confront modern challenges of the supervision and regulation of the banking sector.



The fact however, is that, in regulation as in navigation, smooth seas never make a skilled sailor. The failure of the two banks offers the Bank of Ghana an excellent opportunity to fine-tune domestic supervisory and regulatory processes in order to address liquidity risks and rising levels of non-performing loans that loom over the banking sector in Ghana. In addition, in a fast-paced global economy where the margin of error is edging closer to zero and the learning curve for regulators is in constant remission, regulatory precision and efficient communication is critical to retaining investor confidence in the economic and policy choices of developing countries.



Already, we are witnessing a flurry of regulatory activity that could, depending on the assiduity of the Central Bank augur well for sanitizing the banking and financial sector of Ghana. It would be interesting to see how the Bank of Ghana and other regulators manage the process going forward.





Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor  LL.M, Harvard; Incoming Doctoral Student at Cambridge University, UK. The author recently joined Covington & Burling LLP as a Global Visiting Lawyer. The views expressed in this paper are those of the author, not Covington & Burling LLP and IMANI.



[*] LL.M, Harvard; Incoming Doctoral Student at Cambridge University, UK. The author recently joined Covington & Burling LLP as a Global Visiting Lawyer. The views expressed in this paper are those of the author, not Covington & Burling LL

Source: classfmonline









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The founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Akua Donkor is predicting a collapse of the flagship free Senior High School policy of the Akufo-Addo led government.



According to her, she owns the intellectual property of the policy thus knows how to make it sustainable.



The failed presidential candidate on Neat FM claimed the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) stole her idea when she was prevented from contesting the elections by Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei.



Nana Addo and his cohorts stole the free SHS policy from me in the 2016 elections and now he is implementing it. I can state authoritatively that this policy will not see the day of light. It will not work because it was stolen from me she added.



Akua Donkors comment follows the launch of the much-anticipated education policy on the premises of the West Africa Senior Shool, Adentan, Accra.



Parents of over 400,000 students entering senior high school for the first time after qualifying from the junior high level, have been relieved of the burden of funding the education of their children at the senior high level as government rolls out the programme this academic year.



President Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians to embrace the policy and support it to succeed, maintaining that: The policy is not about the NPP or the NDC; the beneficiaries will not only be NPP sympathisers; they will be Ghanaians.



But Akua Donkor has joined skeptics who have bet their last dollar that the free SHS policy will collapse.



The reason, she noted is because government has not told Ghanaians how it intends to fund the policy.



The GFP leader noted that, her concern has had to do with what they call a shift from the campaign promise of providing free education to all SHS students to just first-year students.



The only way the policy will work, Akua Donkor noted is for government to include her int the implementation process.



The outspoken politician who is confident of winning the 2020 general elections said she will implement free education from kindergarten to SHS.



Nana Addo should make Kindergarten and primary free first and then focus on SHS because I will make sure I make education free for all pupils because I am sure of becoming President in 2020 she noted.









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New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications member, Kwabena Berma Pobi, has expressed grave worry over the hopelessness and the incompetence of some state institutions and civil society over their silence on some national issues.



According to him, the attack on Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa aka Afia Schwarzenegger was an attack on Ghanaian womanhood in general. He likened the attack on the showbiz personality by her ex-husband to murder.



What if Afia had retaliated by grabbing a weapon to defend herself. Couldnt this have been another case of Fennec Okyere, with Afias family never finding out who killed their child? These may be mere questions but how long will institutions sit aloof for the worse to happen to people before they make it a national issue? Are they waiting only to be heard during national elections, he quizzed.



Mr. Pobi condemned Lawrence Abrokwa for releasing nude videos of his wife Afia Schwarzenegger and still claim he loves her.



He said he is greatly shocked and surprised at the total silence of the Christian Council, Catholic Bishop Conference, Pentecostal Council the Gender Ministry and the media on the matter.



He explained that the attack on Afia happened two weeks ago but none of these institutions have condemned the act in spite of the fact that she has been vocal on other national issues.



This is a woman who has been outspoken on every issue she treats in the media with absolute disrespect, but what do we see when she herself became huge topic of concern to society? All institutions responsible for protecting the vulnerable are quiet or is it because this act was not committed by a politician, a pastor, a pastors wife, head of a bank or any of the creme dela creme of society. We are letting it go just like that? he asked



Mr. Pobi said the inaction of these groups is sending wrong signals to the younger generation. The Rashida sex video is another example that our institutions are not apt and responsible as we expect them to when it comes to taking action on social matters of this nature, talk of the Gender Ministry, Christian Council of Ghana, Catholic Bishop Conference, women organization groups and the media among others., he said.



According to Pobi, the world is now a global village because of social media specifically Facebook and WhatsApp- which have become conveyors of nude photos and other obscene publications. He urged government to enact laws to punish people who circulate these materials.



He called on national institutions and civil society groups not to be silent on these matters, urging them be proactive to halt the circulation of obscene materials on social media to ensure discipline in society.



Where's the red flag, is it because it's Afia Shwarzenegger so no institution is interested? Let's not forget the price of incivility!

Source: atinkaonline









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Government says apart from releasing funds for the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy, it will also pay all long-standing arrears owned educational institutions across the country.



He said outstanding arrears for the Capitation Grant, the School Feeding Programme, feeding grants of students in the three northern regions and handicapped schools would be paid up to date.



In addition, teacher trainee allowances would be restored as promised by the Government.



Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, the Minister of Education, made the disclosure at the launch of the Free SHS Policy initiative at the West Africa Senior High School in the Adenta Municipality of the Greater Accra Region on Tuesday.



He said the free SHS initiative was a revolutionary policy that would propel the transformation and development of the nation because no child would be denied second cycle education due to financial constraints.



Dr Opoku-Prempeh noted that the policy was being implemented not because of political expediency, but it was the right thing to do for the people of Ghana.



No matter how poor a childs family is, he or she will never be shackled by the manacles of school fees as he or she lived out his or her dream.



The days of poor students being left on the streets because of poverty are over, the days of parents at their wit ends scrambling to find admission fees are over, the days of young students being driven from the classroom to go home for their school fees are over, he said.



Dr Opoku-Prempeh said the Education Ministry was proud to be part of the implementation of the historic policy and expressed the hope that for many generations to come, the Free SHS Policy would be itched in the letters of gold as one of the greatest legacies of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Government.



To ensure that the policy was fully funded, he said, the Government had already paid 20 per cent of the fees of the beneficiaries to their selected SHSs.



Professor Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), said such a major policy intervention to Ghanaians was arguably the most significant policy initiative given aside the National Health Insurance Scheme.



He said the general euphoria in welcoming the policy showed the appreciation of Ghanaians and called for effective leadership to ensure its success and sustainability.



Prof. Opoku-Amankwa expressed gratitude to the Free SHS Implementation Committee, the GES Council, teacher unions and all stakeholders for their tireless efforts to make it possible.



The Free SHS/TVET Policy is intended to relieve the huge financial burden on parents and guardians to ensure that students who qualified for second cycle education would have quality, equity and accessible education.



It also marks the end of the era when financial constraints were a barrier to the aspirations of children who wanted to access second cycle education.



President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, at Okuapeman SHS earlier this year, spelt out fees that would be absorbed by the Government under the Free SHS Policy.



The President said apart from the tuition fees, which is already free, other fees would be scrapped including admission fees, library fees, science centre fees and computer laboratory fees.



The Government is also giving free textbooks, free boarding fees and meals, and absorbing the examination fees, utility levies. The day students will get a free hot meal a day.



The policy would also cover agricultural, vocational and technical institutions at the high school level, while government continues with the construction of new public senior high schools.



The Free SHS Policy is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs- 4) Target One, which stipulates that; By 2030, all boys and girls complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education, leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.



It also stated that by 2030, all girls and boys will have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education, so that they are ready for primary education.



The Government has projected to spend GHC480 million in the 2017/2018 academic year on more than 400,000 Basic Education Certificate Examination candidates, who gained admissions to second cycle institutions of their choice, which would be funded through the Annual Budget Funding.

Source: GNA









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Former African Union Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Wednesday called on former President Jerry John Rawlings and his wife Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings at their office in Accra.



Dr. Dhlamini-Zuma and the Rawlingss discussed the breakdown of cultural values on the continent with the former President expressing his disappointment with the violent attacks on black foreigners in South Africa.



Former President Rawlings who spoke on the forthcoming leadership battle within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, said:



A change for the better is what most South Africans would like to see. This is the promise and expectation of most elections anyway.



Mr. Rawlings said: Irrespective of who emerges as head of government in the next election let us hope everything possible will be done to contain the cold-blooded manner in which non-South African citizens or blacks are subjected to the violence of the machetes, hacking and burning of people.



Nana Konadu on her part urged South Africa to place premium on restoring traditional values of respect and reverence for the elderly by the youth. She said it was a trait she had observed and stated that because of the countrys unique status on the continent the breakdown of certain basic values has an impact on the rest of the continent.



While conceding the breakdown of cultural values, Madam Dhlamini-Zuma who is a major contender for the ANC leadership and by extension the South African presidency, stated that apartheid and the fight against it distorted cultural values. She said while a lot of effort had been made to confront the problem a lot more social intervention was required to restore the socio-cultural backbone of her country.



Madam Dhlamini-Zuma who is in Ghana on a private visit served as South Africas Minister of Health and Foreign Affairs under Presidents Mbeki and Motlanthe and Minister for Home Affairs under her ex-husband Jacob Zuma. She was elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission in July 2012 and left office in January 2017.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Government has expressed its gratitude to Ghanaians, organisations and corporate bodies who contributed cash and items to support the relief efforts in Sierra Leone.



On 14 August 2017, the people of Sierra Leone were hit by mudslide and flooding which caused extensive loss of life and property.



The Government of Ghana said the massive support and donations by Ghanaians contributed greatly to the recovery process.



A statement signed by Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid, said the contribution of Ghanaians have proven the commitment of Ghanaians towards our sister African countries.



The statement further said although government support for Sierra Leone has officially ended, organisations and other bodies that wish to make further contributions can do so through the Sierra Leone Embassy in Ghana.

Source: classfmonline









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About three hundred (300) students who will be admitted to study at the Tuobodom Senior High/Technical School in the Techiman North district of the Brong Ahafo region will not have to buy mattresses since the school has acquired some for them, the school's authorities have said.



Mr. Ampaabeng Nketiah, the acting headmaster of the school in an interview with Peacefmonline.com said the school has thousand mattresses for their students who will get access to their boarding facility.



The mattresses, he said, were donated to the school by the former member of parliament (MP) for the constituency, Alexander Kyeremeh, to help reduce the financial burden on parents whose wards will be admitted in the school.



"It will help parents because the monies to buy mattresses will be channeled to other useful ventures. If we are to admit the thousand students as boarders, they will all have access to these mattresses from the former MP," he noted.



Mr Nketiah maintained that the school was ready to admit all the students who were placed there, added that the kind gesture of the former MP has lessened the financial burden of parents and will also help increase enrollment in the school.



Tuobodom Senior High/Technical School in the past did not admit up to thousand students, but the commencement of government's flagship programme, the Free Senior High School policy, has seen almost four hundred students completing their admission processes a day after school re-opened.



Some parents who had come to start admission processes for their wards were impressed with the admission process and were very happy to hear that boarding students were not buying mattresses.



Madam Adubea, a 40 year old trader could not hide her joy on the Free SHS policy and asked for blessings for president Akufo-Addo, adding "we should all pray for the president and support him on this great initiative."

Source: Henryson Okrah/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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President Akufo Addo has revealed the source of funding for the free SHS policy, an issue which has been a major talking point of the Minority in Parliament.



The Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu at a news conference Monday questioned the sustainability of the policy, while demanding from government the source of funding.



But speaking at the launch of the free SHS policy in Accra Tuesday President Akufo-Addo said the funds will come from proceeds from the country's natural resources, mainly mineral and oil revenues.



He said it will be better for such money to be used to improve the lives of people than going into the pockets of a few.



President Akufo Addo said knowledge and power are not the preserve of the elite, hence it is imperative to ensure that all children of school- going age are educated.



President Akufo Addo added that government will accept any constructive criticism to improve the programme.



Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh says as part of government's Free SHS policy, capitation grant as well as feeding grant and other arrears will be duly honoured.



He said for the first time in the history of the country, students would not have to pay fees before they start school.



He was speaking at the launch of the Free SHS policy in Accra. He said the policy is the greatest legacy of the current government.

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Source: gbcghana.com









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The African Union Commission has commended the government of Ghana for implementing the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, indicating that it is a sure way of ensuring the growth of the country and Africa as a whole.



Ambassador Thomas Kwesi Quartey, Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission, who gave the commendation while speaking at an UNCTAD-organised high-level panel discussion in Geneva, Switzerland, said the beginning of Free SHS in Ghana would give greater impetus to the AUs agenda of having every African child in school by the end of the decade.



UNCTAD is the UN body responsible for development issues, particularly international trade as the main driver of development.



Africa has the largest number of young people, and this commission has at its theme education. It is in that spirit that I would like to commend the government of Ghana, at the risk of sounding unduly nationalist, that the SHS programme, the free compulsory secondary school programme that they have introduced, is really an idea whose time has come, and Ghana is to be commended for it, Ambassador Quartey said.



The ambition of the African Union, Ambassador Quartey said, is to have every African child in school by the year 2020.



We would like to have a literate and a numerate Africa. We want an Africa where illiteracy is a thing of the past. With a literate and numerate Africa, the continent would be ready now to imbibe technology, apply science and technology, and find solutions.



Any effort in this direction is, therefore, highly commendable, Ambassador Quartey indicated, adding that the introduction of Free SHS in Ghana is a very welcome development.



Your Excellency, you and Ghana are to be highly commended, the Deputy AU Commissioner told Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.



The panel discussion, organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is under the theme: Accelerating Progress in Building Productive Capacities in Least Developing Countries and Other Vulnerable Developing Economies.



It brought together a team of decision makers and world leaders including Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of UNCTAD; Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa Utoikamanu, High-Representative and Under-Secretary-General for OHRLLS, New York; and Ms. Hu Xiaolian, Chairman, China-Exim Bank.



The rest are Dr. Celestin Monga, Vice-President and Chief Economist, African Development Bank, Abidjan; Mr. Hiroshi Kuniyoshi, Deputy Director-General, UNIDO; Dr. Robert Wade, Professor, London School of Economics and Political Science; and Ghanas Vice President, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.









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"Rumors" combines old and new at Theatre Harrisburg

The upcoming production of "Rumors" is an excellent example of old meets new for Theatre Harrisburg.

It was selected by the company's new executive director, Allison Hays, to open her first season in a leadership position at the company. Hays, like some members of the cast, has a long history of performance with the company.

However, the production was helmed by a new director to Theatre Harrisburg, David Ramon Zayas, whom Hays selected. And like Zayas, many of the cast members have never performed with the 91 year old community theater, even though they have impressive theatrical resumes with other area companies.

Even the set is a shout-out to making something old new again: the walls and doors have been taken from several recent productions by the company and re-combined into an original piece.

If the set is any indication, the 92nd season at Theatre Harrisburg is hoping to put a new spin on the venerable community theater.

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About the show:

The play is a farcical comedy by Neil Simon. Like many of his plays, it takes place in in New York -- specifically, Sneden's Landing, known today as Palisades.

The plot revolves around the deputy mayor of New York, who shoots himself while expecting a group of guests. While only mildly injured, the event soon spirals out of control as his friends try to keep the mishap quiet -- which makes his neurotic guests even more suspicious.

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If these walls could talk... The set for "Rumors" features walls, doors, and steps from 8 recent Theatre Harrisburg productions! Posted by Theatre Harrisburg on Wednesday, September 6, 2017

"It was my goal to bring back a little bit of what Theatre Harrisburg was known for doing in the past."

"It was my goal to bring back a little bit of what Theatre Harrisburg was known for doing in the past," Hays said about selecting the play to open her first season as executive director. The process involved discussions with a committee of Theatre Harrisburg's board and other veterans.

Neil Simon -- a playwright honored with more Tony and Academy Award nominations than any other, beloved for his light-hearted comedies -- was a name that came up early.

"We went through a couple of different options, and 'Rumors' was suggested by several members of the [selection] committee," Hays continued. "It's a very fun show and one we'd actually done here before. So that's how it came to be."

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"I grew up here, basically."

The previous production of "Rumors" was in 1993, and Margie Farrell was among the cast. She will be in attendance opening night of the new production, and not just because of nostalgia: her daughter, Bryden McCurdy, is in the show this time around, playing the role of Officer Pudney.

"I was 15 when I saw it," McCurdy said. "When they announced their season, I just knew I had to be a part of it somehow."

McCurdy's parents met at Theatre Harrisburg -- Farrell was pregnant while performing in a production of "I Do! I Do!" with the company -- so McCurdy was hardly exaggerating when she said that she "grew up here, basically, in playpens with my parents."

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"We're staring a new generation here."

And that legacy won't be ending any time soon, it seems.

"My daughter is actually going to be on the crew for this one," McCurdy said. "So we're staring a new generation here. I've never known anything else, it's just a part of who I am."

Both Farrell and McCurdy said that their family has expanded to include the friends they've made through theater. And this time around, there are "a lot of new faces."

"It's thrilling to watch them, because they're all so hilarious and so talented," McCurdy said. "People should definitely come see it."

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"We're kind of like a little family."

"This is my first show with Theatre Harrisburg," said Kayla Rosencrans, who plays Cassie Cooper in "Rumors."

Rosencrans performed with community theaters in the Wilkes Barre/Scranton area while in high school, but didn't have the opportunity during college or for several years afterward. But after hearing about Theatre Harrisburg through a coworker, she decided to audition.

"It's a little daunting, because I was clearly the new girl and didn't know anyone here," she said. "But it is neat that they have so much history and they do so many good shows here."

Rosencrans said that bringing together a group of like-minded people to work on a play can often bring out the best in them.

"It has been really incredible working with all of these people -- we're kind of like a little family," she said.

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Sometimes you ask your cast to pose for headshots, and sometimes this is what happens... these beautiful mugs will join... Posted by Theatre Harrisburg on Wednesday, September 13, 2017

"It's breathing new life into the theatre. It's fantastic."

Darren Riddle and Amy Rosenberry first met playing opposite one another in "The Drowsy Chaperone" at Theatre Harrisburg. They play Ken and Chris Gorman in "Rumors," marking their fourth time opposite one another in a Theatre Harrisburg production.

Riddle has appeared in 10 productions with the company since 2012, while Rosenberry started performing at age 6 -- she was unable to count how many times she'd appeared on the Theatre Harrisburg stage.

"Nobody told me there was going to be a test!" she joked.

But both agreed that this production was different due to an influx of new talent, including actors who perform with other area companies.

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It's busy here at the Krevsky Production Center as "Rumors" approaches opening night! Sure, you can walk up and buy... Posted by Theatre Harrisburg on Monday, September 11, 2017

"Seeing new blood come in was great."

"We have a lot of respect for the people who do this professionally," Rosenberry said. "We do it in our spare time just for fun. I always say I do it for therapy. But these people do it like, thats their job. Thats their real life. And its been really great for us to keep up with them, or bring ourselves up to them. But I think theyd say the same thing about us. Theres a lot of respect. Its a great learning experience."

"You can see the skill," Riddle added. "You can see from day one that everyone had something to bring. We were just happy as can be. Amy and I really love this theatre and want to see it grow and prosper for another 90 years. Seeing new blood come in was great."

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A photo from the 1993 production of "Rumors" at Theatre Harrisburg.

"I think Allison has a lot to do with it."

Both Riddle and Rosenberry attribute the influx of new interest to Theatre Harrisburg's new executive director. The barriers between Harrisburg's theater companies, which Rosenberry compared to the territorial Jets and Sharks gangs of "West Side Story," are fading.

"I think Allison has a lot to do with it," Rosenberry said. "The three main theaters -- Gamut, Open Stage and Theatre Harrisburg -- have all realized that theyre not in competition. We should all be working together. Everyone has a different niche, and doors are opening."

"You used to see a lot of the same faces," Riddle said. "I think Allison has been a great influence -- and were not just saying that because were being recorded. We absolutely love Allison. Shes been involved in a variety of theaters and everyone knows her chops too. They respect her a lot. And Kristi [Ordo] too, who is her assistant. Great, great people."

"Its great to see the new mix," Rosenberry said. "Its breathing new life into the theatre. Its fantastic."

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Behind the scenes at "Rumors" rehearsal: Director David Ramon Zayas works with cast members during a photo shoot! If you... Posted by Theatre Harrisburg on Wednesday, August 30, 2017

"It's great to be working with David."

Among those new faces are Liz Curtis and Robert Campbell, who play Cookie and Ernie Cusak. Both are veteran performers but new to acting at Theatre Harrisburg, and both cite their friendship with director David Ramon Zayas as a major part of the appeal. All three regularly perform in area improv groups, as do fellow cast members Toby Bradbury and Matthew Golden.

Zayas and Campbell also perform frequently with professional companies Gamut Theatre and Open Stage of Harrisburg; Curtis has performed with the Bare Bones Theatre Ensemble. Curtis said that Zayas' suggestion that she audition "felt serendipitous" -- her own aunt, also named Cookie, had recently passed away.

"And if David told me, 'you should go jump off a bridge,' I'd say, 'well if you think so, I bet there's gonna be something great about it!'" Curtis said. "It's great to be working with David. It's really neat to do scripted theater with people when I have a completely different experience with them previously. It's very exciting: that's my short answer."

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"I think our whole group has clicked."

Campbell also directed "The Last of the Red Hot Lovers" at Theatre Harrisburg, which was the company's most recent Neil Simon production. But his first show as an actor has "been a blast," he said, both due to old acquaintances and new friends.

"I have worked with Allison before and I was excited to try and support her in her opening season here in some way," said Campbell. "And Ive worked with David before a number of times, hes a good friend. Then I heard that Liz and Toby were auditioning. Beyond that, meeting with a whole bunch of new people who I hadnt worked with before  I think our whole group has clicked and we have a lot of fun together."

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"I definitely wanted to try and broaden our pool of directors here at the theatre."

"I definitely wanted to try and broaden our pool of directors here at the theater," Hays said about planning her first season as executive director. "Try to get new people to be involved, to grow the family. Choosing David has done exactly that. He has brought with him some wonderful actors that he has met through his other theatrical pursuits in the area."

The theater will also be welcoming another new director, Caitlin Graci, for their production of "I Love You Because" in March. Graci is artistic director and co-founder of Harrisburg's Bare Bones Theatre Ensemble, a company that has staged several musicals in venues such as the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center and the Federal Taphouse.

Another new director has been tapped for the upcoming production of "Hairspray" in June, and Hays hopes to reach out to students in local school districts -- particularly those who may not have the opportunity to perform in productions at their own schools.

"This is our community, and we would love to get young people involved," Hays said. "We do have plans to actively go out there, invite them to see productions and get them excited about it, so they can be part of our growing family."

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Provided photo

"Your community has to be larger than the people you know already."

"If you have the same directors, even through they might be extremely competent, you might always be attracting the same talent as well," Hays said. "Theatre Harrisburgs motto is 'Where Community Takes Center Stage.' And your community has to be larger than the people you know already."

But no organization lasts for over 90 years without a strong base of dedicated supporters, and Hays is certainly not forgetting those who have been contributing all along.

Other directors this season will include Kristi Ondo, Theatre Harrisburg's production manager, and Theatre Harrisburg veterans Eric Dundore and Tom Hostetter. Hostetter's name is "almost synonymous with Theatre Harrisburg," Hays said -- he served as director of the company for 28 years until his retirement in 2008.

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"It's truly a time commitment."

Hays said that there is a natural ebb and flow to when people are available to contribute time and energy to volunteering with a community theater.

"Its truly a time commitment," she said. "Most everyone who does shows here is doing it outside of work schedules, They have to make sacrifices to their family life. Doing shows can be very time consuming. And I know myself, as a performer, I would look at a season and say, 'Eh, theres nothing for me this season.'"

But the door is always open, she said, both to new members of the family and returning friends. Part of her job will be to find that balance and keep the company open for everyone in the community.

"It truly is a community experience," she said. "I love meeting new people through doing shows, and I also love reuniting with old friends. I hope that people who have maybe stepped away feel like they could come back."

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If you go:

Rumors opens Friday, Sept. 15 at Theatre Harrisburg's Krevsky Production Center at Sixth and Hurlock streets in Susquehanna Township.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, and at 2 p.m. Sept. 17 and 24. Tickets are $25, and can be purchased online through the Whitaker Center website. More information can be found at the Theatre Harrisburg website or by calling 717-232-5501.

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More in theater:
A sculpture of a 12-foot-tall afro pick now sits feet from the controversial statue of former Philly mayor Frank Rizzo in Philadelphia.

The statue, installed by Mural Arts Philadelphia, is a temporariy exhibit on Thomas Paine Plaza near 15th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard at the city municipal services building.

Created by artist Hank Willis Thomas, it is titled "All Power to All People," and is part of a new public art project called "Monument Lab" that will include works from 20 artists placed at a dozen sites around the city over nine weeks.

Hank Willis Thomas' prototype monument for Monument Lab is a public art intervention around identity and representation... Posted by Mural Arts Philadelphia on Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Thomas said he didn't create the sculpture in response to the controversy over removing the Rizzo statue, NBC10 reports.

Rizzo, who was mayor from 1972-1980, has been accused of police department corruption and callous treatment of minorities. Others laud his public service and love for the city.

His statue has been vandalized recently in the wake of the national movement to remove statues linked to accusations of racism.

Rizzo's statue and a mural in South Philly were recently vandalized, including eggings and spray painting with the words "black power."

A Philadelphia city councilwoman began asking for Rizzo's statue to be taken down last month.
DNA evidence can be persuasive, but it has failed to convince a state Superior Court panel to grant jailed pimp Milton Washington a new trial for the murder of his prostitute girlfriend.

The same goes for the supposed recantations of two of the four jailhouse snitches who testified against Washington 30 years ago when he was tried for the 1986 slaying of Tina Wyatt in Allentown, Senior Judge James J. Fitzgerald III concluded in an opinion the court issued this week.

Washington, now 69, is serving a life prison sentence for Wyatt's murder.

He secured the DNA testing in 2013 in hopes of gaining his freedom. The ruling by Fitzgerald's court smashes that hope and upholds an earlier appeal denial issued by a Lehigh County judge.

Even so, Fitzgerald agreed with Washington's argument that the evidence against him "was not overwhelming."

Indeed, Fitzgerald noted the prosecution's case rested heavily on the snitches, one of whom claimed Washington confessed to the killing before it even occurred.

The 29-year-old Wyatt, who lived with Washington and her two children at a motel, was found dead behind an Allentown warehouse on the morning of June 30, 1986. She had been beaten with a 2-by-4 and stabbed 49 times.

No physical evidence tied Washington to the killing, but investigators contended that he murdered Wyatt because she wanted to stop selling herself for sex, Fitzgerald noted. Even though Wyatt's body had defensive wounds, no blood of Washington's type was found at the murder scene.

Washington claimed he was home with the children when Wyatt was killed and that he searched for her and filed a missing person report when she didn't come home. He also argued that Wyatt might have been killed by her estranged husband. Police confirmed that the Wyatts had a history of domestic disturbances, the state judge noted.

Two of the prosecution's jailhouse witnesses recanted their testimony against Washington after he was convicted of first-degree murder.

One of them executed a sworn affidavit outlining his recantation, but then invoked his right against self-incrimination when he was called to testify in court during an appeal hearing for Washington in 1991. The other man never put his recantation in writing and is believed to have died.

As for the DNA evidence, the 2013 testing was done on semen found on Wyatt's jeans. Such testing would have not been common in 1986 and would have been rudimentary by today's standards.

The 2013 tests, which Washington secured with help from the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, ruled out Washington as the depositor of the semen.

Still, that shouldn't trigger a new trial, Fitzgerald found, because Wyatt was a prostitute and there was no determination on when the semen was deposited or whether it came from her killer. Also, he noted that the jurors were told about the semen during the 1987 trial and they knew there was no physical evidence against Washington.

"The DNA tests merely provided further proof that there was no physical evidence of (Washington's) guilt," the state judge wrote.

The Superior Court decision could be appealed to the state Supreme Court.
The state Office of Inspector General announced Wednesday that it charged 73 Pennsylvanians with welfare fraud in July.

Investigators claim the accused bilked the system for $281,672.

The worst case involves a fraud in Erie County totaling nearly $36,000, Inspector General Bruce R. Beemer said. He said the smallest was an alleged $838 con in Franklin County.

"And we pursue recovering small and large amounts of restitution owed equally," Beemer said.

Thirty-five people have been charged with third-degree felonies that carry penalties of up to 7 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. They are:

Avia S. Braxton, 28, of Philadelphia, for $5,164 in cash assistance fraud.

Valyncia D. Coleman, 25, of Erie in Erie County, for $3,176 in SNAP fraud and $1,617 in cash assistance fraud.

Milagros Rosario, 26, of Allentown in Lehigh County, for $2,095 in SNAP fraud and $1,490.25 in cash assistance fraud.

Ronald H. Ahrens, 45, and Amy L. Ahrens, 37, of Pocono Summit in Monroe County, for $3,495 in SNAP fraud and $2,206.59 in cash assistance fraud.

Tayri A. Ramos-Diaz, 34, of Reading in Berks County, for $2,156 in SNAP fraud and $2,528 in cash assistance fraud.

Kaitlyn R. Decicco, 25, of Frackville in Schuylkill County, for $3,632 in SNAP fraud.

Zanobia Overton, 67, of Erie in Erie County, for $6,222 in SNAP fraud, $29,514.53 in medical assistance fraud and $227 in LIHEAP fraud.

Amber N. Booth, 24, of Erie in Erie County, for $5,639 in SNAP fraud and $400 in LIHEAP fraud.

Joni N. Ascanio, 37, of Newburg in Franklin County, for $5,114 in SNAP fraud.

Lacie M. Hooks, 35, of New Kensington in Westmoreland County, for $10,530 in SNAP fraud.

Tiana E. Noble, 34, of Chambersburg in Franklin County, for $3,785 in SNAP fraud and $1,228.41 in medical assistance fraud.

Melissa A. Bortner, 43, of Highspire in Dauphin County, for $871 in SNAP fraud and $10,290.65 in subsidized day care fraud.

Mirtha L. Estevez, 54, of East Stroudsburg in Monroe County, for $3,768 in SNAP fraud.

Marcia A. Osche, 61, of Butler in Butler County, for $1,291 in SNAP fraud and $3,216.21 in medical assistance fraud.

Pamela R. Bryant, 51, of Lancaster in Lancaster County, for $7,436.73 in SNAP fraud, $2,280.13 in medical assistance fraud and $263 in LIHEAP fraud.

Linda M. Gaunt, 46, of Johnstown in Cambria County, for $5,232 in SNAP fraud.

Susan E. Campbell, 58, of Hilliards in Butler County, for $895 in SNAP fraud and $4,304.31 in medical assistance fraud.

Anya N. Bellamy, 33, of Harrisburg in Dauphin County, for $6,132 in SNAP fraud.

Richard C. Corley, 51, of York in York County, for $3,258 in SNAP fraud.

Shannon L. Moffitt, 34, of York in York County, for $3,306 in SNAP fraud.

Cecelia Collins, 51, of Coraopolis in Allegheny County, for $3,284 in SNAP fraud.

Jessica L. Filipovitz, 33, of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, for $4,626 in SNAP fraud.

Stella J. Caltagirone-Gonzalez, 46, of Reading in Berks County, for $760 in SNAP fraud and $2,652.99 in medical assistance fraud.

Nicola L. Gardner, 40, of McKeesport in Allegheny County, for $3,716 in SNAP fraud.

Kalee A. Richter, 27, of Hunker in Westmoreland County, for $3,341 in SNAP fraud.

Donna J. Tacza, 64, of Mount Pleasant in Westmoreland County, for $4,549 in SNAP fraud.

Shannon L. Freed, 29, of Beaver Falls in Beaver County, for $7,797 in SNAP fraud.

Shaquan L. Ambrose, 36, of Tobyhanna in Monroe County, for $3,456 in SNAP fraud.

Kristi L. Livering, 45, of Jonestown in Lebanon County, for $1,385 in SNAP fraud and $3,440.55 in medical assistance fraud.

Robert J. Kolson, 34, of Windber in Somerset County, for $9,055.63 in medical assistance fraud.

Donald J. Slomer, Sr., 52, of Butler in Butler County, for $3,065 in medical assistance fraud.

Bradley C. Nortum, Jr., 43, of Johnsonburg in Elk County, for $3,297.20 in medical assistance fraud.

Brooke R. Grassmyer, 43, of Tyrone in Blair County, for $4,266.10 in medical assistance fraud.

Bruce W. Sykes, 63, of Brookville in Jefferson County, for $12,704.65 in medical assistance fraud.

Twenty-one other cases involve first-degree misdemeanors punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Those defendants are:

Britnie A. Irvin, 25, of Scottdale in Westmoreland County, for $1,980 in SNAP fraud and $1,410.50 in cash assistance fraud.

Alisha A. Watkins, 44, of Pitcairn in Allegheny County, for $1,580 in cash assistance fraud.

Vitalia Souprountchouk, 33, of Chesterbrook in Chester County, for $1,705 in SNAP fraud and $1,729 in cash assistance fraud.

Segga M. Ocubamicael, 35, of Carlisle in Cumberland County, for $1,954 in SNAP fraud.

Chrystal G. Ehrhart, 44, of Orrstown in Franklin County, for $2,142 in SNAP fraud and $1,069.52 in medical assistance fraud.

Christina C. Gaccetta, 24, of New Kensington in Westmoreland County, for $1,661 in SNAP fraud.

Inez L. Daugherty, 52, of East Freedom in Blair County, for $1,613 in SNAP fraud and $1,140.97 in medical assistance fraud.

Crystal Blymire, 36, of Spring Grove in York County, for $1,738 in SNAP fraud.

Angellicca J. Rushing, 28, of Norristown in Montgomery County, for $1,709 in SNAP fraud.

Lorraine A. McGovern, 47, of Upper Chichester in Delaware County, for $2,786 in SNAP fraud.

Maya B. Missonis, 28, of Reading in Berks County, for $2,298 in SNAP fraud.

Jennifer L. Noel, 38, of Altoona in Blair County, for $1,147 in SNAP fraud and $1,984.97 in medical assistance fraud.

Tonya L. Yerg, 47, of Hazleton in Luzerne County, for $1,570 in SNAP fraud.

Rebecca A. Murphy, 42, of Bentleyville in Washington County, for $1,504 in SNAP fraud.

Krista L. Bobby, 48, of Mercer in Mercer County, for $1,939 in SNAP fraud.

Ashley Palumbo, 31, of Drums in Luzerne County, for $2,322 in SNAP fraud.

David A. Thomas, 49, of Uniontown in Fayette County, for $1,940 in SNAP fraud.

Anita Minor, 58, of Upper Darby in Delaware County, for $2,538 in SNAP fraud.

Natasha L. Haas, 28, of Erie in Erie County, for $1,758 in SNAP fraud and $273 LIHEAP fraud.

Amgad N. Abdelmalak, 46, of Souderton in Montgomery County, for $2,831 in SNAP fraud.

Gregory A. Early, 31, of Norristown in Montgomery County, for $1,648 in SNAP fraud.

Second-degree misdemeanor charges carrying allowing for up to 2 years in jail and a $5,000 fine were lodged against the following 14 people:

Taisha J. Dreher, 32, of Clairton in Allegheny County, for $1,447.75 in cash assistance fraud.

Marnie J. Fiasco, 48, of Masontown in Fayette County, for $1,002 in SNAP fraud.

Rosemary R. Valentin, 46, of Mountville in Lancaster County, for $1,281 in SNAP fraud.

Jenelle L. Thomas, 37, of Highspire in Dauphin County, for $1,159 in SNAP fraud.

Julio Toledo Valentin, 30, of Bethlehem in Northampton County, for $1,164 in SNAP fraud.

Terrance A. Roberson, 46, of McKees Rock in Allegheny County, for $1,164 in SNAP fraud.

Olivia S. Lucas, 24, of Aliquippa in Beaver County, for $1,131 in SNAP fraud.

Paula F. Divito, 45, of Easton in Northampton County, for $1,199 in SNAP fraud.

Derek A. Reed, 27, of Uniontown in Fayette County, for $1,041 in SNAP fraud.

Kevin P. Cashin, 56, of Kittanning in Armstrong County, for $1,388 in SNAP fraud.

Kimberly G. Jimenez, 23, of Lebanon in Lebanon County, for $1,208 in SNAP fraud.

Nickeya L. Gray, 34, of Wilmerding in Allegheny County, for $1,212 in SNAP fraud.

Heather L. Baney, 42, of Emporium in Cameron County, for $1,048.49 in medical assistance fraud.

Taylor C. Young, 24, of Phoenixville in Montgomery County, for $1,343 in SNAP fraud.

Three people face third-degree misdemeanor charges that allow for up to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine. They are:

Louisa S. Wingate, 50, of Greencastle in Franklin County, for $838 in SNAP fraud.

Susan A. Cusumano, 33, of Meadville in Crawford County, for $945 in SNAP fraud.

Isaiah L. Hays, 30, of Nescopeck in Luzerne County, for $970 in SNAP fraud.

To report suspected fraud, call the Welfare Fraud Tipline at 800-932-0582 or visit the OIG website at www.oig.pa.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
HARRISBURG - The press conference late Tuesday morning at the downtown city government center created a line across the back of the lobby, featuring a number of volunteers with the Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

It was one of three similar meetings with the press (the others were in Lewisburg, Union County, and Media, Delaware County) that the group held across the state Tuesday. Two more are scheduled for Thursday, all to try and push Senate Bill 501 out of committee and to the main body for a vote. That legislation would require all domestic abusers subject to final protection from abuse orders to surrender their guns. The bill would also shorten the current 60-day period convicted domestic abusers have to surrender their guns to 24 hours.

Carol Thornton, a Moms Demand Action volunteer who was part of the Harrisburg event, said later that other members of the group spent time in May visiting the offices of state House and Senate members to build awareness for the bill, introduced by Sen. Tom Killion, R-9th District, in March. With the Senate returning next week, it was time to send a reminder, she said.

"This is one of the few times we've on the proactive side of [this kind of legislation], and it is well-supported," Thornton said. "We don't want to lose this opportunity that something's been introduced in the Senate, and we want to see it keep moving."

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse and Edquina Washington, director of community relations for the City of York, also spoke at the event. Others who stood in support among the volunteers were Pennsylvania chapter leader Deb Marteslo, Harrisburg police Chief Thomas Carter, Carlisle Police chief Taro Landis, and CEO of Survivors, Inc. Terri Hamrick.

Papenfuse asked state legislators to support the bill and "help keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and help keep our law enforcement and families safer. . . . We owe it to families, survivors and our brave law enforcement officers on the front lines," he said.

Added Hamrick: "Families living in fear for their lives should be given assurances that Pennsylvania is doing all it can to protect them - and that means ensuring convicted abusers and those under final protective orders are prohibited from possessing guns and required to turn them in promptly."

The office of Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, R-12 District, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in an email Tuesday afternoon that he plans to hold a hearing on the legislation "hopefully in October."
After aiding in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, members of the Pennsylvania National Guard are now assisting with the response to Hurricane Irma.

More than 40 state National Guard members and four helicopters will work with thousands of National Guard members and first responders already in Florida. Some of the crew and two aircrafts departed from Texas over the weekend to help with response efforts and the other helicopters and crew members left from Pennsylvania, the National Guard said in a news release.

"We're proud of our Guardsmen as they operate the heavy lift Chinook helicopters." Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania's adjutant general said in a statement. "[T]hese assets provide a life line to communities that may otherwise be cut off due to storm damage. This is what we train for; this is why America has a National Guard."

Other National Guard members will remain on duty at the state's joint emergency operation center. That center pans and coordinates efforts in the event National Guard soldiers and airmen need to be deployed.

Irma spanned a 400-mile swath when it made landfall on Sunday. Irma is blamed for the death of 24 people across the Caribbean. The Miami Herald on Monday confirmed two fatalities in Florida related to Irma: One person died in a single-car accident; another fell off a ladder while putting up storm shutters. Georgia officials also confirmed at least two storm-related deaths.

Earlier this week, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that 23 members of the Pennsylvania Incident Management Team left for Florida after the forest service requested assistance to help with storm cleanup in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
A crash that had closed Route 222 in East Cocalico Township, Lancaster County has been cleared.

The crash involved an overturned vehicle in the northbound lanes of Route 222 at the Turnpike - PA 272 exit.

PennDOT reported the crash around 3:30 p.m.

For more traffic information, follow live traffic updates, accident reports and road closures below from PennDOT, Total Traffic Network and other Twitter sources.

Get a look at conditions on local roads -- via PennDOT traffic cameras -- anytime here on PennLive. For Pennsylvania Turnpike updates and possible travel delays visit the Turnpike website here.

Tweet us at @pennlive with any incidents you see on your commute or send a submission to submissions@pennlive.com.
There was always something a little perplexing about Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse's beef with the National Civil War Museum, which sits high atop a hill in Reservoir Park, rising above the Capital City.

Papenfuse once called for the museum, which admittedly struggled with attendance issues, to be shut down.

He denounced it as "monument to corruption," inextricably tied to the legacy of former Mayor Stephen R. Reed.

At the time Papenfuse leveled those criticisms, in July 2015, he was still fighting to restore Harrisburg to some semblance of fiscal stability. Shutting down an institution that actually encouraged people to visit the city, and put some coin - however minimal - in its purse, didn't seem like the best way to do that.

What a difference a couple of years makes.

This week, Papenfuse got over his edifice complex, announcing a deal that would make the city and the museum partners -- which is how it should have been all along.

Under the deal, which was approved by the museum's board of directors last week, the museum would have up to five years to raise $5.25 million to buy its artifacts from the city.

That's a huge discount from the more than $10 million that Reed paid to amass the city-owned collection.

And if the museum can't come up with the cash, the city retains the right to sell the artifacts to other, willing buyers.

The museum would also start paying the city rent at an initial cost of $45,000 a year, growing to $100,000 a year by 2029.

That's less than the $603,000 Papenfuse originally sought for the year 2029 when he insisted in 2015 that the museum pay fair-market rent.

But it's an order of magnitude more than the $1 annual rent that the museum now pays under a Reed-approved contract that extended to 2031.

In addition, as PennLive's Christine Vendel reported, no money would actually change hands for rent payments in the first five years of the deal. Instead, the money would be credited toward $288,000 in capital expenses owed by the city to the museum dating back to 2009.

Announcing the deal last week, Papenfuse acknowledged that the two sides "couldn't keep arguing about this forever." He also claimed that his public criticisms of the museum got the two sides to a place where they could compromise.

Speaking on behalf the museum's board, Gene Barr, the CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, said the deal with the city "is going to work to our advantage and citizens of Harrisburg and allow [us] to move forward."

The deal also removes some uncertainty over the museum's long-term future, making it easier to fund-raise and build attendance.

Assuming all goes to plan, the deal sounds like a win-win for both the museum and the taxpayers - particularly since it will avert a lengthy court fight.

Still, it would have been nice if Papenfuse and the museum could have gotten to "yes" two years ago, sparing the city some uncomfortable public sparring.

But while the nation still struggles with the legacy of the historic Civil War, it's a relief to see that there's finally a cease fire in Reservoir Park.
Bruce Ross poses for a photo in Chatham, Ont., on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. Ross, 58, has suffered from depression and anxiety since early high school and tried many treatments. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Kryk
FILE - In this Feb. 2, 2006, file photo, Judge Judy Sheindlin presides over a case as her bailiff Petri Hawkins Byrd listens on the set of her syndicated show "Judge Judy" at the Tribune Studios in Los Angeles. Sheindlin, better known as Judge Judy, is funding a space for public debate at the University of Southern California. The forum, which was to be unveiled Tuesday night, Sept. 12, 2017, will host the USC Annenberg Debate Series. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, left, performs Giuseppe Verdi's opera "La Donna e' Mobile", on stage next to the robot YuMi conducting the Lucca Philharmonic Orchestra, at the Verdi Theater, in Pisa, Italy, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. A world famous tenor, a celebrated orchestra and a robot conductor were the highlight of Pisa's inaugural International Robotics Festival which runs from Sept. 7 to Sept. 13. (International Robotics Festival Pisa via AP)
This undated photo provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office shows Nicholas Van Varenberg, the 21-year-old son of actor Jean-Claude Van Damme. Van Varenberg is accused of holding his roommate at knifepoint at their apartment in suburban Phoenix. Tempe, Ariz., police say Van Varenberg was arrested Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2017, on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful imprisonment, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office via AP)
Meet Gavin and Macey Bebble, cousins and fellow St. Mary's stars

Two fellow Class of 2023 members, Gavin and Macey Bebble share a bond as cousins, friends and leading members of multiple talented St. Mary's teams.
Mexico will expand oil hedge as fuel prices float, Finance Minister says



Operations almost finished Meade says; Cost likely similar to 2017 hedge.

By Carlos M Rodriguez and Nacha Cattan

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 09 13 2017

Mexico will most likely expand its oil hedge marginally for 2018 as it liberalizes gasoline prices, while the cost for the government to protect crude exports against a drastic drop in prices will be about the same as for this year, Finance Minister Jose Antonio Meade said.

The earthquake off Mexico's coast last week should trigger a portion of the World Bank's largest catastrophe bond if the location in Chiapas and its magnitude of 8.1 is confirmed, Meade said in an interview with Bloomberg News. The World Bank issued in August the bond of as much as $360 million against losses from tropical cyclones and earthquakes in Mexico.

Mexico buys put options from a small group of investment banks each year in what's considered Wall Street's largest -- and most secretive -- annual oil hedge. The Finance Ministry said in its 2018 budget proposal to congress last week that a hedge strategy was employed to guarantee the average export price of $46 dollars per barrel of crude, through both put options and a beefed-up Oil Revenue Stabilization Fund, or FEIP.

"We're far enough advanced so that we're confident in saying that the $46 coverage and stabilization fund have good support," " Meade said in the interview. Moving to a free-floating price of gasoline "played a role in looking at how much we will cover."

The stabilization fund and lower reliance on oil revenue will help keep the government's price tag from rising as the program expands, Meade said.

Talks to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with the U.S. and Canada have been going well and the government's expectations for the outcome haven't changed because the discussions are evolving as predicted, Meade said. All three parties said after meeting for a second round of talks earlier this month in Mexico that they'll seek to finish talks by the end of the year.

Mexico's economy is outpacing expectations from earlier this year, but several risks loom on the horizon, including Nafta renegotiations and the presidential election in July 2018. Mexico has pushed to step up talks so that they don't interfere with the election. The early frontrunner in the race is leftist candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has said he'd look to end an energy reform that opened oil drilling to private bidders.

Lopez Obrador is riding a wave of support amid U.S. President Donald Trump's anti-trade rhetoric and a series of corruption scandals that are plaguing the Pena Nieto Administration.

"He's well known," Meade said about Lopez Obrador. "He's been campaigning for 18 plus years. I think he's put forth many interesting debates. I don't think he's put forth as many interesting solutions.

Meade also weighed in on a furious debate between opposition parties that are demanding the Pena Nieto administration remove an article in a Senate bill that guarantees that the current attorney general, Raul Cervantes, automatically becomes the first independent prosecutor of Mexico, serving a nine-year term. The opposition PAN and PRD parties argue Cervantes, who has worked as a lawmaker for several terms for the ruling PRI, isn't truly autonomous.

"It's a mistake to discredit a political trajectory as if it implies a lack of autonomy and independence," Meade said, rebutting critics of Cervantes. "Investigations are advancing. They're advancing at a good level. And we've never seen so many politicians subject to a judicial process as we're seeing right now."







Story by Carlos M Rodriguez and Nacha Cattan from Bloomberg.



bloomberg. com / 09 12 2017
This piece, titled, The New Plague, depicts life in Philadelphia in the age of COVID. Artist and educator Raphael Tiberino began painting at the age of four and has been in the spotlight as a professional creative for over 25 years.
Wednesday, Sept. 13 is opening night for Pistola's Del Sur, the third Mexican-style beer bar from Joe Gunn, Casey Parker, and Adan Trinidad. They're in the former Palladino's (1934 E. Passyunk Ave.), where they're backed by longtime manager Adam Anderson.

Opening-day doors open at 6 p.m.

Decor takes advantage of the owners' friendship with photographer Dominic Episcopo, who lives in an old church in Fishtown and gave up stained glass, old doors, wood, and even the pipe organ as accents. (The St. Dom on the drink list is a tribute.)

Manager Sarah Walker installed a mural of Orval, in Belgium, behind stained glass on the rear wall in the dining room.

Parker's wife, Kerry, laminated stained glass to create the bar top, which is framed in steel. (Ask to see the grasshopper and fly that met their demise and became suspended in the resin.)

Menu is similar to Jose Pistola's in Center City and Sancho Pistola's in Fishtown, though they've added ceviches, cocas (flatbreads), open-face quesadillas, and tiraditos.

Ten beers on tap include Russian River Blind Pig and Sly Fox O'Reilly stout.

Twelve bottles round out the list.

Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. weekdays, 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. weekends. Kitchen is open till 1 a.m. daily.

Check Danya Henninger's food and drink photos here.
A drill rig operating in Susquehanna County in 2011, near the border of the Delaware River watershed, where a ban on drilling is under consideration by the Delaware River Basin Commission. Read more

The Delaware River Basin Commission, meeting in Bucks County on Wednesday, voted 3-1 to launch a process to formalize the current moratorium on natural-gas development near the river.

The DRBC, a regulatory body that oversees the water supply of 15 million people, voted to introduce the resolution, which directs the commission's staff to prepare revised rules that would be brought up for public comment at hearings by Nov. 30.

The commission includes representatives from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' North Atlantic Division, who represents the federal government. The federal representative voted no, and New Jersey abstained.

The DRBC initiated the moratorium in 2010 as a rush of gas development moved toward the eastern edge of the Marcellus Shale formation underlying Pike and Wayne Counties in northeastern Pennsylvania, arousing environmental opposition.

Newfield Exploration Co., which drilled three exploratory wells in 2010 in Wayne County, plugged the wells two years later without beginning production.

The proposed ban is opposed by the gas industry and business interests, but hailed by environmental groups, though some say the ban is weak because it fails to prohibit the disposal of drilling wastes in the watershed.
GlaxoSmithKline's shingles Shingrix vaccine received an unanimous vote of support by a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee Wednesday on safety and effectiveness to be used in adults 50 and older.

A decision by the FDA to commercialize Shingrix is expected later this year. The agency usually follows the recommendations of its advisory panels.

GSK said in June that the vaccine produced a strong immune response in adults 65 and older who had previously been vaccinated against shingles with Merck's vaccine, Zostavax. Scientific data published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that the effectiveness of Merck's vaccine wanes over time, while GSK's vaccine appeared to have longer-lasting protection.

GSK said data show that people who received Merck's vaccine, the only one approved now for the herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine, can later receive the Shingrix vaccine safely and effectively.

"The risk of developing shingles increases with age and it is estimated that up to one in three people in the United States will develop shingles," said Emmanuel Hanon, GSK head of vaccines research and development. "Today's vote brings us one step closer to approval of Shingrix, which is specifically designed to overcome age-related weakening of the immune system."

People who live to 85 have a 50-50 chance of developing shingles, which can result in a complication called postherpetic neuralgia, a debilitating nerve pain. Shingles typically shows up as a rash with painful blisters on the chest, abdomen, or face.

GSK employs about 5,000 in the Philadelphia area, at the Navy Yard and in Upper Merion and Upper Providence in Montgomery County.
The medical rationale for the standing desks took a hit in 2016. Researchers found that studies purporting to link health benefits with the furniture actually provide only "low quality evidence." Read more

MINNEAPOLIS  At a bank headquarters in St. Paul, some workers keep an extra pair of sensible shoes at their workstations, just so they can more comfortably use their new sit-to-stand desks.

In a nearby suburb, an entrepreneur said the extra expense with height-adjustable desks was worth it, especially when it comes to recruiting and retaining millennial workers.

One state worker said he's such a fan of his new desk that he doesn't even use his government-issued office chair.

"I think it's a happier perspective when I'm standing," said Tim Hoeppner, 56.

Standing desks have emerged as the fastest growing employee benefit in U.S. workplaces, according to a June report from the Society for Human Resource Management. The group's annual survey of HR professionals found that 44 percent said their company this year is either providing or subsidizing the use of standing desks, up from 13 percent in 2013.

It's not known what share of office workers are using sit-to-stand desks. Peter Segar, chief executive of Ergotron, a Minnesota-based maker of adjustable furniture, puts the figure at about 2 percent.

Even so, Segar said standing desks constitute the biggest change in office furniture since the dawn of the cubicle in the 1960s.

"Sit-to-stand really does change the way people work," he said. "They're more dynamic. They're up-and-down. I think it's easier to collaborate with people."

Motorized desks that rise and fall with the push of a button are priced from $1,000 to $3,000, according to websites from some of the nation's largest office furniture manufacturers. Michigan-based Steelcase said bulk discounts are available, and prices vary based on features. That's also true of standard desks, which the company said generally start at $400.

Websites are teeming with less-expensive options for workers who want to alternate between sitting and standing. Online retailers charge $200 to $400 for full-size desks that move up and down via a hand crank, and a few hundred dollars more for powered desks.

There's a growing number of devices that convert a regular desk into a sit-stand workstation. Earlier this year, 3M launched one such product called the Precision Standing Desk, which is similar to other devices in looking like a collapsible set of metal risers.

"If you go online now, you will see literally a dozen, if not more, companies dedicated to selling this type of office furniture," said Dr. James Levine, a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic. "This has become, if you like, a booming industry."

For years, Levine has cheered the growth of standing desks and other furniture technologies that help workers get up and move during the workday  everything from wiggling chairs to low-speed treadmills that are paired with standing desks. The point is to help people be less sedentary, he said, in hopes that movement can help people avoid chronic diseases associated with excess sitting.

The medical rationale for the standing desks took a hit in 2016. Researchers found that studies purporting to link health benefits with the furniture actually provide only "low-quality evidence."

Nico Pronk, a researcher with HealthPartners in the Twin Cities area, said the review raised valid questions, but also pointed to the need for better studies including research on the effect from reduced periods of prolonged sitting.

"That's where that emerging evidence is starting to come in," Pronk said.

Evolution of the office space

When the forerunners to modern offices started spreading in the mid-19th century, writers routinely denounced the lack of vigor in office life compared with other lines of work, said Nikil Saval, author of the 2014 book "Cubed: The Secret History of the Workplace."

While the cubicle is often held up as the symbol of office monotony, the designer who developed the idea did so as part of a vibrant vision called the Action Office. Sold in the 1960s by the Michigan manufacturer Herman Miller Inc., the original plan included a prototype for sit-stand desks.

"There was this recognition in ergonomic thinking of the 1960s that it was better for people to move around," Saval said.

It didn't happen. Cost was an issue, as well as the introduction of desktop computers that limited mobility. Now, the goal is closer to reality in places like St. Paul-based Sunrise Bank, where workers this year have gladly adapted their footwear to take advantage of standing desks that came with the move to a new headquarters.

"Wearing tall heels is not a good idea when standing at your desk a lot," said Melodie Carlson, the bank's chief operating officer, in an email. "Some will have a pair of office shoes for standing during the day."

When Irish Titan moved into new office space two years ago, the Twin Cities-area firm opted for standing desks in part because millennial employees and potential hires have come to expect the furniture, said Darin Lynch, the founder of the e-commerce and digital marketing company.

"My industry  my employee demographic  is trending strongly that way, and so I wanted to be in front of that," Lynch said.

Hoeppner, the state worker, said he cheered this year when his employer, the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology, took new office space that includes standing desks. Due to back troubles, Hoeppner started using a product a few years ago that converted his stationary desk, so he was familiar with the concept.

The back problem has largely gone away, but Hoeppner continues to work on his feet  a posture that fits with his on-the-go work as an inspector. "I've never sat in a chair at my station," he said. "I'd rather stand."
Newest rendering of Stadium Casino L.L.C.s Live! casino and hotel planned for South Philadelphia. Stadium won the second casino license in Philadelphia, but has been stymied in court. Read more

Ken Goldenberg, whose Market East group sought to build a casino at Eighth and Market Streets, told the main investor at SugarHouse Casino that he would pursue yet another Pennsylvania Supreme Court appeal if SugarHouse financed it, according to an email that is part of SugarHouse's latest court filing to intervene as an interested party in the awarding of the city's second casino license.

In an email that is part of SugarHouse's petition to intervene in a second Philadelphia casino license, Goldenberg asked the executive of the company behind SugarHouse to pay Market East $100,000 a month until it opened a casino at Eighth and Market.

The email, at 3:59 p.m. July 23, from Goldenberg to Neil G. Bluhm is Exhibit D in SugarHouse's Sept. 7 court filing, asking the Supreme Court to send the case back to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and to allow SugarHouse to fully participate in future proceedings, including taking depositions from witnesses to get to the exact source of the proposed Stadium Casino L.L.C. financing.

SugarHouse has been operating the city's only casino, near the Delaware River and I-95, since 2010. The longer the appeals drag out, the longer SugarHouse does not have a competitor.

It's the latest volley in a years-long effort to get a second Philadelphia casino.

SugarHouse said that when it reached out to Market East before a July 31 gaming board hearing, Goldenberg proposed a "series of extortionate demands," which SugarHouse "refused to do," court papers said.

The demands included payment of Market East's past and future court appeal costs, in addition to $100,000 a month until Market East opened a casino, and help with financing and sourcing funds for the project, if needed, SugarHouse alleged.

After the gaming board selected Stadium to build Philadelphia's second casino in November 2014, Market East, a losing bidder, and SugarHouse, the city's first casino, appealed. The appeals have delayed the project.

In June, the state Supreme Court sent the case back to the gaming board for a further evidentiary hearing, and on Aug. 9, the gaming board gave the OK  again  for Stadium Casino's proposed Live! casino and hotel in South Philadelphia. The board said wealthy businessman Watche "Bob" Manoukian would not hold a financial interest in Stadium that exceeded 33.3 percent and that Stadium was in full compliance with the state Gaming Act.

Manoukian said that he would transfer $34 million to a trust for his sons, who would own a portion of the proposed casino. Manoukian said that he would fund the rest by "irrevocable and outright gifts" and that he had no monetary right or claim or investment in the trust.

Market East did not appeal the gaming board's Aug. 9 decision. SugarHouse and its lawyers at Sprague & Sprague filed a "petition for review" on Sept. 7, asking the Supreme Court to vacate the gaming board's latest order, and to allow SugarHouse to intervene and take discovery. SugarHouse said it wanted to take the depositions of Manoukian and his sons, and to obtain documents about the Stadium transaction in which Manoukian transferred his interests to his sons, including information about gift-tax returns. The exact source of funds that will be used to build Stadium Casino "still remains unknown," the court papers said.

The Supreme Court ruled previously that SugarHouse's interests in the licensing were "vigorously pursued" by Market East and, accordingly, SugarHouse's intervention was limited to the question of market saturation.

SugarHouse asserted, in its latest court papers, that before the July 31 gaming board hearing, it sought confirmation from Market East that it would fully participate in the hearing. Instead, Market East sent SugarHouse "an email conditioning Market East's participation" on SugarHouse "meeting a series of Market East's extortionate demands," the court filing said, and referenced an attachment, Exhibit D, a July 23 email from Market East principal Goldenberg to SugarHouse principal Bluhm.

"In particular, Market East demanded that SugarHouse pay Market East's past and future appeal costs, pay Market East $100,000 a month until such time as Market East opens a casino in Philadelphia, and assist Market East with 'financing and otherwise sourcing funds' for the project," the court document said.

"And Market East further conditioned its continued participation in this case on SugarHouse's agreement that in the event SugarHouse recants or defaults in any way, with respect to Market East's demands, Market East would get the 'greater of $___ million or ___% ownership of [SugarHouse's] casino businesses.'"

SugarHouse "rejected outright Market East's demands," the court filing said. According to the email exchange, Bluhm, managing principal of Walton Street Capital, responded: "What you have proposed is ridiculous. I would not agree to any part of it."

As a consequence, Market East "did not adequately represent" SugarHouse's interests in the July gaming board hearing.

Goldenberg and Bluhm did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A statement from Market East Associates said: "Market East aggressively pursued a Category 2 license for their location at 8th and Market, even through the appeals process, in the belief that their proposed project would have the greatest positive impact on the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In doing so, Market East invested significant time, effort and expense in each phase of the process.

"At this point in time, Market East has concluded that any further appeal of the Board's decision would not be productive, and so they determined to stand down.

"Market East is disappointed that SugarHouse has chosen to misrepresent their communications to further SugarHouse's own goals, but Market East will not comment further on the matter."

A spokesman for the gaming board said the board had no comment and was reviewing SugarHouse's petition.
Tia Kelly takes a photograph of the new peice of art on the Thomas Paine Plaza, a large Afro Pick with a Black Powere symbol as they handle on Tuesday September 12, 2017. On Tuesday at 1:30 The Mural Arts Project will add its own touch to the Rizzo statue saga with the installation a 12-foot high Afro Pick near the Rizzo statue. The Pop Art object inspired by Claes Oldenburg's Clothespin has a Black Power Fist as its handle. The temporary installation by artist Hank Willis Thomas is the first salvo of Monument Lab a public art project kicking off Wednesday. Tuesday September 12, 2017 MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer Read more

The statue of Frank Rizzo stands in the foreground, the city's crest a golden blur over his shoulder. To Rizzo's left is a giant metal-toothed pick, its raised black fist a reminder of the racial tensions still swirling around Philadelphia's former police commissioner.

The sculptures, created by two different artists in two different eras, are locked in an awkward dance between the present and the past. Rizzo is a symbol of the establishment. That raised black fist, in the eye of this beholder, represents resistance. Perhaps, that is why, when I look at them together, I am certain of one thing.

Frank Rizzo's statue must be removed from public property. Not just because it represents a celebration of today's police brutality, but also because it is a bitter reminder of another time that betrayed black hopes  the 1970s.

Coming on the heels of the civil rights movement, the crushing loss of Martin Luther King Jr., and the uprisings that followed, the 1970s were a time of defiant pride for black people. But it was also a time of optimism.

We'd watched the black church play host to the men and women who fought to obtain black freedoms. We'd watched peaceful marches and economic boycotts result in political victories. We'd cheered as black heroes such as King won international acclaim. And then, as the 1970s dawned, we watched those victories morph into double-edged swords.

Our first steps toward integration allowed for greater opportunity, but also ripped the foundations from strong black communities. Our forays into predominately white educational institutions expanded our middle class, while weakening historically black colleges and universities.

Elizabeth Wellington: Unfortunately, Afro-pick sculpture is not as imposing as Rizzo

Black and brown soldiers from places such as North Philly died in the rice paddies of Vietnam. A wave of heroin addiction swept through black communities like a plague. Gangs were strengthened, families were weakened, and communities that had exploded in violence after King's death withered without private or public investment.

And in the midst of all that, we still cried out, "Black is Beautiful." We still held on to the hope of the 1960s. We defiantly pushed through the violence that we faced from police brutality in our communities.

It was against that backdrop that a tiny symbol arose to represent all we'd survived and all we were yet to accomplish.

A metal-toothed pick.

This instrument  topped with a plastic fist that screamed Black Power  was more than a comb. It was our shout against the constraints of conformity. With it, we could tease out our curled strands until they stretched into a rounded sphere as powerful as the Earth itself. We called it an Afro. It was life sustaining and proud, beautiful and black. It was ours.

So it was no wonder the pick  with its elongated metal teeth affixed to a raised and clenched black fist  came to symbolize who we'd become. We were no longer Negroes. We were Afro-American. We were black, and we were beautiful.

It's just too bad that the pick on the patio of Philadelphia's Municipal Services Building doesn't seem to reflect that kind of lofty message. It's not a bronze spiral of humanity swirling skyward like "Government of the People," the massive sculpture by Jacques Lipchitz that also occupies the Municipal Services Building patio. It's not a bigger-than-life portrayal of a man who inspired raw emotions on both sides of the spectrum, like Zenos Frudakis' staue of Frank Rizzo.

But it's not supposed to be. The artwork, by artist Hank Willis Thomas, is called "All Power to All People," and it's meant to reflect something else altogether.

Thomas' creation was commissioned by the Mural Arts Program as part of its Monument Lab  a project that asked 20 artists to create art in response to the question, "What is an appropriate monument for today's Philadelphia?"

Planning for the project started two years ago. That's about a year before I first called for removal of the Rizzo statue, and about 23 months before Councilwoman Helen Gym joined in that call.

Afro-pick sculpture added to the plaza with Frank Rizzo statue

Thomas' creation pays homage to the Black Panthers  a group that Rizzo's police stripped naked in the street. Thomas pointed to the message of the self-defense and community empowerment group when I asked him what he was trying to convey with his artwork.

"I think it's best encompassed in the title, 'All Power To All People,' which was the slogan of the Black Panthers," Thomas told me. "I think it means the same thing that it meant in 1966, '67, '68 and '69, that the work still needs to be done. That, even as progress happens, there's still progress to be made."

I agree that much remains to be done.

We can start by removing Rizzo's statue from public property.
Picket lines were scheduled in front of the Walnut Street Theatre on Wednesday afternoon, after the theater fired two stageworkers over Labor Day Weekend under circumstances union officials called unfair.

Members of Philadelphia Stagehands Local 8, a 750-member branch of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, were set for what union leaders called an "informational picket line" in front of the theater after Monday's firings of head carpenter Cornelius Degroot, 34, and head flyman Jacob Goddard, 35. Wednesday's show was the press preview night of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which kicks off the 2017-2018 season at the Walnut.

"We will be putting up an informational picket line at 5 p.m. to inform the public of the Walnut's discriminatory and retaliatory actions in regard to these two men," said Michael Barnes, president of the local union. Barnes added that the action was about more than just these two cases, that there had been a pattern of arbitrary firings at the Walnut "for a long time."

According to Barnes, Degroot had been summoned to a meeting and was fired after he requested that a union representative accompany him to it. "In so doing," Barnes said, "the Walnut has violated his Weingarten rights," referring to the 1975 National Labor Relations Board v. J. Weingarten, Inc. ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court found there that employees had the right to have a union representative present at meetings with the employer investigating the employee's conduct.

"We see this as retaliatory," Barnes said. "He was sent home when he asked for a union rep. When we asked the theater, they said he was being fired for abandoning his job."

Officials of the Walnut have not returned repeated phone calls asking for comment.

Degroot said he was "dumbfounded" when, on Sept. 2, he was asked to attend a meeting with management. He alleged that when he requested that a union representative be present, he was told to "just get your bags and get out." He came up through the Walnut's apprentice program and has worked in some capacity with the theater since 2011, for the last 2 and a half years as head carpenter on stage.

Goddard said he had been working "80 hours straight" on the set of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which has been running since Sept. 5. "I had a head injury when I was younger," he said, "and when I am fatigued I sometimes have aphasia, which affects my speech. I was getting a little wobbly, they asked me how I was, and my answer was a little disjointed. They told me to go home and feel better, but then I found out I'd been fired."

Barnes called Goddard's treatment "straight-up discrimination," saying that theater notified the union that Goddard was "terminated for failing to disclose a potentially dangerous condition." Goddard, who said he has been working in technical theater in Philadelphia for 13 years, added that his condition "has never affected my work before."

Normally, Barnes said, the union's normal grievance and arbitration process would be followed, "but we felt that further steps were warranted." On Monday, the union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB against the Walnut, and assisted Goddard in filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He said further that the firings "struck our membership as particularly egregious, especially the medical one, and seemed to call for steps over and above the grievance and arbitration process."
Black-ish stars Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross. The show has been nominated for an Emmy Award for outstanding comedy series, and Anderson and Ross for lead actors in a comedy. Read more

You've heard the awards-show drill: It's an honor to be nominated, blah, blah, blah.

That's more true than ever of the Emmys, where an explosion of scripted programming has made competition even fiercer.

But Kenya Barris wants to be a winner this weekend, and he's not shy about saying so. "We want an Emmy," he told a group of reporters visiting the Burbank, Calif., set of ABC's Black-ish last month.

Nominated for outstanding comedy for the second year, Black-ish, which returns Oct. 3 for its fourth season, has formidable competition, including ABC's Modern Family, a five-time winner, as well as FX's Atlanta, Netflix's Master of None, HBO's Silicon Valley, and Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The likely favorite among Emmy voters, who tend to repeat themselves, is HBO's Veep, the two-time winner for comedy that broke Modern Family's streak in 2015.

Still, it can't hurt to put it out there.

"I want it for my cast and crew, myself, but I want it because I grew up watching network television, and I think that there's something special  to be able to sit and watch programs with our kids," said Barris, who based the show in part on his own large family. Like Dre Johnson, the character played by Anthony Anderson, he's a successful African American, married to a doctor  played on the show by Tracee Ellis Ross  whose first name is Rainbow. And like Dre, he has sometimes worried that his kids might take for granted the privileges with which they've been raised.

"I love Donald Glover [creator and star of Atlanta]; we are friends, I think his show is amazing. You know, I love Aziz [Ansari], I love Alan Yang [cocreators of Master of None], I mean, all these people are people I'm friends with. And they will get their time," Barris said.

"But the days of network television are numbered.  We have to reward it so that it keeps going on," he said.

Ross and Anderson also are again nominated as lead actress and actor in a comedy, and while Anderson joked that he'd been urged by his publicist to be "humble" so people would root for him, Ross said she was mindful of the history.

"I can't help but acknowledge, and say, that it's been 30-some-odd years since a black woman was nominated  in my category," said Ross, who won a Golden Globe in January. (Phylicia Rashad was nominated in 1985 and 1986, but did not win, for The Cosby Show. Isabel Sanford, who won in 1981 for her role in The Jeffersons, remains the only African American actress to win as a lead in a comedy.)

"I know that this is my second time being nominated and it was historic last year, but knowing that I stand on the shoulders of so many and shoulder to shoulder with so many in this moment is not to be taken for granted. And although it is fun for me personally," Ross said, "I feel like the larger historical context of the moment sort of takes the cake."

Better Things returns

At least one of the nominees in Ross' category feels she has already won.

"I know it sounds like a cliche, but it was a massive thing for me as an actor," said Pamela Adlon, creator and star of FX's Better Things, "someone who's been doing it my whole life. And then for people to get introduced to my show who maybe didn't [in its first season]. I'm thrilled." The show's second season begins Thursday.

"This is beyond anything I've ever dreamt. I had no ambition to be a director, I had no inkling that I would be a showrunner of my own show, be the lead actress  none of this was on my radar. So it's just been an incredible thing, like that I turned 50 and all this crazy good [stuff] is happening to me."

Adlon, who has acted on TV since her teens  including a role on Facts of Life  until now has probably been best known as the voice of Bobby Hill on King of the Hill (for which she won a voice-over Emmy in 2002) and for her work with Better Things co-creator Louis C.K. on FX's Louie and HBO's one-season Lucky Louie.

In Better Things, she plays Sam Fox, a lifelong actor and the single mother of three daughters, Max (Mikey Madison), Frankie (Hannah Alligood), and Duke (Olivia Edward).

Her own three daughters love the show, she said last month after a Better Things media session. "They're insanely proud of me, and also, they have a voice, you know what I mean? It's not just me  it's me, it's my friends, it's my daughters," whose views are represented on the show, which this season tackles, among other things, the teenage Max's relationship with a much older man.

"My daughters feel represented, and they always say, 'Mom, I'm the Frankie, admit it.' And I'm like, 'No, you're not. I have a middle daughter in the show. You're not the Frankie. Especially not now. It's changed dramatically from Season 1 to Season 2. Now they can't walk around in ownership of like every single thing."

69th Primetime Emmy Awards. 8 p.m. Sunday, CBS.

Black-ish. 9 p.m. Tuesday, ABC.

Better Things. 10 p.m. Thursday, FX.
Bill McCones advanced head and neck cancer disappeared just months after he went on a breakthrough immunotherapy drug Read more

When his head and neck cancer spread to his lungs, Bill McCone was given a year to live.

The Gilbertsville, Pa., resident also enrolled in a clinical trial of Keytruda, the immune-boosting drug made by Merck.

Today, three years later, he has no evidence of cancer. And Keytruda, originally approved in 2014 for advanced melanoma, is proving the power of personalized, precision medicine. In May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Keytruda to treat any solid tumor cancer that has specific genetic features. That makes it the first drug to target cancer based on genetic markers, without regard to the organ where the malignancy originated.

Keytruda and McCone are highlighted in the annual cancer progress report issued Wednesday by the Philadelphia-based American Association for Cancer Research.

The 2017 report hails the 25 percent fall in U.S. cancer death rates from 1991 to 2014, while five-year survival rates for all cancers rose from 49 percent in the mid-1970s to 69 percent in 2013.

Moreover, in the past year, the FDA has approved nine new cancer drugs and expanded the approved uses for eight more. Two of the new drugs are in the revolutionary class of immunotherapies, called "checkpoint inhibitors," that includes Keytruda. (And the report was finalized just before the Aug. 30 approval of the world's first genetically engineered immune therapy, Novartis Pharmaceuticals' T-cell treatment for pediatric leukemia, which was pioneered at the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.)

"Since I was in medical school in the late 1970s, I have seen a transformation in cancer care," AACR president Michael A. Caligiuri says in the executive summary. "This change is a result of tremendous advances in basic and applied research."

Of course, it's not all good news. More than 600,000 people will die of cancer this year, and the burden falls disproportionately on certain groups, including the poor, the elderly, and racial minorities, the report says.

Soaring drug prices are a huge, unresolved issue, with newer drugs like Keytruda costing more than $100,000 a year. And "some individuals continue to expose themselves to preventable causes of cancer," including smoking, obesity, and tanning devices, the report says.

Although Congress has increased funding for the National Institutes of Health in recent years, discretionary budget caps threaten to prevent "robust, sustained, and predictable growth of the NIH budget," the report says.

Another ongoing challenge is boosting childhood vaccination rates against the human papilloma virus. HPV causes cervical cancer as well as rarer malignancies including head and neck cancers like McCone's. Merck's leading HPV vaccine came on the market in 2006, yet "most U.S. adolescents have not received the full HPV vaccine course."

A neck lump led to McCone's diagnosis of an HPV-driven cancer that began on a tonsil. "It was a total shock," McCone says in the report. " I knew that my two daughters had received the HPV vaccine, but my son had not. Right away, we got him vaccinated."

McCone's cancer spread despite radiation and a molecularly targeted anti-cancer drug. Only two slots were left in the Keytruda trial when he signed up at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Within months, the drug wiped out his lung tumors by removing a immune system brake, or checkpoint, that cancer exploits to evade the body's natural defenses.

"It is miraculous what it did, so let's keep the funding going and get this thing knocked out of the way," McCone urges.
It took many an email, copious notices snail-mailed home, and robo-calls aplenty, not to mention some thinly veiled threats of turning away unvaccinated kids from school. But education and health officials around Pennsylvania say that, for the most part, families appear to be rising to the challenge of earlier, stricter deadlines for getting students immunized.

"At this time, school districts and school nurses are doing a great job of coordinating with parents and asking for resources when needed," said state health department spokeswoman April Hutcheson.

No new immunization numbers have been tallied yet, but officials say the rules seem to be having the desired effect.

Under new immunization rules, all Pennsylvania schoolchildren were supposed to show up on the first day of school having received all required vaccines, or face possibly being turned away. School officials were allowed to grant a five-day grace period for kids to get the needed shots, but that was far stricter than the old rule, which gave students eight months to get all mandated vaccines. Until now, Pennsylvania had one of the nation's most lax vaccine standards, leading state physician general Rachel Levine to campaign for the new rules.

Health officials have warned that failure to vaccinate has led to outbreaks of dangerous disease, such as the numerous measles cases this year in a Somali immigrant community in Minnesota.

The new state rules also require some additional vaccinations for polio and meningitis, in addition to those already required for tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and children pox.

Students can get a reprieve if they come in with a plan from their doctor for when they will receive the needed immunizations, or if they have a medical condition or religious objection that precludes vaccinations.

In some districts, such as Lancaster, there were more substantial numbers of unvaccinated children. Last week, a clinic held with the state's help in the city of Lancaster immunized more than 40 children, Hutcheson said.

In this region, many districts said their staff worked during the summer to get the word out. Some districts, such as Abington, have held vaccination clinics to help their families, some before school started. Since school has opened, some districts have stepped up efforts so kids don't have to miss class.

"We have made repeated efforts to contact all parents with the new vaccination requirements," said Patricia McGlone, spokeswoman of the Downingtown Area School District. "Our school nurses are working on a daily basis to contact those families with students not up to date to make sure they have a plan to get this done."

On Thursday, the district will start excluding students who have no plan or proof of vaccination, McGlone said.

In Lower Merion, two students were kept home Tuesday, but district spokesman Douglas Young said they were expected to be able to come to school Wednesday.

In the Garnet Valley School District, three high school students were out of compliance Tuesday but had obtained the required paperwork before the end of the day, according to Superintendent Marc Bertrando.

Similiarly, Radnor had one secondary-school student who was able to get the necessary papers to the school. Without such papers, that person would have been allowed to remain in school, but apart from other students, said Michael Petitti, district spokesman.

Most district officials said they were trying to avoid having to send students home or keeping them from class.

"The School District of Philadelphia is working with the city's Department of Public Health to help ensure all students are vaccinated so that they can be in school every day and on time," said Philadelphia district spokeswoman Megan Lello. "Attendance is key in making sure students learn how to read and prepare for college and career, which is why the district has teamed up with the Department of Public Health to connect families to accessible vaccines throughout the city."

Even before this new initiative, the Philadelphia schools had a pretty good vaccination rate, as did Pennsylvania, for the most part. According to federal statistics, 92 percent of Philadelphia adolescents had at least one dose of the vaccine for diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. Nearly 93 percent had at least one meningitis vaccination, and almost 81 percent of the teenagers had at least one dose of the human papillomavirus vaccine.

"Our goal is to get as many children as possible in to see their pediatrician and continue to stay up to date on the full immunization schedule," said James Garrow, city health department spokesman. "The recent changes in Pennsylvania's requirements will only help that. The more children that are successfully immunized, the safer we all are."

How to achieve that? Efforts like this help. In a review she wrote for the online Behavioral Scientist of what policies tended to deter people from seeking to exempt their kids from vaccines, Alison Buttenheim, associate director of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, put something she called "hassle factors" at the top of the list. An example of such a "hassle" was parents being required to confirm the risks of not vaccinating and acknowledging their children might be prohibited from attending school in the case of a disease outbreak.
The Helena School Board voted 6-1 to revise its search and seizure policy on Tuesday night after debating the language and philosophy three times.

Although members of the board deliberated several times whether the school district should be using canines to conduct random drug sweeps, only minor changes have been made to the policy. The lack of action has led to repeated objections from the ACLU alleging Fourth Amendment violations and division within the school board on whether the searches are inappropriate or an effective deterrent.

The use of drug dogs on school property has been something schools have struggled with since a 2016 case out of Ravalli County where a judge tossed out evidence found in a school parking lot during a random sweep with a canine. The ruling said schools should not conduct those types of searches without reasonable suspicion that a particular student is in possession of drugs or that the school has a known widespread drug problem.

The Attorney Generals office then issued a conflicting advisory recommendation, saying schools should still do random drug sweeps with dogs because theres reason to assume all schools have a widespread drug problem. In the advisory, the office cited a 2012 survey saying 44 percent of students knew someone who sold drugs at their school. The Attorney Generals Office originally appealed the Ravalli County ruling but later withdrew it voluntarily.

At the most recent policy committee meeting on Sept. 5, a representative from ACLU of Montana said the policy is not in line with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibiting unreasonable search and seizure, or Montanas heightened right to privacy.

SK Rossi, director of advocacy and policy at ACLU Montana, said despite the attorney generals advisory, Helena Schools should stop doing random sweeps with drug dogs to comply with the judges decision in Ravalli County.

I would venture the reason the state didnt take it all the way to a Supreme Court decision is because they didnt want it to be statewide, Rossi said. The opinion is very clear on that they want schools to continue doing these searches regardless of students constitutional rights.

A spokesperson for the attorney generals office said in a statement, We did not agree with the legal analysis in the district court decision. If the Montana Supreme Court were to rule on that case, it might set a precedent that could severely inhibit lawful use of drug dog searches in Montana. If school districts follow the guidance issued by our office, we believe such searches can be conducted well within the confines of the law, respecting the constitutional rights of student..

In addition to not doing random sweeps, Rossi said the district should add a definition of individualized or particularized suspicion.

Reasonable suspicion, for example, would require the school to have some sort of evidence that theres drug activity in the school before conducting a search. Individualized suspicion requires the school to have information that a particular student or particular group of students are in possession of drugs. If someone told a school official another student has beer in his or her car, its both reasonable and individualized suspicion. But Rossi said a widespread situation, like smelling marijuana in the parking lot and searching the entire school, doesnt qualify.

Your factors you list in here  doesnt address whether you have articulable facts that justify the search of a particular student or students and you need to have that in there otherwise youre pushing up against the Fourth Amendment.

The policy wasnt adjusted to include either of Rossis recommendations.

Youre putting a lot of effort into making sure youre performing the right kind of searches, Rossi said. Its best to get it right the first time otherwise theres going to be another court opinion and it might involve the Helena School District.

Changes to the policy make student consent more clear. For example, if the student or parent refuses to consent to a search, the student will be prohibited from parking on school property.

If a drug dog alerts on a car and a student doesnt consent to a search, board member Jeff Hindoien said students will suffer the consequences of insubordination.

If you dont open up the car and show us what you got, were going to assume you got it anyways, Elizabeth Kavela, legal counsel for the Helena School District, said.

Board member Sanjay Talwani was the only one to vote against adopting the policy revisions. He said its a recipe for being sued and said the portion of the policy requiring consent to attend school doesnt constitute consent.

Im not a lawyer but I am an English speaker. Consent is consent. Its not coerced. Its not something you sign on a manual thats required to go to school, he said.

Talwani objected to the philosophy of the policy throughout the entire revision process, but was told by high school principals and other administrators that the possibility of a drug dog search is a deterrent. Assistant Superintendent Greg Upham previously said the goal is to encourage students to trust the administration.

Luke Muszkiewicz initially said he was concerned with the policy, but voted for it on Tuesday night. At the policy committee on Sept. 5, he said it was meaningful when career educators on the board and in administration said the searches were a viable deterrent.

I think thats enough for a lot of people to hear that you feel this is a viable deterrent, he said while addressing the policy committee. But I wish we had some sort of data, something empirical, that demonstrated this was an effective deterrent.

Principals from Helena Middle School, CR Anderson, PAL, Helena High School and Capital High School all spoke in favor of continuing random drug dog searches as a viable deterrent, but no one provided examples of citations issued after a drug dog alerted on a vehicle. Most said dogs hit on things like a ibuprofen or a gun shell from a hunting trip.

Before voting, Board Chair Sarah Sullivan said administrators spend the majority of the day with students and understand whats occurring in schools better than a board member could.

I believe them when they tell me its a problem and this helps them, she said.
Troubled times are nothing new to America and Montana.

Nor is war.

A hundred years ago the United States joined its allies to fight in World War I.

This years Montana History Conference, Montana, 1917: Time of Trouble, Time of Change, Sept. 21-23, has no shortage of fascinating topics for both the historian and the general public.

A highlight is the keynote speech by Michael Punke, author of the novel The Revenant, which was turned into a blockbuster movie.

He gives a free public talk, Fire and Brimstone: The North Butte Mining Disaster of 1917, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Old Supreme Court Chambers in the Capitol. The talk is based on his book by that title.

The book is fantastic, said conference organizer Kirby Lambert and covers many topics relevant to the conferences theme.

Im a huge fan of this book. Ive heard him speak about this before, Lambert said. Its an important event and deserves commemorating.

Following Punkes talk is a reception featuring music by the Continental Divide Tuba Society, hors doeuvres and a no-host bar. The fee for the reception is $20.

Conference registration is $155 before Sept. 15, which includes meals. Single-day registration is available for Friday and Saturday.

At the time of World War I, two-thirds of Montanas residents were immigrants or children of immigrants.

However, anti-immigrant sentiments ran high -- particularly against Germans, said Lambert.

Patriotism and hysteria gripped the country, and Montana would pass the Sedition Law in early 1918 -- legislation that would imprison many innocent men and women. Montanas law would be used as the template for the federal Sedition Act.

The Montana Council of Defense formed to fight any foreign infiltration, but it greatly overreached, said Lambert.

People reported on their neighbors, and a person could go to prison for making such offhand comments as the president is a jerk.

Talks on War and Race will look at Montanas African American soldiers who went off to war, and then the mass exodus of blacks from Montana after the war.

Another topic, War and the Fairer Sex, explores the role of women -- both those going overseas as part of the war effort and those on the home front.

Other speakers look at such diverse topics as U.S. Forest Service personnel overseas, anarchists such as Emma Goldman at home, and what was happening to tribal citizenship for Montanas native people, said Lambert.

Speakers will also talk about Montana newspapers, some of which carried out witch hunts; the role of art and artistic propaganda; and the rise of womens suffrage.

In addition, Lambert said, many of our speakers will discuss issues that helped define life during this time period but werent directly tied to the war, including gambling laws and Prohibition.

Even after the war in Europe ended in November 1918, the proverbial war in Montana raged on, according to MHS press materials.

The Spanish Flu killed thousands of Montanans from late 1918 through spring 1919. Drought ravaged the state in the years after the war, contributing to a prolonged economic depression.

Well be looking at all these issues and more, Lambert said.

The Original Governors Mansion has re-created Montanas Home Front during WWI. For information on mansion tours call 444-4794. Tours are at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

The Montana History Conference brings together history enthusiasts from all over the state to learn more about our shared past and why that past still matters, Lambert said. Its not just for professional historians or scholars  everybody with an interest in history is encouraged to attend.

To learn more about the conference visit http://mhs.mt.gov/education/ConferencesWorkshops. To receive a copy of the full conference program contact Joy Lewis at 444-1799 or email jlewis@mt.gov.
K-9 Reno suffered lacerations while attempting to apprehend a suspect. (Photo: Sacramento PD)

A Sacramento, CA, police K-9 was injured Monday night and a suspect was shot by officers after the suspect rammed his truck into a gate and a parked police car at the Sacramento police substation, police said.

Several officers chased the suspect's truck until it crashed into a yard and the suspect started running away. Police released a K-9 to chase the suspect. Officers then shot at the suspect multiple times as he fought the K-9, reports KCRA.

The K-9, identified as Reno, was taken to a veterinary hospital and is being treated for lacerations. The K-9 is expected to survive.

The suspect, who had been shot multiple times, was apprehended after he broke into a home and beat the resident with a pipe. Both the suspect and resident were determined to have non-life-threatening injuries.
A Las Vegas man who was 17 when he fired three shots into a police vehicle in September 2015, wounding a police officer in what authorities called an ambush, has been sentenced to 15 to 50 years in Nevada state prison, reports the Associated Press.

A state court jury found Francisco Urias-Quintana guilty in July of multiple felonies including two counts of attempted murder for opening fire with a stolen handgun at a police SUV idling at a traffic signal at a busy crossroads about mid-day on a Sunday several miles northeast of downtown Las Vegas.

Officer Thomas Clevenger was wounded in the hand but jumped from the passenger seat and pulled a woman away from the line of fire while his patrol partner, Officer Sergio Orizabal, chased and caught Urias-Quintana. Neither Clevenger nor Orizabal fired a shot.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson called the shooting an ambush. Urias-Quintana said he found the gun and decided he just wanted to kill a cop, according to an arrest report.

Police Officer Larry Hadfield said Tuesday that Clevenger, 48, a 14-year police veteran, and Orizabal, 34, a police officer for 12 years, are still on the job.
Two young men are accused of shooting at a police officer's home and squad car in Grand Rapids, MN, Sunday night, reports KMSP.

Image: Grand Rapids PD/Facebook

At 9:51 p.m., Officer Matt O'Rourke was at home with his family when he heard "multiple projectiles" striking outside of his house and the marked police squad car parked in his driveway. A vehicle was speeding away from the house.

Officer O'Rourke chased the vehicle while radioing on-duty officers at the Grand Rapids Police Department. The suspect vehicle was found abandoned and the two suspects were located a short distance away.

Police arrested a 20-year-old Grand Rapids man and an 18-year-old Bemidji man. They are currently being held in the Itasca County Jail awaiting charges.

The motive for the shooting was not known.
19-year-old Greyson Ferrell (Photo: District Attorney's Office)

A teen was sentenced to prison Monday after pleading guilty to shooting a Cornelius, NC, police officer while wearing a ballistic vest in 2015, reports WBTV.

The District Attorney's office says 19-year-old Greyson Ferrell pleaded guilty in August to assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer.

Lt. James Quattlebaum and officer Jeffery Heinz of the Cornelius Police Department responded to a domestic violence report at a Cornelius home in May 2015 when Ferrell walked down the stairs in a bullet-proof vest and shot Quattlebaum, the DA says. Ferrell was 16 at the time.

Officer Heinz then fired at Ferrell, whose vest stopped the bullets but knocked him to the floor.

Quattlebaum was seriously injured and hospitalized but officials say his vest protected him from what would have been a life-threatening injury.

Ferrell was sentenced to between about 7 years and 10 years in prison, reports the Associated Press.
A Nova Scotia RCMP officer is dead and a man is in police custody following a three-vehicle collision near Memramcook, New Brunswick.

New Brunswick RCMP responded to the collision in the eastbound lane of Highway 2 shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Police say the 35-year-old RCMP officer had stopped to help two people in an SUV change a tire when a utility van collided with his cruiser and the SUV.

The driver of the van was also taken to hospital. He was treated and taken into police custody, CTV News reports.
An Oregon State Police trooper was shot Tuesday during a traffic stop near Creswell, according to Oregon State Police officials.

The trooper is expected to survive, and a person of interest is in custody, said police spokeswoman Sgt. Yvette Shephard.

The trooper was shot in the vest after attempting to stop a stolen vehicle about 1:20 p.m., Shephard said.

The trooper fired back but didn't hit the suspect, Shephard told OregonLive.
The Puerto Rico Police Department reports that Agent Roberto Medina-Mariani was shot and killed Monday in an off-duty incident.

He was inside a restaurant in the Magueyes neighborhood in Ponce at approximately 10:30 p.m. when three subjects committed an armed robbery of four victims in front of the building. The subjects then entered the restaurant in an attempt to rob more people. Agent Medina-Mariani observed the robbery and identified himself.

The subjects opened fire and shot him. Despite being mortally wounded, he was able to return fire and wounded one of the men. The wounded suspect was taken into custody at a local hospital. The other two men were arrested a short time later, ODMP.org reports.
Axon Public Safety Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Axon Enterprise Inc., today announced that the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) will pilot Axon Body 2 body cameras, Axon Fleet in-car cameras, and the Canadian cloud-based digital evidence management solution Evidence.com. MHPS is the first police force in Canada to use Axon Fleet in the field.

The six-month-long pilot begins this month and allows MHPS to utilize a wide range of Axon's cloud-connected devices. Goals of the pilot program include:

Enhancing the collection of evidence;

Enhancing transparency, public trust and confidence;

Enhancing officer accountability and professionalism;

Protecting officers from unfounded allegations of misconduct; and

De-escalating volatile situations.

"The Medicine Hat Police Service has been researching how we capture, manage, and share all forms of digital evidence for some time," says MHPS Chief Andy McGrogan. "Based on our extensive research, we are excited to have the opportunity to leverage state-of-the-art technology from Axon Public Safety Canada, at no cost. I truly believe that we need to continue to be innovative in the use of technology best practices. By undertaking this exciting project we will learn a great deal and help shape the future of our information management strategy," concluded McGrogan.

"The ability for us to work with a police service as open to innovation and partnerships as the Medicine Hat Police Service is extremely exciting," said Axon's Managing Director for Canada & Latin America, Vishal Dhir. "This pilot is a great opportunity for the Medicine Hat Police Service to explore leading edge technology and to evaluate their policies and procedures in real-world situations without any financial risk."

For more information about Axon, visit https://ca.axon.com.
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By Chris Kenning

CHICAGO (Reuters)  The city of Chicago asked a federal judge on Monday to bar President Donald Trumps Justice Department from denying public-safety grants to so-called sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with a federal immigration crackdown.

The nations third-largest city sued U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in August.

The lawsuit was filed after Sessions announced the Justice Department would bar cities from getting certain grants unless they allowed immigration authorities unlimited access to local jails and provided 48 hours notice before releasing anyone wanted for immigration violations.

Trump has made tougher immigration enforcement a centerpiece of his campaign and presidency, including vowing to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border. The federal government has also sought to crack down on sanctuary cities.

On Monday, Chicago attorney Ron Safer argued in U.S. District Court for a preliminary injunction that would apply nationwide while the court challenge proceeds.

Safer argued that Sessions lacked authority to attach conditions that would force Chicago to choose between funding for crime-fighting equipment and programs, and adopting an unconstitutional policy that would shatter trust with immigrant communities needed to solve crimes.

This is a tremendously dangerous precedent to set, Safer said, arguing that it could be applied to other grant programs to pressure cities to alter other local policies.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad Readler countered that the program was voluntary and tha funding amounted to less than 1 percent of Chicagos public safety budget.

The government had the authority to attach such conditions, and cited the previous administration attaching requirements that the money not be spent on military-style weapons, he said.

The courts have routinely recognized that the government can put conditions on spending to achieve things that they couldnt otherwise directly achieve, he said.

U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber did not say when he would rule but told both sides they would hear from him soon.

During oral arguments, Leinenweber said there were conflicting statistics on whether such policies help or hurt crime. He asked questions about the Justice Departments authority to set such conditions as well as the citys larger stance on illegal immigration.

You dont disagree that the United States should prevent illegal immigration, do you? he asked. Safer acknowledged that the city did not support the practice of people coming to the United States without permission.

The Trump administration has requested $380 million in funding next year for grants for police equipment and programs to hundreds of cities. Chicago and nearby suburbs have applied for $2.2 million this year.

(Reporting by Chris Kenning; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
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Congress just sent President Trump a joint resolution forcing him to condemn and use all available resources to address white nationalists, neo-Nazis, the KKK, and other Charlottesville type hate groups.

The bipartisan resolution passed the Senate Monday and the House Tuesday by voice vote. It was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and a companion version with identical language was introduced in the House by Reps. Tom Garrett (R-VA) and Gerald Connolly (D-VA).

The resolution was prompted by the domestic terrorist attack in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 11 and 12th. The joint resolution will now be sent to President Trumps desk to be signed by the man who supported and defended neo-Nazis and white supremacists after one of them murdered an innocent person.

The joint resolution (S. J. Res. 49) demands that Trump not only condemn white nationalists, white supremacists, the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and other hate groups, but calls upon him to use all available resources to improve data collection on hate crimes and to work in a coordinated way to address the growing prevalence of hate groups.

It describes the murder of Heather Heyer as a domestic terrorist attack.

Our nations elected leaders have a responsibility to stand up to forces of hatred and bigotry wherever they may be found. What happened in Charlottesville was domestic terrorism perpetrated by white supremacists who tragically cut short the life of a young woman, Heather Heyer, and led to the deaths of two Virginia State Police troopers Berke Bates and Lt. Jay Cullen. The United States Congress has spoken up with one voice to recognize the lives of those we lost, to unconditionally condemn racist speech and violence, and to denounce the white nationalists, neo-Nazis, the KKK, and other hate groups, said the Senators in a statement sent to PoliticusUSA upon the passing of the joint resolution.

We hope that President Trump will move quickly to sign this resolution and commit his Administration to address the rise of hate groups.

This is something Congress actually accomplished in a bipartisan manner that is absolutely necessary.

It is beyond pathetic and disgraceful that this President needs a bipartisan resolution to force him to condemn neo-Nazis and white supremacists.
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Sen. John McCain told reporters that his committee is working on accepting a bipartisan amendment that would prevent Trump from banning transgender persons from the military.

McCain, the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee said that his committee is trying to add the amendment that would protect transgender soldiers from Trumps ban to the NDAA:

Asked McCain if he'll accept amendment to NDAA to block Trump's transgender troop ban: "We're working on it. We've been talking for days."  Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) September 12, 2017

The amendment is a bipartisan effort by Sens. Gillibrand (D-NY) and Collins (R-ME) to stop Trump from implementing his bigoted ban. McCain, like most of the Senate, opposes the ban, and if he gets the amendment added to the final bill, it will almost certainly pass in the Senate.

John McCain has turned into a major thorn in Donald Trumps side. McCain cast the deciding vote that killed the Republican bid to repeal Obamacare. He drafted his own Afghanistan policy after the criticizing the Trump administration for not having one, and now, he is on the verge of dealing Trump a big defeat on his transgender military ban.

As McCain battles brain cancer, he has stepped up and shown some of the character that earned him his maverick reputation.

Trumps empty bluster has been no match for McCain.
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A new poll provides proof that Trump is destroying the Republican Party as 69% Trump voted sided with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer on the debt ceiling deal.

The HuffPost/YouGov poll revealed:

Alternate title: How To Get A Majority Of Trump Voters To Say They Agree With Nancy Pelosi https://t.co/a4MrOkIDAK pic.twitter.com/csOjbXO1K9  Ariel Edwards-Levy (@aedwardslevy) September 12, 2017

By nearly a four to one margin, Trump voters say that they agree with their president, Chuck Schumer, and Nancy Pelosi over Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. 69% of Trump voters approved of the deal. There was much written about Donald Trumps takeover of the Republican Party in 2016, but that line of thinking got it wrong.

Trump didnt take over the Republican Party. He demolished it and is building the Trump party in its place. When the Republican congressional leadership can only get 18% support from their own party when they oppose a deal that gave Democrats everything that they wanted, it speaks volumes about who the party really is.

The Republican Party has become a Trump cult of personality, which is fine for the GOP while Trump is around, but when Trump goes, there is going to be nothing left of the GOP, and hundreds of ambitious Republicans scrambling for the splinters.
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The Trump White Houses threats toward North Korea are being backed up by serious study as the administration is researching the consequences of a new land war on the Korean Peninsula.

Laura Rozen tweeted:

A think tank contact working on national security issues tells me: Major DC conservative think tanks that are linked into the Trump team 1/  Laura Rozen (@lrozen) September 12, 2017

are quietly preparing studies on the aftermath of war with North KoreaA couple of the shops with big teams of analysts. 2/  Laura Rozen (@lrozen) September 12, 2017

There's a lot of interest in studies on how to defeat insurgencies led by former regime types armed with chemical and biological agents. 3/  Laura Rozen (@lrozen) September 12, 2017

Dusting off the books from pre-Iraq War days on how to counter those types of insurgencies. 4/  Laura Rozen (@lrozen) September 12, 2017

Analysts w/ experience dealing w/counter insurgency in Iraq are being reassigned from GWOT type work to North Korea Contingency Planning 5/5  Laura Rozen (@lrozen) September 12, 2017

not sure contingency planning signals intent. but contingency thinking.  Laura Rozen (@lrozen) September 12, 2017

not to be coy, not entirely sure which think tanks, but got impression may be linked up with institute for the study of war and affiliates  Laura Rozen (@lrozen) September 12, 2017

my contact says his associate comes out of these internal meetings feeling there is significant chance of conflict. he put it at 75%.  Laura Rozen (@lrozen) September 12, 2017

A 75% chance of a military conflict with North Korea is insane, but it also seems to be an accurate reflection of the path that the crisis is on. So far, the North Koreans have reacted to the Trump administrations threats and bluster by conducting more nuclear tests. Eventually, something has to give. Either a diplomatic solution is arrived at, or things continue on their current course, and the United States ends up taking military action against North Korea.

The threat of Donald Trump leading the United States into a new war is very real, and no one should be surprised if military action in North Korea becomes a reality.
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By Jonathan Landay

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  Democratic lawmakers are probing whether retired U.S. General Michael Flynn secretly promoted a U.S.-Russian project to build dozens of nuclear reactors in the Middle East after becoming President Donald Trumps first national security adviser.

Representatives Elijah Cummings and Eliot Engel made the disclosure in a letter they sent on Tuesday to Flynns lawyer and executives of firms that developed the reactor scheme and for which Flynns now-defunct consulting company worked.

The American people deserve to know whether General Flynn was secretly promoting the private interests of these businesses while he was a (Trump) campaign adviser, transition official, or President Trumps national security adviser, the two said in the letter made public on Wednesday.

They asked Flynns lawyer and executives of companies involved in the project to provide all communications they had with Flynn or other administration officials during the 2016 campaign, the post-election transition or Flynns tenure as national security adviser.

Robert Kelner, Flynns lawyer, declined to comment.

The project proposes to construct 40 nuclear reactors across the Middle East that would feed a regional electric grid. The reactors would be proliferation proof, meaning they could not be used to produce fuel for nuclear weapons.

Cummings, the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Engel, the senior Democrat on the House Foreign Relations Committee, asked that the documents be provided by Oct. 4.

SIGNIFICANT QUESTIONS

Flynn is a central figure in a federal probe led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI director, into whether Trump aides colluded in an alleged Russian effort to boost Trumps presidential campaign. Russia has denied interfering in the U.S. election and Trump has said there was no collusion.

Trump, who took office on Jan. 20, fired Flynn on Feb. 13, 18 days after a top Justice Department official warned that the former Defense Intelligence Agency director could be blackmailed because Moscow knew he made misleading statements about his contacts with Russian officials.

Cummings and Engel sent their letter as part of an inquiry into the renewal of Flynns 2016 Top Secret security clearance.

They said Flynn failed to disclose a June 2015 trip he made to Egypt and Israel to promote the reactor project to investigators reviewing his renewal application and that he also did not list the foreigners with whom he met.

The lawmakers wrote that replies from the executives and Kelner to a June letter confirmed that Flynn made the trip.

Based on your responses, it appears that General Flynn violated federal law, they wrote.

Since these violations carry criminal penalties of up to five years in prison, we are providing your responses to Special Counsel Robert Mueller, they wrote to Kelner, Alex G. Copson of X-Co Dynamics/ACU Strategic Partners, and retired Rear Admiral Michael Hewitt of X-Co Dynamics/Ironbridge Group/IP3. All are private companies.

Second, your responses raise significant questions about whether General Flynn continued to communicate with you and others about this project after the presidential election, after Donald Trump was sworn in as president, and after General Flynn assumed the post of national security adviser  without disclosing his foreign travel or contacts, the lawmakers added.

Donald Gross, counsel for ACU Strategic Partners, said the company has cooperated with the oversight committee in providing information about the project being developed along with Hewitts IP3, and General Flynns limited involvement in June 2015.

Hewitt did not respond to a LinkedIn message seeking comment.

The proposed reactor project would be funded by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states and built and run by a consortium of U.S., Russian, French, Dutch, Arab, British, Ukrainian and Israeli firms. A promotional slide promoting the project said security would be provided by Rosoboron, a Russian state-owned arms exporter that is under U.S. sanctions.

(Additional reporting by Warren Strobel in Washington and Nathan Layne in New York; Editing by John Walcott and Peter Cooney)
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Donald Trumps election integrity commission held its second meeting on Tuesday, this time in New Hampshire. This was days after vice-chairman Kris Kobach accused New Hampshire voters of voter fraud in an article for the alt-right fake news outlet, Breitbart.

Officially, the commission is charged with examining the election system for causes of voter fraud  a narrative Trump adopted before the election and he continued developing that narrative after the election in tweets like this one from November 2016.

In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2016

Trump also announced he established the commission in a tweet.

'Presidential Executive Order on the Establishment of Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity'

https://t.co/bk8RvTq25p pic.twitter.com/zfu80enoWH  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 11, 2017

If the integrity of our election system really concerned Donald Trump, he would want an investigation into Russias interference in the election, including wide circulation of fake news helpful to Trumps campaign on social media. But that would entail admitting Trump didnt win because of his ideas or what he certainly believes was an exemplary campaign but because he bettered suited the interests of hostile foreign powers than Hillary Clinton did.

After all, Trumps fragile ego is his Achilles heel and everyone in the world, with the exception of Trump and his base, knows it.

He had two reasons for developing the voter fraud narrative, neither of which have anything to do with concern about the integrity of our elections.

As we all know, with this president if something goes wrong or he failed at something its always someone elses fault. Trump won the presidency but he failed at winning the people. And the myth about illegal aliens committing election fraud was born.

Trump also wanted to justify making voting even more difficult for people who are more likely to vote for a Democrat than a Republican. In part this was about serving more red meat to a base that is as bigoted and narcissistic as Trump is and also because we would end up with single party rule by Republicans if voting was restricted to men who believe they are entitled to all the benefits that come with white, male privilege.

Even if one wants to argue in defense of the fact that this commission is comprised exclusively of white men, there are several other factors that delegitimize it.

In his Breitbart article, Kobach claimed that because people had out of state drivers licenses that was proof of mass voter fraud in New Hampshire. However, as the Huffington Post explains, under New Hampshire election law, one has to be domiciled in New Hampshire to register to vote. That means they currently live in the state and intent to stay for a definite period of time. One doesnt need a New Hampshire drivers license while domiciled there to be on the right side of the states election law.

The Huffington Post explained the rationale behind the law: The definition allows people like college students, doctors completing their residency and military personnel who are stationed in the state to vote.

Kobach lied in his Breitbart article about New Hampshire election law to provide the illusion that if one has an out of state drivers license it must mean they violated the election law. That is hardly surprising given his record of lying about election integrity matters.

The fact that he wrote about it as a paid Breitbart columnist raises ethical issues. Experts on ethics argue that Kobachs dual roles as Breitbart columnist and Vice-Chair of the election commission could violate Federal conflict of interest laws.

The commissions legitimacy is further compromised by the fact it is hearing some seriously deranged characters with crazy and extreme ideas.

According to The Washington Post, the commission invited Fox Commentator John Lott to present his thoughts on why voters should have to undergo the background check he said doesnt work on gun owners. I kid you not. You can read Lotts presentation to the commission on the commissions website.

Lott seems to believe this would enable authorities to review criminal history and immigration status, if someone renounced American citizenship and just to check if the right people are voting.

If this was an SNL skit, we could laugh about it and move on with our lives. But this is the Trump Administration tearing America apart, one value at a time.
25  2021 - 200     

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Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 62F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Thunder possible. Low 53F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
"After work I would typically have an afternoon snack, but I skipped the snack today to save room for dinner. I was lucky enough to be meeting family at Wild Olive on Johns Island for dinner." Read moreDaily Digest: Always save extra room for dinner when visiting Wild Olive
The first gubernatorial debates of the South Carolina primary season take place on Wednesday and Thursday nights, and regardless of your politics, that amounts to an eating occasion. Read moreDowntown Charleston house used to be popular restaurant for African-American politicians
Now that Irmas fatal sweep through South Carolina has come and gone, residents and officials worked Tuesday to understand the damage from the massive storm.

It was the third hurricane season in a row that a major storm ravaged the Lowcountry with flooding, hitting the Charleston area and southern beaches worse than any other part of the state.

Irmas big takeaways:

-FLOODING:

-Irma created more widespread flooding in the Lowcountry than Hurricane Matthew did in October 2016. Irma's floods were not caused by rainfall alone (here's why), but by a nearly 10-foot storm surge  the worst since Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and the third highest on record for the Charleston Harbor. (Read more on how Irma compares to other storms.)

-Irmas heaviest recorded rainfall in Charleston was 8.86 inches, compared to 17.49 inches in Matthew and 21.49 inches during the October 2015 floods.

-Though the sun returned Tuesday and roads began to clear, downtown Charleston's "incredible" flooding may take some time to disappear completely. The city deployed three portable drainage pumps in the most flooded areas Tuesday morning, but it wasn't clear if two of them would be working beyond Tuesday night.

-The Charleston-area as a whole received some of the worst flooding in South Carolina. From the inland suburbs, to the islands and Mount Pleasant, no part of the Lowcountry was spared.

DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION:

-As of Tuesday, officials confirmed that Irma was responsible for four deaths in South Carolina. None of the four occurred in Charleston. (Read more.)

-According to preliminary numbers, Irma is expected to cost $1 to $2 billion in South Carolina, making it the most costly storm in the state since Hurricane Hugo.

-Irma took her toll on the state's southern barrier islands, chewing into dunes, ripping up walkways and spitting large drifts of sand and debris onto roads. Folly Beach suffered worse erosion than it did during Hurricane Matthew. Edisto Island's main road was completely submerged in sand Tuesday, but officials found the damage overall to be less extensive that what the island experienced during Matthew.

-As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, utilities reported that 121,000 were still without power across South Carolina. The outage number had peaked Monday night at 275,000. Utilities expect a "multi-day" effort to fix the remaining outages. (Read more.)

-At least 30 people were rescued in downtown Charleston during the worst of Irma's floods.

-Irma swept the iconic Folly Beach boat into its waters and took the roof off of the notable octagon house on Sullivan's Island. On Tuesday, Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor remained filled with 3 feet of water.

OFFICIALS' RESPONSE:

Pull Quote "Evacuating an entire city is something you have to take great, great caution doing because there's a lot of economic impact for such a thing." -Gov. Henry McMaster on why he did not evacuate Charleston

-Gov. Henry McMaster backed up his decision to not order a mandatory evacuation for Charleston, explaining that he considered the economic impacts it would have on a city that relies heavily on tourism. He said that warning people of the surge instead of forcing them out of the area was "the right thing to do." (Read more.)

-A Columbia woman, who was staying in downtown Charleston during the storm, told CNN she "had a false sense of security because we weren't asked to evacuate." Nance Pence had to call 911 as flood waters filled the home and she was unable to open the door. But Charleston Mayor Tecklenburg said Tuesday that he agreed with the governor's decision. He said he would not have supported the decision if Irma had kept its previously expected path over the Atlantic towards South Carolina.

And now, the cleanup begins in Charleston. https://t.co/BAYiu3FJ38  Meg Wagner (@megwagner) September 12, 2017

-Folly Beach Mayor Time Goodwin said that despite the erosion, things could've been much worse for Folly if it hadn't been spared destruction that happened in Florida and the Caribbean. "We've got a real mess. They've got a real disaster," he said.

-Despite a main drag completely covered in sand, Edisto Mayor Jane Darby was "grateful" Irma did not do as much damage to the island as Matthew did.

Pull Quote "We are very grateful that Irma was a much nicer person than Matthew," -Edisto Mayor Jane Darby

Other tidbits:

-Irma brings message of resilience to James Island in the form of a turtle

-Before and after photos reveal Irma's power in the Charleston area

-Thief steals $2,000 worth of jewelry from West Ashley pawnshop during Tropical Storm Irma

The Post and Courier Staff contributed to this report.
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
Two things are motivating the Charleston County School District to consider the idea. The first is the difficulty in attracting teachers to an area where they would struggle to afford housing. The second is the fact the district already owns land where apartments could be built. Read moreWith rents unaffordable, the Charleston school district considers building teacher housing
GREENVILLE  Few South Carolinians know that red-light cameras were made illegal in the state in 2010. While the red-light camera ban may be in keeping with this states tendency to lean toward a less is more approach to the public road system, I dont believe its for the better. Read moreCommentary: Repeal SC ban on red-light cameras to help save lives
LAS VEGAS  Control of the U.S. Senate may come down to Nevada, where a slow ballot count entered its final act Saturday in the nail-biter contest between Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Republican challenger Adam Laxalt. Read moreSenate control may come down to Nevada as count nears end
Join me in welcoming a new group of teen columnists for the 2017-18 school year.

These teen writers, who will have columns in the Post Bulletin starting next week through next August, were chosen from a teetering pile of applications that came to the newsroom through May, June and July.

Here they are, in the order you'll meet them:

Munira Alimirehas a unique history. She was born in Rochester, moved to Kenya as an 8-year-old, and came back to Rochester last year. She attends school at Rochester STEM Academy and Rochester Community and Technical College, through the post-secondary enrollment option program.

"I feel like I'd bring something new to the conversation," she wrote in her application. "In this time, place and climate, it's more important than ever to have voices that come from different backgrounds." You might remember Munira's name from a past Post Bulletin story about her appointment to a United Nations campaign. She's also spending a few weeks in our newsroom as an intern. Her first teen column appears here next week, Sept. 20

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Joining Munira will be Leah Folpe, a Mayo High School senior whose name also might ring a bell. She was in the news this spring for her efforts to make the city charter gender-neutral.

"I would  love to continue to advocate for change, influence people's thoughts, and help others in the Rochester community  through writing," Leah wrote. "There is always a need for eloquent writing and fresh voices."

Ben Chrepta, another Mayo senior, is driven by similarly lofty thoughts. He describes himself having "a passion for science and technology and finding new solutions to challenges through creative applications."

As a storyteller, though, Ben's no slouch. His application materials included a telling of his grandfather's story, who, at age 17  "not much older than I am now," Ben writes  rushed to enlist in the U.S. Navy after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. His realization of his grandfather's contribution sparked his own desire to collect food for homeless youth, help young voters register, and serve on the Youth Commission the past two years.

You'll see Ben's first column Sept. 27, when he'll be joined by Antonella Dahlstrom-Afcha, a senior at Schaeffer Academy. Her mother encouraged her to apply to be a teen columnist for the past several years, but she resisted until this year, when she saw a friend's published columns.

"I was surprised to learn things about her that I never knew before," Antonella wrote, "and I was also really impressed with her abilities as a writer. The things that she wrote about were personal, but something that many people in Rochester can probably relate to; things that may not matter to one person, but may matter to other people. I hope that, as a teen columnist, I can strike a similar connection."

Longtime readers might get a sense of deja vu on Oct. 4, when Mary Laudon'sfirst column appears. Mary's older sister Sarah was a columnist in 2009-2010. "I distinctly remember my teachers and friends' parents' remarks about my sister's column in the newspaper," Mary wrote. "At a young age, I witnessed the positive impact that writing can have on others."

Mary has plenty to write about: She's the fifth of six kids in her family; one sibling survived childhood cancer; her mother recently finished treatment for breast cancer; Mary herself recently tore her ACL and will have reconstructive surgery; and her family just got a Corgi puppy. All this in one application!

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Speaking of busy, there's Keerthi Manikonda, who also starts Oct. 4. She's been writing "for as long as I can remember," keeping journals, offering stories and articles, and always encouraged by her teachers to do more. She began writing as a freshman for The Rocket, the student newspaper at John Marshall High School, and she was editor-in-chief for a short time, she says.

But she took a break from writing last year when she was captain of the debate and speech team at JM. "I want to resume writing again," she says.

Century senior Katherine Doughertysays she'll bring a "reflective and optimistic" outlook on life to her role as teen columnist. "In the news, facts are important," she wrote in her application. "But people care further about what those facts mean, how they are important to their daily lives."

Look for Katherine's columns to range far and wide across a variety of topics. "As time goes by, I'm realizing that Ferris Bueller's observation is pretty accurate: Life moves pretty fast; if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. So, my goal is to soak up as much as I can."

Starting Oct. 11 with Katherine is fellow wanderer Bella Dunbar. Or rather, Isabella Nova Xavier Dunbar, if you'd like to be official. She likes to research topics and discover things about them  and about herself in the process.

"I find my opinions are forming in an atmosphere where they have little weight," she wrote. "I have limited experience and few audience members. The columnist position is an amazing step towards changing that, one short personal essay at a time." She likes to find connections between topics as diverse as mathematics and social sciences.

The last two columnists are due Oct. 18. Byron High School has produced a number of good columnists over the years, and Alexis Aabyis the latest one. Alexis, a senior, was encouraged by a friend, former teen columnist Ella Napton, to apply.

"One of the areas I would like to touch on is the area of compassion in our community," she wrote. Alexis is president of the Leos Club at Byron, which promotes compassionate acts, and she will be working this year with former KTTC-TV anchor Robin Wolfram and Madonna Summit "in hopes of encouraging relations with seniors and younger children."

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Grace Huddleston, a freshman at Mayo High School, is the youngest teen columnist I can recall. But she is already experienced at having her work published in local media. She was the winner of a local journalism contest this spring when she told the story of her grandmother Judy, whom some of you might know as a Rochester kindergarten teacher.

Grace says becoming a teen columnist would be "like something out of a childhood dream"  a sentiment some of all of the 10 columnists might share. Look for more on them inside this section and in the coming weeks and months, every Wednesday in the Post Bulletin.
Two weeks after its president resigned amid allegations of harassment, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce has named an interim leader.

The chamber board announced this afternoon that Mayo Clinic executive Kathleen Harrington will temporarily fill the position left open after President Rob Miller's resignation on Aug. 30.

Harrington is chairwoman of Mayo Clinic's Public Policy and Government Relations division. She was a dancer in the 2016 Dancing for the Arts event sponsored by the Rochester Arts & Cultural Trust. The 67-year-old Harrington recently announced she will soon retire from Mayo Clinic.

"I'm transitioning out at Mayo Clinic in the next number of weeks and ramping up here (at the chamber)," she said sitting in the president's office Tuesday afternoon. "This is really a perfect time to dig deep and get deeper roots in the community."

She has worked at Mayo Clinic at the state and federal levels for more than six years following a long career in corporate and governmental leadership roles.

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Harrington will join another former Mayo Clinic executive, Lisa Clarke, in steering the chamber through its current controversy. Clarke, the executive director of the Destination Medical Center's Economic Development Agency, is the 2017 chairwoman of the chamber board of directors. Harrington helped lobby for the passage of the DMC legislation.

She expects to serve as the interim leader until a new full-time chamber president is hired. That could be six to nine months. Jerry Williams served as the interim president for six months in 2014, after John Wade resigned.

Some might question having so much control of the Rochester organization in the hands of Mayo Clinic leaders.

"I think that's going to be a natural question for people to ask. My career has been very broad-based. I think I bring a strong portfolio of experiences to this job. Most importantly, I bring a real commitment to this job," she said. "The real proof will be in the results."

Harrington acknowledged that the appearance of Mayo Clinic tightening its grip on the chamber's steering wheel might invite criticism.

"There may be, at times, some shots. I'm prepared for those. I just have to push ahead," she said.

This is the latest link in a chain of events that began three weeks ago with Miller asking the chamber's membership director, Judy Braatz, to resign.

Braatz, who accused Miller of "discriminatory bullying of female employees," sent a letter to the chamber's 26-person board that said Miller was trying to force her to resign against her will.

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The concerns over Miller's treatment of Braatz has spurred many local businesses to cancel their chamber memberships.

A Twin Cities law firm, Robins Kaplan, is investigating Braatz's allegations of age discrimination, harassment and defamation. The investigation is expected to conclude by the end of this month.

Current Chamber Vice Chair Greg House led a group to find an interim president.

"Kathleen's background with workforce and business development issues, regulatory reform and working with multiple stakeholders really impressed us, and we believe her skills will benefit our members, House said in today's announcement.

Harrington sees her role as pretty straightforward.

"The focus has to be on the members and their service and the advocacy for their needs," she said.
A proposed change to Rochester's city charter could alter the number of days the mayor has to veto council action.

City Clerk Anissa Hollingshead requested charter changes to ensure adequate time to present the mayor with ordinances, resolutions and other items to sign after council meetings.

The charter states such items should be sent to the mayor the following day, but Hollingshead said delays related to the city's paperless system can require extra time.

"I don't like not being in compliance with the charter," she said, noting noncompliance can also raise questions about the process.

The Rochester Charter Commission voted 6-2 to suggest changing the charter to give the clerk's office until the third day after a meeting to submit items for the mayor's approval. Hollingshead said the electronic documents are typically sent to the mayor within two days.

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In suggesting the change, the charter commission also tweaked language on the deadline for the mayor to sign or veto council action.

For ordinances, resolutions and other items requiring the mayor's signature, he would still be given five days after receiving the items from the clerk to make a decision if the council approves the commission's suggestions. However, it would remove language that states "excluding Sundays," which could reduce the overall decision-making period by a day.

On other council action, the mayor now has five days from the meeting date to make a decision about a potential veto, but Sundays are not counted. The commission is suggesting the mayor be given seven days and drop the Sunday exclusion, resulting in an extra day to make most veto decisions on actions taken without an ordinance, resolution or other item requiring the mayor's signature.

Mayor Ardell Brede has vetoed fewer than 10 council actions since taking office in 2003. His last two vetoes were issued last month regarding actions taken by the council on Aug. 7.

The proposed charter changes will be sent to the city council for approval. They will require either unanimous council approval or passage in a citywide vote to be enacted.

Another suggested home-rule charter change would allow the Rochester Public Utilities Board to hold its annual election of officers later in the year, allowing new members orientation time before picking a board president.
An eighth Democrat is planning to jump into the 1st Congressional District race.

Retired business professor Bob Ries, of Winona, said he will formally announce his run Sept. 23 in Lake Park in Winona.

This is the first time Ries has run for political office. He said he is upset with what President Trump and Republicans are doing in Washington, D.C.

"I'm further dismayed at the lack of leadership being demonstrated by the Democratic Party in really responding to what those Republicans are doing," he said.

Ries will be joining a crowded field of Democrats vying for the open 1st District seat. DFL Congressman Tim Walz is not running for re-election. Instead, he is running for governor in 2018. Other Democrats running for the seat are Rochester website developer Johnny Akzam, U.S. Army veteran Dan Feehan, former state Sen. Vicki Jensen, Albert Lea businessman Colin Minehart, Rochester activist Regina Mustafa, Mankato attorney Joe Sullivan and Rochester attorney Rich Wright.

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So far, one Republican is running for the seat  Jim Hagedorn of Blue Earth. He narrowly lost to Walz last year. Two other GOPers  Rochester Sen. Carla Nelson and Stewartville Rep. Nels Pierson  are mulling bids for the seat.

Ries said he stands out from the crowded pack of Democrats because of his unique background. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He went on to be a business owner, at one point founding a billiard parlor in Chicago. He also worked as a business professor at Winona State University and Southwest Minnesota State University.

"I'm an American first. I'm a veteran second. I'm going to be a Democrat third," he said.

Ries did say he plans to abide by the Democratic endorsement process.

If elected, Ries said he would push for what he is calling his "Fair Deal." That includes a proposal to ensure the longevity of Social Security and Medicaid by increasing the amount of income taxed by the Social Security tax to $200,000. He also supports providing a single-payer health care option for people.

He asked, "Why is it that we, one of the most prosperous countries in the world, don't have it when all the other industrialized countries have it?"

He also opposes Trump's plan to build a wall along the border with Mexico. He said even though Trump has said he will require Mexico to pay for it, he expects American's will be stuck with the costly bill. Trump's budget proposes spending $1.6 billion to build 74 miles of border wall.

Ries added, "Nobody who is fiscally responsible would vote for that."
Race permeates the lefts analysis of almost every major domestic issue, particularly on college campuses. Why, then, is race absent from the discussion of campus sexual assault?

The question is prompted by an article by Emily Yoffe in the Atlantic. The conventional narrative on campus rape holds that its the product of white privilege  the rich, white frat boy as sexual predator, as Petula Dvorak, a feminist columnist for the Washington Post, put it.

But does this narrative withstand scrutiny? Yoffe doesnt think so. She writes:

Amy Ziering, the producer of The Hunting Ground, a 2015 campus-sexual-assault documentary, has. . .asserted that her movie exposed privileged well-off white men and challenged dominant white male power. But a close viewing of her film reveals a different reality. Her movie tells at length the stories of four allegations. In at least three of the cases, the accused is black.

Along the same lines, Jeannie Suk Gersen, a Harvard Law School professor, wrote in 2015 that the administrators and faculty members shes spoken with who routinely work on sexual-misconduct cases say that most of the complaints they see are against minorities. Yoffe herself has, for years, received a daily Google Alert on college sexual assault. It captures only those cases that make it into the news and usually does not identify the accuseds race. However, if the accused is named, its often possible to determine his race through photo searches or other online information.

Black men make up only about 6 percent of college undergraduates. According to Yoffe, they are vastly overrepresented in the cases she has tracked. The same was found to be true at Colgate, where litigation led to the production of statistical evidence on the matter

This evidence is anecdotal or involves only a small sample. Whats needed is broad statistical evidence. But such evidence is not available because the government doesnt ask for data on the race of alleged campus predators and colleges apparently dont collect it. Yoffe says:

How race plays into the issue of campus sexual assault is almost completely unacknowledged by the government. While the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which regulates how colleges respond to sexual assault, collects a lot of data on race, it does not require colleges and universities to document the race of the accused and accuser in sexual-assault complaints. An OCR investigator told me last year that people at the agency were aware of race as an issue in Title IX cases, but. . .No ones tracking it.

Why is race not being tracked? To me, its a clear case of not wanting to know.

Its easy to understand why ignorance is bliss. If blacks are found to be overrepresented among those accused of sexual assault on campus, there are only two possible explanations (both of which may be operating). One explanation is that black students are committing a disproportionate number of sexual assaults. The other is that blacks are disproportionately being accused of sexual assaults they did not commit.

Neither explanation is acceptable to the left. The first tarnishes black males.

The second gives credence to the view that false accusations of assault are a serious problem on college campuses. As David French puts it:

[T]he identity politics of campus sexual assault are for now exactly right  its mainly women versus men. But what if the real identity issues are far more complicated? What if white women are disproportionately likely to accuse black men of misconduct? What if black or Hispanic men are disproportionately persecuted in campus kangaroo courts? Then the social justice consensus will disappear, quickly, and the campus Left may well wage war with itself.

Yoffe clearly leans towards the view that black students are being railroaded in sexual assault proceedings because of their race. She doesnt even consider the possibility that they commit a disproportionately large number of sexual assaults. She concludes:

As the Office for Civil Rights weighs changes to the system, the interplay of race with assault complaints and assault adjudication must be considered, and the racial composition of assault complaints and resolutions documented. It would be tragicand unacceptableif OCR, in a worthy effort to prevent sexual assault, has created a system that ends up unfairly depriving some black men of their access to higher education.

I agree that statistics regarding the racial composition of those accused and those found guilty of sexual assault should be collected. But it would be tragic, and unacceptable, if findings of racial disparities caused a change in the system. The system should be changed to make it more fair, not for the purpose of producing different racial outcomes.
I think Sarah Sanders is a terrific press secretary. In her press briefing today, she handled the White House press corps with her usual aplomb. The White House emphasized President Trumps efforts toward a bipartisan tax reform bill, but James Comey also came up, repeatedly:

Q [by New York Times reporter] Is the President aware that Steve Bannon described firing James Comey as the biggest mistake in modern political history? MS. SANDERS: Whether he is or not, I think that everybody knows exactly where the President stands on that issue. The President is proud of the decision that he made. The President was 100 percent right in firing James Comey. He knew at the time that it could be bad for him politically but he also knew and felt he had an obligation to do what was right, and do what was right for the American people and certainly the men and women at the FBI. I think there is no secret Comey, by his own self-admission, leaked privileged government information. Weeks before President Trump fired him, Comey testified that an FBI agent engaged in the same practice; they face serious repercussions. I think he set his own stage for himself on that front. His actions were improper and likely could have been illegal. Comey leaked memos to the New York Times, your own outlet. He politicized an investigation by signaling he would exonerate Hillary Clinton before he ever interviewed her or other key witnesses. He is very happy with the decision he made, and I think he has been fully vindicated by a lot of those new things and knowing that it was the right one.

Hard-hitting, to say the least. A bit later another reporter followed up:

Q You said that the actions of James Comey could have been illegal. You, the other day, referred to potential false testimony. The DOJ is not commenting, but I would put to you, would the President encourage the DOJ to prosecute Comey? MS. SANDERS: Thats not the Presidents role. Thats the job of the Department of Justice, and something they should certainly look at.

The White House thinks that Jeff Sessions should be considering a criminal prosecution of James Comey. Thats news.

Q Is that something youd like to see? MS. SANDERS: Im not sure about that specifically, but I think if theres ever a moment where we feel someone has broken the law, particularly if theyre the head of the FBI, I think thats something that certainly should be looked at.

A few minutes later, a further exchange:

Q Thank you, Sarah. Yesterday, when you were talking about James Comey, you mentioned that he gave false testimony. I didnt hear you say that again today. Do you still stand by that? MS. SANDERS: I did say that actually today.



Q You did say  MS. SANDERS: Yeah.

Actually, she hadnt said it, but in that answer she stood by the allegation. Is it possible that a criminal prosecution of James Comey is in store? It seems highly unlikely, but perhaps Comey wont sleep well tonight. If so, his unrest is well deserved.

There was much more of interest in todays press briefing, including this question and answer about Hillary Clintons book:

Q And also, will the President be reading Hillary Clintons book? (Laughter.) And what does he think about the excerpts that have gotten out so far? MS. SANDERS: Whether or not hes going to read Hillary Clintons book, I am not sure. But I would think that hes pretty well-versed on what happened. And I think its pretty clear to all of America. I think its sad that after Hillary Clinton ran one of the most negative campaigns in history and lost, the last chapter of her public life is going to be now defined by propping up book sales with false and reckless attacks. And I think that thats a sad way for her to continue this work.

That was an appropriately charitable evaluation from, in my view, a very able press secretary.
With his his descent to crude and dishonest attacks on judicial nominees in the Judiciary Committee, or in his capacity as a nominees home state Senator, Al Franken degrades the Senate and the high office he holds. First among Frankens intended victims at the moment is Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras. In withholding his blue slip to prevent the Senates consideration of Justice Stras to the Eighth Circuit, Senator Franken has twisted himself into a dime-store McCarthyite, as I sought to demonstrate here, most recently, in The gutless Al Franken (2).

Franken therefore puts the question to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley. The question is whether Senator Grassley will honor Frankens blockade of Justice Strass nomination under the circumstances.

Today the Wall Street Journal puts the Franken factor before its large national audience in the editorial The Al Franken standard. The Journal parses Frankens statement opposing Stras:

Minnesota Democrat Al Franken unleashed the latest ploy last week, announcing that he will refuse to return his blue slip on the nomination of Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Blue slips are a bipartisan tradition whereby Senators can block votes on nominees to the lower federal courts from their home states. Mr. Franken wants to turn this courtesy into a pocket progressive veto of Trump nominees. The Senate comedian is also aiming to establish a new standard for what counts as disqualifying for the judiciary. Judge Stras is held in high esteem across Minnesota legal circles, has earned the highest rating from the liberal American Bar Association, and was elected with greater margins to his court seat than was Mr. Franken to the Senate. Judge Stras was on Mr. Trumps short list for the Supreme Court, and even Mr. Frankens minions have been unable to gin up a flaw in his legal record. Mr. Franken claims instead that Judge Stras is unfit by virtue of his role models. The Senator is offended that the judge early in his career worked as a law clerk for Justice [ Clarence ] Thomas, and that he even once described that Supreme Court Justice as a mentor. Judge Stras also dared to speak at a Federalist Society event, where he talked about how the jurisprudence of Justice [Antonin] Scalia helped to shape his own views. Shocking stuff. Under this Franken Role Model Standard, Democrats are justified in opposing any nominee who admires any widely esteemed Senate-confirmed Supreme Court Justice that he doesnt like. Perhaps he thinks the late Justice Scalia wrote too well and was too intelligent to be Mr. Frankens idea of a judicial model.

In the editorials conclusion, the Journal puts the question to Senator Grassley:

Blue slips were once reserved for nominees with ethical baggage, but Mr. Franken wants to use them for the crime of admiring the wrong people. Mr. Trump was elected in part on an explicit promise to appoint judges in the mold of Antonin Scalia, so the Franken standard pre-emptively disqualifies any Trump nominee. Chairman Grassley neednt stand for such nonsense. The blue slip has been around since 1917, but only a few Judiciary Chairmen have chosen to treat it as an absolute veto. Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy gave home state senators a reasonable deadline to return slips, and then put it to a committee vote on whether to proceed if they werent returned. Democrat Joe Biden reserved the right to ignore blue slips so long as an Administration consulted with home state Senators. Republican Strom Thurmond gave Members a mere seven days to return slips, then sometimes voted on nominees even over blue-slip objections. Mr. Grassley has authority under Senate rules to suspend the blue-slip tradition on a case-by-case basis, and Mr. Frankens abuse deserves to become his first example. The Iowan would also be justified in setting a time limit for returning a slip, since Mr. Franken also exploited the tradition by dragging out his decision on the Stras blue slip for months. Democrats blew up the filibuster for judicial nominees in 2013 to pack the D.C. Circuit, and it boomeranged on them with the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. That might make them desperate, but it doesnt give them the right to block a Presidents nominees merely because a left-wing Senator thinks someone admires the wrong Justices.

With this editorial the Journal shines a light on dark places. Franken cites nothing from Justice Strass scholarly or judicial record to support his opposition. Frankens opposition is founded entirely on guilt by association  not with the Communist Party or some nefarious organization, but rather with Justice Thomas and with the Federalist Society.
Former Vanderbilt University Professor Carol Swain wrote about her victimization by the fascist hate cult that goes under the absurd misnomer of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Professor Swain discussed her experience in the Wall Street Journal column What its like to be smeared by the Southern Poverty Law Center. I wrote about Professor Swains column here.

Tucker Carlson invited Professor Swain to discuss her experience briefly last night on his Fox News show. The video is below.

The moral authority wielded by the Southern Poverty Law Center is a bad excuse for a joke. The deference paid to the work of the SPLC by media outlets lacks even a bad excuse.

Last week Minnesota Senator Al Franken used the SPLCs designation of the Alliance Defending Freedom as an anti-LGBT hate group to disparage Professor Amy Barrett in her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Frankens use of the SPLC for this purpose can be explained simply by his bad faith. Ed Whelan takes up this particular Franken outrage at NRO in Al Franken Supports State-Sanctioned Sterilization of Transgendered People. It is a good case study of the SPLC and the uses to which it is put by such tools as Al Franken.

Via FOX News Insider.
As Scott has pointed out, the Southern Poverty Law Center is misnamed in the same kind of way the Holy Roman Empire was. The SPLC, a vicious left-wing attack machine, is neither poor nor devoted to law, though it is based in Alabama and may be a center of sorts.

Former Vanderbilt University Professor Carol Swain is a victim of the SPLC. She wrote about the experience in the Wall Street Journal. Scott has discussed her case here and here.

Professor Swain, though not a center, knows plenty about southern poverty. She was born in Bedford, Virginia, a rural town that is said to have lost more residents per capita in the Normandy landings than any other American community.

According to her Wikipedia entry, Swain grew up in a shack without running water. She and her eleven siblings shared two beds. She did not have shoes and thus missed school whenever it snowed. She did not attend high school, dropping out in ninth grade.

When her mother and abusive stepfather moved the family to Roanoke, Swain appealed to a judge to be transferred to a foster home. When her appeal was denied, she lived with her grandmother in a trailer park.

Intimately familiar with the south and with poverty, Swain also knows about the law, having earned a masters degree from Yale Law School. This was the culmination of an education that begin with a GED, and was followed by an associate degree from Virginia Western Community College; a B.A. in criminal justice from Roanoke College; a masters degree in political science from Virginia Tech; and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Swain went on to become a professor at leading universities and the author of several books. One was cited by Supreme Court Justices Anthony Kennedy and Sandra Day OConnor. Two dealt with the topic of white nationalism.

There is an obvious disconnect when an African-American from the south rises from extreme poverty to glittering scholarly success, only to be branded an apologist for white supremacists by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Before leveling such a charge against anyone, the SPLC better have the goods, and this applies with extra force in the case of Carol Swain.

The SPLC doesnt have them on Swain, as her Wall Street Journal piece shows. All it has is a hard-left ideology, a willingness to smear those with whom it disagrees, and lots of money.

Oh, and lets not forget that it also benefits from a mainstream media that, to a considerable degree, shares the first two attributes.
I grew up walking by the Confederate Memorial Fountain, and, whether or not its removal is something you support, the empty spot in Hill Park remains. Rather than belabor the arguments for and against, perhaps we should use this opportunity to come together as a community and create something meaningful for us in the 21st century.

Helena -- and Montana more broadly -- has a deep and talented pool of artists to draw upon for inspiration, including gifted sculptors like Lyle Schwabauer and Mari Bolen. The best lessons we can teach the young people watching us as we grapple with this moment are that beauty can come from pain and division does not have to persist. Let's create something for Hill Park that represents us as we are now, something that reminds us that neither history nor art is immutable or stagnant.
From Bond to Bourne, feature films dealing with international espionage generally follow a familiar pattern. The hero tends to either be driven by a deep patriotism or at least the bits and pieces of country loyalty that can be remembered. The spy operates in a world where there can be massive shootouts in crowded areas and only the bad guys get hit. Those gun battles are mixed with a romance that eithers sexist or emotionally forced.

American Assassin, based on the works of spy novel writer Vince Flynn, takes a very different and refreshing approach. Flynns 13 spy novels that started in 1999 with Transfer of Power rejected the traditional world of spies, moving the focus to a world that was no longer a tug-of-war between two super powers but often held hostage by a bevy of terror groups around the globe. The approach of the spies playing a chess-like game gave way to more straight-on conflicts.

Flynn did turn to a familiar trope in having the best interests of the United States being protected by a super secret organization under the auspices of the CIA. The latest recruit is Mitch Rapp (Dylan OBrien), a young man whose dislike for authority runs almost as deep of his hatred of terrorists. Rapps the biggest misdirection from standard spy lore as hes not driven by loyalty or patriotism. A horrific act in his past has left him with a burning hatred to track down and kill as many terrorists as possible.

The CIA would like to channel that energy, and Rapps recruited by assistant CIA director Irene Kennedy (Sanaa Lathan) to join the super secret team under the guidance of Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton). Rapp may end up being the best asset the CIA has ever had but he must survive Hurleys sadistic training program.

Training gets put on hold when the team must find a recover stolen plutonium before it can be turned into a nuclear weapon. This sends the team on a trek around the world trying to stop an opponent known only as The Ghost (Taylor Kirsch).

Casting OBrien was a gamble by the producers as the biggest credits on his resume include The Maze Runner and Teen Wolf. His rawness is a bonus especially in scenes with Keaton. The pair have a nice antagonistic relationship built on a massive generational gap. The two play off each other very well.

Keaton shines because hes shown great skill in playing both heroes (Batman) and villains (Spider-Man: Homecoming). His American Assassin character features a little bit of both and Keaton plays both sides with equal enthusiasm and energy.

American Assassin also rejects the outdated notion of what female roles should be in a spy story. Lathan brings the kind of commanding clout to make her role as strong as any player in this deadly game of cat and louse.

The big difference is Shiva Negars role of Annika, a CIA agent who has been undercover for a half decade and brought into the team to help stop The Ghost. Unlike so many spy stories, her character doesnt eventually dwindle down to being the damsel in distress, an object of sexual advances by the hero or little more than a visual attraction.

Negar proves that a female character in a spy story can be both beautiful and deadly. The toughness she shows just adds another interesting level to a story that has already churned up the traditional spy story.

The final big element that separates American Assassin from the spy pack is that the screenplay by Stephen Schiff, Michael Finch, Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz based on Flynns book never forgets the action is unfolding in a real world. Theres a gun battle in a small restaurant where multiple patrons get caught in crossfire. The chase scenes have to deal with traffic issues, and after a big fight, there are cuts and bruises.

Director Michael Cuesta brings a solid background in real-world spy stories as he produced multiple episodes of Homeland and is equally as in tune with offbeat heroes as the producer of Elementary that put a new spin of the character of Sherlock Holmes. Cuesta understands the balance of action and story to keep the audience engaged.

American Assassin does stretch the real world approach with the big finale, but this is a spy story and wrapping up the story with a handshake or a face slap would leave the audience  that has been trained on big action scenes  wanting for more. Theres also a slow pacing getting Rapp trained but that doesnt last too long. This wont be a problem if American Assassin becomes the launching pad for a new type of action spy drama as there are 16 books featuring the exploits of Rapp.

The movie eventually settles into what is an enjoyable blueprint for spy stories. Audiences will be able to connect more with characters like Mitch Rapp because it is very easy to understand being driven by deep and dark emotions. The job will be finished but it is not going to be wrapped up with a gentlemanly battle and a few wise quips.

And American Assassin gets the job done in a very real feeling world.



AMERICAN ASSASSIN

3 out of 4 stars

Cast: Michael Keaton, Dylan OBrien, Sanaa Lathan, Shiva Negar, David Suchet.

Director: Michael Cuesta

Rated: R (language, violence, nudity)

Running time: 122 minutes

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
CHICAGO  An apologetic Matt Sorensen was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison Tuesday for a wire fraud scheme related to consulting work he did for State Farm.

The former McLean County Board chairman acknowledged his serious mistake that humiliated his family, friends and the community he served as an elected official for more than 20 years.

"I should have known better. I did know better, but I agreed to take it," Sorensen said of the scheme to submit false invoices for consulting work to McKinsey and Co., a Chicago consulting firm that did work for State Farm.

Several of Sorensen's relatives and supporters wiped away tears as he read his statement to the judge. The group of about 20 filled most of the seats in the courtroom.

Sorensen, 51, declined to comment after the hearing. His lawyer, Stuart Chanen, said, "We're pleased with the sentence. The judge took the whole person into account and the service Matt provided to the community over many, many years."

Sorensen admitted he took part with McKinsey staffer Navdeep Arora in the plan that cost the company about $490,000.

Sorensen pleaded guilty in November to submitting false invoices to McKinsey & Co. for consulting work he did not perform for the Bloomington-based insurer, his employer for more than 20 years before he was fired in 2012 after the fraud scheme was uncovered.

Arora also has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and will be sentenced Oct. 18.

U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Guzman ordered Sorensen to report to federal custody on Nov. 27.

Both men are equally liable for $490,475 in restitution to McKinsey.

State Farm was repaid its fees by McKinsey, but the insurer was unsuccessful in its bid to recover almost $2 million related to the investigation into the fraud.

In his comments, the judge recognized Sorensen's long history of public service.

That record is "a remarkably impressive pattern of community involvement," Guzman. But the sophistication and duration of the fraud demanded time in prison, he added.

"These are pure choice crimes," committed by "thinking people" who were not without the means for living a good life, Guzman said.

In a sentencing memorandum filed last week, federal prosecutors asked the judge to consider between 27 and 33 months in prison for Sorensen.

The defense, which asked for probation, denied that Sorensen provided confidential State Farm information to Arora about the consulting contracts overseen by Sorensen.

Rather, Sorensen befriended Arora, who lied about his life circumstances to garner Sorensen's trust, Sorensen told the judge.

But Sorensen is not the good man portrayed in letters of support provided to the judge, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sunil Harjanii.

"He's someone who was out for himself," said the prosecutor.

Sorensen must serve at least 85 percent of the sentence. He will be on parole for a year on the felony conviction after he is released.
President Andrzej Duda

President Andrzej Duda will go to Malta to attend a meeting of 12 leaders of European states cooperating within the Arraiolos Group. President Duda will also hold a face-to-face meeting with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The meeting in Valletta on Sept. 14 and 15 will be attended by the presidents of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy and Malta.

"A debate on the future of a united Europe is the main goal of meetings held by the Arraiolos Group. The current threats and most important challenges facing the Old Continent are also in the focus of such gatherings", President's top aide Krzysztof Szczerski said.

According to the official, Europe's socio-economic development will be another topic in Valletta. "The presidents will discuss what should be done to animate the economic growth and make EU economies more competitive. The social dimension of the European project will be debated during the Malta meeting", Minister Szczerski said, adding that the daily agenda would also focus on the struggle against poverty and unemployment, especially among young people.

Security policy in the Mediterranean Sea region in the face of the migration crisis will be another key subject of the two-day talks.

While in Malta, President Andrzej Duda will hold a bilateral meeting with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The two officials will discuss, among other topics, the issue of potential German war reparations for Poland, according to Krzysztof Szczerski.

The Polish head of state will also meet with President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and PM Joseph Muscat. "The talks will focus on bilateral issues, with special emphasis on economic relations, security and cooperation on the international arena", Minister Szczerski said.

Leaders of the Arraiolos Group met for the first time in Arraiolos, Portugal, in 2003. In 2013, the meeting was held in Krakow, southern Poland. The Arraiolos Group comprises presidents from EU countries who do not directly perform the executive function. (PAP)
DECATUR  An 80-year-old Pana man died Tuesday of injuries from a traffic crash in Macon, the latest fatality at an intersection on U.S. 51 that state lawmakers and county officials have long identified as hazardous.

Phil Jacobs Sr., a former photographer and writer for the Herald & Review, and his wife, Norma Jean, were driving south on Sept. 4 when they collided with a pickup truck headed west on West Andrews Street Road, also known as Macon County Highway 32. Norma Jacobs remains in Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

It was the same intersection where several Central Illinois elected officials gathered in the rain in November 2011 to announce that they planned to lobby the Illinois Department of Transportation to add a traffic light.

"We have identified this as a problem," Macon County Sheriff Thomas Schneider said at the time. The sheriff had sought help from the lawmakers, including Republicans Rep. Bill Mitchell of Forsyth and Sen. Chapin Rose of Mahomet, who pledged their support.

Six years later, no traffic light has been installed. IDOT has taken other steps, lowering the speed limit to 55 mph and adding more signage and striping to the roadway.

But the intersection is still a problem, Schneider said.

"There have been multiple (accidents), and due to speeds of individuals coming through there ... a lot of the accidents are serious and involve injuries," he said.

In the crash that killed Jacobs, a 29-year-old Decatur man was issued a citation for failing to yield at the intersection, according to Macon County sheriff's deputy Todd Choatie. He said the man told deputies that his pickup truck collided with the Jacobs car after he stopped on West Andrews Street Road, then tried to continue through the intersection.

The couple was taken first to Decatur Memorial Hospital, then to Springfield Memorial for more treatment. Phil Jacobs was pronounced dead of his injuries at 2:02 a.m. Tuesday, Sangamon County Coroner Cinda Edwards said.

Macon resident Carla Bracken said shes seen similar situations play out several times at the intersection she described as terrible. Most people obey the stop signs on West Andrews, but Bracken said shes seen others flat-out ignore them. Once, she said a driver went around her vehicle and into the intersection while she was stopped at the sign.

Its a dangerous place, Bracken said. There really should be traffic lights there.

Schneider could not immediately provide a total number of crash reports from the intersection. In 2011, Mitchell said 35 accidents had taken place in the previous eight years since U.S. 51 was widened from two lanes to four. Two of those crashes were fatal.

IDOT Spokeswoman Kelsea Gorski wrote in an email Tuesday the agency made the changes to the intersection following a study several years ago.

She said IDOT was in the midst of a new project "currently under design," but did not respond to the question of whether that included a traffic light.

Its unclear why the department has not opted to install a light, but Mitchell, Rose and County Engineer Bruce Bird cited several possibilities.

Bird said the department is reluctant to disrupt the flow of traffic on highways like U.S. 51.

Mitchell, whose district no longer includes Macon and the intersection, said he was told by IDOT staff members that adding a traffic light could cause more accidents.

"People are used to an interstate, they're not used to lights, that's what IDOT told me, he said. It's a four-lane (highway); when you put lights on an intersection like that, you could have more accidents than not.

Rose said for a U.S. highway, federal standards emphasize the need for traffic to maintain high speeds. "And frankly, that's why I began searching for something else," he said.

Rose said he is advocating for a system that uses an infrared signal to detect highway traffic and notify drivers approaching the intersection that another vehicle is coming.

"It's a very cost-effective way where we could protect a lot of intersections in downstate Illinois," Rose said, adding that it is used in other states.

He said IDOT has approved a pilot project to test the system in Heyworth, which will be completed this fall.

"Our hope is to use (the infrared system) to protect all these rural intersections," Rose said.
President Andrzej Duda has invited all party leaders to Wednesday talks on his proposals of reforming Poland's Supreme Court and National Council of the Judiciary.

At the Wednesday debates each party delegation will be granted a 60-minute session with the president, during which it will present its opinions on the presidential proposals, and its own concepts for reforming the judiciary bodies.

President Duda promised to prepare his reforms of the court and council having vetoed two government bills reforming the two bodies last July.

The ruling party has said it will bring the same proposals the president previously rejected, while the remaining political groupings have declared to put forward their own suggestions.

Last Friday President Duda discussed the judiciary reforms with Law and Justice leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski. According to the president's chief aide, Krzysztof Szczerski, both the president and the party leader were convinced the Polish justice system was in need of far-reaching reforms. (PAP)
The University of Michigan has officially launched a search for the next chancellor of the U of M-Dearborn campus.

President Mark Schlissel has appointed a 14-member search advisory committee to assist him in the search process. Schlissel will co-chair the committee with Ghassan Kridli, associate dean of undergraduate education, and professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, U of M-Dearborn.

When Chancellor Little announced that he would step down, we knew we had a big task before us to identify and recruit a similarly outstanding new leader for the Dearborn campus, Schlissel said. Our process will include significant outreach to all parts of the Dearborn community and multiple opportunities for input on the desired qualities, experience, and areas of focus for the new chancellor.

The search seeks to replace Chancellor Daniel Little, who after 18 years of service plans to step down as U of M-Dearborns chief executive officer at the end of his current term, June 30, 2018. He will remain a faculty member.

The search process will begin with two campus town halls hosted by the search advisory committee from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 29 and from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 2. Both events will take place on the U of M-Dearborn campus at 1500 Social Sciences Building.

The committee also plans to meet with specific groups in the coming weeks to receive input about the desired qualities, experience and areas of focus for the new chancellor. Committee members invite additional ideas and feedback on the search, including nominations, by email at ask-DbnChancellorSearch@umich.edu.

The committee will be looking for constructive input on the opportunities and the challenges for the next chancellor, Kridli said. The committee will use the communitys input to build the desired profile of a future campus leader. This information will assist the search firm to identify and recruit candidates who have the desired qualities and will guide President Mark Schlissel when he recommends the next chancellor to the Board of Regents.

As with other searches for U of M executive officers, the selection process will remain confidential until Schlissel makes his recommendation to the Board of Regents. This confidentiality has proven essential in previous executive level searches to attract a large and outstanding pool of experienced and qualified candidates, Schlissel said.

In addition to Schlissel and Kridli, members of the search advisory committee include:

Susan Alcock, special counsel for institutional outreach and engagement, Office of the President, and professor of archaeology and classics, LSA, UM-Ann Arbor.

Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, executive director of business and foundation engagement and director, Business Engagement Center, Institutional Advancement, UM-Dearborn.

Anda Botoseneanu, associate professor of health policy studies and research assistant professor at the Institute of Gerontology, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, UM-Dearborn.

Jeff Evans, vice chancellor for business affairs, UM-Dearborn.

Martin Hershock, dean and professor of history, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, UM-Dearborn.

Barbara Klein, professor of management information systems, College of Business, UM-Dearborn.

Douglas Knerr, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, UM-Flint.

Ann Lampkin-Williams, special counsel to the chancellor for inclusion and strategic projects and interim dean, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, UM-Dearborn.

Farhan Latif, president, El-Hibri Foundation.

Shirley Stancato, president and CEO, New Detroit Coalition.

Thomas Wolsek, president, Student Government, and student, College of Engineering and Computer Science, UM-Dearborn.

Nancy Wrobel, program director of health psychology and clinical health psychology, and professor of psychology, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, UM-Dearborn.

The executive search firm Park Square Executive Search has been retained to assist in the effort and consultants Jonathan Fortescue and Anne Coyle will assist with the search. Britney Rashleigh, project manager in the Office of the President, will provide staff support.

For information about the search, including the position description and how to submit nominations and applications, visit president.umich.edu/committees/um-dearborn-chancellor-search/.

Source: University of Michigan-Dearborn
DECATUR  Enrollment is down slightly in Decatur's public schools.

Total enrollment as of the 10th day of attendance is 9,001, said Lawrence Trimble, director of student services, in his report to the school board at its Tuesday meeting. Last year, the number was 9,115.

When students register and don't turn up for classes by the 10th day, school administrators make every effort to contact the family with home visits, calls and letters, but if none of those attempts are successful, students are removed from the rolls.

Trimble said the district welcomed fewer kindergarten students this year than it had expected.

He said he was pleased to report that no classes had more students than the cap of 24 students in grades kindergarten to second, and 27 students in grades 3 to 6. That is thanks to the pod system, which groups elementary buildings geographically. When one building is overcrowded, students are assigned to another building within the pod.

Trimble said his office made 230 moves this year in assigning children to other buildings: 142 of those within pods; 64 moves in magnet schools; and 22 middle school students from Dennis School, which serves prekindergarten through eighth grade, to Stephen Decatur and Thomas Jefferson middle schools.

There were also 79 requests since July from families to be moved from their home building to another building for various reasons.

I'm concerned about the number of transfer requests, said board member Sherri Perkins, noting that Trimble had said there were only 61 requests all of last year.

Trimble said he also was concerned by that. Many of the requests are due to personality conflicts within buildings, such as a bullying situation. Not all are approved, but in one case he cited, the family had lived within the Oak Grove School boundary, and had to move so the mother could care for her own ailing mother. An aunt, who cares for the child before and after school, still lives in the Oak Grove boundary and that request was approved.

In other business, the board had planned to consider life/health/safety amendments to address the aging of the Durfee and Johns Hill Magnet schools, the two oldest buildings in the district. Two previous applications to the Illinois State Board of Education and the Regional Office of Education were denied.

Sam Johnson of BLDD Architects explained to the board that building replacement requests are fairly rare and he's only overseen six of them in 31 years of working as an architect. The process requires that a district show that renovation is more expensive than replacement, which is the case with both buildings. However, in the last application round, BLDD was using a means cost estimate guide from 2015. They have updated to a 2017 version, and re-worked the paperwork, and the state board sent representatives who have toured the buildings to see their conditions in person.

Board President Dan Oakes said that he suggested holding off on submitting the new application until the four new board members can be a part of considering a new plan for the two buildings. The previous recommendation was to combine both schools into one new building and raze the two buildings. During the school spotlight portion of the meeting, Durfee Principal Dianne Brandt had said that without knowing the school's future, it's difficult to plan.

We just heard from a school that wants to know its future, and I'd like to give them an answer, Oakes said.
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On the basis of his two decade experiences on installed Roof Top rain water harvesting system Dr P.C.Jain had a talk in Houston in a program in a hotel about the Dewas water system ,he said that this system not only increase the quantity of the water but also improve the deteriorating quality of the underground water.He said that still there is time as the good monsoon in there so we should utilize this rain water for our future when the rain may be very less .In this program both the American & Indians were present .He said because of your assistance & other measures the situation in Punjab ,substance abuse has come down.Because of such awareness program last year one Mr .K.K.mitwalkar of Mumbai recharged his defunct well in his parental village Mitwal which is now fully recharged .Program was organised by Mr Virinder Bansal & thanks was given by Mr.R.Greval the Managing Engineer of World largest water Treatment Plant ( under construction) in Houston.On the basis of his two decade experiences on installed Roof Top rain water harvesting system Dr P.C.Jain had a talk in Houston in a program in a hotel about the Dewas water system ,he said that this system not only increase the quantity of the water but also improve the deteriorating quality of the underground water.He said that still there is time as the good monsoon in there so we should utilize this rain water for our future when the rain may be very less .In this program both the American & Indians were present .He said because of your assistance & other measures the situation in Punjab ,substance abuse has come down.Because of such awareness program last year one Mr .K.K.mitwalkar of Mumbai recharged his defunct well in his parental village Mitwal which is now fully recharged .Program was organised by Mr Virinder Bansal & thanks was given by Mr.R.Greval the Managing Engineer of World largest water Treatment Plant ( under construction) in Houston.
No frills, no fuss  just fresh! Thats the motto at Outlaws Burger Barn & Creamery, a Vineland restaurant thats been making a name for itself as a killer burger spot.

Since its opening in May of last year, Outlaws has developed a menu of monster burgers that live up to its rough-and-tumble name. Piled high with beef and dripping with cheese and homemade sauces, these are the kind of burgers that you gape at for a moment, wondering how youre going to get your jaw around it, the kind that leaves juice dripping down your arms, the kind that will take a handful of napkins to recover from.

This good ol down-home Americana food is the result of Owner and Chef Ryan Briggs rather austere education.

Its been a dream of mine for years now, he says. I went to culinary school, and Ive been a cook at everything from fine dining to casual. I wanted to combine that fine dining experience with burgers. Burgers and ice cream have always been my two favorite foods.

Bay Atlantic Symphony and Classical Mystery Tour come together for a night of Beatlemania When The Beatles broke up in 1970, any hope of seeing them live in concert evaporated, much to the dismay of Beatles fans everywhere. Then, wi

Briggs fine dining background manifests in the ingredients he uses to craft his burgers.

We source everything that we can from within a couple of miles from here, and are very into organic. We have eggs that we top our burgers with that come from two miles down the road, he says.

When asked how he developed the menu, Briggs replies simply, Basically, we came up with a lot of unique toppings.

Those toppings include bacon, a farm fresh egg, white cheddar, crispy onion rings and roasted garlic mayo on the Farm Fresh burger ($10.25); house pickled jalapeno, avocado, red onion, pepper jack cheese and habanero creme fraiche on the En Fuego burger ($11.25); and dry rub seasoning, fire roasted cubanella peppers, balsamic reduction and provolone and ricotta cheese on the Aunt Milly burger ($10.25).

By far the most popular burger Outlaws serves is the Smokehouse, with crispy bacon, house picked jalapeno, white cheddar, fried onion rings and house-made barbeque sauce ($9.75).

We focus on making our customers happy, Briggs says. If someone asks for something special, we make it for them. We give them the best possible product we can find at an affordable price. Everything from our sauces down to the nitty gritty, everything is fresh.

True to his word, Outlaws accommodates vegetarian tastes, as well. Each 8-ounce black Angus burger can be substituted for a portabella mushroom, or a ground turkey burger or grilled chicken breast for those counting calories. An assortment of wedge salads ($6) is also available.

A few side dishes, including chicken tenders ($6.25), wings ($7.95 for 10) and mozzarella sticks ($4.95) diversify an otherwise burger-heavy menu. We would be remiss, however, if we didnt mention the Outlaw Fries. Smothered in white cheddar cheese sauce, bacon and roasted garlic mayo, these fries are the perfect sloppy counterpart to the burgers.

Moving to the latter half of Outlaws Burger Barn & Creamerys name, the restaurant also offers an assortment of ice cream treats. Using Hersheys ice cream as the base, Outlaws incorporates Jersey-fresh fruits and other toppings to create unique sundaes and shakes. Or, for special occasions, check out their ice cream cakes, in varieties like Nutella Crunch, Fruity Pebbles and Reeses Overload.

Tom Angello and the Budesa Bros. perform at the A.C. Weekly Fitness Expo This Saturday, at the Atlantic City Weekly Health & Wellness Expo, there will be vendors

With a year on the books, Outlaws is keeping busy with a healthy clientele. And though he has aspirations to open up a second location in the future, Briggs assures, Were very happy with where we are. Until then, Briggs and his team hope to continue being outlaws in faith and in food at their Vineland location.

When I think of an outlaw, its someone who is going against the grain and theyre doing something different, Briggs explains. First and foremost, were a Christian-owned business and we promote that a lot. A lot of small businesses back down from that. We give back to the community through God. Were outlaws in our food, too. Its a little bit different.
This Saturday, at the Atlantic City Weekly Health & Wellness Expo, there will be vendors and fitness classes, and  hopefully  some pretty nice weather. But there will also be free music starting at 8:30 a.m. with Tom Angello and the Budesa Brothers. That alone is worth getting up early on a Saturday.

Tom Angello is a bit of a local legend. A jazz drummer and bandleader, Angello has not only played throughout South Jersey on and off since his late teens, but he also sits on the Executive Board of the South Jersey Jazz Society.

I started to get gigs at (ages) 17 and 18 with some local musicians, Angello says. I was playing what we called society gigs at hotels throughout Atlantic City.

Though Angello loved jazz, he started a photography business  Olympic Studio in Northfield  when he was just 23 years old. And while he still managed to keep his foot in the door, the business prevented Angello from being able to dedicate a substantial amount of time to music.

I had to cut back on music because the studio was getting so busy, Angello, who has played such high profile venues as Club Harlem and The 500 Club, says. I missed it. Any chance I had, I would go out and listen to others or sit in and play.

Angello got back into music full-time seven or eight years ago when he retired from his studio. In addition to leading Tom Angellos All Star Band, which performs at Gregorys Restaurant regularly throughout the winter, Angello is adept at performing with a variety of jazz players. On Saturday, hell be playing with The Budesa Brothers.

Theyre great musicians, Angello says. They play the same style of traditional Be-Bop jazz (as Angello), but they also play some top 40.

The Budesa Brothers are composed of brothers Richard and Robert Budesa, a pianist and guitarist, respectively. The brothers were recently featured on NPRs American Routes and Jazz Night in America, and have performed with the likes of Grover Washington Jr., among others.

Together, Angello and the Budesa Brothers will perform mostly instrumental jazz, with some vocals thrown in, from the likes of George Benson, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Jimmy McGriff and Charlie Parker.

Well be playing mostly light jazz rather than anything too heavy, says Angello, noting the early time of the show.

When people sit down and experience it, people will say, Thats the first time I listened to live jazz, and I really liked it.
ATLANTIC CITY  The students held straws to their mouths and sat upright with shoulders back and heads forward as Christopher DiSanto instructed them to take a deep breath and push the air out through the straw, drawing from their stomachs.

A strange lesson, but not for the young clarinet players who are under his mentorship as part of a Bay Atlantic Symphony program.

DiSanto has been playing clarinet for 47 years. On Friday, he sat down with two Atlantic City High School students to impart some of that experience.

You learn a lot of extra things, said Jay Kapasiawala, 16, of Ventnor.

Kapasiawala, a junior, has been playing clarinet since fourth grade but said the mentor program helps him refine his skills.

New Jersey names county Teachers of the Year for 2017-18 Educators from Ocean City, Absecon and Vineland are among the finalists for the Governors T

DiSanto, of Springfield, Pennsylvania, is a professor at Stockton University and one of several professional musicians from the Bay Atlantic Symphony helping more than 100 students a year gain exposure to music education. In addition, the program, also in place in Vineland, helps provide instruments and private instruction to students who may have otherwise been unable to afford it.

We recognize that as an inner-city school, many of the families dont have the funds to purchase instruments for private lessons on their own, said David Murray, who teaches the orchestral academy at Sovereign Avenue Middle School.

Atlantic City High School Band Director Steve Spurlock said the mentorship program has been invaluable for his students.

Were in a big, difficult district for sending kids up to high school knowing how to play music, said Spurlock, 28, of Somers Point.

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He said that since the program started, more students from Atlantic City High School are going to college to study music.

We almost never had that before, Spurlock said.

Access to music education varies from town to town and state to state. New data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress surveying 9,000 eighth-grade students across the country show 17 percent of students in the Northeast reported participation in a school band, up one percentage point from 2008. Twenty-four percent of Northeast students reported participation in a chorus or choir, up from 17 percent in 2008.

At the state level, New Jersey is making advances in exposing students to arts education, in particular music. Five years ago, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to include arts education measures on its annual school performance reports. The latest data show 39 percent of high school students in New Jersey were enrolled in music classes, up from 18 percent the year prior.

Advocates of music education say it plays a role in developing well-rounded students.

Stockton, Rutgers Camden recognized in U.S. News 2018 Best Colleges rankings South Jersey schools are being recognized for their achievements in the northern region of t

Increasingly, in the last 20 years as schools have focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), what theyve discovered is that its not helpful to focus solely and exclusively on it, said Jed Gaylin, Bay Atlantic Symphonys music director.

Linda Gentile, conductor and musical director of the Jersey Shore Pops orchestra in Cape May County, said music studies can improve the academic grades of students, specifically math skills.

Basic music study for every student would be beneficial, even if its only for a year, said Gentile, 52, of Upper Township.

The Jersey Shore Pops has an internship program for aspiring musicians as well as a school outreach program in Middle Township. This year, they are opening up spots for students in music or dance in their annual Christmas concert.

Spurlock said math, language and science are important to learn for survival in the world, but music helps people live.

Its important in the way all arts are important, Spurlock said. Art, and by extension music, thats why we do all that stuff.

Bay Atlantic Symphony Executive Director Meg Sippey said that while the middle schools and high school in Atlantic City do offer music education, the instruments are limited. What the symphony is able to do is expand the exposure, especially to string instruments.

Gaylin said students crave immersion in arts, which he said develops creativity and teamwork. He said a lot of schools are moving toward developing programs.

We have jumped in when the schools have not been able to do this, Gaylin said. Students, whether they go on to be musicians or not, this is a vital part of what they do.

The mentorship program started in 2014 with the help of Stockton University and is supported by the New Jersey Council on the Arts, the Friends of Music program and the Bergen Foundation. About half of the funding for the program comes from the symphonys annual gala, scheduled this year for Sept. 16 at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa.

Sippey said that this year, the symphony has hired an education and community engagement manager to expand outreach.

Were really committed to touching more lives, she said.
ATLANTIC CITY  A group of New Jersey lawmakers plans to introduce a bill to rename Boardwalk Hall Senator Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in memory of the popular former mayor and legislator who died of a heart attack last month.

The legislation is sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney, Sen. Raymond Lesniak, Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo and Assembly Deputy Speaker John Burzichelli.

Senator Whelan spent decades in public service fighting for the residents of the region and the city he loved. The transformation of Atlantic City we are seeing now is a result of his tireless work and will be part of his legacy, said Sweeney, D-Salem, Gloucester, Cumberland. Boardwalk Hall is one of Atlantic Citys most historic and revered places, and it is only fitting that Atlantic Citys biggest champion is honored by having his name forever associated with it.

The former lifeguard and Atlantic City School District teacher served as the resorts mayor from 1990 to 2001. He was elected to the state Assembly in 2005, then won a state Senate seat in 2007, winning re-election twice.

Through his work as mayor, assemblyman and senator, Jim Whelan contributed immensely to the renaissance of Atlantic City, and he will forever be a part of its history, said Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo, D-Atlantic. Renaming this historic building is the perfect way to honor Senator Whelan for all of his contributions to the city, the district and its residents.

During his tenure as mayor, Whelan attracted more than $4.5 billion in new business starts and expansion that created thousands of jobs, and the city saw the resurgence and redevelopment of the citys neighborhoods with new housing and new schools.

I knew Jim Whelan from his first days in the Legislature and sat next to him in the Senate chambers for the past eight years, and I can say with complete certainty that he was the most genuine person I have known, said Lesniak, D-Union. He did not try to command the spotlight, but he always commanded trust and respect. When Jim Whelan spoke, everyone listened. I will miss him greatly but his legacy and his memory will live on.
VINELAND  Cumberland County providers who offer physical, mental and addiction health care voiced their concerns Wednesday about state organizational changes during a town hall meeting at the county college.

More than 30 people representing hospitals, private providers, county divisions and other health care partners asked how their services in Cumberland County would be affected when the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services is transferred to the state Department of Health.

We dont have all the facts yet about the reorganization, but we want you to give us your concerns that will better inform us as we work toward starting this process to create a more efficient statewide program, said Alison Gibson, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Health.

The Health Department will host town halls in all 21 counties to get feedback from experts and community members on how to best integrate behavioral health services with physical health care. The change stems from a plan Gov. Chris Christie introduced to legislators in June.

The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services oversees statewide mental health and addiction services, state aid funding, four state psychiatric hospitals, contracts with provider agencies and criminal justice system addiction treatment services, among others.

State health officials said the first step is to establish a new structure by December for how division services will operate within the health department after they are moved out of the Department of Human Services.

The second part of the reorganization plan will involve regulatory and policy changes, if needed, and a physical relocation of mental health and addiction services staff in phases, officials said.

Juanita Nazario, director of Cumberland County Human Services, was concerned about how communication between state and county departments would be affected.

Counties typically facilitate services in not only the medical and behavioral health fields but also accompanying social programs, such as supportive housing, food assistance, youth services and transportation.

That has been part of our conversations, and were working on that to make sure the communication flow between state and county departments gets you the information you need, said Morris Friedman, chief financial officer of the Division of Mental Health and Human Services.

Gibson, Friedman and Kaitlyn Woolford, executive assistant to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Public Health Services in the state health department, stressed the reorganization would not disrupt care for consumers and patients or payments to providers.

Gibson said although the mental health and addiction division would move into the state Department of Health, the reorganization would maintain and strengthen a partnership with the Department of Human Services to get people the help they need in areas including Medicaid, housing, food assistance and disability.

Another goal for the reorganization, officials said, is to establish a single license option for providers who want to offer physical health, mental health and addiction treatment. Currently, providers must obtain three different licenses between the two state departments.

Other town hall participants raised questions and comments concerning funding; data collection; availability of services, especially for addiction treatment and psychiatric inpatient beds; and agency contracts.

Dr. Anthony DiFabio, president and CEO of Robins Nest and president of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, said he and others worried about starting reorganization right before a new governors administration is to begin.

We want to establish a new, strong structure within 100 days to get as far as possible in the transition process before a new administration, Gibson said.

Woolford said state officials aim to complete the first stage of integration and get momentum going for the next administration while maintaining continuity of care and services for providers and consumers.

David Moore, executive director of behavioral health at Inspira, said he hopes the integration furthers health initiatives already happening and expedites some credential and licensing processes.

We see the power of having collaborative care, he said. When I see combined services, one chart and one plan for each patient, its a more powerful holistic approach.
The ongoing Absecon Island beach fill and dune project has been completed in Ventnor and will move to Longport next week.

Meanwhile, as ponding continues to be an issue following recent rain and water is being pumped to the ocean by the subcontractor, the city of Margate is negotiating a proposal for a permanent solution to drainage issues.

According to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Stephen Rochette, the project in Ventnor was completed Wednesday, Sept. 6, and the inflow pipe on Suffolk Avenue is being dismantled and moved to Longport. The contractor will continue working on dune crossovers.

We are happy to have the pumping finished and moving into the next phase of crossovers, fencing and dune grass, Ventnor Public Works Commissioner Lance Landgraf said Friday afternoon. With the constant news surrounding the storms, we are glad to have the added protection.

Longport engineer Richard Carter said a bulldozer would drag the dredge pipe from its current location at Suffolk Avenue to an area between 29th and Pelham avenues, where it will be located in a fenced-in area and plugged until the dredge is ready to start pumping sand in a few weeks.

Rochette said the dredge BE Lindholm will continue to pump sand in Margate for the next 10 days.

The project will likely stop at Rumson Avenue, and once the pipe is relocated to Longport, Weeks Marine will pump a pad area there and work north through Longport and the southern part of Margate until it meets up with the finished dune in Margate.

Although Hurricane Irma, which was headed to Florida on Friday, was not expected to cause many problems in New Jersey, rough seas could delay the project.

My estimate is that sand will not be in Longport until the first week of October and, most probably, later due to weather, Carter said. Once the operation in Margate is completed, the pipe will be flipped and work started toward 11th Avenue.

The Margate Board of Commissioners met in executive session at the end of its meeting Thursday, Sept. 7, to discuss a proposal by the state Department of Environmental Protection to solve the citys drainage problem.

According to city attorney John Scott Abbott, a settlement proposal is on the table but is being tweaked.

It will address the drainage, how to fix it and whos going to pay for it, he said. Its not resolved yet, but were getting there. They realize this is an ongoing issue created by the project.

For the past 75 years, Margate has resolved drainage problems fairly easily by digging trenches that allow standing water to flow to the ocean, but that is no longer possible with the dune wall, he said.

The settlement will involve installation of a pipe system.

"Other towns have had them for years," he said.

Meanwhile, the city has continued to experience ponding behind the dune in areas where the dune project is active. The beach block of Nassau Avenue flooded following rain Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Rochette said a temporary outfall has yet to be installed at that location because the beachfill project is active.

Margate received 2.05 inches of rain Sept. 2 and 2.33 inches Wednesday, Sept. 6, Rochette said.

Our team plans to install a temporary outfall at Nassaus low point next week after Weeks Marine advances south of this location, Rochette wrote in an email. In addition, we dug a temporary trench to connect this area to the temporary outfall pipe at Lancaster Avenue.

In a Facebook post Thursday, Essex Avenue resident Patti Deroo said storm water collected around the sump pipe installed behind the dune at Douglas Avenue and that the water was not draining.

Rochette said at this time there are no dedicated pumps for any of the sump areas.

Currently, our subcontractor moves pumps to the different sump areas after a rain event. Dedicated automated pumps for every sump point north of Iroquois Avenue are being added, he said.

Rochette confirmed the Army Corps is working with the DEP's Bureau of Coastal Engineering and the city on a long-term stormwater management solution.

Margate Administrator Richard Deaney said discussions are being held daily.

Considerable progress has been made and the concept drainage plans are being modified daily, but as yet a final agreement is not in place, Deaney reported Thursday.

The two courts involved in ongoing litigation will hold status conferences this month, he said.

U.S. District Court Judge Renee Bumb will hold a status conference to ensure the parties are working together on a solution in good faith Sept. 15, and Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez has a conference set for Sept. 25, Deaney said.

Although the city did not win its bid for a temporary injunction to stop the project, the court appears committed to seeing drainage problems resolved, Deaney said.
Gov. Chris Christie last month signed into law a bill making it easier to keep the waters around docks and marinas deep enough to float the boats.

Previously, dredging anywhere  even in a boat slip  required a permit showing the work met Department of Environmental Protection shellfish habitat rules. Were for protecting shellfish habitat, but not at the expense of letting marinas, docks and boat ramps become dysfunctional.

The new law continues a trend of finding ways to restore the Jersey Shores vibrant marine economy.

Until a couple of years ago, dredging couldnt be done in the offseason in order to protect spawning winter flounder (smaller relatives of the fluke so popular with summer fishers). Since boats and people are in the way during the tourism season, the ban took away the best five months to get dredging done.

Then, after encouragement from commercial fishing firms and marinas, Rutgers University researchers looked into winter flounder and found they dont spawn in the waters of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The ban was lifted there in 2015.

The state also has been exploring a promising solution to the biggest impediment to keeping waters navigable  what to do with the dredged material. Increasingly large test areas of coastal marsh are being sprayed with dredge materials (tested for suitability first). This also helps offset the sinking and erosion of the marshes, so it supports wildlife too.

Weve urged state help for the shore boating community for many years. In 2014, we said, Its time for coastal lawmakers to make a united effort to seek a long-term solution and to be advocates for maintaining our valuable waterways.

Whether in response or not, the late Sen. Jim Whelan stepped up. He introduced the bill easing the shellfish rules for marinas and other water-dependent uses last year.

In January, after announcing he wouldnt seek re-election, he told our editorial board that one of his priorities this year would be to help restore the shores boating culture.

The following month the dredging bill passed the Senate 36-0. The Assembly unanimously approved it in June. Every state legislator in the 1st and 2nd Districts co-sponsored the bill.

Christie signed it into law Aug. 7, two weeks before a heart attack claimed Whelans life as he prepared to represent the region again in a national television interview.

Making it easier to get approvals and dredge is a small thing compared to the major accomplishments of his 35-year public service career. But its a big thing each summer to hundreds of businesses and thousands of residents and visitors.

We hope other public servants step up and focus as intently on getting done what needs to be done.
More than five years after he went to prison for corruption, disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is speaking out for the first time since beginning his sentence.

Four other stories you should see are suspended sheriff's deputy faces attempted murder charge, Macon accident claims life, new candidate for 101st House and Muffley School honors Patriot Day, grandparents.

Blagojevich speaks out from prison

Federal inmate 40892-424 has his voice back.

Details of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's first prison interview were published online late Monday by Chicago magazine and will appear in its October issue, done in a series of phone calls and emails over the summer with writer David Bernstein.

The interviews paint a picture of a former governor who remains unrepentant and unbowed, if bruised, as he serves his 14-year-sentence in Colorado.

Former H&R staffer dies after crash

The Sangamon County Coroner's Office confirmed that Phil Jacobs Sr. of Pana, a former Herald & Review staffer, died Tuesday after he was hospitalized following a collision last Monday.

Coroner Cinda Edwards said Jacobs, 80, was pronounced dead at 2:02 a.m. at Springfield's Memorial Medical Center. His death was related to injuries he suffered in the accident, Edwards said, and there will not be an autopsy.

Sheriff's deputy facing attempted murder charge

The Macon County Sheriff's deputy arrested after an armed stand-off at his Rosamond home is now facing a preliminary charge of the attempted murder of his wife.

The Macon County Sheriff's Office said Markes Rodgers has been placed on unpaid suspension. He was still being held in the Christian County Jail in Taylorville on Tuesday in lieu of $500,000 bond.

Piatt County chairman to run for 101st House seat

Though he loves his home in Monticello, Piatt County Chairman Randy Keith said he is ready to head to Springfield to represent his community and other parts of Central Illinois.

Keith, surrounded by dozens of friends and family outside the Piatt County Courthouse in Monticello on Tuesday afternoon, became the latest Republican seeking the soon-to-be vacant seat in the 101st House District.

Muffley School honors Patriot Day, grandparents
DECATUR  Phil Jacobs Sr.'s license plate read AP News.

That puzzled Kelly Huff at first.

The first time I saw him, and it, here comes this guy walking up the steps, and I thought, 'What's AP news doing here?' said Huff, former chief photographer for the Herald & Review, referring to The Associated Press news service. He was a wealth of knowledge of photography and life. He never met a stranger, and he'd go out of his way for his friends.

Jacobs died in the early hours of Tuesday as the result of injuries in a car crash on Labor Day, Sept. 4, at the intersection of West Andrews and U.S. 51 in Macon. He was 80. His wife, Norma Jean, was also injured in the accident and is recovering.

Jacobs' son, Phil Jr., said the family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support they're receiving.

I even had a call from New York this morning, he said. A childhood friend remembers how Dad and I had come there (when her mother died 24 years ago) and how important it was to her. It was a special moment in her life that helped her cope. Something that was so touching to me that it's still a key thing she thinks about when she thinks of her mother, that stands out, that Dad was there and comforting her.

As a writer and a newsman, the elder Jacobs had a dream fulfilled last month when a letter he wrote was published in The New Yorker magazine, his son said, and that was a proud moment for him.

People are reaching out from all over the country right now with stories about how Dad was just a friend to everybody, he said. He never knew an enemy. He wrote a love note to his wife every morning.

Though Jacobs Sr. had a keen nose for news and worked as a writer and photographer for the H&R, he did not work for The Associated Press, as Huff later learned. Jacobs simply admired the news service and the news business. He often wrote Prairie Talk columns for the H&R prior to his employments as a part-time writer and photographer, and continued to provide the occasional travel or human-interest piece even after his retirement in 2005.

Huff remembers him mostly as the kind of staunch friend you could count on in a crisis.

A perfect example is when my son Jacob had a brain tumor, he and Norma Jean were there for us," Huff said. I will cherish their friendship forever because of that and other things.

Huff's son recovered and is doing well now and living in Georgia, where the family relocated several years ago.

Jacobs not only had an abiding interest in writing and photography, he was alert to any possibility of getting the story or the photo. In 1995, when 3-year-old Sara Kramer was missing and the subject of a far-ranging search, Jacobs was driving past Wyckles Road bridge and saw activity. He wasn't working that day, but he had his camera with him, and he stopped and captured the first news photo of the discovery of the child's body. A fisherman found her and alerted authorities.

Jan Touney, a former Herald & Review associate editor who left the paper in 2003 to become the managing editor of the Quad-City Times, said Jacobs was kind and very smart about good questions to ask sources, a skill he gained through his private investigator background.

"There were so many dimensions to Phil  his love of capturing people and places through words and photos, his love for his beautiful spot on the lake in Pana, but most of all his love for his sweetheart, Norma Jean," she said. "The two of them exemplified love like few couples Ive known."

Touney said Jacobs had kept in touch and just a few weeks ago had written to tell her about the letter in The New Yorker and a subsequent reply he had received. In June, he wrote her a note recalling their work together at the Herald & Review and, as he put it, the time that the computer liked my story so well that it ate it and I had to rewrite it.

"In true Phil Jacobs form, he didnt pout and start cursing at the computer. He sat down and re-created the story," she said. "A true gentleman and someone I feel privileged to have called my friend."

Mike Frazier of Shelbyville worked at the H&R as a reporter before leaving for law school.

He was always kind and encouraging to me as a cub reporter, Frazier said.  I learned to give better interviews listening to his (private investigator) stories. He also took time to share his love of photography. I rode shotgun with him to several breaking stories. He could get there very quickly, sometimes before the police arrived.

Jacobs had worked as a private investigator for years before retirement, but his love of the news and photography led him to his post-retirement job at the H&R. When he eventually retired from that, too, he and his bride, as he often called his wife, spent time at their home in rural Pana, eating out, and doting on their family.

It's just a horrible loss. Phil was such a great guy, said Theresa Churchill, a retired Herald & Review staff writer and friend of Jacobs. I have always had an interest in photography, and he's the one who recommended the first SLR camera I bought. He gave me so much good advice. He was the kind of friend you could go to for help and confide something in him and know it wouldn't go anywhere else.

She remembers filling out paperwork to request photos of her assignments and turning it in to the photo department while Jacobs was on duty. He was always pleased to see it, and he wasn't pretending. He really did love his work.

I'm not sure he actually rubbed his hands together, she recalled with a chuckle, but he'd always say, 'Oh, good, more job security.'
DECATUR  Macon County Sheriff Thomas Schneider in May quietly submitted a letter designating philanthropist and businessman Howard Buffett as successor if he were to die before his term ends. The Herald & Review obtained the document Wednesday.

Schneider announced in April that he would not seek another term in office, and three lieutenants in his office are vying for the seat in the November 2018 election. In the letter, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, Schneider said he did not want to give an unfair advantage to any of the candidates. He said he chose Buffett because they have worked closely together over the past five years, and Buffett has volunteered first as an auxiliary deputy and then as undersheriff since 2014.

"He has no desire to run for Sheriff and works well with all of my staff, therefore he would be able to maintain the office in the same manner that I would during the election process," Schneider wrote in the May 24 document, which he submitted to Macon County Clerk Steve Bean.

Reached Wednesday morning, Schneider said he stood by the letter.

I was going through a surgery at the time, and I wanted to make sure my department was taken care of, he said.

He declined any further comment about his future. A spokeswoman from the Buffett Foundation declined comment.

The three lieutenants who have announced they will seek the office are Lt. Tony Brown, who joined the department in 1990; Lt. Jonathan Butts, who joined the department in 1989; and Lt. Jim Root, who has served in the department since 1996. Brown and Butts are running as Democrats; Root is a Republican.

The son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, 62-year-old Howard Buffett has volunteered for the sheriff's office since 2012. Buffett has also given millions of dollars to law enforcement, social services and other Decatur-area causes over the past few years through his private foundation, which focuses its work on global hunger and wildlife conservation.

Among Buffett's donations are hundreds of thousands of dollars for the sheriffs office. In 2014, the foundation gave grants totaling $1.2 million over four years that funded the positions of a drug interdiction agent and related equipment, a DUI enforcement officer and related equipment, and an elder victims crime unit investigator and equipment. Most recently, in May, Buffett donated more than $350,000 for firearms, training ammunition and police vehicles.

In October, Buffett's foundation donated $15 million to construct a law enforcement training center at U.S. Business 51 and West Grove Road on the city's south side.

Buffett has volunteered for the office since 2012, when he became an auxiliary deputy. In 2014, he was appointed civilian undersheriff, an unpaid position in charge of special projects. In April, the Illinois Sheriffs Association presented Buffett with what it said was its highest honor: the High Sheriff Award, given out only four times before.

The association said Buffett had logged more than 2,500 hours of patrol, completed more than 600 hours of certified training and had more than 70 weapons qualifications.

Howard is the most committed volunteer we have ever had serve in our office, Schneider said at the time. He always goes above and beyond the requirements when it comes to service hours, training and qualifications. He has consistently been a vocal advocate for public safety in our community and many others across the United States, to say nothing of the incredible financial commitments he has made in support of local law enforcement.

Buffett said at the time that working in impoverished nations has given him appreciation for law enforcement's role in creating peaceful, thriving communities.

I have so much respect for the individuals who dedicate their careers to serve in law enforcement, he said. They have taught me a lot about the key law enforcement challenges facing this country, and I am incredibly honored by this recognition.

A Democrat, Schneider was approved by the Macon County Board to replace Jerry Dawson, who resigned as sheriff Aug. 31, 2008. Schneider won the office in his own right in 2010, an election in which he won two-thirds of the vote. He was unopposed for re-election in 2014.

Schneider began working for the sheriffs office in 1988. In his nearly three decades of law enforcement, Schneider has served as a correctional officer but also has worked as a deputy sheriff, detective, patrol division sergeant and lieutenant, jail warden and chief deputy before becoming sheriff and winning his 2010 election

It was the first countywide election for Schneider, who served as alderman in the city of Macon from 2002 to 2008. As he noted at the time: "I've worked every position in this department and every shift.

In the event that Schneider were to step down before his term ends, state policy allows the sheriff to name a successor, said Macon County States Attorney Jay Scott. The county board would then have 60 days to appoint an interim sheriff, who would serve out the rest of the term.

(The board) can accept who the sheriff named, or they can appoint someone else, Scott said. The whole idea is so that were never without a sheriff.
LONDON, September 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Food and Feeds Wholesalers Ltd, trading as Kapani, is expanding its poultry operations and developing a global standard processing unit.

AgDevCo, a social impact agribusiness investor, announces a $1.8m, seven-year debt investment into a Malawian poultry operator.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151215/295904LOGO )



Kapani is expanding its poultry production and processing capacity to meet growing customer demand for quality meat products. The company will expand its cold chain infrastructure and build a modern processing unit. Kapani will also establish a buying programme from local farmers, providing training and a reliable market.

The outreach programme will work with up to 1,000 small-scale chicken producers under contract. Kapani will buy and process the chickens and sell them under a new brand targeting the value segment.

Kapani specializes in dressed poultry products for the local market. AgDevCo's investment will help the company expand its market in Malawi and, in the longer term, within the East Africa region.

Leon Swart, the owner of Food and Feeds Wholesalers Ltd, says "the poultry industry [in Malawi] is expanding and this investment gives the small holder farmers the opportunity to enter into the formal and commercial markets and realise the real value for their broilers".

Riz Khan, Business Associate for AgDevCo Malawi, says that "this is a great opportunity to invest alongside Kapani in developing the poultry industry and helping the informal sector grow their businesses".

ABOUT AGDEVCO

AgDevCo is a social impact investor and agribusiness project developer, incorporated as a not-for-profit distribution company in the United Kingdom. With support from UKAid, AgDevCo invests patient capital in the form of debt and equity into early-stage agribusinesses. AgDevCo's mission is to reduce poverty and improve food security, and it has invested over USD 100 million in 53 agribusinesses in sub-Saharan Africa to date, connecting tens of thousands of farmers to markets and generating over 3,200 jobs. For more information, visit http://www.agdevco.com.

For more information:

Jim Henderson

Associate Director

AgDevCo Malawi

jhenderson@agdevco.com

+265-1-794847/857



SOURCE AgDevCo
The report " Air Quality Monitoring Software Market by Application (Indoor and Outdoor), End-User (Industrial, Commercial, Urban Air Quality Monitoring Agencies, and Government Agencies and Research Institutes), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022" , Published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to grow from an estimated USD 387.4 Million in 2017 to a projected USD 544.6 Million by 2022, at a CAGR of 7.05%, from 2017 to 2022. The significant growth in the global market is driven by increasing public awareness of healthcare, the rise in global levels of air pollution, and supportive government regulations for effective air pollution monitoring and control, among others.

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Browse 63 Market Data Tables and 39 Figures spread through 153 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Air Quality Monitoring Software Market- Global Forecast to 2022"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/air-quality-monitoring-software-market-215549803.html

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Indoor application: The largest Air Quality Monitoring Software Market

The Air Quality Monitoring Software Market in this report has been classified, based on application, into indoor and outdoor. The indoor application segment is expected to account for the largest market size, in terms of value, in 2017. The increase in public awareness of healthcare, growing demand for pollution-free indoor environments, and government regulations mandating the regular monitoring of indoor air quality in working premises are some of the factors driving the market for air quality monitoring software.

Download PDF Brochure @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=215549803

The government agencies and research institutes segment is expected to lead the Air Quality Monitoring Software Market, by end-user

The government agencies and research institutes segment is expected to be the fastest growing Air Quality Monitoring Software Market, by end-user, from 2017 to 2022. The large share of this end-user segment can be attributed to the presence of stringent environmental regulations that mandate the adoption of effective air pollution monitoring and control strategies in major industries, rising government investments in effective air quality monitoring and air pollution control systems, and increased installations of AQM stations worldwide. The growing number of AQM stations installations across emerging countries is expected to support the growth of this end-user segment in the coming years. For instance, in February 2016, the Chinese government announced its plan to expand its national air quality monitoring network by doubling the number of air quality monitoring stations in Beijing. Similarly, in May 2016, the Indian government announced its plan to establish air quality monitoring stations to monitor PM2.5 and PM10 levels across 254 major cities in the country.

North America: The leading Air Quality Monitoring Software Market

The North American market is expected to lead the Air Quality Monitoring Software Market during the forecast period. The North American market is mature, with the extensive use of advanced pollution monitoring technologies among key end-users and the presence of well-established distribution channels for the supply of air quality monitoring products. Easy accessibility and the fast adoption of advanced technologies due to significant expenditure by the US and Canadian governments and the presence of government regulations to promote the adoption of air quality monitoring devices by key end-users are the major factors driving market growth in this region.

Make an Inquiry @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=183784537

To provide an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes the profiles of some of the leading players in the Air Quality Monitoring Software Market such as Environnement S.A. (France), Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants Ltd (UK), 3M Company (US), KISTERS AG (Germany), and Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany). The leading players are trying to gain footholds in the markets in developing countries and have been adopting various strategies to increase their market shares.

Browse Related Reports:

Indoor Air Quality Monitor Market by Product (Fixed, and Portable Indoor Monitor), Pollutant Type (Chemical, Physical, and Biological), End-User Application (Government Buildings, Industrial, Commercial, Residential) - Global Forecast to 2022

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/indoor-air-quality-monitor-market-109800608.html

Air Quality Monitoring Market by Product (Fixed Gas, Portable, Dust & Particulate Monitor, AQM Station), Pollutant (Chemical, Physical, Biological), End User (Government, Commercial & Residential, Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical) - Forecast to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/air-quality-monitoring-equipment-market-183784537.html

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-- Innovative Mercury Production Process Allows On-Demand Fulfillment of Customer Orders

-- New Luxembourg Facility to Begin Production in 2019

Advancing its connected-business model, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today announced plans to create a new facility in Luxembourg that utilizes an innovative production process to meet growing customer and consumer demand for premium tires.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/554360/Goodyear.jpg )



Named Mercury, the proprietary process features highly-automated, interconnected workstations, using additive manufacturing technologies to efficiently produce premium tires in small-batch quantities on-demand for replacement and original equipment customers.

Goodyear Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Richard J. Kramer announced Mercury and the company's plans at the groundbreaking event for the facility here.

"Mercury addresses the increasing complexity in the tire industry as the number of vehicle models and options available to consumers continues to proliferate," said Kramer. "It gives us the capability to increase our speed and flexibility to meet the growing demand for small volumes of high-margin, premium Goodyear tires and to deliver them to customers on demand, faster than ever."

"Mercury will advance our connected business model, which aligns all of our assets - from the production floor to consumers who choose Goodyear online and at retail," he added. "It will complement our existing high-volume facilities and give us a true competitive advantage."

The new facility, set to open in 2019, is in close proximity to Goodyear's Luxembourg innovation center and a tire proving grounds. The company is investing $77 million in the facility, which will produce approximately 500,000 tires annually and create approximately 70 new, full-time positions.

The technology used in the Mercury production process was developed and tested over the past five years at Goodyear's innovation and development centers. The name Mercury is a reference to the mythical god of trade and travel, which inspired the creation of Goodyear's winged foot logo by company founder Frank A. Seiberling.

About Goodyear

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 65,000 people and manufactures its products in 47 facilities in 21 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to http://www.goodyear.com/corporate .

Contact Information

Malachy Tuohy

Corporate Communications Manager EMEA

Goodyear Dunlop Tires Operations S.A.

Telephone: +32-2-711-51-14

eMail: malachy_tuohy@goodyear.com

SOURCE Goodyear
DARMSTADT, Germany, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Sizes range from 50-liter to 2,000-liter manufacturing scale

Industry-leading design offers flexibility, scalability and ease-of-use

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/554217/Merck_Single_Use_Bioreactor.jpg

Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced that Celonic AG, a Swiss contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), is upgrading its manufacturing facility with five of Merck's Mobius single-use bioreactors.

Celonic, which produces biosimilars and also offers a cell line development platform, will add 50-, 200- and 2,000-liter bioreactors to its development and manufacturing facility in Basel, Switzerland. The upgrade will expand Celonic's upstream capabilities, improving flexibility and scalability.

"Our extensive portfolio of single-use technologies allows us to support CDMO customers like Celonic as they adopt new technologies and expand their capabilities," said Andrew Bulpin, Head of the Process Solutions business unit, Life Science at Merck. "Our new Mobius single-use bioreactors will help Celonic streamline its processes and expand its capacity to better serve clients."

"For our biotech customers, each step towards market authorization boosts the valuation of their assets, and that's where Celonic's breadth of services has been instrumental in creating tremendous value for our partners," said Konstantin Matentzoglu, CEO, Celonic. "Merck's Mobius single-use bioreactors offer a flexible, scalable system that addresses our needs and those of our clients. With the addition of the 2,000-liter bioreactor, we are moving a step closer to our objective of serving customers with commercial manufacturing needs."

Single-use, disposable equipment and systems have increased in popularity in the biopharmaceutical industry, as they offer many advantages over conventional stainless steel systems, such as improved batch success rates, less cross-contamination risk, decreased water and waste water requirements, shortened project duration and reduced project costs.

At the same time, biopharmaceutical manufacturers are moving toward end-to-end solutions  from process development and scale-up through to manufacturing for pre-clinical, clinical and commercial supply  as they seek to cut costs while increasing quality and efficiency.

Merck's portfolio of 3- to 2,000-liter Mobius single-use bioreactors delivers greater flexibility and continuity for scale-up, reducing the need for retraining operators. These are some of the multiple reasons that CDMOs such as Celonic have become early adopters of Merck's technologies.

Merck is a premier supplier of process development and clinical-stage manufacturing solutions, materials and services needed for the production of biopharmaceutical drugs. The company is committed to delivering superior bioreactor technology to manufacturers, several of which are already collaborating with the company in that space in North America, Europe and Asia.

About Celonic

Celonic AG is a privately owned CDMO based in Basel, Switzerland. Celonic offers include comprehensive GMP development and manufacturing services for New Biological Entities (NBEs) and Biosimilars worldwide. Applying empathy, efficiency and excellence, Celonic goes one step beyond expectations in all business aspects in order to help its clients attain their goals more efficiently and reliably. Celonic's services include the development of cell lines, production processes, as well as the GMP and non-GMP manufacturing of biopharmaceutical drug substances. In addition, Celonic licenses its proprietary CHOvolution cell line technology to clients, drug developer and service provider. Visit www.celonic.com to learn more.

All Merck news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life  from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2016, Merck generated sales of 15 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the "Merck" name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

Related Links

https://www.merckgroup.com



SOURCE Merck
A new scientific report, entitled "Global State of Psoriasis Epidemiology: A Workshop Report," recently published in the British Journal of Dermatology, chronicles the global health challenges in psoriasis epidemiology and highlights the ambitious plan for a web-based Global Psoriasis Atlas (GPA) database that will document the prevalence and incidence of psoriasis worldwide.

This report resulted from a workshop held by the International Psoriasis Council (IPC), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization composed of psoriasis experts from around the world, which examined the current state of psoriasis epidemiology and introduced the vision and development of the GPA. Professor Christopher Griffiths of the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, corresponding and first author of the report, IPC immediate past-president and GPA director, led a panel of key experts who identified the challenges associated with assessing psoriasis epidemiology and described resources (eg, registries, country-specific databases) that can be used to understand trends and patterns of psoriasis epidemiology.

The panel discussed the need to view the overall health burden of psoriasis at the patient level and beyond the level of the skin. In this approach, the increased risk of inflammatory conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression, metabolic syndrome, and liver disease, can be recognized and treated. The structure and development of the GPA were introduced as a rigorous and standardized approach and as a leading resource for estimating the true burden of disease in all countries.

"The data collected by the GPA will demonstrate to health care providers and policymakers around the world that psoriasis is not an inconsequential condition," Griffiths said. "The GPA will be a resource that will help improve treatment and patients' access to care worldwide and to recognize psoriasis as a health care priority."

The IPC has joined with two other global organizations  the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA)  to develop the atlas. The project's first phase, which will begin this year, will be to comprehensively review current psoriasis literature and gather data on psoriasis from as many countries as possible. Once the database is established, the project's second phase will be to establish a core set of rigorous methods for collecting data throughout the world.

Ultimately, the GPA is expected to spur improvement in, and equality of, health care planning for psoriasis in every country.

The article is available online at http://bit.ly/psoriasisatlas.

CONTACT: Christy Langan, CEO, christy.langan@psoriasiscouncil.org

About IPC:

Founded in 2004, the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) is a dermatology-led, voluntary, global nonprofit organization dedicated to innovation across the full spectrum of psoriasis through research, education and patient care.

Global Psoriasis Leadership:

With more than one hundred board members and councilors from thirty countries, IPC embodies the global expertise of multi-specialty psoriasis key opinion leaders. These leaders include representatives from dermatology, basic science, translational research, genetics, epidemiology, cardiology, psychology, international clinical trials, and direct patient care.

Mission:

IPC's mission is to advance the care of people with psoriasis worldwide, through education, research and advocacy.

Learn more about the International Psoriasis Council at www.psoriasiscouncil.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/554452/International_Psoriasis_Council_GPA_Symposium.jpg

SOURCE International Psoriasis Council
NORWOOD, Mass., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the North American travel and tourism industry is calling for donations to the Destination Disaster Recovery Fund to speed the restoration of destinations and the livelihoods they support (www.tourismcares.org/disasterrecovery).

Led by the industry's nonprofit, Tourism Cares, the Fund supports the three regions most affected: the Caribbean, the Texas Gulf Coast and the hardest hit parts of Florida and the Keys. The Fund complements the outpouring of relief aid in three ways: focusing on the recovery of tourism sites and communities; leveraging industry talent and influence; and partnering with local leaders such as the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and the Texas Travel Industry Association.

"This is a time for the entire industry to come together and help the recovery of these destinations and the tourism communities they support," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

The Fund's program strategy will be tailored to local needs, including:

Restoring valuable but vulnerable tourism sites and attractions

Investing in social enterprises so that travel fully benefits those most in need

Skills training and workforce development, especially for those displaced or temporarily out-of-work

Building capacity for tourism and cultural nonprofits

Promoting recovery tourism through marketing and engaging travel industry buyers

"The power of giving and the courage of communities can be greater than the disaster itself," said Mike Rea, CEO of Tourism Cares and an expert in disaster philanthropy. "Tourism is going to play a major role in restoring the places we love, as well as livelihoods and purpose once basic needs are met. The recovery phase is long, hard and usually underfunded  together we can change that to truly have destinations build back better."

Tourism Cares brings leadership and experience to its stewardship of the Fund: a Board of Directors that spans the industry, as well as staff expertise from the Southeast Asia Tsunami, Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, and the 2015 Nepal Recovery Fund.

"Whether or not you do business in Texas, the Caribbean or Florida, it's important to make a donation of any size," said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. "The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters is a great concern to all of us  and they can happen anywhere. We need to be ready and we need to act together."

Associations committed to spreading the word include:

American Bus Association ( Pete Pantuso )

) American Society of Travel Agents ( Zane Kerby )

) Cruise Lines International Association (Cindy D'Aoust)

Destinations International ( Don Welsh )

) Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International ( Bob Gilbert )

) National Association of Career Travel Agents ( Ann Chamberlin )

) National Tour Association ( Pam Inman )

) Skal International USA ( Holly Powers )

( ) Southeast Tourism Society ( Bill Hardman )

) Student & Youth Tourism Association ( Carylann Assante )

) United States Tour Operators Association ( Terry Dale )

) U.S. Travel Association ( Roger Dow )

These associations are coming together for the first time and represent a major share of the North American travel industry  additional association and network partners are most welcome.

Early contributors and champions of the Fund include: NYC & Company, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, ADARA, Amadeus IT Group, AIG Travel, Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort, Globus, MaCher, Jordan Tourism Board North America, Shackman Associates and Robin Tauck. The Fund works in conjunction with partnerships established with the Texas Travel Industry Association and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, adding national support to their critical regional efforts.

Donate to the Fund now and select the region(s) you most wish to help: www.tourismcares.org/disasterrecovery. Contact [email protected] or telephone (781) 821-5990 x. 207 with questions.

About Tourism Cares

Tourism Cares, Inc., a US 501(c)(3) public charity, advances the travel industry's social impact to help people and places thrive. We unite the industry to make a greater impact on shared priorities, as well as helping each company fulfill its giving goals. Our members include leading travel associations and companies. Together we help destinations in need, support our workforce and improve our corporate social responsibility. Learn more at www.TourismCares.org and @TourismCares.

SOURCE Tourism Cares

Related Links

http://www.tourismcares.org


DENVER, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 1st Reverse Mortgage USA, a division of Cherry Creek Mortgage Company, Inc. announced today that Jeff Ausman has been promoted to the post of Director of Business Development, effective immediately.

In his new role, Ausman will be responsible for leading the recruitment and development of traditional forward loan officers to the division's expanding forward business channel 1st Mortgage Solutions USA.

Director of Business Development

Additionally, Ausman will oversee the continued growth and expansion of the 1st Mortgage Outsource Platform developed for banks and credit unions. The outsource platform provides a broad product mix including FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional loans as well as Reverse Mortgages and Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase loans.

"Many times financial institutions struggle to comply with new regulations. 1st Reverse has been serving community banks and credit unions since 2004. We know the challenges small and medium sized local institutions encounter attempting to offer a variety of mortgage products to their customers," said Ausman.

"That's precisely why we developed the 1st Mortgage Outsource Platform.We assist banks and credit unions in meeting the needs of their depositors. It's important for financial institutions to be able to offer private label mortgage programs to satisfy customers and remain competitive and profitable," Ausman said.

"Jeff is a dynamic leader, caring sales professional and team player with a proven sales growth track record for meeting B2B and B2C customer needs," said Dan Harder, Vice President, 1st Reverse Mortgage USA. "His clients trust him, crediting his dedication to customer service for their satisfaction and repeat business. Our whole team respects Jeff for his significant contributions. We congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion."

Media Contact: Dale Jones, [email protected] (303) 854-3047

About

1st Reverse Mortgage USA is a national, full-service mortgage company that provides origination and servicing through retail, wholesale, bank, credit union and correspondent divisions. 1st Reverse Mortgage USA has carved a unique niche in the marketplace by combining the best of traditional mortgage lending with the innovation and expertise of a mortgage bank. The company, a division of Cherry Creek Mortgage Company, Inc. includes over 60 retail branches across the country with over 250 experienced and knowledgeable Mortgage Loan Specialists, ready to serve our clients and their needs.

1st Reverse Mortgage USA and 1st Mortgage Solutions USA offer a diverse set of products including Reverse Mortgages, HECM for Purchase, FHA Loans, VA Loans, USDA Loans and Conventional Loans. The company has direct endorsement authority from HUD, Fannie Mae (FNMA), Ginnie Mae (GNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC). Visit www.1stmortgage.com or call (877) 217-0166.

SOURCE 1st Reverse Mortgage USA

Related Links

http://www.1stmortgage.com


TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With praise for the usability of its many unique family-friendly features, the 2018 Honda Odyssey received a 2017 Wards 10 Best UX Award from the experts at WardsAuto. Tom Murphy, Senior Editor at WardsAuto, highlighted such features as the multi-configurable Magic Slide 2nd-Row Seats, HondaVAC, CabinTalk and CabinWatch, saying the Odyssey has "enough family-friendly features to lure away shoppers who were considering a utility vehicle instead." Started in 2016, the Wards 10 Best UX awards recognize vehicles that enhance users' lifestyles and make technology easy to utilize. Odyssey has been the best-selling minivan in America for the past seven years and is leading again in 20171. The all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey, designed to keep everyone in the family happy, went on sale on May 24, 2017.
Metro-Denver brewing companies Lone Tree Brewing Company , Lost Highway Brewing Company and 105 West Brewing Company , will receive 330 gallons of direct potable reuse water produced by a mobile advanced water treatment plant in part designed by CH2M in conjunction with Pima County, Arizona, and other participating entities. Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department , will be driving the mobile plant to Denver for a special viewing at CH2M's global headquarters.

"Direct potable reuse is a real solution for stressed water supplies and for future-proofing water resources for resilient cities," said CH2M Reuse Technology Director Larry Schimmoller. "By applying this technology to something our state loves  local craft beer  we're highlighting the positive impacts recycled water can have in communities, and helping build public support for similar initiatives."

Follow the reuse journey

Sept. 7  Reclaimed water from Pima County's Agua Nueva Water Reclamation Facility pumped into treatment trailer to be purified to drinking water standards.

 Reclaimed water from Agua Nueva Water Reclamation Facility pumped into treatment trailer to be purified to drinking water standards. Sept. 7  Six drums (55 gallons/drum) of purified reclaimed water leave Pima County for Colorado .

 Six drums (55 gallons/drum) of purified reclaimed water leave for . Sept. 14  Breweries receive recycled water and can begin brewing process.

 Breweries receive recycled water and can begin brewing process. Sept. 17  Brewing in progress.

 Brewing in progress. Oct. 13  Special batches of recycled craft brews served at CH2M-hosted ReuseFest.

"On average, it takes 60 ounces of water to brew just 12-ounces of beer, something our customers probably don't realize when they reach for that beer bottle. With water under increasing demand, we want to do our part to build a sustainable future, and that's why we excitedly accepted this opportunity with CH2M," said Tina Pachorek, CEO Lost Highway Brewing Company.

In 2015 CH2M was named the Stockholm Industry Award Winner for transforming the practice and perception of wastewater. By pioneering the third step of wastewater treatment, the company challenged the concept of wastewater by showing that just because water has been used it doesn't have to be wasted.

Said Schimmoller, "It's our hope, and the hope of our partner breweries, that when our guests get a taste of these special batches of ReuseFest beer, their perceptions of water reuse will change for the better as they simply enjoy a great tasting beer. We appreciate the breweries donating their time and beer to help raise awareness and acceptance of DPR water."

Learn the water reuse process

The reclaimed water from Pima County's Agua Nueva Water Reclamation Facility will be pumped into a treatment trailer. Once in the trailer, it will be purified using a multi-barrier purification process including ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet disinfection with advanced oxidation, activated carbon filtration and chlorine disinfection to transform recycled community wastewater into pure drinking water.

At ReuseFest on Oct. 13, invited guests will have the opportunity to tour the treatment trailer, hear from CH2M technology leaders and of course, taste the final products at the Oktoberfest-themed educational event. Media are welcomed to attend.

Meet reuse leader, CH2M

For more than 50 years, CH2M has led the industry in potable reuse, in fact, the company won the Stockholm Industry Water Award for pioneering potable reuse and public acceptance. The landmark work CH2M led with Denver Water and Singapore's Public Utilities Board in the 1980s and 1990s paved the way for the direct potable reuse operations being planned and executed today. Today, the company partners with utilities and agencies around the globe at the forefront of water reuse technology advancement.

About CH2M

CH2M leads the professional services industry delivering sustainable solutions benefiting societal, environmental and economic outcomes with the development of infrastructure and industry. In this way, CH2Mers make a positive difference providing consulting, design, engineering and management services for clients needing world-class solutions in environmental; industrial and advanced facilities; transportation; and water markets, from iconic infrastructure to global programs like the Olympic Games.

Ranked among the World's Most Ethical Companies and top firms in environmental consulting and program management, CH2M in 2016 became the first professional services firm honored with the World Environment Center Gold Medal Award for efforts advancing sustainable development. Connect with CH2M at www.ch2m.com; LinkedIn; Twitter; and Facebook.

Contact: Lori Irvine

CH2M, Corporate Marketing and Communications

720-286-3137

[email protected]

SOURCE CH2M

Related Links

http://www.ch2m.com


With the GDPR deadline set for May 25, 2018, many organizations are ill-prepared due to uncertainty about the criteria for compliance. A staggering 37 percent of respondents simply don't know whether or not their organization needs to comply with GDPR, while more than a quarter (28 percent) believe their organization doesn't need to comply at all.

According to the GDPR criteria, any company that stores or processes personal information about EU citizens must demonstrate compliance. Of the respondents who don't believe the law applies to their organization, one in seven (14 percent) collect personal data from EU citizens, while 28 percent of respondents who were unsure about GDPR compliance also collect this type of information. So, not only is there a general lack of awareness about GDPR, but the survey findings also highlight that companies are misinterpreting which types of data constitute a mandate for compliance.

"Once enforcement for this new legislation begins, companies all over the world will feel its impact. Unfortunately, the data shows that an alarming amount of organizations are still unaware or mistaken about the necessity for GDPR compliance, leaving them three steps behind at this stage," said Corey Nachreiner, chief technology officer of WatchGuard. "In the Americas alone, just 16 percent of organizations believe they'll need to comply. With sensitive customer data and noncompliance fines at stake, every company with access to data from European citizens needs to ensure they truly understand GDPR and its ramifications."

Preparedness  or Lack Thereof

While many organizations have been aware of GDPR for some time, just 10 percent of respondents believe their company is currently 100 percent ready for its inception. In another illustration of the lack of clarity and communication around GDPR, 44 percent of respondents stated that they don't actually know how close their organization is to compliance.

Of those who reported that their organization needs to comply with GDPR (35 percent of total respondents), 86 percent believe they currently have a solid compliance strategy in place; with firewalls, VPN and encryption identified as the security measures most likely to be involved in these strategies. But, 51 percent of respondents believe that their organization will need to make significant changes to their IT infrastructure in order to comply. As such, time is running out, and companies are feeling the pressure. Respondents from organizations that are not yet GDPR compliant estimate it will take an average of seven months to complete the requirements. To bridge the gap, nearly half (48 percent) of respondents' organizations are seeking  or might seek  compliance assistance from an outside party.

"Penalties for noncompliance are steep and the deadline is just around the corner," said Nachreiner. "Companies stand to lose four percent of their worldwide revenue if they haven't met all the requirements by next May. The only way to prevent unnecessary fines and frustration is to take a good hard look at the criteria, assemble a GDPR plan of action and begin implementing it immediately."

Delivering strong, enterprise-grade security, WatchGuard's Firebox security appliances with Total Security Suite address 16 of SANS Top 20 Critical Security Controls (v6). These controls provide customers with the type of all-in-one, easy-to-use data security measures needed for GDPR compliance.

On Thursday, September 14 at 8:00am PST, WatchGuard will be hosting a webinar that covers how to get started toward GDPR compliance. Click here to register today. The webinar will also be available on-demand following September 14 via the same link.

For more information and helpful resources, visit the WatchGuard GDPR Resource Center.

About WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.

WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. is a global leader in network security, providing best-in-class Unified Threat Management, Next Generation Firewall, secure Wi-Fi, and network intelligence products and services to more than 75,000 customers worldwide. The company's mission is to make enterprise-grade security accessible to companies of all types and sizes through simplicity, making WatchGuard an ideal solution for Distributed Enterprises and SMBs. WatchGuard is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. To learn more, visit WatchGuard.com.

For additional information, promotions and updates, follow WatchGuard on Twitter, @WatchGuard on Facebook, or on the LinkedIn Company page. Also, visit our InfoSec blog, Secplicity, for real-time information about the latest threats and how to cope with them at www.secplicity.org.

Media Contacts:

Chris Warfield

WatchGuard Technologies

206.876.8380

[email protected]

Anthony Cogswell

Voxus PR

253.444.5980

[email protected]

SOURCE WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.watchguard.com


ATLANTA, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric service to nearly 1 million Georgia Power customers was impacted at the height of Hurricane Irma and, 24 hours later, Georgia Power has restored power to more than 405,000 customers across the state. As of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, approximately 545,000 customers are without power across Georgia. While the company is working around the clock, customers should plan ahead for the potential for extended outages, possibly days or weeks, due to the vast damage from the storm. Regional and statewide restoration estimates will be available as soon as assessment is completed.

Damage assessment following widespread destruction from Hurricane Irma is in progress throughout Georgia and must be completed as an essential step to efficiently and effectively allocate resources. During assessment and restoration, Georgia Power must wait until conditions are safe for crews to begin power restoration and additional heavy rain or high winds may impact efforts. Additional challenges faced following the storm include downed trees, blocked roads and bridges that must be inspected by the state following flooding.

Restoration progress since the beginning of the storm has been largely possible thanks to Georgia's advanced electric grid, which allows the company to reroute and restore power even when weather conditions prevent work in the field, as well as early work of crews. All of Georgia Power's teams are in the field today working to assess damage and restore power.

Damage Update  As of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

There are approximately 545,000 Georgia Power customers currently without power. More than 9,800 cases of individual damage or trouble (including broken poles and lines) the company is working to repair.

(including broken poles and lines) the company is working to repair. Damage and outages are widespread and across the state with the hurricane impacting service to customers around Savannah, Columbus, Metro Atlanta and beyond.

The company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Irma:

Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.

Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees. Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines  it can kill.

Don't step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.

They could be electrified. Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.

They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances. Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road  it's the law in Georgia .

Teams in the Field

When severe weather strikes, Georgia Power has access to additional resources available as part of the Southern Company system, which includes multiple electric and gas companies serving more than 9 million customers nationwide. Additionally, Georgia Power is part of a national mutual assistance network consisting of dozens of utilities from around the country, and the company is able to tap into reinforcements when needed to restore power to Georgia customers following a storm. While the company has contacted and requested aid through the mutual assistance network, resources have been assigned to harder-hit areas in Florida first before travelling to Georgia.

Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Irma for more than a week prior to the storm entering Georgia. To complete restoration as quickly and safely as possible, the company has mobilized approximately, 6,000 personnel from Georgia Power, other Southern Company operating companies and assisting utilities. All of Georgia Power's resources are being held and dedicated to storm restoration efforts in the state following Hurricane Irma and the company continues to work to procure additional resources as they become available.

Tools You Can Use

Outage Alerts  Subscribe to the free Georgia Power Outage Alert service to receive personalized notifications and updates via text message.

Subscribe to the free Georgia Power Outage Alert service to receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Outage & Storm Center  Available at www.georgiapower.com/storm, customers can visit this site to sign up for Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.

Available at www.georgiapower.com/storm, customers can visit this site to sign up for Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938. Outage Map  Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.

Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times. Georgia Power Mobile App  Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.

Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go. @GeorgiaPower on Twitter  Follow @GeorgiaPower on Twitter for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.

Georgia Power Family Services

To help its employees focus on safely restoring power for customers and relieve concerns about their own families, Georgia Power has also activated its Family Services volunteers, who are preparing to deploy to areas impacted by Hurricane Irma in anticipation of employee assistance requests. Family Services is supported by employee volunteers who are not involved with storm restoration.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

SOURCE Georgia Power

Related Links

http://www.georgiapower.com


BOSTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Believing that real estate is not necessary to form a country in our internet-led world today, innovators, pioneers and entrepreneurs Benjamin Poser and Joshua Resnek announce the start of Respvblica.com, the first, credible virtual nation. At first, it will launch as a news and commentary site, offering some of the sharpest writing about issues people truly care about, or should. As it grows in reverence, a nation will be born. Resnek and Poser, and the talented team they are putting together anticipate that Respvblica can ultimately represent tens of millions of citizens around the world.

Poser, who has provided initial funding for Respvblica.com, said, "We look forward to welcoming citizens who believe, as we do, that there really are inherent truths that should govern human behavior and who do not believe that political correctness should restrain the pursuit and expression of those truths."

Resnek, who has owned newspapers and had earned an Emmy, said, "We live in a time when virulent, despotic movements can call themselves 'nations' without physical borders; The Islamic State, for example. We believe it is time that liberty also goes viral. We will start by offering news and commentary that is first and foremost, useful, and certainly truthful and unapologetic. We will transform into a nation that ensures certain privileges for its citizens all around the world who will all share the will to be truthful and unapologetic in asserting their rights to freedom of thought and freedom of speech."

Respvblica is proud to be joined by Keith Ablow, MD, the New York Times best-selling author and psychiatrist who has spent ten years as psychiatry Contributor for the Fox News Network.

Resnek said, "Dr. Ablow has proven, again and again, that he is a friend of autonomy, that he sees through to the truth at core of today's social and political issues and that he is willing to share his incisive commentary in the most courageous way imaginable. Having him provide commentary and direction to Respvblica symbolizes our commitment to building a platform that can then develop into the foundation for a bold, new idea: A virtual nation that lives on the Web, but also lives inside the hearts and minds of women and men, everywhere, who love freedom."

Also coming aboard Respvblica is Juda Engelmayer, a 25-year veteran of public relations and crisis communications, who has and has had among his client, diplomatic and government figures, foreign leaders, recognized business-people, authors, companies, associations and organizations on all sides of the ideological, political and religious spectrums.

Poser said, "Our launching with the help of Juda is, in no small measure, a sign that we intend to grow beyond offering commentary at Respvblica, to offer a new way for people to come together and feel a sense of national identity  of citizenship  in a country with no boundaries. That country can, ultimately, defend its citizens' rights just as vigorously as any other."

About Respvblica:

Respvblica.com, having begun Sept. 12, 2017 as a news and commentary site, will grow into a virtual nation that embraces the core truth in all matters and promotes the rights of our citizens to express their ideas and pursue their goals, without having to yield to cherry-picked news and information, political correctness, or undue intrusions.

CONTACT: JUDA ENGELMAYER

[email protected]

917.733.3561

Related Links

Respvblica

SOURCE Respvblica.com

Related Links

http://Respvblica.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, which ravaged the Caribbean and southeastern United States with significant storm surge flooding, damaging winds and rains, AARP Foundation has created a Hurricane Irma Relief Fund to support the storm victims  especially those age 50 and older. They are joined in this effort by AARP, the Miami Dolphins and owner Stephen Ross. The three organizations will match contributions - dollar for dollar - up to $750,000, with 100 percent of the money raised going directly into the community to support victims of Hurricane Irma.

"I am appreciative of the generosity of the Miami Dolphins organization and owner Stephen Ross for their support of AARP Foundation's Hurricane Irma Relief Fund," said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president, AARP Foundation. "Community service is central to their mission and we value our collaboration in providing hands-on services to communities and families in need through their special teams volunteer program. In times like these, we see communities come together with neighbor helping neighbor."

The Miami Dolphins organization will immediately deploy its Miami Dolphins Special Teams powered by AARP Foundation volunteer program to assist with much needed rebuilding projects in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. This volunteer program was created to enlist, mobilize and support community efforts in times of emergency.

In addition, AARP Foundation, working with the AARP state offices in the southeastern United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands along with relief organizations working in the Caribbean, will direct 100 percent of all funds raised to organizations providing relief and recovery support to disaster victims.

AARP Foundation is currently accepting donations through its secure website, where 100 percent of donors' tax-deductible contributions will be used to help the victims of this disaster.

To donate and learn more about AARP Foundation Hurricane Irma Relief Fund, go to www.aarpfoundation.org/Irma.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.

About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income older adults have nutritious food, affordable, livable and healthy housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem-solving. Supported by vigorous legal advocacy, we create and advance effective solutions that help struggling older adults transform their lives. AARP Foundation is the affiliated charity of AARP. Learn more at aarpfoundation.org.

SOURCE AARP

Related Links

http://www.aarp.org


NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie, a research and development based global biopharmaceutical company, today announced the launch of the 2017 Thriving Student Scholarship contest and the Blogger's Choice Award. These scholarships will each award a total of $25,000 in scholarship funds to three inspiring students with cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Today through October 13, 2017, the public is encouraged to cast a vote online or via text message to help determine who will be named this year's Thriving Undergraduate and Thriving Graduate Students. During this month-long voting period, CF bloggers, selected by AbbVie, will also evaluate these scholars' creative presentations to determine which student will receive the Blogger's Choice Award  an award specially designed to honor the scholarship program's 25th anniversary and to recognize student creativity.

"I was thrilled to learn that I had been named AbbVie's 2016 Thriving Undergraduate Student. It filled me with joy to be recognized this way for all of my hard work," said Grace Knight, 2016 AbbVie CF Scholar and Thriving Undergraduate Student. "The Thriving Student Scholarship significantly eased the stresses that come with pursuing higher education while living with CF, and helped me chase my dream of becoming a lawyer, so I can someday be an advocate for others. I am excited for all of this year's AbbVie CF Scholars, and I wish them all the best as they pursue their dreams and aspirations in the hopes of receiving a Thriving Student Scholarship or the Blogger's Choice Award."

Earlier this year, AbbVie selected 40 undergraduate and graduate students living with CF to each receive a $3,000 AbbVie CF Scholarship for use during the 2017-2018 academic year based on their academic excellence, creativity and community involvement. These AbbVie CF Scholars now have the opportunity to earn the title of 2017 Thriving Undergraduate or Graduate Student, or Blogger's Choice Award recipient, along with an additional $22,000 in scholarship funding.

"25 years ago, students with CF faced immeasurable challenges fulfilling their goals of achieving higher education," said Jim Hynd, vice president, U.S. Specialty Products, AbbVie. "In honor of the 25th anniversary of AbbVie's CF Scholarship Program, AbbVie is proud to reflect on the accomplishments of this community and the advancements in modern medicine that have made it possible for students with CF to achieve their dreams, both in and out of the classroom."

The Thriving Undergraduate and Graduate Students will be determined based on a combination of their academics, achievements, essay and creative presentation scores, as well as the number of public votes cast. The Blogger's Choice Award recipient will be determined based on the student (who is not already receiving a Thriving Student Scholarship) whose creative presentation receives the highest cumulative score from the designated CF bloggers. AbbVie will announce the Blogger's Choice Award recipient, and the 2017 Thriving Undergraduate and Graduate Students in November.

The public is encouraged to visit the AbbVie CF Scholarship website, www.AbbVieCFScholarship.com, to view the inspiring accomplishments of this year's AbbVie CF Scholars, and cast a vote for an inspiring student. Votes can be cast on the AbbVie CF Scholarship website or via text message by texting the student's personalized ID code to "23000." During the voting period, the public can show their support for the AbbVie CF Scholars by tweeting the link below.

Click to Tweet: It's the 25th anniversary of the #AbbVieCF Scholarship! Cast your vote to support students with #cysticfibrosis http://bit.ly/TnPPq1

About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of those living with this condition.1 In patients with CF, a thick, sticky mucus is produced in certain organs throughout the body, most commonly the lungs and digestive system. The mucus build-up in the lungs can cause difficulty breathing and may lead to life-threatening lung infections. In the digestive system, the thick mucus may prevent proper food digestion, potentially leading to malabsorption and malnutrition.

About the AbbVie CF Scholarship

The AbbVie CF Scholarship was established 25 years ago in recognition of the financial burdens many families touched by CF face and to acknowledge the achievements of students with CF. Since its inception, the scholarship program has awarded nearly $3 million in scholarships to approximately 1,000 students. The AbbVie CF Scholarship is part of AbbVie's ongoing commitment to the CF community, which is comprised of more than 30,000 children and adults in the United States. As of 2013, nearly half of the CF population are 18 years or older.1

It is not necessary for scholarship applicants to have taken, currently take, or intend to take in the future, any medicine or product marketed by AbbVie, and this is not a consideration in the selection criteria. More information about the AbbVie CF Scholarship criteria and application can be found at www.AbbVieCFScholarship.com.

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global, research-driven biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and critical conditions. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to markedly improve treatments across four primary therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience. In more than 75 countries, AbbVie employees are working every day to advance health solutions for people around the world. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @AbbVieUS on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.

1. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.About Cystic Fibrosis. Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Available at: https://www.cff.org/What-is-CF/Diagnosed-with-Cystic-Fibrosis/. AccessedSeptember 2017.

SOURCE AbbVie

Related Links

http://www.abbvie.com


Sen. Dianne Feinstein recently made it clear she is an anti-religious bigot who does not think someone who is a devout Roman Catholic ought to be a federal court judge. Just maybe, leftist extremists should not be senators.

Feinstein, to be sure, does not always fit snugly into the leftist camp, but there are leftist warps in the Californians thinking. Such was obvious in a congressional hearing evaluating the credentials of Amy Barrett, a Notre Dame law professor nominated for the judgeship by President Donald Trump. Feinstein is opposed to her, fearing that, as a judge, she would adhere to tenets of her faith that contradict laws.

The evidence? As a Wall Street Journal editorial and other sources point out, it was a document showing she would do no such thing.

As a law clerk, Barrett and a co-author wrote an article about judges facing situations in which their religious conscience would not permit them to do what the law requires. The answer, the two said, was for the judges to recuse themselves. But Barrett has also made it clear she is truly of the faith, and Feinstein can just not abide this. Deeply religious people are given to insistence on dogmas that are counter to what large numbers have fought to achieve for years, she said.

One thing that strikes me most immediately about this kind of talk, echoed by other Democratic senators at the hearing, is that that all kinds of secular moral convictions are held just as strongly as religious moral beliefs. Do they have a greater claim to veracity? No. A greater claim to goodness? No.

Often doing more damage than good, not a few on the left see liberty-shrinking coercion as a suitable means of getting to utopian imaginings. Then theres utilitarian quantification to make the most people happy when it often does no such thing while rejecting fundamental principles.

The truth is that, in this peculiar age in which we live, it is socially impermissible in the minds of the politically correct to be even undetectably offensive to just about any group but white males and Christians. Especially when the topic of Catholicism comes up, get ready for someone like comedian Bill Maher seeking laughs by hatefully treating an ages-old, life-enriching faith standing for love as something smaller than he is.

People in public office should be guided by moral understandings along with detailed knowledge and, one can hope, wisdom. But we obviously do not want those moral convictions serving as a substitute for rule of law. We do not want, for instance, what we often get: liberal justices on the Supreme Court inventing new constitutional meanings. At the same time, it is contrary to just about everything this country stands for to have some kind of religious test for public office, including when the test is itself devised in accordance with secular dogmas.

At a time when religion is under assault by the so-called New Atheists and the number of churchgoers is dwindling, it might also be appropriate to point out that the Judeo-Christian tradition is what more than anything gave the West justice, liberty, the underlying morality of even many atheists, a sense of community, the maintenance of civilization and the establishment of universities.

Horrible things have been done in the name of the faith just as they have been done in the name of just about any other institution you can name, but that does not mean prejudices should be left standing.

I am not a Catholic, was raised a Protestant and can in fact recall bumping into anti-Catholic bigotry when I was a teenager and John F. Kennedy was running for president. I actually heard family friends rant about Catholics hiding guns in the basements of churches to help them take over the country, something that even then struck me as absurd. Kennedy, a Catholic, got elected despite all that. I am hoping Amy Barrett gets to be a federal judge.
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Collectors Association of Texas announced today that it established a Disaster Relief Fund to support victims of Hurricane Harvey who are enduring unprecedented hardship and tragedy stemming from the impact of the storm.

As stories and news continue to document the generosity and goodwill of how people in Texas and throughout the United States are supporting those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, ACA of Texas is banding together as a community and doing its part to help those in need.

"The financial costs of responding to the broad impact of the crisis are only just now beginning to be quantified and, as members of the credit and collection industry, we are committed to helping our local communities and doing our part to support those impacted by the storm," said Tom Morgan, executive director of ACA of Texas.

A generous benefactor of ACA of Texas has pledged a dollar-for-dollar matching gift for up to $100,000 in contributions from donors who help this cause.

Contributions to the ACA of Texas Disaster Relief Fund will be used to directly support families and individuals working in the credit and collection industry who have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The Disaster Relief Fund contribution site may be accessed here.

ACA of Texas is a state unit of ACA International (www.acainternational.org), the comprehensive, knowledge-based resource for the credit and collection industry. Founded in 1939, ACA brings together third-party collection agencies, law firms, asset buying companies, creditors and vendor affiliates, representing tens of thousands of industry professionals. ACA supports members through state and federal advocacy, training and resources.

Contact: Tom Morgan

Tel. (512) 458-8666 or [email protected]

SOURCE ACA International

Related Links

http://www.acainternational.org


BOSTON, Sept.13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Acumatica, the world's fastest-growing cloud ERP company, today announced Acumatica 2017 R2, packed with features and performance upgrades including a major redesign of the high-productivity User Interface, to help drive fast-growth companies forward in a wide range of sectors and industries. The new product will be featured in a roadshow as Acumatica and its partners visit Orlando, FL, Columbus, OH, Dallas, TX, Anaheim, CA, Bellevue, WA, and finally Chicago, IL. Full Cloud-to-Cloud integration with Smartsheet and Adobe Document Cloud are among the many new features included in Acumatica 2017 R2.

"Our existing customers and midmarket companies just learning about Acumatica will really appreciate the advances in our product," said Jon Roskill, CEO, Acumatica. "The productivity focus of Acumatica 2017 R2 includes time-saving developments to customer relationship management, finance, accounting, distribution and field services. Project Accounting in particular has received a great deal of engineering attention."

A new, more flexible and personalized user interface is a centerpiece of Acumatica 2017 R2. In addition to workspaces that supplement the traditional suites and modules, navigation can also be tailored for preferred processes and individual tendencies. Users now have greater control of personalized dashboards, with the ability to create role-defined views from preconfigured templates.

Continuing in its quest to bring customers a connected cloud environment, Acumatica has further enhanced its REST APIs and announced the availability of Open API 2.0 specification (formerly known as Swagger Specification) for Acumatica Contract Based APIs. This speeds both integration and data exchange with external applications  examples announced in Boston include Adobe Sign for eSignature, and Smartsheet for project management and visual scheduling.

"The integration between Smartsheet and Acumatica's cloud-based ERP software will enable customers to synchronize project and schedule data between systems, improving collaboration while ensuring information in both systems is always up to date." said Smartsheet Senior VP Gene Farrell. "This integration extends the power of Smartsheet to help customers execute faster, make better decisions, and automate work processes."

"The enterprise relies on Adobe Sign to save time and reduce unnecessary paperwork with e-signatures," said Mark Grilli, VP of product marketing, Adobe. "We look forward to partnering with Acumatica to deliver modern, secure, and simple e-signature experiences wherever our customers are."

A few of the other technology advances in Acumatica 2017 R2 include GPS location framework for mobile implementation, external applications that can track data changes through push notifications sent by Acumatica ERP, and localization of the Acumatica Self-Service Portal in multiple languages.

The Acumatica 2017 R2 launch will be held today in Boston for customers, partners and industry analysts. Visit https://www.acumatica.com/2017-r2 for more details. R2 product enhancements available October 3.

The annual Acumatica Summit 2018 will be held January 28 through February 2 next year.

About Acumatica

Acumatica provides cloud-based business management software that enables small and mid-size companies to accelerate their businesses. Built on cloud and mobile technology and a unique customer-centric licensing model, Acumatica delivers a suite of fully integrated business management applications, such as Financials, Distribution, CRM, and Project Accounting, on a robust and flexible platform. For more information, visit www.acumatica.com.

SOURCE Acumatica

Related Links

http://www.acumatica.com


BETTENDORF, Iowa, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aerialink LLC, a leading provider of cloud communications solutions, today announces a white label edition of Aerialink Conversations. Conversations is a SaaS application for enterprises, service providers, Telecoms, and Responsible Organizations seeking to offer valuable conversational texting to their customers. It interfaces with the Aerialink Cloud Communications Platform via a powerful API for global SMS & MMS message delivery, and support of business landline text-enablement.

"Our white label edition is an end-to-end solution that allows our partners to offer a proven and rapidly deployable texting solution to their client base," said Chris Currie, Founder and President of the Aerialink. "It enables them to create new revenue streams and to claim a share of the untapped business-to-customer texting market."

The Conversations White Label Edition is structured with a multi-level management hierarchy that gives partners control over setup and administration of their own customer accounts. The application can be easily branded with a custom logo, website domain, and user interface color theme. The administration interface is flexible, powerful and easy to use.

EDMC (Education Management Corporation), which serves approximately 65,000 students, recently deployed Conversations for admissions-to-student messaging.

Carolyn Ross, EDMC's Contact Center Manager, commented, "We are very pleased with the Conversations white label solution, whose flexibility has allowed us to easily set up individual campuses for text messaging. The Aerialink account team has been extremely helpful and knowledgeable about their solution and the use of SMS texting to enhance the way we communicate with our students."

Aerialink's mission is to bring about exciting change in conversational texting by offering innovative, enterprise-class solutions that make it easy for businesses to deploy.

About Aerialink

Aerialink LLC provides a robust cloud communications platform enabling global delivery of SMS, and MMS messaging. From small to large enterprises, businesses rely on Aerialink for fast and reliable message delivery to any of our supported 1,200 mobile networks in 220 countries. Aerialink serves as a trusted advisor to customers, leveraging industry knowledge in communications best practices, assisting in service selection and implementation, and delivering superior technical support.

Aerialink, a subsidiary of CSF Corporation, was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in the U.S. For further information, visit http://www.aerialink.com.

SOURCE Aerialink

Related Links

http://www.aerialink.com


"As we strive to bring people together to build a better world, we at Anheuser-Busch are dedicated to reducing our carbon emissions," said Joao Castro Neves, president and CEO of Anheuser-Busch. "Helping to grow the renewable energy market is not only good for the environment, it is a strategic business move as we strive for long-term sustainability. Now more than ever, we are excited to lead our company's global effort toward a renewable future and, partnering with Enel, set an industry example of how major companies can help to make a difference in climate change."

"We are thrilled to partner with Anheuser-Busch, a company, which like the Enel Group, is taking great strides to help tackle some of the world's greatest challenges," said Antonio Cammisecra, CEO of Enel Green Power. "Power Purchase Agreements are an attractive model that provide not only an avenue for growth, but also revenue certainty through stable pricing. This agreement is another important milestone for our company in the U.S. and globally, once again underscoring Enel Green Power's position as the partner of choice for corporate customers, as we help them achieve their sustainability targets by providing customized renewable energy solutions, leveraging our industry-leading cost model and technology expertise."

Through a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA),1 EGP will sell to Anheuser-Busch the electricity output delivered to the grid by a 152.5 MW portion of the Thunder Ranch wind farm, substantially boosting the beer company's acquisition of renewable energy. This output is expected to amount to approximately 610 GWh of renewable energy each year, enough renewable electricity to produce more than 20 billion 12 oz. servings of beer annually. At the same time, this renewable energy output will be capable of meeting up to 50 percent of Anheuser-Busch's total annual purchased electricity, a substantial increase on the less than 2 percent currently generated by 7.5 MW of solar and wind facilities installed on-site at its major U.S. operations.

The energy generated by the Thunder Ranch facility under the PPA is enough to power 50,000 U.S. households and is expected to reduce emissions by more than 400,000 tonnes of CO 2 each year, equivalent to taking more than 85,000 U.S. vehicles off the road every year.

The Thunder Ranch wind farm, located in Garfield, Kay and Noble counties, Oklahoma, is comprised of two phases that total 298 MW of capacity. This project will support employment in the renewables sector by creating around 400 temporary jobs at peak of construction. Once fully operational, Thunder Ranch will be able to generate more than 1,100 GWh each year, which is equivalent to the amount of electricity consumed annually by approximately 89,400 U.S. households. The overall investment in Thunder Ranch amounts to approximately 435 million U.S. dollars, which is part of the investment outlined in Enel's current strategic plan.

Background on ABI's global commitment

In March, AB InBev announced its commitment to secure 100 percent of the company's purchased electricity from renewable sources by 2025. This transition will shift 6 terawatt-hours of electricity annually to renewable sources in the markets where AB InBev operates, transforming the energy industry in countries such as Argentina, Brazil and India, and markets across the African continent.

Through this transition, the company will be able to reduce its operational carbon footprint by 30 percent (the equivalent of removing nearly 500,000 cars from the road globally each year) and become the world's largest purchaser of renewable energy in the consumer packaged goods sector. The company has also joined RE100, a global coalition of influential corporations that are all committed to using 100 percent renewable electricity.

AB InBev kicked off this global transformation in Mexico by signing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with energy company Iberdrola for 490 gigawatt-hours per year, increasing the country's wind energy capacity. AB InBev will continue to enter into similar PPAs across other global markets where it operates, demonstrating that businesses can have a positive impact on the world by switching to renewable electricity.

1 Through this agreement, EGP will deliver the power generated from the 152.5 MW portion of the project to the grid with pricing settled by the two companies. Also under the agreement, the renewable energy credits associated with the power delivered to the grid will be acquired by Anheuser-Busch and retired from the market.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch; Enel Green Power
Saving Antibiotics

Animal Welfare

Regenerative Agriculture

Clean, Crave-able Food for Everyone

"Applegate has spent 30 years asking questions like, 'what if you weren't afraid to read a hot dog label?' That boldness has led to many positive changes and best practices for cleaner food," said Steve Lykken, president of Applegate. "While we celebrate all that has been done, we also recognize there is always more to do, which is why we are proud to set new goals that will drive our mission and hopefully set new standards for the entire food industry."

Applegate has already made significant strides in accordance with its mission  "Changing the Meat We Eat." By the end of 2017, Applegate will have 30 products third-party certified as non-GMO, and the company aims to have over 140 products verified by 2020  which would encompass every product Applegate offers. Animal welfare has also been a priority for Applegate. By the end of 2017 the company plans to have 100% of its poultry, pork and beef farms third-party certified for higher animal welfare.

The company will host a 30th anniversary event at Applegate headquarters in Bridgewater, New Jersey, on Wednesday, Sept. 27. Along with unveiling its Mission Dashboard, the company will host a panel discussion featuring industry leaders and fellow "food rebels" Maryn McKenna, journalist and author; Robyn O'Brien, author and former financial and food industry analyst; and Will Harris, regenerative farmer and rancher.

Applegate's Mission Dashboard can be found at http://applegate.com/mission/how-were-doing, where consumers can learn more about the company's efforts, track progress and find out how they can contribute to the cause.

ABOUT APPLEGATE

For 30 years, Applegate has been producing high-quality natural and organic hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats, cheese and frozen products. Our products are made without GMO ingredients and we source our meat from farms, where animals are treated with care and respect and are allowed to grow at their natural rate, all part of our mission  "Changing The Meat We Eat." Natural can mean many things, but to Applegate natural means that the meat inside our products is:

From animals raised humanely without antibiotics, hormones or growth promotants

From animals fed a vegetarian or 100% grass diet

Free of added chemical nitrites, nitrates or phosphates

Free of artificial ingredients or preservatives

Applegate became a stand-alone subsidiary of Hormel Foods in July 2015. For more information about our products, visit www.applegate.com or talk with us on www.facebook.com/applegate or twitter.com/Applegate.

SOURCE Applegate

Related Links

http://www.applegate.com


Andy Howard, Arup Chairman of the Americas Region, said, "Josh is eminently qualified to head up our Seattle office. He will look to diversify our business by growing prime agency work with local clients in the sectors he knows so well from his experience as our Americas Region Science & Industry Business Leader."

"I'm excited to have this opportunity to contribute to the success of such a dynamic practice," said Yacknowitz, who joined the firm in 2003. "Arup's Seattle office has doubled in size over the past three years, and the city is such a nexus for technology and manufacturingI look forward to building our team in ways that will allow us to better serve this expanding, forward-thinking market."

Arup's recent work in the region includes major expansion programs at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Pike Place MarketFront, the University of Washington West Campus Utility Plant, and the Washington State Convention Center. The Seattle office also branches out into more niche-market engineering applications, including large-scale public artworks at the Seattle Museum of History and Industry and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

With a strong background in managing interdisciplinary teams of design consultants, Yacknowitz has played central roles in numerous high-profile projects around the world. From a facility to house the world's largest neutrino detector experiment for Fermilab/CERN in South Dakota to a major interdisciplinary laboratory facility for Columbia University to land ports of entry at various locations for the GSA to manufacturing facilities for Procter & Gamble in the Americas and East Asia, he has delivered diverse projects with both consistency and innovation.

A member of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering; the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Josh received a BE in Mechanical Engineering from City College of New York.

About Arup

Arup provides planning, engineering, design, and consulting services for the most prominent projects and sites in the built environment. Since its founding in 1946, the firm has consistently delivered technical excellence, innovation, and value to its clients, while maintaining its core mission of shaping a better world. Arup opened its first US office more than 30 years ago and now employs 1,400 people in the Americas. The firm's employee-ownership structure promotes ongoing investment in joint research to yield better outcomes that benefit its clients and partners. Visit Arup's website, www.arup.com, and the online magazine of Arup in the Americas, doggerel.arup.com, for more information.

Contact: Ioana Botzoman

[email protected]

646.661.2111

Contact: Rebecca Maloney

[email protected]

617.412.6632

SOURCE Arup

Related Links

http://www.arup.com


BEIJING and HONG KONG and TOKYO and SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia Alternatives, one of the largest independent Asian private equity fund-of-funds, today announced the final close of over US$1.8 billion in new commitments across Asia Alternatives Capital Partners V, LP and several fund vehicles (the "Funds"). The Funds are focused on building a diversified Asia private equity portfolio with an emphasis on top-performing local Asian fund managers. Approximately 85% of committed capital came from pre-existing relationships.

"We are honored that a vast majority of our limited partners have continued to invest with us and support the firm over the last decade," said Melissa Ma, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Asia Alternatives, "In the 12th year since our founding, Asia Alternatives is proud of the strong partnerships we have formed with both our investors across the world and with our fund managers across China, India, Japan, Korea, South East Asia and Australia. We are especially grateful to have such a strong re-up rate and overwhelming interest from highly respected and well-recognized new investors, resulting in an oversubscribed fundraise."

The largest of the Funds is Asia Alternatives Capital Partners V, LP which, along with its parallel fund, Asia Alternatives Capital Partners V (ERISA), LP (together "AACP V"), closed on US$1.515 billion of committed capital, exceeding their combined target of US$1.3 billion. AACP V is the successor fund to Asia Alternatives Capital Partners IV, LP ("AACP IV"), which closed in April 2015. Earlier funds include Asia Alternatives Capital Partners III, LP ("AACP III"), which closed in July 2012, Asia Alternatives Capital Partners II, LP ("AACP II"), which closed in September 2008, and Asia Alternatives Capital Partners, LP ("AACP I"), which closed in May 2007.

"Asian private equity opportunities represent an increasingly attractive way that investors can achieve return and portfolio diversification. Our local knowledge and on-the-ground presence in Asia allows us to capitalize on the continuously evolving Asia private equity ecosystem in order to maximize risk-adjusted returns for our investors," said Rebecca Xu, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Asia Alternatives.

Investors in the Funds represent a global pool of private capital sources, such as state and corporate pension funds, foundations, university endowments, insurance companies and family offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Japan and Asia. Institutional investors across the Funds include The Boeing Company, Cathay Life Insurance Co., Comprehensive Financial Management, Florida State Board of Administration, Intermountain Healthcare, Jasper Ridge Partners, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Minnesota State Board of Investment, Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System, San Francisco City and County Employees' Retirement System, University of Vermont and State Agricultural College and Virginia Retirement System.

George Phipps, Managing Partner of Jasper Ridge Partners and a returning Limited Partner, said, "We've invested with Asia Alternatives since their first fund because of their strong local reputation and their ability to identify and gain access to attractive investments. Sourcing local investment opportunities in the region requires a diligent partner and Asia Alternatives is one of our most important investment partners for this asset class."

Asia Alternatives is one of the first independently formed Asian private equity fund-of-funds. The firm also received the first Limited Partner QFLP (Qualified Foreign Limited Partner) license in China, which allowed Asia Alternatives to invest in selected, qualified RMB-denominated private equity investments.

Ark Totan Alternative Co. Ltd., Eaton Partners, LLC and Roam Capital Inc. acted as placement agents for Asia Alternatives and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP served as legal counsel.

About Asia Alternatives Management LLC

Asia Alternatives is a solution platform dedicated to helping institutional investors make investments in private equity across Asia. The firm was founded in 2005 by Melissa Ma, Laure Wang and Rebecca Xu and currently has over $11 billion of assets under management.

Asia Alternatives invests with top performing private equity fund managers across Asia primarily in Greater China (Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong), Japan, Korea, South East Asia, India and Australia. The firm builds portfolios that are diversified across buyout, growth and expansion, venture capital and special situations funds, as well as direct co-investments and secondaries. Asia Alternatives currently has over 45 professionals across offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and San Francisco. For more information, please visit www.asiaalternatives.com.

This press release does not constitute the offer of advisory services or offer of a security or the solicitation of an investment.

SOURCE Asia Alternatives Management LLC

Related Links

http://www.asiaalternatives.com


ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation about the importance of including commercial vehicles in the discussion around automated vehicles and urged the Federal government not to stifle innovation around the technology.

"I hope my testimony will help unwind some of the myths about automation and our industry," Spear said in his opening remarks, "and will demonstrate why trucking needs to be at the table as the roadmap for automated vehicles is being written."

Spear told the Committee that today, the nation depends on more than 3.5 million professional drivers to move more than 70% of goods that are delivered by truck annually  a fact that increased automation is not likely to change.

"While some people use the terms 'autonomous' and 'driverless' interchangeably, ATA believes the world of automated vehicles will still have an important role for drivers," he said. "Just as pilots play a key role in our airline industry, truck drivers will do the same on the ground by leveraging the benefits of automated technology while navigating the cityscapes and handling the customer pickups and deliveries."

Because of trucking's key role in the supply chain, Spear told the panel that as the framework for how automated vehicles will be overseen, commercial vehicles must be included along with passenger vehicles.

"We are at a critical moment in the development of autonomous technology," he said. "There are many questions to be answered  including those about cybersecurity, about the impact on trucking operations and how vehicles will interact with one another, and about infrastructure. What is clear is that those questions should be answered for commercial and passenger vehicles at the same time."

Among several recommendations, Spear also urged the government to set uniform national rules of the road for automated vehicles, but at the same time not to suppress innovation.

"Federal agencies and state governments must commit to supporting innovation for both commercial and passenger vehicles, using existing regulatory exemptions to allow manufacturers and technology companies to test and develop new systems," he said.

For Spear's full testimony, click here.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward

SOURCE American Trucking Associations

Related Links

http://www.trucking.org


NEW YORK and LONDON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Avature, a SaaS provider that supports strategic HR programs, today announced that additional hosting services are now available from Moscow. Avature has added Moscow-based hosting to provide its multinational customerswhich include over 20 percent of the Fortune Global 500  with local data processing solutions that are Russian data privacy-compliant.

"An integral part of our services is to provide practical solutions to the increasingly complex set of regulatory compliance issues facing our customers," said Dimitri Boylan, CEO of Avature, "including data localization laws such as those of Russia."

Telehouse Moscow, located in Moscow's city center, is a PCI-certified N + 1 redundant Moscow facility and is the highest rated data center in Eastern Europe. Telehouse Moscow was commissioned in 2012 and is operated by Telehouse Europe, a subsidiary of KDDI. This carrier-neutral facility enables access to over 300 telecom providers, including key network operators Orange, Mastertel, Megafon and KDDI, and offers the ability to connect directly to any M point in Moscow, including M9 and M10.

"We are pleased that Avature will be expanding with us into Moscow and extending their services to the multinational customers who require their solutions," said Takahisa Yui, Telehouse's Director of Sales and Marketing. "Avature has been a long-term customer of ours and we look forward to continue our support in the Russian market."

"The Telehouse organization has an excellent track record with Avature," added Robert Griffith, Avature's SVP of Data Centers & Security. "They have delivered uninterrupted power to us for the past 10 years in their New York City Teleport facility and remained fully operational throughout Hurricane Sandy."

About Avature

Avature is a highly configurable enterprise SaaS platform for Talent Acquisition and Talent Management and the leading provider of CRM technology for recruiting globally. Founded by Dimitri Boylan, co-founder and former CEO of HotJobs.com, Avature brings consumer-grade internet technology and innovation to HCM software. Avature solutions include shared services sourcing, applicant tracking, campus & events recruiting, employee referral management, social onboarding, branded employee engagement, employee mobility and workforce optimization, and performance management. Used by 101 of the Fortune 500 in more than 100 countries and 17 languages. Avature delivers its services from its private cloud, located in data centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. Avature has offices in Buenos Aires, London, Madrid, Melbourne, Munich, New York, and Shenzhen. Learn more at www.avature.net or follow @Avature.

SOURCE Avature

Related Links

http://www.avature.net


NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bankrate, Inc. (NYSE: RATE) ("Bankrate") announced that Bankrate stockholders voted at a special meeting of stockholders held today to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") providing for the merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Ventures Holdco, LP ("Red Ventures") with and into Bankrate, with Bankrate continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Ventures. Based on a tabulation of the stockholder vote, approximately 99% of all votes cast, which represents approximately 90% of all outstanding shares on August 14, 2017, the record date for the special meeting, were voted in favor of the merger. Bankrate stockholders also approved the proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to the Company's named executive officers in connection with the merger.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Bankrate stockholders will receive $14 per share in cash at the closing of the merger. Completion of the merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals. The merger is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

About Bankrate

Bankrate (NYSE: RATE) is a leading online publisher, aggregator and distributor of personal finance content. The Company's vision is to help consumers Maximize Your Money when they borrow, save or invest. With this in mind, Bankrate aggregates large scale audiences of in-market consumers by providing them with proprietary, fully researched, comprehensive, independent and objective personal finance and related editorial content across multiple vertical categories, including credit cards, mortgages, deposits, senior care and other categories, such as personal and auto loans retirement and taxes. Bankrate's flagship sites CreditCards.com, Bankrate.com and Caring.com are leading destinations in each of their respective verticals and connect their vast audiences with financial service and senior care providers and other contextually relevant advertisers. Bankrate also owns and operates a number of specialist sites, apps and social platforms, including NextAdvisor.com, The Points Guy, Interest.com, Quizzle.com and Walla.by. Bankrate also develops and provides content, tools, web services and co-branded websites to over 100 online partners, including MSN, Realtor.com, MarketWatch and Bloomberg. In addition, Bankrate licenses editorial content to leading news organizations such as Yahoo! and Tribune News Service.

About Red Ventures

Red Ventures is a leading digital consumer choice platform based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Through deeply integrated brand partnerships and consumer-facing assets, Red Ventures connects online customers with products and services across high-growth industries including home services, financial services, and healthcare. Founded in 2000, Red Ventures has more than 2,700 employees in offices across the Carolinas, Seattle, Washington, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. For more information, visit www.redventures.com.

Investor Contact

Ken Stelzer

Treasurer

[email protected]

917.438.9544

Media Contact

Kayleen Yates

Vice President, Corporate Communications

[email protected]

917.368.8677

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this communication may constitute "forward-looking statements." Actual results could differ materially from those projected or forecast in the forward-looking statements. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the failure to satisfy any of the conditions to the completion of the transaction; the effect of the announcement of the transaction on the ability of Bankrate to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with its customers, providers, advertisers, partners and others with whom it does business, or on its operating results and businesses generally; risks associated with the disruption of management's attention from ongoing business operations due to the transaction; the ability to meet expectations regarding the timing and completion of the merger; and other factors detailed in Bankrate's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and Bankrate's other filings with the SEC, which are available at http://www.sec.gov and on Bankrate's website at www.bankrate.com. Bankrate assumes no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

SOURCE Bankrate, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.bankrate.com


As a Christian, I believe white supremacists and neo-Nazis are pure evil. They hate blacks and Jews. I believe, President Trump in his first statement after the violence in Charlottesville, made a mistake by not condemning them by name. But there was a violence by the other side that the liberal media refuses to condemn.

Antifa was also guilty of violence and are a radical violent group. The Daily Caller reported "Antifa's violence ranges from stabbing a police horse in the neck to beating people with bike locks." Antifa thugs are known for assaulting police officers and chasing down fleeing people in order to beat them. At Berkeley, Antifa groups rioted, destroyed property, beat people with flagpoles and pepper sprayed a woman in the face. Just recently they attacked a peaceful prayer rally near Berkeley, kicking and punching them and attacking their leader.

Columnist Jack Kerwick wrote "Antifa is an enemy of civilization. Its members regularly march under the banner of the Sickle and Hammer, have long referred to America as a 'fascist' state, and have a habit of burning American flags. Antifa should be identified for the terrorist organization that it is."

The left is filled with people who hate America and our president. A Democrat politician from Missouri, Senator Chappelle-Nadal said that she hopes President Trump will be assassinated. A Nebraska Democratic party official said he was "glad" that House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was shot. Not just that, but "I wish he was dead."

Now it's time for us to come together. We don't have to agree on everything. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus said,"but I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you." Love is always better than hate.

Gerald Thompson, Decatur
More than 800 companies completed the Index assessment this year, but only 540 received either Gold, Silver or Bronze recognition. An index score of 86 was needed to achieve Bronze and a score of 130 was needed to achieve Silver. To achieve Gold, an organization's health program needed to earn an Index score of at least 175 out of 217 points. BBVA Compass and 74 other companies reached Gold level, the association's top recognition. While the average score for financial services companies was 83, BBVA Compass achieved 185 points.

The American Heart Association created its Index with its CEO Roundtable members, a leadership collaborative of more than 30 CEOs from some of America's largest companies who are committed to applying evidence-based approaches to employee and workplace health. The Index's scorecard uses science-based methods to evaluate the overall effectiveness of workplace health programs.

BBVA Compass Senior Vice President of Corporate Wellness and Benefits Amanda Creel oversees the bank's wellness program, stating that a good wellness program should be flexible, comprehensive and act as a catalyst for promoting employee wellness inside and outside the office.

"We are not interested in creating a one-size-fits-all wellness program. Instead, we are invested in creating opportunities for every employee to have a healthy and bright future," said Creel. "BBVA Compass received the top recognition from the American Heart Association because our program integrates all the layers of personal wellness and provides resources and activities that can also contribute to a healthy lifestyle outside the workplace."

"Wellthy for Life" is BBVA Compass' complementary, point-based wellness program which is designed to address more than physical health. The holistic program strives to improve employee wellbeing in its entirety and is divided into four components: medical, physical, mental and financial health. Under each component, employees have the opportunity to earn points by individually selecting and participating in activities to help them set and meet their specific goals. Each point accumulated is converted into a dollar and contributed to employees' Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Account throughout the year. Employees can earn up to 1,000 points a year.

The wellness program includes physical health activities such as an online health assessment, annual biometric and physical screenings, and a program that allows employees to track their steps and maintain healthy eating and sleeping habits. Also integrated in the program are mental health webinars that cover topics such as mindfulness and meditation. Rolled out this January, financial health is the program's newest component and offers free financial wellness activities and programs such as Smart Dollar, which was created by American businessman and mainstream personal finance advisor, Dave Ramsey.

Using its Life's Simple 7 playbook, the American Heart Association's Index assesses the physical health of a workplace by evaluating a company's cardiovascular health and calculating the average heart health score of its employees. The Index also measures a company's workplace health program based on seven organizational best practices pillars, including the assessment of employee engagement and communication strategies.

"We focused on creating a holistic wellness program that could be easily communicated and personalized for each employee," stated Creel. "Starting at onboarding, we engage each employee with our wellness program and its resources in a way that prioritizes his or her overall wellbeing."

As a Gold recipient of American Heart Association's workplace health program survey, BBVA Compass will be represented with other Gold and Silver recognized companies in Forbes' special centennial anniversary edition, which appears on the magazine's online platform starting Sept. 12 and hits newsstands on Sept. 28.

BBVA Compass' wellness program will also receive recognition as one of the 100 Healthiest Workplaces in America, a national ranking that measures an organization's wellness plan against six values: foundation components, vision, culture/engagement, communication, metrics and technology. On Sept. 19, the ranking of the 100 winning companies will be revealed online at www.healthiestemployers.com and honored at the Healthiest Employers Wellness Awards at the Fitbit Captivate ceremony in Chicago, IL.

To learn more about BBVA Compass, visit: www.bbvacompass.com

For more news visit: www.bbva.com and newsroom.bbvacompass.com

About BBVA Group

BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group is the largest financial institution in Spain and Mexico and it has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States; and it is also the leading shareholder in Garanti, Turkey's biggest bank for market capitalization. Its diversified business is focused on high-growth markets and it relies on technology as a key sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate responsibility is at the core of its business model. BBVA fosters financial education and inclusion, and supports scientific research and culture. It operates with the highest integrity, a long-term vision and applies the best practices. More information about BBVA Group can be found at bbva.com.

About BBVA Compass

BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 651 branches, including 337 in Texas, 89 in Alabama, 63 in Arizona, 61 in California, 45 in Florida, 38 in Colorado and 18 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (5th). BBVA Compass has been recognized as one of the leading small business lenders by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and ranked 5th nationally in the total number of SBA loans originated in fiscal year 2016. Additional information about BBVA Compass can be found at www.bbvacompass.com. For more BBVA Compass news, follow @BBVACompassNews on Twitter or visit newsroom.bbvacompass.com.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke  the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE BBVA Compass

Related Links

http://www.bbvacompass.com


TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Beamr Imaging Ltd., a world leader in content-adaptive video encoding and optimization solutions, announces a breakthrough in density and performance on the recently announced Intel Xeon Scalable platform. Following the successful launch of the Beamr 5 HEVC software encoder for the Intel Xeon processor E3 family, Beamr and Intel have extended their cooperation to include the new Intel Xeon Scalable platform.

Leveraging Beamr's HEVC codec IP library, the scalable Beamr 5 HEVC software encoder utilizes the advanced features of the Intel Xeon Platinum processors, the most advanced of the Intel Xeon Scalable processors, to encode up to six live Ultra High Definition channels of 10-bit HDR 4Kp60 at broadcast quality on a dual-socket Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 processor based server. This throughput demonstrates a significant performance leap compared with the previous-generation Intel Xeon processor E5-2697A v4, which could only process a single 10-bit 4Kp60 live channel in real time.

As HEVC adoption and volume accelerates, led by the support of HEVC video encoding/decoding support in next generation smartphones and tablets, Beamr is bringing to the market a robust, forward-looking approach to solving the technical and business needs of MSOs, Telcos, OTT service operators, and video distributors.

Beamr President Eli Lubitch comments, "Beamr is working in collaboration with Intel to ensure our encoding solutions deliver the best combination of quality, performance and density. The new Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 processor represents a bold leap into ultra-high volume HEVC encoding operations. Our customers continue to demand CPUs that can accommodate both H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC workflows. We are proud to have achieved a six fold increase in density compared to the previous generation Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 V4."

"This fall, HEVC hardware playback is coming to millions of mobile devices," said Dan Rodriguez, Vice President, Network Platforms Group and General Manager, Communications Infrastructure Division, Intel Corporation. "With the improvements delivered by Beamr's HEVC software encoder running on Intel Xeon Scalable processors, it is possible to achieve the ultrahigh encoding density, performance and quality that is needed to accommodate the explosion of users and video assets being delivered over the mobile network."

The excellent performance and scalability of Beamr's HEVC software encoder is achieved by fully utilizing the 56 cores and 112 threads available on the Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 processor. The new micro-architecture and 6-channel DDR4 memory subsystem these processors, combined with Beamr's patented method for achieving ultra-fast encoder decisions, are key factors in increasing encoding density while maintaining the highest possible video quality.

Tightly tuned HEVC encoding software from Beamr, running on Intel Xeon Scalable processors, enhances the density, efficiency, quality, and flexibility of video encoding workflows for on-premises, cloud, and hybrid data center applications, giving service providers the tools to meet current business and technical demands.

Companies interested in learning more about this innovative solution are invited to meet with Beamr in Booth 5.C50 during the IBC show September 15th to September 19th in Amsterdam. Beamr will also be running fully functional demonstrations of the Beamr 5 Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 processor-based solution in the Intel Booth 5.B65.

About Beamr

Beamr is the leading provider of content-adaptive video encoding and optimization solutions for the world's top MSOs, OTT streaming service providers, Hollywood studios, video distribution platforms, and social content publishers. Founded in 2009 by a team of leading imaging experts, Beamr is headquartered in Tel Aviv, with offices in Palo Alto, CA and St. Petersburg, Russia. Beamr's high-performance H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC video processing solutions are fully scalable for use in on-premise and cloud deployments. With more than 60 patents granted and pending, Beamr's content-adaptive technology is setting a new standard for quality and bitrate performance. For more information visit: beamr.com, Twitter @BeamrVideo, linkedin.com/company/beamr, and Facebook @BeamrVideo.

Intel and Xeon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

SOURCE Beamr

Related Links

http://www.beamr.com


BOLINGBROOK, Ill., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With their sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2017, Beko (www.beko.us), the #1 European freestanding appliance brand just introduced into the North American market, and Blomberg (www.blombergappliances.com), an ever-expanding line of contemporary European design and energy efficient products for builders, designers and architects of multi-unit buildings, are going the distance to help accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient products and design in American homes.

The collegiate competition in Denver, Colo., on Oct. 5-15, challenges the 12 participating university teams to design and build full-size, solar-powered houses. The winner is the team that best blends design excellence and smart energy production with innovation, market potential, and energy and water efficiency.

Beko is sponsoring four university teams:

University of Maryland  reACT is a prototype for a "house as a kit of parts" design concept; the home will include a Beko refrigerator, dishwasher and compact washer/dryer

 reACT is a prototype for a "house as a kit of parts" design concept; the home will include a Beko refrigerator, dishwasher and compact washer/dryer Missouri University of Science and Technology  SILO (Smart Innovative Living Oasis) will feature a Beko refrigerator, range, dishwasher and compact washer/dryer

of Science and Technology  SILO (Smart Innovative Living Oasis) will feature a Beko refrigerator, range, dishwasher and compact washer/dryer Northwestern University  House targeting baby-boomer couple, close to retirement; the home will display a Beko refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher and compact washer/dryer

 House targeting baby-boomer couple, close to retirement; the home will display a Beko refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher and compact washer/dryer University of California at Berkeley and University of Denver  RISE, a stackable solution for urban infill, will showcase a Beko refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and compact washer/dryer

Blomberg has sponsored these homes:

University of Alabama at Birmingham  At the heart of surviv(AL) is a composite and steel "strong room" that extends below the level of the house's subfloor; the home will include a Blomberg refrigerator, range, microwave and dishwasher

 At the heart of surviv(AL) is a composite and steel "strong room" that extends below the level of the house's subfloor; the home will include a Blomberg refrigerator, range, microwave and dishwasher Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Daytona State College  The BEACH (Building Efficient, Affordable, and Comfortable Homes) House will include a Blomberg refrigerator, cooktop, built-in wall oven, dishwasher and compact, stacking washer/dryer

and  The BEACH (Building Efficient, Affordable, and Comfortable Homes) House will include a Blomberg refrigerator, cooktop, built-in wall oven, dishwasher and compact, stacking washer/dryer Washington University  St. Louis  The single precast concrete structure, intended as a demonstration of integrated advanced building technology, will include a Blomberg dishwasher, cooktop, built-in wall oven and compact stacking washer/dryer

Expecting 90,000 Visitors

The Solar Decathlon, which will host approximately 90,000 visitors over the nine days, is an intensive learning experience for consumers and homeowners as they experience the latest technologies and materials in energy-efficient design, clean energy technologies, smart home solutions, water conservation measures, electric vehicles, and sustainable buildings.

At the 2017 Sustainability Expo running concurrently with the Solar Decathlon, Beko and Blomberg will have displays showcasing their space-saving appliances, as well as their innovative heat pump dryer technology, which made the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) 2017 ENERGY STAR Most Efficient list for using 50 percent less energy than conventional dryers.

The brands were among the first to bring the ventless heat pump technology to the marketplace. The heat pump dryer uses a closed-loop heat exchange system to dry at lower temperatures, saving money on energy bills and providing superior protection for clothes.

In addition, several Beko and Blomberg dishwashers made this year's ENERGY STAR Most Efficient list, and all models have earned ENERGY STAR marks for using advanced technology to clean dishes brilliantly with less water and energy. Unique design features include multiple insulation layers to reduce thermal loss, and a variable speed circulation motor that automatically adjusts for optimum water and energy consumption.

The brands' ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators also save energy and money and conserve the planet. Featuring innovative technology that safeguards food and ensures maximum freshness, the refrigerators are built with 99.9 percent lead-free materials, are 100 percent free from ozone-depleting greenhouse gases, and are manufactured with 85 percent recyclable components to help conserve the planet. In fact, the company has achieved the ENERGY STAR certification for over 90% of the major appliances in its Beko and Blomberg brands.

"Everything we do as a brand is centered around sustainability and innovation," said Hasan Yardimci, president, Beko US, Inc. "Our support of the Solar Decathlon is in keeping with our commitment to provide consumers with products that are both good for the globe and support their everyday needs."

Beko US, Inc. was founded in June 2016 and recently opened a distribution center in Bolingbrook, Ill.

SOURCE Beko US, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.beko.us/


"New York City is the heart and soul of consumer marketingwhere most major brand-marketers create and conduct business," said Pierce Sioussat, President and CEO of Bioforce USA. "NYC is the logical place to work and grow the exclusive Bioforce USA brands."

Bioforce USA's operational headquarters remains in the bucolic Hudson Valley, where it was established in 1998. "While we maintain our integral connection to the natural setting of the Hudson River Valley, the new office brings us closer to the hub of our industry and global CPG commerce," added Sioussat.

With the opening of the Manhattan office, professional staff is also expanding. Georgiana Rowley joins the New York team as Brand Manager for Annemarie Borlind skin care products. Georgiana brings more than 10 years of brand sales, marketing and business development experience, as well as five years in the fashion accessories industry.

"Georgiana brings a depth of focus to the Borlind brand that will be increasingly important as we navigate the competitive natural products skin care landscape. She will ensure that our retailer support programs are robust, our offerings remain current and relevant, and that we are positioned to continue building one of the industry's most successful, iconic beauty brands," said Sioussat.

Bioforce USA is home to Europe's most trusted natural brands. Based in the scenic Hudson River Valley, Bioforce USA is a model company with a mission that addresses today's most pressing personal care, health and green/egalitarian lifestyle issues. Environmental sustainability, employee compensation and mobility, community involvement, and transparency all guide the company's work to support its brands and mission. Bioforce USA companies exemplify the principles articulated in its mission including the designation of Herbatint as a B Corp Certified brandmeeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability.

Contact: Dean Draznin Communications

Dean Draznin [email protected] 641-472-2257

Arlyn Riskind [email protected] 202-431-9495

SOURCE Bioforce USA

Related Links

http://www.bioforceusa.com


HAYWARD, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research published today in Scientific Reports shows that light from RayVio's 293nm ultraviolet (UV) LED is more efficient than sunlight at producing vitamin D 3 in skin samples. Tyler Kalajian and his research team, led by Dr. Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D., and supported by Boston University School of Medicine and a Boston University Ignition Award, found that skin samples exposed to RayVio's UV LED for just 0.52 minutes produced more than twice as much vitamin D 3 as samples exposed to 32.5 minutes of sunlight.

"We tested ultraviolet LEDs from different sources and at different wavelengths. RayVio's 293nm LED showed the most significant potential for vitamin D 3 production in the shortest amount of time," said Dr. Holick, a Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine, and endocrinologist at Boston Medical Center. "This study will lead to a new generation of technology that can be labeled as photopharmacology in which the use of LEDs with targeted wavelengths can cause specific biologic effects in human skin to help treat and prevent chronic illnesses."

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with osteoporosis, rickets and other metabolic bone diseases and is more prevalent in northern and southern latitudes where sunlight is limited for a significant part of the year. This device for making vitamin D is ideally suited for patients with fat malabsorption syndromes including inflammatory bowel disease and gastric bypass surgery. The research shows that RayVio's UV LEDs could be used for treating patients that are vitamin D deficient.

A vitamin D 3 producing UV LED device could be used on skin areas that experience less exposure to sunlight such as upper legs and arms and abdomen and back thus minimizing risk for developing non-melanoma skin cancer. The UV LED device also emits a much narrower band of UVB light and thereby decreasing likelihood of skin damage that can occur when the skin is exposed to higher wavelengths of UV radiation.

"The potential of digital UV technology for phototherapy is enormous," said Dr. Robert C. Walker, RayVio's CEO. "Dr. Holick's research with our UVB LEDs demonstrates the potential for new applications that can potentially improve and save hundreds of thousands of lives. In the U.S. alone, seventy-five percent of teens and adults are vitamin D deficient. Thanks to the work of the research team and the pioneering work of the Boston University Photonics Center on UV LEDs, we may soon see innovative treatment options like simple integration with a wearable device could aid millions of people."

About Vitamin D 3

Two forms of vitamin D are important to humans: vitamin D 2 produced by plants, yeast and mushrooms, and vitamin D 3 produced by skin when exposed to sunlight or the appropriate wavelength of ultraviolet light.

Co-authors on the paper, all from Boston University, are T.A. Kalajian, A. Aldoukhi, A.J. Veronikis, K. Persons, and M.F. Holick.

About Boston University School of Medicine

Originally established in 1848 as the New England Female Medical College, and incorporated into Boston University in 1873, Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) today is a leading academic medical center with an enrollment of more than 700 medical students and 950 students pursuing degrees in graduate medical sciences. BUSM faculty contribute to more than 950 active grants and contracts, with total anticipated awards valued at more than $693 million in amyloidosis, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, infectious diseases, pulmonary disease and dermatology, among other areas. The School's teaching affiliates include Boston Medical Center, its primary teaching hospital, the Boston VA Healthcare System, Kaiser Permanente in northern California, as well as Boston HealthNet, a network of 15 community health centers. For more information, please visit http://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/

About RayVio Corp.

RayVio Corp. is an advanced health and hygiene company that delivers clean water and environments. RayVio helps protect billions from germs and creates new markets and revenue streams by enabling a new class of products. Its powerful and efficient UV LED technology can be integrated into a variety of applications, powering versatile on-demand solutions that give consumers control over health without chemicals or costly consumables. To learn more, please visit www.rayvio.com.

SOURCE RayVio

Related Links

http://www.rayvio.com


BOSTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Burns & Levinson and Viridian Capital Advisors will co-host "The Cannabis Industry: Growth Opportunities for Professionals, Operators and Investors," an invitation-only event that will explore opportunities within the rapidly growing multi-billion dollar cannabis industry for professional investors and entrepreneurs. The conference will be held on October 17, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT at the Hilton Boston/Dedham Hotel.

This investor-focused conference will help venture capitalists, private equity firms, and single- and multi-family offices learn more about cannabis investments as an alternative asset class poised to provide non-correlative returns to many other types of investments. As legalization continues to spread, cannabis is opening new doors in traditional markets  biotech/pharma, real estate, software, consumer packaged goods and branded products, among others  long favored by institutional investors.

The event will feature four in-depth panel discussions, networking opportunities, and a keynote speech by Kris Krane, co-founder and managing partner of 4Front Advisors and president of 4Front Ventures. Krane helped draft Massachusetts Ballot Question 4  Legalize Marijuana in the 2016 election, and prior to forming 4Front, he served as director of client services for CannBe, which was a pioneer in developing best practices within the marijuana industry. Krane will discuss future opportunities and risks in the marijuana industry in New England and across the country.

"We believe this is the first conference in New England with a specific focus on institutional investing in the cannabis industry," said Frank A. Segall, co-chair of the Cannabis Business Advisory Group at Burns & Levinson. "Cannabis is already a multi-billion dollar industry, and its growth is projected to potentially increase at an exponential and possibly unprecedented rate over the coming years."

"There are many promising cannabis industry sectors that are poised for significant growth and return on investment. We want to help the investment community understand the risks and rewards, and give them the tools they need to take advantage of these opportunities," added Scott Moskol, who co-chairs Burns' Cannabis Business Advisory Group with Segall.

Specific breakout sessions will include:

The New England Experience  A discussion on how cannabis business operators across New England have navigated the sometimes tempestuous legal waters to build successful businesses including raising capital and investments.

Follow the Money: Analyzing Capital Flow into the Legal Cannabis Industry  A look at the capital infusions necessary to launch, operate, or invest in the cannabis space, with Viridian providing deal-data insight regarding capital raises and M&A activity.

Sector Focus: Cannabinoid-Based Biopharmaceuticals and Personalized Medicine  A deep dive into the research, development, and commercialization of cannabis-based pharmaceuticals, an industry sub-sector that could hold the greatest potential value over time.

The Future of Cannabis  A critical review of key legal and regulatory changes on the horizon and the expected impact for investors and capital providers.

Burns & Levinson has been at the forefront of advising businesses and entrepreneurs in the cannabis space for four years, and was the first major Boston corporate law firm to develop a cannabis business practice. Burn's Cannabis Business Advisory Group helps clients navigate the complex legal and business framework that surrounds the rapidly growing marijuana industry in the United States. The firm has unrivaled experience in cannabis business formation, licensure, legal and regulatory compliance; corporate structuring, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, fund formation, debt and equity financing; real estate acquisitions and leasing; labor and employment issues; intellectual property protection; 280E taxation issues; and cannabis litigation.

Viridian Capital Advisors (VCA) is a New York City-based financial and strategic advisory firm dedicated to the cannabis industry. Founded by a group of experienced Wall Street analysts and bankers, VCA brings capital markets expertise, sophisticated market intelligence, and strategic direction to the emerging cannabis sector. By leveraging the team's decades of high level operating and transactional experience on Wall Street and as entrepreneurs, the firm provides comprehensive strategic and financial solutions that assist cannabis enterprises in realizing their full potential.

For more information about the conference or to register contact Rashell Wilson or click here.

About Burns & Levinson LLP

At Burns & Levinson, we provide high-level, client-centric and results-oriented legal services to our regional, national and international clients. We are a full-service law firm with over 125 lawyers in Boston, Providence and other regional offices. Our areas of expertise include: business/finance, business litigation/dispute resolution, divorce/family law, venture capital/emerging companies, employment, estate planning, government investigations, intellectual property, M&A/private equity, probate/trust litigation, and real estate. We partner with our clients to solve their business and personal legal issues in a collaborative, creative, and cost-effective way. For more information, visit Burns & Levinson at www.burnslev.com.

Contact:





Amy Blumenthal Kristen Weller Blumenthal & Associates Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer 617.879.1511 617.345.3555 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Burns & Levinson

Related Links

http://www.burnslev.com


PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Buyside announced that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices will be the first nationwide integration of the Buyside platform. Using the company's proprietary algorithms, buyer data from all of the network's listings will be combined with search activity from the major search portals to form a more complete picture of the demand for any property.

"Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is a brand with an eye on the future," said Gino Blefari, network CEO. "With Buyside, we are making a significant investment in big data so that our franchisees and their agents can gain more intelligence about the demand that exists for every one of our listings."

"The fact we can get a complete picture of the buyer activity from so many different sources was extremely attractive to us and helped cement our decision," Blefari added.

The insight created by Buyside's products will be made available to every Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network agent to easily share with current and prospective home sellers. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brokerages will also be able to quickly deploy Buyside's complete suite of tools.

"With this relationship, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchisees are going to remain one step ahead of the pack," said Charles Williams IV, founder and CEO of Buyside. "Our technology is easily deployed at an enterprise level, as many of our first Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices customers have discovered. We're confident network agents will have a demonstrable advantage in their markets."

Buyside unlocks the power of buyer data for brokers so they can win more listings, become more profitable and command greater control over their inventory. The company's core products includes Home Valuation landing pages, which combines multiple automated home valuations with visualizations of real-time buyer intent, its Buyer Match dashboard, which intelligently pairs home buyers and sellers within a brokerage, and its Real-time Buyside Market Analysis (BMA), which arms a brokerage's agents with insights on buyer demand to help them close more listing presentations.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Buyside

Related Links

http://www.getbuyside.com


NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Captain D's, the leading fast casual seafood restaurant, announced its newest franchised location in Cordova, Tennessee is officially open, marking the brand's 72nd location in the state. This new restaurant emphasizes Captain D's accelerated development plans for Tennessee, with three additional locations slated to open before the end of the year in Dayton, White House and Smyrna. Located at 1438 North Germantown Parkway, the Cordova restaurant is 2,500 square feet, showcases the brand's most recent beach design and has created more than four-dozen jobs in the community.

The new Captain D's in Cordova is owned and operated by Joe Springer, operating partner of Sonfish, LLC. An industry veteran, Springer brings more than 15 years of restaurant experience, specifically in the quick service segment. As one of the Captain D's largest multi-unit operators, Springer and his partners currently operate restaurants across the Southeast in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi, with the Cordova restaurant marking the group's 16th Captain D's location.

"We opened our first Captain D's in Memphis in 2009 and are eager to extend the brand's high-quality seafood and warm service to more communities throughout Tennessee," said Springer. "From the restaurant redesign to the implementation of healthier menu options, we've been impressed by the changes Captain D's has made to elevate the customer experience. The compounding success stemming from those enhancements prove why Captain D's is the leader in fast casual seafood and we are proud to be a part of its rapid expansion in Tennessee."

Captain D's expansion in Tennessee is fueled by the outstanding success the brand experienced in 2016, achieving its sixth consecutive year of same store sales increases and fourth successive year of record high system-wide average unit volume (AUV). This ongoing success has propelled Captain D's franchise expansion, with agreements signed this year to open an additional 25 new restaurants in states across the country including Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas and Virginia.

Coupled with its ongoing menu innovation, Captain D's credits its new restaurant beach design with contributing to the brand's ongoing strong performance. To date, nearly 70 percent of all restaurants have been reimaged to the brand's new vibrant, coastal design, with another 50 locations to be remodeled by the end of this year. With these efforts, Captain D's has remained true to what it does best  serving high-quality seafood with warm hospitality at an affordable price in a welcoming atmosphere.

With 523 restaurants in 21 states, Captain D's is the fast-casual seafood leader and number one seafood franchise in America ranked by average unit volume. The company is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join in the brand's rapid expansion. For more information about franchise opportunities, visit http://www.captaindsfranchising.com or call 800-550-4877.

ABOUT CAPTAIN D'S

Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Captain D's has 523 restaurants in 21 states. Captain D's is the nation's leading fast casual seafood restaurant and was named the #1 seafood chain in the QSR 50, ranked by AUV. Founded in 1969, Captain D's has been offering its customers high-quality seafood at reasonable prices in a welcoming atmosphere for more than 48 years. Captain D's serves a wide variety of seafood that includes freshly prepared entrees and the company's signature hand-battered fish, which is cooked to order. The restaurants also offer premium-quality, grilled items such as shrimp, and surf and turf, as well as hushpuppies, desserts and freshly brewed, Southern-style sweet tea, a Captain D's favorite. For more information, please visit www.captainds.com.

Contact:

Nikki Rode

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE Captain D's

Related Links

http://www.captainds.com


"Surviving for 20 years and continuing to be a leader in our industry is a huge milestone and success story," said Paul Ludwick, President. "While the market has been up and down, strong and not so strong, the demand for core compression service has not changed that much. Delivering the best solution for our Customers has always been our focus. The can do culture of this Company is second to no one. Every employee is a contributor to our success and that of our Customers, and reaching this milestone is cause to celebrate for everyone. CDM people make it happen and will continue doing it for the future."

"In the 13 years I've been blessed to be a part of CDM, there's one thing above all I believe. The Employees at CDM are our greatest asset; they're CDM's competitive advantage. Our Employees are the cornerstone of our values and beliefs, and the foundation on which we will continue to be recognized as the Best Contract Compression Company in the world." Christopher Moring, Senior Vice President.

"This is the best company out there. The people, the equipment, the work ethic; it's all unmatched by our competitors, and it will continue to be. CDM cares about our Employees and we care about our Customers. 100 percent safety all the time is our motto and we back it up." Chris Wauson, Senior Vice President Operations / Projects.

"Actions speak louder than words," said Jimmy Rogers, Senior Vice President Sales. "CDM's employees' dedication says it all; it's what drove this company to 1.58 Million HP and climbing. Since I joined in 2004 at just over 200,000 HP, I've experienced this company grow from one field office to 24, from two operational area states to 12 and assets covering all major shale plays across the USA."

CDM set its first piece of equipment in June 1997, ending the year with four employees and 13,720 HP. By 2014, CDM had grown organically to 1 Million HP with more than 535 employees. Today CDM has more than 1.58 Million HP, 580 employees, 24 field offices, 3 warehouses and a state of the art training center. CDM continues to grow and expand their capabilities, adding treating and production services as well as training to their portfolio. Built on core values such as integrity, operating safely & efficiently, respecting people & the environment, conducting business honestly, complying with the letter & intent of the law and communicating with clarity and honesty, CDM is set up for success for the long run.

About CDM Resource Management LLC

CDM Resource Management LLC has been in business for more than 20 years providing natural gas compression and treating contract services to producers across major shale plays and offshore using an exclusive Cat Gas Engines /Ariel Compressor standard fleet in excess of 1.5 million horsepower and our patented MQC (Modular QuikConnect) technology. The technology allows for greater flexibility and adaptability to change in the field. CDM guarantees 100% safety and 98% or more runtime per month with all contracts including first call response, regularly scheduled preventive maintenance, preemissions testing and no hidden charges.

CDM is recognized for their excellence in the industry with numerous Oil and Gas Awards throughout the years in areas such as Health and Safety, Industry Supplier and Environmental stewardship.

CDM is also the only company with a dedicated 16,000 sq. ft. training facility in Houston, TX. Safety, technical and hands-on training is conducted within the classrooms and among the life size replica of a complete site facility. We value our employees first and foremost; ensuring they are as educated and knowledgeable about safety procedures and equipment handling as possible is our number one priority.

Related Links

http://www.cdmrm.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/1343753/

Media Contact

Jimmy Rogers, Senior Vice President Sales

Deidra Turnak, Marketing Manager

281-376-2980

SOURCE CDM Resource Management LLC

Related Links

http://www.cdmrm.com


SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Chromotif today announced the availability of Nebeula, an elastic multi/hybrid cloud Platform-as-a-Service for application and desktop delivery, on Google Cloud Launcher. Nebeula delivers Windows and Linux desktops and applications securely to user devices, including Chromebooks, tablets and PCs, from any public cloud or on-premises infrastructure, in less than 5 minutes. Nebeula currently supports Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure. Many small- and medium-sized businesses have adopted Chromotif Nebeula as their platform of choice for cloud-based application delivery.

Liquid Pictures, a leader in 3D graphics and animation, has selected Chromotif Nebeula to improve its efficiency, scalability and security. The company's primary use software tools include Autodesk, Adobe products, and Microsoft Office. The company has traditionally used an on-premises data center to build their 3D render farm, and occasionally uses a third-party outsourced vendor for larger projects that need to be completed in a short time-frame. Nebeula not only simplifies the manner in which Liquid Pictures delivers desktops and applications to its employees for greater productivity and mobility, but also allows the company to instantly scale its compute needs on demand.

Zac Rymland, Liquid Pictures' CEO says, "Chromotif Nebeula is a tremendous value for our company. It allowed our IT to standardize the desktops and applications that our employees can access remotely. The low-cost, subscription model is very compelling. In the future, when our current data center servers become obsolete and we become more accustomed to running workloads in AWS, GCP or Azure, we might consider moving everything to the cloud, using Nebeula."

"Using Nebeula, customers will never have to worry about the infrastructure," explains Jonathan Arms, Chromotif's Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. "The simplicity of Nebeula saves businesses money by allowing IT to focus on business productivity vs. spending time and resources on traditional data center and device management. We have experienced tremendous growth in customer pilots running Chromotif Nebeula over the last few months and are on track to exceed 100 new enterprise pilots by the end of the year."

Organizations that use or are considering Google Chrome Enterprise and G Suite, will find Nebeula particularly attractive. Industry expert, Gabe Knuth, Site Editor for BrianMadden.com, says, "Chromotif is tied to Google, leveraging Chrome Remote Desktop as their RDS framework-compliant protocol, Chrome as the client, and Google Cloud Platform for their management infrastructure. It also fully integrates with G Suite, which you can even use for authentication." Nebeula also boasts powerful enterprise class features like support for Active Directory authentication, fully encrypted sessions via AES, and optimized audio-video delivery.

Chromotif is recognized as one of the 20 most promising cloud solution providers for 2017 by the prestigious CIOReview magazine. "We are glad to announce Chromotif in our annual ranking list of 20 Most Promising Cloud Solution Providers 2017," said Jeevan George, Managing Editor of CIOReview. "This recognition will bring more opportunities to Chromotif and positive attention from several customers."

Pricing and Availability

Chromotif is offering 90-day free access pilots. Customers must provide their own infrastructure and OS licenses. Regular pricing starts as low as $0.10/hour/user or unlimited for $10/month/user.

More about Liquid Pictures

Liquid Pictures combines the creative and analytic skills of a team of talented professionals with backgrounds across architecture, mathematics, communications, art, design and more. Founded in 1993 to develop high-end cinematics for multimedia games, the firm has expanded to visual simulations and litigation animation, technical photography, videography, and desktop publishing services. For more information about Liquid Pictures, visit www.liquidpictures.com.

More about Chromotif

Chromotif is a Santa Clara, California-based software corporation that markets the only fully- integrated, simple and affordable, enterprise application virtualization and shared desktop delivery platform for Google Cloud, and other public cloud platforms. For more information about Chromotif, visit www.chromotif.com.

SOURCE Chromotif

Related Links

http://www.chromotif.com


If theres ever a 5.5 magnitude earthquake in Armenia, numerous school buildings will partly or fully collapse, resulting in large numbers of casualties and material losses.

Taking this into account, Armenias government approved the Seismic Safety Improvement of the RA Public Schools Program for 2015-2030 in 2015. Since then, several changes have been made to the program and its action plan, the last one being in July of this year. This is when the list of Armenia's earthquake-prone schools was also approved.

According to the list, 425 schools are at risk in terms of seismic resistance. This is 30% of the country's schools.

Some of the schools in the list, however, have already been allocated millions of drams and dollars from the state budget, social projects and loans.

The list includes formerly renovated schools

Some of the directors of 425 schools told us that their schools were seismically stable, and millions of drams had been spent from the budget for their rehabilitation.

#4 high school in Goris, for example, was rehabilitated and reinforced in 2007-2008. Director Armineh Shegounts said that the school had been renovated by the Social Investment Fund for 110 million drams.

Another school from the list, in the Shatin village of Vayots Dzor province, was rehabilitated and renovated in three stages in 2007-2008.

In 2010, Aygevit village school of Tavush province was rehabilitated.

Another listed school, the Vanadzor branch of the Polytechnic University, was rehabilitated in 2007-2009. University head Armen Kharatyan says that after the completion of the rehab, the high school moved from domiks (containers) to the university. He says the total rehab of several buildings, including that one, was done for around 300 million AMD.

In January 2017, the State Committee for Urban Development proposed to the project presenter to replace those schools in the list that had been recently rehabilitated.

Minister of Territorial Administration and Development Davit Lokyan didnt accept this proposal, reasoning that "no alternatives were submitted".

The Ararat Provincial Administration and the Yerevan Municipality also suggested that changes be made to the list. They offered to replace several schools with others. Both proposals have been rejected. The author of the project replied to the Ararat Provincial Administration that "the seismic vulnerability level of the schools included in the list is high, while its medium level in case of the proposed schools." Yerevan Municipality's proposal was rejected without comments.

Twenty "prioritized" schools

The government has outlined twenty out of 425 mentioned schools, which are "in urgent need of improvement". The program doesnt specify why these twenty schools have been selected. It's also unclear what is meant by improvement.

According to one of the selection principles, Yerevan should "have a differentiated approach" and around 30% of the programs should be implemented in Yerevan, as around 30% of the country's schoolchildren study there. Despite this, 12 of 20 schools (60%) to be built or reinforced are in Yerevan.

According to another principle, when selecting the schools, schools with good technical conditions should have been omitted.

The State Committee for Urban Development noted that Yerevan #51 and Sevan #1 schools had been renovated in recent years with state budgets, but they were still in the list.

The Committee suggested to remove these schools from the list, but the proposal wasnt accepted, with the reasoning that a new building was built with the state budget in case of the Yerevan #51 school in and it was the old building to be reinforced. As for Sevan primary school, the budget was provided for repair works, not reinforcement. After some back and forth with the Ministry of Finance, Sevan #1 school was removed from the list, while Yerevan #51 school is still there, though more than 500 million drams have already been allocated for its reinforcement.

It should be noted that a Seismic Safety Improvement Loan Agreement was signed between the Government of Armenia and the Asian Development Bank, with a total budget of $107 million, $88.5 million of which is provided by the bank, and $ 18.5 million is the governments contribution.

The government's decision and its action plan dont mention that the above-mentioned twenty schools will be renovated or rehabilitated by this loan, but it says that as a result of the adoption of the project, the number of students in seismically safe schools will increase by 13037, which is the same as the expected outcome of the Asian Development Bank loan agreement.

Some schools in the list are being renovated by the World Bank loan program

Hetq earlier wrote about the World Bank's loan for renovating 17 high schools in Armenia, which may remain incomplete due to the insufficient funding.

Rehabilitation contracts have been signed for five of them - Noyemberyan high school in Tavoush Province, high school in Martouni, Gegharkounik Province, #1 high school in Hrazdan city, Kotayk Province, #2 high school in Metzamor, Armavir Province, and the one in Ararat town, Ararat Province.

Despite this, Hrazdan #1, Metzamor #2 and Ararat high schools, the total cost of rehabilitation of which by the WB loan program is more than $ 4 million, have also been included in the list of 425. Nine of twelve schools that were included in the list of the World Bank loan program, but are under the question, are also included in this government program. During July sessions, none of the authorities presenting objections and suggestions voiced this. The implementer of the WB's loan, the Ministry of Education and Science, was silent about this, too.

Some schools with low seismic safety are out

The draft decision, by which the list of 425 seismic hazards schools was approved in July 2017, was submitted to the government by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development, represented by Deputy Minister Vache Terteryan.

In 2015, a list of 377 earthquake-prone schools of Armenia was compiled. These schools had a low level of seismic safety, according to the standards set by the UNICEF Yerevan Office. The initial cost of reinforcing them or building new ones was estimated at $ 617 million, of which $ 107 million was for 2015-2020.

However, 150 of these 377 schools are not included in the list of 425.

Of these 150 schools, only secondary school # 6 in Artashat doesnt operate, according to the recent data published by the Ministry of Education. Two other institutions - Sisian's #1 and Goris #1 Special Secondary Schools - were reorganized as SNCOs by two different decisions. They are not schools any more, but they carry out educational activities for children in need of special education.

The rest of the educational institutions are included in the MOE's list of operating schools.

Among the above-mentioned 150 schools, there are schools that are considered unsafe.

Shirakavan school, built in 1896, was included in the 2015 list and removed two years later. Principal Juliette Mkrtchyan says the school has never been rehabilitated. In 2008, it underwent some cosmetic renovation financed by Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. Some windows have been replaced by the funds provided by the provincial administration.

The principal says that the school's seismic stability was checked in 2014 and it was said to be earthquake-prone. The director wasnt aware that the school was left out of the list in 2017.

112 students attend the school and the pre-school. Its rehabilitation was estimated at $327,000 in 2015.

The Sarnaghbyour secondary school building, another one that was left out in 2017, was partially renovated in 2000-2001, by the Social Investment Fund project. The roof, doors and windows were replaced, but no attention was paid to the foundation.

Principal Hmayak Hakobyan says that when government experts visited the school in 2015, they said that although one of three buildings had been renovated, its foundation was too weak to keep the building open.

The schools other two buildings have never been renovated and must be replaced with new construction.

Hakobyan says no one from the government has gotten back to him since.
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As forward-looking media companies continue to seek out creative new revenue streams amid a changing landscape, City & State, a New York publisher covering local and state government as well as the non-profit world, announced it has formed an innovative partnership with New York City-based Phillips Oppenheim, one of the leading executive search firms in the country, to help close the gap in matching top talent with positions in government and non-profit sectors.

Expanding beyond the company's events and sponsorships, this venture will allow City & State's loyal clients in advocacy, labor, health care, technology, education, non-profit and other sectors to access valuable services in attracting the top talent for New York City and New York State.

"In an extremely tight and competitive marketplace, corporations, organizations, associations and non-profits are looking for smart, effective ways to attract top talent, as evidenced by our always-full careers board," said City & State President Tom Allon. "Now, we have added yet another service for our thousands of loyal clients with the ultimate goal of conducting executive searches that yield outstanding leaders for these organizations."

"We are extremely proud and delighted to partner with City & State and expand our services to include City & State networks in New York City and around the state," said Phillips Oppenheim CEO Jane Donaldson. "There are sectors related to politics and government  from technology to labor  that aren't able to access search firms with the proper expertise for their searches. By partnering with City & State and its understanding of the many sectors that need government-savvy professionals, we can expand our experience and know-how to new clients."

The new joint venture will focus on top leader searches including: CEO, Executive Director, Development Director, CFO, COO, Director/VP of Government Affairs, Director of External Affairs, and Marketing and Communications Directors. While City & State will serve as the marketing arm on the front end, Phillips Oppenheim will use its deep knowledge and database on the back-end to help new clients access top talent for these positions.

Phillips Oppenheim, which was founded in 1991, has conducted very high-profile searches in recent years including: the Museum Director of the Obama Presidential Center, the VP of Government Relations for Con Edison, the President and CEO of Community Healthcare Network, the CEO of the Children's Aid Society, and the CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Phillips Oppenheim has conducted CEO searches for Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Oxfam, the National Park Foundation and many others.

SOURCE City & State
ATLANTA, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- When Hurricanes Harvey and Irma carved their destructive paths across Texas and Florida within a week of each other, Cox Media Group's (CMG) award-winning media professionals' keen focus on preparedness and collaboration across markets and media platforms ensured that our audiences continued to count on CMG for the critical news and information they needed during the disasters. CMG had round-the-clock, emergency coverage in eight Texas and Florida markets  providing a vital link to communities during the critical window before, during and after these hurricanes.

"After ensuring that our teams and their families were all safe, our mission was to serve our communities by relaying vital, lifesaving information to our viewers, listeners and readers," said CMG President Kim Guthrie. "The preparedness of our engineers and operations leaders paid off  with generator power, fuel, personnel and even MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) for our small but mighty teams who went without sleep, worked onsite and in the field to continue to report the news and weather. We are so incredibly proud of all of our dedicated employees, as well as the extended Digital, National Content Desk, and the Washington News Bureau teams and other CMG markets who supported them throughout this ordeal!"

Guthrie added that CMG commits a great deal of time throughout the year with its security team conducting tabletop exercises so that its media brands can be prepared for disasters like this and to never lose the ability to broadcast or publish the news.

An unprecedented number of CMG properties were in the path of these two monster storms, as well as in Georgia when Irma became a tropical storm:

"I am especially proud of our two converged markets in Orlando and Jacksonville, where we have TV and Radio properties," said CMG Executive VP Bill Hendrich who recently was named to oversee all of CMG's Florida broadcast markets. "In both markets, the TV and Radio stations worked together before, during and after the storm to provide unmatched news coverage to millions of viewers and listeners."

All CMG employees could get their families to safety, and CMG's media teams kicked into high gear, safely guiding the communities through some of the worst hurricanes in history.

"There will be many more weeks of clean up as the full extent of damage reveals itself across these markets, and CMG will continue to step up for our communities, our audiences, advertisers and our employees," added Guthrie. "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with everyone impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma."

About Cox Media Group

Cox Media Group is an integrated broadcasting, publishing, direct marketing and digital media company. The company's operations currently include 14 broadcast television stations and one local cable channel, more than 60 radio stations, seven daily newspapers and 11 non-daily publications; and more than 100 digital sites and services, like Rare.us, Clark.com, Dawg Nation, SEC Country, Hookem.com, Mundo Hispanico, Southern Kitchen and All22. Additionally, CMG operates the National Advertising Platform businesses of CoxReps - the country's biggest television rep firm - Gamut, and Videa. CMG currently operates in more than 20 media markets and reaches approximately 52 million Americans weekly, including more than 31 million TV viewers, more than 3.5 million newspaper readers, and nearly 15 million radio listeners. For more information about Cox Media Group, please check us out online at www.coxmediagroup.com.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises

Related Links

http://www.coxmediagroup.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Italian olive oil company Colavita and Jamie Geller -- Jewish food and lifestyle expert and publisher of JOY of KOSHER -- launch #WeOliveIsrael, a sweepstakes that awards one winner and their companion a 5-day, 5-night trip to Jerusalem.

Kosher Network International

The trip includes round trip airfare from a major U.S. city, plus a stay at 5-star luxury Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem, a co-sponsor of the sweepstakes. Israel Ministry of Tourism (also a co-sponsor), will provide daily guided ground tours and dinner for the duration of the trip. Geller will accompany the winner and his/her companion during one of the ground tours. Geller says, "I cannot wait to show the winners the state I call home, you may call this trip a once in a lifetime experience, but once you come to Jerusalem you'll want to come again and again."

John Profaci, Vice President of Marketing for Colavita USA states, "We're so excited to be able to partner with Jamie and Joy of Kosher to send someone on this trip to Israel! Colavita loves Israeli food and the big part that olive oil plays in it, and is happy to share that with a lucky winner."

Sweepstakes began Sept. 1 and runs through Dec. 16. Entrants can enter once each 24-hour period at www.joyofkosher.com/colavitasweepstakes. See website for complete sweepstakes rules. Jamie Geller will choose a winner, live on her Facebook Channel Dec. 17.

Additional weekly prizes of Colavita products will be given away until the end of the contest period.

About Colavita USA

Family-owned Colavita USA LLC, headquartered in Edison, New Jersey, has been importing and distributing Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil for over 30 years. Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil is recognized as the trusted family brand in the US and has earned awards from renowned cooking publications such as Fine Cooking and Cook's Illustrated and general-interest magazines like Men's Health.

Colavita authentic Italian specialty products, including durum wheat semolina pasta, a full selection of balsamic and wine vinegars, traditional and organic pasta sauces, and olive-canola blended oils are the ingredients of choice for chefs in home, restaurant, and professional kitchens. Colavita also markets a full line of marinated vegetables and spreads and ready-to-serve soups, each prepared according to Colavita family tradition.

About Jamie Geller's JOY of KOSHER

JOYofKOSHER.com is the #1 kosher food and recipe website in the world featuring Jewish lifestyle expert Jamie Geller and a community of cookbook authors, bloggers, and chefs. The award-winning companion print magazine, JOY of KOSHER with Jamie Geller Magazine is a bi-monthly publication revolutionizing the way people think about kosher.

Featuring the best of kosher over 8,000 creative and curated kosher recipes, menus, articles and videos plus fresh content added daily, JOYofKOSHER.com is the ultimate and singular destination for all things kosher.

Media Contact

Deborah Shapiro

Kosher Network International

(904) 580-7050 x108

[email protected]

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Joy of Kosher

SOURCE JOY of KOSHER

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CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Chicago announced today it has acquired the Chicago-based assets of City Point Realty LLC, which does business as City Point Realty. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is part of NRT LLC, the nation's largest residential real estate brokerage.

The company has 34 affiliated agents and a Chicago office located at 1275 North Clybourn Avenue in the city's Old Town neighborhood. The agents will conduct business under the banner of Coldwell Banker in the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Lincoln Park office.

office located at 1275 North Clybourn Avenue in the city's Old Town neighborhood. The agents will conduct business under the banner of in the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Lincoln Park office. Former owners of City Point Realty LLC, Dan Merrion , Brian Merrion and Libby Carlson will affiliate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage as brokers.

, and will affiliate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage as brokers. This is the fourth acquisition by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Chicagoland since July 2017 , previously acquiring the following:

, previously acquiring the following: Century 21 McMullen in Northwest Chicago



Groebe Real Estate in Palos Heights, Illinois



Chicagoland Realty Services in Chicago's West Loop

Since 2003, City Point Realty has been a progressive real estate company committed to providing agents the opportunities, technology, and resources to grow and succeed. As a result, the company asserted itself as an industry leader within customer service and agent development while providing their clients a 5-Star level of professionalism and expertise.

QUOTES:

"City Point Realty is a well-respected and established real estate institution within Chicago. Through this strategic acquisition, we're able to further bolster our roster of talented agents and strengthen our local city expertise to provide an even higher level of service to our clients."

- Fran Broude, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

"Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is a company that truly shares our forward-thinking mindset and commitment to innovation."

- Dan Merrion, co-owner of City Point Realty LLC

"We are looking forward to our agents growing their businesses in new and exciting ways as they leverage Coldwell Banker's comprehensive marketing suite and diverse set of tools."

- Brian Merrion, founder and co-owner of City Point Realty LLC

"This affiliation will enable the agents to gain a competitive edge in this market and continue to provide the superior customer service their clients have come to know and expect."

- Libby Carlson, co-owner of City Point Realty LLC

About Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, a leading residential real estate brokerage company serving Chicagoland, Northwest Indiana, Southeast Wisconsin and Southwest Michigan, operates 52 offices and is affiliated with 3,700 agents. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is part of NRT LLC, the nation's largest residential real estate brokerage company. For more information, please visit www.coldwellbankerhomes.com.

Media Contact:

Mike Purgatorio

847.313.6771

[email protected]

SOURCE Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
DENVER, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Corporate Directors and Puget Sound Business Journal announced Colleen Birdnow Brown as the 2017 Director of the Year award winner this Monday in Seattle, Washington.

The Director of the Year award recognizes outstanding performance in corporate directorship, with a panel of judges selecting nominees on the basis of integrity, mature confidence, informed judgment and high performance standards. The award follows a slew of recent accolades for Brown, including the 2017 NACD Directorship 100 list and NACD Board Fellow spotlight.

Marca Global

Brown is the founder and owner of award-winning online reputation management firm Marca Global, which is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. She currently serves on the boards of Port Blakely Companies, TrueBlue Inc., and Delta Dental of Washington. Brown previously served as Chairwoman of the Board for American Apparel, in addition to serving on the boards of Boeing Employee Credit Union, Careerbuilder.com and Classifiedventures.com.

The Puget Sound Business Journal and NACD honorees will be recognized at the Director of the Year gala in Seattle on Oct. 25. For more information about the event, visit bizjournals.com/seattle.

About Colleen Birdnow Brown

Brown is the founder and owner of Marca Global, an Inc. 5000 fastest growing company. She is an adviser and board member to public and private companies and a frequent keynote speaker and panelist on board, media and leadership issues. She previously served as Director, President and CEO of Fisher Communications, Inc. (FSCI), the President of Broadcast at Lee Enterprises, in the C-Suite of Belo (BCI) and as a senior leader at Gannett (GCI). Brown has received numerous awards in technology leadership and innovation. She is active in the NACD, WCD, Committee of 200 and International Women's Forum (IWF). She is a former director of the Associated Press (AP), the National Association of Television Executives (NATPE) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). She is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a member of the Aspen Leadership Institute. For more information about Colleen Birdnow Brown and Marca Global, visit www.marcaglobal.us.

Contact:

Anna Hoglund

Communications Specialist

Marca Global

720-552-8057

[email protected]

Related Links

Marca Global website

Puget Sound Business Journal

SOURCE Marca Global

Related Links

http://www.marcaglobal.us


CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- September is Life Insurance Awareness Montha month designated to helping consumers understand the importance of life insurance, coordinated by non-profit organization Life Happens. Combined Insurance, a leading provider of individual supplemental accident, disability, health and life insurance products, and a Chubb company, joins these efforts to help educate Americans about the importance of life insurance.

"Purchasing life insurance is one of the most important decisions we can make in our lifetime," said Doug Abercrombie, Senior Vice President and Chief Agency Officer at Combined Insurance. "I strongly urge anyone without a life insurance policy or thinking of purchasing one to have a conversation and understand the security it can provide one's loved ones if or when the unexpected occurs."

According to a 2016 report published by the Life Insurance Marketing & Research Association (LIMRA):

30 percent of U.S. households (approximately 37.5 million) remain uninsured.

Approximately 50 million households recognize they need more life insurance.

According to LIMRA's Life Insurance Needs Model, it is estimated that 48 percent of households (60 million people) have an average life insurance gap of $200,000 .

Combined Insurance issues a variety of life insurance products, and agents are available throughout the country to meet with prospective customers and discuss their insurance needs. The LIMRA report indicates that 64 percent of consumers do not want to purchase life insurance, because they feel it is too expensive when, in fact, it is generally much more affordable than people think.

"We want to encourage consumers to take the time and work with a company or agent who understands your needs and can protect your family when they need it most," said Abercrombie.

Combined Insurance was founded in Chicago in 1922 by W. Clement Stone. With $100, a positive spirit and a vision to make the world a better place, Stone developed and grew the company into what it is today  still operating in the Chicago area and with agents throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Combined Insurance has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating by A.M. Best, one of the world's top insurance rating firms. The company has also been recognized for seven consecutive years on Ward's 50 Top Performing Health-Life Insurance Companies list.

Click here to learn more about Combined Insurance products and career opportunities.

About Combined Insurance

Combined Insurance Company of America (Chicago, Ill.) is a leading provider of individual supplemental accident, disability, health, and life insurance products and a Chubb company. With a tradition of nearly 100 years of success, Combined Insurance is committed to making the world of supplemental insurance easy to understand. The company has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and is one of Ward's Top 50 Performing Life-Health Insurance Companies. Combined Insurance is also a 2017 Top 10 Military Friendly Employer named by G.I. Jobs Magazinemarking the fifth consecutive year on the Top 10 employer list and third consecutive year in the Top 5. In New York, products are underwritten by Combined Life Insurance Company of New York (Latham, N.Y.) For more information, please visit combinedinsurance.com.

About Chubb

Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: chubb.com.

SOURCE Combined Insurance

Related Links

http://www.combinedinsurance.com


CLIFTON, N.J., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Comodo, a global innovator and developer of cybersecurity solutions and the worldwide leader in digital certificates, today announced that Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection (AEP) has been selected as winner of the "APT Software of the Year" award from CyberSecurity Breakthrough, an independent organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global information security market today.

Comodo AEP is a complete endpoint protection platform comprising multiple security technologies, including anti-virus, host-based intrusion prevention system (HIPS), web filtering, personal firewall, white/blacklisting, application control, behavior analyzer, device control, vulnerability analyzer, patching and Secure Auto-Containment. It also provides management and reporting in an integrated package that maximizes security and administration effectiveness while minimizing support burdens.

"The industry stubbornly sticks to an outdated 'default-allow' approach that permits unknown applications and files to run with unfettered access to system resources, welcoming threats with open arms," said Melih Abdulhayoglu, Comodo CEO. "In sharp contrast, Comodo promotes default-deny security posture, which automatically wraps unknown applications/executables in an isolated container and blocks known bad ones, with default-allow usability. We currently have more than 87 million endpoints with no endpoint infections or security breaches reported thus far. We are honored that CyberSecurity Breakthrough has recognized this innovation. It further emphasizes our commitment to offering the best of the best security to the enterprise community."

The mission of the CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the innovation, hard work and success in a range of information security categories, including Cloud Security, Threat Detection, Risk Management, Fraud Prevention, Mobile Security, Email Security and many more. This year's program attracted more than 2,000 nominations from over 12 different countries throughout the world. All nominations were evaluated by an independent panel of experts within the information security industry.

"All businesses are now faced with addressing the incoming onslaught of highly customized and sophisticated threats," said James Johnson, managing director at CyberSecurity Breakthrough. "Comodo's Advanced Endpoint Protection (AEP) platform impressed the judges with a combination of advanced security technologies and management tools that help companies efficiently and effectively address these ongoing threats. Congratulations to Comodo on its award win and industry recognition."

To learn more about Comodo AEP, visit https://enterprise.comodo.com/advanced-endpoint-protection/.

About Comodo

The Comodo organization is a global innovator of cybersecurity solutions, protecting critical information across the digital landscape. Building on its unique position as the world's largest certificate authority, Comodo authenticates, validates and secures networks and infrastructures from individuals to mid-sized companies to the world's largest enterprises. Comodo provides complete end-to-end security solutions across the boundary, internal network and endpoint with innovative technologies solving the most advanced malware threats, both known and unknown. With global headquarters in Clifton, New Jersey, and offices in Silicon Valley, Comodo has international offices in China, India, the Philippines, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit comodo.com.

Comodo and the Comodo brand are trademarks of the Comodo Group Inc. or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. The current list of Comodo trademarks and patents is available at comodo.com/repository.

Keep up to date with the latest Comodo News from the Comodo blog at https://blog.comodo.com/ and on Twitter @ComodoNews.

Connect with Comodo on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/comodo.

About CyberSecurity Breakthrough

The CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in information security and cybersecurity technology companies, products and people. The CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough information security companies and products in categories including Cloud Security, Threat Detection, Risk Management, Fraud Prevention, Mobile Security, Web and Email Security, UTM, Firewall and more. For more information, visit www.CyberSecurityBreakthrough.com.

CONTACT: Deb Montner, Montner Tech PR, [email protected], 203-226-9290

SOURCE Comodo

Related Links

http//www.comodo.com


CLEVELAND, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Content Marketing World Conference and Expo (CMWorld), the largest content event on the planet, just wrapped up its seventh and most successful event yet. More than 3500 attendees from over 50 countries spent the week learning from and networking with the best of the best in the content marketing industry- and tasting every kind of orange colored food imaginable (CMWorld's signature color).

This year's attendees came from more than 550 companies across the world including 44 from the Fortune 100. During the four-day event in Cleveland, Ohio, September 5-8, attendees had a pick of more than 220 speakers and 120 sessions from over a dozen different tracks focusing on all facets of content marketing including demand generation, social media, video, content strategy, influencer marketing, email and more.

If you weren't following #CMWorld on Twitter (which was trending all week) then here are some highlights you missed:

Content Marketing Institute (CMI) founder, Joe Pulizzi , kicked off the show by sharing a sneak peek at stats from CMI's upcoming B2B Content Marketing Research Report. Of the B2B organizations most successful in their content marketing programs, 92% are focused on building audiences. Of those least successful in content marketing, less than two-thirds (65%) are focused on building audiences. Joe explained why an audience can be a company's biggest (and most profitable) asset.

, kicked off the show by sharing a sneak peek at stats from CMI's upcoming B2B Content Marketing Research Report. Of the B2B organizations most successful in their content marketing programs, 92% are focused on building audiences. Of those least successful in content marketing, less than two-thirds (65%) are focused on building audiences. Joe explained why an audience can be a company's biggest (and most profitable) asset. General Electric CMO Linda Boff explained how the powerhouse uses its content to find "the human in the digital" because people relate to people.

Producer, director and YouTube star, Casey Neistat shared his personal journey as a creator and encouraged the audience to "Do What You Can't" as inspiration to think differently.

shared his personal journey as a creator and encouraged the audience to "Do What You Can't" as inspiration to think differently. Coca-Cola's Integrated Marketing Lead, Kate Santore revealed that rather than asking themselves at Coca-Cola how to sell more, they ask, "How do we find space in the hearts and minds of our consumers?"

revealed that rather than asking themselves at Coca-Cola how to sell more, they ask, "How do we find space in the hearts and minds of our consumers?" Pulitzer Prize winning author Colson Whitehead shared amusing and witty insight into his journey as a writer, offering inspiration for others on persevering even when faced with failure.

shared amusing and witty insight into his journey as a writer, offering inspiration for others on persevering even when faced with failure. Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivered the closing keynote where he shared how his online community called HitRECord is creating a truly unique and successful online collaboration among creators that he feels could be a model for others.

delivered the closing keynote where he shared how his online community called HitRECord is creating a truly unique and successful online collaboration among creators that he feels could be a model for others. Jay Acunzo , host of Unthinkable podcast, proclaimed (and supported his proclamation) that brands and companies shouldn't follow best practices but instead trust their intuition, setting them apart from everyone else.

, host of Unthinkable podcast, proclaimed (and supported his proclamation) that brands and companies shouldn't follow best practices but instead trust their intuition, setting them apart from everyone else. The top four prizes in the Content Marketing Awards program, the largest and longest running content marketing awards program in the world, were awarded live during CMWorld. Paolo Mottola , managing editor of REI Co-op was named Content Marketer of the Year. For a complete list visit: http://contentmarketingawards.com/

, managing editor of REI Co-op was named Content Marketer of the Year. For a complete list visit: http://contentmarketingawards.com/ Visual artist Kelley Kingman and her staff from Kingman Inc. created twenty graphic recordings from CMWorld sessions. To see all the graphics visit: http://cmi.media/qhxp

and her staff from Kingman Inc. created twenty graphic recordings from CMWorld sessions. To see all the graphics visit: http://cmi.media/qhxp To see all the pictures from CMWorld 2017 visit CMWorld's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ContentMarketingWorld/

If you were unable to attend CMWorld 2017, you can still order the Video on Demand package. To order, visit: http://cmi.media/video17

Content Marketing World 2018, will be held 4-7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Please check ContentMarketingWorld.com for registration information or to enter your email address to be notified when registration for 2018 opens.

About Content Marketing Institute

Content Marketing Institute is the leading global content marketing education and training organization, teaching enterprise brands how to attract and retain customers through compelling, multi-channel storytelling. CMI's Content Marketing World event, the largest content marketing-focused event, is held every September in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, and the Intelligent Content Conference event is held every spring. CMI publishes the bi-monthly magazine Chief Content Officer, and provides strategic consulting and content marketing research for some of the best-known brands in the world. Watch this video to learn more about CMI. Content Marketing Institute is organised by UBM plc. UBM is the largest pure-play B2B Events organiser in the world. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors. Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed. Please visit www.ubm.com for the latest news and information about UBM.

SOURCE Content Marketing Institute
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Corporate Whistleblower Center says, "We are urging a pharmaceutical company manager or sales representative to call us anytime at 800-714-0303 if they have proof their employer is overbilling Medicare or Medicaid. The rewards for this type of information can be huge as we would like to discuss anytime.

Healthcare

"If you are a pharmaceutical or medical device company and you can prove your competition is cheating Medicare or Medicaid out of millions-please call us about rewards and potentially a huge competitive edge over your competition. Whistleblowers exactly like this will receive approximately $38.7 million as their share of a recent federal False Claim Act settlement. Why sit on a winning lotto ticket without ever know what it might be worth?" http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com

In August 2017, the Department of Justice announced a major settlement involving a US based pharmaceutical company had agreed to pay $465 million to resolve claims that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly misclassifying its pharmaceutical product as a generic drug to avoid paying rebates owed primarily to Medicaid.

The settlement resolves the government's allegations that the drug company was erroneously reporting their product as a generic drug to Medicaid despite the absence of any therapeutically equivalent drugs, and the company received massive price increases in the private market while avoiding its corresponding rebate obligations to Medicaid. Between 2010 and 2016, the pharmaceutical company increased the price of their product by approximately 400 percent yet paid only a fixed 13 percent rebate to Medicaid during the same period. The government further alleged that although the drug company was well-aware that its drug was not a generic, it nevertheless claimed generic status for its product in the Medicaid program to avoid paying a higher rebate.

Simple rules for a whistleblower from the Corporate Whistleblower Center: Do not go to the government first if you are a major whistleblower. The Corporate Whistleblower Center says, "Major whistleblowers frequently go to the government thinking they will help. It's a huge mistake. Do not go to the news media with your whistleblower information. Public revelation of a whistleblower's information could destroy any prospect for a reward. Do not try to force a company or individual to come clean on Medicare overbilling or Come to us first, tell us what type of information you have, and if we think it's sufficient, we will help find the right law firms to assist in advancing your information. Our number one goal is to make certain a whistleblower who can prove multi-million-dollar Medicare or Medicaid fraud receives the best possible financial compensation as we would like to explain anytime at 866-714-6466." http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com

The Corporate Whistleblower Center is specifically focused on from potential whistleblowers from the following types of healthcare companies-if they over billing Medicare or Medicaid:

Hospitals

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Nursing Homes

Dialysis Centers

Hospice Centers

Imaging Centers

Rehab Centers

Blood Testing Labs

The Corporate Whistleblower Center wants to emphasize there are high quality whistleblowers in every state, including California, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, or Alaska. They are especially interested in hearing from medical doctors who have information about significant Medicare overbilling-or fraud in their state.

The Corporate Whistleblower Center is the premier advocate for whistleblowers in the United States. Unlike any group in the US, they can assist a potential whistleblower with packaging their information and providing the whistleblower with access to the most accomplished whistleblower attorneys in the nation. For more information, potential whistleblowers can contact the Corporate Whistleblower Center at 866-714-6466 or visit http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com.

For attribution to this recent whistleblower reward please refer to the August 2017 Department of Justice press release on this matter. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/mylan-agrees-pay-465-million-resolve-false-claims-act-liability-underpaying-epipen-rebates.

Media Contact:

Thomas Martin

[email protected]

866-714-6466

SOURCE Corporate Whistleblower Center

Related Links

http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com


MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Crestwood Associates LLC, an award-winning provider of ERP and CRM solutions to small and medium-sized businesses nationwide, is proud to announce that it has been named one of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies for the second straight year. With a ranking of #4472, Crestwood climbed 34 positions from its ranking in 2016.

This list represents the most successful companies within the American economy's most dynamic segment its independent small and midsized businesses. Companies such as Microsoft, Dell, Pandora, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees of the Inc. 5000.

"Crestwood Associates LLC is thrilled to be included on the Inc. 5000 list again this year. We appreciate Inc. for honoring rapidly growing privately held companies like ours, acknowledging our hard work and accomplishments," offered Brian McGuckin, co-founder of Crestwood Associates.

The 2017 Inc. 5000, unveiled online at Inc.com and with the top 500 companies featured in the September issue of Inc. (available on newsstands August 16) is the most competitive crop in the list's history.

"It validates our strategic plan," McGuckin said. "Very few ERP and CRM partners make this list. We owe this success in no small part to our hardworking, innovative and dedicated staff. They serve our clients in new and different ways, making the relationships stronger and more rewarding for both parties."

The average company on the list achieved a three-year growth of 433%. The Inc. 5000's aggregate revenue is $200 billion, and the companies on the list collectively generated 640,000 jobs over the past three years, or about 8% of all jobs created in the entire economy during that period. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

"The Inc. 5000 is the most persuasive evidence I know that the American Dream is still alive," says Inc. President and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg. "The founders and CEOs of the Inc. 5000 tell us they think determination, risk taking, and vision were the keys to their success, and I believe them."

The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring all the companies on the list will be held from October 10 through 12, 2017 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, CA.

About Crestwood Associates

Founded in 1998, Crestwood Associates LLC is an Illinois-based ERP and CRM technology company. We focus on Microsoft Dynamics GP, Dynamics SL, Dynamics 365, CRM, Acumatica, and Greentree ERP solutions. Crestwood works with over 700 customers, has offices in 5 states, including our newest offices in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We serve clients across the US and Canada. We strive for collaborative relationships with our clients and endeavor to make the complex simple.

Whether you need overall guidance, specific skilled training, or a complete soup-to-nuts system, we have the professionals and experience to get the job done.

Photo(s):https://www.prlog.org/12663188

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Crestwood Associates LLC

Related Links

http://www.crestwood.com


The European Parliament called for tighter anti-corruption measures on Wednesday and for an investigation into reports that Azerbaijan paid off EU decision-makers who spoke favorably about the countrys dismal human rights record.

In a resolution that was overwhelmingly approved, the parliamentarians, among other, condemned attempts by Azerbaijan and other autocratic regimes in third countries to influence European decision-makers through illicit means." The claims stem from leaked documents received by Berlingske, a Danish newspaper and shared with OCCRP and other partners.

The Azerbaijani Laundromat investigation uncovered that Azerbaijans elite was buying silence and praise from influential European figures while simultaneously throwing some 90 activists, journalists and opposition politicians into prison on politically motivated charges.

Among the recipients were former members of the Council of Europe, a 47-nation international organization dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law in member countries.

Azerbaijan joined the Council of Europe in 2001 but demonstrated a poor human rights record according to independent observers.

Following the publishing of the Azerbaijani Laundromat, a group of members of the European Parliament (MEPs) proposed an amendment to the Parliaments report on corruption and human rights in third countries that addressed the Azerbaijani Laundromat revelations.

The resolution, along with the amendment, was approved by 578 to 19, with 68 abstentions.

The European Parliament should investigate and adopt robust measures to prevent such corruption occurring, the MEPs decided according to the press release.

The resolution also called for the EU to enforce the existing anti-corruption conventions but also to add an anti-corruption clause in deals with non-EU countries, monitor EU-funded projects and use sanctions or the suspension of deals where systemic corruption leads to serious human rights breaches.

Parliament member and rapporteur, Petras Austrevicius, said that after the Lux Leaks, Panama Papers and the Russia and Azerbaijan Laundromats, the Parliament has realized that corruption stretches far across state borders and that it has dramatic repercussions on policy decisions.

We call for the highest possible ethical and transparency standards to be upheld in international and national bodies and for the EU to set up a legal framework to deter any type of corruption and fraud, he said.

Additionally, the adopted resolution called for the protection of independent media, civil society organizations and whistle-blowers.

EU politicians are paid to make laws for EU citizens. They shouldn't be taking money from Azerbaijan to reflect that country's corrupt values, said Drew Sullivan, the chief editor at OCCRP.

We will continue to be a watchdog who scrutinizes the finances of any politician who is overly friendly to Azerbaijan's needs, he added.

occrp.org
SHANGHAI, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Yariv Levin, Minister of Tourism of the State of Israel, visited China for the first time this month. He visited Ctrip headquarters and our CEO Jane Sun to discuss tourism opportunity for Israel. Afterwards, Ctrip and the Israeli Tourism Bureau held a strategic cooperation signing ceremony at the Shanghai Peace Hotel.

According to Israeli Ministry of Tourism statistics, Israel in July 2017 ushered in 271,100 global tourists, an increase of 17% over the same period last year. The growth of tourists from China is even more staggering. By July 2017, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Israel reached 64,000, an increase of 66%, reinforcing Chinese tourists as the fastest growing source of inbound tourists to Israel.

"I am delighted to have witnessed the rapid growth of Israeli tourism in the Chinese market, not only thanks to the innovative approach of the Israeli tourism industry's rich marketing activities in China and the creation of a destination brand image," said Mr. Levine, Minister of Tourism of the State of Israel. In addition, new direct flight to Israel has also played a vital role in the growth of the tourism market, and the rapid increase in the number of tourists in China has made great contributions to the Israeli economy and the job market. As the campaign continues to deepen, this trend of rapid growth will continue to rise and we hope to establish a good relationship with more partners in China. "

"Tourism brings peace. We are facilitating the two-way visits between China and Isarel with a lot more room for growth," said Ms. Sun. "Ctrip is playing an increasingly significant role as a "tourism development ambassador" in the global area."

Given that visa accessibility is an important consideration for Chinese tourists in selecting travel destinations, Jane called upon Israeli government to introduce new policies on not only continuing to ease tourist visa access but also building more awareness of Israel as a travel destination to Chinese tourists and working with Israeli government to ensure Chinese tourists high quality and safe travel experience.

The Ministry of Tourism is actively expanding its relationship with China's tourism industry partners and actively seeking opportunities for "cross-border" cooperation, in order to ensure the best quality travel service and experience for Chinese tourists visiting Israel. This cooperation with Ctrip, China's largest online travel agency (OTA), leverages Ctrip's advantages in travel products, big data, precision marketing and other aspects of deep cooperation.

SOURCE Ctrip.com International, Ltd.
Why thank farmers? They're responsible for growing the food that every single person depends on, yet their immense contributions are often overlooked. Since Culver's created the Thank You Farmers program in 2013, the restaurant chain has looked for unique ways to spread positive messages about the hard work, dedication and passion of the agricultural community, as well as ways to raise awareness about the importance of supporting agricultural education.

The idea for growing messages of thanks into corn mazes came in 2014 when Culver's worked with a student agricultural group in Tracy, Minnesota, to bring the first Thank You Farmers corn maze to life. The restaurant chain has continued the fall maze tradition each year, working with corn mazes from Arizona to South Carolina to Michigan. Each maze design includes the Thank You Farmers message, as well as a variety of farm scene elements like cows and tractors. The 2017 Thank You Farmers mazes are listed here.

"Corn mazes are such a natural place for us to celebrate America's farmers," said Jessie Corning, Culver's senior marketing manager. "A popular fall tradition among families, they're a great way for us to spread the Thank You Farmers message to guests of all ages."

The Thank You Farmers initiative spreads awareness for agriculture in visually compelling ways and has raised over $1 million in support of agricultural education programs such as the National FFA Organization and Foundation and local FFA chapters since 2013. Learn how Culver's is celebrating farmers and supporting the future of agricultural education at www.culvers.com/farmers.

About Culver's:

For over 30 years, Culver's guests have been treated to cooked-to-order food made with farm-fresh ingredients and served with a smile. The ever-expanding franchise system now numbers over 600 family-owned and operated restaurants in 24 states. The restaurants' nationally recognized customer service is based on small-town, Midwestern values, genuine friendliness and an unwavering commitment to quality. Signature items include the award-winning ButterBurger, made from fresh, never frozen, beef, and Fresh Frozen Custard, including the famous Flavor of the Day program. For more information, visit www.culvers.com, www.culvers.com/facebook, www.twitter.com/culvers or www.instagram.com/culvers.

CONTACT

Becca Vollmer

608.256.6357

[email protected]

SOURCE Culver's

Related Links

https://www.culvers.com


CHANDLER, Ariz., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Digital Media Licensing Association (DMLA) is launching a registration drive encouraging the growing field of real estate photographers to join the organization. The DMLA says thousands of real estate photographers practicing nationwide and their clients will benefit by taking advantage of the resources, education and guidance gained by years of experience DMLA members have in the visual licensing industry and how to protect visual works.

Real estate photographers and companies can visit www.digitalmedialicensing.org to join the organization.

DMLA is making a direct membership appeal to real estate photography professionals in light of recent court cases related to copyright infringements of professional real estate listing photographs and the extensive unauthorized uses of real estate images. As illustrated by recent court cases, such as VHT Studios v. Zillow, photographers and other content creators are not being properly compensated for these excessive uses. Zillow was found guilty of willful copyright infringement by a jury and ordered to pay over four million dollars to VHT Studios in statutory damages.

Real estate is a vital driver of the U.S. economy, with over 1.2 million professional agents being served by over 10,000 professional photographers working to market the average seller's most valuable asset. The nation's largest network of real estate photographers, VHT Studios, is encouraging professional photographers to take advantage of the benefits of DMLA membership. CEO and Co-Founder Brian Balduf says, "Real estate photographers will benefit from the valuable resources that DMLA has to offer. The chance for the thousands of individual photographers and small companies to come together under one organization to protect our rights and those of our clients is very exciting. We appreciate the DMLA stepping up to help with this very important issue for so many parties. We look forward to working with all of our counterparts in the industry in this effort," Balduf added.

As a DMLA member, real estate photographers can work within the DMLA structure to help establish and communicate licensing guidelines that benefit all interested parties as well as provide some common language around standard uses and restrictions. DMLA has been advocating on behalf of photographers and digital media licensors to protect copyright for more than 60 years.

Membership provides photographers a much stronger voice, as an industry, to direct and enforce the usage of the Intellectual property they create. Even the real estate agents who photograph their own listings will benefit from DMLA's services. RE Photographers can join DMLA as Associate Members for $350 per year while larger RE companies will join as General Members at an annual fee based on the size of the company.

DMLA is also reaching out to major real estate organizations to work in conjunction with them to ensure the clients of real estate photographers have their needs addressed.

About DMLA:

The Digital Media Licensing Association, Inc. ("DMLA") (formerly known as the Picture Archive Council of America, Inc.) is a not for- profit trade association that represents the interests of entities who license digital media. Founded in 1951, DMLA's membership currently includes over 100 image libraries worldwide that are engaged in licensing millions of images, illustrations, video clips, and other content on behalf of thousands of individual creators. Members include large general libraries, such as Getty Images (US), Inc., Adobe, and Shutterstock, Inc., and smaller specialty libraries, all of which support and provide livelihoods to individual visual media artists. DMLA members also provide a valuable service to the media and commercial users by granting ready access to historical and contemporary collections of visual content that illustrates and illuminates all aspects of our society and culture. Over the years, DMLA has developed licensing standards, promoted ethical business practices, and actively advocated for copyright protection on behalf of its members. In addition, DMLA educates and informs its members on issues including technology, tools, and changes in the marketplace.

Media Contact:

Cathy Aron

714-815-8427

[email protected]

SOURCE Digital Media Licensing Association

Related Links

http://www.digitalmedialicensing.org


NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As one of the big four, the New York Fashion Week garners global attention as designers clamor to showcase their collections on its hallowed catwalks. Among Chinese designer brands, fantasy and fairy tale inspired children's wear brand DKLTJU was one of the most noteworthy debuts to catch attention and create a stir on the international stage.

DKLTJU

The brand's well-received debut at NYFW has become an unforgettable memory for the founder of DKLTJU, Ms. Wen Xihu. Beaming with joy, she said, "It is a new adventure for us to present our collection at NYFW, to be recognized by the world. The globalization of Chinese fashion brands has a long way to go. We hope DKLTJU will go reach new heights in the children's wear market."

In the debut themed "Rong," meaning "blend in" in English, DKLTJU presented three brilliant sets with different stylistic interpretations of its design philosophy.

The black and white set blends elements of cheongsam into the design, blending together a neat and classic look. The upper part of the dresses incorporate cheongsam collar and shoulder designs decorated with exquisite white, three-dimensional floral patterns. The lower part uses various types of pendulums: lotus-shaped irregular hem, short front long back or gorgeous three-dimensional lantern hems. The black mesh fit in nicely with the black beads. The exquisitely handcrafted Chinese button knots on the cheongsam collar are the defining finishing touch of this set. The silhouettes of the dresses combine Chinese and western characteristics perfectly, noble and stylish, mysterious yet elegant.

The white and pink set is inspired by romantic fantasy. The combination of tulle and lace makes the dresses look sweet, breezy and luxuriantly comfortable. The dresses are gracefully decorated with three-dimensional flowers, beads and crystals. On the runway, they evoked fantastical images of prancing youthful fairy princesses to the mesmerized audiences.

The third set blends classic Chinese embroidery with the silhouette of western evening gowns. It not only embodies the theme of blending in but also applies trending elements into children's wear design, establishing a brilliant way to extend the tradition by incorporation into contemporary fashion for youngsters.

The Chinese embroidery evokes the regal atmosphere of the ancient Chinese palace, the Peony blossom harking people back to the glorious past. The exquisite interweaving of Chinese and Western cultures, collision of the classical and the modern further highlights DKLTJU's thematic inspirations, ending up being nothing short of an embodiment of vision, tradition and passion.

DKLTJU's debut has dispelled the short-lived notion that Chinese children's wear brands lack brand image and clear targets in the market. DKLTJU designers Zhou Lila and Shao Gang are no stranger to bold creative risks. They realized a challenging cultural concoction in their debut, perfectly combining characteristics of Chinese cultural elements and Western design language. The elegant, gorgeous dresses speak much of the Chinese designers' creativity and unique insights. Their work further enhances the DKLTJU brand value and recognition.

Actively promoting the richness of Chinese culture through designing phenomenal children's wear, the future holds great things for DKLTJU.

Press contact: [email protected]

Buyers contact: [email protected]

Company website: http://www.dkltju.com

Related Images

image1.jpg

image2.jpg

Wen Xihu, Founder of DKLTJU with the designer Zhou Lila

image3.jpg

DKLTJU finale walk

image4.jpg

A model walks for DKLTJU

SOURCE DKLTJU

Related Links

http://www.dkltju.com


MADISON, Ala., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tyonek Fabrication Corporation, a subsidiary of Tyonek Manufacturing Group, Inc. and Tyonek Native Corporation, will manufacture two variants of Pilot Display Units (PDUs) for the US Army's UH-60 A & L Black Hawk fleet per two 5-year contracts from the Defense Logistics Agency. The units will be manufactured in Madison, Alabama.

"We are proud to support this effort to modernize the aging fleet of aircraft through technology refresh initiatives," said Steve Adlich, President, Tyonek Manufacturing Group, Inc. "These new PDUs will create efficiency through increased performance, extend service life, and reduce long-term sustainment costs for these platforms."

The PDU is a fully qualified line replaceable unit (LRU) for the US Army's UH-60 A & L fleet. The new design incorporates LED compatible technology, is half the weight, and uses one-fifth the power of the legacy item.

"Through the U.S Army's Continuous Technology Refresh (CTR) program, we have designed, developed and produced numerous products that address obsolescence and increase efficiency on the UH-60 family of aircraft," said Doug Baker, Vice President of Business Development, Tyonek Manufacturing Group, Inc. "Our team stands ready to support this important cockpit modernization mission."

About Tyonek Native Corporation

Tyonek Native Corporation (TNC) is the parent company to a variety of subsidiary businesses in industries including ISO 9000 certified defense manufacturing and engineering, aircraft maintenance, information technology services, land and resource development, and construction. The company owns and manages over 200,000 acres of land, primarily on the West side of Cook Inlet in South Central Alaska.

An Alaska Native Corporation formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), the company is governed by a board of nine directors and a management team who are accountable to a community of more than 900 shareholders.



The corporation's headquarters is in Anchorage, Alaska, with offices in Madison, Alabama, and subsidiary facilities located throughout the continental United States. For more information, visit www.tyonek.com.

SOURCE Tyonek Native Corporation

Related Links

http://www.tyonek.com


TYLER, Texas and NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System (ETMC) has selected Ardent Health Services (Ardent) and The University of Texas System (UT System), which includes The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UT Health Northeast), to form a new health system to benefit East Texas, officials announced today. Ardent will assume majority ownership and day-to-day operations of the new system. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Based in Tyler, Texas, ETMC includes 502-bed East Texas Medical Center Tyler and a network of nine hospitals and 39 clinics, including regional hospitals located in Athens, Carthage, Henderson, Jacksonville, Pittsburg and Quitman. Additionally, in Tyler, two other inpatient facilities, the ETMC Rehabilitation Hospital and the ETMC Specialty Hospital, are included in the new health system. Other assets include the Olympic Plaza Tower, 13 regional rehabilitation facilities, physician clinics, two freestanding emergency centers, regional home health services covering 41 counties, a behavioral health center and a comprehensive 7-trauma center care network, including a Level 1.

In February 2017, ETMC leadership began the search for a strategic partner to assist the organization in continuing its mission of improving the health and quality of life for East Texans.

"After a deliberate and thoughtful process, our Board of Directors is pleased to select Ardent Health Services and the University of Texas System as the right partners for ETMC to take up our mission of care," said Elmer G. Ellis, president and CEO of ETMC. "This acquisition will allow ETMC to grow and thrive in the East Texas region, with new partners who can best provide the necessary clinical expertise, operational proficiency, employee development and financial resources to deliver the best care possible for our patients."

The UT System will contribute its Tyler-based UT Health Northeast hospital and 12 physician clinic operations to the new 10-hospital system. The newly created health system will expand medical education, research and community health. It will be an affiliate of the world-renowned University of Texas System, one of the largest academic and health systems in the country.

"We are delighted to partner with UT Health Northeast and the dedicated physicians, nurses and employees of ETMC," said David T. Vandewater, president and CEO of Ardent Health Services. "At Ardent, we strongly believe in the value of partnerships that bring out the best in each organization. We each share a focus on service and a commitment to providing quality care to the communities we serve. Together, we will continue the great legacy of ETMC." The partnership will invest $150 million for improvements over five years and provide other resources to support the operation of this newly created health system.

Governance will be shared through a newly formed board of directors, which will include local physicians. Proceeds from the transaction will be used to create a local foundation to further the health and wellness of East Texans. The transaction is expected to close following the completion of due diligence and required regulatory approvals.

"Once approved by the UT System Board of Regents, this combination will bring unique synergies to the East Texas healthcare landscape," said Kevin Eltife, former state senator and Tyler mayor, and current member of the UT System Board of Regents. "The great benefit of these three organizations coming together will be that East Texans will enjoy the best of all possible worlds. A great national healthcare system will be integrated with a regional powerhouse in healthcare delivery and a leader in health education and research."

"We are honored to be a part of this new regional health system," said Kirk Calhoun, MD, president of UT Health Northeast. "Our focus at UT System and UT Health Northeast will be on expanding educational opportunities, including training more physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals for our region and beyond. We also believe that the new partnership will foster research that can improve patient outcomes and promote community health in East Texas."

Ardent currently operates 20 hospitals in six states, including 445-bed BSA Hospital in Amarillo, Texas, and 83-bed Seton Medical Center Harker Heights in Harker Heights, Texas. The partnership marks Ardent's eighth joint venture with a leading not-for-profit health system and its second this year. Ardent maintains joint ventures with institutions such as Seton Healthcare, Hackensack Meridian Health Network and Sacred Heart Health System. In May, the company announced plans to partner with The University of Kansas Health System to purchase St. Francis Health in Topeka, Kansas.

About ETMC

The East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System is a network of nine hospitals and 39 clinics, caring for more than 300,000 East Texans a year. ETMC is committed to the highest standards of care by offering advanced technology and resources in local communities to improve quality of life throughout East Texas.

Established in 1949, the ETMC Regional Healthcare System includes hospitals in Athens, Carthage, Henderson, Jacksonville, Pittsburg and Quitman and three inpatient facilities in Tyler  ETMC Tyler, the ETMC Rehabilitation Hospital and the ETMC Specialty Hospital. The flagship and regional referral facility, ETMC Tyler, is licensed for 502 beds and is home to the region's only Level I trauma center.

Other divisions within ETMC include a large ambulance service, three Air 1 emergency helicopters, ETMC Home Health and the region's premier psychiatric facility, ETMC Behavioral Health. ETMC offers centers of excellence in a variety of key medical services, including cancer care, cardiovascular medicine, emergency medicine, neuroscience and orthopedics. ETMC also provides the region's only transplantation service. For more information, visit etmc.org.

About the UT System & UT Health Northeast

Educating students, providing care for patients, conducting groundbreaking basic, applied and clinical research, and serving the needs of Texans and the nation for more than 130 years, The University of Texas System is one of the largest public university systems in the United States. The UT System confers more than one-third of the state's undergraduate degrees, educates two-thirds of the state's health care professionals annually and accounts for almost 70 percent of all research funds awarded to public universities in Texas. The UT System comprises eight academic institutions and six health institutions, including six medical schools  four at health institutions and two at academic campuses. Within the health institutions there are also two dental schools, three nursing schools, five biomedical science graduate schools, four schools of health professions, one school of biomedical informatics, and two schools of public health, including one with five regional campuses. System-owned and affiliated hospitals and clinics have more than 7.9 million outpatient visits and nearly 1.6 million hospital days annually, and UT System ranks second in the nation in research and development expenditures among public university systems with $2.8 billion. The UT System's operating budget for FY 2018 is $18.3 billion, including $3.6 billion in sponsored programs funded by federal, state, local and private sources. The UT System's health care operating budget is almost $12 billion. With more than 20,000 faculty  including Nobel laureates and many members of the National Academies  and nearly 80,000 health care professionals, researchers, student advisors and support staff, the UT System is one of the largest employers in the state.

For more than 70 years, UT Health Northeast has provided excellent patient care to the citizens of northeast Texas and beyond. With over 35 medical specialties and nearly 200,000 outpatient visits annually, signature programs include cancer, chest diseases, primary care, behavioral health, and public and community health. As the only university medical center in the region, UT Health Northeast leads the way in graduate medical education  with residencies in family medicine, rural family medicine, occupational medicine, psychiatry, and internal medicine  and in graduate education, with degrees in biotechnology and public health. Additionally, UT Health Northeast's Center for Biomedical Research consistently ranks in the top percentile for grants awarded by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and other research funding organizations. UT Health Northeast's annual operating budget of over $200 million represents a major economic engine for the region. For more information, visit www.uthealth.org.

About Ardent Health Services

Ardent Health Services invests in people, technology, facilities and communities, producing high-quality care and extraordinary results. Based in Nashville, Tenn., Ardent's subsidiaries own and operate 20 hospitals in six states with 18,000 employees including 500 employed physicians. Ardent facilities exceed national averages in Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating as ranked by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; 87 percent of its hospitals received a three-star rating or above in comparison with 78 percent of all hospitals ranked. Seven of the company's hospitals were recognized by Modern Healthcare as "Best Places to Work" in 2017  more than any other system in the country.

Ardent operations are owned by an affiliate of Equity Group Investments (EGI), a Chicago-based private investment firm; Ventas, Inc., a leading real estate investment trust; and members of Ardent's executive management team. For more information, visit www.ardenthealth.com.

Contacts:





Rebecca Berkley Tyra Palmer John Moore

ETMC Ardent Health Services UT Health Northeast

(903) 504-9234 (615) 296-3146 (903) 877-7079

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]



SOURCE Ardent Health Services

Related Links

http://www.ardenthealth.com


TSX: ELDNYSE: EGO

VANCOUVER, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Eldorado Gold Corporation ("Eldorado" or the "Company") confirms that it has today received the Olympias Operating Permit and the modified Electromechanical Installation Permit for the tailings management facility at Kokkinolakkas from the Ministry of Energy and Environment. The Olympias Operating Permit is valid for a period of three years from the date of issue.

At this time, remaining outstanding is:

approval of the Technical Study for the old Olympias Mine closure and the Installation permits for the paste plants at Olympias; and

the amended Electromechanical Installation permit for the Skouries flotation plant,

as well as other matters including, but not limited to, the relocation of antiquities at the Skouries site.

The Company is also awaiting additional detail from the Greek Government regarding the pending arbitration process, which the government has publicly indicated that formal notification will be issued on 15 September, 2017. Eldorado is confident that any potential arbitration will again demonstrate the Company's adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.

Upon approval and receipt of all the required permits, clarity around the arbitration process and a supportive government open to discussions surrounding the use and implementation of best available technologies, the Company will then be in a position to re-assess its investment options in Greece.

George Burns, President and CEO for Eldorado Gold said: "This is a positive step forward; however, we are still waiting on other permits. Open dialogue with the Government would be the Company's preference rather than legal recourse and arbitration but we are confident that any potential arbitration will again demonstrate Eldorado's adherence to all applicable laws and regulations and its commitment to developing its Greek assets safely, responsibly and with utmost care for the environment."

About Eldorado Gold

Eldorado is a leading intermediate gold producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Turkey, Greece, Romania, Serbia, Canada and Brazil. The Company's success to date is based on a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, safe and responsible operations, a portfolio of high-quality assets, and long-term partnerships with the communities where it operates. Eldorado's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: ELD) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EGO).

Cautionary Note about Forward-looking Statements and Information

Certain of the statements made and information provided in this press release are forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Often, these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "continue", "projected", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements or information contained in this release include, but are not limited to the Company's Greece Update, including statements or information with respect to: our guidance and outlook, including expected production, projected cash cost, planned capital and exploration expenditures for 2017; our expectation as to our future financial and operating performance, including future cash flow, estimated cash costs, expected metallurgical recoveries, gold price outlook; and our strategy, plans and goals, including our proposed exploration, development, construction, permitting and operating plans and priorities, and related timelines.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information.

We have made certain assumptions about the forward-looking statements and information, including assumptions about the geopolitical, economic, permitting and legal climate that we operate in; the future price of gold and other commodities; exchange rates; anticipated costs and expenses; production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries, the impact of acquisitions, dispositions, suspensions or delays on our business and the ability to achieve our goals. In particular, except where otherwise stated, we have assumed a continuation of existing business operations on substantially the same basis as exists at the time of this release.

Even though our management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statement or information will prove to be accurate. Many assumptions may be difficult to predict and are beyond our control.

Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following: geopolitical and economic climate (global and local), risks related to mineral tenure and permits; gold and other metal price volatility; mining operational and development risk; foreign country operational risks; risks of sovereign investment; regulatory environment and restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; risks related to impact of the sale of our Chinese assets and the acquisition of Integra on the Company's operations; risks related to impact of the integration of Integra; additional funding requirements; currency fluctuations; litigation risks; community and non-governmental organization actions; speculative nature of gold exploration; dilution; share price volatility; competition; loss of key employees; and defective title to mineral claims or property, as well as those factors discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk factors in our business" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form & Form 40-F. The reader is directed to carefully review the detailed risk discussion in our most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR under our Company name, which discussion is incorporated by reference in this release, for a fuller understanding of the risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business and operations.

Forward-looking statements and information is designed to help you understand management's current views of our near and longer term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Except as required by law, we do not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change and you are referred to the full discussion of the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the U.S.

Financial Information and condensed statements contained herein or attached hereto may not be suitable for readers that are unfamiliar with the Company and is not a substitute for reading the full annual financial statements and related MD&A available on our website and on SEDAR under our Company name. The reader is directed to carefully review such document for a full understanding of the financial information summarized herein.

SOURCE Eldorado Gold Corporation
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Information Builders, a leader in business intelligence (BI) and analytics, information integrity, and integration solutions, today announced that Empire Airlines has implemented WebFOCUS Business User Edition as part of a bundled offering from Information Builders and Scale Computing called the Scale Analytics Appliance. Empire Airlines is using the appliance to deliver real-time data and insights to executives, managers, and operations-level personnel, with minimal involvement by IT professionals. The turnkey solution addresses a broad range of analytics needs, from data preparation and integration to self-service reporting and data discovery.

Tweet This: Empire Airlines takes flight w/ @infobldrs' & @ScaleComputing's Scale Analytics Appliance delivering real-time #data http://ow.ly/y6Lj30f0Zj0

Empire Airlines is a passenger and cargo airline based in Hayden, Idaho that operates more than 120 scheduled cargo flights per day in 18 states and Canada. As its business grew and its operation became more complex, senior managers at the company wanted to acquire a software platform to bolster their BI, analytics, and reporting capabilities. Ideally, this platform would be part of a bundled solution or "appliance" that could support other business functions as well, including e-mail, a domain controller, and a terminal server to support workers at remote locations. They evaluated enterprise BI solutions from leading technology vendors, but found their products to be too complex and expensive for their needs. Then they discovered Scale Analytics Appliance, a "datacenter-in-a-box" with server, storage, and virtualization software, all integrated into a cohesive appliance that includes BI, analytics, and other business applications as well.

Previously Empire Airlines used Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to monitor its maintenance repair overhaul (MRO) contracts. Now, instead of having to peruse Excel spreadsheets to stay abreast of complex jobs, authorized personnel can click into a WebFOCUS analytics application, or InfoApp, to sort, summarize, and visualize MRO data by client, plane, work order, time frame, part, and other variables. InfoApps deliver highly interactive analytics content, such as data visualizations, charts, graphs, and reports, through an "app store-like" experience. Instead of learning complex tools and worrying about data preparation, users can tap into these analytics apps to obtain insights right away.

For example, one of Empire Airlines' new InfoApps uses an interactive pie chart to reveal operating information about all planes currently in service. Employees use these apps to gain control over their data and to create proactive alerts that flag important developments within their purview. Other InfoApps show current delay and cancellation information and up-to-the-minute financial information. Empire Airlines is also using WebFOCUS to send scheduled reports to its customers on a regular basis to keep them informed of key information.

An unintended benefit of the Scale Analytics Appliance has been the ability to use the data being generated to drive organizational change at Empire Airlines. Based on detailed delay and cancellation data, the company has formed a Performance Improvement Committee that meets weekly to analyze trends and anomalies and make process recommendations based on the findings. This committee has brought together all levels of employees from various departments and encouraged true collaboration that is delivering real performance results and making a significant business impact.

Melanie Ellingson, director of IT, Empire Airlines, said:

"The Scale Analytics Appliance, and its embedded instance of WebFOCUS, has everything we need for reporting, BI, and analytics  along with essential functionality to run our business. We are very pleased with what we have been able to accomplish with this appliance in a short period of time. We now have one set of BI tools to analyze all types of data. The appliance was easy to set up and it contains powerful alerting capabilities that we plan to use extensively for monitoring our key performance indicators."

Gerald Cohen, president and CEO, Information Builders, said:

"The Scale Analytics Appliance enables companies to obtain sophisticated reporting and analytics without requiring significant IT support. Our partnership with Scale Computing has created an app-like environment that enables small- to mid-sized organizations to leverage information from any source for better decision-making at a fraction of the time and cost of enterprise BI solutions."

About Empire Airlines

Empire Airlines provides air cargo services in 18 states and operates an inter-island passenger service for Hawaiian Airlines. The Idaho-based company also owns Empire Aerospace, which provides heavy maintenance services to the airline industry, and Empire Unmanned, which provides unmanned aerial surveillance and analysis services for agriculture and other industries.

About Information Builders

Information Builders provides solutions for business intelligence (BI), analytics, data integration, and data quality that help drive performance improvements, innovation, and value. Through one set of powerful products, we enable organizations to serve everyone  analysts, non-technical users, even partners, customers, and citizens  with better data and analytics. Our dedication to customer success is unmatched with thousands of organizations relying on us as their trusted partner. Founded in 1975, Information Builders is headquartered in New York, NY, with global offices, and remains one of the largest independent, privately held companies in the industry. Visit us at informationbuilders.com, follow us on Twitter at @infobldrs, like us on Facebook, and visit our LinkedIn page.

Press Contacts

Kathleen Moran

Information Builders

(917) 339-6313

[email protected]

Kate Clinton

LEWIS

(781) 761-4500

[email protected]

SOURCE Information Builders

Related Links

http://www.informationbuilders.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA), the global trade association representing the payments technology world, today will host its annual Payments Executive Fly-In on Capitol Hill. More than 50 payments and technology industry leaders will meet with Members of Congress and federal regulators including the CFPB, Federal Reserve and Treasury, to discuss issues facing the industry. The Fly-In allows ETA members to speak directly to lawmakers and provide insight into how payments drives the U.S. economy.

"With key industry players facing disruption and startups redefining the world of payments, policymakers are taking notice," said Jason Oxman, ETA CEO. "The ETA Fly-In provides a forum for payments industry leaders and policymakers to have a frank and informative conversation about our industry."

Participants will meet with 40 Congressional leaders and regulators including members of the House and Senate Payments Caucuses. The House FinTech and Payments Caucus and the Senate Payments Innovation Caucus were formed to explore the new and innovative technologies in the payments industry, as well as answer questions about data security, unbanked users' access to electronic payments and more.

"Having a voice in politics is crucial for businesses of all sizes," said Scott Talbott, ETA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. "At a time of unprecedented change in the payments industry, including mobile payments and other new technologies, ETA's government relations efforts are enormously critical to advance our industry."

Immediately following on September 14, ETA will host its annual FinTech Policy Forum at the D.C. conference center of ETA member Google. The Forum will bring together industry leaders, regulators, and Members of Congress to discuss how emerging payments technology provides consumers and merchants safe, reliable, and rewarding financial services. Topics include privacy, data protection, Internet of Things (IoT), mobile technology, online small business lending, the convergence of traditional and new players, and helping the underserved.

For media inquiries, contact Meghan Cieslak, 202-677-7406, [email protected].

About ETA

The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) is the global trade association representing more than 500 payments and technology companies. ETA members make commerce possible by processing more than $6 trillion in purchases in the U.S. and deploying payments innovations to merchants and consumers. Visit www.electran.org for more information.

SOURCE ETA

Related Links

http://www.electran.org


LONDON, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Europe Biopower Market, Update 2017 - Global Market Size, Average Price, Major Feedstock, Regulations, and Key Country Analysis to 2025

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5094537



Summary

Bioenergy is renewable energy derived from the biomass feedstock and accounts for 14% of world primary energy supply. Essentially, biomass is used to produce electricity (biopower), heat (biothermal), fuels (biofuel), and CHP. The potential biomass feedstock includes bioenergy crops, forest products, agricultural residues, and animal manure. Global biomass supply in 2030 is estimated to range from 97 exajoule (EJ) to 147 EJ per year. Nearly 40% of this total would come from agricultural residues and waste (37-66 EJ). The remaining supply potential is shared between energy crops (33-39 EJ) and forest products, including forest residues (24-43 EJ). The largest supply potential exists in Asia and Europe (including Russia) (43-77 EJ).



Global cumulative installed capacity for biopower increased from 49.4 gigawatts (GW) in 2006 to 111.3GW in 2016. A major portion of this increased capacity employed several biomass conversion technologies, while a small portion used landfill gas or biomass gasification complemented by biogas conversion technology. The rise in global installed capacity during this period can be attributed to the installations in China and Brazil. Brazil used almost entirely solid-biomass conversion, with negligible biogas capacity addition. China, on the other hand, installed biomass and biogas plants. Steady growth of the cumulative capacity is expected to continue, to reach 165.2GW by the end of 2025, with more than 84% of the capacity using solid-biomass conversion technology.



Europe is the largest biopower market in the world. It accounts for 37.4% share of the global cumulative biopower installed capacity. Asia-Pacific is the second-largest region with a share of 30.25% by 2016. It is followed by North America (NA), South and Central America (SCA), and Middle East and Africa (MEA).



Europe and Asia-Pacific regions were the major markets for biopower in 2016. In the same year, Europe invested $9,332m with average capital expenditure (capex) of $4,350 per kilowatt (kW), followed by Asia-Pacific with $8,833m and capex of $2,677 in biopower technology. The key European countries contributing to biopower market included the UK, France, Germany and, Italy, whereas in Asia-Pacific countries such as China, India, Japan, and Thailand were the major investors.



The report "Europe Biopower Market, Update 2017 - Global Market Size, Average Price, Major Feedstock, Regulations, and Key Country Analysis to 2025", offer comprehensive information and understanding of the European biopower market. The report provides an overview and detailed insight into the Global and European biopower market. The report covers information related to biopower installed capacity, biopower generation, average price, market size, feedstock analysis, major plants and some of the key policy support measures in the region as well as for ten key countries



In particular, this report provides the following analysis -

- Market study of biopower industry in the world, for Europe and for countries such as the UK, Germany, Sweden, France, Finland, Austria, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, and Denmark.

- Historic (2006-2016) and forecast data (2017-2025) for cumulative and annual installed power capacity and power generation for biopower.

- Information on feedstock potential and installed capacity share by feedstock type.

- Analysis on major market forces driving or restraining the growth of biopower market at global level.

- Market size and average capital cost data at country and global level.

- An overview on tenders and contracts signed in Europe between 2016-2017.

- Key policies and regulatory framework supporting the development of biopower.



Companies mentioned in this report: Ofgem, Drax Group, DONG Energy, Weltec Biopower Gmbh, Domaix Energie, General Electric Company, Pacific Power Solutions, Bowman Power Group Ltd, Fuji Electric Company, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Engie S.A., E.ON Sverige AB, SWB AG, Mercer International Inc, Multifuel Energy Ltd, RWE Npower plc, Inova Var Biomasse, Acea S.p.A., AB Fortum Varme, Lenzing AG, Tauron Polska Energia S.A.



Scope

The report analyses global and Europe biopower market.



Its scope includes -

- Market study of biopower industry in the world, for Europe and for countries such as the UK, Germany, Sweden, France, Finland, Austria, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, and Denmark.

- Historic (2006-2016) and forecast data (2017-2025) for cumulative and annual installed power capacity and power generation for biopower

- Information on feedstock potential and installed capacity share by feedstock type

- Analysis on major market forces driving or restraining the growth of biopower market at global level

- Market size and average capital cost data at country and global level

- An overview on tenders and contracts signed in Europe between 2016-2017

- Key policies and regulatory framework supporting the development of biopower.



Reasons to buy

The report will allow you to -

- Facilitate decision-making by providing historical and forecast data in biopower sector

- Develop strategies based on developments in the biopower market

- Maximize potential in the growth of the biopower market

- Identify key partners and business-development avenues

- Respond to your competitors' business structure, strategies and prospects



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5094537



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AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Faurecia, one of the world's largest automotive equipment suppliers, announces the signature of a five year agreement with the CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) to collaborate in a research and development program of fuel cell stack technologies.

Faurecia will benefit from more than two decades of CEA research and expertise in fuel cell stacks and key components such as bipolar plates. Combined with Faurecia expertise in fluid dynamics and catalysis, the Group will be able to develop, mass-produce and commercialize a high performance fuel cell stack that will meet auto industry expectations.

Patrick Koller, Chief Executive Officer of Faurecia declares: "Our partnership with the CEA marks an important new step in Faurecia's strategy to develop a reliable offer for fuel cell technologies. We are convinced that this technology, which offers large autonomy and fast refueling times, will coexist with battery electric vehicles. It is, especially for commercial vehicles, an effective alternative. In addition, hydrogen production is an efficient way to store green electricity."

Florence Lambert, Chief Executive Officer of the CEA-Liten adds: "For almost twenty years the CEA has been involved in the development of hydrogen-powered fuel cells in order to meet the challenges of clean mobility. We are particularly pleased to support Faurecia in its ambition to address the fuel cell electric vehicle market; a strong message for the French industry."

In this same field of fuel cell technologies, Faurecia has recently concluded an agreement with STELIA Aerospace Composites and has invested in Ad-Venta for the development of high-pressure hydrogen tanks and compact valves.

About Faurecia

Founded in 1997, Faurecia has grown to become a major player in the global automotive industry. With 330 sites including 30 R&D centers, 100 000 employees in 34 countries, Faurecia is now a global leader in its three areas of business: automotive seating, interior systems and clean mobility. Faurecia has focused its technology strategy on providing solutions for smart life on board and sustainable mobility. In 2016, the Group posted total sales of 18.7 billion. Faurecia is listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris stock exchange and trades in the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) market. For more information, visit www.faurecia.com

About CEA

The French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA, Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives) is a public research agency involved in four major fields: defence and security, nuclear and renewable energy, technological research for industry and fundamental research.

Relying on acknowledged expert capabilities, the CEA takes part in setting up collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners. With 16,000 researchers and employees, it is a major player in European research and enjoys a growing presence on the world scene.

Find out more: www.cea.fr

SOURCE Faurecia

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SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- California Professional Firefighters (CPF), the state council of the International Association of Firefighters, has expressed their support for Senate Bill 606 (Skinner/Hertzberg) and Assembly Bill 1668 (Friedman) over concerns about availability of water supplies during wildfire emergencies. Natural Resources Defense Council announced today that CPF is joining Metropolitan Water District, East Bay Municipal Utilities District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, the cities of Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Roseville--and dozens of businesses and nonprofit environmental and equity groups--in supporting the legislation.

The bills would scale up water efficiency, curb water waste and improve drought planning for vulnerable communities. They are designed to build on the conservation progress California made during the drought and create a more fair and flexible framework for long-term efficiency. Unlike the flat percentage cut from the emergency drought mandate, these bills would create sensible standards for each utility that reflect local conditions, population and land use. Efficiency is the most cost-effective way to meet water needs, and this legislation will ensure future water supply projects are sized to maximize value and maintain water affordability for all Californians.

The proposed legislation also seeks to address the disproportionate burden that certain communities faced during the last drought, highlighting the environmental justice aspect of California's water woes.

"A wet winter can make it easy to forget how devastating the drought was for the state, but nowhere was it as severe as the Central Valley, where thousands of domestic wells went dry and left residents without water," said Sonia Saini, policy analyst at Community Water Center, a Visalia-based organization that works to ensure all Californians have access to safe, clean and affordable drinking water. "Small rural populations are uniquely vulnerable to water shortages, and this is precisely the time to act to be fully prepared for the next drought. AB 1668 includes requirements for proactive, localized water planning specifically for these communities."

"California's prosperity and resiliency depend on a stable water supply," said Tracy Quinn, a senior water policy analyst with the Natural Resources Defense Council. "We made tremendous progress in water efficiency measures during the drought, and we're guaranteed to face another one in the future. So we have no excuse not to be prepared when the time comes."

This legislation will set California up for a more secure water future as climate change brings more hot and dry periods. Climate change will also bring more severe wildfires, and that is why CPF is supporting SB 606 and AB 1668. In a letter, CPF wrote:

"Extreme climate events are a direct threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions of Californians. For California's firefighters, the impact of climate change isn't a theoretical discussion: it's a reality that our members confront every day on the front lines...Climate change means California now faces a new reality: longer and more frequent droughts and bigger, hotter wildfires. As massive wildfires burn across the state, California's firefighters struggle with the availability of less water for putting those fires out...Ultimately, both of these bills will improve water supply reliability and in doing so, provide firefighters a sufficient supply of water to aid in fighting fires and protect lives and property."

"Extreme heat waves and fires in California; extreme rain in Texas; extreme drought in the Dakotas; massive hurricane damage in Florida," said Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director of Climate Resolve. "Simply put, Americans need to prepare for extreme weather. Smart water efficiency measures and better water shortage planning, promoted in SB 606 and AB 1668, are key elements of preparing for climate change."

The bills are expected to reach the Senate and Assembly floors later this week.

SOURCE Natural Resources Defense Council
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- First State Investments is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Brilliant, CFA, to the role of Managing Director, Americas, effective September 8, 2017.

Based in New York, Heather will be responsible for managing the business of First State Investments in the Americas. This will involve further expanding First State Investments' market presence across the Americas with a focus on strengthening the firm's institutional capabilities including Fixed Income and Infrastructure.

Prior to joining First State Investments, Heather spent 14 years at Morningstar, Inc., most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd. In this role, Heather devised and drove various initiatives based on functional and local market priorities, including the development and implementation of a 10-year strategy to accelerate business growth. Prior to that, she led the equity and corporate credit research teams at Morningstar. Earlier in her career, Heather held roles at Coghill Capital Management, Driehaus Capital Management and Bank of America.

"We are delighted to welcome Heather to First State Investments. Her depth of experience in delivering and implementing strategies for business growth will bolster our current investment capabilities and increase our capacity to serve institutional clients across the Americas," commented Mark Lazberger, Chief Executive Officer at First State Investments.

About First State Investments

First State Investments is a global asset manager with established offices across Europe, the US, Middle East, and Asia Pacific regions. First State Investments manages $168.3bn (as of June 30, 2017) on behalf of institutional investors, pension funds, wholesale distributors, investment platforms, financial advisers and their clients worldwide. In Australia, First State Investments operates as Colonial First State Global Asset Management. First State Investments is owned by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

First State Investments offers investment capabilities across a range of asset classes and specialist investment sectors covering equities, fixed income, multi asset and direct infrastructure. Its approach to investment is driven by a commitment to provide the best possible outcomes over the long term for investors.

First State Investments (US) LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Important Information

This press release is intended for information only, aimed solely at the media and should not be further distributed to individual and/or corporate investors, and financial advisers and/or distributors. The information included within this document and any supplemental documentation provided should not be copied, reproduced or redistributed without the prior written consent of First State Investments.

SOURCE First State Investments
AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As the damage continues to be assessed following Hurricane Irma, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) utilities are sending additional linemen and support personnel to help utilities in Florida with restoration efforts following large-scale power outages.

The crews are scheduled to leave for Florida early Thursday morning from various FirstEnergy utility facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia and Maryland. They will join other FirstEnergy employees that traveled to Florida late last week and are now working in the field to restore power to customers. Overall, more than 630 FirstEnergy employees are assisting with the restoration effort, along with a full contingent of tree trimmers and electrical contractors who have working relationships with FirstEnergy.

All 10 of FirstEnergy's utilities are part of the mutual assistance effort, which includes crews from Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison in Ohio; Penelec, Penn Power, West Penn Power and Met-Ed in Pennsylvania; Mon Power in West Virginia; Potomac Edison in West Virginia and Maryland; and Jersey Central Power & Light in New Jersey. Support personnel from FirstEnergy's corporate offices also are included in the company's contingent.

"The aftermath of Hurricane Irma has resulted in one of the largest power outages our nation has ever experienced and FirstEnergy personnel are glad to be able to help those Florida customers in need," said Steven Strah, senior vice president and president of FirstEnergy Utilities. "Many of our linemen have been to Florida in the past to assist following other hurricanes, so they know firsthand the challenging working conditions that they will be facing over the next week as they safely restore power."

FirstEnergy will have personnel in place to continue to maintain reliable operations for its customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia and Maryland, while also assisting those in need in Florida.

FirstEnergy is a member of multiple electric utility mutual-assistance groups that work cooperatively to restore service to customers when a natural disaster causes large-scale power outages. Mutual assistance allows utilities to pool their resources to help restore power to customers faster. In the past, FirstEnergy and its employees have been honored by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) with its "Emergency Assistance Award" for the mutual assistance the company has provided during winter and summer storms.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. Visit FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

Related Links

http://www.firstenergycorp.com


INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- International Medical Group (IMG), an award-winning international medical and travel insurance company, is providing specialty training for its UK-based in-house flight team to support continuing professional development (CPD) and revalidation.

Led by IMG's in-house doctors and nurses, the study day  taking place Sept. 16 and 17  will include discussions, debates and lectures surrounding travel and aviation medicine. During the event, IMG's medical flight team also will discuss the company's flight equipment, policies and procedures. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of attendance to support CPD and revalidation.

"Our flight team has already proven their extensive knowledge and experience in the medical field," said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Geoff Tothill, "but this study day further supports their ability to care for our members."

Guest speakers at the event will include British Airways Consultant Occupational Physician Dr. Mark Popplestone, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children Clinical Nurse Specialist Mark Clements, and Drum Cussac Chief Operating Officer Chris Job, MBE.

Since December 2012, all doctors and nurses practicing medicine in the United Kingdom have been required to maintain a license to practice, which is evaluated every five years through the process of revalidation.

As part of revalidation, medical professionals must engage in an annual appraisal based on guidance from the General Medical Council. Included in this guidance is the ability to demonstrate CPD through a variety of learning methods.

"Our unique program was developed as a way for IMG to not only provide specialty patient transfer training, but also to serve as a qualified course for revalidation," Tothill said. "We understand the importance of offering standardized training that enhances our team's knowledge, skills and performance."

IMG's flight team is part of the company's European medical unit, which launched in December 2016. Led by Tothill and under the clinical leadership of Dr. Georgina Standen and Rachel Benbow, RN, the unit provides a range of medical services to the international insurance industry from IMG's office in Redhill, UK.

About International Medical Group

International Medical Group (IMG), a Sirius Group company, is an award-winning international medical and travel insurance company that has served millions of members worldwide since its founding in 1990. A leader in the global benefits and assistance services industry, IMG offers a full line of international medical insurance products, as well as travel insurance plans, medical management services and 24/7 emergency medical and travel assistance. For more information, please visit www.imglobal.com.

SOURCE International Medical Group (IMG)

Related Links

http://www.imglobal.com


"Foodee has taken an innovative approach to providing the best food options in a city to corporate clients - all delivered with first-rate service", said Andrew Lugsdin, Partner at BDC Capital, "It is clear from their rapid growth that the customers love it".

"We are very pleased to have participated in the new financing round of Foodee, which is positioned for strong growth in the rapidly growing online food sector," said Gerri Sinclair, Managing Director of Kensington Capital, and manager of the BC Tech Fund, "It is great to add to the BC Tech Fund portfolio a strong company that is rapidly expanding throughout North America from its Vancouver headquarters."

Foodee is among the first companies to receive investment from the $100 million dollar BC Tech Fund, due to both the company's considerable growth and also its ability to create jobs and strengthen local economies. Foodee provides restaurants with off-peak hour demand for corporate meals. Restaurants are able to fill orders outside busy hours, increasing revenue and optimizing capacity.

"This BC Tech Fund investment will help Foodee expand to new markets, while offering owner-operated restaurants the chance to reach new customers and grow," said Bruce Ralston, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, "This B.C. grown technology presents a great example of how a return on investment will ripple through our economy to benefit British Columbians province-wide."

"We hope to do our part in supporting the local economy and food culture by leveling the playing field with large, corporate chains" said Ryan Spong, CEO of Foodee,

Catered lunches are an increasingly common company perk, especially for companies looking to attract top talent. Online food ordering presents a $210 billion market opportunity according to a 2016 report published in TechCrunch, and employees want more than pizza.

Since launching in 2012, Foodee has partnered with over 500 restaurants, served over 8,000 customers, and delivering millions of meals in Toronto, Vancouver, Austin, Denver, Philadelphia and more.

About Foodee

Foodee is a leading platform that connects offices across North America with top restaurants, bringing local food culture into boardrooms and satisfying the cravings of Fortune 500 companies such as Apple, Amazon, Comcast, eBay, Facebook, Microsoft, Starbucks and more. Foodee currently operates in 10 cities in North America and is rapidly expanding. Learn more: https://www.food.ee

SOURCE Foodee

Related Links

https://www.food.ee/


FRANKLIN, Tenn., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Franklin Synergy Bank this week announced the opening of its newest branch in Spring Hill, TN located at 4824 Main Street- Suite A in the Petra Commons Shopping Center. Franklin Synergy is continuing to expand the bank's Middle Tennessee footprint to meet the needs of growing communities.

To mark the occasion, Franklin Synergy invites the public to attend the Grand Opening celebration Friday, October 20th from 8:30  10:30 a.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be conducted by Williamson Inc. with breakfast to be served by Puckett's. Attendees will be encouraged to tour the new facility and meet the Spring Hill banking team.

"Celebrating the Spring Hill Grand Opening is another milestone in our history. We celebrate ten years of operation in November," states Chairman and CEO Richard Herrington. "Both signify our commitment and connection to our community. As of June 30, 2017 our assets have grown to $3.4 billion and loans to $2 billion. This is exceptional growth in less than ten years of operation."

The newly-constructed 4,211 square foot branch offers the conveniences of drive-through banking, ATM services, and a spacious parking lot. Operating hours are 8:30 a.m.  5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

About Franklin Synergy Bank

Founded in November 2007, Franklin Synergy Bank has seven offices in Williamson County and five offices in Rutherford County. The Bank provides deposit and loan products, treasury management, wealth management, trust and financial planning services for consumers and businesses.

Recent FDIC data shows that Franklin Synergy Bank is the deposit share market leader in Williamson County. In Rutherford County the Bank ranks sixth in deposit market share.

In March 2015, Franklin Financial Network, Inc., the Bank's parent company, completed an initial public offering. The stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FSB".

Additional information about Franklin Synergy Bank is available at the Bank's website: www.franklinsynergybank.com.

Contact: Meagan Pratt, (615) 236-8335

[email protected]

SOURCE Franklin Synergy Bank

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FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AcuSport Business Conference, Epicor Software Corporation, a global provider of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth, announced today that Frontier Justice, the Midwest's premier firearms and retail destination, has rolled out the Epicor retail business management suite and Epicor FFL Compliance Manager application to fulfill its goals for successful and rapid growth.

Moving to Epicor was the best decision this company has made. We wanted the ability to grow our business without being held back by a software provider and we are confident that Epicor will be a great business partner for many years to come. -- Michael Brown, CEO, Frontier Justice

Frontier Justice is a fast-growing, one-of-a-kind company that not only offers a next-generation firearms training facility, but also a unique retail experience that combines a hint of the west in an urban setting with apparel, jewelry, and home furnishings. The business opened its flagship location in 2015 and a subsequent location in 2017.

To remain ahead of targeted expansion plans, Frontier Justice implemented Epicor Eagle N Series software and the Epicor FFL Compliance Manager application, designed in consultation with Orchid Advisors, to help enhance productivity, better control inventory, integrate ATF compliance, and improve buying decisions.

"Moving to Epicor was the best decision this company has made. The ability to manage and control our business with real-time information has been a game changer, their responsiveness to our industry specific issues has been incredible, and they have solved every challenge we have thrown at them. We wanted the ability to grow our business without being held back by technology and we are confident that Epicor will be a great business partner for many years to come," said Michael Brown, CEO, Frontier Justice.

A solution to address unique business needs

"A solution provider that could work alongside us considering our unique industry needs was crucial," said Jason Wagner, COO, Frontier Justice. "An integration between our point of sale (POS) and firearms acquisition and disposition (A&D) recordkeeping was paramount in our selection process. The Eagle N Series software and the FFL Compliance Manager application will provide us with the necessary integration, customizable reporting, and firearms inventory tracking for peak operations and ATF compliance, while helping us to eliminate manual processes."

"Frontier Justice is a well-respected organization in the industry," said Bill Wilson, senior vice president, product development, Epicor Software. "With its distinctive and impressively run operations, we are thrilled to work so collaboratively with this highly esteemed and innovative retailer. In conjunction with Orchid Advisors, our mission is to help independent retailers offer competitive differentiation and achieve business success through a seamless software experience. We look forward to working side-by-side with Frontier Justice as they take their business on an exciting growth journey."

To learn more about the Epicor FFL Compliance Manager application, please visit the Epicor booth #419 at the AcuSport Business Conference, September 11-13, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas, call Epicor toll-free at 888.463.4700, or email [email protected].

About Epicor Eagle N Series

Epicor Eagle N Series software is a fully integrated retail business management system, with built-in best practices, designed for small to mid-sized businesses. Thousands of retail customers rely on the Epicor Eagle N Series solution to operate more efficiently and grow revenue and profits. Visit the Epicor Eagle N Series solution hub to learn more.

About Epicor FFL Compliance Manager

Epicor FFL Compliance Manager software, created in collaboration with Orchid Advisors, is designed to streamline transaction entry, reduce non-compliance risk, and quickly and easily generate the necessary reports for ATF inspections or inquiries. Ideal for entities of any size, the solution gives FFLs a comprehensive system to help them stay compliant and serve customers more efficiently. The cloud-based solution can be easily integrated with the leading Epicor Eagle retail business management system. The combination of the two solutions gives firearm dealers a comprehensive end-to-end solution that can protect and optimize every aspect of their businesses. Visit the Epicor FFL Compliance Manager solution hub to learn more.

About Orchid Advisors

Orchid Advisors provides software, growth and compliance solutions to the firearms and outdoor sporting goods industries. The firm's experts advise on regulated license applications and transform how its' clients manufacture, import, export, distribute and sell. In conjunction with the industry's associations, the firm also offers FFLBizHub.com, an online service platform designed to modernize the daily operation of Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs) and Special Occupational Tax (SOT) holders. For more information, visit www.orchidadvisors.com.

About Epicor Software Corporation

Epicor Software Corporation drives business growth. We provide flexible, industry-specific software designed around the needs of our manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service industry customers. More than 40 years of experience with our customers' unique business processes and operational requirements are built into every solutionin the cloud or on premises. With this deep understanding of your industry, Epicor solutions manage complexity, increase efficiency, and free up resources so you can focus on growth. For more information, connect with Epicor or visit www.epicor.com.

Epicor, Eagle N Series, FFL Compliance Manager, and the Epicor logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epicor Software Corporation, registered in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners. The product and service offerings depicted in this document are produced by Epicor Software Corporation.

Contact: Lindsay Ortega

Senior Specialist, Public Relations

Epicor Software Corporation

+1 952 417 5022

[email protected]

SOURCE Epicor Software Corporation

Related Links

http://www.epicor.com


LONDON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ExCeL Exhibition Centre -- General Dynamics Land SystemsUK will deliver a comprehensive state-of-the-art training solutions package for the British Army as part of the AJAX programme. These solutions, in particular the immersive Crew Turret Trainer (CTT) and the AJAX Desk Top Trainer (DTT) are showcased at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI).

Alongside the delivery of 589 AJAX platforms to the British Army, General Dynamics Land SystemsUK will supply a range of training solutions that maximise the use of simulation to reduce cost of ownership and burden on live platforms.

The training solutions will cover Gunnery and Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), Driver Procedure and Maintenance, and Level 2/3 Maintenance. Initially, these training solutions will support 'Train the Trainer' activities before supporting Conversion and Steady State courses by the British Army.

Key elements of the training solutions being delivered include:

Crew Turret Trainer (CTT): Developed by Lockheed Martin UK, in partnership with General Dynamics Land SystemsUK, the CTT is self-contained within a 20-foot ISO container and includes a representative AJAX turret, which will replicate its systems and their functionality within a static, physical environment. All sensor views are simulated and the crews will operate in an immersive synthetic environment. The CTT consolidates classroom-based training in an environment that reflects the experience of the real vehicle. The first CTT is showcased on the General Dynamics stand at DSEI.

Developed by Lockheed Martin UK, in partnership with General Dynamics Land SystemsUK, the CTT is self-contained within a 20-foot ISO container and includes a representative AJAX turret, which will replicate its systems and their functionality within a static, physical environment. All sensor views are simulated and the crews will operate in an immersive synthetic environment. The CTT consolidates classroom-based training in an environment that reflects the experience of the real vehicle. The first CTT is showcased on the General Dynamics stand at DSEI. Full Motion Driver Training Simulator (FMDTS): Developed by XPI, in partnership with General Dynamics Land SystemsUK, the FMDTS is a classroom-based, full-motion, 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF), fully-immersive driver simulator. The trainee drivers will be able to experience the full performance of driving AJAX over different types of terrain and in different scenarios.

Developed by XPI, in partnership with General Dynamics Land SystemsUK, the FMDTS is a classroom-based, full-motion, 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF), fully-immersive driver simulator. The trainee drivers will be able to experience the full performance of driving AJAX over different types of terrain and in different scenarios. Maintenance Trainer Electrical (MTE)  Hull and Turret: Developed by Pennant Training Solutions, in partnership with General Dynamics Land SystemsUK, the MTE is a workshop-based trainer, which will support the training of British Army soldiers in the conduct of L2/3 maintenance on AJAX platforms.

Kevin Connell, vice president of General Dynamics Land SystemsUK, said: "In partnership with our UK-based supply chain, General Dynamics Land SystemsUK is delivering an innovative suite of fully-immersive training solutions to the British Army in a cost-effective manner. This training enables the British Army to maximise the use of the first fully-digitised fleet of vehicles across all environments on future operations."

The range of AJAX variants will allow British Army 'Strike Brigades' to conduct sustained, expeditionary, full-spectrum and network-enabled operations with a reduced logistics footprint. They will operate in combined-arms and multinational situations across a wide-range of future operating environments.

About General Dynamics UK

General Dynamics United Kingdom ( General Dynamics UK) has two primary lines of business: Land Systems and Mission Systems. General Dynamics UK works in partnership with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) providing the nation's primary land capabilities including, amongst others, Bowman, the British Armed Forces tactical communications programme, and AJAX, the replacement for the British Army's reconnaissance vehicle fleet. The company also delivers avionics equipment used in rotary and fixed wing platforms, highly integrated mission and video management systems, flexible stores management systems, data link processing and video and data recorders for UK and international customers.

General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia.

SOURCE General Dynamics Land Systems-UK
EAGLE, fitted as an ambulance variant at DSEI 2017, provides a unique suspension and driveline, offering superior tactical mobility, reliability and the highest-protection in its class. The EAGLE is in-service with the German, Swiss and Danish Armies. It is available in a range of 44 and 66 configurations and can fulfill roles such as a Troop Carrier, Recovery, Command, Reconnaissance and Logistics. EAGLE provides logistic commonality across its range of variants to offer lower maintenance and lifecycle costs.

An Ambulance and a Troop Carrying vehicle, based on the same EAGLE 6x6 chassis and driveline, are being provided for trials. A third platform will be used for a mine blast trial. Trials will begin in October 2017 and are planned to run until February 2018.

Kevin Connell, vice president of General Dynamics Land SystemsUK, said: "General Dynamics Land Systems has extensive experience of delivering world-leading platforms around the world. The EAGLE 6x6 is an excellent example of a high performance, highly survivable, tactical wheeled vehicle ideally suited to troop transport and the rapid, safe carriage of injured personnel. By undertaking the Assembly, Integration and Test of EAGLE platforms for the British Army, alongside in-service support, at our new Merthyr Tydfil facility, there would be an opportunity to create significant employment right across our extensive UK supply chain. Our proven processes and vehicle manufacturing pedigree will ensure MRV-P is delivered on-time and on-budget."

General Dynamics Land Systems has a long pedigree and worldwide experience in delivering tracked and wheeled military vehicles, alongside specialist knowledge in complex, scalable Electronic Architectures. It delivers, amongst others, AJAX, the Abrams main battle tank, PIRANHA, and LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle), Stryker and Cougar MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush  Protected) families of vehicles.

About General Dynamics UK

General Dynamics United Kingdom ( General Dynamics UK) has two primary lines of business: Land Systems and Mission Systems. General Dynamics UK works in partnership with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) providing the nation's primary land capabilities including, amongst others, Bowman, the British Armed Forces tactical communications programme, and AJAX, the replacement for the British Army's reconnaissance vehicle fleet. The company also delivers avionics equipment used in rotary and fixed wing platforms, highly integrated mission and video management systems, flexible stores management systems, data link processing and video and data recorders for UK and international customers.

General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia.

SOURCE General Dynamics Land Systems-UK

Related Links

http://www.generaldynamics.com


ATLANTA, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power teams working around the clock have restored power to more than 300,000 customers impacted by Hurricane Irma in metro Atlanta. As of Wednesday afternoon, less than 150,000 customers remain without power in metro Atlanta and work continues to restore power to all impacted customers as quickly and safely as possible.

Georgia Power has established multiple staging areas across the metro Atlanta area, including large staging sites in Lithonia and Jonesboro, to effectively and efficiently dispatch crews. Restoration teams continue to face challenges including downed trees, blocked roads and bridges that had to be inspected by the state following flooding.

Hurricane Irma interrupted service to nearly 1 million Georgia Power customers across the state this week and, as of noon Wednesday, more than 620,000 customers statewide had service restored. More than 6,000 personnel are engaged in Georgia Power's statewide restoration effort and the company expects to have service restored to 95 percent of all customers impacted by Hurricane Irma, who can accept power, by Sunday night.

Teams in the Field

Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Irma for more than a week prior to the storm entering Georgia. All of Georgia Power's resources were held in the state prior to the storm and have remained in Georgia to lead the company's restoration effort.

When severe weather strikes, Georgia Power has access to additional resources available as part of the Southern Company system, which includes multiple electric and gas companies serving more than 9 million customers nationwide. Additionally, Georgia Power is part of a national mutual assistance network consisting of dozens of utilities from around the country, and the company is able to tap into reinforcements when needed to restore power to Georgia customers following a storm. While the company has contacted and requested aid through the mutual assistance network, resources have been assigned to harder-hit areas in Florida first before travelling to Georgia.

Safety Information

Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.

Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees. Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines  it can kill.

Don't step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.

They could be electrified. Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.

They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances. Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road  it's the law in Georgia .

Tools You Can Use

Outage Alerts  Subscribe to the free Georgia Power Outage Alert service to receive personalized notifications and updates via text message.

Subscribe to the free Georgia Power Outage Alert service to receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Outage & Storm Center  Available at www.georgiapower.com/storm, customers can visit this site to sign up for Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.

Available at www.georgiapower.com/storm, customers can visit this site to sign up for Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938. Outage Map  Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.

Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times. Georgia Power Mobile App  Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.

Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go. @GeorgiaPower on Twitter  Follow @GeorgiaPower on Twitter for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

SOURCE Georgia Power

Related Links

http://www.georgiapower.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GetWireless, a leading Value-Added Distributor of IoT solutions since 2001, continues to grow rapidly within the IoT ecosystem; and is defining their "value" through innovative channel programs. Growth in the high-tech space requires a dedicated investment, and GetWireless has accomplished that by adding exciting new products, increasing human resources, growing support services, and offering marketing services.

"GetWireless strives be more than a single-line vendor to each of our clients, we want to roll up our sleeves and work with them to strategically grow the business together." said Brian Taney, CEO of GetWireless.

With the expansion of their product portfolio, GetWireless now offers embedded modules, pre-certified modems, asset trackers, programmable modems, enterprise routers, and industrial gateways. This expanded portfolio empowers GetWireless clients to service a vast variety of vertical markets being served in IoT.

In addition, GetWireless has continued to add industry specialists to their team to ensure that clients always receive expert-level sales consultation and technical support. These new team members have also enabled GetWireless to launch a host of professional services, including programming/scripting services, device management, system support, and marketing services.

Those interested in learning more about GetWireless' Channel Programs can stop by the GetWireless Booth (#336N) at Mobile World Congress Americas in San Francisco, California September 12th-14th, 2017, visit MWCA Media kit or contact [email protected].

About GetWireless

Established in 2001 and based in Minneapolis, GetWireless is a leading Value-Added Distributor of cellular solutions that connect the Internet of Things. By supporting a strong portfolio of embedded modules, end-device modems, intelligent gateways, and cellular boosters, GetWireless is able to supply the most advantageous cellular solution for each new IoT application. For more information, visit www.getwirelessllc.com.

Contact: Terra Bastolich

Phone: (952) 890-6669

email: [email protected]

Website: www.getwirelessllc.com

SOURCE GetWireless

Related Links

http://www.getwirelessllc.com


MILL VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Where would you move for a new job? Today, Glassdoor, the fastest growing and second largest job site in the U.S.1, announced results of its newest jobs report identifying the 25 Best Cities for Jobsin 2017.

This list is compiled by ranking U.S. metros with the highest Glassdoor City Score, determined by weighing three factors equally: how easy it is to get a job (hiring opportunity), how affordable it is to live there (cost of living) and how satisfied employees are working there (job satisfaction)2. As part of this report, we include each metro's median pay for employees, median home value, job satisfaction rating, number of current job openings and a few local in-demand jobs.

Glassdoor's 25 Best Cities for Jobs in 2017 are:

1. Pittsburgh, PA

2. Indianapolis, IN

3. Kansas City, MO

4. Raleigh-Durham, NC

5. St. Louis, MO

6. Memphis, TN

7. Columbus, OH

8. Cincinnati, OH

9. Cleveland, OH

10. Louisville, KY

11. Birmingham, AL

12. Detroit, MI

13. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

14. Hartford, CT

15. Oklahoma City, OK

16. Washington, DC

17. Seattle, WA

18. Atlanta, GA

19. Baltimore, MD

20. Nashville, TN

21. Milwaukee, WI

22. San Jose, CA

23. Chicago, IL

24. Charlotte, NC

25. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Interestingly, some major technology and financial hubs, such as San Francisco and New York City, did not make the top 25, even though several of these cities currently offer healthy job markets. Ohio is the only state with three cities among the top 25 (#7 Columbus, #8 Cincinnati, #9 Cleveland).

"Big, metropolitan cities may be more famous than others, including being home to some amazing companies to work for, but this recognition is also what contributes to them being among the most expensive places to live," says Glassdoor Chief Economist Dr. Andrew Chamberlain. "People may be overlooking midsize cities like Pittsburgh or St. Louis if they are looking to relocate or find new opportunities. What this jobs report shows is that many midsize cities stand out for offering a great mix of a thriving job market with plenty of opportunity, paired with home affordability and being regions where employees are more satisfied in their jobs too."

Glassdoor is now the No. 2 job site in the U.S.1, featuring all of the latest jobs online paired with approximately 33 million reviews and insights from employees on 700,000 companies in 190 countries3. Glassdoor welcomes more than 45 million unique users, on average, to its desktop and mobile platforms each month4. The top three reasons people first come to Glassdoor are to browse job listings, research a company they want to work for, and research how salary/compensation information compares to others5.

COMPLETE RESULTS + MORE DATA + INTV: Visit Glassdoor to see the complete results, and the Glassdoor Blog to learn more about the Best Cities for Jobs. For more on how job seekers can determine how long the hiring process should take, visit the Glassdoor Blog. To speak with a Glassdoor spokesperson, email: [email protected].

1Based on unique users, custom job list sites % Change Media Trend Report, Comscore June 2017 Media Metrix; Compared to Indeed.com, CareerBuilder.com, Monster.com and ZipRecruiter.com.

2Methodology: Glassdoor's Best Cities for Jobs report identifies U.S. metros with the highest overall Glassdoor City Score, based on a comparison of the 50 most populated U.S. metros. Each region's Glassdoor City Score, based on a 5-point scale (5.0=best city for a job, 1.0=worst city for a job), is determined by weighing three factors equally: hiring opportunity, cost of living and job satisfaction.

Hiring opportunity is determined by the ratio of active job openings to population. (Job openings per metro represent active job listings on Glassdoor as of 8/15/17. Population data is according to the United States Census Bureau ).

Cost of living is determined by the ratio of median annual base salary to median metro home value. (Median annual base salary per metro based on at least 2,500 salary reports shared by local employees on Glassdoor over the past year [ 8/16/16-8/15/17 ]). Median home value is according to the Zillow Home Value Index for All Homes , as of June 2017 ).

Job satisfaction ratings per metro is based on at least 1,500 company reviews shared by local employees on Glassdoor over the past year ( 8/16/16-8/15/17 ; Ratings based on a 5-point scale: 1.0=very dissatisfied, 3.0=OK, 5.0=very satisfied).

3Glassdoor Internal Data, June 2017

4Google Analytics, CQ2'17 average

5 Glassdoor.com U.S. Site Survey, August 2016

About Glassdoor

Glassdoor is one of the largest and fastest growing job sites in the world today. Set apart by the tens of millions of reviews and insights provided by employees and candidates, Glassdoor combines all the jobs with this valuable data to make it easy for people to find a job that is uniquely right for them. As a result, Glassdoor helps employers hire truly informed candidates at scale through effective recruiting solutions like job advertising and employer branding products. Launched in 2008, Glassdoor now has reviews and insights for approximately 700,000 companies in more than 190 countries. For labor market trends and analysis, visit Glassdoor Economic Research. For company news and career advice and tips, visit the Glassdoor Blog and for employer-related news and insights to help employers hire, visit the Glassdoor for Employers Blog. Visit Glassdoor.com or download our apps on iOS and Android platforms.

Glassdoor is a registered trademark of Glassdoor, Inc.

SOURCE Glassdoor
INDORE, India, September 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Data centre support infrastructure carries three components that include uninterruptible power source, environmental control, and security systems. According to OBRC Analysis, environmental control accounts for an average 20% of total data centre support infrastructure cost. Data centre environment control framework place an important role in maintaining temperature, humidity and air quality within data centre for optimal performance. Hence, investments in data centre cooling facility is of prime importance for data centre operations. Global data centre cooling market is projected to rise at CAGR of 14.95% for the forecast period 2016-2023. Demand for cloud computing & big data solutions, demand for efficient data centres, demand for cost effective data centre solutions, demand for sustainable data cooling solution, increasing number of data centres, and regulatory compliance are the main factors driving global data centre cooling market for the forecasted period. High investments and requirement of specialized infrastructure are key factors restraining global data centre cooling market for the forecast period 2016-2023.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161024/431641LOGO )



You can find the detailed description of the report at:

http://www.occamsresearch.com/data-center-cooling-market

Demand for cloud computing solutions: Growth driver

Cloud computing is driving IT industry across all sectors by offering mobility, on demand scalability, cost effective solutions, shifting enterprise focus on operational expenditure (OPEX) from traditional capital expenditure (CAPEX) and offering uninterrupted business process. According to OBRC estimate global cloud computing expenditure is expected to rise six times that of conventional IT spending from 2015. OBRC estimates global cloud computing market to reach revenue of $161.8 billion by 2020, increasing from $66.7 billion in 2015, with year-on-year increase of 18.8%. According to OBRC technology survey more than 72% Chief Financial Officers from technology companies are looking forward to making significant investment in cloud computing by 2019. With increasing adoption of cloud computing, demand for IT infrastructure products for deployment in cloud environments are anticipated to increase year on year by 15% according to OBRC estimate. IT infrastructure spending for FY 2017 to touch is estimated to reach $41.5 billion. Asia Pacific cloud computing market isforecasted to grow fastest at 28% per annum till 2022 according to OBRC analysis. The growth is led by high adoption rate of big data & analytics service, increasing IT infrastructure investment, increasing internet penetration, and adoption of cloud computing across all sectors. India, China, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are key markets for cloud computing investment in Asia Pacific according to Asia Cloud Computing Association.

North America and Europe: Together dominates market

North America & Europe together dominates data centre cooling market for forecasted period in terms of revenue and technology adoption, according to OBRC analysis.Presence of huge data centres,high adoption of data centre cooling technologies, growing cloud computing market, high degree of data traffic and regulatory compliance are the factors driving data centre cooling market in North America & Europe. According to OBRC studies, North America hosts more than 42% of the global colocation operations, thus requiring presence of large data centres. There are more than 3.5million data centres present in USA as of 2015. That accounts roughly one data centre per 100 people in USA. Similarly, there are more than 1464 data colocation data centres in Europe of which more than 75% are located in Western Europe according to Data Centre Research. Leading colocation data centre markets in Europe are UK, Germany, France, and Netherland. Since 2014, cloud computing technology adoption rates across sectors in North America has increased significantly. According to OBRC research, more than 52% of organizations in North America have deployed cloud solutions on their own. Similarly, OBRC research shows that more than 74% of start-ups in North America since 2015, are looking forward to investing in cloud computing technologies within 2017. Moreover, both North America and Europe are house of world's biggest software companies such as Facebook, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, SAP and so on. Increasing adoption of cloud computing technologies would certainly drive demand for data centres, indirectly supplementing data centre cooling market in the region for the forecasted period.

About Occams Business Research & Consulting (OBRC):

Occams Business Research & Consulting has been in the business (Market Research) for the past three years. OBRC, based in India, is formed by two women analysts, Shyamal Moghe and Sathya Durga, who started the company after years of working as analysts and project managers for companies such as Frost & Sullivan, Smart Analyst, etc. and have an excellent track record for the best customer satisfaction. You can see their professional profile on LinkedIn:

Shyamal Moghe

Sathya Durga

Website: http://www.occamsresearch.com/

Related reports:

Global Business Intelligence Market

Global Supply Chain Analytics Market

Global E-Discovery Market

Global Social Employee Recognition System Market

Global E-Discovery Market

Contact: Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Occams Business Research & Consulting Pvt. Ltd.
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Employees feel more confident than ever in the business environment and in their ability to get a new job, giving them the upper hand in the labor market, according to CEB, Now Gartner. New data from the CEB Global Talent Monitor showed that global employee confidence in the economy reached 53.8  its highest peak since Q1 2014  while global job perceptions increased 1.2 percent globally. In fact, European employees' confidence in their personal job prospects hit a six-year high in Q2 2017.

Despite employees believing they can secure new jobs in the current labor market, this has not translated into more consistent active job seeking across the globe. Overall employees are working harder and staying longer in their current roles. Discretionary effort  employees going above and beyond  increased in every region in Q2 2017, with the exception of Asia, which remained flat. Likewise, intent to stay also increased, particularly in North America, which saw an almost 4.5 percentage point increase in employees who intend to stay with their employer.

What Employees Want

While employees might be more committed to staying with their employers, and even working harder, they are not completely satisfied. Employees are more focused than ever on respect in the workplace and ensuring they are treated fairly and respectfully by their employer. In fact, respect has moved up the list of attributes potential candidates consider when evaluating an employer and now ranks as one of the top five.

"Respect has been increasing in importance to employees, and now almost one-third of employees think about respect when considering an employer," said Brian Kropp, HR practice leader at CEB, now Gartner. "Employees want to know how they, and their colleagues, are going to be treated by their employer. Given the very tight labor market  one where employees feel they are in control  workers will seek out new jobs if they feel disrespected in the workplace."

In addition to an increased focus on respect, employee expectations around merit increases are changing going into 2018. For the first time in several years, there has been a significant increase  almost one percentage point globally  in the expected annual raise year-on-year. Whereas this time last year, employees expected to hit almost 3 percent for their annual increase, the expectation is now a nearly 4 percent merit increase for 2018.

Employers Must Respond

In a tight labor market, where employees seemingly feel they have an advantage, employers must take several key actions to address the needs of their staff, avoid costly attrition and retain top talent.

When it comes to employees' desire for respect, the best companies focus on:

Looking at the values of the organization and the principles it stands for and ensure that respect for employees is present. Making managers aware that the labor market has shifted and is now in employees' favor with respect as one of their top considerations; ensure managers practice candidate and employee care. Auditing systems and processes to determine if any violate the desire for respect among employees. Organizations need to answer the question: "Are we unintentionally demoralizing employees?"

To avoid an unpleasant experience at annual review time, employers should:

Benchmark current merit increases to see if the organization is aligned with employee expectations. If the company is not going to meet employee expectations, leaders need to decide if they will up the merit increase budget or determine how they will communicate with their workforce around the lower increase that will fall short of expectations.

Global Talent Monitor data is drawn from the larger CEB Global Labor Market Survey which is made up of more than 22,000 employees in 40 countries. The survey is conducted quarterly and is reflective of market conditions during the quarter preceding publication. Visit www.cebglobal.com/talentmonitor to learn more and compare talent data from around the world.

About CEB, Now Gartner

Leading organizations worldwide rely on CEB services to harness their untapped potential and grow. Now offered by Gartner, CEB best practices and technology solutions equip clients with the intelligence to effectively manage talent, customers, and operations. More information is available at gartner.com/ceb.

About Gartner

Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) is the world's leading research and advisory company. The company helps business leaders across all major functions in every industry and enterprise size with the objective insights they need to make the right decisions. Gartner's comprehensive suite of services delivers strategic advice and proven best practices to help clients succeed in their mission-critical priorities. Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, and has more than 13,000 associates serving clients in 11,000 enterprises in 100 countries. For more information, visit gartner.com.

SOURCE CEB

Related Links

http://www.cebglobal.com


With the rapid development of Hangzhou's MICE sector, executives and employees across the sector have accumulated a wealth of experience and significantly improved the quality of services. In order to further exhibit Hangzhou's advantages as a MICE destination and showcase the city's unique characteristics, the Committee plans to launch a new round of promotions for the remainder of 2017, enabling domestic and foreign meeting organizers to discover the city's charm and see more possibilities for their events in the city.

During the campaign, leading meeting organizers and journalists from both China and abroad will be invited to Hangzhou to get a full education on the available resources and see how the city successfully competes for events. Guests can expect to gain a deep understanding of Hangzhou's MICE sector, and be able to creatively discuss solutions with local MICE companies. Besides showcasing Hangzhou's unique cultural and visual resources, the event organizers plan to work with companies in Hangzhou to demonstrate the city's high level of modernization and innovation when it comes to the planning of events. With the insights gained from both the domestic and international professional meeting organizers, Hangzhou's MICE sector expects to be able to further enhance the city's natural advantages as well as its international reputation.

In Paris, France, the committee plans to install a pop-up "reception room" and "Hangzhou Teahouse" for meetings with organizers where they can sample Hangzhou's unique cuisine while being handed the goggles that will deliver a VR presentation on Hangzhou's MICE resources. Furthermore, the meeting organizers on site in Hangzhou will establish remote connections with their peers in Paris, where they can share their impressions of Hangzhou's MICE sector and answer related questions.

The 2016 G20 Summit was successfully held in Hangzhou in September 2016. Since the second half of last year, Hangzhou MICE has held what the committee has labeled as a series of "temperature" events, including Hangzhou MICE "Temperature Experience Officer" and Hangzhou 20 Best "Temperature" Selections as part of the roadmap to initially establish the Hangzhou MICE brand. The "Hangzhou, Inspiring New Connections" global promotion campaign received substantial attention from media organizations worldwide. On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Hangzhou G20 Summit, Hangzhou's MICE sector can expect to continue attracting wide attention globally and become the destination of choice for more international meeting organizers.

SOURCE Business Events Hangzhou
CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Officials from Chicago-based Goldwind Americas ("Goldwind"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (SZSE: 002202) (HK: 2208) and Casper College of Casper, Wyoming announced today that they are partnering to host the first two-week wind technician training course sponsored by Goldwind Works. The Goldwind Works wind technician training program is scheduled to begin on October 16, 2017 and will be held on the Casper College campus located in Casper, Wyoming.

Goldwind Works is accepting applications for ten students for this first training class, which will consist of an integrated two-week curriculum combining traditional lecture and hands-on lab formats. Students in the training program will receive basic technical and safety qualifications and certifications covering such concepts as wind turbine systems, Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, and safety at heights  the full curriculum is available on the Goldwind Works website (goldwindworks.com). The company will utilize training facilities and equipment at Casper College's Center for Training and Development. Goldwind Works is sponsoring all costs associated with delivering the training to these ten students.

"We are thrilled to partner with Casper College to take meaningful action to help educate and train the American workforce for jobs in an industry, not just of the future, but of today  to power America," said David Halligan, Chief Executive Officer of Goldwind Americas.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wind Technician is the fastest growing job profession in the U.S. and, with Wyoming set to be a big producer of wind energy, Goldwind and Casper College are working together to bring opportunity to those interested in working in this rapidly growing industry.

"This is an important role we play in helping meet the workforce needs for the region," says Casper College President Darren Divine. "The partnership with Goldwind is a great example of how Casper College works to meet the training needs of growing industries. We're very excited to be partnered with Goldwind for the important work they'll be doing in Wyoming." This partnership between Goldwind and Casper College will grow over time to keep pace with the changing requirements for people working in the wind energy industry.

Goldwind Works is currently accepting applications for its training program. Those interested in learning more about the training and how to apply can visit goldwindworks.com/training or email [email protected].

Media Contacts:

For Goldwind Works: Colin Mahoney, Mahoney Communications Group

212-220-6045 / [email protected]

For Casper College: Chris Lorenzen

307-268-3088 / [email protected]

About Goldwind Works

Goldwind Works' -- a Goldwind Americas-sponsored training curriculum -- is an integrated, two-week program combining traditional lecture and hands-on lab formats for those transitioning away from the coal and/or oil & gas industries or those interested in a new field of work. Participants in the training program will receive basic technical and safety qualifications and certifications to assist in obtaining wind turbine technician internships and full-time positions. Goldwind Works is providing this training complimentary to select individuals who are ready to take their career to new heights. To learn more visit goldwindworks.com.

About Casper College

Casper College is a premier, public, comprehensive two-year institution with a primary focus on student success. The college offers academic transfer programs, career training, continuing education, and basic skills instruction. Casper College provides opportunities and programs to improve quality of life and supports community building and citizenship for the people of Casper, Natrona County, the State of Wyoming, and the World. The college offers over 140 degree and certificate options including a degree in renewable technologies that trains students as instrumentation and control technicians for electrical power generation from wind and solar. Visit Casper College online at caspercollege.edu.

SOURCE Goldwind

Related Links

http://www.goldwindamericas.com


DALLAS, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodnight Midstream, the professional fluids management company, announces a multi-year partnership to provide pipeline disposal service for Callon Petroleum Company (NYSE: CPE) in the southern Delaware Basin.

Goodnight will build, own and operate a produced water pipeline connecting Callon's Spur acreage in Ward County, Texas to saltwater disposal wells in the Central Basin Platform. The new system will reliably move produced water volumes out of the Delaware Basin, providing Callon assurance of sufficient disposal capacity at a low cost per barrel.

"We are pleased to continue our expansion in the Permian with this unique partnership with Callon, a leading operator in the basin," said Patrick Walker, Chief Executive Officer of Goodnight Midstream. "By piping produced water out of the Delaware Basin at large scale, we are leading the way in providing a long-term, sustainable outlet for the growing volumes of produced water generated by our producers. The shallow, porous and depleted formations of the Central Basin Platform provide the ideal disposal reservoirs for the millions of barrels of saltwater the Delaware Basin will produce in the decades to come."

Joe Gatto, President and Chief Executive Officer of Callon Petroleum, commented, "We are very pleased to be working with Goodnight Midstream to take this next step forward in our Delaware asset development. This partnership helps to position Callon as a leader in operational logistics in the basin. Our pipeline disposal solution has positive net present value implications for our Spur development and provides substantial capital reduction for Callon beginning in the second half of 2018."

About Goodnight Midstream

Goodnight Midstream provides trusted professional fluids management services to its oil and gas producing customers. The Company owns and operates an extensive network of water gathering pipelines and saltwater disposal wells focused on gathering and disposing of produced saltwater for oil and gas producers. Goodnight's midstream approach minimizes environmental impact and improves health and safety while lowering lease operating expense and improving reliability for its customers. Goodnight is supported by a team of highly experienced engineers and operating professionals. In addition to Goodnight's leading position in North Dakota, Goodnight is rapidly expanding in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. For more information, please visit www.goodnightmidstream.com.

Contact:

Julie Walter

[email protected]

Goodnight Midstream, LLC

SOURCE Goodnight Midstream

Related Links

http://www.goodnightmidstream.com


"This innovative project will truly transform the Ocean Medical Center campus, preparing us to effectively meet the growing needs of our patients in the region," said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health . "Hackensack Meridian Health is leading the way in innovation, and Ocean Medical Center's investment in a modern medical-surgical suite will elevate the human experience and provide patients with the world-class care they deserve."

Ocean Medical Center is cultivating a culture focused on providing compassionate, high-quality care in which the patient always comes first. Research shows that when patients are treated with empathy and kindness, it can lead to better outcomes and shorter hospital stays. The new medical-surgical suite utilizes color, movement, art, music, natural light and technology to offer patients a welcoming, nurturing and healing atmosphere that helps maximize the time team members spend with patients. In addition, the new suite is designed to enhance the role family members play in the healing process, recognizing the vital emotional and physical benefit they provide loved ones.

"Over the last five years, Ocean Medical Center's campus has transformed into the premier health and wellness destination for patients throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties," said John K. Lloyd, FACHE, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. "At Hackensack Meridian Health, people are at the center of everything we do. Ocean Medical Center's new, state-of-the-art medical-surgical floor was designed in close collaboration with our health care team members and input from our patients to redefine the way we deliver care and enhance the patient experience."

The new medical-surgical suite is dedicated to elective surgeries such as hip and joint replacements, bariatric and GI procedures. The unit tripled in size to 36,000-square-feet, featuring:

Three state-of-the-art "neighborhoods" with 12 patient rooms and curved nurses' stations that increase line of sight into patient rooms

36 private patient rooms with modern amenities designed to increase patient and family comfort

Modern, innovative, curved designs that reduce noise level typical in a hospital setting

Artwork, colors and designs that reduce stress and promote wellness

"At Ocean Medical Center, we are committed to fostering a culture of compassion that will enable us to provide the best possible care for our patients," said Dean Q. Lin, MHA, MBA, FACE, FCPP, regional president of Hackensack Meridian Health and president of Ocean Medical Center. "That is why we invested $18.5 million into creating a world-class, patient-centric medical-surgical suite that integrates innovative designs, optimal workflow and state-of-the-art technology to transform the patient experience. Our new medical-surgical floor furthers our vision to change the face of health care, which began with our expanded emergency care center and continued with the new cancer center, by creating an environment that encourages healing and wellness."

The new medical-surgical suite, located on the third floor above Ocean Medical Center's Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Emergency Care Center, complements the 2014 expansion of the Emergency Care Center and the construction of the new Cancer Care Center in 2016. Throughout the third floor design process, Ocean Medical Center consulted with team members as well as architects and interior designers from the medical design specialist WHR Architects. With their help, Ocean Medical Center has created an innovative environment that supports wellness and empowers patients to return to their daily lifestyle as quickly as possible.

"Ocean Medical Center worked with nurses, team members, architects and interior designers to create a cutting-edge medical-surgical suite that truly puts the patient at the center of everything we do," said Ken Souchek, P.T., DPT, Senior Manager of Operations, Rehabilitation Services and Orthopedics, Ocean Medical Center. "This groundbreaking medical-surgical suite improves efficiency, optimizes patient safety and allows our team of experts to focus on what's most important: providing the highest-quality of care for each individual patient."

For the second year in a row, U.S. News & World Report ranked Ocean Medical Center the 8th best hospital in New Jersey and 17th in the New York metropolitan area. In addition to Ocean Medical Center's Best Hospital ranking, it is also recognized as high-performing in knee replacement. Ocean Medical Center has a world-class elective surgery program and orthopedic joint replacement designation, performing an impressive 1,000 joint replacements annually.

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER

Ocean Medical Center, serving southern Monmouth and Ocean counties, is ranked #8 in New Jersey by U.S. News and World Report for two consecutive years. The medical center also features a satellite Emergency Care Center in Point Pleasant, the Ocean Care Center, and hospital-based programs at Jackson Health Village.

In addition to its high ranking in U.S News and World Report, Ocean Medical Center has achieved a host of certifications and awards: advanced levels of certification with The Joint Commission for joint replacement, palliative care and stroke (Primary Stroke Center that offers a state-of-the art brain lab and neurological surgery); a designated center of excellence by the American College of Radiology; Magnet award winning nurses; 2017 Get with the Guidelines continuous quality improvement awards including: Heart Failure Gold Plus Award, Stroke Gold Plus and Stroke Honor Roll Elite Awards and Action Registry Platinum Award; Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award for one of the highest levels of team member engagement in the nation; and an "A" grade from the LeapFrog Group's Hospital Safety Score initiative.

The medical center has made significant investments in programs and services. In 2014, Ocean Medical Center opened a state-of-the-art Emergency Department that provides the highest level of care and comfort in a tranquil setting. In 2016, a new comprehensive Cancer Center that provides the latest radiation therapy technologies was revealed. In 2017, the final phase of the $82 million expansion project concluded with the opening of an innovative medical surgical floor with 36 private patient beds that was uniquely designed to bring humanity back to health care. Future developments include the launch of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) approved residency programs in family medicine and psychiatry in 2018.

Other key services include: DaT Scan and advanced imaging technology; DaVinci robotic surgery; general, thoracic, and vascular surgery; one of the region's most advanced cardiac catheterization laboratories and cardiac services; maternity, acute care of the elderly and critical care services.

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH

Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. Hackensack Meridian Health comprises 13 hospitals, including two academic medical centers, two children's hospitals and nine community hospitals, physician practices, more than 120 ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, and urgent care and after-hours centers. Hackensack Meridian Health has 28,000 team members, more than 6,000 physicians and is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy, committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

The Network's notable distinctions include having one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more consecutive years, the number one hospital in New Jersey as ranked by U.S. News and World Report, consistently achieving Magnet recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recipient of the John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and Quality from The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum, a six-time recipient of Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For," one of the "20 Best Workplaces in Health Care" in the nation, and the number one "Best Place to Work for Women." Hackensack Meridian Health is a member of AllSpire Health Partners, an interstate consortium of leading health systems, to focus on the sharing of best practices in clinical care and achieving efficiencies.

The hospitals of Hackensack Meridian Health include: academic medical centers  HackensackUMC in Hackensack, Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune; children's hospitals  Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune; community hospitals  Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, HackensackUMC Mountainside in Montclair, HackensackUMC Palisades in North Bergen, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, and HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley in Westwood.

For additional information, please visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org.

SOURCE Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Happy Family, one of the largest and the fastest growing premium, organic, baby and toddler food companies in the U.S., has been granted an exclusive distinction: a 2017 Best for the World: Changemakers Award by B Lab, an independent non-profit organization. Happy Family has been a Certified B Corp since 2011 and this new 'Best for the World' award honors those B Corps which have gone above and beyond maintaining the rigorous standards of certification by continuing to make significant improvements in their business policies and standards.

Since its inception, Happy Family has been steadfast in its mission to improve the trajectory of children's health through nutrition. The team has harnessed the spirit of this mission to put babies before business and to create and maintain a truly relevant brand grounded in real support for all parents. Happy Family is thrilled to be recognized for the meaningful work that it is doing to use business as a force for good.

Separately and complementarily, Happy Family announces that it has officially become a public benefit corporation ("PBC"). The change of its corporate status underpins this commitment to always remain a truly mission-driven company through long-term health-driven goals. In addition to passing its bi-annual certification assessment by B Lab, Happy Family's newly adopted PBC status supports and encourages these greater standards of business practices to provide the most trusted organic products possible in a transparent, socially and environmentally-conscious way.

"This change in corporate status does not reflect a change in the way we operate our business. We've always been incredibly committed to and fiercely protective of our founding principles: to maximize the positive impact on the lives of young children and families everywhere while maximizing positive impact on the planet. Officially becoming a PBC simply preserves this legacy," said Shazi Visram, Founder, CEO and Chief Mom of Happy Family. "In 2013, our company was at a pivotal moment. We were in search of a values-led, strategic growth partner, and I ultimately moved forward with Danone, as they share the same vision and commitment." Danone, through its U.S. subsidiary DanoneWave, is the largest public benefit corporation in the country. Visram continues, "I'm incredibly proud to still be running a meaningful business 14 years after creating the initial concept and even more thrilled to be doing it alongside a partner I trust."

Being a PBC requires Happy Family to manage business in a way that balances shareholders' financial interests and the benefits it brings to people, the planet and broader society. In undergoing this corporate status change, Happy Family is cementing what's always been in its DNA by embedding the following specific goal in its newly amended articles of incorporation: The purpose of [Happy Family] includes the specific public benefit purpose of having a material positive impact on society in a responsible and sustainable manner from the business and operations of the corporation, including without limitation from the production and marketing of organic foods for growing babies, toddlers and kids.

"It has given me great pride, on behalf of Danone, and on a personal level, to know and collaborate with Shazi and Happy Family over the years. Happy Family has influenced our thinking significantly and they continue to inspire us at Danone. Happy Family pursues their mission of bringing nutritious, organic food to children with integrity and innovation. They are constantly seeking opportunities to employ the most environmentally friendly and forward-thinking business practices," said Lorna Davis, Chairwoman of DanoneWave. "They are not afraid to grow and adjust to meet the ever-changing needs of the families they serve, and of our planet, and for that I think they are very deserving recipients of the Best for the World: Changemakers honor."

Happy Family lives its B Corp status and PBC incorporation in many ways, from partnering with non-profit organizations to provide families in need with nutrition education through its social impact program, Happy to Help, to making commitments to reduce the climate impact of its business operations as founding members of the Climate Collaborative. Happy Family will always remain committed in its mission to change the trajectory of children's health with the knowledge that nutrition, especially during the vital first few years of a child's life, helps establish the foundation of life-long health and wellness.

To learn more about Happy Family, please visit its website, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

About Happy Family

Launched on Mother's Day 2006, Happy Family is one of the largest and fastest growing organic food brands to offer a comprehensive line of nutritious foods for babies, toddlers, kids and their mothers. Beginning with baby's first few years of life, Happy Family provides an enlightened assortment of organic meals and snacks to help support a lifetime of wellness. Constantly innovating, Happy Family strives to offer families the right nutrition for every stage of development.



From five SKUs in five stores in 2006 to over 100 SKUs in national distribution, Happy Family continues to earn its place as one of the fastest growing baby food companies in the baby food aisle, as awarded by Fast Company in 2012 and 2013. Happy Family is led by founder, CEO and Chief Mom, Shazi Visram, who was honored as one of Babble's 100 Moms who are changing the world and lauded by President Barack Obama as "a rockstar of the new economy and a leader we can all emulate." Happy to Help, the brand's social initiative, most recently partnered with The Small Things, an organization that helps orphans in Tanzania live a happy, healthy life, to build the Happy Family Children's Village. For additional information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.happyfamilybrands.com.



About B Corp Best for the World

Every year, B Lab highlights the Certified B Corporations with B Impact Assessment scores in the top 10% of the entire global community. The Changemakers award is given to top performers who not only continue to score highly on the assessment, but also make impressive improvements in their practices each year.

For Press Inquiries:

Michelle Bower/Daniel Giametta

Jonesworks

[email protected]

(212) 839-0111

SOURCE Happy Family

Related Links

https://happyfamilybrands.com


Madison already hosts one weeklong festival celebrating the citys entrepreneurial community, the annual Forward Festival. Now its getting a second with Madison Startup Week.
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This report on the global hereditary angioedema market analyzes the current and future prospects of the market. The report comprises an elaborate executive summary, including a market snapshot that provides overall information of various segments and sub-segments.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05098937



The research is a combination of primary and secondary research. Primary research formed the bulk of our research efforts along with information collected from telephonic interviews and interactions via e-mails. Secondary research involved study of company websites, annual reports, press releases, stock analysis presentations, and various international and national databases. The report provides market size in terms of US$ Mn for each segment and sub-segment for the period from 2017 to 2025, considering the macro and micro environmental factors. Growth rates for each segment within the global hereditary angioedema market have been determined after a thorough analysis of past trends, demographics, future trends, technological developments, and regulatory requirements.



A detailed qualitative analysis of factors responsible for driving and restraining market growth and future opportunities has been provided in the market overview section. This section of the report also includes market attractiveness analysis that provides a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the global hereditary angioedema market.



Market revenue in terms of US$ Mn for the period between 2015 and 2025 along with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) from 2017 to 2025 are provided for all the segments, considering 2016 as the base year. Market size estimations involved in-depth study of product features of different types of drug class and various pipeline products. Additionally, market related factors such as rise in preference for self-administrable drugs, expiry of market exclusivity of certain drugs, projected launch of the drugs etc. in various geographies and historical year-on-year growth have been taken into consideration while estimating the market size.



Hereditary Angioedema Market: Segmentation



Hereditary Angioedema is a rare genetic disease that is caused by lack or abnormal functioning of the protein C1 inhibitor protein. Lack of functional C1 inhibitor protein leads to high volume of bradykinin, which triggers of blood vessels causing inflammation of body organs. HAE symptoms are often misdiagnosed for common allergies or abdominal pain. Many patients are hospitalized due to HAE attacks. HAE attack in upper airway have proven to be fatal if untreated on its emergence.



Based on drug class, the global hereditary angioedema market has been segmented into C1 esterase inhibitor, Selective Bradykinin B2 Receptor Antagonist, Kallikrein Inhibitor others. The C1 esterase inhibitor is further segmented into drugs namely Cinryze, Berinert and Ruconest. The segment is anticipated to hold a significant share of the global market. The others segment is further sun segmented into conventional and pipeline products. The segment is projected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to launch of novel products.



Based on route of administration, the global hereditary angioedema market is segmented into intravenous, subcutaneous injections and oral. The subcutaneous injections is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period due to availability of approved drugs for acute HAE attack are administered subcutaneously, development of variants of Cinryze and Berinert that can be administered subcutaneously etc.



Based on the distribution channel, the global hereditary angioedema market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and others. Ever increasing number of retail pharmacies is attributed for the significant share of the segment in the global market.



Hereditary Angioedema Market: Geographical and Competitive Dynamics



Geographically, the global hereditary angioedema market has been segmented into six regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. In addition, the regions have been further segmented by major countries from each region.



The report also profiles major players in the hereditary angioedema market based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, SWOT analysis, key business strategies, product portfolio, and recent developments. Key companies profiled in the report include Shire plc, CSL Limited, Pharming Group NV, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and iBio, Inc.



The global hereditary angioedema market has been segmented as below:



Global Hereditary Angioedema Market, by Drug Class

C1 Esterase Inhibitor

Cinryze

Berinert

Ruconest

Selective Bradykinin B2 Receptor Antagonist

Firazyr

Kallikrein Inhibitor

Kalbitor

Others

Conventional Drugs (attenuated androgens, antifibrinolytic agents

Pipeline Products (DX-2930, BCX-7353)



Global Hereditary Angioedema Market, by Route of Administration

Intravenous

Subcutaneous Injection

Oral



Global Hereditary angioedema Market, by Distribution Channel

Hospital Pharmacies

Retail Pharmacies

Others



Global Hereditary Angioedema Market, by Geography

North America

Europe

Rest of the World



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05098937



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



https://www.reportlinker.com



_________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


"London is the next logical step in the international expansion of Heritage," said Cristiano Bierrenbach, Executive Vice President of Heritage Auctions. "It is one of the financial centers of the world, as well as a major hub of the art and collectibles market. We are very excited to take this step, and expect that the transparency, efficiency, and global presence of Heritage will be quickly recognized and embraced by the British market."

The office will be staffed by veteran coin collectors and experts Max Tursi and Nicholas Mathioudakis. Tursi received an MA in Classics from Universita degli Studi of Pavia, Italy. A lifelong coin collector, he has worked for a number of prestigious firms including Christie's Rome, Astarte S.A. in Lugano, Spink and Son and Classical Numismatic Group in London. Most recently he has been partnered with Mathioudakis at London Coin Galleries Ltd. since 2014. In the last 18 years Tursi has acquired extensive experience in both the retail and the auction world. Focusing mainly on ancient coins, his area of expertise extends to European medieval and modern coins.

Nicholas Mathioudakis has been collecting coins since the age of 13. Having lived in Saudi Arabia, he would spend a lot of time roaming the souks in search of hidden treasures where he also bought his first ancient Greek coin. His drive and passion for numismatics led him to take up a full-time position at Morton and Eden (formerly associated with Sotheby's) where he catalogued ancient coins and paper money. Mathioudakis' areas of expertise include ancient coins, paper money, particularly of the Middle East, European medieval, Islamic and modern coins.

Dallas, Texas-based Heritage Auctions is the world's largest auctioneer of fine art and collectibles and the largest auction company founded in the United States. In addition to its headquarters in Dallas, Heritage has offices in New York City, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Chicago and Palm Beach as well as in Asia and Europe.

The Heritage Auctions' London gallery and offices are regularly open to the public from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is +44 (0)207 493 0498 and the email address is [email protected]. For additional information, visit HA.com.

Heritage Auctions isthe largest fine art and collectibles auction house founded in the United States, and the world's largest collectibles auctioneer. Heritage maintains offices in New York, Dallas, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Chicago, Palm Beach, London, Paris, Geneva, Amsterdam and Hong Kong.

The Internet's most popular auction-house website, HA.com, has over one million registered bidder-members, and searchable free archives of four million past auction records with prices realized, descriptions and enlargeable photos. Reproduction rights routinely granted to media for photo credit.

For breaking stories follow us: HA.com/Facebook and HA.com/Twitter. Link to this release or view prior press releases.

Hi-Res images available:

Eric Bradley, Public Relations Director

C: 469-271-2849 or [email protected]

Subject matter specialists and digital assets available:

Eric Bradley, Public Relations Director

Phone: 214-409-1871 or [email protected]

SOURCE Heritage Auctions

Related Links

http://www.ha.com


The collaboration with ELEVATOR will bring a new twist to Hpnotiq's legendary #SINCE2001 campaign by pushing the envelope of next generation hip-hop with a range of unique musicians. Hpnotiq launched in 2001 and was quickly embraced as a mainstay of nightlife culture, becoming one of the fastest growing new-to-market products in the history of distilled spirits. Leaving its imprint on numerous rap lyrics and music videos, Hpnotiq has cemented its position as a staple in hip-hop culture. The liqueur made a noteworthy comeback with the #SINCE2001 brand campaign by tapping into artist and influencers alike, such as Cam'ron, 2 Chainz and Yung Jake.

ICONIQ will feature 15 original tracks from ELEVATOR's emerging artists and the Hpnotiq community. The mixtape is currently available on the ELEVATOR's Website. Select music videos will be available on the ELEVATOR's YouTube channel, every week following the mixtape's release.

ICONIQ tracks feature:

Big Baby Scumbag, Rapper (Tampa Bay)

Rarri, Rapper (California)  Recently released mixtape '2OUTH2ID3 WORLDWID3.'

Matty Wood$, Rapper (St. Louis)

FulMetalParka$, Rapper (Virginia)

ITSOKTOCRY, Rapper (Denver)

UG Vavy, Rapper (Chicago)

$teven Cannon, Musical Artist (Cincinnati)  Recent works include 'Blue Dolphin' and 'Xan Man.'

Spenzo, Rapper (Chicago)  Debut mixtape 'In Spenzo We Trust.'

Valee, Rapper (Chicago)  Recently released project '1988.'

"We're excited to partner with ELEVATOR, which has become a leading voice in the underground hip-hop scene," said MaryCrae Guild, Brand Manager, Hpnotiq Liqueur. "Hpnotiq and hip-hop have gone hand-in-hand since the brand's inception, ICONIQ will be the next step in continuing the brands success with the next generation of hip-hop."

For more information about Hpnotiq and the ICONIQ mixtape, follow Hpnotiq on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

About Hpnotiq

Hpnotiq (www.hpnotiq.com) is a refreshing blend of natural exotic fruit juices, premium vodka, and a touch of cognac. This perfect fusion, along with its aqua blue color and incredible mixability, made Hpnotiq one of the fastest growing products in the history of the distilled spirits industry. Today the brand is a staple in retail stores and nightlife accounts across the country. Marketed and Distributed by Heaven Hill Brands, Hpnotiq is an integral part of a family of spirits that have stood for quality since 1934.

About Heaven Hill Brands

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation's largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world's second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill's diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett's Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson's and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

About ELEVATOR

ELEVATOR is a premier digital publication for ahead-of-the-trend music, style and creative influencers. Curating and producing digital content, ELEVATOR has help break a new generation of rap artist. ELEVATOR has produced some of the earliest visuals for star like 21 Savage, Chief Keef and Lil Bibby. Since 2012, ELEVATOR has grown its digital following that boasts over 789k subscribers and over 350 million plays on YouTube. As one of the most respected tastemakers of youth culture, ELEVATOR continues to spotlight the unsung talent of the underground.

SOURCE Heaven Hill Brands

Related Links

http://www.heavenhill.com


Every year in the U.S., thousands of women, men, girls and boys  in cities, suburbs, Native communities, and rural areas across all 50 states and the District of Columbia  are exploited and trafficked for sex and labor. Despite growing awareness of human trafficking, significant gaps remain in local responses to preventing trafficking and supporting survivors.

Survivors of trafficking often cycle in and out of city systems and services, and their complex histories require a more wide-ranging response than currently exists. Public health, human services, labor, legal, housing, immigration and other systems too often fail to identify individuals at risk of trafficking, and may not have programs that adequately serve victims and survivors currently in their programs. Cities are well-positioned to close some of these gaps.

"Now more than ever, cities and towns must take the lead on protecting and serving those who are most vulnerable in their communities," stated Catherine Chen, Director of Investments for Humanity United. "Pathways to Freedom challenges cities to develop local, systemic solutions to meet these needs."

Historically, most anti-trafficking work has focused on strengthening the criminal justice system. While law enforcement agencies play a critical role in the investigation of cases and prosecution of traffickers, this approach fails to address prevention and the many services survivors need. And, this problem is even more urgent now. "It is especially troubling that the criminal justice system that should protect trafficking victims is now one they may fear," cautioned Chen. "With the increased threat of deportation, immigrant communities may become more vulnerable to trafficking and less likely to seek help from law enforcement, report their trafficker, or access services."

"Survivors remain severely underserved, and many  especially survivors of color, Indigenous survivors, immigrant survivors, LGBTQ youth, people with disabilities, and those struggling with addiction  are too often overlooked," stated Puja Dhawan, Director, Initiative to End Violence Against Girls and Women at the NoVo Foundation. "By elevating the voices of survivors, Pathways to Freedom also seeks to challenge assumptions about who trafficking survivors are and how they are impacted by this horrific violation of their human rights."

To encourage and support innovative city-wide responses that reach all survivors of human trafficking, Pathways to Freedom begins today with a city competition. Twenty-four U.S. cities within the 100 Resilient Cities network will compete and three winning cities will be awarded funding for a senior fellow. Winning cities will be selected based on their commitment to a comprehensive and holistic anti-trafficking approach, robust community engagement strategies, and city leadership support for the fellow.

Fellows will serve directly in municipal government and work across multiple city agencies and with a range of community stakeholders to create and implement a city-wide policy blueprint on human trafficking in their cities. Funded for two years, the fellows will collaborate with one another, and their work will be featured on the Pathways to Freedom platform and shared with city leaders and service providers in other cities.

"Human trafficking is a critical issue for many cities in the United States. 100 Resilient Cities is pleased to partner with Humanity United to provide this important opportunity to our network of cities throughout the United States," said Otis Rolley, Regional Director for North America at 100 Resilient Cities. "Through partnerships like this, 100 Resilient Cities aims to foster more resilient, inclusive, and safe cities for all."

Applications for the Pathways to Freedom city challenge will be accepted until October 20, 2017. Final winners will be announced in early 2018.

Learn more at https://pathwaystofreedom.org or follow #PathwaysFreedom on Facebook and Twitter.

About Humanity United

Humanity United is a foundation dedicated to bringing new approaches to global problems that have long been considered intractable. We build, lead, and support efforts to change the systems that contribute to problems like human trafficking, mass atrocities, and violent conflict. HU is part of the Omidyar Group, which represents the philanthropic, personal, and professional interests of the Omidyar family.

Website: www.humanityunited.org

Facebook: /humanityunited/

Twitter: @humanityunited

About NoVo Foundation

NoVo Foundation is dedicated to building a more just and balanced world. Founded in 2006 by Jennifer and Peter Buffett, NoVo has become one of the largest private foundations in the world to support initiatives focused explicitly on girls and women, including a dedicated focus on ending violence against girls and women and supporting adolescent girls. NoVo also works to advance social and emotional learning, support Indigenous communities and promote local living economies.

Website: www.novofoundation.org

Facebook: /NoVoFoundation/

Twitter: @NoVoFoundation

About 100 Resilient Cities

100 Resilient CitiesPioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation (100RC) helps cities around the world become more resilient to the physical, social, and economic challenges that are a growing part of the 21st century. 100RC provides this assistance through: funding for a Chief Resilience Officer in each member city who will lead the resilience efforts; resources for drafting a resilience strategy; access to private sector, public sector, academic, and NGO resilience tools; and membership in a global network of peer cities to share best practices and challenges.

Website: www.100resilientcities.org

Facebook: /100ResilientCities

Twitter:@100ResCities

CONTACT: Tania Stewart, 1-202-478-6174, [email protected]

SOURCE Partnership for Freedom

Related Links

https://pathwaystofreedom.org


WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As of 5 p.m. EDT, more than 5.5 million customers are without power across Florida and in parts of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina as a result of Hurricane Irma. At Irma's peak on September 11, there were more than 7.8 million customer outages.

"The industry's Irma response is one of the largest and most complex power restoration efforts in U.S. history," said EEI President Tom Kuhn. "Today alone, the number of workers dedicated to the Irma response grew by almost 10,000 as initial damage assessments were completed. Now, almost 60,000 workers from more than 250 investor-owned electric companies, public power utilities, and electric cooperativesfrom across the United States and Canadaare supporting the Irma restoration efforts."

Given the size and strength of Irma, infrastructure systems will need to be rebuilt completely in some parts of Florida before power can be restored.

Responding to major events like Irma requires significant coordination among the public and private sectors, and strong industry-government coordination is critical. As we did throughout Hurricane Harvey, EEI and the electric power industry are working through the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) to coordinate with the federal government, other segments of the industry, and critical infrastructure operators.

"Earlier today, the ESCC leadership held a call with senior executives from EEI's member companies and from across our industry to discuss additional lineworker and vegetation management crews that will be needed to restore power as assessments are completed in some of the hardest hit areas of Florida," said Kuhn. "This was an extremely productive call, and we already are making significant progress in securing additional crews. This will help to speed restoration times, and I truly appreciate the support of the entire industry in this effort."

Ensuring the safety of customers, communities, and workers is the electric power industry's highest priority. As always, customers should stay away from downed power lines and always treat fallen wires and anything touching them as though they are energized. Customers using generators should plug appliances directly into the generator and follow all safety warnings.

"We know that being without electricity creates hardships, and we are grateful for our customers' patience as electric companies work day and night to assess damage and to restore power where and when conditions are safe to do so," said Kuhn. "Companies will continue their storm restoration efforts around the clock until the last customer who can receive power is restored."

EEI's Storm Center is a resource for real-time information and explanations of the restoration process. It also includes a map to company outage centers. Customers can follow EEI on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.

It is important to remember that outages measure customer meters impacted, not the number of individuals without power. As Irma unfolded, some customers experienced more than one outage.

EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As a whole, the electric power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States. In addition to our U.S. members, EEI has more than 60 international electric companies, with operations in more than 90 countries, as International Members, and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members. Organized in 1933, EEI provides public policy leadership, strategic business intelligence, and essential conferences and forums.

SOURCE Edison Electric Institute

Related Links

http://www.eei.org


SANTA ROSA, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- When IC/BPS patient Lisa Benshabat took her life on February 9, 2016, her dreams could no longer sustain her. Daily, agonizing pelvic pain and a medical community that was unresponsive to her needs led her to the ultimate choice. By her 24th birthday, Lisa had been to more than ten specialists and most doctors dismissively said "it's all in your head." Her pain was real, her diagnosis undeniable and confirmed by multiple urologists yet, in the end, most refused to believe that she was suffering. This is a common experience shared by members of the Interstitial Cystitis Network (www.ic-network.com), the largest support group in the United States.

Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month Jill Heidi Osborne MA - President, Interstitial Cystitis Network Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month 2017 Campaign Video

Her mother Gail said, "What would bring a young woman or young man to the brink of ending of their life? It's called lack of hope. Lisa had very few options offered to her. There was no collaboration between her medical care providers to ensure that her pain was controlled and that her emotional health was monitored." As a spokesperson for IC Awareness Month this year, her message is simple. She wants physicians to work together and give patients the pain care and hope that they desperately need.

"Lisa's story is a tragic representation of what many patients have gone through. Many physicians in the USA and Canada simply don't believe pelvic and/or bladder pain can be severe enough to require pain medication. We've seen patients with bleeding, damaged bladders (Hunner's lesions) who are unable to eat, sleep or function who have pain levels equivalent to cancer pain and are sent home with nothing more than an OTC pain reliever," said Jill Osborne, President & Founder of the Interstitial Cystitis Network.

Now these patients face a more serious obstacle. The opiate crisis and passage of the CDC Guidelines for chronic pain has resulted in tens of thousands of chronic pain patients being denied care and/or being forced off pain medication despite the fact that they are using it in low doses, successfully and without any sign of addiction."Thirty percent of IC patients participating in a recent ICN Pain survey reported that they were cut off their medication in the past year with no warning nor a referral to a pain center," offered Ms. Osborne. With their pain now under-treated, some cannot work, are forced onto disability where they struggle to maintain relationships and function on a daily basis. Depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation is the predictable result.

During the 2017 IC/BPS Awareness Month (icawareness.org) campaign, we join clinicians and pain experts around the country who urge the CDC withdraw their opiate guidelines and rewrite them with assistance of pain management experts, pain organizations and pain patients. The CDC guidelines should be rewritten to consider the individual needs of chronic pain patients who require low doses of opiate medication to be function effectively.

An estimated 3 to 8 million women and 1 to 4 million men in the USA have symptoms of interstitial cystitis / bladder pain syndrome. Ms. Osborne said, "We no longer consider IC/BPS a bladder disease unless a patient has Hunner's lesions. New subtypes have identified pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, pudendal neuralgia and/or a systemic pain processing disorder in many patients thus explaining why bladder centric therapies are often ineffective and leave patients struggling with intense pain." Patients who have not responded to therapy should be re-evaluated for their subtype and treated accordingly. Additional information can be found at  www.ic-network.com

Patients can participate by telling their #myicpain #mypelvicpainisreal stories!

Contact: Jill H. Osborne, President

Interstitial Cystitis Network

v. 707-538-9442

c. 707-328-3583

e. [email protected]

SOURCE Interstitial Cystitis Network

Related Links

http://www.ic-network.com


PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An electronic alert system helps clinicians quickly do a bedside assessment to identify children with severe sepsis in an emergency department. Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) report on their efforts to rapidly recognize this life-threatening condition.

Resulting from an infection that causes a systemic inflammatory response throughout the bloodstream and vital organs, sepsis can progress rapidly in severity. Among children, it is a leading cause of death worldwide in intensive care units. However, it is not always immediately apparent.

"Early and accurate recognition of pediatric sepsis is challenging because many children present initially without overt signs of shock," said lead author Fran Balamuth, MD, PhD, an emergency medicine physician at CHOP. "Identifying the rare child with severe sepsis or septic shock from among many non-sepsis patients with fever and rapid heart rate who present to a pediatric emergency department is truly akin to finding the proverbial needle in a haystack."

Balamuth and colleagues published their quality improvement study June 2, 2017 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.

They reported on a two-step sepsis trigger tool: an electronic alert combined with a "sepsis huddle," in which in which a pediatric emergency medicine physician and nurse evaluate the child at the bedside. This single-center quality improvement study helped to form the foundation for CHOP's new multidisciplinary Pediatric Sepsis Program, which is launching this fall under the co-directorship of Dr. Balamuth and her critical care colleagues Dr. Scott Weiss and Dr. Julie Fitzgerald.

For the study, researchers reviewed electronic health records of 182,509 emergency department (ED) visits from June 2013 to May 2014. Overall, 326 patients were treated for severe sepsis within 24 hours. Electronic sepsis alert implementation increased ED sepsis detection from 83 percent to 96 percent.

In the mid-1900s, more than 90 percent of patients who developed sepsis died. With better attention to antibiotics and resuscitative therapies, such as intravenous fluids, medications to increase blood pressure, and oxygen, most patients who develop sepsis now survive. However, by national estimates, mortality among children with sepsis remains about 10 percent.

Medical problems may persist among pediatric survivors of sepsis. "We are learning that many survivors go on to have longer term problems with attention, school work, and physical activity, as well as having a higher risk of recurrent infections," said co-author Scott L. Weiss, MD, a critical care medicine physician at CHOP.

In 2011, CHOP providers in the Emergency Department and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit began an organized effort to improve recognition and care of children with sepsis through both research and quality improvement efforts at CHOP. These efforts have spread throughout the hospital. This fall, CHOP is launching its multidisciplinary Pediatric Sepsis Program. This program, supported by the CHOP Department of Pediatrics Chair's initiative, will support ongoing efforts in sepsis research, clinical care, and quality improvement. In addition, the program will allow us to expand our expertise to new areas, including screening for sepsis in our satellite EDs and developing follow-up programs for sepsis survivors.

September 13 has been designated World Sepsis Day. The launch of CHOP's Pediatric Sepsis Program, which is to our knowledge the first comprehensive center focused on pediatric sepsis in the United States, is the perfect way to acknowledge CHOP's ongoing commitment to improve sepsis care for children. "Unfortunately, much remains unknown: the best method to detect sepsis early in its course, much of what causes sepsis, and effective therapies to reverse the effects of sepsis on our body's organ systems," added Weiss.

The National Institutes of Health (grants HL109009, HD082368, and TR001878) supported this study.

Fran Balamuth et al, "Improving Recognition of Pediatric Severe Sepsis in the Emergency Department: Contributions of a Vital Sign-Based Electronic Alert and Bedside Clinical Identification" Annals of Emergency Medicine, published June 2, 2017, http://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2017.03.019

About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 546-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu

Contact: Joey McCool Ryan

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

(267) 426-6070

[email protected]

SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Related Links

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Infoblox Inc., the network control company that provides Actionable Network Intelligence, today announced enhancements to its partner program, BuildingBLOX, to offer additional benefits and training for valued channel partners. The new program reinforces Infoblox's commitment to the channel with increased investment and focus on partners' go-to-market efforts.

Network environments are rapidly evolving, driven by IT business drives such as security, virtualization, cloud, SDN, IPv6 adoption, and the Internet of Things. Channel partners are tasked with helping their customers navigate this complex and ever changing landscape in order to select the right solutions to keep their networks running and protected. Infoblox BuildingBLOX offers partners the tools and resources necessary to be a trusted advisor and offer expanded services with increased revenue potential.

Infoblox BuildingBLOX Partner Program Highlights Include:

Investment in Accreditation: Program rewards partners for their investment in accreditation. Partners who invest in certifications and training will receive increased benefits

Program rewards partners for their investment in accreditation. Partners who invest in certifications and training will receive increased benefits Deal Registration Enhancements: A pay-for-performance reward for partner-sourced opportunities based upon the value partners bring to each deal

A pay-for-performance reward for partner-sourced opportunities based upon the value partners bring to each deal Introduction of Rebate Rewards: Encourage and incent partners to go broader and deeper with Infoblox security platform technology

Encourage and incent partners to go broader and deeper with Infoblox security platform technology New Partner Tools: Partner facing dashboard to provide reseller performance visibility. Additional plans for a partner training portal to offer on demand resources and learning.

"At Infoblox, our partner relationships are paramount to our success. We're committed to making it easy for our partners to work with Infoblox," said Chris Jones, vice president of worldwide channel sales at Infoblox. "The new program emphasizes the value of our partners, our investment in partners and rewards our partners for investing in Infoblox. BuildingBLOX rewards our partners for their value and pipeline contribution and aligns program milestones with those most important to driving business together."

The Infoblox partner program is built to reward partners on achieving bookings and accreditation targets, value and pipeline contribution, and driving investment and business together. BuildingBLOX helps ensure partners stay current on technical and sales certifications and demonstrate industry leading expertise to select the right solutions for their customers. For more information about the BuildingBLOX program visit: https://www.infoblox.com/partners/buildingblox-partner-program/

About Infoblox

Infoblox delivers Actionable Network Intelligence to enterprise, government, and service provider customers around the world. As the industry leader in DNS, DHCP, and IP address management, the category known as DDI, Infoblox (www.infoblox.com) provides control and security from the coreempowering thousands of organizations to increase efficiency and visibility, reduce risk, and improve customer experience.

Media Contact:

Erica Coleman

Infoblox

[email protected]

(408) 986-5697

SOURCE Infoblox Inc.

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NORTHBROOK, Ill., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- INOC, a 247 Network Operations Center (NOC) and global provider of technology infrastructure monitoring, reporting and support services, announces the appointment of Marc LaForest to the position of Vice President of NOC Lifecycle Practice. Marc will lead the NOC Lifecycle Practice business unit, which provides NOC Design services to companies that manage their own internal NOCs. The practice also provides NOC Support services to clients that need outsourced support, including 24x7 primary NOC support, backup and off-hours support globally.

NOC Design services include requirements analysis for greenfield NOC deployments, assessment of current NOC operations, consulting, buildout and optimization services for companies with their own internal needs. INOC's approach to high-quality support is based on proper alignment and integration between various functions of NOC support operations. With an understanding of the customer's internal and external support requirements, support expectations, SLAs, security, business continuity, and other requirements, the NOC Design team provides a blueprint for hiring, training and managing people, a standardized framework such as ITIL for implementing and managing processes and procedures, and the tools and integrations required to run the NOC effectively and efficiently.

INOC has identified a growing need for these specialized services from clients across several verticals and determined that Marc LaForest is the right person to accelerate these initiatives. "A high-energy leader, Marc leverages over 25 years of extensive experience with a great track record in managing global networks and infrastructure at a number of large telecommunications organizations worldwide. Marc's deep experience will allow INOC to deliver cutting edge solutions to our customers, improving overall efficiency in maintaining telecommunications infrastructure and allowing them to focus on their core business operations," says Prasad Ravi, CEO of INOC.

Before joining the INOC team, Marc served as Apcela's Vice President of Global Network Operations, where he grew and managed their technology systems. Prior to this, as CPDO-PMO Project Manager at AT&T Mobility, Marc led and directed project teams in the six largest markets in the Northeast, collaborating with team leaders to ensure the optimization and efficiency of processes and procedures. In a number of other previous positions, Marc has consistently demonstrated his technological expertise and leadership ability.

"I am extremely excited to join INOC and eager to contribute to the success of our customers--minimizing the complexity of managing infrastructure while improving the margins of their core business," comments Marc LaForest. "I see a tremendous amount of opportunity in the marketplace and believe that INOC is uniquely positioned to provide unmatched world class design and support services."

ABOUT INOC

INOC is an ISO 27001 certified 247 NOC and an award-winning global provider of technology infrastructure monitoring, reporting and support services for communication service providers and enterprises. From a primary NOC in Madison, Wisconsin, and a Disaster Recovery NOC near Chicago, Illinois, INOC's 247 staff provides a hands-on approach to incident resolution. INOC proactively processes critical technology support issues and delivers timely information to improve the uptime, availability and performance of applications, servers and networks. A client web portal, NOCVIEW4, provides extensive reporting capabilities and visibility into infrastructure monitoring and support activity in real-time. INOC cost-effectively integrates 247 NOC support into a client's existing support operation to deliver greater uptime. For more information on INOC and its services, email [email protected] or call +1-877-NOC-24X7 (+1-877-662-2497). You will also find additional information on our website, INOC.COM, or by following INOC on Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.

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SOURCE INOC

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Taiwan Little Eats opened Oct. 20 at 320 State St., run by Seven Lin and Kai Cheng. The menu focuses on food found at a Taiwanese night market
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The new ProxyPulse report released today by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR) and PwC's Governance Insights Center shows that institutional and retail investors tended to vote their shares differently on issues ranging from climate change to board diversity.

During the 2017 proxy season, climate change proposals were supported by 66% of institutional shares voted versus only 13% of retail shares. Board diversity proposals were supported by 31% of institutional shares voted versus 14% of retail shares. This report is based on analysis of 3,379 U.S. public company annual shareholder meetings held between January 1 and June 30, 2017.

"The data shows that institutional shareholders' voting actions are consistent with their stated positions on climate change and board diversity. Patience appears to have run out for some institutions," said Chuck Callan, senior vice president, regulatory affairs, Broadridge. "At the same time, retail shareholders as a group largely voted in line with company recommendations."

In addition to the insight that institutional and retail investors voted differently on climate change and board diversity, several other findings were of note:

Decline in Proxy Contests

While shareholder activism continued to receive a great deal of attention this season, proxy contests decreased compared to the same period last year. During the first half of 2016 there were 47 contests, compared to only 38 for the same period this year. The average length of campaigns decreased drastically in the first half of 2017: 44 days, compared to 109 days for the entire year of 2016.

Paul DeNicola, managing director of the Governance Insights Center for PwC, noted, "The decrease in proxy contests and shortening of the length of campaigns clearly illustrates that boards are negotiating more with activists, and settling faster."

Decline in Shareholder Proposals that Went to a Vote

Shareholder proposals that went to a vote decreased from 506 in the first half of 2016 to 430 this season. Institutional and retail shareholder support for shareholder proposals varied greatly. Institutional shareholders were much more supportive of proposals across the various categories  typically two to three times that of retail shareholders.

Virtual Shareholder Meetings Continue to Grow

Virtual-only annual meetings grew in popularity, as 163 companies had virtual-only shareholder meetings as of June 30, 2017 -- compared to 122 during the first half of 2016. But this was not without controversy as some shareholders, including the New York City Pension Funds and the Council of Institutional Investors, voiced concerns with the absence of in-person annual meetings.

Additional details, insights, graphics, data, and observations can be found at www.ProxyPulse.com.

About ProxyPulse

ProxyPulse is based in part on Broadridge's processing of shares held in street name, which accounts for more than 80 percent of all shares outstanding of U.S. publicly-listed companies. Shareholder voting trends during a proxy season represent a snapshot in time and may not be predictive of full-year results.

ProxyPulse is a collaboration between Broadridge, the leading provider of investor communications solutions and PwC's Governance Insights Center, a group that supports directors and investors with governance knowledge. Visit ProxyPulse.com to access the full report.

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) a global fintech leader, provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for broker-dealers, banks, mutual funds and corporate issuers globally. Broadridge's investor communications, securities processing and managed services solutions help clients reduce their capital investments in operations infrastructure, allowing them to increase their focus on core business activities. With over 50 years of experience, Broadridge's infrastructure underpins proxy voting services for over 90 percent of public companies and mutual funds in North America, and processes more than $5 trillion in fixed income and equity trades per day. Broadridge employs approximately 10,000 full-time associates in 16 countries. For more information about Broadridge, please visit www.broadridge.com.

About PwC US

At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We're a network of firms in 157 countries with more than 223,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

PwC's Governance Insights Center supports directors and investors with governance knowledge to answer tough questions and tackle complex challenges. Learn from our network of subject-matter experts, business leaders, and experienced peers as they share their insights and the latest thinking on current issues. Beyond governance, we help directors and investors better understand new financial accounting standards so they can make better oversight and investment decisions. The center connects all the dots for a more complete perspective. For more information, please visit: http://www.pwc.com/us/en/governance-insights-center.

Media Contacts:

Andrew MacMillan

1-212-681-1700

1-914-400-3674 mobile

[email protected]

Stephanie C. Corzett

PwC US

1-617-530-4977

[email protected]

SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Related Links

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SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA), one of the fastest growing genetic information companies, today announced that Katherine Stueland, chief commercial officer of Invitae, will present at the Cantor Fitzgerald Global Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at approximately 11:30 a.m. Eastern / 8:30 a.m. Pacific in New York City.

The live, listen-only webcast may be accessed by visiting the Investors section of the company's website at ir.invitae.com. A replay of the webcasts will be available shortly after the conclusion of the presentation and will be archived on the company's website.

About Invitae

Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA) is one of the fastest growing genetic information companies in the United States. Invitae Corporation's mission is to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medical practice to improve the quality of healthcare for billions of people. Invitae's goal is to aggregate the world's genetic tests into a single service with higher quality, faster turnaround time, and lower prices. For more information, visit our website at invitae.com.

Contact:

Kate McNeil

[email protected]

347-204-4226

SOURCE Invitae Corporation

Related Links

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IOWA CITY, Iowa, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- iotaMotion, Inc., a medical device startup, has received a $1.47 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. iotaMotion earned this Federal grant to support further research and development for IOTA-Progress, the company's next-generation implantable robotic technology.

The SBIR program exists as one of the largest sources of early-stage capital for technology commercialization in the United States. The Federal research grant allows these small businesses to engage in development that has strong potential for impact and commercialization, and to create jobs. In 2017, the NIH will invest more than $925 million into companies whose work aligns with the institute's mission of improving health and saving lives. The grant is highly competitive with only 15% of applications successfully funded.

"We are very pleased to have received this Phase II SBIR grant totaling nearly $1.5 million," said Chris Kaufmann, MD, co-founder of iotaMotion. "The funds will be used to support our research and development efforts around our next-generation technology, IOTA-Progress. The IOTA-Progress implantable robotic system will provide an unprecedented level of control during and after cochlear implant surgery."

iotaMotion is currently developing a robotic-assisted cochlear implant insertion system, which will provide precise and controlled electrode advancement during hybrid cochlear implant surgeries. The company spun out of the University of Iowa in 2015 by co-founders Chris Kaufmann, MD, MS and Marlan Hansen, MD, FACS.

"Our first goal is to provide a more controlled, fine insertion of the electrode; this should significantly enhance our ability to preserve hearing," said Dr. Hansen. "Then we have what this grant is helping to fund for our company, which is the development of an implantable system allowing for electrode adjustments within the cochlea after the original surgery, without surgical intervention. The goal here is optimal positioning within the cochlea to best match that patient's hearing, which often changes over time."

IOTAMOTION, INC.

A privately-held Iowa based company, iotaMotion is developing robotic technologies with the goal of focused, individualized, hearing loss treatment. The company's solutions aim to standardize cochlear implant insertion, and to provide unprecedented control in the surgical and post-surgical care settings with the goal of expanding access to cochlear interventions for both surgeons and patients. For more information, visit www.iotamotion.com or contact Chris Kaufmann at [email protected].

SOURCE iotaMotion, Inc.

Related Links

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MERTZON, Texas, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Irion County has chosen Hart InterCivic's Verity Voting to replace their 12-year-old system before November's election. Verity provides the most up-to-date election technology available in the U.S., and it is backed by Hart's solid existing relationship with the County.

"We have partnered with Irion County since 2005, and we understand their election preferences and needs," said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of election experience.

The new Verity Touch electronic voting system from Hart InterCivic makes voting straightforward with an easy to read touchscreen. The compact, lightweight devices save cost and effort for storage, transport and setup.

"Irion has consistently given us high marks for customer support, and we appreciate their latest vote of confidence  choosing Verity. Plans are in progress to start implementation, including hands-on training."

County election officials are also moving ahead to adopt convenient Vote Centers, a transition made easier with Verity's flexible electronic voting system. As the county consolidates its polling sites into fewer and more efficient Vote Centers, Verity Controllers that are no longer needed can be easily and inexpensively converted into additional voting terminals that will come in handy for the higher turnout elections coming in 2018.

Officials from Irion and other Texas counties observed a mock election with the Verity Voting system at a workshop in Lubbock last month, where the countywide polling place concept was pioneered in Texas. Lubbock County officials enthusiastically chose Verity to support their Vote Centers; they frequently volunteer to help train and advise other counties making the transition away from precinct-only voting.

Verity is a federally and state certified system designed from the ground up to be flexible, easy to use and secure with all new hardware and software. Voters appreciate Verity's up-to-date touchscreen tablet that many compare to an iPad. In addition, the system's lightweight, removable tablet and accessibility features accommodate all voters, including those with disabilities.

Election managers appreciate Verity's reliable and secure technology and its user-friendly approach. The lightweight, compact Verity Voting equipment is easy to transport and store.

With this upgrade, Irion County joins a growing number of Texas jurisdictions acting now to prepare for important upcoming elections. Since the Texas Secretary of State certified the latest release of Hart InterCivic's Verity Voting system in mid-December, Hart has shipped more than 7,000 Verity devices across the State. Federally certified in 2015, the secure and efficient system is also in use in numerous counties throughout the U.S.

Braithwaite expects more Texas announcements in the coming weeks.

Learn more about Verity in Texas: http://www.hartintercivic.com/texas4verity.

About Hart InterCivic, Inc.

Austin-based Hart InterCivic is a full-service election solutions innovator, partnering with state and local governments to deliver secure, accurate and reliable elections. Working side-by-side with election professionals for more than 100 years, Hart is committed to helping advance democracy one election at a time. Hart's mission fuels its passionate customer focus and a continuous drive for technological innovation. The company's new Verity Voting system makes voting more straightforward, equitable and accessibleand makes managing elections more transparent, more efficient and easier. Only Hart offers a completely new, certified voting system with both electronic and paper options.

SOURCE Hart InterCivic, Inc.

Related Links

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LA JOLLA, Calif., LAICHINGEN, Germany and STOCKHOLM, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IRRAS, a commercial-stage medical technology company developing breakthrough devices for a broad range of intracranial bleeding applications and procedures, today announced two key appointments to its executive and commercial teams: Karl-Matthias Moehlmann as Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, General Manager Europe and a member of the executive management team, and Klemens Folling as Director of International Sales.

Collectively, Mr. Moehlmann and Mr. Folling bring over 40 years of experience in developing, launching, marketing and selling medical devices for neurological applications. Prior to their appointments as full-time employees, Mr. Moehlmann and Mr. Folling served as senior advisors to IRRAS.

"I am very pleased to have both Matthias and Klemens join the IRRAS team," said Kleanthis G. Xanthopoulos, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of IRRAS. "Matthias' executive management experience, marketing expertise and proven commercial track record in medical devices, coupled with Klemens' vast experience in neurological product sales, will assist IRRAS to achieve our major commercial growth milestones for our products based on our IRRAflow technology."

Mr. Moehlmann added, "The treatment of intracranial bleedings and life-threatening hemorrhagic strokes has not advanced during the last two decades and innovation is desperately needed. The IRRAflow product is a first-in-class device that provides an elegant solution for these patients with less invasiveness and more efficacy. I am truly excited to join the IRRAS team and look forward to advancing our platform of medical devices to transform the field of neurosurgery."

Mr. Moehlmann brings more than fifteen years of experience as an executive or advisor for leading medical device companies in the neurological, trauma and orthopedic categories to IRRAS. Prior to joining IRRAS, Mr. Moehlmann was Director of Marketing at Kyphon B.v.B.a, (acquired by Medtronic) and was VP of Business Development at Bonesupport AB. Prior to that, Mr. Moehlmann held leadership and consultancy roles at aap Bioimplants, Benvenue Medical, CRA DePuy Spine, X-Spine, Miedke Hydrocephalus Solutions and Mimedx Biologics. He holds a M.Sc. in Biochemistry from University of Hanover, an M.B.A in Economics and Master of Public Health from the University of Graz.

Mr. Folling has amassed more than 25 years of neurosurgery and spinal device sales, holding key national and international sales positions at Olympus Medical, B.Braun Aesculap, Medtronic and Simpirica Spine. Throughout his career, Mr. Folling has implemented sales structures in direct and distributor businesses worldwide in over 20 countries and has established relationships with neurosurgical key opinion leaders (KOLs) in Europe which will be beneficial to IRRAS. Mr. Folling received his B.A degree from Munster University.

About IRRAflow

IRRAS has developed and commercialized a revolutionary intelligent brain fluid management device stemming from its core IRRAflow technology that addresses the complications associated with the occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke. Currently available devices do not address the complications that lead to death because they do not prevent occlusion (or blockage) in the catheter during treatment and they do not accurately monitor intracranial pressure (ICP). IRRAS' products provide a transformative solution for stroke and hematoma patients with less invasiveness and more efficacy, through the integration of aspiration, targeted infusion and intracranial pressure monitoring in a single robust device.

About IRRAS

IRRAS AB is a commercial-stage medical technology company formed to develop and commercialize breakthrough devices for a broad range of intracranial bleeding applications and procedures. IRRAflow is the company's flagship commercial medical device that provides intelligent, dynamic control of CNS fluids to address the complications associated with the occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke. With its unique product portfolio, protected by key intellectual property patents and patent applications, IRRAS is well-positioned to improve patient outcomes and establish a leadership position in the medical device market. IRRAS is operational in Sweden and Germany with corporate headquarters in La Jolla, CA, USA. For more information, please visit www.irras.com.

CONTACT: Amy Conrad, Juniper Point, 858-914-1962

SOURCE IRRAS

Related Links

http://www.iraas.com


PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Janrain, the company that pioneered the Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) category, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive partnership agreement with leading authorization solutions provider Symphonic Software to jointly develop and deliver the most advanced CIAM policy management capability. This new offering is now part of the Janrain Identity Cloud providing brands with complete flexibility and control of their consumer identity policy management. From Janrain's Identity Console for enterprises, companies can now create, manage and enforce fine-grained business rules around consumer identity across the entire enterpriseany identity, any application, on any device, in any region of the world. Janrain's Advanced Policy Manager will reduce policy management costs and offer significantly greater ease of use by providing a far more nuanced control over access than has ever been previously possible.

Centralized and Abstracted Access Management

Today, access authorization is typically fragmented and distributed across multiple functions within an enterprise, hard-coded into various local applications and implemented using a variety of non-standard techniques and technologies. This disjointed approach makes policy changes cumbersome, costly to implement, hard to document or audit and, most importantly, unsecure and error-prone.

With the Janrain Advanced Policy Manager, brands can easily create and manage business rules that define who is authorized to access a particular website, mobile application, IP-connected device or a specific resource or product, and under what conditions. For example, from one central point, companies can now control and govern the rules for consumer access to content behind paywalls and restrict access based on age group, user type, region or similar criteria.

Advanced Policy Manager makes it easy and intuitive to define and administer access control for both technical and non-technical users while allowing rules at any level of granularity. Policy management is centralized and abstracted from underlying applications, allowing developers to rapidly modernize legacy apps and/or build new digital applications without managing policy. A cloud-based "Decision as a Service" for authorization requests separates access control from the application stack and reduces effort and cost in the development and maintenance process.

As a result, there is a clear single view for authorization logic, regardless of the number of applications involved. With all access rules in one place, businesses can illustrate their compliance with regulatory requirements or industry standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) or Service Organizational Controls (SOC).

Designed for large scale, Janrain's Advanced Policy Manager validates end-user requests for access against defined rules and determines whether they should be accepted or denied in a matter of milliseconds. For modern digital applications, it is not enough to authenticate customers' identities; brands must also determine whether they are authorized to use certain services or access certain data.

GDPR, Digital Transformation and IoT Demand Detailed Yet Simpler Policy Management

The number of complex access rules is expected to accelerate as customers increasingly access digital products and services from a growing number of IoT touch points. In addition, the need for the secure and granular policy enforcement enabled by the work of Janrain and Symphonic Software will intensify once GDPR goes into effect in May of 2018. GDPR will require complex access rules along the lines of how customers specifically consent to using their personally identifiable information (PII).

"Symphonic Software has done revolutionary work in developing a secure trust and governance platform, enabling highly sensitive data to be shared between organizations and sectors, and across all technology platforms. Coupled with Janrain's data-centric customer identity directory and scoped data access technology, this joint development accelerates our product roadmap, allowing us to continue to stay well ahead of GDPR requirements," said Jim Kaskade, CEO of Janrain. "It is absolutely critical that today's multinational brands arm themselves with the ability to secure their customer's data in a frictionless customer experience. Accelerating digital transformation and application modernization projects will not only require new mobile development frameworks and advanced enterprise service bus technologies, but also centralized access control. This is a key building block for any global player in the digital world."

"The seamless integration of Symphonic Software's trusted access governance technology into the Janrain Identity Cloud creates the perfect framework for true large-scale CIAM. It gives enterprises full control over who can do what on their digital properties," said Derick James, CEO of Symphonic Software. "Both companies have been focused on providing end users with the assurance that their data is being protected and with the ultimate control over how their data is being used. Combining our efforts is going to make access management transparent, auditable and cost-efficient across the entire businessa need shared by Global 1,000 enterprises."

More information about Janrain's Advanced Policy Manager can be found here.

About Janrain

Founded in 2002, Janrain pioneered Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) and is widely recognized by industry analysts as a global CIAM leader. The Janrain Identity Cloud provides identity management, security and activation solutions that enable seamless and safe customer experiences across their digitally connected world, while providing enterprise organizations with deep customer insights. Janrain's identity capabilities include social and traditional login and registration, single sign-on, customer profile data storage and management, customer segments, customer insights and engagement solutions. The company powers brands like Pfizer, Samsung, Whole Foods, Fox News, Philips, McDonald's and Dr Pepper. Janrain is based in Portland, Oregon, with offices in London, Paris and Silicon Valley. For more information, please visit www.janrain.com and follow @janrain.

About Symphonic Software

Symphonic Software, headquartered in Edinburgh, is a leading provider of authorisation solutions. Symphonic Software enables business policies to be enforced to ensure that key organisational and customer data is shared and protected under a single set of business driven access policies. In an interconnected world, where data access is provided within ever more complex user, application and organisational landscapes, Symphonic Software provides clarity and ensures compliance with commercial and regulatory needs, while providing a platform for the agility required in today's business environment. For further information, visit www.symphonicsoft.com and follow @symphonicsoft.

Symphonic Software will be exhibiting at IDM in London on November 8th. Please come and visit the stand to find out more about how Symphonic Software and Janrain are working together.

Media Contact:

Chris Blake

MSR Communications

Phone: 1-415-989-9000

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Janrain

Related Links

http://www.janrain.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Janus Global Operations (JGO) has been selected by an integrated oil and gas multinational corporation based in Malaysia, to provide security and risk management services for the company's operations in central Iraq.

Some 600 JGO U.S. and foreign national employees will be responsible, during the two-year contract, for security and risk management for the Malaysian International Oil Company's (IOC) oil exploration and development program in central Iraq, to include the company's base camp, facilities, and also mobile security for company personnel.

"We're proud that the Malaysian IOC has selected JGO for this security responsibility," said Matt Kaye, JGO's chief executive officer. "JGO has worked in Iraq with commercial and government clients for more than 13 years on demining and unexploded remnants of war clearance, munitions management, security and risk management, and other tasks critical to clients' operations."

The Malaysian IOC has a 10-year relationship with JGO, Kaye added.

"We've worked hard to keep and earn the company's trust," Kaye said. "Its investment in these projects is significant, and the environment of central Iraq can, at times, be quite challenging. We're appreciative of the company's confidence in JGO."

Janus Global Operations is an integrated international stability operations company with thousands of employees serving clients in North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Janus' services include munitions response; demining; intelligence support; logistics; life support; risk management; communications; and other services in some of the world's most challenging and hostile environments. The company's website is www.janusgo.com.

SOURCE Janus Global Operations

Related Links

http://www.janusgo.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The ASCAP Foundation announces that Grammy- and Tony Award-winning jazz legend Dee Dee Bridgewater will be honored with The ASCAP Foundation Champion Award at The ASCAP Foundation Honors Celebration on Thursday, December 14. The annual, invitation-only event takes place at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

The ASCAP Foundation President Paul Williams said: "The ASCAP Foundation is honored to recognize Dee Dee Bridgewater not only for her immense talent and singular contribution to music, but for her work and commitment to building a food-secure world for current and future generations. She is a shining example of how the creative community can step forward and use their talent and influence to improve the human condition. We are delighted to present Dee Dee Bridgewater with our ASCAP Foundation Champion Award."

The Champion Award was established by The ASCAP Foundation to celebrate ASCAP members whose contributions extend beyond music to significant charitable and humanitarian efforts. Previous members who have received the award include Arlo Guthrie, Tony Bennett, Judy Collins, John Mellencamp, Billy Joel, Richard Marx, Ne-Yo and Jason Mraz. As a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Bridgewater is part of an appeal for international solidarity to finance global grassroots projects in the fight against world hunger.

Dee Dee Bridgewater is currently preparing for the release of her new album, Memphis: Yes, I'm Ready on September 15. The eagerly-anticipated project has been in the works for several years as Bridgewater returned to her birth city to continue the musical exploration of her roots and influences, determined to recapture the same magic and history of the Blues, R&B and Soul classics that she takes on as repertoire and that were originally made in/associated with the city. The album was recorded at Willie Mitchell's historic Royal Studios.

Known for her powerhouse vocals and masterful scat singing, Bridgewater has led a multifaceted career spanning four decades. She earned her first professional experience as a member of the legendary Thad Jones/Mel Louis Big Band, and throughout the 70s performed with jazz notables Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Dizzy Gillespie. After a foray into the pop world during the 1980s, she relocated to Paris and turned her attention back to jazz. Bridgewater created her own label, DDB Records, and subsequently produced all her critically acclaimed CD projects  all but one have received Grammy nominations. Her successful 1997 tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Dear Ella, earned her two Grammys.

Over the course of her career, Bridgwater has ascended to the upper echelon of vocalists, putting her unique spin on standards and taking intrepid leaps of faith in re-envisioning jazz classics. The Tony and three-time Grammy winner most recently won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album for Elemora Fagan (1915-1958): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee.

Bridgewater's parallel career in musical theater won her a Tony Award for her role as "Glinda" in The Wiz in 1975. Her other theatrical credits include Sophisticated Ladies, Black Ballad, Carmen, Cabaret and the Off-Broadway and West End productions of Lady Day, for which Bridgewater received the British Laurence Olivier Nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.

In April of this year, Bridgewater was the recipient of an NEA Jazz Masters Fellows Award with honors bestowed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The ASCAP Foundation Honors ceremony on December 14 will feature performances recognizing the accomplishments of emerging artists in various musical genres and honor The ASCAP Foundation 2017 high school and college scholarship award recipients.

About The ASCAP Foundation

Founded in 1975, The ASCAP Foundation is a public charity dedicated to supporting American music creators and encouraging their development through music education, talent development and humanitarian programs. Included in these are songwriting workshops, grants, scholarships, awards, recognition and community outreach programs. The ASCAP Foundation is supported by contributions from ASCAP members and from music lovers throughout the United States. Learn more and stay in touch at www.ascapfoundation.org , on Twitter @ascapfoundation, and on Facebook.

SOURCE ASCAP

Related Links

http://www.ascap.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today launched the Dr. Paul Janssen Project  a multi-faceted public engagement initiative that extends the legacy of Dr. Paul Janssen  one of the most accomplished industry researchers and humanitarians of the 20th century  and promotes broader engagement and appreciation for the value that science and technology innovation brings to humanity.

"Throughout his life, Dr. Paul Janssen was driven by a passion to make an impact on the world, and he did that through translating the best science to meet patient need," said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson. "Today, Johnson & Johnson and its family of companies continue to live into that mission by transforming innovative ideas into new treatments and healthcare solutions, and by championing the role that science plays in the life of every person on this planet."

The Dr. Paul Janssen Project (The Project) encompasses programs that fuel the next generation of innovators, celebrate the power of science to change the world and inspire champions of science across the globe.

"Science and technology can create a healthier future for all of us. Today, more than ever, science needs champions who can engage society in a broader way," said Seema Kumar, Vice President, Innovation, Global Health and Science Policy Communication, Johnson & Johnson. "As a global healthcare company, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to influence the popular culture narrative about the role of science in society, and engage people of all generations and backgrounds to see the unlimited opportunities that science brings in the future of health."

As part of The Project, the company will host a series of Champions of Science "What's New?" QuickFire Challenges[1] to engage the public in re-imagining the future of science. The first Challenge, titled "The Lab Coat of the Future", will kick off in October 2017 and invite participants to transform the age-old, often stereotyped symbol of science  the white lab coat  into a symbol of breakthrough innovation in the 21st century using modern design, textile engineering and wearable technology. World renowned entrepreneur and Shark on ABC's four-time Emmy Award winning series, Shark Tank, Daymond John will serve as a judge.

"I find it amazing that the white lab coat hasn't substantially changed for over a century, while at the same time, science, technology and fashion have gone through amazing transformations," said Daymond John. "I'm very excited to be part of this Challenge to get people thinking and talking about the role that science, technology and innovation play in our lives."

Joining John as judges will include experts from science and technology, textile engineering and wearables, as well as a representative of Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC, Inc.  the strategic venture capital arm of Johnson & Johnson. Finalists will compete in a Facebook Live event to select the winner of the Challenge in Spring 2018.

Additionally, to continue Dr. Paul Janssen's legacy of championing science for humanity, a new initiative, The Art & Science of Ending Stigma About Mental Illness, will launch in 2018 with the mission to reduce cultural stigma of mental illness and increase awareness of the biological basis of brain disorders.

"The Art & Science of Ending Stigma About Mental Illness builds on Dr. Paul's legacy of advocating for those with mental illnesses," said Dr. Stoffels. "The program will combine the transcendent nature of art in its many forms with the rationality of science to engage the public in understanding mental illness and how we can work together to conquer stigma."

Finally, in collaboration with Scientific American Custom Media, the company has launched a new content series to share the stories of brilliant thinkers, big ideas and exciting breakthroughs that make our world a better place. See the first of the stories here.

The Dr. Paul Janssen Project will be officially launched later today at the annual Dr. Paul Janssen Award celebration in New York City. The Award honors the legacy of Dr. Paul and celebrates today's most dedicated researchers. Since its inception in 2004, the Award has recognized 15 outstanding scientists, including two who went on to win the Nobel Prize. Today, Johnson & Johnson will celebrate the 2017 winner Dr. Douglas Wallace of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, for pioneering the field of mitochondrial genetics. Dr. Wallace is the first champion of science to be profiled in the Scientific American Custom Media content series, and also will serve as an advisor on select initiatives for The Project.

Earlier this year, the company launched the #ChampionsofScience campaign to encourage social media users to share their support of science with the world. The company has committed to donating $5 for each use of the hashtag through September 30, 2017 up to a total donation of $50,000, to the Biotechnology Institute. The campaign has already exceeded its goal, with a total of nearly 18,000 hashtag uses to date.

To learn more about the Dr. Paul Janssen Project and all of its initiatives, please visit www.drpaulproject.com.

About Johnson & Johnson

Caring for the world, one person at a time, inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science - bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our approximately 132,500 employees at more than 250 Johnson & Johnson operating companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world. For more information, visit www.jnj.com.

About Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS

Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS (JLABS) is a global network of open innovation ecosystems, enabling and empowering innovators to create and accelerate the delivery of life-saving, life-enhancing health and wellness solutions to patients around the world. JLABS currently has nine locations in innovation hot spots across North America and produces entrepreneurial programs and campaigns to seek out the best science, like the QuickFire Challenges around the globe. For more information about JLABS, visit www.jlabs.jnjinnovation.com.

[1] The Champions of Science "What's New?" Challenges are managed by Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS as part of their QuickFire Challenge platform. Learn more at https://jlabs.jnjinnovation.com/quickfire-challenges.

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson

Related Links

http://www.jnj.com


CLEVELAND, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the midst of a national controversy over US Department of Education Title IX directives, a federal judge recently ruled to allow a male student's Title IX lawsuit against Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) to move forward. Represented by prominent Title IX attorney Andrew Miltenberg, the student is suing CWRU for violating Title IX and his rights to due process in a wrongful sexual assault investigation.

The plaintiff, referred to as John Doe, was a sophomore at CWRU when he was wrongfully accused of sexual misconduct by a fellow student and suspended for three years. CWRU failed to provide a fair and unbiased investigation of the encounter, resulting in the violation of Title IX and John Doe's fourteenth amendment rights to due process. Moreover, the university failed to avoid conflicts of interest by having one employee pursue both the investigation and adjudication of John Doe; this Title IX staffer had written her doctoral dissertation on "The Dangerous Reality: Sexual Risk Taking Among College Women."

"My client was a victim of a Title IX Case Western official with a clear and blatant anti-male agenda," said Miltenberg, who has represented hundreds of accused males on college campuses. "At college and university campuses throughout the country, due process is dead when it comes to accusations of sexual assault. We will continue to pursue justice for this young man and many others who have been wrongfully punished under a system in which prejudice against males is omnipresent."

In the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Judge Donald C. Nugent this month issued a decision on September 1st sustaining the complaint and allowing John Doe's causes of action for violation of Title IX, breach of contract, and negligence with respect to duties arising from Title IX directives.

In his decision, Judge Nugent conveyed his concern for the arbitrary nature of the disciplinary process at Case Western. The judge, an Obama appointee, made particular note of the aggressiveness of Case Western's Title IX Coordinator and the impact that such could have had upon the proceedings. There is enough evidence, in the words of the Court to "cast some doubt on the accuracy of the [Title IX] hearings." Additionally, Nugent's decision recognizes that a person's religious, moral and ethical system of beliefs must be taken into account during the disciplinary process so as to give a full context to the events.

"This case is yet another egregious example of the damage inflicted upon innocent young men by the US Department of Education's unconstitutional and overreaching Title IX directives," Miltenberg continued. "Secretary DeVos is right to re-examine Title IX and the policies and procedures for sexual misconduct investigations on college campuses." John Doe is one of three wrongfully accused male students represented by Miltenberg who have won significant victories in federal court this month in their respective lawsuits.

Miltenberg, a partner with Nesenoff and Miltenberg, LLP based in New York City, is currently engaged in several groundbreaking Title IX cases representing male students at Brown, Columbia, Penn State, Georgia Tech and Colgate Universities among others. For more information, visit www.nmllplaw.com

SOURCE Nesenoff and Miltenberg, LLP

Related Links

http://www.nmllplaw.com


CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sunday, September 17, Labor United will be at the Chicagoland Speedway for the Tribute to Labor. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the various booths at the event; at the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters booth in Champion Park, attendees can be entered to win a $50 Visa Gift Card by completing the following:

Find our Labor United sign at the Chicagoland Speedway on race day and take a picture/selfie with the sign

Post the picture on Facebook and tag Labor United

Wait to win!

A Labor United representative showed the organization's appreciation to the Speedway for this important outreach opportunity:

"As labor unions strive to champion living wages, safe working conditions and benefits that protect the working class and their families, the men and women of labor build our communities, teach our children, safeguard our health and protect our streets. Labor United proudly supports unions and their members, and we express our gratitude to Chicagoland Speedway for once again honoring the skilled union workforce with its Tribute to Labor!"

Labor United's goal is to uphold the dignity of unions by calling attention to the values that skilled labor has ingrained in us. Our group is educated, trained and impassioned to serve communities through our craft. We aim to enhance public education as to the importance of trained, skilled labor and to encourage the public to consider fair wages for all workers. We are your neighbors, friends and everyday people who know the importance of individuals living their dreams because we know what it takes to get there.

All those interested in learning more should join Labor United at 500 Speedway Blvd. in Joliet, Illinois, 60433 for a day filled with fun and camaraderie.

ABOUT LABOR UNITED

Unions reached their membership peak during the 1970s, and since have experienced a steady decline. Unions have fallen victim to intense criticism while trying to carry out their mission of preserving a worker's right to just treatment and a life of their choosing, the very aspects that made America the land of the free. Labor United was formed in 2017 to be a positive change to the negative perception surrounding modern unions.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Labor United
ROCHESTER, Pa., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the 2017-2018 school year gets underway in earnest, more students in Pennsylvania and across the country will be using Lincoln Learning Solutions' flagship curriculum, Lincoln Empowered, giving them standards-aligned content that provides greater flexibility and reliable support.

Lincoln Learning Solutions has forged a new relationship with Moon Area School District, according to the nonprofit's chief sales and marketing officer, Brad Neugart. This, he said, is on the heels of new partnerships with schools in Louisiana, Michigan, Alaska, California, and Texas, and an augmented agreement with the Ohio Online Learning Program.

"In Moon," Neugart said, "the district has adopted our Lincoln Empowered Digital Library Solution for its entire system of 3,000 students and 300 teachers, and is supplementing its existing curriculum with ours."

Working with Christopher Caton, Moon Area School District's director of K-12 instruction and curriculum, Lincoln Learning Solutions is providing standards- and keyword-tagged digital library content that can be used to supplement homework, create a unit of study, or support the development of a single lesson.

"The way [Lincoln Learning has set up its] digital library could revolutionize education," Caton said. "What we are ready to embark on is really a big deal."



"We are thrilled about partnering with a top-performing district like Moon," Lincoln Learning Solutions CEO, Bob Clements, said. "Moon continues to provide its students with a personalized education and now is empowering its teachers with our digital library."

In California, Lincoln Learning Solutions has tripled its business with Inspire Charter Schools; is now an approved online virtual school and homeschool provider for the 400-student-strong Compass Charter School, which serves children across the state in a cyber environment; earned approved-vendor status for Los Angeles Unified  the second largest school district in the country; and, is providing core curriculum for K-6 cyber students at Irvine Unified School District.

"The entire district in Irvine has 33,000 students," Neugart said, "and its online learning coordinator has told us that she's already getting great feedback and positive results from students and teachers using Lincoln Empowered."

In Alaska, Lincoln Learning Solutions is now reaching students in the homeschool market at Cyberlynx, which serves 800 students in Anchorage, Wasilla and Fairbanks. The 3,400-student IDEA Galena City School District, serving Anchorage, Soldotna, Fairbanks and Juneau, also is using Lincoln Learning Solutions curriculum, as is Anchorage-based FOCUS School, which serves 335 students.

"It's a good feeling to know that more and more educators are embracing technology that gives their students multiple ways to engage with, understand, and demonstrate their mastery of the content," Neugart said.

Lincoln Learning Solutions is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering K-12 learning communities to meet the needs of 21st century students. Based in Rochester, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Learning is the developer of Lincoln Empowered, a digitally based curriculum that delivers proven, standards-based, and engaging instruction in both online and blended learning environments. Lincoln Empowered offers a dynamic array of courses in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and the creative and performing arts. Lincoln Learning Solutions currently serves more than 400 schools in 17 states, and upward of 14,000 students.

Contact: Christina Zarek, Director of Communications

Phone: (717)805-2337

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Lincoln Learning Solutions

Related Links

https://lincolnlearningsolutions.org/


BRIDGEWATER, N.J. and HOUSTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Linde Americas, a member of The Linde Group, today announce a donation of USD $100,000 to the American Red Cross in Southeast Texas, as the state continues to battle the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Currently, approximately 7,500 people remain in shelters provided by the Red Cross.

"Our thoughts remain with the millions of people, including Linde employees and their families, who continue to face a long road to recovery from the unprecedented hurricane destruction in the region," said Jens Luehring, President, Linde Americas Gases. "We hope that all those impacted by the flooding and other after-effects will be able to return to their homes and communities quickly and safely. As a company, we are committed to doing our part to help."

Linde has also pledged to match its employees' donations to the Red Cross.

"As a Texas native and fellow Houstonian, it gives me great pride to see such tremendous fortitude amid this incredible devastation," said Jason Cooper, Managing Director, Linde Engineering North America. "We will continue to pull together to support our employees, neighbors and the communities in which we live and work."

Linde Americas has 25 sites in the state of Texas including its largest Air Separation and Gasifier unit in the Americas located in La Porte. Linde manufactures and supplies industrial and medical gases and gases related technology across the country.

About Linde Americas

Linde Americas and Linde Engineering North America are members of The Linde Group, a world-leading gases and engineering company. In the 2016 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of USD 17.9 bn (EUR 16.948 bn), with approximately 60,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business, with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development. Areas of expertise include gas processing, refining, liquefied natural gas (LNG), deep cryogenics, synthesis gas, air separation and petrochemical plants, as well as fired process equipment.

SOURCE Linde Americas
"This new facility gives us the physical support we need for game-changing initiatives in business education," says Broad College Dean, Sanjay Gupta. "It is critical that we train students to be part of business teams. We need classrooms where technology is seamlessly assimilated with collaborative spaces. This is the important remaining piece in our efforts to improve the recognition, reputation, and rankings of our programs."

The pavilion creates a new front door for Broad College, which further animates the life of the larger campus. Located within the heart of the campus and along the Red Cedar River, the building creates a strong connection between Shaw Lane and the river walk. A central, three-story atrium celebrates this sense of arrival, while amphitheater stairs continue the momentum down to the cafe, multi-purpose rooms, and outdoor areas. The atrium provides a new focus for Broad College to host college-wide events, recruitment fairs, and informal interaction and team collaboration.

Celebrating Broad College's team-based community culture, the design weaves together classrooms, laboratories and social spaces at a variety of scales. These program elements permeate all aspects of the academic experience, with an emphasis on collaborative environments supporting graduate-level research and development. A skylight and clerestory windows run the full length of the building to fill the space with natural light, encouraging continuous student use for independent study, group projects, and informal meetings.

This transparent community space is framed by two program "bars" that focus views through the building to the landscape beyond. Corridors overlooking the atrium lead to flat/flexible and tiered/case study classrooms for face-to-face discussions, as well as for technology-enabled active learning and networking. The pavilion's masonry, glass and metal exterior expresses the contemporary functionality of its forward-looking programs while complementing the materials and sensibility of the surrounding campus architecture.

"The pavilion offers today's students the experiences needed to become effective entrepreneurs and leaders in society, anywhere in the world," says George Shaw, AIA, Partner at LMN Architects. "Broad College now has the resources tailored to promote excellence not just in the classroom, but also professionally."

Design Team:

Michigan State University (Owner)

FTCH (Architect/Engineer of Record)

LMN Architects (Design Architect)

Clark Construction Company (Construction Manager)

Olin Partnership (Landscape Architect)

Michigan State University (Landscape Construction Documents)

John E. Green Company (Plumbing, HVAC Piping Contractor)

Dee Cramer (HVAC, Sheet Metal Contractor)

Building Control Integrators (Building Controls Contractor)

Douglas Steel Fabricating Corporation (Structural Steel Contractor)

Superior Electric Inc. (Electrical Contractor)

Glazing Solutions Inc. (Glazing Contractor)

Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design Inc. (Lighting Design)

The Sextant Group (AV, IT, Acoustics)

Egg Office (Environmental Graphics Design)

About LMN

LMN Architects specializes in the planning and design of significant public and private projects, including education facilities, cultural venues, convention centers, office buildings, mixed-use developments, transit stations, and other urban environments that celebrate and enrich communities. The firm is the recipient of the 2016 American Institute of Architects Architecture Firm Award. www.LMNArchitects.com

Contact

Matt Anderson

Cameron MacAllister Group

[email protected]

SOURCE LMN Architects

Related Links

http://www.lmnarchitects.com


FRANKLIN, Tenn., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- After being closed since March, the MAPCO location on the corner of Highway 96 and Royal Oaks Boulevard reopened last week on September 8, 2017.

Mark Young, Chief Marketing Officer, said, "We are very excited to reopen our doors to the Franklin community. Franklin is our home base for MAPCO and we are so happy to continue serving our community. We are passionate about winning every guest, every day, and we are eager to continue our growth and improvement in the community."

MAPCO launched a new look with this Franklin store that features a simple and consistent layout to optimize the shopping experience. MAPCO aims to roll out a fresh new look in all stores in the near future.

Young continues, "MAPCO is proud to call Franklin home and we are ready for the opportunity to be an active part of the community where we live, work, and play."

About MAPCO:

MAPCO has 346 corporate-owned convenience stores operating primarily in Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia with additional presence in Arkansas, Virginia, Kentucky, and Mississippi. It operates company stores under the banners MAPCO Express, MAPCO Mart, East Coast, Fast Food and Fuel, Favorite Markets, Delta Express, and Discount Food Mart.

For more information about MAPCO, please visit www.mapcorewards.com.

SOURCE MAPCO Express

Related Links

http://mapcoexpress.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesys (www.genesys.com), the global leader in omnichannel customer experience and contact center solutions, is hosting free, 60-minute webinars on September 27 and 28 with analyst Art Schoeller of Forrester Research as the featured speaker. The online discussion will examine how large contact centers can manage short-term financial risk, minimize disruption and still leverage existing investments when their technology suppliers are struggling.

What: How Large Contact Centers Are Managing Risk as CCIM Vendors Struggle

For future preservation and to drive exceptional customer experience across all channels, it's critical for large companies to address contact center interaction management (CCIM) supplier instability. For many, the "wait-and-see" option is becoming less viable, especially as the focus on customer experience (CX) and digital transformation accelerates to meet customer expectations. When your technology vendor's business is strained, it's time to learn how to best act on your CX vision while reducing technology risk and negative impact on your business. Who: Art Schoeller, vice president and principal analyst, Forrester Research

Jason Alley, product marketing manager, Genesys Why: Join this webinar to learn about:

Evaluating roadmap options if your current CCIM vendor is at risk.

Three specific ways to evolve your technology stack at your own pace.

Real-world examples of companies transforming customer engagement while leveraging their existing technology investment.



When: Wednesday, September 27  60 minutes

North America: 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET

Latin America: 1 p.m. CDT / 3 p.m. BRT

Thursday, September 28  60 minutes

Europe, Middle East & Africa: 2 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. CEST

Asia-Pacific: 11 a.m. SGT / 1 p.m. AEST How: Register now to attend this live webinar and/or to receive a post-event recording.

About Genesys

Genesys powers more than 25 billion of the world's best customer experiences each year. Our success comes from connecting employee and customer conversations on any channel, every day. Over 10,000 companies in more than 100 countries trust our #1 customer experience platform to drive great business outcomes and create lasting relationships. Combining the best of technology and human ingenuity, we build solutions that mirror natural communication and work the way you think. Our industry-leading solutions foster true omnichannel engagement because they perform equally well across channels, on-premise and in the cloud. Experience communication as it should be: fluid, instinctive and profoundly empowering. Visit genesys.com on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and the Genesys blog.

Contacts:

Rachel Faulkner

Senior Manager, PR

Genesys

rachel.fa[email protected]

+1 317-715-8109

Lisa Hawes

Sterling Communications

[email protected]

+1 408-395-5500

SOURCE Genesys

Related Links

http://www.genesys.com


IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of the continued impact of Hurricane Harvey on the greater Houston area, and the recent destruction caused by Hurricane Irma across Florida, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) and the Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc., today announced an additional immediate $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross. This donation comes after an announcement last week whereby Mazda donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

The Mazda Foundation and MNAO have been long-standing partners with the American Red Cross. Through the partnership, MNAO is a $1-million member of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). As an ADGP member, Mazda's donation helps ensure that the Red Cross has the necessary resources to respond to disasters large and small, helping people whenever and wherever it is needed.

Personal contributions to the American Red Cross Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma Disaster Relief Fund can be made through this link.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 600 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO's social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/Mazda

About the Mazda Foundation

Through the Mazda Foundation, Mazda and its employees are working together to proactively help our neighbors - and the communities where we live and work - to build a better, brighter future. With contributions exceeding $12 million since its founding in 1992, the Mazda Foundation is playing a meaningful role in helping thousands of Americans realize their aspirations and dreams. The Mazda Foundation supports programs ranging from children's organizations and educational scholarships to food banks, environmental programs and crucial disaster relief efforts. To learn more, visit Mazdafoundation.org .

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Related Links

http://www.mazdausa.com


Table Mountain Casino President and General Manager Rob Goslin joined the Table Mountain Team Members in congratulating Petra on her massive win and said, "What a sensational winning way for Petra to have started the weekend. Congratulations to Petra!"

Table Mountain Casino is celebrating their 30th Anniversary all year long, and is renowned throughout California's Central Valley for their winning and welcoming ways. Located just a few minutes north of Fresno, lucky winners are made every hour of every day at Table Mountain Casino. In fact, last month alone over 12 million dollars was paid out to Table Mountain players. Yes, that's over 12 million dollars!

As the year-long Table Mountain Casino 30th Anniversary Celebration continues, the month of September will continue to bring extra-special promotions, with Play, Spin and Win Tuesdays, the $300,000 Let's Celebrate Slot Tournament on Wednesdays, the $200,000 Driven to Win Giveaway for a brand new Dodge truck on Thursdays and, of course, the dazzling $30,000 Diamond Giveaway. Every day brings more winnings at Table Mountain Casino.

To learn more about all the exciting promotions that Table Mountain Casino has to offer during their 30th Anniversary Celebration, please visit www.tmcasino.com or stop in at any Club Booth at the Casino.

www.instagram.com/table.mountain.casino

https://www.facebook.com/tablemountaincasino

#Celebrate30YearsWithUs

https://twitter.com/Tablemtncasino

Table Mountain Casino is owned and operated by the Table Mountain Rancheria Band of Indians who actively support many community-based agencies and non-profit organizations serving residents of the greater Fresno area and the regional San Joaquin Valley community. Table Mountain Casino proudly operates an alcohol and drug free environment. Must be 18 years of age to game.

SOURCE Table Mountain Casino

Related Links

http://www.tmcasino.com


SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 3.4 million Mexicans who reside in the United States and are eligible for U.S. citizenship can now get help with the application process, thanks to a new program announced here today by three leading Mexican Institutions  the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) and the Carlos Slim Foundation (FCS).

The press conference was attended by Mexico's Consul General in San Antonio, Reyna Torres as well as by representatives of leading Latino organizations in the United States. Among the attendees was Carmen Cornejo, President of the Directing Council of Chicanos Por La Causa, with whom the FCS has also established a collaboration agreement to finance the cost of migrants to acquire citizenship. Hosting the press conference were: Enrique Graue Wiechers, President of UNAM; Raul Gonzalez Perez, President of the National Human Rights Commission; and Hector Slim Seade of the Carlos Slim Foundation. The announcement was made at a press conference at UNAM headquarters in San Antonio.

"Although many Mexican migrants are eligible for U.S. citizenship, very few start the citizenship process because they don't know how to apply," said Hector Slim of the Carlos Slim Foundation, adding, "The lack of information generates the perception that the process of becoming a United States citizen is inaccessible to the majority of eligible migrants."

"People do not seek citizenship for several reasons, including not speaking English, the cost of the process, not having a clear understanding of the advantages of becoming a U.S. citizen, or for fear of losing Mexican citizenship," said Enrique Graue Wiechers, President of UNAM.

The "Migrant Support Program in the United States" provides migrants with the support and tools necessary to obtain citizenship. Help is available online at www.accesolatino.org as well as at UNAM centers in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Seattle and Tucson. At the UNAM centers, the program provides free in-person training and support for migrants based on tools provided at www.accessolatino.org developed by the Carlos Slim Foundation.

The Acceso Latino website provides information on:

Free legal aid from pro-bono lawyers

Psychological counseling via phone and WhatsApp messages.

Information on how to obtain loans to pay for the citizenship process.

Resources to obtain expert pro-bono legal advice

The site also has an online, easy to use course "Ciudadanizate" that prepares migrants to pass the United States citizenship examination.

AccesoLatino.org also provides information developed by the CNDH, entitled "The Plan Is To Have a Plan," which teaches people how to protect their families and their properties, and how to hire a lawyer if one is needed.

To access the website or find more information about the programs, go to www.accesolatino.org.

The benefits of obtaining citizenship in the United States include:

Access to better jobs and better wages

Access to education for children and the possibility of obtaining scholarships

Respect for human rights

About the Carlos Slim Foundation

Created in 1986, with high impact programs focused on the most vulnerable population, the Carlos Slim Foundation has benefited millions of people. With a high sense of social responsibility, efficiency and opportunity, the Foundation develops programs in the fields of education, employment, health, nutrition, justice, culture, human development, support in natural disasters, economic development, environmental protection and conservation. Among others, the Foundation also contributes to improving the quality of life of the population of all ages, promote the formation of human capital and generate opportunities that promote the integral development of people and their communities.

For information, go to:

http://fundacioncarlosslim.org

https://www.facebook.com/FundacionCarlosSlim/

or Twitter: @Fund_CarlosSlim

Contact

Gloria Saldana

[email protected]

(52) 555 339 1795

SOURCE Carlos Slim Foundation

Related Links

http://fundacioncarlosslim.org


MEXICO CITY, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the massive damage, tragic loss of life, and extensive injuries from last week's magnitude 8.1 earthquake in Mexico come into focus, Direct Relief has made an initial cash commitment of $100,000 for the immediate deployment of emergency medical response personnel and essential medical supplies.

The Mexican states of Oaxaca and Chiapas, which were close to the epicenter, recorded fatalities and massive infrastructure damage. The death toll is likely to climb as response continues.

September 10, 2017  Families that lost their homes in the earthquake rest on mattress pads provided at a government-run shelter in Juchitan, Mexico. Image by Meghan Dhaliwal for Direct Relief (https://www.directrelief.org)

Direct Relief staff in Mexico made an initial delivery of requested medications and supplies in Oaxaca, Mexico, on Sunday and are coordinating activities with the Comite Operacional de Emergencia, as well as the State Ministry of Health, COFEPRIS, local health jurisdictions, and the Federal Ministry of Health.

Direct Relief's initial commitment of $100,000 is from its general funds, and not dependent on whether the organization receives contributions designated for this particular event. Moreover, consistent with the obligation to honor donor intent, 100% of any and all donations designated for Mexico by donors will be used exclusively for this purpose, not for the organization's general operations or other program activities outside of Mexico.

Direct Relief Mexico is a registered Asociacion Civil in Mexico and was granted tax-deductible status (Donataria Autorizada) from the Mexican government in 2014. This status allows companies and individuals in Mexico to receive tax benefits for donations to Direct Relief Mexico.

Earlier this year, Direct Relief established a conduit for pharmaceutical businesses in Mexico to donate medicine within the country. In the first major distribution through the pipeline, Direct Relief received 26.5 metric tons of medicine donated by Bayer de Mexico S.A. de C.V. and distributed it onward to a network of local healthcare providers.

While Direct Relief has provided more than USD 35 million in donated medicine in Mexico since 2014, it previously was able to distribute only pharmaceuticals manufactured in the United States and delivered them through costly international direct shipments. Medicines are manufactured in Mexico both by local and global pharma companies, but no mechanism existed until this year to enable large-scale ongoing donations within the country.

About Direct Relief

Established in 1948 with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, Direct Relief delivers life-saving medical resources throughout the world  without regard to politics, religion, ethnic identities, or ability to pay. With operations in Mexico and as well as more than 80 countries and all 50 states in the U.S., Direct Relief is the only charitable nonprofit to obtain Verified Accredited Wholesale Distributor (VAWD) accreditation by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Among other distinctions, Direct Relief earns a perfect score of 100 from independent evaluator Charity Navigator, was listed among the world's most innovative nonprofits by Fast Company, and has received the CECP Directors' Award, the Drucker Prize for Nonprofit Innovation, and the President's Award from Esri for excellence in GIS mapping. For more information, please visit https://www.DirectRelief.org.

SOURCE Direct Relief

Related Links

http://www.directrelief.org


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"Our extensive portfolio of single-use technologies allows us to support CDMO customers like Celonic as they adopt new technologies and expand their capabilities," said Andrew Bulpin, Head of Process Solutions, MilliporeSigma. "Our new Mobius single-use bioreactors will help Celonic streamline its processes and expand its capacity to better serve clients."

"For our biotech customers, each step towards market authorization boosts the valuation of their assets, and that's where Celonic's breadth of services has been instrumental in creating tremendous value for our partners," said Konstantin Matentzoglu, CEO, Celonic. "MilliporeSigma's Mobius single-use bioreactors offer a flexible, scalable system that addresses our needs and those of our clients. With the addition of the 2,000-liter bioreactor, we are moving a step closer to our objective of serving customers with commercial manufacturing needs."

Single-use, disposable equipment and systems have increased in popularity in the biopharmaceutical industry, as they offer many advantages over conventional stainless steel systems, such as improved batch success rates, less cross-contamination risk, decreased water and waste water requirements, shortened project duration and reduced project costs.

At the same time, biopharmaceutical manufacturers are moving toward end-to-end solutions  from process development and scale-up through to manufacturing for pre-clinical, clinical and commercial supply  as they seek to cut costs while increasing quality and efficiency.

MilliporeSigma's portfolio of 3- to 2,000- liter Mobius single-use bioreactors delivers greater flexibility and continuity for scale-up, reducing the need for retraining operators. These are some of the multiple reasons that CDMOs such as Celonic have become early adopters of MilliporeSigma's technologies.

MilliporeSigma is a premier supplier of process development and clinical-stage manufacturing solutions, materials and services needed for the production of biopharmaceutical drugs. The company is committed to delivering superior bioreactor technology to manufacturers, several of which are already collaborating with the company in that space in North America, Europe and Asia.

About Celonic

Celonic AG is a privately owned CDMO based in Basel, Switzerland. Celonic offers include comprehensive GMP development and manufacturing services for New Biological Entities (NBEs) and Biosimilars worldwide. Applying empathy, efficiency and excellence, Celonic goes one step beyond expectations in all business aspects in order to help its clients attain their goals more efficiently and reliably. Celonic's services include the development of cell lines, production processes, as well as the GMP and non-GMP manufacturing of biopharmaceutical drug substances. In addition, Celonic licenses its proprietary CHOvolution cell line technology to clients, drug developer and service provider. Visit www.celonic.com to learn more.

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service.

About the Life Science Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

The life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has 20,000 employees and 65 manufacturing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products enabling scientific discovery. Udit Batra is the global chief executive officer of MilliporeSigma.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany completed its $17 billion acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich in November 2015, creating a leader in the $125 billion global life science industry.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech products in healthcare, life science and performance materials. The company has six businesses  Biopharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, Allergopharma, Biosimilars, Life Science and Performance Materials  and generated sales of 15 billion in 2016. Around 50,000 employees work in 66 countries to improve the quality of life for patients, to foster the success of customers and to help meet global challenges.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company  since 1668, the company has stood for innovation, business success and responsible entrepreneurship. Holding an approximately 70 percent interest, the founding family remains the majority owner of the company to this day. The company holds the global rights to the name and the trademark "Merck" internationally except for the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

SOURCE MilliporeSigma
NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Minibar Delivery (www.minibardelivery.com), the premier on-demand alcohol delivery service, announced that it is launching Vineyard Select, a nationwide direct-to-consumer wine shipping service that connects customers across the country with independent vineyards for delivery straight to their door.

Minibar Delivery's new Vineyard Select offering spotlights exceptional independent wineries that are not typically sold in liquor stores. In making these wines more readily accessible, Minibar Delivery is changing the wine purchasing game for millions of potential customers of legal age across the country.

"Direct to consumer wine shipment is a natural expansion for Minibar Delivery. Our customers are wine lovers - wine is the top selling category on our platform," said Lara Crystal, co-CEO and co-Founder of Minibar Delivery. "There are so many incredible winemakers out there that aren't available in traditional liquor stores. With Vineyard Select, we can open up a whole new world of wine to our customers and connect vineyards with a new, enthusiastic customer base."

The process is easy: simply download the Minibar Delivery ios/Android app or visit the website (minibardelivery.com) and enter the delivery address. Customers can then browse the wine section to shop from curated vineyards, as well as explore each vineyard and its products. The Vineyard Select launch partners include Penrose Hill, Uproot Wines, and The Blending Lab to offer a dynamic variety of wines that fit every price point. Minimum orders start at $45, and vary depending on the individual vineyard.

The direct to consumer market for vineyard shipments has grown dramatically over the past few years, and wine is among the most consumed alcoholic beverages in the United States. The DTC market remains untapped and poised for disruption. A recent study by Wines & Vines finds that the direct to consumer segment currently makes up ~5% of the $41B US wine market. And in another survey by Soros ShipCompliant and Wines & Vines, in 2016 the industry saw its largest annual growth rate surge to date, with a 17% increase in shipment volume. Over 5 Million cases of wine were shipped in 2016, accounting for $2.33B in wine sales, and this growth is expected to continue in 2017 and beyond as new states loosen restrictions on wine shipments.

Vineyard Select benefits both customers and vineyard partners: customers can explore and discover a whole new world of wines, and vineyards can leverage the platform to reach a new marketplace and educate customers on their wine varietals.

The launch of the Vineyard Select program marks a key growth milestone for Minibar Delivery, following its recent influx of $5M in investment capital. With the addition of the Vineyard Select service, Minibar Delivery is the one-stop shop for all alcohol needs. In addition to its service of on-demand alcohol delivery in 37 markets across the country, Minibar Delivery makes it easy to send a gift across the country, book a professionally-trained bartender on demand, and access a dedicated concierge service to answer all spirits-related questions - from how much wine to order for a party of four to 400, or recipe tips for a spicy margarita.

About Minibar Delivery

Minibar Delivery is the leading marketplace for the shipment and on-demand delivery of wine, beer, liquor, mixers and more. We give users a better way to shop; connecting them with local liquor stores, vineyards and even bartenders to offer the best selection of products and a personalized experience. Founded by Lindsey Andrews and Lara Crystal in 2014, Minibar Delivery has quickly grown from a local on-demand delivery service in 37 markets to an online alcohol marketplace for millions of customers of legal age across the United States. For more information, please visit www.minibardelivery.com.

SOURCE MINIBAR DELIVERY

Related Links

http://www.minibardelivery.com


SUGAR LAND, Texas, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--In Industrial Info's recent Global Mining Outlook webinar, Joe Govreau, vice president of research for the Metals & Minerals Industry, discussed some of the key trends in the global mining sector. While the sector has seen an overall dip in project spending in recent years, spending may be improving as commodity prices strengthen and demand grows. Industrial Info is tracking $179 billion in mining projects under construction and another approximately $1 trillion that are in the planning and engineering stage.

For details, view the entire article by subscribing to Industrial Info's Premium Industry News, or browse other breaking industrial news stories at www.industrialinfo.com.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, six offices in North America and 12 international offices, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities. To contact an office in your area, visit the www.industrialinfo.com "Contact Us" page.

Brian Ford

(713) 980-9393

SOURCE Industrial Info Resources, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.industrialinfo.com


SEATTLE, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- That feeling when you spot shattered glass strewn near your parked car: It's one many Northwest drivers can relate to. Yet the latest poll from PEMCO Insurance finds that few Washington and Oregon drivers share significant concern for car prowlers across their Northwest neighborhoods.

The PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll finds only about 1 in 5 respondents (19 percent) say they're extremely or very concerned about car prowls in their neighborhood. Instead, about half (48 percent) admit they're not very or not at all concerned about the threat of a car break-in.

Concern is higher, however, among renters in Washington. Compared to their home-owning counterparts, more renters say they're extremely or very concerned about break-ins (27 percent vs. 19 percent).

In Oregon, renters and homeowners share the same level of concern for car prowls, but age shows a difference in perceptions: About 1 in 5 (18 percent) Oregon drivers under 55 years old say they're extremely or very concerned about theft, compared with just 10 percent of those over 55.

The PEMCO poll finds that younger Oregon residents also are significantly more likely to take precautionary measures like locking their car doors (92 percent vs. 75 percent) and removing their valuables (76 percent v. 63 percent) to stay safe.

"No one likes to come across the heart-sinking signs of a car break-in  shattered glass on the pavement or doors left eerily ajar. That's why we were surprised to learn that people here generally aren't too wary of the threat of car prowls," said PEMCO Spokesperson Derek Wing. "Still, there are some common-sense efforts drivers should make to deter criminals and keep their stuff safe."

Among those surveyed, a majority of drivers say they regularly take basic precautions to prevent break-ins by locking doors and removing valuables. Just under half (45 percent) say they use an electronic alarm system to protect their car and belongings, as well.

Beyond those simple steps, PEMCO recommends following these tips to keep valuable possessions safe from car prowlers:

Never leave your car running unattended, even if you're just going away for a few seconds. If you do need to leave the vehicle, turn the car off, remove the keys and lock the doors so thieves don't have an easy target.

If you park on the street, find a well-lighted area. Good lighting is even more critical if you're parking overnight, as thieves intent on ransacking cars often strike between 3 and 5 a.m.

Don't leave anything in view, no matter what you think it may be worth. Even a few coats left innocently piled on the seat might look like they're hiding something worth stealing.

If you have to leave items in the car, stash them in the trunk, and do it before you park so a prowler doesn't see you. If you don't have a trunk, put belongings out of sight on the floor or under the seat.

"It's a good idea to check your insurance policies, too, for how your belongings might be covered. Often times it's a renters or homeowners policy that covers any damaged or stolen items after a car break-in," Wing said.

For a complete summary of PEMCO's poll results, visit www.pemco.com/poll, where you'll find the responses collected by FBK Research of Seattle in May 2017.

About the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll

PEMCO Insurance commissioned this independent survey, conducted by FBK Research of Seattle, that asked Washington and Oregon residents questions about driving habits and attitudes toward current Northwest issues. The sample size, 600 respondents in Washington and 600 in Oregon, yields an accuracy of +/- 4.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. In other words, if this study were conducted 100 times, in 95 instances the data will not vary by more than the associated error range.

About PEMCO Insurance

PEMCO Insurance is a true Northwest company providing auto, home, and boat insurance to our neighbors since 1949. Consistently ranked highest in customer satisfaction, people are the heart of our business. They can depend on us to anticipate and support their changing needs. PEMCO is committed to serving organizations that positively impact our local communities. We were started by a Seattle schoolteacher and stay true to our roots by focusing on nonprofits and organizations that support youth, education, and public safety. To learn more, visit www.pemco.com.

CONTACTS:

Derek Wing

PEMCO Insurance

206.628.4622

[email protected]

Kristi Herriott

Firmani + Associates Inc.

206.443.9357

[email protected]

SOURCE PEMCO Insurance

Related Links

http://www.pemco.com


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Browse 62 market data tables and 43 figures spread through 127 pages and in-depth TOC on "Network Security Firewall Market"



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The major forces that are said to be driving the growth of the Network Security Firewall Market include the growing network security and privacy concerns, the increasing vulnerabilities in Signaling System 7 and diameter protocols, and the encouraging administrative regulations. Moreover, the advancements in digital transformation in the telecommunication industry and the high adoption rate among Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators are also some of the factors that are likely to be driving the market growth.

The SMS firewall segment is expected to be the fastest growing solution in the Network Security Firewall Market during the forecast period

The growth of the mobile subscribers has fueled the growth of the SMS firewall solution. The telecom service providers use it as a means for marketing products/services, promoting their brand, and authenticating the customer's identity. Application-to-Person (A2P), Person-to-Application(P2A), and Person-to-Person (P2P) messaging are the types of text messages use by telecom operators. The SMS firewall addresses most of the concerns of the MNOs, such as grey route messaging, anti-spam, and illicit traffic. The vulnerabilities in the MNO signaling systems are threatening the user's privacy and can lead to user location tracking, fraud, Denial of Service (DoS), or even call interception

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The on-premises deployment type is expected to hold the largest market share in the Network Security Firewall Market during the forecast period

Deployment refers to the setting up of a computer system with the hardware systems, operating systems, and applications, required to run the software. The on-premises deployment type refers to the on-premises installation of software and solutions. These solutions are delivered on a one-time license fee and an annual service agreement, which includes free upgrading and installation of new functionalities. The deployment of on-premises firewall requires a huge infrastructure and individual data centers. The deployment of on-premises solutions requires dedicated IT staff for the maintenance and support of such high-end IT infrastructure.

North America is expected to have the largest market share in the Network Security Firewall Market during the forecast period.

North America is expected to hold the largest market share and dominate the Network Security Firewall Market during the forecast period. The region has the presence of major sustainable and well-established companies, who invest substantially in R&D activities, thereby contributing to the development of new security technologies. The region comprises countries such as the US and Canada, which are witnessing a phenomenal adoption of network security firewall solutions. The primary reason behind this movement is the non-stringent regulations of US telecom regulatory body, Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The regulations made by FCC are less stringent as compared to the old administration, and by rolling back several stringent regulations of the previous regime, FCC benefited most of the telecom operators to choose and implement new services and solution

The major vendors in the Network Security Firewall Market include Symsoft (Sweden), Cellusys (Ireland), Adaptive Mobile (Ireland), Evolved Intelligence (UK), Mobileum (US), Tata Communication (India), AMD Telecom (Greece), Openmind Networks (Ireland), Anam Technologies (Ireland), SAP (Germany), and HPE (US)

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"Although Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, there is presently no cure for the more than five million Americans living with the disease," said Beau Nakamoto, MD, PhD, MBA Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine, and principal investigator. "Given the key role inflammatory monocytes and macrophages may play in the progression of Alzheimer's disease, researching immune regulators - like NP001 - is critical to understanding more about this serious and complex disease."

Alzheimer's disease, an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.i While the cause of the disease is unknown, there is increasing evidence that suggests neuroinflammation may play a role in disease progression. NP001, Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals' lead investigative therapy, is designed to help regulate neuroinflammation.

"We anticipate the Phase 1b study being conducted by the John A. Burns School of Medicine will help further validate the importance of biomarker research in neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease," said Rich Casey, chief executive officer, Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals. "NP001 has shown promising results in reducing systemic inflammation levels in patients with other neurodegenerative diseases, and we hope that this study will show that it works similarly in Alzheimer's disease. This is the first clinical study of NP001 in Alzheimer's disease and we look forward to examining the results to see whether the compound impacts inflammation levels in this patient population."

About the Phase 1b Study of NP001

The Phase 1b single-site, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot biomarker study will enroll 14 individuals with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Patients will receive a single dose of either NP001 or placebo, both of which will be given intravenously. The study is designed to measure changes from baseline at one and seven days following dosing in inflammatory monocyte-associated biomarkers. With the support of the RCMI Multidisciplinary And Translational Research Infrastructure Expansion (RMATRIX) program (NIMHD grant number U54MD007584), the study is being conducted by researchers and nurses from the RMATRIX program using the doses of NP001 provided by Neuraltus. Further information about the study is available at https://clinicaltrials.gov.

About Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. The cause of the disease is currently unknown, but there is increasing evidence that implicates neuroinflammation with the progression of the disease. It is believed that in people with Alzheimer's disease, there are increased levels of inflammatory (activated) macrophages, a type of white blood cell, resulting in the release of factors in the central nervous system that damage motor neurons. NP001, a regulator of macrophage activation, exerts its effect by converting these activated inflammatory macrophages back to their normal state.

About the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa

The John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaii Manoa honors its unique research environment to excel in scientific-based efforts to eliminate diseases that disproportionately affect people in Hawaii and the Pacific region. Annually at JABSOM, more than 500 future physicians are learning medicine, JABSOM researchers secure up to $52 million in grants, and overall economic stimulus to Hawaii from the school tops $456 million annually. JABSOM also confers degrees in Clinical Translational Research, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Tropical Medicine, Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Technology and Developmental and Reproductive Biology. http://jabsom.hawaii.edu.

About Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics that address critical unmet needs for patients and physicians in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. NP001, the Company's lead product candidate, is also being studied in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease).

For more information, please visit www.neuraltus.com.

i National Institutes of Health. (2017, July 28). Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet. Retrieved August 01, 2017, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet.

Contact: Edie DeVine, GCI Health

Office: +1 (209) 814-9564



SOURCE Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.neuraltus.com


TUSTIN, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- New American Funding, a leader in the mortgage industry, has expanded its Northern California region to include a retail branch in the heart of Silicon Valley. The new branch will occupy about 4,000 square feet of contemporary office space in downtown San Jose on the top floor of a 16-story high-rise. The location will celebrate with a red carpet grand opening event on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at 4 P.M. PDT.

The full-service branch will be located at 55 S. Market St. Suite #1600 and will offer a complete spectrum of purchase and refinance options for local mortgage consumers in San Jose and surrounding communities. Chris MacNaughton, who has been with New American Funding since September of 2016 covering Northern California as Vice President of Builder and Business Development, will lead the new location as Branch Manager as well.

"We're excited for the opening of our new branch. It's a perfect location and prime opportunity," said MacNaughton. "The housing market is thriving in Silicon Valley and we're centrally located to meet the need."

MacNaughton has grown the company's presence in the market to include about 10 new home communities where New American Funding is the lender of choice. In the coming year, the Northern California builder team is expected to fund $250 million in loan volume.

The San Jose branch is comprised of a diverse group of Loan Originators who have a wealth of experience working with an array of consumers, from first-time buyers to jumbo loan borrowers. They will serve homebuyers in the area with the same industry-leading close times, award-winning services, and high-level customer support that's a hallmark at other New American Funding locations.

For more information about the grand opening, contact Chris MacNaughton at (408) 607-2476 or [email protected].

About New American Funding

New American Funding is a national mortgage banker licensed in 48 states with approximately 130 branches that offer a variety of home loan options including: Conventional, FHA, Cash Out, Fixed Rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages, VA, HARP 2.0, Jumbo, and Reverse Mortgages. The company is a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae Direct Seller/Servicer, FHA Direct Endorsement, and VA Automatic mortgage lender.

SOURCE New American Funding

Related Links

http://www.newamericanfunding.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following the deportation of a long-serving Teamster member last week, Teamsters Joint Council 16 today passed a resolution to become a "sanctuary union." As a sanctuary union, the Teamsters will not assist federal immigration agents in deporting its members and will proactively provide trainings, legal assistance, and organize support for immigrant Teamsters. Joint Council 16 and its 27 affiliate local unions represent 120,000 workers in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and Puerto Rico.

"Our members can be confident that we stand behind them 100 percent, regardless of where they were born or what kinds of papers they have," said George Miranda, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16. "Being a sanctuary union means we will do all that is in our power to keep our immigrant members safe and keep their families together. The Teamsters have fought against racism since our first days as a union, and this is the next step."

The action follows last week's deportation of Eber Garcia Vasquez, a 26-year member of Teamsters Local 813. The union had circulated petitions, organized members across the country to call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for his release, and held a rally outside of ICE's New York City office. Despite widespread outcry, Garcia Vasquez was deported on September 6, 2017.

Under the resolution, the union pledges to not cooperate with ICE and to not collect information that could be used in immigration proceedings. The union will hold "Know Your Rights" trainings and share legal services with immigrant members. It will seek to bargain provisions to protect undocumented workers in its labor contracts with Teamster employers.

The Teamsters Union will also continue and expand its support of organizing by New York's immigrant communities, including opposing the Muslim Ban, the border wall, and the end of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

"Standing up for immigrants is part of standing up for workers," Miranda continued. "Companies will take advantage of undocumented workers to drive down wages and safety standards for everyone. Politicians will promote racial resentment in order to divide workers and weaken the working class. Unions know that workers are strongest when we are united and it's on us to strengthen that shared compassion and solidarity."

Contact:

Alex Moore, 718-289-0204

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 16
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Like most public transportation agencies, NJ TRANSIT's motto for its fleet of nearly 1,000 work vehicles needed to support its rail and bus operations was "purchase, power through, then purge."

These vehicles, which range from sedans to high rail knuckle boom trucks, were driven for many years  often well past the optimum or even recommended replacement schedule  and then finally removed from service once they were found to be beyond repair. On average, a NJ TRANSIT light-duty truck remained in service for at least 11 years, accruing at least 120,000 miles, with many exceeding 150,000 miles. Often times, these trucks had to have rusty beds restored, and some had entire engines or transmissions replaced by onsite maintenance garages.

In 2014, the fleet reached a point with more than 100 vehicles  a tenth of its fleet  needing to be replaced, but the budget only allowed for 45 new vehicle purchases through its strict purchase-only model for acquisition.

Jeff McNulla, NJ TRANSIT's manager of support services and fleet administration, together with the agency's fleet management partner, ARI, realized there was a better strategy that would save the agency money in a time of decreased state funding.

In January 2015, NJ TRANSIT did something for the first time; the agency leased 101 vehicles to replace some of its oldest units still on the job. The financial benefit became especially clear when comparing the maintenance costs of FY2016 and FY2017. In FY2016, NJ TRANSIT spent approximately $5.85 million to maintain its fleet vehicles. That amount dropped to $5.27 million just a year later  a savings of approximately $580,000 or 10 percent.

"Many of our trucks were showing their age. Several needed engine replacements as well as new transmissions and several body parts had rusted, resulting in maintenance expenses that escalated into a substantial deficit," McNulla said. "Our newer leased vehicles are not only less expensive to maintain, they are more fuel efficient."

NJ TRANSIT adopted a hybrid purchase/lease model which created the extra capital it needed to fund more vehicles in a single year, while also purchasing specialty vehicles that were crucial to the fleet. With the savings the agency and ARI uncovered, along with the influx of some additional federal funding, McNulla expects to be able to replace another 259 vehicles, each with more than 100,000 miles, in the current fiscal year.

"This next wave of new vehicles will dramatically reduce our maintenance expenses even further," McNulla said.

And since the agency was able to replace so many vehicles, ARI also helped NJ TRANSIT find a better way to sell off the older vehicles coming out of service. In the past, NJ TRANSIT relied solely on state auctions to dispose of these vehicles.

"There are multiple ways to sell vehicles, and in this case the state auction wasn't the best way," said ARI's Director of North American Supply Chain and Vehicle Remarketing, Partha Ghosh. "With such a limited audience of potential buyers, they were only getting $3,000 per vehicle."

ARI took over the remarketing process, presenting the vehicles to a wider audience through both online and live auctions. As a result, returns on vehicles have doubled, with some bringing in as much as $7,500. In total, the agency generated an additional $219,000 between May 2015 and May 2016 by selling its vehicles to a wider audience.

By taking a fresh look at how NJ TRANSIT replaced and resold its non-revenue producing fleet of vehicles, ARI has helped the agency produce a significant savings to its bottom line, allowing it to be well on-track to update the fleet in its entirety.

To learn more about ARI's fleet management services please visit www.arifleet.com, and to read the entire case study click here.

About ARI

ARI, a Holman company, has revolutionized fleet management with technology that enables organizations around the world to realize new levels of efficiency and value by leveraging the power of data through the ARI insights portal. Founded in 1948, ARI, now the largest family owned company in the industry, has continuously uncovered new ways for fleet managers to translate their fleets' data into decreased costs and improved driver safety. ARI manages more than 1.4 million vehicles in North America, the UK and Europe and, together with its strategic partners, 3 million vehicles worldwide. Headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, ARI has been recognized as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by Fortune magazine five years in a row. Learn more at www.arifleet.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 944,000 weekday trips on 255 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

SOURCE ARI

Related Links

http://www.arifleet.com


SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the past 10 years, the Telecom Council has worked to identify and recognize companies who have the technology, vision and roadmaps required to disrupt in the telecommunications industry.

Each year, the Telecom Council's Service Provider Innovation Forum (SPIF) is presented with up to 150 communications start-ups representing a broad range of telecom products and services. Although any start-up who presented between July 2016 and August 2017 was eligible for the 10th Annual SPIFFY awards, nominees are decided by SPIF members who ranked presenting start-ups on how they excelled in the categories below.

The 2017 SPIFFY Awards will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. This event is open to the public and attended by telecommunications executives from around the world. To learn more about this public event, click here (https://www.telecomcouncil.com/spiffys)

And the nominees are ...

The Graham Bell Award for Best Communication Solutions

Telecommunications began with the invention of the telegraph in 1837, the telephone in 1876 and has evolved from voice communications to include text, video and satellites. This award recognizes the company that advanced the noble cause of improving telecommunications, and the nominees have demonstrated their commitment to this expanding field to our Service Provider Forum by creating solutions that advance people's ability to communicate whenever and wherever they want.

Altia Systems - https://getpanacast.com

https://getpanacast.com Pantomime - http://pantomimecorp.com

http://pantomimecorp.com Sightcall - http://www.sightcall.com

http://www.sightcall.com SpeakMusic - http://www.speakmusic.com

http://www.speakmusic.com Stringify - https://www.stringify.com

Edison Award for Most Innovative Startup

Some ideas are so unusual they surprise you, but it's a small minority of these that are also likely to succeed. This award recognizes the start-ups with the most innovative ideas, but also the ability to successfully bring that idea to market. The nominees have demonstrated their commitment to innovation with endless hours and passion that have made the impossible, possible.

Baffle - https://baffle.io

https://baffle.io Crunch - https://www.crunchgallery.com

https://www.crunchgallery.com DataRPM - http://www.datarpm.com

http://www.datarpm.com JanusVR - http://janusvr.com

http://janusvr.com On Second Thought - http://onsecondthought.co

San Andreas Award for Most Disruptive Technology

Because complacency is not an option, the Telecom Council believes in the importance of companies who think outside the box and make the market sit-up and take notice. This award recognizes most game-changing start-up to present to the Telecom Council. Our Service Provider Forum members believe these nominees have demonstrated the ability disrupt markets and change the way people do things.

Game Commerce - https://www.gamecommerce.com

https://www.gamecommerce.com Netrolix - http://netrolix.com

http://netrolix.com NextLevel - http://nextlevel.net

http://nextlevel.net SpaceBelt - http://spacebelt.com

http://spacebelt.com Veniam - https://veniam.com

Core Award for Best Fixed Telecom Opportunity

Building a networking company is neither sexy nor easy, but Telecom Council members rely on entrepreneurs to create the technologies that will eventually be the building blocks of telecom networks. This award category focuses on fixed telecom and the core of the network. Service Provider Forum members have a strong interest in taking these nominees into their networks.

Zephyr Award for Best Mobile Opportunity

Building a successful mobile company is harder than it was 10 years ago, but Telecom Council members are constantly scouting for start-ups who have built mobile solutions that fit into their operations and subscriber base. This award category focuses on wireless telecom and the edge of the network, and our Service Provider Forum members have a strong in taking these nominees into their networks.

AtheerAir - http://atheerair.com

http://atheerair.com Colony Networks - http://colonynetworks.com

http://colonynetworks.com Instapio - https://www.instapio.com

https://www.instapio.com invi - http://www.invi.com

http://www.invi.com RapidSOS - https://rapidsos.com

Ground Breaker Award for Engineering Excellence

Turning the gears of progress through sweat and tenacity to produce the most impressive technological advancements is often paraphrased as R&D. These nominees have impressed our SPIF members with their radicalism and determination and of course impressive technological advances.

Prodigy Award for the Most Successful SPIF Alumni

Innovation doesn't begin and end with start-ups. At the Telecom Council, we continue to follow the successes of our previous presenters to recognize those continuing to have significant impact on the communications industry or achieving the most notable success. This category recognizes the pre-2016 startup company that our Service Provider Members have chosen to invest in which has experienced notable growth or market success.

Ingenu (formerly OnRamp Wireless) - https://www.ingenu.com

https://www.ingenu.com Kymeta - https://www.kymetacorp.com

https://www.kymetacorp.com Plex - https://plex.tv

https://plex.tv SmartThings - https://www.smartthings.com

https://www.smartthings.com SpiderCloud - http://www.spidercloud.com

SPIFFY Awards takes place during the 10th Annual TC3 Summit, Nov. 1-2 in Mountain View, California. Agenda, speakers, sponsors, and meeting opportunities online at www.telecomcouncil.com/tc3.

Connect with TC3 on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. The preferred hashtags of the 2017 TC3 Summit are #TC3Summit and #SPIFFYS. For media partnerships and media passes, contact lindatelecomcouncilcom. Sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are available.

About the Telecom Council: The Telecom Council of Silicon Valley is Where Telecom Meets Innovation. We connect the companies who are building communication networks, with the people and ideas that are creating them - by putting those companies, research, ideas, capital, and human expertise from across the globe together in the same room. Last year, The Telecom Council connected over 2,000 executives from 750 telecom companies and 60 fixed and wireless carriers across 40 meeting topics. By joining, speaking, sponsoring, or simply participating in a meeting, there are many ways telecom companies of any size can leverage the Telecom Council network. For more information and to join our invitation list, visit: http://www.telecomcouncil.com.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call +1-408-834-7933.

Related Links

SPIFFY

TC3

SOURCE The Telecom Council

Related Links

https://www.telecomcouncil.com


ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept.13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) today announced that Norman Paul, CEO of SWBC PEO in Bulverde, TX, was elected chair of the board of directors last week at the association's annual meeting in Orlando. He succeeds Greg Packer, CEO of Farmington Hills, MI-based AccessPoint.

"This is a time of great momentum and excitement within the PEO industry  the IRS recently announced the first-ever certified PEOs, our members throughout the country are growing and expanding, and more and more businesses are embracing the PEO concept. Being elected by my peers as the NAPEO chair is truly a great honor, and I welcome the opportunity to work with all members of the association in our collective efforts to help the PEO industry continue to rise and thrive," said Paul.

As CEO of SWBC's PEO division, Paul oversees the company's PEO services in Texas and 31 states. He also serves a SWBC PEO's corporate counsel, Paul provides guidance on compliance issues and conducts client training. Prior to joining the PEO in 2002, he engaged in the private practice of law, and also served as a JAG officer in the USAF following law school. Paul received his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary's University in 1980 and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Virginia Military Institute in 1977. He is active with the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), where he served in 2016 on the Board of Directors Executive Committee as Vice Chair, the State Government Affairs Committee, and the Legal Advisory Council. He is also past Chairman of NAPEO's Texas Leadership Council.



"Norman Paul has a wealth of experience in the PEO industry that will be an extraordinary asset to NAPEO in the coming year," said NAPEO President and CEO Pat Cleary. "His tenure at the helm of the NAPEO Texas Leadership Council, one of our largest and most influential state groups, will be invaluable in helping us steer through key legislative and regulatory battles, and in our ongoing efforts to grow the industry."

About NAPEO

The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) is The Voice of the PEO IndustryTM and represents about 85 percent of the industry's estimated $136-$152 billion in gross revenues. NAPEO has some 250 PEO members that provide payroll, benefits, and other HR services to between 156,000 to 180,000 businesses employing 2.7 and 3.4 million people. An additional 200 companies that provide services to PEOs are associate members of NAPEO. For more information, please visit www.napeo.org.

SOURCE NAPEO

Related Links

http://www.napeo.org


EAST HANOVER, N.J., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis announced today first of its kind Phase III data showing Cosentyx (secukinumab) delivered high and long-lasting skin clearance in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis at 5 years.1 These data were presented for the first time at the 26th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress in Geneva, Switzerland.

By specifically targeting interleukin-17A (IL-17A), Cosentyx addresses an important cytokine involved in the development of psoriasis.2,3 IL-17A plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).2-5 Inhibiting IL-17A is important as up to 30% of patients with psoriasis may have PsA.6

"5-year Phase III data are a respected scientific milestone to demonstrate the long-term efficacy and safety of many treatments," said Craig Leonardi, MD, Adjunct Professor of Dermatology at St. Louis University School of Medicine. "These long-term data for Cosentyx provide further confirmation for both patients and doctors that Cosentyx is a safe and effective treatment option for psoriasis."

"The 5-year data reinforce Cosentyx as an important treatment option for those people living with psoriasis who aspire for skin clearance that can last," said Vas Narasimhan, Global Head, Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. "Cosentyx is the first and only IL-17A antagonist approved for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis and has been prescribed to more than 100,000 patients since launch."

Clear skin is the aim of psoriasis treatment, and a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75, 90 or 100 response is considered an important measure of treatment success.7-10 Over the extended treatment period from Year 1 (Week 52) to the end of Year 5 (Week 260), PASI 75/90/100 response rates remained consistent.1 In the 168 psoriasis patients at Year 1, PASI 75 and PASI 90 were achieved by 89% and 69% respectively. This high rate was maintained at Year 5 with 126 patients observed (89% and 66%, respectively). In addition, 44% of psoriasis patients achieved completely clear skin (PASI 100) at Year 1 and this rate was maintained to Year 5 (41%). Cosentyx continued to have a favorable and consistent safety profile.1,2

To date, more than 100,000 patients worldwide have been prescribed Cosentyx in the post-marketing setting across all indications.11 In addition, 2017 marks 10 years since the first patient, first visit in a clinical trial with Cosentyx.11

About Cosentyx and IL-17A

Cosentyx, launched in 2015, is the first and only fully-human IL-17A antagonist approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, PsA and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).2 By specifically targeting interleukin-17A (IL-17A), Cosentyx addresses an important cytokine involved in the development of psoriasis.2,3 IL-17A plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).2-5 Inhibiting IL-17A is important as up to 30% of patients with psoriasis may have PsA.6

In psoriasis, Cosentyx delivers long-lasting skin clearance, with proven sustainability, safety out to 5 years and convenient once-monthly dosing (every four weeks) in a patient-friendly auto injector.1,12 Cosentyx is also being studied in dedicated trials for the most difficult-to-treat types of plaque psoriasis  palmoplantar psoriasis (psoriasis of the hands and feet), scalp psoriasis, and nail psoriasis.13,14

Cosentyx is approved in more than 75 countries for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, which includes the European Union countries, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, the US and Canada. In Europe, Cosentyx is approved for the first-line systemic treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients.15 In the US, Cosentyx is approved as a treatment for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy (light therapy).2

In addition, Cosentyx is the first IL-17A antagonist approved in more than 65 countries for the treatment of active AS and PsA, which includes the European Union countries and the US. Cosentyx is also approved for the treatment of PsA and pustular psoriasis in Japan.16

About the Cosentyx 5-year extension study (NCT01406938)1

NCT01406938 is a multicenter, double-blind and open-label, 5-year extension to the core Phase III SCULPTURE study. In SCULPTURE, PASI 75 responders at Week 12 were randomized to double-blind maintenance treatment of Cosentyx 300 mg or 150 mg, given either at a 4-week fixed-interval regimen or in a retreatment-as-needed regimen. Patients who completed 52 weeks of the SCULPTURE study were eligible to continue the same dose and regimen in the extension study (N=642).

The primary objective of this extension study was to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of Cosentyx in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Efficacy measures included proportion of patients achieving PASI 75, PASI 90 and PASI 100.

About psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, non-contagious, auto-immune disease that affects more than 125 million people worldwide.17 Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells.18

Psoriasis is not simply a cosmetic problem, but a persistent, chronic (long-lasting), and sometimes distressing disease, which can affect even the smallest aspects of people's lives on a daily basis.18 Up to 30% of patients with psoriasis may have PsA.6 PsA is a condition in which the joints are also affected, causing debilitating symptoms including pain, stiffness and for some people, irreversible joint damage.19 Psoriasis is also associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.18

INDICATIONS

COSENTYX is a human interleukin-17A antagonist indicated for the treatment of:

moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy

adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use COSENTYX if you have had a severe allergic reaction to secukinumab or any of the other ingredients in COSENTYX. See the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients.

COSENTYX is a medicine that affects your immune system. COSENTYX may increase your risk of having serious side effects such as:

Infections

COSENTYX may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections.

Your doctor should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with COSENTYX.

If your doctor feels that you are at risk for TB, you may be treated with medicine for TB before you begin treatment with COSENTYX and during treatment with COSENTYX.

Your doctor should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with COSENTYX. Do not take COSENTYX if you have an active TB infection.

Before starting COSENTYX, tell your doctor if you:

are being treated for an infection

have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back

have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB

think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as:

fevers, sweats, or chills



muscle aches



cough



shortness of breath



blood in your phlegm



weight loss warm, red, or painful skin or

sores on your body



diarrhea or stomach pain



burning when you urinate

or urinate more often than

normal

After starting COSENTYX, call your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection listed above. Do not use COSENTYX if you have any signs of infection unless you are instructed to by your doctor.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

New cases of inflammatory bowel disease or "flare-ups" can happen with COSENTYX, and can sometimes be serious. If you have inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), tell your doctor if you have worsening disease symptoms during treatment with COSENTYX or develop new symptoms of stomach pain or diarrhea.

Serious Allergic Reactions

Serious allergic reactions can occur. Get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: feeling faint; swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing or throat tightness; chest tightness; or skin rash. If you have a severe allergic reaction, do not give another injection of COSENTYX.

Before starting COSENTYX, tell your doctor if you:

have any of the conditions or symptoms listed above for infections

have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)

are allergic to latex. The needle caps contain latex.

have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). People who take COSENTYX should not receive live vaccines.

receive live vaccines. have any other medical conditions

are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COSENTYX can harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor should decide if you will use COSENTYX.

are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if COSENTYX passes into your breast milk.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I use COSENTYX?

See the detailed Instructions for Use that comes with your COSENTYX for information on how to prepare and inject a dose of COSENTYX, and how to properly throw away (dispose of) used COSENTYX Sensoready pens and prefilled syringes.

Use COSENTYX exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If your doctor decides that you or a caregiver may give your injections of COSENTYX at home, you should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject COSENTYX. Do not try to inject COSENTYX yourself, until you or your caregiver has been shown how to inject COSENTYX by your doctor or nurse.

The most common side effects of COSENTYX include: cold symptoms, diarrhea, and upper respiratory infections. These are not all of the possible side effects of COSENTYX. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.



You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for Cosentyx, or regarding potential future revenues from Cosentyx. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Cosentyx will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that Cosentyx will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding Cosentyx could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures; general economic and industry conditions, including the effects of the persistently weak economic and financial environment in many countries; safety, quality or manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Located in East Hanover, NJ Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is an affiliate of Novartis which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 119,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com .

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.novartis.com/news/media-library

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References

Bissonnette R et al. Secukinumab demonstrates high sustained efficacy and a favorable safety profile through 5 years of treatment in moderate to severe psoriasis. Presented as eposter P2223 at 26th EADV Congress 2017. September 13, 2017 . Novartis Data on File. Cosentyx Prescribing Information. June 2016 . Zeichner J et al. The Role of IL-17 in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Psoriasis. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5395242/. Last accessed August 2017 . Barker J, Kaplan DH, Nestle FO, Psoriasis. N Engl J Med. 2009;361:496-509. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra0804595#t=article. Accessed August 8, 2017 . Girolomoni G, Mrowietz U, Paul C. Psoriasis: rationale for targeting interleukin-17.BJD. 2012;167(4):717-724. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.11099.x/full. Accessed August 8, 2017 . Mease PJ, Gladman DD, Papp KA, et al. Prevalence of rheumatologist-diagnosed psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis in European/North American dermatology clinics. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2013;69(5):729-735. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.07.023. Accessed August 8, 2017 . European Medicines Agency. Guideline on clinical investigation of medicinal products indicated for the treatment of psoriasis. Available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Scientific_guideline/2009/09/WC500003329.pdf. Last accessed August 2017 . ACTAS Dermo-Sifiliograficas. Spanish Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Treatment of Psoriasis With Biologic Agents. Available at: http://www.actasdermo.org/en/spanish-evidence-based-guidelines-on-treatment/articulo/S1578219013001789/. Last accessed August 2017 . Canadian Dermatology Association. Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Plaque Psoriasis. Available at: http://www.dermatology.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/cdnpsoriasisguidelines.pdf. Last accessed August 2017 . Langley RG et al. The 5point Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) Scale: a modified tool for evaluating plaque psoriasis severity in clinical trials. J Dermatolog Treat. 2015;26(1):2331. Novartis Data on file. Number of Patients Prescribed Cosentyx. May 2017. Lacour JP et al. Secukinumab administration by autoinjector maintains reduction of plaque psoriasis severity over 52 weeks: results of the randomized controlled JUNCTURE trial. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2017;31(5):847-856. Novartis Data on File. Cosentyx EADV 2016 US Press Release. 2016. Study of Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Secukinumab in Subjects With Moderate to Severe Nail Psoriasis.Clinical Trials. ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01807520?term=secukinumab&draw=4&rank=13. Published January 23, 2013 . Updated May 5, 2017 . Accessed August 9 , 2017. Cosentyx Summary of Product Characteristics. Novartis Europharm Limited. Available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/human/medicines/003729/human_med_001832.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058001d124. Last accessed August 2017 . Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency. Review Report. www.pmda.go.jp. http://www.pmda.go.jp/files/000216877.pdf . Accessed August 10 , 2017. International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) World Psoriasis Day website. "About Psoriasis." Available at: http://www.worldpsoriasisday.com/web/page.aspx?refid=114. Last accessed August 2017 . Global Report on Psoriasis. World Health Organization Website http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/204417/1/9789241565189_eng.pdf. Published 2016. Accessed August 9, 2017 . Mease PJ, Armstrong AW. Managing patients with psoriatic disease: the diagnosis and pharmacologic treatment of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis. Drugs. 2014; 74:423-441.

Novartis Media Relations

Central media line: +41 61 324 2200

E-mail: [email protected]





Eric Althoff Novartis Global Media Relations +41 61 324 7999 (direct) +41 79 593 4202 (mobile) [email protected] Jeannie Neufeld Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation +1 862 778 2104 (direct) +1 201 650 2728 (mobile) [email protected]





Novartis Investor Relations

Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944

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North America

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SOURCE Novartis
"Extraordinary activities and approaches occur in public schools every day because school boards and school leaders continually devise and employ innovative approaches to help students succeed," said Thomas J. Gentzel, Executive Director & CEO of the National School Boards Association. "The constant effort to enhance public education has produced an amazing array of learning opportunities spanning course selection, learning styles, and choice of school."

Public schools are not the monolith critics of public education make them out to be. CPE found that the broadest range of educational and extracurricular options exists in public schools. The report notes that while larger public high schools offer more program choices than smaller ones, even small public schools do better compared to private high schools in programs for which data is available: Gifted or Honors classes, Advanced Placement, and distance learning. High-poverty public schools also outpace private schools overall on high-level course offerings.

Other key findings in "Busting the Myth of 'one-size-fits all' public education," include:

Public high schools offer more educational and extracurricular options for students including the arts, Advanced Placement, Gifted or Honors classes, and distance learning opportunities than private schools.

Public schools are more likely to offer afterschool child care and tutoring or enrichment activities.

School counselors play a key role in students' learning and care: Eighty percent of public schools have at least one part-time counselor compared to only 32 percent of private schools.

The vast majority of public high schools offer access to hands-on college experience with almost all (98 percent) offering career preparation.

The majority of public school students have the option to transfer to schools within their districts or neighboring districts.

"The neighborhood public school remains the school of first choice for the large majority of families, as school districts offer a growing range of options in their efforts to better serve the different interests and needs of individual students," said Patte Barth, Director of the Center for Public Education. "This not only includes the nearly two-thirds of school-aged children who have access to public schools outside their attendance zone. As this report shows, curricular and extracurricular options abound inside the public school building, too, that are designed to engage students in learning."

School choice advocates tend to define educational choice in a binary way  with the sole focus on choice of school building. But that approach fails to recognize the number and range of options that are offered inside public school buildings. When it comes to choices and opportunities for students, CPE's report shows that public schools offer the broadest range of educational choices and are not "one-size-fits all."

Read the report, "Busting the Myth of 'one-size-fits all' Public Education," by Patte Barth and Chandi Wagner at http://bit.ly/2wO14Q5

For additional information and images from the report contact Charlotte Blane at [email protected] or 703-838-6231.

The National School Boards Association (NSBA) is the leading advocate for public education and supports equity and excellence in public education through school board leadership. NSBA believes education is a civil right necessary to the dignity and freedom of the American people, and all children should have equal access to an education that maximizes his or her individual potential. The association represents state school boards associations and their more than 90,000 local school board members throughout the U.S. www.nsba.org

The Center for Public Education (CPE) is a national resource for credible and practical information about public education and its importance to the well-being of our nation. CPE provides up-to-date research, data, and analysis on current education issues and explores ways to improve student achievement and engage public support for public schools. CPE is an initiative of the National School Boards Association. www.centerforpubliceducation.org.

SOURCE National School Boards Association

Related Links

https://www.nsba.org


WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) will host two workshops in San Diego at the Holiday Inn San Diego-Bayside, October 24 and 25, for directors of national community banks and federal savings associations supervised by the OCC.

The Compliance Risk workshop on October 24 combines lectures, discussion, and exercises on the critical elements of an effective compliance risk management program. The workshop also focuses on major compliance risks and critical regulations. Topics of discussion include the Bank Secrecy Act, Flood Disaster Protection Act, Fair Lending, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Community Reinvestment Act, and other compliance areas of interest.

The Operational Risk workshop on October 25 focuses on the key components of operational riskpeople, processes, and systems. The workshop also covers governance, third-party risk, vendor management, and cybersecurity.

The workshop fee is $99. Participants receive a pre-workshop reading package and course materials, and assorted supervisory publications. The workshop is limited to the first 35 registrants.

The workshops are taught by experienced OCC staff and are offered nationwide to enhance and expand the skills of national community bank and federal savings association directors. To register for this workshop, visit www.occ.gov/occworkshops.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") charters and oversees a nationwide system of national banks and federal savings associations and assures that these banking institutions are safe and sound, competitive, and capable of serving the banking needs of their customers in the best possible manner. OCC press releases and other information are available at http://www.occ.gov. To receive OCC press releases and issuances by e-mail, subscribe at http://www.occ.gov/subscribe/occ-email-list-service.html.

SOURCE Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Related Links

http://www.occ.gov


STAMFORD, Conn., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Stamford, Conn.-based private equity firm Olympus Partners is pleased to announce the sale of The Ritedose Corporation, a leading manufacturer of respiratory and ophthalmic drugs. Ritedose is the foremost pharmaceutical manufacturer utilizing "blow-fill-seal" technology, where a container is formed, filled, and sealed in a continuous, highly automated process inside a sterile enclosed machine in a "clean room" facility. Olympus acquired the company in 2009 and since that time has grown to the second largest generic respiratory player, launched its own generic pharmaceutical brand, increased production capacity by 80%, and expanded into new therapeutic categories such as dry eye.

Umesh Dalvi, CEO of The Ritedose Corporation, commented that, "Olympus has been a great partner, contributing valuable insight and support of growth strategies, building the TRC and RDP brands, and investing significant capital, all with a long term perspective in mind."

Jim Conroy, a Managing Partner at Olympus, remarked that, "Umesh and his team at Ritedose have done a remarkable job building Ritedose into the world class company it is today. They have demonstrated an ability to grow through multiple avenues and we look forward to watching that growth continue."

Founded in 1988, Olympus Partners is a private equity firm focused on providing equity capital for management buyouts and for companies needing capital for expansion. Olympus is an active, long-term investor across a broad range of industries, including restaurants, consumer products, healthcare services, financial services and business services. Olympus manages in excess of $5.5 billion primarily on behalf of corporate pension funds, endowment funds and state-sponsored retirement programs.

The Olympus team included Jim Conroy, Evan Eason, Jason Miller, Griffin Barstis, and Michael Cueter. Ritedose was represented in the sale by William Blair and Robert W. Baird with legal representation from Kirkland & Ellis.

SOURCE Olympus Partners
BOSTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Open Dining, a leading online ordering provider, has announced a partnership with LevelUp to help restaurants increase mobile order-ahead orders. The partnership enables restaurant merchants using Open Dining's ordering platform to be listed within the LevelUp app and Chase Pay. This additional, free exposure puts local restaurant menus in the hands of millions of consumers looking for lunch options - driving individual restaurant growth at scale.

LevelUp's network comprises millions of potential consumers who look for speed, convenience and reliability when placing mobile order-ahead orders at their favorite restaurants. Customers interact with this network through LevelUp's consumer-facing app and partner apps like Chase Pay. As LevelUp continues to announce new channel distribution partners, Open Dining's restaurants will be exposed to more and more new consumers.

"Our partnership with Open Dining opens up new customer acquisition channels for restaurants, while adding more options for our partners' users to order from," said Seann Moriarty, head of partnerships at LevelUp.

Open Dining restaurant partners will benefit from new customers, resulting in an increase in order volume and will see an advantage from an awareness standpoint based on name exposure through these distribution channels.

"Consumers demand apps and products that fit their lifestyle and streamline their everyday activities. This partnership with LevelUp is a powerful way for our restaurant merchants to get more orders from mobile channels - putting their brand in the hands of more consumers than ever before," said Tim Ridgely, CEO of Open Dining.

The integration between Open Dining and LevelUp creates a streamlined experience for restaurants and their customers. Argo Tea, a client of both Open Dining and LevelUp, has already seen positive results from the partnership. When a customer places an order through Argo Tea's mobile app, the order-ahead capability is powered by LevelUp and the order is routed through Open Dining's system.

"Our customers enjoy the benefits of both the Open Dining and LevelUp platforms, with the ease of use from our custom mobile application," said Simon Simonian, VP of Systems and Talent at Argo Tea. "This ensures that they'll receive the same high quality of service whether they are placing orders in-store or via mobile."

About LevelUp

LevelUp aims to build the next-generation mobile payment network, connecting consumers and merchants with a seamless payments experience that blends payments, analytics and rewards. LevelUp is bringing this technology to market in three distinct ways; via the LevelUp app which lets consumers order-ahead and skip the line at their favorite lunch spots, embedded into partner restaurant apps to provide a full-stack customer engagement solution, and via an open developer platform that powers over 200 mobile apps. LevelUp is based in Boston, MA and backed by leading investors such as Google Ventures, Highland Capital and JPMorgan Chase.

About Open Dining

Open Dining provides best-in-class web, mobile and social ordering solutions to boost restaurant revenue, profitability, and customer lifetime value. The Open Dining system is highly customizable to suit a restaurant's specific operational needs, including Point of Sale-integrated order notifications. Open Dining makes advanced technology solutions accessible to restaurants of all sizes, by working to apply and streamline today's latest technology for food-service-specific applications, giving restaurants a distinct competitive advantage.

SOURCE LevelUp

Related Links

https://www.thelevelup.com


ZHUHAI, China, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Following more than a year of preparation, the opening ceremony of the 2nd Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians was held in the Zhuhai Huafa & CPAA Grand Theatre in Zhuhai, China on the evening of September 12.

Guests attending the opening ceremony included members of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, president of the Chinese Musicians Association and famous composer YE Xiaogang; and member of Zhuhai CPC Municipal Committee and the committee's Publicity Department director LONG Guangyan. The "all-star" jury comprising 15 leading musicians from within China as well as from abroad, including Austrian pianist and the event's artistic director for piano Klaus Kaufmann, Austrian violinist and the event's artistic director for the violin Paul Roczek, French pianist, conductor and jury chairman for piano Michel Beroff, and German classical violinist and jury chairman for the violin Friedemann Eichhorn, also attended the opening ceremony.

Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians is a comprehensive international non-profit communications event for young musicians, approved by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China under the aegis of the Guangdong Province Department of Culture, co-hosted by the Zhuhai Municipal People's Government and the Mozarteum University of Salzburg, Austria, and organized by Zhuhai Huafa Group. As an internationally influential cultural event, the competition, since its inception, has enjoyed the support of the Chinese Musicians Association as well as the Austrian Embassy in China and has been widely acclaimed across social circles. The event has joined the Alink-Argerich Foundation and become an internationally recognized art brand, gaining influence across the international art world.

The opening concert was deemed a success. Macao Orchestra, a distinguished Asian ensemble, performed at the concert, with renowned conductor LU Jia serving both as the orchestra's artistic director and conductor at the event. One of last year's winning violinists HE Ziyu and winning pianists Mao Fujita also performed at the concert. The Macau Bride Suite, composed by YE Xiaogang, pushed the concert to an exciting climax. The event was a true blend of Chinese and Western culture, culminating in a wonderful evening.

http://www.zhmozart.org

SOURCE Zhuhai Huafa Modern Service Klc Holdings Ltd
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- OPNFV, an open source project that facilitates the development and evolution of Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) components across various open source ecosystems through integration, deployment, and testing, today announced the Institute for Information Industry (III), an organization dedicated to increasing innovative IT applications while facilitating the development of a knowledge-based economy in Taiwan, has joined the project. III enriches OPNFV's research capabilities, expanding the community's research arm even further across the globe, helping the industry prepare for next-generation network technologies.

The newest member joins OPNFV as the community prepares to launch its fifth platform release, OPNFV Euphrates, and solidifies plans for the fourth OPNFV Plugfest. Hosted by Intel, the event takes place December 4-8, 2017 in Hillsboro, Ore., and will focus on interoperability of the OPNFV platform in deployment, network integration, VNF applications, and more. OPNFV Plugfest provides a platform for the community to work with hardware from both open source and commercial vendors and try out various combinations of components. Developers who are both OPNFV members and non-members are welcome to attend. More informationincluding registration detailsis available here: http://events.linuxfoundation.org/events/opnfv-plugfest.

"III brings a wealth of expertise in research and innovation to the OPNFV community, and we are pleased to welcome them as the newest member," said Heather Kirksey, director, OPNFV. "Concurrently, preparations for our next Plugfest are underway and we expect even greater collaboration among the community following the release of OPNFV Euphrates. We look forward to seeing the community progress as a result of contributions from both III and the upcoming Plugfest."

About III

Over the past 40 years, III has taken part in planning and promoting public policies related to IT innovation. It has contributed to pioneering research and development across information and communication technology sectors, including applications, training and education, and is a leader in building Taiwan's national IT infrastructure. Currently, III is focused on helping the government of Taiwan promote and prepare for next-generation mobile networks, including 5G.

"Joining OPNFV enables us to further accelerate open source NFV in Taiwan. Integration of resources across universities, research institutions, service providers, vendors, and other industries within OPNFV is important, especially as the entire global industry prepares for 5G," Dr. Ming-Whe. Feng, Vice President and Director General, III. "We've already been collaborating closely with Okinawa Open Labs (OOL), another OPNFV member, to implement cross-lab testing and solutions development, including OPNFV Functest. We are eager to deepen our work with the OPNFV community."

OPNFV will also be taking part in Open Source Networking Days (OSN Days) 9 - 19 October, a series of regional events in Paris, Milan, Stockholm, London, Tel Aviv, and Tokyo, hosted and organized by local members and Open Source Networking user groups, with support from open source networking projects within The Linux Foundation: DPDK, FD.io, ONAP, OpenDaylight, OPNFV, PNDA, and others. In addition to technical sessions, tutorials and workshops, attendees will hear from community experts on the state of the industry, collaboration and touch points between projects that make up the open source networking stack, the business opportunities enabled by network transformation. More information is available and registration is open here: https://sites.google.com/linuxfoundation.org/osndays/home.

About the Open Platform for NFV (OPNFV)

Open Platform for NFV (OPNFV) facilitates the development and evolution of NFV components across various open source ecosystems. Through system level integration, deployment and testing, OPNFV creates a reference NFV platform to accelerate the transformation of enterprise and service provider networks. For more information, please visit http://www.opnfv.org.

OPNFV is Collaborative Project at the Linux Foundation. Linux Foundation Collaborative Projects are independently funded software projects that harness the power of collaborative development to fuel innovation across industries and ecosystems. www.linuxfoundation.org.

Additional Resources

Get Involved

Download OPNFV Danube

OPNFV Resources

OPNFV Blog

Upcoming Events

Media Inquires

Jill Lovato

OPNFV Project

[email protected]

SOURCE OPNFV

Related Links

http://http://www.opnfv.org


NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Overture, a company that sits at the nexus of technology and humanitarianism, today announced its new partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to convene leading corporate and technology executivesalong with global environmental expertsto develop and advance solutions addressing water scarcity and security, and the health of our world's oceans.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) ranks the water crisis among the top global risks to prosperity for the last ten yearsmaking it the highest risk to global prosperity of the decade. With more than half of the world's 100 largest cities living in water-stressed areas, water security has risen to a crisis-level imperative. Our oceans are not faring much better. As much as 40 percent of the world's oceans are heavily affected by human activities, disrupting global fisheries, coastal habitats and the three billion people who depend on them to survive.

Overture and the Conservancy will kick-off their partnership with a full-day event to address our world's most pressing water and ocean challenges. Among other topics, the organizations will work to find actionable solutions for:

Green Infrastructure : By 2030, the world will need to spend an estimated USD $10 trillion to repair and expand water infrastructure to support a growing population and protect against climate-related events.[i] But nature and tech have a role to play. Overture and TNC will explore how natural solutions can protect our coasts, combat droughts and provide water for cities with the help of technology.

: By 2030, the world will need to spend an estimated USD to repair and expand water infrastructure to support a growing population and protect against climate-related events.[i] But nature and tech have a role to play. Overture and TNC will explore how natural solutions can protect our coasts, combat droughts and provide water for cities with the help of technology. Water security : With implications for economic growth, political stability, agriculture production and energy access, water security is critical to ensuring a future world is prosperous for all. Overture and TNC will convene leaders and innovators to discuss why a reliable source of clean water can be transformative for people and nature.

: With implications for economic growth, political stability, agriculture production and energy access, water security is critical to ensuring a future world is prosperous for all. Overture and TNC will convene leaders and innovators to discuss why a reliable source of clean water can be transformative for people and nature. Healthy Oceans: With stakeholders spread across industry, government, NGOs, public consumers and local communities, guaranteeing a healthy ocean for people and nature is a complex issue. Overture and TNC will focus on how the tech industry can contribute to sustainable development goals  reducing plastics and nutrient pollution, protecting coastal ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable fisheries for food security  and leverage technology to solve the problem.

The event will bring together leaders from corporations, nonprofits and academic institutions to move towards collaborative solutions. A report, as well as ongoing content, will be produced by and for event attendees. Visit us here to see our ongoing work.

"We are inspired by this important partnership with The Nature Conservancy and can't wait to put thoughts into action," said Donnovan Andrews, CEO of Overture. "Over the past 18 months, Overture has brought leaders together on global humanitarian issues such as the refugee crisis and gender equality. We're confident that together with TNC and other global leaders, we will have the expertise and passion to gather the best perspectives, leaders and organizations whom are aware of the current problems and the potential solutions."

Many leaders and brands are already seeing this as an opportunity to get involved and pull together the resources needed to combat these problems. With that, companies are partnering to put a large effort towards working with Overture and TNC on solving water issues.

"These issues are complex and dynamic. They challenge us to bring our best thinking to the table, to work across sectors, and to come up with innovative solutions that can get to scale," said Andrea Erickson of The Nature Conservancy. "We are excited to combine Overture's convening power and expertise on humanitarian issues with the Conservancy's global, science-driven conservation. I'm confident that this collaboration, inclusive of many other partners, can help realize new ways for people and nature to thrive together."

Overture is a nearly two-year old company bringing together major technology, corporate, pharmaceutical and governmental companies and organizations to enact change, advance technological innovation and incite constructive conversations that have the power to benefit mankind across the globe. With a passion to accelerate change through collaboration and technology, Overture has already brought some of the biggest names aboard to help tackle global humanitarian issues, including companies such as Spotify, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, United Nations, T3, DataKind, UN OCHA, USAID, World Policy Institute and S'well, among others.

About Overture

Overture is headquartered in New York. Our goal is to advance and curate the intersection between technology and humanitarianism: Digital Humanitarianism. We foster periodic gatherings to establish meaningful dialogues, and to strategically activate the development and support of regional and global tech solutions to help solve issues plaguing humanity. www.overtureglobal.io

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in more than 65 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

[i] Development Finance, 2016.

Contact: Todd Ringler  617.872.1235

[email protected]

SOURCE OVERTURE

Related Links

http://www.overtureglobal.io


This event marks the largest supplier meeting held by Pagoda Group in its 15-year history and the first of its kind in Hong Kong. The event has been widely reported by EuroFresh, AsiaFruit and other international media.

For the past 15 years, Pagoda has tirelessly developed its overseas supply chains. This reputable effort was reflected by an impressive international procurement report released by Pagoda, which provided core indicators such as procurement scale, growth rate, origin procurement and in-depth cooperation.

In 5 years, international fruit procurement achieved sales growth of over 30 times.

In 2002, Pagoda opened China's first and only franchised fruit chain store when diverse chain-store industry patterns had only begun to emerge. There was no precedent for a global fruit chain store and as a result, the industry lacked a talent pool for fruit business management. Facing these problems and difficulties head on, Huiyong Yu, Founder of Pagoda and Chairman of the Board of Directors, did not waver. Instead, he saw an opportunity to become the world's "King of Fruit Chain Stores". According to Huiyong Yu, "There is no precedent because everyone is aware of the overwhelming odds and shrinks back in the face of difficulties. If it wasn't this way, Pagoda would never have this opportunity, which is why we must live up to it." In the first year, Pagoda's annual sales only amounted to RMB 560 thousand.

Pagoda has traversed the fruit industry without any reference to work from for 10 years. In 2012, 344 of its own chain stores were put into operation. During the same year, Pagoda set a short-term goal of reaching an annual sales volume of RMB 4 billion in the coming 5 years - a great leap for any company with an annual sales volume of less than RMB 700 million. Five years later, however, it was clear that Pagoda would achieve its goal. Annual sales reached RMB 6 billion early in 2016. There were more than 2,500 chain stores across China by the end of this August.

Fruit supply chains constitute a key factor that supported Pagoda's rapid development while overseas supply chains played an increasingly important role throughout. In 2017, the number of overseas suppliers increased to 64 from the original 5 suppliers in 2012. Compared to RMB 148 million of a sales volume in 2012, fruit imports are anticipated to grow to approximately RMB 4,500 million by the end of 2017, representing a development trend within China's fruit market.

In 2015, the total value of imported fruits exceeded USD 6 billion - which broke the record for fruit import in the past ten years - increasing by 17% year on year. The dramatic increase of fruit imports is mainly contributed to the upgrade of domestic consumption in China, in which consumption patterns are undergoing a far-reaching shift towards quality, brand, and diversity-orientation. Growing demand for quality fruits underpins the market share of imported fruits at higher prices and superior quality conveniently.

According to CITIC Securities Research, China's GDP per capita reached USD 8,866 in 2016. By 2020, the domestic fruit market capacity is expected to reach RMB 3 trillion while the fresh fruit industry and per capita consumption enter a period of remarkable growth.

To take hold of this opportunity, Pagoda has attached great importance to fruit supply chains, especially overseas ones of growing significance. Below is Pagoda's strategy to extensively develop its overseas supply chains.

Pagoda Extends its Rapid Shipping Export Standards Globally

In 2016, imported fruits directly procured from Pagoda's own fruit bases contributed to 15% of the total imported fruits; in 2017, that proportion doubled. By 2020, it is anticipated that imported fruits directly purchased from overseas bases will reach 60%. In Pagoda's words, "it has simplified the procurement procedures, reduced costs to lower prices, and ensured the quality of fruits to the greatest degree through seamless information docking and a high level of sales and procurement collaboration".

The sulfur-free Thai Longan is a fine example. From November 2016 to March 2017, Pagoda delivered Thai Longan in containers from the east of Thailand by charter to provide fresh and flavorful Thai Longan for its consumers. Fruits were collected and packed from the origin in the morning and delivered to Pagoda's outlets to ensure customers could be served with fresh fruits in the evening. Pagoda has earned a good reputation because of these successful attempts to achieve a satisfactory sales performance.

Apart from the sulfur-free Thai Longan, another example is the on-tree ripened durian. This idea was first put forward by Pagoda in 2006. Because durian is a climacteric fruit, it is usually collected at 60% ripeness, which, without a doubt, has considerable influence on the original flavor of the fruit. To provide customers with a "naturally ripened" durian, Pagoda has established a special supply chain of Thai durians according to the characteristics of individual fruits, with which the durians at 90% of ripeness are collected and delivered to Pagoda's outlets and others are not. With the catalytic ripening during the delivery process, customers can enjoy 100% naturally ripened durians.

Peter Zhu, Head of Pagoda's International Procurement Business Department, has visited over 20 countries in the past 2 years in order to provide more overseas fruits to Chinese consumers. In the process of exploring the origins of superior fruit resources, Peter Zhu and his team have successfully enlisted cooperations of direct procurement of 22 overseas locations including the U.S. (cherry), Peru (grape), Mexico (avocado), Israel (pomelo), South Africa (conserves) and Thailand (durian), etc. Taking the Muscat from Santa Elena for example, the aspermous grape derived from wine grapes presents a favorable pallet and unique fragrance. In 2017, the gross output of Muscat was 148 containers including 27 exported to China - among which Pagoda purchased 13 containers accounting for 48.2% of the total import volume in China. Pagoda's customers are provided with worldwide fruits of superior quality conveniently.

Furthermore, U.S. cherry plums were mainly delivered to China by air in the past, leading to relatively high costs. After Pagoda's participation in 2012, sea transportation was adopted in order to effectively reduce cost without impairing fruit quality - with the price of sea transportation having an advantage over air transportation by RMB 8/kg. Now, customers can buy the fruit from retail ends at a lower price and allow U.S. cherry plum growers to clear their fruits. In 2017, the gross output of U.S. cherry plums reached 93 containers including 12.5 exported to China, among which Pagoda purchased 11 containers of the fruit - 88.5% of the total import volume.

"The major difficulty of direct procurement from overseas bases lies in output standards", said Peter Zhu. "No matter if it's collecting 90% naturally ripened durians or purchasing cherry plums," he added. In addition to domestic supply chains, Pagoda has established overseas output standards as well. According to Pagoda's fruit standard system, maintaining close communication with every cooperative partner and provide fruit products in strict accordance with the corresponding standards is required.

Educating Chinese Consumers, Developing China's Market

Pagoda is not only in search of overseas procurement and trade cooperation but also exploring opportunities to make upstream investments abroad. For example, avocados have become a popular fruit in the Chinese market in the past two years. Its emergence and popularity are closely related to Pagoda's investment in the fruit.

As CBN Weekly reported, to help educate Chinese consumers, Pagoda has provided customers with avocado eating guides and free avocados in its outlets since 2013. This is an exemplar of Pagoda's business concept, i.e. seeking business development and increasing market share through customer education rather than taking advantage of consumers who lack knowledge of certain fields. In April 2017, to increase the market share of the avocado and offer better products to Chinese consumers, Pagoda, Mission Produce, and Lantao founded an avocado joint venture in Shanghai Free Trade Zone and launched an instant avocado brand "Mr. Avocado"; it is also the first avocado ripening center in China.

So far, through their joint efforts, "Mr. Avocado" has obtained favorable market feedback and recognition from consumers within a short time. Sales volume of Mr. Avocado has shown growth from one container to three containers per week. After the instant avocado product was launched, in three months time, the sales volume of avocado-related products of Pagoda's outlets in Shanghai has increased by over 400%. Clearly, the ready-to-eat avocado is dramatically altering consumption habits.

In addition to pioneering new fruit products, such as avocados, in China, Pagoda is also good at remodeling "potential fruits". The South African Fuji is an apple originally exported to Malaysia that intermittently came to the attention of Peter Zhu. Thanks to Pagoda, it was eventually introduced to the Chinese market in 2016. To do so, Pagoda rolled out a trial sale of five containers and obtained a desirable response from the market. In 2017, Pagoda plans to order 31 containers of the fruit. However, the supplier has a limited gross output is unlikely to meet future demand. In this case, Pagoda has successfully changed "Fuji", the previously unmarketable fruit, into a popular product in the Chinese market.

Pagoda is always willing to develop and introduce more overseas products, especially fruits that have sales channels in other countries but not in China. Cooperation with suppliers regardless of sizes and volumes is always desired. The Rockit apple from New Zealand for example, half of all Rockit apples in China are sold by Pagoda and it was introduced to the Chinese market just last year.

Impressively, Pagoda owns over 2,500 outlets in China and expanding at the pace of 4-5 new outlets every day. With an online-to-offline marketing system and 23 million high-end members, Pagoda is confident when it comes to building successfully fruit brands. Pagoda, to a certain extent, is a brand incubator as well as a channel brand.

As to future development, Pagoda expects to open its 10,000 outlets by 2020 and substantially increase the quantity of imported fruits. By 2030, the overseas procurement fund is projected to be RMB 13 billion including RMB 7.8 billion for direct procurement of fruit bases. By 2020, imported durians are expected to reach 4,589 containers while coconut and cherry products are anticipated to reach 1,191 and 980 containers respectively.

Peter Zhu remarked, "At the same time, overseas trade cooperation will be gradually transformed into strategic cooperation while we undergo a shift from short-term purchases and sales cooperation to comprehensive, in-depth and diversified cooperation that allows both simple trade patterns and profound whole-industry chain cooperation not limited to purchase, trade patterns, vegetation, post-collection treatment, cooperation and investment projects."

SOURCE Pagoda
Next week, Just Bakery will open a retail store in partnership with Porchlight, Inc. on the east side of the city. The store will sell goods made by the formerly incarcerated and the homeless.
ROSEMEAD, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Panda Express, America's favorite Chinese kitchen, and Wong Fu Productions, an independent digital production company, today announced their partnership to celebrate Panda Express' New American Comfort Food campaign and its newest menu offering, Peking Pork, available on Sept. 27. The collaboration will include three videos inspired by American Chinese food, starting with the release of the first one, titled "What Do You Want To Eat?" The video humorously chronicles the battle every couple endures when deciding where to eat.

This partnership marks Panda Express' first collaboration with an influencer group to support a national campaign. The relationship hopes to ignite a broader conversation around how Americans define comfort food and the influence American Chinese food has on the national food scene.

"We are proud to partner with Wong Fu to create content that highlights the important impact of Chinese-inspired recipes and cooking on American food culture," said Andrea Cherng, chief marketing officer of Panda Restaurant Group. "Decades after its introduction, American Chinese cuisine has earned its place as feel-good comfort food for many in the U.S.; and we wish to celebrate this privileged position through our work with the Wong Fu team."

With a global following of more than 4.1 million fans, Wong Fu is a leading Asian American production company specializing in short films and sketches created by emerging artists and filmmakers. Since it was founded in 2003, Wong Fu has been a pioneer in digital content development and is praised for its authentic representation of Asian American culture.

To further celebrate America's love of comfort food, Panda Express and Wong Fu will host a contest on social media now through Sept. 25. The contest is a call for fans to submit a photo, video or GIF that describes their meaning of comfort with the hashtag #MyKindOfComfortContest. Selected winners will receive a free meal of their favorite American Chinese comfort food entrees from Panda Express personally delivered by Wong Fu.

The second and third videos will be released later this year and fans will also see Wong Fu integrations within Panda Express' national advertising campaign, as well as in social media promotions.

To keep an eye on the partnership, follow Wong Fu on YouTube, as well as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. For more information on Panda Express, please visit www.PandaExpress.com. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

About Panda Express

Panda Express, America's favorite Chinese kitchen, is best known for its wide variety of original recipes including its Original Orange Chicken, SweetFire Chicken Breast, award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp and Shanghai Angus Steak. Founded in 1983 and now with more than 1,900 locations throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, Guatemala, Canada, Mexico, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Korea, and Japan, Panda Express is part of the family owned and operated Panda Restaurant Group, the world leader in Asian dining experiences that also includes Panda Inn and Hibachi-San. For more information, visit pandaexpress.com, or follow on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

SOURCE Panda Express

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pegasus Solutions today announces the hiring of two key executives across its global sales teams. Heinrich Kessler will oversee the company's sales efforts in the EMEA and ASPAC regions, and Glenn Wirick will oversee sales and marketing efforts in the Americas.

Kessler joins Pegasus after serving as SVP of Business Development at Sabre Hospitality Solutions, and SVP of Global Sales for Trust International. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality and travel software sector to lead global sales efforts in regions in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

Wirick joins the company to drive new business development in the Americas and establish a modernized global sales and marketing organization. Prior to joining Pegasus, Wirick served in sales and leadership roles for software and technology companies including NetSuite, InsightSoftware, IBM and JD Edwards across multiple industry verticals including hospitality and real estate.

"At Pegasus we believe that the disruptive forces of creative destruction are never far off and that we must continually evolve across our teams and solutions, improving our capabilities ever more quickly," said Pegasus CEO Sean Lenahan. "As our company expands its product development efforts and looks to enter a new period of growth, the fusion of Heinrich's deep industry knowledge and relationships with Glenn's enterprise software sales and leadership talents enable our business development team to aggressively compete and win new business."

Kessler and Wirick join Pegasus as the company re-emerges in the marketplace, increasing its investment in new product and service capabilities. The company is preparing for the launch of its new mobile internet booking engine and enhanced connectivity solutions with demand partners scheduled for release this year.

About Pegasus Solutions

Pegasus is a leading global technology provider that empowers independent hotels, hotel groups and chains to grow their businesses in a digital world. The company provides a comprehensive offering of cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) systems and services that are designed to help hoteliers connect with their guests, increase profitability and maximize productivity. The Pegasus offering combines its highly scalable and reliable SaaS platform with representation and demand services, uniquely enabling hoteliers to sell to guests worldwide across all touch points, including their websites, call centers and front desks, and through all channels, including direct to consumer, travel agents (GDS), online travel agents, tour operators and metasearch partners.

Contact: Megan Munson

Phone: (480) 624-6672

Mobile: (619) 417-5884

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Pegasus Solutions

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TYSONS, Va., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PenFed Credit Union President and CEO James Schenck encourages the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board to vote on September 28 for credit unions to receive rebates in 2018 of excess assessments paid during the aftermath of the Great Recession.

Federally insured credit unions paid $4.8 billion in assessments to the Temporary Corporate Credit Union Stabilization Fund from 2009-2013. Since then, NCUA has earned legal recoveries of nearly $5 billion to replenish the fund.

"PenFed commends NCUA for managing the Stabilization Fund out of the financial crisis and into a surplus," said Schenck. "We thank NCUA Chairman J. Mark McWatters and Board Member Rick Metsger for their initiative to begin returning that surplus to credit unions in 2018rather than waiting until the Stabilization Fund expires in 2021."

"The timing of the vote to finalize the proposal will be critical," said Schenck. "If the NCUA Board votes to merge the Stabilization Fund into the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund before the end of the federal Fiscal Year on September 30, 2017, NCUA could begin paying rebates to credit unions in 2018."

PenFed's position on the rebate timing aligns with the Credit Union National Association. CUNA President and CEO Jim Nussle noted the association's comment letter "supports NCUA closing the Temporary Corporate Credit Union Stabilization Fund as soon as possible. Furthermore, CUNA member credit unions request the NCUA to return money from the funds as soon as possible so they can put the funds to work form their members. Closing the TCCUSF in 2017 with a distribution in 2018 to credit unions is the most efficient and only legal way to transfer credit union funds back to credit unions. CUNA thanks the NCUA Board for listening to and working with credit unions on a plan to close the TCCUSF, and for publishing this proposal for public comment."

About PenFed Credit Union

Established in 1935 as the War Department Credit Union, PenFed Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in the country, serving over 1.6 million members worldwide with more than $22.8 billion in assets. Our long-standing mission has been to provide superior financial services in a cost-effective manner, while being responsive to members' needs. PenFed Credit Union offers market-leading mortgages, automobile loans, credit cards, student loans, checking, certificates, and a wide range of other financial services with its members' interests always in mind. PenFed Credit Union serves a diverse population, and no military service is required to join. PenFed Credit Union offers many paths to membership, including numerous employee groups and association affiliations. PenFed Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an equal housing lender. To learn more about PenFed Credit Union, visit PenFed.org, like us on Facebook and follow us @PenFed on Twitter. Interested in working for PenFed? Check us out on LinkedIn. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer: M/F/V/D.

About the Credit Union National Association

Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America's credit unions, which are owned by 110 million consumer members. CUNA, along with its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, delivers unwavering advocacy, continuous professional growth and operational confidence to protect the best interests of all credit unions. For more information about CUNA, visit cuna.org.

SOURCE PenFed Credit Union

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The addition of Mr. Shields reflects Performance Trust's continued expansion into Equity Capital Markets. According to Richard S. Berg, CEO and Co-Founder of Performance Trust, "We are continuously striving to grow and provide more value for our clients now and in the future. Having Matt join our team is a win and will strengthen our offerings for clients." The addition of Mr. Shields and the growth of the Equity Capital Markets group will allow Performance Trust to provide services for initial public offerings, private placements, corporate repurchases, and more.

Matthew Shields joins Performance Trust at a pivotal time: "Performance Trust is widely respected in the financial services industry. Driven by values and methodology, the people at PT are always looking to do the right thing for their clients and put their clients' needs first," Mr. Shields said. "It's a high-integrity company which aims to build trusting relationships with clients. That approach is a great fit for me and a perfect opportunity to better serve my clients."

In his new role, Mr. Shields will help Performance Trust expand upon current efforts to improve long-term performance and to deliver increased shareholder value for financial institutions. The firm's Investment Banking team is composed of investment banking professionals with over 150 collective years of financial services experience. They have completed over 170 bank deals representing over $40 billion in assets; 12 investment advisory deals with over $10 billion in AUM; and 11 insurance agency deals with over $60 million in revenue.

Mr. Shields joins Performance Trust after most recently serving as Managing Director of Equity Capital Markets and Head of Trading at Hovde Group. Throughout his career, Mr. Shields has led the efforts to build exceptional sales and trading desks and has assisted in the placement of over one billion dollars in capital for community banks nationwide through various investment strategies.

Additionally, Mr. Shields has forged deep relationships with institutional investors and banks while leading them to fulfill their goals in the Equity Capital Markets sector.

Mr. Shields holds an MBA from The University of Georgia and a Bachelor's Degree in economics and legal studies from Ithaca College. He is based in Atlanta, GA.

To learn more about Matthew Shields's experience and the Investment Banking group at Performance Trust Capital Partners, visit our website.

About Performance Trust Capital Partners

Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC is committed to helping financial institutions improve their long-term performance and deliver shareholder value. We teach them our Shape Management methodologythe disciplined application of Total Return and Scenario Analysisin order to help them better quantify and execute risk/reward decisions. By understanding the true nature of the risk/reward scenarios they are faced with, institutions will be able to make better decisions and generate wealth potential over time. For more information, go to www.performancetrust.com.

Contact

Alex Chipparoni

Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC

312-521-1433

[email protected]

SOURCE Performance Trust Capital Partners

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FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, a full-service residential plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company, is encouraging homeowners to prepare for winter this fall by scheduling a routine maintenance appointment.

A total breakdown isn't the only sign of a heating problem. Most heat failure scenarios can be prevented. Unusual sounds or smells, uneven heating, inefficient heating, or even a sudden spike in the energy bill can mean a problem is occurring within the heating system.

"Winter is always a busy time for us because homeowners don't realize why they should schedule routine maintenance before it gets cold," said Mike Nicholson, owner of Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. "We want to help our customers be proactive in their preparation for winter. By preparing now for the inevitable cold of winter, we can help them with the long-term care of their home."

According to Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, you will see the following benefits from an annual heating system tune-up:

Increase Efficiency : Making sure all parts of a heating unit are functioning to full potential will save on the amount of energy being expended. In turn, this will cut down on heating costs to save money.

: Making sure all parts of a heating unit are functioning to full potential will save on the amount of energy being expended. In turn, this will cut down on heating costs to save money. Avoid Big Problems : Going through an annual tune-up gives a professional technician time to survey the equipment and find any potentially damaging problems. If left untreated, these problems can become big expenses in the future.

: Going through an annual tune-up gives a professional technician time to survey the equipment and find any potentially damaging problems. If left untreated, these problems can become big expenses in the future. Ensure Warranty : Tuning a heating system can prevent many winter problems by ensuring proper and effective usage thus keeping the warranty viable. Heater and boiler manufacturers often require routine maintenance in order to keep the guarantee of their warranty. Neglect to do so can lead to expensive repairs down the road.

: Tuning a heating system can prevent many winter problems by ensuring proper and effective usage thus keeping the warranty viable. Heater and boiler manufacturers often require routine maintenance in order to keep the guarantee of their warranty. Neglect to do so can lead to expensive repairs down the road. Prolong Equipment Life: Scheduled maintenance will assure all parts of the equipment are working according to their factory settings. Skilled technicians can perform a filter, wire and blower check to help prolong the lifespan of the heating unit.

Nicholson employs highly trained service experts who pledge to provide the highest quality service, guaranteed. Nicholson employees are up to date with the latest in energy efficient technology to provide eco-friendly products that will reduce overall cost. If you're having trouble determining which heating system is best for your home, Nicholson technicians will guide you step-by-step through the process to be sure you're getting the right fit.

Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning's professional technicians can help prepare your home for winter and are ready to serve the greater MetroWest area. For more information about how to schedule a heating tune-up or what other services Nicholson provides, call 508-881-1500 or visit www.nicholson-hvac.com. Nicholson proudly offers discounts for seniors, veterans and disabled individuals.

About Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Based in Holliston, Massachusetts, Nicholson is a family-owned, full service residential plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company proudly serving all of the MetroWest area and beyond. Nicholson takes an all-encompassing approach to ensure clients reach the highest possible level of comfort, while staying within their budget. Nicholson was recently honored with the 2016 Carrier DCNE Outstanding Performance Award. The company offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and Solid Warranty. Nicholson is an Angie's List "Super Service Award" recipient. For more information, visit Nicholson at http://www.nicholson-hvac.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE Nicholson Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

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NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "The PTFE membrane market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% in terms of value during the forecast period"

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05099514

The PTFE membrane market was valued at USD 1.49 billion in 2015, and is projected to reach USD 2.32 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2016 to 2021. The increasing demand for PTFE membrane in the medical & pharmaceutical industry and water & wastewater treatment applications is driving the market. Increasing regulations related to air and water pollution has further increased the consumption of PTFE membrane across industries. However, high cost of PTFE membrane is restraining the market.

"Hydrophilic PTFE membrane is expected to be the fastest-growing type segment of the PTFE membrane market from 2016 to 2021"

Hydrophilic PTFE membrane is expected to be the fastest-growing type segment during the forecast period, owing to its demand in growing applications in the filtration of liquid chemicals in chemical processing, medical & pharmaceutical, and electronic chemicals.

"Water & wastewater treatment is projected to be the fastest-growing application segment of the PTFE membrane market from 2016 to 2021"

Water & wastewater treatment is expected to be the fastest-growing application segment during the forecast period, due to the growing awareness regarding water conservation and need for optimum utilization of water. This has increased the use of PTFE membrane in the same. Moreover, increasing water treatment projects across the globe coupled with growing need for water purification and treatment of industrial wastewater has further fueled the growth of PTFE membrane.

"Asia-Pacific is the largest regional market for PTFE membrane"

Asia-Pacific is the largest regional market for PTFE membrane. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing demand for PTFE membranes from various industries such as medical & pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, petrochemical, and food & beverage in the emerging countries of the region. In Asia-Pacific region, countries such as, China, Japan, and Indonesia are leading producers of food and beverage and have contributed to a significant share to this industry.

This study has been validated through primaries conducted with various industry experts worldwide. The primary sources have been divided into three categories, namely, company type, designation, and region.

 By Company Type - Tier 1 - 25%, Tier 2  40%, and Tier 3 - 35%

 By Designation - C Level -10%, Director Level - 10%, and Others - 80%

 By Region - North America - 5%, Europe - 30%, Asia-Pacific - 55%, Middle East & Africa - 5%, and South America-5%

Companies profiled in the report:

General Electric Company (U.S.), Corning Inc. (U.S.), Donaldson Company, Inc. (U.S.), W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (U.S.), Merck Millipore Co. (U.S.), Pall Corporation (U.S.), Sartorius AG (Germany), Layne Christensen Company (U.S.), Zeus Incorporation (U.S.), Markel Corporation (U.S.) and Hyundai Micro Co., (South Korea) are the major manufacturers in the PTFE membrane market.

Research Coverage:

The report offers an insight on PTFE membrane used across different applications, end-use industries, and regions. It aims at estimating the market size and future growth potential of this market across different segments such as, type, application, and region. Furthermore, the report also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key players in the market, along with their company profiles, SWOT analysis, recent developments, and key market strategies.

Key Benefits of Buying the Report:

The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market by providing them the closest approximations of the revenues for the overall PTFE membrane market and its subsegments. This report will help stakeholders better understand the competitor landscape, and gain more insights to better position their businesses and devise suitable market strategies. The report will also help stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and acquire information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities impacting the growth of the market.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05099514

About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

https://www.reportlinker.com

Contact Clare: [email protected]

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Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ranir, a global leader in private label consumer oral care products, has today announced the appointment of Scott Huff, former executive vice president of consumables and health and wellness, and Richelle Parham, most recently the chief marketing officer for eBay, to the company's board of directors.

Huff recently retired as executive vice president of the consumables and health and wellness divisions at Walmart. In this role, he drove merchandising strategies in areas such as beauty and personal care, pets, household paper and chemicals, baby, OTC, pharmacy and optical. At Walmart, Huff has also been responsible for merchandising execution, replenishment, store layout, supplier diversity, planning, pricing, modular development and joint business planning.

He joined Walmart in 1994 as an intern, moving up in a variety of buyer roles and eventually serving as merchandise manager. He was promoted to divisional merchandise manager in 2002 and then to vice president in 2003 with responsibility for snacks, beverages and alcohol. In 2007, he was promoted to regional vice president for region 26, covering Arkansas and southern Missouri.

Huff serves on the advisory councils for The Jones Center and the College of Business at Missouri State University.

Parham is a seasoned senior-level executive, who possess more than 20 years of global strategy and marketing experience for prolific corporations such as eBay, Visa, Digitas and Citibank. She has a proven track record of leading high-performing business and marketing teams, utilizing strategic and analytical decision-making expertise to successfully drive key business performance. In 2016, Parham joined Camden Partners, a leading private equity firm, as a general partner. Her focus is investing in growth stage global consumer companies. Prior to Camden Partners, Parham served 4.5 years as VP chief marketing officer of eBay where she leveraged her background in consumer and digital marketing to develop strategies and execute all marketing activities to reach 180+ million active eBay users. Parham was responsible, globally, for eBay brand strategy and brand marketing, Internet marketing and CRM. She was also responsible for all areas of eBay North American marketing, including customer product marketing, loyalty and relationship marketing, seller marketing and social.

Prior to joining eBay, Parham served as head of global marketing innovation and initiatives, and head of global marketing services at Visa Inc. Her experience also includes 13 years at Digitas, Inc., a world leading marketing agency, where she held a variety of senior leadership roles, including senior vice president and general manager of the agency's Chicago office. Throughout her career, Parham has received many awards and honors, which include being named to Savoy 2016 "Power 300, Most Influential Black Corporate Directors", Forbes 2014 "50 Most Influential CMOs in the World" ranked #12, and Fast Company "Most Creative People in Business 1000". Additionally, she received the Women of Influence award by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, while being inducted into the World Association for Cooperative Education Co-op Hall of Fame. A strong advocate of empowering female leaders through STEM programs, Parham is on the advisory board for Girls Who Code. She has also served on the board of directors for Scripps Network Interactive Inc. since 2012 and LabCorp since 2016.

Parham holds double bachelor's degrees in business administration and design arts from Drexel University. Additionally, she became a member of the Drexel University Board of Trustees in 2014.

"As Ranir continues to grow in the oral care industry with both private label and branded products, I'm thrilled to welcome two executives to the board who have a wealth of healthcare, marketing and brand expertise," said Rich Sorota, CEO of Ranir. "We continue to execute on the company's mission to provide millions of healthy, affordable smiles across the globe, and we look forward to Richelle and Scott joining the team and playing a role in Ranir's continued evolution."

About Ranir

Ranir is a leading global manufacturer of store brand private label consumer oral care products, including power and manual toothbrushes, teeth whiteners, dental floss and flossers. Founded in 1979, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Ranir serves retail customers globally and is committed to delivering affordable, healthy smiles in millions of households every day. Its products, which include some of the world's largest oral care store brands, can be found at major retailers in more than 40 countries. The consumer and customer insight driven research and development-focused company also owns, manufactures and markets the Plackers and REMBRANDT brands and proudly employs more than 750 associates worldwide. For more information, visit www.ranir.com.

SOURCE Ranir

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NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cambridge International Examinations, the world's largest provider of international education programs, announced that more U.S. students participated in the Cambridge Advanced program than ever before, completing a record number of Cambridge International AS and A Level exams in 2017, an increase of 23 percent over the prior school yearand nearly 60 percent since 2015. States with the largest growth in exam participation this year included Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, and Washington.

The growth in program participation in the U.S. has been driven by strong interest among U.S. districts for rigorous alternatives to traditional dual-credit programs, and a growing emphasis on a desire to raise standards, and encourage students to develop transferable skills like critical thinking and collaborationthe skills they need to succeed in a global economy.

The Cambridge Advanced program has been developed by Cambridge International Examinations, which is part of the University of Cambridge in England, one of the world's top five universities. It is part of an internationally benchmarked program that allows students to earn college-level credit in high school. Cambridge uniquely provides an instructional system across four stages (Primary through Advanced) aligning rigorous curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment for all students in grades K-12.

"Considering the versatility and academic benefits of Cambridge courses, it is exhilarating to see the Cambridge program growing at such a rapid rate in Palm Beach County and across the country," said Geoff McKee, Instructional Superintendent at the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida. "This program is stimulating creativity, intellectual curiosity, and academic growth for both students and teachers. The diversity of offerings and ownership of learning allow students at all levels to experience immense benefit from participation in the Cambridge curriculum."

Cambridge has also seen a large increase in the number of schools with a Cambridge program since 2015, up 28 percent. Cambridge English General Paper and Global Perspectives, which encourage learners to explore issues of global significance, were among the fastest growing subjects in terms of exams taken by students in U.S. schools.

"The interdisciplinary nature of the Cambridge curriculum provides students with the critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to succeed in college," said Greg Roberts, Dean of Admissions at the University of Virginia. "It is exciting to see more students pursuing rigorous educational opportunities that expose them to our global community. They're arriving to higher education prepared and curious."

Demand for Cambridge International Examinations has also accelerated as the number of U.S. colleges and universities that recognize Cambridge International exams has increased in recent years. More than 600 U.S. colleges and universities, including all members of the Ivy League, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Duke University, New York University, University of Washington, and University of Virginia now accept Cambridge exams for credit and placement. Earlier this year, the North Carolina State Board of Education announced that Cambridge courses now fulfill North Carolina high school graduation requirements and will carry advanced grade weighting with the University of North Carolina and North Carolina Community College Systems.

Each year, nearly 1 million students study in Cambridge programs worldwide, making more than 2 million exam entries. Globally, entries for Cambridge AS and A Level exams grew 10 percent this year. Outside the U.S., Cambridge's programs are offered at more than 10,000 schools in over 160 countries.

About Cambridge International Examinations

Cambridge International Examinations prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. We are part of Cambridge Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge. Our international qualifications are recognized by the world's best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career. As a not-for-profit organization, we devote our resources to delivering high-quality educational programs that can unlock learners' potential.

SOURCE Cambridge International Examinations
PROVIDENCE, R.I., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Construction Specification Institute (CSI), a national association dedicated to improving the construction industry through construction communications, announced its renewed partnership with leading specifications content and software company, Building Systems Design (BSD) today. The relationship will give CSI members access to a unique combination of building technology and know-how targeted to make specifiers more productive, efficient and collaborative.

"We are proud to support BSD in developing cutting-edge technology that will enable us to develop a comprehensive view of the current specification writer," said Mark Dorsey, CEO of CSI. "This is the first time an association and a technology company have come together to offer this type of information to industry professionals."

The renewed partnership also brings with it new leadership in industry experts Arol Wolford and Iain Melville. Wolford and Melville will be joining BSD CEO Chris Anderson in carrying out the vision of enabling specifiers to become the centerpiece of a project team while creating valuable technology for consumers.

"With the addition of Arol and Iain, we are well poised for continued success and growth," says Anderson. "If their combined expertise and leadership are any indication, substantial industry advancements are on the horizon."

"CSI is at the forefront of construction technology and has built this association around making the construction industry and its professionals more collaborative, cohesive, and efficient," said Ron Geren, CSI Board Chair. "I am excited for what the future holds and believe this partnership with BSD will not only enable us to develop better, customized content for our members, but also reignite the demand for our members' expertise."

BSD is exhibiting at CONSTRUCT 2017, September 13-15, in Providence, Rhode Island and is demonstrating a new, BIM-integration solution designed to empower specifiers with enhanced visibility and data, and improve coordination throughout the specification-writing process.

About the Construction Specifications Institute

Founded March 1948, the Construction Specifications Institute is a national association of more than 7,500 members dedicated to improving the communication of construction information throughout continuous development and transformation of standards and formats, education and certification of professionals to improve project deliver processes. CSI members work tirelessly to effectively communicate the designers' vision, the material producers' solutions and the constructors' techniques to create outstanding facilities that meet facility owners' objectives. For more information visit www.csiresources.org.

About Building Systems Design

Founded in 1983, Building Systems Design provides advanced specifications and interoperability solutions to architects, engineers, specifiers and building owners nationwide. The company is focused on bringing technology to market that drives collaboration, simplifies design and increases efficiency for all stakeholders in the design and construction process. For more information visit www.bsdsoftlink.com.

SOURCE Construction Specifications Institute

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FONTAINEBLEAU, France and NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- People like to say that mainstream music all tends to sound similar. While this is true to an extent, an analysis of more than 26,000 songs by researchers at Columbia Business School and INSEAD shows that breakout songs  the songs that hit the very top of the charts  are those that conform to current musical preferences while infusing a modicum of individuality.

Noah Askin, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behaviour at INSEAD, and Michael Mauskapf, Assistant Professor of Management at Columbia Business School analysed the acoustic attributes of more than 26,000 songs that appear on Billboard's Hot 100 from its beginning in 1958 to 2016. Data on 11 acoustic features, such as a song's key, mode and tempo, were collected from The Echo Nest, a music intelligence and data platform now owned by Spotify. Their results were recently published in the American Sociological Review in a paper titled What Makes Popular Culture Popular? Product Features and Optimal Differentiation in Music.

The researchers found that hitting the top of the charts involves finding the right balance between familiarity and novelty.

"The songs that reach the highest echelons of the charts bear some similarity to other popular songs that are out at the same time, but they must be unique in certain ways in order to differentiate themselves," said Askin. "Adele's songs are great examples of the perfect typicality: she has been tremendously successful with that little bit of differentiation."

Mauskapf added, "There's a perception in the industry that top songs can be reverse-engineered based on what audiences are more likely to listen to or buy. But our findings show that 'hit song science' will only get an artist so far  it's very difficult to predict what kinds of songs other musicians will release, and when audiences will find them to be "optimally distinct."

Behind the Research

The study accounted for elements that could account for a song's chart performance, such as the artist's previous success or the prominence of their record label. It also took into account artists' unique characteristics (such as their star factor and style), their labels' marketing budgets, and the prevailing competition all play a part in pop culture.

Analysing the data with these considerations in place, the researchers devised a "typicality" score to compare the acoustic footprint of each song to that of all the songs that appeared on the charts in the year prior to its release. This score essentially captures how much a given song sounds like its peers.

"We found that songs with a somewhat below average typicality score tended do better on the Hot 100. To have the best chance of reaching the very top of the charts, a song needs to stand out from its competition, but not so much as to alienate listeners," said Mauskapf.

Predicting the Future of Pop Culture?

The authors believe the study also has implications for popular culture more generally, as well as the success of innovations. Up to this point, scholars have established that the success of cultural products rests heavily on a variety of factors including marketing budgets, producers' prior success, the context of the release (e.g., demand trends), and relative genre popularity. Askin and Mauskapf's study looks at an under-researched element in this equationhow the cultural content of the product positions it for successand finds the importance of balancing novelty and familiarity.

"What becomes popular next is likely to be slightly differentiated from the last round of hits, leading to a constant evolution of what is popular. Popularity is a moving target, but the context always remains relevant. This is at least as much art as it is science," said Askin.

To learn more about the cutting-edge research taking place at leading business schools, please visit knowledge.insead.edu or gsb.columbia.edu.

SOURCE Columbia Business School

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Morning briefing: Hillary Clinton was caught by surprise by Wisconsin loss, she says in her book
SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundance, a premier lifestyle retailer of women's and men's apparel, footwear, jewelry, accessories, art, and home decor, is pleased to celebrate 10 years since the opening of its first retail location at Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree, CO.

Sundance, a premier lifestyle retailer of womens and mens apparel, footwear, jewelry, accessories, art, and home decor, is pleased to celebrate 10 years since the opening of its first retail location at Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree, CO.

For over 25 years, Sundance has been dedicated to the artistry and beauty of creativity, showcasing artisans and their craft from all over the world. As the first Sundance retail location, Park Meadows quickly attracted loyal customers who appreciated the authenticity and originality of its collection. A decade later, Sundance Park Meadows continues to celebrate its community of home, jewelry, and apparel artists who express their individual creativity through inspired use of extraordinary materials. Since the opening of this first store, Sundance has opened several retail locations across the country with plans for further expansion.

To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Park Meadows location, Sundance will host a trunk show at the Park Meadows store in Lone Tree, CO. The trunk show, Saturday, September 16th, will feature long-standing Sundance artisan Jes MaHarry who will be showcasing her one-of-a-kind jewelry.

"From our beginnings in the mountains of Utah, to a beloved multi-channel national brand, we could not be more proud of celebrating this milestone with our premier artisan Jes MaHarry and our most loyal customers in the Denver area," says President and CEO, Matey Erdos. "We take pride in curating exceptional and unique collections which embrace creativity and new discoveries for artisans and customers alike. We are thrilled to host Jes MaHarry. These loyal relationships are the foundation of our success."

About Sundance

Famed actor, director, and visionary of independent filmmaking, Robert Redford founded Sundance Catalog in 1989 to promote the works of artists and craftspeople from across the country and around the world. From a small operation run out of the attic of the old Sundance Village firehouse, Sundance has grown to become one of America's preeminent lifestyle retailers. Offering a thoughtfully curated mix of unique, premium-quality women's and men's apparel and footwear, jewelry, accessories, art and home decor, Sundance elevates the traditions of authentic American heritage into a classic and creative style.

Sundance headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, UT. The company's unique product selection is available through its catalog, website and eight retail stores in Park Meadows, CO, Corte Madera, CA, Edina, MN, , Dallas, TX, Southlake, TX, Scottsdale, AZ, Tigard, OR and an outlet store in Salt Lake City, UT. Visit: www.sundancecatalog.com.

SOURCE Sundance

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http://www.sundancecatalog.com


BASEL, Switzerland, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Roivant Sciences today announced the expansion of its management team through key hires and promotions. Allen Waxman has joined the company as General Counsel, Matthew Gline has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer, and Pavan Cheruvu, MD, has been promoted to Chief People Officer.

"I am delighted to welcome Allen to our growing team," said Vivek Ramaswamy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Roivant. "His counsel will prove invaluable as we continue to scale our operations and pursue new opportunities. I am also pleased to recognize the outstanding work that Matt and Pavan have done to build Roivant into the company that it is today. Their promotions reflect our desire as a company to not merely attract top talent externally, but also cultivate it internally."

Mr. Waxman joins Roivant from Eisai, Inc. where he was both General Counsel and then Executive Vice President, running the company's Market Access, Government Affairs, and Corporate Advocacy departments. Prior to Eisai, he served as partner and chair of the Life Sciences Group at Kaye Scholer LLP. From 2003 to 2008, Mr. Waxman was at Pfizer, Inc. where he became global General Counsel and served on the company's Executive Leadership Team. Earlier in his career, he was a partner at Williams & Connolly LLP. Mr. Waxman has served on the boards of several nonprofits. He earned his B.A. from Dartmouth College and his J.D. from Harvard Law School. After graduating from law school, he clerked for the Honorable Thomas Penfield Jackson of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

Mr. Gline joined Roivant in March 2016 and previously served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Business Operations. From April 2014 to March 2016, he was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs, Fixed Income Digital Structuring, where he focused on technology and data strategy. Prior to Goldman Sachs, Mr. Gline was a co-founder of Fourthree, Inc., a risk analytics technology and consulting company. From 2008 to 2012, he served as Vice President at Barclays, Enterprise Risk Management Advisory, where he provided analysis for corporate clients related to capital markets access for financing and risk management. Mr. Gline earned his A.B. in Physics from Harvard University.

Dr. Cheruvu joined Roivant in October 2015 and has served as the company's Chief of Staff. Dr. Cheruvu is a board-certified physician who completed a residency in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital and continued his training with a clinical fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Prior to his medical training, Dr. Cheruvu served as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company where he focused on biopharmaceutical strategy. Dr. Cheruvu earned his B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering, B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering, and A.B. in Chemistry from Duke University, his M.Sc. in Computer Science from Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and his M.D. from Harvard Medical School where he was a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow. His scientific work has been published in Circulation, Blood, and Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

About Roivant Sciences

Roivant is dedicated to transformative innovation in healthcare. Roivant focuses on realizing the full potential of promising biomedical research by developing and commercializing novel therapies across diverse therapeutic areas. We partner with innovative biopharmaceutical companies and academic institutions to ensure that important medicines are rapidly developed and delivered to patients.

We advance our drug pipelines through wholly- or majority-owned subsidiary companies, including Axovant (neurology), Myovant (women's health and endocrine diseases), Dermavant (dermatology), Enzyvant (rare diseases), and Urovant (urology). Roivant also plans to launch new companies operating outside of traditional biopharmaceutical development. Roivant's long-range mission is to reduce the time and cost of developing and delivering new medicines for patients. For more information, please visit roivant.com.

Related Links

http://www.roivant.com

Media Contact:

Paul Davis

Roivant Sciences, Inc.

[email protected]

Office: +1 (646) 495-5310

SOURCE Roivant Sciences

Related Links

http://www.roivant.com


IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- RRDS, Inc., the Southern California based federal contractor, is the incumbent and prime contractor of record, tasked by the Army Corp of Engineers to outfit some nine hundred recruiting stations nationally. As a follow-on to this effort, RRDS has been awarded a fifty million dollar firm fixed priced contract to supply bullet resisting panels, to additional military recruiting stations, located in CONUS and OCONUS locations.

The objective of this contract is to manufacture, ship and install, UL Level-8 certified, approved and produced, bullet resisting cubicle systems. These systems are proprietary designs by RRDS, to protect all identified recruiting offices, located throughout the United States and its territories. The Services that will benefit from the program are comprised of the following: 1) Air Force; 2) Air Force Reserve; 3) Air National Guard; 4) Army; 5) Army National Guard; and 6) Navy. The Period of Performance for this contract is 11 September 2017 to 10 September 2022.

The President of RRDS, Samir Naqvi and the CEO Troy Barnes, released a joint statement, "We are humbled to have this opportunity to deliver vital protection to our service members, at such a critical point in their careers, when they make that selfless decision to serve our nation and protect our freedom." In addition, "Recruiting Stations are an integral part of our nation's defense, often subject to shameful terrorist attacks; we will work tirelessly, to ensure each and every one of these facilities are equipped with the protection they deserve!"

About RRDS, Inc.

RRDS is a results-driven, full-service, sole-source option for the United States Government and affiliated entities. RRDS offers a broad line of products and services, coupled with full-suite logistics solutions. We specialize in cradle to grave Supply Chain with an expertise in identifying bespoke solutions to meet mission requirements. Utilizing complex PMO systems, we offer an end-to-end solution for all our customers; to include Procurement, Warehousing, QA/QC, Packaging/Labeling, International or Domestic Shipping, Customs Clearance, Inland-Transportation and Delivery Assurance. RRDS is focused on your mission. To learn more, visit www.rrds.com.

SOURCE RRDS, Inc.

Related Links

http://rrds.com


As the prime contractor on this task order, the company will lead a team of Network and Telecommunication Engineers in operations, maintenance and expansion of the Voice Systems supporting the Medical Center and regional facilities. The diverse team, which is comprised of 40 percent military Veterans, includes certified systems engineers who provide advanced level support capabilities to the Univerge voice systems, as well as BICSI-certified cabling technicians who will design, install, test, and patch copper and fiber.

The Hampton VA Medical Center is a leader in technology and innovation providing health care services to Veterans in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Over the life of the task, the company will also provide Information Technology Equipment Room (ITER) remediation to include repairs to the infrastructure, inventory management, asset consolidation, necessary security upgrades and repair of existing storage.

"This task order allows Salient CRGT to build on its long-standing partnership with the VA in support of Veterans' health," said Brad Antle, CEO of Salient CRGT. "Our team is proud to support the Hampton VA Medical Centerthe health care provider of choice for Hampton Roads Veterans. Our sophisticated technologies will ensure that those responsible for providing care to Veterans continue to receive high-quality, effective, and efficient voice and data services."

About Salient CRGT

Salient CRGT provides federal civilian, defense, homeland, and intelligence agencies, as well as Fortune 1000 companies, with expert depth in health, data analytics, cloud, agile software development, mobility, cyber security, and infrastructure solutions. We support these core capabilities with full lifecycle IT services and trainingto help our customers meet critical goals for pivotal missions. The most innovative talent delivery model in the industry, scientifically providing exactly the right people for the customers' most pressing requirements, fuels these critical capabilities. Salient CRGT has earned a record of success with integration and operations of largescale, highvolume solutions. On March 1, 2017, Salient CRGT completed its acquisition of Information Innovators, Inc. visit our newsroom and explore www.salientcrgt.com

SOURCE Salient CRGT, Inc.
BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Seeman Holtz Property & Casualty, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Stirling Insurance Services, Inc., headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. Serving all of Florida for over 28 years now, Terry Sgammato and his team continue to evolve into a trusted coverage leader for all insurance products and financial services to meet the demands of their discerning clients. With local and national carriers at their disposal, their proven success will strengthen Seeman Holtz Property & Casualty's foothold in south Florida and beyond.

Seeman Holtz Property & Casualty, Inc. continues to target high-quality independent agencies for geographic expansion and continued growth throughout the Unites States. With the addition of Stirling Insurance Services, Inc., Seeman Holtz Property & Casualty, Inc. will continue to reach new and current clients by helping them protect their most important valuables with not only the right insurance, but with the right service for each client. SHP&C offers:

Homeowner's Policy

Automobile Insurance

Renter's Policy

Private Client

Umbrella Coverage

Commercial and Employee Coverage

Personal Liability Coverage

Marshal Seeman, President of Seeman Holtz Property and Casualty stated, " We have been after Terry for a long time. He represents the high quality talent we look to grow with." Brett Williams, Vice President added, " Terry will bring his entire team to the Boca Raton office. We are thrilled to have Stirling join our family." Eric Holtz, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, commented, "Terry will be joining Seeman Holtz Property & Casualty in a Directorship capacity. He will utilize his decades of experience to help us maximize production."

About Our Company: The Seeman Holtz family of companies provides comprehensive financial and insurance advice to clients across the country.

Contact: Eric Holtz

Seeman Holtz Property & Casualty

844.255.6639

[email protected]

SOURCE Seeman Holtz Property & Casualty, Inc.
ATLANTA, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia (UAPRN of GA) will host its 2nd Annual State-wide Conference at the AmericasMart at 40 John Portman Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 September 21-23rd. Senator Renee Unterman, a member of the Georgia State Senate representing the 45th District and Chairman of the Committee on Health and Human Services, is the keynote speaker for Day 1. Her keynote address will focus on one of her initiatives of which she is most passionate  Fighting the Opioid Epidemic. Senator Unterman states "Opioid abuse and heroin overdoses are an epidemic that must be addressed in this state and around the nation," She sponsored SB81 focusing on Naloxone availability and electronic reporting of controlled substances.

This dynamic and exciting conference agenda has been planned to address the opioid epidemic in depth and also caters to those interested in seeking information regarding APRN practice. Leaders from all APRN nursing organizations will be present for the benefit of APRNs from various backgrounds and specialties. To register to attend or view more event details please visit https://uaprn.enpnetwork.com

A wealth of engaging topics comprises the conference offerings inclusive of:

Cardiology

LGBTQ Healthcare Considerations

Respiratory Disease

Pharmacology Updates

Women's Health

Legal Considerations for APRNs

Cancer Treatment

Hematology/Sickle Cell Disease

Legislative Issues

Suturing Training

Orthopedic Injection Training

Participating exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet with APRNs and APRN students, and potential students across clinical specialties and educational backgrounds.

About UAPRN of GA: UAPRN of GA exists to represent APRN legislative and practice issues and to support the advancement of the APRN role. One of the organization's purposes is to promote collaboration and unification of all APRNs in Georgia. "Energized by 1 voice" is the new UAPRN of GA organizational slogan that speaks to the unification and inter-collaboration among the nursing organizations in Georgia. To learn more about UAPRN of GA please visit https://uaprn.enpnetwork.com.

SOURCE United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia (UAPRN of GA)
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As a company, Settlement Advocates was devastated by the results of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. The company is making a donation of $300 through the American Red Cross campaign to help those who were affected by this tragedy. The American Red Cross is a national organization that collects donations to provide emergency assistance to those who have experienced a natural disaster.

The mission at Settlement Advocates is to offer support to people who need assistance when unexpected life events occur, and especially in emergency situations. The advocates work closely with settlement agents out of Houston and have been able to assist many Texas annuitants in the past. Settlement Advocates sends everyone and their families its prayers during this unsettling time.

Ryan Blank

Annuitant Advocate

Settlement Advocates

8888515815

[email protected]

This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com.

SOURCE Settlement Advocates
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, SevenRooms, a reservation, seating and guest experience management platform for restaurants, nightclubs and hotels, is excited to announce the expansion of their partnership with Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding. SevenRooms' software will integrate into over 70 restaurants, lounges and bars within the Jumeirah Group portfolio, including the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and Madinat Jumeirah.

SevenRooms, a technology platform used by hospitality operators in 100+ cities around the world, started working with Jumeirah Group in 2016 in a pilot program. The expansion of the technology across the remaining restaurants, lounges and bars will enable Jumeirah Group to service and understand guests at their F&B outlets on a more personalized and sophisticated level. What was once siloed guest F&B data will now be shared across properties to streamline service and improve day-to-day operations across the board, offering unified guest profiles containing detailed guest history and order data through the point of sale integration.

Operationally, the SevenRooms platform will connect systems and teams across the organization while freeing up employees' valuable time to focus on what matters most: the guest experience.

"Expanding our partnership with Jumeirah Group, a world-class luxury hotel operator, is an exciting milestone for SevenRooms. Jumeirah Group's focus on enabling a truly differentiated guest experience through technology completely aligned with our company's ethos from day one, and we knew this would be a beneficial partnership for both our companies," said Joel Montaniel, CEO & Co-Founder of SevenRooms.

"At Jumeirah Group, knowing our customers and providing them with memorable experiences is at the core of our business. Every decision we make supports delivering to that objective so we are thrilled to not only find a technology platform that gives us the ability to provide our customers personalized service, but to be working with a company, SevenRooms, that shares in this philosophy," said Alejandro Helbling, VP of Group Services, Jumeirah Group.

For more information, or to learn more about the SevenRooms platform, please visit: www.sevenrooms.com or reach out at [email protected].

About SevenRooms:

SevenRooms is a platform for hospitality operators to acquire, engage and understand their guests. Founded in 2011 in New York, the reservation, seating and guest management software offers operators the ability to drive reservations across multiple marketing channels, personalize guest experience online and offline, re-engage guests to drive repeat visits and move business forward through actionable insights. We are currently present in 100+ cities worldwide serving premier dining, hotel and nightlife clients including: Jumeirah Group, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Standard Hotels, LDV Hospitality, Live Nation, TAO Group, Zuma, Bagatelle, Altamarea Group, B&B Hospitality Group, NoHo Hospitality Group, Chase Hospitality Group, Mercer Street Hospitality, China Grill Management, MMG, The h.wood Group and Corbin & King. www.sevenrooms.com

About Jumeirah Group :

Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of hotels and resorts including the flagship Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts manages properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Kuwait in the Middle East; Frankfurt, Istanbul, London and Mallorca (Spain) in Europe; the Maldives and Shanghai in Asia. Jumeirah Group also runs the luxury serviced residences brand Jumeirah Living with properties in London and Dubai; the new lifestyle hotel brand Venu; the wellness brand Talise; Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai; Wild Wadi Waterpark; The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management; Jumeirah Sirius, its global loyalty programme; and isme by Jumeirah an app based rewards programme in the UAE. Future openings include luxury hotels in China, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Oman and the UAE.www.jumeirah.com.

SOURCE SevenRooms

Related Links

http://www.sevenrooms.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WeissLaw LLP, a national class action and shareholders' rights law firm, announces an investigation of Equifax, Inc. (NYSE: EFX) ("EFX," or the "Company"), its Board of Directors, and certain Company officers for, among other things, possible breaches of fiduciary duty and violations of federal securities laws.

On September 7, 2017, the credit-monitoring giant announced that on July 29 it discovered that the Company had experienced a breach in its cybersecurity system. EFX revealed that from mid-May to July "criminals" exploited a weakness in a website application to gain access to files containing the sensitive personal information of approximately 143 million Americans, making them vulnerable to identity theft; the breach also exposed the credit card numbers of 209,000 US consumers. According to several independent sources, EFX's unprecedented security breach could the largest theft involving Social Security numbers.

The Company also reported that on August 1 and 2, more than a month prior to the announcement and less than a week after its discovery of the cyber-breach incident, three top executives at EFX sold nearly $2 million in EFX shares.

Following the announcement, EFX shares nose-dived a staggering $24.89, from the previous day's trading price of $142.14 to $117.25. Overnight, shareholders lost nearly 20% of their shares' value, and several analysts revised their target prices. EFX shares continue to take a battering, trading for as low $112.18 on September 12, wiping out all of the stock's gains since the beginning of the year.

WeissLaw is investigating whether EFX's Board (1) failed to properly safeguard, secure and protect consumers' sensitive personal information; (2) established and maintained a comprehensive security program to protect consumers' sensitive personal information; and (3) made false and/or misleading statements. If you wish to discuss this investigation or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact Joshua Rubin of WeissLaw LLP at (888)593-4771, or by e-mail 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. For more information about the firm, please go to: http://www.weisslawllp.com/equifax-inc/

SOURCE WeissLaw LLP

Related Links

http://weisslawllp.com


Shark/Ninja is a specialized manufacturing and distributing company for small appliances. Their main product Ninja Blender has been ranked number 1 in the blender division in the US for 3 consecutive years (2014-2016 NPD, in the blender brand division that costs more than 160 USD). Ninja has been exported to more than 20 countries/regions worldwide, including the US, Europe, Asia, among which Ninja is being distributed in Korea through G&J Co., Ltd.

G&J Co., Ltd. has total sales of 35 million USD through TV home shopping alone, with the first launch of Ninja Blender Season 1 (BL642KR) through a Korean TV home shopping channel in 2015, followed by Ninja Blender Season 2 (BL642KR2) in 2016, then Ninja Blender Season 3 (BL682KR) in 2017. In addition, they have been expanding their distribution network to major department stores and electronic shops in Korea in order to supply the product to more customers.

According to G&J Co., Ltd.'s officials, Ninja Blender's success in Korea is based on Ninja's unique technology. The patented, unique grinding blade shape (six motion blades) prevents the food from sticking to the blade, and can be used to mix ice, vegetables, fruits, and frozen fruits without leaving any residue at the bottom of the cup. In addition, it is equipped with an Auto-IQ system, so users can choose the blending mode according to their purpose, whether that is for a smoothie, baby formula, blending, etc. The recently released food processor is also able to crush various kinds of vegetables to various sizes according to Korean recipes, helping to increase the popularity of the product. Ninja Blender has been re-evaluated as a professional kitchen appliance from originally being just a smoothie maker or juicer.

Based on the success of Ninja Blender, G&J Co., Ltd. have additionally launched Ninja Coffeebar in order to re-engage the popularity of Ninja in Korea. The Ninja Coffeebar is equipped with the Auto-IQ function that has been applied to the blender, so it not only distributes water evenly on the coffee bean powder through 12 extraction ports, but also has the function of steaming coffee thoroughly to provide a new flavor and taste that is in a completely new dimension. In addition, the strength of a coffee can be controlled so it is possible to create iced Americano and lattes. The Ninja Coffee Bar has already proven its taste and performance in the US, so they are expecting that Korean coffee lovers will embrace it as well.

G&J Co., Ltd

Ji-young, Oh

+82-10-6337-8113 / +82-31-908-9784

[email protected]

SOURCE G&J Co., Ltd
"We are honored to have the opportunity to team up with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and to raise money for an amazing cause," said Stefan Bringas, franchise Operator of Chick-fil-A at Menlo Park Mall in Edison, NJ. "We invite the community to come out and enjoy a lemonade in support of this wonderful organization. Every cup of lemonade sold will help fund research in the effort to end childhood cancer."

Liz and Jay Scott founded Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation  with a mission to find a cure for all children battling cancer  after their daughter Alex fought cancer as a young girl. Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer on her first birthday, Alex held her first lemonade stand at four-years-old with her older brother to help raise money for doctors treating children with cancer. Together, they raised $2,000 for the hospital that provided her treatment, and Alex continued to hold lemonade stand fundraisers annually, attracting national media attention and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research. Alex passed away at the age of eight, one week after she raised more than $1 million to help find a cure for the disease that would take her life.

"We are thrilled that Chick-fil-A will be raising funds and awareness for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation this September during Childhood Cancer Awareness month," said Liz Scott, the mother of Alex and co-CEO of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. "Through the efforts of generous partners like Chick-fil-A, we are moving closer to achieving the dream of my daughter Alex, a cure for all kids with cancer."

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has funded over 35 research projects since 2006 to benefit local New York-area medical and cancer research centers. Countless families have benefited from the services made possible by the organization. For more information about Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, visit alexslemonade.org.

SOURCE Chick-fil-A, Inc.
PALMDALE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In support of the U.S. Air Force's vision for seamless integration across its aircraft, ground and space systems, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Skunk Works participated in the Northern Edge military exercise to show how open systems architecture enables unprecedented battlespace awareness to reduce the data-to-decision timeline for the warfighter.

Reducing the data-to-decision timeline is important to the warfighter as the complexity of the battlespace continues to increase. Gone are the days of one plane engaging with another. Today's warfighters must have the information they need to drive decisions across multiple platforms in the air, on the ground and in water quickly. In partnership with the Air Force, Skunk Works continues to demonstrate how this next-level connectivity is possible through a series of projects designed to illustrate the tangible benefits of open mission systems (OMS).

A series of six flights performed at Northern Edge concluded one of these research and development efforts called Project Hunter, which matured open systems architecture technologies and demonstrated the ability to share data across dissimilar platforms in denied environments. The effort successfully demonstrated:

The first use of open radio architecture to implement and evaluate advanced networking and communications capabilities

Multi domain command and control capabilities

Ability to disseminate data from the Distributed Ground System via a secure OMS enabled Link 16 radio

Enhanced Link 16 fighter to fighter OMS capability integration

"This demonstration focused on advanced communications and interoperability between systems," said Renee Pasman, director of mission systems roadmaps at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "We used a highly capable, high altitude U-2 as a vital communications and processing node, connecting a web of systems across multiple domains and enabling complete battlespace awareness."

At the heart of the system was a modified Enterprise OSA Mission Computer v2, known as the Einstein Box. The Einstein Box hosted all of the OMS processing and cross domain capabilities, and served as the interface to all radios.

Project Hunter focused on advancing OMS technologies to provide the warfighter with a solution that brings faster system integration, enables affordable hardware and software reuse and upgrades, and provides a solid foundation to build the capabilities for today and future.

This project was led by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works with support from industry partners General Dynamics Mission Systems, L-3 Technologies, Viasat, Lockheed Martin's Rotary and Mission Systems and Missiles and Fire Control businesses, and Northrop Grumman.

Project Hunter builds on the mission system integration work Lockheed Martin first demonstrated in 2013 and continues to advance with U-2 OMS flight tests, Have Raider and Project Missouri demonstrations.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/OSA.html

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

Related Links

http://www.lockheedmartin.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05095343







The Government of India (GoI) launched the 100 Smart City Mission in April 2015; the plan is to implement this through area based approaches. Cities have been selected through a City Challenge Competition. Each city will get Central assistance to the tune of INR 500 Cr for 5 years. The remaining money has to be raised by the Smart city corporations. The Smart city proposals shall be implemented through Special Purpose Vehicle (SPVs) - incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 at the city-level.



The SPV would have the State/UT and ULB as promoters with 50:50 equity shareholding. The private sector could be considered for taking equity stake in the SPV.



Kochi is a major port city on the south-west coast of India. The city is centrally located with efficient global connectivity. The city has strong port infrastructure, modern transhipment terminal at Vallarpadam and its ongoing airport expansion (with a new international terminal), sees the city is emerging as a key regional trade hub.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05095343



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



https://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at its annual Members Meeting & Fall Workshop, the Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative (SGCC) announced that it will officially become the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (SECC), effective immediately.

"In response to the continuing evolution of the energy industry, our pioneering consumer research has expanded from the smart grid and smart meters to the numerous consumer products and services that are enabled by these fundamental technological advancements," said Patty Durand, President & CEO of the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

"Within the past two years, under the direction of our 140-plus members, we have undertaken consumer research on residential/community solar, electric vehicles, smart thermostats, time-of-use rates and more. It was time the name of our organization reflected this shift in focus as well."

The new name, which was voted on by the Board of Directors at the beginning of the year, is accompanied by an evolution of the organization's brand identity, including a new logo. This effort was conducted throughout the first half of the year by a sub-committee of SGCC members and Interprose, Inc., a strategic communications firm with specialization in B2B technology innovation. The final design was selected in July by the Board of Directors, which includes representatives from Itron, Georgia Watch, CenterPoint Energy, Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel and Southern Company.

"The consumer is arguably playing a greater role than ever before in the energy sector, and the need for accurate consumer research on today's energy issues is more crucial now than ever," said Mark Brown, Senior Customer Programs Officer, Fayetteville Public Works Commission, and Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

"With the new name and direction, we will continue to serve our agenda of listening to consumers via primary research, collaborate with industry stakeholders and educate consumers with outreach and messaging toolkits  but now on a broader scale."

For more information about the new name and direction for SECC, read the updated organizational philosophy statement here or visit www.smartenergycc.org.

Jonathan Field

Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative

770-833-6026

[email protected]

SOURCE Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative

Related Links

http://www.smartenergycc.org


MADISON, N.J., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that AugustaRoad.com Realty in Greenville, South Carolina, is the newest member of its network and will now operate as Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby's International Realty.

Established in 2011, the firm is owned and operated by Joan Herlong and serves the luxury residential real estate market in the Greater Greenville area.

"The luxury residential real estate market in and around Greenville ranges from the vibrant downtown to mountain retreats, lakefront properties and equestrian estates, offering a lifestyle for everyone," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. "We are pleased to expand the Sotheby's International Realty brand into this market and proud to welcome Joan Herlong and her team to our global network."

"Greenville marries southern charm, natural beauty and a contemporary cool, making it one of America's fastest growing cities and an emerging destination," said Herlong. "We look forward to sharing our community with a global audience and are honored to be affiliating with the Sotheby's International Realty brand."

An active member of the local community, Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby's International Realty regularly donates to the Greenville Free Medical Clinic and is an active supporter of the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors annual holiday giving initiative. The firm is located at 1421 Augusta Street in Greenville.

With this addition, the Sotheby's International Realty brand now has five independently owned and operated affiliate companies in South Carolina; also operating in the state serving the luxury residential real estate markets are Celia Dunn Sotheby's International Realty in Savannah and Bluffton, Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty in Charleston, Justin Winter Sotheby's International Realty in Lake Keowee, and Peace Sotheby's International Realty in Pawleys Island.

The Sotheby's International Realty network currently has approximately 21,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 900 offices in 68 countries and territories worldwide. In 2016, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $95 billion USD. Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby's International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm's brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby's auction house and worldwide Sotheby's International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

About Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby's International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby's International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

CONTACT

Lindsey Scharf

Director, Public Relations and Communications

Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC

175 Park Avenue

Madison, NJ 07940

(973) 407-5596

[email protected]

Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC

175 Park Avenue

Madison, NJ 07940

SOURCE Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC

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GENEVA, September 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The Brussels-based South Asia Democratic Forum hosted a conference titled "Implications of State sponsored terrorism from Pakistan", on 13thSeptember 2017 at the United Nations in Geneva. The conference was moderated by Istvan Szent Ivanyi, former Member of the European Parliament, and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Liberal Party of Hungary and the speakers included Jacob Perry, Member of Parliament from Israel, Fulvio Martusciello, Member of the European Parliament and Paulo Casca, Executive Director, South Asia Democratic Forum.

Speaking at the event, Jacob Perry said that the policy of the mercenary army in Pakistan, which believed in using terrorism as a strategic asset, had resulted in the export of terror around the globe.Pakistan, he said, also directly financed and shaped political regimes to better suit its interests, the Syrian regime being one example, where there was interference from both Pakistan and Iran.

In his presentation, Fulvio Martusciello stated that any country that considered Pakistan as an ally in the fight against terror, was being naive. He further said that the European Union had released funds to Pakistan to support its so called war on terror but Pakistan had allegedly misused this international aid. Calling Pakistan a safe haven for terrorist groups and their leaders, he said that the time had come to expose the activities of all countries that sponsor terror and statedthat the European parliament needed to speak out on all countries sponsoring terrorism.

Paulo Casaca spoke on the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Stating that Pakistan continued to use terrorism as a strategic weapon, he expressed appreciation for US President Donald Trump's clear message to Pakistan to bring an end to this strategy of promoting terror.

The meeting ended with a call on the international community to evolve a consensus on isolating countries like Pakistan that continued to encourage and promote terror in the region and internationally.

SOURCE South Asia Democratic Forum
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thousands of students across the United States will take the "Preamble Challenge" to celebrate Constitution Day this year and participate in naturalization ceremonies to swear in new U.S. citizens.

Naturalization ceremonies will be conducted by the federal judiciary coast-to-coast during September. Constitution Day (Sept. 17), the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution in 1787, falls on a Sunday and will be observed on Monday, Sept. 18.

Students will play a part in a number of the naturalization ceremonies, which are being held at iconic sites, community landmarks, federal courthouses and schools, ranging from a public high school in Alaska to the University of Southern Maine.

"We welcome students at naturalization ceremonies as part of the federal courts' national civics education outreach initiative," said U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, who is presiding over the ceremony at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. "Participating in a swearing-in ceremony for new citizens is a real-life experience of civic engagement as a means of civics education."



Civics education is a key component of Constitution Day. A survey released this week by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that just a quarter of Americans can name all three branches of the U.S. government and more than a third cannot name any.

The Preamble Challenge

Classes and schools across the nation will join in the Preamble Challenge, in which students are challenged to recite, perform, rap, sing, dance or otherwise creatively celebrate the 52 words of the Preamble to the Constitution ("We the People"). The event will be kicked off Monday morning with students reciting the Preamble on the front lawn of the National Constitution Center, led by Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen.

Teachers and classes from Washington to Florida have signed up for the Challenge with the Civics Renewal Network, an alliance of nonpartisan organizations that are dedicated to making free, high-quality civics resources available online. Classes taking part in the Challenge are encouraged to share their activities on Twitter and Instagram by using #RenewCivics.

Naturalization ceremonies

Immigrants will be sworn in as new citizens by federal judges at more than three dozen sites across the country during September, with most of the ceremonies on Friday, Sept. 15, and Monday, Sept. 18. Iconic sites include Glacier National Park in Montana; the National Archives in Washington, D.C.; and the homes or libraries of Presidents Harry S. Truman in Missouri, Herbert Hoover in Iowa, and Thomas Jefferson (Poplar Forest retreat) in Virginia.

Student participants at the ceremonies may recite the Preamble, lead the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the national anthem, serve as a color guard, or present new citizens with welcome letters.

For new citizens, naturalization ceremonies can be emotional experiences. As one put it last year, in a video produced by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, "I have fallen in love with the U.S., with all the freedom that people enjoy here and all the things that the U.S. stands for." In the words of another: "Coming here was the single best decision that I ever made."

The Civics Renewal Network

These ceremonies are part of a series of events organized by the 31 partners in the Civics Renewal Network, which seeks to raise the visibility of civics education by providing free, high-quality resources for teachers of all grade levels. CRN's partners are: ABOTA Foundation, American Bar Association, Annenberg Classroom, Annenberg Learner, Ashbrook Center's TeachingAmericanHistory.org, Bill of Rights Institute, Center for Civic Education, ConSource: The Constitutional Sources Project, Constitutional Rights Foundation, Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago, Dirksen Congressional Center, Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, George Washington's Mount Vernon, Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, iCivics, Indiana University Center on Representative Government, James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Constitution Center, National Endowment for the Humanities' EDSITEment! Project, National History Day, Newseum, Share My Lesson, Street Law, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, U.S. Courts, U.S. Government Publishing Office, What So Proudly We Hail, and Youth Leadership Initiative.

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (Sept. 17) commemorates the signing of the Constitution in 1787 and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Since the passage of the Byrd Amendment in 2004, educational institutions that receive federal funds are required to teach about the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17.

To learn more, go to civicsrenewalnetwork.org and follow on Twitter @CivicsRenewal.

SOURCE The Civics Renewal Network

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Luxury Leaders Look to Make Sustainable Tourism More Accessible for Travelers

NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The challenge before the travel and tourism industry is real. In 2015, there were 1.2 billion international tourism arrivals, and billions more domestic tourists. This is predicted to nearly double by 2030, prompting the UN World Tourism Organization Secretary General, Taleb Rifai, to declare: "Will tourism bring us one billion opportunities to make the world a better place, or one billion disasters?"

Virtuoso has always believed that tourism represents opportunities and it is that objective that recently inspired the renowned travel agency network, specializing in upscale and experiential travel, to hold its inaugural Sustainability Summit. For nearly a decade, Virtuoso has worked to advance travel as a force for good within its own network and globally. It was one of the earliest luxury travel organizations to offer professional development training on sustainable tourism for travel advisors and it launched the Virtuoso Sustainable Tourism Leadership Awards seven years ago to further shine a spotlight on best practices among travel companies and hotels. Virtuoso's media platforms have long included stories and articles about travel with meaning to better educate travelers and travel advisors on how sustainable tourism can be part of their holiday planning  a win-win combining a great vacation with care for local people and the planet.

The Virtuoso Sustainability Summit attracted an impressive roster of owners, CEOs and leaders in the luxury travel space. During the summit, Virtuoso explored how it can amplify its own commitment to sustainable tourism by providing better support to the network's hotels, tour companies, and destinations to drive sustainability in the travel industry. Virtuoso also explored how it can leverage these preferred partner relationships to help its travel advisors, the most successful salesforce in luxury travel, gain a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism and deliver purposeful travel experiences for their clients. One takeaway from the summit was the realization that sustainable tourism, once considered a trend, is now a global travel transformation that is redefining how travel companies operate and where travelers choose to go.

"Our goal is to support and shine a spotlight on sustainable tourism initiatives, which we believe are vital to the future of travel," said Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. Upchurch hosted the summit alongside Virtuoso Sustainability Ambassador Jessica Hall Upchurch, who helps drive the organization's sustainability initiatives, and sustainable tourism expert and Virtuoso Global Sustainability Strategist, Costas Christ.

The summit was attended by top industry CEOs in sustainable tourism leadership, including Sven Lindblad of Lindblad Expeditions, Keith Vincent of Wilderness Safaris, Laura Turner Seydel of Ted Turner Expeditions, Luke Bailes of Singita, Brett Tollman of The Travel Corporation, Richard Bailey of The Brando, and Chris Cahill of AccorHotels, among other luminaries in hospitality and travel.

"By bringing these leaders together, we set an agenda for Virtuoso to continue advancing the principles of sustainable tourism, based upon its three pillars, including environmentally-friendly practices, support for the protection of cultural and natural heritage, and delivering social and economic benefits for local people," says Christ.

Hall Upchurch added, "As Keith Vincent so aptly put it, 'Purpose is the new luxury.' More travelers today are seeking tour companies and hotels that also embrace giving back in positive ways. Travel is a force for good, and we intend to make it easier for travelers to make the choice to support sustainable tourism."

Many Virtuoso partners that attended the Summit are also leaders in helping to protect nature and safeguard cultural heritage. The Brando, one of the world's most stunning South Pacific resorts, pioneered deep sea water cooling for air conditioning in the tropics, with 100% renewable energy from solar power and coconut oil as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are linked to climate change. Wilderness Safaris is protecting some six million acres of endangered wildlife habitat in Africa. Cavallo Point Lodge preserved the Fort Baker army barracks next to San Francisco's famed Golden Gate Bridge by reusing building materials and maintaining 100 percent of the exterior design, garnering praise from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. These efforts and others supporting local community benefits are helping to elevate sustainable tourism as a core value in the luxury travel industry.

"It was incredibly inspiring to join a group of visionary leaders who understand the power and importance of travel to be a positive force for helping to protect our planet for future generations," said Laura Turner Seydel, whose father, Ted Turner, launched Ted Turner Expeditions in 2013 as part of his strategy for protecting more than two million across of wilderness in North America.

And while all generations can support and benefit from these practices and innovations, Virtuoso says the expectation for the travel industry to step up and do the right thing is most significantly driven by its Millennial clients. Next steps resulting from the Virtuoso Sustainability Summit include more training and educational opportunities for its affiliated travel advisors on best practices, continuing to shine a spot light on travel partners that are leading the way, and creating more awareness about purposeful travel planning and experiences through the network's professional travel agencies. For more information on Virtuoso, visit www.Virtuoso.com.



About Virtuoso:

Virtuoso is the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 800 travel agency partners with more than 16,000 elite travel advisors in over 45 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 1,700 of the world's best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. More than (U.S.) $21.2 billion in annual travel sales makes Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

Media Contacts:

Misty Ewing Belles Lauren Wintemberg Managing Director, Global Public Relations Account Director Virtuoso Alice Marshall Public Relations Phone: 202.553.8817 Phone: 212.861.4031 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Virtuoso

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WABAN, Mass., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Across all industries and sectors, organizations are findings ways to improve customer experience in a sustainable manner. Temkin Group's Customer Experience Excellence (CxE) Awards are meant to highlight those transformational efforts. This is the sixth year that Temkin Group will be giving out the CxE Awards, last year's winners were Business Development Bank of Canada, Century Support Services, Crowe Horwath, Oxford Properties, and VCA.

Temkin Group Customer Experience Excellence Awards. Sixth Annual Award For Organizations That Significantly Improve Their Customer Experience.

Temkin Group is now accepting nominations for the Temkin Group CxE Awards and will accept them through October 20, 2016. Submission forms and additional FAQs can be downloaded from the Customer Experience Matters blog (tinyurl.com/2017CxE). Winners will be announced in November.

"Delivering great customer experience requires more than superficial efforts," states Bruce Temkin, Managing Partner of Temkin Group. "The CxE Awards acknowledge organizations for building sustainable capabilities."

The Temkin Group CxE Awards are open for any organization that is making improvements in its customer experience, whether it's a for-profit company, non-profit organization, or a government agency. Organizations serving consumers (B2C) as well as those serving businesses (B2B) are encouraged to submit nominations.

The nominees will be evaluated in three areas:

Transformation. What improvements have already been made and are being made in the future four customer experience core competencies: Purposeful Leadership, Compelling Brand Values, Employee Engagement, and Customer Connectedness? Results. How is the effort creating value for customers and for the company? Sustainability. How well is the company setup for ongoing success?

The CxE Awards will be judged by a panel of industry experts:

Ginger Conlon is chief editor of CustomerAlchemy.net, has covered CX for more than 25 years. She's served as chief editor of Direct Marketing News, 1to1, and CRM magazines. Ginger was honored with a Silver Apple lifetime achievement award for her contributions to the marketing industry, and cited as a "Top 100 Most Social Customer Service Pros on Twitter."

is chief editor of CustomerAlchemy.net, has covered CX for more than 25 years. She's served as chief editor of Direct Marketing News, 1to1, and CRM magazines. Ginger was honored with a Silver Apple lifetime achievement award for her contributions to the marketing industry, and cited as a "Top 100 Most Social Customer Service Pros on Twitter." Shep Hyken is the Chief Amazement Officer at Shepard Presentations. He is a customer service expert, speaker and author of New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling books including The Cult of the Customer and The Amazement Revolution .

is the Chief Amazement Officer at Shepard Presentations. He is a customer service expert, speaker and author of New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling books including . Ingrid Lindberg is the CXO and Founder of Chief Customer. She was one of the first CXOs in the US, and has 20 years of practice in customer experience and employee engagement strategy. She was named as one of the "Mavericks of the Year" by the Stevie's in 2014 for her impact to the health care industry.

is the CXO and Founder of Chief Customer. She was one of the first CXOs in the US, and has 20 years of practice in customer experience and employee engagement strategy. She was named as one of the "Mavericks of the Year" by the Stevie's in 2014 for her impact to the health care industry. Aimee Lucas is CX Transformist & Vice President of Temkin Group. She has over 15 years of experience improving service delivery and transforming the customer experience through people development and process improvement initiatives.

is CX Transformist & Vice President of Temkin Group. She has over 15 years of experience improving service delivery and transforming the customer experience through people development and process improvement initiatives. Bruce Temkin is CX Transformist & Managing Partner of Temkin Group. He is widely recognized as a customer experience visionary and is the co-founder and Emeritus Chair of the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA.org).

More details about Temkin Group's CxE Awards can be found at tinyurl.com/2017CxE, or on the blog, Customer Experience Matters, at ExperienceMatters.wordpress.com.

For more information about Temkin Group, visit www.TemkinGroup.com.

About Temkin Group: Temkin Group is widely recognized as a leading customer experience research and consulting firm. Many of the world's largest brands rely on its insights and advice to steer their transformational journeys. Temkin Group combines customer experience thought leadership with a deep understanding of the dynamics of organizations to help accelerate results. Rather than layering on cosmetic changes, Temkin Group helps companies embed practices within their culture by building four critical competencies: Purposeful Leadership, Employee Engagement, Compelling Brand Values, and Customer Connectedness. The firm's ongoing research identifies leading and emerging best practices across a wide range of activities for engaging the hearts and minds of customers, employees, and partners. For more information, contact Bruce Temkin at 617-916-2075 or send an email to [email protected].

Customer Experience Matters is a registered trademark of Temkin Group.

SOURCE Temkin Group

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Alt-right members prepare to enter Emancipation Park holding Nazi, Confederate, and Gadsden "Don't Tread on Me" flags Aug. 12, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Tempur Sealy's commitment will provide mattresses to assist victims in Texas and Florida in the rebuilding process after the devastation caused by the hurricanes. Tempur Sealy will work primarily with its long-time disaster recovery partner, Good360, which coordinates directly with local recovery agencies to meet the needs of families impacted by disasters.

Because of the large scope of need following back-to-back hurricanes, Tempur Sealy will be donating beds from its entire family of brands, including Cocoon by Sealy, Tempur-Pedic, Sealy and Stearns & Foster.

In addition to committing more than $2 million worth of beds for hurricane victims, the company has also earmarked up to an additional $400,000 to establish a support fund for retailer-directed charitable contributions.

"It's been hard to watch the devastation caused in Florida by Hurricane Irma on the heels of the damage in Texas caused by Hurricane Harvey," said Scott Thompson, Tempur Sealy Chairman and CEO. "But just as we witnessed in Texas, it has been inspiring to see the citizens of Florida pull together to help neighbors, friends and even strangers. As they begin to rebuild their lives, we want them to know that we and our retail partners will be there to help."

Thompson noted that the company has already delivered four trailer loads of mattresses to assist Houston-area shelters and charities, with more to come. The donations have been coordinated through Good360 and the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, two of the company's longtime partners for charitable giving.

Tempur Sealy and Good360 have been engaged in past disaster recovery efforts in Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and other areas. The partnership has helped thousands of families begin to rebuild their lives following natural disasters.

Since 2011, Tempur Sealy has donated more than 150,000 beds to charity, with a focus on disaster relief, family and children's charities, first responders and military organizations.

About Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (NYSE: TPX) develops, manufactures, and markets mattresses, foundations, pillows and other products. The Company's products are sold worldwide through third party retailers, its own stores, and online. The Company's brand portfolio includes many highly recognized brands in the industry, including Tempur, Tempur-Pedic, Sealy featuring Posturepedic Technology, Cocoon by Sealy and Stearns & Foster. World headquarters for Tempur Sealy International is in Lexington, KY. For more information, visit http://www.tempursealy.com or call 800-805-3635.

SOURCE Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

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The delegation was briefed on government EEC development plan, including updates on the government's investment in five major infrastructure projects that support EEC development, the overall investment situation, and the expected joint venture agreements with large companies like Boeing and Airbus. Following the briefing was a visit to Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, Hemaraj Industrial Estate, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization) and Vidyasirimedhi Institute.

Dr. Uttama Savanayana, Minister of Industry, said that the Thai government and economic organizations were strongly committed to propelling industrial reform, trade and investment promotion and to connecting Thailand with the world's economic leaders. The EEC is used as the key driver to further develop the country's economic infrastructure.

After the establishment of the EEC Office early this year, he said, the development of the EEC had become more concrete. The government has accelerated investment in basic infrastructure to ensure that the EEC becomes the prime location for strategic investment in Asia. With a strong supporting ecology system, the EEC will have greater capability to become a major production hub with an extensive transportation network, pleasant accommodation and a good balance between work and lifestyle.

The five infrastructure projects being developed to support EEC are:

U-Tapao Airport Expansion: The airport will be upgraded to become the country's third-largest commercial airport. The airport's capacity will be increased to 5 million passengers in the next five years. In the first phase, an airport city, comprising a passenger terminal, runway and facilities supporting related industries, such as an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub, will be developed. In the second phase, U-Tapao Airport will be further expanded to become an aviation city with passenger-handling capacity being increased to 30 million in the next 10 years and 60 million in the next 15 years from now. The airport will serve as a new air transport and logistics hub in the region.

The airport will be upgraded to become the country's third-largest commercial airport. The airport's capacity will be increased to 5 million passengers in the next five years. In the first phase, an airport city, comprising a passenger terminal, runway and facilities supporting related industries, such as an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub, will be developed. In the second phase, U-Tapao Airport will be further expanded to become an aviation city with passenger-handling capacity being increased to 30 million in the next 10 years and 60 million in the next 15 years from now. The airport will serve as a new air transport and logistics hub in the region. Construction of high-speed train network linking three airports (Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport and U-Tapao Airport): This will support increasing demand for logistic services and to enable seamless rail transport.

This will support increasing demand for logistic services and to enable seamless rail transport. The development of three seaports (Laem Chabang - Sattahip - Map Ta Phut): The Laem Chabang Port Development Phase 3 will enhance the country's international maritime transport capacity. The seaport will then be able to handle 160,000-ton cargo vessels and better support export of three million cars per annum. At the same time, the Map Ta Phut Port Development Plan Phase 3 will make the seaport a significant liquid cargo and natural gas terminal which will strengthen transport network and support related industries. Meanwhile, the development of Sattahip Port will enable larger cruise ship handling. This reflects the integration of economic development and tourism.

The will enhance the country's international maritime transport capacity. The seaport will then be able to handle 160,000-ton cargo vessels and better support export of three million cars per annum. At the same time, the will make the seaport a significant liquid cargo and natural gas terminal which will strengthen transport network and support related industries. Meanwhile, the development of will enable larger cruise ship handling. This reflects the integration of economic development and tourism. Measures to draw investment in the 10 target industries: The government expects to welcome Japanese investment in future industries through advanced technology transfer and the establishment of an S-Curve industry zone. It is forecasted that in the next five years, US$14 million will be invested in the future automotive industry, aviation, robotics, smart electronics, medical and healthcare industry, petro- and bio-chemicals.

The government expects to welcome Japanese investment in future industries through advanced technology transfer and the establishment of an S-Curve industry zone. It is forecasted that in the next five years, will be invested in the future automotive industry, aviation, robotics, smart electronics, medical and healthcare industry, petro- and bio-chemicals. Eco-city development: Sustainable industry development will be implemented through natural resource protection and rehabilitation to minimize impact on society. The Ministry of Industry has introduced the "Smart" concept in city development -- Smart City where digital technology is adopted to enhance people's quality of life, Smart Growth where a new concept of land management enables people and bicycles to share the roads, and Low Carbon Society (LCS) where everyone is involved in actively reducing carbon dioxide emissions in daily life and from industrial activities. It is estimated that the investment from the government and private sector in the cities development will reach at least US$43 billion ( 1.5 trillion baht ) in the first five years.

Dr. Uttama added that during the first six months of 2017 (January-June 2017), the investment promotion application in EEC applied through the BOI accounts for 87. 49 billion baht, representing 30 percent of total applications received. Out of this, applications for investment in the 10 target industries valued 71. 34 billion baht, which accounts for 82 per cent of the total applications for investment in EEC.

In addition, the government announced that 1,466 rai of land in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong Province will be allocated for robotics and automation industries.

To promote investment in the 10 target industries, the government has approached many large companies in various sectors including automotive, digital and aviation. Some companies in aviation industry have shown interest in joint venture for investment in MRO business in the EEC area and the joint venture agreement is expected to be signed in early 2018.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Ministry of Industry will promote investment in the EEC Digital Park. World's leading companies in digital business aim to finalize their decisions and sign agreements for investment in the EEC in the near future.

In addition, the government has made significant progress in infrastructure projects. The EEC Policy Committee has already approved a budget of US$17 billion for investment in infrastructure improvement. In terms of the public-private sector partnership, the government will complete the partnership condition framework at the end of this year.

For tourism, the government has developed a plan to promote individual cities by highlighting special characteristics of each city. According to the plan, Chachoengsao Province will be promoted for its "Thai Way of Life", Chonburi Province as the "Modern of the East" and Rayong Province as the "Biz City".

The government is also defining areas for the EEC Digital Park (EECd) and EEC of Innovation (EECi) establishment and searching for partners to invest in these zones.

For more information, contact Ministry of Industry at Tel. 66-2202-4435 or visit www.industry.go.th or facebook.com/industryprmoi.

SOURCE Ministry of Industry
DETROIT, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopper marketing innovator and brand growth driver, The Mars Agency, was ranked #5 of all Independent Agencies in North America by the 2017 Effie Effectiveness Index. The Mars Agency is one of only a handful of shopper marketing agencies to even make the list, which identified 67 agencies overall. It's the agency's second consecutive win.

According to the Effies, the Index analyzes finalist and winner data from the annual North American Effie competition. It reveals the most effective agencies and "provides an insightful glimpse into which ones are actually delivering ideas that work here and across the globe."

Rob Rivenburgh, CEO, The Mars Agency North America, said of the win: "The Effies Effectiveness Index features those agencies who most effectively drive results for their clients. It's one thing to win awards, but it's an honor to be among the few distinguished agencies that have been the most effective business partners for their clients. It's another validation of our agency purpose, to drive sustainable growth for our clients, company, employees and community."

This notable 2017 Effies Award comes on the heels of five new business wins for The Mars Agency and its selection as a Who's Who in Shopper Marketing Agencies by Shopper Marketing magazine and the Path to Purchase Institute for a sixth consecutive year. The agency was also just named a 2017 Cool Place to Work.

About The Mars Agency

The Mars Agency is a full-service, global marketing agency, specializing in shopper and consumer promotion. It operates independently in 10 offices in North America and Europe. For nearly 46 years, the agency has been consistently recognized for its ability to drive brand growth across channels and commerce platforms. It has both an impressive and growing client base that includes Campbell's, Pepperidge Farm, Lowe's, Hallmark, Conagra, Henkel and Pfizer.

To learn more about The Mars Agency, please visit http://www.themarsagency.com/

For more information, contact:

Elise Wilfinger

[email protected]

203.247.7420

SOURCE The Mars Agency

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DETROIT, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sept. 5, 2017 was the final day owners of the 2011-16 Ford Fiesta and 2012-16 Focus vehicles equipped with a PowerShift transmission could opt-out of a controversial class action settlement. 4,500 owners opted out between July 5 and Sept. 5 through Stern Law, PLLC, a part of nearly 12,500 owners who have rejected the class action terms to instead pursue their legal rights under a mass action suit led by the Stern Law firm.

"Utilizing federal consumer protection laws, we will file suit on behalf of the 12,500 claimants by month's end. We will be seeking a buyback, damages for the abnormal depreciation, out-of-pocket repair costs, inconvenience, lost wages and more," said Ken Stern, co-lead attorney. "Our firm's mass action represents a way for clients to seek compensation without worrying about attorney fees or losing any part of their award for representation, as Ford pays all attorney fees."

Opting out as many as 4,500 owners in a two-month period was part of Stern Law's larger effort in suing Ford though its mass action. More than 25,000 individuals reached out to Stern Law. However, even working round-the-clock, the short two-month opt-out period severely limited the number of participants. Stern estimates that thousands more would have joined, but time simply ran out.

"Having heard from those 25,000 owners, we know we could have easily signed several thousand more if we had more time," Stern said. "The limitation of a two month opt-out period unfairly punished owners that have already been mistreated by Ford," Stern notes.

The main criticism that Novi, Mich. based Stern Law, and other attorneys nationwide, have with the class action settlement relates to its compensation structure. While owners of these vehicles have historically had success with their claims in the courts, whether through state Lemon Law proceedings or settlements, those who did not opt-out of Ford's class action settlement will now be forced into an arbitration setting to pursue damages for a buyback moving forward. This buyback effort was also tied to an "inconvenience" payout structure that misled many into believing they would receive compensation that, as Stern contends, is almost impossible for many to attain.

"When the Australian government, our 12,500 clients, and countless more that wanted to join the mass action, accuse Ford of deceptive practices regarding the transmission defects, a two month opt-out period is simply unacceptable," Stern said. "This unreasonably shortened opt-out period was likely intended to limit the number of those that would be able to opt-out, and thereby avoid the class action settlement. This will continue to punish Ford owners that have been misled and defrauded by Ford, as we've made clear in our complaint," he added.

The class action settlement is scheduled for an approval hearing on Oct. 2. Objections to the settlement will be heard at that time.

To follow development of the mass action lawsuit, visit FordTransmissionProblems.com and www.facebook.com/YourLegalJustice.

SOURCE Stern Law, PLLC
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With the high expectations of the NYFW, the big apple gathers a group of the most talented designers to show their pieces this season once again.

On Sept. 9, the third day into the official season, Asian designer Edison Lu will launch his collection in Angel Orensanz Center where Alexander McQueen first held his show in New York back in 1996. The production features the collaboration of To Be Thrill X Judgment Of Paris while setting the theme to an abstract idea of "Zhong."

To Be Thrill

As a designer but also a former celebrity stylist, Edison Lu mastered his own style with art and creative imagination while delivered a completely different point of view on life itself. With the idea of different aspect of life, Edison developed four collections of ready to wear clothing from "BIRTH," "IGNORANT," "EMPOWER" to "RELIEF." Edison Lu vividly expressed his creatively towards imaginations and his attitude toward fashion with his own understanding.

The pop brand To Be Thrill was started up by Edison Lu and the Taiwanese celebrity Junxiang He, and is featured in a New York streetwear style. Since launching the brand for a few months ago, it has already had an impact in the fashion industry. Ranking No.1 on FWO  while it first showed up during NYFW Menswear in 2018  has caught many eyes on the brand and successfully attracted investors and large cloth production companies.

Although Junxiang He could not show up at the NYFW himself due to his shooting schedule, he brought other celebrities to show the love and the support for talented collection from To Be Thrill. As one of the co-founders of To Be Thrill, Junxiang He has been putting a lot of effort into it and showed his support in many ways. He came for the very first show of To Be Thrill in NYFW Menswear 2018 earlier this year as a special guest and has been successfully introduced the concept of the brand to the public.

40 sets of women's wear and seven sets of men's wear will be on the stage while over hundreds of press showing up at the venue. The popular beauty program "Queen" will come with the celebrity Feiyang Yang and their own production team broadcasting the entire show lives online. To Be Thrill is sponsored by the American local organic beauty brand Judgment of Paris and the collaboration brings more possibility of creativities in the future to come. From celebrity stylist to designer, and from beauty to fashion, To Be Thrill will set the future in all industries.

As a second timer for To Be Thrill for putting up a show, it has already showed its success from the impact on the industry, either from the concept of the brand, the talent of the designer or even the influences from the celebrities, To Be Thrill will not be a mediocre chic brand but will be impactful and define the millennial streetwear.

Press contact: [email protected]

Buyers contact: [email protected]

Company website: http://www.thrillnyc.com

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Designer Edison Lu

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Chinese celebrity Yang Feiyang

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A model walks for To Be Thrill X Judgment of Paris

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A model walks for To Be Thrill X Judgment of Paris

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Statement of Matthew L. Myers, President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Philip Morris International  the world's largest non-governmental cigarette manufacturer  has announced that it is establishing a Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, with funding of $80 million per year over the next 12 years.

Philip Morris has a long history of deceiving the public and doing whatever it takes to sell cigarettes. This is not the first time Philip Morris has announced that it is funding "independent" research, nor is it the first time it has claimed to support "independent" researchers. Each of its past efforts have been nothing more than a smokescreen to divert attention from its marketing practices, the harm its products cause and the strong scientific consensus that already existed  both about the harm of its products and the scientifically proven ways to reduce tobacco use. There is no reason to believe that this announcement is any different.

Today, we know how to reduce tobacco use. The scientific evidence is strong and conclusive. The problem is that companies like Philip Morris continue to oppose the adoption of these policies and programs.

Philip Morris' claimed commitment to a "smoke-free world" cannot be taken seriously so long as it continues to aggressively market cigarettes and fight proven policies to reduce smoking and save lives around the world. Until Philip Morris ceases these harmful activities, its claims should be seen as yet another public relations stunt aimed at repairing the company's image and not a serious effort to reduce the death and disease caused by its products. The amount Philip Morris is spending on its new foundation is a drop in the bucket compared to the $75 billion in revenues and over $17 billion in profits the company reported in 2016, most of it from selling cigarettes.

If Philip Morris is truly committed to a smoke-free future, it should immediately take two steps: 1) Actively support the policies to reduce cigarette smoking that are endorsed by the public health community and an international public health treaty, the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC); and 2) set an example for the tobacco industry by stopping all marketing of cigarettes.

Philip Morris International's actions show it remains a major cause of the tobacco epidemic, not a part of the solution:

There is a global consensus about how to reduce tobacco use. The problem is not a lack of evidence requiring research, it is the fact that Philip Morris and other tobacco companies continue to fight strong policies proven to reduce tobacco use around the world. Philip Morris continues to lobby against effective measures called for by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, such as higher tobacco taxes, graphic health warnings and bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. An investigative report published by Reuters in July revealed a massive, secret campaign by Philip Morris to undermine the FCTC, depicting "a company that has focused its vast global resources on bringing to heel the world's tobacco control treaty." In recent years, Philip Morris has also filed numerous legal challenges to strong tobacco control laws adopted by Australia, Uruguay and other countries. It is the height of hypocrisy for Philip Morris to proclaim publicly that it is helping to solve the tobacco problem while it wages all-out campaigns against efforts to reduce tobacco use and save lives.

Philip Morris continues to aggressively market cigarettes around the world, often in ways that appeal to kids and much of its targeting low- and middle-income countries that can least afford the burden of tobacco-related death and disease. In a recent example, Philip Morris launched a global marketing campaign for its best-selling Marlboro cigarettes, called "Be Marlboro," that uses themes and images that appeal to youth. The campaign, which has been rolled out in over 60 countries, features young people partying, falling in love, playing music and engaging in risky behavior. In many countries, Philip Morris and its subsidiaries have introduced flavored cigarettes that appeal to youth, conducted aggressive marketing near elementary schools, sponsored race cars and concerts, and engaged in other youth-oriented marketing.

This isn't the first time Philip Morris has stated a commitment to funding research with the goal of reducing the death and disease caused by cigarettes, but every prior announcement was nothing more than a smokescreen to enable it to continue business as usual. In 1954, a Philip Morris vice president stated, "[I]f we had any thought or knowledge that in any way we were selling a product harmful to our customers, we would stop business tomorrow." In 1997, Philip Morris CEO Geoffrey Bible said in a deposition that the company would halt production if presented with evidence that smoking causes lung cancer, stating he would "shut it down instantly." Yet today, cigarettes make up almost all of Philip Morris International's business and profits.

Cigarette smoking kills more than 7 million people worldwide each year and is projected to kill 1 billion people this century. To end this terrible epidemic, we need strong action by governments to reduce tobacco use, not empty promises from tobacco companies.

SOURCE Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Related Links

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66 percent of interested respondents who would postpone buying their first home

60 percent who would put off having children

44 percent who would postpone marriage

Instead of career advancement or financial gain, they want to work abroad to experience new cultures (77 percent), for personal growth (71 percent) and for the chance to travel (69 percent).

"Today's college students appear to be enthusiastic risk takers, and they're looking for careers that will fulfill their strong desire to explore the world, even if that means foregoing traditional measures of success," said Bill Graebel, CEO of Graebel Companies, Inc., a leading provider of workforce and workplace mobility solutions for Global 100 and Fortune 500 companies. "This survey proves global companies must evolve with their workforce by aligning new talent with their interest in working abroad. By doing so, you can attract the best talent and improve your company's long-term success."

Additional findings include:

Supply vs. Demand: While 81 percent of college seniors want to work abroad, only 47 percent expect to have the opportunity to take a job overseas in the next three years.

While 81 percent of college seniors want to work abroad, only 47 percent expect to have the opportunity to take a job overseas in the next three years. Liberal and Well-Traveled: College seniors who want to work abroad are more likely to identify as liberal, describe themselves as experienced travelers and have an active passport. Seniors with majors in humanities and arts, natural sciences and social sciences are more likely to want to work abroad; business majors are slightly less likely.

College seniors who want to work abroad are more likely to identify as liberal, describe themselves as experienced travelers and have an active passport. Seniors with majors in humanities and arts, natural sciences and social sciences are more likely to want to work abroad; business majors are slightly less likely. Positive View of Globalization: Sixty percent of all respondents believe increased globalization has a positive impact on communities. Only 24 percent say relationships between the U.S. and other countries are currently positive; 59 percent disagree.

Sixty percent of all respondents believe increased globalization has a positive impact on communities. Only 24 percent say relationships between the U.S. and other countries are currently positive; 59 percent disagree. Unsure of the Economy: Thirty-seven percent of all respondents believe the U.S. economy will improve over the next three years, while 50 percent believe it will worsen. Expectations for the global economy are a toss-up: 40 percent think it will improve over the next three years, while 39 percent think it will get worse.

Thirty-seven percent of all respondents believe the U.S. economy will improve over the next three years, while 50 percent believe it will worsen. Expectations for the global economy are a toss-up: 40 percent think it will improve over the next three years, while 39 percent think it will get worse. Seeking Longer-Term Relocation: Today's college seniors want to work abroad for extended periods of time, with 43 percent saying they'd be willing to move for one to three years. Only 6 percent would work abroad for less than six months, and 7 percent would relocate overseas permanently.

Today's college seniors want to work abroad for extended periods of time, with 43 percent saying they'd be willing to move for one to three years. Only 6 percent would work abroad for less than six months, and 7 percent would relocate overseas permanently. Help Wanted: Most students expect companies to offer relocation services, including paying for travel expenses (82 percent), finding them a place to live (68 percent) and moving their belongings (66 percent).

Most students expect companies to offer relocation services, including paying for travel expenses (82 percent), finding them a place to live (68 percent) and moving their belongings (66 percent). Dream Cities: London tops the list of work-abroad dream cities for college seniors, followed by Paris , Sydney , Tokyo , Berlin , Johannesburg , Sao Paulo and Singapore .

"Today's college students are motivated by different things than their parents were. They care about adventure, experience and flexibility more than 401(k)s, corner offices and dental plans," said Tim O'Shea, Vice President, Worldwide Consulting Services for Graebel. "Global companies that attract the best and brightest of tomorrow's workers don't just offer work-abroad opportunitiesthey put workforce mobility at the center of their talent management strategies and promote cross-border opportunities to prospective employees."

About the Survey

The survey was conducted by Cite Research among 500 U.S. college seniors, between August 4 and August 10, 2017, using an email invitation and online survey. Respondents were screened to be seniors in the 2017-2018 school year and 98 percent were aged 18-22.

About Graebel

Graebel Companies, Inc. is a leading provider of global workforce and workplace mobility solutions for Fortune 500 and Global 100 firms and their employees in 165 countries. Since its founding in 1950, Graebel has evolved, innovated and grown to deliver excellent service and results for clients, all while remaining family-owned and focused on its duty of care. Graebel develops and implements mobility strategies that help companies attract and retain talent; respond faster to global market trends; and maximize return on mobility programs. The company addresses every part of the mobility lifecycle for employers and employees, including services for departure and move management, destination, settling-in and ongoing assignment. For more information, visit Graebel.com. Here's to the world ahead.

Media Contact:

Jake Kubie

Linhart Public Relations

303-515-2414

[email protected]

SOURCE Graebel Companies, Inc.

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ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Entrepreneurship programs from across the University of Michigan have come together to host the annual Entrepalooza symposium on Friday, September 22 at the Michigan League. This year's event, focused on the theme of "Nuts and Bolts," will explore what it really takes to start a businessgoing beyond innovative ideas, determination and the more enticing elements of entrepreneurship to dig deep into the personal implications and practical aspects that go into identifying, forming and running a business.

The event will kick off with a keynote address from Veronika Scott, founder and CEO of the Empowerment Plan, a Detroit-based social enterprise that employs the homeless. While a student in college, Scott invented the Element S, a coat which is self heated, waterproof and capable of transforming into a sleeping bag at night. Scott, who will share the story of her journey as a socially minded entrepreneur, has built an entrepreneurial organization that began around a single idea: to design a coat specifically for the homeless. That idea has now transformed into a system of empowerment in which homeless women are paid to learn how to produce coats for people living on the streets, giving them an opportunity to earn money, find a place to live and gain back their independence for themselves and their families. For her extraordinary efforts, Veronika Scott was named a "CNN Hero" by the network in 2016. Scott was the youngest person ever to receive the JFK New Frontier Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, and was invited to lead a TEDx talk.

Following her 9:15 a.m. keynote and an opportunity for networking, attendees will be able to attend a number of workshops to help them think about and refine their approach to a number of critical elements, including financing, marketing, coding and legal. The workshops will be led by members of the U-M and local entrepreneurial community, including:

Bill Mayer , vice president of entrepreneurial services at Ann Arbor SPARK, and William Crane , founder & CEO of IndustryStar Solutions, who will explore bootstrapping techniques and firsthand lessons learned

, vice president of entrepreneurial services at Ann Arbor SPARK, and , founder & CEO of IndustryStar Solutions, who will explore bootstrapping techniques and firsthand lessons learned Anna Farr , program manager at Grand Circus Coding Bootcamps, who will help entrepreneurs overcome their fears of coding in an introductory coding session

, program manager at Grand Circus Coding Bootcamps, who will help entrepreneurs overcome their fears of coding in an introductory coding session Michael S. Melfi , member, and Joseph R. Morrison, Jr. , senior associate at Bodman's Ann Arbor office, who will together lead a workshop on Startup Law 101

, member, and , senior associate at Bodman's office, who will together lead a workshop on Startup Law 101 James Wilson , marketing specialist, academic programs at U-M Center for Entrepreneurship, and Megha Krishnan , marketing and communications manager at Innovate Blue, who will cover open source design applications as an alternative to cost prohibitive software programs

Co-hosted by the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, the Center for Entrepreneurship at the College of Engineering, the School of Public Health's Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship program, the School of Information's Entrepreneurship Program, the School of Music Theatre and Dance's EXCEL Program and Innovate Blue, the University's campus-wide entrepreneurship initiative, Entrepalooza is an annual event that brings entrepreneurial leaders together to share their insights and experiences with students, alumni, faculty and members of the broader business community.

For more information, including a full schedule, or to register to attend the event, please visit http://entrepalooza.umich.edu/. To receive event updates or share your thoughts from the symposium, use hashtag #epalooza on Twitter.

About the Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies

The Institute and its Center for Venture Capital and Private Equity Finance bring together an impactful combination of deep-seated knowledge, enriching experiences and strategic opportunities from the front lines of entrepreneurship and alternative investment. Students' learning experiences are further enhanced through internships, entrepreneurial clubs, business competitions and campus-wide events that foster valuable networking and engage the business community. The School's four student-led investment funds, with over $8.5M under management, immerse students in the entrepreneurial business sourcing, assessment and investment process. Founding Zell Lurie advisory board members include Samuel Zell, chairman of Equity Group Investments, and Eugene Applebaum, founder of Arbor Drugs Inc. For more information, visit the Institute's website at www.zli.umich.edu.

About Michigan Ross

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a vibrant and distinctive learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for positive change in today's dynamic global economy. The Ross mission is to develop leaders who make a positive difference in the world. Through thought and action, members of the Ross community drive change and innovation that improves business and society.

Ross is consistently ranked among the world's leading business schools. Academic degree programs include the BBA, MBA, Part-time MBA (Evening and Weekend formats), Executive MBA, Global MBA, Master of Accounting, Master of Supply Chain Management, Master of Management, and PhD. In addition, the school delivers open-enrollment and custom executive education programs targeting general management, leadership development, and strategic human resource management.

SOURCE The Zell Lurie Institute

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WELLESLEY, Mass., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report has ranked Babson College the No. 1 undergraduate school for entrepreneurship in the United States for the 21st consecutive time, ahead of such institutions as MIT, University of California-Berkeley, and University of Pennsylvania (Wharton).

Other schools rounding out this year's Top 5 list are:

2. Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (Sloan)

3. Indiana UniversityBloomington (Kelley)

3. University of CaliforniaBerkeley (Haas)

5. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

"We are honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the leader in undergraduate entrepreneurship education for the 21st consecutive time," said Babson President Kerry Healey. "As we look ahead to our Centennial, we are focused on educating Entrepreneurs of All Kinds who will make a difference in the world. With a special focus on strengthening family enterprises, advancing women-led entrepreneurship, and driving social impact, we remain committed to being the global leader in entrepreneurship education in our second century."

Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks undergraduate business programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This reputational ranking reflects the high esteem that leaders in the field of business education hold for Babson College's faculty and undergraduate degree. The magazine surveys business school deans and senior faculty.

Read more about the ranking and methodology

"We are thrilled to receive this recognition as the strongest undergraduate program in entrepreneurship from U.S. News & World Report. This acknowledgement from our business education peers illuminates the impressive work of our faculty, staff, and students. We are continuing our work to prepare students for the economy of tomorrow and for industries that do not even yet exist, creating a distinctive educational experience for leaders who will create social and economic value for decades to come," said Babson College Undergraduate School Dean Ian Lapp.

This ranking success is just the latest achievement for the College's programs.

Babson College is continuing its innovations in affordability by offering all students an accelerated path to obtaining their undergraduate degree in as little as three years.

is continuing its innovations in affordability by offering all students an accelerated path to obtaining their undergraduate degree in as little as three years. PayScale ranked Babson the No. 1 private business school for salary potential for the third year in a row.

Babson has broken ground on the new Babson Recreation and Athletics Center (BRAC), a new modern fitness and recreation facility that will benefit the entire college community.

About Babson College

Babson College is the educator, convener, and thought leader of Entrepreneurship of All Kinds. The top -ranked college for entrepreneurship education, Babson is a dynamic living and learning laboratory where students, faculty, and staff work together to address the real-world problems of business and society. We prepare the entrepreneurial leaders our world needs most: those with strong functional knowledge and the skills and vision to navigate change, accommodate ambiguity, surmount complexity, and motivate teams in a common purpose to make a difference in the world, and have an impact on organizations of all sizes and types. As we have for nearly a half-century, Babson continues to advance Entrepreneurial Thought & Action as the most positive force on the planet for generating sustainable economic and social value.

Media Contact:

Brianna Radicioni

PR Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE Babson College

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NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "Stringent emission norms and fuel economy standards to drive the vehicle electrification market"



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05099508





The vehicle electrification market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.17% during the forecast period, to reach a market size of USD 92.59 billion by 2022. The implementation of stringent emission norms and fuel economy standards globally as well as increasing vehicle production are driving the vehicle electrification market. Alternatively, the high cost of electric vehicles can undermine the demand for vehicle electrification.



"The market for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) is estimated to witness the fastest growth in the vehicle electrification market"

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are projected to lead the vehicle electrification market, in terms of value, during the forecast period. Automakers are seeing plug-in hybrids as the gateway to electric vehicles. Government tax incentives and state rebates have boosted the proliferation of plug-in hybrid vehicles. Asia-Oceania and North America are estimated to be the fastest growing markets for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Increasing charging infrastructure in North America is responsible for the shift from conventional ICE vehicles to PHEV. OEMs in this region have also invested a significant amount in the development of vehicle electrification. This would also drive the demand for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.



"Asia-Oceania: Largest vehicle electrification market in the automotive industry"

Asia-Oceania is estimated to lead the vehicle electrification market, as the region represents countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India with the world's highest vehicle production. The automobile industry is flourishing in this region, especially in South Asia. Additionally, Asia-Oceania has created hubs for automobile manufacturers and automotive component suppliers.

Stringent emission norms and fuel economy standards of these countries would help to create more opportunities for vehicle electrification. Countries such as China and India have plans to upgrade their emission regulations by 2020. For instance, India is planning to skip BS V regulations by leapfrogging to BS VI. This is a positive development for the vehicle electrification market. Additionally, the demand for electric and electronic components in vehicles helps to increase the trend of vehicle electrification.



BREAKDOWN OF PRIMARIES



The study contains insights provided by various industry experts, ranging from vehicle electrification OEMs to vehicle electrification component suppliers. The break-up of the primaries is as follows:

 By Company Type:OEMs  50%, Tier-I - 30%, and Tier-2 - 20%

 By Designation: D level - 40%, C level - 35%, and Others** - 25%

 By Region: North America - 44%, Europe - 31%, Asia-Pacific - 25%

Note: Others** include sales managers, product managers, and associations.

Company tiers are based on the value chain; revenue of the company has not been considered. Tier I are vehicle electrification suppliers, while Tier II are material or component suppliers.



The report provides detailed profiles of the following companies:

 Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany)

 Continental AG (Germany)

 Denso Corporation (Japan)

 Delphi Automotive PLC (U.K.)

 Johnson Electric (Hong Kong)

 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan)

 BorgWarner Inc. (U.S.)

 Magna International Inc. (Canada)

 Aisin Seiki Co. (Japan)

 Johnson Controls Inc. (U.S.)

 ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany)

 Valeo SA (France)

 JTEKT Corp. (Japan)

 Hitachi Automotive Systems (Japan)

 Wabco Holdings Inc. (Belgium)



Research Coverage:

The report provides a picture of the vehicle electrification market across different verticals and regions. It aims at estimating the market size and future growth potential of the vehicle electrification market, by product type, degree of hybridization, 48V mild hybrid market, and region. Furthermore, the report also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key players in the market along with their company profiles, Vendor DIVE matrix, recent developments, and key market strategies.



Reasons to buy the Report:

The report will help the market leaders and new entrants in this market by providing them the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall vehicle electrification market and the sub segments. This report will help stakeholders to better understand the competitor landscape and gain more insights to better position their businesses and make suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps the stakeholders to understand the pulse of the market and provides them information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05099508



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



https://www.reportlinker.com



__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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House Speaker Paul Ryan said that the "whole concept" of white supremacy is wrong. Now he needs to lead the House in censuring President Trump for his support of white supremacists. PHOTO BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WeissLaw LLP is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the Board of Directors of Rockwell Collins Inc. ("COL" or the "Company") (NYSE: COL) in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Company by United Technologies Corporation ("UTX") (NYSE: UTX). On September 4, 2017, the companies issued a joint press release announcing a definitive agreement for UTX to acquire all outstanding shares of COL in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $30 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company's shareholders will receive $93.33 in cash and $46.67 in UTX shares for each COL share they own, for a total per-share consideration of $140.00.

WeissLaw is investigating whether COL's Board acted to maximize shareholder value prior to entering into the agreement. Notably, at least one analyst set a target price of $145.00, or $5.00 above the per-share consideration. Additionally, the per-share consideration only offers COL shareholders a meagre 3% premium over the Company's August 29 trading price of $135.31.

Moreover, according to UTX's Chairman and CEO, "[t]his acquisition adds tremendous capabilities to [UTX's] aerospace business and strengthens [its] complementary offering of technologically advanced aerospace systems. . . Together, Rockwell Collins and [UTX] Aerospace will enhance customer value in a rapidly evolving aerospace industry."

Given these facts, WeissLaw is investigating whether COL's Board acted in the best interests of COL's public shareholders and whether they will obtain their fair proportionate share of the Company's continued success and future growth prospects. If you own COL 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/rockwell-collins-inc/

SOURCE WeissLaw LLP

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With high-profile clients in a variety of industries, the NAV43 team has saved its partners millions of dollars and it's time the public got to know a bit about who they really are. By developing highly curated digital strategies with NAV43, Neil Patel (the guru of search engine optimization) saw a 59 per cent spike in traffic in under 30 days, ICONINK realized $70,000 CAD per month in new revenue from paid traffic, and Canadian Self Storage was able to secure $400,000 CAD in new business by revamping its digital presence. And these results only represent a small portion of the work that this team does.

"Our team has found a key gap between where expertise and platform knowledge meets advertising experience and a deep understanding of the problem," said Ben Dankiw, co-founder and Director of Digital Marketing of NAV43. "Our work with each client is completely different from that of the next, but it all follows the same guidelines; having a real understanding of what is needed for success. It's not enough to just know how platforms work; success comes from taking a strong marketing concept and translating it to a truly tailored digital strategy. Of course, a certain 'je ne sais quoi' of solid keyword use and audience targeting doesn't hurt either."

Before partnering with Navigate Group in December 2016, NAV43 was known as Digitally Found. The dynamic leaders of NAV43 split their expertise and responsibilities, with McConville mastering search engine optimization and Dankiw specializing in pay-per-click (PPC) marketing.

"Most people know that digital advertising is a huge component of a successful business," continued Dankiw. "A lot of companies just throw money at the industry because they know it's important. But not enough people -- especially senior management -- understand how to add a level of tangibility to their digital results, and that's where we shine."

"If you told me when I decided to forego college that I'd own and operate a successful digital agency in a few years, I would've said you were insane," added Tyler McConville, co-founder and CEO of NAV43. "To say that digital marketing and search engine optimization are under-utilized tools is a complete understatement. We're here to make sure people understand the importance of SEO and how it can help grow their business."

To learn about NAV43 and their services, please visit NAV43.com.

About NAV43

NAV43 is a digital advertising agency that drives results. Created by two of North America's leading digital experts, the NAV43 team brings experience, technical excellence, and a strong strategic approach to every project  along with the case studies to prove it. Specializing in SEO, digital advertising, and analytics, NAV43 helps its partners understand what they need, what they don't, and what it all means for their business. The team provides an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour, and digital strategies that reach beyond Google. Whether they're refreshing a declining brand, launching a new one from scratch, or helping an enterprise expand its reach, NAV43's aim is to achieve its partners' business objectives and exceed their expectations. Simply put, NAV43 does the incredible with digital.

NAV43

267 Niagara St - Suite 201c

Toronto ON, M6J 2L7

(647) 794-0043

[email protected]

SOURCE NAV43
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Wood Coatings Market: Overview



The term wood coatings implies a wide range of products such as stains, varnishes, shellacs, and lacquers, which are commonly used in the domestic and industrial sectors. The significance of wood coatings is that they add depth and warmth to the appearance of the wooden structures. They can be applied in the form of surface coatings, natural finishes, pigmented finishes, penetrating finishes and wax polishes. Depending upon the applications, the usage of wood coatings also varies. The key applications of wood coatings include furniture, cabinets, and side and deck.







Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05098934







Global Wood Coatings Market: Drivers and Restraints and Trends



The recovery of the housing industry all over the world is propelling the wood coatings market. Demand for side and deck in advanced countries is increasing. This is anticipated to drive the market for wood coatings in the near future. The recent recovery of the housing industry across the world is propelling the global wood coatings market. The rise in construction of new homes and the house modifications are factors driving the wood coatings market. Wood coatings are highly used for kitchen furnishings and flooring.



Demand for side and deck in advanced countries is increasing, which is anticipated to fuel the market for wood coatings in the next few years. Increasing public awareness regarding coatings with low volatile organic compounds and the implementation of safety regulations are factors that significantly contribute to growth of the wood coatings market. Increasing disposable income is also considered as a propelling factor for global wood coatings market.



Growth in the residential housing sector coupled with growing demand for furniture, decking, and siding products are considered as the growth opportunities for the wood coatings market. Also, the shift towards green technology is another opportunity creator, as it deals with the non-volatile emission of organic compounds. Strategic co-operation among manufacturers is also considered as the opportunity for the wood coatings market



The report estimates and forecasts the wood coatings market on the global, regional and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2017 and 2025 based on volume (Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2016 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage. The study includes drivers and restraints for the wood coatings market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period.



The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the wood coatings market on the global, regional and country level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report analyzes substitute analysis of wood coatings and global average price trend analysis.



Global Wood Coatings Market: Segmentation



The report includes Porter's Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the wood coatings market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and regions have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for wood coatings between 2017 and 2025.



The study provides a comprehensive view of the wood coatings market by dividing it into resin, product, technology, application, and geography segments. Resin segment has been categorized into polyurethane, acrylics, melamine formaldehyde, nitrocellulose, and others. The product segment of the wood coatings market is classified as stains & varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, and others. The technology segmentation covers oil based wood coatings, water based wood coatings and also solvent based wood coatings.



The wood coatings market, by application has been categorized into furniture, cabinets, side & deck, and others. The regional analysis of global wood coatings market include includes the current and forecast consumption of wood coatings in North America (U.S, Canada), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Rest of Latin America), Europe (Germany, France, Italy, U.K, Spain, and Rest of Europe) , Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan & ASEAN) , and Middle East & Africa (GCC, Egypt, South Africa and Rest of Middle East & Africa). Market segmentation includes demand for consumption in all the regions and countries individually.



Global Wood Coatings Market: Competitive Analysis



The report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Akzo Nobel N.V, BASF SE, Nippon Paint Holding Co., Ltd, PPG Industries, Inc., RPM International Inc., The Sherwin Williams Company, and The Dow Chemical Company. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).



Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to, The World Paint & Coatings Industry Association (WPCIA) , American Coatings Association (ACA), National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), British Coating Federation (BCF) , The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) , Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) , American Wood Protection Association and European Wood Preservative Manufacturers Association (EWPMA),company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.



In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players' product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis team's expertise and market understanding.



The global wood coatings market has been segmented as follows:



Global Wood Coatings Market, by Resin Analysis

Polyurethane

Acrylics

Melamine Formaldehyde

Nitrocellulose

Others



Global Wood Coatings Market, by Product Analysis

Stains & Varnishes

Shellacs

Lacquers

Others



Global Wood Coatings Market, by Technology Analysis

Oil based

Water based

Solvent based



Global Wood Coatings Market, by Application Analysis

Furniture

Cabinets

Side & Deck

Others



Global Wood Coatings Market, by Regional Analysis

North America

U.S.

Canada

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Europe

Germany

France

U.K.

Spain

Italy

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

ASEAN

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

GCC

Egypt

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05098934



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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"We are truly thrilled to welcome Rob on board. He is a key addition to our team and brings quite uniquely relevant experience for leading our global operations and commercial effort as we embark on the next phase in the growth of our platform," said Hannes Smarason, CEO of WuXi NextCODE. "Rob understands genomics intimately and is skilled at listening to users and helping them to take advantage of sequence data to achieve their goals. I can't think of a better person to build out our business and to leverage that growth to deliver ever more powerful consumer solutions  creating a network effect that enables everyone to benefit from the genome."

"WuXi NextCODE is at the center of the next phase of the genomics revolution, focusing on turning genomic data into actionable information that makes a difference to people's lives," said Rob Brainin. "I am excited to be helping to enable all kinds of people everywhere to do just that, from the pharmaceutical company that is trying to discover new drugs, to doctors diagnosing rare diseases, and to individuals planning a family or just trying to understand what the future might hold for their health. That is what this platform is all about."

Mr Brainin has fifteen years' experience leading the product development, market development and commercialization of life sciences and genomics technologies. At Illumina, he served as VP for the arrays business before becoming general manager of life sciences and applied genomics. Mr Brainin also led business units at Invitrogen, Life Technologies and Thermo Fisher, and prior to that held leadership positions at Gateway Computing. He holds a BA in economics from Emory and began his career as a consultant with McKinsey & Co after attending Harvard Law School.

Alex Fowkes, who has served as COO since joining WuXi NextCODE from WuXi AppTec earlier in the year, has been named chief strategy officer and EVP for innovation. Having significantly built out the company's global operations over the past six months, he will now oversee the growth and execution of key large-scale strategic projects that are expected to underpin much of the growth of the global platform. He will also focus on adding to add to the company's portfolio of innovation and technologies, ensuring WuXi NextCODE stays at the forefront of the most advanced methods and approaches.

About WuXi NextCODE

WuXi NextCODE is a fully integrated contract genomics organization (CGO) building the global standard platform for genomic data. With offices in Shanghai; Kendall Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Reykjavik, Iceland, we serve the leading population genomics, precision medicine, diagnostics and wellness initiatives and enterprises using the genome to improve health around the world. Our capabilities span study design, sequencing, secondary analysis, storage, interpretation, scalable analytics, and AI and deep learning  all backed by the most proven and widely used technology for organizing, mining and sharing genome sequence data. We are also applying the same capabilities to advance a growing range of sequence-based tests and scans in China. WuXi NextCODE is a WuXi Group company. Visit us on the web at wuxinextcode.com.

Contact:

Edward Farmer, PhD

[email protected]

+1 781-775-6206

SOURCE WuXi NextCODE

Related Links

https://www.wuxinextcode.com


ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: XHR) ("Xenia" or the "Company") today announced that its hotels in Orlando, Savannah, Atlanta, Birmingham, and Charleston, South Carolina, did not experience any significant property damage as a result of Hurricane Irma. Each of the Company's eight hotels in these markets is currently open and operating.

The 120-room Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa located in Key West, Florida is currently closed. The resort's employees and guests were evacuated in advance of Hurricane Irma making landfall. The Company is currently unable to provide further updates regarding the property's physical condition or when it is expected to re-open, as it will be performing a complete assessment as soon as circumstances allow.

The Company's corporate office located in Orlando did not sustain any significant damage and is fully operational.

As it relates to Hurricane Harvey, further inspections of the Company's Houston and Austin hotels confirmed that none of the hotels experienced significant property damage, and all four hotels in these markets are open and operating.

Xenia maintains property and business interruption insurance at its hotels, including those affected by the storms. The Company will continue to evaluate the financial impact from both storms and its ability to recover any insurance proceeds from property damage and/or lost income through insurance policies in place at the hotels.

"Our thoughts continue to be with the people in all locations impacted by these two destructive storms," commented Marcel Verbaas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Xenia. "We are very proud of the efforts the hotels have put forth to cater to the needs of guests and associates, as well as to the communities in which they are located."

About Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is a self-advised and self-administered REIT that invests primarily in premium full service and lifestyle hotels, with a focus on the top 25 U.S. lodging markets as well as key leisure destinations in the United States. The Company owns 36 hotels, including 34 wholly owned hotels, comprising 10,556 rooms, across 17 states and the District of Columbia. Xenia's hotels are primarily in the luxury and upper upscale segments, and operated and/or licensed by industry leaders such as Marriott, Hyatt, Kimpton, Aston, Fairmont, Hilton, and Loews, as well as leading independent management companies including Sage Hospitality, The Kessler Collection, Urgo Hotels & Resorts, and Davidson Hotels & Resorts. For more information on Xenia's business, refer to the Company website at www.xeniareit.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "will," "may," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," "forecasts," and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Forward-looking statements are based on Xenia's current expectations and beliefs, which we believe to be reasonable, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. A further description of these risks, uncertainties, and other matters can be found in the Risk Factors detailed in Xenia's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on February 28, 2017, as well as other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by Xenia, and Xenia assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update information contained in this news release except as required by law.

For additional information or to receive press releases via email, please visit our website at

www.xeniareit.com

SOURCE Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.xeniareit.com


Immigrants are an integral part of the fabric of America, past and present, and communities that are welcoming can benefit economically, socially and culturally. The socioeconomic impact of a well-adjusted newcomer population is indisputable; 1 in 4 new businesses in the U.S. is started by immigrants. Immigrant-owned small businesses employ 4.7 million workers and generate $776 billion in revenue. Additionally, immigrant-led households represent over $9.3 trillion of the U.S. spending power. Forty-eight percent of newcomers aged 25 and up hold a college degree and more than 18 percent of scientists and engineers in the U.S. are immigrants. When given the opportunity, newcomers offer immense value to our communities, and the Y and Welcoming America are committed to ensuring that value is realized.

"At the Y, we are firm believers that our communities are more prosperous and cohesive when everyone feels welcomed and has equitable access to resources to reach their full potential," said Lynda Gonzales-Chavez, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, YMCA of the USA. "Welcoming Week is an opportunity for neighbors  both immigrants and U.S.-born residents  to connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values to strengthen our communities for all."

This year, Ys across the U.S. will host events at over 300 locations, nearly three times the number of locations from 2016. "The Y is leading by exampleshowing that inclusion is an imperative for building stronger communities," said David Lubell, Founder and Executive Director of Welcoming America. "Our partnership during Welcoming Week is further evidence of the growing movement of neighbors of all backgrounds showing unity in a time when we need it most."

Welcoming Week runs from September 15-24, in communities large and small nationwide. On September 15, Y-USA and Welcoming America will help to kick off Welcoming Week at an event hosted by the YMCA of Greater New York at the Queens Museum in Flushing, N.Y., historically one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in America. The event will feature Get Empowered, who will offer interactive welcoming and unifying activities, including Brazilian Capoeira, drumming circles, origami, and other opportunities to unify, engage, connect, and build bridges between immigrant and U.S.-born communities.

On hand to give remarks will include: Rachel Peric, Deputy Director, Welcoming America; Lynda Gonzales-Chavez, Y-USA; Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater New York; Obba Babatunde, Queens native, Emmy Award winner, and activist; and keynote speaker Rossana Rosado, New York State Secretary of State.

"For centuries, New York City has been a beacon for new immigrants seeking to fulfill their American dreams. There's no better place to kick off Welcoming Week, where people of all backgrounds connect to strengthen our communities," said Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater New York. "New York City's YMCA has embraced new Americans since our settlement projects on Ellis Island in 1909. Today, with an increasingly diverse city, we remain committed to helping newcomers succeed and thrive."

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children  regardless of age, income or background  to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

About Welcoming Week

Welcoming Week is an annual celebration bringing together thousands of people and hundreds of local events that celebrate the contributions of immigrants and refugees and the role communities play to foster greater welcome. Welcoming Week is Sept. 15-24 across the country and now expanding to other parts of the world.

Welcoming America is leading a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by making everyone who lives there feel like they belong. Welcoming America believes that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of both our communities and our shared future. www.welcomingamerica.org.

About YMCA of Greater New York's New American Initiative

New York City's YMCA founded its New Americans Initiative in 1981, making the Y one of the largest immigrant service providers in the City. Since 2006, New York City's YMCA has opened six New Americans Welcome Centers, which offer citizenship preparation courses, English language classes, and other services to help immigrants reach their goals and integrate into American society. The Centers support more than 5,000 immigrants and their families annually, and New York City's success led Y-USA to implement the model nationally in 2016.

SOURCE YMCA of the USA

Related Links

http://www.ymca.net


SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Zentera Systems, Inc., the leader in security and connectivity for workloads in hybrid computing environments, today announced that Jaushin Lee, the company's CEO, will be speaking at IoT Evolution's Enterprise Implementations Summit on Sep. 14, 2017, as part of the Mobile World Congress Americas (MWCA) program. MWCA 2017, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, will draw 30,000 professional attendees from the mobile industry and adjacent industry sectors. Through a series of cases studies and IoT success stories, the IoT Evolution event will break down the complex components of IoT implementations.

At 12:25 on Thursday, Sep. 14th, Lee will be discussing Embedding Security with CoIP (Cloud over IP) solutions, focusing on the challenges of safeguarding IoT services end-to-end. He will describe how CoIP, as an overlay architecture, allows cloud providers, telecom and enterprises to deploy IoT security rapidly, using but not disrupting the existing infrastructure.

"Jaushin continues to provide thought leadership to the IoT community about the importance of cloud security," said Mike Loftus, Zentera's VP of Strategy & Marketing. "This message is well-received, as evidenced by Zentera winning a Best of Show award from the recent IoT Evolution Expo, as well as being named a Gartner Cool Vendor in Cloud Security this year."

The CoIP Security Enclave protects IoT applications in several ways, including the Application Interlock feature. CoIP provides an isolated network, or enclave, to contain each IoT service end to end. Inside an enclave, next-generation technologies are provided to segment network flows and filter the edge IoT traffic. In addition to encryption and micro-segmentation capabilities, Application Interlock provides isolation for protecting IoT services.

About Zentera

Zentera, named a Cool Vendor in Cloud Security 2017 by Gartner, Inc., secures application workloads in hybrid environments by connecting them through a unified virtual overlay network, or enclave. The CoIP Security Enclave platform provides security and connectivity. It works with any infrastructure in any environment, does not interfere with existing environments or security, and can be up and running in less than a day. It provides defense-in-depth for enterprise applications in the cloud, moving to the cloud or on-premise. CoIP is deployed for worldwide operations by global corporations. The company has received numerous honors, including consecutive Red Herring Top 100 Awards, and is based in Silicon Valley. For more information, see www.zentera.net.

Media Contact

Mike Loftus, VP Strategy & Marketing

Zentera Systems, Inc.

+1 408-436-4810

[email protected]

All trademarks cited here are the properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE Zentera Systems, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.zentera.net


The popular History Channel television series plans to film in Wisconsin in October and is seeking folks with antiques collections, a representative of Cineflix said Monday.

The series American Pickers follows two antiques connoisseurs, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, as they pick through valuable, rare or just plain strange antiques in small towns and big cities across America.

The duo then restores the antiques, and then either sells the goods or keeps them in their personal collections.

Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something theyve never seen beforeAmerican Pickers is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure, the press release said.

If fans have collections of antiques and are interested in selling to Mike and Frank, they can send a name, phone number, location, and photos and description of the collection to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-OLD-RUST.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
New York, Sep 13 : Gay rights activist Edith Windsor, whose same-sex marriage fight led to a landmark US ruling, has died aged 88.

Her death was confirmed to the New York Times by her wife Judith Kasen-Windsor. She died in New York.

"The world lost a tiny but tough-as-nails fighter for freedom, justice and equality," the BBC quoted Kasen-Windsor as saying.

"Edie was the light of my life. She will always be the light for the LGBTQ community, which she loved so much and which loved her right back," she added.

Windsor's Supreme Court case struck down the Defence of Marriage Act in 2013, granting same-sex married couples federal recognition for the first time.

She had sued the US government after being ordered to pay $363,053 in federal estate tax after her previous wife, Thea Spyer, died. The couple had been partners for 44 years and had married in Canada in 2007.

Windsor, known as Edie, argued that the provision of the law which defined marriage as between a man and a woman prevented her from getting a tax deduction due to married couples - and was "unconstitutional".

In the landmark 2013 ruling, the US Supreme Court agreed - and that decision became the basis for a wave of further court rulings increasing the rights of same-sex couples.

In 2015, another crucial Supreme Court ruling gave same-sex couples the right to marry.

Former US Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also paid their tributes.

"Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor - and few made as big a difference to America," Obama said. While Clinton tweeted: "In standing up for herself, Edie also stood up for millions of Americans..."
Panaji, Sep 13 : A Goa Minister's public admission of being under threat by the drug mafia has triggered a political storm in the coastal state, with the opposition accusing the BJP-led coalition government here of allowing lawless elements to run amok.

Fisheries Minister Vinod Palienkar, who is an MLA from Siolim, home to beach villages like Anjuna and Chapora, on Tuesday admitted of giving up his morning stroll on public beaches following subtle threats and stalking from the mafia.

"People are following me. They seem to know exactly where I am going. I have even given up taking my morning walk on beaches. Now I go for a brisk walk on my home terrace," Palienkar said.

The Fisheries Minister has been in the news over his opposition to rave parties, which he alleges are havens for drugs. Anjuna and Chapora are known for such parties.

Palienkar told reporters he had hurt "vested interests" hence the mafia threats.

He also said, he had officially informed the state Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma about these threats. "The Chief Secretary has said he will look at upgrading my security."

Goa, one of the top beach tourism destinations in the country is also known for narco-tourism, fuelled by rave parties which are organised illegally across the coastal belt, especially in North Goa.

Anjuna, Vagator, Chapora beaches have for years been known for easy availability of narcotics and have been hubs for rave parties as well as popular electronic dance music festivals, where drug-overdose related deaths have been reported on numerous occasions.

The open admission by Palienkar, has given fresh ammunition to the opposition, which has now lambasted the Manohar Parrikar government for poor law and order, where even a minister has to seek police security.

"The law and order situation in Goa has come to such a pass that a Cabinet Minister is now feeling insecure. The threat to his life, publicly expressed... is unprecedented... and shocking," Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Ashley do Rosario told IANS.

"The government should immediately investigate the threat perception as well as pinpoint the reasons for it, which prima facie stems from the minister's recent outbursts against rampant narco-trade in his constituency.

"Palienkar should be immediately provided highest personal security," do Rosario said, adding that his apprehension was "indicative of the abject failure of Parrikar, who holds the home portfolio and the utter indiscipline in his cabinet and government where ministers are interfering in each other's departments."

The Congress has also pitched in with its criticism of the government.

"If the government cannot protect its own Minister, how will it protect the common man? The government, as well as the law and order machinery, is in shambles," Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo told IANS.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : Even though premium segment player Apple has moved a notch up to the "super premium" category with the iPhone X, its bid to grab a bigger chunk of the Indian market won't be easy, with the popular Samsung Galaxy S8 firmly in place and the Galaxy Note 8 set for a massive landfall.

To be made available on November 3, iPhone X will cost Rs 89,000 (64GB) variant while the 256GB version will cost Rs 102,000.

In the January-June quarter of 2017, Apple sold 3,00,428 units of iPhone 7 and 2,06,292 units of iPhone 7 Plus. In the same period, Samsung sold 1,22,000 units of S8 and 1,40,000 S8 Plus, according to the data provided by Cybermedia Research.

Now, over 2.5 lakh people have registered to buy the Rs 67,900 Galaxy Note 8 device -- also launched on September 12 in India -- which would be available starting September 21.

"Although iPhone X is the real competition to Samsung, we must keep in mind that Samsung currently has two successful flagships with them -- with Galaxy S8 (doing well) and Note 8 (just launched with huge pre-orders). This makes the super-premium end of smartphone market very interesting for the next two quarters or so," Navkendar Singh, Senior Research Manager at IDC India, told IANS.

According to Singh, the high pricing of the iPhone X will ensure that only a very serious and real Apple fan will buy it.

"However, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, with a similar design -- but premium build and lower pricing -- will probably appeal to iPhone 6s/7 users who were waiting for an upgrade. These two models should be the volume drivers for Apple, with iPhone X acting as a flagship at the super-premium end," Singh explained.

When it comes to Chinese brands in India, Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo now have a combined market share of 54 per cent in the second quarter this year, up from 51 per cent in the first quarter, says the "Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker" report by IDC.

Samsung continues to be India's top smartphone brand with 24 per cent market share. Apple, with its premium portfolio, has nearly three per cent market share by volume and 11 per cent share by value in the country.

According to Narinder Kumar, an analyst at Cybermedia Research, in terms of significant business contribution, shipments of iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 5S declined sequentially by 59 per cent and 57 per cent, respectively, in 2Q 2017.

"Personally, I never see a Samsung versus iPhone competition. The iPhone community is primarily for iPhone and won't shift to another phone -- and moving to Samsung means the big decision of coming out of the iOS ecosystem," Faisal Kawoosa, Principal Analyst, Telecom and ESDM, CMR, told IANS.

For him, the battle in the premium segment is now between iPhone and Samsung premium models like the Note 8.

"The trend will continue to be so for now; iPhone fans will upgrade only to an iPhone, and those looking for a premium option within Android, will go for Samsung," he added.

Tarun Pathak, Associate Director, Mobile Devices and Ecosystems, Counterpoint Research, expects initial sales to be high with the Apple user base upgrading to its new devices irrespective of pricing and specs.

"However, Apple will have its task to cut out to acquire Android users in the premium segment when both the S8 and Note 8 likely to give strong competition to the company in India," Pathak told IANS.

From the strategy point of view, he said, iPhone X is a good move from Apple, initiating a new design form factor that can be further leveraged in successive iterations.

iPhone X and iPhone 8 can co-exist and won't be a threat to one another.

"These models can definitely co-exist as we have seen that Apple has lately moved away from single new model per year to multiple models playing at multiple price points, which is really an attempt to drive volumes and gain more share," Singh noted.

iPhone X has some hugely incremental features compared to the present iPhones, like less-bezel, facial-recognition system, wireless charging, animoji, etc.

"That should excite the staunch iPhone base looking for an upgrade. This segment is not price-sensitive and I don't see price out of expectations range. So, iPhone X should be doing good numbers, though not of the volume of mass market models or brands," Kawoosa added.

One should also not forget that, though primarily a premium segment player, Apple is slowly opening up new avenues -- like the Bengaluru-assembled iPhone SE (32GB) at Rs 26,000 -- to expand its presence in India, a price-sensitive market with a gigantic user base scouting for devices in the Rs 15,000-Rs 30,000 range.

(Nishant Arora can be contacted at nishant.a@ians.in)
SOMERS  A local drug and alcohol counselor who owns a business in Racine has been charged with sexual assault and three other crimes.

Corie P. Hargrove, 47, of the 1600 block of Derby Avenue, faces charges of second-degree sexual assault, false imprisonment, strangulation and suffocation and disorderly conduct stemming from a Sept. 3 incident at a Somers motel.

Hargrove owns Harvest Consulting Co., a substance abuse counseling company that operates out of the Lake Forum building, 840 Lake Ave., according to online business records and his LinkedIn page. Deputies said Hargrove told them he used cocaine before the alleged assault.

He made his initial appearance in Kenosha County Circuit Court last week and had his bond set at $20,000, according to court records. Records show Hargrove having no previous criminal history.

According to the criminal complaint:

Hargrove, who knew his accuser, visited the womans room at the White Brick Motel, 973 Sheridan Road, uninvited. Hargrove and the woman talked while two of their friends went to get food, and he allegedly became irritated when the friends returned and he and the victim reportedly went to another room.

Hargrove told the woman that he was taking his place back as No. 1 and began pressuring her to have sex. He allegedly began wrestling with her and removed her clothes without consent while she wept.

Though the woman told him to stop, Hargrove allegedly raped her. Afterward, Hargrove wouldnt leave and then wouldnt let the woman leave the room.

As she tried to leave the room, Hargrove allegedly choked her, rendering her unable to breathe for about a minute. One of the friends was able to get the door open during the alleged assault to stop it; before he left, Hargrove reportedly called the woman and the friend obscene names.

Police observed markings on the womans neck and back that her friend said were not there before the alleged assault.

Hargrove told police that the sex was consensual and accused the woman of being a prostitute. He denied being physically violent with the woman and claimed she falsely accused him due to jealousy and anger.
Mumbai, Sep 13 : "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan" director R.S. Prasanna says he is sure that the film on erectile dysfunction will have a sequel.

Prasanna, who was present at the success party of the film here on Tuesday night, was asked if there are any plans to make a sequel of the film, which features Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar in lead roles.

"Definitely, I have already told a story to Aanandji (producer Aanand L. Rai). It will be very interesting. We were waiting for audience's response -- whether they want to listen to the next story or not, and we have received feedback from the audience. They loved Ayushmann and Bhumi's characters in the film, so definitely a sequel will happen," Prasanna said.

"Shubh Mangal Saavdhan" is a remake of the director's own 2013 Tamil film "Kalyana Samayal Saadham" and when Prasanna was asked how challenging it was to make the Hindi remake, he said: "It was tough, but luckily it has happened in right way. Aanand sir was there, so I knew as long as I do my job of directing the movie honestly and correctly and if he likes the film, then the audience will like the film."

"When I was making the Tamil film, that time I conceived the idea of a sequel. I feel, it will be really funny. Right now there is only an idea and we will start working on a script. That will take time," he added.

Producer Krishika Lulla also commented on making a sequel of the film.

She said: "I feel small issues of marriage will connect to people's heart, so that's what we are looking for. Whatever we make, if it can connect to any of us with what is happening in our daily life, it will be really fantastic."

"Shubh Mangal Saavdhan" revolves around Ayushmann and Bhumi's characters who fall in love and plan to get married. But the twist in the tale comes when the groom discovers that he suffers from erectile dysfunction.

Ayushmann expressed excitement about a possible sequel of the film, and said: "It's amazing, but I feel now the problem will be that what will be the 'problem' of part two. In the end of the film, we showed that his problem has sorted out, so in part two, he can become 'Alphamale'... So, we never know. We are looking for a plot line because it's a very quirky subject and it can be explored more."

As of now the team is happy about the response to the film, which has grown on word-of-mouth.

Prasanna said: "While starting the film, we always think that it will be the biggest hit. We also knew that people will appreciate our movie, but we were also saavdhan (cautious) about being honest to the film and we should make a film which is family friendly and not vulgar.

"I knew audience will like it but I never expected this kind of love and support for the film."
New Delhi, Sep 13 : Actress Parineeti Chopra says she makes it point that she travels to a new country every two months.

"Honestly, I am a very avid traveller. In fact, I travel a lot and visit 4 to 5 new countries every year. I travel every 2 months to see a new country as travel is that much important to me," Parineeti told IANS.

Parineeti, who has been appointed as the first Indian woman Ambassador of the "Friend of Australia" (FOA) advocacy panel by Tourism Australia, is currently enjoying her holiday, touring the states of Queensland and Northern Territory.

She began the first day of her trip in Brisbane by visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Parineeti started her tour from Southbank Parklands where she visited historical sites along the way. She also visited Alchemy Restaurant and Bar.

"I am that kind of a person and Australia is one of those places, I was waiting to visit as I had heard so much about it. I am an advanced scuba diver so I take up diving trips a lot. In fact, I recently came back from a diving trip but, now I have a very few things left on my bucket list which include South America and Iceland," said the "Ishaqzaade" star.

On the acting front, Parineeti is gearing up for the release of "Golmaal Again", which also stars Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Kunal Kemmu, Tabu, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Shreyas Talpade.
Mumbai, Sep 13 : The Bombay High Court on Wednesday adjourned till afternoon the hearing in the anticipatory bail plea filed by Ryan International School trustees in a case involving the murder of a Class 2 student at their Gurugram branch.

The adjournment follows an intervention application -- filed by the father of seven-year-old Pradhyuman Thakur, who was murdered inside the Haryana school on September 8 -- seeking dismissal of the anticipatory transit bail plea filed by the school trustees.

Barun Chandra Thakur intervened through his lawyers Sushil K. Tekriwal and Mamta Tekriwal in the hearing of the bail plea of the three school trustees -- Augustine F. Pinto, Grace Pinto and Ryan Pinto.

The bail plea by the trustees of the St. Xaviers Education Trust -- which manages the Ryan International Schools across India was filed apprehending arrest on Monday.

The Pinto family had applied for the anticipatory transit bail to move an appropriate judicial authority in Haryana -- which came up for hearing on Tuesday when the court posted it for Wednesday.

Pradhyuman was found with his throat slit inside the school's washroom within an hour after his father dropped him off last Friday morning.

A Haryana Police team on Tuesday questioned several staffers and manager of the Ryan International School at the Kandivali headquarters, examined documents and records.

However, the three main trustees remained elusive and the details of the other trustees were not known.

The case has snowballed into a major national issue concerning safety and security of children in private schools, with vociferous protests by parents and activists outside the Ryan schools in several states.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 13 : Opposition members on Wednesday created a ruckus in the Odisha Assembly over non-acceptance of an adjournment motion on the rampant practice of "percentage commission", or PC, in government offices.

The "PC culture" issue rocked the assembly for the second consecutive day with the Opposition Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members alleging that corruption is widespread in the administration despite the call given by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to stop it.

Unable to run the House smoothly, Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat adjourned it till 3 p.m. as pandemonium prevailed from the beginning of Question Hour.

As soon as the members assembled for the day, Congress and BJP members rushed to the well of the House and created a ruckus, shouting slogans over the "PC" issue.

Earlier, an adjournment notice moved by Congress on the issue was rejected by the Speaker.

"We had moved an adjournment notice for discussion over the 'PC' matter but the Speaker rejected it following the direction of the Chief Minister. We protested in the House today. The government is trying to protect corrupt officials," Congress chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati told reporters here.

BJP MLA Rabi Narayan Naik said they protested in the House as a discussion on the "PC" issue was not allowed.

He also said the "PC culture" should be stopped in the state and action must be taken against bribe-taking officials.

On the other hand, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticised the Opposition members for stalling the proceedings of the House.

"The Chief Minister had earlier made it clear that the 'PC culture' should be stopped. It is unfortunate that the Opposition members did not allow Question Hour to run properly. A detailed discussion on the 'PC' issue was held yesterday. They (Opposition members) could have raised the matter during the all-party meeting," said BJD MLA Sameer Das.
Dhaka, Sep 13 : The United Nations office in Bangladesh on Wednesday raised the number of Rohingyas who have fled the conflict-torn Rakhine state in northwestern Myanmar since August 25 to 379,000, which is 9,000 more than the last count.

On Tuesday, the UN had said that 370,000 Rohingyas had fled to Bangladesh since the violence broke out last month, Efe news reported.

A majority of the new arrivals, around 188,000, had been put up in makeshift camps, said the Inter Sector Coordination Group in a report.

The report added that another 156,000 Rohingyas were living in temporary settlements and existing camps, while around 35,000 were being hosted by local communities.

"The new arrivals continue to flow from transit sites (...), other host community villages and the Teknaf Metropolitan Area, towards existing makeshift settlements and new spontaneous sites," said the report, underlining a significant rise in the number of refugees in "spontaneous" camps.

The current crisis erupted on August 25, following an attack by the insurgent Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on police and military posts in the northwestern Burmese state of Rakhine that had led to a violent offensive by the Myanmar Army.

Meanwhile, ARSA's offer of a month-long ceasefire last week to allow the entry of humanitarian assistance was rejected by the Myanmar government.

The recent exodus follows another similar one last October after an aggressive military offensive by the Myanmar Army -- following an attack by Rohingya rebels on border posts -- triggered the exodus of more than 80,000 Rohingyas.

Before the crisis erupted, between 300,000 and 500,000 Rohingyas were living in Bangladesh, out of whom only 32,000 enjoyed refugee status, living concentrated in refugee camps in the Cox's Bazar district.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : The shipment of Tablet PCs recorded a decline of 11 per cent over the previous quarter in India -- with just 0.68 million shipments in the second quarter of 2017, a new report said on Wednesday.

According to market intelligence firm CMR India, Indian market recorded 29 per cent year-on-year decline for the second quarter of this year.

However, in this falling Tablet market, Datawind continued to lead with 27 per cent marketshare, followed by iBall at second place with a marketshare of 16 per cent.

Lenovo and Samsung with 14 per cent marketshare each ranked third.

"Just like the smartphone market is moving towards 4G, we can see the same trend in the Tablet market. The demand for SIM-enabled devices will continue to grow, while WiFi enabled devices will continue to see demand from the student community," said Menka Kumari, Analyst at CMR India, in a statement.

The report further revealed that 4G, 2G and WiFi-based tablets witnessed sequential increase of 8 per cent, 17 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively, in the second quarter of current year in terms of unit shipments.

However, 3G-based tablets logged a sharp decline of 19 per cent during the same period.

Also, Android continued to remain the preferred operating system choice with 90 per cent marketshare while iOS marketshare remained steady at 10 per cent.

The report predicted that phablets could be the next wave in the country and will devour the marketshare of tablets, owing to their cheap prices and the latest technologies they are embedded with.
Shimla, Sep 13 : A senior IPS officer arrested by the CBI, along with seven other policemen, over the custodial death of an accused in the sensational gangrape and murder of a scool girl in the district, was hospitalised on Wednesday, an official said.

Inspector General (IG) Zahur H. Zaidi, who was heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the gangrape-cum-murder case, was admitted to the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) as he complained of chest pain, a senior police official told IANS.

He said that after undergoing tests, he was advised hospitalisation.

Zaidi, who was earlier heading the SIT probing the gruesome crime, is currently in judicial custody, along with seven other police personnel, on charges of negligence of duty, which allegedly led to death of one of the accused in police lock-up.

They were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the investigation on August 29.

Police said the 16-year-old victim girl was offered a lift in a vehicle by the accused on July 4 when she was returning home from school in Kotkhai town, 56 km from the state capital.

On the way, they raped and murdered her in a nearby forest. Her naked body with injury marks was found two days later.

The arrested persons are prime accused Rajinder Singh, who offered her the lift, Ashish Chauhan, Subhash Bisht, Deepak Kumar, Suraj Singh and Lokjan. They are believed to have been drunk at the time of committing the crime.

The autopsy report mentioned injuries on the girl's body.

However, a new twist in the case came after Rajinder Singh allegedly murdered fellow accused Suraj Singh in the police lock-up in Kotkhai on July 19.

Following the gangrape of the girl, people held massive protests in the state. The family of the victim alleged that the "real culprits" from high-profile families, had gotten away "scot free".

Later, on the plea of the state government, the state High Court recommended a CBI probe into the case.
Chennai, Sep 13 : Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan on Wednesday said he won't be able to attend the national seminar against communal fascism due to his commitment to television reality show "Bigg Boss".

The seminar, to be organised by the Keluettan Study and Research Centre, will take place on Saturday in Kozhikode, and will be attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

"Embarrassing. Was not asked for Calicut meeting with Kerala CM. I am at 'Bigg Boss' all Saturdays till October. Best wishes for the function," Haasan tweeted on Wednesday.

As the host of the Tamil version of "Bigg Boss", Haasan is expected to be present in the house every Saturday and Sunday.

Earlier this month, Haasan had held talks with Pinarayi and had told reporters that they had also discussed the state of politics in Tamil Nadu.

When he was asked about his plans for any political affiliation, Haasan had clarified that his colour is definitely not saffron.

Over the last few months, Haasan has been very vocal about the current state of politics in Tamil Nadu, amidst rumours that he has plans to float his own party.

On the career front, he awaits the release of Tamil spy thriller "Vishwaroopam 2".
Berlin, Sep 13 : Formula One's Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas signed a one-year contract extension to remain with Mercedes until the end of 2018, the Silver Arrows announced on Wednesday.

Bottas joined Mercedes in early 2017 to replace the 2016 world champion German Nico Rosberg, who had announced his retirement just days after winning his maiden and only title, reports Efe news agency.

"Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport is pleased to announce that it has agreed a new deal with Valtteri Bottas for the 2018 Formula 1 season," the team said in a statement.

The 28-year-old Bottas is currently in the third spot on the 2017 Driver Standings with 197 points.

"This season alone, Valtteri has so far secured nine podiums - equalling the number of podiums he scored in his Formula 1 career before this season," the team highlighted.

Bottas said he was delighted to extend his contract with the defending champion.

"I am honoured and proud to continue to work with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport in 2018 and to remain part of the Mercedes family," Bottas said.

"Together, we continue to grow stronger day by day, and by keeping up our hard work I believe the sky is the limit," he added.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Central government on a petition seeking to declare restitution of conjugal rights, or right to stay together, for estranged couples under the Hindu Marriage Act unconstitutional in view of the Supreme Court judgement on privacy.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar asked the government to file its response on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by December 8.

Petitioner Sanjjiiv Kkumaar, who claims to be a rights activist, sought the court's direction to declare the act's Section 9, on restitution of conjugal rights as null, void and unconstitutional "as it amounts to state interference with a woman's private decision whether or not to engage in sexual activity".

"Also it violates woman's right to privacy, dignity and bodily integrity and her right to be left alone with interference from state and non-state actors... Women consent or choices and her right to refuse participation in sexual activity, along with other grounds," he added.

Under the Hindu Marriage Act, an estranged husband or wife can move court seeking restoration of their rights to cohabit with the other spouse. The court, on being satisfied of the plea, can order restitution of conjugal rights.

Kkumaar contended that the consent of women or men is now under right to privacy a fundamental right and after the apex court's verdict, it is crystal clear that "state cannot force a wife or husband when to consent to sex or intercourse or cohabitation and women's right to procreate".

A nine-judge Constitutional bench of the Supreme Court last month unanimously held that right to privacy is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Kkumaar said the state can neither force wife or husband into restitution of conjugal rights, ordering an unwilling partner for intercourse or cohabitation and "the state cannot ask why a man or women are not having sexual relations or since how long they haven't cohabitated or ask or enquire about their consent or their view on same".

He added that Supreme Court in its verdict on right to privacy has said: "The right of privacy is a fundamental right. It is a right which protects the inner sphere of the individual from interference from both state, and non-state actors and allows the individuals to make autonomous life choices."

The 2014 verdict of the Supreme Court ruling that "not allowing a spouse for long time to have sexual intercourse by his or her partner, without sufficient reason, itself amounted to mental cruelty to such spouse and ground for divorce" becomes unconstitutional and void in terms of the privacy verdict.

"Right to privacy now being a fundamental right has changed the contour of the some existing Acts and Rules or CPC and made them unconstitutional and void," said the plea.
MOUNT PLEASANT  In front of a packed village hall, Village President Dave DeGroot opened the Mount Pleasant Village Board meeting on Monday with an apology for his behavior on Aug. 28, when he barred a village resident from speaking during the public comment period.

Despite the apology, DeGroot still ended up being censured  or publicly reprimanded  by his peers on the board.

At the Monday meeting, DeGroot said public comment should be a place for residents to interact with officials in a respectful and civil manner, and that responsibility starts with me.

Two weeks ago I did not show the civility that I ask of others in this chamber, DeGroot said. My comments were inconsistent with the decorum expected at board meetings and of my own values. It was unacceptable. I offer my sincere apologies to the citizens of Mount Pleasant. As village president, I hold myself to a high standard, and I did not live up to that standard on Aug. 28.

DeGroot criticized

The Village Board members each mentioned they were embarrassed by what happened on Aug. 28 and they, along with DeGroot, took their licks during the public comment section Monday as residents expressed their discontent with DeGroots previous behavior, the hiring of a project director and concerns about the prospect of Foxconn Technology Co. building a massive manufacturing facility in the village.

Kelly Gallaher, the resident who was barred from speaking in August, finally got her chance to respond to the board about how she felt two weeks ago.

Gallaher said she was frustrated with what happened on Aug. 28 and added DeGroot does not have the authority to threaten, intimidate or humiliate any resident when making public comment before this body.

The events that took place two weeks ago  indicate to me that this president cannot be questioned, cannot be challenged and demonstrates little respect to the rules, ethics and customs governing village business, Gallaher said. In my opinion, you do not have the temperament to lead the village forward during this crucial time.

Gallahers husband, Dan Dimler, also spoke during the public comment period in defense of his wife.

Mr. DeGroot, you said you were going to throw Kelly out on her can, is that exciting to you? Envisioning throwing a resident, a lady and my wife out on her can? Dimler said. We are your neighbors, Mr. DeGroot. We literally live 10 doors down from you  I suggest you stop spending your time obsessing and fantasizing about my wife and work for our village in a more competent and productive manner.

Board divided on censure

Toward the end of the meeting, Trustee Gary Feest recommended that the board censure DeGroots behavior, officially expressing their disapproval of his behavior.

Theres no real tooth behind this; theres no fines, Feest said. Its a statement saying we, the Village Board body, who are part of this process, feel that that process was egregiously ignored.

Trustee John Hewitt said he was embarrassed by what happened but he was not going to support the censure.

Mistakes were made, Hewitt said. It isnt easy being up here  we are adults; it wont happen again.

During the vote on the censure of DeGroot, DeGroot voted against the resolution but Feest pointed out that he couldnt vote on the issue.

Feests assertion was supported by a village attorney present at the meeting; DeGroots vote did not count. The remaining members of the Village Board censured him in a 3-2 vote, with Hewitt and Sonny Havn voting against the resolution.
Kolkata, Sep 13 : Betting on the "core competency" in mining, coal behemoth Coal India Ltd (CIL) is intending to foray into metal mining of iron ore, bauxite, copper and nickel, an official said on Wednesday.

"We want to enter into metal mining like iron ore, bauxite and also plan to acquire some mines...do mining activities abroad in the field of copper and nickel," the miner's Director (Marketing) S.N. Prasad said.

When asked for details of the metals mining, he did not divulge the roadmap.

"We have core competency in mining and with this competency we want to diversify. Mining is the strength area of the company and metal mining industry is one of it," he said.

In the light of the Paris Protocol and consequent changes in the world energy scenario, the miner is looking forward to diversifying its operations towards renewable energy like solar power and clean energy sources like coal mine methane, coal bed methane, coal to liquid and underground coal gasification, following the directives of the government of India.

"We are in the process of identifying the areas where we can diversify," he said.

The miner is in the process of formulating "Vision Document 2030" to decide the future course of operations for sustainable entity in the nation's energy sector.

The miner has planned a capital investment of Rs 8,500 crore for maintaining its volume (coal production) growth in 2017-18.

In addition, the company has also envisaged investment of Rs 6,500 crore in 2017-18 for development of railway infrastructure project, solar power, coal bed methane, revival of fertiliser plants and for acquisitions of domestic coal blocks and coal blocks abroad.

Further, CIL plans to significantly ramp up its investment programme in the next five years.

According to its latest annual report, the miner is also exploring opportunities to diversify to coal-to-chemical business.
Kolkata, Sep 13 : The CBI on Wednesday quizzed former West Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra in connection with the Narada sting case, an official said.

The Trinamool Congress leader, who was in jail for nearly two years for his alleged involvement in the multi-billion rupee Saradha ponzi scam before getting bail on September last year, appeared before the agency at Nizam Palace here at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Mitra, however, remained tight lipped about the interrogation stating that he came there to help in the investigation and have given the necessary details to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

"I came here because CBI summoned me and have given them whatever information they asked for. I cannot divulge the details to anyone else. I will come again if they summon me in the future," he said after the interrogation.

The agency lodged an FIR on April 17 against 13 persons, including several state ministers and MPs from the ruling Trinamool, a month after the Calcutta High Court ordered a preliminary inquiry into the Narada sting footage case.

They have already interrogated many of the accused in the case.

The controversy erupted in election-bound West Bengal in March last year when Narada News portal uploaded a video clip purportedly showing the Trinamool leaders receiving money for extending favours to a fictitious company.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : In a major comeback after five years, the Congress' student wing NSUI on Wednesday bagged the posts of President and Vice President of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU), dealing a jolt to the RSS-affiliated ABVP that won the Secretary and Joint Secretary posts, with the latter result hotly contested by the NSUI.

Officials had earlier said the National Students Union of India (NSUI) bagged three seats but later announced that the Joint Secretary post went to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), sparking a row.

The NSUI has vowed to contest the results in the Delhi High Court, claiming that it had won three seats.

The ABVP had three posts in the outgoing panel of the DUSU.

The poll results were declared a day after the voting which had a 42.8 per cent turnout.

The NSUI's Rocky Tuseed is the new DUSU President -- a post the Congress' student wing held last in 2012. Kunal Sehrawat will be the new Vice President. ABVP's Mahamedhaa Nagar and Uma Shankar won the posts of Secretary and Joint Secretary respectively.

Tuseed, who polled 16,299 votes, defeated ABVP's Rajat Chaudhary by 1,590 votes. Sehrawat, with 16,431 votes, scraped past ABVP's Parth Rana by just 175 votes. Nagar polled 17,156 votes to win by 2,624 votes while Shankar got 16,691 votes -- winning by 342 votes.

The NSUI has demanded recounting of the votes for the Joint Secretary post, which it claimed its candidate had won.

Congress leader Girish Chodankar, who is in charge of the NSUI, told IANS that they had won three of the four seats "but there was manipulation following the personal intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, after which the results were tampered".

"We have asked the election committee to recount the votes. If they do not do it by the end of the day, we will approach the Delhi High Court to contest the result. This is a matter of shame for the BJP that they have to manipulate results to ensure that ABVP wins," Chodankar told IANS.

The DUSU had been under the ABVP's dominance for the past few years. In a straight contest with the NSUI, the ABVP had won three posts in 2016 while the Congress-affiliate had won one post - that of Joint Secretary.

Top Congress leaders including Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is in the US, said the DUSU election result indicated that younger people, especially students, in the country were warming up to the party once again.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi met the NSUI's winners and its members at her residence after their victory march in the university's north campus.

"Congratulations NSUI on a stellar performance and President win in DUSU. (I) Thank students of DU for reposing faith in the Congress ideology," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the "resounding victory of the NSUI is a rejection of false promises of 'acche din' of Modiji".

Shashi Tharoor, who is accompanying Gandhi in the US, tweeted his congratulations. "Congratulations @nsui on an outstanding performance in #DUSUelection2017. A triumph for liberal values on campus. Proud of you!"

Senior lawyer and Swaraj Abhiyan founder-member Prashant Bhushan also congratulated "DUSU for booting out ABVP goons".

"After losses in JNU, Guwahati University, Panjab University, it's clear that students are rejecting the ABVP," he tweeted.

The NSUI, which took out a car rally in the north campus, celebrating with loud slogan shouting and alleging that the BJP government and the RSS had manipulated the results for joint secretary's post.

The "HRD Ministry and the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) were pressuring DU administration to manipulate the results", NSUI tweeted.

"We will approach the Grievance Cell now for the recounting," NSUI's Avinash Yadav, who lost the Joint Secretary seat told IANS.

Yadav said senior ABVP leaders were present inside during the counting and the screen showing the video of the counting process went blank for as long as 30 seconds pointing to some irregularities.

Chief Election Officer S. B. Babbar, however, said there were no lapses in the counting as "DU is the only university which uses EVMs".

"He (Avinash Yadav) is crying foul because he lost by a close margin. And as for lapses in video, they were no longer than couple of seconds."

"There were no ABVP leaders inside, nor from NSUI, only the candidates," Babbar told IANS.

Asked about the low margin of his victory, Vice President-elect Sehrawat told IANS: "A win is a win. The margin of victory doesn't matter."

The DUSU boost for the Congress student wing came after its dismal performance at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, where the Left alliance won all four seats, defeating the ABVP.

Nagar is accused of hitting a teacher during the violent clashes at Ramjas college earlier this year. After her selection as candidate many pictures of her allegedly manhandling students during the protests did the rounds on social media.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday told the Central government that it could not hold back the future allocations of funds to the states under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) merely because funds allocated in the past were not spent.

"Such an approach does not really help anyone," the court told Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar.

"You (the Centre) tell the states that we gave you money but you (states) did not spend it, thus we will not give any more funds. This does not really help anyone. You have to put in place a system to ensure that money is spent and not diverted", said the bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta.

The court's observation came as it was told today that 790 cities spread all over the country were being covered under the NULM.

Taking a dim view of the position that fresh allocations were not made to the states which had not utilised the earlier funds, the court asked if the funds allocated for the welfare of urban poor including those without roofs over their heads were being audited by the CAG.

It also wanted to know if the committees have been set up in the states and the union territories for the implementation of the NULM, and are regularly taking stock of their objective.

"The Committees should function and meet. It may not be once a year over a cup of tea," said Justice Lokur.

The twin objective of NULM is to reduce the poverty and vulnerability of urban poor by imparting them skilled training for access to gainful employment and setting up shelter homes with essential services to house poor without roofs over their heads.

Directing the further hearing of the matter on October 13, the court directed the Central government to place before it whether committees for the implementation of the NULM are in place in the states and union territories and the funds released were being audited or not.

The top court had on November 11, 2016 appointed a committee headed by Delhi High Court's former judge, Justice Kailash Gambhir to inquire into availability of infrastructure and other facilities for night shelters in the cities.

Justice Gambhir had submitted its interim report in May this year.
Gurugram, Sep 13 : The Haryana DGP on Wednesday ordered a probe into the lathicharge on journalists on September 10, when they were covering people's protest against the Ryan International School management over the killing of a seven-year-old student, police said.

Director General of Police (DGP) B.S. Sandhu ordered an inquiry into the incident, police spokesperson Ravinder Kumar said here in a statement.

A large number of people, mostly parents of students, had gathered outside Ryan International School in Bhondsi on Sohna Road here on September 10 to protest against the death of Class II student Praduman, who was found lying in a pool of blood near the washroom, with throat slit.

"The inquiry is being conducted by Deepak Gahlawat, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-Headquarters, Gurugram," Kumar said.

"If journalists have any evidences like videography/photos etc. about this incident, they may produce the same before the DCP, so that adequate departmental action can be taken against the erring police officials as soon as possible," Kumar added.

Several media associations, including Haryana Press Club, Press Club of India and social bodies have condemned the police action and extended their support to the victim journalists.

Condemning the police assault on reporters and cameramen, the Press Club of India on Monday said the media was "only discharging its duty, covering the protest outside the school," and added that the lathicharge on media persons "was uncalled for and unprovoked".

At least 50 people, including nine reporters and photo journalists, received injuries in the incident. The Press Club of India had demanded an "impartial inquiry into the incident and fixing of accountability for it".

On September 8, Praduman was found with his throat slit near the washroom of the school located in Bhondsi on Sohna Road.

Sohna Sadar Police Station in-charge Inspector Arun Kumar was suspended on Monday for using force against journalists, a senior Haryana government official said.
Hyderabad, Sep 13 : The AIMIM on Wednesday sent medicines worth Rs 50 lakh and a medical team to Bihar's flood-affected Seemanchal region.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen President Asaduddin Owaisi, along with Managing Director of Owaisi Group of Hospitals and party legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi, inspected medicines at the hospital before they were despatched.

Medical relief includes medicines, protein powder, multi-vitamin supplements, ORS liquid and powder, and IV fluids.

The party is also sending a large team, comprising 31 doctors besides two legislators Jaffer Hussain Mehraj and Kauser Mohiuddin and party corporators, to distribute the medicines.

According to a statement from AIMIM, the party has identified places to set up centres. Every day five Relief camps will be set up for the affected.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : The Central government is working on a policy aimed at increasing women staff in schools to boost safety of students, Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said on Wednesday.

Paswan on Wednesday held a meeting with Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar after meeting parents of Class 2 student Pradhuman who was murdered inside Ryan International School in Gurugram on September 8.

"He (Javadekar) told me that government was working on a national policy to increase number of women staff in schools, both government and private," Paswan told reporters here.

"The plan is in initial stage and deliberations are on whether to keep 100 per cent women staff or in majority. The policy will also see which places women staff should be deployed."

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is working with the HRD Ministry to develop a protocol for education institutions to ensure safety of students following incidents of child sexual abuse in schools.

Paswan also said that Haryana government was going to seriously mull over handing over the murder case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

"I spoke with the Chief Minister (Manohar Lal Khattar). I told him that people wanted strong action in this case and were demanding CBI probe. He said he will think over it seriously," Paswan said.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : 'Mission 350 for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is just a term coined by the media, BJP President Amit Shah has said adding that the party actually wants to expand and reach every poll booth across the country.

Shah, in an interview with CNN-News18, spoke about a range of issues, including how the BJP was expanding its base in West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and the country's northeast region.

"Yes, it is certain that the party wants to expand. We are doing our groundwork well and I am sure that we will achieve electoral success in these states," Shah said.

With the party already having 11 crore members across the country, Shah was asked what was in it for him. The BJP President shot back: "I have no personal agenda."

"The party had an agenda of taking the BJP to every booth in the country. If I had thought about the future, I would not be where I am right now. I have achieved this only because I never thought about (my personal) future. I just keep on working, and I try and fulfil whatever responsibility the party gives me."

He said the BJP in its three years of rule had dumped "caste, nepotism and appeasement" -- the three aspects governing Indian politics hitherto.

"Now, however, under the able leadership of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi, India has seen tremendous development and change. The three aspects I mentioned have been dumped by the citizens of the country. The BJP has always focused on performance-based politics and, on the basis of this, democracy has a new vision and direction.

"This is the reason why we have been successful. We have only concentrated on performance, nothing else. There have been controversies, but we have never been affected by it. We have our eyes set firmly on the target. Making politics of performance the central point in Indian polity has been our biggest plus-point."

Asked about the problems BJP was facing in conducting rallies in West Bengal, Shah asserted that the Mamata Banerjee government denying permission to hold events would not work as "starting from Indira Gandhi, many leaders have tried to suppress voices but it has not happened".

"I will go to Bengal for sure and conduct an event," he said.

On the party's expansion strategy in Bengal and Odisha, Shah said that in both states the BJP has emerged as the principal opposition and added that he sees anti-incumbency in both states, "which is favourable to the principal opposition".

On springing surprises with the choice of candidates, be it President Ramnath Kovind or Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu's candidature, Shah said the BJP has "always worked like this".

"The BJP has always worked from the party office and not from any leader's house," he said in a veiled jibe at the Congress's functioning where Sonia Gandhi's residence 10, Janpath is considered its real power centre.

On the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is perceived to be actually controlling the BJP, Shah said: "The equation is as it should be. The BJP and the RSS have the same equation that a nationalist party should have with the largest nationalist organisation. And it is a good equation."
New York, Sep 13 : US President Donald Trump has appointed Raj Shah as his principal Deputy Press Secretary in an on-going shake-up of the chaotic White House communications operations.

Trump announced on Tuesday evening he was moving Shah, who was the Deputy Communications Director, to the new position. He will also retain his position as a deputy assistant to the President.

Shah's new role was part of a major revamp of the press and communications operations, which has seen a parade of communications staffers come and go during the almost eight months Twitter-trigger-happy Trump has has been on the job.

Simultaneously, Trump also announced that he was confirming Hope Hicks permanently as the Communications Director.

She was acting in the position since Anthony Scaramucci left the job under a cloud after only ten days last month.

An expert in strategic communications and political research, Shah helped Trump's presidential bid by highlighting contradictions in his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton's political positions and other issues like her handling of her private email server, which turned into a campaign issue.

Before joining the White House, Shah was the research director at the Republican National Committee and also the managing director of America Rising, a company that provides research to candidates.

Reince Priebus, who headed the Republican National Committee, brought Shah to the White House when he was Trump's Chief of Staff.

That Shah is not only being kept on at the White House but also move to a key job after Priebus left is a measure of his recognition by both Trump and John Kelly who succeeded Priebus.

With his off-the-cuff remarks and Tweets, Trump has created controversies and contradictions that his communications staff struggle to explain, even as White House staffers feuded in private and in public muddling the presidential message.

Another predecessor of Hicks, Michael Dubke lasted less than three months on the job.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer, who was pilloried by the media in his difficult position as the spokesperson for the mercurial and outspoken Trump, left after only six months on the job. He also held the Communications Director job intermittently.

Shah will be working with Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who succeeded Spicer.

Steve Bannon, who was White House chief strategist and had a major role in the president's communications operations, left his job last month.

Kelly, a retired Marine general, is widely believed to be behind departures of Bannon and Scaramucci in his mandate to bring order to the White House since his appointment in July.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)
Image Source: Xinhua/Sun Ruibo/IANS MOMBASA, Jan. 13, 2017 - Workers unload the first batch of locomotives of the Standard Gauge Railway at Mombasa Port in Mombasa, Kenya, Jan. 9, 2017. Being East Africa's largest port, Mombasa port serves as an important logistic hub in the region, transporting containers to Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and etc. China helped with its 19th berth expansion project which significantly improved the port's operational efficiency. Together with the under constructing Standard Gauge Railway which will connect Mombasa Port with Kenya's capital Nairobi, the port will help develop the economy of this country as well as the whole East Africa.

Kochi::September 13

The damning comptroller and auditor general (CAG) report on the Vizhinjam port project has once again come into the spotlight with the Kerala high court on Wednesday flagging the report to express reservations over the terms of the agreement inked between the state government and the Adani group for the construction of the Vizhinjam multipurpose deepwater seaport.

The court was hearing a public interest writ petition filed by M K Salim of Kollam district seeking a probe by the CBI into the findings of the CAG report on the Vizhinjam port project.

Citing the CAG report, the Kerala high court orally observed that the terms of agreement of the Vizhinjam port project gave the short shrift to Kerala and that no profits would accrue to the state in the first 40 years of operation of the port.

Pulling up the state government for unilaterally inking the agreement with the Adani group, the HC directed the government to explain its stand on the issue on September 25.

The CAG had in May this year tabled a report in the state assembly stating that the provisions in the project agreement for the Vizhinjam port was heavily skewed in favour of the Adani group, thereby depriving the state exchequer of crores of rupees.

The CPI(M)-led LDF government had ordered a judicial probe into the terms of the Vizhinjam port project agreement in the wake of the adverse findings in the CAG report.

The project agreement was signed with the Adani group during the tenure of the previous congress-led UDF government.

Oommen Chandy, the then chief minister, has welcomed the judicial probe into the terms of the Vizhinjam agreement.
Ahmedabad, Sep 13 : When Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and wife were on their way to Sabarmati Ashram, Himanshu Sitapara, all of 25, was getting getting police phone calls and visits from police to ensure he remained at home in Viramgam in Ahmedabad district. So was Kirit Rathod of Navsarjan Trust which works for and with Dalits.

It took three days for Himanshu to file an FIR alleging abuses by a senior HR Department staffer over his Dalit identity after he was denied a job in the Japanese firm Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd in Vithalapur village, 22 km from his hometown Viramgam.

Himanshu, backed by Rathod and other Dalits, want the officer at the Vithalapur plant arrested and action against a police sub-inspector who was reluctant to take his complaint on September 9 and for two more days.

They had threatened that if action was not taken, the Dalits from the region would show black flags against Prime Minister Abe.

Himanshu said: "I want action. For me, more important than the abuses on my caste which I am accustomed to is the loss of my job. I provided all the documents and everything but I was driven out because I could not pay the bribe (the HR officer) was demanding.

"I can't move out and so also Kiritbhai. We want to express our protest before the Japanese Prime Minister, but the police are ensuring we don't. There is pressure on our people that we had it if we try anything."

Hired for his ITI diploma in welding and cutting, Himanshu got the job at the Honda plant as a technical assistant but was asked to pay Rs 5,000 to the HR officer.

"When I told him I didn't have that kind of money, he started abusing me... He used Gujarati expletives... He drove me out and asked me to find a sweeper's job somewhere which, according to him, suited me better."

The police have started investigations under a Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Scheduled Castes/Schedules Tribes cell and invoked the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Section 504 of the Indian Penal Code.
Brussels, Sep 13 : The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Wednesday saying that the EU and India are the world's two largest democracies, jointly committed to the promotion of peace, stability, security, prosperity and social justice, and calling for a stronger and deeper partnership between them.

It also highlighted potential areas for closer cooperation, such as trade, security, the fight against terrorism, migration and mobility, the transfer of technology, culture, climate change, development, energy, water and data protection.

The resolution notes that the EU is India's largest trading partner and urged both parties to conclude free trade talks, in motion since 2007, as soon as possible. European and India citizens could benefit from this agreement, as it could also help to fight poverty and promote the respect for human rights, it said.

The EU Parliament, however, voiced concern "about the effects on freedom of expression and association of the current Indian law on foreign participation in the funding of NGOs" and notes that "caste-based discrimination continues to be a source of abuse".

It also called for the restart of EU-India human rights dialogues, which have not taken place since 2013.

The resolution on EU's political relations with India was adopted by 520 votes to 73, with 86 abstentions.

The rapporteur of the resolution, Cristian Dan Preda said: "The European Parliament fully supports a truly strategic partnership with India, as the full potential of this relationship has not been developed. Trade, the fight against terrorism and radicalisation, reducing conflicts and increasing prosperity in Asia are some of the areas to be pursued."
Chandigarh, Sep 13 : Taking a strict note of the instances of patients being referred to other hospitals, the Punjab government on Wednesday ordered a probe into the practice.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra, taking a serious note of the practice, on Wednesday ordered an in-depth investigation of all such cases where the patients have been referred to another hospitals on one pretext or other. He instructed civil surgeons to make sure that quality health services are provided to citizens and that the practice of referring patients to other hospitals unnecessarily is curbed.

Asking the civil surgeons to monitor the patients' data being uploaded at the district level, Mohindra said that it was found that most of the districts send incomplete and defective data to the headquarters, regarding health facilities provided to the patients.

"In such a situation, it becomes difficult for the headquarters to review and assess the real impact of the health schemes. Henceforth, the civil surgeon concerned would be held accountable for any flaw in the data," he added.
Islamabad, Sep 13 : The Pakistan Supreme Court on Wednesday began hearing an appeal by deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif against his disqualification on grounds of dishonesty.

On July 28, Sharif had been disqualified by the country's top court for not declaring income from his son, following investigations into the Panama Papers.

"Five judges of the Supreme Court today have begun hearings of the appeal presented by Sharif, his children and Finance Minister Ishaq Dhar," judicial spokesperson Mohamed Ishtiaq told Efe.

The spokesperson said that one of the points in Sharif's appeal was that two of the five judges that had issued the disqualification verdict had in an earlier sentence found him guilty.

"How can they disqualify him on two occasions on different grounds? This is the defence's question," said Ishtiaq.

Asif Saeed Khosa, who leads the five-judge bench in the appeal - the same five judges that disqualified him - argued that the content of the sentence was different but both reached the same conclusion, according to Dawn.

Sharif's lawyer Khawaja Haris claimed that the trial was not a fair one as his client did not get an opportunity to explain himself before the court.

At the same time, an anti corruption court on Wednesday issued a summons for Sharif and his children Hasan, Husain and Maryam to appear before it on Tuesday regarding three cases related to ownership of property at an exclusive zone in London; the creation of the firms Azizia Steel and Hill Metal; and the Flagship investment firm, as well as another 15 companies.

Besides disqualifying the three-time Prime Minister, the Supreme Court ordered the National Accountability Bureau, an anti-corruption body, to file cases against Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

On July 28, Sharif was dismissed by the Supreme Court and stepped down after a probe into the Panama papers scandal revealed he had not declared income received from a firm owned by his son in Dubai.

The Panama Papers revealed in April 2016 that three of his four children had set up offshore companies in the British Virgin Islands through which they owned property in London, leading the top court to order an investigation after a year of protests by the opposition.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : The Congress party on Wednesday wondered if the hosting of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Ahmedabad was being done with an eye on the Gujarat elections later this year.

Answering queries from media persons here about Abe's visit, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said the party did not want to transgress propriety by commenting on the official visit but remarked that it was strange that the Prime Minister of a country as important as Japan was not being hosted in the national capital.

He said the foundation of the consolidation of India-Japan ties was laid during the UPA government.

"The Prime Minister of a country which as important as Japan, who is India's strategic partner in many respects, is strangely not even being hosted in Delhi. And with an election in Gujarat round the corner, it does raise a question. I hope this is not the case that a visit is actually being used for political purposes because the manner in which it is structured, is rather awkward to say the least," Tewari said.
Karwar (Karnataka), Sep 13 : Nine persons, including three children and as many women, died on Wednesday when a maxi cab they were travelling in collided head-on with a truck in Karnataka, police said.

The accident occurred in the Ghat section near Yellapur in Uttara Kannada district early in the day.

"The incident occurred between 8.30 and 9 a.m. when the speeding 12-seater maxi cab collided with the lorry and was badly mangled under the impact on the Arabail Ghat road," Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Patil Vinayak Vasanth Rao told IANS here.

Yellapur is about 80 km from Karwar on the state's west coast and 525 km from the state capital Bengaluru.

Of the 10 persons in the Xylo cab, nine died and one, who was critically injured, was rushed to a state-run hospital in Hubballi, 70km from Yellapur, for treatment.

The adult victims were in the 30-50 age group while the children were in the 5-10 age group.

"Though we registered an accident case under section 304A (causing death by negligence) of the IPC (Indian Penal Code), the truck driver was detained for questioning but not arrested, as the evidence at the spot pointed to the fault of the maxi cab driver, who also died in the mishap," said Rao.

According to the truck driver, the cab driver collided with his vehicle in a bid to overtake another vehicle ahead of him.

All the victims were members of two families from Raibagh in the adjacent Belagavi district in the state's northwest region.

"They were returning to Raibag from a pilgrimage to Dharmasthala and Kukke Subramanya temples in Dakishna Kannada district and the truck was going in the opposite direction in the Ghat section where the road is not wide," added Rao.

Vehicular traffic on the Western Ghat section on the Ankola-Gooty National Highway 63 was affected till noon when the cab wreckage was removed and towed away.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : Seven members of a Ghaziabad family have been booked on charge of duping over 50 persons of Rs 50 crore through Ponzi schemes, police said on Wednesday.

A manhunt has been launched to arrest the accused, who were absconding for the last three months, a senior police officer said.

A case of cheating and criminal breach of trust was registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police against alleged mastermind Vishal Uppal, Vivek Uppal, Ninya Uppal, Vikas Uppal, Smariddi Uppal, Sunita Uppal and Simran Uppal, who are residents of Ramprasth Colony in Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.

Police said Shyam Sunder Sachdeva, a property dealer who is resident of Jain Nagar in Karala area of north-west Delhi, filed a police complaint on September 8 against the family at the EOW.

"Sachdeva said the accused duped him of Rs 1.94 crore. He also accused Vishal Uppal of duping over 50 other persons of over Rs 50 crore on the pretext of holding monthly lucky draws, and investments in shares and gold schemes," a senior police officer said.

As per the FIR, Vishal Uppal had morphed photographs to impress his potential victims that he knew various political leader and even claimed good relations with a prominent political family and some senior central ministers.

The alleged victims of the family ranged from small-time tea vendors to MNC executives and businessman and included Medha Kumar, Roma Aggarwal, S.K. Aggarwal, Surender Aggarwal, Subodh Kumar, Sudha Jain, Neeraj, Rajender Kumar, and Sanjeev Kumar who were duped of lakhs of rupees.

Vishal Uppal was not returning the victim's money since 2016 on one pretext or the other and his and his family members' whereabouts were not known since June 10, the officer said.
Ramallah, Sep 13 : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet US President Donald Trump next week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York, an official said on Wednesday.

The Palestinian leadership remains worried about "the unclear position of the American administration, especially with regards to the settlement activity and the two-state solution", Fatah Party Spokesman Nasser Al-Qudwa told reporters at a press conference here.

It remains unclear whether the Abbas-Trump meeting would speed up the ongoing peace process, after US envoys have held a series of meetings with both Israeli and Palestinian officials since Trump took office in January, Xinhua news agency reported.

The current movements in the UN corridors are meant to confront counter-movements by Israel and it's international allies, such as their efforts to change the mandate of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and become a member of the Security Council, Al-Qudwa, also commissioner of Media and Culture, said.

"I anticipate a serious defeat for Israel in the case of its candidacy for membership at the Security Council," he said.

Israel has been trying to secure a seat at the UN Security Council since 2000, by getting votes of at least one third of the 193-member council.

Palestinian diplomacy has been focusing on lobbying against the candidacy of Israel by bolstering ties with geographical blocs in the UN, particularly the African bloc which has nearly 60 member-state votes.

The next elections for the UN Security Council membership will be held in July 2018, 10 members to be elected next to five permanent members: China, the US, Russia, France and Britain.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : The Congress on Wednesday welcomed the move of the United Kingdom authorities in seizing the properties belonging to Dawood Ibrahim, but said the litmus test would be to get him back as had been "committed" by the ruling BJP ahead of the 2014 elections.

"If Dawood Ibrahim's assets have been attached, that is a welcome step but the litmus test is getting Dawood Ibrahim back and those were the commitments which this government had made to the people of India in the run up to 2014 campaign," said Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari.

"We would expect them to walk the talk. Dawood Ibrahim is accused of the horrendous 1993 blasts and also responsible for masterminding many other dastardly crimes before and after that.

"So, it is incumbent upon every government to do whatever they possibly can to get Dawood Ibrahim back.

"We do hope that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gone to Lahore to meet Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif he would have raised the issue of Dawood Ibrahim and other criminals who are being sheltered in Pakistan that they be extradited to India," he added.

In a boost for Indian agencies, authorities in the United Kingdom have seized properties belonging to fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim, the media reported on Wednesday.
Lucknow, Sep 13 : In a major but controversial decision, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday stopped funds to 46 madrassas.

According to a Minority Welfare Department official, the action followed a probe which suggested that these madrassas were not functioning within the parameters defined for them.

A total of 560 madrassas in the state get government subsidy. A committee of district magistrates, inspectors of schools and minority welfare officers are mandated by the Bharatiya Janata Party government to certify the use of these funds.

After a two-month scrutiny by these district level committees, the grant to 46 madrassas had been stopped along with salaries of teachers, the official said.
TEKNAF, Bangladesh (AP)  Cellphones to reach out to separated relatives. Bags of spices that remind them of home. Solar panels to bring a little light to their ragged tents.

These are some of the things that group upon group of terrified, starving, exhausted ethnic Rohingya Muslims carry with them as they escape the violence that they've endured in Myanmar's Rakhine state over the last two weeks.

The exodus began Aug. 25, after Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts in Rakhine. The Myanmar government says nearly 400 people have been killed in fighting it blames on insurgents, though Rohingya say Myanmar troops and Buddhist mobs attacked them and destroyed their villages.

They packed a few precious items into used sacks and bamboo baskets, then fled on foot through forests, or on precarious boats on rain-swollen rivers.

DOCUMENTS

Many carry documents from their life back in Myanmar, wrapped in layers of plastic to protect them from the rain. National ID cards, school ID cards, little bits of laminated paper that prove that even their grandparents lived in that country.

One family brought land and property records, proof of less than an acre of land they bought in 1994. Also proof of their desire to one day return to the place they still call home.

SOLAR PANELS

Small solar panels are everywhere in the makeshift refugee camp that has sprouted up to accommodate many of the more than 270,000 people the United Nations says have entered Bangladesh since the violence started.

A little girl carried a panel on her back as she crossed into Teknaf after braving a risky crossing on the Naf River that runs between Myanmar and Bangladesh. The dark-blue-and-white panels are also perched on the plastic roofs of their shelters.

"We got it so that in the dark we can have some light," said one man.

Others use the solar panel to charge the other possession almost everyone brings:

CELLPHONES

Tied in plastic pouches and hung around their necks, or tucked into the waistbands of their wraparounds, cellphones allow Rohingya to reach relatives who arrived in Bangladesh during earlier waves of fear-fueled migrations from Myanmar. They also allow them to reconnect with relatives they became separated from along the tricky journeys that bring them to safety.

MEMORY CARDS

Those who don't carry cellphones still often bring memory cards from their abandoned phones. Some Rohingya said they erased personal photos and videos because they were afraid that Myanmar soldiers would use them to find and persecute their families left behind.

SPICES

Food in the camps is scarce. Most people eat only when aid agencies or local volunteers bring bags of food, most often rice and watery curry.

But even in these dire circumstances, many Rohingya have brought with them spices from their homeland: pungent red chilies drying on plastic sheets; fiery chutneys in battered boxes; dried beef in bamboo cases.

"Even if all we get to eat is a plate of rice, we can burn a red chili and mix it and it will taste nice," says a woman in the Kutupalong refugee camp.

BIRDS

Rohingya had to leave behind the vast majority of their livestock. Cattle now wander among the blackened remains of their incinerated homes.

Some weary travelers, however, managed to tuck a chicken, duck or goose into their bags.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : The Congress on Wednesday slammed Narendra Modi government for the "absolutely unprecedented" criticism India drew from United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the issue of Rohingya Muslim refugees, saying the country did not face "such ignominy and international humiliation ever".

"The kind of criticism India has been subjected to by the UNHRC is absolutely unprecedented," said Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari.

"I remember in 1993 we were under a lot of attack in the UNHRC by Pakistan and its proxies. The then Congress Government had sent (later Prime Minister) Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was then Leader of the Opposition, to lead the Indian delegation to the UNHRC.

"But even then, India did not have to face this ignominy and international humiliation. You can rail against the UNHRC, you can call them all kinds of names, but the fact is, it is an inter-governmental body," he added.

"India is a member of the UNHRC and this government's track record on intolerance, on the killing of journalists, on the manner in which dissent is silenced, on the manner in which environmental activists are persecuted..

"...And I am not even talking about the stand which this government has taken on the Rohingya Muslims, which is totally contrary to India's traditions where we have welcomed the persecuted from any part of our neighborhood, this kind of ignominy India has never faced," he said.

Tewari also said it was time that the government and the Prime Minister "introspect that merely speeches and road shows with leaders of other countries does not substitute for diplomacy".
Chandigarh, Sep 13 : In a bind after a latest forensic report showed the DNA of ae child delivered by a minor rape victim recently did not match with that of the accused, the Chandigarh Police are re-investigating the matter of the rape of a 10-year-old girl, allegedly raped by her uncle repeatedly.

The report from the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory (CFSL) here, which was submitted before a trial court here this week, has pointed out that the DNA sample of the delivered child and the alleged rapist (maternal uncle) did not match.

The DNA mismatch in the CFSL report has been confirmed by the defence lawyer.

The girl had told her parents and police investigators earlier that her maternal uncle - a cousin of her mother - had raped her. She had identified the accused later.

Police sources said that two women police officers had spoken to the child victim but had not been able to gather much information. The victim's family, at this stage, also also not suspecting anyone else for the crime.

A senior woman police officer from the Chandigarh Police is likely to meet the victim soon.

The court has listed the matter for hearing on Friday.

The 10-year-old rape victim, whose plight made national headlines after the Supreme Court, on July 28, disallowed her advanced pregnancy to be terminated, delivered a girl child in the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector 32 here on August 17.

The girl's pregnancy was only discovered in July after her parents took her to hospital when she complained of stomach pain. They discovered that the girl had been repeatedly raped by her uncle over seven months.

The maternal uncle, aged around 45 years, was arrested and is undergoing trial in the matter.

A medical board, set up by Chandigarh's Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on the apex court's orders to examine the pregnant child, had warned that an abortion would risk the girl's life.

The order came on a PIL by advocate Alok Srivastava who moved the top court after a plea for the medical termination of pregnancy was refused by a district court in Chandigarh on July 18. The plea contended that the victim's body was not ready for childbirth.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : The Central government on Wednesday raised the 'creamy layer' ceiling for OBC reservation for securing government jobs to Rs 8 lakh from the existing Rs 6 lakh per year, said an official order.

"It has now been decided to raise the income limit from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per annum for determining the creamy layer among the Other Backward Classes," said the order issued by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

"The provisions of this office memorandum have effect from September 1, 2017," it added.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had, after a cabinet meeting on August 23, said that OBC families earning up to Rs 8 lakh per annum will not be considered in the 'creamy layer'. Earlier, this ceiling was Rs 6 lakh per annum.

"The cabinet was apprised that the creamy layer criterion limit has been raised to Rs 8 lakh annually for the central government," he said.

Jaitley had said the National Commission for Backward Classes had given its recommendation in 2011 that there should be sub-categorisaion and the Parliamentary Standing Committee had also given such a recommendation.

The Supreme Court, in its November 1992 order, had observed that there is nc Constitutional or legal bar to a state categorising backward classes as backward or more backward.
Rome, Sep 13 : A 20-year-old Belgian tourist on Wednesday claimed an Israeli tried to rape her on the steps of one of Rome's most famous churches, the Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli, above the central Piazza Venezia.

Three police officers on duty at Rome's Campidoglio town hall intervened when they head the Belgian woman screaming at around 4 am and took her and the 26-year-old Israeli in for questioning. Police also interviewed several people who had spent the evening drinking with the Belgian woman and the Israeli in a nearby Irish pub.

The Belgian tourist said he had chatted to the Israeli at the Irish pub and he told her he worked at Rome's Fiumicino airport. The pair then took a walk to the nearby Piazza dell'Aracoeli and when they began to walk up the stairs to the basilica, the Israeli began trying to kiss the Belgian and to rape her, she told police.

Just days earlier, a 23-year-old Bangladeshi man was arrested for trying to rape a 19-year-old Finnish babysitter near Rome's central Termini railway station The Bangladeshi allegedly attacked the Finnish woman, hit her over the head with a large rock and stole 40 euros from her early on Sunday after offering to give her a lift home in his car when she couldn't find a taxi.
La Valletta (Malta), Sep 14 : Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Wednesday called on the European Union to offer legal migration to the 28-member bloc as well as preventing human trafficking gangs from smuggling people to Europe.

"We must make sure that their are legal migration channels and an orderly management of the phenomenon," Matterella stated during a visit to Malta.

"What we must not do is hand over the keys to Europe to human traffickers. For this reason, we must stop them and offer migrants pathways that can be sustained by EU countries."

The 28-member bloc needs to do much more to help people who are fleeing war, poverty and persecution in their home countries, Mattarella said.

"The EU still has a long way to go to achieve a sense of solidarity and shared commitments on several fronts, especially on migration," he said.

After meeting his Maltese counterpart Marie Louise Coleiro Preca in Valletta, he praised her country for accepting its quota of the 160,000 migrants who EU leaders controversially agreed in 2015 should be relocated around the bloc from Italy and Greece by 2017.
Dr. Freda Deskin enjoying leisure time while attending the International Womens Forum Cornerstone Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

The International Womens Forum held its 15th annual Cornerstone Conference on May 17-19, 2017. This years theme, A More Sustainable World: Movements & Markets, explored topics on sustainability: environmental, social and political, as well as the consequences of nationalism and populism, migration, and cybersecurity.

The conferences are comprised of a unique assembly of women leaders from around the world that bring together their knowledge, power and perspective of the global market and issues. The Conferences are held every year in regions and markets critical to the future.

Murray, who has attended several IWF conferences said, The continuing education that IWF provides me from a global perspective is such an enriching and unique opportunity. I don't know of another opportunity [in which] I could learn so much in such a short time. The speakers are amazing and we often hear both sides of a controversial issue. When it is showcased and hosted by a country I know little about, it makes the experience much deeper.

Murray went on to say, I loved reconnecting with the friends I have met from IWF. I can now say that I am proud to have friends who have accomplished so much and are from all over the world. I feel quite honored to be a part of this organization.

Superintendent, CEO and founder of ASTEC Charter Schools in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Freda Deskin was also an attendee at Cornerstone Conference. Interacting and sharing with accomplished women from different countries and cultures gives me a different perspective of the world that I can share with the teachers and students at our school. Being in another country, experiencing their culture first hand brings a greater appreciation of the positive uniqueness of each country," says Dr. Deskin.

Deskin and Murray were accompanied by fellow Oklahomans Anne Felton, CEO of Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, Nancy Hyde, CEO and Chair of Hyde & Company CPAs and Lou Kerr, President of the Kerr Foundation, Inc. and founder of the Oklahoma International Womens Forum chapter.

Kerr has been a long time dedicated member to the local community, as well as a contributing member to the global and international organizations she is a part of. As a strong believer in the advancement of business and leadership opportunities for women, Kerr has made a name for herself as a champion, and heroine, among business leaders across the globe. Kerr currently sits as President and Chair of the Kerr Foundation, Inc. and resides on the board of directors for several organizations, including NPR, National Academy of Public Administration, National Symphony Orchestra, Womens Presidents Organization, and International Womens Forum.

Next years IWF Cornerstone Conference will be held in Melbourne, Australia.

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About ASTEC Charter Schools: ASTEC is an educator-led, tuition-free, public school of choice serving the children of Oklahoma City. "Dream and Believe; Learn and Achieve!" Learn more about ASTEC Charter Schools at https://www.ASTECcharterSchools.com.

About IWF Oklahoma: OIWF is the local chapter of the International Womens Forum founded by Lou Kerr. The chapter currently has 32 local members. For more information on the OIWF chapter and its members visit http://iwforum.org.

About IWF: IWF is an invite-only membership organization comprised of more than 6,500 successful and visionary women across 40 nations and six continents. IWF members are women of diverse accomplishments dedicated to building better leadership across careers, continents, and cultures. Visit http://www.iwforum.org for more information.
The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Workers, Employers and Institutions. See link for full infographic and blog post. We hope this infographic draws attention to the severity of the opioid epidemic and motivates business owners and employees to join forces in combating the problem.

It's no secret that the opioid abuse and overdose epidemic in the U.S. has grown at an alarming rate in recent years. In response to this threat to both workers and employers, American Insuring Group, Ltd, and insurance agency located near Reading, PA, has compiled a series of related statistics into a helpful infographic.

According to David Ross, president, "We began this project intending to help our commercial insurance customers understand the impact of the opioid epidemic on rising workers compensation insurance costs. What we learned in the process truly alarmed us. We hope this infographic draws attention to the severity of the opioid epidemic and motivates business owners and employees to join forces in combating the problem." The infographic was researched and developed by Power Marketing International, LLC.

The opioid abuse infographic, which includes links to the sources behind the information, summarizes 10 key statistics related to the opioid epidemic, and the resulting toll on U.S. workers, employers and institutions. Here is a brief synopsis:



Prescription opioid abuse alone cost employers more than $25 billion in 2007 according to one study

In 2011, approximately 25% of workers compensation drug claim costs were for opioids

80% of all opioid consumption occurs in the U.S.

5,000 employees a week are injured and disabled for at least a week

In 2012, 259 million prescriptions were written for opioids, more than enough for every American adult to have their own bottle

In 2013, prescription opioid dependence, abuse and overdose cost the U.S. $78.5 billion

In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids

Approximately 60% of all injured workers who are prescribed opioids are estimated to become addicted

Over 1,000 people daily are treated in emergency departments for misusing prescription opioids

Opioids were involved in the overdose deaths of over 33,000 Americans in 2015, more than 4 times the number in 2000

For more information, click here to download the opioid abuse infographic and to read the related blog post.

About American Insuring Group, Ltd

American Insuring Group is a Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agency specializing in commercial insurance, with a primary focus on workers compensation insurance, restaurant, trucking and contractor insurance. Located near Reading, PA, the agency researches competing policies from over 25 insurance carriers in an effort to obtain the best prices on reliable insurance coverage. Find them at http://www.aigltd.com

About Power Marketing International, LLC

Power Marketing International is a Internet Marketing and Web Design firm located near Reading, PA specializing in online marketing and website development strategy and execution. Find them at http://www.powermarketinginternational.com.
Epic Powered by Clarity Wave Im a big fan of Clarity Wave. People spend 40+ hours/week at their job and if those hours can be happier, people will be more productive and companies will add more to their bottom line. People. Clarity Wave. Must have.

EPIC, Employee Perceived Image of the Company is a web-based software that allows both employees and employers to evaluate each other from a cultural, collaborative, environmental and needs perspective. The robust software includes enhanced features that allow for a Manager to assess an employees perception of the company, their colleagues and their environment. The data gathered is compiled in real time and kept in a clean, easy to use dashboard within EPIC. EPIC has the intelligence to decipher the Employee Experience based on peer to peer feedback and a four-pronged Evaluations Model which gathers information from the employer and employees. This Evaluation Model allows the Employer and Employee to view questions and answers in real time from different perspectives from the company & the employee. The employer sees how the employee feels about the company and other individuals while the employee sees how the people he or she works with feel about them, providing them with valuable insights and feedback. The science behind EPIC is quite innovative for the Human Resource world.

The science behind EPIC is what makes our software stand apart from others in the market. After listening to our clients success stories  we discovered quickly that EPIC is much more than just employee engagement. Its more about the employees overall experience and the journey they go through. We are excited with our new Brand Promise and look forward to spreading our innovative software solution, states Alex Moutal, President and Co-founder of Clarity Wave.

To take a tour of EPIC, powered by Clarity Wave by visiting the website. Users can also book Live Demos to review the software along with the needs of the company. We encourage future users to review the SCIENCE behind EPIC to understand our approach to the Employee Experience.

About Clarity Wave

Clarity Wave is the Employee Experience Company. We specialize in bringing employees and employers together by providing innovative ways your company can use to better value your Employee Experience.

The difference between an office where people want to work and one they must endure comes down to how engaged employees are. Thats the Employee Experience. By clearly understanding the goals, passions and aspirations each employee has given you the insight to motivate them in ways that are relevant to them. EPIC, powered by Clarity Wave, analyzes each individual employees TOTAL experience and encompasses all the intuitive aspects of how and why employees perceive their everyday life in your organization.

For more information about EPIC powered by Clarity Wave please contact

Alex Moutal

alex(at)claritywave(dot)com

marketing(at)claritywave(dot)com

http://www.claritywave.com
Vertical Solutions (VSI), a Microsoft Gold Certified Cloud and IT Managed Services Partner, announced that it has reached an agreement with Warp 8 Inc., an IT technology consulting company based in Arvada, CO, to consolidate both firms under Vertical Solutions. This company will offer the combined solutions of each firm, while expanding Verticals presence in the Denver metro market.

"This transaction makes tremendous sense for our clients and employees. It marks an unparalleled opportunity for two successful, mission-driven organizations to unify with a singular focus on being the premier business and cloud partner for small and mid-size organizations throughout the Denver region," said Bruce Nelson, VSI President. "Together we have the opportunity to deliver a full suite of services to our clients to help them improve their business and information technology processes and disciplines.

Chuck Schick, President of Warp 8, added, Vertical Solutions focus on the business and cloud solutions market was very important to us as we evaluated this opportunity. We felt our clients and staff would greatly benefit from the experience and success Vertical Solutions has had over the past 30 years. The ability to deliver enhanced cloud services, security, and business solutions creates a clear advantage for our current and future clients.

About Vertical Solutions

Vertical Solutions was formed in July 1986 as an information systems consulting firm. The primary goal of the firm is to provide high-quality products and services to small and mid-sized companies throughout the eastern United States. Since its inception, VSI has provided various products and services to thousands of companies that were seeking to implement technology solutions to address their operational challenges. The Company maintains offices in Pittsburgh, PA, with team members located in Denver, Florida and Eastern PA. For additional information about Vertical Solutions, visit http://www.verticalsol.com/

About Warp 8, Inc.

Warp 8 was established in June of 1999 by Chuck Schick and Tom Haver. Chuck and Tom previously worked together at Camp, Dresser and McKee (CDM), a global engineering consulting firm, and joined forces to establish Warp 8 as a full-service Internet and IT provider. Throughout its history, Warp 8 has focused on providing IT consulting services to small businesses. As a trusted advisor to its clients, Warp 8 delivers reliable IT infrastructure, cloud migrations, and ongoing operational support to these businesses. They take great pride in helping their customers navigate the ever-changing technology landscape so that clients can focus on growing their businesses. For additional information about Warp8, visit http://www.warp8.com
At the end of the day, were in the business of building communities, and the only way to accomplish that is to invest in both employees and customers.

Seabreeze Management Company, Inc., a leading residential and commercial property management firm, today announced that industry veteran, Ned Heiskell, has joined the Seabreeze team as the Senior Vice President of Operations. Heiskell will be responsible for facilitating team expansion and corporate growth to serve Seabreezes ever-expanding client roster.

Ned Heiskell is a versatile executive who brings 30 years of association management experience, primarily in real estate management and development. As a results-driven leader and team-builder with a successful track record across all aspects of the industry, Heiskell brings an incredible depth of knowledge to the Seabreeze team. Heiskell previously served as the President of Associa N. N. Jaeschke, Inc. in San Diego and the Business Unit Leader for the San Diego Urban Division at First Services Residential, formerly MERIT Property Management.

Ive known Ned for a long time, and I even had the privilege of working with him in the past, said Isaiah Henry, President and CEO at Seabreeze Management Company. Not only is he an incredible talent, he epitomizes everything about the Seabreeze vision. I trust his leadership and expertise, and I know he is the right person to help grow Seabreeze both now and in the future.

The property management industry is changing and, to succeed, its more important than ever for management companies to take a people-first approach, said Heiskell. At the end of the day, were in the business of building communities, and the only way to accomplish that is to invest in both employees and customers. This is why Seabreeze was the right fit for me, and I believe that we can build the right relationships to connect communities for generations to come.

For 30 years, Seabreeze Management Company has staked its reputation on delivering a personalized customer experience. The appointment of Ned Heiskell comes on the heels of a number of growth milestones. In the last year alone, Seabreeze significantly expanded operations to include two new offices and 92 new employees.

About Seabreeze Management Company

Seabreeze Management Company is a full-service property management company with a diverse management portfolio of over 60,000 residential and commercial properties. Based in Aliso Viejo, California, Seabreeze has offered an unrivaled client experience to common-interest developments and homeowners associations for over 30 years. With offices throughout California and Nevada, Seabreeze has expanded its mission to be a trusted advisor and collaboratively partner with developments to build thriving communities through superior service and integrity. Seabreeze is a certified AAMC company. For more information, visit http://www.seabreezemgmt.com, like Seabreeze on Facebook, or follow on Twitter @Seabreezemgmt.
Tom Kelly, President My legacy is to leave the company as strong as ever with its values in place and let the next generation of company leadership move forward.

In 1947, Neil Kelly started a remodeling company with a $100 investment and a commitment to quality, value and client satisfaction. During the next four decades, he built it into a nationally recognized business with a reputation for award-winning design, innovative practices, outstanding craftsmanship and community engagement.

Seventy years on, Neil Kelly Company is the third largest design-build remodeling firm in the U.S., according to Remodeling Magazines Top 550 ranking. With more than 200 employees and 5 locations in Oregon and Washington, and an offering that now includes handyman services, roofing, HVAC, solar energy and insurance restoration, the company completes more than 1,500 remodeling and home improvement projects each year. Though no longer a small business, the company remains family-owned and inspired by Neils vision and values, and his commitment clients, employees and community.

My dad was basically a farm boy from Minnesota who came to the Northwest during the Depression to find work, says Tom Kelly, president of the Neil Kelly Company. He worked on the Grand Coulee Dam and eventually the Kaiser shipyards in Portland. After World War II he took a job selling for a home improvement company but didnt feel comfortable with their integrity.

Sensing an opportunity, Neil purchased the Northwest Weather Proofing Company for $100, and started his own remodeling firm. From the very start, he laid the foundation for the companys reputation with an uncompromising commitment to honesty, quality workmanship and earned trust. Integrity is built into the company, says Design Consultant Karen Richmond. When you offer a great quality at a fair price, when you do your job well and are always striving to improve on that job, theres no way it can't be a win for the client, the designers and the company.

As the company grew, Neil continued to innovate. He established Neil Kelly Cabinet Company in 1966, to offer clients cabinetry that met his exacting quality standards. In the 1970s, he pioneered the design-build remodeling process, and became one of the first certified kitchen designers in the nation. He supported his employees professional advancement as well, including the women in the company, during a time when construction was an industry staffed almost exclusively by men. Longtime Neil Kelly Design Consultant Martha Kerr became the first Certified Bath Designer in the country in 1975, and went on to become the first woman president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

My father was someone who believed deeply in giving back to the industry as well as the community, says Tom. I inherited that philosophy to act civically, locally and within the industry. As a company, we are proud to have employees who have honored this philosophy to be local and national leaders.

In 2014, Neil Kelly Company earned B Corp certification and was among the first group of businesses to adopt Oregon Benefit Company status. Receiving B Corp certification was a way of formalizing and driving our values deeper, says Julia Spence, VP of Human Resources. Our values  quality craftsmanship, treating people well and doing right by our employees and customers  are timeless and classic.

We stand behind our work and are well known for our high level of corporate responsibility and commitment to the community, says Tom. My legacy is to leave the company as strong as ever with its values in place and let the next generation of company leadership move forward.

Neil Kelly Company Milestones

1947  Neil Kelly purchases Northwest Weather Proofing with a $100 investment. He ran the business out of the basement of the Northeast Portland home he shared with his wife, Arlene Kelly. Eventually they rented a storage garage across the street from their home.

1950s  The Company expands its business from working on foundations, footings and driveways, to becoming a full service, general remodeling company.

1960s  The Company moves out of its basement location and into a remodeled 1930s gas station at 735 North Alberta Street, and opens its own cabinet company.

1970s  The Company pioneers the design/build remodeling process, and promotes women to roles in sales, design, drafting and carpentry.

1975  Neil becomes one of the first Certified Kitchen Designers in the United States, and encourages other Neil Kelly designers to seek professional certification. Longtime employee Martha Kerr becomes the first Certified Bath Designer in the country and went on to become the first woman president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

1979  Tom succeeds his father Neil as president of Neil Kelly Company.

1980s  The recession impacts the remodeling business, but the company is tenacious and sticks to its core philosophy to do great work and stand behind it. The Company implements a team-based system for construction groups and develops a flat organizational hierarchy. During this time, Neil becomes the first president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and serves as chair of the Portland Development Commission.

1990s  Neil Kelly Company works with Natural Step in an effort to make an environmental and sustainable impact. During this time the cabinet company becomes one of the first to offer FSC Certified woods and formaldehyde-free cabinets. Neil Kelly introduces handyman services in 1995.

2000  The Lake Oswego showroom is built as the first LEED certified business building west of the Mississippi and the fourth overall in the country. The Neil Kelly Company is awarded the National Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Business Ethics in a ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.

2004  Neil Kelly opens its Eugene Design Center.

2006  The Company builds the first LEED certified residence in the country.

2007  The Company opens its home performance/energy efficiency/indoor air quality division.

2008  Neil Kelly opens its Bend Design Center.

2010  The Company introduces its industry-leading five-year warranty and acquires Mr. Sun Solar.

2011  Neil Kelly acquires a Seattle remodeling firm and expands into Washington State.

2013  Neil Kelly acquires Mr. Sun Solar, expanding its renewable energy offerings.

2014  Neil Kelly Company becomes an Oregon Benefit Corporation and certified B Corp, furthering the companys commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

Today  The Neil Kelly Company maintains its commitment to award-winning design, innovative practices, outstanding craftsmanship and community engagement.

About Neil Kelly Company

Neil Kelly Company, the largest residential design-build remodeling firm in the Northwest, helps homeowners to improve and maintain every aspect of their homes. Services include award-winning design-build remodeling, home improvement and handyman services, and solar energy systems.

Neil Kelly is proud to be a certified B Corp and aims to be an engaged and responsible corporate citizen. With five Pacific Northwest locations in Portland, Lake Oswego, Eugene, Bend and Seattle, Neil Kelly is renowned for its innovative design and remodeling services, quality craftsmanship and sustainable building practices. Homeowners are invited to visit Neil Kelly design centers or attend its monthly remodeling workshops. Visit http://www.neilkelly.com.

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Voalte User Experience This year, the level of participation from industry leaders makes it clear that weve entered the next phase of growth in this emerging market.

Voalte, the leader in healthcare communication technology and KLAS-ranked No. 1 Secure Communications Platform, today announced that the third annual Voalte User Experience (VUE) conference will take place Wednesday, October 11, through Friday, October 13, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota, Florida. VUE17 will feature collaborative workshops, informational sessions and panel discussions with leaders in the healthcare technology industry.

VUE has become the premier event for the healthcare communication community, said Trey Lauderdale, Voalte Founder and CEO. Every year, our customers and partners gather in Sarasota to explore best practices in clinical communication and share ways to improve patient care. This year, the level of participation from industry leaders makes it clear that weve entered the next phase of growth in this emerging market.

This years speakers and panelists are from Apple, Avera Health, Connect the Dots, Connexall, Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Sphere3, St. Lukes Health System, UConn Health, UCSF Medical Center, University of Iowa Health Care, University of Kansas Medical Center, University of Washingtons Valley Medical Center and Zebra Technologies. Code, GroundControl, Ingram Micro, ScanSource, Spectralink, Visit Sarasota County and Zebra Technologies are sponsors of the event.

For more information on VUE17, please go to https://www.voalte.com/vue17 or contact Melissa Pickle at mpickle(at)voalte(dot)com or 941-312-2830, ext. 179.

About Voalte

Voalte develops smartphone solutions that simplify caregiver communication. Ranked number-one and named 2017 Category Leader in the Best in KLAS: Software & Services report for the Secure Communications Platform segment, Voalte is the only company to offer a comprehensive Mobile Communication Strategy that enables care teams inside and outside the hospital to access and exchange information securely. Founded in 2008, Voalte is a privately held company based in Sarasota, Florida. Voalte solutions are now available to more than 132,000 caregivers throughout the United States. For more information, visit voalte.com or follow @Voalte on Twitter.

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LLTK Executive Director, Jacques White, contemplates the challenges faced by migrating juvenile steelhead. We need to know why these fish are disappearing in the vicinity of the bridge and we need to work together to address the changes that may be necessary

Approximately 65% of juvenile, out-migrating steelhead that make it to the Hood Canal floating bridge do not make it to Admiralty Inlet, a location just North of the bridge on their migratory route. This high level of mortality may be limiting the species recovery, as steelhead are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Long Live the Kings (LLTK), a Seattle-based environmental 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 30 years of experience in salmon recovery, is leading a team to pin-point exactly how steelhead are dying in the area and discover if the floating bridge impacts water quality. A $750,000 appropriation in Washington States 2017-2018 biennial budget was recently received in support of the current, $2.5 million, phase of the Hood Canal Bridge Ecosystem Impact Assessment.

LLTKs Executive Director, Jacques White commented, Long Live the Kings has been working with our partners from around Hood Canal to address a significant survival bottleneck for our state fish. This project is an example of cooperative work to sustain both the environment and people by leveraging regional expertise and resources to improve wild fish survival without undermining the importance of critical transportation infrastructure.

Scott Brewer, Executive Director of the Hood Canal Coordinating Council and a key partner in the project added, The Hood Canal Coordinating Council works with the community to protect and recover Hood Canals environmental, economic, and cultural wellbeing. Recovering wild steelhead populations is an important component of that goal and the recent appropriation to the bridge assessment will help ensure our success.

Work on phase 1 of the Assessment officially began in late 2016 and will continue into early 2019, taking advantage of two field research seasons. The 2017 research period was successfully completed this summer and scientists are processing data that will provide additional insight. During phase 1, scientists will assess the impact of local predators, light and noise from the bridge, water circulation, and track juvenile steelhead using specially designed devices. The data will help determine cost effective solutions that do not affect the bridges transportation functions.

The $750k state appropriation was championed by Senator Christine Rolfes (D-23) and Representative Drew MacEwen (R-35). Through the efforts of LLTK, Hood Canal Coordinating Council, Port Gamble SKlallam Tribe, state legislators, and others, the appropriation received bipartisan support and was included in the operating budget during a legislative session with a historic number of demands on the States funds. Other legislators were also critical to the appropriations success, including: Senator Tim Sheldon (D-35), Senator Kevin Van De Wege (D-24), Senator Dino Rossi (R-45), Senator Kevin Ranker (D-40), Representative Sherry Appleton (D-23), Representative Drew Hansen (D-23), Representative Steve Tharinger (D-24), Representative Mike Chapman (D-24), and Representative Dan Griffey (R-35). The appropriation added to a pool of federal, private, local, and state funds, which has reached $2.25 million. The remaining need is $250,000.

We need to know why these fish are disappearing in the vicinity of the bridge and we need to work together to address the changes that may be necessary. The lessons learned from this project may be applicable to bridge infrastructure in other parts of the state and nation, contributing to a healthier marine environment. The legislative delegation from the peninsula region was united in our support of this work, said Senate Rolfes.

Steelhead are essentially rainbow trout with a life cycle similar to salmon where they return to their stream of origin to spawn after maturing in the ocean. Salmon and steelhead are important cultural resources for local Native American Tribes, they are a fixture in the Pacific Northwest economy and day-to-day life, and are critical to the health of the local environment. The steelhead is also Washingtons state fish.

The Port Gamble SKlallam Tribe has fishing areas in Hood Canal which are an important part of their cultural heritage. Since Port Gamble SKlallam tribe helped initiate the project in 2012, weve made great progress, said Port Gamble SKlallam Tribes Natural Resource Director, Paul McCollum. Steelhead are an important tribal resource and we are pleased to see the states recent investment to protect tribal rights by working towards improving steelhead populations.

The Hood Canal Bridge is the third largest floating bridge in the world and provides a valuable connection for thousands of people each day traveling from the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas in Western Washington. The bridges pontoons span 83% of the width of the canal and extend 15 feet underwater. The Hood Canal is a fjord, and the bridges pontoons pose a potential limit on the exchange of fresh and salt water that is necessary to preserve water quality and prevent harmful conditions for aquatic species.

Other partners include: Port Gamble SKlallam Tribe, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Washington State Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Navy.

Learn more here and follow LLTK on Facebook.
"I can't even see where it was broken off. This is amazing what they have done," said Dweezil Zappa.

Sweetwater Sound recently repaired the broken neck stock of Dweezil Zappas favorite Gibson guitar, which was damaged during an airline flight to Fort Wayne. The result was a guitar that looks and plays as if brand new.

Upon arriving in Fort Wayne for GearFest 2017, world-famous guitarist Dweezil Zappa discovered his airline had modified his prized Gibson SG  its head stock was snapped completely off the neck. Fortunately, Sweetwaters master guitar techs are up to the challenge.

In the embedded video, join Sweetwater repair tech Joe Albright as he walks you through the damage, and shows how he approached this monumental repair  you wont believe the results.

Visit the Sweetwater Guitar Repair Shop here: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/guitars/guitar-repair-shop/

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About Sweetwater Sound

Founded in 1979, Sweetwater is the No. 1 online retailer of music instruments and audio gear in the U. S., and No. 2 worldwide, according to the music industrys authority on sales statistics, Music Trades Magazine. The company is respected as the nation's leading retailer serving musicians, recording studios, broadcast, education, and houses of worship. Sweetwater's customers can be found everywhere music is heard and audio is played, broadcast, or recorded, including recording, film, and broadcast studios in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami; in hundreds of thousands of home recording studios; and in schools and churches nationwide. Sweetwater's founding and meteoric growth are built on a knowledgeable and experienced staff, outstanding selection and pricing, and, above all, an unwavering commitment to customer service excellence in every situation. For further information, visit Sweetwater.com.
The OCD Capital Walk will be held in Washington D.C. We feel that the walk will add tremendous momentum to OCD Awareness Week...

October 8  14th, is OCD Awareness Week, an annual event that was started by the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) to change popular misconceptions about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). In the past years, OCD Awareness Week has continued to grow thanks to community programs and events

around the globe. This year, for the first-time, the IOCDF will invite members of the community to come together in one place to advocate and raise awareness at a brand-new event  the OCD Capital Walk in Washington D.C.

Though a common term on the Internet and in popular culture, OCD is not well understood outside the mental health community. OCD affects about 2 to 3 million adults and 500,000 kids and teens in the U.S. alone. It can take an average of 14-17 years to receive treatment due to lack of information and understanding about the disorder and how to properly treat it.

OCD Awareness Week was founded in 2009 by the IOCDF in an effort to help more people understand the disorder and find effective treatment. Now in its 6th year, OCD Awareness Week has been celebrated by a number of organizations across the US and around the world, with events such as educational lecture series, Ask the Expert panels, OCD inspired art exhibits, grassroots fundraisers, and now, the OCD Capital Walk.

On Saturday, October 14th, as the 2017 OCD Awareness Week comes to a close, the IOCDF will partner with their affiliate, OCD Mid-Atlantic, to co-host the inaugural OCD Capital Walk. Taking place at the National Mall in Washington D.C., this awareness-building and advocacy-promoting walk will be open to all members of the OCD and related disorders community, and will serve as a new opportunity to unite and grow our voice during this critical week.

The goal of the Walk will be to:

1) Increase the public's awareness about OCD and its impact on all those affected,

2) Provide information on available resources for OCD and related disorders, and

3) Help individuals learn to advocate  not only for the OCD community in their local and larger governments, but also for themselves, as they seek out treatment and additional support in their communities.

We feel that the walk will add tremendous momentum to OCD Awareness Week by inviting the OCD community to come together in one place with the goal of raising awareness and advocating for resources, not only for OCD and related disorders, but for mental health as a whole, said Jeff Szymanski, PhD, executive director of the International OCD Foundation.

All members of the OCD community are invited to join this monumental event! To learn more, donate, and register to attend the inaugural OCD Capital Walk, visit http://www.iocdf.org/ocdcapitalwalk today! For more information about this years OCD Awareness Week, including a full schedule of more events taking place online throughout the week, please visit iocdf.org/ocdweek.
Women's Excellence is hosting an Open House event for new and current patients on Thursday, October 5, 2017. The event runs from 4pm - 7pm. The event will be hosted at the Lake Orion location at 1406 South Lapeer Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360.

For those women who are seeking a holistic approach to the natural process of birth, the Midwifery Team at Women's Excellence may be an option.

This year's event features prenatal yoga, birth control education, raffles and giveaways, and more!

For more information and updates, please visit the Women's Excellence Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WomensExcellence/.

Womens Excellence is the most comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic office in Michigan. Additionally, they specialize in menopause, weight control, bladder control, endometriosis, robotic surgery, oncology and midwifery services. Womens Excellence is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation with cutting edge technologies utilizing robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgical options when possible. The knowledgeable, compassionate physicians and healthcare providers of Womens Excellence focus on patient-centered processes to deliver the highest quality of care. They are affiliated with most insurances. They offer seamless medical record access via a state of the art patient portal and use the latest technology for record keeping and sharing, making the patient experience easier and more efficient. Womens Excellence is taking new patients and is conveniently located in three locations throughout southeastern Michigan, Birmingham, Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Rochester. For more information, visit http://www.WomensExcellence.com.
CrossHelmet X1s rear camera and wide-view visor provide 360 visibility We know motorcycle riders want improved safety without compromising experience. Weve engineered the CrossHelmet X1 to fulfill both demands.

Today Japanese company Borderless launched a Kickstarter campaign for CrossHelmet X1, a smart motorcycle helmet that features 360 FOV, ambient sound control, and connectivity for maximized safety and experience. Early bird pricing for the crowdfunding campaign starts at $1,399 (retail value $1,799).

Safety is of the utmost importance to most motorcycle riders. The engineers behind CrossHelmet, who have developed products like the Yamaha MT-09 and the Walkman, knew this and designed a tech forward helmet that combines safety and design. The project has been selected as one of the first to launch on the new Kickstarter Japan platform.

High accident rates are often caused by low visibility. Our unique technology alleviates this problem by providing a rear camera that displays what is behind you to eliminate blind spots, said Founder and CEO Arata Oono. Sound control limits distractions, further enhancing the overall safety of the rider.

The CrossHelmet X1s rear camera captures 170 directly behind the driver. It is then combined with a wide-view visor that allows more road-view and peripheral vision, offering 360 visibility.

Loud noises can increase rider stress and fatigue. To address this, the helmet is equipped with CrossSound Control, a patented noise reduction system that is the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry. It uses an algorithm system to filter out sound distractions like road, engine, and wind noise, while maintaining noise cues that are needed for rider safety. The system can also enhance environmental sound as needed.

An accompanying Bluetooth-enabled CrossHelmet app lets users check battery levels, control safety lights, adjust noise settings, and access maps. It is linked to a bifocal, heads up display at the front of helmet showing compass direction, weather, time, and navigation. A group chat feature allows the rider to communicate with multiple people at once, even those without a CrossHelmet. The helmets speakers provide high quality music, podcasts/radio, and phone calls.

We know motorcycle riders want improved safety without compromising experience. Weve engineered the CrossHelmet X1 to fulfill both demands, said Oono. The helmet is aerodynamic, spacious, and comfortable, while providing a 30% larger field of view compared to traditional motorcycle helmets.

The CrossHelmet X1 campaign runs from September 13, 2017 - October 13, 2017. Media wishing to interview their personnel should contact PR agent, Allison Aitken.

Media Contact

Allison Aitken

Proper Propaganda

(514) 703-4989

allison(at)properpropaganda(dot)net
National Housing Tides Index Infographic - September 2017 The number of homes listed for sale is at its lowest level for any July since 2013 and this dearth of inventory surely contributed to the widely-publicized drop in new and existing home sales recorded in the month.

This week marks the release of the September Housing Tides Report, featuring an update to the Housing Tides Index, an objective and sophisticated approach to quantifying and comparing the health of U.S. housing markets. This months Index update reveals an improvement in housing market health as 30 of the 41 markets tracked by Housing Tides saw improved conditions.

Understanding the health of a housing market and its relationship to other top markets requires an aggregated, comprehensive view of the industry. The Housing Tides Index provides a succinct monthly measure of market health across the top 41 U.S. markets. Referencing 18 market indicators ranging from unemployment rates and housing permits to rental vacancy and mortgage foreclosure rates, the Tides Index helps users understand exposure at a deeper level than is currently possible.



We noted last month that there were nearly 95k fewer homes for sale in June 2017 when compared to June 2016 and this pattern has continued, with Redfin reporting a similar year-over-year drop in July. The number of homes listed for sale is at its lowest level for any July since 2013 and this dearth of inventory surely contributed to the widely-publicized drop in new and existing home sales recorded in the month. However, the fall in the number of transactions means the months-of-supply measure improved in July, and the current inventory would be exhausted in three months at the current sales pace.

Still, continued price appreciation, intense competition among shoppers, and the fact that many current homeowners took advantage of low interest rates and refinanced in 2016 to lock in a low mortgage rate all mean that its likely a significant pool of potential buyers has been kept out of the market. This housing shortfall affects labor mobility, curbing U.S. economic growth at a time when unemployment rates are very low and homebuilders continue to lament the shortage of skilled laborers in major metros.

Though measures of homebuilder and consumer confidence have weakened slightly in recent months, the Housing Market Index and Consumer Confidence Index remain solidly in positive territory, signaling that builders and consumers alike maintain a positive outlook on their current and near-term prospects. Foreclosure activity continues to steadily decrease and mortgage delinquency remains near its lowest level in years.

Moreover, Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates show well over two million more persons employed as of July when compared to a year ago, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta estimates year-over-year median wage growth at 3.3%, outpacing still-tepid inflation. In short, the financial health and optimistic outlook of consumers suggests that housing demand will remain robust in the near-term, which is supported by the positive reading of homebuilder sentiment. It remains to be seen whether builders will be able to ramp up production to improve the supply shortfall, but strong pent-up demand for housing should persist.

After exceeding our expectations and reaching a ten-year high in June, single-family permit approvals fell by over 16% in aggregate across the metros we track in July with just 35,400 permits approved. Multi-family permit approvals fell considerably as well, dropping by over a third in July and pulling the six-month moving average down to a rate of 23,700 per month.

Please reference the attached graph to view the Ten Healthiest U.S. Housing Markets - September, 2017.

Click here to view the complete Housing Tides Index of the top 41 U.S. markets.

Media Exclusive. Housing Tides Media Monthly Pulse.

Subscribe to our email service exclusively created for media which delivers an updated infographic depicting the latest monthly Housing Tides Index, the complete Index as it appears in the Housing Tides Report, and a brief executive summary. All content can be shared in print and digital publications, with attribution to the Housing Tides Report.

Members of the media can subscribe to the Housing Tides Media Monthly Pulse here.

About Housing Tides

Housing Tides (Tides) is the only monthly report that provides a comprehensive measure and aggregated understanding of the health of the U.S. housing and home building industry. Designed to take the guesswork out of the vast amount of forecasting information published about this sector, Tides is a sophisticated report that delivers city-specific, updated information when market conditions change. It is the only report that uses natural language processing and machine learning to correctly understand and synthesize large volumes of data, making it more comprehensive, balanced, and reliable than any other report of its kind. For further information, please visit housingtides.com and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Housing Tides is proudly partnered with IBM Watson.
John M. Tolomer, President & CEO, The Westchester Bank Providing the proper tools to grow within an environment of mutual respect and accountability has forged a great staff that comes to work every day with an attitude both positive and contagious. That positive attitude impacts all aspects of our business, especially when it comes to our customers.

The Westchester Bank is pleased to announce its selection as a 2017 Best Banks to Work For in the United States. The Best Banks to Work For program, which identifies, recognizes and honors U.S. banks for outstanding employee satisfaction, was initiated in 2013 by American Banker and Best Companies Group. It is open to commercial banks, thrifts, savings banks and other chartered retail financial institutions with at least 50 employees. Most recently, The Westchester Bank was also selected and honored as a Best Company to Work For in New York State.

John M. Tolomer, President & CEO of The Westchester Bank stated, This is an important and significant recognition that were all very proud to announce. Theres no greater feeling than knowing that the people who are the backbone of your organization enjoy and appreciate their workplace environment. Our blueprint for success is Banking Made Personal and it takes a special individual to understand why thats important to the Banks overall operation, both with customers and behind the scenes as well. Mr. Tolomer continued, Everything we do starts with respecting each employee and their roles toward a common goal. Providing the proper tools to grow within an environment of mutual respect and accountability has forged a great staff that comes to work every day with an attitude both positive and contagious. That positive attitude impacts all aspects of our business, especially when it comes to our customers. A special thanks to each of our 68 employees for a job well done. The Bank remains fully committed to job satisfaction, career development and personal growth, Tolomer concluded.

Determining the Best Banks to Work For involves a two-step process. The first step is an evaluation of participating companies work place policies, practices and demographics. Following that, employee surveys are conducted to directly assess the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. The combined scores determine the top banks and the final ranking. The Westchester Bank was ranked #21 in the entire country.

About The Westchester Bank

The Westchester Bank is a New York State Chartered and full-service FDIC insured commercial bank offering state-of-the-art technology with a comprehensive line of banking products to businesses and consumers including: business and personal checking, business lending, commercial mortgages, savings accounts, CDs, money market accounts, Interest on Lawyer Accounts (IOLA), attorney escrow accounts and tenant security accounts. The Westchester Bank is headquartered at 12 Water Street in White Plains with branches in Yonkers at 2001 Central Park Avenue, White Plains at 464 Mamaroneck Avenue, Thornwood at 994 Broadway, Mt. Kisco at 51 S. Moger Avenue, Mamaroneck at 305 Mamaroneck Avenue and Rye Brook at 800 Westchester Ave  4th floor. For more information about The Westchester Bank please visit TheWestchesterBank.com or contact Kristin Ball at (914) 368-9919.
Delaware Top Workplaces 2017 As I look across our company, I am heartened by how closely and how effectively our team works together to deliver value to our clients. This recognition reflects our collective commitment to creating a positive, collaborative work environment for our Company.

Newark, Delaware (September 12, 2017) - DecisivEdge, LLC, a leading business consulting and technology services company, has been named a 2017 Top Workplace by The News Journal. The Top Workplace recognition is based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including interactions with managers, organizational communication, execution, work/life flexibility, pay, and benefits.

We are pleased and proud to be named a Top Workplace, said Navroze Eduljee, CEO of DecisivEdge. As I look across our company, I am heartened by how closely and how effectively our team works together to deliver value to our clients. This recognition reflects our collective commitment to creating a positive, collaborative work environment for our Company.

The Top Workplace award is not a popularity contest. Oftentimes, people assume its all about fancy perks and benefits. says Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics. But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health and who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every daythe employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that whats most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how its going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together. Claffey adds, Without this sense of connection, an organization doesnt have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.

About DecisivEdge, LLC

DecisivEdge is a business consulting and technology services company. We support our clients critical business and technology needs by providing them with the customized technology solutions, operational strategies and detailed analytics required to seize their market opportunity.

We are knowledge leaders with deep experience. Our clients benefit from our unique ideas, knowledge of industry best practices and our ability to develop creative solutions to overcome their highest priority business and technology challenges. Our collaborative approach is designed to really understand our clients business objectives, and then deploy a seasoned solution delivery team to get the job done right the first time.

About WorkplaceDynamics, LLC

Headquartered in Exton, PA, WorkplaceDynamics specializes in employee feedback surveys and workplace improvement. This year alone, more than two million employees in over 6,000 organizations will participate in the Top Workplaces campaign - a program it conducts in partnership with more than 40 prestigious media partners across the United States. Workplace Dynamics also provides consulting services to improve employee engagement and organizational health. WorkplaceDynamics is a founding B Corporation member, a coalition of organizations that are leading a global movement to redefine success in business by offering a positive vision of a better way to do business.
We are pleased at the level of activity on this particular asset. The CRE climate is extremely hot and shows no signs of decline. Our firm is excited to work on this project as the objective is to sell the asset to a third party and raise capital to pay down the overall debt

As part of a bid by Colony Realty Partners to restructure debt through the sale of an estimated $170 million in real estate held under Chapter 11 by their subsidiary CRP-2 Holdings AA LP, JJManning Auctioneers has been hired by U.S. Bank National Association as Trustee for the Registered Holders of J.P. Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust to conduct an on-site Mortgagees Foreclosure Auction of the Reservoir Corporate Center at 144 Turnpike Rd./Rt. 9 in Southborough, MA at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2017.

The 99,636+/- square foot Reservoir Corporate Center, tax assessed for $12,240,300, is the sole New England property in the $170 million portfolio comprised of 1.5+/- million square feet of real estate located in 6 office & 26 industrial buildings in the suburbs of Boston, Chicago, Northern New Jersey, and Washington, DC.

The 3-story Reservoir Corporate Center office building is set on 8.7+/- acres on busy Route 9 overlooking the Sudbury Reservoir and will be sold subject to all recorded leases. This high-profile commercial property is centrally located close to Routes 85, I-90/MA Turnpike & I-495 convenient to corporate offices, hotels, major retail, Clark University, and more. Visit http://www.JJManning.com for property information and terms of sale.

Company President, Justin J. Manning reports, We are pleased at the level of activity on this particular asset. The CRE climate is extremely hot and shows no signs of decline. Our firm is excited to work on this project as the objective is to sell the asset to a third party and raise capital to pay down the overall debt.

JJManning Auctioneers is currently accepting consignments for Fall & Winter of 2017 of commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Visit www(dot)JJManning(dot)com or call 800-521-0111 for details.

About The Company

JJManning Auctioneers of Boston & Yarmouth Port has successfully sold more than 16,000 commercial & residential properties across America since 1976. The firm provides expert marketing and transparent accelerated real estate sales at true market value, earning a reputation for integrity and results with satisfied sellers ranging from single individuals to Fortune 500 companies.
On September 16, T.A. Barrons classic fantasy adventure, THE ANCIENT ONE celebrates its 25th anniversary. Originally published in 1992, the book follows teenager Kate Gordon as she finds herself caught in a battle over the fate of a pristine forest thats been discovered on a sacred Native American site rich in mystery and magic. Slipping into the hollow of an ancient redwood tree, Kate finds herself transported back 500 years to an enchanted time  and into a gripping adventure that will affect both past and future.

A quarter of a century after its original release, THE ANCIENT ONE resonates with readers more than ever as it tackles important issues like environmentalism, courage, corporate greed, and unemployment. The Huffington Post lists THE ANCIENT ONE among the 9 Best Trees in Literature and a current review on Goodreads said the book is full of ancient magic and connection to nature, along with plenty of humor. T. A. Barron wrote a masterpiece, truly capturing my heart.

In his introduction to the special 25th Anniversary edition from Puffin, T.A. Barron sheds light on the books genesis and writes, What few people know is that THE ANCIENT ONE was inspired by a hike in California when I encountered the most magnificent tree Id ever seena redwood of such grandeur that I nearly fell over backward trying to see its highest boughs. I lingered in that grove for the rest of the day. But at sunset, I still wasnt ready to leave. Though I hadnt expected to camp out, and hadnt brought a sleeping bag or food, I decided to stay for the night. Whether or not I slept that night, I dont remember. But I do remember feeling an extraordinary sense of peace. And I also remember wondering, all through the dark hours, what amazing stories this two-thousand-year-old tree could tell, what rich wisdom it could share.

Weaving the important environmental issues of today, THE ANCIENT ONE is a perfect supplement for schools that are introducing curriculums on the environment.

The Ancient One is really good to read along with our outdoor curriculum, which teaches all about the outdoors and wildlife and nature, says Chelsea Annas, a La Grande Middle School teacher. This book fits perfectly with the conversations we have. I also use it to teach how to be a good person. My favorite part is where Kate becomes the tree. The best way to understand someone else is by putting ourselves in their shoes Its my favorite book that I teach all year.

The book has proved so popular that a free discussion guide, excerpt, map, play and special video by T.A. Barron have been made available to parents and educators (visit http://www.tabarron.com for more information).

T. A. Barron is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 books, including the Merlin Saga, which has sold millions of copies worldwide and was recently optioned for a major motion picture by Disney. His belief in the power of youth, as well as his advocacy for the environment, is found in all his writings and in the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, which celebrates inspiring, public-spirited young people. He lives in Colorado with his family.

For more information, please visit http://www.tabarron.com.

THE ANCIENT ONE

written by T.A. Barron

320 Pages Ages 10-up $8.99

Published by Puffin Books

Media Contact: Catherine Lincoln, clincoln(at)goodmanmedia(dot)com, 212-576-2700
An 18-year-old Madison man was charged Tuesday with secretly recording women in bathroom stalls at a UW-Madison dormitory just hours after his father bailed him out of jail on charges from a similar incident eight days earlier.

Larry M. Seidl Jr. is back in jail after he was charged with four counts of capturing an intimate representation without consent following the incidents at Ogg Hall around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, according to a criminal complaint. Three of the victims were women and one victim was a 17-year-old girl, the complaint stated.

He also was charged with two counts of bail jumping for breaking terms of his bail, including staying off of UW-Madison property and not using recording or photography devices in public restrooms, the complaint stated.

Earlier Thursday, Seidl had been charged with four counts of capturing an intimate representation without consent for incidents that occurred on Aug. 30 and one more count for an incident on Aug. 11, according to online court documents.

The incidents on Aug. 30 occurred at Sellery Hall, UW-Madison police said. Seidl also was charged with fourth-degree sexual assault for an incident on Aug. 31 that Madison police said occurred on State Street.

Seidl was released from jail on Thursday after his father, Larry L. Seidl, posted $1,000 bond. But on Tuesday, Seidl remained in jail after Dane County Court Commissioner Jason Hanson set bail at $3,500 per case.

Seidl is not a UW-Madison student but lived at the Pres House apartments on East Campus Mall. His father was helping him move out, back to Iowa, on Thursday after he bailed him out of jail, the criminal complaint stated.

According to the complaint:

UW-Madison police contacted Seidl outside Pres House after they were investigating reports that a man was taking photos of women in Ogg Hall and Seidl matched witnesses description of the man. Seidls father told UW-Madison police that his son had taken his cellphone and took off for approximately 10 minutes but did not know where he had gone.

Seidls father then opened up the last video taken on the cellphone for UW-Madison police and they could see Seidl looking at the phone before the phone is passed under the stall divider of a bathroom and a female is seen on the screen.

At that point, Seidl was taken into custody and transported to the Dane County Jail.
OrgAnalytix We are honored to be recognized in this crowded field of People Analytics for our unique solution which combines the arcane field of Network Analysis with cutting edge Machine Learning models

OrgAnalytix is proud to be recognized as a Top 10 Game-Changing Startups by The Technology Headlines for its new and innovative solution in the HR Tech industry. The rankings are based on a combination of factors, including potential value to clients, current traction and interest amongst industry experts, as well as a defined path to greater success and recognition.

OrgAnalytix is an HR/People Analytics startup that is developing a new Relationship Lens through which managers can view their teams to understand context behind the teams performance and to filter out the copious, yet irrelevant people data. OrgAnalytix provides managers with only the information necessary for effective decision making.

OrgAnalytix seeks to be the leader in Organizational Decision Support tools by bringing employee relationships to the forefront of such decisions. We are honored to be recognized in this crowded field of People Analytics for our unique solution which combines the arcane field of Network Analysis with cutting edge Machine Learning models, says Shwetha T. Pai, CEO and Co-Founder. Employee Relationships and its impact on the culture, efficiency and productivity has long been an area of interest for our management team. As former managers of diverse global workforces in large organizations, we are keenly aware of the challenges leaders face today in creating a dynamic, yet efficient team that is impervious to outside market conditions or internal cultural challenges. Our experience is the cornerstone of our tool and its machine learning algorithms, which are being developed to allow managers the ability to see teams in a new light and make better, faster, and more savvy employee or team related decisions.

OrgAnalytix recently launched the first of its 3 key modules, The Organizational Relationship Analysis module, which provides a comprehensive Informal Network Perspective for leaders using a proprietary 6-question survey to gather relationship data and cutting edge visualizations to view and analyze these relationships. The Machine Learning and People Analytics Consolidation modules are currently being tested with clients and are expected to launch in the next 6-9 months

About OrgAnalytix: OrgAnalytix is a SaaS startup in the People Analytics industry. OrgAnalytixs key focus area is the development of a Relationship Lens for leaders to finally see the forces driving team behavior and understand how to enhance employee relationships to build trusting, resilient and innovative teams. Please visit http://www.organalytix.com or contact us at info@organalytix.com with any further questions.
Airelectric Inc Receives FAA Repair Station Certificate Mentairs Managing Partner Sharon Grey said, We are proud to have worked with Airelectric Inc. as David Momquist expands his business opportunities."

Mr. David Momquist said; Its exciting to see my company grow and be able to offer additional aviation maintenance services to the Tulsa Riverside Airport and surrounding area. Mentairs Sharon Grey was great to work with and Im very pleased with the work we accomplished to obtain this FAA certificate. Airelectric, Inc. has been very busy since receiving our FAA certification and we look forward to future growth for the company.

Airelectric, Inc. is located at 8815 Airport Way, Hangar 5, Tulsa, OK 74132-4014 on the R.L. Jones Jr. - Jenks Riverside Airport. Repair station services: Pitot Static Systems, Transponder Certification and RVSM Systems. Other services include aircraft cabin LED lighting upgrade and retrofit installations. Airelectric, Inc. designed and sells the Tow Team Warning System Module (TTWS) which installs on a tug or tow device for a safer movement of aircraft.

Airelectric, Inc. Contact information: Email: Shop(at)Airelectric(dot)us Phone: Main: (918) 370-0001, Mobile: (918) 406-3974 Web site http://www.airelectric.us

Mentairs Managing Partner Sharon Grey said We are proud to have worked with Airelectric Inc. as David Momquist expands his business opportunities. Obtaining an FAA Repair Station Certificate is a lot of work and partnering with David to obtain certification was a pleasure. Developing a customized and usable set of repair station manuals was a partnership between Mentair and the client. This provided the FAAs reviewing inspectors with a compliant set of manuals and facilitated a productive and smooth start up for the repair station. We wish him all the success with his business.

Mentair is an international consulting company that offers a strong portfolio of aviation consulting services for all types of fixed wing aircraft, helicopter operations, repair stations and ground operations. The company has a network of exceptionally qualified aviation professionals and has the resources to provide clients with a variety of services for business and commercial aviation as well as repair stations and FBOs. Manual development or upgrade services include; repair station manuals, general maintenance manuals, ground operations manuals and hazmat will not carry manuals. Mentair also provides Auditor Training (of interest to IS-BAO auditors), SMS Training and has registered auditors to perform IS-BAO and IS-BAO implementations and audits. Mentair offers services to provide clients with opportunities for process improvements, customized audits, and collaboration to develop methods to sustain benchmark status for their operation.

Mentair Group Pro, LLC, P.O. Box 540666, Omaha, NE 68154-0666 http://www.mentair.com Phoenix Arizona Office 480-788.9767 and 402-403-9767 Omaha Nebraska Office

Sharon Grey sgrey(at)mentair(dot)com
BrightEdge, which is leading the convergence of SEO and Content Marketing, has announced the continued growth of its Cleveland office, which has nearly doubled in number of employees since January.

The Silicon Valley-based company relocated to its present 10,000 square-foot space in Tower City at the beginning of 2017. Within a span of six months, BrightEdge Cleveland has expanded from 21 to 40 employees. The company anticipates a bright future of continued job growth in Cleveland and is committed to making further contributions to the Ohio city.

The Cleveland office has become a driver of our continued growth, said Jim Yu, Co-Founder and CEO of BrightEdge. In a relatively short period of time, weve selected an office and hired a talented team that is now driving material growth for our business

Yu added, We are now in the midst of securing additional office space to accommodate future hiring plans. We will continue to look downtown for office space and will expand our search into several nearby neighborhoods and communities

BrightEdge first opened its doors in Cleveland in late 2015, citing the areas talent pool, marketing leadership and higher education institutions as the driving force behind the decision to establish in Cleveland. The citys robust startup scene also appealed heavily to BrightEdge leadership; Cleveland is among one of the top-rated startup cities in the Midwest, with notable VC funding and presence of investors.

Im pleased BrightEdge has continued to grow and contribute to the prosperity of Cleveland, said Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson. "We are proud to count them among the many successful Information Technology companies that call the city home."

Additionally, Cleveland has been the hub of content marketing since 2007 when Joe Pulizzi founded what is now the Content Marketing Institute (CMI). CMIs 7th annual flagship event and largest content marketing event on the planet, Content Marketing World, is being held this week at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and returning to Cleveland on September 4-7, 2018.

I turned down an opportunity in Pittsburgh to come to Cleveland, said Andrew Merchant, a senior account executive with BrightEdge who has been with the company for a year and a half. Seeing the city grow over 5 years made it pretty easy to stay.

You can be very opportunistic in Cleveland to start your own business, and thats similar to the way we feel here at BrightEdge  were a cutting edge Silicon Valley startup that is in the heart of Midwest, and there is no slowing us down in growth.

According to Phil Misiak, senior account executive with BrightEdge, the companys employees are active participants in the Cleveland community, from daily commutes to work by bike or foot, to participating in softball tournaments and attending conferences across the city.

As the BrightEdge team continues to grow in Cleveland, so does its commitment to the wider community. The team donates to the Cleveland Food Bank and local families in need.

We intend to give back to this city that has enabled us to grow along with it, Yu said. Our company still sees plenty of opportunity for continued job growth and community involvement.

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About BrightEdge

BrightEdge, the global leader in enterprise SEO and content performance, empowers marketers to transform online content into business results such as traffic, conversions and revenue. The BrightEdge S3 platform is powered by a sophisticated deep learning engine and is the only company capable of web-wide, real-time measurement of content engagement across all digital channels, including search, social and mobile. BrightEdges 1,500+ customers include global brands such as 3M, Microsoft and Nike, as well as 57 of the Fortune 100. The company has eight offices worldwide and is headquartered in Foster City, California. Visit http://www.brightedge.com for more information.

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C2 Technologies, Inc., a global leader in training, human capital management and information technology, services, dedicated to improving human performance, announced today that Manik K. Rath will become its Chief Operating Officer.

We were amazed by the extraordinarily talented people vying for this position. We are excited to have Manik join C2, and confident that Maniks proven leadership and experience will enable us to expand our impact on our customers, said Dolly Oberoi, C2 Technologies CEO.

Mr. Rath has a law degree from the University of Virginia and brings over 20 years of experience in IT, human capital and management consulting for public sector clients including Defense and intelligence agencies. Mr. Rath joins C2 after serving as Senior Vice President for LMI, and Co-Founder of Alion Science and Technology.

Manik Rath is a corporate growth leader who has helped public and private companies develop and execute accelerated growth strategies, having led more than 20 acquisitions. Mr. Rath served LMI as Senior Vice President, a federal logistics, management and IT, consulting firm headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with over 1,300 professional consultants, engineers, and employees worldwide.

Before joining LMI, he was a co-founder and Vice President of Alion Science and Technology Corporation. Before joining the founding team of Alion, Mr. Rath advised public and private companies ranging from the Fortune 100 to start-ups.

Mr. Rath serves on multiple boards including the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools and former Chairman of the Association of Corporate Growth (ACG). He also serves on the Board of Advisors of Credence LLC, ThreatSwitch and Hill Top Security Inc., a cyber security startup.

Manik Rath said, C2 Technologies has a tremendous reputation amongst its customers for developing and delivering highly differentiated and mission-critical services and tools. I feel privileged to being a part of their mission.

About C2 Technologies, Inc.

C2 (http://www.c2ti.com) is an internationally recognized company dedicated to human performance improvement. For more than 28 years, C2 has developed award-winning training, human capital and IT solutions, using industry best practices to enhance the performance of Government and private-sectors clients.
Propel Orthodontics, a leading innovator, manufacturer, and worldwide seller of orthodontic devices, announces plans to exhibit at the Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO) 69th Annual Scientific Session September 14-16, 2017. Exclusive show pricing will be available to attendees at the event, which is being hosted at the Fairmont royal York Hotel in Toronto. Propel will be exhibiting its VPro5 and Excellerator Series at booth #105.

Propels high frequency vibration device, the VPro5 can be used to properly seat clear aligners in just five minutes per day at home or on the go. Manual Osteoperforation with the Excellerator Series product line gives doctors a minimally invasive in-office option that can be completed in just minutes. With leading technologies like Propels VPro5 and Excellerator Series, clinicians can differentiate their practices from the competition and fit each patients needs.

For more information about Propel technologies and events the Propel team will be attending in the coming months, please visit: https://propelorthodontics.com/events/. Details about the CAO 69th Annual Scientific Session can be found at: https://cao-aco.org/events/2017-cao-annual-conference/overview

About Propel Orthodontics

Propel is a leading innovator, manufacturer and worldwide seller of orthodontic devices with offices in Ossining, New York, and Milpitas, California in the heart of Silicon Valley. The Company provides in-office and at-home orthodontic accessory devices to orthodontists and their patients, including the Excellerator line of products for performing Manual Osteoperforations and the VPro5, a vibratory orthodontic device used to properly seat clear aligners in 5 minutes a day using 120 Hertz of vibration. Propels mission is to continue to create breakthrough technologies that will exceed the expectations and needs of the orthodontic community.
Equiom's Payroll Team Managing Director of Equiom Scotland, Sarah Weir commented: It is an honour to be shortlisted for The Rewards 2017 and is a true testament to the dedication and experience of our payroll team and the high-quality service we offer.

The Equiom Scotland payroll team has been shortlisted for the Service Provider Team Award. Payroll Administrator, Hollie Ridgers is in the running for the Rising Star Award and Payroll Team Leader, Halinka Rands is up for the Best Leader Award..

The Rewards 2017 are the leading independent awards for payroll, HR and reward professionals. Formerly the Payroll World Awards, the event was historically focused on celebrating success in the payroll sector, but with the widening remit of the profession, the awards have evolved to encompass a broader concentration, recognising high achievement in all three areas. Winners for the 2017 awards will be announced at a black tie dinner and ceremony on 2 November at the Hilton London Bankside.

Managing Director of Equiom Scotland, Sarah Weir commented: It is an honour to be shortlisted for The Rewards 2017 and is a true testament to the dedication and experience of our payroll team and the high-quality service we offer. There are exciting opportunities ahead for payroll and we are always looking for ways to develop our offering further while delivering the best possible service to clients. I would like to congratulate Halinka, Hollie and the team on this recognition and look forward to hearing the results in November.

Equiom Global CEO, Sheila Dean added: Eagle Consulting became Equiom Scotland in March 2017 and has become an important part of the Equiom family. Being recognised in prestigious awards like these fits in with Equiom Groups overall strategy of striving to achieve excellence in everything we do. I am incredibly proud of our Scotland team and look forward to a future of continued success. Well done and good luck to everyone involved.

For more information visit http://www.equiomgroup.com

Notes to editor

About Equiom

Equiom is fast becoming the stand-out business in the professional services sector, with offices in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It provides a range of innovative and effective business partnering solutions.

Equioms experienced and highly qualified teams support corporations and high-net-worth individuals around the world with their fiduciary and related support-service needs.

Equiom is an independent, management-owned company focused on strategic thinking and quick responses to clients requirements. It is a thriving business, continually seeking to develop its product range, in order to provide both existing and potential clients with an unrivalled range of options and opportunities.

Equiom (Guernsey) Limited is licensed by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, Equiom (Isle of Man) Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority, Equiom (Jersey) Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Equiom (Malta) Limited is authorised to act as a trustee and fiduciary services provider by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

Equioms Award Successes



Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2017  Silver winner for Company of the Year in the Female Leadership category and Silver winner for Woman of the Year (Sheila Dean) in the Business Growth category

Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards 2017  Trust Company of the Year Guernsey (Runner-up)

Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards 2017  Trust Company of the Year Hong Kong & Singapore

Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards 2017  Trust Company of the Year Isle of Man

Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards 2017  Trust Company of the Year Malta

Citywealth Future Leaders Awards 2016  Silver Award: Business Development Initiative of the Year (Debby Davidson)

eprivateclient Top 25 Trust Companies 2016

Citywealth Power Women Awards 2016  Company of the Year Female Leadership (Large, Institutional)

Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards 2016  Trust Company of the Year Isle of Man

Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards 2016  Trust Company of the Year Hong Kong (Runner-up)

Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards 2016  Trust Company of the Year Guernsey (Runner-up)

eprivateclient Top 50 Most Influential 2016 and 2017: Sheila Dean

See more of our awards here
MHEC members will soon have access to thebigword's range of language services I am delighted that MHEC members across New England will soon have access to our language services

From October 1st members of the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium will have access to thebigwords range of language solutions.

Founded in 1980, thebigword is a global provider of state-of-the-art translation, localization and interpreting solutions in over 250 languages, delivered through specialist language technology. We have the industry knowledge, global experience, expert linguists and a proven track record working with education providers, government departments, and private sector companies around the globe.

thebigword is delighted to be attending the MHECs 19th Annual Product Expo on Friday, September 15th at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, MA. We are looking forward to sharing our range of translation and interpreting products to help MHEC Members communicate with alternate language speakers.

MHECs dedicated Account Manager, Greg Bitsimis, will be showcasing our services in booth 531 at the expo and you can set up an appointment in advance at mhec(at)thebigword.(dot)com. We look forward to seeing you!

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Larry Gould said: Ensuring that schools, colleges, parents and students can all communicate is really important so I am delighted that MHEC members across New England will soon have access to our language services.

Over the last three years thebigword has invested 7million in technology to ensure that we are able to provide our clients with a quality service at speed.

The Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC) is a nonprofit purchasing consortium established in 1977. Membership is available to not for profit public and private institutions of higher education, municipalities including elementary and secondary schools, technical, vocational and charter schools and other educational organizations throughout New England.
Matrix, powered by Pro Mach, introduces at Pack Expo 2017, Sept. 25-27 in Las Vegas, two new Morpheus form/fill/seal (f/f/s) models. The first is the Morpheus XL, intended for high-speed f/f/s of bags up to 15 inches wide. The second is a new Morpheus model featuring Rockwell Automation technology. With these models, Matrix provides the packaging industry two rugged, well-engineered, cost competitive, and easy-to-use f/f/s systems backed by outstanding customer support. (Matrix Pack Expo Booth # C-3425)

A single narrow-to-wide bag f/f/s Morpheus XL potentially does the work of two machines Morpheus is Matrixs next generation solution for high-speed f/f/s. The new Morpheus XL produces pillow bags from two inches wide all the way up to 15 inches  three inches wider than the original model. The Morpheus XL can run speeds exceeding 120-bags per minute and is designed to run in intermittent mode as well as continuous mode. For the first time, a Morpheus f/f/s machine can also produce gusseted bags, expanding packaging operations capabilities.

With its fast, precise changeover and broad range of bag sizes and types, a single Morpheus XL can potentially replace two slower and older machines for significantly lower capital investment and reduced labor. The Morpheus XL features a redesigned stainless-steel drip pan, which makes it faster and easier to change forming tubes. The new drip pan also keeps the interior of the machine cleaner.

Now a Morpheus for corporations that standardize on Rockwell Automation technology

Brands and copackers can now have a Morpheus f/f/s machine with either a Beckhoff or a Rockwell Automation control architecture. Drawing on the expertise of the Rockwell Automatic Global OEM Technical Consultant (GOTC) team, Matrix engineered a new Rockwell Automation-based Morpheus as fast and as capable as the original.

Morpheus model featuring Rockwell Automation technology features:



CompactLogix 5380 controller that is ideal for applications requiring high-performance communications, I/O, and motion control for up to 32 axes

VersaView 5400 industrial computer featuring an open architecture for greater application flexibility

Kinetix 5500 servo drives for support of integrated motion on EtherNet/IP

5069 compact I/O modules for high speed digital control. These modules have spring clamp terminals for vibration immunity

Morpheus models are optimized for packaging frozen, fresh-cut, and individually quick frozen (IQF) foods in polyethylene-film bags. They also feature AutoPro servo-controlled adjustment of nine critical machine settings for fast, precise changeover. All Morpheus platform machines are easy to service and operate. They are engineered for low cost operation.

Three Morpheus models will be on display at Pack Expo. Stop by Matrix, Booth # C-3425, to see the Morpheus, Morpheus XL, and Morpheus featuring Rockwell Automation technology. Call 888-628-7491 and visit http://www.MatrixPM.com for the full range of Matrix offerings.

About Matrix

Matrix Packaging Machinery is an industry-leading manufacturer known for f/f/s technology. Since 1988, Matrix has built a solid reputation for delivering rugged, well-engineered, cost competitive, and easy-to-use packaging systems backed by outstanding customer support. Matrix solutions are in operation throughout the world, handling a wide range of products in diverse conditions. For more information, please visit http://www.MatrixPM.com.

About Pro Mach

Pro Mach is a leading provider of integrated packaging and processing products and solutions for food, beverage, consumer goods, pharmaceutical, and other diverse companies. Through multiple brands, Pro Mach provides product packaging and processing equipment, PMMI certified trainers, installation, parts, and service in Bottling & Capping, Primary Packaging, Pharmaceutical Packaging, Flexible Packaging, Material Handling, Labeling & Coding, and End of Line, as well as Integrated Solutions for complete packaging lines.

Pro Mach has a diverse customer base, from Fortune 500 companies to smaller, privately held businesses worldwide, which depends on reliable, flexible, technologically advanced equipment and integrated solutions. Pro Mach is headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities and offices throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, United Arab Emirates, and China. For more information about Pro Mach, please visit http://www.ProMachInc.com.
The entries for this years Brand Builder Awards were of top-quality, said Peter Goldstone, CEO of Hanley Wood. Their marketing approach, innovative work and data-driven results illustrate the innovation within our industry. I congratulate all the winners of this years Brand Builder Awards.

Hanley Wood, the premier information, media, event, and strategic marketing services company serving the residential and commercial, design and construction industries is pleased to announce the winners of its 2017 Brand Builder Awards.

The Brand Builder Awards recognize the most innovative and effective marketing campaigns throughout the residential and commercial design and construction industries. Companies selected for recognition have executed campaigns that generate sales, motivate buying behavior and inspire customer loyalty. More than 80 companies submitted entries in nine categories, ranging from traditional advertising campaigns to social marketing strategies to channel marketing programs.

The entries for this years Brand Builder Awards were of top-quality, said Peter Goldstone, CEO of Hanley Wood. Their marketing approach, innovative work and data-driven results illustrate the innovation within our industry. I congratulate all the winners of this years Brand Builder Awards.

2017 Brand Builder Platinum Award winners (with agency affiliations):

-Best Advertising Campaign (Digital): Waypoint Living Spaces submitted by Puckett Marketing

-Best Advertising Campaign (Print): AZEK Building Products submitted by Y&R

-Best B2B Custom Event: Trim-Tex submitted by ABE Studios

-Best Channel Marketing Program: Honeywell

-Best Content Marketing Campaign: Huber Engineered Woods

-Best Integrated Marketing Campaign: AZEK Building Products submitted by Y&R

-Best New Product Launch: Simpson Strong-Tie

-Best Social Media Marketing Campaign: Marvin Windows and Doors

-Best Website Design & Marketing Strategy: AZEK Building Products submitted by Real Art

2017 Brand Builder Gold Award winners (with agency affiliations):

-Best Advertising Campaign (Digital): Dorken Systems, Inc. submitted by Jan Kelley

-Best Advertising Campaign (Digital): Moen submitted by Wray Ward

-Best Advertising Campaign (Print): Moen submitted by Wray Ward

-Best B2B Custom Event: Vitro Architectural Glass submitted by Pipitone Group

-Best B2B Custom Event: Atlas Roofing Corporation

-Best Channel Marketing Program: California Faucets submitted by Duehr & Associates

-Best Content Marketing Campaign: NoteVault

-Best Integrated Marketing Campaign: Ply Gem Industries

-Best New Product Launch: Huber Engineered Woods

-Best New Product Launch: Honeywell

-Best Social Media Marketing Campaign: Novita Communications

-Best Website Design & Marketing Strategy: Arrow Fastener submitted by SWBR

Entries for the 2017 Brand Builder Awards were reviewed by a jury of experts in all areas of marketing. The jury reviewed entries and rated them based on a pre-determined set of criteria, which were established prior to the call for entries. The criteria may be reviewed online at http://www.brandbuilderawards.com.

The judges for the 2017 Brand Builder Awards were:

-Christopher Yeich, Director of Content Marketing and Editorial Strategy at Dun & Bradstreet

-Angela Waters, Strategic Account Director at Spiceworks

-Michael Krieger, Technology Market & Content Expert; and

-John DuBois, Free-lance writer and Creative Director

About the Brand Builder Awards

The Brand Builder Awards recognize the most innovative and effective marketing campaigns throughout the residential and commercial design and construction industries. Companies selected for recognition have executed campaigns that generate sales, motivate buying behavior and inspire customer loyalty. More than 80 companies submitted entries in nine categories, ranging from traditional advertising campaigns to social marketing strategies to channel marketing programs.

About Hanley Wood

Hanley Wood is the premier company serving the information, media, and marketing needs of the residential, commercial design and construction industry. Utilizing the largest analytics and editorially driven Construction Industry Database, the company provides business intelligence and data-driven services. The company produces award-winning media, both digital and print, high-profile executive events, and strategic marketing solutions. To learn more, visit hanleywood.com
We are thrilled to have such a wonderful lineup of speakers for our first ClinPulse event in Boston.

PRC Clinical and SDC are organizing a ClinPulse panel and networking event on Thursday, September 21st from 6 to 8:30pm EDT at Catalyst in Cambridge, MA.

Clinical operations experts will discuss the topic of Proactive Patient Enrollment Strategies for Clinical Operations Professionals. From tracking enrollment progress to communicating with underperforming sites to engaging with patient advocacy networks, expert panelists will share best practices and insights on proactive patient enrollment strategies.

The ClinPulse Boston panel will be comprised of:



Melissa Price, Vice President, Clinical Development, TARIS Biomedical

Roger D. Nolan, Ph.D., Co-Founder, President and COO, Biokier

Carole Ann McEvoy, Clinical Study Manager, PRC Clinical

Faith Kolb, Vice President, Biometric Operations, SDC

Bryce Warren, Ph.D., Executive Consultant in Clinical Operations

We are thrilled to have such a wonderful lineup of speakers for our first ClinPulse event in Boston said Tony Taricco, President & COO at PRC Clinical. Our panelists come from diverse backgrounds within Clinical Operations and Clinical Trial Management. Their unique perspectives will make for an engaging and educational discussion.

Registration is open at prcclinical.com/boston. Local Clinical Operations professionals are invited to join this free event to learn how to better approach:

Drift & Wobble  Tracking enrollment progress and hitting goals

The Zen of Enrollment  Training tips and mantras for sustained focus

Phone Fatigue  Communicating with sites and sharing key performance data

Are we a Match?  Selecting the right CROs to help you reach your goals

Safety Net(works)  Leveraging patient networks and advocacy groups

The Boston region hosts a large biotech community with over 50,000 employees in bioscience-related jobs. The expansion of the ClinPulse event series gives PRC Clinical the ability to leverage its repeated presence at local conferences and better serve pharmaceutical, biotech and regenerative medicine developers in the Boston area.

About ClinPulse

The ClinPulse Expert Event Series focuses on the drivers of change in clinical trials. PRC Clinical and its partners have organized four sessions in the San Francisco Bay Area and one session in San Diego, CA. They aim at gathering subject matter experts to discuss long-term trends and look at ways people are exploring and acting on these themes. Previous events included speakers from the FDA, Genentech, Celgene, Nektar, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), and BioMarin Pharmaceuticals. Learn more at prcclinical.com/clinpulse

About PRC Clinical

PRC Clinical is the CRO of choice for many pharmaceutical, biotech and regenerative medicine developers worldwide, offering a next-level clinical trial management experience. Our innovative approach to executing studies merges our high-touch human element with high-tech tools, extensive experience and deep knowledge  far exceeding the level of service offered by large CROs. We offer full Clinical Trial Management services including Clinical Project Management, Site Monitoring, Site Selection, and Site Management. PRC Clinical has significant experience in a wide range of therapeutic areas: Regenerative Medicine, CNS, Neurology, ALS, Parkinsons, Pain, GI, Device, Anti-infective, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Oncology, and Stem Cells. Visit http://www.prcclinical.com, call 1-877-519-6001, or email info(at)prcclinical.com.

About SDC

SDC is committed to providing experienced teams who will take ownership of your needs and are positively engaged in your projects. SDC delivers leading-edge statistical analysis and data management services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies, as well as CRO partners. With biostatistics, clinical data management/EDC, and interactive response technology (IRT) expertise at our core, SDC also provides scalable full service clinical trial solutions via our diverse and complementary strategic partnerships. Speak with us today about how SDC will take ownership of your clinical project needs. For more information, please visit http://www.sdcclinical.com, call 480-632-5468, or email data(at)sdcclinical.com.
UW-Madison is ranked once again among the best public colleges or universities in the country, but the school dropped out of the top 10.

The university is tied for No. 12 among public institutions in the 2018 edition of U.S. News & World Reports Americas Best Colleges.

The states flagship university is tied for 46th among all schools, a two-spot drop from last year.

We are incredibly proud of the education and the Wisconsin Experience we offer students, Provost Sarah Mangelsdorf said in a statement Tuesday.

Our faculty and staff are among the best in the world, Mangelsdorf said.

U.S. News & World Report uses a multitude of factors in making the rankings, including first-year student retention, graduation, admissions selectivity, alumni giving and graduation rate.

In certain programs and measurements, UW-Madison maintained its high standing, including 14th overall and sixth among public schools in Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching; 18th overall in Best College for Veterans; 14th overall for the College of Engineering; 15th overall for the School of Business; third overall for the insurance/risk management program and third overall for the real estate program, both in the School of Business.

The top 10 public schools in the U.S. are Cal-Berkeley, UCLA, Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina, William & Mary, Georgia Tech, Cal-Santa Barbara, Cal-Irvine and Cal-San Diego.

The Big Ten Conference public schools were led by Michigan (4), followed by Wisconsin (12), Penn State and Ohio State (tied for 14), Purdue (18), Maryland (22), Rutgers and Minnesota (tied for 25), Iowa (31), Michigan State (33), Indiana (39) and Nebraska (58).

In the overall national rankings, Princeton was named the best college in the country, followed by Harvard, the University of Chicago, Yale, Columbia, MIT, Stanford, Penn, Duke and Cal Tech.

Big Ten Conference schools in the overall rankings were led by Northwestern (11), followed by Michigan (28), UW-Madison (46), Penn State and Illinois (tied for 52), Ohio State (54), Purdue (56), Maryland (61), Rutgers and Minnesota (tied for 69), Iowa (78), Michigan State (81), Indiana (90) and Nebraska (124).
The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School has added seven research- and practice-track professors and lecturers to its full-time faculty for the start of the 2017-18 academic year, bringing the schools total number of full-time faculty members to 93.

With these additions, the Carey Business School, established in 2007, has hired 65 full-time faculty members during the past five years.

Dean Bernard T. Ferrari said, Carey recently received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which we view in part as recognition of our longstanding efforts to create a first-rate research and practice faculty. Our recent additions to our faculty underscore our focus on attracting the highest quality faculty talent. Our newest faculty will add to the culture of knowledge creation and knowledge sharing for which Johns Hopkins, the first research university in the United States, is known.

The new faculty members, two in the research track and five in the practice track, earned their doctorates and other advanced degrees at institutions such as Harvard University, New York University, the University of Cambridge, the University of Chicago, the University of Maryland, and Johns Hopkins University.

In alphabetical order, the seven new members of the Carey Business Schools full-time faculty are:

Brandon Chicotsky, lecturer on the practice track, PhD in communications and information sciences from the University of Alabama, master of science in management from New York University. Areas of expertise include law and ethics, business communication, media branding with interdisciplinary aspects of human capital valuations, organizational management, and corporate public relations.

Steven Cohen, assistant professor on the practice track, PhD in communication from the University of Maryland, master in public policy from Harvard University. Areas of expertise include public speaking and communications. Cohen is also president of Summit Presentations, a company that provides communications training to managers. He previously served as an adjunct faculty member at the Carey Business School.

Vadim Elenev, assistant professor on the research track, PhD in finance from New York University. Areas of expertise include macrofinance, housing policy, monetary policy, and asset pricing.

Peter Marber, senior lecturer on the practice track, PhD in education from the University of Cambridge, master in international affairs from Columbia University. Areas of expertise include strategic planning and development, investment, and emerging markets trading. He has taught at Harvard and Columbia, as well as at the Carey Business School previously as an adjunct faculty member, and was the head of emerging markets investments at the Loomis, Sayles & Company investment management firm in Boston.

Diana Prieto, assistant professor on the practice track, PhD in industrial engineering, master of arts in statistics from the University of South Florida, and master of science in industrial engineering from Universidad del Norte in Colombia. Areas of expertise include disease surveillance, health disparities surveillance, and statistics. She previously was an assistant professor at Western Michigan University.

Stuart Urban, lecturer on the practice track, MBA in finance from Carey Business School, master of arts in applied economics and master of science in computer science from Johns Hopkins University. Areas of expertise include financial analysis, software engineering, and systems engineering. He previously worked as a software engineer and data scientist at Lockheed Martin, specializing in health care analytics, and as a technology analyst at the Federal Reserve Board. He also was an adjunct professor at the Carey Business School.

Luyi Yang, assistant professor on the research track, PhD in operations management and MBA from the University of Chicago. Areas of expertise include service operations, operational innovation, operations-marketing interface, mechanism design, and health care operations.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Carey is the business school of Johns Hopkins University. The Carey Business Schools mission supports the development of business knowledge and the education of business leaders who will grow economies and societies, and who are exemplary citizens.
Citisofts Advisory Services capabilities have expanded significantly as the firm has grown and added to its consulting staff

Citisoft, a Boston and London based consulting firm dedicated to the asset management industry, has announced the launch of its new website and streamlined suite of services. The firm has been the leading source of asset management focused technology and operations consulting for over 30 years. This latest transformation reflects their commitment to bringing industry-focused services and content to clients and stakeholders.

Citisofts Advisory Services capabilities have expanded significantly as the firm has grown and added to its consulting staff. Their library of advisory work includes numerous recent transformation programs which has helped the firm distil their core Advisory Services. These Advisory Services now include Strategic Assessment, Systems Strategy & Selection, and Outsourcing Evaluation & Selection. In tandem, their Delivery Services now include Systems Implementation & Integration, Program & Project Management, and Outsourcing Transition.

Were extremely proud to have led some of the asset management industrys most transformative programs over the last five years. This experience has helped us strengthen our service offering and deepen our expertise, said Paul Migliore, Global CEO at Citisoft. Despite the expansion of these capabilities, we want to send a clear message about who we are and what we offer. We think our suite of services reflects our strategic and delivery capabilities in a way that is easily understood.

Along with this change, Citisoft has launched a new website and refreshed their branding across digital channels. The re-launched http://www.citisoft.com showcases their thought leadership content and allows their audience to subscribe to insights across their publications. As the asset management industry undergoes a period of unprecedented change, these updates reflect Citisofts commitment to monitoring and providing actionable insights on the evolving trends that are impacting asset managers.

For more information about Citisoft and to view the new website, visit http://www.citisoft.com.

About Citisoft

Citisoft is a global consulting firm dedicated to servicing the investment management industry. Our staff and management bring credibility and hands-on knowledge to every facet of our client relationships, backed by a history of successful partnerships with leading investment management firms and industry service providers. With our deep understanding of all aspects of the investment management process, our clients benefit from our ability to identify industry trends and accurately assess their effects. Through our Advisory and Delivery services, we offer a full complement of consulting capabilities ranging from strategy formation through guiding and implementing successful business change.
Elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea, member of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP Selection for The Best Lawyers in America is an outstanding honor. I am proud to be recognized by my peers, particularly as a Lawyer of the Year, for work that I find so personally rewarding.

Westchester elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea, member of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, has been named the Best Lawyers 2018 Elder Law Lawyer of the Year in White Plains. He has also been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 24th edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the practice areas of Elder Law and Trusts and Estates.

Selection for The Best Lawyers in America is an outstanding honor, said Mr. Enea, who has spent over three decades protecting the rights of seniors, the disabled and their families. I am proud to be recognized by my peers, particularly as a Lawyer of the Year, for work that I find so personally rewarding. The Lawyer of the Year recognition is reserved for a single lawyer with the highest overall peer-feedback in a specific practice specialty and geographic location.

A strong leader in Westchesters legal community, Mr. Enea is president of the Westchester County Bar Foundation, a past president of the Westchester County Bar Association, and a past chair of the New York State Bar Associations Elder Law Section. Named Westchester Countys Leading Elder Care Attorney at the Above the Bar Awards, Mr. Eneas practice areas include elder law; Medicaid asset protection trusts; Medicaid applications (home care and nursing home); special needs planning; guardianships (Article 81 and 17-A); and wills, trusts and estates. He is fluent in Italian.

Regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States, Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 50,000 leading attorneys cast over five and a half million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.

This marks the seventh consecutive year Mr. Enea has been included in the Best Lawyers list, and the fourth time he has received recognition as a Lawyer of the Year in White Plains. Mr. Enea has also been named as one of Westchester Countys Super Lawyers annually since 2007.

An AV Rated Preeminent Attorney (Martindale-Hubbell, since 2002), Mr. Enea is a member of the Council of Advanced Practitioners of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and is a past president of the organizations New York Chapter. He is a fellow of the New York Bar Foundation and serves as a board member of the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services.

The Best Lawyers of America is copyright 2017 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC. For more information, visit http://www.bestlawyers.com.

Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is located at 245 Main Street in White Plains, N.Y. with additional offices in Somers, N.Y. Elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea can be reached at 914-948-1500 or a.enea@esslawfirm.com. For the latest news, visit Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano online at http://www.esslawfirm.com.

About Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP

Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is an AV preeminent rated elder law firm with offices in White Plains and Somers, N.Y. The practice concentrates on Elder Law; Medicaid Planning; Nursing Home and Home Care Applications; Wills, Trusts and Estates; Guardianships; Estate Litigation; Supplemental Needs Trusts; and Special Needs Planning. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP serves Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, the Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island and Queens and is committed to providing the highest quality legal services to seniors, the disabled and their families. Visit the firm online at http://www.esslawfirm.com.
In todays constantly changing healthcare regulatory environment, employers need as much guidance as possible so they focus on running and growing their businesses. We see Integrity Data enabling our member clients to do just this.

Benefit Advisors Network (BAN)  a national network of independent employee benefit firms  has partnered with Integrity Data, a leader in ACA compliance solutions. This strategic partnership will enable BAN to provide a superior ACA reporting experience that BAN members can offer exclusively to their employer clients.

Integrity Data is pleased to provide a great ACA software and services solution to BANs agency members and their clients, said Patrick Doolin, CEO of Integrity Data. The expertise of our mutual organizations ensures that employers tasked with complying with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can do so with confidence that it will be done timely, accurately and most importantly, easily.

The Integrity Data partnership will provide an ACA Compliance Solution that offers business intelligence to address reporting and compliance requirements, broad automation to complete new IRS forms, and a Cloud-based solution with automatic updates as IRS guidance changes.

With so many aspects of ACA, these new features are important since they help ensure continued compliance with the Affordable Care Act and simplify reporting requirements employers are obligated to meet in 2017 and beyond.

We have done our due diligence and are thrilled to have found a highly reputable partner who will bring so much value to our members, and ultimately their clients, said Perry Braun, Executive Director of the Benefit Advisors Network. In todays constantly changing healthcare regulatory environment, employers need as much guidance as possible so they focus on running and growing their businesses. We see Integrity Data enabling our member clients to do just this.

Continues Braun, Integrity Data provides real world solutions to real world problems.

About Benefit Advisors Network

Founded in 2002 by five agencies, BAN is a premier, national network of independent, employee benefit brokerage and consulting companies. BAN delivers industry leading tools, technology, and expertise to member firms so that they can deliver optimum results to their employee benefit customers. BANs members are screened prior to being granted membership to ensure they distinguish themselves from their competitors through their knowledge of the industry, ethical approach, business acumen, and strategic vision.

For more information about why your company should consider working with a member of Benefit Advisors Network, visit http://www.benefitadvisorsnetwork.com.

About Integrity Data

Integrity Data is a leader in the application of technology to improve business processes around payroll processing and human resources data. Headquartered in Lincoln, Ill., and celebrating 20 years in business, Integrity Data serves over 8000 organizations worldwide. From small businesses to some of the largest and fastest growing organizations worldwide, Integrity Data strives to ensure that companies maintain IRS compliance around the Affordable Care Act.
Southern Careers Institute In 5 weeks, SCI helps with your clinical, they help you with the job process, your applications, and your resume.

This past June, Promise Nyong had two graduations to look forward tohis high schools, and his certified nurse aide program with Southern Careers Institutes San Antonio South campus. The five-week long program is designed to give students the hands-on-training they need in basic nursing, health and social service needs, CPR, and other essential clinical skills one would need to excel in at-home caregiving as a nurse aide or nursing assistant.

Southern Careers Institute launched the Nurse Aide program in its San Antonio South campus last October, and since then seen great success. Nikki England, Campus Director at SCI San Antonio South weighs in: Our NA program provides an opportunity for students to be in a new career field in just 5 weeks! The hands-on training keeps the students active and excited to become caregivers, and provides the skills needed to be successful not only in their externship, but once they gain employment in the healthcare field. England states that the classroom has been full since the very beginning, and so now, SCI is expanding the program to their Brownsville, Corpus Christi and Pharr, Texas campuses. Currently, each campus offers several highly-rated medical training programs as well as business, technology, and skilled trades offerings.

Youll get great training, Nyong responds enthusiastically, when asked what one could expect from the certified nurse aide program. In 5 weeks, SCI helps with your clinical, they help you with the job process, your applications and resume. And although the job outlook for nursing assistants and orderlies is growing at a 17% rate between now and 2024 (Labor of Bureau Statistics - https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm), employers want to ensure that new hires have what it takes to be successful in the role. We require either 1 year of experience as a caregiver or your nurse aide certification, says Nicole Vielma, Human Resources Coordinator for Griswold Home Care (http://www.griswoldsa.com/), a nationwide homecare service provider headquartered in San Antonio who recently hired Nyong as one of their care providers. She emphasizes that people working in the homecare service industry have to have a passion for helping others.

Rhonda Bravo, another recent graduate of the CNA program at SCI, definitely has a heart for the elderly and disabled. She fell in love with caregiving, after treating two patients with Down Syndrome working at an assisted living home when she was 18 years old. Yet, even with the experience, she still found trouble finding a job in the homecare industry after she retired from military service. Everybody wants you to have your CNA. For her the convenience and the affordability made her choice to attend school at SCI a simple one. It paid off, as she was recently hired with her top choice of companies, Texas Blue Skies.

With the aging baby boomer population booming at rates that could fuel a 75% increase in Americans aged 65-and-older requiring nursing home care to 2.3 million in 2030, according to Population Reference Bureau (http://www.prb.org/Publications/Reports/2015/unitedstates-population-bulletin.aspx), Nyong and Bravos chosen career path has great potential.

And how is it going with Nyong at his first job since his double graduation this summer? Hes had a couple cases, says Vielma, and the ones he has picked up are very happy.

Members of the media, and anyone interested in learning more about this new program, are welcome to attend the Official Ribbon Cutting for Certified Nurse Aide Program at each campus:

Brownsville, TX

Friday, September 29th  4:00PM

Southern Careers Institute  Brownsville Campus

935 North Expressway - Southwind Shopping Center

Brownsville, TX 78520

Contact: Zachary Lesak, Campus Director

956-355-0539

Corpus Christi, TX

Wednesday, September 20th - 5:30PM

Southern Careers Institute - Corpus Christi Campus

2422 Airline Road

Corpus Christi, TX 78414

Contact: Tammy Newsom, Campus Director

361-994-3700

Pharr, TX

Tuesday, September 19th  4:00PM

Southern Careers Institute - Pharr Campus

1500 North Jackson Road

Corpus Christi, TX 78577

Contact: George Garza, Campus Director

956-632-2700

For more information on Southern Careers Institutes Certified Nurse Aide program, other programs or campuses, please visit http://www.scitexas.edu, or connect with Southern Careers Institute on Facebook and Twitter.

About Southern Careers Institute

Southern Careers Institute was founded in 1960 in Austin, TX. Since opening its doors, SCI has expanded its facilities to include seven campuses located in Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Pharr, San Antonio (North Campus), and San Antonio (South Campus) plus virtual courses offered online. SCI has offered medical and business programs since 1992, and today, SCI offers a variety of programs in the fields of medical, pharmacy, business, technology and trades.

All career training programs at Southern Careers Institute are taught by knowledgeable instructors who care about each individual students success. A supportive, interactive learning environment is maintained at all our campuses, which allows students to learn by doing. Each program focuses on the skills needed upon entering the workforce, so students are not focusing on things that will never be used in the real world.

Southern Careers Institute has also developed a laser focus on making students more marketable with customized and employer tailored programs. We call our approach The SCI Edge, and it makes our students as competitive as those of any accredited colleges or technical schools in Texas.

For more information, contact:

Adrian De La Garza, Executive Director of Marketing and Analytics

Southern Careers Institute

512-437-7543

http://www.scitexas.edu/

Logo - http://scitexas.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/logowhitebg2.jpg

SOURCE Southern Careers Institute
A 2CCA capable small cell saves on tower space, which improves OPEX and lowers CAPEX, while providing a higher speed critical for todays bandwidth intensive applications.

Baicells Technologies, an emerging provider of global LTE solutions, has announced the release of the first Two Component Carrier Aggregation (2CCA) small cell product for both licensed and unlicensed spectrum. Baicells is the first vendor to combine the carrier aggregation (CA) feature into a small cell product. It can double the downlink throughput, cover two independent sectors without adding a new site. Since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the release of 150 MHz total in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service band (CBRS), service providers and private network operators across the United States have taken an active interest in deploying LTE networks leveraging the upcoming band.

As the digital age has dramatically transformed the way people work, study, and consume media, there is an increased need for wireless broadband, especially in rural areas. Since traditional business models often include high expenses for deployment and operations, end-users in rural areas often cannot afford high price data packages offered by others.

Baicells 2CCA small cell aims to resolve this problem, improving capacity and internet speed. Aggregating two channels into one cell, the downlink data rate can be doubled. Baicells 2CCA can be considered as two individual small cells covering two independent areas in a single base station form factor, which can help operators cut down on cost.

This feature also allows operators more flexibility, as operators can choose different frequency bands to combine or run separately. In addition, Baicells 22CA can do load balancing between two carriers so that the idle carrier can help relieve stress on the other carrier during peak periods, thus further improving spectrum efficiency.

According to Mr. Wei Bai, Vice President of Baicells Technologies, As LTE innovators with customers across all different business models, we understand how a specific technology can benefit our customers. A 2CCA capable small cell saves on tower space, which improves OPEX and lowers CAPEX, while providing a higher speed critical for todays bandwidth intensive applications.

About Baicells:

Baicells is a privately-held, high tech company with offices in China and USA. It has introduced some real breakthrough technologies to LTE, like moving a complete LTE system to unlicensed spectrum and building it with an IT based architecture. With Baicells turnkey end-to-end solutions, it becomes much easier to provide wireless broadband within everyone's reach at a very low cost.

Chinese Press Contact:

Eva Wang

PR Manager

Baicells Technologies Co. Ltd.

(+86) 186 8066 8591

North American Press Contact:

Savannah Lancaster

Marketing Communications Manager

Baicells Technologies, North America

+1 (972) 623-7329
We would like to thank the dedicated truck drivers who keep Amerca's freight moving.

In honor of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2017, 123Loadboard is handing out 2,000 load board annual subscriptions and its factoring partner Thunder Funding is waiving all fees to fund and factor the first load for new accounts for a total combined giveaway of over $1,200,000.

In recognition of the dedicated men and women who travel the highways daily and make sacrifices to deliver the freight that keeps America moving, we did not want to miss this opportunity to thank them with over $1,200,000 in load board memberships, said Loarn Metzen, V.P. at 123Loadboard.

Finding loads on 123Loadboard and having the ability to factor them through their factoring partner, Thunder Funding, is a key partnership that help streamline the process for the truck driver who needs to find and fund the delivery of their loads.

Professional Truck Drivers who work to keep the freight moving in this industry deserve to know how much we depend on them and appreciate their labor and efforts, which is why we are willing to waive the factoring fee for first time accounts, says John Downing, President at Thunder Funding.

Both 123Loadboard and Thunder Funding recognize that truck driving is essential for moving goods across the nation and want to throw their support behind the truck driver and reward them for undertaking one of North Americas most difficult and demanding occupations.

About 123Loadboard

Founded in 2004, 123Loadboard provides a freight matching marketplace for carriers, owner-operators, brokers and shippers to engage with pertinent, easy-to-use trucking tools using the latest technologies to help professional truck drivers find loads and increase their loaded miles. 123Loadboard is a trusted source for freight matching, credit, compliance issues, mileage and is one of the few trucking services where posting loads is still free. Visit https://www.123loadboard.com/ to learn more.

About Thunder Funding

Thunder Funding is North Americas premier carrier services and freight factoring company. Ranked as a Top Freight Factoring Company by Truckers Report, Thunder Funding boasts more than 50 years of service to the transportation and logistics industry with factoring, fuel advances, fuel cards, insurance, compliance, and more. Visit http://www.thunderfunding.com/ to learn more.
This event was designed to give advisors a good overview of the sustainable landscape from some of the leading voices in the field, noted Craig Churman, a Vice President and Director at Saturna.

Forward-thinking financial advisors joined a group of leading investment firms today in Washington, D.C. for the latest Sustainable Investing Symposium. The event, titled Sustainable Investing Solutions: For Tomorrows Client Appointments, was designed to better equip advisors for conversations with the growing number of clients interested in sustainable investing.

Presented by Saturna Capital, the Bellingham, WA-based investment adviser specializing in sustainable equity and bond mutual fund strategies, the event drew sustainable finance experts from across the industry to share best practices and answer questions on topics ranging from aligning portfolios with environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns, to impact and community investing topics.

Among the featured experts are keynote speaker Sarah Newcomb, behavioral economist with fund rating agency Morningstar, and Saturna Capitals Craig Churman, who serves as host for the gathering.

This event was designed to give advisors a good overview of the sustainable landscape from some of the leading voices in the field, noted Churman, a Vice President and Director at Saturna. With the rise in investor demand for sustainable products, we want to equip advisors to better engage clients in conversations on the many topics related to sustainable investing. This can be difficult terrain, as even the clients who request a sustainable approach, may not be clear on the exact nature of the changes they want to make to their portfolios.

The Sustainable Investing Symposiums three main panels are covering a broad spectrum of sustainable topics, providing insight and strategies from industry practitioners at top-tier investment and advisory firms.

The ESG Integration Panel focuses on infusing traditional portfolios with firms that rate well in key sustainable criteria; it includes Matthew Blume from Appleseed Capital, Jane Carten from Saturna Capital, Lenore Reiner from Calvert Research, and Julie Koska from Morningstar. The panel is moderated by Leslie Samuelrich from Green Century Capital Management.

The Impact Investing Panel focuses on identifying and evaluating private investment opportunities for community impact and features panelists Katherine St. Onge from Calvert Foundation, David Sand from Community Capital Management, and Noelle Laing from Cambridge Associates. The panel is moderated by Lisa Woll from US SIF.

The final session, titled Advisors Panel - ESG Integration for Practice Growth, focuses on the benefits of incorporating sustainable investing as experienced by financial advisors who are already doing so. They include Adam Bernstein from Gitterman Wealth Management - SMART Portfolios, Will Bruno from AXA Advisors, Marguerita Cheng from Blue Ocean Global Wealth, and Jon Ellenbogen from Impact Capital Strategies. This panel is moderated by Paul Ellis from Paul Ellis Consulting.

These primary sessions are complemented with table top discussions during the day on topics such as shareholder advocacy, local community investment opportunities, and an evaluation of the performance of sustainable investing.

To access presentations from the Sustainable Investing Symposium and for more information on future sustainable investing events in your areas, please contact Craig Churman (cpc(at)saturna(dot)com) or West Lytle (rwl(at)saturna(dot)com).

Please consider an investments objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain this and other important information about Saturnas Mutual Funds in a current prospectus or summary prospectus, please visit http://www.saturna.com or call toll free 1-800-728-8762. Please read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing. Distributed by Saturna Brokerage Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saturna Capital Corporation, investment adviser to the Funds.

Contact:

Victoria Odinotska

KANTER

Tel. +1 703 685 9232

Jane Carten

Saturna Capital Corp.

Tel. +1 360 594 9900
Kettera Strategies LLC, which owns and operates Hydra, the leading global macro, FX, and commodity managed account marketplace, today announced the expansion of Hydra with the launch of Hydra Global Hedge offering access to equity-based hedge fund strategies.

The new Hydra Global Hedge marketplace was built to answer the challenges investors face when trying to incorporate equity hedge fund strategies into their portfolios, said Terri Engelman Rhoads, President of Kettera and an industry veteran who has built and run hedge fund managed account platforms for Guggenheim and others. Investors will now be able to access equity-based hedge fund strategies through a limited liability vehicle but with the added features of a managed account such as daily transparency and additional liquidity, giving investors the ability to know where their portfolio stands on a daily basis and proactively manage their risk.

Hydra Global Hedge is an expansion of the established Hydra marketplace, which has distinguished itself in the macro/managed futures space by providing investors with daily transparency, intra-month liquidity and notional funding capabilities.

We are excited to expand the success of Hydra into liquid equity strategies including global equity long/short, with plans to offer other equity-based hedge fund strategies, said Jon Stein, Chief Executive Officer of Kettera.

Ketteras new equity-focused marketplace provides investors the opportunity to participate in various strategies while offering advantages that may not otherwise be available by going directly into an investment managers fund. These advantages include daily transparency, monthly liquidity, diversification, risk monitoring and control, lower investment minimums, potentially lower fees, governance improvements, and administrative convenience.

Kettera has selected Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as the initial prime broker and NAV Consulting as the administrator for this new platform. RSM US LLP will serve as the auditor and BMO Harris, NA as the custodian bank to Hydra Global Hedge. Sidley Austin, LLP is the US counsel and Stuart, Walker & Hersant is Cayman counsel. Independent service providers are a key feature of the Hydra marketplace, which is dedicated to due diligence and objective oversight that is free from the conflicts of interests often found in bank and brokerage-owned platforms.

Service providers are independent companies unaffiliated with Kettera. There is no form of legal partnership, agency, affiliation, or similar relationship between these service providers and Kettera.

Hydra is available to US and non-US investors via a master-feeder structure.

About Hydra and Kettera Strategies

Kettera Strategies LLC owns and operates Hydra, a leading independent, custody-based managed account marketplace. Hydra provides institutional investors, family offices, wealth managers and high net worth investors with efficient access to global macro, FX, volatility and managed futures strategies. More than 40 investment strategies are available on Hydra.

Hydra allows investors to access single managers or create bespoke, multi-manager portfolios from an array of established and emerging managers. The marketplace is custody-based and offers enhanced liquidity, partial funding (depending on the strategy) and daily performance reporting. Hydra is independent and objective, freeing it from conflicts of interests often associated with bank and brokerage based groups.

# # #

Important Risk Information

The past performance of any investment product or any trading advisor associated with the Hydra Marketplace is not necessarily indicative of the future results of either this investment product, other investment offerings or the trading advisor associated with the platform. There is no guarantee or representation made that any Hydra investment program, trading manager or investment product associated therewith will be successful or not lose money.
We wanted to create an experience that combined local community impact with the energy of a national evangelism training conference...I believe we can change our nation in one day. The gospel is that powerful and teens are that revolutionary.

Denver-based Dare 2 Share is preparing for an unprecedented event combining worship, community service and training teens to share their faith in an authentic, tangible way. On September 23, 2017, Dare 2 Share LIVE will be broadcast from a flagship event in Denver, Colorado, and streamed to 69 host sites nationwide. The Denver event will feature prominent speakers and artists such as Greg Stier, Propaganda, Tenth Avenue North, Zane Black and The Skit Guys, while each local site will have their own music teams and emcees as well.

Greg Stier, Founder and CEO of Dare 2 Share stated, We are honored that so many churches of all denominations have joined together to be a part of Dare 2 Share LIVE. We know that teens have the power to change our communities for the better. We are praying that God works in incredible ways in September 23, and that our cities will forever be impacted by youth who are committed to impacting their community through service and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the day, all locations will participate in corporate worship and training, and coordinated local events. In order for all participating to be able to serve simultaneously, the event will be set by time-zone:

Eastern Time: Noon-7:30pm

Central Time: 11:00am  6:30pm

Mountain Time: 10:00am  5:30pm

Pacific Time: 9:00am  4:30pm

Alaska Time: 8:00am  3:30pm.

Over the past 25 years, Dare 2 Share has inspired and equipped over 1 million Christian teenagers and youth leaders to engage in spiritual conversations through conferences, training curriculum and resources. In this one-day event, Dare 2 Share LIVE will engage over 50,000 students and youth leaders to initiate up to 300,000 gospel conversations in one day.

A teen-led evangelism movement, Dare 2 Share LIVE will be a national, multi-site training event that is designed to spark a movement of gospel conversations and reach this next generation for Christ. Utilizing technology that students are accustomed to, the event is structured to inspire teens as they are trained to relationally share Christ, and then empower them to reach out to both their local communities and their social networks.

We wanted to create an experience that combined local community impact with the energy of a national evangelism training conference, explains Stier. Dare 2 Share LIVE is the rally point for a revival! We believe that teens are uniquely poised to make a positive impact on their communities and this country. On September 23 we will see movements materialize as students are unleashed and empowered to engage their circles of influence with the gospel of Jesus. I believe we can change our nation in one day. The gospel is that powerful and teens are that revolutionary.

About Dare 2 Share

Founded in 1991, Dare 2 Shares mission to Energize the Church to Mobilize youth to Gospelize their world has led them to train and provide resources to hundreds of thousands of students and youth leaders. The focus on relational evangelism training has made Dare2 Share the go-to teen evangelism training resource for youth leaders and churches in the United States who want a Gospel Advancing Ministry that accelerates the spiritual growth of their teens and impacts their communities with the good news of Jesus Christ. http://www.dare2share.org

To find a local event in your area, please see http://www.dare2sharelive.org

# # #

For more information or to schedule an interview with Greg Stier:

Lori Heiselman

FrontGate Media

714-553-5181

Lori(at)FrontGateMedia(dot)com
Amazing Pet Expos

Amazing Pet Expos recently celebrated the production of 178 consecutive Pet Expos in 20 states across the country since 2009..

Always on the lookout for new features, Lucy Pets Gnarly Crankin K9 Wave Maker, designed exclusively for Lucy Pet by American Wave Machine, made its way for the first time to Denver, Colorado to participate in the 7th Annual Denver Pet Expo. Held for the first time at the National Western Complex on Aug. 19-20, the expo featured Lucy Pets Wave Maker and first time ever with surfin doggies doing tricks on moving boards plus surfin kitty cats. Over 400 pets rode the waves that weekend.

All Amazing Pet Expos are held indoors, pets are welcome and our team of event producers travels personally to every city. Features in many cities include lure coursing, agility, pet costume contests, dock diving and activities courses for pets. In 2015, every Amazing Pet Expo was expanded to a two day format, with features on both Saturday and Sunday.

Exhibitors and vendors include local and national pet businesses, rescues, pet food manufacturers, pet product suppliers, groomers, trainers, animal hospitals, vets and other pet-centric organizations.

Over 2 million people have walked through the doors of an Amazing Pet Expo the past 8 years, says Ethan Barnett, Vice President of Amazing Pet Expos. With so many people walking through our events, weve been able to educate the public on progressive, bond-strengthening training techniques, pet safety, and legislation protecting our furry friends, veterinary education and more. Weve also continued to provide low-cost vaccinations alongside a mega-adoption area at each event for pet parents looking for new family members. Amazing Pet Expos have reached many major pet communities around the country and continue to make a difference in the lives of humans and animals alike.

Amazing Pet Expos is the leading pet event production company currently producing large-scale consumer-based pet expos across the United States. All well-behaved pets are welcome, as long as theyre on a fixed lead (or in a carrier) with proof of age-appropriate rabies vaccines.

For more information, call 1-800-977-3609 or visit http://www.AmazingPetExpos.com
We are proud to continue to be the home of the exploding micro-winery movement in California and to bring more and more of these cutting-edge wineries from across California to Paso Robles

The Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Paso Robles for the seventh year in a row November 10th  12th. Celebrating the passion and spirit of the garagiste winemaker, the festival features over 60 of Californias best micro-wineries, pouring over 200 wines made from over 30 different grape varieties. Over a quarter of the winemakers are pouring for the very first time at the festival which was recently dubbed tasting nirvana by the LA Times. Tickets are on sale now at http://californiagaragistes.com/buy-tickets/.

"We are proud to continue to be the home of the exploding micro-winery movement in California and to bring more and more of these cutting-edge wineries from across California to Paso Robles, said Garagiste Festival Co-founder, Doug Minnick. Unlike other wine events that are geographically or varietal focused, The Garagiste Festival offers a wide variety of wines, styles, and regions. And because our winemakers aren't concerned with getting their product onto supermarket shelves, they are free to explore their winemaking passions, which makes for an absolutely unparalleled and exciting range of cutting-edge wines.

This years three-day festival includes its popular Rare and Reserve event (this time with Tapas!); its epic Grand Tasting at the Paso Fairgrounds; the rollicking Keep It RockinAfter Party, with band High Voltage and local craft beers; and the return of the Garagiste Paso Passport day, which offers discounts and events to festival attendees at garagiste wineries throughout the area. The festivals signature tasting seminars also return to explore the remarkable diversity of the Paso Robles area, this time focusing on locally grown and vinified Rhone and Bordeaux grape varieties. Moderated by Garagiste Festival co-founder, KRUSH radio host and Golden Triangle Wines winemaker, Stewart McLennan, the seminars are part of the festivals VIP package and also feature Rendarrio Vineyards, Vinemark Cellars, Brecon Estate and Sans Lieg.

No matter how much you know about wine already - a lot or a little - you will come away with new discoveries and expanded horizons. The festival is a fantastic place to learn, and it's a Garagiste event, so we promise it will be fun. No snobs allowed, as always," continued Minnick.

The nonprofit festival has raised over $100,00 for the education of future winemakers through The Garagiste Scholarship at Cal Poly and helped ignite the awareness, business and reputations of hundreds of artisan winemakers.

At each table, a passionate winemaker (or two or three) is on hand pouring his/her wines, sharing the winery back story and wine insights, said McLennan. And, because the wines are handcrafted in such small quantities, The Garagiste Festival is probably your only chance to really taste and discover the essence  and the future  of this uniquely American brand of winemaking, which is helping drive innovation industrywide.

Launched in 2011 in Paso Robles (which was named Americas Best Wine Country Town by Sunset Magazine), the Garagiste Festival was the first event to define, and shine a spotlight on, the American garagiste* wine movement, which has exploded over the past five years, and features commercial artisan winemakers who handcraft under 1,500 cases a year and pay close, hands-on attention to every wine they make. Recently featured in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the festivals have introduced over 500 outstanding artisan winemakers to thousands of passionate wine consumers, members of the trade and media, raising the profiles of many of the winemakers nationally for the first time.

For full schedule details, go to http://californiagaragistes.com/2017-paso-fest/

Among the over 60 winemakers already scheduled to pour are:

Alma Sol Winery, Alta Colina, Amor Fati, Artisan Uprising, Ascension Cellars, Asuncion Ridge, Bon Niche Cellars, Brophy Clark Cellars, Byron Blatty Wines*, Caldera Cuvee, Caliza Winery, Camlow Cellars, Circle B Vineyards, Cloak & Dagger Wines, Copia Vineyards, Croma Vera, Cutruzzola Vineyards, D. Volk Wines*, DENO Wines, Diablo Paso, Dubost Winery, Dunning Vineyards*, Frisco Cellars*, Golden Triangle, Hoi Polloi Wines, Hoyt Family Vineyards, Jacob Toft Wines, JP3 Wines, Kaleidos Wines, Kimsey Vineyards*, Kula Vineyards*, Last Light Wine Co., Lazarre Wines, Lost Blues*, Lynch Wines, Maidenstoen Wines, Marin's Vineyard, MCV Wines, Mollie Wines, Monochrome Wines*, Montagne Russe*, Nicora Wines, Nowell-Smith Wines, On Your Left Wines, Paix Sur Terre, Pelletiere Winery*, Piedra Creek*, Powell Mountain Cellars, Pulchella Winery, Ranchero Cellars, RN Estate, Ryan Cochrane Wines, Saint K Wines*, Seven Angels Cellars, Seven Oxen Wines, Shell Creek Vineyards, Silver Wines*, Stolo Family Vineyards, Tlo Wines, Tolo Cellars*, Ultima Tulie*, Vinemark Cellars, Vino Vargas, Volatus* and Weatherborne.



First time pouring at the Paso Festival.

To preserve an intimate experience for consumers with one-on-one interaction with winemakers, tickets are very limited for the Garagiste Festivals and always sell out. To purchase tickets go to http://californiagaragistes.com/buy-tickets/. To learn more about The Garagiste Festival, and to get the latest event info, sign-up for The Dirt at http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up/. Or follow us on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook.

Sponsors include:

Adelaide Inn, Allegretto Resort, Barrelhouse Brewing, Bidwell Insurance, Clearwater Tech, Digital Dogma, Distinctive Glassware, ETS Labs, Farm Credit West, Glenn Burdette, G3 Enterprises, Laffort USA, La Quinta, mWEBB Communications, Paso Oaks, PRWCA, TRPA, WiVi Central Coast Symposium and Trade Show

For sponsorship info, email info@garagistefestival.com.

*Garagistes (garage-east) is a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their "garages" (anything considered not a chateau), who refused to follow the rules, and is now a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world. The Garagiste Festivals were the first to shine a light on the American garagiste winemaker in 2011.

About The Garagiste Wine Festivals

The Garagiste Wine Festivals (http://www.garagistefestival.com) are the first and only wine festivals dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized American artisan garagiste producers who are making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot production wines in the world. Founded by fellow garagiste winemakers Stewart McLennan and Douglas Minnick, the Garagiste Festivals are committed to discovering the best and most innovative limited-production winemakers and promoting and showcasing them to a broad audience of discerning wine consumers. In addition to its flagship annual festival in Paso Robles, CA, the Garagiste Festival line-up includes Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure, featuring Santa Ynez Valley garagistes; the Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, in Los Angeles; the Garagiste Festial, Northern Exposure, in the Bay Area; winemaker dinners, a newsletter, garagiste profiles and more.

The festivals were named one of the Top Nine Incredible Epicurean Vacations in the world by ABC News,* one of the premier wine events of the year, by the LA Times and Best Festival by Sunset Magazines Best of the West. The festivals are produced by Garagiste Events, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the education of future winemakers and those training for employment within the wine industry. Garagiste Festivals Inc. is a 5013c non-profit organization and proceeds from the festivals support the Garagiste Festival Scholarship fund of the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo Wine and Viticulture Department.

Media Contacts:

mWEBB Communications for The Garagiste Festivals

Melanie Webber, melanie(at)mwebbcom(dot)com, 424-603-4340

Crystal Hartwell, crystal(at)mwebbcom(dot)com, 949-929-4637
Briana Marcus of Austin Pets Alive! holds a puppy rescued during Hurricane Harvey. Thousands of pets were displaced by Hurricane Harvey, which is why, now more than ever, adoption is so important.

Best Friends Animal Society, in partnership with BOBS from SKECHERS, will host a special Texas Super Adoption Event and Strut Your Mutt Walk to raise funds and find homes for animals affected by Hurricane Harvey this Saturday, September 16. Event sponsor BOBS from SKECHERS will pay adoption fees for the first 100 animals adopted from the Texas Super Adoption event as part of a $10,000 donation to Best Friends Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

Thousands of pets were displaced by Hurricane Harvey, which is why, now more than ever, adoption is so important. When you adopt a pet at the Texas Super Adoption event, youre saving two lives  the one you take home and the one who now has a space at a shelter, said Eric Rayvid, public relations director for Best Friends Animal Society.

Event participants will include 17 Austin-based shelters, rescue groups and animal welfare organizations in the Best Friends Network - many of whom have evacuated animals from area shelters, taken in owner-surrendered pets and arranged adoptions and transport to network partner shelters and rescue groups across the country.

More than 2,000 animals have been rescued since Hurricane Harvey  a testament to Best Friends Networks amazing local organizations, and a reflection of this enormous challenge, said Michael Greenberg, president of SKECHERS. With so many animals still in need of homes, there is a dire need for support  and we believe that pairing the Texas Super Adoption with Best Friends hugely popular Strut Your Mutt event is a great way to make a difference for animals in urgent need and establish a strong foundation for future shelter animals in this region.

Austin Pets Alive! is one of the local animal welfare organizations participating on Saturday. We hope that anyone in Austin still looking to adopt a pet will join us at the Texas Super Adoption. Especially after the trauma of Hurricane Harvey, were excited to help these pets find their forever homes, said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, executive director of Austin Pets Alive!.

Over $150,000 was raised in Austin last year to support local groups. This year, the fundraising goal is set at $275,000 to support rescue efforts in the devastating wake of Hurricane Harvey.

Strut your Mutt will take place at Walter E. Long Park - 6614 Blue Bluff Road in Austin, Texas. Registration begins at 8:00 AM while the walk is set to start at 9:00 AM. The Texas Super Adoption will take place in the same location from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. More than 150 dogs and cats will be present for adoption in loving homes. All animals at the event will be spayed or neutered and vaccinated.

Austin is one of 14 communities participating in Best Friends Animal Societys Strut Your Mutt, presented by BOBS from SKECHERS, bringing together passionate people to raise money and save the lives of animals in need. Funds raised during Strut Your Mutt events make up a good portion of funds for many partners. The 2017 Strut Your Mutt goal is $3 million. To get involved, start your own fundraising page or donate to an existing team in Austin, please visit StrutYourMutt.org.

For full information on participating rescue groups and shelters, festival events, directions to the venue, and updates about the special adoption event, please go here.

About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. A leader in the no-kill movement, Best Friends runs lifesaving programs in partnership with more than 1,900 rescue groups and shelters across the country; regional centers in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Salt Lake City; and the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals. Founded in 1984, Best Friends has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters nationwide from 17 million per year to about two million. That means there are still nearly 5,500 dogs and cats killed every day in shelters, just because they dont have safe places to call home. We are determined to get that number to zero by the year 2025. Working together with you, we will end the killing and Save Them All. For more information, visit bestfriends.org.

To become a fan of Best Friends on Facebook, go to Facebook.com/bestfriendsanimalsociety.

Follow Best Friends on Twitter (@BestFriends) and Instagram (@BestFriendsAnimalSociety).

About SKECHERS USA, Inc.

SKECHERS USA, Inc., based in Manhattan Beach, California, designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle footwear for men, women and children, as well as performance footwear for men and women. SKECHERS footwear is available in the United States and over 160 countries and territories worldwide via department and specialty stores, more than 2,305 SKECHERS Company-owned and third-party-owned retail stores, and the Companys e-commerce websites. The Company manages its international business through a network of global distributors, joint venture partners in Asia and the Middle East, and wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada, Japan, throughout Europe and Latin America. For more information, please visit skechers.com and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/SKECHERS) and Twitter (twitter.com/SKECHERSUSA)

This announcement contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Skechers future domestic and international growth, financial results and operations including expected net sales and earnings, its development of new products, future demand for its products, its planned domestic and international expansion, opening of new stores and additional expenditures, and advertising and marketing initiatives. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking language such as believe, anticipate, expect, estimate, intend, plan, project, will be, will continue, will result, could, may, might, or any variations of such words with similar meanings. Any such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include international economic, political and market conditions including the uncertainty of sustained recovery in Europe; sustaining, managing and forecasting costs and proper inventory levels; losing any significant customers; decreased demand by industry retailers and cancellation of order commitments due to the lack of popularity of particular designs and/or categories of products; maintaining brand image and intense competition among sellers of footwear for consumers, especially in the highly competitive performance footwear market; anticipating, identifying, interpreting or forecasting changes in fashion trends, consumer demand for the products and the various market factors described above; sales levels during the spring, back-to-school and holiday selling seasons; and other factors referenced or incorporated by reference in Skechers annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The risks included here are not exhaustive. Skechers operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time and the companies cannot predict all such risk factors, nor can the companies assess the impact of all such risk factors on their respective businesses or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Moreover, reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance.

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From left to right: Mark Weedon, Esmeralda Silva, Karen Diaz, Travis Allen, and Al Rigual were on hand to represent Trident.

On Monday, August 21st Trident University International (Trident) hosted an Open House at Fort Irwin National Training Center in San Bernardino County, CA. Serving as a community showcase of the Universitys presence on post, the event kicked off with a ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony.

Speakers at the Open House included Colonel Seth D. Krummrich, Garrison Commander; John Valentine, ESO; CSM Edison M. Rebuck, Post Command Sergeant Major; and Travis Allen, President & CEO of Trident.

Im excited to have Trident here as a partner to help make our soldiers, families, and civilians better, said Col. Krummrich, Garrison Commander. Fort Irwin poses some incredible geographic and work hour challenges for soldiers training our nations finest. Finding flexible and adaptable educational opportunities like Trident fits perfectly with the Fort Irwin communitys needs.

The Universitys presence on post was officially set in motion in September 2016, when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Headquarters, United States Army Garrison, Fort Irwin

Trident is represented at Fort Irwin by Karen Diaz, Outreach Education Specialist. She is in charge of coordinating supplemental instruction and educational resources offered on post. Education resources offered include regularly scheduled writing labs, available to anyone on post, and supplemental instruction for students in Tridents Master of Science in Leadership program.

The 100% online Trident has been in operation since 1998 and is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Active duty military, veterans, National Guard, and military dependents make up 79% of the Universitys student population, and Trident is proud to employ many veterans at its faculty, staff, and management levels. Of Tridents 30,000 alumni, more than 22,000 have a military affiliation.

About Trident University

Founded in 1998, Trident University International (Trident) is a leading online postsecondary university serving adult learners. Trident developed the Trident Learning Model, which employs case-based learning in an online setting to teach real-world relevant critical thinking skills to enhance the lives and careers of students. Trident offers high-quality bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs, led by a qualified faculty team, over 80% of whom have doctoral degrees. Visit http://www.trident.edu, Tridents Facebook page, or call at (855) 290-0290 to learn more about Trident's wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
Christopher Weiler serves as President and CEO of KrolLDiscovery Our hearts go out to those affected and we want to do everything we can to reduce the amount of loss suffered as a result of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey.

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Harvey devastated eastern Texas, Hurricane Irma paved a wide path of destruction in the Caribbean, Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. Last week, Kroll Ontrack, part of the KrolLDiscovery Group, deployed a team of data recovery experts to Houston to help residents and businesses recover critical data from damaged media. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Kroll Ontrack is now adding emergency drop off locations in Florida and will be donating data recovery services to those impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Expert data recovery specialists will be available at specific locations in Houston and Florida and offering in-person consultations and evaluations of damaged media. Residents in any of the affected areas who cannot travel to a drop off location can call 800-872-2599 to arrange for free shipping of their media. Individuals will receive free data recovery service. Businesses impacted by flooding, loss of power or other damage due to the hurricanes will receive a deeply-discounted flat fee for recovery of any single desktop, laptop or hard drive/SSD.

"Individuals and businesses in the paths of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma have lost so much and need help to start rebuilding, said Chris Weiler, President and CEO of KrolLDiscovery. With data recovery labs across the United States, we are in a unique position to help families throughout the areas impacted recover cherished photographs and important personal data and help businesses of all sizes recover vital information. Our hearts go out to those affected and we want to do everything we can to reduce the amount of loss suffered as a result of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey.

For drop-off locations and more information on this offer, view online at https://www.krollontrack.com/services/data-recovery/natural-disasters or contact Kroll Ontrack at 800-872-2599.

Kroll Ontrack advises the following safe-handling steps for storage systems which have lost data due to a power outage:

1. Stop using the system immediately. Power down the system to avoid overwriting data.

2. Restore any backups to a different volume; this ensures that all important files are good on the backup before possibly overwriting data on the active volume.

3. If there is a RAID problem, test the backup by restoring it to a different location or image each drive from the RAID before attempting a rebuild.

4. Do not use file recovery software unless you have a validated backup and know your drives are not physically damaged. Using file recovery software on a faulty hard drive may destroy what was otherwise recoverable data.

5. Do not create any new files on the disk needing recovery or continue to run virtual machines until the important data is recovered.

6. Call a professional data recovery service for further assistance.

TIPS: Kroll Ontrack recommends that people fearing loss of their vital information consider the following before assuming that the damage is permanent:



Never assume that data is unrecoverable, no matter what it has been through

Never attempt to plug in or turn on water-damaged devices

Do not shake, disassemble or attempt to clean any hard drive or server that has been damaged; improper handling can make recovery operations more difficult which can lead to valuable information being lost

Never attempt to dry water-damaged media by opening it or exposing it to heat, such as from a hairdryer

Do not attempt to operate visibly damaged devices

Do not attempt to freeze-dry media

Do not use common software utility programs on broken or water-damaged devices

For mission critical situations, contact a data recovery professional before any attempts are made to reconfigure, reinstall or reformat

About Kroll Ontrack, LLC

Kroll Ontrack provides technology-enabled services and software to help law firms, corporations, government agencies and consumers solve complex data challenges. Part of the KrolLDiscovery brand, Kroll Ontrack provides ediscovery services and market leading data recovery for any type of media  hard drives, SSD, server, RAID, virtual, cloud, mobile, tape, NAS/SAN/DAS, laptop, desktop computers and Apple devices. Additionally, through proprietary technologies and expert services around the globe, Kroll Ontrack helps clients with email extraction, tape management and data destruction. For more information about Kroll Ontrack offerings, please visit http://www.krollontrack.com. Or follow @KrollOntrack on Twitter.
Amory Police Department's Dawn McClendon with K-9 Health Insurance Grant recipient Coale, who was one of five recipients of the inaugural grant.

Petplan pet insurance and the National Police Dog Foundation (NPDF) today announced the winners of the inaugural K-9 Health Insurance Grant. The endowment, a joint effort between Petplan and the Foundation, awards one year of pet insurance to five currently active police dogs throughout the U.S.

WINNING GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE:

Reximus, 3-year-old German Shepherd

Nome Police Department, Nome, AK

Handler: Justin P Timm

Sergeant Timm started the K-9 program at the Nome Police Department after many years without a K-9 unit. Reximus specializes in narcotics detection and is the only four-legged officer all of Western Alaska (hes very busy!).

Ive been paying for Reximus veterinary care, including airfare for emergency transport, with the understanding it may not be reimbursed, Timm said on his grant application. With his new Petplan policy, 90% of Reximus unexpected veterinary expenses will be covered.

Rudy, 2-year-old Shepard/Malinois mix

Upland Police Department, Upland, CA

Handler: Quinn Hanley

Rudys K-9 team is funded primarily through donations from the public (the city covers vehicle upkeep and the handlers salaries only). The Petplan/NPDF grant will allow the Upland PD to maximize existing funds and put future donations toward the training and equipment needs of the K-9 unit.

People dont see it, but these arent normal dogs: they are the elite athletes of the canine world, says Handley. And just like professional athletes, on a daily basis they can be subject to injury. Having an insurance grant allows us to maximize our budget on other necessary items like training, equipment and dog food.

Coale, 1-year-old German Shepherd

Amory Police Department, Amory, MS

Handler: Dawn McClendon

Coale has just begun a 5-week program training for narcotic alert, search and rescue, and patrol duties. He is the first K-9 to join the unit since 2012; the department has lacked funding for canine officers for the past five years. His pet insurance grant will help keep costs down and keep the K-9 program thriving in Amory.

Our department knows first hand how quick things can change, says McClendon. Roughly eight years ago we lost our K-9 partner to cancer. The peace of mind to have insurance that helps guarantee the best care no matter the a budget is a must!

Tracker, 2-year-old Belgian Malinois

Silver Spring Township Police Department, Mechanicsburg, PA

Handler: David Frascella

Tracker is a multi-faceted K-9 who handles patrol and narcotics work. Hes also is trained in tracking, article searches, apprehension and handler protection. While veterinary care is paid from the department budget, Trackers handler knows how quickly that can become a burden.

Trackers K-9 partner developed cancer a few years ago and thankfully though very generous donations from the public he received the treatment he needed, says Frascella. Having [Petplan] will allow the department to focus on Tracker having the knowledge that he is covered.

Charlie, 3-year-old Labrador Retriever

Holbrook Police Department, Holbrook, MA

Handler: Brian Macgregor

Charlie has quickly become known as a rock star in drug detection, with several impressive seizures under his belt. The Holbrook PD pays for food, supplies, and medical treatment for its K-9 unit (which includes another officer named Bo) solely through donations from their community. The pet insurance grant from Petplan and the NPDF will help ensure the dogs always receive the best medical careregardless of cost.

If something happens to [Charlie] the costs could be astronomical, says Chief of Police William Smith. If we cant pay for it then we have to take the dog out of service. Its peace of mind hell be covered.

The NPDF K-9 Health Insurance Fund, which made the first round of grant awards possible, is funded entirely by public donations and the sponsorship support of Petplan. As donations to the Fund grow, more grants will be made available to K-9 handlers.

Its hard to put into words the pride we feel in supporting police K-9s and the work they do to keep their communities safe, says Natasha Ashton, co-founder and co-CEO of Petplan. We were excited to launch this grant program, but meeting the first round of K-9 officers and handlers who will benefit just makes the honor all the more heartfelt. This is a program we hope to continue in partnership with the National Police Dog Foundation for a very long time.

To make a direct donation to support grant funding, or to learn more about Petplans sponsorship of the NPDF, citizens can point their paws to https://nationalpolicedogfoundation.org/petplan/.

###

ABOUT PETPLAN

Petplan has built an industry-leading pet insurance policy for pet parents who demand a higher pedigree of care for their best friends. Weve leveraged 40 years of global experience to create completely customizable coverage pet parents can feel confident in, and world-class claims service that operates 24 hours a day, every day.

Petplans innovative approach to pet insurance has been recognized by Forbes, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Inc. magazine, Smart CEO, the Communicator Awards, Ernst & Young and many others.

Petplan policies are underwritten in the U.S. by XL Specialty Insurance Company and in Canada by XL Specialty Insurance Company-Canadian Branch. The company is rated A+ by S&P (2017). Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. For more information about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.petplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.

ABOUT NATIONAL POLICE DOG FOUNDATION

The National Police Dog Foundation is a volunteer organization that promotes education and awareness, and raises funds for the purchase, training and ongoing veterinary care for active and retired police K-9s.

In 1998 the Ventura Police Dog Foundation began as a local group helping to fund the K-9 program for the City of Ventura, CA, and in 2004 the National Police Dog Foundation expanded its support to law enforcement K-9 units throughout the United States.

Most law enforcement agencies simply cannot meet their ever-increasing costs related to their K-9 units. The Foundation has become a unique resource for these agencies, to get the assistance they need with the purchasing of the K-9s, their initial training, and the ongoing veterinary care for active and retired police K-9s. The Foundations network of veterinarians includes some of the countrys most valued specialists in many varying areas of health care.

The Foundations efforts are all done to support Americas selfless and courageous K-9 Heroes.

For more information about The National Police Dog Foundation, visit http://www.nationalpolicedogfoundation.org or call 1-888-459-7768.
We know that identity management and biometrics will continue to be essential components of world-class digital experiences. Thats why weve joined forces with ProQual-IT.

10Pearls, a digital development company based in Washington D.C., has acquired ProQual-IT, an information technology services provider that specializes in biometrics and identity management. ProQual-ITs founder and CEO, James (Jim) Annulis, will be joining 10Pearls management team, and all ProQual-IT employees will become 10Pearls team members.

We know that identity management and biometrics will continue to be essential components of world-class digital experiences. Thats why weve joined forces with ProQual-IT, said Imran Aftab, CEO of 10Pearls. As an end-to-end digital technology services partner working on our clients mission-critical initiatives, we consider it our responsibility to stay ahead of our clients needs and continue to add value for them. This allows our clients to truly lean on us, so they can focus on business acceleration.

As more and more companies invest in engaging with their customers digitally, they need better ways of confirming the identity of the customer on the other side of the screen. Simultaneously, todays savvy consumers expect the businesses they patronize to offer convenient, enjoyable experiences. Identity management and biometrics let security and customer experience exist in harmony. New mechanisms for authenticating identity provide more natural, less intrusive experiences for customers without compromising security.

The recent Equifax data breach will make already skeptical consumers even more worried about the safety of their personal information, said Aftab. Even the largest, most mature businesses are vulnerable. If businesses want to interact with customers online, they need to establish trust. Behind every digital product, there must be a strategy to address information security.

Annulis sees the acquisition as a natural fit for both companies: Im very excited about joining the 10Pearls team, said Annulis. As a combined entity, we can provide a full suite of technology services that businesses need. Together we will have a bigger impact for our clients.

For more information about 10Pearls, visit http://www.10pearls.com.
Cybereason, the leading provider of behavioral-based enterprise attack protection, including endpoint detection and response, next-generation antivirus, and active monitoring services, announced today at the Massachusetts Cyber Forum in Cambridge launched SecureMA, a statewide expansion of its SecureBoston initiative, designed to bring small businesses and nonprofits together to raise awareness and share best practices to address cybersecurity threats they face on a daily basis.

Massachusetts is a national leader in innovation and cybersecurity thanks to our talented workforce, exceptional schools and quality companies, said Governor Charlie Baker. We applaud Cybereason for its leadership and willingness to support an expanded group of smaller companies and groups under this program, and we look forward to working with Commissioner Davis on this important topic.

Ed Davis, former Boston Police Commissioner and current Cybereason Advisory Board Member, will serve at the Honorary Chair of SecureMA. The expanded program, SecureMA, will convene IT professionals from small organizations across the Commonwealth and empower them with free information, resources and tools to defend against cyber threats.

SecureBoston was launched in April 2017, with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of Boston. The initiative initially focused on spreading awareness on the prevalence of Ransomware and Cybereasons free anti-ransomware tool RansomFree to combat it. Since then, SecureMA has sought to expand its scope by increasing cybersecurity preparedness and awareness among local organizations and convening the professionals who face these issues on a daily basis.

We are excited to expand SecureMA to build a robust coalition of organizations that will raise awareness of cyber threats and collaborate to develop solutions and share information, said Cybereason CEO Lior Div. We must work together as a community in order to combat this growing problem, and we are eager to provide that platform.

SecureMA coalition members will have access to:

Quarterly situational awareness briefings and intelligence sharing by Cybereason experts on ongoing threats, new developments, and other cybersecurity issues. Cybereason will hold its first SecureMA intelligence briefing for nonprofits and small businesses on Wednesday, October 25th.

Updates and trainings for RansomFree, Cybereasons free anti-ransomware software that protects against 99 percent of ransomware.

Cybereasons Information Technology Best Practices Guide for nonprofits and small businesses.

A community of IT professionals and Cybereason experts who can provide responses and feedback to security concerns.

Opportunities to provide input and guide future SecureMA and RansomFree initiatives

Cyber attacks are among the most challenging and concerning security threats that we face today, said Davis. I am looking forward to working with the SecureMA coalition members to explore how we can better strengthen our community organizations and small businesses by protecting them from these attacks and deterring potential criminals.

Organizations can join the SecureMA coalition by completing a registration form at: https://hi.cybereason.com/secure-massachusetts-join

About Cybereason

Cybereason is the leading provider of behavioral-based enterprise attack protection, including endpoint detection and response (EDR), next-generation antivirus (NGAV), and active monitoring services. The Cybereason solution reduces security risk, provides complete visibility, and increases analyst efficiency and effectiveness. Cybereason partners with enterprises to gain the upper hand over adversaries. Cybereason is privately held and headquartered in Boston, with offices in London, Tel Aviv and Tokyo.
As seasons change, increased bird activity can be seen nationwide as migratory bird populations fly from one breeding ground to another. This increased bird activity brings with increased mess and possible spread of zoonotic diseases.

Not only is there a surge in number of birds in migratory paths this time of year, but climate change has also played a part in this yearly pattern, altering animal behavior and changing biodiversity around the world.

When birds leave a region due to continual habitat changes, they are often replaced by another species. Scientists are involved in examining this effect, known as species turnover.

Bird-X, the eco-friendly, humane bird control company, is feeling the effects of early bird migration here in their Chicago office. Were receiving a large number of calls related to migratory birds coming back to customers backyards, often times earlier than usual, says a Customer Service Representative at Bird-X.

What can be done when ones home is suddenly inundated with pesky birds, a bit earlier than normal? Bird-X specialists almost always recommend their best-selling sonic device, the BirdXPeller PRO, for common backyard birds like woodpeckers, crows, pigeons, sparrows, and more. This device emits a variety of naturally recorded distress calls and predator cries that confuse, frighten, and disorient pest birds without causing harm or using harsh chemicals. With multiple versions and dozens of species-specific bird calls, sonic deterrent methods are the ideal humane choice in backyard bird control.

Bird-X, Inc. has spent over 50 years protecting public areas from over 60 bird-spread transmissible diseases. The leading international brand of humane bird control solutions, this Chicago-based company manufactures a complete line of unique bird control products, protecting the health of humans, wildlife, and the environment by deterring birds from unwanted areas without harming them.

For information on any of Bird-Xs humane pest control products, please call customer service at (800) 662-5021.
This is the third consecutive year Milton Hershey School has been recognized with this honor, and it is just as exciting as the first, said MHS President Peter Gurt 85.

Milton Hershey School has been named one of the Best Places to Work in PA for 2017. The award recognizes companies across the state based on workplace policies, practices, philosophies, systems and demographics.

This is the third consecutive year Milton Hershey School has been recognized with this honor, and it is just as exciting as the first, said MHS President Peter Gurt 85. It is especially meaningful to be able to share this news on our founder Milton Hersheys birthday. Our faculty and staff work hard every day to continue Mr. and Mrs. Hersheys vision so our students can reach their full potential. They provide students with life-changing opportunities by caring for, teaching, and supporting them in everything they do here on campus.

Milton Hershey School is located in Hershey, Pa. Established in 1909, the school is a home and school to more than 2,000 children from families of lower income from across the state and country. MHS and its dedicated staff offer a top-notch education and positive, inclusive home life to students in pre-kindergarten through 12th gradeat no cost to their familiesin order to nurture and support them in leading fulfilling and productive lives that break the cycle of generational poverty. In order to provide opportunities to more children, the school continues to grow and is looking for caring individuals who want to step up and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

The awards program is a public/private partnership between Team Pennsylvania Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Pennsylvania State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, and the Central Penn Business Journal.

More information about MHS can be found at mhskids.org.

ABOUT MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL

Milton Hershey School is one of the worlds best private schools, offering a top-notch education and positive home life to children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from families of lower income at no charge.
Reggie Calloway

Sound Royalties, LLCs Director of Music Royalty Funding Reggie Calloway will speak today at AMERICANAFEST: The Americana Music Festival & Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Calloway is also available to meet with local songwriters, artists and producers to discuss how Sound Royalties might be able to help them grow their careers.

Taking place Sept. 12-17, 2017, the annual event brings together thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals at various locations across Nashville for six days of music, seminars, panels and networking opportunities.

Calloway will speak on the panel From the Song to the Bank today, Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 2-3 p.m. at the Westin Hotel Conference Center. Moderated by Allen Johnston of The Music Specialist, the panel will provide insider knowledge for musicians, songwriters and publishers on what makes the music industry tick, how it has evolved and what to expect in light of the new digital landscape. Calloway will also moderate the "Sync Licensing" panel, taking place today at the Westin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This session will discuss how to lucratively license your music in film, TV, and video games.

Due to his diverse experience, Calloway makes an ideal contributor to these panels. Well-known for founding the popular Techno-funk band Midnight Star, Calloway is a five-time Grammy nominee, including a nomination for R&B Songwriter of the Year for his hit song Casanova. Currently, he serves as Director of Music Royalty Funding for music-focused specialty finance firm Sound Royalties, which has quickly developed market dominance by providing artist-friendly funding solutions.

Media or Nashville-area musicians interested in speaking with Calloway should contact Pamela Armstrong at pamela@redbanyan.com or 618-267-6305.

About Sound Royalties

Founded by CEO Alex Heiche, Sound Royalties, LLC is a privately-owned specialty finance firm that helps music industry professionals fund personal and professional projects while allowing them to retain the rights to their music and royalties. The companys core business is offering royalty advances of anywhere from $5,000 to $10 million, without having to deal with credit issues, while preserving all rights to the artists music. It does this by advancing artist performance royalties paid through music labels and Sound Exchange, songwriter royalties paid through music publishers and Performing Rights Organizations such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR and music streaming royalties from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube. To date, Sound Royalties, LLC has worked with a wide range of leading music industry professionals, including Grammy Award winners, platinum recording artists and notable music industry executives in every genre. Learn more at http://www.soundroyalties.com.
Our turnkey solution streamlines the entire content marketing process, freeing channel partners to focus on what they do best.

Tempesta Media, a leading content marketing solution for enterprises and agencies, has partnered with Averetek, a global leader in channel marketing automation software and services. The new partnership will streamline content development for value-added resellers (VARs) of major technology companies.

The solution gives technology companies the ability to quickly and effectively get content marketing programs in market using existing marketing development fund (MDF) program dollars. Technology brands can maintain brand control and performance accountability.

How it Works

Tempesta Media has integrated its content and influencer marketing platform into the services marketplace of Avereteks channel marketing platform. The combined solution will be able to serve the content marketing needs of over 90,000 channel partners. Our combined solution provides a seamless collaboration between technology companies and their channel partners to produce content that will attract interest and generate more inbound sales leads, Averetek CEO Peter Thomas said.

Channel partners will be able to immediately apply earned or granted MDF money towards specific content marketing program deliverables such as e-books, whitepapers, and case studies. Channel partners will have access to thousands of industry experts, which will allow them to create custom content that maintains consistency of brand message. Technology channel partners have experienced challenges effectively employing content marketing programs to drive demand, said Tempesta Media CEO Michael Marchese. Our turnkey solution streamlines the entire content marketing process, freeing channel partners to focus on what they do best.

To learn more about how Tempesta Media and Averetek help brands and their channel partners, join us for an information webcast on September 20, 2017 at 1 p.m. EST. Details can be found at https://www.averetek.com/averetek-tempesta.

About Tempesta Media

Founded in 2011, Tempesta Media is leading content and micro-influencer marketing solution for enterprises and digital marketing agencies. Tempesta Media partners can scale high-quality, expert content creation that matches their unique voice and perspective. Tempesta Media helps its partners achieve these unique voices by utilizing its pool of more than 17,000 expert writers, qualified and vetted in dozens of industries. Headquartered in Chicago, Tempesta Media is a proud graduate of the tech incubator 1871.

About Averetek

Averetek is the largest provider of channel marketing automation software in the world, with over 400,000 users from 90,000 channel partner organizations in 260 countries and territories. Averetek is the partner-led demand generation engine for leading brands such as SAP, RSA Security, Pure Storage, Splunk, FireEye, and Avalara. Avereteks clients use the platform to enable their channel partners to plan and execute a variety of marketing campaign tactics through simple workflows that generate pipeline and revenue.
Although summer is normally about relaxing, we decided to work through it and renovate the website to better serve the Brickell community as one of Miami's premier neighborhoods

Glass Door Repair (GDR), Brickells top sliding glass door repair professionals, are proud to announce a website reboot for Summer 2017. New pages supporting the Miami neighborhood of Brickell offer clean and fresh content modernized to support the Florida urban communitys specific glass door repair and replacement needs.

Although summer is normally about relaxing, we decided to work through it and renovate the website to better serve the Brickell community as one of Miami's premier neighborhoods, explained Yaniet Santos, General Manager of GDR. Glass repair emergencies in urban neighborhoods can be different from suburban areas. We wanted to address the specific problems of glass repair when people live and work several stories up.

Miami residents, including locals in the urban neighborhood of Brickell, can review a sample page of the newly rebooted Glass Door Repair website at https://glassdoorrepair.com/sliding-glass-door-repair/. Fresh content including helpful details concerning sliding glass door repair, residential glass repair and commercial glass repair can be perused. For more information about Glass Door Repair and emergency glass services please visit the entirely new website at https://glassdoorrepair.com.

Living High in the Sky and Sliding Glass Door Repair in Brickell, Florida

Here is background information on this news. Sliding glass door repair issues in urban areas may be different from suburban neighborhoods in the greater Florida region. Summer may appear to be the time to take it easy and enjoy a bit of down time, but not all Floridians may be relaxing. As Miami vacationers soak up the Florida sunshine, residents in nearby urban neighborhoods could be viewing the beach activity from a high rise. Brickell, a neighborhood in Miami, for example, has been home to one of the largest Financial Districts in the world. The area has also been experiencing growth in the residential sector. Miami locals could be living and working in the same spot. As more Miami residents move into the urban neighborhood, glass repair needs might increase with the new population. Brickell residents may be living several stories from street-level and can experience glass repair emergencies different from suburban households.

For these reasons, Glass Door Repair (GDR), leaders in sliding glass door repair for Miami have announced a reboot of the website. As the live and work lifestyle has grown, urban neighborhoods such as Brickell, Florida have had an increase in residential properties. High rise condominiums and office buildings may experience unique sliding glass door repair issues. Hurricane-force winds and wayward seabirds can both be common issues for Miami residents living and working several stories above ground. To service these needs, Glass Door Repair has modernized the website to provide content and support for urban neighborhoods such as Brickell, Florida. More information is available on the newly updated website.

About Glass Door Repair (GDR)

Glass Door Repair (GDR) is a family owned and operated glass repair business with more than 20 years of experience. Professional technicians and the large variety of inventory make GDR the top glass repair service in the area. If customers are looking for Miami sliding glass door repair as well as emergency glass repair for urban neighborhoods such as Brickell, Florida please reach out to the company for a free estimate. If customers need a 24/7 Sliding Glass Door repair service in Miami or West Palm Beach technicians are standing by. The company specializes in sliding glass door repair and window glass repair; technicians will handle any glass replacement situation efficiently. Home or business glass repair is the company's main priority.

Glass Door Repair (GDR)

Media Relations

https://glassdoorrepair.com/
Contract Logix Contract Lifecycle Management Solutions The risks associated with poor contract management include overlooked penalties, lost revenue through ineffectual terms, a damaged brand due to poorly constructed or missed terms, lost savings and opportunities through poor administration...

Contract Logix, LLC  a long-time developer of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) software solutions  announced today the publication of a new white paper detailing the evolving role of Corporate Counsel in Contract Lifecycle Management. Titled A Corporate Counsels Guide to Successful Contract Lifecycle Management, this publication outlines ten best practices for mitigating risk in contracting while ensuring the commercial success of agreements.

Traditionally a Corporate or General Counsel was solely concerned with managing risk in the event of litigation, notes Contract Logix Vice President of Marketing, Bill Muller. And while risk is certainly still an important consideration, Corporate Counsels are now leading the charge in the application of technology to contracting processes, encouraging collaboration throughout the organization, and having an overall larger impact in commercial areas of the business.

The best practices contained in this white paper address the four core components of CLM:



Centralization

Accessibility

Automation

Visibility

The risks associated with poor contract management include overlooked penalties, lost revenue through ineffectual terms, a damaged brand due to poorly constructed or missed terms, lost savings and opportunities through poor administration and lost contracts, unexpected renewals and expirations, additional costs to remedy subcontract/order of nonstandard terms and conditions, and hidden clauses that leave the company open to liabilities and other disadvantages.



Gartner, Hype Cycle for Procurement and Sourcing Solutions, 2017, Magnus Bergfors, Deborah R. Wilson, Desere Edwards, 24 July 2017

Download the full white paper here, or visit http://www.contractlogix.com for more resources and information.

About Contract Logix

Founded in 2006, Contract Logix is a longtime innovator and provider of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) software and professional services. CLM software from Contract Logix provides companies in many industries with the tools they need to efficiently draft, negotiate, approve, and manage their contracts. Contract Logix provides solutions that are purpose-built to address all phases of contract management from authoring to post-execution. Learn more by visiting the Contract Logix website at http://www.contractlogix.com.
Dr. Kreig Lewis, DPM Dr. Lewis believes patients deserve an honest, trustworthy provider who has his patients' best interests at heart.

Oasis Foot & Ankle is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Kreig Lewis, DPM, who is a board qualified foot and ankle surgeon. He joins a stellar lineup of Phoenix and Scottsdale podiatrists providing comprehensive foot and ankle treatments.

Dr. Lewis was raised in Mesa AZ, graduated from Mesa High School and earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University. He attended Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine where he received his Doctorate degree.

Dr. Lewis then completed a three year Podiatric Surgical Residency in Albuquerque, NM. His surgical training provided him with the skill set to treat even the most difficult deformities. He focused his training on perfecting those difficult foot and ankle surgical procedures to help his patients. These include:



Adult / Pediatric Flatfoot Reconstruction

Total Ankle Replacement

Arthroscopic / Minimally Invasive Surgery

Ankle Fractures / Foot Fractures

Sports Medicine (Injury) and Surgery

Infant Clubfoot Casting / Pediatric Surgery

Before medical school, Dr. Lewis spent two years as a missionary in South America where he learned Spanish and other life long lessons such as learning to care for others. Recently, he has been able to return to South America for a medical mission. He donated his time and skill set to help the children of Nicaragua by performing pediatric reconstructive surgery.

A commitment to treating each patient as he would his own family member defines Dr. Lewis as a surgical physician. He was raised as a kind, caring person which has followed him into his medical practice as he cares for his patients. He believes patients deserve an honest, trustworthy provider who has his patients' best interests at heart.

Most importantly, Dr. Lewis is a proud family man. When he's not treating patients, he can be found spending time with his wonderful wife and 3 young children. Swimming, boating, dirt biking, snowmobiling, and camping are just a few of the hobbies he enjoys with his family. After living out of state for 7 years, he is happy to be back home in Arizona and excited to be working at Oasis.

Learn more by visiting http://oasisfootankle.com and appointments are now available with Dr. Lewis by calling (602) 993-2700.
Cadiz, Spain One benefit is cheaper airfare

Europe is home to stunning landscapes, fascinating cultures, rich history, and iconic landmarks, all of which provide good reason to visit at any time of the year. But the summer often brings higher prices and crowds while in many corners, the winter ushers in cold.

Fall, though...can hit the sweet spot when it comes to lower prices, good weather, and fewer tourists.

The editors at International Living have drilled down to explore and recommend the best spots to visit in Europe in September, October, and November.

Italy in September

Italy has an astounding amount to offer travelers: romantic cities, timeless hill towns, snowy mountains, idyllic islands, vineyard-covered countryside, and a rivetingly beautiful coastline.

When our family and friends ask when the best time to visit Italy is, our answer is invariably, September, says IL Italy Correspondent Valarie Fortney-Schneider. While we love summer with its frenzy of activities, concerts and festivals, it can be overwhelming; the heat can be oppressive and the prices are higher for visitors, too.

September is a great time to visit central Italy regions such as Umbria and Le Marche. The hill towns are less packed and the harvest abundance gives a glimpse of Italian traditions still being carried out, just as they have been for centuries.

Wafts of tomato sauce cooking fills the streets of any hill town in early September, as the annual ritual of making salsa di pomodoro is in full swing, says Fortney-Schneider.

The other fragrance that fills the streets in September is the sweet grape juice as the annual crush and fermentation of turning grapes into wine begins. Many families carry out the operation in the street outside their cantinas (the Italian equivalent of a basement). Many wineries are open to visitors to watch and even participate in the grape harvest.

Spain in October

West of Italy lies boisterous Spain. With beaches, mountains, fabulous cities, colorful festivals, and, of course, sunshine almost year round, its not surprising that it is the most popular destination for European visitors. North Americans are coming in greater numbers, too, drawn by the allure of Spains laidback, yet cultured European life and its nearly 3,000 miles of coastline, much of it beach.

By October in southern Spain, the kids are back at school, the beaches are less crowded, and the summer heat has dissipatedbut the days are still gloriously sunny, says IL Senior Editor, Glynna Prentice. So, October is a wonderful time to visit.

And where better to go than the coastal city of Cadiz, on Spains Atlantic coast? With its long-time ties to the Americas, Cadiz is the perfect place to celebrate the Dia de la Hispanidad, or Hispanic Day, on October 12: the day Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World in 1492.

Sitting on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic, Cadiz is a charming mix of old and new, says Prentice. The oldest city in Spain (it was founded by the Phoenicians), Cadiz has a large historic center of narrow, winding streets and cream-colored buildings. Past it is a modern section of broad boulevards and long stretches of beach lined with modern apartment buildings and seaside restaurants.

Portugal in November

Spains next-door neighbor, Portugal, is continental Europes westernmost country and boasts excellent food and spirits, gorgeous cobbled cities and medieval towns, and dramatic coastal landscapes. And though modernity is overtaking Portugal quickly, its still possible to enjoy an Old World life there on a low budget, especially in November.

One benefit is cheaper airfare, says IL Portugal Correspondent Tricia Pimmental. A roundtrip ticket from New Yorks JFK to Lisbon runs around $1,200 during high season, but plan to visit from late October and youll find fares cost half that amount. Try to be there on November 11, St. Martins Day. The holiday honoring the death of St. Martin of Toursa Roman soldier turned monkis celebrated throughout much of Europe.

This year is a special year for the Palace of Mafra.

Located 21 miles northwest of Lisbon and 15 minutes from world-class surfing beaches in Ericeira, Mafra is the proud home of one of the countrys largest national palaces, says Pimmental.

On November 11, it will celebrate its 300th anniversary. The Palace, referred to locally as the Convento (it began life as a monastery), took more than two decades to complete, served as a summer home to the royal family, and received visits from foreign dignitaries. The Basilicamodeled after St. Peters in Romeis home to no less than six pipe organs and carillons comprised of 92 bells crafted in the Netherlands. We can only imagine what this November will bring.

The full International Livings report on Europe in September, October, and November can be found here: Europe in the Fall

Editor's Note: Members of the media have permission to republish the article linked above once credit is given to InternationalLiving.com.

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About International Living

For 37 years, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment.
Kukuiula Makai 36 at Poipu by Parrish Kauai. For reservations, contact Parrish Kauai at 800-325-5701.

Gracious hospitality from The Parrish Collection Kauai is matched with their latest offering in luxury Kauai vacation rentals at the new Kukuiula Makai 36. Transforming Kauai vacations into something remarkable, this three-bedroom cottage breathes optimism and style at Poipu Beach with central air-conditioning, private swimming pool and a fresh twist on classic Hawaiian plantation style design.

Reservations can be made online or by calling Parrish Kauai at 800-325-5701. Rates begin at $650 nightly for up to nine guests and include premium guest services directed by a personal Island Host.

Family vacations rise to the top with tropical glamour and vibrant indoor and outdoor areas. Sliding glass walls in the living room open to the expansive covered lanai with outdoor dining and the prized pool deck beyond.

Two-levels and 2,500 square feet include an exquisite ground floor master suite with outdoor shower, soaking tub and private lanai. Two additional suites are on the second level and feature an ocean view lanai. When the sun goes down, an outdoor fire pit becomes a conversational area to relax and spend time with family. Additional information and photos can be found on the company website.

Kukuiula Makai Cottages are Featured in the Elite Collection.

More of these sought after Kauai vacation rentals can by found in the Parrish Kauai Elite Collection which represents the highest standard of excellence. This group of Kauai cottages are in the private community of Kukuiula which is the new coastal star at Poipu Beach. Pristine Kauai beaches are nearby and smart boutiques at The Shops at Kukuiula. Each cottage has its own unique character and island chic design.

Guests are treated to the complimentary services of an Island Host for pre-arrival planning and personal assistance during their stay. A classic Mai Tai welcome reception is included at Kukuiula Makai and unique welcome guests exclusively reserved for Elite Collection Guests.

Family Collection of Kauai Vacation Rentals.

Parrish Kauai features many collections of properties from private residences to well-known Kauai resorts both at Poipu Beach and Princeville. Included is a collection of residences ideal for families that offer amenities ranging from private swimming pools to grassy areas for children to play. These rentals can be found in the North Shore Family Collection and South Shore Family Collection and each one offers a fun respite between Kauai activities.

Reservation Policies for Kukuiula Makai 36.

A 7-night minimum stay is required. Current rates start at $650 nightly and are subject to change. Additional cleaning and processing fees apply per reservation plus 13.416% tax. This rental does not include access to The Club at Kukuiula.

About The Parrish Collection Kauai  Purveyor of Professionally Managed Luxe Kauai Vacation Rentals.

Their distinguished and unique collection of properties on the South Shore Kauai and North Shore Kauai is complemented with dedicated and friendly staff committed on delivering the finest services of hospitality and lodging experiences. The Parrish Collection Kauai has been serving guests and owners since 1984 and now has five offices on Kauai with convenient locations in Koloa, Princeville and Poipu Beach. Parrish Kauai also manages the classic oceanfront Poipu Kapili Resort, time-honored Nihi Kai Villas, ever popular Waikomo Stream Villas and serves as exclusive manager of The Lodge at Kukuiula.

For their best available Kauai rates, online direct booking and property information, see the Parrish Kauai website or call 800-325-5701. Visit their live Kauai webcam too that features views of the Poipu Beach coastline and beautiful Kauai sunsets.
Foster brings decades of operational and client services experience to the organization and will be based out of OmniVeres Houston offices.

OmniVere, a leading end-to-end eDiscovery and legal technology consulting company, is pleased to announce the addition of Gina Foster to the OmniVere team as General Manager of eDiscovery Operations and Services. Foster brings decades of operational and client services experience to the organization and will be based out of OmniVeres Houston offices.

Gina Foster is an industry veteran with over nineteen years of experience providing leadership in operations and client services to the legal industry. She has held numerous leadership and executive positions at national and international legal technology service providers, most recently as the Vice President, Client Experience with KrolLDiscovery. Prior to KrolLDiscovery, Foster led the eDiscovery project management team at RenewData and was also affiliated with the law firm of Baker Botts, where she was responsible for a variety of operational needs of the firm. At OmniVere, Foster is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the eDiscovery Operations and Professional Services divisions.

We are very fortunate to have Gina join the OmniVere team, said Tony Caputo, CEO of OmniVere, She has spent her entire career in the Legal Services market dedicated to leading professional services teams and brings with her a solid track record of maintaining and building client relations.

About OmniVere:

OmniVere is a global services firm responding to the most difficult data risk management challenges. With decades of experience in all stages of the corporate data lifecycle, from pre-matter consulting through legal hold, trial and ultimate disposition of data, OmniVere is uniquely positioned to minimize corporate risk while delivering unparalleled efficiency before, during, and after legal, regulatory and compliance proceedings. The firm provides services to companies in the energy, financial services, healthcare, insurance, technology and government sectors and to their legal counsel. For more information about OmniVere, go to http://www.omnivere.com or follow @OmniVere on Twitter.
A rift between Assembly and Senate Republicans on the states long-overdue budget reopened Wednesday just before the Assembly passed the states next two-year spending plan, with Speaker Robin Vos digging in against a handful of Senate Republicans blocking its passage.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said Tuesday that he lacks the 17 votes needed to pass, through the 33-member chamber, the budget that cleared the Legislatures Joint Finance Committee last week.

Fitzgerald said four or five GOP senators are holding out, citing objections that include the budgets overall spending levels, changes to the statewide private school voucher program, transportation plan, or timeline for a proposed repeal of the states prevailing wage requirement.

Senate Republicans met privately Wednesday to discuss the budget but failed to reach agreement, Fitzgerald said. He said he still hopes to strike a deal and vote on a budget by Friday.

Meanwhile, before the Assembly passed the state budget 57-39 on Wednesday, Vos said he refused to acquiesce to wholesale budget changes at the last minute.

Were not going to be held hostage to individuals who have some kind of a wish list, Vos said.

By 11 p.m., the budget passed with five Republican lawmakers voting against the spending plan: Reps. Scott Allen, R-Waukesha, Janel Brandtjen, R-Menomonee Falls, Bob Gannon, R-West Bend, Adam Jarchow, R-Balsam Lake, and Joe Sanfelippo, R-New Berlin. All Democrats voted against the bill, too.

The state budget bill now heads to the Senate, which either will pass it or amend it and return it to the Assembly for final passage even though Vos laid down the gauntlet in a Wednesday press conference, saying his chamber wont revisit the budget after Wednesday.

The time for changes to the budget has expired, Vos told reporters on the Assembly floor during Wednesdays debate.

But Fitzgerald said Vos was wrong. If the Senate passes a different budget bill, the Assembly will need to come back to the floor to vote on that plan.

The process is you can go back and forth between the houses, he said. It would be nice to have everything wrapped up by Friday but I dont know if were there yet.

The $76 billion budget, which sets spending levels for state government through June 2019, already is more than 10 weeks past due. Progress on the budget had been stalled until last week, when the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee restarted it by passing an updated version.

Assembly Republicans, during Wednesdays debate, cast the budget as having something for everyone: cutting taxes, boosting school and university funding, reducing transportation borrowing and ensuring the state Department of Transportation operates more efficiently.

We worked really hard to find that consensus  we worked hard to find solutions to many problems, Vos, R-Rochester, said, adding he wishes more could have been done to address the transportation funds shortfall.

Assembly Democrats said the budget shows Republicans priorities by rigging the states economy to favor the wealthy, large corporations and their campaign donors.

We dont even know if the Senate can pass this budget, its so bad, Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, said before voting no.

Meanwhile, Gov. Scott Walker  contrary to Vos  said Wednesday morning that hes open to changing the state budget to mollify Republican senators delaying its passage.

Transportation deal key

The budget breakthrough in the Joint Finance Committee was made possible by a deal between Walker, Vos and Fitzgerald on transportation spending, the most contentious item.

The deal delays several high-profile freeway expansions in the Milwaukee area and cuts statewide funding for resurfacing and rebuilding existing highways. It preserves funding for two ongoing projects in Dane County: one to expand and rebuild Verona Road near McKee Road; the other, U.S. Interstate 39-90 from the Madison area to Illinois.

It implements a new fee on hybrid and electric vehicles, which supporters call a move to tax such vehicles more comparably to vehicles powered solely by fossil fuel.

The budget also includes a $639 million funding increase for Wisconsin school districts and boosts the household income limits for participation in the statewide private voucher school program.

The UW System gets a $31.5 million funding boost, with the extra money tied to certain performance benchmarks, and the systems tuition freeze is maintained.

Taxes for high earners and businesses are cut in the budget, which begins to roll back a personal property tax that businesses pay for machinery and tools. It also eliminates, starting in 2019, the states alternative minimum tax, which applies to individuals making between $200,000 and $500,000 a year.

In addition to setting spending levels, the budget includes a few key policy measures. It scraps the states prevailing wage requirement for workers on public construction projects and imposes a new, controversial requirement to track how much time professors in the University of Wisconsin System spend teaching.

Walker open to changes

Walker said hes willing, as part of the budget, to introduce more changes to how the DOT operates and expedite the effective date of the prevailing wage repeal. Both are sought by Republican senators who say theyre not ready to pass the budget.

Walker insisted that the last-minute Senate snag of the budget wont last. The governors comments were made to reporters, by conference call, during a trade visit to South Korea.

Im still confident well have a budget by the end of the summer, Walker said. The official last day of summer is Sept. 22.

Fitzgerald acknowledged Tuesday he lacks support to pass the latest version of the budget. That came as a surprise after the Legislatures budget-writing Joint Finance Committee passed the budget last week, signaling to many the process was nearing an end.

One of the Senate GOP holdouts, Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, told the Wisconsin State Journal he wants to see what he described as cost-saving changes to Wisconsin DOT operations added to the budget.

A spokesman for another, Sen. Stephen Nass, R-Whitewater, said he wants to see the income threshold for the statewide private school voucher program raised to 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the same level as in Milwaukee and Racine. The Joint Finance budget raises that threshold, but only to 220 percent of federal poverty levels.

Under the requested change, a family of four could have a household income of up to $73,401 to be eligible for the program. Under the change the budget-writing committee adopted, the income for a family of four is capped at $53,826 to be eligible for a voucher.The spokesman, Mike Mikalsen, said Nass also wants to see a Jan. 1 effective date to repeal the states prevailing wage requirement. As its currently written in the budget, that repeal would take effect in September 2018.

Walker showed particular support for expediting the date on which prevailing wage repeal would take effect.

For (any project) that hasnt been bid out, I think you could do it as quickly as the time the budget was enacted, Walker said. Why would we wait any longer than we have to to provide savings to the taxpayers?

Walker and other Republican critics of prevailing wage say it inflates the cost of public works projects. Democrats counter that doing away with prevailing wage will benefit out-of-state contractors vying for public works bids.

On Tuesday, Kapenga, Nass and Sen. Duey Stroebel, R-Saukville, who also is not ready to commit to voting in favor of the state spending plan, sent a letter to Fitzgerald outlining nine changes they want to see in the state budget the Assembly will pass Wednesday in order to gain their support.

Among the changes included raising the statewide voucher program income limits as well as requiring a referendum to impose a county or municipal vehicle registration fee. The list also included prohibiting the UW System from spending money on mandatory diversity, sensitivity and cultural fluency training for students, faculty and staff, and would prohibit system schools from spending state funding or funding from student tuition and fees to create a voluntary training program with similar goals.

Another change requested would be to adopt Walkers proposal to prohibit school districts exceeding their state-imposed limits on raising revenue to pay for energy efficiency projects. The budget-writing committee instead included in the state budget a provision the prohibits districts from doing so only in 2018.
Regular people put their money into a savings account or hand it over to a financial adviser to manage.

But the wealthiest tend to pull out a few more stops, and in some cases establish entire teams, referred to as family offices, that are staffed with financial professionals dedicated to building and managing their vast wealth.

A new report out Tuesday by UBS, the Switzerland-based financial services firm, and Campden Wealth Research, an information provider, shows the number of family offices interested in sustainable investing has grown substantially, with 40% set to ramp up their sustainable investments in the future.

Morgan Stanley. The

According to UBS' Global Family Office Report, which is based on a survey of senior staff from over 260 family offices across the world, family offices are paying more attention to how they can make money for their clients and tackle issues such as poverty and global warming.

Each survey respondent, on average, works for a firm that manages a little under $1 billion.

Millennials are the main catalyst for this spike in interest, according to the report. With millennials set to benefit from the largest intergenerational wealth shift in history in the coming years, family offices are starting to tailor their investments based on their preferences.

We know that millennials are driving the adoption of sustainable and impact investing," Sara Ferrari, head of Global Family Office Group at UBS, said in a press release. "As they strengthen their skill-sets and assume more control, well see this theme continue to take hold."

The younger generations of wealthy people have a different mindset about their finances, according to Global Impact Investing Network

Despite the spike in interest, a number of impediments present a challenge to the growth of sustainable investing by family offices.

For instance, the study found that family offices find it difficult to identify "attractive deals" that require "measuring social/environmental impact."

"A smaller proportion of participants also faced issues with due diligence and a belief that the market is stillimmature," the report added.
Speaking to CNN's Dana Bash on Wednesday, the Texas senator repeatedly described the incident as a "screwup" on the part of a staffer who "accidentally hit the wrong button."

"It's generated a lot of amusement, it's prompted a lot of jokes, I understand it," Cruz said, emphasizing that he was "not going to out the fella."

He added: "We have looked into it, yes, we have identified it, we pulled it down. It was an honest mistake, it wasn't malicious, it wasn't deliberate, it was a screwup."

Cruz emphasized that he was not responsible for the tweet.

"It was not me, and it's not going to happen again," he said.

Cruz also explained his advocacy during his tenure as Texas solicitor general for a Texas law that would've banned the sale of sex toys, saying it was a "stupid law" that he was obligated to defend as part of his job.

"Consenting adults should be able to do whatever they want in their bedrooms," Cruz said. "The media and the left seem obsessed with sex."

Cruz also advocated for an overhaul of the tax code, acknowledging that Senate Republicans needed to pass a bill, following the failure of healthcare reform, that could unite moderates and the right.

"That would be improvement from the status quo," Cruz said. "I hope we do a lot better. I mean, we've got an opportunity. If we come in with full expensing, if we simplify the tax code. If we cut the rates, we have an opportunity to see millions of new jobs created to really raise wages. "

Watch the clip via CNN:
"It's high time to address research into medical marijuana," the Utah Republican said in a statement. "Our country has experimented with a variety of state solutions without properly delving into the weeds on the effectiveness, safety, dosing, administration, and quality of medical marijuana."

Hatch's statement continues (emphasis ours):

Hatch added that he hopes the bipartisan initiative can be a "kumbaya moment" for both parties.

The bill, dubbed the Marijuana Effective Drug Study Act of 2017 or MEDS Act, is cosponsored by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC). It's designed to improve the process for conducting research on medical marijuana and would direct the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to develop best practices for growing medical-grade cannabis.

Hatch took to the Senate floor on Wednesday to defend the bill, saying we "

Accessing quality samples of marijuana has been an ongoing challenge for scientists and doctors who want to study the plant because of its federal status.
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While some will be day students others will be in a boarding facility.

The Senior High School is not the same as the Junoir High School where these students are coming from.

The boarding house now becomes your home for a greater part of the year.

If you are new to such an environment you must learn to adjust and get used to the system.

READ ALSO: Student with grade 9 goes on hunger strike for not getting a school

Below are some tips to help you adjust in the boarding house.

 Find yourself a school mother or father

This person must be a trusted senior. He or she must be there to guide you through the schools system. The senior must be one who helps you in your studies as well as covers up for you when necessary.

Not everyone has the opportunity of choosing their school parent, sometimes the school parents choose their school children.

If you do not have a good school parent do not worry. Just look out for a senior who is often nice to you and go to him or her when needed.

 Learn to share

Your parents will advise you to eat only what they give you and the meals served in the dining hall.

Trust me you can do it for a while but it will not make it survival easy for you.

Learn to share, not just your food but anything you can share with your fellow students.

You may also be in need sometime and you will go back to them for help.

 Think on your feet (learn to lie)

I agree you are a staunch believer in any religion you practice. I know every religion and even the Ghanaian culture does not encourage lying.

But if you dont learn to lie, you are likely to have a miserable first-year.

Learn to lie about the things you have in your chop box else the seniors will enjoy them all.

You would have to come up with a quick excuse when the seniors want to send you on errands, else you will not have enough rest periods.

In the boarding house, you have to think smart in order not to be bullied.

 Be tolerant

You are all coming from different homes. As the Achimota School anthem reads from Gambaga to Accra.

This means you have been raised to see things differently and also do things in varied forms.

You need to tolerate your dorm mates lifestyle just as he or she must learn to accommodate you.

This is the only way you can live happily with each other.

 Excel in an extra-curriculum activity

Your parents will tell you they need you to excel in your education. Yes! You need to study to excel.

However, life is not all about the books. Get involved in an extra-curriculum club, enjoy the association and learn from there what you may not be taught in the classroom.

Some recommended clubs include; school cadet, Junior Achievers Club, Writers and Debaters Club, American Field Service (AFS) amongst others.

 Or be intelligent

If you are not willing to be involved in any extra-curriculum activity, be very intelligent.
Naruto the macaque monkey took the image in the Indonesian jungle in 2011 when it picked up a camera owned by David Slater from Monmouthshire.

In an earlier decision, US judges had said copyright protection could not be applied to the monkey, but Peta disagreed with the court, saying the animal should benefit.

Peta then filed an appeal against the initial ruling on the monkeys behalf, but that was dismissed.

However, perhaps out of goodwill, Mr. Slater has agreed to donate 25% of any future revenue.

A statement jointly written by both Peta and Mr. Slater said the photographer will give a quarter of the funds he receives from selling the monkey selfies to registered charities dedicated to protecting the welfare or habitat of Naruto.

READ ALSO: Evolution New wedding flowers go viral after first use

Jeff Kerr, Petas lawyer said Petas groundbreaking case sparked a massive international discussion about the need to extend fundamental rights to animals for their own sake, not in relation to how they can be exploited by humans.

Mr. Slater argued that he put in a lot of effort which was more than enough for him to claim copyright over the picture in question.

He further argued that, he was an environmentalist and interest in the image had already helped animals in Indonesia.

The Naruto v David Slater case also extended to questions about the identity of the monkey. While Peta claimed it is a female called Naruto, Mr. Slater said it is a different male macaque.

However, in delivering their ruling, appeal Court judges in San Francisco upheld Mr. Slaters argument after two years of legal fight.
Michael Aleke is one of two persons who have been accused of the act.

Defilement and other cases of high magnitude used to be nonbailable until a supreme court ruling in May 2016, by a 5-2 decision, described the almost three decades old law that made such offences unbailable as unconstitutional.

Aleke, has been charged with defilement, but was admitted to bail in the sum of GHc 40,000.00 with two sureties who are gainfully employed.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Chief Inspector Kofi Atimbire, in prosecuting indicated to the court that, the Police had completed their investigations, but were hunting for one Wiseman who also allegedly defiled the victim earlier near the crime scene.

He told the court presided over by Mrs. Jane Harriet Akweley Quaye that, the complainant is a Miner and a step Father of the victim who resides at Achimota.

The Chief Inspector further revealed that the second suspect who is at large, is a student of Achimota Senior High School, while Aleke is a Shop Attendant residing near the Achimota Basic School, Accra.

He said on July 3 this year, around midnight, the victim visited Wiseman at Achimota Basic School and he took her to the veranda of the Class five block and had sex with her.

According to the prosecution, just after the sexual intercourse with Wiseman, Aleke approached the victim on her way home and took her to another part of the school and had sex with her.

Chief Inspector Atimbire said the victim complained of abdominal pains after the act, so Aleke took her in a taxi and bought some medicine for her at Osu.

He then brought the victim to the Achimota New Station and abandoned her there.

Prosecution said the victim failed to inform anyone until the complainant detected a change in her attitude and the manner she carried herself around.

The victim, upon questioning revealed the ordeal to the complainant and mentioned the names of the accused persons.

A report was made subsequently to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service at Tesano where a medical form was issued to the victim to seek medical attention.

Aleke was later arrested by the Police and during interrogation he admitted the offence.
According to the victim, his grandmother dragged his hand into a fire out of anger, to punish him for stealing.

The poor boy said she put my hands in the fire and whipped me afterwards. I only took meat from the soup. My mother is in the village and my dad is at the hospital

The boy further said he is currently unable to go to school as a result of the bruises he suffered from the angry grandmothers outrageous punishment.

I am in class one. We reopened today. But I couldnt attend; the pain is too much he added.

Some residents who are devastated by the despicable act are advocating for severe sanctions against Madam Ama Adobea who they claim has been habitually abusing her grandson and other children in the town.
RACINE  The city of Kenosha has withdrawn its bid to land Taiwanese technology giant Foxconn, thus seemingly increasing Racine Countys chances of landing a future $10 billion liquid crystal display plant.

Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian wrote Gov. Scott Walker a letter dated Monday that pulled the city out of the running for a Foxconn manufacturing plant that is expected to employ as many as 13,000 people.

Throughout this planning process, we have been consistent in our belief that without significant adjustments to specific current state laws impacting local municipalities, we would be unable to support and/or absorb the development of the project, Antaramian wrote.

Based upon the current status of the legislative bill which addresses the project, the City of Kenosha regrets that we will not be able to support this development in our community, the Kenosha mayor wrote. We wish you, the state and Foxconn all the best in finding reasonable resolutions to all of the issues surrounding this project.

Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave issued a statement Tuesday in response to Kenoshas withdrawal: We remain hopeful that Foxconn will choose to call Racine County home. The impact of this investment on our community would be unprecedented and the opportunity enormous.

We are hard at work to capitalize on that chance in a well thought-out, careful, and conservative way that makes Racine County highly desirable, while maintaining our commitment to the taxpayers of our great county.

In his letter to Walker, Antaramian, a Democrat, expressed frustration that Kenoshas concerns with the Foxconn incentives bill have not been adequately addressed. He said city officials had met with several state agencies as well as regional economic development officials.

We have provided documents detailing our needs to both the Assembly and Senate throughout the committee process as well as testifying during the public hearings, Antaramian wrote. Unfortunately, our voice has not been heard.

The mayor cited issues including expenditures allowed from the (tax incremental financing district) and other TIF issues, uncontrolled incorporation of towns, specific funding rules regarding water utilities, impacts to the states levy limit law and the expenditure restraint program.

State Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, responded with a letter of his own.

Just because your city wants changes, does not mean they are good or acceptable ideas, he wrote. We have incorporated changes to the bill at the request of specific communities to provide as little disruption to local budgets and lifestyles as possible.

It is disappointing that you have decided to turn your back on housing thousands of jobs in your city at the last minute, but that is your prerogative.

Racine Mayor Dennis Wiser said he doesnt share Antaramians concerns because Foxconn would not be located within his city.

Were still looking at it as an opportunity and looking at how to get ourselves ready for it, Wiser said.
Professor Samuel Oheneba Dornyo told host of Joy FMs Super Morning Show Wednesday, that because of the new environment they are not used to, many new students are likely to be depressed.

He elaborated that this difficulty may go a long way to affect their studies and success in school.

READ ALSO: Here are the fees being absorbed by government

The psychologist proposed that to help facilitate the entry of students into high school, they should be conditioned.

The 2017/2018 academic year at the secondary level started on Monday with the enrollment of first-year students.

Most students attending Senior High Schools would be leaving their homes for the first time and from the experience of many of first years, it is very gruesome.

Professor Dornyo attributed the unnerving experience to the fact that most students are not able to jell into their new environment.

Change can be very dramatic for a lot of people, the counsellor said, adding the regulated way of doing things in schools might not help some students.
According to Accra-based Citi FM, the letters are being written to all the employees of the two defunct banks.

Both banks have about one thousand workers.

READ ALSO: 6 tips to help you balance working full time and schooling part time

According to PwC, any claim of the workers in terms of salary arrears, wages, leave, severance pay and other entitlement will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) and the Banks and Specialized Deposit Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930).

In a related development, PwC has indicated that it will engage the workers Union or their representative in the deciding what is due the workers.

But the payment of part or all of the amounts due the workers will be dependent on the timing and level of realization of the two banks assets.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of GCB Bank, Ray Sowah earlier told Accra-based Citi FM that they will keep some of the staff after a skill assessment.
The mother of the deceased, Mabel Senahey told Accra-based Joy FM that the doctor had asked for a 50mg of the drug to be given to her son, but the pharmacist changed the drug.

READ ALSO: Survivor gives chilling details about Nsuta mining disaster

She informed the doctor about what had happened, but the doctor asked her to go ahead and give the drug to her son, she said.

The boy, however, began complaining of heart burns and stomach pains after taking the medicine. He was also sweaty and taken to the hospital but the doctors and nurses failed to attend to him, the mother alleged.

She told Accra-based Joy FM that her son made a last request before he passed away on Sunday around 4.00 am.

Mummy I said take your phone and look at the time for me. I want to go but I dont know where I am going, she recalled her son saying.

READ ALSO: Suspect gives chilling details about the murder of Captain Mahama

The woman is still demanding answers from the hospital, blaming authorities there for neglect.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi said he could not hold back his tears when the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Cable News Network (CNN) made the announcement of the policy.

I watched the launch of the Free SHS policy on BBC and CNN. They said President Nana Addo has introduced free education to Ghana. I couldnt help but cry. I felt proud to be a member of the NPP and Regional Chairman of the party, he told Accra-based Neat FM.

He said the president, Nana Akufo-Addo was a saviour as his policy on Free SHS had come at the right time.
Hatton, a Frenchman who settled in Britain 22 years ago, said the campaign was aimed at "basically keeping the same rights as we have now".

As part of the protest, EU citizens living in Britain contacted their local MPs and arranged to meet them in parliament on the same day in a "mass lobbying".

The post-Brexit fate of around three million European citizens living in Britain and over one million UK nationals living in the EU is one of the most contentious issues in the negotiations on Britain's withdrawal from the 28-member bloc.

Britain's proposal to offer permanent rights over healthcare, education, welfare and pensions to Europeans who arrive before a cut-off date was branded "pathetic" by the3million group when it was unveiled in June.

EU leaders also slammed the proposal as insufficient.

A leaked official document posted on the Guardian newspaper's website last week proposed a new system for EU citizens arriving after Brexit, with those wishing to stay long-term needing to apply for a two-year residence permit.

"The aim of today is really to raise the profile of our issues, especially for UK citizens living in the EU," Jane Golding, chair of the British In Europe lobby group, told AFP.

"Understandably, EU citizens in the UK are much more present and people are more aware of their situation then ours," the Germany-based British lawyer added.

"I think there seems to be a misconception that we'll all be OK and our right will simply be confirmed".
In the European Parliament in Strasbourg he outlined new goals during 80 minutes of remarks made in English, German and French. Here are the main points.

Trade deals

Juncker called for the EU, the world's biggest trading bloc, to open trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand and conclude talks by the end of his mandate in late 2019. Deals with Mexico and South American countries are also in the pipeline, he said.

Single president

Juncker wants a single EU president to replace the heads of the European Commission -- the EU's executive arm -- and the European Council -- which groups the heads of the 28 member states and is currently headed by Poland's Donald Tusk.

The president would be elected after a "democratic Europe-wide election campaign."

The plan met swift resistance. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said they should "not mix roles". A senior EU source said it was an "old, rather wide-ranging idea" that would require a change to the EU's treaties.

EU finance minister

Juncker said the EU should create its own Europe-wide finance minister to deepen integration of the eurozone. He also called for expanding the eurozone beyond the current 19 member countries, with the creation of a special agency to give technical and financial help.

Expanding Schengen

Juncker called for the passport-free Schengen zone of 26 countries to expand to Bulgaria and Romania "immediately" and to also include Croatia when it meets the criteria.

Climate change

Juncker urged Europe to take the lead on climate issues after the "collapse of ambition in the United States", which Donald Trump has pulled out of the Paris climate agreement.

Foreign takeovers

Juncker wants powers to screen foreign takeovers in Europe's strategic sectors, amid concern about investment by China.

Defence and counterterrorism

Juncker pushed for the EU to implement plans for a common defence strategy -- what critics call an "EU army". He also proposed a European intelligence unit to ensure the automatic sharing of data on suspected jihadists, and for a planned European prosecutor's office to be able to peruse those involved in cross-border terrorist transactions.

He also proposed the creation of a European Cybersecurity Agency to defend against a growing threat he warns is more dangerous to democratic and economic stability than conventional war.

Migration

Juncker slammed the "inhumane" conditions in migrant detention centres in Libya, whose UN-backed government is cooperating with the EU to stem the flow of migrants to Europe. He said the commission would unveil new proposals by the end of the month to send back economic migrants to mainly African countries.

Western Balkans enlargement

Juncker said that the EU would eventually enlarge beyond the 27 countries that will belong after Britain leaves in 2019, even though it has frozen new membership for now. The Western Balkan countries in particular need a "credible" plan, he said.

Turkey

Juncker ruled out for the "foreseeable future" Turkey's membership bid, due to the post-coup crackdown by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Juncker also urged Turkey "to let our journalists go" following the arrests of French and German journalists under a mass domestic crackdown.

Brexit
The financial services giant is set to amp up the presence of its marquee investment-banking business in Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, and Toronto, according to a presentation delivered Tuesday by the firm's co-chief operating officer and president, Harvey Schwartz, at the Barclays Financial Services Conference.

The bank is focused on broadening "relationships with public and private companies" in areas where the firm has a low presence. Many of these opportunities are outside the traditional financial epicenters of New York and San Francisco.

The bank thinks the strategy, coupled with using technology to "efficiently scale the delivery of our products and services," represents a $500 million revenue opportunity.

Financial services firms have already been moving jobs to low-cost cities as a means to improve their bottom line. But most of those jobs have come from the back office and are not the client-facing positions such as the ones found in investment banking.

Still, Goldman Sachs has been expanding its network of bankers to shore up business with clients outside the New York City metro area and save money on bankers' salaries (and on flying bankers in and out of New York). As reported by The Wall Street Journal's Liz Hoffman, the bank shifted numerous partners to Dallas and Atlanta in 2016.

Goldman Sachs isn't the only bank employing this strategy. JPMorgan and Bank of America Merrill Lynch have also moved US employees to regional centers. The potential rewards are significant: Middle-market companies in the US and Canada paid $8.2 billion in deal fees in 2015, according to a Bank of America Merrill Lynch presentation.

That's more than the fees netted in most of Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America combined.
Students at UPenn, Harvard, Villanova, Howard, and 14 other college campuses will be able to snap a picture with a Morgan Stanley themed geofilter.

The investment bank has been experimenting with the social media app, which is a favorite among millennials, but this is the first campaign of its kind for the firm. The bank also has a number of ongoing recruiting strategies taking place throughout the year on many more campuses.

Already, the bank rolled out a

Morgan Stanley was the lead underwriter of the initial public offering of Snap Inc, the parent company of Snapchat. The bank, which was bullish on the company's stock after it joined the public markets, later
"His actions were improper and likely could have been illegal," Sanders said when asked whether President Donald Trump stood by his decision to fire Comey.

"Comey leaked memos to The New York Times," Sanders said, incorrectly. (Comey gave a friend memos he had compiled to record his private interactions with Trump; the friend relayed their contents to a reporter.)

A reporter at Tuesday's press briefing then followed up and asked whether the president would "encourage the DOJ to prosecute Comey" over the leaked notes and the "potential false testimony."

"That's not the president's role," Sanders replied. "That's the job of the Department of Justice and something they should certainly look at."

"I think if there's ever a moment where we feel someone has broken the law, particularly if they're the head of the FBI, I think that's something that certainly should be looked at," Sanders added.

Asked for comment, a White House official told Business Insider that Sanders was simply referring questions about the legality of Comey's actions to the DOJ and that "we don't know" whether the information in the memo Comey gave to his friend was classified (the friend, Daniel Richman, has insisted it wasn't).

Sanders "wasn't drawing a conclusion," the official said. "She was talking about the president's decision to end Comey's employment with the FBI ... the legality is something for others to sort out."

The official said Sanders' references to "false testimony" had to do with some remarks about Hillary Clinton's emails he had to correct later. But the person demurred when asked whether the White House thought Comey lied about his specific interactions with the president.

Sanders' accusations prompted backlash from legal experts and former Justice Department officials.

Matthew Miller, who served as a DOJ spokesman under President Barack Obama, called Sanders' remarks an "absolutely inappropriate thing for her to say" and a "total politicization of law enforcement" by the White House.

"Comey's memos weren't classified, so no law violated in leaking them," Miller added on Twitter. "Sanders is suggesting DOJ pursue political retaliation, plain & simple."

Ben Wittes, a friend of Comey who is the editor-in-chief of Lawfare, a blog dedicated to national security issues, told Business Insider on Tuesday that "Jim Comey would not have mishandled classified information."

"In a battle between Comey and the president over any matter of credibility, I would think the question answers itself as to which one I believe," Wittes said. "And I can't imagine that Jim is spending any time worried about any investigation of his conduct, whereas I think the president is clearly very concerned about investigations of his conduct."

FBI special counsel Robert Mueller is examining whether Trump obstructed justice in firing Comey, who was leading the investigation into the Trump campaign's contacts with Russian officials.

Trump's legal team reportedly attacked Comey's credibility in a memo sent to Mueller's team pushing back on the obstruction accusations  attacks that Sanders seems to be carrying over into the White House briefing room.

"The fact that @SHSanders45 keeps misstating the law isn't funny," a former federal prosecutor, Renato Mariotti, tweeted. "It's part of a calculated attack on a man with a career in law enforcement."

Comey told the Senate Intelligence Committee that he had been irked by Trump's frequent overtures, ranging from phone calls to dinners to hugs. He told Wittes, who wrote about the encounters earlier this year, that he felt the need to shield the Russia investigation from White House pressure.

Trump has denied acting inappropriately, leading to suggestions from the White House that Comey lied under oath during his congressional testimony.

But Wittes, who emphasized that he was speaking only for himself and not on Comey's behalf, insisted "everything Jim told me at the time is consistent with the way he described it subsequently in his testimony."

"Being the president of the United States is not a license to slander people," Wittes added. "It is the stuff of banana republics ... beyond that, people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at brick houses. Trump lies serially. Jim has surely made some mistakes in his life, but he is a thoroughly decent and honorable person."

It is not the first time the White House has sought to project a degree of control over the DOJ. Trump has publicly attacked Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia investigation, and Anthony Scaramucci, during his brief time as White House communications director, suggested to a reporter that he had asked the FBI to investigate his West Wing rivals.

Trump's attacks on DOJ officials have extended to Twitter, where he has repeatedly questioned the credibility of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, and Mueller.

"President Trump's actions appear aimed at destroying the fundamental independence of the Justice Department," Sally Yates, whom Trump fired as acting attorney general in January, wrote in The New York Times in July.
In an interview published Wednesday, Ezra Klein of Vox asked Clinton, who defeated Sanders to become the Democratic presidential nominee in 2016, what she thought of the independent Vermont senator's Medicare-for-all plan, which he is set to release later Wednesday.

"Well, I dont know what the particulars are," Clinton said. "As you might remember, during the campaign he introduced a single-payer bill every year he was in Congress  and when somebody finally read it, he couldnt explain it and couldnt really tell people how much it was going to cost."

Clinton also highlighted what she saw as potential flaws in selling such a plan: special interests and public sentiment.

"When I was working on healthcare back in in '93 and '94, I said if we couldve waved the magic wand and started all over, maybe we would start with something resembling single-payer plus other payers, like other countries that have universal coverage and are much better at controlling costs than we do, primarily in Europe," Clinton said. "But we were facing the reality of not just strong, powerful forces but peoples own fears as well as their appreciation for what they already had."

As an example, Clinton cited the difficulties with the attempt at single-payer in Sanders' home state of Vermont, saying it was "difficult to out the pieces together."

Clinton advocated a more gradual approach in the Vox interview, saying that Obamacare, the law formally known as the Affordable Care Act, should be stabilized and that Congress should lower the age needed to qualify for Medicare. From there, she said, the US should take incremental steps toward a single-payer system.

Clinton has been promoting her new book, "What Happened," which details her thoughts on her failed 2016 bid for president. The book sharply criticizes Sanders, who Clinton believes aided President Donald Trump's eventual victory.
The Legislature and Gov. Scott Walker just proposed taxing hybrid and electric vehicles in Wisconsin to raise more money for roads  essentially penalizing progress in cleaner automobile technology.

They argue that by charging $100 per fuel-efficient vehicle, the state could raise about $8 million for roads. Thats actually a small amount of money in the scope of the budget deficit for transportation needs.

The narrow-mindedness of such a policy completely ignores the harmful effect that tailpipe exhaust from gasoline and diesel vehicles has on our citizens. The cost includes illness, death and financial losses that will be far larger than the higher revenue the Legislature hopes to bring in. It might be smarter economically  and better for Wisconsinites  to tax the more polluting cars and trucks.

According to a study by the Electric Power Research Institute, electrification of our vehicle fleet would improve air quality, especially if the source of electricity used to meet new demand does not come from coal-fired power plants. The benefits of electric vehicles must be inherently viewed as coupled to their power source.

Coal-fired power plants emit particulate matter, mercury and other hazardous pollutants. Natural gas plants are very much cleaner than coal and oil, but still emit a small amount of nitrogen oxides. Electricity powered by wind, solar and hydroelectric, of course, maximizes the air quality and health dividends from electric cars.

But even if electric power continues to include some dirty coal plants for a few more years, electric and plug-in electric hybrids tend to be better for our health. A major study across 17 industrial areas showed that reductions in particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions from mobile sources yield greater air quality (and subsequent health) benefits than the same reduction from electricity-generating power plants.

Another comparison is air pollution with vehicle miles traveled. We studied the health implications of reducing 20 percent of vehicle miles traveled in the 11 largest cities in the Great Lakes region. The resulting improvement in air quality would reduce the number of asthma cases by 2,500, heart attacks by 860, and deaths by 525 per year. Cost savings from avoided hospitalizations and deaths would be about $4 billion. Milwaukee and Madison were part of this 11-city study, and the savings just for these two Wisconsin cities was about $105 million annually.

So which policy makes more sense (and cents)? Taxing hybrid and electric vehicles to raise $8 million? Or promoting fuel efficiency and saving $105 million? If decision makers choose the first option and tax cleaner vehicles, thats a huge financial mistake. But that choice also signifies much more. It would represent a moral transgression, sacrificing the health of Wisconsin citizens to raise small funds for roads. It also would signal a strange desire to go backward in transportation technology.

Clearly, we need to find a different financial model to support roads  especially one that incentivizes clean and healthy transportation.
The letter, which was originally sent to Flynn's business partners and then forwarded on to Mueller, was signed by the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee Rep. Elijah Cummings and the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Eliot Engel. No Republicans from the two committees signed on to the letter.

An aide for House Oversight chairman Rep. Trey Gowdy said the congressman did not sign the letter because he does not want to interfere in Mueller's probe.

Full disclosure

Flynn did disclose a trip he took to Saudi Arabia in October 2015 when renewing his security clearance forms in early 2016, but he failed to disclose the trip to Egypt and Israel, according to the Democrats, who requested more information about the trip from companies involved in the venture.

Company representatives had already confirmed Flynn's participation in the deal in previous letters to the committee members.

The letter ended with a request for "all documents and communications referring or relating" to Flynn's contacts with foreign persons during the presidential campaign, the transition period, his tenure as national security adviser, and after he was fired from that position in February 2017.

The Democrats also requested that Flynn and representatives from the companies involved in the deal provide "transcribed interviews" with the committees' staff by October 4.

The trips to Egypt and Israel were not the first foreign contacts Flynn failed to disclose on his security clearance forms.

Documents obtainedby the committee earlier this year also revealed that Flynn was paid $11,250 by Russia's top cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky, and another $11,250 by the Russian charter cargo airline Volga-Dnepr Airlines for two speaking engagements in 2015.

Flynn belatedly registered as a foreign agent with the Department of Justice in March for his lobbying work last year on behalf of a Turkish businessman with ties to the Turkish government. Flynn's firm, Flynn Intel Group, was paid about $500,000 by the businessman, Ekim Alptekin, between August and November.

Flynn offered to testify before the congressional intelligence committees in April in exchange for immunity from prosecution  a signal to some legal experts that he thought he may have committed a crime. Neither of the committees has taken him up on the offer.
Although the vehicle was engulfed in flames, all of the Marines were able to escape.

However, the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity since they were not authorized to talk with reporters, said that at least three Marines were being taken by helicopter to a local hospital for burns and smoke inhalation.

The extent of their injuries is not yet known.

The training involved Charlie Co., 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, an infantry unit situated at the northern end of the base at Camp Horno. The unit was carrying out a Combat Readiness Evaluation, the source added.

Camp Pendleton's media relations office confirmed there was an incident involving an AAV fire on base, but directed questions to 1st Marine Division.

"All Marines are currently being treated for injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Marines and their families as they receive medical care. Officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident at this time," 1st Marine Division spokesman 1st Lt. Paul Gainey said in a statement.
The group, called Heart of Texas, had over 225,000 followers as of last summer. It was shut down last week as part of Facebook's takedown of accounts and pages "affiliated with one another and likely operated out of Russia," a Facebook spokesman told Business Insider on Wednesday.

Casey Michel, a journalist who has spent years tracing US secession movements to Russia, tracked the group's activity throughout the election and determined it was more than just a platform for far-right Texas secessionists.

Several signs pointed to the page being a Russian influence operation, including a lack of contact information and ads, and a corresponding Twitter account created in November 2015  right around the time Facebook experienced a surge in Russia-linked, fake accounts, Michel said. Its "about" section read only: "Texas's the land protected by Lord."

Perhaps the most revealing clue that Heart of Texas was not a project spearheaded by dissatisfied Texans was the language. The memes posted in the group contained typos, grammatical errors, and a general unfamiliarity with basic English phrases.

Many didn't make any sense:

In late October, however, the group transformed from a nativist, anti-Clinton meme machine to an organizing force when it created a Facebook event for a "Texit statewide rally" titled "Get ready to secede!"

The event has since been removed from Facebook, but it still appears as the top result on Google using certain keywords. A cached version of the group's announcement of the event on Twitter  where its account was also suspended  can still be viewed.

The event called on Texans in major cities like Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin to protest "establishment robbers" and "higher taxes to feed undocumented aliens." It further claimed that a "Killary Rotten Clinton" victory would lead to an influx of "refugees, mosques, and terrorist attacks."

The page also created "an approximate map" for the rallies and explained, in awkward English, "what will be happening" at the event.

"Signing the petition, delivering speeches, Texas flags and signs waving, open carry, getting media coverage, producing photo and video content to spread on social media," the post said. "This is how we'll bring more awareness about our real needs. God bless y'all!"

It is unclear how many people showed up to the protests. The group's efforts came on the heels of a similar Russian effort disclosed by The Daily Beast earlier this week: an anti-Muslim protest in Twin Falls, Idaho, titled "Citizens before refugees."

The group that organized the protest, which called itself SecuredBorders, was also shut down as part of Facebook's purge of Russia-linked pages. It had roughly 100,000 fewer followers than Heart of Texas when it was shuttered. SecuredBorders and Heart of Texas both linked refugees to crime and posted Islamophobic memes and photos.

"A lot of different people are working on the Russian active-measures problem from a lot of different directions, and they all consistently find examples of the same general content being promoted: highly divisive anti-immigrant and anti-refugee rhetoric and activity," said JM Berger, an expert on extremism and influence operations who helped build a digital platform called Hamilton 68 that tracks Russian propaganda in real time.

"At this point, we have a lot of independent sources pointing to the same conclusion," Berger said.

Laura Rosenberger, the director of the German Marshall Fund's Alliance for Securing Democracy, said Heart of Texas' efforts "shows that the Russian effort to influence our election may have had even more elements than previous reports indicated."

"The use of anti-refugee themes as part of this effort is also another example of the Kremlin's use of divisive issues to attempt to pit Americans against one another," said Rosenberger, who is also involved in the Hamilton 68 tracking project.

Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that Russia's efforts to influence the election via Facebook, Twitter, and other social-media platforms was now a "red-hot" focus of the FBI investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller. His team and congressional investigators say they want more information from the companies about Russia's efforts.

Andrew Weisburd, a nonresident fellow at the Alliance for Securing Democracy, said he saw the organizing effort "as another example of the Kremlin trying too hard, overplaying their hand, and creating additional problems for themselves going forward."
In an interview with Business Insider on Tuesday, Levin said that the billionaire business mogul seemed interested in a future presidential bid.

"I definitely think there's a chance he's going to run for president," Levin said in a telephone interview. "I think he would be a fascinating candidate."

The founder of the celebrity news site hinted that Cuban announced on his show what his party affiliation will be if he does decide to run.

"I'm not going to give the show away, but he does tell me," Levin said. "And he's very open about it too, I mean he was very open about what he may or may not do."

A longtime political independent, Cuban has previously said that he would prefer to be a small-government Republican, but that he does not agree with the party on social issues. He has praised the Affordable Care Act and other Democratic priorities.

And though he once largely avoided discussing political topics, the 2016 election marked a political turning point for the Dallas Mavericks owner, who was highly critical of Trump and stumped for his opponent, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Cuban has discussed his political future with his family and has been fairly open about his presidential aspirations, appearing on political talk shows, debating public education with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in Manhattan earlier this year, and speculating about his proposed policy solutions "if I ran."

For his part, since the "OBJECTified" special first aired on Fox last year, Levin has been a source of criticism, particularly over his alleged coziness with the current administration.

Former communications director Anthony Scaramucci is set to host "TMZ Live" for a day later this month, and Think Progress reported earlier this year that Levin is personally involved in stories that cast Trump in a sympathetic light. Levin reportedly talks to the president regularly.

Levin dismissed critics of his reporting and interviewing style, and said he doesn't think he's spoken with Trump since their March meeting at the White House.

"People will criticize all sorts of things," Levin said. "I dont see us as pro-Trump at all. If you watch TMZ at all, there is a chorus of people who are not happy with him and voice it. And I've got huge issues myself with some of the things that have happened over the last six months or nine months."

"I don't have an agenda to keep somebody in office or to kill them," he added. "Thats just not the mission statement here."

Others have been satisfied with Levin's performance.

In an email with Business Insider, Cuban himself teased his interview with the TMZ founder, and praised Levin's interview style.
Hearst Magazines is taking the duopoly head on.

In fact, the venerable media company, which publishes magazines like Cosmopolitan and Elle, says it not only has more powerful advertising data than Facebook in some cases but can also be mentioned in the same breath as the ongoing obsession for everyone in media and advertising: Amazon.

Specifically, Hearst says it has amassed unique profiles on 120 million digital consumers over the past year. And it's touting this pool of data, which the company says is rich with information on how people shop, along with a slew of new shopping-oriented ad products, in meetings planned with numerous agencies and marketers over the next few weeks, the company told Business Insider.

The message is simple: We are uniquely positioned to help marketers sell products.

Spearheading the effort is Troy Young, the global president of Hearst Magazines Digital Media, along with Adam Harris, the vice president of data products at Hearst Digital Media, who joined the company from Mashable in May.

"This is the Amazonification of media," Young said.

Harris, who has logged stints at ad-tech firms like Collective and PointRoll, said that while Facebook excelled at targeting people using basic demographic information like age and gender, "we know more about people's shopping habits than Facebook."

Weve always helped people buy stuff

That's bold talk for a company thought of by some as a print dinosaur, given Facebook and Google's dominance  the two companies by some estimates devour upward of 75% of every new dollar spent on digital advertising.

In fact, it's the data aspect of this claim that might get you laughed out of some conference rooms on Madison Avenue, as those two tech giants are seen as winning again and again because they have more data on real people than anybody else  and as a result are the best in the business at helping marketers get people to make purchases.

But Young argues that magazines like Redbook, Good Housekeeping, and Esquire have long been in the business of telling people what to buy. And more recently, rather than shying away from that fact in its sales strategy for fear of casting doubt on its editorial integrity, Hearst is embracing it.

A few years ago Hearst even introduced a standalone commerce-oriented site called Best Products. Now it's encouraging editors to grade themselves on how many products they sell.

"There's a misperception that journalists don't like feedback," Young said. He said when the company started talking about producing content for paying advertisers a few years ago, his public-relations team would warn him never to suggest that editors worked on content for marketers.

Now things have changed, he said, as the company hires more versatile digital-content producers. "They all want to know how much stuff their work is selling," he said.

OK, but surely magazine brands don't have the kind of data to prove the efficacy of this content and advertising the same way Facebook and Google can, right?

Our data is better than you think

Well, not in the same way that people build profiles using their real names, Harris acknowledged. But Hearst's magazines do have a solid number of email addresses from various subscription lists as well as billing info from print subscribers and a growing number of anonymous mobile-device identifiers, he said.

To help tie all this together, the company has invested in data science and ad technology, Harris said. Plus, over the past year, Hearst's various publications have pushed out editorial content designed to both entertain and furnish these profiles with more shopping info.

Think BuzzFeed quizzes centered on sussing out people's shopping inclinations. For example, Cosmo asks "When I need retail therapy, I'm most likely to buy" followed by various shoe-style choices.

"We needed to be smarter," Harris said. "We're building a database of human connections that we can exploit."

Plus, Hearst now has seven brands on Snapchat Discover, where people interact with content frequently. Young pointed to a recent poll on Seventeen's Discover channel asking "Which Celeb Would You Want to be Your College Roommate?" (Zendaya, Dove Cameron, Yara Shahidi, Kylie Jenner).

Young said that a million people responded in an hour and that more people would see that content than read some of Seventeen magazine in a month. "That's real data!" he said.

Of course, knowing that some people like Zendaya over Kylie Jenner won't tell Hearst which shoes they'll buy. But it can convey something about their style or perhaps their age. That can be appended to other information Hearst has on its consumers.

Marketing traditions upended

Young believes that the traditional patterns people go through when learning about brands and making decisions on which to buy have collapsed, given the emergence of Amazon, Fresh Direct, and other direct-to-consumer shopping services.

"The funnel is dead," he said. He's referring to the traditional marketing treatise that people are made aware of ad products with brand advertising (the top of the funnel) then are further convinced with other ads later on  moving them down the funnel, metaphorically speaking, before getting them to pull the trigger on a purchase when ready.

Facebook, Google, and Amazon are thought to excel at the bottom of the funnel. And that's where Hearst wants to make inroads.

"I'm not even sure young people care about certain brands that much anymore," Young said. "We know who people are and what you can sell to them. We want to help marketers figure out what is going on."

Hearst will surely face some skepticism. Even if magazines like Cosmo are known for their influence, people don't typically buy things on those sites. They'll have to prove they can pull all this together from both execution and tracking perspectives.

"The traditional publishers have a good story around knowing their customers and content," one ad buyer said. "It's how their business was built. Their ability to translate that to a digital offering has been slow."

"I don't think the concept is crazy per se," this buyer said. "The question is how much scale they have, which can be a challenge when it comes to data matching. I'm not sure it's big or unique enough."

Still, there's surely an appetite among ad buyers to do something other than spend more on Facebook and Google. That's what Hearst is looking to tap into.
One of which is the drone technology, that its deployment has positively impacted many sectors in Africa. Drone technology is currently being used in agriculture, security and crime monitoring.

Thus, providing a way towards tackling many everyday issues being faced in the region. It is also empowering many communities that are previously excluded from development and economic activities due to difficulty in accessing them.

Here are some unique deployments of drone technology in Africa

1. Medical Supplies/Service Delivery

Getting medical supplies to rural and remote areas in Africa is very difficult, if not impossible. With Zipline, a Californian drone-startup, many Rwandan clinics now get medical services and supplies to many remote parts of the country.

The startup helps carry blood samples and medicines over the long distance between the rural areas and clinic in Kigali and other major cities.

The service has also commenced in Tanzania while it is hoped that it would extend to other African countries.

2. Farm Monitoring

Farmers in Africa are now employing drone technology to improve agricultural process and outputs.

According to reports, farmers in the Western Cape of South Africa now use drones to monitor and assess vegetation health, track their farm animals and prevent incursions into their farms.

Also, Verdant tech startup also provides similar services to farmers in the West Africa sub-region.

3. Humanitarian Efforts

Drone technology has made easy the difficulties encountered while providing reliefs to victims of natural disasters especially in mountainous regions in Africa.

A Dutch company, Wings For Aid, is now using an unmanned drone to get relief materials to conflict ridden and remote areas of Africa.

4. Conservation of forests and Protection of animals

Conservation activities in Africa are currently being supported by drones.

Thermal imaging cameras of drone facilitate monitoring deforestation and mining operations. It also sees animals and poachers in the bush at night, thus alerting necessary authorities.

More results have been achieved by conservation agencies in this regard.

5. Conflict Prevention and Crisis Monitoring

Security agencies in Africa are now deploying small drones to monitor conflict prone areas. This is aimed at reducing the chances of conflict in these areas.

These drones track movements militias and threats, thus prompting the security agencies for actions.
The actress took to her Instagram page on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, to write about in what seems to be quite a lengthy post about the very sensitive issue which has really been on the front burner for a lot of social analysts.

She wrote,

"When a man has a good car it attracts more ladies to him. When a lady has a good car it repels guys away from her. This is the world we live in.A teenage boy impregnates his teenage girlfriend. The girl drops out of school, the boy continues his education.

This is the word we live in.A guy catches his girlfriend with another guy, he fights his girlfriend. A lady catches her guy with another lady, she fights the other lady. This is the word we live in.The older a man becomes, the higher the number of ladies available for him. The older a lady becomes the fewer the number of guys available for her.

This is the world we live in.A 76-year-old man can still marry a 26-year-old lady. A 36-year-old lady is tagged too old to get married. This is the world we live in.A man divorces his wife today and the next day he is dating other ladies. Six months later he is married. While the divorced woman is labeled a divorcee and remains single six years later. This is the world we live in.

A married man is caught in bed with another woman, his wife is asked to forgive him and move on. A married woman is caught in bed with another man, the husband asks her to leave his house.

This is the world we live in.A man gets transferred by his company to another state, the entire family relocates with him. The woman gets transferred to another state, she goes alone or resigns from the job.

This is the world we live in. If a man rises to be the CEO of the company, he got there by hard work and determination. If a woman rises to be the CEO of the company, even if the staff are are only women, she is suspected to get there by sleeping with the Board members.

This is the world we live in.Facts like these make some ladies angry at the world and channeling the anger towards men. For me, that is not the right card to play. Understanding the world you live in should help you play a better game."

The actress is known to always have a word or two for both her colleagues and fans as she recently warned her colleagues to be mindful of the kind of personal information they post on social media

Wright said in a social media post that such information could be so sensitive that it could hinder their careers in the future.
This celebration comes just two days after her second movie as a producer, "The Royal Hibiscus Hotel" received rave reviews from some of the worlds top actors, directors, and producers.

The cast and crew of the movie took out time to celebrate with Mo Abudu at the Toca Restaurant in Torontos Ritz Carlton. Zainab Balogun and Kenneth Okolie who were the lead cast of the movie could not but only pour out well-felt eulogies on Mo'.

The obviously elated birthday girl could not but hide her as the famous international magazine, Variety had on its website gave a very impressive review on the movie "The Royal Hibiscus Hotel" on its website.

ALSO READ: Five important things you must know about Mo Abudu

This is the second successful screening of a movie produced by Mo Abudu in the acclaimed Toronto International Film Festival.

The movie "The Royal Hibiscus Hotel" is a romantic movie set in the Lagos and London. It is centered on a young chef, Ope working a dead end job. She finally returns back to Nigeria where she gets entangled with an unapologetically handsome business mogul, with a secret plan that might change her life forever.
Never in the history of looking fabulous has Rita Dominic failed to blow the minds of her fans. Rita Dominic is known for always looking elegant and beautiful in any outfit she decides to wear.

A member of the Royal Waturuocha family of Aboh Mbaise local government area in Imo State, Dominic attended the Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, before heading to the University of Port Harcourt, where she graduated with a BA (Honours) Degree in Theatre Arts in 1999.
All I wanna do is I wanna hug you and I wanna hold you," Mandel said.

With tears in her eyes, Mel B described Kechi as so special, while Cowell described her performance as the best by a clear mile.

Klum concluded by saying that Kechi ruled the stage today like a queen.

Okwuchi had received a "yes" from each of the four judges after her first performance on the show on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, with her performance of Ed Sheerans Thinking Out Loud.

Kechi made it to the lives with her rendition of Donny Hathaway "Song for You."

She then made it to the semi finals with her cover of Katy Perry's "By the Grace of God."

On December 10, 2005, Okwuchi became one of the two survivors of the Sosoliso Airline Flight 1145 crash that took the lives of 107 passengers.
Poor Kris Kobach. Every time he gets information purporting to show the widespread voter fraud hes looking for as vice chairman of President Donald Trumps Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, it turns out to be bogus. Its almost as if widespread voter fraud is a myth.

Which, of course, it is.

Expecting to lose last Novembers election, Trump ginned up outrage over a rigged system. When he won the electoral vote but lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes, he claimed he would have won that, too, if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally.

Its as if Trump thinks Bigfoot is real and appointed Vice President Mike Pence and Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, as co-chairs of the new commission and told them to go find evidence. At the commissions first meeting in July, Trump said, Theres something. There always is.

At that first meeting, Kobach cited a report from the Heritage Foundation that claimed to have found 1,070 instances of voter fraud. In fact, as the Brennan Center for Justice reports, it did no such thing. Its very failure proves the absurdity of its claim.

Heritage lists all sorts of voting irregularities stretching back decades, including voter intimidation and charges of wrongdoing by election officials. After reviewing years of elections in which billions of ballots were cast, the Heritage report found only 10 instances of in-person voter impersonation. To address this nonissue, Republican state legislatures have passed dozens of photo ID requirements potentially disenfranchising millions of voters.

Kobachs commission has entertained a possible requirement of background checks for voters, similar to those performed on gun buyers.

As Kobach prepared for the commissions second meeting this week, he was presented with another bogus voter fraud study, this one from New Hampshire. Kobach wrote about it last week in his most recent (paid) column for the alt-right website Breitbart.com. Kobach wrote:

Facts have come to light that indicate that a pivotal, close election was likely changed through voter fraud on November 8, 2016: New Hampshires U.S. Senate Seat, and perhaps also New Hampshires four electoral college votes in the presidential election.

Kobachs allies in New Hampshire relayed information that some 5,300 people who voted in that election werent residents of the state. The proof was that they registered to vote using out-of-state IDs.

New Hampshire allows same-day voting for people (students, for example) who live in New Hampshire but dont have state IDs. Most of the 5,300 questioned votes came from college towns. Not one proven case exists of nonresidents voting in that election.

There are legitimate questions about the November elections integrity. The Russians interfered with it, buying Facebook ads, unloading information helpful to Trump and perhaps hacking a voting machine company. If Kobach were serious, thats where hed devote his attention.
Since her three year hiatus from the movie industry, the screen vixen has returned with fire on her heels and we definitely cannot have enough.

The actress' reps have revealed that Omotola recently met filmmaker, Yemi Amodu for the signing of the contract of the new movie in Ikeja, Lagos state.

Telling a story of love and inter-communal marriages, Shadow Parties encapsulates the endless political struggles that would later transform into blood business of arms and ammunition and of course the killings of innocents.
Even though the Nigerian audience is very large, there is a lack of structure that can render the most elaborate plans useless.

At every turn, there are producers trying to steal your songs, OAPs trying to steal your money and label executives trying to steal your life.

For new artists hoping to break out and claim some success, planning and timing can be the difference between blowing up and wallowing in the C-list.

Here are some simple tips that will help your career as an upcoming artist.

(1)Create a brand: From the moment you begin to record music to sell to an audience, you must understand that you have ceased to be just a person.

The audience sees you as a brand and all your work as product. As such, you must consciously build a brand identity and image that fits the brand of music you make and how you want to be oercieved as an artiste.

Adekunle Gold is an example of an artist who has created a consistent brand image that supports his fusion of contemporary highlife, juju and folk music.

(2) Build a website: In todays digital world, your website is an extension of you as an artist and a brand. Unfortunately, most artists see it as a frivolity, something to do when you have money.

What a website offers is a platform to share your music and keep your fans updated. For as little as 30,000 naira, you can build a website where you share exclusive content and build relationships and a core fan base as the years go by.

Your website is also where you will sell your market; merchandise, albums, tickets and more, so build one and build it well.

ALSO READ: Nigeria has the fastest growing media and entertainment industry in the world

(3) Get interviewed: People connect with the music more when they connect with the artiste. Interviews provide a platform to tell your story and endear yourself to fans and anyone who cares enough to listen, watch or read.

Grab every opportunity for an interview by the horns. Its not enough to just tell your name and how you started singing in Nursery One.

Tell the interviewer about the times you spent selling Gala. Every interview counts. Open yourself up to the audience and they will open up to you.

(4) Collaborate with other artists: In your early days as an artist, it is important to jump on as many songs as you can. Heres why; every artist has a fan base that you can borrow from and working with them introduces your sound to a new set of people.

It also pushes your creativity and helps your development as an artist. Still, you have to be careful; some collaborations will do more harm than good and you must avoid them as much as possible.

In every other case, bless the song with a hook or a verse and spread your reach.

(5) Do your Research: Behind the glitz and cramped studios, the music business is a complex structure. As an upcoming artist, you owe it to yourself to study everything.

Read up on artists, contracts and record labels, watch interviews and documentaries and follow the news with dedication.

Understand the fine print and workings of the industry, before you end up signing a contract that will transform you into a glorified houseboy with no control over your career.

(6) Use your Family and Friends: As an upcoming artiste, your family and friends are your first fan base, record label, A&R and managers.

You see that uncle that always acts yuppy, share your new song with him and ask what he thinks.

Share your work with your friends too and turn to them for support and advice in times of need.

(7)Get rid of the Opening Act Syndrome: Opening for other artists can be very frustrating especially when you feel you deserve more but as an upcoming artiste, you must be ready to kill your ego before it kills you.

Open for bigger artists and with time, others will open for you too. What matters is the opportunity to perform to an audience and share your work.

Everyone must start from somewhere, it is your job to work your way up till you become the headline act.

(8)Famz everybody: If youre to have a successful career, the relationships that you build will be a big part of that story.

Because you cannot pay your way through every door, you need powerful and influential people in your corner who believe in you and your ethos.

So feel free to reach out to people who can help, scratch backs when you need to and famz every OAP, blogger, influencer or critic that you know.

(9)Put your music on streaming platforms: One of the biggest misconceptions in Nigerian music is that artists dont make money from streaming. The sycophants who sell this lie will tell you that your best chance is to hope for shows and endorsements.

In the last year, Nigerian artists have made over millions of dollars from streaming songs online. On that now-infamous edition of the Loose Talk Podcast, M.I intimated that "Chairman", his third studio album has made over 120,000 dollars from iTunes alone.

Put your songs on all streaming platforms you can find. You probably wont make as much as M.I from the jump but that kobo-kobo change can become a river of cash.

(10)Never lose your focus: As you begin to become more familiar with the music industry and all its frivolities, it is easy to get distracted.

Many careers have been cut short when the artist loses himself in the vices that creatives tend to indulge in. As an upcoming artiste, you should remember that everything you do is a function of your art and your career.

Keep our eyes on the goal.

HOLLUP. We're not done yet.

Patience: Following these 10 steps will get you closer to success but none of it will matter if the artist is not patient. Growing into a full-blown star can take years, even a decade.

The artist must be patient enough to remain hungry and consistent despite all the setbacks and challenges that are bound to come your way.
Police Prosecutor Ishola Samuel told the court that the accused committed the offences on the Aug. 26 at No.12, Oba Akran Road, Ikeja.

He alleged that the accused assaulted the complainant, Banktaylor, by beating him up and also threatening to attack him with a cutlass.

Samuel said the accused allegedly beat him up because he confronted him when he and some girls were smoking hemp in the compound.

The prosecutor said that the complainant reported the case to the police and the accused was immediately arrested.

The offences contravened Sections 57,168 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The accused may be sentenced to three years imprisonment on conviction, according to Section 172.

The auto mechanic, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A statement released by the Zone 2 Police Public Relations Officer [ZPPRO], SP Dolapo Badmus, Leo had once worked with Wheeler at the Tony Elumelu foundation in 2015 and the victim had promised to help him but failed to do so before he went back to his country.

However, Wheelers came into the country on August 25, 2017, on a visit and called Leo to pick him up at the airport and the suspect ended up attacking him on the same day by using a pestle to clobber him with the intention of killing him.

The suspect who was arrested at his hideout in Ikorodu area of the state, had allegedly run to the place after attacking Wheelers after driving him to his house at Adeniyi Street, Ikorodu, reportedly confessed to having clubbed the victims head with a pestle three times because he got angry with Wheelers who went back on his promise to give him an unspecified amount of money.

The statement by SP Badmus reads:

The Zone 2 Command through its zonal intervention squad, have arrested one Orabe Philips Leo, the suspect that attempted to kill his American visitor on 25th August 2017.

The victim Mr. Robert Rob Wheelers, an American arrived Nigeria on 25th August 2017, and was picked up at the airport by the suspect who once worked with him at Tony Elumelu foundation in 2015.

The suspect drove the victim to his house at Adeniyi Street, Ikorodu, where he was to reside till his return back to the US. The victim was attacked by his host at midnight and was left in his pool of blood after which the suspect fled.

The Zonal Command received the distress call and its operatives were dispatched to launch a manhunt for the suspect while the victim was rushed to the hospital.

On the 8th of September, upon intelligence gathering, the suspect was arrested from his hideout within Ikorodu.

The suspect who was interrogated by the Assistant Inspector General in charge of Zone 2, AIG Ibrahim Adamu, confessed to have clubbed the victims head with a pestle three times, stating that the victim reneged on his promise to give him an unspecified amount of money, a promise the victim couldnt keep, which angered the suspect.

The suspect, when questioned on why he would have to kill a man because he refused to fulfill a promise, revealed that he had invested so much in his effort to get money from the white man.

He said he had consulted a white garment church where he was given a charm to use on the man but was deeply angered when the victim didnt obey his instructions."
This much was made known by the Ife Traditional Council after the bride price paid on her head by the Ooni, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, was accepted when her family refunded the money to the monarch.

According to Total Media, the speculations that the ex-Olori who has reverted to her maiden name, Zaynab Otiti Obanor, would remain unmarried due to the fact that she was once married to the First Class Oba, has been put to rest and she can go ahead and live her life.

Following the crash of the 17 months old marriage some weeks ago, Oba Ogwunusi and his Council decided to accept the bride price refund from his wife's family in Benin, the Edo State capital.

A few days ago, a man claiming to be an Ifa priest in Ife had come out with the verdict that any man who sleeps with the former Olori would die prematurely, but with the acceptance of the bride price by the Ooni, Olori Wuraola is now free to marry or sleep with any man she likes.

Before a woman who was once married to an Oba is free to sleep with another man, she will be asked to consult Ifa and Ifa will give directions on how she will make the necessary atonement for her cleansing.

In Yoruba tradition, a woman who has been married to a king cannot lay with any other man even if the marriage breaks up. But when the right atonements have been made, there wont be a problem.

For the woman, she might not really have a problem but for any man who sleeps with a queen or marries an ex-queen without the appropriate cleansing, the man may die prematurely; he may be struck with sickness or there might be retrogression in his life, the Ifa priest had said.

According to a palace source, the Ooni was initially reluctant to collect the bride price but was persuaded by the Elders as a way of closing the controversial marriage and separation.

When a bride price is returned, the man no longer have ties or right over the woman in question, and they can only see themselves afterward as friends if they so desire, the source said.

After collecting the bride price, Oba Ogwunisi was quoted as saying:

Shes free now, shes free
Mail Online reports that the 37-year-old Akinleye had pleaded guilty to 10 fraud offences bordering on a Computer Misuse Act Offence and possession of a false ID with intent to commit a crime.

The fraudster was caught after he allegedly threw a wallet full of bogus credit cards out of his window when NCA officers arrived to arrest him at his house on Doncaster Place, Barrow-in-Furness.

Mail reports that when NCA officers arrived at Akinyeles home in August 2016 after he had been monitored for months, he threw a wallet containing eight fraudulent credit and store cards and a forged driving license out of a window.

Subsequent NCA investigations revealed he was in possession of 500 valid usernames and passwords for online Sky accounts and the same number of BT accounts which he had bought on the internet.

During a search of Akinyeles house, NCA officers found he had also stolen several peoples personal details, including those of a 74-year-old man, in order to set up bank and credit card accounts and to buy access to Netflix and Argos.

While sentencing him, Judge Heather Lloyd described Akinyeles criminal activity as 'a persistent and serious offence.'

NCA officer Andrew Shorrock had earlier told the court:

Akinyele used other peoples identities for financial gain, including that of a 74-year-old man. When Akinyele finally had to accept responsibility himself, he resorted to really quite desperate measures, throwing evidence out of the window.

The effect of ID fraud on victims who are often the most vulnerable in our society can last for a long time. But there are simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of being a victim."
Read his story here:

"My name is Michael, a 38-year-old businessman based in Lagos. I have been married for five years to Benita and we have a child but in all the years we have been married, I have lived in absolute regret.

I feel sad every day because my wife has turned out to be an agent of the devil as she has caused so much havoc in my life since I got married to her.

She is possessed and every effort to make her change has proved abortive. I only blame my Pastor who insisted that I marry her as she was the one created for me by God. How would I have known that the Pastor was leading me to my doom?

I met Benita through my Pastor whom I took as my spiritual father and always took my problems to for spiritual assistance and prayers.

I was dating Janet at that time and had plans to get married to her and took her to meet the Pastor for counseling. But two days later, he sent for me and when I got to his house, he told me that while he was praying, God told him Janet was not my wife and that if I got married to her, she would bring untold hardship to me.

He insisted that I should not marry her as she was not the wife ordained for me by God. It was so painful letting Janet go but I could not disobey God's words.

After some time, the Pastor introduced Benita to me, saying she was related to his wife and that God had told him she was the wife meant for me.

We got married six months after and since then, life has never been the same for me as Benita turned into something else. She is so hot tempered that anytime we have a slight disagreement, she would get into a fit and break anything in sight.

Benita has broken the television sets in the house, air conditioners, my phones, electronics, kitchen utensils and louvers. She even took out her demon possessed anger on my car at one time and damaged the windscreens, side mirrors, lights and almost set the car on fire.

She does not spare m as she uses any object within her reach to attack me, inflicting serious injuries on me on many occasions. I am not talking of our neighbours as she has fought almost everybody in the compound and stabbed many of them in the process.

Anytime I report her to the Pastor, he will tell me that what I am going through is called a cross and I have to bear it and has warned me several times never to divorce Benita as that will spell doom for me.

The last straw was when my mother came visiting to get some medical attention. I was in my office when a neighbour called me to rush back home that my wife has killed my mother.

By the time I managed to get home, I saw a crowd gathered in my apartment and I saw my mother lying sprawled on the floor with many people fanning her while some were pouring water on her.

I rushed my mother to the hospital where she was admitted and spent over three weeks before she recovered fully.

I was told that Benita had beaten my mother because she dared to ask for her food. It took the grace of God for me not to kill Benita that day as neighbours had quickly rushed her out when they heard my car coming.

I have had enough and despite the Pastor threatening fire and brimstone, warning me of the consequences of what would come if I divorce Benita, I have made up my mind that this is the end of everything.

Michael."

The teaser for the day was:

What would you do if you are in Michael's shoes?

How Nigeria voted:

I would divorce Benita immediately - 60%

I will forgive my wife and continue to bear with her - 5%

I will dare the Pastor and send Benita away - 35%

I will give Benita the kind of beating she has never received before - 3%
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Polaron solar technology showcase: Part of Ontario-wide Green Energy Doors Open 2017 (#GEDO2017)

Sep 12th, 2017 6:00 AM

Polaron solar photovoltaic product showcaseSpeakers on solar technology and the benefits of residential rooftop installationChance to win 1 of 10 Ecobee3 Smart Thermostats + more prizesCustomer Appreciation BBQSolar Experts, Community Leaders, Polaron CustomersSunday September 24, 2017 11am-3pm Customer appreciation BBQ 11am Solar technology speakers 11:30 Prize winners announced 1pmMilliken Park, 5555 Steeles Ave E. (Gazebos on east side of park)Polaron Solartech will showcase residential rooftop solar technology at Milliken Park at Steeles and McCowan Road. On September 24 customers and community leaders are invited to join as part of Green Energy Doors Open (GEDO) 2017 that is happening across Ontario.On site will be Polaron technical staff (Chinese and English speaking), sample solar PV (photovoltaic) panels and related technology. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about how solar PV works and environmental and economic benefits of installing it on residential roofs. Participants can enjoy a barbeque (with a $1 donation to Sick Kids Foundation).The location was selected because Polaron has installed numerous rooftop solarprojects in the Milliken Park neighborhood and over 2000 installations across the Province. janis.wilkinson@ontario-sea.org | 647-680-4214To learn more, please visit http://polaronsolar.com or follow @PolaronSolarGreen Energy Doors Open (GEDO) is a showcase of sustainable energy projects and success stories from around Ontario. GEDO17 runs from September 22th-24th across Ontario. This is a great opportunity for Ontarians to learn about the many innovative green energy technologies that exist in their communities.Polaron Solartech Corp is Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited business that strives to provide customers with the best solar rooftop installation programs in Ontario. Polaron offers design, financial planning, installation and professional maintenance. Their dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that each step is accomplished with care and precision so that you can get both a quality solar panel system and a significant financial benefit.The parent company, Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd. Is one of the largest solar developers in the world with assets totaling over $10 billion Canadian.
That was the code name of the US military operation to remove Iraqi forces in Kuwait in 1991.

The prequel to Operation Desert Storm was Operation Desert Shield. Yes, the American military has a way of coming up with code names.

It's not just the Yankee military that has dope names for its operations. It's a worldwide thing including the Nigerian military.

Operation Python Dance 2is the latest code name of the Nigerian military's initiative in the South-Eastern part of the country.

I don't know about you but Operation Python Dance 2 sounds very cool. A name like this, as well as Desert Storm, made me wonder how the military comes up with code names for operations.

The use of code names in war is not new. According to military historians, it started in World War I (1914-1918). It really became a trend during World War II.

It has been reported that the initial code name for the invasion of Nazi forces into Russia was called 'Operation Fritz'. Adolf Hitler reportedly didn't like that name because it didn't strike fear into the hearts of the enemies.

ALSO READ: Igbo cultural group praises Nigerian Army

Hitler changed the invasion to Operation Barbarossa named after the Frederick I Barbarossa who was the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

The great British Prime Minister Winston Churchill laid down the unofficial rules for coming up with code names which are still followed till today.

These are his rules;

1) The code name should not reveal the intent of the operation. A name like Operation Kill Shekau is a stupid code name for an operation. It is too direct and it tells everyone including the enemies the objective of the operation.

2) The code name should be memorable and striking. No soldier wants to die in Operation Small Chops or something silly like that. Operation Rolling Thunder or Operation Black Sky are more memorable names.

3) Names from Roman and Greek mythology are excellent to use for code names.

As America became the leading world power post World War 2, it had to come up with names for its military operations that were PR friendly and could whip up public sentiment.

Operation Inherent Resolve was the name of the US military campaign in Iraq and Syria. The name was a flop. The public didn't care for it, the media hated and it wasn't PR friendly.

The name Operation Python Dance is a good example of a code name. It's vague about its intent and it is memorable. It also whips up public sentiments whether good or bad.
Chances are that you think of him as an angry homosexual who rants on social media.

Bisi Alimi, 41, who is one of Nigeria's most foremost LGBT rights activist doesn't want you to see him that way. Now back in Nigeria for a special event, he wants to show people the real him.

On Saturday, September 16, 2017, the German Consulate will play host to Bisi Alimi. The event is "Bisi Alimi in Conversation with Gbenga Aborowa".

"The whole idea is to get to know the different side of me than what is portrayed of me in the media which is this raving angry homosexual which I am not," Bisi Alimi tells Pulse during an exclusive interview.

It's easy to think that Bisi Alimi is a raving angry homosexual. Gossip sites and Instagram handles have made sure he has been portrayed as just that.

"That's the work of the media, you put people in a box, you paint them that way and you keep them that way because it gets the crowd to see that person that way" explains Bisi Alimi.

This event is meant to portray Alimi in more realistic terms. "The whole idea is to let people know that I am not that kind of person" he further explains.

To be fair, Bisi Alimi has had his fair share of controversies, but as he would like to say he is an angelic troublemaker. "I always say he is an angelic trouble maker. I am a two edged sword" he admits.

Additionally, he says "I just feel that if you are trying to effect a change in something that a lot of people don't believe in, you will simply come across as being angry, very out of touch."

Yet during his interview with Pulse, Bisi Alimi shows that he is nothing more than a man who is passionate about his interests which are LGBT rights and Nigeria.

"I'm a very cool down to earth person. I am not very brutal but I could be if there is a need for me to be" he confesses. What can we say? That passion burns hotly sometimes.

At the very core of Bisi Alimi is the passion to move the conversation about homosexuality forward. One of the ways he does this is by regularly posting photos of him and his partner, Anthony Davies.

Bisi Alimi got married to Davies in 2016 but they met three years ago. "I will do it again and I will do it with the same man again" gushes Alimi. By posting and sharing photos of him and his partner he hopes to normalize gay culture in Nigeria.

"I know the average gets a little bit paranoid when the concept of my husband, my husband and my husband comes up" he says, the reason why I try to do that often is to bring the conversation forward but to also normalize what it is like, to put into the consciousness of people that you love who you love."

This strategy has gotten his fair share of haters online. On his wedding day, Bisi Alimi did not allow for cameras because he didn't want the pictures online. It would have undoubtedly attracted negative and mean comments. He did later share the photos.

Bisi Alimi understands that some of the backlash is from the fact that he out there and doesn't hide his sexual orientation.

"It comes with the love and I spent a lot of time appreciating many Nigerians that will come on to my Instagram page," he says.

Bisi Alimi doesn't have time for the haters in his comment section, "they have never met me, they don't know who I am but will stand there and fight. It's just the love I appreciate more. I don't have time for haters."

ALSO READ: Bisi Alimi criticizes Nigerians over Richard Quest

He has had to develop a thick skin as a gay Nigerian. Bisi Alimi holds the record for being the first openly gay man to come out on Nigerian TV. His act of boldness came with a price.

On October 6, 2004, the host of "New Dawn" Funmi Iyanda. New Dawn was a popular talk show in Nigeria at the time. On the show, Bisi Alimi came out as a gay man on national television.

It was sensational. Homosexuality was a taboo topic on TV much less a government owned TV station NTA Channel 10. For Bisi Alimi he would have to live with the consequences of his action for the next three years.

"It was very, very difficult. And I think that's one time in my life I did something that I wasn't sure what the consequences were going to be" admits Bisi Alimi.

After the taping of the show, Funmi Iyanda personally drove him to the front of his house at Jakande Estate for the fear of being attacked. The backlash was quick for the young Bisi Alimi.

"The show was aired on Thursday and I was in my room and I was watching the show. I came out and there was this group of people who were saying 'oh we don't want homosexuals here! Get out of our estate'" he remembers.

"And for three years I faced one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. I was beaten, called names and stoned. Coming out of my house was really hard. Nigerians hadn't caught up with social media at that time. So I could still get around a little bit but it was hard. It was very, very difficult for me but it has pushed me to where I am today" boasts Bisi Alimi.

Coming out as gay also cost Bisi Alimi a career in Nollywood. At the time he went on Funmi Iyanda's show he was an actor on a TV series shown by Galaxy TV. After he made history on New Dawn he was cut from the TV series.

Now Bisi Alimi believes Nollywood has a role to play in educating the average Nigerian on homosexuality and LGBT culture. For now, he doesn't like what he sees on TV and movie screens. He considers them a caricature of real gay culture.

ALSO READ: Bisi Alimi pictured with Miss Sahhara in the UK

"We all don't catwalk, we don't call ourselves wives. It's this kind of caricature that is very problematic because the power of film and television is huge.

"And people see things, it stays in their memory. They go out and expect that thing to be the way they have seen it, the way it has been sold to them" states Bisi Alimi on Nollywood's portrayal of gay people.

"There was this recent film ("") with and . The movie talked about lesbianism as a demon that infects people" points out Bisi Alimi.

He goes further to pick out the silliness of the plot "I mean if that's the point and we were that powerful to be infecting people, we would have infected everybody in Nigeria with the level of hate we get. But that's not how things work."

Apart from Nollywood writers doing research on homosexuality, Bisi Alimi believes that it is time for the LGBT community to come out and tell their own stories.

"Film has a huge part and I also hope that the community starts tapping into how we also tell our stories because it is not just going to happen," he says.

"We have to take the lead as well and say how do we release our own movies that actually talk about our own story", but I hope it gets through the film censors board" he adds.

To be fair, Nollywood has started to deal with homosexuality as a theme. The short film "Hell or High Water" starring Daniel K Daniel and Enyinna Nwigwe was released in 2017. It boldly tackles homosexuality devoid of stereotypes.

When our conversation steers to Nigerians and homophobia, Bisi Alimi gives his most surprising answer of the interview.

"I don't think the average Nigerian is not homophobic," he says with a straight face.

How do we reconcile his answer with the fact that in August, 42 men (including minors) were arrested at an exclusive party in Lagos on the suspicion of being gay?

"I think average Nigerians lack the understanding," says Bisi Alimi. He clarifies on why he thinks are not homophobic. "If I talk about homophobia in the context of the UK, I am talking about where there is a lot of knowledge of, there are lots of teachings.

"If you turn the TV there are a lot of gay and lesbian couples, you walk down the street there are two men or two women holding hands and kissing.

"We have the gay pride event, we have a lot of events and LGBT people still get beaten up even in London, they still get killed."

"So homophobic? I will give Nigerians a pass on that" he boldly says.

Bisi Alimi also educates people within his own community. Cross dressing has been on the rise within the last few years in Nigeria. Bobrisky has become a sensation because of this.

Alimi is no moral police and he encourages people to live their truth but because we live in such a conservative country, he has had to reach out to a few of them to tone it down just a bit.

"Things evolve and I think what these young men are trying to do is challenging stereotypes. Whether they are doing it deliberately, doing it to survive, or they are just doing it because you know what 'F the system, we really don't care, we just want to be who we are'" he explains.

"I see these young boys who are pushing boundaries. It could be an act for them to get following on Instagram because if you know that you do that Instablog 9ja will carry you, Linda Ikeji will carry you and when they do this a lot of people will come to your page and like your page.

"And I have seen a lot of them sometimes who pose in a very erotic way online. I silently send them messages and say 'no you don't have to do this'. It's not because I am your moral police, I'm not. It's because of the country that you live in. If you are out of the country and you do this it's fine".

"I think it's not about cross dressing but about the culture for likes and for follows. They hunger to be huge online. It is pushing a lot of people to challenge stereotypes, to want to be different, and for some it is good. Some make a lot of money from it. For some, it is really, really bad."

Does Bisi Alimi think the Same Sex Act of 2013 one day will be repealed in Nigeria? Before answering he gives an answer that might be surprising to a Nigerian who is uneducated about homosexuality.

"The most important thing is that gay people are not really looking for marriage in Nigeria. I think the average gay person wants to live in a country where it is ok for them to be who they are, to be able to get a job and be able to come to the office as who they are" he says.

"I think these are the little things the LGBT community are asking for. They are not predominantly asking that they want to go to church and get married" he adds. Fair enough.

As for the ban on sex same marriages, "I don't see that in the next 60 years. We have a long way to go but I think..."

Bisi Alimi is also ambitious that things will get better not only for the LGBT community but the country as well.

"I am a prisoner of hope in the sense that I believe that we do move as human beings and we do change. I strongly believe that Nigeria is going to change.

"We are human beings. We are not animals. I don't believe we are going to be static and not shift. I think we are going to shift for good" he believes.

ALSO READ: Caitlyn Jenner steps out with Bisi Alimi

Bisi Alimi believes in living his truth. This is his ethos, this is what keeps him going.

He is back in his home country that doesn't understand his sexuality, where movie makers lampoon his culture and where same sex is banned.

"Maybe I would have gone underground like so many people that I know" he says slyly, "maybe I would have married a woman like so many people that I know, have kids like so many people that I know and have my car that I pick up boys in the cover of the dark and have sex with them in the car.

"Then go back to my wife and cuddle up with her and make her feel she is the most special thing in the world or I choose to live my authentic self even if it comes with a price and I chose that,"he says.
In its continuing endeavour to celebrate Nigerian women and provide world-class hair solutions, the company showcased the innovative Creme on Creme No lye relaxer which offers superior hair manageability at accessible prices. Strength of Natures team of scientists and cosmetologist have worked tirelessly over years to identify the fundamental causes of hair and scalp damage in order to understand how to prevent and treat it.

Their extensive research helped them identify the most nourishing and strengthening ingredients which make Profectiv MegaGrowth range the perfect solution to counter the daily stresses of heat styling, weaves, hair color and hair style transitions. With this collaboration, Godrej Nigeria Limited, which is already one of the leaders in the hair extensions category in Nigeria will become one of the first Nigerian companies to offer end to end hair solutions. Profectiv MegaGrowth announced Tiwa Savage, the award winning Nigerian Musician as its brand ambassador and also unveiled its first ever TVC starring her.

The Nigerian icon epitomizes the attitude and confidence that is synonymous with the brand. Excited to be part of this association, Tiwa Savage said I am thrilled to be associated with MegaGrowth, a brand that is loved across the entire African continent. The team at Profectiv MegaGrowth are true hair experts who understand the importance of hair for African women. I admire the fact that this brand celebrates Strong and Beautiful women.

During the press conference held in Lagos, Mario de la Guardia, President and Founder of Strength of Nature said,  Our vision and commitment is to provide the highest quality, most innovative hair care products that meet the diverse needs of our consumers worldwide. While we have made significant strides in achieving this vision in the US, our strategic global partnership with Godrej representing our brand provides us with a unique opportunity to better serve the huge number of potential consumers outside the US, especially in Africa.

The synergies between our strong US platform and Godrej's African footprint are, as is our shared commitment to excellence and innovation for the betterment of our employees, consumers and communities." Talking about the launch, Prashant Chacko (Marketing Head  Godrej Africa) said We at Godrej are here to celebrate the indomitable spirit of Nigerian women.

We appreciate the role that they are playing in the transformation of the country and also understand the importance of great hair to them. Profectiv MegaGrowth is here to support them in their journey of personal transformation by offering them superior products which promote strong and beautiful hair.

 Profectiv MegaGrowth was introduced to the press at a Landmark Event Center on Saturday, September 9th, 2017, after which a launch party was held at the same venue.

Panelists at the conference included Prashant Chacko (Head of Marketing - Godrej Africa), Mario de la Guardia (President & Founder - Strength of Nature), Tiwa Savage (MegaGrowths Brand Ambassador), Ayodele Otujinrin (Marketing Manager - Godrej Nigeria) and Rakesh Sharma (Head of Sales - Godrej Nigeria).

GNL is leader in hair extensions and weaves with its Darling brand, as well as other personal care and home care products. They are constantly innovating to delight their consumers with more exciting, superior quality products at affordable prices.

The Group is consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in India and Asia, and has a commitment to women's empowerment, employee development and community involvement www.godrejcp.com
The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Ude Okechukwu, made the call at the Aba Mosque, where members of the Muslim community gathered to meet him.

He expressed regret over the disturbances in Aba on Tuesday involving soldiers and some IPOB members and stressed that efforts had been made to prevent a recurrence.

The governor noted that the security agencies are working to ensure the restoration of peace in Abia, adding that he had moved around Aba to confirm normalcy in the city.

He attributed the incident to the influx of some non-resident miscreants who came into Aba to cause problems for the residents.

Ikpeazu thanked security agencies for their effort in returning the intruders to where they had come from and reassured the people of their safety wherever they lived.

ALSO READ:Abia state government announce dusk to dawn curfew

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the governor declared a three-day curfew in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia, that took effect from Tuesday, due to the clashes between soldiers and some IPOB members.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onyema suggested these at the presentation of certificates to 45 participants of a five-day training on nonviolence in Lagos

It was organised by the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN) and had participants from the Oodua People Congress (OPC), Arewa Youths Congress (AYC) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Onyema , the chairman of FEHN, said that storage airport had been in existence in Arizona, the United States.

NAN reports that storage airports are where new aircraft meant for sale are stored and displayed by their manufacturers for prospective buyers to inspect.

Establishing storage airports in Northern Nigeria will bring a lot of revenue to the country and create jobs for the people."

Airlines from all over the world and aircraft manufacturers with brand new aircraft that have not been purchased will display their products in the countrys storage airports."

This will generate revenue for the country from those coming to make inquiries about the new aircraft and from the manufacturers."

So, there are lots of untapped opportunities all over Nigeria."

I want the airports established in Northern Nigeria because its climate is conducive for storage airports, Onyema, said.

According to him, creation of employment opportunities for Nigerians will help to curb the ongoing agitations across the country.I appeal to every wealthy Nigerian to invest in the country. If all of us invest in Nigeria, it will be a better place for us all.

The problem is that some people take their investments to other countries thereby creating jobs for the people there.If we take several people out of the streets in Nigeria; it will put a stop to the series of agitations.

So we need to start creating jobs for our people to keep them busy and this should not be left for the government alone, he said.

Onyema also expressed his delight with the outcome of the training organised by FEHN.

He said that it would help to midwife the New Nigeria Project that would focus on nationalism, egalitarianism and justice.

He said: Nigerians of every divide want to start pursuing the Nigeria of our dreams. What we want in this country is peace and justice.

He commended the participants for taking active part in the training that led them to understanding the philosophy of nonviolent agitations.

 It has helped them to understand that they can make this country great by sharing love across the divide, he said.

Also speaking, Ms Maria Davydenko, the Economic and Political Officer, US Consulate, Lagos, advised the participants to use the knowledge gained from the programme to bring positive changes to Nigeria.

Similarly, the facilitator, Dr Bernard Lafayette Jnr, from the Non-violent Conflict Resolution Centre, Emory University, Atlanta, US, said the participants should take what they had learnt to their communities.

We are looking forward to seeing what you are going to do after this training not only in Nigeria but the world at large, he said.

Two of the participants, Emmanuel Kanu, representing IPOB and Mohammed Danjuma, representing the Arewa Youths, thanked the organisers for the training.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made the call in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

The statement also expressed regret at the incidence at the secretariat of the National Union of Journalist (NUJ) in Umuahia, where some journalists were assaulted.

Commendably, the Nigerian Army has tendered its apology and is investigating the matter,  the statement said.

It urged the security agencies to adhere with globally-stipulated rules of engagements and laws governing their operations.

It added that the people must also allow the security agencies to conduct their constitutional roles of securing lives and properties without hindrance and provocation.

It called on the citizens, social commentators, media influencers and other stakeholders to be careful and mindful of their utterances on the clashes.

Stoking tensions by inciting utterances, hate speech and other forms of awful propaganda will only push the country to the precipice.

When we see the devastation of the countrys North-East by Boko Haram, the 1966 Nigerian civil war and similar conflicts in other countries, we are reminded of the effects of internal strife.

We must not yield to elements beating the drumbeats of war; we owe the peace and unity of our dear country to the present and unborn generations, the statement said.

It added that there was need for all to speak and stand up for peaceful co-existence on social media platforms, places of worship and other public spaces.

The statement decried recent agitations and actions which had the potential of undermining the country`s unity and relationship across religious and ethnic divides.

We must ensure that such agitations are peaceful and lawful, the statement said.
Col. Sagir Musa, the Deputy Director, Public Relations, 82 Division, said this when he briefed newsmen at the NUJ Secretariat, Umuahia, on the activities of troops deployed in Abia for the exercise.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports heavy troop deployment at Afaraukwu, Kanus community, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia on Tuesday morning.

Musa, however, refuted speculations that the military was laying siege on Kanu, saying that the exercise is not targeted at the leader of IPOB or anybody or group.

The exercise is not targeted at any individual or group but meant to prevent security challenges identified in the South-East and parts of Cross River.

It is not meant to molest or victimise anybody, Musa said, adding that the exercise was designed to maintain peace and security in the five states of the South-East and parts of Cross River.

He said that the main objective was to stem the tide of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and violent agitations in the areas involved.

According to him, the essence of the exercise is to ensure peace, security, unity and development of Nigeria.

The army spokesman said that the exercise, slated to fully take off on Sept. 15 and end on Oct. 14, would be conducted simultaneously in the affected states.

He said that during the period, heavy presence of military troops would be felt in major cities and towns of the states involved.

He said that the exercise would be characterised mainly by show of force, patrols and other military activities.

Musa also said that he was at the NUJ secretariat to convey unreserved apologies from the 82 Div. of the Nigerian Army and the GOC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar, to journalists in the state over Tuesdays invasion of the union secretariat and assault on some journalists by some military personnel.

He said that those involved in the ugly development acted outside the rule of engagement and not in conformity with the rules and regulations governing the military.

He said that the army detested such excesses and gross indiscipline among its rank and file.

The spokesman urged journalists in the state to endeavour to put the incident behind them and not to allow it to destroy the long standing relationship existing between the two organisations.

He assured the union that such an unhealthy incident would not repeat itself, adding that the perpetrators would be fished out and appropriate sanctions meted out to them.

In a brief remark, the National Trustee of NUJ, Bonny Okoro, who represented the state Chairman of the union, Mr John Emejor, urged the army authorities to check the excesses of its men deployed for the operation in the state.

Okoro, who was manhandled and also had his Samsung tablet destroyed by the operatives that invaded the secretariat, described the attack on journalists as unwarranted.

He said it was regrettable that journalists, who render selfless service to the nation, could be attacked by soldiers.
DSP Victor Isuku, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), said in a statement issued in Maiduguri that the insurgents unconditionally surrendered to men of the command.

The counter terrorism effort of the Nigerian military, code named Operation Safe Corridor recorded another victory with the unconditional surrender to the police by high profile repentant Boko Haram terrorists.

On September 10, at about 21: 00 hours, the intelligence arm of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the command, were able to negotiate a peaceful surrender of repentant Boko Haram terrorists with their families.

One Ibrahim Dala (alias Abu Ali), formerly of Kawar Mela ward, Maiduguri, an Amir (commander) of the Mamman Nur faction, along with Audu Mustapha Bukar, 20; and Laminu Mustapha Modu, 25.

They are all residing at Talala insurgents camp in Sambisa Forest, surrendered themselves unconditionally to Borno State Police Command.

Isuku said Bukar and Modu were from Ngallamari village and claimed to have been held hostage by the sect sometimes ago and were conscripted.

ALSO READ:Boko Haram attacks vehicles conveying oil workers in Borno

He listed other surrendered insurgents as Alhaji Ali, 25; Abubakar Mele, 30; Modu Umar, 20; Modu Maina, 15; Ali Kolo, 20; Bintu Abukar, 14; Falmata Abukar, 15; Hauwa Ali, 15; Husam Ali, 14, and Mallam Modu, 16.

Isuku disclosed that there were five children among members of the families of the repented insurgents, explaining that the children aged between one and eight years.

He added that the surrendered insurgents had made useful statement that would assist in the counter-insurgency campaign.
In a statement on Tuesday night, spokesman of the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Christopher Thornley, delivered the request during a visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

The Canadian government wants to better represent itself in the global fight against corruption via the EFCC platform.

And this visit stems from the need to explore the possibility of opening a RCMP post in Nigeria, Uwujaren quoted Thornly as saying.

The envoy reportedly said that the Canadian government had liaison offices across the globe, and would like to include the anti-graft agency.

The choice of EFCC, according to him, was informed by the agencys dogged fight against corruption that has contributed to the drop in Nigerias corruption index.

The EFCC Acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, expressed the commissions willingness to collaborate with the Canadian government to strengthen the fight against corruption.

Magu described the assignments of the RCMP and the EFCC as very tough, overwhelming and challenging, the spokesman said.

We are more poised more than before to surmount all challenges, he said, recalling a request by EFCC to RCMP for technical support in 2012.

Magu added that the good working relationship between both agencies over the years had seen 15 EFCC officers sent to Canada on various trainings at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa.

The EFCC boss informed his guest that a draft Memorandum of Understanding between both agencies had been developed to fast track the process.

He said the draft would later be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for approval.
The commands Spokesman, SP Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed this in a statement in Enugu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Sept. 11, at about 8 p.m., an alleged explosion rocked the scrap section of a former New Artisan Market on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road on the outskirts of Enugu.

The command immediately dispatched its Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) to the scene to ensure that the area was safe and secure for all.

The preliminary investigations have revealed that there was a fire contact with the battery at the scrap site of the former market, he said.

The spokesman, however, said that the investigations were still ongoing to unravel the incident to forestall future occurrence.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, disclosed this when she addressed State House correspondents on the outcome of the councils meeting, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

She revealed that the council specifically directed the ministry of finance to look into the past revenue remittances of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

According to her, the disparity in the remittances of the two agencies in the past and now necessitated the decision to probe all previous heads of the two agencies, saying that other agencies with similar discrepancies in their revenue remittances will be probed.

The highest amount that JAMB had ever remitted into the consolidated revenue fund before this management was N3 million.

This year so far they have done N5 billion and the Minister of Education reported that they have an additional N3 billion that they are ready to remit which will take this years figure alone to N8 billion and they have not increased their charges, they have not increased their fees.

So, the question the council members were asking is, where was all this money before?

So, the directive was given that we must call the heads of all these agencies and similar ones to account (for their financial dealings), and that is the directive we have been given and that is what we intend to do and it is a similar story with other agencies.

These are the leakages which we have now come in and we are blocking, she said.

The minister reassured that the ministry was on the pathway of resetting the economy and adjusting permanently to a sort of lower oil pricing.

She announced that the Council also approved for Nigeria to rejoin the African Trade Insurance Agency.

According to the minister, this is an agency that is out to provide risk guarantee for private investors coming into Nigeria as well as exporters from Nigeria.

She said: It will provide risk guarantees. So, instead of projects asking for sovereign guarantees, we will be able to provide that risk mitigation through the African Trade Insurance Agency. Many other countries are already members, so Nigeria will be also joining.

This agency has an A rating internationally and is able to guarantee long term projects.

So, what we see as a result of this is that there will be increased level of investments, particularly PPP where every often the investors want some guarantee from the government, instead the government issuing sovereign guarantee directly, this agency will step in and issue it.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, also told the correspondents that he briefed the council on the second quarters NBS results on the state of the economy.

He stated that members of the council had pledged to recommit themselves to the full implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan so that Nigerians could feel the full impact of the plan.

The Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, disclosed that he briefed FEC on flood and possibly threats of flood in the country.

According to him, there is presently no threat of flood in the country apart from the alert the nation received from Niger Republic.

Niger Republic has put the country on alert. The level of the River in Niamey has increased considerably and the country is at alert at the moment.

That is an indication that there will be more flood into the River Niger downstream towards Kainji, Jabba and of course by the time you come down on confluence at Lokoja, the situation will be compounding because you are already aware of the flood situation in Benue.

The good thing is that we have an observatory in Niamey and another one in Lokoja to give us that real time, per second updates on the water level.

So we are monitoring the situation and I briefed council on our efforts to monitor the situation which we are doing.
Maihaja made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a flood coordination meeting with government agencies, United Nations agencies and relevant stakeholders.

According to Maihaja, the meeting was organised to support planning and information sharing on priority areas of need to respond to the plight of affected communities.

The meeting was also to ensure proper humanitarian intervention and coordination and increase preparedness against eminent flooding."

Relevant agencies have already been informed on the alert by the Niger Republic River Basin Authority that the Dam at that end is already full to orange level alert and that gives us serious concern."

The Dams and rivers downstream in Nigeria are also full particularly the ones in Benue, Lokoja and Kebbi and it is important to note that the three Dams downstream in have started spilling water."

By our record today, flood has affected 27 States while Windstorm and rainstorm have affected 10 States in Nigeria."

Early in the year, NEMA had written to warn 26 States that were told would likely be affected by flood this year and the Agency embarked on flood jingles on Television, radio and sensitisations, Maihaja said.

Maihaja said that State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and some stakeholders lack adequate capacity, preparedness and resources, which make them weak to respond to disasters when they occur.

He, however, called on State governments and stakeholders to step up preparedness against the flood prediction to reduce the level of destruction of properties and avoid loss of lives.

The director-general said that NEMA had responded to many of the flood disasters by delivering relief materials to victims of the flood with its officials still in Benue and Kogi States supporting the SEMAs in their responses.

Maihaja said that the agency would go beyond humanitarian intervention and would not relent in providing support to States in the areas of capacity building and emergency preparedness.

Also speaking, Mr Clem Nze, Director, Engineering Hydrology, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHISA) reiterated urgent preparedness on the part of Nigeria as the flood alert from Niger shows worse flooding than the recent one that affected some states.

He said that it was important for the government to swing into action immediately to avoid worse flooding than that of 2012 because the current volume of water in rivers Niger and Benue is more than it was same time in 2012.

Nze said that to avoid future reoccurrence, Nigeria should build more Dams to take in waters from major rivers as this could also help in boosting power, irrigation and so much more.

In his remarks, Prof. Dani Mashi, Director- General, Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMet) said that in March, the Agency in its Seasonal Rainfall Prediction predicted high intensity rainfall in parts of the country with advice on adequate preparedness to relevant agencies.

Mashi, who was represented by Mr Joseph Alozie, General Manager, Climate Services, NiMet said that the agency had not gone to sleep as it does daily, weekly and monthly monitoring with analysis to forewarn against eminent dangers.
Obaseki, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Benin during a meeting to resolve the issue at Government House, Benin.

He assured that the newly Harmonized Local Government Tax and Levies Law would soon be amended to meet international best practices and further address the issues.

He said that the state government noted during inspection of the market that the local governments gave an equal tax levy to the traders on the size of the shops.

He said that investigations revealed that most of the original shops had been partitioned into two.

The governor further explained that though the local government acted in accordance with the law, the law also gave powers to the governor to grant tax waiver to last 25 days.

He said that those in half shops were to pay N25,000 while those in full shops would pay N40,000; those in warehouses remained in accordance with the already existing law.

He explained that with the realities on ground, the state government would urgently come up with a review draft bill of the harmonised local government taxes and levies to meet up with international best practices.

He, however, called on the traders to go back and prepare their inputs for the review bill and present same to government before sending the bill to the state assembly.

ALSO READ:Edo Govt to revitalise Auchi fertiliser plant

He appealed to the leaders of the traders to explain the situation to their members on the need to take advantage of the tax waiver window with the assurance that the law would be amended to resolve all the issues raised.
In a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Abdulrazaque Barkindo, the forum said while governors were doing their best to mitigate poverty, some elements were working hard to obliterate this effort.

It said that it was necessary to state the governors position because the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had crashed into the false information and reacted to an erroneous publication.

According to it, the reports misunderstood the content of President Buharis statement to the nations traditional rulers when he met with them on Monday.

It stated that the NLC was being misled into a tirade on things that Buhari never said, adding that some persons were taking on the governors for selfish reasons.

For the avoidance of doubt, there is nowhere in the presidents statement where he mentioned Paris Club and it is unfair for anyone to attempt to bring the state governors and the presidency on collision course.

Moreover, there is so far, no investigation known to any governor on the Paris Club refunds regarding non-payment of salaries, talk less of any indictment.

Furthermore, the Paris Club refund was not borrowed money but an over-deduction from states repayments of a loan which the Federal Government is repaying to states that were erroneously debited.

The forum said that it was not just saddening but painful that the NLC was being misinformed.

It stated that the congress was misinformed into casting aspersions on the Chairman of NGF, Alhaji Abdulaziz Abubakar, who had respectfully fulfilled all promises he made to Zamfara workers.

The NGF noted that the reference to the strike action currently going on in Zamfara by the workforce was not only misplaced but uncalled for.

It said that the strike had nothing to do with non-payment or non-judicious disbursement of the Paris Club refunds.

It is important to state, without fear of contradiction, that the Zamfara state government is up-to-date on the payment of workers salaries.

What the state workers are protesting, without prejudice to the Paris Club refunds, are the increment in wages to primary school teachers, local government workers and the increment of pensioners emoluments, it said.

It said that Zamfara Government had repeatedly emphasised that it was not in a position to meet those demands because of the dire state of not just the state but the nations economy in general.

It also stated that the NGF contributed immensely to the current euphoria over the efforts of the nation to free itself from recession.

ALSO READ:Buhari angry with governors over handling of Paris Club refund

According to it, this would not have been achieved without the full cooperation of the states, where fiscal discipline and other reforms are being entrenched and institutionalized.

Indeed, the relationship between the president and governors could not have been better than it is at the moment.
Idris, represented by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Jimoh Moshood, said this at the launching of the Police Command in Niger Bail is Free campaign in Minna on Wednesday.

He said that special X-squad had been deployed to monitor compliance of Bail is Free campaign across the country.

The IGP said that the officers had been empowered to arrest, detain and discipline any erring police officer found wanting.

I have already directed Assistant Inspectors- General of Police, Commissioners of police as well as Area Commandeers to ensure that bail is free is posted in the crime branch, he said.

The IGP also ordered that bail is free in statement rooms, charge rooms and other conspicuous locations in all police divisions across the country.

Idris solicited the support of traditional rulers, development associations, opinion leaders as well as youth leaders to take the bail is free campaign to the grassroots.

He said the police would ensure that the rule of law prevails in all its actions and activities.

Idris called on the officers and men to always demonstrate courage, compassion and professionalism to ensure effective policing.

Earlier, Mr Austine Agbonlahor, the Commissioner of Police in Niger, said that the command had declared zero tolerance for corruption.

ALSO READ: Police IG says Nigeria not mature for state police

Agbonlahor said that Area Commanders (AC) and Division Police Officers(DPO) across the state had been directed to ensure compliance of the bail is free irrespective of area of jurisdictions.

He appealed to the media to sensitise residents to volunteer information that would assist the police apprehend bad elements in the society.
We are calling on every Nigerian to join us; you can even return loot, face consequences then join us to fight corruption, Magu said, according to a statement from the commission.

He reportedly spoke at a parley with members of labour unions, civil society organisations, and social media personalities at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

In the statement, spokesman of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said the EFCC boss harped on the need for a united front in the anti-corruption crusade.

We have reached a level where nobody can stop us in the fight against corruption.

But we all must realise that we are all stakeholders, and this fight is for the future generation, he said.

Magu reiterated his belief that corruption is the major factor impeding the countrys development, and the root cause of every evil in the land.

The EFCC alone cannot fight and defeat corruption; the battle requires the support of everybody to be won.

All stakeholders must step up the battle; you are not doing it for yourself.

You are doing it for the future of the country and the future generation in order to bring back the change that we really crave for, he said.

The anti-corruption czar restated the commissions resolve to intensify the anti-corruption campaign, urging the stakeholders to maximise the political will being currently enjoyed under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Let us do the right thing and insist on it because change begins with you and me.

From our households to our kids, places of work and beyond, by also living a life of integrity, he stressed.

Ayuba Wabba, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) commended the EFCC leadership for its steadfastness in the fight against corruption.

Wabba, however, noted that the efforts could only be successful if the relevant laws were fully implemented.

All Nigerians must play their roles, because EFCC can only do its best, but we must support the agency.

The law should also take its course, policies should be strengthened, and punishment must be meted out in good time, he said.

Dan Nwanyanwu, a lawyer and politician, used the opportunity to commend the EFCC, and stressed the importance of giving the anti-graft agency the necessary support.

Every right thinking Nigerian must support every effort being carried out by the EFCC to recover our stolen money and our patrimony, he said.

On his part, Mr Joe Abah, a former Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, also commended the EFCC for taking the gauntlet in the fight against corruption.
Rimin-Gado made the call when he hosted the Speaker of Nigeria Youth Parliament in his office on Tuesday in Kano.

He stressed that if corruption and other social vices were shunned and integrity imbibed by all, the society would be better.

The chairman called on youths across the country to join anti-corruption crusade, adding that they should help to fight the menace so that it does not destroy their future.

He maintained that corruption has remained a serious issue that requires the collective efforts of all Nigerians particularly the youths in the fight against the menace.

Earlier, the Speaker of the third parliament, Mr. Obe Ayodele commended the commission for its role in the fight against corruption in the state.

He reiterated that as responsible youths the parliamentarians would never relent to give it support to the fight against corruption.
He said that improving its standard would engender better service delivery in the state.

Bindow assured civil servants in the state of his commitment to improving their welfare in order to get the best from them.

While urging the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries to uphold their oath of office by being fair and just in the conduct of their duties, said that their choice was based on merit.

Responding, Mr Joab Sama, one of the permanent secretaries, who spoke on behalf of his colleague, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.

Sama, who hailed from Gire Local Government Area, said that they were committed to prudence in the management of government resources.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sama, until his appointment, was a former Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Land and Survey.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the commission, Mrs Oti Ovrawah, who commented on the development, called on the military to respect its rules of engagement in dealing with citizens.

Ovrawah, in a statement issued by Fatima Mohammad, the commissions Head of Media Relations on Wednesday in Abuja, also called on civilians and security agencies to desist from any act capable of causing tension in the country.

Ovrawah was reacting to media reports on allegations by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia Chapter, that Nigerian soldiers, on Operation Python Dance II attacked them.

While the military must respect their rules of engagement, civilians and security agencies, particularly the military, must desist from any act capable of causing tension, public disturbance, fear and sense of insecurity.

She assured Nigerians that the commission would collaborate with the Nigerian Police and other relevant authorities to ensure a timely and thorough investigation into the allegations and take appropriate steps.

The commission further commended the government of Abia for the steps taken so far to remove fear and forestall further breakdown of law and order.
Present at the meeting were the Governor of Nasarawa, Umar Tanko Al-Makura, his Kaduna State counterpart, Nasir El-Rufai, Deputy Governors of Gombe and Plateau States, Charles Iliya and Soni Tyoden respectively.

Also in attendance were the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar; Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba Gyang; Emir of Fika, Muhammadu Abali and Emir of Gummi, retired Justice Lawal Gum.

Here are five take-aways from the meeting:

1. Public hearings loading

According to Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who is Chairman of the committee, there will be public hearings in the 19 states of the region to allow people contribute to the raging restructuring debate.

Tambuwal also said members have agreed to hold extensive consultations with stakeholders and leaders of thought in member states with a view to coming up with acceptable positions that will reflect the views of the entire northern region on the subject.

2. The North isnt scared of restructuring

Contrary to allegations in certain quarters, the northern leaders who attended this meeting say they are in no way opposed to restructuring Nigeria.

We have reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring Nigeria remains a strong, united country. We have also decided to present the case of the north as a single entity desirous of a prosperous country, Tambuwal said.

"Today's meeting agreed on the need to hold town hall meetings in all the 19 states to hear the views of our people on the restructuring debate currently going on in the country, he added.

3. No area will be off limits

According to Tambuwal, therell be no off limit areas during the debates on restructuring in northern Nigeria.

Everything from fiscal federalism to State policing, will be left on the table.

"We are not limiting the area of discussion because it is better to put all questions on the table and have it discussed, Tambuwal said.

We will discuss federalism, fiscal federalism, State police, revenue structure and any other issue of interest.

4. The north will look at previous documents on the subject

"We have also decided to analyse previous documents and position papers that proffered viable options to northern development, Tambuwal said.

A technical committee will study these documents, talk to the authors and present the report to us at our next meeting on October 24 here in Kaduna.

5. North wont allow constitution amendment opportunity go to waste

As the national assembly carries on with its constitution amendment process, the north will see how its interests could be injected into a new constition.

According to Tambuwal: "We will key into the opportunity provided by the ongoing amendment of the 1999 constitution by the national assembly to see how our position can be reflected in the larger scheme of things.
Alhassan has been in the news for declaring her support for former vice president, Atiku Abubakar despite being in Buharis cabinet.

The minister not only declared her support for Atiku, she called him Nigerias President come 2019.

Mama Taraba did not deny those words. In fact, she promised to withdraw her support for President Buhari is he attempts to seek re-election.

Interesting, isn't it?

And if you had thought that Alhassan would attend todays FEC meeting with her head bowed in shame, you were completely wrong.

Smiling while she exchanged greetings with her colleagues, Alhassan became the centre of attraction at todays FEC meeting.

These days, when President Buhari presides over FEC meetings, it is news.

The President's absence at the weekly Council meeting  sometimes for the lamest excuse -- makes his presence a thing to celebrate.

Just recently, the Presidency made us understand that there was no part of the constitution stating that the Council must meet on a weekly basis.

Talk about the 1999 Constitution.

Until today, when President Buhari shows up for FEC meetings, he shines for those few minutes or hours.

In groups, a source at the Presidential Villa told that Aso Rock staff discussed Alhassan as she came in for FEC meeting at about 10:35am.

Cameramen and photojournalists also had a busy day trying to capture her every move.

Mama Taraba owned the moment as she moved around Council chambers discussing with her colleagues while laughing at almost every joke until the President walked in at 11am.

Is this her last FEC meeting?
In a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, Saraki noted that the role of the legislature in a young democracy like Nigeria is often misconstrued.

The Senate President maintained that his goal remains to leave the 8th Senate in a better position than he met it.

He emphasized the need to make the National Assembly work towards positively influencing the lives of all Nigerians through its powers of lawmaking, oversight and advocacy.

The President of the Senate is just first amongst equals, Saraki said.

However, what always motivates me is that drive to leave this institution better than we met it. I always like to leave a place stronger than I met it, and more capable to deliver on its constitutional role and functions than how it was before I got there.

The difference between democracy and dictatorship is parliament. This is why I tell people that it is not about who the Senate President, the President, or the Chief Justice of Nigeria is, we must always work to strengthen all our institutions.

For example, in four years, Im gone. Somebody else will be there, but the institution will always remain. If you have weak parliament that is not effectively able to champion the needs of the people, you will have a weak democracy. However, because of myopic interest at times, some people do not see why we must protect the mandates and integrity of these institutions.

When we decided to have a presidential system of governance, it was based on the fact that there must be checks and balances. When these safeguards are in place, it strengthens our democracy and promotes the sort of collaboration across the board that helps us meet the needs of Nigerians, the President of the Senate said.

Saraki also emphasized that the 8th Senate will continue to remain committed to people-centered governance.

Moving forward, we will continue to target laws and interventions that will have direct benefits to all Nigerians. We have started this with our economic priority bills, and we can see the impact with the up-tick in banks now lending to more MSMEs. However, we will not stop here.
Well, Samsung, the world's biggest smartphone maker is about to change that soon.

According to its Head of Mobile Koh Dong-jin, the smartphone giant is aiming to release a device with a foldable display in 2018.

ALSO READ:Samsung Galaxy Note 8 breaks presale records despite Note 7 setback

Koh said this in Seol, South Korea on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. He also revealed that the company still has to overcome certain hurdles before making the phones a reality. "We are digging thoroughly into several issues," he hinted.

Talks of a foldable smartphone have been circling around Samsung since 2013 when the company showcased a flexible display at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Elements of the technology have already been incorporated in its curved Galaxy Edge smartphones and industry experts are optimistic that Samsung's dream of releasing a foldable smartphone in 2018 is quite realistic.

ALSO READ:Samsung roars back with a more durable version of Galaxy Note 7

In May of 2016, a Chinese start-up called MOX promised to launch a "wraparound black-and-white phones made of graphene by the end of the year. There have been no signs since of those phones actually hitting the market," reported CNN.

But, Samsung insists it is on track to produce a full-fledged folding smartphone. "Foldable phones are on our roadmap," Koh said Tuesday.

The app obstacle

One of the hurdles Samsung will have to scale is to convince developers to tailor their apps to the new folding screens.

This fact was echoed by an industry analyst, Hong who was quoted by CNN as saying "what makes smartphones smarter is applications, especially third-party applications. If you have a foldable phone but most of your applications are not supporting foldable features... it would be meaningless"
With populism at bay and the economy on the upswing, Juncker's annual State of the Union speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, is expected to strike a far more optimistic note than last year.

The head of the EU's powerful executive arm is not expected to dwell on Brexit but will say it is a "huge opportunity" that could end divisions among the remaining 27 members, European sources said.

But his call for increased cooperation will be balanced with the need to heal a deepening split with eastern European countries that resist any move to further integration.

Juncker told Politico Europe newspaper last week that "while I am not an integration fanatic, I am very much in favour of deepening the European Union and at the same time respecting to the fullest extent justified, national interests."

The expected positive change of tone by Juncker as he addresses the 750 MEPs will be dramatic compared to last year when a string of crises from the debt in the eurozone to migration culminated in the the Brexit earthquake.

The former Luxembourg prime minister, 62, has less than two years left in office to ensure that his legacy is not limited to the departure of one of the European Union's largest member states.

Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's Brexit coordinator, said Tuesday that Juncker's speech "needs to create a turning point so we go from crisis management to real reform package".

- 'Change in the wind'

Juncker's spokesman Margaritis Schinas said the speech would feature a "reflection on the progress made in the last year" while Juncker "will lay out the programme for the year ahead and until the end of the mandate" in late 2019.

Juncker is expected to say that the EU appears to have ridden out the tide of right-wing populism that resulted in the June 2016 Brexit vote and the election of US President Donald Trump last November.

With all EU countries finally recording growth after the traumas of the eurozone debt crisis, and unemployment at pre-crisis lows, Juncker is set to turn to the question of how bloc pushes forward with what officials called the "change in the wind".

He will call for the EU to deepen integration in all fields, including endorsing French President Emmanuel Macron's idea for a eurozone finance minister and treasury to give more political control over the 19-country single currency, sources said.

He will call for countries that are outside the eurozone and the Schengen passport-free area to join, they added.

East-West split

But Juncker will also speak on how to bring east and west together, as what used to be the brave new frontier with post-communist Eastern Europe turns into a major faultline.

Brussels is increasingly in conflict with right-wing governments in Poland and Hungary over concerns about democracy, while Warsaw and Hungary oppose all further integration as an assault on national sovereignty.

The EU also remains deeply divided by the migration crisis, with a fresh spike in arrivals in Italy from Libya adding to rifts over how to handle the biggest influx of refugees and migrants since World War II.
Among the previously unpublicised cases was a planned attack, foiled in May, on an air force training school in the southern town of Salon-de-Provence, the minister said, without giving details.

Another plot targeting "a barracks, a police station or a supermarket with hostage-taking," was averted in January.

"The threat remains strong," Collomb told a parliamentary committee considering government proposals for new anti-terror laws.

"We see that we are moving from an outside threat to an internal threat, and we have to be able to adapt to the evolution of this threat," he added.

In the most recent foiled plot, homemade explosives ready for use were found in an unoccupied flat near Paris last week.

The parliamentary deputies are considering the controversial terrorist law plans which are designed to replace, on November 1, the state of emergency which France has been under since Islamic State jihadists struck in Paris in November 2015, killing 130 people.
"An unprecedented incident took place during this session, and the court's vice-president(Antonio Tizzano) took the role of the plaintiff by making suggestions to European Commission representatives about the content of their motion," Poland's environment ministry said in a Wednesday statement.

Polish media maintain that Justice Tizzano only intervened in a procedural capacity when it became apparent that the commission official was ill-prepared to offer testimony.

The ministry, however, insisted that "the main objective (of ongoing proceedings) is to humiliate Poland."

Poland's right-wing government began logging in May last year, saying it was clearing dead trees to contain the damage caused by a spruce bark beetle infestation, and insisting the policy was entirely legal.

But scientists, ecologists and the EU contest the move and activists allege that it is being used as cover for the commercial logging of protected old-growth forests.

"We are respecting the temporary ban and go prove otherwise!", Poland's chief forester Konrad Tomaszewski told Polish media on Wednesday.

But during Monday's ECJ hearing, the commission representative showed photographic evidence of ongoing logging in areas protected by UNESCO and the EU's Natura 2000 programme.
Shoigu gave a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Assad "congratulating him on lifting the siege imposed by Islamic State terrorists in the city of Deir Ezzor," according to a statement by the Syrian presidency.

Last week Syrian troops, backed by Russian airstrikes, broke the siege of two enclaves in and around Deir Ezzor, which had been encircled by jihadists for nearly three years.

An unwavering ally of Assad's regime, Russia militarily intervened in the Syria's six-year conflict in September 2015 when the government was in trouble in its fight against rebels and jihadist groups.

The Damascus regime has had many victories since and now controls nearly all Syria's main cities.

The loss of Deir Ezzor would be a major blow to the jihadist group, whose territory in Syria and neighbouring Iraq has been shrinking.

Shoigu and Assad, who last met in June 2016 in Damascus, discussed their "military and tactical cooperation... for the destruction of the Islamic State group in Syria," a statement from the Russian defence ministry said.

According to the Syrian president, the meeting emphasised "the importance of the Astana process," with a new round of peace talks scheduled on Thursday and Friday aiming to strengthen de-escalation zones meant to allow the establishment of a lasting ceasefire in Syria.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Russian army claimed that more than 450 IS fighters had been killed in the Deir Ezzor offensive.
The lawmaker, Tundu Lissu, has had a series of run-ins with the government and has been arrested at least six times this year, accused of insulting the president and disturbing public order, among other charges.

"The government is involved in this attack,"Benson Kigaila, who handles defence and security matters for opposition party CHADEMA, told reporters in Tanzania's main city of Dar es Salaam.

"Magufuli and his government harassed Tundu Lissu because he wouldn't stop criticising, in and out of parliament, President Magufuli."

Lissu, chief whip for the parliamentary opposition, was attacked at his home in the capital Dodoma on Thursday, after returning from a parliamentary session.

He was shot in the stomach and leg, according to local media reports, and the party said he was in critical condition.

After being transferred to a hospital in Nairobi, the party reported that his condition had improved.

"They kill in order to silence people, but we will not be silenced," said Kigaila, who added that the attack happened in an area guarded by security forces that is home to ministers.

Lissu, 49, is also president of Tanzania's bar association, the Tanganyika Law Society, as well as being CHADEMA's attorney general.

His most recent arrest was in August after revealing that a plane bought for the national carrier had been impounded in Canada over unpaid government debts.

CHADEMA's vice president Abdallah Safari said the "only inference for ordinary Tanzanians is that the police and the government are involved in this attempted assassination."

For his part, Magufuli wrote Thursday on Twitter that he was "shocked to hear the news of the attack on Tundu Lissu and I pray to god almighty that he will soon recover."

The president, who came to power in 2015 as a corruption-fighting "man of the people", has been increasingly criticised over his authoritarian leadership style, with a clampdown on the opposition, journalists and artists.
That was nearly three times the number recorded for all of last year, when 4,615 Venezuelans lodged asylum applications.

In Costa Rica, around 2,600 asylum applications are expected for all this year, up from 1,423 last year and just 200 in 2015, according to national migration data cited in the report.

In Mexico, the number of Venezuelans saying they had to leave their country due to persecution, conflict or disaster rose from 139 last year to already 331 in the first half of this year.

The outflow from Venezuela is eclipsing other migration currents in Latin America, which up to now were dominated by Cubans and Haitians, the study showed.

The region is also a transit zone for African and Asian migrants trying to reach the United States or Canada.

Laura Thompson, deputy director general of the International Organization for Migration, the UN's migration agency, said that migration flows in the Americas were overwhelmingly from south to north -- 94 percent of the migrants were aiming for the US and Canada.

The report noted that the migrant population in the Americas grew 78 percent between 1990 and 2013, going from 34 million to 61 million, which is higher than the global average increase of 42 percent.

The secretary general of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro, warned that there was a rise in xenophobic trends and animosity toward migrants in countries receiving most of the migrants.

Growing immigration in Latin American and Caribbean countries is essentially due to intra-regional migration, the joint report said.
"We need to see an end to the violence. We need to see immediate and widespread access to humanitarian aid and relief for the people of Burma and the people of Rakhine," British Deputy UN Ambassador Jonathan Allen told reporters.

Swedish Ambassador Olof Skoog said he hoped for a "unified outcome" and "clear messages about what needs to happen now".

That message should be that "the military campaign that we have seen is stopped and that there is full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law," said Skoog.

Britain and Sweden requested the meeting, held two weeks after another closed session that did not yield any formal statement from the council on the crisis.

Human rights groups have called on the Security Council to step up the pressure on Myanmar authorities and make clear the world is watching.

But the Swedish ambassador played down calls for a public meeting, saying: "I don't think the Rohingya people care whether our meetings are closed or open."

Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi earlier announced that she will deliver an address next Wednesday on national reconciliation and peace after rights groups and fellow Nobel laureates criticized her for failing to speak out.

Rohingya refugees have told chilling accounts of soldiers firing on civilians and razing entire villages in the north of Rakhine state with the help of Buddhist mobs. The army denies the allegations.

The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have long-lasting roots in the country.
Speaking ahead of a Security Council meeting to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis there, Guterres described reports of security forces attacking civilians in Rakhine as "disturbing" and "completely unacceptable."

"I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military action, end the violence, uphold the rule of law and recognize the right of return of all those who had to leave the country," the secretary general said in a press conference.

Asked if he agreed the Rohingya population was being ethnically cleansed, he replied: "When one-third of the Rohingya population has got to flee the country, can you find a better word to describe it?"

The crackdown by Myanmar's army, which followed attacks by Rohingya militants late last month, has prompted around 380,000 to flee across the border into neighboring Bangladesh.

Guterres called for authorities "to assure the delivery of vital humanitarian aid" in Rakhine state, with thousands of Rohingya still crossing the border every day.

The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have longstanding roots in the country.

But Guterres said that the Myanmar government should either grant the Rohingya nationality or legal status that would allow them to live a normal life.

UN meets behind closed doors

Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been widely condemned for a lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of the crisis, denting the Nobel peace laureate's reputation.

However Suu Kyi, Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades, has no control over the powerful military, which ran the country for 50 years before elections in 2015.

The Security Council met behind closed doors at the request of Britain and Sweden to try to agree on a response to the crisis, but diplomats said they expected China and Russia to resist calls for a strong statement.

"We need to see an end to the violence. We need to see immediate and widespread access to humanitarian aid and relief for the people of Burma and the people of Rakhine," British Deputy UN Ambassador Jonathan Allen told reporters ahead of the meeting, referring to Myanmar by its name under British colonial rule.

Swedish Ambassador Olof Skoog said he hoped for a "unified outcome" and "clear messages about what needs to happen now."
Band stays strong in sixth decade

The influential veteran rock band Wishbone Ash will turn up its power and its quiet tonight at 7:30 in a show at the Redstone Room, 129 N. Main St., Davenport. In its Tough & Tender tour, the road warriors will lower the volume (but not the intensity) and treat audiences to acoustic versions of some of their hits.

A great song is a great song, however it's delivered, bandleader Andy Powell (guitar, lead vocals) said, in a news release. Playing acoustically allows people to hear the 'bones' of a song and how it might have been conceived in the first place.

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash explores many musical genres  from folk, blues and jazz to pedal-to-the-metal rock and electronica  all maintaining its distinctive twin-melodic lead guitar interplay that has influenced such bands as Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Iron Maiden, according to the band.

In 2015, Mr. Powell released his autobiography, Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior, co-written with Irish music journalist Colin Harper. This fall, the band will release a 32-CD deluxe box set, Wishbone Ash  The Vintage Years." Tickets tonight are $22, available at 515-244-2771.

CSO concertmaster to solo at Rivermont

Chicago Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Robert Chen will return to the Quad-Cities in recital with pianist Benjamin Loeb, Saturday at 7:30 p.m., at Rivermont Collegiate, Becherer Hall, 1821 Sunset Drive, Bettendorf.

A 48-year-old native of Taiwan, Mr. Chen has been CSO concertmaster since 1999. During this time, he's been featured as soloist with Riccardo Muti, Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, Bernard Haitink, Christoph Eschenbach and Charles Dutoit.

An avid chamber musician, Mr. Chen has performed with Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, Christoph Eschenbach, Emanuel Ax, Mitsuko Uchida, Lynn Harrell and Janos Starker. Mr. Loeb is former executive director of the Quad City Symphony.

Saturday's program will include music of Mozart, Stravinsky, Brahms and Ravel. Tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for students with ID, and free for Rivermont students, faculty, and staff.

For more information and to get tickets, visit benloeb.eventsmart.com/?p=7.

Have a jaunty time with The Jauntee

A busy, boisterous jam band  The Jauntee  will perform Friday at 9 p.m. at Bent River Brewing, 512 24th St., Rock Island. Admission is $10.

Hailing from Boston and graduates of Berklee School of Music, The Jauntee have a dedicated following through playing sold-out venues across the country and several national festivals including Catskill Chill, Disc Jam and Peach Fest, according to the band bio, which notes it has a "relentless and extensive touring schedule."

"A focus on live improvisation, setlist variety and musical exploration means every show is different from the last, truly making The Jauntee a live act to see again and again," the bio says.

The group's improvisational landscape spans multiple genres, from rock and jazz all the way to bluegrass, psychedelic and ambient, according to the band's site. "Their willingness to explore genres, abandon all song structure and dive into 'the weird' sets them apart from the average upcoming jam band."

Savor a weekend in the park with art

MidCoast Fine Arts Riverssance Festival of Fine Art will celebrate its 30th year this weekend as the premier fine arts festival of the Quad-Cities, showcasing top artists from throughout North America, according to MidCoast.

It will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Lindsay Park, Village of East Davenport, on a scenic hill overlooking the Mississippi River. Riverssance will feature a free childrens art tent, wine tasting, gourmet food and live regional music.

Saturday's performers include The Barley House Band, David G. Smith and Big River Brass Band. Sunday will feature Juliana & A Soul Purpose, Lojo Russo and Lewis Knudsen.

Admission is $4 per person (or $6 for a two-day pass), and free for children ages 12 and under.

For more information, visit midcoast.org/?page_id=33.
With floodwaters nearing knee height, Arlene Estle fled to the upstairs of the Houston house where she's lived for 50 years and raised four children. It was many hours later before her son-in-law arrived by boat to rescue her.

Her flooded home didn't fare so well. It could be a year, her contractor warned her, before she can return. Until then, she'll have to find some place to rent.

"I'm going to be 83," Estle said one recent morning as her daughter and housekeeper helped try to disinfect her belongings. "This is just a life-changing thing for me to face with making so many decisions. It's just overwhelming."

Estle is among the fortunate ones. She has flood insurance and a longtime contractor who can start work soon. Most victims of Harvey have neither. Months will be spent struggling to assess damage, navigate federal assistance and apply for loans. Then, victims will have to compete for contractors who have already put prospective clients on waiting lists.

All told, it could take years for some people to rebuild, if they can do it at all. The same could be true of many victims of Hurricane Irma, which caused its own catastrophic damage in Florida, though less than initially feared.

For anyone who needs to repair or rebuild a home or business, the back-to-back hurricanes coincided with a national shortage of carpenters, electricians, drywall installers and other skilled workers. Many construction workers left the industry after the housing bubble burst a decade ago and haven't returned.

With fewer younger workers entering the business, the average age of some construction trades has reached well into middle age. There were 255,000 unfilled construction sector jobs recorded in June, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

On top of the worker shortage, homeowners will pay elevated prices for materials, which had already been rising this year.

"The labor shortage is going to make this take longer, but more importantly, it's going to be more expensive than people think because labor rates are going to go up dramatically," said John Burns, CEO of John Burns Real Estate Consulting, a housing industry research firm.

Few construction companies outside Texas and Florida are eager or equipped to travel there to handle rebuilding. Most are already busy on work closer to home.

"Why would I take a chance on going to Florida or the Gulf Coast for temporary work, where I might not be able to find housing, when I can find steady employment here and now?" said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America.

In Texas, Harvey compounded a heavy demand for housing. Texas had been on pace for 30,000 housing starts in 2017. Now, an estimated 200,000 more homes suddenly need to be repaired or rebuilt. Construction jobs were already taking one or two months longer than usual, said Scott Norman of the Texas Association of Builders.

Nearly 70 percent of Texas contractors had trouble finding concrete workers, electricians, cement masons and carpenters, according to a survey of construction firms that the Associated General Contractors of America conducted in July. Texas has long struggled to replenish its aging construction workforce. The average age of a master electrician in Texas is 59. For plumbers, it's 62.

Stephen McNiel of Creative Property Restoration, a remodeling firm in Houston, received calls from seven flood victims on the day he visited longtime client whose recently restored home had been ruined by Harvey. One came from a woman who had phoned dozens of contractors. All warned her it would be months before they could take on additional work.

"There is a tremendous amount of demand  far more than I'm capable of handling and than everyone I know in my industry is capable of handling," McNiel said.

McNiel said he could use 50 percent more workers but is struggling to find subcontractors. He said he worries that the shortage of skilled labor is being exacerbated by a perceived suspicion of immigrants under President Donald Trump.

"The reality of my industry is that most of the work gets done by immigrants," McNiel said.

Simonson noted Trump's decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which grants a reprieve from deportation to nearly 800,000 immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

"Texas, more than ever, needs people with construction skills from any country," he said.

Victims of the storms can first expect delays in having their property assessed for damage by insurance adjusters. Then, securing financing will become a challenge. Flood insurance coverage has declined in both Texas and Florida as premiums have risen. Many homeowners will have to go into debt or dig into savings to make repairs  or sell their properties.

For homes that have sat the longest in feet-deep water, drywall and insulation will need to be stripped down to studs and dried. Then everything from wooden flooring to electrical systems and interior doors must be rebuilt.

Mary and Duane Hendricks, retirees who live a few streets from Estle, have decided to give up on their home, now flooded for the second time in two years. They still face a prolonged repair process in hopes of selling it. The Hendrickses have begun removing Sheetrock and flooring to prevent mold.

Two years ago, they tried to live in their home while it was being repaired for flood damage and ended up moving out after three months. This time, they arranged a rental even before the hurricane hit. If they can't sell, they will just walk away from the home they bought in 1971, where they raised two children and built a sunroom where they taught yoga in retirement.

"We cannot go back," said Mary Hendricks. "It's a beautiful home, and we've had it for years and we've done a lot of work on it. That's the heartbreaking part."

In Florida, the magnitude of damage from Irma is still coming into focus. But the widespread flooding means Florida will have to compete with Texas for many of the same materials and laborers. Irma spread its destruction over a vast territory, covering all of Florida and causing major damage to Georgia as well.

"It isn't just a few counties  it did damage in county after county," said Douglas Buck of the Florida Home Builders Association. "That's going to make it more difficult for contractors and builders to go where the problem is and help rebuild communities."

In Houston, Estle's contractor, Dan Bawden, urged her to seek a yearlong rental while her house gets fixed. Bawden foresees months of delays in obtaining drywall, interior doors, siding, trim moldings, ceramic tile, cabinets and plywood.

Even before the storm hit, his remodeling firm had a six-month backlog of projects. Now, with eight full-time employees, he's "overwhelmed with more calls coming in that we can respond to." Prospective clients must get on a waiting list.

As Harvey approached, Bawden rushed to secure his network of 60 contractors, knowing they would soon be pulled in different directions. He worries that six months from now, "they are going to want to charge more or go work for someone else."

Florida is no more equipped than Texas to handle a surge of construction demand. Miami still hasn't recovered all the construction jobs lost in the recession. The metro area, which also includes Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, had 130,000 construction workers in August, compared with 168,000 in 2006.

"In our economy, money talks," Simonson said. "People who have the most urgent need in some cases will be able to buy their way to the front of the line."
HARRISBURG, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina's State Bureau of Investigation says a man who was evacuating Florida due to Hurricane Irma was shot and killed at a hospital.

Special Agent In Charge Audria Bridges said in a news release that police in Huntersville responded to a call from Novant Health Medical Center around 11:40 p.m. Sunday after a report of an active shooter.

Bridges said when the two officers arrived, they encountered 76-year-old Joseph Charles Cook, who she said was traveling from Deland, Florida, to New York to escape the storm. Cook was shot and killed. Bridges didn't provide any additional information on the incident.

According to Bridges, Huntersville Police Chief Cleveland Spruill asked the FBI to conduct a criminal investigation into the shooting. She said SBI agents have begun gathering witness information.
I hate it when I have to wait for something. Hating to wait must be a male disease because my bride doesnt complain about it. Do not call me a sexist; this could be just a good quality that makes life more tolerable. Woman are more patient and time tolerant.

When I dated my bride, we would set a time to meet in the dorm lobby. I cant remember waiting for her. I had a lot of time then. A whole lifetime.

When we got married, I waited at the altar. Seemed like a long time. Soon, a gorgeous chick came down the aisle, and I forgot about time. I waited a lot that day. She had lots of friends and relatives, and the church ladies ran out of cupcakes, and I was just the guy in the rented dinner jacket.

The kids were born, and I was assigned to a waiting room. I read everything in sight, old magazines, the prayer of the day and the week and a couple of childrens books. I sweated a lot, but the waiting wasnt wasted; it was productive.

Everyone waits in traffic, especially in big cities. I was late for an airplane, so I added up the hours the typical Los Angeles commuter spends waiting while sucking up smog in misery and angst. Those hours come right off their life span. Theyre spent.

Waiting for late airplanes is a pain that must be endured if you fly anywhere. I hate that, but I actually wrote a book while waiting all those countless times. Now, I have a manuscript available for the day Im discovered. No wasted time there.

There are waiting lines at store checkouts, stoplights, docs offices. ... There are people who will wait overnight to get a dollar off on a TV on Black Friday. I once waited 20 minutes to get a milk shake at Whiteys. Yes, it was worth it.

The Brits like waiting. They get in any queue before they know what its for.

You wait for your withholding tax refund while you work to build up the next one. You buy the latest computer to process a zillion bits per nanosecond just to chop seconds off waiting for your Facebook page to light up. Then, you waste the next hour wisely passing on political propaganda, liking recipes and scanning ads you never wanted. I purposely wait for the car to be serviced and for the pump to fill the tank.

You wait for the rain to stop, for the mailman, the TV ads to end, the coffee to cool, the cat to come in, the bread to rise, the pizza to bake, the jerk ahead of you to get over so you can pass, the aspirin to take effect, the laundry to dry, the kids to get home.

This is all peanuts compared to the time we spend waiting for the gals.

I start my day with a shave, 10 minutes of floor exercises, 10 seconds rousing my bride (at her request), three minutes of waiting while she groans, stretches and greets the day. (I have actually timed this and averaged the results.) Im waiting because we make the bed together as a gesture of me helping with the household chores.

Then, theres filling the water tank for the coffee (my job), grinding the beans (hers), taking pills, and suiting up for our daily hike. I wait another minute while she finds the correct shoes. Then, another 10 seconds goes down the rat hole while she starts out the door, forgets her Kleenex, searches (Im holding the door letting out the heat) and finally is ready to leave. Lets do the math: four-and-a-half minutes for 300 days per year. In 60 years, thats 1,350 hours per lifetime. It only takes 30 hours to assemble a Buick. I could have built a boatload of them!

Luckily, one of our male forebears got even in perpetuity. He wrote the specifications for public ladys rooms everywhere. Fewer stalls than a short haul tour bus. While guys are building Buicks, the gals are waiting for a stall and killing enough time to power-wash the whole complex we call federal government.

***

We have pelicans near the river, soaring in unison and performing water ballet. Can you define grace?
The six-year contract will begin in December and DB Regio will use two-car class 426 EMUs, which already operate on this route.

Currently these services are operated jointly by DB Regio and Swiss operator Thurbo.
The objective of the plan is to create a robust and reliable transport system, with a focus on dgitalisation, automation, and sustainability, as Trafikverket works towards the governments goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from domestic transport (excluding aviation) to 70% below 2010 levels by 2030.

The plan seeks an overall state contribution of SKr 622.5bn ($US 78.1bn) for Swedens road, rail, aviation and port infrastructure, including SKr 333.5bn for development of the transport system, SKr 125bn for operation, maintenance and renewal of railway infrastructure and SKr 164bn for maintenance of the road network. The headline figure represents an increase of around SKr 100bn compared with the current plan, although the figure includes some projects that will continue beyond 2029.

In addition to the funds it is requesting from the government, Trafikverket expects to accrue a further SKr 90bn through road congestion charging, track access charges, and co-financing.

Trafikverket director general Mrs Lena Erixon says the plan meets the governments objective of creating a modern, efficient and sustainable transport network.

The plan allocates around SKr 280bn for rail investment and maintenance, with a 47% increase in maintenance spending. According to Trafikverket this will result in a more reliable and robust railway system with less disruption, halting the deterioration in infrastructure quality that has occurred on parts of the network. A sharp increase in maintenance spending means we can now restore the railways functionality, which will be positive for commuter and freight traffic, Erixon says.

Renewal of signalling systems will continue with the rollout of ERTMS, which will cover most of the network by the end of the 2020s. To facilitate this, Trafikverket says it will investigate the possibility of co-financing the installation of onboard equipment, in addition to existing European Union funding.

A new telecommunications system will be introduced from the mid-2020s onwards to supersede GSM-R and Trafikverket will also begin the renewal of its optical fibre network during the period of the new plan. Upgrading of the telecommunications network will support the continued introduction of remote asset monitoring systems.

A number of other new systems including the Market-Adapted Capacity Planning System (MPK) and the National Train Management System (NTL) will be rolled out with the aim of enhancing capacity and operational performance.

A package of measures worth around SKr 2.5bn will enable the introduction of 750m-long freight trains on TEN-T corridors. At present the maximum permitted train length on much of the network is 630m, although a handful of 730m-long trains began operating on the Hallsberg - Malmo corridor last year and are also permitted to operate between Gothenburg and Malmo. In the north of Sweden, axle loads will be increased on the Malmbanan between Vitafors and the port of Lulea, which is used by heavy iron-ore trains. The maximum axleload is currently 30 tonnes, although trials with 32.5-tonne axleloads are underway.

Power supplies will be upgraded with investment in substations, and transmission and distribution networks to accommodate projected increases in traffic.

Enhancements

While the national plan covers a 12-year period, Trafikverket updates its proposals every four years. This means a number of current enhancements projects from the previous plan will continue into the new plan period. These include:

Kallhall - Tomteboda four-tracking

Jarna-Linkoping high-speed line (Ostlanken)

Hallsberg - Mjolby track-doubling

Gothenburg - Helsingborg - Malmo track-doubling (Varberg - Hamra and Angelholm - Maria, and

Malmo - Lund four-tracking

In addition to these projects, the latest plan proposes a number of new lines and expansion of existing routes. New lines include the 140km Umea - Skelleftea section of the 270 km Norrbotniabanan, which will eventually create a direct coastal rail link between Umea and Lulea in northern Sweden.

Further track-doubling is planned to increase capacity on the Gavle - Sundsvall line, while quadrupling of the Myrbacken - Uppsala line will complete the four-track railway between Stockholm and Uppsala. This will enable new stations to be built in an area north of the capital where demand for new housing is high.

Track-doubling on the Gothenburg - Helsingborg - Malmo line will be completed with the construction of a second track on the difficult 4km section between Maria and Helsingborg Central.

In the south, Trafikverket plans to electrify the Jonkoping-Vaggeryd - Varnamo and Nassjo - Vaggeryd lines. The plan takes forward development of the Jarna - Linkoping high-speed line, which will have a design speed of 320km/h, although it has now been decided to limit the maximum operating speed to 250km/h. The Lund - Hassleholm high-speed line is also included, and was the only new railway project mentioned by the government in its instructions for the proposal. Both high-speed lines will be built with conventional ballasted track.

Proposals for a new line linking Gothenburg with Landvetter Airport and Boras, which were included in the 2014-2025 plan, is now only regarded as tentative. Further development of this project will depend on the outcome of discussions between regional and municipal governments regarding financing and housing developments along the route.

The Swedish government will now review Trafikverkets plan and an announcement on its adoption, including any revisions to the proposals, is expected in Spring 2018.
The mock-up unveiling ceremony was held at Rothschild Boulevard in the centre of Tel Aviv on September 13 and was attended Israeli transport minister Mr Israel Katz, NTA CEO Mr Yehuda Bar-On, and the mayor of Tel-Aviv Mr Ron Khuldai.

CRRC also signed a 16-year maintenance contract with Tel Aviv Metropolitan Mass Transit System (NTA) on September 12 for the 90 LRVs it is supplying for the 24km line, which is scheduled to open in 2021.

NTA signed the Red Line rolling stock contract with CRRC in November 2015. The Chinese company also opened an office in Ramat-Gan this week, and says it is eyeing further opportunities in the Israeli market.
Pan Am Railways is partnering with port operator DP World and Canadas Port Saint John on direct intermodal rail service to the U.S. Northeast.

Pan Am Railways is excited to announce our partnership with DP World and the Port of Saint John to provide direct intermodal service from Saint John to the Boston, Mass., market via the inland container terminal at Ayer, Mass., said Michael P. Bostwick, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Pan Am Railways. We will provide value to importers and exporters via an alternate gateway into the large consumer markets around Boston and central New England that reduces congestion on the highways. As the vessel calls at the port increase, we will be there to grow our service offerings and train capacity to match those needs.

The new service is a key to growth at the Canadian port.

An integral part of DP Worlds strategy for Saint John has been to extend its market coverage through competitive intermodal connections in Canada and the U.S., said Curtis Doiron, general manager of DP World Saint John, a unit of Dubais DP World. The new Pan Am Railways service will now provide existing and new customers a viable gateway option in Saint John. We share the enthusiasm of our supply chain partners in another milestone for Port Saint John.

The ports Rodney Container Terminal handles container, dry bulk, break bulk and project cargo. Container volume totaled 63,658 TEUs in 2016, up 3.2% from the previous year.

Jim Quinn, President and Chief Executive at Port Saint John, said, The Port is a transition point between marine services and inland transportation networks. The natural geographic advantage Port Saint John, being located close the U.S. border, is now enhanced by this new PanAm service into the New England marketplace. Importers and exporters seeking to move goods to and from major centers in the North East now have an option that will get them there faster and move over shorter inland distances.
Citing a lack of evidence, a judge on Tuesday dismissed criminal charges including involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment against Brandon Bostian, the engineer of Amtrak train 188 that derailed in Philadelphia the night of May 12, 2015, killing eight and injuring 200.

Based on this evidence, I feel its more likely an accident than criminal negligence, Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Thomas F. Gehret said after a preliminary hearing for Bostian, 34. Bostian was arrested in May after the family of a crash victim filed a private criminal complaint, and another judge overruled prosecutors who said there wasnt enough evidence against him, The Associated Press reported on Sept. 12. In court documents, Bostians lawyers argued that the unusual circumstances leading to his arrest, as the statute of limitations loomed, had violated his due process rights.

Amtrak 188, an eastbound Washington-New York Northeast Regional, derailed on Frankford Curve in North Philadelphia after accelerating to 106 mph. The curve was speed-restricted to 50 mph, but at the time was not equipped with an enforced speed code for eastbound trains. Nor was ACSES, Amtraks version of PTC, activated there. Following the wreck, Amtrak installed speed codes on all non-equipped curves. By the end of 2015, ACSES had been activated on the entire NEC.

The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that Bostian lost track of where 188 was because he was distracted by an incident with a nearby SEPTA commuter train.

At Tuesdays hearing, Blair Berman, a passenger who survived the wreck, testified that she encountered Bostian when she regained consciousness. She said Bostian appeared alert and aware and that he was able to tell her where along the route the train had crashed.

But Philadelphia Police Department Detective Joseph Knoll, also testifying, said Bostian didnt seem to know where he was when he arrived at a hospital a few miles from the crash scene. Are we in New York? Bostian asked nurses and others as he walked into the hospital, according to Knoll, who added he could tell Bostian was injured in the crash because he had a visible head wound. Knoll said he didnt know the engineer had suffered a concussion.

The NTSB found no evidence that Bostian was impaired or using a cellphone. But Tuesdays testimony revealed that he had a second electronic device, a tablet computer, with him the night of the crash. Eric McClendon from the Philadelphia Police Departments bomb disposal unit said he found a tablet computer inside Bostians backpack in the locomotive. But the device later went missing and was never examined by NTSB investigators for possible use while Bostian was operating the train.

Additional reading:

https://www.railwayage.com/index.php/news/amtrak-train-188-derails-in-philadelphia.html

https://www.railwayage.com/index.php/blogs/david-schanoes/if-only-but-wait.html

https://www.railwayage.com/index.php/safety/amtrak-188-wreck-fra-emergency-order-windshield-strike-possible-factor.html

https://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/intercity/amtrak-nec-locomotives-to-receive-inward-facing-cameras.html

https://www.railwayage.com/index.php/safety/ntsb-rules-out-cell-phone-as-factor-in-amtrak-accident.html

https://www.railwayage.com/index.php/safety/amtrak-188-engineer-distracted-before-wreck-says-ntsb.html
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos deserves high marks for reviewing  and hopefully overturning  Obama-era policies governing campus sexual assaults. This is an important step to strengthen the pursuit of justice for victims and to restore constitutional rights of due process to the accused.

Its commendable that the Department of Education wants to combat sexual misconduct on campuses. Victims of assault deserve every right to see their cases treated seriously and fairly.

However, false allegations damage real victims of assault by breeding skepticism of all allegations. High-profile campus rape cases that fell apart under scrutiny, such as at the University of Virginia chronicled by Rolling Stone or the lacrosse team at Duke University, also remind us that rights of the accused cannot be neglected.

In 2011, the Obama administration issued guidance to colleges and universities on how to deal with campus sexual assaults. But it created harmful unintended consequences. The Department of Education expanded enforcement of the federal Title IX anti-sexual discrimination law beyond the basic guarantee of equal rights in school settings to include investigating and making decisions about allegations of sexual harassment and assault.

Although schools are not best suited to investigate and punish felonious acts such as sexual assault, academia was roped into the world of criminal justice The accused now face a system stacked against them.

The most contentious recommendation lowered the standard of proof from clear and convincing to a preponderance of evidence, which some, but not all, campuses previously applied. This makes it easier for college officials to find a student guilty  even if it is only 50 percent likely that he or she committed the act.

The presumption that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty is one of the most fundamental principles of our American justice system, but not our higher education system. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) found in a recent report that 74 percent of Americas top 53 universities do not guarantee students that they will be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Furthermore, only 47 percent of these institutions require that their fact finders (i.e., judge and/or jury) be impartial.

The Obama education department also expanded the definition of sexual harassment on college campuses to include verbal behavior found to be unwelcome  a vague definition that pulls in many actions which would not fit the legal definition of assault. A University of Michigan poll, for example, found that 22.5 percent  nearly one out of four  of undergraduate women were sexually assaulted. However, that definition included nonconsensual sexual behavior such as kissing.

No one should be forced to do anything against his or her will, but its disingenuous to equate criminal and noncriminal behaviors in a ploy to inflate the numbers of victims of sexual assault. This distorts the reality of the problem of campus sexual assault and provides legitimacy to policies that are ill-conceived and harmful to both complainants and the accused.

The American College of Trial Lawyers noted in a report about campus sexual assault investigations: Under the current system everyone loses: accused students are deprived of their fundamental fairness, complainants experiences are unintentionally eroded and undermined, and colleges and universities are trapped between the two, while facing a potential loss of federal funding.

The new policies created a conflict of interest for administrators. If universities don't comply with the new rules when investigating assault cases, they risk losing federal funding. Instead of pursuing truth, they pursue process and the rights of students become collateral damage.

Finally, allowing a complainant to appeal the outcome of a school investigation  even though the accused student has been cleared of wrongdoing  has become unproductive and unfair. Our judicial system protects the accused from being forced to defend themselves repeatedly. Because of these rules, students would find themselves facing double jeopardy if a complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of a case.

In fighting for young men and women who suffer sexual harassment and assault, Washington should not create a new class of victims: the accused. People who are falsely accused are left to deal with the aftermath  clearing their name, reclaiming their reputation and facing challenging future prospects.

DeVos is right to review these rules to ensure that every student enjoys the protections he or she should be afforded in the pursuit of education.

Patrice Onwuka is a senior policy analyst at Independent Women's Forum and regular guest on Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network.
The third-place finisher stands to have a great impact on German policy

Angela Merkel will win the German elections for the fourth time in a row. With less than two weeks remaining until Election Day on Sept. 24, the gap between Merkel and her top challenger, Martin Schulz of the Social Democrats, or SPD, is more than 15 percent, according to the latest polls. In Germanys politics, which tend away from volatility, this is an almost unbridgeable gap. Unlike in the French or Dutch elections earlier this year, right-wing populists, represented here by the Alternative for Germany, or AfD, do not play a significant role.

But there is still plenty of excitement in this election. The main contest in Germany is for who comes in third: That party will probably serve as coalition partner for Merkels Christian Democratic Union for the next four years and from that position will deeply influence Germanys political course.



Participating in Angela Merkels government as junior partner is a risky business. When she came to power in 2005 her opponents -- and her partners -- greatly underestimated her persistence, her political sense, her agility and stamina. She eliminates her political opposition by seeming to take over the distinctive points of their political agendas and make them her own -- no other politician has mastered this art like Merkel has. She ends up laying claim to the successes of her coalition partners, and there are plenty of examples, including Germanys abandonment of nuclear energy in 2011 and the introduction of a minimum wage four years later. Merkels main challenger, the SPD, has joined Merkel twice in a so-called grand coalition: the first time between 2005 and 2009, and again in the current government. On both occasions, the SPD has been unable to develop a distinctive profile under Merkels large political wings. Joining her fourth government could be an act of great self-harm for the SPD. The party would risk being completely marginalized, thus sharing the fate of many of its social-democratic sister parties in Western Europe.



That means it is all about who comes in third: Merkel will need that party to form the needed majority for her fourth reign. Four parties are in the race for that position: the Greens, the economic-liberal FDP party, the socialist Linke, and the far-right, populist AfD. Polling between 5 percent and 10 percent of the votes, these parties are fighting a zero-sum battle. Acquire less than 5 percent and your party is out of parliament, falling short of the electoral threshold. Score 10 percent, and you may be the dealmaker in the next German government.



The two most likely candidates for a junior partnership in Merkel 4 are the Greens and the FDP -- and perhaps both. Governing with the socialist Linke or the far-right AfD seems unlikely in a nation that hews to the political center. The choice between placing the Greens or the FDP in government, however, makes a huge difference for Germanys political course. If the Greens join, Germany probably maintains its humanitarian open border policy, speeds up the sustainability goals for the energy sector and industry, strengthens the social welfare state, and pursues idealistic foreign policy goals. As head of this coalition, Merkel, who is already seen as a rather leftist chancellor, will struggle to keep conservative support in her own party.



A coalition with FDP, the employers party, would be quite different. The liberals want to further deregulate the labor market and make it more flexible; apply stricter rules for migration and integration; maintain coal and gas plants; and pursue realist foreign policy goals toward Europe, the United States, and Russia. Recently the leader of the FDP, Christian Lindner, said he is willing to accept Russias annexation of Crimea since the security and welfare of Europe is dependent on our relations with Russia. That statement is highly controversial in Germany, one of the main negotiators in the conflict between Putin and Ukraine. Berlin introduced sanctions at the European level after the annexation of Crimea.



A government with the FDP might also strengthen Germanys political left in the coming years, and this could become a serious threat to Merkels CDU party. Merkel will be serving her last term, and there is still no sign of a possible successor within the party ranks. Many progressive centrist voters might switch back to an SPD revitalized by its time in opposition.



With U.S. leadership in decline, the United Kingdom withdrawing from its European commitments, and the revival of the Franco-German axis, the role of Germany in European and world politics will increase. One decade of Merkels leadership already transformed Germany from a European power into an economic, moral, and diplomatic world player, cleverly using the European Union as her vehicle. In conflicts between Putin and the West, as well as in the Middle East and Africa, German diplomacy now plays a central role. Merkels open-border politics during the refugee crisis in Europe might have received much criticism in Europe. In many parts of the world, however, Germany is now seen as the new beacon of freedom and the land of opportunity.



Since Merkel is known for leaving her coalition partners much room to maneuver, they will significantly shape the nations political profile. The outcome of these elections will play a large part in determining Germanys (and Europes) role as a new world player.


Four years ago, my colleagues Tom Nichols and John Schindler warned that U.S. fecklessness in the Middle East was creating conditions where Russia would be able to emerge as the key player in regional security. In responding to critics of their original article, they penned a follow-up days later that laid out the Russian strategy: to present Moscow as a viable alternative partner for the states of the region. At the time, they were roundly criticized for their apparent pessimistic assessment that a collapsing regional power would be able to diminish the influence of the worlds sole remaining superpower in the Middle East or even that Moscow would have anything it could offer to compete with Washingtons largesse.

Yet events since then have validated their assessments. The Russian hand is visible everywhere in the Middle East. Moscow is presiding over the effort to tap down the Syrian civil war and establish the deconfliction zones between the various factions and their outside patrons. Russia has inserted itself into the volatile Kurdish issueboth with regards to any Kurdish zone in Syria vis-a-vis Turkey and the efforts to clarify a final status between Iraqi Kurdistan and the government in Baghdad. Russia has played a major role in sustaining the Iran-Iraq-Syria Shia Crescent but also is involved in direct talks with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf emirates on how to maintain a fragile balance of power in the region. Egypt and Israel both now have their own lines of communication with the Kremlin and see Vladimir Putin as a more reliable statesman who does what he says and follows through on his commitments. This assessment is also apparently shared by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who seems prepared to forge a new strategic axis with Russia on energy, Eurasian security and the future alignment of the Middle East. Moscow has hosted meetings of the various Libyan factions, Palestinian political parties, Kurdish representatives and members of the Syrian opposition, and Middle Eastern leaders regularly make the journey to Moscow to confer with the Kremlin.

Russia, by all appearances, is back. The mistake, however, is to view these developments in light of the Cold War experience. While it would seem to go without saying, contemporary Russia is not the Soviet Union. The Kremlin is no longer interested in spreading a particular ideology nor does it seek to impose any sort of binary choice on countries in the region to choose between Moscow and Washington. This is because Russia is not interested in footing immense bills for security and economic assistance. Instead, the twenty-first century Russian approach is not to displace the United States, which continues to bankroll much of the costs of regional security, but instead to act as the hedge bet for the regimes of the region to balance against Americas preferences and to have options to escape Americas conditionality. The Kremlin offers itself as a more reliable mediator than Washington and proffers equipment and capabilities that Washington is reluctant to provide. In turn, this makes former Cold War adversaries in the regionespecially Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israelmore open to developing a new relationship with the Kremlin.

Russia has been able to reestablish its presence because every country in the region, after two decades of U.S. transformational efforts, is now more interested in stability. It is clear that Washington lacks the ability to follow-through on its grandiose promises, and in particular no U.S. presidential administration is now in a position to commit large amounts of U.S. personnel or resources. This has been evident in the manic search by the United States for nonexistent proxiescommitted secular democrats who nonetheless are prepared to fight with the same fervor and sense of sacrifice as militant jihadisto sustain U.S. efforts in the region. The only group that has come closest to fitting the bill have been the Kurds, but whose commitment wanes outside traditionally ethnically Kurdish regions, while creating new complications in the U.S. relationships with governments in Ankara and Baghdad.

The Russian approach has been to recognize that, at present, long-term solutions are not possible, so Moscows efforts are instead focused on jury-rigging a series of compromises: the deconfliction zones in Syria; attempting to square the circle of de facto Kurdish self-government in Syria with a Turkish security zone; maintaining a balance between Sunni and Shia interests in Syria and elsewhere in the region; guaranteeing Irans ability to reach its Hezbollah proxies in Lebanon with allowing Israel to enforce its red lines. In essence, Russia offers a nineteenth century vision of spheres of influence and balances of powerwith Moscow as the essential outside negotiating partnerin place of an easily distracted Washington who preaches a twenty-first century vision that is not linked to any actual commitment of resources.

Putin enjoys the limelight of being seen as a global statesman and the position of near-peer equality with the United States. However, it would be a mistake to assume that Russian efforts are being driven solely by the prestige demands of being seen as a great power. Moscow also expects to reap tangible benefits from its policies. Beyond validating Russia as a global power, the Russian calculation is that a return to playing a more active role in Middle Eastern affairs can create demand for Russian goods and services, starting with arms and nuclear power plants, and particularly technologies that the United States does not want to provide. The Middle East is critical to Russias geo-economic strategy: Turkey is set to become Russias replacement for Ukraine as a transit country for energy shipments to Europe, while Russian investments in Iraq and Libya are designed to further Russias ability to supply Europe with oil. Meanwhile, Russia wants to create a new north-south route that will connect the Russian heartland with the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.

Most significantly, Russia has used its new-found influence in the region to thwart the U.S. effort to use Saudi Arabia as a pressure point against the Russian economy. Now, instead of competing against Moscow, Riyadh is actively coordinating with the Russians in an effort to set a stable price floor for energy, to help guarantee revenues for both their treasuries. In addition, given the continued uncertainties that Western sanctions create for European and U.S. financial institutions to consider lending to Russia or facilitating investment, Moscow hopes to continue the trend of securing funds from Middle Eastern sources into its economy.

Russia has been learning valuable diplomatic lessons from its activities in the Middle East over the past four yearsand is now taking the first steps to apply them to East Asia, playing on the same fears among both American partners and competitors in that region of U.S. unreliability and unpredictability. We see the first steps with Chinese, Japanese and Korean meetings with Vladimir Putin over the North Korea crisiswith Russia hoping that its diplomatic efforts in this arena will generate some of the same economic benefits it hopes to reap from the Middle East.

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union attempted to compete frontally against the United Statesand found itself outclassed. Today, Russia is engaged in a more subtle strategy. So far, it appears to be paying dividends.
Property details:

Here is a big ranchette that is close to a few we have sold over the years only this one has frontage on a County Road which happens to be one of the main roads out there in Central California thats located in San Luis Obispo County, just west of the hills that separate the county from the Kern County Line. You will be bidding on a somewhat square shaped 2.5 acre property that measures approximately 110 yards by 110 yards and totals over 112,000 square feet and has road frontage on 7 Mile Roa...

Price: $ 2,660 State/Province: California Seller State of Residence: California Type: Homesite, Lot City: Santa Margarita Property Address: 7 Mile Road Zoning: Residential Zip/Postal Code: 93453 Location: 928**, Orange, California

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I am selling a wooded lot very close to Lake Winnibigoshish in Bena, MN. Land is zoned for residential, 2-3 units. NOTE THE $350 PURCHASE PRICE IS THE DOWN PAYMENT FOR A CONTRACT FOR DEED. Once the down payment is made there will be $75 monthly payments (or more or less depending on the situation) until the land is paid off (total land price of $3,000). Monthly payments can be made via square cash, Venmo or a mailed check.Selling this for less than the purchase price eight years ago so this is p...

Price: $ 350 Seller State of Residence: Minnesota State/Province: minnesota City: bena Type: Homesite, Lot Zoning: Residential, 2-3 units Zip/Postal Code: 56626 Location: 554**, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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868 North 73rd Street, East St. Louis, IL 62203. This is a beautiful 4 Bedroom 1 Bath brick home that is sitting on a corner lot in East St. Louis. This home is MOVE IN READY and was recently rented for $800.00 monthly (SEC 8). Home needs nothing to re-rent but DOES NOT have central air. Does come with 4 A/C units. Home has clean hardwood floors and updated appliances. 10 minute drive from from Downtown Saint Louis. Home has washer/dryer hook up and storage closet, updated fixtures, with nice of...

Price: $ 23,000 Property Address: 868 North 73rd Street Seller State of Residence: Illinois State/Province: Illinois Number of Bathrooms: 1 Sale Type: Existing Homes Property Type: House Number of Bedrooms: 4 Setting: Rural, Country Year Built: 1956 For Sale by: Owner Zip/Postal Code: 62203 Location: 622**, East Saint Louis, Illinois

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Starting this year, it will be much easier for University of Georgia students to get around on two wheels.
Could the gains in terms of widening the tax net, increased digital transactions and detection of higher fake currency notes have been achieved without the huge disruption and output loss that demonetisation caused to the Indian economy, asks A K Bhattacharya.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has ended the suspense over the value of demonetised notes that were returned to it.

Of the Rs 15.44 lakh crore worth demonetised high-denomination currency notes (Rs 500 and Rs 1,000) in circulation as on November 8, 2016, an estimated Rs 15.28 lakh crore have been deposited back with the RBI.

This leaves only Rs 16,000 crore or a little over one per cent of the demonetised notes that have not surfaced so far.

Three questions arise from this revelation and the associated numbers that the RBI made public in its annual report recently.

One, what led to the government grossly overestimating the value of the demonetised currency notes that it thought would not come back to the central bank?

Why was the Supreme Court told that almost Rs 4-5 lakh crore of the demonetised currency notes would not surface? That view was endorsed also by a senior finance ministry official then.

Of course, the finance ministry has now explained that the figure put out before the apex court represented an opinion.

Even if that were an opinion, which indeed it was, there are reasons to believe that the government must immediately examine why and how that estimate was made, prompting its chief law officer to present that view before the apex court.

As early as the first week of December 2016, the RBI had some information that returns of demonetised notes were taking place in huge numbers.

On December 10, it had estimated that over 80 per cent of the demonetised notes were already back with the banking system.

Just about three weeks were left by which the demonetised notes could have been returned.

Shouldnt the government and the central bank have got a sense by then that the estimate of how many high-denomination currency notes would be returned could go wrong?

It is also true that, as the finance minister has argued, the government today is in a better position to identify illicit money from what was returned to the banking system.

After the return of the demonetised notes, the government has now assessed that an estimated Rs 1.7 lakh crore of deposits could be termed suspicious.

Already, Rs 29,200 crore of this has been admitted by the depositors as undisclosed income and more than five million new income-tax returns were also filed this year.

Other numbers that have been revealed in the RBI annual report are worth a closer look.

The currency in circulation as per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) has declined. It used to be 12 per cent of GDP before demonetisation and it was down to about 10 per cent by the end of August 2017.

Total card transactions, including credit cards, debit cards and prepaid instruments, saw a 68 per cent increase at Rs 7.4 lakh crore in 2016-17, compared to Rs 4.4 lakh crore in the previous year.

The increase in such transactions in 2015-16 was only 33 per cent.

The detection of fake currency notes could also be attributed to the demonetisation drive, if one goes by the RBI annual report.

The value of detected fake Indian currency notes went up to Rs 43.5 crore in 2016-17, compared to Rs 29.6 crore in the previous year. The value of fake currency notes detected in 2014-15 was lower at Rs 28.7 crore.

But the question that begs to be answered is whether all these gains in terms of widening the tax net, increased digital transactions and detection of higher fake currency notes could have been achieved without the huge disruption and output loss that demonetisation caused to the Indian economy.

Was a more sustained and steady campaign better than the shock of demonetisation to achieve all these goals? Now that all the data are becoming available, a more reasoned study on the futility of demonetisation is called for.

Finally, the central bank must explain why it took so long for it to come out with the total number of the demonetised currency notes that were returned to it.

Remember that it was a long wait and even now this figure is only an estimate, subject to further correction.

The central bank governor was quizzed by parliamentarians to reveal the number of notes returned to it a few months after the last date for submitting the demonetised notes was over.

But the governor maintained that the exercise to verify the returned notes was going on and he would reveal the numbers only when the central bank was sure.

Did it take so long because the central bank wanted to recheck all the numbers because of a fear that the value of the returned demonetised notes could have exceeded even the estimated currency in circulation at the time of demonetisation?

The nation, for the present, must be relieved that such a fear was unfounded.
26 chartered accountants associated with such shell companies have also been identified

In a fresh crackdown, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has disqualified 106,578 directors for their association with shell firms. This comes just a few days after bank accounts of around 200,000 shell companies were frozen.

The directors identified for disqualification would not only be debarred from their respective boards but also from other companies for five years.

It is learnt that more directors are under the scanner. Last Wednesday, the ministry had said a decision had been taken to blacklist 300,000 directors of shell firms.

The ministry has said action would also be taken against some members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), and other associations involved with these shell companies. These institutions have been told that they are being monitored.

A source at ICAI told Business Standard that the association has identified 26 CAs and is gathering more evidence against them.

However, ICSI sources said there was no company secretary involved with shell companies, though some of them were linked to financial defaults.

"The ministry has identified 1,06,578 directors for disqualification under Section 164(2)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 as on September 12, 2017," the government said in a statement.

Under the section, these directors cannot join the board of any other company for the next five years.

The ministry is further analyzing the data available with the Registrar of Companies to identify directors and the significant beneficial interests related to these entities.

"The money laundering activities performed under the aegis of these companies are also under the scanner," a statement from the government said.

Profiles of directors such as their background, antecedents and their role in the functioning of these shell companies are being compiled in collaboration with the enforcement agencies.

Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), ROCs, Department of Financial Services, Indian Banks' Association and other departments are involved in the crackdown against defaulting companies.

Minister of State for Company Affairs PP Chaudhary said, "all the agencies concerned are handling this issue on priority.

The fight against black money shall be incomplete without breaking the network of shell companies.

Possibility of using the shell companies for laundering black money cannot be undermined."

A statement from the government said this exercise would go a long way in creating an atmosphere of confidence and faith in the system, paving the way for ease of doing business in India.

"The interest of stakeholders would be protected and the image of the country in the global business arena would substantially improve, the government said.

Recently, the MCA also issued notices to companies that are supposed to function as NBFCs but have not registered with the Reserve Bank of India.

Prior to action against defaulting companies, there were about 1.3 million companies registered with RoCs.

However, after the closure of around 210,000 companies, about 1.1 million are active.

Photograph: Kacper Pempel/Reuters
First sequential decline in a decade as 8 of top 15 software firms report drop in manpower

For the first time in a decade, information technology (IT) companies reported a sequential decline in their employee strength in the April-June 2017 quarter.

The combined headcount of the countrys top 15 listed IT companies was down around 3,000 employees, compared to the number at the end of March this year.

The squeeze is widespread, with eight of the 15 companies reporting a quarter-on-quarter decline in their employee strength, during the first quarter of FY18.

In all, around 1.12 million people were working for these top 15 IT companies at the end of June 2017 quarter, down from around 1.123 million people at the end of March this year.

Some of the companies reporting a decline in headcount include Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Oracle Financial Services, Mphasis and Persistent Systems, among others.

The companies that reported net additions to their headcount last quarter include Wipro, HCL Technologies, Hexaware, Mindtree, and KPIT Cummins.

The analysis is based on the results presentation by various listed companies and their annual reports.

The sample includes the figures of the erstwhile Satyam Computer, which is now part of Tech Mahindra after its merger with Mahindra Satyam.

IT companies, including Wipro, Infosys, HCL Technologies, Persistent, Tech Mahindra and Hexaware, declined to comment on the development.

Among individual companies, Tech Mahindra witnessed the biggest contraction in its headcount last quarter, followed by Infosys and TCS.

Tech Mahindras employee strength reduced by around 2,000 people to a little under 116,000 in the first quarter at the end of the last quarter.

Infosys saw a net decline of 1,811 people in its headcount, while TCS reported 1,414 decline in its staff strength during the last quarter.

Ajoyendra Mukherjee, the global head of human resources at TCS, said that the gross hiring of employees would be lower in fiscal year 2018 than in the last year across geographies, while speaking during the companys first quarter result presentation.

In contrast, HCL Technologies was the single-biggest hirer in the last quarter, adding nearly 1,800 people to its staff strength last quarter, followed by Wipro with 1,309 more people.

Experts blame the decline in staff to the ongoing slowdown in the industry and pressure on profit margins.

Revenue and volume growth have almost come to a halt for most IT services companies. Besides, margins are falling steadily, forcing companies to change their business practices, leading to elimination of many jobs that involve repetitive tasks.

This is showing in the shrinking headcount numbers, said Rituparna Chakraborty, executive vice-president and co-founder, TeamLease Services.

Every additional rupee of the industrys revenue now costs greater salaries and wages than in the past.

Salary and wages are now equivalent to 53.7 per cent of the industrys net sales on average, up from 47.2 per cent in FY14.

The result has been a decline in employee productivity and downward pressure on operating margins.

Chakraborty doesnt see any immediate return of mass jobs in the industry.

The industry is now going through a technological transformation, leading to a change in skill requirement in the industry.

The mass hiring of engineers from campuses would be now be replaced by hiring of people with specific skills in domains such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing or language skills, among others, she says.

Market experts say the global slowdown and protectionism in developed markets is to blame.

The industry is now growing in low single digits due to a combination of global slowdown and protectionist trade policy in the US, the biggest market. The pain is likely to stay for another two years at least, said G Chokkalingam, founder & managing director, Equinomics Research & Advisory.

Also, automation and robotics are replacing people in some areas.

With investments in new technologies such as automation and robotics, its only natural that many roles would get replaced by robots or get automated, thereby enhancing efficiency and productivity, and reducing headcount, said Anne Prabhu, senior partner at Hunt Partners.

This is showing in the financial performance of listed companies.

Their combined salary and wages was up just 4.6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) during the April-June 2017 quarter, growing at the slowest pace since FY09, and down from 14 per cent YoY growth in FY17.

Companies combined net sales was up just 2.4 per cent YoY in the last quarter, growing at the slowest pace in over a decade.

The previous low was 3.9 per cent growth during FY10, in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis.

The combined operating profit (excluding other income) was down 1.7 per cent YoY last quarter, the worst since FY09.

The combined net profit was down 1.3 per cent last quarter, the worst in a decade.

The maximum pain for the industry is, however, on the margins, with the sample core operating margin (excluding other income) now down to 22.1 per cent (of revenue), the lowest since FY09 when the industry was jolted by the accounting scandal at the erstwhile Satyam Computer.

At its peak, the industry reported operating margins of 26 per cent in FY14.

Photograph: Parivartan Sharma/Reuters
The defence minister has 20 months to learn the military's ethos, culture and to publicly bat for an organisation that feels increasingly marginalised and underappreciated, notes Ajai Shukla.

IMAGE: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman understands the working of a helicopter at the Naliya air base in Gujarat. Photograph: Kind courtesy @nsitharaman/Twitter

Early morning on May 24, 2004, when Pranab Mukherjee, the surprise defence minister of the surprise United Progressive Alliance government was leaving for his first day in office, this correspondent buttonholed him between his front door and his car.

"What will be your priorities as defence minister?" I asked.

The Congress party's most formidable intellect pondered for only a moment.

"Can you ask me that after three months please? I've been the finance minister, foreign minister and held numerous posts in government and Parliament. But the defence ministry is a mystery to me. It will take me some time to understand," he replied.

Nirmala Sitharaman, with only a fraction of the governmental experience that Mukherjee brought to the defence ministry, will surely take that long to grasp the technical, financial and administrative intricacies that make the defence ministership a politician's most challenging, coveted, and even glamorous assignment.

Were she a full-term defence minister, Sitharaman, feted for being only the second woman to hold the job, would have had the time to understand and reform the ministry according to her priorities.

She could then have addressed issues such as reversing the military's 'self reliance index' that currently stands at 70 per cent imported equipment and 30 per cent indigenous.

However, she has just 20 months, of which the last 12 will see the government in election mode, leading into the 2019 general election.

Challenges for Sitharaman

The new defence minister will have to come to grips with three separate armed forces, numbering 1,400,000 men and women

There are also five departments to deal with, each headed by a secretary.

She is responsible for spending the annual defence budget -- Rs 359,854 crore this year.

In the short time at her disposal, Sitharaman will have to come to grips with three separate armed forces, numbering 1,400,000 men and women, steeped in tradition and distrustful of civilians.

There are also the ministry's five departments, each headed by a secretary -- the departments of defence, defence production, defence finance, research and development and ex-servicemen's welfare.

Getting these to work in unison would be an achievement for Sitharaman that none of her predecessors have managed.

Each of these departments patronises and protects sprawling fiefdoms.

R&D includes 50 laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, which controls a budget of Rs 14,818 crore and opposes equipment import reflexively, even when it is critically needed and an indigenous solution is not in sight.

Defence production feels obliged to feed business to its 39 ordnance factories and nine defence public sector undertakings, often at the cost of more efficient private sector producers.

In numerous court rulings, the ironically named department of ex-servicemen's welfare has been castigated for lavishing time and public money on litigating endlessly against retired soldiers who had the temerity to approach the courts for retirement and medical benefits they feel were due to them.

IMAGE: The defence minister visited soldiers posted close to Sir Creek, the international border area in Gujarat. Photograph: Kind courtesy @nsitharaman/Twitter

As Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson from 2010 to 2014, and as minister of commerce and industry since May 2014, Sitharaman has evinced the discipline, dignity and work ethic that an inherently conservative military would appreciate.

But winning the military's loyalty and confidence would require Sitharaman to do more than just paying lip service to 'hamaare bahadur jawan (our brave soldiers).

She would have to learn the military's ethos, culture and to publicly bat for an organisation that feels increasingly marginalised and underappreciated.

In all this, Sitharaman's hands would be tied to some degree.

Given the prime minister's office's proclivity to micromanage governance; and the defence ministry's reliance on the finance ministry for the allocation and disbursement of funds and clearances for procurements, both these organisations retain a veto power on the defence minister's initiatives.

For example, Sitharaman is theoretically responsible for spending the annual defence budget -- Rs 359,854 crore this year.

Of this, the capital allocation for new equipment is Rs 86,488 crore, a ridiculously low proportion that Parliament's defence committee has slammed as inadequate.

Yet, year after year, the defence ministry surrenders large chunks of this allocation (it returned Rs 7,000 crore last year) because the finance ministry, which must endorse large procurements, deliberately delays clearances until the money lapses.

Sitharaman must try to remedy this situation.

Defence analysts routinely chorus the imperative for allocating 3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product to defence, from the current allocation of 2.14 per cent (or 16.8 per cent of government spending).

Sitharaman would probably realise that, given Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on job creation and social sector spending, raising the defence budget substantially is a pipe dream.

But she could focus on improving efficiencies and optimising duplicated structures, besides fully utilising the existing defence allocations.

Getting such a process underway, and thus establishing her credentials as a serious reformist, would require Sitharaman to focus laser-like on creating the structures of tri-service command.

Fortunately for her, the spadework has already been done. The Naresh Chandra Task Force in 2012 recommended appointing a four-star permanent chairman to the Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the integration of the defence ministry with the three service headquarters.

Last year, the D B Shekatkar Committee made similar recommendations.

Last fortnight, Arun Jaitley implemented 65 measures proposed by Lieutenant General Shekatkar (retd), but ducked on the vital tri-service reforms, which, when implemented, would save Rs 25,000 crore annually, according to the report.

IMAGE: Nirmala Sitharaman at a daily meeting with the three service chiefs. Photograph: Kind courtesy @nsitharaman/Twitter

Captains of defence industry wonder what brief Sitharaman would receive from the prime minister, since that would determine her direction.

If her brief as defence minister were to strengthen combat capability and fill in equipment voids, acquisition policy reforms are essential to enable expeditious decision-making.

One of her National Democratic Alliance forebears, Manohar Parrikar, tried hard to simplify procedures, but bureaucratic safe play ensured that his flagship Defence Procurement Procedure of 2016 remains as hidebound as its predecessors.

Similarly, his Strategic Partner policy -- which sets out procedures for building up Indian private firms as defence specialists -- has been defanged by bureaucrats who want to avoid the exercise of choice and discretion.

Fortunately for Sitharaman, she will inherit more capable bureaucrats than her predecessors had to work with.

The new defence secretary, Sanjay Mitra, has a reputation for dynamism unlike his predecessor, G Mohan Kumar, who spent long years opposing ministry reform.

A new secretary for defence production will also be in place in October, and Sitharaman would do well to influence this selection.

If Sitharaman's brief is to quickly galvanise job creation, she already has templates to work to.

Earlier this year, CII handed Parrikar a list of 30 to 40 defence contracts languishing in the pipeline, each worth under Rs 500 crore.

If these were pushed through quickly, a range of Indian defence firms would get work, for which they would step up hiring.

Says one defence entrepreneur, who hopes to win one of these contracts: "If I get the production order, I will hire 40 to 50 people right away."

For Sitharaman, whose report card will be evaluated going into the 2019 election, short-term objectives and initiatives will take precedence over long-term structural changes.

The lessons of Doklam are still fresh: Operational readiness has to be addressed on priority.

It remains to be seen whether this hard-headed minister with a reputation for demanding results from her subordinates can get the defence ministry dinosaur moving.
'Those who were first at the site of Gauri Lankesh's murder scene noticed that the place was still open for people to casually walk in and out.'

'No forensic evidence of value can remain in such places,' points out Aakar Patel.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Indian cities have changed very much over the last 30 years and this has affected police work.

I am not talking of how the cities have grown bigger or become more populous and unlivable for most people, which they have. What is being referred to is the way that they were originally designed and what they have become.

Though India is an ancient place, most cities in India are new.

Our largest cities, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, were built by the British less than 300 years ago.

Some other cities, like Hyderabad, Surat and Ahmedabad, go back another 200 years or so.

Even 'old' Delhi, meaning Shahjahanabad, was built but 400 years ago.

Only Kashi can claim to be older, and almost all of Kashi is actually new. The ghats are all relatively recent and of no structure can it legitimately be claimed that it has been around for over 500 years.

Compare this with Rome, where the Pantheon, a large building built around 2,000 years ago, is still intact.

In Rome the population has always lived around monuments from ancient times and there is a continuity to life in that city, even though the modern additions of bicycles and motor cars and restaurants have come.

Other than this life seems like it is unchanged over the centuries in any neighbourhood.

In India it is, of course, totally different.

It is the rare neighbourhood in our cities where there is not some new building coming up and many places become unrecognisable to the local who has just been away for a few years.

I went back to Surat some time ago, a city I had spent most of my life, and I had to use GPS to find my own home.

So why do I say that the change has affected the way the police do their work?

The traditional way in which crime has been tackled in India is through the neighbourhood thana and its list of 'history sheeters', whose photographs are pasted on police station notice boards.

This is for new policemen to become acquainted with their area and their 'regulars'.

However in Indian cities today, there is enormous churn as people change jobs, move cities, and shift from rented houses regularly.

There is no permanence to the urban neighbourhood either in terms of the buildings or the people. However, the system of policing has remained the same. Some assistance has come through technology, such as CCTV cameras.

However, even here, unlike in other countries, it is a hit-or-miss affair.

Thefts in middle class houses are still solved by the police rounding up the servants and thrashing them till someone confesses.

There is no proper investigation of any crime, including murder.

Those who were first at the site of Gauri Lankesh's murder scene noticed that the place was still open for people to casually walk in and out. No forensic evidence of value can remain in such places.

A parallel development that has affected police work has been the disappearance of the 'khabri'.

The police informer can only be one who is on the periphery of crime, someone doing a little bit of illegal work, whom the police can bully or bribe into giving information.

You and I cannot be khabris because we are not in contact with those who are criminals.

After the fall of the Babri Masjid and the riots in Mumbai and Surat, and then the retaliatory attacks in the form of bomb blasts, the police lost their khabris, most of whom were Muslims.

The communal divide has affected the old model of policing and almost no terror investigation is able to be concluded in India, as news reports show.

Modern forensics based investigation is absent and the old model can no longer produce results.

In 1996, as a reporter in the sessions court of Mumbai I was approached by Shyam Keswani, the lawyer representing Iqbal Mirchi, the alleged drug dealer who India was seeking to extradite from England.

The CBI had sent a team of four people to argue the matter in the Bow Street magistrate's court.

Keswani gave me a copy of the chargesheet, which was about 200 pages.

I read through it, and in the entire file there was only one mention of his client.

This was on the last page where a line said, 'also wanted in the case, one Iqbal Memon alias Mirchi'.

This was all the 'evidence' that the Government of India was submitting. Of course, Mirchi was not extradited and remains in England.

I should say that this is not the fault of the Indian policeman, who is very hardworking. But he is still operating in a system that was instituted by the British to manage neighbourhood 'law and order' rather than solving crime through detection.

In Japan conviction ratios are over 95%. Meaning if the police has caught someone in a crime, it is almost guaranteed that the court will find them guilty.

There are critics of this system, which like India's is also dependent on confessional statements, which is often produced through torture.

But despite having the same flaws, India's conviction ratios are well below 50%.

The majority of Indians who commit crime, even serious crime, get away in India.

For this reason, I will not be surprised if the men who murdered Gauri Lankesh, and their paymasters, will never be brought to account.

The failure is systemic, and for us to expect that it will work in particular instances a show of optimism rather than an assessment of the factual reality.

Aakar Patel is Executive Director, Amnesty International India. The views expressed here are his own.
Myanmar State Counsellor and de facto leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will not attend next week's United Nations General Assembly debate as criticism of her handling of the Rohingya crisis grows.

According to reports, about 370,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar's northern Rakhine state for Bangladesh, Nepal and India since the outbreak of violence last month.

Entire villages have been burnt down, leading critics and the United Nations into accusing the National League for Democracy government of ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar's military, however, says it is fighting Rohingya militants and has denied reports that it is targeting civilians.

The Rohingya, a mostly Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority Rakhine, have long experienced persecution in Myanmar, which says they are illegal immigrants. They have lived in Myanmar for generations but are denied citizenship.

The UN Security Council is due to meet on Wednesday to discuss the crisis.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi has been criticised by former supporters in the west for failing to do enough to prevent the violence.

She had lived under house arrest for 15 years for her pro-democracy activism.

Fellow Nobel laureates, including the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Malala Yousafzai, have called on Suu Kyi to stop the violence.

Suu Kyi was expected to participate in discussions at the General Assembly session in New York, which runs from September 19 to 25.

IMAGE: Supporters celebrate Aung San Suu Kyi's 72nd birthday at a party in National League for Democracy party headquarters in Yangon, Myanmar on June 19, 2017. Photograph: Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters
The Centre on Wednesday said no ransom amount was paid to abductors for the release of Father Tom Uzhunnalil and underlined that the ministry of external affairs "works quietly without noise, but ultimately gets the work done".

The Keralite priest was abducted by Islamic State terrorists during a deadly attack on a care home in the port city of Aden in war-ravaged Yemen on March 6, 2016. At least 15 people at the old-age home were killed in the attack.

"Release of Father Uzhunnalil yesterday underlines one thing that the Ministry of External Affairs works quietly and without noise, but ultimately gets the work done," Union Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Union minister said "no" when asked whether any ransom was paid for the release of the priest.

"We know the type of criticism that had come couple of times when Father Uzhunnalil disappeared in Yemen. We are very happy that he has come back safely and I'm sure people will appreciate that we were able to get him out safe and sound," Singh added.

On the role played by Oman, Singh said various methods were adopted to tackle a problem.

"If a direct method failed to yield results, indirect methods are adopted and the aim is to get the problem solved," he said.

Asked whether Uzhunnanlil contacted any Indian officials to thank the government following his release, Singh said, "I'm quite sure that he will do it after he gets back from the Vatican."

It was for the priest to decide when he would come to India, Singh said responding to a question.

A video of Uzhunnalil had surfaced in December last year in which he appealed to the government to free him.

In the clip, Uzhunnalil was seen saying, "If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously. I'm from India. I'm perhaps not considered of much value."

In July, Union minister Sushma Swaraj had taken up the the issue of Uzhunnalil's abduction with the Deputy Prime Minister of Yemen and requested him to secure the release of the priest.

Last year, Swaraj had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has spoken to various countries so that the the priest could be released.
The streets of Ahmedabad on Wednesday came alive with song and dance performances as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an 8-km road show with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife, the first such event by the Indian premier with a visiting head of government.



Modi held Abe in his characteristic bear hug as he, accompanied by wife Akie, landed at the Ahmedabad airport, reflecting the close bonding the two leaders have forged over several meetings.

In a gesture symbolising the growing ties between the two large Asiatic economies, Abe wore kurta-pyjama and a royal blue Nehru jacket while his wife donned a red salwar-kameez ensemble as they accompanied Modi on the road show from the airport to the Sabarmati Ashram.

Sabarmati Ashram was set up by apostle of peace Mahatma Gandhi who spent considerable time of his life there.

Song and dance performances were held by the roadside as the cavalcade rolled on, guarded by gun toting security personnel.

Crowds lining up the streets cheered lustily as Modi and Abe waved at them. Akie, meanwhile, happily clicked photos with her mobile phone. People were seen waving Indian and Japanese national flags at several places.

The road show, designed to showcase India's cultural diversity, saw artistes from several states performing on 28 stages erected by the roadside.

They performed folk dances in traditional attires, while at several places along the way people in customary Japanese ensemble carrying parasols were also seen breaking into a jig to welcome the visiting dignitaries.

The road show, which began from Ahmedabad airport ended at the Sabarmati Ashram after traversing nearly eight kilometres.

The two leaders will get down to business tomorrow when they would jointly lay the foundation stone for the high-speed train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai which is expected to be completed by 2022. The train would cover the distance of over 500 km in around two hours.

Japan has extended a soft loan for the ambitious project conceptualised by Modi.

The two leaders will hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar after which agreements will be exchanged. Later, an India-Japan business plenary meeting will be held.

Fifteen agreements will be signed for investments in Gujarat during the visit of the Japanese prime minister, Gujarat chief secretary J N Singh had said on Tuesday.

Abes spouse will be visiting a number of places including an NGO -- Blind People's Association.

Modi had hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife in Ahmedabad in his home state Gujarat in September 2014.

Abes visit comes amid rising tensions in the Far East where North Korea recently launched a ballistic missile that flew over Japan.

Growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea is also a cause of concern in the region and could come up for discussion between the two leaders.

Japan has extended a soft loan for the ambitious project conceptualised by Modi.

The two leaders will hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar after which agreements will be exchanged. Later, an India-Japan business plenary meeting will be held.

Fifteen agreements will be signed for investments in Gujarat during the visit of the Japanese prime minister, Gujarat chief secretary J N Singh had said.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW

Photographs: PTI Photo, @MEAIndia/Twitter
This one isn't for the faint-hearted!

Adrenaline junkies are flocking to Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin City, Australia, to dive with crocodiles. However these are no ordinary predators; theyre 16-foot long terrifying beasts!

And judging by these photos, we think well be staying on land -- but would you dare to swim with the crocs?

Crocosaurus Cove is renowned for its terrifying 'Cave of Death' where visitors can go diving with giant crocodiles. It's the only crocodile dive in Australia.

All photographs: @crocosauruscove/Instagram

The thrill-seekers are placed in an aquatic enclosure -- of thin plastic -- and then lowered into the croc-infested waters.

Tourists have to shell out 103 (Rs 8,695) for the thrills of being surrounded by the 16-foot-long reptiles.

The Saltwater crocodile's teeth can be as long as four inches and the reptiles are considered one of the most dangerous to humans. The reptiles are found across the north of Australia and are also native to India and other areas of south-east Asia.

The Crocosaurus Cove owns seven crocodiles, including a breeding pair named William and Kate. The other reptiles at the cove boast more fearsome names, such as Chopper and Axel.

When you see a 16-foot crocodile, relax and mediate! The park, perfect for adrenaline junkies, has been open since 2011.

The terrifying predators can weigh as much as 900 kg.

The crocodile is fed chunks of meat in front of the tourists showcasing its incredibly powerful jaws.

A tourist said he didnt expect it to be that close and intense so he wasnt that nervous -- until being plunged underwater.

It's not for the faint-hearted; you're literally just inches away from its horrifyingly sharp teeth.

It's a very popular attraction and during peak season from May to August, it can get fully booked up 3-5 days in advance.

Participants are required to sign an indemnity release before they take to the waters - and undergo a full 20 minute safety briefing.
'Men of the calibre of Shri Ramana Maharishi, Satya Sai Baba, Shri Aurobindo -- you don't get that level of excellence in the West.'

'The quality of Indian saints is unmatched.'

Bill Aitken came to India nearly 60 years ago. He never returned.

An Indian citizen since 1972, he speaks to Rediff.com's Archana Masih about finding a religion, a country and discovering India on steam engines and motorbikes.

IMAGE: Writer and scholar of Hinduism, Bill Aitken arrived in India in 1959 and took Indian citizenship in 1972. Photographs: Seema Pant

If there is a journey of a lifetime, then Bill Aitken made one 58 years ago.

At 25, he set out over land, from England to India with 50 pounds (around Rs 1,000 in today's time).

Six weeks later, on September 7, 1959, he arrived in India, crossing over from Pakistan through Wagah after hitching a ride for Rs 2 with a group of British tourists he had met in the Kwality restaurant in Lahore.

"The funny thing was I happened to be born a vegetarian. At Christmas dinner, I would have a boiled egg!" says Bill Aitken, 83, with a generous laugh and a youthful, age-defying manner of speaking.

He gave up his British passport and became an Indian citizen in 1972. The procedure included placing an advertisement in Hindi in the local newspaper Almora Shakti.

"I had always gravitated towards Hindustani values. I studied the world's living religions at the University of Leeds and had planned to go around the world to see Buddhism, Hinduism... I was young, I was free... I thought it is now or never."

He is sitting in a chair under an assortment of framed pictures on the wall, recuperating from knee surgery. It is comfortably warm in the 100-year-old cottage in Mussoorie where every article seems of vintage.

Among the photographs is a picture of his companion of 40 years, the late former Maharani of Jind and another one of his guru Shri Krishna Prem.

A World War I fighter pilot, Shri Krishna Prem, an Englishman, had a degree in philosophy from Cambridge. He came to teach at Lucknow university in the 1920s, became a sadhu and lived his life in an ashram in the Himalayas.

The easy, riveting conversation of journeys, gurus, people and life in an India of a different time is only broken by the hourly chimes of the cuckoo clock and honks of cars on the winding road outside.

Listening to him, if there is one thought that succinctly describes his experiences, it is this -- 'Wow, what a life this man has lived!'

IMAGE: The Jind House, the 100-year-old cottage, where he lives is now a trust for mountaineering studies.

Long before the days of Google, Aitken's only source of information to plan the overland passage to India were a few books.

Luckily, conflict and strife had not made geographical borders and certain countries as inaccessible as they are today. Yet when has there ever been a time when the world has been at peace?

En route he wanted to stop in Israel to see the Holy Land, but the battle for the supremacy over the Suez Canal had made it impossible to travel through the Arab countries.

"You could only sail to Jaffa through Syria or Jordan, but because of the Suez war the British government said you can't get a visa to Syria."

A friend who had already done the trip to Israel told him to ignore the advisory.

"He told me to just apply for a Syrian visa when I got to Turkey. 'If you have the cash, you will get the visa', he said and that was enough to set me off visa-less for Ankara," he says in a conversation liberally sprinkled with chuckles as he digs out gem after another.

He finally did get the visa.

Among the cluster of photographs in the room where Aitken, a master raconteur, is recounting his adventure, is a scrapbook with a map showing the route of the journey, highlighted in black.

England-Belgium-Luxemburg-Germany-Austria-Croatia-Serbia-Macedonia-Greece-Turkey-Syria --Lebanon-Jordan-Israel-sail back to Turkey-Iran-Pakistan-India.

He rattles off the countries with ease, its thrill still undimmed by the distance of memory.

IMAGE: He travelled by road over six weeks to reach India to know about Hindu philosophy and experience the country.

"I journeyed by road/train... in anything that got me further. When I got to Yugoslavia the cars and roads ran out. Student volunteers were building roads under Marshal Tito and there were huge posters on the highways, saying, 'Marshal Tito loves you, please build his roads'."

"Wonderful people, the Yugoslavs."

But the highlight of the journey came in Iran -- when he was booted out of the mosque in Qom.

"I had travelled with pilgrims on a bus and went in along with them, but I was physically thrown out. The Shah of Iran was still ruling then and it was used by the Ayatollah (Khomeini) as a seminary. He wasn't there at that time," he laughs heartily again, sipping a glass of warm water.

It was a different world then -- Yugoslavia had not broken up, the Shah had not lost his throne and Pakistan was under martial law.

"I made it to India, god knows how," he chuckles, remembering that Wagah was a quiet crossing at that time without the masculine theatre that is played out between Indian and Pakistan every evening.

He caught a train to Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple and then onward to Delhi where he stayed at the Birla Mandir, which was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi with the condition that it should be open to people of all castes.

But by then he was broke. "50 pounds khatam ho gaya, even though I had survived on grapes and bread to make it last," he laughs.

IMAGE: A traveller of the truest kind, he shows his scrapbook with permits, photographs and clippings.

A friend in Calcutta then got him a teaching job for Marwari kids at the Hindi High School for Rs 400 a month -- and Aitken set off by train to Bengal for another life-changing journey.

He taught for one-and-a-half years and lived at the Salvation Army hostel for Rs 1 a day.

"The only Christians that I've found, who actually practice what Christ was all about!" he says in good humoured jest. "if I had any money I would leave it to them. They are simple and sincere."

Last year an old student from the school, now a CEO of a large company, sought him out and invited him for lunch.

He loved Calcutta and the people. They were so themselves -- so at home in their own culture, he felt. "They gave a hoot about anyone else. Most people when they saw an angrez, they appeared polite and helpful, Bengalis just laughed at you," he says with a laugh himself.

"It was so refreshing that I was a figure of fun."

With an MA in comparative religion, Aitken's plan was to experience the religions of the world and return to England to teach -- but the Hindi High School changed it all for him.

"What turned me, having grown up in the Western education Scottish Calvinist faith, was this wonderful image of Saraswati at the entrance."

"It was mind blowing. I stayed on because of Goddess Saraswati. That really decided that India complements my thinking. The psychic -- this more than the body dimension -- was totally lacking in the West."

As he says this, he points to a statue of Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning, placed in a shelf opposite the chair he is sitting in. It seems to be thoughtfully placed, to be in front of his eyes at most times.

IMAGE: The Scottish village of Tullibody in Scotland. He last visited his family in 1997.

Bill Aitken has been a student of Hinduism since 1953. His scholarship has been honed by half a century's experience of witnessing and encountering the spiritual and the divine in India.

He spent 11 years in two ashrams in Uttarakhand in the 1960s, working as a gardener and labourer. An almost fatal bout of typhoid nearly took his life there, but he came out of it semi enlightened, he says.

"We are not born with religion, we are born to find our religion," says the man who has visited all the dhams (religious destinations) and harbours an innate sensitivity towards India's mountains, forests and rivers.

He has written over a dozen books travelling through the country on his motorbike and trains.

For twelve years, every winter, he set out of Delhi on his motorbike to the Deccan and says the most beautiful mandir he has ever seen is the 13th century Ramappa temple in Telangana.

"Those living, vibrant statues... I never tire of the Deccan -- the temples, the legacy of the Maratha empire, the brilliant architecture of medieval Muslim sultanats in Bidar, Bijapur -- fantastic!"

Historian Ramchandra Guha once said in an interview that Aitken's book Seven Sacred Rivers is a gem of a portrait of India.

"As a child I was very dissatisfied about the nature of the divine god," says Aitken. "Whenever I questioned my elders, the answer always was -- 'eat your bun'," he laughs.

"Only as a student, after I read these various world scriptures, immediately, the Upanishads made sense."

"India finds worship as a natural thing to do. In Shakespeare's England there was still a psychic dimension, but with the Age of Reason in the 17th-18th century, the psychic reality -- like the credence to dreams and premonition -- was cut out. It all became cerebral."

"Men of the calibre of Shri Ramana Maharishi, Satya Sai Baba, Shri Aurobindo -- you don't get that level of excellence in the West. The quality of Indian saints is unmatched."

IMAGE: A lover of steam locomotives, he is the only man to have covered the entire country on the 'choti line' trains, pulled by steam engines.

Aitken once wore a kilt. His native village has a monument to Scottish hero William 'Braveheart' Wallace, the iconic martyr of Scottish independence.

His painstakingly made scrapbook -- which has photographs, travel memorabilia like the first -ever tourist permit to Arunachal -- has a section devoted to Tullibody, his village in the Forth Valley.

It has photographs of his family, a picture of an old Scottish steam engine and his beautiful village -- but Aitken has left Scotland far behind.

He last visited his sisters in 1997 and does not think he will make another trip.

When he took Indian citizenship, he wrote to the British high commissioner renouncing his British citizenship -- and the reply he got was -- 'you can't!'

"I was informed that because you are born in Britain of British parents you remain British whether you like it or not," he laughs.

"So I'm Hindustani and Vilayati."

"I love India. Britain has no appeal, I like the people, but it is a strange place. I feel it is an unenlightened well meaning nation. They gave me a good education and I can never thank them enough."

IMAGE: In the early days on the Palace on Wheels, India's first destination train experience.

Fired by that education's encouragement to question beliefs and ideas ultimately led Aitken to India.

In England, his external examiner for the MA thesis happened to be a Bengali. The professor told him that if he ever happened to visit India, he should meet Shri Krishna Prem, the English sadhu in Mirtola ashram in Almora.

In the strange ways fate sometimes goes on to craft people's lives, it was a stroke of chance that the teacher from whom Aitken was taking Sanskrit lessons in Calcutta, also knew Shri Krishna Prem.

But he warned him that the guru did not like visitors and gave him a letter of introduction.

Aitken would only meet the guru a few years later, but like most of his journeys, his move from Calcutta to the Himalayas was yet another fascinating discovery of India, her people and of himself.
Rohingya exodus puts pressure back on UN rights probe

Publisher IRIN Author Sara Perria Publication Date 13 September 2017 Cite as IRIN, Rohingya exodus puts pressure back on UN rights probe, 13 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59b8e8334.html [accessed 14 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.

An unfolding humanitarian emergency along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border is intensifying pressure on the UN to take action, with fears that an unprecedented exodus of Rohingya refugees fleeing a military clampdown in Myanmar's Rakhine State could amount to ethnic cleansing.

A long-delayed UN fact-finding mission to Myanmar is renewing attempts to investigate allegations of serious rights violations, while the UN Security Council is set to hold a meeting on the crisis today after a request from Britain.

Since 25 August, more than 370,000 Rohingya refugees have surged over the conflict-torn Myanmar border into crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh, bringing stories of razed villages, executions, and forced expulsions.

The violence has underscored the urgency of the UN probe. The fact-finding mission was mandated in March by the Human Rights Council to investigate allegations of severe rights violations, particularly in Rakhine State, where the Buddhist majority has badly strained relations with international agencies and aid groups.

"We are working day and night to send a team as soon as it is practically possible to establish the facts," Marzuki Darusman, an Indonesian lawyer who chairs the three-member team, told IRIN in a statement. "The fact-finding mission is very concerned about the reports coming out on recent developments."

Calling on the Security Council to hold a "formal discussion" on the issue, Matthew Rycroft, the UK's UN ambassador, told reporters: "I think it's a sign of the significant worry that Security Council members have that the situation is continuing to deteriorate for many Rohingya."

'Textbook example of ethnic cleansing'

The most recent wave of violence in Rakhine state was sparked after a group of fighters, calling itself the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, attacked police and border posts in Rakhine State on 25 August. It is also accused of killing civilians and blocking Rohingya males from fleeing.

Rights groups say the response from Myanmar's military has been severely disproportionate; security forces have attacked unarmed civilians, burned down homes, and forced out entire villages, they say.

Myanmar authorities deny committing abuses, claiming instead that Rohingya militants and villagers torched their own homes.

But with Myanmar blocking access to affected parts of Rakhine, allegations of human rights violations - and the government's own explanations - are difficult to verify.

"Because Myanmar has refused access to human rights investigators, the current situation cannot yet be fully assessed," the UN's top rights official, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, said in a statement before the Human Rights Council in Geneva. "But the situation seems a textbook example of ethnic cleansing."

"If you have two sides in a conflict and one feels you are supporting only the other, then you run into problems"

Until now, Myanmar's government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, has stonewalled UN monitors, refusing to grant visas to individual members of the fact-finding mission. With the military riding a wave of populist nationalism and elements of the government stoking anti-international resentment, it is unclear whether Myanmar will throw open its doors to a UN inspection.

"The international community can best help by supporting the Myanmar government in its efforts to bring stability, peace, and development in Rakhine State," the country's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement.

The UN's fact-finding mission has renewed its request for access and cooperation following the recent violence, but has yet to receive a reply, said its chairman.

"We retain hope that cooperation will be possible," Darusman said.

A source within the UN previously told IRIN that the mission could try to reach witnesses in Bangladesh, even if access is barred in Myanmar.

Buddhist distrust

While Myanmar has blocked the UN fact-finding mission for the last six months, relationships between international aid groups and communities in Rakhine have long been strained.

Western aid agencies and NGOs are widely perceived by the state's Rakhine Buddhist majority to sympathise with the stateless Rohingya, who many in Myanmar view as interlopers from Bangladesh despite a long history in the area.

Aung Naing Soe

The office of an aid agency in a displacement camp for Rohingya outside Sittwe in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

The roots of the antipathy toward aid groups reach back to the 1990s, when humanitarian interventions focused on the Muslim populations in the northern township of Maungdaw. At the time, donors imposed a mandate to not engage with the ruling military junta.

In Rakhine, however, this led to a perception among many Buddhist communities that their economic and political grievances had been dismissed - and that the international community only helped Muslims.

In a series of interviews in the state before the latest outbreak of violence, Rakhine Buddhists, including community leaders and local government officials, described to IRIN a sense of frustration, anger and abandonment over 25 years of aid delivery.

Shwe Zai De, a well-known monk in Sittwe, explained the view of many ethnic Rakhine. "The UN and INGOs are on the side of the Bengali," he said, using a pejorative term commonly used in Myanmar to refer to the Rohingya.

Easy target

While there are nuances in Rakhine views toward their Rohingya neighbours, one common thread is a visceral distrust of international aid groups and the UN - laced with anti-Muslim sentiment.

This legacy resurfaced in 2012, when communal clashes displaced both Rohingya and Rakhine communities and led to an enforced separation where some 130,000 Rohingya and several thousand Rakhine were sheltered in displacement camps.

Two men sit under the remnants of their homes in Sittwe, the capital of Myanmar's Rakhine State, following violence in June 2012.

As humanitarian needs grew, UN agencies and INGOs stepped up aid to the displaced groups.

While the Rohingya were segregated, the Rakhine also called for help and felt their expectations were dismissed. Against a backdrop of growing nationalist hate speech, the international community became an easy target.

In 2014, ethnic Rakhine mobs attacked the offices of several international organisations in Sittwe, the state capital, and Medecins Sans Frontieres was forced to stop operations.

"If you have two sides in a conflict and one feels you are supporting only the other, then you run into problems, especially as you will still have economic ties with that community through procurement of aid-related goods and services," said Gabrielle Aron, a conflict sensitivity expert based in Rakhine.

Aid suspensions

The relationship is more frayed than ever after the most recent violence, with many aid groups suspending humanitarian work in northern Rakhine. The UN has withdrawn its staff from northern Rakhine for security reasons. A UN spokesman said the World Food Programme was also forced to suspend aid deliveries in central Rakhine because of "difficulties in distribution".

The International Committee of the Red Cross has announced it will look to scale up services in Rakhine, helping to deliver basic aid to 10,000 people this week.

But it's unclear when programmes run by the UN and international aid groups will resume in northern Rakhine, the flashpoint for the recent violence. When they do, they will face a level of distrust that runs deeper by the day, driven by the latest escalating crisis.

"In my experience," a Rakhine store owner in Sittwe told IRIN earlier this year, "70 percent of INGOs are close to Islam."
Burundi officials should be tried for "crimes against humanity": UN commission

Publisher IRIN Author Ben Parker Publication Date 4 September 2017 Cite as IRIN, Burundi officials should be tried for "crimes against humanity": UN commission, 4 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59b8ea5d4.html [accessed 14 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.

Burundians "at the highest level of the state" and in its security services should face trial at the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, a UN panel investigating more than two years of human rights abuses in the central African state said today.

The three-member Commission of Enquiry said it had "reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed and continue to be committed in Burundi since April 2015."

The violent political crisis, sparked when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he would run for a third term in office, has been marked by a heavy-handed crackdown by security forces on street protests. It has all but extinguished hopes that Burundi will embrace a peaceful democratic transition in the wake of a civil war that cost some 300,000 lives between 1993 and 2006.

"These crimes are taking place in a context of serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, sexual violence, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and enforced disappearances," the commission, created by the Human Rights Council, said in a statement accompanying its final report.

The report said rights to association, freedom of movement, as well as an independent media had been stifled: Opposition parties could not meet or act freely, their members were under constant pressure, and a large number had been arrested tortured or killed.

The result of three months of investigations and 500 interviews, the report did not name names, but the commission has drawn up a confidential list of suspects.

Perpetrators

The abuses are attributed to the government's army, the police and the security services, as well as the paramilitary youth wing of the ruling party, known as the Imbonerakure.

Burundi's national intelligence service (SNR) and the Burundian National Police were cited in a large number of the witness statements as the principle perpetrators.

"[The SNR agents] accused me of being a rebel," one witness said. "Behind me, an [SNR agent] was interrogating another detainee. He received a bullet in the leg and was bleeding. The [SNR] agents beat him as if he was a snake while he was bleeding [The SNR agent] who was interrogating me said: 'You see, you do not have enough strength to resist that. You are going to die if you do not admit what you know."

The commission also documented several cases of sexual violence, including rapes, sometimes of women in front of their loved ones. Men were also victims of rape; others tortured sexually.

"They beat me many times in the genitals," one man said. "They told me to bend over, arms level with my knees, and kicked me in the genitals. Because of the blows inflicted, I haven't been able to have sexual relations since It's like I've become impotent."

The commission's president, Fatsah Ouguergouz, said: "We were struck by the scale and the brutality of the violations. We also noted a lack of will on the part of the Burundian authorities to fight against impunity and guarantee the independence of the judiciary. As a result, there is a strong likelihood that the perpetrators of these crimes will remain unpunished."

Role of the ICC

In April 2016, the ICC announced it had launched a "preliminary examination" of the situation in Burundi - at the time more than 430 people had reportedly been killed. This ongoing step, which under ICC procedures determines whether a full investigation should take place, focuses on "killing, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as cases of enforced disappearances that have been allegedly committed since April 2015."

In October 2016, Nkurunziza signed legislation calling for Burundi's withdrawal from the ICC, notification of which was later that month sent to the UN secretary general. Under the Rome Statute, actual withdrawal takes place a year after such notification.

But under the statute, specifically article 127, a state's withdrawal does not end its obligation to cooperate with the ICC on issues that were under the court's consideration before that withdrawal, nor does it oblige the ICC to stop its work on that country.

The Burundian government rejects the commission and did not allow members to visit the country. Interviews were conducted in neighbouring countries, to where hundreds of thousands of Burundians have fled since 2015.

On 1 September, Burundi's parliament announced it would set up its own commission, made up of 12 lawmakers, to look into the UN commission's findings.

New rebel threat?

The UN commission's call for ICC prosecutions comes days after an armed rebel group, the Burundi Popular Forces (an offshoot of FOREBU), warned it would step up attacks to pressure Nkurunziza to join inclusive mediated talks with the opposition in neighbouring Tanzania.

"Renewed talks had been envisioned for the end of July, but that time has come and gone without any progress," commented Dominique Fraser, a research analyst at the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect.

"It's unclear how much power and influence [FOREBU] actually wield, but an escalation of violence would likely spell trouble for Burundi and could heighten the risk of mass atrocities," Fraser told IRIN.

Thijs Van Laer, programme manager at the International Refugee Rights Initiative, agreed, warning that any renewed violence "could be followed by repression by the Burundian government.

"Real regional pressure on the Burundian government is the preferred option, as it could prevent such renewed open violence and repression, potentially followed by a new increase in ongoing refugee flows," he added.

"Currently, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are putting all their eggs in the basked of mediation by former Tanzanian president Benjamin Mkapa, without really pressuring Nkurunziza to participate in it," Van Laer said.

"They should increase pressure on government and opposition, not just to participate in talks, but also to halt abuses against political opponents and common citizens, and to support real accountability for crimes."

According to Alex Fielding, a risk and crisis management consultant with 4C Strategies and a freelance analyst on African affairs, "violence hasn't forced the government into negotiations in the past.

"Only serious UN-backed, regional pressure led by countries like South Africa, with a credible military threat, will force Nkurunziza's hand, something that looks unlikely at the moment."
Crackdown: Prison conditions worsen in post-coup Turkey

Publisher IRIN Publication Date 6 September 2017 Cite as IRIN, Crackdown: Prison conditions worsen in post-coup Turkey, 6 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59b8eafc4.html [accessed 14 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.

Turkey has been packing its jails with political offenders since a failed coup nearly 14 months ago, and prisoners' families, lawyers, and activists have told IRIN of an increase in overcrowding, poor medical care, solitary confinement, and mistreatment.

Some 50,000 people have been jailed for suspected ties to the attempted takeover last July, including elected officials, academics, human rights workers, and journalists.

In total, monitors estimate that at least 220,000 people are currently imprisoned in Turkey and have documented deteriorating prison conditions that are corroborated by accounts given to IRIN.

Groups like Amnesty International say conditions are unlikely to improve in the near future, as alleged violations continue to pile up without state oversight or verifiable repercussions.

"It's clear there's a systematic attempt to silence dissent and this has gone a long way in creating a climate of fear within civil society, but it's also clear this process hasn't been completed," Andrew Gardner, a Turkey-based researcher for Amnesty International, an organisation with two senior officials currently in detention, told IRIN.

"All signals are showing that problems are continuing and deepening."

The Turkish government accuses a movement tied to US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen of orchestrating the failed coup, and defends the scale of arrests as necessary to maintain order in the country.

Protesters in overcrowded prisons

To make space for the growing number of political prisoners, state officials released more than 38,000 non-political criminals last August, including some guilty of violent offenses, even murder.

Some of those convicted of crimes against the state have no direct links to the coup attempt, but were jailed instead for protesting or expressing criticism of the increasingly authoritarian governing style of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Sevgul*, a young mother convicted of spreading terrorist propaganda after taking part in a protest, was given a multi-year sentence even though her six-month-old was still breastfeeding. As Turkish law allows children as old as six to stay with their mothers in prison, she opted to serve her sentence with her child in tow.

Sent to a prison in the eastern province on Elazig, Sevgul found herself and her infant crammed with 23 other women into a cell built for eight.

The crackdown on alleged opponents of the state has given rise to hunger strikes by inmates across the country as penal institutions have become increasingly overcrowded.

Sevgul has struggled to care for her newborn, who cries through the nights and has developed a skin infection, according to Sevgul's sister Ayten*.

Since the conviction, Ayten has taken Sevgul's husband and older daughter into her apartment. Ayten visits her sister regularly and, in an interview with IRIN, described her sister's difficulties in procuring baby food and supplies while in jail, as well as the wider human rights abuses that have become commonplace in Turkey's post-coup prison system.

Ayten said Sevgul has been beaten at least once, when guards dragged her down a stairway by the hair for refusing orders to give a military salute.

The impacts of Sevgul's detention have been felt through the entire family.

"Her older daughter cries sometimes when we are home and asks for her mother," Ayten said. "She's old enough to know what is going on now. I can see that she is as imprisoned as her mother and her little sister."

Officials from Turkey's Ministry of Justice and the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses did not respond to requests for comment before the publication of this article.

Abdulhamit Gul, Turkey's new justice minister, admitted the existence of overcrowding in Turkish prisons in a recent interview with TRT, the Turkish state television news channel.

"There are more prisoners and convicts than there is capacity to accommodate in our prisons." Gul said. "The prisons are approximately 110 percent full."

To reduce the burden, Gul is considering some partial pardons for additional criminals that would allow them to be transferred to lower-security "open" prisons. He also said the state is building new prisons to expand capacity.

Pre-trial detention, violence inside

Political prisoners' woes begin far before conviction: Among recorded violations of international human rights declarations, to which Turkey is a signatory, is the use of lengthy pre-trial detention periods.

Ibrahim Bilmez, a lawyer representing political prisoners in Turkey, including Abdullah Ocalan, founder of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), told IRIN that political prisoners are subjected to frequent strip searches both before and after conviction, as well as restrictions on family visits. Meetings with lawyers are recorded by video cameras or conducted in the presence of security personnel, inhibiting the right to a proper defense.

"Everything now is arbitrary. Everything is now limited in prisons," Bilmez told IRIN in a phone interview. "Normally, arrests are only done when they're needed, but now they arrest first and ask questions later We see people go to jail for crimes like propaganda and insulting the president in higher frequency than ever before."

Allegations of torture and mistreatment in prisons have also increased over the last year. Prisoners have reported being held in stress positions over prolonged periods, while also being subjected to sleep deprivation, beatings, sexual abuse, and threats of rape. Bilmez said his clients told him of beatings inside their prisons following the coup attempt.

"[They] heard moaning, screaming, and groaning until the morning," the lawyer told IRIN. "From the screams, they understood the torture was bad, but we don't know the details of what happened."

Political prisoners are also regularly denied access to doctors and medical examinations, which rights groups have claimed is a deliberate effort to stop the verification of torture allegations.

Banu Guveren, a lawyer who represents political prisoners, told IRIN that one of her female clients complained of abdominal pain following a beating. In response, the prison administration scheduled her a doctor's appointment for two months later. The client lost consciousness within days and was rushed to the hospital, where she was found to be suffering from internal bleeding. She did eventually recover.

'Exile' and solitary confinement

A range of interviews conducted by IRIN revealed that inmates were regularly disciplined through physical violence but that the most frequent use of force occurs during transfers between prisons.

This was the case for Mizgin Dag, a 23-year-old university student convicted of making terrorist propaganda for participating in protests and selling political magazines. Her sister, Zelal, told IRIN that Mizgin was assaulted while being transferred from her hometown of Adiyaman in southeastern Turkey to Tarsus prison in Mersin, on the country's southern coast.

"I saw her 20 days after she was beaten and she still had bruises on her arms and face," Zelal said. "It was obvious they used more than just their hands."

Upon arriving in Tarsus prison, Mizgin was not given water for three days and was denied access to a doctor for two weeks, according to Zelal.

Ozturk Turkdogan, chairman of the Human Rights Association in Turkey, explained how political prisoners are often transferred to jails far from both their families and court hearings.

The distance between inmates and their hometowns not only makes it more difficult for family members to visit, but can also be used to force inmates to attend trials through SEGBIS, the audio/video communication interface similar to Skype that is used by the Turkish government.

Turkdogan believes this infringes defendants' rights.

"The transfers, which we call 'sending people into exile', dehumanise defendants by barring them from attending hearings in person," he told IRIN in a phone interview. "The use of SEGBIS strips them of the ability to interact with people in the court."

In addition to prison conditions and rights violations, inmates in Turkey must also pay for water and gas usage while incarcerated. Extra food, books, phone calls, trips to the hospital, and bathroom supplies are all added to inmates' prison bills. As a result, some women with minimal financial resources cannot afford basic hygienic items such as sanitary pads (which they are not provided), Guveren said.

Lawyers who spoke with IRIN were especially concerned about the frequent use of solitary confinement. They said guards discipline inmates by locking them in sungerli odalar or "sponge rooms", cells named for the yellow foam mattresses that pad their interiors.

Guveren said one of her clients was locked in such a room for 30 days. The client told her his mattress was soaked with water when he first entered and he was barred from all human contact during this period.

Emek Abay, whose husband Umut is currently in Tekirdag prison, told IRIN she's heard of prisoners being kept in "sponge rooms" as an additional form of discipline after being beaten by guards.

During her visits to Tekirdag, her husband rarely shares details of events occurring in the prison, but their lawyers have informed her of systematic physical and sexual abuse in the detention centre.

Lack of oversight

State-run commissions responsible for monitoring prison conditions have either been dissolved following the coup attempt or remain largely ineffective. The result, Guveren said, is that prison guards and administrations operate largely without oversight.

In addition, an emergency decree passed last year shields state officials from almost any penalisation for acts of violence or abuse perpetrated on prisoners linked to last year's coup attempt by stating: "Individuals who make decisions and perform their duty in the context of this decree bear no legal, administrative, financial, or criminal responsibility for those duties performed."

Reports of torture had been steadily declining in Turkey, following years of military dictatorship in the 1980s and heavy conflicts with Kurdish militants in the 1990s. Allegations of abuse during police custody began to rise again in 2015, when military operations resumed in southeast Turkey and have since spiked with the post-coup crackdown.

The Human Rights Association's Turkdogan blames the regression not only on Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), but also on what he claims to be continued silence from the international community and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), which has jurisdiction over Turkey because it is a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights.

"What's happening in Turkey and its prisons is the result of negligence by the Council of Europe and the ECHR," Turkdogan told IRIN.

The ECHR has said Turkish nationals filed more than 5,000 cases in 2016 related to the post-coup purges.

When asked for a response to such accusations, a press officer with ECHR said the court was "not in a position to make any comment" on the matter aside from what has already been published in its press releases.

Meanwhile, a state of emergency continues in Turkey, and new arrests are announced weekly. Rights groups say the credibility of an impartial justice system has also been undermined with the April referendum, which will allow Erdogan to appoint a larger portion of judges and high ranking officials in the Justice Ministry.

Regarding the ongoing purges, some believe the use of heavy-handed punishments are part of Erdogan's presidential campaign strategy for 2019, while others, like Guveren, have come to accept the crackdown on dissent as the new foundation of Turkey's judicial system.

"Sadly, and I say this as a lawyer, we do not expect any justice from this country," Guveren told IRIN. "We will continue to fight, but we also have to face the facts."

*The source was given an alias to protect his/her identity.
Words matter: Hate speech and South Sudan

Publisher IRIN Author Lisa Clifford Publication Date 5 September 2017 Cite as IRIN, Words matter: Hate speech and South Sudan, 5 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59b8eb654.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

"South Sudan terrorists need to be killed in order for peace to reign. Lawful killing has been practised by states since time immemorial."

These are the words of Gordon Buay, deputy chief of mission at South Sudan's Washington embassy, as posted on his Facebook page. Buay claims he's simply defending his government, but some of those working for peace in South Sudan call it hate speech and accuse Buay and other prominent figures in the diaspora of fuelling the terrible conflict in this newborn nation.

But how much influence does angry writing on social media thousands of kilometres away from the fighting actually have in a country with limited internet and mobile phone penetration? About 21 percent of South Sudanese have phones and around 17 percent can get online - but these people are mostly those in towns, leaving rural communities largely excluded from tweeting, liking, and sharing.

Theo Dolan, director of PeaceTech Lab Africa, which works to reduce violent conflict using technology, media, and data, believes words do matter. He says PeaceTech's research has shown that online hate speech - mainly coming from South Sudan's diaspora in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia - is contributing to the violence.

"The guys on the ground in Greater Upper Nile [one of the conflict's front lines] may not have Facebook, but they have large family networks," said Dolan. "They use their phones but also interact with their peers in person. They can spread the [hate speech] regardless of whether they have access to internet or not."

Achol Jok from the #defyhatenow project, which works to counter online hate speech, agrees that the diaspora's influence on the conflict is strong and says its writing is being passed on by word of mouth and phone calls.

"There is the perception if you live in the West you are educated and better informed," she said. "When they write something or say something it is difficult for people to differentiate between what is true and what is not."

Born to rule

A famine has been declared in parts of South Sudan caused by the civil war, which began in 2013 when President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, accused then vice-president Riek Machar, a Nuer, of plotting to overthrow him.

The Dinka and the Nuer are the country's two largest ethnic groups. Their leaders are accused of having "born-to-rule" mentalities that not only discriminate against other communities but have also led to atrocities being committed by their soldiers and allied militias on the basis of ethnic targeting.

South Sudan has splintered into ethnic fiefdoms. The UN office coordinating humanitarian aid estimates more than 3.86 million people - one in every five South Sudanese - have fled their homes, including 1.89 million internally displaced people.

Dolan says Facebook, WhatsApp, and to a lesser extent YouTube and Twitter, are all popular with those in the diaspora who are spreading messages of hate.

But not everyone sees the link between social media and the violence of the civil war.

Saskia Baas, a South Sudan researcher who has spent time in rural areas, doubts that posts on social media platforms have much impact on the extreme violence in remote communities where the modern world is far away and many residents are illiterate.

She attributes the violence to national and local politicians spreading rumours and stirring up deeply entrenched beliefs and unresolved conflicts of the past.

"If you go to Malakal where the violence is extreme, or Bor, these places are so isolated," Baas said. "The conflict is more about historical grievances that people have towards the other tribe - more than what someone is writing on the internet in Washington.

"When you interview them you hear a lot of stereotyping and racism, people saying things like, 'they are inferior to us, they always fight, they are cannibals, they rape women, they are wild and uncultivated'."

Jacob Bul, the co-founder of Ana Taban, a South Sudanese artists' collective that campaigns for peace, says the country's politicians are using online and offline tactics to manipulate young people to fight.

"It's not just online," said Bul, whose Ana Taban means 'I am tired' in Arabic. "Hate speech comes out in regular conversations, and most of our politicians create hate speech when they are addressing the public."

Searching for identity

Back in Washington, Buay insists that his Facebook writing is intended for a diaspora audience only - simply to counter the rumours and misinformation swirling around that community.

Buay compares his words to threats by Western politicians against the so-called Islamic State. "If the British government says they would fight [IS leader Abu Bakr] al-Baghdadi, is that hate speech?" asked Buay.

"I didn't mobilise the army to fight the rebels. I have never mobilised one group of people to go and kill another group of people."

The long war for independence from Sudan, the bloody internal conflict that followed, and the desire for a more comfortable life or better education have forced many South Sudanese from their country and into the diaspora.

Susan Benesch, director of the Dangerous Speech Project and faculty associate of the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, says it is only natural that some have taken their ethnic identities - and prejudices - along with them.

"If you come from a society that is deeply divided, in which groups of people fear and despise one another, why would you magically shed that when you move?" she asked.

"It's not that they start disseminating hateful speech, it's that they failed to stop. That sort of speech is very widespread in South Sudan."

Others are compensating for leaving behind loved ones or trying to maintain contact with their much loved and missed homeland, according to Benesch.

"Maybe the strongest weapon you have is your words, or at least that's how you see it," said Benesch. "You mistakenly think that in some way you are doing your part or helping out - especially if you feel your people are in jeopardy at the hands of another group of people."

Benesch says hate speech is a poorly understood term that is difficult to define.

This makes prosecution tricky, and despite its potentially damaging effects, convictions for those who spread hateful messages have been sparse - with just one in international law so far.

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda found Ferdinand Nahimana guilty of inciting listeners of the Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines station to commit genocide in 1994. RTLM was notorious for broadcasting messages of hate about Tutsi "cockroaches" and urging Hutu to turn on their neighbours.

"Often, observers are looking for a smoking gun of incitement, where a specific speech leads to acts of violence, but that is very seldom how it works," said Richard Ashby Wilson, the Gladstein Chair of Human Rights and professor of law and anthropology at the University of Connecticut.

"You need an insider saying, 'I heard the speech, and I didn't have the intention of committing the offence until I heard the speech, and then I committed the offence'. That kind of evidence has proved hard to get hold of it."

Codes

Dolan admits the online hate speech being monitored by PeaceTech doesn't always contain direct threats, but instead uses coded language that might not appear obviously menacing.

PeaceTech has developed a lexicon of words that are offensive and inflammatory, including the term "MTN", which the lab has linked to incidents late last year when buses travelling along the road from Uganda were stopped by armed gunmen asking if any MTNs were on board. Dinkas were then pulled out and killed.

At the time, the term MTN (a large mobile phone provider that uses the slogan "everywhere you go") was being widely used on social media to refer to Dinkas, though they have since taken on the term to describe themselves.

"To me this is a direct case of language being used to catalyse violence," said Dolan. PeaceTech Lab is using data from its research to develop tools to predict when violence may occur.

"Nyagat" or traitor is another common social media insult aimed at the rebels, and "Nuer Wew" (Nuer of money) refers to those politicians, regarded as sellouts, who have opted to work for the government.

For Ana Taban's Bol these terms are more than just words: "The more we dehumanise people, the more we see them as 'others', we will not see them as human beings and can do anything to them."
"My time in jail has made me even more committed": Salil Shetty meets Amnesty Turkey's jailed director

Publisher Amnesty International Author Salil Shetty Publication Date 12 September 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, "My time in jail has made me even more committed": Salil Shetty meets Amnesty Turkey's jailed director, 12 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59b8ecbd4.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

As I walked I was acutely aware of the armed guards in watch towers high above me tracking my every step. I was on my way to meet my colleague and friend Idil Eser, in the highest security section of Turkey's highest security prison. Idil, the Director of Amnesty International in Turkey, was arrested alongside nine other human rights defenders on absurd terrorism charges more than two months ago. Incredibly - other than her lawyers who see her for one hour each week, and a Member of Parliament - I will be Idil's first visitor.

Provisions restricting prisoners detained under the state of emergency to visits by immediate family members have meant that Idil, who has no living relatives, has been entirely cut off from her friends.

I had attempted to visit Idil as soon as I arrived in Turkey some days earlier, but had been turned away at the prison gates. After meeting the Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gul in Ankara, renewing our call to be granted a visit, I could finally see her.

Of all the prisons around the world I've been to, Silivri - the largest penal facility in Europe - is the most sophisticated and the most intimidating. After passing through its imposing entrance and being subjected by the courteous prison guards to body searches, metal detectors and an iris scan, I found myself in huge city of concrete.

Yet despite its size - Silivri is thought to accommodate up to 17,000 people - the walk across the complex is eerily deserted. Only the occasional metallic clang of a prison door or the sharp sound of a guard's whistle cuts the oppressive silence.

The concrete buildings where Idil is jailed are painted yellow and separated from the other blocks by a high wall. I go through a final screening and am led into a large brightly lit windowless room. Just as I sit at a table in the middle of the room a door on the other side of the room opens. It is Idil.

As she sees me, a look of surprise and delight breaks across her face and her eyes sparkle with a familiar energy. "Salil!" she cries, as she steps away from the two guards flanking her and runs towards me with arms outstretched.

As we hugged long and hard I felt a powerful wave of emotion sweep through me. "What a surprise!" she said, "I knew that you were in Turkey and trying to see me but I did not expect you to get permission. I had ruled it out."

Idil is the same Idil that we have always known and loved: smiling and positive. "I am fine," she tells me, beaming. "Can't you see? I am doing yoga, sports, learning Russian, reading all the newspapers and keeping myself busy."

And yet despite this, Idil admits her isolation has been very hard. Although she shares a cell with another woman, she has not even able to speak to the other human rights defenders such as Ozlem Dalkran, who were arrested alongside her. "Ozlem is only three doors away but if I want to find out anything about her I have to try and find out in the newspapers."

"I am not allowed the fortnightly phone calls like other prisoners and I don't get any of the letters sent to me. All I have are the messages given to me by my lawyer."

Idil tells me that she has gained a greater appreciation of what prisoners go through from her time in Silivri and intends to campaign more on prisoners' rights in the future.

I tell Idil about the meeting I had had with her friends and the fact that the Minister of Justice had seemed sympathetic to our request that they should be able to visit her, given that she has no other family. I also tell her that her cats are being well taken care of.

Idil is also eager to know how Amnesty Turkey is managing in her absence. She visibly brims with pride when I tell her that rather than being disheartened her team - fueled by strong coffee and an overwhelming sense of injustice - are more motivated and more determined than ever.

The conversation flows so effortlessly that had I not been so acutely conscious of the surroundings, I could have imagined that we were in a cafe in Taksim Square. But then the door opens and the guard tells us we have 5 more minutes.

"Tell everyone not to worry," Idil says as we prepare to part. "I am ready to pay the price for my choice to work on human rights and I am not scared. Nobody has been released before 4 months in political cases and I am mentally prepared to be in here for a year. My time in jail has made me even more committed to standing up for my values. I will not compromise them."

As I am led out the prison, I reflect on how Idil has used the outrageous injustice being meted out to her to nourish her convictions and strengthen her resolve. I am struck how, until today, I had not appreciated her remarkable inner strength. My time with her also reminds me of the contagious nature of courage. How her strength has renewed my own determination to fight not just for her release, but for the release of all people unjustly jailed in Turkey.

Passing back through Silivri prison's imposing gates, I realise that if the wind is blowing in the right direction you can smell the sea of Marmara and even taste the salt on your lips. And it tastes of freedom.

This article was first published here by Newsweek.

Salil Shetty is Secretary General of Amnesty International Turkey. He met with Idil Eser on 9 September. Idil was among 10 human rights defenders detained. 8 of them have been remanded in pre-trial custody and 2 have been bailed. More information is available here.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Israel/Palestine: Israeli Banks Supporting Settlements

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 13 September 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Israel/Palestine: Israeli Banks Supporting Settlements, 13 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59b8eecc4.html [accessed 14 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.

Despite their claims, Israel's largest banks are not required by domestic law to provide many of the services and financing that help support, maintain, and expand unlawful settlements in the occupied West Bank, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.

In doing so, these banks violate their international law responsibilities to avoid contributing to human rights and other abuses, including unlawful land seizures, discrimination against Palestinians, and de facto annexation of the West Bank by Israel. Without these banking activities, settlement maintenance and expansion would be more difficult.

"Israeli banks are financing settlement construction and facilitating settlement expansion as a matter of choice, not because they are somehow required to do so under domestic law," said Sari Bashi, Israel and Palestine advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. "Institutional investors should insist that the banks clarify the extent of their settlement activities and which if any laws would prevent them from ending these activities."

For years, some foreign investors have raised concerns about the involvement of Israeli banks in furthering settlement maintenance and expansion, including by financing construction projects, providing loans to settlement councils, which are similar to municipalities, and mortgage loans to home-buyers in settlements, and operating bank branches there. Investors such as the United Methodist Church pension fund and the Dutch pension fund PGGM have divested from Israel's five largest banks, citing their involvement in settlements as being inconsistent with those funds' human rights policies.

Settlements are unlawful under international humanitarian law. They contribute to the Israeli authorities' discriminatory regime in the occupied West Bank, restricting and stunting Palestinian development while subsidizing and supporting Israeli settlements built on land unlawfully seized from Palestinians. International humanitarian law forbids an occupying power from using land except for military purposes or for the benefit of the local population living under occupation.

Human Rights Watch reviewed arguments made by Israeli banks that they are obliged by Israeli domestic law to provide these services and therefore cannot cease their activities in settlements.

While Israeli law does require banks to open accounts for qualifying settlement businesses and institutions that apply and requires some service provision to settlers inside bank branches, Human Rights Watch found no domestic law obligating them to provide many of the services they provide inside and to settlements, including providing financing and mortgage loans that facilitate building homes for Israelis, on land unlawfully seized from Palestinians and off-limits to them.

Settlements inherently contribute to serious human rights abuses. The transfer of an occupying power's civilians into occupied territory constitutes a war crime. Because these abuses are inherent in Israel's settlement enterprise - businesses do not have the ability to give back the land, allow Palestinians to access it, or dismantle the roadblocks set up to protect settlers - businesses have a responsibility to cease doing businesses in or with Israeli settlements, including locating or carrying out activities inside settlements; financing, administering, or otherwise supporting settlements or settlement-related activities and infrastructure; and contracting to purchase settlement-manufactured goods or produce.

The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which most large companies accept, require businesses to refrain from contributing to or benefiting from serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian law.

Israeli banks should cease their settlement-related activities. Institutional investors should engage the Israeli banks in which they invest on their settlement-related activities as part of their responsibility to conduct human rights due diligence, Human Rights Watch said. They should determine the extent of the banks' involvement in settlement-related activities, their future plans, their understanding of the domestic legal framework, and their willingness to ensure that investor funds are not used for these activities. These institutional investors should ensure that their business relationships are free from settlement-related products or investments.

"Israeli banks are making business decisions that contribute to serious human rights abuses," Bashi said. "Their investors should insist on getting answers about the activities their money is funding."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Over 3.5 million refugee children miss out on school, report finds

Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Publication Date 12 September 2017 Related Document(s) Left Behind: Refugee Education in Crisis Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Over 3.5 million refugee children miss out on school, report finds, 12 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59b8f1644.html [accessed 14 November 2022]

More than 3.5 million refugee children did not have the chance to attend school in the last academic year, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, says in a report published today.

Entitled "Left Behind: Refugee Education in Crisis", the report says that, globally, 91 per cent of children attend primary school, but for refugees that figure is just 61 per cent, and in low-income countries less than 50 per cent.

It says there are 6.4 million refugees of school age - between five and 17 - among the 17.2 million refugees under UNHCR's mandate. "In 2016, only 2.9 million were enrolled in primary or secondary education. More than half of them - 3.5 million - did not go to school," it continued.

In a statement, Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said: "The education of these young people is crucial to the peaceful and sustainable development of the countries that have welcomed them, and to their homes when they are able to return. Yet compared to other children and adolescents around the world, the gap in opportunity for refugees is growing ever wider."

As refugee children get older, the obstacles increase: only 23 per cent of adolescent refugees are enrolled in secondary school, compared with 84 per cent globally. In low-income countries, just 9 per cent of refugees are able to attend secondary school.

For tertiary, or post-secondary, education the situation is critical, it added. The percentage remains at 1 per cent for refugees, compared with 36 per cent worldwide.

The report calls for education to be considered fundamental to the response to refugee emergencies, and for it to be supported by long-term planning and reliable funding.

It urges governments to include refugees in their national education systems and highlights some of the efforts made towards implementing such a policy, even in countries where resources are already stretched.

This is the second annual education report from UNHCR. The first, "Missing Out", was issued in advance of the UN General Assembly's Summit for Refugees and Migrants last September. The New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, signed by 193 countries, put education at the forefront of the international response.

"Despite the overwhelming support for the New York Declaration, one year on, refugees are in real danger of being left behind in terms of their education," said Grandi. "Ensuring that refugees have equitable access to quality education is a shared responsibility. It is time for all of us to put words into action."

UNHCR is working along with partners to bring education to refugees around the world, in and out of camps. Increased funding is urgently needed to put more refugee children in school.
Jordan: Media Rights Group Threatened Over Funding

Publisher UN Human Rights Council Publication Date 13 September 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Reference Cite as UN Human Rights Council, Jordan: Media Rights Group Threatened Over Funding , 13 September 2017, , available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59b939494.html [accessed 14 November 2022]

Jordanian authorities have threatened a regional media freedom organization based in Jordan over its receipt of foreign funding, Human Rights Watch said today.

Jordanian authorities told the Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) that its registration category prohibits it from receiving foreign funding under government rules. But prior to 2017 the organization operated without incident or official complaint for 19 years. The group works on behalf of journalists detained across the region and hosts annual workshops and events on media freedom.

"Broadsiding a media freedom watchdog is the latest example of Jordan's threats against foreign funding for local organizations working on rights issues," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "The Jordanian authorities' treatment of this media freedom group indicates that they view some nongovernmental organizations as enemies that must be controlled rather than as partners in improving the country's human rights situation."

On August 28, 2017, Jordan's Companies Control Department issued memos both to the organization and to the attorney general stating that the group had violated the country's 1997 Law on Companies by receiving foreign funding while registered as a "civil company" rather than a "nonprofit company." The journalism group says, however, that the regulation does not specifically prohibit civil companies from receiving foreign funds. The semi-governmental al-Dustour daily newspaper published the memo and a front-page article criticizing the journalism group on September 10, before it received the memo.

The memo orders the group to halt reception of any foreign or domestic funding and to refrain from stating that the organization is a nonprofit company.

The group's executive director, Nidal Mansour, told Human Rights Watch that he was surprised to read about the Companies Control Department memo in the newspaper before receiving it himself, stating that his organization had been cooperating with the department since it opened an inquiry into the group's operations in March. He said that the organization has never attempted to hide the fact that it receives foreign funding for its projects, and that prominent government officials have participated in these events over the years. The journalism group denied all allegations of wrongdoing in a statement published on September 11.

The al-Dustour daily followed its initial article with an editorial on September 11 under the byline "national affairs editor" that said that organizations that receive foreign funding are disloyal to Jordan and a threat to the country. It states, "It is certain that some of these centers receive funding from foreign embassies or external foundations in order to serve their goals or programs, which represent a clear intervention into the affairs of our country and a threat to its political and social security."

The move against the journalism group could place dozens of organizations registered as companies at risk of similar treatment, Human Rights Watch said. The laws require organizations registered as associations under the country's 2008 Law on Associations or nonprofit companies under the Law on Companies to seek high-level government approval before receiving any foreign funding.

These restrictions became more onerous in October 2015, when Jordan's council of ministers implemented a foreign funding control mechanism. Under this system, nongovernmental groups are required to submit foreign funding approval requests to the Social Development Ministry. The groups must provide extensive information about the project to be supported by the funding, demonstrating how it accords with Jordan's national and developmental goals, and how it connects to the Jordan Response Plan for Syrian refugees. Authorities are not required to provide any justification for rejecting such funding.

Jordanian authorities have justified the new measures by saying they needed to better organize the country's nongovernmental sector and avoid duplication of work by various groups. The foreign funding control mechanism, however, effectively gives Jordanian authorities the ability to choose what projects groups are permitted to carry out, undermining their ability to function free of disproportionate government interference.

Since the imposition of the foreign funding mechanism, local groups told Human Rights Watch, in practice all foreign funding must be approved by the Social Development Ministry, the Council of Ministers, the Planning and International Cooperation Ministry, and any other ministry linked with a project. The groups said that the approvals can take weeks or months, and that if any government body in the chain of approval rejects the project the funding is rejected.

The Social Development Ministry proposed further amendments to the Law on Associations in 2016 that would have further restricted receipt of foreign funding. The amendments would have required associations that receive foreign funding to submit a separate report and budget for each approved grant in addition to other reporting requirements.

The amendments also would have required depositing any foreign funds for which groups are seeking approval in a "safe account" under the "associations fund," to be administered by the Social Development Ministry. It is unclear whether a foreign donor would be able to recover a grant if the authorities turned down a funding request. Jordanian authorities have yet to take the amendments forward.

As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Jordan is obligated to uphold the right to freedom of association. Selective application of vague laws regulating nongovernmental groups, as in the media freedom group's case, violates this obligation and restricts the work of these groups in Jordan, Human Rights Watch said.

In his 2014 annual report to the UN secretary-general, the UN special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association criticized increasing restrictions around the world on foreign funds for nongovernmental groups. The special rapporteur said that countries "do not generally object to corporations investing capital from foreign sources in their jurisdictions in the same way they do if civil society organizations receive foreign funding."

"Jordan should stop using foreign funding as a cudgel to punish organizations working to strengthen human rights and basic freedoms," Whitson said.
Shreveport, LA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/13/2017 --LA New Product Development Team or LA NPDT has proudly announced that it is celebrating its one-year anniversary in business. The company has been adhering firmly to its core mission throughout this first year and has been playing a key role in facilitating business prosperity through product innovations. With its core values of diversity appreciation, equality, dedication, and integrity, LA NPDT has been delivering its promises and has made a major impact in the industry.



"LA New Product Development Team is a cross-functional organization of talented engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs and we take pride in not only thinking outside of the box but also doing things right at the first time." said the spokesperson of LA NPDT while talking about the company. "We at LA NPDT strongly believe in using collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship, and risk-taking to achieve consistent and effective results for our clients." He added.



Since moving to its new location on Line Ave (Shreveport, LA) and the ribbon cutting ceremony on September 26, 2016, the company has designed more than 40 products in the last one year and continues to transform more innovative ideas into shape.



In addition, all the team members are the graduates of Louisiana Tech who take pride in providing an opportunity for recent graduates to gain experience in the business environment and work in the collaborative cross-functional team.



Co-Founded by Konstantin Dolgan and Onega Ulanova, the multicultural team of LA NPDT consists of seasoned experts in a product design, development, prototyping, and marketing. In search of an entrepreneurial environment, they co-founded the LA New Product Development Team to combine their love for innovation, brand development and people. The team is therefore known in the industry for helping in making business dreams a reality by providing a complete range of new product development services from product conceptualization and engineering to prototyping and marketing.



For more information, please visit:

https://lanpdt.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.
A Rohingya woman and her baby are pictured near the Kutapalong refugee camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, soon after they crossed the border with Myanmar, Sept. 10, 2017.

Al-Qaedas general leadership issued a statement this week describing attacks against Rohingya in Myanmar as part of an ongoing global campaign against Muslims conducted under the guise of fighting terrorism, and vowed to come to their defense.

The statement makes clear that al-Qaeda believes it has a religious and legal obligation under Sharia to come to the defense of the Rohingya, who have been humiliated and victimized by savage treatment.

Helping the Muslims of Arakan is a Sharia obligation and a legal necessity, al-Qaeda wrote. The statement criticizes the hypocrisy of the West, which has not come to the defense of the Rohingya and sat by as the slaughter of Muslim innocents continues.

In particular, the statement calls on Muslims in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines to set out for Burma, to help their Muslim brothers, and to make the necessary preparations  training and the like  to resist oppression against their Muslim brothers, and to secure their rights, which will only be returned to them by the use of force. Al-Qaeda calls on Myanmar to be punished for its crimes.

The statement, made public on Tuesday, says that owing to the Rohingyas qualitative and quantitative inferiority, the religious obligation to fight is no longer an abstract one that the Muslim community must respond to, but a personal action: The obligation turns from a general obligation, to an individual obligation.

The statements timing is important. Al-Qaeda has long been opportunistic and identified the suffering of Muslims and the inaction of the West. But this was a particularly fast response, and far quicker than their reaction to the civil war in Syria.

Al-Qaeda has been patiently waiting in the wings, watching its rival, the Islamic State (IS), get pummeled by a coalition of forces. In some places, such as Indonesia, it has successfully branded itself as a moderate alternative to IS. Across Southeast Asia, Jemaah Islamiyahs social networks remain largely intact, if not more robust.

With IS having lost 80 percent to 90 percent of its territory in Iraq and Syria and its caliphate collapsed, it has to turn to smaller conflicts, relying on its still robust cyber network and media operations. IS will try to network smaller localized conflicts, such as in Rakhine (Arakan) and in the southern Philippines, where it recently released a video about the pro-IS militants who seized Marawi city.

Yet, networking defensive jihads would be a new strategy for IS whose leaders grew their central organization, declared a caliphate, and then tried to expand by declaring provinces  wilayat  of the Caliphate.

Long-term strategy

In contrast, al-Qaeda has long espoused a network approach, and its long-term strategy has always been to network defensive jihads. Indeed, Osama bin Laden used the name the World Islamic Front for Jihad Against Jews and Crusaders in his original 1996 fatwa. In many ways al-Qaeda leaders think they are in a better position to do this than their IS rivals.

IS has taken to social media as well, issuing a number of posters on Telegram and other communication apps both to raise awareness of the plight of the Rohingya and to demand revenge against the Myanmar government. But to date there has been no major statement with theological justification, similar to al-Qaedas.

As important, al-Qaeda has long-standing institutional links to some other Rohingya militant organizations, such as the Rohingya Solidarity Organization. Harakah al-Yaqin/Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) both have roots tied to Bangladeshi militant organizations, such as Jamaat-e-Islami dating back over two decades. There are alleged ties between the antecedents to ARSA, with Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), the pro-IS affiliate that staged the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack that killed 20 civilians.

Through its pogroms, Myanmar has made itself a target of both al-Qaeda and IS. Both organizations seek to legitimize themselves as the vanguard organization in the defense of Muslim rights around the world.

And with such competition, there is always concern for outbidding. But as the two organizations vie for primacy, they have every incentive to take up the mantle of the Rohingya and strike first in their defense.

There are no longer just calls for solidarity. The Rohingya crisis is attracting the attention of militants.

While there is a concern that Southeast Asian militants will make their way to join the Rohingya, the far greater concern is that South Asian IS and al-Qaeda cells will do so. Institutionally and geographically, they are closer and in a much better position to direct their activities there.

The al-Qaeda statement is not good for the average Rohingya. It will only reinforce the suspicion among Myanmar security forces that ARSA is a terrorist organization tied to the global Islamist jihadist community, determined to establish an Islamic State.

To date, there is no evidence that ARSA wants anything more than the restoration of legal protections and citizenship rights of its people and has not publicly called for secession or jihad. Its stated ends are limited and reasonable.

Concerns

But the concern is threefold. First, what if a terrorist attack against Myanmar interests is carried out in the name of the Rohingya, or as revenge for attacks on the Rohingya? There have already been two separate attempts by pro-IS cells in Indonesia to blow up the Myanmar embassy in Jakarta, most recently by JAD in November 2016.

Last week, demonstrators hurled a Molotov cocktail at the embassy. There is no evidence that ARSA had anything to do with any of these, but any such attack would have an immediate impact on them and be further justification by the Myanmar security forces to carry on with their brutal clearing campaign and scorched-earth tactics.

Second, can such a resource poor and nascent insurgency afford to turn away men and resources? ARSAs Sept. 10 declaration of a one-month ceasefire was tactically and strategically clever.

It will use this time to recruit from amongst the swelling ranks of nearly 800,000 refugees. Vulnerable, needy, and with nothing to lose, they are easy recruits. But ARSA remains woefully under-armed.

The influx of foreign aid, personnel and expertise will improve their capabilities, but militarily they will remain weak.

Third, will ARSA, as a result of its own strategic calculations or the changing external security environment, embrace a more radical ideology and asymmetric tactics? There is no insurgency that I can think of where either al-Qaeda or IS injected itself that did not become more violent and radical.

In many ways, ARSA has every incentive to eschew such support.

Strategically, it has garnered international sympathy by portraying itself as an ethno-nationalist struggle against a brutal regime. Tactically, it is dependent on the Bangladeshi security forces not cracking down on their operations.

Self-defense is one thing, but common cause with militants who have engaged in terrorism in Bangladesh, is likely to cross a line. But its clear that transnational jihadists are starting to weigh in and that will not be good for the already suffering Rohingya.

Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College in Washington and the author of Forging Peace in Southeast Asia: Insurgencies, Peace Processes, and Reconciliation. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College or BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.


Phnom Penh on Wednesday voiced regret about a U.S. decision to stop issuing visas to senior Cambodian foreign ministry officials and their families, urging Washington to reconsider the policy and offering to send a delegation to discuss the cases of 26 nationals whom the United States wants to repatriate.

The U.S. action -- which also covered Eritrea, Sierra Leone and Guinea -- stems from a law under which convicted felons of foreign nationality are deported after they have served their prison sentences.

Cambodia under a 2002 agreement with the United States has accepted the repatriation of about 500 such returnees, with another 1,000 slated for a similar fate.

In April, however, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen called on the United States to end its practice of forcibly repatriating convicts to the Southeast Asian nation, a policy he said "splits up families of our Cambodian people.

"Cambodia regrets that the government of the United States decided to place Cambodia on its list of 'non-cooperative' countries," the foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

It called the U.S. decision "not in conformity with the spirit of good cooperation on the repatriation program between the two countries" and said that Cambodian calls to renegotiate the 2002 agreement did not mean it had terminated cooperation.

Cambodia is willing to dispatch a delegation the United States to interview 26 "remaining individuals" raised in recent discussions in Phnom Penh, it said, without elaborating.

"The ministry anticipates that the government of the United States would reconsider its above-said decision in order to promote friendly relations and good cooperation between the two countries," it said.

Cambodian political commentator Meas Ny told RFA's Khmer Service the U.S. policy reflects increasing tensions between Washington and Phnom Penh and will "truly affect senior ranking government officials as they are banned from traveling to visit their families there."

"Most of them have their families, spouses, children or residences in the U.S. Therefore, when the visa is banned they cannot travel to or enter the U.S., and in particular these officials will find it hard to attend any meetings or to serve diplomatic purposes in the U.S. he said.

The U.S. and other Western countries have condemned Hun Sen's spiraling crackdown on the political opposition and civil society, including the Sept. 3 arrest of Cambodia National Rescue Party President Kem Sokha, ahead of 2018 parliamentary elections.

By Moniroth Morm, Sovannarith Keo and Chandara Yang for RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Paul Eckert.
Authorities in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong have threatened the defense attorney of a social media user jailed for two years after he called President Xi Jinping by a forbidden nickname on social media.



Zhu Shengwu, who represented defendant Wang Jiangfeng after he used Xi's nickname "steamed buns" online, said he has been told he is under a disciplinary investigation, meaning that his license to practice law could be revoked at a hearing on Sept. 21.



"The investigation didn't directly touch on the Wang Jiangfeng case, but I think that's what this is about," Zhu told RFA on . "Because they shut down my access to social media after my defense statement."



"The hearing will be held on the 21st."



Wang Jiangfeng was sentenced by the Zhaoyuan People's Court on April 12 after being found guilty of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble."



He was accused of referring to the head of the ruling Chinese Communist Party as "Steamed Bun Xi" in a group message to the social media platforms WeChat and QQ.



"Steamed Bun Xi" has been a banned word on China's tightly controlled internet since the president ordered the buns during a visit to a Beijing restaurant in , prompting petitioners to gather outside toting a placard that read "President Xi, I'd like to eat steamed buns too" in a bid to get their grievances against the government heard.



The incident sparked an online meme in which Xi was referred to jokingly as Steamed Bun Xi, in a pun on the name of a legendary Song dynasty official who fought corruption. Censors later banned the meme, deleting social media posts that contained references to it.



An online supporter of Zhu's said the entire case against Wang had been orchestrated by the government at the highest level.



"This whole affair, from the laying of charges, to the investigation and the indictment and trial, was directed by state agencies," the supporter said.



"If you get rid of [a person's right to a defense], then you only have a working prosecution."



Rights lawyers advocacy group

Advocacy group the China Human Rights Lawyers Group meanwhile marked its fourth anniversary this week.



The group was formed as a show of strength for the country's embattled legal profession in the wake of more than 300 detentions, summons, travel bans and restrictions imposed on rights lawyers and law firm staff since .



Li Wenzu, wife of "disappeared" rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang, who hasn't been heard from since his detention during that crackdown, said lawyers like her husband are hugely valuable to Chinese society.



"This group of lawyers is pretty amazing for China, because they are putting their lives and safety on the line in all of the cases they represent," Li told RFA.



"Their personal liberty could also be jeopardized; they could be deprived of their freedom at any time," she said. "But they just keep on doing it; they keep representing clients in sensitive or controversial cases."



"They are standing up against the fear and terror created by the detention of so many lawyers, and they are speaking out."



Group member Yu Wensheng said the group had come through "many storms" in the years since its inception.



"The authorities have been trying to beat us down this whole time, but we haven't given in," Yu said. "We have clung onto existence in mainland China, and we are continuing to grow bigger and stronger."



"Our very existence proves that there is likely still hope for the rule of law in China," he said. "We represent the fight for justice in China, and we are its protectors, while the authorities are seeking to destroy the rule of law and human rights."

Xi imposes further controls



Fellow member Lin Qilei agreed.



"The human rights situation may have gotten much worse these days, but we will continue to do our work in spite of the difficulties," Lin said. "Because we are human rights lawyers."



The ruling Chinese Communist Party recently ordered dozens of lawyers to endorse a "declaration" accepting further controls on the legal profession at a compulsory "symposium" in Beijing in late August.



More than 70 lawyers with a history of defending vulnerable groups in cases considered politically sensitive by the government were told to attend, where they were told that a "Western-style" separation of powers and judicial independence isn't suited to China.



Among those ordered to attend were the former attorney of late Nobel peace laureate and political prisoner Liu Xiaobo, as well as lawyers who represented the families of children who died or were made sick by the 2008 tainted baby milk scandal, and those who defended fellow lawyers in the crackdown.



The Communist Party under President Xi Jinping is increasingly using allegations of involvement by overseas organizations to target peaceful dissidents and rights activists.



Xi has repeatedly warned against "hostile foreign forces" attempting to overthrow Communist Party rule by infiltrating China with "western" religious practices and ideas like democracy, constitutional government, and human rights.



Reported by Xin Lin and Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wen Yuqing for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
An overseas human rights group has called on the U.S. government to impose sanctions on two Chinese police officers over the "arbitrary detention and torture" of rights activist Cao Shunli, who died in a police detention center after being detained at Beijing's international airport four years ago.



The Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) network, which collates and translates reports of human rights violations from groups inside China, said it wants Washington to use its powers under Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to take action against those responsible for detaining and torturing Cao.



Cao was detained on Sept. 14, 2013 on her way to attend a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, and disappeared for five weeks before police confirmed she was being held under criminal detention.



Cao's repeated applications for medical bail were refused in spite of her worsening health, and she died in police custody on , 2014.



"Immediately after Cao died and in the years since, the Chinese government has detained her supporters, threatened her family, persecuted her lawyers, and refused to allow any independent investigation into her death," CHRD said in a statement on its website.



The group said it has submitted evidence to the U.S. government recommending that Beijing police officers Fu Zhenghua and Tao Jing be sanctioned under the Magnitsky legislation, which authorizes U.S. President Donald Trump to freeze the financial assets and deny visas to individuals responsible for "gross human rights violations and high-level corruption."



Fu was the head of the Beijing police department when Cao was kidnapped, arbitrarily detained, denied her due process rights, tortured through the deprivation of medical treatment, and died in a hospital under heavy police presence, CHRD said.



Tao, Fu's deputy, was the district police chief with responsibility for overseeing Chaoyang District Detention Center, where Cao Shunli was held, it said.



"Based on the evidence CHRD collected, both Fu and Tao are responsible, under the principle of 'command responsibility,' for the torture and death of Cao Shunli caused by deprived medical treatment in detention, and for failing to punish any of their subordinate police officers involved in her abuses," the group said.



"It is inconceivable that either official was unaware of the gross human rights violations in Cao Shunlis case."



Chinese pressure stymies UN rights work

Cao had worked, in spite of repeated official harassment, to put pressure on the ruling Chinese Communist Party to allow civil society participation in drafting Chinas National Human Rights Action Plans and its state reports for Chinas first and second Universal Periodic Review.



But Sophie Richardson, China director at the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said China has increasingly been allowed to use its position at the U.N. to stymie attempts to bring its human rights violations to account.



Beijing has used its position in the United Nations to veto many human rights resolutions, Richardson told RFA in a recent interview translated into Mandarin.



She said the Chinese government has also used its membership of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations of the Economic and Social Council, to obstruct any critical attitudes towards China.



But U.S.-based rights activist Liu Qing, of Human Rights in China, agreed.



"I think public trust in the U.N.'s ability to protect human rights in China and around the world is extremely weak right now," Liu said.



He said Beijing had gotten away with such abuses because of a failure on the part of the international community to get tougher on human rights.



"The international keeps easing off the pressure on Beijing on human rights because of various economic and political worries," Liu said. "Sometimes they just seem to be posturing, and this is why we won't see any improvement in the human rights situation in China."



"In fact, things are likely to keep getting worse," he said.



CHRD called on member states on the U.N. Human Rights Council to express concerns about the lack of accountability in China for persecuting Cao Shunli to death in reprisal for her participation in U.N. human rights activities.



"States must speak out also because of the increasing number of deaths of Chinese prisoners of conscience due to medical deprivation or neglect in Chinas incarceration facilities," the group said.



It cited the death of Nobel peace laureate and dissident Liu Xiaobo in police custody, especially the timing of the diagnosis of Lius advanced cancer, the authorities disclosure about Lius health to his family, and the quality of medical treatment he was offered.



Reported by Gao Shan for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Nearly 50 foreign diplomats on Wednesday visited refugee camps in southeastern Bangladesh overflowing because of a massive new influx of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, and some expressed shock as they heard eyewitness accounts of alleged atrocities across the border.

Forty-six ambassadors and diplomats from at least 18 countries toured camps in Coxs Bazar district and met with Rohingya Muslims.

The refugees were among some 380,000 people who have fled to Bangladesh since late August, according to the latest estimates from the United Nations, whose secretary general on Wednesday described the humanitarian situation along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border as catastrophic.

During the tour hosted by Bangladeshs government, the group of international visitors saw thousands of people living in squalid conditions in makeshift shelters. Off in the distance, smoke could be seen billowing from Rohingya villages in Myanmars Rakhine state, which lies across the Naf River that separates the two countries.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali led the foreign dignitaries to the U.N.-run Kutupalong refugee camp to meet with Rohingya, who had abandoned their homes in Rakhine as they escaped from the latest cycle of violence there.

I had been here two months ago. But of course, it is much more devastating now  too many people  its a humanitarian crisis, and we have to treat it like that, Dutch Ambassador Leoni Cuelenaere told reporters.

I must compliment the government of Bangladesh for receiving all these people with such a big warm heart.

Italian Ambassador Mario Palma thanked Bangladesh for giving shelter to tens of thousands of refugees.

In the future, we have to think about a lasting solution, he told reporters. They need to have their own country.

He called on Myanmar to grant citizenship rights to Rohingya.

The visitors represented India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, Nepal, the United States, Canada, Russia, China, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, North Korea and other resident missions in Dhaka.

Diplomats visit

In southeastern Bangladesh earlier in the day, the group of 46 diplomats headed to the Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhia, after landing at Coxs Bazar airport.

District Deputy Commissioner Ali Hossain told the diplomats that refugees in large numbers started crossing into Bangladesh in the aftermath of attacks on security checkpoints in Myanmar by Rohingya insurgents on Aug. 25.

The new influx of refugees has brought the total Rohingya refugee population in southeastern Bangladesh to just over 800,000, including people who fled from earlier cycles of violence in Rakhine.

At least 100 people have died since late August  mostly from drowning  while trying to cross the border into Bangladesh, local officials told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.

The Myanmar government has blamed Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) insurgents for fomenting the latest cycle and for burning Rohingya villages, although eyewitnesses have reported that members of the military and local militia were targeting Rohingya civilians.

Joined by journalists, the diplomats listened as refugees recounted tales of horrors allegedly suffered at the hands of Myanmar security forces.

Some diplomats were heard muttering, inhuman, inhuman ... oh, my God.

Around 1:30 p.m. as they prepared to leave, the diplomats could see smoke billowing from Rohingya villages on the other side of the Naf River. Some used their mobile phones to shoot video of the devastation.

They also visited Ghundum point along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Naikhangchhari, where landmines had been discovered.

Actions against humanity

On Wednesday, the government was registering new refugee arrivals and collecting biometric data from them, Bangladeshi State Foreign Affairs Minister Shahriar Alam told reporters in Ukhia.

The Rohingya will be repatriated once the situation stabilizes, he said.

The ambassadors visit to the camps could help lead to other countries mounting diplomatic pressure on Myanmar to resolve the crisis, he said.

Now they witnessed the actions against humanity. This will help us expedite diplomatic initiatives, Alam told BenarNews.

Hopefully, they will message their headquarters that repatriation of Rohingya is the only solution, Alam said.

Indonesia aid

Meanwhile, four C-130 cargo planes took off on Wednesday from Jakartas Halim Perdanakusuma Airforce Base to deliver 34 tons of rice, ready-to-eat food, water tanks, refugee tents, childrens clothing and blankets to the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, Indonesian government officials said.

We are doing this after I commissioned and sent the foreign minister to talk with the governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar about what humanitarian aid they need, Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said.

He and other officials inspected the cargo before the mercy flights took off for Chittagong, the largest city in southeastern Bangladesh. Indonesia plans to send additional aid to the refugees.

The Indonesian airlift occurred a day after the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) chartered a Boeing 777 to deliver 100 tons of supplies, including shelter material, jerry cans, blankets, sleeping mats and other essential items for 25,000 refugees. A second delivery included about 1,700 tents for families. U.N. officials said.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
UPDATED at 5:05 P.M. EDT on 2017-09-013

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi will not attend the annual U.N. General Assembly meeting held in New York this month because of pressing security and humanitarian concerns in her countrys northern Rakhine state, a government spokesperson said today.



The de facto national leader, whose official titles are state counselor and foreign minister, will send Myanmars vice president Henry Van Tio to New York in her place so that she can better focus on calming the situation in Rakhine, spokesperson Zaw Htay said.



As many as 370,000 mostly Muslim Rohingya residents of Rakhine have fled to Bangladesh in the wake of Aug. 25 attacks against Myanmar border police posts by an Islamic insurgent group, with about 1,000 people killed in subsequent clashes and security sweeps by the countrys military, according to U.N. estimates.



Of 471 Rohingya villages in three townships in Rakhine, 176 are now completely empty, with about 34 others partly deserted, Zaw Htay said, using the pejorative term Bengali to describe the Rohingya, who are widely viewed in majority-Buddhist Myanmar as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, though many have lived in Myanmar for generations.



Myanmars handling of the crisis and perceived persecution of the Rohingya have drawn sharp international criticism, with Bangladesh accusing Myanmar forces of carrying out a genocide against the officially stateless Muslim minority group.



The U.N. Security Council unanimously condemned the violence and called for humanitarian aid workers to be able to reach those in need in Rakhine state, the AFP news agency reported.



After a closed-door UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Ethiopian Ambassador Tekeda Alemu, the council president, told reporters members "expressed concern about reports of excessive violence during the security operations and called for immediate steps to end the violence in Rakhine."



U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier on Wednesday described the humanitarian situation in Myanmar as "catastrophic," and called on Myanmar's army to end the violence and other countries to do what they can to supply aid, Reuters news agency reported.



"I call on the Myanmar authorities to suspend military action, end the violence, uphold the rule of law and recognize the right of return of all those who had to leave the country," Guterres said at a news conference.



Asked if the situation could be described as ethnic cleansing, Guterres replied: "Well I would answer your question with another question: When one-third of the Rohingya population had to flee the country, could you find a better word to describe it?"



A different view



Members of Myanmars 88 Generation Students group of 1988 democracy activists, however, underscored the starkly different view of the crisis held by many in Myanmar.



Media reports on the crisis in Rakhine have been largely one-sided, members of the group told RFAs Myanmar Service following a trip to Rakhines Maungdaw township to help deliver supplies to residents in need.



The media should write about the situation of all who are in danger, group member Nilar Thein said.



Ethnic groups other than the Rohingya are also suffering in the region, she said, asserting that news reports have said nothing or little about their plight.



I would ask local and foreign-based media to fairly present the facts, she said.



The worlds view of what is happening in Rakhine has been shaped by the medias reporting the situation in whatever way they like, former student activist and 88 Generation member Min Ko Naing said.



To present a complete picture, the media must be involved, but it should do its work free from pressure and bias, he said.



Committee formed



Myanmars president Htin Kyaw, now undergoing medical treatment in a hospital in neighboring Thailand, has meanwhile formed a committee to implement recommendations put forward by a commission led by former U.N. secretary general Kofi Annan to examine the causes of unrest in Rakhine.



The nine-member Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, appointed by Aung San Suu Kyi in August 2016, has called for reviews of the countrys citizenship law and for an end to restrictions on the Rohingya in order to prevent further violence in the beleaguered region.



We will look at all the available facts on the ground and deliver programs to meet the needs and desires of the people, said Union Minister for Relief and Resettlement Win Myat Aye, appointed to lead the committee, which will publish reports on its findings every four months.



As we are going to employ personnel from various government departments, we will be able to work together cohesively, Win Myat Aye said.



Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Richard Finney.




Ding Zilin, who founded the Tiananmen Mothers victims group after losing her son in the military crackdown on the 1989 Chinese student movement, is receiving treatment in a Beijing hospital after a regular check-up on .



Ding, 80, was a retired associate professor of philosophy at Beijing's prestigious Renmin University when her 17-year-old son Jiang Jielan died in the crackdown.



She is the founder of the Tiananmen Mothers, a group for the relatives of those killed or maimed in the crackdown that has vowed never to give up the struggle for recognition of their loved ones' deaths at the hands of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.



Group spokeswoman You Weijie told Hong Kong's Ming Pao News that Ding is being kept in for observation after the check-up.



"Ding Zilin has had a heart condition for a long time, and has been taking medication for it," You was quoted as saying. "This was a regular check-up, and the doctor wanted her to stay in hospital for observation."



The Tiananmen Mothers regularly call on the government to respond to calls for a reappraisal of the crackdown, which Beijing says was a necessary move to suppress a "counterrevolutionary rebellion."



Like many other Tiananmen Mothers members, Ding has faced routine harassment from Chinese law enforcement, but the group has continued to call regularly on the ruling Chinese Communist Party to meet its key demands for compensation, a reappraisal of the political verdict, an investigation into the deaths and injuries, and consequences for those deemed responsible.



Beijing forbids any show of public mourning for those who died on the night of -4, while high-ranking leaders, often pressed by foreign journalists, have repeated their view that the party's verdict of "political turmoil" is accurate, and that the debate is closed.



There is no definitive figure for the number of people who died when People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops entered the capital in tanks, raking bystanders and buildings alike with automatic weapons fire, although estimates range from the hundreds to the thousands.



The crackdown brought down late premier Zhao Ziyang, whose attitude to the students was judged to be too liberal, and sparked several years of arrests and compulsory political studies sessions the length and breadth of China.



Reported by RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Genworth Financial Inc. said Tuesday that it plans to hold its 2017 annual shareholders meeting on Dec. 13, if the companys proposed merger with China Oceanwide Holdings Group Co. has not yet been completed.

The Henrico County-based insurance giant said it scheduled the meeting to ensure it remains in compliance with New York Stock Exchange listing standards, which require a company to hold its annual meeting no later than one year after the end of its most recently completed fiscal year.

Genworth announced in October that it had agreed to be acquired for about $2.7 billion by China Oceanwide, a privately held financial company based in Beijing. Genworth shareholders approved the deal in March, but the proposed acquisition has been delayed by government regulatory reviews.
Four more people have been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting of a 19-year-old Richmond man at a Wendys restaurant in Prince George County.

Jules R. Moultrie Jr. III, 25, was taken into custody without incident the day after the Sept. 4 slaying of Coron Bond and charged with first-degree murder. Officers found Bond in the entrance to the Pilot Travel Center in the 4600 block of County Drive in New Bohemia, near Disputanta. The Wendys is connected to the truck stop.

Norma Glover, 18, of Petersburg has also been charged with first-degree murder, Prince George police announced Wednesday. Glover, who is Moultrie's sister and worked at the Wendys, is being held at Riverside Regional Jail without bail.

Police said there had been an altercation about 30 minutes before the shooting between two female employees. Moultrie entered the restaurant about 4 p.m. and immediately opened fire, police said. It was not clear whether Bond was involved in the earlier incident, but police said he was involved with one of the women.

Also charged were Whitney Johnson, 23, of Prince George, on a count of accessory after the fact; JaQuan Brown, 19, of Hopewell, on a count of obstruction of justice; and a 17-year-old from Petersburg, whom police did not identify, on a count of obstruction of justice.
A man who was shot in the head Saturday in an incident that also injured a 9-year-old girl in North Richmond has died, according to Police Chief Alfred Durham.

Victor A. Harris, 57, of the 3200 block of Fifth Avenue, died Monday from his injuries, police said.

He was one of five people fatally shot in homicides over the weekend in Richmond. In separate shootings on Sunday, three people  a man and two women  were found shot to death in an apartment in Gilpin Court, and a fourth man was found a few blocks away about an hour later.

Durham said Tuesday at a news conference about crime in the city that there had been a fight between two teenagers earlier Saturday in the 3200 block of Fifth Avenue that had been broadcast on social media. Later, around 10:20 p.m., a shooting was reported in the same block. Bullets struck the 9-year-old in the hip and Harris in the head.

Police said the girl, who is expected to recover, was on the porch of a home on Fifth Avenue, while Harris was riding his bike around the corner on Pollock Street. The two victims are not related, police said.

Shortly after the shooting, three male suspects were seen running toward a small, dark-colored sedan parked in the 3300 block of Fourth Avenue, police said. They fled the area in the vehicle.

Detectives have not linked this incident to any other shootings in the city.

Anyone with information that may be helpful to the investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Bridges at (804) 646-4494. They may also contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or www.7801000.com.

Submit tips to GUN250 about people illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword GUN250 followed by your tip. Rewards are available up to $250. Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham said Tuesday that he plans to hold a community meeting to answer residents questions about a small pro-Confederate monuments demonstration planned for Saturday.

We do not want what happened in Charlottesville to happen in Richmond, Durham wrote in a letter distributed to residents Tuesday, referring to the Aug. 12 white-nationalist rally that turned deadly.

The session with Durham is scheduled to take place Thursday at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave.

The rally is being planned by a Tennessee-based group called CSA II: The New Confederate States of America, a relatively unknown group that sells Confederate T-shirts and memorabilia. About 50 people have indicated they plan to attend; however, a large number of counterprotesters also is expected.

The event is scheduled for Saturday morning around the statue of Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue.

In his letter, Durham wrote that police are ready for the event but that large crowds pose a potential risk to public safety.
PETERSBURG  The former girlfriend of capital murder defendant Alexander R. Hill Jr. testified at length Tuesday about how the couples relationship devolved from sweet to sour to bitter hate, escalating to profane exchanges, protective orders and repeated death threats that culminated in the slayings of four generations of her family.

Taking the witness stand as the prosecutions 27th witness on the fifth day of Hills trial, Vivian Chavis testified for nearly 90 minutes about how their curious and ruinous relationship led to one of Petersburgs worst mass killings, on Easter weekend in 2014.

Chavis testified that she ended the relationship and moved out of the home they shared after discovering Hill was married. Over several ensuing months, she said, Hill began to call her relentlessly with threats to kill her and all that she loved.

She testified that the menacing calls became increasingly pernicious during the first week of April 2014 but then suddenly stopped, to her great happiness, on April 18.

But it was a deceptive pause. During the middle of the night on April 19, prosecutors say, Hill broke into her familys home in the 700 block of Harding Street and fatally stabbed her mother, Pauline Wilkins, 67, and sister, Vicki Chavis-Ansar, 46, before setting a blaze that also killed her niece, Tanique Chavis, 22, and nephew, Delvari Chavis, 2.

Chavis, 51, candidly acknowledged under questioning by former Petersburg Commonwealths Attorney Cassandra Conover, who came out of retirement to help prosecute the case, that she first met Hill, known as Real Deal, in 2011 while working the streets as a prostitute.

He was my trick, and I had sex with him for money  one time, Chavis testified.

That encounter eventually led to the couple dating in March 2012, and Hill was soon accompanying her to family reunions, cookouts and other gatherings.

It was good, Chavis said of their relationship.

But about a year later, Chavis said, she learned Hill was married and broke off the relationship. However, they soon got back together after Hill told Chavis he was separated from his wife.

Hill then tried to find Chavis a place to live and, in June 2013, they both moved into a fully furnished rental home in the 1600 block of South Valor Drive that Hill told Chavis his in-laws could no longer afford. In reality, it was Hills estranged wifes former residence and he assumed the lease.

Life was initially good, Chavis testified, and they would go to church and dinner together. But the relationship began to sour after Chavis said she learned that their homes utility accounts were still in Hills wifes name and they began to quarrel over finances.

Chavis moved out, and after she retrieved her remaining belongings in early December, the phone calls started, Chavis testified.

Hill threatened to kill my family and made references to where they lived, prompting Chavis to obtain an emergency protective order against Hill on Dec. 23 of that year. But Hill continued to call, Chavis testified.

As the feud escalated, Hill obtained criminal warrants against Chavis for destruction of property and making threatening phone calls, and she was arrested twice, on April 5 and the following day, but released on her own recognizance.

Chavis said Hills threatening and profane calls continued, and on April 7 she obtained another protective order against him. But even then, she said, Hill continued to call. It was just constant, she testified.

The threats then abruptly stopped on April 18. I was so happy I didnt get any calls, Chavis testified.

After work that day, Chavis went out with her fiance for the evening, she testified. Before leaving, she asked her sister Vicki to leave the front door unlocked for her, but her sister refused because of Hills threats. Chavis noted that she previously had used a credit card to unlock the back door when she didnt have her keys.

Early the next morning, while still out, Chavis said her phone kept ringing. When she eventually answered, it was a relative with startling news: Her familys house was on fire.

I knew right there and then, Chavis told jurors on Wednesday, but her testimony was cut off mid-sentence by defense attorney John Rockecharlie, who objected to Chavis hearsay opinion about who was responsible. Jurors never heard her say the words Alexander Hill.

In cross-examination, Rockecharlie questioned Chavis about whether her fear of Hill was genuine, noting several text messages she sent him  read aloud in court  that mocked Hill and called him demeaning names that questioned his manhood.

Thats how you talk to a man youre deathly afraid of? the attorney asked.

In other testimony, former Boulevard Cab driver Orrin Pickering identified Hill as the man he picked up in Petersburg late on the evening of April 20, 2014  Easter Sunday  and drove to Roanoke Rapids, N.C.

Pickering said Hill wanted to be taken to Spartanburg, S.C., but the fare was too high, so he asked to be dropped off at the North Carolina line.

I want to get the f--- out of Virginia, Pickering said Hill told him.

Pickering settled on dropping off Hill at a rest stop in Emporia, but Hill refused to get out when they arrived. Hill insisted on being driven out of Virginia and repeatedly asked to be left at a restaurant, Pickering testified.

Eager to get rid of him because he smelled awful, Pickering said he ended up driving Hill to a breakfast-style restaurant in Roanoke Rapids, N.C. Hill got out but asked where he could catch a bus or train to Spartanburg. Pickering told him to ask a waitress inside, and Pickering drove away as Hill headed toward the door.
A forum intended to garner input on what the Richmond community is looking for in a new school superintendent was sparsely attended Tuesday.

About a dozen community members attended the forum, which was held at Henderson Middle School in the citys Northside. The group, comprised mostly of Richmond Public Schools parents, voiced their concerns with the divisions facilities problems, lack of funding and inequity problems.

Theres been a real, chronic cycle of disinvestment in RPS, said Ansley Perkins, a forum attendee. The lack of designated funding for RPS is a serious problem.

Attendees were asked to give strengths of the division, weaknesses and personal characteristics they desire in a new superintendent.

The division is working to replace Dana T. Bedden, who started as RPS superintendent in 2014 but left the post at the end of June, two years before the end of his contract.

Tommy Kranz, who previously served as the divisions chief operating officer, is filling the post in an interim capacity. Those who spoke at the forum praised Kranz for the job hes done as the interim.

Brad Draeger, a former superintendent with Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, the consulting firm hired for the search, said the group has put a strong preference on those with an urban education background. He hosted the forum alongside Ann Monday, also of HYA.

The forum concluded a day of events across the city focused on the superintendent search. Consultants, who have a nearly $50,000 budget to help the division find a new chief, conducted focus groups at different area schools. The meetings were supposed to attract students, teachers and principals, among other groups, but consultants only ended up meeting with students as no one from the other groups showed up to voice their input into what theyd like in a new superintendent.

The 26-person superintendent search committee, a separate group chaired by Dominion Chief Executive Officer Tom Farrell II, met earlier Tuesday at Dominions downtown office.

The deadline for a decision on a new superintendent is near the end of December. State code requires a selection within 180 days of Beddens June 30 departure.

Draeger said if all goes well, hes hopeful a name will be announced in November.

The consulting firm will deliver a leadership profile report to the School Board on Monday. The responses to an online survey, which got about 600 responses, will also be presented, he said.

Draeger added that candidates with connections to Richmond and RPS are being considered. Regardless of who is chosen, the consultants said, they cant solve all the divisions problems alone.
Chesterfield County School Board members have changed their public comment policy.

The measure, which passed by a 4-1 vote Tuesday, came about after two residents protested from their seats when they nearly lost their chance to speak in April.

School Board member Carrie Coyner cast the sole dissenting vote. Board members voted without comment.

The change will take effect immediately. Instead of being able to comment on each action item, residents can now speak during two public comment periods, as well as on items up for a public hearing.

The first public comment period will come before action items and apply only to those items on the agenda. Action items are those on which School Board members vote.

A second period, for non-agenda items, will come after School Board members have voted. Speakers will have three minutes to comment during those periods.

Five speakers opposed the change at Tuesdays meeting. Jenefer Hughes, who lives in the Midlothian District, said that sometimes School Board members have to face messages that may not be as positive.

The thing is thats what the public comment is for ... to express our opinions. I would encourage you to reconsider this change in policy, she said.

A sixth person wishing to speak but who said he did not have time to sign up with the boards clerk beforehand was not allowed to speak. Speakers have to sign up with the clerk by 2 p.m. the day of the meeting.

Schools spokesman Shawn Smith, who helped draft the policy change, has said the change is a way to streamline public comments and could also give School Board members more time to process public comments before they vote.

Other changes included the stipulation that comments must be germane to the services or policies of the school division. New language also prohibits speakers from yielding their time to other speakers, as well as any speech that promotes private business ventures, or that addresses pending litigation, or that campaigns for public office.

School Board Chairman Javaid Siddiqi pitched the change April 25, six days after a contentious meeting in which the board decided not to take action on an item relating to the controversial supplemental retirement program.

Without a vote, the School Board no longer considered it an action item, so Siddiqi then attempted to move on. Brenda Stewart and Rodney Martin then shouted from their seats at that meeting, saying they had signed up in advance for what was published as an action item.

Siddiqi allowed Stewart and Martin to come up to the lectern to speak, as well as two other speakers who signed up in advance.

We should be available and accessible, Siddiqi said on April 25. I dont think that has to come with a comment for every action item. Some of the behaviors that were displayed (at the April 19 meeting) are not representative of our community.

Siddiqi then mentioned that a couple of people had signed up for every single action item and that some did not have a whole lot to say because they hadnt really dug into it.

Stewart criticized the change Tuesday. Rather than three minutes for each action item, residents would now have to consolidate comments on action items into one three-minute speech, which limits time to address each action item, she said.

Other critics argued that this was another rollback on transparency by the School Board, which previously this year changed meeting structures regarding work sessions. One critic of the new comment policy, Ron Hayes, a regular at School Board meetings, said he would call for Siddiqis resignation if he voted in favor of it.

Ken Davis suggested the School Board leave the policy as is, and if it happens to have too many speakers on a given night, cut allotted speaking time then.

Before making the proposal, the school system conducted a survey of other districts. Smith said 74 percent of the approximately 70 respondents have a rule that prohibits speakers from yielding time to others and that more than 70 percent of respondents took public comments before action items.

Megan Rhyne, the executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, has said public comment periods take many shapes and forms.
A long-awaited draft environmental statement for a plan to reduce congestion and speed up rail service between Richmond and Washington leaves unresolved the thorniest question along the 123-mile route: how to cross Ashland and Hanover County, where opposition has been fierce.

Despite being born of the railroad as a mineral springs resort  a fact the town proudly notes on its website  and hosting the yearly Ashland Train Day event in a downtown bisected by rail lines, many Ashland residents and leaders are dead-set against proposals to run an additional track through the town. And Hanover County leaders are equally obstinate about building a bypass around the town.

The draft environmental impact statement released last week by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration contains recommendations for additional tracks and other upgrades in parts of Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, Caroline County and Richmond.

The plan for the project, which could cost more than $5 billion, lacks any dedicated federal funding and remains at least a decade away from construction, also recommends keeping the Richmond areas existing two-station configuration. It also suggests a new building at the Staples Mills Station and a new bridge across the James River to improve service from Main Street Station.

But the project, dubbed DC2RVA, has generated enough backlash in Ashland to compel DRPT in May to convene a community advisory committee to develop a consensus to deliver to the Commonwealth Transportation Board as it considers recommendations for the final federal environmental impact statement.

The group was composed of officials from Ashland, Hanover, Randolph-Macon College, CSX Transportation, Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization and DRPT.

Ashland was unique because of the amount of potential impact there, said Jennifer Mitchell, DRPT director. Those impacts were so unique and potentially significant that it really warranted more time. We wanted to make sure we got more public comment.

***

DRPT says it considered more than 26 different options for adding rail capacity through Ashland and evaluated seven build alternatives for the draft statement.

Yet consensus on a single preferred option did not emerge by Monday night at the committees brief final meeting. Instead, the group did put forward three least objectionable options to send to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, which will get a briefing on them this month,

Nobody is saying these are preferred, said Ashland Mayor James Foley. We are identifying the least objectionable. That was as far as the committee could go and be unanimous.

Mitchell said that turn of events constitutes great progress.

Our goal for the (community advisory committee) process was really to provide more opportunity for input, she said. I think they have definitely done their job.

The least objectionable alternatives are a so-called 3-2-3 option through Ashland, in which three tracks would narrow to two through downtown; a western bypass through Hanover; and an 11,000-foot-long, 50-foot-wide and 33-foot-deep trench that would carry three tracks below grade through Ashland, allowing vehicular and pedestrian crossings to be built overhead. Ashland would lose passenger rail service under both the 3-2-3 and trench scenarios.

The trench could cost anywhere from $640 million to $930 million, DRPT has said, pretty comparable to the cost of the western bypass, according to Mitchell. A third track through town is estimated to cost between $350 million and $530 million.

Mitchell wouldnt guess at how favorably the state might consider the added price of the trench or bypass compared with other alternatives.

I dont want to speak for the (Commonwealth Transportation Board) and what they may do. They are taking cost into consideration, she said.

CSX, which owns the rail right of way, has concerns about the 3-2-3 option.

Adding more passenger trains on just two tracks through Ashland would create a bottleneck that would deteriorate rail service to freight customers, said CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle. CSX does not have a position on the alignment issue beyond ensuring that there is sufficient rail capacity to balance new passenger service with the ability for CSX to deliver our customers freight in a timely manner.

***

Instead of generating consensus, the committee process may have fomented divisions between town and county.

Some Hanover leaders say they wont support a western bypass.

We will be fighting that all the way, said Aubrey M. Bucky Stanley, a long-serving member of the Board of Supervisors.

Instead, Stanley favors the trench, a project Foley, the Ashland mayor, said would be devastating. Hanovers Board of Supervisors hasnt taken an official position on the trench option, but has publicly opposed the other two.

The Hanover Chamber of Commerce took a stance against the bypass in a statement this week, calling the three-track trench the most viable option, one that would deliver solutions to safety needs and a usable and inviting community space for the future.

We recognize that the DC2RVA rail project will have direct effects on both the town of Ashland and Hanover County, the chamber said in a statement. Additionally, we acknowledge that no alternative is without fault and that other unintended consequences may arise from the project. Yet we appreciate the need to plan for the future and know that growing pains often parallel change.

Stanley said a western bypass would put a stigma over the whole area. More than 20 homes would be affected and people would likely be reluctant to invest in the area, he said.

Stanley said he had not expected a final consensus to come out of the meetings, taking issue with what he said was more representation for Ashland than Hanover in the group.

We felt that we were at a loss most of the time, Stanley said.

Should the trench through Ashland become the preferred option, the town will continue to fight it, Foley said. Trench construction could take three years, but many in Ashland think it could lead to more than a decade of economic stagnation downtown.

We cant support the trench, Foley said. We saw how devastating the construction would be.

Either prospect is expected by town and county officials to diminish property values and create havoc for residents and businesses.

One of those two groups is going to have a cloud hanging over it, Foley said. In either case relations are going to be strained, but I really hope that we remain together as a community.

Foley penned an open letter that put the trench option in terms almost as dire as previous descriptions of adding a third rail to Ashland  an option the town has fought hard to take off the table.

Downtown Ashland is the heart of our community, Foley wrote. It is how we self-identify. There are many body parts, like an arm, or a toe, or in some cases a kidney, that you can live without. You can not live without a heart.

When the trench option emerged in August, it was seen as a possible path forward. But a work session held in Ashland illustrated that residents are deeply skeptical.

All of a sudden, you have this last-minute thing, Foley said. Thats really dangerous because it hasnt had the scrutiny of the others.

Foley said the town is expected to announce its preferred option at a Town Council meeting Tuesday.

Weve eliminated a lot of the other ones, Foley said. We did accomplish a good deal.

Foley said he remains optimistic a better option than a western bypass or a trench can be found, given that it could be at least a decade before work begins.
Update: The University of Virginia has removed a black shroud protesters used to cover up a statue of Thomas Jefferson during a demonstration on campus.

UVA President Teresa Sullivan sent a statement to the university community Wednesday about the protest the night before. She says one person was arrested for public intoxication.

CHARLOTTESVILLE  One month after white nationalists stormed the Rotunda at the University of Virginia, bearing tiki torches and chanting, You will not replace us, a smaller but equally vocal crowd of protesters took to the Rotunda on Tuesday night, covering a statue of Thomas Jefferson in a black shroud.

The group of about 100 U.Va. students, faculty and community members gathered despite the rain to deride the universitys response to the summers wave of white nationalist demonstrations.

They covered the U.Va. founders statue in black, mimicking the citys decision to shroud the statues of Confederate Gens. Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson in the wake of the violent Aug. 12 rally that resulted in one death and dozens of injuries.

One month ago, we stood on the front lines in downtown Charlottesville as all manner of white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and neo-fascists swarmed the area, said a speaker addressing the crowd. Two months ago, the Ku Klux Klan rallied in their safe space, fully robed and fully protected by multiple law enforcement agencies who brutalized and tear-gassed peaceful counterprotesters.

With some sporting Black Lives Matter signs and many others chanting, the crowd cheered as three protesters climbed the Jefferson statue, adorning it with signs that dubbed the former president a racist and rapist.

While chanting mantras that have become routine in anti-racist protests, the common chant No Trump, No KKK no fascist USA was tweaked, swapping fascist USA with racist U.Va.

With every new horror that arises each month, each day, there has been an unparalleled resistance of people who say no to white supremacy, no to fascism, no to all forms of oppression, said the speaker. And we recognize and honor the fact that this resistance was not born 10 months ago, but has actually lived for many years: communities of color in Charlottesville fighting for affordable housing, for a living wage, for an end to police brutality and state-sanctioned violence, for education for all.

The group called on U.Va. to adhere to the Black Student Alliances list of demands, formed last month in response to influx of white nationalist non-locals who have used Charlottesville as a rallying point. Published around the time of the Aug. 20 March to Reclaim Our Grounds, the list included the demand to remove the Confederate plaques on the Rotunda and ban white supremacist hate groups from campus.

The list calls for a balance of U.Va.s historical landscape, and dubs the Jefferson statue an emblem of white supremacy that should be re-contextualized with a plaque to include that history.

It further demands that the university increase the enrollment of African American undergraduate students, increase the proportion of African American faculty and require all students to undergo some form of education on white supremacy, colonization and slavery as they directly relate to Thomas Jefferson, the university and the city of Charlottesville.

The same moderates who condemn the hate that came to Charlottesville one month ago fetishize the legacy of Jefferson, and imagine him as our collective moral compass, the primary speaker said. We cannot create a hierarchy within white supremacy.

We can and must condemn the violence of one month ago and simultaneously recognize Jefferson as a rapist, racist, and slave owner, she continued. The visibility of physical violence from white supremacists should not take our attention away from condemning and disrupting more respectable racists that continue to control the structures that perpetuate institutional racism.

Multiple speakers shared their thoughts on the matter with the crowd, many of whom criticized the university administration for its response to the rallies and claimed the university was not paying its workers a living wage. The crowd implored one another to remain steadfast in their protestations.

There is only one side to this, said one of the protesters standing upon the Jefferson statue.
New Jerseys loss could be Virginias gain.

Both states choose governors this year. They are the only states to do so in the year immediately following a presidential election, making both mini-referendums on whats going on in Washington, D.C. However, New Jerseys election may carry less significance.

Thats because Democrats are heavily favored to win the Soprano State. A Democratic victory would be as much an affirmation of New Jerseys blue reflex  Hillary Clinton thumped part-time resident Donald Trump there by 14 percentage points  as it would be a final repudiation of its friendless departing Republican governor, Chris Christie.

This means that Virginia  considered two-party competitive, despite mounting Democratic strength  will be this years main event. And the main measure of that will be money; in particular, out-of-state money.

We are seeing early bursts of big spending in the Ed Gillespie-Ralph Northam race by non-Virginia individuals and entities. So far, at least $16.5 million has been directed by only seven organizations to the candidates or is being spent on behalf of Gillespie or Northam, who has single-digit leads in the early polls.

And its not even mid-September.

Virginia, which comfortably tipped to Clinton and where distaste for President Trump has deepened, is expected to be awash in political money because the parties view the gubernatorial election as their best chance to telegraph very different messages to the nation.

For Republicans, its that the party is advancing  despite setbacks and stigmas synonymous with Trump. For Democrats, its that the party is advancing  because of setbacks and stigmas synonymous with Trump.

When it comes to political spending, New Jersey and Virginia are apples and oranges. New Jersey has public financing of elections. Virginia campaigns are bankrolled with unlimited private dollars. But public financing doesnt mean eye-popping sums arent spent in New Jersey.

In 2005, New Jerseys gubernatorial candidates  both wealthy men  spent a total of $90 million, drawing on their personal fortunes. That was about a third more than the $60 million that the Virginia nominees spent in 2013.

A huge cost in New Jersey campaigns is television advertising. Like those before them, the nominees this year  Democrat Phil Murphy and Republican Kim Guadagno  must purchase air time in two of the nations priciest broadcast markets: New York and Philadelphia, which bracket the state.

Thats not as big a problem in Virginia. It has high-dollar Washington and about a half-dozen smaller, lower-priced markets, including Richmond.

Murphy, a multimillionaire, ex-Goldman Sachs guy, loaned his campaign nearly $20 million during the primary. In the general election, he is deferring to a state-set cap on spending of $13.8 million. However, Murphys early investment in himself continues to yield dividends.

A recent poll showed him 21 percentage points ahead of Guadagno, who  as Christies lieutenant governor  has to answer for her unpopular boss, a vocal supporter of Trump.

Because Virginia has no restrictions on fundraising and spending in state elections, campaigns for governor can be the financial equivalent of a nuclear arms race, an ever-accelerating scramble by both sides  and their allies  to harvest more dollars for more advertising, more direct mail, more social media, more telephone banks and more operatives.

That is an open invitation to politically muscular organizations with vast cash troves to throw their weight around, amassing chits with the prospective governor of the nations 12th-largest state and testing themes and technology for future campaigns.

The National Rifle Association, backing Gillespie and his running mates for lieutenant governor and attorney general, is renowned for the frequency and speed with which it can communicate with its members. It spent $500,000 four years ago, backing Republican Ken Cuccinelli over the winner for governor, Democrat Terry McAuliffe.

Two gun-control groups, Mike Bloomberg-led Everytown for Gun Safety and Gabby Giffords Americans for Responsible Solutions, combined to spend more than $2 million in behalf of McAuliffe and other Democrats. The Bloomberg political action committee endorsed Northam in January but apparently has yet to fully open its cash spigot.

Thats not the case with the Republican Governors Association or the Democratic Governors Association, both of which are long-standing, first-line purveyors of money and materiel.

The RGA has already steered $8 million to a PAC that is supporting Gillespie. Most of the money  $5 million  was donated in January and was the largest single political contribution in Virginias history. DGA has committed $1.2 million to Northam.

NextGen America, a PAC started by green billionaire Tom Steyer, is making a $3 million play in Virginia for Northam, despite the candidates maybe-Im-for-it, maybe-Im-against-it stance on twin natural-gas pipelines that environmentalists say magnify the states dependence on carbon fuel.

Steyer, who plowed $8 million into the 2013 race, mostly to belittle Cuccinelli for his skepticism on climate change, this year is spending $2 million to mobilize millennials and $1 million to turn out immigrant voters.

In Richmond Tuesday to spotlight his efforts in the Virginia campaign, Steyer did not rule out spending more to assist Northam. Steyer also said he believes Northam is attuned to environmental and energy concerns, saying, We are not in conflict about supporting Ralph Northam.

Another environmental group, the League of Conservation Voters, is spending $1.4 million on Northam.

Planned Parenthood, an abortion-rights organization, is committing $660,000 to the Democratic campaign. And an anti-gerrymandering group with ties to former President Barack Obama, the National Democratic Redistricting Foundation, donated $500,000.

Gillespie is getting a $1.8 million boost from Koch brothers-backed Americans for Prosperity. The anti-tax group is running a TV commercial attacking Northam as a no-show at an economic development agency that approved $1.4 million in public funds for a factory in Appomattox County that was never built.

Such spending may seem a mere bagatelle 55 days from now, when Virginians elect their governor. Thats because millions more will flow into the state, if only because theres virtually no competition for campaign cash. Congress isnt up this year and there are a handful of big-city mayoral elections.

But in politics, money is like water over rocks. It always finds a crack through which to seep.

And in Virginia, the trickle will lead to a torrent.
University of Virginia President Teresa Sullivan on Wednesday rebuked protesters who shrouded a statue of Thomas Jefferson on the north side of the schools Rotunda on Tuesday night, saying they were desecrating ground that many of us consider sacred.

I strongly disagree with the protesters decision to cover the Jefferson statue, Sullivan wrote in an email to alumni.

Protesters at the Rotunda covered the U.Va. founders statue in black on the one-month anniversary of the white nationalist rally Aug. 12 that led to the death of Heather Heyer, a protester against racism.

The latest development  coupled with a Confederate heritage groups planned demonstration Saturday at Richmonds Robert E. Lee monument in defiance of Gov. Terry McAuliffes temporary ban  stoked anew an issue that continues to ripple through Virginias race for governor about eight weeks ahead of the election.

The Republican Party of Virginia on Wednesday urged U.Va. to prevent the defacing of historical monuments.

The vandalism of the Thomas Jefferson statue at the University of Virginia is the next step in the extreme lefts movement to erase our history, John Whitbeck, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, said in a statement.

Ralph Northam, the Democratic nominee for governor, issued a mild criticism of the protesters. There are more appropriate ways to have a discussion about our complex history, he tweeted Wednesday afternoon. Lets be civil and respect each other.

Sullivan said that university personnel removed the shroud and that one person was arrested Tuesday night on a charge of public intoxication. The Daily Progress reported that university police arrested Brian Lambert of Charlottesville on the public intoxication charge. Authorities said Lambert, who is not affiliated with the school, was legally open-carrying a firearm.

In her message to alumni, Sullivan alluded to white nationalists torchlit march on the U.Va. campus the night before the Unite the Right rally.

Coming just one month after the August 11 torchlight march by 300 racist and anti-Semitic protesters, a march that became violent, this event has reminded us that there are critical and sometimes divisive issues related to the exercise of free expression in an inclusive community, Sullivan wrote.

Sullivan said Jefferson was an ardent believer in freedom of expression, and he experienced plenty of abusive treatment from the newspapers of his day. Jefferson likely would not be surprised to find expressions about critical disagreements in the polity at U.Va., Sullivan added.

Sullivan said many alumni experienced protests and activism during their college days at U.Va.

I prefer the process of discussion and debate, she said, adding that the debate is happening here at U.Va. That there is also activism should not be a surprise to any of us.

Protesters who climbed the Jefferson statue Tuesday night added signs that referred to Jefferson as a racist and a rapist.

In a separate statement to the university community Wednesday, Sullivan noted that Jefferson owned slaves.

She wrote that Jefferson made many contributions to the progress of the early American Republic: he served as the third president of the United States, championed religious freedom, and authored the Declaration of Independence.

She added: In apparent contradiction to his persuasive arguments for liberty and human rights, however, he was also a slave owner.

Sullivan note, In its early days the University of Virginia was dependent upon the institution of slavery. Enslaved people not only built its buildings, but also served in a wide variety of capacities for U.Va.s first fifty years of existence. After gaining freedom, African Americans continued to work for the university, but they were not allowed to enroll as students until the mid-twentieth century.

Whitbeck, chairman of the state GOP, said in his statement that the defacing of our historical monuments is not free speech, it is a criminal offense, plain and simple.

There have been no reports that the protesters damaged the Jefferson statue.

On Tuesday, Virginia Military Institute announced that it is keeping its Confederate statues, including one of Stonewall Jackson, who served on the schools faculty before the Civil War, and will consider adding more historical context.

Northam, a VMI graduate, has said he backs the removal of Confederate statues from prominent public spaces. He has said that he would do everything in his authority to remove statues at the state level, but he gave no indication Tuesday that he would press the issue at VMI.

David Abrams, a spokesman for Republican nominee Ed Gillespie, said VMIs decision is consistent with Eds view that we should add historic context to monuments.

Corey Stewart, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors chairman who made protecting Confederate statues a key to his bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, also decried Tuesdays protest at the Jefferson statue at U.Va., issuing a series of tweets.

It was never just about Lee, he said in the first tweet. We warned of this in Feb. Theyre going after the Founders, then the founding documents.

In another tweet, Stewart said: @UVA must expel students and fire any faculty responsible. Anything less is acceptance.

Stewart is seeking the Republican nomination to run next year against U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.

Congress this week passed a bipartisan resolution decrying the violence at the Aug. 12 rally in Charlottesville and urging President Donald Trump to speak out against hate groups. The resolution was introduced in the House by Reps. Thomas A. Garrett Jr., R-5th, and Gerald E. Connolly, D-11th, and in the Senate by Kaine and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.,

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said on Wednesday that the president plans to sign the resolution as soon as it reaches his desk.
By Raelyn Balfour

On the morning of March 30, 2007, I was positive that I had dropped off my son, Bryce, at his babysitters house. I did not learn until later that afternoon when the babysitter called that he was not with her.

My son died after being left in my car all day. The high that day was only 66 degrees, but that was enough. He died, and was only 9 months old.

It was the worst day of our lives, and I have replayed it in my mind a million times, trying to understand how this happened, and why I missed the right turn to drop off Bryce that morning. My morning routine was unusual, with the smallest things throwing it off: I had hardly slept in days.

My son had a cold and was up all night. The car seat was in a different place, and the diaper bag was in the back seat of the car instead of the front next to my handbag because I had driven my husband to work. A work emergency came up. But that was enough.

The pain of losing Bryce has never left me, and never will. Its something I have learned to live with, and its why I feel a duty to help ensure no family goes through what we have.

Thats why we work with KidsAndCars.org, a nonprofit that advocates for consumer protections that promote child safety in or around cars. For more than a decade, they have waded through miles of red tape to get our government to act and address dangerous engineering oversights in power windows and gearshifts that cause preventable deaths, and fought to increase rear visibility to prevent small children from being backed over.

The organization has also championed bills like the HOT CARS Act  which unanimously passed the House last Wednesday  that would help prevent tragedies like the one we faced.

Working on this issue has given us a unique understanding of the way Washington works.

Weve learned that protecting our children requires much more than just taking the fight to Congress, passing a bill, and getting it signed into law. Even after the HOT CARS Act is passed and signed into law, well still have a long way to go, working to ensure that federal agencies follow through.

In some cases, just working the system hasnt been enough. For example, in 2011, Congress passed a bill requiring cameras or backup warning devices on all new vehicles to help prevent children from being backed over.

Yet the government didnt act, forcing KidsAndCars.org to sue the Department of Transportation to release the standard.

Everyone knows that government processes can move slowly at times, but when it comes to our kids safety, it shouldnt. It took 16 years to get the government to require seat belts, and 21 years to require airbags. Thats how difficult it is to get something done in Washington.

But a new bill in Congress would slow the government to a standstill. Under the pretext of reform, a bill called the Regulatory Accountability Act (RAA) would add a jumbled web of additional bureaucracy to implementing these life-saving protections.

Its a recipe of more red tape and additional layers of bureaucracy that will make it more difficult to complete an already-complex process meant to protect our health and safety. It would stop life-saving bills from ever taking effect. It puts consumer protections across the board at risk, from vehicle safety to bans on dangerous chemicals, to workers protections and food safety.

On behalf of families like ours that have faced unimaginable tragedy, and those who narrowly avoided it because of the protections weve worked for, I urge Congress to reject the RAA. We should be doing whatever we can to protect our kids  not paralyzing the process with red tape. Our kids deserve better.
BEDFORD  It was an innocent time in a safe place, where parents didnt think twice about letting their kids walk to the local shopping mall. All that changed the day the Lyon sisters disappeared.

A sense of security was shattered in the spring of 1975, when two young sisters from the Maryland suburbs of Washington went to the mall to have pizza with friends, but never made it home.

On Tuesday, one of the Washington regions most painful and enduring mysteries came to an end when a 60-year-old convicted sex offender pleaded guilty in Bedford County Circuit Court to felony murder in the deaths of 10-year-old Katherine Lyon and 12-year-old Sheila Lyon.

Lloyd Lee Welch Jr., 60, was sentenced to 48 years in prison. He was charged in the girls killings in 2015 after members of his extended family said they saw him carrying two large duffel bags on property the family owned in Bedford.

Under Virginia law, a murder case can be brought in a place where authorities believe a victims remains may have been left.

That fear lingered for years and years, and it was just the kind of thing that nobody will ever forget, said retired Sgt. Harry Geehreng, who searched for the girls after they vanished.

The crime went unsolved for decades, and the girls bodies were never found. Finally, in 2013, cold case detectives in Montgomery County, Md., zeroed in on Welch, who fit the description of a man a friend of the girls told police she saw staring at the sisters the day they disappeared.

Welch was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree felony murder. He did not speak during the hearing, except when asked to enter his plea.

Welchs attorney, Tony Anderson, said his client admitted participating in the abduction of the girls but continues to insist he did not participate in any sexual assault of the girls or in their killings.

The 48-year sentence is part of a plea agreement that also calls for him to receive a 12-year concurrent prison term for two unrelated sexual assaults in Northern Virginia.

Welch is now serving a prison sentence in Delaware for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl. Once he completes that sentence in 2026, he will begin serving his sentence in Virginia.

The Lyon sisters disappeared on March 25, 1975, after walking from their home in Kensington, Md., to the shopping center.

During Welchs plea hearing in court Tuesday, Commonwealths Attorney Wes Nance said witnesses told authorities that Welch put a green duffel bag in a large fire burning on Taylors Mountain in Bedford. Nance said other witnesses recalled that the fire burned for days and had the stench of death.

Welch had faced the possibility of the death penalty. Nance said prosecutors decided against pursuing a death sentence based on legal changes that could have prompted years of appeals, as well as the Lyon familys wish to bring the case to a close.

The girls parents, John and Mary Lyon, and her two brothers thanked Montgomery County police for sticking with the investigation.
Pinnacle Bank is due in town late this month with new black signs, debit cards and Nashville, Tennessee, leadership as it absorbs BNC Bank, effective Sept. 25.

Pinnacle has assured BNC customers that many account details wont change, such as most account numbers. BNC customers can use their existing supply of checks. Statement cycles and office hours also will stay the same and automatic debits tied to accounts will continue uninterrupted, Pinnacle said in a 17-page mailing to customers.

New debit cards will be issued, but customers will use the same mobile banking app and online banking platform. Pinnacle uses the web address mypinnacle.com.

But Pinnacle has acknowledged that BNC has more branches in the Roanoke area than the new owners will need.

Pinnacle plans to close the BNC branch at 3850 Keagy Road in Roanoke on Dec. 15, Pinnacle spokesman Joe Bass said. That will leave three branches in the city, four in Roanoke County and one in Salem, according to the FDIC.

Pinnacle bought BNC Bank and the Bank of North Carolina, based in High Point, North Carolina, this summer in a $1.9 billion deal. That impacted the Roanoke banking market because BNC had two years earlier bought Valley Bank, a longstanding area institution.

BNC absorbed Valley Bank later that year and reflagged Valley Bank locations with its red sign bearing a cardinal. Those signs will be recycled, Pinnacle said.
Vietnam veteran Fred Vest told the crowd that he returned from the war yearning for sanctuary and peace of mind and believed he had secured both on rural Bent Mountain.

Years later, in December 2014, Vest learned that the route of the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline appeared destined to cross his property, a reality he said threatens the solace hes found and the clear running springs that he said abound on his land.

Vest was one of about 50 people who gathered at noon Wednesday along Peters Creek Road near the regional office of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The group came together in an effort to communicate to the department and to Gov. Terry McAuliffe their conviction that the Mountain Valley Pipeline and the separate Atlantic Coast Pipeline are projects whose risks outweigh their benefits.

Speakers included two pastors from Franklin County who described the Mountain Valley Pipeline as a threat both to Gods creation and to parishioners with properties on the proposed route.

Ricky Smithers, pastor of Crossroads Community Church on Bonbrook Mill Road, said his attempts to talk to some parishioners about their spiritual lives have been pre-empted by their need to discuss fears about the pipeline. He decried the potential for a private company to wield the power of eminent domain to acquire easements across private properties.

Pipeline opponents held rallies Wednesday at six other DEQ offices and expect to hold similar events at noon Thursday.

The gatherings are happening as the department weighs what its recommendations will be to the State Water Control Board regarding the award of water quality certification to the projects. Each would bury a 42-inch diameter pipeline to transport natural gas at high pressure.

Organizers announced the protests just before Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas and Hurricane Irma began forming near the Cape Verde Islands. During the Roanoke protest, participants linked the powerful storms to climate change and observed a moment of silence for those whod lost homes and loved ones.

McAuliffe has voiced consistent support for the two pipeline projects. He and other supporters have said the natural gas transported by the interstate pipelines will stimulate economic development, provide a cleaner fuel than coal for power generation, lure new manufacturers, augment the nations quest for energy independence and offer other benefits.

Mike Tidwell is director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, which helped organized the DEQ protests. Tidwell, who participated in Wednesdays rally in Roanoke, has asserted that the two natural gas transmission pipelines would intensify fracking and related pollution in the Appalachian Basin; increase emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas; threaten water quality and cause profound environmental damage along their routes while enabling continued reliance on fossil fuels at the expense of investment in renewable energy.

Tidwell has said that if the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast projects move forward, McAuliffe will be remembered as a governor whose embrace of the pipelines helped worsen climate change, boosting the prospect of increased coastal flooding from sea level rise and the potential of catastrophic storms.

McAuliffe also has repeatedly said that the fate of the interstate pipelines rests with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and that he lacks authority to halt the projects  a contention long rebutted by pipeline foes.

Opponents have noted that New Yorks Department of Environmental Conservation has denied water quality certification permits for two major natural gas pipeline projects, alleging their construction would violate state water quality standards. In August, a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld New Yorks denial of water quality certification sought by the Constitution Pipeline.

David Sligh, conservation director of Wild Virginia and an investigator for the Dominion Pipeline Monitoring Coalition, has said the courts decision contradicted McAuliffes frequent declarations of powerlessness.

We have known and argued to Virginia officials for over two years that they had all the authority they needed to demand necessary information and deny certification unless compliance with water quality standards is assured, Sligh said in August.

On Wednesday, Angela Navarro, Virginias deputy secretary of natural resources, noted that McAuliffes support for the pipelines has been accompanied by his desire that state agencies vetting the projects perform robust reviews. She noted that DEQ is an independent agency whose recommendations to the State Water Control Board will reflect the departments unprecedented analysis of potential impacts to water quality.

On Sept. 7, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection reported it had withdrawn the water quality certification issued in March for the Mountain Valley project.

Appalachian Mountain Advocates, an environmental law firm, had appealed the certification to the Fourth Circuit in June on behalf of five clients, all environmental watchdog groups, arguing that the departments analysis was inadequate.

Department spokesman Jacob Glance said Friday that the department had determined that the information used to issue that certification needs to be further evaluated and possibly enhanced.

Sligh said Virginias DEQ should take note.

It will be much better for DEQ and the board to do the job right the first time than to waste taxpayer funds trying to defend inadequate decisions, he said.

Vest noted that the outcome in West Virginia could hold profound significance for landowners in Virginia on the path of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

If they cant come through West Virginia, they cant get here, he said.
Part of the New River Valley was shaken by an earthquake Wednesday that started shortly after 1:30 p.m.

A Virginia Tech seismograph showed the epicenter just over the state line in West Virginia with a magnitude between 3.7 and 4.0. Thats a big enough earthquake to make it the largest in the area since 1968, said Martin Chapman, the director of the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory.

The earthquake was felt by people across the New River Valley. Near its epicenter, the quake was loud and shook the earth dramatically, witnesses said.

It was like an explosion went off, said Roger Jones, town manager of Rich Creek, a Giles County town northwest of Pearisburg.

Jones said there was a loud noise alongside the shake followed by a second loud noise and shake that was felt by workers inside town hall.

More than 200 calls came into the Giles County Sheriffs Office dispatch in the half hour after the quake, according to the department. Giles County Administrator Chris McKlarney said county workers immediately went to check on school buildings and other county properties.

The last measurable earthquake in the area was in May. That one was a 2.8 magnitude quake with an epicenter near Narrows. It was 10 times smaller than Wednesdays.

The quakes are part of whats known as the Giles County seismic zone, an area of fault lines that surrounds the New River.

The Giles County seismic zone is relatively active but its quakes are not often at a level that can be felt. Between the mid-1970s until the late 1990s, Virginia Tech researchers measured between one or two quakes per month.

Chapman said earlier this year that the quakes have become less frequent in the last two decades.

Both quakes were less intense than the big one that hit Pearisburg on May 31, 1897. That quake still registers as one of the strongest known quakes in the Southeast. It cracked the mortar of the Giles County courthouse, derailed a train engine and several cars and knocked several chimneys to the ground.

The day after, The Roanoke Times reported that damage was minimal but it succeeded in scaring a great many people nearly out of their wits.

The potential for an earthquake has been pointed to by opponents of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, a 42-inch diameter, buried natural gas transmission pipeline, as a concern for the project.

A June 2016 report by geologist Ernst Kastning described the Giles County zone as one of the most active earthquake zones in the mid-Atlantic. Kastnings report, commissioned by pipeline opponents, suggested the active zone, combined with features of the local karst landscape, posed severe engineering challenges.

The Mountain Valley Pipelines final environmental impact statement, released in June by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, acknowledged the potential exists for a magnitude 5.8 earthquake in the Giles County zone. The statement noted, The MVP would be able to withstand seismic events of the historical and projected magnitude in the zone.

The U.S. Geological Survey measured the quake as a 3.1, amended down from a 3.2 earlier in the day. The USGS and the Tech group have a wide discrepancy in their measurements because of different styles of measurement and different ways of calculating seismological readings, Chapman said. He said people on Techs campus were able to feel it.

Pulaski Countys 911 Center reported getting several calls. Director of the center Chris Akers said that people in the town of Pulaski felt a little jolt.

So far, no damage has been reported.

Staff writers Sara Gregory and Duncan Adams contributed to this report.
ROCKY MOUNT  Tufts of hay flew in the air as first-graders from Dudley Elementary furiously searched for eggs to place in their empty cartons.

Their classmates cheered them on, yelling Go, go, go! The kids wriggled around with hands outstretched as they prepared for their turn at the relay-style Farm Chores game.

The activity was one of several Wednesday morning that gave first-grade students from Franklin Countys 12 elementary schools a taste of life on the farm. Students got a first look at the agricultural fair, which officially opened Wednesday evening and runs through Saturday.

The school district brings its first-, third- and fifth-grade students for educational activities over the three school days the fair is running.

A new addition to the fair this year is the Agri-Zoo, which features traditional farm animals on loan from local farmers. When students visited the zoo, they pointed and called out the names of the familiar ones, like chickens and cows.

Students in Franklin County High Schools agriculture program and National FFA Organization club were on hand to talk about the different animals.

Seniors Tyler Jordan and Grant Dickerson manned the swine station, which featured Caleb Floras Hampshire pig. As far as they knew, the pig didnt have a name.

Better not to get attached to something thats hitting the grease, Jordan said.

When a group of students sidled up, Jordan asked how many of them had bacon for breakfast that morning. Several hands shot into the air.

He explained the bacon they ate came from a pig just like the one they were looking at.

This is the pig you like to eat  its good stuff, he said.

Dickerson showed the tools a farmer would use to notch a pigs ear and put a ring in a pigs nose. He said the ring prevents a pig from rooting in the earth. Unchecked, Dickerson said, theyll tear your fields up.

Would you want one in your nose? Burnt Chimney Elementary teacher Amy Morrow asked a group of nearby students. The answer was a decisive no.

A little girl raised her hand and asked a pressing question: Did the pig have whiskers?

I think just about everythings got whiskers, Jordan said, including himself.

When Morrows class encountered a beef cow, they were a little stumped about what kind of food it might yield.

Morrow asked the students what they ordered at McDonalds, aside from chicken nuggets. Then it was clear.

Hamburgers! the students answered.

Brenda Muse, the school districts K-12 director of curriculum and instruction, said the agriculture fair teaches students about an important piece of Franklin Countys history.

This county was built on that premise of agriculture, she said, and its still here today.

The Agri-Zoo, designed by the high school students and Virginia Cooperative Extension agents, will also be open in the evenings for fair goers to take in, said Diane Cannaday, chair of the fairs education committee.
Authorities are planning to cordon off a weapons-free assembly zone around the statue of Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue in an effort to head off any potential violence at a rally to support preserving Confederate monuments planned for Saturday.

We do not want what happened in Charlottesville to happen in Richmond, said Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham in a letter distributed to residents this week.

While authorities acknowledge theyre preparing for the worst, so far theyve downplayed the parallels between the rally planned for this weekend and the one that took place last month in Charlottesville, which was heavily promoted for months by several national white nationalist groups.

The Richmond rally, in contrast, is being planned by a small, largely unknown Confederate heritage group based out of Tennessee, and so far, only about 50 people have signaled they plan to attend.

Durham described plans to ban items such as sticks, bats and knives at a community meeting held by Councilwoman Kim Gray last week, according to several people who were there.

Durham declined to comment Wednesday on the police departments plans for the protest, saying officials would answer questions at a community meeting scheduled to take place Thursday. In his letter, he asked residents to avoid the area if possible and report any suspicious activities to police.

Its uncertain whether the ban would extend to guns  a potentially thorny legal issue in a state where the open carry of firearms is legal.

I cant say what types of weapons because the law is unclear, Gray said, but it has been a topic of discussion  what particular items can and cant be banned from these types of rallies.

On Tuesday a free speech expert told a state panel assembled by McAuliffe that a weapons ban could be done in a way that would be legal, would be constitutional.

Rodney Smolla, the dean of Widener University Delaware Law School and a former law school dean at the University of Richmond and Washington and Lee University, said localities or the state could theoretically ban guns through the permitting process for events expected to draw large crowds, but an across-the-board prohibition on guns at political rallies may be a difficult sell from a constitutional standpoint, particularly in open carry states.

McAuliffe has ordered a temporary freeze on permitted events at the Lee statue and reiterated this week that the planned pro-Confederacy demonstrators will not be allowed to rally there. Were going to enforce our executive order, of course, McAuliffe said. Maybe theyll march down the entire Monument Avenue. Walk down the sidewalks. Theyre entitled to do that.

Gray said she expected police to set up the weapons-free zone in the streets around the statue but that, in keeping with McAuliffes order, the grassy area around the statue itself thats owned by the state would be fenced off.

Its uncertain how many people will actually attend the rally, which is being planned by a small neo-Confederate group based in Tennessee called CSA II: The New Confederate States of America, a for-profit business whose primary focus appears to be selling Confederate-themed T-shirts and other paraphernalia.

The group is largely unknown and the states most well established Confederate heritage group, the Virginia Chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, has advised its members not to participate in the event.

Were trying to figure out who they are, Frank Earnest Sr., a spokesman for the SCV, said. Nobodys ever heard of them.  We really wish people would just let things die down right now and that these people would stop using our symbols.
Its taken 60 years and billions of dollars, but mass transit is finally coming to Dulles International Airport outside the nations capital. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is ready to open the second and final phase of its Silver Line Metrorail extension on Nov. 15. The six new stations will for the first time connect the airport and the outer suburbs of Loudoun County to the regions flagship mass transit system. But the Silver Line extension comes at a time when ridership on Metro remains at roughly half of what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Metro officials say the long-term vision of those who pushed for the line will be vindicated as riders return.
The story grew in importance this week as Illinois' biggest health care provider - Blue Cross Blue Shield - confirmed to Illinois Review Wednesday that although the company will continue to offer individual and small business plans off the ObamaCare Exchange, they will not offer small group products on the SHOP Exchange in 2018.

WASHINGTON - The big story at the nation's capital Wednesday is Vermont U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders' legislation introducing single-payer health care to rescue the failing Obamacare system.

"Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has filed rates and is preparing to participate on the individual retail marketplace for 2018," spokesperson Colleen Miller said in an email. "We are no longer planning to offer small group products on the SHOP exchange. BCBSIL will continue to offer a variety of plans to small businesses off the exchange to serve the varying needs of our small business employers."

The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMMS) reports had only 738 businesses with SHOP plans in 2017, covering 3,512 lives.

Industry insiders say the SHOP has been almost non-functioning for a while. "The only companies who went on the SHOP were those with under 25 employees with an average payroll of $50K looking for a tax credit," one said.

Illinoisans in the Obamacare Exchange are already facing scant policy choices. A map recently published by CMMS shows much of Illinois down to one or two exchange insurance carriers available. (See above)

Over 47% of counties nationwide are projected to have only one option available to them in 2018, and 29% (or 2,668,625 Exchange participants) nationwide are expected to be without choices.
Vox.com explains:

Sanderss Medicare-for-all Act of 2017 begins by transforming Medicare so that its enrollees do not pay any money for virtually limitless free health insurance  with the exception of cosmetic care, like plastic surgery. (As currently operated, Medicare enrollees have to pay significant costs in premiums and deductibles to access their care.) Then the bill would drop the Medicare eligibility age  from 65 to 55 in the first year, and then gradually over four years until everyone is covered.
September 1, 1946 September 11, 2017 Harvey Eugene (Gene) Long, 71, of Blacksburg, died Monday, September 11, 2017, at Lewis Gale Medical Center. He was born in Blacksburg on September 1, 1946 to the late Walter Mason and Nettie Olinger Long. He was also preceded in death by his three brothers, Joe Long, Bobby Long, and Owen Long. He was a United States Army veteran of the Korean War. He retired from Virginia Tech after 30 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Martin Long; sons, Troy Eugene Long, Chad Long, and wife, Leslie; grandchildren, Dylan, Megan, Ashton, Christian, and Ally; stepchildren and spouses, Mike and Anna Martin, Jody Martin, Leon and Tara Martin, Missy and P.J. Adkins, Casey and Ben Cauley; fourteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Dr. S.W. Blacksburg, VA. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Darryl Love officiating. A graveside service will be held Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the Guil-Rand Memorial Park, High Point, N.C.
ROME  I spotted them on my way to dinner with a friend near Castel Gandolfo. They are migrants from Africa, sitting by the side of the road outside a temporary residence that, for many, appears to have become permanent. They all have cellphones. They all seem oblivious to us as we pass by.

My friend, a Sicilian by birth, says they are people from African nations the Italian government has taken in. The state pays 90 Euros (about $108 U.S. dollars) per day, per person, he says, but the migrants receive only a pittance, due to skimming by the Mafia.

The Mafia is still around? I ask. I thought it was a relic, as depicted in movies like The Godfather and Goodfellas.

Not so, he says. They are getting rich off of these people and the government does nothing about it. They cant go anywhere because the government wont give most of them papers.

The Mafia may or may not retain its infamous title, but the corruption that was part of the old order apparently remains by whatever name it is called.

Last March, the newspaper Gazetta del Sud reported that Luca Odevaine, a former senior police officer and city official, admitted taking bribes of 5,000 Euros a month from a senior member of a Mafia gang to act as their facilitator.

In a highly publicized trial two months ago, 59-year-old Massimo Carminati, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for operating a mafia-style network that, reported The Guardian newspaper, used extortion, fraud and theft to divert millions of Euros that had been destined for public services.

Carminati, it said, is The ringleader of a gang whose criminal tentacles reached into almost every department of Romes City Hall.

Carminatis right-hand man, 61-year-old Salvatore Buzzi, was sentenced to 19 years in prison. In all, 46 people were tried and received various sentences. Only five were acquitted.

The skimming schemes have left the Eternal City so short of cash it not only is having difficulty helping migrants find a place to live  and assist them to find jobs  it is having difficulty repairing its buses when they break down, filling potholes or even keeping the citys trees healthy so they dont fall over and block traffic or injure pedestrians.

In July, The Guardian reported, The citys mayor, Virginia Raggi, said a deep wound had been inflicted on Rome by a criminal association able to heavily influence the political decisions of this city. She added: We are paying the price every day. We now need to stitch the wound back together by taking the path of legality  no easy task. We need to keep our eyes peeled [for corruption] at all times.

Eyes have been deliberately blinded, not peeled, by people on the take, which has left too many others, especially the migrants, suffering in limbo because the money they should be receiving has been diverted into the pockets of organized crime and corrupt officials.

In Europe the debate over migrants continues with Germanys Angela Merkel saying she would change nothing about her open border policy. Opinion polls show she leads her opponents ahead of Germanys September 24 election.

Italys experience with shifting demographics is unique. As the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) reports, Italians have accounted for the largest voluntary emigration in recorded history, with 13 million leaving between 1880 and 1915. The exit has been so substantial and exacerbated by the nations low birth rate that foreign workers must be imported to do jobs native Italians once did.

The MPI report notes: By accident of geography, Italy has played an outsized role in the current European migration crisis, receiving more than 335,000 irregular arrivals via the Mediterranean during 2015-16.

That so many have been mistreated is a scandal to everyone, except the Mafia.

Thomas is a columnist for the Tribune Content Agency.
By Donald Nuechterlein

What have we learned about what happened in Charlottesville August 11-12 that should guide our thinking about dealing with future threats to our community?

Here are three questions we should ponder:

1. Why did it happen in Charlottesville?

2. Should the city and university have been better prepared?

3. Could it happen again?

Why Charlottesville?

Two factors seem paramount here. First, a: Charlottesville resident and white supremacist agitator, Jason Kessler, supported a request by the Ku Klux Klan to make an issue of the city councils decision to remove the Robert E. Lee statue from a downtown Charlottesville park. The KKK organized a protest demonstration on July 8 and attracted members to the park area. Charlottesvilles police were well-prepared for this relatively small, peaceful rally, and no serious violence resulted.

When Kessler asked for the citys approval to hold another demonstration on August 12 against removal of the Lee statue, it quickly became a signal for white supremacists, neo-Nazi groups, and the Ku Klux Klan across the country to organize a major show of strength on an issue that finds support among citizens opposed to tearing down historical monuments. A large counter-demonstration quickly emerged and attracted leftist groups from around the country, including militant Antifa (anti-fascist) elements. Both groups, some members were armed, descended on the Charlottesville community on Aug. 11.

Some speculate that Charlottesville was chosen by white supremacists and far-right groups to take their stand because it represents a liberal community that wasnt prepared for a large demonstration against the citys decision to remove a symbol of conservative Virginias history.

Was this community prepared?

As the Washington Post stated in an Aug. 25 editorial Avoiding another Charlottesville, In trying to strike an undeniably tricky balance between ensuring public safety and enabling protesters to exercise their constitutional rights, the authorities tilted too far away from public safety.

Following the July 8 KKK rally in Charlottesville, the citys police and Virginia state police prepared for a much larger demonstration on Aug. 12. Their concerns for public safety persuaded the city manager and police chief to change the location of the demonstration from the downtown streets to McIntire Park. That decision was appealed by Jason Kessler who won a federal courts ruling, a day before the demonstrations that said first amendment rights outweighed concerns about public safety. That decision was probably wrong, given the potential for violence that was clearly apparent on the eve of the event.

University of Virginia officials probably erred in not taking the impending demonstration on the Lawn on Aug. 11 more seriously. The nighttime scene of torch-carrying demonstrators, some wearing Nazi emblems, was a reminder to anyone who remembers Nazi demonstrations in Nurnberg in 1936. It has been suggested that the university should have declared the Lawn off-limits to demonstrators, instead of supporting their constitutional right of assembly.

Could it happen again?

Richard Spencer, leader of the conservative alt-right group that organized the Aug. 12 rally, predicted that they would be back. From Spencers view, the publicity given by the media to Charlottesvilles violence played into the hands of far-right groups and enhanced their recruiting efforts. Mad Charlottesville, as its now referred to nationally, should be a wake-up call to other communities around the country that may face similar violent demonstrations.

Clearly, our constitutional rights of free speech and assembly should be protected; but American communities are now on notice that they must ensure that these demonstrations dont get out of hand and result in the kind of hand-tohand violence we witnessed in this city. Citizens and communities have a right to be protected against such threats to public safety.

Nuechterlein is a political scientist and author who has lived in the Charlottesville area since 1968.
The video begins with a fuddy-duddy teacher standing at a chalkboard, pointing with a stick to list of cities and their populations.

These are all the cities with populations of more than one million, the teacher drones on. These are the only cities that qualify for corporate headquarters. These are  .

The teacher looks exasperated. A kid in the back of the room is raising her hand to ask a question.

Why are those the only ones that qualify for corporate headquarters?, the girl asks.

Because these are the only ones with more than one million people, the teacher says, sharply, and tries to move on.

The girl raises her hand again. But why do cities have to have more than one million people to qualify for corporate headquarters? she asks.

The teacher sighs, forced to explain the obvious. Because only cities with more than one million people will have the talent pool big enough.

The girl in the back of the room still isnt satisfied. But what if there were a smaller city that, per capita, had more college students than Boston, San Francisco, Raleigh or Austin?

The teacher has had enough. Were not here to talk about hypotheticals.

But Im not talking about hypotheticals, the girl says. Im talking about Roanoke.

Thats where the video cuts to the sales pitch: Why must the online retail giant Amazon stick to cities of one million-plus for its second headquarters city? Why couldnt it consider Roanoke  where our region really does have more college students per capita (the key phrase) than the nations top high-tech hotspots?

Where can you find this video pitching Roanoke  by which we really mean anywhere in our region? Nowhere. It doesnt exist. Not yet anyway. But the point is, it could.

There is no reason why Roanoke couldnt make a play for Amazons second headquarters. In fact, there are some reasons why Roanoke ought to  even though we dont meet Amazons official criteria of having a million-plus people.

If you count everybody from Lynchburg to the New River Valley, you wind up with 777,919, still short. Our gentle, but firm, counterpoint: Amazon was built on challenging existing business models. So why should it accept the conventional wisdom that it has to be in a big city? Why not challenge that conventional wisdom yet again  and make a statement that economic growth doesnt have to be confined to the nations big cities?

The odds of success are admittedly close to zero. So?

A spirited campaign calling attention to our hidden treasure  that wealth of college students in our midst  would raise Roanokes profile and might help us with other tech companies.

It also ought to help the bid that Virginia will make on Northern Virginias behalf, by highlighting the talent pipeline available elsewhere in the state. Gov. Terry McAuliffe says the state will pitch a site near the Fairfax-Loudoun county border, close to Metros Silver Line. As for Roanoke, well comply with the RFP [Request For Proposals], he says. We cant tell the company what to do.

So were on our own, if we want to try this at all. Any Roanoke pitch cant be a conventional application. Our whole argument is to get Amazon to think outside the box, so we cant operate inside that same box ourselves.

Its got to be a very public courtship designed to get Amazons attention and persuade corporate executives to re-think one of their core requirements  that one million-plus threshold.

We could launch a video campaign, such as the one above. Or we could try some other unconventional approaches. TORC Robotics in Blacksburg is experimenting with self-driving cars. Send that car cross-country with a delegation to hand-deliver the official invite  as a way to showcase our technical talent. Or we come up with some other grass-roots ways to put ourselves on Amazons radar screen. Whatever it is has to be well thought-out and well-coordinated and emphasize the right message.

The message cant be based on sentiment, or desire. Lots of places would love Amazon. We simply want to be able to make a sound, if unconventional, business case for why Amazons second headquarters doesnt have to be in one of the usual suspects. Appeal to Amazons social conscience  not out of any sense of charity, but out of clear-eyed economic reality. Economic growth in this country is clustering in the big cities. Its been doing that for a long time, of course, but that process is accelerating as the industrial age gives way to the information age. We can sit around all day long and brainstorm government policies that might change that. Heres a chance for one of the leading players in the free market to actually do something about it in a very dramatic way.

Amazon is probably looking for another Seattle; people tend to gravitate to what they know. If you look at us the right way, Roanoke can legitimately claim to be the Seattle of the Blue Ridge. In fact, a few years ago, we had an unsuccessful city council candidate complain that we were turning into Seattle. Look at things broadly: Seattle was a transportation and manufacturing city at the base of a mountain until it became a technology town. That sounds an awful lot like Roanoke, just substitute the Mill Mountain Star for the Space Needle, and subtract the rain. We just need to expand the tech part.

There is, however, another out-of-the-box contender. One of the cities that shows up on almost everybodys list of candidate cities is Toronto. Amazon carefully spoke of a North American location and specifically asked for proposals from states, provinces and metro areas. Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore thinks Amazon was sending an unmistakable signal there: Amazon could become a half-Canadian company.

The Toronto-Waterloo corridor is Canadas Silicon Valley. Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos  like other tech leaders  has clashed with President Trump on immigration policies. Canada pursues a bipartisan national policy of actively seeking immigrants, especially those with technical skills. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would probably dig deep into his nations treasury to load up a Toronto offer with incentives.

Amazon would make a heck of a statement if it went to Toronto. It also would make one if it even just considered Roanoke.

Roanoke should press its case for Amazon to make the latter statement.
Dr Alan Billings

POLICE pay rises could affect Rotherham CSE investigations, South Yorkshires policing tsar suggested.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings expressed mixed feelings about police and prison service raises.

His statement comes one day after the Government announced the end of a one per cent pay rise cap on some public sector pay.

Police officers will receive one per cent pay rise plus a one per cent bonus  doctors, nurses and other public workers are not affected.

Dr Billings said: I am pleased that police and prison officers in South Yorkshire will receive pay increases.

But the announcement that police officers are to receive a pay rise of one percent plus a bonus of one percent has two stings in the tail.

First, the pay rises are wiped out by the increase in the cost of living that was announced on the same day.

Second, no new money is being given to cover the cost  therefore PCCs will have to find the money from within existing budgets.

That means the reserves will have to be used. This is a potentially dangerous path since reserves are kept for a reason.

Dr Billings explained that reserves in South Yorkshire were kept to cover the costs of Hillsborough investigations and CSE in Rotherham.

He added: Considerable sums of money are involved and the reserves are there in part to pay for them.
SGRR

Southwest Gulf Railroad Company (SGRR) began construction on The Medina Line, a nine-mile project first approved by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in 2008.

SGRR says The Medina Line will be a commoncarrier railroad near Dunlay, Texas; anchored by The Medina Quarry, an existing limestone quarry at the northern end of the line operated by SGRR parent Vulcan Materials Company.

This is a testament to whats possible when we work together, said Erik Remmert, vice president of SGRR. This project will serve as a catalyst for jobs and economic opportunity for decades to come right here in Medina County. We look forward to continuing our work with the community and being good neighbors.

Houstonbased WT Byler Co, Inc., which has performed hundreds of miles of railroad construction in Texas and Louisiana, will serve as the general contractor.

The STB granted SGRR the authority to build and operate The Medina Line in 2008. The line is being constructed along the Modified Eastern Bypass Route, determined by the STB, engineers and environmental experts to be the optimal route.

The Medina Line will interchange with Union Pacific and is located near U.S. Route 90. SGRR says it is working with UP to actively market development opportunities on or near The Medina Line.

SGRR says construction began with surveying and marking the right-of-way. The next phases will be fencing, earthwork, sitework and rail installation. Construction phases will overlap and work will progress from south to north with current plans anticipating project completion in 2019.
(Agencia CMA Latam) - Former Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner released an open letter in her Facebook profile in which she offered to "represent the opposition vote."

"We do not ask for the vote for us. We offer our list so that it can represent your opposition vote and work together for a change in economic direction in the future and respect for the rule of law in the present," she wrote.

However, opposition leader Sergio Massa, leader of the 1Pais front, refused the offer. He said on his Twitter account that "dialogue with those who divided us is not possible."

Oscar Romero, from the Justicialista front, which is contrary to the current Argentinean government, also rejected Cristina's invitation and said that the former president's offer came too late.

The Argentinean legislative elections will be held on October 22.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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Australia will on Thursday release August figures for unemployment, highlighting a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.

The jobless rate is expected to hold steady at 5.6 percent, with the addition of 20,000 jobs following the gain of 27,900 in July. The participation rate is expected to be unchanged at 65.1 percent.

China will provide August numbers for retail sales, industrial production and fixed asset investment.

Retail sales are expected to rise 10.5 percent on year, up from 10.4 percent in July. Output is tipped to gain an annual 6.6 percent after rising 6.4 percent in the previous month. FAI is pegged at 8.2 percent, down from 8.3 percent a month earlier.

Japan will release final July figures for industrial production; the previous readings suggested a decline of 0.8 percent on month and a gain of 4.7 percent on year, while capacity utilization gained an annual 2.1 percent.

New Zealand will see September data for the consumer confidence index from ANZ; in August, the index added 0.6 percent on month to a score of 126.2.

Hong Kong will release Q2 figures for industrial production and producer prices. In the three months prior, industrial output added 0.2 percent on quarter and fell 1.0 percent on year, while producer prices jumped an annual 4.2 percent.

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Early signs were mixed for Canadian stocks Wednesday morning as traders were in a cautious mood following Apple's product launch and a rare rejection of billionaire Warren Buffett.

The TSX Composite has rallied this week, with the index jumping more than 100 points in the previous session.

Shareholders in Home Capital Group (HCG.TO) overwhelmingly rejected Warren Buffett's bid to boost his stake in the beleagured mortgage lender, as investors felt the deal was too sweet for the Oracle of Omaha.

Greece is set to grant permits for Eldorado Gold's (ELD.TO) Olympias project this week, Reuters reports.

Canopy Growth Corp. (WEED.TO) has signed an agreement with AusCann Group Holdings Ltd. to be its exclusive supplier of medical cannabis in Australia.

Crude oil prices rose further Wednesday morning after the world's energy watchdog said that global oil supplies fell in August for the first time in four months.

Gold was also higher.

In economic news, the median total income of Canadian households rose from $63,457 in 2005 to $70,336 in 2015, a 10.8% increase, according to Statistics Canada.

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Market Analysis
(Agencia CMA Latam) - The Colombian Congress approved on Tuesday a 235.6 trillion Colombian pesos (US$ 80.5 billion) general budget for 2018.

Almost half of the 2018 budget - 108.5 trillion pesos, or 46% of the total amount - is destined to mandatory spending, while 38.6 trillion pesos (16.4%) correspond to personnel and overhead costs. Debt service will bite 2.2 trillion pesos (22.5%) from the budget, and investments should total 34.3 trillion pesos (14.6%).

"We are passing a budget to continue reducing the fiscal deficit. This year it will be at 3.6% of the Gross Domestic Product of Colombia (GDP), in line with the budgetary guidelines," said Finance Minister Mauricio Cardenas, adding that the fiscal deficit should fall to 3.1% of the GDP in 2018.

He reported that 2.4 billion Colombian pesos will be directed to implement the peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), now turned into a political party.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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(Agencia CMA Latam) - Uruguayan Senator Lucia Topolansky took office on Wednesday before the General Assembly of the Parliament as her country's vice president. Wife of the former Uruguayan President Jose 'Pepe,' Lucia Topolansky was inducted as vice president after Raul Sendic's resignation on Saturday.

Sendic resigned amid allegations of mismanagement of public funds after the left-wing Broad Front's Political Conduct Court accused him of lying in his explanations.

Lucia Topolansky said that Sendic's resignation triggered "a political crisis that is emerging," but clarified that "it is not an institutional crisis."

The Congress accepted Sendic's resignation and appointed Topolansky, who automatically would become vice president of the country, as established in the Uruguayan Constitution.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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The legal fight over the rights of the "monkey selfie" has finally reached a settlement.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and photographer David Slater have reached a settlement in a dispute over who owns the rights to a selfie of the monkey selfie

In 2011, Naruto, a 7-year old male crested black macaque, had snapped a selfie using a camera belonging to wildlife photographer David Slater.

In 2015, PETA filed a lawsuit in U.S. federal court in San Francisco against the Slater, the owner of the camera, and his company, Wildlife Personalities Ltd., which both claim copyright ownership of the photos that Naruto indisputably took.

In the lawsuit, PETA sought to have Naruto declared the "author" and owner of his photograph. The agency claimed that U.S. copyright law doesn't prohibit an animal from owning a copyright, and since Naruto took the photo, he owns the copyright.

Under the settlement agreement, Slater will donate 25% of any future revenue derived from using or selling the monkey selfie to charities that protect the crested macaques' habitat in Indonesia.

"PETA and David Slater agree that this case raises important, cutting-edge issues about expanding legal rights for nonhuman animals, a goal that they both support, and they will continue their respective work to achieve this goal," the two parties said.

Both sides also asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals "to dismiss the case and throw out a lower court decision that said animals cannot own copyrights."

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Business News
A group of "bikini baristas" have filed a lawsuit against the city of Everett, Washington, against two recently passed ordinances that ban bikinis and bare skin on restaurant employees. The baristas allege that the ordinance violates constitutional rights.

The suit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. It claims that the ordinances violates employees right to communicate and express themselves through their choice of clothing and also infringe on their right to privacy.

Everett's City Council had last month unanimously passed ordinances that banned bikinis, showing of bare shoulders, bare midriffs and bare buttocks among restaurant employees.

"This is not about the bikini," attorney Schuyler Lifschultz told the Seattle Times. "It's about women's rights and the U.S. Constitution. The City of Everett violated these women's rights across the board."

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(Agencia CMA Latam) - Banistmo, the financial institution held by the Grupo Bancolombia in Panama, placed US$ 400 million in bonds maturing in five years with a 3.65% annual coupon. Demand was equivalent to 4.5 times the amount sold, reaching US$ 1.8 billion.

The proceeds raised from this placement, which aimed at international investors, should support the bank's growth and plan in Panama.

That was the first time that Bancolombia placed bonds in the Panamanian market.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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(Agencia CMA Latam) - The European Union condemned the elections to the National Constituent Assembly (ANC) of Venezuela, held on July 30, "since it violates the separation of powers principle."

A resolution on the issue was approved by a 526-96 vote, with 59 abstentions.

The EU "does not recognize these elections nor the actions or decisions adopted by the recently constituted Assembly due to its lack of legitimacy," the statement said.

The EU also regretted the violence in Venezuela, expressing deep concern about the persecution and repression of members of the National Assembly displaced by the ANC. Also, the EU rejected the dismissal of the attorney general and members of the Venezuelan Supreme Court.

"MEPs reiterate their request to the Venezuelan authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and call for an electoral calendar that allows free and transparent electoral processes," the statement said.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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(Agencia CMA Latam) - Ibovespa, the main stock index in the Brazilian market, rose 0.33% to 74,787.56 points Wednesday, hitting a record close for the third consecutive session despite the turbulent political scene following the arrest of JBS president Wesley Batista and a new inquiry against President Michel Temer.

The news led Ibovespa to fall in the morning, but in the afternoon the index recovered, boosted by higher oil prices and by the news that the Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles could run for the presidency in 2018.

"The political bias was strong today. Traders celebrated the possibility of Meirelles coming out as a presidential candidate. It is a name that appeals to the market," said Terra Investimentos analyst Regis Chinchila. The minister, however, denied that he is a pre-candidate on his Twitter account.

Alfredo Sequeira, DNAInvest's CEO, said that "the global situation has helped Ibovespa to remain bullish." He pointed out that Petrobras shares (PETR3 -1.81%, PETR4 -1.07%) improved throughout the day driven by oil prices abroad.

Meanwhile, Vale's shares (VALE3 -1.39%) and steelmakers helped to restrain Ibovespa's rise amid a profit-taking movement.

The locally traded U.S. dollar rose 0.31%, to R$ 3,1390 amid fears that a pension reform vote may be postponed after Brazil's Federal Supreme Court authorized a new probe against Temer.

For the next few days, analysts believe that the focus should continue on the local political scene. The main doubt, however, is whether the new complaint will have the strength to trigger a profit-taking move and led the Ibovespa to fall.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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(Agencia CMA Latam) - Julio Velarde, governor of the Peruvian central bank, said that the corruption scandal involving the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht could shave 0.5 to 0.6 percentage points from the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth this year.

Velarde presented the central bank's updated economic estimates to the Peruvian Congress during a session to discuss the budget for 2018.

According to the governor, Peru's GDP would be impacted by the Odebrecht case due to the halt in works such as the Olmos Special Hydroelectric and Irrigation Project and the Chavimochic III Special Project.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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(Agencia CMA Latam) - Brazil's Social Democratic Party (PSD) plans to launch Henrique Meirelles, the current finance minister, as a candidate for the country's presidency in 2018, said the party's leader in the House of Representatives, Marcos Montes.

"Meirelles was told that if there is a name that fulfills the requirements of the market, and especially of the society as a whole... I think his name fits like a glove," Montes told reporters after a lunch with the minister and party's members.

Meirelles denied that he is a pre-candidate for the Brazilian Presidency in 2018. On his Twitter account, the minister said he is "focused on the government's work, to put Brazil on the path of sustained growth."

He is affiliated with the PSD since October 2011. To run for President, he must be registered as a candidate until April next year, as required by the local electoral guidelines.

Montes said that Meirelles received the PSD's assessment of his potential candidacy "with enthusiasm" and that the party "is convinced that [the minister] will meet society's call" to be a candidate.

Asked if Meirelles accepted the invitation, Montes said that the minister "did not say 'I am willing,' but his smile [...] In Minas Gerais state, we think that it speaks louder than words."

Later, Montes said that during the meeting with Meirelles there was no objective talk on the issue because the PSD chairman Alfredo Cotait Neto was not present at the meeting, but that the party representatives thinks Meirelles would be a good candidate."

by Agencia CMA Latam

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Ladies and gentlemen, we live in a very interesting time.

It is one defined by many problems with the global economy, environment and in many other areas of life.

It is a time also defined by greed for power and money where some people have grown so cold they would do anything to satisfy their greed.

Yesterday, a friend referred me to a story that is sending shockwaves across Australia and around the world. At a time where technological advances have made it super fast to read whats happening in other parts of the world, the click of a button quickly revealed the nauseating nature of the story.

As Samoans, we take great care for our grandparents and elders. It is just who we are although we are not alone as there are many cultures in the world who do the same.

Which is why I found the story devastating. Titled Granddaughter stabs grandfather to death after being shown family photos, it detailed the last moments of Robert Whitwells life before he was brutally murdered by his own flesh and blood. According to the report, Brittney Jade Dwyer, 19, used a knife to fatally stab her grandfather in the neck and chest as part of a horrifying plan to steal his life savings.

According to a report on news.com.au, Dwyers friend Bernadette Burns had waited in the car and applied makeup while Dwyer went inside the house to carry out the plot.

Mr Whitwell invited the accused [Dwyer] into his home and they looked at photographs and videos of the accused and her brother when they were children, a case summary stated.

The accused then sent a text message to Ms Burns saying she could not go through with the plan.

The summary stated that Burns convinced Dwyer to do it because they had come all this way.

Ms Burns further said that the accuseds mother would know she had been to her grandpas and she should just harden up and do it, it stated.

Five to ten minutes later, [Dwyer] told Mr Whitwell she had to leave.

As he walked towards the front door, she pulled out the knife she had brought with her and stabbed him in the neck. Mr Whitwell turned around and put his hands on her shoulders.

The accused then stabbed him in the chest, and again in the neck.

Whitwell then asked his granddaughter why she was doing this but she did not respond. The 81-year-old then walked into the kitchen and grabbed a band-aid, which his granddaughter helped put on one of his wounds.

She washed the dishes while he passed away, the summary stated.

The accused then sent a text message to Ms Burns saying its done.

The documents state that Burns then entered the house wearing gloves and the pair searched for Whitwells money.

They took $1000 from his wallet, some coins, two digital cameras - but failed to find more than $110,000 was hidden in his shed.

His body was discovered three days later and the killers, who have pleaded guilty to murder, were arrested on August 26.

Folks this has got to be one of the most horrifying stories weve seen in the recent past. We agree that there are terrible incidents happening in this world all the time but this is something else.

When a granddaughter goes to see his grandfather, sits there and shares a story or two with him looking at pictures of the family, only to turn around and murder him in cold blood, something tells me there is something awfully wrong with the world today.

Couldnt she just ask him nicely for some money? If she was really desperate, couldnt she had just snuck into his bedroom and take off with some money? Seriously, I reckon the grandfather would have easily given her some money.

But to murder him like that? To brutally stab him and then let him die while she was standing there? Was this really necessary? What is this world coming to?

Now this is really what brought tears to this writers eyes.

According to Court documents, Whitwell had asked his granddaughter why she was doing what she did. When she did not respond, the injured 81-year-old then walked into the kitchen and grabbed a band-aid, which his granddaughter helped put on one of his wounds.

Wow!

Tell me that something like this will never ever happen in Samoa. Please!
The President of the Journalists Association of Samoa (J.A.W.S.), Apulu Lance Polu, has stepped down from office.

The decision follows criminal charges laid against him by the Police last month.

Apulu is a co-defendant in an ongoing matter involving former Cabinet Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi and his wife.

They are scheduled to appear in the Supreme Court next Monday for criminal mention.

The charges are in relation to a longstanding dispute over a nonu company involving another senior member of the ruling Human Rights Protection Party and Associate Minister, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga.

Laauli is charged with allegedly obtaining money by deception.

Last month then Acting Assistant Police Commissioner, Salaa Moananu Salalaa, told the Samoa Observer the criminal count against each of the defendants carries a maximum penalty, if convicted, of up to seven years in jail.

Yesterday, Apulu confirmed his resignation during a telephone interview with the Samoa Observer.

Apulu said after he was charged on 21 August 2017, he resigned the following week as President of J.A.W.S.

The day after I was charged I informed Rudy of my intention and then I met with the Board the following week and submitted my resignation, said Apulu.

The Rudy he is referring to is Rudy Bartley, of WT Media.

Apulu referred further queries to Mr. Bartley.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielgaoi has reminded that the Torrens Land System is embedded in Samoa via the Land Registration Act 2008.

In doing so, he insists that the Torrens Land System has no legal effect on customary land ownership, as it applies only to free hold land.

I have been informed that certain bush lawyers are again accusing government of alienating customary lands using the Torren System as a front, Tuilaepa said.

But I want to reassure our people that this is fundamentally flawed because the Torrens System of Land Ownership is explicitly designed for free hold land and has no effect or diminishes rights to Customary Lands."

But the critics who do not understand the law and who think they are lawyers appear either confused or refuse to accept the fact that Customary lands and the Torren System have no relationship, whatsoever.

According to the Prime Minister, all rights and claims over Customary Land remain intact pursuant to Article 102 of the Constitution.

The Torrens System is created to protect ownership of free hold land, and not have any effect on customary land ownership, added Tuilaepa citing the Land Registration Act 2008 Section 9 (4) and (5).

The section that the Prime Minister is referring says;

(4) No provision of this (Land Registration) Act may be construed or applied to:

(a) permit or imply the alienation of customary land in a manner prohibited by Article 102 of the Constitution; or

(b) Permit or deem ownership in any customary land to vest in a person otherwise than as determined under any law dealing with the determination of title to customary land.

And how did the Prime Minister know so much about the Land Registration Act?

I have been thoroughly briefed by the Attorney General, he said.

My hope is that for the wanna be lawyers to at least understand the law before publicly calling a referendum based on their uneducated arguments which is a poor reflection of their competence.
The Minister of Revenue, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt, has defended Customs Officers who accept tips from members of the public.

There is a fine line between bribery and tips, he told the Samoa Observer.

And I for one have no problem with Customs officers taking tips from people. I dont think there is anything wrong with receiving a tip.

According to the Minister, Customs Officers are well educated about the difference between tipping and being bribed. This is part of their training.

The Minister was responding to concerns raised by the public after the Customs Green Lane List system, came to light following a Samoa Observer article.

The Minister said gifts given in the right spirit are okay.

Tips follow the rendering of a service, whereas bribes precede it, said Tialavea.

Tialavea told the Samoa Observer the clear distinction between tips and situations where informal payments would be considered a bribe.

Accepting bribery is corruption and that will not happen under my watch, he said.

The timing of the payment is critical and tips are determined after the service is provided. And tips can be adjusted depending on the service given by the Customs Office."

He gave an example.

If I come in to clear my container and I give you a $100 before, that is bribery."

But if I give you money after I am satisfied with your service and your friendliness that is tipping. I give you $20, why would you not accept it? There is a big difference."

At the end of the day, its up to the staff whether to accept the tip or not. I cannot ask them not to accept tips because no matter what I tell them they will take the tips."

Its a waste of time to implement a stop tipping policy, no one will heed or consider that regulation. Also declining a tip is rude and in our Samoan culture its unacceptable for you not to take a tip."

Even I get tips, said the Minister.

I end up giving it to my staff for their coffee or tea, so you see there is nothing wrong with tips.

The Minister added he accepts the fact that no one is perfect.

I know there are those businesses who attempt to pay their containers to my staff directly but time will come when that will deal with as nothing is hidden under this sun, he said.
It is customary in Samoa to celebrate the beginning of the roof works when a house is built.

With that in mind, Members of Parliament gathered at Mulinuu on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the installation of the complex roof steel framing for the new Maota Fono.

The government of Australia is funding the bulk of the project with support from the government of Samoa.

Australias High Commissioner, Sue Langford, joined Members of Parliament.

The design and construction of the new Maota Fono incorporates traditional Samoan architecture and modern building technology. The building has been designed by a consultant team led by Manteena Australia and is being constructed by Craig Construction Limited.

The ceremony was led in prayer by Reverend Iamafana Faauuga. A bouquet of flowers was taken to the highest peak of the ceiling as part of the celebration.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi commended all those involved in the project.

We extend our very special thank you to Australia, High Commissioner, Sue Langford who provided the bulk of the funding for the new Parliamentary building, he said.

We have reached that stage of the building that once the roof goes up its Samoan custom to celebrate the occasion."

It is the moment that we contribute part of the reward for the contractor because in the olden times, all they get were the traditional presentation, a pig to keep them going, because at this stage, everyone will know we will complete the building."

Even some buildings in the Samoan context sometimes we dont finish it for the lack of funds, but with Australia behind us, we know we will be able to complete this building and this is we are having this ceremony.

Craig Construction President, Francis Craig, told the Samoa Observer the Parliamentary Building is one difficult project.

When I say difficult, I am talking about the fine details of the building, from the inside floor that is 2.4 feet deeper, the heavy compactions, to the outside wall of the building. The wall is not painted and there is no patching, all we need to do is polish up the walls and thats it, said Mr Craig.

Established in the 1980s this is the first time Craig Construction has worked on a round building and so there are challenges.

The round building design and exterior are very decisive then we now have the ceiling to deal with, another difficult aspect of the project.

The ceiling is designed from overseas, it was actually designed by the Australian people and all we do is follow the instructions as per installing the ceiling, he said.

Nonetheless we are very happy to get the roof frames up, in order for us to have the ceremony today.

According to Mr. Craig, the building should be handed over to the government before May 2018.

Despite the challenges, Mr. Craig said this is one for the books for him.

This building is where Samoas core decision pertaining to culture, traditions, constitution, judiciary, our Christianity will be discussed and to be a part of this project is a milestone for me, and our employees, he told the Samoa Observer.

Project Manager, Daniel Nazdin, of Manteena says the building meets the Samoan Building Code and relevant Australian and New Zealand Construction Standards. It takes into account climate resilience and occupational health and safety guidelines.

At the time Australias High Commissioner, Sue Langford, said she was pleased with the progress so far, which was discussed at bilateral talks between Australia and Samoa recently.

This important project is testament to the strong relationship between Australia and Samoa.
The Pacific region must work together to tackle taxation issues and taxation leakages.

The call was made by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi when he opened the Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (P.I.T.A.A) 14th Annual meeting yesterday.

Held at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel & Bungalows, it is guided by the theme Institutional Strengthening of Tax Administrations.

As host nation, Prime Minister Tuilaepa is delighted.



This shows the strong commitment of the Samoan government to support regional efforts and initiatives to share ideas, knowledge and skills which of course includes taxation.

Taxation is our major revenue source, the government very much relies on for public expenditures. We must therefore ensure that we protect our revenue base and prevent revenue leakages from stagnant and old fashion tax administrations, he said.

To address revenue leakage issues, we have to work together collaboratively and cooperatively as a region, to share information, knowledge skills and techniques as we all have limited resources plus different levels of capacities and capabilities.

Working together is a must and this would also provide us with comparative advantages as a regional body when we deliberate with our international partners on taxation issues.

The three-day Forum will also include an award ceremony.

During his speech, Tuilaepa said, some 33 years ago while he was the Minister of Revenue and was given the opportunity to speak at similar function.

The reverend that was requested to kick off our meeting gave us beautiful and very concise sermon.

He said that the best ever business man to have been born into this world was Lord Jesus Christ, he started his business with only 12 people and now he has millions spread throughout the world.

The Lord Jesus was also the only honest businessman in the world because he paid his taxes.

Sixteen countries are members of P.I.T.A.A. Also in attendance are representatives of the International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, and Inspur Group to name a few.
Think a minute...A lady was waiting for her flight at the airport, so she bought a small bag of cookies to eat while reading the newspaper. Gradually she became aware of someone else reaching into the package of cookies.

Looking from behind her paper, she was shocked to see a well-dressed man taking some of her cookies! She did not want to say anything, so she just leaned over and took a cookie herself.

A minute or so later she could not believe her eyes as this man took yet another one of her cookies. In fact, by now almost all of the cookies were gone! Finally, as if to add insult to injury, this man broke the last cookie in two and handed half of it back to her. Then he ate his half and walked away. Now she was angrier than ever!

In fact, she was still mad later when boarding her plane. She opened her handbag for her ticket and was shocked to see her own package of cookies she had never opened. At that moment she realized that earlier she had been eating the other mans cookies, not her own! Yet even though she was wrong, the man was so generous and kind he let her take his cookies.

She was terribly embarrassed and ashamed that she had judged him. She had been completely blind to her own pride, assuming she was right when in fact she was the one who was wrong. This also blinded her to this mans kindness to her.

Sadly, we all have judged other people, even when we were the ones who were wrong. We think we see everybody elses faults and failures clearly, but we are blind to our own!

We think we know much more than we actually do. Like the little girl who said to her father: Daddy, I know everything! Her father replied: Oh, really? And how do you know that? She answered: Well, I thought and I thought and I thoughtand I cant think of anything I dont know!

Sadly that is what we adults do when we judge other peopleeven though we have many things wrong with our own character, choices, attitudes, and relationships.

Today, wont you ask the only true, perfect Judge to forgive you for your sinful pride that is blinding you to your own character faults and wrong way of living? Only Jesus can help you start changing and becoming the truly honest and compassionate person He created you to be. A person who loves and forgives others just as He has forgiven you. Just think a minute
Balboa Park, San Diegos crown jewel, now can attach a value to that bragging point: $356.4 million.

The number represents the spending by out-of-county visitors to the park  the first time such an economic analysis has been conducted.

The Balboa Park Conservancy will release the study Wednesday at a meeting of park institutions, activists and stakeholders.

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The crown has a value that we all know instinctively, said Tomas Herrera-Mishler, executive director and CEO of the conservancy, but its great to put actual values to the regional economy.

Conducted by researchers at San Diego State Universitys Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, the 34-page report, The Benefits of Balboa Park, excluded its largest draw, the San Diego Zoo, to focus on non-zoo activities in the 1,173-acre park that will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year.

A lot of times parks are considered a net liability in city budgets, Herrera-Mishler said. We wanted to show that its not a net liability  its a massive asset to our regional economy.

The economic impact is based on spending by the 2 million noncounty visitors to the park. The conclusions, based on a survey of 2,200 local and nonlocal visitors from September 2016 to this past May, broke down $192.1 million in direct spending as:

Hotels: $63.8 million

$63.8 million Food and beverage: $59.9 million

$59.9 million Entertainment: $26.4 million

$26.4 million Transportation: $24 million

$24 million Shopping: $18 million

The visitors estimated 311,650 hotel room-nights while visiting San Diego and the park produced about $6.7 million in city transient occupancy taxes. Their local share of sales tax on purchases here was pegged at $6.7 million.

Apart from nonlocal visitors, the study showed San Diego County residents heavily patronize the park with a median 10 visits per person per year for the 2.6 million who come annually  a total of 28.4 million.

Its obviously a gigantic number, Herrera-Mishler said. Balboa Park is top of mind in San Diego.

With the zoo attracting about 4 million visitors annually, another 3.3 million tickets are sold to the parks museums, theaters and other venues per year, according to the study.

The findings on demographics show that 52 percent of visitors are college graduates  compared with 36 percent countywide  and 17 percent are Hispanic, about half the countywide percentage.

Herrera-Mishler said the ethnic breakdown surprised him as lower than expected and that more needs to be done to welcome Hispanics as well as all San Diegans, not to mention out-of-towners.

He said hell seek comments from park stakeholders at a presentation of the reports findings Wednesday morning at the House of Hospitality ballroom.

All these facts will go into the conservancys ongoing drive to attract more money, both public and private, to erase a multi-million-dollar backlog of deferred maintenance and add new attractions to the park.

If you have a goose laying a golden egg, you have to feed it, he said. We wanted to have a strong argument on how golden the egg is.

Herrera-Mishler pointed out that only half the park has been developed since it was set aside in 1868 and that the 1989 master plan and followup area plans ought to be revised to reflect changes and new priorities over the past 25 years.

He also said the studys findings on environmental benefits from the park may be much more than the researchers found.

Thats because a detailed tree inventory under way will likely show a large amount of carbon dioxide is removed from the air by the parks trees and plants. The parks unpaved grounds absorb water runoff that in an urban setting usually flows into storm drains.

Also under way is a comprehensive look at what signs are needed to direct people to the park and within it once they get there.

A master plan for wayfinding and signage throughout the park will allow us to then advocate for resources to implement the master plan, Herrera-Mishler said.

Other findings include:

Jobs: The park employs 681 full-time and 432 part-time people, draws on the work of 13,700 independent contractors, more than 300 interns and 26,700 volunteers.

The park employs 681 full-time and 432 part-time people, draws on the work of 13,700 independent contractors, more than 300 interns and 26,700 volunteers. Recreation: Walking and hiking is enjoyed by 58 percent of local park users, followed by 29 percent exploring nature and wildlife and 25 percent picnickers or sitting on benches. The least common usage is golfers, who make up 0.16 percent. The economic value of free recreation saves residents $111.5 million they would otherwise have to pay to enjoy. The health benefits of such activities were estimated to be worth $44 million.

Walking and hiking is enjoyed by 58 percent of local park users, followed by 29 percent exploring nature and wildlife and 25 percent picnickers or sitting on benches. The least common usage is golfers, who make up 0.16 percent. The economic value of free recreation saves residents $111.5 million they would otherwise have to pay to enjoy. The health benefits of such activities were estimated to be worth $44 million. Visitor interest: More than 38 percent of travelers said a visit to Balboa Park influenced their decision to come to San Diego and for 19 percent, the park was their main reason or very influential reason for going there.

More than 38 percent of travelers said a visit to Balboa Park influenced their decision to come to San Diego and for 19 percent, the park was their main reason or very influential reason for going there. Home value: Homeowner property values within five blocks of the park are $92.5 million or nearly 5 percent higher than they would otherwise be elsewhere in the region. The homes were valued at $4 billion, based on an average price of $727,837 paid between June and December last year. The resulting property tax bonus to the city was about $709,400.

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roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley
Do you want the newest iPhone , or the best iPhone?

Those two things are typically one and the same, with Apples latest phone being sleeker, shinier and more powerful than those that came before it. But with the announcement of the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X on Tuesday, Apple has created a tiered system: two phones, equally new, one of which is undoubtedly more powerful than earlier models, and another even more powerful than that.

Its a strategy that may confuse some customers, but one that makes sense for a company reliant on its flagship gadget to generate revenue, analysts and business experts said.

Starting at $999, the iPhone X is the most expensive iPhone ever released. Its $300 more than the base model iPhone 8  which itself is more expensive than Apples previous highest starting price for a base model phone.

The iPhone X has an edge-to-edge OLED screen, facial recognition technology and a display more vibrant and vivid than other models. But its guts arent too different from that of the iPhone 8 or the larger iPhone 8 Plus. Both phones have the same A11 Bionic chip, can support augmented reality apps and can be charged wirelessly using Qi standard technology.

Comparing the iPhone 8 with the iPhone X iPhone 8 Starting Price: $699

Size: iPhone 8, 4.7 inches; iPhone 8 Plus, 5.5 inches

Storage: 64 GB and 256 GB

Body: Glass and aluminum

Chip: A11 Bionic

Camera: Dual 12-megapixel camera with two new sensors and optical image stabilizers; shoots 4K video; "portrait lighting" feature uses the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus' dual cameras to sense depth and rework the lighting as you compose the shot

Wireless charging

Water and dust resistant

New gyroscopes and accelerometers for augmented reality

Screen: Has a bezel surrounding HD Retina display

Access: Home button, fingerprint, pass code

Available for pre-order Sept. 15, ships Sept. 22 iPhone X Starting Price: $999

Size: 5.8 inches

Storage: 64 GB and 256 GB

Body: Glass and aluminum

Chip: A11 Bionic

Camera: Dual 12-megapixel camera with two new sensors and optical image stabilizers; shoots 4K video; "portrait lighting" feature; also has 7-megapixel TrueDepth camera that enables Face ID, features wide color capture, auto image stabilization and precise exposure control

Wireless charging

Water and dust resistant

New gyroscopes and accelerometers for augmented reality

Screen: Edge-to-edge OLED super Retina display

Access: Face ID using a camera system including a dot projector, infrared camera and flood illuminator that maps and recognizes a users face from multiple angles

Available for preorder Oct. 27, ships Nov. 3

Thats a big departure from the last time Apple introduced a lower-spec phone: the iPhone 5c, which unveiled alongside the more sophisticated 5s in 2013.

The iPhone 5c was a good enough phone for developing markets. It was to get into China, India and Latin America, said Jefferson Wang, a senior partner at IBB Consulting. Here, the iPhone 8 is still the flagship phone. They havent bumped anything down. They created an ultra-premium layer.

Its a strategy that could help reestablish Apple as the premium smartphone brand. Apple products have traditionally been more expensive than comparable offerings from competitors, creating a sheen of exclusivity that has led to higher demand from those who want the latest and greatest. But as the market for smartphones has become saturated and once-emerging markets such as China have matured, the iPhone has lost some of that sheen.

Apples introduction of a $1,000 iPhone is consistent with its business strategy of differentiation and exclusivity, said Loizos Heracleous, a professor of strategy at Warwick Business School. Its targeting the higher end of the market rather than just aiming for a larger base of users.

The approach also has to do with market maturity. About three-quarters of Americans own a smartphone, according to Pew Research Center. When everyone who wants the latest and greatest phone has gone out, lined up and bought it, its time to reach the people who dont care as much.

With the announcement of the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X, Apple did not indicate that it would discontinue any previous models. Which means the company now offers the 2015 generation of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, the 2016 models of the iPhone 7, the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone SE, and the 2017 models of the iPhone 8, the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X.

That means theyve got the widest range of prices and models Apple has ever offered, [and] theyve created five tiers of phones starting at $350, said Frank Gillett, a principal analyst at Forrester Research.

In other words, an iPhone for everyone  wealthy or not, early-adopting fanboy or not.

Having so many phones on the market complicates Apples supply chain, but the pricing strategy could help counterbalance material shortages, Wang said. For example, the OLED screens in the iPhone X are scarce, which means Apple might not be able to produce enough to meet demand. Its premium price in part could help restrict demand until supply ramps up. At the same time, Apple wants lots of people using its new augmented reality software, which is one of the key things that differentiate its newest phones from iPhones past and from competitors offerings.

If they just launched the iPhone X and not everyone can get the X, theyll have limited their differentiator, Wang said. By equipping the iPhone 8 with similar insides that support augmented reality apps, it gives people ready for a phone upgrade another Apple option.

Another thing the two new phones share: glass backs that enable wireless charging. The company isnt selling its own proprietary charging dock. Phone owners will be able to use any charging dock that supports Qi wireless charging, which is the same standard for Samsung devices. At its keynote event, Apple announced that it was working on a charging mat called AirPower, expected to launch next year, that will simultaneously charge an iPhone, Apple Watch , and AirPods.
At least 32 class-action lawsuits have been filed nationwide against Equifax since the Atlanta-based company announced on Sept. 7 that a cyber-attack had potentially exposed records of 143 million U.S. consumers.

Four of these legal actions have been filed in San Diego federal court, with three law firms from San Diego and one from Los Angeles submitting complaints, based on a search of court records.

More legal actions are likely, as class-action lawsuits are common when corporations reveal negative news.

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The lawsuits allege Equifax was negligent in failing to protect consumer data. Blood, Hurst & OReardon; Sanford, Heisler Sharp; and Coast Law Group/Hussin Law are the San Diego County law firms that have filed class actions so far.

The myriad class-action lawsuits will probably be consolidated at a future date. The complaints generally call for the court to order tighter security measures by Equifax, damages and other steps such as lifetime credit monitoring for people whose records were exposed.

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mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com;

Twitter:@TechDiego

760-529-4973
The City Council thwarted a potential lawsuit by reconsidering a vote it made in August that stopped a developer from building an apartment complex on the former site of the Little Flower Haven senior care home.

The council agreed Sept. 12 to support findings from its Design Review Board about the aesthetics of the project, and will allow apartments to be built. It voted 4-0, with City Councilman Colin Parent recusing himself, to allow Silvergate Development to start moving on its 130-unit development on the 4.1-acre site at 8585 La Mesa Blvd.

Initially, the City Council had rejected the development at its meeting Aug. 8. In response, Silvergate attorney Richard Schulman sent the city a letter in mid-August saying it had to remedy the situation that halted the plan for the apartments or face a lawsuit. Silvergate said it followed all pertinent La Mesa laws for development and that there was no legal reason the project should not be allowed to go through.

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The council then called an emergency closed session meeting to discuss strategies. At the top of the councils list was to bring back the matter to its next public meeting a month later.

At that public meeting, Sept. 12, La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis explained that the city had no choice but to allow the development to proceed. Arapostathis said that if the city tried to fight the threatened lawsuit, La Mesa would lose.

Silvergate co-owner Ian M. Gill spoke at the meeting and said he was willing to work with residents on some of the parking issues that concerned them for the Porter Hill area, a neighborhood above the proposed development.

Some Porter Hill residents have been fighting the proposal for the past year because of worries about lost parking spots and increased traffic. Several residents spoke at the meeting and expressed continued concerns.

Silvergates most recent plan for developing the property calls for 67 one-bedroom units, 56 two-bedroom units and seven studios. It includes 13 units designated as affordable to low-income housing by California law. That low-income housing allows for a 25 percent reduction in parking requirements, according to the state.

Plans for the complex show 193 spaces with little available nearby off-street parking. La Mesa municipal code requires two spaces per unit or 260 parking spaces for new developments.

The council deadlocked 2-2 Aug. 8 on supporting the Design Review Boards approval of the development.

Arapostathis and City Councilman Bill Baber voted no. City Council members Kristine Alessio and Guy McWhirter voted in favor. Parent recused himself from the discussion because he lives in Porter Hill.

Baber said his no vote was not cast toward the development itself but for his concern about the makeup of the five-member Design Review Board. That board previously approved Silvergates plan, 3-2.

The design board includes two city employees. Baber said he was uncomfortable with city employees being part of the decision-making.

Over the last several months, Silvergates proposal also passed the citys Historic Preservation Committee as well as an information-only Planning Commission meeting.

Little Flower Haven has been a downtown landmark since the 1930s. It closed as a nonprofit home for the elderly in 2015 and went on the market soon after.

Its Mission-style building, chapel, church bells that still chime and stained glass windows are part of La Mesa history. Silvergate has hinted that it will keep some of those historic features.

karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
On Thursday, 2,000 white-clad San Diego diners will pay nearly $50 apiece for the privilege to show up in a secret location with their own tables, linens, dishware and picnic meals to be part of Le Diner en Blanc.

The annual, Instagram-friendly pop-up dinner, which has a 10,000-person waiting list, is San Diegos hottest dining ticket with the Millennial crowd. While many restaurant industry analysts say the era of white-tablecloth fine dining restaurants is over, chefs and hosts in the pop-up trade say it isnt going away, its just morphing into something new.

Amy Ulkutekin, host of the sixth annual Le Diner en Blanc San Diego, said younger diners are looking for more than just good food when they eat out. They want unique, exclusive and social dining experiences.

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Its experiential, Ulkutekin said. Were seeing more and more people, especially Millennials, who want to spend their dollars on experiences rather than stuff or items. This is just a fantastic event in that theres the element of surprise, you can dine in a venue you wouldnt be able to otherwise and they can see and be seen.

Le Diner en Blanc, a Montreal-born event thats produced in 70 cities on five continents each year, is a unique pop-up dinner in that the only thing provided to guests is a venue and an exclusive guest list. Ulkutekin said diners relish spending months planning their menu, outfit and table decor (the best-dressed diners and tables win awards).

This allows people to bring their own creativity to the event, she said. It becomes a community event where everyones sharing amongst themselves.

Imperial Beach chef Steve Brown has built his entire culinary business around pop-ups. His Cosecha San Diego brand (Cosecha means harvest in Spanish) hosts high-end multicourse pop-up dinners virtually every week, from San Diego to San Francisco.

The classically trained chef said old-fashioned brick-and-mortar fine-dining restaurants are dying out, so pop-ups fill that void, especially for middle-income diners who are looking for a unique culinary experience.

Real fine dining or multicourse dinners dont exist in San Diego, Brown said. This is a way to lower the risk. Its a way of introducing San Diego to real progressive fine dining. The fine dining atmosphere isnt about the French tablecloths, its about the style of the meal.

Brown said, however, that San Diegos pop-up scene is well behind that in L.A. and San Francisco. A meal he charges $160 for in San Diego is hard work to market, but the same concept in San Francisco priced at $300 can sell out in a day.

Heres a look at several unique pop-ups coming up around San Diego:

Le Diner en Blanc: Thursday, Sept. 14. The sixth annual Le Diner en Blanc will be held at a secret location available only to members who register online and space is available. This years event has already sold out. sandiego.dinerenblanc.com/

Cosecha SD: Every other Sunday beginning Sept. 24. Chef Steve Browns twice-monthly gourmet pop-ups are presented at his new Temp by Cosecha restaurant. Upcoming dinners are nine-course A5 Satsuma Wagyu steer dinners with eight wine pairings on Sept. 24 and Oct. 22, $160. A 16-course tasting menu with eight wine pairings on Oct. 8 is $180. chefstevebrown.com/cosecha/

Exclusive Cannabis Dinner: 6 p.m. Sept. 23. SD Canna Events hosts this bring your own bud dinner, a four-course meal with dishes inspired and accented with THC-infused cooking oils. To comply with regulations regarding marijuana consumption, the location will be kept secret until booking. $95-$135. facebook.com/Elevatedexperience/

SoundBite Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8. Chefs Nick Brune (Eco Catereres), Hanis Cavins (Carnitas Snack Shack) and Brad Wise (Trust Restaurant) will prepare six courses al fresco to live music by Christopher Dale. $65. Lot 8, 1201 Hotel Circle South, Mission Valley. facebook.com/SoundBiteDinner/

Cow by Bear: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. With its regularly scheduled dinners, Cow by Bear is more of a supper club, but its location is secret and so is its chef, who greets his (or her?) 14 guests each night dressed in a furry bear costume. The five-course dinners focus is 50-day dry-aged ribeye beef. $175 for dinner or $100 for Sunday brunch. cowbybear.com

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com. Twitter: @pamkragen
As a poet, a critic and a champion of the creative spirit, Charlene Baldridge celebrated the transformative power of art.

Her passion for theater, dance, classical music and more also inspired Baldridge to transform her own life  giving up a steady but (by her description) stultifying career in banking to become a devoted and admired chronicler of San Diegos performing-arts scene.

The struggles she faced and losses she suffered along the way were themselves transformed into art: A major composer set Baldridges poetry to music, and Baldridge shepherded the birth of a dance-theater piece honoring her own late daughter.

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Charlene Baldridge died Sept. 9 at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego of complications from a series of strokes. She was 83.

She was a remarkable person, said Chuck Ortego, Baldridges son and sole surviving child. I think she was very strong and courageous.

She took a very comfortable life and (upended it) chasing a dream.

It was a dream whose seeds were planted early: Baldridge was an accomplished soprano who performed (often in church recitals) throughout her youth.

She was born Charlene Stube in Evanston, Ill., on April 26, 1934, to a prosperous family whose patriarch owned three Packard car dealerships.

She was really into the performing arts, her son said, recalling Baldridges stories of how she would grab friends, put on a play and charge a penny for admission.

Her first of three marriages, to Robert Edward Ortego, a hospital-supplies salesman, lasted only about two years, after which Baldridge moved to Albuquerque, N.M.

There, she met a tenor named Samuel Costello, who became her second husband.

Baldridge kept singing in New Mexico: she was appointed soprano soloist in the choir of St. Johns Episcopal Cathedral, and the local newspaper called her an outstanding newcomer to the Albuquerque music scene. She also studied at the University of New Mexico.

But after Costello died suddenly at age 41 of a heart attack, she moved to San Diego, where her parents had resettled.

She then went to work for La Jolla Trust & Savings Bank as an operations manager, her son said. She also wed again, to Charles Shepard Baldridge. (That marriage ended in the early 1990s; he died in 2012.)

And then, after 20 years at the bank, she got this wild hair that she was going to write, her son recalled.

Baldridge volunteered at the Old Globe, eventually landing the paid position of publications director and national media coordinator. And she began freelancing for outlets around town.

That career expanded after she left the Globe in the 1990s. Hers became a familiar byline via Copley News Service and, for many years, Performances magazine, as well as the publications of the San Diego Community Newspaper Group and her own websites  including Charlene and Brenda in the Blogosphere, named whimsically for an imaginary arts-going companion.

Her heart was really with the artist all the time, said former Union-Tribune critic Anne Marie Welsh, a fellow member of the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle. She had many artist friends in the community; she was really a beloved figure.

And her writing, if she were inspired by what she was reviewing, could be very poetic.

Former Old Globe Theatre resident artistic director Darko Tresnjak, a Tony Award winner for the Globe-connected A Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder, admired Baldridges devotion to her craft.

Ive met people who give you the sense that art is such a healing part of their existence  that it means so much, said Tresnjak. And I think that was true of her.

I know life was not easy  that there were losses. And at the same time, I think she derived so much energy (from creative work).

Baldridges third marriage was a difficult one, according to Chuck Ortego, and in the late 1990s she lost her youngest son, Robert Ortego, to cancer. That was traumatic for her, Chuck Ortego said.

There was more heartache to come. In 2008, her daughter Laura Jeanne Morefield, Baldridges close confidante and travel companion, was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. She died in 2011.

Out of her grief, and working from her daughters poetry manuscript, Baldridge created The Warriors Duet, a lyrical and moving stage piece produced locally by Ion Theatre and Circle Circle dot dot.

Both Baldridges and Morefields work was also celebrated by Jake Heggie, the composer of the operas Moby-Dick and Dead Man Walking, who met Baldridge in San Francisco when she was writing a story on the latter opera.

Baldridge later sent him a copy of her poetry collection Winter Roses.

I was inspired and moved by the spare and radiant honesty of her poetry  the internal, beautiful ache of yearning that inhabits every corner of her verse, Heggie said. She wrote from experience so that the poems are specific  and yet they remain very broad so that we can each find something of ourselves in them. Its a remarkable gift.

And she also had a marvelous sense of humor  her flashing blue eyes, her tremulous voice, that shock of white hair, her boisterous, infectious body-shaking laugh.

Heggie wound up creating a song cycle titled Winter Roses for the soprano Frederica von Stade, using two of Baldridges poems.

He later included another of Baldridges poems in the song cycle Facing Forward/Looking Back.

And in 2015, he honored Laura Morefield with The Work at Hand, based on and titled after one of her poems. It premiered at New Yorks Carnegie Hall.

Charlene was front and center to celebrate the memory of her daughter, Heggie recalls. It was a deeply moving experience.

Heggie adds that Baldridge and Morefield changed my life and my work for the better. I miss both of them deeply, but Im glad and grateful to have their work  and our collaborations  to keep them alive, struggling, laughing and breathing in our hearts.

Baldridge is survived by her son, of Washington state; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews, according to the family.

A public remembrance is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Lambs Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado.

jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @jimhebert
Los Angeles school board President Ref Rodriguez was charged Wednesday with three felony counts of conspiracy, perjury and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, the result of a months-long investigation by local authorities into donations to his successful first-time run for office in 2015.

The charges against Rodriguez, 46, whose District 5 stretches from Los Feliz to South Gate, were detailed in a 14-page criminal complaint filed by the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

Prosecutors accused Rodriguez of giving more than $24,000 to his own campaign, while illegally representing that the donations had been made by more than two dozen other contributors.

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The allegations come at a high point in Rodriguezs political career. Elected board president in July, he currently presides over the first L.A. school board majority dominated by members who were, like him, elected with major financial support from charter school advocates.

Rodriguez at first declined to comment, but late Wednesday the school district issued a statement from him in which he defended his intentions and suggested that he would stay on as board president.

As the product of an immigrant family, nobody has more respect for the integrity of the American justice system than I do. I have cooperated with authorities and hope these issues will be resolved expeditiously and fairly, Rodriguez said. Above all, my commitment to the students, teachers, parents and families of Los Angeles remains unwavering.

The case against Rodriguez grew out of an investigation by the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, which focused on donations to his 2015 campaign. The commission accused Rodriguez of campaign money laundering and referred its findings to the district attorneys office.

The criminal complaint says that in late 2014, shortly after he filed to run for office, Rodriguez cashed out a $26,000 business investment. He gave a check in that amount to his cousin, who was a campaign volunteer, along with instructions on what to do with the money, the complaint says.

The cousin, Elizabeth Tinajero Melendrez, 45, is suspected of depositing the money into a bank account under the names of Rodriguezs parents. Then, the complaint says, the candidates mother signed 16 checks, making them out to friends and family members who were listed as donors to her sons campaign.

According to the complaint, Melendrez delivered those checks as well as cash reimbursements to people who had made contributions.

Melendrez ultimately persuaded 25 people, most of them Rodriguezs relatives and friends, to participate by telling them their contributions would be reimbursed, according to a 10-page formal accusation released by the ethics commission on Wednesday. Each gave between $775 and $1,100, for a total of $24,250.

At the end of that reporting period, Rodriguez submitted records certified under penalty of perjury showing he had raised $51,001 in individual donations, the document says. However, nearly half of the reported funds were actually Rodriguezs own money.

He reported his personal contribution as $1,100.

Political money laundering is prohibited in part because, as the ethics commission states, it deprives the public of information about the true source of a candidates financial support.

Melendrez, like her cousin, was charged with one felony count of conspiracy to commit assumed-name contribution. Both she and Rodriguez also were charged with 25 misdemeanor counts of assumed-name contribution. They are scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 24.

If convicted on the felony counts, Rodriguez faces a possible maximum sentence of four years and four months in jail. Melendrez could serve up to three years in jail.

Daniel Nixon, a lawyer for Rodriguez, suggested his client would be able to work through his legal problems.

As I understand it, candidates fund their campaigns often, Nixon said. I think its a question of simply the details, the nuances, concerning how that takes place.

This is a harsh and draconian response to a minor alleged transgression, said Mark J. Werksman, a lawyer for Melendrez.

City campaign finance records show that among the group of people the commission said Rodriguez used to launder his money, at least a dozen worked for the Los Angeles-based charter school organization that Rodriguez co-founded, Partnerships to Uplift Communities, commonly known as PUC Schools. They included a janitor, a tutor and a parent organizer, each of whom donated $1,100  the legal limit.

Cases like the one outlined in the commissions report on Rodriguez are highly unusual. Often, it is a donor  not the candidate  who is accused of funneling money into a campaign through contributions from business partners, relatives or employees who are reimbursed.

And once the ethics commission presents the accused with evidence of wrongdoing, the case is commonly wrapped up in a settlement before its revealed to the public. The offender agrees to pay a fine and moves on.

But in this case, that did not happen.

Rodriguez and Melendrez were shown the commissions findings in May, according to the report, but no settlement was reached.

The commissions options in responding to campaign finance law violations are relatively narrow. It can levy penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, or three times the amount of money unlawfully contributed to the campaign or refer the findings to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

The money Rodriguez is alleged to have laundered made up a small fraction of his overall campaign haul.

In 2015, he faced two challengers, incumbent Bennett Kayser, who had the backing of the local teachers union, and Andrew Thomas, an educational consultant and L.A. Unified parent. Of the three, Rodriguez raised the most, ultimately bringing in $284,000 for his school board bid. He also benefited from $2.3 million in independent expenditures, mostly from charter school backers  spending that was not controlled by his campaign.

Campaign consultant Mike Shimpock, whose firm has worked on L.A. Unified school board campaigns in the past, said the idea of reimbursing donors just seems totally irrational given the dynamics of the 2015 election.

Candidates are permitted to give as much money as they want to their own campaigns, and it was well known in December 2014 that Rodriguez was likely to receive major financial support from charter school backers, Shimpock said.

Everybody knew going in that he was the charter school guy. He could have shown 35 cents in his account and they would have spent whatever it took on his behalf, said Shimpock, whose firm was not involved in the Rodriguez contest.

Kayser, who lost his re-election bid to Rodriguez, said he and his supporters had suspicions about his opponents contribution reports during the campaign. The list, he said, had custodians and others whom you wouldnt expect to make $1,000 donations.

Kayser said he wished that voters had been aware of the money-laundering allegations before the election. I think that would have helped my campaign be more successful, he said.

The charges could deal a serious political blow to Rodriguez and the slim pro-charter school majority on the school board.

In May, two candidates supported by charter school advocates won their elections, tipping the balance of power away from public sector unions. The shift was dramatic, and it was the result of a $17-million campaign  the most expensive school board campaign ever  in which unions representing district employees and wealthy, pro-charter donors competed for influence.

L.A. Unified general counsel David Holmquist said the school district was aware of the charges against Rodriguez.

These allegations are not connected to any district business. However, we will cooperate, as needed, with the District Attorneys Office, he said in a statement.

anna.phillips@latimes.com

Twitter: @annamphillips

UPDATES:

5:55 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from Rodriguez.

4:20 p.m.: This article was updated with additional legal details and comments about the case.

1:45 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about the charges against Rodriguez.

This article was originally published at 1:05 p.m.
In the last two months, the U.S. Navy has experienced the worst peacetime surface ship collisions in over 41 years.

Seventeen sailors lost their lives when the destroyers John S. McCain and Fitzgerald were hit by commercial vessels in the western Pacific during routine independent steaming operations.

Those tragic incidents -- coupled with the cruiser Antietam grounding in January and the San Diego-based cruiser Lake Champlains collision with a fishing boat earlier this year -- raise significant concerns about readiness and the operational proficiency of our surface fleet.

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Its especially alarming because three out of four of these ships were part of the forward-deployed naval forces, considered by Adm. William Moran, the vice chief of naval operations, (and others) to be the Navys most proficient, well-trained, most experienced force  because theyre operating all the time.

So what went wrong?

A broader examination of the surface force in general and the U.S. Seventh Fleet in particular reveals several significant problems:

1. The fleet is too small and has too few sailors to meet the nations ever-increasing operational demands.

To keep approximately 100 ships continuously deployed around the world, the Navy has resorted to longer deployments and deferred maintenance, while drastically cutting back on time dedicated to training.

2. The professional development regimen for surface warfare personnel has changed significantly over the last 14 years.

It no longer provides the intensive navigation and mariner skills training formerly offered to officers and sailors.

3. The extremely high operational demands on forward-deployed ships has left no dedicated time to formally train and evaluate the proficiency of crew members and officers.

GUEST VOICES: Authoritative views on the military and veterans issues

Ships are often tasked to perform missions based on availability, not fitness  much less certification  for mission.

4. Eight years of budget cuts forced Navy leadership to reduce or delay spending on near-term operations and maintenance.

This has increased the maintenance backlog and reduced ship-underway days and training time.

Last weeks House Armed Services Committee hearing, convened to explore whats behind the rash of naval collisions, brought additional troubling issues to light.

U.S. Government Accountability Office testimony revealed that the number of expired warfare certifications among Japan-based destroyers and cruisers has increased fivefold since May 2015.

Moreover, eight of those 11 ships have expired seamanship certifications.

It was also revealed that surface fleet leadership  from ships commanding officers all the way up to the Naval Surface Forces commander -- had approved waivers and risk mitigation plans for these expired certifications in order to meet operational taskings.

What we have, then, is a problem that goes beyond simply a lack of resources  funding, ships, people and time.

And fixing that problem will require a cultural change within the Navy and specifically the surface fleet.

All Navy commanders must take some risks in executing their missions: Operating ships, submarines and aircraft are inherently dangerous operations.

Historically, the Navy has worked hard to mitigate these innate risks by ensuring that its sailors were the best trained in the world.

But it appears that operational commanders have continually moved the line of accepted risk as they struggle to meet an insatiable operational demand with insufficient resources.

Incrementally increasing risk and reducing operational standards  an inch here, an inch there  has a huge cumulative effect over time.

Todays Navy finds itself miles from the high level of professionalism and proficiency that has characterized the U.S. Navy for over 240 years.

What was originally an abnormal operating condition on these ships has become the new normal for young sailors and junior officers entering the fleet.

The erosion of standards for basic seamanship and the lack of adequate training and proper assessment of crew proficiency must be reversed.

The Navy must dedicate  and firewall  the time and resources required to assure the proficiency of the crew of every ship, submarine and aircraft in the fleet.

In the Navy  as in all military culture  it is extremely hard to say no to tasking. Because in most cases, if I dont do it, someone else will have to.

This makes it incumbent upon senior Navy and Defense Department leaders to take a hard look at the quantity and priority of operational tasking versus the availability and proficiency of Navy ships, submarines and aircraft.

They must be the ones to say no when there is an obvious deficit.

Moreover, they must provide commanding officers with clear red lines of required proficiency certifications and accepted risk, so they know when to deliver their bosses that no to assigned tasking.

If these changes arent made  and soon  naval collisions and casualties will continue to mount.

A 20-year veteran and former director of capabilities for the Navy, Thomas Callender is a senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation.

Guest Voices is always open to new points of view. If you have an opinion to put forth in a column, email us at jen.steele@sduniontribune.com.
A peace boat operated by the national organization Veterans For Peace arrived in San Diego on Monday night.

The 38-foot sailboat named Golden Rule is part of the groups effort to spread its anti-nuclear weapons message.

While in San Diego, the group intends to demonstrate in October during the Sea & Air Parade, which is the marquee event of San Diego Fleet Week.

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Were going to spend the fall and winter here in San Diego, said Gerry Condon, president of the veterans groups Golden Rule committee, on Tuesday.

Were gonna be out in the waters here in San Diego Bay during Fleet Week on October 14 to show an alternative message of peace to the message  that the warships may be bringing at the time.

The sailboat is eye-catching with a large peace sign on its red sails.

The group held a similar demonstration during Los Angeles Fleet Week events over Labor Day weekend.

RELATED: Veterans group protests Miramar Air Show at Disneyland of War 

MORE: Marine Corps response to air show protest 

The Golden Rule has a storied past.

Built in 1958, the boat was sailed by Quaker peace activists in an attempt to disrupt U.S. atmospheric nuclear bomb testing in the Marshall Islands.

The ship fell into disrepair and, in 2010, sunk during a storm off Humboldt and was nearly burned for a bonfire.

Instead, Veterans For Peace and other volunteers spent five years restoring the wooden-hull ketch.

The boat began sailing up and down the West Coast in 2015. It appeared for a week in San Diego for the Veterans For Peace national convention two years ago.

Now back, the boats crew will hold public tours for the rest of this week from 1 to 4 p.m. from the vessels dock at the western tip of Shelter Island.

The group is also hosting a public potluck and discussion with crew members at 5 p.m. Friday at the same location.

Condon said his group understands that its message might be unpopular in military-dependent San Diego.

Veterans know better than anybody the futility of war, Condon told the Union-Tribune on Tuesday. Wed like to have a dialogue with them.

For information on the Golden Rule project, go to vfpgoldenruleproject.org

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The Metropolitan Water Districts embattled ethics watchdog announced her resignation Tuesday amid a monthslong internal struggle over her office and its investigations.

Ethics officer Deena Ghaly informed the MWD of her decision hours before the agencys 38-member board was scheduled to evaluate her performance. Ghaly, whose office is the subject of an ongoing outside review, said it had become impossible for her to carry out her duties of creating, administering and enforcing ethics rules.

There are concerns at the board level, as I understand them, about whether the ethics office should proceed with the work that it does, she said. And yet, I report to the board. So  there was no way to reconcile the law with the responses about my work from at least some of the board members.

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The board weighed in hours later, putting Ghaly on paid administrative leave until Oct. 10, her last day on the job. MWD spokesman Bob Muir said no reason was given for the decision, which was discussed during a closed session meeting.

Tuesdays developments alarmed board member Sylvia Ballin, who argued that her MWD colleagues had failed to give the ethics office the tools to operate independently. Before the board went behind closed doors, Ballin questioned whether Ghaly was the subject of a witch hunt.

This is a substantial loss for the public interest and public transparency, she said.

Ghalys critics had a less charitable view, saying her office had been running amok for months.

She abused her authority, said attorney James Sutton, who represented three people investigated by the ethics office.

The debate over Ghalys office reflected, in part, the longstanding divide between the MWDs representatives from San Diego and many other board members. Some within the San Diego delegation were among the most forceful in questioning the MWDs recent decision to hire Alejandro Mayorkas, a former U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, to review Ghalys office.

Board chairman Randy Record, who represents a water agency in Riverside County, said Mayorkas hiring showed the agency is committed to effective oversight. I want to emphasize that the board continues to support a strong and independent ethics office, he said in a statement acknowledging Ghalys resignation.

Mayorkas, hired at nearly $1,100 an hour, plans to examine issues stemming from at least two MWD ethics investigations.

One focused on former MWD Chief Operating Officer Debra Man, who is seeking $50,000 for legal bills she incurred after being investigated.

Sutton, Mans attorney, said the MWDs ethics office spent roughly 18 months investigating whether Man gave false and misleading statements during public meetings about a recycled water project planned in Carson. After initially concluding that Man had deliberately misled board members, the ethics office reversed course and issued a letter clearing her, Sutton said.

Man retired as chief operating officer in June. She had been earning $288,704 annually in that post.

In 2015, the MWDs San Diego representatives opposed a plan to put $15 million into the Carson project, saying the agency had been waiting for years for the results of a study of the cost and feasibility of such initiatives.

At one meeting, San Diego board member Keith Lewinger asked Man if the document  first authorized in 2010  had been completed. Man said there was no formal study. Moments later, she said there was a draft working document but no issued study.

The following day, at another public meeting, Lewinger said he had obtained a 363-page document filled with additional financial estimates. He accused MWD staffers of keeping the draft documents relevant and substantial information away from the board.

The board approved the project over San Diegos objections. After that vote, Ghalys office opened its investigation into Man.

Sutton pushed back against the investigations initial findings, saying that Ghalys office had misinterpreted the ethics rules. He also said an investigator had taken quotes out of context and omitted certain information.

It was bungled from the outset, he said, adding: It was an ethics office trying to justify its existence and using my client as the pawn.

Ghaly disagreed, and said the ethics office had been responsive to Suttons concerns about that and other investigations.

We actually went the extra mile to protect the subjects  all subjects  due process rights, Ghaly said.

Man, for her part, issued a statement saying her comments in 2015 were not as clear or concise as she had wished, but that she nevertheless did not misrepresent any facts.

I was completely vindicated and found not to have violated any ethics laws or policies, she said.

In the other investigation, Ghalys office had looked into an allegation that Lewinger had improperly released confidential information. Lewinger was cleared of any wrongdoing and afterward, he suspected that at least some colleagues were unhappy with the outcome.

Lewinger said that in the wake of Ghalys departure, the board will need to reassess the role of its ethics office, created as part of a state law in 1999.

We have to have a soul searching on how our ethics department operates, and whether its independent from the board, he said.

david.zahniser@latimes.com

Twitter: @DavidZahniser

UPDATES:

6:25 p.m.: This article was updated with ethics officer Deena Ghaly being placed on administrative leave, and additional reaction.

This article was originally published at 11:10 a.m.
Private investigators hired to crack down on the sale of counterfeit luxury goods had set up the undercover parking lot sting in Mission Valley after seeing an ad on Craigslist for Rolex watches. They didnt expect to find a Border Patrol agent hawking the timepieces from the trunk of his car.

Im going to lose my job, the agent, Martin Macias, 31, reportedly said as he was taken into custody following a second undercover buy on Aug. 2, according to a search warrant affidavit unsealed last week.

Macias was arrested by sheriffs deputies on a state charge of selling counterfeit goods and released on $10,000 bail. No state charges have been filed for prosecution though, and the case is apparently being considered for federal charges of trafficking counterfeit goods, according to the affidavit filed in San Diego federal court.

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Macias declined to discuss the case when reached by phone Tuesday. His employment status was unknown.

The investigation was launched by Investigative Consultants, a firm based in Torrance that represents about 200 brands by helping them detect counterfeit goods and protect their trademarks.

On May 18, one of the firms private investigators found a Craigslist ad for Rolex watches for sale and reached out. Someone named Carlos said hed meet with her at the Target parking lot in Mission Valley. On May 25, the day of the meeting, a man named Martin texted her saying hed be there instead and to look for his white Volkswagen.

The investigator and a partner met Martin, later determined to be Macias, and he showed them a display case in the trunk of his car filled with four Audemars Piguet watches, four Cartier watches and six Rolex watches, according to the affidavit.

Macias confirmed the watches were fake and each was worth $320. He said Carlos supplied him with the watches and that he could provide large quantities at wholesale prices, the affidavit said.

The investigator bought a Rolex for $320, then passed the case on to the Sheriffs Departments Border Crimes Suppression Team. As one of the detectives reviewed the evidence and Volkswagen records, he discovered the seller might be a Border Patrol agent.

The investigator set up another meeting, and Martin said he had five Rolexes for sale. They agreed to meet at Target again, but the day of the meeting, Aug. 2, he changed the location to the Babies R Us parking lot in Chula Vista.

The investigators partner met Macias this time and was shown a case of watches on the front seat of Macias black Chevrolet pickup: six Audemars Piguet, four Rolex, two Hublot, one Armani and one childs Casio, the affidavit said.

During the sale, sheriffs detectives moved in to arrest Macias.

In an interview with the sheriffs detective, Macias explained that a friend who lives in Mexico obtains the watches from an unknown source for about $110 each and advertises them on websites such as Craigslist and Offer Up. Since the friend doesnt come to the U.S., he asked Macias to deliver the watches to buyers.

Macias said the only times hes sold was the two times to the undercover investigators. He said he planned to collect about $250 for his efforts, the affidavit said.

He further admitted he knew what he was doing was illegal but likened it to running a red light, according to the court document.

A search of Macias home did not yield any other counterfeit goods.

The watches, if genuine, would sell for between $10,000 and $79,000, according to experts.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
A former Navy commander was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison for trying to hide his long-term friendship with foreign defense contractor Leonard Glenn Francis, who treated him to as much as $50,000 in wild karaoke parties, fine dining and prostitutes.

David Michael Kapaun, 58, who was later the civilian deputy chief of staff at Special Operations Command, Pacific in Hawaii, is the latest to be sentenced in the massive Navy bribery scandal involving Fat Leonard.

Kapaun sought to update his security clearance in 2015, but his forms made no mention of his relationship with Francis, who had known since 2001 and who had by then been arrested in San Diego in the bribery conspiracy.

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Francis company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, based in Singapore, provides services to visiting Navy ships in Southeast Asia such as trash removal, water and security.

Kapaun pleaded guilty in June to making false statements.

Prosecutors said Kapaun supported GDMA, including sneaking Francis classified ship schedules, in return for the lavish gifts.

Kapaun went to lengths to hide the relationship at the time, including creating a fake name  Dave McIntosh  and undercover email address to communicate, prosecutors said.

Kapaun, of Wahiawa, Hawaii, was sentenced in Honolulu federal court. Besides prison he was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine, pay $50,000 in restitution to the Navy and perform 200 hours of community service.

He is among 28 people, including 21 current and former Navy officials, charged in the scandal. Most have pleaded guilty.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
Facebook has emerged as one of the largest data companies in the world. The social media giant has more than 1.23 billion active daily users, many of whom post lots of personal information thats analyzed not only by the company, but independent scientists.

Those researchers include Jennifer Golbeck, a University of Maryland computer scientist who who writes algorithms that produce a deeper understanding of individual users. She discussed her work with the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Q: Facebook users realize that the company knows certain things about them because we voluntarily post a lot of personal information. But you write algorithms that predict many things about these users -- like a persons age, their religion, their sexual orientation, their personality traits, even their intelligence.

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How do these algorithms work?

A: They start with a bunch of data and what we call ground truth. For example, if you want to know if someones introverted based on what they tweet, you need lots of tweets from people who are known to be introverted and people who arent.

Then, you measure a bunch of things about the data. If youre using tweets, it may be what hashtags they use, who they follow, what kinds of words they use, how often they use images, and so on. Then, you teach a machine learning algorithm how to tell the groups apart. Basically, you say heres a person we know is introverted. Heres all the measurements for that person.

You do this over and over with thousands of examples of introverts and non-introverts. The algorithm learns what features or combinations of features show a difference between each group. Then, you can theoretically feed it measurements for an unknown person and it will guess based on what it learned.

Q: Most users click the Like button on Facebook. How important are those likes to coming up with a profile of an individual user?

A: The likes are interesting because they are always public - you cant make them private no matter what your settings are. Research has shown that likes are useful to predict all kinds of demographics and behaviors. People can try it on themselves; the project is online at https://applymagicsauce.com/

Question: Do these algorithms do simple things like say, Well, this user likes BBC America and NPR. Therefore, he or she must be well-educated?

A: They can, but usually it is much more complex than that. In fact, most of the connections dont make a lot of logical sense. For example, when one paper was published, liking the Facebook page for curly fries was a strong indicator of intelligence. Its not because curly fries have anything to do with intelligence. There are lot of complex social dynamics going on behind the scenes and liking a page reflects those, which relate to personal attributes much more than the subject of a page does.

Q: Do the algorithms factor in the photos and videos that we post on Facebook? Many photos are rich in meaning.

A: They can! There are algorithms that work just on photos. Theres one recent study that can accurately identify signs that a person is depressed based on the composition of photos they post.

The interesting and scary thing is that we find signals of peoples personal attributes and mental states pretty much everywhere we look for them. This means we can discover things all over, which is exciting from a scientific perspective, but it also means people cant hide from the algorithms. I personally think consent is critical as these move from research labs into the public sphere, but now, basically anyone can discover your secrets from your public social media data, and theres nothing you can do about it. I find this very troubling.

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gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com
San Diego Countys hepatitis A outbreak shows no signs of slowing, according to the latest update released Tuesday by the county Health and Human Services Agency.

The outbreaks death total rose to 16  one more than last weeks total. The number of confirmed cases reached 421, up 23 from last week. The number of hospitalizations also pushed higher, reaching 292 from 279 the week before.

New numbers came one day after a city of San Diego contractor began a new sidewalk and street cleaning campaign that has workers using high-pressure sprayers to scour sidewalks with bleach-infused water capable of killing the hepatitis A virus.

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The county declared a local public health emergency on Sept. 1, enhancing an ongoing vaccination campaign with the installation of hand-washing stations in locations where homeless residents, who have been hit hardest by the outbreak, gather.

Hand hygiene is a focus of the public health effort to stem the outbreak because the virus can spread when people dont wash their hands well enough after going to the bathroom and then share food, drink, drugs, have sex or other close contact with an uninfected person.

In recent weeks, public health officials have said that, because the incubation period for hepatitis A ranges from 15 to 50 days, it may take several more months for any positive effects of the current sanitation campaign to be obvious.

The symptoms of hepatitis A infection, which do not appear in all cases, include: fever, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes (jaundice), stomach pain, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools and diarrhea.

Infection can be prevented through vaccination. Though most recover with little or no treatment, a hepatitis A infection can be fatal for those with pre-existing liver damage and other health conditions.

On Wednesday, Mayor Kevin Faulconer has scheduled a news conference to give details about locating multiple large tent structures that could give temporary shelter to hundreds of people living on the streets.

The industrial tents will include beds, showers, restrooms and hand-washing stations.

The mayors morning news conference is schedule for the parking lot next to Father Joes Villages, which provides services and indoor shelter for the homeless in downtown San Diego. It is unclear whether the parking lot will be a site for one of the tents or how long it will take the city to get the tent program up and running.

The idea of the tents was pushed by San Diego Padres Managing Partner Peter Seidler and chain restaurant operator Dan Shea. They announced in July that they had raised enough money to secure at least two tents, which could accommodate 250 people each.

The city in past years erected temporary tent shelters for the homeless, but that program was abandoned in favor of getting them into permanent housing. That effort has lagged because of a lack of affordable housing and various individuals and groups have urged the city to again provide more temporary shelter until the housing first model picks up steam.

A January count of homeless people in San Diego found the population had reached 9,116, a 5 percent increase from last year. Of those, 5,621 were unsheltered, an increase of 14 percent.

The unsheltered population downtown jumped by 27 percent.

Staff writer Gary Warth contributed to this story.

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A pregnant woman who feared miscarriage while in detention was about to self-deport to Mexico when immigration officials decided Tuesday evening to release her from custody into the U.S.

Maria Solis, 28, told the San Diego Union-Tribune about two weeks ago that she was worried she would have a miscarriage because of conditions in detention and her history of difficult pregnancies.

Groups such as the local branch of the American Civil Liberties Union and MomsRising, an organization that advocates for issues that affect mothers, spoke out for Soliss release, citing Immigration and Customs Enforcements policy to generally release pregnant women. Solis spent about a month and a half at Otay Mesa Detention Center.

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At a court hearing at the detention facility Tuesday, Solis agreed to deportation. Everyone who was there to support her, including her attorney, was crying, according to Leah Chavarria, who represents Solis.

ICE pushed Maria to deportation by going against its own policy, said her sister Izabel Solis, who attended her sisters. She didnt want to lose her baby.

After the hearing, ICE decided to release Solis into the U.S. on an order of supervision while she waits for the outcome of a U-visa application, Chavarria said. That doesnt usually happen after someone agrees to be deported.

Its their discretion, Chavarria said. I feel obviously extremely ecstatic for Maria and her baby on the way, and her children here already. Im frustrated with the process that we had to go through so much to get her released.

Solis said while detained, she was denied access to proper prenatal care and was forced to work, aggravating symptoms that reminded her of previous pregnancies when she was on permanent bed rest. ICE has said that Solis received appropriate medical care while in the facility.

ICEs policy is to release pregnant women unless there are extraordinary circumstances or the case requires mandatory detention, according to a 2016 memo. If ICE does keep a pregnant woman in custody, officers must re-evaluate the case regularly to see if detention is still necessary.

The ACLU argued in a letter sent to ICE on Monday that Solis does not fall into either category. She has no criminal record, and the letter said she is not a flight risk because of her U.S. citizen family.

It called ICEs decision to keep Solis in custody inhumane.

Ms. Soliss health is at risk, and her pregnancy is in increasing jeopardy each day that she remains in detention, the letter said.

The letter included a copy of a response that attorney Chavarria received from ICE when she asked for Solis to be released while she waited for her court date.

I have reviewed all relevant factors in this case and have determined that release on an order of supervision is not warranted, wrote Joseph Greene, assistant field office director, at the end of August.

The ACLU asked ICE to clarify which reason applies to Solis and whether officers have been reviewing her case regularly for release.

Solis was arrested near her Oceanside home by an immigration officer at the beginning of August. ICE targeted her because shed been deported once before in 2007.

Solis is a survivor of domestic violence. Her ex-husband was abusive, and after Solis reported him to police, he was deported. Because Solis cooperated with police, she was able to apply for a U-visa, which is for victims of certain crimes. If her visa application is denied, ICE will deport her.

MomsRising has also been campaigning on Soliss behalf. The group held a Twitter discussion in late August with the hashtag #MaternalJustice and has been sending letters to San Diego members of Congress asking them to advocate for Solis.

Solis is reluctant to be in the spotlight. Her sister Izabel Solis, who organized the campaign to free her, first convinced her that she needed to come forward.

According to Chavarria, Solis would be released Tuesday evening.

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One student was killed and three others were wounded when a fellow student described as obsessed with school shootings opened fire Wednesday morning at Freeman High School near Spokane, Wash., authorities said.

According to Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, the shooter tried to fire one gun, which jammed. He drew a second weapon and shot and killed a student who was trying to stop him. The shooter then moved down the school hallway, firing away and striking three other students.

The sheriff said the shooter, now being held in a juvenile detention facility, was stopped and held by a very courageous school staff member.

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The shooters apparent motivation was his being bullied by school mates, Knezovich said.

Classes had just begun around 10 a.m.  a late start day at the school  when the shooting began. Students ran for cover, and some were led to safety at nearby elementary and middle schools.

One student, in a tweet that included a picture of fellow students sitting on a classroom floor, said: At Freeman elementary currently. I am a junior, evacuated from the high school. At least four shots.

It appeared the gunman acted alone, but all Spokane public schools, the Central Valley School District and the Mead District were placed on lockdown. After the shooter was taken into custody and classrooms were searched at the 327-student high school, Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer announced: The threat from the shooter has been eliminated.

Parents began showing up quickly at the school in the small suburban town of Rockford, near the Idaho border, where police and emergency units filled the streets.

At Freeman elementary currently. I am a junior, evacuated from the high school. At least 4 shots. pic.twitter.com/RnGbbbahbK  christina (@TheChristinaXX) September 13, 2017

Authorities did not identify the suspected shooter or detail the bullying they said led to the attack. But according to Michael Harper, a 15-year-old sophomore quoted by the Associated Press, the suspect had been obsessed with school shootings.

Michael told the AP that some students alerted school counselors after the suspect brought notes to campus at the beginning of the year saying he might get killed or jailed. Michael said that, as far as he knew, the suspect was not bullied and had many friends.

The names of the students shot were not released.

Two were taken by ambulance and one by helicopter to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Childrens Hospital in Spokane.

Hospital staff described the teenagers as doing well, but did not release their ages or describe the nature of their injuries.

Gov. Jay Inslee called the shooting heartbreaking and said he was grateful for the service of school staff and first responders working to keep our students safe.

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit group that seeks to reduce gun violence, the attack at Freeman High was the 31st school shooting in 2017.

Anderson is a special correspondent.

UPDATES:

5:55 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Ozzie Knevovich on the motive behind the shooting.

3:30 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Michael Harper, as reported by the Associated Press.

1:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details and a comment from Brian Schaeffer.

12:25 p.m.: This article was updated with confirmation that the person killed was a student and with a comment from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

11:53 a.m.: This article was updated with a casualty toll of one killed and three injured.

11:35 a.m.: This article was updated with officials reporting multiple injuries, and that the threat has been eliminated.

This article was originally published at 10:55 a.m.
With rents soaring and the homeless population growing, San Diego County supervisors are set to put $25 million into a trust fund to help create more affordable homes.

The trust, first proposed three months ago, is intended to put a dent in the regions increasing shortage of affordable housing and help some of the most vulnerable residents. Supervisors voted unanimously in support of the trust on Tuesday, and the matter will return to the board in October for final consideration.

Clearly the populations we have in this region in need of affordable housing is getting bigger and bigger every day, Supervisor Greg Cox said. If we dont do something and try and provide more affordable housing, those numbers are going to increase in the future.

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The most recent tally of homeless people found that there are about 9,000 living outdoors or in temporary shelters, while other studies have found that people are spending too much of their income on rent as the supply of affordable housing dwindles.

The trust, which was endorsed in concept by the supervisors in June, will be administered by the countys Health and Human Services Department and used for specific projects included in the chief administrative officers budget. Projects that house people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, veterans, people with disabilities, seniors, transitional age youth, and families, will move to the front of the line for funding.

Non-profit organizations and private businesses can use the money to rehabilitate low-rent homes or build new ones and provide subsidies to keep housing costs low. Funds can be spent on permits and fees, labor, supplies, real estate, or as collateral to help secure loans. Estimates vary, but the county estimated that it could cost between $11,000 to $300,000 per home, depending on the type of project.

In an effort to stretch the value of the countys dollars, projects that use the trust money to leverage additional funds from other sources will be given priority.

But a suggestion by Supervisor Dianne Jacob to drug-test people who participate in these housing programs may mean that some projects could be ineligible for some federal funds, a crucial source of ongoing support for affordable housing programs.

I dont want to be providing housing to feed somebodys drug habit, she said at the supervisors meeting.

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development requires programs that receive funding to shelter people whether or not they are sober. Under its housing first model an increasingly popular protocol that has been embraced in San Diego and elsewhere, stable shelter is a necessity that must be satisfied before the underlying problems that cause homelessness can be addressed.

We know that stability allows residents and their children to focus on their education and employment and quality of life, said Nick Macchione, the director of the countys Health and Human Services Agency.

One Vista-based group, Solutions for Change, has decided to forego about $600,000 per year from HUD because it requires drug testing and other practices that conflict with federal funding policies. While drug testing can cost an organization money from HUD, it is legal.

HUDs funding requirements are themselves controversial, and some politicians, including Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, are pushing the department to change its policies to allow projects that drug-test residents to receive funding.

In a statement, Jacob said shed like programs that receive county money to test for drug abuse, but at the same time wants to see the housing-first model and other protocols that work to be implemented different communities.

While I acknowledge there are legal challenges with mandating drug testing for every project, there may be proposals that come forward that provide housing designed for substance abuse recovery patients, she said. However, I think we also need to consider housing first and other models to see what ends up working in each community.

Stephen Russell, the executive director of the San Diego Housing Federation, said the trust is a very small commitment to an enormous problem that he hopes is a success.

It is leading you toward those solution, and I commend you for doing that...But please know that we want this to prove the concept to make a solid case for future investment, he said told the supervisors.

San Diego County is short about 142,000 affordable units, according to the California Housing Partnership Corporation.

Supervisor Ron Roberts said that the trust helps address a housing problem that policy makers have created.

In some respects, its a crisis of our own making, he said. Government has largely got into the way, government has largely said no. Government has largely come up with concepts and theories that has made building housing difficult.

In some cases, such as in the city of San Diego, affordable if sometimes substandard housing has been torn down over the years and replaced with other housing, with the promise that enough affordable units would be created as replacements. That largely hasnt happened.

Supervisor Bill Horn said he supports the trust, but he wants to make sure that projects that receive money stay on budget, or that ones that are loaned cash from the trust pay it back.

I am concerned that when we use public money we forget the fact that we have to be accountable for it, he said.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
San Diego homicide investigators said a 66-year-old woman found dead in her Mission Valley office in July was killed by her daughter, who later committed suicide in a nearby building.

Detectives determined that 34-year-old Crystal Vasquez of Chula Vista shot her mother on July 20 in her office building on Camino Del Rio South and went the next day to fraudulently cash a check written from her mothers banking account, homicide Lt. Mike Holden said Tuesday.

He said it was not the first time Vasquez had stolen money from her mother, Maria Kelly. Vasquez had embezzled money from her mothers bank account multiple times in the past year.

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Investigators suspect that in the days leading up her death, Kelly confronted her daughter about the embezzlement  a possible motive for the killing.

We believe that (the confrontation) is likely the spark that led to the murder, Holden said.

Kelly was reported missing by family members after she failed to come home July 20, a Thursday. Her husband wasnt that worried initially because he thought she might have gone to a casino with a friend, Kellys grandson said at the time.

By Saturday, family members were looking for Kelly. One of them found her body in a locked closet in her office, where she had worked as a tax preparer and bookkeeper.

They told Vasquez of the discovery, and she drove to the office building where two dozen or so relatives had gathered.

When she arrived, she learned that video surveillance might have shown her entering and exiting her mothers office, Holden said.

Knowing there might be evidence of her involvement in the crime, Vasquez went to a bathroom in a nearby business and shot herself. Forensic evidence showed she used the same gun to take her own life that she had used to fatally shoot her mother, the lieutenant said.

He said video surveillance reviewed by police did show Vasquez and Kelly walking into the office the day of the shooting. Only Vasquez was seen walking out.

Detectives suspected right away that Vasquez may have been involved in her mothers death. Still, they kept an open mind and conducted an exhaustive investigation that entailed combing through bank account statements, interviewing Kellys clients, and analyzing several days of video, Holden said.

Holden said relatives, who were cooperative during the investigation and eager to learn the truth about the case, were devastated by investigators conclusions.

Theyre doing the best they can to cope with double tragedy, Holden said.

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of stabbing his brother-in-law during an argument near the Encanto Recreation Center Tuesday, San Diego police said.

The victim, 29, was stabbed in the neck, leg and face about 5:30 p.m. on Wunderlin Avenue, outside the recreation center and a few feet away from Encanto Elementary School, police Sgt. Jordan Wells said.

The wounded man was taken to a hospital and was expected to survive, Wells said.

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Officers arrested the suspect, the victims brother-in-law, nearby shortly after the stabbing, Officer John Buttle said.

It was unknown what the argument was about.

Breaking News

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
The upcoming San Diego International Film Festival will screen Spirit of Discovery, a documentary that follows legendary oceanographer Walter Munk as he goes in search of a species of flying devil fish that bears his name.

The film will have its world premiere at 4:30 p.m. on October 7th at ArcLight Cinemas in La Jolla. (Ticket information).

Director Eliana Alvarez Martinez focuses on Munks search for pygmy devil rays, a species that was named Mobula Munkiana in his honor.

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The Munk devil ray, as its also known, is famous for its ability to leap out of the water. The leaps give the illusion that the ray can fly.

The screening at ArcLight will occur less than two weeks before Munk turns 100  a milestone that will be celebrated by his long-time home, UC San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Munk is known as the Einstein of the oceans for his research, which has ranged from figuring out how the winds guide huge circulation patterns in the worlds ocean to improving the forecasting of waves and tides.

Scripps Birch Aquarium explores major expansion

Science Playlist  On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds

Twitter: @grobbins

gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com
The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board has repeatedly called for a bigger emphasis on science and technology in public education as part of an ambitious all-around academic agenda. Thats why weve long admired great local examples of such schools, starting with The Preuss School UCSD and the various branches of High Tech High.

So it sounded like a great idea when two San Fernando Valley Democrats  Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra and state Sen. Anthony Portantino  introduced a bill to build a pioneering state-run STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) middle and high school in downtown Los Angeles. The idea is even more appealing because it called for educating talented minority students from poor communities without the same opportunities enjoyed by students in wealthier areas. The cherry on top was that deep-pocketed Angelenos with a desire to make the California tech world more diverse are behind this concept  that could be a model elsewhere  and are eager to provide supplemental funding.

But while Assembly Bill 1217 won a crucial Senate committee endorsement last week, it may not survive the now-unfolding final days of the legislative session  and San Diegans could be part of the reason why.

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The major blame would of course fall with the states education establishment  which includes the California Teachers Association, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and associations representing California school boards and school administrators, all of whom argue a state-run school would unfairly sidestep local control policies. But some blame would also lie with the San Diego Unified School District, the only large district in California to formally oppose the bill. District spokesman Andrew Sharp said thats because San Diego Unifieds leadership remains committed to education policy shaped at the local level. He also noted that the language of the bill would allow for establishing such a unique school in San Diego County when it tops 3.5 million in population in coming years.

In a state as big as California, what would be wrong with education experimentation driven by ideas from many sources? In a city as rich in the sciences as San Diego, what would be wrong with having another superlative science-oriented public school devoted to helping underrepresented minorities?

Which brings us to the final San Diego connection. If the L.A. STEM school measure manages to reach the Assembly, onlookers think two local Democrats  Shirley Weber and Todd Gloria  may determine whether the proposal passes the seven-member Assembly Education Committee.

Unfortunately, a Gloria spokesman said he does not currently support the bill because it doesnt seem necessary; he said there are processes in place to establish STEM schools and that 142 STEM schools or STEAM schools, which focus on the arts, are already authorized in L.A. County.

We hope that in deciding how to vote, Weber and Gloria consider the kids for whom they could provide a path to a better life  not the special interests who have spent decades resisting reformers efforts to improve California education. Lawmakers should give a bold education plan a chance in a state school system that could benefit from boldness.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday introduced a  Medicare for all plan with the support of 15 fellow Democrat senators including Californias own Sen. Kamala Harris .

Our idea is to do what every other major country on earth is doing, and that is to guarantee health care to all people as a right, not a privilege, Sanders, I-Vermont, said of the plan.

Heres what you need to know about it.

What is it?

The Medicare for All Act of 2017 creates a federally administered national health insurance program.

The plan would take four years to implement, and it would cover seniors and people with disabilities as well as children under age 18 first. It would lower the age of Medicare eligibility each year to 55, then 45, then 35, until ultimately any resident of the U.S. is covered.

Sanders bill would include coverage for hospital visits, ambulance trips, primary and preventive care, prescription drugs, mental health services, laboratory services, reproductive care (including abortion) and dental and vision services.

Read the bill here.

Who supports it?

Sanders is introducing the bill with the support of 15 other senators. They are:

Sen. Tammy Baldwin , D-Wisconsin Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker , D-New Jersey Sen. Al Franken, D-Minnesota Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , D-New York Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California Sen. Martin Heinrich , D-New Mexico Sen. Mazie Hirono , D-Hawaii Sen. Patrick Leahy , D-Vermont Sen. Ed Markey , D-Massachusetts Sen. Jeff Merkley , D-Oregon Sen. Brian Schatz , D-Hawaii Sen. Tom Udall , D-New Mexico Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse , D-Rhode Island

The senators have been taking to social media to explain their support with videos. Here are three of them.

Is this likely to pass?

With a Republican-controlled Congress, the odds are slim. Opponents voice concerns over raising taxes to cover the costs, expanding government control over the health care system and other details.

But Democrats are still coming forth with their own ideas after several failed attempts by Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.

Some other Democrats are prioritizing protecting the ACA over jumping into any other options.

None of these other things  can really prevail unless we have the Affordable Care Act protected, said Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi , D-San Francisco.

Whats next?

Sanders took to social media on Wednesday to ask the public to help show support for the legislation at the grass roots level.

I know that taking on the insurance companies and Wall Street and the drug companies and the medical equipment suppliers and all those people who profit off our dysfunctional health care system, is not going to be an easy fight, Sanders said. The only way we win this is when the American people stand up as they are and demand real change and when we do that youre going to see major and beautiful things happening.

What are others saying about it on social media? Heres a look at what some of the discussion surrounding the idea from Sanders and company.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin

ALSO

Medicare for all: Who says health care is a universal right?
Malaysian firefighters and rescuers inspect a damaged bus after an accident in Ipoh, northern state of Perak, Malaysia, Monday, Dec. 20, 2010. An official says a bus carrying Thai tourists overturned on a winding road near a Malaysian highland resort, killing 14 people. (AP Photo) MALAYSIA OUT ( / AP)

Malaysian firefighters carry a body of one of passengers killed after a bus accident in Ipoh, northern state of Perak, Malaysia, Monday, Dec. 20, 2010. An official says a bus carrying Thai tourists overturned on a winding road near a Malaysian highland resort, killing 14 people. (AP Photo) MALAYSIA OUT ( / AP)

A double-decker bus carrying Thai tourists overturned on a Malaysian highway Monday, killing 28 people on their way back from a hill resort in the countrys worst road accident in years.

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The tourists were heading to Kuala Lumpur after a weekend trip to the popular Cameron Highlands in central Malaysia when their bus spun out of control and crashed into a protective barrier, a district police official said.

The bus then flipped over and landed beside a rocky slope, he said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to make public statements.

Photographs of the site showed the wrecked bus in a shallow ditch, with its tires and passengers belongings scattered around. Bodies covered with black sheets were placed beside the road.

The accident may have been caused by speeding or brake failure, the official said.

Rescuers recovered 22 bodies, and another six people died after being taken to a hospital, he said. About a dozen other passengers were injured.

The bus was reportedly operated by San Holiday Express, a Malaysian-based tour company.

Its managing director, Sor Eng Hock, told Malaysias national news agency, Bernama, he was very shocked (and) sad, adding that the company had never been involved in a major accident.

Malaysian highways have a speed limit of 70 miles (110 kilometers) per hour, but speeding is common and many drivers often do not abide traffic laws. Many bus accidents have been blamed on companies that hire poorly trained or unlicensed drivers, some of whom reportedly use drugs to keep them awake.

Those killed in Mondays crash included three Malaysians - the bus driver, his assistant and a tour guide - the police official said. The rest were Thai.

Malaysias worst previous bus crash was in 2007, when an express bus hit some boulders at a highway, killing 22.
The woman elected to the Senate on this day in 1948 did what the rest of the Senate was afraid to do.

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On September 13, 1948, Margaret Chase Smith was elected to the Senate, making her the first woman to serve in both houses of Congress.

Smith was the first woman elected to the Senate on her own merit. Six women had served in the Senate before she arrived there in 1948 (including one who served for a single day), but each of her predecessors had been chosen to complete the term of a man, often their recently deceased husbands. This was how Smith herself entered politics, but not what kept her going.

As the Post reported it in 1948 in Senator from the Five-and-Ten, her husband, Maine Congressman Clyde Smith, suffered a heart attack in 1940 just before filing for the upcoming primary election to run for a third term. His doctor advised him to have his politically savvy wife file instead. If Clyde got better, she could step down from the campaign, and he would replace her.

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But Clyde Smith died soon afterward. In a special election, Margaret Smith was chosen to complete the remainder of his term, launching her political career as Maines newest Congressional representative. She won the general election the following September.

In 1947, Maines incumbent Senator Wallace White Jr. announced that he would retire when his term was over in 1948. Smith decided to run. In the Republican primary  which was tantamount to the election itself  she received more votes than the other three male candidates combined.

Her gender was not the only notable thing about Smith. In 1950, she publicly denounced Senator Joe McCarthy for promoting himself and silencing his critics by playing on Americas Cold War fears, four years before most of her colleagues did so. The Senate wouldnt vote to censure him for behavior contrary to senatorial traditions until 1954.

Like her colleagues, Smith had initially been impressed when McCarthy first announced he had the names of hundreds of communist agents working in the federal government. He promoted the idea of a vast communist conspiracy within the country and himself as Americas best defense against it. Senator Smith challenged him to release the names, but he refused.

So on June 1, 1950, she delivered a Declaration of Conscience to her colleagues. Co-signed by six other moderate Republicans, it denounced McCarthys slandering and fearmongering, which he hid behind a facade of patriotism. She said:

I do not like the way the Senate has been made a rendezvous for vilification for selfish political gain at the sacrifice of individual reputations and national unity.

Those of us who shout the loudest about Americanism in making character assassinations are all too frequently those who, by our own words and acts, ignore some of the basic principles of Americanism: the right to criticize; the right to hold unpopular beliefs; the right to protest; the right to independent thought. The exercise of these rights should not cost one single American citizen his reputation or his right to a livelihood.

I dont want to see the Republican Party ride to political victory on the Four Horsemen of CalumnyFear, Ignorance, Bigotry, and Smear.  Surely we Republicans arent that desperate for victory.

Her declaration was not warmly received, and McCarthy soon took his revenge by removing Smith from the powerful Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He also gave financial support to a Republican who unsuccessfully challenged Smiths re-election. But Smith prevailed, retaining her Senate seat until 1973.

Smith is also remembered as the first woman to gather any noticeable support for a presidential bid in a major political party. In 1964, she announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination. Many Americans laughed at the idea. But President Kennedy took her candidacy seriously, telling reporters she would be a formidable opponent.

He probably remembered her voice raised against McCarthy years earlier. It was act of courage and integrity, two qualities Americans like in their presidents. And, as the financier Bernard Baruch said, if a man had delivered her Declaration of Conscience, he would be the next president.

Featured image: Photo by Ollie Atkins for Senator from the Five-and-Ten, from the September 11, 1948, issue of the Post.
Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/13/2017 -- Market Research Future Publish a New Report on - "Africa Medical Devices Market Research Report - Global Forecast to 2023"



Exclusive Summery About Report:

A medical device is any instrument, appliance including any software, biologic or non-biologic material, to be used for the diagnostic or therapeutic use for management of diseases and disorders. Africa presents both opportunities and challenges which are very different from the rest of world. The socioeconomic drivers include a guaranteed customer base as Africa has a disproportionate number of young people. It is estimated that 62% of the population in Africa is under 25 years as compared to Europe whose workforce is expected to shrink from 63% in 2010 to 51% in 2050. The second factor is the rising middle class of Africa. The regions with the greatest middle class population are South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt and Morocco.



However there exists huge barriers too. The most formidable barrier is the low per capita income and the poor connectivity and infrastructure of Africa. Although Africa has a large middle class consumer base there exists the reality that approx. 60% of population survives on less than USD 2 a day. Thus two things should be noted



- African medical devices market is very price sensitive and opportunities lie at the lower end with devices with lower cost and features to dominate the segment.



- The first mover advantage is everything, as it is extremely difficult to dislodge the market leader due to lower profit margin on low cost devices and the smaller customer base. Thus the company which will dominate the market first will have a stranglehold on the market due to high switching costs and low competitors.



Request a Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2845



The other market barriers include high cost of imported medical devices and high sales tariffs, challenging and dynamic regulatory framework, low penetration of medical devices in Africa and differential connectivity in regions of Africa are factors restraining the growth of the market. Further political turmoil, the weak African currencies and their dependence on primary exports particularly mining are economic threats to the market.



While technology and product development remain strong market strategies for medical devices the cost sensitivities of African market needs to be considered. Development of stronger biocompatible materials, growth of healthcare mobile applications, cloud integration is the leading themes. The other drivers of medical device market are rising cost of healthcare which stimulated development of innovative connected products such as wearable medical devices, demand for early detection and noninvasive therapies, growing awareness and spread of information technology, development of user friendly devices etc.



Taking all factors into consideration, we expect the Africa medical devices market to reach around $ 7069.61 million from $ 4900 million in 2017, by the end of the forecast period at a CAGR of ~ 6.3 %.



Test the market data and market information presented through more than 34 market data tables and 28 figures spread over 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth TOC & market synopsis on "Africa Medical Devices Market Research Report - Global Forecast to 2023"



Africa Medical Devices Market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including



- Mindray Medical International Limited,

- Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV.,

- Siemens Ltd,

- Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation,

- GE Healthcare,

- Medtronic,

- Johnson & Johnson



Segments:

Africa medical devices market has been segmented on the basis of product type which comprises monitoring devices, diagnostic devices, diagnostic molecular devices, drug delivery devices, surgical devices, bio implants and stimulation devices, automation and robotics and others. On the basis of therapeutic application; market is segmented into general surgery, diagnostic imaging, respiratory, orthopedics, cardiovascular, dental, neurology, ophthalmology, ear-nose-throat (ENT), nephrology and urology, and others. On the basis of end users; market is segmented hospitals, ambulatory and home.



Regional Analysis of Africa Medical Devices Market:

The healthcare sector of Africa is divided between private and state. The public healthcare expenditure accounts for approximately 48 % of total health expenditure in 2014 with variation in different countries. Local manufacturing represents a poor outlook which is limited to consumables and ordinary articles and there are a handful of high tech devices manufacturers. Africa is extremely dependent on imports for medical devices and imports account for approximately 90 % of total market for medical devices and Chinese medical device suppliers dominate the scenario. Among the regions of Africa, South Africa and Egypt account for 40 % of market. Other important nations are Nigeria, Morocco and Algeria. Collaboration with large global companies and technical transfer will remain the key strategy for developing the regional African market as can be seen by the example of China.



If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.



For further information on this report, visit @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/africa-medical-devices-market-2845



Intended Audience:

- Medical Devices Manufacturers

- Medical Devices Suppliers

- Private Research Laboratories

- Research and Development (R&D) Companies

- Market Research and Consulting Service Providers

- Government Research Laboratories

- Contract Manufacturing Organizations



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.



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New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/13/2017 -- WiseGuyReports published new report, titled "Life Insurance in Iran, Key Trends and Opportunities".



Synopsis



'Life Insurance in Iran, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides a detailed outlook by product category for the Iranian life insurance segment, and a comparison of the Iranian insurance industry with its regional counterparts.



It provides key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review period (20112015) and forecast period (20152020).



The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Iranian economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country.



The report brings together research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.



GET SAMPLE REPORT @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1918012-life-insurance-in-iran-key-trends-and-opportunities-to-2020



Summary



'Life Insurance in Iran, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Iranian life insurance segment, including:



- An overview of the Iranian life insurance segment

- The Iranian life insurance segment's growth prospects by category

- A comprehensive overview of the Iranian economy and demographics

- A comparison of the Iranian life insurance segment with its regional counterparts

- The various distribution channels in the Iranian life insurance segment

- Details of the competitive landscape in the life insurance segment in Iran

- Details of regulatory policy applicable to the Iranian insurance industry



Scope



This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the life insurance segment in Iran:



- It provides historical values for the Iranian life insurance segment for the report's 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.



- It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Iranian life insurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020.



- It provides a comparison of the Iranian life insurance segment with its regional counterparts



- It analyzes the various distribution channels for life insurance products in Iran.



- It profiles the top life insurance companies in Iran and outlines the key regulations affecting them.



Key points to buy



- Make strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Iranian life insurance segment, and each category within it.



- Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Iranian life insurance segment.



- Assess the competitive dynamics in the life insurance segment.



- Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories.



- Gain insights into key regulations governing the Iranian insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.



Key Highlights



- In February 9, 2017, the Central Insurance of Iran (CII) and Central Bank of Armenia signed an agreement of mutual cooperation in insurance business.



- In November 2016, Munich Re agreed to cooperate with CII in conducting training programs.



- In January 2015, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance announced that insurance products and services would be exempt from VAT. This is expected to be implemented by the end of the financial year 201718.



- In 2015, 86.1% of the country's population was Muslim. This is expected to provide an advantage to takaful insurance over conventional insurance.



Table of Contents



1 Key Facts and Highlights

2 Executive Summary

3 Economy and Demographics

4 Segment Outlook

5 Distribution Channel Outlook

6 Competitive Landscape

7 Governance, Risk and Compliance

8 Databook

9 Definitions and Methodology

10 About Timetric



..CONTINUED



Contact Us

Email Us at:

Reach Us at: +1 339 368 6938 (US) +44 208 133 9349 (UK)



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New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/13/2017 -- WiseGuyReports published new report, titled "Non-Life Insurance in Iran, Key Trends and Opportunities".



Synopsis



'Non-Life Insurance in Iran, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides a detailed outlook by product category for the Iranian non-life insurance segment, and a comparison of the Iranian insurance industry with its regional counterparts.



It provides values for key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review period (20112015) and forecast period (20152020).



The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Iranian economy and demographics, explains the various types of natural hazard and their impact on the Iranian insurance industry, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country.



The report brings together research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.



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Summary



'Non-Life Insurance in Iran, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Iranian non-life insurance segment, including:



- The Iranian non-life segment's detailed outlook by product category

- A comprehensive overview of the Iranian economy and demographics

- A comparison of the Iranian non-life insurance segment with its regional counterparts

- The various distribution channels in the Iranian non-life insurance segment

- Detailed analysis of natural hazards and their impact on the Iranian insurance industry

- Details of the competitive landscape in the non-life insurance segment in Iran

- Details of regulatory policy applicable to the Iranian insurance industry



Scope



This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the non-life insurance segment in Iran:



- It provides historical values for the Iranian non-life insurance segment for the report's 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.



- It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Iranian non-life insurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020.



- It provides a comparison of the Iranian non-life insurance segment with its regional counterparts



- It analyzes the various distribution channels for non-life insurance products in Iran.



- It analyzes various natural hazards and their impact on the Iranian insurance industry



- It profiles the top non-life insurance companies in Iran, and outlines the key regulations affecting them.



Key points to buy



- Make strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Iranian non-life insurance segment, and each category within it.



- Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Iranian non-life insurance segment.



- Assess the competitive dynamics in the non-life insurance segment.



- Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories.



- Gain insights into key regulations governing the Iranian insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.



Key Highlights



- According to the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), road traffic accidents killed around 28,000 people in Iran in 2016, and either injured or disabled more than 300,000.



- According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Iran was the 14th largest car manufacturer in the world in 2016.



- In March 2017, Iran's crude oil exports reached 3.0 million barrels for the first time since 1979. The export of crude oil averaged 2.5 million barrels per day during January 2016 and February 2017.



- In February 9, 2017, the Central Insurance of Iran (CII) and Central Bank of Armenia signed an agreement of mutual cooperation between insurance and reinsurance business.



- In December 22, 2016, the European airplane manufacturer Airbus signed a contract with Iran Air to sell 100 jets with delivery starting from January 2017. The value of this deal is expected to be IRR 310.3 trillion (US$10.0 billion).



Table of Contents



1 Key Facts and Highlights

2 Executive Summary

3 Economy and Demographics

4 Segment Outlook

5 Outlook by Category

6 Distribution Channel Outlook

7 Natural and Man-Made Hazards

8 Competitive Landscape

9 Governance, Risk and Compliance

10 Databook

11 Definitions and Methodology

12 About Timetric



..CONTINUED



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In a paper published in the journal Systematic Entomology, researchers described an unusual species of prehistoric trap-jaw ant found in several pieces of Burmese amber (known as burmite).

The new species is named Linguamyrmex vladi and belongs to the tribe Haidomyrmecini (unicorn or hell ants).

It lived about 98 million years ago during the Cenomanian, the earliest age of the Late Cretaceous epoch.

All studied specimens were mined from the Hukawng Valley in Kachin State, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

Dr. Phillip Barden, a researcher at the American Museum of Natural History and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and co-authors probed the burmite pieces using several types of imaging technology, including light microscopes and X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning.

Linguamyrmex vladi is distinguished by an unusual suite of morphological characters indicating specialized predatory behavior and an adaptive strategy no longer found among modern ant lineages, the researchers said.

The species had oversized, scythe-like mandibles and a horn-like appendage reinforced with metal, the team found.

Insects are known to sequester metals  in particular, calcium, manganese, zinc, and iron  in ovipositors and mandibles, to increase strength and reduce wear, they said.

Scan results indicate that the underside of Linguamyrmex vladis clypeal paddle appears to be reinforced, either by greater cuticular density or, more likely, through the incorporation of metals into cuticle.

Dr. Barden and co-authors believe this fortified horn was utilized in tandem with scythe-like mandibles to pin and potentially puncture soft-bodied prey.

The mandibles and paddle of Linguamyrmex vladi may have functioned to puncture soft-bodied prey and feed on the hemolymph, they explained.

Although this would be a novel strategy, this morphological arrangement is itself entirely novel and it is not at all apparent how these ants could otherwise masticate food items. Although it is obtained from their own larvae, some living ant species do utilize hemolymph as a food source.

Foragers of Linguamyrmex vladi probably hunted with their mandibles cocked wide open and gaping, quickly snapping shut vertically when the tips of the trigger hairs touched prey, evidently with sufficient force that, were the clypeal paddle not reinforced, it might have been damaged.

Although it may not be possible to definitively ascertain the behavior of Linguamyrmex vladi, this new species highlights the adaptive diversity of a highly specialized, extinct lineage of Cretaceous, stem-group ants, the scientists said.

Just as the diversity and adaptive spectrum of carnivorous theropod dinosaurs could not have been predicted by the study of modern vertebrates alone, the bizarre adaptations of hell ants (indeed, their existence) would remain unknown if not for preservation in amber.

_____

Phillip Barden et al. 2017. A New Genus of Hell Ants from the Cretaceous (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Haidomyrmecini) with A Novel Head Structure. Systematic Entomology 42 (4): 837-846; doi: 10.1111/syen.12253
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness fails to make it to the top six contenders for the award.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Arundhati Roy's latest novel, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness has failed to make the cut for the shortlist of six books for The Man Booker Prize (Fiction) 2017. The announcement made Wednesday by the judging committee, which is dominated by American heavyweights competing against British fiction.

Among the novels that have made it to the shortlist are Paul Auster's 4321, History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund, the much deserving Exit West by Pakistani-UK writer Mohsin Hamid, Elmet by Fiona Mozley, Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders, and Ali Smith's Autumn.

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This shortlist of the Man Booker Prize (Fiction) 2017 was whittled down from the longlist of 13 books to make a further compelling race between six novels that are running for the much coveted prize.

Also Read: Arundhati Roy just made it to the Man Booker Prize 2017 longlist

The competition is judged by Baroness Lola Young (Chair), Lila Azam Zanganeh, Sarah Hall, Tom Phillips and Colin Thubron.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/bariahbakri

Roy's novel was considered among the top competitors for the race and was earlier described as a "significant" work of fiction. Widely hailed by international critics, Roy's novel was thought to be a sure-name in the short list -- but the Booker never fails to surprise. American heavyweights Paul Auster and George Saunders are the most known faces in the list.

Last year's winner was The Sellout by Paul Beatty, while A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James was victorious in 2015.

Also Read: Arundhati Roy announces new book 19 years after The God of Small Things

Earlier this year, the International Prize was won by Israel's David Grossman with A Horse Walks Into A Bar.

The announcement of the shortlist precedes the prize-giving ceremony on October 17, when the final winner for 2017 will be revealed. The winner will take home 50,000 pounds prize money at a glittery event, often said to be the Oscars of literary world.

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FLORENCE, S.C.  Francis Marion University and Coker College are again ranked among U.S. News & World Report magazines top regional universities and colleges in the South.

Francis Marion University is listed at No. 34 among 47 public schools in the South and No. 89 among 149 regional universities in the South.

Coker College ranks eighth out of 110 schools in the Regional Colleges South category.

The South region includes 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Dr. Fred Carter, Francis Marion Universitys president, said he is pleased at the universitys recognition from U.S. News & World Report. Francis Marion University has been consistently included in the rankings for nearly two decades.

The ranking every year is a reflection on the quality of the faculty and their commitment to scholarship, research and teaching, Carter said.

Carter said the quality of academic programs and faculty activities, affordability of tuition and reputation as a good place to work and go to school are factors that contribute to the universitys inclusion.

Dr. Robert Wyatt, Coker Colleges president, said the colleges small class sizes and innovative faculty are major reasons behind continued placement in the U.S. News & World Report rankings.

We consider this external validation of the hard work of our faculty and staff to continue to provide a relevant approach to preparing our students for their futures, Wyatt said.

Coker College has been in the rankings for 22 consecutive years.

Clemson University ranks No. 67 among 311 schools in the National Universities category, and the University of South Carolina ranks No. 103 in the same category.

Both Francis Marion University and Coker College are also recognized for their diversity. Francis Marion University is in the top 15 of best ethnically diverse universities in the South, and Coker College is in the top 20 of best ethnically diverse colleges in the South.

U.S. News & World Report has provided education rankings since 1983.

The 2018 edition includes data on nearly 1,400 colleges and universities, gathering data from and about each school in up to 15 areas related to academic excellence. Each indicator is assigned a weight expressed as a percentage based on U.S. Newss judgements about which measures of quality matter most. Then, the institutions are ranked based on their composite weighted score.

The complete list of rankings for colleges and universities is available online and will appear in the magazines print editions later this month.
BJP President Amit Shah will be taking a review of party's affairs in Bihar and Jharkhand next week. In Bihar, the BJP president is expected to guide the senior leaders about finer points of the alliance politics.

By Amitabh Srivastava: With well-entrenched governments in both Bihar and Jharkhand, BJP President Amit Shah will be taking a review of party's affairs in the two states next week. Amit Shah has summoned Bihar BJP's core committee members for a meeting in Delhi on September 14.

A day after the BJP President will leave for a three-day visit to Jharkhand where BJP is currently celebrating 1000 days of Raghubar Das government. Shah will hold deliberations with party workers at the grassroots, organizational leaders and also the ministers. Jharkhand, in all likelihood, will have simultaneous assembly polls together with Lok Sabha elections.

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Incidentally, Shah was instrumental in picking Raghubar Das as the first non-tribal chief Minister of Jharkhand. Though Raghubar has largely had a successful tenure so far, his biggest failure in winning over tribal vote bank can be a cause of concern for Shah.

Also read: Amit Shah in West Bengal: BJP party president to skip Mamata Banerjee's constituency

The BJP leadership, which has backed Raghubar to the hilt in the past, may nudge him this time to involve other BJP leaders in various decision making processes. Shah is aware of the fact that BJP under Raghubar Das government has lost two of the three by-elections it contested in the last two years. BJP cannot afford being branded as anti-tribal in a state where more than one-third (28 out of 81) seats in the assembly are reserved for Scheduled Tribe.

Prior to his Jharkhand visit, Shah will hold discussions with Bihar leaders in New Delhi. Top BJP biggies from Bihar, including state unit president Nityanand Rai, organisational general-secretary Nagendra Nath, national vice- president Renu Devi and senior leaders such as Sushil Kumar Modi, Nand Kishore Yadav, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Radha Mohan Singh, C. P. Thakur, Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Giriraj Singh are likely to take part in the meeting.

Also read: Central funds sent to West Bengal have all gone to syndicates, alleges BJP chief Amit Shah

Incidentally, this will be Amit Shah's first broad interaction with party leaders after formation of the NDA government in Bihar. The BJP president is expected to guide the senior leaders about finer points of the alliance politics, besides of course reviewing organizational preparedness at the ground level. The discussion can help Shah at the drawing board ahead of his proposed visit to Bihar in the first week of November. Shah had last visited Bihar in January this year.

"Amit Shah has a very focused approach and he likes keeping the party grass- root organisation structure in election mode well ahead of any election. While the next general election is due almost two years from now, you never know if the top leadership has a plan up their sleeves to advance polls," said a senior BJP leader.

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Shah will also take feedback on the steps needed for keeping the party cadre proactive on a sustained basis besides meeting booth committee members.

Meanwhile, Amit Shah tweeted about his recent visit to West Bengal. Find out how did it go:

I will be in Kolkata for my 3 day Vistrit Pravas of West Bengal. Proud to see that our karyakartas working tirelessly for a Sonar Bangla. pic.twitter.com/WT6pZvGKeR- Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 11, 2017

Few more pictures from my visit to Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda's Ancestral House and Cultural Centre, Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/wkO1qWnRIq- Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 11, 2017

Met families of victims of political violence in Kolkata. Unless culture of political violence unleashed by TMC stops, Bengal cant progress. pic.twitter.com/Tlpk6Hn0aJ- Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 12, 2017

The more TMC unleashes violence and persecution on BJP workers and supporters, the more BJP will expand in West Bengal : Shri @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/aHhn1mSQRd- BJP (@BJP4India) September 12, 2017

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By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) The Centre will grant citizenship to all Chakma and Hajong refugees living in the Northeast but ensure that the rights of indigenous people are not diluted, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said today.

The Chakma-Hajong refugee issue was discussed threadbare at a high level meeting convened by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister of State for Home Rijiju and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval among others.

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Addressing reporters after the hour-long meeting, Rijiju said a "middle ground" would be chosen so the 2015 Supreme Court order to grant citizenship to Chakma-Hajong refugees could be honoured and the rights of the local population not diluted.

"The Supreme Court order has to be honoured. Chakmas are settled in Arunachal Pradesh since 1964. But ST status and indigenous peoples rights wont be diluted," he said.

The initiative on the Chakma and Hajong refugees comes amid the ongoing row over the Central governments plans to deport Rohingya Muslims, who came to India due to alleged persecution in Myanmar.

Rijiju, who belongs to Arunachal Pradesh, has said Rohingyas are illegal immigrants.

Several organisations and civil society in Arunachal Pradesh have been opposing citizenship to the Chakma and Hajong refugees saying it would change the demography of the state.

The central government is trying to find a workable solution by proposing that the refugees will not be given rights, including land ownership, enjoyed by Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, an official said.

However, they may be given Inner Line permits required for non-locals in Arunachal Pradesh to travel and work.

Rijiju blamed the Congress for the current situation, saying that the then government had settled the refugees in Arunachal Pradesh without taking the local people into confidence.

"Congress has done great injustice to the local people. We are trying to find a middle ground so that the Supreme Court order is honoured, the local peoples rights are not infringed and the human rights of the Chakmas and Hajongs are protected," he said.

The minister said a petition may be filed on the issue in the Supreme Court soon.

Chakmas and Hajongs were originally residents of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in erstwhile East Pakistan who left their homeland when it was submerged by the Kaptai dam project in the 1960s.

The Chakmas, who are Buddhists, and Hajongs, who are Hindus, also allegedly faced religious persecution and entered India through the then Lushai Hills district of Assam (now Mizoram).

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The Centre moved the majority of them to the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which is now Arunachal Pradesh.

According to officials, the number of these refugees has increased from about 5,000 in 1964-69 to 1,00,000. At present, they dont have citizenship and land rights but are provided basic amenities by the state government.

In 2015, the Centre was directed by the Supreme Court to confer citizenship to these refugees.

The Arunachal Pradesh government approached the apex court to review its order but in vain. After the Supreme Courts rejection, both the central and state governments have started consultations to find a solution to the issue. PTI ACB MIN

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Rohingya Muslims are not as lucky as Chakma and Hajong refugees who will soon get Indian citizenship.

By India Today Web Desk: Rohingya Muslims, who came to India due to persecution in Myanmar, are not as lucky as the Chakma and Hajong refugees. While the former are treated as illegal immigrants in India and the Centre is planning to deport them, the latter will soon get Indian citizenship.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said the Centre will grant citizenship to all Chakma and Hajong refugees living in the Northeast.

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The ethnic groups from Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, where they faced religious persecution, had fled to India in the 1960s.

In 2015, the Centre was directed by the Supreme Court to confer citizenship to these refugees.

The government now wants to find a "middle ground" so the Supreme Court order to grant citizenship to Chakma-Hajong refugees could be honoured without diluting the rights of the local population.

WHO ARE CHAKMAS AND HAJONGS?

The stateless groups have lived in Arunachal Pradesh for over 50 years. Many fled when their land was submerged by the Kaptai Dam in the 1960s. They entered India through the Mizoram in the 1960s.

The Chakmas are Buddhists while the Hajongs are Hindus.

While some of them stayed back, the government moved a majority of the refugees to Arunachal Pradesh later on.

Initially treated as refugees, the Indian government decided to grant them citizenship under Section 5(i)(a) of the Citizenship Act following a joint statement by the PMs of India and Bangladesh in 1972.

Based in Arunachal for over 50 years, there are over 1 lakh people from these ethnic groups today - up from around 5,000 in 1964-69.

LOCALS' IRE

All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) launched a mass movement against granting citizenship to Chakmas and Hajongs in the 1980s, which continues till today.

Indigenous tribal communities fear that they would be reduced to a minority and deprived of opportunities if the refugees are given equal rights.

They say the demography of the state will change as a result. The central government is trying to find a workable solution by proposing that the refugees will not be given rights, including land ownership, enjoyed by scheduled tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.

However, they may be given Inner Line permits required for non-locals in Arunachal Pradesh to travel and work.

ALSO READ | Why United Nations cannot force India to change its stand on Rohingya deportation

ALSO READ | Rohingyas in India: How jihadi forces may have infiltrated persecuted Muslims of Myanmar

ALSO READ | How Rohingyas reached India and why government is not ready to let them stay

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ALSO WATCH | Centre exploring ways to deport 40,000 Rohingya Muslims

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The launching of work on the 500-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad line, India's first HSR line set to be completed by 2023, is the highlight of the Japanese PM's India visit, which kicks off in Gujarat today.

By Ananth Krishnan: China on Wednesday said it was "pleased" to see infrastructure cooperation among countries in the region, when asked about today's launching of work on India's first high-speed rail or bullet train project by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Ahmedabad.

Beijing also said it "stands ready" to take forward cooperation with India, with China already carrying out feasibility studies for two high-speed rail (HSR) or bullet-train projects in India, between Chennai and New Delhi and from New Delhi to Nagpur.

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The launching of work on the 500-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad line, India's first HSR line set to be completed by 2023, is the highlight of the Japanese PM's India visit, which kicks off in Gujarat today.

China and Japan are currently the biggest exporters of HSR technology, with Beijing scoring over Tokyo in securing projects in Indonesia and Thailand. While Japan's famed shinkansen bullet train network long predates China's, Beijing has since 2008 rapidly gone forward with installing more than 20,000 km of HSR track, which is today the world's longest bullet train network.

'PLEASED BY COOPERATION AMONG REGIONAL COUNTRIES'

Asked about the India-Japan project, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Wednesday, "China is pleased to see the infrastructure cooperation among regional countries including on high speed railway, and we stand ready to promote cooperation with India and other regional countries to promote regional development."

"As to railway cooperation, I can tell you it is part of practical cooperation between China and India," Geng added. "We have reached important consensus in this regard. According to my information, the relevant competent authorities between the two countries have maintained communication on promoting and increasing the speed of the railway in the current projects."

At last year's India China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED), both sides reached agreement on taking forward HSR project feasibility studies.

The China Railway Siyuan Survey and design Group Company (CRSSDGC) submitted an inception report of feasibility for the Delhi-Nagpur line, and both sides "agreed to have further discussion on providing of data needed for the study" and "will try to reach consensus in short time".

Both also agreed to "push forward the feasibility study on Delhi-Nagpur high-speed railway and construction of Delhi-Chennai high-speed railway", a statement said after the SED, adding that the China Southwest Jiaotong University and Training Department of the Ministry of Railways of India have also agreed to hold 8 training courses, with 320 participants in total, in the field of high-speed railway.

ALSO READ

Ahmedabad rolls out red carpet for Japanese PM: Shinzo Abe, PM Modi's mega roadshow today

Modi-Abe meet: Bullet train project inauguration, visit to historic mosque on itinerary

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PM Modi and Japan PM Shinzo Abe to visit Ahmedabad's Sidi Saiyyed mosque: All you need to know

ALSO WATCH

India, China agree to disengage on Doklam ending two-and-a-half-month-long standoff

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They are Carnival Glory, Carnival Vista, Carnival Victory, Enchantment of the Seas, Norwegian Escape and MSC Divina. Carnival Sensation went to Port Everglades instead.

At 5 a.m. Wednesday the US Coast Guard captain of the port gave the green light for ship operations during daylight, followed by the OK to return to normal operations at 1:30 p.m. This came after the all-clear, initially with daylight restrictions, for Port Everglades and Port Canaveral on Tuesday. Port Everglades since has returned to normal operations.

See also 'Everglades, Canaveral are taking cruise ships.'
By PTI: (EDs: Adding Sonia, Rahul Gandhis reaction)

New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) The Congress today hailed the victory of its student wing NSUI in the DUSU polls, saying it is a reflection of the changing atmosphere in the country as the youth have taught the saffron brigade a lesson after being "misled".

A festive atmosphere prevailed at the party headquarters which was abuzz with activity after NSUI members swarmed the office and burst crackers and danced outside Congress president Sonia Gandhis residence. The NSUI leaders also met Gandhi, who congratulated them on the victory.

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Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a tour to the US, said on Twitter, "Congratulations NSUI on a stellar performance and presidential win in DUSU! Thank students of DU for reposing faith in Congress ideology".

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari accused the RSS- affiliated ABVP of indulging in malpractices in the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) election and said the partys student body has all its options open if the DU authorities "do not mend their ways".

The National Students Union of India (NSUI), which won the posts of president and vice president of DUSU, has also accused varsity authorities of malpractices due to which the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) won two of the posts.

Delhi University authorities had earlier rejected the nomination papers of the NSUI presidential candidate Rocky Tusheed who contested after the intervention of the Delhi High Court and won today with a big margin.

"This is not the only instance (where NSUI won in student elections). The atmosphere in the country is changing. Those who misled the youth, The youth are today teaching them a lesson. The NSUI won the Panjab University election and prior to that in Rajasthan University the NSUI sounded the victory bugle. It is a reflection of the changed atmosphere in the country," Tewari said.

In the past there has never been an incident where nominations have been cancelled in students polls and one has to move the court to get them restored. This is the manifestation of subversion of varsities by the BJP-led NDA government, he claimed. PTI SKC KUN

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Odell who has worked for Royal Viking Line and Celebrity Cruises, was president Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific for Silversea before becoming NCLHs svp and md Asia Pacific.



He served as chairman of International Cruise Council Australasia, now CLIA Australasia, from 2005 to 2007 and was a founding board member of the Asia Cruise Association, now CLIA Asia.



In 2008 he became an Australian citizen and now has dual British/Australian citizenship.



Since opening the NCLH office in Sydney, revenue has more than doubled.



NCLH now has five offices in Asia Pacific -- in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and India, as well as Australia -- and its team has grown from 35 to 119.

He said the number of travel agents has doubled and they will continue to be the matchmakers between travellers and cruise lines. In 2010 there were 12,000 CLIA travel agents and that number has increased to more than 25,000 globally.



He said younger passengers, including millennials and Generation X, will embrace cruise travel more than ever before and that the demand for river products will ultimately lead to more travellers converting to ocean cruises.



He said cruise lines offered ports on seven private islands this year and there is great scope for a cruise line to buy/lease an island in Australia.

In other trends, Odell said the market for new cruisers is strong with nearly half (48%) of non-cruisers interviewed expressing interest in taking an ocean cruise and that cruisers like the convenience and cost of driving to a cruise port.



Wine and food cruises with celebrity chefs creating onboard menus are extremely popular, Odell said, and Jacques Pepin is an honorary commodore of Oceania Cruises fleet.



He also said adventure travel is growing at a record pace and cruise expeditions are seeing the impact.



He said Norwegian Jewel, which arrives in Sydney in November for an extended maiden season, will call at Burnie, Eden, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Geelong, Townsville, Newcastle and Hobart, as well as New Zealands leading ports.



We are not in the discount market and we are hungry for success, he said.
Among a range of topics discussed at the meeting, which came in the wake of the recent establishment of reciprocal trade offices, was collaboration on ports, logistics and customs.

A Dubai Export Office was recently opened in Hong and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office plans to open an office in Dubai to attract capital investment.

DP World Group chairman and ceo Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem met with Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam at a meeting also attended by the UAE Consul General to Hong Kong Nabila Abdelaziz Nasir Saeed Alshamsi, Hong Kong Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan, and other senior officials.

The development of financial services and cruise terminal facilities, customs collaboration and the Belt and Road initiative were also discussed.

Hong Kong and Dubai are at the crossroads of world trade and we share common history as capitals of commerce, where well-developed logistics infrastructure has enabled growth of our economies," said the DP World Group chairman.

He noted that DP World plays a significant role in trade between the two cities through its operations in Jebel Ali Port and Hong Kong and added that it is also interested in exploring the citys cruise terminal business.

Asia will continue to play a major role in our global network across 40 countries and we look forward to working with Dubai Exports to grow trade there for the long term. We are partners in this journey, we are on the same Belt and Road, he concluded.
The Delhi HC Tuesday directed to ensure the protection of the three blind children who have been allegedly sexually assaulted by Murray Dennis Ward.

By Sneha Agrawal: Objectionable WhatsApp conversation with around 35 people have been found on the phone of Murray Denis Ward who has been accused of sexually assaulting three minors in a blind school. The police in their status report to the Delhi High Court said they were trying to find if the numbers pertained to any of the minors.

According to the investigation, it was found that 54-year-old Ward was famous among students as he used to give books and study material to them. The police also said they have enhanced the mobile as well foot patrolling around the blind school. The Delhi HC Tuesday directed to ensure the protection of the three blind children who have been allegedly sexually assaulted by Ward.

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The court said no unauthorised person would be allowed to interact with the children as well asked Delhi Legal Aid Service Authority to release compensation and ensure their protection and safety. Ward was arrested and remanded to judicial custody in a case of alleged sexual assault on three visually impaired minor inmates of the special home.

Police have told the trial court that Ward had been associated with the NAB as a regular donor for almost nine years and was a frequent visitor to the institute. He was arrested for allegedly inappropriately touching three NAB inmates on September 2, police had said. Ward, a native of Gloucestershire in the UK, had been working with Sterlite Technology Limited in Gurugram till April.

Also Read:

Excess fees issue: Delhi High Court gives private schools 2 weeks to deposit 75 per cent of principal amount

Teacher's Day: 'Samvaad' helps Delhi schoolchildren break the ice with teachers

Delhi: Relief for parents as over 150 schools start refunding excess fees

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Kids enrolled in Central Lake Early Experiences and Opportunities for Children and Families

Snacktime picnic at Lake Ann United Methodist Church

Map of the small Michigan towns Thompsonville, Lake Ann, and Central Lake

A child at a CLEO playgroup

At community playgroup in his rural Michigan town, four-year-old Hunter Woods is building necessary skills for school readiness."Hunter is learning sharing, using wordsrather than fists or cryingempathy, and kindness," says his grandmother Beth Woods. "He's gained confidence and independence.  I think playgroup has really helped Hunter [become] ready to start preschool."For the past two years, Hunter would not have had playgroup if not for the efforts of concerned community members who made it possible. Yet he's no different from his city-dwelling peers. Urban or rural, many communities don't have sufficient early childhood education programs for every child.In light of mounting research on the value of early stimulation and social-emotional readiness, and the growing emphasis on third grade reading mastery , there has never been a greater need for a comprehensive approach to facilities and programming to ensure access to quality early learning experiences for all."It's so important to identify the commonality of needs in every community and find ways to make it work for children across Michigan, not just in a particular community," says Kirby Burkholder, eastern region vice president and executive director for IFF , a nonprofit early childhood care and education developer-consultant. "The big power of our work is looking for common threads and exchanging ideas."In the absence of comprehensive policy, stakeholders are taking bold steps to create early educational experiences. Some are building facilities; others are leveraging existing spaces.A childcare needs analysis by Great Start Collaborative Traverse Bay uncovered a service gap of 541 seats in a population of 1,200 children."If they aren't in licensed care, where are they? What is the impact of the lack of childcare on young families trying to make their way?" says Great Start coordinator Mary Manner. "Using that data, we developed a childcare policy agenda to encourage our elected officials to be thinking more seriously about the need for quality care for infants and toddlers."Manner and her colleagues are encouraging local businesses to explore onsite or sponsored childcare centers based on evidence that investment in family-forward practices has a positive effect on a company's bottom line."As more and more middle and upper management are having their own children, they are realizing that somebody might have to stay home," Manner says. "More and more are dual-income, and they can't find care they trust and are confident in for their children. Grandma is still 50-something, so she's likely working. And nothing against grandma, but is she the best choice for childcare?"The Great Start Collaborative also explored immediate action to help families prepare children for success in school and beyond.Surveyed families said they wanted neighborhood centers with meaningful programming. The result is 5toOne , a model established in 2014 to support best practices and research-based programs and serve every family in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Kalkaska, and Antrim Counties."As 5toONE, we bring infrastructure to offer playgroups and other programs to parents," Manner says. Seven centers have been established, with three more in the pipeline.The pilot center, an existing facility at Lake Ann United Methodist Church, launched a twice-monthly parent/child group for Lake Ann, a village of 268 residents. It's the playgroup Hunter and Beth Woods attend."We have 25 children who come each time with their parents," says program liaison Barbara Keelan. "We have family night gatherings, and back-to-school programs with free haircuts and dental screenings. School readiness is a big deal to us."Facility quality was important for this group. "It's huge to have it be bright and cheery and as welcoming as we can make it," says Keelan.Each month, Keelan shares data with church administration that demonstrates the playgroup has attracted renewed community interest in the church, an unintended, yet welcome result. "We didn't know where this would lead, but it had to be a good thing. It's quite lovely," she says. "We are all winners, when it comes right down to it."Together, Lake Ann community members are planning a 10,000-square foot all-age appropriate outdoor naturescape on the church grounds. A music wall, mud kitchen, worm hotel, hammocks, and dramatic play area will surround a pergola with log seats for gathering.Grants, donations, and fundraisers will pay for the project, which will open in summer, 2019.Thompsonville is a remote village in Benzie County with no laundry or groceryand no licensed childcare. A small library, a 5toONE Neighborhood Center within the elementary school, and the local WIC clinic at the village fire hall are the only educational and cultural resources for families here.But residents desperately want a community center, and Thompsonville citizens are making it happen."A community center," says Manner, "represents access to health and wellness resources, social services, continuing education, licensed childcare, and year-round cultural and recreation opportunities for this rural, underserved population."Parents formed a leadership team and received a $10,000 seed grant from Traverse City Rotary Charities to help pay for an IFF feasibility study."The community center will serve 11 townships and villages that are clustered around Thompsonville," says Manner.This marks IFF's first opportunity to work on this type of rural community project. "We're excited and honored to be part of IFF's learning opportunity, and to help this community work toward its goal," Manner says.Even the smallest of towns want access to childcare facilities. Central Lake is a waterfront community in Antrim County with a kindergarten class of 26 this year. The village averages just 10 births annually."It's very rural, with high levels of poverty, and transportation challenges," says Alison Metiva, director of community relations with Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation . "There is a strong sense of community in Central Lake, with families who care for and support one another and their kids."With one licensed childcare center in town, most of Central Lake's infants and toddlers don't have access to high quality early educationuntil now.Through a $14 million permanent endowment made in 2013 to the Grand Traverse Community Foundation, the community is augmenting an existing 10-year preschool program with opportunities for younger children and their families.Funding for the initiatives and the endowment came from Cleo M. Purdy, a former Central Lake resident and teacher.Based on proven early childhood program models, and input from parents and stakeholders, the Foundation established Central Lake Early Experiences and Opportunities for Children and Families, or CLEO With the goal of reaching every family, CLEO will focus on the wellbeing of young children in Central Lake through aligned educational and support services, professional development, and data use for quality improvement, according to Purdy's instructions.Measurable, comprehensive early programming improvement is one achievement since CLEO's inception."In years past, the programming experience followed the funder," says Metiva. Federal, state and private funding meant three disparate programs. "Now we have an opportunity to say there is a better way to do this. Leaders sit around the table once a month, and teachers have common professional development opportunities, not separated by funder. It's more cohesive and student outcomes are better, with a drastic increase in students prepared for kindergarten."CLEO's outside perspective has unearthed basic questions that separately funded programs were unable to see independently."With Head Start or [Great Start Readiness Program], those funders say 'Meet these requirements,' but we don't have that behind us," says Metiva. "All we have is this donor who entrusted a major gift. It's our privilege and a responsibility to step back out of the fray and ask how is it best for kids and families?"Michigan cities may look different, but faced with the same challenges, they're all working toward change."Facilities quality, workforce development, making ends meetthese issues lift up in different places with different themes," says IFF's Burkholder. "This reveals that it's a statewide issue, not just a Detroit or rural issue. This understanding allows for innovation and tweaking, but if we don't share it, we won't benefit."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Rice Ridge, Alice Creek, West Fork, Highway 200 Complex and Moose Creek Fires.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Nancy J. Dragani approved the states request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the states requests on Saturday, Sept. 9.

On Saturday, the Rice Ridge fire was threatening 1,020 homes in and around Seeley Lake. The fire is also threatening buildings, infrastructure, utilities, equipment, cell towers and power substations in the area. Evacuations are in place for approximately 2,010 people. The fire started July 24. As of Tuesday, Sept. 12, it has burned 139,502 acres and is 33 percent contained.

The Alice Creek Fire was threatening 90 businesses and residences in and around Augusta, Mont. on Saturday. The fire is also threatening buildings, infrastructure including critical national defense infrastructure, utilities, equipment and the Blackfoot River watershed in the area. The fire started on July 22. As of Tuesday, Sept. 12, it has burned has burned in excess of 30,000 acres of State and private land. The fire is zero percent contained.

On Saturday, the West Fork Fire was threatening 747 homes in and around Libby, Mont. The fire is also threatening buildings, businesses, transmission lines, cell towers, and three watersheds in the area. The fire started on Aug. 30. It has burned more than 8,700 acres of Federal, State and private land and is zero percent contained.

The Highway 200 Complex encompasses fires: Sheep Gap, Cub Creek, Readers, Deep Creek, and Miller Creek. As of Saturday, the Complex was threatening 925 homes and businesses in and around Plains, Mont as of Saturday. The fire is also threatening buildings, power transmission lines, telephone transmission lines, cellular towers, Conoco Phillips Gas pipeline, buildings, equipment and the Clark Four River watershed in the area. The fire started on Aug. 30. It has burned more than 24,000 acres of state and private land and several fires have no containment.

The Moose Creek Fire was threatening 45 homes and businesses in the rural area of East Fisher River and McGinnis Meadows on Saturday. The fire is also threatening Flathead Electric transmission line, Frontier Communications telephone lines, two cell towers, a Lincoln County communication hub, multiple buildings and three state highway bridges on Pipe Creek State Highway 587 in the area. The fire started on Aug. 30. As of Tuesday, Sept. 12, it has burned more than 17,000 acres. It is zero percent contained.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the states eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the Presidents Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.
As opposed to last year's substandard turnout of 37 per cent for both morning and evening round, 45.3 per cent students decided to exercise their right to vote in the morning round, confirmed S B Babbar, chief election officer of DUSU.

A little more than 43% students turned up for the polls, said election officers.

By Arpan Rai: If lesson needs to be taken from students of Indian universities, then University of Delhi has taught an important one on the eve of its "critical" students' union elections. Students across DU thronged to colleges polling stations and made overflowing queues a common sight on Tuesday morning for electing the next office bearers of Delhi University Students' Union.

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As opposed to last year's substandard turnout of 37 per cent for both morning and evening round, 45.3 per cent students decided to exercise their right to vote in the morning round, confirmed S B Babbar, chief election officer of DUSU. The voter turnout this year was almost similar to last year.

While renowned on-campus colleges like Hindu College, Shri Ram College of Commerce and Ramjas College recorded 65 per cent, 58 per cent and over 50 per cent voter turnout respectively. Some of the off campus DU colleges like Swami Shraddhanand College and Satyawati College (evening) also recorded 45 per cent and 51 per cent voter turnout respectively.

Sounding guilty of taking their right to vote for a ride, students in their final year admitted to coming to vote for the first time in their college life. "Last year when my senior came to vote, they signed on empty log sheet.

This year, the log sheet was full of signatures," said Khushboo Singh, a student of English (honours) from Ramjas College. Despite it being an academic holiday, students decided to come to college from as far as Gurugram, only to cast their vote. Following Delhi High Court's order, the university has decided to count the votes polled on Wednesday.

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JNUSU polls: Women candidates fielded by all parties for president's post this year

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Press Release

September 13, 2017 Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Statement on DOJ plan to file cases of obstruction of justice against Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio "Ambo" David for custody of witnesses

Dispatch from Crame No. 159 Secretary Aguirre is leading the VACC and the PAO in a strategic operation to control the EJK narrative by pretending to help the families of, and securing the witnesses to, the killings of the teenagers. They who have proclaimed that criminals are not humans, that criminals should be killed, and that there are no EJKs, are now projecting themselves as the protectors of the victims of the drug war they have applauded. They are not fooling anyone. This is nothing but Malacanang's damage control operations. By controlling the victims' families and witnesses, Aguirre, PAO Chief Acosta, and the VACC are able to dictate the narrative on the teen killings from hereon, and preempt the public relations nightmare that these have caused the Administration. An absurd outcome of this Aguirre-PAO-VACC operation is their determined assault on Caloocan Bishop Pablo "Ambo" David, the very person who has suffered nights of disquiet and rage in witnessing his diocese become the hunting ground of the Caloocan Death Squad. Long before Aguirre, Acosta and the VACC shed crocodile tears for Kian, Carl Angelo, and Kulot, Bishop Ambo has already attended the wake and said Mass to countless victims of the Caloocan Death Squad in his diocese. This is a man who, almost alone, raged against the darkness that fell upon his flock, a shepherd who stands helpless while his flock is repeatedly attacked by wolves, every night, every single day that God has made him the guardian of his faithful. Bishop Ambo should take heart. He is already counted among the ranks of the Catholic clergy who defended his people from the murder and torture of tyrants, not unlike Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, Jaime Cardinal Sin, and Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, now Pope Francis, the bishop of Rome. God has not forsaken his people, that in the time of Duterte, He has chosen his best, his bravest, and his wisest to defend and comfort them. This is the man of God that Aguirre, the PAO Chief, and the VACC has chosen to attack and shame, and threatened to be charged with obstruction of justice. But Bishop Ambo is beloved among his people. In these days when anyone among them can die anytime, they have already entrusted their fate and safety to God, and to the Vicar of the Pope in Caloocan. Attacking him might be the single biggest mistake yet that Duterte and Aguirre are about to commit. Duterte and his attack dogs should be wary of the Bishop of Caloocan. They do not want the Pope himself coming to the aid of his personal chosen. Although it may appear that Duterte has already turned the Filipino people against God, there is nothing like a martyred bishop that will call on Rome to finally raise its banners and wage war against the Devil in this country.
Press Release

September 13, 2017 CHIZ VOWS TO FIGHT FOR CHR BUDGET IN SENATE Sen. Chiz Escudero said he will fight to restore the budget allocation for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the Senate after the House of Representatives slashed the agency's spending package for 2018 to a meager P1,000. "The CHR is a constitutional imperative and a necessity, however inconvenient it may be for some. I will fight to restore its budget," Escudero said. The Senate Committee on Finance, however, approved on the panel level on Sept. 11 the CHR's proposed budget of P678 million, which is lower than its P749 million budget last year. Since 2007, Escudero, former chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, has been filing the bill which seeks to strengthen CHR by providing an effective and expanded structural and functional organization to meet the demands of human rights cases here and abroad. "It is unacceptable to forever regard the CHR as a toothless tiger if it is a state policy to secure protect and guarantee the dignity of its citizens and to ensure the fulfillment of such citizens' human rights," Escudero said. According to the senator, under Senate Bill No. 727, the CHR will be given prosecutorial powers over delineated forms of human rights violations, which will aid the commission in ensuring effective and speedy resolution of all human rights cases filed with the CHR. Escudero explained that the CHR, under its current mandate, is neither a judicial nor a quasi-judicial body and its jurisdiction is limited only to political and civil rights. "The ineffectiveness of the commission is due to its failure to prosecute reported cases of human rights violations. Its hands are tied because the existing law provides only investigative and advocacy powers," said Escudero, who is a lawyer himself. Escudero also said the prosecutorial power sought to be granted will equip the CHR a significant power to fully realize its mandate under the Constitution. The veteran lawmaker was at the forefront of the passage of the law decriminalizing vagrancy as well as the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act and the Anti-Torture Act when he was chairman of the Senate Committee on Human Rights. He is also the sponsor of the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act which provides compensation for victims of human rights violations during Martial law.
Press Release

September 13, 2017 HONTIVEROS: GOVERNMENT HAS BUDGET FOR FAKE NEWS AND INCOMPETENCE, BUT NOT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS? "May pera sa fake news pero wala sa karapatang pantao?" This was the statement issued today by Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros after over 100 members of the House of Representatives voted for a P1,000-budget for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in 2018. "Ito ay lubhang nakakalungkot at nakakabahala. Sa kabila ng kaliwa't kanang patayan, ito pa ang gagawin ng ating Kongreso," Hontiveros said. "It seems that this government is willing to use taxpayer's money to reward lies and incompetence rather than allow a Constitutionally-created body to fulfill its mandate to protect the human rights of Filipinos," Hontiveros added. It was reported that the budget of the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) is P1.35 B. The office has repeatedly failed to shore up public confidence in it due to its numerous errors in basic reporting. In May of this year, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) ran a story saying that 95 countries were convinced that there were no extrajudicial killings in the country. The claim was immediately contradicted by the United Nations Periodic Review. In the same month, a photo depicting Vietnamese soldiers was used to show Philippine soldiers fighting in Marawi. It was also later revealed that the same photo was sourced from Wikimedia commons. Last August, the government's news agency posted an article calling the historic ruling won by the Philippines against China an "ill-founded award." Hontiveros said that the House of Representatives' move to cut the CHR budget to just P1,000 for next year is a shameless rejection of the country's international and national commitments to champion human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. "Is the Duterte government associating itself now with anti-human rights regimes?" She asked. "I call on my fellow senators to correct these terrible wrongs. The Senate must defend the people's human rights and ensure that the government lives up to its international commitments," Hontiveros ended.
STATEMENT OF SENATOR JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI

"Human rights is becoming a fractious issue in this early year of President Duterte's Administration. I believe that the president himself knows the value of protecting human rights even if he is accused of being negligent and even blind to the abuses committed under his campaign against illegal drugs.

As a constitutional body mandated to uphold human rights, the CHR deserves a working budget as proposed and as approved even by President Duterte and which finally was submitted to the House of Representatives.

In the Senate, I will work for the restoration of the CHR budget as submitted by the President.

Supporting the vote of Rep. Manuel F. Zubiri (Bukidnon, 3rd District) against slashing the 2018 Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Budget to a measly P1,000 only by the House of Representatives

"Im proud of my Brother's vote on going against the P1,000 budget of the CHR.

Human rights are basic rights of all people regardless of creed, color or stature in life. Being a Red Cross volunteer for 18 years, we are taught to value life and to uplift suffering humanity. So proud of my Kuya!"
Foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka today visited different Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhia and Teknaf to observe the condition of the ill-fated Rohingya refugees.

By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka today visited different Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhia and Teknaf to observe the condition of the ill-fated Rohingya refugees who fled Myanmar to Bangladesh following persecution by their army during the last couple of weeks.

Diplomats of 46 countries, comprising ambassadors and high commissioners, visited the Kutupalong and Balukhali Rohingya camps and interacted with Rohingya refugees.

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Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and foreign ministry senior officials accompanied the diplomats from Dhaka.

Talking to media, the diplomats said that the influx of Rohingya refugees has created a serious humanitarian crisis for Bangladesh as the country has to host millions of refugees since long.

They also said that they will raise the issue with their respective countries and will be with Bangladesh in this crisis.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh has informed all countries across the globe about the crisis since it is a huge burden for Bangladesh to provide all necessary support to the Rohingya people.

"Following the visits of diplomats, they would be able to understand the actual crisis. They can put pressure on Myanmar to take their citizens after the visit," he said, adding, "The problem was created by the Myanmar government and they'll have to resolve it."

The delegation of foreign diplomats included USA, Malaysia, Vietnam, Norway, EU, UK, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, UAE, Spain, Nepal, Qatar, the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Denmark, Australia, Brunei, Switzerland, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Egypt, Italy, Oman, Canada, Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Iran, Turkey, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Kuwait, Maldives and China.

Representatives of Human Rights Council, FAO and International Red Crescent also accompanied the delegation.

India to send relief for Myanmar refugees in Bangladesh

India is sending tomorrow a consignment of relief materials, an Indian high commission spokesman said here today, as tens of thousands of Myanmar refugees crossed into Bangladesh to evade atrocities in Burma's Rakhine state.

"An Indian aircraft will carry the first consignment of humanitarian assistance tomorrow it will land at Chittagong Airport at 11 am," he said. The spokesman said Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla would hand over the materials to Bangladesh's Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader.

ALSO READ:

How Rohingyas reached India and why government is not ready to let them stay

Rohingya Muslims aren't only ones fleeing Myanmar genocide, over 500 Hindus cross over to Bangladesh

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Despite a University of California lawyers warning of mob rule on campus, a federal appeals court seemed inclined Wednesday to allow UC Berkeley protesters to take school administrators to trial for allegedly sanctioning police brutality to break up a 2011 demonstration.

At the time of the Occupy Cal protest, it was clearly established that (police) cannot use potentially deadly force to overcome resistance, Judge Paul Watford said at a hearing of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Getting clocked in the head is potentially deadly force.

Watford said several of the 21 protesters who filed the suit have declared in sworn affidavits that officers clubbed them in the head or the neck while they linked arms to try to prevent police from dismantling a tent encampment on Sproul Plaza. But Dan Sharp, a lawyer for UC administrators, said the universitys expert witnesses concluded the officers had followed state standards on use of force. He also said no demonstrators suffered injuries that required medical attention.

There is no duty on the part of administrators to allow mob rule on campus, Sharp told the three-judge panel.

Several thousand students, along with faculty and other protesters, took part in a daylong action in November 2011 against rising tuition, state budget cuts and the corporate connections of some UC regents. The demonstrators put up tents in the afternoon and again in the evening, in defiance of university orders, and campus and local police broke through their lines each time and pulled the tents down.

The court case is unusual because the protesters, claiming excessive force, sued not only police officers and commanders but also UC Berkeley administrators, who had set up a management team to oversee the campus response to the demonstration. The courts ruling could set standards for future suits against school officials.

In 2014, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of Oakland refused to dismiss the suit and said the demonstrators could try to persuade a jury that five administrators  including former UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau  had authorized police to break up the protest by using violence that exceeded constitutional standards.

At Wednesdays hearing, Sharp said police had been entitled to use some level of force to overcome the protesters unreasonable resistance. Campus administrators never authorized blows to the head, and in any event had no duty to micromanage police, the UC lawyer said.

But Watford said the Berkeley management team had told the officers to do whatever was necessary to dismantle the tents and had forbidden only tear gas and pepper spray. All thats left are batons and guns, he said.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Judge J. Clifford Wallace, one of the Ninth Circuits most conservative members, suggested that the allegations of blows to the head raised factual questions that a jury might have to resolve  whether the claims were true, and whether the officers were justified.

The protesters lawyer, Shanta Driver, said the universitys management team showed its attitude by leaving campus around 7 p.m., after a few of the violent confrontations but before the most serious ones.

They want to make sure they are not present when some of the brutality took place, so they can say they couldnt prevent it, she told the court.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
Firefighters were battling a blaze in forested hills west of Woodside in San Mateo County on Tuesday, officials said.

The Skeggs Fire was burning southwest of Interstate 280 near Highway 35 and El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve, said the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu have received the keys to their disputed property in Pali Hill.

By India Today Web Desk: It was a happy day for veteran actors Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu, who were given back possession of their disputed property in Pali Hill, Mumbai. Saira took to Dilip's Twitter account to share the news and thanked fans for their prayers.

"Sahab and I took possession of the property which has been his residence for decades. Hon'ble Supreme Court restored the possession to us. Sahab is overjoyed. Sharing some photos. Thank you friends n fans innumerable who have prayed for us (sic)," she wrote.

Message from Saira Banu "Sahab and I took possession of the property which has been his residence for decades. Hon'ble Supreme Court...1/- Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) September 12, 2017

2/ "restored the possession to us. Sahab is overjoyed. Sharing some photos. Thank you friends n fans innumerable who have prayed for us" pic.twitter.com/mPkuVPNd3N- Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) September 12, 2017

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Dilip Kumar's family friend Faisal Farooqui tweeted from his account, "Bohot dino baad Saab ke chehre pe itni khushi."

Bohot dino baad Saab ke chehre pe itni khushi. -FF pic.twitter.com/nSyFh3K6Vp- Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) September 12, 2017

The property was in the possession of Prajita Developers Pvt Ltd, with whom the actor had entered into an agreement for developing his property. The dispute arose later as no construction was raised and the actors wanted back the plot.

ALSO SEE: Shah Rukh visits Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu at their residence

ALSO WATCH: Mimicking Dilip Kumar was difficult, says SRK

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San Francisco genetic testing firm Invitae Corp. is re-examining 50,000 saliva samples after discovering an error in one of its tests that generated false negatives for a rare genetic mutation linked to hereditary colon cancer.

Invitae is notifying physicians offices and other health providers about the error, which was discovered in early August by a client, a company spokeswoman said this week. The client, a genetic counselor, noticed that a patient tested negative for the mutation on the Invitae test despite having tested positive in a separate, previous genetic test done at another lab.

Invitae has so far found two patients who received false negative results and expects that the retesting will yield a total of no more than 15 false negative results.

The incident was reported earlier by GenomeWeb, an online news site read by many in the lab industry.

Experts say that the error in and of itself is relatively minor, but that it highlights a broader issue: Genetic tests are imperfect, and labs frequently miss things. The only difference is that Invitae admitted the error and is re-running the test, said Dr. Bryce Mendelsohn, an assistant clinical professor at UCSF who specializes in medical genetics.

They made a tiny, small mistake, but in medicine we dont tolerate that, Mendelsohn said. The bigger story to me is no genetic test anyone offers is going to be perfect, and often you dont know what the holes are. Thats a bigger problem than one lab having a hole.

A spokeswoman for Invitae said the error occurred when the company was adjusting the test so that it could detect other genetic traits. But in doing so, it accidentally left off the component that could detect the gene variant for the hereditary colon cancer. The mutation, known as the Boland inversion, is one of several genetic abnormalities linked to Lynch syndrome, which increases ones risk of colon cancer.

Lynch syndrome causes between 3 percent and 5 percent of the 140,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Invitae said the error has been corrected and the cost of retesting the samples is negligible from a business perspective. A small number of samples may have to be recollected from patients because the existing samples may be depleted, said Invitae spokeswoman Kate McNeil.

We take this very seriously, McNeil said. Within a matter of days, we were doing work to confirm what went wrong. We started to reach out to clients right away to indicate this was something were looking into.

Mendelsohn of UCSF likened genetic testing to proofreading an enormous block of text. Zooming in on one sentence or phrase often means losing sight of other sections of the text.

You could tell if there were a typo or misspelling, he said. But what if someone switched half a paragraph between Arial and Helvetica? Would you notice? Not unless you were looking for it. So when you do these genetic tests, you can read the gene, but there are unusual mutations in the gene you have to be looking for that arent going to hit you in the face. Labs spend a lot of time tweaking protocols for their tests, but its not easy. Its not perfect.

Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat_Ho
It became obvious while waiting in line at the Army Street Bingo Hall that we should really be getting the machine. Serious bingo players, just about everyone else in attendance, use the bingo machines. The woman queued up in front of me couldnt help but overhear my confusion. You must get the machine, she deadpanned. You only win on machine.

Since 1990, Army Street Bingo has drawn stone-faced crowds of bingo enthusiasts. As its name implies, Army Street Bingo is truly of another time, before Army Street was renamed for Cesar Chavez, and one could chain-smoke indoors. Bingo games are now held multiple times throughout the week at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center, a storefront in a nondescript office complex at the far edge of Potrero Hill.

I became aware of Army Street Bingo only because I formerly attended the late Friday night bingo at St. Pauls in Noe Valley. Apparently St. Pauls lowered the payout of its bingo games, and people stopped going. Church or no church, if folks dont win big, they wont show up. Bingo at St. Pauls is no more, and everyone goes to Army Street now.

And Army Street, I was learning, uses bingo machines.

My husband was reluctant to use the bingo machines. Hed much rather play with the traditional strips of bingo cards printed on paper, each called number (N-43!) marked off with a stamp from a colorful ink-filled bingo dauber. Its also more expensive to play machines. A stack of bingo papers cost $25 to play, and a stack of papers with a machine cost $35. Each Army Street Bingo session benefits a different local charity and on Friday, the nights proceeds went to the Nihonmachi Street Fair.

We were finally up-sold by the woman at the sales counter who convinced us that we were chumps if we didnt play bingo on machines. While one can play six or eight strips of bingo papers, the machine automatically plays 240 games at once. Still deeply confused, we got two machines and two stacks of paper for $70.

The bingo hall is a low-ceilinged expanse of two massive fluorescent-lit rooms. Colorful bingo side game advertisements cover the walls alongside Xerox copies of rules. Rules are everywhere in bingo and many of them are unspoken. Dozens of folding tables line the rooms and red pleather stackable chairs are scattered among them. Television screens and giant bingo scoreboards hang from the ceiling, proclaiming each number as its called and which version of bingo is being played.

Is it complicated enough for you? Were just getting started. Buying in to basic bingo, which is what we did, means that there are long stretches of bingo time that are devoted to specials or games for which one pays extra. Then there are side games, little paper lottery tickets sold by roaming volunteers who call out the names of each.

Biker Betty, Big Daddy, hollered a volunteer every two minutes. Zig Zag, Specials.

In the restroom, two women debated whether or not certain seats in the bingo hall were lucky.

Considering all the talk about how technology is changing San Francisco, the only tech impact on Army Street Bingo is the orange plastic bingo machine that requires as much tech savvy as a Game Boy. The women in line were right. Youve really got to use the machine. We still played the paper cards, sure. But it was only because its so satisfying to stamp that bright blue ink on I-22.

With every number called from the DJ booth at the far wall, hundreds of fingers would click numbers into machines. Several players spread lucky charms around their bingo area, and one man sketched an elaborate drawing of the Golden Gate Bridge on the back of his bingo sheet. A vintage pay phone rested near the restrooms. Thrillingly, my husband won $125 (on a machine), which he promptly spent on side games called Jelly Bean and Koi Kash. The Army Street Bingo Hall, folks, is ripe for a documentary.

The session lasted a staggering four hours. Its a test not only of luck but of endurance. And when the last BINGO! was called, before the winners card was even verified, everyone flew up and raced out the door, leaving stacks of plastic machines and thousands of bingo cards in their wake. With a new crowd of players due first thing in the morning, the lucky seats of the Army Street Bingo Hall had just a few hours to rest.

Beth Spotswoods column appears Thursdays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com
Seafood lovers will now be able to buy fish directly from the boats at San Franciscos Fishermans Wharf, now that the Port of San Francisco has decided to allow fishermen to sell direct to the public for a one-year trial period beginning immediately.

Sales of salmon, tuna, rock fish, halibut and bycatch, sold as whole gutted fish only, will be allowed from the 43 commercial fishing boats that already have berths in certain parts of Fishermans Wharf Harbor. Potential seafood mongers will need to jump through a few hoops to sell their fish: Theyll need to get a permit from the city, a license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and to follow various rules and regulations set up by the citys departments of public health and environment and the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The Port Commission voted unanimously to allow the retail sales at the harbor at a public meeting on Tuesday at the Ferry Building. Some members of the San Francisco fishing fleet have pushed for permission to sell fish from their boats to have new outlets for their businesses in light of challenging industry developments like the historically low Chinook salmon populations due to the drought and the domoic acid outbreak that seriously impacted the salmon and Dungeness crab catch in recent years.

The fish harvested by local commercial fishers is a wild, public resource, and San Franciscans have a right to these fish, wrote Elaine Forbes, executive director of the Port of San Francisco, in a Sept. 8 memo recommending the pilot program. Forbes envisioned it as a farmers market type experience at the Wharf that she wrote would strengthen the relationship between fishers and the community.

The Port had to balance the needs of fishermen and fish processors, some who have done business at the wharf for generations, when planning the program. No sales of Dungeness crab will be allowed to protect the business of existing crab stands at the wharf.

During a Port meeting in June, Jeanette Caito of Caito Fisheries on Pier 45 expressed opposition to the fact that Joe Pennisi was selling directly to restaurants and fish companies from his boat. But Michael Nerney, Maritime Marketing Manager at the Port, said in an email that Pennisi can only unload the fish into his truck and then sell it, because wholesale sales are not allowed from vessels at the wharf.

Retail shoppers who come to buy fish wont be allowed to step foot on the boats, and fishermen will only be able to sell from their boats, as opposed to setting up special stands for sales at the harbor. After a year, the port will evaluate how the program goes  both from the consumers and fishers points of view  before deciding to continue it.

Retail sales were last allowed at the wharf during a brief trial period in 2000 and ended when not enough fishermen participated, Nerney said. However, direct sales may be more popular now, as other California harbors have thriving direct fish sales programs, including Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay and Spud Point in Bodega Bay. Earlier this year, the weekly Tuna Harbor Dockside Market opened in San Diego, where fishermen and shellfish farmers sell directly to customers at a Saturday farmers market style pop-up.

Tara Duggan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tduggan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @taraduggan
Joshua Redman isnt going to lie  he has no idea whats going to happen when he joins tabla maestro Zakir Hussain onstage for a pair of duo performances at the SFJazz Center on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Something like that is so open-ended that theres nothing I can really do except eat a good breakfast that morning, which I probably wont because Ill be driving back from Monterey, says Redman, the Grammy-winning tenor saxophonist, who is also considering his part in the all-star tribute to Sonny Rollins at the 60th annual Monterey Jazz Festival on Saturday, Sept. 16.

I know for Sonny Rollins, Im one of four tenor players, he says, of his role alongside Jimmy Heath, Joe Lovano and Branford Marsalis. I assume were going to play a couple of his tunes together and then we each pick a tune. Although I havent picked my song yet, I have a little more grasp on what the parameters of that might be musically.

Redman has performed with Hussain  the 66-year-old scion of North Indian musics greatest percussion dynasty  a couple times, most notably joining his duo in 2013 for an improvisational set that brought together their distinctive Western and Eastern playing styles.

More by Aidin Vaziri Monterey Jazz Festival celebrates 60 years this weekend

For the upcoming concerts, it will be just the two of them onstage, which Redman says presents some interesting challenges.

Its a little daunting when I start to think about it in a more technical standpoint, he says. The saxophone can only play one note at a time. As a jazz musician, I draw on elements like chord color and melodic counterpoint from a usual setup. Theres a whole vocabulary not available to us in that context.

No doubt, Redman will be up for the challenge. Growing up in a musical family (his estranged father, Dewey Redman, played saxophone with Ornette Coleman), he arrived in the early 1990s, putting off his entrance to Yale Law School to sign a contract with Warner Bros. and pursue a career recording with jazz luminaries such as Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Chick Corea, Brad Mehldau and the Bad Plus.

The Berkeley native was the first and only artistic director of the SFJazz Spring Season; and from 2004 through mid-2007, he assumed the same role with the SF Jazz Collective, an all-star octet with a frequently changing roster.

Ive been playing the saxophone for 38 years, he says. Ive got some chromatic scales under my belt, but Ive never had the focus or discipline to become masterful in any way. The way Ive grown as a musician is to always put myself in situations with musicians that are way above my level. I have some sort of sense of how to connect with other musicians in the moment and to kind of play up.

With his upcoming concerts, he has a simple strategy: step out of the way and let the music do its work.

Some day theyll be able to break it all down and explain what it is, the magic of getting out of your own way and feeling like you have agency but youre a vessel from something deeper, Redman says. Thats an amazing part of the human experience. I think the unpredictability is something that makes it all the more special.

Aidin Vaziri is The San Francisco Chronicles pop music critic. E-mail: avaziri@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MusicSF

A Tribute to Sonny Rollins featuring Joshua Redman: 10:10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Monterey Jazz Festival, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. www.montereyjazzfestival.org

Joshua Redman and Zakir Hussain: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. $40-$95. SFJazz Center, 201 Franklin St., S.F. (866) 920-5299. www.sfjazz.org
As scientists worry that climate change is stoking deadly hurricanes in the Atlantic and punishing wildfires in the West, a new study seeks to drive change by casting blame, connecting global warming to a roster of 90 companies topped by Bay Area-based Chevron.

The products these companies generate  mostly oil, gas and coal  have caused half of the increase in global temperatures since the 1800s, according to the report published in the journal Climate Change. Some of the firms have been responsible for nearly 3 percent of the total carbon dioxide driving global warming, the report said, though they knew in some cases that their actions were harmful.

The study is the latest piece of a broad effort to tie individual companies to climate change in a bid to pressure them and force reforms. It comes as scientists hone their ability to assign accountability for the cost of a warming planet, and as President Trump, who has called climate change a hoax, leads an administration that is stripping away rules designed to curb emissions of problematic greenhouse gases.

With the vacuum of federal regulation, some legal experts and environmental advocates said, the fight over global warming  and the emerging question of who should pay for its damage  will increasingly move to the courts. There, studies like the one published last week may be powerful evidence.

Were seeing a lot of litigation around climate change and environmental issues now because the government is walking away from its obligation to protect human health and welfare, said Michael Burger, executive director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University in New York. This (new report) is exactly the sort of study that plaintiffs will rely on in seeking to attribute blame for climate change.

So far, the legal effort to address global warming has focused primarily on getting regulators to do more. But lawsuits filed this summer by Marin County, San Mateo County and the Southern California city of Imperial Beach (San Diego County) target oil companies directly.

In the closely watched case, the three communities are suing 37 fossil-fuel producers over damage they say is caused by rising seas.

The new report is authored by a group of researchers connected through the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit advocacy group. San Mateo County attorney John Beiers called the report, which suggests that the 90 companies responsible for increasing temperatures are behind 30 percent of sea-level rise, an important peer-reviewed study that confirms key elements of his lawsuit.

Some legal experts said the study could also bolster high-stakes investigations led by attorneys general in New York and Massachusetts over ExxonMobils contribution to global warming. The issue there is whether the company misled investors about the damage it was doing.

Neither ExxonMobile nor Chevron responded Tuesday to requests for comment. The science of attributing climate change to specific companies remains young, and critics of the latest report have said the methodology is simplistic and the conclusions riddled with error. Another difficult question is how much responsibility consumers bear for using products and services they know contribute to global warming.

The study built on a 2013 report that estimated 90 companies were responsible for nearly two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions. Using similar models that quantify the amount of heat-trapping gas released through the extraction and development of fossil fuels, the study attributed levels of emissions to individual companies. The new study goes a step further, calculating how much a companys emissions contributed to climate change.

The biggest culprits, it said, were in the business of oil, gas and coal, many with household names, while a few were cement manufacturers. Investor-owned Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP and Shell were each said to be responsible for 2 to 3 percent of increasing temperatures and sea-level rise between 1880 and 2010. State-owned companies in Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United Kingdom posted similar numbers.

Peter Frumhoff, one of the studys authors and the chief climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the findings on emissions provide evidence needed to begin going after those behind global warming.

We can put a number on the contribution to climate change on specific companies, he said. Thats been a missing link in the conversation about responsibility, including legal responsibility.

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.

With hurricanes Harvey and Irma causing tens of billions of dollars in damages this month, and one of the worst wildfire seasons causing hundreds of millions in losses in the West, Frumhoff predicted an uptick in such lawsuits, especially with federal regulators sitting on the sidelines. While identifying exactly how much global warming contributed to each of these disasters remains difficult, theres consensus among scientists that warming raised the probability the events would occur and worsened the blow.

The costs of climate change are enormous and growing, Frumhoff said. It seems to me that its appropriate for decision-makers at all levels to determine whether there are actionable steps, as were taken against tobacco, asbestos and lead companies.

Burger, at Columbia University, cautioned that fighting for government regulators to take action on greenhouse gas emissions remains imperative. The science showing the benefit of regulating the gases is unequivocal.

The role of the science in litigation is not going to get ferreted out for years, Burger said. Why isnt the existing science moving the government to take direct action? That seems to be the primary problem.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
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Sometimes when Nelson Fernandez walks his pug, Ninja, he runs into people touring Station House, the new solar-powered townhomes between 14th and 16th streets in West Oakland.

If they chat him up, the conversation usually doesnt end without them asking a question thats become familiar: Is it safe to live there?

Yes, its safe to live in West Oakland.

Ive never had a negative experience in this neighborhood, Fernandez told me.

Fernandez moved to West Oakland more than a decade ago, long before it shed its reputation as an impoverished and crime-infested area, and long before it became a hot spot for people seeking affordable homes to buy and budget-friendly places to rent without having to leave the Bay Area.

I recently visited the Station House townhome Fernandez bought with his husband, Nick Williams, and their 15-month-old son, Rio. They moved in in February.

As Williams, who teaches third grade at Cragmont Elementary School in Berkeley, made angel hair pasta with cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic and sausage for dinner, Rio galloped across the floor. He was hungry.

Oh, buddy, its almost ready. Chill out, Williams, 34, said to Rio.

Theres a safety gate at each landing of the couples three-bedroom, three-story condo. From the master bedrooms balcony, you can see San Franciscos skyline on clear nights.

In Station Houses core development, 166 of 171 homes had been sold as of Monday, according to Phil Kerr, the CEO of urban developers City Ventures. The company is building 47 more homes along Frontage Road in the development dubbed Station House South. Even though the neighborhood lacks a grocery store, shops or bars, the proximity to highways and public transportation makes it an alluring place to live.

Station House homes start at around $700,000  and thats considered a deal for people who want to own property in Oakland, where Victorians sell for north of $1 million.

West Oakland was an area of the city where people lived because they couldnt afford anywhere else. Now an affordable home there surpasses the median price of $648,000 for a home in Oakland.

Its facts like these that make people like Fernandez and Williams think about their impact on other Oakland dwellers. Some new residents think about whether theyre displacing someone else.

Tom Croxton, another Station House resident, says that when he chose to buy a two-bedroom townhome, the idea that Station House was built on an empty plot of land was a deciding factor.

I didnt feel like I was displacing somebody, which kind of weighed into my decision, he said. I hate the idea of displacing people. If you want to live here, I dont think we should be pushing people out.

Even though Station House was built on unused land, Fernandez acknowledged that the jump in costs to buy a home are linked to the jump in rental prices.

In that way, its displacing people, Fernandez, 40, said. Im aware of all that, so Im conflicted about it.

I asked Fernandez and Williams about gentrification. What role have they played in the transformation of West Oakland that has caused property values to rise while displacing low-income families?

Weve been here for a while, so theres been a lot of thought behind it, said Fernandez, a visual designer who works in San Francisco. I kind of got pushed out of San Francisco, because it just got too expensive.

When the couple looked into buying their first home together, they found West Oakland affordable. The couples last home was at Zephyr Gate, townhomes a four-minute walk away.

For Fernandez and Williams, West Oakland is where they feel comfortable.

Its where they feel safe.

Were a gay family, so its not like I feel safe living anywhere else, Fernandez said. And so thats kind of how I viewed it.

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.

Fernandez and Williams have one of the handful of townhomes that have a backyard. Theyve put down concrete pavers, put up a dartboard and planted succulents. Theres also deck seating and a table, a splendid space for parties.

That was one of the biggest selling points for us, and we just spend a lot of time with our friends drinking wine, hanging out, Fernandez said.

It was just mulch when we moved in, Williams said.

Another selling point: there was no bidding war. The price was $799,000.

I was afraid that if we put our house up for sale, we would be looking for a house for years and keep getting outbid, Fernandez said. The price was the price.

As we walked back inside, Rio scampered inside Ninjas crate and splashed his hands in the dogs bowl.

Thats the third time hes done that today, Williams said as he scooped up Rio, who clapped his wet hands.

Safe to say it was time for dinner.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. appears Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Email: otaylor@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @otisrtaylorjr
Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

From street protests to court suits, California is leading the resistance to the Trump administrations harsh treatment of undocumented immigrants. But this fight carries the risk of going too far in shunning federal law in the name of protecting those fearful of deportation.

No example better fits this predicament than a statewide sanctuary law designed to shield immigrants with minor arrests or convictions from being turned over to federal border authorities. But public safety and basic fairness need to be considered. Serious or repeat offenders dont deserve the sanctuary shield.
A cursory look at the 26th annual San Francisco Fringe Festival might suggest only the usual degree of unusual, an expected amount of the unexpected. As ever, titles of individual shows range from the potentially self-sabotaging (Stories Hardly Worth Telling) to the prurient  Poonstruck: New Frontiers in Vaginal Consciousness (VAGCON). Concessions, as is tradition, are as wholesome as after-school snacks: a bowl of pretzels (free), sliced apples and cheese, a hummus plate.

At the festivals Friday, Sept. 8, opening night, the customary traffic problems flared up in the long corridor that connects the Exits cafe, green room and three venues. When a volunteer cried, Theres more set coming out! a will-call line scootched to the side to make way for a shows hasty exit. (Each group has just minutes to move out of a venue before someone else performs in it.)

Yet the Fringe feels more urgent than it has in other years. Thats partly because everything has felt more urgent since November 2016, now that theres a sense that any group could be silenced or criminalized or kicked out of the country tomorrow, now that any choice you make about how to spend your time has a higher opportunity cost, since you could always be doing more to resist.

Seeing Tasha, Lower Bottom Playazs entry in the festival, is one way to resist. The show was inspired by the 2015 death of Natasha McKenna, a schizophrenic young black woman from Virginia who was killed while in police custody, and it frequently splices in the excruciating actual footage of her death, which reveals surreal ineptitude from the police squad. If Cat Brooks writing veers melodramatic, she fares much better as a performer, rigorously honing each storytelling beat.

The urgency in this years Fringe also feels particular to what the Fringe is and has always been. It is the least mediated of all Bay Area theater. Neither artistic director nor selection committee chooses the lineup; its all by lottery. No marketing department other than the artists themselves tells you how to experience a piece; no dramaturgy department irons out a scripts quirks. Only a few inches separate you from performers; few employ much in the way of costumes or set or lighting. Tickets cost one-half to one-third what youd spend at a cinema.

Today, its a politically revolutionary and vitally necessary act for one person to sing his, her or their unvarnished truth and for another to truly listen to it, and no place facilitates those connections better than the Fringe. Thats true even in subtly political works, like Barbara Selfidges Sex, Math and Seizures, an intricately layered if shakily delivered solo show about managing the health care of the performers playboy father and epileptic sister.

Not every show hits the mark. Hitler in the Green Room, written and directed by K.S. Haddock, is brilliant in theory but unpolished in practice. It imagines that Hitler has fallen ill before the 1933 Nuremberg rally, and the best understudy his henchmen can find is a gay Jewish drag queen. Aside from a few scrumptious lines (More Hitler than Hitler), the show is a cascade of missed opportunities  including possibly the first time in theater history that the entrance of a drag queen is not treated as a reveal. But the premise remains worth finessing, and Haddocks frenetically silly cast make up for a lot, especially in the way their Nazi zeal so easily bleeds into deviant lust.

Screwmachine/eyecandy or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love Big Bob, written by C.J. Hopkins and directed by Steven Westdahl, attempts to parody a game show in an effort to reveal how in thrall we are to our consumerism, playing a malicious experiment of sorts on contestants Dan (Kyle McReddie) and Maura (Caitlin Evenson). How many indignities will they suffer at the hands of host Big Bob (Matt Gunnison, aptly delivering each phrase as if its followed by three exclamation points) so long as the promise of new household goods is dangled before them? Scene after scene makes the same point, without further developing character or situation, and soon the shows violence, psychological and otherwise, feels like the only thing it has to offer.

Naked Empire Bouffon Companys You Fing Earned it gives a much smarter, funnier and more harrowing takedown of American entitlement. Wearing Bouffons signature swollen costumes and ghostly makeup, creators and performers Sabrina Wenske and Cara McClendon envision a tour in the Congo that includes a stop at an in-progress rape and sing lyrics that rhyme coup detat and cha cha cha. Director Nathaniel Justiniano keeps the pace zany, so that you can barely process each outrageous gag, but every once in a while, the pair of clowns turn toward the audience with forbidding frowns or grotesque grins. Its a fitting image of our rapacious capitalism  a joke youre in on, until it morphs into primal nightmare.

Perhaps the festivals most fearless participant is Dazie Grego-Sykes, whose very title, Nigga-Roo, no festivalgoer or volunteer said aloud all day before its first performance on Saturday, Sept. 9. Most shows that tackle racial identity, even the daring ones, include at least some aside, some qualifier, to let white audiences know that theyll be OK. Nigga-Roo doesnt coddle once. It is all unapologetic smarts and anger, as Grego-Sykes, in blackface, parses why black cant be a pretty thing, why white people will always be seen as racist and how he came to be, as an African, in a white mans world, eating at a taqueria, in a gay district. Though plagued by technical difficulties, which once spurred Grego-Sykes to leave the stage and confer with the sound booth, and though the purposes of individual scenes could be more sharply defined, the show resoundingly achieves what Grego-Sykes at one point suggests might be his purpose: to holler.

Thats also what the Fringe as a whole sets out to do. This year, it behooves you to listen.

Lily Janiak is The San Francisco Chronicles theater critic. Email: ljaniak@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LilyJaniak

San Francisco Fringe Festival: Through Sept. 23. $8-$15. Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy St., S.F. (415) 673-3847. www.sffringe.org
India and Japan will look to enhance their defence cooperation during Modi-Abe talks.

By Manjeet Negi: India and Japan are likely to come closer to each other in terms of defence after the Doklam crisis as they will look to enhance defence cooperation between them during Modi-Abe talks to be held on Thursday.

"India's standing has gone up after its strong but responsible handling of the Doklam crisis. In this situation, we are expecting to see a closer cooperation between New Delhi and Tokyo," a top government official said.

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National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar will also be present to discuss the security ties between the two prime ministers. Japan itself has been at the receiving end of "Chinese expansionism" and faced difficulties between 2012 and 2014, when ties between China and Japan were frayed by a territorial row over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.

India is also planning to buy 12 US-2 aeroplanes from the Japanese industry Shinmayawa for the Navy which wants to use these planes for patrolling the island territories of the country.

India also holds exercises with Japan in the Malabar series of exercises with the US which is seen as a gathering of military powers against the Chinese hegemony.

Japan also gives special attention to India in military ties as Indian Coast Guard chief Rajendra Singh was seated next to the Japanese prime minister during the Coast Guard Global Summit in Tokyo.

WATCH: News Today with Padmaja Joshi - PM Modi hosts Gujarati dinner for PM Abe; India's first bullet train; more

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The scene unfolded Sunday as it has so many times before.

With minutes to go until kickoff, Levi's Stadium was a sea of empty red seats. Those seats were empty not just because the 49ers are coming off a dreadful 2016 season, but because the intrepid fans who did show up couldn't stand the blistering heat.

Since Levi's Stadium opened in 2014, fans have complained that its lack of shade makes it an unbearable experience. Because of the ever-present Santa Clara sunshine, fans have abandoned an entire side of the stadium, choosing to cluster in the shady walkways for relief.

Chronicle writer Peter Hartlaub, who was at Sunday's season opener against the Panthers, luckily had seats on the shady side of the stadium.

"Our section was nearly filled at a time when the seats on the other side were nearly empty," Hartlaub said. "I ran into one person at the landing above our seats who was complaining about the heat on the other side, and gave him a bottle of water my son didn't drink."

MORE: 49ers have temperature issues: Is a fix in store at Levi's Stadium?

For fans wondering why the 49ers constructed a red oven for a stadium, the decision dates back to before the stadium was approved. Before the Santa Clara site was signed off on, the 49ers planned to build their new home in San Francisco. As such, a design was created for the cool spot at Candlestick.

When the Santa Clara site was approved, the 49ers had to move fast to start on their new space. So they took their original design  severely lacking in shade  and took it to the South Bay. The heat problems were immediately apparent. In a preseason game in 2014, the fire department was stunned with an unusual number of emergency calls, mostly for heat-related issues.

"Many people just needed to get out of the sun," a Santa Clara fire chief told the Mercury News. "For many of them, there was a general feeling of weakness, and (they) just needed to rest and get some water."

So what's the solution? Many have begged the Niners to consider adding a sun-shade to Levi's, but unfortunately, that's probably not a realistic fix. The astronomical cost aside, it's not a simple solution, as the Chronicle's Ann Killion points out in her latest column.

"Levi's is an enormously tall building, in the flight path of Mineta San Jose International Airport. A canopy would add to the height," Killion writes.

"In addition, the team is in litigation with the city of Santa Clara, whose stadium authority owns the building and leases it to the 49ers. Launching and financing any capital improvements may be tricky in such a contentious atmosphere."

For now, at least, the team is looking into a solution. On Monday, the organization issued a press release that promised to "review a number of aspects of the stadium with the goal of enhancing the fan experience. ... to investigate feasible solutions to address concerns regarding warm weather days, both for the short and long terms."

So, at least in the near future, it looks like 49ers fans and concert goers will have to suffer with the heat. What could the team do to make things less miserable? We asked SFGATE readers on Facebook to weigh in with their suggestions. You can read some of them in the gallery above.
Single-payer care: California Nurses Association hosts a town hall meeting in Santa Rosa on California legislation to create a single-payer health care system. Event is from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Steele Lane Community Center, 425 Steele Lane.

Town hall: Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, holds a town hall at 7 p.m. Friday at West Marin School Community Gym, 11550 Shoreline Highway, Point Reyes Station. Information: http://bit.ly/2vpinSI

Cap-and-trade forum: Oil industry experts and activists in the climate and environmental justice movement will explain Californias cap-and-trade law and its recently approved extension. Hosted by Sunflower Alliance and 350 Bay Area. Event runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday at 155 Grand Ave. in Oakland. Information: www.sunflower-alliance.org/the-cap-and-trade-scam-sept-17

Maxine Hong Kingston: The author in conversation with KPFA-FMs Kate Raphael on her career, immigration and activism. The free event is from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline St. in Berkeley. Information: http://wilpfeastbay.org/blog

Indivisible East Bay: Monthly meeting for members and newcomers interested in opposing President Trumps agenda. Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Main Library auditorium, 125 14th Street. Information: indivisibleeb.org. Free tickets at eventbrite.com.

Improving cities: Dan Doctoroff, former New York deputy mayor for economic development, discusses his Sidewalk Labs company and ways to improve urban life. The event, hosted by SPUR, is at 6 p.m. Monday at 654 Mission St. Admission is $10 for nonmembers. Information: http://bit.ly/2xROsoA

Iraq after Islamic State: Peter Bartu, expert on Middle East political transitions, discusses the future of post-Islamic State Iraq in a forum sponsored by the World Affairs Council. Event is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at 312 Sutter St., Suite 200 in San Francisco. $20 for nonmembers, $7 for students. Information: http://bit.ly/2vSZFYO

Peace in the Park: Peace in the Park features speakers, live music, poetry, visual artists, tai chi, hatha yoga and meditation experiences where individuals can explore a variety of ways to unplug, unwind, tune in and connect in peace. Free, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park. Information: https://peaceintheparksf.org.

No-hate march: No Hate in the Bay march, protesting fascists, the alt-right and all white supremacists. Sponsors include the National Lawyers Guild and the Anti Police Terror Project. March starts at noon Sept. 23 at 63rd and Adeline streets in Berkeley. Information: http://bit.ly/2ffI5E8

Indivisible Marin: Mill Valley Mayor and human rights attorney Jessica Jackson Sloan discusses criminal justice reform in California and nationally. Indivisible Marins meeting is from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin, 240 Channing Way in San Rafael. Information: http://bit.ly/2gZc9Ue.

Town hall: Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, R-San Ramon, holds a town hall meeting at the Orinda Library auditorium, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25.

Politics and media: Longtime San Francisco journalist Tim Redmond discusses media coverage and the Trump administration. Event begins at 2 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Richmond Meeting Room of the Sen. Milton Marks Branch Library, 351 Ninth Ave. in San Francisco. Information: http://bit.ly/2wJub72

Black Panther history: Joshua Bloom and Waldo E. Martin Jr., authors of Black Against Empire: The History and Politics of the Black Panther Party, discuss their book at the San Francisco Main Librarys Koret Auditorium at 1 p.m. Oct. 29. Information about this event and others noting the books selection in the One City One Book program: http://bit.ly/2eTr1mz.

To list an event, email Trapper Byrne at tbyrne@sfchronicle.com.
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The mugshot of Brock Turner, a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault in 2016, appears in a college textbook beside a definition of "rape."

Washington State University student Hannah Shum stumbled upon the mugshot while completing homework for her Criminal Justice 101 class. The criminal justice major posted a photo of the textbook page on Facebook, and the image quickly went viral.

The mugshot is featured on page 20 of "Introduction to Criminal Justice: Systems, Diversity, and Change" (Sage Publications), according to online texts published on Google Books and Amazon.

The caption beneath the mugshot reads:

"Brock Turner, a Stanford student who raped and assaulted an unconscious female college student behind a dumpster at a fraternity party, was recently released from jail after serving only three months. Some are shocked at how short this sentence is. Others who are more familiar with the way sexual violence has been handled in the criminal justice system are shocked he was found guilty and served any time at all. What do you think?"

The authors  University of Colorado law professors Callie Marie Rennison and Mary Dodge  include a definition of rape below the caption.

On Thursday, the authors and publisher released a joint statement: "The statutory definitions of rape in the State of California (where Turner was convicted of three charges of felony sexual assault) differ from those of the FBI. Turner's actions, as determined by the California jury, fit the standards for the FBI definition of rape, as well as certain other state definitions, but not the California definition as of the time of the final book manuscript. The authors and publisher will further clarify the differing definitions of rape in California compared to the FBI in future reprints of the book."

More for you Petition gets go-ahead in effort to recall judge in Stanford...

Turner, who faced up to 10 years in prison after his conviction in Santa Clara County Superior Court of three counts of sexual assault, served three months of a six-month sentence in Santa Clara County jail. A petition for the recall of Turner's sentencing judge, Aaron Persky, began circulating shortly after his ruling.

Shum is pleased her textbook photo went viral, calling it a "little bit of justice served."

"It seemed like it had nearly disappeared and America just wanted to forget it," she said of the Turner case. "I'm super glad [the textbook authors aren't] letting that happen."

The San Francisco Chronicle's Peter Fimrite contributed to this report.

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed a longtime judge Tuesday to serve out the term of the former district attorney, who resigned after pleading no contest to felony perjury.

Diana Becton, who served as a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge for 22 years but never worked as a prosecutor, will be the first woman and the first African American to lead the district attorneys office. She can hold the post until at least January 2019  longer if voters elect her in next years election. She has not said whether she intends to run.

The supervisors picked Becton despite her admission that she plagiarized whole sections of her application. She copied and pasted the words of U.S. senators and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and lifted passages from several Bay Area district attorney websites.

She told the supervisors Tuesday that she took responsibility for the plagiarism but said that the board should be focused on the real issues of criminal justice reform.

I drew liberally from all kinds of sources because I wanted to lift certain issues up. I recognize that I should have used quotation marks when I used the words of other people, and I didnt do that. I own that mistake, Becton said during her public interview with the board. That is the same kind of leadership and transparency and accountability that I will bring to the district attorneys office.

Becton spoke of the need to implement bail reform, increase trust between law enforcement and the community, and reduce recidivism and incarceration rates. She said prosecutors should worry less about their trial records.

Our current system does not work because it focuses our attention on convictions and sentences but not on just outcomes, Becton said. I want to change that culture in our office, because theres too much pressure to try to get cases out.

Contra Costa County has been without a district attorney since June, when Mark Peterson resigned hours after state Attorney General Xavier Becerras office filed 13 felony charges against him in connection with his admitted use of $66,000 in campaign funds for personal expenditures. In a plea bargain, state prosecutors agreed to drop all but one perjury count, for making false statements on campaign disclosure forms.

Becton started her law career in private practice and was appointed to the bench in 1995 by then-Gov. Pete Wilson. In 2011, her colleagues voted for her to be presiding judge, which put her in charge of the courts budget when state funding cuts forced a large-scale reduction and reshuffling of staff.

She ran for re-election, unopposed, in 2014 and retired last month to concentrate on her bid to win the interim district attorneys job.

The majority of prosecutors in the office and law enforcement associations supported Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves for the job. On Tuesday, however, it was Bectons supporters who showed up in force at the board meeting in Martinez to highlight her record of community involvement and helping offenders change their nonviolent felony convictions to misdemeanors.

Supervisors John Gioia, Diane Burgis and Federal Glover supported Becton, while Supervisors Candace Andersen and Karen Mitchoff backed Graves. When the 3-2 split became clear, Anderson and Mitchoff changed their votes so Becton would win unanimous approval.

Aron DeFerrari, president of the Contra Costa County District Attorneys Association, which campaigned for Graves, declined to discuss the outcome but gave a brief statement to reporters.

This is an interim appointment, and we will work with Judge Becton to keep our community safe until the voters select the next district attorney, he said.

Graves and another finalist for the interim job, Supervising Deputy District Attorney Patrick Vanier of Santa Clara County, have filed paperwork to run for the post next year.

Becton will start later this month and make an annual salary of $258,181.

Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
A truck filled with goods and supplies for survivors of Hurricane Harvey is leaving San Francisco for Houston Wednesday evening, and according to coordinator Bobby Basra, there's still room for donations.

"The truck is a little over half full," Basra, a student at the University of San Francisco, told SFGATE.
Michael Nagle/Bloomberg

An Oakland law firm filed a lawsuit against credit reporting agency Equifax Tuesday for its handling of a massive data breach, which some experts are calling one of the worst hacks in history.

The complaint, which was filed in the San Jose division of the U.S. District Court Tuesday, is one of at least 20 similar lawsuits filed against the Atlanta firm, all of which are seeking class action status. The plaintiff is seeking damages from Equifax for deceptive business practices in light of the companys disclosure last week that the personal information of around 143 million Americans  including names, addresses and Social Security numbers  may have been compromised in a massive breach that took place from mid-May through July.
Hear here

Its a fraud ... worse than tulip bulbs.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, telling a New York investment conference that the bitcoin craze is comparable to the tulip mania that swept Holland in the 17th century, with speculators driving up prices of virtually worthless tulip bulbs to exorbitant levels. The value of the cryptocurrency has climbed more than fourfold this year.

Volkswagen ready to push the plug

Volkswagen plans to build electric versions of all 300 models in the groups lineup, CEO Matthias Mueller said. Mueller said the company would spend $24 billion to develop and bring the models to market by 2030, plus close to $60 billion for the batteries needed to power the cars. Catching up in electric vehicles is key to the German manufacturers effort to move beyond the diesel-emissions crisis that erupted two years ago.

Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techchronicle
By Ananth Krishnan: A People's Liberation Army (PLA) official has suggested it might not have been "the right time" for China to carry out its road construction in Doklam and get embroiled in a stand-off with India.

In a commentary, PLA Major General Qiao Liang also slammed the hawkish voices in China that had demanded strong action from Beijing to expel Indian troops in Doklam as "irresponsible", saying that "war should be avoided."

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"If they had a clear understanding of China's strategic positioning," wrote Major General Qiao, welcoming the August 28 disengagement by both sides after 72 days, "they would know that the settlement...was one of the best results possible."

His commentary was a marked difference from the string of hawkish articles in the Chinese State media demanding strong action and even threatening war during the stand-off.

He wrote that while "many people would say that the road construction in China's territory was none of India's business", this argument was "reasonable to some extent because road construction in this area is not a matter of right and wrong, but we need to understand that it is not always right to do something right at any time".

"Only doing the right thing at the right time is correct," he added.

"So, with this principle in mind, one can understand that the Doklam confrontation was solved in the way it should have been. And the most important thing is that when you understand China's strategic positioning and you cannot bring the entire world under your domination, you are willing to leave well enough alone. Only in this way can one completely reach his goal, otherwise, haste makes waste or the result and your desired outcome may even be poles apart."

Responding to those voices in China that were calling for war, he wrote that "many people think that China has a powerful national strength, including a strong military power, thus only war can demonstrate China's power".

"But resorting to war is irresponsible for the country and the country's future as war has always been the last resort to solve problems," he said. "Whenever there may be a way to solve a conflict without war, war should be avoided."

WATCH: China asks whether Army Chief Bipin Rawat was 'authorised' to make remarks on tensions ALSO READ:

Doklam disengagement incomplete: Chinese troops insist on staying behind on plateau

India, China friends again, for now. But can both sides move past Doklam?

Indian Army Chief Rawat has a big mouth: China's Global Times on salami slicing, two-front war remarks

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Between India and China, who won in Doklam? World media seems divided

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A police standoff that started Tuesday night when a 26-year-old man barricaded himself in a home in the Sunset district of San Francisco ended Wednesday morning when the man took his own life, police said.

The standoff began about 8:45 p.m. Tuesday in the 400 block of Hugo Street, according to officials. Officers went to the area for a well-being check but instead found a person in crisis, said Officer Robert Rueca, a San Francisco Police Department spokesman.
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A McDonalds employee in Redwood City was charged with attempted murder after she was arrested on suspicion of trying to flush her newborn baby down a toilet at the fast-food restaurant, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Sarah Lockner, 25, who was jailed on $11 million bail, was also charged with one count of assault on a child becoming comatose or paralyzed and an enhancement stemming from the victim being under 5 years old.

San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said the baby was delivered on Labor Day in the bathroom of a McDonalds at 185 Chestnut St.

Its a real sad story. Its a real sad story, Wagstaffe said. She said she didnt know she was pregnant.

Lockner gave birth while working the 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. shift at the restaurant, according to prosecutors. She went to the restroom several times due to stomach pain before a co-worker checked on her and reportedly saw blood on the floor in a restroom stall.

The suspect told the co-worker she just had a heavy period, but prosecutors said another colleague looked into the stall and saw a newborn baby face down in the toilet bowl with Lockners hand on the childs back. Then, the co-worker heard the sound of the toilet flushing.

Lockner asked the witness not to call police, prosecutors said.

But police were called to the restaurant and upon arrival the newborn baby boy had no pulse and was not breathing. He was rushed to a hospital and put into a medically induced coma, officials said.

The infant survived but prosecutors said his neurological prognosis is unknown.

Lockner will appear in court on Sept. 18 to enter a plea. She is in custody at Maple Street Correctional Center in Redwood City.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
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San Francisco police arrested five men for attempting to arrange sexual liaisons with underage children through online social media, authorities said Tuesday.

Through the efforts of the Police Departments Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, investigators tracked down the suspects last month by monitoring social media sites and mobile applications, police said.

Randall Cady, 40, of Santa Cruz was arrested on Aug. 2 on suspicion of arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual contact and going to an arranged meeting with a minor for sexual contact.

Michael Renteria, 50, of Milpitas was arrested on Aug. 10 on suspicion of sending harmful material to a minor, arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual contact and going to an arranged meeting with a minor for sexual contact.

Jose Olivares-Parada, 38, of San Francisco was arrested on Aug. 21 for allegedly sending harmful material to a minor, arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual contact, and going to an arranged meeting with a minor for sexual contact.

Ahmad Naimi, 32, of Newark was arrested on Aug. 21 for allegedly arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual contact and going to an arranged meeting with a minor for sexual contact.

Charles Johnson, 44, of Oakland was arrested on Aug. 31 for allegedly arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual contact and going to an arranged meeting with a minor for sexual contact.

Investigators noted that most of the men had jobs that put them in contact with minors. Renteria and Olivares-Parada are employed as maintenance workers, while Naimi is a security guard. Johnson is a ride-share driver.

Anyone with information on men or any additional victims can contact the San Francisco Police Departments special victims unit at (415) 558-5500.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
WASHINGTON  With California Sen. Kamala Harris and a handful of other liberal senators often viewed as the Democratic Partys next generation of leaders lined up in support, Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a plan Wednesday for a government-run health care system he called Medicare for All.

The proposal, which Sanders, independent-Vt., introduced to a packed audience in the Senates largest hearing room, comes as several Senate Republicans are attempting to revive their partys floundering effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act with a new plan that would provide states with lump sums of federal money to provide health care. Each state would have the discretion to determine how to use the grants for that purpose.

The two efforts represent polar opposite approaches to addressing the high costs of health insurance. Sanders plan, in a Congress controlled by Republicans, stands little chance of success, but the support it is getting from Democrats is regarded as strong for an issue that had been considered on the fringes as late as last year, during the presidential race.

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Harris said she was standing with her colleagues to just do whats right, but also characterized her support as a nonpartisan effort to help all Americans, regardless of party, and at the same time increase the return on investment of the money taxpayers and individuals are already spending on health care.

The Sanders legislation, modeled on the single-payer health care systems typical of most developed countries, calls for a complete remaking of the U.S. health care system. The 94-page bill provides only an outline of what would be an enormously complex undertaking that would meld the current hybrid U.S. system of both private and public insurance programs into a single system administered by the federal government.

Sanders called the lack of universal coverage in the United States an international disgrace. He said the United States spends twice as much money, about $10,000 per person, as most other industrialized countries do on health care, and leaves both patients and providers saddled with mountains of insurance paperwork. Sanders said studies show the U.S. could save $500 billion a year by eliminating the insurance-company middlemen.

The legislation would eliminate employer-provided insurance, which covers 155 million people and is the foundation of the current U.S. system. It would replace that private insurance with government-provided care. The plan would also replace a welter of government-operated health care programs, including Medicare, the giant program for the elderly, and Medicaid, which provides health care to the poor and working class. Those would be folded into a single system that would cover every U.S. resident.

The legislation leaves unclear how to fund such a program, one of the most salient questions facing such a plan. Sanders provided a separate paper outlining possible revenue sources, including higher taxes on high-income earners and also much broader-based taxes, such as a 7.5 percent employer-paid payroll tax, or a 4 percent tax on individuals based on income.

Sanders argued that the savings that families and businesses would see from not having to pay for health insurance would more than offset such tax increases. He called the proposal only the beginning of the debate on how to transition the United States to a single-payer system.

Sanders proposal drew support from 15 Democratic senators in addition to Harris. They included Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Harris, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York are considered rising stars in the Democratic Party.

More than 100 House Democrats have signed on to a similar proposal in that chamber. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco has applauded the effort but said she remains committed to preserving the Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010 under President Barack Obama to expand insurance coverage.

Sanders argued that the United States should have switched to a single-payer system decades ago. But many Democrats remain leery of his proposal, given the enormousness of the enterprise in cost, complexity and political peril.

Carolyn Lochhead is the San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com
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A priest in his collar. An aged Danish Boy Scout. A pair of Japanese tourists. On Aug. 25, 1973, a photographer coaxed them into his loft on the top floor of a San Francisco Victorian for a photoshoot.

Now, 44 years later, the photographer is trying to track them all down.

Jeff Cohen, then a budding freelance photographer, woke up that summer morning looking for something to do. He decided to approach strangers strolling past his Union Street loft and invite them upstairs. Shortly after that day, Cohen moved away from San Francisco and the photos were packed up and forgotten.

Four decades later, after raising a family and retiring from his 30-year-long career as an editor at Playboy Magazine, Cohen rediscovered the portraits while unpacking his new photo studio in Chicago.

VINTAGE PHOTOS: When the 3-ring circus still came to town

Cohen had the full names and addresses of his subjects from 1973, and with the advent of social media, he decided to try to track down some of the strangers. Within a couple weeks of looking, he connected with two of them.

Less than three years after beginning his search, he's found a total of eight. He hopes to find all of them and display their recent photos, taken with the same Hasselblad film camera, alongside their 1973 portraits.

His search led him to a self-proclaimed hippie in the Sierra Nevada foothills, an established artist in Los Angeles, and a reclusive photography professor in Vermont. One woman, Cohen says, sends him a message every few days.

"She's in a bad relationship," he said. "I think I must be part-shrink."

VIDEO: Summer of Love remembered 50 years later

In his searching, Cohen learned some of his subjects have been long dead, others have grown up and grown estranged from the people with whom they were photographed, like the trio in slide 7 of the above gallery. Cohen says the two men  brothers  haven't spoken in 20 years.

Then there's Brother Michael Finney. Cohen tracked him down on Tuesday after searching for months. The challenge? The priest got married  after leaving the church  and took his wife's last name. The pair currently live on a commune, says Cohen.

WAY BACK WHEN: 4 cans of lima beans was enough to cross Golden Gate in the 70s

Not much has changed for Nancey Kearney, now 60 and living 3,000 feet above sea level in Sonora, Calif., where she moved not long after Cohen took her photo. She was just 16 at the time and visiting San Francisco from Sacramento for the day when Cohen found her "sauntering around the city" in a new peasant dress.

"I was a hippie back then," she said from her Sonora home, which she shares with chickens, dogs, cats, guinea pigs and other rescue animals.

"Well, I guess I'm still a hippie."

Kearney admits that she's thought about that day in 1973 "so many times throughout the years."

She says she didn't hesitate when Cohen asked to photograph her. "Though I certainly would freak out now," she said. "Most people would."

She continued, "It was a very innocent time. People weren't afraid of each other as they are now."

Cohen believes therein lies the charm of the long-forgotten photographs: The whimsy in the knowledge that such a feat would be difficult to accomplish today.

"It's a sign of the times," he said.

Cohen returned to his old studio in October while vacationing in the Bay Area (see a photo of the house in the above gallery). He discovered that the old Victorian still stood, though barely. Cohen, never one to shy away from interactions with strangers, knocked on the front door and found his old landlord inside, signing away the deeds to the house at that exact moment. The new buyer planned to knock it down to build condos, Cohen said.

Yet another sign of the times? The house sold for $2.6 million.

"If only I'd stuck around," Cohen said with a tinge of nostalgia.

If you recognize any of the subjects, Cohen asks that you send him an e-mail at jeff@jeffcohenphotography.com.

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
Congress-backed NSUI has won the President, Vice-President and Joint Secretary posts, while the RSS-backed ABVP had to contend with the Secretary position.

By Pooja Shali: Making a stunning comeback in the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) election, the Congress-backed National Students Union of India (NSUI) today won the President and the Vice-President posts, while the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) - which had dominated the union for the last few years - had to contend with the Secretary and Joint Secretary positions.

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The main contestants for the DUSU President were the ABVP's Rajat Choudhary, AISA's Parul Chauha, independent candidates Raja Choudury and Alka, besides Rocky Tusheed of the NSUI, who has emerged as the winner of the crucial post.

After registering a overwhelming win, NSUI in a statement said, "This mandate shows that students throughout the country have rejected poisonous & divisive ideology of RSS."

Last year, the RSS-backed ABVP bagged three posts, while the Congress's NSUI made a comeback, winning the post of the Joint Secretary.

The outgoing DUSU President is ABVP's Amit Tanwar, with the post under the RSS student wing's hold since 2014 when Mohit Nagar was elected. He was succeeded by Satender Awana, whose tenure was marked by controversy after he was accused of publicly threatening and beating up faculty members.

NSUI candidates who fought DUSU elections

A bipolar affair historically, the election this year had seen the rise of another student group, the radical left AISA, which has found many supporters among students after the brawl at Ramjas College in February and turned the usually bilateral contest between the ABVP and NSUI into a multi-cornered fight.

The counting of votes for the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections began today at a community hall near Kingsway Camp in New Delhi amid tight security.

More feathers to our cap. NSUI won Vice President , AGS & Game Secretary posts in Gauhati University election, Assam. Congrats @NSUIAssam pic.twitter.com/xI1GPsHXlt NSUI (@nsui) September 12, 2017

There were 126 ballot boxes for the DUSU panel and eight were taken for counting in each round. An initial indication about a candidate leading for a position can be ascertained only after at least 50 per cent of the votes is counted, said an observer. The process is being video-recorded.

Tight security arrangements were made

A total of 43 per cent turnout was recorded in the DUSU elections held on Tuesday when students from 51 colleges cast their ballot to choose the four central panel posts of President, Vice-President, Joint Secretary and Secretary in the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU). ALSO READ

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Delhi University's new five-year integrated journalism course gets delayed

Delhi University, under threat of no funding, agrees to set up governing bodies in 28 colleges

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People who set up "new and improved" rat traps outdoors may do more to endanger other wildlife than fix their rodent infestation.

That's according to Rebecca Dmytryk with Wildlife Emergency Services. The group rescued a young skunk that was trapped in not just one, but two rat traps outside a home in Aptos.

STORM RESCUE: 69 dogs and cats rescued from hurricane now up for adoption in Bay Area

Not only was that not the Santa Cruz County homeowner's intention, but it was also counterproductive to battling the rat problem.

"It's very ironic," Dmytryk said. "Skunks are actually excellent at keeping down rodent populations."

The skunk was taken to a local wildlife hospital for treatment. One of its paws is swollen and the other may lose a few digits. If it loses all of the digits on that paw, the animal may have to be euthanized.

Inadvertently trapped skunks are a growing problem for Wildlife Emergency Services, which rescued five skunks caught in mouse traps over five consecutive days last month.

WildCare in Marin is seeing the same problem. They're currently treating two skunks in their wildlife hospital that were caught in traps, bringing the total up to nine this year.

"Unlike the the old fashioned smooth-edged snap traps that larger animals could slip out of, these newer traps have a stronger grip and 'teeth' that make it impossible for animals to escape," Dmytryk wrote in a blog post.

DUMPED KITTEN: Kitten, discarded in Menlo Park dumpster 'like trash,' seeks home

Dmytryk hypothesized that consumers may be buying more rat traps because they think of poisons as inhumane or a threat to pets and other animals. Instead, she suggests a new rodenticide called Rat X, which is effective with mice and rats, but won't hurt other wildlife.

"It is so safe another animal can eat it directly and it won't get sick," she said.

WildCare's suggestion for an outdoor rodent problem? Live and let live.

"We can all agree that no one should ever have mice or rats living inside their dwelling," said Melanie Piazza, WildCare's director of animal care. "If there are rats and mice outside in your yard, that is where they are supposed to be and no amount of poison or trapping will ever eradicate rodents nor should it. They are a vital part of the food chain."

Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com.
Prolific tweeters and news junkies, take note: Soon, staring at your phone while crossing the street might get you slapped with a fine.

San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa introduced a resolution at the county board meeting Tuesday morning urging state and local officials to crack down on what has been broadly termed "distracted walking."

The board approved Canepa's resolution unanimously, he said, meaning a statewide ban could soon be in the works. Canepa said he already has a State Assembly member willing to champion the cause, though he declined to give a name.

"This is a 21st century solution to a 21st century problem," Canepa said. "He's extraordinarily excited about it."

The idea of a walking-and-texting ban is not without precedent. Earlier this year, as Reuters reported, the city of Honolulu, Hawaii passed an ordinance imposing fines on those who are caught looking at phones or tablets while crossing the street. As of late October, sending a juicy text in the middle of traffic could cost you $15  if an officer catches you in the act. The fines for repeat offenders are far steeper. (If that text can wait a few moments longer, there is no penalty for checking your phone on the sidewalk.)

Canepa envisions a California law as working similarly, albeit with even stiffer penalties: perhaps $85. He acknowledges that it will be enforced selectively  there won't be officers staffing every city crosswalk  and he knows some will see the ban as another example of Californian government overreach. But, Canepa added, people once thought seatbelt laws were an infringement of their personal freedoms, too.

"When we were younger, what did our parents always say to us? Look both ways!" he said. "Now we have these adults and they can't even follow (that) golden rule."
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ROCKFORD, Wash.  A student who opened fire in a hallway at a high school killed a classmate who confronted him Wednesday and wounded three others before being stopped by a staff member, authorities said.

The suspect, whom a classmate described as being obsessed with previous school shootings, was taken into custody. The wounded victims were expected to survive, officials said.

The shooter brought two weapons to Freeman High School in Rockford, south of Spokane, but the first one he tried to fire jammed, Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich told reporters.

He went to his next weapon, Kzenovich said. A student walked up to him, engaged him, and that student was shot. That student did not survive.

The sheriff said the shooter fired more rounds down the hallway, striking the other students, before a school staffer could stop him. Kzenovich called it a courageous act that prevented further bloodshed.

Elisa Vigil, a 14-year-old freshman, said she saw one male student shot in the head who janitors covered with a cloth and another female student wounded in the back.

Michael Harper, a 15-year-old sophomore, said the suspect had brought notes in the beginning of the school year saying he was going to do something stupid and might get killed or jailed. Some students alerted counselors, the teen said, but it wasnt clear what school officials did in response.

A call to the school was not immediately returned.

Harper said the shooter had many friends and was not bullied, calling him nice and funny and weird and a huge fan of the TV show Breaking Bad. He also said the suspect was obsessed with other school shootings.

Students say the shooter was armed with a pistol and rifle and had carried a duffel bag to school. After shots were fired, students went running and screaming down the hallways, Harper said.

Authorities didnt release the suspects identity or a possible motive. The victims also were not named.

Luis Prito, an assistant football coach at Freeman High, called the shooting devastating.

This is a real close-knit community, he said.

A two-lane road into the town of about 500 people near the Idaho border was clogged as worried parents sped to the school. Some people abandoned their cars on the street to make it to their children.

Cheryl Moser said her son, a freshman, called her from a classroom after hearing shots fired.

He called me and said, Mom, there are gunshots. He sounded so scared. Ive never heard him like that, Moser told the Spokesman-Review newspaper. You never think about something happening like this at a small school.

Nicholas K. Geranios is an Associated Press writer.
MIAMI  Residents were allowed to return Tuesday to some islands in the hurricane-slammed Florida Keys as officials sought to piece together the scope of Irmas destruction and rush aid into the drenched and debris-strewn state.

Two days after the storm roared into the Keys with 130 mph winds, the full extent of the damage there was still a question mark because communications and access were cut off in many cases.

At the northern end of the Keys, residents and business owners from Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada were allowed back for their first look.

The Lower Keys  including the chains most distant and most populous island, Key West, with 27,000 people  were still off-limits, with a roadblock in place where the single highway to the farther islands was washed out. Road repairs were promised in the coming days.

Corey Smith, a UPS driver who rode out the hurricane in Key Largo, said that power was out on the island, there was very limited gas and supermarkets were closed. Branches and other brush blocked some roads.

Theyre shoving people back to a place with no resources, he said by telephone. Its just going to get crazy pretty quick.

Still, he said people coming back to Key Largo should be relieved that many buildings escaped major damage.

On Tuesday morning, the rainy remnants of Irma pushed through Alabama and Mississippi after drenching Georgia. Flash-flood watches and warnings were issued around the Southeast.

State officials raised the number of deaths in Florida from Hurricane Irma to 12 from the previous seven. That brings the total death toll in all areas affected by the storm to 55.

Authorities were stopping people to check documentation such as proof of residency or business ownership before allowing them back into the Upper Keys. All three hospitals on the island chain were still closed.

After flying over the Keys on Monday, the governor described overturned mobile homes, washed-ashore boats and other damage. A Navy aircraft carrier was due to anchor off Key West to help in the search-and-rescue effort.

Crews were working to reopen U.S. 1 through the Keys. Officials said there was no immediate sign of serious damage to the 42 bridges that link the islands, but they were still checking.

Most commercial airports in Florida reopened Tuesday, but activity was limited and hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed.

The Federal Aviation Administration said airports in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville were open.

Freida Frisaro and Martha Mendoza are Associated Press writers.
WASHINGTON  The lobbying activities of Michael G. Flynn, the son of President Trumps former national security adviser, are being examined by the special counsel investigating possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election, according to people familiar with the probe.

The inquiry into the younger Flynn, first reported by NBC News, follows other indications this week that investigators are increasing pressure on his father, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who advised Trump during the campaign and briefly served in the White House before being ousted for misleading statements about his contacts with the Russian ambassador.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is looking at the younger Flynn because of his role as chief of staff to his father at the Flynn Intel Group, a lobbying and consulting firm that worked for international and domestic clients, according to the people familiar with the inquiry, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Two senior House Democrats this week requested information from the elder Flynn and some of his business partners about a joint U.S.-Russia proposal to sell nuclear power plants in the Middle East.

The letter sent Tuesday by Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., sought details of Flynns travels to the Middle East in 2015 to promote the nuclear project  trips that the lawmakers said were not disclosed by Flynn in early 2016 as required.

It appears that General Flynn violated federal law by omitting this trip and these foreign contacts from his renewal application for a security clearance, the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Flynns attorney and two business partners.

Flynns attorney, Robert Kelner, declined to comment on the letter. An attorney for the younger Flynn, Barry Coburn, declined to comment on the NBC report.

Lawmakers have been inquiring in recent months about the elder Flynns connections to Turkish, Saudi and Russian interests. The Flynns flew together to Moscow in 2015 when the elder Flynn delivered a paid speech at a Russian Television anniversary celebration attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The lawmakers interest in the nuclear power proposal was sparked by a June report by Newsweek detailing the unusual plan to jointly market nuclear power plants to Israel, Egypt and other countries in the region. Newsweek reported that Flynn flew to Egypt and Israel in June 2015 to gauge attitudes in Cairo and Jerusalem toward a plan for a joint U.S.-Russian program to get control over the Arab worlds rush to acquire nuclear power.

The letter requested details of any communication Flynn had with foreign governments about the nuclear project and suggested that the generals interest in the proposed deals may have represented a conflict of interest.

Tom Hamburger and Devlin Barrett are Washington Post writers.
LUCASVILLE, Ohio  An Ohio man convicted of killing two people in back-to-back robberies in suburban Cleveland in 1992 was executed Wednesday.

Gary Otte, 45, was put to death at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville with a lethal combination of three drugs.

The prison system announced the time of death as 10:54 a.m. A prison spokeswoman said Otte didnt sleep overnight, spending his last hours visiting with his parents and calling friends and family.

In his final statement, Otte professed his love for his family, sang a Christian hymn and quoted the Bible. He said: God is good all the time, and added, Im sorry. Then, he sighed deeply. He sang The Greatest Thing, with words such as I want to know you, Lord and I want to serve you, Lord. He stopped singing at 10:39.

Otte quoted the Bible with his last words: Father, forgive them for they know not what theyre doing. Amen. The words were derived from a Bible account of Jesus Christs crucifixion.

Otte gave a thumbs-up sign, and then his stomach rose and fell several times between 10:41 and 10:42. Two guards did a consciousness check at 10:42. Ottes stomach continued to rise and fall a couple more minutes, then appeared to go still.

Otte was sentenced to die for the Feb. 12, 1992, killing of Robert Wasikowski and the Feb. 13, 1992, killing of Sharon Kostura. Both slayings took place in Parma in suburban Cleveland.

The execution was the second in Ohio this year, following the use of lethal injection in July on a man who raped and killed his girlfriends 3-year-old daughter in Akron in 1993.

Andrew Welsh-Huggins is an Associated Press writer.
WASHINGTON  The Senate on Wednesday rejected a bipartisan push for a new war authorization against the Islamic State and other terrorist groups, electing to let the White House rely on a 16-year-old law passed after the Sept. 11 attacks as the legal basis to send U.S. troops into combat.

Senators voted 61-36 to scuttle an amendment to the annual defense policy bill by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., that would have allowed war authorizations, created in the wake of al Qaedas Sept. 11 strikes, to lapse after six months. Paul, a leader of the GOPs noninterventionist wing, said Congress would use the time to debate an updated war authority for operations in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and elsewhere before the old ones expired.
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NEW YORK  Edith Windsor, a gay rights pioneer whose landmark Supreme Court case struck down parts of a federal law against same-sex marriage and paved a path toward legalizing those marriages nationwide, died Tuesday. She was 88.

Ms. Windsor died in New York, said her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan. The cause of death wasnt given, but Ms. Windsor had struggled with heart issues for years.

Former President Barack Obama called her one of the quiet heroes whose persistence had furthered the cause of equality.

Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor  and few made as big a difference to America, the Democrat said in a statement Tuesday, adding that he had spoken to her a few days earlier.

Ms. Windsor was 81 when she brought a lawsuit that proved to be a turning point for gay rights. The impetus was the 2009 death of her first spouse, Thea Spyer. The women had married legally in Canada in 2007 after spending more than 40 years together.

Ms. Windsor said the federal Defense of Marriage Acts definition of marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman prevented her from getting a marital deduction on Spyers estate. That meant Ms. Windsor faced a $360,000 tax bill that heterosexual couples would not have.

Its a very important case. Its bigger than marriage, and I think marriage is major. I think if we win, the effect will be the beginning of the end of stigma, she told the Associated Press in 2012, after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.

Win she did: The justices ruled 5-4 in June 2013 that the provision in the law was unconstitutional, and that legally married same-sex couples are entitled to the same federal benefits that heterosexual couples receive.

The opinion marked a key moment of encouragement for same-sex marriage supporters then confronting a nationwide patchwork of laws that outlawed such unions in roughly three dozen states.

It also affronted conservatives who hewed to defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Then-Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia predicted the ruling would be used to upend state restrictions on marriage and warned: The only thing that will confine the courts holding is its sense of what it can get away with.

Ultimately, the opinion in Ms. Windsors case became the basis for a wave of federal court rulings that struck down state marriage bans and led to a 2015 Supreme Court ruling giving same-sex couples the right to marry from coast to coast.

One simply cannot write the history of the gay rights movement without reserving immense credit and gratitude for Edie Windsor, said Anthony Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union. He called her one of this countrys great civil rights pioneers.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said he was heartbroken by the death of a woman who embodied the New York spirit, taking it upon herself to tear down barriers for others.

She was a finalist for Time magazines Person of the Year in 2013 (Pope Francis ultimately got the honor) and was invited the next year to a state dinner at the White House, honoring then-French President Francois Hollande.

Ms. Windsor herself marveled at the arc of gay rights in her lifetime.

I grew up knowing that society thought I was inferior, she told the AP in 2012. Did I ever think we would be discussing equality in marriage? Never. It was just so far away.

Born in Philadelphia, she moved to Manhattan in the early 1950s after a brief marriage to a man; it ended after she told him she was gay.

She received a masters degree in mathematics from New York University in 1957 and went to work for IBM in senior technical and management positions.

Spyer came into her life in 1963, and they became a couple two years later. In court documents, Ms. Windsor said she told Spyer, If it still feels this goofy joyous, Id like us to spend the rest of our lives together. And we did.

Concerned that an engagement ring would bring unwanted attention to Ms. Windsors sexual orientation, Spyer gave her a diamond brooch instead. It was, Ms. Windsor later said in court documents, just one of many ways in which Thea and I had to mold our lives to make our relationship invisible.

Like countless other same-sex couples, we engaged in a constant struggle to balance our love for one another and our desire to live openly and with dignity, on the one hand, with our fear of disapproval and discrimination from others on the other, she added.

Spyer, a psychologist, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1977. The women married in Canada when they realized they might not live long enough to see New York legalize same-sex marriage. It did in 2011.

Last year, Ms. Windsor married again, to Judith Kasen-Windsor, a banker.

Standing on the Supreme Court steps after the 2013 arguments in her case, Ms. Windsor called marriage a magic word.

For anybody who doesnt understand why we want it and why we need it, she said, OK: It is magic.

Deepti Hajela and Jennifer Peltz are Associated Press writers.
General Motors purchase last year of San Francisco self-driving startup Cruise Automation appears to be bearing fruit.

The two companies on Monday unveiled a jointly developed self-driving car that  unlike the autonomous prototypes already being tested on California roads  is fully designed for large-scale production.

Kyle Vogt, Cruises co-founder and CEO, referred to the vehicle as the worlds first mass-producible self-driving car.

This is the big jump it takes to go from a prototype vehicle you can demo at (a consumer electronics conference) to something you can build at a massive scale, Vogt said.

Built at GMs Orion Assembly plant in Michigan, the car incorporates all of the sensors, computing power and redundant systems needed to operate completely without a driver, even though the software to do so remains under development.

And while production will remain limited at first  with just 50 made so far  GM insists the car as designed could be built en masse in the companys existing factories.

Its about making changes on the car so we can actually build that on the line in Orion, said Doug Parks, GMs vice president for autonomous technology and vehicle execution. Its not just adding parts to cars, its not just building a base car  its the integration of all those things together.

Other companies developing autonomous cars might take issue with Cruises worlds first description.

Last fall, Tesla started equipping all of its electric cars with the sensor suite needed to drive themselves, although Tesla uses a different combination of sensors than does Cruise. Tesla even advertises on its website that activating full self-driving capability on the newly introduced Model 3 sedan will cost $3,000  when the company eventually perfects the software.

Chrysler, meanwhile, is building an autonomous version of its Pacifica minivan for Waymo, the self-driving unit of Googles parent company, Alphabet. Chrysler produced an initial batch of 100 modified minivans last year and is in the midst of delivering 500 more to Waymo.

The new Cruise and GM cars, based on the electric Chevy Bolt but with many new or modified parts, will hit the streets first in San Francisco.

Cruise employees will be able to hail them for rides to work, starting in several weeks. Cruise and GM envision selling the cars to other ride services rather than directly to consumers, but on Monday they offered no timetable for such sales. Cruise has a partnership with Lyft  which plans to offer rides in self-driving cars to San Francisco passengers soon  while GM has one with Uber.

GM purchased Cruise in May 2016 for $581 million (although the automaker cautioned the price would rise over time). The deal was designed to pair the strengths of Silicon Valley and Detroit.

Cruise, which operates out of San Franciscos South of Market neighborhood, focused on perfecting autonomous driving technology and had little interest in building the cars themselves. General Motors, in contrast, has more than a century of production experience, building more than 9 million vehicles per year.

After the deal was announced, Cruise began using Chevy Bolts as robotic guinea pigs, bolting sensors to the cars and sending them on test drives throughout San Francisco. GM then started building Bolts with more of the self-driving hardware incorporated into the cars  producing what the two companies now call their gen two vehicles.

The new vehicles, gen three, contain a key feature not found in gen two. Redundancy has been built into every vital system, so that if one piece of equipment fails, the car can continue driving itself without a human taking control.

As a result, while the car is still based on the Bolt, 40 percent of the parts are different.

The end result is something that looks more like an airliner or a spacecraft in terms of redundancy, Vogt said.

He cautioned, however, that the software enabling cars to safely drive themselves in all circumstances  referred to as level 5 autonomy  will take more time.

Cruises cars run daily tests on San Franciscos streets, but there are still situations  rarely encountered scenarios that engineers call edge cases  that the programming hasnt mastered. Before cars can drive themselves without human backup, they must be able to handle those situations as well. In part for that reason, California regulations require any autonomous car on public streets to have a human behind the wheel, ready to take control if necessary.

Weve passed the milestone a long time ago where you can drive from point A to point B in San Francisco without the driver getting involved, Vogt said. Getting to the point where you can actually remove the driver is probably a thousand times harder.

David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF
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The Russian government isnt taking too kindly to charges that its consulate illegally burned garbage on a Spare the Air day after being kicked out of its Cow Hollow digs in San Francisco by the Trump administration.

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday called the notice of violation issued by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District another Russophobic stunt, according to the Russian news agency Tass.
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As if allegations of interfering with the American presidential election werent bad enough, the Russian government is now getting dinged for illegal burning in San Francisco.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District sent a notice of violation to the Russians on Tuesday for setting ablaze unknown materials in the fireplace of their Cow Hollow consulate Sept. 1, the day after the Trump administration ordered the building closed.

Thick black smoke was observed by a number of witnesses including our inspectors, said Tom Flannigan, the spokesman for the air quality district. That kind of burning usually involves a number of things, not just paper.

The inhabitants of the consulate were in the process of moving out that day when photographs of smoke billowing from the chimney appeared on social media, prompting an inspector to rush to the scene.

The smoke had stopped by the time the inspector arrived, but an air density test of the smoke was conducted to determine if it was excessive, according to the air district.

Temperatures reached a record 106 degrees that day in San Francisco and a Spare the Air Day had been declared, but there is no specific prohibition against wood burning during the summer. The district instead said the Russians violated Regulation 6, which prohibits garbage burning in the city, Flannigan said.

It wasnt clear what the Russians were burning, but Flannigan said top secret documents and spy equipment would fall under the garbage-burning rules. Penalties for such violations are usually determined in settlement conferences, he said.

One problem, Flannigan said, is that it isnt clear whether anybody is receiving consulate mail, and he doesnt know what will happen if nobody responds to the notice.

It's our hope that they are receiving and processing their mail, he said. From our perspective, they committed a violation and we are citing them for it. We hope to work with them to settle this.

Efforts to reach Russian consular officials on Tuesday were unsuccessful.

Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite
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A deadly salmonella outbreak has been linked to papayas grown in Mexico and has prompted recalls after one person died in California.

Bravo Produce Inc. of San Ysidro, Calif. recalled the fruit Sunday after federal investigators traced an infected sample of Maradol papayas to shipments imported from Tijuana, the Los Angeles Times reported.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 people have become infected with the Salmonella Anatum strain in California, Arizona and Colorado. Food Safety News reported that a dozen of those infected are from California alone.

RELATED VIDEO: A Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Has Been Linked to Pet Turtles

Now Playing: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating an outbreak of dozens of U.S. Salmonella cases it has linked to contact with pet turtles. Video: Brandpoint

After samples were taken from four people who said they bought and consumed papayas from the same retail chain, the tests matched the same strain found by the Food and Drug Administration on papayas imported by Bravo Produce Inc.

ALSO READ: State health officials warn of salmonella risks linked to backyard poultry

All the infected papayas have origins from farms in Mexico and so far, three other brands of Maradol papayas have been recalled including: Caribena brand distributed by Grande Produce (Texas), some Cavi brand papayas distributed by Agrosons (New York), and Valery brand papayas distributed by Freshtex Produce (Texas).

The FDA urges consumers to toss out papayas from those brands in addition to not consume papayas if they arent sure of their origins.

Furthermore, the FDA wants to make sure other brands of papayas arent on the market from four farms in Mexico linked to the salmonella outbreaks.

Here is the list of farms in Mexico linked to salmonella outbreaks:
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Self-driving trucks, rather than throwing millions of drivers out of work, might actually increase the number of trucking jobs, two industry representatives told a U.S. Senate committee hearing Wednesday.

Instead of eliminating jobs, autonomous technology could change the job into something much more like that of an airline pilot, said Troy Clarke. Clarke, the head of a trucking trade group and CEO of Navistar International Corp., one of the nations largest truck makers, said that trucks would drive themselves on long stretches of highway, but still need humans to navigate complex city streets and deal with customers on both ends of the trip.

And by taking away some of the tedium and exhaustion, robotic trucks could help attract new employees to trucking companies that often complain of driver shortages.

They already have driverless trucks, but thats because they have trouble recruiting and retaining drivers, Clarke said, speaking to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Large-scale displacement of drivers is not likely to happen, especially in the short and medium term.

Concern over the fate of Americas 3.5 million truckers has grown as self-driving technology advances. Several companies  including Bay Area startup Otto, which was bought last year by Uber, and Embark, a Belmont company, which has raised $17 million from investors are developing autonomous trucks. Many of those companies say they want to develop systems that assist drivers rather than replace them.

Theres always disruption, said Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., during the hearing. When they invented the talkies, all the piano players in the movie theaters lost their jobs. Time moves on, and weve got to have a plan in place.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued guidelines for self-driving-car development, guidance that was updated this week by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. Congress is also considering legislation for the fast-changing field. So far, however, that legislation has focused on cars and light-duty vehicles  not freight-hauling trucks.

Chris Spear, president of the American Trucking Associations, argued that completely autonomous trucks capable of driving themselves in all situations  a technology referred to as level 5 automation  remain decades away.

Spear, too, sees autonomous systems as easing the monotony of the job and boosting recruiting.

Wed like them to be less fatigued, better rested, and if technology can help with that, thats good for the entire public, Spear told the committee. Quite frankly, we dont see it as a displacement issue, because we dont believe level 5  no steering wheel, no driver  is imminent.

David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF
REDWOOD CITY (BCN)

San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa introduced a resolution today in favor of banning cellphone use in crosswalks.

During this afternoon's meeting, the full board unanimously passed Canepa's resolution urging state lawmakers to ban distracted walking.

"The state rightly banned texting and driving and now its time to protect pedestrians," Canepa said.

Now Playing: San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa plans to introduce a resolution Tuesday to encourage state lawmakers to pass some sort of law - to crack down on distracted pedestrians, those who walk with their eyes glued to their phones in crosswalks. Alli Video: KTVU

Canepa said he is confident the state Legislature will pursue a law banning the use of electronic devices in crosswalks because a similar law recently was passed in Honolulu, Hawaii.

"I'm confident lives will be saved with this effort," Canepa said.

The California Office of Traffic Safety last year proclaimed September "California Pedestrian Safety Month" in response to the increasing numbers of pedestrians killed and injured on the state's roadways.

In 2016, 892 pedestrians were killed on California roadways. The pedestrian deaths were 24 percent of all roadway deaths in the state, up from 17 percent 10 years ago.
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) A day-long workshop was today organised by the NDMC to sensitise municipal councillors about vector-borne diseases.

At least 545 fresh dengue cases have been reported over the last week in Delhi, taking the total number of people affected this season to 1,730, according to the latest municipal report.

The number of cases of malaria and chikungunya, till September 9, stands at 611 and 432.

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Health experts from the Delhi government and the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) interacted with public representatives.

The event hosted by the BJP-led North Delhi Municipal Corporation at the Civic Centre here, however, saw average attendance from the councillors, with just a handful of them asking questions during the Q & A session.

The NDMC has a total of 104 councillors in six zones.

Delhi Deputy Mayor Vijay Bhagat appealed to the councillors to come forward and play an important role in creating awareness among the masses.

Joint Director, NVBDCP, Dr P K Srivastava said, "27 degrees Celsius temperature and 72 per cent relative humidity are the most favourable conditions for the growth of larvae of dengue mosquitoes (aedes aegypti). So, care should be taken to not allow stagnation of water where such vectors could grow."

He also said the growing urbanisation and areas of vegetation coming closer to human colonies was one of the reasons why dengue mosquitoes have come into proximity.

Additional Commissioner (Health) Pankaj Kumar Singh said public participation is must to control the spread of any disease.

"We are sensitising people through advertisements related to vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya. Most of the dengue cases are reported from households and so councillors can help in preventing mosquito-breeding there," he said.

A senior doctor in the Delhi government, S M Raheja, gave a presentation on mosquito breeding and on the life cycle of a mosquito.

"The life cycle of an aedes aegypti mosquito is about seven-eight days. If we break the life cycle in between by just changing the water, it would also check their breeding," he said.

Vector-borne diseases are reported between mid-July and November-end. Cases of all the three vector-borne diseases were reported much earlier this time, which doctors had attributed it to the early arrival of the monsoon.

Dengue and chikungunya are caused by aedes aegypti mosquito, which breeds in clear water. Anopheles mosquito, which causes malaria, can breed in both fresh and muddy water. PTI KND GVS

--- ENDS ---

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SACRAMENTO  California would pick up the first year of community college for virtually all full-time freshmen under a bill passed by the state Legislature on Wednesday and headed to Gov. Jerry Brown.

AB19 by Assemblymen Miguel Santiago, D-Los Angeles; David Chiu, D-San Francisco; and Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, would waive the $46-per-unit fee for full-time students in California entering their first year of community college. Low-income students already can apply for a fee waiver, but the bill would cover the cost for an additional 19,000 students first year. Each student taking 12 units each semester would save $1,104 a year under the bill.

Our state used to make higher education affordable, and for California to stay a great state, it has to be affordable again, Chiu said.

Students would still be responsible for other educational and living expenses if not covered by financial aid or scholarships. Lawmakers said they hope the bill will increase enrollment and college completion rates.

City College of San Francisco saw its enrollment spike after the college made attendance virtually free for San Francisco residents who have lived in the state for at least a year. Fall enrollment was up 16 percent over last year, or nearly 4,900 students.

Brown has not indicated whether he supports AB19.

The bill was among hundreds lawmakers have moved through so far this week. Bills must pass by the end of the legislative session Friday or they die for this year. Among the bills passed by the Legislature on Wednesday were:

 SB63 by state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, which would allow new mothers and fathers working for smaller businesses to receive 12 weeks of job-protected parental leave. Brown vetoed a similar measure by Jackson last year.

Jackson said she worked with Brown to address his concerns and is confident he will sign her legislation this time. SB63 would require businesses with 20 to 49 employees to offer parental leave. The bill does not require that leave to be paid. Companies with 50 or more employees are already required to provide 12 weeks of leave.

The bill would extend the job protections to 2.7 million more Californians. Those workers already pay into the states family leave program, but for employees at smaller companies, there is no guarantee that their job will be waiting for them when they return.

Any parent knows that the birth of a child comes with many challenges, Jackson said. But losing a job should not be among them.

 SB17, by Sen. Ed Hernandez, D-West Covina (Los Angeles County), which would require pharmaceutical companies to notify health plans before raising the cost of drugs. Supporters say that disclosing drug price hikes and requiring manufacturers to explain those increases will increase transparency and allow health insurers to negotiate lower costs.

 SB20, by Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, which would require bus drivers and passengers to wear seat belts if a bus has them. Hill introduced the bill after a crash last year in San Jose in which two passengers were ejected from a bus and died.

The federal government requires new buses to be manufactured with seat belts, but California does not mandate that passengers put them on.

 AB280 by Assemblyman Evan Low, D-San Jose, which would allow taxpayers to donate a portion on their income tax return to a fund that would help law enforcement eliminate the states rape-kit backlog. Low said since the state does not have a dedicated funding source in the budget, the voluntary donation would help ensure that evidence taken following a sexual assault is processed quickly.

There is no excuse for leaving critical evidence unexamined, Low said.

 AB785, by Assemblyman Reginald Jones-Sawyer, D-Los Angeles, which would bar individuals convicted of a hate crime from buying or possessing a gun within 10 years of their conviction. Existing law prohibits people convicted of other crimes, like assault or battery, from owning a gun for 10 years, but that does not include hate crime convictions.

 AB250 by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, D-San Diego, which would create a program to reduce the cost of campgrounds, cabins, hostels and motels along the states coast for low- and moderate-income families.

Too many California families simply cant afford a trip to the beach, Gonzalez Fletcher said. Rental rates are astronomical. Throw in parking, gas and all the other expenses, and ... our beautiful ocean is out of reach for many hardworking families.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
San Francisco will temporarily halt approvals of new cannabis dispensaries just months before the sale of recreational marijuana becomes legal in California, the Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday.

The ordinance imposing a 45-day moratorium on the industry, which passed 9-2, prompted fierce debate after Supervisor Malia Cohen introduced it in July. It drew criticism from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, whose members feared it would choke off the citys nascent pot trade, the jobs it could create and the tax revenue it would produce.
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten  Frances president and the Dutch king visited Caribbean territories on Tuesday that were hammered by Hurricane Irma, bringing in much-needed food, water and medical supplies amid accusations that European governments had been unprepared, slow to react and sometimes even racist in their responses to the devastation.

The visit came as residents tried to revive a sense of normalcy amid the chaos and destruction wrought by the Category 5 hurricane with small gestures like sharing radios and rescuing dogs.

The Dutch Red Cross said more than 200 people were still listed as missing on St. Maarten, but with communications extremely spotty a week after the storm hit it wasnt clear how many were simply without cell service and power and unable to let friends and family know they had survived. The organization said 90 percent of buildings on the Dutch territory were damaged and a third destroyed as Irma roared across the island it shares with French St. Martin.

Yogesh Bodha, a 37-year-old jewelry store employee, said there was no response from European officials for two days, and that he hasnt seen many changes since Dutch authorities arrived on St. Maarten.

They shouldve been more organized than they were, he said. We have not received any food or water. They say its on its way. Lets see.

French President Emmanuel Macron flew into Guadeloupe on Tuesday before heading to hard-hit St. Martin, where he met in debris-littered streets with residents. He was accompanied by doctors and teams of experts who were to help lead the recovery effort.

Macron said 11 people were killed in St. Martin, and four people died on the Dutch side of the island, bringing the death toll in the Caribbean to at least 35.

At a news conference in the Pointe-a-Pitre airport before departing for St. Martin, Macron said the governments top priority was to help island residents return to normal life.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander, who arrived in St. Maarten on Monday, said the scenes of devastation he witnessed were the worst he had ever seen.

Ive never experienced anything like this before and Ive seen a lot of natural disasters in my life. Ive seen a lot of war zones in my life, but Ive never seen anything like this, Willem-Alexander said.

Danica Coto, Nicolas Garriga and Sylvie Corbet are Associated Press writers.
MARIGOT, St. Martin  French and British officials promised to beef up emergency and long-term aid to their countries stricken Caribbean territories after seeing firsthand the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Wednesday that Britain must move quickly to help as Prime Minister Theresa May told Parliament an extra $33 million would be made available on top of the $42 million already pledged.

This is going to be a big, big job, Johnson said as he made his way through the water-damaged rooms of a hospital on the island of Anguilla. He said Britain needs to put the pedal to the metal to get things back to normal.

French President Emmanuel Macron inspected the damage to St. Barts and met with local officials there Wednesday after spending the night sleeping on a camp cot in neighboring St. Martin, which was hit particularly hard.

Chagrined leaders have rebuffed criticism that former colonial powers have not moved quickly enough to help citizens in their Caribbean territories after the hurricane left thousands of homes, businesses and public buildings in ruins.

Some of the tourism-dependent islands, after days without electricity and with food and water supplies, have drifted close to lawlessness.

The security situation in the British Virgin Islands was exacerbated by the escape of more than 100 inmates from a prison breached by Irma. Alarmed British authorities deemed the situation very serious, but did not provide further details.

British troops and police are helping to keep order, with more on the way. Johnson planned to visit the British Virgin Islands later Wednesday.

Macron did not speak to the news media during his visit to St. Barts. On Tuesday night, he promised to rebuild St. Martin as a model island that would be a showcase of French excellence and to take steps to diversify its economy so its less reliant on tourism.

In further response to complaints that his government didnt do enough to handle Irmas wrath, Macron also pledged to evacuate residents of his countrys Caribbean territories and provide services and shelter for those who choose to stay.

Moreover, the Dutch navy is sending a huge cargo ship to the Caribbean loaded with supplies and aid for residents of the former Dutch colony of St. Maarten.

Danica Coto, Nicolas Garriga and Gregory Katz are Associated Press writers
PFORZHEIM, Germany  A nationalist party that wants Germany to close its borders to migrants, leave Europes common currency and end sanctions against Russia is predicted to enter parliament for the first time this month, propelled by voters anger at Chancellor Angela Merkels decision to let more than a million refugees into the country since 2015.

Alternative for Germany, or AfD, is forecast to take between 8 and 11 percent of the vote Sept. 24, giving it dozens of lawmakers in the national parliament. Some polls even project that it could even come in third behind Merkels party and the center-left Social Democrats.
BEIRUT  Syrias civil war has been one of the modern worlds most brutal conflicts and one of its most heavily filmed. Hundreds of thousands of amateur videos uploaded to YouTube document every heartbeat of the war over the past seven years, from momentous events like cities under bombardment to intimate scenes like a father cradling his dead children.

Syrian activists fear all that history could be erased as YouTube moves to rein in violent content. In the past few months, the online video giant has implemented new policies to remove material considered graphic or supporting terrorism, and hundreds of thousands of videos from the conflict suddenly disappeared without notice. Activists say crucial evidence of human rights violations risks being lost  as well as having an outlet to the world that is crucial for them.

Activists are rushing to set up alternative archives, but they also recognize nothing can replace YouTube because of its technological infrastructure and global reach.

It is like we are writing our memories  not in our own book but in a third partys book. We dont have control of it, said Hadi al-Khatib, co-founder of the Syrian Archive, a group founded in 2014 to preserve open source evidence of crimes committed by all sides of the Syrian conflict.

Based on his database and review of around 900 groups and individuals, al-Khatib said some 180 channels connected to Syria have been shut since June, when YouTube began using machine learning protocols to sift through videos on the site for objectionable content.

Working with YouTube, al-Khatibs group secured the return of about 20 channels, salvaging about 400,000 videos. But about 150,000 videos remain in jeopardy, pending a decision from YouTube, which is still reviewing whether to reinstate them, he said.

Nothing is lost forever yet, al-Khatib said, speaking from Berlin. But this is very dangerous, because there is no alternative for YouTube.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, says it will take corrective steps on any videos improperly taken down and that it is in dialogue with the activists on a solution. But many activists fear a repeat or a permanent loss. The shutdowns were chilling for a community that had just celebrated a possible precedent for Syria when the International Criminal Court in August issued an arrest warrant based on video evidence for a Libyan military commander.

One prominent Syrian human rights group, the Video and Documentation Center in Syria, said it will stop using YouTube and will set up its own storage and platform. The risk became very big now and we dont trust this platform anymore for keeping violations evidence, Husam AlKatlaby, VDC executive director, said in an email.

Activists used YouTube first to report on the peaceful protests that erupted in 2011 against the rule of President Bashar Assad, using videos taken on mobile phones. As the conflict got bloody, so did the videos, catching the aftermath of chemical attacks, spectacular aerial bombings, rescuers pulling children from rubble, and new strikes hitting rescuers and survivors. Militant groups uploaded videos of beheadings. Government supporters uploaded their own imagery and propaganda.

Often, the images were the only thing to grab the worlds attention in an intractable conflict. A video last year that was viewed more than 4.3 million times showed a child covered in blood and dust after surviving an air strike in Aleppo, as government forces advanced to recapture the city.

If they take it down, there will be no graphic content but there will be no evidence, said al-Khatib.

Sarah El Deeb is an Associated Press writer.
JERUSALEM  Israeli banks are contributing to the proliferation of West Bank settlements by providing loans and mortgages for construction there, violating their human rights obligations, Human Rights Watch said in a report Wednesday.

The report said that Israeli law does not require banks to provide such services to the settlements, and urged them to distance themselves from such activities. It also urged the banks shareholders to ensure that their business relationships do not contribute to or benefit from human rights violations.

Human Rights Watch says the banks have helped the expansion of the West Bank settlements, which are now home to some 400,000 Israelis.

Sari Bashi, the groups Israel and Palestine advocacy director, said the banks should abide by the U.N. guiding principles on business and human rights, a set of nonbinding guidelines meant to address and remedy abuses committed in business activity, or else face action by shareholders.

There are many, many steps banks can and should take to at the very least reduce their involvement in settlements, if not stop it entirely, she said. If they choose not to take steps, institutional investors who care about their own human rights activity should take action.

Israel captured the West Bank, along with the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel has since annexed East Jerusalem in a move that is not recognized internationally, and it withdrew from Gaza in 2005.

Most of the international community considers settlements illegal and an obstacle to creating a Palestinian state. Israel disputes this, saying the fate of the settlements must be resolved through negotiations with the Palestinians.

Israels banks lend money to home buyers, settlement councils or to companies carrying out construction in the West Bank. Most also have branches in settlements.

Israeli law requires banks to accept settlers as customers, meaning they cannot refuse to open accounts for them. But a legal analysis by Human Rights Watch of Israeli banking laws concluded that banks are not obligated to provide financial backing for construction in the West Bank.

While an antidiscrimination law prohibits refusal of service based on place of residence, the report said banks could cite other reasons for declining to provide loans, such as the constructions implications for Palestinians human rights. The law also allows companies to decline to serve certain areas so long as they provide advance notice to customers.

It is Human Rights Watchs assessment that banks can, under domestic law, avoid providing many services that support settlements and settlement activity, and that doing so is necessary to fulfill their human rights responsibilities, the report said.

The relevant laws have yet to be challenged in court, meaning the report offers only one interpretation of how they may be read.

Human Rights Watch has previously issued a report claiming businesses operating in the settlements contribute to Israels violation of human rights.

Tia Goldenberg is an Associated Press writer.
TUNIS, Tunisia  Some denounce it as a violation of Islamic law, others embrace it as revolutionary: An initiative by Tunisias president to make inheritance and marriage rules fairer to women is reverberating around the Muslim world, and risks dividing his country.

The 90-year-old president, Beji Caid Essebsi, argues that Tunisia needs to fight discrimination and modernize. Hes gambling that he can shepherd through such changes because his secular party is in a coalition with an Islamist one, and because his overwhelmingly Muslim country has a history of relatively progressive views toward women.

In a speech last month, Essebsi proposed allowing women the same inheritance rights as men, instead of the current system based on Islamic Shariah law, which generally grants daughters only half the inheritance given to sons.

The president also suggested allowing Muslim women to marry non-Muslims. Currently, Muslim men are allowed to marry non-Muslims but not the other way around. He announced the creation of a commission led by a female lawyer and rights activist aimed at drafting revised rules.

Just raising the call for changes is a dramatic move. Mainstream Muslim clerics almost universally see the inheritance rules as enshrined in the Quran, Islams holy book, and consider the rules on marriage to be equally unquestionable in Shariah. Most Muslim-majority countries in the Mideast and Asia enforce the rules since they use Shariah as the basis for personal status and family law. Some worry that such changes could stir up extremist anger in a country that has already suffered deadly attacks.

The president argues that existing practice violates Tunisias constitution, adopted in 2014 in the wake of the Arab Spring revolution, and that he wants Tunisia to reach total, actual equality between men and women citizens in a progressive way, as called for in the charter.

He said he wants to fight discrimination in a country where half of engineers are women, as are a majority of medical, agricultural and textile workers and those with higher education.

Muslim parents who see the inheritance laws as unjust often resort to putting assets in their daughters names during their lifetimes.

Bouazza Ben Bouazza is an Associated Press writer.
WASHINGTON  A top American military commander has declassified 81 locations of unexploded bombs dropped by the U.S.-led coalition in the battle to oust Islamic State militants from the Iraqi city of Mosul. And officials are considering similar disclosures for other areas, in a rare step to help aid groups and contractors clear explosives from war-ravaged Iraqi cities.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, in a newly released memo, said he was providing a list of geographic coordinates for the sake of public safety. The list, he said, includes the type of munition and the latitude and longitude of the expected location, so that duly authorized experts may more easily locate, render safe, and dispose of possible coalition unexploded ordnance.

Townsend told a small group of reporters in Baghdad last month that he would seek a way for the military to help groups find bombs that didnt detonate after they were dropped in coalition air strikes in Mosul.

The military does not normally release that list of classified data, although there are ongoing international and U.S. programs, with millions of dollars in aid, that work to clean up explosives around the world, including minefields.

The coalitions unexploded bombs are part of a wider problem in Mosul. The bulk of the explosives remaining around the city were hidden by Islamic State fighters to be triggered by the slightest movement, even picking up a seemingly innocent childs toy, lifting a vacuum cleaner or opening an oven door. The effort could continue wreaking destruction on Iraqs second-largest city even though Islamic State was defeated after a nine-month battle.

U.S. Embassy officials and contractors hired to root out the hidden explosives have described the extent of the problem as unprecedented, saying Islamic State littered the city with booby traps that will likely take years, if not decades, to uncover and clear.

Officials with the State Departments conventional weapons destruction program said that right now they are focusing on areas in Iraq that have been liberated from Islamic State insurgents. But there are ongoing discussions with the military about getting similar data for unexploded bombs in Ramadi, Fallujah, Tikrit and other locations. Townsends decision came just days before he turned over command of the Iraq and Syria wars to Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, after spending about a year in the war zone.

Lolita C. Baldor is an Associated Press writer.
I attended The (R)evolution Of Steve Jobs toward the end of its sold-out run in the Santa Fe Operas 2017 season. By late August, the sun was setting before 8 pm and late monsoons threatened in the distance. A vivid tableau presented itself: to the west, the Jemez Mountains darkened while lightning flashes illuminated the sky; center stage, video projections dramatically lit up walls of the ubiquitous iPhone interface.

My actual iPhone lay obediently silenced in my purse. The lightning may or may not have continued on the horizon. I stopped looking, riveted by the spectacle on stage.

I've used Apple products for decades. I obtained my first newspaper internship by lying and saying I knew how to use the paper's brand-new Macs, figuring I'd figure it out if I was hired. I was hired, and I did indeed figure it out. Apple, as we all know now, merged shiny design with idiot-proof technology. I've been an increasingly reluctant Apple user ever sincea busted IIsi lives in my closet, and I suspect will stay there for the duration. My iPhone, on the other hand, is always nearby, although I monitor my once-incessant use of it in deference to my waning attention span, sleep cycle and peace of mind.

Steve Jobs' legacy, his complicated hand in reshaping our relationship to technology, can't be disputed. Nor can its disquieting consequences be ignored.

This evolving tension between science and technology's key advances and the people who live with them is at the core of SFO's Tech and the West initiative, launched with the Jobs opera and set to continue through next year.

Andrea Fellows Walters, Santa Fe Operas director of education and community engagement, spearheads interdisciplinary programming for the new Tech and the West initiative. (Julia Goldberg)

Andrea Fellows Walters, the operas director of education and community engagement, saw the

Jobs

world premiere this year coupled with next summers

Dr. Atomic

as an opportunity to build multi-year programming with community partnersthe Santa Fe Institute, New Mexico History Museum, Los Alamos Historical Society and The Carl and Marilynn Thomo Art Foundation among them. The resulting initiative is an expansive interdisciplinary program that includes lectures, discussions, films and art.

Set in 1945, Dr. Atomic explores the events preceding the first atomic bomb detonation at the Trinity Site in New Mexico. As the opera's title implies, the story mines the narrative of its "hero"Manhattan Project leader Robert Oppenheimerin much the same way (R)evolution explores Jobs' personal arc. Spoiler alert: Neither man changed the world with a cheerful song in his heart.

Walters, a librettist whose one-act opera Trinity commissioned for SFO's 50th anniversary tackles the same seminal time period, believes the new program is a means toward education and inquiry.

"When we were grappling with the themes, we went back and forth a lot about the sense of the greater good," she says. "Were Jobs and Oppenheimer creating for the greater good? Was a greater good being served, despite destructive outcomes?" Philosophical Pandora's box aside, the Jobs and Oppenheimer operas also present a chance to tell compelling stories, Walters says, while drawing in new opera fans.

Tech and the West's first year of programming centered around the concept of creative expression; next year'swhich will feature a keynote by Richard Rhodes, Pultizer Prize-winning author of The Making of the Atomic Bombwill have "modern-day Prometheus" as its thematic backdrop (in Greek mythology, Prometheus gifted fire to the world and was thus punished by Zeus by being chained to a rock and having his liver eaten daily).

Both operas create what Walters describes as a "moment in time"our timewhile highlighting artistic innovations, in the orchestra pit and on stage. The Westour backyard and the larger Western culture we inhabitmake these operas particularly resonant.

That backyard contains specific significance for Heather McClenahan, executive director of the Los Alamos Historical Society, one of Tech and the West's partners. The historical society focuses on vivifying the stories of the people behind Los Alamos' history: Dr. Atomic and Tech and the West's community programs will help those stories reach new audiences, McClenahan says.

"We like to think our history is very relevant to what's happening in the world," McClenahan says. "We are living with nuclear weapons  and I think if you understand the history and the context and the people involved, it helps you contextualize what's happening in the modern world."

After the Jobs' opera ended, I uploaded the unimpressive photo I'd snapped on my iPhone to Instagram with the requisite hashtags. I had tried to capture the sky and the stage but neither was quite as I'd seen it. It's out there now, anyway.



The Interface is a twice-monthly column about science, technology and innovation. Email: juliagoldberg@sfreporter.com.



Santa Fe Reporter
Facts: I'm single, I live alone, I don't like to cook but I do love to eat. This is the perfect recipe for someone who goes to restaurants and bars by themselves  a lot.

Luckily for me, eating alone in Santa Fe is actually awesome. My criteria for a favorite: comfortable ambiance, nice waitstaff, good fare and a crowd that tends to be friendly. (I may go out by myself, but I still like to talk to people.)

More Facts: It's a myth that servers treat you poorly as a one-top. I've encountered many a server who seems relieved that it's "just me"no carrying seven entrees at once. Just always be sure to tip well, since they are missing out on some cash when it's just one person ordering. And know your limitsunless you hitched an Uber or Lyft, you're driving yourself home, so be smart.

Cowgirl

319 S Guadalupe St., 982-2565

I go to Cowgirl quite a bit. It's right near my house, that $7 pineapple cider lava lamp (cider with a float of frozen margarita) is legit and the servers are great. My favorite C-Girl time is late afternoon. Sometimes I slip out of work early and head over to the bar, where there are always a few service-industry types from other restaurants having a drink either after the lunch shift or before the dinner shift. Most of them know each other and conversations are easy and interesting.

I watched one regular sketch another regular on a placemat; he asked the bartender to hang it by the clock. (It's still there.) I once struck up conversation with a neighbor having a burger, and he ended up being an actor and model from the mountains of Coloradowe're still Facebook friends. I'll down a $7 barbecue beef sandwich during happy hour and mull over ways to reduce fatigue with a server to my left or how hard it might be to "make it" in Santa Fe with an artist to my right.

There's also the communal table out on the patio during the warmer months. Sharing my huge dessert with another party of one from Austria (who asked me to repeat "strawberry shortcake" again and again until she remembered it) or getting a shot of Seagram's sent over from a woman in a leather jacket who called herself T-Bone were highlights.

The Ranch House

2571 Christos Road, 424-8900

A few months ago I walked into the Ranch House and asked the hostess if I could just head into the bar. "Oh, sure," she said, "the manager loves you."

"I'm sorry," I said, "I think you're confusing me for someone else. I don't know the manager."

"No," the hostess said, "we know who you are. Go on in."

And that's when I realized just how often I go to the Ranch House to eat a half rack of ribs by myself. But I mean, come on. They're red-chile-honey-glazed and come with two sides (I get the butternut squash and calabacitas) and a huge hunk of green chile cornbread with whipped butter, all for $17.95. Tack on a Harvest Mule ($8), made with vanilla vodka and ginger beer, and you're set. I can't even see the word "ribs" without craving a trip to the Southside.

Vinaigrette

709 Don Cubero Alley, 820-9205

Even an Extrovert Supreme like me needs some quiet time. When the need for calm strikes, I head to the salad capital of Santa Fe. I'm not even a huge fan of greens, but Vinaigrette has won me over. The sun-drenched dining room is both cheery and soothing. I get a Beet Goes On with grilled chicken ($17.95), a Vinny Sunrise (grapefruit soda with hibiscus, $3.75), maybe a cup of gumbo ($5), sit back in the simple surroundings and space out peacefully. If it's nice out, Vinaigrette has one of the most underrated patios in townit wraps all the way around the back of the restaurant and is tree-shaded, refreshing and tucked away from Cerrillos traffic.

Also of note is the soundtrack at this stop; whoever chooses Vinny's Spotify station, hats off to you. Weirdo tunes that sound decidedly non-weirdo until you listen harder are my favorite things to enjoy while I sip an aesthetically pleasing sparkling drink.



Santa Fe Reporter
Sometimes the word poet carries a lot of baggage, Michael Dylan Welch, cofounder of the Haiku North America Conference, says. But, as Jack Kerouac put it, Haiku should be as simple as porridge. Theres seemingly not much to it, but its still healthy and fulfilling.

Welch shares his description of haiku in preparation for the biennial iteration of the conference, which takes place in Santa Fe this week. Haiku North America began in 1991 in San Francisco and has since moved around the United States and Canada to cities including Toronto, Portland, Chicago, Boston and Ottawa. This year marks its first appearance in the Southwest.

"Santa Fe has been on the radar for a long time," Welch tells SFR. "There's something about the community that attracts poets and has drawn a lot of people out of the woodwork to this conference."

This year boasts the largest number of attendees to date with over 220 poets and haiku enthusiasts coming from a numerous states such as New Mexico, Alaska and Pennsylvania, as well as countries like Canada, Mexico and Japan. All levels are welcome to attend and learn more about the art form through workshops, presentations and readings about haiku history, criticism and contemporary writing.

Sowhat makes a haiku a haiku, exactly?

"The simple answer is the 5-7-5 syllables taught in fourth grade classes," Charles Trumbull, local haiku poet and leader of this year's organizing committee explains, "but any serious haiku poet ignores that." Because Japanese and English syllables differ, the form can get lost in translation.

Trumbull posits that instead, "haiku is all about images." It is the art of using words to put two seemingly separate images together in a way that puzzles a reader because there is no immediately visible connection. But, when a reader discovers the thread that joins the lines of a poem, they experience an epiphany, or what Trumbull describes as the "aha! moment."

Teruko Kumei, professor of American history and culture at Shirayuri University in Tokyo, adds that haiku are powerful primary historical documents. "Haiku and senryu [a similar poetic form] are the records of life, the poems of sentiments," she says

Kumei delivers a lecture at the conference this week titled "Haiku and Senryu in the Santa Fe Internment Camp," which delves into how this art form can help our current communities relate to the experiences of our past, specifically the internment camp that was located just a few miles from the Santa Fe Plaza between 1942 and 1946.

A plaque acknowledging the camp was dedicated in April 2002 at the Frank S Ortiz Dog Park as "a reminder that history is a valuable teacher if only we do not forget our past." Kumei's lecture uncovers this past through readings of 60 poems written by internees during that period (though over 8,000 were written in the camp). "The process of composing haiku or senryu poems helped inmates live through their stress, anxiety, worry and loneliness," she says.

Haiku North America also offers free nightly poetry readings for those who did not register for the conference but are interested in participating. In addition, Axle Contemporary's current show, Playing with Haiga, is scheduled to appear outside Hotel Santa Fe during the conference.

Playing with Haiga explores haiga, a style that evolved after haiku. While haiku is rooted in text, haiga combines text and image into one composition. Traditionally, the art form also creates one of those "aha! moments" in which the text is not a direct caption for the image and the image is not a direct interpretation of the text. Rather, each is a seemingly disparate component until the viewer discovers the bridge of connection.

Jerry Wellman, co-founder of Axle, tells us the show features six local artists including Juliana Coles, Collestipher Chatto and Luke Dorman, plus students from New Mexico School for the Arts who take creative liberties within the haiga tradition. Axle also collaborated with the students and Karina Hean, NMSA visual arts chair, to create large haiga banners to be marched through the conference on Thursday evening at 6 pm. Wellman explains that, just as haiga breaks the mold of haiku, "The students walking the banners also breaks the world of how to show art."

With the confluence of activities and discussions, Haiku North America becomes a hub of inspiration for both aspiring and established poets. "HNA is a catalyst," Welch tells SFR. "It energizes people to write, to create, to sharethis is where it all begins."







Public Poetry Readings

8 pm Wednesday Sept. 13; 7:30 pm

Thursday and Friday Sept. 14 and 15. Free.

Hotel Santa Fe,

1501 Paseo de Peralta,

982-1200



Playing With Haiga at Axle Contemporary

All Day Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 13 and 14. Free.

Outside Hotel Santa Fe,

1501 Paseo de Peralta,

982-1200;



All Day Saturday Sept. 16. Free.

Outside SITE Santa Fe,

1606 Paseo de Peralta,

989-1199

Santa Fe Reporter
Meghan Lockard graduated St. John's College in 2007, and this weekend returns to campus to present a Homecoming lecture titled "An Evolutionary Perspective on Oxytocin and the Interpersonal Bond" (3:15 pm Saturday Sept. 16. Free. St. John's College, 1160 Camino Cruz Blanca, 984-6000). She discusses her research as a fellow in the labratory of neural circuits and behavior at Rockefeller University in New York City.



This all sounds kind of heady. Can you explain what you'll be talking about, for a layperson?

I'm trying to make the argument that animals, even lower-form animals such as nematodes, have subjective experiences that are qualitatively different from ours, but are akin to what we experience, emotionally.

OK, that's still a lot of big words. What it sounds like to me is: 'Nematodes can make friends.'

I think it's more like, 'Nematodes can get off.'

How does this translate to the study of oxytocin in humans?

We can do things experimentally to nematodes that we can't do to humans, for practical and ethical reasons. Genetics, for exampleI can't make a human that doesn't have oxytocin and see what their behavior is like.  Oxytocin is important to our vascular system, so that fetus would be stillborn, and even if that weren't the case, we don't have time to wait around 20 years for a human to reach sexual maturity. Nematodes, on the other hand, reach sexual maturity in three days, and we can make them glow, and we can watch neural activity while they behave, and we can manipulate their neural activity with molecular tools.  One of the things I'm going to talk about is how, in our bodies, oxytocin and dopamine work together to promote a lot of social behavior, and it's the same thing in the worm.



Full Disclosure: Charlotte Jusinski performs freelance consulting at St. Johns College.

Santa Fe Reporter
David Silver thinks about the bad things: floods, fires, nuclear meltdowns, zombie apocalypses.

As the city of Santa Fe's emergency management director, it's his job. Whether dealing with roving bands of the recently reanimated or a natural or human-caused disaster, people should have a plan, keep an emergency pack on hand and know who to trust.

"It doesn't matter what the emergency is; the response is going to be very similar," says Silver. That goes for households, emergency responders and the government agencies that help communities recover. The city, for instance, has a hazard mitigation plan for how Santa Fe and its partners would respond to anything from a catastrophic flash flood churning down the Santa Fe River to a nuclear explosion.

Afterwards, it's also the government's job to make sure communities don't suffer from what Silver calls "cascading failures"anything that worsens an already bad situation, such as wastewater treatment plants backing up, hospitals losing power or collapsing bridges cutting off evacuation routes.

In America right now, these aren't just abstract planning exercises.

Hurricane Irma whaled on Florida after obliterating homes, forests and communities in the Caribbean. The storm came just a week and a half after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas. In the Houston area, as the rains kept falling and falling, water inundated homes and submerged entire neighborhoods. People worried about what was in the waternot to mention the air, as petrochemical facilities flooded and even exploded.

During the storms and their aftermaths, as with any emergency, stories of individual heroism and grace emerged.

But rebuilding communities requires government systems, shored up by experts, standard procedures and taxpayer-funded programs and grants.

No hurricanes will slam New Mexico, of course, but near-equivalents lurk in our drying forests, our two nuclear laboratories and our snowmelt-fed riversespecially as impacts from climate change challenge not just water managers and farmers, but also public and mental health providers.

Here at home, the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) works with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help people over the long haul. It's unclear, however, whether the New Mexico agency can stem its own cascading failures.

After years of promises, questions remain at that state agency about how some of its top staff members manage grants and finances, how it's spending money and if it's still holding on to FEMA money that should be passed along to the local governments and tribes that the cash is intended to help.

Just last week, the Office of the State Auditor received the DHSEM's 2016 fiscal year audit from independent analysts. It was more than nine months late.

The state agency's 2015 audit, full of holes and question marks, came in nearly a year late. And it appears to show that staff leadership was either unwilling or unable to share the information accountants needed to understand what's happening with its finances and grants. Auditors found 19 significant problems and noted that "little progress" was made in spreading FEMA money around. That money is critically important: Most of DHSEM's budget comes from the federal government. In 2017, the agency's entire annual budget was $17.7 million; nearly $15 million came from the feds.

But in 2015, it was still holding onto $34 million allocated for emergencies that dated back to 2007.

Until the 2016 audit is made public, it's unknown how much money the department still needs to pay out for recovery from past disasters. The agency did not answer questions or make its experts available for interviews.

That sort of secrecy, along with chronically late audits, leave New Mexicans in the dark about what would happen if a disaster struck tomorrow.

"Getting aid to people and businesses in times of need is the purpose of this agency," state Auditor Tim Keller tells SFR. "It's an absolutely critical department, especially because the public trust is based on them stepping up when people need help, and in a timely manner."

Keller can't discuss the 2016 audit his office just received. "We want it reviewed and out the door, to bring some accountability and transparency," he says, adding that the agency's 2017 audit is due in three months.

"If something more catastrophic were happening in this state, all of a sudden these issues would be front and center, and would be the number one priority of every elected official," Keller says of the budgetary concerns. "Folks have to realize, this is one area you can't go in after and work on this. You have to have it fixed beforehand."

The agency has blamed high staff turnover and vacancies for some of the problems. But rather than hiring employees to fill those positions, it appears to be contracting out work. Typically, it costs an agency more to pay a contractor than to hire a full-time employee with benefits.

Since 2014, the agency has also spent more than a half-million dollars on outside accounting firms and another $1.1 million on IT services.

After a governor declares a disaster and FEMA allocates funding, state and local governments also pony up money for matching grants. Then, once a project is done and inspected, FEMA pays the state using a special account. "As expeditiously as possible," according to the agreement between the state and the feds, it's supposed to send money to the local agency.

In New Mexico, the process is cracked. In 2013, when severe monsoon storms flooded some Pueblos, several tribes were still waiting on millions of dollars from FEMA that had been allocated for disasters that occurred in 2011 and 2012.

In 2016, the contractor who completed disaster cleanup work at Nambe Reservoir a year and a half earlier faced losing his business because the state still owed more than $2 million for the work (News, "Business Disaster," Sept. 7, 2016). FEMA had already paid DHSEM, but the state hadn't passed the money along. Eventually, media coverage drew the attention of US Sen. Martin Heinrich, who pressured the agency to finally cut the check.

While Keller lacks enforcement power, FEMA does not.

If a state fails to properly account for its federal money, FEMA can suspend drawdowns from the special account. And within a three-year window, FEMA can claw back money the state hasn't passed through to subgrantees.

It remains to be seen how the Trump administration will oversee states with grant funding, especially given the gargantuan tasks ahead of FEMA this hurricane season, and with more than 1.6 million acres of wildfires currently burning in the western United States.

There's another problem, too: When the federal awards are made, the state first has to spend some of its own money, which comes from the general fund. Only after the state submits invoices to FEMA does it get reimbursed. If the agency isn't doing that in a timely manner, the money comes from the general fund, instead of the pot of federal money.

After Harvey hit Houston, New Mexico Rep. Bill McCamley (D-Mesilla) volunteered at a Red Cross shelter in San Antonio, Texas. Nonprofits, churches and individuals stepped up in Texas, McCamley says. "It can show us how really good people are, in the best way possible.  But helping out after an emergency is one of the basic things government should do."

Given New Mexico's location and relatively small population, Irma's destruction of Caribbean islands and in the state of Florida or Harvey's hit to Houston aren't really analogous here. But recovering from any type of emergencyand limiting those cascading failuresrequires functioning and trustworthy government agencies.

The financial problems at DHSEM are just a symptom of a larger problem in New Mexico, McCamley says. Many state agencies already can't meet residents' basic needs.

There's no better issue than disaster response to highlight the importance of functioning, resilient government agencies that have the funding and staff they need.

"Once people have been rescued and families are safe, how do you rebuild infrastructure? How do you rebuild homes and get businesses functioning again?" McCamley says. "These are hard and complicated issues, and we have to make sure government functions at at least a basic level, or else this other stuff becomes impossible to figure out."

It's tough for grossly understaffedpossibly even intentionally starvedstate agencies to work properly.

"When we continue to demonize government and not provide departments and agencies the resources they need to function, this is what we get," McCamley says, speaking of an anti-government attitude that precedes the Trump administration, having built over the past four decades in America. "We need to realize in this county that government has an important role, a needed role," he says. "We need to take it seriously."



This story was reported and published in collaboration with New Mexico Political Report, where Laura Paskus is the environment reporter.

Santa Fe Reporter
If you could get high on a city, Fiestas weekend on the Plaza is where you would go to breathe in the essence of Santa Fe. This past Saturday, generations of families and others came to laze around in the late-afternoon sunlight. The smells of fry bread and meat wafted in the air as chomped corn cobs piled up in trash cans. Folklorico music and mariachi trumpets mixed with Baby Boomer-era hits like Creedence Clearwater Revivals Proud Mary as small children bounded on the grass, a few shooting at each other with toy guns.

Aaron Cantu

I was noticing that, as I walked through the Plaza earlier, that it was just as I remembered itit was families with blankets spread out in the Plaza grass and shade, kids running around from blanket square to blanket square, people visiting and seeing people they know, says Jason Younis y Delgado, an artist selling Spanish colonial-style tinwork among the dozens of vendors on Lincoln Avenue. It just heartens me to know that that part of our culture is intact.

The day before on the same street, Santa Fe police officers had handcuffed Jennifer Marley, a Pueblo woman from San Ildefonso and an undergraduate student at the University of New Mexico, after a standoff between police and the protest group Marley had been leading. They later charged her with two misdemeanor counts of criminal trespassing and two felony counts of battery on an officer. Her arrest came shortly after a group of about 150 protesters approached a line of police intent on keeping the group away from the Plaza. Marley was a charismatic organizer of the protest, and her rough detainment had incensed the crowd.

Anson Stevens-Bollen

The protest was aimed at the Entrada pageant, the event that kicks off Fiestas weekend wherein actors perform a version of the citys 1692 reconquest by Don Diego de Vargas. Protesters argue that the pageant inaccurately represents the past and find its depiction of Pueblo subjugation to Spanish rule to be patronizing and racist. While the pageant represents a small sliver of Fiestas weekend, it is tightly wound up in the citys power structure. The mayor and multiple city councilors have a cultural affinity with the production.

The contrast between the two afternoons was on the mind of Younis y Delgado, who questioned the response of the police the day before even while praising the traditions of the weekend. He has a cousin who played the Fiesta queen years ago, after all. But he acknowledges that a refusal by those in power to take the protesters seriously leaves them few options but direct action.

"Do I want to see the Fiestas court being heckled? No, I don't ever want to see that. On the other hand, what pain is behind that?" says Younis y Delgado. "And if you can empathize with that, you can at least open your mind to hearing what their message is."

The night before the Entrada, a Dine woman from Pueblo Pintado named Cheyenne Antonio was among a handful of people making signs at the Wise Fool New Mexico community space. The activists attached sheets of paper onto cardboard placards, praising the 1680 Pueblo Revolt and its leader, Po'Pay, and demanding the protection of Chaco Canyon from fracking. A haunting effigy of a skeletal conquistador with a black heart stood nearby.

Antonio got involved organizing against the Entrada through The Red Nation, an Albuquerque-based political group dedicated to the liberation of Indigenous people, and the University of New Mexico's Kiva Club. She helped lead the successful campaign for Albuquerque to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous People's Day, and was also part of the ongoing effort to get UNM to abandon its conquistador-centric seal.

She is part of a younger generation of Native people who've formed a burgeoning movement over the last several years to confront vestiges and policies of white supremacy and racial capitalism nationwide.

"Our organizers for this event are young," Antonio tells SFR. "It's young people, and so they're more aware. They care about their communities. They're all very active within their Pueblos."

She says that this movement is growing, citing protests against the Entrada from the last two years.

"It's very important we continue to educate ourselves [about] how the state was founded, but also to move forward to protect what is sacred and most valuable to us such as water and air, our health and safety, our tribal sovereignty as a nationbecause in all capacities, we benefit the state."

Absent from the planning meeting was Jennifer Marley, a lead organizer with The Red Nation who would become a political martyr after her arrest. Marley told SFR by phone the night before the Entrada that her own political evolution was shaped not just by the layered violence of the region, but also by her immediate lineage: Her father was of majority European descent, creating internal tension for her as she struggled to form her own identity in San Ildefonso Pueblo.

"Growing up, that was a source of conflict with my own identity because of how I was treated in my community, and whether it was severe or cracking fun of me, it made me self-conscious and self-aware," Marley says. "It had me really thinking critically of the intersection of the identities, and the manifestations of identities that have come to exist here are super important." Her father, she says, was a "violent, sexist, brutal person; he was an embodiment of Spanish conquest and US imperialism, the way he harassed my mother and whole family. So understanding myself as a living product of this violence that's never ended has made me passionate about these struggles."

The modern version of Fiestas and the Entrada have their roots in the early-20th century collaboration between mostly Anglo men, who were prominent merchants and members of local fraternity chapters such as the Scottish Rite. Before that, the sporadic portrayals of the reconquest that would eventually evolve into the Entrada featured reluctant Native participants, according to Chris Wilson, author of The Myth of Santa Fe, published in 1997 by UNM Press.

Pueblo Indians participating in such productions, Wilson writes, "fought mock battles with the Spanish in the 1883 and 1912 pageants and even submitted by kneeling before a large cross in 1883. But starting in 1920, Anglos and Hispanos had to be recruited to fill Indian roles."

The decision in the late 1920s to focus Fiestas' pageantry on the ostensibly peaceful 1692 invasion by Don Diego de Vargas, rather than the violent battles between Pueblo resistance and Spanish colonizers that occurred one year later, he argues, squared well with the city's conscious branding of itself as a melting pot and desire to obscure persistent local inequities. The Catholicization of Fiestas happened gradually from 1920 onward, centered on a 1712 proclamation calling for "Vespers, Mass, sermon and procession through the Plaza" at the weekend's opening.

Fiestas, and specifically the Entrada, has since become a kind of ethnic-religious occasion for generations of Santa Feans who've grown up unaware of anything different. In a piece he wrote in 2011 for Pasatiempo, folk art museum director Khristaan D Villela suggests the deepening religious undertones of Fiestas were "a reaction of the city's Hispanic populace to the increasingly secular and bohemian nature of the city."

The Caballeros de Vargas, a fraternity which was refounded in 1956, organizes Catholic ceremonies dedicated to an interpretation of the Virgin Mary known locally as "La Conquistadora," represented by a wooden madonna brought to New Mexico in the 17th century. They also write the script for the Entrada. The Fiesta Council, meanwhile, is responsible for organizing the majority of the weekend's events and selecting actors to represent de Vargas and La Reina in the Entrada.

The groups also produce local power brokers. A 1989 article in the Albuquerque Journal featuring future mayor Javier Gonzales, who was elected to represent de Vargas that year, shows how close to their hearts some powerful men in the area carry the tradition of the Entrada. At that time, the current mayor's father, brothers, uncle and cousin had portrayed de Vargas before him.

"'I look at my father and we both had tears in our eyes," Gonzales told Journal writer Camille Flores at the time. "The bear hug that followed," Camille wrote, "further sealed a bond between the two men, 22-year-old son Javier and father [George] Gonzales."

At an early-morning Pregon de la Fiesta Mass last Friday, Gonzales addressed the congregation both as mayor and as a devotee of the religious tradition. He praised the 1712 proclamation for its guidance and said he believed the weekend would bring healing and hope. The Fiesta Court and members of the Caballeros de Vargas were also in attendance.

"I pray to La Conquistadora and ask that she allow me to be the alcalde you need on a daily basis," the outgoing mayor said, thanking the congregation one last time for allowing him to serve the city.

The morning proceeded as a mostly typical Catholic Mass, but was interspersed with words from members of the Fiestas elite. Dean Milligan, president of the Fiesta Council, thanked city councilors and former de Vargas actors Ron Trujillo, who is running for mayor next year, and Carmichael Dominguez, for showing up that morning. David Monserrat Jaramillo y Estrada and Hope Andrea Quintana, who were selected by the Fiesta Council to represent de Vargas and La Reina de la Fiesta de Santa Fe, also addressed the congregation, and a priest praised the 1692 resettlement of Santa Fe and the Entrada depiction as "a moment we would like to grow into a whole life of peace."

Also sitting among the pews was Doug Nava, who is gunning for the north side District 1 City Council seat again next year. In a conversation with SFR one month prior, Nava explained that his conflicting feelings about the Entrada pageant came as a result of his personal growth and maturity. He loves Fiestas; he ran for the part of de Vargas in his 20's, and he has a large tattoo of La Conquistadora on his right arm. He now recognizes that the pageant is offensive to some Native people, and says he's open to pushing for changes to the event.



Anson Stevens-Bollen

"It is time for us to become sensitive to people's feelings. I highly support it," he said, referring to ideas for making the Entrada more inclusive. Even so, Nava, who describes himself as a "Spanish person," contends that it is the protesters who are "abrasive," reflecting the sentiment of many who grew up loving the pageant.

"I would never go to a Pueblo and tell them to stop dancing for their corn harvest; that's who they are, that's what they believe, and they do it publicly," said Nava. "But yeah, I can tell you right now, I would love to see a change. And for the sake of human life, I don't want to see downtown turn into a big riot."

There wasn't a riot in the Plaza on Friday, but the police were ready for one. When this year's Entrada kicked off two hours earlier than scheduleda surprise decision made by city officials, the Caballeros de Vargas and the Fiesta Council in order to preempt planned protestsa flank of police looked on uneasily as a few protesters heckled performers on stage. Officers dressed in urban camouflage peered down from surrounding rooftops, snapping photos of anybody in the vicinity of protesters.

Anson Stevens-Bollen

Nobody representing the Pueblo Indians receiving de Vargas entourage got down on their knees, as had upset people during past performances, but the pageants script still emphasized subjugation. De Vargas tells the man playing the part of the Tesuque Pueblo cacique that the Spanish king will grant them a full pardon for the Pueblo rebellion in return for their conversion to Catholicism. Before exiting the stage, the whole procession gathered under the bandstand for one last song. One actor triumphantly waved the flag of the Spanish empire as the audience cheered and jeered.

Police then attempted to herd the growing number of protesters to a "free speech zone" at the northeast corner of the Plaza. Santa Fe Police Captain Adam Gallegos blithely explained over a loudspeaker that they were being moved at the request of the Santa Fe Fiesta Council, the event's permit holder. As the mass of police and protesters on the street between the bandstand and the Palace of the Governors grew more chaotic, some of the Pueblo vendors under the Palace's portal, which was festooned in typical Fiestas fashion with the family crests of names who took part in de Vargas' expedition, expressed mixed feelings at the day's events.

"People don't need to get hurt and people have been hurt in the past. Vendors along the portal have had items that have gotten broken," says a woman named Monica, who says family has sold items under the portal for generations. "I fully understand the reasoning behind the police actions."

Another vendor, Eileen Rosera from the Kewa Pueblo, voiced her support for abolishing the Entrada.

"There is no such thing as a designated area for a protesting event. It is freedom of speech, they can be anywhere they want," she says. "There's never an orderly fashion to everything. Once again, the Native American is being pushed around."

A group bearing signs and life-sized marionettes led by Jennifer Marley arrived to the northeast corner of the Plaza, but was blocked by police because they didn't have a permit. They instead walked up Washington Avenue, freely taking the street as the concentration of cops in the Plaza tried to catch up. A brief standoff ensued at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Marcy Street before Marley was suddenly snatched into a throng of officers. Video taken by SFR shows police pushing aside people who held onto Marley's body as officers yanked her out of the crowd. The booming voices of enraged protesters, who chanted "fuck white supremacy" and "let her go," echoed down the street.

Two separate videos taken by SFR that day suggest that police handled Marley more aggressively than they did two white protesters earlier in the afternoon. In the first video, multiple officers handcuff Sierra Logan and Jennifer Haley while one commands that their limp bodies be carried away. In contrast, officers who arrest Marley tug her arms forward as she is handcuffed and kneeling passively on the street while wearing tall moccasins and a one-shouldered dress in the Pueblo style. Rather than offer to carry her, they demand she stand up. Marley was eventually taken away on foot.



The aftermath of Friday's response to anti-Entrada groups could mark a turning point for the local tradition. The clash was disclosed on the national stage in an Associated Press article, and the ongoing criminal cases of those arrestedall of whom were released from Santa Fe County jail by Sunday afternoonhave mobilized a grassroots network of supporters for the defendants.

In a statement via Twitter, Mayor Gonzales thanked "peaceful protesters," Entrada participants and law enforcement for taking part in a "very difficult conversation" that he says "moved forward." In a later interview with SFR, the mayor says that some Hispanic families, including his own, may have a hard time recognizing their ancestral role in conquest because they lost land and culture in later waves of Anglo-American colonization. He demurred when asked if the Entrada should be abandoned, advocating instead for "dialogue."

Anson Stevens-Bollen

Lawyer Dan Cron is representing Marley on a pro-bono basis. Last November, Cron put together a strike force of local lawyers willing to represent people charged in protests. As soon as he heard of the arrests that happened Friday, Cron tells SFR, he sent out an email blast to criminal defense attorneys on a listserv in order to start pairing attorneys with defendants free of charge.

Outside of criminal court, the New Mexico chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is reviewing the constitutionality of police corralling protesters into a so-called "free speech zone" on behalf of a private entity like the Fiesta Council. Police Chief Patrick Gallagher tells SFR that the police strategy for facing the protest was influenced by recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia, that saw violent clashes including death and injury at a rally turned rumble. The main priority for police, he says, was separating Entrada dectractors and supporters from one another.

ACLU attorney Kristin Greer Love says she's also looking into the possibility of civil rights violations at the Entrada protest, including a claim by one defendant, Julian Rodriguez, that he was not taking part in the protests and was racially profiled prior to his arrest.

That work would add to the pressure the ACLU is already mounting on the city by investigating possible violations of the First Amendment through its financial support for Fiestas week, which supporters have described as a religious celebration. A resolution passed by the city declares that it will reimburse the Fiesta Council for $50,000 annually with funds generated through a lodger's tax.

"We need to see specifically what was reimbursed by the city," she tells SFR, referring to whether financial support for Fiestas goes against the principles of separation of church and state.

At the Municipal Court building on Monday morning, about two dozen defendants and supporters gathered for the arraignments of the Entrada defendants. Ahjo Sipowicz wore a shirt with a piece of paper stapled to it that read, "Free Santa Fe 8," a reference to Carmen Stone, Nicole Ullerich, Sierra Logan, Julian Rodriguez, Jennifer Haley, Trenton Ward, Chad Brown Eagle and Jennifer Marley. All except Marley only face misdemeanor counts of criminal trespass or disorderly conduct.

Savannah Junes, a Pueblo woman from Ohkay Owingeh who helped organize the protests, tells SFR that The Red Nation has created a legal fund for arrestees. She believes Santa Fe Police violated the right to speech and assembly, something that the attorney representing most of the defendants that day, Todd Coberly, also suggests.

Inside the courtroom, defendants sat among the cream-colored pews as Judge Virginia Vigil called up each of them to answer to their charges. Vigil's mix-up of the two Jennifersone of whom only faces two misdemeanor counts, the other two misdemeanors and two feloniescaused some confusion, but everybody pleaded not guilty. Pretrial appearances will happen next month.

Marley will be the last defendant to formally hear her alleged crimes read in court. She was scheduled to appear Wednesday morning in the Santa Fe County Magistrate Court.

In a statement posted to her Facebook after she was released from jail, Marley remained committed to her cause.

"I hope and pray that all realize the necessity for a long term Pueblo Resistance movement, I pray that liberation becomes something possible in the minds of all Native people," she wrote. "Pueblo resistance never died, it is as resilient as we are, and it will persist for centuries to come."



Santa Fe Reporter
The New Zealand dollar was little changed versus the greenback and the Australian dollar ahead of the 1News Colmar Brunton poll tomorrow after jumping late yesterday when the Newshub-Reid Research poll showed National back in the lead.

The kiwi dollar was trading at 72.87 US cents as at 5pm in Wellington from 72.88 cents at the start of the day and 72.27 cents before the poll was released yesterday. The kiwi traded at 90.80 Australian cents from 90.24 cents before the poll yesterday.

Tomorrow evening's Colmar Brunton poll will be keenly watched because it was the same poll last week that surprised markets by putting Labour ahead on 43 percent to National's 39 percent. Yesterday's Reid Research poll reversed the rankings, putting National on 47.3 percent to Labour's 37.8 percent. The New Zealand dollar has fallen about 5 percent against the Australian dollar since Jacinda Adern replaced Andrew Little as Labour leader on Aug. 1 although traders say the cross-rate had already found strong support at around 89.70 Australian cents from exporters and market participants exiting short positions on the cross rate (ie betting the Aussie would rise vs the kiwi).

"We've travelled a long way down on this cross (rate) only for political reasons and there's a point where enough's enough," said Martin Rudings, a senior dealer at OMF. "Orders were absorbing the trades and then we had a poll with National ahead and boom. There's a chance we've put a bottom in place in the short term," he said referring to the lows the kiwi got to against the Aussie before rebounding.

He said tomorrow's poll may show National regained ground from Labour in the past week. "National has done some hard work" since last week's poll in terms of campaigning, which is likely to be reflected in the next poll as well, Rudings said, adding the qualification that polls can be "a little bit flakey and we're not at the election yet."

The trade-weighted index rose to 75.78 from 75.24.

National's strong showing in the Reid Research poll would translate into 61 seats in the 120-seat parliament, meaning it could govern alone, while Labour may have to rely on the weakened Greens.

The kiwi didn't move much today after figures showed the food price index rose 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted in August as butter hit a record high of $5.39 per block, up 11 percent in the month and 62 percent from a year earlier. It also didn't move much against the Aussie after Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index rose 2.5 percent this month.

The kiwi rose to 80.26 yen from 79.01 yen yesterday. It gained to 60.81 euro cents from 60.43 cents and rose to 4.7543 yuan from 4.7272 yuan. It traded at 54.76 British pence from 54.83 pence.

The two-year swap rate rose 1 basis point to 2.15 percent while 10-year swaps rose 4 basis points to 3.10 percent.

(BusinessDesk)

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The Labour Party has reversed one of new leader Jacinda Ardern's first 'captain's calls', saying it will implement no tax reforms recommended by a working group before the 2020 election.

Announced by the party's finance spokesman, Grant Robertson, the move returns Labour to its position under the previous leader, Andrew Little.

The tax working group policy was always intended as a way to neutralise the political attacks that cost Labour votes in both the 2011 and 2014 elections when it campaigned explicitly on implementing a capital gains tax. Despite excluding the family home, the CGT issue played poorly with the electorate.

Labour scrapped the policy under Little, replacing it with the tax working group policy and a promise to take its recommendations to the electorate.

Ardern announced a change to that policy in an interview on Aug. 22 with the New Zealand Herald, saying: "It is different leadership, different decisions. Andrew [Little] made a call that he would go back to the electorate. I made a call that if I was in government and presented with a tax working group paper that suggested these are the things you need to do to be able to tackle the housing crisis and inequality in your tax system, to then sit on that for one, maybe two years without doing anything didn't feel right to me."

The combination of attacks on Labour's tax agenda and over-reaching claims by the National Party of a large fiscal "hole" in Labour's budget plans are judged to have blunted the momentum that has seen Labour recover from a low point of 24 percent in the most-watched public opinion poll, by Colmar Brunton for ONE News, to a high point of 43 percent in a poll taken between Sept. 2 and 6.

Another Colmar Brunton poll is due on TVNZ's One News programme tonight, but a poll taken last week for rival TV3's Newshub service by Reid Research, showed a reversal, with Labour trailing National by 9.5 percentage points on 37.8 percent support. While private polling undertaken by both the major parties is said not to show anything like as dramatic a shift as the Newshub poll, Labour insiders have been acknowledging the party's upward momentum stalled around a week ago.

Since then, Labour has ramped up its accusations of "lies" and "scaremongering" by the National Party, which released a new attack ad this week playing on Labour's campaign slogan, "let's do this", saying "let's tax this".

In a joint statement, Robertson and Labour's revenue spokesman Michael Wood said: "We have heard the call for New Zealanders voices to be heard. We will involve the public at every stage of the working group, as well as Cabinet and Parliament's consideration of any changes that arise from it.

We know it is important to get this right, so we will balance the need for certainty and urgency by ensuring that any potential changes will not come into effect until the 2021 tax year. This gives multiple opportunities for public input, and a general election before any new tax would come into effect.

"To avoid any doubt, no one will be affected by any tax changes arising from the outcomes of the working group until 2021. There will be no new taxes or levies introduced in our first term of government beyond those we have already announced," said Robertson and Wood.

Labour has proposed a 10 cents per litre regional fuel tax in Auckland to help fund transport infrastructure, an international tourist levy, a royalty on bottled water and a levy on commercial water use aimed mainly at irrigators, and to include 10 percent of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the emissions trading scheme by 2020 as a first step in gradually bringing agriculture into the ETS.

It will also shift the so-called 'bright-line' test that requires capital gains tax to be paid on the sale of residential properties sold by non-owner occupiers within two years of purchase to a five-year threshold and "will end negative gearing" allowing property investors to offset mortgage repayments on an investment property against other income.

Robertson and Wood reiterated that "Labour will not make any changes to personal income tax, corporate tax rates or GST", other than reversing the income tax cuts legislated to come into effect next April.

(BusinessDesk)

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Summerset Group plans to build its fifth retirement village in the greater Wellington region with the purchase of a 6-hectare block of land north of the city.

The Wellington-based company wants to develop a 290-unit village with a rest home and hospital care and is Summerset's seventh greenfield site, it said in a statement. The land is in Porirua's Kenepuru Landing development, a joint residential development between local iwi Ngati Toa and Tauranga-based developer Carrus Corp. No price was disclosed.

"Our other Wellington villages in Paraparaumu, Aotea and Trentham are extremely popular and our proposed Lower Hutt village has one of our highest databases for prospective residents, so we expect strong interest from Wellington retirees to make their home at our Kenepuru village," chief executive Julian Cook said. "The attraction of the site was its close proximity to public transport and local shopping facilities, which residents would be able to access via a pedestrian link."

Summerset added 171 retirement units across eight villages in the first six months of 2017 and expects to deliver 450 by the end of the year. Like other retirement village developers and operators, Summerset is targeting New Zealand's ageing population with a major expansion programme.

The company boosted first-half profit 78 percent to $90.3 million, bolstered by valuation gains on its $1.62 billion property portfolio. Retirement village operators are typically supported by an upbeat property market, getting stronger prices for the sale of occupation rights to their units.

Summerset has 22 villages completed or in development across the country, housing more than 4,400 residents.

The shares last traded at $5, and have gained 6.8 percent this year.

(BusinessDesk)

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Taapsee Pannu shut down a troll like a boss after he tried to shame her for wearing a bikini.

By India Today Web Desk: In the age of social media, trolling is an unavoidable reality, especially if you're a celebrity. But if you're a badass like Taapsee Pannu, they can't bring you down.

Taapsee, who has donned a bikini in her upcoming film Judwaa 2, tweeted some uber-hot snaps of herself posing in a blue floral two-piece. While she received lots of compliments from fans, there were some trolls as well.

"When you are against the tide, it's YOU who needs to stand up for yourself......But don't forget the smile ???" #Judwaa2 #AaTohSahi pic.twitter.com/qIimdBSkHY- taapsee pannu (@taapsee) September 13, 2017

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One such troll commented in Hindi that Taapsee need not have bothered to wear even the bare minimum, and advised her to take it off. The man added that her brother must be proud to see her dressed like this.

An unfazed Taapsee did not take it lying down and shut down the troll with an epic response. She sarcastically said that if she had a brother, she would surely ask him, but for now, she could ask her sister.

In an earlier interview with IndiaToday.in, Taapsee had talked about slut-shaming. "Just because a female does not walk by the conventional rules, people like to call her by different names like sl*t or b*tch or wh*re or whatever," the actor had said.

ALSO READ: I have lost films down South for being too fair, says Taapsee Pannu

ALSO READ: Is Taapsee upset with Varun for using nepotism to favour Jacqueline? She responds

ALSO WATCH: I am in no way less in power and strength, says Taapsee Pannu

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A tiny house prototype worth $20,000 has been spotted in Queensland less than 24 hours after it was stolen from a Canberra business over the weekend.

The house's owner, Julie Bray, said the house and its trailer were stolen from her Mitchell business on Sunday night.

This tiny house stolen from Canberra, owned by business owner Julie Bray, was found in Queensland less than a day later.

Someone in the area called police when they heard an angle grinder being used on the trailer's wheel clamp, Ms Bray said.

Police arrived "within minutes", but the house was gone.
A woman was assaulted during a carjacking at the Florey shops on Tuesday night.

About 9:30pm, police said the woman got into her car in front of Domino's when she was approached by a man and a woman.

They demanded she get out of the car, which she refused. The female offender then assaulted the victim through the car window, attempting to remove the keys from the ignition.

When the man produced a knife, the victim cooperated with demands and the offenders fled the scene in her car.

The male offender is described as aged in his mid 20's, of slim build, with dark brown, short hair with a rats-tail and a tattoo on his neck. He was wearing a white hooded jumper with black writing and black trackpants.
The Myer family will offload a premium St Kilda Road office to tap strong investor interest as Australia's commercial property sector nears a cyclical peak spurred by falling vacancy rates and rising tenant demand.

The family's private investment vehicle has listed the seven-level Gateway building at 312 St Kilda Road through agents CBRE with expectations around $65 million.

The Myer family are selling 312 St Kilda Road.

The office has 10,000 square metres of lettable space which is occupied by tenants Healthscope, Vestas and Manpower Services.

It includes a major commercial car park with 268-vehicle capacity.
I was silent when the local priest condemned people like me as sinners. I was silent when my friends regularly used the word 'gay' or 'faggot' to describe anything bad or inferior. Things became more difficult as I moved through high school. I avoided the schoolyard talk about crushes, dates and relationships. Attacks on the Safe Schools program elicited protests in Melbourne last year. Credit:Penny Stephens Lying was emotionally draining and I was horrified that one small slip could bring my life crashing down.

I kept myself distracted by focusing on study. But my achievements often felt hollow and tainted. Praise from those close to me provoked the same thought in my mind: "would you still be saying that if you knew?" Staying level-headed was a challenge. There were certainly darker moments. Many times I weighed up my options: stay silent and continue living a lie, come out and face the discrimination or end my life. The postal survey allows a privileged majority to cast a verdict on people's lives. Credit:AAP

Looking back at my younger self during those times now scares me, and makes me wonder how many children are in the same situation now? I remained silent throughout university. I had told too many lies. I was too embarrassed. I feared my friends and family would disown me. Moving abroad for a time gave me the chance to reflect. I realised that I was not the problem. The problem was the antiquated ideas, fear and prejudice of elements of our society. I decided those attitudes would no longer strangle me. I would no longer be silent. So I told a friend, and then another and another. Soon I will let my family into the fold.

Campaigning is expected to intensify after the Australian Bureau of Statistics began mailing out the first of millions of ballot papers on Tuesday for the non-compulsory postal survey. Credit:AAP The details of my family, my friends or my work life aren't relevant to my story. What is relevant is that my story is not unique. I could be your son or daughter, your brother or sister, your friend or colleague. I want you to know what it's like to keep silent and I want you to know my story as a significant part of my future is now in your hands.

You get to decide whether I can form a legal partnership with someone I love under Australian law. Soon every Australian on the electoral roll will have received a survey form asking whether the law should be changed to allow people of the same sex to marry. The campaign for either side has been fiercely fought as millions of people around the country argue for their right to either legally marry, or protect the definition of the union. Envelope The No Camp has revealed its pitch. The centrepiece of its campaign is a vague promise that a No result will save children from the gays.

Their argument is wrong. It is terribly misguided. The children that truly need saving are those who are same-sex attracted. They need saving from the prejudice, stereotypes and intolerance directed against the gay community which can be found at school, at home and in the wider community. When you cast your vote, please think about what message you will send to children who are struggling with their sexuality like I was. People rally in support of the Safe Schools program in Melbourne in March this year. Credit:Penny Stephens

Will you send them a message of acceptance? Will you show them that modern Australia values them, their futures and their relationships equally? Will you confront the fearmongering with openness, tolerance and love? Please save the kids that truly need saving. Loading
Edith Windsor, the gay-rights activist whose landmark case led the Supreme Court to grant same-sex married couples federal recognition for the first time and rights to a host of federal benefits that until then only married heterosexuals had enjoyed, died on Tuesday in Manhattan. She was 88.

Her wife, Judith Kasen-Windsor, confirmed the death, at a hospital, but did not specify a cause. They were married in 2016.

Edith Windsor, the plaintiff in the case involving the Defense of Marriage Act, at the annual gay pride march in New York in 2013. Credit:The New York Times

Four decades after the Stonewall Inn uprising fuelled the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in America, Windsor, the widow of a woman with whom she had lived much of her life, became the lead plaintiff in what is widely regarded as the second most important Supreme Court ruling in the national battle over same-sex marriage rights.

The Windsor decision, handed down in 2013, was limited to 13 states and the District of Columbia. But in a more expansive ruling in 2015, in Obergefell v Hodges and three related cases, the Supreme Court held that same-sex couples had a constitutional right to marry anywhere in the nation, with all the protections and privileges of heterosexual couples. Its historic significance was likened to that of Lawrence v Texas in 2003, which decriminalised gay sex in the United States.
Given the public's distaste for most things political, and Canberra, the notion of a wall around Parliament House to encircle the bastards doesn't seem so bad.

But this one is intended to keep the public away, not lock in the politicians. It's a knee-jerk reaction to security and the dangers of allowing people to freely populate our world.

The security fence being installed across the lawns of Parliament House this week. Credit:Andrew Meares

Now, officials are erecting a 2.6-metre-high metal-framed wall surrounding about 1 kilometres of Parliament House, which is serious, but not much of a wall in historical terms. Some are calling it a pool fence. It's part of a $126 million security upgrade.

History shows us what a real wall is. Berlin's (1961) was 155 kilometres long and 3.6 metres high in its concrete section. Hadrian's wall (128AD) would keep the Picts out of Roman Britannia: it was 117 kilometres long, stone and up to six metres high. Zimbabwe built dry stone walls during the 11th to 15th centuries to protect its rulers, which were up to five metres high.
In Australia's self-induced and largely imagined energy crisis, it seems any ambit claim - particularly if it encourages coal - can generate immediate and unwarranted media and political attention.

For the past week or so, we have witnessed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's ill-considered elevation to national urgency the closure of the decrepit Liddell coal-fired power station in the Hunter Valley in 2022. Owners AGL had given all of seven years' notice.

Now, a News Corp publication has tossed into the debate furnace the "real risk" NSW's newest power station Mt Piper faces closure because of a "green activist" group that had the temerity of asking courts (at great financial risk) to uphold NSW law.

Time for a few facts before our leadership lemmings are panicked into, say, banning renewable energy, ditching Australia's Paris climate goals, or other nefarious scheme dreamed up in some coal lobbyist's backroom.
Sydney sweltered through its hottest early September day in 159 years on Wednesday as the temperature reached 33.8 degrees in the city at 2.30pm.

It was also the fourth-warmest reading for any September day.

A hot and windy day saw fire risks lifted to extreme in parts of Sydney and elsewhere in the state. The NSW Rural Fire Service said about 1000 firefighters were dispatched to fight 94 bush and grass fires that were burning around NSW. Thirty eight remain uncontained.

A bushfire emergency warning issued for Richmond Vale near Cessnock in the Hunter where a number of properties are under threat.
Incomes may be going nowhere fast, but they are now more equal than they were in 2008, based on the only standardised international metric, the Gini co-efficient. The figures will be seized on by Treasurer Scott Morrison, who has spent the past year proclaiming inequality is at its lowest level since 2008 Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The Gini measures the income or wealth distribution of a nation's residents against income taxes and welfare contributions, between 0, where everybody is equal, and 1, where one person earns all the country's income. In the lead-up to the global financial crisis, income inequality increased from 0.306 in 2003 to 0.336 in 2008. It now sits at 0.323 out of 1. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has campaigned hard on income inequality in Australia. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

After the GFC, the then-Labor government marginally increased the pension and introduced the Medicare levy, potentially influencing the welfare contribution of the inequality scale. Still, the figures will be seized on by Treasurer Scott Morrison, who has spent the past year proclaiming inequality is at its lowest level since 2008, and will hamper Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's attempts to put inequality at the centre of Labor's agenda. Labor, which has long claimed Australia is the most unequal it has been in 75 years, will point to the fact that, although income distribution may be marginally more equal, the asset measurement of wealth inequality has declined - mainly due to rising house prices and superannuation balances. Wealth inequality is the same now as it was in 2013, but higher than when it was first comprehensively measured in 2003 at 0.573.

The figures also show that young families are doing it tough. An average family with the youngest child aged under five is spending more than a quarter of its combined income on rent or a mortgage across Australia. But it gets easier as you get older: Australians are better off banking on their age, rather than their bosses, for a pay rise. According to the ABS, Australians are now worth $35,000 between the ages of 15-24, $411,000 by 35-44, and peak at $898,000 by 55.

It's downhill from there though. By the time their 75th birthday rolls around, the average Australian's median net worth sinks to $642,000. Among the states, Sydney households had the highest net worth of any capital city with an average net worth of $1.3 million  $574,500 higher than the rest of NSW. Melbourne was next highest, with an average net worth of $950,000 $311,100 higher than the rest of Victoria. Debt is climbing though, with up to a third of all Australian households now in debt up to three times their level of income, mostly due to to housing costs, up from 20 per cent 13 years ago.

The household expenditure survey, taken every six years, also measures where and how Australians are spending their money. We are spending up to 15 per cent less on cigarettes, alcohol and fashion, but those savings are going towards housing ourselves, putting fuel in our cars and sending power to our homes. Australians who earn less than 1 per cent of the country's wealth are spending just as much per week as the top 20 per cent of income earners on cigarettes, and almost as much on fuel and power, but a fifth of the proportion of their income on education. Overall, education spending has tripled as a proportion of the average Australians expenditure since the 1980s. "The survey also shows that since 1984, the pattern of household spending has changed considerably," said the bureau's chief economist, Bruce Hockman.

"Back in 1984, the largest contributors to household spending were food [20 per cent], then transport [16 per cent] and housing [13 per cent]. Jump forward to 2015-16, and housing is now the largest contributor [20 per cent], followed by food [17 per cent)], and transport costs [15 per cent]. The survey also tells us that in the past 12 months, 2.6 per cent of Victorian and NSW residents went without meals or being able to heat their homes, 9 per cent could not pay a power bill on time and more than 20 per cent could not afford a holiday for at least one week a year. But the proportion of households relying on the pension as their main source of income has fallen to the second-lowest level recorded since the survey began in 1994, with more than half of all Australians now earning less than 1 per cent of their income from government pensions. Among the major cities, Sydneysiders are spending a lot more than Melburnians on rent  $82 a week more on average, but Victorians are coughing up more on fuel and power and an extra $3 a week on alcohol and tobacco.
A dramatic reshaping of Australia's media industry is imminent after the Turnbull government's plan to scrap "outdated and irrelevant" media ownership laws received endorsement from crucial Senate crossbenchers at the end of a day of furious backroom horse trading.

In exchange for his support, Senate kingmaker Nick Xenophon secured a suite of concessions from the government, including a one-off $60 million fund to support small publishers, journalism scholarships and subsidised journalism cadetships.

This includes $50 million over three years in grants to regional and small publishers, capped at $1 million per publication that is available from mid-2018. He believes these grants will create more jobs and "is there to expend civic journalism".

Pauline Hanson announced support for the media deregulation package in August after the government agreed to a number of conditions, including introducing legislation requiring the ABC to be "fair and balanced".
The elderly parents of Stuart Robert were temporarily handed responsibility for a company established by their son, raising fresh questions about whether the Turnbull government MP may have won previous elections in breach of the constitution.

The former minister has been under fire after Fairfax Media last week revealed he had direct financial links with a company awarded millions in federal government work. Section 44 of the constitution forbids MPs from profiting from the Commonwealth.

Stuart Robert in Parliament House in Canberra. Credit:Andrew Meares

Mr Robert only resigned his directorships and offloaded his shares in his GMT Group in 2010  three years after he was first elected to Parliament. The Queensland MP told Fairfax Media he structured his affairs in a way that did not breach the rules, but has refused to provide any evidence to support this claim.

But Fairfax Media has uncovered fresh details about Mr Robert's connection to the GMT Group, an IT service company he co-founded prior to his political career.
One of my favourite parts of the working day is driving around Parliament House on my way into work in the building.

As you come up the ramps and onto the ring road, you get sweeping views of distant hills and nearby Canberra city to one side and the green sloping grass and majestic lines of Romaldo Guirgola'sarchitectural creation to the other. There is a sense of breathing room; a feeling you are in a special place.

Illustration: John Shakespeare

One part of my brain may be worrying about securing a park and whether I left my lunch on the kitchen bench. But another part is enjoying a small, but solemn moment of peace.

Parliament House is one of the most beautiful and thoughtful public buildings in Australia. It is full of symbolism, from the green and red tones that mimic the Westminster tradition and the Australian bush, to the careful use of local materials and placement of the building in the surrounding landscape.
The world has been stood on its head here in Canberra.

The government that insisted it couldn't decide whether same-sex marriage could be legalised contracts out the question to a divided community through a non-compulsory, non-binding vote...and then, with overwhelming support from across the Parliament, is able to introduce without even need of a vote draconian legislation to stop the hate speech it knew would ensue.

Meanwhile, a government that has no settled energy policy publicly tries to bully a large energy company to keep open a clapped-out coal-burning power station because its own lack of a plan is looming as an electoral disaster, tempting blackouts.

Do we even need to point out the Liddell power station was sold by the Liberal NSW government to AGL to free up money for "critical infrastructure" across the state, thus putting it beyond the power of governments to demand anything further from it?
As couples now tend to put off marriage and children until later in life, getting a pet together has become a big step for many couples looking to advance their relationship.

It's an iconic moment in rom-com movie history, and one that gets played out in similar ways all the time in real life when couples who own a dog together break up.

Standing at the door of the trailer Paulette and her ex-husband once shared, Elle lectures him about common law marriage and the equitable division of the assets. "Huh?" he asks quizzically. "I'm taking the dog, dumbass," Paulette yells as she grabs her beloved pooch and runs for the car.

"I felt like getting a dog together was more solid than a ring," said Liz Szwejbka, a 25-year-old social worker from New York, of getting her dog, Moose, with her boyfriend. "A ring you can take off and give back. ... Owning a dog is a whole different story."

Sharing a pet together can teach couples a lot about their compatibility as future spouses. "If you have a pet, you're forced to negotiate more, trust each other more," psychotherapist and relationship counsellor Rachel Dack said. "It's a great way to gauge your capability as a team."

But relationship experts warn that it's important to wait until your relationship is sure to go the distance before adding a furry family member. Pets introduce time, financial and travel constraints. Restless puppies waking you up at all hours of the night, and expensive boarding facilities and finding little "gifts" on the new carpet can all create stress in the relationship, at least temporarily, while you're adjusting. "If you're concerned about your relationship, speak up about that before you involve a pet," Dack said.

Even trickier than raising a pet together is figuring out what to do with it if the relationship ends. Often, both people want to keep the pet in their life, but maintaining joint custody post-breakup can be problematic.

For one, "it drags out contact that is not useful for the person who is struggling to move on," Dack said.
Archbishop George Pell has been charged with sexual offences. Credit:Rick Stevens "The Catholic Church is in a state of crisis and pressure has to be put on the Holy See to take the necessary steps to change," said Professor Cahill. In nearly 400 pages, the report traces the history of child sexual abuse in the global church and tries to identify factors that have contributed to it, with a particular focus on Australia. Archbishop Denis Hart believes the confession is sacred. Credit:Darrian Traynor Professor Cahill and his co-author, Peter Wilkinson, a researcher in Catholic culture, are both ordained priests who resigned from the ministry in the 1970s but remain practicing Catholics.

Professor Cahill said that while in the ministry, he worked alongside some of Australia's most abusive priests but did not realise it until decades later. The report says the church is "going nowhere except possibly down". Credit:Graham Denholm "Our backgrounds have allowed us not only to understand in depth the workings of the church in Australia but also the Holy See in Rome, where we both studied at postgraduate level in pontifical universities," he said. The authors acknowledge that the Australian church has made progress in dealing with abuse, particularly in its schools but the report found that it had "lagged significantly behind other comparable countries in relation to developing safeguarding policies and protocols" to protect children. For example, the Australian church has not appointed representatives in each parish charged with safeguarding children or provided "safe environment training" to all Catholic employees, the report said.

"Any suggestion that the Catholic Church in Australia has led the way in child protection is not sustainable in face of the initiatives in other countries nor has there been much accountability or evaluation in Australia," the report said. Last month, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommended a series of legislative and policy changes, one of which would require priests who are told about sexual abuse in confessions to report it to the authorities. That proposal began a heated debate, in which Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart said he would rather go to jail than violate the confidentiality of the confessional. The RMIT report cites several historical instances in which the church allowed exceptions to that confidentiality requirement.

Professor Cahill and Dr Wilkinson have been consultants for the royal commission. It is due to release the final report from its inquiry this year and is expected to recommend further measures for protecting children. Dr Wilkinson said that the Australian church was in dire need of self-examination. He said it was "going nowhere except possibly down". "To regain trust, not only within the Catholic community but trust in the church within the nation, the church has to undertake a metanoia  that's a complete transformation, a change of heart and culture," he said. As the global church's sex abuse scandal has unfolded, attention has tended to focus on offending priests in parishes, the report said.

But it said a "parallel tragedy" in Catholic residential institutions, such as orphanages and boarding schools, was a cause for major concern, especially in the developing world. The church operates more than 9000 orphanages worldwide. The report documents patterns of past abuse at such facilities in Australia, where the church no longer runs orphanages, and in other countries, based on inquiries conducted by governments and the church. It concludes that if such trends prevail elsewhere, "one must fear for the safety" of children at Catholic residential institutions. "The Holy See does not seem to be aware of the issue or chooses to ignore it," the report said.

It singles out India and Italy, where the church operates many residential centres, mainly orphanages. The celibacy requirement for priests is a "major precipitating risk factor for child sexual abuse," according to the report. In Eastern Rite churches where priests are allowed to marry, though only before ordination, the "offending rate is low, probably negligible," the report said. Joseph Palacios, a Catholic priest and sociology professor at the University of Southern California, called the report a "highly professional study" with "a very good grasp of the historical and theological undercurrents of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church." He praised the study for its analysis of schools and residential institutions run by religious orders, which he said could "provide a safe space" for potential abusers.

"Coupled with the psychological trust that children have with teachers and providers, these institutions become very dangerous places for sexually and psychologically underdeveloped religious personnel," he said. Professor Cahill said he began work on the report in 2012 and expanded its scope in 2014 after participating in an international workshop in northern Spain, which brought together leading researchers into child sex abuse in Catholic settings. Dr Wilkinson joined the study in 2015. Kieran Tapsell, a retired lawyer who wrote a book about the church's abuse scandals, said the report was noteworthy for synthesising a great deal of material and viewing it from sociological, psychological and theological perspectives. Loading "That hasn't been brought together before," he said.
A Liberal National Party state government would dump the Safe Schools program in Queensland, after it was accused of being "ideologically-driven".

Opposition education spokeswoman Tracy Davis said the LNP wanted to withdraw from Safe Schools and create an alternative anti-bullying program.

Opposition Education spokeswoman Tracy Davis said the LNP would dump Safe Schools. Credit:Harrison Saragossi

"We want an anti-bullying program that is far-reaching and addresses issues faced by all children," Ms Davis said.

"It's become the focus of one particular group and what we want to see is a program that delivers for all of our kids in schools.
The Turnbull government has admitted it issued robo-debt recovery notices to 20,000 welfare recipients who were later found to owe less or even nothing.

Documents presented to Parliament by Human Services Minister Alan Tudge showed the use of automated data matching processes by Centrelink and the Department of Human Services resulted in 19,980 debt notices being issued, all of which were either reduced or rescinded.

20,000 wrong debts: Human Services Minister Alan Tudge. Credit:Andrew Meares

Data to March 31 showed a total of 12,524 people had their robo-debt demands reduced to a smaller amount, while a further 7456 people were found to have no legitimate debt.

In a response to questions from Labor backbencher Steve Georganas, Mr Tudge said NSW had the most debts reduced to zero, with 2234, while another 3644 debts in the state were reduced.
Same-sex marriage, racism and hate-speech will be centre stage as far-right activists march on the streets of Melbourne on Sunday.

The Trumpesque "Make Victoria Safe Again" rally has been organised by far-right figure Avi Yemini, a former Israeli army officer who says Victorians are living in fear after a spate of home invasions and carjackings.

Left-wing Campaign Against Racism and Fascism protesters will confront far-right groups in Melbourne on Sunday. Credit:Eddie Jim

But the rally is on a collision course with an alliance of far-left groups who say they will also march on Sunday with a counter message of acceptance and solidarity.

Mr Yemini, who owns a chain of gyms in Melbourne, made headlines last year when he invited One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Queensland senator Malcolm Roberts to speak in Caulfield about the "dangers" of Muslim migration to Australia, repealing race hate laws, and other controversial topics.
The state government has released details of the multibillion-dollar upgrade of western Sydney's Bankstown line and spruiks commuter time savings of up to an hour a week and station upgrades as the pluses of a project that will bring months of disruption a year to tens of thousands of commuters.

More than 13 kilometres of track on the Bankstown train line in Sydney's west will be closed for between three and six months to allow for a major overhaul of a 120-year-old rail corridor to be converted to carry single-deck metro carriages from 2024.

But on Wednesday morning Premier Gladys Berejiklian was promising commuters that the overhaul would be worth it for commuters who can expect travel time savings of up to an hour and improved stations, according to the project's environmental impact statement which was launched today.

"Work starts from next year to make big improvements to the stations, including making them fully accessible, with all stations to have level access between the platform and trains," Ms Berejiklian said.
Two Sydney men aged 19 and 21 ran a large commercial drug ring in Sydney's CBD according to police, who allegedly seized methylamphetamine and MDMA worth $1 million on Wednesday.

Police arrested Peter Phatthanasing, 21, at a hotel in Pyrmont Street in Pyrmont along with a 22-year-old man after a Strike Force Bravi investigation established in May uncovered the alleged syndicate.

Edgar Deng, 19, was soon arrested nearby. Mr Phatthanasing and Mr Deng have been charged with several counts of commercial drug supply involving deals of large quantities of methylamphetamine and MDMA between July and September 12.

The 22-year-old man suffered a medical episode and was taken to St Vincent's hospital where he remained under armed guard.
Rebel Wilson might be a big Hollywood star, but her win is one for all of us, against the lies and mistruths and accusations that now fill our everyday discourse.

Wilson took a stand, suing the publisher of Womans Day over a series of defamatory articles, and was rewarded with a $4.56 million payout.

Its not the money thats important, or the fact that it is the highest defamation payout in Australian legal history.

Rebel Wilson won a historic $4.56 million defamation payout. Credit:Paul Jeffers

Whats important here is what the court is saying - that you cant go around brandishing someone as a serial liar. Or anything else that is not true, and derogatory.
Apple's streaming video player is getting a long-awaited overhaul as the iTunes store squeezes Hollywood for a better deal on Ultra HD movies.

As Ultra HD television prices fall, we're just at the tipping point where they're replacing Full HD as the default choice when shopping for a big screen for your lounge room. We're spoiled for choice when it comes to Ultra HD televisions, but it's still slim pickings when it comes to Ultra HD content.

Apple will bring Ultra HD Dolby Vision blockbusters like Deadpool into Australian lounge rooms, at HD prices, after putting the squeeze on Hollywood.

Australians can forget about Ultra HD broadcasting for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile Ultra HD Blu-ray disc players are slowly taking off, but the easiest way to get Ultra HD movies into your home is via the internet  assuming your home broadband connection is up to the task.

Of course bandwidth is a lot less scarce in the US, so Apple watchers were surprised two years ago when the Apple TV 4th-gen didn't make the leap to Ultra HD.
A whiff of dystopian creepiness has long wafted in the air whenever facial recognition has come up. Books, movies and television shows have portrayed the technology as mainly a tool of surveillance and social control, aimed by unseen others at you, for their purposes, not your own.

Apple sought to reverse that equation today with the long-anticipated release of its 10th-anniversary smartphone, the iPhone X. It replaces the fingerprint sensor previous generations used for unlocking a user's device with facial recognition technology, while still keeping others from unlocking the phone without the user's knowledge.

All users have to do, Apple said at the annual September event dedicated to touting its latest product updates, is look at the iPhone X, which recognises you as the registered user, even if you are wearing glasses or a hat or are sporting a new beard.

Though not entirely new  several Android smartphones do something similar already  the technology remains novel. Apple's embrace of it could mark a tipping point in the adoption of facial recognition technology across new areas of our lives, as we shop or communicate with friends, and, eventually, as we enter buildings or perhaps turn on our vehicles with a glance rather than a twist of the key.
A former Country Fire Authority board member is set to mount a challenge to the man who sacked him  Deputy Premier James Merlino  in the coming election.

Liberal Party members have preselected former intensive care paramedic and CFA volunteer John Schurink as the candidate for the Monbulk electorate for the 2018 election.

Liberal candidate for Monbulk John Schurink with Opposition Leader Matthew Guy on Wednesday, Credit:AAP

Mr Schurink was appointed to the CFA board in 2014 but was dismissed when Mr Merlino, who is Emergency Services Minister, sacked all board members over a bitter pay dispute.

The CFA captain at Sassafras and Ferny Creek, Mr Schurink is now working for the Hatzolah Jewish ambulance service, helping to expand its operations.
A police officer accused of texting an image of his genitals to a security guard has been charged with accessing the force database without authorisation, as multiple corruption investigations continue into the division where he worked.

Leading Senior Constable Peter Ryan, from the licensing and regulation division, was charged after an internal investigation sparked by allegations he texted the female security guard.

Internal investigations continue into the Licensing and Regulation Department Credit:Georgia Matts

The guard then claimed she was threatened by other officers from the same division in order to get her to withdraw her complaint against Leading Senior Constable Ryan.

The division, which licences gun owners and regulates the private security industry, has been linked to three separate internal investigations since complaints were made by industry figures earlier this year.
A dangerous WA sex offender will be released into the metropolitan region after plans to move him to Geraldton fell through due to authorities being allegedly unable to "adequately secure public safety".

The Department of Justice has confirmed the 67-year-old man, known only as DAL, would now be living in the Perth metropolitan region due to issues with his Geraldton address.

It was alleged in parliament DAL was to be moved 400 metres away from a Geraldton school. Credit:Andrew Quilty

"DAL will be temporarily accommodated at a court-approved location in the metropolitan area. Accommodation and personal details have been suppressed by the Supreme Court, which is generally the standard practice in DSO cases," a spokesperson said.

"Court-approved accommodation takes into consideration an individual's prior offences, their supervision order requirements and support needs to prevent the potential for high risk situations and to help ensure community safety.
A group of Curtin University academics have lashed out at The West Australian newspaper for publishing an alleged "vicious attack on Aboriginal people".

Around 25 Curtin academics signed a letter addressed to the newspaper's editor Brett McCarthy, and attacked The West for publishing a column by controversial Herald Sun journalist Andrew Bolt.

The statue of Captain James Cook in Sydney's Hyde Park that was defaced, which is understood to have prompted Mr Bolt's column. Credit:Cole Bennetts

Mr Bolt's column addressed academics and politicians who have previously campaigned to tear down the statues of Captain James Cook and former Governor of New South Wales Lachlan Macquarie, and said "while we've had some shameful massacres, there was never a government campaign to wipe out Aborigines".

"This week came Bronwyn Carlson, a Macquarie University associate professor who identifies as Aboriginal and called for the tearing down of not just Cook's statues, but those of Lachlan Macquarie, our fifth colonial governor," Mr Bolt wrote.
The daughter of Perth brothel madam Shirley Finn is about to take the stand at the inquest into her mother's 1975 gangland-style murder.

Bridget Shewring, who has long campaigned for the inquest, was in the WA Coroner's Court when the inquest officially opened on Monday, accompanied by author Juliet Wills, who wrote the book Dirty Girl about the "state sanctioned" killing.

Shirley Finn was found shot dead in her car in 1975. Credit:Facebook

It will run far longer than originally scheduled after former police officer James Boland gave explosive evidence to a hearing in late August that was hastily arranged when he advised he was unable to attend this month.

He was questioned at length about information provided to him by a man named Keith Lewis, who he says claimed soon after Ms Finn's death that Sydney underworld figure Arthur "Neddy" Smith had killed her.
Three people are in hospital with stab wounds after a series of home invasions and carjackings in Perth's southern suburbs.

Nine News Perth says police are hunting for one man over the series of violent attacks in Champion Lakes near Armadale.

Police have arrested a man in relation to a series of violent attacks in Perth's south. Credit:9 News Perth

Reporter Alice Pooley said the man smashed his way into two homes and carjacked two drivers at knife-point.

A resident said he was at his letterbox when he was threatened by the man with a 10-centimetre knife and was almost stabbed.
"I was supposed to be the protector, the fixer. I had to try to hold us all together. I couldn't look after my family if I fell apart."

Thrown into unimaginable darkness by the death of his son Christian in 2007, Perth father Sam Dudley did what so many men do when tragedy strikes - he "sucked it up".

Sam Dudley said his family helped him find purpose after the death of his son. Credit:CarlyMarie Project Heal

Supporting his wife Carly and his young daughter, Sam went back to work and tried to be a pillar of strength for his family.

"It was at that point when I started to really pretend like I was okay," Mr Dudley said.
Paris: Tens of thousands of hard-left trade unionists marched through French cities on Tuesday to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's labour law reforms, delivering on a promised national strike, the first of his presidency.

Hitting back at Macron's pledge to give no ground to "slackers", some in Paris carried placards reading: "Slacker on strike" and "King Macron, slackers dismiss you", while in Bordeaux demonstrators chanted: "Macron you're screwed, the slackers are on the streets."

Steelworkers in Fos-sur-Mer burn flares during a national day of protest against proposed labour reforms in Marseille, France, on Tuesday. Credit:AP

The interior ministry said 223,000 protesters turned out across the country, compared with about 400,000 during the March 2016 demonstration. The union said some 400,000 had marched across France, down from its estimate for 2016 of 1.2 million.

Riot police clashed with hooded youths in isolated skirmishes on the fringe of the march led by the Communist Party-linked CGT union in Paris.
Mexico City: The powerful earthquake that rocked Mexico City last week had terrifying echoes of a more deadly 1985 shock in one housing project, raising tough questions about how ready one of the world's largest cities is for a major catastrophe.

Nearly 100 people are known to have died in Thursday's quake, none of them in the capital.

Soldiers remove debris from a partly collapsed municipal building after an earthquake in Juchitan, Oaxaca state, Mexico. Credit:Luis Alberto Cruz

At its epicentre, the 8.1 magnitude quake was stronger than the disaster three decades ago that killed at least 5,000 people in Mexico City, toppling two tower blocks in the historic central neighbourhood of Tlatelolco.

Mexico City has made major advances since then, with regular earthquake simulations, improved building regulations, and seismic alarms designed to sound long enough before the shock to give residents time to flee.
Sumo Logic Holds Inaugural Illuminate User Conference: Analytics Economy to Drive Unprecedented Machine Data Growth

BURLINGAME, CA  (Marketwired)  09/13/17 

Releases Second State of the Modern App in the Cloud Report Substantiating New Modern Application Stack with Year-Over-Year Trends

Adds Google Cloud Platform Support to its Native Integration to Extend its Multi-Cloud Analytics Capabilities that Include AWS, Microsoft Azure, Pivotal and Heroku

Sumo Logic, the leading cloud-native, machine data analytics platform that delivers continuous intelligence, outlined today at its inaugural user conference, , more details about its strategy to address the barriers preventing companies from competing in what it calls, an emerging Analytics Economy. In his keynote address, Sumo Logic president and CEO Ramin Sayar described the Analytics Economy as the next layer of business competitive advantage, as more and more digital transformation companies rely on real-time data analytics to build, run and secure their modern applications.

In the Analytics Economy, the companies making the best decisions the fastest, win. So the ability to leverage real-time, machine data insights to build, run and secure modern applications is becoming the new core competency driving competitive advantage, and Sumo Logic is well-positioned to be the cloud-native analytics platform of choice for that critical capability, Sayar said. Thats why were committed to addressing the barriers to democratizing machine data analytics, which includes alleviating restrictive usage and licensing models, eliminating disparate data siloes and improving the accessibility to machine data insights so they become ubiquitous across organizations.

Sayar referred to the growing onslaught of machine data growth thats occurring as more and more companies shift to modern applications and embrace a digital business strategy. According to Barclays Big Data Handbook, the volume of machine data will exceed 16 zettabytes by 2020, and current approaches to machine data will leave the vast majority of digital insights hidden away, starving the operators of modern apps from the intelligence they need to make decisions. Sayar pointed out that a disproportionate amount of this growth is expected to occur over the next three years, when the current 3.9 zettabyte size is expected to quadruple by 2020.

Growth this dramatic in such a short period of time tells us two things: 1) were entering into the Analytics Economy, as more and more companies seek to unlock the rich value of this information as fast as possible; and 2) only a cloud-native machine data analytics platform built from the ground-up to handle unstructured, semi-structured and structured data natively in real-time will be able to address this volume, he said. This is exactly the problem Sumo Logic has been preparing for since its founding.

Illuminate, Sumo Logics first ever user conference, was held in Burlingame, Calif. It featured 36 speakers addressing more than 400 members of the Sumo Logic community who represented a diverse range of organizational roles across software development, DevOps, IT operations and management, security, product management, customer and technical support teams, and senior executive leaders, such as CTOs, CIOs and CISOs.

Some of the conference highlights included:

Keynote address on how to thrive in the Modern App era from LinkedIn Co-Founder Reid Hoffman and customers including Hearst and Acquia.

More than 150 certifications on the Sumo Logic platform issued prior to the conference and another 200 more during Illuminate.

More than 30 hours of content including product presentations, customer case studies, expert talks and more.

Strong support from Sumo Logics partner ecosystem with 12 sponsors including AWS, New Relic, MongoDB, CloudPassage, Okta, JFrog, Fastly, Pivotal, Cloud Technology Partners, CrowdStrike, Google Cloud Platform and Relus Technologies.

Sayar shared more details on this past June to address the inflexible economic model of user-based licensing from other analytics providers (CloudFlex), native integration support for multi-cloud analytics (Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Heroku, Microsoft Azure and Pivotal Cloud Foundry, in addition to leading on-premises infrastructures), and platform user interface improvements to make machine data analytics accessible to non-technical users within organizations.

To bolster the companys multi-cloud analytics support, Sayar also announced native integration support for Google Cloud Platform (GCP), which includes services such as Compute Engine, Cloud SQL, Cloud Load Balancing Cloud Dataflow and others. In conjunction with its native integration, multi-cloud analytics support announced last June, the addition of GCP fulfills the companys strategy to provide multi-cloud analytics to customers who dont want to be locked into a single cloud vendor.

Yesterday, Sumo Logic released its - report providing exclusive data-driven insights, best practices and emerging trends by analyzing technology adoption within the application stack. The report continues to reflect the emerging trends and year-over-year shifts in how businesses are approaching their digital strategy, and the ways in which they build their modern applications across each tier of the application architecture.

Based on active and anonymized data from more than 1,500 customers using Sumo Logics machine data analytics platform, some of the key findings highlight dramatic adoption of Linux in Azure, significant growth of serverless computing and containers, and an evolving cloud security solutions landscape.

our CEOs thoughts on the democratization of machine data analytics

the State of Modern Applications in the Cloud Report

for a free trial of Sumo Logic

Sumo Logic is a secure, cloud-native, machine data analytics service, delivering real-time, continuous intelligence from structured, semi-structured and unstructured data across the entire application lifecycle and stack. More than 1,500 customers around the globe rely on Sumo Logic for the analytics and insights to build, run and secure their modern applications and cloud infrastructures. With Sumo Logic, customers gain a multi-tenant, service-model advantage to accelerate their shift to continuous innovation, increasing competitive advantage, business value and growth.

Founded in 2010, Sumo Logic is a privately held company based in Redwood City, CA and is backed by Accel Partners, DFJ, Greylock Partners, IVP, Sequoia Capital and Sutter Hill Ventures. For more information, visit .

Melissa Liton

Sumo Logic

(650) 814-3882

Danielle Salvato-Earl

Kulesa Faul for Sumo Logic

(650) 922-7287
James Krauseneck maintained his innocence at the sentencing Monday and was supported by his daughter, Sarah, who was 3 at the time and saw her deceased mother, Cathleen Cathy Krausneck, 29, a Macomb County native.
By Mata Press Service

Ever since Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu met and secretly married his one true love, his life has been one of pain, torture and false imprisonments in Punjab, India.

This week as the architects of his misery are extradited back to India, Sukhwinder aka Mithu has a message for them: Was our love a crime that Jassi had to be her killed?.

Speaking to Jupinderjit Singh, one of the authors of the book Justice for Jassi, Mithu said; Finally, my wifes killers will face trial for murder. My sole wish is to see them behind bars.

Mithu, now a truck driver, said: Im still her husband. I cant share my love for Jassi with anyone. I want to tell her mother that my love is true and eternal.

MIthu was commenting on last weeks Supreme Court of Canada decision that finally paved the way for his wifes uncle Surjit Singh Badesha, 72 and her mother Malkit Kaur Sidhu, 67, to be sent back to India to face murder charges.

Police allege the millionaire blueberry farmer Badesha and his sister Malkit Sidhu hired contract killers to kill Jaswinder Kaur Sidhu aka Jassi because she had married Mithu, a lower-caste auto rickshaw driver in Punjab.

Punjab Police investigations confirmed it was a so-called honour killing plotted by the mother and uncle while the duo were at home in Maple Ridge, Canada.

Born and raised in Maple Ridge, BC, Jassi Sidhu, 24, was killed in June 2000 by hired killers while living with her husband in Punjab, India. In an attack, Mithu was left for dead while Jassi was abducted and later killed.

Police traced 266 phone calls between Jassi's maternal uncle, Surjit Badesha, to the hired killers, becoming a basis by which India formally requested extradition in 2005 of Badesha and Malkit Sidhu to face murder charges.

Last week, 17-years after Jassi was found dead with her throat slit in a ditch outside the industrial metropolis of Ludhiana in Punjab, the Canadian chapter of this tragedy came to a close.

India formally requested Canada in 2005 to extradite Jassis mother and uncle to face trial after charging and convicting a band of hired killers in connection with the murder.

In May 2014, the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver ordered that duo must be deported to India to face trial.

The struggle to obtain justice for Jassi, however, was set back the following when the British Columbia Appeal Court overturned the extradition order against Jassi's mother and uncle. The appeal court expressed concern that the both of the accused will be beaten and tortured in Indian jails.

The Canadian apex court last week reinstated the original order.

Harbinder Singh Sewak is the Vancouver based publisher of The South Asian Post which won a Jack Webster Award for its work on the Jassi case and is the co-author of the book Justice for Jassi. He stressed that the struggle for justice for Jassi will continue. This case has shocked many people many think this murder is about honour and religion it is about greed, said Sewak.

Fabian Dawson, the lead author of the book said while the Canadian chapter of the Jassi case may have come to an end, the Indian chapter is beginning.

There is a still a trial and appeal process in India before justice for Jassi is finally achieved, he said.

The book, Justice for Jassi, documents the entire saga and is narrated from the perspective of Mithu, who since his wifes murder has continued fighting to see justice done for his wife, despite threats and attempts to silence him.

The authors scoured through thousands of police and court records in Canada and India, as well as hours of tape interviewing officials. The book shows how her mother and uncle orchestrated Jassis murder from Maple Ridge.

We kept the website www.justiceforjassi.com going and we kept the story alive. We will continue to do so until there is justice for Jassi, said Sewak.

Since Mithu and Jassi fell in love, there have been several attempts on MIthus life and at least six occasions where he has been falsely arrested and jailed.

The first time he was arrested, Mithu was jailed for allegedly marrying Jassi at gun-point. Indian police were given a false affidavit signed by Jassi in Port Coquitlam to effect the arrest. Jassi, however, went to India to say she married Mithu of her own free will and got him released.

In another case, after Jassi was murdered, Mithu spent about 44 months in jail for rape.

Sewak, the publisher of the South Asian Post hired sleuths and lawyers in India to show that the accuser was paid to make the false allegations against Mithu.

Mithu has recently petitioned the Justice Mehtab Singh Commission, which is probing false cases registered by the Punjab Police in the past 10 years.

All in all, Mithu has been arrested in six cases, of which he has been acquitted in four.

He claims all of them stem from the revenge-motivated family of his murdered wife who want him not to testify against them.

At various other times, he has been offered millions of rupees and land to stay silent.

But he vowed again this week to fight on for Jassi.

Im still her husband. I cant share my love for Jassi with anyone. I want to tell her mother that my love is true and eternal.

The cops who arrested me told me to forget about Jassi, Mithu said.

Whenever I refused an offer for a compromise, another case was slapped on me, he has claimed before the Justice Mehtab Singh Commission. On the basis of his testimony, notices have been sent to the police to appear at the hearings.

From the initial offer of about C$30,000 and 14 acres of land and a passport to Canada, supporters of the accused have promised it all to me.

But I cant trade my love for all this. I just want Jassis mother and uncle to be punished for what they did to her and me, said Mithu.
Shes the most followed Asian woman on Twitter, with a massive following of 20 million people. She is the highest paid female actor in Bollywood, raking in $11 million last year alone, thanks to her Hollywood Film, xXx: Return of Xander Cage and various endorsements.

Shes the most followed Asian woman on Twitter, with a massive following of 20 million people. She is the highest paid female actor in Bollywood, raking in $11 million last year alone, thanks to her Hollywood Film, xXx: Return of Xander Cage and various endorsements.

Now, it seems as though shes the first female actor in Bollywood to be getting paid more than her male co-stars; We are talking about none other than Deepika Padukone.

All set to appear in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis film, Padmavati, Padukone stands to make more than her co-stars Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor according to sources who spoke to The Hindustan Times. This is a big deal because not only is she getting paid more, the male actors in the film are also huge stars.

There are a lot of speculations about the pay structure of Padmavati. However, Sanjay Sir was clear that the film belongs to Deepika. Deepika has taken home a whopping Rs. 13 crore, while Ranveer and Shahid share equal digits that read close to Rs. 10 crores respectively, according to The Hindustan Times.

Bollywood is seeing a shift in narratives as more female centric films are coming to the forefront and proving to be hugely successful, more than what male centric films have been able to achieve so far (with the exception of Aamir Khans Dangal). Queen, Neerja, Pink, Lipstick Under My Burkha, Padukones Piku were all films led predominantly by women; all films achieved critical and commercial success. Now, Kangana Ranaut and Padukones upcoming films, Simran and Padmavati, will further reiterate the need for more female-centric films.

However, while such narratives are becoming popular slowly, there is still a huge gap between the salaries of female actors as opposed to the male stars. However, it seems that Deepika Padukone is the first female actor to break the ceiling with her earnings from Padmavati.
Georgetown, SC (29440)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High 58F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies during the evening giving way to a few showers after midnight. Low near 50F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Rajasthan's farmers have a list of eleven demands. A meeting with representatives of the Vasundhara Raje administration failed to resolve the impasse, but another round of talks will be held at 1 pm today.

By Dev Ankur Wadhawan: Farmers in Rajasthan have blocked entry and exit paths to three districts, disrupting daily life as they demand loan waivers, compensation for damaged crops, payment of insurance money and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's report.

Sikar, the ground zero of the protests, is the worst-affected district. Farmers have gathered at around 250 different locations in the region, blocking highways and inconveniencing locals and commuters.

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Thousands have occupied the Jaipur-Sikar route, and continue to block the area outside the agriculture produce market. Several roads connecting Jaipur to Jhunjhunu, Churu, and Bikaner are blocked.

Section 144 has been imposed within a two-kilometre radius around the Sikar District Collectorate, and mobile internet services have been disabled in the entire district.

Rajasthan's farmers have a list of eleven demands. A meeting with representatives of the Vasundhara Raje administration failed to resolve the impasse, but another round of talks will be held at 1 pm today.

"If the government doesn't agree with the recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission, along with the demand for farm loan waiver, then their mahavpadav and blockades will continue," said Amraram, a former MLA and a protest leader.

ALSO READ

Revealed: What is killing India's farmers? India Today exclusive

No country for farmers: In headlong rush towards development, Indian farmers fall through the cracks

ALSO WATCH

Operation Farmgate: How govt vultures feast on Indian farmers in Mandis of corruption

--- ENDS ---
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Miaka, a 39-year-old elderly care nurse, is one of those who came to the anti-Merkel demonstration in Torgau. Why did she and her boyfriend turn up? "We finally want to be heard and to be taken seriously," she says. She is carrying an AfD poster reading: "A woman's freedom cannot be negotiated." She actually lives together with her boyfriend and two teenage children in the southern state of Baden-Wurttemberg, but she is currently visiting family in Saxony, where she grew up.

In two weeks, she plans to cast her ballot for the AfD. Why? She no longer wants to accept a situation whereby "night after night, black Africans" come across the border. She says that ever since so many refugees are in the country, she no longer feels safe. She also no longer goes home alone at night out of fear of being insulted as a "German whore" -- something she says actually happened to her once in the Saxon town where she comes from.

And in southwestern Germany, where she now lives, two people were recently robbed, Maika says. When asked if the perpetrators had been caught, she responds in the negative. Could they then perhaps have been German? Maika grins derisively. "Yeah sure. In theory."

A Diffuse Feeling of Fear

The fear of criminality is higher among AfD supporters than among voters of any other party. They are afraid of terrorism, crime and immigrants, concerns that often become lumped together in a diffuse feeling of fear . In general, they are much more pessimistic about the future than other voters.

Perhaps that also helps explain the anger harbored by AfD supporters. Surveys show that rarely have there been so many people in Germany who were so satisfied with their personal situation than today, both from an economic point of view and in general. The status quo campaign being run by Merkel's CDU reflects that satisfaction. But the AfD clientele has a completely opposite feeling. They seem to feel that Germany is currently rushing toward the abyss.

The Bockler Foundation study also found a deep mistrust of democracy. Around 70 percent of respondents to their survey agreed with the statement: "Political and media leaders live in their own world."

It seems that AfD supporters feel that they are at the mercy of dark powers. On Aug. 12, the AfD caucus in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament held a Russia Congress where part of the discussion centered around the question as to how one could prevent the CIA and Wall Street bankers from continuing to steer refugees toward Germany. Another topic of debate focused on when the AfD would finally address the question as to whether Germany was actually a real state or merely a corporation. Then, they went off to a barbecue. AfD members can always agree that Merkel is the root of all evil. She is to blame for the refugees, for Germany's poor relations with Russia and perhaps even for the current rainy summer.

At the recent campaign event in Fulda, Klaus Peege clapped every time a speaker said that Merkel was pursuing politics "in opposition to her own people." It is something they say a lot. Peege is sitting at a table in the middle of the hall, not far from the stage. The 70-year-old says he was a member of the CDU until 2014 and had spent 20 years in the SPD before that. If people like former chancellor Helmut Schmidt still led the Social Democrats, Peege says, he probably would have remained an SPD member. But he has now joined the AfD, a decision, he says, that he made primarily because of Merkel.

Peege used to be a self-employed builder. He is wearing a red-plaid shirt and reading glasses around his neck; his hair is slicked back. On the table in front of him lies an issue of Junge Freiheit, the right-wing publication that is popular on Germany's far right. They were distributed at the entrance to the event. He was once even a municipal representative for the CDU, but his membership in the party came to an end in 2014: "I made a list of 15 things that I didn't like about Merkel," he says. The list included items such as the abandonment of traditional values, Merkel's sudden about-face on nuclear energy and her leftward drift. "Then the refugee story came along," Peege says.

He considers the CDU representative of his electoral district to be a "wet noodle" and has now thrown his support behind Martin Hohmann. Peege has even become a municipal representative again, only this time for the AfD. The 120 AfD members in and around Fulda are almost all "completely normal people," he says, meaning middle class and Catholic -- essentially the profile of the classic CDU voter. But they are all disappointed with Merkel. "She is responsible for the fact that the AfD is on the way to becoming a large party here."

Particularly Unhinged

There isn't much evidence for the theory that the AfD is a product of a broader German shift toward the right. A survey conducted by the pollster Infratest dimap in conjunction with Berlin's Free University found that every fourth AfD supporter has the potential for right-wing extremism, more than within other larger parties. But between 2008 and 2016, the total share of people in Germany with right-wing extremist attitudes sank slightly, from 10 percent to 9 percent of the population.

That would indicate that the party offers a platform to those with right-wing views and that the internet echo chamber encourages them to express their views ever more vocally.

Political rhetoric has become particularly unhinged in eastern Germany, where PEGIDA held its 124th event last week. At the demonstration, a young woman from the Identitarian Movement warns that "when you start worrying about your wife and children every day, when the street dictates your daily life, when you are afraid of attending summer parties," then it is already too late for the fight. But in Dresden, they have been fighting for quite some time. As he always does, PEGIDA founder Lutz Bachmann riles up the crowd and rants about the "pseudo-debate" between Merkel and Schulz. If 32 percent are in favor of Merkel, he rages, and 29 percent are for Schulz, "then 39 percent are for us!" The crowd begins chanting "AfD! AfD! AfD!"

Much of what happens around the globe is bent to conform with their own view of the world. Some AfD supporters, for example, say that AfD lead candidate Alice Weidel had been ganged up on in the television talk show last week and that is why she stormed out of the studio. "That is why I came here," says Thomas Hechinger, 57, a mathematics teacher. "I am allergic to the Nazi club," he says, using a term frequently deployed by the extreme right to denounce German taboos against far-right rhetoric. Politically, he says, he is actually conservative or economically liberal, but now he will likely vote for the AfD, even if he doesn't like the party's affinity for Russia.

Hechinger's companion Johannes Heindl, who teaches German, history and social studies at a Bavarian high school, presents similar arguments. He used to be on the political left, he says, and still has a DER SPIEGEL subscription that he signed up for back then. But he says he is frequently bothered by the way the magazine reports on the AfD, such as what he saw as the hostile questions asked of Frauke Petry in an interview.

Only 38 percent of AfD voters believe that there is such a thing as freedom of opinion in Germany -- although that doesn't seem to prevent them from becoming belligerent when they hear views that are contrary to their own.

But the AfD isn't solely to blame for the polarization of German society either, writes Oskar Niedermayer, a political science professor at Berlin's Free University. He believes that "many of the 'reputable people'" were also guilty because of their tendency to equate "every critical comment on the refugee question, even those that were later revealed to have been justified, with right-wing extremism."

A Beer with the AfD

What, then, should be done about the anger felt by many voters and about the party that represents them?

On the evening of the televised debate between Merkel and Schulz, Chancellery Chief of Staff Peter Altmaier walked up to the bar at the television studio where the debate was taking place to grab a beer. Two friendly gentlemen in elegant suits were standing in his way and they offered to get his beer for him. "Of course, very nice of you," Altmaier said, before realizing who they were: Georg Pazderski and Christian Liath, two senior AfD members. Altmaier quickly shifted gears and said: "No thank you, I'd rather get the beer myself."

It was a preview of what will soon become the new normal in the German parliament. Bundestag members will soon begin running into their new AfD colleagues and their staff everywhere: in the Reichstag cafeteria, at committee meetings, in the plenary hall and at the many parties held in Berlin's government quarter.

Simply ignoring the party will no longer work, and the politicians will realize that the AfD world isn't only black and white. Along with the nationalist-chauvinist Gauland, the "attorney for the people" Jurgen Pohl and the historical revisionist Jens Maier, there will be some lawmakers who will actually be able to contribute ideas to tax reform or infrastructure debates.

Simply excluding them as right-wing radicals could ultimately push even more people to vote for the AfD in the future. It would feed the party's victim myth, reinforce their complaints about the lack of freedom of opinion and buttress their gripes that the country is turning into a dictatorship. It would strengthen conspiracy theories and intensify the hatred of elites.

The Bundestag faces a tough task. Parliamentarians will have to make clear to moderate AfD lawmakers that they bear some responsibility for the incitement and baiting of their more radical fellow party members. Claims that racist and xenophobic statements just slipped out by accident cannot be tolerated. Tepid condemnations won't be enough.

In the most recent U.S. presidential campaign, former first lady Michelle Obama demonstrated one way of dealing with right-wing populists. In a speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2016, she said that she and her husband continuously told their daughters not to stoop to the level of the bullies. "Our motto is: When they go low, we go high."

The AfD will remain part of the political system for the foreseeable future. Those who think that the party will disappear once the euro bailouts are finally a thing of the past, once the inflow of refugees has ceased and once all our schools have been renovated are likely to be mistaken. The party's success is an expression of discomfort with representative democracy, of a fear of the future and a frantic yearning to be heard. Even if all of the problems were to disappear, which would be a major achievement, that wouldn't mean that these feelings would disappear as well.

Some of these voters can no longer be reached with rational argument because they live in their own reality. The others can only be won back over the long term, if at all -- with a clear stance against racist slogans but without aggressively sweeping judgments, with a willingness to listen and to engage in spirited debates on the issues.

Chancellery Chief of Staff Altmaier made a first step in the television studio bar on the night of the debate. He pushed past the AfD men to get his beer. And then he returned with his beverage to chat with them for a bit.

By Melanie Amann, Laura Backes, Matthias Bartsch, Lukas Eberle, Jan Friedmann, Anna-Sophia Lang, Cordula Meyer, Lars-Thorben Niggehoff, Rene Pfister, Fidelius Schmid and Steffen Winter
Refugee Suffering Feeding the Boom

Camps have become villages and the influx of food, water and medical supplies from international aid organizations translates into a lot of money coming into the country. About 40 aid organizations have now registered with the prime minister's office and they employ thousands of people, most of them local Ugandans. They must be housed and they need offices, trucks and cars along with drivers to operate them.

Markets, housing and restaurants are shooting out of the ground, representing several hundred thousand euros in investment made possible by the needs of a million people without possessions - and by the daily work and trade carried out by the South Sudanese refugees.

Furthermore, as one aid worker says off the record, the government in Kampala makes sure to skim off a portion of each project's budget. He says around a quarter of the money his organization earmarks for aid projects in the country flows into Uganda's state coffers.

The total has quickly swelled to several million euros - of which far too much ends up in the private bank accounts of corrupt elites. Several years ago, Human Rights Watch (HRW) , among others, found such corruption to be a central problem facing Uganda - and also criticized donor countries and aid organizations for how they deal with that corruption.

Pledges of Improvement Follow Every Scandal

To be sure, international aid - including that from Germany - is frozen following every major scandal, such as the one in the mid-2000s which saw $4.5 million disappear from AIDS and malaria-prevention programs. But the tough reforms that were promised afterwards, HRW claims, ended up being cosmetic at best. And the aid money began flowing into Uganda again a short time later.

Even without the money being diverted from the NGOs into the state budget, Uganda should be doing better than it is. The economy has expanded continuously since 2000, and GDP has almost quintupled in the last 15 years to more than 24 billion euros.

But the UN's World Food Program is still feeding people in the northeast, an employee from a local aid organization complains. "Tanzania and Kenya have established large grain storage facilities for periods of drought. They plan ahead. Here in Uganda, nothing happens." Hunger and need is a political problem in Uganda, says the man, who asked to remain anonymous.
Geneva, Switzerland Sept 13, 2017 (SPS) - Several ambassadors and experts in law and international affairs held a conference entitled 'The Western Sahara issue, the last colony in the African continent, at the 36th Session of the United Nations Council.. "

The speakers emphasized the need to implement the recent UN General Assembly resolutions on the right to self-determination and the right of the Saharawi people to exercise their sovereignty over their natural resources. They clarified the situation of the territory from the point of view of international law, which considers that the Moroccan presence in the territory is a military occupation, which means according to international law, the illegality of the commercialization of its resources, without the previous consent of the only representative of the Saharawi people, the Frente POLISARIO.

The ambassadors and experts present at the conference urged continued support for the Saharawi people in their just struggle for the recovery of all their rights, and in particular freedom and independence.

Throughout the sessions, a Saharawi delegation, composed of civil society actors, will participate in both from the refugee camps and the Occupied Territories, as well as the permanent delegation of the Frente POLISARIO at the United Nations in Switzerland.

It should be recalled that the Human Rights Council of the United Nations inaugurated its 36th session yesterday in the capital of Switzerland, Geneva.SPS

125/090/TRA
Different to anything else on the market

The SwiftCool App monitors the milk cooling system on farm and provides real-time updates to the farmers mobile phone. The two-way functionality allows commands to be sent and can receive updates and alerts. It gives control and peace of mind to the farmer that thousands of litres of valuable milk is being safely cooled. The average 80 cow herd requires an 8,000 litre tank and the milk within is valued at around 2,400. Dairymaster are the only manufacturer to provide this information to the farmer via an App.

Huge Energy Savings

SwiftCool technology was developed with a focus on energy efficiency and ease of use. If every dairy farm in Ireland was to install a SwiftCool system, energy savings alone have the potential to save the industry 171m pa.

Future- proofing your investment

It gives the farmer the power to ensure that milk in the bulk tank is in the best possible condition before it leaves the yard. It records a full history of temperature, wash cycles, collection cycles and more. It also records the temperature washing of the tank and allows transparency.
Household incomes are rising, poverty rates are falling and the number of uninsured Americans is declining nationwide, according to new Census figures released Tuesday.

The median household income increased nationwide between 2015 and 2016, from $57,230 to $59,039  the second consecutive annual increase in income. During that same period, the nations official poverty rate fell by .8 percent and the number of people without health insurance dropped by almost 1 million.

But experts wondered if those positive trends would continue in the future, given issues with the state budget and debates happening on the national stage.

Its been good news for the past several years, but were starting to get worried about what could happen in the very near future, said Deb Polun, senior director of policy and outreach for the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut.

She said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has proposed cuts to Connecticuts Medicaid program, Husky A, that would effectively remove 9,500 low-income adults from the program. Theres also some concern that more insurers will leave Access Health CT, the insurance exchange set up through the Affordable Care Act.

And, of course, the multiple efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act on the national stage have also created some uncertainity around health care, said Polun and other experts.

Were facing very precarious times, said Patricia Baker, president and CEO of the Connecticut Health Foundation, which pushes for health care access for all Connecticut residents, particularly low-income individuals.

More Information Census facts The U.S. Census report on income, poverty and health insurance coverage reveals: Median household income in the United States in 2016 was $59,039, up from $57,320 in 2015. The nation's official poverty rate in 2016 was 12.7 percent, 40.6 million in poverty - 2.5 million less than in 2015. The percentage of people without health insurance for 2016 was 8.8 percent, down from 9.1 percent in 2015. The number of people without health insurance declined to 28.1 million from 29 million. Uninsured in Connecticut According to the U.S. Census, the percentage of uninsured in Connecticut has declined significantly over the past several years. 2013: 9.4% uninsured 2014: 6.9% uninsured 2015: 6% uninsured 2016: 4.9% uninsured See More Collapse

Positive trends

On Thursday, the Census will release information on income, poverty and health insurance for states, counties and geographic units with populations of 65,000 or more. But there was some state-by-state data released Tuesday, mainly regarding health insurance.

The percentage of uninsured people in Connecticut fell from 9.4 percent in 2013 to 4.9 percent in 2016. Massachusetts was the state with the lowest percentage of uninsured people, at 2.5 percent and the highest was in Texas, where 16.6 of the population was uninsured.

Poverty in the state also seemed to be falling. The Census report including state-by-state data comparing the average poverty rates over two two-year period  2013-2014 and 2015-2016. In Connecticut, the rate dipped slightly from 9.7 percent in 2013-2014 to 9.5 in 2015-2016.

No state-by-state data on median household was available Tuesday, but the Northeast, which includes Connecticut, did have the highest median household income, at $64,390.

Concerns ahead?

Polun said these numbers look great but we are extremely concerned, for a number of reasons. Some of those are linked to the fact that the state still hasnt approved a budget (though a vote is planned for Thursday). But experts also expressed concern about the fate of Access Health CT.

The insurers offering plans on the exchange  Anthem and ConnectiCare  have until Friday to decide whether theyre going to remain on the exchange. If they dont, Baker said, its unclear what will be the fate of the exchange and the people covered through it. Even in the short-term, were waiting to see if our own exchange is viable," she said.

Other concerns involve whats been happening on the national stage. One of President Donald Trumps major campaign promises was repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and there have been several attempts to do so, though none have succeeded.

Still, Baker said the national debate over healthcare has created some confusion about whether the ACA was still in place. When the new open enrollment period starts Nov. 1, were going to have to spend a lot of time clarifying things and educating people."

There have also been concerns from health care advocates that Trumps administration will simply allow Obamacare to fade away. Late last month, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department said it planned to slash the Affordable Care Act advertising budget by roughly 90 percent.

Moves like this are a concern, as it could deter people from signing up or re-enrolling, said Ashley Blanchard, public policy and research analyst for BCAC Lifebridge, which advocates for the well-being for children and families in Bridgeport. Like the other experts, Blanchard feared that the positive trends in the Census report could be headed for a reversal. But, she said its tough to know what the future holds."
The West Bengal unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has recommended the expulsion of its Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee for breach of party discipline.

By Indrajit Kundu: The West Bengal unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has recommended the expulsion of its Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee for breach of party discipline. The decision was taken at a meeting of the party's Bengal State Secretariat in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Banerjee was earlier suspended for three months in June over allegations of "lavish lifestyle" and misconduct after images of him sporting a Mont Blanc pen and an Apple smart watch went viral on social media. CPI(M) had formed a three-member inquiry committee headed by party's Lok Sabha MP Md Salim which submitted its report last month.

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Facing possible disciplinary action, Banerjee, in a sudden outburst this week, spoke out against the party's central leadership accusing a section of being "anti-Bengal".

"Someone had to bell the cat. And I decided to bell it," Banerjee tweeted on Wednesday while taking potshots at former general secretary Prakash Karat, senior politburo members like Md Salim and Brinda Karat. "Party is mine, party is yours, party doesn't belong to one," the MP lashed out on social media.

The 38-year-old parliamentarian accused Karat's of stonewalling re-nomination of party general secretary Sitaram Yechury to the Rajya Sabha for a third consecutive term. Accusing politburo member Md Salim and his son for spearheading a social media campaign against him, the rebel MP said that Salim had been inducted into the politburo purely under the Muslim quota. The Central Committee of the CPI(M) will not take a final call on whether to expel the MP from the party when it meets in Delhi on October 14.

According to a recent RTI response, the CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP was found to be have incurred highest expenditure as per records of his Travel Allowance (TA) and Dearness Allowance( DA). Banerjee has reportedly claimed a whopping Rs 69.24 lakh as TA and close to Rs 14 lakh as DA during his tenure.

ALSO READ:

MPs flying business class: D Raja calls for amendment in Travel Allowance rules

MPs burns a hole in state's exchequer by flying business class, Left leaders top spenders

--- ENDS ---
Swiss Lutherans Mark 500 Years of the Reformation

Contact: Media Office, World Council of Churches, +41 79 507 6363



GENEVE, Sept. 12, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Lutherans from all over Switzerland gathered in Geneva on 10 September for a eucharistic worship commemorating both the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and 50 years of the Federation of Lutheran Churches in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein (BELK).



Photo: Worship service for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and 50 years of the Federation of Lutheran Churches in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Photo: Arni Danielsson/LWF

Hundreds of worshippers filled the Temple de la Madeleine Reformed church where the Sunday service was held, reflecting the diversity of Lutherans in the country, drawn from Danish, English, Finnish, German, Malagasy, Norwegian and Swedish speaking congregations. Also attending were ecumenical guests from the Reformed tradition, Catholic church and other Christian denominations.

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge preached on the theme of the service "Bound to be Free."

A freedom with and for others

In his sermon, Junge emphasized that the unity of Lutheran churches was found in the message of justification by grace through faith, which conveys that "we are saved not because of who we are and what we do, but because of who God is and what God does."

He said the Reformation Anniversary was an opportunity "to reassert the preciousness of this message" that speaks to our human condition. "One doesn't need to live in any special time, nor in any special place to be able to receive the good news of God who has chosen to set a tone of compassion, solidarity, justice and peace in our world." This is a message, he said, that people need to continue hearing.

The general secretary reminded worshippers that the message of reformation 500 years ago spoke powerfully as well because it resonated with the perception that things were "being pushed into the marketplace which didn't belong there: forgiveness, life and future."

Explaining the LWF's "Not for sale" tagline for the anniversary, Junge challenged churches to keep questioning the very notion that everything today can be tradable including human beings, creation and salvation. The message of justification "today inspires us to address a trend that makes trade to become the sole driver of social, communal and political interaction."

Referring to the Epistle of the apostle Paul to the Galatians, he urged churches to hold together justification by grace through faith and freedom. "A church that preaches the gospel of justification will always be a church that stands without hesitation for freedom." The general secretary emphasized the special character of Christian freedom and contrasted it with a prevailing model of understanding freedom today, which "is increasingly losing its social competence." Christian freedom, he said, is a "freedom that sees the 'I' in relationship to the 'we,' never cut off or in isolation. It is a freedom with others and for others."

Addressing the ecological challenges, including climate change, he called for a new approach "to develop a theology, sermons, catechism and songs that help us to grasp both the preciousness and the fragility of the web of relationships into which God has placed us."

Referring to the Joint CatholicLutheran commemoration of the Reformation in October 2016, Junge said it was a blessing that for the first time in five centuries, the Reformation anniversary is being approached with a spirit of ecumenical accountability, "by spelling out how much we hold in common, and how much we long to be healed from the brokenness that affects us."

Reformation, he concluded, "is not over, because God's mission is not over. God continues claiming space in our lives, inviting us to live from what is given to us. God continues to set us free from the anxiety of perfection, accomplishment and success, inviting us into a journey of transformation to become who God wants us to be."

The centrality of the Bible

The festive service included the sharing of Bible verses written out on long cloth ribbons, which after being read out by a representative of each BELK congregation were passed around the worshippers and displayed on a wooden frame at the front of the church. Moved to the church entrance at the end of the service, the colorful ribbons acted as a gate through which worshippers passed to emphasize the centrality of the Bible in the life of the Lutheran church. Those gathered later shared a common lunch on a boat at Lake Geneva, which included a presentation on BELK's history.

The BELK (Bund Evangelische-Lutherischer Kirchen in der Schweiz und im Furstentum Liechtenstein) was founded in the early 1960s by five independent Lutheran churches to promote community across the boundaries of their own parishes. It joined the LWF in 1979, and its congregations bring together nearly 5,000 members.

Full text of the sermon by LWF general secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge



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.


By Ananya Bhattacharya: The West Bengal CPI(M) has recommended the expulsion of young CPM leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee. The Central Committee of the party is to take the final call on Banerjee's expulsion. The MP was suspended by the West Bengal CPI(M) in June, for a period of 90 days.

The recommendation of Ritabrata's expulsion comes close on the heels of an interview that he gave to a Bengali channel, ABP Ananda. In fact, in the interview, Ritabrata raised concerns that some party members might ask for his expulsion right after it was telecast.

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Here is what Ritabrata said in the explosive interview, uncharacteristic of a Communist leader.

THE SUSPENSION

Ritabrata Banerjee said he was unperturbed by the suspension. "I haven't received a formal letter, but I have heard that I have been demoted from the state committee. I have been asked to go back to the district and work there. The position that I was in... I am obviously a demoted CPM worker.

"The party had suspended me and constituted an investigation committee against me. I was suspended for a 90-day period. In my 21 years of working for the SFI, I have never been undisciplined. But there are times when someone has to bell the cat. These 90 days that I have been made to bleed... I am grateful to every single person who has stood beside me," Ritabrata Banerjee said in the interview.

Ritabrata Banerjee was suspended from the state party after allegations that his lifestyle was too lavish for a Communist Party worker. He wears an Apple watch, carries a Mont Blanc pen in his Fabindia kurta's pocket and is a frequent flier. There were murmurs about his romantic liasions as well in party circles. His bank statement and the 'disparity between his income and expenditure' was under the party scanner, and Ritabrata said that a 'kangaroo court' was constituted to deliver the verdict. But he 'was hanged even before that could happen. He was suspended from the CPI(M) for three months even before the commission's judgment could arrive.

ON MUSLIM QUOTA

"I have been made to hear that I have learnt nothing of the Communist Party's politburo. I have learnt nothing and that he is the only one who has learnt everything. The person I am talking about is the chairman of this kangaroo commission against me. He is Mohammed Salim. I believe that... the Communist Party that aims to change society, how can its politburo have quotas? If you are a Muslim, you are eligible. If you are a woman, you are eligible. Are these permissible in a communist party? He has become a politburo member because of his religion. I believe that if anyone deserved to be a member of the politburo at that time, it was Gautam Deb," Ritabrata Banerjee said.

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'BECOMING AN MP WORKED AGAINST ME'

"I believe, primarily now, that becoming an MP turned out to be a bane for me. Secondly, I might have been an MP and still be unscathed had I pretended to be deaf and mute in the Parliament. I wouldn't have had any problem that way. I am a last-bencher in the parliament. We are not taken as seriously. Whether I have served the parliament or not, whoever has seen me can justify that. The public should know what I am doing in the parliament. I used to tweet and put up my work on Facebook. The moment I would do that, a certain coterie would start attacking me. Mohammed Salim, his son Russell Aziz," said the youth leader.

ON THE HEARING

An investigating committee was constituted to investigate the veracity of the allegations against Banerjee. But before they could even begin looking into the matter, the verdict was delivered: Ritabrata was suspended for three months, he said.

"Before the investigating committee could even begin its work, I was suspended for three months. Before the verdict could even arrive, I was hanged. Even before I could go to the commission, a newspaper published in detail what was going to happen there. I still believed that the commission was unbiased."

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'IT WAS A KANGAROO COURT'

"But after going to the commission the first day, I realised that it was an out-and-out kangaroo court. I asked the commission for the names of the people who accused me of certain things. I wanted to know what were the accusations against me. And I also asked for the opportunity to cross-examine these accusations. This is the law of natural justice. I will have to let the public know everything," he said.

'I WILL GO TO COURT'

"The party could have asked for my bank statement. But they obtained it illegally. I have spoken to the Finance Minister and I have been assured that it is being looked into. Once the names of the people are with me, I will go to court and file cases against them. Because this is illegal. You cannot do it," said the Rajya Sabha MP.

CENTRAL LEADERSHIP

"Majority in the CPI(M) national leadership are anti-Bengali. In 1996, they did not allow Jyoti Basu to become the prime minister of the first United Front government," he said.

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MOHAMMED SALIM

Mohammad Salim

"The very first day when I went to the commission, I realised that it was a kangaroo commission. Mohammed Salim's behaviour was very vindictive. I have to defend myself. If tomorrow, the commission comes up with new allegations and says that I have signed on that paper, I have to keep a window for self-defence too. I am not able to trust Mohammed Salim," said Ritabrata.

WHAT NEXT - BJP OR TRINAMOOL CONGRESS?

"That, time will tell. I cannot say what is next. Time is of utmost importance. My priority is the red flag. The red flag is not any one person's patent. It is not patented to some father-son duo or some coterie. It is of the people. No one can snatch that flag from my hands," said Banerjee, adding that even the gossip around him was organised.

(The writer tweets as @ananya116)

ALSO READ: CPI(M) MP Ritabrata Banerjee suspended for three months

ALSO WATCH: Is Mamata following CPM's footsteps?

--- ENDS ---
A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra posted the plea for hearing it next Monday along with the one filed by noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan, challenging the move to deport them back to Myanmar.

A plea has been filed before SC on behalf of around 7,000 Rohingya refugees from 23 settlements in Jammu, where the community members are living in camps.

By Harish V Nair: Breaking silence on suspicion that the community had been radicalised, the Rohingya community on Tuesday claimed before the Supreme Court that they have no connection with any terrorist organisation. They contended that they were being targeted for deportation only because they were Muslims.

A plea filed on behalf of approximately 7,000 Rohingya refugees residing in 23 settlements in Jammu said: "We have nothing to do with terrorism. Ever since we began residing in Jammu, there has been no such allegation against us. Not a single one of us has ever been engaged in any kind of terrorist activity. "The local police have for more than a year conducted interrogation of all the Rohingyas and have taken full details of each family. The local police have inspected our settlements several times every month. All the Rohingyas cooperate with the police and give them all required information. There is therefore not a single terrorist in our midst".

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BENCH HEADED BY CHIEF JUSTICE DIPAK MISRA

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra posted the plea for hearing it next Monday along with the one filed by noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan, challenging the move to deport them back to Myanmar.

Rohingyas, in their petition also said the Centre's move was against right to equality as Rohingyas are being discriminated against when compared to the government's treatment of Tibetans and other refugees. "We have been singled out for very harsh treatment including deportation - which will surely result in our execution.

This is being done because we are poor and we are Muslims. The Myanmarese government has adopted a straight-forward and blatantly racist stance with regard to us", they said. India has warned Myanmar that Pakistan-based militants like Lashkar-e-Taiba are radicalising members of the Rohingya community that posed a security risk to both the countries as well as the region. MHA said that according to available data, more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the UNHCR, were staying in India and also that there were another 40,000 staying in the country illegally.

HOME MINISTRY WARNS STATES OF TERRORISM-RELATED ACTIVITIES

In a communication to all states, the Union Home ministry said that the rise of terrorism in the last few decades has become a serious concern for most nations, as illegal migrants are prone to getting recruited by terrorist organisations.

The fresh petition assumes significance in the wake of two intervention petitions in the case by former RSS ideologue KN Govindacharya and Chennai-based Indic Collective Trust through lawyer Suvidutt Sundaram seeking deportation of the Rohingya refugees. While Govindacharya contended, "It has also become known that al Qaeda is trying to use the Rohingya community for terror and jihad," the trust has said their presence posed "social, economic and security" threat to India.

A plea has been filed before SC on behalf of around 7,000 Rohingya refugees from 23 settlements in Jammu, where the community members are living in camps.

ALSO READ | Why United Nations cannot force India to change its stand on Rohingya deportation

ALSO READ | Rohingyas in India: How jihadi forces may have infiltrated persecuted Muslims of Myanmar

ALSO READ | How Rohingyas reached India and why government is not ready to let them stay

ALSO WATCH | Centre exploring ways to deport 40,000 Rohingya Muslims

--- ENDS ---

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Pradyuman Thakur's autopsy report has ruled out any sexual assault on the kid. The Gurgaon Police said bus conductor Ashok was the only person involved in the crime.

By India Today Web Desk: The mystery surrounding the murder of a seven-year-old boy at Gurgaon's Ryan International School is getting murkier by the day. The Gurgaon Police, in its report, said they have ample evidence against the prime accused bus conductor in the case. On the other hand, the Ryan school management has said it has no role in the horrific crime.

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Post-mortem report of Class 2 student Pradyuman Thakur, who was found in a pool of blood with his throat slit inside the school washroom last Friday, ruled out any sexual assault on the kid.

Two Ryan school officials, who were arrested on September 11, have moved Supreme Court seeking legal representation. The officials also pleaded the top court to move the trial in the murder case out of Haryana.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Police have collected blood and semen samples of arrested bus conductor Ashok to conduct DNA test. Blood samples of Pradyuman also sent to lab. Reports say Ashok attacked Pradyuman as the kid had seen him masturbating inside the school washroom. The accused had earlier admitted to the police that he killed Pradyuman using his knife after he resisted attempts of unnatural sex in the toilet. The school bus driver Saurabh Raghav claimed conductor Ashok Kumar was made a scapegoat by the school teachers. Gurgaon police is convinced that besides Ashok no other person was involved in the gruesome murder. Pradyuman's family has approached the Bombay High Court opposing the anticipatory bail granted to Ryan School's top management. The Bombay High Court had granted interim protection from arrest to Ryan International Group's founding chairman Augustine Pinto and his wife and managing director Grace till today in connection with the murder. Ryan's former principal who was suspended after the murder will be questioned by SIT team today. Two office bearers of Ryan School, Gurgaon, would be produced in Sohna court later today Sources said that the management has decided to shut down the school for an indefinite period. A CBSE team is visiting the school today to investigate whether the management flouted rules set up by the board and government. The matter of safety of children in schools was also taken up in the Supreme Court on Tuesday which agreed to hear a plea of two women lawyers seeking framing of "non-negotiable" child safety conditions and implementation of existing guidelines to protect school-going children from offences like sexual abuse and murder across the country.

WATCH: Ryan murder: Eyewitness recounts what he saw on the day Pradyuman died

ALSO READ:

Ryan murder investigation: Pradyuman Thakur's body had no marks of sexual assault, bus conductor only one involved

Ryan murder: Bus driver hints at cover-up, says conductor told to carry kid's body

Ryan International School: How son of a farmer built his business empire of education

Gurgaon murder: Ryan's top officials forced me to admit knife was part of bus tool kit, says driver

--- ENDS ---
CHADRON  A child died as a result of a one-vehicle rollover crash on a county road northeast of Chadron late Saturday afternoon.

Chadrad.com reports that Dawes County Sheriff Karl Dailey said a child injured in the crash about six miles north of Highway 20 died after being transported to the Childrens Hospital Colorado.

Dailey said five other people were hospitalized as a result of injuries in the crash that occurred. Three adults and three children were inside the minivan. Identities of the child killed and the adults and children injured have not been released.

Deputies responded to the crash at about 6 p.m. Saturday.

When deputies arrived, Chadron Rescue crews were already performing CPR on the child who was flown to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff by Air Link. The child was transferred to the Denver hospital.

A second child was taken by ambulance to Chadron Community Hospital, but was also eventually flown to Childrens Hospital.

Dailey says speed was a factor in the accident with witnesses reporting the van was traveling at high speed before the rollover. The woman driving the vehicle complained of head pain and suffered serious but non-life threatening lacerations.

The woman accused of driving the vehicle is under investigation and was taken into custody on two Sheridan County warrants. The Dawes County Sheriffs Department investigated the accident, but the Nebraska State Patrol is continuing the investigation.

Hay Springs Fire and Rescue and the Regional West Ambulance Service also responded and assisted with the accident.
GERING  Hospitality matters. The eclipse committee knew it before the 2017 total solar eclipse. They were reassured it matters thousands of times over during and after the event.

The committee met for the last time on Friday to discuss their successes and what they could do better for future large events.

Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman said all the planning was well-done and his crew didnt have any problems. One thing he noted, as did several other members of the committee was how often people thanked the police and complimented the community for their hospitality.

People were surprised it didnt cost anything, Overman said. They couldnt believe we were just giving out water and eclipse glasses.

Overman and his staff redirected traffic on Highway 71 and kept an eye on potential choke points. The area did become a choke point at one point, but, by 4 p.m. on Aug. 21, law enforcement were able to leave and let traffic handle itself.

Scottsbluff Police Chief Kevin Spencer said the city did a phenomenal job. His staff was ready for the crowd, which was estimated to be 500-700 people. He, too received many compliments from visitors.

The plan was very well thought out, Spencer said. I dont know what we could have done that was different or better.

George Holthus, Gering police chief, said it was all hands on deck with city employees and commended them on an outstanding job throughout the eclipse.

The only thing we noticed was the influx of people that kind of snuck up on us, Holthus said. We could sense there were a lot of people in town, but it was a bit of a surprise at 2 p.m. when they all left town.

The Five Rocks Amphitheater hosted 1,500-2,000 people.

The weekend before the eclipse, Spencer drove around town and noticed people parking in tents in fields and lined on the side of the highway near Wal-Mart.

Out at the Legacy of the Plains Museum, 1,800 people descended on the museum, but there were few problems. Brenda Leisy, Scotts Bluff County tourism director, said her only concern was seeing small children wandering on the highway. People had parked their cars on the side of the road because they were concerned about parking, even though it was free. They wanted to be able to quickly get to Highway 71 as soon as the event was over.

Leisy estimated about 90 percent of the traffic at the museum was from Colorado.

They were thrilled about the venue, the process and information, Leisy said.

People were giving her money, even though everything was free. They thanked her for the towns friendliness, organization and hospitality.

I gave it (the money) to Legacy because I didnt know what else to do, Leisy said.

Again and again, visitors were impressed with three things  how well organized the events were, people were nice and friendly and everything was free. Karla Neiden-Streeks, executive director of the Gering Convention and Visitors Bureau, said people dont realize it now, but that hospitality will pay off for years to come.

Visitors told Neiden-Streeks they never would have come to the area if it werent for the solar eclipse and they plan to come back.

Weve targeted the Colorado market for a long time and this one was just handed to us, Neiden-Streeks said.

Her best story from the day was watching a group of twenty-somethings running up to watch the eclipse from the parking lot at Five Rocks. Neiden-Streeks crew got water and glasses ready as the group grabbed the items and ran up to the crowd just in time. When it was over, they came back and hugged Neiden-Streeks and the volunteers.

They were from El Paso, Texas, Neiden-Streeks said. Their plans were to come to Gering, but they got stuck in traffic.

Neiden-Streeks said Kevin Howard, director, Alliance Visitors Bureau complimented her and Leisy on their work. He said the hospitality was going to be paid back in a big way in the future.

The committees one regret was not selling T-shirts on the day of the event.

We could have sold a billion of them, Neiden-Streeks said. In hindsight, we should have sold them.

Neiden-Streeks had hesitated to sell them at the event because she would have used sales tax dollars and wanted to be responsible with the money, and not end up with thousands of unsold T-shirts.

The Scotts Bluff National Monument managed to squeeze 115 cars into its small area. Officially, people could walk onto a small portion of the monument grounds, but Superintendent Dan Morford said he knows 100-200 people were on the western boundary. People also wandered into the badlands.

On Monday, Morford said 1,262 people were counted who came through the visitor center. After the eclipse, the monument was opened back up, but because of the hundreds of cars in line, they didnt count how many people went to the top.

We told them, its going to be a 15-20 minute wait, Morford said. They said, No problem we wait 45 minutes in traffic at home just to get home each day.

For 3  hours, the summit road was closed and cars were strictly regulated going up and coming down. Around 4 p.m., the flood of cars subsided.

We got hammered after, Morford said. We did not anticipate the influx of folks leaving the event and wanting to come to the monument.

Morford said people were flabbergasted by the hospitality and friendliness of everyone here. Many people told him they had no idea what was out here and were planning to bring family back and tell their friends and neighbors.

Morford said he spoke with people from Grand Island who, once they realized the day before it was going to be cloudy, left Grand Island at 3 a.m. to make it to Gering.

Spencer had one of the more interesting stories from the eclipse. A preacher in Alliance was talking about the end of the world. The police told him he needed to move his car.

He told them, Go ahead and tow it. Im not going to need it, Spencer said. So they did.

Representatives from Agate Fossil Beds were not able to attend the final meeting, but Morford had spoken with them. Their final numbers on the day of the solar eclipse were close to 15,000 visitors, which is their yearly average.

Cars were parked everywhere and visitors spread out around Agate, but there were no issues.

The committee was pleased overall with how well every agency came together to discuss what they needed to do.

The success of the event was shown in the numbers during the day of the event, but Morford said he has data from the Scotts Bluff Monument indicating people stayed in town until Thursday.

The biggest issue was traffic after the solar eclipse with everyone trying to use the same highway to leave town. Most noteworthy was the traffic from Sioux County. As people left Agate, they jammed Highway 26. Overman said even he had a problem getting to Highway 26 due to the traffic.

"If you go to Denver where theres a lot of streets and traffic control, after an event, thats what happens, Overman said. People here just arent used to it.

While visitors were impressed with local hospitality, locals were impressed with the visitors. Those who stayed in fields left a definite impression.

People were raking the fields and picking up their garbage, Neiden-Streeks said. Their took care of the land and focused on making sure it was in the same condition they found it.

Financially, the state received $177 million earned revenue through the media and 7.9 million people were reached through their website and social media from around the world.
A 30-year-old Scottsbluff man is accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

Scotts Bluff County Sheriffs deputies arrested Derek Fresorger Tuesday on a charge of first-degree sexual assault of a child, according to an arrest affidavit filed in Scotts Bluff County Court.

According to the affidavit, an investigation into sexual assault allegations began on Sept. 1 after the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services received a child abuse report. The girl was interviewed on Sept. 5, during which she alleged physical, verbal and sexual abuse by Fresorger. The girl allegedly disclosed that the sexual assaults had been occurring over a period of two years.

A sexual assault nurse also examined the girl.

Police interviewed the girls mother, who alleged Fresorger had told her not to talk to detectives investigating the case. The woman accompanied police in a search of the home, where bedding was removed and collected as evidence.

Police interviewed Fresorger on Sept. 7 and Fresorger was asked to participate in another interview on Sept. 9, but he did not show. Fresorger was arrested on Sept. 11 after deputies conducted a welfare check at his home and allegedly discovered a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue. He was arrested on charged of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Fresorger agreed to an interview at the Nebraska State Patrol on Sept. 12 and he was arrested on the sexual assault charge after the interview.
SCOTTSBLUFF  The Western Nebraska Airport Board now has a list of finalists to be considered as the carrier out of Scottsbluff.

Six bids were placed for the rights to service Scottsbluff. They are Boutique Air, Skywest, Great Lakes Aviation, Key Lime, Silver Airways and ADI. The bids ranged between 2.7 and 4.7 million with several contingencies and planes. Silver Airways wanted all five cities PenAir had serviced out of Denver or none at all. Each airline also had different amounts of trips per day as well as different sized planes.

It will be interesting to see how the bids play out and whether carriers want one airport or several, Airport Manager Darwin Skelton said.

Details about the companies bidding for EAS Six airlines have bid to be the new air service out of Western Nebraska Regional Airport.

The bids were sought to restore air service to the Scottsbluff airport after the last Essential Air Service provider, PenAir, announced it would be leaving. Before PenAir filed for bankruptcy and announced plans to pull all flights out of Scottsbluff on Sept. 10, the board filed a request with the Department of Transportation to end the contract and seek a new airline to service Scottsbluff. That move put Scottsbluff ahead of the line when PenAir made the decision. As a result, bids for Scottsbluff closed on Sept. 12.

PenAir will be at the airport until the end of the month to man the counter for four hours each day for anyone who doesnt realize PenAir has left. Skelton said PenAir has already packed up and hauled out a lot of equipment already.

Once they are completely out of there, we will go in and paint and get everything cleaned back up for the next carrier, Skelton said.

With the bids in, a final decision will be made by the board on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at a special board meeting. After the board picks an airline, they will send their recommendation back to the DOT. The board will make recommendations, but the DOT ultimately has the final say in which airline will serve Scottsbluff.

We know the government likes low bids and thats generally the way it goes, he said. If we were able to get enough support and didnt choose the lowest bidder, we might be able to get them to go the way wed like them to go.

Skelton said there is a lot an airline must do to prepare to move in at Scottsbluff. There is a 30-day comment period, which is due on Oct. 12. At the end of October, beginning of November, a new airline should be known for Scottsbluff.

Once the airline is named, the new airline requires at least 90 days to get started. Among the things a new airline needs to prepare for service to the area is the movement of equipment to Scottsbluff, training of employees, getting computer systems installed and running and booking advanced tickets.

All those things need to take place before they start service, he said. Because there are so may cities that are dark, we hope it could be moved quicker, but Im not holding my breath.

The best case scenario for Scottsbluff is February or March 2018, which is a better timeline than other Nebraska cities Penair served, which are looking at a late 2018 start date.

Another issue the airport faces is, if the TSA does not provide any service for 45 days, the TSA has the right to pull service from the airport. There is then a lengthy process to get the TSA back. Skelton has been proactive in trying to make sure they will have TSA service when the new airline begins service. He spoke to the security director for the state. Some TSA workers have been moved to different states already to keep them trained so when the new service begins, they will be ready.

The airport also takes care of flight diversions. Sometimes, the people on those flights need to deplane. If that happens, the airport tries to keep them in the security area, but there are times when they would need to go through screening again, such as the recent diversion of nine planes at the same time. Skelton was assured if something similar were to happen, the TSA would be made available for screenings.

Swift Air also runs casino charters and TSA will be available. Skelton said, if needed, they could hire Nancy Dishman, ground security coordinator to work the flight under contract with the airport assisting with check-in. Dishman has performed the role before with Great Lakes and PenAir.

Were trying to accommodate everything that may come up, but there may still be a few surprises out there, he said.

Skelton said the airport will work through the next few months as best as they can and hope the new carrier is successful and stable, and that people will want to fly on them. For now, its a waiting game to see what will happen.

New businesses dont come in buses, they come in airplanes, said Bob Unzicker, board member. Thats why its important to have an airline here.
SCOTTSBLUFF  While touring his home district, State Senator John Stinner stopped in for the September meeting of the Monument Prevention Coalition. The groups mission is to create a clear message throughout the community that underage alcohol use is illegal, unhealthy and unacceptable.

There isnt any current pending legislation relating to underage drinking. However, Stinner did weigh in on the groups support for a bill that would increase Nebraska cigarette tax from 64 cents a pack to $1.50.

Stinner said while he sees the logic of the measure, he thought the governor would never sign it, primarily because it creates more taxation in a time of tight budgets.

The sometimes contentious 2017 legislative session wrapped up in June, saw hard choices over how to balance a budget when the states Economic Forecasting Board predicted a shortfall that eventually came to $1.1 billion.

Senators were able to come up with more than $750 million in cuts and some transfers, plus dipping into the states rainy day fund to balance the budget by the end of the session.

Stinner told Monument Prevention Coalition members that some state programs might not be working as efficiently as possible from a revenue standpoint. Those programs will need close scrutiny to assure the state is getting the best return on investment.

July and August numbers from the Economic Forecasting Board still show a revenue shortfall of about $18 million. Stinner said hes currently trying to get a handle on the economic trends prior to next years legislative session.

With numbers from August and September, we should be able to recognize a trend, he said. We need to know whether the economy is getting better or not. The Forecasting Board meets in October, so we should know how to react by then.

He added theres a group in the Legislature that believes government is too big and theres too much waste and fraud. Therefore, the Legislature needed to cut $1.1 billion out of a $9 billion budget without a revenue increase or help from the federal government.

Other ideas floated by coalition members were a possible elimination of the states lottery, which has the greatest negative impact on the poor, and a possible big hike in taxes on alcohol.

Stinner said he didnt want to throw a wet blanket on any of those ideas and encouraged members to keep working toward their goals, even when there may not seem to be any support from state government.

Stinner told coalition members that the group, as well as any other group, needs to get involved if they want their ideas heard.

If an idea is presented in a bill, it has to be heard at least on the floor, he said. Thats when you show up and weigh in with your ideas. Of course, a lot of times, youll need to compromise with other groups to reach a consensus.

During the 2017 session, state senators had to deal with 667 introduced bills, all of which have their initial hearings in committee. Of that total, 177 of them were signed into law.
By Ajay Kumar: Pradyuman's murder gave an opportunity to politicians to point fingers at the BJP government in Haryana and Centre. Since the victim's family is native of Bihar's Madhubani district, prominent JD(U) leaders of Bihar Sharad Yadav and former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi visited Pradyuman's house, besides Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar and state president of Congress women's wing Neetu Sharma.

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These politicians attacked the ruling BJP government for its failure and mess of investigation done by Gurugram police. Sharad Yadav said he will raise this issue in Parliament and help this family fight in the Supreme Court. "I have talked to Haryana CM ML Khattar and asked him if the deceased's parents are not satisfied with police probe, why you (CM) are hesitating in recommending it to CBI.

The claim and observation of family members on this case is spot-on and hence it should be investigated through CBI. The SC has taken the matter into cognisance following plea of Varun Thakur, the deceased's father and I have full faith in it," Yadav said. He also added that private schools in India have made it a business which needs to be stopped. Manjhi termed it a rarest of rare case that was executed in a brutal manner. "This incident had saddened common people not only here in Haryana, but also in Bihar and other states. The gravity of the incident is such that it should be probed by the CBI.

The deceased's family strongly expressed dissatisfaction over the investigation of Gurugram police and I am also demanding from Haryana government to recommend this case to the CBI," Manjhi said. Tanwar accused the Khattar government of "failure" in law and order and no control over private education institutions. "Private schools used to take hefty fee from parents but they are failed to protect our children. This incident has created fear in the mind of common people and moreover the investigation, which is not up to the mark and hard to digest," Tanwar said.

"PM Modi talked about "Mann ki Baat" but he is not listening to "Dil ki Baat" of Pradyuman's family. Why the Haryana government is hesitating to recommend this case to the CBI is not understandable," said Sharma. On Monday, Haryana's ex-CM Bhupender Singh Hooda met the family and sharply attacked the BJP government. Ram Vilas Paswan, another prominent Bihar leader, is expected to come on Wednesday.

Also Read:

Ryan murder: Bus driver hints at cover-up, says conductor told to carry kid's body

Ryan International School: How son of a farmer built his business empire of education

Gurgaon murder: Ryan's top officials forced me to admit knife was part of bus tool kit, says driver

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WATCH | Ryan International School murder: Haryana education minister assures speedy justice

--- ENDS ---
Dawes County woman faces charges in a Saturday crash that killed a 6-year-old girl.

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) arrested Kimberly Eagle Bull, 32, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Sunday on multiple charges, including motor vehicle homicide and driving under the influence, the Nebraska State Patrol released Wednesday.

The crash occurred north of Chadron on Slim Butte Road, when Eagle Bull lost control of the 2002 Ford Windstar van she was driving and the vehicle rolled. Six people, including three adults and three children, were

transported to the hospital. Two of the children were transported by flight to Denver. Six-year-old Christina Roubideaux died Sunday at Childrens Hospital Colorado.

Troopers arrested Eagle Bull on charges of driving under the influence, open container, false reporting, child abuse/neglect, failure to use a child restraint, motor vehicle homicide, and other charges.

Investigation of the accident was handled by the Dawes County Sheriffs Office. The criminal investigation is being handled by the Nebraska State Patrol. A final determination on charges will be made by the Dawes County Attorney. As of Wednesday, formal charges had not yet been filed against the woman, according to a search of online computer records.
The coyote dashed through the darkness and in an instant snatched the black and white puppy.

Kari Olson said she never saw her familys 7-pound sheltie again.

Olson said she let the 4-month-old pup named Oreo outside to go to the bathroom at 9:30 p.m. last week. She was standing just 10 feet away when the coyote grabbed the dog from the front yard of her Sarpy County home near 198th and Harrison Streets.

Its the second reported time in the past two months a coyote has grabbed a dog in the area. In July, a coyote snatched a familys 4-pound Yorkie from the yard of an acreage west of Lincoln.

Both homes are in newly developed or near rural areas, where coyotes are more likely to be seen.

The Nebraska Humane Society said it has not received many calls about coyote sightings or about the predators taking pets.

Kelli Brown, the agencys field operations director, said its rare for a coyote to attack a dog, but owners must be vigilant.

She said pets should never be left outside unless they are on a leash or in a fenced area.

Olson said that for a moment she thought the coyote was a dog as it ran from the side of her home and snatched Oreo.

It just grabbed her and took off, Olson said. It was just a blink. Youre like, what the heck was that?

The coyote ignored the familys full-grown 30-pound sheltie standing next to Oreo.

Olson said she heard yelps from the puppy as the coyote ran off with it through an empty lot across the street and into a ravine.

She said she and her family searched the ravine and surrounding area with flashlights. A Sarpy County Sheriffs deputy helped them look for the dog.

The searchers saw no signs of the pet initially, but later noticed a trail of blood along a paved walking path near the ravine.

She said the loss of their pet was traumatic for her family, and her children were in tears.

Olson called the Humane Society the next day and the agency set up a live trap for the coyote, baited with meat in the familys yard. So far a coyote has not been caught.

Olson said her family misses Oreo and shes learned a lesson: Never let a dog out without having it on a leash.

Sam Wilson, a wildlife biologist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said there have not been any recent problems with coyotes normal food supply of rodents, rabbits and ground-nesting birds that would cause the predators to go after pets.

He said that statewide the coyote population has been steady.

He said there was evidence in the early 2000s that mange killed off some coyotes in parts of southeast Nebraska. It appears the population may have rebounded in recent years, he said. So if people are noticing more coyotes, that rebounding population could be a reason, he said.

Wilson said coyotes usually weigh 30 pounds and are common in Nebraska; theyre most likely to be seen in rural areas or in newly developed areas near creeks, fields and similar habitat.

There are fields near Olsons home, which was built in 2012 and is about 5 miles from the Elkhorn River.

There have been other incidents in the region this year involving coyotes, including one in Hastings in July, when a 1-year-old boy was bitten by a coyote.

In March, south of the Millard area, a badly injured coyote was rescued after it was found hanging from a fence it was caught in.

Brown with the Humane Society said residential expansion means that coyotes must learn to adapt.

These guys are forced to learn to live in these areas, she said.
A white University of Kentucky student accused of physically assaulting a Black student worker while repeatedly using racial slurs says she will withdraw from the school. The decision announced Tuesday by a lawyer for 22-year-old Sophia Rosing came after hundreds of students rallied on campus the night before. News outlets report the students called for unity and for the university to quickly address the situation. Officials say Rosing has been charged with assault, public intoxication and disorderly conduct. She pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Monday afternoon. The altercation at Boyd Hall was captured on video and posted to multiple social media platforms.
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The joint plenary of the Deputies' Chamber and the Senate voted on Wednesday, unanimously, the draft decision for amending the annex of Romania's Parliament Decision No.45/2017 regarding the establishment of the joint special Committee of the Deputies' Chamber and the Senate for celebrating the Centennial of the Great Union and the War for Unifying the Nation.

Through this decision Parliament has designated Ecaterina Andronescu as chair of the Special Committee for the Centennial, after Senator of the Social Democratic Party(PSD) Lucian Romascanu, the Minister of Culture, resigned the office two months ago.

Agerpres.
Hackers today took down the Ryan International group's website, displaying a message that paid tribute to Pradyuman Thakur, the seven-year-old who was murder on school premises last Friday.

By India Today Web Desk: Ryan International School, which is battling public criticism over the murder of one its students at a Gurgaon school, is now facing a tech-savvy enemy - hackers.

A group of hackers that calls itself 'Team Kerala Cyber Warriors' today evening took down the education institution's website, defacing it with a photo and text tribute to Pradyman Thakur, the seven-year-old boy who was murdered at Ryan International School, Gurgaon.

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At the time of last updating this report, the website appeared normal; it wasn't immediately known how long the website's homepage remained defaced.

While the hack was live, IndiaToday.in managed to take screenshots of the homepage, which displayed the seven-year-old Pradyuman's photo and a message to the Ryan management.

The text and the photo were overlaid on an image of a person wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, the signature attire of hackers who belong to the collective 'Anonymous.'

The hackers began the tribute by saying, "You [Pradyuman] may be gone, but you will never be forgotten."

The hackers then posted a message to the management of the Ryan International School, saying, "Citizens of India demands (sic) justice for the innocent soul Pradyuman Thakur, who lost his life due to your security negligence."

"School is just a business for you," the message continued, "What responsiblity you put towards your students?? (sic) What security and safety measures are you providing in your school??"

The message then went on to allege that CCTV cameras inside the school where Pradyuman was murdered were not working. The school also failed to check the background of its employees, the hackers said.

"Education is not a business," the message ended.

Seven-year-old Pradyuman Thakur was killed last Friday, allegedly by Ashok Kumar, a bus conductor who confessed to murdering the boy after attempting to sexually abuse him.

Thakur's body was discovered outside a school washroom just as classes as the Gurgaon school began. The murder has grabbed national attention and the Ryan group has come under intense criticism for allegedly failing to ensure the security of its students.

ALSO READ | Ryan murder on CCTV: Pradyuman seen crawling out of washroom; who else was there?

ALSO READ | Ryan murder: Bus driver hints at cover-up, says conductor told to carry kid's body

ALSO WATCH | Ryan school murder: Gardener Harpal recounts what he saw on the day Pradyuman died

--- ENDS ---

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Prime Minister Mihai Tudose on Wednesday sent a congratulation message to Romanian firemen, on the occasion of Firefighters Day, underscoring, at the same time, the progress made on a professional and logistics level by all Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (ISU) structures. "I am opening the Government meeting with a warm and sincere 'Many happy returns of the day!' to the Romanian firefighters, with gratitude for what they have done in history, for what they represent today and with hope for the future. I am taking this opportunity to thank and congratulate Mrs Minister Carmen Dan [Interior Minister] for everything that happened this year at ISU. In fact, I believe that this is the highest growth ever at ISU in terms of technique, confidence, staff, ISU overall," Mihai Tudose said in the beginning of the Government meeting.

The PM participated on Wednesday in the ceremony in which President Klaus Iohannis handed over the battle flags to 11 ISU units under the coordination of the Inspectorate General for Emergency Situations (IGSU), on the occasion of Firefighters Day, an event organised in Carol Park.

Agerpres.
Prime Minister Mihai Tudose on Wednesday said that the message of European Commission President Jean Claude-Juncker is "extraordinary," a positive one, appreciative of Romania's demarches.

"I want to note today and congratulate all Government members and all Romanians, in fact, who have made it possible for the European Commission President, Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, in the annual message, to refer to Romania only positively. It is an extraordinary message, it is the first time when the European Commission doesn't criticise us and appreciates the steps we have all made, Romania is the heroine of this story," Tudose said in the beginning of the Government meeting.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker proposed on Wednesday, in a speech to the European Parliament plenary meeting in Strasbourg, to organise an EU summit on day after Brexit, on 30 March 2019, in the Romanian city of Sibiu, to discuss the future of the community bloc.

Agerpres.
The meeting will be chaired by Maneka Gandhi, Prakash Javadekar along with officials of the two ministries, NCPCR, CBSE, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan will also be involved in tightening child safety on school premises.

By Mail Today Bureau: In a domino effect, after parents of over 40 students protested at Ryan International School in Noida on Monday morning demanding verification of drivers, security guards within school premises and an increase in CCTV camera surveillance, Union ministries of women and child development and human resource development have decided to hold a high-level meeting.

The meeting will be chaired by Maneka Gandhi, Prakash Javadekar along with officials of the two ministries, NCPCR, CBSE, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan will also be involved in tightening child safety on school premises. Gandhi has requested Javadekar to consider suggestions like having women employees as the support staff and bus drivers/conductors in the schools, screening of educational films on child sexual abuse in the schools in a telephonic conversation.

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In addition to this, Gandhi has also highlighted the need for having strict norms for employing the support staff. In her letter to Javadekar, Gandhi stated that the basic objective of the meeting of the two ministries is to develop a set of guidelines and protocols which schools must follow so that the children remain protected from any kind of abuse or physical or mental harm.

The WCD minister added that the parents, guardians and teachers should remain vigilant about the children as well as their behaviour. "The authorities are yet to conduct a verification of their school drivers. The authorities cannot take the verification process for granted, especially when the school allows them to park buses within school premises.

The school has only posted security guards at the school gate. This neglects the safety of my child on the school premises as the school buses are parked within metres of school reception," said Sanjay Bal, a parent of class 4 student at Ryan International School.

ALSO READ | Ryan murder: Blow-by-blow account of how Pradyuman Thakur was killed in his Gurgaon school

ALSO READ | Gurgaon murder: Ryan's top officials forced me to admit knife was part of bus tool kit, says driver

ALSO WATCH | Exclusive visuals of murder scene inside Gurgaon Ryan International School

--- ENDS ---
St. Louis and Mississippi River communities could use environmental data to connect with investors on future public projects in an agreement signed Wednesday.

The agreement is between the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, holding its annual meeting in St. Louis this week, and CDP, a nonprofit group collecting environmental impact data for investors looking to finance public or private projects.

Investors want to make sure theyre protected from invisible risk, such as long-term environmental impacts, CDP global adviser Paula DiPerna said at a news conference downtown. We hope, with foresight, investors will see the energy and commitment by these communities to look ahead.

The five-year agreement, signed by DiPerna along with St. Paul, Minn., Mayor Chris Coleman and Gretna, La., Mayor Belinda Constant, would connect at least five cities to project investors annually. The Mississippi Rivers Cities and Towns Initiative has a goal of providing information for 25 cities over the course of the agreement.

Initiative executive director Colin Wellenkamp said the groups agreement with CDP could connect investors with any kind of public project.

It could be for flood mitigation, economic development or energy, but no matter what it is, investors want to see that its resilient, Wellenkamp said.

Resilience in this context means the project planning accounts for environmental impacts, the consequences of those impacts for the project itself, and demonstrates how those impacts might be offset.

More than 100 public entities already provide such data to investors thru CDP, which was founded in 2003 as the Carbon Disclosure Project, Wellenkamp said.

In August, CDP released a report based on data provided by cities that said 63 percent worldwide see future risks to their water supply from climate change. Almost 200 cities reported increased scarcity of water supplies as a current or future risk.

Forty-three percent of companies around the world disclosing information to CDP reported their organization is exposed to water risk that could substantively affect their operations. Companies disclosing to CDP worldwide reported $14 billion in costs associated with water-related impacts, such as a loss of production, in 2016.
SEATTLE  Amazon.com is about to test whether expertise delivering packages across a continent translates to skill in getting executives in far-flung cities to play nice together.

The online retailer surprised the business world, and its Seattle hometown, last week with the announcement that it would set up a second home base somewhere in North America, and staff the new campus with up to 50,000 employees.

The new home, Amazon said, will be a full equal to Seattle, a second headquarters. Executives will have the choice of placing their groups in either city, or both.

Theres little precedent for a company building two distinct, city-sized operations from the ground up and splitting the corporate brain trust between them. Dividing teams, management experts say, can lead to costly duplication of efforts, create rival power centers and add layers of bureaucracy that slow down decision making.

Amazon has largely avoided the kind of lethargy that can follow success and rapid growth. For an organization with more than 450,000 employees, the company retains a remarkable reputation for speed and aggression.

But replicating that culture and those habits at HQ2, as Amazon is calling its second headquarters, presents a test of the companys formula.

It can go wrong very quickly if executives lose touch, said Michael Cusumano, who studies corporate strategy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management. People need to know the customer, and the product.

Amazon has made a concerted effort to avoid management pitfalls, developing an institutional obsession with the factors that make businesses succeed or fail.

It comes from the top. CEO Jeff Bezos codified some of this thinking 15 years ago with an edict that has become equal parts corporate lore and business-school cliche: Teams should be broken up into self-directed units, clusters small enough that they could be fed with two pizzas.

The two-pizza team idea, though never fully implemented across the company, was ingrained into its thinking, a standing order to remain nimble.

The question Amazon will face in its new operations is whether two-pizza teams work well if one pie is in Seattle and the other is in, say, Denver, or Dallas or Detroit.

Nadia Shouraboura, a former Amazon vice president, expects the companys data-driven preference for decentralized action to survive even as its concentration in Seattle diminishes.

Amazon is organized into small teams, and that team is completely empowered, she said. It allows them to scale, and move very fast.

The company contends it already does a pretty good job of managing an extended workforce. Amazon has been hiring product teams outside the U.S. since the late 1990s, and around the U.S. outside of Seattle since opening a California office in 2003.

Today, much of the team behind the Alexa digital assistant is in Boston, for example. Amazons bulk business-sales program is jointly developed by people working in Seattle, Madrid and Austin, Texas.

Amazon says that more than 25 percent of its corporate staff in the U.S.  a group that excludes warehouse workers and other staff in Amazons distribution network  is based outside of Seattle today.

A separate headquarters, though, is something different. Distinct manufacturing and research and development outposts are common for large global businesses, but corporations tend to prioritize having command and control centralized in a single location.

Smartphones and ubiquitous videoconferencing reduce the friction inherent in coordinating remote offices, but dont eliminate it entirely.

Tom Murphy, who advises retailers on corporate strategy at North Highland, a consulting firm, said that given Amazons projections for its own growth, the company has no choice but to grow in multiple cities.

Theres complexity there, he said. If you dont want that complexity, you stay a small-town neighborhood retailer.

There are some advantages to decreasing the companys concentration in Seattle.

Management experts say another center of power can help avoid the kind of groupthink that grows in a single location overseen day-to-day by the boss.

Microsoft, a company whose rise and stagnation serve as both a model and cautionary tale for Amazon, stumbled in the 2000s amid what critics say was an echo chamber at its Seattle-area headquarters.

Amazons new footprint could yield benefits in hiring, too. In Seattle, Amazons pool of employees is limited to those who live or would relocate there.

Cusumano, of MIT, is skeptical that Amazon will end up chopping up individual teams among the two headquarters based on executives preferences. He expects the company to place distinct units in one city or the other. Say, a cloud-computing and software-development hub in Seattle and a logistics and transportation group elsewhere.

And the second headquarters moniker, Cusumano said, is a misnomer. Wherever Jeff Bezos is, he said. That will be the headquarters.
Taking a swipe at Sharad Yadav, JD-U and spokesperson Neeraj Kumar has said that the former JD-U president was siding with RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav as he knew that once the entire Yadav clan goes behind bar in corruption cases, he would become the custodian of his "benami" properties.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: The setback which JD-U's former president and Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Yadav faced when his claim for Janata Dal (United) symbol was denied by the Election Commission of India has now prompted senior leader from the party to take potshots at the veteran politician.

Taking a swipe at Sharad Yadav, JD-U MLC and spokesperson Neeraj Kumar has said that the former JD-U president was siding with RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav as he knew that once the entire Yadav clan goes behind bar in corruption cases, he would become the custodian of his "benami" properties.

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"Since the time Sharad Yadav has become the political uncle of Tejashwi and Tej Pratap, he is eyeing all the properties of Lalu. He wants to become custodian of Lalu's benami properties after entire Lalu family goes to jail," said JD-U spokesperson.

He further advised his former party president to consider joining Lalu Prasad's party. He said that after the Election Commission denied his faction, led by him, as the real JD-U, there was also a threat that he would be losing his membership in the Rajya Sabha.

"There is threat of Sharad Yadav losing his Rajya Sabha membership. We are advising Sharad to soon join the RJD or else form another party, but the fact is that he has lost his credibility amongst the people of Bihar," said the spokesperson.

It is notable that the JD-U has already met chairman of the Rajya Sabha Venkaiah Naidu seeking the disqualification of the rebel JD-U leader.

Sharad has been vociferously raising his voice against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar calling his decision to snap ties with the RJD and Congress as an insult of the mandate of 2015.

ALSO READ:

Why JD(U) rebel Sharad Yadav faces disqualification from Rajya Sabha

Nitish Kumar removes Sharad Yadav as JD(U) leader in Rajya Sabha, names RCP Singh

Sharad Yadav's revolt against Nitish Kumar: How Janata Parivar unites to split

--- ENDS ---
WASHINGTON  The Federal Reserve approved on Wednesday the purchase of Scottrade Financial Services by Toronto-Dominion Bank.

The approval, which had been expected, is a key regulatory step required to bring together TD Ameritrade and Scottrade, two of the biggest discount brokerages in the U.S.

The $4 billion deal, announced last October, is set to close by Sept. 30. When its completed, Town and Country-based Scottrade, based in the St. Louis area since the mid-1980s, will convert to TD Ameritrade systems in 2018.

Scottrade has about 1,800 employees in the St. Louis region, primarily at its headquarters at 700 Maryville Centre Drive in Town and Country and offices at 13075 Manchester Road in Des Peres and 12800 Corporate Hill Drive in unincorporated St. Louis County.

Although TD Ameritrade pledges to keep a significant presence in St. Louis, including a sizable call center, the company previously said there would be job losses.

Outside of its headquarters in Omaha, Neb., TD Ameritrade also has large offices in Dallas, New Jersey and Chicago.

TD Ameritrade was founded in 1975 as First Omaha Securities, the first company to offer discount stock trades.

Scottrade, which has $170 billion in client assets and more than 3 million accounts, was founded by Rodger Riney as Scottsdale Securities in Scottsdale, Ariz., in 1980. A year later, Riney opened the companys second branch in the St. Louis area.

Riney relocated the headquarters to St. Louis County in 1985. When it launched its website in 1996, the company was among the first to offer online trading. The company chose Scottrade.com as its home page because Scottsdale.com was already taken.

After the merger is final, the Scottrade name will be phased out, and that includes the Scottrade Center, the home of the St. Louis Blues hockey team.

The arenas name will be changed to TD Ameritrade Center, company officials have said.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday told U.S. government agencies to remove Kaspersky Lab products from their information systems, saying it was concerned the Moscow-based cyber security firm was vulnerable to Kremlin influence.

The decision represents a sharp response to what U.S. intelligence agencies have described as a national security threat posed by Russia in cyberspace, following an election year marred by allegations that Moscow weaponized the internet in an attempt to influence its outcome.

In a statement, Kaspersky Lab rejected the allegations, as it has done repeatedly in recent months, and said its critics were misinterpreting Russian data-sharing laws that only applied to communications services.

"No credible evidence has been presented publicly by anyone or any organization as the accusations are based on false allegations and inaccurate assumptions," the company said.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a directive to federal agencies ordering them to identify Kaspersky products on their information systems within 30 days and begin to discontinue their use within 90 days.

"The Department is concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies, and requirements under Russian law that allow Russian intelligence agencies to request or compel assistance from Kaspersky and to intercept communications transiting Russian networks," the department said in a statement.

Kaspersky Lab has repeatedly denied that it has ties to any government and said it would not help a government with cyber espionage.

However, the company has not been able to shake off the allegations. Last week, Best Buy Co, the No.1 U.S. electronics retailer, said it was pulling Kaspersky Labs cyber security products from its shelves and website.

Rob Joyce, the White House cyber security coordinator, said Wednesday at the Billington CyberSecurity Summit that the Trump administration made a "risk-based decision" to order Kaspersky Lab's products removed from federal agencies.

Asked by Reuters whether there was a smoking gun showing Kaspersky Lab had provided intelligence to the Russian government, Joyce replied: "As we evaluated the technology, we decided it was a risk we couldnt accept.

Some cyber security experts have warned that blacklisting Kaspersky Lab could prompt a retaliation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Joyce said those concerns were a factor but that a "tough decision" ultimately had to be made to protect government systems.

The direct financial impact of the decision will likely be minimal for Kaspersky Lab, one of the world's leading antivirus software companies, which was founded in 1997 and now counts over 400 million global customers.

Federal contracting databases reviewed by Reuters show only a few hundred thousand dollars in purchases from Kaspersky, and an employee told Reuters in July the companys federal government revenue was miniscule."

But Kaspersky also sells to federal contractors and third-party software companies that incorporate its technology in their products, so its technology may be more widely used in government than it appears from the contracting databases, U.S. officials say.

The decision by the Trump administration came as the U.S. Senate was planning to vote as soon as this week on a defense policy spending bill that includes language that would ban Kaspersky Lab products from being used by U.S. government agencies.

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who had led efforts in Congress to crack down on Kaspersky Lab, applauded the Trump administration's announcement.

"The strong ties between Kaspersky Lab and the Kremlin are alarming and well-documented," Shaheen said, adding that she expected Congress to act soon to reinforce the decision by passing legislation.

Eugene Kaspersky, the company's co-founder and chief executive, attended a KGB school, and the company has acknowledged doing work for the Russian intelligence agency known as the FSB. But he has adamantly denied charges his company conducts espionage on behalf of the Russian government.
GERALD, Mo.  A man and woman from Nebraska are facing charges after Franklin County authorities say they found her children unattended in a car outside a laundromat, with the two adults inside with drug paraphernalia.

A Franklin County deputy spotted an unlicensed vehicle at the laundromat about 1 a.m. Wednesday, according to a release from Sheriff Steve Pelton. He found a boy asleep in the backseat of the car and another boy asleep in the open trunk.

Christina N. Crook, 36, and Fred A. Kohl, 42, were arrested after they were found in the bathroom of the laundromat, allegedly with drugs and drug paraphernalia. Crook is the mother of the children.

Both were charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Crook also faces charges of endangering the welfare of the children. Bail for each was set at $25,000.

The boys were turned over to the Children's Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services.
ST. LOUIS  Three separate shootings Tuesday night left two people dead and a 6-year-old in critical condition with a wound to his head, police said.

The first shooting reportedly happened shortly after 5 p.m. in the 5300 block of Wabada Avenue.

At a news conference late Tuesday, St. Louis Police Lt. John Green said the victim was a man, 21, who had been talking with his girlfriend when the woman's former boyfriend showed up and opened fire.

The victim was driven to Barnes-Jewish Hospital and was pronounced dead.

Later, just after 6:30 p.m., a man arrived at St. Louis Childrens Hospital with the 6-year-old shooting victim.

Green said the man was the father of that child and another boy, age 8, who had been in a car with him in the 2100 block of Adelaide Avenue when two gunmen targeted them. The family had just pulled up in front of their home when a gunman on foot and another in a car approached them and opened fire.

The child was hit in the head and was in critical condition and unstable. The father was wounded in the leg in the shooting. The 8-year-old boy was not injured.

Green said the shooters targeted the car without concern for the children inside.

They were definitely waiting for someone in that vehicle, and Im pretty sure it wasnt children they were looking for, Green said. Now in society they dont care who is in a vehicle, as long as they get the vehicle.

Green said police were looking for a 2006 to 2010 model silver sedan in connection with the shooting. He described one of the alleged gunmen as a black man in his 30s who is about 6 feet tall with a heavy build. He said the man was last seen wearing a white sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and a do-rag.

About 8 p.m., a man in his 20s was found fatally shot and left for dead in the street in the 5000 block of Aubert Avenue, Green said. Police said another victim of the shooting had been hit in the leg and was conscious and breathing when he was taken to a hospital.

Detectives were at the scene at Aubert late Tuesday night interviewing potential witnesses, Green said.

Green said the three shootings were not connected.

Green urged anyone who might have footage of the shootings from home surveillance cameras to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477.

Any information would be helpful in these three instances, Green said.
ST. LOUIS  A Pine Lawn man was charged Wednesday with fatally shooting a man Aug. 31 in St. Louis.

Andre K. Williams, 32, of the 6000 block of Grimshaw Avenue, was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Eugene Roberts Jr.

Roberts, 34, was fatally shot about 9:30 p.m. in the 4500 block of Adelaide near West Florissant Avenue in the O'Fallon neighborhood, police have said. Court records say Roberts was killed with a "high-caliber weapon."

A "secret witness" identified Williams as the shooter and reported seeing it happen, charges say. Court documents do not reveal a motive.

Roberts lived in the 4700 block of Plover Avenue.

St. Louis Circuit Judge Michael Noble set Williams' bail at $1 million cash-only. Williams' criminal history in Missouri includes convictions of drug possession.
The Japanese PM will inaugurate his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi's ambitious bullet train project in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and PM Narendra Modi visit Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad

By India Today Web Desk: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today arrived in Ahmedabad on a two-day visit to India. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his characteristic hug.

Tomorrow, Abe and Modi will lay the foundation stone for India's first bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

The 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar is also lined up for tomorrow.

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The Japanese PM will inaugurate his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi's ambitious bullet train project in Ahmedabad on Thursday (September 14).

HIGHLIGHTS:

PM Modi is accompanying the Japan PM to the iconic Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in the eastern part of Ahmedabad famous for its intricate stone lattice work.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe sign the visitor's book at Sabarmati Ashram

Modi and Abe have reached the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.

PM @narendramodi and PM @AbeShinzo at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/4hIGncEoGA; PIB India (@PIB_India) September 13, 2017

Shinzo Abe, who is accompanied by his wife Akie Abe, has a hectic schedule for the next two days in Modi's home state, including laying of the foundation stone for India's first bullet train, to be run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, and to attend the 12th Indo-Japan Summit.

Robust security arrangements have been put in place for the 12th Indo-Japan Summit and business meet where Japanese companies are likely to announce major investments in Gujarat.

People line the streets as the cavalcade of Modi and Abe pass through Ahmedabad.

Abe and his wife changed into Indian attire for the roadshow.

PM Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe begin road show to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.

#WATCH: PM Narendra Modi & Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's road show to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/Oy7N6cQF2Y- ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017 PM Modi receives Shinzo Abe with his trademark hug.

PM Modi & Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's road show to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, begins. pic.twitter.com/QJGpkIkdVg; ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe lands in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi receives Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe at Ahmedabad Airport. pic.twitter.com/0ZOAROdDaN- ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Ahmedabad to receive Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.

Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi arrives in Ahmedabad; will be receiving Japanese PM Shinzo Abe shortly. pic.twitter.com/fTPP5hKBs1- ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017 The Japanese PM will be accorded a grand welcome in Ahmedabad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Ahmedabad to receive Abe. The two leaders would then take a tour of Ahmedabad during an 8-km-long roadshow.

Visuals from Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad, to be visited by PM Modi & Japan PM; they will also hold a roadshow to Sabarmati Ashram. pic.twitter.com/UZpv0ohzFy- ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017 To welcome Shinzo Abe, the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar have been decked up with shimmering fluorescent lights, and hoardings and banners on streets. Ahmedabad and India are ready to welcome PM @AbeShinzo. pic.twitter.com/rToW2K8JEw- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017

This is the tenth meeting between the Prime Ministers of both nations.

The mosque is also known as Sidi Saiyyed ki Jali. The architectural marvel was built in 1573 and is located near the center of Ahmedabad Lal Darwaja.

#Gujarat: Visuals from Ahmedabad ahead of PM Modi & Japan PM Shinzo Abe's visit, they will hold a roadshow to Sabarmati Ashram pic.twitter.com/bDZsOJpbKI- ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2017 Modi and Abe would then visit Sabarmati Ashram and iconic Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in the eastern part of the city famous for its intricate stone lattice work. The two leaders would also have dinner at 'Agashiye' restaurant located near the mosque.

On Thursday, Abe and Modi will lay the foundation stone for the high-speed bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai which is expected to be completed by 2022.

WATCH: Japan backs India, extends support over Doklam stand-off. Is China listening? ALSO READ:

Ahmedabad rolls out red carpet for Japanese PM: Shinzo Abe, PM Modi's mega roadshow today

Modi-Abe meet: Bullet train project inauguration, visit to historic mosque on itinerary

PM Modi and Japan PM Shinzo Abe to visit Ahmedabad's Sidi Saiyyed mosque: All you need to know

--- ENDS ---
ST. LOUIS  Florissant police arrested a St. Louis alderman last weekend on an outstanding warrant for driving while his license is suspended, just weeks after a St. Louis city police officer let him go following a traffic stop.

Florissant police arrested John Collins-Muhammad, 26, about 7:20 p.m. on Saturday on Lindbergh Boulevard near Cougar Street for a traffic violation. He was taken to the Jennings jail to face a warrant for his arrest there stemming from a February 2016 case in which he was ticketed for driving with a revoked license and failed to appear in court.

A summons had been issued for his arrest in June.

He was held overnight in the Jennings jail until his release about 4 a.m. Sunday, police said.

Upon his release, authorities contacted Jefferson City police, who had issued a warrant for his arrest in July for driving while his license was suspended. His problems in Jefferson City began during a traffic stop in February 2014 when he was originally cited for driving with a suspended license.

Collins-Muhammad has been vocal about traffic safety issues in his ward in north St. Louis. In August, he told KTVI (Channel 2) that while drivers historically havent feared speeding on Natural Bridge because police resources were needed elsewhere, they should expect a greater police presence in the area.

Collins-Muhammad was stopped by a St. Louis police officer in the 5500 block of that very street on Aug. 14, where he was given a verbal warning for speeding, according to a statement issued by police department spokeswoman Schron Jackson.

The driver of the vehicle has since been contacted by the department and informed that he would also be issued a summons for driving on a suspended license, the statement continued. While officers can use discretion, the department does not sanction the initial decision of the officer as it relates to this traffic stop.

The department has taken the necessary action to address this matter.

Jackson would not elaborate on whether that meant that the city police officer involved in the stop had been disciplined.

Collins-Muhammad told the Riverfront Times after the incident he did not believe his role as an alderman led the officer to let him go.

The city issued a summons for driving on a suspended license on Aug. 17, according to Jacksons statement.

When first contacted by the Post-Dispatch about this weekends arrest on Tuesday, Collins-Muhammad attributed it to a warrant from an unpaid speeding ticket issued while he was a student at Lincoln University.

Information later provided to the Post-Dispatch by the Missouri Department of Revenue lists several arrests for driving with a suspended license on his driving record, dating to 2014 and across the state.

As of Monday, Collins-Muhammad had three outstanding unpaid tickets, according to the department: One from Pine Lawn for a speeding ticket issued in April 2011 for traveling 43 mph in a 30 mph zone; another from Ferguson issued in October 2015 for driving while his license was suspended or revoked; and another from St. Louis issued in May 2016 for driving with a suspended or revoked license. In that case, his license had been revoked in November 2014 after a number of moving violations and his failure to appear for court dates.

When contacted again on Tuesday regarding the information from the Department of Revenue, Collins-Muhammad declined to comment further.

Collins-Muhammad was elected to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen in the spring, where he represents the citys 21st Ward, including portions of the Penrose, College Hill and OFallon neighborhoods.

He has said his primary focus in office so far has been on economic development in north St. Louis, making the ward more appealing to businesses and retail owners and trying to build new homes and apartment buildings in the area.
Several officers from the St. Louis Police Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol were investigating at the Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals complex on Kingshighway on Tuesday night.

The officers converged right after city police reported that the victim of a fatal shooting had been taken a hospital. That shooting reportedly happened in the 5300 block of Wabada Avenue.

Police later added another report to say that a man had arrived at a hospital with two juvenile shooting victims. They later clarified that only one juvenile, a 6-year-old boy, was shot. He was said have been hit in the head and to be in critical condition and unstable. In addition, a man was wounded in the leg.

Police said homicide detectives also are investigating that shooting, which apparently happened in the 2100 block of Adelaide Avenue.

Police said they could not say what hospitals the victims had been taken to.

Police at one point had three vehicles behind crime scene tape at the hospitals on Kingshighway. Two of them were near the entrance to Barnes' trauma center. The other one was near the entrance to Children's trauma center.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
JEFFERSON CITY  Missouris public employee pension system faces a crisis, with the state on the hook for benefits costing at least $4 billion more than what the state is prepared to fund.

Thats according to state Treasurer Eric Schmitt, who presented takeaways from a 72-page annual report on the Missouri State Employees Retirement System, or MOSERS, to a panel of lawmakers on Wednesday.

This crisis is no longer on the horizon; it is at our doorstep, Schmitt told the Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement. The future of Missouris finances are at stake and this is a conversation we need to have.

Schmitt also presented the findings of his offices own analysis, which shows MOSERS pays some of the highest investment fees in the country while its investment returns fall short of expectations.

Investment fees are another part of the problem, Schmitt said.

In 16 of the past 17 years, returns earned on the pension fund, which delivers benefits to most state employees, have fallen short of the bar set at the beginning of the fiscal year.

Schmitt, a Republican who took office in January, said his staff analyzed 135 public pensions nationwide that disclosed their actuarial assets and their investment expenses.

Of the 135 funds, the five Missouri funds analyzed all rank in the top 10 of funds which pay the most investment fees in relation to assets.

According to the analysis, MOSERS, with $8.87 billion in actuarial assets, paid $77.8 million in investment fees last fiscal year. The fund earned a 3.45 percent return, far below the 7.65 percent goal laid out, according to the MOSERS report.

The pension funds for Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Department of Transportation retirees, Missouri teachers and local and county workers also pay more investment fees in relation to assets than nearly every other fund analyzed.

Because of MOSERS unrealistically high projections on investment returns, the Legislature has appropriated less money than it should be appropriating, Schmitt said. Each year, the Legislature appropriates money for the pension system by setting what is known as a contribution rate.

Past administrations have tried to keep the MOSERS contribution rate artificially low by artificially inflating the MOSERS assumptions, Schmitt said.

The contribution rate has still grown steadily.

Next fiscal year, for the first time, the contribution rate is expected to surpass 20 percent. That means for every $100 an employee earns, the state agency where the employee works pays in $20 to the pension system.

Schmitt also said the amount the state owed current and future retirees was growing  at the same time the amount of assets the fund has shrank over the last year.

In 2014, MOSERS paid out $680 million in benefits and had 41,000 retirees. Last fiscal year, MOSERS paid out $794 million in benefits and had about 45,000 retirees. (In 2004, the system supported about 24,700 retirees.)

The treasurers office attributes the growth to an increase in state payrolls, failure to meet investment assumptions and a 4 percent cost-of-living increase received each year by members who joined the retirement system before the year 2000.

The market value of the states pension fund shrunk over the last year. At the end of fiscal year 2016, the market value of the funds tallied $8.1 billion. At the end of this past fiscal year, in June, the market value decreased to $7.9 billion.

At the same time, the gulf between the pensions long-term liabilities and how much assets it has is growing. In actuarial terms, which factors in the value of the funds assets over several years, the state owed $13.1 billion in long-term liabilities and had $8.87 billion in assets at the end of the fiscal year  an almost $4.3 billion gap.

This is a 67.5 percent funded ratio, which is not considered healthy, Schmitt said. In 2001, the funded ratio was near 100 percent, according to the MOSERS report.

Schmitt said the problem is even more stark when considering the market value of the pension funds assets, not the smoothed actuarial value.

The market value of the funds assets  if they were liquidated today  stands at about $7.9 billion. Because the state owes about $13.1 billion, the gap increases to more than $5.2 billion, according to the report.

"This liability is the number one liability for our state," Schmitt said. "The problem without action will only get worse and worse every year."

A representative with MOSERS could not immediately be reached for comment.

Editor's note: A previous version of this article misstated the length of the report and the fiscal year when the contribution rate will surpass 20 percent. This version also corrects total benefit amounts paid out and clarifies that the number of retirees is growing along with the amount of benefits paid out.
There was not one typographical error but two, I figured, in a news story that said Amazon was looking for a place to employ up to 50,000 people with an average annual full-time salary above $100,000.

But those figures are true, and beyond dramatic. Selection of the St. Louis area would represent a 3.7 percent increase in the 1,355,100 jobs tallied here last year by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As a frame of reference, imagine a well-paid occupation with a lot of people, such as registered nurses. Our region has 33,600. Amazon would fill 50 percent more jobs than that, at 60 percent more than their $62,760 average earnings.

With the deadline for proposals only about a month away, lights will be burning late in city halls and development offices in every region far enough east to provide geographical balance with the online retailers current headquarters in Seattle.

The St. Louis area and many others meet the basic expectations for a second headquarters: at least 1 million residents, mass transit and an international airport. Now, all will scramble to catalog their assets and incentives.

But in my humble view, theres a wild chance that a terrible deficit could help carry the day here.

Assets are important, and we have some dandies: major highways and rail lines in every direction, multiple commercial airports with cargo capacity, an innovative online hub, excellent medical care and highly regarded universities.

Our weather is acceptable, with few blizzards and no hurricanes. The cost of living and home prices are enviable. We have two professional sports teams, abundant performing arts, a world-class zoo and terrific parks.

There may even be a political advantage to a region that straddles a state line: bringing enthusiastic support from two sets of governors, senators and congressmen.

But its not all rosy. We have a less educated workforce than some competitors. And the scary St. Louis crime rate is made to look worse by our regions odd fragmentation of police jurisdictions.

The concurrent political fragmentation can be an impediment too, especially when it comes to Missouri-Illinois cooperation. Things can get ugly when the stakes are high, such as the fight over a federal decision in the 1970s to replace Lambert Field with a new airport in Illinois. Under political pressure, the plan was rescinded.

More recently, St. Louis and St. Clair County sparred over which had the better location to relocate the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency complex from south city.

In both the airport and NGA situations, part of the region stood to gain at another parts loss. Amazon would be at least some gain for all, no matter where in the area it landed.

While Scott Air Force Base offered NGA better security, officials found, plopping the place on a derelict swath of north St. Louis made more social sense.

I humbly suggest to leaders considering the Amazon opportunity that they again consider social sense with the counter-intuitive possibility of offering up East St. Louis, at least as an option. Did I hear you gasp?

The crumbled shell of a former industrial city, sitting across the Mississippi River from the Gateway Arch, is not only a blight for Metro East but for downtown St. Louis as well. Decades of failures clearly show the community will never rescue itself.

Only something truly transformational can help. I once imagined a new iteration of an Illinois replacement for Lambert  a project that would occupy thousands of acres of East St. Louis wasteland and shower downtown St. Louis with the commercial advantages of a major airport on its doorstep.

That possibility died with St. Louis loss of airline hub status, leaving Lambert adequate again, and construction of Mid-America Airport at Mascoutah, on the opposite side of East St. Louis.

Amazon is the first thing Ive seen of similar potential. Its big enough and influential enough to create its own sort of gravity, drawing workers and ancillary businesses, such as restaurants, regardless of the obstacles of its location. Im imagining the magnificent skyline view for workers looking west from the East St. Louis riverbank.

With three-fourths of the regions population living in Missouri, and a lot of tax money and prestige at stake, Im not holding my breath to see East St. Louis make the regions list of sites.

It may be foolish to think that Amazon would ever take a chance on investing $5 billion in a community whose name is synonymous with urban decay. And I recognize that founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is so far known more as an entrepreneur than as a philanthropist.

But the guy didnt make himself the third-richest American, top online retailer, pioneer in commercial space travel and savior of the Washington Post without being bold.

Putting all  or part  of Amazons second headquarters in East St. Louis would be the very definition of bold.
The Salvation Army serving Missouri and Southern Illinois is seeking volunteers willing to spend two weeks working in areas hit by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey.

The Salvation Army Midland Division is looking for up to 30 people older than 21 who would be willing to be deployed for 14 days, the nonprofit announced Wednesday.

Volunteers will not be paid, but will be provided lodging and meals, according to the nonprofit.

Volunteers will be required to complete two courses taught this weekend at division headquarters at 1130 Hampton Avenue in St. Louis.

The courses include:

 The ServSafe Handler Course on safe food handling

Friday, September 15

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 The Disaster Food Service & Canteen Operations course

Saturday, September 16

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To register, go to www.disaster.salvationarmy.org. Volunteers will need to set up an account in advance and also take two online courses. A background check will also be conducted.

For questions, contact Janet Smith at janet_smith@usc.salvationarmy.org
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today welcomed his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and took him on a cultural tour of Ahmedabad, where the two will lay the foundation stone of the ambitious bullet train project on Thursday.

By India Today Web Desk: A Japanese prime minister. The land of the Mahatma. And a gift that connects the two.

Indian diplomacy put up one of its best shows on Wednesday when Shinzo Abe, the prime minister of Japan, arrived in Ahmedabad on a two-day visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally greeted Abe with a trademark hug at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

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Later, PM Modi gifted Abe a marble statute of the Three Wise Monkeys, a visual aphorism that has its origins in Japan. The Three Wise Monkeys visualise the proverb, 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.'

Mahatma Gandhi, who famously owned few worldly possessions, kept a statute of the Three Wise Monkeys with him. A replica is now installed at the Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi's former home and now a museum showcasing his life.

Prime ministers Modi and Abe visited the ashram on the Sabarmati riverfront, before heading to the Sidi Saiyyad Mosque, located in old Ahmedabad. Before their stops at the two iconic buildings, Modi and Abe also held an 8-km road show.

The India Cultural Road Show gave PM @AbeShinzo glimpses of the rich and diverse Indian culture that we are all extremely proud of. pic.twitter.com/IN7Z34zZXQ- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2017

(PM Modi shared a video of the road show on Twitter)

Abe changed into a kurta and a blue vest before clambering on to a Gypsy with PM Modi. The two leaders, along with the Japenese First Lady Akie Abe, then drove to the Sabarmati Ashram, where the two Japnese dignitaries paid homage to Mahatama Gandhi.

PM Modi then took his Japanese counterpart to the Sidi Saiyyed mosque, a 16th-century mosque known for its intricate architecture. The two leaders ended their day with a traditional Gujarati dinner.

On Thursday, Abe and Modi will get down to business, with the most high-profile event being the ground-breaking ceremony of the ambitious Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project.

Modi and Abe will then hold the 12th annual bilateral Indo-Japanese summit where they are expected to hold high-level talks and sign a number of agreements. This will be the fourth annual summit between Modi and Abe.

ALSO READ | Shinzo Abe with Narendra Modi in Gujarat: From Sidi Saiyyed Mosque to bullet train

ALSO READ | Goyal confident Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project will be ready one year before schedule

ALSO READ | Why a Japanese thinks India will be the world's last superpower

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Any traveler idling on the tarmac at St. Louis Lambert International Airport can credit our nations aging, antiquated air traffic control system for their hassle and delay in leaving the Gateway City.

In fact, half of all flight delays are caused by air traffic control system constraints, and just as concerning, flight times are getting longer because controllers cant keep pace with more congested air space.

With Congress now back in session, the House will soon decide whether to authorize the reforms our nations air traffic control system so desperately needs to effectively operate in an era of unprecedented passenger demand.

This is an issue of fundamental importance, not merely for the convenience of St. Louis travelers, pilots and controllers, but for the health and durability of national security and our national and local economies. In Missouri, aviation accounts for $9.5 billion of the states GDP and employs more than 135,000 workers in the state.

Having spent over three decades in the aviation industry, including three years as the chief operating officer for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) overseeing the countrys air traffic control system, I can say unequivocally that Congress must act now if we are to enjoy a modern air traffic control system able to handle todays traffic without cascading delays, but also to handle the even greater traffic demands of the future. The House will soon hold a critical vote on the 21st Century AIRR Act, a reform measure that is long overdue to secure the future of American aviation.

Lets start with the critical facts: Improving Americas air traffic control system is vital to our national interests. The economy does not work when were not flying, and it works significantly less well when were not flying efficiently. The FAAs own numbers tell us that delays and cancellations cost our economy and our customers $25 billion every year. A 2013 United States Travel Association (USTA) report concluded delays and cancellations drove demand down by 8 percent and prompted passengers to avoid 38 million domestic air trips costing the American economy $85 billion and 900,000 jobs.

The debate lies in the proposed solution. Some argue that we need to keep the current structure in place and invest more in it. Unfortunately, thats the equivalent of throwing good money after bad. Congress is already several billion dollars behind in getting systems for which they appropriated taxpayer money. Ive witnessed the professionalism and dedication of our FAA employees and controllers firsthand. This is not an indictment of them  the problem is the inert procurement and financing structure that hinders modernization efforts. In fact, the situation has gotten so bad that the FAA cant recruit new controllers. This is an unsustainable status quo.

The proper solution is credited to President Bill Clinton, who proposed in 1993 establishing an independent, non-profit entity to run air traffic control. The idea now has the support of the current administration, House Speaker Paul Ryan, forward-thinking Democrats and the unions representing air traffic controllers and pilots.

The opposition is largely driven by private and corporate jet interests, who are concerned that they could lose the substantial subsidy they receive to operate private jets that carry only a few people but take up the same airspace as commercial jets with hundreds of passengers.

Change is hard. But this decision is easy. We should not wait until the system is hopelessly broken before we act to fix it. Tell your Members of Congress to vote yes on the 21st Century AIRR Act.

David Grizzle is the former chief operating officer for the Federal Aviation Administration.
During my time in the United States Senate, I was a steadfast advocate for investment into our nations infrastructure. Our state sits in the middle of America and at the center of our countrys infrastructure of road, rail and river networks.

Globally, Americas Air Traffic Control (ATC) system sits at the center of the worlds air travel system. However, the system has not received the upgrades necessary to keep up with the times. While the technology used in our airplanes has dramatically improved, our nations air traffic system is still largely reliant on World War II-era technology that leads to costly  yet avoidable  inefficiencies, delays and disruptions. The ATC system is safe  thanks to the dedicated work of our nations air traffic controllers  but its becoming less and less efficient, and there is insufficient capacity to accommodate future growth in air travel.

For example, the current system utilizes radar, instead of the GPS technology that we use every day in our cars and on our phones. By utilizing satellite-based navigation, the system will allow more efficient routing and create opportunities for air carriers to provide new flights and service options for passengers, especially in smaller communities across the country. These reforms will improve consumer experience, expand consumer access and help contain consumer costs.

Additionally, a third of our controller workforce is currently eligible for retirement, and the training and recruitment pipeline is lagging. These men and women do a wonderful job with the current technology but we must anticipate workforce challenges and invest in new technology to improve the process. At the same time, the number of flyers on U.S. carriers has climbed for the sixth consecutive year, and is expected to continue rising, putting our air traffic control system under stress.

These challenges are not new  during the time I was chairman or ranking member on the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee we looked every year at the problems with the ATC system. It became obvious that a major upgrade was needed, but there was never enough money in the regular budget to accomplish that. There is currently bipartisan legislation to reform this system that solves these challenges and has the support of President Donald Trump and Missouris congressman on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Sam Graves. The proposal, which has been under consideration by various administrations for decades, would move air traffic control out of the federal bureaucracy and move it into a federally chartered, not-for-profit corporation. With members representing a wide variety consumers and system users, the reform would allow for significant improvements while keeping safety oversight under the control of the FAA.

These proposed reforms would allow the new ATC system to modernize through less bureaucratic red tape, new bond-financing tools, and greater long-term funding certainty. All of which would allow for greater investments in new, satellite-based technologies and help bring U.S. aviation into the 21st century.

Over 50 industrialized countries  including Canada over 20 years ago  have reformed their systems in such a way with proven efficiency and safety results. If we want to continue to have the safest ATC system in the world, we need to modernize technology and ensure budget impasses and political haggling cannot interrupt the system. This approach can keep costs down, reduce congestion and delays and enhance safety.

Recently, a coalition of transportation, business and elected leaders joined together to form the Missouri Citizens for On Time Flights. Thousands of Missourians have joined the effort to modernize our air traffic control system. Now, we need our elected leaders in Washington, D.C., to act.

Small, incremental change will not bring the transformational reform we need. Maintaining the status quo runs the risk of further eroding U.S. leadership in air travel. I urge Congress to move swiftly to pass this important reform and make these critical improvements to our air traffic control system.

St. Louis has a proud aviation history. If we are to build on it, we need our elected leaders to join the cause of air traffic control reform.

Christopher Kit Bond is a former Republican senator in Missouri.
Go ahead, read along, while we pack our bags for a detoxifying trip to Stuttgart, Germany.

By Lipi Upadhyay: Take this piece of news as your motivation to work harder, earn more bucks and move to Germany.

According to a recent study, human peace of mind depends on lush greenery, cleaner air to breathe, less noise pollution (read honking), a bank balance that is devoid of debts and a job that makes you jump out of your bed every morning--and Germany seems to have it all.

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Based on a new study by Zipjet, Stuttgart Germany is the least stressful city in the world. The study has revealed the world's most and least stressful cities of 2017, and ranked cities globally based on factors that cause stress, such as unemployment, physical and mental health, public transport, security, and even the lack of sunshine hours per year.

ALSO READ: 7 study tips to reduce stress and improve time management

What's interesting to note is that four out of the top 10 stress-free cities in the list are in Germany. Stuttgart is closely followed by Luxembourg, with population density, social security and ample of green spaces in its favour, Hannover comes in at third place, Munich joins in on the fifth, with Hamburg in the ninth place.

Zipjet conducted this study by analysing 500 locations based on data categorised in 17 sections.

To no one's surprise, Baghdad has been ranked the most stressful city in the world. Its total score in the study is full 10 on 10 compared to only 1 obtained by Stuttgart.

Any guesses which Indian city takes the ninth spot in the list of world's most stressful cities? Yes, our national capital, Delhi, with its honking, toxic air, low social and financial security, amidst other factors!

Watch: Simple yoga asanas to relieve office-goers of their stress

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The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Wednesday announced that Amir Ahmed Sheikh has been appointed as the new director FIA Sindh Zone. Sheikh has been transferred to this position from his former post as Deputy Inspector General of traffic in Sindh.

Following the procedure, the director general of FIA had sent a request to the Establishment Division for Sheikh's induction.

The appointment comes in spite of a case pending in the Supreme Court regarding the objections raised against the deputation of Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) and officers of other departments to the FIA.

In July 2016, former chief justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali had instituted the suo motu proceedings on an application by FIA officer Kamran Ataullah and others of different ranks.

The application stated that the FIA was a specialised investigation agency dealing with technical/white collar crimes that required the services of experienced and trained officers to efficiently handle and deal with such crimes.

In their petition, the FIA officers had explained that the method, qualifications and other conditions for appointment to different posts in the FIA were laid down in the Jan 2, 2015 Gazette of Pakistan Extraordinary, under the Ministry of Interior in exercise of the powers conferred by Rule 3 (2) of the Civil Servants (Appointment, Promotion & Transfer) Rules, 1973.

The petitioners had also argued that the transfer and posting of PSP cadre officers to FIA amounted to denial and disobedience of the guidelines given by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2011 and would ultimately cause serious losses to their service career and other officers of the FIA.

They contended that this practice went against the norms of law and the principles of natural justice, causing serious losses to the service career of the appellants.

In response to the suo motu proceedings, the federal government had cautioned that prohibiting such postings would adversely affect the performance of FIA.

A report submitted to the court by the Establishment Division had argued that transferring PSP officers against PSP cadre in the FIA neither blocks the promotion of FIA officers nor violates any judgement of the Supreme Court.

It had said the postings were only for a specific tenure borne on PSP cadre (BS-18 to 22) and hence did not amount to absorption, induction or deputation of PSP officers in FIA.

The case has since remained dormant and no verdict has been passed regarding the matter.
By PTI: Hyderabad, Sep 13 (PTI) The Telangana government has decided to make Telugu a compulsory subject in both public and private institutions in the state from Class I to XII.

In another major decision, the state government has decided that all the public and private establishments and institutions in Telangana should display their organisations names in Telugu on their signboards.

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"The CM has instructed all the educational institutions in the state, both private and public, to teach Telugu as a compulsory subject from 1st to 12th standard," a release from Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Raos office said last night.

Rao made it clear that only those educational institutions that teach Telugu as a compulsory subject will be given recognition and permissions to function, it said.

For those opting for Urdu, it should be offered as an optional subject, according to the release.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today welcomed the governments decision to make Telugu a compulsory subject.

"I welcome the decision of the Telangana government to make Telugu a compulsory subject from first to 12th standards," Naidu said on a social networking site.

He expressed hope that other state governments would also take steps for promotion of mother tongue of their respective states.

"Other states must emulate the example of Telangana government in according priority to mother tongue," he said.

Naidu, who often spoke about his love for Telugu, expressed hope that the Andhra Pradesh government would take a similar decision at the earliest.

"I hope, Andhra Pradesh government will take a similar decision at the earliest," he said.

The chief minister of Telangana has asked the Sahitya Academy to prepare a syllabus for the Telugu subject to be taught to students of primary, secondary and higher and intermediate classes.

The syllabus fixed by the Sahitya Academy will be taught in all the educational institutions, the release said.

"The syllabus should be framed and textbooks should be printed at the earliest. The syllabus fixed by the Sahitya Academy will be taught in all the educational institutions and they are not expected to print textbooks and teach syllabus according to their whims and fancies," it said.

The government will be strict in implementing the policy that Telugu is taught as the compulsory subject and only the syllabus framed by the Sahitya Academy is taught, the chief minister said.

The government also said that "All the public and private establishments and institutions in Telangana should display their organisations names in Telugu on their signboards."

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"It is up to them to write their firms names in other languages too. The CM has decided to pass resolutions on these two issues at the state cabinet meeting," the release said.

Welcoming the steps for promotion of Telugu language, the main opposition Congress deputy leader in Telangana Legislative Council, P Sudhakar Reddy, however, said linguistic minorities must be kept in mind in the implementation of the policy.

"Telugu must be promoted. But, linguistic minorities need to be kept in mind. Moreover, it is better if the state government convenes an all-party meeting to discuss the issue. It should not be a unilateral decision," Reddy told PTI. PTI SJR RS GK DV

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Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has lambasted Myanmar for the atrocities that have driven hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims across the border into Bangladesh in recent weeks.

The Bangladeshi premier urged Buddhist-majority Myanmar to bring the Rohingya back, while the country's parliament passed a motion on Monday night urging the UN and other countries to pressure Myanmar for their safety and citizenship.

Myanmar must take back every Rohingya who has entered Bangladesh and who are coming in now, she told lawmakers late Monday. "We can cooperate to rehabilitate them in their country, she added.

Hasina criticised Myanmar's authorities for the recent violence against the Rohingya, which she said had reached a level beyond description. We don't understand why successive Myanmar regimes carried out such atrocities on a particular community when the country is comprised of different groups, she said, noting that Bangladesh had long been protesting the persecution of Rohingya.

Regardless, they are sending Rohingya to Bangladesh afresh, she said. Women are being raped and tortured, children are being killed, and houses are being set on fire in Rakhine area, she added.

Bangladesh's official human rights watchdog said the atrocities by Myanmar authorities against Rohingya must be prosecuted.

This genocide needs to be tried at international court, National Human Rights Commission Chairman Kazi Reazul Haque told a news conference in Cox's Bazar.

The killing, arson, torture and rape by the Myanmar's military and border guards is unprecedented, he said.

He further said stronger action was needed from the international community, including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

He also called on China and India to play a larger role in mitigating the crisis.

According to a message posted Monday on his Facebook account, Bangladesh's junior Foreign Minister Mohammed Shahriar Alam said Sheikh Hasina had allocated 2,000 acres near the existing camp of Kutupalong to build temporary shelters for the Rohingya newcomers.
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) The social and secular fabric of Kashmir and the rest of country has been damaged by politics of hate, an NGO led by former Union Minister Salman Khurshid said today.

Reacting to Home Minister Rajnath Singhs remarks that the Kashmir issue would be resolved on the basis of 5 Cs - compassion, communication, co-existence, confidence building and composite culture -- the NGO, Lehar, said in a statement that words needed to be translated into action.

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Khurshid with other members of the NGO said in the statement that the gravity of the problem demanded the immediate translation of words into action.

"Attractive phrases have been invoked by the leadership of the present dispensation, but they never translated it on ground," said Lehar, whose members include former former chief of Research and Analysis Wing A S Dulat, activist Swami Agnivesh and spiritual leader Acharya Pramod Krishan.

The group, which works with the people of Kashmir on issues such as peace, said the political dispensation failed to realise that the problems in Kashmir were "essentially humanitarian and not territorial".

"It is time to translate the phraseology of na goli se na gaali se, balki har Kashmiri ko galey laganey se and of the 5 Cs into action at ground level. We have to work together to make Kashmir heaven again," it said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said in his Independence Day speech last month that Kashmir?s problems could be solved by embracing the people of Kashmir, not with goli (bullets) or gaali (abuse).

"The politics of hate and division has damaged the social and secular fabric in Kashmir and the rest of the country," the statement said, adding that Lehar extended full support to all endeavours aimed at bringing lasting peace to the region.

The group welcomed the Home Minister?s statement on Article 35A of the Constitution, wherein the minister said the government would do nothing that hurt the sentiment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Article bars people from outside Jammu and Kashmir to acquire immovable property in the state.

The group said the ministers statement would help restore the confidence of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The group emphasised that all steps should be taken to promote regional and religious harmony among the people of the three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

Lehar said it is hopeful about a delegation to Kashmir headed by Dr Mammohan Singh.

The visit by the Singh-led delegation would help in understanding the causes of the current phase of crisis in Kashmir, it said. PTI SKC BDS

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Sources told India Today that the police team's visit was a indirect message, a message that said: Join Palaniswami.

A Tamil Nadu police team on Tuesday arrived at the Coorg resort where AIADMK lawmakers loyal to TTV Dinakaran have been staying. Their mission? To interrogate P Palaniappan, whom a contractor accused of using his political clout to deprive him of tenders and threaten him.

The contractor - Subramaniam, from Tamil Nadu's Namakkal district - has since committed suicide.

"We have the list of many more MLAs who have many cases pending against them. So we are proceeding only in a legal manner. There is nothing illegal in this," said a senior leader in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami faction, who wished to remain anonymous.

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But there may be more to this than meets the eye.

This may simply be a way to put pressure on Dinakaran's MLAs to jump ship. In fact, sources told India Today that the police team's visit was a indirect message, a message that said: Join Palaniswami.

But why do this? The answer lies in the composition of the Tamil Nadu Assembly after AIADMK factions led by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam called a truce last month. Dinakaran and his aunt Sasikala have since been formally removed from high office, but the 21 lawmakers who continue to pledge allegiance to the Mannargudi clan present a vexing problem for the Palaniswami-Panneerselvam combine.

If the governing faction can't figure out a way to coax a few Dinakaran loyalists into joining their ranks, they won't have the 'magic' number of MLAs: 117.

Palaniappan has now been brought back to Chennai, but sources said police spoke to other lawmakers at the resort, and brought up cases that had been filed against them.

And Palaniswami may yet have another trick up his sleeve.

ANOTHER TACTIC

The Tamil Nadu chief minister may make Speaker Dhanapal suspend Dinakaran's legislators and DMK MLAs who once brough gutka (a highly addictive, cancer-causing substance) to the Assembly.

Sources confirmed that this would be "the last resort - so when the floor test comes, we will be able to face it."

But Team Dinakaran remains unfazed.

"They are threatening us with cases. But we will not bow down. (We are) ready to face (them)," TTV Dinakaran said.

ALSO READ

With Sasikala, Dinakaran ouster, wheels of change in AIADMK have come a full circle

Prison rules continue to be broken for Sasikala and her visitors

ALSO WATCH

AIADMK general council meeting: Sasikala, Dinakaran sacked

--- ENDS ---
The international arbitration tribunal in London has also rejected Vikram Bakshi's claim that McDonalds India did not validly terminate the JV.

By Press Trust of India: The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) has asked Vikram Bakshi, the estranged partner of McDonalds in India, to sell his stake in the JV firm CPRL to the US-based fast food chain, said sources.

In its 2:1 majority award, the arbitration panel has asked Bakshi to transfer his 1,45,600 shares in the 50:50 joint venture Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL) to McDonalds India at a fair valuation in accordance with their JV agreement, they said.

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The LCIA directed appointment of independent experts to determine fair market value for McDonalds to buy out Bakshis stake, they added.

The international arbitration tribunal in London has also rejected Bakshi's claim that McDonalds India did not validly terminate the JV.

The CPRL, a JV between Vikram Bakshi and McDonalds India Pvt Ltd (MIPL), operates 169 McDonalds restaurants in north and east India. Of these, 43 outlets have been shut.

As part of the licence termination, CPRL was asked to stop using McDonaldss name, system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, with effect from September 6.

The LCIA also noted that all shares held by Bakshi are liable to be transferred and registered in McDonalds India upon payment of price determined in accordance with the methodology set out by the JV agreement, according to sources.

The arbitrator appointed by McDonalds and the Chairman, who was selected jointly by the both parties, have ruled in favour of McDonalds India, while Bakshis nominee had a dissenting opinion, they added.

The LCIA has also rejected Bakshis relief seeking a declaration that the JV agreement remains in force and effect, they said.

It has also asked Bakshi to cooperate with McDonalds in obtaining all approvals under applicable law.

Commenting on the development, a McDonalds spokesperson said: "We are pleased with the decision by the Tribunal in what has been a protracted legal dispute with a former partner. Our intention now is to take the appropriate steps to enforce the award, which we believe is right for the business and our customers."

There were, however, no immediate comments from Bakshi.

Bakshi is at loggerheads with McDonalds since 2013. Later, he had approached the NCLT after McDonalds removed him from the post of MD of CPRL in 2013. In July this year, the tribunal restored him to his position.

It was challenged by McDonalds in the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) where the appeal is pending.

Simultaneously, Bakshi also challenged the termination of franchise licence by McDonalds at the NCLAT but was refused any interim relief. Both the appeals filed by the parties are listed for hearing on September 21.

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As part of the license termination, CPRL was asked to stop using McDonaldss name, system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, with effect from September 6.

Except the 43 outlets in the national capital that were shut in June due to non-renewal of eating house licences, the remaining ones continue to operate.

Also Read:

Not lovin' it: McDonald's to shut down 43 of 55 outlets in Delhi temporarily

McDonald's India ends its franchise agreement with Vikram Bakshi's CPRL

--- ENDS ---
A diving team has entered the water today to retrieve an old trimaran which sunk on its mooring in Pilot Bay.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff were called to the site last night and despite efforts to pump water from the wreck and re-float, the boat sank.

Staff have been back since first light this morning.

Bay of Plenty Regional Councils maritime pollution prevention officer regional on scene commander Adrian Heays says a local dive company has been called to assist.

They will assist us in re-floating and salvaging the sunken vessel, says Adrian.

At high tide we will then float the vessel to the shore, before moving it to a nearby truck and trailer with the help of a digger. The wreck will then be taken off site for safe disposal.

Although the boat ramp is not officially closed we will be occupying the Pilot Bay boat ramp area while we go about removing this vessel. We would appreciate the communities support in not parking near, or blocking off, the area.

The costs associated with the removal of this wreck will be passed along to the owner.

He says the incident is a good reminder that the upkeep of a boat is the owners responsibility.
The new season of the show will premiere on October 1.

By Anvita Singh: Bigg Boss Season 11 is coming to town, and the internet is abuzz with all kinds of reports and rumours. The controversial reality show based on the format of the UK reality show Big Brother is wildly popular with the viewers. Here's why we think the show is such a hit:

Controversies

Controversies work. Scandals work. People like seeing other people upset. Human beings are sadists, and there are no two ways about it. Also, it is cathartic to have strangers yell profanities at each other, because, more drama, people. The equation is pretty simple, you see.

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Celebrities

Okay, you don't see great artists from various fields on the show, because they have work. But there are others; the small fish in the sea, they want money too. And the celebrities featured on the show are not exactly unheard of, some of them are quite well-known (read TV actresses Shweta Tiwari, Kishwer Merchantt, actor-politician Manoj Tiwari). And people will watch anything with a celebrity in it. Yes, they will.

Salman Khan

A controversial Bollywood star hosting a controversial reality show, now if that doesn't rake in the views, what will? The actor is quite open about his opinions regarding the contestants of the show, and of course, Bhai has a huge fan base.

Kabhi ho jati hai nok-jhok, kabhi ban jate hain well wishers! Get ready for @BiggBoss Season Gyarah! #BB11 @BeingSalmanKhan pic.twitter.com/oBfQqXt7ti- COLORS (@ColorsTV) August 24, 2017

The concept

A big house with a bunch of (mostly) out-of-work celebrities with cameras everywhere. Romance, fights, scandals; you have your perfect TV series.

Bigg Boss Season 11 will premiere on October 1 on Colors TV.

Also read: Former Bigg Boss contestant Vivek Mishra meets with an accident; admitted in hospital

Also read: Bigg Boss 11: Secret dating to keeping an eye on padosis; details of tasks revealed

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Cervezas Victoria, Malaga's emblematic beer brand, on Friday officially opened its new factory on the city's saint's day, 'Dia de Nuestra Senora de la Victoria'.

The glass-fronted building, dominated by the sign 'Victoria. Malaga 1928', is situated on the La Azucarera industrial estate and can be seen from the N-340.

The Damm Group, owners of the nearly 100-year-old brand, didn't want to build a standard brewery. We wanted to have a factory that was open to the city, where the purely industrial part is as important as the relationship with the Malaga people, explains Sergio Ragel, the firms external relations officer.

The light-filled modern building, designed by Malaga architects Gana, allows visitors to see all the production processes and also has a large room for beer tasting, events and concerts. Whats more, there is a small museum where the history of the emblematic brand is explained, starting from its founding in 1928 by the Franquelo family in El Perchel.

The Damm Group has spent six million euros on the new factory and is studying the possibility of investing another 15 million to extend its bottled lines.

For the moment the new brewery will be producing barrels and 33cl bottles, a total of around 1.2 million litres a year; the litre bottles and cans will still be produced in the factory in Murcia. The idea is, little-by-little, to bring all the production of the beer consumed in Malaga here, added Ragel.

This means that yearly production, after the projected investment, could reach 20 million litres.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is doubling down on his faltering invasion by declaring martial law in four illegally annexed Ukrainian regions. In addition, he set the stage Wednesday for draconian new restrictions and crackdowns throughout Russia. The drastic escalation appeared to be prompted by the threat of more stinging battlefield defeats, sabotage and troubles with his troop mobilization. Putin's order effectively belies the Kremlins attempts to portray life in the annexed regions as returning to normal, with the latest example the removal of civilian leaders and installation of a military administration and a mass evacuation in Kherson. Local officials said Wednesday that 5,000 had been evacuated already, with plans to pull out a total of up to 60,000.
A West Virginia man was convicted of three misdemeanor drug possession charges on Sept. 5 in Bland County Circuit Court.

Robert Mitchell, 26, of Bluefield had originally been charged with three counts of felony drug possession, but the commonwealth reduced the charges last week.

Mitchell pleaded not guilty but stipulated that there would be enough evidence for a conviction.

According to earlier police reports, Mitchell was arrested last year in a Bland County Sheriffs Office sting.

According to court documents, Mitchell had cocaine  approximately 8 grams total -- on three different occasions in 2016.

Mitchell was sentenced to serve 10 days in jail, fined $300 and given an 18-month drivers license suspension. In a separate civil action, he didnt contest the seizure of a 1997 Chevrolet Camaro, which was forfeited to the Sheriffs Office.

Bluefield man convicted of drug felonies

A Bluefield man pleaded guilty on Sept. 5 to two felonies, including one count of distributing cocaine on school property.

According to police and court records, James Lee Kelsor III, 45, distributed cocaine on Bland County High School property on Aug. 11, 2016. The drugs, though, were not given to a student.

As part of a plea agreement, Commonwealths Attorney Patrick White dropped four additional drug distribution charges against Kelsor.

Kelsor was sentenced to serve nine months in jail and given a one-year drivers license suspension. Hell be on probation for two years after his release, during which time hell waive his Fourth Amendment rights, which means police can search him at any time without a warrant.

Bastian man arraigned on felony assault charge

A 26-year-old Bastian man was arraigned last week on a domestic assault and battery charge.

Arrested on Sept. 4, Walter Ricky Willis will be represented by the public defenders office on the felony charge.

According to a criminal complaint from Deputy R.A. Dillow, Willis is accused of shoving his wife, Lymebrietta Willis, into a door on the front porch of their 3290 Railroad Trail residence.

He admitted to Officer Deel, then to myself he grabbed his wife and pushed her off of him because she was in his face yelling at him, Dillow wrote.

Employed by Poole Boys in Princeton, West Virginia, Willis is being held without bond in the New River Valley Regional Jail in Dublin.

His prior criminal record includes charges of marijuana possession, domestic assault, motor vehicle tampering and misdemeanor destruction of property.

Accused is polite and cooperative with arresting officer and this magistrate, Mary S. Rouse wrote. He states that his wife was arguing with him and admits to laying hands on her but only to move her out of the way.
A plaque in Spiller Elementary Schools lunchroom that was challenged as being unconstitutional in a May letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation was taken down in August, according to Superintendent Dr. Jeff Perry.

Perry said he believes that the courts have made it very clear that school division cant display this type of plaque.

The plaque, which is now in storage, reads Our Father: We thank thee for this food. Bless it to the nourishment of our bodies and our lives to thy service. Amen.

The May letter to Perry from the Madison, Wisconsin,-based nonprofit group said that the foundation was contacted by a community member. In the letter, attorney Patrick C. Elliott wrote that the elementary students should not have to view materials promoting a Christian message.

Perry pointed out that prayer is still in schools, pointing to witnessing students say prayers privately, but that Official school-sponsored ... prayer has been deemed unconstitutional.

Freedom From Religion Foundation co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said its reassuring to see the school system taking swift action.

Donn Sunshine, pastor at Wytheville First Church of God, disagrees, saying that he fears the country is taking the removal of religious references to the extreme. He urged elected officials to reconsider the decision.

For more, pick up a copy of the Saturday, Sept. 16, Wytheville Enterprise.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Six months ago, Price Rite, a supermarket chain known for its low prices, opened a store on South Avenue with the help of $2.4 million in government grants and tax exemptions.

On Tuesday, Nojaim Brothers Supermarket on Gifford Street, one mile away from the new Price Rite, announced it would be closing after 98 years serving the city's Near Westside neighborhood.

Coincidence?

Owner Paul Nojaim told employees in a letter that the store was "unable to remain financially viable." He has not blamed the pending closing on the competition posed by Price Rite. In fact, he has not made any public comment on the matter yet.

However, City Auditor Marty Masterpole said Nojaim told him a few weeks ago that the store has been losing money for the past six months. Though Nojaim did not mention Price Rite, Masterpole said he took his words to mean that the added competition was killing his store.

"Paul is a gentleman and he does not want to blame Price Rite publicly," he said. "My heart aches for him."

"I know it was Price Rite that pushed him out," said Marilyn Higgins, who oversaw efforts to revitalize the Near Westside when she was vice president for community engagement and economic development at Syracuse University.

Before Price Rite opened, Nojaim and Higgins looked over the numbers and consulted with grocery industry analysts, Higgins said.

"They made it very clear that if a Price Rite moved within five blocks, with the level of incentives they were given, that this store was toast," Higgins said of Nojaim's. "Paul spoke with everyone who would listen to him about what a threat that would be."

Others disagree. Walt Dixie, executive director of the Jubilee Homes housing organization that recruited Price Rite to the South Avenue site and serves as its landlord, said it would be impossible for Price Rite, by itself, to have put Nojaim out of business in just six months.

The supermarket business is known for its paper-thin profit margins, and Price Rite's prices couldn't be so much lower than those at Nojaim to draw off large numbers of its customers, especially since a significant number of Nojaim customers do not have cars and walk to the store, he said.

"People aren't going to walk an extra mile to save 10 cents," he said.

Dixie said it is more likely that competition from other discount stores, such as Aldi on West Genesee Street and Save-A-Lot on South Geddes Street, had already weakened Nojaim.

Price Rite did not directly respond when asked by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard if its new store has been drawing customers from Nojaim, but spokeswoman Maureen Gillespie issued the following statement:

"The South Avenue store's grand opening in April -- the second Price Rite in the city -- was the culmination of hard work and a partnership with community leaders who long wanted a supermarket for the southwest corridor.

"The store, which provides a wide selection of fresh produce, natural and organic products and national brands at low prices, is meeting the company's expectations. We are privileged to be part of the community and driven by the philosophy that our customers should not have to sacrifice quality to save on price."

The government subsidies amounted to nearly half the $5 million cost of renovating, expanding and equipping an existing building to house the Price Rite store.

The biggest single chunk of government assistance came from the state, which provided $1.2 million in grants.

Onondaga County provided Jubilee Homes, Price Rite's landlord, with a $350,000 grant to buy the property in 2009. It also provided $200,000 for the installation of permeable pavement in the store's parking lot to keep rainwater runoff from flowing into the county's sewage treatment system.

In addition, the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency granted Price Rite property tax breaks worth $329,140 over 10 years, as well as an exemption worth $272,000 from sales taxes on construction materials and a mortgage recording tax exemption worth $30,000.

Proponents of the government handouts for Price Rite said the assistance was justified because the South Avenue neighborhood needed a full-service grocery store within walking distance for its many low-income residents who do not have cars.

They also noted that Nojaim received government assistance three years ago when it built a 3,000-square-foot, $2.7 million addition to his store. The state gave him a $1 million grant, and the city's industrial development agency provided $120,690 in tax exemptions.

Justin Sayles, a spokesman for County Executive Joanie Mahoney, said that, while it is sad that Nojaim's is closing, "it's not accurate to place blame on the Price Rite."

"Nojaim's operated successfully for many years with a Loblaws grocery store in the exact location where Price Rite is now and had additional competition from a grocery store in the Valley Plaza," he said. "In addition, in the recent past, thousands of people have moved into downtown and St. Joseph's Hospital has opened a clinic adjacent to Nojaim's which provided a lot more traffic for Nojaim's. The whole retail business sector is complicated and we should resist the temptation to over-simplify its ebbs and flows."

Mayor Stephanie Miner is in Israel this week and was unavailable for comment. William Ryan, her chief of staff and chairman of the city's industrial development agency, issued a statement that did not address the issue of tax breaks for Price Rite.

"We are certainly disappointed by Paul Nojaim's decision to close their store in Syracuse," he said. "Nojaim's has been a Westside institution for decades and he has contributed to the area, being a major partner in many neighborhood projects and the Near Westside Initiative. We wish Paul well in his future endeavors."

E. J. McMahon, research director of the Empire Center, an Albany-based public policy think tank, said governments should not be subsidizing grocery stores or any other retail operations. Such assistance often just gives one store an unfair advantage over another, without bringing any real economic benefits to a community, he said.

"Let retail find and develop its own markets," he said. "And if the neighborhood is so bad that nobody would open a store there, you should be addressing the issues with the neighborhood."

Marnie Eisenstadt contributed to this story.

Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148
FLORENCE, N.Y. -- A Central New York man has been charged with sexually abusing a boy.

Bill Leyva, 49, of Florence, was arrested Tuesday by Child Advocacy Center investigators with the Oneida County Sheriff's Office. He had sexual contact with a boy younger than 15 years old in Florence last month, said Investigator Melissa Bolton.

Leyva was charged with second-degree criminal sexual act, a felony. He remains in the Oneida County Correctional Facility in lieu of $20,000 bail.

A New York Mills Village Court judge issued an order of protection for the child, Bolton said. The Child Advocacy Center has offered to help the boy, she said.
2012-09-18-db-VanValkenburg.JPG

Donald Van Valkenburg was in Onondaga County Court for sentencing in the 2011 date scam case, in this September 2012 file photo. Van Valkenburg was charged recently for similar fraudulent behavior.

(Dick Blume | The Post-Standardy)

Donald Van Valkenburg Jr., in this September 2017 police photo.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Donald William Vault said he was a millionaire who is looking to buy a house near Schenectady and hoped to find love on an online dating site.

The only problem is Donald William Vault, or Don Vault as he is known online, is not a millionaire. He doesn't exist.

Don Vault really is a convicted felon named Donald E. Van Valkenburg Jr. who was released from state prison less than two years ago after creating a fake persona and swindling money from a woman he was dating in Central New York, according to state police.

"You have lived this phony and fraudulent life for some time," then-Onondaga County Judge Anthony Aloi told Van Valkenburg at his sentencing in 2012. "You have lived in some fantasy land."

Van Valkenburg, 50, of Fayetteville, is back to his fraud, swindling and dating scams, state police said.

He created and used his fake persona to facilitate friendships with about a half dozen female real estate agents in the Schenectady area, according to state police Investigator George Bird. The real estate agents took Van Valkenburg to tour homes for sale that he had no intentions to purchase, he said.

Van Valkenburg also used the identity to create an online profile on a dating website, Bird said

He was charged last week with creating a New York State driver's license containing fabricated identifying information, which he subsequently used to identify himself and to create additional false documents, police said. He was charged Sept. 6 with second-degree possession of a forged instrument, a felony, according to New York State Police.

Van Valkenburg was also charged Tuesday with a second count of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, a felony, Bird said. Van Valkenburg used his "Donald Vault" identity to create a forged Bank of America checking account statement.

The statement said Donald Vault had more than $3 million in the bank, Bird said.

"It's difficult to determine what his motivation is," Bird said. The investigation is ongoing.

No money has been taken from the women that Van Valkenburg has associated with since he's been in Schenectady, but Bird said Van Valkenburg has tried to facilitate numerous relationships with female real estate agents and other women thorough the dating site.

"This seems to be his full-time job," Bird said. "He's put in a lot of time."

Details of the current arrest are reminiscent to the 2011 scam where Van Valkenburg created a false identity for himself and claimed to own a successful real estate company.

Van Valkenburg pleaded guilty in May 2011 to a felony charge of third-degree grand larceny, admitting he stole more than $3,000 from a local woman in what authorities said was a dating scam.

He also admitted to purchasing flowers and jewelry at businesses in Manlius, DeWitt and Skaneateles. He never paid for them because he used a false business name in the transactions.

Van Valkenburg was sentenced to five years probation in February 2012. Former Judge Aloi ordered Van Valkenburg to pay the woman from the dating scam $11,625.19 in restitution. The judge also ordered Van Valkenburg to pay an additional $2,799.27 in restitution to a local business and three florists.

Aloi said the victim of the dating scam had her life turned into "a nightmare" by Van Valkenburg's phony representations. That included writing a phony check for $150,000 as a down payment on a $900,000 home and an attempt to order more than $50,000 in furniture from a local company to furnish the residence, the judge said.

Noting that Van Valkenburg had been using Internet contacts with other women as part of his dating scam, Aloi ordered Van Valkenburg to have no Internet contact with people while he's on probation.

"If you're going to date, they're going to see you face to face," the judge said at the sentencing.

Van Valkenburg did not follow the judge's orders. He was back in custody in May 2012 accused of resuming the same conduct that led to his conviction. At the time, he was using a picture of himself and the victim from his prior grand larceny case to try to meet new women on a dating website.

Although he was unemployed at the time, Van Valkenburg claimed on Match.com that he earned $75,000 to $100,000 a year as the executive and owner of a real estate company that designs and builds schools, hospitals and shopping centers all along the East Coast, according to the probation department report.

He was sentenced in September 2012 to serve 1 1/3 to four years in state prison for violating probation. He was released from prison in December 2015, according to the New York State Department of Corrections.

It is unclear how long Van Valkenburg has been in the Schenectady area. He was arraigned in the Rotterdam Town Court and remanded to Schenectady County Jail in lieu of $5,000 Cash or $10,000 bond.

The state police are continuing to investigate and additional charges are possible.



State police ask anyone with information to contact Investigator Bird at 518-630-1712.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The dust has settled on Tuesday's primary races and candidates are already looking to November's general election.

Countywide, the primary featured a few surprises on multiple party lines. Here's a look at what the results mean for the local political landscape, and a summary of who had a good and bad night Tuesday.

WINNERS

Juanita Perez Williams

Duh. Perez Williams ran away with the Democratic nomination for mayor, giving her a huge leg up in November. Democrats make up 56 percent of city voters.

Moreover, Perez Williams showed an energized base Tuesday and proved her strategy was an effective one.

Andrew Cuomo

The governor has an ally in the Democratic nominee. He has a relationship with Perez Williams, who got her start in New York government working for Cuomo when he was attorney general. Perez Williams said last night that Cuomo would be her first call today.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Cuomo's spokesman mentioned Perez Williams' victory as a positive.

All our endorsements with that one exception won. Also former CNY rep won Syracuse mayoral primary.  Rich Azzopardi (@RichAzzopardi) September 13, 2017

Ben Walsh

In the precursor to November's general election, Walsh proved his seriousness as a candidate, stealing a ballot from his Republican opponent. Walsh won the Independence Party primary by a landslide, and he wasn't even on the ballot -- he did it with write-in votes. It's a relatively small victory, but a positive sign for Walsh as he heads for a four-way matchup in November.

Ken Bush Jr.

Bush almost didn't make it on the ballot Tuesday, after a judge initially ruled him off. Still, he took down a sitting Republican legislator in the 13th district and will take over the job in January. That district covers the towns of Elbridge, Van Buren and most of Camillus.

It's a big win for Bush, who scuffled with District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick in this race and needed to go to an appeals court in Rochester just to run.

LOSERS:

Mark English

Just weeks before the primary, English, the Democratic Party Chairman, sent a letter to Democrats urging them to come together behind the party's designated mayoral candidate, Joe Nicoletti. That call apparently went unheeded as Perez Williams steam-rolled to victory.

While the other endorsed city Democrats won handily Tuesday, the loss at the top of the ticket was a resounding one.

English now has the tall task of bringing together Democrats who rejected the party's candidate and made a lot of noise doing it. And he must do so behind someone who party leaders ignored for most of the year. He's got his work cut out for him.

Danny Fitzpatrick

Tuesday was a bad night for the GOP strategist, who emerged as a central cog in this year's elections. His city court judge candidate, Frank Pelosi, lost primaries on two lines and won't be on the GOP line in the general after some botched paperwork earlier in the campaign.

In the county's 13th legislative district, Ken Bush upset incumbent legislator Derek Shepard. Fitzpatrick works for the Republican Legislators Campaign Committee, which was behind Shepard.

Fitzpatrick was also Laura Lavine's campaign manager until late last month. Lavine got stunned by Walsh, who snagged a ballot line from under her with write-in votes.

On a positive note, Fitzpatrick does have the GOP nomination for LaFayette Town Supervisor in November.

Party politics

Maybe Syracuse voters just love an underdog, but Tuesday night they exposed the weakness of Syracuse's political parties.

Perez Williams was a footnote during the Democratic Party's endorsement process in May. Voters, however, bucked the party leadership and overwhelmed the Democratic establishment.

Perez Williams' toughest opponent in November is likely to be Ben Walsh, who is running without a major party behind him. Walsh wanted the Republican nod early on, but party leadership didn't want him, going with Laura Lavine instead. Walsh, too, had a good night Tuesday, stealing a party nomination from Lavine.

The weakening of the party system isn't a new trend here. Joanie Mahoney, the Republican county executive didn't have her party's backing when she first ran for the job. She upended the GOP designee that year and has been thumbing her nose at the party establishment since -- teaming with the Democratic governor early on in her tenure.

Voter turnout

Only 21 percent of city Democrats voted in the primary. That number has been trending downward for years, but it was disheartening to see fewer than 9,000 people show up to pick a candidate for mayor.

Joe Nicoletti

Nicoletti's endless quest to be the mayor of Syracuse suffered yet another blow Tuesday. He got beat all over the city, including the Sedgwick neighborhood, where he lives.

Now he'll be forced to decide whether or not to stay in the race. To step aside would be to break a promise he made earlier in the campaign and his commitment to the Working Families Party, whose line he carries. But to stay in the race would surely infuriate the Democratic Party, which is trying to get on the same page to keep city hall.

Nicoletti turns 70 this year and his term on the Common Council will expire Dec. 31. This may mark the end of a career for one of Syracuse's most senior public servants.
SYRACUSE, NY -- After 98 years in business, Nojaim Brothers Supermarket on the city's West Side plans to close.

Paul Nojaim, who owns the grocery store at 307 Gifford St., sent a letter to employees Monday announcing the decision and a store manager confirmed the pending closing Tuesday morning.

Charlie Nojaim, Paul's father, visited the store Tuesday and stopped outside the store to talk briefly about the closing.

"It's a sad day," Charlie Nojaim said.

He said his son had made his mind up and just didn't want to be in the grocery business anymore. Charlie Nojaim said he hopes someone comes along to buy the business and keep it open.

Nojaim Brothers traces its roots back to Charlie Nojaim's father, Richard Nojaim, who immigrated to America from Lebanon in 1914. Five years later, he bought a grocery store on West Street for $900. He ran it with his three brothers and called his store Nojaim Bros.

Charlie Nojaim started working at the market after school around the age of 10. He went to Le Moyne College, where he got a degree in business administration, and served 18 months in the Army. When he returned, he joined his father in business.

Paul Nojaim took over the West Side grocery store from his father.
Elbridge Town Supervisor Ken Bush Jr. on Tuesday defeated incumbent Onondaga County Legislator Derek Shepard in a Republican primary for Shepard's 13th District seat on the legislature.

Bush won with 632 votes (60 percent) to 422 for Shepard (40 percent).

With no Democrat in the race, Tuesday's victory gives Bush the only major party line on the November ballot. Shepard will remain on the ballot with the Libertarian and Independence Party lines.

The victory came after Bush narrowly survived a legal battle by Shepard to knock him out of the Republican primary. Shepard successfully challenged enough of Bush's petition signatures for a state Supreme Court judge to remove Bush from the ballot, but an appeals court reversed the decision.

After six weeks of court battles, the appeals court last week ruled that Bush had 347 valid petition signatures, one more than he needed to get on the ballot.

In addition to winning the Republican primary, Bush retained the Conservative Party nomination Tuesday with 81 votes. Shepard ran a write-in campaign, but there were only 25 write-in votes cast.

The 13th district includes the towns of Elbridge, Van Buren and much of Camillus.

Contact reporter Tim Knauss anytime | email | Twitter | 315-470-3023
Syracuse, N.Y. -- There will be a free legal clinic Sept. 24 for young undocumented immigrants who have been protected from deportation under DACA.

The youth, referred to as "Dreamers," have been protected from deportation under an executive order by former President Barack Obama. The protections were offered to people who had been brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

People covered by the order had to meet three main criteria:

Brought to the U.S. before age 16

Lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007

Could not be older than 30 when the policy began in 2012

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump ended the program, called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It will wind down over the next six months unless Congress decides otherwise.

Anyone covered under DACA can file for renewal if their status is set to expire by March 5, 2018.

DACA status allows people to work legally. They pay taxes under the provision. It does not allow a path to citizenship, which has long been a sticking point on both sides of the issue.

There are 800,000 people covered under DACA, and about 50,000 DACA recipients in New York, said Herve Comeau of the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County. About 30,000 are in New York City; the rest are spread throughout Upstate New York.

At the clinic, volunteer lawyers will be offering free legal help. They'll assist with filling out DACA renewal applications, which can be filed until Oct. 5. And they'll answer what questions they can about the DACA. No new applications are being accepted, and it's unclear what a renewal will mean.

The clinic will be Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 221 S. Warren St., Syracuse.

Contact Comeau for more information at 315-579-0178 or hcomeau@onvlp.org.

Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Juanita Perez Williams' first phone call Wednesday will be to the state's top Democrat, and her former boss.

Shortly after securing the Democratic nomination for mayor Tuesday night, Perez Williams said she wants to start building a better relationship between the governor and city hall.

"Tomorrow, I want to talk to our Democratic governor about what we can do with a city hall where doors are open and we are ready to move forward," Perez Williams said.

Until recently, Perez Williams was a regional director for the New York State Labor Department. She also worked for Cuomo when he was New York State Attorney General.

Her campaign manager, Dan Kolinski, said the campaign will be reaching out to leaders across the state Wednesday.

Throughout the campaign, all three Democrats in the race said they hoped to foster a better relationship with the Democratic governor.

Perez Williams celebrated her victory at Cathy's Corner Cafe on Avery Avenue in Syracuse. About 100 supporters cheered her on as she accepted the party's nomination.
Voters across Central New York headed to the polls Tuesday in primaries to pick their party's candidate to run in the general elections in November.

Polls close at 9 p.m. today. First results usually don't start coming in to 9:30 a.m. or later.

We will update the results as they come in tonight so check back later as we update the results. Normally, most races are reported in by 11 p.m., some later.
Thank you for reading!

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The recent rumor that iRobot had engaged in talks with Apple, Amazon and Google parent Alphabet to sell the data its Roomba vacuum cleaner gathers caused widespread privacy concerns.

Roomba maps homes  the spatial dimensions of rooms and distances between furniture and other objects  and the data it collects would be valuable to any of the major players battling to control the smart home.

Amazons Echo and Googles Home voice-activated speakers already monitor and gather data about users through various smart home appliances and other products, as do makers of smart TVs.

Reaping the Rewards

Data collection is meant to provide an additional revenue stream for the manufacturer or service provider, as well as enhance the users experience, said Blake Kozak, principal analyst at IHS Markit.

That is precisely why the rumor that iRobot was discussing sale of the data to a third party alerted consumer privacy advocates.

However, iRobot has not had any conversations with other companies about selling data, said Colin Angle, the companys CEO.

iRobot will never sell customer data, he told TechNewsWorld.

The company will never violate customer trust by selling or misusing customer-related data, including data collected by our connected products, Angle emphasized.

iRobot is committed to the security of our customers data, which we take very seriously, he said. We build security directly into the product development process from the beginning, at the time of ideation.

Both the Roomba robots and iRobots network architecture are continually reviewed by multiple third-party security agencies, Angle pointed out. We have a no-compromise attitude when it comes to product security.

iRobot addresses consumer IoT with the fundamental principles of security: secure data at rest, secure data in transit, secure execution, and secure updates, he said.

The Threat to Security and Privacy

Right now, anyone can gather an unbelievable amount of data on pretty much anyone else, just by scouring free search engines on the Web. Add in data gathered by smart home appliances and other smart gadgets, and data on consumers electricity consumption patterns gathered by smart meters, and its possible to get a very granular picture of whats going on in someones home.

Purchases of smart appliances have been on the rise, and voice-activated devices  led by Amazons Echo line  have been riding the wave.

There will be 220 million smart voice-controlled devices globally by 2021, IHS Markits Kozak said.

This trend could lead to serious threats to consumers privacy and safety. Hackers have accessed baby monitors, for instance. Further, the United States National Security Agency has made no bones about its willingness to tap the data made available by smart appliances and the Internet of Things.

The ease with which an attacker can harvest and collect demographic and psychographic data on targets is astounding, said James Scott, senior fellow at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology.

The widespread collection, insecure storage, negligent exchange, and irresponsible usage of consumer metadata poses a direct and hyper-evolving threat to consumers, government officials, and critical infrastructure owners and operators, he told TechNewsWorld.

It represents a threat to national security and the integrity of democratic institutions, Scott warned.

Add artificial intelligence, big data algorithms and machine learning to the mix, and the bad guys can launch massive hyperfocused campaigns against specific high-value sensitive targets, he pointed out. Adversaries can craft personalized social engineering lures related to targets browsing patterns, interests, profession and vices, for example, and thereby bypass the cybersecurity and cyber-hygiene reflexes that typically thwart 86 percent of social engineering programs.

The Dangers of Cloud Storage

Smart home appliances and gadgets store the data they gather in the cloud, which is not inviolate. The Swedish government recently faced an upheaval following the discovery that all Swedish citizens private data had been leaked after it was moved to a cloud run by IBM, a company known for strong cybersecurity. The government replaced two of its ministers in a bid to quell the resulting uproar.

Data collected by smart appliances is not safe if its sent off to the cloud, said Michael Patterson, CEO of Plixer.

Malware preventative technologies from security vendors are not a surefire defense against targeted attacks, he told TechNewsWorld. Nothing short of unplugging from the Internet can keep your data safe.

Consumers who want to keep their personally identifiable information safe shouldnt invest in appliances that are Internet-capable, Patterson cautioned. No IoT device is safe from a data compromise.

However, from conversations with device manufacturers and cybersecurity experts, data collected by smart home devices will not be available to just any third party, IHS Markits Kozak told TechNewsWorld.

Also, manufacturers of smart devices who collect data dont act on the data, and even more suggest they  aggregate it, he noted.

Data collection is commonplace, Kozak pointed out. Reward cards, fitness trackers and smartphones all collect user data.

Smart homes are a new concept, he said, so users are suspicious.
Matrix World Group (MWG) Chile has launched its first-ever collection of treated flame resistant clothing manufactured using fabric from Mount Vernon FR. MWG specialises in the technical design, development and custom manufacturing of flame resistant workwear for industrial use. MWG Chile will offer a complete collection of UL-certified products.Until the recent collaboration with Mount Vernon FR, MWGs primary focus has been on high-quality flame resistant clothing made from inherent flame resistant fabrics.

Matrix World Group (MWG) Chile has launched its first-ever collection of treated flame resistant clothing manufactured using fabric from Mount Vernon FR. MWG specialises in the technical design, development and custom manufacturing of flame resistant workwear for industrial use. MWG Chile will offer a complete collection of UL-certified products.#

Working with Mount Vernon FR, we have paired two of the strongest brands in the industry, allowing us to provide consumers with treated and inherent flame resistant clothing without tradeoffs in comfort or protection, said John Funk, president of MWG Chile.MWG Chile will offer a complete collection of UL-certified products including flame resistant shirts, pants, coveralls and jackets, all made using fabric from Mount Vernon FR. MWGs new flame resistant clothing line will be available across South and Central America.This collaboration enables us to combine our shared dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction, said Mike Woods, vice president of FR fabrics for Mount Vernon FR. Were honoured to work with MWG to provide consumers across the globe with access to durable, high-performing flame resistant garments made from Mount Vernon FR fabrics.MWG Chile garments meet the performance requirements of ASTM F1506, comply with NFPA 70E and are UL certified to NFPA 2112. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Nonwoven fabrics manufacturer WPT is opening a $ six million plant in Ohio County to add capacity for materials used in hygiene and filtration products such as diapers and furnace air filters. The facility will increase WPTs manufacturing capabilities with a state-of-the-art nonwoven production line focusing on hygiene and filtration media sectors.The 40-job plant is WPTs second in Ohio County.

Nonwoven fabrics manufacturer WPT is opening a $ six million plant in Ohio County to add capacity for materials used in hygiene and filtration products such as diapers and furnace air filters. The facility will increase WPT's manufacturing capabilities with a state-of-the-art nonwoven production line focusing on hygiene and filtration media sectors.#

As a family-owned and operated company, WPT Corp is taking a major step forward in establishing a new production facility. Our state and local economic development efforts provide support for exactly this kind of business growth across Kentucky, Governor Matt Bevin said. We congratulate both the company and the Ohio County community on this new project and look forward to their continued success.WPT will locate its new operation in the 60,000-square-foot former Nestaway plant in Beaver Dam. The facility will increase WPTs manufacturing capabilities with installation of a state-of-the-art nonwoven production line focusing on the hygiene and filtration media sectors. WPTs current facility on South Main Street underwent an expansion in 2015 and is now nearing capacity. Wayne Robbins founded WPT in 2008; and his grandson, Travis Robbins, currently leads the 57-employee company.Were excited to grow our company in Ohio County, and most of all Im proud of the hard work and dedication from our team of employees. Without their countless hours, attention to detail and dedication to our customers, this would not be possible. We also appreciate the support from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Gov Bevin, WPT plant manager Travis Robbins said. Our new state-of-the-art facility will be online in late March, and we look forward to the opportunity to supply a high-quality product to the regions and commonwealths nonwoven hygiene and filtration markets.WPT uses raw fibrespolyester, rayon and cottonto manufacture a wide range of products such as telecom cable wrap, landscape fabrics, fire-retardant roof membrane and hot oil filtration media.To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in August preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $750,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment programme. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.In addition, WPT can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customised training and job training incentives. In fiscal year 2016, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for nearly 95,000 Kentuckians and 5,000 companies from a variety of industry sectors. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Louisiana Public Service Commission candidates wanted Tuesday to talk about utility regulation. But the forums audience would have none of it.

All that sounds boring to me, said Scott Wilfong, a Republican activist from Baton Rouge. Where do you stand on what matters to real conservatives? Are you pro-life? Are you pro gun? Did you support President (Donald) Trump?

Both interim PSC Commissioner Damon Baldone, a lawyer from Houma, and Craig Greene, a Baton Rouge physician, said they oppose abortion and support gun rights. Greene has 17 guns. Baldone is an outdoorsman with memberships in the National Rifle Association and Ducks Unlimited.

All three candidates are Republican in the Oct. 14 election to replace Scott Angelle, who resigned to take a job in the Trump administration. At the last minute, Lenar Whitney bowed out of the Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish forum that would have been the first time all the candidates appeared together.

A PSC commissioner represents more constituents than a congressman. This falls race will decide who represents the PSC Second District that covers all or part of 13 parishes and includes south Baton Rouge, the Lafayette area, Houma and Morgan City.

A PSC commissioner's regulatory authority includes utility companies, basically deciding how much customers pay each month for electricity, the second largest bill in the typical household.

But the key issue at Tuesdays forum was party loyalty.

Baldone had been appointed by Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards but signed up as a Republican to run for a seat that last elected a Democrat in 1980s. And Greene, whose father was one of the first Republican state senators in modern times, supported Edwards over Republican David Vitter in the 2015 gubernatorial race.

Many of the two dozen people at the forum wanted to know why.

Anyone who has been a Democrat in the last eight years  I dont have a lot of faith in them, Cecil J. Cavanaugh, a Baton Rouge CPA, told Baldone.

Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge J. Michael McDonald questioned Baldone for once trying to register as both a Republican and a Democrat. Baldone said each party has some philosophies he doesnt like and some positions he does.

I dont find much to like about the Democratic Party. Im just curious what it is that you like so much, McDonald said.

Baldone said he has long been conservative in his political philosophies. But he also wants to work with others to get things done.

Greene had to defend his support of Edwards in the 2015 election.

Greene said he backed Republican Jay Dardenne in the primary. But he wouldnt back Vitter in the general election.

I had a problem on the personal side with the Republican nominee, Greene said haltingly. Ive been a conservative my whole life."

Greene promised to vote for the Republican candidate, regardless of who that might be, in 2019 when Edwards runs for re-election.

In the moments the candidates talked utility regulation, they both agreed that the PSC should push utility companies to consider using time of use rates.

The privately owned companies, on PSC recommendations, have begun installing smart meters, which allow the utilities to more easily bill customers for the amount of electricity used. The meters are so specific they can chart exactly when the electricity is used, thereby giving the companies the ability to provide discounts in off hours and charge more during peak hours when air conditioners are running full tilt. Utility companies have been reluctant to embrace time of use rates, but regulators in several states have insisted the utilities adopt the practice.

Louisiana has some of the lowest prices for electricity in the country. But the states residents use more power than the average America resulting in high electricity bills.

Greene said lower prices would entice residents to, say, wash a load of laundry at night or turn down the air conditioner after midnight.

Baldone said the time of use issue definitely will come up during the next year.
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The principal of a Baton Rouge charter school is accused of punishing a 5-year-old girl by locking her in a school closet where she said spiders and roaches crawled over her, according to police.

Shafeeq Syid Shamsid-Deen, the principal and founder of Laurel Oaks Charter School, at 440 N. Foster Drive, is wanted on counts of cruelty to a juvenile  a felony  and false imprisonment, according to an arrest warrant issued Monday by Baton Rouge police.

Police say Shamsid-Deen, of 999 N. 9th St., has been in touch with authorities through his attorney, but as of early Wednesday night, he had not been booked.

In a statement, the chairman of the schools board of directors said Wednesday that Shamsid-Dean has been suspended pending its own investigation.

According to the warrant, a teacher heard a child screaming and crying inside the school Aug. 22. After two other teachers joined in the search, the 5-year-old girl was found inside a closet in the school's cafeteria. The closet was locked from the outside.

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No one was around the closet when the teacher found the child locked inside it, police said.

The child told investigators that Shamsid-Dean, 31, told her to "go into the closet with the spiders, and if she screamed, he would turn the lights off," the warrant says. The child also said the closet "stinks" and "it has spiders and roaches in it that crawl on her."

The child told investigators she had been in the closet a long time so she started screaming.

The kindergartener said that Shamsid-Deen "puts her in the closet when she is bad," according to the warrant.

Aug. 22 was the 12th day of the school year. The girl was just starting kindergarten at a school where kindergarten is the earliest grade.

One of the teachers who found the child told police that she was "weeping hysterically" when they opened the closet door. The closet contained paint, other supplies, and a small chair that appeared to have been placed there recently because of its cleanliness, police said.

When one of the teachers emailed Shamsid-Deen with objections about the punishment, he responded that the school will work to make sure we have a proper time-out area for scholars to reset in the cafeteria, the warrant says.

Brian Adams, chairman of the schools board of directors, said Shamsid-Deen had been suspended in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

"Laurel Oaks Charter School is committed to the safety and well-being of all students," the statement says. "Any action that would constitute a crime or result in neglect of a child has never been the policy at Laurel Oaks Charter School and is currently not the policy."

Rashid Young, who was director of operations for the school, said he is acting principal while Shamsid-Deen is on leave, and he is preparing to send a letter to parents about the incident.

If Shamsid-Deen is convicted or if he pleads no contest to the counts hes facing, state law requires that the school fire him.

The Advocate on Wednesday emailed Adams several questions concerning the schools statement, but was told that since this is an ongoing investigation I am not at liberty to have any additional discussion on this matter.

Adams, who is director of district and school partnership for the local chapter of Teach For America, is also one of three candidates running in the Oct. 14 special election for District 7 on the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. Voters are replacing Barbara Freiberg, who was elected last November to the Metro Council.

Sydni Dunn, a spokeswoman for the Louisiana Department of Education, said the school has hired an outside law firm to lead up its investigation and has kept state officials abreast of the steps its taking. Dunn said the reports about what allegedly happened are concerning.

Were committed to the safety of all Louisiana children, she said. We do not accept these kinds of practices and we expect all schools to do the same.

BESE overrides EBR school board, authorizes creation of two new charter schools Louisianas top school board Tuesday overrode a decision by the East Baton Rouge Parish Scho

Laurel Oaks is a charter school that recently started its second year, expanding to also serve first graders. It began with just 44 kindergartners fall of 2016, making it one of the smallest non-alternative schools in Baton Rouge.

Laurel Oaks was one of two charter schools approved in December 2015 by state leaders despite objections from East Baton Rouge Parish Superintendent Warren Drake.

Samsid-Deen said in 2016 that his goal for Laurel Oaks was to have every student reach eighth grade with good enough grades to gain admittance to a public magnet school in Baton Rouge.

Samsid-Deen developed Laurel Oaks as part of a fellowship program through the Boston-based Building Excellent Schools, or BES, which has mentored several charter school leaders in Baton Rouge. Samsid-Deen, however, did not finish the program.

Samsid-Deen in 2008 earned a bachelors degree in history and political science from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. After college, he joined the Teach for America program, landing in rural New Mexico. He went on to spend three years with New Mexicos department of education, overseeing the development of a new teacher evaluation system, before deciding to start the charter school in Baton Rouge.
A small charter school in Baton Rouge that got off to a troubled start and continued to face problems with its operations could be forced to c
WASHINGTON  The first complete draft of a last-ditch Republican effort to replace the Affordable Care Act, led largely by Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, is set to be revealed Wednesday morning.

But even before Cassidy and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, have unveiled the details of their proposal, several of their Republican Senate colleagues were throwing cold water on the bills chances while party leaders remained noncommittal.

A kindling debate over a radically different health insurance overhaul  Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders also picked Wednesday to unveil his Medicare for All plan  also appeared to draw attention away from the efforts by Cassidy and Graham to replace former President Barack Obamas signature achievement.

U.S. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 3 Republican in the Senate, described the bills chances as something of a double-double bank shot, apparently alluding to an extremely difficult billiards shot.

Thune said theres significant interest in the idea among Republican Senators but indicated it was largely up to Cassidy, Graham and the pairs co-sponsors  Republican Sens. Dean Heller of Nevada and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin  to build up enough support for the bill before getting it to a vote.

If it looks like this is starting to get some traction, well do whatever we can to help speed it along, Thune said, before adding, Well see where the discussions go but the clocks ticking and its a pretty short window.

Even if Cassidy, Graham, Heller and Johnson can cobble together enough votes among Senate colleagues to hit the 50-vote threshold  something that eluded Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell this summer  they face numerous procedural roadblocks ahead of a September 30 deadline to get the bill passed on a party-line vote.

Although senators could still consider health insurance after the end of the month, Republicans would need to collect 60 votes to do so because their authority to pass the bill with a simple majority under a process known as reconciliation will have expired. To get 60 votes to repeal and replace Obamacare seems nearly impossible, given a razor-thin Republican majority and unified Democratic opposition.

Cassidy, a physician and Baton Rouge Republican whos made overhauling the nations health insurance system his prime focus for months, seemed largely undeterred by the criticism of his plan or the daunting timeline.

Cassidy had hoped to unveil a draft of the bill on Monday. But the senator said Tuesday he was still reworking portions of its text while consulting with numerous stakeholders  including state governors and insurance commissioners  to build support.

At the heart of the Cassidy-Graham-Heller-Johnson plan is a provision that would bundle the billions of federal dollars that currently cover the cost of Obamacares Medicaid expansion and individual insurance subsidies into block grants for states. Although exact details wont be clear until the bills text is made public, states would have considerable freedom to use the money as each sees fit and to reshape the structure and scope of government-supported healthcare for low income residents.

Some critics of the plan, including many Democrats, have raised concerns that loosened regulations could create loopholes for insurers to cut back on coverage. The block grants also wouldnt grow as fast as current federal spending under Medicaid, meaning the Cassidy-Graham-Heller-Johnson proposal likely amounts to a substantial future cut in federal money for most states when compared to current law.

On Monday, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, came out against the proposal, telling reporters it would probably be worse than letting Obamacare stand because it doesnt go far enough to repeal some of Obamacares provisions. Paul also told Congressional Quarterly the bill had a zero percent chance of passing.

U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, the Senates longest-serving Republican and the chair of the finance committee, one of the likely venues to hold hearings on the bill, answered with a simple no when asked if the Cassidy-Graham bill would get a vote in the Senate, according to The Hill newspaper.

All you can say is youre going to keep on doing whats right, Cassidy responded on Tuesday. Were going to meet the vice president now. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) has spoken very favorably of it  he was obviously a key vote last time  so we keep on pushing.

McCain, whose dramatic no vote on the most recent attempt to undo Obamacare proved decisive in killing the effort, told The Advocate hes supportive of Cassidys efforts but couldnt say whether hed vote for it until hed had a chance to review the bills text and consult with Arizonas governor about its impact on his home state.

Thune, the South Dakota Republican, noted that one thing Cassidy and Graham have done is reach out to Republican governors, a number of whom came out against prior repeal-and-replace efforts because of the potential impact on Medicaid expansion.

Cassidy touted the added flexibility  as well as a block-grant formula that would boost federal dollars headed toward some swing states  as particularly attractive aspects of the package for state-level leaders. Cassidy has also expressed hope that some Democrats might be wooed by those facets of his plan, rejecting the notion that he and Graham have been pushing a partisan bill.

But Cassidy also acknowledged hes unlikely to win any support from the other side of the aisle.

Right now every indication I get is theyll vote party line, Cassidy said.

McCain had leveled fierce criticism at previous attempts to repeal Obamacare that skipped committee hearings and other key opportunities for debate that are typically part of normal Senate procedure. He stopped short of demanding a full committee hearing on Cassidy-Graham on Tuesday.

I cant get into the hypotheticals, McCain said, but I think the chances are dim if we go through the same drill we just went through.

Cassidy said hes had discussions with committee chairmen about possibly holding hearings on the bill but hadnt lined up firm commitments or scheduled anything yet.

McConnell, whose efforts to undo Obamacare went down in dramatic fashion in July, appeared to hedge when asked Tuesday afternoon about the Cassidy-Graham proposal. McConnell also pointed to a bipartisan effort to shore up Obamacares health insurance exchanges  led by Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington  and indicated he wasnt sure yet which might have the better shot.

I think the way forward, as of today, is not clear, said McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, at a Senate leadership press conference in the Capitol, flanked by other top-ranking Republicans.

McConnell and his top deputies focused most of their attention Tuesday on two higher priorities: ongoing negotiations over the military budget and Republican tax reform proposals, an issue which has shot to the top of many Republicans list of priorities.

McConnell came around to addressing the Obamacare repeal-and-replace effort only after U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, lit into Sanders Medicare for All proposal, blasting it as a complete government takeover of healthcare.

Sanders plan  and several competing Democratic proposals to allow people to buy into Medicare or provide a government-run public option for health insurance  have gained increasing traction on the left in recent months.

We want to move the issue forward and were looking at all of these, Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the top Democrat in the Senate, said Tuesday.

The push toward single-payer healthcare by liberals  and fierce counterattacks by conservatives  are opening a new and very different arena of debate over the countrys healthcare system even as Cassidy and a handful of Republican colleagues continue trying to fulfill their partys years-long pledges to scrap Obamacare.

And even as Democrats struggled internally over the proposals, which some moderates have rejected and others have viewed tepidly, many of Cassidys Republican colleagues have appeared increasingly interested in moving onto other issues after earlier failures to undo Obamacare.

Fellow Louisiana Republican Sen. John Kennedy, who voted in favor of the previous repeal-and-replace proposals, called passage of the Cassidy-Graham bill theoretically possible but said he didnt sense much of an appetite among other senators to consider the bill.

I just dont sense that the body is ready to revisit healthcare right now, weve kind of moved to tax reform, Kennedy said. It doesnt mean we wont do healthcare, it doesnt mean we dont eventually do Graham-Cassidy.

Im just not sure the votes are there to do it right now.
Hairy situation: Nuisance squirrels being captured after attacking N.O. residents

Hairy situation: Nuisance squirrels being captured after attacking N.O. residents
First NBC must wait on request to tap insurance funds for legal costs, judge says
Nanette Krentel died of a gunshot wound before her house in Lacombe was burned down on July 14. Her case is the only homicide in unincorporated St. Tammany from 2017 that has not yet been, Sheriff Randy Smith said.
The strange case of the tiny house stolen from Canberra appears to have been cracked overnight, as Queensland police located the home and arrested a 24-year-old ACT man in Hervey Bay.

The $20,000 prototype was stolen, along with its trailer, from a Mitchell business about 8:30pm on Sunday. Less than 24 hours later, it was spotted more than 1400 kilometres away in southern Queensland.

This tiny house stolen from Canberra, owned by business owner Julie Bray, was found in Queensland less than a day later.

Owner Julie Bray said she was relieved to hear the home had been found "in one piece" and was eager to bring it back home to the capital.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said officers made the arrest late on Wednesday night after receiving a tip-off from a member of the public who had spotted the tiny home.
A Canberra man is on trial in the ACT Supreme Court this week accused of sexually assaulting his partner in their home.

The 68-year-old, who cannot be named because it would identify his partner, has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault in the third degree and denies the alleged incident ever happened.

The pair's relationship started out well but had deteriorated by December 20, 2015, the court heard on Wednesday. They still lived together in a Canberra home but in separate rooms.

It is alleged the woman was in bed that evening when the man came into her room. She said he grabbed her ankles and pulled her down to the end of the bed.

She said: "I don't want sex." He replied: "Well I do."
Dylan Clements is a casual academic who has debt in the five figures and can earn as little as $250 per week when university is not in semester. Credit:Jamila Toderas

Grab a hot drink and we'll take a look at what's making news today.

I have some bad news. After teasing us for a couple of dreamy, warm (enough) days, the weather is set to take a turn for the worse. The weather bureau predicts a minimum of 1 degree today and a maximum of 12.

Nearly a third of all Canberra households have debt levels three or more times their total income - despite the ACT having the highest levels of mean household disposable income in the nation.

Daniel Burdon has taken a look at the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics household income and expenditure survey.

He writes that Canberra households had the second highest weekly expenditure of all capital cities ($1670.19), and while the ACT's housing costs were below the Australian average, most other expenses were above the national average.

Read more here.

You call that a gun?
ACT politicians have been warned to speak in English in the parliament or provide a transcribed copy of their speech beforehand to the Speaker, after several reverted to their mother languages in the debate.

Liberals MLAs Elizabeth Kikkert and Elizabeth Lee both briefly spoke in their natives tongues in support of a motion by Liberal leader Alistair Coe calling on the ACT to celebrate International Mother Language Day on Wednesday.

Liberals MLA Elizabeth Kikkert is from Tonga. Credit:Jay Cronan

Mrs Kikkert addressed the Assembly for about 30 seconds in her native Tongan, before translating what she had said.

Ms Lee spoke in her first language, Korean for about eight seconds.
A new national park will not be created in Canberra's north after an advisory group found it would offer no extra protection for the ACT's special woodlands.

In February, the ACT government began a feasibility study into a National Parks Association pitch to consolidate the territory's "nationally significant" lowland grassy woodlands.

Mount Ainslie in the ACT was one of the nature reserves proposed to be a part of the new national park. Credit:Penny Bradfield

The study was promised as part of Labor's power-sharing deal with the Greens, and required the government to look at incorporating existing nature reserves around Mount Majura, Mount Ainslie and Mulligans Flat into a new northern national park.

But a reference group formed to examine the proposal found it would be better to instead protect the woodlands on rural land.
It isn't often you get an ASX board member openly boasting about their decision to exercise options and pick up a big wack of stock in their company, but let's indulge former QBE chairwoman Belinda Hutchinson on her decision to take the plunge on Geoff Wilson's charity venture, Future Generation Global Investment Company.

Alongside the usual stodgy Change of Directors Interest Notice lodged with the ASX, Hutch released a more vibrant announcement that enthused about her decision to exercise 301,000 FGG options to buy stock, which now takes her stake to 1.2 million shares.

University of Sydney chancellor Belinda Hutchinson has taken the plunge on Geoff Wilson's charity venture, Future Generation Global Investment Company.

"I passionately believe in FGG's unique model, which delivers both investment and social returns," she said in her statement to the ASX.

She has some way to go before catching Wilson, who is also no slouch when it comes to backing the cause. He has lifted his stake from 3 million to 5 million shares since the 2015 IPO.
Build-to-rent will be a game changer for the Australian housing market as an estimated $300 billion worth of residential assets may be owned by institutional investors within the next couple of decades if the multifamily sector evolves in the same vein as the US, according to a CBRE report.

Multifamily developments are gaining traction in Australia and the major residential investors Lendlease, Mirvac and Stockland are all looking to offer the product.

Westfield is teaming up with Greystar which owns the British Greenford build-to-rent development. Credit:Greystar

While it will not be a panacea to housing affordability, the developers believe it will help first home buyers and investors with limited funds to enter the market.

CBRE's head of research for Australia Stephen McNabb said the multifamily sector represented about 15 per cent of properties with five or more units in the US, a position obtained after 25 years of growth.
Sydney's George Street strip has cemented its status as the tech hub of the city as tier-one brands set up shop in preparation for the completion of the light rail and rejuvenation of the street.

The main activity is between King and Market streets where Optus and Vodafone have signed leases in the Fife Capital's 383 George Street development. They join Apple, Telstra and Samsung along the strip. The shops are an average 250 square metres at what agents call "solid rents". The average rent along the prime strip can run between $5000 to $7000 per sq m per annum.

Optus will officially open its store on Friday which will feature the latest smart technology as well as two fully immersive experiences, designed to show customers the benefits of using smart home technology in everyday life.

The specially designed store allows consumers to touch, feel and try the latest technology including Smart Home devices, Smart Switches and the recently launched Google Home.
The national construction union faces unprecedented fines of more than $2.4 million for unlawful industrial action on Sydney's Barangaroo building site.

CFMEU NSW boss Brian Parker has been issued an individual fine of $45,400 and his colleague Robert Kera, who the court heard had described Australian Building and Construction Commission inspectors as "f---ing dogs", was handed a $41,250 penalty.

About 1000 construction workers walked off the job at the $6 billion Barangaroo project. Credit:Peter Rae

Mr Parker and Mr Kera are also among officials referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for possible criminal prosecution for allegedly giving false evidence. The judgement noted evidence that Mr Parker's failure to recollect was likely to be an unwillingness to be fully frank.

The union was also ordered to pay for prominent advertising in two Sydney major newspapers to make its members and the public aware of their actions and fines.
Fuel giant Caltex is likely to face "enforcement action" from the workplace watchdog as the entire industry was put on notice to clean up persistent issues of underpayment for vulnerable workers.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James will use a speech to an industry event on Thursday to reprimand Caltex for not following the example of 7-Eleven by entering a formal arrangement with the Ombudsman to provide underpaid workers restitution.

In the wake of an expose by Fairfax Media, Caltex recently reported it was establishing a $20 million fund to repay underpaid workers engaged by its franchisees and conducting internal audits across its network.

"Unlike 7-Eleven, who entered into a formal Proactive Compliance Deed with the Fair Work Ombudsman setting out arrangements for restitution of workers, Caltex has not worked with us in developing its fund," Ms James said.
A US judge has ordered Martin Shkreli, nicknamed "Pharma Bro", to be jailed while he awaits sentencing for securities fraud, citing a Facebook post in which he offered a $US5000 ($6300) reward for a strand of Hillary Clinton's hair.

US District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto in Brooklyn said on Wednesday the post from September, which prompted a call from the US Secret Service, showed Shkreli posed a danger to the public that warranted revoking his $US5 million bail.

US prosecutors had moved to jail Shkreli last Thursday, saying he had "engaged in an escalating pattern of threats and harassment".

The former drug company executive, who got his nickname for exploits such as increasing the price of a life-saving drug by 5000 per cent, apologised for the post in a letter to the judge on Tuesday.
Well, they're fiddling with the energy target in an attempt to outmanoeuvre Bill Shorten. ("Coalition eyes revised target", p1, September13). Imagine if we'd taken that approach in World War II: "Sorry, but we're too small a nation to help much so we'll leave the hard yakka to everyone else, and anyway, we're busy with local politics." Our attitude to fighting climate change is pathetic, but not surprising from a coalition that builds the economy by creating record numbers of homeless people. Rosemary Walters, Palmerston Genuine photo

It was difficult to see the point of the header "Fake news creates outrage over PM" over a photo of the PM seated at the footy and kissing the head of a baby he was holding while also holding a beer (September12, p15). The shot seemed real enough. It wasn't really that media had misrepresented the degree of criticism on social media of the boozing babysitter. Jacqueline Maley had told us in her first paragraph the PM had posted it on Facebook himself. That meant the photograph was taken by a friend or even relative. That meant it was a posed shot contrived by the PM himself. Still, even though the man's a poseur, it seems a bit extreme to call him a fake. One hopes that the roar of the crowd did not distress the infant.

Gary J.Wilson, Macgregor On the buses Brendan Cox came close to the mark with his observations on light rail (Letters, September12). He suggested we forget the infrastructure and superstructure relating to light rail. The company filling our order for trams also makes a battery-run version. We could also request that the steel wheels be changed to ordinary bus tyres. The only drawback for our ACT government would be the fact that we would finish with electric trams that for all purposes were the equivalent of the electric buses we are trialling now.

However, the plus factor is that we would save a billion dollars. That money could be spent on affordable housing, which would mean that we were not the city with the second-highest proportion of homeless people in Australia. Howard Carew, Isaacs Two sets of rules Late last month, asbestos works were undertaken at the Forrest Fire Station Museum in Forrest.

This work is long overdue and welcomed. However, it seems that two sets of rules for notification exist in Canberra  one for government-owned buildings and one for others. When asked, the ACT government (WorkSafe) said that immediate neighbours should be notified of the pending works, and that the company would be reminded of this obligation. Neighbours were also informed that the plastic wrapping of some of the building could indicate friable along with non-friable asbestos. Even when tradesmen on site, with men in orange suits and masks, were asked to speak with neighbours and provide information, nothing happened. A query in relation to this issue still remains unanswered in Minister Gentleman's office. R. Scouller, Forrest

Taking offence Apart from being a veritable eyesore, from a security point of view, that fence is about as effective as boobs on a bull. Without using a ladder, several readily available items found in many backyard sheds would enable a reasonably fit person to get over it in no time at all. For the fence to be secure, a "tamper" alarm system would have to be installed. Mario Stivala, Spence

Leaders' self-parody I admire the optimism of those responsible for "The Wharf Review: The Patriotic Rag". The high degree of self-parody by local and foreign leaders makes it almost impossible to satirise current events right now. N. Ellis, Parkes Luckily, Gallileo didn't have to listen to Mathieson on science The kind of science that Craig Mathieson enthuses about ("Controversies catalyse smart changes", The Guide, p.3, September 11) is the kind of science that would still have us believing that the sun revolves around the Earth, or worse still, that the Earth was flat.

He said: "Under these new parameters ... science is viewed as a means of future possibility, not a tool for challenging the accepted norm". Luckily, Gallileo didn't have him to listen to. Mathieson cited the Catalyst programs that raised questions about the purported link between saturated fat and heart disease. I ask: Did he watch Maryanne Demasi's Hearts of the Matter Catalyst episodes? If so, how didn't he see the scientists she interviewed? They were real people from real universities with peer-reviewed literature to support them.

Perhaps the new Catalyst format will regain the audience trashed by the ABC in its lack of support for and mis-handling of Demasi's challenging programs. But articles like this aren't going to reassure me, for one. Jenny Hobson, Spence Falling into the trap Tony Abbott is right in stating that "At one level, the same-sex marriage debate is of vastly less relevance than most people's daily struggle to pay their bills, to improve their lives and that of their families, and to try to get on with their neighbours and workmates. But at another level, almost nothing is more important than the values that we cherish and the principles on which our society is based." ("Same-sex marriage would shake foundations", September 13, p.17) Unfortunately by cherry picking examples of poor behaviour and certain unproductive actions of "gay activists" he's fallen into the trap of focusing on the extremes of the debate and ignoring the quiet wishes of the silent majority.

By doing so, he contributes to the polarisation of the discussion in this inane "he said, she said" argument and ignores his own call to uphold the values cherished, and principles sought, by most. Stoking the fires of extremism is not good governance. Good governance seeks not to be distracted by such destructive views and to act on behalf of the reasonable and compromise-focused positions of the majority, precious little of which is on display from the far left or far right. I can come up with just as many examples of appalling behaviour by "heterosexual activists". But that's not really the point, is it. David Barratt, Yarralumla

Enough already I am beginning to become concerned that the continuous promotion of the "Yes" vote via articles, letters, social media and street demonstrations will have a negative impact upon those who felt neutral about the vote, but now feel bullied into voting in the affirmative. They are just as likely to now vote "No" because they think the "Yes" vote is a foregone conclusion and wish to protest against taxpayers' money being used to push a particular line being stuffed down their throats. It might be well to remember what happened with Brexit and the election of Trump. I would not be surprised to see a protest vote gather real support as a result of these tactics.

Ric Hingee, Duffy Gentle reminder I feel it is time to put a media ban on any advertising, whether it be for the "Yes" or "No" campaign. We have a media blackout for elections so why not for the survey? Anyone who has been half awake for the last few months will know the thoughts of politicians, the clergy and general public. Perhaps a few gentle reminders to return the votes would be beneficial.

Robyn Lewis, Raglan, NSW A private matter I still don't understand why anybody who isn't same sex attracted needs to have any say over whether or not same sex couples can marry. Mind your own business. M. Moore, Bonython

Climate change President Trump says his prime responsibilities are to keep his nation safe and secure. How safe is his population when he continues to ignore the implications of burning fossil fuels on climate change? How many more destructive storms and the associated extensive economic and human costs will it take for Mr Trump and other climate deniers (including Coalition conservatives) to consider real action, including carbon pricing, to mitigate climate change. Mike Quirk, Garran

What can be done? A great question M. Moore (Letters, September 8) as to what Canberra is coming to. Canberra is coming to a population of 400,000. Purportedly a city's crime rate increases exponentially above this figure. The follow on question to yours is .. "what can be done?"Perhaps taking a look at Mayor Giuliani's attack on crime in New York will provide some answers. Attacking the bottom dwellers first, being graffitists and moving up from there proved to work. Consider reading Freakonomics  Levitt and Dubner and The Tipping Point  Gladwell. Phil O'Mara, Palmerston Korean brouhaha

A White House statement said Trump gave "conceptual approval" to the sale of "many billions of dollars worth of military equipment" to South Korea. That single statement covers what all the Korean brouhaha is all about. US military weapons sales  again, with a major regime change for good measure. The real reason for the Korean hiatus is a US base to threaten China at any cost, yes, even war. Rex Williams, Ainslie Court not bound

Crispin Hull asks how the High Court could make a ruling in the section 44 constitutional cases that is contrary to the precedent of a previous High Court decision ("It's in the past: High Court could surprise us with s.44 ruling"; Forum pp 2-3; September 9). The short answer is that the High Court is not bound by its previous decisions. It doesn't even have to "distinguish" an unpalatable previous decision (by saying that it is "different", legally speaking, from the current case); it can simply overrule it. Frank Marris, Forrest TO THE POINT LOSING SAFETY NETS

J Collet (letters, September 11) is right about the history of privatisation and Labor's part in it. But Hawke and Keating brought the unions along with the Accords, which maintained wages, and the "social wage" of maintaining publicly administered safety nets. Howard and Costello, on the other hand, monstered unions, empowered bosses, suppressed wages and encouraged welfare payments to the middle class. S. W. Davey, Torrens RIVERVIEW SUBSIDY Why are taxpayers paying $850,000 to advertise the Riverview development, in which the government has only a 40 per cent stake? Why did we pay $4.5 million to buy land which Riverview is now developing? The division between government and developer has become blurred.

Dave Kelly, Aranda TURNBULL TURNS I dreamed last night that our innovative, exciting, agile Prime Minister said, "Let them eat coke." Annie Lang, Kambah IT'S TIME TO BE FAIR

Standing before you A. Two ladies B. One lady, one man. C. Two men. All six contribute financially to this country through Federal Government income Tax, GST, and any other levy by State, Territory, City, Town, Village local Governments. Until same sex couples have equal rights Australia cannot claim to be a true democracy. Allow same sex couples to marry or reduce their tax payment. Lindsay Bingham, Hackett DREADFUL DESIGN Will there be threatening signs telling citizens to keep out? The ghastly and dreadful design and secret cost of the Parliament House security fence speaks volumes as to why pollies are so mistrusted and disliked.

Thos Puckett, Ashgrove, Qld BOMBING SATURN At a time when we have conflicts all over the Middle East, genocide in Burma, issues in Ukraine, possible civil war in Venezuela and Korean Penisula tensions that could lead to the unthinkable, NASA has decided we might as well declare war on Saturn by dropping a bomb on them in the form of Cassini. What did the Saturnians do to deserve this? Bruce MacLeod, Florey SINKING SENSATION
Senator Derryn Hinch will have struck a nerve in the electorate with his continuing campaign in Parliament for convicted paedophiles to be publicly named. The Senator spoke in moving terms on Tuesday in the adjournment debate about the terrible toll wrought on the lives of his victims  some as young as five  by a serving policeman.

It is worth noting that once the Victoria Police realised what the man was doing, they decided he could no longer be employed. Yet he was able to move to NSW, join this state's police, and continue molesting children in the same way for years. Altogether, his career as a paedophile in two states lasted from the late 1960s to 2011. It appears the police bureaucracy in the past, no less than the other institutions now being investigated by the child abuse royal commission, saw molesting children as a regrettable foible to be concealed rather than a crime to be exposed, and like those other institutions gave no thought to the devastating harm paedophiles cause their victims. Let us hope that has changed.

If a perpetrator's child victims are ready, as adults, to be named so that their assailant can be named, why should a court get in the way of an essential element of justice? Credit:Viki Lascaris

Senator Hinch named the offender in his speech, as he is entitled to do under parliamentary privilege. This newspaper cannot do so, because the gag imposed by the Victorian county court to protect the identity of the man's victims, still applies  although any reader who cares to search online can find the name in Hansard. This absurdity is all the greater because Senator Hinch was acting with the full approval of three of the man's victims, who were present in the chamber to hear him. One victim told the Herald the court process was "re-traumatising"  "I had fought for so long for justice and I felt protecting his name in court was protecting him and his reputation from what he had done ... it wasn't protecting us." By contrast, reading out a victim impact statement in the convicted man's presence "was the most rewarding and empowering thing I have ever done in my life".

Those words suggest strongly that the blanket gag applied by courts in cases such as this does more harm than good. By protecting perpetrators from the glare of scrutiny (in order not to identify their victims) they defeat one of the purposes of the court system  namely, just retribution. If a perpetrator's child victims are ready, as adults, to be named so that their assailant can be named, why should a court get in the way of an essential element of justice?
Yet another river being drained and permanently destroyed by longwall mining. So when do legal proceedings start against BHP Billiton on behalf of the public to compensate us for this permanent damage to our water catchment, Gladys Berejiklian, and how much would be an adequate amount? Or is it the government we should be after? Brett Jack Bonnyrigg Heights Abbott's argument nothing but a fig leaf Tony Abbott's vote 'no' epistle in today's paper recalls the tale of the Emperor's New Clothes ("Vote No: such huge change would shake society's foundations", September 13). From the sense of tried but failed in the opening sentence to the absurdity, given that he's a straight white male writing such a piece, of "It's a long time, thank God, since gay people have been discriminated against", Mr Abbott deftly exposes the hollowness of each of his arguments and hence himself, until all that is left of his garments is a fig leaf. Philip Begbie Potts Point

I will be voting NO in the postal survey. I am sick of hearing there is inequality in the Marriage Act. Every one is equal !! If a man or a gay man wants to marry a woman they can. If a woman or a gay woman wants to marry a man they can.If there is a desire for another form of civil union I have no objection but leave marriage alone. Barry O'Connell Old Toongabbie True marriage is all about raising children with a father and a mother. In countries where same-sex marriage has become legalised, religious freedom of conscience has been undermined.It's not only okay to say no, we must say NO. Ian Davies Bomaderry If his own sister can't make him see sense, there's little point trying to pull apart the multiple lapses of logic in Tony Abbott's latest piece of waffle. But to his assertion that "already, same-sex couples in a settled domestic relationship have exactly the same rights as people who are married" I can only say  tell that to Marco Bulmer-Rizzi. His marriage, legal under UK law, went unrecognised in South Australia when his husband David died during their holiday there last year, and saw Marco effectively locked out of all decision making following his spouse's death.

Kim Hatherly Gymea Don't forget Australia's female caretaker leaders David Sayers (Letters, September 13) thinks history shows that 'only two female politicians "made it" in the big league as leader of their party'. There are two very important points that you fail to mention. Firstly you only include two other countries (what about Angela Merkel and others on the sub-continent) and secondly you fail to include how many female leaders in Australia have been put in as caretaker leaders, for parties knowingly on the way out, while the male leadership decides who should take over when the party is on the rise again and the temporary incumbent is sent packing. Ann Babington Shortland To suggest that Margaret Thatcher and Helen Clark have been the only successful female leaders of their parties displays an alarming level of ignorance on Mr Sayers' part. Off the top of my head, I can recall a number who have served multiple terms: Golda Meir (Israel) , Indira Gandhi (India), Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan), Mary Robertson (Ireland) and Angela Merkel (Germany). That Gladys Berejiklian is failing to cut the mustard may in fact be more to do with the qualities of her predecessor and the mess he left her before taking up his astonishingly remunerative position in banking.

Annette Kent Hunters Hill David Sayers clearly misunderstands recent history if he believes "the Gillard experiment" with that PM's bold and progressive legislative agendato be comparable to the free ride afforded to Gladys Berejiklian who was already demonstrably incompetent as Transport Minister before she was "given the reins" to the NSW Premiership. Tom Falkingham Edgecliff 'Power to the people' has a hollow ring Having finally realised energy security and affordability are critical nation-building issues, the government commissioned and received an independent report into ways to address what is clearly a changing energy market ("Turnbull retreats on clean energy", September 13). We are now informed by "hard heads" in the Liberal/National Coalition party room that these recommendations are to be fiddled with and watered down  not because it is in the national interest, but because this will allow the government to argue that the Labor Party is the party of high(er) electricity prices, thereby presumably increasing the Coalition's chances of re-election. Their sheer self-indulgence, arrogance and complete abrogation of their responsibilities as our elected representatives, not only makes them unfit for office, but highlights the venality of their "test" for Australian values.

David Hotchkiss Grafton Oh the self-interest, oh the ignorance. Australia will have to transition to low-carbon electricity generation. The longer the denialists push out the transition, the higher the cost to Australians. There is no economic or rational reason to keep throwing taxpayer monies at coal generation, except that the puppets of the industry in Canberra continue to push that wheel barrow. Advocating for coal-fired power has nothing to do with lower power prices and everything to do with influence of the coal industry in the Coalition. Malcolm Turnbull is showing yet again what a weak and compromised leader he is. Danielle Ecuyer Bondi Junction The proposed downgrading of the clean energy target by the government in order to promote the fiction of clean coal power is analogous to a tobacco company promoting "organic" cigarettes. Clean coal power is only the lesser evil to current coal-fired power and would be contemplated by energy companies only with significant subsidies from the taxpayer. This indirectly will still make it expensive to the consumer. All the time renewables and batteries are reducing in cost. The fossil fuel industry is like the tobacco companies fighting a rearguard action to the inevitable and so far they have the government hoodwinked. Tim Hammond Orange

What a disgraceful exhibition Joel Fitzgibbon and Josh Frydenberg put on for the cameras. Two privileged blokes in blue suits aggressively finger pointing and talking over each other while this country falls head first into an energy crisis. If there is not the intellectual horsepower and generosity of spirit in this Parliament to solve this problem before the year's end, then we should have an opportunity to elect a new group that will act for the common good. Surely enough is enough. Greg Loder Springwood It seems the government is interested only in how it will fare in the next election rather than doing what is best for the country/planet. If Malcolm Turnbull really cares for his granddaughter (like he says), he needs to think about what kind of planet she will inherit rather than how he looks to his mining mates. Danielle Kopriva Heathcote

Given the recent strange and ineffectual utterances by the Prime Minister on energy needs, it can only be assumed he still takes advice from Godwin Grech. As for criticising the PM for holding a child and a beer, it is good to see some indication of his fabled reputation for multi-tasking. Patrick Russell Sanctuary Point There's an adage that you can ask for quick, cheap and good, but you can only ever get two of the three. Malcolm Turnbull appears to have confused this with Alan Finkel's Clean Energy Target aim for a trifecta of clean, reliable and affordable, and seems intent on abandoning the "clean" requirement. But quite simply in this case, all three are possible together. Renewable energy generators backed up by batteries and pumped solar, together with concentrated solar thermal plants can easily deliver clean reliable energy more cheaply than coal (old or new)  if only the industry was allowed to get on with building them. Dominic Case East Balmain And there goes the Clean Energy Target, the latest "sensible centre" policy to be trashed by this Prime Minister. Does anybody, two years on, remember why there was so much optimism when Malcolm Turnbull wrestled the leadership from Tony Abbott? Mr Turnbull says his energy policy will not be held hostage by "ideology", which is apparently the new synonym for "science".

Richard Mason Newtown Curb the numbers Richard Mews, (Letters SMH 13.9.17), there are many of us who would like to see our major political parties agree that we need to reduce the immigration rate. As a long-time member of the ALP, I would like to have at least my party agree to a policy of reducing immigration for the next election. More than 2 million unemployed and underemployed do not need further competition for jobs. Electoral appeal will be guaranteed. Con Vaitsas Ashbury Gittins gets the gist

How does Ross Gittins do it ("Why robots might not take your job", September 13)? He cited four studies and reports, which would have been lengthy, detailed and complex. Yet, as he does so often, Ross distills all that down to a very clear and understandable insight into what is going on in our economy. Michael Longhurst Woolooware No fear, 'Fluffy' is a shark killer name Culum Brown is right ("Fluffy gives hope of a fresh start for sharks", September 13). We need to overcome our irrational fear of sharks. Calling a great white "Fluffy" goes a long way towards achieving that aim. Similarly, if ever I encounter a funnel-web spider I will call it "Cuddles", a saltwater crocodile will be "Smoochy", a box jellyfish "Tickles", and an inland taipan "Poopsie-do". What's there to be scared of? George Manojlovic Mangerton

So Culum Brown wishes to place the life of fish above that for humans, by removing the nets and drums that, for over 60 years has allowed millions to bathe fatality free on the protected beaches from Newcastle to Wollongong. Tony Nicod Collaroy Racist phone The "face recognition" attribute of the new iPhone X is racist and religiously discriminatory. How can the phone recognise the identity of a burqa-wearing user? John Feller Randwick

Beyond the paling A fence is not enough ("Parliament House fenced in", September 13). A cone of silence would protect us from pollies' jingoistic bombast. Les Shearman Darlington It's the best federal erection I've ever seen. Nick Andrews Rose Bay
Twenty-three years ago, the world stood by and watched genocide happen in Rwanda. Almost 1 million children, women and men were slain in two months. Bill Clinton held the US presidency at the time. Years after leaving office, he said his failure to respond adequately was one of his greatest regrets, and that had he rallied the world to intervene, hundreds of thousands of lives would have been saved.

There is a genocide happening today in our region, and unless Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his government speak and act far more strongly and urgently, they may share Mr Clinton's remorse and shame. Australia is one of Asia's leading and most prosperous democracies and economies. Yet our government has not done anywhere near enough to properly condemn the slaughter, persecution and displacement of Myanmar's mostly Muslim Rohingya ethnic minority.

A Rohingya family fleeing Myanmar reaches the Bangladesh border after crossing a creek. Credit:Bernat Armangue

While they have lived in their villages for generations, they are now a stateless minority of 1.1million in a nation of 54 million, 90 per cent of whom are Buddhists  including the security forces guilty of what the United Nations says are ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. There have been evidence-backed reports of children being beheaded and of mass rapes of girls and women.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled towards neighbouring Bangladesh, but that struggling nation does not want them, leaving people stuck in no man's land and attempting perilous escapes across water. One of the most disappointing parts of this unfolding yet preventable atrocity is the role of Myanmar's de facto leader, Nobel peace prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, a Buddhist who has not only failed to speak out against the security forces but has, in effect, tacitly endorsed the crimes by denying they are occurring and then by claiming the situation is not as bad as reported.
Time to accept the evidence about coal The idiot logic displayed in Canberra  such as the captain's adhoc call on Liddell power station  is alarming and retrograde. It makes no economic nor environmental sense, and is potentially a costly engineering headache. It is not supported by expert advice. Also, Liddell is not closing until 2022, when better cheaper and cleaner options can be put in place. Global emissions must be reduced by 2020 if catastrophic climate change above 2degrees is to be avoided. Renewables, coupled with storage, are an essential part of this. Coal is not. The current leadership circus is floundering as it tries to deal with the energy and environment shipwreck it has created. The solution is to accept the evidence that coal power is not the solution to power supply, act collaboratively with the states, update the energy market rules and accept a clean energytarget. Keith Altmann, Woodend

We have paid a high cost for deregulation The sooner the Victorian government re-regulates electricity prices (The Age, 12/9) the better. Competition has created a plethora of financially unsustainable energy retailers bolstered by exploitative practices. Retailers feign competition by overcharging "standing offer" customers to cross-subsidise those who shop around. Market churn is not competition: it is evidence of retailers taking money from one customer's pocket and giving it to an obliging other. Pity also the tens of thousands of households that are in the dark and cold  but presumably not the homes of Jeff Kennett or Alan Stockdale. Cheryl Wragg, Moe THE FORUM Learn to live with less

Are we really entitled to "access all the electricity we want to use, when we want it" (Letters, 13/9)? A child might be excused for behaving in such a demanding way, but we adults are expected to be capable of controlling our behaviour and urges, and living with things being less than we would like them to be. Kris Hansen, Ringwood Degrees of heating A recent visit to a local community house revealed an example of the mismatch between energy use targets and results. Next to the light switches were signs stating that heating should be set at 18 to 20degrees, and cooling at 24 to 26degrees. But the "saunaesque" conditions had those at the meeting feeling uncomfortably hot: the heating had been set at 25degrees. Warmth is good, but more warmth is not better, and bloody hot is not best. How to reinforce the message? One way would be for electricity and gas bills to carry a reminder that we should set heating at 19degrees and cooling at 25degrees, and that we should dress warmly in winter and coolly in summer. Save money and the planet.

Greg Malcher, Hepburn Springs A bit too much, China I agree with Donald Trump's tweet from 2012. Climate change was created by the Chinese to disadvantage the United States' economic competitiveness. However, I think they went a bit too hard when they created Hurricane Irma. Patrick Alilovic, Pascoe Vale South Changing uniforms ...

Winter 1951 was very cold. It was a long, cold walk to school. Chilblains on the knees. In grade 1, I was sent home from Deepdene Primary School because I was wearing jodhpurs, the only trousers my mother could find to cover my freezing knees. Winter 1985, my daughter was reprimanded at Albury High School for wearing slacks as part of her uniform. She had worn trousers, and skirts, for seven years at Albury Primary School. I complained to the Parents and Citizens Council about girls not being allowed to wear trousers, and was mocked and jeered. Winter 2017, and girls are set to win the right to wear shorts and pants at every Victorian state school (The Age, 13/9). But we are still having this debate for independent schools. What nonsense. Kath McKay, Upwey ... and about time, too

Wow, girls at all state schools will be able to wear shorts and pants. How progressive. It has taken the Victorian government only 10 years to implement recommendation 4.2 from the 2007 inquiry into school uniforms. What a speedy political climate. Sam Leeder, Seddon Our safety comes first Why is the efficiency of trams measured by whether they run on time (The Age, 13/9)? What about passengers' comfort and safety, and ensuring that drivers are not forced to take off before it is safe to do so? What about the elderly and disabled, or people with prams, who struggle to swipe on and find a seat before the tram lurches off? What about measuring the number of people who are injured in falls as drivers rush to be on time? And why do passengers travelling west still have the added struggle of clambering up high steps? I do not mind if trams are late. I just want to get off them with fewer bruises. Rosemary Davison, Moonee Ponds

An honourable action Caterer Peter Rowland, whose hospitality empire has crumbled (The Age, 13/9), deserves congratulations and admiration. We live in an age where morals, values, ethics and honesty are given little or no value and respect  often because of the actions of self-centred politicians and self-anointed corporate leaders. However, Mr Rowland has admitted his own failure, taken responsibility and, at personal cost, implemented a recovery plan. What if we could live in a society where this behaviour was the norm? Peter Dulmanis, Jan Juc Wrong, Mr Abbott Tony Abbott (Comment, 13/9) is wrong when he says same-sex couples enjoy the same rights as married couples. Next of kin, property laws and entitlement to part-pensions are all areas where married couples enjoy greater benefits and protections than unmarried couples.

What evidence is he relying on when he says "'it's a long time, thank God, since gay people have been discriminated against"? On the same day as his article, The Age published a story about a teenager who is suing Victoria's Education Department over homophobic bullying at school. There are many other examples that prove discrimination against gay people continues. Also, in complaining about unintended consequences of the postal survey, is Mr Abbott oblivious to the fact that he was the mastermind behind the idea of a public vote on the rights of LGBTI persons? Christopher Membrey, Collingwood And fair go, Mr Abbott Tony Abbott says gay people "deserve love, respect and inclusion". He wants a country of "a fair go", one where "no one is discriminated against". But he also wants to exclude gay couples from marriage. Isn't this discrimination? Fair go, Mr Abbott, you cannot have it both ways. Angela Dupuche, Hawthorn East

Such a simple step When it comes to taxation, the government has already worked out what makes a couple ("How Centrelink decides if you're a couple or flatmates", Money, 13/9). So, if they have known this all along, allow those couples to make it official. Let them marry. Leigh Mackay, Prahran Selective human rights Some years ago, former prisoner of conscience Robert Mugabe caused those of us who had written letters on his behalf to regret the time spent on what turned out to be an exercise of questionable value. Now another former prisoner of conscience, Aung San Suu Kyi, is causing similar despair to the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of us who wrote to the Burmese generals asking them to honour the requirements of the International Declaration of Human Rights. Is it too much to hope that she might be persuaded to extend to the Rohingya refugees the same human rights that were demanded, and won, for her?

Ian Brown, Sandringham Two beautiful cities Eleanor Kirk (Comment, 13/9), I am a native of Melbourne and I love it. However, I have always been filled with admiration for the beauties of Sydney. Who is the one making arrogant and ignorant comparisons here? Also, it has been said of Melbourne's weather: "If you don't like it, wait a minute". That is not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, there is even sunshine for the beach. Kay Arthur, Diamond Creek The big issue: waste

We have a history of identifying problems but a reluctance to take appropriate action. One issue, with potential health problems, is the lack of action in tackling waste disposal  commercial, business, industrial and residential. This could be resolved by the construction of waste incineration plants, similar to those in Europe and elsewhere. This should be a federal or state government infrastructure responsibility. Why do we often lag behind other nations? Barry Robinson, McCrae Such risky business The Treasurer wants employers to increase their employees' wages. Is this so that these workers can afford to repay the money they borrowed from banks to buy homes? This, in turn, will ensure the price of banks' shares (which also sit as assets in workers' superannuation portfolios) do not decline. It would be a nice double whammy if the stretched property borrowers trip at the repayment hurdle due to low wages or a decline in house prices. John Murray, Hawthorn East

Vulnerable road users The total number of deaths and serious injuries involving cyclists more than doubled during 2007 to 2015 (The Age, 11/9). Better infrastructure, such as more bike paths, will fix this, we think. However, we are ignoring that big beast with tusks: motorists' attitudes. Most motorists are perfectly nice people, but they seem to regard us cyclists as not quite kosher road users  tolerated as long as we do not slow them up by a few seconds. They expect me to keep out of their way: after all, I will be the one who gets hurt if I do not. In Europe this pecking order is reversed, so that is where I spend my tourist dollars. It is so good to feel safe and cared for. Carol Skinner, Fitzroy Mysterious breeding About those ubiquitous yellow oBikes. My little grandson, always the alarmist, keeps exclaiming that they are taking over the world. We watch them carefully to find out how they reproduce, but we never catch them in the act. Adding to the mystery, we never see a human in contact with them. Maybe they trigger instinctive cyclophobia. Because of the epidemic proportions of the phenomenon, maybe one of our top universities should try to shed some light on this.

Ralph Boehmer, St Kilda West AND ANOTHER THING Energy Of all the things to get stuck into Turnbull for, having a beer at the footy while holding his grandchild is not one.

Linelle Gibson, Williamstown Clean energy target  more like a coal encouragement tactic. Philip West, Jan Juc The Coalition policy cupboard is bare when rational debate is replaced by name calling, like "Blackout Bill" and "No Coal Joe". David Bennett, Malvern East

We're all pawns in the political game. Veronica Dingle, Brighton How much does it cost to maintain this warm inner glow in the hearts and minds of government MPs? Robin Friday, Box Hill Once the government negotiates better power prices with suppliers, other companies will be clamouring to reduce their profit margins too.

Roderick Carmichael, St Kilda Josh, why not convert Parliament House into a renewable energy generator fuelled by an infinite supply of hot air? Jenny Bone, Surrey Hills Same-sex marriage Abbott thinks it's "a step too far", including for his sister.

Colin Jones, South Melbourne The Coalition is misappropriating $122million of public money to spend on a party feud. Can we mug taxpayers compel them to repay it? Laurie McCormack, Clifton Hill And the winner is Australia Post. Graeme Macmillan, Blackburn
Hurricanes that lashed the United States and the Caribbean were a warning to world leaders that humanity would "go down" if it did not address climate change, Pope Francis says.

The Pope said those who failed to act were "stupid" and would be judged by history for failing in their "moral responsibility".

Pope Francis warns of the perils of climate change to humanity. Credit:AP

"If we don't turn back, we will go down. Those who deny it should go to the scientists and ask them. They are very clear, very precise. They [world leaders] decide and history will judge those decisions," he said on Monday.

He added: "A phrase from the Old Testament comes to mind: 'Man is stupid, a stubborn, blind man.' All of us have a responsibility, all of us, small or large, a moral responsibility. Each person has their own. Even politicians have their own."
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd's godson has allegedly been attacked and verbally abused after attempting to stop a man removing banners supporting the "yes" vote in the same-sex marriage survey.

Sean Foster, 19, was allegedly assaulted by a man as he waited at a bus stop on Oxford Street in the Brisbane suburb of Bulimba about 9am on Tuesday.

The man, who was reportedly pulling down rainbow "Bulimba 4 Marriage Equality" flags at the time, is yet to be identified and Queensland Police are continuing their investigations.

However, Foster's godfather took to social media on Wednesday to upload a photo of his bloodied face, allegedly taken after the altercation.
The father of Turnbull government MP Stuart Robert says he was unaware he was a director of a private investment company that held shares in his son's IT service business which has won tens of millions of dollars worth of government contracts.

Alan Robert, 80, has also told Fairfax Media that the private investment company, Robert International, was run by his son during the six-year period he and his wife, Dorothy, were the company's only directors. It is a revelation that would link the Queensland MP with the IT services business, GMT Group, at a time when Stuart Robert claims to have "ceased involvement" in GMT.

But Mr Robert hit back on Thursday afternoon, denying any wrongdoing, accusing Fairfax Media of publishing "a load of rubbish", and attacking Labor for referring the matter to the corporate regulator.

The former minister has been under fire after Fairfax Media last week revealed he had direct financial links with a company awarded millions in federal government work. Section 44 of the constitution forbids MPs from directly or even indirectly profiting from the Commonwealth.
The family of a 22-year-old woman who died in a fiery car crash over the weekend says they are "at a loss" as to why she was in the $200,000 vehicle at all.

Bree Keller was one of three people to burn to death in the early hours of Saturday morning, when the Nissan GT-R R35 they were travelling in flipped and burst into flames at Darling Harbour.

In an interview with Channel Ten, Ms Keller's stepfather Peter Francis said the northern beaches family was "struggling" to deal with the death of the young woman who "had the world at her feet."

"She was a free spirit...she was full of life. It's just a waste, an absolute waste. We are just basically waiting for Bree to walk through the door, because we can't believe it."
Hunters Hill council will be led by an independent mayor after a nail-biting contest in which the Liberal candidate was rolled on preferences, after the party's campaign was hit by allegations it would pursue council mergers through backdoor channels once elected.

Independent candidate Mark Bennett was declared the new mayor on Wednesday, after the distribution of preferences put him ahead of Liberal Zac Miles, who won 40 per cent of the popular vote.

Liberal Zac Miles narrowly lost the mayoral race for Hunters Hill to independent Mark Bennett on preferences.

Cr Bennett, who won off the back of preferences from independent Ross Williams in the three-way race for mayor, said forced mergers were the "single largest issue this election" despite Hunters Hill being Liberal party heartland.

"I think the people in Hunters Hill are very aware of the issue because it was a threat to the community."
A man has been charged after allegedly lighting a series of fires in bushland in Sydney's north, including on Wednesday when the temperature hit 33 degrees.

The 50-year-old man allegedly lit three fires in Berowra between August 24 and September 13.

Police said detectives were searching bushland in Berowra as part of an ongoing investigation when they saw a man standing near a fire on Wednesday morning, when a total fire ban was in place.

The man allegedly attempted to run off but officers chased him and arrested him.
It's a principle of Australian democracy that every vote counts - and is counted. But as results continue to trickle in from Saturday's council elections, many voters will be surprised to learn theirs won't necessarily be.

The electoral commission's approach to vote counting is under fresh scrutiny as an expert warns its "buggy" method of sampling and projecting results in favour of counting ballots individually has likely resulted in two recent cases of the wrong person winning positions on NSW councils.

Dr Vanessa Teague says at least four errors have been found in the Electoral Commissions' code. Credit:Tony Zara

While voters' first preferences are counted in full, the NSW Electoral Commission instead calculates voters' later preferences by choosing a random sample of ballots and then extrapolates results using a secret computer code.

"People are seriously shocked when they hear that their votes aren't counted in local elections," said Greens MLC David Shoebridge. "There are a number of tight races with multiple candidates and complicated preference flows where this could make a difference and the wrong person gets elected".
Queensland, it seems, is experiencing the election campaign you have when you're not having an election campaign.

On Wednesday, Labor and the Liberal National Party fanned out across Queensland, talking hospitals, jobs and infrastructure.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said everybody would know when she called the election. Credit:AAP

The next Queensland election could be as many as 234 days away (the last possible date is May 5, 2018), but it would be unlikely to be held that late.

Popular predictions for the election date are October or November 2017 or February 2018.
Two brothers chased down a driver and passenger who ran after crashing a stolen car in Melbourne's north last night.

The Bendigo man ploughed a stolen Mitsubishi Outlander into a parked car and an oncoming car on Landells Road in Pascoe Vale about 10pm on Wednesday night.

A local resident, Jamil Mokbel, told Channel Nine he heard "a loud bang" before going outside and seeing a car on its side.

"Me and my brother tried to get them out, they were banging on the windows," he said.
A drug and alcohol counsellor charged with corruption offences had his receptionist provide a clean urine sample for a drug user whose case was before a court, a magistrate has been told.

A probe into Anthony Dieni's conduct by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission has cast doubt over a series of judgments made in Victorian courts, because of allegations he gave false evidence, arranged false urine samples and took drugs as payment.

Archdeacon Philip Newman at the Melbourne Magistrates Court during the bail hearing for drug and alcohol counsellor Anthony Dieni. Credit:Justin McManus

Mr Dieni, 69, is also accused of stealing $164,000 from St Paul's Rehabilitation Prevention, the Strathmore-based charity through which he provided support to people with addiction problems.

The counsellor has previously advocated for drug trafficker Frank Madafferi, enlisted slain gangland lawyer Mario Condello as a volunteer counsellor and given favourable evidence for a senior Finks bikie. The Age is in no way suggesting that there was any impropriety on Mr Dieni's part in those cases.


The Monkey Selfie dispute , otherwise known as the case of the Black Macaque , is back for a final episode. As the parties have reached a settlement earlier this week, this episode marks the end of your favorite copyright saga. But you should not be too quick to celebrate the end of the 'Monkey Selfie buzz' as the settlement might not have actually settled anything... or has it?





There is no shortage of press coverage on the topic; however, i f you feel you need to refresh your memory see previous IPKat posts: here and here. Otherwise, just remember the following: t he crux of the dispute lays in this deceptively simple question: who is the legal author of a selfie taken by a monkey with a camera left unattended by its owner?





PETA, defending the Monkey's legal interest in the case, argued that the monkey herself should be the owner of the copyright in the photograph, being its true author. David Slater, the wildlife photographer and defendant in this dispute, contended that he owned the copyright in the 'selfie' since the photograph was the result of settings and adjustments on the camera he had made prior to its use by the monkey. Needless to say, the question sparked heated debates, going well beyond the mere application of copyright law.





Naruto's selfie

On Monday this week, the parties filed a joint motion before the Ninth Circuit Court to dismiss the appeal and vacate the district court's judgement on the basis that they had reached a settlement. An official statement released by PETA confirms that parties have indeed agreed to settle and specifies that Slater will donate 25% of ' any future gross revenue that he derives from using or selling any or all of the monkey selfies to registered charities dedicated to protecting the welfare or habitat of Naruto and other crested macaques in Indonesia'.







Yet, two things leave the door open to further litigation. For one, the case is 'being dismissed', and the parties' joint motion is yet to be accepted by the court. Second, the statement makes no mention of a reconciliation between the parties on who they regard to be the author of the photograph and owner of its copyright. You may think that Slater's agreement to donate 25% of the proceeds is a tell-tell sign that negotiations concluded to joint-authorship of unequal shares. This may be the case, but the following joint-statement by PETA and Slater suggests that the photographer's 25% donation is motivated by his commitment to furthering the legal protection of animals, not by his willingness to share ownership.





The joint-statement reads:





fame-crazing Kats

'PETA and David Slater agree that this case raises important, cutting-edge issues about expanding legal rights for non-human animals, a goal that they both support, and they will continue their respective work to achieve this goal. As we learn more about Naruto, his community of macaques, and all other animals, we must recognize appropriate fundamental legal rights for them as our fellow global occupants and members of their own nations who want only to live their lives and be with their families. To further these goals, David Slater will donate 25% of future gross revenue from the Monkey Selfie photographs to charitable organizations dedicated to protecting and improving the welfare and habitat of Naruto and crested black macaques in Indonesia.' ( ' ( here




Right-to-die advocates will use a graphic "horror" movie to escalate their campaign on Thursday, hoping a short film depicting the agonising last days of a man dying from cancer will become an online sensation.

The move comes as the Victorian Parliament prepares for its euthanasia debate amid frantic lobbying of MPs by the pro and anti sides of the issue.

The five-minute film, Stop the Horror, has actors recreating the painful death of a Victorian man, 56-year-old Greg Sims, in 2005.

It is to be distributed on social media in an effort to engage younger voters in the debate, as the state's MPs prepare to debate the controversial legislation.
A focus on cost-efficiency led to sub-standard sub-contractors being employed on the Perth Children's Hospital project, the construction union has claimed.

"It is inevitable that when you have non-trade qualified workers doing trade work, you are going to get a substandard product," Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union organiser Doug Health told a parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday.

The Perth Children's Hospital has been plagued with issues since its construction began. Credit:Radio 6PR

Mr Heath said a reliance on price was the main way of determining which companies were awarded contracts for the hospital construction and led to unskilled workers, such as backpackers, being employed on site.

"There are massive problems in respect to that process," he said.
Perth's high office vacancy rate is a pervasive symptom of the state's economic slump but a new survey suggests just a small fraction of the city's buildings hold close to half of the empty space.

The Office Not Occupied Index devised by Perth research firm Y Research looks at the number of office properties in Perth's metropolitan area that have had more than 1,000 square metres of vacant space for more than 12 months.

A new index has found less than five per cent of Perth's buildings account for nearly fifty per cent of its vacancies. Credit:Philip Gostelow

The index found less than five per cent of Perth's office buildings - 129 properties - account for close to fifty per cent of the city's office vacancies.

Y Research's Principal Damian Stone said the index identified the properties that needed to be improved to cut the vacancy rate and also track the 'flight to quality' trend that had seen tenants move to better digs across the city.
A Perth fencing contractor will have to cough up nearly $16,000 after he was hired for jobs in the northern suburbs and failed to turn up.

Flawless Glass Fencing owner Steven John Pietersen took on four possible customers between January and December in 2014, and accepted nearly $10,000 in deposits for glass fencing jobs.

A Perth tradie was fined $16,000 for taking money for jobs he never did. (file photo) Credit:Louise Kennerley

A Carramar customer paid a $2550 deposit in January for a $17,225 job, an Ellenbrook customer paid a $2806 deposit for a $4080 quote, and a Darch customer handed over a deposit of $2,600 for a $4,800 quote.

All three customers paid for different fencing, paving and landscaping jobs to be done, but it is understood Mr Pietersen never carried out work at any of their properties.
A petition signed by thousands opposing the clearing of potentially old growth forest in the state's south west has been handed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson, with protesters vowing to "stop the chainsaws" if logging in the area resumed.

More than 100 protesters gathered on the steps of Parliament House on Wednesday to stop the logging of a five kilometre stretch of the Barrabup Forest in Nannup.

Protesters outside Parliament on Wednesday. Credit:Heather McNeill

Clearing of the area by the Forest Product Commission was recently put on hold pending the outcome of an old-growth assessment and Indigenous heritage survey after angry locals noticed trees in the area had been marked for logging and a road cleared.

Barrabup Conservation Group spokeswoman Ellie McKie said the forest was important to Nannup's tourism, had high conservation value and was a culturally significant site to Aboriginal people.
Officials say one person is dead and at least three others are hurt after a gunman opened fire at a high school in Washington state.

Brian Schaeffer of the Spokane Fire Department told reporters that one person died in the shooting on Wednesday morning at Freeman High School in Rockford, south of Spokane.

Three of the injured were taken to a hospital.

The Spokesman-Review reports Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said at the scene that the shooter was in custody.

More to come
Washington: US President Donald Trump says the latest round of UN sanctions on North Korea are only a very small step.

North Korea on Tuesday condemned the UN Security Council's decision to impose tougher sanctions and doubled down on its warning that the United States would "suffer the greatest pain" it has ever experienced for leading the effort to ratchet up economic pressures on the reclusive nation.

North Korea's ambassador, Han Tae Song, told the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament in Geneva the US was "fired up for political, economic, and military confrontation".

"My delegation condemns in the strongest terms and categorically rejects the latest illegal and unlawful UN Security Council resolution," he said.
Washington: US federal government agencies are banned from using software developed by Kaspersky Lab, a Russian firm with alleged links to that country's intelligence agencies, acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke said in a statement Wednesday.

Agencies now have 90 days to remove Kaspersky software from their systems.

Eugene Kaspersky, a mathematical engineer who attended a KGB-sponsored school and once worked for Russia's Ministry of Defense. Credit:AFR

Amid an investigation into the Russian campaign to interfere in the 2016 election, Kaspersky has come under intense scrutiny by American officials who fear that the Kremlin could lean on the firm to grant access to client computer systems.

The decision to ban Kaspersky, a giant in the global anti-virus market with some 400 million customers around the world, represents the latest chill in relations between Washington and Moscow.
Mad River unveils Burnt Rock Bourbon

Mad River Distillers has announced that it will release its Burnt Rock Bourbon in limited quantities on Tuesday, September 19 at select Vermont and Massachusetts retailers and bars.

Mimi Buttenheim, president at Mad River Distillers says: We were looking for a different bourbon experience, something spicier with a bit of smoke to it. The maple wood smoke allowed us to showcase our Vermont roots.

Different from the distillerys flagship four-grain, wheated bourbon (corn, wheat, oats, and barley), Burnt Rock Bourbon is a 12- to 18-month old corn, rye, and maple wood-smoked barley named after a popular hiking trail up Burnt Rock Mountain in Mad River Valley, Vermont.

Alex Hilton, Mad River Distillers general manager and distiller says: We hand-built our smoker from a used steel drum and smoke the malted barley over maple wood from our property at Cold Spring Farm. The corn we used was grown organically in Vermont, and the rye adds a nice spice element to complement the smoke. As they say, smoke it if you got it."

13 September 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor
The apparent extrajudicial executions by Philippine police of two children over a three-day period underscores the need for a United Nations inquiry into President Rodrigo Dutertes abusive war on drugs, Human Rights Watch said.

While several dozen children under 18 have died in drug war-related killings since June 2016, circumstances suggest that the Philippine National Police (PNP) deliberately targeted the two children.

The apparent willingness of Philippine police to deliberately target children for execution marks an appalling new level of depravity in this so-called drug war, said Phelim Kine, deputy Asia director.

These killings demonstrate that Dutertes rejection of the rule of law has made all Filipinos potential drug-war victims, no matter how young.

On September 6, 2017, a passerby spotted the body of Reynaldo de Guzman, a 14-year-old Grade 5 student from Pasig City, floating in a creek, 20 days after he was reported missing. A pathologist report indicates that de Guzman died from at least 30 stab wounds after his assailants wrapped his head in packing tape. Packing tape has been a gruesome hallmark of many drug-war killings under Duterte. De Guzman had last been seen alive on August 18 in the company of his friend Carl Angelo Arnaiz, 19, who the police shot to death later that day after they accused him of robbing a taxi driver in Manilas Caloocan City.

Philippine police are falsifying evidence to justify unlawful killings in a war on drugs that has caused more than 7,000 deaths.

Two days earlier, on August 16, police anti-drug officers in Caloocan City killed 17-year-old Kian delos Santos. Police said they shot delos Santos after he fired on them during an anti-drug operation. However, both witness accounts and close circuit television camera footage indicate that police executed an unarmed delos Santos while he was in police custody and dumped his body in an alley.

The killings of delos Santo and de Guzman bring to at least 54 the number of children killed by police and unidentified gunmen in the war on drugs since July 2016, according to data from the Children's Legal Rights and Development Center. Most of those children had been shot while in the company of adults who were the apparent target of the shooting. Both Duterte and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II have dismissed those killings as collateral damage.

Dutertes government has also imperiled children by approving a plan for mandatory drug testing for all college students and applicants. The order permits local governments, the police, and other law enforcement agencies to carry out any drug-related operation within the school premises with the approval of school administrators. This will effectively allow the police to extend their abusive anti-drug operations to college and university campuses, placing students at grave risk.

A public uproar over the killings of delos Santos and de Guzman has prompted Duterte, the Justice Department, and the Philippine National Police to promise thorough investigations into their deaths. In August, the Public Attorneys Office filed murder and torture charges against the police officers implicated in the delos Santos killing. But on September 8, Duterte described de Guzmans killing as a deliberate act of sabotage to discredit the police.

There are major concerns about the willingness and capacity of the Philippine authorities to conduct thorough, impartial, and transparent investigations into drug war-related killings. In July, police officials allowed the police officers facing homicide charges in the 2016 killing of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr. to return to work.

The officers were reinstated even though twin inquiries by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Senate reached the conclusion that the officers had committed premeditated murder when they shot Espinosa to death in a Manila jail cell on November 5, 2016. Espinosa had surrendered to the police following public accusations by President Duterte that he was a drug trafficker. Both investigations rejected the officers assertion that Espinosa died in a firefight in his cell after brandishing a concealed pistol.

Duterte has also systematically sought to vilify, harass, and intimidate those carrying out domestic and international accountability efforts that have challenged his drug war. The targets of the harassment campaign include human rights organizations and activists, lawyers, United Nations officials, journalists, and Philippine lawmakers.
Commentary by

Dan Kelly

If one listens to the messages coming out of the federal government in recent days  the need for tax fairness, a push to end tax loopholes, ensuring Canada doesnt create two classes of taxpayers  it would seem hard to argue against recent proposals to change the tax system for small business owners.

But why then are small business owners so angry at their government? Lets explore the reasons:

These are major changes. Changes have been proposed to the way small businesses share income among family members, save in the business through passive investments, and distribute earnings through capital gains. All three will affect huge numbers of small business owners and will serve to increase the overall tax burden on many.

The changes are being rushed. To introduce the largest changes in decades to small business taxation during the dead of summer, with pre-written legislation and a 75-day consultation does not inspire confidence that government is serious about listening to the concerns of small businesses.

Small businesses have been burned already. During the 2015 election, the government promised (in writing no less) to reduce the small business tax rate to nine per cent by 2019. Unfortunately, in the 2016 budget this promise was ditched and businesses were told the rate would remain at 10.5 per cent.

The language used to promote the changes. Every time Minister Morneau utters the word loopholes, small business owners feel they are being accused of cheating taxpayers or shirking their responsibilities as Canadians. One government MP accused small business owners of sitting back in their gated communities, suggesting workers could just eat cake, like modern day Marie Antoinettes.

At the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), I represent 109,000 independent business owners who already face an incredible burden of taxes and charges, and that burden is rapidly rising with five years of carbon taxes and pricing hikes starting in 2018 and seven years of CPP hikes starting in 2019.

In my 23 years of advocating for small businesses of all stripes, Ive never seen the business community spontaneously combust the way it has in recent weeks.

But does Canadas tax system really give small business owners an unfair advantage? The answer is almost certainly no. While the way incorporated firms pay income taxes is different than that of personal taxpayers, it is important to look at the overall burden of taxation facing different taxpayers. Businesses pay dozens of forms of taxation  some unique to them and others at higher rates than employees. For example, employers pay 40 per cent more in Employment Insurance and double the Canada Pension Plan premiums as do employees.

And while some academics and politicians suggest that these changes will equalize the income tax treatment between independent businesses and employees, tax advisors report a very different story. Estimates are that businesses will pay 73 per cent in taxes on some forms of income, far higher than even the highest rates charged to employees. And as a result of some transitional issues, some income could be taxed at 93 per cent under other proposals.

Sadly, many Canadians believe that owning your own business is like a licence to print money.

To try to lessen the growing backlash, Minister Morneau suggested that these changes would not affect small business owners earning less than $150,000. But this is at odds with the interpretation from virtually every major accounting firm and smaller tax professional. And even if Morneau is right, these new rules will be subject to the interpretation of the Canada Revenue Agency and, in time, our tax courts. The resulting uncertainty, paperwork and red tape will no doubt be massive. And, with decades of tax experience, CRAs interpretation of the rules is often quite different than what Finance originally promised.

So why are we going through all this? Is it really to ensure our tax system is fair? If that were true  if these provisions do provide a retirement savings benefit to small business owners compared with ordinary workers  should we not also address unfair, tax-supported public sector pensions? After all, civil servants can often retire as early as 55, claim a bridge benefit to avoid the CPP penalty the rest of us would experience and then split their pension income with their spouse. Taxpayers are picking up the tab for all that.

Is it because small businesses are an easy target? Sadly, there are still many Canadians who believe that owning your own business is like a licence to print money. What would help reinforce a governments middle-class credentials more than going after the rich business owner? But with two-thirds of business owners earning less than $73,000, government needs to remember that small business owners are the middle class.

The good news is that MPs are beginning to feel the heat. Heading into the Liberal and Conservative caucus meetings, many MPs were reporting on the number of calls and questions from their constituents. CFIB delivered nearly 15,000 signed petitions from business owners to MPs of all stripes. And the Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness  a group representing more 50 business associations  was formed to combat these changes.

When Im asked what individual business owners can do to push back, I say that sharing their own concerns with their MP is incredibly powerful. But joining a business association, talking to other business owners, tweeting your concern using #unfairtaxchanges and signing the online petition are also great ways to support the cause.

There are more than 1.1 million businesses in Canada with paid employees and 3.5 million entrepreneurs when you take into consideration all the self-employed. Small business is a big group and our voices need to be heard.

Dan Kelly is the President, CEO and Chair of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
When doing your family tree, you are bound to hear all kinds of stories. Some might be true while others might just be legends that you wish were true.

One of the most common legends that people hear pertains to their Indian blood. For most people, this appears to be just a myth. For some, it might be fact.

Most people living along the Eastern seaboard today are thought to be part of the Cherokee tribe that inhabited North Carolina prior to the Cherokee Trail of Tears. The Cherokees were forced by the federal government to move from their land in North Carolina to Oklahoma. Many died en route.

The federal government signed treaties with the Eastern Cherokee tribes, in 1835, 1836 and 1845. Because of the forced march, the federal government was ordered to pay more than $1 million to any Eastern Cherokee who was alive May 28, 1906, and could prove membership during those treaty years. This list became known as the Guion Miller Rolls and would be a lengthy undertaking by the federal government.

More than 45,000 applications representing 90,000 people were filed with the government. Almost 60,000 people were rejected for many reasons, including that they were African American, white or a member of a tribe other than the Eastern Cherokee.

A three volume set, Extract of the Rejected Applications of the Guion Miller Roll of the Eastern Cherokee, by Jo Ann Curls Page contains 23,000 applications taken from the first 195 rolls of microfilm. This set represents about half of the applications that were submitted. Hopefully, a later set will finish what Page began from this microfilm.

Another common legend is that you are descended from royalty. This, too, might not be as provable as one might think.

Patricia Ann Scherzinger has written a book about this topic titled Colonial Americans of Royal and Noble Descent Alleged, Proven and Disproven. This book identifies Americans born during the Colonial period who descended from immigrants of royal ancestry. This book does not give you the pedigree for these individuals, only the citation to the source where the information can be found.

By checking the information in this book, one can easily determine whether there is a possibility that one has royal blood flowing through his or her veins. Be sure to check the index of buried surnames. Buried surnames would give you the surname of other names that might lead you to your royal information.

Perhaps you are searching for the name of your immigrant ancestor who arrived on a ship in America from another country. Carl Boyer has written a set of books titled Ship Passenger Lists that covers many aspects of our immigrants from 1538 to 1825.

It has articles, lists, excerpts, abstracts and minutes taken from the Lancours Bibliography. Harold Lancour originally published the information in these books in another format. This set covers obscure foreign sources and excerpts from books, bibliographies and places including variant surname spellings. The book on the South covers about 8,000 immigrants from Maryland to Louisiana. While the other three books in this set cover anywhere from 6,000 to 8,500 immigrants.

Maybe you are interested in looking at a map of your home state in 1890. The maps are copyrighted by Mast, Crowell and Kirkpatrick. They have been compiled and published by Eleanor S. Hutcheson under the title United States Atlas 1890 and Complete Post-office Directory. These maps will show you just what you are looking for during that time.

Regardless of your familys lineage, most people had one thing in common and that was that they owned land in America. If your ancestor lived in Virginia, they probably had a land patent or grant for the property that they settled on. In Cavaliers and Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants, edited by Dennis Ray Hudgins, you can find out what land our ancestors owned in the early to late 1700s.

This would have been before Franklin County was a county. Franklin County did not become a county until 1786 and these books end in 1782. When looking for information about Franklin County, you will need to check the counties of Bedford, Patrick and Henry. At one time, Patrick was part of Henry County. Check out this set of books to find out whether your ancestors owned land in the state of Virginia.

These and many other wonderful books are available in our local history room here at the main library in Rocky Mount. They are for in-library use only, but there is a copy machine available just outside the room.

A reminder: Genealogy classes have begun again and will run through December. Space is limited and registration is required. Please sign up early. Classes usually fill up fast and there is no guarantee a second class will be offered. Sign-up sheets can be found at the main circulation desk in Rocky Mount.

The library is teaming up again with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for Family Search classes from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 14 and Jan. 23. Space is limited and sign-up is required. Please call the library if there is a forecast for bad weather the day of these classes.

Also, we are offering a drop-in scrapbooking class on Wednesdays, Sept. 13; Oct. 11 and Nov. 8. These classes will be held downstairs in Room A from 1 to 3 p.m. Space is limited.

Dorothy Hodges is the archivist and genealogist at the Franklin County Public Library.
Franklin County sheriffs deputies soon will be using body cameras on the job.

County supervisors recently approved $53,000 in funding to provide cameras to all deputies.

Maj. Mike Bowman said the body cameras will benefit both deputies and the community. He said the cameras will ensure that situations are handled properly when deputies arrive at a scene or interact with people at a traffic stop.

They will be used to make sure things are done right, Bowman said. The cameras can be used as a tool to help officers better serve the public, he said.

The Sheriffs Office is still looking into what type of body cameras to purchase, Bowman said. Once purchased, he said, deputies will train on how to use the cameras.

How widespread use of body cameras is among police is difficult to know. A Department of Justice survey in 2013 found that only a fourth of departments nationwide use cameras.

That study, however, preceded a national wave of calls for cameras in the wake of officer-involved incidents, including the killings of black men in Staten Island, New York, and South Carolina and of a 12-year-old boy in Cleveland.

In some cases, video, either from body cameras or shot by bystanders raised questions that otherwise might have gone unasked because of what the public never saw.

But while civil rights proponents and others advocate the devices, they arent necessarily guarantees of public accountability, said Frank LoMonte, director of the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information in Gainesville, Florida. In many localities, he said, it can be difficult for people to obtain body camera video from a police department.

Frequently, police cite the video potentially interfering with investigations, a scenario specifically cited in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

The states open government law allows police to withhold records or other information that could jeopardize an investigation, a legitimate concern, LoMonte said. But it also can be a convenient excuse for declining to release a video, he said.

Judges are very reluctant to second-guess a police department, LoMonte said. Because of that, it can be difficult to obtain footage even when taking the department to court. It can be a pretty big loophole.

Privacy is another issue.

LoMonte cited an example of an officer entering a home to arrest someone with a child there. If a video is release, the child should not be included, he said.

Police are required to protect personal, medical and financial information, LoMonte said.

Previously, police could withhold video if it contained private information, he said. Thanks to a recent state ruling, he said, departments now are required to pixilate, blur or distort an individuals face, voice or identifying information rather than simply withholding the video.

Going to court to obtain video can take months, LoMonte said. Sometimes, by the time the video is obtained, once crucial information no longer is relevant.

Human error also can be a concern when it comes to body camera video. Most modern cameras can be either turned on manually or automatically, LoMonte said. Some cameras turn on as soon as an officer exits a vehicle. The concern can be if an officer forgets to turn on a camera and relevant information is not recorded.

Bowman said the Sheriffs Office still is considering what type of body cameras to buy. He was unable to say whether the cameras would be activated automatically or manually by officers.
Her favorite pastimes are hunting, fishing and beauty pageants.

Fittingly, Jessica Brevard is Miss Franklin County Agricultural Fair. The 20-year-old criminal justice student won the fair beauty pageant Saturday, Sept. 9, at Ben Franklin Middle School.

Brevard plans to attend the Virginia State Police Academy, following in her fathers footsteps in law enforcement.

Her platform is suicide awareness and prevention.

I am a suicide attempt survivor and last year, in December 2016, she said, I lost a friend to suicide.

Brevard offers two-fold advice for people in troubled moments: first, talk to someone about your feelings rather than bottling them, and, second, dont be embarrassed  accept help.

Pageant judges asked about Brevards platform during a five-minute personal interview with her. The competition also included a casual wear review and evening gown competition.

Jessica has shined a light on her platform, said the pageants Danielle Utt. She is exceptional in her ability to present her platform. I look forward to getting to know her better over the next year. She will do well representing Franklin County and also presenting her platform.

Raised on a 200-acre black angus farm, Brevard had more than 300-pound pig named, of course, Mr. Pig.

I love the farm life, she said.

This week, shell take part in the fair life: I will be at the Franklin County Agricultural Fair on Wednesday through Saturday and look forward to meeting everyone there!

Other pageant winners:

Beautiful Baby (ages 0-12 months): Paisley Patterson

Beautiful Baby (13-23 months): Skylar Wells

Wee Baby (2-3): Reagan Hamlett

Little (4-6): Addyson Meadors

Young (7-9): Aimslee Haigler

Miss Outgoing Personality: Lindsay McCrickard

Pre-Teen: Ashlynn Haigler

Junior Miss (13-16): Christia Hancock

Spirit of Miss Franklin County Agricultural Fair: Shanaya Jones

Ms. (23-plus): Julie Witcher
Two weeks post-Hurricane Harvey, organizations across the U.S. still are coming together to show their support. Count Franklin County Public Schools in.

Moved by families who lost everything, Franklin County students decided to help.

The Student Council and Student Government associations created a plan and brought their concern to county high school Principal Jon Crutchfield.

Together, they decided to gather supplies. Benjamin Franklin Middle School is collecting money to pay for the goods to be shipped Sept. 24 to Houston.

Our kids wanted to make this a school project, Crutchfield said. I decided that I would help in any way. Were all just trying to help our kids.

The goal is to have a truck parked on the school campus and for the community drop off donations. Officials do not yet have a truck, but donations still are being accepted.

The school transportations department is in the process of securing two rental trucks to be parked on campus by the close of next week.

The school already has received more than 70 cases of water and other items such as diapers and baby formula from the Rescue Squad and an anonymous donor.

This shows the support of our community, Crutchfield said. Its been overwhelming. Weve had tons of people helping out.

Elementary schools in the district also are helping to collect money and canned goods.

This is a whole Franklin County school department effort, Crutchfield said. We want this to be a community effort and they see that our kids are really doing great things in their community.

Donated items will be driven to Texas and given to the Houston Food Bank. Acceptable contributions include canned foods in pull-top lids, bottled water, baby wipes, diapers, baby formula, non-perishable food items, toiletries and cleaning supplies.

The food bank has cautioned against homemade foods, baby food and food with expiration dates.

Donations may be dropped off at the high schools Student Services Building during regular school hours and will be accepted until Sept. 22. The school is in the process of creating after-school drop off hours for Tuesday, Sept. 19, through Thursday, Sept. 21.

Checks should be made payable to Benjamin Franklin Middle School and state Harvey donations on the memo line.

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, Bliss Salon, Hodgeville Heating and Air and Virginia Blue Ridge Tourism also have agreed to act as donation drop-off locations.

We want to serve the bigger community, Crutchfield said, and right now our community is the people that are suffering in Houston.
Kroger is partnering with Feeding America Southwest Virginia and the Great American Milk Drive this month to help ensure needy families have milk.

Shoppers at the grocery store can make $1, $3 and $5 milk voucher donations at checkout. Those donations will help local families buy milk.

Milk is one of the most requested but least donated items at our food bank, said Pamela Irvine, president and CEO of Feeding America Southwest Virginia, a Salem-based regional food bank serving 26 counties. On average, food banks provide the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year because many of us dont consider donating milk since it is perishable.

Milk provides nine essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein in each eight-ounce serving, Irvine added.

September is Hunger Action Month.

Kroger shoppers have donated more than 4 million servings of milk to families across the country over the last three years. The grocer is in its fourth year participating in the Great American Milk Drive, which has delivered 16 million servings to food banks nationwide.

The fight against hunger is important to Kroger throughout the year, especially as kids head back to school, said Allison McGee, corporate affairs manager for the companys Mid-Atlantic Division. Were pleased to provide our customers with an easy way to be part of the effort to deliver milk and its essential nutrients to kids and families right here in Southwest Virginia.

Headquartered in Roanoke, Krogers Mid-Atlantic Division operates 121 stores, 119 pharmacies and 93 gas stations in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio.
Member One Federal Credit Union workers led a recent school supplies drive for students in Franklin County and others across the region.

The items we donated to local schools on behalf of our employees will impact so many local school children and prepare them for the upcoming school year, said Andrea Milliron, vice president of community and business development at Member One.

Along with Franklin, localities targeted for the drive included Campbell, Amherst, Bedford and Pulaski counties and the City of Roanoke.

We are fortunate to live in such a caring community, and we applaud the employees of Member One for helping our children, said Justin McLeod, coordinator for community relations and social media with Roanoke City Schools. These school supplies will make a huge difference in the lives of our students. It is always heartwarming to see a kids face light up when they receive these generous gifts.

Member One is a member-owned community credit union based in Roanoke and with locations across the region, including Rocky Mount.
The Virginia Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of a Rocky Mount man convicted of a felony after he hung a dark-colored, life-sized dummy from a rope in his yard during a 2015 feud with his black neighbors.

In the wake of making that display, Jack Eugene Turner, 53, was found in violation of a relatively new state law that prohibits presenting a noose as a means of intimidation.

But ever since his case was first heard in Franklin County Circuit Court, Turner and his defense attorney, Holland Purdue, have argued that the hanging figure was protected as free speech under the First Amendment and that it occurred on Turners own private property and not on a highway or other public place as the statute prohibits.

The distinction over whether Turners own yard could be considered public formed a key point of contention during his trial, but he was ultimately found guilty and became the first person in Virginia to be convicted under the 2009 law.

He was sentenced to six months in jail and served his time, but the following year he and Perdue took the case to the state court of appeals.

In November, the higher court upheld Turners felony conviction, determining that Turners display constituted an unprotected threat no matter where it occurred.

The evidence was sufficient to support the circuit courts conclusion that the offense occurred in a public place, Judge Robert Humphreys wrote in a 16-page opinion at the time, adding that Turners act violated the law because Turner displayed a noose and dummy in a place and manner to communicate threats to others with the intent to place members of the public in fear of violence and bodily harm.

While he acknowledged the importance of free speech, and that the First Amendment protects Turners right to be a racist and even to convey his racist beliefs to others, Humphreys later added that a constitutional limit to that allowance has been reached when an idea becomes a threat that causes reasonable people to fear leaving their homes.

Perdue said at the time he intended to challenge that ruling. On Friday, the state Supreme Court said it would hear Turners case.

Turner has until Oct. 15 to submit additional filings, but beyond that no hearing date has been set.

I dont agree with the display or the noose, but I believe its his property, its private property, Perdue said Friday. Its not only protected speech, its protected by the statute.

The hanging dummy appeared in Turners yard the afternoon of June 17, 2015, just a few hours before a mass shooting at a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, that left nine people dead.

Turner was arrested that day and, while out on bond, hung a Confederate flag from his porch. He was later rearrested for violating the terms of his release by posting a hand-made sign that included a racial slur.

Days before Turners case went to the appeals court, he sent a handwritten letter to The Roanoke Times which did not acknowledge the incidents but simply asked for forgiveness.

I would like to apologize to all Roanoke to Christiansburg and surrounding area African-Americans for my senseless and cruel actions, Turner wrote.
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A whiff of dystopian creepiness has long wafted in the air whenever facial recognition has come up. Books, movies and television shows have portrayed the technology as mainly a tool of surveillance and social control - aimed by unseen others at you, for their purposes, not your own.

Apple sought to reverse that equation Tuesday with the long-anticipated release of its 10th-anniversary smartphone, the iPhone X. It replaces the fingerprint sensor previous generations used for unlocking a user's device with facial recognition technology, while still keeping others from unlocking the phone without the user's knowledge.

All users have to do, Apple said at the annual September event dedicated to touting its latest product updates, is look at the iPhone X, which recognizes you as the registered user - even if you are wearing glasses or a hat or are sporting a new beard.

Though not entirely new - several Android smartphones do something similar already - the technology remains novel. Apple's embrace of it could mark a tipping point in the adoption of facial recognition technology across new areas of our lives - as we shop or communicate with friends, and, eventually, as we enter buildings or perhaps turn on our vehicles with a glance rather than a twist of the key.

Many forms of surveillance - cellphone location tracking, social media analytics and the CIA's reported ability to remotely activate the microphone on an individual's smart TV - were born of such popular consumer advances. Only later, typically through leaked documents and investigative reports, did it become clear how popular technologies were turned on their users.

"The big danger with facial recognition is that we are targeted everywhere we go and in everything we do," said Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst with the ACLU's Speech, Privacy and Technology Project. "The acceptable uses could soften up the terrain for less acceptable uses."

The potential for widely deployed facial recognition systems has particularly concerned privacy experts, who have warned about a future in which our faces and other biometrics are used to track our every movement, our political activity, our religious lives and even our romantic encounters.

Recent research at Stanford, meanwhile, contends that a range of private facts, including an individual's sexual orientation, could be read through sophisticated analyses of facial images with the help of artificial intelligence.

"We have only one face," said Clare Garvie, an associate at Georgetown University's Center on Privacy & Technology and an author of the Perpetual Line-Up, a 2016 report on facial recognition databases collected by governments. "The more comfortable we become with facial recognition, the more complacent we may become."

What Apple introduced Tuesday was a version of facial recognition technology that iPhone X owners are supposed to use on themselves, for their own purposes and only when they want to. They can always type a numeric passcode instead.

Such caveats have earned the company cautious praise from some privacy experts. They noted that the iPhone X will keep its facial analysis data secure on the device rather than transmitting it across the Internet (where it could potentially be intercepted) or collecting it in a database that might allow hackers, spies or law enforcement agencies to gain access to facial records en masse.

The Android devices that use facial recognition also keep the data on the device, although hackers have demonstrated that some of these systems can be tricked by photographs of users - something Apple says cannot happen with the iPhone X.

Many privacy experts also regard facial recognition technology as a relatively simple, safe and reliable way to authenticate the identity of a smartphone's owner, helping protect the massive troves of personal data kept on devices and giving the technology a positive privacy impact in the view of some experts.

"I don't think we should reflexively reject facial recognition. The question should be, by what means and for whose benefit?" said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center. "Facial recognition has both good uses and bad uses from a consumer perspective."

Half of U.S. adults already have their images in some federal, state or local facial recognition system through a combination of databases of people who have been arrested or convicted of crimes, along with ledgers of people who hold driver's licenses, passports and visas, the 2016 Georgetown report found.

Privacy experts have fought to curb the expansion of such databases. Some states, for example, have prohibited driver's licenses from being used in facial recognition searches by law enforcement. Experts have also sought to limit how and when the databases are used.

They have additionally sought to raise awareness about the massive commercial databases kept by Facebook and Google, both of which in some circumstances use facial recognition technology to identify people depicted in photos users upload.

Also slowing the spread of the technology has been the daunting technical challenges of accurately analyzing faces in anything less than optimal circumstances. People in low light, wearing hats or glasses, or simply standing at an odd angle from a camera have long challenged facial recognition systems - as have people with darker skin - leading to false positives and negatives when analyses are made.

Apple's system appears to solve the technical problems; owners of the iPhone X are supposed to willingly "enroll" their faces from arm's length, turning their heads so facial contours are captured more fully. Opening the device later takes only a brief glance.

The facial recognition system, dubbed the TrueDepth camera system, includes a front-facing camera, a proximity sensor, an infrared camera and a dot projector that beams more than 30,000 invisible infrared dots onto a user's face to take measurements. The device then combines all the available data to create what Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, called "a mathematical model of your face."

"The chance that a random person in the population could look at your iPhone X and unlock it with their face is about one in a million," Schiller said, presenting the new device at Apple's glitzy new Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California.

There also is the question, hotly litigated in recent years, about what power law enforcement agencies have to gain access to data in devices. The Supreme Court ruled in 2014 that authorities require a search warrant to seize and attempt to examine a smartphone.

It would take a separate court order to require a device's owner to unlock it for police, said Nate Cardozo, a senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a civil liberties group based in San Francisco.

Cardozo expressed less concern than some others that the introduction of facial recognition for device security will erode resistance to other uses of the technology. "People seem to understand that on a gut level that when they use biometrics for their own purposes. That's very different than being part of a database that can be used against them."

---

The Washington Post's Hamza Shaban contributed to this report.
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Connecticut ranked next to last nationally for the rate at which it has added households reporting at least $1 million in annual income, according to a new study, which accounts for both blue bloods moving in as well as existing residents moving into the highest tax brackets.

The Empire Center for Public Policy studied the percentage increase of millionaire households between 2010 and 2015  a period encompassing the recovery from the Great Recession  in an analysis of Internal Revenue Service data covering those tax years.

In 2015, the IRS determined Connecticut was home to nearly 11,500 taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $1 million or more that year, representing a 27 percent increase from 2010 when the IRS counted a little over 9,000 millionaires.

Though on the surface a sizable increase, Connecticuts gain was in fact half the U.S. average  and among states ahead of only Louisiana, which mustered an 18 percent rise. Despite its moneyed Gold Coast enclaves in the southwestern portion of the state, Connecticut trailed states like Mississippi, Oklahoma and West Virginia for the addition of millionaire earners within its borders.

California led all states with a 72 percent gain in millionaire taxpayers, followed by Florida at 69 percent. Texas and Massachusetts were just above the average 55 percent increase nationally, with New Jersey seeing a 43 percent bump and New York 40 percent.

The report arrived even as Connecticut reels over the loss of another corporate headquarters, with Alexion Pharmaceuticals confirming Tuesday plans to move 400 executives and personnel to new offices in Boston near those of General Electric, on the heels of GE having relocated 200 senior managers there last year from its former headquarters in Fairfield. Next up is Aetna, which is designating New York City as its new headquarters as of 2018, where it will employ 250 people initially.

The three moves could further erode any future percentage gains in millionaire earners, with state Sen. L. Scott Frantz, R-Greenwich, and others fretting the past several years of what they see as an alarming number of billionaires ending residency in Connecticut.

My neck of the woods down in southwestern Connecticut ... is an engine that provides a tremendous amount of revenues to the state of Connecticut, Frantz said during a Connecticut General Assembly hearing in late July. Business decision makers are looking very closely at whats happening today.

In preliminary tax collection data for the 2017 fiscal year, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services tracked a $162 million decline in income taxes. If proving accurate in a final DRS analysis, that would represent a 1.9 percent drop from fiscal 2016 for total collections of just over $8.4 billion, representing just over half of the states total budget.

DRS also recorded a slight decline in preliminary collections for Connecticuts gift and estate tax to $219 million, a levy that can swing significantly year to year and with the fiscal 2017 figure possibly subject to upward revision in the event of any estates reporting after the close of the fiscal year.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
[September 12, 2017] Independent Research Firm Recognizes Information Builders as a Strong Performer in Enterprise Business Intelligence

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Information Builders, a leader in business intelligence (BI) and analytics, information integrity, and integration solutions, today announced that Forrester Research cited the company as a Strong Performer in its report, "The Forrester Wave: Enterprise Business Intelligence Platforms With Majority On- Premises Deployments, Q3 2017." The evaluation is based on the company's WebFOCUS BI and analytics platform, which was recognized by Forrester for offering one of the most advanced features to author, integrate, and deploy predictive applications using R. Tweet this: [email protected] recognized by @forrester as a strong performer in new #ForresterWave report on #BI http://ow.ly/dtYa30f4lxL #predictiveanalytics The Forrester report found that the BI and analytics industry is in a state of evolution as more organizations use information as a key competitive differentiator. According to the Wave's authors; "As key BI platform featuresbecome table stakes, a new set of differentiating criteria  such as new types of human-to-machine interactions, insights-to-execution capabilities, and others  will dictate which providers lead the pack. Vendors that can innovate beyond the commoditized BI platform features will become popular with customers." In this environment, the ability to turn raw data into actionable insights and disseminate this information to numerous departments and users is essential. As such, Forrester concentrated its evaluation on these highly differentiated platform features. The Forrester Wave examined Informatio Builders and 14 additional vendors across 22 criteria, and found that the company had the highest score possible in the advanced analytics criteria. According to the report: "While newer BI vendors are still learning how to deal with massively scalable BI applications, Information Builders has been in the big data business for over 30 years WebFOCUS offers one of the most advanced features to author, integrate, and deploy predictive BI applications using R." Forrester also noted the value Information Builders provides its customers, stating; "Client references gave Information Builders top scores for all 25 survey questions  by far the highest number in this evaluation."



Information Builders is committed to addressing the information delivery needs of a wide array of stakeholders. The intuitive, customizable nature of WebFOCUS ensures that non-technical end-users, both inside and outside of the firewall, can operate more effectively with better access to information. As companies become increasingly data-driven, the ability to put actionable information in the hands of all decision-makers will be a critical differentiator. Gerald Cohen, president and CEO, Information Builders, said:

"The BI landscape has evolved significantly since Information Builders' inception, but our customer commitment has always remained constant. We're honored to be recognized as a strong performer by Forrester, as we believe it validates the strength of our solutions and their ability to meet end-users' needs. For companies to reach their full potential, it's essential that information access be pervasive and intuitive throughout the organization. This remains our central focus, and we look forward to helping more companies put the power of their information to work for them."

Access a copy of the "The Forrester Wave: Enterprise Business Intelligence Platforms with Majority On- Premises Deployments, Q3 2017" today. About Information Builders

Information Builders provides solutions for business intelligence (BI), analytics, data integration, and data quality that help drive performance improvements, innovation, and value. Through one set of powerful products, we enable organizations to serve everyone  analysts, non-technical users, even partners, customers, and citizens  with better data and analytics. Our dedication to customer success is unmatched with thousands of organizations relying on us as their trusted partner. Founded in 1975, Information Builders is headquartered in New York, NY, with global offices, and remains one of the largest independent, privately held companies in the industry. Visit us at informationbuilders.com, follow us on Twitter at @infobldrs, like us on Facebook, and visit our LinkedIn page. social and media tags

business intelligence, bi, webfocus, forrester research, r, analytics, big data, predictive analytics Press Contacts

Kathleen Moran

Information Builders

(917) 339-6313

[email protected] Kate Clinton

LEWIS

(781) 761-4487

[email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/independent-research-firm-recognizes-information-builders-as-a-strong-performer-in-enterprise-business-intelligence-300517795.html SOURCE Information Builders

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NORWALK  Police have released a photograph of a man they want to talk to regarding anti-Muslim flyers that were distributed in South Norwalk on Aug. 26.

The photograph shows an older man with white hair and beard, wearing tan shorts and a dark shirt.

Police have not called the man a suspect.

The Norwalk Police Detective Bureau is attempting to identify the pictured individual, police said in a release.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective David Hudyma at 203-854-3189.

A Westport woman told Hearst Connecticut Media at the time that cars in the parking lot were heavily leafleted with the poorly printed one-page flyers, which in part read: Allah is not God. He is an evil extraterrestrial who receives his power from your daily prayers.

Police were contacted by another motorist who was also apparently disturbed by the literature.

The flyers stated that when Muslims are in non-Muslim countries, such as the U.S., they lie for Allah about what immigration brings. The flyers state that women should not leave their homes at night without a man or a gun because the immigrants and their children have arrived.

Ban all immigrants NOW and send their families home, the flyer states.

Polcie said anonymous tips can also be left at any of the below contacts:

Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111.

Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com.

Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing NPD into the text field, followed by the message, and sending it to CRIMES (274637).

In a similar incident in February, people in Norwalk, Wilton, Weston and Westport found white supremacist flyers littering their driveways and mailboxes.

We must secure the existence of our race and a future for white children. MAKE AMERICA WHITE AGAIN, they read.

tgrauel@hearstmediact.com
WILTON  A Waterbury man is facing multiple charges after a routine traffic stop revealed him to be in possession of fake designer belts with a street value of a few thousand dollars, police said.

Lorenzo Roman, 24, was traveling north on Danbury Road at 7 p.m. Friday when he was pulled over for changing lanes without using a turn signal, police said.

When gathering Romans information, officers learned that the Waterbury resident was driving with a suspended New York drivers license.

A background search further revealed that Roman had a warrant out for his arrest stemming from a failure to appear in Stamford Superior Court to face charges of driving under a suspended license, police said.

Based on the Stamford warrant, Roman was placed under arrest and his car was impounded.

During a later inventory of the vehicle, police found five knockoff Gucci belts in the car, as well as a small amount of marijuana.

In an interrogation, Roman told police that he sold the belts at prices for around $50 a piece.

However, police said this was likely untrue since they also uncovered a fake receipt doctored by Roman to show that a single belt had been purchased for $5,000. Instead, Roman likely used the fake receipt to drive prices on the five belts close to or above their internet value of between $400-$600 each, said Detective Eva Zimnoch.

Roman was charged with possessing bootleg items for resale, possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana, operating without a license, failure to appear in court and failure to use a turn signal at a lane change.

He was released after posting a $25,500 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Sept. 18 and Norwalk Superior Court on Sept. 20.

ptomlinson@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2570; Twitter: @Tomlinson_PE
Grand Island residents will be paying more on their property taxes.

The Grand Island City Council voted 6-3, with Council members Chuck Haase, Julie Hehnke and Roger Steele voting no, to approve increasing the city property tax levy by 5.14 cents per $100 of valuation, bringing the general property tax levy to 37.55 cents per $100 valuation. This means a home valued at $100,000 will be paying around $375 in property taxes.

The general property tax levy for fiscal 2017 is 32.41 cents per $100 valuation.

Despite its approval, the property tax increase was met with controversy from the three people who spoke during the public hearing and from council members.

Kurt Dockhorn said he had moved previously because the taxes were too high for him. He encouraged the City Council to vote against the property tax levy increase because of the hardships an increase in property taxes would have on him.

I do not make enough money to pay for the taxes, Dockhorn said. In looking at my family  my mom and my dad  they are barely making ends meet. I am cutting as much as I can out of our budget.

Councilman Roger Steele agreed with Dockhorn, saying higher property taxes hurt families on a fixed income, as well as children.

It denies families the opportunity to use their income to raise their children and give them the good start in life. It denies families the opportunity to save for education after high school, Steele said. I want Grand Island to be a haven  a destination for families and children. I do not want to see us chase them off.

Councilman Mitch Nickerson noted that, prior to Tuesday nights vote, the city did not raise property taxes for at least five consecutive years.

We have reached a point after five or six years of not raising property taxes one penny, to a point where, all that time, expenses have continued to rise. Weve absorbed as much as we can absorb, he said. This year, we had to do something because the numbers were just not adding up.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Jody Roepke said she knows property taxes are a large revenue for the city, but encouraged the City Council to stop implementing property tax increases to accomplish a balanced budget.

We have to live within our means. I think it is ridiculous that we are looking at raising taxes again, she said. If this was your business, if you were financially responsible for that bottom line, is this how you would handle your own business? Are the decisions you are making for your business make your family succeed or go on welfare? Are they decisions you would be making?

Mayor Jeremy Jensen said later in the meeting that the answer to Roepkes question was, Absolutely.

Ive got to keep my business afloat. I have to keep the lights on and pay my employees, he said. I know exactly what all this is. This is why I ran. It is the reason why, time after time, Ive told people taxes are going up and services are getting cut. Ive said that many times.

After voting to approve the property tax levy increase, the City Council voted 7-2 to approve the citys fiscal 2018 budget. Haase and Councilman Mike Paulick voted no.

Paulick said he voted no after getting a call from a concerned constituent.

I told her we were $3 million short and taking in $4 million, so we were going to take a little bit of a hit, he said. But she was adamant about not getting rid of police. She said in the neighborhood she lives in, she needs them and I agree. I will be voting against the budget if we are not going to put the two police positions back. Thats what I told this woman I would do because thats what she asked me to do and she is my constituent.

The 2018 budget summary in the council agenda packet listed the general fund as having a beginning balance of $9.97 million and an ending balance of $10.63 million. Special revenue funds are listed as having a beginning balance of $436,331 and an ending balance of $806,566. In all, the total general government would have a beginning balance of $23.47 million and an ending balance of $18.2 million.

The enterprise fund has an ending balance of $89.07 million and is projected to have an ending balance of $75.99 million.

The total of all funds show an overall beginning balance of $121.67 million and an ending balance of $101.57 million.

As part of its budget approval process, the City Council also voted 5-4 to deny a 1 percent increase to the restricted revenues lid limit. Council members Haase, Hehnke, Minton and Steele voted no.

In the council agenda memo, Jimenez says that in 1998, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB689, which put a lid on the amount of restricted revenues a political subdivision can budget.

The lid on property taxes imposed by the legislature states property tax receipts can only go up 2.5 percent a year. However, a political subdivision can vote to go up an additional 1 percent if 75 percent of the governing board votes yes.

This means only two council members could vote no for the 1 percent increase to the restricted revenues lid limit to be approved. Therefore, with four votes against the 1 percent increase, the motion failed.

In other action, the City Council:

 Approved the full-time equivalents (FTEs) for fiscal 2018. The approved resolution has a decrease of 10.85 FTEs for the general fund and an increase of 1.18 FTEs for all other funds. This brings the total FTEs to 375.38 for the general fund and 208.63 for all other funds.

 Voted 8-1 to approve the salary ordinance that sets the wages of city employees. Haase voted no.
Laurie Dethloff worked her final day as executive director of the Central Nebraska Humane Society on Sept. 5.

Dethloffs retirement was announced by the Humane Society in a news release July 11. At that time, the organization said Dethloff would continue for an indefinite period of time. And she stayed until Tuesday, Humane Society Board President Tanya Hansen said, referring to Sept. 5.

In her resignation letter, Dethloff basically said that she had been at the Humane Society for 10 years, Hansen said. She felt that, really in her time there, she had done what she wanted to do, Hansen said.

A building project may be in the Humane Societys future.

Were in the process of looking at either completely remodeling or doing a new building, Hansen said, adding that such a project would be a couple of years down the road.

But I know one of the frustrations that she had at that time was she came into a new building having no input into it, Hansen said.

Dethloff became the Humane Societys executive director in September 2007. The building opened in July of that year.

In leaving, Hansen said, Dethloffs thinking was, OK, Ive been here 10 years. Lets get a new (executive director) on and they can have a say in  and be a part of the capital campaign  if we choose to go that way, for a new building.

Thats part of the reason why Dethloff left, Hansen said.

Hansen added that a 10-year stint as executive director is longer than average. Executive directors around here, I think, average five or six years, Hansen said.

Hansen was asked if the Humane Society is close to hiring a replacement. We are having a second  and hopefully final  interview with a potential executive director next week, she said.

Dethloff was not available for comment.

The Humane Societys contracts with the city and county expire this fall.

Hansen said she has already talked to Grand Island City Attorney Jerry Janulewicz about a new contract. She will meet with the county soon, she said.
To celebrate the 175th anniversary of Case IH, CNH Industrial presented a $25,000 check to the manufacturing pathway in the Career Pathways Institute on Adams Street.

Following a presentation of the history of Case IH, CNH Industrial officials  along with students in the CPI manufacturing pathway, Grand Island Public Schools Superintendent Tawana Grover, school board members and teaching staff  had the chance to view some of the equipment already purchased with that donation.

Manufacturing instructor Kent Naylor said that equipment includes a universal bender, which can bend any square or round tubing into 45-degree, 90-degree, 180-degree and various other angles. Naylor said the equipment also includes a scrolling machine that can scroll and twist metal into various shapes. Also included are a MIG welder and portable plasma cutter, as well as new auto darkening welding helmets, welding gloves and welding coats.

A press brake is also scheduled to be delivered.

The goal is for students to use the equipment to create their own capstone projects, which will demonstrate what a student has collectively learned during his or her time in the manufacturing pathway, as well as the new skills that student has acquired after studying in CPIs manufacturing pathway.

Lisa Wilson of Case New Holland-CNH briefly described the history of Case IH, the portion of the company that is celebrating its 175th anniversary. Wilson began by asking for a show of hands of how many work at the local plant or know a farmer who uses Case New Holland-CNH agricultural equipment. In both cases, the vast majority of audience members raised their hands.

Thats amazing, said Wilson, who pointed out that less than 2 percent of the U.S. population today works in agriculture. But 175 years ago, the number of Americans who worked in agriculture was much closer to 100 percent.

She said thats because of technological changes that have occurred on the farm.

At one point in its history, agriculture was back-breaking work, because everything done by machine today was once done by hand, Wilson said. That started to change in 1842 when the companys founder, Jerome Increase Case, invented the threshing machine.

During her presentation, Wilson noted the theme of invention and innovation at Case IH throughout its history.

In 1965, the forerunner of todays company announced it was locating a plant in Grand Island. Actual production began in 1966.

We havent been in Grand Island over 175 years, just a little over 50, Wilson said. Today, the Grand Island plant primarily manufactures combines, especially since production of the 2388 axial-flow combine was moved from East Moline, Ill., to Grand Island.

CNH Industrial, which is the name the corporation operates under today, was created in 2013, said Wilson, who pointed out the dual nature of the company: Were ag and construction.

Wilson said CNH Industrial decided to donate $25,000 to support local education, with Career Pathways Institute chosen as the recipient because the company knows CPI students are using math, science and technology in their studies.

Grover said Case IH was built on a foundation of integrity as well as innovation. She said the gift from Case IH is empowering CPI teachers to become instructional leaders.

She praised the company for supporting the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation and the school district. On behalf of Grand Island Public, we want to further acknowledge that this is a great opportunity for us to partner with your organization in helping our students thrive, Grover said.

Dan Phillips, coordinator for CPI, told the high school students that Case IH offers career opportunities for the skills they are developing at Career Pathways Institute. He said the Grand Island plant is going far beyond its monetary donation by having its engineers work with the CPI instructors to develop the capstone experience for students.

A great partnership is developing, said Phillips, who added that the school district and G.I. plant have had preliminary discussions about a potential registered internship program. If that idea becomes reality, he said, it would give students an opportunity to learn through paid, on-the-job training that would help launch their careers and help them contribute to the Grand Island community.
[September 12, 2017] Sercomm Selects Sequans Monarch LTE Platform for IoT Tracker

Sequans Communications (News - Alert) S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) announced that Sercomm (TWSE: 5388), a leading global manufacturer and supplier of telecom equipment and devices, is using its Monarch LTE (News - Alert) Cat M1 Platform for a new IoT tracker that integrates LTE and GPS technologies in a highly compact design. The Sercomm tracker, named SavTrack, will be on display at Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) Americas, San Francisco, September 12-14, in Sequans booth in the north hall, N.501. Sercomm SavTrack is a compact, GPS-equipped personal tracker that can be placed easily in a bag or a pocket. Featuring LTE Cat M1 connectivity by Sequans, SavTrack efficiently monitors the movements and locations of people, pets, vehicles, and objects 24/7. More than just tracking, SavTrack also provides enhanced human safety protection by providing an SOS (News - Alert) button for emergencies. When the SOS button is pushed, the tracker instantly reports the user's location so that necessary action can be taken immediately. SavTrack delivers excellent price/performance and is an ideal solution for applications including health monitoring, youth/senior safety, transportation, and pet tracking. "Sercomm's SavTrack tracker includes all of the key capabilities of a truly excellent LTE for IoT tracking device in a sleek form factor," said Danny Kedar, head of Sequans' IoT business unit. "Sercomm is answering the very high demand for IoT trackers from numerous vertical markets and we are pleased to see our Monarch technology inside SavTrack." "As a worldwide leading manufacturer of telecom and broadband equipment, Sercomm has devoted significant R&D resources to developing innovative solutions for enhanced telecommunication services. We chose Sequans' Monarch LTE Cat M1 Platform as the basis of SavTrack because Monarch is a highly-optimized LTE-M chip," said Ben Lin, CTO of Sercomm. "Monarch provides advanced features, including low power consumption and dynamic RF programming that enablesa single hardware design to operate worldwide. We are very pleased to introduce our new SavTrack based on Monarch."



Sercomm's SavTrack LTE tracker is based on Sequans' Monarch LTE platform, the world's first and most highly-optimized LTE-M (Cat M1) chip for IoT devices. Monarch integrates baseband, RF, power management and RAM (News - Alert) in a single, tiny 6.5 x 8.5 mm chip and is purpose-built for narrowband IoT applications, including trackers, sensors, and wearables. Its advanced features include ultra low power consumption in active and sleep/idle modes, and unique RF filtering technology that enables, within a single hardware design and at no added cost, a true single, worldwide SKU with multi-band support for universal and flexible IoT implementation. About Sercomm Corporation

Sercomm Corporation (TWSE: 5388) is a worldwide leading manufacturer of telecom and broadband equipment. Founded in 1992, Sercomm has focused on developing embedded solutions to make networking simple and affordable. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, Sercomm's global operation network covers markets of North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, and its customer base includes the world's top ODMs, telecommunication vendors and system integrators. For more information, please visit www.sercomm.com About Sequans Communications Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading provider of single-mode 4G LTE semiconductor solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) and a wide range of broadband data devices. Founded in 2003, Sequans has developed and delivered seven generations of 4G technology and its chips are certified and shipping in 4G networks around the world. Today, Sequans offers two LTE product lines: StreamrichLTE, optimized for feature-rich mobile computing and home/portable router devices, and StreamliteLTE, optimized for M2M devices and other connected devices for the IoT. Sequans is based in Paris, France with additional offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. Visit Sequans online at www.sequans.com; www.facebook.com/sequans; www.twitter.com/sequans View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170912006521/en/

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Police/Sheriff

Grand Island Police

The following felonies were reported:

-- Nicks Electric reported a theft from a work vehicle Monday morning at 1720 Taylor Ave.

Hall County Sheriff

Law enforcement arrested six people on warrants in 10 cases. There were 18 calls for service.

Correction

GriefShare sessions at Trinity Lutheran

A free, 13-week non-denominational support group for people grieving the death of someone close has started at Trinity Lutheran Church, 212 W. 12th St.

The wrong church was listed in a headline in Sundays Independent.

The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 p.m. Thursdays in chapel (use the marked west entrance) For more information, contact Trinity Lutheran Church at (308) 382-0753 or check online at www.griefshare.org.

For more information, contact Trinity Lutheran Church at (308) 382-0753 or check online at www.griefshare.org.
What another successfully awesome year at the Nebraska State Fair! A major part of that success is attributed to more than 800 volunteers. These wonderful folks donate their time to offer smiles, assistance and guidance to the thousands of people who attend every year. They were the hosts and greeters and friendly faces that fairgoers would seek out for information. Their time and dedication is known across the United States, and we extend a big Thank You to everyone who enjoys helping at the Nebraska State Fair.

Another big thank you  goes out to all the sponsors in our volunteer program. The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Grand Island Economic Development Corporation, Fonner Park, the Nebraska State Fair, and the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation all help fund the volunteer program. Additionally, thank you to Principal Financial for providing two full-time employees to assist with the coordination of the volunteers throughout the entire fair.

The commitment from all the volunteers and sponsors does well in representing the Nebraska State Fair and Central Nebraska, and the service and hard work from all involved is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!
Eagles can tie franchise record, but first they have to fix one issue
[September 12, 2017] iPhone 8 & iPhone 8 Plus: A New Generation of iPhone

Apple (News - Alert) today announced a new generation of iPhone: iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. The new iPhone features a new glass and aluminum design in three beautiful colors made out of the most durable glass ever in a smartphone, Retina HD displays and A11 Bionic chip, and is designed for the ultimate augmented reality experience. The world's most popular camera gets even better with single and dual cameras featuring Portrait Lighting on iPhone (News - Alert) 8 Plus, and wireless charging brings a powerful new capability to iPhone. Both devices will be available for pre-order beginning Friday, September 15 in more than 25 countries and territories, and in stores beginning Friday, September 22. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170912006641/en/ iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus: A new generation of iPhone. (Photo: Business Wire) "iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are a new generation of iPhone that improve on everything we love about iPhone," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have new glass and aluminum designs, new Retina HD displays and A11 Bionic - the smartest chip ever in a smartphone. Packed with more advanced cameras with Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting, and the highest quality video capture in a smartphone, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus enable the freedom of wireless charging, all with AR optimization like no phone ever before." Stunning New Glass & Aluminum Design iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus introduce a beautiful glass back design made with the most durable glass ever in a smartphone in three new finishes: space gray, silver and gold. The glass finish is made using a seven-layer color process for precise hue and opacity, delivering a rich depth of color with a color-matched aerospace-grade aluminum bezel, and is water and dust resistant.1 New Retina HD Displays The new 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch Retina HD displays with the addition of True Tone adjust the white balance of the display to match the surrounding light for a more natural, paper-like viewing experience. The vibrant wide color gamut Retina HD display offers the best color accuracy in the industry. Redesigned stereo speakers are up to 25 percent louder and deliver deeper bass, enabling richer-sounding music, videos and speakerphone calls. Introducing A11 Bionic A11 Bionic, the most powerful and smartest chip ever in a smartphone, features a six-core CPU design with two performance cores that are 25 percent faster and four efficiency cores that are 70 percent faster than the A10 Fusion, offering industry-leading performance and energy efficiency. A new, second-generation performance controller can harness all six cores simultaneously, delivering up to 70 percent greater performance for multi-threaded workloads, giving customers more power while providing the same great battery life. A11 Bionic also integrates an Apple-designed GPU with a three-core design that delivers up to 30 percent faster graphics performance than the previous generation. All this power enables incredible new machine learning, AR apps and immersive 3D games. Designed for AR The cameras on iPhone 8 Plus are custom tuned for the ultimate AR experience. Each camera is individually calibrated, with new gyroscopes and accelerometers for accurate motion tracking. The A11 Bionic CPU handles world tracking, scene recognition and the GPU enables incredible graphics at 60fps, while the image signal processor does real-time lighting estimation. With ARKit, iOS developers can take advantage of the TrueDepth camera and the rear cameras to create games an apps offering fantastically immersive and fluid experiences that go far beyond the screen.



All-New Camera for Better Photos & Video The world's most popular camera gets even better, featuring an improved 12-megapixel camera with a larger and faster sensor, a new color filter and deeper pixels. A new Apple-designed image signal processor delivers advanced pixel processing, wide color capture, faster autofocus in low light and better HDR (News - Alert) photos, while a new quad LED True Tone Flash with Slow Sync results in more uniformly lit backgrounds and foregrounds. All this adds up to outstanding photos with vibrant, realistic colors and more detail.

The new camera also delivers the highest quality video capture ever in a smartphone with better video stabilization, 4K video up to 60fps and 1080p slo-mo up to 240fps. The Apple-designed video encoder provides real-time image and motion analysis for optimal quality video. With iOS 11, both iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus support HEIF and HEVC for up to two times compression and storage for twice the photos and videos. iPhone 8 Plus features dual 12-megapixel cameras and introduces Portrait mode with Portrait Lighting, bringing dramatic studio lighting effects to iPhone, allowing customers to capture stunning portraits with a shallow depth-of-field effect in five different lighting styles. Portrait Lighting is based on extensive research into the art and science of portraiture and core photographic lighting principles. It uses the dual cameras and the Apple-designed image signal processor to recognize the scene, create a depth map and separate the subject from the background. Machine learning is then used to create facial landmarks and add lighting over contours of the face, all happening in real time, giving customers even more power to express themselves through photography. 2 Designed for a Wireless Future The glass back design enables a world-class wireless charging solution. Wireless charging works with the established Qi ecosystem, including two new wireless charging mats from Belkin and mophie, available from Apple.com and Apple Stores. Apple gave a sneak peek of AirPower, an Apple-designed wireless charging accessory coming in 2018, which offers a generous active charging area that will allow iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X customers to simultaneously charge up to three devices, including Apple Watch Series 3 and a new optional wireless charging case for AirPods. Featuring iOS 11, the World's Most Advanced Mobile Operating System iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus come with iOS 11, featuring incredible advancements to Portrait mode, while new effects make Live Photos more fun and expressive. iOS 11 also brings augmented reality to hundreds of millions of iOS devices with a new platform for developers to build apps that let users place virtual content on top of real-world scenes. Siri debuts new male and female voices and can translate US English phrases into Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish. Pricing & Availability  iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will be available in space gray, silver and an all-new gold finish in increased 64GB and 256GB capacity models starting at $699 (US) from Apple.com and Apple Stores and is also available through Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers (prices may vary).  Through Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program, customers in the US can get iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, with the protection of AppleCare+, choose their carrier (no multiyear service contract required) and have the opportunity to upgrade to a new iPhone every year. The iPhone Upgrade Program is available for iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus at Apple.com and Apple Stores in the US with monthly payments starting at $34.50 for iPhone 8 and $39.50 for iPhone 8 Plus. 3  Customers will be able to order iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus beginning Friday, September 15, with availability beginning Friday, September 22, in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UAE, the UK, the US and US Virgin Islands.  iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will be available in Andorra, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Greenland, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, India, Isle of Man, Israel, Jersey, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia and Slovenia beginning Friday, September 29.  Apple-designed accessories including leather and silicone cases in a range of colors will be available starting at $35 (US). Lightning Docks in color-matching metallic finishes will also be available for $49 (US).  Every customer who buys iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus from Apple will be offered free Personal Setup in-store or online to help them customize their iPhone by setting up email, showing them new apps from the App Store and more. 4  Anyone who wants to start with the basics or go further with iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus or iOS 11 can sign up for free Today at Apple sessions at apple.com/today. 1 iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are splash, water and dust resistant, and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC (News - Alert) standard 60529. Splash, water and dust resistance are not permanent conditions, and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty. 2 Portrait Lighting launches in beta. 3 Based on a 24-month installment loan; full terms and conditions apply. 4 In most countries. Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple's four software platforms - iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS - provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple's more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it. NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information, visit Apple Newsroom (www.apple.com/newsroom), or call Apple's Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042.  2017 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Retina HD, True Tone, AirPower, AirPods, Live Photos, Siri and App Store are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170912006641/en/

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YOKOSUKA, Japan- A 2016 Edwardsville High School graduate and Edwardsville, Illinois native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Blue Ridge.

Seaman Shelby Thompson is an operations specialist aboard the forward-deployed amphibious command ship operating out of Yokosuka, Japan.

A Navy operations specialist is responsible for operating and maintaining radar, navigation and communications equipment aboard the ship.

My dad served as a Marine," said Thompson. "The self discipline he taught me growing up really helped in my transition into the Navy.

With more than 50 percent of the world's shipping tonnage and a third of the world's crude oil passing through the region, the United States has historic and enduring interests in this part of the world.

"Our alliance is rooted in shared interests and shared values," said Adm. Harry Harris, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command. "It's not hyperbole to say that the entire world has benefited from the U.S.-Japan alliance. While our alliance helped stabilize the region after the Second World War, it also enabled the Japanese people to bring about an era of unprecedented economic growth. And for the last six decades, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have worked side by side with the Japan Self Defense Force to protect and advance peace and freedom."

USS Blue Ridge serves as the flagship for the U.S. Seventh Fleet. It is one of only two U.S. Navy command ships in the world, providing command and control for fleet commanders.

Forward-deployed sailors are crucial to the success of the global Navy mission and earn high praise from their leaders.

Ive had some experiences that many people back home will never have the opportunity to do," said Thompson. "Hiking Mt. Fuji is an awesome experience. It's pretty incredible being half a world a way and telling my friends back home happy birthday 14 hours early. The one thing that makes me most proud about myself is that I signed on the dotted line and joined the Navy. This forced me out of my comfort zone and Im so glad I did it."

Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.

Serving in the Navy means pride to me," added Thompson. "I've always been raised with a patriotic mindset and not many people in the world can say they served in Americas Navy. Its an honor to be part of something I feel so pationate about.

Sailors play a vital role in the overall military mission around the world.

"The U.S.-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone for peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," said Harris.
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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 08:21 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2066484 4 Editorial #Editorial,rubber,#rubber,rubber-prices,farmer,commodity-prices,commodity-boom Free

The government should look seriously into the grievances of rubber farmers who have been complaining about low prices over the last five years. True, the price of rubber, like most other commodities, such as palm oil, cacao and coal, is mainly influenced by global supply and demand, especially for Indonesia, which, as the worlds second largest producer, exports more than 80 percent of its output.



But the core of the rubber farmers grievances, which were raised by the industry and farmer associations at a working session with the agriculture commission of the House of Representatives on Monday, is that the prices in the country are half of what rubber growers in Thailand and Malaysia have enjoyed.



The price of rubber, like most commodities, declined from as high as US$5 per kilogram in 2011 to as low as $1.2 in 2015 due to the global production surplus and declining demand, notably in China. Although the prices rose last year to more than $2 per kg, this is likely unsustainable because the price increase was rather artificial, not generated by real market forces but by a joint move by Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, which together account for 80 percent of the global output to cut supplies to the international market under an agreed export tonnage scheme.



Despite the moderate price rise generated by the cartel-like move, most rubber farmers in Indonesia continue to earn only half of what rubber growers in Thailand, the worlds largest producer, and Malaysia, the third largest producer, enjoy.



The farmers grievances deserve the governments attention because, strikingly different from palm oil, more than 85 percent of the estimated 3.6 million hectares of rubber estates in the country are owned by smallholders. The industry association reported that rubber plantations employed around 2.5 million workers and contributed $3.4 billion to the countrys export earnings last year.



It is most urgent for the agriculture ministry, notably the directorate general of plantations, to act firmly to help the farmers. It should not be done by subsidizing their rubber, as the Thai government did when it spent billions of dollars to support the Thai farmers, because such a policy would only distort the market and is by no means sustainable.



Rather, the government should investigate as to why our farmers have been dealing with such low prices, compared to their counterparts in other major rubber-producing countries. The directorate general of plantations should look into the structure of relations between the smallholders and rubber-processing companies.



The government should also act firmly in regard to the findings of several studies that show the yield of our rubber plantations is only half of that in Thailand and Malaysia due to aging trees. The quality of Indonesias latex is very low because of poor tapping practices.



Mutually beneficial collaboration between rubber-processing companies and smallholders under government oversight, as widely implemented between big oil palm plantations and smallholders, could be an effective partnership model to solve the problems of low yield and poor quality because they need each other for survival.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 17:08 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2085f7f 1 Art & Culture One-Piece,Manga,Japan Free

Since its debut in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in December 1997, Japanese manga series One Piece has gained worldwide popularity. However, its creator Eiichiro Oda reportedly had prepared an ending plot to finish the series.

In late August, one of One Piece's Malaysian fan websites, Budak Getah, had the opportunity to interview Weekly Shonen Jump editor-in-chief Hiroyuki Nakano during the mangas exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

When being asked about the future of One Piece, Nakano said Oda had been trying to finish the manga as soon as possible due to its over-the-top popularity and he had even prepared an ending plot.

Read also: 'One Piece Film: Gold' premieres in Indonesia

"But if people asked us when One Piece will end? We can only say that the future is uncertain," said Nakano. But he added that the team had started discussing the series' 30th anniversary celebration, suggesting that fans can expect to enjoy the manga for at least ten years more.

In 2015, One Piece was named the 'most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author by Guinness World Records. The series itself follows the adventure of Monkey D. Luffy and his friends in finding One Piece, the greatest treasure in the world, in order to become the next Pirate King. (wir/kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 18:04 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2087c72 1 People sapardi-djoko-darmono,poet Free

For the past five decades, one of the country's most celebrated poets, Sapardi Djoko Damono, has contributed to the Indonesian literary scene through his poems, essays and fiction.

The 77-year-old writer of Hujan Bulan Juni (Rain in June) recently revealed what had started him off as a poet. I couldnt be a general because I was too thin, I was [also] not strong enough to become a farmer, Sapardi half-jokingly told Antara news agency during the launch of his latest book, Manuskrip Sajak (Poetry Manuscript), in Jakarta on Thursday.

The book consists of collages of photos of Sapardis poems released between 1958 and 1970s.

He said his love of reading was what made him what he is today. Ive been reading poems since I was in junior high school; but I didnt know [exactly] why I suddenly could write, he said, adding that writing was easier if the author read regularly.

Read also: Reviving Sapardi Djoko Darmono's legacy

Sapardi said he liked to write about everything, including about his melancholic moments when he was young. His inspiration has come from everywhere, including during his studies at the Faculty of Literature of Gajah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta, which was dominated by female students.

There were only four or five male students [at the faculty]; the rest were female students, Sapardi said. All of their names are there [in Manuskrip Sajak], except for my wifes name.

The winner of the Kusala Sastra Khatulistiwa Literary Award in 2004 said he never set a target of how much he could write in a certain timespan. There was a time when he could write 18 poems in one night, but there was also a time he could not even finish a poem for over three years. (wir/kes)
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Linkedin Mariette Le Roux (Agence France-Presse) Paris  Wed, September 13, 2017 11:07 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2075f66 2 Parents pregnancy,alcohol,#pregnancy,health,#health,parenting,#parenting,parents,#parents Free

How much alcohol is safe for a pregnant woman to drink?

For a question that affects so many people, surprisingly little research has been done, health experts who reviewed the scant evidence said Tuesday.

While there is widespread awareness of foetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause brain damage in unborn babies whose mothers drink, nobody knows how much it takes, or whether there is a safe limit for pregnant women to enjoy an occasional tipple.

A trawl for research on the topic found "a surprisingly limited number" of studies into low alcohol consumption during pregnancy, a team wrote in the journal BMJ Open.

And given the "paucity of evidence", the advice for now must remain "better safe than sorry," the researchers concluded.

The team searched far and wide for data on pregnant women who had imbibed four units per week -- a total of 32 grams (1.1 ounces) or 40 milliliters of pure alcohol -- considered in Britain as "light" consumption.

Read also: Is mobile phone use safe during pregnancy?

A unit in Britain is about half a pint of beer, half a glass of wine, or half a shot of the hard stuff.

The recommended British limit for adults is 14 units, but for pregnant women, the advice is complete abstinence.

Guidelines differ between countries, but the issue is controversial.

According to the authors, up to 80 percent of mothers-to-be in Britain, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia drink some alcohol while pregnant.

A study earlier this year in 11 European countries said that about 16 percent of expectant mothers overall reported drinking some alcohol, ranging from 29 percent in Britain, 27 percent in Russia and 21 percent in Switzerland, to just over four percent in Norway.

Read also: New research confirms exercise during pregnancy can be both safe, beneficial

Less judgment

Earlier this year, British Pregnancy Advisory Service, which offers assistance to pregnant women, urged officials not to "overstate the risks from consuming small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy".

In France, winemakers took issue with the government over plans to enlarge a pregnancy alcohol warning on wine bottles, and activists took to social media to accuse the authorities of "terrorising" pregnant women.

The latest paper, based on a review of 26 studies with relevant data, does not resolve the lack of clarity.

It found "some evidence" that drinking up to four units of alcohol per week may be associated with a higher risk of having a smaller baby or giving birth prematurely -- but nothing conclusive.

"We were surprised that this very important topic was not researched as widely as expected," study co-author Loubaba Mamluk of the University of Bristol's School of Social and Community Medicine told AFP.

"In the absence of strong evidence, advice to women to steer clear of alcohol while pregnant should be made on the basis that it is a precautionary measure and is the safest option," she said.

Read also: Pregnancy and childbirth in older mothers

However, women who have had a drink while pregnant, perhaps unwittingly, "should be reassured that they are unlikely to have caused their baby considerable harm," the team wrote.

Experts not involved in the study welcomed its contribution to the limited knowledge pool.

While it does not say light drinking is safe, the research does highlight the weak evidence on which government advice is based, they said.

James Nicholls, research director at the charity Alcohol Research UK, said the findings "should caution us not to create a situation where mothers-to-be are made more anxious, or subject to unnecessary moral judgment, on the issue of very light alcohol consumption."

Added David Spiegelhalter of the University of Cambridge, "with luck this should dispel any guilt and anxiety felt by women who have an occasional glass of wine while they are pregnant."
[September 13, 2017] WiFi Rental Service, "Wi-Ho!(R)," Now Available for Travelers Visiting Japan from Australia and Canada

TOKYO, Sept. 13, 2017 /CNW/ -- - Connect to Internet in Hokkaido and Other Major Destinations; Unlimited Data Usage Plans Available - On September 13, 2017, Telecom Square, Inc. started offering WiFi router rental service, "Wi-Ho! (R)," to travelers visiting Japan from Australia and Canada. (Logo: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/img/201709115499-O1-c1LB7ivc) With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics approaching, the number of visitors to Japan is expected to rise. However, there are not many free WiFi spots in Japan, making it inconvenient for foreign travelers to connect to the Internet. Therefore, Telecom Square would like to solve this problem by providing WiFi router rental service ensuring reliable Internet connection for those who need Internet access during their trips in Japan. A WiFi router is a mobile device that enables smartphones and computers to connect to the Internet anywhere. Users are able to connect to the Internet at popular destinations, such as Hokkaido and Tokyo, search restaurants, and open map apps during the trip. Unlimited data usage plans are available, with a flat fee from A$/C$12 per day. Unlike SIM cards, Telecom Square's WiFi routers support up to 10 to 14 WiFi-capable devices simultaneously. Thus, if a user shares a router with members of his/her group, the price per person will be much lower. Customers are able to make an order online and pay with their local currency before their travel starts. In addition, they are able to pick up Telecom Square products at major airports in Japan. The company's dedicated staff will explain how to use them and answer any questions. It is Telecom Square's duty to guarantee all customers a pleasant trip in Japan. For more information, please visit the company's website. https://www.wi-ho.net/en/?utm_source=kyodoprwire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=Multilingual Service Overview Service Name: Wi-Ho! (R) Airports for Pickup/Return: Narita International Airport (Terminals 1, 2 and 3), Haneda Airport, Kansai International Airport, New Chitose Airport, Fukuoka Airport Available Products:







WiFi Router City Type (4G LTE) Daily A$12/day, C$12/day Unlimited data usage WiFi Router City Type (4G LTE) Pack 7 A$57, C$57 Unlimited data usage WiFi Router City Type (4G LTE) Pack 15 A$87, C$88 Unlimited data usage WiFi Router City Type (4G LTE) Pack 30 A$113, C$114 Unlimited data usage WiFi Router Wide Type (4G LTE) Daily A$16/day, C$16/day

WiFi Router Wide Type (4G LTE) Pack 30 A$165, C$167



Website: https://www.wi-ho.net/en/?utm_source=kyodoprwire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=Multilingual About Telecom Square, Inc. Representative: Yuji Yoshitake, President and Chief Executive Officer Head Office: Homat Horizon Building, 6-2 Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Established: March 28, 1974 SOURCE Telecom Square, Inc.

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Linkedin Mark Gurman (Bloomberg)  Wed, September 13, 2017 10:39 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2072118 2 Science & Tech Apple,#Apple,Apple-Watch,Apple-Watch-Series-3 Free

Apple Inc. unveiled a new Watch on Tuesday that can make calls and access the internet without an iPhone nearby, freeing the device from a limitation that had given some potential buyers pause.

The new version, called Apple Watch Series 3, will use an existing iPhone phone number when making calls, Apple said. It supports the LTE high-speed mobile wireless data standard so users can stream music and check digital maps on their wrist. Previous Apple Watches needed to be tethered wirelessly to an iPhone.

The LTE Watch starts at $399 and will be available Sept. 22. It has a new processor that is 70 percent faster than last years chip, Apple executive Jeff Williams said at the products introduction. Apple shares rose 1.1 percent to $163.30 after the company discussed the Watch.

Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook unveiled the Apple Watch in September 2014, banking on the product being the companys next big category. So far, though, its mostly been an accessory to the iPhone. The companys Other Products unit, which includes the Watch, represented 6 percent of Apples sales in its most recent quarter. However, the new LTE models may spur new sales as some consumers were turned off by the previous models inability to free the Watch from their iPhones.

Read also: Apple bets on Augmented Reality to sell its most expensive phone

Apple initially marketed the Watch as a luxury item, but it has focused more on health and fitness recently. Thats even as established luxury watch makers release smartwatches that cost thousands of dollars. Cook said on Tuesday that the Apple Watch is now the largest watch brand by revenue, overtaking Rolex, and touted new health uses.

Cook said recently that the Watch was the best-selling smartwatch "by a very wide margin," while noting sales of the device grew more than 50 percent in the third quarter. In the larger wearables category, which includes cheaper fitness bands, Apple ranks third behind Xiaomi Corp. and Fitbit Inc., according to research firm Strategy Analytics.

Bloomberg News reported in August that the new Apple Watch would include an option for connecting to LTE networks.
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Linkedin Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 13:35 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a207cf49 1 Science & Tech Javanese-language,Sundanese,language,#language,Google,#Google,google-translate Free

Tech giant Google has officially added Javanese and Sundanese languages to its Voice Search feature on Tuesday.

Available on the Google app, Google Translate app and smart keyboard app Gboard on Android, the new language option is the result of a collaboration between the company and Indonesian universities, namely Gajah Mada University (UGM) and Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta, as well as Indonesia University of Education (UPI) in Bandung, West Java.

Those wanting to use Javanese or Sundanese on Google Voice Search need to set their language in the Google app's Voice Setting menu. After changing the setting, users can then dictate questions in either of the languages by clicking the microphone icon.

The same thing applies for those wanting to use the feature on Gboard.

Read also: Waze allows iOS users to use own voice as navigation sound

Google Speech and Keyboard Team technical program manager Daan van Esch said in a press release that the new language option aimed to make the internet more inclusive and useful for many people, this is why the language barrier needs to be overcome.

Esch added that the local language option was relevant to the Indonesian market, as the number of internet users has increased.

The company said in a statement that the number of Google Voice Search users in Indonesia has quickly increased, 50 percent above the global number.

To incorporate the new languages, Google has worked together with native speakers to collect samples of conversations by asking them to read general phrases. This process uses machine learning to understand voices and words from time to time, improving its accuracy. (kes)
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Linkedin Duncan Graham (The Jakarta Post) Malang  Wed, September 13, 2017 09:48 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a20682e5 4 People philanthropy,health-check,#health,#Philanthropy,obituary,#Obituary,John-Fawcett Free

In Australian vernacular, a do-gooder is a coarse and ambiguous synonym for a philanthropist. For some its a jocular endearment; for others a stain of contempt for uninvited interference in anothers business.

The sincerity of John Fawcett, 85, who died on Saturday, smothered every negative connotation. In the idiom, he was true blue  a bloke who did real good. Two million Indonesians know this to be true.

They elevated him to Dr. John. He did not claim the honorific, but was an expert on medical procedures, having endured many operations for spinal problems and the skin cancer that took his life. He well knew what happens when scalpels slip.

Which is how he came to spend his last 34 years in Bali, and why 50,000 Indonesians once condemned to the dark now have light. More than 1 million have been screened and treated for eye defects. Half a million now see through spectacles  all because one man turned his agonies into achievements to give the gift of sight.

The story starts in 1981 when Fawcett, then an art lecturer and potter in Perth, had an epidural to relieve back pain. The routine procedure went badly wrong. He spent more than two years prone, lost his job and family. Recuperating in Bali, he was treated with compassion by Wayan Mudiana and his wife Kisid  kindness he never forgot.

Cynics claim theres no space left for Australian retirees, the refuse of First World efficiency. Theyre supposed to quietly putt their way into the sunset, maybe mark time with some committee addressing envelopes rather than issues.

Its the governments job to handle health and social problems, not oldies with time on their hands. Australias loss  neighbors gain.

Eye check: UK ophthalmologist Tony Moriarty (right) examines a patient during his time in Bali as a volunteer consultant accompanying the John Fawcett Foundations team and local ophthalmologists on village visits. (johnfawcett.org/File)

In Bali, Fawcett chanced upon extensive cataract blindness seldom seen in Australia, and was shocked that an easy fix was unavailable. He became friends with banker and Rotarian Soeroso Patmodihardjo, which gave him local links.

The John Fawcett Foundation was set up using money from Rotary Clubs, the Australian government, companies, associations and individuals he inspired. It established mobile eye clinics and a hospital.

Although Fawcetts work won plaudits (the Order of Australia in 2004 and the Indonesian presidents Satyalencana award in 2008), he was not a hero with some local medics who saw his activities reducing their incomes.

Fawcett said the issue faded as the foundation only treated those who could not pay and a new generation of altruistic medicos was emerging.

They are keen to learn from Western doctors who give their time to advice on latest procedures  but Indonesian laws prohibit them from treating patients, he said.

Fawcett was a restless, driven urger so our lunches were irregular. The last was in March, when he sought help to get Indonesian TV stations to raise awareness of cataracts through World Sight Day on Oct. 12. So far none have agreed. Perhaps his passing will help them see the need.

Fawcett did not brag of the triumphs but instead told of the torment he endured after persuading a family to let their daughter have a cleft palate operation; the girl died. Had I not interfered she might have lived, he mused. Risk is ever-present in surgery; less than 5 percent of cataract ops fail.

Im not religious, but my culture seems to promote compassion, he said. Some believe a persons handicap or accident has been preordained by an omniscient and vengeful deity so intervention is useless.

Errors in a previous life or recent sins rather than malnutrition, genetic defects and disease are accepted as valid reasons.

To counter such fatalism, Fawcett argued that the sufferers encounter with the foundation was also in the Deitys master plan. And if the cause was diagnosed as black magic, the cure must be the white magic of medical science.

Most Indonesians cannot understand what motivates foreigners to come here and volunteer, he said. When we explain that our services are free, they respond with surprise and disbelief.

If you cant pay in this country you just have to tolerate the disabilities and die prematurely.

Outsider critics of the Indonesian health system are as unwelcome in government offices as foreign loudmouths are in Australian agencies. If you dont like it, go home, is the response on both sides of the Arafura Sea.

More than 1 million have been screened and treated for eye defects through the John Fawcett Foundation. (johnfawcett.org/File)

For Fawcett, that stretch of water was highly symbolic. Growing up in northwest Australia, his family fled Broome shortly ahead of Japanese bombers in 1942.

What Australians dont realize is that the enemy advance was stopped by the resistance of the people of the islands  our closest neighbors, he said.

They supported us at our time of need. Now, where is our money being spent? The screws are on to close down our aid to Indonesia.

In 2015, Australian aid to the republic was slashed by 40 percent.

Its daunting to know our government is not interested in Indonesia. I dont want to think about it. Fortunately, others have an interest.

Sight problems are not confined to Bali. Last year, Fawcetts foundation ran programs in eight provinces. Such was the genuineness of his need that the Indonesian Air Force agreed to use its C130 Hercules to airlift the mobile clinic to outer islands.

Some reason that if Westerners are offering assistance theres a catch. Either they are thieves filching donations, or subversives planning to carve up the unitary state.

If such motives are proved hollow then the foreigner must be out to Christianize. Fawcett added a new clause in the foundations mission statement to deflect such suspicions:  to operate without alignment to any governmental, institutional, political or religious organization.

In a country as religious as Indonesia, many cant understand how care can be divorced from faith, he said. The idea of humanists having values with no strings attached is hard to grasp.

Thus spoke the decent dinky-die Aussie do-gooder who helped others see. John Fawcett was a visionary.
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Linkedin Jennie Matthew (Agence France-Presse) New York, United States  Wed, September 13, 2017 21:06 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a208e9b6 2 Art & Culture Oscar-Wilde,writer,new-york,exhibition,#exhibition Free

A secular temple devoted to Oscar Wilde opened in the basement of a New York church Tuesday, crammed with devotional style religious art to honor a trailblazer of gay rights.

Those involved in the project said it had been 20 years in the making but with transgender rights under threat from President Donald Trump's administration and gays feeling more discrimination, it was more timely than ever.

Conceived by artists David McDermott and Peter McGough at The Church of the Village, the space will be open to members of the public five days a week and available for private ceremonies, including weddings.

Wilde, the Irish wit and playwright, was convicted of gross indecency, sentenced in 1895 to two years hard labor, most of which he served in the southern English town of Reading.

"He invoked all of us to rebel, that it was the inherent quality of human beings to be rebellious, to move society, to be individual," said curator Alison Gingeras, who organized the project.

McDermott said the temple was a place "free of religious doctrine, honoring a watershed historical figure who pioneered the long struggle for equal rights for gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender peoples."

Pastor Jeff Wells welcomed the collaboration, saying the installation "fits so deeply into the ethos of this congregation, which we call radically inclusive."

The church, which has a strong LGBTQ contingent, is located in the heart of Greenwich Village near the Stonewall Inn, a landmark of the gay rights movement in the United States.

"The Oscar Wilde Temple" transforms a basement chapel, which will continue to serve as a place of worship for deaf congregants on Sundays, back to 1882-83, the time of Wilde's lecture tour to America.

Read also: London retrospective charts 50 years of Pink Floyd

A secular temple devoted to the Irish wit and playwright opened in the basement of the New York church on Tuesday, crammed with devotional style religious art to honor a trailblazer of gay rights. (AFP/Don Emmert)

The centerpiece is an altar built around a more than four-foot (1.2-meter) statute of Wilde, carved out of wood but made to resemble marble, and on the pedestal below, his prisoner number at Reading jail.

Wilde wrote the "Ballad of Reading Gaol" under the pseudonym of that number, C33, after fleeing in exile and disgrace to France.

On the walls, hang seven oil and gold leaf canvases on linen based on newspaper coverage of his trial and imprisonment, and inspired by the Stations of the Cross paintings at the cathedral in Avranches, France.

Also honored are other leading lights who fell victim to homophobia, such as Britain's Alan Turing, the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence.

All proceeds from private events and donations to the Temple will go to support LGBTQ youth at risk of homelessness.

"We hope that this temple is a place that is really used," said Gingeras. It will remain open until December 2 before moving to London.

McDermott and McGough, who have collaborated as artists since 1980, began their careers by living as if it were 1890, taking electricity and gas out of their apartment, and wearing starched collars.
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Linkedin Dylan Amirio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 09:38 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a20681d0 4 Lifestyle cultural-heritage,#Heritage,#history,Indonesian-Heritage-Society,history,community,#community Free

For someone who is a complete stranger to a foreign country, taking that first step toward assimilating into its culture can seem daunting.

For those who have the desire to develop a deep understanding of Indonesias culture and traditions, Indonesia has several organizations that cater to the curiosity of newcomers.

None are larger or more experienced than the Indonesian Heritage Society, which has for 47 years been welcoming expatriates and locals looking to explore the diverse archipelagos traditions and cultures.

Indonesian culture is underrated in the sense that the country has not reached mainstream recognition in the global eye, even despite its tremendously vast cultural offerings, both traditional and contemporary.

Currently, the society has 640 members, most of whom are expats from 40 nations, including France, Italy, Japan, South Korea and the United States. There are also over 100 Indonesian members, with more hoping to join.

In the 1970s, the society was started by a group known as the Ganesha Volunteers and in 1995, it was renamed the Indonesian Heritage Society. These volunteers were very interested in Indonesian culture and started to work collaboratively with Jakartas National Museum. That initial partnership, which still continues to this day, sowed the seeds to what became the Indonesian Heritage Society today, the societys president, Isla Winarto, said in a recent interview.

Mainly, the cultural activities include museum tours with members who are trained as guides by the Indonesian Heritage Society or have become experts in the material.

Deeper understanding: An evening lecture in the Erasmus Huis in South Jakarta, which is a part of the English-language lecture series. (Indonesian Heritage Society/File)

The societys long-running partnership with the National Museum in Central Jakarta and with the Indonesian Textile Museum in Petamburan, West Jakarta, focuses on a variety of areas, including translating and updating catalogues, helping to label artifacts and textile conservation.

Winarto said that the partnerships with museums provided an excellent starting point for the introduction and deep recognition of Indonesian history and traditional culture.

Over the years, the societys activities and topics of interest branched further to cater to other cultural interests such as literature, art and the general exploring of Jakarta.

From there, we started to branch out because we understood that not everyone was interested in prehistory. From their experiences as members of the society, many of our members returning to their home countries have helped disseminate information about Indonesian culture, which is a marvelous thing as it helps to develop a greater interest in this wonderful country, Winarto said.

Read all about it: The Jakarta Explorer is a book about the capital city, compiled and published by the Indonesian Heritage Society. (Indonesian Heritage Society/File)

Other activities, such as daytime events on topics such as batik, literature and traditions, are held, often at the nonprofit organizations office on the 17thfloor of the Sentral Senayan I building in Senayan. Evening lectures are open to the general public and are held monthly by the Dutch Embassy at the Erasmus Huis in Kuningan, South Jakarta.

Social gatherings usually take place at the residences of members, while the Rumahku program involves talks and engaging presentations on Indonesian topics. Groups of nationalities tend to organize events in their own language, such as Japanese, Korean, Italian, French and Mandarin.

With events that are typically scheduled during the day and that are often tradition-oriented, Winarto admitted that a current challenge for the society was on getting young people and professionals involved. With evening events, she said, heavy traffic during rush hour was a problem.

Nevertheless, as with many independent cultural organizations, the society is kept alive mainly by the will of its volunteers who, aside from being members, take on leadership roles in running the activities.

Greater choices: The Indonesian Heritage Society's library at Sentral Senayan I building, 17th floor. (Indonesian Heritage Society/File)

The groups events are not only for members. The annual welcoming event, held this year on Sept. 13th, is open to the general public. This is a time when many expats return to Indonesia after the western worlds summer break. The upcoming Selamat Datang (Welcome) event, to be held at the Erasmus Huis, is the publics main chance to familiarize itself with the society and its activities before deciding whether to become a member.

The society has received positive responses from expats, Winarto said, adding that, even among those who have left Indonesia for good, she has been told that learning about Indonesian culture through the group has been one of the best experiences of their lives.

A compliment like that is very valuable to the society. We just feel that we can offer so much, and to know that people out there are recommending the society to one another and sharing Indonesian culture [] abroad is fantastic, she said.

People feel they have a greater affinity for Indonesia when they have a deeper appreciation of its history, customs and traditions, and feel empowered when they have this knowledge. This is so important both for them and Indonesia.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 07:00 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2064aeb 1 City co-working-space,building Free

The Jakarta administration plans to establish more co-working spaces for young entrepreneurs in all its municipalities.

Jakarta Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (UMKM) head Irwandi said that the municipalities wanted to build spaces similar to the Jakarta Creative Hub, a city-run co-working space on the first floor of the Graha Thamrin building in Central Jakarta.

"Every municipality will have one. This includes the Thousand Islands [regency]. We will try to build it in all areas," he said as quoted by kompas.com on Tuesday. Jakarta has five municipalities.

The administration will start building the spaces across the capital in 2018.

The plan is to provide young entrepreneurs with more facilities to develop their creativity and entrepreneurial skills, he explained.

"They can try to develop their abilities and skills there but we will set them with a target. Within three months, they must show improvement," he said. (agn)
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Linkedin  Wed, September 13, 2017 20:48 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a208cd8a 2 Business Aviation-competition,AirBerlin,Germany,strike Free

Insolvent Air Berlin cancelled dozens more flights Wednesday as pilots again called in sick, despite warnings from the airline that the wildcat action could jeopardize rescue talks.

The mass "sick-out" comes ahead of a Friday deadline for potential investors to submit bids for Air Berlin assets.

"More than 30 flights" had to be scrapped early Wednesday as some 150 pilots handed in sick notices for a second day, an Air Berlin spokeswoman said.

Duesseldorf and Berlin-Tegel airports were worst hit by the cancellations, she said, advising affected passengers "not to come to the airport".

Thousands of travelers were already left stranded on Tuesday when some 200 of Air Berlin's 1,500 pilots suddenly called in sick, forcing the cancellation of around 100 flights.

Air Berlin has accused the absent pilots of "threatening the existence" of the airline, warning that the turmoil could scare off investors.

Lufthansa's low-cost subsidiary Eurowings, which leases Air Berlin aircraft and crew, was also affected for a second day.

Air Berlin filed for insolvency in mid-August, after its main shareholder, Gulf carrier Etihad Airways, unexpectedly pulled the plug on its cash lifeline.

The airline has long struggled for survival, and booked losses amounting to 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) over the past two years.

Germany's giant services sector union Verdi on Tuesday expressed solidarity with the absent pilots.

"All the conversations surrounding insolvent Air Berlin are always about its economic interests, never about the jobs of its more than 8,000 employees," said Verdi board member Christine Behle.

Meanwhile, German Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt urged the pilots to end their "risky manoeuvre" and return to work for the sake of Air Berlin's roughly 8,000 employees.

"I can only appeal to everyone to come to their senses and let the flights take place. This is necessary to make a transition to new owners possible," he said at a press conference.

German flagship carrier Lufthansa -- which already leases 38 of Air Berlin's 140 planes -- is seen as the favorite to take over the bulk of the stricken carrier's assets.
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Linkedin Jerome Rivet (Agence France-Presse) Marigot, France  Wed, September 13, 2017 10:46 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2072731 2 World Hurricane-Irma,Emmanuel-Macron,relief-efforts,France Free

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson travelled Tuesday to the hurricane-hit Caribbean, rebuffing criticism over the relief efforts as European countries boost aid to their devastated island territories.

Macron's plane touched down in Saint Martin as anger grew over looting and lawlessness in the French-Dutch territory after Hurricane Irma.

Speaking in Guadeloupe earlier, Macron said the government began preparing "one of the biggest airlifts since World War II" days before Irma hit on Wednesday.

"Now is not the time for controversy," he said, adding: "Returning life to normal is the absolute priority."

The French, British and Dutch governments have faced criticism for failing to anticipate the disaster, with an editorial in The Telegraph newspaper calling the response "appallingly slow."

Touring Saint Martin, Macron was at times jeered by people waiting for aid supplies or hoping to catch flights for France in order to escape the devastation across the island.

"We've been here since six in the morning and we're still waiting, under a blazing sun," said one woman in a crowd of people hoping to leave as soon as possible.

Another woman asked: "Why are you here?"

But Macron said that "everybody who wants to leave will be able to," with officials saying that about 2,000 of the 35,000 residents on the French side of Saint Martin had already left in recent days.

Johnson arrived Tuesday in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, where he met with some of the nearly 1,000 military personnel sent to bolster relief efforts and security.

He was also expected to visit the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.

"The UK is going to be with you for the long term," Johnson had told residents in a video message.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Yangon, Myanmar  Wed, September 13, 2017 13:50 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a207d770 2 World Rohingya-Muslims,Myanmar,Aung-San-Suu-Kyi,UN,Nobel-laureate Free

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has scrapped plans to attend the United Nations General Assembly later this month, her spokesman said Wednesday, as the Nobel laureate faces intense global scrutiny over the Rohingya refugee crisis.

"The state counsellor won't attend the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly," said government spokesman Zaw Htay, using Suu Kyi's formal title.

The spokesman did not explain the decision but said the country's Vice President Henry Van Thio would attend the summit, which runs through next week.

The announcement comes after the UN human rights chief, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, accused Myanmar of waging a "systematic attack" on Rohingya civilians and warned that "ethnic cleansing" seemed to be under way.

The UN's National Security Council also plans to meet Wednesday to discuss the crisis, which continues to deepen as the number of Rohingya refugees making it to Bangladesh soars to 370,000.

This picture taken on August 25, 2017 shows ethnic Rakhine people fleeing from a conflict area at the Yathae Taung township in Rakhine State in Myanmar. The impoverished western state of Rakhine neighbouring Bangladesh has become a crucible of religious hatred focused on the stateless Rohingya Muslim minority, who are reviled and perceived as illegal immigrants in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. (Agence France -Presse/STR)

They have fled violence that has torn through Rakhine state since August 25, when militants from the Muslim minority attacked police border posts triggering a major military crackdown.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner for her defiant democracy activism under Myanmar's former junta, was once the darling of the international community.

She made her debut before the UN assembly last September, after becoming former junta-run Myanmar's first civilian leader in decades, winning warm applause for her speech.

She vowed to find a solution to ethnic and religious hatreds in Rakhine "that will lead to peace, stability and development for all communities within the state."

In a sign of how far her star has fallen since, she has been pilloried by the same rights groups that campaigned for her release from house arrest for failing to speak up in defence of the Rohingya.

Humanitarian crisis: A protester tears up a picture of Myanmars Aung San Suu Kyi during a rally in front of Myanmar Embassy in Jakarta on Saturday to protest the actions of Myanmars army and the government of Aung San Suu Kyi. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warned on Sept. 1 of a looming humanitarian catastrophe in western Myanmar and urged security forces to show restraint after hundreds were reported to have been killed in communal violence. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)

Several fellow Nobel laureates have also condemned her silence.

Denied citizenship by Myanmar, the stateless Rohingya are loathed in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

Refugees streaming into Bangladesh have arrived with horrifying stories of indiscriminate killings and arson attacks at the hands of soldiers.

While the US and other Western powers have rebuked the military campaign, Beijing offered words of support ahead of the UN Security Council meeting.
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Linkedin Andrew Beatty (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States  Wed, September 13, 2017 12:59 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a207b3c0 2 World state-visit,trump,Najib-Razak,White-House Free

US President Donald Trump welcomed Malaysia's prime minister to the White House Tuesday, amid questions about his guest's involvement in a spiraling corruption scandal.

Trump greeted Prime Minister Najib Razak at the West Wing with a handshake and warm thanks, brushing aside criticism for hosting a man being investigated by the US Justice Department.

"I want to thank you very much for all the investments you have made in the United States," Trump said during a joint appearance in the Cabinet Room, heralding a Boeing deal worth "20 billion dollars."

Trump also hailed Najib's "major role" in countering the Islamic State group and other jihadist groups. "He's been very very strong on terrorism in Malaysia and a great supporter from that standpoint. That's a very important thing for the United States, he said.

The run-up to Najib's visit had been dominated by questions about his entanglement in an ongoing US Justice Department investigation.

The veteran prime minister faces allegations that billions were looted from a sovereign wealth fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), in complex overseas deals that are being investigated by authorities in several countries, including the United States.

Both the prime minister and the fund deny any wrongdoing, but the Justice Department has filed civil lawsuits to seize assets, from high-end real estate to artworks, it says are worth about $1.7 billion.

The White House had refused to say whether Trump would raise the issue, preferring to shift the focus onto relations with a key partner in South East Asia.

Although the White House insisted there was no snub, Najib's opponents are sure to see the cancellation of a joint public appearance in the Oval Office as a sign of unease.

"Look, we're not going to comment on an ongoing investigation being led by the Department of Justice," said press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Monday. "That investigation is apolitical and certainly independent of anything taking place tomorrow."

"The United States and Malaysia have had a 60-year relationship and partnership built on common economic and security interests, and that continues."

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak arrives outside of the West Wing ahead of meetings with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Sept. 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Agence France-Presse/Mandel Ngan)

Trump is expected to visit the region later this year for summits in Vietnam and the Philippines.

Ahead of his arrival at the White House, Najib sought to play up majority-Muslim Malaysia's role as a partner in countering violent extremism.

He reiterated that message when the two leaders met face-to-face: "We are committed to fight Daesh, IS, Al-Qaeda, Abu Sayyaf -- you name it," he said.

"They are the enemy of the United States, they are also the enemy of Malaysia. We will do our part to make sure our part of the world is safe."
[September 13, 2017] Wipro partners with Rebuild Texas Fund to help recovery and rebuilding efforts in Texas

Wipro (News - Alert) Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting, and business process services company, today announced that it will partner with Rebuild Texas Fund to help in the recovery and rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Harvey, which left a trail of destruction across Texas. In order to support affected communities, Wipro will contribute $250,000 towards the Rebuild Texas Fund set up by the Michael & Susan Dell (News - Alert) Foundation in collaboration with the OneStar Foundation. Wipro has also initiated a voluntary donation program encouraging contributions from employees. Wipro will match employee contributions dollar for dollar and this amount will also be donated to the Rebuild Texas Fund. The Rebuild Texas Fund is expected to operate for a minimum of one to three years, and will be deployed towards relief, recovery, and rebuilding the affected areas in Texas. The four focus areas of the Rebuild Texas Fund include: health and housing; schools and child care; workforce and transportation; and capital for small businesses. All administrative costs will be covered either by the OneStar Foundation or the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, which means 100 percent of donations will go directly towards relief, recovery, and rebuilding. "This unprecedented natural disaster calls for a massive rebuilding initiative. Wipro has a significant presence in Texas and a deep relationship with the local communities. We stand with the people of Texas affected by this natural disaster and hope that stability is brought to the lives of countless families devastated by the hurricane at the earliest," said Abidali Z. Neemuchwala, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Wipro Limited. Wipro is also collaborating with First Book, a nationwide nn-profit organization, with the goal to supply books to low-income schools and underprivileged students in the region. During the first week of October, Wipro will distribute over 18,000 books to children from low income families in Houston.



Wipro employs over 1,200 people in Texas, with major operations in Dallas and Houston. About Wipro Limited

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company. We harness the power of cognitive computing, hyper-automation, robotics, cloud, analytics and emerging technologies to help our clients adapt to the digital world and make them successful. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship, we have over 160,000 dedicated employees serving clients across six continents. Together, we discover ideas and connect the dots to build a better and a bold new future. Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property, and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005734/en/

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 18:57 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a208a6d5 1 National AGO,KPK,graft,graft-convict,corruption,corruption-eradication-commission,National-Police Free

The Attorney Generals Office (AGO) said on Wednesday it had no intention to erode the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) power to prosecute graft convicts.

AGO spokesperson M. Rum rejected previous media reports, which stated Attorney General HM Prasetyo supported the House of Representative's moves to scrap the anti-graft bodys powers.

The Attorney General has never said that [the AGO] wanted to erase the [KPKs] prosecution powers, Rum said as quoted by Antara in Jakarta on Wednesday.

(Read also: AGO supports House's move to erode KPK's power)

Rum said Prasetyo's statement about the KPKs prosecution powers during his meeting with the House's Commission III, which oversees legal affairs, was only made in response to questions raised by lawmakers regarding the difference between law enforcement systems for corruption eradication in Indonesia and its two neighboring countries  Malaysia and Singapore.

There was no statement made, which suggested prosecution tasks [of graft convicts] should be taken over by the AGO, Rum asserted.

He said law enforcement agencies, including the AGO, the National Police and the KPK, should be synergized and support each other.

During the meeting with the Commission III on Monday, Prasetyo compared Indonesian's law enforcement system on corruption eradication with those implemented in Singapore and Malaysia, where AGOs are the only entities endowed with prosecution authority.

The AGOs in Singapore and Malaysia are the only law enforcement bodies that have the final say regarding prosecution of corruption cases. They told us that an institution with powerful, limitless control will tend to become arbitrary," Prasetyo said during the hearing. (afr/ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 21:02 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a208e6b9 1 National AGO,HM-Prasetyo,AttorneyGeneral,Attorney-General-Office Free

The Attorney Generals Office (AGO) is set to establish two new directorates, which will handle drug offenses and terrorism and transnational crimes.

The two directorates will be set up under the office of the junior prosecutor for general crimes at the AGO.

This is in line with the Presidents decision to allow us to complete the AGOs organizational structure, based on the results of the examination and approval of the administrative and bureaucratic reform minister [Asman Abnur], Attorney General HM Prasetyo said as quoted by Antara in an event in Jakarta on Wednesday.

(Read also: AGO has no intention to erode KPK's prosecution power: Spokesperson)

Prasetyo took the opportunity to call on all prosecutors to carry out their prosecution tasks seriously, including declaring a case dossier P19 (incomplete) or P21" (complete).

Based on the results of our monitoring, many prosecutors have worked unprofessionally [...] They do not pay attention to the importance of the fulfillment of all judicial aspects of a case, along with existing regulations, said Prasetyo.

He went on to say it had often been the case that because of personal interests, including the extending of promises or unlawful gifts from certain parties, prosecutors agreed to engineer case closures, putting their professional integrity at stake.

Prasetyo said it was time for all prosecutors in Indonesia to stop having such poor attitudes. (afr/ebf)
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Linkedin Arif Gunawan Sulistiyono (The Jakarta Post) Tangerang  Wed, September 13, 2017 20:20 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a208c452 1 Business Kertajati-Airport-Majalengka-WestJava,Angkasa-Pura-II,MoU Free

PT Angkasa Pura II (AP II) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a shares purchase agreement for PT Bandara Internasional Jawa Barat (BIJB), the owner of Kertajati International Airport in West Java which is currently under construction.

According to the agreement, AP II and state-owned securities firm Danareksa will buy and absorb the treasury stock issued by BIJB, which will make the two firms new owners of BIJB along with two existing shareholders, namely the West Java government and PT Jasa Sarana.

AP II wanted to be a shareholder in BIJB because the Kertajati Airport had a very strategic role in supporting the Indonesian economy and growth of tourism, especially in West Java, said AP II president director Muhammad Awaluddin.

We will launch the due diligence process for the purchase of shares in BIJB in October at the latest, thus the treasury stock can be transferred to us in November at the latest, he said in a press statement on Wednesday. The purchase of shares will not erode the share ownership percentage of the West Java government and Jasa Sarana.

Aside from the share purchase, Muhammad continued, another MOU was also signed with West Java government about the future operation of Kertajati Airport, which would be handed over to AP II, who would be the ultimate operator.

West Java International Airport in the first stage is planned to serve 5 million passengers per year, and then will be upgraded to a capacity of 18 million passengers. (ags)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 16:39 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a20832d1 1 City Djarot-Saiful-Hidayat,police,recruitment,nepotism Free

The Jakarta administration has signed an agreement with the Jakarta Police that will allow the recruitment of police cadets from a pool of candidates still attending high school.

Jakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat said the program was aimed at scouting for good quality candidates for the force.

"We need to prepare from an early stage young people who want to be police officers. We expect that with this program, police personnel in the future could be more professional," Djarot said as quoted by tempo.co.

Djarot also said the procedure could help eliminate nepotism, which had long marred recruitment practices at the National Police.

The Jakarta governor said that students joining the early recruitment program would get physical training, on top of character building exercises.

Djarot and Jakarta Deputy Police chief Brig. Gen. Suntana signed the deal on Wednesday in a ceremony at City Hall.

In late August, the Jakarta Police started a program to train pak ogah (unlicensed traffic attendants) so that they could help police manage traffic in the capital.
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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan, North Sumatra  Wed, September 13, 2017 20:54 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a208e00b 1 National death-penalty,drug-dealer,Medan,North-Sumatra Free

The Medan District Court has declared Irwantoni, 38, guilty and sentenced him to death for his involvement in the delivery of 270 kilograms of sabu-sabu (crystal methamphetamine) from China.

The sentence was in accordance with what prosecutors sought.

In the verdict hearing held on Wednesday, presiding judge Saryana said Irwantoni was proven to have sent the drugs from China to Dumai, Riau and Medan, North Sumatra, violating the 2009 Narcotics Law.

We sentenced the defendant with the death penalty, Saryana said.

Besides Irwantoni, four defendants  Daud aka Athiam, 47, Ayau, 40, Lukmansyah Bin Nasrul, 36, and Jimmi Syahputra Bin Rusli, 27  were handed the death penalty in previous hearings in the case for their involvement in the delivery of the drugs.

The delivery of the crystal meth was thwarted by personnel of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) on Oct. 17, 2015.

Meanwhile, personnel of the BNNs North Sumatra branch shot dead an alleged drug dealer on Jl. Medan-Binjai KM 16, Sunggal, in Deli Serdang regency on Tuesday evening.

The alleged dealer was believed to be part of the Medan-Binjai-Palembang drug network.

We shot dead one person and arrested four others. We seized 12 kilograms of sabu-sabu from the network, BNN North Sumatra head Brig. Gen. Andi Loedianto said on Wednesday.
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Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Sragen, Central Java  Wed, September 13, 2017 20:53 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a208d21d 1 National LPG,LPG-canisters,LPG-price,subsidized-LPG,drought,WaterCrisis Free

The shortage of subsidized 3-kilogram liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) canisters in Sragen, Central Java, has continued to worsen as the water crisis hits more areas across the regency.

Farmers have begun to use 3-kg LPG canisters to operate their water pumping machines to irrigate their paddy fields that have dried up. This has caused the price of the 3-kg LPG canisters to skyrocket to Rp 25,000 (US$1.89) per canister, far exceeding its price ceiling of Rp 17,000.

The price of a 3-kg LPG canister is equal to the price of four liters of gasoline. If we use gasoline, our water pumps can operate for around 4-5 hours. They can operate for seven hours if we use LPG, said Sartomo, 45, a farmer from Tenggak village in Sidoharjo district.

He said every day he used up two 3-kg LPG canisters to irrigate his paddy field, which is only around one hectare. The LPG canisters were used to operate his machine for 14 hours, from pumping water from a drilled well to irrigating the paddy field.

This is more cost-efficient compared to gasoline. To get the LPG canisters, we must compete against other residents, however. This is why its price has continued to increase, now reaching Rp 25,000, up from Rp 20,000.

Other farmers in 12 districts across Sragen have also used the 3-kg LPG canisters to pump water.

Sragen Industry and Trade Agency head Untung Sugihartono said he could not prohibit farmers from using the 3-kg LPG canisters to irrigate their paddy fields, although they were actually intended for household purposes, such as cooking. (ebf)
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Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam  Wed, September 13, 2017 16:57 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2085278 1 National sea-accident,tanker-vessel,collision Free

An Indonesian-flagged tanker has collided with a Domincan-flagged dredger in the Singapore Strait, leaving at least five sailors missing.

The collision took place on Wednesday morning when the tanker, MT Kartika Segara, and the dredger, JBB De Ring 1, operated by a Malaysian company, were sailing in opposite directions in Singaporean territorial waters, maritime operations director at the Maritime Security Board (Bakamla), Marine Colonel Rahmat Eko Raharjo, said on Wednesday.

Given the narrow route, the collision had been unavoidable, he claimed. The tankers deck and part of its hull were broken in the incident. All crew members of the tanker are reportedly safe.

The JBB De Rong, however, capsized at the location, and while seven of its twelve crew members have been rescued, the remaining five  all Chinese nationals  are missing.

We are going to launch a search and rescue operation as well as anticipate a possible oil spill, as the tanker is carrying oil, Rahmat said.

The agency has dispatched the KN Belut Laut vessel from its base in Batam, Riau Islands.

Meanwhile, the Riau Water Police and the Riau Customs and Excise Office have deployed two and five patrol boats, respectively, to support the SAR effort.

Batam Customs and Excise Office spokesman R. Evy Suhartantyo said his office had received a notice not long after the incident took place at 7 a.m.

As soon as we received information, we launched a search operation, he said.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 19:38 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a208b2f6 1 City Mitra-Keluarga-Hospital,health-care,West-Jakarta,BPJS-Kesehatan,JKN Free

A government team that is investigating the death of a baby after receiving treatment at Mitra Keluarga Hospital in Kali Deres, West Jakarta, is planning to impose administrative sanctions on the hospital in the wake of suspected negligence in organizing a treatment that led to her death.

The team, comprising the Jakarta Health Agency and the Health Ministry, is considering giving reprimands or imposing fines on the hospital. The heaviest sanction of revoking their operation permit, however, is ruled out since the hospital is the only health facility in the area.

If we revoke the hospital permit, it will disrupt health services. What about residents living in the area? said Koesmedi Priharto, the agency head, at City Hall on Wednesday.

Four-month-old Tiara Deborah Simanjorang died at the hospital on Sept. 3 after the hospital refused to provide intensive treatment in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) because her parents did not have enough money to pay the required advance payment. She had received treatment at the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU).

The baby is actually covered by national health insurance (JKN), which covers the PICU treatment, but the hospital claimed they did not know about the matter. (wnd/wit)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 14:26 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a207edaf 1 City homicide,police,investigation,suspect,death Free

The police in Grobogan, Central Java, have shot dead a man who allegedly murdered a couple in Purbalingga, Central Java, more than 500 kilometers from their home in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta.

The suspect has been identified as AZ.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said on Wednesday that the police also arrested two other suspects who allegedly worked with AZ to execute a robbery plot that ended in the murder of Husni Zarkasih and Zakiah Husni.

The two other suspects are EK and SU.

"The suspect AZ tried to escape so we took resolute action, Argo said as quoted by kompas.com.

The police officers investigating the case suspect that the couple, who ran a textile business in Central Jakarta, were the victims of robbery.

Separately, Tanah Abang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Lukman Cahyono, who handled the initial investigation into the case, said the primary suspect in the murder case was the former driver for the couple.

"We believe the suspect was their former driver," Lukman said as quoted by kompas.com.

Topics : homicide police investigation suspect death
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Linkedin Adisti Sukma Sawitri (The Jakarta Post) Lankanfinolhu Island, Maldives  Wed, September 13, 2017 12:45 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a207a9c9 1 World health-facilities,Maldives,health-care,sea-ambulance,WHO,WHO-SEARO Free

Beneath its beautiful atolls and tranquil resorts, Maldives, a low-lying nation in the Indian Ocean, is a struggling democracy that has endured political upheavals and rising sea levels.

The government has been accused of corruption and recently used its army to maintain control of parliament.

But the Islamic republic has done at least one thing right. The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised its commitment to delivering health care to citizens living throughout its scattered islands, resulting in the country being declared free of measles and malaria.

Maldivian Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim told The Jakarta Post that establishing a strong transport system and a well-planned network of health facilities were some of the keys to the achievement in the face of the country's challenging geographical conditions.

It is just a matter of political commitment, nothing more than that, he said on the sidelines of the 70th meeting of the Regional Committee of WHO's South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO SEARO) last week.

He said the country had pharmacies on every island providing basic medicines for free. It also had 25 sea ambulances to transport patients or doctors when they were not available at a health facility.

A health center is available for every island and staffed by a doctor, but the centers size is based on the size of the population. A regional hospital, for instance, will cover services for a few atolls.

We have WHO and other organizations funding programs like a measles elimination campaign, but sea ambulances and other infrastructure come from government funding, he said.
[September 13, 2017] ManageEngine Adds Exchange Online Reporting and Auditing to Exchange Reporter Plus

ManageEngine, the real-time IT management company, today announced the addition of a host of granular reports on Microsoft's (News - Alert) Exchange Online to its Exchange monitoring, auditing and reporting solution, Exchange Reporter Plus. Available immediately, the new reports allow Exchange administrators to audit and analyze every aspect of Exchange Online. Click to tweet this news. Cloud technology is becoming important for most companies, with entire businesses running on the cloud in some cases. Many companies using Exchange Servers for business emails have also jumped on the cloud bandwagon, taking into account the obvious advantages such as increased reliability, reduced downtime and cost, and more. Organizations that are skeptical about the security and reliability of the cloud have embraced hybrid Exchange environments until they are ready for a complete Office 365 migration. "With the adoption of hybrid environments, administrators are tasked with continuously monitoring not only their on-premises Exchange Servers but also their Exchange Online environments," said Manikandan Thangaraj, director of product management at ManageEngine (News - Alert). "Since Exchange Reporter Plus already helps secure and vigilantly monitor our customers' Exchange data, it was a given that we would extend similar treatment to their cloud infrastructure." With the new Exchange Online analysis functionality, administrators can: Fetch mailbox size statistics

Monitor email traffic

Audit activities performed on mailboxes

Identify spam emails

Detect emails carrying malware Enhanced UX with Exchange Reporter Plus New User Interface A user-cntric design is what makes a good product, and this is especially true for solutions that IT administrators work with on a daily basis. With this in mind, the Exchange Reporter Plus GUI has been revamped with a straightforward layout that helps users complete requests faster. Users can now select filter attributes with very few clicks and from the same window, as opposed to the pop-up window in the previous UI. The new GUI requires minimal navigation, thereby improving administrators' productivity.



Pricing and Availability Exchange Reporter Plus starts at $295 and is available for download at www.manageengine.com/products/exchange-reports/download.html. A fully functional, 60-day evaluation version is also available.

About Exchange Reporter Plus Exchange Reporter Plus is a web-based analysis, monitoring and change auditing tool for your Exchange Servers, including versions 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016. It features over 300 unique reports on various Exchange entities such as mailboxes, public folders, Outlook Web Access, and ActiveSync. With Exchange Reporter Plus, you can generate reports and export them to a destination folder and also have them emailed to you at specified times in several file formats, including CSV, PDF, XLS and HTML. Configure alerts in Exchange Reporter Plus for instant notifications on critical changes that require your attention. For more information on Exchange Reporter Plus, visit www.manageengine.com/products/exchange-reports About ManageEngine ManageEngine is bringing IT together for IT teams that need to deliver real-time services and support. Worldwide, established and emerging enterprises - including more than 60 percent of the Fortune 500 - rely on our real-time IT management tools to ensure tight business-IT alignment and optimal performance of their IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, applications, desktops and more. ManageEngine is a division of Zoho Corporation with offices worldwide, including the United States, India, Singapore, Japan and China. For more information, please visit buzz.manageengine.com/; follow the company blog at blogs.manageengine.com/ and on LinkedIn (News - Alert) at www.linkedin.com/company/manageengine-, Facebook (News - Alert) at www.facebook.com/ManageEngine and Twitter (News - Alert) @ManageEngine. ManageEngine is a trademark of Zoho Corporation. All other brand names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Tags: ManageEngine, real-time IT, Zoho, Exchange Reporter Plus, Microsoft Exchange, Exchange Online, Exchange Server, Office 365, cloud, Exchange monitoring, auditing, IT management View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005333/en/

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 12:09 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2079b90 1 National Jokowi,humanitarian-aid,Rohingya-Muslims,Bangladesh Free

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Wednesday dispatched aid to Rohingya refugees displaced from their homes in Myanmar and seeking refuge in Bangladesh.

The first batch of aid, which includes tents, rice, sugar and sanitation supplies, will be transported by four Hercules aircraft operated by the Indonesian Military.

After flying from Halim Perdanakusumah Air Base in East Jakarta, the aircraft will stop to refuel in Aceh before continuing on to the city of Chittagong in Bangladesh.

The aircraft will also transport 18 volunteers from Indonesia who will help with humanitarian work in refugee centers in Cox Bazaar, Bangladesh.

President Jokowi said the deployment of the Hercules aircraft would ensure that the aid could be delivered quickly.

"It will take longer if we ship the aid in containers," Jokowi said.

The exodus of more than 370,000 Rohingya from Rakine state began after militants attacked police posts on Aug. 25, prompting a military backlash.
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Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi  Wed, September 13, 2017 18:16 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2089274 1 National Jambi,Suku-Anak-Dalam,illiteracy Free

Sarolangun regency administration in Jambi province is intensifying its literacy program for the nomadic Anak Dalam people residing in the regency by means of a direct approach to the tribe members.

The illiteracy rate in the regency stood at 2,000 people, mostly comprising tribal people according to the Central Statistics Agency in 2015, the early education unit head at the Sarolangun Education and Culture Agency Zulkarnaen said.

Over the past few years, the agency has run a program to eradicate illiteracy in Tinting village in Sarolangun district.

We set up a study group in the village. The group can accommodate at least 50 people aged 15 to 59 years old, he said, adding that in running the study group, the education agency forged cooperation with a local community learning center (PKBM).

For the members, especially children of the Suku Anak Dalam tribe that are able to read, the agency also supports them in studying at local formal schools. The agency issues a letter notifying the schools that the children are literate as evidence.

Moreover, specifically for Tinting village, the agency also provides a small library and early education for the tribal people.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 17:58 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2087a08 1 City NU,Nahdlatul-ulama,NahdlatulUlama,peaceful-Islam,Islam-Nusantara,preachers Free

Indonesia's largest Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is composing a draft curriculum to train 1,000 preachers in Jakarta to spread peaceful Islamic teachings.

Maksum Machfiedz, the deputy head of NUs central executive board, said it was expected the training would be conducted in November, with the cooperation of the Jakarta administration.

The curriculum will explain how we can make Islam Nusantara [Islam of the Archipelago] a central practice of Muslims in Indonesia. All preachers must understand the problems in society [...] when they deliver their sermons, Maksum told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Islam Nusantara is a concept developed by NU to propagate peaceful Islam throughout the world. The concept is based on cultural and pluralist approaches.

Maksum said around 1,000 preachers would participate in the training, which would be delivered in several stages. All technical aspects of the training were still being arranged, he added.

After signing an agreement with the Jakarta administration last Friday, we plan to discuss all things related to the training with our subordinates. In NU, we will discuss it with our dakwah [missionary endeavor] institutions, Maksum said.

All funds needed for the training would be covered by the Jakarta administration, he went on.

Maksum said he was certain that with the training, preachers could help subdue sectarian and religious tensions among Muslims in Jakarta, or at least among NU cadres. (yon/ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 17:24 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2086b0c 1 City vigilantism,ride-hailing-service,traffic-accident,Depok,mob-justice,motorcycle-taxi Free

An online ride-hailing driver, who was allegedly driving his motorcycle under influence, hit a couple riding a motorbike on Tuesday night and was then beaten by fellow ride-hailing drivers who were hanging out near the scene.

The accident took place on Jl. Nusantara, Depok, at around 7 p.m.. The couple suffered injuries and were taken directly to Bhakti Yudha hospital in Pancoran Mas, Depok.

The online driver was speeding. Because he was drunk, he suddenly swerved and hit another motorbike being ridden by a man and his wife, said a witness, Yonan, on Tuesday night, as quoted by tribunnews.com.

(Read also: Man burned to death for stealing mosque amplifiers)

The perpetrator claimed he was a military officer in an attempt to stop people from beating him, but as he could not prove it, they beat him even harder, Yonan added.

Depok Police Traffic Management Unit head First Inspector (Iptu) Joko said police were still examining the crime scene. The identities of the perpetrator and the victims have yet to be disclosed.

The driver is being held at Pancoran Mas police station to prevent further vigilante acts against him. (wnd/wit)
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Manila, Philippines  Wed, September 13, 2017 11:05 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2073af3 2 World duterte,drugs,Philippines,Rights-watchdogs,authoritarian-leadership Free

Philippine lawmakers have voted to slash annual funding for the nation's human rights commission to just $20 in response to its investigations into President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly drug war, authorities said Wednesday.

The House of Representatives action is the latest part of what critics say is a campaign by Duterte and his allies to silence opposition to the crackdown, which has claimed thousands of lives and led rights groups to warn of a crime against humanity.

The House, one of two chambers of the Philippine Congress, cut the Commission on Human Rights allotment to 1,000 pesos (about $20) in the 3.8-trillion-peso national budget bill that it passed on second reading late Tuesday.

"This leads us on a direct path to dictatorship," Senator Francis Pangilinan, leader of the Liberal Party, the country's main opposition group, said in a statement Wednesday.

The commission is one of several independent government bodies set up by the Philippine constitution to check the power of the executive department, which controls the country's police and military forces.

The body has been investigating some of the deaths of more than 3,800 narcotics suspects killed by police and other drug enforcement agencies in what they have described as "legitimate" operations.

The drug crackdown has triggered wider violence with thousands of other people having been killed in unexplained circumstances. Rights groups accuse authorities of running vigilante death squads, but the government denies this.

The budget bill has to be passed separately by the Senate, and Pangilinan vowed to block the House version.

"We will not allow this to pass in the Senate even if this means the 2018 budget will not be passed," Pangilinan said.

Independent Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former Philippine police chief, told DZMM radio in an interview that the Senate version of the budget bill had recommended 678 million pesos for the rights body.

If the Senate and House pass differing versions of a bill, the two bodies meet to write a final version that will then be ratified by both chambers and signed into law or vetoed by the Philippine president.

Duterte has vowed to kill tens of thousands of criminals to rid the country of illegal drugs, and has said he would not allow any soldier or police to go to prison for helping him prosecute the campaign.

The drug war remains popular in a citizenry fed up by high crime, according to independent polls, and critics have faced the wrath of Duterte supporters.

One of its top critics, Senator Leila de Lima of the Liberal party, was arrested early this year and charged with abetting the illegal drug trade in her previous post as justice minister.
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Linkedin Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 18:08 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a208884c 1 Business redenomination,bank-indonesia Free

Bank Indonesias (BI) hopes of lawmakers deliberating the redenomination bill this year have been dashed.

A House of Representatives plenary session on Wednesday approved six bills to be included in the revised National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) for this year, namely bills on water resources, on copyright of printed and recorded work, on tax consultant, on social work practices, on music and on customary land rights.

"The government is not yet willing [to propose the redenomination bill] because of the approaching political years [in 2018 and 2019]," House Legislative Body (Baleg) deputy chairman Firman Subagyo said.

The government, he said, had to comprehensively disseminate information about the bill to avoid public misunderstanding that could lead to social unrest. "If the bill was approved now to become a law, the psychological risk would have to be contained."

The bill on redenomination, if approved, will slash three zeroes off the local currency.

BI Governor Agus Matowardojo revived the idea of rupiah redenomination, which was first floated in 2013, stressing that this year was the best time to start the process, considering the sound and stable economic condition.

However, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the government would not propose the bill for deliberation at the House this year. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has gone as far as saying the policy would not be implemented in the near future.

"It seems that the government won't deliberate it even next year," Firman said. (ags)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 13:38 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a207d1ef 1 Business BI,Bitcoins,payment-system,mayapada,Cable-TV Free

Cable television company Topas TV, a subsidiary of the Jakarta-based Mayapada Group, said on Wednesday that it would conduct its transactions with the crypto-currency bitcoin.

Topas TV said in a statement that the use of bitcoin could help customers deal with the payment of their bills, given its speed and the fact that it does not require an additional sum for administrative or processing fees.

"Dato Sri Tahir [the founder of Mayapada Group] is taking another step forward to prove that the digital assets system offered by bitcoin can bring about positive effects in moving the economy forward," the company said.

Despite the growing acceptance of bitcoin in Japan, the EU and the US, the use of bitcoin is not recognized in Indonesia.

CEO Bitcoin Indonesia Oscar Darmawan said he could understand Bank Indonesias (BI) reluctance to regulate the new currency.

BI is providing room for bitcoin as a new technology to thrive before regulating it, he said in a recent interview.
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Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam, Riau Islands  Wed, September 13, 2017 23:41 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a208face 1 National sea-accident,dredger,Batam,RiauIslands,Riau-Islands,Bakamla,Singapore Free

Indonesian authorities have stepped up efforts to assist ongoing search-and-rescue operations for five foreign sailors reported missing after their dredger collided with an Indonesian tanker in waters off Singapore on Wednesday.

The five sailors, which comprise four Chinese and one Malaysian national, were among 12 sailors on board the Dominican-registered dredger JBB De Rong 19, which collided with Indonesias Kartika Segara tanker at 12:40 p.m. local time.

The Maritime Security Boards (Bakamla) maritime operation director Commodore Rahmat Eko Raharjo said the agencys KN Belut Laut national vessel had departed from Batam, Riau Islands, for the search operation. It would join with two patrol vessels dispatched by the Riau Islands Water Police and five patrol vessels of the Batam Customs and Excise Office to look for the missing crew members.

We are going to conduct a search-and-rescue operation and anticipate a possible oil spill incident in the waters because the accident involved an oil tanker, Rahmat told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

The oil tanker was joining the eastbound lane to depart, while the dredger was transiting in the westbound lane when they collided in the Singapore Strait, the city states Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) said.

The 26 crew members of the Kartika Segara oil tanker did not sustain any injuries. The tanker was reportedly damaged on her starboard bow, but was stable and is currently anchored at the Eastern Anchorage. Meanwhile, the dredger capsized and is currently partially submerged. (afr/ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 14, 2017 00:18 1887 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a20904e6 1 National sea-accident,Basarnas,boat-accident,boat-capsized,Batam,RiauIslands,Riau-Islands Free

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) of Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, said on Wednesday that two of the five sailors reported missing during a collision between the Indonesian-flagged MV Kartika Segara tanker and the Dominican Republic-flagged JBB De Rong 19 dredger had been found dead.

Basarnas Tanjungpinang head Djunaidi said the bodies of the two sailors were found inside the JBB De Rong 19 at around 1:04 p.m. local time.

He said Basarnas Tanjungpinang personnel helped move the bodies of the two sailors to the Singaporean Coast Guard office.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Djunaidi said, Basarnas Tanjungpinang, the search-and-rescue mission coordinator, continued to carry out operations to find the three other sailors who remained missing.

So far, nine victims have been found, seven of whom survived the incident, he said as quoted by Antara.

(Read also: Vessels deployed to search for five missing sailors)

It was earlier reported that the number of people on board the vessel was 12. They comprised 11 Chinese citizens and one Malaysian national. It was later learned that seven of them managed to escape the incident.

The oil tanker was joining the eastbound lane to depart, while the dredger was transiting in the westbound lane when they collided in the Singapore Strait, the city states Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) said.

The 26 crew members of the Kartika Segara oil tanker did not sustain any injuries. The tanker was reportedly damaged on her starboard bow, but was stable and is currently anchored at the Eastern Anchorage. Meanwhile, the dredger capsized and is currently partially submerged. (ebf)
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Linkedin Irawaty Wardany (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 14 2017

Young farmers from Taiwan are visiting Indonesia to exchange ideas and expand networks with their Indonesian counterparts.

During their one-week visit, the agriculture ambassadors are visiting Lembang in West Bandung regency, West Java, to meet local farmers who are trained in and empowered by the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM). The TTM started in 1976, covering among other things, strengthening agribusiness incubators and human resources development in Bandung and one-village-one-product projects in Bali.

The group will also meet with students of the Bogor Agricultural University during their stay from Sept. 9 to 16.

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[September 13, 2017] Sequans Powers Spartan GoCam LTE for IoT Surveillance Camera

LTE for IoT chipmaker Sequans Communications (News - Alert) S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) announced that its Colibri LTE Cat 4 Platform provides the LTE connectivity for the new Spartan GoCam now available for use on the major US wireless networks. Spartan GoCam is an LTE (News - Alert)-connected wireless surveillance camera for use in numerous markets, including residential, wildlife, commercial, utilities, and research. The Spartan GoCam sends motion or timer-triggered images to a user's phone, tablet or computer in real time via the Spartan GoCam web portal and mobile application. Users can view images immediately in real time. Cameras can be controlled by advanced two-way communication via the web or mobile app (Android (News - Alert) or iOS), putting users in control of all their cameras while receiving and viewing images anytime, anywhere. Spartan GoCam features all-in-one design and standalone installation and is powered by AA batteries or portal DC power. "We chose Sequans to provide the LTE connectivity for the Spartan GoCam, because the Colibri platform has the high performance LTE features we needed, including high throughput for video and images at the lowest power consumption in the industry," said Wei Shi, CEO of Frontier Pursuits Technology, developer of the Spartan GoCam. "Colibri is an operator-certified, proven solution for ultra-reliable LTE connectivity." "The Spartan GoCam is a powerful surveillance solution with a wealth of features and capabilities," said Danny Kedar, head of Sequans IoT business unit. "It is exciting to see our Colibri technology operating in this very sophisticated camera that transmits moving or still images via the everywhere available LTE network. The uses for such a powrful surveillance tool are almost limitless."



The Spartan GoCam is powered by Sequans' Colibri LTE Platform, a Cat 4, 150 Mbps chipset and member of Sequans' StreamrichLTE family of solutions for broadband and high performance IoT devices. Colibri comprises baseband and RF along with an integrated IoT applications processor running Sequans' carrier-proven LTE protocol stack, an IMS client, and a comprehensive software package for over-the-air device management and packet routing. The Spartan GoCam will be on display in Sequans' booth at Mobile World Congress, September 12-14, North Hall, N.501. For more information, please visit www.spartancamera.com

About Sequans Communications Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading provider of single-mode 4G LTE semiconductor solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) and a wide range of broadband data devices. Founded in 2003, Sequans has developed and delivered seven generations of 4G technology and its chips are certified and shipping in 4G networks around the world. Today, Sequans offers two LTE product lines: StreamrichLTE, optimized for feature-rich mobile computing and home/portable router devices, and StreamliteLTE, optimized for M2M devices and other connected devices for the IoT. Sequans is based in Paris, France with additional offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. Visit Sequans online at www.sequans.com; www.facebook.com/sequans; www.twitter.com/sequans View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005851/en/

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Linkedin Maria Antonova (Agence France-Presse) Moscow  Wed, September 13, 2017 09:01 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2067bba 2 News Moscow,Russia,Zaryadye-Park,destination,#destination Free

Moscow on Monday opens a brand new park to the public just steps from the Kremlin, boasting wonders such as an ice labyrinth, despite criticism over its huge pricetag.

Zaryadye Park has replaced a gigantic Soviet-era hotel on the banks of the Moscow river, which was demolished in 2006 leaving a lot that stood empty for many years as investors and City Hall clashed over the space, valued at more than $1 billion.

Spanning an area just over 10 hectares (25 acres) in prime location near Red Square and the Kremlin, the lot was eventually converted into a park because "nothing else worked," said Moscow culture department chief Alexander Kibovsky as he gave a tour to journalists at the weekend.

Initially, "nobody had the courage to suggest it could be a park... the lot was valued at 1.5 billion in foreign currency," he said.

"We were shocked" when Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin floated the idea. he said. "I don't know another metropolis where they would disregard commercial value and use the territory as a public space.

"It's fantastic."

The park consists of a landscape with different geobotanical "zones" including one resembling a tundra, as well as attractions like a philharmonic hall concealed under a hill with a "glass crust" roof and an ice cave with a labyrinth.

"Since we (Russia) have a lot of territory beyond the Arctic circle, we are showing it here," Kibovsky said.

Park director Pavel Trekhleb pointed out that climate control for the park's southern plants will be provided with infrared lanterns, while fish will be supplied into the pond on a weekly basis.

"You can come with a fishing pole and get fish for dinner," he said.

Read also: Adieu 'grandmothers', Moscow metro modernizes ahead of World Cup

A post shared by Ilya Varlamov (@varlamov) on Sep 10, 2017 at 1:47pm PDT

A post shared by AFA (@afa2212) on Sep 11, 2017 at 3:35pm PDT

Moscow 'fat cat'

Zaryadye Park is one element of the current mayor's push to remake Moscow which has turned the city of some 12 million into a vast construction site over the past few years.

Other initiatives include a $62.1 billion plan to raze thousands of Soviet-era pre-fab apartment blocks, the $2 billion effort to revamp Moscow's central streets and the $3.5 billion new train line connecting some outlying neighbourhoods.

Compared with these expenditures, the park's budget of 14 billion rubles ($244 million) seems modest, but critics have called some of its pricey elements frivolous at a time when the country is trying to recover from recession.

"What a scale! That's two annual budgets of Tver (a city north of Moscow) on one park!" one Facebook user Alexey Nikonov wrote of Zaryadye's cost.

The park ended up costing three times the original budget of five billion rubles, RBK news agency said.

"No money in the budget to pay salaries to doctors, pensions in the provinces are miniscule, while Moscow is behaving like a fat cat," wrote another critic Svetlana Popova on Facebook.

Historically Zaryadye was a bustling merchant quarters and became a mainly Jewish neighbourhood in the late 19th century.

However after Jews were forcibly moved out of the Russian capital in 1892, Zaryadye began to disintegrate and Soviet authorities decided to knock it down.

It was replaced by the Rossiya hotel which was the biggest in the world with 3,182 rooms when it was built in 1967.
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 14:05 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a207e350 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,atambua,Wonderful-Indonesia,music,concert Free

Atambua town in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is only days away from hosting the Wonderful Indonesia music concert.

The concert will be held on Sept. 22 at the Simpang Lima field and feature legendary rock band Slank.

Both NTT Tourism Agency and the Tourism Ministry are expecting to welcome not only the locals but also concert-goers from the neighboring country Timor Leste.

To attract Timor Leste citizens, a huge billboard ad has been installed that could be seen from the entrance gate between the two countries. Atambua itself is located close to the four border areas of Timor Leste.

Read also: Tourism and transportation ministers attend Lake Toba Charm Carnival 2017

The event committee also sent out a promotional team to Timor Leste to promote the concert.

As for the immigration process, the ministry alongside other stakeholders will help coordinate the opening of border gates from Timor Leste to Atambua.

On the D-day, the event is set to host several opening acts, such as Likurai traditional dance by Bete Lelenok dance studio and a music performance by Albatross band. (kes)
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 16:07 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a20829ac 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Wonderful-Indonesia,France,bus Free

After appearing on London black cabs, the Wonderful Indonesia tourism brand is currently being promoted on 16 open tour buses in Paris, France.

The campaign that will run between Sept. 12 and Oct. 9 features beautiful Indonesian scenery such as Borobudur Temple, Balinese dancers, Komodo dragon, Lake Toba, Raja Ampat and friendliness of Indonesian people.

According to Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, plastering the ad on public transportation such as bus, tram, train, taxi is more effective and has a higher chance to go viral on social media.

Its very effective, Wonderful Indonesia is getting more recognition in the real world as well as on the internet. They can use [the ad] to take a selfie and post it on social media, he said.

Read also: Salt Cathedral: Colombian tribute to the mother of miners

Last year, the number of French tourists to Indonesia increased 19.8 percent from 2015, from 209,466 to 250,921 people, The number was beyond our last years target of 250,000 people, added Arief.

Additionally, the Wonderful Indonesia brand earns the 47th spot in the world ranking.

Meanwhile, Visit Indonesia Tourism Officer (VITO) country manager for France, Eka Moncarre, said the month of September is filled with B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumer) activities that aim to promote Wonderful Indonesia and attract potential foreign tourists.

Eka explained that France that has a population of 66 million people is a potential market for Indonesian tourism.

This year, Indonesia is among the top five list of countries that French tourists love to go to. Furthermore, no visa is required to visit Indonesia for 30 days, said Eka. (kes)
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 15:03 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a208082d 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Jokowi,#Jokowi,social-media,university,University-of-Padjadjaran Free

Amid his busy schedule, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo made time to attend the 60th Dies Natalis anniversary of Padjadjaran University (Unpad) in Bandung held on Sept. 11 at the Graha Sanusi Hardjadinata, Unpad.

During his speech, Jokowi made an interesting statement about opening a social media major in universities.

We need to change. Lets say the economics faculty, it should offer more than management and accounting majors; there should be logistics management, retail management and online store programs, or majors, too. The same thing with social and political sciences faculty, students in this faculty need to learn about social media as well, he said.

The President himself is very active on social media as he does video blogging on his YouTube channel and regularly updates his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Jokowi explained that the rapid change in technology will change the landscape of global politics, which in effect will change the national and regional political scenes.

Read also: STP Nusa Dua Bali Job Fair to return in September

In the end, economic landscape will also change as evidenced in the closing of many physical retail shops due to the rise of online shopping and artificial intelligence.

If we dont anticipate this, it will become a threat to our nation, especially in terms of competition, told Jokowi.

The President wanted universities such as Unpad to anticipate these rapid changes and prepare the millennial generation who will rule the market in the next 10 years. He described millenials as independent, internet savvy, love to work together and innovative.

Currently Indonesia has 144 million internet users, which makes it among the top three of the worlds internet users.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, who accompanied the President at the event, added that Bandung Institute of Tourism (STP Bandung) has created a specific student activity unit (UKM) called Social Media. The Tourism Ministry itself plans to implement this program to other tourism institutions that are under the ministry, such as STP Nusa Dua Bali, Poltekpar Palembang, Poltekpar Lombok, Akpar Medan and Poltekpar Makassar.

He explained that the ministry acknowledges four different types of media known as POSE: Paid media, Owned Media, Social Media and Endorser.

Arief himself has implemented the go-digital concept in the ministry since October 2016 in order to achieve the target of 20 million foreign tourists in 2019. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 13, 2017 10:36 1888 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2070a8c 1 News student,#students,Competition,#competition,animation,#animation Free

Teams of students from Surya University in Tangerang, Banten, and Indonesia Computer University (Unikom) in Bandung, West Java, have reportedly won the Asiagraph Reallusion Award 2017 (ARA) in Taiwan.

ARA is an annual animation film live contest, which requires participants to develop real-time 3D animation within 48 hours.

Students from Asia Pacific countries, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia, reportedly joined the event as well.

Read also: Indonesian students win gold, silver medals in International Physics Olympiad

In the final round held on Aug. 23-25, Surya University came up as the Best Film winner through their work titled Sidewalk and is entitled for US$10,000 prize. Meanwhile, Unikom received an Outstanding Work award.

According to kompas.com, prior to the final round the participants joined a local round competition held in Tarumanagara University on May 8-10.

Sony Adi Purnomo, a member of Surya Universitys supervising team, expressed his hopes that the achievement would help improve local creative industry resources, particularly film and animation.

He also said the achievement proves that Indonesian students skills can compete with other countries. (jes/kes)
[September 13, 2017] Lynx Announces OCF-Compliant Smart Home Hub Solution

Lynx Technology today announced Q4 availability of Lynx MiND. Lynx MiND is an OCF-compliant smart home solution, and is based on the IoTivity framework. Lynx MiND, which includes a rules engine, will enable a gateway, NAS, wireless router or STB to be transformed into a smart home hub. Lynx also announced the Lynx ODM Channel Program, to help ODMs maximize their success in providing smart home solutions to the market. Lynx MiND (Managing Intelligent Networked Devices) will help Device Manufacturers and Service Providers establish a business in the smart home market, differentiate their products to increase unit sales and gross margins, and introduce innovative business models to increase and diversify their revenue streams. "Over 26% of U.S. broadband households currently own a smart home device and 442 million connected devices will be sold in the U.S. by 2020," according to Brad Russell, senior analyst with Parks Associates (News - Alert). "Solutins that enable wide-ranging interoperability are best positioned to succeed." Lynx MiND is OCF (Open Connectivity Foundation)-compliant and based on the IoTivity framework. Once embedded with the Lynx MiND Engine - a gateway, NAS, wireless router or STB will function as a smart home hub that will interoperate with other OCF-certified devices (e.g. thermostats, lights, locks, cameras), and has the capability to provide a bridge to devices on other smart home ecosystems (e.g. Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread).



Lynx MiND delivers critical smart home hub functions such as: device interoperability, device discovery, device control, scene creation, event-driven rules and remote access. Through Lynx MiND, Device Manufacturer and Service Provider end users can easily create automated scenes, such as Wake Up, Go To Bed, Leaving Home and Coming Home. For example, a Wake Up scene might turn on the bedroom light, turn up the thermostat, start the coffee maker and play music on the bedroom connected speaker - even if these devices are not made by the same manufacturer. The Lynx ODM Channel Program will offer benefits to ODMs to help them market Lynx MiND worldwide. Benefits include: special ODM pricing, OCF device certification support, prototype development support, Lynx MiND licenses and maintenance & support.

Lynx MiND will be available in Q4 of 2017. Lynx is a member of OCF, the IoTivity Steering Group and the Planning Function Leader for IoTivity. ABOUT LYNX TECHNOLOGY For Consumer Electronics companies, Service Providers and Content Providers who want to enable their devices to deliver media and smart home uses cases for consumers in the home, Lynx provides device connectivity software that allows consumers to quickly and securely discover and enjoy their media libraries and smart home devices, while coordinating and controlling them from any mobile device. Lynx Technology is based in San Diego, California and has offices in Berlin, Germany, Tampere, Finland and Tokyo, Japan. We serve customers across North America, Europe, Asia and Japan. To learn more, please visit www.lynxtechnology.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005011/en/

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Show your support for the Hoosiers and @FGCU_VB in what should be a great match Saturday at 7PM! #GoIU #EarnYourStripes ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/Bmvckts5Xk  Indiana Volleyball (@IUVolleyball) September 15, 2017

 The 9-0 Hoosiers are back at home this weekend to host the Hoosier Classic, Sept. 15-16 at University Gym.University Gym is located at 2721 E 10Street. It is near the intersection of 10street and the 45/46 bypass.The Hoosiers have won the Indiana Invitational, George Washington Invitational and Dunn Hospitality Tournament so far, this season. This weekend Indiana will match up against UNLV, Samford and Florida Gulf Coast.Friday Sept. 15 at 7PM vs. UNLV | Live Stats Saturday Sept. 16 at 12PM vs. Samford | Live Stats Saturday Sept. 16 at 7PM vs. Florida Gulf Coast | Live Stats The Hoosiers have started 9-0 for the second straight season. It is the sixth time in program history Indiana has started 9-0 and the first time in school history they have done it in back-to-back seasons. The 9-0 start is tied for the third best start in program history.The Hoosiers are coming off their best season since 2010 as they finished 17-16 overall in the 2016 season. The team started 9-0 for the fourth time in school history and went 11-2 in non-conference play. The Big Ten slate was highlighted by wins over No. 13 Michigan and No. 22 Ohio State. In all, the Hoosiers beat four teams that made the NCAA Tournament.With the graduation of five seniors there will be many new faces on the 2017 roster. The team includes 11 freshmen and sophomores and six newcomers. In addition to the five freshmen, the Hoosiers have also added graduate student. Ostach completed her undergraduate education at Fordham and was the team captain in her senior year.With 11 freshmen and sophomores the Hoosiers have gotten significant contributions from their younger players. At the George Washington Invitational, sophomore liberowas named the MVP. Koors tied a program record for digs in a three-set match with 25 in the win over George Washington. Sophomore settercurrently ranks third in the NCAA in assists per set with 12.58 per set. Sophomore middle blockerranks 31in the NCAA in hitting percentage at .415 and the Hoosiers as a team rank 23in the NCAA in hitting percentage at .281.Hurricane Irma has had a devastating impact on much of Florida in the recent days. The Florida Gulf Coast team has not been home in two weeks. They traveled from North Carolina to Bloomington after their tournament last week. Show your support for them and the situation in Florida by coming out to the Indiana vs. Florida Gulf Coast match on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.The Hoosiers three matches will be video streamed on BTN Plus and there will also be a radio broadcast available on IUHoosiers.Com.This weekend there will be a special IU volleyball tumbler giveaway. For students come early and get extra Crimson Guard points.
EFFINGHAM -- HSHS St. Anthonys Memorial Hospital will host its next monthly "Walk With a Doc" walking program at 9 a.m. Saturday at the TREC Trail.

Walkers should meet in the Effingham Performance Center parking lot. For those unable to walk on the trail, a doctor will be available to walk with them in the EPC parking lot.

Participants will walk with Dr. Ryan Jennings, who is St. Anthonys chief medical officer, and other health care professionals, who will provide support to the walkers and answer questions during the walk.

This is a free program, and pre-registration is not required. Walks will be held monthly on the third Saturday of each month. When there is inclement weather, the walks will be held at the Village Square Mall.

For cases of inclement weather, check the hospitals Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StAnthonysMemorialHospital or listen to local radio stations for notices about cancellation or changes in location.

Walk With a Doc was created by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist who practices at Mount Carmel Health Systems in Columbus, Ohio. He has been walking every weekend since 2005. The expansion and support of the program is thanks to Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

For more information about St. Anthonys Memorial Hospital, visit St. Anthonys website at stanthonyshospital.org. To learn more about the Walk With a Doc program, visit walkwithadoc.org.
CHARLESTON -- The Coles County Board on Tuesday approved the sale of a county-owned parking lot to Mike Knoop, owner of Roc's Blackfront in Charleston.

The lot is located directly west of the back entrance of the restaurant and tavern at 410 Sixth St. With the sale agreement the board approved, the lot will be sold at its appraised value of $14,800.

The board's Building and Grounds Committee voted to recommend the sale. On Tuesday, board member Nancy Purdy, who chairs the committee, said the county doesn't have a need for the lot.

Knoop indicated he wanted to buy the lot for customer parking for Roc's, saying there are times when no parking's available when the restaurant opens on weekdays.

Purdy said county employees can park there but most use lots that are closer to the courthouse. The committee also favored the sale because the ownership change would put it back on the tax rolls, she said.

The board approved the sale, without discussion, with an 11-0 vote. Board member Cory Sanders didn't attend the meeting.

Also Tuesday, the board also voted to designate the county Health Department's environmental health director as the county's noxious weed officer.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture requires the designation but no one is currently in the position. The board approved the designation with another 11-0 vote, again without discussion.

Health department Environmental Health Director Gloria Spear said the officer is supposed to find locations where the weeds are growing and work with property owners for their removal.

The Illinois Administrative Code identifies certain plants as noxious weeds, including marijuana, ragweed, some thistle species and kudzu.
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Gov. Ricketts announced Wednesday that his trade mission to Japan has resulted in a deal for the Smithfield Foods plant in Crete.

Ricketts said in a news release that Sagami Chain Co. Ltd. signed a letter of intent to expand its business relationship with Smithfield, which will result in the sourcing of pork products by Sagami from Smithfields processing plant in Crete.

The Sagami Chain has more than 170 restaurants located across Japan that specialize in deep-fried pork cutlets. Last year, the company's CEO toured the Smithfield plant in Crete, which state officials said was key in leading to the agreement.

Ricketts and other state officials are in Japan this week on a trade mission to pitch agriculture and other industries to Japanese officials.
Hundreds of students of Delhi University (DU) and colleges on Tuesday voted for the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections.

The DUSU election office though has not shared any official figures, it is expected that the voting percentage this time too will remain below 50 per cent mark.

The elections for the four posts of president, vice-president, secretary and joint secretary are once again a fierce contest between the Congress National Students Union of India (NSUI) and the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

Voting for day colleges commenced at 8:30 am and went on till 1 pm while for evening colleges began at 3 pm and ended at 7:30 pm . The voting was held at 124 booths across university and colleges with 36 observers deployed by DUSU election office.

Further, in a show of strength, locals and strongmen from both National Students Union of India (NSUI) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and their respective parent organizations stepped in favour of their respective candidates. These strong men could be seen lobbying for their respective parties in and around varsity area. Many students avoided these partymen.

The elections to DUSU this time is no different from the previous ones as both Lyngdoh committee guidelines and NGT orders have been openly flouted by student wings. Big hoardings and heaps of pamphlets could be seen scattered all over the major roads and intersections leading to north campus and colleges.

The main contestants for president is NSUIs Rocky Tuseed belonging to Jat community and ABVPs Rajat Choudhary of Gujjar community. The fight between the two is perceived as a nose-to-nose clash between these two local dominant communities.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had allowed Rocky to contest the elections after he challenged the DU Chief Election Officers (CEO) decision to cancel his nomination on grounds of disciplinary action.

NSUI has also fielded Kunal Sehrawat for the post of vice-president, Meenakshi Meena for secretary and Avinash Yadav for joint secretary. While the ABVPs Rajat Choudhary is for presidential post, Paarth Rana, Mahamedhaa Nagar and Uma Shankar are for the posts of vice-president, secretary and joint secretary respectively.

The Delhi High Court has given a go-ahead to the Delhi University to declare the results for the post of President on Wednesday . The counting of votes is scheduled for tomorrow . The High Court had earlier asked the University to withhold the declaration of presidential poll results.

Senior Congress leaders along with thousands of Congress workers and volunteers, worked in full force for the NSUI candidates in the elections. Similarly, top brass of BJP were seen stepped in support of ABVP candidates.
The main accused, Ashok Kumar, 42, in the murder case of a seven-year-old child at Ryan International School, Gurgaon, was sent to judicial custody by Sohna court on Tuesday. He will be produced in the court on 18 September .

Besides, the postmortem report of the Class 2 student which came out on Tuesday stated that he was not sexually assaulted.

Two knife marks were found on the boys neck, and a nerve that helps in speaking, was cut due to which the kid couldnt shout, said Dr Ram Prakash, Senior doctor, Civil Hospital, Gurgaon.

Ashok had allegedly slit the throat of Pradyuman Thakur with a knife in the washroom of the school. The chilling murder gained a lot of attention and parents have demanded strict action against the school management for negligence.

On Monday , two senior officials of the Ryan group of Institutions were sent for two days police remand by the Sohna court.

According to ACP Manish Sehgal, Gurgaon, they are still questioning the school staff. After three days of police remand, Ashok was taken to court on Tuesday where he was sent to judicial custody till 18 September . No one is now detained. A separate probe team has left for Mumbai to interrogate school CEO Ryan Pinto and director Augustine Pinto, said Sehgal.

On the other hand, the Bombay High Court, had granted Ryan and Augustine interim protection from arrest till Wednesday . The trustees of the school have filed an application in Bombay High Court seeking anticipatory transit bail to move an appropriate court in Haryana.

Police has set up 14 teams to crack the case. The Supreme Court had on Monday issued notice to the Central and Haryana governments on a plea seeking a CBI probe into the killing. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud issued notice to the Union Human Resource Development Ministry and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on the boys fathers plea seeking framing of guidelines for the safety of students in schools.

Questions have been raised by many parents over police investigation as many believe that Ashok has been made a scapegoat.
Kriti Sanon has been basking in the glory of her recent release Bareilly Ki Barfi. The actress received rave reviews for her performance and has been celebrating the success of the film taking out time from her busy schedule.

The young actress is a perfect precedent to follow in the times when millennials are facing difficulties juggling their work and life. Kriti Sanon has struck the perfect balance between her work and life thereby nailing it like a boss!

The star actress was buried deep neck into the hectic promotions of her film Bareily Ki Barfi after which the actress has now spared time for her prior work commitments.

Kriti Sanon recently visited Spain for a brand shoot where the gorgeous actress extended her trip to a couple of days to celebrate the success of her film. Currently, the actress has been in Oman for a magazine shoot and has fetched some time to enjoy the scenic locations.

The pictures showcase Kriti Sanon relaxing and enjoying the vicinity as she takes out time from her busy schedule to adore the scenic beauty of the place.

The radiant and blissful actress took to social media to share her happiness post the success of her film Bareilly Ki Barfi. Kriti Sanon has time and again indulged into interactions with her fans via her social media posts sharing insights into her life. This time too, the actress took to her Instagram to share her pictures.

The pictures showcase Kriti Sanon rejuvenating at the pool as she relished her Me time. The actress spent some time calming her inner self as she dipped her feet into the pool. Kriti Sanon looked her stunning best as she drapped herself into the Oman style and let her eyes do the talking.

Kriti Sanon has cracked the code to a perfect balance between her hectic schedule and personal life as she has been juggling her work and life efficiently.

After fulfilling her work commitments the actress plans to visit Delhi to celebrate the success of Bareilly Ki Barfi with her family. Kriti Sanon has time and again displayed her professional side by prioritizing her work and nailing the life balance like a boss!
With her little son tied to a stone side by, Phulmani, 21, toils hard at a construction site here to make both ends meet. Like many other migrant labourers, illiterate Phulmani moves on anchorless in search of livelihood with her fate tied to poverty.

We have to be on the move to get work. What else can we do? We have nothing to fall back at home, said Jhumki, 35, of Bihar, who has been a daily wager in road construction work in different areas of Himachal Pradesh for past 12 years with husband, Ramu. She has three daughters, all of whom grew up at construction sites.

Records say that there are around 1.90 lakh migrant labourers in HP, of whom roughly 17 per cent are Nepalese. Although locals in HP are hardy, by nature, they shirk doing petty or tough jobs for scant earning. In that case, these migrant labourers are the real partners in Himachals journey to development.

From states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and from Nepal can be seen doing toughest of jobs, whether it is construction of tunnels in hydro electric projects or dicey roads in fragile areas in the mountain state.

Lot of them have been working in industrial areas of the state, since the industry came to avail the Centres industrial package in HP early last decade.

Poor Nepalese often come here for jobs in childhood, with private link-ups, for petty jobs and spend an entire life here. The majority of them work in apple orchards in Shimla, some others are daily wagers with even state departments.

But all this contribution in HPs progress has not made any quality difference in their lives and they continue doing the same work with not even hand to mouth economy.

The state too has ignored their plight.

Their kids grow up in the dust of construction sites, with none interested to provide a creche to them.

The government did make labour hostels in industrial areas, but at all other construction sites in interiors, the migrant labourers are given temporary hutments to live, which are dingy and unhygienic.

Open defecation is their compulsion. None ensures the Right to Education of their kids.

They are not covered under free health care facilities in routine in HP and are abandoned by private employers in case of mishap.

I had injured my spine working in a remote area long back. I was taken to hospital by private contractor and after that he never returned, said Ram Singh, 47, of Nepal.

He was helped by hospital authorities and social activists, but there was no system in place to take him back home. Bed ridden for 10 years, the Nepalese is grateful to the state for at least lodging him in Old Age home near Shimla.
Deception is essential to survival in the wild. On one hand, all animals fall into the category of predators or prey. It is hence in the interest of each one either to be concealed or to appear to be harmless, if a predator or unappetising or dangerous, if prey. On the other hand, animals and plants often depend on other animals for transport, fertilisation, shelter or nourishment. They hence need to provide services in return, or better, to look like a species that provides the service.

Jenny E York and Nicholas B Davies, from the department of zoology, University of Cambridge, writing in the journal, Nature Ecology and Evolution, describe an instance of a bird that simulates the predator of a sister species, to throw the sister species off her guard while the bird makes use of the sister birds nest.

A well-documented instance of deception, or Batesian mimicry, is where species have evolved to look like other species, for protection.

Caterpillars of the Heliconid butterflies of the Amazon feed on toxic leaves of the Passion Flower plant. This makes the butterflies toxic too, which is their principal protection against predators. Batesian mimics are other species of quite edible butterflies, which have evolved to look like the Heliconid, to deceive predators!

Similar deception is practiced by species of harmless snakes, to look like an unrelated, but venomous snake, to keep enemies at bay. A recent publication is about a species of spider, which is in danger of being picked up by a brace of small predators.

While there is no convenient model with the necessary protection, which the spider could hope to look like, the spider has evolved to mimic the dynamic actions of a species of ants, which do have defences of strong jaws and a poisonous sting. While close up resemblance at the physical dimensions of spiders and ants is not detailed, similarity of movements is more likely to cause deception.

The jumping spider, which uses stealth and rapid jumps to capture prey, hence, imitates the movements of the ant, to be mistaken for one and be left alone by predators on the lookout for spiders. In the plant kingdom, too, flowers evolve to look and smell like others, to attract pollinators. Orchids are known to mimic the colours and scents of nectar bearing flowers and even to exude the scent of female insects, to lure males to the flowers in search of a mate!

Slightly apart, weeds that look like crop plants are more likely to survive.

The case of the female cuckoo, however, is different. She too relies on deception, but not to avoid predators, or even to attract helpers or sources of food. The Cuckoo mother uses deception to throw another bird off the track while the cuckoo commits trespass and passes off her own eggs as those of the unsuspecting other.

The common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus, is a brood parasite. This means she does not lay and warm her eggs in her own nest, but lays the eggs in the nest of a host bird. The host then raises the cuckoo chicks in addition to her own. As cuckoo chicks hatch early and have marked begging behaviour, they often monopolise the nest resources, to the cost of the host birds chicks. While the cuckoo generally lays eggs in the host nest swiftly and with stealth, there are instances of the male cuckoo positively diverting the hosts from their nest.

The cuckoo often removes one or more of the host birds eggs while laying her own in the nest. The hosts also sometimes remove cuckoo eggs if they are able to make them out. And then, there are also instances of the cuckoo acting to destroy the host birds eggs if the latter should throw out the cuckoo eggs. Raising the cuckoo chicks in addition to their own is then a lesser price for hosts to pay than trying to keep the cuckoo eggs out. For all this, the cuckoo cannot just march up to a host birds nest and lay her eggs there.

The host birds would also attack and mob cuckoos found in the vicinity of their nests. The cuckoo has hence, perforce, to be secretive and use stealth to plant her eggs in hosts nests. Given the need for stealth, however, it is surprising that soon after she lays the eggs in the hosts nest, the female cuckoo often breaks out into a chuckle call, which should draw attention to herself! This is the feature of the female cuckoos behaviour that York and Davies from Cambridge made their subject of study. The duo notes that the female cuckoos call is not just a chuckle but is hawk-like.

The chuckle is thus calculated to put the host birds on the alert, to watch out for the serious peril of a hawk, and ignore trifles like a female cuckoo messing about with the nest! Prey are sensitive to even subtle cues of predation risk, which provides the evolutionary potential for parasites to exploit host risk perception.

In our field experiments, reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) hosts paid no more attention to the cuckoo call of the male common cuckoo than the call of a harmless dove. However, the chuckle call of the female cuckoo had the same effect as the call of a predatory hawk in distracting the warblers attention and reducing rejection of a foreign egg.

Our results show that the female cuckoo enhances her success by manipulating a fundamental trade-off in host defences between clutch and self protection, the authors say in the papero.

(The writer can be contacted at [email protected])
I am glad it is over. I refer to talaq-ebidat, the practice of Muslim men uttering talaq, talaq, talaq in a single setting to instantly divorce their wives that rightfully belonged in a trash can, but also to the television nations delirious excitement at having saved Muslim women.

Rarely, in recent times, has any government or party, from the prime minister down, been so visibly stirred at the impending empowerment of a vulnerable minority. The Bharatiya Janata Party Twitter cell is twittering delight at the end of this evil practice thanks to the persistent and firm stand taken by PM Modi.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath has hailed the historic move. The Prime Minister himself tweeted that the judgement grants equality to Muslim womena powerful measure for women empowerment. Well, congratulations gentlemen, but your task begins now because we are where we need to be  within the framework of the Constitution.

This chiefly is what Muslim womens rights groups are celebrating. If gender empowerment is what the nation was truly seeking, then the judgement is less historic than the hype. The question is how one frames gender equality, equity and justice  three phrases invoked repeatedly in the Supreme Courts verdict.

The media-led and politics-driven narrative of Muslim womens rights in India has long ceased to be framed by the Constitution. The dominant frame has been personal law and conservative clergy. It is through the personal tragedies of a series of Muslim women  Gudiya, Imrana and their more famous predecessor Shah Bano, that an entire community has been constructed in the national imagination.

Shayara Bano, admittedly brave in her personal battle, now joins this list. In 1985, 62- year-old Shah Bano, was granted maintenance by the Supreme Court under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, but Justice Chandrachud decided to also wax eloquent on the need for a Uniform Civil Code, and opened up a hornets nest.

The Muslim Right saw it as an attack on its identity, the Hindu Right made common cause with the oppressed Muslim women. And in 1986, the Rajiv Gandhi government played its own cynical politics, ignored progressive womens rights groups, and brought in The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, effectively reversing Shah Banos small secular gain. Then, in 2005, Gudiyas personal dilemma was subjected to the worst kind of public scrutiny that led entirely by the media. She made a great oppressed Muslim woman story. T

his heavily pregnant Muslim woman was dragged to television studios, where anchors had lined up a prime-time selection of bearded conservative clergy to make predictably regressive pronouncements about whether she should continue to live with her second husband Taufiq (whose child she would bear), or with the first one, Arif, a prisoner of war who had suddenly returned after having gone missing.

The same year, we witnessed Imrana in Muzaffarnagar, raped by her fatherin-law but subjected to a so-called fatwa stating that she was now haram for her husband and should marry the rapist. Imranas fatwa (apparently) stirred the conscience of the nation and made for another media best-seller. Small irony was issued at the behest of a local reporter from a Noida-based Urdu paper, the Rashtriya Sahara and not at the urging of Imranas family.

Even though the learned men from Deoband clearly fell short on wisdom, the media lost sight of the issue. Imranas story began at the same place as numerous stories do in the Indian village. In that patriarchal institution called the jatipanchayat. Across large swathes of western Uttar Pradesh, a bunch of men routinely pronounce judgments on women  cut off her nose, parade her naked, stone her, excommunicate her if she breaks their arbitrary rules.

The majority of these cases involve Hindus. Call it jati-panchayat, call it fatwa it was the same cultural practice taking different institutional forms. The problem was the practice. The media became obsessed with the form; happy yet again to make Muslim out of the issue.

Muslim women in India are somehow seen (or constructed) as more in the thrall of religious practices than women of any other community; more debilitated by their religion and more in need of rescue than women of any other community.

Lila Abu-Lughods book, Do Muslim Women Need Saving? a critique of the Western political impulse to swoop down and rescue the homogenously constructed Muslim woman from her diverse cultures, is instructive.

The deprivation experienced by Indian Muslims was acknowledged in the Sachar Report of 2006. But much as the poor are blamed for their own poverty (they are illiterate and have too many children), Muslims in classic perversion were apparently victims largely of their own making; victimised by an archaic religion.

Question: Why do Muslims have low literacy?

Answer: Islam, shariat, medieval mindsets. So they have cavorted around in a national burlesque, bearing familiar, evil tropes (mullahs,burqas,beards, fatwas) and yes, the tragedy tropes, the lives of Muslim women.

To the exclusion of every other aspect of life such as income, jobs, education, caloric intake, sense of security, and freedom from the lynch mob, the Indian Muslims empowerment horizon seems to start and end at the rules of marriage and right to divorce. Never mind that Muslim women too need the right to life, security, jobs, education and sufficient caloric intake, in addition to liberation from talaq-e-bidat.

Access to justice when faced with violence, and equal rights to development such as education, housing, employment and expansion of choices, both visibly absent today affect their lives in terrible ways.

The existence violence and failure of state redress severely compromises their ability to access the other (development, personal freedom).

And it is the collapsing promise of the Indian state, and its rapidly shrinking role in the life of the Muslim citizen that bears large blame for the expansion of a patriarchal clergy in community spaces. So, is personal law a valid site for intervention towards gender justice? Yes. But neither is it the sole nor most important one.

The celebrations in the air seem to disingenuously suggest that oppressive personal laws are the only thing standing between Muslim women and happy lives. Rubbish! 61 years of a reformed and codified Hindu personal law has not exactly made Hindu women the poster girls of empowerment. Though the intent is noble, the nation cannot swoop in to save the Muslim woman, while communities are simultaneously being brought to their knees.

The Constitution is not a playbook from which you cherry-pick. That is what we really need to be tweeting about today.

(Dawn/ANN)
The government cannot change fuel prices on a knee-jerk basis, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday on a day when stocks of state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) tanked by as much as eight per cent following recent hikes in transport fuel prices.

The government cannot change fuel pricing on a knee-jerk basis, Pradhan told reporters here, noting that global crude oil prices had recently gone up as much as 15 per cent owing to production being hit in the US owing to the impact of multiple hurricanes.

The government will not interfere in the day-to-day functioning of the OMCs for the last three years, the pricing mechanism has been linked to the market, he said.

The Petroleum Minister said that while hurricanes Irma and Harvey had hit refinery production in Texas, USA, by as much as 13 per cent, he expected global crude prices to ease in the near future.

He said the international prices of petrol and diesel have recently gone up by 18 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.

The Indian basket of imported crude oils gained nearly $3.50 a barrel during last week even as petrol prices in the country touched their highest levels since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office three years ago, official data showed on Monday.

The Indian basket, comprising 73 per cent sour-grade Dubai and Oman crudes, and the balance in sweet-grade Brent, closed trade on the weekend on Friday at $53.63 per barrel. The oil basket had gained over a dollar at the start of last week on Monday to close at $51.34 for a barrel of 159 litres.

Meanwhile, under the daily revision of fuel prices, petrol in Mumbai on Monday cost Rs 79.41 a litre, breaching the level it last touched in August 2014. Petrol per litre on that day cost Rs 70.30 in Delhi, Rs 73.05 in Kolkata and Rs 72.87 in Chennai.

Petroleum products do not come under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and prices vary at locations according to state taxes.

GST is the only way to have a rational price mechanism for petroleum products.. the industry has been demanding it and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley (who heads the GST Council) is very interested to have it, Pradhan said, pointing to the substantial difference in prices between Delhi and Mumbai, for instance, on account of local taxes.

Pradhan also said that the decision on reducing the cess on petroleum products rests with the Finance Ministry, adding that this revenue, however, allowed the government to increase social sector spending.

With crude oil prices plunging last year, the government levied a cess on petrol in order to mop up extra revenue for the excheque.
Indias cultural diversity will be exhibited on the streets of Ahmedabad on Wednesday as artists from 28 states will put up an impressive show on an eight-km-long route, along which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe will hold a roadshow.

Abe will arrive on a two-day India visit during which he and Modi will hold the 12th India-Japan annual summit. The two leaders will participate in a road show that would start from the Ahmedabad airport and culminate at the Sabarmati Ashram.

Artists of 28 states to display Diversity of Indian culture in a 8KM long Cultural Road Show as honble PM welcomes Japans PM, tweeted Union Minister of State for Culture, Mahesh Sharma.

Prime Minister Abe and Prime Minister Modi would fly into Ahmedabad on Wednesday afternoon and drive down straight to Mahatma Gandhis Sabarmati Ashram in the evening.

They would visit the iconic 16th century mosque in the old city, Sidi Saiyad Mosque, known for its window filigree work synonymous with Ahmedabad.
The Make in India programme provides opportunities to India and Belarus for cooperation in the field of defence, President Ram Nath Kovind has said.

Hosting a banquet in the honour of President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, Kovind said India was committed to further strengthen its relations with Belarus.

There is a huge opportunity to diversify the bilateral trade between India and Belarus. India is keen to strengthen its trade and investment partnership with Belarus, Kovind said highlighting that year 2017 was the silver jubilee year of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Belarus.

The Make in India programme provides opportunities to companies of both countries for cooperation in the field of defence, he added.

The President said that India acknowledges Belaruss support at various multilateral forums such as the United Nations, Nuclear Suppliers Group and International Court of Justice.

Lukashenko arrived here on Monday on a two-day visit to India. This is his third official visit after 1997 and 2007.
The forced migration of refugees in different parts of the world has become a major international issue of our time. Dramatic scenes of vulnerable would-be migrants making a bid to slip across land and, especially, maritime borders have frequently been captured for television screens everywhere, and have disturbed the conscience of viewers.

The plight of the refugees was most vividly seen last year in the Mediterranean, where boatloads of ill-provided people in fragile vessels kept making the attempt to escape to a better life. Unhappily, there were many accidents, for the crossing can be treacherous, and seeing the hardship and loss endured by the travellers eventually stirred European countries into action: Germany took the lead in providing humane assistance and keeping open its gates rather than barring them against those clamouring to get in. This had a profound effect, not in Europe alone but everywhere, in places where the refugee traffic was on the increase.

The cause of the refugees thereby became an important item on the international agenda, with the UN, which is endowed with a separate agency for this issue, in the thick of it. It is in this changed international context that the Rohingya refugee issue now needs to be seen. The people affected live in a narrow strip of land at the margins of Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The numbers are relatively modest ~ at a time when millions are being displaced by war and other calamities and are forced to wander in exile, the displaced Rohingyas could perhaps be numbered in the thousands, though numbers are yet to be properly computed and in some accounts are believed to be in the range of a million.

As the flow of the dispossessed increases, the international focus has become sharper, and in some eyes the Rohingyas are the most oppressed among the cross-national refugees: having been driven into exile they have nowhere to go; Myanmar displaced them, Bangladesh will not acknowledge them, there are no camps to receive them, they cannot return from where they fled, and are victims of ethnic as well as religious persecution.

The underlying reasons for the developments that have devastated the Rohingyas are intractable ones of race and religion. Their Rakhine province is a border area between ethnicities and faiths, with Burmese Buddhists, who think of it as their domain, now finding themselves in uncomfortable proximity with Muslims who they consider culturally closer to Bangladesh.

Over the generations there has been considerable movement of diverse peoples to and fro across the land, though the Rohingya issue seems to be a more recent phenomenon. Unhappily for this group, nobody seems ready to make room for them or give them any sort of support and succour, so some of them have tried to take matters in their own hands and have started an insurgency to press their demands. One group of activists has attacked police posts and other government buildings in a mistaken effort to force their demands on the authorities.

More dangerously, they have tried to establish links with insurgent Islamic groups elsewhere, which has not at all served their cause, for being associated with identified terrorists elsewhere invites collective action against largely innocent refugee groups seeking a better deal for themselves. Within Myanmar, the Rohingya issue has become an important political challenge for the great human rights campaigner, Aung San Suu Kyi.

She is the outstanding personality of her country, with the aura conferred by years of holding firm despite being incarcerated by a tough military regime, and is admired and respected for her fortitude and devotion to principle in public life. She has emerged as the most significant of her countrys leaders, but may yet not have an entirely free hand, for the army remains formidable. Given her record as a fearless campaigner, her many admirers had hoped that she would lead her country to a humane and constructive solution of the Rohingya issue.

Until now, however, little has been heard from her about the human rights issue in Myanmar, and when she has spoken it is more on the subject of the terrorism of militant groups, with not much said about other aspects of the situation. This has disappointed her supporters who continue to see her as a beacon of noble endeavour in a dark world. India is not far away but has not hitherto been much drawn into the Rohingya issue.

When the boat people set out from Rakhine, hapless refugees hoping to find somewhere to live, some of their packed and laden boats drifted to Indias Andaman Islands. There, according to some accounts, and to the credit of the local authorities in charge, they were not chased away but given shelter and help in meeting their minimum needs, though longer-term provision was not within local purview. Apart from the boat people, some refugees, taking advantage of the numerous holes in the administrative apparatus, have been able to find their way to the Andamans from West Bengal, where they have made some sort of a living. This movement has not amounted to anything much but is part of the larger picture. Prime Minister Modis visit to Myanmar came at the conclusion of his regional visits after the BRICS Summit.

Relations between the two countries have always been equable and cooperative, and Modi was a welcome visitor. But Indias studied refusal to show sympathy with the Rohingyas, either during the Modi visit or when a parliamentary delegation went there shortly thereafter, was not well received at home or abroad. In the present climate of opinion, the Rohingyas merit more careful consideration than to be assessed mainly in terms of their extremist links. Quite unusually for the government, it found it necessary after the earlier more critical observations on the subject, to issue a clarification putting a gloss on its earlier remarks, and has since adopted a more balanced position.

The Rohingya problem remains, however, and India may continue to be tangled in it. International concern is growing, with Australia now among the most active supporters of their cause, and for India to stand aside can hurt its own standing and reputation. India may not be ready to join the many others in the region who try to make demands on Myanmar but it can make an effort to work with that country to promote a more humane response to what has become a difficult humanitarian issue.

For reasons of their own, Myanmars leaders have shown little flexibility in responding to the matter. But they may consent to be drawn into a wider regional dialogue that could be a step towards easing the present tensions and advancing towards an acceptable solution.

(The writer is Indias former Foreign Secretary)
Mutual of Omaha will sponsor a networking, project and event space for entrepreneurs, faculty groups and student organizations at Nebraska Innovation Campus, the research park said Wednesday.

The Club, a first-floor space inside Innovation Commons connecting to The Mill Coffee and Bistro from the north, will put the insurance and financial services company in proximity with faculty and student researchers as well as other companies with a presence on the campus.

Mutual will host its first faculty event at The Club in October, according to Innovation Campus, which will give its employees the chance to learn how they can partner with faculty and students, while also giving faculty and students insight into the company and its internship or employment opportunities.

"This new space will allow us to collaborate with talented faculty, students and interns, while also working in partnership with other companies already at NIC," said Brian Poppe, vice president of innovation strategy at Mutual of Omaha.

Dan Duncan, executive director of Nebraska Innovation Campus, said Mutual of Omaha plans to offer some internships for students while also networking with UNL students and faculty.

As a social space with three attached offices, The Club can connect with The Mill for larger gatherings or be closed off for special events.

Some work is still being done in the space ahead of Mutual of Omaha's opening a location there, Duncan added. Three more companies partnering with Mutual of Omaha to form The Club will be announced in the coming weeks.
Whats on your bucket list? Are you an avid traveller? Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra says she is! She has been travelling the world over and now has a very few things left on her travel bucket list

Shooting and filming often take movie stars to different destinations and exotic locations. And travelling is fun when you travel for the love of it.

For Parineeti, travel is important and she makes sure to visit a new country every two months.

Honestly, I am an avid traveller. In fact, I travel a lot and visit 4 to 5 new countries every year. I travel every 2 months to see a new country as travel is that much important to me, Parineeti told IANS.

The actress is currently enjoying touring the states of Queensland and Northern Territory. She has been appointed as the first Indian woman Ambassador of the Friend of Australia advocacy panel by Tourism Australia.

I am that kind of a person and Australia is one of those places, I was waiting to visit as I had heard so much about it, Parineeti said.

One lesser known fact about the actresses is her love for scuba diving!

I am an advanced scuba diver so I take up diving trips a lot. In fact, I recently came back from a diving trip but, now I have a very few things left on my bucket list which include South America and Iceland, the actress said.

Other Bollywood travel junkies include Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor Sonakshi Sinha, Gul Panag, Ranveer Singh, Salman Khan, John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Sonam Kapoor, Neha Dhupia and Milind Soman among others.
Pyongyang will take measures to retaliate against new UN Security Council sanctions to plunge the US into the most difficult situation in its history, North Korea ambassador to Russia, Kim Hyun Joong, said on Tuesday.

Since the US has thrown a comprehensive challenge to our country in all areas, including political, economic and military, we are ready to respond resolutely to this, and this is the firm and unshakable will of our army and our people, Xinhua cited Interfax news agency quoted Joong as saying.

On Monday, the Security Council unanimously voted for a resolution toughening sanctions against North Korea, cutting its oil supply by almost 30 per cent, banning all its textile exports worth $800 million and remittances of North Korea labourers from abroad.

The ambassador said that Pyongyang rejected and condemned the illegal resolutions of the UN Security Council, which he says has been turned into a tool by Washington with the aim to isolate and strangle North Korea.

He said North Korea was ready to solve this problem with countermeasures, without offering any specifics.

Meanwhile, the ambassador said that North Korea would not stop its nuclear programme in spite of the sanctions.
Two people, including a child, hospitalized following one of three crashes in just over an hour in St. John's Sunday night

Two people were sent to hospital following one of three crashes in just a little more than an hour in St. Johns Sunday night. One of the crashes happened on the Robert E. Howlett highway at Heavy Tree Road at about 7:40 p.m. and left a pickup and an ...
A Lincoln lawmaker says he plans to introduce legislation next year that would require credit agencies to provide free, lifetime credit monitoring when their data systems are breached.

State Sen. Adam Morfeld said Tuesday he will propose the measure in response to news that up to 143 million American consumers had their personal information exposed when credit monitoring service Equifax was breached.

The information exposed includes Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and in some cases driver's license numbers. Equifax has promised free credit monitoring for up to one year for those affected.

Morfeld said the company's response is insufficient.

Nebraska Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division warned on Tuesday that more than 700,000 Nebraskans may be affected by the Equifax security breach.

To see if your information was affected, visit equifaxsecurity2017.com. You will have to enter your last name and the last six digits of your Social Security number, after which Equifax will inform you if your information was involved in the breach.

The state Attorney General's Office suggests consumers closely monitor their credit reports for suspicious activity; actively monitor financial statements and consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report.

For additional details about protecting yourself from identity theft, visit the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office, Consumer Protection Division website: protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/identity-theft.
Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy

By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat
SBI Life Insurance, a unit of India's largest lender State Bank of India, will hit the capital markets with its initial public offering next week at Rs 8,400 crore ($1.3 billion). The whopping billion dollar offer has set the stage for yet another strong year for capital market fund raising in India.

The IPO is essentially an offer for sale by promoters, SBI and BNP Paribas Cardif, and the company is not raising any fresh funds for itself.

The issue has been priced in the Rs 685-700 per share range and will be open for subscription from September 20 to September 22. It is expected to get listed in the bourses on October 3.

A strong bullish run of India's equity markets has had a positive impact on the primary market. This year till August, 17 companies had raised over Rs 14,185 crore by going public.

Analysts expect the total fund raising this year to easily surpass the Rs 26,494 crore raised via IPOs in 2016, with several marquee issues that are expected.

India's insurance sector, until recent times, largely consisted of unlisted firms. But now many among the private sector companies are as mature, in size and scale, as the public sector companies. With the government looking to pare its stake in the public sector insurance firms, the floodgates are slowly opening.

Last year, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, a unit of India's largest private sector bank ICICI, raised around Rs 6,000 crore via its maiden IPO.

ICICI Bank's general insurance unit ICICI Lombard will hit the markets on Friday, with a public offering of close to Rs 5,700 crore.

HDFC Standard Life Insurance also filed papers with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) earlier this year to raise an estimated Rs 7,500 crore via an IPO.

State owned general insurance firms are expected to be the next in line to get listed. General Insurance Corp (GIC Re) and New India Assurance have already filed their papers for an IPO and others like United India Assurance and Oriental Insurance are likely to follow.

Will investors have the appetite for so many insurance IPOs? India's insurance market is significantly under-penetrated compared to many other countries, and there will be huge growth opportunities, say company executives and sector analysts.

We are in a country, which is looking at huge amount of growth and a young country, which is just about to realise the need for insurance, said Arundhati Bhattacharya, chairperson of SBI, while detailing the plans for the IPO of SBI Life Insurance.

In India, because of the joint family system, the need for insurance was not felt till about our generation. Now more and more awareness is getting generated about the need for insurance and therefore we feel, though the insurance penetration is still not at a level we would like it to be, it is something that is definitely going to happen, added Bhattacharya.

Currently, SBI holds 70 per cent stake in SBI Life Insurance, while BNP Paribas owns 26 per cent. In December last year, SBI sold about 4 per cent in SBI Life to KKR and Temasek.

In the IPO, SBI is selling close to 8 per cent stake, while BNP Paribas will shed about 4 per cent of its stake. It has been profitable since 2005-06 and is a market leader in the private insurance space, with a 20 per cent market share in terms of new business premiums.

Life insurance industry is in a sweet spot. Significant headroom is still available for growth due to low penetration and favourable demographic profile, said Vishal Goyal, executive director, at UBS Securities.

He expects premium growth to accelerate in the insurance sector, aided by a pickup in GDP growth.

The under penetration is not just in life insurance, but also in the general insurance side.

The insurance penetration was only 3.3 per cent in 2014, which rose to 3.44 per cent in 2015 and is expected to cross 4 per cent this year, according to a report by industry body Assocham.

In a population of 1.1 billion, for instance, only about 360 million are covered under some form of insurance.

According to CRISIL research, gross direct premium income (GDPI) for non-life insurers is projected to register 15-20 per cent compounded annual growth rate over FY2017-2022. Improving economic growth, higher awareness of risk with higher disposable incomes, emergence of new risks and a strong regulatory focus on improving insurance coverage are expected to be the key catalysts of sector growth, said a report by IIFL Investment Managers this week.

Among the listed insurance players, shares of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance have risen 30 per cent since listing on September 29, 2016. Max Financial Services, the holding company of Max Life Insurance, has gained over 8 per cent in 2017. Max Life had proposed a merger with HDFC Life Insurance, but the deal was called off earlier this year, after the companies failed to get regulatory approval.
At a time when the Rohingya crisis has gripped the Centre, the government is mulling granting citizenship to Chakma (Buddhists) and Hajong (Hindu) refugees, nearly a lakh in the country. They came in from east Pakistan and are predominantly residing in Arunachal Pradesh.

Home minister Rajnath Singh, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju and top officials met with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, when the issue of granting them citizenship was discussed.

"The SC has ordered that they be granted citizenship status. The MHA will respond in the court. But as per the constitutional provisions and various existing regulations, we can't equate them with the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh," Rijiju told THE WEEK.

While a large section of people in Arunachal Pradesh have been resisting the move to grant citizenship to Chakmas, the court directive has forced the government to put on its thinking cap. Officials said they may not be granted the rights to purchase land and may be allowed to work and travel after giving them inner line permit .

It is another story that the home ministry is trying to send Rohingya refugees back to their country by asking state governments to deport them, after they fled Myanmar citing atrocities they faced there for years.

At this juncture, the focus is on the Chakmas and Hajong refugees, since the apex court directed the Centre to grant them citizenship. They have been staying in camps. Home ministry sources said the move to allow them citizenship could be in line with the government's stance of granting citizenship to those who have been victims of religious presecution.

Rijiju, who was present in the meeting, was recently in the eye of storm after he said that Rohingyas were illegal immigrants. He also said that India absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world. His views were countered by the United Nations human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein in Geneva recently; the latter decried attempts being made by the Indian government to deport Rohingyas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to welcome his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe at Ahmedabad in Gujarat, ahead of which a special menu for the dinner is being designed, to suit his taste and preferences.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe, along with his wife Akie, will have dinner tonight at Agashiye, a popular terrace restaurant of the House of Mangaldas Heritage Hotel.

The staff that would serve the food will be in traditional attireconsisting of dhoti, kurta and a safa (headgear).

Around 30 items are expected to be served.

The menu will be Gujaratilikely to include dhoklas, raspatra, gota fritters, mushy rice kichidi, saucy kadhi, a bitter gourd and onion sabji called bharela karela-dungri, and flatbreads such as bhakri, rotla and roti, deep-fried puri.

Some other curry dishes are also expected to be served including tomato soup, mixed-vegetable undhiyu, a garlicky potato dish called lasaniya bateta, and an assortment of dals, yoghurt raita and srikhand.

The dessert is likely to include ghee-roasted gram flour sweet mohanthal, halwa and juicy jalebi.

Two chefs have reportedly been appointed from both countries to serve delicious and tradition food.

The Japanese Prime Minister Abe is on a two-day visit to India to attend the India-Japan annual summit meeting.

The 12th edition of the summit, which will be the fourth meeting between PM Modi and Shinzo Abe, will be held in Gandhinagar.

The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted co-operation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and will set its future direction.

PM Modi and the Japanese PM will also attend a function to mark the commencement of work of India's first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

The train is expected to significantly reduce the travel time between the two cities. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the world.

An India-Japan Business Plenary will also be held. The two prime ministers will visit Sabarmati Ashram, which was established by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the River Sabarmati.

They will also visit the Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali - a famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad. Besides, the two leaders will visit Dandi Kutir, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Mahatma Mandir.
A four-member team of Indian government on Wednesday handed over India's memorial, consisting of a written submission in Kulbhushan Jadhav case to the registrar office at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at Hague.

In response to a query on submission of memorial to ICJ in Jadhav case, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: "India has submitted its Memorial (written pleadings) to the International Court of Justice in the Jadhav case involving egregious violation of Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 by Pakistan. This is in furtherance of our application filed before the Court on May 8, 2017.

India's written response was submitted to registrar Philippe Couvreur of the ICJ. The contents of the submission will not be made public .The Pakistan will submit counter memorial on or before December 13, 2017.

The Pakistan military court had found Jadhav guilty of espionage and subversive activities in a trial in April this year.

Earlier, in its arguments before the court on May 15, India had expressed its fear that Pakistan could execute Jadhav even before the court gave its verdict. Pakistan had rejected India's request for consular access 18 times, which is a violation of the Vienna Convention.

India slammed the decision and sent a demarche to former Pakistan's high commissioner Abdul Basit, stating that Jadhav was "kidnapped last year from Iran", and his trial was "farcical" in the absence of any evidence against him. On May 18, the UN top court asked Pakistan to not execute Jadhav before they decide the case.

Pakistan raised the confession statement of Jadhav as a base of its argument and accused India of using the ICJ for its political theatrics. India asserted that the confession of Jadhav was forcibly taken by the military while in captivity and he was tried by a military court in Pakistan.

Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi, while presenting Islamabad's stance in the ICJ on death sentence handed to Jadhav, said that the former naval officer entered into Islamabad through Iran using fake passport.

He told the court that Pakistan had given India all information regarding Jadhav's investigation, but didn't receive any response from New Delhi.

On April 10, Jadhav was given the death sentence by a military court in Pakistan for alleged "espionage and subversive activities".

Pakistan claims it arrested Jadhav in March last year from its restive Balochistan province, where the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor culminates.

India, however, maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy.
Omaha Sen. Bob Krist says he is fed up with partisan bickering, and believes the people of Nebraska are, too.

And so, in announcing he is running for governor of Nebraska, he said he would also give up party affiliation and register Wednesday afternoon in Omaha as a nonpartisan. It's the first time he has changed his party registration from Republican during his public life, he noted at a news conference in the Capitol Rotunda.

Krist, 60, will work in the next four months to gather the 5,000 signatures needed to create a new party to get on the 2018 ballot, he said.

Without a party affiliation, funding for his campaign could be a challenge. But Krist said a campaign doesn't have to be a billion-dollar event.

He has already begun receiving donations, he said, and promises of funding.

"I don't think that raising money is going to be easy, but I will do it by taking the time and visiting with folks around the state," he said.

Gov. Pete Ricketts spent around $7.5 million in his 2014 gubernatorial campaign.

Krist said party affiliation was the smallest part of the message he wanted to convey Wednesday.

"Nebraskans are looking for independent and effective leadership," Krist said. "We believe I am the right person to answer the call and return us to the nonpartisan traditions that made Nebraska great."

He will embark on a listening tour of the state, probably beginning before the end of the month. Krist, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, is a pilot and plans to fly around the state to campaign.

His decision to run has grown out of his observations from his seat in the nonpartisan Legislature for the past nine years, and the changes he has seen there, led by partisanship from the governor's office.

What pushed his decision to run was the budget debate in the 2017 session of the Legislature, he said. That budget could have been balanced in a lot of ways without taking money from Medicaid service provider rates and aid for people with developmental disabilities.

"The Legislature was once a nonpartisan body, but thats not the case today," he said. "Now we have less conversation, less debate and more of the party highway or no way. Its counter to everything we need to do right now. I believe the emphasis should be on working together.

Krist said he has watched Ricketts, a Republican, personally bankroll challengers to senators who dont vote with him right down the line.

Krist was appointed by Republican Gov. Dave Heineman in 2009, but soon showed his independent streak, parting ways with the governor on a number of votes.

He has been criticized by the Republican Party on a number of those issues. On Wednesday, state GOP Executive Director Kenny Zoeller was at the Rotunda with a press release that thumped Krist for flip-flopping on what he believes and for not being able to choose a party for the ballot.

Krist said that in his time in the Legislature he has always presented what he thought was good for the 1.9 million people across the state of Nebraska and the 40,000 he represented in District 10, and never brought party politics into it.

"So they can call me a flip-flopper all they want to. But this is the first time I've changed my party politic, even though they tried to kick me out on a couple of occasions," he said. "I can't say that enough. Let me foot stomp that one."

The state Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb had a much different response to Krist's announcement.

Krist's run for governor is good for democracy, she said.

"Nebraska has one-party rule right now. Democrats and independents are part of the fabric of our state and deserve a seat at the table for making decisions that impact our families," she said. "More ideas, beyond the dominant party in our state, are needed to grow the good life for all Nebraskans.

Krist said his No. 1 priority as governor would be to focus on finding nonpartisan solutions to reduce property taxes for Nebraskans, while assuring adequate education funding.

He will also commit to fixing the problems in Nebraska's prison systems.

"I understand the overtime issues that have plagued our corrections officers. I understand the overcrowding issue. I understand that the time for talk is over," Krist said.

If elected, he said, he will declare an emergency to address prison crowding at 160 percent of capacity, with a number of them at a much higher percentage.

"Our prisons have become the No. 1 public safety issue in Nebraska and the time to act is past. The time to act is now," he said.

His campaign will focus on his conservative belief that government is too big, he said.

"We are committed to making our state government more efficient, hard working for all Nebraskans," he said. "And we must do so without harming the most fragile members of our society."

In balancing his duties in the Legislature with running for a major state office, Krist said he will not shirk any of his legislative responsibilities, which end in 2018 due to term limits. He had a good example in U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer in 2012, he said.

"She didn't skip a beat. She continued to drive toward those issues that needed to be solved. She introduced bills. She talked about bills. I intend to do the same thing," he said.

Ricketts' 2018 campaign manager, Jessica Flanagain, said until Krist successfully creates his own party, and has ballot access for the primary election, the Ricketts campaign would not comment on his candidacy.

At his announcement were Krist's wife, Peggy, his daughter Courtney, 33, son Justin, 35, daughter-in-law Aura, brother Jim Krist and sister Katie Malmberg.
Father Tom Uzhannalil, the Indian Catholic priest hailing from Kerala and abducted by terrorists in Yemen, reached the Vatican on Tuesday.

"Father Tom Uzhunnalil has reached Vatican," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted late Tuesday night.

Father Tom Uzhunnalil has reached Vatican.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) September 12, 2017

Uzhunnallil, abducted by terrorists in Aden in March last year, has been rescued from captivity from an undisclosed location in Yemen, thanks to the intervention of the Sultanate of Oman, which helped to find and rescue Uzhannalil who is an employee of the Vatican.

"In response to the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and as per a request from the Vatican to assist in the rescuing of a Vatican employee, the concerned authorities in the Sultanate, in coordination with the Yemeni authorities, have managed to find a Vatican government employee. He was transferred this morning to Muscat in preparation for his return home," the Times of Oman quoted the Oman government as saying in a statement.

According to the report, Uzhunnalil expressed his thanks to God and to Sultan Qaboos, and wished him good health and wellness.

"He also thanked his brothers, sisters and all relatives and friends who prayed for his safety and release," the statement added.

Sushma Swaraj earlier on Tuesday tweeted about the release of the Catholic priest.

"I am happy to inform that Father Tom Uzhunnalil has been rescued," she said.

According to reports reaching Kerala, after his release, the priest was flown from Yemen to Muscat. He later left Oman on a chartered flight for the Vatican.

The media in Oman confirmed the news of the release of the priest and posted a picture of himstanding in a room with the picture of Oman's monarch in the background.

He will be flown to Kerala later.

Expressing happiness at the news, the priest's brother Mathew Uzhunnallil said their prayers have been finally answered.

A spokesperson of the church Fr C. Jimmy told the media that the news has been received with a great sense of happiness.

In March 2016, militants barged into a care home for the elderly set up by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in Yemen's Aden and shot dead many people, including four nuns of the charity organisation, among whom one was from India.

After the shooting, the militants took away the Catholic priest. Since then, other than a few videos released from time to time, there has been no news of his whereabouts.

Uzhunnalil's ancestral home in Ramapuram in Kottayam district is presently shut as two of his brothers live abroad, while another lives in Gujarat.

In May, a video of the Indian priest was posted online in which he was seen to be in poor health and calling for help.

"They are treating me well to the extent they are able," Uzhunnalil said, speaking in English. "My health condition is deteriorating quickly and I require hospitalisation as early as possible," he added.
The tone has been set for the one-on-one talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. As soon as the visiting dignitary disembarked, the host welcomed his counterpart with a tight, warm hug.

Abe arrived hours after Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Wednesday afternoon. Modi's tight hug was reciprocated by Abe. After the guard of honour, when Abe and his wife Akie appeared before the public, their attire was different.

Abe was dressed in Modi-style kurta and pyjama. While Abe's white kurta was full-sleeved, Modi was sporting a half-sleeve. Akie wore a maroon kurta, narrow palazzo and a white dupatta pinned on the right shoulder.

For Modi, who played the perfect host, there could not have been a better photo-op to bolster his prospects in the upcoming Gujarat polls. This is for the first time, after 2002, that assembly elections are being held in the state, in the absence of Modi.

Except during the eight-kilometer long road showwhen security personnel accompanied Abe, Akie and Modi in an open jeepnobody was visible in their frame at the Sabarmati Ashram or even at the historic Siddi Saiyyed mosque.

All along the eight-kilometer route, Indian culture from various states was presented in the form of performanceson elevated platforms.

At the Sabarmati Ashram, Modi explained to Abe and his wife the intricacies of Gandhi's charkha. Later, they sat by the banks of river Sabarmati.

Akie wrote "love and thanks" in the vistor's book at Sabarmati Ashram.

For Modi, it was certainly not the first time at the Siddi Saiyyed mosque, as the BJP office was less than three kilometres away. Even as Modi reached the venue ahead of Abe, he took a stroll and acknowledged the crowed who were chanting his name.

They were the only three who went inside the mosque and spent a few minutes. Modi preferred to be the guide himself. Thereafter, they walked down on a red carpet across the road to have dinner at the House Of Mangaldas, a heritage hotel. They had a Gujarati style dinner and a short meeting.

The second day of Abe's visit will commence with the foundation laying ceremony for the bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. He will then visit the Dandi Kutir and take part in business meeting and bilateral talks.

The warmth of the first day is expected to continue on the second day. It is expected that more than 15 MoUs will be signed.

Modi is used to hosting foreign dignitaries outside New Delhi.

Akie will visit the Blind People's Association and will also address students at the Ahmedabad Management Association. She will also inaugurate an origami exhibiton.

Ice-cream giant Havmor designed an ice-cream in the shape of a bullet train for Akie.
Nobel Laureate State Councillor and leader of National League for Democracy Aung San Suu Kyi will address the nation on the Rohingyas Muslims crisis engulfing Rakhine state next week.

Suu Kyi's addess will be her first speech since scores were killed in the violence that has sent nearly 3,80,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Myanmar State Counsellor and de facto leader has decided to skip the next week's United Nations General Assembly debate as criticism of her handling of the Rohingya crisis has grown immensely.

At a press conference late Wednesday, government spokesman Zaw Htay said Suu Kyi would "speak for national reconciliation and peace" in a televised address on September 19.

According to reports, about 370,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar's northern Rakhine state for Bangladesh, Nepal and India since the outbreak of violence last month.

Amid a dramatic increase in the number of refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar's Northern Rakhine state, UNHCR called for urgent action to address the root causes of the recent surge in violence, so that people are no longer compelled to flee and can eventually return home in safety and dignity.

"In the last two weeks an estimated 370,000 Rohingya refugees have sought safety in Bangladesh. The limited shelter capacity is already exhausted. Refugees are now squatting in makeshift shelters that have mushroomed along the road and on available land in the Ukhiya and Teknaf areas," said a UNHCR said in a briefing in Geneva.

The Rohingyas, a mostly Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority Rakhine, have long experienced persecution in Myanmar, which says they are illegal immigrants. They have lived in Myanmar for generations but are denied citizenship.

The UN Security Council is due to meet on Wednesday to discuss the crisis.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi has been criticised by former supporters in the West for failing to do enough to prevent the violence.

"The Rohingyas are a stateless Muslim minority in Myanmar who have faced discrimination and extreme poverty for decades. They have not been allowed to exercise their basic rights including the freedom to move, right to education, work and other social, civil and political rights. The Rohingya fleeing Myanmar are now stateless refugees, making them even more vulnerable and adding more challenges to the search for solutions," UNHCR added.

The UN refugee agency further said that while most of Rohingya refugees arrive on foot, mostly walking through the jungle and mountains for several days, thousands are braving long and risky voyages across the rough seas of the Bay of Bengal.
More than 80 lakh households in Kerala have liquified petroleum gas connections. That is almost 100 per cent coverage. The state, however, is not a saturated market. The consumption of LPG in Kerala last year was about 8 lakh tonnes. It is expected to go up to 22 lakh tonnes in 10 years. And, the three public sector oil marketing companies that dominate LPG distribution in Kerala have big plans for the state.

The biggest of them is Indian Oil Corporations LPG import terminal at Puthuvype in Kochi. A multi-user liquid terminal (MULT), which can be used by other companies as well, is also under construction at Puthuvype. Once the terminal is connected to the Kochi Refinery, the Kochi-Salem LPG pipeline and the bulk terminal at Palakkad, it will be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the state. We have a joint venture with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (which operates Kochi Refinery), said P.S. Mony, state head and chief general manager, IOC. The Kochi-Salem LPG pipeline is being laid. This pipeline will go via IOCs Udayamperoor LPG bottling plant, Kochi Refinery and Palakkad LPG terminal. The total investment of the project would be around Rs 2,200 crore.

The main objective of the terminal, which has a capacity of 6 lakh tonnes, is easing the backlog of LPG supply in Kerala. More importantly, however, it will minimise the movement of bullet tankers carrying LPG across the state. Some 125 bullet tankers ply the narrow highways of Kerala every day carrying LPG from Mangaluru to IOCs bottling plans in Kozhikode (Chelari), Kochi (Udayamperoor) and Kollam (Parippally). These trucks cause accidents very often, especially in the northern districts.

A fully functional import terminal at Puthuvype will significantly reduce the ingress of bullet tankers from Mangaluru. About 50 of them supply to the Udayamperoor plant. Some 40 go to Chelari and 35 go to Kollam. Once the pipeline between Udayamperoor and Puthuvype, and the planned pipeline to Kozhikode are done, 90 of these trucks can be eliminated, said Mony.

The Puthuvype terminal is of huge importance to IOC in meeting the demand for LPG. India imports about 50 per cent of LPG it requires. This is likely to go up considering the expected growth. We have already put up 13 LPG import terminals, said Mony.

Some of the local residents of Puthuvype, however, have not been happy about the project, and they allege that it does not have the required environmental clearance and safety measures. They have been holding protests, often impeding the construction.

Mony said such concerns were misplaced. We got the environment clearance for the import terminal in 2010 and for the MULT in 2016, he said. The terminal will store LPG in mounded vessels made of 45-mm thick boiler quality steel plates and will be buried deep in the sand, surrounded by a 1.25-metre-thick reinforced concrete wall. The terminal is being equipped with automatic fire-protection systems, he said. The coastal stretch of the project is only 690 metres and will not disturb fishing activities. Mony said the protests had delayed the project by a year. It would start functioning by the beginning of 2019.
Acting Brooklyn D.A. Eric Gonzalez won the democratic primary on Tuesday night. With 98% of the votes counted, Gonzalez had received 53% of the vote.

Gonzalez was named Acting District Attorney after Thompson died of colon cancer in October. He joined the Brooklyn District Attorneys office in 1995 as an assistant prosecutor. During the Hynes administration he was promoted to upper management and Thompson appointed him chief assistant district attorney in 2014.

Platform: Gonzalez has positioned himself as the man to expand and complete Thompson-era progressive initiatives, such as the Convictions Review Unit and the Begin Again program.

Advantages: As the acting district attorney, Gonzalez was the favorite. He was endorsed by the New York Times, 15 elected officials including Comptroller Scott Stringer and Letitia James, and nine major New York City unions, including the Patrolmens Benevolent Association.

(YWN Desk  NYC)
(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Chareidi newspapers on Wednesday 22 Elul, launched a harsh attack on the cancellation of the draft law by the High Court of Justice, pointing their arrows at Supreme Court justices who claimed that they had acted contrary to the rules of democracy.

Hamodia newspaper, in a headline on More aggressive judicial intervention in the powers of the legislative branch, judges of the Supreme Court annulled a law that anchors the deferral of enlistment of those whose Torah is their profession. Hamodia calls the judges the rulers of the state and reports on an emergency meeting of the United Torah Judaism and Shas factions that will convene to draft a new law.

Yated Neeman reports in a black red headline on judicial dictatorship. The draft law was arbitrarily disqualified by the Supreme Court. Against the world of Torah.

Yated Neeman brings the reactions of the chareidi Knesset members who attack the court. In addition, the editor of the newspaper, Rabbi Yisrael Friedman, writes an extensive article on the liberal terrorism of the High Court of Justice that imposes the judiciary on the legislature, and the government to prove who is the landlord.

In an article entitled Hurricane in Israel the newspaper warns that the rules of the democratic game are now violated, the Knesset and the government have no meaning, everything is legal and void: laws will be legislated, the parliamentarians will play before us, but the High Court of Justice decides.

If something does not appeal to him, he will cancel the will of the people through his voters. If he wants something, he forces his will on the people! Systems madness, who needs a Knesset? In a real democracy, judges are elected by the people, at the ballot box, because their job is to protect the will of the people, not to tell them what to want  Something that went wrong here, the landlord lost his temper.

The newspaper HaMevaser reports in a major headline that As they seek to punish we will multiply and break out, and that tens of thousands of Torah scholars will continue to strive for their study as in the days to come. The editorial also attacks the Supreme Court, as expected, under the heading A non-constitutional Supreme Court that is immersed in a bubble and cut off from the tradition of Israel.

HaPeles writes, The era of illusions has ended, and the chareidi public declares war without compromises. The newspaper announces in its sub-headline the disillusionment among the chareidi community and the need to embark on a vigorous struggle on the subject. The decision of the High Court of Justice reinforces their claim that there is a real intention to recruit the yeshiva students in an organized and orderly manner and that the decision falls from ones hands as does ripe fruit.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday morning 22 Elul, addressed an event in memory of Israels Ninth President, the late Shimon Peres, held at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, with the participation of international and Israeli leaders in the fields of hi-tech and industry.

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since we had to say goodbye to Shimon Peres. The man who made us believe that not time, nor vision, nor deed can be halted began the President. Shortly before he left us, we gathered here to inaugurate the center in his name, the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. We talked about the huge benefits found in the State of Israel, the advantages that have made us an exceptional innovation lab exporting knowledge and expertise to the world, and which itself does not stop innovating.

The President mentioned the memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in the field of fin-tech, recently signed between Israel and Switzerland, the acquisition of Mobileye by Intel, cooperation between Israeli high-tech transport projects and vehicle manufacturer Skoda, which joined other international motor vehicle companies engaging in similar cooperation with Israel. These are just some examples of the ways in which human capital  the most important resource of the State of Israel  has time and again proven to be a real force of nature in its might and capabilities, said the President.

The President noted the importance of the manual labor which made Zionism into a state, and said, Zionism brought with it the understanding that the state is built not just with the mind, but also with the hands. If we would truly want our national home to be built in reality and not just in spirit, we had to roll our sleeves up. So believed Zionisms founding fathers. So we became farmers and builders, and established a manufacturing industry, led by a defense industry and a textile industry, industry that was for many years the pride of Israeli creativity  with body and mind.

In the last decades, when the pursuit of excellence and the desire for knowledge resulted in wonderful ideas, the ability to implement these ideas dwindled. We returned to being intellectuals and less involved in manual labor. This gap can be seen clearly in the Bloomberg Index for Innovation, said the President, and added, According to the Index, this little Israel, is ranked in first place in the category of investment in research and development, and in the category of bringing together the researchers in the field, but is ranked much lower in its manufacturing capabilities, productivity, and in the level of its education system. We cannot allow ourselves to have such a gap, he said, and stressed, We must find a way to an answer with our own hands, hands that know how to implement the wonderful ideas that the Israeli mind knows how to create. These hands, these minds, are here. The Arab community, the ultra-Orthodox community, suffer under-representation in the high-tech industry, and today it is clear to most of us that this is the solution.

The President referred to the data from research by the Office of the Chief Scientist, which recorded that the number of Arab students in the higher education system studying subjects relevant to the field of innovation rose by 60% between 2012 and 2016. He said, This is an impressive figure by any measure, and alongside it we should also note the rise in the rate of Israeli Arab citizens employed in hi-tech, from 0.5% in 2008 to more than 4% in 2017. There have been small and great challenges in recent years, both in the areas of training and employment; an area in which the Presidents Office is also a partner through the Israeli Hope Initiative. The opening of new innovation centers aimed at the ultra-Orthodox community is one example, the work of this innovation center to integrate thousands of Arab technicians and engineers in the leading hi-tech companies is a further example, and they are not the only examples. But this is still not enough. Only this morning a study was published by the Chief Economist and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, which shows again, in black and white, that integration into Israeli hi-tech is still a function of family background, socioeconomic status and locality of residence, rather than talent, ambition and hard work. We must change this picture. A clear and practical work plan is needed alongside a courageous vision and uncompromising implementation.

The President spoke of the plan for hi-tech to encourage human capital, which was approved by the Government in January of this year, and said, This is an important program that understands the reality, and understands that the burning need for engineers, programmers, and developers is nothing less than a national necessity. This is a program that understands we must invest in students in relevant fields, invest in training, and of course in placement  both in quality and in quantity. This is an important decision that must now be implemented, and it will succeed only if we come together, with determination, and with the joint leadership of all those for whom this country and its future are dear to them. And that includes all of us.

The President concluded, Everyone here today has a responsibility, a role, and an opportunity to make the Israeli innovation industry continue to be the pillar of fire before of the camp for many years to come, and said, This was the dream of my friend, Israels ninth President, Shimon Peres. This was his belief, and now it is in our hands.

Also speaking at the event was President Peres son and Chair of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, Chemi Peres; social entrepreneur, Adi Altschuler; founder of Innovation Africa, Sivan Yaari; and Professor Hossam Haick of the Technion. Following this, there was a panel on the issue of Innovation and the Future, with the participation of Cisco CEO John Chambers, CEO of Check Point Gil Shwed, Orit Gadiesh Chair of management consulting firm Bain & Company; and Joe Schoendorf, Partner at Accel Partners.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo credit: Mark Neiman, GPO)
Agudath Israel of Americas New Jersey Office praised the Homeowners Association of the Enclave senior community in Lakewood for its decision regarding the right of its residents to build Sukkahs in the community. The association stated that residents could build Sukkahs as long as they followed certain guidelines that take into account the governing boards concern about the beauty and safety of the community. Agudath Israel of Americas New Jersey Office expressed its appreciation for the amicable resolution of the issue.

We are pleased that the Homeowners Association devised a solution  amicably and outside the legal system  that simultaneously protects religious rights and the quality of life of this beautiful community, said Rabbi Avi Schnall, director of Agudath Israels New Jersey Office.

Agudath Israels Legal Services Division, in particular attorney Larry Loigman, worked in recent weeks to ensure that the religious rights of Enclave residents were being respected, and was prepared to advocate on their behalf in any legal venue. This follows a similar situation that took place last year in a different New Jersey senior development, where a movement to ban Sukkahs was ultimately amicably resolved following the intervention of Agudath Israel and Mr. Loigman.

The precedent is crystal clear, says Mr. Loigman. Religious freedom is an inalienable right in the United States, and it benefits everyone to respect that and work together, rather than fight acrimonious losing battles.

(YWN World Headquarters- NYC)
Digital currency bitcoin is a fraud and only useful to drug dealers, murderers and people in countries such as North Korea and Venezuela, says a leading global banker.

In a scathing attack on the cryptocurrency that has won a legion of celebrity fans, Wall Street titan Jamie Dimon, 61, said he was shocked by its popularity and warned it will eventually blow up.

The JP Morgan Chase chief executive said he would fire any employee trading bitcoin for being stupid. But he also revealed that one of his daughters had bought bitcoin, adding: It went up and she thinks shes a genius now.

On the attack: Digital currency bitcoin is a fraud and only useful to drug dealers, murderers and people in countries such as North Korea

Dimons comments followed a stark warning from Britains financial regulator that digital currencies are high-risk, speculative investments wide open to fraud.

Bitcoin is a virtual currency that allows people to bypass banks and traditional payment processes such as cash to buy goods and services. The value of a single bitcoin soared from less than $250 at the end of 2015 to a high above $5,000 this month as it won a wave of fans such as Richard Branson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Julian Assange.

It has since fallen to around $4,000 amid reports that a crackdown could see China shut exchanges where bitcoin is traded.

Dimon said: If we had a trader who traded bitcoin, Id fire them in a second, for two reasons. One, its against our rules. Two, its stupid.

Scathing: JP Morgan Chase chief Jamie Dimon said he would fire any employee trading bitcoin for being stupid

He added: The only good argument [for it] is that if you were in Venezuela or Ecuador or North Korea.

Or if you were a drug dealer, a murderer, you are better off doing it in bitcoin than US dollars, you are better off bypassing the system of your country. Dont ask me to short it. It could be at $20,000 before this happens, it will eventually blow up.
A Lincoln utility crew will leave the Florida Panhandle for the central part of the state to continue helping restore power following Hurricane Irma.

The crew, which had been working in Tallahassee since Monday, plans to leave for Ocala, about 170 miles south, on Thursday, said Lincoln Electric System spokeswoman Rachel Barth.

Irma left an estimated 7 million homes and businesses without electricity in Florida.

The LES crew along with utility workers from Omaha Public Power District, Nebraska Public Power District and power districts in Columbus and Grand Island went to Florida to provide assistance.

Tammy Manning, a grandmother from Tallahassee, emailed the Journal Star to publicly thank the LES team for restoring her power after she spent 36 hours in the dark. The strangers from Nebraska "went above and beyond" to help her after she mentioned her outage on a Facebook page.

Manning's hopes of having power restored weren't high Tuesday when Tallahassee utility workers told her a transformer was blown and wouldn't be a quick fix.

Home with her grandchildren, Manning's mind wandered back to 2016, when Hurricane Hermine downed power lines there and kept her home in the dark for seven days, she said.

The LES crew, led by Tyler Nixon, surprised her that afternoon and asked for her by name when they stopped by to ensure her home got back online.

The crew happened to have a transformer on hand and worked for about an hour to get power up and running again, Manning said.

"They were very much appreciated, and then they just went about their business helping someone else," Manning said.

Meanwhile, Nebraska's urban search and rescue task force is headed home from Florida after emergency managers there determined the group's help is no longer needed.

The 80-member team from Nebraska Task Force 1  which includes firefighters, doctors, structural engineers and heavy rigging specialists from Lincoln, Omaha and Papillion  began its two-day trip back to Lincoln on Wednesday morning, according to a news release.

For now, Task Force Chief Brad Thavenet will remain at Florida's state emergency operations center in Tallahassee as a liaison between state and federal officials.

Eight federally designated urban search and rescue teams will continue to work in Florida, mostly in the Key West area.

Nebraska Task Force 1 deployed to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida late last week.

For 35 members of the task force, the trip marked their second deployment in two weeks, and orders to head to Florida came two days after they returned from Hurricane Harvey relief missions in Houston.

The team's boats helped evacuate hundreds of people stranded by record flooding in the Houston area.

The back-to-back deployments are a first for the specialized team, officials have said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency sponsors the Lincoln-based task force, paying for the work of its members and equipment as well as compensating the departments they leave for the overtime hours used to fill vacancies.
MBABANE  It seems order will finally be restored at the Swaziland Christian University (SCU).

This follows the deregistration of the institution from being a private entity to a non-profit organisation.

When the problems at the institution began, it was alleged that government was unhappy that it was registered as a private entity, which led to problems regarding the subvention. As a result, the shareholders have taken the decision to have the company deregistered. An advert appeared in our newspaper yesterday, which contained the notice of deregistration. Notice is hereby given that I have reasonable cause to believe that the under mentioned company, incorporated under the laws of Swaziland, is not carrying on the business, and the shareholders of the same company have applied for deregistration.

The name of the aforesaid company, unless cause is shown to the contrary at the end of the two months from the date hereof, be deregistered and struck-off the Swaziland Registrar of Companies, and the company be dissolved, the notice read. Explaining the notice, SCU Vice Chancellor, Pastor In Whan Kim confirmed that government demanded the change of ownership and that they did it in order to comply with the countrys regulations. He said the institution was now in the ownership of the Africa Continent Mission (ACM) and not the Kim family. Internally, the transfer has been completed as per the requirements of the regulations and shall be fully effective in two months. So the SCU is now under the ACM, he said. The institution is currently not operational following a decision taken by government to suspend it two weeks ago.



When the decision to suspend operations was announced, government said that following an audit by the Swaziland Higher Education Council (SHEQ), it was discovered that there was a lot wrong in the managerial structure, school facilities and the programmes which were being taught. Government said, as a result, a decision was reached that the institution should not be allowed to admit new students for the 2017 academic year.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said Wednesday during her first stop in Nebraska that Midland Universitys coding class is a great example of the innovation she's highlighting on her six-state tour.

Our goal is to help everyone, including educators and students, begin to think differently about how they do school and this is a really great example here of meeting students where theyre at and really addressing needs in a community, she said.

DeVos came to Midland's new Omaha campus Wednesday evening, talked to students and teachers, and offered a few comments to the media crowded into the room.

DeVos, noting that there are 400 jobs in the fields of coding and web design in the Omaha area, said the coding program is a good example of creating flexible and relevant courses.

The 11 students in the class  part of a 10-month web foundation academy  introduced themselves to DeVos when she arrived, about an hour later than scheduled.

The students are taking the class for various reasons: training for a new career, getting skills to enhance their current jobs, and those looking for something different than a four-year degree.

DeVos said she hopes to make the federal education department better able to support higher education, looking more holistically at how the department approaches it, and focusing more on associate degrees and other career-related education.

Frankly, I think weve done a disservice to young people for many years by suggesting the only path to success is through a four-year college or university, she said. This is a great example here today of ... different pathways and options.

Asked about whether she thinks charter schools should be authorized in Nebraska  one of six states that don't allow them  DeVos said her goal is to make sure parents have the ability to make the right choice for their kids, whether in traditional school settings or charters.

I visited a lot of schools over the last number of months, many of those approaching education differently than the approach undertaken for many years. I think thats really good. We need more of that ... its not a matter of supporting what kind of school, but really supporting a full range of choice so that students needs are best met."

Nebraska Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt, who was with DeVos for her visit to Midland, said hes proud that Nebraska schools were chosen to highlight innovation.

DeVos will visit two schools in Lincoln on Thursday: St. Mary's Catholic School and Lincoln Public Schools' science focus program.

Her day will start with a trip to Nelson Mandela Elementary School in Omaha from 7:50-9:30 a.m., followed by a visit to St. Mary's Catholic School, 1434 K St., in Lincoln from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and ending with a visit to the LPS zoo school, 1222 S. 27th St., from noon-2 p.m.

Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Steve Joel made it clear Wednesday he's going to make a strong case for public schools during DeVos' visit.

"Students are very excited about this," he said at a news conference. "It's not a very long visit, but we hope to engineer it in a way that a lot of information is conveyed and she gets an opportunity to see what's right about public education in Nebraska  because we think theres a lot right, especially in Lincoln."

Joel said he's well aware of the push for charter schools, vouchers and tax credits around the country and in Nebraska.

"Her tour is designed to rethink schools. We're a public school. We're a proud public school ... with a community that supports us, and we are going to take it very, very seriously that we are representing all of the voices of public education."

Joel said the 20-year-old science focus program, known as zoo school, is one of the district's "showcase programs" and LPS officials are proud that DeVos requested a visit.

Wednesday evening, a small group of protesters gathered in the Midland parking lot before DeVos' arrival, and her scheduled stops in Lincoln have prompted concern from some parents and other Lincoln residents who worry the purpose is to further an agenda to promote privatized education.

DeVos, a former Republican Party chairwoman in Michigan, is a longtime supporter of school choice and a force behind the spread of charter schools in her home state. Her nomination by President Donald Trump and narrow confirmation in the Senate drew spirited protests, as have previous visits to schools.

Those who oppose her support of charter schools will be visible Thursday in Lincoln.

The group Suit Up Nebraska-Lancaster County, which has about 800 followers, has issued a call to action on Facebook for people to gather on the west side of 27th Street across from the zoo on Thursday to show their support for public schools.

Lincoln Police Capt. Mike Woolman said police are encouraging those who plan to gather during DeVos' visit to the focus program to park in the overflow zoo lot south of A Street. The Lincoln Children's Zoo will be closed to accommodate DeVos' visit, which is not open to the public.

Stand for Schools and the Nebraska State Education Association have planned a peaceful, positive celebration of Nebraskas public schools at a 5 p.m. rally at The Bay, 2005 Y St.

We want to show our support for all the good things public schools can do when theyre not worrying about charter schools and funding schemes and about money being taken away from those programs, said Karen Kilgarin, NSEA director of government relations and public affairs.

DeVos' Nebraska visits comes after stops at schools in Wyoming and Colorado schools. She also will head to a school in Overland Park, Kansas, later Thursday and will also visit schools in Missouri and Indiana as part of her Rethink School tour.
MBABANE  The smell of dog food filled the air on Malagwane Hill yesterday after an Agos front line truck overturned.

There was a traffic jam for over five hours as traffic police had to redirect traffic going towards Manzini to the lane going up to Mbabane.

The traffic was from Swazi Inn down to Bahai, where the police made an alternative route to avoid a heavy traffic jam as the truck had blocked the road.



The truck from national heavy haulage, which was ferrying 10kg bags of LEK-A-LIK dog food is suspected to have developed a mechanical faults before overtutning.

The driver, Cecil Ramasenya, was trapped in the truck for over 20 minutes as the public and the police tried to rescue him. According to a passenger on board the truck, Siyabonga Sithole who escaped with minor injuries, they were on their way to Malkerns when the accident occurred. Sithole narrated that the driver was trapped by the steering wheel as the truck landed on the drivers side on the guardrails separating the highway.



I met him at the border gate this morning and he was from Delmas in South Africa with the consignment. He did not say anything before the accident and I did not see anything when the accident happened. The paramedics who took him to hospital told me he would recover from the injuries. The owner of the load and the truck has been called to inform him of the accident, Sithole said.

.






MBABANE  The South African model, Lebogang Domenic Mathuloe, who is alleged to have committed suicide, was married to a Swazi man.



Her husband, Njabulo Masuku, who is an IT Specialist, confirmed that he paid lobola to Mathuloes family and the couple later exchanged vows in church in December 2015.

However, Masuku said they grew to realise that their paths were opposite. In the process, Masuku said the relationship did not work out and everything was left hanging.



He said currently, he did not have a wife and reports by some South African publications that the model was married to a Swazi polygamist were far-fetched.

According to Masuku, they remained civil with Lebogang and respected each other.

I mourn her untimely death. I pray that those responsible for her death face the might of the law and justice should take its course. I plead with the media to allow myself, her family and all those who loved her privacy to mourn a life cut so short, lamented Masuku.



His comments come after speculation that her alleged suicide may have been foul play and in fact, she could have been murdered.

Masuku, who is a known Christian, said with regard to issues of his faith, it was a personal matter between himself and God. Masuku said he wished not to implicate any church or institution based on personal decisions.

News about the model were published in a number of South African newspapers.



Information sourced from the Press Reader- Sowetan revealed that the model, who died at Pecanwood Estate in the early hours of Monday morning, allegedly took her own life.

North West Police yesterday also announced that an inquest would be held into the cause of death of Lebogang.

There have also been widespread posts on social media claiming that Mathuloe had been stabbed by her white boyfriend.



However, the police have disputed this version, adding that a post-mortem would be carried out to determine the cause of her death.
MBABANE  Doctor Tshibungu Jean Pierre Lukoji is alleged to have defrauded SwaziMed over E1.3 million.



He is alleged to have defrauded the scheme (SwaziMed) by submitting volumes of fraudulent claims.

Dr Lukoji is a Specialist Physician of Internal medicine and he operates Smart Clinic at Makhaya Centre in Manzini. This is contained in SwaziMeds answering papers after the doctor took it to court wherein he is challenging his suspension.



The doctor wants the court to set aside and/or lift his indefinite suspension as a direct payee of the provision of health care and medical services to SwaziMed members.

SwaziMed alleged that during the period of January to December 2016, Dr Lukoji submitted fraudulent claims for folio dresses. A folio dress is a disposable gown worn by a doctor during an operation. In his affidavit, SwaziMed Principal Officer Peter Simelane pointed out that the schemes tariff for a folio dress was E185.18 and Dr. Lukoji would allegedly claim E1 122 per operation/procedure.

He said this meant that he was claiming for six or seven gowns for that single operation.



Simelane further stated that apart from the fact that the doctor (Lukoji) was charging for six to seven gowns for one operation, a folio dress was a non-chargeable item for a gastroscopy and endoscopy procedure/operation. He mentioned that a folio dress/gown was only chargeable in the ward for reverse bearer nursing and extensive burns subject to approval by the scheme.



Simelane told the court that notwithstanding the clear rule, Dr Lukoji charged for a folio dress or gown. He averred that the doctor was clearly defrauding the scheme.

Dr. Lukoji also submitted and was paid for fraudulent claims in respect of another item, a gel emulsion which is a lubrication jelly or emulsifying jelly. SwaziMed allows claims for gel emulsion for up E75.10 per 5ml. Dr. Lukoji, meanwhile claimed E6 589.48 for 5ml of gel emulsion, submitted Simelane.



He claimed that in the process, the doctor defrauded the scheme an amount of E46 126.36. These are allegations whose veracity is yet to be tested in court.

The specialist (Dr. Lukoji) is again accused of having submitted fraudulent claims in respect of biopsy disposable.
MANZINI  Teachers are not going to school today. The educators took a resolution not to go to work during a meeting held at the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Centre yesterday.



They resolved to accompany their National Executive Committee (NEC) to the Joint Negotiation Forum (JNF) today, to give moral support to their leaders as they negotiate the cost of living adjustment with government. The teachers were not pleased about governments zero per cent offer during the last meeting and labelled it as an insult to the civil service.

This will be the second consecutive day that some teachers will not be reporting for duty.



Close to 4 000 teachers attended the meeting. They disputed that government did not have money.

They said government screamed being broke when it came to issues of civil servants. They were worried about what they termed the willy-nilly spending by government. They were puzzled by that ministers flew in and out of the country frequently, and deduced that there was no way that government would claim to be broke.



Stating their mission today, they clarified that they would not be striking but merely giving support to their leaders. Some likened the situation to a person working in a pigsty. They said such a person ended up smelling like the pigs. In explaining this, they said they would accompany their leaders not because they did not trust them but because they wanted to ensure that they stuck to their mandate, and not be seen to be easily convinced by what government was telling them.



The teachers want government to table a better offer and stated that today would be the day they got what was theirs. They said they would be outside government offices ready to shove back into the negotiation room the government team, should it attempt to leave without tabling a good offer. Some indicated that they would accept at least 4.5 per cent from government.



There was a feeling that government was pulling civil servants leg by tabling zero per cent. They said government knew that civil servants would reject the offer and wanted to see what they would do about it. Without mentioning names, they were of the view that some people gave the impression that they liked monarchical democracy, while their actions proved otherwise.
The University of Nebraska added another $4 million worth of items to its running list of proposed budget cuts Tuesday as it seeks to close a shortfall of $49 million.

The announcement included more than 70 specific items across eight nonacademic areas  primarily travel, public relations, printing and financial operations  to be implemented in coming months.

NU announced $25 million in potential cuts last month.

Perhaps the biggest proposal unveiled Tuesday is a 90 percent reduction in reimbursements for cellphone and internet use by university employees. That move alone is expected to create $1.1 million in savings, said NU spokeswoman Melissa Lee said.

Other proposed changes:

* The university will require employees to make travel arrangements online, rather than over the phone, to save roughly $17 per transaction. Just 22 percent of NU employees are currently booking travel online.

* Employees will also be required to use a university credit card, allowing NU to earn a 1.65 percent rebate on approved travel expenses.

* The university plans to consolidate travel planning to a single agency in order to secure higher rebates.

* Along with generally moving to electronic distribution of materials across the system, NU plans to create one systemwide printing and copying operation with single locations in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney.

Some potential changes  such as ending the practice of paying one-quarter of employees' unused sick time upon retirement, and adjusting the maximum number of vacation days that can be maintained  will require the approval of the NU Board of Regents.

And other moves  like streamlining the university's per-diem reimbursement procedures to reduce time and resources spent preparing, processing, administering, and auditing travel receipts  would require the Legislature to change state law.

Most of the overall $49 million in cuts are expected to come from consolidating or eliminating certain nonacademic programs across the university system, and NU administrators expect 100 positions will be terminated either through attrition or reductions in force once other cost-reduction strategies have been exhausted.

Among the broad initiatives announced in August are those aimed at reducing costs in areas such as human resources, information technology, facilities and energy and procurement, through strategies like centralization and eliminating duplicative efforts.

Many of the potential cuts will require further study, such as those regarding human resources and public relations.

No individual positions have been identified yet for immediate cuts or elimination through attrition, but NU said Tuesday that the broader cuts will impact virtually all employees in some way.

The reduction in cellphone and internet reimbursements is a clear example.

Other Big Ten schools have followed similar paths regarding such reimbursements.

The University of Minnesota stopped reimbursing employees for cellphones in 2012 if they didn't need access to a device to perform their specific duties. Penn State did the same in 2016, saving about $1.2 million in direct and indirect costs, according to its website.

The policy shift puts NU in line with other governmental bodies like Lincoln Public Schools, which provides work cellphones to school nurses, facilities and maintenance staff, and others deemed on call, according to Eric Weber, associate superintendent for human resources.

NU earlier this summer cut its mileage reimbursement rate for employees who use their own vehicles to travel between facilities from the 53.5 cents per mile set by the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services to 25 cents per mile in an effort to save $550,000.

Marjorie Kostelnik, a former dean of UNLs College of Education and Human Sciences tapped to implement the budget cuts, said many of the strategies presented Tuesday have yet to be finalized.

The universitys budget response teams will engage with faculty, staff and students about implementing specific plans, NU said, while additional teams in safety, parking, research services and institutional research have also been convened to look for savings.
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By Philip Newman

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced that the airports it operates set records with 63.5 million passengers the first half of 2017. Passenger levels jumped in the first half year by 2.4 percent.

Keeping the longstanding position as the leading airport in international passenger traffic with continued strong growth in international travel, John F. Kennedy International Airport set a first half-year record with more than 28.5 million total passengers, up 1.4 percent compared to the first six month of 2016, the Port Authority said.

Meanwhile, LaGuardia airport post had the second highest traffic numbers in its history for the first half of 2917 with slightly more than 14 million passengers from January to June. Travel to Canada and the Caribbean was up significantly.

Newark Liberty International Airport welcomed a record 20.9 million passengers between January and June, up 7.2 percent from the first half last year.

Stewart International Airport had a strong first half year due to Allegiant Airs increase in weekly flights. The advent of Norwegian Air also brought a return of international scheduled passenger traffic back to Stewart.
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By Mark Hallum

City Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) scored another victory at the polls and is now headed into the general election facing at least one opponent in a district where he claims to have brought a record $65 million in funding and gained support as an advocate of education and seniors.

Vallone faced an old adversary Tuesday in land-use consultant and Flushing resident Paul Graziano, who set the tone of the election season by launching a lawsuit against the incumbent to challenge the legality of his petition signatures. With 100 percent of the unofficial vote counted, Vallone had 54.3 percent and Graziano drew 45.7 percent in District 19, according to WNYC.org.

This was the largest margin of victory weve ever had, so were really excited. It really shows a unified district, Vallone said. Its going to be an exciting general election.  Weve got support even on the Republican side, so were expecting a larger turnout.

Although the allegations were later dropped, Graziano held Vallones feet to the fire for the remainder of the election regarding the charges in the criminal complaint.

Vallone started his career in the City Council with a five-way Democratic primary in 2013  which included Graziano among his opponents  after then-Councilman Dan Halloran decided against running for re-election due to being brought up on corruption charges, for which he is still serving a 10-year sentence.

Vallone describes his time prior to taking office as a stark, chaotic time for his constituents who had no representation in city government.

We started off a district divided  no funding, no support, no legislation, no elected officials, Vallone said in an August interview. We had a Council member in jail, we had a district that was left to fend for itself. You had communities that really had to survive with the strength of their own civic groups.

Vallone has campaigned on the desire to build on his current four-year record of improving education and funding programs for seniors in northeast Queens, such as state-of-the-art facilities in high schools which give students an edge developing skills, and transportation options for the elderly as an alternative to Access-a-Ride.

Graziano will be on the Reform Party ballot in the general election.
Did you vote in the midterm elections as if your countrys existence depended on it?
WATERLOO  The mayor of Omaha said the city is considering the possibility of stretching westward and annexing Waterloo.

Mayor Jean Stothert presented the idea last month. She said bringing the small town into Omaha city limits is always under consideration.

Waterloo Village Board Chairman Travis Harlow said residents would object to being absorbed by Omaha.

"We'd love to keep Waterloo its own small town," said Harlow, who is also Waterloo's volunteer fire chief. "Waterloo thrives because of its small-town atmosphere."

State law allows Omaha to annex adjacent cities in Douglas County with fewer than 10,000 people, regardless of their approval. Harlow said Waterloo has about 850 people.

"There's nothing we can do to stop it if that's what the city chooses to do," Harlow said. "I would assure you there's probably not going to be any fans if that happens."

The town will be evaluated for possible annexation when Omaha's annual analysis begins next year, said Cassie Paben, Stothert's deputy chief of staff for economic development.

Stothert said that analysis involves looking over the next 10 years to figure out the cost of providing city services, fire and police coverage, and park maintenance. She said she'll only pursue annexation if there's a net positive for the city at the end of 10 years.

Waterloo businessman Tom Fencl said he'd be concerned about maintaining the quality of services if Omaha took over.

"Waterloo does a very good job of taking care of Waterloo," Fencl said. "The smaller towns typically do. They're familiar with what goes on there."

Omaha's last annexation of a free-standing community was with Elkhorn in 2007.

Annexation packages are proposed by the Mayor's Office before going to the City Council.
WASHINGTON _ All honeymoons ultimately end. The one involving President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer proved no exception Tuesday as Schumer lashed out at Trump's possibly ending the estate tax, saying it would ''benefit the ultra-rich while leaving the middle class in this country out to dry.''

Less than a week ago, Trump, Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., forged a political alliance to win approval of a spending-debt package (along with hurricane relief)  much to the chagrin of GOP congressional leadership.

But the relationship appeared to turn back to its rocky norm Tuesday with Schumer joining Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., in blasting Trump's proposal to eliminate the estate tax, also known as the ''death tax.''

The federal tax applies to individual estates worth $5.45 million or those of couples worth $11 million or more.

In North Dakota last week, Trump called the estate tax a ''tremendous burden'' on family farmers. ''We are not going to allow the death tax or the inheritance tax or the whatever-you-want-to-call-it to crush the American Dream,'' Trump said.

In a conference call with reporters Tuesday, Schumer charged Trump and Republicans with dressing up a tax cut for the ultra-wealthy as aid for family farmers and the like. ''It's all bull,'' he said.

The estate tax is one item on Trump's tax-reform laundry list, which has not yet been formulated into a legislative package. It would also include a lowered corporate tax rate, simplification and closing of special interest loopholes.

Schumer characterized the estate-tax measure as a ruse that would add $269 billion to the deficit over 10 years and lead to Republican cries that Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security must be cut to restore balance.

''Repealing this tax is not a tax cut for the middle class,'' Schumer said. ''It's a tax cut for the wealthy elites in this country the president promised to stand up to.''

He pointed to a study by the liberal Center for Budget & Policy Priorities that showed New York is third in the number of estates taxable under current law  470. Only California and Florida have more.

North Dakota, the study showed, has no such taxable estate.

The study cites a congressional Joint Committee on Taxation estimate that nationwide, 5,400 estates  the wealthiest 0.2 percent of Americans  would owe any estate tax in 2018.

Asked whether his honeymoon with President Trump was over, Schumer replied that Democrats have ''said all along that where we can work with the president, we will. But we will not abandon our principles.''

Trump has expressed contradictory impulses on tax reform, saying in the campaign for instance that the rich might have to pay more, Schumer said. ''So we'll see where he stands.''

Push back on the estate tax is in keeping with Schumer's ''Better Deal,'' his effort to woo back Trump-leaning blue-collar voters with a sharp economic message aimed at proving that Democrats  not Republicans  are the true guardians of the well-being of America's middle class.

Sanders, who ran 2016 as a liberal progressive to the left of the Democratic Party's ultimate nominee Hillary Clinton, on Wednesday will roll out a ''Medicare for all'' bill. The measure is something of a touchstone for liberal Democrats, and on Tuesday Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced she would sign on as an original co-sponsor.

Gillibrand joins other progressive stalwarts in the Senate who have backed the Sanders measure, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

''Health care should be a right, not a privilege,'' Gillibrand said in a statement. She noted that she contributed a section to the bill making it possible for health-care consumers to select a public option during a four-year transition to Medicare for all.

Sanders' plan would replace Obamacare with a system in which the government would pay a percentage of everyone's health-care bills, much as it does for senior citizens under the current Medicare program.

Critics say it would be very expensive, with estimates ranging up to $32 trillion over 10 years, and it would require tax increases on the order of $24,000 per household. Taxes presumably would be offset by lower premiums and health-care and hospital costs, as well as reduced state and local spending.

''As I've been traveling around New York, the number one thing I keep hearing from New Yorkers is that people are very worried that their health care is still too expensive,'' said Gillibrand, who is running for re-election in 2018 and has been mentioned as a 2020 presidential possibility.

''Under the health care system we have now, too many insurance companies continue to value their profits more than they value the people they are supposed to be helping,'' she said. ''It's time for something better.''

Schumer was non-committal, telling reporters after the Senate Democrats' weekly policy lunch: ''Democrats believe that health care is a right for all, and there are many different bills out there. There are many good ones.''
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ALBANY - A Bethlehem man who tossed a brick through the window of a Bethlehem home and ran off when the security alarm sounded was sentenced to six years in state prison on Tuesday.

Michael Rozell plead guilty on Aug. 1 to second-degree attempted burglary. Hell serve five years of post-release supervision after his prison sentence, according to the Albany County District Attorneys office.
Lee, Mass.-based Country Curtains will likely close by the end of the year, costing 360 workers their jobs. The company blamed growing pressure from online retailers.

The jobs losses would include 175 employees based in the Berkshires.

"Online retail played a huge role in this [closing]," Chief Marketing Officer Shane Wirta said. "We started as a mail-order company and never really grew with the times."

Country Curtains' board of directors recommended liquidating the business and related operations to shareholders, who will vote on whether to shut down on Oct. 4.

If they vote to close, the company would launch a liquidation sale in October and end operations by Dec. 31. The dissolution would preserve value for shareholders, many of whom are current and former employees. Most employees would remain with the company for at least 60 days after the vote and some would be offered severance packages and other support.

If shareholders vote against closing, the board would likely come forward with a similar recommendation within three months, said Wirta.

The company, founded by Jack and Jane Fitzpatrick more than 60 years ago, lost more than $3 million in 2015 and $5 million in 2016. Losses in 2017 are expected to be around $5 million.

"This has been a heartbreaking decision, but the board is confident that it is in the best interests of our shareholders  including our ESOP and our employee participants," said Celia Clancy, CEO of Country Curtains, in a statement. "The changing retail environment makes it increasingly difficult for a small, independent company to compete and meet customer expectations on price, product delivery and product mix."

Two years ago the company attempted a turnaround; it brought in fresh leadership, updated its products and tried to address market changes.

The board hired an investment banking firm to find a buyer for the company but no one expressed interest. They also tried offering free shipping and other perks to compete with online retailers but it didn't work and the significant losses continued, Wirta said.

"The Amazons and the Wayfarers, they really hurt us," he said.

Country Curtains based in Lee, operates factories in Massachusetts and Connecticut. The company has 22 stores across the Northeast, with its flagship store located at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

miszler@timesunion.com  518-454-5018  @madisoniszler
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Rensselaer

Dome cars, lounges, observation and sleeper cars, many painted in the livery of their former railroads, gathered at the Rensselaer rail station Wednesday, preparing for a multi-day journey that will wind through the Adirondacks, the Southern Tier, the Berkshires and Green Mountains.

They'll end up in Burlington, Vt., for the 40th annual convention of the American Association of Private Rail Car Owners.

Before then, the owners of these cars, the oldest of which dates from 1911, will see a considerable amount of the Northeast. Hauled by two Amtrak locomotives, they'll travel to Utica and then to Thendara, back to Utica and onto Geneva, then head east to Springfield, Mass., and Rutland before arriving at Burlington.

The owners, rail enthusiasts all, can talk about the history of their individual cars. They've often spent years restoring them. Former association executive director Borden Black has just acquired a car from Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, which has ceased operation.

Dick Johnston of Phoenix travels in a dome car built in 1955 by The Budd Company, once a major U.S. railcar manufacturer, and used on the Empire Builder, which runs between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest.

Amtrak took over the route, and the equipment, in May 1971, and used it until it was replaced by newly manufactured bilevel Superliners in the late 1970s.

Coordinating a trip like this can be a challenge. Taylor Johnson, the association's vice president of transportation, had planned a stop in Saratoga Springs and a trip via Whitehall to Rutland. But when the Canadian Pacific balked at hosting the train, Vermont rail officials and the Finger Lakes Railway stepped up with an alternate routing.

The private rail car owners support the continued operation of Amtrak, and Johnson said their train "is a reflection of American history." The owners often make their cars available to passengers looking for a unique travel experience.

Some of the cars have private bedrooms, dining rooms and kitchens, as well as showers and flat-screen TVs.

The organization hopes to draw attention to plans by New York state to remove the tracks from Thendara north to Lake Placid, a move it opposes.

Robert Donnelly, the association president, said the private rail cars often are owned by groups of shareholders.

Among the cars participating in this year's convention is the Georgia 300, a platform observation car that once operated on the Crescent Limited between New York and New Orleans.

The car has been used by Jimmy Carter, George H.W. and George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and by Kerry/Edwards campaign, said another association member, LeAnne Feagin. The Obamas boarded it in Philadelphia, picking up Joe Biden and his wife in Delaware, to travel to the 2009 inauguration.
The following capsule reviews of recent releases, long runs and revivals come from various wire services, as noted:

RATINGS: G - Suitable for all ages. PG - Parental guidance recommended. PG-13 - Parental guidance strongly suggested. R - Restricted; anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

    Excellent    Good   Fair  Poor

Annabelle: Creation

Horror. Years after the death of their daughter, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage. "Annabelle: Creation" falls short. It has a decent portion of visceral scares, but otherwise depends too much on predictable horror movie tricks. (R for horror violence and terror)  (Walter Addiego, Hearst Newspapers)

The Big Sick

Comedy. Based on the real-life courtship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, the movie tells the story of a Pakistan-born aspiring comedian (Nanjiani) and a grad student (Zoe Kazan), who connect after one of his stand-up sets, and soon confront health issues. The key thing is that "The Big Sick," with ease and seeming effortlessness, makes us care a lot about these people, together and separately. (R for language including some sexual references)  (Mick LaSalle, Hearst Newspapers)

Despicable Me 3

Animated. Gru (voice of Steve Carrell) meets his long-lost, charming, cheerful and more successful twin brother Dru (voice of Steve Carrell) who wants to team up with him for one last criminal heist. "Despicable Me 3," has a lot going for it: cute characters, some clever set pieces and of course, dazzling animation. (PG for action and rude humor)  (David Lewis, Hearst Newspapers)

Dunkirk

Drama. Christopher Nolan's World War II epic follows the Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire and France who were surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II on the beaches of France. Stars Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Fionn Whitehead and Harry Styles. It's one of the best war films ever made. (PG-13 for intense war experience and some language)  (M.L.)

The Emoji Movie

Animated. Sony Pictures Animation's latest follows Gene, a multi-expressional emoji who lives in a phone, as he sets out on a journey to become a normal meh emoji like his parents. Voices include T.J. Miller, James Corden, Anna Farris, Patrick Stewart and Sofia Vergara. (PG for rude humor)  (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service)

The Glass Castle

Drama. Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts star in this adaptation of Jeannette Wall's memoir about the unconventional, poverty-stricken upbringing she and her siblings had at the hands of their deeply dysfunctional parents. The movie is based on Walls' best-selling memoir of the same name.(PG-13 for mature thematic content involving family dysfunction, and for some language and smoking)  (M.L.)

The Hitman's Bodyguard

Action. The world's top bodyguard (Ryan Reynolds) is assigned the job of protecting the life of his mortal enemy, who is one of the world's most notorious hitmen (Samuel L. Jackson), and taking him to testify at the International Court of Justice. It's a pleasing action movie that aspires to be something more, but doesn't quite achieve its intention. But it really is pleasing and better than routine. (R for strong violence and language throughout)  (M.L.)

Home Again

Comedy. Oscar and Emmy nominations cannot stop Reese Witherspoon from returning to the world of romantic comedies, this time as a single mom in L.A. who takes in three young men as boarders. With Nancy Meyers ("Something's Gotta Give") as a mom and Charles Shyer ("Father of the Bride") as a dad, first-time writer-director Hallie Meyers-Shyer had no choice but to follow in the family business. Nobody's behavior here resembles that of an actual person, and the directing is often awkward: A sudden close-up of a wastebasket, for example, seems to exist only to show us that, yes, it's a very nice wastebasket. But Witherspoon and the rest of the cast are blandly charming (especially Michael Sheen, though I kept wishing he would channel his "Twilight" vampire). And the real estate is, of course, to die for. (PG-13 for some thematic and sexual material)  (Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times)

It

Horror. Twenty-seven years after the TV miniseries version, Stephen King's horror classic about a killer clown terrorizing the children of a small town in Maine finally makes it to the big screen. The rebooted "It" earns the highest compliment for a horror movie: Even if it didn't have the homicidal clown and sink spewing blood and missing children getting yanked into sewers, what remains would still be an engaging movie. It's smart and funny and makes great effort to capture not just a time and place, but the specific feelings of being on the verge of adulthood and thinking the world is against you. There are questionable structural differences between this film and Stephen King's literary source material that will be particularly noticeable to fans of the 1990 television miniseries. But the end result  even with a bait-and-switch ending  is still remarkable. Like very few mainstream films in the past year and a half, "It" is worthy of the anticipation and hype. (R for violence/horror, bloody images, and for language)  (Peter Hartlaub, Hearst Newspapers)

Leap!

Animated. In this French-Canadian animated feature, an orphan girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina flees her rural home for Paris, where she passes for someone else to study at the Grand Opera house. "Leap!" begins horribly, but once in Paris, the film sharply pivots. It's remarkable how much better "Leap!" is during these middle-of-the-movie scenes. (PG for some impolite humor and action)  (P.H.)

Logan Lucky

Comedy. Stephen Soderbergh's crime comedy casts Channing Tatum and Adam Driver as down-on-their-luck Southern brothers who decide to change their fate by pulling a heist durinWe get a movie that is light and pointless and goes on for two long hours. (PG-13 for language and some crude comments)  1/2 (M.L.)

Menashe

Drama. In Brooklyn's ultra-orthodox Jewish community, a widower battles for custody of his son in this Yiddish-language drama. It's a mild, melancholy tale, though punctuated with some comedy, and your heart goes out to Menashe, who, for all his shortcomings  including eruptions of bad temper  just wants what's best for his kid. Director Joshua Z. Weinstein, who also wrote the movie with Alex Lipschultz and Musa Syeed, is clearly as interested in the dynamics of the Hasidic community as he is in Menashe himself. This is a convincing portrayal of that world, a piece of genuinely immersive filmmaking. (PG for thematic elements)  (W.A.)

The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature

AAnimated. In this sequel to 2014's modest performer and critical punching bag, Surly the squirrel (Will Arnett) and his friends must stop Oakton City's mayor from destroying their home to make way for a dysfunctional amusement park. Also features the voices of Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph and Jackie Chan. This is a movie of distractions, not ideas. (PG for action and some rude humor)  1/2 (P.H.)

Patti Cake$

Drama. This Sundance-nominated drama centers on a plus-sized white girl from New Jersey who tries to find fame and fortune as a rapper. Imagine living in a world in which everyone you know is an idiot, including every single person in authority. And then imagine that all those tragically, achingly stupid people are convinced that they know everything and they can't wait to tell you just how stupid you are. This is the situation that the heroine, Patricia, experiences in "Patti Cake$," a condition rendered with such bleak precision by writer-director Geremy Jasper that it presents a challenge, for the audience and for the filmmaker: Do you really want to sit and look at nothing but awfulness and morons for almost two hours? Ultimately, "Patti Cake$" becomes worth it, because it finds its way to some kind of uplift without losing its truth, but it's a close call. Yet something in Danielle Macdonald's performance keeps us in our seats. (R for language throughout, crude sexual references, some drug use and a brief nude image)  (M.L.)

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Action. In the third iteration of the webslinger this century, Brit Tom Holland takes over from Brit Andrew Garfield (who took over from homegrown Tobey Maguire) as teenaged crimefighter Peter Parker, now fully part of the Marvel Universe. And so here we are with "Spider-Man: Homecoming," starring Tom Holland, who is not only the third Spider-Man in 15 years, but the third best. (PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments)  (M.L.)

The Trip to Spain

Comedy. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon star in their third comedic TV series-turned-feature film of their semi-fictionalized travels through Europe. Michael Winterbottom, who has directed all three "Trip" films, introduces small disquieting notes. But there's plenty of good comedy. You'll need to overlook the film's ending, a lapse in judgment that seems mainly aimed at setting up another sequel. (NR)  (W.A.)

Tulip Fever

Drama. An artist falls for a young married woman while he's commissioned to paint her portrait during the Tulip mania of 17th century Amsterdam. Oscar winner Alicia Vikander stars, with Dane DeHaan and Jack O'Connell (R for violence and language)

Wind River

Thriller. "Sicario" and "Hell or High Water" screenwriter Taylor Sheridan's sophomore outing as a director follows a game tracker (Jeremy Renner) and an FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) as they team to solve a murder on an Native American reservation. (R for strong violence, a rape, disturbing images and language)  (M.L.)

The Women's Balcony

Comedy. The Israeli hit comedy-drama makes it to the U.S., where a bar mitzvah mishap causes a major rift in a devout Orthodox community in Jerusalem. (NR)

Wonder Woman

Adventure. Finally making it to the big screen in her own film after 76 years, the Amazon princess named Diana (Gal Gadot) rescues a crashed pilot (Chris Pine) and joins him in fighting in World War I, as well as becoming a timeless superhero. Also stars Robin Wright, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen and Danny Huston. "Wonder Woman" is a different kind of action movie, and it's all the better for it. It has humor, and it's grounded in history. It's the story of a woman's coming of age, and it's a critique, not only of a world run by men, but of other action movies that glorify war. It's a welcome alternative to the usual noisy, nasty male-oriented action movies that have dominated the summer season for the last 20 years. Gal Gadot has the title role, and she has appeared in enough films that her screen magnetism comes as no surprise  but the impact of that magnetism is a surprise. Like a screen star from the 1930s, her beauty in "Wonder Woman" is an event in itself, not just pleasing, but interesting. We're talking about a face that holds the audience in a happy state of suspension and awe, so that when a close-up comes, everybody stops breathing and looks. (PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and some suggestive content)  1/2 (M.L.)
MENANDS  It's home to the fabulously wealthy, forgotten soldiers, former slaves and orphaned children, and it's got room for more.

St. Agnes Cemetery in the little village of Menands has been around for 150 years, and this weekend its biggest fans will celebrate that fact as they travel from as far away as California, Arizona and Wyoming to visit their ancestors and see the grounds firsthand. A cocktail party will be held Sunday in its honor from 2 to 5 p.m., and feature food, drinks, a string trio, silent auction and historic cemetery trolley tours.

"These are people whose ancestors were quite prominent in the 19th century, and many of them helped found the cemetery, so they find it particularly fascinating that we're still a viable, active cemetery after 150 years," said cemetery historian Kelly Grimaldi, who wrote a coffee table book on the historic Roman Catholic cemetery.

"We'll remain active, we hope, for another 150 years," she added.

The cemetery opened in 1867, and today encompasses 114 acres that reflect society's shifting practices around death, burial and memorialization of the dead.

It features large and lavish family grave lots of the wealthy, whose neo-classically designed mausoleums and memorials stand in stark contrast to smaller monuments and bronze markers, as well as two community mausoleums that house thousands of individual crypts and cremation niches within polished marble walls.

It's home to 27 forgotten soldiers, who were buried in unmarked graves in a burial plot for veterans and reburied with military honors in 2016, as well as 14 slaves whose remains were discovered during a construction dig near the long-ago estate of the prominent Schuyler family. They were given a proper burial and interred at St. Agnes in 2016.

Grimaldi, who will be signing copies of her new book, "These Sacred Grounds: 150 Years of St. Agnes Cemetery," said she was asked to start compiling stories about the cemetery for a possible book when she first started as historian seven years ago. The last book published on the cemetery was in 1899, she said, and somewhat narrow in scope.

"It was a compilation on the captains of industry buried there, these really well-to-do men  no women," she said. "So it felt a little myopic for today's audience to just focus on the rich white guys buried there, when we have orphans and Civil War veterans and these really poignant stories, like of a little boy who just fell off the back of a trolley one day."

The book covers the captains of industry, artists, politicians and a famous movie star who are buried there, but also devotes space to the poor  those ravaged by the era of disease, high infant mortality and deplorable working conditions.

Grimaldi tells the story of Sammy Severino, a 13-year-old child of Italian immigrants who was running to catch a ride home on the back of a trolley on Halloween Day 1928 when he fell off and died. His cousin, who attended his funeral at St. Agnes all those years ago, visited his grave some 80 years later.

"When someone is that old and right in front of you, as a historian, you have to get that story straight from the primary source," said Grimaldi. "So that's how I found out about little Sammy Severino."

Photographs in the book come from Mick Hales, Jennifer Mele, Chuck Miller, Jeannie Keefe and members of the local community who participated in a photography contest from 2009 to 2013. It also features four guest essays by local historian John "Jack" McEneny, and descendants of prominent families: Dr. Kathleen Quinn, Vincente Forte Jr., and Joseph Meany.

Tickets to Sunday's event are $125, and proceeds from the event along with the book will go directly to the cemetery.


Ahead of Tuesday's primary elections, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick  a former co-chair of the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption  may have skirted guidelines stating district attorneys should not engage in campaign activity.

In a robocall to potential voters made Monday and obtained by the Times Union, Fitzpatrick, a longtime Republican district attorney in Syracuse, spoke supportively of Onondaga County Legislator Derek Shepard, who was running for re-election in a Republican primary.

"Thank you Derek, I look forward to working with you for many, many years in the future," Fitzpatrick said, calling him a "great" ally on public safety issues.

Ethics guidelines adopted by New York district attorneys advise against making political endorsements or engaging in a multitude of campaign activities. Fitzpatrick, though, said there is an exemption permitting him to speak about issues of "public safety." In addition, the guidelines are not legally binding.

Despite Fitzpatrick's support, Shepard was beaten by fellow Republican Ken Bush Jr., the Elbridge town supervisor, who won about 60 percent of the vote.

The robocall was not Fitzpatrick's first brush with Bush.

In July, Fitzpatrick's office released the results of its investigation into Bush's online activities that found he used an official-looking Facebook page to promote his run for Onondaga County Legislature. The "Town of Elbridge" page  which Bush used as a bulletin board for community activities  did not claim to have an affiliation with the town but also contained no disclaimer indicating it was not a government site.

Bush agreed to take the page down but called the investigation "political bullying." Fitzpatrick's office issued a press release about the investigation results, despite the fact that no charges were filed.

Bush said the investigation prompted him to hire an attorney to meet with the district attorney's investigators.

"It's very intimidating and I felt like they were bullying me to get me off the ballot," Bush said.

At the same time, campaign finance records show the consulting firm of Fitzpatrick's son, Danny, was paid $5,000 on July 24 for work on behalf of the Republican Legislators Campaign Committee, an organization that works to elect Republican incumbents in Onondaga County, including Bush's opponent, Shepard.

The campaign committee also paid for the robocall featuring Fitzpatrick's supportive comments about Shepard, who received assistance with his petitions from Danny Fitzpatrick.

William Fitzpatrick said he did not need to recuse his office from investigating Bush.

"I never had a single conversation with my son about anything to do with Bush," Fitzpatrick said. "My son's political activities do not preclude me from looking into potential illegality. If my son had said something to me, I would have recused myself."

Fitzpatrick acknowledged he was aware that his son would have been working to help Shepard, a Republican incumbent. The younger Fitzpatrick works for Ryan McMahon, the Republican chairman of the Onondaga County Legislature.

Still, Fitzpatrick said he did not actually endorse Shepard in the robocall, which is explicitly prohibited by the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York's own rules. As head of the ethics committee, Fitzpatrick says he helped write many of the rules.

The 2016 rule book of ethical guidelines for the association says that prosecutors generally may not "act in a manner that could be interpreted as lending the prestige and weight of their office to a political party or function."

Fitzpatrick cited a part of the appendix in the rule book stating that district attorneys "are entitled to criticize those policies that undermine public safety."

Fitzpatrick said that while Bush is "maybe not a danger, he's an impediment," citing Bush's criticism of the Onondaga County district attorney's office after it investigated Bush's Facebook activities. Fitzpatrick said that a county legislator criticizing the district attorney's office would harm it.
Albany

A panel of municipal officials from Albany County approved a plan Wednesday to consolidate their operations, including everything from LED light bulb purchases and vehicle maintenance to health insurance for public employees.

But the plan, which was pushed through by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in this years state budget, is expected to only save county property taxpayers an average of $66 when fully implemented in several years.

It's also unclear how many counties will meet Friday's deadline to enact cost-sharing plans this year. While all of the counties have convened special panels to explore savings, it's expected about half will do so this year.

Its mixed, Jim Malatras, Cuomos former operations director and now president of the Rockefeller Institute, said of the response to the cost-sharing idea. Albany County hired the Rockefeller Institute to provide advice on consolidating purchases and services.

The County-Wide Shared Services initiative allows for state grants to help set up the programs. All 57 counties outside of New York City are supposed to at least look at savings plans, but they dont need to adopt them. They can also launch the plans next year.

Its the latest in a series of efforts by the Cuomo Administration, starting with a 2011 property tax cap, to contain New Yorks highest-in-the-nation local government and school property taxes, which in many cases can exceed a homeowners mortgage payment.

While the cap, described as a blunt but effective instrument, has kept steep rises in check, other initiatives have been more complicated and difficult.

Consolidation has long been a theme with Cuomo, who as attorney general bemoaned New Yorks dizzying array of municipalities and special districts  all of which have the ability to levy property taxes.

Consolidations have already taken place on some levels. The town of Bethlehem, for instance, combined ambulance districts, and the school district - rather than the town - now collects school property taxes.

But consolidations dont address many underlying costs such as public sector employee health and pension increases or labor contacts in school districts that set automatic longevity raises each year.

Moreover, some counties like Essex have opted out of the program. And others such as Onondaga County have downsized their plans. That happened after Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner vetoed all but one of the proposals brought forth there.

Miner has clashed with Cuomo regarding how much money the state should allocate to help struggling cities like hers.

Albany Countys most ambitious cost-sharing proposal, and the one which will take the most time, is a plan to consolidate the health insurance plans for the public sector workforce.

Doing so, though, means navigating a complicated maze of insurance regulations and may require legislative approval. Just one county, Tompkins, has managed to do that but their plan predates this cost sharing initiative.

Some of the local officials at Tuesdays meeting agreed that the sharing plans will require a good deal of work. This needs a huge follow-up effort, Bethlehem Supervisor John Clarkson said.

Despite the modest predicted savings, Malatras said he believes the exercise is worthwhile in that consolidation can forestall future price increases.

Its a good efficient use of government services when people are working together, he said.

rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU
The future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy is in question. During the presidential campaign, candidate Donald Trump promised to dismantle the program if he were elected but, last week, he was equivocal.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions advised the Department of Homeland Security that it should rescind DACA, an action that would put in jeopardy the 800,000 beneficiaries of the program (the Dreamers), which shields from deportation undocumented residents who were brought into this country as children.

In a subsequent tweet, President Trump urged Congress to legalize DACA within six months and, preferably, as part of a larger immigration overhaul.

A couple of days later, Trump tweeted reassurance to the Dreamers: For all of those (DACA) that are concerned about your status during the 6 month period, you have nothing to worry about -- No action!

I suspect, however, that its a rare Dreamer who will rest easy based on the tweets of our mercurial president. The chances of Congress producing comprehensive immigration reform within six months seem slim. And the Trump who today claims to love the Dreamers may tomorrow crave a boost from his base, which generally supports swift deportation of everyone whose presence in our country is not duly documented.

The fact that many of the Dreamers have lived most of their lives with this sort of precarious uncertainty surely doesnt make it any easier. Many have few or no memories of the country in which they were born. Many arent conversant in Spanish or any language other than English, the primary language of the land that is their only home.

They have grown up with the nagging knowledge that a minor traffic violation could lead to deportation, either for themselves or a close relative. President Barack Obamas DACA program provided a two-year reprieve from the anxiety. Now thats gone.

Of course, the Dreamers presence in our country is a violation of the law, and DACAs most outspoken opponents often rely on a powerful talking point: We are a nation of laws.

But this assertion has a pious undertone. Others have pointed out the irony of Trump shifting positions on DACA shortly after pardoning Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a convicted lawbreaker. In fact, in one of the worlds most incarcerated countries, we often drop the legal hammer hard on the least powerful while rewarding the rich and connected with impunity.

Thus President Ford pardoned President Nixon. Thus General Petraeus got a mild hand slap for divulging secret information. Thus our prisons are filled with brown- and black-skinned Americans who were prosecuted for marijuana possession, while celebrities such as Bill Maher, Willie Nelson and Woody Harrelson publicly make pot-smoking a part of their brand.

So, lets not be overly sanctimonious about rigid adherence to the law. The Dreamers parents brought them into this country in violation of the law but in complete accord with the long-standing tacit understanding that, when cheap labor flows north from Mexico and money flows south, everyone benefits. And often, in the service of this understanding, the law just looked the other way.

The law is what we make it and what we make of it. We are not slaves to the law, and the law can be wrong. The presidents position on DACA is uncertain, but Congress course should be clear: It should act to remove the threat of deportation from the Dreamers and provide for a path to legal status.

By most accounts, the Dreamers are honest, responsible people who are working hard to improve themselves and our nation. Most are deeply devoted to the only home they have ever known. They are here through no fault of their own. If the law supposes them to be something else, then I paraphrase Charles Dickens Mr. Bumble, who said, The law is an ass.

Congress has the power and the support of the American people to change the law. It should do so -- and quickly.
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ALBANY - While incumbent Mayor Kathy Sheehan is almost certain to have clinched another four-year term in Albany with her Tuesday Democratic primary win, criticisms arent lost on her.

I do understand people feel as though they dont have a voice, she said Wednesday while sitting in her office at City Hall. Weve got to make sure addressing the issues that impact ordinary residents, and that were listening to them.

Sheehan said she will continue to pursue equity through actions, like diversifying the workforce in City Hall and the Anti-Poverty Initiative, with an immediate task of releasing the 2018 budget by the end of the month. She remained confident overall results show city residents are happy with the direction the city is headed and want to see it continue.

The mayor secured just over 50 percent of the votes cast in Tuesdays Democratic primary, while Common Councilmember Frank Commisso Jr. and Council President Carolyn McLaughlin raked in 31.7 percent and 15.6 percent, respectively.

In a three-way race, 50 percent is very good for Mayor Sheehan, said Jack Flynn, 8th Ward Common Councilmember and Chairman of the Albany County Democratic Committee. Were talking about three solid candidates with major name recognition. Were talking about three candidates who really know the city and how to campaign.

McLaughlin and Commisso are well-known in Albany politics, with McLaughlin first getting her start on the Common Council in 1997. Commisso, whose father Frank Commisso Sr. is the majority leader of the Albany County Legislature and a longtime Democrat, has represented the 15th Ward since 2010.

Sheehan, who first served as city treasurer in Albany following years in the private sector as a corporate attorney, loaned $387,000 to her campaign, mainly to fund television advertisements she said were meant to combat "mischaracterizations" by her opponents, namely Commisso. He as well as McLaughlin also had TV ads, but it's unclear how much they cost and both ran only days before the primary election.

Commisso said hell decide later whether to run an active campaign on the Independence Party line, which he secured earlier this year. McLaughlin has no third party lines.

Legally, well be on the ballot, Commisso said. Well take a look at the numbers. There were some voters gravitating our way our message resonated with people across the city, and well look at this over the next several days.

Sheehan may have avoided an upset, but not all incumbents were as successful. Some challengers who aligned themselves with Commisso defeated council incumbents in the Democratic primary. Councilmembers Leah Golby, of the 10th Ward, and Ron Bailey, of the 3rd Ward, lost the to Owusu Anane and Joyce Love.

Golby said her campaign was going to take time to look at the results, but at this point wanted to thank all those who supported her during her eight years representing Pine Hills.

Golby received the Working Families Party nomination, but an opportunity to ballot pursuit by Anane bumped her off the line.

While Im disappointed in the results, I know that our best days are ahead, she said in a statement. The 10th ward and our whole city will continue to improve, if we all participate and work to make it so. Im committed to staying involved and working with all of you, my neighbors, to push forward toward our vision for a city that serves the needs of all residents.

Anane did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

Councilmember Judd Krasher also faces defeat in the 11th Ward, with Democratic challenger Alfredo Balarin ahead by 32 votes. However, Krasher remained confident Wednesday that absentee ballots could swing the tally in his favor.

Its more than a pipe dream for sure, Krasher said. I ran a hard absentee ballot campaign.

Bailey isnt ready to admit defeat, either, and said hell be campaigning to the general election in November on the Working Families and Independence parties' lines.

I know Ill be running as an outsider against the Democrat Party, but you know what? Sometimes you do what you got to do to get the job done, he said. Weve done some great work. We have stuff in the pipeline, and were going to continue on that.

Love was unavailable for comment.

While some aligned with Commisso see Sheehans win as a continuation of machine politics buoyed by her support from County Executive Daniel McCoy, others see her victory as further straying from the old Democratic Party machine.

Sheehan said the local Democratic Party has moved toward a focus on ideals and fundamental values, which is what her administration is about.

She said shell continue to support raising the minimum wage, addressing concerns of climate change and energy efficiency and affordable healthcare.

We need to continue to move the party in that direction, Sheehan said. The Democratic Party is a different party than it was 10 years ago.
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TROY  A judge dismissed all charges in a double homicide case against a suspect who was the only one of four homicide defendants who remained silent when investigators questioned him about the killings of two Troy roommates.

State Supreme Court Justice Andrew Ceresia ruled that Rensselaer County District Attorney Joel Abeloves office failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the indictment of Cresencio Salazar, 27, in the Oct. 16 slaying of Cristian Hernandez, 24, in Brunswick and the killing the next day of Javier Gomez, 23, in the East Glen Avenue apartment the two victims shared in Troys North Central neighborhood.

The district attorney was granted permission to present the case to a grand jury.

At the time of his arrest, Salazar was described by police as the ringleader of the slayings.

First-degree murder charges were dropped against Luis A. Monge Guevara, 21, and Magdaleno Perez Calixto, 29. In addition, a second-degree murder count was dropped against Calixto. But both men still face other murder charges.

A fourth defendant, Salomon Najera-Hernandez, 22, still faces all charges.

Guevara, Calixto and Hernandez made statements while in police custody. Lawyers for the men, all undocumented Mexican immigrants, have questioned whether they understood their Miranda rights when they were interviewed by police.

The statements by Guevara, Calixto and Hernandez seemed to shift almost total blame to Salazar as the person who actually committed the murders, Ceresia wrote in his ruling. These three defendants dropped Salazar off in New York City where he said he was going to get papers for a passport and fly to Mexico and then traveled to Virginia on their way to Texas, according to the court papers. They were captured in Virginia where they were captured and later made statements to police.

Their accounts to police were close enough that they may have been planned during the trip from New York City to Virginia, according to the court papers. What emerges are statements that allege Salazar committed both killings.

Guevaras, Calixtos and Hernandezs statements are the core of the case against Salazar. The district attorneys office admitted that the grand jury evidence against defendant (Salazar) is insufficient without reliance upon the statements of the three co-defendants, Ceresia wrote.

Ceresia rejected the prosecutions arguments that the statements were admissible since the three men were not made available to testify before the grand jury; it wasnt shown their statements were not in their best interests; and their statements reliability had not be verified by independent, competent evidence.

In his statement, according to the court papers, Guevara told police that the first guy who got killed was because (Salazar) wanted to rob him of money and drugs. The death of (the second victim) shouldnt have happened. We were just looking for money and drugs.

The first killing was described in Ceresias ruling as happening in Salazars Latham motel room. Guevara stood by with a long black gun while Hernandez punched the victim, Cristian Hernandez, and then Salazar allegedly beat him with a rock and choked him with a belt, while demanding money, the papers recount. Thinking the victim was dead, the three took his body to Brunswick to dump in a ditch, but discovered he was still alive. Thats when its alleged Salazar went into the ditch with a knife.

In the second killing, its alleged that Salazar again acted alone using a hammer and a knife, the papers said.

The four men were each charged with one count of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, a count of second-degree kidnapping, two counts of fourth-degree conspiracy, a count of first-degree burglary and a count of second-degree burglary. Salazar, Guevara and Calixto were indicted for allegedly concealing a corpse after allegedly dumping Gonzalez's body in the Quacken Kill in Brunswick.

According to court documents the victims were killed as a result of robberies.

All four defendants had nicknames. Guevara was known as "Alfredo" and "El Gordo." Calixto also was known as "George" and Hernandez as "Sado," "The Player" or "Tocador." They tried unsuccessfully to have the nicknames removed from the court records.
SARATOGA SPRINGS  In an effort to eliminate the problems of foreclosure, and vacant and abandoned properties, city Commissioner of Public Safety Christian Mathiesen will host a community forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, in the City Council room at City Hall.

At the roundtable, Mathiesen, code enforcer John Donnelly and other city officials will discuss efforts to combat vacant properties and foreclosures. But Mathiesen said that participants should feel free to bring up other housing and legal issues at the event.
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SCHENECTADY -Meredith Anker will soon be able to enjoy the views of the Mohawk River from her living room without worrying as much about ice jams and torrential rain that's flooded her Stockade property twice since 1993.

Though Anker wasn't around Wednesday morning to witness a flat-bed truck with a hoist and a large Bobcat slowly tug her nearly 200-year-old home to its new resting place, she relished the thought of the end of her long ordeal.

"I started this process in 2013, so the fact that it's going ahead is really exciting to me," said Anker, 72, over the phone Wednesday from the Adirondacks,where she's renting a place. "I will be thrilled when I get back in my house."

Even though the home moved back just 20 feet from Washington Avenue, the road to get to this point was quite long. Anker had to win approvals from Schenectady planning officials, chiefly the Historic District Commission. A $300,000 grant from the NY Rising Community Reconstruction program, part of the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery, will pay for most of the project.

Sitting eight feet in the air, supported by a network of steel beams and wooden boards propped on about 50 tires, the historic home made its move. Then workers from Larmon House Movers, Inc. and Plowman Construction had to adjust it slightly to make the dwelling parallel to Washington Street.

Fred Heitkamp was among a small group of Stockade residents who gathered to marvel at the feat.

He said his 9-year-old great nephew, Emre Geveci of Niskayuna, who accompanied him to the site every week for most of the summer in hopes of seeing the move would be very disappointed it happened while he was in school.

"It's been a very interesting, if not drawn-out process," said Heitkamp, who lives on North Street and has been in the Stockade since 1969.

Though his basement flooded during Tropical Storm Irene, Heitkamp said elevating the circa 1840 residence out of the flood plain is not an option because it's attached to another property.

Still, he supported Anker.

"I'm not in any way opposed to this and if you look at the house compared to others on the street, it doesn't look out of proportion," he said.

For now, the structure at 4 Washington Ave. will remain where it is as construction crew builds a cement foundation below it after shoring it up with four wood blocks, according to Nick Plowman with Plowman Construction.

Once the foundation dries, the structure will be delicately set into place.

Plans call for a new one-car garage built into the foundation and the addition, which served as a dining area and laundry room, in the rear that had to be demolished because it was on a slab, will be rebuilt.

The pace of the masonry work will depend on when the mason starts what figures to be a painstaking job, added Jim Plowman.

He said Tuesday that he's hopeful that if all goes well, Anker will be back home by the end of October.

That day can't come soon enough for a home-sick Anker.

"I miss the neighborhood, I miss the river, I've missed the summer with the egrets and great heron, watching the Union College crew, and just having my home," Anker said.

Gloria Kishton, chairwoman of the Schenectady Historic Foundation, said her group viewed the first of its kind house move in the Stockade as a "model project" that they have been compiling information that could serve as guide to any other homeowners interested in moving their residence out of the flood plain.

Frank Gilmore, Anker's architect, described what his client did as "successful precedence" that will not "disrupt the integrity of the street."
BALLSTON SPA - The Greenfield man who dumped a load of rocks and dirt on a Saratoga County sheriff's car with his front-end loader was sentenced Tuesday to four months in jail and five years of probation.

Michael Germain, 56, of Locust Grove Road in Greenfield Center was sentenced by County Judge James Murphy III after he pleaded guilty to criminal mischief and driving while ability impaired on June 9.
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Republican candidate for Saratoga Springs mayor Mark Baker said he will not support a change in the city's charter. And one of his primary reasons is that the mayor's salary will jump from $14,500 to $40,000 annually.



"I cannot support any proposal that promotes an irresponsible 175.9 percent increase in the Mayor's salary. Period," Baker said in a statement.



But chair of the city's Charter Review Commission, Bob Turner, said the increase is essential to attract more candidates to the office.



"To run for Mayor in Saratoga Springs, you have to be rich, retired or crazy," Turner said. "Right now, the Mayor and every ex-Mayor we talked put in 40 to 70 hours of work a week because they have to be accessible to all Saratogians at all times. They can't have another job. We don't want to constrict the office to people who don't need to make any money."



Turner also pointed out that the average mayor's salary in New York state, not considering New York City, is $50,000. So the Saratoga Springs mayor's salary would still be below average. But the city council could renegotiate an increase or decrease of the mayor's salary every four years at election time.



The chair of the charter commission also said that a charter change would save the city tax dollars in overall salaries, mainly because it would eliminate the salaries for the deputy commissioners who do much of the job for the four current commissioners. Their salaries average $71,500 a year. With benefits, Turner said, eliminating those positions will be a $391,000 annual savings.



"These are conservative estimates," he said. "It could be more."



Currently, the city's four commissioners earn $14,500 plus receive medical benefits. The proposed city charter would expand the city council to six members who would be paid $14,500. But none of them will receive medical benefits.



The person making the largest salary would be the city administrator. That person, who would do all of the administrative work that all the deputies do now, would probably earn around $120,000, Turner estimates. The charter does not set salary for the city administrator. That would be negotiated by the city council at the time of hiring.



Turner also said $120,00 is also below the state average too for a city administrator.



These changes, Turner said would ultimately save the city $1,328,777 over 10 years.



Democratic mayoral candidate Meg Kelly, currently the deputy mayor, a post which carries a base salary of $71,500, has come out in favor of charter change.. So, too, is the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, which released its opinion on the November ballot earlier this week. They reasoned that the legislative and executive branches of city government should be separate. The current commission form of government divides administrative responsibilities among the five same people who create the laws. A charter change would end that system, which has been in place in the city for 100 years.



Baker is the retired former executive director of the Saratoga Springs City Center, where he earned $130,613 a year and was provided a car. In addition to his concern about salaries, he said charter change would threaten the city's fiscal accountability.

"My 33-year career as executive director of the City Center was defined by fiscal responsibility and accountability  both of which are sorely absent from the lone charter reform proposal," Baker said. "A proposal for a 175.9 percent increase in the Mayor's salary  while neglecting the hard work and dedication of the City Council Commissioners  is not an honest or credible proposal. It's one that lacks financial discipline."



However, a paper written by Jeff Altamari, a retired financial officer with a Fortune 500 company, argues that the current commission form of government leaves the city vulnerable to fraud. That's because the collection and disbursement of all city funds as well as the oversight of those funds is the sole responsibility of the Commissioner of Finance. All internal audits are conducted by the finance department too. Aside from the state comptroller's audit that occurs every three or four years and an annual external audit each year, there are not checks on fiscal authority.
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Glenville

An air ambulance company called REVA that operates out of the Schenectady County Airport in Glenville was supposed to be holding a ribbon cutting celebration for its new Hawker airplanes this week.

But Hurricane Irma, which destroyed large parts of the Caribbean islands and brought havoc to Florida, turned the celebration into a massive rescue mission.

With its Ft. Lauderdale headquarters moved to Arizona for the week because of Irma, REVA had to rely on its Schenectady crews to carry a heavy load flying patients out of the Virgin Islands, which experienced the most hurricane wreckage.

In a matter of just five days, REVA's Glenville crews of seven pilots and 21 medical personnel flew a dozen clients from the Virgin Islands, bringing them to Puerto Rico for medical treatment.

"From Sept. 8th through today (Sept. 12), REVA air-lifted four Irma victims from St. Thomas to San Juan and another eight from St. Croix to San Juan for further care," said Judy Wilson, a company spokeswoman.

REVA's Schenectady base is now home to new long-range airplanes, Hawker 800XPs, which can fly direct missions from Glenville to the Virgin Islands without refueling.

Those were the planes that REVA executives and local political leaders planned to fete in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that had been scheduled months ago for Tuesday afternoon.

REVA is a for-hire air ambulance company that uses its airplanes and medical staff to evacuate sick or injured patients, even lost hikers, from places where medical treatment isn't available or when commercial travel isn't safe for them because of their medical condition.

"The ribbon-cutting was postponed due to resources attending to the Irma impact," Wilson said.

Back in 2015, REVA selected the Scotia airport for its Northeast Flight Operations Center, where it moved into a new hangar built by Richmor Aviation and initially flew Lear jets to transport patients in the Northeast and Midwest U.S., western Europe, eastern Canada and the Caribbean.

"The company looked at airports all over the Northeast and we were very fortunate to land them at the Schenectady County Airport," Ray Gillen, chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority, told the Times Union. "The company has exceeded all of our expectations and it is great to see them continue to grow and expand at our county airport."

Enterprising REVA workers in Glenville also decided to use the company's emergency flights to the Virgin Islands to help with hurricane relief efforts.

About 35 cases of water were donated by local Price Chopper and Hannaford stores, and REVA workers have been bringing down several cases each time they make a mission. They say that St. Thomas is hurting the most, with airplanes there tossed upside down after the airport was destroyed.

Space is at a premium on the flights with all space available reserved for medical supplies, so not all 35 cases could go down at once.

St. Thomas has lost schools, hospitals, homes, water and power in the wake of Irma.

"Price Chopper Market32 and Hannaford donated water to the relief effort and REVA delivered it by air-ambulance jet to St. Thomas," Wilson said.

The Schenectady County Airport is also home to Stratton Air National Guard Base and the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York State Air National Guard. Last Saturday, a C-130 cargo plane from the 109th flew medical supplies and emergency food rations to St. Croix and returned Sunday.

The county in recent years has been able to get significant federal funding for upgrades to the runways and other infrastructure, which has helped to attract other businesses as well.

On Tuesday, the county legislature approved a $4.8 million project to resurface the main 7,000-foot runway and make design improvements to one of the taxiways. The projects will be mostly funded with federal money.

"We are pleased to announce these upgrades to the Schenectady County Airport, a major asset in the region that is home to the 109th airlift wing along with global and regional businesses," Rory Fluman, chair of the county legislature's Committee on Intergovernmental Cooperation, said in a statement after the vote. "These runway and taxiway projects are great examples of all levels of government working together to improve our airport and continue the momentum we've created within the Airport Business Park."

On Monday, three helicopters from the New York Army National Guard's Company A, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, flew from Albany International Airport to assist the Florida National Guard in Jacksonville, Fla. They were scheduled to make a stop in Richmond, Va., before making it to Florida.
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SARATOGA SPRINGS  The SUNY Board of Trustees approved a $25 million loan to SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Albany to help the high-tech university get its financial house in order following the departure of founder Alain Kaloyeros last year amid charges of criminal corruption and bid-rigging.

The SUNY trustees voted Tuesday afternoon in Saratoga Springs at the end of a three-hour meeting OK the $25 million bailout without indicating how the money would be used.

A memo provided to the SUNY trustees before the vote offered no specific explanation about why the money was necessary, drawing questions from Trustee Richard Socarides about the vague description of the institute's financial problems.

"What exactly are they going to do with the money, and why do they need it now?" said Socarides, one of two trustees who voted against the measure, which was not initially on the agenda.

Socarides voiced concerns over how the loan would be used by the school and its interim president, Bahgat Sammakia.

The vote came after a SUNY administration official revealed at the meeting that SUNY Poly was also in line for a $31 million state grant.

"SUNY Poly is moving toward a more fiscally sustainable future through strategic decisions that are ensuring short- and long-term strength so that we can focus on our core academic and research missions," Sammakia said in a statement provided to the Times Union on Wednesday. "We are grateful for SUNY's commitment that enables SUNY Poly to meet its obligations and make a down payment on continued student achievement, research excellence, and economic engagement."

The memo justifying the loan said the money won't be given to the school until it provides a three-year budget that outlines how it intends to spend the money.

Both SUNY Chancellor Christina Johnson and Trustee Cary Staller, chair of the finance committee, voiced support for the loan. Johnson said a budget was being worked on, and she felt comfortable with that process enough to bring the funding to a vote.

The budget "has to be done fairly rapidly," Johnson said. "I do see there is an opportunity for sustainability going forward. I'm pretty enthusiastic."

Eileen McLoughlin, SUNY's chief financial officer, said Sammakia and SUNY Poly had come up with $14.8 million of its "own savings" and was in negotiations with "three industry partners" for programs that could provide potential revenue sources, although she was not more specific.

McLoughlin said Empire State Development, the state's economic development arm, was preparing to give the school $31 million. ESD has been overseeing SUNY Poly's construction and real estate since corruption were filed against Kaloyeros, a cadre of upstate developers and a former top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

That money would come from a $207 million fund set aside for SUNY Poly during the state's last budget negotiations.

Socarides and Carl Spielvogel, another SUNY trustee, were the two board members to vote against the loan. Spielvogel said he wouldn't vote for it with the pending criminal case against Kaloyeros and the other defendants.

"There was a lot of hanky-panky going on," Spielvogel said.

Board Chairman Carl McCall, in support of the loan, said the school was under new leadership now with Sammakia at the helm.

"They are no longer associated with the entity," McCall said. "The most important thing we did was to bring in new leadership."

Sammakia has sought to reign in the wide-ranging economic development activities undertaken by Kaloyeros across the state, while other programs and deals that would have brought the school significant revenue were discontinued or delayed.

Much of SUNY Poly's academic growth has been fueled by its economic development and research partnerships, which bring in grants and revenue from private companies and the state.

Sammakia laid off dozens of employees and restructured operations to create a sustainable budget for the school.

SUNY Poly was created several years ago by Kaloyeros, who split the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering from the University at Albany and merged it with SUNY IT in Utica. The combined schools became a giant in high-tech research and development, especially among the world's top computer chip companies.

Kaloyeros has denied wrongdoing and sought to have federal criminal charges against him dismissed ahead of his trial that is scheduled to start next year.
Albany

An estimated 16,000 retired Teamsters across upstate New York will be hit with 29 percent pension cuts on Oct. 1 as the union representing truckers and others in the shipping industry grapples with declining membership and a growing number of retirees.

Another 21,000 active, or currently employed Teamsters will see their pensions drop 18 percent below what they previously counted on for retirement.

The cuts are for members of Teamsters Local 294, also known as the Upstate Teamsters. Many of the members work for UPS, a major freight and delivery service.

The pensions are known as multi-employer plans, which are union-administered programs for workers such as truck drivers who may work for a variety of employers during their careers.

Notably, most of the members who voted on the cuts opposed them. Of the 35,173 ballots mailed out, 9,788 voted no while 4,081 voted yes. But under federal rules governing such votes, ballots that arent returned are counted as yes votes and 20,767 did not come back.

They never participated, said Tom Baum, the volunteer retiree representative to the locals pension board.

The size of pensions that union members collect vary widely, depending on how long they worked and where. Those who had lengthy careers with companies like UPS have healthy pensions and a few, 452, collect about $5,000-per-month, said Baum.

But some 5,000 pensioners also get less than $500 per month, Baum said. That likely reflects part-time work, those with short careers or, in many cases, pensioners who worked and retired many years ago.

Pensioners who are 80 or older will be spared the cuts as will those with disability pensions. And there is a sliding scale for those between ages 75 and 79.

While low voter turnout may seem notable on such an important matter, many retirees believed the outcome was predetermined.

Thats because the federal Dept. of Treasury can force reductions if they feel the pension plan faces a long-term threat to its solvency.

By approving the vote, those at the Treasury Department have already signaled that they agree the pension plan is in trouble.

The mechanism for the cuts was allowed by legislation that Congress passed as part of a 2014 federal budget vote under the Obama Administration.

Federal lawmakers have since proposed shoring up the finances of multi-employer pensions by closing high-dollar tax loopholes available to wealthy investors.

But the legislation hasnt moved forward.

rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan want you to know theyre plenty angry about President Donald Trumps trifecta deal with Democratic leaders on keeping the government open, averting a debt-limit crisis and sending aid to hurricane-and-flood-ravaged Texas.

McConnell and Ryan were shell-shocked when Trump, in a meeting with congressional leaders of both parties, opted to go with the plan favored by Senate and House minority leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, according to a CNN source. After all, Ryan had publicly said their proposal -- the obvious solution to all three legislative headaches -- was ridiculous.

But GOP leaders protested just the right amount, methinks. In remarks Thursday, Ryan was notably circumspect about the presidents prerogative to work with the minority party. Their outrage, generated and sustained in background quotes from people familiar with the meeting, doesnt match their actions.

On Thursday, the day after the White House confab, McConnell rushed the bill to the floor in his chamber, where it passed with 80 votes -- out of 100. Ryan followed suit, sending the measure to the president with 316 House votes. Yeah, 90 of his own Republicans voted against it. But the majority of them were in favor.

Ultimately, McConnell and Ryan got exactly what they wanted -- and so did the rank-and-file members who too often feel that theyre at the mercy of a loud minority that so often portrays them as traitors to the cause.

So, what happened?

Trump and the Democratic leaders did McConnell, Ryan -- and most Hill Republicans -- a huge favor. They kneecapped the nihilist faction of the GOP.

With Trumps lead role in negotiating the deal, the most hard-core limited-government Republicans could oppose the bill. But they couldnt put pressure on their colleagues to do the same. That meant it would pass easily.

Neither McConnell nor Ryan had to try to play the heavy in rounding up votes for a debt-limit increase, a continuation of government operations or hurricane relief. These are issues that, despite their centrality to basic governance, have bedeviled GOP leaders of recent vintage.

For his efforts to govern, former House Speaker John Boehner was all but deposed. After years of walking a tightrope between the id of the Republican base and the responsibility of his position, McConnells national approval ratings hover somewhere in the neighborhood of Ebola.

But with Trump providing air cover -- GOP leaders and rank-and-file lawmakers could vote for the bill without fear of Trump stirring up the tea party base against them -- McConnell and Ryan could do their jobs, show a little disdain for the outcome and live to fight another day.

They were permitted to have it both ways. Surely, some people will see the process as typically reptilian behavior from Washingtons swamp creatures, both Democratic and Republican.

The GOP base wanted more of a fight to control spending, and many Democrats are annoyed at their partys leaders for doing anything with Trump.

But when Republicans and Democrats conspire to reach the right outcome -- and do it in a way where both sides can reap rewards and avoid real recrimination -- the American public wins.

Its not yet clear what this means for how Trump will deal with Congress in the coming years, the future of Republican leaders who are still taking some heat from the base, or the possibility that Democrats are helping Trump build his case for re-election. The deal itself is hardly as complex as tax reform, saving or killing Obamacare or even a real appropriations bill.

For the first time in recent memory, though, the government worked, in bipartisan fashion and without the now-familiar histrionics of threats to shut down federal operations, plunge the nation into default or condition spending for disaster victims on cuts to other essential programs.

This narrow agreement was a perfect example of how Washington can thrive on backroom dealing and a little public theater.

If they havent already, Trump, Schumer, Pelosi, McConnell and Ryan should get together at some point to toast their handiwork. Of course, McConnell and Ryan will want to make sure the White House photographer is nowhere to be found.
The following editorial appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Washington is apparently considering the possibility of providing lethal military aid to Ukraine, an action Russia would consider to be provocative.

Notably, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, a retired Marine general, has suggested that measure and presented it as a possible response to Russian intervention in America's 2016 elections.

There are a number of problems with that action. One of them is it potentially moves the United States and possibly NATO, if it agreed to go along, one step closer to war with Russia. There is already sparring between U.S. and NATO and Russian forces on the border between East and West, with both sides carrying out exercises near the edge.

A second major problem is that Ukraine is already a divided, sometimes almost lawless area between East and West. America has recently had that image of Ukraine reinforced by evidence that elements in that country almost certainly helped North Korea proceed with its evolving nuclear and missile program through purchases of Ukrainian-based technology, expertise and probably equipment. Reports last month indicate that a firm named Yuzhmash, located in Dnipro (on the line between Ukrainian-controlled territory and Russian-supported rebel territory) has been cooperating with North Korea for about two years. The North Koreans' more successful missiles tests have been enabled by more powerful Ukrainian-made RD-250 engines.

The third reason for the United States not to move from nonlethal aid to Ukraine to more sophisticated weaponry is that such action would only make worse the conflict that has torn that country for several years now. Russian support of Ukrainian dissidents in the east of the country, plus Russian annexation of Crimea, has made it difficult in recent years to continue to regard Ukraine as a nation. Pouring more U.S. arms into the situation would only raise the level of hostilities, not lead to a peaceful resolution of the future of Ukraine.

Finally, the level of corruption in Ukraine, and the involvement of American entrepreneurs in the situation there, including that of Paul Manafort, the former campaign manager of President Donald Trump, under scrutiny by special counsel Robert Mueller and two congressional intelligence committees, suggests that deeper American involvement there would not make sense.
Carol Holland returned from helping at a shelter for displaced people from Hurricane Harvey, Sunday, and she says the volunteer work for the Red Cross is a deeply fulfilling task that she has repeated with multiple disasters.
[September 12, 2017] Kansas City Southern Releases 17th Annual Holiday Express Schedule; Kicks-off Fundraising to Help Kids in Need

Kansas City Southern (KCS) (NYSE: KSU) has released its schedule for the 17th annual Holiday Express train, which will stop in 22 communities in six states on 26 dates. At each stop, visitors can board the train, visit with Santa and his elves and tour the inside of three cars of the festive six-car train. Each event is free and open to the public. In addition to free, public events, KCS' Holiday Express has a charitable component. Over the past 16 years, the project has raised well over $1 million to purchase gift cards, which are donated to The Salvation Army at each scheduled stop. These gift cards are used to purchase warm clothing and other necessities for children in need in the local community. This year, KCS will work with the Salvation Army to target communities along the route most impacted by Hurricane Harvey for additional support, including Victoria, El Campo, Kendleton and Beaumont, Texas. For these communities, The KCS Charitable Fund will make a supplemental donation to provide additional support as they recover from the hurricane. KCS and its employees have previously given over $100,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey relief. "In 2017, KCS celebrates 130 years of doing busines and the 17th annual KCS Holiday Express. As a company, we value family and community, which is why we are pleased to continue this long-standing tradition of making the holidays a little brighter in communities where we live and work," said president and chief executive officer Patrick J. Ottensmeyer. "This year, we want to give extra attention to the communities along the route impacted by Hurricane Harvey."



Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to the 2017 KCS Holiday Express fundraising campaign may do so by visiting www.kcsouthern.com > Corporate Responsibility > Holiday Express or by clicking here. The campaign will close October 31. The KCS Holiday Express was built on the tradition of the Santa Train, which ran on a segment of the network bought by KCS in 1997. In 2000, a group of warm-hearted KCS employees noticed that the Santa Train was the only Christmas some kids had, and that some kids did not have essential items like coats, hats and gloves, so they committed to elevating the project. In 2001, volunteers transformed a retired freight train to the experience that communities throughout KCS' U.S. service territory enjoy today.

Led by KCS' Southern Belle business train, the Holiday Express train includes a smiling tank car "Rudy"; a flatcar carrying Santa's sleigh, reindeer and a miniature village; a gingerbread box car; an elves' workshop; the reindeer stable; and a little red caboose. Each car is dressed in lights. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., KCS is a transportation holding company that has railroad investments in the U.S., Mexico and Panama. Its primary U.S. holding is The Kansas City Southern Railway Company, serving the central and south central U.S. Its international holdings include Kansas City Southern de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., serving northeastern and central Mexico and the port cities of Lazaro Cardenas, Tampico and Veracruz, and a 50 percent interest in Panama Canal Railway Company, providing ocean-to-ocean freight and passenger service along the Panama Canal. KCS' North American rail holdings and strategic alliances are primary components of a railway network linking the commercial and industrial centers of the U.S., Mexico and Canada. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170912006810/en/

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[September 12, 2017] Lawsuits Filed Against UPS, Allied Universal, and Valacal in Wake of UPS Shooting Rampage in San Francisco

Jones Clifford, a preeminent personal injury law firm, today filed lawsuits in San Francisco Superior Court against United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS), security company Allied Universal, and property owner Valacal Company on behalf of the families of two men who were killed in a June shooting rampage at a UPS facility in the city. The suits, being brought by Sandy Lim, widow of the late Benson Louie, and her children Elizabeth and Melanie, and Danielle Lefiti, widow of the late Mike Lefiti, and her children Nico and Aidan, seek wrongful death and survival action damages against the defendants because of their negligence and carelessness. Jones Clifford also filed lawsuits in the same court today against the three companies on behalf of UPS employees Xiao Chen and Edgar Perez, who were shot and injured in the attack, as well as lawsuits on behalf of four workers who were physically injured while fleeing and 24 other workers who witnessed the assault and have since experienced significant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. "The security lapses that led to the horrific tragedy and the death and injury of dedicated UPS workers in the course of an ordinary workday, and to dozens of others witnessing the terrifying scene, were entirely preventable," said Jones Clifford partner J. Kevin Morrison. "The Louie and Lefiti families have been shattered by the deaths of their loved ones. Our clients who were shot but fortunate to have survived have long roads of recovery ahead. And our clients who witnessed the assault and fled for their lives are traumatized and struggling to return to work. They all deserve justice for the utter failure of UPS and the other defendants to implement and maintain adequate workplace protections."



The morning of June 14, UPS employee Jimmy Lam entered the warehouse in the UPS complex, which spans a full block in Potrero Hill, concealing a MAC-10 submachine gun and an automatic pistol, as well as a box of bullets. When Lam passed through a security checkpoint staffed by Allied Universal he set off the metal detector alarm, but no effort was made by security workers to determine the cause of the alarm and Lam continued into the building unimpeded. He then proceeded to open fire, shooting five employees. Three employees who were shot at close range were killed and two others who were shot sustained serious injuries. Dozens of workers were on the warehouse floor at the time of the shootings. The lawsuits allege that the defendants were aware that security problems existed at the facility. UPS employees at other facilities had previously lodged complaints about the presence of weapons including firearms and ammunition, and, in fact, UPS management had brought in weapons. Employees had also made complaints about unauthorized people entering the facility. The suits further allege that because of conduct Lam had previously exhibited, UPS knew - or should have known - that he posed a serious risk of injury to himself and others. In short, UPS, Allied Universal, and Valacal neglected to fulfill their critical duty of protecting UPS employees.

"Nothing can repair the damage caused by the senseless violence committed on June 14," said Morrison, "but it is our goal to help the victims begin the healing process and ensure they have the resources they need going forward to rebuild their lives." The case numbers are CGC-17-561241 and CGC-17-561236. About Jones Clifford Since 1962, San Francisco law firm Jones Clifford has provided skilled and ethical representation to employees, individuals, and families in personal injury, wrongful death, workers' compensation, and disability retirement law in the Bay Area and throughout California. Jones Clifford attorneys have more than 150 years of collective experience in California courts and a proven track record of achieving results for clients. Learn more at http://jonesclifford.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170912006910/en/

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[September 12, 2017] Ctrip and Israeli Tourism Bureau Strategic Cooperation

SHANGHAI, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Yariv Levin, Minister of Tourism of the State of Israel, visited China for the first time this month. He visited Ctrip headquarters and our CEO Jane Sun to discuss tourism opportunity for Israel. Afterwards, Ctrip and the Israeli Tourism Bureau held a strategic cooperation signing ceremony at the Shanghai Peace Hotel. According to Israeli Ministry of Tourism statistics, Israel in July 2017 ushered in 271,100 global tourists, an increase of 17% over the same period last year. The growth of tourists from China is even more staggering. By July 2017, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Israel reached 64,000, an increase of 66%, reinforcing Chinese tourists as the fastest growing source of inbound tourists to Israel. "I am delighted to have witnessed the rapid growth of Israeli tourism in the Chinese market, not only thanks to the innovative approach of the Israeli tourism industry's rich marketing activities in Chinaand the creation of a destination brand image," said Mr. Levine, Minister of Tourism of the State of Israel. In addition, new direct flight to Israel has also played a vital role in the growth of the tourism market, and the rapid increase in the number of tourists in China has made great contributions to the Israeli economy and the job market. As the campaign continues to deepen, this trend of rapid growth will continue to rise and we hope to establish a good relationship with more partners in China. "



"Tourism brings peace. We are facilitating the two-way visits between China and Isarel with a lot more room for growth," said Ms. Sun. "Ctrip is playing an increasingly significant role as a "tourism development ambassador" in the global area." Given that visa accessibility is an important consideration for Chinese tourists in selecting travel destinations, Jane called upon Israeli government to introduce new policies on not only continuing to ease tourist visa access but also building more awareness of Israel as a travel destination to Chinese tourists and working with Israeli government to ensure Chinese tourists high quality and safe travel experience.

The Ministry of Tourism is actively expanding its relationship with China's tourism industry partners and actively seeking opportunities for "cross-border" cooperation, in order to ensure the best quality travel service and experience for Chinese tourists visiting Israel. This cooperation with Ctrip, China's largest online travel agency (OTA), leverages Ctrip's advantages in travel products, big data, precision marketing and other aspects of deep cooperation. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ctrip-and-israeli-tourism-bureau-strategic-cooperation-300518486.html SOURCE Ctrip.com International, Ltd.

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[September 12, 2017] Reimagine Commerce's New Reality with The Millennial 20/20 Summit this October

SINGAPORE, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Millennial 20/20 expands conference tracks from last year to include new industry segments and topics such as Finance, AI and Virtual & Augmented Reality

Refreshed line-up features over 200 speakers and 3,000 disruptive brands who are changing the face of commerce with headliners such as Facebook, Google, Shell, Jet Airways, Uber, Expedia, Sephora, Qoo10, Lazada, Pizza Hut, FoodPanda, Mondel e z International, Kellogg, LEGO, Johnson & Johnson, Credit Suisse, OCBC Bank, Airbnb and many more

and many more 2017 Summit updates include the launch of an online networking portal, to meet attendees and exhibitors, and the "Millennial 20/20 Ones-To-Watch Awards" which recognise excellence in the industry for those that have embraced the evolving commerce landscape with exceptional solutions, campaigns, technologies or platforms that are enabling change With just a month to go, Millennial 20/20 Summit announces an updated line-up of conference tracks and speakers for its second edition held on 25 and 26 October 2017 at the ArtScience museum. Anchored around reimagining experiences for the consumer through immersive and experiential platforms, this year's summit focuses on bringing a greater understanding of the "experience revolution" in commerce, exploring how brands can find success in a complex and ever-evolving consumer landscape which requires them to think of innovation, disruption and technology as key components of their future. "This year's summit explores the 'millennial mind-set' in a new reality where psychographics will outweigh demographics, and the 'experience revolution' that is impacting every aspect of the commerce landscape. We hope to give audiences a preview of the future of commerce with our experiential showcases and our stellar line-up of speakers and exhibitors," said Rupa Ganatra, Founding Partner, Millennial 20/20. Unilever Foundry will be unveiling the Foundry30 SEAA, the newest addition to the global Foundry community. Foundry30 SEAA will comprise the best, brightest and most ambitious start-ups for South-East Asia and Australasia as identified by Unilever Foundry, the global collaboration platform that connects Unilever's 400+ brands and functions with disruptive start-ups to pioneer the future of marketing. Visitors to Millennial 20/20 can connect with the Foundry 30 SEAA and other innovative start-ups on Start-up Street, which will bring together the future of retail; media; branding and content; data; personalisation; and sustainability and social impact enterprises. Foundry30 SEAA will be hosted at Millennial 20/20 by LEVEL3 -- Unilever Foundry's unique co-working space housed in the Unilever Singapore offices -- which provides its start-up members with access to Unilever for collaboration and mentorship in solving real-world problems. Featured showcases also include a Salesforce presentation of real-world applications for artificial intelligence (AI) using Salesforce Einstein, a service bringing AI capabilities into Salesforce's Customer Success Platform; Facebook's new performance marketing solutions that combine marketing automation and artificial intelligence to change consumer behaviour and help businesses discover growth, offering insight into changing consumer habits, new sources of growth and the ability to design frictionless user experiences; a demonstration of augmented reality (AR) and its applications in experiential marketing with Blippar, an app using image recognition, AR and computer vision technology to bring the physcal world to life through smart devices; Singapore-based in-store advertising start-up Ksubaka's gamification playSpots, which enable brands and retailers to connect with audiences through games managed remotely in interactive kiosks.



Agenda highlights include exciting conversations and debates around the hottest topics from today's industry sectors, such as: Travel & Hospitality : "Can established hotel brands play in the sharing economy game?"

: Fashion & Beauty : "Elevating the customer experience at every touchpoint and converting shoppers into brand loyalists"

: E-Commerce : "You've gone social but are you getting results? Measuring your ROI"

: Finance : "The new chains on the block. Meet Fintech's most disruptive players"

: Food & Beverage : "Driving the contents of today's shopping cart"

: Marketing & Advertising : "Connecting across generations: How brands can engage with consumers across Gen X, Y and Z" Visitors to the summit can anticipate a curated pipeline of compelling discussions anchored around the 'millennial mind-set', featuring speakers such as:

Nitin Gajria , Country Manager - Vietnam , Cambodia & Laos , Google ;

Amit Dhupkar, Head of Group Technology, Singapore Post LTD ;

Gabriel Garcia , Head of Marketing & Channel Strategy - Asia Pacific , Expedia ;

Richa Goswami , Head of Digital - Asia Pacific , Johnson & Johnson ;

Arthur Bastings, President & Managing Director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific ;

Helen Sou , SVP - Digital Media, PCCW OTT ;

Aaron Hung , Senior Director of Partnerships APAC, TripAdvisor ;

Sandy Russell , VP Commercial - Asia Pacific , Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group ;

Simon Torring , Head of Innovation & Omni-channel, Sephora SEA ;

Badri Narayanan , VP - Customer Development & Global Markets, Unilever ;

Sanchita Singh , Chief People Officer, Pizza Hut Asia ;

Ganesh Kashyap, Senior Director, Global eCommerce, Mondelez International ;

Bidyut Dumra , Executive Director, DBS Bank; Sanjib Bose , Regional Marketing Lead  APAC, Kellogg Company ;

Keerthi Kumaravelu , Marketing, Insights & Strategy Manager - SEA & Emerging Asia, LEGO Group ;

Ganesh Iyer, SVP - Market & Product Development, HSBC ;

Ho Chee Wai , Product Lead - Mobile Financial & Payment Services, Singtel and

Juliana Nguyen , Regional Brand Marketing Director  APAC, Airbnb. The summit will also launch for the first-time personalised networking sessions for attendees, which can be booked via an online portal launching this month, and an all-new awards called the "Millennial 20/20 Ones-To-Watch Awards", or MOWAs, which recognises excellence in the industry for brands that have embraced the evolving commerce landscape with exceptional solutions, campaigns, technologies or platforms that are enabling change. "We are excited to unveil the Millennial 20/20 Ones-To-Watch Awards this year following a great display of unparalleled place-makers at last year's summit that have positively affected change and improved experiences for consumers. Through the awards, we recognise exceptional talent across the various industries in our onward journey to re-imaging the way we do business in a digital age," said Simon Berger, Founding Partner of Millennial 20/20. Winners of the "Millennial 20/20 Ones-To-Watch Awards", or "MOWAs", will be announced on 25 October and feature six award categories: Retail Re-invented, Killer Campaign, Best Retail Solutions, Millennial Commerce-Enabler, Millennial Brand 2017 and Eco-System Star of the Year 2017. Entries has been closed on 8 September 2017. For details, visit www.millennial20-20.com/singapore2017/awards/?s=pr. Registration to the Millennial 20/20 Summit is open to public. Tickets are available at S$750.00. There are also start-up general admission tickets available at S$450.00. All tickets permit access to all three conference stages, industry sector tracks, the exhibition area, meeting areas, showcases and networking opportunities. For direct bookings, please visit this link. The full summit agenda can be found here. For more information, visit www.millennial20-20.com. Press Contacts For further information, tickets, images or interviews please contact:

Alicia Lau, Account Manager, FleishmanHillard / [email protected] / +65 6424 6380 About Millennial 20/20 Millennial 20/20 is the global business event, gathering world-leading brands, retailers, corporates, start-ups and solution providers to delve deep into the "millennial mind-set" on today's consumers. The conference and interactive exhibition is targeted at an evolved generation of consumers who have founded the social media revolution, have technology embedded in their DNA and are at the core of creating a game-changing future marketplace. The event will focus on four industry sector conference tracks; fashion and beauty, food and beverage, finance and travel and hospitality. The Summit will provide the future of next-gen commerce on 25-26 October at the ArtScience museum in Singapore, with over 200 speakers, 3 conference stages and a series of interactive and experiential showcases. The inaugural event took place in London in 2016 and had its Asia debut in Singapore and New York the same year. This year's edition will include Sydney as its latest addition in the series. SOURCE Millennial 20-20 Ltd

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[September 12, 2017] LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL SHAREHOLDER ALERT: ClaimsFiler Reminds Investors with Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit against Lexmark International, Inc. - (LXK)

ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until September 19, 2017 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK), if they purchased the Company's securities between August 1, 2014 and July 20, 2015, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Get Help Lexmark investors should visit us at https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-lexmark-international-inc-securities-litigation



About the Lawsuit Lexmark and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) there were significant declines in demand and growth for the Company's supplies business; (ii) supplies revenue growth was not caused primarily by demand, but by advance buying ahead of scheduled price increases; (iii) this buying practice resulted in excessive inventory levels at its wholesale distributors; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, Lexmark's financial statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. ClaimsFiler's team of experts monitor the securities class action landscape and cull information from a variety of sources to ensure comprehensive coverage across a broad range of financial instruments. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170912006888/en/

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[September 13, 2017] WISeKey's new IoT platform and Semiconductors ideally positioned to capture substantial market share on the 'Path to a Trillion IoT Device'

WISeKey's new IoT platform and Semiconductors ideally positioned to capture substantial market share on the 'Path to a Trillion IoT Device' The new IoT chips are now fully integrated into the WISeKey IoT cybersecurity vertical platform, allowing IoT devices to organize themselves into trusted networks based on mutual authentication, identity and integrity Geneva, Zug, Switzerland - September 13, 2017 - WISeKey International Holding Ltd (SIX: WIHN), a leading Swiss cybersecurity and IoT company announced today that it has full integrated the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) chip embedded with cryptographic Root of Trust (RoT) and problem-solving Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions as part of its Vertical IoT Platform. WISeKey's IoT cybersecurity Vertical Platform allows IoT devices to organize themselves into trusted networks based on mutual authentication, identity and integrity. During 2017, WISeKey has transformed and evolved into a major player in the IoT, Cybersecurity, AI and Blockchain market by fully integrating its cybersecurity and Semiconductors business with add-on acquisitions, and through the development of new IoT IP and patents. In just one year, WISeKey has aggregated over 46 IoT patent families (more than 200 patents in total) to its portfolio (https://www.wisekey.com/patents/) required to power the OISTE/WISeKey RoT into IoT embedded devices with problem-solving AI solutions. For WISeKey, adding to its patent portfolio and intellectual property is key to ensuring that the company will remain a major player in the IoT Industry for years to come as company focuses on integrating unique technology that is differentiated, protected and hard to reproduce based on tangible scientific discoveries or engineering innovations. The IoT Industry is a game changer new business segment for WISeKey. An estimated 50 billion IoT devices are expected to be connected by 2020, while world's population is estimated to grow to 6.8 billion; thus, there will be more than 7 IoT devices per person connected to the internet by 2020. As a result, it is anticipated that this year already the number of IoT devices will surpass the number of mobile devices. By 2021, it is expected 1.8 billion PCs, 8.6 billion mobile devices, and 15.7 billion IoT devices; by 2035, the amount of data usage is expected to grow more than 2,400 times, from 1 exabyte to 2.3 zettabytes. A huge and increasing amount of sensitive data that will need to be protected by the IoT chips produced by WISeKey will be interchanged between connected devices and back-end servers, allowing companies to provide users with new type of applications. These applications will be designed to offer increased control over the use of resources, improve efficiency in power grids, optimize processing of information in industrial environments, secure autonomous vehicles, provide better and higher quality healthcare services and personalized experience for shopping or leisure, among others. This new technology enables IoT connected devices which can provide a recognized identity and a valid integrity report to communicate with peer devices within the community. WISeKey offers a range of contact and contactless secure microcontrollers that share consistent secure 8-/16-bit RISC CPU performance, strong security mechanisms, and enhanced crypto engines to optimize performance and power consumption. The products also provide high-density, lw-power EEPROM technologies. Designed to meet the most stringent security requirements, many of these products are EAL5+ Common Criteria security-certified.



This new capability will enable authenticated sensor data. Currently, most IoT devices are not built with embedded secure systems, which makes these devices vulnerable to exploits. By integrating AI into the IoT hardware and platform, objects connected to the Vertical Platform can develop their own cybersecurity behavior and make smarter and safer decisions. Objects secured with these IIoT chips produce a huge amount of Big Data that when analyzed with AI can help industrial applications to predict the failure of their equipment before it happens. The WISeKey platform allows the IoT device equipped with these chips to send authenticated data to the cloud using a dual factor authentication at the device level. Imagine a smartcard sending authenticated data of each component of the car to predict when these parts will require maintenance and to digitally sign all the logs required to prove that service was provided. This platform which can be used in different industrial applications allows optimized productivity across industries through predictive maintenance on equipment and machinery, creates truly smart homes with connected appliances and provides critical communication between devices including self-driving cars and smart homes. The possibilities that IoT brings to the table are endless.

WISeKey's technology creates a platform that helps connected devices to become intelligent devices that can learn from attacks, defend themselves, and transfer this intelligence to other devices in the network. Additionally, WISeKey's technology provides smaller IoT manufacturers that do not have the resources or expertise to perform thorough security analysis of their products will the ability to adopt this platform, reducing the number of unprotected products that are released to consumers. Carlos Moreira, founder and chief executive of WISeKey said: "This new platform opens up many possibilities for improving the overall security functionalities and creating new business processes by taking advantage of the world of digital identification at the object level, which once combined with Big Data allows us to gather and process all available information and generate actionable insights."

Mr. Moreira added, "This new technology offers a full integration of several key security elements on the chip instead of installing and testing these security elements separately on the device. The integration reduces the size of the chip, lowers the cost and increases the level of security as no one can externally access and manipulate the integrity of these chips. The ability to authenticate and remotely manage millions of networked, automated devices and equipment is becoming pervasive from factory floors, to hospital operating rooms, to residential homes including billions of objects and devices from refrigerators, watches, wearables to wine bottles - everything that can connect and communicate via the Internet." These massively deployed connected objects are facing regular attacks hence generating a large need for trusted end-to-end cybersecurity solutions. This problem is affecting billions of people and IoT devices worldwide, and manufactures of these devices could be forced or incentivized to spend money to make their devices secure, as regulators might impose liabilities on them. "It's been one year since our R&D teams joined forces to integrate our chip technology within the WISeKey IoT platform. The feedback and support we are getting from various major players in the IoT ecosystem to whom we have presented our offer, including network operators, device manufacturers, data integrators, and AI technology providers, has been amazing. There is a consensus among them that security breach is a massive problem and safe and reliable solutions are needed. They all acknowledge that our Root-to-Chip platform is the right solution to efficiently resolve these problems," added Bernard Vian, General Manager of WISeKey Semiconductors. About WISeKey:

WISeKey (SIX Swiss Exchange: WIHN) is a leading global cybersecurity company currently deploying large scale digital identity ecosystems with a patented process. WISeKey's Swiss based cryptographic Root of Trust ("RoT") provides secure authentication and identification, in both physical and virtual environments, for the Internet of Things, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. The WISeKey RoT serves as a common trust anchor to ensure the integrity of online transactions among objects and between objects and people. For more information, visit www.wisekey.com . To receive WISeKey's latest news, subscribe to our Newsletter or visit the WISeKey Investors Corner. Press and investor contacts: WISeKey International Holding Ltd

Company Contact: Carlos Moreira

Chairman & CEO

Tel: +41 22 594 3000

[email protected] WISeKey Investor Relations (US)

Contact: Lena Cati

The Equity Group Inc.

Tel: +1 212 836-9611

[email protected] Disclaimer: This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

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[September 13, 2017] TUV Rheinland extends lead in fashion and textiles chemical management as the newest ZDHC global training provider

COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TUV Rheinland has extended its lead in the provision of chemical management solutions and services for the textile, fashion and footwear industry, following its accreditation as a global training provider by the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation. Through the ZDHC Academy, TUV Rheinland will provide brands and manufacturers with ZDHC-certified training to improve their knowledge and promote the practice of responsible chemical management. The training is an extension of the TUV Rheinland Academy's existing OHS (occupational health & safety) training program for the textiles industry. Targeted at the global market, the first wave of training sessions, entitled "Introduction to Chemical Management," will take place from October to November  starting with Vietnam and followed by sessions in Bangladesh, Turkey and Italy. Full details of the training program can be found at http://www.roadmaptozero.com/academy/ TUV Rheinland has been actively promoting sound chemical management for nearly a decade, starting with the International Labour Organization's SCORE (Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises) program and its own FIT FIVE training program that links productivity and quality with CSR. TUV Rheinland has also worked with Germany's leading provider of international cooperation services, GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH), on its Resource Efficient Management of Chemicals (REMC) framework for the Apparel & Footwear supply chain. One of the most recent additions is a comprehensive DETOX offering, which TUV Rheinland launched as a direct response to the Greenpeace DETOX campaign aimed at uiting top textile and footwear brands and retailers to achieve zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by the year 2020.



"It might seem easy for manufacturers to produce 'clean' finished products by washing and flushing out some of the undesired chemicals into the local sewerage system before delivery, but it's also extremely short-sighted. Ethical buyers and end-user customers are increasingly looking for assurance that the production process is clean from start to finish, which takes careful testing and quality training to achieve," said Holger Kunz, Executive Vice President, Business Stream Products for TUV Rheinland. Kunz noted that approximately a third of the international fashion industry, including some of the world's biggest brands, are already members of the ZDHC Foundation. More are joining every day. TUV Rheinland's extensive global network of testing, inspection and certification facilities is now in the process of finalizing accreditation as Accepted ZDHC Laboratories.

"Although the new training program is aimed at enterprises, each course concludes with a stringent examination. Successful candidates receive a personal ZDHC certificate to add to their portfolio of professional qualifications and improve their long-term career prospects," said Markus Dohm, Executive Vice President, Business Stream Academy & Life Care for TUV Rheinland. "ZDHC's vision of using best practices to protect consumers, workers and the environment is in full alignment with our mission of promoting greater quality, safety, and economic efficiency where people, technology and the environment interact. While the focus of this first wave of training is an Introduction to Chemical Management, we are committed to working collaboratively with the industry to develop more in-depth, targeted trainings on additional topics. This will drive global progress towards achieving genuine zero discharge of hazardous chemicals," Dohm said. More details about our enabling services to address DETOX can be found at www.tuv.com/detox About TUV Rheinland TUV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 145 years ago. The group employs 19,700 people around the globe. Annual revenue is more than 1.9 billion. The independent experts stand for quality and safety for people, technology and the environment in nearly all industrial sectors and areas of life. TUV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, and oversees projects, processes and information security for companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and industries. To this end, the company operates a global network of approved labs and testing and education centers. Since 2006, TUV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. www.tuv.com About ZDHC The big players in international fashion industry have agreed not to use chemicals until 2020 known to be hazardous to health in garment and footwear. Among others, Puma, Nike, Levi Strauss, Primark and Burberry have joined this agreement. A comprehensive plan defines the processes to be followed by the members of this industry forum in order to attain the target "DETOX". Furthermore, the members set up common standards for sewage analysis, training, audits and the so-called Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL).

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[September 13, 2017] India's No. 1 Tech Platform Gadgets 360 Jumps to No. 11 in World Rankings

NEW DELHI, September 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Website traffic hits new heights: Records more than 40 million unique visitors in August'17 [Source: Google Analytics] Gadgets 360, India's largest platform for gadget news, reviews and shopping, has now achieved a monthly traffic of more than 40 million unique visitors and has seen a 41% YOY increase in unique visitors for the month Aug, 2017 in comparison to Aug, 2016. Gadgets 360, with these commendable numbers, now becomes one of the first technology platforms to achieve this feat. Moreover, as per latest figures from analytics firm SimilarWeb, Gadgets 360 is ranked No. 11 in the world in terms of visitors leaving behind popular tech platforms like Techcrunch, Engadget, Wired and many others. Maharashtra brings the largest traffic which is close to 16% of the unique visitors with Mumbai and Pune being the leading cities. This is followed by New Delhi bringing in around 14% and Karnataka with 10% traffic brought to the website. "The fact that over 40 million people look towards us in helping them make buying decisions is a responsibility we take very seriously. From in-depth product reviews, to YouTube content that far exceeds production quality of the competition, and podcasts - Orbital and Transition, which are unrivalled in the Indian tech space - the Gadgets 360 editorial team sets the standards with everything that they do. The fact that we are backed by the best technology team in business makes our lives that much easier," said Kunal Dua, Editor-in-Chief, Gadgets 360. Emergig as one of the top technology platform in the world, Gadgets 360 continues to leverage its content, technology and its deep understanding of its consumer's needs. This provides aid to people from around the country for all their gadget needs. The tech-focused publisher has widened its editorial focus past tech news and consumer gadget reviews - and has successfully launched:



Pricee.com - India's first 'search engine for shopping' which aggregates over 80 million products across all categories (apparel, books, electronics, FMCG, appliances, sports equipment, etc.) from leading e-commerce stores including Amazon.in, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Paytm, Infibeam, TataCliq and more in India . It is based on search algorithms built on top of Machine Learning to deliver fast and accurate results. Quality and ranking of search results are driven by Artificial Intelligence which becomes better as the machine indexes more data. Built like a search engine and not a comparison site, the product is available on desktop, mobile and as Android and iPhone app. Multi-language option enables user to see search results in 10 different Indian languages.

first 'search engine for shopping' which aggregates over 80 million products across all categories (apparel, books, electronics, FMCG, appliances, sports equipment, etc.) from leading e-commerce stores including Amazon.in, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Paytm, Infibeam, TataCliq and more in . It is based on search algorithms built on top of Machine Learning to deliver fast and accurate results. Quality and ranking of search results are driven by Artificial Intelligence which becomes better as the machine indexes more data. Built like a search engine and not a comparison site, the product is available on desktop, mobile and as Android and iPhone app. Multi-language option enables user to see search results in 10 different Indian languages. HotDeals360.com - a unique platform that enables users to access the best deals, product recommendations, guides and tips and much more based on their dynamic usage pattern, buying preferences and requirements. It connects consumers with brands bringing an array of hand-picked deals from diverse sectors, including gadgets. Commenting on this achievement, Hiro Mashita, Founder and Director of M&S Partners, also a key investor for Gadgets360.com, said, "I would like to congratulate the Gadgets 360 team for becoming # 11 in the world ahead of many stellar tech platforms. It continues to prove that Gadgets360 team is always at the forefront in provide most credible content and cutting edge technology development to deliver the brand's vision. I am delighted to have this opportunity to wish them all the best for their future endeavours." About Gadgets 360

Gadgets 360 is Indias largest platform for gadget news, reviews and shopping. The website with over 100 million page views is the most trustworthy destination for all gadget admirers. With over 8 lac followers on Facebook and 2.5 lac+ followers on Twitter, Gadgets 360 is one of the most popular technology platforms in India. Gadgets 360; with more than 60 million monthly visitors is way ahead of its competitors in India and hence, the organization has been recognized for its efforts through many awards and accolades. Website link - http://gadgets.ndtv.com/. Press contact:

PR Pundit:

Arun Mittal

+91-1244229300

[email protected] Shriya Yadav

+91-9971230399

[email protected]



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[September 13, 2017] Comerica Bank and FHLB Dallas to Announce $10K in Funds to Houston, Texas, Nonprofit

Thanks to $10,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP (News - Alert)) funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Comerica Bank, Houston-based nonprofit PowHer Play will continue to support women in improving their lives. The grant will be awarded to PowHer Play during a check presentation following The Chatman Women's Foundation 2017 Annual Mixer and Open House Thursday, September 14, 2017, in Houston. The media is invited to the check presentation. The mixer and open house event will begin at 6:00 p.m. The nonprofit will use the funds for organizational capacity-building, contractual services and scholarships. PowHer Play, which does business as The Chatman Women's Foundation, provides services to women that enable them to go back to school, build businesses, as well as move out of shelters. PGP awards provide grants to community-based organizations (CBOs) of up to $12,000. The funds may be used for research, organizational capacity-building, grant- and funding-application assistance, or contractual services. Through the PGP, FHLB Dallas matches a member's contribution to a CBO of $500 up to $4,000 at a 3:1 ratio for a maximum $12,000 contribution from FHLB Dallas. The grants are offered via a lottery system once a year through FHLB Dallas members. In 2017, FHLB Dallas awarded $300,000 in PGP funds through 31 member institutions to assist 30 CBOs. Combined with the $104,550 contributed by FHLB Dallas members, a total of $404,550 was awarded to the organizations. For more information, visit fhlb.com.







WHAT: Check Presentation WHEN: 7:15 p.m., Thursday, September 14, 2017 WHO: Amanda Edwards, Houston City Council Member, At-Large Position 4 Vanessa Reed, AVP, CRA and Consumer Compliance Manager, Comerica Bank Shantera Chatman, Founder and Executive Director, The Chatman Women's Foundation Bruce Hatton, Vice President, Affordable Housing Program Manager, FHLB Dallas WHERE: Buffalo Soldier Museum 3816 Caroline Street Houston, Texas 77004

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005224/en/

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[September 13, 2017] CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company Announces Acquisition of Pacific Compensation Insurance Company

CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company, Arizona's leading provider of workers' compensation insurance since 1925, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Pacific Compensation Insurance Company (PacificComp), a California-based workers' compensation carrier, from Alleghany Insurance Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alleghany Corporation (NYSE: Y), for $150 million in cash. The combined book of underwriting business for the two companies will represent approximately $400 million in premium and a combined asset base of nearly $4.1 billion, with $1.5 billion in policyholder surplus. The acquisition of PacificComp represents a significant milestone in CopperPoint's geographic expansion and diversification initiatives. PacificComp brings a proven track record, strong underwriting discipline and focused approach to serving businesses in the California market. The two companies share complementary strengths, including expertise in workers' compensation and a commitment to providing the highest quality customer experience through select independent agents. "We are creating a family of insurance companies built on strong business relationships and best-in-class service," said Marc Schmittlein, President & CEO of CopperPoint. "PacificComp brings experienced professionals with deep California market expertise and a solid book of business that will undoubtedly provide us with a sound patform for growth."



"In joining CopperPoint, we have found an ideal strategic and cultural fit for our employees, broker partners and policyholders that will allow us to continue our service to the market without interruption and provide us with the ability to expand the products and services we offer," said Jan Frank, CEO of PacificComp. "Our companies share a strategic vision for the continued expansion of the business and an approach to the marketplace that makes me and the PacificComp management team excited to become part of the CopperPoint family of companies." Schmittlein added, "A key tenet of our value proposition comes from our proximity to customers, their business, their markets and their communities. Acquiring PacificComp builds on that core strength and is a natural fit for our policyholders growing West, particularly into California."

Beyond this synergy, CopperPoint's launch of commercial lines to its workers' compensation customers in Arizona opens opportunities to bring new products and services to the California market. Upon closing, PacificComp will continue to operate under its current name as part of the broader CopperPoint family of companies. Terms of the agreement include the purchase of adverse development reinsurance cover on PacificComp's pre-acquisition claims. The transaction is expected to close at the end of the year subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory review and approvals. CopperPoint was privatized and converted to a mutual insurance company in 2013 with a vision of geographic expansion and product diversification. In 2016, Marc Schmittlein, a 30-year veteran of The Travelers, was brought on by the board of directors as CopperPoint CEO to help the company take the next step in its journey to become a regional mutual commercial lines company. About CopperPoint Insurance Companies Since 1925, CopperPoint has been a leading advocate of workplace safety and provider of comprehensive insurance coverage. We pride ourselves on getting closer to the needs of each individual business owner and agency partner in order to deliver best-in-class coverage that fits their needs. Today we provide workers' compensation insurance to more than 12,000 businesses, as well as offer other business insurance products, including property and casualty coverage. Headquartered in Phoenix, our award-winning company holds $1.35 billion in surplus and more than $3.4 billion in assets with no debt. The family of CopperPoint Insurance Companies includes CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries. For more information, visit www.copperpoint.com. About Pacific Compensation Insurance Company Pacific Compensation Insurance Company (PacificComp) provides workers' compensation insurance coverage exclusively through independent insurance brokers for California companies. The PacificComp team has extensive knowledge of the rules and regulations, the legislation, the challenges and opportunities of the California workers' compensation marketplace. PacificComp takes a proactive approach to every aspect of workers' compensation, from innovative underwriting solutions to rigorous loss prevention and claims management. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005406/en/

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[September 13, 2017] TEKsystems Survey Pinpoints Most Important Factors Related to Best IT Jobs for Crop of Upcoming New Graduates

With the start of the new school year for students expecting to graduate in 2017/2018 from universities and colleges nationwide, TEKsystems (News - Alert), a leading provider of IT staffing solutions and IT services, today issued the results of a survey revealing the factors related to the top IT jobs for upcoming graduates along with the key elements hiring managers look at when considering entry-level candidates. The survey was conducted in March 2017 and the results represent the views of more than 250 IT hiring managers across the United States. View infographic here. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005838/en/ Best IT Jobs for Entry Level Job Seekers (Graphic: Business Wire) Key highlights from the survey include: Developer Roles Provide the Best Job Opportunities







Q: What skill sets provide the greatest opportunity for recent college graduates searching for entry-level positions and how difficult are they to source? Select all skill sets that apply. Job Percentage Ranked by Difficulty in Sourcing as of Q2 2017 Applications developer 60% 1* Technical support 54% 4 Business/systems analyst 52% 8 Web developer 48% NA Network/systems administrator 39% 11 Network/systems engineer 37% NA Database administrator 35% 10 Quality assurance engineer 27% 14 *Includes Programmers and developers (i.e., Java, .NET (News - Alert), web, etc.)

TEKsystems' Take: IT hiring managers recommend applications developer roles as the best opportunity for new college graduates. This experience provides a foundation for future growth in a more specialized area of software development. Coincidentally, developer roles are consistently difficult roles to fill-a result of the sky-high demand for qualified tech professionals across the industry. Technical support, business analysts and web developers are also mentioned as good opportunities for new graduates with generalized degrees. Digital transformation will continue to create significant opportunity for new IT professionals as organizations take on more and larger IT projects. These initiatives will require a small number of highly skilled and experienced individuals to design, but a larger number of junior or entry-level workers to implement. Hiring managers should note that those skill sets representing the most opportunity for recent college graduates are not necessarily difficult to source. Network/systems admins, database admins, and quality assurance engineers are, relatively speaking, easier to source than some of the other skill sets identified as representing the most opportunity for recent graduates. Generalized IT Degrees Preferred Over Specialized Degrees Q: For most entry-level positions, which type of degree is most applicable for recent graduates? Select only one. Type of Degree Percentage Generalized/traditional degrees (e.g., CIS, computer science, computing, software engineering 83% Specialized/new age degrees (e.g., data analysis, human-computer interaction, AI, game development 17% Q: Which of the following programming languages are most difficult to find? [select the top-3 languages that are most difficult to find] Languages Ranked Most Difficult to Least Difficult .Net 1 SQL 2 Python 3 Java 4 JavaScript 5 *Perl, C++, C# and Ruby on Rails all tied for 6th. **Scala and PHP tied for 9th. TEKsystems' Take: The vast majority of hiring managers, more than 8 in 10, say a generalized or more traditional technology degree is more applicable for new college graduates. Hiring managers often prefer several years of experience when filling specialized roles, while certain organizations internally develop individuals for specialized roles requiring unique skill sets. The distribution of programming languages seems to indicate that to advance as a programmer or developer, new IT pros would do well to develop fluency over a range of languages as opposed to specializing in just one. Work Experience and Internships Dominate as Top Factors for Hiring Over GPA and School Attended Q: When considering a recent graduate for a position, how important are the following factors? Stack rank from most important to least important. Rank Factor Percentage (ranked 1 or 2) 1 Work-related internship/experience 86% 2 Referrals/references 50% 3 GPA 24% 4 School attended 18% 5 Extracurricular activities 11% 6 ROTC or Military Reserve Program 10% TEKsystems' Take: When considering recent college graduates for entry-level positions, IT hiring managers are loud and clear that work-related internships or experience is the most important factor, ranking it twice as high as the next factor, referrals and references. This is significant as it has implications for both hiring managers seeking candidates, as well as students themselves: experience trumps potential, and work-related internships and experience, along with referrals and references, are better predictors of performance for first-time graduates than either GPA or the particular school attended-especially in the fast-paced, ever-evolving industry of technology. It could also speak to an increased focus on finding the right cultural fit versus technical fit, where the decisive criteria in competing candidates with less proven backgrounds would be practical experience and an ability to assimilate into an existing team. A more "build versus buy" approach. Salary Still Tops, but Workplace Flexibility More Important Than Healthcare Q: How much do you expect FULL TIME & CONTINGENT IT hiring to change (as of Q2 2017)? Change Full Time Contingent Increase 35% 31% Stay the Same 49% 54% Decrease 16% 15% Q: In terms of a hiring package, which factors do you consider most attractive to a recent college graduate when offering them a job? Rank Package Percentage (ranked 1 or 2) 1 Salary 85% 2 Workplace flexibility (i.e., ability to telecommute, flexible work schedule 68% 3 Healthcare 26% 4 Tuition reimbursement (on-going education) 16% 5 Retirement/401k 5% TEKsystems' Take: Not surprisingly, IT hiring managers say salary is the most attractive aspect of a hiring package for recent college graduates. Hiring managers are well aligned with the desires of IT candidates when thinking about the most attractive pieces of the hiring package puzzle, ranking workplace flexibility as the second highest factor-even above healthcare. Although salary is important to job seekers, and no company can compete for IT talent with salary bands below market value, an increasing trend among new job seekers in IT talent is workplace flexibility. It allows them the freedom to structure their own working hours, which in turn, can offer a better work-life balance, time to pursue further training, or accomplish other goals. Hiring managers who wrap flexibility into their employee value proposition should stand out in the competitive IT job market. "Those graduates entering the IT market in the next several months are in the enviable position of seeing high demand for their skills, depending on their specific qualifications," said TEKsystems Research Manager Jason Hayman. "In fact, our research shows that truly exceptional candidates stand a good chance of being offered a 10 percent premium above what has been budgeted for a specific position. However, it is still true that they are most likely going to be offered the types of junior/entry level roles where they're primarily being asked to maintain, update or fix currently deployed software programs. Organizations are showing a heavy preference for generalized degrees over specialized, where in the future they can develop the skill set of a capable individual to fit their own specialized requirements. Newly graduated job seekers may be surprised that it's not about the name recognition of an expensive school or a cutting edge degree that gets you in the door, it's more about experience, skill sets, programming languages, and making yourself a valuable member of whatever team or project you get the opportunity to work on." TEKsystems' Jason Hayman is available for additional commentary. For more information about the survey, or to schedule an interview, please contact Nathan Bowen at [email protected]. About TEKsystems People are at the heart of every successful business initiative. At TEKsystems, an Allegis Group company, we understand people. Every year we deploy more than 80,000 IT professionals at 6,000 client sites across North America, Europe and Asia. Our deep insights into IT human capital management enable us to help our clients achieve their business goals-while optimizing their IT workforce strategies. We provide IT staffing solutions, IT talent management expertise and IT services to help our clients plan, build and run their critical business initiatives. Through our range of quality-focused delivery models, we meet our clients where they are, and take them where they want to go, the way they want to get there. TEKsystems. Our people make IT possible. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005838/en/

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[September 13, 2017] Like Mother Like Daughter

Nephrology nurse Katrina Tamayo Guzman, RN, shares many interests with her mom, Delia, RN, BSN, a clinical manager at Fresenius Kidney Care in Elmhurst, Ill. Most striking is their dedication to caring for people living with kidney disease who require dialysis to stay alive. During Nephrology Nurses Week, Sept. 10-16, and throughout the year, Delia and Katrina epitomize the passion and commitment of nurses who work with dialysis patients at Fresenius Kidney Care, the dialysis division of Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) and a leading network of dialysis facilities. Originally from the Philippines, Delia moved to the United States in the 1980s and began working with patients with kidney failure after some time working in a nursing home. She has worked at Fresenius Kidney Care in Elmhurst for 35 years. At a young age, Katrina recognized she, too, had a passion for caring for others. Following in her mother's footsteps, she enrolled in nursing school. After graduating, she spent a year working in an intensive care unit before moving into nephrology nursing. For the past two years, Katrina has worked at Fresenius Kidney Care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. "I'm happy I've had such an influence on my daughter's career by introducing her to the rewarding world of nephrology nursing," Delia said. "We've both cared for patients with other diseases, but there's just something special about kidney patients. You see them, day in day out - you see the difference you make in helping them regain quality of life. Every day that a patient is not sick is a good day. I'm proud that my daughter and I play important roles in our patients' successes." "Our nurses are special people, providing compassionate care and proactive guidance to be sure patients continue their therapy and thrive," said Bill Valle, chief executive officer, FMCNA. "Nephrology nurses develop close and often lifelong relationships with patients, enabling them to have a significant and positive impact on patients' lives. Fresenius Kidney Care's nurses often stay for many years because they are on the front lines and they know we value their insight as we strive to continually improve the care of all of our patients. We are truly grateful for their commitment, expertise and compassion." Because nephrology nursing is unique, requiring a dedication to one-on-one patient care and a passion for improving outcomes and becoming an expert on the kidneys, the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) launched Nephrology Nurses Week in 2005. Th week provides all involved - from employers to doctors to patients - the opportunity to thank these dedicated nurses for their vital work. ANNA also hopes to spread the word about the benefits of nephrology nursing, and the various career opportunities within the field. Nephrology truly is one of the most diverse nursing specialties, because nephrology nurses care for patients of all ages, backgrounds and income levels who have, or are at risk for, kidney disease.



Approximately 26 million people in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD). An estimated 430,000 Americans living with CKD require dialysis to filter their blood because their kidneys have lost the ability to function effectively. To learn more about kidney disease, dialysis and the compassionate providers at Fresenius Kidney Care, visit https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/. About Fresenius Kidney Care

Fresenius Kidney Care, a division of Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), provides dialysis treatment and services to nearly 180,000 people with kidney disease at more than 2,300 facilities nationwide. Fresenius Kidney Care supports people by helping to address both the physical and emotional aspects of kidney disease through personalized care, education and lifestyle support services so they can lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Fresenius Kidney Care patients have access to FMCNA's integrated network of kidney care services ranging from cardiology and vascular care to pharmacy and lab services as well as urgent care centers and the country's largest practice of hospitalist and post-acute providers. As a leader in renal care technology, innovation and clinical research, FMCNA's more than 67,000 employees are dedicated to the mission of delivering superior care that improves the quality of life for people with kidney disease. For more information about Fresenius Kidney Care, visit www.freseniuskidneycare.com, like us on Facebook (News - Alert) at facebook.com/FreseniusKidneyCare and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at twitter.com/FreseniusKC. About Fresenius Medical Care North America Fresenius Medical Care North America is the premier health care company focused on providing the highest quality care to people with renal and other chronic conditions. Through its industry-leading network of dialysis facilities, outpatient cardiac and vascular labs, and urgent care centers, as well as the country's largest practice of hospitalist and post-acute providers, Fresenius Medical Care North America provides coordinated health care services at pivotal care points for hundreds of thousands of chronically ill customers throughout the continent. As the world's largest fully integrated renal company, it offers specialty pharmacy and laboratory services, and manufactures and distributes the most comprehensive line of dialysis equipment, disposable products and renal pharmaceuticals. For more information, visit the FMCNA website at www.freseniusmedicalcare.us. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005896/en/

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[September 13, 2017] Global Data Centre Cooling Market Showcase Promising Growth Forecast at CAGR 14.95% During Forecasted Period 2016-2023: Occams Business Research & Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

INDORE, India, September 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Data centre support infrastructure carries three components that include uninterruptible power source, environmental control, and security systems. According to OBRC Analysis, environmental control accounts for an average 20% of total data centre support infrastructure cost. Data centre environment control framework place an important role in maintaining temperature, humidity and air quality within data centre for optimal performance. Hence, investments in data centre cooling facility is of prime importance for data centre operations. Global data centre cooling market is projected to rise at CAGR of 14.95% for the forecast period 2016-2023. Demand for cloud computing & big data solutions, demand for efficient data centres, demand for cost effective data centre solutions, demand for sustainable data cooling solution, increasing number of data centres, and regulatory compliance are the main factors driving global data centre cooling market for the forecasted period. High investments and requirement of specialized infrastructure are key factors restraining global data centre cooling market for the forecast period 2016-2023. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161024/431641LOGO )

You can find the detailed description of the report at: http://www.occamsresearch.com/data-center-cooling-market Demand for cloud computing solutions: Growth driver Cloud computing is driving IT industry across all sectors by offering mobility, on demand scalability, cost effective solutions, shifting enterprise focus on operational expenditure (OPEX) from traditional capital expenditure (CAPEX) and offering uninterrupted business process. According to OBRC estimate global cloud computing expenditure is expected to rise six times that of conventional IT spending from 2015. OBRC estimates global cloud computing market to reach revenue of $161.8 billion by 2020, increasing from $66.7 billion in 2015, with year-on-year increase of 18.8%. According to OBRC technology survey more than 72% Chief Financial Officers from technology companies are looking foward to making significant investment in cloud computing by 2019. With increasing adoption of cloud computing, demand for IT infrastructure products for deployment in cloud environments are anticipated to increase year on year by 15% according to OBRC estimate. IT infrastructure spending for FY 2017 to touch is estimated to reach $41.5 billion. Asia Pacific cloud computing market isforecasted to grow fastest at 28% per annum till 2022 according to OBRC analysis. The growth is led by high adoption rate of big data & analytics service, increasing IT infrastructure investment, increasing internet penetration, and adoption of cloud computing across all sectors. India, China, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are key markets for cloud computing investment in Asia Pacific according to Asia Cloud Computing Association.



North America and Europe: Together dominates market North America & Europe together dominates data centre cooling market for forecasted period in terms of revenue and technology adoption, according to OBRC analysis.Presence of huge data centres,high adoption of data centre cooling technologies, growing cloud computing market, high degree of data traffic and regulatory compliance are the factors driving data centre cooling market in North America & Europe. According to OBRC studies, North America hosts more than 42% of the global colocation operations, thus requiring presence of large data centres. There are more than 3.5million data centres present in USA as of 2015. That accounts roughly one data centre per 100 people in USA. Similarly, there are more than 1464 data colocation data centres in Europe of which more than 75% are located in Western Europe according to Data Centre Research. Leading colocation data centre markets in Europe are UK, Germany, France, and Netherland. Since 2014, cloud computing technology adoption rates across sectors in North America has increased significantly. According to OBRC research, more than 52% of organizations in North America have deployed cloud solutions on their own. Similarly, OBRC research shows that more than 74% of start-ups in North America since 2015, are looking forward to investing in cloud computing technologies within 2017. Moreover, both North America and Europe are house of world's biggest software companies such as Facebook, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, SAP and so on. Increasing adoption of cloud computing technologies would certainly drive demand for data centres, indirectly supplementing data centre cooling market in the region for the forecasted period.

About Occams Business Research & Consulting (OBRC): Occams Business Research & Consulting has been in the business (Market Research) for the past three years. OBRC, based in India, is formed by two women analysts, Shyamal Moghe and Sathya Durga, who started the company after years of working as analysts and project managers for companies such as Frost & Sullivan, Smart Analyst, etc. and have an excellent track record for the best customer satisfaction. You can see their professional profile on LinkedIn: Shyamal Moghe

Sathya Durga Website: http://www.occamsresearch.com/ Related reports: Global Business Intelligence Market Global Supply Chain Analytics Market Global E-Discovery Market Global Social Employee Recognition System Market Global E-Discovery Market Contact: Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Occams Business Research & Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

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[September 13, 2017] ICONIC Protein Raises $8 Million in Funding Round Led by KarpReilly; Names Beverage Entrepreneur Bill Moses as Company Chairman

ICONIC Protein, the fast-growing line of protein drinks made with grass-fed dairy, announced today it has raised $8 million in a funding round led by private equity firm KarpReilly. Beverage entrepreneur Bill Moses (KeVita, Casa Barranca Organic Winery, Fermented Sciences Inc.) also participated in the round and will join ICONIC as the company's executive chairman. Launched in 2013, ICONIC has become one of the beverage industry's biggest growth stories, racking up triple-digit, year-over-year gains for the past four years. Made using dairy protein from grass-fed cows in New Zealand, ICONIC's ready-to-drink beverage line is hormone, antibiotic and preservative free. The line is unique in the protein beverage space with a lighter, more balanced taste profile, making it a hit with health-conscious consumers looking for a protein boost but without the heaviness of a traditional protein drink. "We're thrilled to announce the funding as well as the addition of these key investors who have proven themselves in the industry," said ICONIC co-founder and CEO Billy Bosch. "KarpReilly is one of the savviest investors in the food and beverage space and we welcome both their guidance and Bill's leadership as we continue to disrupt the protein category." ICONIC Protein will utilize the funding to build out its senior leadership team and invest in product innovation. This will include building on its positioning as one of the only protein drink brands with a large and growing female audience who turn to the company's products as a grab-and-go snack in a bottle. ICONIC has generated categoryleading velocity with the help of early retail partners like HEB, Sprouts, Wegmans and Rouses Markets.



"ICONIC has distinguished itself as a leader in the fast-growing protein drink space with the use of clean animal protein, incredible velocity at shelf and an audience that reaches far beyond the typical protein beverage consumer," said Allan Karp, co-founder of KarpReilly. "There is an enormous market opportunity for ICONIC's better-for-you, New Zealand grass-fed dairy protein offering and we are excited to work with their team to take the brand to the next level." "I invest in and team with founders that have not only the vision but also the drive to win," said Bill Moses. "Billy Bosch is a peer that I know will lead ICONIC to be a top protein innovation company across many categories and I look forward to working with him and his team."

Additional investors in the round include Lance Collins (CORE Hydration, Bodyarmor, Fuze Beverage) along with Gunnar Lovelace and Nick Green, founders of Thrive Market. Law firm Holland & Hart LLP served as strategic advisor to ICONIC. About ICONIC Protein ICONIC Protein is one of the fastest-growing brands in the ready-to-drink protein beverage market with a passionate following of health-conscious consumers who have flocked to the brand's healthy and great-tasting options. Made using dairy protein from grass-fed cows in New Zealand, ICONIC's ready-to-drink beverage line is hormone, antibiotic and preservative free. Offering a light and balanced taste profile, ICONIC appeals to shoppers looking for a protein boost but without the heaviness of a traditional protein drink. To learn more about ICONIC, please visit www.drinkiconic.com. About KarpReilly KarpReilly, LLC is a private investment firm, founded by Allan Karp and Chris Reilly, whose primary mission is to partner with premier small to mid-size growth companies and help them achieve their long-term vision. KarpReilly currently manages funds and affiliates with capital commitments in excess of $500 million. Over the past 10 years, the principals of KarpReilly have invested in, sat on the boards of and nurtured over 25 growth companies. For more information, please visit www.karpreilly.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005903/en/

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Voters have approved recreational marijuana in Maryland and Missouri and rejected it in Arkansas and North Dakota. The measure also is on the ballot in South Dakota. The elections are seen as a test of legalizations support in even the most conservative parts of the country. The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. Biden last month announced he was pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law. Heading into the election, recreational marijuana was legal in 19 states, and polls have shown opposition to legalization softening.
[September 13, 2017] BioMalaysia2017 Concludes Partnerships and Collaborations to Boost Economic Growth in the Asia Pacific Region

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia's premier biotechnology event BioMalaysia & Asia Pacific Bioeconomy 2017, ended today, after 3 days of Forums and Exhibition at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The event was officiated by the Secretary General of Science, Technology & Innovation (MOSTI), Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Azhar bin Yahaya on 11 September 2017 on behalf of the MOSTI Minister, Datuk Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau. BioMalaysia & Asia Pacific Bioeconomy 2017 was jointly organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (Bioeconomy Corporation) an agency under the purview of MOSTI and MyEvents International. Themed "Bioeconomy: Driving Growth and Prosperity of the Nation", the biotechnology annual forums and exhibition attracted more than 6,000 visitors and featured discussion topics related to bioeconomy, bioplastics, bioagropreneur, biologics, funding and expansion of businesses to the global markets, as well as the way forward for bio-based industries for Asia Pacific. The forums showcased biotechnology experts who presented their findings, latest opportunities, business methods, market access and funding opportunities within the bio-based and biotechnology industry. Among the speakers at BioMalaysia 2017 were Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Azhar Haji Yahaya, Professor Tan Sri Zakri Abdul Hamid and Dr Mohd Shuhaizam Mohd Zain. Presentations were carried out during the 3-day event from RQuest Convergent, BioAlpha, Blubear Holdings & Melaka Biotech. The event fostered partnerships among industry players to establish stronger bioeconomy ties in the region, and served as a catalyst to position Malaysia as the prime bioeconomy and biotechnology center in the Asia Pacific region. "During BioMalaysia 2017, we saw potential trade and cooperation in various areas to benefit the society. 8 BioNexus companies unveiled 8 new products at our event. From the 286 BioNexus status companies, 37 companies have gone global. We would like to get as many companies as possible to venture out globally in terms of partnerships, building business-to-business relationships, and getting the products to those countries and vice versa. This is a way for Malaysia to improve our global competitiveness in the Asia Pacific region and this is the spirit we are looking to bring next year," said Dr Mohd Shuhaizam Mohd Zain, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation during the wrap up press conference of BioMalaysia 2017. BioMalaysia has always been used as a platform to announce collaborations involving various industry participants. This year 3 significant collaborations involving 6 companies and organisations were made during the opening ceremony, which have the potential to boost the bioeconomy sectors in Malaysia. Among the strategic collaborations and partnership exchanged during the opening ceremony were with Rural Asset Group of Companies & Oudhcom LLC, University Putra Malaysia & Malaysian Vaccine & Pharmaceuticals Sdn Bhd and Algaetech & Watson Malaysia. Meanwhile, the BioMalaysia Exhibition saw the participation of 67 companies involving 120 exhibition booths. In conjunction with BioMalaysia, several sideline events were held by Bioeconomy Corporation to strengthen the bioeconomy ecosystem and bio-entrepreneurial efforts in Malaysia, as well as to encourage the commercialisation of local innovative bio-based products and increase human capital in the sector. Another highlight of the event was the Bioeconomy Innovation Awards 2017 which gave out 30 awards to research institutes and universities for their excellence. Held on 12th September, the award ceremony provided a platform to promote the latest biotechnology achievements as well as the commercialisation of biotechnology research findings, products and services. With the 15th year of BioMalaysia 2017, the awar ceremony was an opportunity to highlight the success and achievements attained in the bio-based industries. For more details on participation at BioMalaysia 2017 or to register attendance for talks and forums, visit http://www.biomalaysia.com.my



Sideline Events: The launch of 8 BioNexus products by the Secretary General of Science, Technology & Innovation, Datuk Seri Mohd Azhar Haji Yahaya on 11th September 2017. These products are generated by 8 BioNexus Status companies - Algaetech International, Tropical Bioessence, Ligno Biotech, Hopematic, Ganofarm R&D, Airestec, Careena & Elescaid and Bio Tree Biotechnology. The products generated by BioNexus Status Companies will play a role in enhancing consumers' confidence in local products to promote national economic activity and provides the chance to highlight the quality of Malaysian bio-based products, while offering consumers safe and cost-effective alternatives to foreign products, while increasing the BioNexus status companies' presence in the market.

by the Secretary General of Science, Technology & Innovation, Datuk Seri Mohd Azhar Haji Yahaya on 11th September 2017. These products are generated by 8 BioNexus Status companies - Algaetech International, Tropical Bioessence, Ligno Biotech, Hopematic, Ganofarm R&D, Airestec, Careena & Elescaid and Bio Tree Biotechnology. The products generated by BioNexus Status Companies will play a role in enhancing consumers' confidence in local products to promote national economic activity and provides the chance to highlight the quality of Malaysian bio-based products, while offering consumers safe and cost-effective alternatives to foreign products, while increasing the BioNexus status companies' presence in the market. Bioeconomy Excellence Awards is a recognition given to qualified BioNexus Status companies and BTP project owners for their excellence contribution to the bio-based industry. The awards provided a platform to promote the latest biotech achievements as well as the commercialization of biotech research findings, products and services.

is a recognition given to qualified BioNexus Status companies and BTP project owners for their excellence contribution to the bio-based industry. The awards provided a platform to promote the latest biotech achievements as well as the commercialization of biotech research findings, products and services. Bioplastics Forum , launched on 11th September was a platform to highlight the latest Bioeconomy Transformation Programme (BTP) achievements and raise awareness about BTP and its opportunities to the private sectors involved in the bio-based industries. The event attracted 200 participants and additionally, about 70 people from Sabah delegates joined the breakout sessions. From this event, new potential projects were identified to be part of the BTP ecosystem, including fish oil extraction, biomass and biodegradables.

, launched on 11th September was a platform to highlight the latest Bioeconomy Transformation Programme (BTP) achievements and raise awareness about BTP and its opportunities to the private sectors involved in the bio-based industries. The event attracted 200 participants and additionally, about 70 people from delegates joined the breakout sessions. From this event, new potential projects were identified to be part of the BTP ecosystem, including fish oil extraction, biomass and biodegradables. United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) urged countries in Asia and the Pacific to adopt a more holistic approach and consider the wider range of low to high-tech solutions present in the biotechnology toolbox. FAO was carried out for three-days which saw meetings of Asia Pacific governments, scientists, academia, civil society and the private sectors. They gathered to share experiences of agricultural biotechnologies and examine opportunities for their use to meet the needs of smallholders in the region. The FAO meeting is hosted and co-organised by the Government of Malaysia .

urged countries in and the Pacific to adopt a more holistic approach and consider the wider range of low to high-tech solutions present in the biotechnology toolbox. FAO was carried out for three-days which saw meetings of governments, scientists, academia, civil society and the private sectors. They gathered to share experiences of agricultural biotechnologies and examine opportunities for their use to meet the needs of smallholders in the region. The FAO meeting is hosted and co-organised by the Government of . Bioagropreneur Forum on 12 th September benefitted from the assistance and incentives provided by Bioeconomy Corporation and Ministry of Agriculture including technical advisory, intensive training, in-kind contributions, Special Financing Packages under Agropreneur Muda and the Biotechnology Commercialisation Fund (BCF) under Bioeconomy Corporation. Agropreneur Muda and BCDP increased the involvement of youths to rural communities in the agricultural sector thereby reducing migration to the city. These programmes helped enhance social mobility, ensure consistent food supply and raw materials for the country and maximize economic opportunitites to the locals.

Forum on 12 September benefitted from the assistance and incentives provided by Bioeconomy Corporation and Ministry of Agriculture including technical advisory, intensive training, in-kind contributions, Special Financing Packages under Agropreneur Muda and the Biotechnology Commercialisation Fund (BCF) under Bioeconomy Corporation. Agropreneur Muda and BCDP increased the involvement of youths to rural communities in the agricultural sector thereby reducing migration to the city. These programmes helped enhance social mobility, ensure consistent food supply and raw materials for the country and maximize economic opportunitites to the locals. The Bioeconomy Innovation Awards 2017 (BIA 2017) on 12 th September, was jointly organised by Bioeconomy Corporation, Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation and FAO. The BIA acknowledged the innovative bio-based solutions by outstanding players from universities, research institutions and private companies. Awarded since 2008, the BIA also matches participants with prospective business partners and investors. Among the winners of BIA 2017 were from University Teknologi Malaysia, University Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and more.

(BIA 2017) on 12 September, was jointly organised by Bioeconomy Corporation, Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation and FAO. The BIA acknowledged the innovative bio-based solutions by outstanding players from universities, research institutions and private companies. Awarded since 2008, the BIA also matches participants with prospective business partners and investors. Among the winners of BIA 2017 were from University Teknologi Malaysia, University Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and more. BioCareer was a platform for students and jobseekers as well as the general public to explore the opportunities in the industry. The participants had the opportunity to interview for open positions, listen to free educational seminars and network with companies to discuss possible career options and requirements. From 11th to 13th September, the BioCareer attracted visitors which will help fuel Malaysia's professional talent pool of highly skilled and educated workforce in the bio-based industries.

was a platform for students and jobseekers as well as the general public to explore the opportunities in the industry. The participants had the opportunity to interview for open positions, listen to free educational seminars and network with companies to discuss possible career options and requirements. From the BioCareer which will help fuel professional talent pool of highly skilled and educated workforce in the bio-based industries. BioChat is a continuous conversation for everyone interested in Biology, Biomass, Biogas, Biochar, Biofuels, & Biotech.

is a continuous conversation for everyone interested in Biology, Biomass, Biogas, Biochar, Biofuels, & Biotech. Share Your Thoughts Contest saw visitors at BioMalaysia 2017 winning mystery gifts when they shared their opinions at the BioChat area. Visitors posted their thoughts with their name and numbers, liked Bioeconomy Corporation's Facebook and won prizes for their contributions.

saw visitors at BioMalaysia 2017 winning mystery gifts when they shared their opinions at the BioChat area. Visitors posted their thoughts with their name and numbers, liked Bioeconomy Corporation's Facebook and won prizes for their contributions. Build Your Own Product (BYOP) provided a unique chance for participants to work directly with bio-based manufacturers including BioNexus Status companies. Participants leveraged on this program to build their own brands and products by receiving expert advise and consultation. BYOP also served as a one-stop center for those who wanted to venture into health supplement and the cosmetic business, while providing a platform for companies to do business and connect with potential buyers and distributors.

provided a unique chance for participants to work directly with bio-based manufacturers including BioNexus Status companies. Participants leveraged on this program to build their own brands and products by receiving expert advise and consultation. BYOP also served as a one-stop center for those who wanted to venture into health supplement and the cosmetic business, while providing a for companies to do business and connect with potential buyers and distributors. Catch The Fund! presented the latest information on MOSTI R&D Fund and other funds by relevant agencies, emphasizing on the SMART Challenge Fund, Facilitation Fund and InnoFund. The programme also provided consultation sessions for interested companies with MOSTI's Bahagian Dana's evaluation team. The objectives of the programme are to promote funds available under MOSTI, to clarify requirements, eligibility and application process for the funds and to build pipeline of eligible applicants for MOSTI's funds.

presented the latest information on MOSTI R&D Fund and other funds by relevant agencies, emphasizing on the SMART Challenge Fund, Facilitation Fund and InnoFund. The programme also provided consultation sessions for interested companies with MOSTI's Bahagian Dana's evaluation team. The objectives of the programme are to promote funds available under MOSTI, to clarify requirements, eligibility and application process for the funds and to build pipeline of eligible applicants for MOSTI's funds. Biologics Forum on 13th of September featured a panel discussion to highlight the current state of the biologics industry in Malaysia . The discussion also focus on identifying areas of improvement, and challenges facing the industry, and how the country can strike a balance between ensuring innovation is not hampered, while still providing the most accessible medications to the public. The objective of the event is to encourage local pharmaceutical companies to venture into the biosimilars sector while maintaining the inflow of innovator biologics into the country. About Bioeconomy Corporation

Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (Bioeconomy Corporation) is the leading economic development agency for the bio-based industry in Malaysia. Bioeconomy Corporation is under the purview of Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and is owned by the Minister of Finance Incorporated and Federal Lands Commissioner, providing support, facilitation and advisory services for bio-based and life sciences companies in Malaysia. Bioeconomy Corporation has been facilitating the development of BioNexus Status companies in Malaysia. BioNexus Status is an accreditation given to international and Malaysian bio-based companies that qualify them for fiscal incentives, grants and guarantees administered by Bioeconomy Corporation. For further details, visit www.bioeconomycorporation.my. Bioeconomy Corporation is also the implementation agency for the Bioeconomy Transformation Programme (BTP), which is a platform provided by the Malaysian government for the private sector to channel and maximise commercial opportunities in bio-based industries. The BTP is designed as a Transformation Programme based on biotechnology's potential to cut across various industries and transform Malaysia into a high income, inclusive and sustainable nation. Through the BTP and the facilitation of BioNexus Status companies, the society and nation will benefit from bioeconomy via the breakthroughs in agricultural productivity, discoveries in healthcare and the adoption of sustainable industrial processes, thus enriching our society and nation through wealth creation besides securing our future. For further information, visit www.bioeconomy.my. For media inquiries, kindly contact: Bioeconomy Corporation Nur Aneita Abdullah Pandian

Senior Manager, Media, PR & Content Development,

Branding & Communications

Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation

Tel: +603 2116 5588

Fax: +603 2116 5313

Email: [email protected] Nur Akmar Yusoff

Executive, Media, PR & Content Development,

Branding & Communications

Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation

Tel: +603 2116 8548

Email: [email protected] Brian Chow

Senior Executive, Media, PR & Content Development,

Branding & Communications

Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation

Tel: +603 2116 8561

Email: [email protected] Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170913/1940929-1 SOURCE Bioeconomy Corporation

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[September 13, 2017] DigitalTown Introduces Blockchain Platform for Smart Cities

SEATTLE, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DigitalTown, Inc. (OTC PINK:DGTW), a leading provider of smart city portal solutions, announced today the launch of a Blockchain-based Distributed Ledger for managing shared ownership of each city in its global network of city portals. The unprecedented move heralds a new era for empowering public-private partnership in the development of thriving local economies.

DigitalTown operates a global network of more than 20,000 city portals such as Nashville.city that make it easy for residents and visitors to search, share and shop local. Each city portal is equipped with SmartSearch, a powerful local search engine that provides locally relevant information tailored to personal preferences. Registered merchants are provided with an online storefront with which they can sell locally and globally, paying only transaction fees. All legal residents are provided with a free SmartWallet that includes a verified online identity with which they can securely engage and transact with services from both the public and private sector. For cities where the municipality, or its proxy itself does not license the platform for their city, each resident of a city is to be allocated a fractional ownership unit of the city platform. The units may be claimed during a defined subscription period, after which the distributed units become freely traded and accessible to both residents and non-residents. Rob Monster, CEO of DigitalTown, commented on the launch, Since the advent of online search, local and regional institutions such as municipalities, chambers of commerce, convention and visitor bureaus, destination marketing organizations, trade associations, as well as other local institutions have been competing with each other for ranking in search engines. In many cases, they have also experimented with buy local initiatives using directories of local merchants but with no ability to transact. These uncoordinated digital efforts have often resulted in an inconsistent user experience causing both locals and visitors to rely on non-local online tools to find out where to go, what to do, as well as where to stay, shop or eat. Local ownership of a unified city platform provides the organizing framework to regain control over the online economy, achieve self-sustaining economic development, and equip local stakeholders to win in the Digital Age. A Breaktrough for City Innovation





A Single Verified Login for the City : The DigitalTown single-sign-on SmartWallet provides every registered citizen with a free verified login with which they can securely connect and transact both locally and globally across both public and private services - everything from local shopping, booking a table at a restaurant or signing up for parks and recreation. Community members and businesses can also securely transmit funds in real-time without fees using their SmartWallets.

A storefront for every business : DigitalTown provides integrated solutions for local commerce across retailers, service providers, dining, and lodging. Registered businesses can secure a free storefront with which to begin transacting immediately. Merchants pay only transaction fees, often far below the fees to which merchants are subjected to when consumers dont buy local, e.g. paying up to 40% for a hotel booking. A secure platform for local innovation : Software developers in a city can use DigitalTowns Application Program Interface (API) at no cost. During London Tech Week in June 2017, attended by more than 50,000 delegates from both London and abroad, nearly 400 developers participated in the Smart.London global Hackathon sponsored by DigitalTown in cooperation with our London-based partners. Shared Local Ownership for Aligned Incentives and Local Innovation

Across the global network of more than 20,000 cities, DigitalTown has reserved 80% ownership interest of each city portal for local and regional institutions who are committed to local online economic development. Local owners who enter partnership agreements with DigitalTown are also granted Right of First Refusal for each city portal, thereby securing a path to consolidating full local ownership. Centralized payment processing by leading global payment processors provides a seamless path for the municipality, or its proxy, to become the Merchant of Record. A Scalable Model for Local City Platform Ownership

To bring about such an important change, DigitalTown is partnering locally and globally. In the US, DigitalTown is working in cooperation with long-standing institutions such as local Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations and the Municipalities themselves. Individuals from around the world are encouraged to sign up at DigitalTown.com to secure their ownership interest in their local city platform, and to be eligible to participate in future auctions for unclaimed units for their city. A copy of the Blockchain whitepaper describing the fractional ownership distributed ledger can be obtained at DigitalTown.com/blockchain. As part of the worldwide rollout of the DigitalTown SmartCity platform, DigitalTown is scheduled to exhibit at the following events: World Chambers Federation in Sydney from September 19-21, International City Managers Association Expo in San Antonio from October 22-25, and Smart City Expo in Barcelona from November 13-15. Major rollouts are now in progress in London (Smart.London), Miami (Smart.Miami), Nashville (Nashville.city), San Diego (SanDiego.city). New multi-stakeholder city rollouts have now been confirmed for Bavaria, (.bayern), Charleston (Charleston.city), Melbourne (.melbourne), Nordrhein-Westfalen (.nrw), Sydney (.sydney), and Vienna (.wien). About DigitalTown

DigitalTown, Inc. (DGTW) powers Smart Cities to succeed in the Digital Age. The company provides turn-key hosted solutions to power "Digital Towns", which improve Quality of Life for residents and visitors through integrated solutions for economic development, civic engagement and digital inclusion for cities around the world. For more information about the company, please visit www.digitaltown.com. Safe Harbor Language: Any statements contained herein related to future events are forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. DigitalTown, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any such statements to reflect actual events. Media Contact:

Rob Monster, Chief Executive Officer

DigitalTown, Inc.

(425) 295-4564; [email protected]

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[September 13, 2017] Cornell Tech's First Academic Building, Powered by Solaria, Unveiled in Dedication Ceremony

Solaria Corporation, global provider of solar module technologies, congratulates Cornell Tech on opening its new campus in New York City, the first ever campus built for the digital age. Cornell Tech brings together faculty, business leaders, tech entrepreneurs and students in a catalytic environment to produce visionary results grounded in significant needs that will reinvent the way we live in the digital age. The campus features innovative architectural designs that leveraged a number of green building strategies to maximize energy efficiency with a net zero energy (NZE) aspiration for the first academic building, The Emma and Georgina Bloomberg (News - Alert) Center. Solaria is proud to have provided 2,300 PowerXT and customized PowerViewTM modules for two buildings on the Cornell Tech campus -- The Bloomberg Center and The Bridge -- which, combined, utilize 47,000 ft2 of Solaria PV panels, the equivalent of a 900 kW system. Solaria's architectural solar installation was a valuable contribution to the strategy to generate on-site power for The Bloomberg Center. Solaria was selected for its ability to deliver the unique combination of attractive aesthetics, high degree of customization, competitive cost performance and high power generation in the quest for NZE. "When designing the Bloomberg Center, we knew we needed to leverage the most innovative, yet proven, technologies available to help us achieve our building performance goals," said Ung-Joo Scott Lee, Principal Architect, Morphosis Architects. "Through our team's collaborative design and research, we developed multiple site specific straegies, including solar. Solaria offered important customizable options, an affordable solution and a great looking product - addressing key criteria in the design of modern green buildings and overcoming the challenges of traditional construction practices."



"Solaria is honored to have been a part of such an inspirational project. The Bloomberg Center model represents a commitment to innovation and sustainability, the same philosophy that drives Solaria's mission to achieve mainstream adoption for architectural solar," said Udi Paret, GM Building Solutions, Solaria Corporation. "By pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency and raising the bar for building in New York, Cornell Tech is working towards creating a Net Zero building with the right partners, products and big thinkers. It is clear that architectural solar is a critical part of a new sustainable standard in the built environment." Solaria's rooftop solar solutions provide high-performance solar panels that produce up to 20% more energy than conventional modules. These high-density solar panels are optimized for rooftop applications and leverage a highly refined manufacturing process which results in a significantly higher energy yield than typical PV modules. It not only delivers high power but also improved shading tolerance, premium appearance and durability. Solaria's architectural glass solutions deliver the unique combination of high performance and high power density. This enables the optimization of thermal performance, effective daylighting, glare control and power generation. Solaria's solar windows are easily customizable and offer design flexibility to adjust for a wide variety of sizes, glass type dimensions, coatings, Vt, and voltage.

About Solaria Corporation Solaria Corporation is a solar technology company that is paving the way for distributed, clean power generation through optimized solutions for a range of applications. Leveraging its proven core technology, field performance and sophisticated automation, Solaria delivers solutions that address a unique set of requirements for the rooftop and architectural solar markets. Solaria's cell technologies enable leading glass fabricators to adopt solar technologies into their product offering. In turn, providing builders, developers and architects aesthetically pleasing, easily integrated, highly customizable residential and commercial solar products that can help enable net zero energy buildings. Solaria headquarters are in California. For more information, please visit www.solaria.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913005169/en/

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[September 13, 2017] Hurricane Recovery: EFJohnson Provides Support and Irma-Proof P25 Communications to First Responders

IRVING, Texas, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas-based EF Johnson Technologies, Inc., the P25 communication specialist for JVCKENWOOD Corporation, has allocated a portion of its inventory to hurricane relief bundles with KENWOOD Viking portable radios, batteries, and chargers. EFJohnson has numerous customers and employees who continue to be impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The company's priority during this time of recovery is to support those affected the best way it can  by providing communication equipment and services so first responders can communicate. Public safety agencies and emergency personnel who are in need of radios should call EFJohnson's relief line at 1-800-328-3911 ext. 9 to discuss their specific equipment and deployment needs. Puerto Rico, one of the areas significantly impacted by Hurricane Irma, relies on EFJohnson's ATLAS system for their mission critical communications. In 2012, they deployed a 20-site 800 MHz P25 ATLAS system across the island to support the 4,100 users among their police, fire, and medical services departments. Because they are in a location prone to hurricanesand other natural disasters, they wanted to make sure their communication system would survive one of these events.



As Hurricane Irma approached Puerto Rico last week, Governor Ricardo Rossello Nevares sent a message of support to the thirteen island regions using the ATLAS P25 system. After Irma made its way through the Caribbean, the local system support provider confirmed there was no loss of communications. "With winds up to 120 mph on parts of the island, this was the strongest storm we've experienced in Puerto Rico. The biggest problem we are now experiencing is a widespread loss of power with no knowledge of when it will be restored. Even with loss of power at some of the sites, the ATLAS system operates exactly how we were told it would. We could not be more thankful for this critical technology in this critical time," said Jose Jaime Romero, Codecom, Inc. president.

With patented Latitude technology, ATLAS is specifically designed to withstand extreme conditions - if any site is taken out by a tornado or hurricane, it does not affect the operation or performance of the remaining sites. The system keeps working and continues to be a lifeline when it is needed most. About EF Johnson Technologies, Inc. EF Johnson Technologies, Inc. is an independent subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, EFJohnson focuses on innovating, developing and marketing the highest quality secure communications solutions to organizations whose mission is to protect and save lives. The Company's customers include first responders in public safety and public service, the federal government, and industrial organizations. The Company's products are marketed under the EFJohnson and Kenwood brands. For more information, visit www.efjohnson.com. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hurricane-recovery--efjohnson-provides-support-and-irma-proof-p25-communications-to-first-responders-300518973.html SOURCE EF Johnson Technologies, Inc.

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[September 13, 2017] NAB Launches Consumer Education Website on Incentive Auction Repack

The National Association of Broadcasters today announced the launch of TVAnswers.org, a new website to inform Americans about how they can continue receiving their local broadcast TV stations during the incentive auction repack process. The website is part of a consumer education campaign to keep viewers apprised of channel changes during the repack's 39-month timeline. The Federal Communications Commission recently completed the first-ever "incentive auction," in which broadcast TV spectrum - or airwaves - was auctioned off to the wireless industry for mobile broadband usage. To accommodate these wireless services, over 1,000 broadcast TV stations across the country will need to transition to new channel assignments over the next three years. Broadcasters will change channels at different times during 10 different phases, with the final phase estimated for completion on July 3, 2020.



TVAnswers.org offers educational sections explaining to viewers why the transition is occurring, when stations in their area are changing channels and what steps they need to take to continue receiving local TV stations. For the estimated 77 million Americans who rely on an antenna to watch local broadcast TV, they will need to "rescan" their television sets after their local stations change channels. While some viewers will need to rescan more than once, no new equipment or services are needed. Viewers who subscribe to a pay-TV service such as cable or satellite will not need to take action. "NAB is devoted to working with Congress, the FCC (News - Alert), the wireless industry and third-party groups to keep the public informed throughout this enormously challenging undertaking," said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "Broadcast TV remains Americans' top source for local news, weather, community programming and emergency information. The broadcast industry is committed to ensuring no viewer is left without these services."

NAB will be rolling out more tools for local TV stations in the coming weeks, including talking points, sample scripts and crawls and even automated phone messaging. Early next year, NAB will roll out customizable spots for stations to use as well as a video to help viewers understand how to rescan their TV sets. TVAnswers.org is available for consumers in both English and Spanish. About NAB The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913006141/en/

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[September 13, 2017] A.M. Best Affirms Credit Ratings of AMEX Assurance Company

A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a+" of AMEX Assurance Company (AMEX Assurance) (Itasca, IL). AMEX Assurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express (News - Alert) Company (American Express) [NYSE: AXP]. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect AMEX Assurance's strong capital position and five-year trend of positive operating income generated by providing insurance products to American Express card members. Offsetting these positive rating factors are the company's somewhat limited business scope, as a majority of its products are confined primarily to American Express, and lack of growth in surplus levels, as all of the company's prior year's net income has been returned to its parent, American Express, through stockholder dividends. AMEX Assurance's strong capital position reflects its conservative investment risk profile, generally favorable loss reserve development, trend of profitable operating results driven by solid profit margins, and strong liquidity measures. The favorable operating results reflect the company's low-cost, direct marketing strategy, and its emphasis on travel-related and other ancillary insurance coverages offered to American Express card members. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best's Credit Ratings and A.M. Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best's Credit Ratings and A.M. Best Rating Action Press Releases.



A.M. Best is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright  2017 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913006220/en/

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[September 13, 2017] Mobilogy Redefines the Industry Standard for Mobile Battery Testing with Newly Patented Technology

Mobilogy, a Cellebrite (News - Alert) company and leading mobile phone technology innovator, proudly announces that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted the company patent number 9,726,730,B2 for its breakthrough in mobile battery testing. Mobilogy's patented battery health test provides lab-quality battery health results for Android (News - Alert) and iOS devices in under two minutes to improve operational efficiency and customer experience throughout the mobile ecosystem. Battery complaints drive more consumers to their retailers and wireless carriers than any other phone issue. This kicks off a frustrating cycle of unproductive troubleshooting, customer dissatisfaction, and unnecessary replacements of phones and batteries. The issue extends into high volume repair and refurbishment centers where line managers struggle to protect thin margins with inaccurate tests that increase looper rates or lengthy testing methods that produce more reliable results but increase cost and turn-around time. "Many battery testing methods simply query battery parameters. While quick, these tests tend toward higher error rates," said Amit Gross, Head of Research at Mobilogy and inventor of the technology. "Our method dives much deeper to produce accurate results in minutes that are on par with solutions that take hours to complete." Mobilogy's patent covers software-based assessment of battery voltage drop after a series of activities that consume power. The resultant values are then compared to thresholds stored in a database to determine the health of the battery. Mobilogy adds that the "gold standards" against which test results are viewed are part of the company's ever-growing big data repository. Gross explains what this means for the future of battery testing. "As the volume of our data grows, the machine learning we employ means that every battery testing session contributes to greater accuracy." Gross continues, "Our benchmarking showed our accuracy to be comparable to the industry's leadng testing solutions. Eventually, there will be no comparison."



This exclusive technology is available only from Mobilogy as part of its Triage and Diagnostics solutions. Mobilogy's repair and refurbishment center customers can use the simple self-configuration tools in the Mobilogy MD management console to build triage workflows that automate the patented battery test (or any other of the dozens of available automated and manual tests) on up to 40 devices simultaneously. Retailers and wireless operators can take advantage of Mobilogy's battery test as part of Mobilogy Diagnostics, a full suite of mobile diagnostic tools that improve the customer experience by detecting and correcting common phone problems. Moshe Lipsker, VP R&D at Mobilogy, lauded the technological achievement. "This breakthrough demonstrates our commitment to delivering industry-changing innovation to improve operational efficiency and customer experience across the mobile lifecycle. Now, mobile repair technicians and customer care professionals no longer need to sacrifice quality for speed when it comes to determining a battery's health."

To learn more, visit the new Mobilogy website at www.mobilogy.com or visit our booth at Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) Americas - West Hall, Stand 328. About Mobilogy - a Cellebrite company Mobilogy, formerly Cellebrite Mobile Lifecycle, is a world leader in providing Operators, Retailers, Aftermarket Service (AMS (News - Alert)) Providers and Enterprises, with advanced mobile lifecycle solutions to enhance the customer experience, increase revenue, improve satisfaction, enhance security and reduce cost. With delivery channels in-store, on-device and over the web, customers can take advantage of Mobilogy's full suite of mobile lifecycle solutions: diagnostics, phone-to-phone content transfer, backup, restore, wipe, automated phone buyback, and application and content delivery. In addition, Mobilogy offers monitoring, statistics and analysis of all activities. Mobilogy's global leadership is demonstrated through its deployment of over 75,000 units at more than 100 mobile operators and retailers globally, representing well over 50,000 outlets handling tens of millions of transactions per year. Founded in 1999, Cellebrite is a subsidiary of the Sun Corporation, a publicly traded Japanese company (6736/JQ). View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913006254/en/

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[September 13, 2017] New Jersey's Online Casinos Surpass $20 Million In Revenue For A Record Sixth Consecutive Month

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey's online casinos surpassed $20 million in combined monthly gross revenue in August for a record sixth consecutive month, and even more year-over-year growth is on the horizon, according to analysts from PlayNJ.com. The state's regulated online casinos combined to generate $21.3 million in August, according to Wednesday's New Jersey Monthly Internet Gross Revenue Report. The August total is up from $20.6 million generated in July and up from $16.1 million in August 2016. Online casinos also collected $3.7 million in tax revenue. "Early revenue projections may have missed the mark, but analysts were right on the money with their predictions that New Jersey online gaming would see sustained growth as the market matured," said Steve Ruddock, lead analyst for PlayNJ.com. Since Nw Jersey legalized and regulated online gambling in November 2013, online casinos have generated $640.6 million in gross revenue and $111.8 million in tax revenue.



"Online gaming has grown into an industry on pace to generate close to a quarter of a billion dollars in 2017," Ruddock said. "That represents a 20 percent year-over-year increase, and an increase of more than 90 percent compared with what the industry generated back in its first full year in 2014." August's revenue was aided by the emergence of MGM Resorts International's playMGM brand. TEN AC and Hard Rock Atlantic City are also brands likely to enter the market.

"The arrival of MGM demonstrates that major players believe there is still plenty of meat on the bone in the New Jersey market," Ruddock said. "MGM's entry could also point to renewed support from the company to expand regulated online gambling in other states." For more analysis on regulated online gaming in New Jersey, visit PlayNJ.com. About The PlayUSA Network: The PlayUSA Network is a leading source for news, analysis, and research on regulated online gaming in the United States. With a presence in over a dozen states, PlayUSA.com and its branches (including PlayNJ.com, PlayNY.com, PlayPennsylvania.com, and PlayCA.com) produce daily original reporting, publish in-depth research, and offer player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online poker and gaming options. Contacts:

Zack Hall, DVA Advertising & PR, 541-389-2411, [email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-jerseys-online-casinos-surpass-20-million-in-revenue-for-a-record-sixth-consecutive-month-300519129.html SOURCE The PlayUSA Network

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[September 13, 2017] Crestwood Associates LLC Named to 2017 Inc. 5000 for Second Year

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Crestwood Associates LLC, an award-winning provider of ERP and CRM solutions to small and medium-sized businesses nationwide, is proud to announce that it has been named one of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies for the second straight year. With a ranking of #4472, Crestwood climbed 34 positions from its ranking in 2016. This list represents the most successful companies within the American economy's most dynamic segment its independent small and midsized businesses. Companies such as Microsoft, Dell, Pandora, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees of the Inc. 5000. "Crestwood Associates LLC is thrilled to be included on the Inc. 5000 list again this year. We appreciate Inc. for honoring rapidly growing privately held companies like ours, acknowledging our hard work and accomplishments," offered Brian McGuckin, co-founder of Crestwood Associates. The 2017 Inc. 5000, unveiled online at Inc.com and with the top 500 companies featured in the September issue of Inc. (available on newsstands August 16) is the most competitive crop in the list's history.



"It validates our strategic plan," McGuckin said. "Very few ERP and CRM partners make this list. We owe this success in no small part to our hardworking, innovative and dedicated staff. They serve our clients in new and different ways, making the relationships stronger and more rewarding for both parties." The average company on the list achieved a three-year growth of 433%. The Inc. 5000's aggregate revenue is $200 billion, and the companies on the list collectively generated 640,000 jobs over the past three years, or about 8% of all jobs created in the entire economy during that period. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

"The Inc. 5000 is the most persuasive evidence I know that the American Dream is still alive," says Inc. President and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg. "The founders and CEOs of the Inc. 5000 tell us they think determination, risk taking, and vision were the keys to their success, and I believe them." The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring all the companies on the list will be held from October 10 through 12, 2017 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, CA. About Crestwood Associates Founded in 1998, Crestwood Associates LLC is an Illinois-based ERP and CRM technology company. We focus on Microsoft Dynamics GP, Dynamics SL, Dynamics 365, CRM, Acumatica, and Greentree ERP solutions. Crestwood works with over 700 customers, has offices in 5 states, including our newest offices in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We serve clients across the US and Canada. We strive for collaborative relationships with our clients and endeavor to make the complex simple. Whether you need overall guidance, specific skilled training, or a complete soup-to-nuts system, we have the professionals and experience to get the job done. Photo(s):https://www.prlog.org/12663188 Press release distributed by PRLog View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crestwood-associates-llc-named-to-2017-inc-5000-for-second-year-300519216.html SOURCE Crestwood Associates LLC

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[September 13, 2017] The Illinois Bankers Association Offers These Tips for Navigating the Equifax Data Breach and Protecting Your Personal Information

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Equifax - one of our nation's three major credit reporting bureaus - announced last week that it had been breached. Hackers accessed personal information from over 143 million Americans, including their social security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and in some cases, driver's license numbers. In addition, credit card numbers for more than 200,000 people appear to have been stolen. Equifax has created a website - https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com - where consumers can check to see if their personal information may have been exposed. (Be sure to access the site from a secure computer!) Consumers also can call Equifax at 866-447-7559 for more information. Equifax also will be sending a mailing to all consumers who may have had their information stolen - however, this could take time. Below are additional steps that consumers should take. Obtain your credit report every year from each of the three major credit bureaus - Equifax , Experian , and TransUnion . All consumers are entitled to obtain a free copy of their credit report from each of these companies every 12 months. You can do this by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com, or by calling each of them by phone (Experian at 888-397-3742, TransUnion at 800-680-7289, and Equifax at 800-525-6285).





, , and . All consumers are entitled to obtain a of their credit report from each of these companies every 12 months. You can do this by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com, or by calling each of them by phone (Experian at 888-397-3742, TransUnion at 800-680-7289, and Equifax at 800-525-6285). Consider placing a "credit freeze" on your credit reports with these companies. In most states, including Illinois , each credit bureau may charge you up to a $10 fee for a credit freeze. (Equifax announced on Sept. 12 that it will no longer charge $10 for a security freeze.) A credit freeze prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit information, making it much harder for someone to open a new account of any kind in your name - only your current creditors will be able to access your credit report. Also note that you can tell the credit bureaus to lift your credit freeze if you need to apply for new credit, which you can do for a particular credit application or temporarily for a chosen period of time. Keep in mind that a credit freeze won't prevent your creditors from reporting your payments on existing accounts to the credit bureaus.





, each credit bureau may charge you up to a fee for a credit freeze. (Equifax announced on that it will no longer charge for a security freeze.) A credit freeze prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit information, making it much harder for someone to open a new account of any kind in your name - only your current creditors will be able to access your credit report. Also note that you can tell the credit bureaus to lift your credit freeze if you need to apply for new credit, which you can do for a particular credit application or temporarily for a chosen period of time. Keep in mind that a credit freeze won't prevent your creditors from reporting your payments on existing accounts to the credit bureaus. li>Pay close attention to credit card and bank account statements for any unauthorized charges.







Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report files. This alert warns creditors that you may be an identity theft victim, and they should take extra steps to verify that anyone seeking credit in your name is really you!





Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service. Equifax is offering one free year of credit monitoring to all consumers, regardless of whether your personal information may have been stolen. You can find many other reputable companies that offer this type of service by conducting an Internet search for credit monitoring services. Know that protecting your personal information is of paramount importance for your bank. All banks are required by law to use a combination of rigorous safeguards to protect their customers' information, including strict privacy policies, encryption, two-factor identification, and extensive employee training. Banks also use sophisticated fraud detection software algorithms that constantly monitor accounts to help flag fraud and identity theft. Your bank invests substantial time and resources to ensure that your accounts and personally identifying information are fully secure.

We also strongly recommend taking these additional precautions to protect your personal information. Extra Steps for Protecting Your Personal Information Never provide personal information, including your password, in response to an unsolicited phone call, website or email request. Some of these requests are now even coming by automated phone messages and mobile phone texts, asking consumers to enter their credit or debit card numbers for some kind of verification.





If you believe that a request for your personal information may be legitimate, contact the financial institution yourself, rather than responding to the communication.





Remind your children and elderly relatives to never share their address, telephone number, passwords, social security number, school name or any other personally identifying information.





Collect your mail promptly. Ask the post office to put your mail on hold, or have a neighbor pick up your mail, when you are away from home for more than a couple of days.





Shred receipts, bank statements and unused credit card offers, or tear them up before throwing them away.





If you are conducting business online, make sure that your browser's "padlock" or "key icon" is active, indicating a secure transaction.





Never open email from unknown sources, and keep your computer up-to-date with virus detection software, anti-spam filters, and bad website blockers.





When using social networking sites, never include your personal information such as your birthdate, email address, physical address, mother's maiden name, or other information that could provide sensitive information to criminals or hints to passwords.





Change your website passwords frequently, and never use the same password for multiple websites. Consider using software that acts as a password manager - some of the more popular ones include 1Password, Dashlane, LastPass, RoboForm, and KeePass (which is free). Importantly, if you suspect your identity has been stolen, immediately call your bank and credit card issuers, so they can begin working on protecting your compromised accounts and clearing your name! Additionally, file a police report, and then contact the three major credit bureaus. For more assistance, call the Federal Trade Commission's "ID Theft Consumer Response Center" at 1-877-ID THEFT, or go online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. The Illinois Bankers Association is a full-service trade association dedicated to creating a positive business climate that benefits the entire banking industry and the communities we serve. Founded in 1891, the IBA brings together state and national banks and savings banks of all sizes in Illinois. Visit www.ilbanker.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-illinois-bankers-association-offers-these-tips-for-navigating-the-equifax-data-breach-and-protecting-your-personal-information-300519255.html SOURCE Illinois Bankers Association

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A $3 billion state incentive package for electronics maker Foxconn, the largest ever of its kind, cleared a key hurdle Tuesday by passing the state Senate.

The bill passed on a 20-13 vote with two senators breaking party lines. Republican Sen. Rob Cowles of Allouez voted no, while Democrat Bob Wirch of Kenosha, near where Foxconn may locate, voting yes.

Senate Republicans had moved more cautiously than their Assembly counterparts on the Foxconn measure. It now returns to the Assembly for what likely will be a swift approval. It then would head to its champion, Gov. Scott Walker, for a signature.

The city of Kenosha announced Tuesday that its dropping out of the running for the proposed $10 billion Foxconn campus, saying the bill could leave the city unable to support and/or absorb the development of the project.

That appears to tip the Foxconn sweepstakes in favor of Racine County, also believed to be vying for the facility. Sites in western Kenosha County also may still be in the running.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald moved to soften a controversial recent change to the bill that would send appeals of legal rulings relating to a potential Foxconn facility directly to the states Supreme Court, bypassing state appeals courts.

Another change to the bill would link as much as $1.35 billion in tax credits for Foxconn, those related to construction of the campus, to annual job creation thresholds.

As with much of the Foxconn development, details of how that would occur  and whether the job thresholds would be binding  would be left to Walkers economic development agency, Wisconsin Economic

Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, appealed to her Democratic colleagues during Tuesdays debate. She, Walker and other supporters of the measure say Foxconn promises thousands of jobs in a single development that could transform Wisconsins manufacturing sector.

This is a very, very important step for Wisconsin. Be a part of it, Darling said.

Democratic lawmakers have cast the bill as a reckless giveaway to a foreign corporation that lacks safeguards for taxpayers and doesnt ensure the company will create the jobs it promised. They also have criticized the measure for leaving too much of the details of a potential agreement between the state and Foxconn to Walkers economic development agency, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., or WEDC.

This is the largest state giveaway to a foreign corporation in the nations history, said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling, of La Crosse.

No guarantees in Foxconn bill

Foxconn says it will create 3,000 jobs initially, and as many as 13,000 over time, at a manufacturing campus in southeast Wisconsin that the company says it will spend $10 billion to construct. The plant would be the first American manufacturing facility for Foxconn, a Taiwanese company that makes iPhones and other electronics. It also would be the first LCD panel factory in North America, according to WEDC.

In return, the state would provide $3 billion in incentives over 15 years. That includes $2.85 billion in tax credits linked to capital investment and job creation and $150 million in sales tax exemptions for materials used to construct the campus.

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The tax credits will be refundable, meaning any amount by which they exceed Foxconns tax liability  expected to be near zero  would be refunded to the company in cash.

A recent analysis by the Legislatures nonpartisan fiscal bureau estimated it would take 25 years for state coffers to realize a return on the tax credits.

Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, said the bill puts too few stipulations on Foxconn in exchange for a massive payout from taxpayers.

There are no guarantees in this legislation, and we dont even know what were buying, Erpenbach said. Its costing us $3 billion and we havent even taken it for a test drive yet.

Democrats also sought to cast the debate in geographic terms. Shilling and Sen. Janet Bewley, D-Delta, said their constituents in northern and western Wisconsin, hundreds of miles from the likely Foxconn site, overwhelmingly oppose the bill.

During Tuesdays debate, Senate Democrats proposed a slew of amendments to the bill. One would require workers at the Foxconn Wisconsin campus to be Wisconsin residents in order for the company to use them as a basis to claim tax credits. Others would bar tax credits from being claimed for materials used to automate the facility or scrap proposed rollbacks in the bill of environmental protections for the Foxconn project.

The bill exempts Foxconn from permits that are otherwise required for filling wetlands, straightening streams, and disturbing other waterways. It also eliminates Foxconns responsibility to create an environmental impact statement that would allow the public to review all the possible harm that could be done to air, water and soil.

The company would still be subject to permit limits on air pollution, wastewater discharges and disposal of hazardous waste.

Foxconn to change states economy for decades to come

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald told senators, as debate began Tuesday, that hes glad Senate Republicans pumped the brakes on taking up the Foxconn bill earlier this summer.

The intervening time allowed lawmakers to improve this bill significantly, he said.

Were in a position right now to maybe take a vote on something thats going to change Wisconsins economy for decades to come, Fitzgerald said.

The state Assembly passed a version of the bill last month. The Legislatures budget-writing Joint Finance Committee amended it last week to create the version now before the Senate.

Under the original Joint Finance amendment, lawsuits related to the Foxconn project would bypass state appellate courts and go straight to the state Supreme Court. Conservative justices currently hold a 5-2 majority on the states high court.

Fitzgeralds amendment offered Tuesday would allow the Supreme Court to decide whether to rule on such appeals or send them to the appeals court for a ruling. But like the original amendment, it still would create a special track in state courts for appealing judicial orders on state or local government decisions affecting Foxconn or other businesses that would locate in so-called electronics and information technology manufacturing zones established under the bill.

Democrats blasted that change, saying the state should not change its judicial process to accommodate a single corporation.
INVESTOR ALERT: Goldberg Law PC Announces an Investigation of SCANA Corporation

Goldberg Law PC, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of SCANA Corporation ("SCANA" or the "Company") (NYSE: SCG).

If you purchased or otherwise acquired SCANA 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 SCANA and certain of its officers and/or directors violated federal securities laws. On July 31, 2017, the Company's subsidiary South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. ("SCE&G") and Santee Cooper, South Carolina's state-owned electric and water utility, announced that they would abandon construction of two nuclear power plants in South Carolina due to rising construction costs. On August 11, 2017, The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that the Company's CEO Kevin Marsh advised state lawmakers that SCE&G might not resume construction on the nuclear power plants even if a new partner for the project was found. Following this news, SCANA's stock price dropped.

If you have any questions concerning your legal rights, please immediately contact Goldberg Law PC at 800-977-7401, or visit our website at http://www.Goldberglawpc.com, or email us at [email protected].

Goldberg Law PC represents investors around the world, and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170913006540/en/
Activists meet in downtown KC to oppose election integrity commission Several dozen activists gathered at the north end of Ilus Davis Park in downtown Kansas City on Tuesday, September 12 to voice their opposition to the "Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity." The commission was created by executive order in May of 2017.

Exceptional ground-level reporting from this community newspaper offering a look at a gathering against the work of the Kansas SecState to turn Prez Trump's promises into policy. Checkit:
Fox4: The chief says the department is aware of issues, but there's no quick fix. When it comes to areas such as Westport he wants the public to know there's a plan to fight crime in place.





"I don't know what you gauge as a success, but we've come across a lot of guns in Westport on the nights that we are there," Chief Smith said. "We continue that plan, we continue to make sure it's a safe environment for everybody."

Amid the constant spate of shooting throughout the city . . . Today Kansas City's top cop spent the day listening to local complaints and offering a promise of a new plan with very few deets.Here's a hint of the new effort that seems to involve confiscating illegal guns in party districts. Take a look:Will it work??? You decide . . .
Kansas City Intro Party

Clarkson Construction hosts introduction for Edgemoor team The City of Kansas City, Missouri's Procurement Selection Committee has given the edge in the battle to construct a new billion-dollar single terminal at Kansas City International Airport to the proposer that offered the lowest cost, stands to gain the smallest profit, met the City's significant requirements for local involvement, and has been involved in $60 billion worth of aviation projects at 27 airports.

City Hall Tech Development Scheme

5 startups enjoy growth, connections with KCMO innovation partnership Although the government may be pegged as resistant to change, Kansas City Mayor Sly James wants to flip the script. "On a city level, we aren't having much help from the state and federal governments sometimes," James said at the Innovation Partnership Program demo day on Monday at WeWork Corrigan Station.

Wrong Guy Killed???

New clue leaves KC shooting victim's family wondering if he was mistakenly targeted KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A Kansas City father was gunned down in the middle of the street and now his family is wondering if their loved one could have been the victim of mistaken identity. Marcell Smith was shot to death in broad daylight last Friday. "Nothing was wrong with my little brother.

Enduring Local Song

This Kansas City Jazz Singer Has Survived Life As Patsy Cline - And Other Challenges When Molly Hammer takes the stage in front of people who haven't seen her, their first reaction may be curiosity. Hammer is small, with a shock of bright red hair styled into a pageboy, her face serene under glaring white stage lights.

Doggie Good Deeds Report

Strangers rescue couple's dogs during fire in Platte County A couple's two dogs were rescued by strangers from a fire in Platte County on Tuesday evening. The extent of the damage at the home near 76th and Fox is significant. The couple who owns the house were gone when the fire broke out, and were it not for two strangers, the couple's dogs might not have survived.

The forecast isas this. Also, here are some of the somewhat important Kansas City MSM links. Take a look:is the song of the day and this is thefor right now . . .
One of the largest Mycenean-era carved tombs ever discovered in Greece has been located in Orchomenos in Viotia, the culture ministry announced on Monday. The discovery was made in Prosilio, near Orchomenos, during the first year of a five-year cooperation programme between the Viotia Antiquities Ephorate and the British School at Athens (BSA) and Cambridge University.

"Specifically, the tomb is the ninth-largest chamber tomb out of roughly 4,000 excavated in the last 150 years," the culture ministry announced.

The tomb is of monumental size and artfully constructed, it includes a large death chamber measuring 42 metres square with a 20-metre carved 'road' leading up to it. On all four walls of the chamber is a carved ledge covered in clay plaster, while the initial height of the roof is estimated to have been 3.5 metres high.

There is evidence that this roof began to collapse very early after construction, possibly even during the Mycenean era, giving the tomb a cave-like aspect and a total height of 6.5 metres. The collapse disturbed the position of the body and objects inside but then covered and protected the tomb from later interference.

Greece's Culture Ministry says the 3,350-year-old chamber near Orchomenos, an important center of the Mycenaean era, belonged to a man who was 40 to 50 years old when he died, surrounded by carefully chosen grave goods. These included tin-lined vessels, horses' reins, bow parts, arrows, pins, jewellery, combs, a seal and a seal ring.

Best collections of confirmed burial goods

The tomb is dated to the middle of the 14th century B.C. and has yielded some of the best collections of confirmed burial goods from the palace period of mainland Greece. The discovery of a single burial with important finds is exceptionally rare, since Mycenean chamber tombs tended to be reused for multiple burials across generations, so that grave goods were disturbed or looted. The Prosilios tomb is exceptional in that all the items found were linked to the single dead body buried there, giving archaeologists greater insights into burial practices of the period.

One example is the discovery of several items of jewellery in the tomb, as in that of the Pylos warrior found in 2015, casts doubt on the previously held belief that jewellery was mainly used in the burials of women.

The tomb is believed to be linked to the nearby Orchomenos palace complex that dominated the area during the 14th and 13th centuries B.C. and to belong to a member of the upper social classes of the time.

In charge of the excavations are Dr. Alexandra Charami, chief of the Viotia Antiquites Ephorate, and Dr. Yiannis Galanakis of Cambridge University.

The Mycenaean civilization was located in the northeast Peloponnese, approximately 200 kilometers from the current side, and flourished on flourished on the Greek mainland prior to roughly 1200 BC.

About Orchomenus

Orchomenus (Ancient Greek:  Orchomenos), the setting for many early Greek myths, is best known as a rich archaeological site in Boeotia, Greece, that was inhabited from the Neolithic through the Hellenistic periods. Orchomenus is also referenced as the "Minyean Orchomenus" in order to distinguish the city from the "Arcadian Orchomenus".

According to the founding myth of Orchomenos, its royal dynasty had been established by the Minyans, who had followed their eponymous leader Minyas from coastal Thessaly to settle the site. In the Bronze Age, during the fourteenth and thirteenth centuries, Orchomenos became a rich and important centre of civilisation in Mycenaean Greece and a rival to Thebes. The palace with its frescoed walls and the great tholos tomb show the power of Orchomenos in Mycenaean times. A massive hydraulic undertaking drained the marshes of Lake Copais making it a rich agricultural area.[2] Like many sites around the Aegean, Orchomenos was burned and its palace destroyed in ca. 1200 BC.

Orchomenos is mentioned among the Achaean cities sending ships to engage in the Trojan War in Homer's "Catalogue of Ships" in the Iliad: together with Aspledon, they contributed thirty ships and their complement of men.

Orchomenos seems to have been one of the city-states that joined the Calaurian maritime League in the seventh century BC.[3] Although their rivals Thebes confirmed their supremacy by the end of the century reflected bu inscriptions, Orchomenos joined the Theban-led Boeotian League in ca. 600 BC.[4]

Classical Orchomenos was known for its sanctuary of the Charites or Graces, the oldest in the city, according to Pausanias (5.17280); the Byzantine (9th century) monastery church of Panaghia Skripou probably occupies the long-sacred spot.[5] Here the Charites had their earliest veneration, in legend instituted by Eteocles; musical and poetical agonistic games, the Charitesia,[6] were held in their honour, in the theatre that was discovered in 1972.[7] The Agrionia, a festival of the god Dionysus, involved the ritual pursuit of women by a man representing Dionysus. Orchomenos struck its coinage from the mid-sixth century.

In 480479 BC, the Orchomenians joined their neighbouring rivals the Thebans to turn back the invading forces of Xerxes in the Greco-Persian Wars. In mid-century, Orchomenos sheltered the oligarchic exiles who freed Boeotia from Athenian control. In the fourth century the traditional rivalry with Thebes made Orchomenos an ally of Agesilaus II and Sparta against Thebes, in 395 and again in 394 BC. The Theban revenge after their defeat of Sparta in the battle of Leuctra (371 BC) was delayed by the tolerant policies of Epaminondas:[8] the Boeotian League sacked Orchomenos in 364 BC. Although the Phocians rebuilt the city in 355 BC, the Thebans destroyed it again in 349.

The broad plain between Orchomenos and the acropolis of Chaeronea witnessed two battles of major importance in Classical antiquity. In 338 BC, after a whirlwind march south into central Greece, Philip II of Macedon defeated Thebes and Athens on the plain of Chaironeia during the First Battle of Chaeronea, establishing Macedonian supremacy over the city-states, and demonstrated the prowess of Philip's young son Alexander the Great. During Alexander's campaign against Thebes in 335 BC, Orchomenos took the side of the Macedonians. In recompense, Philip and Alexander rebuilt Orchomenos, when the theatre and the fortification walls, visible today, were constructed.

The Second Battle of Chaeronea occurred when Roman forces under Lucius Cornelius Sulla defeated those of King Mithridates VI of Pontus near Chaeronea, in 86 BC during the First Mithridatic War. This Second Battle of Chaeronea was followed by the Battle of Orchomenus, when Archelaus' forces were completely destroyed.

Orchomenos remained a small town until Late Roman times, when the theatre was still in use, and afterwards.

Archaeology in Orchomenus

Most excavations have focussed on the early and Mycenean areas of the lower town, while the later Hellenistic city on the acropolis remains largely unexplored.

In 188086, Heinrich Schliemann's excavations (H. Schliemann, Orchomenos, Leipzig 1881) revealed the tholos tomb he called the "Tomb of Minyas", a Mycenaean monument that equalled the "Tomb of Atreus" at Mycenae itself. In 1893, A. de Ridder excavated the temple of Asklepios and some burials in the Roman necropolis. In 190305, a Bavarian archaeological mission under Heinrich Bulle and Adolf Furtwangler conducted successful excavations at the site. Research continued in 197073 by the Archaeological Service under Theodore Spyropoulos, uncovering the Mycenaean palace, a prehistoric cemetery, the theatre and other structures. The Tomb of Minyas is one of the greatest burial monuments of the Mycenaean period.[10] The tomb was probably built for the members of the royal family of Orchomenos in 1250 BC and was plundered in antiquity. The monument was visible for many centuries after its original use and even became a place of worship in the Hellenistic period. It was probably a famous landmark until at least the second century AD, when Pausanias visited Orchomenos and described the tholos in detail.[11] It had a dromos thirty metres long. Its entrance was built of dark grey Levadhia marble and had a wooden door. The lintel, still in place today, is six metres long and weighs several tons. The entrance and the chamber were decorated with bronze rosettes as shown by the attachment holes on the walls and the ceiling of the side chamber is decorated with spirals and floral motifs in relief. In the centre of the Tholos, a rectangular burial monument dates to the ellenistic period (32330 B.C.). It was partially restored by the architect-archaeologist A. Orlandos. In 1994, the Hellenic Ministry of Culture undertook restoration work consisting mainly of drainage and strengthening of the walls of the side chamber.

The Neolithic remains found at Orchomenos were first thought to be in situ (Bulle 1907) but it later appeared that they consisted of fill in a levelling deposit (Kunze 1931; Treuil 1983). Thus the associated round houses (two to six metres in diameter) were in fact from the Early Bronze Age (28001900 BC). Later in that period, houses were apsidal.

The Mycenaean palace to the east of the Tholos tomb and lying partially underneath the church is only partially excavated and consists of three wings, some of which were decorated with frescoes. The palace was destroyed c. 1200 BC.

The fortification walls of Orchomenos were built in the 2nd half of the 4th century B.C. under the Macedonians and crown the east end of mount Akontion.

The theatre was built around the end of the 4th century BC. The cavea, with seats for the spectators, the orchestra and part of the scena are all preserved. It was in use until late Roman times (4th century AD).

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: Gerhard Haubold License: CC-BY-SA
The company received one fine for environmental pollution which it has paid and has appealed to an administrative court

A day after the Canadian mining firm Eldorado Gold threatened to suspend its operations in Greece, the chief of its Greek subsidiary Hellas Gold, Dimitris Dimitriadis, told Skai that the company's local activities are fully licensed and said no ultimatum has been issued.

"We have 12 decisions on environmental matters from the Council of State and are fully covered," Dimitriadis announced, noting that the only obstacles are "technical in nature."

The company received one fine for environmental pollution which it has paid and has appealed to an administrative court, Dimitriadis continued, adding that the company was "100 percent certain" it would win the case "as we won all the others."

Earlier on Tuesday, Administrative Reform Minister Olga Gerovasili told Skai that the "government does not respond to threats or blackmail."

Responding to claims by Environment Minister Giorgos Stathakis that the company has not learned to operate in European countries, Dimitriadis responded that 100 million dollars have been invested in "the biggest environmental restoration project in Europe."

As for the government's claims that the company is threatening Greek authorities, Dimitriadis argued, "We did not issue an ultimatum," noting however that "there cannot be uncertainty about arbitration for eight months."

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: Szaaman License: CC-BY-SA

Source: ekathimerini.com
Ferrovie dello stato Italiane will sign a final agreement to take over full ownership of TrainOSE in September 14 during a ceremony in Corfu, Filippos Tsalidis, TrainOSE's CEO told reporters during a news conference in Thessaloniki.

The signing of the agreement will be made in the framework of the first Greece-Italy Cooperation Council to be held in Corfu, paving the way for the transfer of TrainOSE to Italian railways. Tsalidis said the infrastructure of Greek railways were rapidly improving, with the Athens-Thessaloniki route to be covered in 4.5 hours after completion of works in the Tithorea-Lianokladi section by mid-November. Panagiotis Theoharis, chairman of TrainOSE, said he expected cargo traffic from Thessaloniki to FYROM to increase significantly.

TrainOSE expects a significant increase in revenue from cargo transport, as Cosco covers 36 trains on a monthly basis. In 2016, Cosco's cargo trains from Piraeus port to Central Europe totaled 211, carrying 7,579 container boxes. Cargo traffic the other way around, from Central Europe to Piraeus port totaled 49 trains in 2016. So far this year, trains from Piraeus port to Central Europe destinations totaled 214, carrying 7,298 container boxes and trains from Central Europe to Piraeus port totaled 150 trains.

TrainOSE also presented its new e-services to passengers.

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: SV1XV License: CC-BY-SA

Source: ANA-MPA
He will deliver his speech at 11.30am with the main theme: Sustainable growth, health well-being for all ages.

Greek PM Alexis Tsipras will be the keynote speaker at the 67th session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Europe on Tuesday at the invitation of the WHO.

Mr. Tsipras will deliver his speech at 11.30am with the main theme: Sustainable growth, health well-being for all ages. The Greek PM is scheduled to meet with the head of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Gheberyesus

During his stay in Budapest, Mr. Tsipras will meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Hungarian Parliament (13:00 Athens time). Greek Health Minister will also attend a working meal at among Ministers and address a series of issues like mental health and medicine.

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: Reytan License: CC-BY-SA

Source: protothema.gr
Agia Theodora Vasta is a small Byzantine church and has 17 holly and maple trees growing from its roof, according to the following report by greekcitytimes.com:

Most of them are taller than 30 metres and its very impressive as there is only one root about the thickness of an arm that is visible beside the entrance.

Even more amazing is its tiny barrel vaulted interior where, except for one wispy bit of green there is not one sign of the trees or roots. Another incredible fact about the location is that a river runs beneath this church and irrigates the trees.

Agia Theodoras church has become a popular pilgrimage site for Greeks and her feast day is today, September 11, where thousands and thousands of people from all across Greece will travel here to pray. Agia Theodora Vasta is believed to have performed many miracles for those who pray to her.

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: Pitichinaccio License: CC-BY-SA

Source: greekcitytimes.com
A high-level delegation from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) recently visited China in a bid to build closer ties with Chinese renewable and clean energy and smart services and smart grid companies.

The team led by the managing director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer visited the headquarters of Hanergy Holding Group, one of the largest international companies in alternative and renewable energy, in Beijing.

The visit complements the co-operation between Dewa and Hanergy after the signing MoU between the two sides last May, said a statement from Dewa.

The two parties focused on renewable and clean energy and its development, and enhancing opportunities for joint investment.



Al Tayer also visited the Exhibition Hall and Exhibition Centre of the Hanergy Clean Energy Exhibition spread over a 7,000-sq-m area at the Beijing Olympic Park.



He discussed solar power technologies and applications, which included integrated photovoltaic panels and their distribution on the roofs of industrial and residential buildings, residential and mobile power systems, solar-powered vehicles, and various elements of the exhibition.



Al Tayer and the accompanying delegation later visited the Beijing R&D Centre, which is one of Huaweis largest research institutes, that employs over 12,000 people. The centre covers the latest pre-5G solutions, Cloud, Big Data, as well as vertical solutions for a smart and safe city.



"The visit is part of a joint venture with Huawei, which includes R&D projects to develop smart network infrastructures and various mechanisms and technologies, such as smart meters for electricity and water services, energy demand management, and self-recovery mechanisms from errors and disasters," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The massive turnout at Cityscape Global is a testament that the UAE economy will remain resilient thanks to investor trust in a business-friendly environment and legislation conducive to entrepreneurship for global entities and individuals alike, remarked UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.



He was speaking to the media after touring the Cityscape Global 2017 expo in Dubai World Trade Centre yesterday (September 12).



Sheikh Mohammed was shown around the pavilions of the global event in its 16th edition which attracts an impressive presence from 16 Arab and foreign countries and in excess of 300 government and non-government real estate development companies from different parts of the world, reported state news agency Wam.



He made a brief stopover at the Damac Pavilion where the companys chairman Hussain Sajwani explained the property groups latest developments and their costs as well as completion dates, including the Damac Hills which is estimated to cost Dh13 billion ($3.54 billion).



He was also briefed on Falcon City, a giant development comprising high-rises, villas, man-made lakes, waterfalls and commercial towers, said the Wam report.



At Nakheel's pavilion, the officials showcased their latest developments, including Deira Central and other key projects and updated him on the projects.



At Meraas' stall, he was briefed by the chairman Abdulla Ahmed Al Habbai on the companys landmark development Dubai Harbour.



Sheikh Mohammed was also shown around the Dubai Airports stand where he was briefed on the status of the 140-km, four-phase Dubai World Central (DWC), scheduled for completion ahead of Expo 2020 Dubai, including the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which will bring DWCs total annual capacity to 26 million passengers, said the Wam report.



Dubai Holdings developments were also inspected by Sheikh Mohammed, primarily Marsa Al Arab. He was also briefed on the real estate developments of Al Diar in Abu Dhabi along with Meydans projects, primarily the 45-million-sq-m Mohammed bin Rashid City, expected to be completed by 2020.



His Highness also toured the pavilions of Dubai Land Department and Imkan Abu Dhabi where he was introduced to its flagship project Makers District which sprawls over 54,000 sq m of land in the UAE capital.



He also visited the Bahrain Pavilion, said to be the largest in this years edition of the global event, and was updated on the various projects including Bahrain Bay, a $2.5-billion waterfront district; Diyar Al Muharraq, a progressive urban development including the iconic Dragon City; Durrat Al Bahrain, a hallmark island city; Canal View, canalside living at its finest in the heart of Dilmunia; and Bahrain Marina, a trendy waterfront development in the heart of Manama.



Welcoming the countries and companies at the global event, Sheikh Mohammed said: "This opens up the gate for more fruitful partnerships and enterprises between Arab and foreign investors, tapping fresh markets for UAE businesses and creating more job opportunities for youth from different parts of the world."



He also lauded the exhibitors for their decision to lift restrictions on direct sales of properties for the first time since 2008, a move which opens up a compelling list of options for prospective buyers visiting the influential real estate event and ultimately invigorates the property market and incentivises the private sector.
Sharjah has reached an agreement with Canadian authorities for setting up a hospital specialising in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology and a research centre dedicated to childhood illnesses at a cost of Dh1 billion ($272 million).



The deal comes as part of a MoU signed between the two governments to boost co-operation and advance the emirates medical services besides specific knowledge sharing between medical specialists, technicians, doctors and nurses, said the Emirati news agency Wam.



Under the MoU, the Canadian government and Sharjah will set out a range of action plans and strategies for healthcare-related investment projects in order to provide the highest level of care for mothers and children.



"It truly reflects the UAEs approach to activate international relations in terms of the health sectors," remarked Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, after signing the agreement with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, TCS.



"Sharjah regards medical excellence as one of its primary priorities and is committed to achieving an unrivalled healthcare environment, from infrastructure and health facilities to management strategies and elite medical staff," she stated.



"The dedication to the quality of healthcare is not only reflected in the level of services and quality of treatment, as it also illustrates the emirates forward-thinking mindset, based on investment in human capital and the provision of a healthcare legacy for future generations," she added.



This comes as part of joint efforts by Sharjah and Canada to open up channels of investment in medical projects, exchange expertise and further advance the quality of healthcare in compliance with international standards, said the Wam report.



Sharjah has made great strides in developing its healthcare sector, most notably the recent announcement of Sharjah Healthcare City which will cover an area of 2.4 million sq m, it stated.



The first phase of the project is valued at Dh600 million ($163 million) , and the city is expected to be completed by 2020, it added.
Dubai-based global marine terminal operator DP World and Hong Kong leaders recently discussed collaboration in a range of sectors from ports, logistics and customs to education and innovation at a meeting held in Hong Kong this week.



DP World Group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem met with Hong Kongs chief executive Carrie Lam at Government House in the presence of the Consul General of the UAE to Hong Kong, Nabila Abdelaziz Nasir Saeed Alshamsi, Hong Kong secretary for transport and housing, Frank Chan Fan, Hong chief executive-elect office director, Kong Eric Chan Kwok-ki, and senior company officials, said a statement.



The development of financial services and cruise terminal facilities, customs collaboration and OBOR (One Belt, One Road) were also discussed, it said.



The move to develop close ties between the UAE and Hong Kong follows the recent opening of a Dubai Export Office there and the planned Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai to attract capital investment.



Firm partnerships also exist through the DP Worlds Jebel Ali Freezone in Dubai, which is home to 32 Hong Kong companies and saw trade worth $339.7 million with Hong Kong in 2016.



Bin Sulayem said: Hong Kong and Dubai are at the crossroads of world trade and we share common history as capitals of commerce, where well-developed logistics infrastructure has enabled growth of our economies.



We are proud to be playing a significant role in trade between the two cities through our flagship operations in Jebel Ali Port where weve pioneered the port centric logistics approach and our operations in the Port of Hong Kong. Were also interested in exploring Hong Kongs cruise terminal business, he added.



Asia will continue to play a major role in our global network across 40 countries and we look forward to working with Dubai Exports to grow trade there for the long term. We are partners in this journey, we are on the same Belt and Road, he said.



DP World and its partners are investing $1.9 billion in China port terminals until 2020 and already have operations alongside Hong Kong, in Qingdao, Tianjin and Yantai, said a statement.



While the Asian region remained the top non-oil trade partner for Dubai in the first quarter of 2017, Dubai trade with Hong Kong totalled AED 31 billion ($8.43 billion) in 2016, it added.  TradeArabia News Service
As many as 45 companies from Bahrain are expected to take part in the Kingdom's pavilion at the Gitex Technology Week exhibition in Dubai from October 8 to 12, a report said.



As part of the Bahraini participation in Gitex, Tamkeen and Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH) held a meeting with the exhibitors that will be present at this years Bahrain Pavilion at the exhibition, said a Bahrain News Agency report.



The meeting reviewed the latest arrangements and discussed how to achieve the best results for the ICT sector in Bahrain, the report said.



The participation by Bahrain companies, up nearly 20 per cent from the previous year, will help them keep abreast of global developments in the ICT sector and enhancing the presence of Bahrains IT industry in regional forums, increasing its contribution to national output, it said.



Tamkeen's continued support of Bahrain's participation in Gitex stems from its keenness to promote Bahrains Information Communication Technology sector, which plays a significant role in raising the productivity and competitive capacity of private sector institutions, it added.
The UAE ranks top in the GCC in the latest Quality of Nationality Index (QNI) launched by Henley & Partners, a global leader in residence and citizenship planning.



Among the 195 nationalities listed in the index, UAE occupies 49th place, Kuwait 72nd, Saudi Arabia 82nd, Oman 83rd, and Bahrain 84th



Germanys quality of nationality is ranked first in the world with a score of 82.7 per cent. The global mean of the index this year was 39.32 per cent, with Afghanistan sitting at the bottom of the index with a score of 14.6 per cent.



The UAE has made a spectacular jump forward, moving from 36.3 per cent in 2015 to 44.5 per cent of a possible 100 per cent in the second edition of the Henley & Partners  Kochenov Quality of Nationality Index (QNI).



The QNI was unveiled for the first time last year and is the first index to objectively rank the quality of nationalities worldwide, it said.



Following closely behind Germany in the global ranking are France and Denmark who share second place on the index with a score of 82.4 per cent. Iceland ranks third overall at 81.3 per cent. The UK also made it into the Extremely High category on the index, just missing out on a Top 10 place by coming 12th with a score of 79.2 per cent. The US, meanwhile, ranked only 29th on the QNI with a score of 68.8 per cent, mainly due to its relatively low Settlement Freedom compared to nationalities of the EU member states, and its weak showing on the Peace and Stability element of the index.



Commenting on the launch of the second QNI, Prof Dr Dimitry Kochenov, co-author of the QNI and a leading constitutional law professor, said: The key premise of the index is that its possible to compare the relative worth of nationalities, as opposed to, simply, states. Everyone has a nationality of one or more states. States differ to a great degree  Russia is huge; Malta is small  Luxembourg is rich; Mongolia is less so. Just as with the states, the nationalities themselves differ too. Importantly, there is no direct correlation between the power of the state and the quality of its nationality. Nationality plays a significant part in determining our opportunities and aspirations, and the QNI allows us to analyse this objectively.

The QNI is not a perception index. It uses a wide variety of quantifiable data to determine the opportunities and limitations that our nationalities impose on us. To achieve this, the QNI measures both the internal value of nationality  the quality of life and opportunities for personal growth within a nationalitys country of origin  and the external value of nationality  which identifies the diversity and quality of opportunities that nationalities allow us to pursue outside our country of origin, Dr Kochenov said.



Before the launch of the QNI, no single, credible source existed that ranked the nationalities of the world. The second edition of the QNI  which represents the status quo as on October 10, 2016  reflects the quality of all the worlds nationalities. It also includes a number of new nationality and status entries, such as South Sudan, and eight British nationalities/statuses. The methodology has also been updated to include territories such as Dutch and French overseas territories, US territories, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands as settlement destinations, said Kochenov.



The MENA region

The average value of GCC nationalities has improved from 35.05 per cent last year to 37.02 per cent in 2016 on the QNI General Ranking. This is substantially higher than the Middle Eastern average (27.20 per cent).



This primarily results from the free mobility of persons in the GCC area, which boosts Settlement Freedom and overall external value. Since the Economic Agreement of 2001, nationals are even entitled to pensions and social security benefits in other member states, going well beyond the QNIs criteria for full access, it said.



The UAE nationality specifically, has performed remarkably and moved up 13 spots in comparison to last years rankings. This is because of the EUs recent exemption of UAE nationals from a Schengen visa, granting visa-free access to the zone. In addition to the 26 travel destinations of the Schengen Area, UAE nationals are also given visa-free access to eight non-Schengen countries in Europe: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, the Vatican, Andorra, San Marino and Monaco. Improved travel freedom is directly reflected in the QNI General Ranking and hence explains UAEs spectacular jump forward in the 2016 QNI.



Commenting on the UAEs ranking, Bata Racic, manager of Henley & Partners in the Middle East, said: The upward trajectory in the ranking of UAE nationality is a reflection of the nations strong and growing diplomatic ties with the EU and other countries. The UAEs sustained efforts in this area have proved instrumental in elevating the quality of its nationals while providing them with a host of valuable benefits such as the possibility to travel freely. Emiratis can now travel to an additional 34 countries for business or tourist purposes and stay there for up to 90 days in any 180-day period in one year. This advantage of increased mobility is of great significance both in qualitative and quantitative terms. - TradeArabia News Service


Careem, a leading ride-hailing service in the Middle East and North Africa, has appointed Sandeep Shetty as senior vice president, operations.

In this role, Shetty will oversee the companys supply operations along with its customer and Captain care network spanning multiple geographies, said a statement.

As Careem continues to scale rapidly, Shetty's focus will be on developing and implementing a standard operating model across the company, it said.

He brings to Careem a solid track record in operations, transformation and strategy, having spent 17 years primarily across GE Capital, McKinsey and Emirates NBD in senior leadership roles in the US, India and the Middle East.

Specifically, his role at Careem will entail the execution of a seamless onboarding process for Captains through the implementation of a standard network-wide operating model, which will enable Careem to scale up its operations rapidly at an expected growth rate of 25-30 percent every month. In addition, he will also be responsible for developing the right channel strategies for the companys more than 1 million customer and Captain monthly interactions in multiple languages and countries, while ensuring execution of a distinctive experience for both customers and Captains through the care network.

"We are pleased to welcome Sandeep to the Careem family. With his leadership capabilities and extensive industry experience, we look forward to further strengthening our operating platform to better serve both our customers as well as our Captains whom we consider among the most important stakeholders of our business. With Sandeep onboard, we are excited to further consolidate our operational processes across all verticals, in line with our growth across the wider Middle East and North Africa, Turkey and Pakistan regions, said Magnus Olsson, Co-founder of Careem.

Prior to joining Careem, Shetty spent five years at Emirates NBD where he led several end-to-end digital transformation initiatives for the bank and helped design and execute the creation of Tanfeeth, Emirates NBDs shared services entity. He has also served at McKinsey's Dubai office for four years during which he worked on several operations and strategies for clients across the Middle East. Before McKinsey, he spent six years with GE Capital/Genpact as vice president.

Shetty holds Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), respectively.  TradeArabia News Service


World oil demand growth in 2017 is expected to rise by 1.42 million barrels per day (mb/d) after an upward revision of around 50,000 barrels per day (tb/d), according to Opec Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR).



''The adjustment mainly reflects better-than-expected data from OECD region for the 2Q17, particularly OECD Americans and Europe, as well as China. In 2018, world oil demand is anticipated to grow by 1.35 mb/d, an increase of 70 tb/d from the previous report. This reflects higher growth expectations for OECD Europe and China,'' Emirates news agency Wam said, quoting the Opec report for September.



''Non-Opec oil supply is expected to grow by 0.78 mb/d in 2017, unchanged from the last month due to offsetting revisions in Kazakhstan and US supply. In 2018, non-Opec oil supply is forecast to grow by 1.0 mb/d, following a downward revision to Russia and Kazakhstan, totalling 0.1 mb/d. Opec NGLs and non-conventional liquids production are seen averaging 6.49 mb/d in 2018, representing an increase of 0.18 mb/d, broadly in line with growth in the current year. In August, Opec crude oil production decreased by 79 tb/d, according to secondary sources, to average 32.76 mb/d,'' the report stated.



Based on the current global oil supply/demand balance, it said, Opec crude in 2017 is estimated at 32.7 mb/d, around 0.5 mb/d higher than in 2016. Similarly, Opec crude in 2018 is estimated at 32.8 mb/d, about 0.2 mb/d higher than in 2017.
391 Edu Dept officials deputed to local govt

Amid reservation from officials, the Department of Education has deputed officers to more than half of the total number of local federal units in all the provinces.
The first Chinese Visa Application Service Center in the Middle East has opened at the centrally located Wafi Mall in Dubai, making China visa application facilities more accessible to residents in the UAE.



The centre was inaugurated by Li Lingbing, consul general of the Peoples Republic of China in Dubai, Chen Xiongfeng, deputy director  general, The Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples Republic of China; Wei Xiaodong, deputy director  general, The Department of Services for the Foreign Ministry Home and Overseas Offices, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples Republic of China; and Zubin Karkaria, chief executive officer, VFS Global Group, at a grand inaugural ceremony held on September 12.



The inauguration was also attended by other key members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, the consulate general of the Peoples Republic of China in Dubai, and VFS Global.



The new center is distinguished by enhanced levels of customer service, efficient visa submission processes, professionally trained staff fluent in local languages and Mandarin, and an exclusive Premium Lounge for personalised comfort of applicants.

Applicants for visas to China are no longer required to apply at the consulate general of P.R. China in Dubai. At the new centre, applicants will benefit from longer operational hours, aimed at ensuring a more convenient application experience.



China in Luxury retail offering opened for exclusive travel experiences



Also launched at the new Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Dubai is the exclusive China in Luxury retail offering, which offers ultra-premium travel experiences to aspiring travellers to China. Through a unique arrangement, VFS Global will offer customised tourism experiences that open up a world of exclusivity and one-of-a-kind travel in China to the residents of the UAE.



Speaking at the launch, Lingbing said: The new Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Dubai will ensure visa applicants enjoy a service with higher quality, faster processing, and more convenience. I believe that the opening of this center will also be another boost for further uplifting people-to-people exchanges, cultural communication and practical cooperation between China and the UAE.



Also commenting on the launch, Karkaria said: It is a privilege to launch the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Dubai in partnership with the Government of the Peoples Republic of China. With the advancement of trade and tourism ties between the UAE and China, we are confident this new center will be effective in meeting the rising demand of China visas for UAE travellers. For greater convenience to applicants, the new center will provide services during longer operating hours and offer applicants the option of Premium Lounge services in a beautifully designed private lounge that echoes the magnificence of Chinese art and culture.



Over the next few weeks, China Visa Application Service Centers will be launched in Abuja and Lagos (Nigeria), in Algiers (Algeria), and Beirut (Lebanon).



VFS Global has been serving the Government of the Peoples Republic of China since 2008, and currently manages visa services for the client government in Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, the UAE and India.



In the Middle East, VFS Global currently provides visa application processing services on behalf of 33 client governments in 29 cities based in 11 countries across the region.



Key features of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center include:

 Convenient and central location, with on-site parking

 Extended operating hours allowing applicants to visit at a time of their convenience

 Automated queue management system for quicker and more efficient submission processes

 Premium Lounge for personalised service

 Well-appointed and secure play area for children

 Photocopy and photo-booth facilities available

 Dedicated website for easy access to information including visa categories, requirements, checklist, applicable fees, visa status updates and appointment bookings

 Dedicated helpline and email support to answer queries



Highlights of the China in Luxury offering include:

 Luxury travel experiences

 Customised luxury arrangements maintaining absolute privacy

 Exclusive access to a range of hand-picked exotic properties across China, which have hosted renowned international dignitaries

 Exotic dining experiences

 Ultimate sightseeing experiences through a wide range of customised tourist activities. - TradeArabia News Service


Avani Hotels & Resorts, Minor Hotels vibrant upscale lifestyle brand, has announced the appointment of Alejandro Bernabe as vice president of operations, Avani Hotels & Resorts.



Bernabe joined Avani as group director in January this year. He reports directly to Robert Kunkler, chief operating officer of Minor Hotels and is based at Minor Hotels regional office in Bangkok, which will further strengthen presence and resources in this key market.



Bernabe is responsible for the operational and financial performance of Avani Hotels & Resorts and he will also be spearheading new developments and brand initiatives. His valuable experience in both operations and F&B allows him to play a vital leadership role in the further development of the brand.



We are expanding our current portfolio of 18 properties in 12 countries with more than 20 hotels in the pipeline in South East Asia, New Zealand, UAE, Australia, Maldives and Africa, said Robert Kunkler, chief operating officer of Minor Hotels. To support this growth, it is essential that we provide excellent operational leadership and support to our owners, hotels and partners. Alejandro is the ideal candidate to lead the brand together with our dynamic operations, sales and marketing teams.



A 20-year veteran of the industry, Bernabe  who started his hotel career in F&B in Switzerland - has worked across multiple disciplines and brands, including varied GM appointments. He has several Bachelor degrees obtained in Spain and the USA, a Hotel Management degree from the Hotel Institute Montreux in Switzerland and a Master of Business Administration from Reims Management School in France. - TradeArabia News Service
1/5 of Sell Side infrastructure Optimized for Growth

Technology has been said to be hitting firms like a firehose attempting to fill a teacup. Difficult to say the least and almost impossible to capture everything.

In a new report from FIS, "The Hunt for Growth Across the Sell Side," the consultancy said that looming regulatory changes and the rapidly increasing need for new technology, sell-side firms are feeling the pressure on all sides. Less than a third of banks and only a fifth of broker-dealers say their existing technology infrastructure is fully optimized for growth.

In their latest report shared here with Traders Magazine, this sell-side specific study is filled with interesting insights into the state of the industry including:

- Sell-side firms are optimistic about the market outlook but 51% of firms fear their technology and operations function cannot support their growth plans.

- 52% of sell-side institutions will prioritize new customer acquisition for growth; margin improvement is also a clear priority.

- Sell-side firms will need greater agility to drive growth amid continued political and regulatory uncertainties. 63% of firms warn the regulatory burden remains a significant hindrance to their organization's growth plans over the next 12 months.

- 30% of firms see regulatory risk as the biggest barrier to accelerating innovation.

Please click here for the complete report and its findings

For more information on related topics, visit the following channels:
88 parties listed for PR election

As many as 88 political parties have applied to the Election Commission to take part in the provincial and federal elections scheduled to be held on November 26 and December 7 under the proportional representation (PR) system.
EC asks deputy Speaker, NTV chief to clarify

The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday sought clarification from Deputy Speaker Ganga Prasad Yadav and Executive Chairperson of Nepal Television (NTV) Mahesh Raj Dahal within 24 hours for violating election code of conduct.
Fallacy of federal facade

Since Maoists raised arms two decades ago, Nepals political course for the first time looks convincingly optimistic. Scheduled polls, for local levels in Province 2 on September 18, and two phases of simultaneous voting for provincial and federal legislatures on November 26 and December 7 are expected to sail through. This is primarily due to lately dawned wisdom in the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN), a coalition of Madhes-based parties.
Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, September 13

The Reserve Bank of India is considering the introduction of its own cryptocurrencies but was not comfortable with bitcoins which did not come under the jurisdiction of any central bank.

Speaking at an event on financial technologies, Sudarshan Sen, RBI Executive Director, said bitcoins were private cryptocurrency.

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We are not comfortable with non-fiat cryptocurrencies... like bitcoins. Fiat (cryptocurrencies) will be those (which are issued by) the Reserve Bank which you can carry in the cyber space with you, when you dont have to keep physical currency in your pocket, he said.



Sen added that the RBI had a team of experts working on the central banks own version of cryptocurrencies.



The central bank has been warning investors against dabbling in cryptocurrencies on the grounds that these could be misused for terrorism and financial fraud.



The Finance Ministry has already set up a committee of experts to consider instituting a regulatory framework to govern the use of virtual currencies.
Akash Ghai

Tribune News Service

Mohali, September 13

Mohali districts remote village Masol, which hit the headlines after the recovery of large-size fossils of animals and even human beings, is being deserted by residents due to lack of basic facilities.

Panchayat secretary Hakam Singh said 35 per cent of the families had left the village and settled in Kiratpur.

Hakam Singh said as many as 60 families used to reside in the village. In the past few years, around 20 families have migrated to nearby areas. The reason is that there are no basic facilities here. The village doesnt have even an approach road, said the panchayat secretary.

Almost all families in the village are poor. Most men are labourers and go to nearby areas, including Nayagaon, Chandigarh and Kiratpur for work, said Hakam Singh.

Let alone an approach road, the remote village doesnt have a good school, drainage system and potable water supply. All it has is a primary school. Of the six rooms, three have already been declared unsafe. A room has been occupied by anganwari. The schools strength is 62.

When you visit the place, you get a strange feeling. Theres nothing in the name of development. Even the stone age might have been better, said another senior official of the Mohali administration.

After the recovery of fossils and intervention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court (the high court has picked three villages, each from Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh and directed the administration/state governments to develop them), the administration has chalked out a plan. An approach road to Masol is being constructed. It will be completed by June 2018, said Sanjeev Garg, Mohali Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development). Several development works would be undertaken in the area soon, said the ADC.

ASI to acquire land for research

The Archaeological Survey of India is going to acquire a huge chunk of land in and around Masol for research. The Mohali administration has identified 151 acres in Masol to enable the ASI to undertake its excavation work. Earlier, the excavation at the site was carried out by a joint team of Indian and French archaeologists around two years ago. The team is said to have found nearly 1,500 fossils. Before that, the oldest fossils were found at the Rift Valley in Ethiopia.

Modi viewed findings last year

On January 24, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with the then President of France Francois Hollande, viewed the display of archaeological findings from the area, which suggested human activity 2.6 million years ago here. This significant discovery is the result of seven years of extensive research and collaboration between the Prehistory Department of the National Museum of Natural History of France and the Society of Archaeological and Anthropological Research of Chandigarh.
Further expansion of Cabinet possible

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who has come under fire for leading the biggest Cabinet in the countrys history, has hinted a further expansion in its size. He had inducted four more ministers on Monday, taking the number of members in his Cabinet to 54.
Syed Ali Ahmed

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 13

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) today disclosed a detailed plan of the government to decongest city traffic that included connecting all the highways that pass through the national Capital and development of intersections that witness heavy traffic jams every day.

This was disclosed at a high-level meeting of the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways. Besides Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, the meeting was attended by Lt Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The NHAI said the ministry has taken a comprehensive exercise for decongestion of arterial road network of the national highways  1, 2, 8, 10 and 24  converge at Delhi. The NHAI has taken up comprehensive development of the highways.

The presentation said that for complete decongestion interconnectivity among highways needs to be improved for which few more roads are required to be developed.

It said additional road network required to be upgraded include completion of urban extension roads for connectivity between national highways, development of Rangpuri bypass, up gradation of Ashram Chowk-Badarpur section, development of Kalindi Bypass connecting Faridabad-Ballabhgarh bypass and completion of FNG expressway.

Besides, completion of inner and outer Ring Roads that were planned in 1962, urban extension road proposed in master plan as third Ring Road along with western boundary are also necessary for the traffic decongestion. Alignment of urban extension road connects the highways passing through Dwarka and Najafgarh and extension of Nelson Mandela Road to Badarpur are also important.

However, the authorities concerned said there are many hindrances while doing all these development works in the capital. The Delhi Development Authority had issued notice to acquire land for this purpose between 2006 and 2007. But the land cannot be acquired so far even after disbursement of compensation to farmers. Some lands are protected under High Courts order.
Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, September 13

Agriculture Minister OP Dhankar on Wednesday said the state government may consider postponing e-trading for one year.

A delegation of arthiya association met Dhankar here and apprised the minister about the ill-preparedness in the digital mode of trade.

Dhankar said he would table the issue before the chief minister for a final decision.

Earlier, Dhankar had told reporters that e-trading and direct payment to farmers were needed for stepping towards agricultural reforms in the state.

The minister had also said the government would continue to move ahead on this.

However, he said the state government was open to deliberations with arthiyas who were protesting against the initiative and farmers would also be also part of such discussions.
Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 13

A Punjab and Haryana High Court committee, looking into the paper leakage case, has recommended the scrapping of HCS (Judicial Branch) Preliminary Examination 2017 after prima facie finding that some of the candidates had access to the question paper. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

No less than 760 calls and messages exchanged between Registrar (Recruitment) Balwinder Sharma and a candidate during the past year also prompted the committee to recommend registration of FIR against him and the candidates.

Sharmas forthwith transfer from the post pending further action has also been recommended.

The inquiry report, by the Recruitment/Promotion/ Court Creation Committee (Subordinate Judicial Services) of the High Court, was submitted before a full bench hearing the case this afternoon.

The committee said prima facie findings suggested that at least two candidates, Sunita and Sushila, had the question papers. Therefore, the possibility of other candidates having access to the question paper could not be ruled out.

In such circumstances, the purity of the examination having been lost, the committee recommends that the HCS (JB) Preliminary Examination, 2017, held on July 16 be scrapped.

The committee added Sharma unequivocally denied prior acquaintance with Sunita, the general category topper. The call details furnished by the service provider, on the other hand, reveal that 760 calls and SMSs were exchanged between Sharma and Sunita during the last one year, indicating that the matter required a deeper probe.

Recommending initiation of regular inquiry against Sharma on the basis of preliminary inquiry, the committee recommended the lodging of an FIR against Sunita, Sushila and Sharma to further probe the act of leakage of question paper.

Taking a note of the report, the full bench of Justice Rajesh Bindal, Justice Rajan Gupta and Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia directed the High Court to apprise it of action taken on the basis of the recommendations made by the committee.

The bench also asked the Registrar (Vigilance) to direct the mobile service providers to preserve call details, messages and other data available with them of all the persons involved at the current stage.

Paper leak case

A committee of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, through Haryana Public Service Commission, had invited application for filling up 109 posts in the subordinate judiciary.

The paper leakage case has its genesis in a petition filed by Suman for registration of a criminal case to uncover the scam. Suman, a candidate, had alleged that she was contacted by Sushila and Sunita claiming they had the examination paper. Suman also alleged at least two questions were disclosed to her a day prior to the examination. She further alleged Rs 1 crore was demanded, but she declined.

Justice Kuldip Singh initially hearing the matter observed Sunita was topping in the general category with exceptionally high marks. Sushila, too, was topping in the reserved category again with exceptionally high marks. Both had committed minimum errors.

Justice Kuldip Singh had also asked Registrar (Recruitment) to file his personal affidavit stating who handled the examination papers right from the time it was set till it was distributed in the examination hall. He was also asked to disclose the names of the officials/officers deputed for handling and printing the papers officially.
Srinagar, September 13

A suspected overground worker of Hizbul Mujahideen, who was allegedly motivating and instigating youths to join militancy, was on Wednesday arrested in north Kashmirs Baramulla district, police said.

Ishtiaq Ahmed Wani, a resident of Goushbugh Pattan area of the district, who was at large and wanted for motivating and instigating young boys to join Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) was arrested, a police official said.

He said due to continuous pressure and encounters by police and other security agencies, most of the militants, who were active in north Kashmir, have been neutralised, due to which the controllers of HM from across the Line of Control (LoC) and within the Valley are trying to accelerate the recruitment process in the area.

The official said recently the Baramulla police saved 10 boys, meant to be inducted into militant ranks, from the clutches of the militants were handed over to their parents.

Out of these 10 boys, four were motivated by Wani to join militant ranks of HM, the official said.

He said a case has been registered and an investigation is underway.  PTI
London, September 13

Authors from the UK and the US dominated the 2017 Man Booker Prize shortlist announced on Wednesday, as the only long-listed Indian writer, Arundhati Roy, failed to make the cut.

Roy, who won the literary award worth 50,000 pounds for her debut book 'The God of Small Things' in 1997, had featured on the long-list for her latest novel 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness'.

The book was described as "a rich and vital book" that "comes from the bowels of India" by the judges.

The short-list includes American authors Paul Auster for "4321", Emily Fridlund for "History of Wolves", and George Saunders for "Lincoln in the Bardo". The British authors include Pakistan-born Mohsin Hamid for "Exit West", Fiona Mozley for "Elmet" and Ali Smith for "Autumn".

The final six will now battle for the coveted award to be announced on October 17 at Guildhall here.

The shortlist, which features three women and three men, covers a wide range of subjects, from the struggle of a family trying to retain its self-sufficiency in rural England to an amorous tale of two refugees seeking to flee an unnamed city in the throes of civil war.

Two first-time female writers  Fridlund and Mozley  are joined by two previously shortlisted authors, Hamid, who had been short-listed in 2007 for "The Reluctant Fundamentalist", and Smith, who made the cut for the fourth time.

Mozley, a part-time worker at a UK bookshop, is also the youngest author on the list, aged 29.

The 2017 judging panel, led by Baroness Lola Young, said the short-listed novels, each in their own way, challenge and subtly shift preconceptions about the nature of love, about the experience of time, about questions of identity and even death.

"With six unique and intrepid books that collectively push against the borders of convention, this year's shortlist both acknowledges established authors and introduces new voices to the literary stage," Young said.

"Playful, sincere, unsettling, fierce: here is a group of novels grown from tradition but also radical and contemporary.

The emotional, cultural, political and intellectual range of these books is remarkable, and the ways in which they challenge our thinking is a testament to the power of literature," she noted.

"4321" by Auster, who turned 70 this year, is the longest novel on the shortlist at 866 pages and, according to the author, took three and a half years, working six and a half days a week, to write.

"The list represents a celebration of exceptional literary talent, ranging from established novelists to debut writers, that we are honoured to support," said Luke Ellis, CEO of investment management firm Man Group and sponsors of the prize.

The shortlisted authors each will receive 2,500 pounds and a specially bound edition of their book.

Established in 1969, the Man Booker Prize for Fiction, awards writers of any nationality, writing in English and published in the UK.

This is the fourth year that the prize has been open to writers of any nationality whose books are published in the UK.

After the rules were changed in 2013 to embrace the English language "in all its vigour, its vitality, its versatility and its glory", several Indian writers including Roy, Aravind Adiga and Salman Rushdie have won the prize.  PTI
Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 13

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday slammed attempts to brand India as a villain on the Rohingya refugee issue, saying it was a calibrated design to tarnish the countrys image.

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The Union Minister of State for Homes comments came two days after UN human Rights Chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein flayed any attempts by India to deport Rohingya to Myanmar.

Rijiju said criticism of India on the Rohingya, who have entered India illegally, undermines the countrys security.

This chorus of branding India as villain on Rohingya issue is a calibrated design to tarnish Indias image, he said in a tweet.

It (such statements) undermines Indias security, Rijiju said.

So far the Centre, in an advisory, has asked all the states to identify Rohingya Muslims living in their respective territories for deportation, as they have come to India due to alleged persecution in Myanmar and thus they are illegal immigrants.

Rijiju had earlier said the Rohingyas were illegal immigrants and stand to be deported. He had also said that India has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

The Minister had said no one should try to demonise India as a country hostile to refugees as it is not going to throw the Rohingya into the ocean or shoot them but will follow due process of law before their identification and deportation.

The issue came to the fore after the Union Home Ministry in July had said illegal immigrants like the Rohingyas pose grave security challenges as they may be recruited by terror groups, and asked state governments to identify and deport them.

The government had told Parliament on August 9 that according to available data, more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the UNHCR, are presently staying in India.
New Delhi, September 13

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe are likely to deliberate extensively on bolstering defence and security ties during the annual summit talks being held in Gandhinagar on Thursday in the backdrop of China's growing assertiveness in the region.

There may be specific discussions on the long-pending Indian proposal to buy the US-2 amphibious aircraft from Japan and joint development of military equipment to further deepen the defence ties in sync with strategic partnership between the two countries, official sources said.

The annual Indo-Japan summit is taking place amid escalating tension in the region following the nuclear test by North Korea and China's combative posturing in the resource- rich South China Sea, and Modi and Abe are expected to deliberate on them.

The two prime ministers may also explore ways to further deepen ties between the navies of the two countries to check China's heightened activities in the Indian Ocean.

Reflecting growing congruence in ties, Japan had thrown its weight behind India during the Dokalam standoff.

Ahead of Abe's visit here, the India-Japan annual defence ministerial dialogue had taken place in Tokyo during which co-production of military equipment, dual use technologies and New Delhi's proposal to buy the US-2 ShinMaywa aircraft were discussed.

Last year, China had reacted angrily to reports that Japan plans to sell weapons to India at cheaper prices, saying that such a move was disgraceful.

There are indications that the joint statement by the two countries after Modi-Abe talks will have certain components relating to defence cooperation.

At the defence dialogue, the two sides had also agreed to commence technical discussions for research collaboration in the areas of Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Robotics.

Modi and Abe are expected to deliberate on cooperation in the nuclear energy sector as well.

A landmark civil nuclear deal between the two countries providing for collaboration between their industries in the field had come into force in July.

The nuclear cooperation agreement was signed last November during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo.

The deal allows Japan to export nuclear technology to India, making it the first non-NPT signatory to have such a deal with Tokyo.

There was political resistance in Japan  the only country to suffer atomic bombings during the World War II  against a nuclear deal with India, particularly after the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011.

Japan is a major player in the nuclear energy market and an atomic deal with it will make it easier for US-based nuclear plant makers Westinghouse Electric Corporation and GE Energy Inc to set up atomic plants in India as both these conglomerates have Japanese investments.  PTI
Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 13

Even as Centre talking tough on 40,000 illegal immigrants Rohingya Muslims, who have come from Myanmar, the government on Wednesday said that it will soon grant citizenship to nearly one lakh Chakma and Hajong refugees, who came from the erstwhile East Pakistan five decades ago and are living in camps in the North-East.

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According to a senior Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) official, the Chakma-Hajong refugee issue was discussed threadbare" today at a high-level meeting convened by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval among others.

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In 2015, the Supreme Court had directed the Central government to grant citizenship to the Chakma and Hajong refugees, mostly staying in Arunachal Pradesh. The Supreme Court order on Chakmas and Hajongs was discussed in the meeting. We need to implement the order as early as possible, the official said.

Several organisations and civil society in Arunachal Pradesh have been opposing citizenship to the refugees saying it would change the demography of the state.

The Centre is trying to find a workable solution to the issue by proposing that Chakma and Hajong refugees will not be given rights, including ownership of land, enjoyed by Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, the official informed, adding that they, however, might be allowed to have Inner Line permits, required for non-locals in Arunachal Pradesh to travel and work.

Chakmas and Hajongs were originally residents of Chittagong Hill Tracts in the erstwhile East Pakistan. They left their homeland when it was submerged by the Kaptai dam project in the 1960s.

The Chakmas, who are Buddhists, and the Hajongs, who are Hindus, also allegedly faced religious persecution and entered India through the then Lushai Hills district of Assam (now Mizoram). The Centre had then moved the majority of them to the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which is now Arunachal Pradesh.

According to officials in the MHA, their numbers have gone up from about 5,000 in 1964-69 to one lakh. At present, they dont have citizenship and land rights but are provided basic amenities by the state government.
Ahmedabad, September 13

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived here on Wednesday on a two-day visit with a packed agenda that includes the laying of foundation stone for India's first bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Abe, who is accompanied by his wife Akie, with his characteristic hug at the airport this afternoon.

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Immediately after the welcome ceremony, Abe, his wife, and Modi set-off on an 8-km roadshow in an open-roof jeep for the Sabarmati Ashram where apostle of peace Mahatma Gandhi spent considerable time of his life.

Video: Raveesh Kumar | @MEAIndia/Twitter

Ahmedabad joins PM @narendramodi to welcome esteemed guest. Energetic crowd greet PM @AbeShinzo all along the route from the airport pic.twitter.com/OTfM2yffIl  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 13, 2017

Abe, who was in a formal suit when he arrived at the Ahmedabad airport, wore kurta-pyjama and a blue Nehru jacket, while his wife donned red salwar-kameez and a white stole to Sabarmati Ashram.

The two leaders repeatedly waved to the crowds that lined up the streets as performers presented traditional dance enroute.

At the Sabarmati Ashram set up by Mahatma Gandhi, Abe and his wife paid homage to the Father of the Nation.

Modi was seen explaining to the visiting dignitaries the significance of the spinning wheel, which became emblematic of India's quest for self-reliance during its non-violent struggle for freedom from imperial rule.

It was for the first time that Modi held a joint road show with a visiting head of government of a foreign country, reflecting the close bonding he shares with Abe.

As the cavalcade moved on, cheering crowds were seen waving Indian and Japanese national flags.

The road show, designed to showcase India's cultural diversity, saw artistes from several states performing on 28 stages erected by the roadside.

They performed folk dances in traditional attires, while at several places along the way people in customary Japanese ensemble carrying parasols were also seen breaking into a jig to welcome the visiting dignitaries.

The road show, which began from Ahmedabad airport ended at the Sabarmati Ashram after traversing nearly 8 km.

Tomorrow, Abe and Modi will lay the foundation stone for the high-speed train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai which is expected to be completed by 2022. The train would cover the distance of over 500 km in around two hours.

Japan has extended a soft loan for the ambitious project conceptualised by Modi.

The two leaders will hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar after which agreements will be exchanged. Later, an India-Japan business plenary meeting will be held.

Fifteen agreements will be signed for investments in Gujarat during the visit of the Japanese prime minister, Gujarat chief secretary J N Singh had said yesterday.

Abe's spouse will be visiting a number of places, including an NGO -- Blind People's Association.

Modi had hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife in Ahmedabad in his home state Gujarat in September 2014.  PTI
Thiruvananthapuram, September 13

The Centre on Wednesday said no ransom amount was paid to abductors for the release of Father Tom Uzhunnalil and underlined that the Ministry of External Affairs works quietly without noise, but ultimately gets the work done.

The Keralite priest was abducted by Islamic State terrorists during a deadly attack on a care home in the port city of Aden in war-ravaged Yemen on March 6, 2016. At least 15 people at the old-age home were killed in the attack.

"Release of Father Uzhunnalil yesterday underlines one thing that the Ministry of External Affairs works quietly and without noise, but ultimately gets the work done," Union Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told a press conference here.

The Union minister said "no" when asked whether any ransom was paid for the release of the priest.

"We know the type of criticism that had come couple of times when Father Uzhunnalil disappeared in Yemen. We are very happy that he has come back safely and I am sure people will appreciate that we were able to get him out safe and sound," Singh added.

On the role played by Oman, Singh said various methods were adopted to tackle a problem.

"If a direct method failed to yield results, indirect methods are adopted and the aim is to get the problem solved," he said.

Asked whether Uzhunnanlil contacted any Indian officials to thank the government following his release, Singh said, "I'm quite sure that he will do it after he gets back from the Vatican."

It was for the priest to decide when he would come to India, Singh said responding to a question.

A video of Uzhunnalil had surfaced in December last year in which he appealed to the government to free him.

In the clip, Uzhunnalil was seen saying, "If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously. I am from India. I am perhaps not considered of much value."

In July, Union minister Sushma Swaraj had taken up the issue of Uzhunnalil's abduction with the Deputy Prime Minister of Yemen and requested him to secure the release of the priest.

Last year, Swaraj had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has spoken to various countries so that the priest could be released.  PTI
Tika R Pradhan is a senior political correspondent for the Post, covering politics, parliament, judiciary and social affairs. Pradhan joined the Post in 2016 after working at The Himalayan Times for more than a decade.
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 13

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra has asked high court chief justices to constitute special benches on Saturdays for hearing criminal appeals/jail appeals in which legal aid has been provided to the accused/undertrials.

In a letter written to the chief justices of all the 24 high courts, CJI Misra asked them to ensure expeditious disposal of such appeals.

As you are aware, a large number of criminal appeals/jail appeals are pending in various High Courts. Delay in disposal of these appeals raises question about the efficacy of the administration of justice as a while and criminal justice system in particular, the letter read.

Noting that the judicial system faced the problem of increasing backlog of cases due to delayed disposal, the CJI said one of the methods to ensure expeditious disposal of such appeals was to identify and dispose of such appeals in which legal aid had been provided at state expenses.

May I, therefore, impress upon you to explore the possibility of hearing such criminal appeals/jail appeals, in which legal-aid-counsel has been provided, on Saturdays by specially-constituted bench for the purpose, after obtaining consent of the legal-aid counsel and state counsel concerned. This will go a long way in ensuring speedy disposal of criminal appeals/ jail appeals, Justice Misra wrote.

This is the first major initiative to deal with backlog of criminal cases from Justice Misra who took over as the 45th CJI on August 28.

Almost four million cases are pending in the 24 high courts where 44% of the posts of judges are lying vacant, thanks to the tussle between government and the judiciary over Memorandum of Procedure appointment of judges in the higher judiciary.

Often criminal appeals in serious crime such as murder and rape take 10 years to come up for hearing in high court even as the accused languish in jail.

A bench headed by Justice J Chelameswar recently expressed shock over pendency of criminal appeals for decades. Describing it as a troubling situation, the bench had said a solution needed to be found out for speedy disposal of appeals in high courts.

It had sought details of the total number of appeals pending before various high courts from the Registrar General within six weeks. The court was dealing with a petition seeking grant of bail to those convicts whose appeals were unlikely to come up for hearing in the near future.
Beijing, September 13

Attacks on Chinas legal or political system using the trial of Taiwanese activist Lee Ming-che will prove futile, Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday after Lees wife and supporters rejected the authority of the court that tried him.

Lee, a community college teacher known for his pro-democracy and rights activism, went missing on a trip to mainland China in March. Chinese authorities later confirmed that he was being investigated on suspicion of damaging national security.

Lee confessed on Monday to attempting to subvert the Beijing government, according to videos of his hearing released by Chinese authorities. His wife and supporters said the trial was not fair and that they did not recognise the courts authority.

An Fengshan, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs office, told a regular briefing that any attempts to use this case for political means, to influence or slander the mainlands handling of the case in accordance with the law, or to attack the mainlands political or legal systems will all be futile.

The legal rights of Lee and his family had been upheld and guaranteed, he said. A meeting between Lee and his wife and mother had been arranged after the hearing at the request of his family, An said.

The hearing process was broadcast by the court in videos and on social media website Weibo in what An said was an open trial.

Activists who had travelled to Yueyang to support Lee said after the trial they had been barred from attending, saying that was proof the case was not truly open or fair.

Releasing videos and transcripts of court hearings has become increasingly common in China as part of a push for greater judicial transparency and oversight.

However, rights activists say that holding open trials in sensitive cases allows authorities to demonstrate state power as a deterrence, with statements and verdicts usually agreed in advance.

Ties between Beijing and Taipei have been strained since President Tsai Ing-wen, leader of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, took office last year.

Tsais refusal to say that Taiwan and China are part of one country has angered Beijing, as have her comments about human rights on the mainland.

Beijing maintains that Taiwan is part of China and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control.

Proudly democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being governed by the Communist Party rulers in Beijing. Reuters
London, September 13

Two first-time female authors feature on the 2017 Man Booker Prize fiction shortlist which comprises three women and three men including best-selling US writer Paul Auster.

Subjects this year range from the struggle of a family trying to retain its self-sufficiency in rural England to a love story between two refugees fleeing civil war.

In the fourth year that the 50,000-pound ($66,400) prize has been open to writers of any nationality, the shortlist is made up of two British, one British-Pakistani and three American writers.

Austers 4321 offers four versions of one young mans life while fellow US author Emily Fridlunds debut novel History of Wolves is a coming-of-age tale of a teenage girl seeking a place to belong.

Elmet, the first book by British author Fiona Mozley, tells the story of a father and his two children who clash with landowners after they build a home for themselves.

UK/Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid is on the list with Exit West in which refugees can use doors to escape to other parts of the world.

George Saunders first novel Lincoln in the Bardo, is about Abraham Lincoln and the death of his eleven year old son, Willie, at the dawn of the American Civil War.

Scottish writer Ali Smith is on the shortlist for the fourth time, this year with Autumn, a meditation on a world growing ever more bordered and exclusive.

The Man Booker Prize is awarded each year for the best original novel, written in the English language and published in the UK. The winner will be announced on October 17 in Londons Guildhall.  Reuters
Washington/San Francisco, September 13

The US Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed President Donald Trump to broadly implement a ban on refugees entering the country from around the world.

The justices granted a request from the Trump administration to block a federal appeals court decision that, according to the Justice Department, would have allowed up to 24,000 additional refugees to enter the United States than would otherwise have been eligible.

The Supreme Court ruling gives Trump a partial victory as the high court prepares for a key October hearing on the constitutionality of Trumps controversial executive order, which banned travelers from six Muslim-majority countries and limited refugee admissions.

The March 6 order suspended travel for people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days and locked out most aspiring refugees for 120 days in a move the Republican president argued was needed to prevent terrorist attacks and allow the government to put in place more stringent vetting procedures.

The order took effect in late June, following a Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the scope of lower court rulings.

In a ruling last week, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals said grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins of legal US residents would be exempt from the travel ban.

The Justice Department opted not to appeal that part of the 9th Circuit decision.

However, the 9th Circuit also ruled that Trumps refugee policy was too broad, and the court allowed entry to refugees from around the world if they had a formal offer from a resettlement agency.

The Justice Department appealed, and the full Supreme Court on Tuesday sided with the administration in a one-sentence order.

Naureen Shah, Amnesty International USAs senior director of campaigns, said the refugee ban is inherently cruel.

The Supreme Court today has dealt yet another devastating blow to vulnerable people who were on the cusp of obtaining safety for themselves and their families, she said. They continue to be subjected to unimaginable violence and fear while their lives are in limbo.

Earlier on Tuesday the state of Hawaii, which challenged the policy, said in a court filing that the US government could still bar tens of thousands of refugees from entering the country. All the 9th Circuit ruling did is protect vulnerable refugees and the American entities that have been eagerly preparing to welcome them to our shores, Hawaiis lawyers added.

Hawaii Attorney-General Doug Chin said he respected the Supreme Courts decision and is preparing for the hearing there on October 10. Reuters
Indian national arrested for duping foreign employment aspirants

The police have arrested an Indian national on the charge of robbing two foreign employment aspirants of more than Rs 2 million through false foreign job promises.
OKLAHOMA CITY  The former executive aide and personal assistant to Gov. Mary Fallin was charged Tuesday with offering false or fraudulent evidence and destroying evidence following an allegation that he took a picture up a womans dress at the state Capitol.

Travis Goss Brauer resigned effective July 11 after the Oklahoma Highway Patrol began investigating allegations that he used to his cellphone to take a picture up the skirt of a protester at a House budget meeting late May 23 and then destroyed evidence.

The charges were filed in Oklahoma County District Court. Offering false or fraudulent evidence is a felony. The destroying evidence charge is a misdemeanor.

When notified of the allegation in May, Brauer conducted internet searches to find ways to delete items from his phone and later told investigators that he lost his phone at a lake after he said he would provide it to them, according to an OHP report.

It is unfortunate that a former staffer who had worked in my office is facing these charges, said Fallin, who is listed as a witness. I take this situation very seriously. I expect everyone in my office to act with integrity and professionalism.

Brauer was seen taking pictures with his phone before, during and after the meeting, according to the OHP report.

He told investigators he was probably intoxicated during the late-night meeting. He said he had a couple of whiskeys in the Capitol and a couple of beers with a lobbyist, according to the report.

Brauers resignation letter indicates that he was quitting to pursue other opportunities. He had held the job since Jan. 17, 2012, earning $30,000 a year.

According to a 256-page report, a witness who attended the budget meeting told investigators she noticed Brauers phone on the floor next to a protesters stiletto heel. Brauer was sitting on the floor next to the protester, according to the report.

The phone was about an arms length from Brauer and close enough to the protester that she could have broken it had she stepped backward, according to the report.

The witness told investigators the phone was on the floor for about three to five minutes before Brauer retrieved it, according to the report. The witness said she didnt know whether the phone was recording, according to the report.

Investigators interviewed nearly 40 people about the incident.

The witness was the only one who saw a phone on the floor at the protestors feet or noticed anything that could be viewed as taking photos up her dress, according to the report.

Officials obtained the video from the conference room where the meeting was held and viewed it on May 24, with Brauer present, according to the report. Brauer was told that the best way to clear him would be for him to turn over his phone and allow its contents to be forensically downloaded, according to the report.

Less than three hours after seeing the video, Brauer searched Facebook several times for the alleged victim, according to the report.

He also searched for what do officers use to download contents on phones, and he searched for ways to recover deleted pictures from a cellphone and how to wipe a phone.

The following day he did additional searches that included looking for ways police extract pictures from phones. The next day, he searched for places to fully restore phones.

On May 26, a Friday, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol contacted Brauer and asked whether he would submit his personal cellphone for forensic analysis, according to the report.

Brauer said yes but added that he was going to a lake and would not be able to submit it until that Tuesday. Brauer continued to search for information about how to restore phones and what information law enforcement could obtain from the phone, according to the report.

On Tuesday, May 30, Brauer told the OHP that he had lost his phone at the lake, according to the report.

On June 5, Brauer gave the OHP his laptop computer, on which he had backed up data from his phone, according to the report.

The computer showed his phone had one hour gap of no activity, according to the report. Brauers computer contained Snapchat images taken prior to the meeting and Snapchat images taken after the meeting, but none taken during the meeting.

One of the pictures taken before the meeting was of Brauer and Jana Miller, a then senior adviser to Fallin, standing in front of the House Chamber entrance with middle fingers extended, according to the report. The caption read F- - - the house.

Miller is no longer employed by Fallins office. She resigned on July 25 from the post she had held since Nov. 14. Her salary was $75,000.

Her resignation letter simply said, I, Jana Miller, resign my position today.

I had never seen the photo until it was published, although I was aware it had been taken, Miller told the Tulsa World. I was unaware that it had been captioned in any manner nor shared in any way, nor ever gave permission for such.

Brauer was not able to explain why he had nearly an hour of no social media activity or photos while he was in the meeting, according to the report.

He said he did not take pictures of the protester, according to the report.

Brauer did not respond to requests for comment.
Leah Mueller wants you to know that if you have a question or concern, the Tulsa Police Department hears you and wants to help.

Mueller, a former television news producer in Tulsa, is the departments first community liaison, according to a news release issued Tuesday. She will earn an annual salary of $45,000 to work with the community, bolstering awareness and education of the departments community policing initiatives.

Mueller, 35, was on hand Tuesday evening in a Cherry Street parking lot for a meet-and-greet during Tulsa Night Out, when city police and fire department personnel attend neighborhood gatherings to touch base with the community.

Mueller said the police department needs to better leverage social media to openly communicate with citizens  a key focus for her.

It has become such a major everyday communication tool, Mueller said. I really want to be the voice of Tulsa Police, that if people send a message they know theyre going to get an answer.

Mueller said one of her best assets is being a people person. She said she has never met someone she couldnt talk to for at least a few minutes on any topic  whether positive or contentious. Mueller said she has a talent for being able to relate to people and understand what they may be going through.

Mueller was a television news producer for nearly a decade at KTUL and KJRH. Most recently she was a marketing coordinator for Flintco LLC, a Tulsa-based construction company.

I got out of TV and that world for almost two years, and I really miss being an active part of the community, Mueller said. Knowing whats going on, being able to feel like I go to bed at night making a difference in the place that I live.

Muellers position comes at an opportune time for the police department.

About two-thirds of the recommendations from Mayor G.T. Bynums Tulsa Commission on Community Policing have yet to be fully implemented.

Leah will work hand-in-hand with community groups and citizens to bring awareness and education of the many programs, plans and research projects implemented by the department, Police Chief Chuck Jordan said in a statement. Leah has over 10 years experience in the Tulsa media market and will develop an avenue for citizens to directly interact with TPD regarding the issues important to the community.

The mayors commission produced 77 recommendations for the department to improve community policing. About one-third already have been implemented, and two-thirds are in some stage of becoming part of police operations.

Overall, the recommendations address several categories: building trust and legitimacy; policy and oversight; technology and social media; community policing and crime reduction; training and education; and officer wellness and safety.
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Minister vows action against Durbarmarg stores

Supplies Minister Shiva Kumar Mandal on Tuesday said the government did not raid stores in Durbarmarg for mere publicity but to provide relief to customers who were being shortchanged by retailers.
More than 3,000 children are malnourished in Makawanpur

Malnutrition among children is prevalent in Makawanpur district.According to data at the District Public Health Office, more than 3,000 children in the district are suffering from malnutrition. Of them, 768 children are suffering from severe malnutrition, said DPHO official Bhim Sagar Guragain.
Nyahok Reath was a star pupil at her primary school in South Sudan's Upper Nile State and had her heart set on becoming a pilot. However, secondary education remains out of reach and her lifes ambition is still beyond her grasp.

Before she and her family fled their home in the town of Nasser, Nyahok would watch, enthralled, as United Nations aircraft carrying aid supplies flew in and out of the nearby airport.

My dream has always been to be a pilot, she said. When I was young, I saw a lot planes flying around Nasser. I saw the pilots when they got out of the planes and their fancy uniforms. I want to see every country.

Now living in Kule refugee camp in Gambella, Ethiopia, the 16-year-old knows that secondary education is the only way of turning her dream into reality. However, there is only limited first-year secondary education available in the region. After that, hardly any adolescent refugees have a classroom to go to. The region is one of the least developed and remote in Ethiopia and more refugees are arriving all the time.

For Nyahok, hope was provided briefly by her uncle, who lives in Kenya and who offered to pay her secondary school fees. With her parents support, she left the camp for Nairobi to pursue her studies.

After six months, however, her uncle ran out of money. It soon became hard for him and he couldnt pay the school fees anymore, she says, staring at her feet as she sits on her bed, chatting with her father, Reath Kun.

Before she was forced to flee with her family, Nyahok was inspired by watching UN aircraft flying in and out of the airport near her home in Nasser, South Sudan.

The South Sudan conflict has created the fastest-growing refugee population in the world. Of more than 1.8 million South Sudanese who have fled, 62 per cent are under 18. There are almost 340,000 South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia, classified as one of the world's least developed countries and already struggling to educate its own people

I am very proud of her, for her achievements in school and for her drive.

The Ethiopian government has said it will improve access to education at all levels, for refugees and its own people, but it faces significant obstacles. Only 9 per cent of secondary-school-age refugee children in Ethiopia have a place in a classroom, well below the rate for refugees globally of 23 per cent and a long way from the 84 per cent figure for their non-refugee peers.

That means that youngsters such as Nyahok run out of opportunities, no matter how much they have committed themselves at primary school.

I did not have the chance to go to school, says her father. I lived in a remote area in Nasser and there were no schools in the area. Nyahok, I want her to go to school. I am very proud of her, for her achievements in school and for her drive.

Berhanu Geneti, an education officer in Gambella for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, says refugee children and adolescents are eager to learn and make something of their lives. However, funding constraints mean a shortage of classrooms, text books and teachers.

Because Nyahok was unable to finish the past school year, she will now start in grade 8. Despite the setback, she still has her eyes on the skies. It would make me very sad if my dream of becoming a pilot could not come true.

That would enable her to explore the world and take care of her family. She also wants to blaze a trail for South Sudanese girls like herself. I want to be an advocate and a role model for them.

For now, she says, all I can think of is my education, finishing school. I would leave again if I had to, to get my education.

Read UNHCRs latest report on refugee education, Left Behind: Refugee Education in Crisis.
Rohingya refugee Mabia Khatun, 75, (left) rests after being carried to Bangladesh from Myanmar in a blanket on a bamboo pole as Amina Khatun, 80, her sister in law (right) sits nearby.  UNHCR/Adam Dean

KANJUR, Bangladesh  This is not how Mabia Khatun, 75, imagined she would spend her old age: as a refugee, cocooned in a blanket and carried for 17 days through the jungle, fleeing devastating violence in Myanmar.

As Bangladeshi fishermen pass the blanket by on the way to their boats, a weak hand emerges to beg for water. Slowly, Mabias dusty face emerges as her sons lower the bamboo stick that the blanket is hanging from.

I didnt know what was happening because I was in the blanket, she wheezes. She is sick, and thirsty. It is hours since she last drank, and sweating heavily in the blanket, she is wilting. I am unable to walk, but to live, I have to fight.

An estimated 370,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh since the latest bout of violence convulsed Myanmars Rakhine state on August 25.

Forced to trek for days in search of safety, often through mountainous jungle and across brimming rivers, elderly people like Mabia are among the most vulnerable refugees reaching the neighbouring country.

Mabia Khatun (unseen in blanket), a 75-year-old Rohingya refugee, is carried by two of her sons after crossing from Myanmar, near Whaikhyang, Bangladesh.  UNHCR/Adam Dean

An elderly Rohingya refugee rests soon after crossing into Bangladesh from Myanmar near Whaikhyang, Bangladesh.  UNHCR/Adam Dean

Imran Hussain (right) weeps as he leads his grandson and daughter Senwara Begum (left) after crossing the border from Myanmar into Bangladesh near Whaikhyang.  UNHCR/Adam Dean

A Rohingya refugee soon after crossing into Bangladesh from Myanmar near Whaikhyang, Bangladesh.  UNHCR/Adam Dean

A 70-year-old Rohingya refugee is helped by her son after crossing into Bangladesh from Myanmar on foot in September 2017.  UNHCR/Adam Dean

When their village was torched, Mabias sons bundled her up and ran from the village. We love our mother, that is why we carried her, even though it was difficult, says her son Ali, who struggles along a muddy path towards the village of Kanjur, carrying Mabia.

The Rohingya, a largely stateless Muslim minority in Myanmar have been the victims of persecution in the past.

We love our mother, that is why we carried her, even though it was difficult.

This time it is worse than before, Mabia says, as two of her grandchildren rest up on a sack beside the path. And the violence is worst for the elderly. Unable to run, the elderly frequently rely on their relatives and neighbours to carry them to safety.

Grandfathers and grandmothers dragging their grandchildren along paths and roads are a common sight, as younger family members lug large sacks of rice or pots and pans. Hungry and weak, many are being propped up by their younger relatives.

One hundred metres further back, closer to the river, is Mabias sister-in-law Amina. She is 80, wearing a bright yellow headscarf and being supported by two sons. She has been walking for 15 days from her home village in Myanmar.

I had to rest, because I am old. It was so difficult. Like Mabia, this is the worst bout of violence that she can remember.

Elderly Rohingya couple travelled for 8 days to flee violence in Myanmar

On the river, a half dozen fishermen row up and down. The fishermen are taking up to 10,000 Taka (US$123) to ferry fleeing Rohingya across the river into Bangladesh.

Those without the cash pay with treasured family heirlooms that they had hoped to save for future generations.

Mustafa Khatun, 80, is seated regally in a red plastic chair, in another time, another place, it would have been described as a sedan chair. Her 25-member strong family has crossed in the last boat of the day and are resting before they make the final move towards the road that leads from the border to the refugee camps.

We saw four people. They were just sitting there, they didnt have anybody to help them.

Mustafa, her four sons and 17 grandchildren fled from Maungdaw 17 days ago. I was carried by my sons. They carried me here on this chair, with the bamboo sticks. Despite her plight, she retains a sense of humour. Weve even bought the chickens, she jokes.

Mabia and Mustafa are the fortunate ones. During the chaos that followed the attack on their village, Mustafas son Abu Siddiq says that he had seen some of the oldest Rohingya simply sat by the road, too tired or sick to go further by themselves. We saw four people alive and one dead person.

There is a clap of thunder over the hills in Myanmar. It is drizzling. They were just sitting there, they didnt have anybody to help them, he says.
Narayangadh-Muglin road to open 24 hours

In view of the upcoming local level elections in Province 2 and the major festivals, vehicular movement along the Narayangadh-Muglin road is set to be 24-hour from Wednesday.
NOC chief Khadkas fate hangs in balance

The Ministry of Supplies (MoS) has submitted a final report on the controversial land purchase deals of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), recommending action against Gopal Bahadur Khadka, chief of the state-owned oil monopoly.
September 13 2017

New Waverley are pressing ahead with an Allan Murray Architects designed office development at New Street, Edinburgh, following a commitment by the UK civil service to lease 190,000sq/ft of space A revised planning application calls for a reconfiguration of the approved space to meet government requirements to house 2,900 staff entailing a number of minor updates. This includes additional office floorspace at level four and a revised bridge link connecting north and south elements of the scheme will be reduced in width.The project will otherwise remain largely identical to the scheme consented in 2014 with natural natural sandstone walling, dark zinc roofing and cladding panels, glass balustrading, green roof coverings and high-pressure laminate timber cladding panels.In a statement the architects observed: To meet the Government Property Units requirements there is a need to reconfigure the office accommodation at level four. This detailed planning application is submitted to bring forward the reconfigured offices.While the proposed office building will remain largely as consented, it has been judged that the changes are material and require a new application.Completion of the new office space is anticipated by summer 2019.
NRB gives extra time to problematic institutions to replenish capital

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the banking sector regulator, has directed financial institutions that have been removed from the list of problematic institutions to meet the new minimum regulatory paid-up capital requirement within mid-July 2019.
Reorganization of UW Academic Affairs Nears Completion

Structural changes in the University of Wyomings Division of Academic Affairs are nearly complete, aimed at improving student enrollment, retention and completion by bringing campus units focused on student services together with the universitys academic functions.

The reorganization also is intended to redistribute functions carried out by the former Outreach School, part of an effort to achieve efficiencies and improve effectiveness and service to all UW students -- those studying on the Laramie and Casper campuses as well as those studying at a distance.

New Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Kyle Moore arrived at UW three weeks ago and is working with his team in the offices of Admissions, Registrar, and Scholarships and Financial Aid to establish a new enrollment management enterprise that will enhance the universitys ability to recruit, enroll and support an academically strong and diverse student body in alignment with UWs goals for enrollment.

Added to the duties of Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Anne Alexander are the Advising, Career Services and Exploratory Studies (ACES) office (formerly the Center for Advising and Career Services), the Student Educational Opportunity programs, and the Science and Mathematics Teaching Center -- in addition to expanded transfer services in the form of the new Transfer Success Center, the STEP tutoring program, the Synergy program, accreditation and program review, and the Army and Air Force ROTC programs.

Within this cluster, the reorganization has allowed stronger collaboration and cooperation among groups responsible for retention services, academic success and postgraduate career preparation. This includes those primarily responsible for the undergraduate academic curriculum and programs, such as the general education curriculum, transfer relations, academic advising and career services, and multiple academic support programs.

A new Global Engagement Office has been established to expand recruitment of international students and broaden the exposure of faculty and students to international events and cultures. Through gifts from the Cheney family and other donors, UW holds the largest study-abroad scholarship endowment of any four-year, land-grant institution. A national search is underway for a new associate vice provost for global engagement, who will be tasked with expanding opportunities for transformative learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom -- including internships, research and international experiences. This person also will work with the Global Engagement Office team to provide programs and support for students and faculty, facilitate global research partnerships and promote global citizenship.

The Academic Affairs reorganization also is intended to put into place structures that embrace and support the 21st century instructional environment, including online, hybrid, distance and outreach teaching approaches, along with strong partnerships with community colleges. Mark Lyford, executive director of the Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning (ECTL), leads the team from ECTL and the newly created Office of Distance Education Support to help colleges and departments broaden their educational efforts across the state, region and nation.

The Office of Distance Education Support will work with UW colleges and departments to offer a broader set of courses, certificates and degrees to meet the educational needs of Wyoming and regional citizens who are unable to complete coursework on site at UW or UW-Casper.

The dean of UW-Casper, Jeff Edgens, is leading efforts to assure that UWs branch campus in Casper thrives and meets the needs of that community, in cooperation with Casper College, by providing access to bachelors degrees, certificates and graduate degrees. Edgens also oversees UWs regional centers in Cheyenne, Cody, Gillette, Jackson, Powell, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan and Torrington -- each served by an academic coordinator to provide information on the array of UW academic programs available through distance and on-campus courses.

The UW Board of Trustees is expected to soon appoint an associate vice provost for graduate education, who will be tasked with facilitating new strategic graduate degree initiatives and providing guidance and support for graduate faculty mentors and graduate students.

The board also is expected to appoint a dean for the newly formed Honors College, who will provide the vision and leadership to structure a formal experiential learning portfolio and will work with faculty to expand the curriculum to tap into the opportunity for students to pursue an honors credential in their disciplines. The Honors College will infuse and formalize high-impact practices for its students, including first-year experiences, writing-intensive courses, undergraduate research, service learning, internships and capstone projects. Plans call for the Honors College to be fully in place by fall 2020, although several colleges and departments, including the College of Engineering and Applied Science, are moving forward with development of honors tracks that could be in place before then.

The new Academic Affairs organization chart may be found at www.uwyo.edu/acadaffairs/_files/docs/academic_affairs_org_chart.pdf.
Objections to local units changing their name or centre

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development has said that about 30 local units have changed their name or centre where their office is located, going against the Order on Operation of Local Level Governance issued by the Centre.
Om Hospital tense after patient dies during treatment

Om Hospital in Chabahil, Kathmandu became tense on Wednesday following the death of a patient during treatment at the hospital.
Plight of Rohingyas

The recent Rohingya exodus from the Rakhine region of Myanmar has brought to light three critical aspects of refugee movement in South Asia.


On Tuesday, Aug. 29, Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil teamed up with the Estate of Michael Jackson to celebrate the King of Pops birthday in Las Vegas (Pictured: Cast members from Michael Jackson ONE on the red carpet  Photo credit: Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil).

Photo credit: Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil

Hosted at the Michael Jackson ONE Theater at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the fifth annual birthday bash dazzled guests throughout the day, commemorating the special occasion with unforgettable activities, coveted prizes, a never-before-seen performance and more.

Photo credit: Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil

To kick off the festivities, guests enjoyed a rare, sneak peek behind the curtain of the world-renowned show as they observed cast members rehearse for the evenings performance. Fans delighted in the opportunity as they observed the inner-workings of the show, also witnessing a scene change onstage for the first time. As part of the experience, acrobats from the show participated in a Q&A, with lucky guests also winning prizes during a game of Michael Jackson ONE trivia.

Photo credit: Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil

The celebration continued with a never-before-seen, one-time-only performance by the cast of ONE, who joined forces once again to create a specially choreographed number in honor of the King of Pop on his special day. Performing to Michael Jacksons Blood on the Dance Floor  a song not featured in the show  the cast captivated audience members as they performed their original choreography, complete with mesmerizing aerial acts, magical silhouette imagery and stunning dance routines.

Photo credit: Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil

Following the performance, Michael Bush, Jacksons designer and dresser for 25 years, participated in a special book signing at the Michael Jackson ONE Boutique, where he signed copies of his book The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson.

Photo credit: Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil

Following the event, guests were invited to a meet-and-greet birthday cake reception, where they mingled with members of the Estate, their invited guests including Jamie King and Rich Talauega, and cast members from Michael Jackson ONE.


The American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) granted Touro University Nevada unanimous board approval on August 26 to substantially expand its class size, thus the institution will continue leading the state of Nevada as its largest medical school.

Touros presentation to the COCA board to expand and welcome additional students was met with resounding approval. This change in class size will increase the medical education pipeline and will have a positive impact on providing future health care providers for the entire state, said Dr. John Dougherty, Dean of Touros College of Osteopathic Medicine. Touros program has longstanding success in curriculum development, community partnerships, national board scores, and residency placement which played a key role in the expansion approval from the board.

For more than a decade Touro University Nevada had been the only medical school based in Southern Nevada, a community with more than two million residents, working to continuously address the physician shortage and quality of care. Each year the campus, located in Henderson, receives 5-6,000 applicants for its medical program, of which 3,500 are qualified under the universitys admissions standards. With only 135 positions to fill, many highly qualified applicants have been turned away.

Touro University Nevada has been leading the way for medical education in Southern Nevada since 2004, said Shelley Berkley, CEO & Senior Provost of Touros Western Division. We went before the accrediting commission to ask for the class size increase in an effort to further our commitment to address physician shortages throughout the entire state. Having met the criteria and receiving the Commissions unanimous approval is an extraordinary success for our campus and all Nevadans.

Currently, the state of Nevada is ranked last in the country for primary care physicians and last for the majority of surgical specialties. Touro University Nevadas College of Osteopathic Medicines request for growth of the approved class size was directly in response to this ranking and the increased demand for physicians-in-training in the community.


Blonde bombshell Sabina Kelley joined forces with Stop Staring! and Sort This Out Cellars to release something new and fun to drink and play with, Sabina Kelley Pin Me Up Pinot Noir (Photo credit: Shane ONeal).

Photo credit: Shane ONeal

Partying with Sabina last night at the Double Helix in Town Square were Melody Sweets, Claire Sinclair, JD Scott, Ms. Redd, Christy Mack, Jennifer Affronti and others.

Photo credit: Shane ONeal

The bottle will be accompanied by a sticker pack with clothing and accessories, many sold by the incredibly popular Stop Staring! Clothing company. You can change Sabinas clothes, add a pair of her signature Chucks or put a bandana or bow in her hair. Not unlike the paper doll books many girls played with as a child.only this is the adult version. You can remove and switch out the clothing and accessories as many times as you like.

Photo credit: Shane ONeal
The press conference announcing the 25th Oktoberfest Vietnam

The German Businesses Association and the Delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam (GIC/AHK Vietnam) announced today that the 25th Oktoberfest Vietnam would be held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, under the patronage of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Hanoi.

This year, celebrations will be first held at Hotel Nikko Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) from September 21-23. The event will start at 6 PM and last until midnight.

Hanoi-based participants can celebrate Oktoberfest from October 5-7 at the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi. The famous Vietnamese actress Lan Phuong will be a special guest at the event.

Last year's Oktoberfest Vietnam set the bar high

The first Oktoberfest Vietnam was held in 1992 and immediately earned a special place in Vietnams social calendar. Throughout the last 25 years, the event has created an authentic Bavarian party in Vietnam, resembling the atmosphere in the original Oktoberfest in Munich. Besides premium German beer, guests can enjoy traditional German cuisine and music from Munich-based Anton Showband.

Oktoberfest is a get-together of the German, Vietnamese, and international business communities for a cheerful and relaxing time, said Marko Walde, chairman of the German Business Association and chief representative of GIC/AHK Vietnam.

Mark Van Der Wielen, general manager at JW Marriott Hotel, revealed that the hotel has been hosting Oktoberfest Vietnam for four consecutive years now. This year, JW Marriott will continue to serve a variety of Bavarian specialties typically associated with Oktoberfest, including German beer, sausages, and pretzels, along with fun games and prize draws to celebrate the 25th anniversary.
North Korean soldiers stand at a fence on the bank of the Yalu river near the North Korean town of Sinuiju, opposite the Chinese border city of Dandong, in China's northeast Liaoning province. (Photo: AFP/Greg Baker)

North Korean soldiers stand at a fence on the bank of the Yalu river near the North Korean town of Sinuiju, opposite the Chinese border city of Dandong, in China's northeast Liaoning province. (Photo: AFP/Greg Baker)

Staff at branches in Beijing and the border city of Yanji - a major trade and transportation hub between the two neighbours - said their banks have banned North Koreans from opening new accounts and some have even started to close existing ones.

The restrictions were imposed well before the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved, with China's blessing, new sanctions on Pyongyang on Monday following its latest and largest nuclear test.

Employees at several branches of the country's "big four" - Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China and China Construction Bank - confirmed the financial curbs for North Korean clients.

"We have frozen their accounts, which means they cannot withdraw (money)," a staff member at a Yanji branch of China Construction Bank told AFP.

"They cannot use (their accounts) in Yanji anymore, as well as our services ... We have already started to inform them to cancel their account. If they can cancel, we let them cancel. If they cannot, we will not let them use it," the staffer said.

An employee at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in Yanji said the restrictions began last year or the previous year.

"We also won't open new accounts now. We offer no service to them. Opening accounts or foreign currency operations, we don't offer such services to them," the employee said.

Other local bank branches said the bans have been carried out for a while, but they did not remember exactly when.

Some said they have received a written document on the ban but others said there has only been a "verbally delivered" message.

A staff member at a Beijing branch of China Construction Bank said they received a notice in May, and North Koreans can no longer conduct transactions.

An Agricultural Bank of China employee in Beijing said North Koreans are barred from opening new accounts but those with current accounts can carry out transactions.

CUT OFF NUCLEAR FUNDS

Zhang Liangui, a professor at the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee school, said the ban is "very normal" and in accordance with UN resolutions.

"Chinese banks restricting financial flows between (China and) North Korea is actually restricting trade on the whole," Zhang said.

"It mainly aims at limiting North Korea's foreign exchange revenue and cutting off the foreign exchange (supply) that it needs to develop its nuclear plans."

A 2013 UN Security Council resolution stipulates that member states must curb financial services or transactions that could subsidise North Korea's nuclear programmes.

China has long been accused of lax enforcement of UN sanctions on North Korea, and US President Donald Trump complained earlier this year that trade between the two countries surged in the first quarter.

In June, the United States slapped sanctions on the Bank of Dandong, a Chinese bank located at the border with North Korea which it accused of "facilitating millions of dollars of transactions for companies involved in North Korea's WMD (weapons of mass destruction) and ballistic missile programs."

But China has insisted that it adheres to the UN sanctions. It suspended North Korean coal imports in February and more recently banned new business ventures and stopped buying iron, seafood and lead from its neighbour.

China also backed Monday's UN resolution, which bans textile exports and restricts shipments of oil products, though it did so only after Washington toned down its original proposal to secure the backing of Beijing and Moscow.
The APEC is at the right place to push environmental cooperation to the next level. Source: wwwapec.org

The APEC has made remarkable progress in the past quarter century. A significant share of goods and services accrue little or no tariffs at all and good work has been done to deal away with barriers to trade and services. Additionally, most sectors are now open to international investment, signalling the remarkable headways made towards economic unity and the creation of a free trade area.

Riding on this remarkable momentum, the APEC economies find themselves at a place where they might start looking beyond trade policy and intensify efforts to achieve the far larger objectives set at their first meeting in 1993.

These objectives spelled out in the APEC Leaders Economic Vision Statement include coordinating policies to tackle emerging global challenges. In fact, a multitude of the current ails of humanity seem to strike the Asia-Pacific particularly hard.

Climate change and environmental concerns, connectivity, and joint human resources development are all on the list awaiting closer cooperation.

APEC economies are now in the right place to work out a specific roadmap to tackle the most urgent issues where concerted effort of the Asia-Pacific could affect unprecedented gains.

The weight of accord among the APEC economies has already been felt on the global scale when the APECs model of voluntary concerted unilateral decision-making led to the Nationally Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement.

As developing economies are subject to the most adverse effects of climate change, a particularly strong accord among the APEC economies was born, creating some much-needed pressure to facilitate a stronger stance on climate change. The concert was somewhat understandable: about 70 per cent of natural disasters occur in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the APEC website.

Growing concerns across Asia Agribusiness magazine Far Eastern Agriculture cites a meeting of Agriculture Ministers from the APEC in Vietnam as claiming that many key agricultural regions in Asia are already at risk of crossing key climate thresholds after which the productivity of plants and animals goes into decline. For instance, an FAO research states that certain regions in Asia are already near the heat stress limits for rice, a focal crop of APEC agricultural production.

As the APEC also account for 60 per cent of the global energy consumption, it is imperative to reduce the portion of fossil fuels in the regional energy mix to mitigate the growing damage caused by climate change. The accelerating industrialisation and urbanisation across the member economies are a particular cause to step up environmental protection and sustainability efforts as energy demand and consumption levels are set to skyrocket by 2020.

Concerted action has obvious benefits in as much as it creates unified international response to problems transcending the toolkits of national decision making, boosting the efficiency of mitigation efforts.

The cooperation of APEC economies, a sizeable bloc of many of the globes developing countries and prime victims of climate change and other transnational security threats, makes for heavy pressure in the international scene, pushing for mitigation efforts along the lines of the common but differentiated responsibilities principle endorsed by the UNFCCC of 1992, as can be seen in the Nationally Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement.

Showing a united front is not only a potent tool to better exert pressure in the international arena, but a precursor to regional cooperation on technology and know-how transfer. As a regional grouping, the APEC has significant internal depth facilitating the traffic of goods, services, people, and information among member economies.

Environmental protection, as such, has been on the table since the 1993 APEC Leaders Economic Vision Statement, but little has been done during the 1990s or the 2000s, even. Much of this can be ascribed to the fact that although APEC leaders envisioned a wider cooperation from the early stages, it has taken until 2011 to make the first significant step by agreeing to reduce energy intensity by at least 45 per cent by 2035.

The next step was made in 2013, when the APEC Foreign and Trade Ministers agreed to increase forest cover by 20 million hectares by 2020. Ministries also committed to promote sustainable forest management and enhance governance through institutional and legal frameworks, indigenous community participation, and strengthened efforts to combat illegal logging and associated trade, among others.

2014 proved a big year for environmental commitments, as the year saw both the Beijing and the Xiamen Declarations. In the Beijing Declaration APEC Energy Ministers vowed to double the share of renewables in the regional energy mix by 2030, while in the Xiamen Declaration ocean-related ministers identified four areas for collaboration.

Four priority areas for collaboration in the Xiamen Declaration Coastal and marine ecosystem conservation and disaster resilience; The role of the ocean on food security and food-related trade; Marine science, technology, and innovation; Blue economy

The early 2010s saw sprouting environmental initiatives taking shape, such as the Green Towns initiative, a series of low-carbon model town projects helping urban planners formulate feasibility and development plans for reducing their citys carbon footprint by setting carbon dioxide emission targets and initiatives from solar power to electric motorbikes.

According to the APEC website, the initiative has so far been implemented in Tianjin (China) in 2011, Samui Island (Thailand) in 2012, and Danang (Vietnam) in 2013 and its next stop will be San Borja in Peru.

Another environmental cooperation method under the aegis of the APEC is the Clean Transportation initiative promoting clean energy for shipping. These projects running under the APEC Transportation Working Group focus on lowering the carbon footprint of marine transportation and promoting sustainable port development and construction. The APEC has also agreed to promote the usage of electric vehicles and energy-efficient automotive components and standards across the region.

The Adapting to Climate Change initiative is the venue for the APEC to collaborate with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to assess the impacts of climate change on agriculture in developing APEC economies and to help local farmers adapt to changing weather conditions. The project models rainfall and temperature changes, analysing how they affect crop yield and identifying vulnerable regions.

The APEC Climate Center provides climate information, research, and technical support to help economies mitigate climate-related hazards. The center also runs regular symposia and seminars as well as the Outreach Program for Developing Countries.

APEC economies are also promoting trade in a wide range of environmental goods in the regionfrom solar panels to wind turbines, as put by the organisation website.

The original aim was to reduce tariffs to 5 per cent or less by the end of 2015. Throughout the years, the APEC economies grew from environmental goods importers (2002-2007) into slight exporters, a tendency that will hopefully continue, increasing the gap between exports and imports.

Source: www.apec.org

As the APEC is gathering this November in Danang, Vietnam for another summit, member economies as well as the world at large are awaiting progress transcending trade policy and cooperation. With luck, such progress will be visited upon the field of environmental cooperation, further cementing unity and decisive action to a growing international concern.
The finance ministry wants to replace paper bills by e-invoices starting next year. - Photo hoadondientu.info.vn

The Ministry of Finance is drafting a circular on invoices, noting that paper bills will be replaced by e-invoices from the start of 2018. However, businesses have complained that they are not prepared for the change.

Over the past year, several firms have run a pilot program for using e-invoices, helping them to save costs and add convenience to their corporate management.

A representative of Orient Commercial Joint Stock Bank said that under the draft, each e-invoice must contain a verifying code provided by the tax authority at a fee of VND300, estimating that the verifying fees might cost the bank VND300 million per month. Policies on e-invoicing must be given careful consideration because e-invoicing should aim to cut costs for businesses, not push up costs.

Several foreign firms have also expressed concern.

According to Ajinomoto Viet Nam, when goods are transported by road, market watchdogs and government polices might require invoices for checking. The company questioned whether submitting an e-invoice would be accepted nationwide.

Another problem identified was the inadequate technology and information infrastructure, which would barely meet the demand for handling the huge volume of invoices.

It is estimated that there are now some 4 billion invoices in circulation, in both paper and electronic form.

Deputy President of Dong Nai Import-Export Association Nguyen Ngoc Tuan said that applying the e-invoice system from the start of 2018 would be too stressful.

Tuan said both firms and tax watchdogs need a couple of years for adequate preparation, adding that paper and e-invoices should be accepted simultaneously during the roll-out period.

According to Nguyen Thi Thu Ha from the General Department of Taxations Tax Policies Department, the tax watchdog will revise its drafted policies to ensure feasibility as well as convenience for businesses.

Ha estimated that some 315 firms were using e-invoices as of the end of 2016, with 2.4 million bills verified by the tax authorities.
Tunnel boring machine to dig under Chure hills

The Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project has become the first project in the country to import a tunnel boring machine. The equipment will be used to dig a 12-km tunnel under the Chure hills to transfer water from the Bheri River to the Babai River.China Overseas Engineering Group, the contractor hired to develop the project, brought the tunnel boring machine manufactured by Robbins Company of the US to the project site on Tuesday.
Genesis: The best quality gio can be traced to Uoc Le, a tranquil village about 30 kilometres from Ha Nois centre. - VNS Photo Doan Tung

Traditionally, gio is made from minced lean pork tightly encased in fresh banana leaves rolled into a cylindrical shape and boiled. A roll of gio is then cut into slices about 2 centimetres thick and then cut into smaller parts before being served.

On the week-long Tet holiday, the most important celebration on the Vietnamese calendar, almost every family will partake of a roll of gio, along with banh chung (square sticky rice cakes) and boiled chicken.

Decades ago, meat was scarce and only served on special occasions. On ancestor death anniversaries, for instance, the women of the family would prepare an elaborate set of dishes, among which xoi (steamed sticky rice), boiled chicken and a plate of neatly-placed gio slices were a must.

Unique dish

Nguyen Tuan (1910-1987), known as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, wrote proudly about this dish in Gio Cha (Vietnamese Sausage). Pork is a ubiquitous food. Except in those countries where pork is taboo, people all over the world have eaten pork and tried to find different cooking methods suitable to their tastebuds," he wrote, adding, "we are quite creative. We use pork to make gio, for example. Its not boasting to say that among the countries consuming pork, only Vietnamese have this unique dish.

In his writing, Tuan cited Liu, an old native of Ha Nois Uoc Le Village with 60 years of experience in making gio. According to Liu, pounding pork is an important step and gio makers must concentrate intensely on this job.

Liu recalled that when he made gio in the old days, before electric fans were available, he was covered in sweat but even when a mosquito bit him, he had to keep pounding the meat. The pounding need not be strong, but it must be steady and lengthy. Listening to the sound of pounding, one can tell whether the batch will turn out well. Liu said that when his hands tired, he would signal his grandchildren to pour some wine into his mouth.

In my childhood... these Uoc Le natives would travel throughout the city, roaming the small alleys, to sell gio and find families that are about to have a party or ancestors death anniversaries to offer them gio, wrote Nguyen Tuan.

Gio come in different sizes  there are slices that are 7 centimetres or 12 centimetres thick, they also sell small slices that are as thin as a cats tongue. On days when I was a well-behaved kid, my grandmother would buy me the thin slices and put them at the bottom of the rice bowl, so that I would not eat them before eating the rice, he wrote.

Delicious: Traditionally, gio is made from minced lean pork tightly encased in fresh banana leaves rolled into a cylindrical shape and boiled. A roll of gio is then cut into slices about 2 centimetres thick and then cut into smaller parts before being served. - Photo baotintuc.vn

Uoc Le Village

The best quality gio can be traced to Uoc Le, a tranquil village about 30 kilometres from Ha Nois centre.

There are no official documents about the genesis of gio in the village, yet according to 65-year-old native Nguyen Van Mui, head of the village senior citizens association, Uoc Le people have been making gio for at least 100 years.

Currently, more than 90 per cent of village households still make gio. As people in our neighbourhood alone cant consume such large amounts of gio, villagers have to migrate to other regions to sell their products, said Nguyen Viet Tuong, head of Uoc Le Village. Uoc Le people are now present all over the country. They return on special occasions only.

Doing this job requires hard work. People have to wake up as early as 3am. The high quality of our gio is attributed to several factors. One of them is the meat, said Le Tien Manh, a 45-year-old Uoc Le-based gio maker. The type used in making gio must be lean meat, fresh and a bit sticky on its surface.

Fish sauce and seasoning are added to the minced meat before the mixture is encased tightly in layers of banana leaves, which give the gio a unique taste. The fresh minced meat is well blended with the tartness and slight bitterness of the fresh banana leaves when they are boiled.

It takes about an hour to get the mixture finely cooked. One can tell if gio is well-cooked by throwing it onto a hard surface. If it bounces, the gio is good, said Manh.

The peak time for gio makers is in the lead up to Tet. Their business are busy till the last day of the year. And only by the 30th of the 12th lunar month, Uoc Le people can travel to their home village to prepare for the biggest celebration of the year, Tuong said.

"This is the time for family and friend reunions of those who live far from their home village. On these first days of the new year, people gather, hold parties and talks about their work and life after a long hard-working year, said Tuong.

Other variants of gio include cha (a mixture of minced pork deep fried with pepper or cinnamon) and gio bo (beef sausage). They are all eaten generally with rice, xoi (steamed sticky rice), banh cuon (steamed rice pancakes) or banh mi (Vietnamese baguette).
The APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group Meeting took place in Ho Chi Minh City on September 13. Source: Vietnam News

Following the APEC 2017 Startups Forum yesterday, today, the 45th APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group Meeting took place in Ho Chi Minh City, continuing the discussions of APEC economies on providing SMEs with timely support in many aspects.

Vietnam proposed ideas to provide startups with further incentives and this proposal will be considered one of the main results of the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting this year.

Nguyen Hoa Cuong, deputy director of the Ministry of Planning and Investment's (MPI) Business Development Department cum chair of APEC SMEs Working Group, said that the initiative to support SMEs expressed the wish of the Vietnamese government to develop SMEs.

In his opening speech at the meeting, Dang Huy Dong, MPI Deputy Minister, said that the APEC has become an active bloc and is now deeply integrated into the international economy. The number of SMEs accounts for 98 per cent of all enterprises in this region and they play an important role in developing the regional economy as well as bringing about job opportunities.

However, many SMEs are facing difficulties due to their limited competitive capacity. APEC economies must find ways to enhance administration, promote technological innovation, approach new sources of funding, find new markets, and ensure a favourable business environment. Especially, Industry 4.0 innovations promise to bring about more chances for SMEs strong and rapid development.

Delegates from APEC economies discussed solutions for SMEs to approach various financial sources and favourable markets and improving the business ecosystem. They also discussed potential cooperation opportunities and clarified the priority fields with the aim of enhancing the APEC regions competitive capacity.
The idea was put forward yesterday as the NASC and representatives of the Government discussed the revised Law on Public Debt.

Chairman of the NA Committee for Finance and Budget, Nguyen Duc Hai, said the committee thought that having a single body managing public debt is necessary to restructure the State budget, better manage public debt and ensure a stable national finance system.

The committee proposed the MoF shoulders this responsibility, which involves both the tasks it is currently performing and new ones. Under current law the additional tasks belong to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV).

These include the mobilisation of domestic and foreign loans, the management of borrowed capital, monitoring debt payment obligations, negotiation and signing of domestic and foreign loans, including ODA, preferential loans and foreign commercial loans, among others.

Other ministries and ministerial-level agencies would be responsible for co-operating with the MoF in public debt management, the committee suggested.

The proposal was put forward despite the fact that the Government still wants to maintain the status quo, citing a wish to avoid causing organisational reshuffling and instability at the three agencies involved.

Under the Law on Public Debt 2009, the MPI is responsible for issues relating to ODA while the SBV is assigned to work on negotiations and the signing of agreements between Viet Nam and international financial and monetary institutions.

NA Vice Chairman Phung Quoc Hien mentioned concerning incidents, such as the sharp increase in public debt and excessive ODA loans over the past few years, attributing them to shortcomings in public debt management.

He said there existed overlapping roles in public debt management and proposed a review of the articles involving the role of MPI and SBV in the current law.

NA Secretary General Nguyen Hanh Phuc agreed: We are carrying out administrative reform. How can we call it reform while one job is assigned to three agencies?

It is not the first time that this idea has been proposed. It was in fact raised by many deputies at the debate on the revised law during the third session of the NA in June.

As the NASC and the Government still havent been able to come to an agreement, NASC members suggested asking for the Politburos opinion regarding the issue.
Textiles are one of North Korea's major exports, estimated to be worth around US$750 million a year. (Photo: AFP/KNS)

But Washington toned down its initial proposals to secure backing from China and Russia.

Here are some key questions on UNSC resolution 2375, and its attempt to end the North's nuclear weapons and missile programmes.

WHAT IMPACT WILL THE OIL MEASURES HAVE?

The new resolution ends natural gas shipments to North Korea, caps crude oil shipments at their current levels, and puts a ceiling on refined oil products such as petrol and diesel.

North Korea has little oil of its own, relying on imports to keep its citizens and soldiers moving.

The US initially sought an oil embargo, which China - North Korea's sole ally and main trading partner - strongly opposed.

Instead the resolution limits crude oil shipments from any country to the amount sent to the North in the last 12 months.

Beijing does not publish statistics for crude oil shipments to the North, shrouding the issue in secrecy, but is believed to supply around 4 million barrels a year.

The resolution also limits the North to importing 2 million barrels a year of refined oil products - representing a 15 per cent cut based on UN-WTO International Trade Centre estimates, although some analysts put the effect as high as 56 per cent.

"It's a red light for the growth of the North Korean economy," said Cheong Seong-Chang of Seoul's Sejong Institute, "but will not have huge impact on North Korea's military because the crude oil supply remains the same".

Crucially, the resolution includes an exemption for "livelihood purposes" - similar to clauses in past resolutions that have been used as loopholes.

Kim Hyun-Wook, professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, warned there are "no means to check how much crude oil is delivered through the pipeline" between China and North Korea.

Koo Kab-Woo of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul said the measures carried symbolic value as the "first US attempt at touching North Korea's economic lifeline".

HOW SIGNIFICANT IS THE TEXTILES BAN?

The resolution bans the import and export of textiles - both fabric and clothing - by the North.

Textiles are one of North Korea's major exports, estimated by Rajiv Biswas of IHS Markit to value US$750 million.

Analysts say the move could cut off a major source of foreign currency for Pyongyang.

China supplies materials to the North, where they are made into clothing in factories using cheap labour, and re-exported to China.

Most go to China and Russia, so the effects will depend on enforcement by Beijing and Moscow, said Koo. "It all depends on China and Russia's willingness."

A UN report published at the weekend said Pyongyang collected at least US$270 million over a six month-period this year by exporting "almost all of the commodities prohibited" by existing sanctions.

WHAT ABOUT OVERSEAS WORKERS?

The resolution bars countries from issuing new permits to the roughly 93,000 North Korean labourers working abroad.

Their toil, mainly at construction sites in Middle Eastern countries as well as Russia and China, earns revenue for Pyongyang.

There is an exemption for existing contracts. Analysts are sceptical about any immediate effects of the ban, but say it could increase pressure on Pyongyang over time.

WILL CARGO INSPECTIONS INCREASE?

Under the measure, countries are authorised to inspect ships suspected of carrying banned North Korean cargo - but must first seek the consent of the vessel's flag state, limiting the impact.

Washington had sought authorisation for searches by force, which Koo said China and Russia "strongly opposed".

North Korea is suspected of engaging in arms trade with countries in Africa and the Middle East.

The UN report said it was investigating "chemical, ballistic missile and conventional arms cooperation" between North Korea and Syria.

UN member states had interdicted shipments destined for Syria believed to be from the North's state-owned arms dealer, the Korea Mining and Development Trading Corporation (KOMID), it said.

WILL THE SANCTIONS CURB PYONGYANG'S AMBITIONS?

Analysts say the sanctions were significantly watered down from the initial draft proposal to get China and Russia on board and are sceptical about whether they will curb Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.

North Korea is already under multiple UN sanctions but has still made rapid progress in its nuclear and missile programmes.

"It is not enough to cause pain," said Go Myong-Hyun at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies.

Instead, said Koh of Dongguk University, the new sanctions will drive Pyongyang to accelerate its programmes.

"North Korea will try to become a nuclear state as quickly as possible to negotiate with the US as an equal before the effect of the sanctions fully kicks in," he said.

Pyongyang habitually attributes UN measures to the "hostile" US, which it blames for the body's actions.

And Kim Hyun-Wook of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, predicted: "The sanctions will only provide North Korea with an excuse for further provocations, such as an ICBM launch."
Each bottle of beer will be imposed a 65 per cent SCT from 2018. Photo: Duc Thanh

At present, the SCT on beer remains at 60 per cent, but from January 1, 2018, it will rise to 65 per cent. In addition, recently, MoF has proposed to increase the VAT on beer to 12 per cent from the current 10 per cent.

According to newswire Dan Tri, Nguyen Van Viet, chairman of the Vietnam Beer Alcohol Beverage Association (VBA), said that the real tax imposed on beer is much higher than the figure cited by Euromonitor.

In particular, every bottle of beer is imposed a VAT of 10 per cent and SCT of 60 per cent, thus, consumers have to bear 43.5 per cent of tax. At the beginning of 2018, when the new SCT is applied, consumers will have to shoulder 45.9 per cent for each bottle of beer, not to mention a possible VAT of 12 per cent.

It is forecasted that beer prices will increase, But the specific increase also depends on the market, the competition, and the strategy of each brewer, Viet said.

Mikio Masawaki, general director of Sapporo Vietnam, agreed with Viet and added that when the SCT increases to 65 per cent in 2018, the company will have to set new prices. Sapporo Vietnam will consider the market situation carefully to find an appropriate price.

Although brewers in Vietnam have not published the specific prices after the SCT rise, experts said that the extra tax will increase production costs, resulting in an approximate increase of 7 per cent in beer prices. Thus, there have been concerns that the rising price will affect demand, which brewers might countermand by increasing prices gradually to avoid a sharp cut in revenue.

Not only SCT and VAT

Not only the rising SCT and the possible growth of VAT, brewers in Vietnam are confronted with a possible additional 1-2 per cent raise in product price if the draft law on preventing and fighting against the harms of wine and beer consumption is passed and enacted. The additional charge will go to a fund to enhance community health initiatives.

Masawaki said that if this draft is passed and the law is enacted, the new levy will put a new burden on brewers.

On one side, Viet worried that this law may contribute to the rise of beer smugglers or counterfeit beers in the market. This will heavily damage brewers who strictly follow the law and pay tax, and will also affect the national budget.

On the other side, many experts agreed on increasing taxes on beer as well as other alcoholic beverages, as it can reduce consumption demand, which is necessary to reduce adverse health effects. The excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is also the root of many social problems, such as violence, insecurity, and traffic accidents.
Now is not a favourable time for the state to divest from Vinatex

Vinatex is on the list of the 55 enterprises in which SCIC will represent the state in divesting all state holdings. In particular, SCIC will be responsible for the divestment of all the 53.48 per cent of state holdings in Vinatex in 2018.

Vinatex was equitised in January 2015 with the chartered capital of over VND5 trillion ($220 million). Of the total, the state holds 53.48 per cent, an equivalent of VND2.675 trillion ($117.7 million).

Le Tien Truong, general director of Vinatex, said that divesting all state-owned capital is a measure to resolve business difficulties and enhance the companys competitive capacity as the competition in the textile and garment sector is getting fiercer.

According to several securities companies, divesting the states capital in Vinatex will not be smooth sailing due to many unfavourable conditions.

Talking with VIR, Nguyen Xuan Duong, chairman of Hung Yen Garment Corporation JSC, shared his opinion on Vinatex: I think that it will be difficult to sell the state holdings in Vinatex in this period, because recently, the attractiveness of the Vietnamese textile and garment industry has been fading. Previously, some foreign investors and investment funds showed interest in the industry, but after the US withdrawal from the TPP, the market has been less favourable, so attention has declined.

Duong added that the industry has hit rock bottom now, while the salary of workers constantly increases, which leads to low rates of return for investors. Thus, it is hard for the Vietnamese textile and garment industry to compete and also, in this period, very few investors are eyeing this industry.

Vinatex is looking for the appropriate investor to help expand its market share, enhance corporate governance, and expected rising demand in the domestic market, so that Vinatex can expand its scale.

This ambition was admitted by Truong, as Vinatex targets to raise its chartered capital to VND10-15 trillion ($440-660 million) within the next three to four years.

According to Truong, despite difficulties in divesting state-owned capital, Vinatex will try its best to ensure the efficiency of the divestment to avoid the loss of state assets.

We are concerned that our point of view will be different from investors perspectives, in which case the difference may become a bottleneck, Truong said.

Vinatex is waiting for a big change to make a breakthrough in business. We hope to sell all state holdings soon, so that Vinatex can be more proactive, Truong said.

In the first half of 2017, Vinatex generated a revenue of nearly VND8.2 trillion ($360.8 million), an increase of 15 per cent compared to the same period last year, and earned an after-tax profit of VND316.6 billion ($13.9 million), a growth of 4.5 per cent compared to the first half of 2016.

During this period, Vinatex reported total assets of nearly VND21 trillion ($924 million), an increase of 6 per cent. Meanwhile, its inventory also rose by more than VND400 billion ($17.6 million) to over VND3.6 trillion ($158.4 million).

Vinatex targets to generate a revenue of nearly VND16 trillion ($704 million) and reach a consolidated pre-tax profit of VND749 billion ($33 million) in 2017.
The signing ceremony of the logistics cooperation agreement between VNR and VNPost

Accordingly, the two sides agreed to cooperate in transportation services, postal services, as well as delivery, finance, insurance, goods distribution, and marketing and advertisement services.

In particular, VNPost will prioritise using VNR's railway transport services for its postal packages, while VNR will prioritise VNPost services, such as delivery of packages, documents, and goods at home and abroad in its network.

The two groups will also consider cooperating in transportation of all-in packages for customers and transportation of goods by rail from Vietnam to China.

VNR chairman Vu Anh Minh emphasised that the cooperation will help the two companies increase their competitiveness. "VNR is making a comprehensive revamp, including investments in railway stations, warehouses, and inland container depots (ICDs), while at the same time developing post-transport services," he added.

VNR is striving to increase operational efficiency by strengthening cooperation with other state-owned corporations.

In July this year, VNR also signed a cooperation agreement with Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) to strengthen cooperation in investment and business activities in the future.

In April, VNR inked a deal with Saigon Newport Corporation to build two inland container depots (ICDs) in Binh Duong province and Hanoi.
American Red Cross advance team members Vernon Van Dyne, from left, Victor Roosen, Judy Pike and Diane Dunder wait in the Red Hook ferry terminal to take the ferry to St. John on Tuesday.
On 9 and 10 September 2017, the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sergei Lavrov, met with his Saudi homologue and King Salmane in Riyadh.

In the final communique, the two parties declare:

Our examination of the problems in the Middle East has emphasized the need to reach, as soon as possible, a diplomatic and political settlement to the conflicts and crises that persist in this strategic region, notably, regarding the situation in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Libya, the Gulf area and the Palestinian territories. Both Russia and Saudi Arabia have confirmed that they share the same approach in principle. That is, the norms of international law, in particular, the principle that a state is sovereign over its own territory, should be respected; and the international community should be united in its fight against terrorism and extremist ideology.

Sergei Lavrov then went on to Amman. In the course of a press briefing, he went back to his visit to Saudi Arabia and declared:

Yes, I do think that Saudi Arabia is ready to find a solution to the Syrian crisis. This was confirmed right at the beginning of the Astana peace process when Russia, Turkey and Iran established this format. When this process was taking place, we received confirmation that Saudi Arabia would support this format and would be willing to cooperate to establish zones of deconfliction and to implement other initiatives that were elaborated at Astana. The Astana process, such that we see now, is the most efficient mechanism to stop bloodshed, to create conditions that would allow humanitarian issues to be resolved and to launch a political dialogue. It is at Astana, that direct dialogue between the government and the armed opposition is currently taking place. I think that everyone who supports this format is interested not only in the process being successful, but also in a solution being reached to the Syrian crisis that conforms to international law and to UN Security Council resolutions.

The meeting at Astana could be extended to 15 September.
Thank you, General. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.

I want to thank you, Secretary Mattis, General Dunford, members of the Cabinet, members of the Armed Forces, first responders, and most importantly, to the families and to the survivors: Its an honor to join you on this very, very solemn occasion. This is an occasion that is extraordinary, and it will always be extraordinary.

Before we begin, Id like to send our nations prayers to everyone in the path of Hurricane Irma and to everyone suffering through the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. These are storms of catastrophic severity, and were marshaling the full resources of the federal government to help our fellow Americans in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and all of those wonderful places and states in harms way.

When Americans are in need, Americans pull together  and we are one country. And when we face hardship, we emerge closer, stronger, and more determined than ever.

Were gathered here today to remember a morning that started very much like this one. Parents dropped off their children at school. Travelers stood in line at airports and getting ready to board flights. Here at the Pentagon and at offices all across the country, people began their early meetings.

Then, our whole world changed. America was under attack. First at the World Trade Center, then here at the Pentagon, and then in Pennsylvania. The horror and anguish of that dark day were seared into our national memory forever. It was the worst attack on our country since Pearl Harbor and even worse because this was an attack on civilians  innocent men, women, and children whose lives were taken so needlessly.

For the families with us on this anniversary, we know that not a single day goes by when you dont think about the loved ones stolen from your life. Today, our entire nation grieves with you and with every family of those 2,977 innocent souls who were murdered by terrorists 16 years ago.

Each family here today represents a son or daughter, a sister or brother, a mother or father, who was taken from you on that terrible, terrible day. But no force on Earth can ever take away your memories, diminish your love, or break your will to endure and carry on and go forward. Though we can never erase your pain, or bring back those you lost, we can honor their sacrifice by pledging our resolve to do whatever we must to keep our people safe.

On that day, not only did the world change, but we all changed. Our eyes were opened to the depths of the evil we face. But in that hour of darkness, we also came together with renewed purpose. Our differences never looked so small, our common bonds never felt so strong.

The sacrificed [sanctified] grounds on which we stand today are a monument to our national unity and to our strength. For more than seven decades, the Pentagon has stood as a global symbol of American might. Not only because of the great power contained within these halls, but because of the incredible character of the people who fill them. They secure our freedom, they defend our flag, and they support our courageous troops all around the world.

Among the 184 brave Americans who perished on these grounds were young enlisted service members, dedicated civil servants who had worked here for decades, and veterans who served our nation in Korea, in Vietnam, and in the Middle East. All of them loved this country and pledged their very lives to protect it.

That September morning, each of those brave Americans died as they had lived: as heroes doing their duty and protecting us and our country. We mourn them, we honor them, and we pledge to never, ever forget them.

We also remember and cherish the lives of the beloved Americans who boarded Flight 77 at Dulles Airport that morning. Every one of them had a family, a story, and beautiful dreams. Each of them had people they loved and who loved them back. And they all left behind a deep emptiness that their warmth and grace once filled so fully and so beautifully.

The living, breathing soul of America wept with grief for every life taken on that day. We shed our tears in their memory, pledged our devotion in their honor, and turned our sorrow into an unstoppable resolve to achieve justice in their name.

The terrorists who attacked us thought they could incite fear and weaken our spirit. But America cannot be intimidated, and those who try will soon join the long list of vanquished enemies who dared to test our mettle. (Applause.)

In the years after September 11th, more than 5 million young men and women have joined the ranks of our great military to defend our country against barbaric forces of evil and destruction. American forces are relentlessly pursuing and destroying the enemies of all civilized people, ensuring  and these are horrible, horrible enemies  enemies like weve never seen before. But were ensuring they never again have a safe haven to launch attacks against our country. We are making plain to these savage killers that there is no dark corner beyond our reach, no sanctuary beyond our grasp, and nowhere to hide anywhere on this very large Earth.

Since 9/11, nearly 7,000 servicemembers have given their lives fighting terrorists around the globe. Some of them rest just beyond this fence, in the shrine to our nations heroes, on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. They came from all backgrounds, all races, all faiths, but they were all there to dedicate their lives, and they defend our one great American flag. (Applause.)

They  and every person who puts on the uniform  has the love and gratitude of our entire nation.

Today, as we stand on this hallowed ground, we are reminded of the timeless truth that when America is united, no force on Earth can break us apart  no force.

On the morning of 9/11, Pentagon Police Officer Isaac Hoopii and  a special person  was one of many heroes whose love for his fellow Americans knew no bounds. He was a mile away when he got the call over his radio that a plane had crashed into the Pentagon. He sped to the scene and raced into smoke and fire. Few people would have done it. He ducked under live electrical wires and trudged through puddles of jet fuel only steps away from sparks and from vicious flame.

In the pitch black, he began calling out people in need of help. Isaac heard faint voices and he wanted to answer those faint voices. One by one, he carried people out of the burning rubble. He kept going back into the smoldering darkness, calling out to anyone who could hear, anyone who was alive. He saved as many as 20 people who had followed his voice; he carried eight himself.

For nearly 36 hours, Isaac kept on saving lives, serving our nation, and protecting our safety in our hour of need. And today, Isaac continues to do exactly that. Isaac still works at the Pentagon, now as a sergeant. Hes on duty right now, and hes joined us here today for the ceremony. And this morning, all of us  and all of America  thank Isaac for his service. Where is Isaac? Thank you. Thank you, Isaac. Thank you.

To Isaac and to every first responder and survivor of the attack, you carry on the legacy of the friends you lost. You keep alive the memory of those who perished. And you make America proud  very, very proud.

To the family members with us today, I know that its with a pained and heavy heart that you come back to this place. But by doing so, by choosing to persevere through the grief, the sorrow, you honor your heroes, you renew our courage, and you strengthen all of us. You really do. You strengthen all of us.

Here on the west side of the Pentagon, terrorists tried to break our resolve. Its not going to happen. But where they left a mark with fire and rubble, Americans defiantly raised the stars and stripes - our beautiful flag that for more than two centuries has graced our ships, flown in our skies, and led our brave heroes to victory after victory in battle. The flag that binds us all together as Americans who cherish our values and protect our way of life. The flag that reminds us today of who we are, what we stand for, and why we fight.

Woven into that beautiful flag is the story of our resolve. We have overcome every challenge  every single challenge, every one of them  weve triumphed over every evil, and remained united as one nation under God. America does not bend. We do not waver. And we will never, ever yield.

So here at this memorial, with hearts both sad and determined, we honor every hero who keeps us safe and free, and we pledge to work together, to fight together, and to overcome together every enemy and obstacle thats ever in our path.

Our values will endure. Our people will thrive. Our nation will prevail. And the memory of our loved ones will never, ever die.

Thank you. May God bless you. May God forever bless the great United States of America. Thank you very much.
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.
Jolie. Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

In an interview with the New York Times about her new feature First They Killed My Father, Angelina Jolie described how directing the movie led her to reevaluate her life at home. As the Times describes it, [Jolie] intimated that First They Killed My Father might have informed her decision to leave Mr. Pitt. The movie is based on the memoir of Loung Ung, who was 7 years old when the Cambodian genocide began, and follows her through her stint as a child soldier until she is reunited with her family. Loung had such horrors in her life but also had so much love, and that is why shes all right today, Jolie told the Times. That is something I need to remember.

Jolie said the familys transition, including her decision to buy a new house after spending nine months in a rental following the split, was difficult. It took me a few months to realize that I was really going to have to do it, she said. That there was going to have to be another base regardless of everything. That there was going to have to be a home. Another home. Working on the movie helped, she said, as did her brood of six: They really help me so much. Were really such a unit, she said, likening them to a fraternity. Theyre the best friends Ive ever had. Nobody in my life has ever stood by me more.
For once, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah may have discovered a theory that would exonerate Donald Trump of icky behavior, however, its doubtful the president will appreciate the shows explanation. On Tuesday night, correspondent Michelle Wolf stopped by behind the desk to talk about the question-and-answer round of the Miss America competition. As it turns out, these young beauty pageant contestants were ready to take on the biggest issues of the day, and they seemed much more poised and better informed than a certain politician. Remember how Donald Trump said he used to sneak into pageant dressing rooms? Maybe he wasnt being creepy, maybe he just needed answers, Wolf joked.

Noah and his writers will be appearing at the Tribeca TV Festival on Sunday, September 24.
As the would-be leader of the opposition to the resistance to the opposition, Jordan Klepper joined the crowd at Donald Trumps August 22 Phoenix rally with a mission in mind: Convince Americans to sign his petition to impeach Hillary Clinton. Though its impossible to impeach someone who is not in office, that doesnt much matter to Klepper in this teaser for his upcoming Comedy Central series, The Opposition. The former Daily Show correspondent is far more concerned about the unsubstantiated rumors not covered by mainstream media, and getting the word out about the anti-pho movement (he really isnt into Vietnamese broth). The Opposition With Jordan Klepper premieres September 25 and 11:30pm.
Kidman in Top of the Lake. Photo: SundanceTV/See-Saw Films

During the course of Nicole Kidmans very, very good year, the actress with the trademark porcelain skin and strawberry-blonde tresses has looked more or less like, well, Nicole Kidman. Which makes her Top of the Lake: China Girl role as Julia Edwards  the estranged mother of Mary, the daughter Robin Griffin (Elisabeth Moss) gave up for adoption 17 years earlier  all the more notable. Hair and makeup artist Noriko Watanabe, whos collaborated with both show creator Jane Campion and Kidman before, was charged with interpreting Campions vision for Julia. She says her aim was to convey a beautiful, strong, feminist mother who is also vulnerable. As she designed the look, she sent sketches to Kidman, who joined the shoot toward the end of production, for approval. The result is a cosmetic transformation in which the actress has a wrinkled, freckled face with an imperfect nose, a David Letterman-like gap between her teeth, and a mop of gray corkscrew curls. Unlike some arduous makeup jobs, Watanabes application time was a mere 25 minutes. Heres what else went into Kidmans altered appearance.

It all started with the hair.

Kidmans coiffeur is meant to mimic American artist Kiki Smiths gray mane. Watanabe says her work addresses themes of sex, birth, and regeneration. Perfect for a show whose story is awash in issues related to motherhood, child surrogacy, and sex work. To create the weave, Watanabe turned to U.K. wigmaker Peter Owen, with whom shes worked before, and whose wigs can be seen in many films, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Because the steel color she wanted is tricky to produce, Watanabe had Owen make four or five hairpieces in different shades of grey. He was also responsible for the wig topping actor David Denciks  creepy pimp Alexander Puss Braun  less-than-hirsute head.

Her freckled face came next.

After Kidmans hair was set, Watanabe got the actresss okay for visibly speckled skin. I thought, if this character has freckles, she wont hide them, she says. For spot-on placement from scene to scene, Watanabe made a pigmentation map that she referred to during application for consistency.

The tooth gap was instinctive.

In her initial sketch of Kidmans face, Watanabe drew a gap between her front teeth because it just felt right. Film veteran Art Sakamoto, whos fashioned dentures for a whos who of Hollywood actors, made Kidmans prosthetic. Watanabe says Kidman liked that the false teeth made the shape of her mouth a little different. Generally, it takes actors a few hours of practice to learn to speak normally with fake bridgework.

This isnt the actresss first nose job.

The last time Kidmans nose was out of joint, she won an Oscar. She has a very sweet-shaped nose, Watanabe says, so she added prosthetic bulge.

Its very subtle, but it changes her face to make it look stronger. Kidmans wrinkled brow is also artificial, the result of another prosthetic piece. Despite the fact that there was a lot for the actress to wear, Watanabe says she was kind and happy to go along with all of it.
Rostam Batmanglij is dangling a mostly empty coffee mug from his index finger and thumb on a lightly crowded street in Brooklyn. New Yorkers do all kinds of indoor things outside that would seem weird in any other place with more private space, like sprint to their bodega in a bathrobe and dramatically break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend in front of complete strangers. The thing is, Batmanglij hasnt been a New Yorker for about three years. He lives in Los Angeles now, but is in town to do a press tour for his new album, Half-Light. The mug came from a media companys office where he was filming a video interview but, so comfortable a flaneur is he, he didnt think it strange at all that hed head right out into the sunny late afternoon, cup in hand. When you live in New York long enough, he says, walking without much direction but a general desire to find a place to eat, it just gets under your skin.

Indeed, though Batmanglij doesnt have an apartment here anymore  he first moved to Manhattan in 2001 from his parents house in Washington, D.C., to go to Columbia  his new album is concerned with his time living here. It was at Columbia that he met Ezra Koenig, Chris Tomson, and Chris Baio, the three guys with whom he would eventually form a band called Vampire Weekend, in 2006. That group quickly found success with their brainy, jittery, neurotic music, which a writer for Vanity Fair once said evoked a latter-day version of Holden Caulfields Manhattan and, most people noticed, bore a resemblance to New York art-school legends Talking Heads. They became emblems of East Coast urban hipsterdom. Around the time the debut self-titled album was made, Batmanglij was living in Greenpoint, and, on our walk, he leads us toward Mikeys Hook-Up, a computer gear shop in Williamsburg, to show how much the city is a part of his history. At the beginning, the first Vampire Weekend album was called The Blue CD-R, because I bought blue blank CDs here to burn the album on, he says.

Until he quit the band in 2016, Batmanglijs primary artistic role had been in the background, as the producer and multi-instrumentalist  mostly guitar and keys  for the band, with Koenig providing the lyrics and voice. But he has been working on and fiddling with many of these solo songs for years, gearing up to be front and center. I had some things that I wanted to say. About what? I dont want to spell that out in an interview, he says, before relenting  a little. Yes, these songs are oftentimes about specific relationships. But thats not all they are about. And I think there is a power in songs and that power is to be about more than one thing. I hope thats not a cop-out.

He is guarded in conversation, laughing nervously at questions that are probing and that I never intended to be funny, while defensively telling me that hes not going to do my homework for me by revealing what all of his songs mean. Sometimes he talks and writes in wonky puzzles: The song title Sumer, he says, is Old English for summer, and then goes on to describe the 15th- and 16th-century Great Vowel Shift in which English spelling became formalized. Nonetheless, the album glows with romantic turmoil and raw nostalgia, like his own Good-bye to All That: Batmanglij calls out street names  14th Street on Bike Dream as the location where he had his head between his knees during what sounds like a hangover; coming out of the subway on 13th and Houston in Never Going to Catch Me in songs that detail adventures of love and self-reflection.

He sees Arthur Russell  an East Village musician who has come to epitomize the singular independence of New York artistry  as a major influence. Whatever you are making, whether its a song, an album, a painting, a film, youre connecting with a tradition, and I do feel connected to New York music. There are records by the Velvet Underground or the Strokes or Arthur Russell that I feel deeply connected to, he says. Arthur didnt see lines between genre. Over the course of his career, he made all kinds of music  he was searching for something, and I relate to that.

His own search is for, as he describes it, the intersection between the conventional and the unconventional and the world between classical and pop, between the acoustic and electronic. The album is sumptuous and textured, filled with churchy synths and light piano and Batmanglijs voice, which until now the world hadnt heard so clearly. It has a striking amount of character and soul, what Batmanglij tells me his longtime collaborator Ariel Rechtshaid once described as pain in the vocal cords. I think he meant it as a compliment, he says. Rechtshaid has also worked on Vampire Weekends Modern Vampires of the City, and the two of them are close colleagues; they did much of the work on the intimate songs at Batmanglijs home studio in Los Angeles. Rostams voice has a depth to it that moves me. Hes able to channel something very emotional, says Rechtshaid. Hes not wrong: There is certainly a bit of pain in Batmanglijs remarkably compelling voice. But its also so airy and whispery in tone, so sincere in its slightly twee stylization, that it sounds like hes feeling the entire spectrum of emotions, and feeling them hard. He sings like he perpetually has stars in his eyes, in love and sweetly observing everything around him, as if hes taking in the city in his first month away from home.

He produces that way too: The jingles and jangles on tracks like Sumer sound like Salvation Army Santas on Fifth Avenue, and the strings on Thatch Snow evoke a fall evening at Carnegie Hall. In the video for Gwan, a single from the album, Batmanglij is wearing almost precisely the same outfit he is today  a T-shirt with a blue woolly button-down over top and doing almost precisely the same thing, slowly ambling around a glittering New York with a smile on his face. Leaves were falling on the pavement, he sings sweetly, I was happy in the city. There are not leaves falling in the video, but so evocative is that classic city image for him, like something from a Nora Ephron movie, that hes grinning hard while he sings it anyway. When I moved to New York, I remember thinking, Im never going to live anywhere else, he says, recalling a prophecy that did not come true while loudly dragging the soles of his Yeezy boots along the cement.

Of course, New York is primarily a stage, and the real drama on Half-Light is Batmanglijs own life. The album is largely told from the first-person perspective  the first word on the album is I, which begins the sentence, I was dead and born again, in Sumer. It often sounds like he is reflecting on a private pre-fame life, and indeed, many of these songs were written as far back as 2010, when Vampire Weekend was on the tipping point of becoming a major pop-culture force. His scenery is often of a bourgeois, cultured New York  on Bike Dream he sings beside the bed I read this past weeks New Yorker, and I watch him paint Antarctica  but still a gloriously young and unencumbered one, inhabited by a fresh artist trying to make his way. On Gwan, he sings sweetly about how he took a friends car to the ocean, an image not so far off from the Ramones on the footloose Rockaway Beach.

Some of the songs are quite visceral, focusing on what seem like boys he likes or boys he has already slept with or boys he is sharing apartments with. On the brisk Bike Dream, he sings with bravado about what sounds, excitingly, like sex with a pair of guys at the same time. Two boys: one to kiss your neck and one to bring you breakfast, get you out of bed when youre sore from the night before. He says those words are more complicated than just being about a tryst, and that the menage a trois in the song is actually something of a metaphor about the complicated nature of masculinity, but he knows the provocative effect lands nonetheless. I just dont want anyone to think thats a song about a threesome, he says at a barbecue restaurant in Williamsburg weve finally settled on for a late lunch, after finding a favorite nearby Chinese restaurant closed. Its hard to make music thats sexy thats not cheesy. I think theres a lot of things in my music that are sexy, and some people will pick up on it and other people will not.

The some people who might pick up on  and really enjoy  the more sensual aspects are, perhaps, gay people, who have for too long had to put up with the largely monolithic catalogue of songs about heterosexual affairs and very few that directly reflect their own lives, which makes Batmanglijs candor on Half-Light all the more refreshing.

Lately theres been something of a queer indie renaissance in music, and a number of gay and bi men are singing freely about same-sex relationships. Frank Ocean  whom Batmanglij collaborated with on the love song Ivy from last years Blonde  is probably the most notable example, but Troye Sivan, Perfume Genius, and Kevin Abstract are all helping to form a fresh canon of not-just-straight music. What is remarkable about this crop is just how casual they often are about it all, slipping hes where there used to be shes, as Batmanglij does, and not always feeling the need to define themselves or their music with any particular sexual labels. It is, to use an overused word, fluid. I think that theres something thats happening now where even the word gay seems to apply less to our generation, Batmanglij says over brisket and broccoli. The word queer seems to apply more.

Batmanglij himself had a more conventional  if that exists pop-culture coming out in 2010, when he told a journalist from Rolling Stone that he was gay. The subject of identity had plagued Vampire Weekend pretty much since the bands first album. The Catcher in the Ryelike themes, compounded by the bands choice to liberally explore African rhythms in their music, made certain critics bemoan what they described as the WASPiness and whiteness of the band, a particularly strange experience for Batmanglij considering he is not white, but in fact, Iranian, the son of two immigrants who fled the revolution in the 1980s (Koenig is Jewish). The one thing that really upset me is that a writer wrote a piece in which she presumed without a shadow of a doubt that I was white. I reached out and said, Im Iranian. They changed the article and there was no editors note, he says. I dont identify as white. I have a complex relationship with whiteness. I totally understand that in this world its easier to write about things with soundbites. Its harder to talk about someones identity when that identity isnt clearly white and black, especially in America.

Instead of shying away from these complicated themes, Batmanglij says Half-Light is his attempt to face them head on, and perhaps relate with other children of immigrants. I think Im pretty openly engaging with the identity of being the son of immigrants in America. I definitely made this album with the intention of connecting with other people of a similar experience, he says. Among the genres he explores in the production for the album, which also include everything from Appalachian folk songs to traditional Indian music, is a smattering of ancient Persian sounds. In the song Wood, there is an extended passage where I tune the 12-string guitar like this Persian instrument called a tar. I played some melodies in that section that are a couple thousand years old, he says. Still, against a tense backdrop in which immigrants have been told, basically, that they are not welcome in America by no less than the president, hes not quick to spell out everything hes trying to say about his heritage, preferring to let the words speak for themselves. And we just wanna keep living in America but come on he sings on When. Its wild to me that my parents, who came in 1983, came to a more accepting America than we have now, he says. I do feel welcome in America [but] I do feel like I have a window into understanding citizenship as not something to take for granted.

After lunch, we decide to walk over to a nearby gay bar, Metropolitan, and Batmanglij tells me that one of the perks of living in L.A. is that it allows him to explore his enthusiasm for automobiles  he declines to tell me what kinds he owns, but says that he has more than one. Its a fascination he shares with collaborator Frank Ocean, who titled a song on Blonde White Ferrari. I am moved by car design, and its something we talk about, he says, before telling me the story of how Ivy was made. He played me songs in different stages and one of them was Ivy. As soon as I heard it I had a vision of what it should be. I plugged in my guitar and muted everything that wasnt vocals, and put down entirely new chords. He didnt really change anything after that  the first chords that I played are the chords that ended up on the album.

He orders a tequila soda and admits to some major (and, for all his experience, surprising) prerelease nerves about the album and the beginning of a career all on his own. Ive been a part of so many different things over the years; nonetheless, this album is a first album, he says, before mentioning why he loves the poetry of the albums title, Half-Light. It means sunrise and sunset, he says. And he tells me that hes already thinking of his next record, which will also have a hyphen in the title: I like double meanings. Its true. Ambiguity seems to suit this L.A.-via-New York former-bandmate-solo-star, who has one foot in the nostalgic past, one in the anxious all-by-himself future. In that moment, I glance at the table between us and notice that his coffee mug is now nowhere to be found, a casualty of our meandering walk around Brooklyn. When I look up, Batmanglij is already on to the next thing  he is gazing at his phone and realizes hes late to a movie premiere in Chelsea. He jumps up from his seat to sprint to the subway, vanishing before I can ask him what happened to his coffee cup.
Professor Marston and the Wonder Women. Photo: Claire Folger/Professor Marston and the Wonder Women

This article was originally published during the Toronto International Film Festival. Spoilers below for Professor Marston and the Wonder Women.

Suffering Sappho! Wonder Woman was inspired by bondage fetishism, sadomasochism, and polyamory!?

If youre a comics superfan, or have read Jill Lepores 2014 The Secret History of Wonder Woman (Fresh Air episode here), you already knew this. Youre also probably in the minority, judging from the tittering gasps that kept erupting around the theater during the world premiere of Professor Marston & the Wonder Woman  detailing the true, kinky origin story of the most popular female superhero of all time  at the Toronto International Film Festival. I cant wait to see what happens when the millions of fans of the Gal GadotPatty Jenkins blockbuster accidentally (or very intentionally) stumble upon this one. Its quite the female-on-female-on-male bodice ripper.

And what incredible timing, too. Director Angela Robinson (The L Word, True Blood) actually started working on the script eight years ago, and it took a village of extremely smart queer women (Megan Ellisons Annapurna Pictures is the U.S. distributor, and Jill Soloway is listed as an executive producer) to bring it to life at the perfect moment to capitalize on the momentum of this summers $816 million megahit. But apparently, its all coincidental: Robinson  a lifelong Wonder Woman fan whod stumbled upon the story of the Marston family by accident and then dug through primary sources like Marstons letters at the Smithsonian Museum to tell it  had almost given up on her project when the one-two of Jenkinss film being announced and Lepores book coming out suddenly sent interest through the roof. Still, its insane that pop culture went over 70 years without a big-screen depiction of the Amazonian super-warrior, only to have two movies dedicated to her, both from female directors, coming out within four months of one another. (Marston hits theaters on October 13.)

Theres no flying or bullet-dodging in this one, though. Robinsons film centers instead on Wonder Womans creator, the Harvard psychologist and, later, BDSM enthusiast, Dr. William Moulton Marston (Luke Evans), who invented the lie detector in the early 1920s and, long before such things were socially acceptable, lived in a polyamorous relationship with his psychologist wife, Elizabeth Holloway Marston (Rebecca Hall), and their mutual lover Olive Byrne (Bella Heathcote). Structurally, the film is told in flashback; throughout, William is being interrogated by a morality watchdog (Connie Britton) who wants to know why a psychologist would stoop to write a comic book, why hes using a pseudonym, and why every issue of WW is filled with bondage, spanking, homosexuality, and other perversions. Oh, just you wait.

The year is 1928. Olive is one of Williamss students at Radcliffe, and Elizabeth, despite being frequently told by her husband that shes by far the more brilliant member of their pair, has yet again been denied a Ph.D. from those cocksuckers at Harvard because I have a vagina. We know pretty early on that this is a highly progressive couple. Its mid-Prohibition and theyre drinking homemade booze out of Erlenmeyer flasks, and having steamy coitus on the tables of Williamss laboratory. Afterward, they adjourn to the quad, where, wrapped in each others arms, they remark from afar on Olives beauty and the advantages and disadvantages it gives her with men and women  like theyre stalking prey, or at least a psychological test subject. William hires Olive as his aide, which Elizabeth is totally not jealous about, until she meets Olive and tells her, All I ask is that you please not fuck my husband.

This isnt a story of marital betrayal, though. When Olive balks at Elizabeths bluntness, the couple respond by taking her out to a speakeasy where they discuss penis envy and Olive reveals that she is the daughter of radical feminist Ethel Byrne (a birth-control advocate) and the niece of Margaret Sanger, whod go on to found Planned Parenthood  but was raised by nuns since her mother needed to concentrate on the movement. True story! Soon, theyre sneaking into Olives sorority, for psychological study of course, where they find themselves getting off watching her punish a pledge sister by spanking her with a paddle. Something is clearly happening among them thats too taboo to admit, which is where the lie detector comes in, as the three of them take turns strapping one another in, and doing the interrogations. It was actually Elizabeths idea that there might be a link between blood pressure and emotion, and that a persons body might always betray whether or not he or she was telling the truth. But the questions must have significant stakes, such as, Do you want to have sex with my husband? and Do you want to have sex with me? Who knew that a needle skipping up and down with someones rapidly accelerating heartbeat, or a chest heaving beneath lie-detector wires, could be such delicious foreplay?

Denial impossible, it is Elizabeth who makes the first move with Olive, then invites William to join them. They are in an auditorium, conveniently surrounded by costumes, to allow for the donning of nurses outfits, or swaddling oneself in leopard-print furs, while writhing in ecstasy, free, for once, to explore all those suppressed desires. It is unrushed, sensuous, and exquisitely shot. And, wow, is the casting perfect. Evans, Hall, and Heathcote drip with chemistry, no matter whos paired up with whom.

Related Stories Professor Marston and the Wonder Women Is Escapist Fare of the Highest Order

Their secret, though, doesnt stay that for long. This is the 1920s, and the consequences are severe: loss of relationships, loss of jobs, loss of prospects. And it is here that Robinson begins making the links between the throuples life and what Wonder Woman would become. Each is forced to take on a secret identity, hiding an essential part of his or herself. Elizabeth works as a secretary; William can no longer teach and is scrounging for gigs while watching others make fortunes off the lie-detector research he published but neglected to patent; and once Olive moves in with them and bears two of Williams children (Elizabeth will have two of her own), she must pretend to be a widow whos surviving on the couples kindness. William, it seems, made Wonder Woman an Amazon as a way of living out his fantasy that the brilliant women of his life could be anything they wanted to be, free from the limitations of Mans World  a lesson he hoped to pass on to young girls. Likewise, Wonder Womans frequent exclamation, Suffering Sappho! refers to the Greek poet from the isle of Lesbos who is widely used as a symbol of female homosexuality. Passionate devotion between women is natural, he tells one of his lecture classes.

The bondage comes in when he visits a burlesque shop looking for an outfit for his wife, and strikes up a friendship with the proprietor, who calls himself The G-String Kid. What follows is the movies other juicy extended sex scene, which begins in a backroom lesson in rope play, with Olive dressed in the corseted bodice, tiara, knee-high boots, and silver cuffs that would become Wonder Womans uniform. Soon, William is diving into images of sadomasochistic pornography and making links between it and the psychological theory hes been working on his entire life about how submission to another person is the true route to happiness. His books arent selling, and moneys tight, but what if he could use the countrys most popular medium to further the rights of women? In other words, all the accusations were true: Wonder Woman was definitely a love letter to bondage-enthusiasm, and feminist psychological propaganda.

But Marston, the movie, is simply a love letter to the amazing people who inhabit it. The tone can be uneven, the score overbearing, and Williams voice a little too much of a driving presence  as the Playlists Gregory Ellwood pointed out to me, youd think that a movie with these themes and a woman behind the camera would have at least one scene of the guy getting tied up and made to submit. But, beyond those quibbles, it really is moving, and very relevant, to witness the injustice and human cost that comes when society declares a certain form of love to be deviant. The Marstons made it out okay; Elizabeth and Olive lived together and raised their children for 38 years after Williams death. Perhaps if more people can make the link between Wonder Womans golden lasso and the S&M love story that inspired it, and emerge a little more open-minded, that would be the greatest legacy of all.
Top of the Lake Chapters 5 and 6 Season 2 Episodes 5 and 6 Editors Rating 3 stars * * * Photo: SundanceTV/See-Saw Films

Robin dreams of babies, curled up in her palms like dolls, while a song about babies plays in the background. Its as good a recap of this season as any. When she wakes up, she finds that Mary has gone back to Alexander, the man who is now pimping her. When Pyke shows up and Robin gives him the news, he weeps and insists that Mary wont tolerate this for long, which is wishful thinking at best. Robin ponders arresting Alexander, which she should have done back when he assaulted her and sent her to the hospital, but in the end, they do what they have done all along: nothing.

Meanwhile, Brett comes to the station to identify Cinnamons body, and asks for a moment to say good-bye. What he really wants to do is take creepy photos, because nothing says love like staring at the decomposing corpse of someone you used to pay for sex.

And just in case dealing with the prostitution of her biological daughter and investigating a murder arent enough, Mary has to stop her day and deal yet again with the entitled wheedling of her colleague who wants to have sex with her. Shes turned him down four or five times now, and he cuts off their discussion of the murder to ask again. He punches a wall when he gets nowhere and storms off, prompting another colleague to mention that he can get a little fixated on women and often has difficulty hearing the word no. Just what you want to hear about a man with a gun and the power of an incredibly sexist police force behind him!

Because no one in this station can be professional, Miranda starts weeping in a meeting with Robin and her lover/boss Adrian because she thinks her baby is dead, though its not clear why. She marches back to the IVF center with fury in her eyes and demands an ultrasound from the receptionist behind the desk. When the woman says no, Miranda starts screaming until Robin pulls her back. Out in the parking lot, Robin tries to give her water and remind her to take care of herself, and Miranda responds by lighting up another cigarette. Robin calls her careless and dangerous: sleeping with a married man, sleeping with Liam, drinking during a pregnancy. Well, maybe two out of three. Im not having my baby, Miranda finally admits, pulling up her shirt to reveal the fake belly underneath.

Apparently, she and Adrian are having their child with a surrogate, who has broken off contact and disappeared. I know were supposed to feel for her here and I do, but man. Using a surrogate to have a baby with the woman youre cheating on your wife with is a special kind of screwed-up. Miranda cries about the baby she might have lost, Robin cries about the daughter she might lose, and their hatchet appears buried by their common fear.

The receptionist, Pixie, finally admits that she was passing on a number to infertile couples looking for surrogates, and invites all the affected couples to come to her house where she will explain everything. By the time they all arrive, Pixie has killed herself with a drug overdose, Robin finds a pacifier in her mouth, and there are pictures of babies covering her walls, because baby, baby, baby, baby. Afterward, Robin meets with a couple that thinks they might be the parents of Cinnamons baby, and when they see the pictures from Bretts house, they confirm it. Finally, we learn her real name: Padma.

Back at the brothel, one of the girls  who is pregnant  tells Mary shes leaving for a holiday in Thailand. Instead, Puss takes her to an apartment complex where she disappears behind a metal door, and he refuses to let Mary come inside. Mary is not feeling great about this situation, and asks the question that has been lurking in her mind since she found out about the murder. What happened to Cinnamon? He gets agitated and wants to know if her mother has been asking questions, and never really answer the one Mary asks. She walks away, except, of course, she doesnt.

Pyke and Robin spend more time together back at the family house, and while poking around in Marys room, Robin finds a pregnancy test. Its negative, but its more than enough to terrify them both. They try to pick Mary up from school only to find Alexander waiting, and he drags her away while telling Pyke, You are not her father, and she is not your daughter. Like Julia, whom Mary pushed away, and Robin, who had three miscarriages, Pyke is stripped of his role as a parent, a form of loss that is the central horror of this story. In mutual frustration, Robin and Pyke get drunk and have sex. Given the way things are going, Im guessing this will get her pregnant, because this show has never met a womb it did not want to put a baby inside.

Meanwhile, Bretts hallucinations of Cinnamon escalate: He has sex with her, attempts to introduce her to his mother, and then promises the imaginary naked lady that he will restore her honor. He heads out, carrying something that looks like a poster tube in his backpack, and yup  its a gun. He stalks through the brothel with a sawed-off shotgun looking for Alexander, the man he blames for Cinnamons death. When Brett spots him, Alexander gets away by pushing Mary toward the gunman, jumping in an elevator, and closing the door before she can get in. The gun goes off, killing one of the less terrible people in the brothel, and sadly missing Alexander altogether. Brett takes Mary hostage.

When Miranda gets into the brothels surveillance equipment, she sees her surrogate on a remote video feed, though she has no idea where that particular room is. All of their children are lost out there somewhere, and they cant find them. Anyway, the police think Brett may be hiding on a crowded beach, and so they set out to find him in an operation that turns into a giant game of Wheres Waldo. In turns out, hes buried himself in the sand up to the neck, and then covered his head with an empty beer box. (Im not sure how you would  do that to yourself, just from a logistical perspective?) Robin screams for Miranda to draw her weapon, and sure enough his eyes snap open and he pulls a gun from the sand, shooting her in the torso before Robin can stop him.

Mary shows up at home, covered in someone elses blood and refusing to explain her ordeal to Julia. I cant stay, she tells her, slipping away as she was found. Julia soon realizes that Mary has taken her passport, and that she may be leaving much more permanently. Robin confronts Alexander, stabbing him shallowly with a knife and screaming, You pimped my daughter! In a bizarre anticlimax, he responds by revealing the truth about Padmas death. She hung herself, he says, and they just disposed of her body afterward.

Im arresting you, Mary yells, but of course she doesnt. The weird thing about the whole situation with Alexander is that the plot requires Robin to feel completely helpless, even though she could do an awful lot as a police officer to mess up his life and put him behind bars. Instead, she constantly threatens him and yet does absolutely nothing, which makes her seem ineffectual and, ironically, like a poor parent.

After Robin holds a gun to Alexanders head, he tells her the location of the apartment where the surrogates are being held, but by the time she arrives, its empty. The women are long gone, off to meet Alexander at the airport because Robin let him go. He left a DVD behind that reads, PLAY ME, which contains a poorly shot video that returns to Alexanders favorite themes of class and revolution, and how awful these wealthy couples were for exploiting these poor women. His preferred revolution is the one where he exploits them, which is why hes taking all the surrogate mothers to another country to sell their babies for profit. The couples look around in horror and beg the police to do something; they cannot, of course, because legally the babies belong to the surrogate mothers. Like Julia, like Pyke, like Robin, they have all lost their children.

At the airport with Alexander, Mary is still a bit peeved about the whole pushing-her-in-front-of-a-gunman thing. But he has no time for the emotions of his fiancee, whom he almost got killed, so he slaps her across the face, telling her to shut up and get on the plane. I dont know if its the near-death experience or the feeling that she is about to make a truly irreversible mistake, but something snaps inside her and she hits him back. Her looks at her with disbelief for a long moment, like a spell has been broken.

In the end, Mary leaves and makes it home safely, but Mirandas baby and all of the surrogate babies are gone, and likely never to return. We close by realizing that this could have been avoided if Robin had brought Alexander in only hours before, which is frustrating in the same way that everyones hands-off attitude toward Alexander has been frustrating. In a show obsessed with the special relationship between parents and children, the parents at its center seem almost determined not to do any real parenting, and fail utterly to protect their daughter from a horrific predator. Perhaps its an attempt to illustrate the vulnerability and helplessness of being a parent, and how you can never truly protect your child from all the dangers in the world. Maybe it would have been more persuasive if it felt like they had tried a little harder.
Top of the Lake Chapters 3 and 4 Season 2 Episodes 3 and 4 Editors Rating 3 stars * * * Previous Next   Previous Episode Next Episode  Photo: Lisa Tomasetti/SundanceTV/See-Saw Films

Detective Robin Griffin is the midst of debating whether a waffle iron or a toaster is a better present for a 17-year-old girl  pro tip: it doesnt matter as long as theres a gift receipt  when she gets a call about a john named Tony who wants to confess to Cinnamons murder. He claims that she hopped in his car to give him free sex, as sex workers so love to do, and that he strangled her when she inexplicably tried to stab him, and then dropped her body in the water wrapped in a blanket.

The main problem with this story  aside from Cinnamons dubious enthusiasm for unpaid sex with this loser  is that it completely omits the suitcase, a detail the police likely withheld from the press. So thats a dead end, but Robins colleague who wont stop pestering her about her relationship status says theres more to discuss, and asks her to step into his office. What this really means is dragging her up to the roof to proposition her for sex, claiming it would be discreet, respectful, and of course fun.

Im not in it for the fun, Robin replies, which is an apt description of both her character and anyone watching this show. Who is in it for the fun? Well, maybe Miranda, whos having a loud, enthusiastic affair with their married boss, which Robin gets to hear in excruciating detail. Turns out Mirandas baby is his baby, and theyre in love! Meanwhile, the parentage of Cinnamons baby remains a mystery, since tests confirm that she is indeed a surrogate.

Robin and Miranda head to the local in vitro fertilization clinic, where a doctor asks Robin her age, and then says that a womans chance of conceiving after age 40 in any given cycle is one in 20. He asks her to pick a number and then starts rolling a 20-sided die, making this officially the worst D&D campaign ever.

This is the ultimate casino, he says. The drive to reproduce is manic; it can become a vortex. The important thing they learn, aside from the perils of baby madness, is that the law in Sydney favors the surrogate, who can change her mind at any point in the pregnancy and keep the baby herself.

Then its time for another excruciating dinner with Alexander, who wanders in looking unkempt and complaining about child labor in Pakistan, because class struggle is his favorite platform on which to perform his manipulative self-righteousness. Pyke has done a little digging and reveals that Alexander is already married, which prompts an enormous scene where Alexander explains that he proposed to a disabled woman as a joke, and then went through it because it was senseless and that was irresistible. Thats even more worrying than an actual marriage, and further evidence of the dangerous instability that feeds his manipulations.

Alexander storms out just before Mary arrives and treats the other customers to another drama where tells Julia to shove your conventions and your respectability up your cunt, where nothing has ever lived, where everything dies. Its a knife thrust that is designed to hurt, to strike at the heart of Julias insecurities about her motherhood, and it succeeds.

Julias anxieties about losing not only her daughter but her claims to motherhood are further stoked when Pyke reaches out to Robin for help. After Mary agrees to meet with Robin, she extols the feminist virtues of her pedophilic lover, claiming that hes so much more interested in empowering women than in having sex. Ah yes, the male feminist who uses his allyship as a tool for preying on women! Youre a familiar sight. Alexander isnt an abuser, Mary insists, he just doesnt play by societys rules.

Elsewhere, we meet a woman who is wandering around in traffic in her nightgown, desperately searching for her baby. If you guessed that shes childless, mentally ill, and hallucinating a baby she desperately wants, you nailed it. There arent a lot of characters on this show who dont need the help of a mental health professional, but if it turns out that Cinnamon got murdered because this woman was cuckoo for baby Cocoa Puffs, I cant say thats going to please me. More relevant to the larger case, she and her husband were using an illegal Thai surrogate who has dropped off the grid.

Because the legal system is super awesome to victims of rape and harassment, Robin is required to meet with Al Parker, the man who drugged and probably raped her, who has also gotten off scot free for running a child sex ring. Hes got a new wife and kids, who are all Asian, and honestly it would be cool to see an Asian actor who isnt playing a sex worker or a pedophile enabler, but Im not holding my breath. Anyway, Al corners Robin in an empty room and tries to strangle her, and she escapes by setting fire to the curtains.

Although theres a cathartic moment where Robin tries to crush Als throat with a mic stand, theres virtually no follow-up in the next episode, making the whole sequence feel tacked on and even a little exploitative. Chapter 4 spends more time on a scene where Robin moves her desk as a show of passive aggression to Miranda than it does on the aftermath of her vicious physical assault. The workplace conflict between these would-be partners devolves into an argument about who is the worse mother, with Robin attacking Miranda for smoking and drinking during her pregnancy, and Miranda attacking Robin for being cold and distant with Mary.

Speaking of Mary, shes back home and about to head off to a father/daughter dance at her school with Pyke, but she decides to make a quick pit stop to see the deeply depressed Alexander first. Im gazing into the abyss, and Im going to keep gazing until it gazes back, he says, because he is a narcissistic freshman philosophy student in a 42-year-old mans body.

Things take an even darker turn when Alexander says that Mary needs to start working at the brothel after she turns 18, as a show of solidarity with the other women. Is my baby too good to work beside her sisters? he demands, claiming that her reluctance is elitist and makes her a victim. Its a classic abuser inversion: Up is down, left is right, pain is love, exploitation is freedom. Its a sacrifice we both can make, he says.

He also coerces her into taking him to the father/daughter dance on the basis that he is her daddy, making it all the more obvious that his plan has always been to prostitute her, not to marry her. Pyke manages to get half a waltz with his daughter before Alexander cuts in, transforming it into a bizarre contemporary dance disaster that ends in him humping the floor and sticking his head up Marys skirt.

Finally, a school official does what youve wanted every authority figure on this show to do for four episodes: physically intervene, pull the drunken 40-something off the teenage girl, and throw him out. Naturally, Mary runs after him, and finds up racing up and down a nearby flight of stairs in either a drunken stupor or a manic episode, take your pick.

Meanwhile, Brett, the john with the genuine connection to Cinnamon, finally reaches out to the police to tell them what he knows. Robin and Miranda interview him in what seems to be a moment of progress for the investigation, but of course, we also learn that he has a secret gun, shooting trophies, and mental illness of his own, hallucinating a naked Cinnamon on his bed.

Post-dance, Mary decides to work at the brothel because Alexander controls her completely now. This is what he wanted to her to be all along with his declarations about feminism and womens liberation: a woman cannot say no to him, who has no sense of self outside of him, who exists to obey him. To their credit, both the madam and the girls try to talk her out of it, warning her about the violence, rape and general grossness they have to deal with on a daily basis. Puss is sick guy, why you do what he say? they ask. Its a question that gets bolded, italicized and underlined at a later trip to the beach, where Alexander meets Robin, needles her about her sexual assaults, and then attacks her suddenly, biting her nose so deeply she needs stitches.

The madam has had enough of Alexanders shit and informs him that she wont allow Mary to work at the brothel, because hes a sociopath and she thinks hes garbage. Alexander screams that his whole life is a nightmare, because not being able to prostitute your child-girlfriend is the greatest oppression of all. Hes so determined to complete his psychological domination of Mary that he forces her to walk the streets instead, and she spends her 18th birthday getting fucked by a random man while her family waits at home with her birthday dinner.

Afterwards, Mary steps out of the johns car shaking, and calls Robin to come pick her up. Robin takes her back to her apartment, as Mary falls apart. I dont know how to leave him, she weeps. She loves him, she insists, like that matters at all.
A story in The Oklahoman has actor Hal Holbrook announcing that he's stepping down from performing as American author and humorist Mark Twain, a role he's filled for more than a half century.

The 92-year-old Holbrook, scheduled to perform Oct. 6 in Oklahoma City, informed the Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre of his decision in a letter delivered to the theater on Tuesday.

Holbrook brought his "Mark Twain Tonight" to Baylor University and Waco last fall, playing his familiar character to a full Waco Hall. Holbrook was remarkable for an actor in his 90s, even if it was hard at times to determine whether his long pauses and occasional confusion was scripted Twain or nonegenerian Holbrook.

The Waco audience welcomed him warmly, even if some of his more pointed political remarks, delivered in the days after Donald Trump's election as president, seem to make some squirm in silence. Somewhere, Twain was smiling.
The Allergan plant in Waco produces a product called Restasis that fetched the international company $1.4 billion in sales last year, behind only Botox in the pharmaceutical giants drug portfolio.

Allergan has transferred its patents on the drug, used to treat dry eyes, to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in upstate New York, according to an Allergan press release. It hopes the tribes sovereign status will extend the companys ability to maintain its monopoly over Restasis and prevent production of cheaper generic brands.

Allergan has exclusive license in the drugs patents and will pay the tribe $13.75 million upfront, then up to $15 million annually in royalties.

Allergan is doing all of this in order to try to escape a pending inter partes review of the Restasis patents that could potentially lead to the invalidity of those patents, which would result in Restasis rapidly becoming available in a cheaper generic form by generic drug manufacturers like Teva, Waco attorney Andy Powell wrote in an email response to questions.

The review process carried out by the U.S. Patent Trial & Appeal Board was meant to streamline the procedure for contesting patents, said Powell, a patent attorney with the Waco firm Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee. But many patent holders consider its function unfair and unnecessary because federal courts already review patent challenges, he said.

Allergans six Restasis patents are set to expire in 2024 and are in the midst of an inter partes review.

This is really a novel way of trying to escape this review process, which is being challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court, Powell said in an interview. To Allergan, as well as other pharmaceutical companies and patent holders, the system is not equitable.

If Allergan is successful, other pharmaceutical manufacturers may try the same tactic, Powell said in his email.

It is possible this strategy could be used not only with regard to inter partes review proceedings, but potentially could also be used in federal court cases where patents are challenged, he wrote. Ultimately, Congress may be forced to intervene if this practice becomes widespread.

Some pharmaceutical companies have called the patent board the patent death squad, and questioned its authority to take away patents without a court ruling, Powell said. Others say the companies that hold the patents are getting what they deserve, because of the prices they charge for patented medicines.

Some investors may take advantage of the process by challenging all or most of the valuable patents in a companys portfolio, possibly driving down the companys stock price, he said. This creates a short-selling investment opportunity, allowing investors who claim to be doing good by taking on big pharma to pocket millions.

Allergan CEO Brent Saunders told the New York Times the company made the deal with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to prevent the issue from being heard in two venues, the federal courts and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Allergans chief legal officer, A. Robert D. Bailey, told the New York Times for the same article that the Supreme Court may eventually strike down the review process, but Allergan could not afford to delay action on Restasis because Its one of our most valuable products.
Lillian Belle Barnett

July 28, 1929 - Sept. 11, 2017

Lillian Belle Barnett, age 88, of Valley Mills, passed away on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, at Goodall-Witcher Hospital in Clifton. Graveside service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Valley Mills Cemetery, with Dr. John Wheatley officiating under the direction of Foss Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Visitation will be at the cemetery just prior to the graveside.

Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross or to the Texas Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

Belle was born July 28, 1929, in Valley Mills, Texas, to Austin Lee and Robert Lillian (Pool) Roberson. She was a 1946 graduate of Valley Mills High School. She married Sonny Barnett in 1949 in Waco, Texas. While he was in the Air Force they traveled all across the United States. After Sonny retired from the military they moved back to Valley Mills. Belle worked at the V. A. Hospital in Waco and after 25 years of civil service, she retired. She was a member of tfhe Valley Mills Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband; and siblings, Jack Roberson, Bobby George Roberson, Doyle Lee Roberson, and Opal Ruth "Sissy" Walker.

She is survived by her children, Donna Miller of Valley Mills, David Barnett of Abilene; two grandchildren, Clayton Barnett and Coleman Barnett; great-grandson, Colden Lane Barnett; several nieces and nephews.

Please join us in remembering Belle by visiting our memorial at www.fossfuneralhome.com.
The long, drawn-out fund-raising campaign to erect a proper memorial to Waco-reared, World War II hero Doris Miller has by now slipped into the realm of irony, not because of its own commendable reason for being but because of the ugly times it has spilled into. Today too many Americans feud over long-ago statues commemorating rebels fighting a scandalous and corrupt cause  and too few national and state leaders demonstrate the political courage to lead us out of our increasingly divisive times.

Happily, Waco has no public statues honoring the Confederate cause. In that sense, maybe were ahead of cities such as Austin and Dallas where fights over statues, school names and street signs percolate. Perhaps thats why, a couple of weeks ago, so many of us of different political stripes and skin colors could rally for racial tolerance at First Presbyterian Church. One only wishes we could now take the declarations we heard that evening and implement them meaningfully into our hardball politics and daily way of life.

If Americans want to commemorate all-American heroism, we couldnt do better than to erect a statue honoring Doris Miller. A muscular African American from a hardscrabble existence in the Waco area, he joined the Navy and wound up doing mess duty aboard the USS West Virginia, largely because blacks in the Navy werent allowed much more work than laundry and cooking.

Yet, in the panic and mayhem of the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Miller not only saved men of other skin colors but manned an anti-aircraft gun to defend his ill-fated ship. Despite the racism he no doubt witnessed back home in Central Texas  living, for instance, in the shadow of our areas earlier lynching culture, including the horrific public death of Jesse Washington in downtown Waco  he nonetheless took up arms against the enemy of his country.

Its sometimes said that we as a society have lost sight of what heroism is. Its not just the courage and sacrifice one shows for a cause but what that cause is and what it means for others. So long as World War II stands as a fight against oppression, tyranny and such horrors as ethnic cleansing and enslavement, one need not worry about its honorees ever falling into the furor that has enveloped the battlefield heroism that propped up the morally indefensible Confederate States of America.

Eight years have passed since a group led by Doreen Ravenscroft, executive director of Cultural Arts of Waco, valiantly mounted a campaign to erect a memorial paying tribute to Millers heroism. Lets hope they are able to strategize and reorient their campaign in national outreach to complete this worthy effort. Meanwhile, the rest of us should recognize that public statues arent just history  theyre celebrations of and solemn tributes to not only men and women of considerable merit but causes that represent the very best of our ideals. Surely U.S. warriors of World War II rate such respect and awe, now and forever. They not only defended us on the home front but saved a world from madmen, anarchy and despotism. Tributes to them should speak to our own values.
Bleeding heart!

Most Texans do not wish to hear Garrison Keillors opinion [Sept. 7] about how Texans are reacting to the severe problems caused by Hurricane Harvey. The severity of flooding happened because of unpredictable forces of nature that perhaps might occur once in 100 to 500 years. The risks of living barely above sea level were not so obvious. Many people in all parts of Texas are conservative and do not wish to hear what a bleeding heart liberal from Minnesota has to say. Keillor is a humorist-turned-politician who certainly feels at home in the Washington Post newspaper environment.

Please keep in mind that Minnesota has given us some really strange gubernatorial and Senate candidates over the last few decades. What is stranger is they were elected! I refer to Jesse Ventura and Al Franken. Ventura turned out to be a real dud and Franken should have stuck to comedy. Most folks I know did not think much of Al as a comedian and think less of him as a senator. The real joke is he was re-elected.

Apparently Keillor is very proud of his native Minnesota state being super liberal and vying with a few other states in pursuit of the title: The Welfare State. How can he criticize Texas for seeking federal aid when Minnesota has developed a reputation as the handout state? Where does the money come from that they pass out? Perhaps the Scandihoovians in Minnesota trying to emulate their ancestral countries, who have embraced socialism wholesale.

Why do people flock to Minnesota? For handouts. Why do people come to Texas? For jobs. I rest my case.

Bill McBride, Baylor University professor emeritus of computer science

EDITORS NOTE: Mr. McBride adds he was born and raised in Minnesota.

Paying tribute

This past Sunday, 76 men and women from Holy Spirit Church prepared and delivered 400 lunches to police, dispatchers and many families at the police station, 13 fire stations, prison guards and two hospital emergency staffs. We paid tribute to the 343 firefighters and 69 police and paramedics who lost their lives and to those who still suffer from the fumes attempting to save victims of terror attacks on 9/11, now 16 years ago. We hope you remembered.

I speak for many who enthusiastically support our first responders. We hope to inspire their leadership to continue balancing the protect part of the mission with serving: conducting oversight on the use of force and racial profiling; maintaining civil and human rights protections; managing crime reduction and community policing; working with youth in leadership training; training for cultural mores, mental-health crises and crisis intervention; providing for during emergencies, rescues and medical treatment

Thank you for your service to our community.

Karen Mann OBric, Woodway
WAHOO  Rod Elm and his grandson, Robert, loaded up pieces of green farm equipment Saturday afternoon to take home to Genoa.

The John Deere plows were going to join a four row plow at home.

Now, weve got a six row and an eight row, and we use them a little bit too, Elm said.

Elm puts on a farming demonstration with his equipment every first weekend in August.

The Elms story about how they will treasure their purchases from the Stanley Kucera Collection auction last Friday and Saturday was just one of many.

Auctioneer Dan Sanderson estimated that close to 1,000 people attended the two day sale, either in person or online. About 800 bidding numbers were issued and those bidders were from 43 different states, Canada and Belgium.

Many of the original John Deere tractors and parts that Kucera was able to collect before he died last year went to successful bidders near and far.

While the hands went up right in front of the auctioneers last week, bidders online were also successful.

Online bidding was very, very good for us, Sanderson said. In many cases, it really helped push the bidding.

Some of Kuceras collection will be going to New York, Kansas, Missouri and North Dakota, thanks to the online bidding.

Overall, Sanderson said he was pleased with the winning bids.

The market was very strong, he said.

Sitting atop a tractor and keeping track of sale prices, John Deere Collector Rich Braesch of Gretna saw that firsthand during the sale of the tractors on Saturday.

Ive been told the two cylinder market has dropped off, but you sure cant tell that here today, he said.

Braesch said he really didnt come to buy, but wanted to see the collection and how it would sell.

He wasnt the only one.

Dennis Behrens of Fremont found a front tire to sit on and watch the bidding.

There were a few surprises, he said about the final bids on some tractors.

Sanderson attributed two factors to the strong market.

The first was the unique collection that one man has amassed. He said Kucera not only had many unique antique tractors and parts, but also they were originals, not replicates.

When you have that original steel, thats what sells tractors, the auctioneer said.

Dan Tworek came from Columbus because he wanted to experience that factor for himself. The John Deere collector said he wasnt buying but wanted to see the collection of tractors.

He admitted he had been to a lot of auctions before, but none like this one.

Not to this extent, theres definitely a lot of tractors here, Tworek said.

Sanderson said the second big factor that many of the bidders acknowledged was the incredible gift that Kucera had given to the Saunders County Historical Society. Kucera willed his entire collection to the Historical Society, who was actually the seller on Friday and Saturday.

I think people knew it was for the Historical Society, and that made a difference, Sanderson said.

Saunders County Historical Society Treasurer Mike Sabatka had a huge smile on his face on Saturday.

Its a good day for the Historical Society, he said.

Sabatka said the auction itself was just one of the benefits of Kuceras gift. The donation has brought much attention to the museum in Wahoo and has helped the Historical Society diversify the people walking through the museums doors.

Saunders County Historical Society President Kurt Maly was pleased too. He said the auction went extremely well and credited Sanderson and staff for running a very smooth auction.

Everything went incredibly well, he said.

He also gave credit for success to the museums tractor committee, who have been working to sort through and category the collection since this spring, and the many volunteers who have been helping with the Year of the Deere project.

Jared Ketner of Wahoo was one of the volunteers that has been helping with the project. The man who knew little about John Deere tractors before, now said he knows at least a little bit more.

Ketner was among those who climbed into Kuceras storage sheds and started sorting parts and dragging out tractors for clean up last spring.

All Ketner could do Saturday morning was just smile when he looked around at all of the tractors lined up in rows and all of the people there to bid on them.

They are now all cleaned up, and they got some of them running, he said. Theres a lot of nice machines here.

Paul Virgl, who knew Kucera well, said his friend would have been more than pleased with the handling of his collection and the turnout for the auction.

Stanley would have been shocked, he said. He would have been shocked by how many people are here.

Making Kucera proud and putting the right shine on his collection was definitely a goal for the Historical Society. Maly said the group truly wanted to honor him for his most generous gift.

One of the ways they tried to do that was by starting the auction each day with the singing of the National Anthem.

Stanley always had American flags on his parade tractors so we wanted to do that to honor him, Maly said.

Even though that is not the normal protocol at an auction, he said it was very well received and he heard many good compliments about it.

The Historical Society has one more tribute planned for Kucera too. An auction wrap up will take place the evening of Sept. 28 at the museum.

Its just one more time we can say thank you to Stanley for what he did for us, Maly said.

Activities will start about 5 p.m. with refreshments. The sale prices of the tractors will be reviewed and Sanderson will present the auction check to the Historical Society.

Maly said plans for what to do with the auctions proceeds have not been finalized yet, but there are some projects that have already been discussed. The museum needs to have its heating and cooling system replaced and an expansion has been discussed as well.

Not only has this past weekends auction been dubbed a success, it was also being called one of a kind.

Bill Kremlacek of Wahoo said what made Kuceras collection so unique was that so many of the tractors were those that replaced horses.

This is something you will not replace. This is a part of history, he said.

Joe Vculek of Wahoo called it simply amazing.

Vculek was at the auction Saturday not only because he is an area historian, but also because he can remember meeting Kucera once. When he was about 9 years old and Kucera was about 18, Kucera helped thresh on the Vculek farm.

He helped out on the threshing machine, he said. Not for demonstration like they do now, but actually threshing the field.

But demonstrations now are important to keep the old ways alive and remembered, said Rod Elm, who with the help of his grandson, hopes to keep Kuceras equipment working.

Sometimes I think its more work to hook everything up than its worth, Elm said. But, Ill keep doing it.
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30 Sept. Music Day returns to Rome on Saturday 30 September, offering all kinds of vintage vinyls, record players, posters, magazines, gadgets and music memorabilia from the 1950s up to the present day. The event, described as a must for collectors of vintage music, takes place from 10.00-19.00 at the Mercure Roma West, Viale degli Eroi di Cefalonia 30. For details see Facebook page.
Christmas is such an important time for family reunions, but there are many of us for whom Christmas is also a time when those...
The Murdoch family's failings on corporate governance and editorial compliance are due to be raked over by competition watchdogs after the British government signalled a major expansion of the investigation into their 11.7 billion ($19 billion) takeover of Sky.

The controversial deal faced new uncertainty on Tuesday as Karen Bradley, the Culture Secretary, announced that she had changed her mind over the need for a full examination of 21st Century Fox's commitment to broadcasting standards.

Rupert Murdoch at the US Open tennis tournament on Sunday: Could his takeover of Sky be thwarted for a second time? Credit:AP

She told British MPs there were "non-fanciful" concerns that full Murdoch control of Britain's dominant pay-TV operator could damage the public interest in maintaining standards on screen.

The move shocked investors, who sent Sky shares sliding to their lowest level since Fox made its approach in December. The sell-off exposed market fears that the Murdochs could once again fail to acquire the 61 per cent of the company they do not yet control.
Besieged retirement living giant Aveo faces further upheaval with legal firm Maurice Blackburn set to launch a class action over its use of allegedly "unfair and unconscionable" contracts on elderly residents.

Maurice Blackburn principal Brooke Dellavedova said the firm sought to sign up unhappy retirees ahead of potential legal action targeting the contracts Aveo asks village residents to sign.

"These are complex and long contracts about 60 pages long," Ms Dellavedova said. "We're looking at the terms of the contracts which appear to be unfair and unconscionable.

"The average age of residents is about 82 years of age. They're often going into a period of turmoil when they go into retirement homes and they're signing these contracts which significantly favour Aveo."
End of the day for me. What happened?

safeguards for the same-sex marriage survey passed Parliament;

passed Parliament; the measures were almost unanimously supported by MPs who said they hoped they would not be needed but feared they would;

who said they hoped they would not be needed but feared they would; the 'no' case outlined the reasons for its position at a lunchtime event;

outlined the reasons for its position at a lunchtime event; the head of the building industry watchdog resigned after admitting to breaking workplace laws; and

after admitting to breaking workplace laws; and further doubts have been cast on the eligibility of government MP Stuart Robert.

My thanks to Andrew Meares and Alex Ellinghausen for their brilliant work and to you for reading and commenting.

You can follow me on Facebook.

Alex, Andrew and I will be back in the morning. We hope to see you then. Enjoy your evening.
For almost every wardrobe crisis of the "I have nothing to wear" variety there is a solution. And it's this: wear a dress.

Nothing could be easier, or indeed, more of a straight-up power move.

A dress from the Carolina Herrera collection is modelled during New York Fashion Week. Credit:AP

A dress takes away the fuss, or at least the need to find a top that remotely "goes". It's a deliberate and definitive choice.

And a dress works just as well for those seeking to assert their authority (or at least their ambition)  look at Ivanka Trump in her endless array of pastel-hued sheath dresses  as it does a boho earth-mother who lives her days barefoot in a caftan.
Crossbench senator Derryn Hinch has used the legal protection of the Senate to name a paedophile policeman who sexually brutalised nine children during his 12 years in the force.

The Victorian policeman was jailed for 19 years with a minimum of 15 last year, for raping and abusing nine children over a 16-year span.

Despite being handed one of the state's longest sentences for sexual offences in history, the former policeman has never been named.

Fairfax Media has chosen not to identify the former officer at this time as it is believed a judicial suppression of his victims' identities is still in place.
Police have charged a 62-year-old man with indecently assaulting a a Perth mother as she walked her 15-month-old son along Champion Lakes near Armadale on Tuesday afternoon.

Anneleise,23, told Nine News Perth she was walking along the lake with her son and two dogs around 3.30pm when the man tried to drag her into the bushes, but she managed to break free.

Anneleise was with her son and two dogs when she was attacked in broad daylight. Credit:Nine News Perth

Police claimed the man was wearing a wig at the time.

A Champion Lakes man will front Armadale Magistrates Court on September 19 charged with deprivation of liberty, an act likely to endanger the life, health or safety of another person and aggravated indecent assault.
Seattle: Seattle Mayor Ed Murray resigned on Tuesday, just hours after new allegations that he had sexually abused a younger cousin decades ago in New York.

Murray, a former Democratic state legislator elected mayor in 2013, said in a statement that he is resigning effective 5pm Seattle time on Wednesday.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray takes a question at a news conference at City Hall in Seattle. Credit:AP

"While the allegations against me are not true, it is important that my personal issues do not affect the ability of our city government to conduct the public's business," Murray said in a statement, adding he was proud of his accomplishments while in office.

The mayor stayed in his office Tuesday and didn't address his staff at large before his resignation announcement, according to a source.
The world's newest Muslim insurgency revealed itself in western Myanmar last year when militants attacked Myanmar police posts. New attacks took place on August 25, the day a state-appointed commission of inquiry headed by former UN chief Kofi Annan released its report into previous bloodshed. Several police were killed. Since the 1970s Rohingya have been have been targeted in a cycle of violence by Buddhists and Myanmar security forces, prompting the UN to describe them as among the world's most persecuted people. Exhausted Rohingya arrive at Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh. Credit:AP According to the International Crisis Group, a committee of Rohingya emigres with experience in guerrilla warfare oversees the militants from Mecca. Its leader Attaullah Abu Ammar Jununi was born in Pakistan and raised in Saudi Arabia. Muslim militants started to secretly train in guerrilla warfare after ethnic riots in 2012 killed hundreds of Rohingya. ARSA militants are now pitted against Myanmar security forces in Rakhine.

Houses on fire in Gawdu Zara village, northern Rakhine state. Soldiers set fire to homes and shot civilians as they tried to escape, according to accounts published by human rights groups. Credit:AP Rohingya were stripped of their citizenship in 1982 as part of decades-long persecution that has denied them basic rights, including freedom of movement. An intense propaganda war has been waged by all sides in Rakhine. An injured Rohingya girl Jubayra, 10, receives treatment after crossing over from Myanmar into Bangladesh on Friday. Credit:AP In 2012 riots erupted in the state after weeks of sectarian disputes, including an alleged gang rape and murder of a Rakhine woman by Rohingya men and the subsequent killing of 10 Rohingya people by Buddhists. In all, violent Buddhist mobs forced more than 140,000 Rohingya from their homes into squalid camps.

In March 2014, the Myanmar government banned the word Rohingya and asked for registration of the minority as Bengalis in the country's first census in three decades. It meant that 1.3 million Rohingya in Rakhine state, also called Arakan, were not included in the census. Pakistani protesters burn a caricature of Aung San Suu Kyi in a protest against ongoing violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar. Credit:AP On April 2015, the government formally rescinded the temporary ID or "white cards", the last form of official government identification for Rohingya, stripping them of voting rights linked to the cards. The Rohingya had hoped the election of Nobel Peace laureate and democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi in November 2015 would see a turnaround in hostility towards them from the new government in Naypyidaw and Buddhist groups. But violence against them has dramatically worsened since then. Muslim protesters are seen through razor wire barricades during a rally against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims outside the Myanmar's Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia last week. Credit:AP

A UN report in February 2017 accused Myanmar security forces of atrocities against the Rohingya that could amount to crimes against humanity. Could the crisis spread beyond Myanmar's borders? According to the International Crisis Group, a committee of Rohingya emigres with experience in guerrilla warfare oversees the militants from Mecca. Its leader Attaullah Abu Ammar Jununi was born in Pakistan and raised in Saudi Arabia. Some experts say more than one million Rohingya living in Rakhine were ripe for exploitation by foreign jihadists. Aung San Suu Kyi is coming under increasing pressure to intervene in the Rohingya crisis. Credit:AP Rohingya do not have a history of radicalisation and there are no indications ARSA has been pursuing the goals of global jihadist groups. But Islamic State and other Islamic terror groups want to establish a foothold in the region, and that may change.

Unless Myanmar's security forces end their brutality in Rakhine and the government of Aung San Suu Kyi adopts a political response to the crisis, increasing numbers of Rohingya are likely to swing their support to the militants. There are about 40,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees and asylum seekers in India. Credit:Amrit Dhillon Why has Aung San Suu Kyi refused to speak up for Rohingya? Although the country's de facto leader, Suu Kyi is sandwiched politically by the powerful Myanmar military, nationalist Buddhist-majority parties and an undemocratic Constitution. She says her government, swept into power at historic elections in 2015, cannot tell the military not to launch offensives. Army generals see themselves as saviours of the country. Many Buddhists hate Rohingya and label them "Bengali" illegal immigrants. If Suu Kyi was to speak up for the Rohingya she would alienate her support base.

Why are neighbouring countries so worried? The crisis divides Buddhists and Muslims across south-east Asia and South Asia. Anti-Buddhist protests have already been held across Pakistan, India and Indonesia. The plight of Rohingya could become a lightning rod for existing underlying divisions between Muslims and non-Muslims in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and India, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya are living, many of them after putting their lives in the hands of people smugglers to flee Rakhine. Politicians with domestic agendas could exploit the tensions. Why is Australia concerned about in the situation? Loading
WSU Honors Program Prepping for Apocalypse

September 13, 2017

OGDEN, Utah  As many college students step back into college life, students in the Honors Program at Weber State University are discussing the end of the world.

New to fall semester are two courses that investigate the modern fascination with the apocalypse and solutions to one of the most pressing end-of-civilization problems  not enough food or water.

The Honors Program strives to offer classes that truly are outside the box in terms of content and teaching, said Dan Bedford, WSU Honors Program director. In doing so, we offer a place for faculty and students to stretch themselves creatively and intellectually, which benefits the entire campus. Students gain from opportunities to learn in unusual ways, in a small-class, discussion-focused environment. These classes can ignite a passion for learning that lasts some students their entire lives.

"Karen Cooper" portrayed by Kyra Schon, Night of the Living Dead

The Apocalypse and After, taught by Scott Rogers, English associate professor, will focus on how post-apocalyptic themes are a modern fascination, intensified by each new invention.

Zombies have transformed over time, according to Rogers. Students will study that change in various zombie literature and films ranging from Night of the Living Dead to World War Z.

Zombies were used to reveal different cultural issues during various time periods, Rogers said. In 1968, George Romero used zombies to illustrate racial issues in Night of the Living Dead. In Zack Snyders 2004 remake Dawn of the Dead, zombies represented mindless consumption and consumerism.

The zombies are a stand-in for any catastrophe, Rogers said. Thats the genius of zombies; theyre just a vessel you can make whatever you want. If youve got a culture with an anxiety, throw it in there.

In addition to cultural issues, zombies can address the idea of societal collapse. One of the more recent types of zombie fiction involves the spread of rampant viruses and the possibility of life in a post-apocalyptic world.

Its no coincidence that this genre emerges right at the moment when the world gets globally connected on a scale that its never seen before, Rogers said. Its about a sort of realization that we have this enormous dependency on technology and that the world we live in makes the spread of horrifying diseases really easy.

Rogers wants his students to examine the zombie culture mania by asking why this artistic event is happening now and what it says about the culture that produced it.

If the students come out of class asking those questions about every phenomenon they see, whether its some particular genre of music or art or television show, it was successful, Rogers said.

The class is held Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10:30-11:20 a.m. in Stewart Library Room 325.

The second Honors course tackling a world-ending challenge is Food and Water for a Hungry World. Students will discuss ways to provide enough food and water for the growing world population and what science has done for the way in which food is grown.

Access to potable water and nutritional food are fundamental to life, said Bridget Hilbig, botany assistant professor and instructor in the Honors Program. The current issues of population growth, urbanization and climate change threaten that access and create a fear of an apocalypse-like environment, but also a strong desire to find a solution.

In 2015, it is estimated that 780 million people were undernourished. Although that number is improving, it is nowhere near the goals set by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization or the World Food Summit of 1996. Its easy to imagine how lack of food and water would dominate an end-of-the-world catastrophe. Thats why Hilbig likes to discuss it with her Honors class.

Global food security is a challenge that will affect their lives, and the solution requires innovative minds and collaborative effort from many different fields, Hilbig said. It will require changes to agribusiness, changes in science and farming practices, changes in policy. Most importantly are an increased awareness and education about where your food comes from and what or who determines what you eat.

Thats what Honors students will consider all semester in the class that will be located in Stewart Library Room 325 on Wednesday from 12:30-3 p.m.

Honors classes aren't necessarily more work than other classes, but they are different, and they are challenging, Bedford said. Most of them also count for general education credit. Students who want an academic adventure should try an Honors course.

Visit weber.edu/Honors for more information about the Honors Program.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

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By Adam Morton

Sep. 12, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By Adam Morton Sep. 12, 2017 | 08:53 PM | PADUCAH, KY

At Tuesday's City Commission meeting the Paducah Board of Commissioners heard from citizens who spoke about the statue of Confederate General Lloyd Tilghman at Lang Park.



Over the course of more than an hour, several people voiced their thoughts about the statue itself, Confederate monuments in general, history and racism.



Paducah resident Bob Johnston said the statue should be left in place. "Lloyd Tilghman was a product of his times. The Statue does not define Paducah's present sentiment." Johnston said. He said the statue is a marker of how Paducah and the nation have changed.



Craig Cain, captain of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans of Kentucky, said the monument is just part of history. "History is just this as a whole Good or bad. You can't pick the parts that you want to be remembered." Cain said. Cain added that he felt the removal of any monument would dishonor his ancestors.



Paducah resident Dawn Smith had a different point of view. She said the Tilghman Statue does not adequately represent our history. "Our Confederate monuments and our flags don't preserve our nation's history. With all due respect, they rewrite it." Smith said. Smith said the monuments were built when Jim Crowe laws were in effect to intimidate and provoke fear. She added that more confederate monuments were built during the Civil Rights Era for the same reason.



A few of the commissioners shared their thoughts about issue, and how Paducah can set an example. Commissioner Richard Abraham said, I have never lived in city as loving and caring as Paducah. Abraham also said Paducah has great potential to set an example for the rest of the country.



Commissioner Sarah Holland said, The most important thing to me is to have a conversation as a community and to not treat each other as the enemy.



We have an opportunity to do it different in Paducah and look each other in the eye," said Mayor Brandi Harless, thanking those in attendance for their participation in the discussion.



Mayor Brandi Harless opened the public comment period by thanking the crowd for their willingness to have these difficult conversations with respect and dignity. Harless asked everyone to think about the question as it relates to current issues such as poverty and job opportunities: How can I understand what racism in 2017 looks like?



The discussion was prompted after several online petitions circulated in recent weeks both for and against removal of all Confederate monuments in Paducah, and after several area churches partnered with the NAACP calling for the removal of the statues.



The commission did not take any action on the matter, and did not indicate whether any future action may be taken.


By West Kentucky Star Staff Sep. 13, 2017 | 10:48 AM | WESTERN KENTUCKY

Immediately after Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in late August, United Methodists in West Tennessee and Western Kentucky were asked to "fill a truck" with cleaning kits for storm survivors in Texas and Louisiana.A cleaning kit (formerly known as a flood bucket or cleaning bucket) is a type of relief kit that helps provide care for vulnerable people during times of crisis. Each kit's value is approximately $65. Click here to see what each kit contains.The Memphis Conference's benevolent response was unmistakable on the deadline day, Sept. 11, when nearly 2,500 cleaning kits made their way to Jackson, Tennessee, for consolidated shipment.A total of 1,680 cleaning kits were loaded onto a 48-foot dry van (trailer) bound for the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana.Sager Brown is the hub for relief-supply operations of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the denominations humanitarian relief and disaster response agency that works not just in the United States, but around the world.Because the total donations of 2,441 complete cleaning kits exceeded the trailers capacity, that left 761 kits at the warehouse to be delivered in the next few weeks, along with some partial kits and loose supplies, according to Rev. Robert Craig, Memphis Conference disaster relief coordinator.Craig said he will need volunteers in the next two weeks to help fill buckets with remaining supplies. He is in conversation with UMCOR officials about which of its depots will receive the second shipment.It is likely some of the supplies on the second truck might end up benefitting survivors of Septembers Storm Irma, as well as Augusts Storm Harvey, said Craig.Local individuals and companies have volunteered their trailers, trucks, time and fuel to transport the cleaning kit donations, all at no charge to the Memphis Conference. For this Craig voiced extreme gratitude.All four districts of the Memphis Conference participated in the conference-wide effort, with each delivering more than 500 completed kits to Jackson. The greatest number, 695, came from the Purchase District.Each district had designated drop-off locations within its borders for churches and individuals to easily make donations.Diane Colson, lay leader for the Purchase District which covers western Kentucky, said her district was blessed beyond belief with kits, as well as money that she said totaled more than $17 thousand.Money and kits came not just from United Methodists, she explained, but from other individuals and churches of other denominations in her area, as well.One local merchant provided a significant discount on the buckets, which Colson said helped the more-than-generous overall response.Other financial donations for Harvey relief have been sent from all over the conference directly to UMCOR or to the Memphis Conference Treasurers Office. As of Sept. 7, just over $9,400 had been received by the Treasurers Office, according to Clare Wilson, assistant treasurer.Many checks were being received at the conference office on Sept. 11 and 12 and expected to arrive throughout the week, said Dr. Joe Geary, Memphis Conference director of Connectional Ministries.Forty West Designs in Jackson provided the loading dock, warehouse space, and help from at least three of its employees on Sept. 11, to move the relief supply donations onto the UMCOR depot-bound trailer from the trucks and trailers that transported them from district drop-off locations. This was at no cost to the conference.Many volunteers from throughout the conference helped with loading, transporting and unloading relief supplies from the districts. Volunteers David Archer and Steve Ragsdale from the Metro District talked about having to adjust vehicle transport plans to accommodate the better-than-expected numbers of supply donations.Craig said he was overjoyed at the response of love by our conference.Witnessing the donations, he said, Thats what the church is about: connecting our hearts and hands to restore hope.Geary expressed heartfelt thanks to all who made this initial response the best ever from the Memphis Conference in terms of supplies.He added, Team work makes the dream work. Together, we can do much more than individually. When the power of Methodist Connection is passionately embraced and harnessed, God will bless more than we could every dream or imagine.
219 DIED IN NORTH CAROLINA FROM THE FLU LAST FLU SEASON

FLU SHOTS AR NOW AVAILOABLE FROM LOCAL PROVIDERS...PHYSICIANS, DRUG STORES, GROCERY STORES

FLU SEASON TYPICALLY BEINS IN THE FALL, REACHES ITS PEAK IN DECEMBER, AND LINGERS INTO THE SPRING

Information for 2017-2018 From the CDC

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications. This page summarizes information for the 2017-2018 flu season.

What viruses will the 2017-2018 flu vaccines protect against?

There are many flu viruses and they are constantly changing. The composition of U.S. flu vaccines is reviewed annually and updated to match circulating flu viruses. Flu vaccines protect against the three or four viruses that research suggests will be most common. For 2017-2018, three-component vaccines are recommended to contain:

an A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus

an A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus

a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like (B/Victoria lineage) virus

Four-component vaccines, which protect against a second lineage of B viruses, are recommended to be produced using the same viruses recommended for the trivalent vaccines, as well as a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (B/Yamagata lineage) virus.

LOCAL HEALTH CARE EXPERTS CONFIRM: FLU SHOTS WILL NOT GIVE YOU THE FLU
THIRTY SUCCESSFUL YEARS OF LOCAL TOURISM

In October 1987, a newly formed organization called Henderson County Travel & Tourism set out to strengthen the local tourism industry, bring more people to the area and increase visitor spending.

Thirty years later, the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority, as the group is now known, celebrates three decades of tourism promotion efforts, which have boosted the county to 15th in North Carolina for visitor spending.

In 2016, visitors spent $274.62 million in Henderson County, and the Visitor Center on Main Street greeted 266,800 visitors from all 50 states and 39 countries.

Many factors govern that success. Henderson County has long been a travel destination, dating back to its founding as a summer retreat for residents of the South Carolina Low Country. Today Hendersonvilles vibrant Main Street, abundant cultural attractions, beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and overall welcoming atmosphere make it attractive to visitors.

The Henderson County TDA has leveraged those resources by developing strong relationships with local businesses and community organizations to maximize the visitor experience. When I started in 212, my goal was to empower the industry to help itself, says Beth Carden, executive director of the Henderson County TDA. We help people develop their business infrastructure and strengthen partnerships. And businesses have responded. They work with each other and work with us, and together we have improved our position in tourism.

Henderson is one of the only counties in the state with its own tourism conference for local partners.

Carden followed inaugural tourism director Melody Heltman, whom Carden calls a savvy leader. The TDA now employs six fulltime staff members and three part-time. More than 50 volunteers help run the Visitor Center on Main Street, which is open seven days a week. A TDA board of nine appointed members oversees the organization.

Signs of tourism growth continue, including two new hotels, which opened in the past year, and two more scheduled to open by years end.

To learn more about the Henderson County TDA, the Visitor Center and the local area, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org or call (800) 828-4244.
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